The Sun. — London, England, 1854-03-24 00:00:00

offence against public morals of which we c ompli Yesterday, then, Mr. Disraeli being out o, l ,fi ce , the Times could thus describe him : " Mr. Disraeli's mission we believe to be las Tithe r the reconstruction of the Tory party, the regen erat ion of the Hebrew Caucasian element, finance, nor fore icn or domestic policy. The one thing for which he bias : shown himself always competent, and in which he never failed whenever he has chosen to attempt it, is t he art and mystery of tormenting and annoying his ?pp° ins mts. There have been keener satirists, closer logician. s; , and xeadierspeakers ; but, taking him all in all we doubt t f an y 'one has carried the art of making himself unpleas it to the same perfection as Mr. Disraeli. He sat v a the Mouse of Commons for a good number of yeas ss an d made no figure at all, merely because he contester I h im . self with striving to rise, after the fashion of or dinary men, by persuading or convincing, by informh ag and enlightening the house. For none of these thin/ s did he evince any vocation, and he might have pass away like so many hundreds of other able men who have mis calculated or mistaken their sphere of action, if the re peal of the corn laws, and the consequent h -citation of the Tories against Sir Robert Peel, had not a' !forded him the opportunity of exercising his one undoul ited talent. Weak in argument, he at once expanded in tsi the giant of invective." Now, on the 4th of December, 1852, Mr. Disraeli was in office, and the Times,. true to its instinct, could thus follow him with ad ulation : "Had it been possible for the Chancellor of the Exchequer to surprise the House of Commons, he would certainly here done so last night by a financial statement which Peel himself would only have ventured on under the most encouraging circumstances, and in one of his most exuberant moods. But for some recolliections, which it is impossible wholly to suppress, we might say, that so far as concerns the annual ceremony of 'the Bud get, Mr. Disraeli has entirely filled up the lamen t a bl e gap left by the most illustrious of his recent predecessors. Without committing ourselves at once to every item in the long and weighty catalogue of financial reforms now before us, we must say that the Chancellor of the Exchequer not only takes advantage of his position with the dexterity of a master, but has really succee d e d i n showing that a new position, new resources, and new capabilities are before us. Nor was this a solitary instance. Now Mr. Gladstone is in office, and theref ore th e Ti m es can thus describe him Mr. Gladstone, by a wonderful effort of compression, condensed into three quarters of an hour a very complete answer to all the prominent topics of a long and discur sive debate, and only left the house to regret when he resumed his seat that he did not feel justified in appro priating to the elucidation of these important topics another half-hour of the time which his predecessor had so wantonly and unprofitably wasted." `.` Mr. Gl a d s t one h as a dd e d, if poss ibl e , t o hi s ora torical reputation by showing that his mastery over lan guage and matter enables him to condense as well as to overwhelm." But on the Bth of December, 1852, Mr. Glad stone was out of office, and he was, of course, con temptible in the eyes of the Times. In the columns of that paper, on that day, he was thus depicted : " The plain truth is, that Mr. Gladstone's grand argu ment is nothing less than a blunder, discreditable not only to his logic, but even to his common sense." Have we not a right, then, to demand that the rest of the London press be not estimated by the flagrant servility displayed by this unblushing journal ? FREEDOM OF THE PRESS—A FICTION! (From the Morning Advertiser.) Much and often as we have occasion to differ from the Times, we cannot withhold from that journal the tribute of our admiration for the man ner in which Mr. Mowbray Morris, its manager, has vindieated the independence and dignity of the Press, in his examination before a Committee of the House of Commons. Our readers are ac quainted with the circumstances under which that gentleman has been examined before that Com mittee. The Times had made a charge of corrup tion against all the Irish members. The charge was preferred in two leading articles—one appear ing in September last, and the other in February. The accusation professed to be grounded partly on a letter published in the Times' own columns, and partly on an article in the Freeman's Journal. The Committee summoned Mr. Morris, the manager of the Times, before it, for the purpose of eliciting from that gentleman, the name of the writer of the letter and of the article. But he resolutely, though respectfully, refused to dis close the secrets of the prison -house. He took the high ground, that a Committee of the House of Commons had no right to call him to account for what appeared, in the journal of which he wag manager, in the discussion of public ques tions. He denied the jurisdiction of the com mittee altogether, and laid down the broad consti tutional principle, that journals are only amenable for what appears in their columns to the ordinary tribunals of the country. And that amenability, as every bold and independent journalist knows to his cost, is sufficiently great, without being liable to be called to account by any committee of the House of Commons. As it is, there is more of fiction than of fact in the much paraded freedom of the English press. It is true, we may animadvert, with much bold ness, on the measures of Ministers, or the public conduct of public men, p rov id e d always, that the parties whose proceedings are arraigned are con tent to remain passive under the animadversions made upon them. But it is not to be denied, that in the existing state of the law of libel, it would be quite possible, were our public men to avail them selves of the facilities afforded them for the purpose —to destroy the freedom of the press altogether. It is impossible to say what is actionable, and what is not. Ask counsel's opinion, and you will find, among barristers, the differences on matters of this nature, which are proverbial among doctors. It is well known that the verdict of a jury in cases of the kind referred to, is quite a toss up. Each party—the plaintiff and the defendant—is playing a game of chance. And, even when the journalist gets off with a nominal verdict, he is saddled with heavy costs. The position of the public press is, therefore, far from enviable, as matters now stand. The public journalist discusses questions of national impor tance on purely public grounds. The names of parties particularly mixed up with those questions happen to be introduced under circumstances which they choose to think injurious to their character. Straightway an action is brought against the journalist ; and though it is proved that he could not, in the nature of things, have been influenced by other than public considerations, inas much as very probably he was not only personally unacquainted with the party complaining, but had never even before heard of his name,—a verdict is given against the journal in which the incri minated matter appears. And yet, with all these risks as the consequences of plain, honest speaking, without there being a particle f personal feeling in the mind of the writer,—the English press is said to be as free as the air we breathe. In theory it may be so, but in practice, it is found to be very different. The Times itself is, at the present mo m e n t, i n a position to illustrate our remarks. It censures what it regards as the improper public conduct of the directors in a well-known company. A criminal information is filed against it. The rule is obtained. When it is proposed to make the rule absolute, a vigorous resistanoe is offered to the motion, by the the ablest counsel at the bar. But the resistance is unsuccessful ; the rule is made absolute, and our contemporary has now, consequently, to rest the issue on the verdict of a jury. And yet zone of those who are the plaintiffs in this action against the Times, allege, or pretend to believe, that our contemporary was actuated, in what he wrote, by any Personal or improper motive. He took the cours e he did, solely on public grounds. It is obvious that, in this state of matters, the fro., sdora of the press is more in name than in reality. a - whi !urPrising that, with the many instances en have of late years been brought before the Proving that the press is only nominally n'e e ) and is in reality grievously f e tt ere d,—th e legislatu re has, not ()ft done something to i n t ro d uce a better st a t e immunity