The Sun. — London, England, 1849-11-15 00:00:00

mpli mged, g able dell of Al the ks in ion, if doubt. which ie first n the t poor k and was 3, was ste in • it was art to ,ed to while RES. [PATSY ND Li ao ven- kers:-- formed °Mind° 12 71 2 6 15 11 AY . ) Courts a were of the as only Llity of s heavy' had B Mutton, :, 3s 4d p com- Other -I.m 25 35 ; Calves, ?s; and steady Kuttou, ;, 3 s 6d Ana of the nd Wales I PRif. i 30s lld PEAS, Is Od Ind AC abne- Ctioll Of fisbing letober, rem ber, of the here :en Was WO, :,ers h e fish ier uPt ly were Lied one weight nen re waters )arbon xsordi -26 ths* , 28 lbs., i lbs.-- ick the rce d to ioughts TIIE SUN, RAILWAY INTELLIGENCE. SOU FII WALLS. Yesterday, at two o'clock, the adjourned meeting of this company was held at the Paddington qation of the Great Western Railway ; Mr. J. Mee Mat thews, in the absence of the Hon. Mr. Talbot, pre siding. There WAS a full attendance of directors, with but only few proprietors. The meeting was consequent on a resolution carried at the half-yearly meeting on 301 i August, when five shareholders, Messrs. Macnaghten, Morrison, Mor timer, Stead, and Baker were ri,quested to meet the directors, and to make, conjointly with them, such applications to the Great Western Railway directors as they might deem advisable, and to report their opinions and remarks to the proprietors on all matters brought under their notice. The CHAIRMAN said it had been thought necessary to hold the meeting, which had been re-adjourned from the 2d of October, simply to state to the pro prietors that the committee appointed at the last meeting thought it desirable still further to adjourn the business they had been called on to investigate to the 19th of December, when he believed their report would be ready upon the questions they were called on t )investigate. The Chairman then moved a reso lution of adjournment accordingly. Mr. A. K. BARER, a member of the committee, seconded the resolution. Mr. CMARLES NASH having put a question as to the Bills, respecting which notice had been given of an intention to lay them before Parliament next session, The CHAIRMAN said, the sanction of the share holders' committee, he believed, had been given to the promotion of the two Bills relating strictly to the South Wales Company ; and, if not directly, at least indirectly, to that of the Vale of Neath; but only as it was promoted by the Vale of Neath Company did it affect the South \Vales Railway. "With respect to the Bill for the Waterford, Wexford, and Wicklow Railway, the directors of the South Wales knew no thing of it, and the time for considering it would be when it came before Parliament. Mr. FREDERICK SAUNDERS, the secretary, said that, with regard to the Bill for the Vale of Neath, the notice given did not affect the subscription by the South Wales, but was merely to authorise an ar rangement for the joint station at Neath, and to re lieve the South \Vales from an expenditure they would otherwise incur. There was no expenditure contemplated. Mr. MACNAGIITEN thought the discussion hardly fair in the absence of other proprietors. Mr. BARLOW, a director, coincided, and said the proprietary would have been present had they not been informed that the meeting would be adjourned. After some further discussion the chairman put the resolution, which was carried unanimously, and the meeting was declared to be adjourned to the 19th of December, after a vote of thanks to the chairman, proposed by Mr. NASH, and seconded by Mr. MAC NAGHTEN, for his conduct in the chair. SAMBRE AND MEUSE. A special meeting of this company was held on Tuesday at the office, lloorgate-street, to consider the present position of their affairs and to deter mine on future proceedings ; Mr. W. P. Richards in the chair. The CHAIRMAN said he deeply regretted the present unfavourable position of their affairs. It was ex tremely painful to his feelings to state that those gentlemen who had embarked with him in the under taking had left the direction, and others who had sub sequently joined him in the direction had retired ()wing to some differences with regard to matters of economy, so that he was left alone in the direction with the exception of Mr. Sheward. He then entered into a short history of the company, and stated the great prospects that were held out to them of a large and remunerative traffic. The directors before commencing operations e mployed Mr. Sopwith, who was well acquainted with the mineral traffic in the north of England, and he had expressed his full confidence .that the traffic of the district would be very remunerative. Statistics compiled from official documents showed that a large traffic existed in the district, and the Mi nister of Publi c W or k s spo k e i n th e hi g h est terms o f it, and said it was the best concession he had to give. lie (the chairman) heard no one say anything against the expected traffic ; even the contractors for the Works had made it a condition that they should hare a large number of shares, and under these circum stances the promoters thought they were justified in expecting a large remunerative income. The tariff of tolls granted to the company was much higher than the tolls charged on the Government lines, in consi deration of the difficult nature of the works which the company had to undertake to Walcourt and Morialme. But when they were about opening a portion of the line, the Belgian Minister came forward and insisted on the company abandoning their auth o ri ze d t o ll s , an d adopt ing the scale of tolls then charged on the State lines. The tolls on the State lines had been- reduced since the period : when the concession Was granted to thi s com p an y, w hi c h ma d e t h e t erms still more unfavourable to them. He (the Chairman) had expressed his opinion to the board at the time that the company could not work the line on those terms, and he advised them not to open the line, but the majority were in favour of opening the line, as the contract with the Minister was only far twelve Months, and they were anxious to see what the line Would do. The r esu lt was th a t the traffic receipts averaged only 1701. per week, and the expenses amounted to 2101. per week. Up to the present time they got nothing by working the line; they had in curred a debt of 5,0001, and they were adding to that debt every week. Under these circumstances Mr. Sheward, the managing director in Belgium, gave notice to the Minister of Public Works that the company would cease to work the line at the expira tion of the twelve months. This announcement bad caused considerable resistance on the part of the Belgian authorities. The company had been deprived of their tariff, and they had therefore no option but giving this notice. There was no symptom of improvement in the trade of the dis trict, and the question for them to consider was, whether they should or should not carry on the traffic !t a loss.—(Hear, hear.) He believed that the feel ing in Belgium was most unfavourable to this corn- PanY• The course adopted by the Belgian Govern ment towards this and other companies was most d isheartening. They ought to remember that the company had expended large sums of money in Bel gium to carry on the works, at a time when that Country w as oppressed with a grievous famine. These work s had conferred considerable benefit on the people Belgium. It was but reasonable to expect of the /3elgian Government that they should entertain a r earrangement of the whole question. It was with this View, and to save further loss to the company, that Mr. Sheward had given the notice. He then proposed a resolution to the effect that in the present position of the affairs of the company it was inexpe- Merit to continue the working of the line, unless some i~aapgement b e ma d e w ith th e B e l g i an G overnmen t ding to a reasonable conclusion that it would be Worked at a profit. Mr. FISHER wished to know how many directors there were at present. The CHAIRMAN said there were Mr. Sheward and himself ; Mr. Lindo bad resigned, but he believed that Mr. Greig had not resigned. As to Mr. Williams, he resided very far from London, and they never rec koned much on his attendance. It was stated in reply to questions from Mr. Crad dock, that the working expenses were not yet reduCed to 2101. per week, and therefore the loss averaged more than 401. per week. Prior to opening the line it was estimated that the receipts would average 300/. per week, and that the profit from traffic would be suffi cient to pay the interest on the preference shares. The actual receipts were 156/. per week, being scarcely more than one half th e amount est i mated b y t h e committee of investigation before opening the line. Mr. SUEWARD said that when the Minister had forced the tariff upon the company, he (Mr. Sheward) estimated that the loss to th e company by th e new tariff would be about 12 per cent., but, in fact, it proved to be 26 per cent. Up to the present time the Government have not shown the least intention of relaxing the terms of the tariff. From the general outcry with regard to the arrangement he thought the Government must even tually give way. When the company commenced to Work th e li ne cer t a i n ex p enses w ere 19,000 f. ( , i 60/.) Per month, but they had been gradually reduced to 10,000 f. (4001.) per month.