The Sun. — London, England, 1849-12-20 00:00:00

FRANCE. The Moniteur Algerien, of the 10th, announces that after the capture of Zaatcha, all the popula tions of the Ziban, who had been waiting the issue, hastened to the camp of General Herbillon to give hostages for their submission, and for the payment of fines inflicted on them. Colonel Daumas, after having established the French authority in Bou Cada, and among the neigh bouring fractions of the Ouled sails had sent forces against the Ouled - Ameur-nen•Feradj, owing to the unsatisfactory replies they had made to his demands ; and on the 29th ultimo an engagement took place at Djebel-Messad, which ended by the defeat of the enemy, and by their tents and great part of their flocks falling into the possession of the French, after which they made their submission. The loss of the French in the affair was only a few killed and wounded. The defeat of the Ouled-Ameur-Ben- Feradj, joined to the taking of Zaatcha, caused such a profound impression, that another important frac tion of the same tribe, which had been resisting, made their submission also. The following is a return of the situation of the Bank of France on Dec. 13:— ASSETS. f. 291,632,364 28 . . 128,631,341 0 ... 153,536 48 Cash and ingots ... Ditto in branch banks Bills past due ••• Bills falling due in Paris, of which 16,221,080 f. Oc. are from the branch banks ... 40,816,381 Bills in the branch banks 75,618,813 Advances on coins and ingots... ... 5,298,900 Ditto by the branch banks ... 306,959 Ditto on French public securities ... 20,548,031 Ditto by branch banks... ... ... 2,063,501 Ditto to the State on Bons du Tresor... 50,000,000 Ditto on the loan of 150 millions ... 50,000,000 Loan of 3,000,000 f. to the city of Mar- • . . seilles ... .. ••• ... Advance to the department of the 1,075,000 Seine 3,000,000 Rentes of the reserve fund ... 10,000,000 Rentes, disposable funds ... ... 42,529,988 Investments of the new branch banks in the public funds ... Hotel and furniture of the Bank Real property of the branch banks ... Interest in National Discount Bank .. Ditto branch banks ... Bills protested at Paris Ditto at the branches ... Expenses of administration of the Bank Ditto of the branches ... Miscellaneous 12,826,541 4,000,000 3,038,125 200,000 0 230,000 0 ... 2,429,716 39 1,903,682 0 580,083 07 558,021 0 9,963 0 E 747,450,947 LIABILITIES. Capital f. 67,900,000 Ditto of the Branch Banks ... ... 23,350,000 Reserve fund ... 10,000,000 Ditto of the branch banks ... 2,980,750 Reserve-immobiliere ... 4,000,000 Notes to bearer, in circulation ... ... 364,697,500 Ditto of the branch banks ... .., 67,083,550 Ditto to order (post-bills) ... 1,471,528 Account-current with Treasury creditor 74,428,392 Various accounts current 80,120,368 Ditto in branches 27,289,883 Bills payable at sight ... ... 4,653,000 Ditto at branches ... 1,576,218 Bills of the branch banks payable by the Bank ... 7,563,319 Ditto of the Bank payable by branches.. 3,654,547 Dividends payable 263,791 Liquidation of the Algiers Bank ... 155,647 Discounts, interest, and expenses ... 3,373,968 Ditto branch banks ... ... 1,961,150 Re-discounts of the last six months ... 143,693 Ditto in branch banks .. ... 304,348 Miscellaneous ... ... 479,291 f. 747,450,947 59 Certified by the Governor of the Bank of France. D'ARGOUT. We find by the foregoing account that the cash in hand has increased within the week by 4,500,000 f. The amount of commercial bills discounted has decreased by 2,3( 1 0,0001. The protested bills have diminished by 105,0001. The bank notes in circulation have decreased by 2 750,000 f. The balance to the credit of the Treasury has increased by 3,000,000 f. The sundry credits hare diminished by 1,500,0001. PR USSIA. The Berlin State Gazette of the lath announces officially the departure for Frankfort of the Prussian members of the ad interim Federal Commission. The first question which will be submitted to the Commis sion will be, it is said, the constitution of a new Lieutenancy-General for Schleswig-Holstein ; and on this point it is expected that the Commissioners will be in complete disaccord, Austria wishing to exclude Prussians and Danes from the Lieutenancy and in troduce Auitrians, and Prussia positively refusing to submit to any such condition. AUSTRIA. The Bretlaza Gazette has a letter from Vienna of the 13th, which states that it was announced, but not generally believed, that the Archduke Albert, Com mander of the Austrian forces in Bohemia, had died suddenly. It was already known that the Archduke Ferdinand was dangerously ill at Prague. By a convention, just concluded between the Bink of Vienna and the Austrian Government, 58,000,000 A. of the Sardinian indemnity are to be paid to the Batik, in reduction of the debt of 200,000,000 ff.; but no provision has been made for the payment of the balance. This had produced a bad effect on the Stock Exchange. The Austrian Government is about to establish a tax on malt. ITALY. The Statuto of Florence quotes a letter from Parma, stating that the Duke of Parma has applied to Vienna for the revision of the treaty of 1814, alleging that he did not sign, and that it is ♦ery prejudicial to his interests. Count Edmond Zichy, brother to Count Eugene Zichy, who was shot by sentence of court-martial for giving up Venice, has lost his reason, in conse quence of an attack of apoplexy. He was at Florence when this happened. The Riforma of Lucca, of the 10th, mentions some disturbances that had occurred at Fiesole some days before. The Pretor had been forced to leave that place with the force under his command. A detachment of the line had been sent there to restore order. Similar disturbances have taken place at Castelfiorentino and Poggibosi. The Constituzionale of Florence states from Rome, 7th inst., that General Baraguay d'Hilliers has signified his ultimatum to the Pope, and prescribed a delay for his return to Rome, after which the French authorities would, in case of this non-compliance, proclaim a provisional Government. A synod of bishops had been held at Spoleto, but had ended in a violent dispute. BUENOS AYRES. Accounts of October 6th give the answer of General Congress to the deputation of the House of Repre sentatives, which requested him to remain in power. It is of the old character, but so decided that one would really conclude the Dictator was becoming exhausted by tho wear and tear of office. The Governor says : " Mr. President and Gentlemen,—The Hon. Holise of Representatives has ♦oted the sending of a distinguished deputation to me, for the purpose specified by Mr. Pre sident. To me it is an honour and a pleasure to receive it. In replying to the honourable deputation, I shall confine myself to what is most necessary and substantial. I regret I cannot acquit myself in a regular form, as, notwithstanding my most ardent wishes, I have not been able to devote a single day to this most important matter. " The answer in detail given by the representatives to the message, in which I rendered them a faithful ac count of the acts of my administration last year, is so glorious and so gracious, as to lay me still more under obligations of the deepest acknowledgment. "In the midst of this elevated feeling of gratitude, I regret that 1 cannot adhere to the sentiments and com ply with the wishes of the Honourable House of Repre sentatives, in regard to my continuance in the Govern ment. "Although it were absolutely necessary, although it were possible to carry still further the sacrifice of my principles and of my health, when my heart and my conscience tell me every instant that I cannot continue to do good any longer in the station which I occupy, the representatives can neither compel me, nor inflict a positive evil on the country by my remaining in office. " Since it is not possible for General Rosas to dispatch with promptness the whole of the affairs of most na tional moment, nor the numberless ones which, though of minor importance, form altogether a whole whose delay is highly injurious and of serious consequences, public opinion in his favour in the provinces, and in the Republic, has naturally waned. " From those considerations, which are felt and are distinctly perceptible, springs the reason of irresistible cogency, which imposes on the representatives the impe rious duty of naming another citeen, with greater bodily vigour and force of public opinion, to suweed without delay General Rosas. " And it is the refore, and in pursuance of what I have stated and urged upon the Honourable House of Repre. sentatives on so many previous occasions, that I now repeat my former earnest entreaties that it will deign to relieve me of the supreme command." The House of It:.presentatives, which was on the point of adjourning vvheii it received the report of the deputation, immediately r. solved to prorogue the ses sion, and has referred ibis important matter to the committee on constitutional affairs. THE HAWORTH FRAUD.