f rom Kings. The press asks from no character ; h szquences of attacks on private ut it a right to look for protection when the motivaale s y b;:h . ich it is actuated are not personal, or in preran Y te nn t Eroper, but spring solely i rom a desire to ,_ nd e e public good : In the meantime, vre the expression of our thanks to the Time s , fer - ao and so resolutely res i s ting the attempt which- has uul y been made within the last few days to render the press amenable to a committee of the House of Commons, Mr. Morris the manager of that journal, & may persisted till the last in his refusal to furnish the committee with a knowledge of the names of the writers of the letter and the articles referred to. And he did this on the manly and lofty ground, that that would be to betray the confidence which had b een rep s d 30 in them. The same course ought to be a d opted in similar circumstances by every journalist. That is the way to raise the character of the press. It is the only way in which journalism can ever b e elevated to that place which it ought to occupy among the institutions of the country. Where a contributor or occasional correspondent, is himself influenced by upright and patriotic motives, the editor and proprietors of a public journal are bound by every consideration of honour and good faith, to throw the shield of their protection around him, even though he may have fallen into an error as to fact, or trangressed the limits which legal punc- ' tiliouaness would lay down. The Times has nobly asserted this principle in the present instance, and is will rise much in public estimation by the course which it has adopted ; while it will inspire un bounded confidence in every honest man who con tributes in any way to its columns. Err - - ROYAL ITALIAN °PEI:LA.—Covent Garden. —Season 1854.—The Directors beg leave most respectfully to inform the Nobility, Gentry, Subscribers, and the Public, that the Season will commence on THURSD t.7tir, March 30th, 1854, being a Subscription night, in lieu of Tuesday, March 58. The Directors have the honour to p resent the Prospectus of the Eighth Season of the Royal Italian Opera. and trust it w .1 be consi dered by their Subscribers to be an evis lessee of their cont ti ed efforts to carry out the original design of this great Lyrical Establishment. The prospects of the forthcoming Se aeon are of unusual interest, and the Directors feel assured that thii 3 Subscribers and the Public will share with themselves the feelings. of gratification at the arrange ments which they have succeeded in snaking. It will be seen that that great artiste, Madame Viardot, sit ter an absence of three years, will return once more to shed lustre on the representations of the Theatre. 'Mademol•elle Sophie Cruv ietti, whose eminent talents are already so highly esteemed in this ceuntry, will appear :or the first time at the Royal Italian Opera. sii :nor Lablache will also, for the first time, lend his powerful aid in inpporting the efforts of the Directors, and will enable them to produce many of the most popular works with amost attractive caste of characters. In addition, Made moiselle IMarai, a young ArtiAe of erea t promise, who has already ma de very successful debuts both at Saint Petersburg and Vienna, will appear for the first time in En;glaind ; also Signor Susini, for the first time at the Royal Italian Opera. Madlle. Rosio, who, during the past winter has acquired fresh laurels in the Frenen capital, continues _her engagement. Those un rivalled Artistes, Signor Mario, signar Ronconl, and Signor Tam berlit, together with Signori Tagliaficio, Polonini, Luchesi. Stigelii, gse., who have so long assisted to maiutasin the reputation of Covent Garden, have been re-engaged, while the Directors still have the advantage of the invaluable services of .Sign t tr Costa. The above assemblage of the most eminent Artistes in Europe will render the Caste of Characters in the Operas Le Nozze di Figaro, Don Giovanni, I Puritani, Fidelio, II 3Latriabonio Segreto, quite un proud nted. Tile forthcoming season, however, brines with it one subject of re gret, viz., the retirement from the lyric stnge of a lady who for many years has been one of its brightest or narments. Towards the end of July Madame Giuli a Grist will make her last appearance before an English audiencse. It Iwo probably never before fallen to the lot of any candidate for public favour to sustain, Or 21 successive seasons, the highest and most ardous characters of the Lyric Dram; t, and most certainly never with such unanimous commendations as have been unceasingly be stowed on Madame Grist. The Dir, ct,ors are convinced that not only will the subscribers of the Royal Italian Opera, as well as the in uslcal amateurs of the me tropolis, participate in their sentiments on this occasion ; but they feel sure that the retirement of Madame Grist will cause one general feeling of deep regret in the minds of all tl lose who take any intertst in the musical affairs of this country. It is the wish of Madame Grisi, during this her last engagement,, to repeat those impersonations in which it has be n her good fortui.e to obtain her greatest successes, and it will accordingly be the care of the directors to contribute every possible eclat t , these performances, relying with the greatest confidence that the subscribers, the path Ins of ill, opera, and the public, will on these occasions still extend to their long-favoured Artiste the cheering influence of their countenat ]ce and support. The Repertoire of the Royal Italian Opera now comprises FORT 'V TWO OPERAS, the whole being complete with Costumes, Scene ry, ant Decorations. During the Season, of the following Operas, Three will positively be produced:— LA VESLALE ................ . • •. Sponttni. (As lately performed at the Academie Royale, at Paris), the prinel pal part by Mademoiselle SOPHIE CRUVELLI. LE DOMINO NO!R . ................ - • Auber. DON SE BA , TIA N• • • • .... • • .......... Domzettl. MATILDA DI SHABRAN . .......... Rossini. DON PASQUALE • • • • .. •• • • • Donizettl. The Engagements for the present Se ison are : SOPRANI. Madame GRI4I, (Being most positively her last Engagement in England.) Madame YEAR i.,OT, (Her First Appearance thews Three Years.) Mademoiselle MARAI, (From the Imperial Theatres of St. Petersburg and 'Vienna, her First Appearance in England ) Mademoiselle A. 1.8 I N I. Mademoiselle ANGELINA BOSIO, and Mademoiselle SOPHIE CRUVELLI, (Her First appearance at the Royal Italian Opera.) CONTRALTO. Mademoiselle NINTIER DIDIER. AECONDE DONE. Mademoiselle COTTI, and Mademoiselle BELLINI. T ENORI. Signor MARIO. Signor STIGELLI, Signor SOLDI, Signor LUG! MEI, Signor LI7CHESI, and Signor TA SIBERLIR BASSI BARII'ONI. Signor RONCONI, and Signor FORTONI, (His First Appearance at the Royal Italian Opera.) BASSO PROFONDI. Signor LABLACHE, (Ills First Appearance at the Royal Italian Opera.) Signor TAGLIAFICO, Signor GREGORIO, Signor POLON f NI. Monsieur ZELGER, and Signor (His First Appearance at the Royal Italian Opera.) The Orchestra and Chorus will be on the same scale of efficiency as heretofore. DIRECTOR OF THE MUSIC, COMPOSER AND CONDUCTOR, Mr. COST it. The Military Baud will be under the superintence of Mr. GODFREY. Maestro al Piano .. •• •• •• •......... Signor PANTZZI. Chorus Master ........ Mr. SMI FILSON. Prompter ......... ...... Signor % , lONTERAST. Poet.... ..... ............... Signor MAGGIONI. ENGAGEMENTS FOR THE BALLET. Mademoiselle BATT A i•na, Mademoiselle A STORI, Mademoiselle ELIZ t NEHR, (Their First Appearances In England,) Idadrmoise le SANTI, Mademoiselle ESPER, and Mademoiselle PLUNKETT. Maitre de Ballet .............• .- Mona. Desplacea. Leader of the Ballet Mr. Alfred Mellon. Director of the Mise-en-Scene .... Mr. A. Harris. Scenic Artist Mr. Wlllia n Beverley. costurniere ....... Madame MarZIO. Decorator ....... .............. ... Mr. Prescott. Machinist . Mr. Allen. The Box Office is open from 11 to 5 o'clock. Royal Italian Opera, Covent Garden, March, 1854. THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE.- Mr. E. T. SMITH, Lessee, has the honour to announce that he has placed the above-named National Establishment at the ser vice of the FUND in AID of the FAMILIES of the EXPEDITIO ;- ARY ARMY. In pursuance of this desirable object, a F ANCY FAIR will he held on tke 13th and lith of April, uttcler the follow ing Royal and distinguished patronage Her Royal Highress the Duchess of Cambridge Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent Her Royal highness the Duchess of Glocester Her Royal Highness the Princess Mary of Cambridge The Right Hon. the Lady Mayoress Her (race the Duchess of Ham lton Her Grace the Duchess of Beaufort Her Grace the Duchess of MoatroEe Her Gra e the Duchess of Inverness Her Grace the Duchess of Some-set Her Grace the Duchess of Richmond The Most Noble the Marchioness of Londonderry The Most Noble the Marchioness of Blandford Tne Most Ncble the Marchioness of Aylesbury The Right Hon. the Countess of Chesterfield The Right Hon. the Countess of Kinttoul The Ritht Hon. the Countess of Glengall The Right Hon. the Countess of Ressborough The Right Hon. the Countess of Der'', The Right Hon. the Countess of Shelburne The Right Hon. the Countess of 'Wilton The Right Hon. the Countess of DeSart The Right Hon. the Countess of Denoughmore The Right Hon. the Viscountess Palmerston The Right Hon_ the Vi,countess Maidstone The Right Hon. the Viscountess Newport Lady B , 3Aia Des-Voma Lady Colville Lady Raglan The Hon. Miss Anson Mrs. Disraeli Mrs. J. Stanley. Every appointment and appearance of the Theatre will be called Into requisition on this important and interesting occasion ; decora tions are preparing. The pit will be covered for promenade, and an efficient band provided for the execution of choice and new original music. Ladles desirous of aiding by their presence this benevolent demonstration are respectfully reminded that they should make early application for stalls. A book is now open in the lobby of the grand entrance to receive contributions in the shape of articles intended for sale on the occasion. THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE. Lessee, Mr. E. T. Smith. Last Week of Mr. G. V. BROOKE'S Engagement previous to his sailing for California and Australia. THIS EVENING, Maacn 24, Will be performed LEONIE. Principal characters by Mr. Elliot Galer and Mr. Henri Drayton; Misses Lowe and Featherstone. After which, a Grand B &LLE r DIVERTISSEMENT. To be followed by the new Farce, called MY COIK AND HOI7SE KEEPER. Principal characters by Messrs. Yonnge and Belton ; and Miss Featherstone. THEATRE ROYAL HAYMARKET. Under the management of Mr. Buokatone. THIS EVENING, MALsou 24, Will be performed THE STRANGER. Principal characters by Mee 4re G Vandennoff. Chippendale, Howe, and Cumpton ; bliss Cnahman, and Mrs. L. S. Buckingham. After which, WILLIKIND AND FIYS DINAH. Supported by Messrs. Buclostone and Corti; Silas Louisa Howard, Mu. Fitzwil- Ram, and Sin. Caulfield. To conclude with THE PORTR AIT OF CERVANTES. Prin cipal characters by Mr. Compton and Miss E. Grey. LYCEUM THEATRE. Under the Management of Madame Vestris. THIS EVEbTING, Mazen 24, Will be performed WANTED, A SHE-WOLF. Characters by Messrs. Charles Mathews, F. Mathews, and Baker; Mims Oliver. To be ibilowed by A CHARMING WIDOW. Concluding with NUMBER ONE ROUND THE CORNER. After which, the popular Fairy Extravaganza, entitled ONCE UPON A TIME THERE WERE TWO KINGS. Characters by Mews. Roxby, F. Matthews, and Bland ; Madame Vestris, Misses St. George, Eglanton, Mason, Martindale, Ellis, Wadhara, and Foote. THEATRE ROYAL ADELPIII. Proprietor, Mr. B. Webster.—Directress, Madame Celeste. THIS EVENING, Miklos 24, Will be performed TWO LOVES AND A LIFE. Supported by Messrs. C. Selby, Leigh Murray, Idenjamtn Webster, Keeley, and 0. Smith ; Mss Woolgar and Madame Celesta. To conclude with THE SERIOIIi FAMILY. Characters by Messrs. B. Webster, Leigh Murray. l'arselle, and Keeley ; Mrs. L. Murray, Misses Woolgar, Fanny Maskeil, and Laidlaw, and Mrs. Keeley. ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE, OXFORD-STREET. Under the Managem , nt of Mr. CnAELEs KEAN. THIS EVENING, MAacn 24, Will be performed RICHARD THE THIRD. Principal charac ter by Mr. C. Kean. To be followed by A STORM IN A TEA-CUP. Principal cha racters by Mr. and Mrs. W. Lacy. ASTLEY'S EUROPE'S NATIONAL AAPHITUEATRE. Lessee and Manager, Mr. William Cooke. THIS EVENING, Msacn 24, And during the week, will be presented the new, grand, and romantic spectacle entitled THE wOODMI.:,'S HORSE; or, The False Knight—the Woodman's Horse by the pet steed, Beauty, expressly trained by Mr. William Cooke. After which, the incomparable Scenes of the ARENA. To conclude with BESS OF THE BELL. Box-office open from Eleven till Four. Stage Manager, Mr. W West. HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE. T,-IN DAY —Morning 50 cain.after 9 I Evening 41 min.aft, 10 To-Molutow:Z‘lorning 27 min.after 11 l Evening 0 cntn.aft. 0 THE WEATHER.—Sum OPPICB , 31Anca 24. THERMOMETER, IN THE SHADE. 52—highest since noon yesterday. 39—lowest this morning and during the night. 50—this day at noon. BAROMETER, 30'37. WIND, N.E.—Fresh and cold, with cloudy weather. • J c~~,, LONDON, FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 1854. As good fortune would have it, the villanies of the Russian Government stand exposed—just before the outbreak of the great Anglo-French war against the AUTOCRAT-to the recognition and the abhorrence of all Christendom. It is perceived by France that England was tempted by the CZAR to join with him secretly in a fraudu lent partition of Turkey, and that England de cidedly rejected his temptations. It is acknow ledged by the Moniteur that, subsequently to this refusal on the part of Great Britain, Russia made similar advances to the French EMPEROR with a view to secure the complicity of his Go vernment. From these revelations the Cabinet of VICTORIA and the Cabinet of NAPOLEON de rive only additional, and most opportune, and more than ever effectual reasons for rendering their alliance close, cordial, and permanent. At the same time, the disclosure of those remark able documents has at last forced upon the unwilling attention of the German Powers that throughout these sinister advances of the CZAR, first of all to England and afterwards to France, with a view to precipitate the downfall of Turkey and its ultimate dismemberment— Austria was scarcely taken for a single moment into consideration, and Prussia from first to last was never once even cursorily mentioned. The consequences of this timely exposure of the secret machinations of the AUTOCRAT must be obvious at a glance, disastrous to his own interests, and singularly advantageous to those of the rest of Christendom. They must draw yet closer the bonds of sympathy which have at length bound together in a cause as elevating and inspi riting as it is honourable and magnanimous the hitherto divided policies of the French and English Governments. They cannot fail moreover, by any possibility, to diminish the obsequious alacrity of Austria and Prussia to pledge themselves to a neutral course during the progress of these warlike movements. The Go vernment of Vienna must perforce feel in all its bitterness, the ignominy of her treatment by the northern AUTOCRAT during the development of these secret and sinister negotiations. It must necessarily be galled to the quick, now that those negotiations have been revealed, and that that treatment has been displayed to the observation of Europe—it must necessarily, we repeat, be galled to the quick by an intolerable sense of the publicity of this faithless and scornful degradation. The Government of Berlin, with all its callous disregard of whatever is chivalric or high minded, must inevitably, we conceive, be rendered for once at least to Rome slight degree sensitive by the evidence now thrust upon the knowledge of the world, that it has been treated protect the weak, and to repel the spoliator, and by establishing upon L more solid basis the peace of Christendom, to seoure the future safety and progressive development of civilisation. A very gross and infamous fraud was brought under the consideration of both Houses of Parlia ment, on Tuesday evening —in the Lords by the Earl of ELLENBOROUGH, and in the Commons by Colonel BLAIR. It appeared that a supply of hay being required for the use of the expedition now proceeding to the East, advertisements were pub lished, inviting tend3rs to ba sent in, according to the usual course of Government contracts. These invitations were not, however, responded to, one tender only being sent in, and that for but a small quantity. Under such circumstances, the parties charged with the duty were obliged to de part from the ordinary routine, and to apply to several eminent forage contractors to know upon what terms and to what extent they would be willing to provide the required stores. Four firms responded to this latter application, and returned answers stating the quantity, quality, and the price of the hay they were prepared to deliver. It may be assumed that, under such circumstances, the bonds, with solvent security for the due fulfilment of the contracts, which are generally taken, were dispensed with. As the Go vernment sought the contractors, it was of course impossible to insist on the conditions generally enforced when there was