The Sun. — London, England, 1854-07-11 00:00:00

voter's residence. If he asked him to dine with him after a long day's work, it would be very hard to declare him guilty of treating ; he thought the word "corruptly" ought to be inserted. Mr. HENLEY said that the nobs lord the member for London and his right hon. friend the member for Midhurat had put different constructions on the clause; the latter had said that the words "in order to be elected" had re ceived a judicial interpretation, and were held to mean " corruptible influences," but the noble lord said they meant any kind of treating. Thus two members of the select com mittee differed in their interpretation of the clause. He would support the amendment, and not leave so important a matter to the varying deoisions of el ec ti on com mittees. The word " corruptly,' , ought to be made to override the whole clause. Mr. COLLIER thought that the clause'ought to extend to every species of treating ; let any honourable member that wished move a provision to exempt cases when it was done by the agreement of b o th s id es . Mr. _the said that they ought to consider the clause carefully before adopting it. He had always been of opinion that moderate treating was legal, and that Lord Lyndhurst had so decided. The clause provided for three offences—to accept with a motive, to give with.a corrupt' motive, or to give without a corrupt motive. If theltstter was to be an offence, it was unnecessary to specify the case of corruption. - The ATTORNEY-GENERA.L said his view of the mat ter and the result of the decision was this : — when r e = fieshment was given to a voter who would not come to the poll without it, and his travelling expenses, it was clearly money or money's worth given to a voter to induce him to vote, and, therefore, within the words of the statute of William. He should be understood as solely referring to the ease put by the member for the West Riding of re freshment given to a voter who would not come to the poll unless ne received it. Mr. E. BALL suggested that all difficulty might bo got over by moving the word " corruptly " from the 27th • to the first line of the clause, so that it might overrule the whole. Mr. PIIINN said that the objectof the statute of William was to'.diminish the expenses of elections. The cominittee in the case of 'North Cheshire had decided that under it moderate treating was legal. Sir Robert Peel and the noble lord the member for London had approved of this decision 'but circumstances had g reatly changed since then; the time of polling was redu ced to one - day, and any member of polling places might be erected, so that even moderate treating was no longer necessary, and he thought it ought to be put a stop to. They could establish a different rule for counties and boroughs. He would suggest that the clause be allowed to pass as it stood; and another brought up to - meet the case of refreshment and travelling ex penses. . Mr. WALPOLE thought it desirable to adopt the sug gestion of the hon. member for Canibridgeshire. In that ease he hoped his right hon. friend (Sir J. Pakington) would withdraw his amendment. The clause did not extend to travelling expanses. The matter had been discussedin the select committee, who had differed in opinion, and thought it better to allow the matter to be left to the declei on of the house. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL would the sug,ges , tion, on the understanding that another clause was to be proposed, as suggested by the member for Bath. If that clause were rejected, he reserved to himself the right to move to reinsert the word "corruptly" in the 27th line on bringing up the report. Sir i.. KELLY entirely concurred in the CDIITS3 gested by - Mr. Walpole. Ho trusted that the silkiest* of refreshment tickets and travelling- expenses of the - voters would be put separately to the house. In addition to the clauses of his right hon. friend, he'hoped the - question as to the legalityor illegality of the act would ho raised for the opiiton of the himse in fall attendance. There should be no distinction in the law between coun ties and boroughs. It was a matter of considerable mo ment - to the former that some reasonable refreshment should be allowed to voters coming in many instances from a great distr.