The Sun. — London, England, 1854-02-23 00:00:00

EASTERN UNION. The report of the directors of this company states, that the working of the lines during the past half-year has been productive of the largest income yet realised in any former half-year, being upwards of 11 per cent., over the corres ponding period of 1852, and nearly 15 per cent. over the corresponding period of 1851. From the unfortunate hos tility which existed with the Eastern Counties Company coupled with the advance of wages, and of the cost of ma terials, together with the cost of the steam-boat service, this increase of receipt has been more than counterbalanced by an increase of working expenditure. The agreement with the Eastern Counties and Norfolk Company has been scaled and is now in full operation ; the whole of the company's lines being worked by the Eastern Counties Com pany under the deed of arrangement entered into between the two companies, and by which the future working expenses will be limited to 46 per cent, on the proportionate receipts payable to this• company. The Waveney Valley Railway branching from the Eastern Union line at livetshal to Har leston and Bungay, is promoted by an independent pro prietory, towards which the landowners of the neighbour hood have largely contributed. It is now about to be commenced under a satisfactory arrangement, sanc tioned by the Eastern Counties Company. The works on the Harwich line are proceeding satisfactorily, the whole of of the land required for its construction is now in the hands of the company, and its opening in the course the summer may be relied upon. The directors have resolved to recom mend the shareholders, at the next half-yearly meeting, to fix the salary of the secretary at 5001. per annum, commencing from the let inst., in consideration of his past and present services, and they do not entertain a doubt of their recom mendation meeting with the approval of the shareholders. Mr. P. Bruff, the engineer, states in his report, that, not withstanding the difficulties with which the com pany have been surrounded, their servants have conducted the traffic of the line, from its first opening in June, 1846, to the close of 1853, efficiently and safely, without a single casualty having occurred by which either a passenger has been injured or the property of the company destroyed. This result he attributed almost wholly to the good conduct of the servants on the line. The total amount of capital authorised is 2,996,6661., including 686,6661. on loan. The amount of shares issued is 1,690,4751., and of loans, raised, 619,878/. ; together, 2,310,3531. The receipts on capital account amount to 2,199,0571., and the expenditure to 2,189,4901., leaving a balance of 9,5671. The revenue account for the half-year ending the 31st of December shows that 70,7901. had been received, and 42,7341. expended, leaving a balance of 28,0551. SUNDERLAND DOCK. The half-yearly meeting of this company was held at Sun derland on Tuesday ; Mr. George Hudson, M.P., in the chair. The report stated that the revenue account showed an in crease of gross income over the corresponding period of 1852 to the extent of 2,891/. ; making the gross re3eipts of the past half-year amount to 9,259/. ; deducting from which the working expenses and interest of borrowed capital leaves 4,2411. at the disposal of the shareholders, enabling them to declare a dividend at the rate of 31. per cent. per annum, with a surplus of 3221. to be carried to the next half year. Since last meeting the Marquis of Londonderry has constructed a line of railway between Seabam harbour anil Ryhope; and his lordship has since determined to form a continuation of the same line to the docks of this company, and has entered into arrangements with the directors for the shipment of at least from 70,000 to 80,000 chaldrons of coals not hitherto shipped at Sunderland. To meet the anticipated augmentations of traffic, the directors have ordered the remaining jetties for drops to be fitted up, so that they may be prepared to ship an increased quau tity of coals. When these are completed, there will be 15 drops in operation, capable of shipping 450,000 chaldrons per annum. The directors, in pursuance of the powers given to them by the shareholders at the extraordinary general meeting held on the 4th of August last, have allotted 8,949 preferential shares among the proprietors, as well as to .per sons not holding original shares, leaving 3,051 shares un allotted. From the advanced state of the works of the sea outlet, the directors fully expect that it will be opened during October next, by which ships will be enabled to pass in and eut, from and to the sea, during the ensuing winter, when it is impossible for vessels to do so from the river. The CHAIRMAN, in moving the adoption of the report, made a few remarks upon the great progress which had been made in completing the works, a progress which he wished had also been made in the dividend, though, as a large proprietor, he had not expected more. Looking, however, at the prosperous eondition of the shipping, and the advance that the directors had made in the charge for the delivery of ballast, the ar lau° Preents they had completed with several large colliery rS for the shipment of the produce of their col lieriese from the dock, the increase of their general traffic, and the prospect of a speedy opening of the southern out let, w h i & ii would complete one of the most extensive mar ine wor ks in the world, he thought they had laid a solid ivat or . increased dividends, and for carrying out their The undertak in gm ayft t o a snccessful issue. holders to th SUNDERLAND drew the attention of the share. e necessity of proceeding to erect a graving dock. At the present ti vessels built uponre for want of such accommodation, new pool, Hull, and evene Wear had t o be sent to Shields, H ar tl e - The Cnammax .d u th far as London to be coppered. to make a dry do ck f directors had determined that day forthwil2,oool.th. It was es ti ma t e d t o cos t f rom said he had also received a letter that day from the Hetton to ship coal in the deck. C ompany signifying their inten tionA general conversation took e P x la ce ce . upon the accounts. Mr. Johnson complained m nf r. th u e ndsoi s i sive law costs in pro curing the new bills. rthe rssing private bills caused by the shameful fees charged in aajd • it was mainl y through the house. Mr. Johnson fu pooo d excessive ma nner in which the dock w as r_rartaete comp i l r ained of t He consi ho dered that for th e town to charge a s rePehroledeenrts.. upon the profits was to victimise th e di stant The report was th en adopted. .1 dividend of 3 per cent. was declared, an d the directors I were authorised to rai se 50 , 0001. on loan or mortgage . The meeting then separated. RAILWAY BILLS ON STANDING ORDERS, Yesterday the Select Committee on Standing Orders came to the following decisions orders ought to be dispe nse d Cornwall.—That the standing with. Irish South-Eastern. --That the standing orders ought " not " to be dispensed with. Bagnalstown and Wexford —That the standing orders ought " not " to be dispensed with. Caledonian..--It appeirs the directors of this company have resolved to recommend a dividend on the ordinary stock of the company for the past half-year at the rate of 3 p er cent. per annum, leaving a balance of 2,400/. for the next account. THE SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 23, 1864. e ugers from that source, and he hoped the evil would be re medied on the Blackwall line. (Hear.) The CHAIRMAN said the sug gestion of the hon. proprietor should receive every attenti on from the board and the o ffi cers Of the company. Resolutions were passed adoping the report, declaring a dividend of 4s. per share for the half-year, and re-electing the retiring directors. The proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks to the chairman and directors. YORK AND NORTH MIDLAND. The half-yearly meeting of this compaliw;; held on Fri day at York, Mr. H. S. Thompson in the chair. The CHAIRMAN, in moving the adoption of the report, said that Mr. Hudson had signed, sealed, and executed the neces sary deeds, and deposited the securities referred to in the re port for the payment of the 51,0001. He was glad to say that the Victoria Dock branch at Hull would be completed for 66,0001., being 5,0001. under the original estimate of 70,0001. With regard to the working arrangement with the York, New - castle, and Berwick and Leeds Northern Companies, the re sult was as good as could he expected. During the last few years the dividends