The Sun. — London, England, 1824-12-17 00:00:00

INDIA. On the JUNCTION of the GULF of SIAM with "the ISTHMUS of KRAW. TO THE EDITOR OF THE CALCUTTA JOHN BULL. Stn,—As you ever appear willing to insert in your valuable columns whatever .may appear useful or of advantage to so ciety, may I crave a corner for the following remarks, which may be more appropriate at this than at any other time. I have often wondered (when viewing the Eastern or Ma. layan Peninsula on the Chart, and observing the comparative trifling distance that intervenes betwixt the Eastern side of the Bay of Bengal and the Gulf of Siam) that no attempt has ever been made to connect these two Seas ; and the more par ticularly, when such great benefits in a commercial point of view might reasonably be expected to arise from it ; as could this object be accomplished, a saving of eleven, degrees, or :nearly 7000 miles, in a passage to China would be effected, be. ;sides the immediate communization we might have with the Siamese capital. The Malayan Peninsula in the parallel of Merest', according to the best authorities, cannot be much more than 90 miles across, and in many parts to the Southward it does not exceed flo miles, as laid down in the latest Charts; but the River .Tentisserim, which empties itself into the Bay of Bengal at ilergai, and nearly crosses the Peninsula in a South-easterly direction, might offer greater facilities for opening a channel -there than could be obtained at any other place; and ships would still enter the Gulf of Siam, su ffi ciently far to the South. ward, to enable them in the S. W. Monsoon, to weather the eastern point of the Gulf formed by a point of •Cambotlia ; after which they might adopt the passage recommended by . Horsburgh, for ships that are crazy ; or that may have met with damage in the strength of the S. W. Monsoon. My design in bringing this to your notice at this particular time is, that l o think a better opportunity, never offered for ac complishing so desirable an object. ' It is very well known to all those who have visited any part of the Burman Empire, that the Petty States of Tavoy, Mergtti, and Tenasserim formerly belonged to the Siamese, and that though the Burmans have now possession of them, still the Siamese arc far from letting them enjoy their conquest quietly, but are continually disputing fur the occupacy of their ancient territory. .Now as the British Government do not intend keeping any measures with the Birtnans, might not the Siamese be induced to co-operate with us, in the hope of, or from a promise on our putt, that they should be reinstated in their ancient rights ? if this could be accomplished, I have no doubt when they be came better acquainted with our good faith, they will heartily join us in any measure which would be productive of K 5 much benefit to both, as that of a tree communication betwixt the two countries. To chew the hostile views of the Siamese towards the flir ts:anti' no later back than the year 182(1 the latter were obliged to send an Army to their, frontier, in order to intimidate the former ; and though they returned about eighteen months after without having done much, still things were far from settled when they dispatched the Mission under Captain Gibson in the latter end of 1021, the result of which probably by this time is known. Though the present Charts of the Gulf of Siam ate perhaps tar from correct, still the distance of the two seas cannot be very great, and as the Government vessels, are now engaged in surveying this side of the Peninsula, and particularly about the neighbourhood of 31ergui and 'J'avoy , they might vesy easily by a similar survey of the Gulf determine the relative position of the two coasts. I need not say, if a communication for large ships could not be established, what a short rout it would be for our steam • vessels, when they become more generally in use,--why, we may .setid our opium to China in less than one third of the time that is now occupied in a passage to that place in the most favourable season ; mai n with this advantage too, that after crossing the Bay of Bengal, a great part of the voyage would be on a weather-shore in the south-west monsoon, and come 9uently in smooth water. A principal object in our conciliat ing the Siamese would be, in *vent of the Government ever meditating a descent upon Rangoon, when, in alprobability, any force that might have collected there, upon defeat, would endeavour to get to the eastward to Mactabar, Tavoy, Mergui, , &c., and if the Siamese joined them, we should be hemmed on all aide; ; but I sincerely hope we shall find less importance attached to this affair than the present confined state of infor, motion on the subject might seem to warrant. If these remarks are worth the insertion, they may lead to a 'further discussion of the *et in which hope I subscribe :myself, Yours very obediently, Calcutta, March 11;1024. W. CHEST. We have inserted the above letter relative to opening a com, unication with the Gulf of Siam, across the Isthmus of Kra Such an opening would undoubtedly tend very much to sliorten •our communication with China, and in many cases, during the latter part of the S. W. Monsoon, insure a direct passage up the China Seas; but its practicability is very doubtful, even if we were in full possesston of the country. We have readily inserted the letter, and shall be very happy to hear further from the writer on the subject ; not that we think the smallest chance exists of his object being obtained, but it ‘vrtainly is a subject deserving some consideration, particularly in relation to a sur vey of the coasts. The