The Sun. — London, England, 1849-02-23 00:00:00

sons why the board should not abruptly bring about that reduction. In two or three items of the general expen diture they had reduced it 2001. or 3001. during the past year.—(Hear.) They must not go on too rapidly with that reduction in the present infant state of the associa tion, but their desire was to use economy, combined with prudence. He thanked them for that additional mark of their approval, on his own behalf and of the gen tlemen around him..(Cheers.) A MEMBER begged to ask whether it was the inten tion of the board of management to acknowledge, by any remuneration, the services of Mr. Mullinder, their late secretary? The CHAIRMAN did not rise for the purpose of inter rupting the member, but only for the purpose of in timating to him that this meeting had nothing whatever to do with that subject. The MEMBER thought it right to observe t hat he supported the committee at the late m eetin g , but he st ill thought the present meeting ought to have an oppor tunity of knowing what the directors intended to do with reference to Mr.‘ Mullinder's past services. He thought the directors ought to express an opinion whether they intended to give him any remuneration. Mr. JONES said this was not a meeting at which such a subject could be brought forward. They would re member that on the occasion when such a subject could have been entertained, he (Mr. Jones) gave a hint to the meeting to do so if they thought proper.—(Hear, hear.) The report showed that on that occasion it was in the power of that meeting, and that it was the only meeting that could entertain that question. As regarded Mr. Mullinder's being paid up to the time when he left the society, the managers had taken the advice of their solicitor, and they could only act in ac cordance with that advice; and when that requisition came out insinuating misappropriation of funds, it became the more important to have recourse to the advice of those who were able to guide them on such a subject. — (Cheers.) It must be a benefit meeting only at which the subject could be entertained. Mr. RICHARD PRICE said, in rising to propose the last resolution of the meeting, which was that its best thanks be given to their excellent chairman, he did so with unmingled pleasure. He felt that it would be highly imprudent in him to offer anything like a tribute of praise to the chairman, for every man in the association must esteem and love him, for they were greatly indebted to him for the great advances which the association had made—(Cheers)—and for his kindness on all occasions, in promoting the interests of it. His kindness that evening in taking the chair was only a small part of the obligation that the association owed him. Whatever the honourable chairman did, he did promptly, efficiently, and well; and he (Mr. Price) thought there was not a man in the room who did not agree with him in thanking Mr. Smith for his services. He (Mr. Price) hoped he would live long to fill the office which he then held with so much credit to him self and advantage to the society. Mr. WORCESTER wished to know whether it was the intention of the board of management to print the balance-sheet. The CHAIRMAN intimated that the readiest way of answering the question was to put it to the meeting at once. The question was left open in this way, tha-, it' no gentleman moved any such suggestion, it was to be inferred that nobody wished the balance-sheet to be printed. Mr. COLEMAN thought that the regulation was com pletely settled, that the report should be printed under the direction of the board of management, and when the whole question was in their hands, it was to be hoped they would adopt a course which would best pro mote the interest of the association. Mr. WORCESTER would take the liberty of proposing that the balance-sheet should be printed. Mr. Cowart would second that proposition. A MEMBER objected to the proposition on the ground that the printir.g of the balance-sheet would cost between 30/. and 401.--(Oh, oh!) A 31E3113ER adverted to the incident relating to a dinner at Liverpool, as showing the importance of having the balance-sheet printed. Mr. J. J. IsELIN felt almost certain that Mr. Jones would at once a9sen't to the propriety of printing the balance-sheet. It appeared that the annual report was already printed for distribution, and the balance-sheet might be printed and circulated with it—(Hear). It wuuld probably be the best course to intimate pub licly that the report might be had by any one calling at the office, including. the balance.sheet. The discussion was ended by Mr. JONES, the chair man of the board, stating that the balance-sheet would be printed. The balance-sheet ought to be embodied in the report, and printed with it, in order that clerks gene rally might seo the necessity of doing more to back up that noble league which had been taken up by the great commercial and banking-houses of the metropolis.— (Loud cheers.) He felt that much good would arise from publishing the balance-sheet with the report, and having expressed that feeling he would si►t down confidently awaiting a communication from the chair man which would render unnecessary anything like a division at that harmonious meeting.—(Hear, hear.) The Cnazamax said he would answer the observations of the gentleman by requesting Mr. Worcester to withdraw his . motion for this reason, that he was instructed, by Mr. Jones to express the perfect readi ness of the board to print the report.—(Cheers.) It was best always on any subject to ascertain the general feeling of the meeting, and on the 'present occasion he thought, and Mr. Jones agreed with him, that sufficient feeling had been evinced to justify the board in going to the expense of printing the accounts.—(Cheers.) He would, therefore, ask that gentleman not to press his motion. Mr. WORCESTER said he would withdraw the motion pith very great pleasure. His original impression was that the balance-sheet would be printed, but as other members laboured under a different impression, he was only desirous that the truth should be arrived at on the subject. The motion was then withdrawn. Mr. JEPPS said, as the discussion with respect to the accounts had terminated satisfactorily, he again rose to second the resolution, tens eying the beat thanks of the meeting to John Abel Smith, who had kindly taken the chair on that occasion. He did so with pecu liar pleasure and satisfaction, as it afforded him an op portunity of publicly stating, from the position which ha had had the honour to occupy for many years in tille establishment of their chairman, that he had at all times taken the deepest interest in the welfare of the association.—(Hear.) Day after day he had had occa sion - to communicate with him upon the subject of the association, and: he had al wa y s f oun d hi m rea d y to linter into ite details which it was necessary for him to place before him. He had now nothing more to do than to propose the resolution, which he did with the greatest pleasure, and he was sure that it would meet with the best acceptation of the meeting. The resolution was carried with great applause. The CHAIRMAN then rose to return thank,. He said— Gentlemen, I need not say I am sure that I feel ex tremely thankful to you for the cordial sincerity and the feelings of kindness with which you have on this, as on all former occasions, treated me. I have so often had occasion to trouble you with speeches that I thought it this evening better and more respectful to reserve the few observations which I had to make until the close of the proceedings, and to sum up all in a . very short speech, which I promise you it shall bp. I congratulate you and myself, and I congra tulate my friends on the right upon the satisfaction which one and all will and must feel at the results of this evening. I will say now what I have often expressed before, that . I have always felt a pride and satisfaction in having helped to establish this insti toation.—(Cheers.) But if' I have ever felt any pleasure in contemplating the fact, I do so this evening with ten fold power, and for these two reasons—first of all, because during the unfortunate year of 1847 the eminent usefulness of this institution has been called into practical use.—(Cheers.) It has been called to help those who want help, and it has been found ready and able to perform th e t as k a ll otte d to i t. The second reason is this; - that we have at last been able to prove to you by a distribution of the first divi sion of profits of the insurance department, the real and permanent ba s i s o f th i s part of the establishment. I believe that on former occasions, when I have tried to explain to you the wide distinction between this and other charitable institutions, I have perhaps failed to explain to you fully my meaning. It was difficult to those who did not understand the subject . to lain the working' of explain the profits u on the In surance department, but a s you new P see by the practical result that there is a profit, a n d that you re ceive a share of it, you will mo re fully and compl e t e l y understand yourselves, and more completely be able to explain to others, that by insuring your,lives in this de doing that which, it you are abl e to d o it, partment—by I maintain you are called upon in duty to your selves, and in duty to your families n o t to neglect (Cheers) you are not those who a onlypro r t e ectin g yourselves, but you are protec ting asso ciated with you in one common pursuit .. from those un avoidable results of illness or accident to which all of u s are exposed.