had steadily increased, and he hoped they would continue to do so more rapidly than keretofore, Resolutions were passed adopting the report, and declaring a dividend for the half-year, at the rate of 3 per cent. per an num. The retiring auditor was re-elected, and the allowance for that service was fixed at 1201. per annum. A vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the proceed • YORK, NEWCASTLE, AND BERWICK. The half-yearly meeting of this company was held at York on Friday ; Mr. J. Pulleine in the chair. The report, an abstract of which has appeared in The Sun, was taken as read. Th e ci nammsn, i n mov ing the 'adoption of the report, en tered at some length into the prospects of the company, and the advantages of the working arrangement with the York and North Midland and Leeds Northern Companies. He was happy to inform the proprietors that the directors were in a position to pay a dividend at the rate of 4 per cent. per an num for the half-year, which was the highest di v id en d t h at had been paid since the present board came into office. He concluded by moving the adoption of the repor t , wh i ch was seconded by the Lord Mayor of York. Mr. WATlLliiiit moved an amendment, to the effect that the portion sf the report relating to the docks at Jarrow Slake be not approved. Mr. MITCMILL seconded the amendment. A long discussion ensued, which resulted in the amend ment b e i ng negatived by a large majority, and the report wa T p - adoted. , s he dividend for the half-year; at the rate of 4 per cint per annum, was declared, and after some formal resolutions the meeting separated. BANBRIDGE, NEWRY, DUBLIN, , AND BELFAST The first ordi JUNCTION. . • naz7 meeting of this company was held on Wednesday, at Banbridge, to consider 'the report of the directors, which stated that the act , incorporating the com pany had received the Royal assent in August last.. The amount received on shares to the 31st of December was 2,1861., and the expenses were I,294l.—leaving a balanse of 8911. The report was adopted; the retiring directors were re elected, and, after other formal resolutions, the meeting separated. MADRAS. The half-yearly meeting of this company was held on Mon day at the offices, New - Broad-street; Colonel D. Sim in the chair. • The Secretary - then' read the report. '.• , The CHAIRMAN; in moving the' adoption of the report, said he bad no doubt that the 5,550 shares which had been sent out to India would be taken up at Madras anduther places. The present depression in the price of shares would only be tem porary,' as the dividends would always he paid regularly. The capital 0f1,000,0001. would - be increased by.the bill now be fore Parliament in order to carry out the'contract with the Go vernment. The works were progressing 'satisfactorily; . about 25 miles in length of the first section were nearly ready for the rails, and the works 'on ' the next 50 miles will be com menced immediately. The engineer-in -chief had gOne to in spect the course of the extension line and - a portion, of the Malabar coast, with a view to ascertain the best'plaC'e for .the terminus. Labour was cheap and abundant,' and the works on the first 25 miles, including earthworks, briakes,Ate:, ei elusive of chairs and rails, were executed at the sniall:cost of 1,0001. per mile.' • Ho concluded by moving the adoption of the report. ' Captain BARBER said he concurred in . every word the 'chair-. man had stated with 'regard • to 'the • construction of the line' and the 'value of the railway as an investment..' Heethit 4 . plairied that 'he had Only received a, small portioit'Of the . I.ds he bad applied for; and that afterwards it appeared thbY ha;-1" been allotted to'others;nitliough ‘ he' had offered 'to take all the shares that might be allOtted . to him. ' • • V The Cnenuthe said . lie should have bad them; but they were' not,offered a second time to the shareholders. ' , • •: • ' Captain Reainza said, the secretary was aware that he would Have taken them had they been allotted to , ' In reply to a, question, it was Stated that the first cargo of rails had arrived in India, but the great difficulty Was.tolet ships to take the remainder out. The locomotive stock hid been ordered, and was in 'course of construction. ,Tfie 5,550 shares were sent out by the mail of the 20th November kit, and bad arrived safe. The report was adopted, and` the retiring directors and auditors were re-elected. A vote of thanks to the chairmaa concluded the pro ceedings. THEA. fltE ROYAL DRURY LANE. Lessee, Mr. E. T. Smith. THIS EVENING, Fia. 23, Will to performed THE BEGGAR'S OPERA. Characters by Vessrs. A. Yonne, Erser, and Sidney; Miss Featherstone, Miss M. Stanley. Alter which, MY MAN TOIL To conclude with KING HIIMMINGTOP ; or, Harlequin and the Land of Toys. THEATRE ROYAL, HAYMARKET. ender the management of Mr. Rockstone THIS EVENING; FEB. 23, Will be performed a new comic drama, called RINELAGII. Characters by Messrs. Vandenhoff, W. Farren, and Backstone ; Mi.ss Reynolds, Mrs. Fitzwilliam, To be followed by A PRETTY PIECE OF BUSINESS. After which, the Grand CHRISTMAS PANTOMIME, called HARLEQUIN AND THE THREE BEAII 4, ; or, Little Silverhair and the Fairies. Columbine, Miss M. Brown; Harlequin, Mr. J. 'Afars/tall; Pantaloon, Mr. W. A. Barnes; Clown, Mr. H. Marshall. ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE, OXFORD-STREET. Under the Management of Mr. CuAnus KERN. THIS EVENING, FEB. 23, Will be performed THE CORSICAN BROTHERS. Principal character by Mr. C. Kean. After wkich will be presented the new Grand CHRISTMAS PAN TOMIME, entitled HARLEQUIN AND THE MILLER AND HIS MEN; or, King Salamandar and the Fairy of the Azure Lake. Harlequin, Mr. Cormack ; Clown, Mr. Huline ; Pantaloon, Mr. Paulo; and Columbine, Mies Desborough. LYCEUM THEATRE. iTnder the Management of Madame Vestris. THIS EVENING, FEB. 23, Will be performed A BACHELOR OF ARTS. Characters by Messrs. C. Matthews, F. Matthews, and Baker; Miss F. Hughes. After which, the original Fairy Extravaganza, called ONCE UPON A TIME THERE WERE TWO KINGS. Principal cha racters by Mr. Eoxby and Madame Yestris. To conclude with PATTER VERSUS CLATTER. THEATRE ROYAL ADELPHI. Proprietor, Mr. B. Webster.—Directress, Madame Celeste, THIS EVENING, FEB. 23, Will be presented the highly Popular New Nautical Melo-drama in five tableaus, with new scenery, the Sea of Ice, &c., new dresses and appointments, called TILE THIRST OF GOLD; or, rpiE . LOST SHIP AND THE WILD FLOWER OF MEXICO. Principal characters by Messrs. B. Webster, Keeley, Paul Bedford, Madame Celeste, &c. To conclude with TilE SERIOUS FAMILY. ROYAL OLYMPIC THEATRE. Lessee and Manager, Mr. A. Wigan. THIS EVENING, FEB. 23. Will be performed THE FIRST NIGHT. Characters by Messrs. Alfred Wigan, Leslie, Franks, Harwood Cooper, and Vincent ; Miss P. Horton, and Miss Wyndham. .To, conclude with THE LOTTERY TICKET. Characters by Messrs. Emery, Vincent and F. Robson; and Mrs. Chatterley. Followed by THE W t.NDERING MINSTREL. STRAND THEATRE, So/e LeS9BO, Mr. F. W. Alleroft.—Directress, Misa Rebecca Dawes TFIIS EVENING, FEB. 23, Will be presented (third time) "NO IRISH NEED APPLY." After which, SKETCHES IN INDIA; or, Stage Struck. To be followed by STATE SECRETS; or, The Irish Ambassador. Stalls,' 58.; Boxes, 35. ;' Pit, Is. 6d; Gallery, .3(1. ; Private dome', 1 6d., to be had of Mr. Allcroft, 15, New Bond-street. ASTLEY'S EUROPE'S NATIONAL AMPHITHEATRE. • . Lessee and Atanager, Mr. William Cooke. , - Positively THE LAST FIVE NIGHTS of the Performing Ele : plants previous to their departure for Paris. Ineroased novelty and combination of ,Attractions. In addition to the Wonders' of the present age—the Performing Elephants—first time, • a new grand Equestrian, Spectacle, entire change in the Scenes of the Arena, and the successful Pantomime. THIS EVENING, FEE. 23, (And during the week) Wid be presented, with new scenery, and costumes and appoint ments, an entirely new grand and romantic Hippo-drams, written expressly to .introduce Mr. W. Cooke's pet steed, Beauty, (pin pcsely trained by, him) and entitled THE WOODMAN'S HORSE ; or, The False Knight. • To'be succeeded by THE WISE ELEPHANTS OF THE EAST, or THE , MAIiIC GONG. Followed by Str. W. Cooke's Matchiesti Scenes of the CIRCLE. • To conclnde. vrith the Grand . Comic Pantomime of BILLY 14 I.ll' TONS r,JI)pIiNEY TO, BEENTFORD ; or, Harlequin and the Ladies' FavOtirite. • Box-office open from Eleven till Four: Stale Manner, Mr. W West. 1:101=1„ ,WATER AT LOND BIUDGF. Tan • DAY r—Morning , 55 min.after 9 1 Evening 42 min.eft. 10 . 10-MOREoWk—r ofaag, 30 min.aftet 11 1 Evening 0 min.sft 0 LIIE WEATII:IO..