—(Hear.) The 20,0001. raised by the issue of preference shares had been xpended, and there was not one shilling left when they opened the line for traffic. The 30,0001. which the former directors had lent to the contractors to Carry on the works was reduced by 6,0001. for work done, and there remained due to the company 24,000/., for which they held as security mortgages on iron Works and other property, which would not now pro duce 10,0001., although at the time the money was lent they were good security. The contractors had promised to repay the money in sums of 60,000 f. per Month, but they were unable to do so. The iron works were out of blast, and property which at the time the money was lent was worth 100,0001. is not now worth 16,000/. It was absolutely necessary that the shareholders should aid the directors, and give them that support which a diminished board other- Vise does not possess. [lr. MELLOR thought it was scarcely possible that the Belgian Government would persist in acting towards i . the company so unjustly as had been described. fie trusted that a reconsideration of the matter would induce them to deal fairly with the company. It ap peared very hard on the shareholders, who had paid up the whole of the original capital, that the directors should have deserted the chairman and left the com pany in difficulties. Mr. BURKE quite agreed with Mr. Mellor that the d irectors, particularly those who were _the promoters of the undertaking, shoul l not have left the company in its difficulties. Ho had been induced to become a shareholder in the company from the glowing account Mr. Stephenson had given him of the prospects of the line—that it would be the Stockton and Darlington of Belgium. He then gave an account of the various unpleasant matters he had to contend with at the board during the short time he had acted as a director. Nothing would induce him to remain a director, although he would be happy to render the company any assistance as a shareholder, and to give his advice. The CHAIRMAN said he felt personally indebted to Mr. Burke for his as.,ist,.:nce and advice, and he re gretted his retirement from the board. Mr. CRADDOCK said, he w ould be glad to know whether there was any chance of the Government taking the line off their hands. The CHAIRMAN replied, he did not know, but he would be glad if the Government would take the line and work it, and give the surplus to the com• pany. It would require 350,0001., in addition to the 600.0201. they had already expended, to complete the whole of the undertaking. About 210,0001. would enable them to open the line to Vireaux. A conversation ensued, in the course of which it was stated that at the time the concession was granted there were 24 furnaces "in blast," but now there were only three in blast. The works were all at a stand-still. Mr. BURKE said that everything now depended upon an effective demonstration to the Belgian. Go vernment. The only mode was by a deputation of influential shareholders to Brussels to negotiate with the Belgian Government, and determined to obtain a definitive answer to certain propositions. The Ch AntaiAN invited some influential share holders to fill up vacancies in the direction, but they declined to do so, owing to their professional and other engagements, with the exception of Mr. Cotton, who promised to consider the matter. The resolution was then put and unanimously adopted, as were also other resolutions to the effect that the notice given by the directors of their inten tion to close the line be confirmed, and that a com mittee of shareholders be formed for the purpose of assisting the directors in negotiating with the Belgian Government, with the view to further arrangements more favourable to the company. A vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the proceedings. GREAT WESTERN OF BENciAL.—Yesterday the wit:ding up of this company's affairs, under the pro visions of the Joint Stock Companies Act, came on for hearing before the Master in Chancery, Dowdes well, at his chambers in Southampton-buildings, Chancery lane. The petition in support of the pro posed process was verrified by affidavit from Major- General M Leod, of Clifton-place, Hyde I . ark gardens, the chairman, and Robert Wolesley, of Guildhall Chambers, Basinghall street, the secretary to the company. The various parties were in attend ance for the appointment of an official manager, to superintend the winding up the affairs of the estate. There were four propositions. Messrs. Freshfield, who appeared for a number of shareholders in the East India Railway Company, with which the Great Western of Bengal has been amalgamated, nominated Mr. Coleman accountant ; Mr. William Galsworthy, on behalf of several allottees, proposed Mr. Quilter accountant ; Mr. James, for the petitioners, proposed Mr. J. 11. Norris; and Messrs. Fry and Loxley, Mr. Ernest. After a discussion, the Master adjourned his decision as to a selection. NAVAL INTELLIGENCE. SIR THOMAS BYAM MARTIN, G.C.8., TAE ADMIRAL OF THE FLEET. The Gazette of Tuesday officially promulgated the appointment of the senior Admiral of the Red, Sir Thomas Byam Martin, G.C.8., to be Admiral of the Fleet, in the room of Sir James H. Whitshed, Bart., G.C.8., deceased, and likewise the other con sequent promotions ; and also those on account of the death of Sir S. J. B. Pechell, Bart. Sir Thomas Byain Martin, we regret to find, retains the ap pointment of Vice-Admiral of the United Kingdom, which is a life-holding, although the gallant officer cannot derive any emoluments from the office, seeing that his superannuation as Comptroller of the Navy, and his pay as admiral, ate of such an amount as to render him ineligible to receive the salary attached to the appointment of Vice-Admiral of the United Kingdom. We trust, however, that now, occupying the highest and most diAinguished appointment in the naval profession, the Gallant Admiral will relinquish the latter office in favour of a less fortunate junior flag officer. We copy the following account of Sir Byam Martin's most gallant career from " O'Byrne's Naval Biography :"- " This officer, whose name had been borne from June 23, until Dec. 31, 1782, on the books of the Foudroyant, 80, Captain John Jervis, entered the Royal Naval Academy in August, 1785, and em barked in March, 1786, as captain's servant, on board the Pegasus, 28, commanded by his Royal Highness Prince William Henry, with whom he continued to serve in that vessel, and, as midshipman, in the An dromeda frigate, on the North American and West India atations, until July, 1789. He was then in succession employed, chiefly on Channel service, in the Colossus, 74, Captain Hugh Cloberry Christian ; Southampton, 32, Captain Richard Goodwin Keats; and Barfleur. 98, and Royal George, 100, flag-ships of Admiral Barrington ; and on Oct. 22, 1790, he was made Lieutenant into the Canada, 74, Captains Lord Hugh Seymour and Erasmus Gower. After serving for two years in the capacity last-mentioned on board the Inconstant and Juno frigates, commanded in the Channel by Captains G. Wilson and S. Hood, he was promoted, in May, 1793, to the command of the Tisiphone, 12, fitting for the Mediterranean, where, on the sth of the ensuing November, having witnessed Lord Hood's occupation of Toulon, he was made post into the Modeste frigate. His ensuing appoint ment was to the Artois, in which vessel, we believe, he co-operated in the reduction of Bastia. Obtaining command next of the Santa Margaritta, of 40 guns and 237 men, Captain Martin, besides making prize in that ship of Le Jean Bart corvette of 18 guns, and the privateers Le Buonaparte of 16 guns and 137 men, and Le Vengeur of 18 guns and 110 men, succeeded -June 8, 1796, in effecting the capture, after a close and gallant action of twenty minutes, of the Tamise of 40 guns and 306 men, of whom 32 were killed and 19 wounded, with a loss to the British of only 2 slain and 3 wounded. In December, 1796, he removed to the Tamar, 38, and being ordered to the West Indies, was present in April, 1797, in the unsuccessful attack on Puerto Rico. During the five following months -he had the fortune to capture not less than nine privateers, carrying in the whole 58 guns and 519 men. In October, 1798, at which period he had command for ten months of the Dictator, 64, Captain Martin removed to the Fisgard of 46 guns and 281 men. Continuing in that frigate on the Channel station until December, 1801, he contrived, Oct. 20, 798, when off Brest to capture the French ship Immortalite of 42 guns and 580 men, including troops, at the close of an obstinate conflict of great length, productive of a loss to the enemy of 54 killed and 61 wounded, and to the Fisgard of 10 killed and 26 wounded. To add to the merit of Cap tain Martin in possessing himself of the Tamise and Immortalite, we may record the fact that in both in stances his own ship was manned with a young, raw, and inexperienced crew ; but in neither case did his value meet with the least reward. On the night of June 23, 1800, we find him in personal command of the boats of a squadron, entering the Quimper river, and effecting on its banks the