The Sun. — London, England, 1841-01-11 00:00:00

MORN ING EDITION. SPIRIT of the PUBLIC JOURNALS. (FRO4I TILE DAILY FAPIRS OF SATURDAY.) (From the Morning Chronicle.) The attempts of the Tory press to undervalue the impor tance of the intelligence received from China can excite no feeling but ridicule among those who remember their for mer efforts to magnify the very difficulties which they now affect to disparage. " A party of policemen despatched after a herd of pitiable runaways," is now the only simili tude which the Times can find for a war which, a few months ago, it designated in more sonorous language, as " an arduous contest with an empire of boundless popula tion and resources, in which Britain had been involved by the presumptuous rashness of an imbecile Administration." It is all very well for the Tories now to turn round and declare that success was easy and certain : their language was very different before the event. We have already had occasion to allule to Sir James Graham's highly wrought picture of the difficulties and dangers with which a British force would have to contend, in carrying on a war in such a distant and unknown quarter of the globe. Nor was the language of Sir R. Peel less emphatic. "Do not conceal from yourselves," said the Right lion. Baronet, in his speech to the House on the memo. ruble occasion of Sir James Graham's motion, " do not conceal feint yourselves the perilous nature of the conflict in wnich you are now engaged, a conflict which must ne cessarily be uncertain in its result." And in the conclu sion of his elaborate harangue, he solemnly declared, " that the only consolation he could find amidst the gloomy prospect of impending calamity, was thet fur nished by an appeal to toe Almighty Disposer of events to avei t the disasters and disgraces with which the nation was tureatened, and which, in his deliberate opinion, woe mainly attributable to the neglect and incapacity of itt rulers." And now, when the " neglect and in capacity of its rulers" have carried the country to a triumphant termination of the difficulties which once appeared so formidable, what shall we think of the can deur wbich, in order to deprive political opponents of their just weed of praise, endeavours to represent the enterprise which as been attended with such glorious Success, as of little more consequence than a strict * a ff ra y between a party of policemen and a runaway mob"? Be it so, if tho Tories like ; they cannot escape fre,n this dilemma. Either the war with China was at tended with difficulties which required the exercise of skill, judgment, vigour, arid decision, to bring it in such short space of time to a favourable conclusion ; or Sir Robert Peel and all the principal leaders of the Tory party made the most egregiously mistaken estimate of the espect and posture of affairs whicii over exposed the incapacity of political pretenders. The announcement of signal sea:messes in China appears a strange opportunity fur reviving the old story, which we imagined the t vents of the East had pretty well disposed of, of the misconduct of Ministers in reducing the naval and military establishments of the coun try, and eicrificing its interests and honour to the narrow visws / a mistaken economy. Syria cleared of an hostile arm" , of 60,000 men in a few weeks ; the famous fortress of Acre, which baffled the efforts of Napo li on, cap• used after a couple of hours' cannonade ; the B itish fleet in the Mediterranean reinforced in the course of a sin g le autumn to a strength which renders the idea of °westing our naval supremacy absolutely hopeless ; and at the very same time an expedition sent to the opposite extre:eity of the world, which dictates an honourable and advantageous peace to the Emperor of three hundred mil lions of mete at the gates of his capital these are results which few, we imagine, except the writer of the Times, will con true Imo proofs of the "inefficiency " ot cur wariite e stablishments, and the "imbecility " of the Government by which they are created end directed. On the contrary, if we mistake not giea•ly, the country edl see, in this accumelatioe of for tunate cycles, a signal proof of the falsehood cf the eccusa ions which have been so unsparingly hurled againq the Ministry, of allowing the army and navy of Britain to fall into thee) ; and, at the same time, a no less signal proof of the is isdom of the policy which refrained from lavishing the resources of the country in raising our este. L:Liiments to a footing altogether uncalled for by the exigencies of the occasion. In estimating the degree of secrit due to Ministers for the success which has attended their measures, it must not be forgotten that these sue ces,es hose been attained without imposing upon the calm. try the stcrifices which uecessarily accompany extraor dinary effort'. No new taxes have been imposed—no new loons have been raised—the course of commerce and peace. tul industry has not been for a single moment disturbed, sod yet results have been obtained as important as any is hick ia dal s gone by were purchased by the lavish ex penditure of blood and treasure. Surely it is an abuse of language to call " good fortune" the sagacity which discerned the true posture of difficult and eimpli caned affairs, and kept the naval and military establish.. mewl of the country at the precise footing which rendered them aufficient to meet every event, and yet entailed upen the country no unnecessary burden or expense. This is what the Tories sneer at as carrying on " little wars." We snow that their passion is for a very different sort cf wae--4 war diversified with a few Walchcren expeditions see Continental subsidies, and ending with a grand finale Se the shape of eight hundred millions of debt, and a eu e eyer of titles and pensions on those who have been in eeemental in creating it. The countra, however, has had enough et' wars like these, ani in the absence of any more 'Fury •• great wars" with " little results," will, we believe, feel pretty well satisfied with the Whig system, of "little wars" with " great results." From the Morning Advertiser.) IL,* the Tory Press, after all the evidence which has lately bean laid before it of the success of the exiting Go. •erienent in all its fercign relations, can by possibility lay the flattering unction to its seta of being able to substeute A Tory fur a Liberal Government, it is impossible to com prehend, upon any other principle than that of such an in- Ilene rage fur of f ice as to blind it to the most self-e iderit truths ; for if feces be any test cf the folly or wisdom of counsel, facts must now speak trumpet-tongued in favour if the Melbourne Cabinet. If the result of a measure be the perfect attainment of every one of the objects in view, what higher gratification can the Government have for the policy by which they sought to vindicate the honour and interests of the country, than the news re eeiaeri from India and China ? Granted that the means d forming a correct opinion of the resources and power of the Chinese empire were to a certain extent imperfect, does it say nothing for the sagacity of the Governmeut that formed a batter opinion of them than the Tories, and that they planned and executed with success what the lat ter deemed to be hopeless ? Does it say nothing for it that while the Tories, blinded by faction, and careless of all the moral bearings of the case, insisted upon a " base, dishonourable, vile submission" to the inflated and insolent Asiatics, the Government, on the contrary, contended that the time had arrived for settling upon a safe and honourable basis our future relations with them? Had the Tories suc ceeded in their attempt to eject the Ministry on this ques tion, their policy, judging from their speeches, would have been to have shuffled ingloriously out of the dilemma with, perhaps, the sacrifice of the two millions of pro perty confiscated by the Chinese. Instead of advancing our power against the walla of Pekin, we should have , had, according to the Duke of Wellington's memoran dum, the melancholy spectacle of a eouple of supercargoes sent out to bring things back to their former bearin, backed by a " stout frigate" making periodical v i s i ts to g a port seventy miles distant from Canton. The moral effect of such a policy, both upon the Chinese themselves and upon the natives of India, at the time in question suffici ently unruly, may be easily guessed at;—insurrection and rebellion against our supremacy in the East would have spread far and wide Affghanistan would have been lest to us—the Burmese have protested against our dominiine and Nepaul have poured forth her millions of brave inhabitants upon the fertile plains of India ; but mark how the scene is changed I India is tran quil from east to west, and from north to south— boat 'Mahomed, notwithstanding the predictions of Sir it. Peel on the passing of a vote of thanks to Lord Keene, fres surrendered all his hopes and expectations : and, finally, everywhere has the Government succeeded either in placing our foreign relations upon a secure footing, or Advancing them to a full expectation of early and satis factory settlement. Our " little wars," if little they are to be termed, have succeeded better than European con elegration, in establishing the constitutional thrones of .Spain and Portugal—the integrity of the Turkish empire --and our ma-itime and commercial interests;—and all these achievements have been accomplished at the expense o r than enemy, or without any great additional taxation. jt is not long since the Tory press resounded with a taily diatribes against the cowardly supineness of the itgoigis, and their visible neglect of the surest defences of the country. We fancy, however, that we shall he'r ' 0 rrore either of its supineness or its imbecility, a f ter t h e e vents of the last