The Sun. — London, England, 1854-02-27 00:00:00

• Cbtrb Writtion+ SUN OFFICE, Seven o'Clock. TATTERSALL'S, (THIS EVENING.) LIVERPOOL STEEPLECHASE. 6to 1 agst Miss Mowbray (taken). 7to 1 agst Bourton (taken). 10 to 1 agst Crabbs (12 to 1 taken freely). 11 to 1 agst Half-and-Half (taken). 12 to 1 agst La Gazza Ladra (taken). 14 to 1 agst Maurice Daley (taken). 15 to 1 agst Oscar (taken). 16 to 1 agst Peter (taken). 20 to 1 agst Cockcrow (taken). 20 to 1 agst Lady Arthur (offered). 25 to 1 agst Burnt Sienna (taken). 40 to 1 agst Faugh-a-Ballagh (taken). CHESTER CUP. 20 to 1 agst Newminster (to 50/.). DERBY. 9to 2 agst Autocrat (5 to 1 taken). 7to 1 agst King Tom (taken). 14 to 1 agst Dervish (taken). 22 to 1 agst Acrobat (taken). 33 to 1 agst Marsyas (taken.) 40 to 1 agst Bessus (taken). 50 to 1 agst Early Bird (taken.) STRETFORD RACES. (THIS DAY.) (BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.) MANCHESTER STEEPLECHASE. Theodine Duchess Luke the Labourer Old Rake Six ran. Escape did not go the course. STRETFORD STEEPLECHASE. Royal Blue Diana Countess Locomotive Six ran. Won by three lengths. • 1 .2 3 .4 .. 1 .. 2 .3 .4 LATEST BETTING. sto 1 agst Miss Mowbray (offered). 18 to 1 agst Peter (taken). 1000 to 15 agst Timothy (taken). IMPERIAL PARMA MENT. HOUSE OF LORDS-(THIS EVENING.) The LORD CHANCELLOR took his seat on the woolsack at 5 o'clock. JUVENILE MENDICANTS. Lord CAMPBELL inquired whether it was the in tention of the Earl of Ssaftesbury to re-introduce his bill of last session for the suppression of juvenile men dicancy. The Earl of SFIAFTESBURY said it was certainly his intention to submit a bill on this important subject to their lordships during the present session. WAR WITH RUSSIA., The Earl of ELLENBORO UGH said it appeared from the last information from St. Petersburg that 12 Russian frigates and corvettes were in preparation for sail ing on the breaking up of the ice in the Bal tic, and he wished to know whether the Go vernment proposed taking steps for the purpose of preventing them leaving the Black Sea ? The noble earl pointed out how easy, unless this were done, it would be for this fleet, in five weeks' time, to go round by the north of Scotland and Ireland and capture unsuspecting British merchant vessels, he also mentioned the various parts of the worli in which Russian men of-war were stationed, and said it was not unlikely that as soon as war was declared against that country that they would pounce upon that portion of our shipping which was not under the protection of convoys. He considered that not an hour ought to ho lost in adopting measures to stop the Russian fleet leaving the Baltic. The Earl of ABERDEEN thought that his noble ;friend who had been accustomed to conduct military operations of great importance and extent, could scarcely expect him to give an answer to the question. (Hear.) He hoped his noble friend would give the Government credit for showing the same activity and - watchfulness which belonged to himself. He (Earl Aberdeen) declined to give any reply to a question the answer to which could only be useful to the power against which we were proceeding. (Hear, hear.) He begged to say to their lordships that henceforth he should consider it his duty to answer no question re specting prospective'military operations of that descrip tion. His noble friend had with more or less accuracy described the position of the Russian naval force in different parts of the world ; but he made a grievous error in saying they were not watched. (Hear.) Fur ther than this, however, he did not think it necessary to enter into this subject. He trusted the house would see and feel the propriety of the reasons which induced him not to reply to the inquiry of the noble earl. The Earl of ELLENBOROUGH did not think he was justified in giving the Ministers credit for activity and watchfulness. (Hear, hear.) As regarded all finan cial and political questions, he believed the Go vernment were fully equal to their position, but as war ministers they were utterly untried, and when he looked to their conduct in respect to affairs in the East, and saw their desire to persuade themselves that the coming war was a little war, though in reality it would be the greatest in which we had ever engaged, he could not dive them credit for watchfulness and ac tivity. (Hear, hear.) The Marquis of 1 4 .A.NSDOWNE agreed that the war would not be a little one, but denied that the Govern had ever looked at it in any other light. After some further discussion the subject dropped. REFORM OP THE COMMON LAW. The LORD CHANCELLOR rose to explain the pro visions of bis bill for further amending the proceedings in the courts of Common Law. (LEFT SPEAKING.) HOUSE OF COMMONS.—(THIS EVENING.) The SPEAKER. took the chAir at four o'clock. PRIVATE BILLS. The following private bills were read a second time and ordered to be committed :—Aboyno, Ballater, and Tarland Road ; Ballymena, Ballymoney, Cole raine, and Portrnsh Junction Railway (No 1) ; Ballymena, Ballymoney, Coleraine, and Portrnsh Junction Railway (No 2) ; Bannow Reclamation ; Belfast and County Down Railway ; Birkenhead Docks ; Blackburn Improvement, &c. ; British Guarantee Associa tion ; Buckingham and Towcester Road ; Caledonian Railway (General Terminus, &c.) ; Canterham Railway • Deptford Gas ; Downpatrick, Belfast, and Dublin Rail way; Executor and Trustee Society ' • Festiniog Railway ; Glasgow Suspension Bridge; G rea t Western, Shrews bury and Birmingham, and Shrewsbury and Chester Railway Companies (Traffic Arrangements) ; Inverness and Nairn Railway ; Kingston upon Thames Gas ; Liverpool, Crosby, and Southport ; Lancashire and Yorkshire ; East Lancashire ; and Manchester and South port Railway Companies ; London and North Western and North Staffordshire Railway Companies ; London and North Western, and North Staffordshire Railway Com panies (Traffic Arrangements) ; Londonderry Bridge ; Louth Waterworks; Oxford Poor Rate; Rossall Sea Wall ; Scottish Central and Scottish Midland Junc tion Railways ; South Shields Roads Stroud, Painswick, and Glou ces t er - roa d ; S un derland Gas ; Tacumshin Embankment ; Thirsk and Yarm-road ; Tor- Moham and Saint Mary Church Gas ; Tralee and Killer- VILMER presented a petition from a pl ace i n K en t t the alteration of Oaths Bill. PETITIONS. practitione BRAY presented a petition from the medical which the brethrensubjected to of the profession in the Royal Navy are Mr H. ford, Bramley, p CREAM presented petitions from Brad- Riding of YorksLclise e y, and Cleckheaton, all in the West , most numerously signed, against Popish aggression; all in from Bradford, Bowley, Clock beaton, Horton, the Wsst Riding of Yorkshire, most numerously s i gne l , neries. prayin g for an inspection of nun of news Mr. M. GIBSOers N presented a petition from 9 proprietors pa p , p raying for the a b ol i tion of all taxes on news papers. Mr. FIUME presented a petitio!frum Hull, very nume of the third com rously signed, praying that the re missioner at the late Bribery, &e. r e rt ommission, which sat at Hull, be printed, in order that the Cue may be fully understood. CHARITY COMMISSIONERS AND SCHOOLS. eot, the Lord J. MANNERS wished to ask Sir G eol . question iti 19 g t tGrey, by what authority, and with what obj is inserted in theform of inquiry as to Endowed British, Infant, and other schools ; and the 2 0th q ue o s tr o l, in the form of inquiry as to endowed Grammar 2.0 1 , 01 : by the Charity Commission ers ; and whe ther these qu „s tions are addressed to Roman C atholic a nd Dissenting Schools, or only to those of the Church of England. Sir G. GREY said the authority under which those questions were inserted in the forms were contained in sec tions 9 and 10 of the act pa,s;ed last session, by which the charity commission was established. With re gard to Roman Catholics none of those questions could be applied. RUSSIAN SHIPS CHARTERED BY BRITISH MERCHANTS. Sir W. CLAY wished to ask Lord .T. Russell, first, whether Russian ships chartered by British merchants to bring corn from the Black Sea, and by a firman of the Sultan (issued after his declaration of war against Russia) permitted to pass the Bosphorus and Dardanelles, will be also permitted to pass unmolested by British men of war, in the event of war occurring between Great Britain and Russia ; secondly, whether the Government will use its good offices with the Government of France to ensure for the vessels so circumstanced a safe conduct from French cruisers likewise? Lord J. RUSSELL said the question was one of great interest and delicacy, but it would be desirable that any such applications should be addressed to the proper office in writing. Some Russian ships chartered by British mer chants have, on application by Lord Stratford to the Sul tan, been allowed safe passage through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles, and care would be taken to carry that out. COLONEL THOMPSON. Sir DE L. EVANS gave notice, that on the next Supply night, he should draw attention to the stoppage of Col. Perronet Thompson's promotion. (Hear, hear.) THE BUDGET. Lord J. RUSSELL wished to give notice that a supple mentary estimate respecting the army would be laid on the table of the house, either to-night or to-morrow, and on Friday next he should propose to go into committee on this estimate. He wished also to give notice, that on Mon day next, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in a committee of ways and means would make his usual financial state ment. THE NAVY. In reply to a question from an HON. MEMBER, Sir J. GRAHAM said he was not aware that any dis - content prevailed on board the Princess Royal or any other of her Majesty's ships arising out of the employment of Coast-guards. (Cheers.) THE 