The Sun. — London, England, 1856-03-28 00:00:00

WI MR. ALBERT SMITH'S MONT BLANC, TO-NIGHT, and EVERY EVENING (except Saturday), at S o'clock, and Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday Mornings at a. Stalls, 31. ; area, 20. ; gallery, Is. —Egyptian Hall, Piccadilly. ARGYLL ROOMS.—LAIIRENT'S CASINO Now . OPEN for the winter season. Principal Cornet a Piston, M. Boulcond.—Doors open at S. Admission One Shilling. I. Laurent's new Varsoviana and St. Patrick Quadrille every night. • MR. W. S. WOODIN'S OLIO of ODDITIES. Fifty instantaneous Metamorphoses of Voice, Character, and Costume. concluding, with an impersonation of Mlle. Rachel, as Camille, in " Les Boraces," TO-NIGHT and every evening, at 8. Private boxes and stalls nry be secured in advance, without extra charge. Polygraphic-hall, King William-street, Charing-cross. A Per`ormatice every Saturday Morning at 2 o'clock, and night at 8. EGYPTIAN HALL, Piccadilly. — The marvellous MECHANICAL FIGURES, FOURTEEN IN NUMBER, life size, possessing speaking powers, the emission of all the natural sounds, and the mobility of face and eyes, which created Bo deep a sensation at the GREAT EXPOSITION IN PARIS, and attracted the marked approbation of the most august personages of England and France, will be EXHIBITED DAILY, from II a.m. till 5 p.m. (in hourly sittings), and from 5 to 7 p.m. Detail is im possible. "ALIVE OR NOT ALIVE," was the question . asked by the multiplied thousands who viewed them w,th astonishment and delight during the enure iaratlon of the Glt %ND EXPO•ITION IN PARIS. The most extraordinary exhibition in the world.— Stalls, 35.; second seats, 25.; gallery, Is. Children half-price. RE -OPENED, with many important additions to the Scientific Department.—Dr. KHAN begs to acquaint the public that his celebrated MUSEUM, which has been elegantly re-decorated and enriched by many interesting additional objects, IS NOW OPEN (for Gentlemen only). Amongst the new features of high interest will be found a magnificent full-length Model of a VENUS, from one of the most eminent of the ancient masters. The Museum is open daily from IL till 10. Lectures are delivered at 12, 2,4, and half-past 7, by Dr. Saxvose; and a new and highly.. Interesting series of Lectures is now in course of delivery by Dr. /IRAN:, at half-past 8 precisely, Every Evening.—Admission, One Shilling.—No. 4, Coventry-street, Leicester-square. L ONDON AND NORTH-WESTERN RAILWAY. DONCASTER SPRING MEETING. First and Second Class ordinary DAY TICKETS will be issued at The Euston Station, to Doncaster, by any Train excepting the 9.15 a.tn. Express, en MONDAY and. TUESDAY, the 31st March and Ist April, AVAILABLE to RETUttN by the Ordinary Trains on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, the 31st March and Ist and 21 April. In addition to the above, First Class Express Day Tickets wil2 he Issued on Monday and Tuesday, 31st of March and Ist of April, by the 9.15 a.m. Express Trains, Available to Return by the Fxprcss c r any Train on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, the 31st March and Ist and 2d April. By Order. General Manager's Office, Euston Station, 3Larch,l3sU. MANCHESTER and LONDON LIFE AgSURANcE and LOAN ASSOCIATION, 77, King-street, Manchester. Assurances, Annuities, Endowments, and Loans effected onliberal terms. CHARLES HENRY MINCHIN, Secretary. Agents wanted. L AW LIFE ASSURANCE OFFICE, FLEET-STREET, LONDON, MAurr 6, 1855. IiOTICEIS TIF.FIEBY GIVEN, That the BOOKS for the TRANS ?ER of SHARES in this Scoiety will be CLOSED on Thursday, the 20th instant, and will be re-opened on Wednesday, the 2d day of 4pril next. The Dividends for the • ear 1555 will be payable on Monday, the 7th day of April next, ft , c 1 on any subsequent day, between the hours of Ten and Three o'clock. By Order of the I)i•ectors. WILLIAM SAMUEL DOW ES, Actuary. at N ATIONAL PROVIDENT INSTITUTION, 48, Gracechurch-street, London. • For Mutual Assurance on Lives, Annuities, &c. Chairman—SAMUEL HAYTIURST LUCAS, ESQ. Deputy Chairman—ClLAßLES LUSHINGTON, Esq. Illy Abstract of the Report of the Directors for 1855 : " The number of policies issued during the year • . ...... • • 1,073 illy Assuring the sum of • Annual premiums thereon Policies issued fr'm the commencement of the institution in December, 1835 .... .......... .....• • • •• ........ 13,567 Policies now in force Annual Income From Pre ntiums(after deducting £33,31$ in . abatement allowed) .. • £189,955 15 2 m Ditto From Interest stn In vested capital . . 49,807 18 3 £239,763 13 5 ally Amount returned to members in abatement of 16 premiums • ............. •• .. • • ........ 240,133 11 8 Amount of bonuses added to sums assured .. •• •. 126,564 0 0 Amount paid in claims by death from the com mencement of the institution .. D. Balance of receipts over the disbursements is • the year .. • • . • • • Increasing the capital stock of the institution to 1,2 .1.049 17 4" At the last division of surplus profits made up to Nov. 20, 1852, the reductions varied from 6 to 89 per cent. on the orizinal amount ala of premiums, according to the ace of the member and the time the Policy had been in force ; and the bonuses ranged in like manner from 50 to 75 per cent. on the amount of premiums received during the preceding sive years. ala Members whose premiums fall due on the Ist of April are re- Minded that they must be paid within 30 days from that date. The Directors' Report for 1855 may now be obtained en applica tion. au n . 20th March, 1856. JOSEPH MARSH, Secretary. G UARDIAN FIRE AND LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY, No. 11, Lombard-street, London. DIRECTORS. FRANCIS HART DYKE, Esq., Chairman. HENRY HULSE BERENS, Esq., Deputy-Chairman. John Dixon, Esq. Stewart Marjoribanks, Esq. Sir W. M. T. Farquhar, Bart, John Martin, Esq., M.P. Sir Walter R. Farquhar, Brt. ',Rowland Mitchell, Esq. Thomson Hankey, Esq., M.P. James Morris, Esq. John Harvey, Esq. Henry Norman, Esq. Jchn G. Hubbard, Esq. Henry R. Reynolds, Esq. George Johnstone; Esq. John . Thornton, Esq. John Labouchere, Esq. James Tulloch, Esq. John Loch, Esq. Henry Vigue, Esq. • AUDITORS. A. W. Roberts, Esq. I Henry Sykes Thornton, Esq. Lewis Lloyd, jun., Esq. 1 John Henry Smith, Esq. George Keys, Esq., Secretary. Samuel Brown, Esq., Actuary. LIFE DEPARTMENT.—Under the provisions of an Act of Par /lament, this Company now offers to future insurers Four-fifths of the Profits, with Quinquennial Division, or a Low Rate of Premium without participation of Profits. The next division of Profits will be declared in June, 1860, when All participating Policies which shall have subsisted at least one year at Christmas, 1859, will be allowed to share in the Profits. At the five divisions of Profits made by this Company, the total reversionary Bonuses added to the Policies have exceeded 913,000 At Christmas, 1854, the Assurances in force amounted to upwards of 4,240,0001. ; the Income from the Life Branch in 1854 was more than 200,0001. ; and the Life Assurance Fund (independent of the Guarantee Capital) exceeded 1,700,0001. FOREIGN RISKS.—The Extra Premiums required for the East and West Indies, the British Colonies, and the northern parts of the United States of America, have been materially reduced. INVALID LlVES.—Persons who are not in such sound health as Would enable them to insure their Lives at the Tabular Premiums, Islay have their Lives insured at Extra Premiums. LOANS granted on Life Policies to the extent of their values, pro vided such Policies shall have been effected a sufficient time to have attained in each case a value not under 501. ASSIGNMENTS OF POLICIES.—Written Notices of, zeceived and registered. MEDICAL FEES paid by the Company, and no charge will be made for Policy Stamps. Notice is hereby given, that Fire Policies which expire at Lady day must be renewed within fifteen days at this office, or with Air. SAms, No. 1, St. James's-street, corner of Pall-mall ; or with the Company's agents throughout the kingdom, otherwise they become void. Losses caused by Explosion of Gas are admitted by this Company. and and ion. Tree) of East 1 )73 hire lec• ESTABLISHED 1837. B RITANNIA LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY. 1, Princes-street, Bank, London. Empowered by Special Act of Parliament, 4 Viet., cap. 9. 1)111ECTORs. Major-General ALEXANDER, Blackheath Park, CMA.I/074N. WMiam Bardgett, Esq., 149, Fen chnrch-street. George Bevington. Esq., Neckinger Mills. Bermondsey. F. P. Cockerill, Esq., Shadwell and Twickenham. George Cohen. Esq., Shacklewell. Millis Coventry, Esq., White Hart-court, Lombard-street. John Drewett, Esq., 50, Cornhill. Erasmus Robert Foster, Esq., 1, Princes-street, Bank. T. S. Glrdler, Esq , 7, Tokenlv.use-yard. H. L. Smale, Esq., Doctors' C0M1140115. &ration:a Bellenden lief, Esq., 8, Old-square , Lincoln's Inn. Soucrreas.—Messrs. M'Lecd and Stenning, 16, London-street, Fenchurch. street. EANKER9.—Messni. Dimsdale, Drewett, Fowlers and Barnard, 50, Cornhill. Increasing Rates of Premium. for ,ccuring Loans of Debts. Half Premiums, only, required during first seven years. Stun assured payable at Sixty or et death if occurring previously Provision, during minority, for Orphans. ev. ne, St. 1 12, .1 BRITANNIA MUTUAL LIFE ASSOCIATION. Empowered by her Majesty's Royal Letters Patent. Profits divided annually. Premiums computed for every three months' difference of age. llaif-credit policies—the unpaid half premiums liquidated out o the profits. (YROTILISTARY.) (MUTUAL.) (YROTILISTARY.) (MUTUAL.) -------------....... Half Whole Half Quar a preuthun premium A nnua l Yearly t First for Re- Age. 1 oly Seven *I ainder preraiurn F re - Fre i mium. Intuit. Years. of Life. I --- —.— ..-----.--,—.---.------ ----. £ s. d. l .