— (Ch eers .) I believe that you have peculiarly a right to congratulate yourselves upon the state o f t hi s i nst i tut i on, i nas much as in times . of distress it s b enefits have been prove d , an d i n the results of the success of the insurance department, the future and permanent extension of that branch of this institution is, I confidently believe, secure.—(Cheers.) I need not, I am sure, add, one word to; what has been said as to the duty,which you all owe to those who have worked to place this establishment in its present state of prosperity. You ought to render them every assistance in order that its usefulness may be extended still further. There can be no doubt whatever , that the Benevolent Fund is smaller than it was expected to be, and,l may add, smaller than it ought to be, in reference to the exertions of those who have tried to forward it.—(Cheers.) I do not, however, feel discouraged on that account. • I do not feel the less certain that when the benefits of the institution are more extensively known,, it will be, scones or later, the means—and I pray and trust that I may not be disappointed —of protecting many deserving clerks from those casualties, either in their own position or in that of their employers, which it has been our greatest desir e and object to meet.—(Cheers.) I am certain the declaration of Baron Rothschild will not be lost sight of by the managers of this institution. I am still more persuaded of that, becauseae h v the the success t of the insurance, d e p artment the and follow .h the suggestionsemenus at their their disposal to obey have been thrown ou ts and ill should weread the l esson of their past exertions if, we are not certain that they arc as anxious as we are to increase the number of annu itants as fast as prudence a n d j ust i ce will allow. —(Ch ers.) Is is impossible that w i t h the present , business of the insurance department, the burden now laid upon this portion of the institution can long continue, and I know . that . one . of the h a p p i est and most triumphant days of the board of manage ment will be when they relieve the Benevolent Department from any share, however small, in the expenses of the institution. Gentlemen, I will not sit down without al luding for a moment to the expression of a gentleman whose name I hare not the honour to know, with re. spect to the expenses incurred in Liverpool. I know nothing of the details of the dinner, or of the mission sent to Liverpool, but this I know, that if the dinner was worth anything at all, it was not the 1501. or 170/. which was collcct( d in contributions at it that will benefit the institution, but the good that was done was in circu lating a knowledge of the establishment itself as widely us possible, and in increasing the number of its friends and supporters.—(Hear, hear, and cheers.) I know nothing of the details of that dinner, but I am sure of this, that if tickets were liberally distributed to persons to attend that dinner the board of directors really exercised a wise and useful economy. But whether that be so or not I cannot say, as I do not speak from personal knowledge, but instead of looking to the dinner as a test of the visit to Liverpool, I tell you to look at it on general grounds, and recollect that these are the principles upon which they have hitherto con ducted our af f airs, and made us what we are, and which I hope and trust they will continue to adopt in governing the daily increasing concerns which are submitted to their wise, discreet, and useful management. — (Loud cheers.) Gentlemen, I will not detain you any longer, but to repeat to you my thanks for the kindness which you have now, and on all former occasions, shown to me, and to express my hope and be lief, and confident expectation, that this will be, as I have often said it would, one of the largest, as it is one:of the most useful institutions of the kind in the city of London.—(Loud cheers ) The meeting then separated. T HE LEGAL TITL E ASSURANCE COMPANY. (Provisionally Registered, January 17, 1849.) Capital, 2,000,0001., in 80,000 Shares, of 251. each. Preliminary Deposit, 2s. 6d. per Share. Prospecinses and fall information may be obtained at the Tempo rary Offices of the Company, 13A, Cannon row, Westminster, on ap plication to _ _ _ G. F. HOWE, Hon. Sec;, pro tern. NOTICE. DUDLEY CRANBOURNE WONIAN'S HISTORY. By SKEPFINGTON MOORE, Esti., Is Published This Day, And maybe •btained of all Booksellers throughout the United Kingdom. Richard Bentley, New Burlington-street. ST. JAMES'S. TH E:A. T RE. Season ,1849. FRENCH PLAYS and OPERA COMIQVE. EVENING, The Performances will commence at Half-past Seven o'clock, with POLICHINELLE. To conclude with the popular Opera Comique, entitled LA DAME BLANCHE. Georges, Mons. Bonnarny ; Anna, Mdlle. Charton ; Jenny, Mdlle. Guichard. Mr. Mitchell begs also to announce that, notwithstanding the in creased expenses of the present entertainment, the prices of admis sion are determined as follows: Boxes be. ed. Pit .. 3s. Od. Amphitheatre .. 2s. Od. Subscriptions for the season may be arranged at Mr. Mitchell's Royal Library, 33, Old Bond-street ; Mr. Sams', St. James's-street ; Mr. Andrews', New Bond-street; and at the Box-ofßce *1 the Theatre, which is open daqy from eleven till live. THEATRE ROYAL, HAYMARKE Mr. B. Webster, Sole Lessee and Manager, Old Bromptoa. The public is respectfully informed that this Theatre I . s, during the recess, undergone very extensive repairs and alterations and the whole re. decorated. MIS . EVENING, Will be performed TAE ME ttCIIAST 'Or VENIRE. Shylock, Mr. Charles Kean : Portia. Dliss Laura Addison. . _ To be followed by an Arabian .Nights' Entertainment, entitled CAIWABALZAIIAN AND BADOURA ; or, The Pert who Loved the Frince. Characters by Messrs. Bland, Keeley, Mrs. Keeley, Miss Horton, and Miss Reynolds. THEATRE ROYAL, ADELPHI. Under the direction of Madame Celeste During the Reces3 this Thenit;l;sbeen entirely re-decorated, the original designs by Digby Wyatt, Es‘ executed by Mr. Sang. A new Stage, Curtain, Act Drop, and Chandelier. An approved sys tem of Ventilation, &c., &c. The Private Boxes enlarged, Backs added to the Seats, and Stalls rendered mere comfortable. THIS EVENINI: Will be performed the original Drama, called HARVEST HOME. Principal characters by Messrs. H. Hughes, Lambert, Wright, P. Bedford, 0. Smith, Madame Celeste, Miss Woolgar, Mrs. Frank Matthews, Miss Tunier, &c. After which, THE ENCHANTED ISLE. Alonzo, Mr. Paul Bedford ; Prospero, Mr. 0. Smith Ariel, Miss E. Chaplin. ROYAL LYCI!UM THEAT KZ. Under the Management of Madame Vestrian Sole Lessee. Mr. Charles Al a' he 713. THIS EVENING Will be performed SHAVE YOU DIRECTLY. After which, a new Fairy Extravaganza, entitled THE KING OF PRE PEACOCKS. Characters by Messrs. Harley, John Reeve, Selby, H. Hal!, Marshall, and H. Marshall; Miss Kathleen Fitzwil lam, Miss L. Howard, Mrs. slacnamara, Miss Marshall, Miss L. Marshall, Miss Coleman, and Madame Vestris. To conclude with U.ED UP. Dress I:oxes, b..; Upper Boxes, 41. ; Pit, 25.; Gallery, Is. No tialf-price to any part of the house. The is;ew Box-ofllce, No. 2, Wellington- street, is open to the public vu - y 'lay, from Ten till Six. PRINCESS'S THEATI:FI. Mr. J. M. Maddox, Sole Lessee and Manager. During the Recess this Theatre has been re-decorated and embel lished in a superb and costly manner by Mr litirwitz. A new Chan delier has been fitted, and the best arrawc meats have been made for the due Ventilation of the Theatre, and the coluiort and cenvealence of the audience. THIS EVENING, Will be performed the Opera of LA VIVANDIERE. To conclude with a new grand Pantomime, entitled BLUFF KING HAL ; or, Harlequin ana 111 (Charmed Arrow. Harlequin, Mr. Bologna; Pantaloon, Mr. Paulo ; Clown, Mr. Flexmore ; sprite, Mr. De Barr ; Columbine, MIN Fawcett. ASTLEY'S ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE. Proprietor, Mr. W. Batty. Under the Patronage of her Majesty the Queen, his Royal Highness Prince Albert, &c. Enormous success of the Holiday Novelties, the most astounding in the Metropolls.—A gorgeous Spectacle.—Zrilllant Scenes of the Arena. THIS EVENING. The curtain will rise at a Quarter toSev en o'clock precisely to the magnificent Spectacle, by Fitzball. entitled CORASCO ; or, the Warrior's Steed. To be followed by an inimitable dispiay of SCENES IN THE CIRCLE, supported by the first Equestrian talent of the day. To conclude with a romantic Melodrama entitled THE BRIGAND OF ANCONA. Box-office open from Eleven till Five. stage Manager. Mr. W. West. TiIE WEATHER—SIIN OFFICE, FERRUARY 23. THERMOMETER, Lowest, 35; Highest, 56, Noon, 49, BARONETIR, 30.05. WIND S.W.