The Sun. — London, England, 1864-12-31 00:00:00

MONEY M.&IIKET AND 00MAIERCIAL INTELLIGENCE. CITY, TWELVE O'CLOCK. In. the general Discount Market, as well as at the Bank of England, there is an active demand for money, and tho rates are strongly supported, and are expected to be so until the release of the January dividends. A further sum of £12,000 in gold was taken into tb.e Bank yesterday. The re was a slight downward movement in the foreig;n exchanges yesterday afternoon. The settlement of the Atlantio and Great Western certificates of debentures is postponed for six weeks in order that special powers of attorney may be procured, the existing powers being regarded in some degree as insufficient; but as the directors of the railway have, it appears, been advised of the proceedings taken and been fully sanctioned by them, the required powers, it is assumed, will be obtained as a matter of course. All the other ob jections to the settlement were waived. Since Monday last the imports of specie have amounted to £707,394, and the exports to £183,063 CITY, Two O'CLOCK. At Paris, this day, according to Mr. Renter's Telegram, the 3 per cent. French Rentes were 69f. 95c. Only c small amount of business has been trans acted io•day in the market for the English Funds, and very little alteration has taken place in values, Consols having closed this afternoon at 891 9 for transfer, and 89k a for the account. There has been very little alteration in the Fo reign Market, and business has been quiet. Turkish 6 per Cents. 1862, are 721 t; do. Consolides, 481 ; Mexican, 291 1 ; do. New, 27k ; Greek, 23.1 1; Spanish Passive, 321 ; do. Certificates, 141 ; the Confederate Loan, 55 57 ; the Egyptian, 1 pm. ; the Danubian, 4 dis par; and the Monte. videnn, 24 3 prem. In the Railway Share Market the dealings have been on a very moderate scale, and prices have re mained without change of importance. South Ara:es have improved £1 ; and Caledonian, ss. ; while Metropolitan and North-Eastern (Berwick), have each declined ss. The Foreign and Colonial lines are dull, and without alteration in valuee. Bank and Miscellaneous Shares continue inactive at about previous rates. ERITISH FUNDS—CLOSING PRICES. GOVERNMENT FUNDS. 3;per Cent. Consols Do Account, Jan. 10 per Cent. Reduced New 3 per Cent New 2} per Cent. Jan. 1894 Do 5 per Cent., Jan. 1873 Annuities, 30 yrs, expire iith Jan., 1880 — Do for 30 yrs, expire sth April, 1885 — Do (Red Sea Telegraph), Aug. 1908 — Exlhequer Bills, £l,OOO, 41per Cent . Do £5OO Do £lOO and £2OO .. — rank England Stk, 51 per. Ct. D.) Account.. iNnitai GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. India Stock, 10k per Cent., April 1874 — Do Account Do 5 per Cent. July, 187 0 .... D) Account D ) 4 per Cent., Oct, 1888 — Do 5 per Cent., Jan. 1872 Do Si per Cent., May, 1879 Do 4 per Cent., Aug. 1866 Do Bonds 11.000 .. Do under £l,OOO FOREIGN FUNDS—CLOSING PRICES. Austrian Bonds, 5 per Cent — Brazilian 5 per Cent Do tlf per Cent., 1852-58-60 Do 1863 — Buenos Ayres 6 per Cent — hilian 6 per Cent. Colombian 6 per Cent Cuba, 6 per Cent. - Do 6 per Cent. 1864 — Danish 3 per Cent., 1825 Do 4 per Cent, 1863 Do 6 per Cent., 1773-77, £25 paid — pm Equador New Consolidated, 1 per Cent — Do, Provisonal Land Warrant.. — Egyptian 7 per Cent 9si Do, Second Issue Do £lOO Bonds Do 1864 .. Do Scrip, 1.6 paid • i i P m 'Do Account.... Greek 5 per Cent., 1824-5, ex-Coupons — Do Account " Do Coupons Do Account Guatemala 5 per Cent Do 1839 and 1860 ..... Italian 5 per Cent.(blaremmana Railway) Mexican 3 per Cent .... Do Account Do 1864 _ Do 6 per Cent. Anglo-French — die Do Scrip, £53 paid.... — die Do French Scrip, Ex. 26f 20c — dis a d Moorish Imperial 5 per Cent New Granada Do 2 per Cent. • — 4 Do Deferred Do Land Warrants (Hectares) — Do Debentures, 4 per Ct., April 1864 — Do do Aug., 1666 — Parurian 41 per Cent Do 3 per Cent. (Crribarren).. — Do 41 per Cent., 1862 .. Do Account Portuguese 3 per Cent., 1853 Do Account • • Do 3 per Cent., 1866, '7, '9, '6O, 62,'3.. Do Account 4B Rassian 5 per Cent 1822, £ St., B9l Do 41 per Cent., 1850 .. Do 1860 Do 3 per Cent 1859 Do 6 per Cent, 1862 Do 1864 Do Sorip, £65 paid pin Sardinian 6 per Cent Do Account Spanish 3 per Cent Do Account Do New Deferred Do Account Do Passive Do Account 32f Spanish Cert. of Ccup not funded .. — Do Account — Swedish, 4 per Cent Turkish 6 per Cent. 1854 — Do Account Do 6 per Cent..lBsB Do Account' Do £lOO Bonds — Do 6 per Cent. 1862 Do Account Do £lOO Bonds — Do 6 per Cent. 1863 Do Guaranteed, 4 per Cent.,,.. — Venezuela 3 per Cent. Do Account ..... Do 6 per Cent., 1862 Do Account Do 6 p Cent., 1864 - Do if per Cent Dividends on the above payable in London Austrian, 5 per Cent., EL 10 Florins. Belgian 4} per Cent ., Ex. 25f Dutch 2i per Cent., Ex. 12 Guil Do 4 per Cent. Certificates French Relates, S per Cent . Italian, 5 per Cent., 1861, Ex 25 francs.. 651 Do Account .. TWO O'CLOCK, Consols, Money B9a 5 Do Account . ... 895 a Liverpool Cotton Market—This Day Market dull. Sales probably 5,000 bales. DUBLIN INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, 1865. The Belgian Commission (at whose head we are glad to see M. Fortamps, the able Commissioner in 1862) have forwarded the list of their own manufacturers who purpose to become exhibitors. Lace, of course, occupies a prominent position, and we are able to report that Belgium will be re inarkably well represented in this important branch of in dustry. The well-known firm of Cail, Halot, and Co., have promised railway and agricultural machinery and engine. tools. Chemical manufactures will include ultramarine, eosps, aid perfumery. Liege will send a large display of arms, especially rifles ;, and Ghent a collection of leather goods. Metallic manufactures, glass, and china, are all to Well represented ; it is only necessary to mention the name of Dufour among the goldsmiths, Deraol for porcelain, and ogaerts for bronzes. The names of contributors to the Vine Art section are too numerous to quote; but we are assured that the best specimens of the modern Belgian School of painting will have a place in the Exhibition. Aniong the painters, Billoin, Kindermans, Keelhoof, Rof file; Van Moer, Van Severdonck, Verboekheven, and Willems, are already known by their works in tha Great Exhibition of 1862. Among sculptors and medallists we lalay, for a similar reason, specify Fraikin, the two Geefs, and Wiener. • THE PUBLICHOUSES CLOSING ACT,—The Public house Closing Act having been adopted in Bradford by a very narrow majority, a doubt arose as to the power of the council to act upon tho resolution. The question Was submitted to the Home Secretary, who without consi dering it necessary to trouble the law officers of the Crown, has confirmed the d',oinion of the town clerk, that the Local Ouvernment Act, which requires a majority of two - thirds itt its favour, does not apply in this instance, and that abare majority is sufficient to authorise the compulsory closing of PAblichAses.—Manchester courier, ), the ,cus'd 3 Ole n b o dl ), and eu tty, 3trog aty in coal- wking [mine- I, and tie is win u" ovided SHARE MARKETS,—This Day. ORDINARY SHARES AND STOOKS. Railways. I Paid. Closing Business Price. done. 1321 Share, .14. 8ir..1V01., and Str. Val it Blythe and Tyne. it Bristol and Exeter 3t Caledonian 03 cork and Bandon 10 Cornwall 10 Do A bets no div till Gp c.p an.has 10 Do. B been paid to B. 10 ' Dublin 45 Belfast June. 15 Dun.,Perth,&Ab. Juno.l all it Edinburgh & Glassrow.l 100 Glasg. and S. Western.l 100 it kireatEastern, Ord. stk , 100 it Ditto A stock ' 100 it Ditto EastAnglian st 100 it GreatNorthoi Scotland; 100 it Great Northern ! 100 it Do A stock lOO it Do B do ' 100 t Gt. S. and W. of Irelan , l' 100 it Great Western,Original 100 it Do Str Val frua. stock' 100 st. Do. South Wales :CO 5t Do. West Mid. —Oxford 100 at Do Newport' 100 3t Do Hereford 100 3tLanoashire & Yorkshire: 100 Ist London and Blaokwall 100 kt Lon., Bright.,& S. Coast! it Lou., Chat., and Dover', it Lon. & Norf - h Western, it Lon. & Sw.th Western st Man., Bhef., & Lincoln. 