-ace to the poll. Mr. HENLEY would withdraw the amendment of his right hon friend the menber for Droitevich on the under standing that the word "corruptly" would be inserted. After a few words from Mr. V. SCULLY and Mr. THORNELY, Mr. BARROW said that if the expenses of the county voters were not paid, half of the county constituents would be disfranchised. He could never consent to give his vote to that effect. In answer to Mr. CAYLEY, Mr. COLLIER fa'd he would poApone pressing his amendment ur;til the bringing up of the report, when ho hoped Govertme It would take the matter is hand. air J. WALASLEY stated that in the West Riding there were at least 3G,00) electors. If each elector were to get 25., they might easily estimate what a large sum it would amount to. tinder such circumstances none but the most wealthy could stand as representatives for such districts. Mr. DE NT.SON said that in 1807 the expeuseclof the West Riding election came to 250,0001., and in 1826 to 170,000/. Even now, when brought down to the lowest possible limits the amount was not under 14,00 i/. It was, there fore,-hardly necessary for him to state how desirous the county members were to stop corruption. All they wished for was to afford some refreshment to those who spent a whole day in journeying to the poll. It was different in a borough election, where a man could record his vote and return to his work with scarcely any lose of time, and without being put to inconvenience.- He challenged the house to show if corruption in the counties approached in any degree the extent of bribery practised in the boroughs. _ _ _ Mr. FOX said he had been returned three times to Par. liament by one small borough, and that these threo elec tions had not, cost him three shillings. 'Many oter new b3rdaghs had continued untainted till some wealthy gen: tlenierr, ambitious for senatorial honours, had come into the field and commenced canvassini;.. If they would try the ballot, it would be of consequence: how high the refreshment ticket might be. Mr. WILLIAMS had known the case of an election won by a large breakfast given to a party of electors. The ametament was then withdrawn, and clause 4 was then agreed to. On clause 9 being read, Mr. MALINS - moved the insertion of the words, "spiritual or temporal." He said that tha words in the clause ware "damage, harm, or loss," but did not include the damage supposed to accrue from spiritual denunciations from the altar. To meet this latter case he proposed the insertion of the words. The committee dividel— For the amendment Against Majority The clause was then agreed to. On the question that the clause stand part of the bill, Mr. H. BERKELEY thought that the clause would be quite inoperative in preventing intimidation. How could they prove undue influence by a landlord ? He would undertake to prove that in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred, of intimidation, no threatening was used by landlord to tenant, cr by tradesman to customer. To show the difficulty of proving intimidation, ho would just mention a case. At the Bristol election therd were three candidates—M`Geschy, Berkeley, and Langton. A tradesman and elector of that city—a greengrocer —had' always voted for th e lib era l s ; b ut on this occasion was canvassed by a tory innkeeper, his best customer, for Di`Gleachy. He voted for the liberal, and on his next ap plication to the innkeeper for an order, he was threatened to be kicked out of the house. How could they Ppply the clause to that case? The clause would be perfectly in operative in such a case, and it would be. inoperative Against the landlord if the landlord thought proper to hold his tongue, audit would beperfectly inoperative in dealing with the election screw in any case where it was systellia tically applied. He had, he contended, a right to sift this clause, because it was in direct opposition to the 200 mem bers who voted in favour of his motion to establish the ballot, and in opposition to the view of the Solicitor and. Attorney-General and one half of the members of the Go vernment. Mr. V. SMITH intimated an intention to take the sense of the committee against the words id clause 5, " or any fraudulent device or contrivance." He complained that the clause would not have any effect in meeting the great tyranny of the transfer of custom, and anoth-rdefect was that, while it punished the man who exorcised undue influence it did not punish the person who profited by such undue inflnence 26 125 --99 Mr. WALPOLE opposed the amendment, which was withillawn, and after a short conversation, Mr. V. SMITH then moved the addition of words for the purpose of invalidating any vote obtained by means of undue influence or intimidation. Mr. tirALPOLE and Mr. J. PHILLIMORE opposed the amendment. _ _ ' Mr. HILDYARD thought nothing wontd tend so much to diecOuragement of intimidation as the knowledge that •voles obtained in that way would be thrown away. Mr. ITEWDEGATE considered the suggestion of Mr. V. Smith a valuabl e one and that its adoption would go far to meettliat kind of intimidation which, by means of organ ised mobs to bring which to the afforded gcili+s poiling place the railways ---es, was now