—Further investigation into the accounts of the Rochdale Savings' Bank are stated to reveal deficiencies to the extent of 100,0001.; and although various gentlemen have subscribed each several sums of 1,0002, yat the ultimate losses will proie enormous. The widow of the late manager has offered honourably to surrender everything to the trustees of the bank, however, providing that she is indemnified for the consequences. According to a Lee:ls contemporary, hundreds of people do not believe that the delinqu ent is dead, regar di ng the whole as a deception to Lltad depositors, whilst he escapes with their money,—Liverpool Courier- IRELAND. (FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.) DUBLIN, TUESDAY EVENING.—The few provincial papers received to-day contain nothing worth extract ing. They abound, however, notwithstanding the landlords' moans, with notices of coursing matches, meets of fox-hounds, harriers, steeple and flat racing, and all those other melancholy assemblages which so well beseem a ruined and starving landocracy. The Lord-Lieutenant and suite visited, to-day, the National Schools, Marlborough-street, at which an immense number of children are receiving instruction. There is nothing which reminds one more than this establishment of the educational institutions of the Continent ; for in none other in this profoundly poor, yet proud, country are the distinctions of rank less marked. In this noble esta blishment the child of the poor artizan, if he be but kept decently clad, may receive a sound education with the heir of a gentleman ; and it is striking to see how rapidly the prejudices of rank are wearing away. The system of education adopted is of the best and most practical description; and there is an utter ab sence of all interference with the creed of the scholars, who, on stated days, receive religious instruction from clergymen of their respective creeds. After a long inspection his Excellency withdrew, expressing him self highly pleased with his visit. TUE CASE OF FFRENCR V. FFRENCR.—This long protracted will case, which has excited so deep an interest, particularly in the west of Ireland, was decided this day. Chief Justice Blackburne was nearly five hours charging the jury, who retired at twenty minutes to four this evening, and after an absence of about a quarter of an hour, brought in a verdict for the plaintiff, the Honourable Martin Ffrench, with sixpence costs. The court was densely crowded with the friends of both parties, and great excitement prevailed as to the event. This is the second time since the opening of term that a jury has decided in favour of the plaintiff's claim. Pro perty in dispute-8001. per annum, and 5,0001. in the funds. The day has been warm and gloomy, with one ex ceedingly heavy shower at noon. Colds and influenza are very prevalent, owing to the many variations of temperature. A " green Christmas"—that is, a Christmas without snow—has been re garded here from time immemorial as inductive of disease and mortality ; and, to judge from appear ances, the prophets of evil may have full play for their vaticinations, for there will scarcely be a fall of snow before Tuesday next. THE S UN, THE KILRUSH CATASTROPHE. The Limerick Chronicle contains the following account of the melancholy catastrophe at Kilrush by which 41 human creatures were hurried to a prema ture grave. Of the number which thus perished 37 were paupers, the remaining four being one of the ferrymen and two young girls (one a farmer's daughter, the other a servant), and a child of 18 months old :—" On Wednesday evening at five o'clock, in telligence reached the town of Kilrush that a large number of persons, most of whom were paupers, who had been seeking outdoor relief, were drowned while crossing the ferry on their return to Moyarta. That humane and excellent officer, Captain Kennedy, accompanied by Dr. O'Donnell, proceeded imme diately to the scene of the tragedy, taking with them such restoratives as are generally used in recovering the drowned ; but none of the bodies were washed on shore that night. Those gentlemen remained out all night, and the scene next morning (Thursday) was most distressing. No less than thirty-three dead bodies were washed ashore on the northern side of the ferry. They were removed to an adjacent field, and the coroner, Mr. Prank O'Donnell, arriving soon after from Kilkee, an inquest was held on their wretched remains. It appeared upon the inquiry that no less than forty three or forty-five persons (for they could not tell the exact number), were allowed to crowd into a crazy and rotten boat, which has been plying on this ferry for the last forty years. The boat moved on as far as the middle of the ferry, when a sea broke over her stern and filled her at once, the wind blowing► strong from the south-east at the time. She upset instantly, and her miserable living- freight were immerged in the merciless waters, while four (who were eventually saved) clung to her until a boat from Captain Cox's men came to their assistance. The verdict of the coroner's jury was as usual in such cases, but imputing gross neglect, and attaching censure to the owners of the boat for admitting such a number of persons into so frail a craft. With the exception of four the victims were all paupers, who had frequently come into the town in vain to seek outdoor relief, and were returning that sad evening to their wretched hovels in the parishes of Moyarta and Kilballyowen. The discon solate relatives of the unfortunate victims came down on the shore, bewailing with heartrending cries the awful calamity, and the bodies of others were recog nised by the aid of the relieving officer. Captain Kennedy distributed money to those poor creatures, and sent into the Kilrush workhouse for coffins for the dead. There were two other bodies found on Thursday night, and four on yesterday morning, making a total of thirty-nine found dead, and two are still missing. The ferry (as it is called) where this most melancholy catastrophe occurred is an arm of the Shannon, extending into the spot called the turf yards' by the road to ICilkee, and the peasantry from the western parts of Clare have made it from time immemorial their shortest way home. It is stated that the unfortunate creatures forced their way into the boat as it grew dark, and that act would appear as if they were reckless of their lives, or as if Heaven awarded them a more merciful death than starvation, by which they probably would have perished in a few days more. They came in many times to Kilrush seeking for relief, and were crowded in squalid groups around the:workhouse gate, the most miserable spectacle that ever shocked the eye of humanity. The doomed beings were obliged for the last fortnight to return to the country without receiving 11b. of meal, and the charity of the shop keepers of Kilrush must have been the only means during the sal interim, together with that of the Roman Catholic clergy, of preserving their miserable lives, and those of many others. The residence of the parish priest, the Rev. T. Kelly, Kilrush, is everyday beset by such forlorn and destitute creatures. The state of this wretched union is almost without a parallel, and except for some humane arrangements made by Col. Vandeleur with Mr. Kelly, manager of the National Bank, the inmates of the workhouse would have had no food during the past week. There are daily meetings of the board of guardians, but what can they do when the Poor law Commissioners treat their appeals on behalf of a perishing multitude with in difference and contempt ? A member of the board went specially to Dublin last week, and represented the deplorable state of the union to the Commissioners, but the mission of that gentleman appears to have been utterly fruitless." STATE OF TRADE. (From the Manchester Guardian.) MANCHESTER, TUESDAY.—The yarn market has exhibited an increase of steadiness, and, indeed, of firmness in the prices of raost descriptions, except the common qualities of fine number s . I n mule, up to No. 60's, there is a somewhat improving tendency ; and the large sales of 16's to 24's water, made within the last few days, for the China market, have given an upward bias to those spinnings. The operations are for home consumption, for the markets of the Etat, and for those of the Mediterranean. The German mer chants still keep aloof from business. The im provement which took place in goods last week is fully maintained. The demand continues more active for printing cloths than for most other articles ; and prices are, at least, quite firm. The recent transactions in 40-inch shirtings and jacconets are inducing the makers to require an advance upon the attainable rates' of last week. Both the home dealers and shippers are doing more in domestics ; while, for long cloths and T cloths there also appears to be a slightly increased inquiry; the makers are not, therefore, quite so easily dealt with as of late. On the whole, there is a growing cheerfulness among both sellers and buyers —an expectation that a more satis factory state of things is approaching. Certainly, there has seldom been such lightness of stock at Christmas, and not often so much business in progress. ROCHDALE, MONDAY.