destruction of three batteries, mounting seven 24-pounders, together with their magazines. Prior to leaving the Fisgard he further took La Venus of 32 guns • and 200 men, Le Dragon, corvette, of 14 guns, La Gironde, privateer, of 16 guns and 141 men, l'Alerte, privateer, of 14 guns and 84 men, El Vivo, national vessel, of 14 guns and 100 men, and three others mounting 18 guns. His seleceeding appointments were-in March, 1803, to the Impetueux, 84, in which ship he served in the Channel - until Dec. 22, 1805-in 1807 to the Prince of Wales, 98 ; and Implacable, 74, on the home and Balti c s t at i ons ; S e pt. 2, 1808, to the Victory, 100, as captain of the fleet under Sir James Saumarez, command er -i n - c hi e f i n th e B a lti c; a s h o rt time tAhueg2u6 a s f tt t h, e r lA w Bu a go d ,u s stt a o, g l a tB i h n oeB t , R o coa t y h p a e t la I n m A p a a c r at Sovereignibnl ; 3a, at a c t t i h d ht e. a t b i o on u l ne t in the Implacable, fell in with, and after a long chase, brought to close action, in a most brave and gallant manner, the Russian 74 .gun s hi p , Sewolod whose fire . he silenced about 20 min u t es , b e i ng only' prevented from capturing her by the a pp roac h of the whole Russian fleet, which bore up to her support. She soon, however, grounded upon a shoal at t h e entrance of the port of Rogers wick, and in that position was attacked by Rear-Admiral Sir . Samuel Hood, i n th e Centaur, who, although that ship herself took the ground, compelled her to surrender after an obstinate defence, in which and in her engagements with the Implacable (six of whose people were slain and 26 wounded) she had 303 men killed, wounded, and missing. She was then set on fire and destroyed the Centaur having been previously hove off by the exertions of Captain Martin, who displayed so much prof es sio n al s kill an d a bility on the occasion as to call forth the thanks of Sir Samuel Hood. In alluding to the conduct of the Implacable in her ante , cedent action, Sir Samuel, in his official letter, declares himself unable by any words of his to enhance the ' merit of her brave, worthy, and excellent com mander;' upon whom the King of Sweden, as an acknowledgment, conferred the insignia of a Knight of the Order of the Sword. On the 6th of July, 1809, Captain Martin, in company with the Melpomene igate, entered the Gulf of Nerve, and captured nine merchant vessels. Being advanced to the rank of rear-admiral August 11, 1811, he hoisted his flag in April, 1812, on board the Aboukir, 74, and returned to the Baltic, where h e too k an energe ti c par t i n th e defence of Riga, and co- o p era t e d w ith the Russi an army under Prince Bagration against the French LONDON, troops under Davoust. In the course of the same year he was appointed second in command at Ply mouth, at which port he continued (with the excep tion of a short time passed in tl:e Creole, 36, and Akbar, 50, on the coast of Spai n a n d c if th e Scheldt) until 1815 ; his flag flying during the period in the Prince Frederick, 74; Impregnable, 98 ; and Ganges, 74. In 1814 he received the honour of knighthood. lie was created a K.C.B. Jan. 2, 1815; a vice. admiral August 12, 1819 ; a G.C.B. March 3, 1830 ; a full admiral July 22 following; and vice-admiral of the United Kingdom in 1847. "In JanUary, 1815, Sir Thomas Byam Martin was appointed Deputy Comptroller of the Navy, and in the following year he succeeded Sir T. B. Thomp son as Comptroller of the Navy; the duties of which post he continued to discharge for many years. From 1818 until 1831 he sat in Parliament as Member for Plymouth. He is now one of the Elder Brethren of the Trinity house, and has been a director of Green wich hospital, a Commissioner of the Board of Lon gitude, &c. At the funerals of George IV. and IV illiam IV. the Admiral acted as an assistant sup porter of the canopy over the royal body. He married Catherine, daughter of Captain Robert Fanshawe, R.N., Resident Commissioner of Plymouth Dockyard, sister of the present Captain Arthur Fanshawe, R N., C. 8., and sister-in•law of Admirals William Bedford, Sir John Chambers White, K C. 8., and lion. Sir Robert Stopford, G.C.8., by whom he has had issue three sons and three daughters. His two eldest sons, William Fanshawe and Henry Byam, are both captains in the Royal navy. Rear-Admiral Berkeley, C. 8., M.P., did not ac company the other members of the Board of Admi ralty to Portsmouth on Tuesday. The Gallant Ad miral is staying at the Park, Fairford. Their Lord ships, we believe, for the first time proceeded by the Brighton and South Coast Railway. The following gentlemen passed for the rank of Lieutenant at the Royal Naval College, on Tues day :—J. J. Josling, late of Scout, Lieutenant; V. Robinson, late of Philomel, Lieutenant ; G. F. Mee ham, Acting Lieutenant ; J. Berkeley, Acting Lieu tenant ; —.Gammell, Mate, Excellent ; T. M. Pasley, Mate, Excellent ; T. IL Martin, Acting Lieutenant, Scout ; A. Bathurst, late mate, Calypso ; J. D. Cur tis, late mate, Calypso; John Moresby; A. T. J. Bullock, Mate ; W. A. V. Royse, Mate. Lieutenant Josling has been six years in China, and Acting Lieutenant two years and four months, during which time he was severely wounded, in com mand of the boats of the Scout, whilst boarding a Borneo pirate. Mr. Gammell passed the best exa mination, having obtained the Lull numbers. Four others went up to pass, but did not obtain the num bers. Admirals Sir William Gage and Sir John Louis, with Mr. Atherton, chief engineer, and Mr. Peake, master shipwright's second assistant, went out in the Conflict screw sloop, on Tuesday, round the Eddy stone, to try her engines. Mr. Alward, master shipwright's assistant, relin quished his duty at Devonport on Tuesday, and Mr. George Turner, late from Bombay, commenced the duties of his new appointment as first assistant. The Indefatigable, 50, was taken into No. 5 dock at Devonport, on Monday evening, to have her bot tom cleaned and the copper completed. Captain Smart arrived on Monday evening, and joined the following day. PORTSMOUTH, WEDNESDAY.—A foreign galliot rigged vessel, laden with rosin and turpentine, took fire off the back of the Wight yesterday morning. A pilot was on board her, and the vessel was run on shore near Shanklin, at high water, and all hands es caped. The vessel continued to burn till last night, and the light from it was seen at Portsmouth between eight and nine o'clock. Wind, S.W., strong breezes, and squally, with rain at times. THE DAY OF THANKSGIVING.—The following general memorandum was issued by the Commander in-Chief to the commanding officers of the ships in commission at this port to day : " Victory, in Portsmouth Harbour, Nov. 14, 1849. " To-morrow (Thursday, the 15th inst.) being appointed as a day of prayer and thanksgiving to Almighty God, to acknowledge His great goodness and mercy in removing from us that grievous disease with which many in this kingdom have lately been visited, it is my direction that the same be observed on board her Majesty's ships at Portsmouth accordingly. " T. BLADEN CAPEL, Admiral." The exact performances of the Termagant yester day were 6.501 knots as the mean speed of four runs along the measured mile in Stokes Bay. The engine made 24 to 27i revolutions ; barometer indicated 25 deg.; thermometer in engine room 95 deg.; pressure of steam, 131 b.; she was deep, drawing 17 feet 2 forward, 16 feet 9 abaft. All screw ships lose speed by being immersed. In all other respects the ship answered admirably. A Watt Institute has been established amongst the labourers of the great steam factory of this dockyard, and last evening a soirée was held at the Hall of the Beneficial Society to celebrate its foundation. Mr. Murray, the superintendent engineer of this dockyard, was called to the chair, and amongst the company (about 600 in number) were some of the leading scientific members of the Government establishments, the Naval College, the service, and the inhabitants generally, and a brilliant assemblage of ladies. Mr. Murray, in an eloquent address, exhibited the advan tages of such institutions, and their influence on the members and the public generally. A library, read ing room, and evening classes will be formed in this new institute, and lectures and public readings upon the most edifying and instructive subjects connected with scientific pursuits periodically given. Capt. James, R E., of this dockyard, afterwards gave an able exposi tion respecting the origin of coal and iron, the geolo gical position and extent of our iron and coal mines, and the mode of manufacturing iron from its ores, explaining the formation of coal from decayed trees, vegetable matter, &c. Mr. Spence, foreman of the steam-factory, delivered a most spirited address on the nature of mechanics' institutions, showing how much the working classes had the improvement of their con dition in their own hands. The meeting was also addressed by Mr. Fincham, master shipwright of the dockyard ; the Rev. T. Roe, chaplzin to the contrac tors' men in the dockyard ; the Rev. G. Barton, in cumbent of St. George's, Portsea ; Mr. Chigwell, Mr. Sheppard, &c. From the sem , timents expressed and the good feeling that was manifested, this institu tion seems to promise to be of inuceh future service to the artisans of the port. APPOINTMENTS. WOOLWICH, Nov. 14.