The Sun. — London, England, 1854-03-08 00:00:00

fourtb7attion SUN OFFICE, Seven o' Clock. DONCASTER RACES. (THIS DAY.) (BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.) JUVENILE STAKES. Ciniciaa ........ f by Haricaway fij Six Tan. INNKEEPERS' STAKES. 1 ........................... 2 Criterion King David Four ran. ARRIVALS AT SALISBURY. Cineas, Namur, Pantheon, Trifle, Mayfly, Surprise, Cleveland, Little Harry, Farella,, Ireland's Eye, Vixen, Nun Appleton, Defiance, Orestes, Pantomime, Oulston, and \Voodyeates. IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. HOUSE OF COMMONS—(THIS DAY.) The SPEAKER took the chair at twelve o'clock. PRIVATE BILLS. The following bills were read a second time, and or dered to be committed :—Brighton, Hove, and Preston Waterworks ; Hastings and St. Leonard's Gas ; London Life Association ; Middleton Gas; Radcliffe and Pilk ington Gas. On the motion for the second reading of the Dublin and Mullingar Road bill, Mr. WCARTNEY moved as an amendment, that the bill be read a second time this day six months. Mr. GROGAN supported the second reading. After a brief discussion the house divided, when there appeared — For the second reading Against it 126 Majority The bill was accordingly thrown out. On the motion for the second reading of the Dublin, Clontarf, &c., Road Bill, Mr. MTARTNEY moved that it be read a second time this day six months. After another discussion the house again divided, When there appeared-- For the second reading. I3G Against it l5 Majority -121 The bill was accordingly read a second time, and or dered to be committed. PETITIONS. Sir F. TIIESIGER presented two petitions against the Oaths Bill. Several petitions were presented against the opening of public houses on Sunday. IRISH PRISONS. Mr. FRENCH asked the Secretary for Ireland, whe ther a commission was appointed to examine and report on the state of the Government Prisons and Convict Depots in Ireland ; whether it has made any report ; and by what authority it was appointed ; further, whether such commission was superseded, and another commis sion appointed by the Home Secretary ; and whether there is any intention on the part of Government of transferring the superintendence of these Government prisons and convict depots from the Irish authorities to those in England. Sir J. YOUNG- said a commission had been appointed to examine and report on the state of the convict prisons in Ireland, bat the commission had not yet made any report, with regard to the last question the right hon. baronet's answer was in the negative. SUCCESSION. TO REAL ESTATES BILL. On the motion for the second reading of this bill, Sir J. PARING-TON said it behoved the house to pause before they adopted the democratic principle of the bill, It was a most unwise principle, and utterly at - variance with the spirit of the' constitution. But the operation of . the bill would be highly unjust if it were carried, for, according to the provisions of the measure, if the owner of a real estate died suddenly and intestate, the law would step in and divide his property, in a manner which might be wholly at variance with his wishes. (Hear, hear.) In the estimation of some mem bers of the house, and amongst these the honourable member for Manchester, this bill did not go far enough, but after the example they had had in a neighbouring • country of the working of the principle of this bill, he hoped the house wouli resist the further pro gress of this bill. His apprehensions with re , gard fo this bill had been the more excited by the conduct of the Government, whose supporters were the advocates of the bill, and who had once already adopted, after first opposing a democratic proposal com ing from the same quarter as the bill. He should, there fore, move that the bill be read a second time this day six months. Mr. BRIGHT said the right hon. baronet always declared when he opposed a measure that it was contrary to the spirit of the constitution. (A. laugh.) This bill, however, was neither at variance with the feelings of the people nor the spirit of the constitution. Nor was it opposed to public morals or sound policy. Its only object was to free land from some of the trammels which the feudal system had imposed upon the land ; it did not propose that there should be a forced division of a man's landed property, but that when a man died intestate his real estate should be divided amongst his relations in the same manner as his real estate. The law as it now stood was frequently the cause of great dissensions in families.- A man died sud denly without leaving a will behind him, and, his pro perty consisting chiefly of realties, his eldest son succeeded to the estate, while the widow and the other children were left to go pennyleee. Now, such a law was a disgrace to the country, and he entreated the house to consent to the just and modest proposition that, in case of intestacy, the law with regard to real ' property should be the same as that which regulated the distribution of personalities. Lord LOVAINE viewed this bill as the first step to _ wards the total abolition of the law of premogeniture, and he could not consent to so unjust and so unconstitu tional a proposal. (Hear, hear.) He allowed that this was not intended to- preclude a man from leav ing his real property to his eldest if he so thought fit, but once let the thin end of the wedge be got in, and those who advocated the democratic measure would not rest until they had driven the whole of it home, and established the same law of succession in England that prevailed in France. Mr. M. MILNES said the law of primogeniture was a custom not a law, and it was useless to waste time in discussing that point. Ire entirely disagreed with the noble lord in thinking that the system which obtained force in France and Belgium was injurious to the land. On the contrary, he thought it was a great benefit to both those states, and, though he should not wish it to be transferred to this country in its entirety, he yet felt that it would be only an act of justice that in cases Of intestacy the real property should follow the same rule as personalties, and be distributed amongst all the next of kin, instead of the whole of it going to the eldest son. Sir F. THESIGER declared that it was an error to to suppose that the law of primogeniture did not prevail in this country, as, so far from it being merely a custom or a practice, it was part and parcel of the established law of the land. That point being settled, he would proceed to consider the measure before them. It was eitheruseless or - mischievous useless, because, as the law not stood, ,a man could dispose of his real property by will, and mischievous because it recognised the eain ciple that it was desirable that there shmild be a distribution of real property as well as personal property. Nobody seemed favourable to a Qom , pnlsory distribution as the errors and dangers of such a law had been made manifest in a neighbouring country, but if this bill was once passed he doubted whether the Legislature could stop short of establishing ' a system of compulsory distribution. But the principle involved in this bilh had already been tried in this coun t try, at least so far as sons were concerned, and it was found to be so inconvenient that it had to be repealed. • Many years ago - a law prevailed in the county of died Sent by whieh real property of a man who intestate ,was equally distributed amongst his sons, but for the reason he had just stated, it was afterwards Pealed. There was, however, a still later instance Where thatlaw had been tried and failed ; for in the reign ( g) tl f l ueerfAnne when it was thought advisable that some , g sho u ld b e done to weaken the influence of th e Colic Ch urc h, a l aw was passed that real eatates sho ulddescend to all th e sons i n common, but the l a i v • ; 4 , as afterwards found to be impolitic as weaken espea"Ciner of th e aristocracy, and it w as th ere f ore a r use then would there be in pa ss i ng a bill which w as . b il been tried and et il urion a principle which had already Mr. S. O. 3T41..8Y OT land int o small disapproved of the di s t r ib ut i on in France to th e a llot ments, great a practi ce w hi c h preva il ed not think such'sveerd tnittry of the country • but he did should support the seed the effect of thi s and he Mr. PACKE.Opposed the bill a s t o treadin g and un wise, and that :the land ' declared should not that be As f or the good of the poor t Which the bill proposed. ' distri buted. i n the manner ____...... • Mr. INGHAM treated the bill RA whop unnecessary, because a man who wished that his realY fanil4° could make perty should be equally distributed amongst big provision for them by his last will awuodu would sl n a Mr.