—The demand for pieces still continues very good. At this time of the year we generally have but little doing, but at present the hands are in full employment, and the stocks on hand are light. There is but little change in wool from the previous Monday. MACCLESFIELD, TUESDAY.— We have nothing to add to our last weekly report of the throwing trade. Thrown silks may now be considered much below their relative value when contrasted with the raw material, and as there is every probability of prices being maintained, there mast be a decided advance on thrown silks in general, ere long, to enable producers to go on ; for, at present rates, there is very little margin between the two. The manufacturers being pretty well cleared out of old stocks, are looking forward for an advance on goods, when the orders in hand are completed. The prices now paid are not nearly adequate to the enhanced value of silk. Dyers con tinue well supplied with work for the present. In the raw silk market prices of China are very firm. Italians area little neglected at the extreme rates, owing probably to the difficulty experienced in the working of them. HUDDERSEIELD,"' TUESDAY.;Bodusyehrasvehbaeveen very numerous, and . the sal es i n l ow extensive. In'vestings there is not much doing. Wool finds purchasers, and the advance in price con sequent on the close Cif-the London sales is realised in this district. HALIFAX, SATURDAY.—There were but few buyers in our Piece Hall to-day, but there is a good business doing in the warehouses and to order. Lastings are scarce, and command higher prices. Mixtures, also, sell freely at improved rates. The demand for yarn, especially for export, continues unabated, and the quotations are still looking upward. There is scarcely so much activity in long wool, which ma nifests much firmness. Short wool sells readily at improving prices. LEEDS: Toesnar.—We have no change to notice in the woollen trade since last week. The markets have been flat to-day and on Saturday, but for the time of year not bad. Prices are firm. LAW INTELLIGENCE. COURT OF EXCHEQUER, Dec. 19. (Sittings at Nisi Prius, in London, before the LORD CHIEF BARON and Special Juries.) BADCOCE AND ANOTHER V. THE GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY COMPANY. This part-heard case was resumed to-day, at the sitting of the Court, when Billings, the guard, whom it was suggested on the part of the plaintiffs was concerned in or had connived at the robbery, was examined on behalf of the company. It appeared from his evidence that he had laid out on the good will, lease, and incidental expenses of the beer-shop as much as 6101. 4s. Bd. This sum he accounted for within about 1001. Sir F. THESIGER having replied at considerable length, The LORD CHIEF BARON delivered his charge to the jury, in the course of which he expressed a clear opinion that in point of law the company would have been perfectly justified in refusing to carry the case of bullion at the ordinary rates of conveyance. Whether the plaintiff► had chosen or not to declare the contents and value of the package, the officers of the company might have inferred it to contain bullion to a great amount from its appearance, and then, if they had refused on behalf of the company to carry it on the ordinary terms, he was quite clear that no action would lie against the company for their refusal. Bankers ought not to expect to send a chest contain ing 1,5001. in gold and silver coin from London to Taunton for Bs. His Lordship also remarked that in the course of his experience of half a century in the Courts, he did not remember to have known so much bullion entrusted to so feeble a package. Having commented very minutely upon the critical situation in which Billings was placed by this trial, and ex plained that though theoretically, but not practically, he was being tried for felony, he told them that they ought to expect a very exact calculation from him, in accounting for the money he was proved to have spent, and that they might well consider whether the profits of his business were not sufficient to cover any dis crepancy. The Learned Judge concluded by giving the following direction to the jury :—lf they thought the witness in the box (Billings), with reference to the whole case before them, was the person who was guilty of this robbery, either by himself or with the assistance of others, then they ought to return their verdict for the plaintiffs; but if, on the other hand, they thought the evidence did not satisfy them that the case for the plaintiffs amounted to anything more than a mere suspicion, then it was for the plain tiffs to make out that issue, the demand being for 1,5001, the defendants saying " you did not insure," and the plaintiffs replying "we assume ordinary risks, but this parcel was stolen by your own servant." That issue was to be made out by the plaintiffs, and if, in their opinion, as just, reasonable, and cautious men, they had failed to establish it to their satis faction, then they ought to find their verdict for the defendants. The Jury retired, and after an absence of nearly two hours, returned into Court, and the Lord Chief Baron having been sent for, The Foreman inquired of the Learned Judge whether they were to require direct evidence of the guilt of Billings ; because they had assumed that they could not return a verdict for thepiaintiffs without it. The LORD Ciller BARON said fie was not sure that he quite appreciated what they meant by direct evi dence, but the evidence they ought to expect was such evidence as would convince them of the facts. It rarely happened that absolute evidence of the fact could be had from an eye-witness. In the case of an atrocious murder there was first the evidence of the murder, and then the question was, " Who had done it ?" Very seldom, indeed, did it occur that any one saw the deed done, but then various circumstances were put together which formed circumstantial evidence so strong, as sometimes enabled a jury to see their way clearly in convicting the accused party. That would be the sort of evidence upon which this case would be decided. The Foreman—We were under the impression, my Lord, that your Lordship had directed us that the plaintiffs had not prayed the affirmative of the issue. The Louis CHIEF Beitost—Oh, no. That I ex pressly leave you to decide. The Foreman—We must retire again, my Lord ; and shall be absent only five minutes, or not return to-night. A juryman, as they were preparing to r e t urn t o their room, addressed his Lordship, and said that being extremely ill, and the inquiry having lasted much longer than he expected, it would be utterly impossible for him to remain in court much longer. lie had to request his Lordship, therefore, in case they were not prepared to give a verdi c t shortly, to allow his physician to be sent for, who, upon his arrival, would give a certificate of the dangerous state of his health, and upon that he trusted the Court would discharge him from further attendance. The jury returned in about ten minutes' . time, when the same gentleman urged his request formally, after it had been stated that no verdict had been agreed upon. The LORD CHIEF BARON ascertained tite name of the physician, and gave directions that he might be sent for instantly. Another juryman said he had left a relation dan gerously ill that morning, and that there was not the slightest possibility of the jury ever becoming unani mous. It was a case of considerable doubt, and they. would much prefer to be discharged without giving a verdict. The Loan Cain , BARON, after remarking that the illness of p relation was no legitimate excuse for not attending upon a jury, inquired whether the parties would not consent to the jury being discharged ? The clerks to the attorneys en both sides said they were left in court without authority to consent to dircharge the jury without a verdict. The Loan CHIEF BARON then said, that in conse quence of the urgent representations made to him by the invalid juryman of the dangerous state of his health, he thought he had the power to dispense with the formality of a physician's certificate, and he would at once, therefore, take the juryman's statement on oath. The juryman was then sworn to answer truly all questions demanded of him, and having answered several questions put to him by his Lordship on the subject, his statements in answer to which were cor roborated by the foreman, The LORD CHIEF BARON discharged him from further attendance in the case. This proceeding having the effect at law of breaking up the jury, the remaining eleven jurors were for mally discharged without giving a verdict. BUSINESS OF THE COURT. The LORD CHIEF BARON gave notice, that after to-morrow (this day), no more special jury cases would be taken at the present sitting. Four were ordered to be set down in the list. Mr. Baron ALDERSON will sit here to morrow (this day), in place of the Lord Chief Baron. ASSIZE INTELLIGENCE. NORTHERN CIRCUIT.