£ s. (I. l Years. Months, £ s. d.; A s. d., E s. d. 30 11923 61 30 0' 2 7 3 ' l 142;0 12 3 40 1922 18 4, 3'27 61 1 , I 012 4 50 2 2 6 1 4 5 01 6 2 719 1 4 6, 012 5 GO 3 6 8 613 41 9 2 8 2, I 4 8, 01 2 6 ----- E. R. FOSTER, Resident Director. ANDREW FRANCIS, Secretary. Tile', SECRET INFIRMITIES OF YOUTH AND MATURITY, Just published. prim Is., illustrated with cases and numerous engravings ; free by post for 14 stamps. NERVOUS DEBILITY; Its Causes, Sympto ms, anc3 Care.— en Essay on Sper men rrhcea, with Practical Observations on a safer and more successtul mode of treatment of the diseases of the Generative System, obtained by the use: of the Microscope in detecting and distinguishing, by urinary examination, the real cause and effect of every variety of complaint, whether arising from solitary habits excesses, accident, or climate, followed by practical remarks, founded on twenty yearn' experience in the treatment of Impuissance, Nervous Debility, Local Weakness, Spermatorrhcea, &c. To which are added, Commentaries on the Physiology of Marriage, with pre cautionary, hints on the evils em anating from empirical practice, and on the dengeroue remedies advocated by various writers on then important disorders. By SAMUEL LAIMERT 37, BEDFORD-SQUA PP, LONDON, Doctor of Medicine, Matriculated Member of the University of Edin burgh, Honorary Member of the London Hospital Medical Society, Licentiate of Apothecaries' Hall, London, &c., &c. The essential object of this treatise is to point out the fearful cen se ponces resulting from certain habits, irregularities, and excesses, sv eels have produced more misery in Youth, degradation in Man hold, and premature decay at all stages of Life, than, perhaps, any ether class of disease known to modern pathologists. Its perusal is P •rticularly recommended to poisons entertaining secret doubts of their physical condition, and who are conscious of haying hazarded the health, happiness, and privileges to which every human being is entitled It is a bsolutely necessary that all men should know, that there a re principles of personal management which cannot nod olated without incurring grievous penalties, end when wisdom regret succeed the heyday of inconsiderate self-indulgence, how these penalties may be mitigated, bow the sting of their bitterness may be removed, and how the evil and its consequences may he avoided, and above all, that there is scarcely any degree of physical infirmity or functional derangement to which the timely aid of science cannot apply a cure. The Author has for a series of years been engaged in an extensive practice in the treatment of these delicate complaints, which have untortunately been too generally confided to the care of ignorant emeirics, who inflict great injury on those who are induced to place laith in their pretensions. NERVOUS DEBILITY may be had price Is, of Messrs. Sher wood and Co., 23, Paternostererovr; Hannay, 63, Oxford-street ; Horne, 19, Leicester-square; Mann, 39, Cornhill ; or free by post for 14 stamps to any address from the Author's residence, 37, Bed lo-d -square. At home fox cmiultatioti daily frOM CIOYCU 1111 two, and from pix 11leight LIST OF GOVERN - ORS AND DIRECTORS OF THE BANK OF ENGLAND. The following is the House List of Governors and Directors of the Bank of England for the year ensuing, viz. : FOR GOVERNORS. Thomas Matthias Weguelip, Esq., Governor. Sheffield Neave, E.q., Deputy Governor. FOR DIRECTORS. Henry Hulse Berens, Dn. Arthur Edward Campbed, Esq. Edward Henry Chapman, Esq. Robert Wigrarn Crawford, Esq. William Cotton, Esq. James Pattison Carrie, Esq. Bonamy Dobree, Benjamin Buck Greene, Esq. Charles Pascoe Grenfell, Esq. Henry Hocks Gibbs, Esq.. Thomson Hankey, Esq. John Oliver Hanson, Esq. John Benjamin Heath, Esq. Kirkman Daniel Hodgson, Esq. Henry Lancelot Holland, Esq. John Gellibrand Hubbard, Esq. Thomas Newman Hunt, Esq, Charles Frederick Huth, Esq. James Malcolmson, Esq. James Morris, Esq. George Warde Norman, Esq. John Horsley Palmer, Esq. Henry James Prescott, Esq. Thomas Tooke. jun., Esq. The election for Governor and Deputy Governor will be held at the Bank onTuesday, the Bth of April, and for Directors on Wednesday, the 9th April, from ten o'clock in the forenoon till four in the afternoon. THE MISSING STEAMER PACIFIC.—The following is an extract from a letter just received by a clergyman in this country from a friend of his in New York, who sailed from Liverpool in the Atlantic on the 6th of Feb., 14 days after the Pacific had started from the same port : —" New York, Feb. 26, 1856. Eighteen weary disagree able stormy days brought us on Sunday morning to New York. The captain, who had crossed the Atlantic 243 times, declared he had never bad such a bad trip as this. The ship had scarcely got out of th e M erse y when the headwind began increasing to a gale, against which we had to fight until we reached this shore. When two days out the fog became so thick that we could not see the length of the vessel. On the third day fl oa ti ng i ce b egan to make its appearance, increasing to such an extent that we could only feel our way. For two days a n d n i g ht s we kept crawling along , the captain hoping to get out of it every moment. Fog, fog, fog !. nothing but fog and ice ! On the third day, at 7 o'clock in the morning, w e saw a spectacle which none o n hoard will ever forget ; it was, in fact, the finger of Providence, and some more deserving than I and others must have been on beard. The whole veil of fog rose like a curtain, and we looked upon an ocean scene beautiful, fearful, and grand. The atmosphere as far as the eye could reach was clear ; the sun shone brightly on a continuous c hain of icebergs above 100 feet high, intermingled with fields of ice. Chain after chain burst upon the sight, and the sight was awfully impres sive. In a less time than it has taken to write this the curtain descended, and all became obscurity again. The captain took the hint and turned his ship towards Eng land for the remainder of the day, aid towards the south at night, not resuming his course to America until the following morning. After 18 days' passage we arrived at 1 New York, when we learnt that the Pacific, another steamer belonging to this, which Failed 14 days before us, had not arrived, and I fear that she is lost, with a ll on board. Our ship behaved nobly ; nothing broken or strained. It is wonderful how man combines wood and iron to withstand the power of the wares." WEST COLLACOMBE MINE.--A general meeting of the adventurers was held on the 25th inst., J. A. Joseph, Esq., in the chair. The financial statement presented showed a balance in favour of the mine of 394/. 158. 7d., which was passed and ordered to be printed and cir culated. ~- '4 4.* . N o . 19,9051 PUBLICATIONS. THE NEW NOVEL, R ANK AND BEAUTY; or, The Young Baroness, Is ready this day, at all the Libraries, in 3 vols. Thirst and Mac:lett, Publishers, successors to Henry Colburn, 13, Great Marlborough-street. MR. LAURENCE OLIPHA:I7'S NEW WORK. This day Is Published, in post Bvo.. price :Os 6d. cloth, with Map and Illustrations, from drawings taken on the spot by Omar Pacha's artist, THE TRANSCAUCASIAN CAMPAIGN of the TURKISH AR UY under OMAR PACIIA. A Personal Narrative. By LAURENCE OLIMANT, author of " Minnesota," " the Russian hores of the Black Sea," ice. William Blackwood and Sons, Edinburgh and London. To be had of all Bookselle: s. BLACKWOOD'S MAGAZINE for APRIL, 185 G. No. CCCCLXXXVI. Price 2s. Gcl. CONTENTS. The Laws concerning Women. War and Woodcraft. Alison's History of Europe. Prescott's Philip 11. The Scot Abroad. The Indian Civil Service. The Kars Blue-Book. De Bazancourt's Narrative of the Campaign. William Blackwood and Sons, Edinburgh and London. In a few days, in pest Aro., 'THE BORDER LANDS of SPAIN ; with an Account of the Republic of Andorre. London : Chapman and Hall, 193, Piccadilly. In a few days, T HE RING and VEIL. A Novel. In 3 vols. By J kINIES AUGUSTUS ST. JOHN, Ai tkor of " " Margaret It.avenicroft," Br.C. ' Lot►Vnln : Chap:cum and Tall, 193, Piccadilly. NEW SERIAL. On the Ist of April will be published, price Is., the First Number of OLD TIMES ; or, the Retrospect of an Irish Artist. fly WILLIAM WILLS. With numerous Illustrations by the Author. London: Piper, Stephenson, and Spence. Dublin: W. McGee, and Co. The Third Edition. Just Published, price 55., by post, free, ss. 6d. ON TRUE & FA LSE SPERMATORREREA , with the View of distinguishing the Imaginary from the Real Sufferers under this disease, and Correcting of wide-spread Errors in relation to their Treatment and Curo. Translated from the German of Dr. PICKFORD. "Dr. Pict ford is known to English readers by his frequent practi ;al 'contributions to German medical literature. This is the first time, he informs as, that he has addressed himself to the nou-medi aal reader. We trust this may not ho the last, if he shall tetect any other equally flagrant evil which it may be in his p , wer to cor rect."—London Medical Gazette. " The tribe of Quiet Sympathisers,' And 'Medical Friends,' are mercilessly exposed ; awl it this hoot, :ould find its way into the hands of those who surfer from the corn .ilaint of which it treats, we are satisfied that many hundreds would .)e saved much needless suffering of body and mind, and what is of .esa importance, though it is that which the quacks most prize— much money—. —This volume is well qualified to put an end to the empirical system of treating Spermatorrhcea, and so place the treat. ment upon a more rational and physiological basis. It is, therefore, likely to do much good." f,oncion: ft. Balliere. 