frequently brought to bear upon the . electors to prevent the free exorcise of their right of sisting. Colonel BLAIR suggested that some means should be provided for punishing the disgusting oence of spitting which prevailed occasionally at elections i ff n Scotland. The LORD ADVOCATE had no doubt the disgusting practice his h on . and gallant friend alluded to would come within the gen era l t erm of inti midation clause ; - if heth oug ht i t would not as incl u d e d i n thi s , p e rhaPB he w ou ld him self suggest a c l ause on the subject. Mr. ATHERTON !supported the amendment. Mr. LIDDELL (Liverpool) thought it better to allow the clause to remain as it was. Mr. MULLINGS opposed the amendment. Lord J. RUSSELL considered the introduction of the words convictep ro d posed would lead to con f us i on. If a person were of having exercised intimidation or undue in. fac flUe t nee onh t certai the n voters, and evid ence were giv . en of th e , and at y had given their votes in consequenc e of such intimidation or undue influence, it might be prop er to disfranchise them ; but if a person could come with a petition to that house, and upon the allegation that such a voter had been intimidated, and that such an one, for hav ing voted for a particular candidate, had obtained a trans ference of his custom from some other tradesman, it would be difficult to sustain any return. Mr. V. SMITH stated that ho would take the sense of th e committee upon the amendment, and The committee divided -6.3 . For the amendment • Against it /32 - 69 The clause was then passed. Clauses 6, 7, 8,9, were agreed to. On clause 10 which referred to legal agencies, Mr. E. DENISON suggested that the clause would pre vent the employment of all local agencies. Mr. LIDDELL thought that the disabilities of age t nt e s was (*flied too far, and he moved the omissionof the clause 'and the substitution of the following of a lowing : person shall, either during any election . m ‘ e i m lf ber an i: t' serve hi parliament, or within six calendar months pre . - vious to such e l ec ti on , or within fourteen day shall have b een comp l e t e d, be employed_i_ at suchs aft electionerit as Ansel, agent, attorney, p otherelection, c iisg 41apacity, f or th e p ur p oses of su h 011-clerkman, o a r nd in sh a a n l y l at any tim e , either before, during, or after such election, accept or tak e f rom any such candidate or candidates, or from any person w h atsoever for or in consideration of, , or . with reference t o such employment, any sum or sums of mono 7, retaining fee, office, place, or em?loyment, or any promise or security for any sum or suins of money, retain ing fee, office, place, or employmentssuch person shall be deemed incapable of voting at such election, and his vote, if g iven, shall be utterly void and of notes effect, and shall render him liable to forfeit the Sim of fifty pounds to any person who shall are fo r th e same, together with full costs ofo suit." Mr. - W. ATHERTON thought the clause most objection able. - If it was the intention of the bill that a candidate at an blectioli. should be his own counsel, agent, or poll clerk, let it . say so directly, and not indirectly. Nothing could be more reasonable than that a candidate should have assistance, an agent, an attorney, who, to be of use, shoulct lire 94 the spot, _ Nor had his objection been removed by the suggestion of his hon. and learned friend the member for Bath. He had no objection to take away the vote. Lord J. RUSSELL said this clause,. as the hon. member for. Liverpool had said, was not originally in the bill in the shape it now was. All that ho proposed in the bill as was originally brought forward was to prevent more effectually than was now done by lasi the attorney or agent from voting. The objection to the clause of the hon. member was that he thought it could not be carried effec tually into practice. What the hon. member (Mr. Ather ton) said was true, that the candidate would contrive by having the partner, or nephew, or clerk as his nominal agent. He thought the best course would be to strike out the clause as it now stood and to insert another clause at end of the bill. Mr. CRAUFURD thought that until they could put an end to the employment of attorneys at. elections they would never get rid of corruption. , Mr. WALPOLE was glad that the noble lord consented to withdraw the clause. He thought the difficulty would be got over by adopting the clause of the hon. member for Liverpool. Mr. V. SMITH did not- envy the gentleman who sued an attorney at law for 50/. Depend upon it he would get the worth of it. (Laughter.) : The object of the bon. membei for Manchester in proposing the clause in commit tee was to get rid of the enormous