few months in Syria , and the last ac counts from China. To return, however, to the point from Willa We set out—we ask again, with what face can she Toriee attempt to turn out the Men who have thus guided the helm of t he State throu g h so many dangers and difficulties ? Let them do so, if they think proper, and tine nation will then b e able to judge whether their motives Are t 1460111 or patriotic. It knows how directly contrary to its pre s ent good fortune would have been the result result had the 'furies been in power—it knows that we should have rail e d i n ever y one cl the objects . in which we have suc ceeded, h a d the v i e ws of Sir Robert Peel been acted ase ,son instead of those which have directed the policy of the (f e eling Administration. A CHILD SOLD FOR A SOVEREIGN. -0n Friday evening last, as a gentleman who resides in the neighbourhood of Huddersfield, was coming to this to wn from Liverpool by th e seven o ' c l ock tra i n, h e o b se rved a rather well-looking young woman seated in the carriage •with him, having an infant on her knee. The gentle man entered into conversation wish her, and after asking liter several times whether sho was inclined to part with the c hild, in mere badinage, and to carry on the joke, at t a n proceeded to offer her a sovereign for it. This tender she accepted, in jest, as he supposed, although it is not improbable it may turn out a serious affair to both. She placed the child upon his knee, and the interlocutory joking went on between the parties, and, as we are informerl. she took the sovereign. When the train t.topped at Manchester, the female gsoutppdeouste,lez; ing the child with its male protector , who uniglit have some inquiry to make, and w ou ld return sati,l fet,„th her baby. But no, she did not come back ; .anti, no 'being searched for, it was discovered that she bad friend in alone off altogether, leaving It . s e b e e m r . s n , e r t t o owever, that nut undisturbedbeitm }%ossessiou of his prize. di 'posed to take it home with him Huddersfield, whe!e he .Nis r wife, and two children "lawfully born in holy oedl4c l t," he conveyed his young charge to the Manchester polico-oifice, and deposited with the officers there a sum of motiey to provide a nurse for it for the present, with instrut tions to look out narrowly for the unnatural creature by whom it has been abandoned, sad with whom, when found, it .is his intention to rescind his bargain. We do slcA understand, however, that as yet any clue has been ob e4;„ ed to her retreat, and therefore the matter remains at pees. tat precisely is the position we have stated.—Mon" eliester' Chronick, Her Al l ijoty and the Court will leave Windsor Castle fe thickingh j am Palace on T ues d ay, the 22d inst. %, MONEY MARKET and CITY NEWS (FRIDAY EVENING.) CHRONICLE.—This was the first day for the pay ment of the dividends to the public, but the business done in the English funds was not to the extent usual on such occasions. We attribute this in some measure to the seve rity of the weather, and the intense cold of the morning having prevented many people from leaving their homes. The numerous cases reported at the Police-offices re garding the operations of loan and discount societies, have induced us to make some inquiry into the nature and ex tent of these establishments in the metropolis. Loan socie ties were legalised under provisions of an Act 5 and 6 William IV. ; but this was so loosely drawn up. that it was found necessary for the protection of the industrious classes to repeal it, and to place these societies under the 3d and 4th Victoria, cap. 110, which is now the regulating statute. Under the Act of William, 250 to 300 socie ties had their laws enrolled by the proper officer. Under that of Victoria, the number certified does not . much exceed 50 ; and it is believ e d that several of these are not in operation. The only loan societies pro perly so called, are those enrolle d under the Act of Vic. toria. There are, however, in the metropolis and else where, a great number of societies calling themselves loan societies, which are under no law whatever, and which take advantage of the necessities of the working classes, by exacting exorbitant sums for their advances. We be lieve there are as many as 150 such discount companies in the metropolis, who derive enormous profits by such means, while the number enrolled under the statute, does not much exceed thirty or forty. The " loan societies," enrolled under the statute, advance SUM 3 of 51., 101., or 151., and they are entitled to twelve per cent. The amount of interest allowed by the Act is, say 6e. for each 51. advanced, to be repaid by weekly instalments of 2s. for each 51. No charge is al lowed towards expense of office, or any fine in case of default. No charge for letters written to the sureties to inform them of their liability ; and the whole business of the office is paid for by Is. 6d., which each applicant has to pay to the clerk at the time of application, receiving in return form of application and book of rules. Should a person apply for a 15/. loan, the society would require three securities who must all be diligently inquired into, for which Is. 6d. is charged. The conditions on which the business is managed will be better understood, how ever, from the following account, which we take from a hand-bill now in circulation by a loan society in Hounds. ditch, with a capital stated at 12,5001., which says : " This society is established pursuant to the provisions of the act, for the purpose of assisting the middle and working classes, by granting loans of 51. 101 and 151. and receiving it back by weekly instalments of 2s. fur 51. ; 4s. for 10/. ; and 6s. for 15/. ; the first repayment to be made on the eleventh day after the loan is granted. The security required is one respectable housekeeper, of twelve months' standing, for a loan of 5/. ; and two respectable housekeepers, for a loan of 101. or 151. The interest charged at the time of granting a loan of twelve months, is:6s. for 5/. ; 12s. for 101 ; and 18s. for 151., with Is, 6d. for form of application, costa of inquiry, book of rules, and all business connected with the granting and re-payment of a loan, and no further charge is made under any pre tence whatever. The trustees of this society being de termined to conform strictly to the provisions of the Act of Parliament, and the intentions of the Legislature, in pas sing it, for the better protection of borrowers from extor tion, think they will be doing a service to the public, in cautioning them against societies, falsely called loan societies, but which not being enrolled under the above Act, are, in fact, discount societies, under no law what ever 1" The officers of the " loan societies" cannot indorse their bills granted for loans to third parties ; they must hold them themselves, and receive payment from the borrowers and their sureties. The case is different with the discount companies, who re-discount their bills; and, although they profess in their printed rules to charge only 10 per cer:t for loans, yet they exact such terms a; they can squeeze slit of their needy borrowers. If a person wishes to em ploy a loan society, he may at once know whether he has applied to an office enrolled under the statute, because their bills are exempt from stamp duty, while the discount companies must use the proper stamp. Then the latter are obliged to evade the usury laws, which declare it to be illegal to charge more than 5 per cent. on sums of 101. and under. For this purpose they refuse to loan sums for less than 101. ss. ; but if a person wishes to borrow Si. only they pro fess to lend him 101. 55., and charge discount on that sum, they (the lenders) immediately receiving hack 51. We have drawn out a rough comparative statement of the terms on which a loan of 151. would be advanced by a loan society enrolled under the Act of Victoria, and that on which it would be given by the discount companies. The result is as follows : 151. Loan—under Loan Society, regulated by the Act Victoria for twelve months and weekly instalments of 63 ; Charge for form £0 0 0 Book of Rules Inquiry ( without regard to distance or number of persons) Bill stamp (free by the Act) 0 0 0 Discount, 6 per cent. Secretary's fee £0 19 6 So that the borrower receives Xl5 0 0 No fines on default, nor charges for letters to the Se cretary. FM. Loan—From a Discount Society for twelve months, and weekly instalment of 6s.: — Charge for form 0 0 3 B. of rules 0 1 0 Inquiry for two securities, at Is. 61. per mile (average three miles) Bill stamp 0 2 6 Discount on bill at 10 per cent 1 10 0 Secretary's fee 0 0 6 1 18 9 So that the borrower receives only l3 1 3 15 0 0 Then he has to pay with each weekly instalment 3d., which is It2s. 6d. in the year, provided he makes no de fault. But for every default he pays 6d. of a fine to the S3eiety, and 3d. for each letter of advice written by the Secretary to himself and sureties. It will be seen that the terms charged under the Act of Parliament are very much more favourable than the fees of the discount companies, and we believe that we have given the latter in the most advantageous light. We have conversed with some parties connected with the loan societies, who say that the terms allowed by the statute do not afford sufficient profit to enable them to compete with the discount companies, and that capital is passing rapidly from them for investment in the latter. The loan societies were established under the Act of Par liament specially for the benefit of the industrious claws, and it is important to investigate the working of the enact ment. The Act of William was so vague that it was no better than waste paper, and we now find that its substi tute has had the effect of depressing the number of legal societies most seriously, while it has created a large