10 Maryport and Carlisle L 2 Do # shares ‘i Metropolitan it Midland st Do Birminz. & Derby 50 Slid. Gt. W. of Ireland, 25 Do. 4 shares 26 Hid Kert ... at North British it Edin., Perth, & Dundee; it Nth. Eastern—BerwioK I Do, G.N.E. purchase Do Leeds Do York Do Car1ie1e.......... 15 ID°. Stook. AL Dolling. 2 Do do 1855-58 25 Do do 15tir,..61 st North London 1 0 Do New 10 Do New, 1804 at North Staffordshire .. 10 N. and S. W. Junction 4i Scottish Central it Scot N. E., Aber. stool , . it Do Soot. Mid. stock.. 10 Shrews. and Welolipool yt Shropshire Union it South Devon it South Eastern 20 s taines, Wok.,andWok at Taff Vale.. Do C ......... Vale of Neath Waterford do Kilkenny West Cornwall _ __ HartlepoolHar.a`,R. 88 90 132 134 6 7 31 36 16 17 89 91 10G 108 47f 48} 71 81 131 136 156 157 130 132 89 91 79 80 67 69 58 60 44 46 100 102 1164 117 84 65 1054 1064 38 40 1214 1221 97 98 63 65 122 )25 14 , 6 141 109 211 55 66 254 i6i Hit 1151 73} 764 1)5 IC5i 27} 381 11 12 p 9 10 120 125 11 2p 1 79 60 101 11i 138 192 58 6') 44 46 E 5) t 6 8 9 163 ;68 36 46 t 111) 111 38 40 13RITISII POSSESSIONS. Railways tlantic & St Lawrenc. .torn.,Baroda&Cent In Gu. 5 per cent... Do. E. Shares dunalo and Lake Huron Do. Preferonoe duflalo,Brant,&Godriel i p. ct. bds. 'Aug. 1, 187. Do. do. July 1, 187 .)o. do. June 1. 18: .;lcutta.&S.Eastn.(Lil , ;apeTown & Dock Seri Demerara 7 p.o. per. pf !lagtn. Bengal gu. 5 p. I,:ast Indian. zu. 5 p. c Do. do. J Grand Trunk of Cana& Do. Equip. Mort. Bonds 1 charge 6 per cent Do. let rref. Bonds Do. do. deferred Do. 2d Pref. Bonds , Do. do. deferred • Do. 3d Pref. stock Do. do. deferred Do. 4th I'ref. stock Do. do. deferred-- gt.lndtarentn.gua.sp.e Do. Gus. 5 per cent.. Do. New gua. 5 p. Gt. South.of India(Lim guaranteed 5 per cent. Do. 41 per cent.... Do Gt. W,of Canada Sharer Do. New ...... Do. 6 p.o. '73 with't opt. Do. 54 p. o. do. '77-8.. •• Indian Branoh Limited Madras, guar., 5 p. 0. I Do. 4i p. o. Extensiol Do. 44 do.. —• • Do. Fifth Extension. 11elb.Corp. 6 p. o. Buds Nielb. & riobson's Bay. Newßrursswiok Conch Class A and 8.. N. Itl.C'da 5 Po Ist pf bdt &hide .......... . . Do. Delhi... 0 •- . E Do. d 0........... t , Do. Punjaub •• ; P G Do. indus.St. Flog) 0, ' Paid. Closing Prioe. 100 (100 I 100 2 ;F0 100 58 60 100 (01 idis ip 5 64 84 94 75 80 LONIAL DOVER British Columbia, 6 per cent., Dec. 31,1872.... Do. do. 1883.... dzJ ui‘ 1877-81 • Do. 6 p. c. Feb. St Am.. Do. e p. o. Mar. ttz Sept Do. 4 p. o. Jan.&July. Do. 5 Inscribed stool, ape G.llope, 6p (4187: Do.Ap & Oct. 188( Do. 189( )o. Jan. & July. 1891.. eyion, Noy.lf-69, 6 p 00. 1878, do. ilauritius 6 p.c0nt.1873 Do. 1878 Do. I 832 natal Gov. 6 per cont.. v.13.00y. 6 p.c. J a.&J ul3 v. S.W. Gov. 5 p Dv. 5 p. e.,181i to Id/g Do. d0.,1888 dzupwd, iew Zealand 6 p cent Vova Scotia Gov. 6 p. sterling, 1875. lueensland Gcy. 6 p. c. 4. Aus Gov. 6 p.c.1E68- Do. 1.73 41z upward 4... VIcAl ov. 6 pm. Ja.,lzJ uly Do. io g p.o. An.dzOot... 98 100 8) 85 103 104 104 .05 20i 21i 80 91 70 72 61 d 4 66 68 56 68 53 54 47 50 28 30 28 30 101 102 pr ip pr ip 101 163 8i 9 114 11 83 60 80 82 1 d 100 101 96 98 91 93 59 61 6 82 84 10: 103 102 d ID 1031 i 103 101 35 97 291 81 1011 iT SEC U 99 101 97 99 97 99 88 90 86 89 tot 106 106 108 106 108 109 111 102 104 11_9 112 105 107 106 109 iC6 108 04 106 98 101 98 100 96 97 94 96 105 107 99 101 101 10i 107 102 11.06 107 MI i I Than 100 Sk I to 100 100 too 100 stack stook stook L stook stook stock stock stook stook stook stook stock stock BtOOk BRITISH MINES. 'ambrian Consoi. Gold Chiverton J.itlord Amalgamated.. )evon G. Cane. (Taoist. Drakewalls.. :ast Basmett(lllogan).. !last Caradon ..... Carn Brea... East Grenville 'East Lovell •• W'l Russel (iavistk. 4am.dzSt.Aubyn(Gwen Great Laxey, I neat South Tolgus... }. Wheal Vor (llelston irenville.. :iercAl's-Foot tiingston Downs Nlargaret (tiny Lelani slarke Valley.. , lyndv Iron Ora (Lim. few Setun .... orth Downy. North Roakear.. v. ‘A 't Basset iI to 4sh ‘'orth IVhe.al Crotty . Prosper ,'rovidenoe(Uny Lelnt. iouthCaradon(St.Cleet i.Wheal Fran. (Mogan dtray Park Pin Croft West Basset (Illogitn).. V Cr radon (Liskeard West Chiverton West Seton Wheal Basset (Mogan Wheal Buller(Redruth, WhealLudeott Wheal liaryAnn (Men ; Wheal 3eton Wheal Trelawney (Lls IVheal Union 4 44 8 0 4 4* 19 r; 60 70 17 1V 14 2 24 24 2i 3 34 38 ::20 540 38 25 18 20 17 7 9 7 9 86 60 O 5 215 92 3 974 9 11 i a 13 16 196 206 17 19 PREFERENCE SHARES. Great Eastern, E. Counties. Ext. No. 1, 106 Great Eastern, E. C., Norfolk 5 per cent. Ext., '46, 105 Great Western, 4 per cent. irred . 84 Great Western, 5 per cent. rd. pref., 101 PREFERENCE SHARES AND STOCKS. Great Eastern 5 per cent. pf., Ditto, new i per cent pf., 91 LINES LEASED AT FIXED RENTALS. Wilts and SomersA, 86 FOREIGN RAILWAYS. Bahia and San Francisco gua. 7 per cent., 14} Dutch Rhenish. 22U Great Luxembourg, 121 Ottoman (Smyrna to Aidin), 10} I: South Austrian and Lombardo Venetian, r, FOREIGN MINES. Cape Copper, lira., BANKS. Agra and Masterman's (Urn.), 134 Alliance (kin.). 35 l Ditto, issued at 20 pm., of which 10 is pd , Bank of British Columbia, 18* Bank of London. Ditto, new, 155 City, 1 64 7 Commercial Bank of India and the East, it o, issued at 10 pm., of which 10 h paid,;36 Consolidated Bank, lfm., 11 English, Scotch, and Australian Chartered, 21 Huropean Bank, lim. 131 Hindustan, uhina, and Japan (lim.), Ditto, issued at 6 pm., B . i Imperial Ottoman, 16f Land Mortgage Bank of India, lira., 51 1 London BAtik of M exico and S. America, Jim., 91 London and Brazilian (lim.), 47 London Chartered Bank of Australia, 24/ London Joint Stock, 51/ Ditto, new, 48 London and 11 estminster, 99; London and South African,:22l Merchant Bank, lim., 2t)4 National Provincial of England. 155 Oriental Banx Corporation. 57/ Scinde, Punjaub, and Delhi, lim., 111 6 Union of Australia, -54 1 Union of London, 58 DOCKS. London and St. Katharine, 72i 16 2i MISCELLANEOUS. Commercial Union, Insurance, 8} Oredit Fonder and Mabilicr of England, SI Ditto (Z 2), 51 a Crystal Palace, 32 Ebbw Vale, 4/ egyptian Coin and Trading, Ifni., 51 Fore-street IYarehouse, Um., 91 Oen. Credit. and Finance of London. lira., 71 Impori4l Mercantile Credit Asso., Indian Carrying, lira., 1 International Financial Society, lim., n Joint Stock Discount, Um., 91 a a London and Caledonian Marine, Um, 64 0 2.1.0. Litt 3.4.0 2.7.0. 2.18.6. Co t all 78.e`. 8.13 4.18.1 291 2.8 0 to 0.7 ,818.4 all all all 100 all all all 100 16.1).4 100 all 100 100 100 .all ME SUN, LONDON, SATURDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 31, 1864. Events of the Year. Subjoined is a summary of the principal financial and commercial events of the year now closed:— JANUAItY. Bth—News of termination of frontier war in India and also of pacific prospects at Japan from submission of Prince Satsuma. 12th—Danish loan for £1,200,000 5 per Cent. Stock at 93, with instalments extending to June 20, introduced by Messrs Hambro. 13th—Bank of France bullion reduced to a little over £6,000,000. - . 14th—Rally in Confederate Loan from 39 to 0, fol lowed in a few days by a relapse to 43. 20th—Bank bullion, £12,974,109. Lowest point touched for 2 years. _ _ 21st—Bank discount raised to 8 per cent. Stock markets extremely heavy from imminence of war between Germany and Denmark. FEB LtU ARY. Ist—Commencement of war on Denmark by Austria and Prussa. Prussian troops repulsed in attack on M:ssunde, Consols, 89/, 4th—Opening of Parliament. 