an eager competition for the engagement. This failure would not take away the civil action for any breach of agreement, but it would limit the remedy to the individual by whom it was violated. The hay was sent in, and very fortunately an examination took place, which brought to light one of the most flagrant acts of iniquity ever attempted. While there was yet time to remedy the evil, and to avert the fearful consequences that might have resulted therefrom had it passed without detection, it was found that many of the trusses, which appeared to be perfectly sound and of good quality, were in the interior filled with filth of the most disgusting description—shavings, straw, litter, and even a dead lamb, were used to fill up the trusses, and the hay itself was damped so as to add to the weight, but to the total destruction of its quality as fodder, or fitness as food for the animals en gaged in the public service. The hay was, of course, at once rejected, and the required quan tity obtained from other and more trust-worthy dealers. It is impossible to over-estimate the atrocity of this horrible crime. It has already produced serious consequences, for, as the noble Secretary for the Colonies informed the House of Lords, " great inconvenience had arisen in consequence of the loss of time which had necessarily taken place in obtaining fresh supplies." That delay may have been productive of very formidable results, for the absence of the artillery from the seat of war, even for a single day, might have placed in jeopardy the lives of the troops to whose hands are confided the honour and interests of the nation. The first operations might be defeated and a protracted war rendered inevitable, and all because a fraudulent contractor desired to enhance his profits. These results are, as we have stated, yet possible ; and we cannot at this moment tell the amount of damage occasioned by the mis creants who participated in the infamous fraud. But how much greater and more certain might have been the damage, but for the providential and unexpected discovery The damp hay would probably have ignited on the voyage, and the in evitable destruction of the vessels in which the troops were embarked, with all on board—sea men, artillerymen, horses, and all the munitions of war—would necessarily have followed. Not a single individual might have been saved to tell the history of the awful transaction, or to reveal the guilt of the would-be " MURDERERS." We say murderers; for inasmuch as a general destruc tion such as we have indicated would be the only way in which detection could be avoided, the parties implicated must have coolly and deli berately contemplated the death of every person who could give information as to the circumstances, for by such means only could the " damning evidences" of their unparalleled guilt be suppressed. Even had the spontaneous combustion of the article been averted, and the by Russia from the beginning to the end of these disgraceful transactions, with the most unendurable, because the most supreme and contemptuous in difference. Nevertheless—setting altogether on one side the effect likely to be produced by these disclosures upon the two chief Powers of the Ger manic Confederation—it cannot fur an instant be doubted that among the prominent consequences of this most timely revelation will be the infu sion of still greater ardour into the enthusiasm of Turkish patriotism, and the happy consolidation of what has at last become a veritable entente cor dial between the French and English Govern ments. men, and horses, and stores landed in safety, the results would be but little less prejudicial to the nation. As the Duke of NEWCASTLE truly stated, "it would in all probability have entailed the loss of all the horses, arid the consequent ineffici ency of the artillery on the eve of great military operations, and might possibly have been of the greatest consequence to the lives of her MAJEsry's troops." The criminality of the Russian policy has thus been exposed betimes to the Cabinets of St. James's and the Tuileries, of Potsdam and Schoen brunn. It has been laid bare in the last awful pause, the lull before the storm, while the Western Powers are waiting for the acceptance or refusal by the CZAR of the ultimatum forwarded by courier to St. Petersburg. Already it is known that that peremptory demand on the part of England and France for the immediate evacuation of the Prin cipalities has been met with the threat of a haughty and abrupt rejection. The CZAR, on hearing of its approach, intimated that it would scarcely require six minutes for it to be answered in—a remark sufficiently indicative of the bent of his defermination. Wherefore Europe may count upon the refusal of the ultimatum, by the Auro- CRAT. And then, of course, the next move will be the declaration of war—the first shot will be fired, and the struggle will commence in earnest. Whether that declaration of war will come from Russia, or from France and England, or whether that first shot will become audible in the Black Sea or the Baltic, remains yet to be conjectured. It is at least certain that the Western Allies of Turkey are prepared at this moment for both— for the declaration of war on the refusal of the ultimatum, or for the firing of the first shot either in the Baltic or in the Euxine—just as circumstances might render it advisable. Admirals Eliatzurr and DUNDAS are in readiness for any emergency —pre pared at any time to emerge into the waters of the Black Sea from their anchorage in the Bos phorus. Admirals NAPIER and DESOHENES are almost similarly situated in regard to the Sound and the Baltic. For, while Sir CHARLES NAPIER, at the head of his noble squadron, is known to have advanced as far as Copenhagen, followed by several of the French ships of war, other vessels of the imperial navy of France are all but pre pared at this moment at Brest to hasten after the English fleet, in order to join it under the flag of Admiral DZSCHENES. Such is the position of affairs northwards, while eastwards, we learn that the Retribution and the Caton, the former an English frigate, and the latter a French corvette, have recently been despatched from the combined fleets at Beycos, in order to traverse the waters of the Black Sea as far as the mouths of the Danube, there to break down at Sulina the obstructions raised by the Russians for the purpose of impeding the navigation. It is manifest, therefore, that the allies of Turkey are resolved upon being no longer trifled with by the lawless despot, w h ose am biti on h as lit up in the twin provinces of Moldo-Wallachia a flame that may now speedily extend into a general European conflagration. Such might have been the natural results of the " (tali sacra fames," this " greed of gain," and unholy thirst for dishonest-, profits. What punish ment, then, should be inflicted on the wretches concerned in this vile attempt to gain a few paltry pounds in addition to the legitimate profits which would have been obtained from the contracts, for which, be it observed, they named their prices ? As to the moral guilt, there could be no doubt ; and we believe that there is no disinterested per son who would not say that " hanging would be too good" for such criminals. There seems, however, to be a doubt as to whether they can be punished in any way save by recovering damages for the breach of contract. The Duke of NEWCASTLE, on behalf of the Go , vernment, declared that " the case should be most strictly investigated, and the parties treated with the utmost severity." But w hat will that amount to ? The mere publication of a name would be a very inadequate punishment for such monstrous turpitude, which, if unprovided for by law, shows a deficiency in our Criminal. Code that should be forthwith provided for. There may be no express enactment on the point. Parliament might never have deemed such atrocity possible. The Romans had no law respecting parricide for a similar rea son. We cannot, however, believe that it may not be brought within some of the provisions, either of the Statutes or the Common Law. Lord BROUGHAM declared that " if more than one were engaged there could be no doubt that the Crimi nal Law would at once touch them, for they would be engaged in a conspiracy of a grave nature, mingled with the grossest fraud !" Surely a single person could not have packed the various trusses so carefully that there should be no ex terior appearance to indicate. the filthy contents. Not merely one or two, but many persons must have been not merely cognisant of, but actually concerned in, the infamous fraud. Some of these parties may surely be got a t by a little activity and energy on the part of the authorities. Again