revolution of a few years may, and pro. highly will, very materially alter the existing state of things, and render what now appears to many chimerical, and fantastical, al. . most a matter of i ndispensible necessity, at least ofintramount uti. :Icy. We are not at present aware whether the Tenasserim can be readily entered by vessels of any considerable size, nor if it is na • vigable. There appears mho one or two rivers of considerable • magnitude also on the Eastern Shore of the Isthmus. Should • we ever be induced to take possession of this neck eland the project now mentioned may very likely be carried into effect. A small extent North and South would sake tbr the purpose, -• and no doubt exists of our being able to maintain possession. ..A British establishment at this point, having the command of the Coast on both sides for a small extent, might eventually be ;the means of opening to us a vw.st extensive traffic with Siam, constituting as it would an intenuediatelink between that place and Calcutta. The Siamese would naturally look up to us fbr countenance against the Burmese, and would in all probe biiity relax very much in our favour. ilVe mayperhaps here. offer some further remarks on this-point, whielfis of a far Ltnore interesting nature than at firsusight appears. M A D It A S. THOMAS PARRY, ESQ. •On the evpising of Friday last, a NAUTCH was -.given at the house of Collah Raggivalt Chitty at Madras, on -which occasion a very 'elegant (Mid 'Vase was presented to Titom AS PARRY % EVI., by the most respectable and most opu lent !Immo NATivits of this Presidency., in testimony of •their esteem and regard to him, and fcr his uniform kindness and attention towards them during his residence of 37 years in 'lndia—an appropriate - Address, bearing . the sign a t ures of up wards of 300 of the most re s p ecta bl e mum inhabitants of ,11a ,dras having been read, the Got.n Vast:, which is exceedingly 'handsome, add bears a suitable inscription, was presented to 1111% Parry, who immediately returned thanks-in a speech re plete with feeling and good sense, and to which we are Unable •to do justice. The Nautch was arranged in a style of true Eastern magni. , ficenee; the dancing was superior to any we have -ever beheld at 31adras; and a most sumptuous and elegant supper gave proof' of the hospitality and good taste of the host. We trust that .by giving publicity to the above we shall not hurt the delicacy of the Genleman to whom it has reference; he is so well and generally known and respected, that if' we withheld it we should do an injuatice.to.public fecliug.--(llL dras Courier, April 22, 1824.) A 1.) To Thomas Patter, Esq.,‘&c. &c. &c. DEAR Al' 11 !lox 011 RED Sin—During your long stay in our .country, as ourselves -and several other natives of the commu nity had at all times received your patronage and support, and .as we were given to untleastaral „some months ago that it was your intention to go home for the benefit of your health, we ,hundsly thought of approaching you on the occasion of such an, intended departure with a Gold Cup, and an Address stating our great feelings and the high opinion we have always enter_ stained towards you, and have prepared a cup accordingly. We thank God, to our great happiness, that a perfect recovery of wealth !Lis been bestowed on you, and the intended departure has been postponed ; notwithstanding we yet feel incumbent tuPan- us to present to. you the cup so prepared with this our bumble address. Wishing not to loco the present opportunity, we beg to ofillr 0 , r W thanks for the esteem a nd regar d you h ave always ..s . onvn us all, and to the natives. in general, and fur your con s aatly allowing great part of your valu a bl e t i me i n -h ear i ng, complying, and advising on the several requests of the natives of this country The friendship and kindness which have .rn . -rked your personal acts during a protracted career of 313 yean , , and the lave YOu have cherished for us, are entitled to our warmest gratitude and, acknowledgment : ,words are really inadequate to do justice to your merits, or to enable us to con .v -y fully The sentiments of admiration with which you have Inspired ,us; but suffice,- it to say, , that., in your eventual ab sence to your native country, we shall certainly deplore the want of a beloved parent, and for these favours we shall never Cease to think gratefully of you, and to pray far your health, ippluess, cud long life. As a small token of our attachment and respect for you, we most humbly beg your acceptance of a gold cup herewith, by Your most obedient humble servants, Signed by several respectable Native Inhabitants of Madras. Madras, Ist Feb. 1824. ntrb'r. GENTLEMEN—I receive this mark of your regard with the greatest satisfaction ; and particularly so, as it has not been sought for, nor was it expected. During my long residence in this place, where I have passed the greatest part of my life, I have had, in consequence of the various commercial and other transactions in which I have - been' engaged, a better opportunity of becoming acquainted with the character of the native inhabitants, than tails to the lost of most • of my countrymen ; and I can with sincerity declare, that, in matters of business, I have found them liberal and correct, and in their general conduct, uniformly kind and friendly. .