—Master— William Ellis (b) (1842) to be a chief• officer in the Gast-guard. Clerk Assistant—William Evans, to the Impreg• nable. The Minx steam screw-propellez vessel went down the river to-day, under the charge of Master- Commander S. B. Cook, of the Black Eagle, with Mr. Taplin, second assistant to the chief engineer at Woolwich dockyard, to test the disc engine of 10 horse power with which she ha been fitted. The engine, at starting, made 130 revolutions per minute, but the average during the trial in Long Reach was 120 revolutions per minute ; the draught of water of the Minx being the same as on her last trial. The speed attained was 5 271 knots with the tide, and 2.0 knots against the tide, giving ati average of 3.625 knots per hour. The engine worleied during the trial with a pressure of 601 b. to the •square inch. The speed was comparatively so little tthat she was towed back to Woolwich by the Moi ikey steam-vessel, Master-Commander Bryant, at Hu rate of 8.45 knots per hour. The Stromboli steam-sloop, Commander Lord Amelius Beauclerk, is hourly exp 3ctcd at Woolwich, having left Devonport on Alondre,y, with Lieutenant Robertson and the seamen riggerf: who navigated the Styx from Woolwich and the VulL%'ure from Sheerness to Devonport. The Terrible steam-frigate, nt*jw ready for com mission, was taken out of the int e r basin to-day, and is to be taken into the west dock to have her bottom examined. Captain Hope, who is expected to com mission her, visited this dockyardl yesterday. The Enterprise, Captain Sir J ames Clarke Ross, and the Investigator, Captain El . J. Bird, are to be taken to Chatham when all het' stores are taken on shore and the crews paid off. . Amongst the stores brought on shore to day were t'Atc ) of Porter's anchors in as good condition as on the d ay they were taken on board. These anchors werer specially applied for with extra sized cables by fr e scientific officers to whose judgment was cool ded the selection of stores for the Enterprise and Investigator previous to their departuve for the Arctic regions, and they were used on all occasions in the North Polar Seas, and ex.p erienced the severest trial in regard to temperature., which was at cer tain periods 80 degrees below tt e freezing point, an amount very injurious to it of r and other metals, causing great brittleness. TA( anchors were also subjected to very great straires caused by the im mense masses and drifts of ice pressing against the ships, but their still perfect et ate has realised the utmost expectations of the of Le ers. The Admiralty anchor, supplied to the Investige ator in a useless state, was only fit for being placed under one of Nasmyth's hammers as old iron, having be „rn broken merely in letting it go from the bows 04 the vessel when in Yarmouth Roads, on her red; rn home, and under ordinary circumstances. Had the common anchor broken during a storm, the liver of the intrepid navi gators might have been perilledl when least expected ; arid it, on inquiry, the breakirm took place in conse quence of the low temperature affecting the iron of which it was made, Porter's are hors, which have been found so effective, ought to be si ibstituted on all occa sions in future, as they afford g i , eat o n which confidence the y to have the ve officers and men on every occat n been tried. The interest which the return of the Enterprise and lovestigatqr has excited cols tinues: unabated, and the folio vying is a brief accoung of some of the expe ditions sent out by this con t 4 ry with the view of THURSDAY EVENING. NOVEMBER 15 1849. discovering any communication between the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean :—The first attempt was made in 1553 by Willoughby and Chancellor, who were sent out with instructions to ascertain if there was a north east passage, or if they could reach China by passing to the north of Europe and Asia. Willoughby reached Nova Zembla, but he and all his crew were frczen to death. Chancellor entered the White Sea, and thus opened a communication with Russia. Captain Cook reached Icy Cape from the Pacific in 1778. In 1607 Captain Hudson was sent out to attempt to discover the north-west passage, and reached the latitude of 81 degrees, but was under the necessity of putting back on account of the ice. In 1773 this experiment was again tried by an expedition under the command of Captain Phipps, who advanced about as far as Captain Hudson had previously done ; and a similar at tempt was made in 1818, which proved equally un fortunate, under Captain Buchan. In 1827 Captain Parry was sent out to reach the Pole in boats and sledges over the ice, and lie attained about 82 degrees 40 minutes, and was obliged to return by the motion of the fields of ice to the south. I❑ 1818 Captain Ross attempted a north-west passage, and passed through Lancaster Sound. In 1819 Captain Parry reached 110 degrees west longitude, apel in 1821.23 examined the coast to the northward of Hudson's Bay. In 1824 he reached Prince Regent's Inlet. In 1826 Captain Franklin was sent overland to explore the northern coast of America to the west of Mack enzie River; and at the same time Captian Beechey was dispatched to meet hin in Behrring's Straits. The two expeditions approached each other to within a distance of 146 miles, but returned without meeting. In 1829 33 Captain Ross sailed up Prince Regent's Inlet, and ascertained that there is no communication between the Arctic Ocean and the Atlantic south of Barrow's Straits. PLYMOUTH, Nov. 13. Her Majesty's steamer Serpent arrived to-day from Portsmouth, bound to Rio Janeiro and Hong-Kong. Her Majesty's ship Ganges was taken in tow yesterday afternoon by the Stromboli steam-frigate, and cast well into the Channel on her passage to the Mediterranean. Sir Henry Blackwood is gone out in the Ganges. _ _ _ Mr. J. C. Rogers, clerk in the storekeepers'-office at the dockyard, has been appointed secretary to Cap tain Superintendent J. Toup Nicholas at the Royal Naval Hospital. Dockyard Appointments—Mr. Tucker, draughts man, and John Rowe, leadinginan of shipwrights, are appointed inspectors ; two joiners, Messrs. Jude and Burns, are appointed leading men of joiners ; four caulkers appointed leading men of caulkers, and two ropem3kers appointed leading men of ropemakers. Wind, S.W., light breeze. IRELAND. CORK ELECTION-DEFEAT OF THE REPEALER DUBLIN, WEDNESDAY AlORNlNG.—Contrary to all speculation, contrary even to Conservative opinion with regard to the state of the registry, Colonel Chat terton has succeeded, and Repeal, as embodied in the person of somnolent Mr. Alexander M'Carthy, has suffered a most decisive defeat. The polling com menced yesterday morning at ten o'clock, and until it closed at half-past four the victory was never once doubtful, the Conservative candidate hour by hour increasing his majority over his opponent. The final poll stood thus : Chatterton ... ... ... 880 M'Carthy .. ... ... ... 587 Majority for Chatterton... ... 293 The Cork Reporter pretty plainly intimates that had the Liberals united in tendering their support to Mr. Sergeant Murphy, the result would have been a very different one. ATTEMPT TO MURDER AN AGENT. The Tipperary Vindicator states, that on Saturday evening an attempt (the second) was made to assassi nate Mr. Francis Kiernan, agent over the property of the Messrs. Scott, at Loughorna. Mr. Kiernan was siting at his fire with some friends, when the shot was fired in through the window of the room. Most providentially a sack of oats had been removed near the windcw a short time before, which intercepted the ball and Laved Mr. Kiernan's life. A considerable reward has been offered for the apprehension of the offenders. The bailiff who had been wounded in August last on the lands of Loughorna, and who had been under the treatment of Dr. Kitson, returned to I3orrisokane on Saturday convalescent. He is lammed for the remainder of his life. FATAL ACCIDENT AT THE LATE EXE CUTION OF THE MANNINGS. Yesterday evening, an inquest was taken by Mr. Payne at Guy's Hospital, on view of the body of Catherine Read, aged 30, whose death took place in consequence of injuries received at the execution of the Mannings. James Wright, conductor of St. Olave's fire•escape, said that on Monday morning last, about nine o'clock, he was at the end of Swan street, facing Horse monger-lane Gaol, when , on the Mannings being about to ascend the scaffold, there was a general move of the crowd, by which deceased was forced against a barrier. She almost immediately swooned away, upon which he assisted her under the barrier. Her tongue protruded from her mouth, and she ap peared dying. He called, for the police, and obtained some brandy for her. Several policemen came to his assistance, and took the deceased away. There were repeated cries of murder previously from persons in the crowd. Sergeant Swan, M 31, stated that he went to the assistance of the deceased, who had been placed on her back by the last witness, and who had cut her clothes to give her relief. lie obtained a stretcher, and with the assistance of some ether policemen took her to the hospital. Policeman Jackson, M 76, stated that at the time the: deceased fell there was a terrific crush of the mob, which caused several persons to fall. The father of the deceased said that his daughter was in the employment of the Messrs. Josephs, fur riers, Swan-street. When she left her home she observed that she would not go to see the execution. Mr. Christopher Newman, house-surgeon at Guy's Hospital, said that deceased was admitted at ten o'clock on Tuesday morning. She was then in a state of collapse, and never rallied. She died that (yesterday) morning, about six o'clock. lie made a post xz ortem examination of the body. He found a great conges tion of the brain, and there was an effusioa of serum in the ventricles ; blood was also found in the stomach, from the rupture of some vessel. The CORONER, in summing up, said he was sorry to say that there were other cases in the hospital. Verdict—Accidental Death. THE PROPOSED CHAMBER or COMMERCE IN lAD. VERPOOL.