The Sun. — London, England, 1849-06-23 00:00:00

it were not repealed ?—(Hear.) Then came the paper duty, upon which he had heard it said that the regula tions of the Excise were a far greater burden upon the manufacturers of paper than the mere amount of money raised by duty.—(Hear.) The recent change in the Postage charges had caused the manufacture ef envelopes to become a very extensive and important branch of in dustry. Now, would it be believed, that by the regula tions of the Excise a paper manufacturer might cot out the envelopes, but he could not have them folded upon the premises ? These impediments to business were much more ex'remely felt in modern days than when these taxes were first levied, because the velocity of business was now so much greeter than among our fore fathers. These Excise duties were as inconsistent with the sprit of the age as if they were to set up toll bars upon rail-roads.—(Hear.) The Chancellor of the Ex chequer must make up his mind to expect an increasing pressure irom the removal of those obnoxious and ab surd taxes. But how could he repeal them save by re duction of our largo expenditure, or else by an increase of direct taxation ? One of these things would cer tainly have to be resorted to. At the beginning or the present session he had named a number of articles the duty upon which he contended ought to be abolished, and all these articles had been brought before the House tonight. The duty upon tea was one of these. The Liverpool gentlemen hed tried to effect the reduction of the duty on tea, but finding that they could not succeed they changed the agitation to an agitation for financial reform. But they were still as desirous as ever for the repeal of the tea duty. Then there was the duty upon timber, which clearly ought to be abolished now that they had repealed the navigation-laws. — (Hear, hear.) There would be a pressure for the repeal of this tax, and how could the Right Honourable Gen tleman expect to meet it, except by one of the two methods he had pointed out ?—(Hear, hear.) He did not think the country would be satisfied with the budget of the Right Honourable Gentleman ; he had, it was true, made both ends meet, and he had calculated upon surplus of some 150,0001., but he feared that with so small a margin there would be, as was the case last year, an excess in extraordinary expenditure in the army and navy, which would convert the surplus into a defi ciency. With an expenditure of about 52,000,0001. a sear, it was not desirable to draw the line so closely as to leave a margin of only 150,0001, because the conse quence almost always was that they had a deficiency in stead of a surplus.—(Lear, hear.) The Right Hon. * Gentleman was still sp endin g too much money, and if he compared his present budget with that of the -Duke of Wellington's Government in 1830, he found that the present Government proposed to spend more next year by 5,500,000/., than the Duke of Wellington during the last year of boroughmongering. They all recollected that the Duke of Wellington's Administra tion was upset by the Whigs upon the motion of Sir H. Parnell, on account of their extravagance. Well, they had the Reform Bill, and they were now spending b,500,000/. more than b efore ref orm. —( Hear.) He belieeed that the Reform Bill had done much good, but it was quite certain that it had not insured them as much economy and retrenchment as they had a right to ex pect.—(Hear.) He predicted there would be more pres sure than ever upon the Right Hon. Gentleman for a reduction of expenditure, and he did not despair of see ing county Members next session all voting with the 'lon. Member for Montrose and himself for greater economy and retrenchment. The Right Hon. Gentleman must be prepared to meet this feeling next year to a greater extent, or he would not satisfy the expectations ,of the country, or at all e vents of the constituenc y which ne had the honour to represent.---(Cheers.) Mr. HEYWORTH believed that a change in the mode of levying the taxation would do more good than any measure to which the House cou ld g ive its assent. lie did not see why the lauded interest should regard manufactures with jealousy. Let them remember the vast increase which had taken place in the value of landed property in Lancashire. If all England possessed the same advantages the value of landed property would be increased, as in Lancashire, by some thousands p cent. He coincided in the opinion that the system of Excise duties was injurious to the country, and must be Changed. Mr. SANDARS could corroborate the statement of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, that the effect of the blockade in the north of Eu ro p e had been unfavourably ? felt in the manufactur in g interests of the north. He doubted whether the Government were not to blame for allowing the present stat e of thin g s to continue, and he hall given notice of a mo tion in which he should be able in prove that this blockade was not an effective one, and was not conducted according to the law of nations, because a preference was given by the Danes to the shi p s or other nations over those of this country. He had received such information from nearly all the Baltic Ports that he felt warranted in contending that this blockade ought not to be observed by our vessels, and that ;russiat3 ought to insist upon our ships entering the re granted ports of , and demand the same facilities as we Chancellor the Dutch, Americans , and Russians. He told the of the Exchequer last y ear that he would , LOOO,OOOl. of duties upon corn, at which the Right "aon. Gentleman seemed rather incredulous, and said he Wished h e might have it. Now, why should the Right goo, Gentleman giv e u p that source of reven caue,and instead of receiving a shil lin g duty, which he lculate i Would bring in a revenue of 250,0001., why should he not receive a duty of 4s. or ss. a quarter, upon which he , a light receive a rev enue of 1,000,0001. or 1,200,0001. not levied for the sake of protection, but for revenue? From his own experience of the corn trade he could say that not one penny per year of a 4s. or se. duty would come out of the pockets of the consumers of this country. Mr. COBDEN doubted wh ether the Hon. Member flied been sent to that House from Wakefield to advocate a toe upon food, and thought he was not authorised to make such a proposition. He was perfectly astonished to hear the lion. Gentleman say that if they levied a tax of ss. p e r quarter upon foreign corn the foreigner Would pay it. Now, the lion. Gentleman dealt in corn; and let him (Mr. Cobden) suppose that the Hon. Mem ber had 1,000 quarters of wheat afloat in a vossel from balife:c. Would he sell that corn at the same price before it was landed as after it had gone ashore and paid the duty of 55.?—(Hear, hear.) How could the Hon. member assert that the duty laid upon the importation of foreign articles was paid by the foreigner, and not by consumers in this country? Mr. SANDARS came into that House as independent Its the Hon. Member for the West Riding—(Hear)—and considered himself perfectly justified in the suggestion he had made. He cared not for any censure that he 119ight receive from the lion. Member (Mr. Cobden) or party. He would give free trade a fair trial, but he had himself seen that when the duty had fallen in this Country the price of corn had fallen abroad. Last year, When the duty was reduced from 9s. to Is., a correspond ing reduction took place in the price of corn abroad. hen the duty was taken off here a reduction took place '" 1 the price of corn at hom e, and the price abroad a dot must fall to meet that reduced rate.—(A laugh.) If y of Bs, in this country w ere taken off the price would fall here, and the price abroad must also fall in order to e ntrirete with the price in this country. In declaring the opinions he had expressed to-night he had not re pudiated a single statement that he had made to his constituents.—(Hear, hear.) Mr. HARRIS was understood to speak from personal observation of the improved condition of the population of the town which he represented (Leicester). He was happy to be able to state that since the year 1833 trade had not been in a better condition than it was duringthe Present season, and he was further rejoiced to add, that the borough which he had the honour to represent con tained a contented and thriving population. Mr. pLUNIPTRE was very glad to learn that the con stituents of the Hon. M emb r who last addressed the 'louse were happy, contended, and prosperous. It was Well for him then to be able to make such a statement; but it was very much to be apprehen ded that some time hence he could offer to the House no such pleasing pic ture of the condition of the people whom he represented As regarded agriculture, he feared that matters wore very had, and that they were likely to become much worse. Not very long since a large number of able bodied men came to him at his residence in the country, stating that they were without employment and without bread for their families; and there could be no doubt that they and the country generally attributed such an intense degree of distress to the operation of free-trade principles, to which the Hon. Member for the West Riding noputed such marvellous good effects. If, as the Hon. Member boasted, he gave cheap bread to many per sons, it should be remembered that he put many persons out of bread, and amongst that number were those who came to his (Mr. Plumptre's) house lately, stating their unhappy case. They were from 60 to 70 in number, and being fathers of families might be said to represent a large population, all of whom were in the utmost dis tress; and in the midst of that state of things the Hon. Member for the West Riding talked as if he alone knew What was right and fitting for the Government and the Legislature to do—always using towards them the lan guage of dictation—" You must do this and you shall do the other;" and he went on as if he intended to "lead them all by the nose." Now he should take the liberty of telling the Hon. Gentleman that he would not be led by the nose, nor did he believe that the country would submit to any such language; such a style of address was wholly unbecoming a free and independent assembly. The opinions of the Hon. Member were not the opinions of the House; and though that gentleman might think that "wisdom would die with him," yet that was not the opinion either of the House or the country.