'OATHS BILL. Lord D. STUART wished to know if the noble lord the member for the city of London could state when he intended to proceed with the Oaths Bill. Lord J. RUSSELL replied in the negative. Sir F. THESIGER had understood the bill was fixed for the 20th of March. Lord J. RUSSELL said it certainly had been fixed for that clay, but he would not say whether it would be brought forward then or not. (Hear, hear.) NEUTRALS. Mr. M. GIBSON again drew attention to the question of neutrals, and wished to know if in the event of war, ships laden with merchandise—not munitions or imple ments of war—and sailing under a neutral flag, would be protected from aggression. Lord J. RUSSELL said the subject, which was a very delicate and important one, was still under consideration of the Government, but no permanent decision had yet been come to upon it. Before, however, any declaration of war was made the resolution and intention of the Go vernment would be fully made known to the world. (Hear, hear.) SUPPLY. The report of the committee of supply was brought up and agreed to. REMOVAL OF PAUPERS FROM ST. PANCRAS. On the motion fcr going into committee of supply, Sir B. HILL took the opportunity of contradicting a statement which was made on Friday by the hon. member for Dungarvon, with reference to the removal of a person named Harris from the parish of St. Pancras. No such person existed as the woman referred to, and the hon. member must, therefore, have been deceived by those who supplied him with the information. (Hear.) Mr. MAGI IRE said he obtained the information from the parish authorities of Cork. (Hear.) The subject then dropped. MASSACRE OF SINOPE. Sir H. WILLOUGHBY took the same opportunity of directing attention to the destruction of the Turkish flotilla at Sinopo on the 30th of November, 1853. On the whole he thought Russia was not to blame for having de stroyed the flotilla, though he took exception to the man ner in which they did it, but the Government were to blame for not having allowed the British squadron to enter the Black Sea in sufficient time to prevent the catas trophe. (Hear, hear.) It was known some time before it occurred that the Russian fleet had left Sebastopol, and Lord Stratford do Redcliffe warned the Government what would happen unless the British squadron was di rected to piss through the Bosphorus. It was true that instructions were sent out directing that the Russian autho rities should be warned that if the fleet entered the Black Sea it would bo taken as an open act of hostility, and he wanted to know how it was that this instruction was not carried out until after the affair at Sinope had taken place? But, putting all that aside, it was notorious that before a powerful naval force was cruising about Sinope some days before the Turkish flotilla, and he wanted to know what the British squadron was about at the month of the Bos phorus while all this reconnoitring was going on. (Hear, hear.) Certainly a fault was committed somewhere, and it was the duty of Parliament to find out with whom the responsibility of the neglect rested. (Hear, hear.) Sir J. GRAHAM reminded the house that this part of the Turkish case was much dwelt upon in the recent lengthened debate on the Eastern question, and he thought it then received the fullest explanation from the Govern ment. So far back as the Bth of October last, in structions were given to the British squadron that the territory of Turkey on the Black Sea should be pro tected against any Russian attack, and immediately after the affair at Sinope that instruction was extended to protecting the Turkish flag on the Black Sea as well as the Turkish territory. The first of these instructions was not communicated to Russia until after the outrage of Sinope ; he readily admitted that, but the delay which thus took place he thought was fully explained in the blue-books, and to those books he must refer the hon. baronet for an answer to his question. (Hear, hear.) It would be seen from the papers, in fact, that Admiral Dundas offered to go into the Black Sea before the Sinope massacre took place, but by some misfortune he did not obtain any answer from the Turkish Government to this application until after the calamity had happened. (Hear, hear.) It was clear, therefore, that the Turkish Govern ment was aloe() to blame for having left their flotilla so unprotected at Sinope ; while, with regard to the imputations and insinuations which had been thrown out against Admiral Dundas, he would only stop to say that when the opportunity offered the gallant admiral would show that he was not wanting either in vigour or decision. (Cheers.) Mr. BUCK asked for some explanation with regard to the English merchant ship which was at Sinope when the attack took place. Sir JAMES GRAHAM said the ship arrived at Sinope just before the attack was made, and although her crow were totally defenceless, they were attacked by the Russians with a barbarous and cruel fire, and when they succeeded in escapinc , to the shore they were most cruelly set upon by the Turkish inhabitants, who mistook them for Russians. Sir DE LACY EVANS asked what had been the re sult of our examination of the Black Sea. Sir J. GRAHAM said our cruisers had repeatedly visited Varna, the entrance to the Sea of Azoff and coast of Cir cassia, but they had never yet met with a ship bearing the Russian flag. (Hear, hear.) Admiral WALCOTT availed himself of that opportu nity to denounce the conduct of Russia in the Sinope affair, which he thought had inflicted indelible disgrace upon the Russian flag, while the noble, and almost superhuman resistance of the Turkish fleet would reflect honour upon their flag to the end of time. (Cheers.) The gallant admiral insisted that the period had arrived when the liberties of Europe demanded that the aggressions of Russia, which hitherto had been carried on by means of diplomacy, should be resisted by the force of arms, and he there fore rejoiced to hear that our armaments would be carried out upon an extensive and vigorous scale. (Hear.) Mr. HENRY DRUMMOND reminded the house that if the country was to be well served by its officers they must be protected from the attacks of unprofessional critics. (Hear.) He remembered some 30 years ago sailing with the present Admiral Dundas in the Mediterranean, and the admiral then remarking to him—" The time may come when I shall be an admiral having the command of a fleet on this sea in a time of war, and then I believe the greatest difficulty I shall have to contend with will be the sneers and sarcasms of unprofessional members of the Legislature. (Hear, hear.) He hoped that prophecy would be a warning to the house for the future. (Cheers.) Mr. F. FRENCH protested against the House of Com mons being precluded from discussing the conduct of our Admirals on the ground just stated. (Hear, hear.) Lord DUDLEY STUART said it was to be regretted that the combined fleets so long delayed entering the Black Sea, but he was now satisfied that a vigorous resistance was to be offered Russia, and he hoped they should hear no more of such mistakes as that of Sinope. (Hear.) [LEFT SPEAKING.] A contemporary states, that some surprise has been created amongst the Officers about to quit for Russia, upon the conditions of the order issued by the Ordnance for their providing themselves with Adams' patent pistol, Although the reasons assigned that these pistols have, after repeated private and public trials, proved most effective weapons, from the greater simplicity of their construction; yet this, it is said, is but a po or excuse for the fa c t, th a t the Officers are compelled to pay for them out of their private purses.—Globe. EDUCATION IN IRELAND. —A Parliamentary paper, just issued, states that the number of national schools in Ireland in 1851 was 4,074, including 225 district model schools. The total number of schools, however, in which fees were received by the teachers in that year was 3,957, and the amount of the fees was 16,8951. 3s. In 2,841 schools the fees received were under 51., and in 522 the teachers received no income from this source. In 950 cases the sum of 7,3111. 10s. was raised by local contributions for the salaries of the teachers, and in 3,529 instances no aid from local con tribution was given. The teachers in 375 schools re ceived neither school fees nor aid from local contribu tions, and 3,682 schools were withont a residence, rent free, for the teachers, and the income of 2,409 of the teachers was under 201. The total number of the teachers trained in the training schools since they were first opened was 3,122, being 2,397 males and 725 females ; of these, 1,952, of whom 1,399 were males and 553 fennies, were engaged in the national schools in the year 1851, whilst 1,948 male teachers and 1,058 female teachers had not been trained. The total amount of the school fees and local contributions in aid of the teachers' salaries was 24,2061. 135., and the total amount in teachers' salaries, premiums, and gratuities during the year was 75,4191. Bs. 9d. [ADVERTISEMENT.]—The Earl of Aldborough and Holloway's Pills.—An astounding cure by this miracu lous medicine after every other means had failed. See extract from his lordship's letter, dated " Villa Messina, Leghorn, Feb. 21, 1845. To Professor Holloway. Sir—l beg to acquaint you that your pills have effected a cure of a disorder in my liver and stomach, which all the most eminent of the faculty at home and all over the Continent had not been able to effect—nay, not even the waters of Carlsbad or Marienbad. (Signed) Ald borough." These wonderful pills will cure any disorders of the liver or stomach.—Sold (also Holloway's oint ment) at Prosessor Holloway's Establishment, 244, Strand, London, and by all medicine-venders through the world. LEICESTER Feb. 23.