The Sun. — London, England, 1856-03-15 00:00:00

trant.• romercial !molished ine from at for all tission of is, from g to finish r that we rat Wil lis health ks highly ,Yieff has nister of h as just le), aged re of the ;uard at I relative 9 A.ll. which ~iM lolled its Lore trau- e the last fr. 0 882 50 972 50 ... 821 25 .. 655 ... 735 925 -- 1 St. Pe went has the new 'his army and a lin 7ee active e Cologne f the duel linckeldf ;hens bay ) be repro rmined on Tricoupi, iip!oniatio or a news- Russian patched to aforesaid the Athe- Excellency DEWING. Jompany's we have ,diz, 6th ; ong whom n Lisbon), there are id a cargo Kes of tan >o cases of ;es of Go' snterhury drid expo' th instant, mar Tagus srd Penin [ail Steam to south passed ►rd, in lat• m Lisbon. ship Blen 'us, on the onths aro rn ; Paris ) d Genoa, nent were Du _Loudon Ine at 541 ,fined over The stock to 43i for flg at the res 500 to Ire', 16 to devoid of sth inst• on on the lical stores rth umber- Peninsula, ck Prince he Crimea. th• morn and shell am-trans' ad, laden lay. The the stores Carting for had nearly les, which ist. [RR .42' ?E. s sums of of the la out of eur lint•gardoo usted with le Duke of ady to re it arrange ssistance to )lication of im. to, but it expense of IJESTION-^'" mdon Sun ;ir B. He ll ' i the moo' eeration of useum, the a that day, playing In 'Sir 13. 1 1 $ 11 ;eerated by ears bands ;iment Wag disoontinu en relived nend their either, nor would be rah MONEY MARKET AND COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE. CITY, Two o'CLocK The , Liverpool Cotton Market yesterday closed without any change, with a fair demand. The Bales were about 8,000 bales, including 2,000 for "Port and on speculation. The Railway Share Market was steady, and prices advanced to I per cent. . The Blnk of England return, completed for the week e'nded. Bth March, is not generally considered fa tourable, although there is a large increlse in t he reserve notes, and a diminution in the other securities. The bullion, notwithstanding the re eeot arrival s o f the precious metals from Australia, bas been reduced ; and from the falling off of the Private deposits, it would appear that parties have Provided themselves with means to meet any de 'bands that may arise. Activ e Circulation Decrease bullio n Decrease £18,620,000 315,225 10,550,410 49,240 3,792,570 12,818 4,376,186 293,153 13,913,279 633,395 777,919 30,790 11 451 006 , , Ifest.. Increase Publi c Deposits Increase Other Deposits Decrease /Seven-Day and other Bills Increase Government Securities N l ( B 7 9 l 2 t B er ,3 at t i 3 on. Other S ecur iti es Decrease 562.419 'etas unemployed 5,764,620 Increase 4 m:elute from Vienna state that speculation in `ne Stock and Money Markets was on the increase, 1 ,.. 4 (1 the man i a h a d seized all classes of society. '''hares of the New General Bank of Credit were ! e g e in demand at 363 florins, being an increase 33 florins, or about 603. during the week. The Austrian 5 per Cents. have advanced ± to 841, ;IQ the per Cents. 4to 74. Shares of the x ; e nell Company in possession of the Austrian be coming improved 1i to 268 . Mon e y was a g ain scarce, and the exchange on London ad 'eeced 1 kr. to 10-5. On Paris these has boon no Ve riation during the week, at 120.1. Commercial advices from Havre mention that t he demand for cotton has been limited towards s th e close o f the week ; and the market continues Ls he well supplied. Prices are not so firm as pre ii -k. and Louiana of good qua is heavy at ° f • Per 50 kilos. si Interior qualities are quoted as tow Pie 85f. 50c. Some large arrivals of grain and ;t' tr from America have lowered prices a little, Ael as they had shown an upward tendency. A ;4,1'1f• of 6,339 sacks of wheat brought 6 9 f. 25 e. to u per 200 kilos., and the following lots of flour ; 11e rIged hands at the prices annexed :-243 barrels 4 ew York a t 48f. 50c. per barrel ; 751 ditto, at 6 f.) and 780 ditto, at 45f. The- Funds, at the commencement of business, he re buoyant, and at a slight advance, but they h _ k te mince been rather flatter, and a decline of 4, sr ," °4l t per cent. has taken place. Consols from I have receded to 921 to 92±, while for account th e prices have been as low as 921 I, although 141.1 Y in the day they were 921 The Scrip is 2i premium. Exchequer Bills aro Is. premium, and i ° Bonds 98± The Scrip has been 2i pre -`,1141- India Bonds have been B s. discount. voreign Securities have been well supported 4 4 114 a moderate business has been done. Turkishi Per Cents. are 981 1, and the 4 per Cents. are 6 ° o l 4. Russian 41 per Cents. are 93k, Sardinian o Per C en t s . 91 t o 911, and Mexican 20 to 20 g. hi lian 3 per Cents. have been 671. The follewing are the nominal prices of Foreign :—Grenada Deferred Bonds, 61 71 ; Mexi -04 Bonds, 201 1 ; Peruvian, 7 9 81 ; ditto 3 per 0°11 t 11 •, 55 8 ; Portuguese 4 per Cents., 48 50 ; I t o , 4 llB eian 5 per Cents., 101 3 ; ditto 44 per Cents., f ; Spanish 3 per Cents., 44 4 5 1 ; ditto Ds irred, 25 4 ; ditto Certificates, 5 1 ; ditto 1„ %ire, 7i I. Messrs. D. Bell, Son, and Co. report :—" The kark e t f or A mer i can S ecur iti es d ur i ng th e p as t v s tL e elc has not undergone any material change. b u ere has been, however, less doing in Railroad '3ol lds, with an increased demand for State Bonds, ° f Which there have been some considerable pur ehaaes for investment " Redeemable. Per Cont. trl t : 11 !lAA states 6 per Cents. 1867-1868...105 lil ted 'States 6 per Cont. Bonds 1363...105 AI Ab STATE SECURITIES. 4 4 ,a1114 .) per Cent BO e m ."ama 5 per Cent. (Sterling Bonds) teilernia 7 per Cent. Bonds 1870... 89 82 n tleky 6 per Cent. Bonds lS6i--1872 .. 90 m i rYisne 5 per Cent. (Sterling Bonds)... ... 87 89 )4 14 aehusott s 5 per Cent. (Sterl. Bonds). ...100 :iniPpi 6 per Cent. Pl. Bk. I tt ;ond . g lB4l-1871... 43 45 eissippi 6 per Cent. Union Bk Bonds ... 16 18 lli su "Slvania 5 per Cont. Stock 1 , 0 engyi,,,,i, % 5 per Cent. 13(sulli 1877... 80 82 v e .nAesse 6 per Cent. Bonds ... 87 89 v!rtinia per Cent. (Sterling Bonds) —1888... 84 86 I rginia 6 per Cont. Bonds 1886... 86 Si LOANS OF CITIES. k lac !'tott 5 per Cent. Bonds (Divers) ... 90 92 entreat 6 per Cent. Bonds 1856-1865... 88 85 " Orleans 6 per Cent. Stock 1883... 75 77 1; RAILROAD BONDS. ' 11 411 stand 7 per Cent. Ist Mortgage, Illi~t ssvertible 1875... 831 841 *Jentrnl 7 per Cent. Freeland 80n1860... 83 85 li lisz i *at Central Bp. Cent. 1860... 95 97 I I "' Yo r k C en t ra l 7p. Cent., Convert 1864... 93 91 ° ,w York Central 6 per Cent., not C onvertible 1833... 80 82 New York and Erie 7 per Cent. Ist Mort lea" 1867... 98 100 " York and Erie 7 per Cent. 3d Mort- IsZ York 1883. 85 RI • and Erie 7p. Cent. Convertible 1862... 76 78 I,ll,urnocrik and Erie 7 per Cent. Sinking 1875... 82 83 4 , ll arus 7 per Cent., Ist Mortgage (Ster -44t; Bonds), not convertible 1859... 92. 93 Ditto ditto 1864... 94 95 e eeB3.lTania Centrel6 p. Cent.. lstMort 1880... 866 88i There has been less &nine s in the Railway balirket, the slight reaction in Consols having had 4 " unfavourable effect. Caledonian are V. 10s. l oser. Great Northern have receded 18s., and (h eat Western 55., but North-Eastern, Bar- Z ie lci and some others, have ruled higher. The e l llian lines have been buoyant., especially lAmur and Liege, and Antwerp and Rotterdam. , 1 the former the advance is fully 11 . 10 s. per °h 4r e. The Colonial lines, especially the Canadian, 1 "'Pe been at enhanced prieee• rostiks and Mining Shares have been dull. Ca. "ea Land have ruled firm. 81 t11713P1 FUNDS THIS DAY AT ON.S O'CLOCK. ( Prom the Official List.) Bnltnes , done. 11 , I , er Cent. Consols Annuities ......... 9 21 i it 'MI% finds, zinno ~,,bitto, under 21000 ... 