21q, Regent-strcez. VEW LABEL—In consequence of the 11 variety of counterfeit labels of N. ROWLAND & SONS' MACASSAR OIL, now in circulation, and which so nearly resemble he original as tr , quently t deceive the unwary—they have em ployed those eminent artists Messrs Perkins, Bacon, & Co., who, at great cost, and by a peculiar process of their own, have succeeded ix producing from steel A NEW LABEL," which cannot be forged. It is composed of a section of an engine-turned circle, repeated one hundred and thirty times—and forms an original lace-work ground, upon which is engraved in white lette , s, " ROWLANDS' MACASSAR OIL, FOY TFIE GROWTH, RESTORATION, AND FOR BEAUTIFYING THE HUMAN HAIR." Under which is the Signature of the Proprietors in Red Ink " A. - ROWL AND & SONS." Sold by them at 20, Hatton•garden, London, and by Chemlsta and Perfumers. THE ONLY REMEDY for SECRET POISONING.—Let it be declared by the country, through Parliament, that all deadly peisons, such as strychnine, prussic acid, ar-enic, morphine, &c., &c., are antimedicinal, and therefore not to be ased in medicine. (Signed) TII MEMBERS OF THE BRITISH COLLEGE OF lIE A l TH, New-road London, for the Society of Ilygeists. March, 185 g. 4R. HOWARD, Surgeon-Dentist, 52, Fleet street, has introduced an entirely new description of ARTI FICIAL TEETH, fixed without springs, wires, or ligatures. They so perfectly resemble the natural teeth as not to be distinguished from Ihe original by the closest observer; they will never change colour or decay, and will be found very superior to any teeth ever before used. This method does not require the extraction of rots, or any painful operation, and will support and preserve teeth that are loose, and is guaranteed to restore articulation and mastication. Decayed teeth rendered sound and useful in mastication.-52, Fleet-street. At home from ten till five. IN THE HIGH COURT OF CHANCERY. TRIESEMAR.—On the 29th of May, 1855, an injunction was granted by the High Court of Chancery, and on the 11th of June following was made perpetual. against Joseph Franklin and others, to restrain them, under a penalty of one thou sand pounds, from imitating this Medicine, which is protected by Royal Letters Patent of England, and secured by the Seals of the Poole de Pharmaele de Paris, and the Imperial College of Medicine, Vienna. TRIESEMAR, No. 1, is a remedy for Relaaation, Spermatorrhma, and all the distressing consequences arising from early abuse, &c., and its effects are effi cacious in youth, manhood, and old age ; and t those persons who are prevented entering the married state from the results of early errors it is invaluable. TRIESEMAR, No. 2, effectually, in the short space of three days, completely and entirely radicates all traces of those Disorders which Capaivi and Cubebt. !aye so long been thought an antidote for, to the ruin of tho healt' , of a vast portion of the population. TRIP:I.9ESIAR, No. 3, is the great Continental Remedy for that class of Disorders, whiel:, enfortunately the English physician treats with Mercury, to the in• evitable destruction of the patient's constitution, and which all the sarsaparilla In the world cannot remove. TRIESEMAR, Nos. 1,2, and 3, are alike devoid of taste or smell, sad of all nauseating qualities. They may lie on the toilet ta'nl vithout their use heir 4 suspected THIESE MAR, Nos. 1,2, and 3 are s , ld in tin cmes, price I Is., or rour cases in one for 333., which saves I Is. ; and in 51. eases, whereby there is a saving of I/. I 2s. ; ,',irate doses, as adminis tered by Valpesu, Lalle.nand, Roux, &";., &c. To be had Wholesale and Retail in Londcn of Johnston, 65, Cornhill ; Hannay and Co., 63, Oxford-Street; and stanwer, I for,l-street ; It. H. Ingham, druggist, 46, q arket-street, Manchester ; L Bradbury, bookseller, Deanegate, Bolton ; J. Priestly, chemist, 52, Lord-street, Liverpool; Powell, bookseller, 15, Westmoreland-street. Dublin;; Winnall, bookseller, Iligh-street, - - .• • • ; APE g • 4 4 1, 3 Lati lj t 4 . ; • - • _ . • - 4 ; _ 7.4 PM. * • • ' - - •7.• - .... • . ,i 7 ' . ) MR. BROOKE'S FAREWELL BENEFIT.\L. 14" V„,. irt\ if ? 1.? 1 ,h, 1 1 4 .1i ;- 41- t 71 , - * - •11 s • 42 . via to • '`.6k • --- t , 'tat • 0 • Ya" " • • ) 15‘ .4 • • (,‘•" , sfp, k.kk,4 • P.'",,,o'S• "1 - ; 41 qct - 1 , 1 r:tr z " • )Rorr..:„ . • (Front the Melbourne Age.) The hundred and twenty4hird and final night of Mr. Brooke's performing in this city was signal ised by the assemblage of one of the most crowded and enthusiastic audiences of the season. The aspect of Oorpin's Olympic on Saturday evening was such as to convey to the actor, who then took his farewell benefit, an assurance that his popu larity had sustained no diminution, that he pos sessed numerous and warni admirers among all classes of the community, and that he would be followed, on his retirement from the stage of th • Olympic, by the respect and regrets of the play going public of Melbourne. And deservedly so ; for his professional visit to this colony has been productive of enjoyment to tens of thousands, and his prospective departure will deprive the Australian theatre of one of its brightest orna ments. His talent, aided by the enterprise of the manager, and supported by so accomplished an artiste as Miss Cathcart, and by actors and actresses of such ability as are comprised in the Olympic company, has enabled the Australian public to witness representations of the Shaksperian drama in a style of completeness that has elevated the theatres of the metropolis of Victoria to a level with those of the capital of Great Britain. The grey discrowned Lear, the melancholy and philosophic Dane, the impetuous and unscrupu lous Richard, the fate-impelled Macbeth, the hard, remorseless Shylock, noble Othello, boisterous Faulconbridge ; )Richelieu, Evelyn, and Claude Melnotte ; the Corsican B ro th ers ; Master Walter, and Julian St. Pierre ; Petrnchio, Beverly, and lago ; Captain Murphy Megoire, Felix O'Callaghan, .and the Irish Attorney ; Mat thew ElmGre and Rory O'Mpre ;—what a diversity of character is here, and what a masterly apprecia tion, not merely of the broader features but of the minor idiosyncrasies of each, has Ms. Brooke die-7, 0 "e - - - played in his impersonations of the whole. While be has toreae t almost every note in the gamut of the pas sions, h's good taste and sound judgment have pre vented him from exaggerating vehemence of language into bombast, cr degrading humour into buffoonery. He has been thoroughly succe, slul, too, in broadly and dis tinctly defining the individuality of every character he assumed. Other actors of eminence may have possessed voices of greater flexibility and compass ; but few have managed them with greater skill, and with a happier subordination of tone to the vocal characteristics which presumably belong to the part sustained, than Mr. Brooke has done. • No one character that he has sustained has reminded us of another. Each occupies a separate niche or isolated pedestal. Nor, while availing himself of the traditions of the stage, in regard to the " business" of the piece, and of thetas graces of elocution, " points," gestures, at titude, and by-play, of which the usage has bees conse crated by illustrious precedent, has Mr. Brooke failed to subject each character he has impersonated to a care ful and intelligent study ; and, often detecting latent beauties which have escaped the attention of his prede cessors, he has given us new readings, and stamped both his action and elocution with the charms of originality. And this is high praise to any actor : rem, mbeing that the Kaltsperian drama, more especially, has bten the study of so many men of genius on the stage, and of such numberless analytical critics in the closet. The play selected by Mr. Brooke for his farewell be nefit was ' Love's Sacrifice," ,which is not so great a favourite with a Melbourne audience as with play-goers in England : the actor's choice, however, was a wise one, for there are few characters which admit of the ex hibition of more powerful and varied emotions, or in which he more strongly excites and sustains the sympa thy and attention of the spectators. A detailed not ce of the performance would simply b. 3 one continuous eulogy; and two lengthy for the space at our dis posal. and for the reader's patience. In Miss Cathcart, the loving and self-sacrificing daughter fouild a representative, capable of breathing life• into the somewhat chilly character pourtrayed by the dramatist, and of heightening the beauty of the poet's verse, by the grace of the actress's elocution and the charm of her manner. Mr. R. Younge's Lafunt was perfect. We saw some of the specta tors setting their teeth at him, and heard others muttering their detestation of him. What hther compliment could be offered to him ? Mr. Brooke's first appearance on the scene ex cited a hurricane of applause. Vociferous mani festations of delight called him before the curtain at the end of the third and fourth acts, and the plaudits which accompanied the fall of the green baize, at the termination of the drama, swelled into a storm of approbation, when he once more appeared, and led Miss Cathcart forward to share in the ovation. As soon as the tumult had sub sided, Mr. Brooke advanced to the footlights and took his fare Well of the Olympic audience in the following words : LADIES AND GENTLEMEN—The unwelcome hour has at length arrived that must separate us. In the ordi nary course of my professional avocations, in visiting a town for six or twelve eights, the task of saying "Fare well" is at all times a painful one. What my feelings are upon the present occasion may easily be imagined when T reflect (with pride and sati4action) that I have been honoured with your patronage and enthusiastic an. probation for 123 nights. (Cheers.) Thiscircumstance will, I make no doubt, cause much