- - In .the • management of my own mercantile and money concerns, which it is well known have been extensive, not only in .11adms ' likewise in many of th e P rov i nces d epen d ent on this Presi. dency, I have generally employed native., agents. In titeit zeal and integrity I have always placed the fullest confidence; and that confidence has never been abused. •On my arrival in India, my first wish was, to acquire the good opinion of my Native fellow-subject:4 antonat - whom (and . by whom, I may with truth say) I was to live; since that time my best endeavours have unceasingly been directed, not only to obtain, but to secure, an object which I had so much at heart and it is highly gratifying to me to find, froth the kind and afitctionate address which 1 have now had the honour to receive, that my wishes have been fulfilled, and my endeavours crowned with success. If circumstances should hereafter render it necessary for me to leave India, I shall quit it with regret : however, whether it may be my fate to pass the remainder of my days amongst you, or at a distance from yo u , •I beg of you to be assured that I shall, so long as I exist, continue to feel a lively interest in all matters connected with the welfare and happiness of the Native Inhabitants of this settlement. I request your acceptance of my best thanks for the hand. some present which has accompanied your address. Believe me, it was not necessary that you should have laid me under this additional obligation, to keep me in remembrance of the many (lets of friendship and (if kindness which I have received from you.—Most heartily wishing you a long continuance of health, happiness, and prosperity, I have the honour to .sub scribe myself, Gentlemen, Your sincere friend and much obliged servant, (Signed) Tuos. PAILLIY. Madras, April 9, 18'24. TIIE INSCRIPTION ON THE ♦AS.R. - - - From the several respectable Hindoo Inhabitants of Madras, to Thomas Parry, Esq., of the same place, Merchant, as a mark of their great esteem anti respect for the support and pa tronage at all tunes received by them during his several years' residence in India, through - his natural huu►auity and benevo lence to assist, as much as lies in his power, the poor distressed and helpless persons among the community. Madras, Feb. 1, MA. EQUITABLE ASSURANCE•' SOCIETY. Yesterday a Special General Court of this So ciety was held ut the office, for the purpose of considering the notices of motion given on a former day ; the ltEcoarmt, who is Vice-President, in the Chair. The Clerk read the minutes of the last Court, and alvo in formed the meeting, from the minutes of the birectors, that the latter had prepared a report to submit to the Proprietors, upon the general affairs of the Society; but that they had no desire to press it upon the meeting►, before any other discussion, which members might wish to introduce, and were also ready to modify it, or annul it altogether, should the Proprietors prefer such a course. Mr. SWEET immediately rose, and said, that in giving notice of the motion whi c h stoo d on t he ir list for this day's discus sion ; he had no desire to occupy their attention uungeessarily ; his object was to propose that it be referred to the Court of Directors, to consider of the , propriety of re-modelling the, constitution of the Society, and placing the flea' ganit•ribCiii upon a footing distinct from the old, lie Wliri Nattii L eittir ‘ to discuss the propriety of such a motion, or gimply'to more it, without further comment, if the meeting preferred that course. —(Cries of " Move.")—Mr. Sweet then made his motion for simply referring the subject to the consideration of the Court of Direttors. i The motion was then duly put and carried, with only two dissentient. A long discussion then arose upon a motion of Mr. SLADE 8, fur referring to the Court of Directors the consideration of a disputed question upon two policies of ussuranee which had been declared void. The circumstances are these:— On the 27th of November, 1821, two policies of, assurance, effected by Mr. Samuel Sainpson, of London, on his own life, one bearing date in January, 1807, and the other io January, 1812, for the sum of 1,089/. each, were put up fur sale by, pub 11c auction by the aisignees of AI r. Sampson, and purchased by two gentlemen, witiVaid the premiums of assurance thereon to the present period. • On the 11th of September, 1824, the purchasers were in. formed, for the first time, rat Mr. Sampson had gone to America r—that he had merely gone to New. York and Up, per Canada, on business w hi c h would probably occupy hint there for three or four months; that he was in better health than he had ever been, and that he expected to return in the course of the present month. On receiving this intelli gence, the holders applied at the Equitable Office to pay the usual per centage on parties leaving Europe ; and were In , formed - , as Mr. Sampson had actually sailed, it would be re quisite to make an application to the Directors fir permission so to do. This application was made, and refused. The matter came in this shape before the Court of Proprietors yes terday, and It was resolved (with only two dissentients) that the matter be referred back to the Directors, to deal with i t according to the justice of theorise. Another Extraordinary Court was fixed for the 30th inst. RAIL.IIO.4II9.