8 d ' °,lll, Nle ior Account IL_ Ditto Scrip .. ";, 40 cliter Serip ''"/'=hecirer Bills, 24d. . £l000 %mall lpld • bitt9 Bonds, 1858, 34 per Cent.. 984 * 1140 E OF FOREDIN FUNDS AT ONF. O'CLOCK Nili em Bonds, 6 per Cent — lt,), Ditte 3 poi. Cent 6 74 i cikr , 3 per Cent u D itto Account 2oa "tssiail Bonds, 5 per Cent., 1822, £ St — bitte 44 p or C oa t 93i . GAr d inian Boni', 5 per Cent. a bitte Account . NIINA lined's, 3 per Cent ... Ditto 2"err Deferred, 3 per Cont. bl, itte Account tr• L ...: I kr. Bonds 6 per cent 9Bi i vitt. A e ' 1; ' ce" 9ii 74 n t l 6 Gaarenteoi, 4 per Cent. bitto Amount lOOl $ Dividends on the above payable in TAndor TWO O'CLOCIt. e" snly monRY 921 I Sate itte•uot Tun NER AMERICAN MINISTRIL—LITERPOOL, Friday. na Hon. George M. Dallas, appointed to succeed r• tuchanan as American Minister at the Court of St. 4,7 16 , 14 , arrived in the Atlantic yesterday afternoon. mamediately afterwards proceeded to the Adelphi photel, r where apartments had been provided for him by r ', IC. Hawthorne, the United States consul at this b o p' His excellency was accompanied by several mem tCg of his family. At noon to-day a deputation from American Chamber of Commerce of Liverpool, ac lir*lPy,anied by their president. Mr. Siller, waited upon hi; „ 44411 ; 48 , at the Adelphi Hotel, in order to welcome th e -4 licitl in this country. On responding to the cause s Of difference between the two countries were b e Pat)l ° of an amicable solution, and trusted peace would forPhe restrved, not only for tho sake of humanity, but also iuterests of commerce. Mr. Dallas leaves Livt r rvet this evening for London. SHARE MARKETS. (r i D A Y.) RAILW ASS. RAILWAYS. Closint Prices yesterday r. 'Paid A,llO. s.l) 31 :di ~7~~ ~.l} !D, all It. 1100 0 .0 all 0 8 .0 1 i 0 45 St.lloo 10 all St. 100 dt. 11u' 25 8i 25 10 St. 100 St. 100 10 all St. 100 10 0 50 all 20 all St. 100 10 all it. 'lOO it. IWO St 1 00 St. 1)0 St. 100 St. 100 1.2 all it) mll 1.6! 14! 16 8 4t. 100 3 .4 20 all 11{ 8,11 Eit. 100 - 4;t: 100 20 16 10 5 12 2k ie all 10 all Ni) !r) all '32s 1 3t. 'lOO 50 all 25 all IO I all 8t 1100 50 1 3; h. 1100 I.loo' t. 100 . all 8 all It. 100 15 21/ It. 100 100 ,0 3;ln 17A !Cl al. .0 all .0 I 't 110 :0 8 St. 1(X) St. 11X) O. a') 1' I Ir! 1) n IlaMaas done tide' day. 26 27 ,erill. 74 . „, ottxg. Bogs , tad Eastn. juuct... 13...,1nu5t Sr, Ntlyrrone._ iltr;aling. Wave rb -.3tour 4 - 41 so, "*"" 81 - 15h -34 i 14 - 5 8i - 74 !31r1: e.thd. Canes) ii Cheshire Choate. & Birk. £5l) and £25 Cann Do., Z2O lctl &.Tynt origina . £25 (ia6d. at :Crib crietol and Exeter—. !aledonia,r, ',arm. and Cardigan ;heater 1-1017110a , 1. jork and Br.ndon. fork, Black, & Pas.: lornwall S; 601 - 12i -13 i Do. A Do. B Oriel Junction. Dubtin&Belfastinne. Dun. P. .`x Aher. Joe. East Auglin.n stern Counties.. , f it. Union, A Eiti o. • B, Store_ 0., New A. ..... 4 ast Kent Amt Lane,ashire 4 - 2 7 - 13 - 14 91 - 33 - 35 28 - 25 72 - 74 06 - $8 9} - 94 - 26 . I '..dirklurgh & <Rasp Edinb. and Peebles (din. Pr:,ll & D , urd & Clyde Jun 'wriest , Flo, Extension 12).sizow &S. W,40, , ,roat N. of Scotind, 84 - 86 61 7 93 - 94 78 - 80 120 - 122 104 • 106 631 63 Ei 60 roat Northern _ Do., A. Stock )0., 11. 5t0ck........ It. Sill. AzWeat.(lro. ; Great Western Do. Stour Tel. Rai: Chia. Stk Iriah South-Eaclon ! . .e,rica.ster & Garlick. 0., Third!: o. Now Thirds Lo.ncash.andl r orks l- ,. Do. Wet. Riding MI ! Liv:Croby.AtSouthpt London Az Blackwal Lou I. Bright Az S.C&t. •Lond. and N. Weetn 1.01). In Wu; Do.lo/.1313.,142z13...0 Ito Do. Eighths ...... . wion andS. Weetn Do., L'P 1.,!?:11( ; 1 14 it Col (TO n Ludndrrr. . k En T 11.71 . Nlarich.Slief.k.Linelc 00,,, Mac . At Lin.,llu ctropoliten . 1 , 11.7:d )o. Sirrung. A: Dcrb 'all& G. Wcot. (I I'o, )o. Tialf Sharps 7/eweastle & Carlied , . wpt.Aborg. &Hrt; Newry & Enniskille, Newry . Warrenpoin 70 - 73 6 - 7 5i - 6i Eh - 64 71 7 i 99 101 1001 1101 par Id pal , 93 94 •.. .... ••• ... .. M. '''... 26 -26 i 71i - 71; 41 - 43 .. '"'" • il: : 18 and Rontrovor Norfolk Northn.CountiosUn Nortl& Nth Devon It f. & Dock. Stock Do., A Stock... r'o., toek ..... - 52 3i 3 - ot ~ 31} B Contra - Lite& rD..Enstorn-13orvric o, do. Extmnsion Do. do. G.N. E. ?lire]; De. Leo& Do. York North London N.&S.Wstrn.,Esm , un.(l City Jri, North Stafforrishir.•., North WeAorn ~ N. & a, Wastrn.June Ntmenton, Hinek).7 Leicestqr.. ..... ••• ""." 199 76i - 771 6t - si. 4 - 34 lr.y- :6 5G 57 - 90 ( - i : ii, fl : 10.,+ 100, Wore., & Wolv. , r.rf..F4:llouth ot ieh Cs tral „. Bcottislaltidla,na ,„ •ihropeltire ',ottli Devon ioath E:lete , n .';'oath Wales . Irrlcsll. 24i 25a to 4 106 7r,— 77 45 47 ' 12i '3 63 69 61 - 71 4 2 '4 - 36 Do '5 I a ;1i ArAN'o'y Stockton 8t & Rrotiopl Iraff Vah).. Do. Pref., No. 1— Hay. P.& B. ll..Tlverstono & Land Itirale of Neath iWaterfil. Waterforl&tireerleA it. IY , it. ljlO 15 `;2 ... - 131 - 13 - 34 - 44 • • - ••• e•i - 7i .0I all Went Cornwall. }West End of Loud , and Crystal Pea oe, . 5 all 5 3 Do. 8...., • iWest London iWiznbledn &Croydor LO I all FOREIGN. 10 all lAntworl Ohl rd m 8 - $4 81 10 40 Do. 5 p.c. gs. con. ' in Slt.stpartill'l 4 lci - 1 p 20 10 Ardennes .......... 33 -4i( 11 5 all 'eli - cnn Jon. - '2 l l 2 20 ! 4 lleziers toOraiss, me 1 -1i 15 18 44 Remba) , }tarot - I:1,1in G'ontralindla,Scri! •-• 3 y 51 18 all Do. 17. all • , ;•:•,•,,erart. - 20 11 I ) , lteb Rhenitli l2 20 all Eastern a 1 France 3SI 3Bl 20 13 no. Nein, ll -13 20 lel Fast Indian, g. 5 p.e - 21/ 20 15 Do. 211 -- 2it 211 loa all Do.4t WO to. d - . • - 20 16 Gee tong Melbou ie guar. 6 per c at.. - 20 al Do., Lon, allot., O. 26 224 ; ill Tk.of canaaa.a. , . , 11 - IW, d '25 • , 1 !Tm. - .4t 143 100 91 Cert, of Whoa. con. into Stk. till '8 • 70 72 100 all Da. Comp. 6p. c., do 80 - 82 84 3 4 2 14 At. Ceutralof Fran.. 63 - 6/I 20 all tit. Indian Penbaral: 21 - 914 211 26 14 Groat Luxembour . Constituted Share . • 63 - 63 63 f 4 all Do. Obligation.... 34- 3$ 3} 2C 11 Do. re-is. ferfttl. 43 1 LO! til tit.Waste,rn of CATIA. , 'a Shares 25 - 251 20; 5? Do. Now 2l - 211 , 81 111 1( )() all 0.). !Ids., payable's7, with option till '55 92 - 100 1.00 all Do. d0.,'62, p. '5l ll6 - 120 100 all Do. do„ - 121 100 all Dci. do., '73, without option LOT 109 108 20r all Tlamilton Teront '241 - 24' 00 all Do. 8 per cent. - 120 20 17 Lake Const. Bawl 20 all Liorre and Turnhout 5 all Lucca it Inst. sp. •.p -n" 20 16 Lyons and Genera 10 1011 20 14 Lyons Se MarlitArmn 20 all M:adrae, vv.-. 4' p.• 194 - 20 20 10 De. New sp. - 1 20 5 ro.4ip. s. Exton d par 10 31' all Imes Antonia ~. 8 10 10 all Dn. do. New 2l - 311 20 all Kateur Liege (•giti interest) ............. 6 ei 7i 78 74 20 all Do. (ex inter act)...... 5} - 54 16 all gorthorn of France. 39} •-• 39i 20. all D0.20/.Sha llf 12 20 all Do. 20/. 3p. e tide (fmy.B.dt Ams.Slts. 10 all NorwegianTrunkPre 8 •-• 10 20 all Paris and Lyons 491 - 39,! 40 all Ditto Bonds ....... - 20 all Paris and Orleans fo4 bli 10 5 Rano and Frusitti - ••• 20 all Royal Danish l9 - 20 5 all RoyalSwodish • - ••• 4 all Do. Obligations ••• 20 all Sambre and Meuse... 10 - 1 0. 19 1 I 1.0 all Do. 54 p. cant. Pref. . . St 20 5 Scinde, guar. 6p. • 11 -- 13 20 all Do 20 all Southern of Franco - Pm 20 16 =t. Andrew's ALIO Quebec (A),, • -- ••• 81 all West Flanders Sf - 4 10 all Do 5A nor c. Prof_ . . 20 18 W. &N. W. of Franc, i 4 ig YS 20 all W•at. •f Switaterlaud 6 all Wiosbaclei - 20 all Zealand - 191, JOINT-STOCK BANKS. r.,,) 40 II i.r.strala , na , 100 50 Bank of London .... 63 65 40 all Bri. Col. 8k.&14n. C. .., .. 50 all 13ritich N. American ..., ...' 25 5 Chartd. Bank of Anis; ld .— par 20 4 Cihrtd.. link. of India, Australia, & China li -- i d 100 50 City 6O —. 62 100 23 Col.,n'al - ... 19i 20 100 20 Commercial of Lond ... _ . 20 all P,ng.Scot.lzA.to.Cht is —• l6/ 2a a ll Gond. Clinxt. Bk. of A us tralia l6 -- 17 20 5 Ditto New 4 -- sa 50 20 tendon and Cou n ty ... .... ... 33 , 3 100 50 Linu.V..Bukg•Corp par 21) 50 W ndou Joint Stook , -.- 100 10 LOA don and Paris 2 -- iid WO 20 1, 03 24, & Woptunantor ... ... 100 35 gational Pro.of Bag ..• ... 20 10 Do. New ........... -••• •••• .• • 50 22.' ) gations 3 of Irolaud... ... ... 20 all gew South Wales,— 37 39 25 all Vental Bank of i Corporation 4l 43 100 25 'N.G.-glacial of Ireland ... ... 10 all Lo. Now ... ... r. i 't _s :s 'A &,40 Im C, ... -.. 100 50 Royal Britlgh... i 25 all ionth Australia ,„.„. 38 40 25 all Union of Ar.Arllla 7l 73 ~ Do. New ... ..„,,, 7i --8 i 60 ,10 . Union vf,l4onclon ~,,, ,„ ••■• , ... THE SU N. LON DO.N, SAT U DA.Y EATEN I,Ner ; MA IICH , Aspi LORD STANLRY AND HIS CON- Naval and Military Intelligence. rirtnnsi i.r r - TXPM O.6,NTA ST IT CrENTS. . x , . ii.ai:~ ^: nEr. L • . 