—STIN OFFIca, FEB. 23. • • • •THERMQIIRTER, IN THE SIIADE. 50 -highest since noon yesterday. 40.—lowest this morning and during the night. 49—this day at noon. • ' • BAROMETER, 30'47. WIND, N.lf.W.—Light breeze, and fine, sunshiny weather.. Wq,had some rain in the night. ~.,4 : - 4. ... - if 0 : t o t , , r( 7 1 ) 9 , R , -7 --- ; :iii= 'O4 .1‘;.. - oili: „-,444,v b , ",.., . . __ , --,..., British and Gallic defenders of Ottoman in dependence. Nevertheless, in spite of all these specious assurances, the two chief Powers of the German Confederation persist in evincing a re luctance to join cordially and practically with the more resolute allies of the Sultan ABD UL-MEDJID. Such is still, therefore, the uncertainty in this respect, continuing to em barrass the already sufficiently complicated situa tion of Christendom. For which, of course, the Cabinets of St. James's and the Tuileries have reason to be marvellously grateful to those of Potsdam and Schoenbrunn ! The Navy Estimates were virtually carried when the first vote for the number and pay of the men passed unanimously on Monday. When Parliament sanctioned the addition of ten thou sand seamen and three thousand marines to our maritime forces, it at the same time, to all intents and purposes, pledged itself to do everything that was necessary to render the new forces efficient— to make those who had voluntarily entered into the service of their country as comfortable as the peculiar nature of their employment and the circumstances of the case would admit. The amount of pay and rations, the quantity and quality of the food provided, are all dis tinctly specified. Each man knows accurately to what he is entitled, and no representative of the people would for a moment think of defrauding the national defenders, who render efficient ser vices for the claims put forward on their behalf. Besides, now that the press-gang is no longer tole rated, that compulsory service has been officially abandoned, it is essential that we should hold out every possible inducement to tempt well-qualified and competent volunteers to come forward. A further application may, and very probably will, be requisite in order to obtain the means of offering bounties to experienced seamen, and that could not be refused when the original vote for the number of men passed without any decided opposition. The other items, with some few exceptions, are, however, still open to comment, and it is to the matters comprised therein that the promised state ment of the First Lord of the Admiralty will be directed. Of course, there will be some of the " Establishment" expenses that necessarily follow the vote for men. Suitable stores will be indis pensable ; a certain portion of the materiel must depend on the personnel, if we desire to have the matter properly and judiciously carried out. But, with these exceptions, the advent of war, in place of removing the necessity for a stringent investigation into the expenditure, renders it even more indispensable. Many unnecessary items might be smuggled in and passed under the loyal excitement of the moment, and the desire as well to enable the Government to carry on hostilities vigorously and efficiently, as to prevent the pos sibility of resorting to the excuse that they had been thwarted by the popular branch of the Legislature, and were, therefore, obliged to re sort to further diplomatic measures. But, in pro portion as everything really essential should be cor dially granted, so should other matters be strictly scrutinised. This is no time for jobs ! We are not now to try experiments, to cut down, lengthen, or construct useless vessels. There will be ample •ccupation for the different dockyards without going out of the way to find work. The non-effective branches, too, must be closely investigated, and reduced to the utmost extent, consistent with the integrity and the honour of the country. The national faith may to a cer tain extent be pledged to the recipients of pay or pensions, and GOD forbid that, for a moment, it should be called in question. We would not hare our liberality impeached wherever efficient services have been rendered. We would afford am ple compensation, letting every man enjoy the rewards which he had merited. Nor would we dispense the national bounty with a niggard hand to the surviving relatives, the widows and orphans of those who had spent their lives in the faithful discharge of their public duties. If we desire to be well and efficiently served by our officers, we should show that we appreciate, and handsomely recompense the services of their pre decessors. But, in doing so, we should, as far as practicable, prevent that liberality from being abused. We should take oare that the promo tions had in every instance been deserved, and that the number of Flag-officers and Post-captains should be in some degree proportioned to the exi gencies of the case. We do not say that every man borne on the lists should necessarily be em ployed. A reserve would be indispensable. Age and infirmity might paralyse the energies of men who had richly merited their honours and their rank, and who, when appointed, were well qualified to discharge all the duties incidental thereto. But there are palpable absurdities connected with the system of promotion to the higher positions in the Service. If a second NELSuN should haply arise—if the highest possible qualifications were shown by any Captain—he could not be promoted to a command. By inflexibly following a routine system, we maybe obliged to add to the list a person who would never be called on to serve, and who, while nominally placed on the active list, was really shelved for life. On the other hand, a man in the full vigour of intellect, competent in every re spect for the most arduous and trying employ ments, may be forced on the retired list while actually serving, and within a few months of hav ing conformed to the regulations arbitrarily fixed. Let us avoid increasing the dead weight as far as practicable. Let no man capable of serving be forced on the retired list, while many still among the nominally active may very judiciously be placed in honourable retirement, so as to make way for others capable of discharging their duty if called on for the purpose. It is now the time par excellence for revising and modifying the rules as to promotion to the higher offices of the Navy, so as to render our Admirals really efficient, and to make rank the reward for really distinguished services, and not for aristocratic connexions or Parliamentary influence. Nothing could afford a more salutary stimulus to the officers to whose charge the honour and safety of the country is about to he confided than the knowledge that unquestionable merit would meet with an imme diate reward from a grateful country. LYCEUM THEA.TRE.—We have been informed that her Majesty and his Royal Highness Prince Albert, intend honouring the Lyceum Theatre with their presence this evening. DEPARTURE OF THE COURT FOR OSaORNE.—Her Ma jesty the Queen, the Prince Consort, and the Royal children, are expected to proceed to Osborne Palace on the 9th proximo. His Ottoman Majesty's daughter, we hear, has been ,just affianced to Dali Ghalet Pacha, son of Reshid Pacha. The marriage will be celebrated with great pomp on the Ist of May. The Earl and Countess Howe and the Ladies Curzon, who are staying at Gopsal Hall, come to Curzon House, South Andley-street, the second week in March, for the season. The Dowager Lady St. John Mildmay has arrived in Grosvenor-street, from Dogmersfield-park, near Win chester. Lord and Lady Ashburton have left Bolton -street for the Grange, sear Alresford, Hants. The Lord Mayor entertained, last evening, in the Egyptian Hall, a large party of gentlemen connected with the colonial interests of the city of London. Covers were laid for 100, and the entertainment was on the same style of magnificence by which all his former din ners at the Mansion-house have been distinguished. GRAND BANQUET AT THE MANSION-HOUSE TO THE OFFICERS ABOUT TO GO ON FOREIGN SERVICE. —The Lord Mayor is about to invite Lord Raglan, his Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge, and the other distin guished officers of both services who are ordered to em bark on foreign service, to a splendid banquet at the Mansion-house. It is rumoured that his Royal High ness Prince Albert may honour the entertainment with his presence. Yesterday, a Court of Directors was held at the East India House, when the Right Hon. Lord Harris was appointed governor of Madras. CHINA.