- HENLEY said this bill omtell3t. much affect the higher or wealthier classes as the lowe'r ° cl a s awl as the real property of the latter wl° gene . ra cie ll ', sPeaking, but very small in quantity, it would be nhost unwise to pass a law to compel a forced Sale of it. A small property could not be so split up as to be divided amongst all the children, without ultimately lowering the status of a large body of respectable, though e►uall freeholders. __,....,. Mr. DRUMMOND argued that.the experience of this syst em in France should be a warning to the house not to adopt this bill. Mr. BOUVERIE did not think the state of things in France should - deter them from supporting this bill. T.he law of gravel kind prevailed in Kent, where it corked well. That law recognised the principle of this "al, and since the general law as it now stood was cruel t 134 unjust, th e a lt erat i on proposed by this bill oug h t to ue adopted. Lord J. RUSSELL said that there was a wide diffe a 2ce betwee n personal and real property, it might be ad vis .lo to subdivid e t h e one in cases of intestacy, but it that ryas nnetheri ther fo r th e interest of the state nor the land t t he re should be any subdivision of real estates, It I MPERIAL PARLIAMENT, HOTTSE OF COMMONS- , -(YESTERDAY.) POSTAL COMMUNICATION WITH SCOTLAND Mr. H. G. LIDDELL moved for a select co mm itt ee to inquire into - the postal communication between LOn don and the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, with a view of ascertaining whether greater despatch and punc tuality can be attained in the transmission of letters, as well between the termini as the intermediate places. He suggested that the Northern- Mails, instead of being carried round by Derby and Rugby, should be taken by the Great Northern Railway. Mr. COWAN seconded the Motion. • Mr. WlLSON_said there were difficulties at present in the way of employing the Great Northern line ; but when these,difficulties, which were of a somewhat com plicated character, should be removed, there would be no objection to carrying the mails over that railway. The arrangements-of the Post-office, he observed, were in a transition state, and considering the rapid rate of increase in the number of letters, it was no wonder that there should be ,occasional irregularities and delays. He would not oppose the hon. member's motion, but he wished him to . alter it, so that the inquiry might not be confined to any particular case • and he would sugges t that for that purpose word s should be added to this effect—" to inquire into the causes of irregularity in the carriage of the mails by railways, and to consider the best mode of securing speed and regularity, and the re muneration which railway companies should receive for the services, they performed." Mr. LIDDELL was ready to assent to this proposal, doubting, however, whether the area of inquiry would not be too large where an expeditious remedy was re quired for a pressing evil. Mr. MONCKTON MILNES thought both proposi tions objecti on abl e . - If witnesses were brought from all parts of the country, a long time would elapse before they would have any report on the subject. He thought it was the fault of the Post-office Government in not coming down to.bring ia.a bill to. remedy the evils com plained of. Mr. FREWIN complained of the delay in the day mail train that left Euston-square for York. The ex press train that left an hour later arrived in York an hour earlier than the mail train. Mr. HASTIE trusted 'that the inquiry by her Ma jesty's Government would be gone into with a deter mination to inVestigate the whole question, and to cor rect the abuses. _lii Glasgow there was no proper post-office, and, the people of- that city complained strongly of the inconvenience, and want of proper public accommodation. - Lord HOTHAX said it was not only the great towns on the main line that suffered, but the small, and more inland towns. •• • " • • Mr. HUDSON stated that if the Postmaster-General would only give'direetiOns at any time for a train to be put on the Great Northern Line, the desire would b e a t once complied with. He thoughtl the grievances com plained-of by ' 'hialon. friend who b r ought forwa r d th e motion was a very serious one, and he (Mr. Hudson) regretted that . there should be any opposition offered to his motion. The railway company was not at all to blame in the matter, and the only party who really was to blame, and against whose want of arrangement there was great cause of complaint, was the Postmaster-Gene ral. , He (Mr. Hudson) thought it d es i ra bl e th a t a com mittee 'should be appointee, and he was satisfied that such .a report would emanate-from, that .committee *mill 'prove .beneficial -to the. trading • and commercial interesta'of the l country, and , te the public generally. The motion waslthati withdrawn, and the amendment of Mr. 'Wilson was zulistitiited and agreed to. - was as common among the humbler as the higher elates of society, for real property to descend from - father to son according to the law of primogeniture, and no one of the custom. Once establish the principle recognised by the bill, where could they stop ? Would it not be encouraging the cry that the present system was unjust, and opening the way to the adoption o f th e compulsory system which existed in France ? Well, then, the best authorities concurred in th e o pi n i on th a t a su bdivision of land impoverished the people and de teribrated _the value of property; and with the experi ence which France offered him in support of that view,; he had no alternative but to give a decided nega tive to the second reading of this bill. Mr. -V. - SCULLY supported the but announced his intention to suggest amendments in committee. Mr. PHINN contended that rule which held good with regard to personalties, must be equally good and equally , appliCable to real property, and he supported the bill on that ground alone, without any desire to dis turb . the institutions of the country or diminish ' the just influence of the aristocracy. (Hear, hear.) He viewed all the objections which had been urged against this bill as illusory, for in point of fact practically there was no law of primogeniture in this country, 'and intestate real property should be al lowed to follow the same rule as his personalties. Mr. DISRAELI was not disposed to alter the law of England to meet an exceptional case. The institutions of this country were mainly based upon the principle at which this bill aimed a blow, and the house should be cautious how they gave countenance to its supporters. It might be a fair subject of discussion whether a differ ence ought to be made between personal and real pro perty, but for his part he thought such a difference should continue to exist. The law recognised the differ ence, and upon the recognition of that difference our social system was built. One branch of the legislature rested upon it, and the house should be slow to disturb it. But beyond that consideration, it should not be forgotten that the possession of real property involved the performance of important public duties, which did not necessarily attend the possession of personalities, while it was to the maintenance of large properties that public liberty had been preserved in this country. Public liberty could not be long sustained in an ancient European country like thi:s without the assistance of large proper ties to rally round it, and he should therefore be sorry to see any steps taken which in the remotest degree tended,o disturb the 'existing state of things. The only effect of this bill thea would be to remove that well-defined and useful difference between persons and real property which the - law and custom of the country had so long acknowledged, and inasmuch as such a change in the existing system would be dangerous to the community, as well as lower the character of the country, he should give it his unhesitating opposition. KING pronounced the fears which had been expressed with regard to this bill to be quite groundless, because its operation would not in the least affect the larger estates of the country, or disturb the duties and functions that devolved upon those who enjoyed the pos session of "real preperty. On the one hand,_the bill would confer great benefits upon the middle classes, who were not prepared to continue a system which enriched the elder son, -while it beggared the rest of the family— a system which was upheld by prejudice now that it could be no longer supported by argument. The house then divided, when there appeared— For the second reading Against it 82 . 203 Majority The bill was accordingly thrown out. PROPERTY QUALIFICATION BILL, 121 The order of the day for the second reading of this bill was postponed until the sth of April. ABSCONDING DEBTORS (IRELAND) BILL. On the motion fdr the second reading of this bill, Mr. BRADY moved that the bill be read a second time this day six months. Mr. LUCAS urged that there was no necessity for the bill, the law was sufficiently stringent as it already ex isted, and in"proof of this, he mentioned that a junior Lord of the Treasury 'had been enabled to arrest a debtor to prevent his voting at an Irish election. Mr. NAPIER said the only object of the bill was to assimulate the law of arrest in Ireland with that of Eng land. Mr. FITZGERALD thought there was no objection to the principle of the bill, though there was room for improvement in its details. Mr. M. CHAMBERS objected to give any inferior tribunal the power of arresting absconding debtors. Such a power ought only to res 4 upon one of judges of the superior court in Ireland, as was the case in England. The SOLICITOR-GENERAL said this bill was an exact transcript of the English act, but if possible the power was more restricted, as it was only conferred upon the Superior Courts, or the mayors of corporate towns. It would be matter for the consideration of the committee on the bill whether it was proper to vest such a power in the mayors of corporate towns. After some further discussion the bill was read a second time and ordered*to be committed. HIGHWAYS (SOUTH WALES) BILL. This bill was passed through committee. WAYS AND MEANS. The report of the Committee on Ways and Means (Exchequer-bills and Income-tax) was brought up, and agreed to. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER took the opportunity of stating that the amount to be paid on Exchequer-bills this year wasat least 35,0001. or 36,000/. less than was piid last year. COMMONS INCLOSURE BILL. This bill was read a third time and passed. MUTINY BILL. • •-- This bill was read a second time, and ordered to be committed to-morrow. The other orders were then disposed of, and the house adjourned at a quarter to six o'clock. COASTING TRAIYE EItL. On the questron that the bill be read a third time, Mr. H. LIDDELL put a question, whether foreigners would have to pay duty on the stores they used, other than those that were unlocked ? Mr. G.' THOMPSON expressed his gratification at this measure, which removed the last rag of protection, and only trusted that the Americans would meet us in the spirit of reciprocity.. Mr. CARDWIALL said that with regard to the ques tion of stores, foreigners would by this act be admitted to exactly the same privileges on this point as British subjects, and to no more ; and, therefore, foreigners coming into our costing trade would enjoy no privilege with ree•ard to duty-paid stores whatever ; but, on the cong-ary would be placed on exactly the same footiag with the Queen's subjects. (Hear, hear.) That was the law of commo n justice, and that was the law which would be carried out by the bill now before the house. Before the measure took its final departure from this house, he WaS anxious to say a word or two on the subject of reciprocity. Apprehensions had been expressed not only lest we should fail to obtain reciprocity from other countries, b ut lest at some future period, upon any reverse of our pr( )sperit Y , we should f i n d t h e ev il conse quences of epenir is our trade to all the world. Now, he was glad to find that the Liverpool Shipowners' Society, the members of which could not lie considered insensible to , the I . fdpreF4s% of 114 e *iThownei 3 N - ailie united floor, hail - sent to' him! alt reeo i rd 'of theirapproval of this bill, and they not unreasonably coupled the ex pression of that approval with a desire that the Govern ment should urge upon foreign countries the duty of conferring upon British subjects privileges identical with those which in our ports we conferred upon them. When the Govern.inent did urge that course upon foreign countries, by what/ 1 plea would they be most likely to prevail ? If, by retaining some fragment of the pro tective system, they betrayed a want of confidence in their principles, the Government would naturally fail in the argument they addressed to foreign countries. It was not by reciprocal bargaining upon the subject of trade that they were so likely to carry out their views with regard to foreign countries as they were by show ing them the success of our own example, by pointing to the unparalleled prosperity which had followed every successive relaxation of our restrictive system, by show ing that we had adopted it from a conviction that it was for the• benefit our own people, and that it re dounded to the national advantage, thus tending to pro duce in their minds an anxiety to reap the same ad vantages for themselves. (Hear, hear.) Particular attention had been drawn to the case of the United States, the most important of all the countries with which we had relations upon this subject. It had been said that the United States would not give us recipro city unless we could satisfy them that it was for their advantage to do so. Now, we should most easily satisfy them that it was for their advantage by urging upon them our own successful example. We had a right to say to her that, having made every concession with re gard to her citizens, having shown an undoubted confi dence in the soundness of our own principles, we were not open to any retort when we claimed reciprocal advantages.- The Government neglected to take the steps which became them in order to obtain reciprocity with other countries. His noble friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs had, at the opening of the session, called the attention of every country, and more especially the attention of the United States, to the steps which her Majesty was recommending Par liament to take. There had not been sufficient time for the answers to those inquiries to be generally re ceived, but it was his (Mr. Cardwell's) good fortune to be able to . state that already the circular issued by his noble friend had not been unproductive of re sults? and, in the case of a neighbouring country, not unimportant as regarded its commerce—he alluded to Holland —most satisfactory assurances had been already received of intended immediate action on the subject of reciprocity.' (Hear.) It must be extremely satisfactory to the community to find that this measure had been permitted to pass through this house without a dissen tient voice, supported on this occasion and on others by the testimony of those who either had a large personal interest in the shipping trade or represented the largest shipping communities, and he did believe that it was a most important step in the progress of universal free trade that England with the unanimous concurrence of the House of Commons, was throwing open the free navigation of her shores, and was banishing the last remnant of protection. (Hear, hear.) Mr. DIGBY SEYMOUR, referring to a resolution of the Shipowners' Committee of Sunderland, condemn ing the opinion he had expressed on a previous occasion in this house, denied that that resolution expressed the sentiments of the great majority of the people of that town. The press of Sunderland—Tory, Whig, and Ra dical—had united in expressing their approval of the course he had taken in supporting her Majesty's Govern ment, and he might add, to their credit, that the seamen of Sunderland had come to the conclusion that the throwing open of the coasting trade and the extension in that way of free-trade principles would, while it pro moted the prosperity of the country generally, promote also, if not at the present moment, at least_ in the end, the prosperity of the interests which they represented. The bill was then read a third time and passed, amid general cheering. The Mutiny Bill was brought in and read a first time. The house adjourned at a quarter-past 7 o'clock. ~~~: ::. -----d ~:d;.;~ TILE SA N, LONDON, WEDNESDAY, EVENING, MARCII 8, 1854. why not begin by the committee ? It must be remem bered that both the promoters and opponents of the bill are put to vast expense and vexation by the preliminary proceedings, which appear, after all, to be otiose and superfluous. It is not for us to say whether there should be a standing committee or a series of committees, or in deed in any way to. suggest the exact details of the remedy to be applied; but at least this much is clear, that the questions involved in private bills are peculiarly such as require examination before a select tribunal— limited in point of numbers, and judicial in its character —rather than in the loose discussion they at present re ceive in the off-hours of the general house. We attribute no fault to members of the house, nor charge them with neglect of any kind under existing arrangements. If they are in fault at all, it is inasmuch as they do not order the course of their business better. We fully admit that it is absolutely impossible that any one member of the house can inform himself of the merits of all local and private bills submitted to the con sideration of the house. They do their best, and this best amounts to little enough. In any case it would no doubt be proper to leave the ultimate decision in the hands of the general body of the house ; but it would be infinitely preferable that this decision were taken after any particular measure ha,(l received the considera tion of a committee. The public have nothing to lose as far as Parliamentary decision is concerned by such a change in the course of proceeding, but everything to gain. They retain the constitutional privilege, but avoid useless expense and delay. SPORTING NOTES. DOINGS AT DONCASTER. They who left London this morning by the special train from King's-cross, arrived at Doncaster in ample time to witness the first race—which was judiciously "set" for two o'clock. As usual, the proceedings corn mehced with the Trial Stakes, for which five horses started, although, in• reality, only four went with the intention of winning, the Duchess of Loraine colt being merely started for the avowed purpose of being beaten, in order that he might have the advantage of the allow ance for the Whittlebury Stakes at Northampton. A declaration to this effect was made prior to the race, still the practice of running horses on such terms, a practice which of late has been frequently adopted, is at least un fair and pernicious in its operations. My " selections". Snowdon Dunhill and Eulogist made an exciting "finish", the former winning by a neck only. Just before taking his preparatory canter he jumped round when opposite the stand, and George Oates, his rider, came to the ground. His trainer, however, fortunately "had hold of his head" at the time. Little Toni was the favourite for the Sheffield and Rotherham Plate ; but scarcely in any part of the en counter did lie sustain the expectations of his backers. Ptolemy achieved an easy