—York, Dec. 18. NISI PRIUS COURT.—(Before Mr. Justice CRESS- WELL.) John Laverach and Hannah Laverach were charged with having at Armin, in the West Riding, on the Ist of November last, administered to Abraham Laverack and Hannah, his wife, a certain deadly poison called white arsenic, with intent to poison them. Mr. Overend and Mr. igby Seymour conducted the prosecution ; Mr. Dearaley and Mr. Campbell Foster defended the prisoners. His LORDSHIP having summed up the evidence, The jury, in a short time, returned a verdict of Not Guilty. __ Join Nagga was indicted for forging and uttering, knowing it to be forged, an acquittance for 351., with intent to defraud Messrs. Leatham, Tew, and Co., bankers, of Wakefield. Another count charged him with intending to defraud John Leatham, a trustee of the Widows' and Orphans' Friendly So ciety, who kept an account at Messrs. Leatham and Co.'s bank. Mr. Hale and Mr. Hardy conducted the prosecu tion ; the prisoner was defended by Mr. Matthews. It appeared that the prisoner and John Leatham were trustees of the Widows' and Orphans' Friendly . Society, whichtconsisted of 700 members, and had several branches. When a branch had collected a sum large enough to be put into the bank notice was given to two trustees, who, on depositing the money in the bank, received a deposit- note from the bankers. This note had then to be cut in halves, each trustee taking a half; and then each half had to be deposited with a different branch of the society ; and, when the money was required again, the two trustees had to get the halves of the deposit• note from the branches where they hid been deposited, and then the trustees would jointly present the two halves at the bank, or have the name of the trustee nit present endorsed on the other half. On the 22d December last, the prisoner having only one half of a deposit-note for 351., obtained the other half from a branch of the society, on the ground that he was going to pay 101. more into the bank, and take out a fresh deposit-note for 45L, and then he presented the note,:endorsed with his own name and that of John Leatham, by which means he drew out the 351. The endorsement of JohnLeatham was a for gery. When . asked to return the half of . the new note, by the person who had given him the half of the old note, he said that he had it amongst his papers and that he would find it. But no fresh note had ever been issued, as the prisoner had taken the 35/. LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 20, 1849. out. When taken into custody, he said he did not in tend to defraud the society, but to pay it back as soon as he could. Mr. MATTHEWS addressed the jury for he pri soner, contending that his identity with the person who received the money at the bank had not been established. His LORDSHIP having summed up, the jury re turned a vedict of Guilty. Sentence deferred. NISI PRIUS COURT.—(Befcre Mr. Justice WILLIAMS.) Emma Craven and Edward Craven were charged, the former with having, at Wakefield, on the 6th of August last, endeavoured to conceal the birth of her child, and the latter with aiding and abetting her in the concealment. Mr. Blanshard and Mr. Shaw conducted the prose cution; Mr. Overend and Mr. Pickering defended the prisoners. Mr. BLANSHARD, in opening the case, after stating the charge against the prisoners, said that they resided near Dewsbury, and the family consisted of a female servant, named Ellen Sykes, and a man servant named Thomas Nettleton, who did not live in the house. Before August last, the appearance of Miss Craven had caused suspicions in the mind of Ellen Sykes, and on the 4th of that month, early in the morning, Miss Craven complained of her being unwell from a bowel attack, and remained in bed ; Mr. Craven attended her, taking up her breakfast, and afterwards brandy and water. About half-past 12 she heard cries from Miss Craven's room. Mr. Craven attended her all day. Ellen Sykes observed several other circumstances which went to prove the birth of a child, though she herself never saw the infant alive. On the Monday she observed Mr. Craven go into the garden between nine and ten o'clock, and watched him in consequence of what she had previously seen, and observed him digging near a cucumber frame in the garden. She was then sent out, and when she returned in about an hour, she found Miss Craven down stairs, looking much thinner. After tea she went out into the garden, and the hole 'which she had seen Mr. Craven digging was filled up. What she had seen she told to Thomas Nettleton, and on going to the place where the hole was dug, searched, and found buried in it a paper parcel, inside which was found a male child, wrapped up in white calico. Sheets and chemises were afterwards taken possession of by the police, belonging to Miss Craven, which medical men would state had marks which clearly showed that whoever had used them had been de livered of a child. In addition to this evidence, after the discovery was made, Mr. and Miss Craven sud denly left the neighbourhood ; the former, however, surrendered himself ; the latter was taken into custody in October. The Learned Counsel then called Ellen Sykes, who deposed to the facts s t a t e d i n th e opening spe ec h of counsel. Cross- examined—Miss Craven had a sweetheart who went out to Australia about two months before this happened. When she complained of being poorly, she said her father had wanted to send for a doctor, but she did not like doctors. Had seen some baby-linen in a box of Miss Craven's. It was quite clear to me that Mr. Craven was digging a little grave. He continued digging, though he could see me. I went into Miss Craven's room many times, the door was not locked. Mr. Craven used to go into Miss Craven's room when she was sick. His LORDSHIP here said there was no concealment of birth; there was concealment of the body, but no concealment of the birth on which a jury could act. The jury then returned a verdict of Not Guilty. .Mary Skinner was charged with the wilful murder of her new-born male child, at Dunnington, on the 13th of September last. Mr. Matthews prosecuted, Mr. Dearsley defended the prisoner. _ _ At the suggestion of the latter gentleman Mr. Hay, a surgeon at York, was called, who spoke as to marks and bruises which were found on the child, and as to the fact of its having been born alive. He gave other testimony tending to show ,that the prisoner had in flicted injuries upon the child which caused its death ; but at the conclusion of his testimony, his Lordship having asked the witness whether his opinion might not be fallible, and being answered in the affirmative, his Lordship asked the jury whether they wished the charge of murder to be proceeded with, to which they replied in the negative. The prisoner then withdrew her plea of not guilty as to the charge of concealing the birth, upon which the jury found her Guilty. His Lordship then, considering the length of time she had been in prison, sentenced her to a further imprisonment of six weeks. CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT. OLD COURT. ATTEMPTED PARRICIDE AT CHISWICK. (Continued from our Afternoon Edition of yesterday. Mr. Bonxix having replied, Mr. JusticeCOLERIDGE summed up the whole case, observing that there were two questions involved in it; first, did the prisoner shoot at his father; and secondly, if he did, what was his intention in doing it? The act of shooting was not disputed, but the intent was contro verted. Now the only means of ascertaining the intent of a rational man in - doing a thing wits by looking at the consequence of his act. Thus, for instance, if a sane man placed a loaded pistol at the head of a fellow-crea ture and fired it off, killing him, there could be no doubt that the intention of that man was to kill the party shot at, but of course insanity deprived a man of full power of entertaining an intent. Well, then, the facts of this case were such as to show that if this party were sober, he had done an act with the intent to take away life, under such circumstances as would have amounted to murder, had his father died. Drunkenness, however, was neither a defence nor an excuse for crime, but it" might be advanced to prove that a party was incapable to conceive an intent. It was not enough, however, simply to show that the patty was intoxicated, but it must be proved to the satisfac tion of die jury that he was so drunk that he was not competent of forming