influence of attorneys at elections. At present they could engage attorneys as agents and secure their votes. It was the onlylegalised bribery there was. Clause 10 waethen struck out. On clause 11, which prohibits the giving of cockades, Mr. HEADLAM moved an amendment, extending the provisions of the clause to candidates as well as to mem bers, which was agreed to. _ On the question that the clause stand part of the bill, Mr. LOOSER moved that the clause be struck out. He thought the time had come when they should deter mine whether the elections should be popular or not. Mr. AGLIONBY said his defieition of a popular elec tion was different from that of the hon. member. He con ceived that a popular election - was that which gave to every man who had the power to vote the right to vote without bribery and without corruption. He asked if it was discussed in the select committee whether they should get rid of those nuisances at elections, flags, banner, and music ? Mr. WALPOLE said it was before the committee, but as the house had deliberately, upon two occasions, rejected the proposition, they thought it was hardly wit hin their province to insert a clause. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said the 7th and Bth Gl3O. IV. was passed for the purpose of putting a stop to the practice of giving ribbons and cockades to the electors. It was found a very heavy expense, as they had not only to give ribbons to the voters but to their wives, and to many besides who were nonvoters. The clause was then agreed to. On clause 12, which provides that 'electors are not to be compelled to serve as special constables, , Mr. SOTHERON asked what was the object of such a provision. Lord J. RUSSELL thought the object was that per sons should not be made special constables to prevent them from voting. Mr. MILES said that in many small boroughs all the respectable inhabitants were voters, and they were the only persons who could be called- on to quell riots. (Hear.) Mr. WALPOLE dia not think it right that el dors, who might have strong paitisan feelings, should be com pelled to act as special constables. Mr. E. DENISON sail that if they had such strong feelings they would willingly be sworn in. The commi ttee divided— For the dame Against 181 39 - -145 Majority On clause 13, Sir J. INAT:MSLEY moved to insert words to render penalties imposed 'under the act recoverable in the county court of the district. Mr. PHINN • said that the committee lull considered this question, and had rejected it—in his opinion wisely— after mature consideration. Mr. CRAUFURD supptrted the amendment. Mr. WHITESIDE did not think it advisable to render these penalties recoverable in county courts. Mr. ATHERTON objected to the amendment, and Mr. HADFIELD supported it.. Mr. FOX said that if county courts wore so little to he trusted as some hon. members supposed, they ought not to be trusted to decide Cases at all. He supported the amend ment. Lord J. RUSSELL said that, except in some cases there was no appeal from county courts, and he did not think that a local tribunal should have the power of deciding questions which involved political disqualifications. . The amendment was negatived, and the clause was agreed to. On clause 14, Mr. HENLEY asked whether the expenses of prosecu tion were to be paid out of the Treasury or out of the county rates ? Lord J. RUSSELL said that the intention was to pay them out of the Consolidated Fund. Clause agreed to. Clause 13 was agreed to. Oa clause 16, Mr. WHITESIDE moved an amendment to limit the time within which an action must be brought to six months. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL opposed the amendment. The clause was then agreed to. On the motion of Mr. V. ScuLLY, The CHAIRMAN reported progress. Lord J. RUSSELL stating that he intended to resume thacomtnittee on Thursday. STAMP DUTIES BILL. Oa the motion for going into committee, Sir H.WILLOUGHBY asked if the hon_gentleman (Mr. Wilson) would- object to lay en the table a comparative table of the duties now levied and those proposed to be levied. Mr. WILSON said he would furnish - such a table. The bilititielf was intended as a compromise to meet conflicting interests, one of which was re, , resented by the hon. member for Sheffield (Mr. Hadfield) ; but if there were any decided objection to the new scale of duties, he would not press them. • Oa the motion of Mr. HADFIELD the committee was postponed. The report of supply was brought up and received. JAMAICA. LOAN. In committee of the house a resolution granting a loan of 50,0013/. to the'island of Jamaica was agreed to. STANDARD OF GOLD AND SILVER WARES BILL. The order of the day for the second reading of this bill havitrg_been moved, Mr. CARDWELL, in reply to