The Sun. — London, England, 1856-02-05 00:00:00

contribution which, if our shipping went on increasing at its present ratio, would, no doubt, soon have to be doubled. The result of this will be, taking the account between the consolidated fund and this bill, that that fund will gain by getting rid of this annual burden of 52,0001., which would increase with the increase of our trade; and it will lose 0,000/. iu all by paying off the debts upon the Whitby and Bridlineton tolls, I omitted to mention another abuse which we propose wholly to extinguish—viz., the exemption of freemen from charges that are imposed upon other persons —such an immunity being indefensible, on the double ground that it is invidious in its nature, and that it gives to those who enjoy it an unfair advantage in the keen competi tion of trash) over their less-favoured fellow-citizens. (Hear.) In order to facilitate the re-adjustment of the taxation in har bours which will have been disturbed by this very sweeping change, it will be necessary to introduce another measure, the object of which will be similar to that of the Borough Har bours (Scotland) Bill, which gives to local bodies the power of raising their charges to enable them to meet their exigen cies, subject, however, to a control which guards the ship ping interest from excessive exactions. If the present bill should meet with the approbation of the house, the other measure will also be shortly submitted for its considera tion. The result, then, of the whole change which we now propose to effect will be this—that we shall immediately benefit the shipping interest to the amount of 44,3611., as the figures stood when the calculation was made, but in the current year the sum would probably reach 50,0001. This will be the effect of the remission of the small taxes at Dublin and Cork, and the abolition of passing tolls; and ulti mately there would be a further reduction of duties to the amount (as nearly as we can calculate) of 20,0001. The whole of this relief of course will not be immediate; but a consider able portion of it. may be so ; and the rest must be withheld in order to discharge the debt for which shipping will be liable. That, s;.r, is the plan of the Government; and I apolo gise to the committee for detaining it so long with a very dry statement. 'involving much minute detail. But lam con- ' vinced that the more you consider the subject the more strongly you will feel its importance. It is a question of the shipping interest and the public against a few local bodies, who will not say have clung to, but) have had forced upon thesis by the interference of the Legislature powers and rights w'sich cannot be defended on the grounds of equity and jus ice. 1 trust that this house will do that justice to the ship pine' interest of this coun t ry which I am sure it desires to do, and will give another proof of its determination to enforce the doctrines of free trade to their legitimate consequences, as well as to affirm once more that great principle without which no man's property can be safe or secure—namely, that it is not in the power of any one class to tax another except for the benefit of the class that is taxed. The right hon. gentle man concluded by moving that the chairman be directed to ask /sieve to bring in a bill for the abolition of passing tolls and the regulation of local dues upon shipping. "flse question having been put, Mr. HEADLAM hoped that the right hon. gentleman would allow due time for considering the bill to the nume- Tons parties whose interests it affected, between the period of its introduction and the date of the second reading. The s hipping interest, more par ti cu l arly since the repeal Of the navigation laws, was entitled to every reasonable remission of any onerous burdens that pred upon it ; but, anxious as he w as t o deal considerately andsven tenderly with that important interest, he must nevertheless declare at the very outsit that so far as this measure sought in any way to deal with the property of corporations on a different principle from that adopted in regard to the property of private individuals he would offer to it his most unhesitating and determined op position. (Hear.) The property of municipal corporations was unquestionably held in trust for the benefit of the com munity over which they ruled ; and this principle was clearly expressed in the Municipal Corporations Act. Such property was the property of the poor, and surely should not be denied the same protection that was thrown around the possessions of the rich. This bill, however, was based on no principle that could for one instant be justified. It might be desirable from time to time, with a view to the public interests, to take away the property of individuals and of corporations ; but in every such case strict justice demanded that compensation should, without distinction, be granted to the parties whose rights were thus invaded. Mr. HOBSFALL would reserve any observations that 1 , e might wish to make on the general question now raised unt the bill was in the hands of members ; but felt that one re mark which the right hon. gentleman had made when allud' .ng to the amount of dues levied at Liverpool, Hull, Newell: , tee, and other places, required som e noti ce . The right hon. fee' Ale man stated that the sanitary condition and the munici d re gulations of these towns w ere notoriously bad. Now, h a (Mr. Horsfall) must entirely contradict that statement ; f o r there was no town iu the kingdo, n tho sanitary condition a' slit muni cipal government of which, were superior to those of Liver pool. What, however, had the sanitary cot edition of Liverpool to do with aqn ,estion of passing tolls on shippi ng ? The expenses connected_ with the sanitary re gulations of Liverpool were defrayed, by a separate rate lets inhabitants. Th e Got Arnment had sent out one of the officers of the Liver,p oo l Sanitary Board to , superintend their hospitals in tb .e Crimea ; and if the s.^ Con of that town • ,eas so unsatisfactory ash ad been repre .nitary comb sented, ho could nt ,t but express his surprise' shat the Govern ment should have , selected au agent from a place where the nitary ansinge moots were represented t , The right l ion . be so defective. gentleman had stated the' his bill reform the dues to which d were most oppressive, a' inJ uriously u• don the prosperity of ',Ay Ad had operated most erpool ; but the fact was that, no ,twithstanding the utP, ez eS dues, no to - oppressiveness of those wit in the kingdom ha d, of late years, been more l' r "P e r°' a A th a n that very t which t' own W hich ho represented, and their ' no. rigi• hon. gent •ci" sn Lad c it e d as an example of anew • tnjur,ous effects. Ile would - not now endeavour to up , ser the question a' eked by the right hon. gentleman— c,. wi',at authority rpor , these dues were levied ? The varlets who, aimed such dues levied them under a titl e 7,,,` c- h, in his °P ig ' sons could not b' s disputed, and he thought at, before pre ceeding to lcgisla to on this subject, the pre/i -. minary quest , on whether thes4 corporations had or had not a legal right tr, such dues ought, to be decided by a court of law. If it should be proved that they hada legal title to these dues, it would he inconsistent with justice to deprive them of s t uch a right without affording tl',em ample compensation ; u that nq !e ga d on the other baud, the er,urts of law decided title existed, it would btvvery easy for the house to deal with the subject. He hope.), that, previously to the esecond read ing of the bill, full tin v s would he afforded for the considera tion of its provisions by those whose intene s s it would so ma terially affect. Mr. RICE rose s 4 mply to protest against the assumption of the right hon. gee Aleman who introduced the bill that all the dues in questior A levied by corporations were originally granted for ship ping purposes. He had been glad to hear what had faller A from the right hon. gentleman with reference to the port of Dover, which he hoped would soon be entitled to the appollf ttion of a harb3ur. He expressed his hope that ample tirfie - would be afforded to parties interested in this subject for carefully considering the effect pf the measure. Mr. G IBSON was not inclined to dispute the state ments of his hon. friend opposite with regard to the sanitary conditi° n of Liverpool, and