victory. Within a few strides of the chair, however, his jockey stopped riding, and for a few seconds rendered his success doubtful. Before starting Julius CLesar threw his jockey, got loose, and was with some difficulty caught and re mounted. Twenty "youngsters" put in an appearance for the Hopeful Stakes, and before they quitted the post, much tedious delay was occasioned. Indeed, the amateur starter was apparently somewhat inexperienced, and was not a little puzzled to marshal so large a field in due order. At length, however, they got away, Lady Pal merston rushing to the front, maintaining h er l ea d throughout, and w i nn i ng easily by two lengths. Cypri ana, the favourite, was early beaten in the race. Cross country events are not likely to attain a flourish ing popularity at Doncaster ; a circumstance which is scarcely to be regretted. Ever since the establishment of the Spring Meeting their association with the legiti mate sport has been attended with little success. Their abolition would produce no effect on the prosperity of the gathering, —and the money which is now added to the Grand National might be more judiciously applied. Only six animals ran for the Steeplechase on the present occasion, and they, with the exception of the winner, pos sessed no pretensions beyond the most leather-flapping mediocrity. Indeed they belong to that class in which Ben Land's horses occasionally show to so much advan tage. Notwithstanding his crushing weight and his re -1 cent running at Liverpool, Bourtou won with little apparent difficulty. Contrary to my expectation he was selected to do battle for his party instead of his stable companion Trout. The race was however, decided as I anticipated in favour of the " lucky scarlet jacket with the white hoop." Spring was in the saddling enclosure, and Archer, booted and spurred, was ready to ride him. But just before going to scale, it was discovered that Spring had unjustly incurred a penalty of 7lbs. by winning a hurdle race at Lincoln. Although the strict letter of the condi tions made him liable to this penalty, yet it is unques tionable that had their spirit and the rules of racing been abided by, the penalty would not have been enforced. Indeed, the framer of those conditions declared that they were not drawn up with the intention to penalise a win ner of a hurdle race. Oscar, too, was sent to Doncaster, but was scratched to-day at a quarter-past 12 o'clock. His withdrawal was, however, I believe unavoidable, having severely bruised his leg by his fall at Liverpool. Indeed, his accident was somewhat singular ; both he and Peter were racing at a " gap," when the latter swerved, Oscar was therefore knocked out of his stride, and on charging the rails, caught them with his fore-feet, and carried a por tion of them for some few yards between his legs. The mystery which surrounds Miss Mowbray, and the proceedings of her party relative to the Liverpool Stee plechase, is at no distant period likely to be dispelled, and much of the odium which at present attaches to cer tain individuals may be removed. From the inquiries which I have instituted, I am induced to believe that the mare was certainly "got at." Should my informa tion be correct, there is little doubt that the wrong doers will be speedily detected and unsparingly exposed. Salisbury races will take place to-morrow and Friday. My "fancies" as to their probable result must be briefly expressed. In the absence of Autocrat, Bribery will doubtless carry off the Triennial Stakes. Should Orestes and Cineas meet for the Trial Stakes, the race will be peculiarly interesting. Believing that the latter has been somewhat hard worked with King Tom, I shall expect Cineas to achieve the victory. Ireland's Eye, Vixen, and Roe-buck will perhaps occupy the foremost places in the race for the Wiltshire Stakes. With a start, I shall be inclined to give Nabob the precedence of the "lot ;" a probability, however, seems to exist that he will be reserved exclusively for Chester Dbncaster, Tuesday night. PRIVATE • BILLS. A LETTER TO THE RIGHT HON. SIR JOHN PAKINGTON, CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON PARLIAMENTARY BUSINESS. Albany, February 23rd, 1854. It seems to be agreed by members of the committee, that nothing in our order of reference debars us from considering what is technically called " private busi ness"--to the state of which I desire, accordingly, to invite attention. Nothing is confessedly more irregular or unsatisfac tory than the manner in which private bills are debated in the house. Very few members think it worth while to attend at the early hour of from 3.45 to 4.30, except members connected with the Government, members who may have petitions to present, and members who come down expressly to vote on a private bill, because they have some personal or local interest in it. Thus a jury is formed, (for the proceeding is in its nature judicial), fluctuating in point of numbers,—not selected, but taken at random,—composed in part of the very last persons who ought to be admissable as jurors, and composed more largely of such persons in proportion as the hate re,,t excited by the case under trial is greater. But these are not the only objections to the present system. Whether from the comparative unimportance of the matters under discussirm to those great national ques tions which engage us at a later hour, or from the fact that most of those present are there only by accident, and waiting for other business, or from the sense of indi vidual irresponsibility created by the presence and parti cipation of a considerable number of persons, it is quite certain that no subjects are so hastily decided upon, or with so little real examination of their merits, as private bilis. On a railroad or election committee, no one is allowed to vote who has not heard all the evidence, no matter how trivial or tedious agreat part of such evidence maybe. On the second reading of a private bill, members drop in at the close of the debate, or when the division-bell is rung, trusting to chance to enlighten them as to the vote which they shall give, or willing to follow the judgment of any friend whom they may see. It is quite matter of accident (depending chiefly on the import ance of the public business which is to follow) whether a private bill be rejected or read by. fifty votes, or by three hundred. If the discussion upon it lasts three quarters of an hour, at a time when the house is filling, it is probable that one-half of those who vote will not bave heard the grounds on which it was introduced, or those on which it is opposed. Even in the case of mem bers present, how much impatience is usually exhibited when any speaker attempts to enter into a detailed explanation of his reasons for voting I iYet private bills turn almost entirely on questions of detail ; which ought to be a reason for debating them more carefully than any others. Where a leading po litical principle is involved, a discussion may be con ducted with great ability, yet scarcely influence a single vote, for on such questions men's minds are supposed to be made up. But there can exist no such pre judgement in the case of a canal, a waterwork, or a railway—all turns on the facts—yet these facts are neither suffered to be stated at length, nor much attended to by a large proportion of those who hear them. I have repeatedly heard members of all opinions and parties lament the existence of this system. Some, whom I know, invariably vote for the second reading of every private bill, irrespective of its merits, avowed on ,the ground that the House of Commons is not a fit tribunal for its consideration, and that the bill ought to be referredto the select Committee, by whom, if objectionable, it.will be rejected. But this mode of proceedure involves a heavy expenditure to the opponents of the bill, and allows any bill however absurd, to receive the apparent sanction of the house. My objection to our method of dealing with private bills may be summed up thus : The proceeding is rather prejudicial than legislative, and is nevertheless conducted with an entire departure from judicial forms. The tribunal before which it takes place is uncertain in numbers, and irregular in attendance ; its mem bers are indifferent for the most part to the matter in hand, and do not act under any sense of personal judicial responsibility. I have known members vote in ignorance, not only of the merits of the case, but of the very name and purport of the bill which they were helping to carry or to throw out. It follows that there is no real security either fer good bill being allowed to go to a committg,e, or for a bad one being stopped. Can these things be amended ? I content myself with indicating a grievance, and do not attempt to point out the precise remedy. Yet it would seem practicable to institute a preliminary en quiry into the merits of every private bill brought be fore us, to be conducted by a select or standing com mittee of a few members, or by an officer or officers of the house, whose report should be laid before the house previous to the second reading. Such enquiry to ex tend no farther than to the prima facie case, and to guide only, not control, the decision of the house, which however would almost certainly follow that already come to by an impartial and accurate scrutineer. It would be understood that the result of such enquiry would go no further, if favoUrable, than to affirm that in the bill as proposed there was nothing manifestly con trary to public policy, or to the precedent of the house, or to the rights of private parties, upon the showing of the promoters. If any of these objections were raised, then the report to be accompanied by a statement of its nature. In this way some re sponsibility would be taken off our hands, and some expense saved to opponents, by unfair or imprac ticable projects being checked in the outset. lam tar from thinking the remedy perfect ; I suggest ii only ; and I rather desire to call attention to an abuse, than aspire to cure it.