surprise and specu latioa in the mother country, and tend to advance this colony not only in the good opinion of " the abstract aid brief chroniclers of the time," but that of the whole i t i ab t I ; uu a a tn t e l i i i d t t t i yo e . tnyoot (Renewed e t u r h i i . etr loveit a e le of the of ‘Ncheers.) iatgi have mtri This ritn u e b estdehnreeampsars I must o; surrounded; d t u o c t t i o h la e caos fo potit r mili. never during my career have I witnessed the pro ductions of Snakspears placed upon the stage in such rapid succeedon, and in so perfect a manner. (Great applause.) It is a matter of regret that on the eve of my departure I should have been made the subject of a gross attack from a society, the professional prin ciple of which is "The Support of the Legitimate Drama." That attack I now declare (as an act of duty to myself) to be as false as cowardly, and as oowardly as unjust. (Cheers.) But, as ' Shakspsre says— [PRICE 4D. STAMPED SD• FORTRESS OF ANAPA. (From the Morning Herald.) When the present war shall meet with its legiti mate historian, among other of its inscrutable and unaccountable freaks and bye passages will b e found the episode of Anapa. Let not our readers start away from an unusual name, or imagine that we intend to treat them with some dull criticism and civilian's disquisition upon au obscure and un interesting passage in the war. In the name of Anapa there is, in fact, involved the history of the Circassians, and the part they have taken, or I should have taken in this campaign against Russia. And though mightier interests may for a time have absorbed public attention, yet, when these are passed,, and it has become possible to take a calmer review of the war and its events, the question will recur, how is it that so little has been thought of the Cireatsians ? Why have a people occupying a most important frontier and boldly withstanding for years the aggregate powers of Russia, been never brought into play, and. ap parently never so much as regarded by the allies or their rulers ? Our correspondent's highly-interesting and im portant letter from Anapa, which appeared in our columns of Wedne s d a y ast, will explain this strange anomaly. It will show both the causes of the apparent inactivity of the Circassiaus, their little prominence in the war, .and the real authors of that inactivity, -It will clear the character of a brave and hardy race from the imputations which have gathered round it. And when the Duke of Newcastle again takes his seat in the House of Lords, his grace, who has been visiting Anapa, and has ma le himself familiar with the events to which we refer, will doubtless take an opportu nity of enlightening the nation as to the true state of the case. If our readers will take the trouble of examining the relative positions of Kertch and Anapa, and the surrounding districts, they will at once perceive the commanding and important situation of the latter, and its paramount value as the key of Cir cassia. A very little pains would have converted it into an impregnable stronghold. Built upon a rock, possessing the greatest advantages by Sea and land, Anapa is not only important as a military position, but as a rallying point for the Circassians. A few hundreds of Europeans fairly supplied with ammunition might hold it out against any large force which Russia could bring against it ; because their strength would be continually augmented by a population whom years of hostility have made the uncompromising enemy of Russia. It will be seen, indeed, by our correspondent's letter that Sefer Pacha, the old Circassian chief, with two field-pieces only, did offer to raise a body of men, and hold Auapa against the Russians, if he only received sufficient encouragement from head-quar ters at Sebastopol. He did, in fact, hold it without that encouragement ; nay more, in spite of the very heavy discouragement with which he, like many other brave men, have been visited during the war, whenever they dared suggest operations which did not emanate from one particular class of heads or find favour within the limited capabilities of certain privileged cliques. As a military posi tion Anapa is of no less value than Kars ; in re ference to the immediate population by which they are surrounded, the former outdoes the latter; just as much as the good-will of a hardy race like the Circassians is more valuable, as it is more trust worthy, than any professions of aid from the races which surround many of the Asiatic fortresses. But just as brave General Williams was left with out support at Kars—was rewarded with an indif ference proportioned to his sacrifices and exertions —just so was it at Anapa. The old Circassian chief was abandoned to his fate—he, too, was left to make the best of his two rusty guns, and perish or not, The Circassiaus have met, on the side of the allies, with a total and contemptuous indifference; their applications were disregarded ; their advances repulsed ; " important despatches, reports, and petitions " of the utmost urgency were left with out an answer. And as if these instances of cal lousness had not been enough, with a total want of right feeling towards Sefer Pacha, who had always distinguished himself for his loyalty to the cause of Constantinople and the allies, without his concurrence, and in direct opposition to the wishes of his people, a resolution was taken by the allies to blow up the fortress. On the 10th of October a French officer arrived in a steamer with orders to carry out these intentions. The narrative shall be given in the words of the original communica tion : "You may imagine the figure presented by the French captain of engineers when he received this order. Coste is an excellent young man, who has all the jollity and all the ;rankness of a French soldier. That which he bed promiSed and that which ho was obliged to do contradict each other so point blank that he knew not how to communicate to Sefer Pacha the order which he had just received. Lie thought that his best plan would be to avoid meeting with the old man, and it was only at the last moment that he caused him to be told I of what he was ordered to do on the following day, Oct. 28, viz —to set fire to the mines, and embark immedi ately after for Sebastopol. That he might execute the order of his superiors without any obstncle on the part of the Circassians, he invited Sefer Pacha to assist in his operations. Sefer Pacha was at that time obliged to keep his bed on account of severe indispoiition. When the melancholy news was communicated to him, a bitter smile gave an indefinable expression to his countenance, and his reply was, 'Marshal Pelissier has all power in his hands ; why, then, did he resort to falsehood, and make me pass at the clue of my days for a liar among my countrymen ? Let my chief of the staff do what is necessary, As to me, in spite of my sickness, I desire not to be present when you are destroying my patrimony. I wish to retire among my countrymen, and when the destroyers shall have de parted let me know it.' The old man, bore down by . chagrin and disease, then mounted on horseback, and went hence at three o'clock to a village where he was born, while the colonels of the staff posted themselves with the troops of the garrison and the two cannon to restrain the Circassians, who were disposed to attack the French. Happily the strength of the place resisted the efforts made for its destruction by the engineers, and Anapa still remains little damaged—a memo rial of grief and neglect to the Circassians—acon venient fortress for the occupation of the Russians, when the declaration of peace shall have given them an opportunity of repairing their losses and retriev ing their errors. Bat we wait for the return of the Duke of New castle to substantiate those statenkents—refute them he cannot. " We live in the world's wide month, Live scandaliz'd and foully spoken of." 'Who steals my purse, steals trash ; 'tis something, nothing, 'Twas mine, 'Lis his, and hs,a been slave to thousands; But he that filches from me my good name, Robs me of that which not enriches him, And makes me poor indeed." (Cheers. ) I will, if you please, avail myself of this opportunity of acknowledging the courtesy and attention of the gentle men connected with the press during my engagement. To the indefatigable stage manager, Mr. R. Youngs, I am indebted for much valuable assistance, and can• not too highly commend his exertions in the drama's cause, which have been most ably aided by the pencil of that talent artist, Mr. William Pitt ; and my thanks are also due to the ladies and gentlemen who have so successfully- co-operated with me. Ladies and gentle• men, I will trespass no longer on your kindness, but say in the language (f the immortal bard— - " Should we ba taking leave As long a term as we have yet to live, The loathness to depart would grow." " Our separation so abides and flies That though residing here guest yet with me, And I hence flying still remain with thee." And now, in the sincere hope that increasing prosperity may attend the city of Melbourne, and wishing you collectively and individually health and happiness, I most respectfully, and with every feeling of gratitude say—" Farewell." We could have wished that Mr. Brooke had not fallen into the error of implicating a large body of gentlemen in a censure passed upon an individual writer of an injudicous piece of doggrel. The pro duction animadverted upon was not calculated to injure a reputation so firmly established as that of the tragedian ; and we are of opinion that the more dignified course to have adopted would have been an abstinence from anything like an ebullition of angry feeling. We did not approve of either the animus or the style of the doggrel ; we equally dis approve of the animus and the style of the re joinder. At the conclusion of his address, a shower of bouquets fell at the feet of Mr. Brooke, and a wreath of laurel was flung from the box occupied by Miss Hayes and a party of friends, —a graceful tribute from the bright star of the lyric to that of the legitimate drama. Coppin's Spider Dance next sent the house into convulsions of laughter, and his speech at the con clusion, with its allusions to the "iron-pot," " stew -pot," and the " head cook of the establish ment," were greeted with bursts of applause and merriment. The rattling farce of the " Garrick Fever " ter minated the evening's entertainment, and sent in good humour. every b o dy home FATAL ACCIDENT AT THE LONDON DOCKS.