11th—Bank discount reduced to 7 per cent. 25th—Bank discount reduced to 6 per cent. Throughout the whole of this month the stock markets were in a dull and uncertain state from the shifting diplo matic movements in connection with the Dano• German war. There were also heavy fluctuations in Mexican stock pre ceding the arrival of the Archduke Maximilian in Paris, The Confederate Loan also ranged between 57 and 48 from speculative operations. Launch of an Iron-Clad on the Tyne for Turkey. (From the North British Daily Mail of yesterday.) The high estimation in which the shipbuilders of the Clyde are held by foreign. Governments is :he launch of a war ram for Turkey, from the yard of the Messrs. Napier and Sons at Govan. Recently we were called upon to record the launch of the Osman Ghazy for the same Power. As in a river like the Clyde, depth of water is of essential consequence when a vessel of the huge proportions of a war ram Is to be allowed to slip into the stream, the period when the tide was at its highest had to be carefully studied; and it was ac cordingly arranged that the launch should take place shortly after half-past one o'clock in the afternoon. About this time the large bell which is used for the assembling of the workmen in the morning and at the hours hours of diet sent forth its peal, and im mediately hundreds of them, as if by magic, dropped their implements of labour and hurried to the nearest place whence they could obtain a view of the launch. A favourite spot with them appeared o be the deck of the other ram which is in course of construction for Turkey, the Messrs. Napier having received orders for three. This ship was only a short distance from the one which was to be launched, and but a few minutes before the ringing of the bell the heavy strokes of the hammer were heard resounding in all parts of it, as some bolt or rivet was firmly secured in the sides of the capacious vessel, or in the multitudi nous iron beams or girders which spanned it in all directions. In a moment, however, all was still ; and batch after batch of workmen were seen emerging from the hatchways, and taking their places on desk along with those who repaired thither from all parts of the yard, until the aides were completely lined by a dense crowd of deeply interested spectators. In accordance with the usage followed o❑ these occasions invitations had been sent to a number of our principal citizens and others, and for their accommodation an elevated platform, covered with crimson cloth, was erected immediately in front of the vessel's bow. This post of honour was duly taken advantage of, and among those present we observed the Lord Provost of Glasgow ; the young Marquis of Lorn and his two younger brothers; M. Stephen Tlusurus Bay, eldest son of the Turkish Ambassador; Provost Pollok, of Govan i Bailies Gilkinson and Taylor, of Glasgow ; Baillie Cruickshank, of Govan; Councillor Dreghorn, of Glasgow; Mr. Henry Dunlop, of Craigton ; and the Rev. Dr. Taylor, with a goodly number of ladies, including, of course, Miss Rigby, to whom was assigned the duty of naming the vessel. The usual precaution had been adopted of re. moving the embankment at the place where the launch was to take place, and also of deepening the river to the extent of five feet by means of dredgers. As a further precaution, the armour-plates which had been fitted on to the sides of the frigate in a line with the main-deck had been removed, and everything was, in short, done to render the launch successful. A few minutes after half•past one o'clock all was animation around the sides of the leviathan. Its deck had been cleared of everything save the huge cranes which are still necessary, as much still remains to be done, the large boilers, fur maces, and engines having still to be fitted up. Under its counter and sides the props had, however, to be removed, and bands of men were now busily at work upon these. Block after blook of these strongly wedged together frames disappeared under the strokes of the hammer, until at length all that was left were the two dog•shores at the bow, .4 hich kept the vess€l, in its place as if with the grasp of a vice. A few minutes more, and the signal for the removal of these was given ; but whe❑ all was clear the vessel still retained its place on the ways as reluctant to move. No sooner, however, did she loosen her hold than she swept onwards with resist less momentum, taking the water in gallant style, and making but little strain upon the four anchors fixed in the river for the purpose of steadying her and bringing her to. When in motion, Miss Rigby, a grand-daughter of Mr Robert Napier, of Shandon, dashed the bottle of wine at the bows, and bestowed on-her the name of Abdul Aziz. The launch was as successful as that of her predecessor in September last, than which nothing could be finer. Her vast dimensions displaced, of course, an immense body of water, the effects of which were seen in the suc cession of waves which swept over the river's em bankments for some distance. There was a dense crowd of spectators on both sides of the Clyde, bu t especially on that immediately opposite. She was towed up the river in the course of the afternoon to the south side, opposite Lancefield Quay, where she will receive her engines and other parts of her machinery and equipments. Immediately after the launch, the ladies and gen tlemen who hadoeceived invitations to be present adjourned to the pattern-room, where an excellent collation was served. Mr R. Napier, of Shandon, presided. Among the toasts proposed was " Suc cess to the Abdul Aziz." In proposing it, Mr Napier stated that so happened that the ship was named after the Sultan of Turkey, to whom he wished long life, and said he hoped he might send many orders for vessels to this country, a sentiment which was received with cheers. With this toast was coupled the name of Mr Stephen Musurus, the young representative of the Sultan. The Lord Provost, after returning thanks for his own health and that of the magistrates of Glasgow and of Govan, proposed " Prosperity to the firm of R. Napier and sons." His lordship said that it was exceedingly gratifying to be present at the launches of those noble vessels which the Messrs Napier sent forth, and referred to the able services which the head of that firm, Mr Napier, had rendered to marine engineering and to ship building in connection with the Clyde, stating that he and his firm continued to maintain an honour able position in a department which had made the city of Glasgow so celebrated. Mr Napier, in acknowledging this toast, good.humouredly re marked that he would much rather make three ships of war than attempt to make one speech. The health of the young lady who christened the ship was also proposed, as was also that of the manager, foreman, and workmen, without whom, said Mr. Napier, these vessels could never be built, adding that his firm had a highly respectable set of men. None of the toasts was pronounced with greater heartiness than this one, Showing that Mr. Napier is fully alive to the worth of the men in his employment. Besides the other war vessel which the Messrs. Napier are constructing for the Turkish Govern ment, they have a merchant screw steamer on the stocks, and are about to lay down the keel of another. We also understand that they have re ceived orders to construct two large screw steamers for the French Transatlantic Company, to run between Havre and New York. Speed as well as strength will be carefully attended to, and it is not improbable that they will be made so as to outstrip even the fastest of the celebrated Cunard line. The first piece of the Abdul Aziz, whose success• ful launch we have chronicled above, was laid on the blocks on the 15th of April, 1863. The con struction of the bulkheads and floors was com menced ten days later, and in a month afterwards there were fully 250 tons of iron work in her. She was not expected to be ready for launching till next month, but her enterprising builders have antici pated this period by a week or two. THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE.—Tho screw steam ship Norman, Captain Colwell, from the Cape of Good Hope, arrived at Southampton yesterday. She brings seven passengers and a large cargo of colonial produce. The Norman is an extra steamer, chartered by the Union Steam Shipping Company from Messrs George Lungley and Co. Her news has been antiolpated by the regular mail steamer Saxon. THEATRICALS AT ALDERSHOT.