—Manufacturers are producing worsted goods with great caution, and the fancy hosiery demand is very quiet, the shipping orders not bei ng y e t given out. The cotton demand is employing a large number of workmen, and is every year becoming a more important branch of our trade. Worsted spinners are still working short time, and though yarns may be quoted a halfpenny per lb. lower, no amount of sales can be made without a further sacrifice. Skin wools are in demand, but fleece sorts and farmers' lots are pur chasing on easier terms. ~h..._ THE SUN, LONDON, MONDAY EVENING, FE'BRtTARY 27, 1854. RAILWAY INTELLIGENCE. into A and B stock, as they had power by the act of Parliament to do so from time to time ? applied, although only part of it would be required im mediately, yet the directors thought it desirable to have the remainder to provide additional facilities as they might be required. When the Ulverston line should be opened, they would be able to judge of its capacities. It would, however, for some time continue to be an iso lated line, until the completion of the works of the Ulverston and Lancashire line, which were at present in progress. GREAT NORTHERN. The CHAIRMAN said, the subject had not been under the consideration of the board, but if it was the wish of a majority of the proprietors then present, the board would take the matter into consideration. The half-yearly meeting of this company was held on Saturday at the London Tavern, Mr. E. Denison, M.P., in the chair. Mr. Mowatt, the secretary, read the notice convening the meeting. The report, an abstract of which has appeared in The Sun, was taken as read. The CHAIRMIN commenced by stating that the expen diture on capital account during the past half-year amounted to 236,9841., making the total expenditure on capital account up to the 31st of December last 10,195,4621. A large portion of the 236,9841. was for works in course of construction and completed, and for working stock. The sum of 16,0001. was expended at various stations to accommodate the traffic, 25,0001. at Mr. WATTERS said, he thought the profit they were now dividing was much larger than they would have'at the end of the current half-year. The additional profit arose chiefly from the additional price charged for the carriage of coal, as compared with the cor responding period of 1852. The price then charged for all coal carried on the line amounted to ss. 4d. per ton, but in the last half-year they had charged at the rate of 7s. 2d. per ton, being an increase of ls. 10d. per ton, amounting to between 30,0001. and 31,0001. which was equal to 11 per cent. on the ordinary capital for the half-year ; and were it not for this, they would not have been able to divide more than 31 per cent. in stead of 4i per cent. He feared they had charged more than they were authorized by the Act of Parliament. He believed they had done so at Peterborough, Hitchin, and other places on the line. In 1852 they charged at the rate of 6s, 4d. per ton for the carriage of coals to London, but, during the last half-year they charged lls. 2d. per ton. Now, the act did not authorize them to charge that amount. (Cries of f 0 Question ! question!") The Act of Parliament, which regulated the tolls to be charged on the line, was passed on the 15th of July, 1850, and specified that the charge for coals should be at the rate of ld. per ton per mile, when the distance did not exceed 24 miles, but, if carried beyond that distance, id. per ton per mile for the whole distance. He.would represent this matter to the Board of Trade. He had made his calculations, and he hoped to see the line pay ing 41 per cent. dividend. (Laughter.) With regard to churches and schools on the line, he would not con fine the matter to Doncaster, but would extend the prin ciple to other places on the line, with this difference, that instead of voting money out of the funds of the company, he would propose that it be raised by voluntary subscriptions ; and that a committee consisting of certain directors and shareholders be appointed for the purpose of obtaining subscriptions for a church in St. Pancras, as well as at Doncaster. He thought they had strong claims on their lawyers for charitable con tributions, as they had received 311,0001. for bills of costs, which were not taxed. Had they been taxed, it was probable 10 per cent. would have been off their bills, but if these gentlemen would only contribute 1 per cent. of that amount every difficulty would be removed. He would propose that 501. per annum be voted to the Royal Free Hospital. Mr. JESSELL said, he differed in toto from Christianity, but he fully concurred in the proposition of the chair man with regard to the church and schools. He thought they ought to support hospitals in a more liberal spirit, and vote 5001. a year for the purpose, instead of 1001.— (hear, hear)—as they were liable to be called upon in cases of accident. Mr. WALKER seconded the motion, which, after a short conversation, was agreed to. The dividend, as recommended, was then declared, and the application to Parliament for the power to raise 50,0001. sanctioned. The proceedings then closed with a vote of thanks to the chairman. SPORTING NOTES. King's-cross, 15,0001. in sundry works on the line, and 12,0001. in certain alterations at the Knottingley and Wakefield stations, to adapt them for the increased traffic. This outlay was for the completion of the works, and from the extraordinary manner in which the traffic on the line was increasing they would be obliged to call upon the proprietors to raise a further sum of money for rolling stock. They could readily understand the necessity of further outlay on working stock when he told them that their locomotive superintendent had applied to the directors for 25 or 30 additional locomo tive engines, which would cost 3,0001. each, and when their traffic manager asked them for 1,000 more waggons, which would cost between 651. and 701. each. The ques tion was, whether they would grant the supplies to accom modate the increased traffic, or whether they would with hold the grant and stop the increase of traffic. He believed they would not do anything of the kind, but see at once the necessity of the additional outlay. In fact, the traf fic increased so rapidly that they had considerable diffi culty in providing working stock to accommodate it. The next matter to which he would call their attention was the receipts and expenditure on revenue account during the past half-year. The receipts amounted to 487,0001. during the past half-year, being an average of 661. 10s. per mile per week, which was an amount that had astonished both shareholders and directors. The working expenses amounted to 214,0841., the interest on loans and other charges 152,0001., leaving a balance of 118,1411. for dividend. This was equal to 2/. 9s. 2d. per cent. upon the consolidated stock of the company, which amounted to 4,808,0001. He thought they must admit that this was a very satisfactory state of things ; 1853 was the first whole year in which the railway had been at work, including the "towns' line," and he would take the result of the whole of that year in preference to a comparison of the two half-years. The traffic re ceipts in that year amounted to 868,9001., which would average 591. per week. They were of course aware that the average recipts per mile of the year were less than the average receipts per mile of the past half-year. The working expenses amounted to 388,9641., being 44 per cent. upon the receipts. The interest on loans amounted to 194,8341. and dividends on preference stock to 127,3071., leaving a balance of 179,312/. for dividend on the ordinary capital, being at the rate of 31. 14s. 2d. upon the whole year. This he would venture to say was a most satisfactory result for the first year they had worked over the whole line. The traffic upon the line was very satisfactory at present, and he saw no rea son why the traffic of the current half-year should not be equal to the past half-year. The traffic during the first half of the year was always less in amount than that of the second half ; and, if they could approach the same dividend in the present half-year that they were about to declare for the past, that would be quite as much as they could expect. It was stated in the report that a balance would remain over of 3,9411., after paying a dividend of 28 per cent. on the original stock, 31 per cent. on the B stock, and 11 per cent, on the A stock. There seemed to be some doubt with regard to the rates of and dates at which the divi dends respectively became due upon the A or deferred stock, and the B stock as guaranteed up to 6 per cent. per annum by the A stock, under the provisions of the act creating those stocks. The question was of so much importance that the directors instructed their solicitors to obtain the opinion of counsel on the subject. Sir R. Bethell and Mr. G. R. Clarke were of opinion that they were bound in the first half-year to pay the B stock at the rate of 6 per cent., or as much of it as the disposable sum would allow ; and that the holders of A or deferred shares would not be entitled to receive any dividend until the meeting for declaring the dividends for the second half of each year, except in the event of the amount to be divided in the first half of the year being sufficient to pay snore than the 6 per cent. in respect of the B shares, and that the whole amount available for dividend in each half-year must be so applied, without any reserve so far as it was capa ble of being divided. The directors had no alter native but to substitute, in lieu of the dividend re commended in the report, the following recommenda tions of the rates of dividend for the last half-year, ended the 31st of December, 1853-namely, at the rate of 41. 