amount of illicit trade. This leads to an impression that the provisions of the Act of Victoria require revision, and that further measures s!:ould be adopted for the purpose of securing the indus trious classes in the benefit of obtaining small loans on moderate terms. The public do not discriminate between the good and the bad as respects loan societies. They confound the legal with the illegal, and taking their opi nion of both classes from the last-named, they believe that the whole of them are a pest to society, and that they exist upon the misery of the poor. The few gene ral remarks which we have made will tend to remove this error, and to point out the distinction which ex ists between the " Loan Societies " properly so called and the self-styled loan societies, which are, in fact, discount companies. The first are bound by an Act of Parliament, which they cannot well disobey. The others are under no species of legal control, and suck the very heartblood of the poor. The first class have been the subject of legislative enactment, and have been legalised for the special benefit of the industrious classes. The others go on in defiance of the law, while they ostensibly profess to be established under its sanction. Some parties connected with the Loan Societies have sent us a state ment of the profit which they receive in lending 5,0001. in sums of 5/. each. This would require 1,000 borrowers, and when it is considered that the Act requires them to keep a journal, a check-book, and ledger, it is plain that considerable labour must be devoted to the business. They accordingly put down salaries for two clerks at 751. each, and two check clerks at 25/. each, with allowances for of. fice, rent, Scc., whereby they make it appear that the actual net profit receivable under the Act for the 5,0001. lent would be only five per cent., or 250/. They say, to show in a small degree the want of proper re muneration felt by all parties connected with loan societies as at present established, it is calculated that to lend 5,000/., in 5/. loans, will require 1,000 borrowers; each borrower has fifty receipts made in his book, the So ciety keep a journal, check book, and ledger, in each of which fifty entries must be made for each borrower: there fore, it requires 200 entries for each account ; 1,000 bor rowers require 400,600 exclusive of writing letters to de faulters and their sureties, which finds constant employment for two clerks. Profit on 5 000/. provided the whole amount of repayments is again lent out on the day on which it is received, and that at no time a balance re mains in the bands of the Treasurer, will be, at 12 per cent. . Two clerks, at 75/. each Two check clerks, at 251. each 5O Rent of offices and gas .. Printing, account books and stationery, and casual losses,say 2 per cent. ...... 100 350 Profi , , 5 per cent. on 5,0001 950 -£6OO It was never intended by the Legislature that these loan societies should keep an establishment of clerks on salaries. The charges wider that head, in the above es. timate, are equal to a capital of ten times the amount. The, charge of 100/. for printing, &c., and losses, seems also ohjactionable. The 12 per cent. ought to remunerate well for the risk and expenses; but while unlimited profits may h e male by the discount societies, it is not likely that those enrolled under the statute will increase. On the contrary, they must, in all likelihood, diminish in number and respectability. II ERALD.—It will be observed, that Bank Stock with India and Exchequer Bills have been latterly more on the risk even than Consols. In regard to Bank Stock the re h as latterly been a disposition to invest in it from a pre va ili ng belief that the Bank has been less da maged, and if likely to be, by the evidence before the Par liamentary Committee, than was anticipated; therefore as a consequence that no Government action hostile to the Bank need be appreh en d ed, and that on its exp i rat i on the Charter wi ll bo renewed as a matter of course. The rise in India Stock is of course easily accounted for by the favourable news from that quarter. Exchequer Bills are coming naturally into demand, from the pay- THE SUN, LONDON, MONDAY. JANUARY 11, 1841. nicnt ()f dividends and the conven:enees of temporary in vestments in a security bearing interest and always marketable. The accounts from Lancashire represent the cotton trade to be in a more favourable position than, considering the season of the year when it is usually inactive if not dull, might be expected. There is little question that the low prises at which raw cotton has ruled during the ye,tr ended, arising conjointly from the very large: crop, the largest ever known, of the previous year in the United States, with the depressed state of foreign trade, must have created an increased demand of cotton yarns for ex port to Germany from the temptation of low prices, as well as during the latter months of the year a larger ab sorption among the manufacturers for home and colonial consumption. For it is well known that no more shrewd and calculating merchants are to be found than the Ger man and Russian merchants settled in Manchester, who are the large purchasers for the supply of the markets of their own countries, and as besides they have ample means at command and unbounded credit, if credit they should require, which is not the case, for they almost always pay argent coniptant, it may be taken for granted that they are not slow to avail themselves of the advantage of laying in stocks when prices are at the lowest, although they may not realise the sununuin bonam of economical cant, of selling at the highest. It may be observed be siles that the manufacturers of Germany and those of Russia have been but very slightly inconvenienced by that crisis and untoward state of money and commercial affairs in the United States which have so powerfully and preje. dicially affected both France and England. For so far as cotton manufactures Germany is but a very inconsider able exporter and Russia not at all. Hitherto they have manufactured exclusively almost for home consumption, which indeed neither one nor the other country has betii enabled fully to supply. It may be hoped, however, that the improvement in the cotton trade is not solely owing to an increased export demand for cotton yarns, a branch of manufacture which yields the least profit of all to the country in the shape of labour. The large capitalists who abound in Manchester must also have been t urn i ng l ow pr i ces o f t h e raw material to account, and laying in stocks at cheap rates, which from their cheapness must tend to increase consumption both at home and abroad. According to the accounts of the cotton market from Havre, it would seem that the cotton manufacturers of France have partaken of the same sort of fortune as those of this country. With a larger stock on hand at the com mencement and larvr arrivals during the year, there liNs been a larger eonsumption than in any year preceding. The account is thus stated : Stock, Jan. 1. 1840.-57,000 bales 1839.-33,800 - 1838.-35,000 - Arrivals in the Year. 376,156 265,243 295,246 Consump- , Stuck tion. Dec. 31 356,156 77,000 242,043 57,000 292,746 35 500 So that, as will be seen, stocks have increased, but con sumption has rateably increased also. As the amount of cotton manufactured goods exported from France is com paratively inconsiderable, and chiefly confined to the sup ply of the colonies, these returns show a very advantageous state of internal improvement in the condition of industry and the industrial classes of France. TIME S.—The state of the speculations in tea form a topic of considerable interest in the City, purchases of an immense amount having accumulated a correspond ing stock in a few hands under the impression that the dispute with the Chinese rust inevitably diminish the supply, and cause a much further advance in the price of the article. Besides the great capitalists who hold this stock, there exists a herd of smaller speculators who buy and sell without touching stock of any kind, imitating the speculators of the Stock-Exchange in making time bargains, and further in giving the technical name of " Consols" to the article principally dealt in, which is the Company's cnngou. Among the greater part of these the course of speculation has been for the rise, and hence may be imagined the dismay which has spread among them on the receipt of the last news brought from China by the India mail, and which, unless some untoward incident interposes, must necessarily lead to a large additional supply. On the existing prices, without such addition, the news has already had a con siderable effect. The day before the arrival of the mail the price of " Tea Consols" was 2. !I- the lb. ; on the day of the arrival the first fail was 1.81, afterwards to 1. ti arid it left off on that day at 1.7 f. On the following day, after having been at 1.8, it left off at 1.7 i to Sonic of the brokers anticipate that it will fall much lower still. but others, with greater confidence, and with the know ledge that the great bulk of the supply is held by capitalists of great wealth and resources, who will not attempt to sell at the present reduction, predict that there will be a mi terial recovery from the present depression. With this, however, we have no concern, the sole object being to give the prominent features of this as a remarkable piece of " city intelligence." The experienced brokers, and who are to be depended on, say that the stock of tea in the country is not much under 50,000,0001 b., which is equal to about a year arid h consumption, and hence it seems pretty clear, as a circumstance partly overlooked by the great leaders of the tea speculation, who ought to have beer, better informed, that notwithstanding the apparent stoppage of the trade, the importations