he was glad to hear that the ex peudit• ire 'for sanitary purposes in that town was met by a spot' ,ial rate. He considered that all the municipal expenses of be 'roughs ought to be supported by rates imposed on the ioll'Abitants, and not by dues levied upon shipping and upon commerce. (Hear, hear.) He felt assured, from communi car ions be had received from his constituents, that they enld learn with great satisfaction that the Government 'had resolved to deal with this important question, and that they would no longer allow Manchester and the surround ing districts to be taxed in order to defray the municipal expenses of the borough of Liverpool. Without giving any opinion as to the particular details of the measure, he would be most ready to support the principles laid down by the right hon. gentleman the Vice-President of the Board of Trade. Mr. LIDDELL was ready to endorse most fully the opinions expressed by the hon. member for Newcastle-on- Tyne, and wished to know why it was proposed to adopt a different course with regard to private and to corporate pro perty ? To one sentiment in the very able speech of the Vice- President of the Board of Trade he most cordially assented —namely, that he could see little liberality in dealing with the property of others, and on that ground he entertained strong objections to the measure of the right hon. gentleman, which he would state on a future occasion. Mr. W. S. LINDSAY thanked the right hon. gentleman for the measure he proposed to introduce, and considered that he was dealing very generously—indeed, rather too eueronsly—with those corporate bodies who for so long a time had levied taxation upon shipping and commerce for purposes quite alien to those interests. When the proper time arrived he believed he should be able to answer any arguments which might be adduced with a view of - showing that these corporations had a right to tax the shipping inte rests for municipal purposes. Mr. WATeON thought it desirable those taxes should be removed, and to that extent he would support the measure of the right hou. gentleman ; but the proposal to deal with the property of various corporations; such as the Trinity-houses of Newcastle, Liverpool, and other places required very grave consideration. He believed it would be found that, in some cases, these rights of taxation had been possessed by corpora tions immemorially, for reasons which must be perfectly ob vious to those who were acquainted with the circumstances of the towns with which such corporations were connected. He hoped that ample time would be given for the considera tion of the bill previously to the second reading. Mr. LOWE observed that he had not intended to cast any reflection upon the sanitary state of Liverpool ; but what lie had meant to say was, that it was not in the ornate condition a town might be supposed to present that was levying a tri bute of 105,000/. a-year upon the shipping and commercial interests. He had not said that these dues were imposed for shipping purposes, but directly the reverse, for he believed the old corporations, which existed before the passing of the Municipal Corporation Reform Act, and which were in re ceipt of such tolls, could apply them as they pleased, with out the slightest regard to shipping purposes. Some hon. gentlemen had referred to the vested interests of corpora tions, and had said that the bill proposed a serious interfve ence with those interests. But that question had been al ready discussed and decided. How did the corporations ob tain the administration of their funds ' By virtne of the Municipal Reform A c t, w hi ch took away the propeely from self-elected bodies, whi c h l ied little or no • y the inhabitants of the towns, an d vested it cionmbraolinelst-elevrictethd by the ratepayers. The Municpal Reform Act a_ Worded the strongest possible instance that it wastherpoprraaettliceee, of the Le gislature t o d ea l w ith the property of eo The motion for the introduction of th e' wee n , s * w " t en agreed to, and the house resumed. • METROPOLITAN POLICE, Sir G. GREY moved for leave to bring in a bill to ame n d the Metropolitan Police Act. The object of the bill was to place the undivided control, responsibility, and management of the police of the metropolis in the hands of one commi s _ sioner, instead of leaving it under tho control of two, as pro. vided by the existing act. One step in this direction was made by an act passed a few years since, which authorised one of the commissione rs t o do all those acts which the ori ginal act required should be doue by both. Some doubts had been raised as to the extent of powers conferred by this act, and it had beet' considered advisable to introduce the present bill. leer Majesty's Government proposed to place the metropolitan police upon the same footing as the Irish constabulary, with one inspeetoreeeneral, assisted by two as. sistant inspector-generals, each of whom would hold a com mission of the peace in one of the counties included in the district, who might, by warrant from the Secretary The iou ad ol di s t Mte al set in th e even t o f any vacancy occurring. du ties conferred upon the commissioners of police by the Hack ney Carriages and Lodging-house Acts would be charged by one of the assistant commissioners. It was pro posed to give to the chief commissioner a salary of 1,5001. per annum, and to each of the assistants 800/. a year. The pre sent charge of management was 3,2001., so that while a slight reduction would be made in the expenses a great increase in the efficiency of the force would be obtained. Leave was then given to bring in the bill. HER MAJE STY'S REPLY TO THE ADDRESS. Lord D RUMLANRIer e appeared at the bar of the house, and read the reply of her Majesty to the Address agreed S pe upon ch. by the House of Commons, is answ er t o h er M a j es t y ' s e PRISONS, BURIAL OF THE DEAD, AND JUVENILE OFFENDERS (IRELAND) On the motion of Mr. HORSMAN, leave ;as given to bring the three bills on the subject of management of the prisons g the burial of the dead, and the treatment of juvenil e o ff en d er , s in Ireland. EPISCOPAL AND CAPITITLAR ESTATES, The Marquis of ELANDFORD obtained leave to bring in tk his bill of last year for tie better management of episcopal and capitular estates. PARISHES BILL. The Marquis of BLANDFORD begged leave of the house to be allowed to lay a bill on the table, the object of which was to facilitate the formation and endowment of separate and distinct parishes. It differed from the bill of last year. This bill proposed to increase the powers of the ecclesiastical com missioners, and to enlarge Sir Robert Peel's Act of 1843. It was considered last session that it was better not to bring for. ward a measure at so late a peri o d o f th e sess i on, an d he therefore agreed to bring it forward this year. He had every evidence that the houso would give great attention, and would ultimately give its assent to this measure. Leave given to bring ii the bill. EXECUTION OF JUDGMENTS IN ANY PART OF THE UNITED KINGDOM. Mr. CRAUTURD begged leave to bring in a bill which he was too late to proceed with last session. The bill was to enable executions to issue in any part of the United King dom under judgments or deereets obtained in certain courts of record in England, Ireland, and Scotland. Last year the state of the bill was not satisfactory to the law officers of the Crown; but since that time he had introduced some alterations in the farm of the bill. He would not delay the house by going into the question at present, and trusted the house would find the modifications he had made in the bill satisfactory. The SOLICITOR-GENERAL said he thought the object of the bill most desirable, and he should be very loth for any obstacles to be put in the way of the passing of the bill. After some further observations, leave was given to bring in the bill. Mr. WHITESIDE obtained leave to introduce five bills re gulating the practice in the Irish Courts of Chancery. The hills were substantially the same with those which the hon and learned gentleman introduced last year. ABOLITION OF ENCUMBERED ESTATES COURTS (IRELAND). The SOLICITOR-GENERAL for IRELAND obtained leave to bring in a bill to abolish the Encumbered Estates Court, to enlarge the jurisdiction of the Irish Court of Chancery, in crease its powers, and reform its procedure. He stated that the measure