The Sun. — London, England, 1854-12-07 00:00:00

MONEY MARKET Am) COMALERG'/AL INTELLIGENCE. CITY, T\9o o'CLOCK. The sales of cotton at Liverpool yesterday Were estimated at 8,000 bales, including 1,000 American, and 1,000 Surat taken for expert, and on speculation. The market closed tamely without change in pricei. The sales comprised 6,000 Ameri can, 150 Pernam and Maranham at 51d. to 60., 170 Bahia at ,61d. to 60., 200 Egyptian at sd. to 90., and 700 Surat at 31 , ,(1.• to 3/d. per lb. Railway Shares were firm at higher prices. The following is a statement upon the dried fruit trade in London by 'Messrs. Witherby and Han son : • • " r_rhe London clearances of currents for consumption are p roceeding on a very large scale. They reached in all N ovember 1,070 tons. against 290 tons in November 1853, and 1,190 tons in November 1852. The deliveries in bond in November were 180 tons, of which 50 tons went to the colonies, 40 to the United States, and 90 tons to the continent, making the total deliveries 1,250 tons. About 50 tons were shipped to the United States in October. "The 1854 currant crop will not have produced above 5,000 tons of mercantile fruit, nearly one-half, and cer tainly the best portion of which has already reached this coin itry : part has gone to Holland and Germany, and the remaining good fruit has been. bought at advanced rates. The London stock is estimated at about 4,000 tons, or about 1,000 tons less'than on 30th September last. The London deliveries during the last twelve months were 5,300 tons for consumption, and 3,750 tons in bond : in all 9,050 tons. "Soy, Ira' public sales have lately brought to light much of every description of currants, from 1852 white worth 21s. at 'as., up to 1851 fine, some of which have been sold at 965. On the whole, and particularly at the latter sales, c omparatively full prices were paid for all descrip tions, an d there is every prospect of the clearances this month b eing larger than those of December, 1853, which were onl y 495 tons. This, article seems to be coming again inl ,o very general use, and the trade are thinly supplied.. " Of : raisins there is a short importation of 400 tons, as comp: ►red with last year, and of 1,680 tons as com pared wi th 1852. The market has been very unsettled of late, ten der fruit selling from 40s. to 425. ; so that the pric t of fine has barely maintained its ground. Another Government contract is advertised for 75 tons. Purchas es of low blacks have continued to be made for export a,t various prices. Fine has been sold at 255. "The clearances of raisins' here in Nov. have been larger tl ►an any Nov. clearances since 1849, in all 1470 tons a b e t ,inst 1220 tons in i% ov. 1853, and 1210 tons in Nov. 18 52. The shipments were 380 tons, of which 82 tons to colon ies, and 298 to continent, making the entire deli veries of November 1,850 tons. The consumption of the United Kingdom for the first ten months of this year was 7,0 53 tons, against 8,410 tons in 1853. "Of figs there are no arrivals, and the article is scarcer than was ever known to be the case at this season." In tY Le accounts received by the steamer Atlantic from N 'ow York, a report upon the market for Eu ropean manufactures gives the following : "Fc 'reign manufactures remain inactive, and are somewl Sat irregular in price. The demand is confined to some very fine styles of British and Continental goods, which it is not easy to procure at any reduction in value ; but there is an abundance of undesirable fabrics on the market, which are freely offered, and which re put.3,bl e buyers are able to purchase at, in almost every instance, their own terms. This, however, does not render the trade in such goods any way active. Few dealer.; will operate, except there is no mistaking the prospects of gain. Such cases are now very rare. There is, ne rertheless, much ground for hope. No further failure J.s in this line, of any importance, have occurred since our last. The imports are far less extensive, and of a generally better description than usual. Debts are being: promptly cancelled, and on all sides there are evi dent symptoms of revival, which it is gratifying to us to cc eatemplate. To nurture this tendency should now be the object of all interested in the business. ,They can only do it by well-considered and prudent move men ts." The report made yesterday at the meeting of the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Com pany's proprietors bore out all that has been pr.e vio Usly stated under this head -respecting the aban don ment of the Australian postal contract, upon whi. sh, it appears, there has been a loss of 40,0001. Nol r, therefore, if means can be devised, appears to 1 e the right time to attempt the carrying out of the Panama route, unless we intend to abandon to American enterprise the maintenance of steam cora munioation with our own colonies. That the maintenance of a steam route is costly we have abundant evidence, but the Legislatures of Aus tralia are willing to contribute liberally, and if a larger portion of the postage were allowed by the Home Government to the companies carrying the mails an arrangement could be speedily accom plished. What is required by the mercantile com munity is certainty, as well as expedition, and both might be assured either by the Indian or the Panama route. In the English stock market this is settling day, and the " contango has continued as high as 5-16ths to -4 per cent. This, however, will not be considered excessive when the heavy income tax that is due in January, is taken into account. Stock has been taken up to some extent for tem porary investment, the feeling that some arrange ments for peace are progressing being stronger than the new doubts thrown upon the scope of the Austrian treaty might have led one to expect. Consols have been 92i. to 93i for transfer, and 93i to for account. Exchequer Bills have re alised 3s. to 6s. and India Bonds Bs. to 11s. pre mium. The Now 3 per cents. have been 91k to and the Reduced 91i to I. Bank Stock has been dull at 208. The Foreign Market has been dull'. Turkish scrip is 61 to 6i discount. Spanish New Deferred Bonds have been marked 19 to k. Mexican Stock is at ill, and Buenos Ayres at 54. Dutch 2* per Cents, have realised 611. Belgian 4 per Cents. 901, and Dutch 4 per Cents. 901 to 91. The following are the nominal prices of Foreign Stocks :—Grenada Deferred Bonds, 51 to 5i ; Mexi can, 21k to 214 ; Peruvian, 66 to 68 ; ditto 3 per Cents., 47 to 49 ; Portuguese 4 per Cents., 40 to 42 ; Russian 5 per Cents., 95 to 97 ; ditto 4i per Cents., 86 to 88 ; Spanish New Deferred, 3.9 i to /9f, ; ditto 3 per Cents., 38t to 39i ; ditto Certificates, 5f to 6 ; ditto Passive, 4 4 to 44. The ?Last week's railway receipts ascertained up to this .iay are in round figures as under 1854. Great V 7estern ........................ £2O, 466 North-V Testern ........................ 48,297 South-V restern ........................ . 10,153 Brighto-,2 ............................... 10,527 Midlano South-1 astern ...................... ,13,652 Caledonian . ....... .................. 11,340 Great :Northern ............................. 21,835 Northtih :13 and Yorkshire ......... 18,471 -E: ',stern ........................ 1853. £19,155 46,030 9,871 10,518 23,852 12,306 10,177 17,216 16,970 The I tailway Share Market has been firm, but generall yno advance has occurred. The Cale doniau, Lancashire, and Yorkshire, Midland, and. Chester,. and. Holyhead have been most dealt in. The for sign lines have been at about the previous rates. In th.e Joint-Stoek Bank Shares there have been several bargains, but buyers have an advantage. Mined :are dull. Crystal Palace, have improved. BRITESII FUNDS THIS DAY AT ONE O'CLOCK. ( From the Offwica List. ) Rank Stock . ........... . nu,dness d one 208 3 per C,nt. r Izoced Annuities 9IR I. 3 per Je t .5. COT 4018 Annui t ies 9 2i 3d 2a New 3 per Ceia:-,. Annuities, India r ) 'Jag, .41000 .....