—On Wed nesday afternoon, shortly after 1 o'clock, an accident of a most frightful character occurred at the London Docks to a respectable female named Maria Shand, aged 26 years. The deceased, with a young female (Agnes Forman), and her brother, Captain D. Forman, and several intimate friends, proceeded to the London Docks to view the interior of the establishment, and subse quently they ware invited to the fourth floor of No. ie warehouse, to witness the process of working the hydrau lic machine used for the purpose of raising heavy weights, which pass through several traps or openings in the flooring. The deceased and her female companion sud denly left the gentlemen, and walked to the aperture, when they leaned over a low rail to look down at the machinery at the basement, where the labourers were employed, when the " lift" descended with terrible vio lence and crushed the bead of the deceased in such a fearful manner, that she expired in three minutes after wards. The deceased's head was nearly separated from the body, which presented a melancholy s pectacle. The deceased was removed by the dock officers and the police to the parochial undertaker's (Mr. Scotcber) to await an inquest. The deceased's companion, who was much in jured, was removed to the London Hospital, where Mr. Ross, the house surgeon, rendered every assistance, but very little hopes are entertained of ber recovery. The nfortunate deceased was to have been married this day, LONDON, FRIDAY EVENING, MARCH 28, 1856. slipped and turned trains off the line—tunnels hav e fallen in—various accidents, from failure of brickwork, earthwork, add ironwork, have occurred on railways, but I believe no one can point to an instance in which an accident has been shown to arise from simple failure of timber." Mr. Bidder proceeds further to defend the use of wood, by pointing out that it is more easy of inspection, more capable of restoration, that the time it will continue in good repair is easily calculated, and that the known lia bility of timber to decay in a certain time causes a watchful superintendence very useful for any railway. Mr. Bidder then lays down a position that "experience," and not "inspection," is the only test of the safety of the line, and he quotes two cases (the Torksey viaduct and the Westminster-road bridge of the South-Western Railway) to shrew that Government inspectors had pronounced unsafe works that the after experience of working for some years had proved to be per fectly secure. " These facts and instances appear to in dicate that the railway department of the Board of Trade is in the habit of receiving from its inspectors re ports and representations calculated to excite needless alarms ; and that it is also in the habit of assuming, upon those reports, a false position, from which, sooner or latter, it is obliged to recede." After pointing out that the use of wood in the Eastern Counties bridges was a necessity, owing to the nature cf the ground and the want of iron, stone, or brick in the neighbourhood, Mr. Bidder says : " When these bridges were designed and executed it was an ticipated by the conatructors that they would last from twelve to fourteen years—the usual period for the duration of timber in similar situations. It was not, however, anticipated that .they weaild last during that period without attention and oceMional repara tion. Everyone knows that where *titer gets into the joints of timber decay is induced ; an that frequent examination is required to avert the consequences. If the incipient decay of wood-work is not stopped it be comes, as it were, contagious, and the eeneral deteriora tion is propoitionahly rapid. But if stopped in time, the maintenance of 'the fabric will be proportionately prolonged. "Now, how do these facts apply themselves to the pre sent state of bridges on your line ? The Yarmouth branch, which the sGovernment inspector reports to be in the worst state, was opened in 1844, 12 years ago. During a considerable portioe of that time, owing to the insufficiency of the repairs effected by a late super intendent engineer, the bridges and viaducts upon the line have been without any reparation of any sort. Yet, what have been the results ? From 1844 up to this moment the traffic of the line has been carried o❑ over those timber viaducts and bridges without a single accident, arid, until within the twelve months, with out the slightest impediment to traffic! " These results, then, demonstrate eenclusively the applicabiay of timber for railway bridges, its durability to the full extent expected from it, and the safety of such works for all purposes of traffic. The assumption that bridges and viaducts of timber are unfitted for railways, and that the material is unsafe, as Lieutenant-Colonel Wynue reports, is proved by these facts to be mere as sumption, based upon no experience, and communicated without consideeation. " I have already advi rted to the fact, that these bridges and viaducts have lasted the period they were expected to endure, and that in consequence of the insufficiency of the repairs done by a late superintendent engineer in your employment, they have fallen into a much worse state than th('y ought to have been permitted to have fallen into. The extensive reparations required upon bridges were fu'ly reported to the Eastern Counties Company by their present engineer, Mr. Peter Bruff, at the tirsa, meeting after his appointment, in February, 1555. From that periial down to the present time, i.e., neaey fourteen month:, Mr. Broil and his staff have b-en unceasingly engaged in the work of reparation. The Governinew inspector after declaring, as he says, without exaggeration,' that 'in many parts the tine hers could be dug out with a spade, like garden mould,' tells you of the viaduct on which ho inspected those timbers—' When I inspected it, the repairs it was undergoing were nearly completed, and I am able to report that they are such as to fully meet the exigency of the case, and to place the structure in perfect se curity.' " Mr. Bidder estimates the cost of the repairs and the Norfolk line (94 miles) at 11,0001., "after the wear and tear of 12 years." He goes on to say :—" Had those bridges been built of brick or iron, they would have cost at least. 50.000/, more than they did cost. The in terest on 50,0001., at 5 per cent., is 2,500/. a. year, which in 12 years would have amounted to 30,0001. Instead of 30,0001. interest, we have, atter the expiration of 12 years, to pay only 11,0001. to put the whole of the bridges in complete and effectual repair." Mr. Bidder concludes as follows :—"ln order to inquire and report satisfactorily respecting a railway, it is necessary that the inspectors should be persons of enlarged experience, accustomed not only to the construction of railways but to their daily use. In the present, and in other cases, the reports to the Board of Trade upon railways, their work ing, and their condition, - have been made by a gentleman who has never himself been engaged in the construction of a single mile of railway, or of a single bridge, who practically knows nothing about either, and whose only source of practical acquaintance with the subject on which he so w.rongly report., is that practice of inspection if new railways which, for all useful pur poses, every civil engineer knows to be valueless and absurd. When we remember that, with a host of emi nent officers of engineers employed in the Crimea, her Majesty's Government nevertheless thought it proper to entrust practical civil engineers (the priucipal of whom was engaged in the construction of your line) with the duty of laying down 6 miles of railway from B:tlaklava to the heights, it certainly does appear not a little anoma lous that that Government should think it proper to com mit the inspection of the railway works of practical civil engineers to men of the v ery class to whom they could not commit their construction. If inspections and reports of thi; sort are persisted in, I ask, in conclusion, what will be the consequence ? At the present time, in case of accidents upon a line, the law exposes the railway com pany on whose line it oceurs to very serious liabilites and penalties. That law was adopted in the belief that it would afford the public the best security against rail way accidents. But if railway directors and manager: are to be interfered with, not only when accidents occur, but when they do not occur, the result will be that rail way directors and mauagers will decline the responsibili ties they now undertake, and charge them upon those who assert the right to control their management. If Government %y id interfere, it is to Government the pub lic must lock for safety, and for compensation when their safety is not secured." LOCAL SHIPPING DUES BILL. A meeting was held at Manchester, in the Mayor's Palour, Town-hall, yesterday, of the supporters of Mr. Lowe's late bill for abolishing local dues on ship ping, in order to