the intent he was charged with, and that now seemed to be the only question the jury had to decide in this ease. If they negatived the point of drunkenness, then it would bo their duty to decide whether the prisoner fired the pistols with the intent to do some grievous bodily harm, or to commit murder. The jary then retired to consider their verdict, and after an absence of about twenty minutes they returned into court with a verdict of Guilty of the assault with intent to do some grievous bodily harm. They believed, however, that he committed the offence whilst labour ing under feelings of great excitement, and, therefore, they strongly recommended him to the mercy of the Court. Sentence wag deferred. Just before the Court rose he was again brough up to receive sentence. Mr. Justice COLERIDGE, addressing him, said that the jury had found him guilty of firing a pistol at the prosecutor with intent to do him grievous bodily harm, and had acquitted him of the more serious por tion of the charge. They had at the same time re commended him strongly to the merciful considera tion of the Court, and he was always glad to attend to such a recommendation when it was founded upon proper grounds. In this case, however, the jury had given the recommendation upon the ground that he had committed the act while under the influence of liquor, and his duty compelled him to say that the Court could not allow that fact in any way to operate as an excuse , and that th e y cou ld no t f or a momen t permit it to be thought that it was any palliation of an offence that it was committed under the influ ence of drink. He could not help thinking that, in the present case, the prisoner having formed the des perate design which to some extent he had carried out, had endeavoured to fortify himself to commit it by the excitement of drink. He had now, therefore, to answer for a most grievous crime. Upon some real or imaginary grievance he had deliberately armed himself with two loaded pistols, and having gone to the house of his father at a time when he knew he should find him helpless and unsuspecting, had discharged both the weapons at him, and had left him upon the ground bathed in his blood and apparently dead. Human nature shuddered at - such an act, and it was one which could hardly be considered possible unless proved, as in the present instance, by the clearest possible testi mony. Under these circumstances the Court felt it had no alternative but to pass upon him a sentence that would remove him from this country, and for a very long period. The prisoner was then sentenced to be transported or 15 years. NEW COURT. (Before the COMMON SERGEANT.) Alfred Sinclair was indicted for obtaining from John Cetta, by false and fraudulent pretences, a quantity of looking-glasses valued at 401. Mr. Clarkson and Mr. Payne prosecuted, and Mr. Robinson defended. This was the case so often before the police-courts, in which the prisoner effected his schemes by repre senting himself as a West Indian merchant, named Barclay, carrying on business under the firm of Barclay and Co., Maiden lane, in the City. The jury found the pisoner Guilty. There were several other indictments for obtaining goods under similar circumstances, but they were net proceeded with. The COMMO N SERGEANT ordered him to be trans ported for seven years. In the course of the day, upon an application being made to postpone the trials of two men who had only been committed on Monday, until next session, The COMMON SERGEANT said it was nothing but fair to the prisoners that they should have their trials postponed. He hoped that the Secretary of State would make a rule that there should not be any pri soners committed for trial at the sessions whilst they were sitting. Thomas Stevens, 50, labourer; William ill`Donald, 18, coachmaker; Caroline Hill, 19, spinster; Ann Plummer, 22, spinster; and Julia Collins, were in dicted for stealing a watch, chain, seal, mourning ring, ten sovereigns, some silver, and other moneys, the property of George William Stone, from his person. Mr. W. Cooper appeared to prosecute ; Mr. Horry and Mr. Worlett were for Macdonald and Collins, and Mr. Payne for Stevens. The plaintiff had been hocussed and then plundered. It did not seem that pro! , ecutor had gone to the house for an improper purpos, but had been dragged in. The jury Acquit!ed Stevens, and found the other prisoners Guilty. Plummer, who had been before convicted, was ordered to be transported for fifteen years, and the prisoners M'Donald, Collins, and Hill fur ten years. MIDDLESEX SESSIONS, Dee. 19. (Before Mr. Sergeant ADAMS, Assistant Judge.) MUSIC AND DANCING ESTABLISHMENTS. On the grand jury coming into court to presen some bills, The Learned JUDGE said he would take that oppor tunity to mention that, in the course of the day, a bill would, he believed, he submitted to them against so:ne persons for keeping an establishment for music and dancing, in contravention of the provisions of the 25th Geo. It, c. 36.—a description of proceeding which latterly had been discussed to some extent, in consequence of a series of prosecutions having been instituted under that statute. It was supposed by many that the magistrates could not grant a licence for music only, to the exclusion of dancing, but he was satisfied that the magistrates had the power to do so, for the whole matter was vested in their discre tion. He did not think the Act applied at all to public-houses, but to places where public entertain ments were given, such as assembly•rooms, gardens of public resort, and concert-rooms. it was an Act which was greatly misunderstood ; but in those cases which were occasionally brought forward under its provisions jurors were bound to act upon their oaths, and he was hound to administer, to the best of his ability, the law as it existed, justly and fairly. The grand jury then retired. A person named Collins was indicted for felony, but the bill could not be taken before the grand jury in consequence of a policeman who was a witness in the case being as the Central Criminal Court. The grand jury having waited some time for the arrival of the officer, who had been sent for, they came into court and requested to be di sc h arge d, but the Learned Judge requested them to wait a short time longer. The messenger returned to the court and informed the judge that he had applied to the Common Sergeant to allow the officer to leave for half-an-hour, as the grand jury were waiting to take his evidence, and that the Common Sergeant had replied that he had already given one messenger his answer, and he should not delay the business of his court to forward that of the Middlesex Sessions. The Learned JUDGE said he was extremely sorry that he should have received such an answer from one of the authorities of the city of London. It hap pened that the policeman was a witness in two cases— one at this court, and the other at the Central Cri minal Court ; and, although he had respectfully informed the Common Sergeant that the grand jury at this court were being detained solely because the officer was not in attendance, having no other case before them, that learned functionary not on l y declined to accede to that request, but threatened to estreat the policeman's recognizances if he left the Central Criminal Court. Knowing that the Common Sergeant could easily dispense with one man's attendance for the short time he was required here, having a number of other cases to dispose of, he (Mr. Sergeant Adams) had again sent a messenger to inform him that the grand jury were still waiting for the man's attendance, and they had just heard from the messenger the Common Sergeant's reply. He regretted that such an answer should have been sent, but he lamented more that a failure of justice should be the consequence •f that answer. He had no alternative but to discharge the grand jury at once, and he tendered the thanks of the county for the services they had rendered. He should not, like the civic authority, threaten to estreat the policeman's recognizances; but, on the contrary, would allow him his expenses. • The grand jury then retired. At the rising of the Court the prisoner was discharged by proclamation, there being no bill found against him. RAIL WAY INTELLIGENCE. SOUFH WALES RAILWAY. The adjourned half•yearly meeting of this com pany was held yesterday, at the Paddington station of the Great Western Company, to receive the report of the committee appointed at the half-yearly meeting in August last, and to consider the propriety of adopting the report of the directors ; Mr. Talbot, M.P., in the chair. Mr. WNAGUTEN, the chairman of the committee, stated that it was his duty to submit the report of the committee on the present position and future prospects of the company. After the reading of the report to the meeting he woull be happy to answer any ques tions with regard to it. and to enter into any