—The members of the Officers' Dramatic Corps gave another perform ance in the Theatre Royal Club House on Wednesday evening, when three humorous pieces, " Grimshaw, Bag shaw, and Bradshaw," "Cool as a Cucumber," and "A Thumping Legacy," were performed. There was a large attendance, and among those present were Major General Brook Taylor, Major General Hodge, C B , Lieut. Colonel Bayly, Captain Akers, Acting Commanding Royal Engi neers, Captain Birch, J,P„ Captain rands, J.P., &o, Metropolitan Board of Works, The weekly /reefing of the Metropolitan Board of Works was held yesterday at . the offices, Spring-gardens ; Mr John Thwaites, chairman, presiding. FINANCE. The cash statement of the Finance Committee presented the following balances in the hands of the treasurer : Current accounts, £101,454 145.; deposits accounts, £3lo,Boo,—total, £412,254 14s; and ,Government securi ties, New Three per Cent. Annuities. THE EXPENSES OF THE BOARD FOR 1865. At the assemblage of the Board the discussion on the estimates prepared by the Finance Committee for the ex penses of the Board for the ensuing year was resumed. Mr DALTON, the chairman of the Finance Committee, in a short speech moved the adoption of the first vote, viz,, sewerage and drainage, and which contained the following items :—Sums required for works, £33,550 ; working ex penses of pumping stations at Deptford, Crossness, &c. £9,000; rent and taxes for St. George's-wharf, and other premises occupied by the Board, £250, making a total of £43,800. Mr JOHN S. PHILLIPS seconded the motion. Mr Silas fAYLOR said there was at the present time in hand an approximate surplus of £14,000, and there was a further sum which had been set apart to meet any liabilities the Board might have to meet with regard to the Metro politan Railway, which would make up a total balance in their favour of £60,000. Now, if there was a sum of £60,000 surplu, on the estimates of 1864, he saw no reason why the ratepayers who had contributed fully all that was required of them should not have the benefit of it in the coming year. There was no doubt that they roust have a sum in hand for working expenses, but he thought that £36,000 would meet all their requirements, and therefore he should move that this vote be reduced by £30,000, and, therefore, instead of requiring a rate of 20 in the pound, should his amend ment be adopted a rate of 14d would be found amply suffi cient for all purposes. Mr LONG seconded the motion. The CHAIRMAN said it should be borne in mind that the board would have to incur a half-year's expenditure before they would receive one shilling under the present estimates, and therefore £61,000 would not be more than sufficient to carry on the duties of the board until June next, and meet all the liabilities they w. uld rave to incur. Mr LEGG supported Mr Taylor's amendment, and he said if it was lost he should move a further amendment. Mr PECLLTT did not think that £60,000 was toe large a sum to be retained in hand for working expenses. Mr NEWTON said that this subject had been very fully gone into and discussed in the Finance Committee, and the whole £OO,OOO would be required to meet their six months' expenses. Mr DALTON replied, and said as regarded the Metropoli tan Railway money, when it should come to hand, the rate payers would have the full value of it, but in the meantime he advised them not to reckon their chickens before they were hatched. (Laughter.) The amendment was put, and lost by a large majority. Mr LEGG moved a further amendment, that the amount be reduced £14,000. The amendment was seconded by an hon. member. This led to a long discussion,but eventually the question was put the amendment lost, and the original motion carried by a majority of 19 to 12. Mr DALTON moved the next vote of £lO,OOO as the contri bution by the board to public improvements. He consi dered the sum would be ample, as of the £15,000 voted last year only £7,500 of that sum had been absorbed. Mr CAB.PMAEL said he must take exception to this vote, on account of its inadequate amount to carry out public improvements. He found that in Paris a population of 1,700,000 was taxed to the extent annually of £3 per head for municipal purposes, and was he to be told that in this metropolis with a population of 3,000,000, they could not raise a rate of lOs a head for municipal purposes? Now, he could not for one moment imagine that in so wealthy a place as the metropolis it was at present so overtaxed that it could not bear another burden for the purpose of effecting improvements. He believed that it was the duty of the Board to contribute liberally towards public improvements, and should move as an amendment that the Board do con tribute the sum of £25,000 towards public improvements, instead of £lO,OO. Major LYON seconded the amendment, and adverted to a remark made by the Hon. W. F. Cowper when a depuation of the Board waited upon him—that if the Board was un able to carry out public improvements the sooner it was broken up the better. Mr NEWTON said the estimate proposed by the committee would not bind the Board to that expenditure, but as £7,500 had last year been found sufficient, the committee consi dered they were quite justified in recommending this year the sum of £lO,OOO for public improvements. But he hoped Mr Carpmael would not be under the impression that £lO,OOO was all that the Board would be called on to contri bute to public improvements. They had bound themselves for some time to an expenditure of £200,000 for improve ments in Whitechapel and Holborn, and they would also have to pay something towards the improvement and widen ing of Hamilton-place. As to the example of Paris, where Mr Carpmael had said that £3 was raised from each person for municipal purposes, if they were called upon to imitate France in this respect - he feared that they would soon ae compelled to imitate it in some of its revolutions. Mr H. L. TAYLOR condemned the niggardly spirit in which paltry and miserable sums were contributed by this board towards public improvements, instead of dealing them out with a free and liberel hand throughout the length and breadth of the motropslis. He saw no reason why they should have their hands tied down to the sum of £lO,OOO, and he felt that the portion of the metropolis he represented had been most unfairly dealt with, where im provements were so urgently required, It was of import ance that the Board should be measured by its good deeds and the services they had rendered to the people. The sum proposed by the committee was so niggardly that he hoped the board would not agree to their recommendation. Mr HEALY hoped the board would adopt the smaller sum. After some farther discussion the amendment was put and negatived. Mr H. L. TAYLOR then moved a further amendment, "That the Board contribute £25,000," urging that there were a number of claims befcre the board, and among them one for between £6,C00 and £7,000 for the improvement of New gate• street, which the Board ought to effect entirely at their own expense. Mr CARPMAEL seconded the amendment. Mr J. S. PHILLIPS denied that the Board was niggardly in its contributions, and said that term would really apply to the Court of Sewers of the City in coming to them for small contributions instead of doing the work at their own expense. The question was put, when there appeared for the amend ment, 19; against it, 18. The Chairman did not vote, so this was not a Inajorily of the members present, and there- Lore no order. The original motion was afterwards put and carried ; also he other items of the report of the committee. The Hardware Trades and the Factory Act. (From the Birmingham Post.) The Children's Employment Commission have comp to 'he conclusion that the whole of the hardware districts— Birmingham, Staffordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, the North of England, and South Wales—ought to be placed under the Factory Acts, so far as the employe ment of women and children is concerned. This recom mendation of the Commissioners applies to every branch of the metal trade, as carried on in the midland district—from the heaviest iron work of South Staffordshire down to the lightest and least laborious of the fancy trades of Birmingham. The following classification, extracted from the report itself, shows how completely it is proposed to apply the Factory Act. 1. Cut nail manufacturers, washers, and shoe tips. 2. Screw and bolt manufactories. 