—Yesterday the requisition to the Mayor to call a public meeting for the establishment of a Chamber of Commerce in Liverpool was presented to his Worship at the Town-hall. The deputation who presented the requisition consisted of W. Brown, Esq., M.P., and Messrs. J. Stitt, George Holt, Charles Robinson, Edward Ifeath, and Leone Levi. The requisition was signed by upwai els of 260 firms in the town, including all the bankers, the presidents of the different associated bodies, and the leading merchants and gentlemen of all parties. The Hon. Member for the county warmly advocated the great advantage likely to arise from such an institution, provided it received the general support of the commer cial portion of this community. His Worship received the deputation with the greatest kindness, and expressed himself willing to forward the object by every means in his power. lie at once agreed to 0.11 a pit,lic meeting on an early day, of which, we underst.i.cl, an official notice will shortly be given.—Liverpool Courier IMPROVED METROPOLITAN WATER SUPPLY.— A very important preliminary meeting of parochial officers and other representatives of metropolitan parishes tick place on Tuesday, evening, in the vestry•room of St. George the Mart) r, Southwark, for the purpose of adopting measures of co-operation relating to the water supply of the metropolis ; Edward Collinson, Esq., chairman of the board of guardians, in the chair. The meeting had been convened by the vestry clerk, pursuant to an order of the vestry, and there were present several officers and representatives from the parishes of St. Pancras, Kensington, St. Luke, St. George the Martyr, Lambeth, Poplar, St. Olave, Bromley, and several other parishes. A series of resolutions were unanimously passed, setting forth the defective state of the present supply to the whole of the metropolis, and inviting the authorities in each parish to co-operate in forming an independent association cf representatives from their bodies, to be called the " Parochial Water Supply Asso ciation," in order to counteract the powerful opposition of the existing - water companies to the efforts now making to obtain an abundant supply of pure water to the me tropolis. It was proposed that the association should consist of one representative from each of the principal parishes, to be elected by the ratepayers in vestry, who should examine and report on all plans brought before Parliament for remedying the existing defects. It was determined studiously to avoid being identified with any other association promoted by interested parties having personal objects of their own to serve. The resolutions were directed to be duly advertised, and the meeting was adjourned to the I lth of December next, in order to ascertain the views of the vestries in each metropolitan parish on the subject. IMPORTATION OF FOREIGN CATTLE.—The Gene rel Steam Navigation Company have obtained permis sion from the revenue authorities, and have made arrangements for the landing of foreign cattle from their steam-ships, entirely laden therewith, from Denmark, and elsewhere, at their premises at Poplar, known as Brown's Wharf, which will be exclusively de voted to the purpose, and possesses peculiar advantages and conveniences for carrying such arrangements into effect. One of the officials nominated by the Crown to inspect foreign cattle on importation into this country, residing on the spot, is an additional source of conve nience, as they can be at once examined and passed by that officer. _ _ DusuAm.—At the annual election of fellows of the University, the following gentlemen were elected : Henry William Carr, 8.A., Robert Sorsbie, .8.A., and the Rev. Frederic William Russell, 8.A., of University College ; and Stephen royntz Denning, 8.A., Bishop Hatfield's-hall. 'THE UNITED STATES. The following are further extracts from the American papers brought by the Niagara:— (From the Neu. York Weekly Herald.) THE PACIFIC RAILROAD—WONDERFUL DEVE• LC:WI:AUNTS OF RESOURCES IN THE PLAINS AND DESERTS.—The greatest impediment to the construc tion of a railroad from the Mississippi, overland to the Pacific, has been considered to be in the nature of the country over which the road must be carried. From twelve to fifteen hundred miles, in the selection of any ruute north of Mexico, must be traversed over plains, mountains, and deserts, without timber, without population, without materials or supplier, and thought to be without anything to contribute to the support of the road, short of the Pacific. This has been justly considered the most formidable drawback to any enterprise of such magnitude that has ever presented itself in the history of the world—this tim berless, mountainous, and desert region of from twelve to fifteen or seventeen hundred miles. But a recent discovery near the foot hills of the Rocky Mountains, of a prime article of commerce and cash, opens a mine of capital on the way. It appears that there is no longer any doubt of the existence of inexhaustible supplies of cannel coal near the sources of the Nebraska or Platte river, which is the route of the overland emigrants to California, via the South-pass, "the Salt Lake, and the Great Basin. The destitution of timber in the great plains, were there no substitute for fuel, would render them incap• able of settlement, even to cattle raisers ; for there the snows are deep and the winters cold. The coal supplies the fuel—it also supplies an article of trade with the Mississippi river, and will thus contribute to colonize the plains, and to 'the sale of the public lands along the route to settlers, who will soon ' produce all the necessary provisions for the work ! men. It is known, also, that iron is found from the frontiers of Missouri to the Rocky Mountains ; and with the coal on hand, the means are on the ground for the manufacture of the rails required. Of the wonderful capacities of the Mormon valley of the Salt Lake, the reports from that quarter would be incredible if they were not all consistent. In a few years more, at this rate, they will he able to raise bread and cattle for the subsistence of 100,000 sou's. Their valley is the half-way station on the great central route ; and thus all fears on the score of pro visions for the workmen are obviated. With the road finished to the Salt Lake, another important com mercial article comes into market—the article of salt. It exists in the heavy brine of the great lake to an inexhaustible capacity of supply; it exists in crystaline formation at the bottom, and forms, an incrustation of salt for a hundred miles along its shores. Rock salt exists in the surrounding mountains, and copper and gold. But with the completion of a railroad, the New Jerusalem will become a great place of resort to the fashionable world, on account of its wonderful natural curiosities, the singular salubrity of its climate—the valley being 4,000 feet above the sea— and particularly on account of the number and variety of its medicinal springs. Such are some of the intermediate advantages in favour of the construc tion of the Pacific railroad via the Platte, the South Pass, and the Salt Lake Valley. The completion of the work to the Sacramento will give the road the exchanges between Europe, America and Asia. What are a hundred millions to the consummation of such a work ? HORRIBLE MURDER IN ST. LOUIS—SEVERAL PERSONS SHOT BY Two INSANE FRENCHMEN.— ST. LOUIS, OCT. 30, 1849.—An awful tragedy oc curred last evening at Barnum's Hotel, the particulars of which are as follows :—A few days since two young French gentlemen, calling themselves Gonzales de Montesque and Count Raimond de Montesque, arrived in this city from Chicago, and took lodgings at Bar ium's Hotel, stating that they were on a hunting excursion through the West. Nothing particular was observed in their manner until last evening, when,. about eleven o'clock, as Mr. Barnum, a nephew of the proprietor, and J. J. Macomber, steward of the house, were retiring to bed, one of the French gentlemen cline to the window on the gallery and tapped lightly on the same. Mr. Barnum pushed the curtain one side, when the man outside fired a gun, the ball from which passed through Mr. Barnum and two buckshot lodged in the arm of Macomber. At the report of the gun Mr. Albert Jones, a coach-maker, residing in Third-street, but who had a room adjoining, rushed to the door to see what was the difficulty. He had scarcely passed the same when he received a shot, which felled him to the floor, and he died in a few moments after. A couple of gentlemen who had also entered the gallery were struck with buckshot ; their names were H. M. Henderson ' wounded in the fore head, and W. H. Hubble, of Liberty, wounded in the arm. The assassin was immediately pursued to his room, where, after a desperate struggle, he was secured. He is the younger of the two brothers. Both of them were arrested, and affected to be insane. Mr. Barnum is still living, but is very weak. A few days since the same fellows made a similar attempt on the landlord of a public-house at Alton, Illinois. ST. Louis, OCT. 30, P. M.