organise an association to continue the agitation of this question, and " to obtain the right ap propriation of the Liverpool town dues." The meeting was numerous, and exceedingly influential. Mr. Thomas Maley, President of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, presided in the absence of the Mayor, arid there were present Mr. Heelis, Mayor of Salford ; Mr. Buckley, Mayor of Ashton ; Mr. J. Ker shaw, M.P., Sir J. Putter, Mr. NV. Neild, Mr. W. R. Callender, Mr. I. Mackief Mr. J. A. Turner (president of the Manchester Commercial Association), Mr. M. Ross, Mr. W. Reyner Wood, Mr. Alderman Shuttle worth, Mr. H. Ashworth, Mr. T. Fairbairn, Mr. J. E. Taylor, and Mr. Mason of Ashton. The CHAIRMAN, in opening the bu , iness, said the col lectors of town dues in various ports of the kingdom were determined to appropriate for private municipal purposes taxes they gathered from public sources. The Government of the country had wisely brought in a mea sure to put an end to this unjust misappropriation of funds ; but be regretted that the Administration had shown a want of administrative courage—(hear, hear) — and had withdrawn their bill. He was afraid there had been something like fickleness on the part of the Go vernment, and the time bad now arrived when they must themselves, in these mauufacturing districts, take up the question more energetically than they had yet done. He heped the organisation now about to be called into ex'atence would take up the question with the earnest ness it deserved ; and he trusted that funds collected for public purposes would, as the result, be compelled to be applied for public convenience and in furtherance of public objects only. (Hear, hear.) Mr. W. R. WOOD said the grievance they sought to remove was a sort of relic of old times, of a state of things that was passing away, and meet yield before the knowledge and intelligence of the day, when the misap propriation of public taxes of any kind could be endured in the open manner now practised to Liverpool. Those who had ascended the Rhine found its waters crowded with treffic, while the remnants of feudal times existed only on its banks in the form of picturesque ruins, and he saw no reason why the waters of the Mersey should not be as free as those of the Rhine. He di.l not com pare the Liverpool town dues to the scenes of war and rapine once pursued on the banks of the Rhine ; but the exaction of to wn dues and passing tolls were remnants of the same system, and were equally obstacles to that trade and commerce which could only flourish as it ought where there was the utmost freedom. We had been contending in the north of Europe and at the Confer ences of Paris for the free navigation of the Danube, and he should like to know why the corporation of Liver pool should be entitled to do on the Mersey what other eeuntries were not allowed to do on the Danube. The justice of their cause must insure its success, and he would move,— "That this meeting has learnt with regret the with drawal by her Majesty's Government of the bill introduced into the House of Commons, entitled `A Bill for the Abo lition of Passing Tolls, and for the regulation of Local Dues on Shipping,' being fully impressed - with the belief that, had Government persevered with that measure, the just principles therein embodied would have commanded the support of a majority of the House of Cornmer.s, as well as the approbation of a large class of her Majesty's subjects. That this meeting is of opinion that the injustice inflicted upon this district, as well by the exaction of the Liver pool local dues as by the purposes to which they are ap propriated, and the growing importance of the principles involved in their continuance, call for a special effort on RAILWAY INTELLIGENCE. GLASGOW, DUMBARTON, AND HELENS BURGII. The second ordinary meeting of this company was held in Glasgow on Wednesday—Mr. Cohn Campbell, jun., in the chair. The report of the directors stated that since the la't meeting, held on the 11th September last, two calls of 2/. each per share had been made ; and there was, on the 3d of January last, a sum of 10,760/. of those calls in arrear by the ordinary shareholders, which had, however, now been reduced to a sum of about 3,0001., and the subscrip tion payable by the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway Company whenever the other shareholders have paid 50,000/., amounting to 32,0091., with interest from the date of the calls upon the other shareholders. The report also stated that the contractors had commenced their works on the line at the Dalreach tunnel early in Sep tember, and were now proceeding with the works at va rious points. They had succeeded in obtaining possession of the land almost throughout the whole line, and they had also made considerable progress in the settle ments_with proprietors and tenants. They trusted that before another half-yearly meeting takes place nearly the whole land claims will be settled, and the works be in a state of great forwardness. The CHAIRMAN moved the approval of the report, and requested the meeting to sanction the proceedings which were being taken to enforce payment of arrears. It was absolutely necessary that these calls should be paid up, to facilitate the arrangements with the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway. He also moved that the number of directors be reduced from nine to seven. Mr. EWING seconded the motion, which was agreed to, and the meeting separated. NORTH BRITISH. An adjourned meeting of this company was hold at Edinburgh on Wednesday, to receive the report of the scrutineers on the votes and proxies given in at the meet ing on the 18th, fur and against the directors. Mr. Hodgson, chairman of the company, presided. The scrutineers reported that there had voted for the following motion—" That the course pursued by the board of directors in regard to the money bill be ap proved, and the measure passed through Parliament without delay"—present in pereon and by proxy, 1,048 shareholders, representing 1,108,393/. stock, giving 11,020 votes ; and that the number of shareholders who voted for Mr. Walker's amendment, " that the conduct of the directors be not approved of, and that the money bill be restricted in amount," being 620, representing 986,090/. stock, giving 8,043 votes ; thus showing a majority of 42S persons, 122,3031. stock, and 2,792 votes for the said motion. Two of the scrutineers objected to 14 proxies being used in favour of the motion, on the ground that the parties who gave them appeared at the meeting, though they did not vote. The scrutineers ;or the directors contended that that objection was erro neous, and that the said proxies (representing 25,4081. stock and 185 votes) should be recorded in favour of the motion, thus making the majority 442 per sons, 147,411/. stock, and 2,977 votes. For the office of directors, the scrutineers reported that 1,005 persona had voted for Mr. Douglass, 922 for Mr. Sprot, 636 for Mr. Leishman, and 632 for Mr. Walker. The two former, who were retiring directors, were therefore re elected. The CHAIRMAN, in declaring that the resolutions of the directors had been carried, said he had no hesitation in expressing his belief of the validity of the proxies ob jected to, though that que,,tion clid not alter the result. He had also to declare that Messrs. Sprot and Douglass were re-elected directors. Mr. M.‘i4Avirr remarked that, though the opposition headed by Mr. Walker had not been successful, having been decided against by the preference shareholders, it had still taught a salutary lesson to the directors. He had no dread of a little wholesome agitation in railway companies, as it generally tended to improve dividends, and put things in a more satisfactory state. He wished to ask the chairman as to the dividend he anticipated on the line after the money bill should have passed and their financial aff.drs should be adjusted. He had seen it stated in a report as 1 per cent. The CHiIRMAN said, the prospective dividend he had estimated was 1 per cent, the half-year, or two per cent. per Arnim He had every reason to believe that this anticipated dividend would be realised. The meeting then separated. ST. ANDREW'S AND QUEBEC. A. special meeting of the class A shareholders of this company was held yesterday, at the office, Parliament street, Westminster, to consider a proposition for the transfer to a company now in course of formation of the rights and privileges now vested in the company, and to pass resolutions in connection therewith ; Mr. F. Ed wards in the chair. Mr. BYRNB, the secretary, read the report, which stated that the new company proposed to be formed would have a capital of 600,0001., in 30,000 shares of 201. each, of which only 350,0001., or 17,500 shares, would be disposed of at pre,ent, that being the amount required to complete the first section to Woodstock, 90 miles in length. The new stock would be issued in classes A, B, C, and D. Class Ato consist of 4,000 shares, entitled to o, Government guarantee of 6 per cent. for 25 years, to commence immediately on the completion of the fine to Woodstock, with a bonus of 20,000 acres of land, or 5 acres per share. Interest at 6 per cent. per annum to be allowed on the depueit and calls during construction. The Class B to consist of 7,000 shares, entitled to a bonus of 105,000 acres of land, or 15 acres per share, and to 5 per cent. interest on the deposits and amounts paid up during construction. The Class C to consist of 4,000 paid up shares, to be allotted to the proprietors of the 4,000 capital stock shares in the existing company, with 60,000 acres of land, or 15 acres per share, to the holders of the 4,000 land shares of the land stock