of the article have been kept up at a rate not much inferior to that of a period of amicable relations with the Chinese. Out of this, ins the way of carriers at least, a splendid harvest must have been reaped by the Americans. The difference in value of the above stock, which may appear to constitute the actual loss of the speculators, it forced to a sale by the inability to hold on, will be nearly 25 per c,nt., or about 1,250,000/ , but it is to be considered that only a portion of the purchases have been made at the high prices which preceded the arrival of tire India mail, and that they have commenced at prices not much above the present decline, so that on balance the parties may not be in so very dis. advantageous a position, though they have suffered oppor tunities of realizing to slip by them which may not return for a very long time. The existing stock is not, of course, that of London alone, but embraces the whole kingdom, though it is estimated that nearly three-fourths is held in London, and in few hands, as before stated, of whose abi lity to sustain it no doubt is entertained. Among the smaller speculators, the makers of " time bargains," much mischief is likely to occur, but of a nature not to be heard of out of that immediate circle, nor to create any public interest whatever. The retail dealers of London are be lieved pretty generally to have kept themselves out of the vortex of speculation, and also to have avoided any large accumulation of stock, buying, as it is termed, from hand to hand, under a different im. pression from that of the great speculators, and believing that tire prices could not be maintained. The great question with the large holders now is whether the retail dealers will proceed to take in stock freely, or ad. here to the same cautious policy, in the expectation of a still greater fall in prices. That consumption must be in creased by the decline among private families is tolerably certain, as the fact is well known that it had very much fallen off during the last year, in consequence of the ad vance of price. This is, as near as may be, the present situation of the great " tea speculation." A rumour was current in the City to-day, originating, probably, in this trade, that Government have, on the re presentation of the parties concerned, allowed the tea sunk in the Westminster, off Margate, a short time since, to be delivered for the purpose of having the salt water washed out, and then to have it kiln-dried. The thing is not very likely, as it is nut very obvious how the public are to be protected from the mixture of an article thus damaged with that of a better kind, and it may be doubted whether any process could so purify tea saturated with salt water as :o make it fit for consumption. The payment of the dividends at the Bank of England commenced to-day, and the same complaints are made a, on the last occasion, of the great inconvenience to which the public are subject by having to take their warrants for several descriptions of stcck all at the same office. The crowd of persons which naturally is collected together on the first day of the payment used to be divided by the division of the business into departments according to the number of stocks. Now the only division is according to the initial letters of the fundholders' names, and a delay en sues whenever a few persons of the same letter come as holders of different stocks, the ceremony of referring to a different book having to be repeated on the appearance of each person. A desire to give more employment to a fewer number of hands would seem to have suggested the alteration ; but that seems scarcely sufficient reasons for a sacrifice of the public convenience. FROM FRIDSYNIGHT'S GAZETTE DIVIDENDS. At the Court of Bankruptcy, Basinghall-street. A. J. M. Le Beaume, medical galvanist, - Argyle-street, Re gent-street, Jan. 29, at one—T. Willcocks, cabinet maker, Jan. 30, at twelve. In the Country. G. Owen, mister, Efail Uchaf, Carnarvonshire, Feb. 2, at twelve, at the Uxbridge Arms Hotel, Carnarvon—J. P. and P. Jackson, wooldealers,ManchesterJan. 30, at 11, at the Commis sioners' Rooms, Manchester—G. Eld, miller, Fole>hill, Co ventry, Feb. 11, at twelve, at the King's Head Inn, Coventry —J. G. Bowl, draper, Great Yarmouth, Feb I, at two, at the Star Tavern, Great Yarmouth—S. Williams, apothecary, Bristol, Jan. 29, at two, at the Commercial Rooms, Bristol— S. Prioe, machine maker, Blackburn, Feb, 1, at twelve, at the Town-hall, Preston—W. Maybury, commission agent, Trieste, Feb. 5, at twelve, at the Clarendon Rooms, Liverpool—J. Ro bertson, draper, Wootton under-Edge, Gloucestershire, Feb. 5, at twelve, at the Commercial Rooms, Bristol. CERTIFICATES—Jaw. 29. J. P. and P. Jackson, wool dealers, Manchester—A. Duff, jun., silk manufacturer, Fore-street, Spitalfields—W. John, hackneyman, Bridgewater—W. Kay, draper, Bolton-le-Moors. SCOTCH SEQUESTRATIONS. DAVID DAVIDSON, brewer, Edinbu:gh, Jan. 13 and Feb. 3, at two, at the Old Signet-Hall, Edinburgh. WILLIAM LOW WRIGHT, Newford Park, Forfar, Jan. 13 and Feb. 8, at twelve, at Morrison's Inn, Forfar. JAMES SOMERVILLE, spirit merchant, Edinburgh, Jan. 12 and Feb 2, at twelve, at the Royal Exchange Coffee house, Edinburgh. WILLIAM RODGER, shoemaker, Forfar, Jan. 16 and Feb. 13, at twelve, at Petrie's County Hotel and New Inn, Forfar. JAMES BISSET, confectioner, Schoolhill, Aberdeen, Jan. 14 and Feb. 4, at twelve, at Machray's Royal Hotel, Aberdeen. FIRE AT NORTH BERWICK.—On Saturday forenoon last, about ten o'clock, the inhabitants of the burgh were alarmed at seeing volumes of smoke and flame issuing from the attic story of a large tenement belonging to a Mr. Walter, West Fenton. The conflagration for about an hour had a very alarming appearance, and con siderable fears were entertained lest it might communi cate to the valuable premises and extensive shop of James Dell, Esq., Chief Magistrate, on the east, or James Hislop, leather-cutter, on the west. Fortunately, however, under the exertions and superintendence of Robert Steuart, Esq., M. P., the authorities of the burgh, Captain Brown and the coast guard, and the activity of the inhabitants, the fire was subdued and confined to the premises where it commenced. Several poor people and tradesmen have suffered much loss of property, and been deprived of their habitations at a most inclement season of the year. LAW iNTELLIGENCE. COURT OF EXCISE, .14. v. 9. Oa Saturday Mr. May, the Solicitor of this Court, communicated to the Honourable Commissioner, Sir John Alortlock,and others, the result of a trial which oc cupied three days at Devizes, before H. Ludlow Bru ges, Esq., M.P., T. H. Setheran, Esq., M.P., and three other Magistrates. The following are the particulars of this extraordinary case :—During the summer months of last year a number of persons were engaged by a gen tleman named Palmer, resident in the above borough, to gather hawthorn leaves and sloe leaves, and it hems rumoured that they were to be used for en illegal pur pose, information was forwarded to the Govertnant. and Mr. Golding Bird, a gentleman of great experience, who has been connected with the Excise Dapartment more than thirty years, was tf!spatched to that eis trict to make an investigation. He visited Mr. Pal mer, and, on searching his premises, in a back kitchen he discovered 17 boxes filled with something which at first sight he took to be tea, but on close examinatioe he saw that it was dried sloe and hawthorn leaves. It a budding in the g irden he seized two other nove; of similar stuff. Each box was marked with the weight and tare. Tim weight of the whole was I,'3olbs. The place where the two boxes were found was fi ted up as a complete manufactory of making stuff sold as tea. There were in it stoves, boilers, sieves of different sizes to sift the leaves, and all other necessary articles. Mr. Palmer said that he was not aware he had be,!n doing wrong, adding that he had been engaged by Mr. Heale, of Mincing-lane, City, to manufacture the tea on whose premises Mr. Golding Bird had also seized forty-five hogsheads of leaves, prepared in imitation tea. The samples were produced by Mr. Bird. The common observer, he said, might be deceived by its appearance. He also exhibited a sample of four-fifdis of tea, or four-fifths of the article seized, that would de ceive an experienced person. Another sample, in the proportion of one-fourth of the manufactured rubbish. would deceive the common purchaser ; and another, of two-thirds leaves and one-third tea, would, in his ()pi ' nion, even deceive many persons. The defendant told Mr. Bird that he paid the persons he had employed a penny for every pound they had brought him. The in formation upon which the defendant was charged con tained twelve counts. It was laid under the 17th Geo. 111., c. 29, which states that if any person manufactures any leaves in imitation of tea, he shall forfeit for every pound of such leaves the sum of 51., and upon non•pay went be committed to the COll/11/011 gaol for twelve months By another section of the Act it is enacted, that if any person has in his or her possession any quantity of leaves (exceeding Gibs.), whether green or manujactured, and shall not prove before a Justice that they were not gathered other than for the purpose of manufacturing the same in imitation of tea, he or she, on conviction, shall likewise be fined in the sum of W. for every pound of leaves so seized. The prosecution was conducted by Mr. Stone, the barrister, and Mr. Mayhew, the solicitor ; and the defendant found a powerful advocate in Coun sellor Smith. Only two witnesses were examined for the Crown. The defendant called a number of persons on his behalf, chiefly to show that he had not been car rying on the manufactory clandestinely. The CHAIRMAN, in summing up, said that the only question was, had Mr. Palmer offended