18s. 3d. per cent. per annum on the original undi vided stock, which would give for the half-year or the original stock 2/. 9s. 11d. per cent., being 12s. 31d. per undivided 251. share; on B stock 31/. per cent., being Bs. 9d. per 121/. B or half share; and on A stock 11.8 s. 3d. per cent., being 3s. 6gd. per 121/. Aor half share, The dividends on the A and B stocks snaking together 12s. being3d., the same as the dividend on the 251. share, leaving to be carried to the next account the small sum. of 341. Notwithstanding that the B stock had the ad vantage of the A stock at present, he would not be sur prised if the A stock should eventually become better than the other. In the 12th paragraph of the report there was a word or two respecting the South York shire. They had thought it right to inform the share ' holders that decisions in two law courts were given against the Great Northern Company, but they were told by counsel that the agreement was illegal, and could not be maintained in a court of equity. Counsel were of opinion that these decisions of the law judges were so entirely at variance with those given by the courts of equity in similar cases that the directors had resolved to appeal to the House of Lords. He (the Chairman) believed, after those decisions, that the directors would be justified in adopting the agreement as a good one ; but, if they were to act upon that agree ' ment, it would be competent for a shareholder in the company to take the case into a court of equity, and thus upset it. They had a great respect for parties connected with the South Yorkshire Railway Company, and all the directors wanted to do in the matter was that which was right, and their duty to the Great Northern Company. He hoped they did not suppose that the matter was contested on litigious grounds, or for any other purposes than that of being assured that they had power to enter into it ; but so long as Sir R. Bethell and other equity lawyers say that they have no doubt of those decisions being reversed, the directors would not be justified in acting in accordance with those de cisions until the matter was set at rest by a higher tri bunal. He could venture to say that, so far as the di rectors were concerned, they would be happy to ma k e a satisfactory settlement with the South Yorkshire Com pany if they could without any further litigation. They had no personal feeling in the matter, but to do their duty to the proprietors. (Applause.) The directors had entered into a conditional agreement with the Leeds, Bradford, and Halifax Junction Railway for working the traffic on the line, which would be opened in M a y or June next. With regard to the paragraphs in the report relating to his views respecting the proposal to build a place of divine worship for the population re cently assembled at Doncaster, in the immediate service of the Great Northern Company, he was sorry to find that it would be opposed. Before he went into the question, he proceeded to show that he had no personal interest whatever, either in having the business of the locomotive department carried on at Doncaster, or in the construction of the church which it was proposed to build on the company's property. Although he resided at Doncaster in a very bad house, for which he paid a very high rent, he did not hold even a 40s. freehold in Doncaster. In making the proposition, he had done nothing more than he believed to be his duty to the company and to society. With regard to the proposal for building a church, it would be necessary to obtain an act of Parliament to sanction it. They could not endow a church without an act of Parliament, and they would have the opportunity of again consi dering the question, as they could not obtain the bill without the sanction of the shareholders. They could withhold their assent when the bill was sub mitted. The population in connexion with their works at Doncaster was about 4,000. There were 1,000 men earning weekly wages at their works, and with their wives and children made the population 4,000 persons who resided near their railway, without a place of wor ship or a school to go to. He did not suppose that the proprietors would wish such a state of things to continue. He had received several letters from Dissenters on the subject, for whom he had great respect, as he thought they had every right to express their opinions. It was not intended to educate the children according to any sectarian doctrine, but to give them religious and moral instruction. He proposed, in the first instance, to ask the proprietors to vote 2001. a year, including 501. for a house to the clergyman, and 1501. a year for a school. master and schoolmistress, and 801. for books and junior assistants. The cost of the church should not exceed 6,000/., and that of the school 2,0001., together 8,000/., which, at 4 per cent., would represent 3201. per annum, and the 4301. for the clergyman, schoolmaster, &c., would involve 7501. per annum. It was not intended to build the church until 1855. When he brought the sub ject before his colleagues, not one of them dissented. He hoped, therefore, the proprietors would sanction the proposition. With respect to hospitals and other similar charities, the directors, on the suggestion of Mr. Waters, at the last meeting, recommended that they be autho rised to subscribe 1001. a-year. [Mr. HUGHES-" That is not enough."] He was of opinion that they ought to establish an annuity fund for their servants, when dis abled from accidental or other causes. They had made the attempt among their servants to establish such a fund for themselves, but the men declined to do it. The general manager had told him that the men had agreed to subscribe to a sick fund, but they declined to sub scribe to an annuity fund. He concluded by moving the adoption of the report and statement of accounts. Mr. PACKE seconded the motion. ANTICIPATIONS ANENT AINTREE. The annual spring gathering at Aintree moults no feather of its popularity. It still maintains intact those powerful and varied attractions which have constituted it the most interesting and important of all early " fix tures." The Grand National Steeplechase alone is a tower of strength to the meeting, as, indeed, it is the principal and only engrossing "cross country " event of the season. Judging from the increased activity which has within the last week been imparted to the betting and the still widening range of speculation, its celebra tion on the present occasion is likely to be marked by incidents of an unusually exciting description. The most important movements in the turf market relative to it I have already endeavoured to indicate and explain, and the opinions which I have expressed respecting them have been strengthened by the latest "operations." Notwithstanding the growing favour manifested for Oscar and the hardened confidence of Bourton's sup porters, my high estimate of Miss Mowbray's pretensions is not lessened. Still, in calculating her chance I am not unmindful of the many contingencies which, in a large field of horses, may, in any part of the encounter, effectually destroy , the possibility of her success. Still, Miss Mowbray will not be more liable to accidents than her most formidable opponents, and with the assistance of her cool-headed, experienced jockey, the odds are cer tainly in favour of her clearing without mishap the most dangerous " obstacles " in the course. Some uncertainty exists as to the ultimate "intentions" relative to Miss Mowbray's stable companion Oscar, and, [indeed, many persons affect to believe that his party build large expectations on the probability of his success. Although this opinion is not opposed to all " turf tactics," yet it certainly appears to be at total variance with the evidence supplied by the betting. Indeed, for months the entire tendency of speculation has been to try and prove, and, I think, successfully the earnestness and good faith of Miss Mowbray's supporters. Should, however, any accident happen to the mare, I shall not be surprised were Oscar to achieve the victory; but I believe that he will only be started to make the running and clear the way for Miss Mowbray, and to take care of Bourton, whom, be it remembered, he has once, and at a heavier weight, easily d e f ea t e d. Bourton possesses pretensions certainly less sound than those of Miss Mowbray ; still I do not wish to deny or disparage his proved racing merit. Still, through Oscar, Miss Mowbray's party are enabled to form a pretty accurate estimate of his capabilities, and that estimate has doubtless been made, and the betting shows that they are not discouraged by it. The recent successful running of Trout has doubtless materially contributed to extend the popularity of Bour ton, and to fill his partisans with confidence and boast ing. That I mistrust Bourton lam compelled to ad mit, his temper is uncertain, and if not i' th vein, he may destroy the hopes of his backers at the first formidable fence. Mr. GLADDING strongly objected to the proposition with regard to building churches and schools with the funds of the company. If the principle were once ad mitted, it was impossible to say where it would end He concluded by moving a resolution to the effect that paragraphs 13, 14, and 15, relating to these matters, be omitted from the report. A PROPRIETOR seconded the amendment. The CHAIRMAN was gratified to find that the principle of his proposition was generally admitted ; and, if the board would follow him, he would grant a sum of money for a church at St. Pancras. As to Mr. Waters' state ment with respect to the coal trade, he would not adopt his figures ; and he was astonished to