—The Torrent, an American vessel, has arrived off Falmouth, from Sbanghai, bringing a valuable cargo of tea and silk. PASSENGERS' BAGGAGE,--The arrangement which has been.adopted at some of the dock establishments for the reception of duties at the respective baggage warehouses, instead of requiring it to be done at the Custom-house in Thames-street, has been very generally availed of, and given much satisfaction ; and it is probable that this im proved arrangement will be permanently adopted, and ultimately extended to the whole of the dock establish ments in the port of London. ON Y "IA it K AND COM ME.RCIAL INTELLIGENCE, CITY, TWO O'CLOCK. The sales of cotton at Liverpool yesterday were estimated at 5,000 bales, of which 500 American and 200 Surat were taken for export and on specu lation. The market closed very heavily. Compared with Friday's rates, prices of American were tend ing downwards. The sales comprised 3,500 Ame rican, 200 Pernam and Maranham at 6id. to 7id., 200 Bahia at 6id. to eid., 300 Egyptian, at 61d. to Bd., 600 Surat, at 3d. to 4d., and 20 Sea Islands at ls. 2d. to ls. 6d. per lb. Railway Shares were firm. The official returns relating to trade and navi gation for the month and 12 months endin g Jan. 5, 1854, have been published. From these it ap pears that the total declared value of exports from the United Kingdom for the month was 6,572,7911., being an increase of 423,3771. compared with those of the like month in 1853. For the year there is shown an augmentation of 15,982,2401. For the month the increase is perceptible in the beer and ale, coals and culm, cotton manufactures, cotton yarn, haberdashery and millinery, hard ware and cutlery, leather, machinery, metals, re fined sugar, and woollen yarn, but there was a falling off in butter, linen manufactures, linen yarn, silk manufactures, thrown silk, and woollen manufac tures. The importations of the principal articles were larger for the month this year, as respects live animals, coffee, wheat, oats, Indian corn, flour, cotton yarn, cochineal, flax, currants, guano, hemp, opium, rice, cinnamcn, cloves, tallow, tea, and sheep and lambs' wocl. There was a diminution compared with the same month last year in indigo, raisins, mahogany, olive oil, saltpetre, cassia lignea, pimento, pepper, rum, brandy, unrefined sugar, tobacco, and wine. The shipping accounts exhibit a decrease in the amount of tonnage employed in the foreign trade of the United Kingdom for the month, of 21,680 tons for the entries inwards, but an increase of 10,491 tons for the clearances outwards. In the coasting trade for the month, 132,293 tons more were employed than in the correspond ing month of 1853 for the entries inwards, but a decrease of 209,883 tons in the clearances outwards. The following list of passengers, per Great Britain steamer, may be interesting to parties con nected with the colonies "FROM SYDNEY.—Mrs. Chambers ; Mrs. James S. Walker, three children, and servant ; Mr. George Wil kie, lady, and three children ; Messrs. Alex. Warrand, John J. Howell, J. M. Burke, Henry Reynolds, Mrs. L. Reynolds, Mr. Robert Jones, Mr. George Keary and lady, Mr. Scott and lady, Mrs. Turnbull, Mrs. Veitch, Mr. J. Raephel, Mrs. Joyner. " FROM MELBOURNE.—Messrs. James Winter, A. W. Critchley, Geo. Birnie, Thos. Edens, A. M. Edwards, Wm. Hellicar, Robert Ford, J. Ford, Naomi Ford, S. Poult, J. Board, Mr. T. Waller, infant, and two ser vants ; Mr. Henry Ginn, lady, four children, and ser• vant ; Rev. Joseph Docker and Mrs. Docker, Mr. and Mrs. Goodson, Mr. Parker and lady, Mr. Geo. Brown and lady, Miss Brown. Mr. K. 'Walker, lady, and three children ; Mr. Henry Thompson, Mr. Carbis and lady, Mr. J. Quirshani and lady, Messrs. Chas. Nicholls, Abra ham Jagee, R. M'Cord, J. G. Gilmour, H. Gilmour, T. Floyd, Mr. E. Williams and lady, Capt. M'Gregor and lady, Messrs. John Heming and C. Oleson ; Mr. Dawson, lady, and child ; Messrs. John Dawson, James Dawson, John Haydan, Chester Babit, H. S. Loveland, J. Da.nt ziger, B. Isaacs, Charles Braid ; Mr. Wright and lady, Mr. John Pauling ; Mr. Deutch, lady, and two chil dren ; Messrs. M. Davis and A C. Swift ; Mrs. St. Clair; Messrs. S. Benjamin, Samuel Oran, John Wil liams, J. M. Bryant, John Prescott, Edward Turner, R. Carlton, C. Walsh, and J. Ross ; Mr. Henry By water and lady, Mr. Geo. Freer, Mr. Hutley and lady, Mr. Martin and lady." The Great Britain also brought 87 third-class passengers. At the Newport, Abergavenny, and Hereford Railway, Company's half-yearly meeting, held this morning, the chairman, the hon. Mr. Fitzmaurice, stated his belief that the line could be finished for 16,0001. per mile, a satisfactory price, considering the Taff Vale paid 71 percent.upon a cost of 23,0001. The large balance of the Newport and Abergavenny Company is out at 1 per cent. interest. The re port was adopted, and power was given to the di rectors to raise an additional 44,0001. when re quired. There has been very little alteration since last week in the quotations of American securities. Pennsylvania 5 per Cents. of February and August are 79 to 82. Ohio Sixes of 1870 are 104 to 105, and United States Fives 981 to 99/. These are the prices given by Messrs. D. Bell, Son, and Co. There has been a very buoyant market for Eng lish securities, and a rise of 1 per cent. has oc curred. This is due in a great measure to the sup port which will be given to prices by the capitalists who participate in the French loan. Consols have been 91i, and since 94 There is still a great scarcity of stock, and the recent sales have proba bly been in part with the object of providing the funds for the loan. The expectation that Austria will adhere firmly to the alliance with the Western Powers, has a good effect also. As to the French loan 64f., 64f. 10c., and 64f. 50c., are respectively named as the contract prices with Messrs. Roths child, Hottingner, and Bertran. Exchequer Bills are 18s. to 21s. premium, and India Bonds lls. premium. There has been a bargain in the New 21s• per Cents. at 77. Foreign securities are quiet. Spanish Deferred have improved to 18/ and 19. Grenada have been quoted 18. Brazilian New are worth 921. Russian Five per Cents. have been quoted 99 to par, and the Four-and-Half per Cents. 86. Sardinian Stock is at 83 to 1. Dutch Two-and-a-Half per Cents. are 591. Railway Shares are still advancing. Caledonian have been buoyant, Great Northern A's are up 31. to 41., Lancashire and Yorkshire are 10s. to 15s. better, and Midland, York, and North Midland, and Great Western are at fuller rates. French Shares are ss. to 10s. dearer, generally, and with more doing. The last week's railway receipts ascertained up to this day are in round figures as under :- 1854. 1853. £18,218 £15,471 48,604 41,515 10,812 8,994 Great Western . North-Western . South-Western . Brighton Midland 9,794 6,955 24,689 21,677 South-Eastern 12,749 9,533 Caledonian, and Edin. and Glasgow 13,631 12,057 Lancashire and Yorkshire 17,658 16,550 York and North Midland, New castle and Berwick, Leeds 25,791 20,270 Northern These returns are of a satisfactory character, the Great Northern still taking the lead, and the other Yorkshire lines being much more productive than at the corresponding date of last year. The Brighton seems to have had an excellent run, and the South Eastern and North-Western are by no means in the background. On the whole, railway property is in a far sounder, because more defined, position than in former years, when the profits were apparently much larger, because capital was charged with the liabilities attaching strictly to revenue. BRITISH MINES.—A dullness pervades the mar ket and both buying and selling is very inactive. Quotations remain much the same. In the Gold Mine Shares there has been very little doing, but they are firm. The Shares of the Joint Stock Banks have been steady, at previous rates. The Land Companies' Shares have been steady. The current prices for the Jamaica Mines, not officially quoted, are as follows :—Metcalfe, par to premium ; Sue River, discount to par ; Port Royal, to premium. BRITISH FUNDS THIS DAY AT ONE O'CLO‘ K. ( Prom. the Official List. Busitie, - .4 per Cent. Reduced Annuities 9 2.} 4 3 per Cent Consols Annuities 9li g New 31 per Cent. Annuities 93 New 2. per Cent. Annuities India Bonds, .E.lOOO ........... ....... 