—We 'bare authority to state, that several Meetings have been held at . the Lon don Tavern, with a view to ;the formation of a Company, with a capital of Two Million Five Hundred ThOUSIIIRI Pounds, for connecting, by Rail-ways, the towns of Birmingham, Manchester, and Hull, with the Metropolis; and amongst other respectable individuals who have attended these Meetings, approving the above object, we may mention the following :- 31r. George Hibbert. Mr. R. IL Daris, M.P. Mr. Sam. Hibbert, Bank Di- Mr. Edmond Hopkinson. rector. I Mr. '!Tomas Richardson. Mr. John:Smith, M.P .I Mr. Francis Bailey. Mr. Pascoe Grenfell, M,P. Mr. Joseph Fry. Mr. Lyndon Evelyn, M.P. Mr. James Warre. Mr. Edw. Wakefield. Mr. J. Easthope. Mr. Francis Baring. Mr. Fred. Pigou. Mr. L. - Lloyd---(jones, Lloyd, Mr. and Co.) Sir Robt. T. Farquhar, Bart. Mr. Edw. Ellice, M.P. Mr. Robe. Mills. Mr. David Barclay, Bank Di- J Mr. W. Visard. rector. Mr. T. Hamlet. - Mr. WM. Williams, M.P. Mr. E. Goldsmitl. Mr. C. Gordon. - Mr. Rich. Ryland. Mr. James. Even Baillie. And we further understand, that early in the ensuing week, a Board of Directors will be form ed and announced, with a Prospectus to the Public. CANALS.—The Cromford Canal Shares, offered for sale by auction, by Mr. tint.t., at the Black- Moor's-Head Inn, in Nottingham, on Saturday se'nnight, were bought in at 5501. per shire. The highest price °Wet ed Was - 15301, per share. — (Derby Mercury ) As UsuAri—Bisn sold the 820,000 Prize drawn Yesterday, No. 15,301. It was divided into Shares, and sold at his fortunate Offices, No. 4,.Cornhill, and 0 , Clearing-cross ; whe re , in the late drawings, were ids° shared eadiold, 15,756, £ 30 5 000 v 1 i0..699, 0,00 0; '15,556, other Capitals ; the 0 e20,000, and Twenty,,c," Holders of the Shures.aiia.y remive the 'value of their respective Prizes on,‘letuand. Rum is now selling Tickets and Shares fur the brand and final drawing of the 31st De6.inher, Wh en T w o. R 30,000 Prizes all (he other Capitals, and every other Prize, ,must be drawn, ALL IN ONE'DAY, and not a single Blank, as every Tieket mus t receive at least Five Pounds ; and Shares in pro portion, COURT OF COMMON COUNCIL. Yegterday a Court of Common Conn was held, for the purpose of electing a person to ?terve the office of High Bailiff of the Ilorough of S out h war k ; and also for Ulf purpose of receiving the iteport of the Bridge-ilouse Com mittee, as to the cause of the deficiency of the supply of water on the occasion.of the late fires in the city. The Court was extremely full. !PPANI,II AND ITALIAN Mr. SAVAGE said, that having heard that numerous appli cations had been made to th e Lord Mayor for the relief of a number of unfortunate Spa fish and Italian Refugees, who were wandering about our _streets in, a deplorable condition, . he thought it his duty, although it was against the standing order of the Co ter, to make a modal. urn the subject. lie was prompted by the extreme urgency of the case. Ile had applied to the Finance Committee with respect to the poor foreigners, and,be understood there would be no objection from that guar. tpr to.the application he now made, which was, that 60/. should be forthwith paid, in aid of the subscription for the Spanish and Italian Refugees. Mr. annttAsr spoke to order, and said, that when the matter came properly before the Court, it would act in this case as it had done in every other of a similar nature, with humanity and liberality. The motion, for the present, went off' upon the point of order. A report was presented front the Coal and Corn Committee, recommending the reduction of the rates of payment for the labour of the fellowship porters in unloading corn ships. This report was made in consequence of a petition to the Court, from a number of corn-dealers, agriculturists, and others, connected with the corn.trade, praying that the charges might be reduced, and alleging that they were higher than the charges made in the port of Liverpool for similar labour, and that they were exceedingly burdensome and injurious to agriculture. Alderman THostesox opposed the recommendation 'con tained in the report. The porterage of corn and other things in the port of Log4pn had been, time out of mind, the right of the freemen of London, appointed for that purpose according to various A c t s of Common Council, and called fellowship porters. This body now amounted to no less than three thou sand in number, and the question was to them of vital int portance. He moved, as an amendment to the motion for agreeing with the petition, that it should lie on the table, which was carried by a great majority. A report was brought up, recommending that the, canal across the Isl e o f D ogs , b e l ong i ng to the C i ty, should he put up for public sale, instead of being sold by private contract to the Went India Dock Company, as recommended at a former Court. At a former Court a petition was presented lentil, number of persons connected with the horse market at Smithfield, stating, that in consequence of the late hour at which they were obliged to hold it, they were often compelled to buy and sell their horses in the dark, and praying, that to prevent the fraud which was thereby practised, the market might in fteure he held on 11'ednesday mornings, as there wax at present no market held on that day, and no one would be inconvenienced by the change- Mr. itLACKETT now presented a petition, signed by one hundred inhabitants of the market, opposing the petition, and praying that if the Co r p ora ti on interfered at all with respect to the horse market, they would abolish it altogether, as the inha bitants considered it a great nuisance. If the horse market were tiled to be held on Wednesdays, it would be productive of the most serious inconvenience, and cause the market to be more filthy than even it was now. TIIP DEFICIENCY OP WATER AT THE LATE FIRES. The Reportof the Bridge-House Committee was then brought up.and read. It stated, that in consequence of the complaints which . had been made, on the occasion of the late fires, of the' inadequate supplies of water, it was referred to them to examine .those allegations, and to inquire in what manner the..contract , made by the Corporatioh with the New River Company, for the supply of the city with water, had be en performed. The Committee had applied to the various Fire Insurance Companies tit the subject, and had received consi derable information, and examined a large body of evidence. The result of all these inquiries, confirmed by nn admission of the New River Company itself, was, that there had been an oc .casional want of water. The Report then recited the amount' of the ,1 4 0 y, supply ot water in the city (214,009 hogaheads) and o f opinion that the want the, 4140 the principal pipes through it was conveyed. 