The Sun. — London, England, 1825-05-12 00:00:00

CORY LAWS. FOR THE SUN. Ma. EDITOR—I have observed in the news papers that a Petition has been presented to the House of Commons from Merchants and Dealers is London, suggesting that Foreign Corn should always be admissable on payment of a certain Attity—say on wheat 205., barley 10s., and oats Ss. per quarter. Being interested myself in the corn trade, and having for some years carefully watched the effects of existing laws, I beg leave to offer a few sentiments on the subject, which to me appear feasable, and which I have never known advanced, amongst the various plans that have been suggested for the modification of the , Coin Laws. I fully concur in the opinion that foreign grain should always be admissible; but I am decidedly of the judgment, that the rate of duty to be paid ilelould be governed by the value of our own growth; and that this-value should be ascertained by weekly averages. There are advantages arising from such a system, which no man of experience will deny. No sooner, for instance, do our ports open under the existing laws, than prices on the Continent rise almost to a level with ours ; by w hich means the enhancement of the article benefits the foreigner instead of ourselves. On the other hand, by fixing a duty on the commo dity, a rise in price here would be no signal for a simaltaneous effect abroad ; because the prices there must still be kept at a distance from ours, to admit of advantage to the importer. Again, by allowing importation at all times, we shall employ the best possible means to keep the price of corn steady; and, upon the common principle of barter, we may reasonably expect those coun tries which .send us corn to take in exchange a larger quantity of our manufactures. I have already expressed my opinion that the fluty should be regulated by the value of our own growth ; and that this value should be as certained by weekly averaa ' es :•the manner in which these averages should be taken, is there fore of the first importance. I venture to express my opinion that the most certain way to prevent fraudulent returns, is to giVe the greatest possible scope to the system, so as to form a mass of re tarns, . that shall be at once sufficient to protect agriculture, and defeat every unfair attempt to influence the aggregate average. The confined limits of operation, according to the laws, opens a door to interested persons, who, by com bining together, can materially effect the six weeks aggregate average of the twelve maritime districts. Instead of this plan, therefore, I propose that the price regulating the scale of duties should be formed from the aggregate averag e of all the principal Market Towns in Englan d and Wales returned during the tehole Quarter. The great difference between this extended mode of strik ing the average-and the present confined one, is too obvious to require comment. _ _ It appears to me that the return of the last six srevks of a quarter, do not form a fair criterion of the:real value of grain, because' prices fluctuate weekly during this short-period, according to the idea which prevails respecting the result of the average ; in short, it reduces business at times almost to a stand. This I conceive would in great measure be remedied by the plan I have proposed, The extent qf time, and , the magnittule qf Returns, would form a scale too vast for mi nute calculations; added to which, the advantage to be derived from any effect possible to be pro duced on my scale of duties would be too insig nificant to hold out any temptation for fraud. I will now proceed to give my opinion respecting the duties to be imposed ; in doing which, I beg to observe, that I feel less confident of being correct in the minutim than in the principles by which I shall be guided.' The principles are simply these—lot, To at tach a duty on low prices, amounting in effect to prohibition ; 2d, To reduce the duty by small gradations, as prices advance in the aggregate average—(thio I propose as an additional safe guard against fraudulent returns);—and, lastly, I have adopted a maximum, beyond which, I con. ceive, Foreign Grain should be admitted duty free. rt is not my province to define the relative situation between our own Colonies and Foreign States, neither will I at present venture any opinion respecting grain in bond. It appears to me, however, of the greatest consequence, that any alteration made in the Corn Importation Laws should have a prospective operation, as the result of any sudden change in the system might be most disasterocs to the country. I have now to add the annexed Table, which is drawn with reference to European Produce; a►nd remain, &c. Southampton, 1825. W. C. W. PaorosED SCALE of DurtEs, according to the Result of the Aggregate Average, calculated from the Returns re ceived during the whole Quarter from all the Principal Mar ket Towns in England and Wales. WHEAT. Duty. OATS. .Duty. Per Qr. Per Qr. Per Qr. Per Qr. If under 525. 