01111 Compan C win. ' i 3 ea t.rday lnaindo tbts d The annexed address having been sent on Saturday last to Lord Stanb!y, M.P., signed by upwanla of 400, chit fiy electors of the borough, the followicg answer has been received. March 11. In compliance with her Majesty's Royal War rant, the. following are the rules and regulations for granting a fixed sum of money in lieu of pen siona, compassionate allowances, and gratuities to widows, families, and relativos of officers killed in action, or dying of wounds received in face of the within six months after being wounded_- "To THE RIGHT 110 N. Loan STANLEY, M.P. " May it please your Lord ship,—We, the undersigned electors and non-electors of the borough of King's Lynn beg leave to approach your lordship with the earnest and respectful expression of our approval of your general public conduct in supporting liberal and progressive measures of reform. _ . " We see a proof of your courage and sincerity on a recent cccasion ;- and even those who differ from your lordship aed from us on the subject of Sunday legisla tion ought to discern in your vote no desire to increase Sunday labour, or lessen opportunities of worship, rest, and self-improvement, but rather the wish to make legislation equal for rich and poor, to promote that rational recreation which is needful to all ; and thus indirectly, if not directly, to bring the working classes more within the range of refining and humanising influences. " We trust your lordship will have strength and prin ciple to follow an iaiepeudent course of public useful ness ; and that your lordship will honour the town of Lynn by continuing to be its representative. " LORD STANLEY'S REPLY. " louse of Commons, March 10. " Gentlemen, —I beg to thank you for a mark of po litieal confidence not leas gratifying than unexpected. " I know that in public life mis,akes must often be made, hostility or suspicion be encountered, and im portant decisions not seldom taken on information im perfect and hastily acquired ; but I have learnt also that the collective Legislature is, generally speaking, wiser than any man iu it ; that the shortcomings of indi vidual statesmen cannot prevent, scarcely can retard, the progress of popular improvement ; and that even projects of reform which Parliament will justly reject as either premature in point of time, or faulty beyond amendment in details, are not without use in directing legislative attention to subjects on which it may be ad; vantageously employed. "I will not, in expressing to yolk the feelings which Foch an address as yoars naturally calls forth, run the risk of provoking dissent by allusions to any particular topic of political controversy. Only this truth I would point out—one which to me makes itself more palpable every day that I live and labour here—that in politics more than in any other branch of human exertion a vast amountlof intelligent energy goes to waste through mere misdireaion and forgetfulness of the true object to be attained. In Parliament certainly, and I suppose, also, wherever public matters are publicly discussed, the combative element is toc strong—the industrial element not strong enough. If men would labour to remove recognised abuses with half the zeal they show in advo cating the claims of class against class, or party against party, our people might by this time be educated, our law simplified and made available to all, our civil ad ministration reformed in every branch, and the spread of disease, and early death among the masses be greatly diminished by judicious sanitary arrangements. It is to objects like these, rather than to organic changes in the constitution under which we live, that I would respectfully direct the attention of reformers. Each may do something, and there is work enough for all. I remain, gentlemen, Your obliged and obedient eervant, ►STANLET. THE AUSTNALIAN DIRECT STEAM NAVIGATION COMPANY. At a meeting held yesterday of the Australian Direct Steam Navigation, via Pane.rna, J. C. Morris, Esq., in the chair, that gentleman stated that the negotiations which had been entered into since they last met with the solicitors of another company, fur the purchase of the charter of the Australian Direct Company, had ended in disappointment. Toe special report of the directors and auditors was , then read, which set forth that, reference being had to the 104th clause of the deed of settlement, the directors and auditors begged to report to the shareholders that it was their opinion that the business of this company could not be further prosecuted, or the affairs or con• earns thereof arranged with a prospect of benefit or ad vantage to the proprietors, and they certified accord. ingly. The report -.vas signed by Mr. Morris, the chair man, and Messrs. Chowne and Martin, the auditor... The CIIAIRMaN expressed his regret at the result of the negotiations for the purchase of the company's charter, and moved a resolution, which was an echo of the report, declaring the dissolution of the company as and from that day. Mr. HEATH seconded the resolution, and, in strong terms, condemned the course of conduct which had been pur,ued by the parties with whom they had entered into these negotiation.. The solicitors on either side, Mr. Pearce and Mr. John Young, were severally heard. Captain Hoseason, R.N., and others condemned, in warm terms, the treat ment which the representatives of this company had received. The resolution was carried nent. con. The expenses incurred since the last meeting ha,d been 6731. ; balance of loan in the hands of Overend and Cu., &c., 7,1411. ; the liability of the company up to March 25 would be 5001., or a trifle more ; total estimated amount, includinq cash on current acJounts, intAireAt on loan. and sale► of furniture, 7,3ool.—leaving a balance of 6,8001. _ . . Toe CHAIRMAN aonounced that the directors proposed to make a retuen of 18+. per share ; and he suggest. d that the models nod plans which the company p. ssessed should be presented to C4ptain lio•eason, R.N., as a souvenir and testimony of regard for his great exertions to promote the interests of the shareholders. Agreed to unanimously. A small sum of mosey is reserved to pay any claims, and, as speedily as possible, the balance remaining alter paying debts will be handed over to the shareholders. at "0 xll 00 5 all ;t. ktY) ;t. 1;.., 15 all L 2 4. 311 ,2 all ! i all Bt 6,0 st. 5 all It. 'O3O 51 Si 50 I fill 50 all :5 all 24 all st. i O :5 lei n all 2 9 IO all I all 1.00 1 Kll , 1 all 1 ! 4) all 10 1 14 10 i I+ll ii , ‘ll 6 1 iD ; all Zits 10 all 1 4 all 5 aJI ' all 5 , 10 1 ail 5 1 ail all K) 13 t I %11 1 all 1 33/4 all 1 131-1 I I ~n, 25 i 9 le 11l 1 all I r t. 1104 t. Sao 5 ! all 4 04!1 I. A 5 all 2r 1 t l .ll 1 1 all 5i all 15 11 18 i all ..0 in Mall LO all O L 1 1 a 9 ll i 0 y 5 10 all 5 f 2 1 sti !O 15 1 All 1 2s. it 2 I )0 50 1 A', 1 , 6 15 Ali 0I tl. I :1 1.5 tiondor. N. k..N. [Ju. E. zvrti.u. Coim t. Jaldon fit. Vila,: Yk. Now. & Perw. ry. &N M Easter , 'eto &Co "orblk i 'U Yfirll , l. rtekton Sr Darlings. n. Coin, Count, )0... , &N.W lilt Northr LAttemalx & Yor 'T. itrassey liClea •itockt. 3t• autingt Do._ (It.W. tg,r tf. Fr , ingio Atntrln. (lois lAngio Californian ... kustrslian instralian Cordillen. , Vre Maria. Baden (G , l.Duchy of 31sanar. Irma k Coa British Iron Itrazilinistmo.(iesne'' at £5 pm.) Do. Cocaes & °utak, ..•)e. St. John Del Ito: , Clarendon Cons. Mir Co. if Jamaica. ,obre Copper 'lonia] Gold ppor Min. of ET: e. Prof. 7i p. eery *piapo , 4 'ortivio. ;cnc.-41 3t.lif al.ev Wein it , ,g cireat PslzootlE .... at Wheal Tsr Inite , i Liberty Linares tinsitanian 24triquita . ... • stew Gran , d% '!iirairt.t4t/ hl.Oll db ?oatgi. '3'l, SG Le. Min Port. Philip .. ....... - nartz itoak rt'irnney lioil ... Do. New '.1,.1.7.1t1p.K3 d, anba Sort. Cons. Min. Co. ;o nth Anstralian . Do. Scrip Do. ill per oont Prof Tam. S. & L. Miu. Co. tin Croft ..•... 7 .3ntiod Mexican Yaller Yeet Mariport . Worthing Mining oti A•nstre.lia ' I Triba . DIESCELIAttPi EU &Pi. 21 - 2g - 7 i 47 ,143 1 48 ~ t . s 100 -- 116 1 09 111 2A -- - • •• "... ... 31 77 4 g to 5i 6 .1 li 2 3 i ia la 22 i I . ii -- ii ii 7- ii - 1 14 113 - ..• --- ••• 1 ..• - •••r 1i - - 36 14i - 15 Australian it vie' At. Ins'.,raln. Royal Berlin Water Worke Rrit. American Land', Canada Tar ely Di. 6p.e. Feb k Aug De. 6p. e. vtar tz, Eept c.:ryNtai Paiace Do. Preference Crystal Pal. ef Fear ca l Duston Tron Ore Kastern Steam...... En.&.A.urs Cep Era Ce, Electric 'relegrapk 1 Electric Teleg. of - tr Gen. Iroa Se ~ :4cn. Steam Nay igat.l flcnoral ?Screw Stearn' 'rich Wetroqt Lend. Gen. Omnibus Aavialeua St. Diavi, Vier - liter:An. Elec. Tel. :.te xi can Zct S. Axe eri en . Nat. Pat. Etearo Fuel lotiicrlarida Loud._ Do. De. Do.SpePiasntld New B. & N.S. Lend N. Anatralasia2.l Vrtb. of Euro peSl.6wrr , oriental Gal DO. " New Shares " Peet Re: I.alik, A t inr 1 . Peuinsnlurk , Oriental Do. New Vorthnd Iron Co loyal Mai titwn Scot. A - tiara : l. invest. :/itto .Naw . Anuth I Bubmar. Tot.. Scrip... cr , lgt.e: L. CO. TT- CAD jl • %, Tll. mpin . r .G a .6p. c J.:a-IS:July ITT hirliKET NEWS.—(rhiA Day.) COVENT GMIDEN. Wo had a steady demand for fruit and vegetables, as roito. : FRUIT.