would cost the country nothing, while as the life compensations fell in it would save 14,0001. a year. The En cumbered Estates Court, which he proposed now to abolish, had been in operation for six years, during which time it had effected sales of property to the extent of 17,330,0001.. of which it had distributed more than 14,000,0001. Besides this there were estates now to be sold the re -dale of which amounted to 4'00,0001. The court had therefore done much good, so dould at great individual hardship, but not at all to the extent which many anticipated. Only about one-sixth of the pureb asers were from England and Scotland, while 14,000,0001. at least consisted of Irish capital, which he would not sr ry was concealed, but the existence of which was at all eventri unknown. The bill carried out the recommen dations of a commission which sat on the subject last year, and it was divided into nine parts. He proposed to have an appeal court for the sale of all estates, encumbered or otherwise. He proposed to appoint two vice chancellors, with a salary of 3,5001. a-year each. The expenses of these courts would be saved by the abolition of Masters in Chance ry. The judge of the appellate court he proposed should be an ex-chancellor or a judge of the common law courtwith a salary of 1,5001. in addition to their present emoluments. But if neither of these were to be had, and it w :re too end nee3ssary to appoint a Lori Justice, his salary would' be 4,000/, a year. The hon. and learned gentleman then !altered at some length into the machinery of his bill, the fpmeral affect of which was to cheapen and simplify the proes3edings. All fees and stamps which would be abolished r o v. , would be abolished at once, and provision would be made for 'the gradual abolition of those that must be tolerated for Beane time longer. To make good the deficiency these aboli ti ane would create, a small percentage not exceeding 2 per 'cent, would be charged upon the proceeds of the estates sold. Mr. WHITESIDE claimed this as his own measure, the substance of which he introduced three years ago; but as un luckily he did not propose to create any new place, or to in crease anybody's salary, his measure was indig,nantlyrejected. The consequence was that the Encumbered Estates Court had become altogether choked up, and was incapable of getting through its work. The house would hardly believe that there were 1,360 cases now before that court altogether untouched. Was the House prepared to throw this mass of b us i ness, with th e p apers a ll i n confusion, into the Court of Chancery ? There were three commissioners, with a staff of thirty, in this court, and it was proposed to throw the work which they could not get through into the hands of two vice chancellors, who had to do all the accruing business . , j ? Chancery besides, His plan would be to insist upn'a 'th commissioners doing their own work, and winding 'op their own arrears before they got theiv cempensation H e was still more astonished to find that this ratasur" proposed to turn the Court of Chancery into a great cenve - yanc i ng A court of justice was intended for the determinatie,u of rights, but by this measure any man, might walk down to the vice-chancellor and say—l wart * ..0 sell my estate, sell it for me, This would be the effeet e;„? giving the court power to sell estates, whether encunLayred or unencumbered. He believed such a measure wo-dyi open up the door to all man ner of frauds. It was out, 'of the 'questiou to suppose that the 'vice-chancellor wn'llrll look into this matter—he would . its standing, and trust in all cases t o hire a lawyer of a cer c p his report, He cor , trasted the provisions of the bill with those Ito be faun 'in his own measure, insistin g th a t b oth A in point of "'JD' any and efficiency-his -. plan was preferable. lie was glad-. ly,wever, that the bill had b een i n t ro d uced so early in VA '" :session, and he hoped the House would watch it narrow',y, CAIRNS C 73.8 also glad that this important measure lr.vl been introduced so early this session. He thought the bill was a great experiment in an excellent direction, which, he believed, would issue in benefit both for England and frfland. He defended the conduct of the Commissioners in recommending that the Ceurt of Chancery should be reformed, and that the Court should have power to sell encumbered as well as unencumbered estates. There was nothing new in creating a court for the sale of those estates ; it was tho rule in 'all countries which were under the jurisdiction of the civil law. After replyinme to some of Mr. Whiteside's objec ' tions, he took to the Solicitor-General's measure. lie re ferred to the abolition of stamps, and the levying of a per centage on the, proceeds of sales. He thought this was unround in principle, even if it related only to the expense of sales of property; but it must further be recollected that the business of the Court of Chancery related to many other mat ters than the sales of estat es, while those estates would have j to pay the expense o f a ll th e b us i ness o f t h e court. Mr, MALINS considered that this was a proposition to abolish the Court of Chancery in Ireland, to make way for the Encumbered Estates Court. He objected to dismissing the Masters, who were still competent to the discharge of their duties. Mr. GEORGE also blojected to allowing the Masters to - re. tire on their fall salaries, while Vice-Chancellors were ere.tted to do their work. Mr. VINCENT SCULLY, with some exceptions, amproved of the bill. The bill was then introduced and read a first time.. CROSSED CHEQUES. Mr. A, PELL :CPT moved for leave to bring in. a bill rela ting to drafts ou bankers. He stated that recent. legal pro ceedings had rendered the legality of crossing cheques ex tremely doubtful, and the object of the bill he proposed to introduce was not to render it imperative upon, the banker to pay a cheque when it was crossed, notwithstanding it was payable to bearer. Without some system of that sort a vast amount of inconvenience would result both to bankers and merchants, and a bill of this kind settling the question would be felt as a great boon by all classes. Mr. WILSON said he should not opposes the introduction of the bill, but wished it to be quite understood that the Government were in no way committed. to the principle which the hon. member laid down. A banker's cheque was a document which, by a special Act of Parliament, was exempted from the stamp duty ou special grounds—those grounds being, that it should be payable to order, and should be drawn within a certain distance of the place where it was payable. Now, any other document ordering the payment of money must necessarily be a stamped instrument. The object of the hon. member appeared to, be, to attempt, by some contrivance, to convert a cheque on a banker payable tobearer, and, therefore, exempt from. a stamp into a docu ment payable to order, and thus to 'nave the security of the endorsement. Those things were, inconsistent with each other. He should, however, be; very glad to see the bill of the hon. gentlemua. He quite admitted the importance of the subject, and if any plan ccelld bo suggested for giving security to bankers, withouo.nfringing upon the law, the Government would be very g } Ad to adopt it. The motion was then agree d to. BILLS rf,ilt SCOTLAND, In the absence of the . Lord-Advocate Lord DUNC&N moved for, and obtained leave to bring in, the following bills : —Bill to consolidate awl amend the Laws relating to Bank ruptcy in Scotland ; Bill to make further provision for the Removal of Nuisances and Prevention of Diseases, and for the Police of Towns, iu Scotland ; Bill to regulate the Procedure in Actions, Causes, and other proceedings which are at pre sent competent before the Court of Exchequer in Scotland. - PRINTING OF THE HOUSE. On the motion or M. WILSON Alp printing committee last session was reap , ,,ointed. The house then acPounied, at a quarter to e l even o ' c l o a , till to-morrow (thi', day). THE iSTSPENSION OF MESSRS. JOHN SCOTT RUSSELL AND CO. rie suspension was announced yesterday afternoon of M'assrs. John Scott Russell and Co., the firm at whose • orks at Millwall the great ship for the Eastern Steam Navigation Company is in course of construction. Their liabilities are stated to amount to 180,0001., and the value of their assets will depend much upon