325. If under 18s. 12s. 425. and under 56 30 18s.and under 20 11 .56 60 28 20 - 22 10 60 - 64 25 22 - 24 9 64 - 68 22 24 - 26 8 68 - 72 19 26 -. 28 6 n- 76 16 28 ---- 30 4 76 -. 80 12 30 - 8 0" - 84 8 32 duty free. 84 --- 88 4 88 duty free. BARLEY. Duty. Per Qr. Per Qr. If under 265. 16s. 265. and under 28s. 15 28 - 30 14 , _ 32 13 - 34 12 34 - 36 10 ' 36 --- 38 8 38 - 40 6 44 duty free. •.° We regret that we bad .aatiele An earlier insertion 32 2 RYE, BEANS, AND PEASE. Duty. . Per Qr. Per Qr. If under 311 a. 245. 365. and under 38 22 38 - 40 20 40 42 - 44 16 44 46 43 50 62 - 54 3 64 duty free. an opportunity of giving this • erc , • 4e. • *: 5 ,7 // ire . MASONIC NOTICES FOR NEXT WEEK. ENGLAND. Monday, May 16, LONDON. Nos. 1,8, 14, 15, 22, 104, 284, 293, 308. CODNTRY. N 05.20, 72,102, 219, 311, 368, 423, 509, 510, 521, 583: Tuesday, - 17, LONDON'. Nos. 33, 42, 266, 281, 309. COUNTRY. Nos. 127, 151, 167, 170, 184, 199, 385, 532, 544, 551. Wednesday, -.18, LoNDON. Grand Steward's Lodge, Nos. 36, 56, 91, 92, 134, 225, 296, 321. COUNTRY. Nos. 95, 105, 124, 146, 207, 229, 339, 342, 465, 480, 487, 529, 581, 676, 711. Thursday, - 19, LONDON. Nes. 65, 152, 274, 338. House Corn. Fern. Sch. at 11. COUNTRY. Nos. 113, 171, 288, 416, 451, 453, 466, 469, 511, 561. Friday, -- 20, LONDON. Nos. 23, 493. Cou NT IL I% Nos. 30, 55,193, 470, 600, 646. Saturday, - 21, LoxDoN - . • • • CouNTILY. No. 64. LONDON DISTRICT. NEW 1L MMERSMITH BRIDGE. On Saturday last the foundation-stone of the intended Chain Bridge, at Hammersmith, was laid by his Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex, according to the. Masonic cere mony customary on such an occasion. The day was unususily fine, and not less than 10,000 persons enjoyed the grand and imposing scene. Since the death of her late Majesty, Ham mersmith has not witnessed such life and gaiety, nor so many splendid equipages. The arrangements were well conducted, and the police under the direction of Sir Richard Bii-nie and Mr. Hanson, the Magistrates, preserved order thoughout the day. A large kind of amphitheatre was formed round the place where the stone was suspended, by the side of the River Thames, and the seats were .almost entirely filled with ladies. The vessels on the river fired occasional salutes; and what heightened the splendour of the scene in no small degree, was the effect of the great number of flags floating on the craft. A t half-past four o'clock the Duke of Sussex arrived ; the Officers of the Grand Lodges of England assembled at Latimer's School, near the Church, and the Lodge was opened by the Masters and Officers of the Caveac Lodge, No. 292. His Royal Highness took the Chair, and his Grand Wardens acted in their respective offices. The following procession then was formed from the School to the River : Parish Officers. Children of Latimer's School; Boys and. Girls. Two Tylers, with Drawn Swords. Visiting Brethren, two and two. Band playing " God save the King." Bridge Committee, two and two. Engineer, Builder, and Secretary. {Cornucopia, borne by a Grand Steward. Grand Steward. "( Grand Master. Two ewers, with wine and oil, borne by Masters of Lodges. Banners of Grand Lodge. Caveac Lodge. Tyler. Members, two and two. Junior Deacon, with column. Master of hedge of Antiquity, iSearing the Bible on a cushion. The Grand Register, bearing the Great Seal. The Grand Treasurer. Junior Grand - Warden, C. M. Williams, Esq. Senior Grand Warden, Colonel Hugh Baillie. Deputy Grand blaster, General Sir John Doyle. The M. W. Grand Master Of Ireland, the Duke of Leinster. Banner of his Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex. Grand Swore?-Bearer. 1 The M.W.G.M. his R. 11.1 Grand Steward. • - Grand Steward. the Duke of SUSSEX. ) Two Grand Stewards. Grand Steward. The King's Standard. Grand Steward. Grand - Steward. Grand Tyler, &c. (In arriving at the entrance, the procession divided, and took their station right and left, and the Duke of Sussex passed to the platform. During the progress of the procession, the ac- clamation of the assembled thousands was truly deafening, the bells rang continued peals, and a triumphal arch was made in the centre of the High-street; and his Royal Highness, who seemed to enjoy perfect health, appeared exceedingly gratified with the display of loyal affection towards his person. The ceremony of laying the stone commenced, after three cheers had been given to his Royal Highness. The Grand Treasurer de livered to his Royal Highness a bottle, sealed hermetrically, containing coin of the present reign, which was deposited in a cavity in the stone. A large brass plate was placed over the cavity by his Royal Highness, with the following inscription engraved thereon :—" This Foundation Stone of a Bridge of Suspension over the River Thames from the Hamlet of Ham mersmith, in the County of Middlesex, to Barnes, in the County of Surrey, was laid with due masonic ceremony, by H. R H. the Duke of Sussex, M. W. G. M. on Satur day, May 7, 1825. W. Tierney Clerke, Esq. engineer, George, William, and Stephen Bird, and Captain Brown, R. 111., builders. Rebt. Hall, P. G. S. chief clerk and secretary."