--. Consols ;or Ae3ount, lOtli J a nuary Exchequer Bills, lid. 21003 ......................... 2500 Small Exchequer Bonds 1858, 3a per Cent. - Ditto " 1859, ~ . 99 a- PRICE OF FOREIGN FUNDS AT ONE O'CLOCK. Buenos Ayres Bonds, 6 per Cent. ............ 51h Witocican :3 per Cent. ........................ 21$ Epauish Bonds, 3 per Cent ................. Ditto Now Deferred, 3 pe - : Ceut. .......... 19 h Spanish Committee Cert. of Coup. not fun. 51 p c arlesh Scrip 6 ner cent... ................... Ditto for the Account 6B - Dividends on the above payable in London. Belgian Bonds 44 per Cent. ea. 25 fr L'O4 Dutch Excltanga, l per - ,311 . 12 ( Ditto 4 Der uem. vertifiestes ...... 1 HALP•PAST TWO. Consols ',Nur, January Acc nt . ........ • • LORD PALMERSTON.—The Novidacles, a Spanish news• paper, of the Ist inst , has a cock and bull story, which • hardly needs refutation, that Lord Palmerston is on his way to Spain to agree for the raising of a 40 1811 1- n iQn of 20,000 won to servo in the Beet 1 E . 4 - 13 RE MARKETS. (THIS DAY.) - I.IaTISEI RAILWAYS. IlanwAte. !Closing Prices 1 yesterday Business done this day. iberdeen. turbg, Nottrs. Bost and .lastn. Juret &Has. & Ballymena Birming. Wolverh. Stour Valley Birkenhd.. Iranesh. do Cheshire Jun ct Do. Chesh. £59 and £25 Cons., Do., £20...... ...... 3; Tyne origin& .225 (issd. at £45; 13risto , and Flreter ,Caledavian 'Carmarthen and Car digan "Iltestyr t yolfoead Jork aril Bar don Cork, Mr ay, & Pais Cornwall k?effJur el. on Dublin eer.olfas.JuPc Dune oo Pe -Al‘ 3tAber dccn Juraou Do. Se .v 'Fast Ally'.iar 4 2,astern Conn:Ass - ?Astern (3:i.ion, L Sto;31; 0., B. Stce.: Do., Now A ~... Lp.re29hll•e cllasgoA Edir.7). AP a PcoYes Tdir.Ei‘i.:) k4Dar cite I Horn tic Clicle Jane, IGlasgo - wL 7 S. Weston!: o ern Do., Do., B. i'itook ' A. Et; .ti eat.(lre lrer t es . . - ,ern )o. Soar Ire. Raj] Cua. Iris! -- astern. f,apr . 7.54,Y1:& Cartiale Do., rE±.7O Do. No 'rds C • ',owl° 3 & w 7 AOIIO, N. NJ estu , o. r, )0. 1 Of .:3 -, .;1r5c13... 30. E" , .ordo d Vi °sty ')o., Do., .f dres & Col eraire dildrky & Enniesk "liar e ". & Li L eln •)0.,16.'_}.&Lf1. Un, Tidilr o.Vrmns.&7eroyj • 1101 d. C Wen. (Ire. ) )o. t - l" Shares e wepst , e & Car - Lisle e eaten Nwp 1 - „ A her. g & ITO O e wry & Enniskillen , lowry Warrenpoint and Rostrevor ;orfotk •Corthn.Counties lin illorth British !North Devon, No. 1 , t)o., No. 2 A Deferred Do.. B Guarantee'; N.E.stern—Berwid" Do. do. Extension Do.do. G.N.E. Duch. Do. Leeds 19 8 all all all all all all 8 11 it CU 00 all Do. York ,North London Do. New £lO N.&S.Wstrn.,llair ?- stead, and City Jn North StafrordshirG ; orth Western .., . & S. Westrn . June. - fTaneaton, Hinckley and Leiecster oxford, Worcester, t Wolverhampton Portsmouth , cottish Con sal . Seottibi , Midland 411 re wsty. cE P e f."( 3 ron Do. A 3, C. pa 4 d no .ot 3r . Month Devo - J. 7 5'outh Fasten south WOC3 1. Yrksl , ..St Dm' Do.. qaines,Wo & W tockZon & Darlin,. ..Aottoix & all 111 s. Vs 7 e wAy Nino of IfvCroyo,,o7 Do. Frc 4 %, No. 1.. 'Ohanes 1-. , pven Doc and Vale •o: 1 ` . , Naterf'Kill enn} • -7 atev'o - • - aTiar er , ck Vest COI.' ma Nest Ex , "l of LolidOn and Cyc - stal Palace IWest 19 - 20 4i - 41 71 - S 12 11 t - 371 - . 14 631 - - 14 10 - 12 5 - 4~ 6/ - 74 14 .7 15; 11 - 11ip ~ -.. • 6 ( ) - 71 32 - 1 ••• - • 19 - 67 69 8s 69 75 77 /n 3 123 87 70 70? i 67 - 69 70 -8) 6 - 80 6 - 8 it - 721 -- 8 —lO6 911 99 d dl d d' 4 - 84 811 1 10 9 19 -- 8 d 21 -21 i 67 68i 39 - 41 ". d -- d 10it 9,1 2 -- 2 48 - 50 7,1 3 A 31 32 10 - ly - 1 7 731 744 7 - 61 - 4<i 13 - - 13 A 51 F 2 52 - CJ -' p 4 —46 d 6t 6§ 29 - 31 90 92 60 - 62 7i - 8. !; 4$ - 45 - 13 rigi - 39. 29 - 30 - 31 - 36 3 - 4 77 18 4 - 20 - ti - 7 ,1 6 - 7 FOREIGN. fi - Gl 11 4 .- - 4 - 3 d— i P :••• - P 31 3i i --31 i 2i id ~• '..7" - ... a - Sti 50 40 25 25 8.: 2gl 25 25 50 St. 50 20 20 10 10 St. 10 S. 25 all Amtwerp&Rotterclam 3 Belie 4 Eastn. Jane. 8 Be'dente C.,.:raissesaac 2s. dornik,-, Thlroda, and. 1 Centr,o.,.re.!a.Scril) ... i Centrel o' 11 - A 1 .5 , all Demcralo 14 ialio P. caul ilesa , lcon 10 1 1 )r ;:c1) 11,! - en'ell all 'lEastern of France 10 I Do. Ne N 3ast Dc. Uz.tens'o - i Do. 41p. c. Bds., pay '57,-coaver'de l e Do. do. do., '59, do .1 - ai2ct. of F7ance . I:7d. TIC o CanaclaA is.' )o. Do. St. La xrence & AVan: - ,ic do. 1.)o. Cert. of Deben con. in :b Stt '6:: Do.Canip. 6p. c., do. at. Farce at. 1 - o.Jian IN - ainsulf (Do. Ne'tv 5 per cent iGt.VVe:A.err o.'Cana,dl Shares Do. l 3ds.,l2Ayawe's7 - w7l l l VII '55. Ds. 0•0., '62. p. '36 . all 'Do. eo., '76, p. 'CO.. all j1:0. do., '73, op 02 lam. , o 1 & To7o - ate 1 1 30. 6 per cen'.; 11 Lake Cott. & Basle all _met ribto! asp. c. pre 12 !Great humemborrg Constituted Shares all IDo, Obligations ' 0 ILyons and Geneva 12 'Lyons 4.1 Mediterrau 16 , Aadra.s 2 i Do. New 31h Maria keto -, 's. ,all Do. 00, Near 2 Nlebourne 1, :. Ca Ry. all Namur & Loe,s .. e (vvi',.,i inte-.es',.) all Do. (ex L: —est) all NolL 7 ,orn o Franco all Do.2i!l,6'cs,,ateChar level and Erquelines &mar. ::::,i p. c. & red. at 22 1 1.. ar. 88 yrs. from 1 san. 1851.... all )o. 201. , 20/.p. e ...,. 3 Am s s ß h d s s. ) all NorwellaarunkPre 14. Paris aril Lyons all Ditto Do - ..ds al` Paris :7.7'0. Of!eans.... AT: Paris 9 , 2C1 1t0uen...... 10 Parid.l - • 31 A Cherbrg, ell Roues c,..2t dawe 20 Royr 7 Df....rosb 3 Itopt;,A7eN7., 8,1; Sare: a P..*: el r - ease all Do. F.. I . ). cent. Pr& 1 - • •o 7 France, laout 4 ISt. 's s p Pke7.. France_ 0 We We all W; o iZealo Cy~ N -STOC ?)1 I k all I 13rit i .6• ............ .11 Colonial Bank and Loan Company nil British N. American, Ohar td. Bank of Asia art& Buk. of India, Anaralia, & China 25 Colo ,- ..al 21 Commercial of Lond 16 . ..37.n7,11,,a Reottish and all 11.40zc1. eliatL. Bk . . of Australia 20 London and County 10 London Joint Stock 23 Loud.. & Westminster Ne.tional Provincial or England 10 Do. New 211 National of Ireland all NeW South Wales all Oriental Bank of Corporation 25 Provincial of Ireland all Do. New 1 Roval Austrsln.Bkg & Gold Imp Co all ';'oath. A a stilt ia all anion of Australia... 24 Do. New 10 VOA Of JA0401911..1“ 10 5 20 20 ?,0 20 20 20 20 100 100 20 25 25 25 I'oo 20 all I 0 12 all all 100 2Q 3.1 10 2P 20 a -- 2., Ind 2 - d par - 4} - 3 - iP - .. -. • G'; - 7 ..• 341 - 12i -- 12 S -- 191 -- 46 -- 48 37 -- 39 pw p -- m -- par -- l*d - 71 -- 8 ••• ''''' ••• - pm ii = 4' a 5 - 6p ••• ..... i:4 -16 i IS BANKS• d -- 1 d . - , .. si 2id 214 - 221 35 -- 40 36 - 41 43 67 70 8a 9a 4 1 9 -' 4 #d 20 50 20 25 THE SUN, LO.NDON, THURSDAY EVENING, DECEMBER V, 1854. RAILWAY INTELLIGEACE. THE REINFORCEMENTS. LITERATURE. LONDON AND NORTH-WESTERN AND MIDLAND. Detachments of the 19th, 38th, 44th, and also about 80 of the Rifle Brigade, total about 264, embarked at Ports mouth dockyard in steam tugs early yesterday morning, and were put on board the steam-transport Charity, at Spithead, for passage to the Crimba. At noon other detachments, consisting of men from the 41st, 49th, and 88th, total 227, with five officers, arrived at Portsmouth from Winchester, and were embarked in the same vessel, which also carries out a large supply of stores to the Black Sea. It appears that these companies have at length con cluded an extension of the traffic arrangement, which for some years past has existed between them, but which was limited to the merchandise and mineral traffic. The extended agreement embraces also passenger and parcels traffic, the object being to secure the working of the traffic in both companies in the manner the most syste matic, economical, and mutually beneficial. The ar rangement is based upon the traffic of each undertaking for the year ending June 30, 1854. A. provision is made that On the departure of the 90th Light Infantry from Dub lin for the Crimea, the depot companies only, consisted of 183 rank and file, and in the short period of 14 days they have more than completed their establishment of 400 rank and