—Mr. Barnum is still alive, but it is certain that he cannot recover. The trunks of the French brothers were broken open this morning, and letters found, showing them to be Parisians of wealth and family. They also contained some splendid accoutrements, and 4,500 dolls. in German gold coin. They are evidently insane. Both of them fired fatal shots. They refuse counsel, and state that they will plead their own cause. Albert Jones, who was shot, was buried this afternoon. He was shot by an ounce ball and sixty-six large shot. The Mayor has ordered a strong police force to pro tect the gaol. The other persons who were wounded are doing well, and will, in all probability, recover. (From the Pennsylvanian Inquirer.) ADMIRALTY COURT. JOSEPH ROBINSON V. THE BRIGINTINE COMPTESSE. Before the lion. John K. Kane, Judge of the above court. In this case, R. P. Kane, proctor, and Thomas L. Kane, clerk of the court, far one Joseph Robinson, cook of the British brigantine Contest (erroneously attached as the Comptesse), libelled and detained the said vessel for wages, claimed to be due to the said Joseph Robinson. A protest was put in by the British Consul, stating that the parties were both British subjects, and that the dispute between them had arisen during a voyage of the said vessel not yet completed, and therefore, that he, the said Consul, as the representative of her Britannic Majesty at the port of Philadelphia, did respectfully, but at the same time most strongly pro test against the arrest and detention of the said vessel and master, the said being done without his (the said Consul's) sanction, and without any authority or foundation in fact or law, and the matter in dispute between the said parties being exclusively within the jurisdiction of the British authorities. Judge Kane, however, decided that the case was within his, and not the Consul's jurisdiction, and gave judgment accordingly. The case is in no wise interesting or worthy of report, except as being likely to give rise to grave discussion on the juris diction of American courts in cases between British subjects, and whether in every dispute about wages between the masters and crews of foreign vessels, the case is to be settled as heretofore, by the consuls of the countries to which the vessels re spectively belong, or whether such vessels are to be attached, their voyages delayed, and the masters and owners of them put to gr eat and unnecessary trouble and expense, for no apparent purpose but to put fees into the pockets of a few lawyers. We understand that the British Consul is about to send oft' a representation of the case to Wash ington, and that he has requested his brother consuls, now r,sident in Philathlphia, to meet him at twelve o'clock to-day, in order to consider means of putting a stop to proceedings so prejudical not only to foreign shipowers, but seriouily so to the foreign trade of Philadelphia. THE ARCTIC OFFICERS.—The officers of the Royal Artillery mess at Woolwich, entertained the officers of her Majesty's ships Enterprise and Investigator, on Tuesday evening. There were upwards of 50 present, and the reception of the naval men was highly flattering. The healthy of Sir James C. Ross, Captain Bird, and the whole expedition, were proposed and drank with three times three over again. Lieutenant M'Clure re turned thanks in a very good speech. "Ye mariners of England" was beautifully chaunted by the whole of their magnificent band, several of the officers lending their vocal powers to swell the harmonious sound. This was a treat to the officers of the expedition, who had heard no music for so many months. Sir J. C. Ross and Captain Bird were unavoidably absent. SOCIETY OF ARTS.—The second meeting of the Society of Arts for the present session was held last night in the great room of the institution. A splendidly bound copy of Mr. Pugiu's forthcoming work on Floriated Ornament was presented to the Seeitty by Mr. Bohn, the publisher, who received the cordial thanks of the meeting for his donation. A very interesting paper by Mr. H. 11. Russell was read, upon an improved construction of suspension bridges, with a view to cheek or prevent oscillation and vibration. The paper was illustrated by a model upon a large scale, and by nu merous drawings. A discussion of considerable length followed, in the course of which general approbation was expressed of the principles suggested by Mr. Rus sell, to whom a vote of thanks was unanimously accorded. At the next meeting of the society a paper is to be read upon the History of the Society under the Presidency of his Royal Highness Prince Albert. JAMES MONTGOMERY, THE POET.—On Sunday week our revered and much honoured townsman, Mr. Montgomery, completed his 78 h year, and to cern memorate the event, and to raise a monument to his fame, his friends and neighbours, Mr. and Mrs. S a muel Mitchell, and the other residents at the Mount, invited Mr. Montgomery, on Saturday afternoon last, to plant a tree in the beautiful grounds belonging to that property. A purple beech was selected, which, having been properly planted, with suitable offerings ot affection and respect to Mr. Montgomery, he acknowledged the compliment by a short and pathetic address to his assembled friends. —Sheffield Independent. THE LONDON WEDNESDAY CONCERTS. Mr. Stammers has made an engage meat for three concerts with llerr Ernst, the celebrated violinist, and he appeared last evening at Exeter Hall, for the first time since his return from his recent continental tour. The perfect mastery of Ernst orer his instru ment is now matter of European notoriety. It is no slight or ordinary merit in an artist, that, by the ele vation of his style, the unerring truthfulness of his creative impulses, the purity of his tone, the mingled vigour, delicacy, and dexterity of his execution, the SEW LIOUS feeling he infuses into even his least regarded notes—in short, by a combination of almost all the greatest and yet least familiar resources of his art, he should have commanded the admiration and carried away the deliberate verdict of the most critical and accomplished audiences in Europe. But when to these great gifts an artist holding this high rank adds the not less difficult, though less honoured, faculty of subduing his instrument to the expression of the wildest and most bizarre fancies, the imitation of the most extravagant sounds, of rendering it as com pletely the exponent of the grotesque and the humor ous, as, in other moods, it is of the imaginative and the passionate----he presents a combination so rare and difficult of accomplishment, as to entitle him to the praise of something higher than mere talent, and justify even an extravagant admiration. His first solo, which disclosed some of his more re fined excellences, was evidently relished by the audience, who certainly would have gladly heard it again; but the second, the well known Carnival de Venise, which affords scope for some of his wildest and most fantastic escapades of humour, was so rapturously re. demanded that he could not but yield. In complying with the encore, he introduced some other mechanical feats of surpassing cleverness and dexterity. The Misses Cole, two young can didates for public favour, made a most favourable deblit in the course of the evening. They sang a duet—" The Swallow," a very characteristic compo sition by Kucken—so well as to command an unani mous encore. PROPOSED EXHIBITION OF THE PRODUCE OF INDUSTRY IN 1851. (From the Journal des Debuts.) An exhibition of the produce of industry will take place in London in the year 1851. This will not be a purely English exhibition by any means—the pro duce of the entire globe is invited to be present. Nor will the exhibition be exclusively confined to manu factured articles, for raw material of all sorts will figure thereat; all productions, in a word, which will bear the carriage to London, so as to appear in good condition. To sum up the speech of one of the commissioners sent to the Lord Mayor by Prince Albert, to whom the initiative of this vast scheme is owing, a rendez vous is given to everything that man extracts from the surface and the bowels of our planet—to every thing that he creates, by combining the materials with which he is furnished by the working of the earth. Africa will be represented at the exhibition of 1851 by elephants' teeth and golddust ; Asia, by her silks, which will be placed opposite those of Europe, Italy, and