3. Brass foundry, including wire, gas fittings, and lackering. 4. Button, pin, and hook and eye making. 5. Guns. 6. Jewel_ lery. 7. Iron foundries, engine, machine, chain, edge tool, and tube works, bedstead, hurdle, and safe manufac tories, and miscellaneous iron work. 8. Tin plate, papier mache, japan, and blank tray works, 9. Steel pens. 10. Electro-plating. IL Locksmiths, stampers and piercers, bit and spur makers, harness furniture makers of all classes ; awl-blade, steel-toy, hinge, latch, bolt and file makers; bellows makers, &e. 12. Galvanising works. 13. Tin toy factories. 14. Blast furnaces. 15. Rolling mills and iron forges. 16. Miscellaneous metal trades not enumerated above. Some of the evidence will not a little startle even those persons who think themselves tolerably well ac quainted with the condition of the district. It is shown, for example, that throughout the midland hardware district nearly 60,000 women and young persons under 18 find occupation in the various staple trades; that of this number a large proportion are grossly ignorant ; that they are fre quently severely over-worked; that their places of work aro so close, limited and ill-ventilated as to be dangerous to health; and that owing partly to these cireumstances and partly to nature of the trades, consumption and other dis eases of the lungs are far more prevalent in Birmingham and the district than in other parts of England. As to Bir mingham, indeed, Dr• Greenhow, a medical inspector em ployed by the Privy Council, declares that "it presents ex amples of nearly ail the eviler which have been found to exist separately in each of the other manufacturing districts where inquiry relative to the causation of pulmonary diseases has been made." And the same authority alleges —no doubt with the most complete accuracy—that out of 35 workshops inspected, in 26 the persons employed had less breathing places allotted to them than is requisite even for a sleeping room. 500 cubic feet of air is necessary to health in a living-room ; yet hundreds of people, chiefly women and children, wore found working in rooms which contained only from 120 to 200 cubic feet of air for each per son. Well may Dr Greenhow say that it is difficult to trace the career of these poor creatures, because they cease to work, and so fall out of sight I Mr White supports this testimony by declaring that even in the best and most important manu factories in Birmingham very little attention is paid to suffi cient space, cleanliness, and ventilation. And, as to the mental condition of many of the working children, Mr White cites instances by the score—we might even say by the hundred —of boys and girls of 14 or 15 who can neither read nor write, and to whom " God, the _Bible, the Saviour, or a future state, are ideas entirely or all but unknown." MARCH. 12th—Inundation at Sheffield from bursting of reservoir during the night. 240 persons drowned and damage variously estimated from £500,000 to £2,000,000. 17th—Recovery of Confederate Loan, which was re c9ntly at 43, to 54, on news of various Federal revs rses. Premium on gold at New York 62 per cent., being higher than at any time during the preceding 12 months. Loan of £1,000,000 sterling in 7 per Cent, Bonds, at 88, for the Republic of Bolivia, introduced by the London and County Bank. Subsequently withdrawn owing to absence of subscriptions. APRIL. let—Business of Jones Lloyd and Co. transferred to the Lowlon and Westminster Bank. 4th—Venezuelan Loon of £1,500,000 Six per Cent. Stock, at 60 (or reckoning allowances at 55), introduced by Gene ral Credit Company, with security of export duties. 7th—Budget of Mr Gladstone. Surplus of past year £2,570,000. Income•tax lowered from 7d to 6d, involving sacrifice of £1,200,000. Duties on sugar reduced on an average one third, involving estimated loss of £1,330,000. Duty on Fire Insurance on stock in trade reduced 50 per cent. involving loss of £192,000. Minor charges, mainly affecting tea dealers and hawkers, removed to extent of £lO,OOO. Estimated surplus on the Ist of April, 1865, £238,000. . . . . 9th—Acceptancea of Mexican throne by the Archduke Maximilian of Austria. 11th—Swedish 4i per Cent. Loan of £2,223,000 intro duced by Messrs. Schroder and Co , at 92i, or 911, reckon ing allowances. Adjustment of Mexican Debt by acceptance of £1 lOs cash, and £47 10s Three per Cent. Stock for arrears of £3O interest. The annual dividends, both on old stock and new, to be secured by cash retention from new loan of £8,000,000, about to be contracted. Third anniversary of the outbreak of the Ameecan civil war. 13th—Amalgamation announced of Messrs. Masterman and Co. with Agra and United Service Bank. 16th—Proposals issued by Glyn and Co. and the Inter national Financial Society for Anglo-French 6 per Cent. Mexican Loan of £12;365,000, at 63, or 611 reckoning allowances. Proceeds of £4,365,000 of the bonds to be paid to the French Government. 17th-IZussian 5 per Cent. Loan for £6,000,000 at 85, introduced by Barings in London, and Hope and Co. in Amsterdam. Gold in the United States during this month touched 89 premium, or about 16 per cent. higher than had been pre. viously attained during the war. MAY. Ist—United States import duties increased 50 per cent for ensuing 60 days. New income tax adopted, increasing in proportion to wealth of payer, and not on a uniform per tentage. 2d—Bank discount raised to 8 per cent. 3d—Consols 901, on doubts as to results of Danish Con ference and arrangements for sending British fleet to the Baltic. 4th—Federal army under General Grant crossed the Rapidan for the capture of Richmond. Attacked by Gen. Lee on the following day, when continuous fighting followed for seven days, during which the Federal loss was variously reported to be from 40,000 to 80,000. 6th—Bank of England discount raised to 9 per cekt. For exceptional advances 10 per cent charged. 6th—Bank of France rate raised from 6 to 7 per cent, and again on the 9th to 8 per cent, 10th—Naval success of the Danes against the Austrian squadron of Heligoland. Agreement of London Conference for suspension of hostilities between Denmark and Germany for 30 days. 19th—Bank of England discount reduced to 8 per cent, and Bank of France to 7 per cent. 26th—Bank of England discount reduced to 7 per cent, and Bank of France to 6 per cent. JUNE. 16th—Bank rate of discount reduced to 6 per cent. 19th —Fight between the Alabama and Kearsage off Cherbourg, and sinking of the Alabama. 22d—Amalgamation of Glyn, Mills, and Co., with Curries and Co, 25th—Break •up of the London Conference on the Danish question, and failure of the efforts for peace ; Console, 89k. JULY. Ist—News of fresh Federal repulse at Petersburg, Vir ginia; gold at New York, 150 prem. 7th—Termination of debate on proposed vote of censure on Government on Danish Question; majority in favour of Government, 18. 14th—News of gold at New York having touched 280. Resignation of Mr Chase, the Secretary of the Treasury. A few days subsequently gold touched 285. 15th—Recovery in the Confederate Loan to 80, 20th—Suspension of East of England Bank at Norwich with liabilities for £600,000. In the liquidation it was found that besides losing their invested capital the shareholders would have to make up a deficiency of about £120,000. 2tth--Bank discount raised to 7 per cent. AUGUST. 3d—Reserve of notes at the Bank of England £4,892,785, being the lowest point touched since the panic of 1857. 4th—Bank rate of discount advanced to 8 per cent., and 81 and 9 per cent. charged for special advances. 