file by volunteers irom the 3d (West York), 48th (Northamptonshire), and the 08th (Cambridgeshire) Regi ments of Militia, who cheerfully joined their ranks, toge ther with a great many recruits front this city and its vicinity. Large numbers are still offering themselves for admission into this gallant regiment ; but, having been made up to their full strength, they cannot accept of any more. It is expected that this depot will form a reserve battalion for active service in the Baltic in the spring of the ensuing year. MR. JAMES R. HOPE SCOTT, Q.C., MR. ROBERT STEPHENSON, M.P., and MR. SAMUEL LAING, M. P. shall be referees to determine all questions which may arise. DUBLIN AND WICKLOW. A special meeting of this company was held at Dublin on Monday, the Hon. F. Ponsonby in the chair. The CHAIRMAN stated that the object of the meeting was to authorise the directors to borrow 100,000./. from the Public Works Loan Commissioners, and also to con firm the-forfeiture of certain shares for non-payment of calls, - - Yesterday . morning 114 young men arrived at the Horse Guards from Guildford and the western part of the county of Surrey, having joined the battalion of Guards; 100 re cruits for the Guards and regiments of the line also arrived at the Staff-office, Delahay-street, 'Westminster, from Ips wich. The average of the Guards recruits was 5 feet 8 inches in height. A long discussion ensued, in the course of which a re solution, authorising the directors to borrow 100,000/, on mortgage, was carried. A vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the pro ceedings. A telegraphic message was received at Devonport on Tuesday ordering the draft of the 34th regiment, under orders for the Crimea, to hold themselves in readiness for embarkation at a moment's notice. It is expected they will proceed to their destination in the St. Jean D'Acre, hourly expected at Devonport. Tice draft of the 17th Regiment from Kilkenny proceeds to the East under the command of Captain Colthurst, Major Cole having received leave to travel over land. The draft of the 17th, along with that of the 89th, will sail from Cork on the 11th inst., in the Leopard, and not in the Clyde, as formerly stated. The skeleton depot of the 17th, remaining in Kilkenny, is under the command of Captain Armstrong. It'is over 200 strong. On Monday the depot of the 59th Regiment, comprising 200 men, undtr the command of Captain Montmorency, left Cork Barracks for Ballincollig, in order to make room for other troops who had arrived, el route to the seat of war. --- - The 82d Regiment in Edinburgh Castle, now under orders for the seat of war,tas received about 70 recruits. r It is understood that the 6th Carabineers and 7th Dra goon Guards will be sent to the Crimea. On inquiry yesterday at the Adjutant-General's-office, Horse Guards, it was ascertained that it was not the in tention of Government to withdraw the 10th, Prince of Wales's Regiment of Hussars, from the Bombay Presi dency, in order to augment the cavalry brigade in the Crimea, as announced in a morning paper on Tuesday last. It has also been stated that the 87th Foot and the 60th Rifles were to be sent from Bombay to the Crimea. This has also been found to be erroneous. The whole of the m en belonging to the 17th Hussars absent on leave received orders on Thursday, the43oth November, to rejoin their respective troops at the Exeter and Tops ham-road barracks, without a moment's delay. During the last few days upwards of 200 horses passed through the metropolis, in charge of detachments of Light Dragoons, from the northern and eastern counties, en route for the cavalry depot at Maidstone, where they will be trained for the service. The animals are nearly all three-quarters bred, finely shaped, and are principally bays and browns, with a few greys for trumpeters ; they are intended for the re -mounts of the additional troops to augment the several cavalry regiments in the Crimea. The average price of each is 281. Yesterday fatigue pas ties of the Royal Artillery and the several detachments forming the garrison of the Tower were actively engaged in shipping warlike stores, com prising Minie rifles, carbines, pistols, sabres, picket posts, nosebags, and bales of bedding and warm clothing, in lighters, for conveyance to Woolwich and Deptford, at which places they will be transhipped 'to steam-vessels about to proceed to the seat of war. The London and foreign contractors for Minie rifles are exerting themselves to the utmost to make up the deficiency caused by the apathy of the Birmingham gunmakers, who are now seve ral thousand stand of arms in arrear. Contracts have been entered into for the supply of a number of rifle carbines, it being the intention of the Government to arm two light cavalry regiments (which will be termed Light Dragoon Riflemen) with this formidable weapon. • Captain Joseph Clarke Child's company, 7th battalion (recently Major Crofton's company, who is now promoted to lieutenant-colonel), have received orders to hold them selves in readiness to embark during the present week for Malta, and to remain there until their services are required atthe seat of war, The company is 140 strong, and eight women are to be allowed to 'proceed with the company to Malta. . _ . In consequence of the difficulty experienced in procuring proper forage, for the cavalry and artillery horses in the Crim6, the Commissariat aro about sending out largo quantities of hay, and the Lady Jane transport is to sail from the Mersey this day with 100 tons. During the last few days nearly 300 recruits have been enlisted by the regiments in garrison, and the recruiting parties throughout Scotland. In the Edinburgh district the number of recruits obtained was about 240, in the Glas gow district nearly 300, in Aberdeen about 75, Dundee about 70, Perth 40, Fort George about 60, and Stirling about 50. This has been simultaneous in most of the dis tricts with the raising of the Scotch militia, which, with the excoption of some counties where the enrolment has progressed but slowly, is now well advanced. The Imperatrice steamer is ordered to proceed to Conk to embark 1,000 rank and file for the Crimea. The steam transport Cumberland, No. 151, left Spithead yesterday with the first load of huts for the Crimea, ship ped from Portsmouth. The Arabia put into Kingstown Harbour on Tuesday morning for ammunition, and at once proceeded to Mar seilles, where she will receive troops on board, and then make Adirect for the Crimea. The screw steamer Metropolitan left Southampton yes terday,, with lint, linen, and' a variety of other articles, for the hospital at Scutari. She also took wooden houses, stores, galvanised felt, shot, camp equipage, boxes of sol diers' winter clothing, and edibles for BalaklavA. WAR VOLUNTEERING FROM WALES.—Captain Phillips, of the Relative, of Newquay, writes to us to say that he did not sign the letter which appealed in the Shipping and Mercantile Gazette of the 28th ult., offering to man a ship of war front Wales to proceed to the Crimea ; and that, in respect to his name, the signature was a forgery. Lord Hardinge has in the most kind and prompt manner • _ presented. to William L. Worthington, Esq., a commis sion, without, purchase, for his second son, in consideration of the loss of his eldest son, Mr. W. S. Worthington, late lieutenant 38d Regiment, who fell while gallantly carry ing the colours of his regiment at the storming of the heights of Alma. NEW RAILWAY BILLS. Among the 131 new railway bills proposed to be sub mitted to Parliament in the ensuing session there are only four for leasing and a malgamation,—namely, the Birkenhead, Lancashire, and Cheshire, to lease the un dertaking to the Great Western Railway Company ; the amalgamation of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Rail way Company and the Blackburn Railway Company ; tile transfer of the North Staffordshire Railway under taking to the London and North-Western Railway Com pany by :means of amalgamation or purchase ; and to enable the Waterford and Limerick Railway Company to lease or purchase the undertaking of the Waterford and Kilkenny Railway Company. RAILWAY TRAFFIC RETURNS. GREAT NORTHERN RAlLWAY.