hear him say that he would go to the Board of Trade and make some com plaint. Mr. Waters was now a holder of B shares, and was therefore secure ; but in his observations he did not show much feeling for the A shareholders, who had guaranteed his dividend. He (the chairman) was pre pared to justify every step that had been taken in re spect to the coal trade on the line, and could assure them that the directors had kept within the four corners of the act of Parliament. With regard to the churches and schools, if the proprietors would only give him (the chairman) id. in the pound on the capital of the com pany, including the loans and navigations, it would raise 50,0001., which would be sufficient for all the churches and schools that would be required on the line. After some further discussion it was agreed to receive the report. It was then proposed to adopt the report, upon which, Mr. GLADDIN moved an amendment to the effect that the paragraphs 13, 14, and 15 be omitted from the report. The amendment was put and negatived by a large majority. Mr. GLA.DDING demanded a poll. Mr. HUGHES moved an amendment (seconded by Mr. Waters) to the effect that 7501. be allowed for religious instruction on the line. This was also negatived. Mr. WATicas then moved a resolution to the effect that a fund be raised by voluntary subscription for build ing churches and schools at places on the line. The motion was negatived. Resolutions were then passed, declaring dividends on the 5 per cent. and 41 per cent, shares ; and at the rate of 41. Bs. 3d. per cent, per annum on the ordinary shares ; 31 per cent. on the B stock, and 11.8 s. 3d. per cent. on the A. stock ; voting 2001. to the clergyman at Don caster for the year ; 1501. for the schoolmaster and schoolmistress, and 801. for books and junior assistants to instruct the children of the persons employed at Don caster, and 1,0001. to build a school. The retiritg directors, Messrs. Burkill, G. Hutchison, and Walker, were re-elected ; and Mr. C. W. Faber was elected a director in the room of the late Colonel Colquhonn. A discussion ensued on a proposition to divide the whole of the original shares into A and B stock, but on being put to the meeting it was negatived. The proceedings concluded with a cordial vote of thanks to the chairman and directors. Peter Simple and Half-and-Half will unquestionably be dangerous antagonists ; for the old 'un, however, notwithstanding his crushing weight, I entertain the strongest partiality. Relative to Half and Half, the betting has recently fluctuated in so perplexing and unaccountable a manner, that I am unable to determine whether it will be a winning or a losing game that will be played with him. Will a big knell be sounded for his defeat, or will his victory be celebrated by a little peal ? Maurice Daley is warmly fancied in certain well informed quarters, but I entertain no sanguine expecta tions of his chance ; notwithstanding, too, the increasing support received by La Gazza Ladra, I am inclined to believe that the confidence of her backers also may be misplaced. These remarks also apply in a wider or less significance to Lady Arthur, and certain other probable starters. Of the outside division, Abd-el-Kader, Spring, and Bedford may figure most prominently in the encounter, and were an unthought-of animal to achieve the victory, one of the three mentioned may pull through to the joy of the "fielders." Having carefully compared the relative merit of the intended competitors, and having duly considered every movement in the turf market, it would be contrary to common sense to select any other than Miss Mowbray as the probable winner of the Grand National Steeple chase. I shall not extend my comments to the legitimate events ; should I, however, gather any information worth communicating respecting them, it shall be laid before the readers of The Sun on Tuesday. Before these hastily penned observations appear in type, I shall be located at Manchester en route to Liverpool determined to attend Stretford steeplechases, in order to hear the sayings and observe the doings of the Manchester men. 1 Feb. 25. A FRESH MAN. LIVERPOOL SPRING MEETING. WEDNESDAY. Subjoined is a programme of the sport : The TRIAL STARES of 5 BOYS. each, with 30 sovs. added; three-yr-olds, 6st 41b ; four, Bst 4113 ; five, 9st ; six and aged, 9st 31b ; mares and geldings allowed 41b. Mile and a quazter. 5 subs. To name the night pre ceding, at seven o'clock. Mr. Moseley, Mr. Saxon, Mr. Worthington, Mr. W. Palmer, and Mr. T. Bell. The LIVERPOOL SPRING CuP (Handicap) of 100 Boys. in specie, by subscription of 10 sovs, each, h ft, with 60 added ; one mile and three-quarters. 24 subs. Age st lb Age st lb Colsterdale 6 8 7 Charity Cariboo Lancashire Lass 4 8 2 Lurley Ulster 4 7 10 The Speaker, by Dove Kilquade Missive Cleveland Cabin Boy 4 7 6 Pantaloon Angelo The Event 5 7 2 Antonia 3 5 6 Light of thellarem 4 7 2 The Cripple Escape NEWPORT, ABERGAVENNY, AND HEREFORD The half-yearly ordinary meeting was held on Thurs day, at the London Tavern ; the Hon. W. E. Fitzmau rice in the chair. The SECRETARY read the report, which stated that— " The railway from Pontypool to Hereford had been completed, and placed in the hands of the London and North-Western for working. The line had been opened on the 2d of January last. The directors, as the agents of the Worcester and Hereford company, had agreed to com plete the construction of a portion of that line which ex tended from the Above-Eign station at Hereford to the junction with the Shrewsbury and Hereford Railway, being in extent about one mile. By such means they had been enabled to open a single line from their station at Hereford, through to the Shrewsbury and Hereford Railway, thereby completing the continuous and unbroken line from the Severn to the Mersey; and as the accounts for that portion of the work were from time to time certified by the engineer of the two companies, the Wor cester and Hereford Company were to recoup the cost to their company, the account in the interim bearing interest at 5 per cent. The Taff Vale extension, for the improve ment of which an act was obtained last session, was now being constructed as far as the Sirhowy Valley. Nearly the whole of the material for the viaduct was now on the ground ; its erection would, therefore, proceed rapidly in the spring of the year. The accounts showed that the total expenditure had been 533,3931. Bs. 11d., and the receipts 570,9891. 55., leaving a balance in hand of 37,5951.165. ld." The GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE of 20 sovs. each, h ft, with 100 sovs. added ; the second to save his stake. Winners of any steeplechase from the time of declaring the weights, once, 61b ; and twice or more, 10lb extra. About four miles. (62 subs., 17 of whom declared and pay 5 sovs. each.) Age st lb Peter Simple a 12 0 Bo urton a 11 12 Oscar Miss M.wbray The Colonel Peter Half-and-Half a 10 8 Abd-el-Kader a 10 6 Bedford (h b) a 10 4 Simple Peter a 10 2 Victress a 10 0 La Gazza Ladra... a 10 0 Tom of Tuam ... 6 10 0 Daphne Lady Arthur a 9 10 Maurice Daley Maley a 9 10 Star of England a 9 10 Spring 6 9 10 Napoleon 11. 5 9 10 Maria Day a 9 10 , Geraldus Mountain Maid a 9 8 The TYRO STAKES of 5 sovs. each, with 30 added, for two-yr-olds ; colts Bst lib, fillies and geldings Bst 31b. T. Y. C. Mr. Barber's Chaon Mr. T. Bell's Exmouth Mr. Croft's Yewtick Mr. Fletcher's Proserpina The AINTREE PLATE of 70 NM One mile. Age st lb Pride of the North a 9 8 Cockcrow Kilquade Labyrinth Forest Lad a 9 6 Timothy a 9 6 The Dodger (II b) a 9 6 Calmar Robin Hood The Prince a 9 4 Squire of Malton a 9 4 Com ea way 6 9 4 Royalty 5 9 4 Crabbs Little Charley Old Rake Trout a 9 0 Luck's All a 9 0 Chester g by Faugh-a- Ballagh (h b) Burnt Sienna a 8 12 Pony (pd) The CHAIRMAN, in moving the adoption of the report, said that in former times, when adversity pressed upon them, he had been often compelled to make lengthened statements. But when better days had arrived, there was little for him to discuss or explain. The line was now opened from one end to the other. After the many difficulties they had passed through, and the pecuniary embarrassments they had had to contend with, so much so, that at one time it was seriously contemplated by many to wind up the affairs of the company, it was most cheering to calculate with certainty upon the great increase of traffic. The gigantic difficulties of the slip had been overcome so as to ensure complete safety to passengers. The shareholders would remember how the directors had been assailed for taking the tram ways. They had obtained their line through these. They had sold the old materials within 15s. per ton. of what they had given. There was a large portion of tramway still to be sold, the remaining part of which was valued at 20,0001. The engineer's report was satisfactory, and the more so as he was a gentleman in whom they could repose the greatest con fidence. His plans had been for some time delayed from want of workmen, materials for the fittings of the line, and in consequence of a slip which occurred in one of the cuttings during the wet weather last autumn. A good deal of trouble had been experienced] in making arrangements with some landed proprietors, who had offered land by no means desirable, and had shown great ignorance in estimating the value of some kinds of ground. Their Parliamentary expenses were put at 10,0001. It would be impossible to say at present what the exact cost of the line would be. Their line would still be completed with double rails under 16,0001. per mile. This was very cheap, considering the district through which the line had to pass. The Taff Vale line, after paying 23,0001. a mile, had given a dividend of 7i per cent. In answer to a question put by Mr. DE WINTON, The CHAIRMAN stated that the balance as notified in the accounts was now laid out at interest at 1 per cent. The report was then adopted. Thanks were voted to the chairman and directors, after which the meeting broke up. Mr. Harrison's f by lago Belle Dame Mr. Morris's The Broom Age at lb Age st lb Eulogist 4 8 7 Voucher 4 7 4 Lancashire Lass 4 8 2 Game Tommy Sir Robert a 7 12 The Buck Annll 4 7 12 Lord Lieutenant 4 7 0 Warwick Worcester The Tempest 5 7 6 Antonia 3 5 8 Songster 5 7 6 Andromache ...... 