11 p Consols for Account 16th March Exchequer Bills, ld. £IOOO £5OO lB 21 Small lB 21 PRICE OF FOREIGN FUNDS AT ONE O'CLOCK. Brazilian Bonds, 5 per Cent. Ditto New, 1852, 4} per Ceut 92. Grenada Bonds, 1i per Cent Grenada Bonds, Deferred Russian Bonds, 1822, 5 per Cent. £ St lOO 99 Ditto 41 per Ceut B6 Sardinian Bonds, 5 per Cent. ....... Spanish New Deferred, 3 per Cent. lBi 19 Spanish Committee Cert. of Coup. not fun. 4 p e Dividends on the,s.bove payableiin London. Dutch Exchange, 2i per Cent. 12 Gull 594 HALP•PAST TWO. Console Ditto March Account 9l THE INSURRECTION AN ALBANIA. The following appears in a Third Edition of the Times " VIENNA, THURSDAY MORNING. " According to advices from Albania to the middle of February, the insurrection is increasing. " Bands of armed men go from village to village, urging the inhabitants to rise. " Arms and ammunition are distributed gratis, and the Turks everywhere take to flight. " The Pasha of Janina has withdrawn the troops from the town to the Citadel on Mount Sishanizza. " Inflammatory proclamations are distributed in great numbers. " On the Bth and 9th inst. a revolutionary move ment occurred at Salonica, but the Turkish troops attacked the insurgent,: at the point of the bayonet and seized the ringleaders. Since then, the public tranquillity has not been disturbed. " The Greek Government has nothing whatever to do with the movement." LATEST FOR IGN NEW S. RUSSIA AND TURKEY. The following is a translation of the article in the Moniteur, of which we published a summary yesterday. It is intended as a warning to the ad herents of the revolution in Italy, and to the Greeks of Turkey : . _ "In Publishing the documents relative to the Eastern question, the Government has given a fresh proof of the straightforward character of its intentions. The power which has for basis the na tional will, and for its only motives the honour and interest of France, cannot pursue that tortuous policy, of which the only strength consists in in trigues and mystery. Its arms are sincerity and frankness. Light can never do it any harm ; and, consequently, it never allows any occasion to pass by of preventing mistakes, and warning every one of what is really to be hoped or feared. In the dispute which has arisen in the East, France, closely united to England, has declared for the good right, and in favour of a cause which is that of all Europe. The independence of the various States would, in fact, be menaced if Europe per mitted Russian domination or influence to extend itself indefinitely. The truth strikes the mind of every one. Austria, in spite of the bonds of friend. ship which connect her with the Court of Russia, declares every day more in favour of the policy which we defend, and Prussia, we have no doubt, will conform hers to the wish and interest of all Germany. Thus, this conflict, in which it may be affirmed that all the Powers of the continent are openly or tacitly engaged against Russia, would not offer any danger, if apprehensions were not entertained of complications arising from the revo lutionary spirit, which will endeavour, perhaps, on this occasion to make its appearance in some points. It is consequently the imperative duty of the Go vernment to declare plainly to such persons as might desire to take advantage of present circum stances to excite disturbances, either in Greece or Italy, that in doing so they would place themselves in direct opposition to the interest of France. For, as we have said above, the Government will never have a double-faced policy, and in the same way as defending the integrity of the Ottoman Empire at Constantinople, it cannot permit that integrity to be violated by aggressions proceeding from Greece, so it could not permit, if the flags of France and Austria were united in the East, that any attempt should be made to divide them in the Alps." " Several journals," says the Afoniteur, " have announced that General de Castelbajac had re turned from St. Petersburg. The statement is in correct." A telegraphic despatch received from Vienna is published by some of the French journals, which announces that a great part of the Turkish flotilla, amounting to seven vessels, has been destroyed by the Russians near Giurgevo. As the date of this event is not given, there is reason to suppose that it is identical with one given by the Augsburg Ga zette, which says that General Schilder, during the night of the 9th, did great injury to se►eral ves sels belonging to the Turkish flotilla from some heavy guns mounted in a battery which he had caused to be constructed in the Island of Ruma dan, opposite Rustchouk. A telegraphic communication from Vienna yes terday evening, says-25,000 more men are to be sent immediately to the south-eastern frontier. To calm the fears of the public, it will be officially announced this evening that his Majesty is still doing all in his power to maintain peace. The following is from the Augsburg Gazette, un der date of Vienna 18th :—" The battalions which have marched to the Turco-Servian frontier have been placed on a war-footing. It is stated that M. de Fonton is about to leave for Bucharest, charged with an order to Prince Gortschakoff to suspend hostilities temporarily, and to collect personal in formation on the condition of I,,easer Wallachia. We now learn that Colonel Woioschilikhoff, aide de-camp of the Emperor of Russia, who has arrived here, is charged with a special mission to the Em peror, and that he has already been admitted to a private audience." A letter from Vienna states that by the most re cent accounts from Persia, the Shah had officially declared to the representatives of the foreign powers that he will remain neutral in the Turco- Russian differences. According to the Lloyds of Vienna, instead of the ordinary levies of mon in Poland, from 20 to 25 years of age, orders have been given to take them between the ages of 18 and 45. A great number of peasants have consequently taken to flight. The Correspondance of Berlin of the 19th says —" The English Ambassador had a long conference with Baron de Manteuffel yesterday. The object is said to have been to obtain certain concessions from Prussia, in the event of an English fleet be ing sent into the Baltic, and more particularly to be authorized to approach Prussian ports." LONDON, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1854. The marching of troops through our streets, their embarkation at our seaports, the extraordi nary exertions making just now in our arsenals, our victualling depots, and our dockyards—all in dicate the activity of our warlike preparations. England is at last assured of a resolute attitude having been assumed by her Government. Par liament has at length been informed through Ministerial statements, mad© both in the Lords and in the Commons, that Russia is to be re pelled, that Turkey is to be siapported, that France is our cordial, honest, and faithful ally at this juncture of supreme emergency. States men in the Upper House, who had been hitherto notoriously infatuated with the reigning CZA R of all the Russias, have been heard to acknowledge not only the culpability, but the absolute crimi nality (politically speaking) of the Emperor NICHOLAS. Other Statesmen in the Lower House who were known to 11 ave reviled the pre sent Emperor of the FRENOB in unseemly and unmeasured terms, both from the hustings and at the Tavern dinner-table, have been heard in like manner pronouncing earnest and deliberate panegyrics upon the Emperor NAPOLEON, at once in regard to his conduct and in regard to his cha racter. Changes, in fact, :have been wrought within the last few months so entirely unexpected and astounding as to come upon the public simul taneously with the announcement of an European War with a suddenness altogether bewildering. The community appears to have awakened abruptly from the dozing influence of negotiation after negotiation, to the knowledge of the fact that we are actually to all. intents and pur poses at war with Russia, :for the defence of Turkey, with France as (Air ally—the coun cils of VICTORIA and NAPCOLEON being heartily pledged to the same policy the Earl of ABERDEEN Still, under these ecztraordinary circum stances, remaining at the head of the British Go vernment. A coincidence of events so surprising compels every impartial observer to the necessity of watching the sequel with. more than common curiosity, and with more than. customary vigilance. Eager to observe, at least, whether a Prime Minister, with such. remarks:tole antecedents, will persist energetically in this '.opposition to Russia and in this alliance with France—whether his sympathies will remain true -to the Emperor NA POLEON and wholly estranged. from the Emperor NICHOLAS. A problem of which it cannot but be most interesting to observe the solution. Not only most interesting, but most imf , ortant—vitally im portant to the cause of England, to that of Europe, to that of