company, for the purchase of that portion of the railway already constructed, including rolling stock, Jec., together with all their rights and privileges, but no interest to he allowed on these shares during censtruc tion. The Class D shares to consist of 2,500 shares, of 201. each, to be paid over to the local government in right of their advances of 32,0001. and of advances to be made. About 3,300 acres of land are to be reserved for those sharehePers only holding capital stock in tee existing company, the surplus land to be divided pro rata in satiefacft n of interest, and for transfer of line. The CHAIRMAN said the scheme was now before the shareholders, and the books were open to the inspection of eny of them who might wish to see them. Mr. BATES, a member of the commiteee, explained that, after a very pre tractsd d:scusdon with the directors on the affairs of the company, they had devised the pre sent scheme for relieving the company from its difficul ties. He believed, if carried out, that it would be found satisfactory to all parties. Lookeig to the traffic pros peets of the line, and the high position of the Canada Land shares in the market, he thought there was a fair prospect of success. Some of the shareholders thought the terms were too liberal to the public, but be thought it would have been unwise to offer lower terms. The terms to the existing, shareholders were fa vourable, and he believed that the rights of all parties had been fairly and properly adjusted. The division of the surplus land among the A shareholders after the other classes were satifiesl would amply recompense them for the loss of interest. He concluded by moving a formal resolution to the effect that the shareholders ap proved the arrangement proposed to , be granted by the new company for carrying out the line to Woodstock, and authorised the directors to carry out the arrange ment. The CHAIRMAN stated that the holders of 1,700 shares oat of 4,000 shares had assented to the scheme, and that the holders of 1,000 shares more would assent, making 2,7001. The holders of 50 shares only had dissented." The whole of the present A shares, 4,000 in number, with but one exception, had had 161. per share paid up. It was necessary to call up the remaining 41. per share, in order to pay off a loan. Mr. GOODCHAP and other shareholders expressed their dissent from the proposed scheme for forming the new company, as they were desirous of preserving their pre sent rights. They did not want to belong to a new com pany. The CHAIRMAN explained that, unless they completed the line to Woodstock in 1857, they would forfeit all their rights, and the money expended would be lost. About 26 miles of railway from the port of St. Andrew's were al ready finished, and 6 additional miles could soon be note exceeded c c e o e s d t ed of 3,000/ . p completed, makin g 32 m il es , th a t m i g ht b e soon o p ene d for traffic. tad The erm g l t e h , a and t portionto completeof th e line the line to Woodstock, including rolling stock, would be 350,000/. The Government had agreed to subscribe 60,000/. towards the undertaking, but had not completed their agreement. Mr. GREATREX thought the plan proposed was the best they could adopt, and, from information he had ob tained, he believed if the project were carried out th at they would have a very good property. The CHAIRMAN, in reply to a question, stated that Earl Fitz 4illiarn had assented to he chairman of this new company, and that Lord Ashburton had also as sented to the scheme. The resolution proposed by Mr. Bates was then car tied, Mr. Goodchap dissentirg. In reply to a question, Mr. SHARPE stated that the bill now before Parlia ment of the " British and North American Great Rail way and Land Company" did not emanate from the St. Andrew's Company. The proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks to the chairman. EAgTERN COUNTIES. Mr. George P. Bidder, one of the engineers for the construction of the branches of the Eastern Counties and Norfolk R ai l way -„ , has communicated to the di rectors of the N or f o lk li ne a re ply to the statements of Lieutenant-Colon e l Wy nne , the Government In spector, touching the condition of that railway. Mr. Bidder commences by pointing out that, although Colonel Wynne has repo r t e d man y bridges and via ducts in a dangerous state o f d eca y, l cite one Bolitary case of accident." i " yet he cannot In reply to the colonel's inference, that wood is not a safe material for railway structure., Mr. Bidder says :—" Iron girders have occa,siorally failed—brick arches have broken down I—earth1—earth embankments have settled—cuttings have the part of this district in sapport of her Majesty's Govern ment, in order to insure the speedy adoption by Parlia ment of a bill for carrying into effect the recommendation of her Majesty's Shipping Dues Commission." Mr. MASON, of Ashton, seconded the resolution, and it was agreed to. Mr. T. FAIRBIIRIT moved, and Mr. J. A. TURNER se conded, the.following resolution, which was supported by Mr. HEELTS, Mayor of Salford :-- "That this meeting is irepressed'with the valuable sor vices which the corporation of the city of Manchester has rendered to tbo manufacturing district by its energetic op position to the levying of these dues ; and, in recording its obligations to that body for the activity and ability which it has put forth on this question, that it is the duty of the whole of the manufacturing district energetically to co-operate with the corporation of Manchester, in order to secure with as little delay as possible the abolition or due appropriation of these unjust'exactiens." Mr. M. Ross said he could not forbear, when he heard Sir F. Thesiger's - speech on the Local Dues Bill, contrasting some of its arguments with those of Sir C. Wetherall's on the Reform Bill 25 years ago. Accord ing to him, the fall of the vested interests of Gatton and Old Sarum would he the destruction of thteconstitution ; and so, according to Sir Frederick, would be the right , appropriation of the Liverpool town due. (" Hear,' and laughter.) Mr. Ross said that it must not be sup posed that Liverpool gentlemen were all so blind as to the jaetice of this question, and he read the folowing extract of a letter from a Liverpool merchant on the neglect of the Liverpool authorities of their duties and the maladministration of their funds; as an instance : "That the corporation have notappropriated thereceipts from town dues or expended them in a way to promote the facilities of shipping. That the Liverpool Town-clerk distinctly wishes it to .he impressee..npon the -public that they are not called upon to do so. That, on the con trary, the Liverpool corporation have neglected to afford facilities for shipping, and protection to ships, which it Was their duty to provide, as stated by Mr. S. Helms in the town-council. The Wallasey embankment, under charge of the corporation, is in a most disgraceful state of !ne glect, the tea penetrating into it, and the sand washed away, threatening in a short time, if not immediately at tended to, to close up the most important channel to the entrance of the river. That the corporation, who look after the weights and scales of petty hucksters, and fine scores of them weekly, provide no means for the correct measurement of goods shipped abroad, the freight of which by measure must amount to thousands of pounds weekly, and is a-subject of constant fraud and deception. That traffic from the interior for goods shipped through Liverpool do not use any streets except those on the mar gin of the quays ; and, in answer to Mr. Norsfall, it may be shown that the corporation have preferred to widen purely shop streets, and have refused when they had the opportunity of widening those leading from the docks to the centre of the wholesale trade. That an immense amount of town dues is collected by no tariff, printed, cir culated, or known, but is left to the discretion of the clerks receiving the same, who frequently differ in their views ; and this uncertainty of what has to be paid offers temptation to pilfering on the part of young men, chiefly apprentices, who pay these dues. That the Government Customs' officers are the chief provedores of these dues, as they refuse to pass an export entry until the payment of town dues is marked upon it. That the revenue from dock dues is amply sufficient to provide for the required facili ties and accommodation of commerce. That the arrange ments for paying dues at Liverpool is lumbering, cumber some, and unnecessarily expensive. There is a receiver of town dues, with a staff of clerks, who must be furnished with a copy of each entry on which is marked the town dues paid. There is also a receiver of dock dues, with a staff of clerks, which must also be furnished with a copy of the entry iu the same manner. The most simple import or export entry has thus to be taken to four persons for the local rates alone. That the en tries for payment of dues for a whole cargo, inwards or outwards, might be passed in 10 minutes, and two clerks would thus bo able to do all the work con nected with the receipt of dues in a twentieth part of the time at present occupied. But at present, if there are 53 different interests on board a ship, they require 50 different entries for town dues and r:0 more for dock dues. For merly the shipbroker passed all these in one entry, and charged each shipper his proportion when rendering the freight bill. Every shipper or merchant, in his entries, wishes to use terms as used in the Customs, dock, or town dues tariffs (for all three are distinct and different) ; but, I in the Customs bill of entry for yesterday, taking one day of small average business, I find, in one day