3 5 2 Escape The SCRAMBLE HANDICAP of 5 soya. each, with 30 added; close stakes if l o l s O e s a t subs., b dir s . n , la the second ot s h e re c e o cn n ei d igyhe t t o 2po r r receive 10 g l .ll O soya, al a out mile. d the To The OPTIONAL SELLING STAKES of 5 sou. each, with 30 soya. added. One mile. To close and name at seven o'clock the nigfdineceding. CONVEYANCES FROM EUSTON STATION.—The 9.15 a.m. express train arrives at Liverpool at 3.40 p.m.; 10.0 a.m. ditto, at 4.45 p.m. ; 12 at noon, Ist and 2d elass, at 9.0 p.m. ; 5.0 p.m., express, at 10.50 p.m. ; 8.45 p.m., mail train, at 4.0 a.m. RES FOR 1854. Warwick Spring 2l Catterick 27 Northampton 29 Abergavenny 3O IL. Mr. HUGHES said, with respect to the matter in dis pute with the South Yorkshire Company, that it was not a question of equity, but it was a question for a court of common law. He had no personal interest in the matter whatever, but he thought it was not neces sary to refer the matter to the House of Lords at great expense, when it had been decided by a court of law. With regard to the proposition of the chairman for a church and school, he would extend the principle to Boston and other places on the Great Northern line ; and as to subscriptions to hospitals, he would extend them to 500/. or 6001. a year, if requisite. He thought it was very objectionable to go on year after year re electing their auditors, as he thought the accounts now required a proper system of audit. Mr. liuGaiNs wished to know whether the directors would have any objection to divide the original glares Catterick Bridge .........19 Abergavenny .......20 York Spring ...............25 Malton .....................27 MAY. Lothians and EdinburghlB Lewes l9 Bath 23 Liverpool Hunt Spring 24 Epsom 30 Bibury og Stockbridge ... ........ 29 Ludlow 30 Winchester 3O FURNESS. On Thursday the half-yearly general meeting of the share holders was held at their offices, 12, New-street, Spring gardens; the Earl of Burlington in the chair. After the usual preliminaties had been disposed of, Mr. J. RAMSDEN, the secretary, read the report, of which the following is an abstract : " The state of the revenue accounts enabled the directors to recommend a dividend at tho rate of five per cent, per annum on the ordinal) , share capital, leaving a considerable balance. In consequence of the increase of traffic they had thought it necessary to give directions for laying down a second line of rails from the Salthonse Junction to Barrow, and to order additional working stock, &c. This expenditure had rend►red it necessary that the sum of 15,0001., authorised to be raised under the act of last session, should be immediately provided, and they proposed that that amount of capital should be offered to the shareholders in proportion tl the shares now held by them. They had, however, recently discovered that the 15,0001. would not be sufficient to discharge the liabilities and provide the funds required. They had, therefore, given directions for an applioation to Parliament to raise an additional sum of 50,0001. Part of it only would be required, and if the traffic should continue to increase further expenditure of capital would be necessary." The CHAIRMAN, in moving the adoption of the re port, said that he believed that it contained every point which it was important that the meeting should be informed of. They would perceive by it that the traffic had continued to advance in every branch, but the principal increase had been in the carriage of iron ore, mainly owing to the opening of new mines. The in creased traffic required additional outlay in engines and waggons. With regard to the 60,000 e. for which they ' RACING FIX' MA Liverpool Spring 1 Doncaster Spring 7 Salisbury 14 Coventry Spring AP. Croxton Park 4 Epsom Spring 6 Cheltenham Spring 12 Newmarket Craven 17 Newmarket F S Chester Spring 9 Lothians& Edinburgh 11 Newmarket S S l6 Shrewsbury lB JU Manchester Ascot Heath 13 Newcastle-on-Tyne .....,20 Hampton 2l Carlisle .. 26 CH. BANKERS' HOURS. From the following letter, addressed on Friday by the Governor of the Bank of England to Mr. Masterman, the chairman of the Committee of Bankers, it will he seen that the proposal of the Bank to alter its hour of opening has been abandoned. The reasons given, both for the original announcement of the measure and the final withdrawal of it, show that the public conveni ence, and the satisfaction of effecting an arrangement that would, as it was hoped, without injury to any one, have lightened the position of many thousand persons, were the only considerations entertained. The obsta cles to its success are therefore to be regretted, and it may yet be hoped that at some future time the practica bility will arise of getting over them : " Bank of England, Feb. 23. " Dear Sir,—The Bank are about to advertise their withdrawal of the notice issued on the 19th of January, ' That from the Ist of March the business of this establish ment would commence at 10 o'clock instead of 9,' and I feel bound to record in this communication to you the circumstances under which they rescind a measure ori ginating in your suggestion. When you first spoke to me of ' opening at 10 o'clock' as a change for which the private bankers had been, with few exceptions, long desirous, the subject was new to me, although it had been brought before my predecessor in office two or three years since ; but I made immediate in quiry of the chief officers of the Bank, and found, by their reports, that the proposed change could be effected without inconvenience to the Bank or to its customers, and that the attendance of the clerks of the establishment might be con sequently deferred from nine to half-past nine. I learnt, also, from all the inquiries I was able to make, that the mercantile community generally would cordially approve the postponement for an hour of the preseutaticn of bills, now often most inconveniently left for acceptance as early as nine o'clock, when, owing to the altered habits of the times, and their distant residence, they have not reached their offices. _ "After interviews with members of the three banking firms you had mentioned to me as dissenting from the pro posed change, which tended to diminish still further the amount of objection, I brought the entire question before the Court of Directors, who unanimously adopted the pro position for a change of hour, in harmony, as they fully believed, with the wishes of the private bankers generally —unobjectionable upon its own merits to the joint-stock banks—acceptable, as they hoped, to the mercantile com munity—and conducive, as they know, to the convenience and comfort of that most trustworthy, laborbus, and de serving class, the clerks of bankers and merchants. " On the 7th of Feb. you placed in the hands of the chief cashier the following memorandum : " ' We, the undersigned bankers, having learnt from the public announcement of the Bank of England, that it is their intention to open their establishment at 10 o'clock instead of 9 after the Ist of March next, beg to express our strong opinion of the great inconvenience that would result from such a measure to the transaction of business, and our earnest hope that they will not carry the same in to effect. " BARCLIY, BEVAN, TRITTON, and CO. PRESCOTT, GROTE, and CO. GLYN, MILLS, and Co. JONE:3, LOYD, and CO. BARNETT, HOARE, and Co. DIMSDILE : DREWETT, and Co. HANKEY and Co. ROBARTS, CURTIS, and Co. " ' London, Feb. 7, 1854.' " Surprised as I naturally was at so unexpected a com munication, I felt bound not only to require an explana tion from yourself, but to investigate still further the na ture and extent of the ' great inconvenience which would result from such a measure.' "Your explanation has been brief and frank—viz., that your brother bankers have changed their minds, while our further investigation has only confirmed the Court in their opinion that, as regarded the opinion of this establishment, the partial inconvenience which might result to a few in dividuals would bo far outweighed by the general advantage in the economy of time that would result from the altera tion. As, however, the Bank have acted in this matter in compliance, as they supposed, with the requisition of those bankers of whom they considered you the representative, and you now withdraw that requisition, the Bank with draw their public notice ; for they are most anxious that neither the benefit which would arise from the general adoption of this measure lie defeated by its partial intro duction, nor that they appear to force its adoption on the private bankers in a manner at variance with the friendly relations which it is their anxious desire to maintain. " I have merely to add, in conclusion, that, should the private bankers at any thee see cause to modify their pre sent objections to the abridgment of the hours of business, the Bank will gladly entertain any proposition they may offer.