—light breeze and fine sunshiny weather, 71 to WATIZR AT LONDON !MIDGE. THIS DAT —Morning, 13 min. after 2 I Evening, 32 rein. after 2 trw, i t min. alter 2 i Evenin 9 min. alter 3 ry ~ - , • p=i; .1 A g tts ."041 , , ;••• 1.• '-/ +, 0 ",;.; v's • ;:•} r. DIE( .1" • ntn Mt LONDON, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1849. Last evening it was formally announced to the House of Commons by the Under-Secretary in the Colonial Department, that " the Government has con veyed Vancouver's Island to the Hudson's Bay Com- pony who are now in possession of it." So ! the murder is out at last : the transfer has been actually accomplished : the only English colony which could be said to actually command the eastern shorei of the Pacific, from Behring's Straits to Terra del Fuego, has been juggled out of the power of the nation, has been snugly deposited within the boundaries of the already gigantic dominions subject to the bar barous despotism of a mere trading association. It rests now with Parliament to confirm or to invalidate this shameless act of underhanded jobbery. And it :becomes doubly imperative upon our repre sentatives to inquire into the legality of the transference, seeing that the future prosperity of the country is in a great measure involved in the transaction. We have already observed that nothing more inauspicious for the promoters of the whole arrangement could have happened, than the recent discoveries of gold-dust and quicksilver in the auri ferous soil of California—discoveries which, by at tracting enormous crowds of colonists to the settle ments now rising on the banks of the Sacramento, are substantially conducing to the advancement of civilization, with all its social, political, and commer cial enterprises, in that quarter of the New World. In accordance with this opinion, it was yesterday observed by the Honourable Member for Montrose, that, since the occupation of their lately acquired de pendencies by the United States, Vancouver's Island has become a possession of marvellously enhanced importance. And it is precisely at this period, when events are revealing the necessity for our retaining some central and capacious port on the western side of the North American Continent, that we are in formed that Vancouver's Island—an island abound- ing in all the requisite advantages, an island of ample n is absolutely dimensions, of central po sition, admirably wooded, prolific in that commodity (coal) which essential in steam navigation, a ffording a safe utaenlyd sufficient anchorage in Nootka Sound, and command ing- by its position the whole of those magnificent seas which wash the shores of our oriental and southern possessions—we are told, we say, at this time, that a colony, so inestimable from its geographical situation as well as from its physical characteristics, has been quietly ceded into the hands of a private company, and that com pany of all companies in the world the Company of the Hudson's Bay Fur-truders. We know not how to characterise in terms of fitting severity a proceed ing which reflects so much and such grievous dis credit upon the Government. To say the very least of the transaction, it betrays a rashness, a precipi tancy, and an indiscretion which are altogether in compatible with the qualities required in statesmen or. administrators.. But when, in addition to this rashness, this precipitation, and thi s mons t rous i n di s• cretion, mo tivest r ns leadin gfr top pt a, sets certain there i s t t dded the suspici on o f family a aggrandisement, the not only as a slur upon th e apecuniary 1- shrewdness of the Cabinet, but as a direct denial of its incorruptibility. It was very felicitously remarked by Lord BROUGHAM last night in the House of Lords, when alluding to Earl GRIIT'S readiness to defend the mal administration of affairs in Ceylon under Lord TORRINGTON, that the Noble Earl, the Colonial Secretary, " was most happy in the possession of a sanguine temperament, and that the most signal defeat appeared to produce upon him the same effect as the most triumphant victory would do on others." A most sanguine temperament he must assuredly have if he anticipates passing with credit through the double inquiries which are now on the eve of being prosecuted in reference to the misgovernment of Ceylon, and to the sale of Vancouver's Island. In regard to the latter it must be especially borne in recollection that it has been given over for a period of years to a body of merchants numbering altogether a very few individuals, and being wholly without either the means, the money, or the inclination to promote its colonization. They are without the means, for they are without the naval force necessary to transport emigrants thither from remote quar ters of the eastern hemisphere. They are with out the money, for their surplus of profit is, of course, dedicated to the advancement of their own speculations. They are without the inclination, for experience has shown that throughout the whole of their vast continental dominions in North America, they sedulously endeavour to depress anything bearing the appearance of a settlement from a know ledge that those clearings which follow in the path of colonization would be gradually destructive of the dense jungles and almost impenetrable forests in which the savage animals despoiled of their furry skins by the hunters, propagate without molestation. There is, consequently, a triple obstacle to the de velopment of the great natural advantages of Van couver's Island, now that that island has unhappily fallen under the medseval, cr rather under the primeval rule of the Hudson's Bay Company. As to the extent and value of these advantages which have been shamefully bargained away by the Colonial Secretary for the gratification of interests apart from the interests of . the empire, interests, in fact, diametrically opposed to those of Great Britain, it will be sufficient to quote the remarks lately made upon Quadr a, or Vancouver's Island, by a very emi nent geographer:--" den will not always circum navigate the globe to convey merchandise from one point to another. 'They will not take goods round Cape Horn, or the Cape of Good Hope, on the way from. Canton to New York. The Oriental trade to America will infallibly, some day, find its way across the American continent. The time may be nearer than we like to predict, who shrink from the charge of extravagant enthusiasm ; but whenever it does arrive, the Straits of Juan de Fuca will be come the funnel through which it will be poured into the New World. For the same reason that Tyre or Venice rose to be great on the earth, will the people who dwell around those straits become mighty in their generation." Since those words were written the time anticipated has been brought abruptly almost within view by the unexpected wealth which is burrying the people of Europe and the United States to California, and rendering by this means the western side of the North American continent a diverging point for grand commercial speculations. Those shores confront the Oriental regions typified in Cathay; they lie, as it were, face to face with those creeks, and gulfs, and lagunes, and estuaries, which are laden with the natural and arti ficial riches of Asia. Will the Hesperidean apples continue to drop into the Indian Ocean, and be lazily dragged by a circuitous current round by the Southern Cape of Africa, without tempting the new settlers to traverse the waves of the Pacific, and to participate in the enjoyment of those treasures ? But Vancouver's Island has been transferred to the Hudson's Bay Company ; it is now in the possession of the fur traders ; it is too late to quarrel about the transaction. It rests with the House of Commons to decide whether it is too late. It rests with the law to declare whether the ATTORNEY-GENERAL and tlse SOLICITOR-GENERAL were correct or incorrect in the opinions pronounced by them upon the proceeding. It rests with the country to denounce in a voice audible in both hemispheres an arrangement so in jurious to the interests of the empire, and so bane ful to the reputation of the Government. The Select Committee on the Irish Poor-laws have already commenced their important labours. Much, indeed, will depend on their decision, and the recom mendations which they may'offer to the House for adoption. We have witnessed the lamentable results of the present system. We have had too painful evidence of the ruin and misery occasioned in the more impoverished districts by the enormous rates necessarily struck for the support of the destitute poor. Those rates could not be collected, although every effort has been made, and the most stringent measures were resorted to. British benevolence was again and again appealed to. " Aid us, or we perish," was literally the cry. It is unnecessary to say that the demand thus made was promptly and liberally responded to, 'that the assistance thus urgently required was freely rendered. Public grants were aided by private contributions. The people had been fed, although the landlords had been