—Pine apples, En;dish, Gs to 10s per lb ; colonial do., OA to OA each ; hot-house ;rapes, 20s to 30. s 01 per lb ; foreign ditto, 01 to Os ; melons, 2s 0,1 to 3A 61 each; peaches, 2s 01 to Gs ; nectarines, Is 61 to 4a per dozen ; apples, 2s 01 to 38 01 per half sieve ; pears, is 01 to 3s per dozen ; plums, 04 to OA per sieve ; green gages, Oa per punnet; apricots, ls rel to 550,1 per doz.; common plums, Oe 0.1 to 03 0.1 per sieve ; 'cherries, Od to 01 per pound ; lemons, Si, to is 01 per doz ; oranges, Os to 12s per 100 ; fil berts, OA to Os per doz. lbs ; cobnuts, 12s to 15s ; almonds, Os to Os per lb. ; walnuts, 01 to 01 per 100; figs, Os 9d tO is 61 per doz ; strawberries, 01 too." per pottle ; goose. berries, Oc Gi to Os Od per half sieve ; currants, Os 01 to Os 01 per half sieve ; raspberries, 01 to 01 per pottle. VEGETAI3I.Eh.—Greens, Is Gd to Is Od per doz. bunches; cabbages, le to 2s 01 per dozen; Savoy ditto. 101 to i s 6,1 per do. ; bro3oli, is Gd to 2s per bundle ; potatoes, 55s to 100 s per ton ; vegetable marrow, Od to Os per doz. ; peas, Os to Os Od per bushel ; French beans, 3s 01 to Os Od per 100 ; turnips, 31 to tld per bunch ; carrots, 51 to 6d per bunch ; cucumbers, 3s Od to 5s Od each ; garlic, ad to Os 81 per p 1 and ; spinach, 3s Od to 4s 01 per sieve ; old onions, 2s 61 to 4s per bushel ; new ditto, Os to Os per doz. bunches; leeks, 2d to 3d per bunch ; shallots, 81 to 101 ; horse-raddish, 2s 01 to 4s per bundle ; parsley, 41 to Gd per bunch ; celery, Os 91 to is 61 per bunch ; endive, Is 6d to 4801 per score ; beet, is Od to 2s per doz. ; parsnips, Os Gd t.o is 01 per dozen ; small salad, 21 to 31 per punnet ; mushrooms, is 01 to 1s 6d per pottle; artichokes, is 3d to lead per half sieve; cabbagelet tuces, Os to Os 0.1 per score ; sorrel, 01 to Os per half sieve, radishes, Os to Os Od per dozen hands ; tomatoes, 3s to 45 per half sieve ; chillies, is to is Gd per 100 ; Brussels sprouts, 2s 04 to 3s Od per half sieve; capsicums, is to 2s per 100 ; walnuts pickling, 0 1 to Os per 100 ; cauliflowers, Is to 4s 01 per doz. ; rhubaib, 61 to is Od per bundle ; asparagus, 3s to lOs per 100 ; sea kail, is to 2s 6d per punnet. NEWGATE AND LEADENHALL. Turkeys, 4s 64 to 8s 61; Geese, 5s Od to 6s 64 sash Ducks, 2s iid to ;- , s Od ; wild do., Os Od to Oa to Od ; rab bits, is to 18 6d each ; Pigeon., 7d to 10d ealh ; large Surrey Fowls, Os Od to Os Od ; 28 to 3s Od ; Chickens, 1. ,d to 28 3 I ; Capons, 3t Oct to 4s 6d ; Hares, 38 04 to 4. 03 ; Grouse, Os Od to Os to Od each ; Pheasants, Os 01 to Os Od ; Partridges, Os 01 to Os to Od ; Guinea Fowls, 3s Od to 3. 6d ; Roasting pigs, Os Od to Os Od each. Ostend fresh butter, 128 61 to 13s Od, and English 12s 04 to 158 64 per dozen lbs. English eggs, 9s to 10s 01 ; French do., 6s 6d to 7s Od per 120. NEWPORT. Beef from 3s 2.1 to 4e 2,1 ; mutton, Sc 2d to 43 241 ; vim!, 4s Od to 55 0,1; pork, 31 2d to 45 8d per 81bs. WHITECIIAPEL. Bad, from 38 2d to 4s ; mutton, 38 2d to 48 2d ; veal, 3s Sd to 5s Od; pork, 3s 4d to 4s Si por albs. BILLINGSGATE. Turbots, 2s 01 to 108 ; Brills, is to 5s each; Salmon, is 6d to 28 3d per lb ; Cod Fish, 1s 041 to 4s each ; Soles, 341 to is 041 per pair; Eels, 8d to ls per lb; Lobsters, Os 6d to 2s 6,1 ; Crabs, tid to 3s Od ; Whitings, 3s Od to 6s per doz. • Common Oysters, 16s to 208 ; Natives 48s to --s per bah; . Mackerel, 3 :/s to 403 p er 100 • Smelts, is Od to 2s 6d per doz ; Skate, 641 to Od per lb; Shrimps, is 61 to 2s 6d per gallon; Bloaters 5s 01 to 8s 01 por 100 ; Fresh Herrings, 4s 041 to 5s per 100; Scotch do., 01; Sprats, Os Od to Os Od per bushel ; Doreys , is to 108 each ; - Haddocks, 4s to 8s per dos. ; Pike 6d ; Sturgeon, 041 per lb ; Prawns, 3s Od to 4s; Mullets, Gd to 3s Od each ; Plaice, 641 to is each ; Halibut, 6ti psi lb ; Flounders, lls 6d to 03 Od per doz. BREAD. The prices of wheaten brew' in the metropolis are from 941 to Sid; of household' ditto, 81 to 84d per 4 lb loaf, HIDES AND SKINS. Market hides, 591 b to 641 b, 3id to Od ; 641 b to 721 b, 3id to 4(1 ; 721 b to 801 b, 41 to 01 ; 801 b to 861 b, 4d to 40 ; 881 b to 961 b, 4i to 4td ; 961 b to 1041 b, 41d to 4id ; 1041 b to 1121 b —d to —d ; upwards, —d to —d ; Horso hides, 65 Od to Os Od ; calf skins, light, 2s 6I to 34 Od ; ditto, full, 7s Ott to Os Od ; Polled Sheep, Ss Od to 10s Od ; gents, 7s Od to Ss 0,1; Half-brods, 7s Od to Ss Od ; Downs, 5s 3d to 6s 6d ; Lambs, 2s Od to 2s 3d ; Sbearlings, is ld to is 2d. HAY MARKETS. SMITIFIULD. — Meadow hay, 41 48 to 51 15s ; glover do., 41 1: , 8 to GI 118; and straw, 11 51 to 11 108 per load. 1 moderate supply, and a sluggish demand, CUMBERLAND. -- Meadow h.ty, 41 5s to 51 15s; clover do., 41 Vs to 6 118 ; and straw, 1 / 5 . to 11 101 per load. Both hay and straw were in fair reqnest, at full quotations. WurracturEL. — Meadow hay, 41 48 to 51 15s; clover do., 41108 to 61158; and straw, 11 54 to 11 105 per load. We had a glow trade at our quotation, 94 - 96 94 8 11 - 13 41 ... 4i ••• '''''' ~. ""'"' ,108 - 1(5 13 -- 1: 1 6 23; - 246 .07i - 11. - ••• ''''' •• • 26 - 91 - 92 r - 4^ 65 - ... '"''... ... 132 : 134 ... - 71. - 7t . - ;32 - - i : 1* 14 - 2 - 2 li 23 - 25 P Si tam 35 SI& 20 27 20 22 - id It - 1 • ed 7 - 7i 6 - 12 - 14 4 - 19 - 21 - 8 2 - 31 31 - - - 2i - 3 -4; - 4 ••• ""'" ... ASSIZE INTELLIGENCE. OXI♦'ORD CIRCIIIT.—STAFFORD, MARCH 14. (Crown Court.—Before Mr. Baron Bramwell.) THE RCGELEY MURDER.—TRIAL OF THE POSTMASTER FOR OPENING THE LETTER or DR. TAYLOR. , Samuel Cheshire, late postmaster at Rugeley, was in dicted for opening a post letter. Mr. Whateley, Q.C., Mr. Alexander, Q.C., and Mr. Bros appeared for the prosecution ; and Mr. _Huddle- Eton for the prisoner. Mr. Whateley stated the facts of the case, which were but a repetition of what has already appeared in Ihe Sun. After a considerable deliberation, the Jury found Idea Guilty, with a strong recommendation to mercy.—Sen tence deferred. THE RIIGELEY POISONINGS, STATFORD, Friday Afternoon.—True Ulu hays been found against William Palmer for the murder of Cook, and for the murder of Ann Palmer. Tho blue were ignored in the case of Walter Palmer. HOME ancum—MAIDSTONE MARCH 14. (Before Mr. Justice Coleridge.) THE PRIZE-FIGHT AT DARTFORD. MicAael .Madden and Jeremiah NPO7I, surrendered to take their trial for the manslaughter of John Jonei. Mr. Bodkin, Mr. Ribton, and Mr. Campbell con ducted the prosecution ; Mr. Kennedy (who was speci ally retained) and Mr. Harrison appeared for the prisoners. This charge arose out of the prize fight that took place on the Dartford marehes on the 11th of December last. The prisoner Madden and the deceased were the prin. cipals on the occasion. The other prisoner (Noon) wa, Madden's second. Toe witnesses who were examined for the prosecotion evidently gave their evidence v e ry unwillingly, and some of them would even go so far as to swear that Madden was not the man who was engaged in the conflict with the deceased. Mr. Justice Coletidge inquired of the learned counsel for the proi-ecution, in the course of the case, whether they were prepared to bring forward any further evidence as to the cause of death, and he was infcrmed that they were not in a position to do so. The learned Judge, upon this, said that whatever opinion they might form in their own minds in reference to the case, they must deal with it as they would with any other, and act only upon the evidence laid before them ; and it appeared to him that upon the facts before the Court, there was nothing to justify the jury in find ing the prisoners, or either of them, guilty of the crime of manslaughter. The Jury consequently returned a verdict of Net I Guilty, and the prisoners were discharged. THE RUGELEY POISONING CASES. At the opening of the Stafford assizes on Thursday, Mr. Baron Bramwell, before addres s i n g the grand jury, - called for Mr. W. W. Ward, coroner, before whom the inquests in the case of Palmer were conducted, and in quired if he had the depositions against Palmer in his possession ? Mr. Ward said he had, and added that a writ of certiorari had been served on him to return them to the Court of Queen's Bench. His lordship observed that Mr. Ward had perhaps done right ht retrining pos. session of them, but the indictment was returned t o that court. In his address to the grand jury, the learned judge remarked with reference to the charge against Wm. Palmer, for the murder of John P. Cook, and others, that it would be for them to consider in the first place whether there was satisfactory evidence that the deceased was poisoned. The facts were that the body of Cook being opened, no appearance was found which could ac count for death in a natural way, without the assistance of something done by art, and the symptoms, it was said, were each as strychnine alone, or some similar poison, could produce. If they should be satisfied that the deceased was poisoned, it would be for them to con sider whether the accused was the perpetrator of that deed. They would inquire whether he was a person possessed of sufficient skill to employ such a drug, whe ther it was in his possesaion, whether he had in reference to any mater connected with it made any statements that were untrue, and whether there appeared any adequate motive for the commission of such a deed ; although he was not of opinion that it was necessary to discover what might be thought an adequate motive for the commission of such an offence, since it was impos sible amid the infinity of motives that acted upon men to say what would be sufficient to induce to the com mission of ouch a crime. 