—l remain, dear sir, your faithful servant, " J. G. HUBBARD, Governor. " John Masterman, Esq., M.P." THE SHIP WATAGA-CASE OF THE IRISH EMIGRANTS-JUDGE KANE'S DECISION. The late important decree of the Court of Admiralty, in the case of the Irish emigrants recently landed in Philadelphia, and turned adrift here, in violation of the contract by which they were to have been taken to New York as the place of destination, for which latter place they took passage and paid their money at Cork, will com mend itself to the approbation of the community the more its principles are examined and the facts of the case become known. These are sufficiently set forth in the decree, but the case should not be allowed to pass without the natural and proper comment fairly due from a free press. We observe, with pleasure, that the de cision of Judge Kane, an well as the prompt and ener getic course of the Britikh Consul in the matter, have elicited the warmest approbation of many of the most influential journals of New York, but it is right that the press of Philadelphia should speak out. Of ,the gross and monstrous frauds practised almost daily at some of our prucipal ports of entry upon the poor emigrant, whether English, Irish, or Scotch, Swiss, German, or Swede, we could write a vol ume. The subject has been so often brought before the public, that we could say nothing new, though we could enlarge upon former statements. An authentic exposition of some of these has very recently been made :n the report of the dele gation appointed by the Emigrant Society of our city to inquire into the nature and operation of the emi grant laws of New York, published not two weeks ago, from which, if we were `) recall some extracts, nothing that we could say would be too strong. But we forbear to enter upon this task, It is sufficient for our purpose that public attention las been roused, and we regard this decision of Judge Kane as doing more for the emi grant and for the character of Philadelphia, in affording protection to the strayer, than anything which has yet happened. _ _ All honour, then, to the city of Penn, which has led the way in this grew, and important work ; to the en lightened magistrate who has thus publicly vindicated the claims of justice, and established on a secure basis the legal rights of the friendless stranger ; and last, not least, to the faithful public representative who did not stop to colnt the cost in estimating the rights and wrongs of his countrymen, upwards of 100 in number, but prorxptly came forward, at every sacrifice of personal convenience and personal feeling, and every pecuniary risk, to claim for them from an American tribunal the meed of justice to which he felt they were entitled, and in which honest purpose he persevered till he succeeded. We perform an agreeable duty in thus referring to the newly-arrived British consul at this port, Mr. George Mathew, who has already made the most favourable impression upon our citizens. The decree will be productive of great benefit to Phila delphia and Pennsylvania,. It will promote emigration to the shores of our own city. It will bring more men and more money direct to Philadelphia from the old world ; and if we sometimes get bad men and men without money, we shall get a larger proportion of such as will soon tecome useful citizens, and help to swell our aggregate prosperity and increase our strength. The decree, we predict, will constitute an era, sooner or later, in the solid prospects of our city and state. —Philadelphia Inquirer. [ADVERTISEMENT.]—SIGHT AND HEARING. —39, Albemarle-street, Piccadilly. Observe—opposite the York Hotel. The Royal Exhibition. - A valuable, newly invented, very small powerful waistcoat-pocket glass, the size of a walnut, by which a person can be seen and known one mile and a half distant ; they answer every purpose on the race-course, at the opera houses, country scenery, and ships are clearly seen at 12 to 14 miles. They are invaluable for shooting, deer stalking, yachting, to sportsmen, gentlemen, gamekeepers, and tourists. Telescopes—A new and most important invention in telescopes, possessing such extraordinary powers that some, 31 inches, with an extra eye-pieee, will show distinctly Jupiter's moons, Saturn's ring, and the double stars ; with the same telescope, weighing only 3 ounces, can be seen a person's countenance three miles and a half distant, and an object from 16 to 20 miles. They supersede every other kind for the waistcoat-p oc k e t . and are of larger and all sizes, with i ncreas i ng powers accordingly. Opera and race-course glasses, with wonderful power ; an object can be clearly seen, f rom 14 to 16 miles distant. Deafness—New Discovery—The OrganicVi !arator, an extraordinary powerful and newly-invented instrument, for Deafness, entirely different from all others, to surpass anything of the kind that has been, o r probably ever ca n b e, produced. Being of the same colour as the skin, it is not perceptible • it enables deaf persons to hear di s ti nc tl y at church - and at public as semblies ; the unpl easan t sensation of singing noises in the ears is entirely removed ; and it affords all the assist ance that possibly could be desired.-39, Albemarle.etreot, Piccadilly. Observe, opposite the York Hotel. [ADVERTISEMENT.)—Fifty thousand Cures have been effected by Du Barry's delicious R e v a l e nt a Ara,bica Food, without medicine, i nconven i ence, or expense ( as i t saves fifty tunes its cost in other remedies).—" Twenty-five years nervousness, constipation, indigestion, and debility, from which I had su ff ere d great misery, and which no medi cine could remove or relieve, have been effectually cured by Du Barry's Food in a very short time. W. R. Reeves, Pool Anthony, Tiverton." " Eight years' dys pepsia, nervousness, debility, with cramps, spasms, and nausea, for which my servant had consulted the advice of many, hare been effectually removed by Du Barry's delicious food in a very short time. I shall be happy to answer any inquiries. Rev. John W. Flavel, 13,!d -ling ton Rectory, Norfolk." " Three years' excessive nervousness, with pains in my neck and left arm, and general debility, which rendered my life very , miserable, has been radically removed by Du Barry s excellent food. Alexs. Stuart, Archdeacon of Ross, Skibbereen." —" Fifty years' indescribable agony from dyspepsia, nervousness, asthma, cough, constipation, flatulency, spasms, sickness at the stomac h, and vomitings, h as been removed by Du Barry's excellent food. Maria Jolly, Wortham Ling, near Diss, Norfolk." —Copies of testi monials of 50,000 cures (including those of Lord Stua r t do Decies, Major - General Thomas King, Drs. Ure, Shorland, and Harvey (gratis). In canisters, with full instructions, 11b., 2s. 9d. ; 21b., 4s. 6d. ; 51b., lls. ; 121 b., 225. ; super-refined, 51b., 225. ; 101 b., 335. The 101 b. and 121 b. carriage free. Barry Du Barry and Co., 77, Regent-street, Lonaon ; also, Fortnum, Mason, and Co., purveyors to her Alajeaty, Piccadilly. POLICE INTELLIGENCE. :MARLBOROUGH-STREET. A gentleman, se companied by a young and attractive female, asked per , mission for his companion to make a sta.tement of her case. The young woman said she was tls.e daughter of a farmer of respectability in the Isle of Wight. A. per son assuming to be a gentleman, living in Warwick street, had lodged during the summer months at ber father's farm, and had induced her, under a promise of marriage, to leave her home and accompany him to Lon don. She had been in London about five months. Her seducer, finding she was enciente, deserted her ,and left her penniless. Had it not been for the kindness of the persons with whom she now lived she must have found her way into the streets. Her parents were incensed£ at her conduct, and refused to assist her. Mr. Hardwick said he had no means of interfering effectually in such a lamentable case. All he could do was to afford some temporary assistance from the poor box until confinement occurred, and then, if the pan ants still continued inexorable, to make interest to get the applicant into some reformatory institution. CLERKENWELL.— Villiers Pearce was put at tilie bar, before Mr. Corrie, on a remand, charged that be, having been convicted and transported for felony, was at large, without license, before the expiration of his sen tence. Seven years ago the unfortunate accused was con victed of forging the signatvre of the Marchioness of Queensbury to a cheque, whic.ti he presented for pay ment at Messrs. Coutts's bank, where he was given in charge, the forgery being at once detected, and he was ordered to be transported for 10 years. Five montlhs ago he came to London, and was living in obscurity with his wife and children, when, through some family dig pi, tte, his hiding-place was made known to Sir Rich and Mayne, the Commissioner of Police, and on Sun( lay he was apprehended by Sergeant Gunn, of the G division, and remanded to procure his former cowrie tion. That evidence was now given against him, and on being asked by Mr. Corrie if he had anything to say, as it was his duty to commit him for trial at the ensuing Old Bailey Sessions, the prisoner, who was extremely agitated, and seemed overwhelmed with remorse, thanked the worthy magistrate, saying his history was a sad one indeed, and he hoped the sitate ment he was about to make would be placed on the de positions, so that the judge and jury by whom he would be tried should become aware of the severe sufferings and privations he had endured. The learned magistrate kindly informed him that iris wishes should be complied with. The prisoner then gave a melancholy account of his life, dating from 1822. It appeared that he was well connected, and had, before the commission of the for gery, which was his first offence, held some respon Bible situations in the colonies. After his conviction in 1846, he was sent to Van Dieman's Land, where he obtained a ticket of leave. He then went to the diggings , and though he was several times successful, he was robbed of his gold by bushrangers. He wasirepeatedly wrecked, and underwent great sufferings on each occasion. Re fervently implored the Government to have comps salon on him for the sake of his numerous and respectable family, for his great mental and bodily sufferings, and for his present weakly, worn-out, debilitated state of health. The recital of the extraordinary sufferings of the am• happy man excited much sympathy in every one present. Having signed the statement, the prisoner was filly committed to Newgate, the worthy magistrate humitne4y observing that he hoped the punishment would be light. SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE. QUARANTINE NOTICE. LISBON, Feb. 19.