brought to the verge of ruin, and could not discharge the obligations incidental to the posses sion of property. We could not behold our Irish brethren—those with whom we are united by the closest ties, and who acknowledge the same alle giance with ourselves—perishing by lingering and painful deaths ; or dragging on a miserable existence, and suffering under the utmost privations. The time has, however, arrived when Irish poverty must be supported from Irish property—when the Irish poor must be supported from the national re sources of Ireland. It is the duty of the Select Com mittee to ascertain by what means that desideratum can be attained—how the burden can be most equitably distributed, so that all shall contribute in proportion to their means. A great effort will be made to induce the Com mittee to adopt the views advocated by many influen tial persons connected with Ireland, to recommend that, the area of taxation should be greatly reduced, and that the responsibility should be individualised, and rendered conterminous with property whenever practicable, so that each proprietor should be exclu sively liable , for the support of the poor belonging to his own estate. We have already repeatedly urged the great objections that exist to such a course. It would afford the strongest encouragement to the clearance systemLithat abominable practice to which many Irish landlords are supposed to be addicted. The evils which in this country are found to be in separable from the law of settlement would be mul tiplied and perpetuated. Large sums would be ex pended in wanton and fruitless litigation, and the labouring classes, who might by a possibility become chargeable at some future period, would be prevented from bringing their only capital—their lab Our—to the best and most productive market. They would be hunted out with greater energy than the most noxious vermin. Such would be the results so far as Ireland itself was concerned ; and if no other interests were involved there would be amply sufficient grounds for rejecting the proposition, England, however, has acquired the right of interfering on this question. Experience has shown that whenoiver the resources chargeable with the relief of the poor prove inadequate for the purpose, the deficiency must be supplied from the Imperial exchequer. It is, therefore, of importance that we should ascertain that the burden is not to be transferred to others by whom it could not possibly be sustained, and on whose inevitable failure it would necessarily return upon ourselves with in creased weight. We must know in what manner the charge is to be defrayed when the poorer and more densely populated estates were unable to maintain the pauper inhabitants. The proprietors at present are unable to contribute their quota to the general burden ; how could they satisfy the heavier demands that would then be made upon their resources ? They could not do so by any possibility. We would still hear the wail of agony from the famishing poor. We should have the bitter reproach of ruined proprietors and pauperised occupiers; 'many districts would speedily go out * of cultivation. Who would expend labour or capital in putting in crops when the entire produce, however bounteous, would not be sufficient to de fray the charges, without leaving any surplus for th a landlord's rent or the farmer's profits. We should still supply the void; and new demands would be preferred day after day for English relief to Irish distress. The principle of an Irish national rate for the sup port of the Irish poor—a rate levied on every descrip tion of property, according to the true intent and meaning of the 43d Elizabeth, c. 2, would alone be sufficient to meet the difficulty—and to do full justice to the Irish landowners. Why should any who have the ability be exempted from the charge ? Why should the mortgagors or the annuitants who derive incomes from land be exonerated, while the nominal proprietor, who in too many, instances is little better than an agent for their benefit, is crushed by the overwhelming burden? It is neither just nor equit able that such should be the case, and an immediate remedy should be applied. The Government recommendation, to which we alluded on Monday last, partially supplies the defect. It recognizes the principle of a maximum rate, beyond which no demand shall be made. When the rates of an electoral district shall exceed ss. in the pound, the surplus shall be collected from the union at large to the extent of 2s. in the pound, and the balance, if any, is to be provided by a na tional rate of 6d. in the pound, to be levied on all the real property of Ireland. All further demands are to be defrayed from the Imperial exchequer. The period during which the national rate in aid is to be resorted to is to be limited to two years. We can not understand upon w hat ground this limitation is to be made. If the principle is just and beneficial, why should it be suffered to expire so speedily—why should it not be perpetuated ? The Hon. Member for Dublin, who has already acquired so high a character for ability and intelli gence, and for his thorough knowledge of the wants and exigencies of his country, has given notice of a resolution which will this day be submitted for the consideration of the Committee. He proposes— " That for the purpose of augmenting the fund pro posed to be raised by a rate in aid of sixpence in the pound from all property rated to the relief Gf the desti tute poor in Ireland for the next two years, the same rate should be charged upon all salaries paid to Govern ment officers, and upon all income derived from the pub lic fucds, being not less than 1501. per annum in both cases, and that all moneys derived from the tax at pre sent collected in England on income derived from Ire land, be foi the next two years applied to the same fund." This is a step in the right direction. It is a manifest improvement on the Ministerial suggestion. Why should the Irish fundholder evade the responsibility of contributing towards the relief of the poor ? lie is not called upon to pay the income-tax upon his receipts, to which every person in this country is liable. He could not, therefore, complain if a smaller tax were imposed, and to what nobler purpose could the proceeds be applied than in relieving the suffering and destitute poor ?, The latter portion of the resolu tion is also founded on justice. Seven or eight million pounds per annum at the lowest computation Is annually drawn from Irish resources, and expended in this country. It would be but fair if the sums levied on incomes derived from Ireland should for a time at least be devoted to the support of the Irish poor. We trust that Mr. REYNOLDS'S valuable suggestion may be adopted by Committee, and con firmed by Parliament, if the still more important measure of a national rate, and a general equaliza tion of the burden, should not be adopted. THE FRENCH REPUBLIC We have received the Paris papers of yesterday. The _National Assembly was on Wednesday en. gaged in discussing the electoral law, and adopted clauses, declaring that all individuals condemned at any period of their lives for crimes and felonies, as well as those condemned for theft, swindling, abuse of confidence, usury, and also those interdicted from their civil rights—insane persons, &c., should be dis qualified from sitting in the Chamber. An attempt was made to procure a relaxation of this disqualifica tion in favour of persons who had been convicted of theft before they were sixteen years of age, and who would, as the clause then stood, be for ever disqualified in consequence of such conviction ; it proved, howe ver , unsuccessful ; whereupon M. PIERRE LEnoux rose, and, after uttering an indignant philippic against those who thus se verely visited the crimes of the poor, leaving the crimes of the rich untouched, concluded by moving, that " adulterers and those who brought troubles into families be excluded from the Legislative As sembly ! " A lively debate, which was ever and anon inter- rupted by shouts of laughter, followed. At the con clusion of which the proposition was put, and declared by the President to be lost; but a ballot was dematided, when, to the great surprise of M. PIERRE LEROUX, the proposition was carried by a majority of 57, the numbers being—!or 111. PIERRE LEROUX'S proposition, 286 ; against it, 229. The Club of the Institute, which numbers among its members MM. GARNIER PAGES, PAGN ERRE, BAR THELEMY ST. HILAIRE, and DUCLERB, has put forth - ,he following electoral manifesto : MANIFESTO OF THE MODERATE REPUBLIC. " The undersigned Representatives, after having con , stantly practised, in the Constituent Assembly, the policy of conciliatory moderation, in the name of which seve ral Parliamentary Clubs have been formed—among others, that of the Institute and of the Council of State— !consider it their duty to point out in a frank declaration the ideas which, in their opinion, ought to preside over Ithe now election, in order to respond to the necessities of a new state of things. France is on the eve of a great and decisive trial. In a few