— The mortar being placed on the plate, his Royal Highness, with a silver trowel, adjusted it, and the stone was lowered by the pulley, amidst loud cheering and clapping of hands...— The different Officers presented his Royal Highness with the square, the level, the plum-rule, &c., and the Duke of Lein ster presented the mallet, with which his Royal Highness gave the stone three knocks.—The vessels containing the corn, wine, and oil, were presented to the Royal Duke, and he scattered the corn, and poured the wine and oil over the stone. His Royal Highness said, " As I have poured the corn, and the wine, and the oil, emblems of wealth, comfort, and plenty, so may this Bridge tend to communicate riches, prosperity, and wealth, from one end of this island to the other, God bless the King."—lmmense cheering and " God save the King," and " Rule Britannia," sung solo, and full chorus.—His Royal Highness inspected a plan of the intended Bridge, which is after the principle of the Brighton chain pier, and expressed his greatest pleasure at the prospect of completing so grand and national a work.—The procession returned in the same ordcr,i and an excellent dinner was served up to his Royal Highness and a numerous company at the Hammersmith Hotel and Coffee-house; a number of loyal, national, and masonic toasts were drank, and the evening was spent in the true spirit of con viviality." GLOUCESTERSHIRE. PITTVILLE PUMP-ROOM. Great anxiety has been manifested for a considerable period (in consequence of an event long anticipated) by all classes of individuals who have felt an interest in the rising prosperity and increasing popularity of this highly favoured and enchant ing spot of fashionable resort. On Wednesday last, the morning was ushered in by the ringing of bells, the firing of cannon, and other rejoicings, in honour of the event of laying the first stone of the New Pump Room, at the Pittville Spa. Crowds of persons from all the neighbouring villages conti nued to pour into the town from an early hour in the morning, 1 until the streets were literally thronged with our " Country Cousins" anxious to behold, for the first time in their lives in Cheltenham, a Masonic Procession:- In the morning the Bre thren of the Provincial Grand Lodge, and of five other Lodges in the Province, assembled in the Masonic Hall, and at eleven o'clock they commenced their route - to the Parish Church, pre ceded by an excellent amateur band, playing the favourite Ma sonic air of " Come, let us prepare," in the following order of procession, attended by their respective banners : The 11 'ot - ton-under-Edge Lodge of Sympathy, The Foundation Lodge of Cheltenham, The Royal Gloucester Lodge, The Royal Union Lodge of Cheltenham, The Lebanon Lodge of Gloucester, AND Tie Provincial Grand Lodge of Gloucester, The order of the latter was as follows : Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, with Gold Wand, Provincial Grand Pursuivant, with Drawn Sword, Banner, Provincial Grand Stewards, two and two, with Wands, Provincial Grand Organist, Provincial Grand Senior and Junior Deacons, with Wands, An Officer of the Provincial Grand Lodge, bearing THE VOLUME OF THE SACRED LAIV. Provincial Grand Chaplain, . Provincial Grand Prov. Grand Secretary} Treasurer with the Book of I { Provincial with his Staff', • Constitutions, Registrar, Grand Provincial Grand Senior and Junior Wardens, with their Columns, Provincial Grand Sword-Bearer Provincial Grand J Prov.GrandMaster,sup- Z Provincial Grand Steward, I. ported on each side by S Steward. - When the head of the procession, arrived at the -Church, the Brethren divided to the right and left, for the R. W. D. P. G. M., his Officers, and the Brethren, to pass up the centre, pre ceded by the banners. After the Morning Service, which was performed by the Rev. ---- Edwards, Vicar of Prestbury, a most excellent and highly edifying Sermon was preached by the Rev. J. Portis, Provincial Grand Chaplain of Somerset ; the text from the 2llth chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, and the 22d verse :—" And concerning this sect, we know every where that it is spoken against." From the nature of the discourse, joined to the impressive and - effective style of delivery, and the impassioned manner in whiCh the Rev. Gentleman successfully defended the Ancient Craft of Freemasonry from those unjust