expla• nations that may be desirable. The committee had stated in the report that it was not desirable at present to proceed with the line further than Swansea ; but since it had been printed they had made inquiries, and they thought it would be desirable to go as far as Carmarthen. In the amended report, to meet that alteration of opinion, they had inserted Carmarthen instead of Swansea. Mr. SAUNDERS, the secretary, then read the report of the committee. Mr. M'NAGHTEN moved that the report be received and adopted, which was seconded. Major COURT objected to that part of the report which referred to proceeding with the line from Swansea to Fishguard. Their first object should be to complete the line between Gloucester and Swansea, and bring it into profitable operation before enter taining the question of proceeding any further than Swansea. the Great Western Company would then be obliged to work that portion of the line, provide the working stock, and hand over the whole of the profits to the South Wales shareholders. He had no doubt that the line would be worked in a faithful manner, in from the o pi n i on o f t h e comm i ttee, ex pressed ntheir report, it appeare d t h at i t would b e a good paying line. In proposing to work the best portion of the line first, he did not intend to release the Great Western Company from their guarantee, but merely to ascertain what the line would pay, so as to form some o pi n i on as to t h e propr i ety or other wise of going to Fishguard. He objected to the measure suggested in the report with regard to the creation of preference shares, fur in nine cases out of ten their tendency was to deprive the original shares of dividends, and nothing but the most dire necessity should cause their adoption. If the line from Won.- cester to Swansea, 94 miles in length, could be com pleted for 2,970,0001., the sum stated in the report, it would be at the rate of 31,000/. per mile, and to get 5 per cent. on that sum would require a profit of 1,6001. per mile per annum; and allowing 1,0001. for working expenses, it would require a receipt of 2,6001. per mile per annum. This was not a very consider able sum to expect from such a line. He was not ac quainted with the district between Gloucester and Swansea, but he thought they might fairly expect 5 per cent. per annum if the line was worked with economy. Mr. CAZENOVE said the whole gist of the report was to complete the line between Gloucester and Swansea, and to place the company in a position to secure 200,0001. per annum. The advantage of com pleting the line to Swansea would be twofold—it would give the South Wales Company time to con consider whether they ought to construct the line to Fishguard, and it would also give the Great Western Company time to consider whether it would be more prudent to come to some arrangement with the South Wales Company respecting the guarantee and the further extension of the line. It was unreasonable to expect that either company would act in a manner injurious to their interests, and if the present terms are not suitable, some other terms must be made. He cordially agreed with the report.—(Applause.) A PROPRIETOR said they ought to concentrate all their strength to complete the line to Swansea, and open it for traffic. He recommend e d th e s h are h o ld ers to act with unanimity in finishing the line to Swan sea, and he had no doubt that terms would be come to with the Great Western Company. Mr. M'NAGnTEN said that the committee had agreed on the necessity of completing the line to Swansea, but if the funds were available, they thought it might be advantageous to complete the line to Carmarthen. Mr. BRUNEL stated, in reply to a question, that the portion of the line between Chepstow and Swan sea would be ready for opening in April next, and from Gloucester to Swansea in the spring of 1851. If all the works beyond Swansea were abandoned, the cost to the company would be 240,0001. The powers of the company for taking land and construct ing works would not expire till 1 9x4. Mr. NASH entered into a variety of details with regard to the affairs of the company. He wished to know upon what grounds they had decided that the line would be made for the estimate. Ile proceeded to show that the terms of the guarantee were con ditional, and, from the nature of the agreement which would have to be mutually decided on between the two companies before the guarantee of the Great Western could come into operation or be enforced, he contended that the option lay entirely with the Great Western Company as to the validity of the guarantee. In his opinion it was a question for the shareholders to decide whether they had not better at once throw over the guarantee, get rid of the Great Western management, alter the gauge, and act independently of the Great Western Company. He would propose that the reports be referred to a corn ! mittee of investigation, with an instruction to ascer tain satisfactorily whether the line can be constructed for the sum specified in the estimate. Ile then entered into a review of the committee's report of the Waterford, Wexford, Wicklow, and Dublin Railway, in reference to the South Wales financial matters. He concluded by moving an amendment to the effect that the reports of the com mittee and directors be referred to a committee of investigation, especially those parts referring to the estimate for the line, the gauge, the loan s , an d o th er transactions, and that no sanction be given by the directors of this company on the three W.'s board to the bill promoted by the latter company. Mr. LUCAS srconded the ame n dm en t. _ _ Mr. MORTIMER, one of the committee, said he fully concurred in every part of the report, and he would appeal to the shareholders whether it would not be better to come to an understanding with the Great Western Company than to rake up things that were passed. The proposal of the committee was to com plete the line to Swansea, and receive a rent of 125,000/. per annum, and release the Great Wester❑ Company from that portion of the guarantee applioable to the portion cf the line between Swansea and Fish guard, amounting to 75,0001 per annum. Mr DUNCAN would support the original motion ; and, as to the amendment, he did not think they had anything to do with the narrow gauge or the broad gauge; their line was connected with the Great Western, and they wished to go hand-in hand wi'h them ; but if the latter company were not disposed to act fairly by this company, the matter could be sub mitted to public opinion, and to the courts of law, and they were strong enough to make them do what was right. The committee had left them in the dark with regard to the accounts, and he thought it de sirable that a clear statement of the receipts and ex penses should be submitted to the proprietors before the next February meeting when they, with other matters, could be dealt with in a proper manna. He trusted they would reject the proposed amendment, but at the same time he holed that the shareholders would watch every move in the boards of both companies, and keep their attention fixed on their interests. The Rev. Mr. SPENCIa said he thought the share holders had not been fairly dealt with. He thought their affairs ought to be investigated by a public ac countant. Their late secretary, Mr. Armstrong, had shown no disposition to keep the accounts properly, for in a conversation he ha'l with Mr. Armstrong re specting the construction account, he said with regard to a certain item of expense being large, the only way would be to swell out other items, and make that le.s.