the law. Th Court had no hesitation in saying that be had, and con viction must follow to the amount of the peaalties, amounting to 1,200/. Mr. MayetEw said the Court would be'satisfied with one penalty of 2001. The COURT then gave judgment to that amount. Mr. MAYHEW would have proceeded with another in formation, but on the defendant undertaking not to give any further trouble to the Excise, and to pay the fine already imposed, it was withdrawn. There are several other informations to be heard, implicating some of the first wholesale dealers of the metropolis. INSOLVENT DEBTorcS uOURT, .1.4 X 9 Mr. James Christie Whyte, described as late of Bedford. street, Bedford-square, author, and occasion ally selling wine on commission, and general commis sion-agent, and also a Director of the Universal Cement Company, the British Galvanization of Metals' Com pany, the London Grand Junction Railway Company, the Safety Cabriolet and Two-wheel Carriage Com pany, appeared on his petition to be discharged. He was opposed by Mr. Dowse, on the part of Mrs. Fen dall, of Fundali's Hotel, Westminster, and Mr. Hume, a general merchant, and Mr. Bell, discounter, Berners treet, Oxford -street. He was supported by Mr, Cooke, with Mr. Woodroffe. Time insolvent, it appeared, had resided at Fendali%: Hotel, where he was very ill, and, contracted a deb:, for which he gave several promissory notes. He had been engaged by Mr. Colburn, the publisher, to write the " History of the British Turf," which work had been published. He had received 170/. from Mr. Col burn, and said he was entitled to receive 50/. more. Mr. Cooke read the agreement made by the insolvent and Mr. Colburn for the " History of the British Tort." It was to the effect that Mr. Colburn should give 150/., in six payments, for 1,200 copies ; 50/. more when the sale reached 2,000 copies, and 1001. on a new edition ; a sum of 201. to be given towards the expenses in col lecting the materials for the work. The insolvent stated that the work was not completed by the appointed time. He said he had not the means to pay the notes held by Mrs. Fendall ; and when she offered to take Ios. in the pound he had not the means of paying the money. Mr. Dowse said he had no case on the part of Mrs. Fendall, and the witness he required in the other oppo sition was not in attendance. The insol ven t wou ld, however, file the agreement in Court made with Mr. Golburn. The CouRT ordered the agreement to be filed, an d. the case was just about to be disposed of, when the witness required made his appearance. The proceedings in the action, " Hume v. Whyte,' were produced by an officer of the Court of Common Pleas. The action was brought on a bill of exchange for 2001., indorsed by one Hayes t o M r. H ume. The plea wa s , th a t it was indorsed to the plaintiff for an usurious consideration. The action was undefended, and a verdict was given for the amount claimed. The costs amounted to 261. Bs. James Calverhouse, the material witness, said he had the management of the action in question. If the action had not been pleaded to, the costs would have been about 84 Mr. Hume was a gilder, and occasion ally discounted bills. The witness spoke very low, and Mr. Cooke told him it was the frost he supposed that prevented him, but when the thaw came they should have it all.—(A laugh.) He did not know that 40 per cent. had been taken as discount. The insolvent was examined by his counsel, Mr. Cooke. lie stated that Hayes was a discount agent. Mr. Hume held three of his bills for about 130/. ; they were drawn by Hayes, and accepted by him (the in solvent) ; when the first bill was discounted he lodged sonic wine-warrants as security. The rate of interest charged was between 2s. and 31. in the pound. He was a Director of the British Galvanization Company, and deposited as security, which he gave to Hayes, 60 shares, which were then worth 2/. each. The CHIEF COMMISSIONER asked what the shares were now worth ? Mr. Cooke--I suppose the Compaq does not exist now? Insolvent—No ; he said there had been a patent for it, which was once worth 1,0001. The three` bills had been twice renewed, and money paid. An action was afterwards brought, and then a bill for 2001. was given, with further security. He was advised by his attorney to defend the acti on on t h e groun d o f usury . The Learned CHIEF CotaNitsstoNEß, in giving the opinion of the Court, said, that in looking over the bill of costs of the attorney who pleaded, it did appear that the insolvent had a bona fide intention to defend the action on legal grounds, and the Court could not, therefore, say that the defence was " vexatious." The Court ordered hint to be discharged. POLICE lIS TEL L IGENCE. MANSION -HOUSE. On Saturday the Justice-room was crowded by per. sons anxious to witness the examination of Richard Moore, a young man of most respectable appearance and address, who stood charged with having uttered forged cou n t r y b an k notes for 505 / . at a gam bli ng h ouse kept by a man name d Thompson, a t N o . 7, Leicester square, and with a l so h aving ' uttere d f orge d country b an k notes at a gambli ng h ouse k e pt b y o ne Thomas Cook, in the Strand. Great interest was excited by the ingenious nature of the forged instruments. Mr. Bodkin, the barrister, at tended for the prosecution, and Mr. Woolfe, from the office of Mr. Fl ower, appeared for t h e p r i soner . Si r Peter Laurie p res id e d . Mr. Bodki n sa id that this remarkable case had some days ago bee n so f ar opened as to g i ve a es ter-square, of the char ac t er o f the offences wh i c h h a d been perpe trated by th e p r i tnner. The prisoner had gone to the house of Th ompson, in Leic and played against the b an k w i th several notes purpor ti ng t o b e the issue of var i ous banking-houses i n t h e coun t r y. Having lost a l arge sum of money, l ie paid in these country notes, of w hi ch no susp i c i on was entertained, and Thomp son , on going to get sonic of them cashed in the city ne xt day, was apprehended by Daniel Forres ter, who so on a f terwards apprehen d e d tile prisoner. which notes, had been lost by the prisone r at Cook's g am bli ng - house, were also presente d a t b an ki ng houses in the city. Thomas Cook stated that the prisoner walked into his house for the first time on the 31st of December, hav ing, he believed, followed a gentleman who was known there. The prisoner played at 100, and won for some time ; at last the tide turned against him, and he lost a considerable sum. The notes he played with circulated round the table, at which witness also played. Witness discounted the notes won by the other gentlem en f r om the prison er to t h e amount of 431., nine notes of 51. each; and sent his wife on the ht of January into the city, to the banking -houses at which they were made payable. After the departure of his wife, he received a letter from the prisoner, informing him that the notes that had been won were all fictitious, advising that they should not be presented ; and stating that he should in a short time make preparations to take them up. Witness immediately went in a cab into the city, but his wife was in the custody of Forrester, having presented one of the notes for payment at Glynn's. Cross-examined by Mr. Woolfe—Witness lost upon the whole in the play that night. Mrs. Cook stated that he; husband having given her five M. country bank-notes to get changed, she went to Glynn and Barclay's banking-house. She received cash for the note payable at Glynn's, but at Barclay's she was detained by Forrester, to whom she communicated all she knew. Daniel Forrester said that Mrs. Cook having made a statement to him which he found to be perfectly correct, ;le, with the consent of the bankers, set her at liberty. A clerk at Glynn's banking-house examined the note ..41):.ch had been presented at the counter by Mrs. Cook, oild declared it to be a fictitious note. Sir P. LAURIE—Is it not a forgery ?Witness—The snature is not that of any one deputed to sign, but I believe the note was struck off from a genuine plate. Sir P. LAURIE—I see that the system is a new one, and I am desirous, as crimes requiring ingenuity and tatont are very much on the increase, that the public idtauld be put well upon their guard. Mr. Bodkin said it was his intention to call the scientific man who made the plates, to make astatement about them. D mica Forrester said that he went with a person named Chapell, who was servant to Thompson, to Fri cour's Hotel, in St. Martin's-lane, and found the pri soner sitting in the public room. Witness told the pri soner that he was charged with forgery. The prisoner said that the notes and bills he had passed were not forged, but fictitious. When in the coach the prisoner said he had been destroyed at play, and he had resolved to make up for that by pursuing the course detailed, or words to that effect. Thompson said that the night the prisoner uttered the forgery at the house in Leicester-square, was the priso ner's fourth visit to that place. Sir PERER LAURIE—I want to know who this pri soner is. He is, I know, a person of education and address ; his letter to Thompson proves the fact. (This was a letter similar to that sent by the prisoner to Cook, stating that the notes were all fictitious, and that some arrangement should be made to take them up.) The prisoner said that he did not belong to any trade or profession. He did not wish to say any more. Sir PETER LAURIE—I perceive that in the letter the prisoner says his address is, " Castlo Grove, county of Louth, Ireland." Had he any objection to say whether that is correct ? The prisoner —My name is Edward Moore. Of that there is not any doubt. I decline saying anything more. Mr. 6auntiett, clerk at Barclay's banking-house, produced two bank-notes ; the one purporting to be the issue of the Ross Bank, and the other to be