81 61 60/ 131 9i / 33i 58 I 71 26 I 1' 63i 4 3i t 3 60 8L j 3/ / MO i 100 1001 i if 9i 31 72t 11 2 Li a 501 71 71 4 7t a 111 57 6i 113 I 681 f a par 65 147 4 1081 i 20i I 4 27 i 16 1 x d euem "1. The amount of money to be pal to a widow, widow and children, or other relatives of an officer killed in action, or dying of wounds received in face of the enemy within six months after being wounded, shall, whatever branch of the service he may have belonged to, be the regulation price fixed for commissions in ca va'ry and infantry of the line, as set forth in the follow ing scale, vi'.,--To the widow, widow and children, lather, mother, sister or sisters, of— Lieut.-Colonel ... Cavalry. Infantry. £6,175 ... £4,500 4,575 ... 3,200 3,225 ... 1,200 1,190 700 840 ... Maj )r Captain ... Lieutenant Cornet ... Ensign 450 But it shall in no case exceed the sum of money actually paid, in conformity with the regulation price, by the officer for the purchase of his commission or commis sions. "2. When an officer so killed, or so dying of his wounds within six months, shall leave a widow only, the num thus fixed shall be paid to her for her sole and absolute benefit, provided she be not left in such pecu niary circumstancas as would 'otherwise preclude all claim to a . pension ; and she shall be required to esta blish her claim, and to sign an,acknowledguient of bar ing consented to receive such sum in lieu thereof, and as a► full compensation for all pension and gratuity to which she may or might have proved herself entitled in consequence of the loss of ker husband, according to the forms prescribed by the Secretary of State for War, and described in the Appendix as forms 10, 15, and A. " 3. In the event of an officer leaving a widow arid children, who may or plight have established a claim to the pension, compassionate allowance or gratuity, then, in that case the money awarded in lieu thereof shall be held in trust by the Secretary of State for War, and the interest thereof, at the rate of 3L per cent. per annum, shall be receivable by the widow until her death, when the money shall he divided then and there alike among the children then alive of such deceased officer, provided they shall have attained the age of 21, otherwise the money shall still continue to be held in trust, and the interest applied for their benefit up to that age. In the event, however, of the widow surviving her said chil dren, the money shall then become her sole and absolute property, as laid down in Article 2 ; but should such children survive the widow, but shall die before attain ing the age of 21, then and in that case the money, after discharging all just liabilities, shall become the property of the Crown. " 4. In the event of an officer leaving a child or chil dren, but no widow, the money shall be held in trust, and the interest thereof, at the rate of 31. per centurn per an num, as stated in Article 3, shall be applied by the Secre tary of State for War for the benefit of such child or children, until he, she, or they shall attain the age of 21, when the money, as in the case of the widow, shall become the absolute property of such surviving child- or children, share and share alike. Should, however, such child or children die before attaining the age of 21 years, then and ia that case the money, after discharging all just liabilities, shall become the property of the Crown. "5. In the event of an officer leaving at his death neither widow, child, nor children, then the money shall be paid to his father ; and, if he leave no father, it may be paid to his mother, for his or her sole and abso lute benefit, provided that he or she shall establish a claim thereto, according to the forms described in the Appendix, as the case may be. And in the event ef there being neither father nor mother, then the money shall be paid to the sister, or sisters, as the case may be, share and share alike, provided they shall have at tained the age of 21 years, and that their claim shall L 3 established according to the forms described in the Ap pendix, as forms 13, 15, and E, or forms 14, 15, and F, as the case may be. But should aoy sister, or sisters, be under that age, then the money shall be held in trust by the Secretary of State for War, and the interest be ap plied, as stated in Article 4, until such sister or sisters shall become 21 years of age, when it shall become the absolute property of the survivors or survivor. Should no survivor or survivors attain the age of 21 years, then the money, after discharging all just liabilities., shall be come the property of the Crown. " 6. No grant of money under the provisions of this warrant shall be made to any person who would not be eligible for pension, compassionate allowance, or gratuity under the provisions of the Royal warrant of June 15, 1855 (s father alone excepted, whose claim must be estab lished as sot forth in Article 5) ; but the ineligibility of a widow to any, grant under this warrant shall not affect the interests of the legitimate child or children of a de ceased officer for whose benefit she money shall be held in trust, and the, interest applied by the Secretary of State for War, as stated in article 4, except they be left in such pecuniary circumstances as would disqualify them for the compassionate allowances under the provisionseof Article 3. Should, however, such child or children die before attaining the age of 21, then, and in that case, the money, after discharging all just liabilities, shall be come the property of the Crown. " 7. In the event of it being represented and eat;efac torily proved to the Secretary of State for War, that any widow on whose behalf money shall be held in trust fur the benefit ef herself and children under the provisions of this warrant, shall thereafter so conduct herself as to become unworthy of the bounty of the Crown, or shall neglect or Bluest her children, then in that case the Secretary of State for War shalt feave}ell power to make such arrangements for apportioning the interest of the money and making better provision for the children as in his judgment may seem most advisable. " 8. The allowances to be granted under the autlic rity cif this warrant are not applicable_ to the cases of officers killed in action, or dying of wounds before the declaration of war with Rossia, hut it is to take a raro spctive effect up to that date ; and, therefore, any offi cer's widow to whom there may have b;-:en granted a pension, compassionate allowances for children, or gra tuity fair herself and child! en ' or any other relative of an officer who may have received a pension under the warm rant of the - 15th of Juee, 1855, who may wish to com mute such pension, allowances, or gratutee for the sum fixed under the provisions of this warrant, shall be per mitted to do so ; but in that case, whatever sums tray have been received by. or on account of the widow or children or other relatives, will be deducted from any amount to be paid under the terms of this warrant. But in, every case of a sum of money being awarded under the provisions of ehis warrant, interest thereon, at the rate of 31. per centum per annum, will be allowed from the day of the officer's death. "a. Should the widow or any other relative of a de ceased officer, who, prior to the'23d of Oct., 1855, has been granted a pension and other allowances under the provisions of the warrant of the 15th of June, 1855, wi-h to commute such pension and allowances for a sum of money in lieu thereof, in conformity with the terms of this warrant., it