—Traffic return for the week ending Nov. 25, 1854 £21,835' 13 0 Corresponding week last year 17,216 7 7 _LANCASHIRE AND YORKSHIRE RAILWAY. —Traffic re turn for the week ending Dee. 3, 1854 £18,471 8 2 Corresponding week last year 16,970 3 0 CHESTER AND HOLYHEAD RAlLWAY.—Traffic return for the week ending Dec. 3, 1854 £4,661 S 0 Corresponding week last year 3,480 0 0 Increase in 1854 ..Rl,lBl. 8 0 RAILWAY SHARE MARKETS. LIVERPOOL, DEC. 6. STOOK EXCHANGE.—The market has been good to-day, at higher prices. Caledonian, 303 ; East Lancashire, 17; Lancashire and Yorkshire, 72a 4 ; London and North- Western, 99i 103; Mau., Shef., and Lincoln, 22; ditto, Qrs., 11 346; Midland, 681. a ; North Eastern, York ca pital stock, 2.5 i 6 ; South-Eastern, 17 13.16 ; N. Union, B, 43 ; Dutch Rhenish, 34. dis. MANCHESTER, DEC. 6. ' STOCK EXCHANGE.—In the market there has been a decided improvement. Prices rose considerably towards noon. Caledonian, 301 ; Lancashire and Yorkshire.72i Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire, 21,11 ; ditto, 101. Pref., 114 ; Midland Rail. Consols, 68i i; South-Eastern, 17 15-16. BRISTOL, DEC. 6. STOCK EXCHANGE.—The market this morning was fins and holders unwilling to part with stack, unless at higher lances. Bristol and Exeters, 93i ; Great Western, 7O 71; - Midland, 634 MARKET NEWS-(THIS DAY.) COIN EXCHANGE.' GENERAL AVERAGE PRICES OF BRITISH CORN For the week erded Dec. 7, 1854, made up from the Returns of the Ta,pectors to the CO thereat Cities and Towns in England and Wales Inv Imperial Quarter. WHEAT. 1 BAULVf. OATS. RTE. BEANS. 1, PEAS. lie 4d , 35s 101 29. 01 ;44 33 t 501 21 j 49s 4d THE SIX WEEKS' AVERAGE. WHEAT. BARLEY. OAT 3. ATE. BEANS. I PEAS. 70s 31 I 34s 5d 233 2d 41s 5d 4Ss 7d j 473 43 DUTIE.; ON FOREIGN CORN. WREAT. I BARLEY. I OATS. I E. I BRANS. I PEAS. Is Od /s Od Is Od Is Od Is Od Is Od (QUANTITIES OF GRAIN SOLD LAST WERIL Wheat, 10D,071; Barley, 111,309; Oats, 16.733; Rye, 461 ; Beans, 4,557; Peas, 1,998 quarters. MEAT MARKETS. NEWGATR AND LEADENNALL. — The general demand ruled heavy, j as follows :—Beef, from 3s 2d to 4s 6d ; Mutton, 3s 6d. to 4s 8d ; Veal, 4s Od. to 5s Od ; Pork, 3s 4d to 4s 8d per 81bs, by the carcase. SOUTHALL, Dec. 6.—To-day's market was fairly supplied with each kind of stock. The general demand was in a very sluggish state. Beef, from 3s 6,1. to 4s 1.04 ; Mutton, 3s 6(.1 to 5e Od ; Veal, 4s Od. to 5s Od ; Pork, 3s Gd to 4e id per 81bs, to sink the offals. ROMFORD, Dec. 6.—We have to report a very inactive trade. Prices have been rather drooping from 3s 4d to 5s Od ; Mutton, 3s 6d to 5s Od ; Veal, 4s Od to 5s Od ; Pork, 3s 6d to 4s tid per 811 m. Quarter old Store Pies. 21s to 26s each. • HAY MARKETS. SMITHFIELD.—Meadow hay, 2/ 15s to 4/ 15s ; clover ditto, 410 s to 6/ Os ; and straw, 1/ 6s to 1/ 12s per load. Trade steady., CummtLAND.—Meadow hay, 31 Os to 5/ Os ; c!over ditto, 4. Os to 51 15s ; and straw, 1/ 6s toll 14s per load. A fair average supply and a mode: ate demand. WHITECHAPEL.—Meado w hay, 21 16s to 41165; clover ditto, 41 Os to 61 Os ; and straw, it 6s to 1/ 12s per load. Supply good, and trade rattier LLOYD'S SHIPPING-(THIS DAY.) LONDON, Dec. 7.—Wind this day at Noon, N.W. ; fres P h breeze, and fine weather. • ORTSMOUTH, Dec. 6.—Wind, W.N.W., blowing hare. Arrived—Marie Auguste, from Bremen, for Porto Rico. Sailed—Cumberland (steam -transport, 151), for the Crimea. Put back—H.M.S. Monarch, from Devonport, with main yard sprung. FALMOUTH, Dec. 6.—Wind, N.N.W. Arrived—H.M.S. Brisk, from Plymollth, for the Prcific. Sailed.—Charles Richard, for Southampton. Put back—Jazo, for Liver pool. DARTMOUTH, Dec. 6.—Wind, N.W. Arrived—Siren, from Newfoundland. GLOUCESTER, Dec. 6.—Arrived—Lonisa,.from Quebec. SOUTHAMPTON, Dec. 6.—Sailed —Washington (s), for New York; Metropolitan (s), ConstantiKple. BRISTOL, Dec:6.—Wind, N.W. Arrived St. Yres, from Honduras. OFF DUNGENESS, Dec. 6.—Truce, from Callao; La Belle, Honduras • Mary Jane, Prince Edward's Isla nd. HULL, Dec. '6. - -Wind, W. Arrived—Unita, from Kertch ; Albatross (s), Antwery ! Amor Paterno, Constan tinople. QUEENSTOWN, Dec. s. —Wind, W.N.W. Arrived— Eucles, from Callao. LIVERPOOL, Dec. 6.—The Peltoma, of this port, was lost in the Black Sea during the gale of the 14th Nov. ; crew saved. The Mary Ann, of Bristol, was lost during the same gale. The Gertrude, of this port, is also re ported lost. WATERFORD, Dec. 5. —Wind, W. to W.S.W. Arrived —Cruz 2d, from New Yolk. ST. HELENA, Oct. 19.—The Charlotte, from Queenstown to Calcutta, was totally wrecked in Algoa Bay on the 20th Sept. ; 62 soldiers, 11 women , and 26 women perished. SOCIETY 01' ARTS.—Last evening, at the ordinary meeting of this society Mr. J. J. Mechi read his fourth paper " On British Agriculture, with some account of his own operations at Tip-tree Hall Farm." The chair was occupied by Mr. J. Lawes (of Rothanstead), and the attendance was unusually numerous , many being unable to obtain admission. Mr. Mechi said he s hould offer no apology for appearing for the fourth time before them, believing that there was no question so important to the national welfare as the attempt to increase our supply of food by improved British agriculture. An abundant home harvest was not now e nough for the increased population, and therefore when foreign supplies of corn were cut off commerce and manufactures were paralysed, but he ventured to assert that by investment and improvement more could be gro wn than all the food ' required by the British people. The mere drainage of all the land that required it would add millions of quar ters of corn, and much additional meat to our present supply, and his own farm might be taken as an instance of greatly and amply increasing our food supply, his balance-sheet having shown an advantage to him in rent and profit of 7501. All things progressed in this country, and so would British agriculture, and the superabun dance of capital we had should avail to give to agricul ture a higher and more dignified, mere intelligent, and consequently a more profitable position. The clumsy appliances and prejudiced neglects of antiquated agricul tural customs were not profitable. The men who now suffered most in agriculture were precisely those whose ill-farmed, wooded, small, and undrained fields, and un improved buildings, were slowly but surely absorbing the tenant's capital and binding him in poverty and distress. Mr. Mechi, in the course of Lis paper, alluded to the questions of town sewage, steam cultivation, and other matters relating to the management of a farm and the disposal of capital upon it. In the discussion which followed, Messrs. Sidney, Davis, Merton, Hoskins, and Col. Chaloner took a leading part. Thanks were after wards voted to Mr. Mechi for his able paper. FATAL ACCIDENT FROM 4ACIIINERY.—An inquest was held by Mr. Edward Her:ord, the coroner for the city of Manchester, at the Co Jner's Court, on Monday, touching the death of Thomas Wilkinson, aged 35, a cylinder-tender. The deceased was employed at the cotton mill of Mr. Henry Lees, at Droylsden. About three weeks ago, the mornis,g being damp, he had occa sion to wipe the friction plate of a cylinder drying ma chine, which ha did whilst it was going , and as he acci dentally slipped down on his knees his left arm was caught between the wheels which turn the warp cylin der. He gave a shout, and he machinery was instantly stopped, but his aim was so severely lacerated that he died from the effects of the accident, in the Manchester Infirmary, on Monday morning. John Braddoch, the manager of the weaving department of the mill, said the machinery was boxed off as well as it was thought it could be done, but since this accident further security had been added, which must render it impossible for any person to be drawn in again. The jury returned a • Tordict of Accidental death,", 91 61} 131 14k 88 76 5 71i 70} 72i f 7i 99i 4 82 6818 ii 5i 4 32} 2 75 5 52 i 23 2i 21i i i 6881 but that the spirit of Christian charity should be the crown of all our efforts ; and the guiding influ ence in life and death. DISPENSRRS FOR THE EAST.