Mr. HENLEY, said that the object of the bill was to lower the standard of the gold used in the making of watch-cases from 18 carats to 10 carats fine. The trade in the manufacture of watch-cases of alower standard of gold was rapidly on the increase ; and the manufacturers of this country loudly complained that they were shut out from the advantages of that trade by.the arbitrary rale with respect to,the standard of gold to be used in the manufacture of those cases at present in force. Mr.. T. RA NKEY said that the gold manufacturers of the City of London entirely disapproved of the bill. They were of opinion that it would ruin the trade in England if watch-cases were allowed to be manufactured of which only one-third should be gold, and would drive the manufac turers to Geneva. Mr. ELLICE thought the hon. member was stating the wishes of those manufacturers who enjoyed, and wished to enjoy, the monopoly in the trade. On behalf of his consti tuents he should beg to express his approval of the bill. The fact was that under the present system the manufac turers in this country were obliged to send the works of watches out to America to be put there either into French or American cases. He did not desire that the public • should be deluded with respect to the value of a watch. It was simply sought that the cases should be stamped accord ing to their fineness, so that the purchasers should not, under the operation of the bill, be in any way defraud() i. The whole object - of the bill was to enable the watchmakers throughout England to extend their trade, and upon that ground it merited the support . af the house. The bill was then read a second time. CRIMINAL JUSTICE BILL. The bill was read a second time. • The Militia (No. 2) Bill was read a second time, and the committee fixed Tor Thursday morning. MERCHANT SHIPPING ACTS REPEAL BILL. Mr. CARDWELL moved the committee on this bill. Mr. DEEDES objected to proceeding witht it at that late hour. Mr. CARDWELL pressed that it might be permitted to go into committee. The bill wont through committee ; the third reading was fixed for Thursday. REGISTRATION OF BILLS OF SALE (IRELAND) BILL. . This bill went through committee. THE GENERAL BOARD OF HEALTH BILL. On the order of the day for the committal of this bill being read amidst cries of " oh, oh," and "postpone, postpone." Mr. WISE moved that a select committee bs appointed to consider the provisional orders. Sir W. MOLES WORTH consented for this session to withdraw the orders for the places which did not object to the bill. Mr. WISE—I am satisfied. (Laughter.) Sir G. PECHELL said the hon. member was easily satisfied. (Hear, hear, and a laugh.) Were the towns which had not objected to it satisfied ? and if they were, were they at all aware of its nature ? If so, seeing that no one ventured to defend the iniquities of the board, any approval of the measure should be sent to . the British Museum. Lord PALMERSTON said that the object of the bill was to constitute in a number of towns local boards of health. He hoped that the house would not punish 100,000 People.from any feeling of hostility that might be enter tained to m ember of the General Board of a particula r ,‘„,l.Ol*T-13T0elc. Health, The hill then a through committee, Hanley and m uch .„„ . passe sevethee.ootto. n having been struck out of its clauses and On the circle r f? This bill Was re ad x. second THi a : B wto rNuaLaytAe.aßNStha RATES El n( iTs S E eC i . n ::::::: : : A o L T jn N t . i. D o N:D m ) BILL.oBviILgL in. POOR-LAW coMmittee that t °l.6 bolonel DUNN The bill was the: aecond ti second reading of this bill, two years. "intinuation of the bill be limited to cußoinTditime without discussion. HERITABLE I b T ill A w ß as LE rea S d E a se° This bill was read a second ts TTURnistNsPAIKE TRUSTS. (SCOTLAND) BILL. Arrangements, doa second time. nee.s,alad Turnpike Acts The Turnpike S TLAND of the Continuance Bills, were severally R O E n F t h O e R OMx der A T O f o R r Y ic . i S n C I; H intoo O L ) BILL. Mr. MAGUIRE opposed the furthe committee, p se ecobmillm. committee bill pending the delay of the Governmpeeritja- r o e ° r - measure. no Mr. , DUNI, 4 OP hoped that at that no attempt would be made further to delay th ill ' 3. session Mr. MAGUIRE persisted and moved that the should report progress. Mr. LUCAS supported the amendment. After a few words from the LORD ADVOCATE', Mr. LUCAS contended that this bill was 'part of a, great system of aggression upon the Roman Catholic reli gion directed in this case as it had been in the Middlesex Industrial Schools Bill, and the Youthful Offenders Bill, against the poorest and most helpless part of the popul a . tion. (Cries of "Divide.") Mr. J. O'CONNELL supported the motion for