Christendom, to -that of Civilisation. For in the conduct of this enormous war, half measures cannot with any safety be adopted. Either England and France re ust dedicate to the cause of Turkey the whole of their vast energies, either they must oppose to Russia all their gigantic resources, both military and maritime, or they must still further complicate the difficulty now requiring to be dealt with, and in so doing may seriously jeopardise the splendour of their kindred reputation. Looking elsewhere than towards the principals in this terrible conflict now on the eve of its com mencement, we recognise the interest inspired in the cause at issue among the nations of the earth by the mere noise of the diplomatic councils, now suceeeded by these formid able warlike preparations. We behold Denmark and the twin monarchy of Sweden and Norway pledged to an armed neutrality. We behold Persia in like manner, as it were, armed to the teeth, but resolved upon merely watching the occurrences transpiring upon her frontiers, with out directly participating in tile struggle about to eupe on th e arr i va l o f the French a n d E ng li s h troop s among the Turkish :and Russian belli gerents. Additional assurances still continue to become audible, to the effect that both Prussia and Austria sympathise with the allied COURT CIRCULAR. A deputation on the subject of the Kensington Im provement Act, 1851, Amendment Bill, had an inter view with Sir William Molesworth at the Office of Public Works, on Tuesday. The Deputation was in favour of the bill from the inhabitants of Brompton, and con sisted of the Rev. Dr. Irons (vicar), Mr. Wilkins (churchwarden), Mr. E. W. Pollard, and Mr. John Sudlow, jun. A Deputation from the Executor and Trustee Society, consisting of Mr. Headlam, M.P. and Mr. Charles Clarke, accompanied by Mr. Clabon, had an interview with the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, yesterday, at the Office of the Board of Trade. DRURY LANE THEATRE. Last night Colley Cibber's acting version of Richard the Third %as revived here, with Mr. Brooke as Richard, Mr. Bennett as Henry IV., and Mr. Mead as Richmond, and with all the advantages of the extensive collection of excellent scenery, banners, and habiliments of war which have been enriched by the additions of successive managers of Drury Lane. Though still labouring under a recent attack of hoarseness, Mr. Brooke enacted the hero of the tragedy with his well• known earnestness and vigour, evincing, by the manner in which he depicted the various passions which swayed the breast of the cruel and unrelenting tyrant, an intelligent, and, we may add, correct appreciation of the part. The two scenes which were most admired by the audi ence, and brought down great applause, were his court ship with Anne and his , leath on the battle-field after his cooffict with Richmond. The first was a fine artistic performance, and the latter was remarkable for the energy which he threw into it. When Mr. Brooke is entirely recovered from his indisposition, however, we have no doubt he will be seen to greater advantage, for the character is in every way adapted for him. Mr. Bennett, and Mr. Mead as Richmond, gained applause by their careful reading, and the minor parts were filled with evident pains and care. As it is got up in a hand some fashion, this popular play will doubtless have a run. The lessee deserves at least to be well rewarded for the trouble he has taken to put the higher pieces of the drama upon the stage in the best possible manner. STRAND THEATRM. A smart, humourous little piece, under the designation of No Irish need Apply, was brought out here on Monday night, and obtained an unanimous verdict in its favour. It appears to have been written for the purpose of giving full scope for the dramatic efforts of Mr. George Hod son, a gentleman who has very rapidly attained an un usual degree of popularity Ly his racy delineations of Irish character. Its construction is somewhat slight. A ruined Irish gentleman, a Mr. Dionysius O'Brien, and his servant, Mr. Corney Carroll, coming to Eng land to better their conditions, find every avenue to fortune closed by the English prejudice against their country—" No Irish need apply." At length, under circumstances which set all probability and rationality at defiance, the master and man find themselves in mates of the country house of a rich widow, who has the general prepossession against the Irish. Mr. O'Brien gains the widow's heart as an English man ; and Corney Carroll has the same success with her maid under the guise of a German courier, making his Irish speeches and songs pass with the damsel for genuine Teutonic. Of course the deception is found out, but both master and man have secured their posi tion too well to lose it. As Corney Carroll, Mr. Hodson produced great merriment by his genuine brogue, his easy vivacious style of acting, and the gusto with which he repeatedly introduced snatches of Irish songs and ditties. All who relish such Hibernian displays on the stage, as the la mented Power was wont to entertain them with, can not do better than pay a visit to the Strand, and see Mr. Hodson in this new piece. THE HEBDOMADAL BOARD. We wish to prevent the possibility of misapprehension as to our statement of yesterday, with reference to the petition of the Oxford Hebdomadal Board. That statement had reference virtually to the scheme as it now stands. Almost in its present form, the scheme was submitted to the Government by the Heads, who were explicitly and deliberately informed that the Ministers could not advise the Crown to grant the prayer of the petition. It is difficult to imagine that any one can be misled by the notion that the alteration subsequently introduced into the scheme is of sufficient importance to change the determination of ministers. The Heads are blindly urging the University into a contest with the Crown, under what we are sure is very bad, and we fear is not very impartial, advice. And their instruments in this are the non-resident members of Convocation, who are being brought up without time for reflection, and probably in ignorance of the situation in which they are placing the University. What can have induced the board to abstain from publishing to Convocation the answer which they had received from Government in consequence of their •wn application, is a thing which yet remains to be explained.—Morning Chronicle. BANKING RETURNS. The returns of circulation of the Irish and Scotch banks for the four weeks ending the 21st of January, 1854, when added together, give the following as the average weekly circulation of these banks during the past month, viz. : Ave.-age circulation of the Irish banks £6,539,729 Average circulation of the Scotch banks 3,998,126 Average circulation during the past month £10,537,855 On comparing the above with the fixed issues of the several banks, as given in the Banking Almanac, the following appears to be the state of the circulation : The Irish banks are above their fixed issue... £185,235 The Scotch banks are above their fixed issue 910,917 Total above fixed isbue £1,096,152 The amount of gold and silver held at the head offices of the several banks during the past month have been as follows : Gold and silver held by the Irish banks £1,971,233 Gold and silver held by the Scotch banks 1,467,685 Total of gold and silver held £3,438,918 These returns, combined with the average circulation of the Bank of England for the same period, show a increase of 872,2101. in the circulation of notes in Eng land, and a decrease of 844,0511. in the circulation of the United Kingdom, when compared with the month ending the 24th of December ; and, as compared with the month ending the 22d of January, 1853, the above returns show a decrease of 1,493,5351. in the circulation of notes in England, and a decrease of 258,0411. in the circulation of the United Kingdom. The average stock of bullion held by the Bank of England in both departments during the month ending the 21st of January was 15,962,3421., being an increase of 538,3021. as compared with the previous month, and a decrease of 3,749,335/. when compared with the same period last year. The stock of specie held by the Scotch and Irish banks during the month ending the 21st of January was 3,438,9181., being a decrease of 88,472/. as compared with the previous return, and an increase of 736,9871. when compared with the corresponding period last year. WEBSTER'S ROYAL RP,D-BOOK FOR 1854, The issue of this well-known work for the present year exhibits its usual excellences as regards lucidity of arrangement, correctness of details, and the clearness of the type in which it is printed. It contains a compre hensive street guide, an alphabetical list of the nobility and gentry, with their town and country residences, a list of the Houses of Loris and Commons, and of the baronets of the United Kingdom, and a considerable amount of other information of a very valuable nature. It is one of the best Court and fashionable guides pub lished, and, bei ng of convenient size for reference, will no doubt command an extensive sale. We understand that it is proposed shortly to hold a meeting to consider the cause of the gallant Scha , nyl and the heroic Circassians, who have for so many years struggled for freedom against Ru,;sian aggression. THE SCOTS FUSILEER GUARDS.