—l remain, yours truly, Right hon. Sir J. Paekington, M.P. STANLEY. (From the Times.) While the minds of men are keenly alive to the even ..nalities of the war in which this country is to all intents and purposes already involved, and nothing but a languid attention can be secured even for great measures of in ternal reform, is it possible to say a few words with effect on the method in which private business is con ducted in Parliament ? The subject is of vital import ance, and of daily interest to all persons whose fortunes may be compromised by the course of Parliamentary legislation. Now, however true it may be that the moment is an ill chosen one for raising a discussion which might touch all the susceptibilities of party feeling, or even imperil the stability of a Government charged with the serious responsibility of conducting our warlike operations to a successful conclusion, the same objec tions cannot apply to the consideration of a question in volving no such amount of conviction or of prejudice on either side. On the contrary, it would appear that there is a peCuliar fitness in the present season for placing the conduct of private business upon a footing satisfactory to petitioners and to the public. Do what we will, men will look for some time with far keener interest to news from the seat of war than to the minutes of domestic controversy. Attention is stretched, not occupied. The question then is, if we cannot utilise the time and ability of hon. gentle men in the intervals between the reception of the last and the coming bulletin ? The time is peculiarly fit for securing reform in certain minor matters ; minor, be cause each of them do not specifically bear upon the interests of all, which would certainly be neglected as soon as public business shall have once more fallen into its usual channel. Time out of mind, private business has been conducted in the most slovenly manner, but the voice of remonstrance has been either faintly raised, or absolutely drowned amid the universal and noisier acclaim for onward progress in public matters. Is it necessary for us to say that the importance of business which is denominated "private" really makes no dif ference in the disposition of the house ? Year, after year since the conclusion of the last general war in which this, country was involved, private bills have been passed vvhibh have operated upon an enormous pro portion of the existing property of the country, but these bills have been hustled through the house with less at tention than would have been best Owed upon the trial of an urchin at quarter sessions for filching a parcel of linen from a hedge, or abstracting a couple of fowls from before a farmer's barn door. Few people are aware of the manner in which such matters are dealt with in the House of Commons. The absence of publicity insures the continuance of the abuse. We may venture to sug gest as evidence—if such were needed—of the enormous benefits whioh the country has derived from the labours of the daily press, the difference which exists between the manner in which the public and the private business of the country is conducted. In the one case an accu rate report of the proceedings is laid every morning upon the breakfast table of every person who feels an interest in the matter—in the other no record is forthcoming in a. popular form of the course of Parliamentary business. A letter has been forwarded to us upon this subject, written by Lord Stanley to Sir John Pakington, in which the modus operandi in such cases is very clearly and sufficiently set forth. The writer, as we shall do—con tents himself with stating the abuse. The remedy is best left for the present to the discretion of the house and the public spirit of the members. Private bills are brought in and read a second time, before reference to committee, between the hours of 3.45 and 4.30 p.m. At that hour few members are in attendance, or, if there should be a gathering of the house. it is just because hon. gentlemen are in a frame of mind which would ren der every subject irksome but the all-absorbing one which stands for discussion immediately the private business has been shelved. In ordinary cases the house at the hour named is formed of a few members of Government, of a few members who may have petitions to rkesent, and of the few members immediately interested in the bill. Thus, as the writer of the letter truly re marks, " a jury is formed, fluctuating in point of numbers not selected, but taken at random, composed in part of the very last persons who ought to be admissible as jurors, and composed more largely of such persons in proportion as the interest excited by the case under trial is greater." In ordinary cases most of the members who run in when the division bell is rung have heard nothing of the discussion, and care nothing about the arguments on either side. They either give their vote at the suggestion of a friend, or at least upon the inspiration of the first person who will give them a hur ried notion of the merits of the case. In many cases, it is said that hon. gentlemen make it a point of voting, at all events, for the second reading, because they are of opinion that every private bill should have a chance, and that it is the duty of the committee to whom the bill may ultimately be referred to relieve the general body of the house from its judicial functions. Who shall say that this course of proceeding is unadvised ? But, at the same time that it appears necessitated by the course of business, it would also seem to in dicate the form of the remedy to be applied. If a select committee is substantially invested in the end with the judicial powers of the house, and all proceed ings beyond those which take place before them, and under their auspices, be really mere form and solemnity, THE LONDON GAZETTE OF LAST NIGHT, INSOLVENT PETITIONERS. B. Richards, Fleet-lane, City, journeyman carpenter— C. E. Warneford, Blenheim-street, Chelsea, commercial traveller—J. H. Bond, St. Mary-street, Kennington-road, ready made linen warehouseman—B. L. d'Ambrumenil, Croydon, Surrey, professor and teacher of languages--A. Cunningham, Old Rutland-street, Whitechapel, hardware man—H. Watson, Half Moon-street, Piccadilly, consulting surgeon—J. Sartan, Wellington-place, Camberwell, com mission agent for purchase and sale of cattle—W. V. Daw son, Ealing, Middlesex, clerk—T. W. M. O'Keefe, Alfred street, Bedford-square, author—J. Davis, Baring-street, New North-road, clerk;to an attorney—J.Windred, Strand, stone mason—T. Barwood, Buckenhaan-street, Southwark, attorney's clerk—R. B. R o lf e , B er m on d se y N ew - roa d , baker—G. lifunnery, Cross-street, Clapham, common brewer—T. Pain, Kingston, surrey, builder—R. Yalden, Vine-cottage, Hammersmith, laundryman—T. A. Farey, Holywell-lane, Shoreditch, boot maker—J. V. Monck ton, Norland-cottage, Bayswater, gentleman—J. Simp son, Brooksby-street, Islington, commercial travel ler--J. W. Cole, East-street, Rod Lion-square, en gineer J. Bartlett, Belvedere, Bethnal-green, ap praiser —S. Couchman, The Oval, Hackney-road—W. F. Stevenson, Polygon-buildings, Clapham, job mas ter—W. Lucas, Bridge-street, Bermondsey, beerseller— W. Rutson, gen., Chipperfield-common, Hertfordshire, linen.draper—W. Tillman, Osborn-street, Whitechapel, tailor—T. Boyle, Walbrook, City, manager of the Patent Daylight Reflector Company—J. P. Brust, Royal-street, Kennington-common, baker—E. H. Plummer, Grange road, Bermondsey, commission agent—W. W. Smith, Bat tersea, Surrey, coal merchant. DECLARATIONS OF DIVIDENDS. Thomas Lampert Powell, Romsey, Hampshire, uphols terer-Ist div. of 4s , March 9, and three subsequent Thurs days, at Stansfeld's, Basinghall-street. Philip Wesley Hardwick', Regent-street, dealer in rib bons —lst div. of ls., March 9, and three subsequent Thurs days, at Stausfeld's, Basinghall-street. DIVIDENDS. March 30. M. Cubitt, High Holborn,' builder—March 28. J. Window, Craig's-court, Westminster,—March 28. J. T. Davison, Chatham, grocer—March 28. T. Barber, Cam bridge, schoolmaster—March 28. J. H. Gibbons, Wood street, City, straw„ hat warehousoman—M arc h 28. J. A. Homes, High-street, Southwark, and Hatcham, Surrey, woollen draper —March 30. E. T. Bl a k e ly, Norwich, shawl manufacturer—March 30. A. Fisher, Mincing-lane, City, colonial . broker—March SO. J. Colquhoun, Woolwich, money scrivener—March 30. J. Loader, Pavement, Fins bury, upholsterer—March 29. A. Mongredien, Liverpool, merchant—March 30. W. Holme, Manchester, cotton manufacturer. CERTIFICATES to be granted, unless cause be shown to the contrary, pu the day of meeting. March 29. F. W. Thomas, Leadenhall-street, City, auc tioneer—March 29._ W. Cobb, Maidstone, builder—March 29. D. Jenkins; 'Mile Erid-road, licensed victualler—March 29. J. Deacon, Oxford, 'builder—March 28. T. Wilkinson, Cambridge-wharf, Pimlico, and Grosvenor-stre e t, Eaton square, coal merchant—March 29. T. Proctor. Lincoln, engineer —March 28. T. Young, Sunderland, shipowner April 1. 