the success of arrangements in progress to prevent the abandonment of some of their principal contracts. Measures have already been taken which will secure the building of the Eastern steam-ship from being impeded, and it is said that if similar means can be adopted with regard to the coinpletion of other vessels and works on hand a com paratively favourable result may be anticipated. The following circular has been issued by the house, calling a meeting of their creditors for this day week, by which time it is hoped the contemplated plans will have been matured : " Millwall Works, Feb. 4. "Sir,—lt is with deep regret that we have to inform you of our inability to fulfil our engagements as they se verally become due, and have therefore to solicit the favou r of your attendance at a meeting, to be held on Tu ?sday, the 12th instant, at noon punctually, at the Guildhall C o ff ee-house, King-street, Cheapside, to con aider of and determine upon the most effectual and speedy !node of settlement and we trust that the ener gies which will be exercise,l during the week will enable us to place before you a pr o j ect for effecting the before mentioned purpose, which will, under all circumstances, be considered satisfactory, We are, Sir, yours obediently, "J. SCOTT RUSSELL AND CO." one We believe that . offi tr ci v al the ecl THE DOCKS AT SEBASTOPOL.— intelligence has been received of the tion of th e d oc k s a t Sebastopol , whichh ave now all been blown up. ANOTHER LARGE NUGGET. — We yesterday inapec t at Mr. W. Cl ar k e ' s shop, i n Collins-street, on of a finest nuggets we have yet seen. It was found at Dai s y. hill by a Mr. St e ph enson, and i ts we i g h t i s 715 ounce ; Larger ones have been found, but none, we believe, s o rich—yielding as it does 526 ounces of gold, or about 75 per cent, of the gross weight. This is the nugget about which the dispute has arisen between the Custom-house authorities and the lucky owner, as to the amount of export duty to be paid upon it ; the dispute, of course, banging upon the question as to whether there is an export duty of 2s. 6d. an ounce upon quartz and iron stone as well as upon gold. Mr. Childers, we believe, is of opinion that there is ; but the gold brokers think otherwise ; and the hon. collector has referred the matter 1 to the Attorney-General.--111c/bourne Paper. THE SUNI_LONDOW, 19:71118nAY THEATRE ROYAL, COVENT-dARDEN, Lessee, Mr. J. H. Anderson. THIS EVENING, Douglas Jerroid's Drama of BLACK-EYED SUSAN. Principal character by Professor Anderson. To conclude with the gorgeous Pantomime of YE BELLE ALLIANCE. Clown, ]lr. Flexmore ; Pantaloon, Mr. Barnes; Harlequin, Mr. C. Brown ; and Columbine, Miss E. Horne. THEATRE ROYAL. DRIIRTZA.NE. Lessee. Mr. E. T. Smith. THIS EVENING, TILE GREAT GUN TRICK. After which, HEY DIDDLE DIDDLE; or. Harlequin King Nonsense and the Seven Ages of Man. THEATRE ROYAL. HAYMARK ET. Under the Management of Mr. Buctstone. THIS EVENING, THE BE ita' STItA.TAGESI. After which the New Comic Christmas Pantomime, entitled THE BUTTERFLY'S BALL AND THE GRA.SITIOPPER'S FEAST; or, Harlequin and the Genius of the Spring. ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE, OZFORD-STREET. Under the Management of Mr. CaLll.llll KRAL THIS EVENING, KING HENRY THE EIGHTH. Queen Katharine. Mrs. C. Kean; Cardinal Wolsey, Mr. C. Kean. After which, HARLEQUIN AND THE MAID AND THE MAGPIE ; or, the Fairy Paradise and Hanky Peaky, Use Enchanter. Harlequin, Mr. Cormack ; Clown, Mr. liutine ; Pantaloon, Mr. Paulo; and Columbine, Miss Caroline Adam. TEIZATRE ROYAL ADELPHT. Proprietor, Mr. B. Webster.—Directress, Madame Calcite. THIS EVENING. THE BOOTS OF THE HOLLY TREE INN. After which, DOMESTIC ECONOMY. To be followed by ITRGEN I PRIVATE AFFAIRS. To conclude with SACK AND THE BE .%N STALK; or, Harlequin and Mother Goon at Home Again. In which Meqsrs. J. 1314nd, P. Bedford, Madame Celeste, Mise Wyndham, and Miss E. Arden will ap,mar. ROYAL OLYMPIC THEATRE. Lessee and Manager, Mr. Alfrel Wigan. THIS EVENING, THE JEALOUS WIFE. the commissioners, who were really but trustees for the public benefit, found but few and trivial obstacles to extending the principle to a de , gree never anticipated by the Legislature or the Government, or possibly of converting it to pur poses altogether different from those for which it was originally granted. Thus at Liverpool, out of more than 100,0001. levied on shipping, barely 3 per cent., or 3,0001. per annum, was expended on maritime purposes, the enormous balance being applied in aid of the municipal funds for beautify ing and improving the town, or possibly in ban quets to the administrators. And yet the plea advanced in favour of this flagrant abuse is, that the trustees have an absolute right to dispose of the funds as they think proper, and that Parlia ment should not interfere until the matter has been thoroughly investigated before the legal tri bunals of the country, and any private party who may come forward has been thoroughly impo verished by protracted and expensive litigation, which may be ruinous to him, although a matter of trivial moment to those who have such ample funds wherewith to play out the legal game. We congratulate Mr. LOWE on his vory com mendable onslaught on one of the last remaining strongholds of corruption. No Knight-errant of the olden time ever made a more determined and vigorous attack on the enchanter's castle to liberate the innocent captives therein detained. Public opinion, loudly proclaimed, is the horn—the sound whereof will dissipate the infamous spells that so long prevailed, and which, we trust, will completely overthrow the• defences, without leaving a single stone thereof standing on another. It is sufficiently amusing to listen to the dia tribes of beardless politicians, guiltless of jobbery, against the correspondents of the independent portion of the Press, because of their alleged in accuracies and misstatements while exposing the delinquencies of men in office who happen to be the gods of their youthful idolatry. One cannot but sympathise with the lads in their regard for truth and fair play, and thus have one's zest in creased for the enjoyment of their child-like igno rance of the subject with which they feel them selves all -competent to deal. Still more amusing is it to listen to the puffy ejaculations of elderly gentlemen, rubicund with sherry, and as indignant as Church and State can make them with the newspaper men who, having no reverence for truth or the powers that be, have lyiugly mis spelt a surname, given a wrong Christian one, represented what took place late on Thursday evening as having occurred early on Friday morning, and blamed a man who everybody knew was impeccable. "Why JACK, sir—Tom ? Well, Tom, then, went to school with my brother, 'sir, and married HlCKS'—not HICKS' ? 0, aye, DICK'S daughter, and was always a good fellow, sir. JACK do such things —never !" The poor inno cents alike unaware that a correspondent can not help occasional blunders, not being oranipresont, having at times to trust to fallible rumour, and at best to ferret out, comparatively unaided, what it is the interest of the delinquent; to conceal, and what, from the position they have more power than others to keep secret. Very far, however, from amusing is it to glance over the unhesitating denials, the unscrupulous charges of misrepresentation, and the manifold slanders with which the allegations of the inde pendent Press are met by the TADPOLES, TAPERS, and other hangers-on of men in office, whether ignorant of the falsity or cmscious of the truth of those allegations, yet aware that the honour and welfare of the country imperatively demand that they should be thoroughly investigated and the offenders brought to book. Few things can be more painful to peruse than the decorous falsehoods of men like these—know ing, as we do, how many well-meaning persons are likely to believe them, and what serious mis chief they may occasion. Great, however, is truth ; and we have the satisfaction, in the long run, of witnessing their discomfiture, and the vin dication of the integrity and fidelity of the men whom they have so vilely maligned. A memorable illustration of this unfairneses to newspaper correspondents, and of the important services they have it in their power to render, and have rendered, to the public has, as no one now attempts to deny, been furnished during the