the chief offender—the man for whose pecuniary profit the vile attempt was made—was to be paid the supposed value. What, then, was this but an attempt to obtain money under false pretences ? The pretence being that the trusses consisted entirely of sound wholesome hay of the quality specified in the contract, the total false hood whereof could easily be proved. Here, then, a certain, though very inadequate, punish ment might be inflicted on the miscreant. Even a higher penalty might be inflicted without strain ing the law. The damping the hay, so as to render it liable to spontaneous combustion, was calculated to endanger the lives of the seamen and others on board the vessels in which it was embarked. If a single life had been lost, the parties would unquestionably be guilty of " mur der," for they must be supposed to have intended the natural consequences of their acts. Are they to be exempted from exemplary punishment because the attempt failed ? Surely it was as likely to prove fatal as laying poison with the intent of its being taken, and, if so, the same law would be applicable to its punishment. Lord CAMPBELL instanced the case of the par ties concerned in the fraud respecting the NELSON Monument to show that there is a law to meet the offence ; so that, under any circumstances, they will nob get off Scot free. We trust, how ever, that the Attorney-General will be enabled to show that an offence of a much more serious nature than a mere fraud has been committed. We feel quite assured that in his hands the ma jesty of the law will be fully vindicated. It is to be regretted that the name of a gentle man of unimpeachable character should have ROYAL OLYMPIC THEATRE. Lessee and Manager, Mr. A. Wigan. THIS EVENING, Masai 24, Will be performed THE WRONG BOX. Supported by Messrs. Alfred Wigan and Robinson ; Miss P. Horton, Miss Wyndham, and Miss E. Turner. To be followed by TO OBLIGE BENSON. Supported by Messrs. E mery, Robson, and Leslie; Mrs. Stirling and Miss Wyndham. To be followed by THE FIRS r NIGHT. Characters by Messrs. /I ' re 'l Wigan, Leslie, Franks, Harwood Cooper, ant Vincent ; Miss Y. Horton, and Miss Wyndham. If the Gazette de Leipzic might be relied upon, the ultimatum, has already been formally rejected by the CZAR, in a brief but decisive answer, ema nating in his name from the Cabinet of St. Peters burg. However this may be, the nature of the reply may readily, at any moment, be antici pated. It will be a refusal, and that refusal will be followed up by a declaration of war, and thereupon the war itself will be at once, without further parley, commenced in the Black Sea by Admirals DUNDAS and HAMELIN, and in the Baltic - by Admirals NAPIER and DESCHENES. GOD alone knows the result, but in His hands the issues of battle are ever left with a sublime confidence by those who fight, as England and France will fight, during this great contest—not for the gratification of Imperial pride, or in obe dience to the lade of a lawlem ambition, but to STRAND THEATRE. Se!e Lessee, Mr. F. W. Ancroft.—Direetress, Mice Rebecca Isaacs. THIS EVENING, Maacir 24, Will be presented RUSSIAN TYRANNY; or, The Yatal Snow storm. Followed by PADDY SUIOT [NO THE 110DN. After which, THE BLUE JACKETS. To conclude with THE CORK° %TIAN BROTHERS. Paddy and Tim Mulligan (the —1.0 ..ar8). Mr. G. Hodson. Stalls, 58.; Boxes, U.' Pit, la. 6d ; G a ll ery . 6d. • Private Ooze,, it, us, to Da had of kt. AL l Rott, lb. New Bowaqtroet. THE SUN, LONDON, FRIDAY EVENING-, MARCH 24 1854, been erroneously mentioned in the first instance. 'We willingly gave insertion to the letter of Mr. STURGES repudiating the charge. He has since been justified in Parliament. The Duke of NEW CASTLE last night declared that the name was not " STURGES," but " STURGEON," and that the in dividuals who supplied the hay which contained the filth and rubbish were " THOMAS STURGEON AND SONS, OF GRAYS, ESSEX." It will be for these persons to exonerate themselves, if pos sible, from the grave accusa`ion. COURT CIRCULAR. The Royal dinner party at Buckingham Palace on Wednes day included the Duke and Duchess of Bedfo r d, th e M arquis of Breadalbane, Lord Redesdale, and the Hon Miss Mitford, the Hon. Charles Gore and the Countess of Kerry, Colonel and Lady Catherine Vernon Harcourt, and Colonel Estcourt. The Queen, attended by the Hon. Matilda Paget and Colonel the Hon. Charles Grey, visited her Royal Highness the Duchess of Gloucester yesterday afternoon at Gloucester house. His Royal Highness Prince Albert rode on horseback yes terday, and inspected Mr. Shepard's Patent Magneto-Electric Gas Machine iu 0114ov-square. The Princess Royal and the Princess Alice took a drive in a carriage and four. Prince Albert presided yesterday afternoon at a meeting of the governors of the Wellington College. His Royal High ness arrived at the new Palace of Westminster at 3 o'clock, attended by Viscount Torrington. The other governors present were—the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Marquis of Salisbury, the Earl of Derby, Viscount Hardinge, the Bishop of London, the Eight Hon. Sidney Herbert, Sir James Graham, tho Right Hon. Spencer Walpole, Sir Howard Douglas, Sir Edmund Antrobus, Sir James W. Hogg, Sir Alexander Woodford, Mr. Henry Richard Cox, and the Rev. G. R. Gleig. The Hon. W. P. Talbot, Honorary Secretary, was present at the meeting. In the course of the sitting Mr. Hardwick had an interview with the governors. The meeting broke up at half-past 5 o'clock. Her Majesty and his Royal Highness Prince Albert, ac companied by the Prince of Wales and the Princess Royal, honoured the Princess's Theatre with their presence last evening. The Royal suite consisted of the Countess of Mount- Edgcumbe, the Hon. Matilda Paget, Lord do Tabley, Vis count Torrington, and Colonel the Hon. Charles Grey. Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent visited the Duchess of Gloucester yesterday at Gloucester-house. The Duchess of Cambridge and the Princes Mary visited the Duchess of Kent yesterday at Clarence-house. The Duchess of Kent, attended by Lady Fanny Howard and Lord James Murray, honoured the Olympic Theatre with her presence last evening. A deputation from Dundee, consisting of the Hon. Lauder dale Maule, M.P., Mr. Joseph Hume ' M.P., Mr. George Dun can, M.P., and Sir J o h n Ogilvy, had an interview with Viscount Pahnerston yesterday. Mrs. Chisholm had an interview with the Duke of New castle yesterday at the Colonial-office. The Cathedral Commission sat yesterday. Present—the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Archbishop of York, the Marquis of Blandford, the I3ishop of London, Sir Joha Dodson, Sir John Patteson, the Hon. and Rev. H. Montagu Villiers, the Rev. Canon Selwyn, and Mr. Henry Kingscote (Secre tary.) Despatches were sent to the Governors of the West Coast of Africa from the Colonial-oftlee yesterday. Despatches were received on Tuesday from the Governors of the West India Islands. THE NEW JUDGE. Mr. Crowder, Q.C., of the Western Circuit, has been ap pointed judge iu the place of the late Mr. Justice Talfourd. On that circuit there was a general hope that Mr. Crowder might be selected ; as soon, however, as it was known that Mr. Russell GurnCy had been sent to Stafford, it was supposed that no one would be uorninatod until after the circuits, and that, in the event of Mr. Crowder being selected, he would be allowed to finish his circuit, and hold his sessions at Bristol. Upon his arrival at Liskeard, on his route for Bodmin, he was rather surprised to find a gentleman canvassing the electors and making preparations to succeed him, and upon reaching Bodmin he found a letter, offering him the vacant seat ou the bench. As soon as the learned judges arrived, Mr. Crow der called upon them to intimate that they would no longer see him in his accustomed place in the court, and he shortly afterwards left Bodmin for Liskeard. Mr. Crowder has been many years on this circuit, and for several years he has been the leader. He has gained his high position by unwearied application and anxiety for the interests of his clients. REPRESENTATION OF LISKEARD. In anticipation of a vacancy in the representation of the borough by the appointment of Mr. Crowder to the vacant judgeship, Mr. John Abel Smith, M.P. for ( thichester, visited Liskeard, yesterday week, with letters of introduction to Mr John Allen, an influential gentleman in the borough, for the purpose of bringing before the constituency the name of his son-in-law Mr. R. W. Grey, late mem ,er for Tynemouth, and at present private secretary to Lord Palmerston. A meeting of the Liberal electors was held at the Red Lion, at seven o'clock on Tuesday evening, to consider upon the choice of a Liberal candidate. There were about 70 of the electors pre sent, and Mr. Jones, a magistrate, presided. The proceedings commenced by Mr. Alen reading the letters of introduction which Mr. Smith had brought to him. They wore generally more of a private than a political character. One of the let ters was from Sir. Wm. Molesworth, who shortly said that Mr. Grey was connected with the Government, and being a friend of the late Mr. Charles Buller, he thought he was a very eligible person to offer to the notice of the constituency. It was stated that Mr. Sainsbury Trelawny might offer himself. lett.). w as ,vad fL ow Mr. Carpenter Rowe,' . 