reporting progress. (Divide, divide.) After some conversation, Mr. DUNLOP, seeing there was a determination to ob struct the progress of the bill, consented to allow the mo tion to pass without a division. The Chairman accordingly reported progress, and ob tained ietiYQ to oit again on Wednesday, the 19th intrb. THE SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY EVENING, JULY 11, 1854. • JURY TRIAL (SCOTLAND) BILL. This bill was read a second time. ENCUMBERED ESTATES (WEST INDIES) BILL, This bill was also read a second time. BENEFICES AUGMENTATION BILL. This bill was read a second time. SAVINGS BANKS BILL. This bill passed through committee. FRIENDLY SOCIETIES, (No. 2) BILL. This bill was read a second time. RETURNING OFFICERS. Mr. S. FITZGERALD obtained leave to bring in a bill to amend the law with regard to the appointment of re turning officers in certain cases. SALE OF SPIRITS (IRELAND). Sir. J. YOUNG obtained leave to bring in si bill to con tinue and amend the acts for the better prevention of the sale of spirits by unlicensed persons, and for the suppres sion of illicit distillation in Ireland. THE COURT OF CHANCERY. The SOLICITOR-GENERAL obtained leave to bring in a bill to improve the procedure in the High Court of Chancery. The house adjourned at a quarter past two. ON ACCOUNT OF WHOM IT MAY CONCERN. QALE, by AUCTION, on THURSDAY, the 13th of July, at Guernsey, about 5 Tana of WOOL and about 4,000 SHEEP SKINS, being part of the cargo of the "Reindeer,'' wrecked off this island on her voyage from Monte Video to London. The goods ere all dry and repacked. Passengers leaving London from Waterloo Station per mail train en Wednesday, the 12th, will arrive in Guernsey the next morning. HENRY KAINES, Auctioneer,-Gaernsey. NATIONAL LOAN ANc,J4 SOCIETY, No, FUND LIFE ASSUR 0. 26, Cornhill, London. Established in 1838. .. DID.ECTOSS. A. Campbell Barclay, Esq. Jahn Moss, Esq. Charles Bennett, Esq. Thomas Nicoll, Esq. Hugh Croft, Esq. E. S. Symes, 31 D. John Elliotson ' Nf.D., F.R.S. J. Leander Starr, Esq. Thos. Colley Grattan, Esq. Clement Tabor, Esq. Joseph Thompson, Fsq. MANAGING DIRECTORS. I. Leander Starr, Esq. (General). I Chas. Bennett, Esq. (Financial AUDITORS. _ Professor Wheatstone, F.R.R., and‘Professor John Radford Yoang. MEDICAL EXAMINERS. J. Eillotson, M.D., F R.S, 37, Conduit-street. E. S. Symes, M.D., 33, Davies-street, Berkeley-square. ACTUARY. W. S. B. Woolhonse, Esq , F.R.A.S., F.S.S., &C. • ASSISTANT ACTUARY. Barkf.r W oJ!house, Esq. BANKERS Messrs. Glyn, Mills, and Co., 56, Lombard•street. SOLICITOR. C. Ewen*, Esq., 61, Aloorgaterstreet. Total number otPoltcles granted troll December, 1852, to December, 1353-1,194. _ Under the following heads aro briefly enumerated the leading principles of this Society OBJECT. OF TEE SOCIETY. I. A 'Ale Assuiane3 may b 3 effected either by One Payment, or by an Annual Prniniunt. 2. Policies may be effected wan' or without the privilege of withdrawing one-half of the Annual Payments. If with out this privilege, the rates are lower. 3. A Lite A.surance say be. effected on the life of another, on Jo.nt Lives or Survivorship/. 4. Annuities, Iminediwe, Deferred, or Contingent, will be granted; also Endowments for Children. 5. Naval and Military Men, not in active foreign service, as .. sure ! without extra charge, an: allowed to go abroad With. out forfeiture of Policy, en payment of an extra Premium nc• ordin; to climate, In the event of the Aspired (when on the Withdrawal System) not r. quiring to continue the PoPc ,- ; on its surrender one-half the annual payments will re returned by way of purchase of his itrerest therein. By this m and, apprehension of great pecuniary loss and doubt as to the intrinsic transferable value of each Policy is re moved, its cash value being fixed and determined beforehand by the So:daty at one-half the annual premiums pail thereon : a vast class of s •ciety wdl thereby -be admiated ; and very indiyi !nal, while steadily pursu'nc one object —a provision for his family at death— will have, by tne plan of this Society, a door open to his savings, which will never b.; closed against hii wants or his use. Pros2.ectuses, Report of la:t Annual Meeting, Forms of Proposals ror Assuranc - t, an-I eery desciiption of ne ei.sary Blank Forms, with Tables of Rat- s, and felt information on all points, furnished, on ap plication at 26, Corrilaill, or at any of the Company's agencies. THEATRE FIOYA,,L DRURY LANE: Lessee, Mr. E. T. Smith. TUTS EVENING, JOLT 11, Will be performed LUCIA DI L A.IINrER.NIOO3. Agnes Bury; Alise, Madame Heinrich; Raymond, Signor arnoldi ; Lori Arthur, Signor Fanti ; Norman, Herr Grohn ; Ashton, Mr. Weiss; and Edgard°, Mr. Sims_Reevcs. To _conclude with the popular Ballet, entitled USE FETE EN OL YM PE. rfces—Atalls, 7s; DreSs Circle, Ss.; Boxes, 35.; Int, 2s. ; Gallery, is.; and Private BoxeS, Oar, Two, 'three and Four Guineas. The 11oz-office ope ) daily from Ten till Six, where places may be secure!. Private Boxes and tails to be had of Tstesars. Leader and Cock. iii, New Bond-street. Notice.