—(Hear.) Mr, HUME rose to observe that his Hon. Friend the Member for the West Riding had never shown any dis position to dictate to the House or to any individual Member. The Member for the West Riding did not ob ject to the Member for Wakefield expressing any opinion which he might happen to entertain, but merely ex pressed a difference of opinion from him, at the same time expressing some sure rise that a gentleman who represented a populous borough should utter a word in favour of a ss. duty on corn. The resolution was then agreed to, the House re sumed, and the report was ordered to be received on Monday. TRANSPORTATOIN FOR TREASON (IRELAND) BILL. On the motion for going into Committee on this Bill, Mr. MOORE said that as this Bill had not been fairly argued, he was anxious to say a few words upon it. Was it fair or just, that after they had consented to give compensation to the rebels in Canada, they should now proceed to inflict punishment upon the Irish State pri soners which the law did not empower them to inflict. The House was bound to assume that the power did not exist, for it was in that view of the case that they were called on to pass the Bill. He called on the House to east aside the illogical arguments with which Hon. and Learned Members had endeavoured to prop up the question, and to consider whether they should subject Mr. Smith O'Brien and his associates to the pecalties of au ex post facto law. Under all the cir cums'ance of the case it was impossible that the extreme sentence of the law could now be carried into effect.— (Hear, hear.) The sense of the country was against it —(Hear, hear)—the sense of both Houses of Par * 44 111 ent Against bettr)--tho 110116 Q Qf the whole civilized world was against it—(Hear, hear)—and it was impos6ible that the extreme sentence of the law could now be carried out. That being the case, the Crown could only impose the punishment of fire and im prisonment. The words of the preamble were altogether in error when it was stated that doubts had arisen as to the power of the Crown to inflict the punishment of transportation in the present case. It was also an error to say that the object of the Bill was to lessen the seve rity of the punishment. In the first place no doubt could exist on the subject, for it was clear that the Crown had no power to commute the sentence of death to transporta tion, without the consent of the prisoners. There was, therefore, no doubt at all, as the preamble stated, and the sentence being commuted the Crown had the power to inflict the punishment of imprisonment for life. So far, therefore, from the Bill lessening the punishment, as had been alleged, it was, in fact, increasing it. He could not conceive how the House could feel itself justified in passing an ex post facto Bill of so severe a character, after the way in which they had succumbed to the men who had been engaged in the Canadian rebellion. If the Government, however, persevered in an endeavour to inflict so severe a punishment on Mr. Smith O'Brien and the other Irish State prisoners, after having dealt so leniently with the rebels of Canada, they would prove to the Canadians that they were secure, not under the Union Jack, but under the shelter of the Amerit as stars and stripes; and that while the Government submitted to the most auda cious acts on the other side of the Atlantic, and even gave compensation for losses that had been sustained, they were at the same time leaning with as heavy a hand as it was possible for them to do upon the State prisoners in Ireland.—(Hear, hear.) The House then resolved itself into Committee on the Bill. Mr. BERNAL put the question on the first clause, the consideration of the preamble having been post poned. Mr. ANSTEY said he had intended to have offered every obstruction to the passing of the Bill, but on con dition that he received proper support from the majority of the Irish members. He found, however, that he could not reckon on that support from what had already taken place ; and he must say that not only on that, but on former occasions, Irish members had shown the moat culpable indif ference to the passing of measures affecting the inte rests of Ireland in the most serious point of view. they had in fact exhibited, to use a common phrase, a want of pluck—(Lqughter)—and under the circumstances he had stated, he did not think he should bewarranted its sacrificing the position he held in that House, by perse vering in that opposition which he had intended to offer to the passing of that Bill.—(Hear, hear.) He should, therefore, content himself with proposing such amend ments in Committee as he thought should be introduced. It was his intention at present to move—as the conside ration of the preamble had been postponed—it was his intention now to move that after the word " it" in the third line of the first clause the omission of the words " declared and." He altogether objected to the Bill being put forward as a mere declaratory Bill. The ob• ject of that Bill was to enable the Government to inflict a punishment which the parties declared they would consider to be worse than the punishment of death — (Hear, hear)—and they were now endeavouring to in flict that punishment on men who had been horn and bred, and who were convicted of treason in Ireland. --, -- Would they have ventured upon the introduction of that Bill had those parties been Englishmen ? Ministers, however, were hoping to get out of the dilemma, by say ing that the present Bill was merely a declaratory Act, and under that pretext they trusted they would induce the House to give their assent to the Bill. Now it was certain that a declaratory Act had sometimes been re sorted to when doubts had arisen as to the state of the law, and when the judges of the higher tribunals dif fered in opinion. In such cases Parliament was justified in settling what the law was by means of a declaratory enactment; but in the present case no such difficulty had arisen. Tnere was no doubt about what the law was.— (Hear) In fact, by the present Bill the House was not asked to remove doubts; but it was asked to prevent the tribunals in Ireland acting on the law as it stood— (Hear) —and iu the event of the prisoners being brought before the judges of the Queen's Bench in Ireland, upon a writ of habeas corpus, public rumour said that the judges would do their duty. The doctrine of expediency might warrant the transportation of Mr. O'Brien, but it that gentleman had held a course different to that which he independently and determinedly pursued when in the House of Commons, there would be less of bitterness ex hibited towards him now by Ministers, and those who rejoiced in styling themselves sincere ministerialists. It was absurd to say that a commutation of the sentence of death to transportation was au extension of mercy, when it was well known that the horrors suffered by those de ported to penal colonies led directly either to death or lunacy. He called upon the Committee to strike out the portion of the preamble which rendered the Act declaratory, and to deprive it of an ex post facto effect. In conclusion the Honourable and Learned Gentleman moved, that in the first clause the words "declared and" be omitted. The ATTORNEY GENERAL said the question sub mitted by the Honourable and Learned Gentleman who proposed the amendment was simply whether by omitting the words " declared and" they should not convert the Act from being declaratory into a mere enactment. He would not then say one word on the general principle of the Bill, as that subject had been already discussed. He denied that the Bill had been pressed with indecent haste upon the attention of the House, and he showed that it was brought forward in compliance with the special re quest of Mr. O'Brien him self. He believed there was no lawyer who entertained any d.aibt as to the poser of the Crown to commute sentence of death into transportation; but a doubt hav ing arisen, the present Bill was brought forward. He believed that it was a mistake to say that the Irish judges had any doubt on this subject, and he bad no doubt whatever himself, and was fortified in that opinion by the first legal gentlemen in Westminster-hall; and he would add that the first legal opinion in the country had sup ported this Bill in another place. In reply to the ques tion respecting Coffey and others, he did not think that he was bound to give any answer as to their being guilty of treason. The object for introducing this Bill was to avoid those doubts which were entertained in another place. Ho thought that there could be no objection to those words " declared and," as it was for the purpose of avoiding raising any discussion in Ireland. Mr. M. J. O'CONNELL said that he thought that this Bill had a very strange character in it, and he was led to that opinion principally from the speech of the Attorney-General. He looked upon this Bill rather as of a prospective than of a retrospective character. He did not by any means agree with the late proceeding of Mr. S. O'Brien, but he opposed the Bill because he thought it to be unconstitutional. He considered that if the Bill should be passed that the indignation of the people of Ireland would ba excited to a degree that the Go vernment would have to regret. Mr. MUNTZ said that he regretted that be had not been present on the second reading, for he should have opposed it. and would therefore support the amendment. Mr. MOORE wished to knew from the Attorney- General where those doubts existed? The ATTORNEY-GENERAL—In Ireland. Mr. MOORE wished to know with whom those doubts arose. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said that he was not prepared to inform him, as the communication was private. Mr. FRENCH said that be was in favour of the amendment, because the Bill was altogether unconsti tutional, as being an ex post facto Bill. Sir G. GREY said that the commutation of the sen tence was an act of mercy on the part of the Lord- Lieutenant, and he totally disagreed with the Hon Gen tleman (Mr. Anstey) when he stated that this was a penal en ictment against Ireland. Mr. ANSTEY explained. Mr. E. B. ROCHE also opposed the Bill, as being un• constitutional, and hoped that every possible opposition would be given to it. Colonel DUNNE said that be had no sympathy for the conduct of those unfortunate gentlemen, because he was there ready to meet them in the field, and should he have capeured them, he would have tried them by court martial and shot them; but, as this Bill was an infrac tion on the constitution, he should oppose it. The House then divided, when there appeared— Ayes Noes Majority .--124 Mr. REYNOLDS next moved that, after the word " offenders," in the ninth line of the first page, there be inserted the words " who may be hereafter convicted. and." This was the fourth Bill of pains and penalties which they had passed within twelve months in reference to Ireland; and he asked the House, then, could they look back upon their legislation as regarded Ireland with anything like satisfaction? Far from excusing the ac tions of those men, be took especial pains to put down their system, and incurred great censure from their partisans; but what ho contended now was that Go vernment had done enough, and that they should now stop short in their career of vengeance. The object of his amendment was to free the Bill of its restrictive character. He was not a lawyer, and he thanked God he was not, for it was, in his opinion, a sort of science for covering over with doubt what was plain and palpable.—(Hear, hear.) The Lard protect him from the law.—(Laughter.) In this whole affair they were only magnifying a mountain into a mole-hill. —(Much laughter.) He was glad that lie had put the cart before the horse, and given them a laugh, but were they not magnifying a molehill into a mountain when they magnified this row with the police in a cabbage garden in Ireland into a rebellion.—(Hear, hear.) Major BLACKALL supported the measure. If be considered it as an ex post facto law he would have op posed it, but he considered it merely a declaratory Bill to remove certain doubts which had arisen in Ireland. Ho would have thought it wrong to have argued this ques tion again in the courts of in Ireland, for such a course would have again stirred up those bad feelings which had been so prevalent in Ireland during the pre vious discussions of the subject. Mr. JOHN O'CONNELL said the Government had confessed that the measure was for enacting an ex post facto law, and he could not see how the Hon. and Gal taut Gentleman could vote in favour of it. Mr. ANSTEY did not know whether the Honourable Member tor Salford would move the adjournment of the 1 - I "'e , as the present was a Ministerial measure, but if not. he should certainly do so. Sir G. GREY hoped the lion. Gentleman would not obstruct public business. The present measure had been already fully discussed, and the Lion. Gentleman ought to know that the Irish poor-law was fixed for next week. After a few vvords in explanation from Mr. ANSTEY and Colonel DUNNE, the Committee divided, when the numbers were— For the amendment Against it Majority —ll6 Mr. ANSTEY next mo7ed the following amend ment:— At line io of page 1, to omit the ward., " for . 140 THE SUN, LONDON, SATURDAY EVENING, offences whatsoever by law punishable with death," and insert, " for high treason." Line 8, after " jurisdiction," to insert " Provided always, that nothing in this Act contained shall be con strued to impair or hinder the exercise of any preroga tive of the Crown, in virtue whereof her Majesty may grant her free or conditional pardon to any such offender." The House divided, when the numbers were— For the amendment . . Against it Majority -110 Mr. ANSTEY then proposed another amendment, to omit the words empowering the Crown to order the " transportation" of the offender, and substitute words empowering the Crown to order his " imprisonment during the Queen's pleasure, or banishment." Mr. C. LAWLESS moved that the Chairman repor t progress, and ask leave to sit again. Mr. MONSELL implored of the Hon. Gentleman to withdraw his motion, as no good could be obtained to any party by further postponement. After a few words from Mr. LAWLESS in expla nation, Lord JOHN RUSSELL said that the Poor•law would come on for Monday ; and on Thursday, the question of a proposed railway to the West of Ireland. Mr. LAWLESS said that notwithstanding what the Noble Lord had said, he must blame the Noble Lord for the course he had taken on this subject, and having done all he could in opposing it, he should now discontinue all further opposition. Lord JOHN RUSSELL, in answer to Mr. Reynolds, said he proposed to take the third reading on Monday next. Mr. REYNOLDS theta suggested to Mr. Anstey that he should ❑ot, for the sake of the unfortunate prisoners, protract the debate upon this Bill any further. Mr. ANSTEY said that he did intend to move amend ments in the Committee, but those which now stood is his name had nothing in common with those which had gone before. He certainly should not oppose the Bill further on this occasion; but on the third reading, if it should bo deemed necessary, he should move an amend ment which would deprive the Bill of its ex post facto operation. The Hon. Member, after an explanation from the Attorney-General, with which he expressed himself dissatisfied, moved as an amendment to omit the words in page 2, "by the transportation of such offender to any place beyond the seas to which offenders may be transported." The amendment was rejected without a divison, and the House resumed; the Bill to stand first for Monday. Lord JOHN RUSSELL moved, that the House, at its rising, should adjourn till Monday, which was agreed to. The Mutiny and Desertion (India) Bill passed through Committee, as did also the Public Health (Scotland) Bill. _ _ The Collection of Rates (Dublin) Bill was referred to a Select Committee, on the motion of Sir W. SOMERVI LLE. The Bankruptcy (Ireland) Bill parsed through Com mittee, and the report was ordered to be brought up on Monday. PALACE COURT (WESTMINSTER) BILL. On the motion for going into Committee on the Palace Court (Westminster) Bill, Sir F. THESIGER opposed it. Mr. B. OSBORNE said he could not conceive how any person having the interest of his country at heart, should be desirous of opposing a measure, the object of which was to remove a den of infamy, which the whole country were crying out against. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said that on Monday he intended to bring in a Bill to remove the Palace Court, leaving it to a Select Committee to do justice to the case. Sir FREDERICK THESIGER said he was not op posed to the abolition of the Palace Court, but he wished to do so with justice to all parties. A great deal of unjust prejudice had been excited. He did hope that at that hour in the morning the Noble Lord would not press the Bill. Lord DUDLEY STUART said it should be recol lected the very great difficulty persons had not connected with the Government to get their motions on. If there was an institution looked upon with aversion, it was that court, which was looked upon as an establishment for grinding the faces of the poor. He had in his hands bills of costs other than those of Jaeob Omnium, which bore ~u t his assertion. The grievance is, that the costs are excessive, that it is a close court, that they are restricted to their counsel and attorney, that they had not a free choice, that it prevented people from enjoying the benefit of the County Court, that it was a more expensive court, and that it exercised the right of imprisoning people for debts under 201., when an Act of Parliament had been passed to prevent that. Was not that unjust ? But he did not wish to take any unfair advantage, and he wished for a day when he might bring forward this Bill, and carry it through. He thought the Attorney-General had been very dilatory, but he hoped that an understanding would be come to on the sabject. Mr. JOHN ABEL SMITH said he thought the Noble Lord was entitled to the support of the House, unless the Attorney-General named an early day for bringing in his Bill. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said that he could not satisfactorily bring in the Bill till he had made inquiry about the compensation that would be required, and the gentleman employed for that purpose had been seriously ill, and the measure had been consequently dt layed. The motion for going into Committee was then with drawn, and the other orders having been disposed of, the House adjourned at a Quarter to Two o'clock. IRELAND AND THE CORPORA TION OF LONDON. A numerous meeting of the members of the corpora tion was held yesterday at the Mansion House. The Right Hon. the Lord Mayor in the chair. His LORDSHIP said he was obliged to the gentlemen present for their attendance upon so short a summons. It afforded a proof of the importance of the subject upon which he desired an expression of their sentiments, as a preliminary measure to the calling of a Court of Common Council, if it were thought right that the cor poration should entertai❑ the question. His Lordship called the attention of the meeting to the observations made by Sir Robert Peel, in his celebrated speech on Irish affairs in the House of Commons, in which the Right Hon. Baronet held it out as a noble object of am oition to the corporation of London to follow the exam ple of their predecessors in former times, by becoming possessors of some of the extensive properties in Ire land, which were likely to be brought into the market, and thus become instrumental in conferring upon other portions of that interesting country the blessings of peace, order, and prosperity, which distinguished the northern provinces of the island, settled by means of the corporation and the great London companies. Mr. R. L. JONES said he would wish to ask the City solicitor whether they could safely enter into any nego tiations for the purchase of incumbered estates to Ire land until the Bill for giving a general title to property, disposed of under such circumstances, should pass into a law? Mr. C. PEARSON said that as this was only a prelimi nary meeting of gentlemen not acting in a corporate ca pacity, he did not attend as City solicitor, but as a pri vate individual feeling a deep interest in promoting the success of their object. He had, however, no hesitation in saying that he should never advise the corporation to think of making any purchases of incumbered estates in Ireland without a Parliamentary title.—(Hear, hear.) There seemed to be but little doubt of the Bill which had passed the House of Commons being speedily the law of the land; as, however, some mischance might attend the measure in the Upper House, the corporation, if they should seriously intend to embark in this great under taking, might apply to Parliament fur an especial Act, which would confer upon them full powers to carry out the object as effectually as if the purchases were made under the authority of the general Act.—(Hear.) It was difficult to predicate on any measure affecting (as the general Bill did) the interests of so many individuals, what might be its fate if opposed by parties whose pro perty would be subjected to its operation. But it was notorious that large tracts of land were now in the mar ket, where the mortgagors and the mortgagees, the tenants for life and the tenants in remainder, were all willing to concur in a sale under the authority of an Act of Parliament, whether a general Act or a special Act, and it must be equally obvious that all parties in the state would concur in passing a Bill to give facili ties for the accomplishment of such an object as that which bad been suggested by the Lord Mayor. A long discussion ensued, in which Mr. Wire, Mr. Wood, Mr. H. L. Taylor, Mr. Blake, and several other influential members of the corporation took part. They appeared to be unanimous in their anxiety to forward the measure, if, upon further inquiry, it should be found that it could be safely undertaken. A committee was then formed to make the requisite inquiries, in conformity with the feelings of the meeting. It was said that nearly every member who had been invited was present, and the Lord Mayor expressed his regret that, from the pressure of time, he had not bee❑ able to give notice to a large number of tho Aldermen and Common Council. MR. BUNN'S BSNEFLT.—It is seldom that we find a programme promising such a concentration of talent as does that for Mr. Bunn's benefit, which is to take place on Monday next, at Drury-lane. Every per son of any note in any branch of dramatic or musical art will be there. The elite of both Italian Operas, of the French Play, and of the German Opera, besides will be there to render assistance to the English artistes, all of whom of any celebrity have offered their services; foremost among these are Mrs. Nesbit and her sister, Miss Jane Mordaunt. That Mr. Bunn will have a bumper house there can be no doubt, and well he de serves it. FRENCH PLAYS, ST. JAMES'S THEATRE.—Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent, accompanied by the Duke and Duchess de Nemours, and attended by Lady Augusta Bruce, the Baroness de Speth, and Sir George Couper, honoured the performance at this theatre with their presence last evening. , Mr. Benedict's annual grand concert took place yesterday morning in the Great Concert-room of her Majesty's Theatre. DEATH OF CLARENCE MANGAN.—Saunderis News- Letter contains the following:—" Clarence Mangan, the poet, is no more. For some years past his health, as well as his circumstances had been in a most miserable condition, and within the last ten days ho was an inmate of one of the temporary hospitals erected for the accom modation of persons labouring under the present epi demic on the south side of the city. A few days ago he was found by one of the few friends that remained to him in a most wretched lodging, from whence he was removed to the Meath Hospital, where, under the kind care of Dr. Stokes ho appeared to make a slight rally. About ten o'clock on Wednesday night he had just ex pressed his gratitude to one of the officers of the insti tution for the kindness which he received, when he turned round in his bed and expired, apparently without a struggle." Clarence Mangan had been a frequent con tributor to the Dublin University Magazine and other i OVERLAND MAIL INDIA AND CHINA. (Prom the Herald.) We have received by Extraordinary Express, in advance of the Overland Mail, cur private corre spondence from Calcutta of May 2, BoMbay, May 12, Madras, May 9, and China, April 24, with files of newspapers of the same dates. The news received by this arrival is not of great importance. Tranquillity reigns nearly throughout India. There is an excep tion in the Nizam's dominions, where some dis turbances have broken out, a pretender to the throne having taken the field with 600 Robillas, with the evident object of plundering Ellichpore. Brigadier Onslow, at the head of his troop, marched against the rebels, and had several sharp hand•to-hand encounters. The insurgents at length took flight. We are sorry to add, that Brigadier Onslow at that moment fell over a precipice, and was killed on the spot. The escape of the mother of Dhuleep Singh is confirmed. We learn from China that the Emperor has re fused to open the city of Canton to British subjects, according to the stipulations entered into between her Majesty's late Plenipotentiary and the Imperial Commissioner. (From the Bombay Times of May 12.) SUMMARY, The Maharanee Chunda Koonwur, the mother of Dbuleep Singh, late Maharaja of the Punjaub, having been removed from Benares to Chunar for safe custody, on the night of the 18th of April, contrived to make her escape from prison, to elude her guards, and leave no trace behind her. After ten days of wondering where she could have gone, she has just been heard of in Ne paul,—this celebrated beauty having travelled three hundred miles in the disguise of a holy man or pilgrim through the most populous part of Bengal. On intimat ing her arrival, all she asked for from the Court was leave to live at liberty—a request not likely to be con• ceded to her. Arrangements for the settlement of the Punjaub are in progress; there does net appear to be any intention on the part of Government at present of increas ing the strength of the regular army. The hot season is running on apace. The rains on the Malabarcoast threaten to appear early. Some disturbances have broken out in the Nizam's dominions. Apps Sahib, a pretender to , the throne of Nagpore, having taken the field with a party of some 600 Rohillas, apparently for the purpose of plundering Ellichpore, Brigadier Onslow, command ing the division, marched against them on the 23d April. The force under him consisted of one 12-pounder how itz two 6-pounder guns, 150 horsemen of the 2d Nizam's cavalry, and four companies of the 4th, and five of the 7th Nizam's infantry. The troops arrived within twelve miles of the enemy before any alarm was given. On the 29th the insurgents first became aware that the troops were approaching by forced marches, and made immediate preparations to escape. Hearing of this, Brigadier Onslow immediately started in hopes of overtaking them, and reached the village of Kullum about daybreak on the 30th. The insurgents had now taken up a posi tion among the hills about six miles off, and though the men were fagged with long forced marches they begged so earnestly to be led against the enemy that the troops proceeded without halting. The insurgents now opened fire from the various ridges and ravines which had hitherto concealed them. Our artillery also opened; a standard was knocked over, and the hearer killed, about the first shot; and the enemy on this retired deeper into their fastnesses. The infantry now pushed on in skirmishing order; they werefired on as they advanced—on their close approach the enemy with drew. They were thus driven from range to range till our troops, overcome with an eighteen hours' march without food or rest, were literally unable to pursue them. Numberless hand-to-hand encounters occurred, and the conduct of the men appears to have been beyond all praise. Just as the contest closed, Brigadier On slow's horse slipped and threw him over a precipice; ho was killed on the spot. The Pretender and his man escaped; they were said to have retired in the direc• Lion of Mahow, and were expected to be fallen in with by the Hingolee force. The annexation of Satter& has not yet been proclaimed, though understood to be on the eve of completion. Mr. Frere, late resident—one of the most talented and benevolent men of his standing in the service—be comes commissioner, with the customary allowance of assistants. The Governor, Commander-in-Chief, and Bishop, of Bombay, are at the Mahabuleshwar Hills, which they leave for Poona at the end of the month. The Governor-General and Lord Gough are at Simla; Sir C. Napier was at Madras on the 2d of May; he de clined landing. He will be at Calcutta by the sth or 6th. Tho Commander-in Chief of Madras is at the Neilgherries. The Rev. Mr. Pigott has been appointed Archdeacon of Bombay, during the absence of Mr. Jeffreys. Captain H. M. Durand, Bengal Engineers, of Maulmain celebrity, has been appointed to officiate as assistant to the agent for the affairs of Scindiah's dominions. The services of Lieutenant-Colonel J. H. Ouseley, 66th Bengal N. 1., agent to the Governor- General, and Commissioner of the South-Western fron tier, have been placed at .the disposal of the COmman dGeory i e n r n - C m h e i n e t f, inthtehy, bein offices a n b o ov l e on n g a e m r ed r re g . equ c i ap d tai b n y j. t c he . Hannyngton has been temporarily appointed to the office, which the Ea•tern Star informs us is to be per manently conferred on Mr. J. H. Crawford, C.'S., who has recently officiated as Commissioner in Arracan. BOMBAY, FRIDAY AFTERNOON, MAY 11.