—This morning the first battalion of the Scots Fusileer Guards, under order for embarkation, were relieved from garrison duty, with the exception of furnishing the palace guard to-morrow ; after which the men will be employed in preparations for the march. Tho non-commissioned officers and privates of the battalion are to be allowed free egress and i ngress to the barracks until Monday evening, as the syst em o f on the eve of depa r t ure, i nstead of con fininggtiann tghe full n liberty n tobarracks, had bee n f oun d to work well granting in the case of the Grenadier Guards. On Tuesday morn ing, at four o'clock, the battalion, consisting of 850 rank and file, will leave the Metropolis, via the South West ern Railway, for embarkation at Southampton. PAVING OF OXFORD -STREET.—The portion of this important thoroughfare between Duke and Orchard streets was closed at the commencement of the week for repairs, necessitating the detour of the enormous traffic by way of the adjacent streeA to their several destina tions. The necessary repairs have since been completed with remarkable celerity, and the thoroughfare reopened to the public. FRANCE. The arrests continued in Paris yesterday. A considerable number of refugees have been sent away. The papers have received orders not to speak of these arrests. It is now said that Prince Napoleon has declined the chief command of the expeditionary army to Turkey, but that he will command the reserve. The following is a translation of the Note ad dressed by M. Drouyn de Lhuys to M. Mercier, accredited to the Kingdom of Saxony and the Duchy of Saxe Gotha, with respect to the late visit of Prince Napoleon to the Belgian Court : " Sir,—The journey of Prince Napoleon to Brussels will have the more attracted the attention of the Courts of Dresden and Gotha, that they are connected by family ties with the Belgian Court. The visit of his Imperial Highness has no other object than to respond to friendly advances on the part of King Leopold. His Majesty had expressed the wish to see actual connexions arise, which might permit the two Courts, as well as the two countries, to entertain friendly relations, and the Emperor has empowered the Prince Napoleon to become the organ for the expression of the same sentiments on his part. This step has, as you will 'perceive, no political character, but the point of time at which it is made gives it an importance which, I do not doubt, will be recognized by the Courts of Dresden and Gotha, and be hailed there with great satisfaction. This step will serve to refute the reports, which malevolence or error a few months back spread abroad, as to the nature of our relations with Belgium, as well as to give an earnest of the harmony which the Government of His Majesty the Emperor cordially wishes to maintain unim paired with the neighbouring States, and to prove that the loyaute of its policy is appreciated in no quarter better than by a Sovereign, the elevated sagacity of whose views was never so thoroughly misunderstood as when groundless insinuations were lately thrown out concerning him. You are aware, Sir, that it was falsely p re t en d e d t h at the King of the Belgians had, during his late visit to London in consequence of suggestions from the Cabinet of St. Petersburgh, en deavoured to destroy the alliance between France and England, and by his influence prevailed on an illustrious person to second his endeavours. The Emperor esteems himself happy in thus sending a Prince of his family to Brussels to visit a Sovereign who, both by his position and his age, is the real bead of the Cobourgs, to declare openly, that there is no member of this illustrious House that he does not believe to be animated by the most loyal sentiments tcwards himself." The Bourse opened rather firm yesterday, and the Three per Cents., first quoted at 66f. 95c., rose to 67f. A report was subsequently circulated that the note in the Moniteur of yesterday was intended by the Emperor as an indirect menace to the Austrian Government. The Three per Cents. then fell to 66f. 40c., and closed at 661. 50c. for the end of the month. The Four-and-a-Half per Cents. closed at 95f. 60c. ; Orleans Railway shares, 1,072 f. 50c. ; Rouen, 852 f. 50c. ; Havre, 430 f. ; Great Northern, 722 f. 50c. ; Paris and Strasburg, 700 f.; ditto, New, 560 f. ; Paris and Lyons, 801 f. 25c. ; Lyons to the M e dit erranean, 645 f. ; Western of France, 557 f. 50c. ; Bordeaux and Cette, 521 f. 25c. ; Great Cent ra l, 432 f. 50c. ; Lyons to Geneva, 430 f. ; Shares of the Bank of Credit Mobilier, 580 f. ITALY. The Parlamento of Turin quotes letters from Rome, from which it appears that serious distur bances have just occurred at Ravenna, Rimini, and Cesena, Owing to the scarcity of provisions. At Perugia a Yery serious one is mentioned ; a large body of the peasantry having invaded the town with cries of " Bread ! bread ! " The Comman dant, a Swiss officer, assembled his troops, and was proceeding to extremities against the mob, when the delegate, Monsignor Losehiavo, interposed, and succeeded in pacifying the multitude by kind exhortati ons. T he same letter states that an old man, named Pozzi, once an employe of the Roman War-office, and father of a lar ge f a mily, has beenhaving condemned t o 20 y ears ' h ar d l a b our , for clandestine publications in his possession. SPAIN. The Madrid Gazette of 17th contains a royal decree, dated the 15th, ordering that from the Ist of May next, passports shall no longer be neces sary for travellers and inhabitants of towns, going from one part of the Peninsula to the other and the adjacent isles. They are to be replaced by cards, which are to be given at the beginning of each year to the head of each family for himself and the members of it (each having one), and such cards are to be pro duced by travellers, if called for, by the authori ties. Domestics are to have special cards given them on the demand of their masters. The cards are to be at the rate of a real (25 centimes) each. The poor-•regularly inscribed labourers, dependent on their daily labour, and widows and orphans with incomes not exceeding 1,500 reals, are to be exempted from the tax. Foreigners tra velling in Spain are to preserve their own pass• ports, and passports are to be taken out by Spa niards going abroad and to the colonies. The works of the railway from Seville to Cordova have been commenced. The Government, says one of the journals, is taking measures to cause the national productions to figure with advantage in the Exhibition at Paris. GREECE. According to advices received at Vienna yester day from Salonica, the town of Arta, but not the castle, has been taken by the insurgents. A letter from Trieste of the 6th says Commercial letters from Janina, of the Bth, confirm the ac counts of insurrectional movement having taken place in the Epirus. Several bands of rioters are assembled at Cinque Pozzi, near Arta, and inter rupt the regular communications. The Govern ment has sent a detachment of 1,000 men to that point. The tradespeople of Arta, which is some miles distant from the Greek frontier have taken refuge in the Chateau. The rebels make a pre tence of rising in defence of the orthodox faith, and have chosen this place as the basis of their enterprise against Thessalia and Albania. It is said at Janina that some English troops will land there to put down the revolt. A Greek lieuten ant at the head of some soldiers had gone over to the rioters. These events have produced consider able agitation in Greece. Thel onian Gazette of the 28th ult. gives some particulars of the late disturbance at Cephalonia. Upwards of 500 peasants invaded the town of Luxuni, broke open a large granary and plundered it, saying they would pay for the corn as soon as they should have money. Captain Lawrence, di rector of the police department, was sent thither, who, after restoring order, took measures to have food distributed to the destitute at the charge of government. This event has since led to a corres pondence between the Lord High Commissioner and the President of the Senate, which is published in the lonian Gazette of the 4th inst. SHERIFFS COURT.