17th—Confederate Loan at 8) ea news of defeat of Gen. Grant in his mining assault on Petersburg. SEPTEMBER. Bth—Bank of England discount advanced to 9 per cent. Consols 87—the lowest price touched since the panic of 1857, when they went to 86i, 9th—Bank of France rate advanced from 6 per cent. to 7. 10th—Interest on March Exchequer bills raised from 3 to 4 per cent. Confederate Loan, 85. 13th—Fall of the Mon Ministry at Madrid, including that of the Finance Minister, Senor Salaverris. 17th—Failure of the Leeds Banking Company, with liabilities for about £2,C60,000 or £3,000,000. OCTOBER. Ist—lnterest on India Bonds raised from 4 to 6 per cent. 17th—News of failure of banking and other establish ments at Rio de Janeiro to the amount of £11,000,000 sterling. 20th—Midi ling Orleans cotton which had stood at 31d. on the 2d of the preceding month, quoted 23d. Many small failures at Liverpool, Manchester, and elsewhere. 29th--News of new seizure by the Government of Vene zuela of the revenues hypothecated to the bondholders. NOVEMBER. 3d—Bank of France discount reduced to 7 per cent. 10th—Bank discount reduced to 8 per cent. 12th—Failure of Fox, Haliday, and Co., East Indir mer chants, for £1,900,000. 15th—Proposals issued by Messrs Fruhling and Goschen and Messrs Oppenheim for Egyptian Loan for £5,704,200 sterling in 7 per• cent. bonds, at 93, with interest from October 1, redeemable in 15 years. Instalments to ex tend to April 1, 1865. 21st—Agreement by Societe Generale Ottomans to ad vance £2,000,000 to Turkish Gevernment in instalments ending July next. ois security of tithe on wool. News of re-election of Mr Lincoln as P resident of United States. 14th.—Bank of England rate reduced to 7 per cent. Bank of France rate reduced to 6 per cent. 25th.—Danubian 7 per Cent. Lean for £916,000, intro duced by Messrs. Stern Brothers, at 86, instalments to ex • tend to April. 28th—Danish 5 per Cent Loan introduced by Messrs. Raphael and Sons, for £728,000, at 941, instalments to extend to February 15. DECEMBER. Bth—Bank of France discount reduced to 5 per cent—a lower point than at any previous time during the year. 12th—Montevidean loan of £1,000,000 sterling in 6 per Cent. Bonds, at 60, introduced to Messrs Marra, Macgregor, and Co, ; instalment extending to the 31st March, 1865. 15th—Bank discount reduced to 6 per cent. 22d—Bank of France discount reduced to 4f per cent. 28th—News of defeat of Confederates under Hood, at Nashville, and of sucesaful arrival of the Federal army under Sherman at Savannah. Fall of 7 per cent, in Con federate Loan, to 55. News also of order of General Dix, military commander of New York authorising Federal troops to violate the Canadian territory in pursuit of Con federates. FALL DOWN A PIT.—On Wednesday as a miner named John Starkey, was standing at the mouth of one of the pits at Gcscote Colliery, waiting for the skip to take him down, he accidentally fell head foremost down the shaft, a distance of 59 yards, and was killed on the spot, 123 i If i 115 14j i Business done RITIES. Death of Mr Bronterre O'Brien, The many friends of this gentleman in the north of England will regret to hear that he departed this life at his residence in London on Friday last. Mr O'Brien, who was an Irishman born, received his education at the famous Edgeworth Schools, where he achieved great distinction. He chose the legal profession as the one most suited to his talents, and while yet young was called to the bar. But the popular political movements of those days en grossed most of the time of the young lawyer, and he at last threw himself entirely into the troubled arena of politics. He entered ardently into the struggle against the fourpenny stamp upon news papers, and was editor of the Z toopenny Dispatch (unstamptd), which was published by the late Mr Henry Hetherington, in defiance of the autho• rities. The Dzspat:h every week contained stinging articles against the Government of the day from Mr O'Brien's pen, and we believe, along with many other gentlemen, he suf fered imprisonment at this period, for the deter mined manner in which he assailed the obnoxious stamp. The Government of that time, by the exer tions of men like Mr O'Brien, were obliged to con fess themselves beaten. The stamp on newspapers was reduced to one penny, and Mr O'Brien lived long enough to see the whole of the fiscal restric tions upon the newspaper press abolished. During the Chartist agitation of 1838.39, Mr O'Brien shared the leadership of the Chartists along with the late Mr Feargus O'Connor, and was one of the recognised heads of the " National Convention," He contributed very largely at this period to the newspaper press, and addressed meetings in every part of the country. He continued to take a pro minent part in public movements until 1848. and he was elected by one of the London districts a member of the Chartist Convention in that year. He took a marked stand at the meet ings of this body by deprecating all violence and advocating the desirability of respecting the law in their deliberations. Since that time Mr. O'Brien has contributed largely to the periodical press, but during the last two or three years his powers failed him, and he has now, at the ripe age of sixty-seven, gone to his peaceful rest. The de ceased gentleman was a classical scholar of no mean pretensions, and his scholarly and vigorous intel lect rendered him an effective champion of any cause which he undertook to serve. Amongst his unfinished works is a "Life of Robespierre," two thirds of which was published many years ago, in which, for the first time in English literature, the character of Robespierre was depicted as that of a worthy citizen, Mr. O'Brien taking much the same view of Robespierre's career as has been done since by M. Lemartine, G. H. Lewes, and M. Louis Blanc. Mr. O'Brien has left a widow to deplore his loss. His family are mostly engaged in profes sional pursuits, one of them being a young actor of considerable promise, who has worthily " won his spurs" on the stage.—Netveastle Chronicle. The Legal Vice-Consul for Egypt, (From the Law Times of 20-day.) The following address was presented to Albany Fonblanque, jun., Esq., our Legal Vice-Consul at Alexandria, on his departure after the abolition of that office : To Albany Foublanque, Esq., ILB.M. Legal Vice-Consul for Egypt. We, the undersigned British merchants and others resi dent within the jurisdiction of her Britannic Majesty's Consular Court of Egypt, have heard with regret that arrangements made by her Majesty's Government for the reconstruction of the legal departments in the Levant may lead to your transfer from Egypt to some other port. And we take this opportunity of expressing to you, on your departure, our thanks for your zealous endeavours during your residence amongst us to uphold the lawful interests of her Britannic Majesty's subjects, and of testifying our deep sense of the very upright, patient, able, and impartial manner in which you have performed the duties of a most difficult position. Owing to the great variety of conflicting interests in Egypt, the judge of her British Majesty's Consular Court is exposed to far greater embarrassments and difficulties than would be thought possible by those who do not know the country. With these we believe that you have most conscientiously struggled, and if you have been enabled to overcome them, we are convinced that the fault is not on your Bide. We do not desire to cast any reflections upon the manner in which justice was administered in Egypt previous to the establishment under your presidence of the British Consular Court ; but we deem it our duty to place upon record that the action of that court has been beneficial to the British community and honourable to the British name, Cases both civil and criminal have been regularly and speedily decided under a well-defined procedure, and with those safeguards for the liberty of the subject, and rules for the development of the real causes of dispute, which the wisdom of our Legislature has provided, and which are nowhere more required than in the country in which we live. Legal technicalities have not been unduly insisted upon, and principles of law of great value to a mercantile commu nity have been promulgated, We are sensible of your service to our community, and therefore, with all good wishes for your future prosperity, we beg that you will accept our sincere thanks for what you have done for us. _ _ (Here follow 44 signatures, comprising those of the repre• sentatives of every British firm in Alexandtia, with one single exception; of the principal advocates in practice at the British Consular Court; and of several other persons engaged in the commerce of Egypt.) MARKETS—This Day. CO VENT GARDEN. Our maiket is moderately supplied with fruit and vege. ,ables. The trada is tolerably firm at our quotations. FRUIT. S. d. s. d. Pine apples 8 0 to 10 0 Foreign do., each 0 0 to 0 0 Urapes,per lb 6 0 to 10 0 Foreign do. 0 0 to 0 0 Melons 0 0 to 0 0 Nectarines, per dz 0 0 to 0 0 Apples, per ht-sv. 2 0 to 3 6 Pears, per do Oranges, per 100..4 0 to 8 0 Lemons, per 100 3 6 to 7 0 Gooseberrieshi sveo 0 to 0 Strawberries pr pt 0 0 to 0 0 s. d. s d Mulberries,pr pt 0 oto 0 0 Cherries, per lb. 0 oto 0 6 Foreign ditto, puno oto 0 o Filberts, per lb .. 