the Levant. Near the cottons of Egypt will be seen tbose of India and China, Brazil and the United States of America; in juxtaposition with the hemp and the flax of Europe will be observed the textile materials of the equinoxial regions of the globe ; be side the precious metals of Mexico, Peru, Chili, and California will glitter the gold of Siberia and Transyl vania, the iron and tin of Great Britain, the silver of Germany, and the mineral produce of France; the woollens of Hungary, Saxony, and Spain will be con trasted with those of Australia, and the furs of Siberia with those of Canada ; and the spectacle will be ren dered complete by the addition of the spices of the Levant, the olives of the borders of the Mediterranean, the grapes or the vintages of all growths, grain of all sort=, from the corn of Poland, Southern Russia, and Sicily, to the rice of Carolina, Piedmont, China, and India, to the maize of Mexico, Turkey, and the United States of America. In this gigantic exhibition will be included steam engines, from the locomotive to the exhausting ma chine of Cornounaille ; looms for the manufacture of cloth, from those of Manchester and Lowell to the rude apparatus of the Indian weaver; implements of agriculture and trade, and the most delicately manu factured scientific instruments, both those of Gambey and those of the successors of Ramsden. Every sort of fabric, every kind of art, from the rudest and most clumsy to the moat relined and delicate specimen, from the most primitive contriv ance to one in which taste and imagination shall be displayed in the highest degree ; everything will be received and exhibited in the most favourable light, from whatever country it may have been transmitted. The hospitality of Great Britain is offered to all that the industrious inhabitants of the planet are ca pable of producing. The impulse has already been given in the British empire. The directors of the powerful company which rules the Indies have already dispatched to their immense empire all the necessary orders for the transmission from those remote regions—which were the cradle of the arts—of their contingent to this great and interesting solemnity. It will certainly be no light honour to be distin guished in the midst of competitors so numerous by a jury of independent and influential men. The medals of the exhibition of London will be titles of which the possessors will have every reason to be proud. But there will be something more than mere medals. Great prizes will be awarded to those who, by advancing art, hare thereby rendered a service to civilization. There will be a prize of 2,0001. and four of 1,0001. for the four great divisions that appear to have been already adopted ;—raw materials or agricultural articles, machinery, manufactured artielea, and sculp tures, and works of art in general. This exhibition, according to the idea of those who are its promoters, will be renewed quinquennially, as in France. The expense will not be charged to the state. The Government will merely be asked to grant a site, on which will be erected a temporary edifice for the exhibition, as in our Champs Elysees; but it may be imagined, from the particulars already adduc!d, what its extent will be. The funds will be raised by subscription, and it is estimated that 100,000/. will be sufficient. In this manner the politeness shown to the other nations of the world will be more spontaneous and cordial. Prince Albert, and the exalted personages who lead this movement, are persuaded that this general exhibition will be very advantageous to English industry, besides establishing relations of mutual goodwill between the foreign and the native pro ducers ; and that in this manner the prejudices which perpetuated national animosities will be dis pelled. As for ourselves who pen these lines, it is impossible for us not to feel a sentiment of bitterness on the occasion. The honour of the splendid ini tiative taken by England, France, had it so chosen, might hive reserved for itself some few months ago. An exhibition of industry was opened in the bosom of France, which piques itself more than any other nation on being animated by a sentiment of fraternity towards other countries, which has talked so much about the holy alliance of nations, which since the Revolution has included fraternity amongst the national mottoes, and in scribed it on our monuments, and on the standards which we show to our friends and our enemies. We might then have attained for ourselves the honour of this universal exhibition ; but we have failed to do so • not because we did not think of it, but deliberately and aforethought, because we did not will it. The GoverntneLt was invited to declare its sentiments on the subject. The affair was dis cussed in the Council of Ministers—the public was 3onsulted through the medium of the Chambers of Commerce and the Consultative Chambers ; the press argued and fought—the Government, in Cabinet Councils, made one last effort ; and yet all this movement ended in nothing—absolutely nothing. The Prohibitionists, whose credit was already good before the revolution of February, and who are now more than ever masters of the situation,did not will that the French nation, which (it is said) acquired all liberties in February, 1848, should have the opportunity of com paring in the halls of the exhibition the produce of its own industry with that of the English, the Prus sians, the Americans, and the Saxons. When they declared their will they were obeyed. It is not for us here to discuss the question of free trade. We content ourselves with the belief that a nation which possesses it is more free than one which does not—that it disposes more advantageously of the fruits of its labour, and even of that labour it self. We should have supposed, that since France had to make a new constitution in 1848, destined to serve as a model to civilization, and to excite the envy of the whole world, it would have been thought proper to insert in it, with reference to Customs' duties, a few clauses conservative of the liberty of the person, the sanctity of the domicile, the freedom of labour, and the privilege of procuring the raw materials of labour on the best possible terms. In our days prohibitive duties, with the unpalatable arrangements which accompany them, are to the prosperity of trade what despotism is to the 'well being of society, to public secu r ity, an d to the stability of states. There are a hundred exa mples at hand to prove that the industry which the prohibitionists think thus to protect, and which sometimes requires that protection as the very condition of its existence, never flourishes so much as when a successful effort has been made to liberate it from that so called patronage. But this is not the present question. Neither is it in place now that the French exhibi tion is closed—only to be re-opened five years hence—to dwell on the advantages presented by the admission of foreigners to these solemnities. We ; believe that they are as manifest as the noon-day sun. Those alone are unable to discern them who . entertain the fixed idea of surrounding France with a Chinese wall, at a period when the animosities which once divided nations are disappearing, and when both 1 Governments and private individuals are expending enormous stalls for the construction of complete channels which must so much facilitate the interna tional communication. To the producer there would be new models and new ideas—to the consumer the opportunity of knowing the articles which the best correspond with his necessities, and pointing them out to his purveyors. But one thing is quite opportune and perfectly in place, and we broadly express it—that is, the regret that correct propositions enunciated in France, and, with moderation, by a large number of influential persons, and suppo r t e d b y several journals, should obtain no success ; and that, in order to succeed some where, they must needs cross the frontiers and seek refuge sometimes in London, and sometimes in Brus sels. We name Brussels because the Belgian Govern ment, at its Exhibition of Industry, opened its doors to foreign produce; but Brussels being a secondary theatre compared with London, that appeal to foreign coun tries could not be heard as that from England will be. We formerly exercised in the world a great and noble initiative, which was manifested in an order of facts far higher than a mere exhibition of the produce of industry can be; that glorious prerogative, which perhaps authorised us to assume a very proud name, that of the great nation, is eluding our grasp on all sides. Nought remains to us but the initiative of revolutionary agitations. This is a painfulconfes sion, but such admissions are not without their use — for it is good to know exactly how and where one stands—and when we shall have ceased to attribute to ourselves a false importance there is reason to believe that, with the brilliant qualities which distinguish the French nation, it will attain the real greatness which appertains to it. POOR LAW ECONOMY AT PRESTON. Six or seven months ago it was deemed necessary to elect a new board of guardians. The old board, under the presidency of Mr. Birchall, had been too profuse; the