will be necessary that application to that effect be made to the Secretary ef State for War within a year from the 23d of Oct., 1855. And should the widow, or any other relative of a deceased officer, who; since the 23d of Oct., 1855, may have already, or may hereafter be granted a pension and allowances, wish to commute such pension and allowances for a sum of money in lieu thereof, under the provisions of this warrant, it will be necessary that application to that effect be made to the Secretary of State for War within a year from the (tete ef the said pensions and other allowances being granted. " 10. A return of all sums paid under the provisions of this warrant shall be laid annually before Parliament on or after the Ist of April. " Given at our Court at St. James's, the Ist day of March, 1856, in the 19th year of our reign. " By Her Majesty's command, " PANMIIRE." The Pearl, 21-gun corvette, Capt. Sotheby, was token into the fitting basin at Portsmouth yesterday to be docked for repairs. The Chanticleer, No. 88, etsam-transport, went into Portsmouth harbour yesterday to discharge her cargo ; and the Imperial, No. 183, left for the Thames. The prevailing easterly winds have driven a consider able fleet of merchant vessels into Plymouth Sound. Among them are the steam-transport Eagle, No. 71, from the Mediterranean ; the clipper ship Heroes of Alma, Capt. Noble, from Wbampoa ; the Britannia, Preat, from Ceylon ; the Helen Douglas, Welch, fruits Calcutta ; and the French brig AlalLerbe, with maho gany and coffee, from Gourvee. RETIREMENT OF THE OLD COMMANDERS.—We under stand that, following up Sir C. Wood's promise, an Ad miralty circular has been issued to the old commanders on the list, inviting them to make the necessary appli cation for retirement from the active list. We say again, we trust that there will be no necessity to make this measure a compulsory one, but that those officers who encumber, the active list only to impair its efficiency, will make way for those who have served actively afloat for the rank and opportunity they bare years ago most justly earned. The good of the service demands that there shall be no favouritism or partiality exercised in this retirement of the old commanders. We must have no more promotions to the active list of captains of offi cers whose time has gone by for serving afloat. Not a commander should be promoted to the active list who is not eligible by age and service for active command afloat now and for ten years hence. CIVIL ERVIGE ESTIMATES. --PUBLIC WORKS AND BUILDINGS. Yesterday have been issued the Civil Service esti• mates, &c., for the year ending March 31, 1857, as far as relates to public works and buildings. The following is the statement for 1856, compared with the estimates for 1555 :—Public Buildings and Royal Palaces, 1855, 154,9521. ; 1856, 195,141/. ; compared with 1855, iu crea.se, 40,189/. Buckiugham Palace, 1856, 7,8681. ; Royal Parks, Pleasure Gardens, &c., 1855, 69,544/. ; 1856, 91,6841. ; increase, 22,1401. New Houses of Parliament, 1855, 122,209/. ; 1856, 99,333/. ; decrease, 22,826/. Holyhead Harbour Roads, &c.,1855,122,8411. ; 1856, 207,305/. ; increase, 84,464/. Harbours of Refugo, 1855, 234,0001. ; 1856, 233,0001. ; decrease, 1,0001. Port Patrick Harbour, 1855, 375/. ; 1856, 3841. ; in crease, 9/. Public Buildings (Ireland), 1855, 30,963/, ; 1856, 41,221/. ; increase, 10,2581. Kingston Harbour, 1855, 5,27 7 6; 1856, 19,350/. ; increase, 13,474/. Re pository of Public Rec ,rds, 1855, 6,000/. Total, 1855, 746,760/. ; 1856, 895,336/. ; s iti 6 er L neeasle,creoamse m compared with e 1855,.178,40 41 . ; decreas e, 29,2 with 1855, 10;0764 0 11P"its t i: 4.4 41C t 4 ' 4,:fr 4;j l q:443 ttt 4t- SUN OFFICE, Seven, o'Ci:ock THF, DESTRUCTION OF COVENT GARDEN TEEATRE. Meeting of the Proprietors.—(This Day). This afternoon a meeting of the proprietors of this unfortunate building was held at Mr. Robins' rooms, Piazza, Covent-garden, to answer any inquiry relating to the property. The chair was taken by Dr. Stnethwick. Mr. SURNIAN said as he bad been instrumental in calling the present meeting, he felt it incumbent on him to make a short statement with respect to the theatre. The budding was held under six leases from the I , uke of Bedford, of...which. thirty-eight years remain unexpired, at a rent of 2,8501. The speaker then entered at some length into the details of the arrangements that had been made since the building in 1509 down to the present time. He declined on the part of the proprie tors to have anything to do with the re-erection of the theatre, but thought it would be a good speculation for the shareholders to do so, He entered into details re lative to the returns of the theatre, and stated there was a claim on Mr. Gye for 1,7001., which was 2001. over the profits. At the time the theatre was burnt down there was an arrangement existing whereby Mr. Gye W.r.13 to pay 8001. An Annuitant said they were not shareholders, but annuitants. Under the deed they were to be paid 251. per annum, and have a free admission. Mr. M. SHARP said that the proprietors in letting. the theatre had been very remiss in not calling the renters together before it was let to Mr. Anderson, especially as two theatres had been burnt down whilst in the hands of that gentleman. . . . Mr. bIjIIMAIN said that the theatre was let to Mr. Anderson by Mr. Gye. It was impossible to let a thea tre as they would a private house, binding persons down to certain things. Mr. (.;,ye bad been a good tenant. Mr. Gye was at Madrid when he heard of the Bal Masque being announced, and ho telegraphed immedi diately to say he disapproved of it, a:Ad was returning home t) prevent it when the fire occurred. Mr. M. SHARP said he :;as prepared to show that the fire might have occurre I from the use of a galvanic battery, by which he understood Professor Anderoo did many of his tricks, lie moved a c)annittee of in quiry to be appointed. The CHAIRMAN said the question to be considered was what had better be done with the land ? fie thought it would be valuable for the enlargement of Covont-garden market. Mr. SIMIAN said the Duke of Bedford had been in formed that the proprietors could not pay the rel:t nor discharge the covenants in the lease. They were in ar rears a year's rent, and it had been suggested to the noble duke to take possession of the land. Nothing was said in the lease about rebuilding or insuring against fire. Dr. ROWE said the annuitants ought to take a share in what the property wai worth. Mr. SURMAN said the proprietors could not take upon themselves any liability without the annuitants gave them a release. Thirty-eight years' lease was a bad one. The annuitants had better obtain a new lease from the Duke of Bedford, :yid rebuild the premises. The proprietors were ready to give up their title to the land. He under stood the noble duke would prefer the land being added to Covent-garden Market than the theatre be rebuilt. The question of what must be done with Mr. Gye must stand over for consideration. Mr. TiiomPsoN reminded the meeting that Mr. Gye had recently received 4,0001. for concerts, 2,000/. from Mr. Andoron, and would receive 3,000/. from the in• surance offices. The CHAIRMAN said no doubt the land would be worth 6,0001. a year for market purposes. The proprietors bad only paid 1,5001. or 2,000/. a year for it. Mr. ScanAN said that the direct charge on the land, after deductions, was 1,235/. He did not consider the proprietors were perso❑ally responsible to the share holders or annuitants. It would be u.eles to carry that question elsewhere. Kemble's interest was in Chan c_ry, and Harris's affair, for which he (slr. Surman) was trustee, were in a hopeless state. The patents of the theatre were now useles:. Ultimately a committee of 12 renters was appointed to inquire into the renters' position and report thereon. The meeting she rtly after separated. The following distinguished individuals hold shares in the theatre :—The Duke of Cambridge, the Duke of Devonshire, the Earl of Dartmouth, Lady Henrich, S;r John Dodsen, Lady 13-auchatnp, the Duchess of St. Albans (executor), the Marquis of Salisbury, and Sir R. imirke. Mr. Gye's lease IVA 4 for ten years, commencing in 1353, at a rent of 6,000'. per annum for the tirzt three years, and 7,0001. per afr,um fur the last seven. Official Inquiry—(This Day.) This afternoon at three o'clock the inquiry into the circumstances attending the total deAtruetion of Covent garlen Theatre 4vxe resumed by Mr. Bedford, the co roner