aspersions which have been so illiberally levelled against the Broth , rhood, every individual present experienced the most gratifying - sensations, fully convinced, that notwithstanding all that may have been urged against the respectability and the purity of the intentions of the Craft, it only requires a slight in vestigation into their motives to be satisfied of the benevolence and the integrity of those intentions by which they have ever been ac tuated. At the conclusion of Divine Service, the - Procession-pro. ceeded from the Church in the same order, passing up the High-street, through Winchcpmb-street, to Pittville, where every accommodation had been made for the-reception of visitors to view the ceremony, by the erection of two extensive eleva tions, commanding-excellent views of the whole of the imposing ceremony, which commenced by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, expressing to Mr. Forbes, the architect, high appro bation of - the design and ground plan, which was then ex hibited to the spectators and received with universal acclama tion. Several coins of the present -reign were placed in the cavity, which was covered by a silver plate bearing the follow inscription:— . . • " 111 the Reign of His Most Gracious Majesty King George the Fourth, when Cheltenham, in consequence•of its celebrated Mineral Waters, - had, during half a century preceding,4ncreas ed from an inconshlerahle Village to a Town containing a Po pulation of upwards of 20,00 souls; and from its continued prosperity justified the most sangine expectations, that its im-. portance would -still advzneeln an unprecedented degree, the First Stone of this Edifice, THE PITT4;II,LE SPA PUMP-ROOM, • - the Property-of Joseph Pitt, Esq. 31. P., and a principal-feature in the projected Building:, at Pittville, over one hundred acres of Land, a part of the Estate there belonging to that 'Gentle man, was laid by Thomas Quarrington. Esq., Deputy Grand Master of the Province of Gloucestershire, acting by .delega tion frotn the Most Noble Henry -Charier-Somerset, - 'Duke of Beaufort, K.G. Grand Master of the Most Ancient and Honourable , .Seciety of Free and Accepted Masons % in and over that Province, on the 4th day of May, in the :year of our Lord, 1825, and the Ere of Masonry, -:825 ; Mr. John Forbes, of Cheltenham,' being the Architect.--:May the Under taking prooaote the general Frdsperity of the Town of Chel tenham " . . .-....—... • The stone.was then slowly lowered, amidst, the most enthu. siastie cheers, the band -playing " God save:the Ring." The ceremony was performed 'by Thomas Quarrington, Esq. R. W. D. P. G. M. • The Rev. ,J, Pon TIS,' in very energetic and solemn language, invoked aMessing upon the undertaking. Mr. WisToun. HARRIS, P. G. S. W. in handing to the Architeßt the instruments of the craft, admonished him that by the right application of those tools, , he-was to raise a superstruc ture upon the foundation-stone then laid, and which from the great talent lie had displayed in the elevation submitted to the. inspection of the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, whose decided approbation was re-echoed by the brilliant assem blage then present, he was sure would he alike honour able to himself and creditable to the craft, and that under the auspices of so much beauty as then surrounded him, he could not but be inspired in the prosecution of this greatwork.- That on the inscription plate, which had just been deposited,` it was stated, that a very few years since the town of Chel tenham (which was now in their view) was a mere village, but that at present it exceeded in its in ortance, in its popula tion. in its revenues, in its amusements, and above all, in its charities, every other town in this county. He again hoped, and felt confident, that the structure about to be raised would establish the fame of the architect, that it would he profitable 1 to the proprietor, and b ene fi c i a l to the whole neighbourhood. ' After the admirable discourse they had just heard from the Rev. Brother Portis, it would ill become him to enter on cussion of the principles of Masonry—but to those :who were not present at that discourse, he would sum up the whole of the Masonic creed, in the words of that great philosopher and ex cellent Mason Pythagoras, that " it is a system of the greatest perfection of virtue and wisdom, which can be observed by man in the present state—that it exhibits piety unadulterated with hypocrisy—moral virtue uncontaminated with vice—science unmingled with sophistry —a 'dignity of mind and manner un accompanied by pride -_—a sublime magnificence in theory with out any degradation in practice—and a vigour olintellect which elevates its possessor to the vision of divinity, and thus defies whilst it exalts:" , In conclusion, he invoked the Great