present War. Conscious of the goodness of its Cause and of the greatness of its resources, and but too apt to credit offieials with the capacity and honesty they attribute to themselves, th e nation entered on the War with the utmost confi dence that a single campaign would see Russia prostrate at its feet, her armies dispersed, and :her fleets destroyed. Hew lamentably it was disap pointed—how well it bore up against that disap pointment--and with what renewed confidence it looked to the speedy capture of Sebastopol is suffi ciently notorious. Our soldiers, amply equipped and cared for, would, as of old, go anywhere, and do everything, and our fleets were only biding their time. Presently rumours became current that our army was anything but well provided and cared for, and was likely, if not speedily relieved, to have much to do to hold its own. The whole tribe of placomen set up a laugh of derision, and pronounced them utterly untrue. The rumours survived the in fliction, and were cenfirmed in detail letter after letter by the correspondents of the Press. The noble army that was to sweep the Russians from the Crimea was shown to be labouring shoeless and shirtless, and far beyond its strength, in the trenches—its bed the cold wet ground, its food insufficient in quantity, much of what there was uneatable, and not a little unwholesome. Bluff faces grew sallow with want and exposure, the strength of strong men failed through being overtasked, dysentery came of want of clothing and bad diet, the hospitals were crowded, patients died by . hundreds weekly, and still there was not room for the sick. Green coffee was served out to men hardly able to stand from ex haustion, no bread was to be had for: the many whose sore gums were lacerated by biscuit, and who could get no lime-juice. The horses eat each other's tails and manes, and tore their 'very hersecloths to satisfy their hunger. One-third of the entire British army perished from over-work, want, and exposure, before the walls of Sebastopol, in six months. Not one-half was in an effective condition. Such were the statements that reached the public, by piecemeal, through the correspondents of the Press. The Government knew, or affected to know, little or nothing of all this ; their mendacious scribes denied it point-blank—then admitted there was some truth in it, but abominably exaggerated. " FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO was but a type" of the newspaper correspondents, who were " liars of the first magnitude." The nation awoke from its sleep, and, to the confusion of the Ministerial hacks, measures wore taken by the Govern ment which certainly lout a countenance to the notion that the newspapers had all along told the truth, and if not the whole truth, certainly nothing but the truth. The report of Sir JOHN WNEILL and Colonel TULLOCII goes further, and settles for ever the question as to After which will be produced a New and doubly-moral. though excessively old, Melodramatic Fairy Extravaganza, entitled THE DISCREET PRINCESS ; the Three Glass Distaffs. In which Messrs. Emery, F. Robson, 11. Cooper, Miss Marstoi, and Miss Maskell will appear. ROYAL SURREY THEATRE. Lessees, Messrs. Shepherd and Creswick. TIIIS EVENING THE SHADOWS OF CRIME. To conclude with A PRINCE OF PEARLS; or, Flarleluln and lane Shore. ROYAL STRAND TOEATRE. Under the direction of Mr: Payne. TIIIS EVENING. WIRLEQUIN BLICK-EYED SUE; or. All in the Downs and Daly Jones's Locker. - After which, THE R)MANTIC WIDOW. Followed by THE PRISONER OF ROCHELLE; or, Inns and Outg. To conclude with A. PLAGUE O' ROTEL YOUR UOUSR3 ; or. The Doub'e-barrelled Gun Trick. who were the liars throughout.. Not an allegation of importance made by the newspaper correspon dentSbut is substantiated—not a slander directed against them but is refuted ; and in the saving of the remains of our army from ruin, in the over throw of an imbecile Ministry and the substitu tion of a vigorous Cabinet—in the fall of Sebas topol—in the existence of a noble British army, well supplied with provisibns and necessaries, and ready to drive the enemy from the Crimea, and in the proud attitude of the country at the present moment; the correspondents of the press may trace their handiwork, and see cause to congratulate themselVes on the fidelity and fearlessness with which they discharged their task, and on the good service which, however previously humble and unknown, they have done their country in the teeth of venal . slander and official discouragement. terday LATEST NEWS. TILE PEACE NEGOTIATIONS. PARIS, TUESDAY, FEB. 5, 8 A. M, The Moniteur publishes the names of the Plenipotentiaries for the Conferences. They are the same as those we published yes- France .. {Count Colonna Walewski. Baron de Bourqueney. 'Earl of Clarendon. England . •• Lord Cowley. Austria .l Count de Buol-Schaunstein. Baron de Hubner. Turkey r Aali Pasha. Mehemed Djemil Bey. Sardinia Russia Baron Brunow. MARSEILLES, TUESDAY, FEB. 5, 8.5 A.ll, The Euphrate has arrived, with advices from Constantinople of the 28th, and from the Crimea Gtli January. Despatelles leave at 9 a.m. The English transport. Swiftsure, which left Constantinople on the 15th of January, with war materiel, has arrived. Your Constantinople correspondent, writing on the 28th of January, says : " A Grand Council assembled on the 26th of January, to discuss the propositions of the repre- sentatives of the Allies on the fourth point. " It is believed that they are accepted." MARSEILLES, MONDAY. We learn by the Indus that the conferences relative to the Rayas are terminated, and the result will be communicated to the powers inter• estecl in the question. The discussions relative to the Principalities will be shortly resumed. The Sardinian ambassador is to leave Constan tinople in a few days. The Journal de Constan tinople states that he has been recalled by his Government to take part in some important councils. He is replaced in the Turkish capital by a Charge d'Affaires. The repair of the sub marine telegraph from the Crimea will be very difficult ; nothing can be (lone to it at present. The acceptance of the Austrian propositions by Russia continued to cause general astonishment in Turkey. The deputation of Circassian chiefs, who had been at Constantinople for some time, have left for Trebizonde. Accounts have been received from Bulgaria of disturbances having taken 'Place with the Bishi-Bazeuks at. Shumla. Orders have been sent for the punishment of the rioters. The .Presse d' Orie lit announces under date of Sebas topol, 19th, that General Lekeuf had re turned to head-quarters from his visit to ICinburn. At the above date the allied generals were not aware of the pacific turn in affairs, the submarine telegraph not being in working order. Accounts from Persia, state that M. Beuree, the French Minister there, is on very friendly terms with the Shah, and is endeavouring to smooth down the differences which exist between the English and Persian Governments." STOCKHOLM, MONDAY EVENING. The King's Chamberlain, Count Charles Bjor sistjerna has gone to London to invest Prince Albert with the Seraphin Order. FRANKFORT, MONDAY. Though not entirely approving or adopting the proposals to Russia, the smaller German States aro disposed to forward the views of the Paris Conferences, to send representatives, and to accept as a basis the conditions agreed to by the Allied Powers and Russia. As this plan satisfies neither Austria nor Prussia, some moyea terme will be adopted. FRANCE. PARIS, MONDAY EVENING. A private telegraphic despatch announces that Count Orloff and M. do Brunow have left St. Petersburg for Paris. The Emperor and Empress yesterday received several foreigners of distinction presented by the English Ambassador, and the Belgian and Spanish Ministers. The Emperor yesterday gave audience to M. de Baumbacb, who delivered to his Majesty his letters of credence as Minister Plenipotentiary of the Elector of Hesse. We have received the Moniteur. It does not contain any news of interest. I BOURSE, reb. 4.—The following were the last quotations : Mush. fr. e. End of Month. 4i per , Conts 96 -- —f. —O . 3 per Cents 72.20 73 New Loan 72 60 Bank Shares 3,380 Roman Credit Mobilier 1575 Austrian Belgian Fives 96i— Spanish Threes — Piedmontem(s)...... 83 50 Home Debt 371 RAILWAYS —SOB CASE. • fr. e. fr. 0. Orleans ... ,.1,240 Western BlO — lsTorthem Lynne a .