fn. Westininver. The names of the jury having been called over, and each ;If entlewan having answered to his name, A Juror s before the proceedings commeLcod he has heard— . Corouvr said the jqr.r3 hal better not mention what they bad hear;. The Juror said he merely wished to mention the situa tion of the carpent,r's shop. The Coroner said as lio model of the theatre had been ssvcd, it could nut be presented to the jury. There wits one,lhoweve-i, in construction. After a short conversation, in winch it was arrange I that, the witneses to he examined shouhl leave the roc.in, the intinicy c.nnnienceti. h s first witness called was ;Ven Marie m, 8, Eeete r-•treet, machinist, who stated that he was employed by Mr. Andersen a t the theatre in the capacity of inachini•t and general mmager of h hIShieSS. By machinist he meant the niakieg and le pairing of the magical apparatus of Mr. Anderson. Ile heel no regular duty in the theatre but to look efter carpenter and caieinet maker lamed Laenine . , who was employed in Ina:dug a pr iscenium far a texcable stage ter Mr. Anderson iu toe cer i .entere' shoo, who w;44 employed up to the evening of the tire. He (witness) visited that room on the day before the fire, and found Denning planing come wood. There were two other persons employed there named Finlason and Deuiton. There was not a very great quantity of " shavings," but a large quantity of wood and old " properties " about the carpenters' shop. At about a quarter before five on the evening of the fire he tin t Liaoning, leaving the theatre, and ho spoke to him, when he said he Waa merely going to sec if all sins right. The carpenters' shop was generally very hot, from the heat ari,ing from the body of the theatre; indeed, Lanning irequently opened the window to let in a little air. Tin re was no fire-place in the shop. The painting-roost was a portion of the carpenters' shop. It was partly parti tioned off, althoueh the floor of the paiiitieg-room was twenty feet below the shop, There was a ventilator in the shop, but nothing snore. The room was a very hot one for men to work in. The heat in the shop came front the body of the house generally, as it cevcred the whole of the house, and had two entrances. One led from the fliee, and the other led to the Duke of Bedford's box. He was net in the house when the fire broke out ; he left it about a quar ter before three, at which time he heel not even smelt the gas. He never was in the carpenters' shop when the performances were going on, except on one occasion, and that was during a Saturday performance of the pantomime. Any one could get into the carpen ters' shop. Lanning was using glue in the shop that day, but the glue was melted a long way frem the shop, in the property room. There was a steam-apparatus to inane the glue will iii the shop, but it bad not been used. He could only account for the fire by the spirit with which the gas-men had satu rated the flambeau having been repeatedly spilled, and had, on the evening in question, taken fire. I3e the Vestry Clerk—The wires used by Professor Andereen's magic could not come in ccntact with the gas. There was no gas near the wires. He knew of no combustible matter in the carpenters' shop ; but a month ago Lanning brought some spirit to polish a box with, and he was told not to leave the polish about. He also used a lamp to keep the glue wart, and ho was told it was not allowed, as Mr. Anderson said he would have nothing dune by candle light, and Lanning used to leave off work before dark. After Lanning left he had not entered the shop, so ho could net say whether there were any shavings lying about. By one of the entrances of the carpenters' shop (the private box entrance) the place where Lanniiig was at work, could be reached. The middle of the shop was perfectly clear, there was no wood lying about. By a Juror—He bad not been in the carpenters' shop since three o'clock in the afternoon previous to the fire. By the Coroner--The shavings at the side of the carpenters' shop could easily be thrown together in the centre of the shop. By a Juror—The wires used by the Professor were of copper. Ey the Coroner—During the Professor's tenantry he employed ail the hands. He never heard that there had been any threat of any description ised by any of the workmen employed in the theatre. Benedict Albano, 22. King William-street, Strand, civil engineer, slated—He rebuilt the andie :ce part of the theatre, from the floor to the ceiling ; or rather it was built under his personal superintendence. He had nothing to do with the construction or renonstruction of the carpenters' shop. From what ho knew o the general construction of the theatre there was nothing to fear as to fire. There could be no accumukt• tion of gas in the shop, for two reasons—first, there were plenty of windows to let it out, and also the funnel which he had constructed, and from which then) was a great draft. The funnel was 30 ft. in height, and 8 ft. in diameter. lie had been in the carpenters' shop whilst the performance was going on to see how the funnel worked, and he hal not found the room inconveniently heated. Sydney Smirk, 79, Grosvenmestreet, architect—On searching his brother's drawing, he found that there was a wall originally so placed in the shop which would have prevented the fire travelling from one part to the other. He bad been over the ruins and he found that that wall had been removed, which accounted for the fire extend ing so rapidly from one end of the shop to the other. George Thos. Lanniog, 43, Theobald',--road, carpen ter, was employed at the theatre by Mr. Anderson. He had been employed every day for five weeks previous to the fire making some frames for the new stage. lie was engaged in this occnpation on the day of the fire' hut had not had occasion to use any glee or spirit of any kind that day. He wr.rked till five in the evening, and during the day in question he was visited by several workmen. Na one could come into the shop without being seen by him when he was at work. The place was very warm when he was last at work there, and there was also is strong smell of ga., but he accounted fur it by the men being at work at the pipes underneath the shop. There wan a little shavings about, but the shop had been cleaned np on the Monday previous to the bal masque. There was no cloth of any description in the room, and when he left at 5 o'clock all was safe. The corners of the shop were filled with `• old stuff," but there was nothing but his woodwork in the centre of the room, which consisted of 12 old and 12 new frames. It was 35 feet from the funnel of the chandelier to the place where h• was working. There was no wood nearer the chandelier than 12 feet. He had used nothing inflammable on that day, and had no Lucifers about him. By a Juror—There was no oiled cloths or polishing rags lying about the shop. By the Coroner—The doors of the carpenters' shop were locked, and the public could nut get into it. By a Juror—The whole of the wood of his work would not fill a cart. Beojamia DAlliston, a carpenter, employed by Mr. Presscote fur Mr. Anderson, stated that he vim cm• played up to the day of the fire. On the morning of Tuesday he was employed carrying away the pantomime tricks, and during the day he had frequently to go to the carpenters' shop. Ho was np there as late as ten o'clock on Tuesday night. Ile went to the shop Len sing was wc'rking in to fete i his clothes, which were under his bench. His son lit him up as far as the step lad , ler, and then he went on in the dark. There Witt plenty of light there to enable him to find what he wanted, seeing he knew the place so will. He had no inciters about him ; he merely asst in for his clothes and returned to his son, who was wait ing for him. The only thin g he did was to shat the dormer window, which been left open. Toe place was dreadfully hot, and that was the reason no person cared about stopping there.. Mr. Anderson had had the key to the shop, bat he had lost it ; the door Was always open, and anybody from tie boxes could get to the shop. The carpenters of the theatre are so accustomed to the swell of gas that they don't notice it. He could onl♦ account for the fire by the batten lights being turned full on that day by order of Mr. Anderson, and that the " borders" took fire in cmsequenc e . lle.did not thiuk that people when they were evjoying them selves would think of looking up to see it All was right above. By the Vestry Cerk—The gas from the battens might ha ce ignited one of the ropes