—Both Our import and export markets have since our last exhibited great activity, as the season is drawing to a close. Money is plentiful, and one of our banks within the last week has loaered its rates of discount one per cent. Government securities maintain the advance that has taken place since the settlement of matters in the Pun jaub. Bank Shares have continued gradually to im prove—Oriental and Commercial being fully 1 per cent. higher than at the departure of last mail, and an in quiry for Agra Bank Shares has sent them up 3 per cent. Bombay Steam Navigation Company's Shares are still saleable only at a fearful sacrifice. CALCUTTA. (From the Bengal Hurkaru of May 2.) Seldom has it been our lot to be called upon to furnish forth a summary of news with so little of the raw material to work upon. When we have told our readers that the one great event of the last fort night is the escape of the ex-Ranee of Lahore from Benares or Chunar, we need add nothing more to illustrate the condition of peace and dulness to which India has suddenly been reduced. In Calcutta not a single event worth record has occurred. The English mail of 24th of March has not yet arrived, but may be expected hourly. CALCUTTA, MAT 2.—The commercial reports are still of a cheering character, imports and country produce being alike brisk in the market. Exchange has under gone little alteration; first•class bills, four months sight, have been sold at Is. 10 0.; similar paper, six months' sight, is quoted at Is. 1011 to Is. to i. Freights have advanced with the increase of shipments, sad ifor sugar 5/. to London and 4Z 10s. to Liverpool aro the ruling rates at present. NVe subjoin some extracts from the Indian and China papers : (From the Bombay Times of May 12.) THE PUNJAUB. Sir W. R. Gilbert was expected to reach Lahore by the Ist or 2d May. There is a rumour afloat that Shere Singh has broken his parole and transgressed the limits assigned to him: and surely never stranger or more un looked-for arrangement was made than that permitting the commanders of the late rebellion—to return to their native village, with the injunction to " behave themselves and not run away, or they would be severely punished next time." At Lahore a moveable brigade has been ordered to be In readiness to march at a moment's no tice, and the whole of the troops had been fully supplied with ammunition. The Ranee Chundah has been traced at last ; but the planning and exe cution of her escape, and her journey to Nepaul, dis close a degree of ingenuity and enterprise on her part and that of her abettors, as well as a want of care and circumspection on ours, we were not at all pre pared for. She vanishes from Chunar about the 18th, and makes her appearance at Nepaul about the 27th, having in nine days travelled over nearly- 300 miles of ground in the character of a holy man. The change of character is nearly as striking as that of the sex she has assumed. That the Light of the Harem, so famous fer her profligacy and beauty, should for such a length of time have successfully enacted the character of saint, seems the strangest of all her transformations. She seeks, it seems, but leave to live amongst the hills — freedom and a mountain home—a boon, we fear, that can hardly be conceded to her consistently with consi derations of the safety of the State.—From Peshawur we have letters to the 23d ultimo, but scarcely any news. Lieutenant Henry, A.D.C. to the Right Honourable the Governor, has just returned to Bombay and rejoined his appointment. He appears to have experienced very great danger in descending the rapids of the Indus near Karabaugh, the highest p oint to which L ieutenant Chris topher was able to take the Conqu..eror. It is understood that the officers holding staff appointments at the Presi• dency will be allowed to quit Peshawur and return to Bombay without delay. NIZAM'S DOMINIONS. SKIRMISH WITH THE PRETENDER ♦PPA SAHIB, NEAR oaltfacEivniek. beencinzrt; o 3knb n aei n z nawd , dr hl oyEi those favouredoi T os teh l lopEo of krf3eoA, place pet between Fet on nen Sahib,rtt h n reer. subjoinedt.t hr 3 o: ot hprs ac countr oeo IAI .p W rui e l Pre tender to the throne of Nagpore:— " CAMP KULLUM, MAY 1, 1849.—Y0u will I dare say like to know the particulars of a fight that took place yesterday at this place between the Nizam's troops under the command of Brigadier Onslow. commanding the ElUchpore Division, and a body of Rohillas in the service of the pretender to the Nagpore throne, calling ' himself Appa; I therefore sit down to write you an ac count of the affair. The force under the command of Brigadier Onslow, consisting of 2 six-pounders, 1 twelve-pounder howitzer, 150 horsemen of the 2d Nixtm's cavalry, 4 0 companies of the 4th Regiment Nizam's infantry, marched from Ellichpore on the evening of the 23d ultimo, for the purpose of at tacking the Pretender Appa► who was encamped at this village (about six miles from the Nagpore frontier) with about 600 Rohillas. The force, .by making forced JUNE 23, marches, arrived on the 29th ult. within twenty-five miles of this place, before giving Appa and his troops the alarm. On cur arrival at that distance from them, they heard of our approach and immediately made prepara tions to move off, which they did about midday of the 29th. On our hearing that the insurgents intended leaving this, we started at once in hopes of overtaking them before they could carry their designs into execu tion, and arrived at Kullum by daylight of the 30th. We found that the insurgents had taken up a position in some hills about six miles from this. The men, though fagged after a long march, begged so earnestly to be led against the insurgents forthwith, that we proceeded on without halting. On arriving near the hills the advance guard of the 2d Nizam's cavalry was fired upon, and a horseman badly wounded. Simultaneously with this large bodies of Rohillas showed themselves on the spurs of the hills, in which they had taken up their po sition, and unfurled gaudy standards, which they planted in defiance on the brows of the hills, and kept up a fire on the advancing column. The artillery was or dered to the front, and threw a few rounds of shrapnel into the most prominent body of the enemy—one of which cut down a standard and killed the bearer of it. On this tho insurgents retreated to the most inaccessible part of the range of hills, where they took up a fresh position. On this the infantry advanced to the attack in skirmishing order, and scaled the heights in splendid style. The enemy continued firing on us until we neared the top, when they retreated, but different bodies of the Rohillas were overtaken, when several hand to-hand encounters took place, and about 20 Ro billet were cut up, and a standard captured by a sepoy of the 7th Regiment. The Rohillas were beaten from range to range until they disappeared in the ravines and jungle beyond, and as the men had been constantly marching for 18 hours without food or rest, the pursuit was discontinued. The bodies of twenty dead Rohillas (one of them a chief of consequence amongst them), were counted in the bills, and five prisoners taken • it is reported that many of the wounded were left behind in their flight. The Pretender Appa was with the Ro hillas during the skirmish, but owing to the start he had of us, and the inaccessible nature of the ground for cavalry, he could not be captured, and es caped into the hills with the Rohillas. All the men behaved splendidly, and evinced the greatest anxiety to close with the enemy; the gallantry of the detachment of the 2d cavalry was most conspicuous. They ascended hills which were so steep as to be a tough job for light infantry even, and attacked the Rohillas wherever they met them. They received not only swordcuts and matchlock balls, but also severe contu sions from stones with which the Rohillas pelted them as they ascended. On one occasion a small party of the duffada and a few horsemen came upon a gole of about 30 Rohillas on a small plot of level ground on the top of the hills, and without hesitation charged into the midst of them and killed six Rohillas, on their part having ono man killed and three wounded. Jest at the close of the skirmish a dreadful accident occurred which caused the death of Brigadier Onslow, and deprived us of a commander beloved by us all. He was returning from the top of the hills, when his horse slipped and threw him with violence down the hill on his head. Medical assistance was immediately procured, but the Brigadier died almost instantly. The Pretender Appa has made across the hills with the greater part of his Rohillas, and it seems as if he were making for Mahow, in which case he will come across the Hingolee force, who will, no doubt, give a good account of them. We