poor had been too comfortable; and charity had been made to wear a much warmer and benigner aspect than is politic at a poor-law office. Accordingly, by the aid of the most gross misrepresentations and the practice of much intimidation, a new board was elected, and a Mr. T. 13. Addison was appointed its chairman, for the purpose of bringing back the administra tion of relief to its original rigid channel, and infusing into the cup of charity a little more of the ingredients of terror and torture. Nobly has the new conclave fulfilled its mission. The great improvement which we have witnessed in trade has told most favourably upon the amount of poor-rates; but not to this cause alone have the ratepayers reason to be grateful. The guardians themselves ought also to be lauded for the saving that has been effected. They have not, like some of their foolish predecessors, indulgently listened to the babbling intreaties of old age, and cherished with little luxuries the struggling existence of infancy. They have not squandered away eighteenpence per head upon the bedridden and sick, but have boldly risked the experiment of a shilling. They have not yielded to that superstitious weakness which believes that "he who giveth to the poor lendeth to the Lord." Their maxim has appa rently been to identity destitution with crime ; their object rather to extirpate poverty than relieve it. Like Dickens' Mr. and Miss Murdstone, beneath whose heartless domestic code the gentle widow shrunk and died, the Preston guardians have been " stern and firm," and poverty, vibrating between time and eternity on a shilling a week, has been made to feel its own heinousness. Blessed days and blesseddeeds ! Archi medes would have given his ears for an introduction to the Preston board of guardians and a few lessons from them on the use of the "screw." We mentioned the other week, as an illustration of the heroic economy of this parish conclave, that a medical officer in the town had been insulted with an offer of three guineas for visiting some hundreds of houses, with two assistants, and treating 59 cases of diarrhoea and five of malignant cholera. This week another little in stance of the working of the "saving " system has come to light. A communication was produced on Tuesday, from the Poor-law Inspector, stating that he had found 18 boys confined in the Preston work house sleeping in one compartment upon loose straw. Their condition is represented as most disgusting, and the inspector (to use the language of the clerk) described the workhouse as worse than that at Tooting. It appears that these 18 children at the time of the discovery occupied three beds (six in a bed), and that they slept upon loose straw. Disgusting as the fact may appear, we must state it as it is recorded on the minutes of the board. Instead of the customary chamber convenience, a large urinal is placed beneath each bed to receive the water which passes through the straw of which the bed is composed. The straw in each bed was perfectly saturated and in a most offensive state, and the vessels had not been removed for a week. Each bed, in fact, was scarcely fit for the occupation of a dog. Now, this mode of lodging and treating poor children may be at once simple and economical, requiring little more cost, care, or management than a dog kennel. But will the ratepayers be satisfied to hear of such dis closures ? Is such "economy " as this to be prac tised ? Are rates to be saved by screwing down the outdoor poor to the " last crumb of calculable subsistence," and denying to the inmates of work houses the commonest accommodation consistent with decency ? Any man of common humanity would rather be convicted of profusion than suspected of such mercenary cruelty. From "economy " like this may the poor be speedily delivered.—Preston Guardian of Saturday. THE MERCHANT SEAMEN'S IMPROVEMENT ACT.--• SEAMEN'S ADVANCED MONTHLY NOTES.—On Tuesday evening, at eight o'clock, in c onsequence o f t h e severo losses sustained by tradesmen in the neighbourhood of the port of London and the seaport towns throughout the kingdom, by means of seamen's advanced monthly notes, a numerous meeting of tradesmen and others in terested in cashing seamen's advanced monthly notes, was held at the Bell, George-street, St. George-in. the- East, for the purpose of communicating with the Board of Trade for some alteration respecting advanced notes being made legal. Mr. He wetson having been called to the chair said that the system of cashing seamen's notes was both unjust and unsatisfactory. There was no security to tradesmen who took these notes, for there was no certainty when the money advanced would be returned to them. He was convinced that it there was a security for the possessionti them that a small per ' centage only would be required. It was desirable that some steps should be immediately taken, as a clause might be inserted in the proposed Merchant Service Im provement Act, making these notes legal. It was then resolved " That the meeting, taking into consideration the total inefficiency of the proposed Merchant Seamen's Improvement Act, as regards the legally securing and recovery of advance and monthly notes, deem it neces sary to call into existence an association for the purpose of communicating with the Board of Trade, and also to furnish ail the evidence that can be obtained to any Committee appointed by the Commons' House of Par liament during the next session, and to petition the said House to enact such laws as may carry the objects of this meeting into effect." The meeting separated at a late hour. DEATH OF MR. STRICKLAND.--PHILADELPHIA, OCT. 31.—A very melancholy event has occurred among the White Mountains, in New Hampshire, involvine the death of Frederick, son of Sir Thomas Strickland, Bart. A Boston paper says that "Though strongly urged to the contrary, Mr. Strickland left Crawford's Notch house to ascend Mount Washington, in company with a friend and a guide. Upon reaching Mount Pleasant and finding snow, the other gentleman and the guide returned, taking Strickland's horse, who, in spite of their entreaties, resolved to pursue the journey on foot, and come down the bridle-path and stop at Fabyan's, Mount Washington-house, whither his baggage had been sent. The next morning Crawford went over to Fabyan's, and finding the stranger had not been there, they started in pursuit of him. They found his track, and followed it till night, but only picked up a portion of his clothes. The next day he was found dead. It seems he had lost the track, and probably became insane in his wanderings, as his pantaloons and drawers were found in a hole in Ammonoosuck-brook, and his legs and body were badly bruised. The deceased was about thirty years old, heir to large estates, and had been travelling several months in this country, with a younger brother, who returned to England from Boston a fortnight ago. He had letters to Bostonians, and before going to tho White Hills had been stopping at the Tremont-house in this city. Mr. Horace Fabyan had the corpse buried in such a manner as to be disinterred if' his friends shall request it." A LEARNED JUDGE ON MUSIC AND DANCING,— A few clays ago, Mr. Sergeant Adams, whose heart—we are suro of it—is a huge lump of the best fresh butter, made a very sensible speech ou the music and dancing of the people. If Sir Peter Laurie be in delicate health— and we hope, on the contrary, he is as sound as his con genial Grampians—it would have much endangered him had he heard the Learned Sergeant debate upon the present system of licensing that restricted the number of places where good music and dancing was made cheap for the masses. " Let there be more music and dancing," said the astute Sergeant, "for the more de cent houses were licensed, the better they would be watched, the better they would be under the care of the public." Bad characters would not dance in darkness, in holes, and corners, like illicit mice. No; they would dance in the broad gas-light, with the wakeful eye of the law upon them. There is excellent sense in this, We cry with Sergeant Adams—" Let there Le more rruic and dancing.' We rejoice to have a musical—a saltatcry judge. Indeed, it ever we have the opportu nity we shall call upon Sergeant Adams fcr a song; and fondly hope, ere Christmas goes out, to meet him in Sir Roger de Cove rh.y.— Punch. DEATH FROM FALLING DOWN A COALPIT AT BOLTON.—An inquest was held on Monday afternoon, at the Unicorn public-house, Little Lever, on the body of Richard Waters, a youth aged 15 years. Messr3. Knowles and Stott are sinkirg a new pit at Little Lover, and have got to a depth of 51 yards. At the bottom of the shaft there were about six yards of water, and some men were employed raisirg it in buckets on Sunday afternoon with a gin. The deceased went to the mouth of the shaft, and whilst standing there a bucket of water came up. He took hold of the rope to pull it upon the platform, but from some cause or other the rope got off the pulley at the top, and in falling gave the young man a erk, which precipitated him down the pit. A verdict of d " Accidental death" was returned. the had s of and mes 1a he the g it )uld re- Lity nce .rsal their uted The er of ions, table f the 1