0 9to 1 0 Walnuts, per 100 1 oto 2 0 Cobnuts, per lb .. 0 oto 0 0 Almonds, per bus 0 oto 0 0 Figs, per doz. .•. . 0 oto 0 0 Peaches, per d 0... 0 oto 0 0 Currants, per h.sv 0 oto 0 0 Plums, per do. .. 0 oto 0 0 Damsons, pr d 0... 0 oto 0 0 VEGETABLES. Shallots, per lb .. 0 oto 0 0 Horseradish, pdu 1 oto 2 6 Parsley, per ditto 0 oto 0 0 Celery, per ditto 0 Bto 1 0 Beet, per doz. .. 0 oto 0 0 Parsnips, per do. 0 oto 0 6 Small salad, p. pn, 0 oto 0 0 Mushrooms, p pt. 0 oto 0 0 Artichokes, each 0 oto 0 0 Cos lett, score .. 0 oto 0 0 Mint and savory..o oto 0 0 Endive, per score 0 oto 0 0 Radishes, dz hnds 0 oto 0 0 Tomatoes, doz... 0 oto 0 Chillies, per ditto o oto 0 0 Capsicums, per do 0 oto 0 0 Rhubarb, per bun 0 oto 0 0 Asparagus, pr do. 0 0 to 0 0 Seakale, per bun. 2 oto 3 0 POULTRY. Greens, dz bunch 4 oto 5 0 Cabbages, pr doz 1 3to 2 0 Rad ditto 2 oto 3 6 Savoy do., pr dz 1 oto 2 0 1 3to 3 0 Cauliflowers, p dz Brocoli Potatoes, per ton 60 0 to 20 0 New ditto, pr cwt 0 oto 0 0 Turnips, dz bunch 2 0 to 3 0 Carrots,pr do 4 6to 5 6 , Cucumbers 0 oto 0 0 Garlic, per lb Sorrel, per sieve 0 oto 0 0 Green peas, h.-sv. 0 oto 0 0 k'rench beans,h.s. 0 oto 0 0 Onions, doz. bn.. 2 oto 2 6 New Do., dz bun 0 oto 0 0 Spinach 0 oto 0 0 Brussels sprouts 1 6So I 0 Turkeys, 58 Od to 188 Od ; geese, 5s Od to lOs Od each ; goslings, Os to Os Od ; ducks, 2s 9d to 35 6d; ducklings, Os Od to Os Od; rabbits, is 3d to 2s Od each; wild do., is to is 3d ; pigeons, Os 7d to Os 10d each ; Surrey fowls, lOs Od to 17s Od ; chickens, 58 to 95 Od ; barn door fowls, 4s 6d to 8s Cd ; capons, Os Od ,• hares, 4s Od to 4s 6d ; ptarmigan, 2s to Os Od each ; pbeasams, 4s Od to 4s 6cl ; partridges, 2s to 2s 6d ; woodcocks, 4s to Os Od; snipes, Od to is Od; :teal, Os Od to Os Od ; wild ducks, Os Od to 3s Od ; widgeons, 2s Od to Os Od; plovers, is Od to Os each; guinea fowls, Os Od to Os Od ; roasting pigs, Os Od to Os Od eac h; Ostend fresh butter, is 2d to is 3d ; English, is 3d to ls 6d per lb ; English eggs, 12s Od to —s Od ; French do., 8s 9d to lis Od per 100 ; leverets, 4s Od to Is Gd ; grouse, Os Od to Os Od. BILLING SGATB. Salmon, Os Od to Os Od ; trout, Od to Od ; eels, 8d to Is ; prawns, Os; pike, skate, sturgeon, and halibut, 6d per Ib ; turbots, 58 Od to 30s ; cod, 2s 6d to '2ls Od ; brills ' 2s 6cl to Os Od ; doroys, is Od to is Od ; mullets, Is Od to is Gd ; lobsters, is Od to 3s; crabs,6d to 2s Gd ; plaice and gurnets, Od to Os Od each; soles, is to 3s Od per pair; common oysters, 12s to 4cs ; natives, 90s to —s per bush. ' • whitings, 2s Od to 3s; haddocks, 3s 6d to 4s ; smelts, Os Od to Os Od; flounders, Os 01 per dozen ; mackerel, Os to Os per 120 ; fresh herrings, 8s to Os per 120 ; bloaters, Os to Os per 100 ; carp and tenon, Os Od to Os per brace. NEWPORT. Beef, from 2s lOd to 4a 6d ; mutton, 3s 6d to 4s 10d ; lamb, Oa Od to Os Od ; veal, 3s 8d to 4s 8d ; and pork, 6d to 43 8d per Sibs, by the carcase. WHITECHAPEL. Beef, from 28 101 to 4s 64 ; mutton, 38 8d to 4s 101 ; veal, 3s 81 to 41 81; ,and pork, 3s 64 to 4s 8d per Bibs, by the carcase. BREAD. The prices of wheaten bread in the metropolis are from 6id to 7d , of household do., 5d to 6d per 41b loaf. HIDES AND SKINS. Market hides, 561 b to 641 b, 21c1 to 3d ; 641 b to 721 b, 3 d to 3id ; 721 b to 801 b, 3d to aid ; 801 b to 881 b, 3id to d; 881 b to 961 b, 3d to 4 4d; .961 b to 1011 b, 3d to 4id ; 1041 b to 1121 b, 44d to sd. Horse hides, Os Od to lOs Od ; calf skins, light, 2s 6d to 4s Od ; full, 7s 6d to Os Od ; polled sheep, lOs 6d to 13s Od ; half-breds, 98 Od to lOs 6d; Downs, 7s Od to 8s Od; lambs, Os Od to Os Od. HAY MARKETS. - - - SMITIMELD.—Meadow hay, £4 4s to f 5 5s Od ; clover, £5158 to £6 6s Od; and straw, £1 83 to £1 12s per load. Trade film. CUMIERLAND—Meadow hay, £4 4s to £5 5s Od; clover, £5 Ss to £6 6e Od; and straw, £1 tis to LI 12e per load. An active demand, , N w...r•► THIRD EDITION. SUN OFFICE,. SEVEN O'CLOCK. HOLL ND. AMSTERDAM, DEC. 31, The Bank of Holland has reduced its rate of disc count from 6 to 51; per cent. INDIA AND CHINA MAILS. ALEXANDRIA, DEC. 27. The Messageries Imperiales steamer Moeris, with India and China mails, left here this morning, and may be expected at Marseilles early on the 2d. The CAmbodge, with the outward mails, left Sucz to-day. Opening of the Punjab Railway by the Viceroy of India►, (From Allen's India Mail.) A peculiar interest has been attached to the Punjab, or country of the Five Rivers, from the days of Alexander and Porus to our own times. It was the battle field on which the fate of empire has often decidcd, and the boundary of two opposing faiths, where the wild wave of the Ifsho medan invader from the North broke in vain for centuries against the stolid but rock-like superstition of the Hindoo. The country of the Five Rivers may well be considered the most important portion of Asia south of the Himalaya, not only in its political, but also in its commercial relations. Communicating on the east with the valley of the Ganges commanding on the west the passes into Persia and Affghanistan, it is the great bulwark of British India, be hind which all other provinces repose in safety, so long as it is impregnable. The Punjab, having by the Indus its communication open with the sea at Kurrachee, not only supplied the men, money, and munitions of war that enabled us to retake Delhi, but from the exuberant fertility of its extensive plains, it soon after fed, during the famine, the starving millions which had but recently been in rebellion against us. It has not only a population of 15,000,000, equal to that of England 20 years ago, immediately subject to our rule, and scattered over 100,000 square miles, but it con tains within its borders 7,000,000 of people owing fealty to native chiefs, covering nearly a similar area, and making the whole population, for whose peace and well-being the repre sentative of Queen Victoria is responsible, nearly the same in number as the present inhabitants of Great Britain. We have lately seen that this great and important province sent forth its thousands to greet its ancient ruler with, in the East, a rare enthusiasm, and that there was held at the ca pital, to honour in his person the majesty and power of England, such a durbar as had never before paid homage to any eastern potentate, the ambassadors of the remote Khan of Kokan coming a journey of three months' duration to sue for protection against the Russians, who had invaded their territory. The Punjab has made great progress dur _ _ _ ing the last few years. During the latter part of Lord Can ning's rule, and the short Viceroyalty which ended so sadly in the quiet Dhurmsala hills, a railway has linked Umritsur, the sacerdotal and commercial capital, with Lahore, the seat of government and residence of many of the chiefs. A few months more will see Lahore placed in