'NNW , River Company had erected-a steam engine at Broken Wiorf. fur the more complete supply of N ations party of the city. the imperfect na t re of many ,local regulations, for which the New River Com pWlisteelheie'attintlenistetveeerwar ifreusnwanaiiinOTc7sltroned by p ny was nor answerable, and that in tact they h a d d u ly per . 'll flied-their contract with the tat!. The want of water lately 1 should be marked by signs properly eiperittneed was aid v attributable to the non-observence of the s th al e u s ta it r u y at r i e o g n u o li f iti fi o r n eiuo the minding Act, which required that placed. It also enac ted Penalties fur the neglect of this and other salutary regulations. The Report recommended 4 h the parish officers should be directed to enfor ce th e regulatione of that Act in every instance. There was also a great deficiency of tine -cocks, b 6 e pu t down. they recommend e d t h at an a ddi t i ona l num b er iit down. Fire -cocks were much more convenient 'thip.n plugs; and they recommended the adoltion of the cocks in preference to plugs, where it was practicable. The New River • COmpany, although they had, properly, n ot hi ng to d o w i t h the plugs, wore willing to assist the parish officer s i n p utt i ng down additional plugs or cocks, wherever they were deemed requisite. The water had often run to waste down the gratings at the end of the streets, in consequence of the want of ma terials to stop them up readily. The Committee recommended that tarpaulmg for the pUrpose should be kept at convenient stations, together with keys of the fire-plugs. • Mr. FAVELL stated, that t h e mot i on f or i nqu i ry h a d b een productive of information, which he thought should . he circu lated as extensively as possible. He theref4e moved, That the Report should be printed, and' a copy sent round to each member of the Court. They Would theft have a better oppor tunity of considering it. A MEm UER complained of the want of 'discipline amongst the firemen. It would be a very 'salutary thing if they were placed under the command of a proper officer. It frequently happened that there was a supply only for one or two engines, and that a dozen or more competed for it, and defeated each other. Mr. CnocaET contended that the Report should be itnme dlately adopted. Alderman Warcitmast saw no reason •for delaying it, and said the Committee were unanimous. A warm debate took place on this point, when it was ulti mately carried that the. Report should be agreed to, and the • recommendations therein contained carried into effect HIGH BAlorr OF SOUTHWARK. Mr. Or.mtAat presented the petition of John flolmeß, Esq. who stated that lie hall been for forty-mix years in the service of the Corporation, and had during that time gone through most arduous service. Ile promised that if he was elected to till the situation, he would attend with punctuality to its duties. Sir C. S. HUNTrit presented a petition from John Ainslie, Esq. to the same effect. The Petitioner stated, that he was the senior Alderman, ex cept one, on the Bench ; but that he had been reduced from a state of considerable opulence, by circumstances which no pru dence could prevent, to come as a supplicant fin. office .1 and he expressed his hope that the members would not now refuse their sympathies to an old and efficient member. A ballot was taken, when the numbers appeared as follows : Mr. Holmes - 150 Alderman Ainslie . 68 Majority - 1111 Mr. Holmes returned thanks, and the meeting was dissolved ELOPEMENT PROM NEWFOUNDLAND. —T" fol lowing paragraph is given in the Waterford Mirror, under the title of " Curious Elopement :" -" St. John's Lieut. ----, of the , Newfoundland, No v. 24.—We have had a very singular elope ment here.— 60111 Regiment, has de camped with the wife of Lieutenant —, of the Royal Artillery. On Sunday the former ac• companied the latter to church, but (luring the service he feigned sickness and left the church ; he repaired to his friend's quarters, and carried off his wife. They immediately got on hoard a vessel, which was hove-to for the purpose, and sailed almost instantly for Ireland. The gallant was on the strictest terms of in t i mac y with the person whose p e ace and happ in e ss he has de stroyed. The lady has left two children w ith he r husband ; she is the daughter of a . Major in the Artillery, and only arrived here last spring from Engl an d. The husband, it is said, intends pur suing the fugitives to England, which is sup. posed to be their destination. PROPOSED BRISTOL AND ENGLIS CHANNELS SHIP CANAL. Yesterday a very numerous Meeting of the Subscribers to this mo s t s tup en do us undeiaking was held at the London Coffee-houre, budgate-hill, to take into considera tion the Report made by Mr. Telford, as to the practicability of the-measure, and the probable expencolttendant on its com pletion. At one o'clock.Jonv BENT, •, Eig ALP •, was'called to the • Chair. Mr. Telford's Report, deduced from his land surveys, tone ' ther with another Report drawn up by