weeks she will be ;called on to complete her institutions by the elec !Lion of the Members of the Legislative Assembly. :The French people, who have already made [the solemn application of universal suffrage—who have so admirably understood the duties imposed !on them by the exercise of their sovereign right—the ipeople will again, on this occasion, know how to produce 'from the balloting urns the consolidation of order, of /peace, and of society. The Government which organises :the Republic of 1848, is made not to continue the revo lution, but to close it. Unexpected, and arising out of complications and faults henceforth forgotten, the Re public ought not to be one of party, but one of progress and of necessity. Its cause of existence is at the same its evident legitimacy, and the averred weakness of all faller forms of government; its honour is to remain the government of all, to appeal to the efforts and devoted 'pees of all; its strength is the rational development of all rights, the ennobling of all duties • its advantages will be to increase labour , to enlarge the already wide bases of property, and to extend public assistance to all who merit it. Let not the electors, by irresolution, weakness, or guilty passion, compromise public order, which has been strengthened by its successive Victories over anarchy and by the increasing progress of a spirit of conciliation. Let us continue the work thus commenced, by improving it; let us beware of any attempt at a counter-revolution; let us not, after so many sufferings and trials, put in danger the very existence of society. Let us know how the career o f revolutions. tiny to close energetically intrigue, any conspiracy against our R epu bli can institu tions, would be a crime. Let those who hatch such conspiracies feel well assured that, under whatever pre text they may shield themselves, they are not the less guilty nor less anarchial than those savage perturbaturs, who have stained our streets with blood, for they also prepare a civil war. As a condition of our votes, let us demand from every candidate a formal adhesion to the institutions founded is tbe name of the nation by the Whole Constituent Assembly, and a loyal co-operation to the President elected by universal suffrage. The country wished, by the imposing election of the 10th Dec., to asso ciate the glorious name of Napoleon Bonaparte with the strengthening of the Republic. Good citizens should set aside their previous differences of opinion, and unite in the sentiments which hencefor th become a powerful guarantee of order, of calm, and of prosperity. It is to ittain that object, it is in that spirit that we think it our duty to address ourselves to our fellow-citizens. Let the Wisdom of the people discourage both those sterile hopes that are kept up by the regrets of a past which can never de revived but at the cost of sanguinary catastrophes, those senseless schemes which, by vain and odious Utopian theories, compromise the most sacred principles of social order. Let us only accept those wh o w il l honestly strengthen what has been established, amelio rate it by legal, prudent, and pacific means, and place the future fate of the country in the hands of an honest, firm, and conciliatory Government. This is the only means of safety. For our part, we shall be happy if we can contribute to instil into the minds of the electors those patriotic convictions which have been given us by painful experience, and we believe we shall have ren dered to the country the moat useful service in our power." The Patrie of Wednesday contains the following semi-official account of the occurrence of disturb ances at Niort : " A telegraphic dispatch, received to day from Niort, announces that serious disturbances have taken place there. The following are some der ails of the affair:— The 2d Regiment of Horse Chaseeurs, in garrison at Niort, was to detach a squadron for Saintes. Whilst the Mayor of Niort was applying for and obtaining in Paris the revocation of this order, on his undertaking to find barracks for th e ent i re reg i m ent, the anarchists of th e town, on a pretext of local interest, had resolved to op pose the departure. On the 18th, about noon, th e colonel put his regiment in march to escort the squadron which was to go to Saintes. Whilst passing the regi ment in review on the Place de la Bieche, seeing his men pressed upon by the crowd, he gave orders that it should be kept at a distance. On this order, which was natural and necessary, the agitators began to throw stones at these brave soldiers. Soon afterwards a con ducteur of the ponts ct chaussees, who was in the fore most rank of the assailants, came forward and insulted • the colonel, who in legitimate defence struck the ag gressor with the flat of his sword, which broke with the blow. A slight wound being inflicted, the crowd hurled a shower of atones at the colonel and the regi- ment. Two barricades were even commenced to prevent the departure of the chasseurs. The Prefect, the Com mander of the National Guard, and the Mayor ran to the spot, and a piquet of National Guards interposed between the perturoators and the brave soldiers, who had shown exemplary sang froid and moderation. At four o'clock order was reestablished, and has not since been disturbed." An attempt on the part of MM. TRIERS and MOLE to induce M. DEFAURE and some of the personal friends of General CAVAIGNAC to join the Orleanist Club of the Rue de Poictiers, has proved unsuccess ful, and M. TRIERS is now endeavouring to persuade M. NAPOLEON BONAPARTE to give up his club and to join that of the Rue de Poictiers. Should M. TIMERS succeed he will have the satisfaction of having for the third time in bis life betrayed the Bonaparte family. BUSINESS DONE IN FOREIGN RAILWAYS AT THE LONDON STOCK-EXCHANGE, FEB. 22. Boulogne and Amiens, 93 s —Central of France (Orleans and Vierzon), 11 3 % —Luxembourg (10/.), 1% ex int.— Namur and - Liege, 9—Northern of France, 9% 4 Orleans and Bordeaux, 4—Paris and Orleans, 32 1 4 Paris and Rouen. 21M ex div.--Paris and Strasbourg, :3 tk —Rouen and Havre, 13'%— Sambre and Meuse, sX,—Tours and Nantes, 2%. SPAIN. Madrid journals of the 16th have arrived. The Clamor Publico states that the differences between the English and the Bey of TANGIER have been adjusted, and that the report of the assassination of the British Consul was totally unfounded. A Carlist band of sixty men, under the command of PIMENTERO, has appeared at Tarracon, in the pro vince of Cuenca. For some time past the Catalonian mail has almost al ways been a day behind, in consequence of the military precautions that are obliged to be taken on the road, to prevent it from falling into the hands of the Carlists. The Captain-General of Catalonia has privately intimated to officers in command of columns, that they are never to take the field at the head of less than 900 infantry and 40 cavalry. MADRID BOLSA, FEB.l6.—Three per Cents. clo.3ed at 214 for the account, but after the Bolsa they were done at 214 to 13-16 cash ; Five per Cents., 104 to 101; Passive Debt, 4 to 3i ; Coupons, 7; ; 'Trea sury Notes, 73 ' • Bank of San Fernando, 56 to 58. Exchange on London, 49 40. GERMANY AND THE NORTHERN STATES. AUSTRIA. The Wiener Zeitung contains the following reply of his Majesty the Emperor FRANCIS JOSEPH to the deputation of the Tyrolese Arquebusiers. The letter was confided to the care of the new governor, Count CAJETAN BISSENGEN, who delivered it to the officers at a festive meeting held for the purpose of receiv ing it : ‘ It was a great satisfaction to me to see so many leaders of my comrades in arms who had stood by my side in facing the enemy in the Italian war, and who had undertaken a long and dangerous journey to congratu late me on my accession to the throne. I charge you, as you have now returned to your own horns, to assure the native Tyrolese Arquebusiers of my good will. Tell them that I shall ever think of them with gratitude— that I confidently rely upon them if the enemy should ever again threaten our country. They will in that case, as in former times, gather round my valiant army and overcome the enemy as they have lately done. "I shall take into consideration the augmentation of the arquebuie, that favourite weapon of the Tyrolese. Tyrol is a strong bulwark of the monarchy, and her sons form a valiant garrison. That the borders of your laud be not circumscribed shall be my care. Be it yours to preserve its hereditary virtues. "I remain yours, with Imperial grace and favour. "FRANCIS JOSEPH. " 011MlltZ, Jan. 24." The Cologne Gazette has the following from Vienna; 15th :—" It is now certain that four large forts are to be erected, the guns of which will command the city. The largest will be constructed on the Laaer berg, and will contain a large depot of arms, as it is not intended in future to have any arms kept in the city. 8,000 men may be accommodated in these forts." AUSTRIAN FUNDS.—VIENNA, FEE. 16. 5 per Cents. .... ••..• • • • •• • Bank Shares.. • • .• .• ........1,115 Esterhazy's Loan ........ ............. SAXE-MEININGEN. FEB. 11.