Archi tect of the Universe to shower clown his choicest blessings upon the undertaking thus commenced-L-upon the generous founder of the building, with every portion of his family—upon the architect—and upon every individual connected with the town of Cheltenham—and sincerely prayed:that its springs may-im part new life and vigour to those afflicted individuals who may resort there to partake of them. We should imagine, that upon a very moderate calculation, there could not have been a less number than 18.060 or 20,000 persons assembled close to the vicinity of Pittville to witness. the ceremony. An elegant and sumptuous banquet was provided by Brother, Lee, at the Vittoria Hotel, where the Brethren of the Pro vincial Grand Lodge, attended by the Royal Union, the Royal Gloucester, and Foundation Lodges, enjoyed the " mirthful festivities of sociality, good-fellowship, and good wine," till a late hour in the evening. The following is a list of the toasts, as proposed by the R. W. D. P. G. M " His Most Excellent Majesty, our Grand Patron." " His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex, M. W. G. M." " His Grace the Duke of Beaufort, P. G. 111. of Gloucester shire." " The Grand Lodge of England." " The NV. M. of the Foundation Lodge." " The.W. M. Royal Gloucester Lodge." " The W. M. of the Royal Union Lodge, with thanks for their liberal donation." " On this toast being drank, Brother Harper the W. M. of the R. U. L. rose, and returned thanks in the following neat and appropriate speech : " Right Worshipful Master and Brethren, " In thanking you for the honour which you have conferred upon me, Heel I should be unable to give utterance to my feelings, were I not con v i nce d th a t I am surroun d e d by those who will judge with candour, admonish with friendship, and cast the mantle of love over every imperfection they may dis cover. It would be ignorance not to know, and knowing, it would he affectation to conceal, that our Institution has been misunderstood by prejudice, misrepresented by malevolence, and Slandered by calumny. By some we have been charged as the abettors of immorality, and the champions of infidelity ; to such we can reply, that no institution can boast a more solid foundation than that on which Freemasonry rests—the practice of social and moral virtue; for the grand pedestal of " Free masonry is religion"— a nd on it is legibly inscribed,. " Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth to men." Some have said that we meet for the purpose of sowing the seeds of anarchy and sedition ; but have not .our Monarchs in every peace, good will age been promoters of the art? Yes. They have not been ashamed to exchange the sceptre for the trowel, have patronised our myste ries, and even joined in our assemblies—and, at this time, the So vereign of the British Empire is our Patron, his illustrious Brother, the Duke of Sussex, is our Master, and many of the Princes of their House are our Brethren. Others have alleged i that our pursuits are light, trifling, and frivolous ; but to such an objection we can reply, that a Locke, a Washington, and a Jenner, have ranked under our banners ; and it is not to be supposed that such men—men who have irradiated the world by their genius, and blessed it by their benevolence— would have continued their support to a Society, against which, such objections could be truly urged: I know, and I lament, that some +aye proved themselves unworthy Brethren—that some have sullied the purity of the badge of innocence—have burst asunder the bond of friendship—have trampled in the dust the emblem of peace—but this they could not have done, had they acted in conformity to the principles inculcated in the Lodge—for within its peaceful walls, and around its social altar, jealousies vanish, animosities subside, resentment is paralysed. It is there we learn, that Friendship, which is a merciful pro , vision of Heaven, to ameliorate the sorrows, and relieve the wants of suffering humanity,—which, while it smoothes the rugged path of labour, tends also, by the reciprocations of manly tenderness, to soothe the anguish of the mind. Without Friendship the heart of man is desolate, and the world a dreary wilderness, without one fragrant flower to regale the fancy— without one ripening fruit to invite the gathering hand. It is a consolation, notwithstanding all the objections that have been made to, and all the charges that have been brought against, our Institution, that every Mason may successfully refute the one, and remove the other. Let us be regulated by the precepts of Wisdom, supported by the strength of Virtue s and adorned with the beauty of Benevolence. Let our Faith he governed by the " Volume of the Sacred Law"--and our lives regulated by the divine precepts it contains—and we shall furnish a more complete refutation of the charges that have been preferred against us, than can be supplied by the acuteness of reason ing, the flowers of rhetoric, or the charms of eloquence."