the issue of the Yarmouth B ink, and each for 5/. Sir PETER LAURIE—Did you ever see anything of the kind before? Any instance in which notes were struck off from the genuine plate, and to which false signatures were attached ? Witness—Never. The plates from which these notes were struck off appear to have been genuine, but not one of the signatures is so. Sir PETER LAURIE—Has any clue been discovered as to how the notes got into the prisoner's possession ? Mr. Bodkin—l shall call Mr. Bacon, of Fleet-street, that engraved the plate. Mr. Joshua B. Bacon, of 69, Fleet-street, stated that the house with which he was engage] covered very largely for the country banks. He had seen several of the notes. They were taken front the genuine plates, which were never out of his possession, and were proof impressions. Considerable ingenuity had been exer cised in making them capable of receiving signatures. When country bunkers wanted to change their plates, they sent to him for copies of the various banks, and the copies were struck off from the plates in his posses sion, upon India paper of exceedingly thin texture, upon which the ink was sure to run. He always requ2sted that the bankers would return the impressions after ex amination, not because it was supposed possible that any forgery or fraud would be attempted with them, but because the house did not wish to be at the expense of threepence a piece for copies. He did ,not know how many might not have been returned, but in mest instances they had been sent back. It appeared that by some clever process the impressions now exhibited had been made to adhere to paper of a thicker texture, and that each note was not only made more firm, but was rendered capable of receiving the ink more per fectly. Sir PETER LAURIE—I have frequently said from this seat that the crimes of ingenuity are becoming excced log!), numerous. Can the witness form any opinion as io the manner in which the prisoner became possessed of these copies? Mr. Bacon said that he on no occasion sent speci mens to any persons who were not bankers. These copies might have been sent to some banking-house which failed, and which, in the confusion arising from misfortunes, had not returned them. The whole set of specimens which he usually transmitted to country , bankers amounted to between twenty and forty. Per haps the prisoner formerly was a clerk in some banking house to which u set might have been sent. Mr. Bodkin said that he should again apply that the prisoner be remanded, in order that cases against lirn might be established in the most perfect manner. fhe prisoner, who made no remark, was then ro• manded. EXPLOSION AT THE ROYAL EXCHANGE.—John Seabrook and Timothy Bond, two labouring men, were brought before the Lerd Mayor under the following circumstances. At a little before six o'clock on Thurs day evening, a most frightful explosion of gunpowder took place in the excavations of the Royal Exchange at which the men of Mr. Webb, the contractor, were em ployed. The windows of several shops in Cornhill, in the immediate neighbourhood of the New Royal Ex change were broken, and fatal mischief was very near being_ committed. Henry Taylor, a policeman, stated that he was on his beat at the time of the explosion, and a large piece of brick passed within two or three inches of his Lice. He heard a noise of the breaking of glass, and he went into the house or Mr. Baldwin, one of tne windows of which was smashed, and saw a piece of brick lying on the floor. Other windows were broken ; and one win dow of plate glass, of the value of 101., was smashed by the flying bricks. The terror which prevailed was very great. The LORD MAYOR sent Inspector Maclean to the city surveyor to desire his attendance at the Justice room ; when it was soon ascertained that the defend ants, who had been at work in the foundation of the New Royal Exchange, had deposited a greater charge of gun powder than was proper for the purpose of blowing up sonic hard materials. It was stated upon the part. of the contractor that there was no danger in bowing up with gunpowder when performed by skilful and expe rienced men, and that the two defendants were mistaken in their calculation of the necessary quantity. Thu Loan MAYOR expressed great surprise and in dignation at the introduction of gunpowder while work ing under ground in such a place as Cornhill, and directed that care should be taken to prevent anything of the kind from being done again. The contractor having engaged to pay for all the damage that had been done. and also having undertaken that no other explosion by gunpowder should be re sorted to, the prisoners were discharged. MARYLEB ONE. Joe Haling/lam, a lad of 11, was charged by Mr. Joseph Tasher, a gentleman residing at No. 3, York buildings, New-road, with robbery upon several occa sions, but particularly on Saturday last, of the sum of twenty-five shillings, or, us Mr. 'rasher expressed it, five dollars. Mr. 'hasher stated that the money was placed by him on Saturday in a bureau in his sitting room, and missing it on Sunday, and on several occasions having experienced like losses, he called up the boy Joseph Hallingliara, the son of his landlord, and charged him with the theft. Joseph strenuously denied the fact, but subsequently, on threats and promises being held out to him, confessed, first to his mother and then to witness, that he had stolen the money. Two five-shilling pieces and some halfpence were found under the mat at the foot of the stars, which, as the boy stated, he placed there before he went up to speak to witness. The father and mother of the boy could do nothing with him, and it was their wish that he should be punished. Mr. HARDWICK (to boy)—Ilow old are you ? Eleven, Sir. What did you take the money for ?—To spend it, Sir. On whom ?—On myself, Sir. Have you no companions?—None, Sir. What did you spend it in ?—On a cab, Sir. On a cab ! what, all ?—I drove round Regent's-park, Sir, on Friday, and that was five shillings. And what did you do with the rest ?—I drove to Kensington, and that was two-and sixpence. But did you spend none afterwards—there is more to account for ?—Yes, Sir, on Sunday. On what ?-0n a cab, Sir.—(Laughter.) Where was that ?-1 drove along Oxford-street, and that was three shillings, and a shilling on fruit. In answer to further questions, he declared that he had no associates—that he had stolen money from Mr. rasher on four previous occasions, and had generally spent it in the same manner. He went to school, and knew that it was wicked to steal. Mr. HARDWICK—WeII, if you go on in this way, you will be hanged. You must be sent to prison, put in a dungeon, fed on bread and water, and whipped; and if you will not give these courses over, you will un doubtedly be hanged. Take him away. You must be whipped and locked up in a dungeon. The boy left the bar perfectly unmoved, a deport ment he retained during the whole of the period he stood before it. HATTON-GA RDEN. James Dujer, alias Jemmy Mc buffer, I;as charged with stealing 31. 6i., the money of an old man, 74 years of age, named Allen. The prosecutor stated that on Friday he came from Buckinghamshire to receive his quarterly pension, and as he was leaving Somerset-house he met with the pri soner, who asked him for some relief. He gave him 35., and invited him to partake of some soup, and other refreshment, and in the evening requested him to be kind enough to lead him to some place where he could stay for the night, and where his person and property would be safe. The accused led him to a house, which he supposed to be of a respectable description, and after giving him a further sum of es., and treating the inmates of the house, he retired to rest. On his awaking in the morning he found that he was pennyless, and had nothing,but his shirt left to cover him, and in this con dition he must have remained had he not been able to make some one hear from his bed-room window, which occasioned Restieux, a policeman of the E division, to go to his aid. That officer having obtained him some apparel, led him in search of the prisoner, whom, in the course of three hours, they found in a public house in St. Giles's. The MAGISTRATE complimented Restieux, and com mitted the prisoner to Newgatc for trial. Nearly all the prosecutor's prop , rty was recovered. PARIS. POLICE MY AUNT'S LAST TOOTH.—M. Michard and his wile, a fine portly dame, of rather beyond a certain age, appeared a day or two since at the bar of the Correc tional Police, accompanied by a hopeful nephew of theirs, against whom they had to make a charge of the most serious nature, he, the said nephew, having, in defiance of all the laws of nepotic affection, inflicted on his vene rable aunt a Vow by which the last of her masticators was removed from the situation it had occupied for so many years. The following colloquy took place among the dramatis person¢ of the affair. President—What offence have you to complain of ? M. Michard—Simplice is my nephew, that I must allow, but the crime of which he has been guilty has broken every tie of blood that was between us. Simplice, you are no longer my nephew. Simplice—That is folly. Will you deny that lam still the son of your brother? M. Michard—Physieally, it cannot be otherwise ; but morally I discard you. Simplice—Oh, uncle, what a blockhead you are 1 Instead of heaping blessings upon me for what I have done, you have brought me before the Triburial of Cor. rectional Police, as if I were a Turk. M. Michard—You have conducted yourself towards your aunt like a savage. Siruplice—And you—you are a henpecked husband, to say nothing more. Madame Michard here tried to be byitericah bed recourse to her smelling•bottle, and exclaimed, " Oh, Heavens!" M. Michard (supporting her)—Oh, Emeline ! my love !