Captain Nicholls, au able and'experlenced Officer, supplying such nautical informa tion as the Committee deemed necessary to lay before the public, together with various maps, plans, and specifications of the dif ferent lands, &c., through which the Canal is proposed to pass,. were then laid on the table for the inspection of the Meeting. The CHArti 31 Air" , in entering on the duties of the situation to: which he had been called, had only to regret that some person of more weight:and consequence had not been selected from the: many respectable Gentlemen around him. The object for Which 'the meeting was convened was already sufficiently known to require much explanation—it was to receive the Report of Mr. Telford, which would speak for itself much better than any observation which could he given upon it. In proof of the feel ing which had been excited amongst the landed proprietors, through whose estates the Canal was proposed to pass, he should merely, read a letter from Lord Rolle, and another from Sir Thinnas Lethbridge, on the subject.—Lnere the Chairman read the letters, both of which spoke in commendation of the mea sure; and it was stated as a further encouragement, that his l.ordship, with his usual liberality and patriotic spirit, had inti mated that he would forego all charge for land stone, FCC., so far as regarded that portion of the line which may pass through his estates.] The Chairman, in conclusion, put it to the sense of the meeting, whether a better period was likely to occur than the present for the pressing of such a measure on the at tention of the public, when the recent melancholy disasters on our coasts were fresh in the recollection of every man. The navigation of the Bristol Channel. at all times attended with frightful risk to the mariner, would by this Canal be altogether superseded:; and he made no doubt many other important be nefits would be developed when the plan was brought into effi cient operation. lie should now merely say, that he was satis fied when the Reports were read it would be a further encou ragement to them to go on. Mr. DAVID POLLOCK proposed the reading of Mr. Tel ford's Report previous to arty observation beiniinade, or any resolution gone Into. This motion was approved of, and Mr. King (King and latkin, Solicitors to the Committee) was called upon to read the Report. Mr. Dal- en Po r.toez stated, that he proposed making some motions relative to this interesting subject ; but as a necessary preliminary, he begged to suggest the propriety of having the very able Report made by Captain Nicholls read to the meeting, or rather an ab s t ract o f t h at R eport, w hi c h , f rom i ts extremely voluminous nature, had boon given in two parts or sections, and would, if read altogether, occupy too great a portion of time. This proposition met with very general advocacy, and Mr. King proceeded with the following abstract, which had been drawn up from Captain Nicholls's Report . EXTRACT FROM CAPT. NICHOLLS' REPORT. PROPOSED NEW HARBOUR AT STor.ronn.—.‘ little to the westward of the small village of Stolford, or Seaward, in the Bristol Channel, and directly opposite to the tail of the Gore Sand, an extensive ledge of rocks, called the Wick Rocks, runs out to low water mark. This ledge is covered at about half flood, and consists of firm ridges of Has rock of considerable elevation, and forms a shelter on the west and north-west, to a kind of bay or patch of soft mud, which spreads out within it to the extent of nearly a mile; the whole, however, ebbs dry at opting tides, out of the extreme point of the Wick Rocks; but, notwithstanding this circumstance, the place appears to me, after repeated examina tions, to afford all requisite facilities for an entrance to the pro posed canal, and for the construction of substantial piers for the protection of shipping resorting thither. A harbour formed here would be without all the dangers which beset the entrance to the river Parret, excepting only the Gore Sand, on the outer extremity of which a buoy must he placed. The flat of mud within the Wick Rocks is now used occasionally by small vessels, who there deliver and re ceive their cargoes of coal, kelp, &c. Vessels coming from the northward may always at about half tide cross the tail of the Gore Sand, and by doing so would make a straight course into the entrance of the proposed harbour ; and vessels from the westward would have no difficulty or danger of any kind to en counter in entering it. Captain Nicholls here points out the various advantages of this undertaking, and refers to several localities in proof of his opinion. The Report then proceeds to point out the benefits of the proposed Harbour at Iteer, in the English Channel. and an swers the objections raised to it by the following remarks : As an outlet from the Ship Canal, I consider the proposed har bour at Beer perfectly unexceptionable, and it possesses advan tages is this respect, which it would perhaps be in vain to look for elsewhere. All the objections winch have ever been raised amino it, appear to hinge ors the supposed prevalence of south erly winds, during which, it has been contended, vessels will find it difficult to work out of Seaton Bay, and the Great Bay without It. The fact, however, is, 'that the wind rarely blows home across the English or Bristol Channels, either from the northward or the southward, and scarcely ever for any long continuance, but rather,, as has been before stated, it assumes the direction of the coast : if, however, it shall hap. pen to blow so Wong at south or south-east, that a vessel cannot get out of the harbour, I am . quite sure