—The session of the Diet was opened on the 11th, by the Minister, Vox SPESSHAEDT. The opening discourse plainly indicated that our Govern • ment recognises the sovereignty of the National Cen tral Power, and hopes that it will promptly terminate a Federal Constitution, with a national representation, and a powerful Head of the Empire. It rejects the union of the states of Thuringia, as proposed by Saxe Weimar ; but is willing to concur in other com mon necessaries. BAVARIA. The Ministerial crisis is over. The old Ministers remain in office. The following resolution was passed unanimously in the meeting of the Assem bly on the 17th. " The Chamber of the National Assembly adheres to the law of duty and honour, by declaring for the wel fare and existence of Germany, us well as of Bavaria, first against the separation of Austria from the German confederation, and secondly against the erection of a Prussian Empire." FRAN KFORT. Another Prussian note has been received. Prussia insists with firmness and moderation on her right, as well as that of the other German States, to unite more closely. She insists on a Federative State, into which none is compelled, but all are free to enter, if they think fit. BELGIUM. BRUSSELS, FEB. 20.—Their Majesties have given a splendid entertainment to the gentlemen who have been deputed plenipotentiaries of the foreign powers at the Brussels Congress. All the foreign princes, the ambassadors and their ladies, and the nobility were invited. This morning his MAJESTY left Brussels for Ar denne, where he will probably remain for about a week. The carnival has just terminated,. the wea ther has been very unpropitious for the various exhibitions. BELGIAN FUNDS.—Baussno, Fas. H. Actual Debt, 234 per Cent Rothschild's Loan, Five per Cent ........ Loan of Thirty Millions, lourperCent .... Ditto Three per Cent ...• ••• • • • •... Ditto Thirty-seven Millions,ditto .• •• Ditto,ditto,lB4B.. •• ••• • • ... 90% Ditt0,ditt0,1842...................... 901 i Ditto, 80% Ditto, 1836... • • ...• .............. •• •• Ditto, 1838 ...... ............. .• .. 59 Ditto of the City, 1832 Ditto, 1843 .....• •................... 90X Bank of Belgium•• •• •• ,• •• •• •• •• ••.• •• Issue of 1841 ............ • • ••••. • •• 100( Exchange on London, 25.42%. THE NETHERLANDS. THE HAGUE, Fan. 21.—1 n the first Chamber of the States-General, the President announced to the Chamber that the Committee charged with drawing up the project of an Address, in reply to the Speech from the Throne, had terminated its work. 111 M. VAN WALDEREN RENGERS, KORT, JORDENS, and GEVERS VAN ENDEGEEST, have been appointed Pre sidents; and MM. Boasar, VAN BEECE, VOLLEN. HOVEN, and Pnnarsa, Vice-Presidents. At the opening of the sitting of the Second Cham ber of the States-General the Royal decree was read, appointing Baron VON GOLDSTEIN President of the Second Chamber during the present session. After the settlement of some business, and several projects of law had been laid upon the table, M. VON VEEGARS was unanimously elected Registrar, and M. SCHIF• rim was admitted as his deputy by 44 votes against 18.—Dutch Papers, Feb. 21. ITALY. The Constituent Assembly of Rome sat on the 11th and 12th instant. In the sitting of the 11th it was announced that MAMIAM had resigned his stet. His resignation was accepted. In the sitting of the 12th, a proposition was passed to invite MAMIANI to repair to Rome, and that the title of Roman citizen should be conferred on hitn. It was resolved that henceforth the laws should be administered in the name of God and of the people. The flag of the Republic was settled to be tricoloured, with the eagle in the centre. All the functionaries, civil and mili tary, are relieved from their oaths to the late Govern. meat. A committee of eight members was appointed to draw up the organic laws for the Roman Republic. The Minister of IVar informed the Members that arrangements had been made with General LATOUR by which the Swiss troops were induced to adhere to the Roman colours. The Assembly decided that the Ministry appointed by the Executive Committee should be responsible. The citizens, BELTRANII and PESCANTINI, have been dispatched on a mission to the French Republic. At Florence, on the 15th, ZANErn was appointed General of the National Guards. The Alba calls for the union of Tuscany with Rome. The same journal says, that a secret con sistory held at Gaeta, have decided to demand the armed intervention of Austria, France, Spain, and Naples, to the exclusion of Piedmont. At Genoa there has been a collision between the supporters of the Constitutent and its opponents, in which the former had the advantage. EGYPT. MEUEMET ALL has had a relapse of dysentery, and i 3 not expected to recover. MARKET NEWS.-(THIS DAY.) CORN-EXCHANGE-(FRIDA Y.) The present week's arrival of English Wheat for our mar ket, coastwise, has amounted to only 1,050 quarters, a large portion of which has come to hand in very middling condi tion. By land carriage the receipts fresh up to-day were trifling, and the show of samples was very small. The at tendence of both town and country buyers being trifling, the demand for all kinds of wheat of home produce was again in a very depres..,ed state. Selected qualities sold at Monday's prices, but all other kinds were lower to purchase. 'I he im ports of Foreign Wheat have not exceeded 5,180 quarters; ne vertheless, sales progressed slowly, and a clearance was not effected, even though the imperters were sellers at drooping currencies. We were again but moderately supplied with Barley, both English and Foreign. Malting qualities sold at last week's currencies. Grinding and Distilling sorts were the turn lower. Malt, the supply of which was small, ruled heavy, at almost nominal quotations. Exceedingly little business was transacted in Oats (with which we were scantily sup plied), at barely the late decline in value. Beans and Peas as last advised. In Indian Corn and Meal no sales. Flour very dull. French parcels much pressed. ARRIVALS THIS WEEK. Wheat. I Barley. Oats. Flour 1,050 qrs. 1,660 erg. I 3,530 qrs. 1,5403 k 690 - 510 I -- English ...... Irish... Foreign .....: 5,180 I 770 Malt, 3,620 ors. Notwithstanding the supply of Beasts on sale in to-day's market was but moderate, the time of year considered, and less by 300 head than that exhibited on Friday last, the Beef trade was dull in the extreme. The quality of the beasts in general was good, yet the highest figure obtained fir the beet Scots was only 3s. Gd. per Sibs., being a decline in the currencies of Monday of 2d. per Sibs. Nearly a moiety of the Bulb ck supply was turned out unsold. About 400 Beasts have come to hand, this week, from Scotland. '2OO were here this morning. The numbers of Sheep com prised only '2,100 head ; nevertheless, the Mutton trade was in a depressed state, at a further fall in value of 2d. per Sibs —the highest figure for the best old Downs in the wool not exceeding 4s. 6d. per Him. There were a few clipt Sheep in the market. Calves were in short supply, and moderate re quest, at unaltered quotations. In Pigs scarcely any business was transacted. Milch Cows, 141. to 171. ss. each, with their small calf. Per 81bs.t0 s S. d. to s. d. A. d. to s. d. Inferior Beasts 2 6 2 8 Second qual. Sheep 3 4 8 8 Second quality -. ••2 10 3 0 Coarse-woolled ditto 810 4 2 Prime large Oxen 3 2 3 4 Southdown Wethcr 4 4 4 6 Prime Scots Large coarse Calves 3 6 4 2 Large Hogs ...... 3 2 4 0 Prime small ditto -uckling Calves l7 0 24 0 Quarter old Pigs ..16 0 21 0 Inferior Sheep .. TOTAL SUPPLY AT MARKET. Sheep. I Calves. I Pigs. I 2,100 206 200 FOREIGN SUPPLY. Sheep. I Calves. I rigs. 240 100 SCOTCII.—Beasts, 200 ; Sheep, 350. NEWGATE AND LEADENNALL. ink the offal. Bouts. 833 Beasts. 101 An unusually heavy demand was experienced in these markets to-day, and the general quotations had a downward tendency. At per stone by the Carcase. a. d. to a. d. - s. d. to a. O. Beet,interlor.... •. 2 2 2 4 i Mutton, interior .. 2 4 2 8 - middling .... 2 6 2 8 middling.. 210 3 6 - primelargo .. 2 8 210 prime •••• 3 8 310 - prune small .. 3 0 3 2 Pork, large.... ••.. 2 10 3 6 Voth• •••••••• • • • • 3 8 4 8I - mill ••••• • • • 3 8 4 4 noreouGu NOP MARKET. Selected qualities of East Kent Hops of last yew's growth move off freely at, in suite instances, improved quotations. The middling and inferior kinds are firm, and quite as dear at last week. Old Hops are very dull, and almost nominal in value. On speculation nothing doing. Present rates as under :—New Hops--Sussex pockets, 214 s to 2/ 166 ; Weald of Kent ditto, 21 12s to 318 s; Mid and East Kent ditto, 31 35 to 616 a per cwt. COLONIAL, SUGAR, —There has been a steady market for this article without any particular movement in prices. Ihrbadoes, by auction, has realised 41s to 4ls Gd for fine yellow, and 38s to 40s 6d for mid and good ; St. Lucia ord yellow, 36s Gd to 37s ; mid and good brown, 355 6d to 365; and low grey 35s 6d to 36sper cwt. REFlNED.