—(To Simplice)—W retch ! you wish to be her death—you wish to be guilty of aunt-icide. Simplice—ln that case you allow that 1 am still your nephew. M. Michard—Hold your tongue, scapegrace, and let me state what I have to charge you with. Simplice— With all my heart ; but you had better not, for you will expose yourselves the mast by it. M. Michard—Heartless wretch! (Bowing to the Judges) Gentlemen I have in the provinces a brother, who has had the misfortune to give birth to this serpent here. Six months ago he was sent to me on a visit, and to sce whtu 1 could make of him. I have treated him with every kindness as it he were my own son. Sitnplice—That is true ; and that is why I am so much attached to you. M. Micherd—But would you believe it, gentlemen, one day last week, when we had a large company to dinner, he gave his aunt a slap in the face ! Simplice—l know I did, and knocked out her last tooth. I tell you what, uncle —you are deceived by her. But it is in vain for you to persecute me, for I shall never cease to love you all the same. Madame Michard (with a faint voice)—Mercilul a , . et, ! Snnplice—Your wife is a good-for-nothing prude, uncle, and deceives you along with M. Leroche, that old dandy, whose smell of musk makes his approach known when he's more than a mile off. M. Michard—Hold your tongue, you calumniating scoundrel. Simplice—Ah! that's the way you take it, is it? I was behind a curtain, and heard them talking like real friends—not to say lovers. I, who love you, seeing that, could ❑ut restrain my indiolation, and so I gave aunt a slap in the mouth. If you are offended, I can give you satis.faction. • Harr Madame Michard raised a languishing pair cf eyes towards her husband, and faintly said, " Ah ! Michat d." M. Miehard—Never mind, Emeline. I don't believe a word of all these horrors. 1 know you to be Virtue personified. Smp!ice—.A.b, you are the best of husbands. Simplice was sentenced to a week's imprisonment. . THE MARKETS—SATbRDAY. NEWGATE AND LEADENHALL The supplies were to a large extent; the demand was moderate, and prices lower. Beef, 3s to 4s 2d ; Mutton, 3: 2d to 4s 2d ; Veal, 4s to 55 4d ; Pork, 3s Sd to 5s per stone of 811:),s. Game and Poukry were in large supply from foreign ports as well as our own ; the demand lan guid, and prices were with difficulty supported, Eggs dull of sale at 6s to Sa per 120 for English ; and 83 to 9s for foreign. WHITECHAPEL MEAT MARKET. The market has been liberally supplied with meat during the week, and the demand having been rather stack prices had given way one ball per stone. HAY MARKET. The markets were well supplied with flay during the week, a brisk demand prevailed, and although no actual advance can be quoted, price! had an upward tendency. Clover Hay, 41. to 61. ; Meadow Hay, 31. to 51. TEA MARKET. The market for free trade was in a very dull state ; prices had still a downward appearance—in fact, they were little better than nominal TALLOW MARKET. Prices continue of Russian Tallow on the decline, and the market in a very dull state. P. Y. Candle on the spot, sold in small parcels at 465. 6d. a 465. 9d. per cwt. FRUIT MARKET. Prices have given way for both Currants and Raisins, there his, however, been a fair business transacted, and the supplies are falling off. I (From the London New Price Current of January 8.) SUGAR.—The British Plantation Sugar Market has presented a firm aspect this week. The prices paid aro Is above those current previous to the holidays for yellow, and 6'.1 to is for gray and brown descriptions. Berbice of low brown quality has been sold at 70s; Trinidad rather better, 71s ; Demerara low middling gray, 73s to 74s ; Grenada, Jamaica, and St. Kitt's middling and good mid (thug yellow 75s to 78s; Antigua good middling 79s to 80s, fine 82s to 82s 6d. To-day there was less demand, and only a limited business was done either for grocery or refining - purposes, the prices accepted were in several in stances 6d under those of yesterday; good yellow Deme rara was sold at 75a, sad mid 74s per cwt. tiIIFINED.—For Refined goods this week, prices have improved Is per cwt. Standard lumps at 92s 6d to 938 ; Tittlers good 936 to 955, fine 96s to 98a ; Hamburg loaves good and fine 94s to 965, low brown lumps 88s to St),, goad and fine 90s to 92s per cwt. Treacle, common, at 36s to 36s 6,1; Patent 39s to 40s; best old make and golden syrup 41s to 42s per cwt. ; Bastards good and fine 60a to 695, low middling 52s to 57s ; for Pieces prices have again advanced a trifle, good and fine gadflies 79s to 85s, low and middling 753 to 78s. Bonded Crushed Sugar, done rather at lower rates, 32s 6d to 32s 9d for first quality. Loaves at 36s Gd to 37s for 14, and 10 lbs at 37s 6d to 38s; Treacle at 15; ; for Bastards and Pieces prices remain low—viz., at 16a to 255; Dutch Crushed Sugar on board in Holland is held for 31s. To-day for Refined goods for home use, prices were firm. Bonded Crushed it 32s 6a per cwt. 111 A CRITIC s.-1111.¢ has been an increased desire evinced on the part of the trait: to purchase, and by private con tract several parcels have been disposed of at rather higher rates; eolotny sorts are still the most in request. This afternoon trade were less disposed to do business, and at a public sale of 2,505 bags prices gave way 61 to 14 par cwt ; the whole was however sold, fine strong yellow a , 81s to Bls 6d, good middling and good 77s 6 , 1 to 80s, low middling and middling 72s 65 to 77s per cwt. EAST INDlA.—Bengal is above former rates, fine white at 65s fid, good 83s 6d, middling 82. s 61, damps and washed Sla 61 to 854 6d; Siam at 244 6d to 25s for low, and 25s 6d to 28s for middling and fine white. FOREIGN.—YeIIow Havannah is held firmly, 23e Lid has been offered for fair average parcels, a floating cargo at 23s Gd to be delivered at Amsterdam. For some small parcels of Porto Rico 23s a 23; 65 have been paid for good yellow. MOLASSES.—For West India holders have displayed more firmness at rather higher rates. Dominica at 30; fur ordinary, and fine Antigua at 38s per cwt. COFFIa. —This afternoon the home consumption mar ket was quiet, but prices underwent no change ; but few parcels are pressing for sale. For Foreign the demand was limited, but prices were firm. At public sale 319 bags Rio were taken in at 42s for good ord, being above the value; the damaged has been sold at 403 to 41s 6d per cwt, COCOA.—For British Plantation there has been less de mand, and holders having supplied the market freely have depressed prices Is to 2;. Trinidad at 53; to sss for mid dling and tine red, and fair grey at 48s to 495: Foreign is held firmly. TEA.—The accounts received horn China, slating that the Chinese Government were inclined to come to terms with the Eriglish, and have agreed to pay 2,000,000/ for the loss of the Opium, and 1,000,000/. for the expenses incurred by the war, have produced extreme heaviness in the market, and prices declined considerably for Com pany's Congou; on Tuesday they closed at 2s lid lo 2; lid cash ; en Wednesday fell to is 65 to is bid ; yes terday morning they rallied to 1 s 81d, but declined to Is 74d at the close of the dry with a very heavy market. Free Trade has been scarcely asked for, and prices must now be regarded as nominal, a few small parcels of com mon Congou for cash, however, have been disposed of at Is 7d to is 7id per lb, but in the present state of affairs, buyers as well as sellers do not know how to act, for even at those rates it would be impossible to dispase of a large quantity; the reduction in prices since this day week amounts to 6id to 7d per lb. Na , uhlic sde is yet de clared. 'l'o-day the market fa- Free trade was in a very dull state, and prices have still a downward tendency, but so limited were the transactions that it is difficult to give quotations with accuracy ; the nearest; however, for cot►,' mon Congou cash were is 61d to is 7d, and is 74c1 to Is 8d ls 8d for blackish leaf, is 7A to Is 8d for common key ; Bohea Canton, duty paid, air Bd, and even thereat there ware not buyers of any quantity. The speculative market closed heavily at is 7d for Company's Congou, cash. RUM, BRANDY, AND HOLLANDS.—There has been a brisk demand for Jamaica Rum, particularly for good and fine sorts, and prices have improved ld per gallon ; the sales this week have amounted to 350 puns, 30 to 32 per cent overproof at 6s to tis 2d, 33 to 34 over 6s 3d to 6s sd, 33 to 38 over 6s 6d to 6s 9d, stronger and favourite marks 7s to 7s 3d. In Leewards a fair business bat been transacted at full former rates ; the sales amount to 250 puns, proofs to 5 per cent. over at 2s 9d. 1 0 2s. I Id, 8 to 10 over 3s to 3s Id, 12 to 15 over 3s 2d to 3s 3d, 16 to 20 over 3s 4d to 3s sd. Of Demerara 120 puns have been sold, 30 to 34 pc r cent over proof, at 5s 4d to 5., 6d 36 to 39 over 5s 7d to 5s 9d. Prices are firmer for East India, and 200 hhds Calcutta have been sold at 2s 2d proof strength, and a small parcel 26 over proof at 2s . Bd. The importations have been less than last year ; the stock, however is larger. The importation from the East Lelia was :468 puns and 856 hhds last year—the year before only 99 puns and 312 hhds—in the year 1837 only 80 bbds. There are few buyers of Brandy either for home use or et.iort, and prices have a downward tendency for new descriptions; but old sorts are held firmly; we quote Cognac, first brands of the vintage of 1836, 5s 2d in hbds and 5s in puns; ditto 1837, hhds ss, puns 4s 10d ; ditto 1838, hbds 4s 10d, puns 4s 8d ; ditto 1839, hbds 4s Bd. puns 4s 6d ; ditto 1840, hhds 3s 9d, puns 3s 7d. Geneva has sold slowly far export at Is lld to ; !or some small parcels for home use 2s 4d to 2s 6 1 have been paid for fine quality. British Corn Spirits have been in better request at I . os cash. On-S.