—Among the gentlemen sent out to assist the medical staff in the Crimea, the' Go vernment have sel ec t e d Mr. J. Fitze, son of Mr. Fitze, stationer, Exeter, whs has just embarked. The pay of this class per diem, including allowances, is half-a-guinea. ROYAL MARINES FOR THE CRIMEA.—In addition to the officers already named as ordered from this division to join the „Royal Marine corps in the Crimea, Capt. Kennedy and three subalterns of the Portsmouth division have been placed under orders to hold themselves in immediate readi ness for embarkation for the East. DUBLIN, Wednesday Morning.—Large quantities of powder and other munitions cf war were conveyed, on Monday last, from the magazine in the Phoenix-park to the Pigeon-house Fort, near this city, for the convenience of shipment. Sixteen tons of gunpowder were taken on board the steam-ship Arabia, at Kingstown, yesterday. This splendid steamer, which belongs to th? Halifax line, arrived in the harbour yesterday morning, and after get ting the powder on board, sailer' at 3 o'clock direct for Marseilles, to embark French troops for the Crimea. THE SICK AND WOUNDED OF Tilt BATTLE OF INKER MAN AT PERA.—We find the following in a foreign jour nal :—"I yesterday visited the extensive hospital at Pera, and saw the wounded in the battle of Inkerman,who had ar rived on the previous day in the Chaptal. Notwithstanding the gravity of their wounds, theysuppor t their sufferingiwith the greatest firmness. Among them I remarked several Russian officers whose countenances were very intelligent, showing a strong contrast to those of the common soldiers, who are generally very stupid-looking. All of them ex perience the same treatment as the French. The number of the sick and wounded in the hospital yesterday was 1,065. Among them are about sixty officers, of whom eight or ten have undergone amputation ; but they are all going on very well. Up to this time it is the medical staff Which has suffered the greatest losses. Out of six officers who have died at the hospital at Pera may be reckoned three surgeons ; and this is not astonishing, for a man need be made of iron to stand the fatigues which the medical corps undergo. The Sultan has on different occasions tes tified the interest he feels in the condition of the wounded. The other day he sent to the hospital. at Porn 256 kilo grames of excellent pates and ex.:ellent preserves, articles for which the Turks are unrivalled, and this present to the 1 great delight of the soldiers was accompanied by a similar weight of good tobacco." Tropical Sketches. By W. Knighton, M.A.., author of "Forest Life in Ceylon." 2 vols. Hurst Herbert Lake. By the author of " Anne Dysart." 3 vols. Hurst and plackett. Without aiming at anything remarkable or out of the way of every-day life in thought or action, this author contrives to render her works in no ordinary degree a pleasure and a profit to the reader. If, at the commencement of the narrative, the plot may seem tame and the characters ordi nary, it is because they are life-like and simple. We are shown human nature as it is in its every day garb, but as soon as we become acquainted thoroughly with the various characters, they are described with their cares and their follies as they suffer and commit them in their struggles with the world of sin and sorrow. Herbert Lake, the hero, is not what heroes are ordinarily depicted, in the usual acceptation of the term. Richard Wyvil comes nearer to the standard in his romantic and refined notions, in his lofty contempt for toil and trouble, his wayward fancies, which scorn the trammels of wealth, and ,yet which peculiarly re quire riches to indulge them. Herbert was fear less and self-reliant. The same dauntless courage and determined energy which raised him from a lowly origin into being the equal of a refined and instructed assembly, and even the superior of many of its votaries, enabled him to steer clear of the perils which proved so fatal to his friend, and to maintain his dignity and position when assailed by many desperate circumstances. As the story so soon developes itself, it will not interfere with the interest to revert to the unfortu nate and clandestine marriage of Richard to Mary Harris. The miseries that resulted from that alliance are skilfully shown forth. It is not that Mr.Wyvill is screened from censure ; his pride and his revenge are denounced, and a terrible suf fering is seen to visit his sin; yet this faultiness of his conduct did not prevent his son's actions being unworthy and inconsiderate. His hesitation and yielding to fancied suggestions of wrong deterred him from enacting the bold, straightforward course becoming a man—above all; one preparing to enter a solemn engagement. This part of the story is eminently successful in delineating the evil that was effected from the indulgence of opposite views. Obduracy and weakness combined to blight the pro mise of a brilliant youth, and to render wretched the decline of an honourable life. It is true that Mr.Wyvill at last consented to receive his sou into the home of his youth again, but ho had to learn that man cannot take destiny into his own hands to fashion. The day of grace was gone by, the heir of his proud name and fair inheritance was never to enjoy or to inherit it. Before his father had schooled his haughty spirit to relent, Richard Wyvill was cited to receive the award of a higher tribunal than that of man, and the tardy restituf on of earthly justice was as no thing to him wilt:se hope and expectation were en shrined in the promise of the mercies of Heaven; still it was a sweet and soothing thought to die in peace with home and friends, and as Richard Wyvill was lying on the bed of death, looking out on the smiling prospect of his earthly home, he offered a solemn warning to all wayward and self sufficient spirits. In the pride of intellect and the flush of youth and health lie scorned control, and did not brook counsel. He set out for himself without principle or plan. At last, worn out and withered in what should have been his prime of life, he confessed that he was an un p rofitable worker, and his father, as he laid low in the dust him who should have been the prop of his age and the mourner at his tomb, to keep alive his memory by the practise of his precepts, and transmit to posterity the successors to his name, he might 'well have exclaimed, " Alt is vanity." A more welcome truth, and a more pleasing knowledge is conveyed by the life of Herbert, although his career was greatly overshadowed. He, too, was alienated from his friends, but that was from unfortunate circumstances, and not from daring defiance or self-willed actions. The powers of his mind were more the sterling than the striking; his was more reason and reflection than fancy and imagination. He did not find it easy to come before the public although he wished to be practical, and for a time his wisdom was as much at a loss as Richard's more volatile disposition. They found friends who were ready to serve them after their own fashion, a kindness only too prevalent in the world. Mr. 1 Fandshaw, who seemed the very man to refer to, and the most useful assistant to unprovided talents, had his own views and wishes which he thought just the thing to be observed, and the only course to be adopted. As may be supposed, such a sub • servience did not suit the high nature of Herbert Lake; it was not pride of his own opinion, or vanity of his own writings, but his self-respect and con sciousness