that she will be in a better situation there, until it moderates, than out side in the Channel: I think that the proposed harbour at Beer, when it shall be completed, according to the present plan, will become a pl ace o f cons id era ble resort, as an asylum har. bour for coasters and other vessels navigating the English from Portland to Channel., Such a harbour is much wanted, as at present there points, in strong i t s he m) St a rt, i)i at south-easterly gales, are exposed to hazard. Captain Nicholls thus concludes his observations :—Among slrheSeltiteeirliCalonritytehde between weo t a he t 's e tite natural advantages of Beer Harbour may be reckoned a plentiful supply of water, which issues out from under White Cliff Point. This might be conducted along the Eastern Pier, and would serve to supply any number of vessels with water, in the shortest time, and in the most convenient manner pos sible. During war, the facility of procuring a supply of water in such a situation would be an important accommodation to our fleets and cruisers ; and as the water is peculiarly fine, and keeps remarkably well at.sea, the procuring a supply of it here would probably conduce to the health of the crews, as well as to a saving of time and espence. The harbour at iteer will, I think, in its character and con sequences, be very similar to the proposed harbour at Stol ford ; it will, in short, be the same to the great bay between Portland and the Start, that the latter will be to Bridgewater Bay and the Bristol Channel, each of them will serve as ports of refuge, for vessels in stormy weather, and both of these places will, in my opinion, be fit terminations for the proposed canal. Capt. N. estimates the number of tons that will pass through the cane!, annually, at 1,0935271.; and the clear income aris- ing from the canal, and applicable to a dividend among tire Proprietors, at 210,046/. 12s. 4d. He calculates that the revenue to be derived from the inter nal traffic on the canal will cover the expence of management and maintenance, after it shall he completed. M. I). Pot Loci: then moved, " That this Meeting are fully satisfied, frotn the interesting and luminous Report of Mr. Telford, as to the practicability of constructing the projected Ship Canal." This Resolution was put from the Chair and carried unani mously. Mr. D. Pottocx wished that he was not so often compelled to intrude on the attention of the Meeting, but he could not help alluding to another circumstance necessarily untouched in Mr. Telfords Report, and which was ably stated in the ab stract just read front Captain Nicholls'; it was in respect to tonnage, which was not' Mr. Telford's province to embrace. When the Committee received Captain Nicholl's Reports, they had before them one on the General Shipping Interests of Great Britain, made to the House of Commons, in which the tonnage on this line of navigation was stated at 1,154,000 tons, and Capt. Nicholls' estimate was 1,196,000 t the nearness of which was a strong proof of the accuracy of his information on the subject; and confirmed the opinion that the prosecution of the proposed plan would be attended not only with great profit to those who had embarked money in the con cern, but would he productive of lasting benefit to the nation at large. Indeed if any doubt had ever existed as to its utility, he thought those doubts must be dissipated by what had been just read. He concluded with proposing the second Resolution —(For which see Advertisement). This Resolution was seconded by a Gentleman whose name we could not learn ; and when the Chairman was in the act of putting it, another Gentleman stepped forward and said, before the Resolution was put to the vote, he should take the liberty of reading a letter from Captain John Locke, Com mander of an Indiatnan in the same trade with Captain Ni cholls, to shew the character of' the man who, by his report, was before the meeting.—This letter being read, anti ex tremely flattering to the character of Capt. both for honour and ability, the Resolution was put and carried. Mr. Pottocx said the next thing to be considered was thi manner in which a sufficient fund could be obtained to carry the project into effect. Hitherto the Committee had forbore to ask for subscriptions; in fact, what had been put down as deposits was merely to provide means for the getting up of the Reports laid before the meeting; It was now necessary to call upon the public generally to contribute to the furtherance of this great !.national undertaking. The subscriptions already given in amounted to 370,000/. which was put down under circumstances of some doubt as to the practicability of the thing being carried into effect. Agreeably to the estimate of the expenses made by Mr. Telford, there still remained a vast sum to be subscribed before they should be enabled to go to Parliament for assist ance; but when the profits likely to arise from the transit of goods through those populous districts which the Canal was proposed to be cut in was taken into consideration, he had tio hesitation in saying, that a much larger sum than that required would be subiFibed withirk4he given time. ^ ftc o then proixiscd the third Resolution. The Hes% Dr. PA.t.raza. stated that the great Landholders through whose ground the Canal was to pass, were perfectly disposed to forward the prqjem, from a reliance that it would be for the public good. 31r. PIKE, a Gentleman 87 years old, who had commented the Rroject 4.1 years ago, said it would produce 40 per cent. 10 the zubscribe:s. .Mr. BROOKE thought but a few years would elapse beforele would produce at least 201. per