11. Purcell. Dudley, Worcestershire hosier— April 4. W. BrOok, Manchester and London, stuff mer chant—April 7. M. Bowel', Manchester, publican. PARTNERSHIPS DISSOLVED. J. Evan and J. Bixley, Worship-street, Shoreditch, coach joiners—W. Roxburgh and J. W. Hopkins, Liverpool, general merchants—S. Whitworth and W. Whitworth, Hurst Brook, Lancashire, corn and provision dealers—L. Amelang and H. Boldt, manufacturers of leather—J. H. Shorthouse and B. R. Lawrence, Carshalton, Surrey, sur geons—J. Jones and J. Bricknell, •Bristol, wholesale con fectioners—J. Davies, J. 0. Davies, and J. D. Davies, Ply mouth, coal merchants, so far as regards J. D. Davies—J. North and C. H. North, Bilston, Staffordshire, plumbers —Jane Barrow and Mary Barrow, Stockport, Cheshire, shopkeepers—E. Lanyon and W. Brewer, Taunton, Somersetshire ' linendrapers—T. D av i es, S . Davies, and Jane Jones, Wavertree, Lancashire, gardeners so far as -regards Jane Jones— F. W. R o bi nson and M. L. Jervis, Southport, Lancashire, printers—F. Spence and J. Spence, Deptford, linendrapers—J. Firth, T. Firth, E. Aspinall, and F. Aspinall, Rastrick, Yorkshire, fancy cloth manufacturers—S. Ries and N. Daniels, West Dean, Glou cestershire, tin-plate workers—W. P. M'Andre w , It. M'Andrew, and W. M'A n d rew , King William-street, City, merchants, so far as regard s It. M'Andrew - -W- P. M'Andrew, R. M'Andrew, and R. N. Cunningham, Liver pool, fruit merchants, so far as regards W. P. M'Andrew —G. Clark, R. P. Clark, and J. Clark, Lymington, Hemp shire, grocers—J. Hughes. and S. Phillips, Esless Mill, near Bersham, Denbighshire, millers - T. A. Tyson, G. E. Mackreth, and F. T. Mackreth, Cannon-street, City, wholesale tea dealers, so far as regards F. T. Mackreth—J. Heyworth, B. Harker, and J. Uttley, Meadows Mill, near Bacup, Lancashire, cotton manufacturers—H. Parker and J. T. Simnett, Stockport, Cheshire, waste and cotton dealers—E. Robertson and J. Holder, West Bromwich, Staffordshire, provision dealers—l. Charnock, T. Bridge, and J. Walmesley,i Church, Lancashire, chemical manu facturers, so far as regards T. Bridge—R. Wharton, D. Little, and J. Caird, Melbourne, commission merchants, so far as regards J. Caird. [AreezaTisEmENT.]:=Hollovial'S Ointment and Pills certain remedies for Old'Sores. and Ulcers.—Copy of a letter from Mr. -John .Jehnson. of Tregaron, Wales, dated December . 19, 185 . 3 :—" To Professor Holloway. Siy,—For twelve years was afflicted with sores on my legs and arms, which gradually broke out into ulcerous wounds, and disabled me from .following any of the active duties of life. I tried a' variety of medicines, and applied several liniments, without benefit ; but a friend recommended me to use your ointment and pills, which completely healed tha wounds , and restored me health, after every other Means .had failed."—Sold by all druggists, and at-Professor Holloway's Establish. meta, 244, Strand,.London. [ADVERTISEMENT.]—Fifty thousand Cures have been effected by Du Barry's delicious RevalentaArabica Food, without medicine, inconvenience, or expense (as It saves fifirtiMes its cost in other remedies). -- " Twenty-fivoyears nervousness, constipation; indigestion, and debility, from which I had suffered great misery, and which no medi chie could remove or relieve, have been effectually cured by Du Barry's Food in a very short time. W. R. Reeves, POol Anthony, Tiverton." " Eight years' dys pepsia, nervousness, debility, with cramps, spasms, and nausea, for which my servant had consulted the advice of many, have been effectually removed by Du Barry's delicious food in a very short time. I shall be happy to answer any inquiries. Rev. John W. Flavel, Rid lington Rectory, Norfolk." " Three years' excessive nervousness, with pains in my neck and left arm, and general debility, which rendered my life very miserable, has been radically removed by Du Barry s excellent food.. Alexs. Stuart, Archdeacon of Ross, Skibbereen." '—" Fifty years' indescribable agony from dyspepsia, nervousness, asthma, cough, constipation, flatulency, spasms, sickness at the stomach, and vomitings, has been removed by Du Barry's excellent food. Maria Jolly, Wortham Ling, new Dias, Norfolk." Copies of testi monials of 50,000 Cures (including those of Lord Stuart de Decies, Major-General Thomas King, Drs. Ure, Shorland, and Harvey (gratis). In canisters, with full instructions, 1113., 2s. 9d. ; 21b., 4s. 6d. ; 51b., 11s. ; 121 b., 225. ; super-refined, 51b., 225. ; 101 b., 335. The 101 b. and 121 b. carriage free. Barry Du 'Barry and Co., 77, Regent-street, Loniion ; also, Fortnum, Mason, and Co., purveyors to her Majesty, ~icea filly. TESTIMONIAL TO COL. ASPINIVALL The following address from the leading London firms engaged in large financial or commercial transactions with the United States has been presented, together with a service of plate, together with a service of plate, to Colonel Aspinwall, by whom the office of American Consul in London has been honourably filled for thirty seven years, and who is pow returning to his country. In his reply Colonel Aspinwall took the opportunity of testifying that in the long period of his duties he has never known a well authenticated case of distress for the relief of which he has not instantly had ample co operation from the London. merchants in the American trade, and he accepts their parting tribute to his course as another addition to the many daily proofs of the mutual esteem and respect subsisting between the two kindred nations : "Dear Sir,—Having been informed that you are about to return to your native country, wo cannot allow you to depart without offering you the expression of our sin cere esteem and regard, and we avail ourselves of the occasion to tender you our best thanks for your uniform courtesy and kindness in all our intercourse with you daring the long period in which you have filled the im portant post of Consul-General of the United States in this city. You have administered the arduous duties of your office with dignity, ability, and integrity unim peached ; you have lent a willing and patient attention to appeals for relief in all cases of distress, granting freely your counsel and your money, inviting others to aid you when needful. Wishing to mark our sense of y our merits, and of the efficiency with which you have dis charged your duties, by some lasting memorial, we re quest your acceptance of a service of plate, and permit us at the same time to offer our best wishes for the future health and happiness of yourself and of your family. Baring,. Brothers, and N. M. R o th sc hild and Co. Sons. George Peabody. Forbes, Forbes, and Co. C. M. Lampson. Frederick Huth and Palmer, Mackillop, Co. Dant, and Co. John Gilliatt and Co. M`Calmont, Brothers, Bell and Grant. and Co. Maclean, Maris, and Co. T. Wiggin and Co. Charles Gamin. Overend, Gurney, and M. Hetherington and Co. Co.' Phillipps, Shaw, and David Taylor and Sons. Lowther. B. C. Gray and Sons. Allen and Anderson. G. and F. Evans. Osgood Field. H. J. Enthoven and Thomas F. Evans. Sons. Sadler, Firth, and Ross. R. Bainbridge and Co. Vyse and Sons. George Seymour. J. C. im Thurm and Co. Thomas Ashmore and Blundell, Spence, and. Sons. Co. - Stone and Man. Alfred Hill. J. Cattley. P. Walther and Co. Matheson and Co. Alexis J. Doxat. " Colonel Thomas Aspinwall, late Consnl.General . of the United. States in London." AMERICA. ARRIVAL OF THE AFRICA. LIVERPOOL, TUESDAY AFTERNOON. The Royal mail steam-ship Africa, Captain Har rison, arrived in the Mersey about noon this day, with the usual mails from the United States and British North America. The Africa, having been got off the bank where she went on shore, has arrived from New York with 75 passengers and a small mail. The main portion being sent by the America from Boston, which sailed four hours before the Africa. Business has much improved in New York since the departure of the last steamer. Money very e asy. Stock buoyant and advancing. The market for breadstuffs was dull and declin ing, anxiously waiting for further news from Eng land, and rather flat, caused by the rise in freight. There was an average business in the cotton market at former prices. The provision market very dull and unsteady. The shipowners were asking the following prices for freight to Liverpool :—Grain, 18d. to 20d. per bushel. Exchan ge on L on d on d ull, 1 0 8/ to 1082 ; on Paris, 5 15 to 5 17i. Wo have just heard that the America is off the port. I --- PRICES OF COMMISSIONS IN THE Trituusn Aram— Now that our expeditionary military force is on its pas sage to Malta and Constantinople, to co-operate with that of France, in supporting the integrity of the Otto man Empire, against the unjust aggression of the Mus covite troops of the ambitious Czar of Russia, the fol ' lowing rates of. the price of commissions in the British army may not be uninteresting :—Life Guards—Lieu tenant-Colonel, 7,2501. ; Major, 5,3501. ; Captain, 3,5001. ; Lieutenant, 1,7851. ; and Cornet, 1,2601. THE COASTING TRADE.—FOREIGN SHIPS.—The Com missioners of Customs have issued directions to the principal officers at the several ports throughout the United Kingdom to prepare and transmit to the Regis trar-General of Shipping, with the utmost despatch, the following return, so far as relates to their respective ports, viz., a return of the tonnage of foreign v esse l s cleared in ballast at each of the principal and other ports of the - United Kingdom to ports in the United Kingdom in the year 1853. _ A FRESH MAN, DONCASTER RACES.