of worth which resisted the slavery im posed. Ho heard with scorn that Iltaard had forced himself to conform—but he declined. For tunately, he afterwards met with a more congenial spirit in Mr. Grant, whose acquaintance he made in performing an act of kindness. The many dark scenes through which Herbert and Richard passed are given with skill and vigour, and the crowning act of misery and destitution, when in mourning for their only daughter, Richard and May are sur prised by bailiffs, is touchingly depicted. The knowledge of the human heart is shown yet more by the workings out of the home life. As Herbert beheld his wretched friends in their misunderstandings and troubles, he realised that the sharpest stiles , of poverty is the effect it pro duces on the minds of the sufferers. Harder than the scanty meal and the unfurnished hearth, more painful than the want of friends and fortune, was the harsh look and the unkind words from each other. The love that had sprung up amid roses and sunshine should have bloomed in its native atmosphere and flourished in its kindred soil ; it had not been tested in the toils of city drudgery and the details of the poor man's fire-side. Her bert, although spared such suffering, had a secret trouble, which dimmed the lustre of his rising fame, and obscured for him the pleasure of making his way in the world. Kate Wyvill was a noble and generous girl, her education had tended to warp her judgment, and she was, besides, greatly in fluenced by her father in all her decisions and opinions. In the society of literary and intelligent men in London Herbert was conspicuous, but in He might have clutcht the palm of victory his own village they remembered him as a farmer's In the world's w restling-rin ,, of mightiest deeds i son. The Vyvills of Wyvill's Cou rt were the mag - But he went down lik e a rich* Argosy nates of the circle in which the Lakes were hardly At sea, just glimmering into sight of home, recognised. True to this early prejudice, Kate With its rare freightage from diviner climes. Wvvill, kind and gentle to others, became abrupt The world may never know the wealth it tomb, lost, and repulsive to the unfortun ate Herbert, who, When Hood went darkling to his tearful always welcomed by her with respect and consi- So mighty in his undevelopt force ! deration, forgot the distance b etween them, fur- With all his crowding unaccomplished hopes ! Tic' unuttered wealth and glory of his so ul ! tiler than as regarded the interch an g e of civilities. And all the music ringing round his life, Kate's spirit was roused to sustain her wavering firmness, and she for a time forg ot her uniform A o n i dhles.ngs , don poems stirringh about in fe h r is th d e ying stain. firmness, grace and gentleness. Herbert's s p irit was like- Which 3s•learn wise excited, and he hastened away . In this dark How like a bonny un the wosrlodnf,isll i' then sang-- for birth ! bird of God he came, hour of sorrow and wounded feeling he had to And pour'd his heart in music for the poor ; make another effort. He had been greatly indebted • Who sit in gloom while sunshine floods the land, to the clergyman of the place, who wishe d him to And feel through darkness, for the hand of help ! succeed him in his sacred calling. ,ut Herbert And trampled manhood heard, and claimed his crown, felt that his vocation was not that of the Church, And trampled womanhood sprang up ennobled ! and he gave up every prospect of fortune rather The human soul lOokt radiantly through rags ! than be a hypocrite in so sublime a service. This And there was melting of cold hearts, as when The ripening sunlight fingers frozen flowers. act of sacrificing self at the outset of his career seemed to set a stamp of glory on his whole subso- His Mausoleum is the people's heart ; fluent life. The approval of his own conscience There he lies crown'd and glorified,—our king was with him in the hardest of his labours, and the In state, with singing robe wrapt richly round. most dreary of his solitary hours. The only in- But 't is not meet, my England, his dear dust stance in which blame can attach to him was in Should lie where splendid flatteries flaunt on tombs, the engagement he formed with Jessie Grant, but As treachery serves to brighten wanton tears — lie had the excuse of being deceived by Kate With not a line of letter'd love to tell Wyvill. She had shown indifference to him,. and What s mighty heart lies quencht and broken there, he could not imagine that indifference was feigned Iv o i let th u s build our poet's monument ! to conceal the affection that pride disdained. BY And passionate hearts of love for cornerstones, a chance, Miss Grant discovered her rival and her tears that temper for immortal fame: real sentiments towards Herbert. She suspected. The " Love Lyrics" are full of tenderness, though all, and acted according to her conviction. This the faults of too much profuseness of language and was the only darkness in the retrospect of his life ; imagery are chiefly shown here. " The War" and but Herbert had not acted unfeelingly, but un- ce People's Songs" are full of fire and spirit, though knowingly, and in the end Jessie Grant was satis- some of the latter are decidedly democratic in their fled of his truth and rectitude, although she in- opinions. Thie, of course, is but natural, but one sisted on their engag ement being dissolved. It of the hi g h aims which the author has sot himself was not until they had met at the death-bed of is "to write some songs that may b ecome dear to Richard, whom both so dearly loved, that Rose ' the hearts of the people, lighting them on the way and Herbert overc ame their angry feelings and up which they are groping; after better things." The softened their proud hearts. In the presence of poem from which the following extract is taken is that mighty Power, before which the petty jealou• this subject •• on .— sies and vanities of the world are laid low, they of darkness and the city's soil of sin, were awed into the right understanding of truth Come from the d!ii and the Angel's blessing Put on y?ur , radiant manhood, and nature. The pride which seemed dignified was Richard's stumbling-block through life, and scorned Where w v. l - n ealthier . sunlight comes from heaven, like about to bring Mr. Wyvill with sorrow to the welcome•smiles of God, grave. The love of place and power had been the And earth's blind yearnings leap to life in flowers, from misery of Alice ; in the pride of her beauty and out the sod : the fore,,t-temple, dim and h usb , her youth she was wandering au alien in a foreign Come worship beauty in . d amin t and God burneth land, having given up her husband's home and her Where stands Magnificence re g . in the bush : father's house to seek a refuge amid strangers. o ld hills worship w ith their silence for a Herbert and Kate did hot rush to the altar, as Or where the psalm, Richard and Mary had done, in ignorance of life h e art doth keep the s a b bath of its c alm. and its realitie s . The y knew their wa y ; Herbert OrCo ocean's weary Conic let ies worship beauty with the knightly faith of old, 11: - .4 fought in the world of action, and Kate had 0 chivalry of labour toiling for the age of gold ! suffered in the retirement of her existence. Their Come l e t us worship bea ut y : she bath subtle p o wer to t h oug hts had been directed to the contemplation start of their work ; they had learned from their rela- Heroic word and deed out•flashing from the humblest tions and friends, and Alice and Richard had been heart I monitors of an awful lesson. " They build to o Great feelings w ill g ush unawares, a f reshly as the first low who build beneath the skies , " ha s been often an d Rich rainbow that up startled heaven in tearful cited as a moral, and declared as a precept to the splendour burst. ardent and aspiring, and the sequel of this story 0 blessed are her lineaments, and wondrou h