4 (2., and tho I Recorder of Plymouth, who wished to place his name before the constituents as a candidate. A letter was also read from Mr. Cape Whitehurst, recently a candidate for Bodmin. The letter referred for a statement of his political views to a series of letters under the signa ture of " East Anglian," in the W es t B r it on . _ _ Mr. GREY was introduced to the meeting by Mr. Allen. He stated that he had been five years private secretary to Lord John Russell, and that their late respected member, 311.. Charles Buller, was his very particular friend,—in fact, that he succeeded him, or acted for him, in Cana la. He had re presented Tynemouth from 1848 to the general election in 1852, when he was defeated by his opponent, and since then had acted as private secretary to Lord Palmerston. Ho re garded Lord John Russell as his model of a statesman, and Lord John Russell's political views were his. One of the electors asked him if he would support the pre sent Reform Bill. Mr. GREY said he could not pledge himself to support that bill, as he disagreed with the minority clause, and he con sidered that the present time was very inexpedient for press ing forwar•l that measure, believing that people's minds were distracted with the war. He also said his votes had been against the ballot; but at the general election in 1852 he had seen so much intimidation exercised towards electors at his late borough, that his opinions as to the ballot had under gone a change, and he should be in favour of some more secret mode of voting, without pledging himself that it should be the ballot. He would support all the measures of Lord John Russell on education. He would support Lord John Russell's views. He was in favour of the entire abolition of church rates. He was a churchman, and considered that the Church could very well afford to support itself. On Wednesday afternoon, Mr. Trelawny, who for nine years sat as one of the representatives of Tavistock, went down to Liskeard, accompanied by Mr. Bernard Anstis, and most pro bably met the committee, who were to assemble again in the evening. The men of Liskeard seem likely to have no paucity of really good candidates, and we have no doubt they will, as hitherto, do their duty.—Plymouth and Devonport Journal MONEY MARKET AND COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE. CITY, TWO O'CLOCK. The sales of cotton at Liverpool yesterday were estimated at 5,000 bales, all to the trade. The market closed heavily, with American and Surat id. per lb. lower, and all other kinds i n f avour o f buyers. The sales comprised 4,000 American, 260 Pernam and Maranham at 6d. to 60., 130 Bahia at 60. to 61d., 100 Egyptian at SW. to 9W., and 600 Surat at 3d. to 4d. per lb. Railway Shares were very depressed. Colonial Produce has been dull and declining. Foreign sugars have been wanted for the Continent. In coffee very little has been done, and rice has given way. Rum was heavy, but a Government contract for 40,000 gallons has unexpectedly been announced. Tea has been cheaper, notwithstand ing the time for further reducing the duty is near. Tallow has been as high as 665. 6d. for P. Y. C. on the spot. Russian hemp has risen to 681. and 701. Cotton has been steady, though quiet. In the simultaneous arrival at Calcutta of Dr. O'Shaughnessy and Mr. R. M. Stephenson, we have a good augury for electric telegraphs and railways. Dr. O'Shaughnessy, who leaves Calcutta immediately for the north-west, will find the work far advanced already. Poles for the electric tele graph have sprung up as if by magi() along the greater length of the Grand Trunk Road, and we 'ear that very great progress has been made on the Bombay line, so that the end of the cold season will see at least two sides of Dr. O'Shaughnessy's great triangle very nearly completed. In the meanwhile we learn that Dr. Impey, the Residency Surgeon at Indore, has completed a telegraph be tween the Residency and the Hospital, a distance of little more than a mile ; while Madras has for some time past had a short working telegraph con structed by an intelligent and enterprising trades men named Kenrick. We have received a descrip tion of Dr. Impey's telegraph. Its mechanism dis plays no little ingenuity ; and although it is not likely that it will be ever incorporated in the Great Bombay' and Agra line, yet the experience of Dr. Impey and of the natives whom he has trained to the work, will very probably be of great use to Dr. O'Shaughnessy. We have said that the arrival of Mr. Stephenson augurs well for our railway prospects. But one cannot help remembering that Mr. Stephenson has landed in India several times during the last ten years under circumstances of almost equal pro mise, and that Bengal has not yet a single mile of working railway to swear by. And though, it is now beyond doubt, that the Home Government has guaranteed 4i per cent. interest on nine mil lions sterling, a sum of money sufficient to com plete a railway from Calcutta to Delhi, the next mail may bring news which will indefinitely post pone all our prospects. The first shot fired in anger on the Black Sea, would blow to the winds all hope of obtaining the requisite capital in Eng land, so that Mr. Stephenson's latest visit to India may yet be as fruitless as all his former visits. The Canada Company made yesterday a most favourable report to its proprietory. Its sales of land are annually increasing, and the prices -ob tained are higher per acre. The leasing system has answered admirably, and there can be no doubt that in the present very prosperous condi tion of British North America, the property of the company will become increasingly valuable. There is certainly no colony that offers more excellent prospects for the industrious and steady-working emigrant averse to excitement. The suspension of Messrs. P. Monteaux and Co., for about 100,0001., is proof of the danger attend ing, in these times, operations that partake of a speculative character. The firm dealt in bills of exchange and bullion, but lost heavily by Mr. Pries, who committed the forgeries in connection with corn dealings. The assets are uncertain, but under very favourable circumstances they might realise 10s. in the pound. The number of ships taken up by Government for the conveyance of troops and stores to the East is so large as to compensate the comparative slack uess of the Australian trade, although, within the last fortnight, there have been larger shipments to Melbourne than there were previously. The rates of freight to Australia, per 40 cubic feet, as given in the Weekly Shipping List, for fine measurement goods, are as follow :--Adelaide, 80s. to 100 s. ; Hobart Town, 85s. to 100 s. ; Hobart Town (steamer), 120 s. ; Launceston, 80s. to 100 s. ; Mel bourne or Geelong Wharves, 100 s. to 110 s. ; Melbourne or Geelong, 80s. to 100s.