—There has been only a limited demand' for common descriptions of Fish Oils this week, and in some cases rather lower rates have been submitted to for pale Seal and Cod, the former selling at 331 10a, the latter 271 lOs ; Southern at 271 to 301 for middling 'and fine quality. For Sperm prices do not give way. Lin seed Oil on the spot at 27s 9d to 28a. Rape at 46510 r Pale and 45s for Brown. Olive Oil 601 for Spanish, and 65/ to 661 for Gallipoli. East India Cocoa Nut on the decline. Seices.—This afternoon 50 chests Cassia Lignea at public sale fetched 80s for very coarse quality false packed. The Cinnamon sales are fixed for the 25th; only 250 bales are at present declared. FRUIT has been in fair request since the holidays, a nd a considerable portion of business done in some kinds ; of Turkey Figs the stock is large, and a great portion being of inferior quality the importers have pressed sAlcs at the lowest prices. COUNTRY CORN MARKETS. Wheat, Barley. Per Quarter. Abing,ion Andover Banbury Basi gstoke Cirencster Coventry Daventry Derby Howden Hungerford Malton Mai , enhead Nottingham Wantage War wick Winchester lurk Per Bushel Biriningbaiil S. to S. 54 (iti 54 (i 0 52 GU .)0 (4 52 6 Gl'. 6 i 72 63 ;3 50 6.1, 6,3 52 51 67 6 1.30 - 70 - Ou d. s. d.' 70 79 s. to s. 33 41 2 si 27 38 3S 44 :I0 E 6 39. 5' 4 :15 :38 X, 40 ‘2ti 86 34 40 31 40 3% 46 Oats. S. tO S. 2fi:34 26 34 24 29 21: 3 29 32 217 35 28 34 24 31 25 33 22 33 25 34 t. 4 52 26 32 29 38 Seam. Vt. 3. to 44 • 5:2 s. (I. s. d. 39 53 s. i• 44 • 48 , 28 30 42 1J .4,; 40 42 s. d. s. d. 40 49 .- - 40 ' -- SO 44 48 50 40 42 44 52 ... .0 43 59 47 4.0 36 46 - 43 s. d, s. d. 56 68 39 4d 42 •••• -.-••• _ ~; d. 66 70. ; CORNWALL MARKETS. (Calculated at 24 gallons to the bushel.) Wheat. Bade; Oats , ,s. d. to t. d. s. d. to s. d. s. d. to 3. ,: Oruro 0 7 8 0 38 0 2 ! Helstone — 0 3 0 St. Austell 0 '7 5 0 36 0 8 F 'Mimi) . -0,, 0 9 0 4 0 0 3 0 Liskeard 'r . 6 7 6 3 0 3 6 0 '2 •_ Launceston Camelford 6 9 7 8 3 6 4 t. , 2 4 2 ! Penzance. ..... MORNING E THE LATE STORM. CAMBRIDGE OBSERVATORT.--StOTME at this imago:, are so r.re :ind unaccountable, that we cannot assign any do' finiti power or effect it may have on our atmosphere. 00 the night of Saturday, Jan. 2, the clouds were muck curled, betokening storm ; during the night there was e gale of wind, in gusts, from N. N. W., with a rapidly -falling barometer; from a few minutes before seven o'clock until e quarter after, the thunder and lightning raged with extreme violence, accompanied by a heavy shower of hail, which seems to have accompanied it in every place ; at one lisle the thunder-clap was beard simultaneously, with the violet' coloured lightning being seen. It has been traced by th e several times from the north of Yorkshire, to Nottinglisler Wolverhampton, Northampton, Cambridge, London, ge: sex, and Kent, in succession, and its speed of transit to have been more than 60 miles per hour ; it must have isse"' a hundred miles in width, and equally violent at every issr 4 ► or have traversed the country In a succession of curve!' Immediately after the storm had passed over G re enwise , ~ the wind changed to W. by S., and the baromete r was at 29in. 2, having fallen a tenth of an inch each hoe_ since eleven o'clock the preceding evening; it has bee n succeeded by frequent showers of snow and a very &a frost : unfortunately. my register thermometers were c_ls bedded in snow until this (Frid e y)morning ; when e1e147 they were at 13 degree-, which was th e l owest their' nt been; it was, however, the t emperature of the snow, tiw the air, which we may safely allow was five degreL lower during the night. This night will probably 'I colder than either last night or the one before, as at o'clock, p.m., the temperature was 19 degr ees below fr ees ing point. J. GLAISHER. CHRISTENING OF THE PRINCESS ROYAL."' It is reported that, in order to give all possible splendou r to the coming ceremony of the Royal christening, t ii(3 Princess Royal will be baptised in the Ch a p e l Roy' ,, " Whitehall, in consequence of the great inconvenience el' perienced in the very small Chapel Royal at St. Jamell' at the marriage ceremony of her Majesty in February 10 :5 The Chapel Royal, at Whitehall, is admirably c a lculat for any grand state ceremonial, both from its ample spac ° and costly decorations, having b een b u il t ex p ress ly for d i , banquetting hall ; and its be au tif u l ce ili ng , p a i n t e d 137 Rubens, at the command of his Majesty King James, abol two centuries ago, is in a perf ec t state o f preservat i on , 0 adorned with elaborate carving arid gilding, and is li 1 T : gether one of the most beautiful ce ili ngs i n E urope . ceremony is expected to take place in about a m onth' which will give time for the necessary preparations. T 1 grand banquetting hall w as the s cene o f many pagear t 1 a festivals in former times; an.ong,st others, the marriage the Princess Elizabeth, in 1613. GOLD WATCHES, LONDON- MADE.I . A. B. SAVORY and SONS, Watchm a k ers , N o . 9 , C or nln London, opposite the Bank of England, submit fur inspectiou very large STOCK of GOLD WATCHES, th e w h o le °( which are made and finished under the careful inspection °, experienced workmen on their own p rem i ses, an d eac h i s Me ranted for correct performance. SIZE FOR LADIES. Fine Vertical Watches, jewelled, in engine -turned gold cases and gold dials, warrant £lO 10 ° Fine Vertical Watches, jewelle With double backed engine -turned gold es and gold dials, warranted Patent detached Lever - Watches, jewelled in four holes, with double-backed gold cases and gald dials, warranted . . ... SIZE FOR GENTLEMEN. Patent detached Lever Watches, jewelled is four holes, seconds, and double-backed gold cases, 0 warranted Patent detached Lever Watches, capped, jewelled in six holes, seconds, double-backed gold cases and enamel dials, warranted Patent detached Lever Watches, capped, jewelled in six holes, seconds, double-backed gold cases and gold dials, warranted gold 9 Either of the G en tl emen ' s W atches may be had in. hunting case s f or 3/ . 3 s. each extra. N.B. Second-ha" Watches purchased in exchange. THE NEW F6RTABLE ALARLJ size of a small Snuff Box, can be placed en the dressing table. and set to ring at any hour that may be required. Priee Tho . Guineas. T. CON..fIAVORY, Watchmaker, &c., 47, Cm<hill, LondOn (Seven Doors fro s .kfraceehureh-street), N.B.—A Pamphlet, containing a List of Prices o f Sall Spoons and Forks, Silver Pl a t e , Pl a t e d G oo d s, Watches, ant Clocks, &c., may be had grati s , or w ill b e f orwar d e d in awl" post-paid application. PAPIER MACHE TEA TRAYS, 60s. the 5 0 of FULL SIZED GOTHIC SHAPE. Superior Londl Table Knives, with r i;Vjaud'.es, 14s. per dozen ; Poles for Window Curt • , inch diameter, 3d. per il%) 2 inches, is. eid, par oot ; bronzed fenders, 4 feet long, 'a•; Catalogues-gratis, containing th e p r i ces of stoves, fenders, Pr"- irons, kitchen utensils, and every article in furnishing ;roll' nsongery. RIPPON and BURTON, Wells-street, Oxford-street. Established 1820. On the 7th inst., th e la d y of IRTHS G. Laure, Esq., of Hanover'' square, solicitor, of a son. On the 7th inst., at Wimbledon, the lady of J. Bright, Pg . ' M.D., of a daughter. On the ith inst., at Ludgate-street, Mrs. E. Eyles, of a 5, (1 . ... 33. On the 7th inst., at D ar t mout h -terrace, Blackheath, .1"'" 11. S. Law, of a sou. On the Bth inst., at St. George's-place, Camberwell, M r°. J. Browne, of a daughter. In Brunswick-square, Brighton, the lady of E. N. Esq., 01 a daughter. MARRIED. On the 9th i nst ., at the church of St. Nicholas Aco rn' Lombard. s t ree t, b y t h e Rev. Thomas H. Horne, 13'" Rector, Benjamin Benton, Esq., of Frida-street, to Char: 'mite, relict o f t h e l ate Ro b ert Das son, Esq., of Abehurent lane, Lo n d on , an d F orest House, near Leicester, and yonne s daughter of John B ourne, E sq., of Ombersley, Worcesters hir e : , , On the 2d i nst . , at. Ampthill, Mr. G. Coleby, to Franc third daughter- of G. Exton, Esq. On the 7th i nst., at Harlington Church, Middlesex, T Thom, Esq., of the Hon. East India Company's home servl7 f to Emily B ar b ara, fourth daughter of Captain R. Lugo l ow ," Hatton, Middlesex. DIED. On the 6th ir.st., Aim, the wife of J. Richards, Egg', et Edgbaston, near Birmingham, aged 70. On the 7th inst., in Cumberland-place, Regent's-parl" Arthur Francis, the infant child of the Hon. Sir E. Butler. On the 4th inst., at Waterloo-cottage, Kilburn, Misspell° On the 4th inst., J. Montgomery, Esq., of Brentford. On the sth inst., at Pancras, C. Newman, Esq., R.N. t. On the 7th inst., at SI. Alban's-pl ace , Charles- street' „., Jaines's, Captain Peter Le Mesurier, half-pay of the 10114 " ginient, and late of the 68th Light Infantry. tee/[ . _ Nth • l'rinte(l and Published by AIIIIIDO YOU— No. 11.2, Strand, at The gun Otce, No. 11 Y. Strand the ;may of Middlesex.---Honda Jemmy I Iv 31141. J .: N? 4 • CoN Ti 7 t U I tFC It UNn 1 .41\111 ii P er ••• 6 , a lir t 3 t ? . r s t k ' l g, ' 4 vv CAI PE FLA !ILI! B Hu LIN, - „, ° amle, sy be p se; No Teri 'testy I.l * im de ver; I" ralty, and V "Vani gaginp A a gna tej the °t . 25 - • Co' trr Caw n " N A I nlin ii on ucor B aricti i°nl krthn r A Akiehard B "Sir John( rand,• Joseph j4n es flat With poive Ah tA AXtRS C . ', STA -"tlerro, , c r y at , ',l lb :h7 . ;is:lit : 1411; li o hilj :14 f : 1 1 1 11; 1 1 ::r t i oi l ' . et ; 4 1' v •dend tix arehe folk' ernpl o „, vorerntr.; 66 ,600/ . n (GFr, T A ". T .61 1 8E11' HOY/ t o This (7,-. favoui " 0 future it ° a lar ge a r rf..p oed " 'flea alread 2. Th e Ilgpe coin' of theynnaLvig .I„, e , um, Year t w r,„ 4, 4 t , 4 • 1" Pe G . ..t, h„ tl*ern a , 5. T h their shar e .1 tai nt e lheited Batt Coi g n itr g i 4"Y 's ALBE, I) qx l , a . red b or the ere 'Y ; tt , i ,t 4 r e e : t ac;n i nt ty~ A ). Tr : ar t .1111 t ill d e ' 'leiol te„ ser, sl 4 -Tata tt ? 4l the ti 9 e "' ( 4 I. , kl dm' " e., very z "u Aht 4thiered, told wit y cur l litn 4 'I 'M as, tt h kno , B. tbk:ters, tittr„in' E 1 tk ' 4"t