— This speech was followed by loud and continued cheering. After the dinner Brother Wintour Harris, P.G.S. W. in an address, replete with the genuine feelings of charity and be nevolence, successfully pleaded the cause of the Masonic Cha rities—the Masonic Institution, and the Royal Freemasons' Charity for Female Children. The following is a list of the sums received :—At the Church 171. ; Mr. Pitt 101; Mr. , Gardner 101.; Mr. Bowley 101.; the Royal Union Lodge, No. 401, 51.; collected after the dinner at the Imperial Hotel, 0l.; which together with a collection made at Brother Lee's, at the Vittoria, amounted to upwards of 60/. We are happy to be enabled to state, that notwithstanding the immense concourse of people who were assembled together at Pittville during nearly the whole of the morning, we have not heard of a single accident. Great credit is due to those in dividuals who superintended the erection of the stands for the accommodation of the visitors, for the care and exertions which were bestowed to prevent the recurrence of such dreadful ac cidents as those which have so frequently and unfortunately occurred en similar occasions.—( C'heltenhant Journal, May 9.) BALLOON ASCENT. Y-esterday was announced by Mr. GRAHAM, the aeronaut, for making his seventeenth ascent with his bal loon. He selected for the occasion a spot which seems to be a favourite one of his to make the ascent from,—narnely, the •Gardens of White Conduit-house, Pentonville, where he had three times before exhibited, once successfully, and twice the contrary. The public taste for ballooning, if we may judge by yester day's exhibition, seems to be very much on the wane; nor is it much to .be regretted that it should be . so ; for, without the exception of the gratifiCation which such sights give to one's curiosity,'hy exhibiting a man dangling in the air at an im mense height, we can,perceive little amusement, and much less of utility, in those aerial - flights, as usually conducted. ,The balloon yesterday was the same with which 111r.Graham has already taken many flights ; from which, however, it does not seem to be much the worse for the wear. The inflatinr , process, as it is called, commenced a eleven o'clock. As the morning lowered very much, and a fall of rain was anticipated, which might not only damp the proceedings, but perhaps stop them altogether, the gas was let into its place of destination very slowly—,a bird in She hand being consider ed worth two in the bush ; and as, if the balloon was once filled and no ascent could take place, the gas would have been lost both to ,the Imperial proprietors of it and to Mr. Graham. About two o'clock the wisdom of the precaution became more evident, -for the rain began to come down very heavily, and threatened—not the dispersion of the company, for there was no .company to be dispersed, but—the prevention of any from arriving, if there were any so minded. The rain lasted for about half an hour, and did one good for Mr. Graham—it washed his balloon completely, which before seemed of a mud colour, and covered with dust. At near three o'clock, the balloon having been.well washed, and the rain having ceased, it began, as it got gradually dry, to show some variety of colours, and the afternoon assuming a more favourable appearance, the inflating business went on more rapidly under the immediate direction of Itlr. Graham and a .11r. Adams, who we understand is a partner in the concern. Occasionally during the day,there were half a dozen men em ployed in•hlowing into sonic sort of wind instruments, and thumping a drum most unmercifully; and these people were called the balloon hand. There was, however, to be heard now and then, from another part of the gardens, something like an approach to music, from what we learned was a band in attend ance upon the firemen of the Royal Exchange Assurance Com pany, who were regaling themselves at this house on this day on the annual dinner given to them by their proprietors. At four o'clock a few half-crowns, the term of admission, began to make their appearance at the entrance-door, and the owners of them, and a few others with orders, scattered them selves on the grounds; but even up to this time the muster of spectators was very scanty indeed. it now appeared that a new species of entertainment had been provided for the specta tors, and a very silly one we deem it, if not indeed mischievous. A small cannon was placed in the midst of the spectators, close to the balloon, and occasionly charged very strongly with powder, -by a person who seemed to know nothing about such a process,; and this was several times in the course of the after noon made to explode, certainly