*; New Zea land, 120 s. ; Port Philip (steamer), 120 s. ; Port land Bay, 120 s. ; Swan River, 70s. to 80s. ; Syd ney, 80s. to 100 s. Letters for Australia maybe posted on the 3d of next month, to go by the steamer Queen of the South, and the Great Britain is expected to leave Liverpool about the 13th of April. Arrange ments have been made for the conveyance of par cels per Queen of the South at comparatively cheap rates, a great accommodation to persons having relatives in the colonies. The Turkish Loan is to 1 premium. Yester day it ranged from 11 to 3 premium. The English Funds have been to per cent. lower this morning, upon the rumour that a mes sage declaring war will be sent to Parliament this evening. Although the war undoubtedly will come, the same assertion has been made so often recently, that there is really no cause why Stocks should be further suddenly affected thereby. The market, however, is influenced by other circum stances ofamore enduring character. Money is becom ing dearer, and capitalists are more disposed to sell than buy. State loans are being contracted in every direction. The English Government has been rather pressed upon by having to pay off the dissentients the Conversion, and the unfunded debt being scarcely at par, does not offer the usual resource. There is, however, no real motive for alarm much less panic. The revenue is good ; the Bank of England, after the dividends are met, will be in an easier position, and with respect to mercantile failures though more will occur, they will be found generally ascribable to speculation or losses through the sus pension of other parties. Some consolation, it is, to see Russian paper currency at a heavy discount; and, if the war should foster revolutions, we may expect specie to be sent to this country for security at least, if not for investment. Consols have been this morning at 881 and 89, and since at 881 to 1. Exchequer Bills are 2s. discount to 2s. premium. Foreign securities have been heavy, but not de cidedly lower. By an error in the official list yes terday, the prices of Sardinian Bonds were affixed to Russian 5 per Cents., which were not done lower than 831. To-day's price is 841. Dutch 4 per Cents. are 831 to 84. Mexican Stock has been at 221 co 221 ; and Spanish Deferred have realised 17± to 1. Brazilian New 4i per Cents. bring 871. Portuguese' 4 per Cents. are at 33. The Railway Share Market is 1 to 2 per cent. worse again, and with increased real and specula tive sales. North-Western, Great Northern, South- Western, and all the lines quoted with large amounts paid up are very depressed. French shares are firm. The English and Foreign Mining Shares have been dull, the Australian Banks lower by to 1 per cent., and the Australian Agricultural Land Com panies is down W. BRITISH FUNDS THIS DAY AT ONE O'CLOCK. ( Prom the Official List. ) Itusinexs don., 3 per Cent. Consols Annuities B9 8.1 i 4 i Consols for Account 18th April BB' Exchequer Bills, 2d. £l000 £5OO 1 d PRICE OF FOREIGN FUNDS AT ONE O'CLOCK, rirazilian Bonds, 5 per Cent. — Ditto New, 1852, 4,} per Cent ‘l"exican 3 per Cent. Portuguese Bonds, 4 per Cent.,,,,,,, 33 Ditto, 1848, 3 per Cent 3O Russian Bonds, 1822, 5 per Cent. £ St B4i x d Ditto 4i per Cent 74 Spanish New Deferred, 3 per Cent 174 i Ditto Passive (Converted) Venezuela Bonds, 3i per Cent. - Dividen la on the above payable in London. Dutch Exchange, 2} per Cent. 12 Gull-- 53 Ditto 4 per Cent. Certifieates .. HALF-PAST TWO. Consols BB/ Ditto April Acc oun t BBi ODESSA. Letters from Odessa, of the lOtk inst., state that all the labour of the port was monopolised in expediting the shipment of corn preparatory to the en forcement of the prohibition on the 13th. Meanwhile, owing to that prohibition, wheat had experienced a fall of about 50 per cent. RUSSIAN PRODUCE.—The excitement in the market for Russian produce continues, and hemp has experienced another considerable advance, the price being 681. to 701. per ton. Three weeks back it was sold at 471. Tallow also is again firmer, as well as palm and cocoa nut oil. THE TURKISH LOAN.—The expected particulars of the Turkish loan were not issued yesterday, but it is understood the publication will take place to-morrow, with a notification from Messrs. Rothschild that they will receive subscriptions up to Monday evening next, the 27th inst. The nominal amount of the loan in stock will be about 2,700,0001., and the deposit is said to have been fixed at 15 per cent. The subsequent instalments will be four in number, at monthly intervals, namely, one of 10 per cent., and three of 20 per cent. With re gard to the sinking fund, its first operation will t a k e place on the let of April, 1855, and the bonds then drawn will be paid off in October, 1655, the whole being reimbursable in this manner by annual amounts within 14 years of that date. IMPORTANT MEETING AT PLYMOUTH, For some time a war has been waged at Plymouth between a portion of the ratepayers on the one hand and the corpora tion on the other, in regard to certain alleged illegal expendi ture incurred by the latter, and defrayed out of the borough funds. The ratepayers formed a committee for the protection of their interests, and this committee instituted a suit, which is still pending, against several members of the corporation. On Thursday week a great meeting of the ratepayers wag held in the Guildhall for the purpose of hearing the report of the committee, and the proceedings, which were very noisy, ex tended to great length. The report communicated the offers for an amicable settlement proposed by the Town Clerk, and the determination of a majority of the committee to recom mend the ratepayers to refuse to consent to any arrangement short of the repayment out of the pockets of the promoters of the Water Works Bill, of the whole of the money applied to that object, and of the cost of the suit in Chancery. It also announced the defection of Mr. White, one of the relators to the suit, and of Mr. Elworthy, the solicitor, who had hitherto gratuitously conducted the proceedings on behalf of the committee, both those gentlemen being of opinion that the terms offered by the Town Clerk ought to have been accepted. The committee recommended that the ratepayers should insist upon the repayment of the whole 1,8831. ; and that notice should be given to the defendants, that, if within three days they did not return an answer in the affirmative, the suit would be proceeded with without delay. On the motion for the reception of the report, an amendment was proposed to the following effect :—" That the relators be au thorised to accept the offer made by the defendants, namely, the payment of 5001. into the borough fund ; and to pay all costs on both sides, such costs being costs out of pocket only ; and no costs to come out of the borough fund. The arrangement to be confirmed under a decree of the Court by consent of both parties." This was carried by a large ma jority, amidst loud applause, and the original resolution was, consequently, negatived. The effect of the amendment will be to torminat3 the Chancery suit. —Plymouth and Devon port Journal. The mortal remains of the late Lord Gilbert Grosvenor, son of the Marquis of Westminster, will be removed on Monday next from Portsmouth, where the noble and gallant young lord's body was removed from the Bos cawen, ship of the line, previous to that ship sailing for the Baltic, for interment in the family mausoleum at Eaton Hall, near Chester, where the Marquis and Mar chioness of "Westminster are at present staying. Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Gloucester was better yesterday. Her Majesty the Queen, attended by the Countess of Mount Edgecu►nbe, visited the royal duchess yesterday. The Admiralty have adopted the code signals in their communications by electric telegraph, in order to en sure secrecy for their orders to the outports.—Plymouth Journal. DOUBLE ATTEMPTED SUICIDE IN THE ClTY.—Yesterday afternoon a female, of the name of Sarah Ann Collins, Mark-lane, Fenchurch-street, attempted self-destruction, under the following circumstances :—lt appears the un fortunate young woman had been in a desponding state of mind for some length of time, but it was not antici pated that she would attempt self - destruction. Being missed, search was made after her, when the poor crea ture was discovered in her bed room, labouring from the effects of poison and strangulation ; a part of an apron was tied tightly round her neck, and had it not been for the timely discovery, the Unfortunate woman would have completed her object. Police-constable, No. 586, con veyed her without loss of ti me to the casualty ward, St. Thomas's Hospital, where Dr. Bennett was promptly on the spot, when, on examination of the contents of a tea cup, it was found that she had also swallowed a large quantity of copperas. The stomach pump was used and other antidotes, but she now remains in a precarious state, WARWICK RACES. (THIS DAY.) (BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.) ANNUAL STEEPLECHASE. Trout SCURRY HANDICAP. .. 1 Battery Jack Leeming Needwood was eoratched for the Annual Steeple( %base at a quarter past one. ORDER OF RUNNING. 3.3o—Free Handicap. 5. o—Hurdle Race. LATEST BETTING ON THE COT - RSE. ANNUAL STEEPLECHASE. sto 1 aget Need wood. METROPOLITAN. 10 to 1 aget Muscovite. DERBY. 13 to 2 agst King Tom (taken). 50 to 1 agst Boiardo (taken). LATEST CITY BETTING. ANNUAL STEEPLECHASE. 2to 1 agst Oscar (taken). 2to 1 agst Trout (taken). sto 1 agst Needwood (taken). 10 to 1 agst any other. HURDLE RACE. sto 2 agst Theodine (taken). 7to 2 agst Gerard (taken). 7to 2 agst Sir Philip (taken). sto 1 agst May-day (taken). NORTHAMPTONSHIRE STAKES. 6to 1 agst Defiance (offered). Bto 1 agst Mr. Sykes (taken). 12 to 1 agst Bracken (taken). EARL SPENCER'S PLATE. 10 to 1 agst Ephesus (taken). 10 to 1 agst Twinkle (taken). 10 to 1 agst King of Trumps (taken). 12 to 1 agst The General (taken). 