railway connec tion with Mooltan, 220 miles away on the Chenaub. The city of Umritsur, with its dense population, is the greatest commercial emporium in Northern India. Its merchants have dealings with London, Paris, Constantinople,lspahan, Bokhara, Herat, Candahar, Cabul, and Chinese Tartary, and with all the chief towns in India. In India, as well as in Europe, the arrival of a great man is taken advantage of to give some eclat to the commencement or opening of railways • and as Sir John Lawrence had graced the inau guration of the Punjab Railway by turning the first sod several years ago, nothing could be more natural than that he should still further identify himself with this most im portant work by opening a large additional section of the line. The Punjab Railway is 252 miles in length, and ex tends from Umritsur to Mooltan ; and, with the Delhi Rail+ way, it constitutes the crown of that great steam arch, 2,200 miles in length, which will unite Calcutta, in the Bay of Bengal, with Kurrachee, on the Arabian Sea. The great Central Railway Station at Lahore, now rapidly approach ing completion, is one of the largest and most beautiful structures in India. It is a very picturesque building, with a style of architecture in the East suggestive enough, although it would in England be considered entirely out of place. It has been built so as to answer in some degree the purposes of a fortress should the occasion arise, as well as of a railway station—and its massive walls, pierced with loopholes for musketry, flanked by bombproof towers, and crowned by minarets, would give it the appearance of some mediaeval castle, were it not for the evident newness of the materials with which it is built. Here,in time of danger, the European community could retire, and defend both them• selves and the railway against the enemy. Holding the command of this great central station would go a long way to keep open the communications both with Umritsur and Mooltan. On Feb. 8, 1859,the present Viceroy and Governor General of India, then Lieut. Governor of the Punjab,turned the first sod of the Punjab Railway, in presence of a vast as- sembly of the native nobility, and with every circumstance calculated to make the ceremonial impressive. Although the heavings of the mutiny had hardly subsided, Sir J. Law rence th n predicted the success of the railway, saying that "few railways in India will have been undertaken under happier auspices•" On March 1,1862, Sir R. Montgomery, the Lieutenant-Governor of the Punjab, opened the first section of the railway, 32 miles in length, which planed La- hore and Umritsur in railway communication. That occa sion Sir It. Montgomery characterised as a great day for the Punjab—a now era. Another link," he said, " has been added to the great highway between Kurrachee, the sea port of North Western India, and Umritsur," and he ex pressed his conviction " that not only India in general will undergo a complete change through the earliest possible completion of the railway system, but that more especially the various nations and races of the Punjab, as well as the semi-barbarous tribes that girdle its frontier, will all the sooner succumb to its civilising influence, if we be permitted augur such a result from the witness we have had on the late opening of the line to Umritsur, and almost daily since, of the excited demeanour, and the unhesitating though wonder-struck submission (tendered as to a superior power or race of men, against whom, in future, it would be vain to contend) which the crowds of natives of all classes then exhibited." A Brahmin, on that occasion, looking at a locomotive, remarked, that " all the incarnations of all the gods in India never produced such a thing as that." On the 19th October last, the day after having held the grand durbar at Lahore, Sir John Lawrence inaugurated the open ing of the line from Lahore to Mooltan in the presence of the chief civil and military authorities of India, and of many of the native princes, who had the day before assembled in durbar to pay him, as the representative of the Queen, a willing and loyal homage. Sir John was well satisfied with the section of the railway which he opened. and spoke of the great things that were to be expected from it and other lines in India, both politically and commercially. The next day the Maharajah of Cashmere, the heir apparent, and suite went by special train over part of the line, his highness rid ing some distance on the locomotive, en route to his own do minions, and giving convincing proof that although he had never seen a railway or a locomotive before, he well under stood their mechanism and uses.! The Maharajah is well known for his courtesy and princely hospitality to all who visit his beautiful valleyfor health or recreation, and received from all the authorities the most marked attention. His Highness derived much gratification from the short excur sion on the railway, and placed in the hands of his honour, the Lieutenant Governor, 2,500 Its as a gratuity for the ems ployes on the line. After the official opening by the Gover nor G metal of this, the first section of the line from Lahore towards Mooltan, the Punjab Railway Company, to cele• brate the event, entertained at dinner, with good old Eng, lish fare, in one of the passenger waiting rooms at Lahore, a magnificent apartment 80 feet in length, 120 of their Euro pean employes. An eyewitness remarked, " The durbar at which the viceroy received 600 princes and chiefs in a splen did tent, pitched on a vast plain, was doubtless a magnifi cent sight, but we regarded the assembly of 100 hard handed plain English mechanics, in an ordinary railway waiting room erected in the ancient Sikh capital as far more curious and suggestive, and one calculated to excite emo tions of a more pleasurable nature. The one was a mer e pageant, representative of the barbaric splendour of th e dark ages, while the other was the living embodiment of progress and enlightenment. We cannot better conclude this notice than by adopting the words of Mr R. Temple, late commissioner of Lahore, on the occasion of the first sod of the railway being turned by Sir John Lawrence, when Mr Temple alluded to the services of the chairman of the company in the following eloquent terms : —" Mr Andrew has, by his enterprise and spirit as a public man, and by his talents as an author, largely contributed to the great undertaking of which we have this day celebrated the commencement. It is not very long since doubts were, in many quarters, entertained as to the practicability of this railway. It was thought that the line through a great portion of its distance traversed a desert; that the port of Kurrachee could never compete with Bombay; that the Central Asian truffle with North Western India could not be attracted to the route of the Indus. But Mr Andrew showed with descriptive eloquence, with static , tical accuracy, with local information. gathered from va rious sources, that Kurrachee and the Indus are to North- Western India what Calcutta and the Ganges are to Bengal; that Kurrachee can compete with Bombay; that all the traffic from the Junona westward will find its natural outlet by the Indus; that the line, though for some distance pass ing through uninhabited cotyotry, has yet important ter mini at both extremities, which are indeed the centres of a mighty trade. Now rea dy, G. SIIELTON ' S Derby Guide, lts. G. H. Glenie, Sporting Library, Connaught-terrace, Hyde-park ; Sunday Times Office, Fleet-street; and all agents. Purcv OYfr. SIIILLIXG.—Nimrod's (Editor of the T ur t") " Analysis of the Derby, Two Thousand, and Oaks;" together with a copious index of dates et the most remarkable racing occurrences.--" Turf " Office, 3, Shoe-. lane, Fleet-street; and Glenie's Sporting Library, Con.. naught. terrace, Hyde-park, W. f f ,073• arty I, of. ;dal 180 r get ; Emma W ith t hat abl99 ;pCC 4 .0 en" ;„ of wee► a rtilii 3, 0 ' 4 ertOn MEN 10u 100 100 100 100 100 157 6& 79k f 122 } 45 / 851 looi 851 1