—Standard Lumps have been at 49s 6d to 5Cs per cut. EAST INDlA. — Mauritius, about 13,000 bags, nearly all sold at former rates, good to fine yellow, 38s to 425; good to fine brown, 34s to 35s 6d ; low to fine grey, 35s to 40s. Ben gal, 8,090 bags, brought 41s 6d to 42s for fine white Be nares, 40s Gd to 41s for mid and good, 40s 6d to 43s for good and fine strong yellow, and 33s to 37s Gd for low to good soft yellow. Madras, 5,068 bags went rather easier for the portion which sold, very low dark 28s to 295, and ord to fine brown 29s 6d to 325, yellow 32s to 34s per cwt. FORElGN.—Havannah went at 40s to 43s 6d for washed mid to tine yellow, and at 38s Gd to 39s for low. Two car goes of brown Bahia sold at 19s to 20s. CO} FEE. —The business done has not been large. Ceylon good ord native has been sold privately at 34s 6d to 355, and Plantation has realised 39s 6d to 55s for fine and fine ord. At public sale good ord Native has been bought in at 35e. Mocha has been taken in at 65s to 70s for ordinary brown. British Plantation descriptions have been at firm rates, and not pressed on the market. Foreign has been in request for exportation. Singapore Jaya, 1,70 V bags sold at 32s for good ordinary. SALTPETFE.—There has been less doing. RUM.—The market has not been very active. TALLOW.—The quotations are heavy at 39s 6d to 40a for P.Y.C. on the spot. TEA.— At the public sales of 30,000 packages, but a small proportion has found buyers. Congous have realised fair prices, but young Hysons and Gunpowders have gone ld to 2d per lb. lower. INDIGo.—The sales are proceeding with tolerable spirit at an advance of 4d to 6d per Ib, on the rates of October last, and rather more than half the quantity offered has found buyers. Corrox.—At the public sales to-day of 7,030 bales, 4,650 Madras and 95 bags Bengal, mostly fair to good, were offered. The sales were well attended, but the orders for buying appeared limited, and holders not being disposed to accept less than the late advanced rates, nearly the whole were brought in at even ad to id higher; 1,500 bales were sold, but seine were taken atter the sale, making the quantity disposed of about 1,200 Surat, at aid to 3id for mid to fair, and 4id to 4id for fine; 1,000 Madras, at 20 to Sid for or.l to mid, and 3id to 4d for mid to fair; 95 bag, bengal sold at 30 for very mid. The purchases were partly on speculation. GREEN FRUlT.—Oranges are becoming scarce, the stock being diminished, and the arrivals are of a limited character. Two cargoes, ex Kate and Frances Mary, from St. Aichael's; 250 boxes Lisbon, ex Madrid steamer, sold at public sale, by Keeling and Hunt, went at an advance of 2s to 4s per box. Messina Lemons are taken freely by the trade, an extra quantity having been purchased for corfectionary pur poses. Nuts of all kinds dull of sale. Seville Sours have advanced 5s per chest. VD-1T OF BEI-t MAJESTY TO THE THEATRE ROYAL HAYMARKET. We understand that Her Majesty has been graciously pleased to announce her intention of honouring the Theatre Royal Haymarket with her presence this even ing, on which occasion the Merchant of Venice will be performed from the Windsor Castle text, and with nearly the Windsor Castle cast, the only material dif ference in the cast being that Miss Laura Addison will to night sustain the character of Portia, instead of Mrs. Charles Kean, who is suffering from severe indi.•position. The laughable extravaganza of Camaralzaman and Badoura will follow, and conclude the performances of the evening. IRELAND. (BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.) MR. DUFFY'S TRIAL. DISCHARGE OF THE JURY. DUBLIN, TIIURSDAY.—The jury have been dis. charged without returning a verdiet. The prisoner is to be tried again on the 9th of April. The Court refused to accept bail. QUEEN'S BENCH.—( THIS DAY). Sittings at Nisi Prius at Guildhall, before Lord DENMAN. CARPENTER, v. DAKIN. This was an action brought by the plaintiff, a gentleman resident near Lewisham, to recover from the defend an t, M rs. Elizabeth Dakin, the widow and administratrix of the Late Mr. William Dakin, of St. Paul's Churchyard, who met with his death last May, in consequence of a deplorable acci dent, the sum of 761., for the use and manure of a grass field at Lewisham. It appeared that Mr. Dakin was desirous of becoming the landlord of the field, and that his servants were employed upon it, but that before the bargain was com pleted he met his death by the bursting of a new steam boiler on his premises. The defence was that the contract was never completed. Verdict fur the defendant. COMMON PLEAS.—(THIS DAY.) (Sittings at Nisi Prins, at Guildhall, before Lord Chief Jus tice WILDE and a Special Jury.) DINCAID AND ANOTHED V. WILLIS. This case, which was part-heard yesterday, was resumed this morning. It will be recollected that the action is brought to recover a compeqsation'in damages for an injury alleged to have been sustained by the plaintiffs' vessel, called the Baboo, whilst being towed down the Thames by the defendant's steam-tug, called the Newcastle. The case on the part of the plaintiffs was, that whilst the defendant's steam-tug was engaged in towing the Baboo from the London-docks down the river, on an outward v o y age t o Sydney, when opp os it e Limehouse-reach, the crew of the steam-tug suddenly, and without reasonable cause, cast off the hawser of th e B a b oo , an d l e ft h er to drift ashore,l by which she sustained very considerable damage. It ap peared that for some days before the accident the captain of the Baboo had engaged the defendant's steam-tug to tow the vessel down the river, without, however, naming a day when his services would be re quired`; but having determined to leave the docks somewhat suddenly, and not having an opportunity of communicating with the defendant so as to procure his tug in time fbr the tide, the captain of the Baboo engaged another steam-tug called the Lion. Just, however, as the Lion was waiting outside the dock to tow the Baboo, the defendant's tug, the Newastle, came up, and by some artifice contrived to catch up the hawser of the Baboo, and proceeded in towing her down the river, the crew of the tug Lion, which was a rival boat, following and remonstrating with the captain of the Baboo for allowing the Newcastle to supersede them. It was under this state of circumstances that the Baboo was thrown adrift in the manner described, Mr. Crowder, Q.C., Mr. Sergeant Channel', and Mr. Greenwood, Q,G., were counsel for the plaintiffs, and Mr. Sergeant Byles arid another Learned Gentleman for the de fendant, who was sued in his capacity of secretary to the Shipowners' Towing Company. Wm. Osgood, mate oa board the steam- tug Newcastle, proved, on the part of the defendant, that whilst towing the Baboo clown the River, and opposite Globe stairs, the pilot of the Baboo called twice out to the crew of the Newcastle to let go the rope. They did not let go the rope in the first instance, when a gentleman came to the after part of the Baboo, and called out to the crew of the Newcastle to let go the rope, or they would not be paid. The rope was then let go into the water. (The case was not concluded when our report left.) PATENTS FOR. INVENTIONS.—The number of pa tents sealed at Westminster during the year 1847 amounted to 498, and the amount of fees to 9,3871.; in Scotland, dur ing the same period, to 168, fees 2,935/.; and in Ireland, to 76, fees 5831. MONEY and COMMERCIAL NEWS. CITY, QUARTER TO THREE. The sales of Cotton at Liverpool yesterday were 6,000 bales, including 500 for export and 500 on speculation. The following wero among the transactions :-4,500 American, at, 3 1 4 d. to 5 1 4 d. ; 300 Pernam, &c., 43 d. to 55 / id. ; ;:09 Egyptian, at 6 1 / 2 d. to Bd.; and 300 Surat, at 3 1 ,,id. to 3 3 / 4 d. American de:criptions were %d. lower tram the extreme point of Friday last. The market closed with tameness, but at the same time steadily. The Produce Markets have been firm this week, and a good business has been doing in Sugar, Coffee, and other principal staples. Holders supply the markets fairly, but no in a manner to press heavily against the demand for consumption, which is satis factory, The rise in the price of cotton has lately been so material that it has naturally deterred purchasers from operating so firmly, and there is rather a " lull," but the favourable state of matters in the manufacturing districts encourages the importers to be firm. At the Indigo auctions prices have ruled rather higher than otherwise and Colonial Wools sell freely. There is further mention made in the Canadian advices last to hand of the reciprocity system proposed to be established between our colonies and the United States, and the following enlightened view is taken by the Toronto Board of Trace:— " The advantage likely to result to Western Canada from obtaining tree access to the markets of the United States, for the sale of its agricultural produce, has long been a sub ject of interest to the Board, and it early engaged the atten tion ct your Council. " Under existing commercial laws, the produce of Western Canada is principally taken to market by way of the St. Lawrence, and as this outlet is closed during several months in the year, but few buyers here have the inclination to pur chase extensively and keep it so lung in store. Canada and