—(Hear.) He (Mr. Spencer) wished to have a Parliamentary investigation into the affairs of the company in justice to the injured shareholders, for he was quite sure that there were parties in the company whu had made themselves secure at the ex • pense of others. Mr. BAKER strongly urged on the shareholders not to appoint a committee of inquiry, for he thought it would do a great deal more harm than good. There was a prospect of putting matters in a favourable position. Something had been said about the esti mate of Mr. Brunel not being sufficient, and that there was no confidence in his estimates ; he (Mr. Baker) could mention two railroads which were con structed by Mr. Brunel—they were the Bristol and Exeter and the Bristol end Gloucester ; and he had no doubt that Mr. Brunel's estimate with regard to this company would not be exceeded. With regard to the guarantee, he was fortified by the best legal au thority in the country in asserting that it was perfectly valid, and could be enforced on the comple tion of the line to Fishguard. It was agreed by all parties that it would be madness to construct the portion of the line between Carmarthen and Fish guard. With regard to the accounts, the committee proposed to suggest the appointment of Mr. Ernest, of Cbeapside, to investigate them, an d t o re p or t thereon ten days prior to the next meeting. The amendment was then negatived. Mr. MATHEWS Laid, with reference to observations which had been made on the directors lending the funds of the company to other companies and to individuals, that they had in all cases obtained ample security. The object was to increase the funds of the company in the shape of interest during periods when the company did not require the money to carry on the works. The company had gained by lending money at various times to the Great Western Company, who had always paid back the loans when the South Wales Company required it. The object of the directors by these loans was to benefit as far as possible the financial position of the company. He denied that the directors of the South Wales Company, as stated in the report, were under the Great Western influence, with the exception of the six directors at the board representing the Great Western Company. He deprecated the pro posal for a Parliamentary investigation, because he thought the shareholders were fully competent to inquire into their own affairs. He recommended the shareholders of all things to avoid squabbling among themselves. Mr. BURKE said that they could not legally adopt the report of the Committee, because it involved re commendations which could not be adopted without due notice, and at a special general meeting convened for the purpose. After some further discussion resolutions were passed receiving the report of the committee, and re ferring the further consideration of the recommenda tions contained therein to the next meeting ; re questing the directors to proceed with such negotia tions with the Great 'We3tern Company as they may deem expedier.t ; adopting the report of the directors; appointing Mr. Ernest to investigate the accounts of the company, and to report thereon at the next meet• ing; postponing the forfeiture of 1,465 shares until the next meeting; and authorising the expenses of the committee to be paid. Thanks were voted to the committee of share holders, and to the chairman of the company, after which the meeting separated. GLOUCESTER AND DEAN FOREST RAILWAY.—It appears probable that the dispute between this com pany and the South Wales Company, which gave rise to the recent special meeting, will be adjusted. The question in dispute is one of some importance to the Gloucester and Forest of Dean Company, whose line runs into that of the South \Vales Company about nine miles from Gloucester, at a point some four or five miles distant from the Forest of Dean mineral field. Access to this is at present attainable by an old tramway, called the Bulb Pell tramway, which has been purchased by the South Wales Rail way Company, who undertook in consequence of a " pressure from without," to con vert it into a locomotive railway, and provide loco motive power, charging a maximum toll for convey ance of materials of M. per ton per mile. That agreement, if carried out, would occasion consider able loss to the South Wales Company, and therefore they are seeking to obtain a modification of the terms. The directors of the two companies have had several meetings on the subject. In the meantime the works of the Gloucester and Forest of Dean Railway are progressing very satisfactorily, and will be completed by the time that the South Wales line is ready for opening from Swansea up to the point of junction with it. The erection of one of the bridges across the Severn, near Gloucester, has been begun. It is situate close to the " over" bridge on the west branch of the river, which here divides into two channels. LONDON AND NORTH-WESTERN RAILWAY.—The workmen employed in the locomotive department of the London and North-Western Company, Wolverton station, are laudably endeavouring to extend their means of improvement, and they have arranged, with the sanction of the direc tors).to hold a soiree at the works on Friday, the 21st inst. (tomorrow), in aid of the Mechanics' In stitution at that place. Many of the most able and influential advocates of education for the working classes (amongst others Mr. Disraeli, one of the Mem bers for the county) have been invited, and are ex pected to attend. The meeting, there is every reason to believe, will be most numerously attended, as already upwards of 1,000 tickets have been dis posed of. WINDING UP OF JOINT-STOCK COMPA.NIES.—OH Tuesday the winding-up of the affairs of the Tontine Life Assurance Company came on before the Master in Chancery Richards, upon the petition of Sarah Dee, setting forth that the scheme was projected with a capital of 400,0001., in 20,000 shares of 201. each, with power to increase the capital to 2 ,000,0001. Business was opened at 20, Pall-mall, by the direc tors, Hon. E. Curzon, Dr. C ono ll y, W . H. Burrell, W. H. Cadogan, T. W. Fleming, Hon. R. Rowley, F. H. Lindsay, A. F. Proctor, and R. Hoy, but as many of the shareholders did not pay up the first subscription of 1/. per share, the directors, without calling a meeting of the shareholders, in accordance with the deed of settlement, to consider the pro priety of such a course, passed a resolution on the 17th of August last, dissolving the company, and transferring the business, funds, and debts to the Engi neers'Masonicand Life Assurance Company, informing the shareholders simultaneously, that unless the I/. were paid to liquidate the expenses incurred proceed ings would be taken for the recovery thereof. These calls not having been responded to, petitioner prays that as there are outstanding liabilities to a consider able extent, and that as two policies of insurance granted by the company have become payable, but for which no provision has been m ;de, the affairs may be inquired into and wound up. The Master ap pointed Mr. Henry Croysdill official manager, to proceed with the affdirs. YORK AND NORTH MIDLAND.—Speeial trains ere to be providsd for the Liverpool and Manchester shareholders on this line, to enable them to attend, returning the same day, the special meeting on Friday. CORK AND BANDON RAILWAY.—It appears that the Exchequer Loan Commissioners have agreed to ad vance 35,0001 to this company, on condition that tl. e contractors perform - work to the amount. of 23,000/ before the first advance of 10,0001. be made; that the tunnel at Goggids-hill be made wide enough for a double line of rails ; and that the additional sum of 5,0001. required for that purpose be raised by the disposal of forfeited shares, DUNDEE AND ARBROATH AND DUNDEE AND PERO RAILWAYS.—The committee appointed at the general meeting of the former company last month to invee tigate the validity of the agreement of 1846 havejust issued their report. It stares that, on consultation by the committee, eminent cr , ur,el are of opinion that the agreement is valid, and obligatory on both coin' panies, and that it is in the power of the Dundee and Arbroath to compel the Dundee and Perth to enter into a formal lease. The committee state that the Dundee and Arbroath paid 6 per cent- prior to its lease, and attribute i's not continuing to pay that sum to the mismanagement of the Dundee and Perth; and they recommend, upon consideration of the Ya* rious hearings of the case, that, with the view of avoiding the endless litigation that would be necessarY to enforce the existing agreement, they had better concur with the Dundee and Perth in obtaining from Parliament powers to eater into a modification of the terms, subject to clauses insuring payment of this guaranteed dividend, and security for the maintenance of the Dund‘ki and Arbroath line. THE BRITANNIA BRIDGE.—The operation of raising by the hydraulic machines the second mon,ter tube, of 1,800 tons, to its intended elevation of 100 feel above sea-mark, was commenced by the engineers on Tuesday, fourteen days only having elapsed since the day on which it was successfully floated. TIL3 action of the hydraulic preses in the towers was found to be most perfect and precise, as in their first play on the stupenduous mass communicating with the chains it was worked steadily six feet upwards. Immediately after the bricklayers and masons entered the recesses of the towers, and built it up firmly beneath. The instant the masons left it another six feet lift Wog taken ; and in this manner the operation is being carried on without intermission day and night, during the latter period with the assistance of large lights and fires. With about fifteen more of these lifts► should no unforeseen contingency occur, the tube will have attained its permanent level, and be joined on to the great tube in the Britannia tower. The greatest energy is being displayed in every depart' ment, and the majority of the workmen, on the re' lay system, have been engaged ter some months 0 4 from night to night. The first express train is eV petted to pass through before the middle of March. THE COUNTRY MARKETS. NEWCASTLE, DEC. 18.