12 to 1 agst Koh-i-noor (taken). THE MEDITERRANEAN. SOUTHAMPTON, FRIDAY MOR/Plli The Peninsular and Oriental Company's steam- •ship Tagus has just arrived here, with dates from Gibra, gar, March 15th ; Cadiz, 16th ; Lisbon, 19th ; Oporto, 2C 4h; Vigo, 20th. She brings on freight five packages specie, 100 chests of oranges, and a cargo of dates, eggs, wine, &c. All the foreign vessels of war had left the Tagus. Several Russian merchant ships had been put up t ar sale in Portuguese ports. Exchange on London, 54l ; paper scarce. An unsuccessful attempt had been made in the proving 3. of Trasos Montes to excite the people to oppose the us vr system of taxation. A new system of diligences had been established betwei Lisbon and Badajoz. Yesterday the Tagus spoke the Peninsular and Orients 11 Company's steam-ship Rajah, from Constantinopl 0, Smyrna, Malta, and Gibraltar, with her macbin damaged. She was under canvass. INDIA AND CHINA MAU i► 3. SOUTHAMPTON, FRIDAY MORNIN The Peninsular and Oriental Company's steam• ship Sultan, with the heavy portion of the East India, Cl tine, and Mediterranean mails has just arrived here, having left Alexandria on the 9th, Malta the 13th, and Gibraltar the 18th inst Her Majesty's steam troop-ship Simoon, with the It i •st battalion of the Scots Fusiliers on board, arrived : at Gibraltar on the 9th inst., and proceeded to Malta on tag 12th. The Royal Mail steam-ship Orinoco embarked the 414 1 1 Regiment at Gibraltar on the 10th, and left on the 11th fi 3r Malta. At Gibraltar, on the 11th inst., exchange on Londonws quoted 52 to 52} ; Spanish pillared dollars, 2f premium. COURT OF BANKRUPTCY.-(THIS DA: r (Before Mr. Commissioner Pane.) BUILDING SPBOULATIONEL-IN BE 00X. This bankrupt was described as of Rotherhithe and Wandsworth, builder, and to-day was appointed for his last examination. The bankrupt appeared, but had not filed any acoon. nts, and excused himself by saying that he had not been to obtain the money to pay the account. His Honour asked how much was required ? Bankrupt said 5/. His Honour wished to inquire of the accountant wh: 9, after having been appointed by the sanction of the ceonr he had neglected his duty, for Mr. Canaan, the ofAcil u assignee, did not consider they were at A complieated ? Mr. all Cannan said that there would be nothing for t he creditors, unless a surplus should accrue over the w rtr gaged property. • His Honour doubted whether he ought not at once to ..sd journ the examination sine die, particularly as the ace mull* taut did not appear to offer any explanation, and could not be sent for, as he reside.t two or three miles off. He (his Honour) should consider the subject of sanctioning the ap pointment of accountants residing such a distance from t the court. The bankrupt, and persons like him, who mitt wed into building speculations, and gave preferences to is sme creditors by mortgaging all they had to pay them 20s. in the pound, and living on what they obtained from i L he others, did not deserve any sympathy, but ought to bele ft to their mercy, and sued and thrown into prison. As, host r• ever, the blame in the present instance did not rest entirel on the bankrupt, he would adjourn the case for one month and if the accounts were not filed, the examination wouli be adjourned sine die. MARLBOROITGH-STREET-(THIS DAY) STEALING 2,000 OUNCES OF SILVER.—James RA 60' 1 Yeoman, Park-road, Forest-hill, Surrey, was brought be' fore Mr. Hardwick, charged with stealing 2,000 ounce aof silver, value 5001., the property of Mr. Charles Fred(); rick Hancock, silversmith, 40, Conduit-street, Hanover-squ Mr. Wontner appeared for the prosecution. George Jessie Sharpe said he was clerk to the prc 51e" cutor, who has a separate establishment in Little Burka a' street for the manufacture of siver articles. Prisoner w: as foreman over that establishment. When prisoner want, .d silver for work he applied to witness, and he gave him a II order upon the refiner, which enabled the prisoner receive the quantity he wanted. The refiner =I )" plied it in lumps of sterling silver, and before it was used it had to be sent to the caster, or the millman, in order to be converted into a usa bile form. The prisoner's duty was to weigh it in an out, and then give it out to the workpeople. On the V 41 1 inst. witness went through the stock with prisoner, a aid finding a deficiency in the silver he required the priso: tier to render an account of the silver ho received in 1853, z 'rid what he had done with it. Witness found that on 1 4th Jan., by prisoner's own account, he had received 200 oz. from the refiner; and on asking him what he had deco° with it, he said he could not tell anything at all about :it. Had it been handed to Corbett, the caster, in the WM al way, he (prisoner) would have written Corbett's nen se against the item; but he had not done so. Witness went through the rest of the account with him, and found a de ficiency of more than 1,900 oz. After this discovery the matter was placed in the hands of Sergeant Godfrey, a de tective officer of the C division, who, after some difficulty, succeeded in taking prisoner into custody. Mr. Wont aor said that was all the evidence he had to offer at press nt, and begged for a remand. The prisoner wa. remanded till Friday next. LETTERS FOR THE BRIrISH FLEET 1N TPIE BALTIC. GENERAL POST OFFICE, March, 1854.—Mails will be made up from time to time, as opportunities occur, for transmission to her Majesty's Fleet in the Baltic. Letters for soldiers and seamen serving in the fleet, with respect to which the reumlations required by law have bee duly observed, will be forwarded on payment of one penny- Letters addressed to commissioned or warrant odieers will be chargeable, under the Treasury warrant of the nit in stant, with a rate of 6d. when not exceeding ounce Is. when exceeding ounce and not exceeding 1 mince, s. when exceeding 1 ounce and not exceeding 2 ouncos, and so on, which postage must be paid in advance. No charge will be made upon British newspapers ad dressed to the fleet, provided they are duly stamped and posted in conformity to the established regulations. RAILWAY TRAFFIC RETURNS. GLASGOW AND SOUTH-WESTERN RAILWAY.—Traffio 713 • turn for the week ending March 18, 1854 ...... £4,855 3 6 ..... 4 227 1.6. 5 ( jorresponding week last year ................, Increase in 1851 .............................. £627 7 1 SCOTTISH CENTRAL RAlLWAY.—Traffic return for the week ending March 19, 1854... ................. 2,867 0 7 Corresponding week last year ..................... 2,421 18 5A ................. n 9 6 10 CORK AND BANDON RAILWAY. —Traffic return f or th e week ending March 18, 1854 ....... Corresponding week last yea ...................... 186 10 7 SUSPENSION.—The suspension of M essrs. P. Mon teaux and Co., f o reign exchange dealers, w ith establish . t establish ments F. s a nd London, was a nnounced yesterday. . r The total liabilities of the joi n t h ouses are stated at of which 40,000 /. will fall i n L on d on. F or the firm have pursu e d th e o b jectionable system !cO, some time of h a ving no resident partner on this side, but in the present instance the credit ors are not likely to suffer from that circumstance, the manager in charge being understood to have endeavoured to limit his transactions as much as possible, and to have avoided the reckless use of credit which might have been still open to him. The causes of the stoppaee are understood to have partly arisen from a loss of 15,0001. by the forgeries of Ferdi nand Pries at the commencement of last year, followed by unsuccessful transactions in French securities. Under favourable circumstances a hope of 10s. in the pound is expressed, but it seems to be admitted that much man agement will be required to realise that amount, and that the result may be much worse. MADAME TUSSAUD'S EXHIBITION.—Many of the most celebrated characters are here represented who have distinguished themselves in various branches of learning as well as war ; and of the latter, those figures which are among the most prominent for public favour may be classed the chief monarchs who stand most forward in the destinies of Europe. They consist of the Emperor of Russia, the Sultan of Constantinople, and the Em peror of the French. All three have been taken from the best sources, and are most excellent likenesses. The whole are represented in their usual military costumes, decorated with their various orders of merit. o J I plum .V•••••ml , -. De on th that peror turn at th claim Ad Zavel of the =zit Thy Pin& Fr( Parch The e expr©s stituti dange] last m get, sc mined and n ball g] Peter as day. ' 30,00( to ha' Two some L 2 r rXI FJ Lei dent repl: Frei Wha It do ewer Cabi for a pro.", aVir kl in Ll pro tilt] the scab lims