-(THIS DAY). (Before R. Gurney, Esq.) A BILL TRANSACTION.—WHEELER V. HOOPER AND ♦NOTHER. This was an action to recover the sum of 271. 10s. on a bill of exchange. The defendant appeared in person, and pleaded that there had not been any consideration. He was then sworn, and stated that he formerly carried on business with his brother (the other defendant) in Tower-street, but the latter was now in Antigua. Plaintiff said he was expected to return. His Honour said that the plaintiff could obtain judg ment against the party in England. The defendant then stated the facts, from which it appeared that, some time ago, he became bankrupt, and the plaintiff stepped forward as a friend, and paid 751. for his furniture, and took a house, that defendant might become tenant and clear off the amount, by paying an increased rent. Independently of which defendant and his brother had given the plaintiff accommodation ; and the sue on which the action was brought was so given, and it was the balance due that the defendant did not expect to be called upon to take up. He submitted that, as the plaintiff stood in the position of a mortgagee over the furniture, which was ample security for the rent, there was no consideration for the bill. His Honour held that, as the debt existed, there was a sufficient consideration. The defendant then applied to his Honour to direct that the goods should be given up on the bill being paid. His Honour said he could not make any order, but no doubt plaintiff would. The plaintiff said he certainly would. CREDIT TO A WIFE AFTER NOTICE.-ROSS V. GLOVER. The plaintiff in this case is a baker, and the action was brought to recover the amount of a bill for bread delivered. The defendant proved that he had given distinct motise to plaintiff not to trust his (defendant's) wife on credit, as she could pay in ready money. His Honour said that was conclusive, and defendant could not recover. THE PEACE DEPUTATION AT 32% PETE.RSBU.RG. A letter was yesterday received by Mr. Pease, of Dar lington, from his brother, from St. Petersburg. Mr. Pease states that the deputation was admitted to an audience of the Emperor, which lasted nearly half an-hour. The Emperor received them most. gra ciously, and expressed himself much pleased with the object of their visit, and the motives whi eh had induced them to make so long a journey. The Emperor afforded them every opportunity to express their views, and stated to them at great length what he thought of the present state of affairs. Ile si ad that they should not leave without being introduced to the Empress, and on the Empress entering the ro .om the Emperor explained the object of their journe y. On taking their leave the Emperor shook them heal tily by the hand ; and on quitting the palace they were a much struck by the reception given to three plain, h umble, simple men of peace. Mr. Joseph Sturge, another of the deputation, states that the Czar received himself and colleagues sin the most courteous manner, and listened with the greatest attention to the address which they were deputed t o pre sent to him from the pacific bodies which they repro: rF :nted. They were induced to hope from the tone and in anner of the Emperor that he was not insensible to ilk le ap peal, although the deputation were not equally confi dent that it would have the effect of staying the ur: irlike preparations which were going on all around theim At the conclusion of what may be termed the official audi ence, the Autocrat introduced the deputation to the Empress, by whom they were most graciously rein eived. Although it was the wish of "the Friends" to be a 8 quiet as possible during their stay in St. Petersl rg, it appears that their presence in the capital of I tussia creates no inconsiderable degree of interest am °Jig the inhabitants, and that when they are observed 'in the streets they are not unfrequently followed by crowds of persons who take a favourable interest in the o bject of their mission. Mr. Sturge had intended to be in Birming :ham on Monday next, but at the request of the Emp oror the deputation have determined to remain in St. Pet ersburg a day or two longer than it was originally purp, osed to continue. BEETHOVEN Rooms. -- Signor Noronha's concert took place last night, when a small, but vet 7 well selected choice of pieces were performed. The v 'ocalista were Miss Stabbach and Mr. Bolton, who sung , several times with much artistic taste. Miss Stabbed a being honoured with an encore in a pretty ballad entitled " Sweet Summer Gales." A solo on the flute I was per formed by Signor Paggi with considerable skill 1. The conductor was Signor Li Calsi, who accompat lied the vocal pieces with much judgment, and perf, armed a charming solo on the grand pianoforte, of his o ern com position, with the skill of a true professor. Signor Noronha performed three times upon the celebrated Guarnarius violin, which formerly belonged to Spagno• letti ; Ist, a fantasia on themes, from the opera Torquate Taos° ; 2d, a fantasia on an original theme ; a nd 3dly, an introduction and variations upon an air from Le Domino Noir ; all these pieces were Signor N oronha's own composition, which displayed much origina lay and creative genius fur the divine science of music, a It►d were executed with the most intense feeling, taste, a aid bril liancy. ANNIVERSARY OF WASHINGTON'S BIRTHD LT.—On Tuesday, the 21st inst., the eve of Washingtoi i e birth day, George N. Sanders, the American consul, gave an international dinner, at his residence, 45, W. tymouth street, Portland-place, to a distinguished par ty. The American Minister, Mr. Buchanan, Kossuth, Mazzini, Ledru Rollin, Sir Joshua Walmsley, M.P., ( Garibaldi, WU:cell, Orsini, Pulsky, Hertzen, and Mr. X Velah, at tach 4 and private secretary to the American legation, were present. Mr: W. A. WILKINSON, M.P., ON WAGES,. —Yester day evening a v er y i n t eres ti ng ecture to the working classes of Lambeth, on the subject of " w ages, . e was de livered by Mr. W. A. Wilkinson, M.P. for the borough, at the Vestry-hall, Kennington - green. The I ion, gen tleman accompanied the argumentative pal its of hie lecture with admirable illustrations, and it was received with great attention by a large audience, and at times much applauded. A vote of thanks was give ex to him by those assembled. CHARITIES OF ENGLAND AND WALES. ['he com missioners appointed in October last to inquire ) into the charities of England and Wales have issued a first re port, to the effect that up to the end of the 3 rvar they were employed i n organising their e. tablish mentsi e a nd hflie m y ode of action. They have issued, h a waver, 15,000 circulars, with the view of making the it iquire ments of the act extensively known, and before t he end of next month they expect to receive returns of t he re ceipts and expenditures of the body of charities ix L Eng land and Wales, probably amounting to not lee s than 40,000 in number. The commissioners intend in ti to first place to devote their attention to cases brought under their notice by particular application, and before ti to 31st of December last they had been appealed for assi stance and advice in 340 instances. These application rs alv daily becoming more numerous, and involve Istrgs correspondence. CONFLAGRATION AT CHELSEA.—Yesterda,y m. 43 ruling between 12 and 1 o'clock, a destructive fire brok e out its the premises of Mrs. Hinton, laundress, 29, La w men ce• • street, Ch e l sea. As the policeman onduty Wri a goi ng his rou n d s he discovered a dense smoke issuing ft •oni chimney, and without a moment's delay he spr trig hit 1 rattle and aroused the inmates, who fortunately su , oceeded in effecting their escape. In the meantime polices were despatched in cabs for the London Fire Brigade en, gine', who promptly arrived, followed as usual by the W t tst of England, when on their arrival the flames were ra Lging most furiously. A plentiful supply of water being., oh. • tained, the engines got to work in first-rate style, yet notwithstanding their strenuous exertions the fire wai not extinguished until the house was burnt down, a nd the adjoining houses severely injured. The origin of the fire is at present unknown, and the premises are ims sured in the Monarch Fire•office. 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