alone, the following goods entered, for which there is no charge at • tached in the published tariff of town dues, excluding what may come under the general term of dry goods.' Some of these articles may appear of small consequence, but are really not so. . For instance, of nitrate of soda 1,203 bags are entered ; and of bicarbonate of soda, 220 kegs. Furniture, nitrate of soda, tin ore, Tonquie beaus, tapioca, isnglass, jalap, bleaching powder, muriates, pros siates, hats, lead shot, kegs of nails, twine, paintings, ma chinery, saddlery, plated ware, hollow ware, tin ware, hardware, guns, hair seating, chains, gas fittings, anvils, vices, blue, ink, bicarbonate of soda, apothecaries' ware, copper rollers, copper bottoms, fishing materials, printers' and dyers' materials, varnish, fuze, flocks, vermilion, seeds, anchors, carubooses, lead pipe, windlasses." He proposed— " That an association, to be called ' An Association to obtain the right Appropriation of the Liverpool Town Dues,' be now formed, for the purposes mentioned in the preceding resolution ; and that the support of the leading manufacturers and merchants of this district, by subscrip tion and otherwise, be solicited. That Mr. A.. Henry be appointed president, Messrs. R. N. Philips, Thomas Baz ley, J. A. Turner, J. C. Harter, and Henry Houldswort be the vice-presidents; Mr. John Platt, the treasurer; and that the following gentlemen form the committee of council of the association, out of which 15 members shall be noini hated by the president, to be called the executive commit tee, for the purpose of conducting the bueinees of the asso ciation." (dens follow 82 names of influential gentlemen of the town and district.) Mr. HENRY AINSWORTH seconded the resolution, and contended that if Charles IL had a right to deal with these dues her Majesty Queen Victoria had an equal right ; but they were, in fact, opposed to the spirit of the times, as welt a - 4 of the constitution, by which taxation and representation went together, and no part of the cons ' immunity could have a right to levy taxes upon another, and apply them to other purposes than those for which they were raised. Mr. HEnoic, Town-clerk of Manchester, in an able speech, exposed the fallacious arguments and dishonest st stements of Sir Frederick Thesiger in this subject in the House of Commons, and by which the house was led to believe that Liverpool gave 374,000/. for this right of levying town dues, while, in reality, that payment was for 1,300 manors, of which Liverpool was one, the value of Liverpool being fixed soon afterwards by its resale for 7001. In the same dexterous way it was made to appear that Bristol was in the same position ; but., in fact, Bristol had voluntarily reduced the 5,0001., dues raised in this way by 2,000/. per annum, while she had got Parliamentary powers, and had taxed her inhabitants to the amount of 10,0001. for the benefit of shipping. (Hear.) But what bad Liverpool done ? They spent the whole 150,0001. per annum rAised as tow❑ dues upon the tux!), and not on the docks, and raised besides 400,0001. a-year for the purpose of providing for the acminnodation of shipping. (Ll.-r.) The resolution was carried, and the meeting separated, after a vote of thanks to the chairman. TITE FRENCH TROOPS IN THE CRIMEA. The Asscniblce National of Tuesday contains the following article on the condition of the French army in the Crimea, which will be read with inte rest after the remarks made on the same suliject by the Moniteur " The article of the Times, which the Monitcur, has answered, did not escape our attention. The Times is not the only English journal whose correspondents have painted in the most • gloomy colours the situa.' lion of our troops in the Crimea. Without. being" entirely void of foundation, as we see by the reply of the official journal, these accounts are evidently exaggerated. We had no wish to reproduce them, although we alluded to them on one or two occasions, in expressing our wishes for a speedy peace. But, allowing fur exaggeration, it is certain that our army has been cruelly tried this winter, notwithstanding the soli citude of which it has been the object. Sickness has been more frequent, more malignant than last year, and everything proves that i❑ the hospitals the deaths have been much more numerous. The Moniteur accounts fcr this by the unhealthy situation of our present encamp ment. To this cause must be added the inclemency of the season, which, in the Crimea, has been of the worst na ture. Finally, if in the past year the fatigues and dangers of the siege were added to the rigours of winter, our sol diers found in those very perils an excitement which is wanting to-day. The slightest event of the struggle in which they were engaged resounded over the entire world. Every arrival conveyed to them proofs of sympathy and admiration. The grandeur of the task in which they were engaged, =list so many difficulties, and under the eyes of attentive Europe, doubled their strength and energy. For three months past, matters have changed, and it is not towards the Crimea that the eyes of all are east. This new situation has naturally had its influence on the sanitary condition of the army. But if public attention is withdrawn from the theatre of war, and has taken another direction, Fr ance has not forgotten those of her children who are detained by the requirements of politics on the shores of the Bosphorus or the plains of the Crimea. The cruel trials of this ex ceptional winter have been supported by them with a courage, a constancy above all praise. Never have the sentiments of duty, discipline, the true military spirit, been carried to a farther extent. In the struggle which they sustain to-day against sickness, our soldiers are not less admirable than at the assault, or on the field of battle : and the country will make no distinction be tween those who served it with equal devotion and heroism in circumstances so different. The Moniteur informs us that their condition has improved. We re joice sincerely at this, but we await still better news, for we believe that it will soon be possible to terminate those sufferings. Peace will give the signal of return to our brave soldiers, and the month will not conclude, if we believe in our hopes, without the telegraph convey ing to them orders to leave those inhospitable shores, where the dead destroy the living. The day is not far distant when France will prove to the soldiers of the Crimea that she has not forgotten them," CRYSTAL PALACE—SHILLING DAT, March 27.—Ad missions on payment, 2,299 ; ditto by season tickets, 416 ; total visitors, 2,71,5, MEETING OF MIDDLESEX MAGISTRATES Yesterday a special meeting of the magistracy of Mid dlesex was held at the Session•hcuse in Clerken well— first, to take into consideration the report of the Com mittee of Visitors of the County Lunatic Asylum at Hanwell, and the plans for certain proposed alterations at that institution, involving an expenditure of 67,300/. ; and, secondly, to take into consideratioa the like report from the Colney Hatch Asylum, and the plans of certain proposed alterations for the enlargement of that esta blishment. Mr. Pownall presided. The report from the asylum at Hanwell stated that, throughout the year ending January last, the general health of the patients of both sexes had been and con tinued to be, remarkably good, and that, though the mortality was greater than in 1854, there had not been the slightest cause for anxiety. The number of patients admitted during the year was 151—males, 73 ; females, 73 ;—discharged cured, 16 males, 21 females ; deaths, males 65, females 45. One male patient was killed by another, and one female patient committed suicide by hanging herself. Appended to the report were plans of the proposed alterations of the asylum. Sir A. Y. SPEARMAN, Bart., said the plans which were submitted to the Court with the report had received the most ample and careful consideration of the committee of the asylum, of which he had the honour to be chairman ; they bad been referred to a sub-committee for further examination; and, finally, the general committee adopted the plans of Mr. Harris, the architect, as most calculated to carry out the object of the committee. Those plans were n ow submitted to the Court for its decision. Th ere was a great demand for farther accommodation for the pauper lunatics of the county, and the enlargement of the present asylums was far preferable to the erection of an additional one ; for it was most objectionable that the ceentry should be studded over with such insti tutions. Mr. ARMSTRONG seconded the motion. The expen- diture proposed was not lavish, but involved a very important principle of economy, because they were in dilemma, unless they adopted these alterations they would have no alternative but to provide a third asylum. —Agreed to. Mr. COTTRELL, with reference to the Colney Hatch report, said, since the last Court-day, the Commissioners in Lunacy had visited the asylum, and had made an Q,ntry in the visiting-book, in which they expressed an opinion that the c ommittee had not taken advantage of all the space at present available in the asylum for the reception of patients. A report had been subsequently received from the Commissioners on the same subject, and therefore to give the committee an opportunity of examining whether there was anything in the suggestions of the Commissioners worth adopting, he proposed that the consideration of the Colney Hatch Asylum report be deferred until the next Court-day. This was adopted, and a motion with respect to cer tain alterations at the Westminster House of Correction, at an outlay of 11,0001., was also postponed, and the Court then adjourned. 4 ~' MIMS