—With a small attendance, and holders not presing sales, the trade ruled firm, at fie' tiirday's rates, for all articles, while, in some instances , a slight advance upon that day's quotations were realised for finest s.tmples of wheat. NEWCASTLE CATTLE MARKET, DEC. 18.--Tbls being the market day tor Christmas, the supply of fat 04ttlo was large. Quality superior, and nearly all cleared off at good pricer. The sheep trttcle was also good; the show of cattle allovred to be as fine as ever witnessed in a public market out of London. Beasts, 800; s heep, 4,400. Beef, 4s 6d to 7s Od per stone. Mutton, 4id to sid per lb. WISBECH, DEC. 15.—With only a moderate supply of wheat, the trade is very firm, and an advance of fully is per quarter on the prices of last wet k is generally given' A good show of oats and beans, and both articles sell et former rates. Wheat, white, 40s to 455; extra, 46'; r ed ' 35s to 40s; extra, 41s per quarter. Oats, old, 9d; DO' 8d to 9d per stone. Beans, new, 26s to 27s per quarter. EDINBURGH MEAL MARKET, DEC. 18.—There wer e in the market to-day 81 sacks oatmeal, each a eighing 2801bs imperial, whereof 60 sold thus:-4 at 1/ 6s Od' 0 at 1155,64, 14 at 115 s Od, 33 a t 114 s 64 , 9 at 114 s, 9ed oat 112 s ; average pric e of th e w h o l e 11 4 s 74 s-12th_ 4 sacks flour, whereof 2 sold at 295, and 2 at 27s 01 2 sacks barleymeal, w h ereo f 1 soh. at 21s 6d, an d lat 21s. 11 sacks pot-barley, whereof 10 sold thus; — ", 1 at 1/ 7s Od, 1 at 115 s Od, 1 at 114 s Od, 1 at 113 s Oe' and 6 at 1/ Is 01. EDINBURGH HAY AND STRAW MARKET, DEC. Supplies of all kinds large. Oat straw, from 7s 6(1 1 1 95 Od per kemple of 16 ston e s t ron; w h eat di tto, 8s IL to lOs Od; barley ditto, 6 s Od t o 7 5 Od . H ay, from 4" to lod per stone. DALKEITH MEAL MARKET, DEC. 17.—There wer° 207 bags of oatmeal, 1 of barleymeal, and 3 of p ot l barley at this day's market. Wales ready. (Nimes; (best) up 6d per bag, but down 3d per bag on the secon d quality; barleymeal, one bag, 6d dearer; pot-barley *l s° 6(1 per bag up. Oatmeal, per sack, of 280 lbs. imperial .. Barleymeal, per ditto I'easemeal Flour ... Pot barley ... First Second Third ... 24s Od 22s 9d 21s Cl .. 17s 9i —s —s Od —s Od —s ()c' Od —s Od —s Od „u u ,, 21s 9d —s Od COAL MARK ET.—YESITERDA.Y. Old Tanfield Wall's End, &c. Nixon's Merthyr and „ A Heselden ~. . Ships at marks , . 18. RAILWAY SHARE MARKETS. BRISTOL, DEO. 19. STOC/C EXCHANGE.—The share market was very fi at to day. The alterations in price were—Great Wester" Quacers, 11% dis.—Ditto, 171. Shares, 7 3 / 4 dis. LivEttrooL, DEC. 19. STOCK EXCHANGE.—The market to •daiwas rather better' and prices higher. The transaclions were as follow ;" Birkenhead, Lancashire, and Cheshire, .17 dis. Ditto (10 C. and 11. ), 6 per cent. tid 1850, 13 —Lancashire and York' shire, Fifths, c. dis.—London and North Western, 111 c' Ditto, New Quarters, l i s p.—Midland, <l6 l A, Ditto, Halves' 213f 4 dis.—North Staflinilshire, 9% di s .—Y or k , Neweasl, n lB ' and Berwick (G. N. E. P urc h ase), 6 Per cent, till 11W' 41. 6s. Cd. MANCHESTER, DEC. 19. STOCK EXCHANGE. -The transactions to-day were I f follow :—London and North-Western, Manchester and Bir" mingham, Quarters (C ). 1 5-16 p.—Lancashire and York' shire, 58—Ditto, Fifths, 6 3 / 4 dis.—Ditto, West Riding 11 9, i°11 i 6 3 4 dis. —Eastern Countie s , 7 Di t t o , P re f erence, 6 7 4 , Lancashire, 11 9-16 n.- Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolr shire, Preference, 8 3-16 North Staffordshire, 9 11-16 (Ili' —South-Eastern and Dover (No. 4), Scrip, 6 7 16. BIRMINGHAM, DEC. IU. Si OCK Es. CTIANGE.— The numerous transactions of yeste!: day have been succeeded by another dearth of business , 1 3 the share market. London and North-Western maintains.„ the price at which they have been quoted for the last le; days, and we re d one at 111 . S outh S taffordshires, ever since the last spe..ial meeting of shareholders have 0 • 11 a downward tendency, were transacted at 4% dis. In s • other railway st oc k t h e quotat i ons to -d ay may be said to b° mere reflections of the London list. YORK, DEC. If. STOCK EXCHANGE. —The transactions to-day were follow : Caledonian, 11 5 %A—Great Northern, 7!B—York es North Midland, Preference, 6'4—North British, 111. 3s. 94' _ - - GLASGOW, DEc. 18. STOCK EXCHANGE. The transactio ns to-day were f ig follow : - Edinburgh and Bathgate, s,i—North British, Sc r 'P' 5% —Glasgow and Greenock, 12. NOTICE !—" FLIES IN AMBER," by Mi ss .p ar doft Authoress of " The City of the Sultan," " Th e Pret'l s Woman," &c.—This work, in 3 vols. post octavo. I t published this day by Mr. Shoberl, No. 20, are! Marlborough-stre e t, an d may b e h a d at a ll t h e librarie , and of all respectable booksellers, in town and counirP." ' 2. Scenes of the Civil War in Hungary, in 1848-9, 01°1 the Personal Adventures of an Austrian Officer in tba Army of the Ban of Croatia, 1 volume, 7s. 6d. botin f (on Saturday next.)-3. Ina few days, the Countess ; :i Blessington's Novel, " C oun t r y Q uarters, " w i t h Portrslto! and Memoir by her ni ece , Mi ss P ower , 3 vo l s ,-4. N° ready, Napier's " Southern Africa," in 2 vols. small SO . with numerous illustration s . " N ew t rave l s i n Af r i c a ar e always welcome, and it is with pleasure we hail a yo r e from the pen of one with the celebrated name of Napie r ' Weekly News. MONET MARKET.—The premium on gold at Paris le 12 Fee milk, which, at the Eaglish Mint price of 31. 17° 10 rl. ./ per ounce for standard gold, gives an exchange 0 ,, c 25.45; and th e exc h ange at P ar i s on London at sh°,: t eing 25.421, it follow that gold is 0.10 per cent. dear er :, in Paris than in L on d on . B y a d v i ces from llamburgb price of gull is 437 per mark, which, at the Eught s l e Mint price of 31. 17s. 101 d. p er ounce f or standard go,„' gives an exchange of 13.11 ; a nd th e exc h ange a t 11 4 R .; burgh on London at short being 13.12+, it follows gold is 0.57 per cent. dearer in London than in 0 011/ ‘ b 'rah. [ADVERTISEMENT j—A respected M em b e r o f the Sositsty of Friends cured of a Cough and Asthma by 1 10 _" 0 , way's Ointment and Pil!s.—Extract of a letter from Mr. m a jarnin Mackie to Professor Holloway, dated C reenag h, Loughgall, Sept. 11, 1848 : —Respected Frier.d,—l feel it on an act of justice to thyself to state that I have personally W e ; rienced the benefit of thy excellent pills and ointment in t r., cure of an inveterate c oug h an d ast h ma, a hich afflicted we '"„1 three years to su c h an extent t h at I was obl . ged to walk WI my room at night afraid of suffocation if I went to bed., fa then tried th ey i nva l ua b le medicines, which, I am pleased t, say, have p er f ec tl y cured me. " —Sold by all vendors of tine throughout the globe, and at Professor Holloway's Ps blishment, 244, Strand, London. BIRTHS On the 15th inst., in Prospect-place, Holloway, Mrs' T. M. Wood, of a son. On the 17th imt., in Lonsdale-square, Mrs. E. Marget ts ' of a son. fir. On the 17th inst. ' in Park-place, Hackney, the wife of J. H. Cummins, of Bread-street, Cheapside, of a daughte r ij, On the 18th inst., at Canonbury, the wife of the Rev' Allon, of Union Chapel, Islington, of a daughter. rp of Oa the 18th inst., at North-end, Hampstead, the Nci — T. H. Street, Esq., of a son. W 1 On the 18th inst ., in Victoria•road, K e n s i ng t on , the • of Mr. W. 0. Young, of a daughter. Ref' Oa the 18th inst., in Portland-place, the wife of the C. L. Royds, of a son. MARRIED. b 0 On the 13th inst., at Brockh a ll, J° bt Edmonstone Monckton, Esq., of the tfd Madras Lto, Cavalry, to Julia, second daughter of Colonel Thor'lt" C. 8., formerly of H. M. 40th Regiment. On the 18th inst., at the church of St. Luke, Chelsea . t r i g Rev. Thomas Kvrwood Bowyear, rector of Halstead. P s r• to Caroline Margaret, third daught er o f th e late „ Admiral Shirreff. DIED. „deft On the 14th nst.., at Tenby, South Wales, William 1 " Esq O . n the lath inst., at the Elms, Baldock, Herta, Ann, wi do° „ fi rl of Lieutenant-Colonel Gall, of the Bth Bengal Cavalry, " formerly Captain of the Governor-General's Body Gio: d ,;or• On the 13th inst., at Ccytrabene, near Bri fgend, ganshire, aged 27, Edmund, eldest son of M Tra p P. Tra Esq. 741 On the 16th inst., at Everton. J. Crossland, Esq., ag e I. te of Torrington-square. Le Rectory-house. Greenla.A ondon Mi d On the it;th at thos dleNex, the Rev. John Tomkyns, rector of Greenford -, n late Fellow of King's College, Cambridge, and former/y. tan in the Royal Dragoons. Li radon Printed and Published by MURDO rriqat '..•k ) . I 12, Strand, Printer, at 71.: Stki, : 1 , cAi>.7 bUddlesex. Thursday, December 20, 1840. ""'_- tA L to in 41( 11 , The iureetio] Warded, Notie Ethan Obser %gamin t , E,lll .1 eters, r• adon• 15, lutablli Cautii I tainst t aboo ' 4l Iwo L h eY bei or ow tate, Sh ‘ 1251 ttic 1 4 or s• the 1 11111td 1 CA) to it cleat most Who @tree Chur Oxfo