follow in pursuit this evening across the hills, but with our guns will not be able to move in the difficult country so rapidly . as we could wish, All accounts agree that Appa is a prisoner in the hands of the Rohillas, who use him as a tool, or rather make use of him as an ex cuse for plundering the country, which they have done to a fearful extent already, and are loaded with plunder in the shape of gold ornaments. Appa is said to have entreated the Rohillas not to resist us, as by doing so they would ruin his cause; but they refused to listen to him, as they were anxious to save their property, which they declare they will only part with together with their lives. CHINA. GOVERNMENT NOTIFICATION. The Chinese Government having declined to carry into effect the stipulations entered into between her Majesty's late Plenipotentiary and Keying, the late Imperial High Commissioner, by which it was agreed that the city of Canton should be opened to British subjects on the 6th instant, the same is hereby notified for general information; and her Majesty's Plenipo tentiary, &c., &c., directs that no British subject shall for the present attempt to enter the city. By order, IV. CAINE, Colonial Secretary, 1(In the absence of Mr. Johnson). Victoria, Hong-Kong, April 2, 1849. (From the China Mail of April 24.) Dr. Bowring proceeded, on the 12th inst., in the Medea, to assume his duties as British Consul at Canton. On Dr. Bowring's arrival the fact was intimated to the Imperial Commissioner, accompanied with a propo sal that his Excellency should appoint a meeting for the purpose of receiving the Learned Gentleman on enter ing upon office. Seu acknowledged the communication, but declined the meeting, being contrary, we presume, to his notions of etiquette; and as it would have consti tuted a precedent for all other Consuls, the refusal is not to be wondered at. We learn that the commercial guilds, feeling assured ' from Mr. Bonham's notification, published last week, that there is no immediate danger of hostilities, hue resolved to resume trade. COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE. BO it BAY, FRIDAY AFTERNOON, MAY 11. COTTON PIECE Goons.—Several vessels with large supplies of these goods have arrived since our last—all which have been eagerly bought up for dispatching into the interior. Grey and bleach( d jacconets and shirtings are in active demand, and command as high, if not higher, prices as at date of last report. Grey Made pollams are in very good inquiry; bleached are in good demand, as also those of coarse make, and T cloth. Grey domestics are dull of sale. Dyed Goods—Turkey red plain cloth is in demand, while twilled and prints are dull. COTTON YARN.—The market has become dull, and prices have declined, owing to the importation of about 1,500 bales; but as there were no stocks previously on hand, the dulness will probably be but temporary. Dyed Turkey red is dull of sale, and orange is not in as good inquiry as before. METALS.—Copper is dull, and prices have declined. Lead nominal. Spelter rather dull. English bar iron has slightly receded in value: in Swedish there is no change. SAFFRON.-100 lb. of this article have been sold at Rs. I t, and 400 lb. at Es. 10i- per lb. COCHINEAL—The demand for this article has con tinued good, and our last quotations are fully main tained. MARINE STORES.—Canvas, oil of linseed, and spirits of turpentine are in demand. Cordage and paints are rather dull. BEER.—WO aro glad to notice that the quality of All sopp's last October brew has been pronounced by the oest judges to be 'unexceptionable. We have heard of sales to the extent of 50 hhds., at rs. 60 per hhd. In Bass's we have heard of no transactions. 30 hhds. of Tennent's have been sold at rs. 30 per hhd, EXPORTS. COTTON WooL.---The market for this stable has been very active since the arrival of the last English mail, and large purchases have been made for the home market. Prices Piave advanced, and are firmly maintained. OPlUM.—Thoprice of this drug has risen still further, and we quote it to-day at rs. 1,450 per chest. EXCHANGE. The demand for this mail has been very trifling, and transactions almost entirely confined to Jardine Mathe son and Co.'s paper, which has been sold at Is. 10iti.; other China bills were offering, but holders asked Is. 1011, expecting to obtain that rate next week, when it is supposed a large amount will be required for remit tance. On Calcutta, exchange has advanced in conse quence of the Company having raised their rate at home to Is. 10d. Since the arrival of this news, Court of Directors' Bills at 60 days' sight have been sold al par, at 4 annas premium, and other usance in pro. portion. FREIGHTS. —Owing to numerous arrivals, freights have experienced a further decline of 10s. to London and Liverpool, and in consequence large purchases of cotton have been made for the home market, shippers expecting that rates will go still lower when the January and February vessels make their appearance; China rates have also declined 1 rupee per candy. The rates of to day are to London 31., to Liverpool 31. 7s. 6d. per ton; to China rs. 11k to re. 12 per candy. CALCUTTA. , (From the Bengal Hurkaru of May 2.) CALCUTTA, MAY 2.—ln the absence of further news from Europe. business remains without many changes to report. There is no check in the export trade. Most country produce finds a ready sale as it comes in. Stocks in the Bazaar continue low, and prices are gene rally firm. A few sales of indigo still occur, and 129,600 mds. have now been shipped—sugar remains in great favour, and supply being still short, prices are high—silk now commences to be met with in more quantity, but buyers hold off, the prices asked being high—corahs ara taken up as they arrive, at the advanced rates esta blished. There is a steady demand for saltpetre. In rice there is little doing for homeward shipment. Shell lac and lac dye remain in request. The opium market is quiet. Prices have fluctuated little, but the tendency has been downward, and Patna is quoted re. 1,025 per chest. The steamer's news from China to the 30th of March arrived on the 28th inst., per Cowasjee Family. Imports now come in freely, and an ample supply of most British goods is at market. Shipped at low cost, the range of prices is sufficiently high to make importers desirous to sell. Manchester piece Goods have been freely offered, great exertions having been used to work off.ed s ome quantity. m Prices have hithertq been fairly a n continuing large, are now looking don i w t a' n . but arrivals a little. Glasgow light fabrics have been in fair inquiry, and show little change in value. Coloured and print ed cottons are generally more wanted. an d sales are more difficult to Mule twist is low er, make. Metals 'hew few changes, and prices are generally supported. Government se curities maintain the advanced rates: a nd are firm at our quotations. Quotations of Company's Paper are— New Fives ..... Per cent. Rs. 0 4to Rs. 0 6 disct. Sicca Fives „ ~ 18to,, 1 12 Company's Fours „ ~ 13 oto „13 8 ~ Sicca Fours The demand for Bills on England continues somewhat limited; 4 m. s, bills are reported sold at ls. lOid., and 1849. the rate for 6 m. s. is le. 101 d. to Is. ICii. for first-class paper. Freights have advanced, in con.equence of the in creasing shipments of sugar and Khaur. To London 51. for sugar, and to Liverpcol 41. Ios., are the rates of the day. CHINA. IMPORTS. COTTON.—RAW COTTON.—OnIy 7,000 bales Bombay have been disposed of at 4 2 to 5 for common, 5.8 to 5.9 for middling, and 6to 6.2 for fine. Quotations for other kinds nominal, at for Bengal 6.8 to 7.5; Madras, 6.6 to 7.4; American, 7.2. COTTON YARN.—Sales, 180 bales at for Nos. 16 to 24, 22.50 dols. to 23.50 dols.; 28 to 32, 26 dols. to 26.50 dols.; and 38 42, 26.50 dols. to 27 dols. In American, no transactions—nominal at 20.50 dols. to 21 dols. The deliveries have been 621 bales and 147 half bales, leav ing a stock of 5,717 bales and 1,227 half bales, against 2,966 bales and 2,347 half bales at the same period last sear. -- - LONG CLOTHS.—The sales reported have been only some 7,500 pieces greys at 2 do , s. to 2.10 dols. for com mon, weighing 5+ to 51. catties, 2.40 dots. to 2.45 dots. for 625. to 665. of 6 to 61 catties, and 2 60 dots. to 2,65 dots. for 72i. of 7i catties. In whites no transactions, and prices nominal at 2.34 dots. to 2.40 dots. for com mon, 2.55 dots. to 2.60 dots. for 665., and 2.80 dols. to 2.85 dols. for 729. Stocks of both kinds light. AMERICAN GOODS.—In drills, the transactions have been very small, only 2,500 pieces at 1.95 dots. for 30 yards, and 2.55 dots. to 2.60 dots. for 40 yards; stock in first hands small. Jeans scarce, and wanted at 2.50 dots. In aheetings, no sales, 2.40 dols. to 2.45 dots, for 40 yards goods having been refused by holder. WOOLLENS.—SPANISR STRlpEs.—Sales of 1,500 pieces reported at 1 dol. to 1.15 dots. for best quality. EXPORTS. TEAS.—Black.—The small stocks of all kinds have limited transactions. Of congous, sonchong, and flowery pekoe, there are 10,000 chests remaining, all of common quality, a large proportion being of the lowest grade. 2,000 half chests of orange scented pekoe, and 2,000 boxes of scented caper, have been settled this month. Ning Yong and Ankoi none. Of scented teas from new leaf and flower, we shall have none till June. New con gous are not expected till the end of that month. GREENS.—There may be of all descriptions 8,000 pkgs., mostly very inferior qualities. Of Canton the stock is small. . -..____ RAW SILK.—No transactions, the whole stock con sisting of some 50 bales shuhing worth 260 dols. FREIGHTS.—To England, 31. 35.; ships abundant, and still going away in ballast. Bills on Lyndon at six months' sight, 4s. Cid. to 4s. id. Company's accepted 214 dols. SHANGHAE MARKET. IMPORTS. SHANGHAE, Amu. 9.