—Dows op 3 nat Half-oast Seven. Per'orniance commences it Eight. Ha'f-price at Half-pas; Nine. TELE I.TRE ROYAL IIAYMLRKET. Utile? the rannagenatnt of Mr. Backstone. THIS EVENING, Jvr;t 1 1, Will be peeormed the Drama of TIL KNIGIIT3 OF THE it)UND TACLE. Oba'aeters by Messrs. Chippendale, Rowe, G. vviiienhoff, W. Farren, Compton, and 7duckstone; Mica Reyn)ldi, Arita E. Grey, awl Mrs. Fitzwilliam. Followed by Ad LIKE AS TWO FESS'. To conclude with THE SJAPEGOAT. ROYAL PRI.NCESS'S TEMA PRE, OXFORD-STREET. Undtr the Management' of Mr. CHARLES KRAN. THIS EVENING, JULY 11, Wtil be performed TFTE MAW-CLEO UNMARRIED. Characters by Maters. W. Lacy, Ryder, anei Cathcart; and Misses Heath and Murray. Followed by - FAUST AND. MARGUERITE. Char.eters by Mows. C. Kean and Daiid Fisher; and Mrs. Winstanley, and Miss C. L clereq. To conclude with THE HALT OF THE BALLE T.. • TURITLY: ROYAL ADELPIII. Proprietor, Mr. B. A r ',2)3tor.—Dtrx.ltress, Madam:. Celeste. THIS. EVENING, JULY 11, Will be perforrnel TRE SERIOUS FAMILY. Characters by Messrs. R. Webster, Li igh Murray, rasa's, and !Cooley ;.I.lrs. L. Murray, Misses Woolor, Fanny Haskell, and Mrs. &eeley. Followed by HOPE'S AND FEATti. After which will 11,3 presented the New Extravaganza, entitled MOVING TALF,'„supported by Mr. Keeley, and Mrs. Keeley. To be followed 1 .:,y WAITING FOR AN OMNIBUS' Ig THE LOWIFIER ARC /WE IN A RAINY DAY. ABTLEY'S WUROPVS NATIONAL AIIPIIITITE ATM& Lessee and Manager, Mr. William Cooke. Tremendous and most Successful Hit THIS EVENING, JULY 11, A Grand Historical Equestrian speehe'le. called THE COSSACKS; or, Vive la Franca. After which a Series of lido - cesue Choisis de l'Arene, or S canes in the Circle, in which Zs; Emily Cooke and Mr. William Cooke, jun., wig appear. The Brothers Francisco will perform their wondrous fiat of LA PERCIIE. The German Bro thers wi 1 exhibit heir skill on the DOUBLE TR IPEZ E. The whole to conclude with Mr. FY. T. Simpson's Burlesque, RUSSI4. AGIA.INS C TURKEY. 1101..3ffiC0 open from Eleven till Four. Stage Manager, Mr. W. Rest. ROYAL SURREY ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS. Open for tho Season. Under the Patronage of his Excellency Count wALEWSIZT, the French Ambassador, THREE OR %ND UNION GILAA, in honour of the cordial and happy alliance between, France and England, will take place on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, July 11th, igth, and 13th. The Bands of the 2d. Life Guards, conducted by Mr. G. Cooke, and the Coldstream Gnardt, conducted by Mr. Godfrey, w ill attend each day. Lieut. Chambers will make an ASCENT in his new BALLOON on Tuesday and Thursday. On Wednesday the Royal South London Floricultural Society will hold a GRAND FLOWER SHOW; and on Thursday a BALL will be give's In a spacions.Pavilion erected for the purpose. A full Quadrille Baud is engaged. Fur. Flextrore, ILr. Concituling each night with a "Great Exhibition" of FIREWORKS, by Southby, ivho will on this oc'asion eclipse ail his former efforts. Also each evening a VOCAL and IN3TRUNIEN CAL CO nERT, in which Miss Poole, Miss llausford, and Jr Manvers will sin; several national and patriotic songs: The G trlens will be brilliantly decors'eti and illuminated by proficient artistes —D 'ors open each day at Two. Admission, as usual, is. - - HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIOOZ. 1:4 DAy —Morning 14 ninAfter 2 I Evening 41 min.aft. 2 ro-Monzow—llorning 7 rniu.after 3 I Evening 34 ilan-aft. 3 THE WZATIIKR.—Sun Orme, Jinx 11. TFIERMOMETER, IY THE SHADB. 66—highost since noon yesterday. 52—lowest this morning and during the night. 63 —this day, at noon. BABOBIETKR, 30'0. • WM), }LE. to E.—Variable and light, with cloudy weather. Afternoon—wind changed to W., with fine, warm, sunshiny weather. h ...„.„,„:„...; N , ~._.._ '7 4 - , „ ' l-4 4 's, x g _-4.,..',,,, f. 7 . --...