to the annoyance of every body, and to the alarm, and possibly serious alarm, of women and children. Five o'clock showed the afternoon rather favourable to the ascent, and at this hour the gardens appeared the fullest with spectators, and that fulness consisted of about 200, chiefly of thet,y-rag and bobtail sort. After considerable impatience on the part of the few specta tors who were present, the balloon was announced as ready for its voyage, at within a quarter to six o'clock ; and at that hour the car was attached by the net-work surrounding the balloon and other cords in the usual manner. It was now rumoured that a gentleman had paid a considerable sum to Mr. Graham for permission to accompany him, and that he was to take his flight in the balloon. Nor was the rumour void of foundation, for in a few minutes a young gentleman of a military appear ance, dressed in a blue frock coat, &c., and wearing large mus tachios, was seen upon the platform, and he was pointed out as the intended companion of Mr. Graham. The ballast, grappl ing-iron, &c. being now placed in the car, which was a very plain wicker one, Mr. Graham took his seat in it, and was im mediately followed by the gentleman above alluded to, who we understood to be Captain Conroy, of the 3d Dragoon Guards. This gentleman, in taking his seat, which he did with his hat off; evinced no other change of countenance than a little flush ing of his cheek. The wind was now rather strong, blowing from the south-east. The signal was given to let go the ropes which held down the balloon, after it had been removed from the phitform.to the ground ; which being done; the machine made a very sudden bound from the earth in a northerly direc tion, and came with some violence against one of the trees on that side of the gardens. This accident, although attended with no danger or inconvenience, might have shaken the nerve of a man in his first flight towards the Heavens ; but on Capt. Con roy it had not the slighest effect; and never did we see a per fect novice in these aspiring voyages exhibit more of real pre sence of mind—if the countenance be an index of that mind ; his coolness seemed perfectly unaffected. Mr. Graham, of course, was quite unmoved. The balloon, cleared frbm the trees, now rose very majesti cally; and gradually towards the west directly in the first in stance, and then in a direction north-west. The atmosphere was rather gloomy and dense, but still the aeronauts were seen distinctly for a very considerable time, waving their flags. They seemed to pass almost completely over the metropolis from east to west, or nearly so. The aseent, on the whole, was a very successful one, and attended with less of bungling in the management than gene rally accompanies such exhibitions. The receipts of the day towards defraying the expences must have been very trifling ; but we understand that Captain Conroy paid 401. on the ground for the permission to make the ascent. TUE DESZENT.-At half-past two o'clock this morning Mr. Graham arrived in town, having descended at Alr.Askew's farm ,near W a lth am Abbey, .about half-past seven o'clock. Mr. Graham and Captain Conroy, when they reached tetra firma, proceeded to E pping-place to dinner. Mr. Graham states, that afte r hi s ascent from the ground he experienced the most ext reme cold, and that at on e ti me it was so intense as almost to d epr i ve him of sensation. 'Tire extreme height of the balloon was two miles and a half. Mr. Graham brought his balloon safely with him to his house in Poland-street, and was cordially greeted by his friends who had assembled tbere to meet him. PARLIAMENTARY PROCEEDING:. HOUSE OF COMMONS. Mercurii, 110 die Mad, 1825. MESSAGE from the LoP.Ds—That they have agreed to— Doddington (Cambridge) Enclosure Bill, withoutlamendment ;- and to Liverpool Improvement Bill, with amendments. ROADS—Little Sheffield and Dore, Sheffield and Glossop, Amesbury, and Rochdale—Bills read a third time. and passed. Worksop and Attereliff, Leeds and Halifax, King ston-upon-Hull, Denbigh and Llanwrst, and Renfrew, La nark, and Ayr—Bills reported, to be ingrossed. DocKs_Kingston-upon-Hull—Four Petitions, in favour—to lie on th,.: table. Leith—Bill reported, Report to lie on the table. NAVIGAT tox—Clyde—rr ree Petitions, against—referred to the Committee on the Bill, Counsel ordered. COUNTY COURTS BlLL—Petitions from the Clerk of the Pleas, and Four Ushers of th e C our t o f E xc h equer ; an d Four Ushers, Court-keeper, and Porter of the Court of Com mon Pleas, for compensation—to lie on the table. IMPROVEMENT—BUISIeM GAS LIGII Ts—Rochester HARBOUR—Pembrey Bills read a third time, and B n IDGE—Athluneard (Ireland) passed. • SETTLEMENT OF THE POOR - THROWN SILK ACT REPEAL PAVlNG—Banbury—Petition friim Inhabitants, against--to lie on the table. CHURCHES—PooIe, and