••••• • 10225 New Ditto B2O Mediterranean 1,370 Grand Central 642 50 Lyons Geneva 755 Testa ........... 630 Cette , 745 Austrian Com. ...... 860 ARTLETS ROYAL A.MPHITREATRIL Lowe and Manapr, Mr. Wm. Cooks. THIS EVENING, The popul.er equestrian Spectacle sailed ROOKWOOD; or, TUR PIN'S VIDE to YORK. After which the SCENES; in the CIRCLE. The wonderful per formance of the Stupendous Sagacious Elephants, whose instinct and docility have astonished every one. To conclude with a grand Equestrian Comic Pantomime called lIMILRQUIN AND MT. GEORGE AND THE DRAGON; or, the Seven Champions of Christendom. Box-office open from Eleven till Four. Stage Manager, Mr. W. West. Equestrian Director. Mr. W. Cooke, jun. EMMA STANLEY'S SEVEN AGES OF WOMAN, Every Evening at 8, and on Saturdays at 3. Pronounced by the unanimous voice of the press, and by nightly increasing audiences, to be the Greatest Artistical Triumph of the day. SAINT MARTIN'S HALL. Long-acre. Area. Is. Reserved Cbalrs, 21. 6d. HIGH WATER, AT LONDON BRIDGE. THIS DAY—Morn. 48 lain. aft. 12—Evening 15 min. aft. 1 1%-lifoßßovi—Morn. 4'2'. min. aft. 1--Evening 6 min. aft. 2 THE WEATHER—SUN OFFICE, FEB 5. THERMOMETER, IN THE SHADE. 45 highest sines noon yesterday. 41 —lowest this morning and daring the night. 4G —this day at noon. BAROMETER, 30'22. WIND, W.S.W.—Light, with fine weather. ktv +rvi, 'll3l LONDON', TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1856. Scarcely have the plaudits which attended the development of the Partnership Bills, by the new Vice-President of the Board of Trade been silenced, before Mr. LOWE has established a new claim on the gratitude of the commercial com munity. He proposes the complete abolition or the passing tolls, making due provision for the liquidation of liabilities incurred on the security thereof, giving power also to get rid of a portion of the municipal dues--the balance being trans ferred to the National Exchequer, and the rights and interests of bona fide creditors being strictly respected, although the payment of their de mands is apportioned, in the first instance, be tween the dues retained and the Corporation funds. The Charity funds are dealt with in a similar manner, some being abolished, and the remainder being placed under Government control and management. The judicious principle is further carried out in a very efficient and com prehensive manner, the result being that the shipping interest, which has already been so heavily and so unfairly mulcted, will be relieved of burdens to the extent of some 200,0001. per annum, and will no longer be subjected to arbi trary charges, imposed according to the discretion, or rather indiscretion, of bodies with whom they were in no degree connected. There is but one drawback to the satisfaction we should otherwise have experienced at this otherwise unexceptionable measure. There is too great respect for what are termed " vested interests "—too much anxiety to give compensa tion for claims that bad no just or reasonable foundation. We can, however, make every allow ance for the difficulties which Mr. Lows had to encounter. He was well aware of the prejudices existing in both Houses on the point, and the almost insurmountable obstacles that would be opposed at every stage of the proceedings, unless he had recognised the objectionable principle. As well, however, might "compensation " be de manded on behalf of the known swell-mobsmen for their probable losses on the introduction of a more efficient system of Police, 'as in some of these oases where the abuses of the trusts confided to the charge of the administrators have been of the most flagrant character. These, however, are matters of detail which must be disposed of in committee, and we earnestly hope that the utmost vigilance may be displayed on every point in any degree oonnected therewith. The Bill, however, aims a heavy blow and great aiscouragement at the system •f jobbery which so long pervaded every department of the State. Au individual or a body were plundered by unfair p rivileges conceded to others. In place of abating tl ►o social grievance a new licence for plunder was granted, which was seldom merely an equivalent it that remonstrated against ; and thus a series 01 : petty, but vexatious, exactions came into opera ti on, all of which ultimately fell upon the tax pakyting community or consumers. There was always a plausible pretext for the robbery to be found under the obsolete protective system. But the real object was known ; and PRUSSIA. BERLIN, Feb. 3.—The Gazette de la Croix says that Prussia will maintain her neutrality in the face of the Conferences, that she will enter into no engagements tending to support the projects of the Western Powers against Russia, and that she will aw ait the march of events. The amount of Bank notes will be augmented by ton millions. A letter from Berlin of the Ist, in the Cologne Gazette,, says :—‘ 6 We learn from a good source that the Western Powers have an intention of crowning the work of the Paris congress by a com mercial treaty with Russia, in which the latter is to modify her customs tariff in favour of those Powers. We presume that such a modification cannot take place without advancing the interests of Germany. It is, however, satisfactory to see the Western Powers profiting by this occasion to open a breach in the prohibitive system of Russia." AUSTRIA. VIENNA, Feb. -1.--The French and British Ministers yesterday received instructions to sign the so-often mentioned Protocol. Immediately after:the receipt of their despatches, Sir Hamilton Seymour and M. de Bourqueney communicated their contents to the Austrian Minister for Foreign Affairs and to the Turkish Embassy. In'the course of the evening it was settled that the Representa tives of England, France, Turkey, and Russia should meet at the Foreign office at 12 to-day, and then and there sign the important document iu question. At the appointed hour the four foreign diplomatists (the present representative of Turkey at this Court is only a Charge d'Affair es ) h a d as sembled, and they and Count Buol atta c h e d th e i r signatures to the subjoined protocol :-- "In consequence of the acceptance by their respec tive Courts of the five propositions contained in the document hereunto annexed, under the title of Draft of Preliminaries, t}.49 undersigned, after having paraphed it, conformably to authorisation received to that effect, have agreed that their Governments shall each nomi nate Plenipotentiaries, who, furnished with the full powers necessary for proceeding to the signature of fer. mal preliminaries of peace, shall conclude an armistice and a definitive treaty of peace. The said Plenipoten tiaries will have to assemble at Paris within the term ' -...14 . -4.4 5am0c....m.wpw0-NtincaOkaereasamitempprommegs4o of three weeks dating from this day, or sooner, if it can ho done. " Done at Vienna, this 14 day of February, 1356." (The Five Signatures.) Five copies or " expeditions," as they are tech nically called, of the protocol, are to be prepared, and one given to each Government. Count Bug will leave for Paris on or about the 12th, and M. de Bourqueney two or three da3s sooner. The only other news worthy of mention is, that the Queen's speech so da m p e d th e a r d our o f the stock-jobbing world that there was a slight reac tion on 'Change, although it had transpired that the Protocol had been signed by the representatives of the live Powers. National Loan fell to 86 ; Credit Bank Shares, at 2001, were 28041 Lon don, at three months, 101 27k. The premium on gold 121 per cent., and that on silver 8i per cent. LOSS OF THE POLYPHEMUS. The following telegraphic message has been re ceived at the Admiralty, from her Majesty's Mi nister at Copenhagen, dated Jan. 4 : "The Polyphemus was totally lost on the 29th inst., south of Hansthohn Light, north-west coast of 'Jutland. The master and fourteen hands were drowned. The stores, &0., will be saved. It will be useless and dangerous to send assistance from the seaward. A part of the cutter's and ship's crews having reached a vessel in the offing, makes the number of lost doubtful. A strong current and fog wore the cause of the accident. Land not seen though within 400 yards. I will forward Captain Warren's despatch to-morrow, by Kiel steamer." COVENT-GARDEN THEATRE. GRAND MUSICAL FE3TIVAL AND LYRIC CONGRESS. The Wizard is making the most of his time. It would