cent. ; but he thought theranall sum already subscribed proved that an adequate sum could not be raised before Parliament met. He therefore submitted that it would be prudent to postpone the project until after next Swisions. . Mr. Por.Locx said, the reason they had not subscriptions crowding in upon them was, that the public knew notitingsbout the matter, and could not until Mr. Telford's Report Was known. It would be found a matter of difficulty by anti bye to get held of a share. A Gehtleman objected to the Canal, inasmuch as it would render his house and pleasure grounds useless. The CHAIR 3r.sx said that every effort should bo made to give as little inconvenience as possible. Mr. BOSANQCET, the banker,, said there was now "'J' : deal of floating capital, fir which no more than 33 per could be got. It could not be better employed than an tlti • portent speculation. All the Resolutions were agreed to, and the utmost confitl,. , c of success expressed. PRICE OP STOCKS cm* Bask Stock' 23011 3 pgr Cent. Red....95:94i 951 3 per Cent. Cons. shut 3flper Cent. -- Ditto Red. 101i1 4 per Cent. { Dia New shut Bank 'gong A nn.'23 2: 15 19th Imp. 3 per Cents. India stock shut Ditto Bonds 975. 95*. South Sea Stock shut n 1 Y tT ONE O'CLOCK. Old Atinitities 95 New Ditto shut Ex. Bills 10001.2(1. — Ditto 1i...53 55 52 Ditt0...... d. 300/.2 Ditto ............ 1id....53 bi 52 Ditto Smill ... tld. Di tto lid. ..53 55 52 Ditto Advertised ............ -- Bank for Act. ............... -- India for Acct. ............ -- Cons. for Opening ......96! 06 ' PRICES OF FOREIGN Fl uAtrian Ms, 5 per ct. ...961i Brazilian 3 2 pin. Buenos/lyres Ilds Bds, ti per ct. 78 rolonihi,nßds,Operet.... 84. Do. do. 11124 Danish. 5 per cent. Urea Bda 591 803 Nil Mexican l i ds ll9/1 70 I)9 // NOS, AT ONE O'CLOCK. Portuguese Rondo ......... .......... Prussia', 5 per ct. —lOOl 101 I)itto New ................. .t -- Russian. New, 5 per ct... 11 Spanish 1821, per c 2 2 Equitable elSBl,2l,oana3. d res .. ... ... ... ...... Allia ................ Palladium .................. Canadian .....................2 2/ French Relates ......l O2 i ---- 14 S c rip ............... .... _. _ Scrip — Neapolitan, 5 per cent. Scrip Peruvian Bonds 7.S FOREIGN MAILS. ARRIVED. DUE' 0 3 Gottenburgh Hamburg!' . Holland - Flanders . HIGH WATER AT IsON DON BHT DOH TO.31011111)%1:). Mnming. 0 minutes after 0. I Evening, 31 minutes after • THE SUN. SOLtM aUIR nicEnE FALSUM JUDNA LONDON, FR11).11 - EVENING, DEC.I7, From the remainder of the French Pavers at Tuesday which arrived last night, we cannot extract any intelligence of the least political Ile terest. All parties seem to be looking forward with much anxiety to the meeting of the Cham bers on Wednesday next. By the Dutch and Flanders Mails which ar rived this morning we have received Hamburg!' Papers to the 11th, Dutch Journals to the lath, and those of Brussels to the 1 5 t h instant. The further details they give of the late calamitous events at St. Petersburgh are much more deplorable than the last accounts; and the losses suffered in those articles which conga' tute the necesltiries of life, are found to be 50 "I extensive, that serious apprehensions are eate r ' tained that the inhabitants, in addition to their present disasters, will have to suffer . mall! e nd great privations during th e winter. ft l e " t a little remarkable that, within the spa ce °fa felt years, Russia has seen h er two WI lois & vas. wa ter. Ti t io tated, one by fire and th e o ther by e following ar e the additional particulars of t? recent inundations at St. Petersburgit and within five leagues of its neighbourhood :-- ST. PETERSBURGIi. Noy. 27' over the The inundation having destroyed all the bridge s Neva, and made the communication between t h e differe nt parts of the city very difficult, his Majesty has , by a Decree of the 22d, appointed military Governars pro.tempore for the 9e rs i veral quarters of the city, un d e r the chief Govern or, Gene n a 31iloradowitsch, for the purpose of affording more spee d)! a efficacious succour to the sufferers. The Conservatenr reports that, of all the establishments . 10 which a great number of workmen' were employed, it that the Imperial Foundery, on the road to Peterhof, ra.eie: the most, and is great many pi;rsons xerished. It id i n/ P °''6 . to paint the Oct that overpowered his Majesty, when he YL ru the spot. On the 23d the Emperor visited the seen" dtle6t h : lation in the city and neighbourhood, walked about among t ruins without attendants, condoled with the suffllerit n 134 sured them that they should be relieved. out • • Entire villages are swept away ; the Sailors' • lala nd ' newskoi Island, Erailianowka, Olawa, Liachts, and rinenhof, and the thundery and iron anufactory at •s" -- m wersts from the city) are entirely devastated. The G fuelici n Harbour in Wassili-Ostrow is so ruined that it cannot be en whether houses or streets ever stood there. The imperial islar Xllof Yelagin and Kammenoi-Ostrow have suff ere d very most of the country-houses are in danger of falling. .all d; wooden bridges are broken down. Gostinoi-Door was mo ors T than an arsheen under water, and consequently all the 614° I shops in the Newski rsectine. At Cronstadt the sea Pe risi p ng over the great battery laid the whole town under water, and the inhabitants we re forced ,iot° take refuge in the second story. Many merchantmen o f perished; the Imperial navy suffered extremely, an d a shiP o the line, of 100 guns, stands in the great squar e. Above 1A ' persons are missed there. The Isaac's Bri d g e is destroy e' 1 H trc sUI LE i gre kill G 1 t 10 ri e4 l With