—TUESDAY. THE TRIAL STAKES of 7 sovs. each, 3 ft, with 30 SOVS. added ; for 3-yr olds and upwards. Weight for acre. Certain penalties a n d a ll owances. T .Y.C. (13 subs.)b Mr. Ewbank's Snowdon Dunhill, by lago 4 yrs, Bst 121 b (including 51b extra) (G. Oates) 1 Mr. Morris's Eulogist, 4 yrs, Bst 121 b (including 5113 extra) (Basharn) 2 Mr. Moseley's Romeo, 4 yrs, Bst 41b....(W. Sharpe) 3 Mr. T. Cunningham'sn The Jewess, 3 yrs, 6st 71b (Wells) 4 Lord Wilton's c by Cotherstone out of Duchess of Lorraine, 3 yrs, Est 71b (Ashman) 5 THE SHEFFIELD AND ROTHERHAM PLATE (handicap), of 50 sovs. for 3-yr•olds and upwards. Last mile. Mr. Knowles's Ptolemy by Pyrrhus the First, 3 yrs, sst 121 b (Bates) 1 Lord Chesterfield's Communist, 3 yrs, sst (Comery) 2 Mr. 0,-. S. Thompson's Orange Blossom, 3 yrs, sst 4lb (including 21b over) (Bearpark) 3 THE HOPEFUL STAKES Of 5 sovs. each, with 100 added, for two year olds ; colts, Bst 716 ; fillies and geldings, Bst 31b. A winner before starting 41b extra. The second to receive 20 sovs. out of the stakes. Half-a mile. (55 subs.) Mr. Worthington's Lady Palmerston, byMelbourne, Bst 31b (Wells) 1 Mr. Powell's Flatterer, by Hetman Platoff, Bst 71b (Yates) 2 Lord John Scott's f by Touchstone—Valentinia, Bst 31b (Aspinall) 3 Mr. Morris's Donald, by Planet, Bst 71b (Basham) 4 THE GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLE CHASE HANDICAP of 15 sovs. each, 10 ft, and only 5 if declared, &e., with 100 added. Certain winners extra. The second to save his stake. About three miles and three quar ters. (38 subs., 7of whom pay 5 sovs. each.) Mr. Moseley's Bourton, 12st 31b (including 101 b extra) (Taslcer) 1 Mr. Blood's Star of England, aged 9st 71b (W. White) 2 Mr. Henderson's Maley, aged, 9st 71b (Thrift) 3 Mr. Smith's Lucy Neale, aged, 9st 121 b (H. Lamplugh) 4 Mr. C. Reynard's g by Young Priam, dam by Woldsman, aged, 9st (Weaver) 5 Betting-5 to 2on Bourton, 7to 1 agst Maley, Bto 1 agst Jumpaway, 10 to 1 agst Star of England. Bourton waited until within half a mile of home, when he drew towards Maley, who was then in possession of the lead, and after clearing the last hurdle he came away in earnest, and won easily by two lengths. Oscar was scratched on Tuesday, at 12.15 p.m. The contusion received in consequence of his fall at Liverpool, was found to be of such a nature, that, after an inspection of it on Tuesday morning, it was deemed necessary to withdraw him. Archer was prepared to ride Spring, but it being discovered that the horse was liable to a penalty of 71bs for winning a hurdle race at Lincoln, his owner determined not to let him start. THE MUNICIPAL STAKES were won by Mr. Gibbs' Penitent, 3 yrs (301.), sst 81b, beating Mr. Lister's Cri terion, 4 yrs ( 301.), Get 91b ; Mr. Harrison's Julius Cesar, 3 yrs (301.), 6st ; and Mr. Lambert's Leda, 6 yrs (301.), 7st 111 b. The weather was fine, and the at tendance of company somewhat above the average. SALISBURY RACES, PROGRAMME OF THE SPORT. TO-MORROW (THURSDAY) THE WILTSHIRE STAKES. THE SECOND YEAR of the THIRD WILTSHIRE TRIEN NIAL STAKES of 10 sovs. each, for foals of 1851 ; colts, Bst 71b ; fillies Bst 31b, to run at 3 yrs old ; untried stal lions or mares allowed 31b ;• but only one allowance ; the winner of the Derby to carry 71b, and the second horse 41b extra, the winner of the Oaks, Two Thousand Guineas or Newmarket Stakes, 51b extra. One mile and a half. Bribery. Bracken, Dan Cupid (31b), A utocrat. THE TRIAL STAKES of 10 sovs. each, with 50 added ; 3-yr-olds, Est 101 b ; four, Bst 71b ; five, 9st ; six and aged, 9, t 31b. One mile. Poetry, 3 yrs • Cineas, 4 yrs ; De fiance, 4 yrs ; b or br c by Cowl—Argam Lass, 3 yrs ; Jessamine, 3 yrs ; Orestor, 3 yrs ; Henrietta, 4 yrs ; The Queen's Own, 5 yrs. The WILTSHIRE STAKES of 25 sovs each, 15 ft, and only 5 if declared, with 100 added ; the second horse to save his stakes ; if 50 subs, the second horse to receive 50 sovs out of the stakes, and the third to save his stake ; if 100 subs, the second horse to receive 100 sovs out of the stakes, and the third 50 sovs. The winner of any handicap after the weights are declared to carry Gib ;of two, 9th extra. Two miles. The highest weight acceptin, raised to Sst 71b, and proportion. . _ .. being Bst Bib, it has been ,he others remaining in in _ - Age st lb Age st lb Nabob Trifle Pantomime Ireland's Eye 4 7 4 Bridesmaid Charley Don Quixote 4 6 8 Roebuck Cleveland Rock Scorpion(hb) 4 6 6 Cheshire Marquis 3 4 12 Aldford The FIRST YEAR of the SALISBURY BIENNIAL STAKES of 10 sovs. each, with 50 added each year if four horses start; to run at 2 yrs old; colts, Bst.7lb ; fillies, Bst 31b; the winner of a stake value 200 sovs. to carry 31b extra for every such winning ' • no horse to carry more th an 91b extra. Half a mile. Cockspur, Cock of the No r th, Pearlin Jane, Clotilde, b or br f by Lanercost—Nun Appleton b c by Robert de Gorham—Wilderuess, b c by The Libel—Splitvote, The Huntsman, ch f by The Hero—Nubia, William the Third, b c by Collingwood— Tarella, Namur. The CITY BOWL, value 18 sovs. in specie, and 12 sovs. from the fund, added to a sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each ; for 3.yr-olds and upwards ; optional selling weights. Gentlemen riders. Heats, three quarters of a mile. FRIDAY.—THE HANDICAP PLATE. The WILTON PARK STAKES of 10 sous. each, with 50 added if four horses start, for 2-yr-olds ; colts, Bst 71b ; and fillies, Bst 31b ; winners of a stake value 100 sovs. or upwards, including the winner's own stake, to carry 41b ; of two stakes and each of the above "value, 71b extra. T.Y.C., three quarters of a mile—Saucebox, b c by The Libel—Splitvote, ch f by Collingsvood—Es telle, Pantheon, Woodford, Cavatina, Prattle, Bessie, fby Cowl—Young Defiance, Oulston, Newington, Clo tilde, Decamp, Tocsin. A:HANDICAP PLATE of 80 sovs., for 3-yr-olds and up wards, 50 sovs. added ; 30 sovs. added from the fund if four horses start. A winner of a handicap of the value of 50 sovs. clear after the publie:atiou of the weights, 31b; of two or more, of 100 sovs. clear, 61b extra. Three quarters of a mile. Age st lb 1 Age st lb Orestes 4 9 2: Jessamine 3 7 2 Narcissus I, 8 6 Mazella 4 7 0 Noisette 4 8 2 ch c by John o'- Henrietta 5 713 j Gaunt -- Valen- Michaelmas Maid 4 7 12 i tina 3 7 0 Hybla 4 7 12 Black Bess 4 6 10 Herbert a 7 10 Grimalkin 3 6 10 Surprise 5 7 10 Master Adams.... 3 6 10 Shipwreck 4 7 9' Cheshire. Marquis. 3 6 10 The Queen's Own 3 7 9 Stonehenge ...... ...3 6 8 Rose of Ellel 4. 7 6 Hermitage 36 6 Austrey 3 7 6 Poetry 3 6 6 Mouser 3 7 4 Woodyeates 3 6 4 Sir George.... ..... 3 7 4 Cable 3 6 4 Thrush 4 7. 4 Roebuck 3 6 2 Old Rowley 5 7 4 i THE QUEEN'S STAKES of 100 gs; for 3-yr-olds, Est 71b; four, 9st 21b ; five, 9st 131 b ; six and aged, lOst 31b. Three miles. THE SOUTH-WESTERN RAILWAY STAKES of 25 sovs., added to a sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each. Heats, one mile. COWES, ISLE OF WIGHT. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) THE DIN OF WA.R.—Troops are daily arriving and departing, and our streets are quite alive with the march of troops and the roll of baggage waggons. On Satur day a number of the 65th Regiment, who had volun teered into the Ist Royals, passed through from Albany Barracks, to embark from Portsmouth for the East, to endeavour to curb the ambition of the Russian Bear. On Monday 150 men of the Rifle Brigade landed, and about the same number of the 63d embarked to-day. There were about 200 more embarked. THE EXPENSES OF THE W4.ll.—The third edition of The Sun enlightened ms this morning as to the source from which the Chancellor of the Exchequer proposed to raise the means of carrying on the war. The income tax is not at all a popular tax here, but as, if we are de termined to go to war, or to go to law, there is no doing it without money—and it is the same case if others are determined to go to war with us—we cannot defend ourselves from these tyrants without money. Thus, in either case the money must be had ; and as there are but few here that, were a subscription set on foot, but I would gladly subscribe their pound, or ten, or a hun dred in the cause, an d rather d ou bl e it than live the slaves of the Russian tyrant, the matter soon settled down very quietly, many consoling themselves with the remark that they should now know pretty nearly what the war cost them, whereas, if it had been collected by an indirect tax, they should not. THE COMMODORE'S YACHT.—The Earl of Wilton's beautiful yacht Zara, of 280 tons, was hauled up into the Messrs. White's yard on Friday last, to be length ened 14 feet. She has now 24 feet 6 inches beam. As she is to be lengthened amidships, the addition to her accommodation will, therefore, be 14 feet by 24 feet 9 inches, and about 30 tons will be added to her tonnage. The Leader schooner is in the same yard, being length ened 10 feet by the bows. ROYAL YACHT SQUADRON INTELLIGENCE.—SeveraI of the members considering that the present Squadron House is too small and inconvenient, have given notice of their intention of bringing the subject before the general meeting in May next. SHIPPING INTELLIGBNot. QUARANTINE NOTICE. LISBON, FEB. 28. SIR,—By an order of the Board of Health, dated 23d of February, in the " Diario" of the 24th, Gibraltar is de dared free from disease," from the 7th inst., thus revel(' ing that of the 24th of January last. (Signed) CHARLES JAIINCET, Lloyd's Agent. Capt. G. A. Halstead, R.N., Secretary Lloyd's. CUSTOM HOUSE, MARCH 7. ENTERED INWARDS.