sareher ways would exemplify how pride has no place among us) To re ore God's worn likeness is the ff • h su ern) g _ureau in self-sufficiency, aelf-righteounces, or self-love, i face f. and Blackett. • These Tropical Sketches or Reminiscences of an Indian journalist, as they are called, are not re stricted to descriptions of one place or country—they include sketches of Ceylon, Calcutta, Delhi, and the Tristan d'Acunha Islands. The first of these, the island of Ceylon, was the subject of the author's former work, and a large portion of the present volumes is devoted to it. At the conclusion of the second volume a brief outline of its history is appended, and the amusing narrative of the author's editorial perplexities relates also to his residence among the Ciugalese. His accounts of " Men and Manners in the City of Palaces," does not give a very tempting picture. The chapter entitled " Anglo-Indian Comforts," is sufficient to terrify any intending emigrant. On the subject of Indian education, the author writes strongly, drawing a vivid picture of the ignorance of the people. Even in the Government colleges of India the results of the instruction given do not appear to be very beneficial, for it is asserted that the religion in which the students have been brought up, Brah minism, being uprooted by the study of astro nomy and geography, and no opportunity af forded them of learning a better, they combine "great intellectual acuteness and a total want of moral principles, utter infidelity in reli gion, combined with an enthusiastic worship of reason and money." One of the most in teresting and instructive portions of the work is a brief summary, which is given at the commence ment of the second volume, of the rise and fall of the Seikhs. It is justly observed that, should the incidents of this history appear in a drama, they would be stigmatised as improbable. • The horrible rites and ceremonies of the Brahmins are related, and the writer demands, with indignation, why they are tolerated. The customs of the Mussul mans are not of so barbarous a form, though their great fast of the Ramezan is sufficiently distres sing. It lasts twentlT-eight days, during which time they must not eat or drink from sunrise to sunset, and this under a tropical sun, for men engaged in daily labour, sometimes in the hot test season of the year. It gives some idea of the character . of the people that some of them die under this self-imposed infliction. The ac count of the inhabitants of Tristan d'Acunha is singular and interesting. A variety of information respecting the different races and nations is con tained in these volumes, and much entertainment may be derived from their lively and amusing anecdotes of Life in the Tropics. The Last Earl of Desmond. 2 vols. Hodges and• Smith. _ _ This is an historical novel, and relates the for tunes of the last Earl of Desmond and his com panions. A good deal of romance is introduced by the affection of the earl for the fair Ellen, a poor and friendless orphan, who resides with an old priest with whom he takes refuge. She is subse quently discovered to be the daughter of Spenser the poet, whose infant, it is well known, was left behind him in his flight from the rebels, and was always supposed to have pershed iu the fire. This very improbable discovery does not render the heroine any more suited for a bride for the last Earl of Desmond in the opinion of one of his companions, who accordingly poisons the old priest, the only one willing to perform the ceremony, by slow degrees. The old man hastens on the marriage, and his murderer increases the poison. At the altar he faints, the other presses forward to give him a cordial ; he refuses it, and, with a great effort, completes the ceremony and falls dead. Political events and private history are mingled throughout. It is said to be the first work of the author, and, as such, certainly deserves commendation, for it displays none of the exaggera tion which usually marks the style of young writers. Indeed the error is on the other side, for, in his assumption of a free and easy manner, the author is sometimes careless in his style. This, however, is a trifling fault, and the work certainly possesses the attractions of originality and con ciseness, variety and interest. The Ballad of Babe Christabel, and Other Poems By Gerald Massey. Fourth Edition. Bogue. This is a volume of great promise, which has been written under peculiar circumstances. The fact of this being the fourth edition is not neces sarily a guarantee for the merit of the poetry, but most readers will be of opinion that the success it has obtained has not been undeserved. Gerald Massey has arisen from the people. At eight years of age he worked in a factory, and since then he has ,met with countless obstacles in his upward path of ',self -instruction and improvement. His life, which is given in this volume, is full of inte rest. None would suspect, from the perusal of the work, HI., difficulties in the way of the writer's self education. His early circumstances can only be guessed at from the tone of some of the political lyrics. The writer, in thanking tho critics who have given him a generous welcome, declines the title of poet. He says—" I knew what a poet is too well to fancy that lam one yet. It is a high standard that I set up myself, and I do not ask it to be lowered to reach my stature—nor would I have the poet's awful crown diminished to mete my lesser brow." It is true that the title of poet is much too readily bestowed, but " Poeta nascitur, non fit." Study, time, and cultivation may do much; they will remove defects, adorn and embellish the style, but if the inspiration of the muse be wanting no efforts can ever make a poet. It is not wanting here. Much remains to be done in minor points, but there are many passages which display talents of a very high order, especially if we take lit° ac count the author's history. One great merit of the style is its clearness. Here and there a too great redundancy of language and profuseness of imagery mar and encumber it ; but the prevailing defect of the present day is not there. The writer has a meaning in all lie says, which is really surprising in these days, and, what is still more so, the reader sees it. If he mounts to the clouds, at least he carries his readers with him. As a sample of the most ambitious style, we subjoin the following pas sages from a very fine poem to the memory of Thomas Hood : INCREASE 01! THE ARMY. The augmentation of•tha army to be proposed on the meeting of Parliament includes 43 battalions of the line, each of 800 baycnets, a battalion of Rifles, and another of artillery.wtotal, about 36,000 wen. - _ Or bliss shall richly overbrim like sunset in the west, And we shall dream immortal dreams, aid banquet with the blest. Then let us worship beauty with the knightly faithefold, 0 chivalry of labour toiling for the ag of gold The author is peculiarly happy in his refrains; in this respect he has something of the gift of Beranger. Those who saw a spirited war-song of his, lately published, will remember the concluding lines of every verse came in with great effect— " Oh! victory, joyful victory, Like love, thou bringest sorrow ; But, oh ! for such an hour with thee Who would not die to-morrow In The war lyrics in the present volume are full of fire and spirit. They express the feelings which animate the whole nation in a manner worthy of the subject. The subjoined verses are from a poem entitled " England Goes to War." Now, glory to our England, As she rises, calm and grand. With the ancient spirit in her eycs,— The good sword in her h and ! Our royal right on battle-ground Was aye to bear the brunt ; Ho ! brave heart ! for one passionate bound, And take thy place in front ! Now glory to our England, As she raises calms and grand, With the ancient spirit in her eyes— Tile good sword in her hand To battle goes our England, All