be well for the community if every caterer for public entertainment, were to display the same zeal and energy in his vocation that has characterised the Anderson Dynasty. To-morrow evening, Ash-Wednesday, when, according to time-honoured custom, the ordinary per formances are suspended, there will be a Grand Musical and Lyric Cengress, in which the lovers of harmony Will be afforded a rich treat, and that without any ad• dition. to the ordinary charges. The Professor has secured the valuable assistance of the celebrated Madame Caradori, who will (for the first titre for two years) enable a metropolitan audience to judge of her extraordinary vocal qualifications in the magnificent Inutile of " Norma." Nor does the Professor trust to a rintsle star. Miss Lucy Escort will also appear, and wite her a very efficient body of artistes, introducing , the following well-known celebrities, viz.:—Madame Caradori (Prima Donna of the Royal Operas of London, Edinburgh, &c., her first appearance in Loudon for two years) ; Madame Amadei, Miss Emma Stanley, Miss Lasceltes, Miss Fanny Hiddart, Miss Stabbaeb, Miss Rose Braham, Miss Harriet Go r do n , Mi ss D e L ara , an d Lucy Eecott her first appearance in London this sea son) ; the Misses Brougham ; Mr. Augustus Braham, Mr. George Perren, Herr Jjenreich Jahns, Mr. W. Lee (his first appearance), Mr. T. Williams, Sig. Mariani, and Mr. George Tedder ; Mr. Rosenthal, Mr. Winn, and Mr. Hamilton Braharn ; the Orpheus Glee Union. Solo Instrumentaliste—Violins, Mr. Viotti Collins and Herr Ramonbaye (SoloViolitirst to her Majesty); Flute, Mr. J. Richardson ; Oboe, Sit , . Paggi ; Trumpet, Mr. Di-tin ; Concertina, Mr. G. Case ; Pianoforte, M. A. Billet. Full band and chorus. Musical directors—M. Loder and Herr Anschuez. It is needless to expatiate on such a:bill of fare, which must be heard to be properly appreciated. We have no doubt that this new • experi ment of-the Wizard will prove as great a triumph as any of these on which he has previously adverted. Ho is certainly making gigantic efforts to get rid of the abun• dant funds with which the judicious liberality and patronage: of the public has supplied him ; but as yet he has signally failed in so doing. For once, and we believe once only, he has failed in achieving his avowed object. He must therefore resign himself to the care of large means, until a new opportu nity is afforded of expending that which he has obtained from the community for its especial benefit. We shall only express our earnest hope that it may riot bo long deferred, and that "we may be there to see." We need only add that the times too short to develope all the Wizard's intentions. He has but another week to be stow on the public, and this evening will inaugurate the first metropolitan appearance of the spirited lessee as William in "Black Eyed Susan," said to be one of his most brilliant performances. SAYMARKIIT THEATRE. Mr. Buckstone announces the last morning perform ance of his brilliant pantomime, "The Butterfly's Ball and the Grasshopper's Feast," on Thursday next. These represensations at this theatre have given the greatest sati4action to many families residing in the suburbs of London. Three day performances only wore in tended, but the numerous applications for a continuance of them induced Mr. Backstone to increase their num ber, the last of which takes place on the day mentioned. The revival of "The Beaux' Stratagem " has been the great success of the evening performances, while "The Little Treasure," and " Only a Halfpenny," as per formed by the Haymarket company at Windsor, afford an agreeable variety to the entertainments. A new and original comedy, by Boyle Bernard, the author of the charming little piece, "The Balance of Comfort," is in rehearsal. ADELPIII THEATRE. Last evening a " holiday illustrative sketch " of a tale in the Christmas number of " Household Words " was produced at the above theatre, trader the title of" Boots of the Holly•tree Inn ; or, The Infant Elopement to Gretna Green." Many of the characters and incidents, with much of the language of the original, are skilfully introdnced ; and the sketch, moreover, affords ample scope to the admirable talent of Mr. Benjamin Webster, who, as the loquaciou., kind-hearted " boot:," displays all that intimate knowledge of stage effect—that artistic finish and peculiar power of depicting lively or serious emotions with equal success, for which he has long been celebrated. His performance alone should render this trifle attractive ; but, fortunately, it is in every other respect well acted, and especial praise is due to the in fantile representative of the boy Harry, who really showed ability of a high order, and contributed in no small degree to the general effect. " Boots of the Holly tree lun," though necessarily undramatic in structure, cannot fail to interest all who have read the original tale—and who has not ? Mr. Webster made his first appearance since Christmas on this occasion, and was enthusiastically received. COURT CIRCULAR. WINDSOR, MONDAY, FEB. 4. The Queen and Prince, accompanied by the Royal family, walked in the grounds adjoining the Castle this morning. Viscount Drumlanrig, Controller of the Household, had an audience of the Queen, to present the Address from the House of Commons in answer to her Majesty's Speech from the Throne. The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council sat yes- terday and resumed the hearing of au appeal (part hoard) from Bengal, " Doe, don). Seebkristo, v. East India Company." Sir W. Maule gave juJgment on the part of their Lordships. An rippeal from Madras, " Nagalutehint Ummal v. Nadetaja Chetty," was commenced. The Lords present wera—tbe Chancellor of the Duchy of Cornwall, Sir J. Pattesori, Sir IV. Mau!e, and Sir E. Ryan. Despatches from the Governors of Victoria and Labuan, and also from the Lord High Commissioner of the lonian Islands, were raceived yesterday at the Colonial office. His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge has issued cards for a dinner party, to-morrow, at his apartments in St. James's Palace. The Duchess Dowager of Argyll has left the St. George's Hotel. Lord and Lady Churchill and Colonel M. Biddulph have also left the same establishment. The Duke and Duchess of Northumberland have arrived at ' •Sion House, leleworth, from Alnwick Castle, Northumberland. The Countess of Portsmouth and the infant Viscount Lymington are progressing as favourably as can be desired. The Eirl of Carrick has arrived in town from the Continent.. Viscount Jocelyn and family are prolonging their re sidence at St. Leonards-on-Sea. Viscount Pevonsey, roeently attached to the British Embassy at Constantinople, has returned from the East, and gone to visit the Countess of Sheffield, at St. Leanards-on-Sea. REPRESENTATION OF EDINBURGH. —The nomination for Edinburgh will take place on Thursday; and the polling on Friday. THE REPRESENTATION OF TAMWORTII.—The election of a representative for this borough, in the room of Captain Townshend, now Marquis of Townshend, is fixed for Thursday next. Tt is understood there will be no opposition to the return of Lord Raynhaw, his son, who is at present the only candidate. NEw ORDER OF VALOUR,—Her Majesty has deter mined on the creation of an "Order of Valour," to be open to all ranks of the army or navy who shall have been distinguished for conspicuous personal courage. The decoration will consist of a plain metal cross. DEATH, OF VIE EARL OF LTSTOWEL.