—The extensive purchases of imports mentioned in our last have had their effect on the market, and dealers seem unwilling to increase their already large stocks, even at a considerable reduction in prices EXPORTS. TEA.—Black—There has been less activity; the quan tity reported sold is 3,090 packages at the rates current last month. The stock remaining is about 3,000 all of common quality. Greens-5,000 is the quantity said to have been set tled, the larger portion being for America. Young Hyson, skin, and twanky, have been the kinds mostly dealt in, and !prices generally have ruled higher. The stock is about 6,000 to 7,000 packages of all descriptions. RAW SILK.—The purchases during the month have been about 1,000 bales at 240 dolls. to 250 dolls. for medium Taysaam, and 325 dolls. to 370 dolls. for second and third quality Tsatlee. EXCHANGES.—On London 4s. 4d. to 4s. 6d. CANTON MARKET. . CANTON, APRIL 23.—1 n our last we mentioned that the unsettled state of the question of opening the city gates to foreigners had for a time entirely put a stop to trade; but shortly after the determination of the Chinese not to do so had been communicated to Mr. Bonham on the 3d, and his Excellency's notification on the subj e ct published, the excitement began to subside, and we ex pect business will very soon resume its proper course. NAVAL INTELLIGENCE. PROMOTIONS. Foremen of Shipwrights—Joseph Large, Esq., of Wool wich Dockyard, to be assistant master shipwright at Sheer ness; Loyalty Peake, Esq., of Sheerness Dockyard, to be assistant master shipwright of the same establishment; John Fincham, Esq., of Devonport Dockyard, to be as sistant master shipwright at Chatham ; Henry Cradock, Esq., of Portsmouth Dockyard, to be assistant master ship v right unattached. - ------------- ArPOINTMENTS. Captain—Charles Wise to the Queen, 110, flag-ship, fitting for the Mediterranean. Commander—Edward Codd to the Queen. Lieutenants—F. J. Diggins, the Hon. H. G. Douglas, J. F. Ross, and L. R. Reynolds, to the Queen ; H. B. Hard man, E. Scott, NV. B. Urrnston, and John Ward, to La Hogue, 60, at Sheerness; W. R. G. Palliser and T. B. Lethbridge to the Queen. Masters--John Jackson to the Queen; G. H. K. Bower to La Hogue. Paymasters and Pursers—George Nicholls to the Queen; Henry South to La Hogue. Mates—C. Fairholme and H. Hathorn, to La llogue. Second Masters—Edward Youell to the Queen ; G. W. Grey to La Hogue. Clerks—J. R. G. Brown, W. Barons, and James Ray, to the Queen; G. D. Gordon and R. IL Lowcay, to La Hogue; C. W. Harris to the Ranger; and William Dewar to the Centaur. Midshipmen—W. W. Wise, E. Wilmot, F. H. Hume, the Hon. W. IL L. Anson, A. Cruickshanks, G. R. Fitzgerald, E. H. Howard, G. Borlase, C. Batty, R. W. Browne, C. B. C. Dent, F. W. Turton, and Basil S. Hall, to the Queen ; A. R. Wright, G. W. Strong, C. R. Tuckey, G. D. Fitzroy, and It. M. Gillson, to La Hogue; N. J. Murphy to the Im pregnable. Masters' Assistants—W. H. Parker to La Hogue, H. S. Cooper and A. Paterson to the Queen. Naval Cadets —W. Codrington, L. H. P. Strachey, and E. R. Fremantle to the Queen; H. Kerr, H. J. Marshall, and A. L. Lathbury, to La Hogue. Boatswains—Thomas Jasper to the Queen; John Layton to La Hogue. Carpenters—William Braxton to La Hogue. PLYMOUTH, JUNE 21.—A court-martial will be held on board the Impregnable, in Hamoaze, to-morrow, far the trial of Mr. Edward Eastabrook, boatswain (2d class) of the Spartan, Captain T. M. Symonds, who is charged with neglect of duty and drunkenness. The Castor will be paid advance on Saturday, and will sail immediately after for the Cape of Good Hope, taking mails for Madeira, Ascension, and the Cape of Good Hope. She is to relieve the Southampton at the Cape, which ship, bearing the flag of Admiral Reynolds, will proceed to the Brazils, where Admiral Reynolds takes the command, relieving Sir Thomas Herbert, in the Raleigh. The Raleigh may be ex pected here early in December. The Sampson has been added to the reserve steam squadron at this port. The Hibernia, 104, Captain Wise, has been paid off to-day. The Sphynx steamer sails to day for Portsmouth with the marines from the Hibernia. The Queen, 110, will shortly be put in commission, with a complement of 970 men. Powrsmount, JUNE 22.—The Pantaloon, 8, Commander Prevost, brought into harbour this morning, would be paid off it is supposed, although she has not yet completed twelve months' commission. If there has been anything wrong here, how much easier would it have been, and how much more economical, to have put another commander into her, instead of bringing her home from the coast of Africa, and paying her off (which we believe to be the intention), just as she was beginning to get into good order and disci pline. The expense of even this little affair will be some thing worth saving.—Times. The Elfin steam dispatch boat will leave this harbour early to-morrow for the Thames, to be in readiness for the com mands of the Prince Consort on his Royal Highness's forth coming visit to Chatham. The Sphynx steam-sloop, Acting-Commander Hewlett (Commander of the Excellent), arrived this morning from the Downs, last from Plymouth, with the marines and sea men, and seamen gunners, belonging to this port, paid off from the Hibernia. She also brought convicts and a few supernumeraries. She will sail again this evening for the Channel. A pair of powerful shears were yesterday erected on the south side of the new steam basin for the more convenient removal or fitting of boilers on board the steam fleet. ROYAL MARINES.—Major-General Lord Frederick Fitz clarence, &c., and staff, proceeded to Gosport this morning to inspect the books of the Royal Marines. Wind, S.W. ; moderate breezes and fine weather. C HAT HAM, JNE 22.—The Boscawen, 70 guns, was nn docked this day, having been fitted for the ordinary; and the Juno, 26 guns, was taken into the dock immediately after wards, to have her defects made good and to be fitted for commission. The Childers, 12 gun sloop, Commander John C. Pitman, from the East Indies, is ordered to this port to be paid off into ordinary. The Dover lighter is alongside the dockyard, loading stores for Portsmouth and Plymouth dockyards. Mr. George Colegatc, leading man of joiners in this yard, is promoted to inspector at Sheerness yard. The following invalids from India arrived yesterday at the Invalid Depot :-2 sergeants, 4 corporals, and 21 privates of the 15th Hussars, and 1 sergeant and 17 privates of the 51st King's Own Light Infantry, under command of Lieutenant T. Horam, 84th; 3 women and 12 children came with the troops, who left Madras on the 24th of February last by the ship Gloriana, Captain Bristowe. Previous to the ship arriving at the Cape, on the 17th of April, a mutiny of the crew broke out ; 13 of the ringleaders were escorted to the shore and taken before a magistratdeavasylhaehoCuarpoen. Each of the seamen were sentenced to 28 e ship was delayed in consequence eight the public roads, and to work in chains . The days. slst one man. The same lost by death two men, in thevcainvalids4sth, ain fro l tn yr t i h g e ht Cap T elb ey rou c g o h n t . 45th, 73d, 91st, and Rifle Brigade, Joseph 0 sisted of the 6th, 27th, Ist battalion to th number of 55 men Ensign Crampton, and Dr. of all ranks, under command of J. Lieutenant power,officeroithe wg 9 a l n st , Regiment. Most of the men of the 45th are suffering from bad eyes. WOOLWICH, JUNE 22.—The Alecto steam-vessel, Com mander Massingberd, was pa id off here to-day. A great portion of the crew came ashore at one o'clock, to attend the funeral of a deceased messmate, who was taken to the Marine Hospital on Monday afternoon, and died the same night. The Grappler steam-vessel, Commander Lysaght, has been deferred paying off until Monday or Tuesday next, by which time a court-martial on one of her marines is expected to be concluded. The court-martial is being held on board the flag-ship at Sheerness, to which vessel the marine was taken in the Monkey steam-vessel, on the arrival of the Grappler. The bottom of the Grappler has been cleared of barnacles, and her preservation from sinking may be attributed to them, as there were several other holes in her bottom besides the one formerly noticed. The corrosion of the iron where the other holes have been discovered is attributed to the pre sence or proximity of copper bolts. The departure of the Egyptian frigate Sharkie has been postponed for a short time. POST-OFFICE NOTlCE.—Foxford, county of Mayo, Ireland, having been constituted a post town, the post office there will be opened for the issue and payment of money orders on and after the 6th July neat. COURT CIRCULAR. The Qu, en and Prince Albert rode out on horseback on Thursday, attended by the Countess of Desart, Lieut.- Colonel the Hon. C. B. Phipps, and Colonel Bouverie. His Royal Highness Prince Albert, attended by Col. Bouverie, inspected the Scots Fusilier Guards yesterday morning. Her Majesty, accompanied by the Duchess de Ne mours, Prince Alfred, the Princess Alice, and the Prin cess Helena, took a drive yesterday in an open - carriage and tour. Lieut.