as gal!ant and as gay s !over to the altar on A merry marriage-day. A weary night she stood to watch The battle-dawn up-roll'd ; And her spirit leaps within, to match Tho noble deeds of old. To battle goes old England, And as gallant and as gay As lover to the altar on A merry marriage-day. Now, victory to our England ! And where'er she lifts her hand In freedom's fight, to rescue right, God bless our dear old land ! And when the storm has pass'd away, In glory and in calm, May she sit down i' the green or he day, And sing her peaceful psalm ! Now, victory to our England And where'er she lifts her hand In freedom's fight, to rescue right, God bless the dear old land I Let not Gerald Massey despair of the " Poet's awful crown," though he does well in not being unduly elated by the praise of those who would assure him he is already perfect. Let him amend the defects of his style ; let him avoid, above all things, the incomprehensible and exaggerated school ; let him be more careful in the regulation of the metre of his poems (which does not always run smoothly, though occasionally very musical) ; and let him have confidence in his own powers, which, without the aid of critics or predictions, will no doubt achieve for him an enduring fame. NEWSPAPER PARIS OF AUSTRALIA. (From the Sydney Empire of Sept. 20.) It has often been a matter of surprise to us to find how little even m en of business knew of the costly operations of a Daily Newspaper Office. Our intercourse with the large body of the public who are the constant readers of ou r own journal, when occasions have arisen for explanation on points per taining to our business arrangements, have, in al most every instance, impressed the fact afresh upon our minds. When we use this word " costly," we desire to be understood in a more extended sense than the mere money idea of the word would im ply, and to indicate by it the constant and impera tive demands upon the time, the mental effort, and the physical endurance; as well as the capital, of those engaged in the business of a large diurnal publication. Many a time, after a sleepless night of labour and anxiety, when it has tasked the utmost strength of every man on our establishment to complete the publication, it has been our for tune to receive a polite note from some subscriber residing, perhaps, at a distance of two or three miles from our office, complaining that " the paper was net delivered in sufficient time for the break fast table," and informing us that " though he admired our independence, and agreed with our politics, if he could riot have our leading articles with his toast and coffee he must give us up alto gether." We have often thought, whilst we have striven to our utmost to meet his wishes, that our friend would have been a little more considerate in his reproof, if he could have known that, during his comfortable slumbers, nearly half a ton weight of type had been picked up in separate pieces, each smaller than the blade of his penknife, /and accu rately arranged in one mass, so as to give the 1 im pression of the varied intelligence which he re ceived on our printed sheet in the morning—that this was not the performance of one night, but of every night throughout the year. Even then, this idea of a crowd of anxious faced men, in a close room, the atmosphere of which is heated with burning gas, patiently and 'silently plying their high handicraft through the " lone watches of the night," would only supply • a faint picture of the living reality. The toil of brain which the over-taxed reporter endures at the mid night lamp—the unsleeping vigilance of the all but übiquitous news-collector—the never-ending editorial superintendence—the whole organism and vast ramifications of the established system, and the magnitude of the daily expenditure necessary to sustain it, are things which, happily for them selves, our readers cannot realise. lu announcing the alteration in price which the daily journals in Sydney and Melbourne have found it absolutely necessary to make, one of our southern contempo raries, the Argus, has just published some particu lars of its own current expenditure, which will serve to illustrate the truth we have ventured to assert—that the public at large have no adequate conception of the extensive machinery required to produce the daily newspaper. The expenses of the Argus are stated to amount to 3001. a-day, of which, 27,0001. per annum is set down for com positors' wages, 12,0001. per annum for engineers' wages and wear and tear of machinery, 5,0001. per annum for the delivery of newspapers, 2,5001. per annum for expenses of the shipping department. 10,000/. per annum for salaries of reporters and payment for political writers, and 30,0001. per annum for printing paper. To return to ourselves, we think we may feel justly proud of the position which The Empire, in the brief period of three years and a half, has secured for itself among the journals of Australia. By the completion of extensive alterations for the enlarged issue which have been g oing on during several months past, and the erection of steam machinery which is now in full operation, we shad henceforth have at our command every mechanical facility, while no exertion will be spared to raise the character of The Empire still highet as a p o litical and commercial journal. The irregulari ties in many departments of our establishment which hitherto have existed in spite of all our efforts, and which, perhaps, are inseparable from all now undertakings of similar magnitude, are, we trust, about to be brought to an end ; and as that steady support which we have received from the first still extends, it shall still be our constant aim to increase our means of serving the public. It is, therefore, with fresh plans alr ea dy forming for the extension of our future operations that we an nounce to our readers that The. Empire is now printed by steam. BEDFORD Ii;LECTION. BEDFORD, WEDNESDAY EVENING. The polling commenced this morning at eight o'clock, and at the end of the first hour a majority of 13 in favour of Mr. Trelawney appeared on the returns. The Tory party put their forces into action, and the next hour's return showed a majority of six for Capt. Stuart. At 11 o'clock this was increased to 29, and at 12 o'clock to 50. The sprit infused into the contest was most extraordinary, considering the absence of music or drink, and it was remarked that a greater number o f votes were polled off by 12 o'clock than had ever been known before. Captain Stuart continued to head the poll, and at the Anal close the numbers were:- e 422 „Captain Stua rt ,Zlr. J. S. Trelawney 331 Majority TRIAL OF THE PYX. The Lords of her Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Comicil met yesterday morning at the office of the Comp troller of the Exchequer, for the trial of her Majesty's gold and silver coins sot apart from every coinage be tween the 16th December, 1850, and the 30th June, 1354, in the Pyx of the Mint. Present the Lord Chan cellor, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer, the President of the Board of Trade, and Sir Ed ,vaa d Ryan. The jury (composed of goldsmiths) having been sworn, were charged by the Lord Chancellor, and the proceed k ings were then adjourned, the jury taking the specimens deposited in the Pyx, in order to test them, for the pur pose of ascertaining that they were of the legal weight and standard. The total value of the gold coinage was 28,238,534/. 13s. 10d. of the standard of 22 carats of fine gold and ' 2 carats of alloy. \ The total value of the silver coinage was 1,030,005/. 1 I is. 3d. of the standarsi of 11 oz. 2 dwts. of fine silver and 18 dwts. of alloy. -- RESCUE OF THE DARIEN EIFEDITION.—A letter of thanks has been forwarded to, and received by, Com mander Marshall, of her Majesty's ship Virago, for effecting the rescue of the Dar i e n exploring expedi tion. ! It is dated April I, Hoc 91 iP Bp IP