—Bahia is declared free from diseuse from 14th January last. CUSTOM HOUSE, FEB. 25. ENTERED INWARDS.—The Martha, from Antwerp ; lis ‘r bars, St. John's, N.B. ; Unity, St. Helena and Al goa Bay ; Prince Albert, Leghorn ; Jane, Antwerp ; Can, tor. bury, Whitstable ; Bride, Madras ; Mohr, Cape of Gm ad Hope ; Cashmere, Calcutta and St. Helena; Torre,. it, Shanghai. ENTERED OUTWARDS FOR LOADING.—The Dolphin, for Konigsburg ; Basilla, Bilboa ; John Kitson, Hobart Tov rig ; Brilliant, Lubeck ; Mary Winch, Port Adelaide ; Spiri t of the Deep, Calcutta ; General Hewitt, Quebec ; Cireassi lan, Portland Bay •, Eliza, Launceston ; Maggie, Hong K. mg and Canton ; Twee Kornilessen, Konigsburg ; Northi tm berland, Hobart Town ; Cordelia, Madras ; Southampt , on, New York. CLEARED OUTWARDS WITH CARGO.—The Mary Winir.h, for Port Adelaide ; Emilia, Cadiz, &c. ; Enriquita, lia vannah ; Frances, Portland Bay ; Juanita, San Sebaetion and Gijon ; Gem, Genoa ; Heath, Port Natal and Colombo ; Ontario, Port Philip ; Victoria, New York • Orion, M - gadore ; Indian Chief, Geelong ; Thomas Mitchel, Col cutta ; Egremont, New Zealand. • VESSELS SPOKEN WITH. The Prosperine, Bristol for Adelaide, S.A., Dec. 26, tad. 25 S. long. 22 W. The Anne Milne, Leith to Port Philip, Jan. 3, lat. 6 long. 22 W. The Tornado and Mary Stoddart, both bound south. The Celina, Liverpool to the coast of Africa, Feb. 1.4, lat. 35 N., long. 11 W. The Countess of Bective, Feb. 18, lat. 47 N. long. 7 W. The Dahomey, Bristol to Cape Coast Castle, Dec. la. lat. 4 N., long. 10 W. The Minerva, of Bristol, for Australia , Dec. 26, lait. 8 N., long. 12 W., and took from her a pilot, whom aha bad been compelled to take out from stress of weather. The Salem, of Liverpool, for Australia, Dec. 30, lat. 7 N., long. 21 W. The Ghent, of Bristol, Dec. 31, lat. 7 N., long. 2 2 W. The Balnacuith, London to New Zealand, Jan. 28, lat. 9 N. long. 24 W. The Emily, Liverpool to Pera, Jan. 31, lat. 16 N. , • long 29 W. The Earl of Bristol, for the coast of Africa, Feb. 7, lat. 45 N., long. 9 W. The Devonshire, Feb. 16, lat. 49 N., long. 20 W. The Elize, Copenhagen to Cape of Good Hope, Feb. 1 lat. 42 N., long. 13 W. MThe Flying Fish, Ichaboe to Table Bay, Dec. 26, 104. 32 S., long. 13 E. The Lady Mary, for Melbourne, Jan. 17, lat. 5 N., lo) kg 23 W. _ _ French squadron, consisting of one first-rate, three ships of the line (one with flag at mizen), and one large screw steam-frigate, bound easterly through the Straits, Feb. 17, seven miles S.W. of Tarifa. COUNTRY MARKETS. HADDINGTO: The following are the prig to-day : PN—FEB. 24. VS of grain at our market WHEAT. BAILLICT. OATS. MIAMI First B4s Od 42s Od 38s Od 538 Od Second . 7ss 3d I 39s 8d 32s 6d 46 s 9d Third s6s Od I 34s Od 21s 6d 42s Od Total quantity of wheat in market, 390 qrs., 367 sold IP 11 barley „ 342 qrs., 327 weld 11 11 PP oats 653 qrs., 538 mold I P IP PP beans 170 qrs., 160 eqld Average of wheat £3 15 3 7-12ths Ditto of Barley Ditto of Oats Ditto of Beans DALKEITH GRAIN MARKET-Fs3. 23. Wheat on the top is up, current price 2s up, and Me lowest 6s up. Oats on the top 8d up, current price 8d down, and lowest 3s 4d up. Barley on the top same as last market, current price 6d up, and lowest same as last market. Peas and beans on the top 2s up, current price the same as last market, and lowest 2s down. Qrs. Beat. Current. 332 Wheat 83s Od. 1334 Oats 34s 8d 23s 4d ... 560 Barley 41s 6d 33s 6d 105 Peas & beans 52s Od _ 46s Od. Inferior 60s Od 18s Sd 28s Od 38s Od Average of wheat, 3/. 108 llad. ABERDEEN-FEB. 24. The prices of grain are—Old oats, 27s 6d to 28s Od ; 401bs per bushel; new oats, 00s Od to 00s Od, 401bs r bushel ; bere, 35s 6d to 36s Od, 531b s per b ushel ; bar ly, 35s Od to 35a 6d, 531bs per bushel ; wheat, red, 68s Oct to 70s Od, 621bs per bushel ; wheat, white, 74s Ocl to 78a 621bs per bushel ; oatmeal, 23s Od to 24s Oct per boll; flour, 608 Od to 67s Od per sack. Provisions—Beef, per D 3, 6d to 8d ; mutton, ditto, 6d to Sd ; veal, ditto, 6d to 8d; pork, per lb, Os 5d to Os 7d ; salmon, per lb, Os Od to Os Ckl; rabbits, each, Od to Od ; tallow, per atone, 5s 9d to Os Od ; potatoes, per peck, 12d to is 2d ; butter, per lb, 10d to 1 ; eggs, per doz, Os 64 to Os 8d ; hens, per pair, 3s Od to 3s 6d ; chickens, ditto, 2s Oct to 2s 6d ; ducks, ditto, 2s 6,1 to 3s 01 ; ducklings, ditto, 2s 6d to Os Od ; turkeys, each, 4s 01 to 5s Od ; geese, ditto, 3s Od to 4a Od ; butter for eznortation (present cure), per cwt, 80s to 84s (?d ditto (slimmer cured), OOs to OOs Od ; eggs, wholesale p rioe , per dozen, 6d to Od ; 41b loaf, 8d ; 21b loaf, 4d ; pork, fine small, Os Od to Os Od ; pork, large, Os Od to Os ; lamb, per lb., 53 6cl to Od ; cheese, per impe rial s t one , 5s Oct to 7s. red ditto, 41s to 441 Od • DUBLIN—FEB• 24. White wheat, 44s Od to 46s Oci barley, 17s 6d to 19s ed ; oats, 14s Od to 16s 6d ; rapeseed , 00s Od to 003 Od per brl ; oatmeal, 16s Od to 173 64 ; b akers ; flour, 21s Od to 283 Od per cwt; Indian corn, 47s Od to 52 s od per 4801bs. BIRTHS. OF A SON. On the 24th inst., at Brompton, Hyde park, Mrs. Philip Curtis. At Faversham, Kent, on the 24th inst., Mrs. Ayerst Hooker. OF A DAUGIITEIt. At Gibraltar, on the 9th inst., the lady of Ethelbert H. Blake, Esq., M.D., 85th Regiment. On the 24th inst., at Richmond•hill, Surrey, the wife of Captain T. Folliott Powell. MARRIED. On the 25th inst., at St. Mary Magdalene, Peckham, Mr. Henry Osmond Capel, only son of Menry Capel, Esq., of Little Tower street, City, and Queen's-road, Peckham, to Margaret, youngest daughter of the late Boyes Thorn ton, Esq. On the 25th inst., at St. Giles's Church, Camberwell, George Holgate Foster, Esq., of Walthamstow, to Maria Isabella, widow of the late William Pitt, Esq., of Hudders field. DIED. On the 24th inst., at Swift's-house, near Bicester, Ox fordshire, Sir Henry Peyton, Bart., aged 74. On the 24th inst., H. A. Eliot, Esq., eldest son of Cap tain Eliot, R.N., aged 30. On the 24th inst., Richard Matthews, serjeant-at-law, of Belitha-villas, Islington, and Histon, Cambridge hire. On the 24th inst., at Victoria-grove, Stoke Newington, Harriet Sherrin, wife of Mr. Forest Rothney, agod 22. LONDON: Printed and Published by MURDO YOUNG, of No. 112, Strand, Printer, at The Sun Office, No. 112, Strand, in the Precinct of the Savoy, in the eou.nty of Middlesex, Monday, February 27,1854: " GU ILDH MITTEE GUILDHALL of o'clock precisely for 13% years (1 TEN HOU:4ES, elusive, New-eou Further partici Obtained, at the . LONDON The 3fall Trair en and after the Bookinr-office do The Yoe: Mail 9.15 p.m. The Up Night Easton at 4.30 a. The Up Day !i7 Stopping at ltudg General Mana it LONDON ALTERAT On and after tl month will be ac The 3 p.m. Ex The train now Will proceed to SI A naw Express at 4.20 p.m., and 7.15 p.m. The train nov $.15 p.m., Gospoi from these placed ♦ new train is at Intermediate a The 10.30 p.m. at 10.4 i p.m. For consequer CompanY. Waterloo Stati WAR ] ROM LIFE ASSURK Itriark London. — ethers, at most 'Voyaging, and C By JAPINE: DIRECT Colours, se, Pall. the Gallery for tb inel EVE: Aeb Wedn orninge. every dAY dilly. • is open TO k. The Le seen writte )105. Adm LAIIRE/ (Lessee, The above I Rad will c,orttil CELEBRATED Dancing to cow To•morrow be H IINGA= ♦deiaide•street. renowaed 111.71 , 7 z anell Intense Intel Programme is ♦ai =dent and mod( tional Melodies, )ndy, conductor. Attgarde; plane . Brougham. Mot Three. Overture (Ika) (annyatilalaa;o), Polka (Cadogan RongrotP); Duet amid Blast, M • Hisses Brouzhai Josephine Broth Brougham ; Phu tuts, I, Parltanl ROYAL PA DURING LEN' SPLENDIDL` nesday and Fr AGN I F lED P of DISgOLVI! ( LECTURE by 4 _ DECORATIO: ' MOTT:UM by I UNIVERSAL Ms CRIPTION And of TRES SUNKEN VE • , • Open Morning Children under 7 TIII V 6 Just Publishe ON TRU with tl )n relation to th Hypochondriacs Tranala To which is aat "Dr. Maim% Gal reader. We other equally fll —London Medi, thleers:and M eoald find Its w plaint of which be saved much lest Importance vouch money.. empirical syetei twit upon a m likely to do mu, rirRIESI AL Patent_ Tharmacie de I The long co — while it tends I to embitter the appointment. a of a moat pain space of three these Diseases, ing at the semi of taste or sme toilet table wit Sold in tin ci separate dose Le. This qua protracted.—T street, and Ed hill;Humays G R No other Pack The Packets Terrace Pier.: • 7% •t 1, t 9 11% . I% 3% every qi BRUNS Fen ehurcb Street 94 10% 12 , 4 24 3% 5 To or from C ~ Graves Between Gil BOAT TII Three Mont Packets; or Nev. 17, NOTE Teac rep re sentati plain facts, afforded to SON—the b the best me. the Senate Are large business hes Penny post business, an dered it at t more easily to advance bring out th snodation clans as wo ways the es every style they will e: of success To mans the talent all other in highly enc ke., Is prof pen than 9 Ernigran economical mation, nll CAUTI( public agal falsehood the same c obvious re . No Cox: London 14, 85, and London and 3 Bradtor Rhettlel4 Colonla Merck& Shoe Mat IMPOR exchange 4 without h price. trot The Et en Satuti A new log full I May bit II A hand on applic. lcd 11 [~~~.~ • inartei SWICI C