St. Dunstan's . in .the Last B i i l i l i s gr r o e s p s o e trd, to be TiTllES—Cockerharn WITNESSES EXPENCES—Petition of James Sutcliffe and John F. Taylor, Journeymen Woollen Weavers, Rochdale, for remuneration of their travelling expences, they having been examined before the Committee on Combination Lai" —to lie on the table. RAlLWAYS—Llanllyfin and Carnarvon—Petition of George Bettiss, against—to lie on the table. ANATomr—Petition from Liverpool Literary and Philosophi . cal Society, praying that the bodies of persons dying in hos pitals may be delivered over to Anatomiststo lie on the table. CORN LAWS—Petitions from Glasgow 'and Perth, for a revi sion thereof--to lie on the table. BONDED CORN—Petition of Kincaid Mackenzie, of Etlln' burgh, merchant, praying that Foreign Corn in Bond may be admitted to entry for Home Consumption —to lie on the table. SALMON FISHERY BlLL—Petition from Clonmell, against-- to lie on the table. • BASTARDY LAw—Petition from East Harling, for amend : - merit thereof—to lie on the table. COMBINAT; ON LAWS—Petitions from Manchester Burnley' , Wigan, Haslingden, and Rattenstall, against ; and from Birmingham, in favour—referred to the Select Committee. COUNTY TRANSFER OF LAND BILL—Four Petitions , against—to lie on the table. NEW STREET AMENDMENT—Petition from 11. S. Eyre/ against—to lie on the table. CANAL—Western Ship—Petiaon from Birmingham, in fa' vour—to lie on the table. ROMAN CATHO C CLAlMS_Petition from Lickblea, Rath _garron, and Main, in f avour —t o li e on t h e ta b le. WAREHOUSED CORN—Bill to be read a third time on Friday"- NOTICES OF MOTIONS FOR THIS DA Y. 1. Mr. Wallace—Assimilation of the English and Irish Cur rency. 2. Sir George Hill—Select Committee on the Laws respecting the Butter Trade of Ireland. 3. Mr. Monck—Bill to prohibit, in certain cases, the payment of any part or portion of the wages of Labourers oat of the Poor Rates. ORDERS OF THE DAY FOR THIS DAY. • " 1. Special Juries (Ireland) Bill—Second reading. 2. Stealing in Mines Bill—Committee. 3. County Courts Bill—Report of ResOlution thereupon. - 4. Currency Assimilation—Committee thereupon. L . 5. Elective Franchise (Ireland) Bill—Further consideration CI Report. 6. Exchequer Court (Ireland) Bill—Committee. 7. Apothecaries Bill—Committee. 8. Chancery Court (Ireland) Bill—Third reading. 9. Sealing of Writs (Ireland) Bill—Committee. 10. Excise Stamps--Committee thereupon. 11. Columbia Postage Bill—Second reading. 12. Disembodied Militia Bill—Second reading. 13. County Rates Mortgage Bill—Committee. 14. Bankers (Ireland) Bill—Further consideration of Report.- 15. Levant Company Bill—Committee. In. Land Tax Assessments Bill—Further consideration of Rit. port. 17. Liverpool and frelarid Bill—rteport. 10. Naval Asylum Bill—Report. 19. Pembroke Market Bill—Report. PRIVATE BILL. Second Reading .for This Day. Doncaster and Thorne Roads. ASCENSION.—HoIiday at the Bank, Exchequer, East and South Sea Houses. FOLZEIGN hIAILS. Amu v ED. Gottenburgh Ilamburgh - France 1)0E. 1 1 0 /11611 WATER AT IiON DON !BUDGE TO-mortmoW -51oniing, 29 minutes after 10. j Evening, 56 minutes after 10. THE SUN. SOLER Q Ul S DICERE F. 4 LS UM A U1.E.,47' LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, MAYI2, 1825• A few nights ago Lord DACRE, in the House of Lords, moved the second reading of the Gam e Laws Amendment Bill, hut, on the motion of Lord WESTMORLAND it was rejected by a Oa' jority of 38 to 23. We are divided in opinion on this subject, as to the kind of alteration tha t should be introduced. but feel fully persuade d that something should be done to amend thes e Laws, for as they now stand they are inad` quote to protect the game from poachers. The present laws have been represented as unjust and unnecessarily severe, and we are inclined to fall into this opinion, so far as theirseverity iS co" cerned, but not as to their injustice. Certainly, if this subject is considered only with reference t ° the prima facie right of taking such wild a nimals as the law will not consider the property of 01 man until " reduced into possession by the P ei " tentiality of" a dog, a snare, a gun, or otherwise' there is no question that justice requires h e should be permitted to exercise that right ; b ut if considered w ith re f erence to the long trait' of evils sthat would of necessity follow th e unrestrained exercise of that right, the question assumes an entire different W eer: ance, and it b ecomes t h en equally c l ear , tha t the prima facie right should be restricted. 'r ite proper m e di um o f restr i ct i on is then th e ne xt object to be justified. The evil dreaded by an unrestrained exercise of this right, is the idle ness which it wou ld super i n d uce, f or it canno t be supposed, th a t any person once acc usto m e d to the pleasures of field sports, would YerY