by which they were worked, and by that means the flames might have been com municated to the ceiling. The witness hero described the battens used in thea tres. They consisted of a gas pipe, guarded by wire work, and suspended across the stage by ropes, the gas being conveyed to the pipe by leathern hose. Ropes were used to higher or lower as might be desired. By the Coroner—lie heard Mr. Anderson say to Mr. Palmer, the gasman, "Let me have the gas on full to nigbt." By the Coroner—Mr. Anderson raised his hands, and p to the batten lights, said, " Let me have the lights turned on full." He could mean no other than the ba tens. The gas was turned on full, The borders and beams bang very thick and close together under the floor of the carpenters' shop. . . By a Juror—Was not aware the barrels of the battens were hot on the night of the ball, but from the force of gas turned on they soon would be. If the ges escaped from the battens and got near the front of the house and under t iat part of the carpenters' shop it inielit explode. At the time Le was last in the carpenters' shop there wee no appearance or smell of fire. William Jones, carpenter, employed at Covent Gar den Theatre by Mr. Slonian. He was at work from 6 in the morning till 5 in the evening on the day of the fire. He was engaged in the flies underneath Vie car penters' shop, hanging burden, and doing other things for the evening's performance. He was in tke flies at a quarter before four on the morning of the fire. Toe top flies, in which he was engaged in the early part of the day were about ten feet below the cerpenters' shop, and the distance the gas light in that place from the fluor of the eat pen ters shop was more titan six feet. if the burners were turned full on the flame would not rise more than two inches and a-haif. Ho saw several persons go to the carpenters' shop during the clay. He was on the stage when the fire broke out, having left the flies about 20 minutes. He was standing on the eve when he saw a spark fall, but it was about twenty feet from the spot at which he had been working. If the fire had lir ikon out in the flies it would soon have spread, as the things were very closely packed about. At the request of the Coroner, the witness here pouted out on the plan where be was standing on the stage at the time he saw the spark fall. By a Juror—At a quarter-past four, although ho was only ten feet from t•he spot at which the fire broke out, he smelt nothing like fire, neither was there any unusual smell of gas at that time. He was not aware that there • was any dispute between the workmen, Mr. seonan, and Mr. Anderson ; if there had been, he thought he must have heard of it. James Cooper had been employed in Covent-garden Theatre ever since it had been au opera-!manse. Ile waa employed by Mr. Pabnir on the evening prev;ous to the fire. He ht part of the great chandelier. lie lit the lower part. The upper part had been lit during the day, bat it was not all ht till he fiai.died it. flu lit the chan delier as usual with spirit supplied by Mt. Palmer ; he took it up to the chandelier in a ginger-oeer bottle. The witrie:is bele produced a portion of a " li,htiug rod," and explained how it was used. It was a piece of wire about tour feet look:, with a cotton ball attaebe , i. After be bad lit the chandelier be took the 'pint bottle hack to the prompt box. Mr. Cantles was with him when ha was at the chandelier. By a Juror—Was sure it was spirits of wine. No naphtha was used. By the Coroner—He was not in the theatre- when the five first occurred. After he hail received the ceivii that the theatre WZIA On fire he ruched to the atige door and met Mr. Palmer with Vie valve key, end they both ran to the valve nearly oppoi , ite the station•house„ He then lifted the lid while Mr. Painter turned the gal oil'. The gas wto4 off live miontes after the nlartn . wair raised. He had no idea how the fire had occurred. Mr. J. H. Anderson, 16, Cecil-etreet, Strand, an artist in natural reagic, stated that he rented the theatre from Mr. Gye for a period of ten weeks from the 26th of December, 1555, and had the appointment of every person connected with the theatre except the firemen, who were employed by the proprietors of the theatre. Tile duties of the theatre are conducted by heads, such as the painting-room, tie wardrobe, the gas, and the carpenters. Mr. Sloman was hie master carpenter, and was responsible for tire whole of the men. He knot teest iri the carpenters' shop on Tuesday morning at one 7..;n. for the purpose of inspecting the portable stage he was Laving constructed for the purpose of exhib tirrg Lis pantomime in Glasgow and other places. He had not the slightest idea how the fire occurred. He bad had no notice of any dispute between himself and the men. Mr. Palmer and Mr. Slornan certainly had a die. pute, but he arranged the matter between them. Tbere was a summons from the police for one of them, and he told them it was unseemly that men holding their situa tions in the theatre should have such disputes. His lots by the fire was considerable; he could not say how much, as he had not yet had an opportunity of making up his loss. He was insured in the Sun Fire office for 2,0001. He had been called often by gentlemen in the private boxes, who comp!ained et the ti.ench arising from gas. He felt perfectly convinced, as ter as expe rience went, that the tire could not have been occasioned by the gas. he had been connected for yeas with theatres, and Lad had a theatre of his own ournt dean. He could not account ter the accident. Ile felt perfectly satisfied with the servants he had em ployed ; they were all of the most orderly and b:st de scription. He was standing near the orchestra with Mr. Palmer, asking trim whet was the usual termination of bal masques, when Pelnier seemed as if he bad a fit, and he said the house was on tire, and immediately rushed to turn the gas off. It was not a beam that felt and was the occasion of the dievovery of the fire; it was a por tion of the scenery used in the opera of the " Favourite," and when he looked up the whole of the upper part of the thew re was one mass of flame. There was a great quantity of light on the stage which accounted for the fire net being seen before the piece of scenery fell. At dif. ferent parts of the evening, almost every hour, he had been frequently through the hon-e to see that no ac cident occurred, and to prevent smoking. He had saved a portion of his property in consequence of its standing neer a window o; . the theatre looking into Princes-place, other eise heshouid have lost everything. He had changed the gas companies in consequence of its being rept e..erited to him that the London Gas Company could give a better supply. The gas metres were outside the theatre. He did not think cigars were sold in the theatre, bat was not positive. Mr. Payne had no arrangement - for selling cigars. By a Juror—His insurance expired a week after the fire. By the Cqroner—His insurance was regulated by his term of the theatre. Th property insured consisted of the scenery, properties, and dresses of the pantomime, and other things. By a Juror—There was a stringent order that no person was on any pretence whatever to go about the theatre with a candle. A fireman's lamp was always order el to be used. Richard Jones, engineer of the London Gas Works and a civil engineer by profession. He bad beard the description of the carpenter's shop, and he thought it would he highly improbable that gas could a ccumulate there in any l ar g e quantity if it bad done so it would have exploded, and have blown the roof off. A loud report must have accompanied the explosion. It would have bee n impossible for the gas to ignite without the applioation of white heat. He was quite convinced from all he had heard that the gas had nothing to do with the fire. The inquiry was the n adjourned till Wednesday next, at three o'clock. e regret to announce the demise of the venerable Lo r d Boston, who expired on Wednesday last, at his seat, Hedsor, Bucks, iu the 79th year of his age. . _ . ETON COLLEGE, March 14.—The examinations for the Newcastle Scholarship have just concluded, and the bl• 10%111'; was declared by Dr. Goodford, at 11 o'clock school this morcing, to be the result :—Scholar—diadg son, K.S. ; Medallist—Prothero. There were 33 can didates. It was announced by Dr. Goodford this morn• ing that a week extra would be given these holidays, an consequence of the visit of the King of Sardinia to brr Xtejesty. 5 (3. T I I I