the United States have respectively an agricultural protection law, which has the effect of embarrassing the commercial intercourse between them, without being of any advantage to the interests intended to be protected, as in both countries a surplus is raised which has ultimately to be taken to a market beyond the limits of either, and it further appears from the official reports en com merce and navigation, of the United States Secretary of State, that among the rations of the world, England and her dependencies are much the most extensive purchasers of United States' prOduce, and are the largest receivers in value of the total exports of the Union; from these considerations your Council assumed that there would not be an unwillingness on the part of the Govern ment of the United States to entertain a proposition offered through the proper quarter, fur making the markets of Canada and the United States mutually tree for the sale of their agricultural produce. " Your Council prepared a memorial embracing this subject in all its features, which was adopted by the Board, and sent for presentation to the Provincial Legislature, near the close of its last short session,but your Council are not aware of what has been done to carry into effect the prayer of the memorial. Your Council, however, saw with pleasure at a subsequent period, the report of the passage through the House of Re-" presentatives of the United States of a much more compre hensive measure of Reciprocal Free Trade between Canada and the United States; for early information in relation to which, your Council desire to express their obliga tions to the Hon. W. H. Merritt, who was at Wash ington when the measure was introduced, and your Council believe he contributed much to the advancement of it, by properly representing to parties of influence the advantages likely to result from it to both countries. Your Council re commended in a report on the Customs' Bill, which they forwarded to the lien. Inspector-General, the enactment of a corresponding Canadian measure of reciprocal free trade with the United States." The foreign accounts received to-day are generally of a cheerful tone. The French Funds and Railway Shares con tinue to improve, and money in Holland and Germany is re presented as being very abundant. In Russia there appears to be a little derangement, and at Moscow the firm of Schee. tow Brothers had failed for two and a half millions of roubl eF. The Funds are drooping again this morning, each rally seeming to bring forward sellers for immmediate delivery, and who are and übtedly taking the proceeds to extend their business operations, or to change their investment into shares, &c. Consols have been 92 3 4 to 931 for Money, and 927 i to 93 1 4 for Account. The New Three-and-a-Quarter per Cents. have realised 93 3 4 to 94, and the Three per Cents. 927/ 8 to 934. Bank Stock is quiet at 194, and India Stock at 245 to %. Exchequer-bills are 425. to 455. prem. The Foreign Securities have been very dull with the exception of Mexican, which have been buoyant, at 261 to 26g. Peruvian are 49k. Nominally Spanish Five per Cents. are 17 to I ; and the Three per Cents. 29 to Dutch Two-and-a-Half per Cents, have been 50 to 50k. Railway Shares have been firm, and although there are a few changes favourable to buyers, no large purchases could be effected at lower quotations. ON CLOSING ritintS OF BRITISH FUNDS. O'CLOCK. PRICES. Bank Stock per Cent. Reduced Ar:ns 9 3 1 /8 927§ 93 1 ,4 93 1 4 3 per Cent. Consols Annuities 92V, 93 92 3 / 4 93 1 % 93% STew 31‘ per Cent. Anna. .. . .LonzAnns. to expire Jan.lB6o Ditto 30 years, Jan. 5, 1860 8 3,4 13-16 8 13-16 India Stock 245 245 1 / 2 245 1 / !ndia Bonds, 1,0004 Ditto under 1,0001... ...... 57 58 p 58 p Consols for Account q,xchenuer Bills. 2%d. & 2d. 1,000/. June ...... .......... Ditto Advertised, June 36 p 39 P PRICES OF FOREIGN FUNDS, Brazilian Bonds ... Ditto, Small... cnTE O'CLICK. 83 CLOSIN' I PRICE& 83 8214 Ditto, New, 1829 and 1839 ...... 82 1 4 Chilian Bonds 6 per Cent........... Danish Bonds, 1825, 3 per Cent... Ditto, 5 per cent. Scrip, 1849.. 3 1 4 4 p 4 1 h P Equador Bonds Mexican, 5 per Cent. 1846 — ...... - Ditto, Account 261,4 %NIA% 26 3 4 Peruvian Bonds, 6 per Cents 49% 49 1 m2 Spanish 5 per Ce n t. 1840. Ditto, Passive Ditto, 3 per Cont ... .. ...... 29 1 4 Venezuela Bonds, 2 14 per Cent... -- 22% Divid.nd , , on the above payable in London French, 3 per Cent — f. —c. 52f. -- c• Exchange —f. —c. , 25f. 85C. Dutch 24 per Cent., 12 Guild 5O 56 1 4 -- 50% Ditto, 4 per Cent. Certificates 81 80% 801ir PRICES OF BUSINESS DONE CLOSING !.,t ILWAY SHARES. PAID. AT ONE O'CLOCK. ' , writ. ' hnrdeen. Do. Preference ...... VA ... .• 2% 3 Birmingham and Ox ford Junct., calls duly paid, or with a guaran. 20 i`aledonian Ditto, Quarter Shares 11 14 ...... 4% ... Do. New 101. Pref..... 10 ... .. 11 %.... .. Dublin and Belfast June. 35 ...... East Anglia, 25/., L. & E. and L. and D.... 25 ...... Do., 3/. 10s. ...... ... 3 1 ,4 ..... 25% ......... ..... Eastern Counties........ 20 ...... 10% Do. North. & Eastern 50 Do., 5 per cent. Eastern Union, Class A 25 3 / 4 23 3 / 4 414 2 1 / 4 101 l 531/4 (late E. U. Shares) 25 18 1 i Do. Scrip (6 perc e nt.) 20 ...... 18%........ Ditto, New East Lancashire ....... - %.. 1 ,54, .. ...... ...... 4 54 Ditto, New Quarters 64 4 • 1 5% Do., 6 per Cent. Pre- 7% ference Quarters ... 6IA ...... 7 1 / 2 .. ..... 044 Great Northern ... l9 lO 10% I Ph Do. Extension 2%...... 240 ';rest North of En gland.' 00 ......240 ... __ . Ditto, New, 30/ - Ditto. New,ls/... ...... 14 .. .. 3 3 33 ....-.... Great Western 100 .....101 ...... ...... - 101 Ditto, 1 4 Shares 5O ..... . ......... 50 Ditto, I ,‘ Shares Ditto, Fifths ..... Ditto, New 171........ 15 ... .. 133% ......- Lancaster and Carlisle... 50 - Ditto. Thirds - Lancashire & Yorkshire 93 - -. Ditto, ditto Do. Quarter Shares... 17% 13% .. - ..... 13 Do. New, Gua.6 nerd.. 7% - ...... ......... 9 1 4 Leeds and Bradford 5O ...... 103 3 4 . ..... ....• ... 103 3 4 London & Blackwall...l3/. 6s. 8d.... 5 %'A 5% Do. Extension ..... ... 2 2%...,.. 12 .. . London, Brighto n , and ...... South Coast 5O ..... 35% B5 Ditto, ditt0...... 1852 50 52 - Londonand Greenwich 12 / 1 534d... 9 . ........ London and N. Western 100 ......13914 140 139 139 Ditto, New Ditto,Fifths ..... .. .. 2 - Do. 10/. (Pif. & B.) B. 10 ...... -...-. Low'. &S. Western 5O ...... 39 40 ... 110. New 501. ... ..... 42 1 4.. .. - ..... Ditto, Third 5........... 15 Manchester,Buxton,and Matlock 4 1% l% l7l Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire...loo - Ditto, New 101. Prat.. 10 Midland ... ...•..100 ...... 8 7 1 4 88 1 4 Do., do., 50/. Shares.- 25 ... .. 1 8 3 % 19 ... Do. Consol.Bristol and Birming., 6 per ct.... 100 - "'l2s Newmarket ...... .... 2O Norfolk ...100 - ...... . ....- 47% • orth British ... .... ... 25 North Staffordshire Oxford, Worcester, and Wolverhampton Reading, Guildford, and Reigate 12% - .. ...... „..... 134 i Scottish Central Shrewsbury and Bina lO - - Ditto, New Guaranteed IS South Esstern Do., No. 3 ..... ........ 30 Do., Scrip No 4 south Wales Wear Valley 6 per Cent. Guaranteed ... .. ...... 50 Do. do. do. ... 10 ..... 15% % ..... , • ISN Wilts, Somerset,& Wey mouth fork, Newcastle, and 29 1 4- .. „, 29 1 / 4 Berwick. .... .. ...... ... 25 .. - , Do. E Ktensio4 No. 1. 20 Do. do. No. 2. (N&B) 20 ...... 21%%..... ..... 2 12 Do. G.N.E.Preterence 8 ... - 8 3 4 98% . ..... ,° ll ,i, Yo .k and North Midland 50 ...... - ....... ... 54 icy D,tfe, Preference ...... 10 Do. ' , lag and West Rid ing Extension ...... 25 . 26 2 , i 4 FOREIGN RAILWAYS. Boulogne and Amien5... 20 Central of France (Or` i leans and Vi erzon ) ... 1 8 121 84 Namur and Li ege ...... 20 ... .. 9 1 / 2 RN 9 Northern of France...—. 12 Orleans and Bord eaux ... 7 ..934 10% ... 1 V 3N 74 ........20i4 21 ex. d... 21 s% d Paris and Strasbou rg ... 9 R ouen and Havre I Sambre and Meuse 2O ... .. 4 3 4 A i ... .. . ..... 2 5 Tours and Nantes 9 .... . 2% MINES. Australian 3 JOINT STOCK BANKS. 2614 Australasia 23 1 /0 London & Westminster. 20 London: Printed and Published by MURDO YOUNG•I; f No. 112, Strand, Printer, a t Th e S un Office, No- Strand, in the Precinct o f th e S avoy , i n the oolulti " Middlesex, Friday, February 23, 1849. „ mitt Gas witt sum e'en • With stl then quest 7tt Morn Stt DillQ Tha tll4 tiotice Will 11 ract ova PE A. 6 110 AP RICE BlSct Pr. ' .ne 10 Ae r , -e. on &Leh Th r , Li p t s (0 ' l3 l , Dpl The t thl Qatirn %.;, 111 clorsel their CI. Q3 t the 4 d a xi ocip, th e Act (er List The • klek a it soo:1 0,4o ,4 this ()ftl retYtn stud }:.X, Nx.lt G^ ' F0r4,100 IVee k B Und i Week • lilurad The 7 thne 3 . • Paasa ifted / -Onanit sv ßo ery qt • 4akr e ,, • •Ifra rim , Pane! • at . . - erterau large pai Noven A, )ERS f and spe, shops,, s eetved ft th Tenders be reeeil Londo -......--- Cu The D c Beenrity Tend, to be adc 61. vc • A A • I , • T - A I A F t.,7`11.0 IC% e Oboe ri , su re, --un t y „, eater t. tnBe 5 nt, turd Cix t ; attach, Le i ti , T ley elteopi Th or , Rehab their 7 ~ Tat 641 one R.,- 5.4 THE SUN, L.ONDON, FRIDAY- EVENING, FEBRUARY 23 1 1849.