--DUBLIN, MON DAY EVENP/o--The papers announce the death of the Earl of Listowel, which event took place this afternoon, at haulf-past 2 o'clock, at Morrison's Hotel. His lord ship was struck with paralysis on the 26th ult,, and, though he rallied for a few days, he begaa to sink ra pidly this morning, and from that time no hopes were entertained of his recovery. The deceased nobleman, who was in his 56th year, is succeeded in his title and estates by his eldest son, Viscount. Ennismore, a young officer of the Guards, who highly distinguished himself at the battle of the Alma, and is at present serving on the atn' . of the army in the Crimea. RUSSIA. The Northern Bee publishes the following article in its number of the 26th of January : "A rainbow of peace has appeared in the horizon and has been joyfully hailed by all friends of civilisation, by all those who desire to see the prosperity of commerce in all its branches. " In these two years of war with four Powers, the Russian people has given a striking proof of its great and noble character, and has earned the respect of its enemies. "As regards France it may be positively affirmed that the French nation loves and respects the Russians, ad mires their courage and self denial, and takes every op' portunity of expressing its sympathy, as it did wbea there was a short suspension of hostilities in the Crimes , as also when Russian prisoners passed through France; The French prisoners, on their part, have been treated by the Russians Idre brother.. " May God grant us peace. But, should it not be cow eluded, Russia still has at her disposal sufficient m 0205 of resistance to repel her enemies with energy. We hope, at all events, that peace will give a new impetus to Rus sian trade and manufactures, which will completely emancipate Russian commerce from strangers. " Every strong Power, even during peace, should be constantly prepared for war. Russia desires peace, but she does not fear war." SPAIN. The Madrid journals of the 80th ult. have reached us. _Royal decrees in the Gazette nominate M. Corradi minister at Lisbon, relieve M. Antoine y Zayos from the post of minister in Mexico, nominate as his successor M. de Cos Santos Alvarez, political director in the ministry of Foreign Affairs, and appoints M. Ulloa to the political directorship of that ministry. The political friends of M. Orensehaa signed a declaration to the effect that he ought not to accept any challenge from the Minister of War on his ceasing to be a minister. It was said that Brigadier-General 11. O'Donnell, brother of 9 6 minister, was, in Consequence of tho impossibility of the latter fighting a duel, hast e ni ng to Madrid with the intention o f c h a ll eng i ng M. Orensel Twenty-four of the men arrested for the attempteu insurrection at the Cortes on the 7th ult. had been set at liberty. It was rumoured that a new and more serious conspiracy- against the Cortes was ill preparation, but the government was on its guar The cholera had reapp eare d i n the province of Huelva. The lines of electric telegraph had sav ferod greatly from the inundations and bad WO' thor, and between Mendivil and Pampoluna soul ill-intentioned persons had cut down 20 posts lulu broken 500 yards of the wires. A letter from St. Louis (Senegal) of the 21 s t December, in the Monitear de la Flotte, gives al account of an exploring voyage made by the Go vernor, attended by a numerous party, to th e Lake Panic Foulh. The following are some de tails :—" They left St. L ou i s i n the Government steamer Guet'n dar and ascended the main river 1 01. about 25 leagues, and then entering a small branch arrived at the lake, which i s a b ou t e i g h t leagues lu length and with an average breadth of half a leagu e ; The steamer, after passing M er i nag h em, a French P°9,l established near the entra nce o f th e l a k e, proceeded four leagues beyond it as far as the tamarind ple! ; tation of Bournoun, wh en f rom th e s h a ll own ess v: the water it was consider e d p ru d en t no t to v.° ture further. Bournoun is the point of junctr ll of the Cayor, the Wale, th e F on t a , an d th e Mir,. loff ; it is the rendezvous o f b an d s o f robbedwl'" intercept the communications and make razzias on the neighbouring countries. At this place the lake_ is nothing more tha n an i mmense ' r i ver, h av i ng near its edges vast t rac k s o f r i ce groun d s. Th e a rrival of the steamer produced an immense sensation among the natives of th e v ill ages on t h e b an ks the lake, and the Governor was a witness of the el' cellent effect produced by the energetic measures whic'h he had adopted against the Moors. All along the banks of the Taive and of the Wale the village° have again submitted t o th e or d ers of the ch i e f° appointed by the French. The dominion of the Moors is now at an end, and the inhabitants be gin to feel the advantages which will result to theta from the protection of France, and they read with every mark of respect and admiration a procla mation which the Gove rnor h a d cause d t o be dis tributed among them assuring them of his protec tion. The steamer returned to Senegal by,anotber river which led from the lake as far as the 1 . 16 aux Biches, where it fell into the river Sb. A letter from Tiflis of the 28th Dec. says 1 "; " General Mouravieff has just published the fol . lowing order of the day The Emperor 1ar, 113 1 received my most humbl e repor t announcing t h at the fortress of Kar s h a d b een surren d ere d by t h e Turks, has deigned, by rescript of the 16th, i c c i nominate me K n i g ht G ran d C ross of the secollt class of the order of George the Holy Martyr. Ae the same time it has pleased his Majesty to,uis7 me happy by sending another rescript of the 160, in which the august monarch deigns to expres s satisfaction to the troops in the following terms :"" I charge you t o t ransm it my t h anks to a ll tuo troops confided to your command, and who hat e taken part in the siege of Kars ; I am proud them, aud am always proud of the brave soldiers of the Caucasus." A letter from Berlin of the 30th ult., in th e Weser Gazette, say s :—" A report h as long Fe el ; current, and has now acqu i re d a certa i n degree 0 , consistency, to the effect that England wishes thIP in the future treaty of peace the Russo-Swediel l frontier shall be defined. It is possible that the integrity of Sweden will be guaranteed i n the same manner that it has lately been bl France and England, and that tho principal point° of the treaty of November will be embodied in the European arrangement which is to be concluded at Paris." A letter from Naples in the official journal of Tuscany says :—" Several promotions have lately taken place in the army of the Two Sicilies. The Princes d'lschitella and Castelcicala and Major- Generals del Carretto and Labrano have been pro moted to the rank of lieutenant-general ; 43 colo - nels have besides been nominated major -generals;, A levy of 12,000 men is being at present effected. A letter from Vienna of the 31st ult., in the Bourse Gazette, says :—" I mentioned yesterday that Bavaria, Saxony, Baden, and the Princes of Thuringen, are of the same opinion as the great German powers with respect to the proposition which is to be submitted to the Diet. I learn to day that this unanimity only refers to the propoei: tion itself, and not to its contents. With respect to the latter, there exists between Prussia and Austria some differences of view which are int' portant." THE PENINSULAR MAILS. SOUTHAMPTON, TUESDAY MORNING. The Peninsular and Oriental Company's steam' ship Sultan, Captain R. W. Evans, arrived early this morning, with the Peninsular mails in charge of L Lieutenaut Hermin, R.N., Admiralty ag ent. The Sultan's dates are Gibraltar, Jan. 29 ; 30 ; Lisbon, Feb. 1; Oporto, n o communicat i on ; Vigo, Feb. 2. There are on board 18 first and second class passengers, including Mr. G. Rennie and family, Governor of the Falkland Islands, and 40 deck passengers. On freight the Sultan brings 10 packages of specie, value 3,3081., and a cargo consisting of 862 half-chests of oranges, 175 cases of eggs, 18 casks of wine, 11 tubs of leeches, 65 bags of almonds, 7 80 bags of chestnuts, 103 bags of orchilla weed, 7 9 boxes of dates, and 23 packages of general mer chandise. During the outward voyage, the Sultan experi enced heavy south-west and westerly gales to Lis bon, after which fair weather. On the homeward voyage the weather was favourable, enabling this mail packet to averag e 111 knots from Lisbon to this port. Tlie Sultan left Lisbon on the lst instant, three days behind her time. The' foreign vessels of war in the Tagus were her Majesty's ship St. George, and the French steamer Cameleou, which had put in the day before for coals. The exchanges for this packet are quoted—Lon don, 54i ; Paris, 521; Amsterdam, 43i ; Hamburg, 481 ; Genoa, 518 to 520 ; with little money and paper over on London; and on th e con ti nent trans actions were very limited. Stock and Share Markets dull—Portuguese Three per Cents. Coupons, 41 to 41i ; Registered, 414 to 42 ; Bank of Portugal Shares, 497 to 03 milreis ; Bank of Oporto Shares, 15 to 17 per cent. premium ; discount of Lisbon Bank Notes, per cent. ,1 ~ ,tfre • :~:' th r( arg giv( Inui rent con, Pori car M►l Um) for Lai gen not Yea list litt I I L