-Colonel the Hon. C. B. Phipps attended on horseback. . _ _ His Royal Highness Prince Albert presided yesterday afternoon at a meeting of the Commission for promoting and encouraging the fine arts in the rebuilding the Palace of Westminster. His Royal Highness arrived at three o'clock, attended by Colonel Bouverie. The Commissioners present were the Marquis of Lansdowne, the Earl of Carlisle, Viscount Can ning, Lord Lyndhurst, Lord Colborne, the Right Hon. the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Earl of Lincoln, Lord Mahon, the Right Hon. Sir Robert Peel, Sir Robert Harry Inglis, and Mr. Hallam. The Secretary, Mr. East lake, was in attendance. The meeting broke up at a quarter before seven o'clock. Mr. G. Robinson, Captain Light, Captain Smith, R.N., and Mr. Collemby, attended sr. Buckingham Palace yesterday, to present, for the use of his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, a boat, constructed by Messrs. Searle, her Majesty's boat-builders. The boat was rendered a perfect life-boat, by the introduction of Captain Light's marine buoyancy material between the timber. The Queen and Prince Albert honoured the Sacred Har monic Society with their presence, at Exeter-hall, last night, to witness the performance of Mendelssohn's music to the sacred drama of "Athalie." The Royal suite consistcd of the Countess of Desert, Lady in waiting; the Hon. Caroline Cavendish and the Hon. Lucy Kerr, Maids f Honour in waiting; Lord Carnoys, Lord in waiting; Lord George Lennox, Lord in waiting to his Royal Highness; Colonel Berkeley Drummond, Groom in waiting; Lieutenant-Colonel the Hon. C. B. Phipps, Equerry in wait ing ; and Colonel Bouverie, Equerry in waiting to * his Royal Highness. The Duke and Duchess de Nemours visited her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent yesterday at Clarence House, St. James's. Prince Ernest of Hesse Philippstahl visited her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge yesterday at Cambridge House. Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent, attended by Lady Augusta Bruce and Sir George Couper, honoured the French play with her presence yesterday evening. Their Royal Highnesses the Duchess of Cambridge and the Hereditary Grand Duchess of Mecklenburg Strelitz, honoured Mrs. R. Cavendish with their company yesterday evening, at her residence in Chesham-place. A deputation, including Mr. C. Hindley, M.P., Messrs. R. C. L. Bevan, Hayman, James, Craig, and Beecher, had an interview yesterday with Sir George Grey, at the Home Office. Mr. T. Hankey had an interview with Earl Grey yester day. Mr. Morgan had also an interview yesterday with his Lordship, at the Colonial Office. A deputation from the London and Blackwell Railway Company, including Mr. Alcock, M.P., Mr. Pearce, and Mr. Tyerman. transacted business yesterday at the Office of the Railway Commissioners in the Board of Trade. Mr. Loch bad an interview with the Right Hon. H. La bouchere yesterday. Dispatches were sent off yesterday evening from the Colo nial-office for the Governors of Canada, St. Helena, and the Cape of Good Hope. Messrs. Doogood, Mac Dermott, and Wilson, and Mr. Fin den (secretary), a deputation from the Newspaper Short hand Writers' Association, had an interview with Sir George Grey yesterday, at the Home-office. Mr. Palmer, M.P., had also an interview yesterday with the Right Hon. Baronet. Mr. John Wood, chairman of the Board of Inland Revenue, had an interview with the Chancellor of the Emohequer yesterday. The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council sat yester day, and heard the following cases ;—Queen v. Dias—Vice Admiralty St. Helena—Davis v. Vidal, Jamaica (ex-parte) —Davis v. Barrett, Jamaica (ex-parte)—and the Queen and Fitzerald v. Quetron, Vice-Admiralty of the Gambia (ex parte). PRINCESS'S THEATRE. Last night the German company (lately at Drury-lane) commenced a brief series of performances at this theatre. Don Juan was the opera selected for the occasion ; and in most respects the cast was the same as when we noticed the first representation of the chef d'auvre by the same company a short time since. Herr Pischek again appeared as the hero, playing and singing with all his usual energy and effect, but certainly not forming a beau ideal of the disso lute but accomplished and elegant Don. Herr Formes was exceedingly admirable as Loprello, and sang throughout with great ability and power. Madlle. Von Romani was ex tremely good as Donna Anna. The character of Elvira was filled by Madlle. Oswald, who rendered the music allotted to the part with spirit and much efficiency, and would have been still more satisfactory and pleasing if she had displayed more delicacy in her execution, with more discrimination in vocal light and shade. Her voice is full and powerful, and only requires a little more judgment in the use of it to pro duce a more pleasing effect, Madlle. Emilia Walter (first singer to the King of Wirtemberg) was an able representive of Zerlina, singing and acting with appropriate gaiety and coquetry. The opera was also in other respects satisfac torily performed. The house was well attended. CRICKET. KENT V. ENGLLND. This match, which was commenced at the Bat and Ball Ground, Gravesend, on Thursday, was brought to a close yesterday evening in favour of England, by 43 runs. The following is the score • ENGLAND. Chatterton, c Felix, b Hillyer 16 b Martingell Dean, b Hillyer Parr, c Hillyer, b Myuu 7 b Hillyer Wisden, c Martin, b Myna... 2 c Ilinkly, b lltllyer ... 8 Box, c Clifford, b Ilillyer ... 4 c Holland, b Martingell 25 Guy, c Dirkly, b Hillyer... 16 c Clifford, b Martitigell 0 Clarke, c Ilinkly, b Hillyer 17 not out 11. W. Liudow, Esq., b Mar gcll Hodson, c Hinkly, b Hillyer 1 b Martingeq Butler, run out . Lillywhite, not out b 4, w 3, n b— 7 b 9, w 1, n b... 10 Total ll2 KENT. Total ...... ... 116 Adams, c and b Wisden 6 b Wisden... . . ..... . 20 W. Pilch, b Wisden Holland, c Hodson, b Lilly white F. Pilch, run out... 6 b Wisden ..... 21 Hillyer, b Wisden ....... 2 c and b Clarke ..... .... 0 N. Felix, Esq., c Box, b Wis den A. hlynn, Esq., c Box, b Lillywhite 3 c Chatterton, b Dean a Martingell, c Wisden, b Lil lywhite Martin, b Lillywhite Clifford, not out .. 6 c Guy, b Clarke... ..... Hinkly, b Wisden b 1, w , n b 1 b 3, w , n b ... 3 5 c Hodson, b Wisden... 0 Total 57 Total l2B UNIVERSITY or OXFORD V. UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE. The match was resumed yesterday at Lord's, in the pre sence of a large assemblage. The score stood as follows. from which it will be seen that Cambridge won by three wickets : OXFORD. Mr. 0. Hanbury b Blore 12 c .1. Walker, b Blore 0 Mr. J. Aitken c King, b Blore 36 c Deacon, b Blore ... 2 Mr. C. Coleridge c and b King 34 c Whymper, b King 21 Mr. J. C. Patteson b Potter 25 c Blayds, b 810 re...... 2 Mr. C. Ridding, not out 27 c Fenn, b King Mr. J. Chitty 1b w b King... 2 not out ... Mr. W. Ridding c and b Potter 7 b King Mr. A. Ridding, run out ll b Blore ...... .. l5 Mr. A. Wilson b 810 re... ll b King Mr. C. Willis b Blore Mr. M. Jones b Blore ... 0 b King 0 Byes, 18; wide, 13 198 CAMBRIDGE. 69 Mr. E. Blayds b Jones ----- - 7 -C Ridding, b Willis... 13 Mr. W. Barnett c Willis, b Jones ... l4 b Willis l2 Mr. S. Deacon b Wi11i5......... 5 b Hanbury Mr. R. T. King c C. Ridding, b Willis Mr. T. Jenyns b Hanbury ... 27 b Hanbury Mr. J. Walker, c b Willis ... 7 c Hanbury, b Jones 0 Mr. W. Whymper, not out ... 7 1b w b Willis Mr. E. Blore, run out Mr. F. Walker b Jones 0 b Willis 4. Mr. A. Potter c Hanbury, b Jones Mr. W. Fenn b Willis Byes, 11; wide, 6; no ball, 118 Byes, 5; wide, 8... 13 136 Cambridge thus won by three wickets. BOAT FOR HIS ROTAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCE or WALZS.—By command of his Royal Highness Prince Albert, Mr. H. G. Robinson, Captain Light, Captain Smith R.N., and Mr. C. Manby, the Secretary of the Institution of Giwil Engineers, attended at B uc ki ng h am palace' Fridayconstructed on morn ing, to present a beautiful life-boat, oprtrucec d a peculiar principle, faorrehtihseßoyal dimensions igi of t e h t e he bo r at:— Feet. Inches. of Wales. The Di t t o on the keel Breadth at the main thwart ..• ... 3 2/ 200 Length over all Ditto at the back board thwart ... 2 11/ Ditto at the rowlock ... 3 7/ Depth... •• ••• ••• ••• 0 11/ She was built by Messrs. George Serle and Sons of Lamteth, boat builders to her Majesty, and is constructed of bird's. eye maple, the linings, saxboards, and thwarts being of Spanish mahogany; her keel band, stem band, and rudder hangings are of bronz e, the rudder of map l e, w i t h a carve d yoke, gilt, and silk lines and tassels, o f cr i mson an d go ld colour. She is also fitted with an el egant l y carve d c h a i r , t h e seat of which is covered with crimson and satin damask, with an elaborate pattern in raised velvet of the same colour, the back being supported by the Prince of Wales' feathers, carved in maple and heightened with gold. The rowing mat is of the same material as the cushion of the chair, and there is a small foot ottoman of Utrecht velvet. The sculls are of mahogany, and very light. The boat, which is a " single sculling skiff," is lined throughout between the tim bers with Captain Light's patent material, which gives to her all the buoyancy and other properties of a life-boat. In some recent trials of this principle on the boats f or t h e pre ventive service at Deal it was found to render them ex at the e they d uties are constantly ex tremely buoyant, and a!, the same time to sti ff en them so s n ta w n h tl i y ch in t much under canvas that it is determined to adopt it for the service employed genaereraslul3Ch as thhdeasaegedanger boatsaf be ing s wamped; re but the recent experi men t s s h owe d t h a t when the boats were lined with Light's buoyancy material they were capable of carrying a full complement of hands with much more dead weight than usual, and yet when filled gun wale deep with water cou ld not b e su b me rged. the same principle has beon extensively used in the construction of life belts, buoys, &c., and for the stuffing yacht cushions, mat trasses, &c. ; and as the material used is merely light tough reeds properly p r ep are d, and only three-fifths the weight of cork, no inju r y can e nsue from punctur e or cutting, as with air cushions, or the destruction of the elasticity, as in the case of cork shavings. THE ELEVENTH fitssAits.—The 11th, Prince Al ' bert's Own, Hussars, Colonel the Earl of Cardigan. will be inspected by his Royal Highness Prince Albert on Wednesday next, at eleven A.M., on Wimbledon. COraMos.