—The Cornelia, from Rotterdam's Gerhardina Antwerp ; Vriendschap, W oro n m ; L a urel, Antwerp; ilirelvaurt, Antwerp; liermina Neperus, Ant werp; Annegiena Jantina, do. ENTERED OUTWARDS FOR LOADING.—The Gebkea, for Copenhagen ; Gezina Jantina, Amsterdam ; Julia, Lisbon Sarah, liamburgh ; Emelia, Cadiz, Malaga, and Valencia ; .olus, Mogadore ; Canada, Sierra Leone ; Amelia, Rouen ; Radical, Caen. CLEARED OUTWARDS WITH CARGO.—The Pekin, for Demerara ; Maria, Ilarburg ; Tre Brodre, Memel ; Maria Barnes,s Mauritius; John Scott, Demerara; Oriental, Port Philip; Peninsula, Cadiz; Rajah of Sarawak, Hong Kong and Whampoa ; Dauntless, Barbadoes ; Nelson Place, Port Philip ; Cato, Demerara. FALMOUTH, March 6.—Wind, E., light breeze. The Newhouse of. Fowey, from Neatit for Charleston, was iu contact with the Rapid (schooner), off 13eaumaris March 4, about six miles Sal of St. Anthony's Light, when both received damage. PLYMOUTH, March 6.—Wind, S.W. Arrived—Water witch, from Corunna. BursToL, March 6.—Wind, N.W. Arrived—Romn lus from St. John's, N.B. Sailed— Majestic, for Nevis; Ada Mary, Africa. HARTLEPOOL, March 6.—Wind, S.W. Sailed—Clifford, for Cape of Good Hope. LOWESTOFT, March 6.—Wind, S.E. Sailed—Gratitude, for Bahia. GLOUCESTER, March s.—Arrived—Lara, from Smyrna; Asia , Galat z. KIRgaALOY, March 4.—The Indian (barque), from Callao, caught the ground yesterday before getting into the harbour, but is expected to be brought in without any damage, if the weather remains fine. PARIS, March 7.—The Menai (s), Pashley, from London, which went ashore at the back of the West Pier, near Fort Roy, was floated off, eb. 28, after having been lightened of everything which it had on board, as well as part of the machinery. STE ENBERG STRAND,Feb. 26.—The Sylphid en, f ro m Hull to Copenh-agen, with a cargo of iron and goods, was stranded off this Place to-day ; crew saved ; cargo and materials expected to be saved. ST. MARGARET'S HOPE, Feb. 19. The Henry and Marl parted one of her chains, and dragged the other anchor in this harbour this morning, and now lies on the ground. The Ranger, of Wick, ashore at Cara, got afloat yesterday, and this morning dr a gged both anchors, and is ashore again near tho same place- PANAMA, Feb. 6.—The Bate (ship) has been stranded at the Pearl Islands. NASSAU, N.P.; Jan. 18.—The Ocean, from Havannah to Marseilles, with sugar, &c.; was totally lost at Memo* . Rock, Dec. 1. SAN BLAB, Jan. 20.—The Ceylon, from San Francisco, which received damage by striking on a rock, Dec, 4, has been condemned and sold at Banderas Bay. MOLDS, Feb. 15.—A schooner, dismasted and derelict, laden with fish, has been picked up at sea, and carried into Haroen ; she is G en ., as p ar t o f her cast iron gear ie marked " Prahl, Bergen, 1852." BERGEN, Feb. 20.—Part of the cargo ex Christine Waer. ness, on shore off Bukkum, has been saved in a damaged state ; wind variable • weather stormy. PILLAR, March 2.—The Cito Umlauff, from this port to Hull, which put back here, Feb. 16, leaky, and with other damage, has been obliged to discharge her cargo, and the damaged portion thereof will be sold to-morrow. LISBON, Feb. 28.---The Lionne, from Newcastle to Cette, put in here, Feb. 20, with loss of both her 'masts. VESSELS SPOKEN WITH. The Matchless, of London, from Girgenti to Newcastle, 21st Feb., off Cape Palos. The Fanny, from Martinique to Marseilles, 18th Feb., off Blanc (Catalonia). The Slater Rebow, from St.; Michael's to London, 22 ,1 Feb., lat. 44 N., long. 17 E. COUNTRY MARKETS. LIVERPOOL —MARCH 7. A good attendance of the town and neighbouring trade, and rather more buyers from a distance than for some time past. In wheat little business transacted, at a decline Of 2d to 3d per TOlbs. on the week. Large purchases of flour were made at is per barrel below the current prices of: Tuesday. Oats and oatmeal in demand at id per 451bs. and 6d per load under the currency of this day week• Barley, beans, and peas ld to 2d per 601bs. and is per qr• lower. In Indian corn the sales were limited. IPSWICH—MARCH 7. Although rather an increased supply of wheat as conr pared with last week was offered for sale, prices ruled the same, and a firmness in the trade was evinced. Barley was much shown about. As the maltsters are leaving off steeping, fluffing there is no sale for malt, the only b u yers of barley were those who had a commission for London maltsters. Beans and peas much improved in condition, and late prices maintained. .PER QUARTER. PER QUARTER. Wheat, red (old) 78s to 848 Barley, grinding ... 34s to 369 Ditto (new) Ditto, white (new) 84s to 87s Peas Ditto (old) Barley, malting ... 39s to 42s Flour, per sack AVERAGES FOR THE WEER ENDING IVlArten 7, 1854. Wheat Barley Oats Beaus • ), Peas 00s Cd HULL—MARCH 7. Only a moderate supply of wheat from the farmers this morning, and very little -foreign offered. In the transac tions reported we consider any decline during the week as having recovered. More tone about barley. Oats and dry beans as dear as before, but anything out of condition unsaleable. More inquiry for Indian corn and Dan. 1 11 linseed an extensive business done during the week, at inv' gular but advancing prices. Rapecakes go off in retail at 7/. per ton. More busin.9ss done in bones. s s Wheat, English, red 78 to 82 Ditto white B3 to 85 Dantzic and Konigs berg B2 to 88 Pomeranian and Ham - Peas, grey and black 50 to 52 Linseed, Black Sea... 62 to 64 Ditto Petersburgh 50 to 6 0 Ditto Riga and Arch- burgh Danish, Holstein, and Friesland 72 to 78 Russian and Odessa 70 to 75 Oats, English Ditto Danish Ditto Friesland Ditto Russian 27 to 29 Barley, 'nailing Ditto grinding 36 to 38 Beans Ditto foreign Peas, white and yel 54 to 60 angel - Ditto Konigsberg and Memel , 44 to 50 Per Ton. Lins. c.,11n11121008 Od to 0/ Os Ditto fine for. 0/ Os Od 0/ Os Ditto inf. for O/ Os Od to 0/ Os Rapeseed OO/ Os to 001 Os Rape cakes tares, English oos to 00s !Ditto foreign 'Guano 4l 108 81 to 121 Os Bones l26s Od to Os Od Rye Meal RAILWAY SHARE MARKETS. LIVERPOOL, MARCH 7. STOCK EXCHANGE.—The market has been dull and without fluctuation all day, closing flat. Caledonian, 27d; Easters Counties, 12i ' • East Lancashire, 16 • Lancashire and Yorkshi re , 66a 7h 7 ; London and North Western, 1011 2; Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincoln 224 ; Midland, 61/ ; North British, 84 ; South-Eastern and Dover, 181 11.16 ; Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincoln, 61. new pref. shares, p. MANCHESTER, MARCH 7. STOCK EXCHANGE.—The market was dull, an attempt to drive up prices tending much to check business. The sales were—Dover, 181 Leeds, 67; L o nd on and North- Western, 1014 ; ditto Eighths, 9-16 dis. ; Midland, 60-i. LEEDS, MARCH 7. STOCK EXCHANGE.—There has been little doing this morning on the stock exchange, and in prices no material change has occurred. Leeds Northern, No. 1, were trans• acted at 20s. prem. ; Midlands were also done at 62g. BIRMINGHAM, MARCH 7. • STOCK EXCHANGE.—There was more than an average amount of business done in this market to-day, and prices were firmer. London and North -Westerns closed (sellers) at 102; and Manchester and, Sheffields at 22, 22i. COURSE OF EXCHANGE -YESTERDAY. Amsterdam...• •• •• •• •• 11 13 Gibraltar .............. Ditto, three months .• 11 151,4 Leghorn Rotterdam ......•• 11 153 Genoa., .............. Antwerp .............. 25 20 Milan ................ Brussels ..............25 20 Venice .... ..... ....... Hamburgh .•. • 13 3% Napl es •• •• . ..... 42 1 4, Altona •• •• •• •• •• •• .Palermo .. • . 12. t 4 •• •• 25 051 "sinit• •• •... •• 126% Ditto, three months 25 27% Lisbon ...... . ..... 53k, Marseilles ..... ..... 25 30 'Oporto „ ........ } .. 53% Buenos o c J n a os ne A ir•• - - • B ,r o a u n r k de ro a r u t_ x on m .. a . i . n . e . — llB% Berlin .• New York, 60 daye.siiht Vienna .....••• Trieste ............•• 13 25 PRI cEs OF BuLtae, PEA OZ. Potersburgh.. •• •••• .• •• 343 Foreign Gold in Bars £3 17 9 Madrid •• •• 50 Portugal Gold Coln .. 0 0 0 5034 Mexican Dollars 0 0 0 Bareelona•••••• —•• •• T New Dollars .• .... 0 0 0 .306214 25 52% Seville ................ 'Silver in bit; ° ° •••••• 0 0 BIRTHS. OF .A. SON. On the sth inst., at SG, Ebury-street, the wife of John Worliedge, Esq., barrister-at -law. OF A DAUGHTER. On the 6th inst., at Stratford-sub -Castle, near Salisbury, the wifo of Henry J. F. Swayne, Esq., barrister-at-law. At Stratford-green, Essex, on the 6th inst., Mrs. Alexander , Tod. MARRIED. On the 17th of January, at St. Thomas's Cathedral ) Bombay, F re d er i c Longford Tonga, Esq., 16th. Regiment N. 1., and Adjutant Kolliapoor Light Infantry, to Georgians Annie Chalmers, elder daughter; and Hely Frederic Bol ton, Esq., 12th Regiment N.I. to Eliza Jane, younger daughter, o f Lieuten au t-Colenel D. G. Duff, Bombay Army. DIED. On the sth inst., T. F. Armistead, Egg., of 5, St. George's terrace, Islington, an d o f th e P os t Bill-office, Bank of England, aged 53. On the sth inst., at Wynnstay,in the 65th year of het' age, the Hon. Lady Williams Wynn, wife of the Right Hon. Sir Henry Welkin Williams Wynn, K.C.B. and G. C. H. LONDON: Printed and Published by MURDO YOUNG, of No. 112, Strand, Printer, at The Sum Office, No. 1 1 2, Strand, in the Precinct of the Savoy, in the county of - Middloeea , Wednefiday, March 8,1854.