*: ' ~:. ` t ..' s lino LONDON, TUESDAY, JULY 11, 1854. Suspicions are again sprouting like hydra heads from the mangled confusiOn of doubts and hopes felt, for some time past, in regard to the Austrian Government. Not a soldier, it seems, has yet, after all, passed the fron tier line dividing Wallachia from Transylvania. The Berlin Cabinet has dragged heavily, and it would appear not ineffectually upon the Councils of Vienna. Germany i 3 still equipoised between the Allies and the AUTOCRAT—altogether forget ful, we presume, of the wise old homely saying about two' stools bringing one to the ground. Thus, actually, are matters still s it uate d in reference to those who an not positively and prominently numbered among the belligerents. Embarrassing though this questionable position of Austria and Prussia, but of Austria especially, has been, for inasmuch as it has afforded some specious excuse for delay to those who were at heart really solicitous to procrastinate the warlike movements of the British and French Govern ments—we cannot regret it ! WE cannot regret that the German Powers still hang back perversely --that th ey st il l h es it a t e t o j o i n either the Alli es or the A UTOCRAT. We are, on th e con t rar y, ra th er disposed t o exult than to compla i n t h at thosold i ers of FRAN CIS JOSEPH liaYei i o n t e y. A u Austrian o yet ventured the ravaged Walla c hi an Pr l in W a ll ac h ia we have already declared it to be our conv i ction t t enter army a very s er i ous embarrais not be at all susurprisingb Would only be in the way— would only be cause of anx i ety — wou ld on ly be rnent. Therefore it can now assuring us that that the intelligence not a single regiment carrying the colours of the KAISZR has yet crossed over from Transylvania -- is to us , , indeed, very welcome intelligence. Nay, long ago, we did not scruple to avow that, to our mind, it would be better for the interests of Liberty,. of Humanity, and of Civilisation, if Austria weie against us, rather than with us. Wo - here de liberately reiterate that as our opinion. We here hesitate not thus formally to endorse our previous acknowledgment. Suppose - Austria to be with us —in name, that is, for we could never expect her to be so ear nestly and heartily, under any conceivable cir cumstances. Suppose Austria to be with us. We—the Western Allies of Turkey—would not for that reason be more formidable to Russia and . her despotic Sovereign. Oh, the contrary—a dead v.eight of Viennese tradition and Berlin sub serviency would hang upon, the arm of ,France, and upon the arm of England, like unconsecrated maniples palsying our thews and sinews, and embarrassing our evory movement. Suppose, on the contrary, Austria to be against us—England and France would be free to act without the necessity of their having especial regard to the wishes of the Courts of the Ger manic Confederation. Moreover, let it not be forgotten by those whose hopes are fixed on the spread of Liberty, and on the diffusion of all the more blessed and benignant influences of Civilisation—let it not be forgotten by them that in the one instance the law of Might, and of Force, and of cruel and grinding Injustice could alone be perpetrated in Pesth, and Milan, and Verniee, and Warsaw ! While in the other case, according to the adop tion' of thQ other branch of the alternative, Five would again arise for Italy, for Poland, and for Hungary ! Wherefore again, and yet again, we say---Better that Austria were against than that she' were with us ! Batter for the chances of a more speedy and more satisfactory settlement of the present struggle with the forces of the northern AUTOCRAT. Better for our dreams of the future peace of Christendom. Better for the prospective development of Civilisa tion. Better for the oppressed millions of the Poles, Italians, and Hungarians. Treachery can alone result from the pretended alliance of the German Governments. - Rather let us have 'from Austria—her avowed enmity than her pretended friendship. " The tieliet-of-leave" system has teen weighed in the balance and found wanting. It is now found that but little, if any, reliance can be placed in a prison repentance, or rather s simulated repentance, which is ascribable to a regret for the consequences of the prime rather than for the crime itself. Many elements must be naturally weighed before we can arrive at an accurate solu tion of the great social problem, and teach crimi nals who have violated the laws of their country to "go forth and sin no - more." =The great object to be attained, that which in the great majority of instances has foiled the most energetic efforts of the philanthropists who have entered On the diffi cult task, has been the reformation of the offender. It is for this purpose that the various plans of discipline have been framed—that - the pri soners have been kept in solitary or separate -confinement—on short diet, or no diet—that the tread-wheel or the crank, the collar or the strait-jacket, have been placed in requisition, and even the " eat o' nine tails" occasionally re sorted to.. It is when these instruments of torture have done their work that the supposed penitent is liberated, and, once more sent forth to withstand the trials and temptations of the world, a strict watch being kept Over his movements, and being liable for any lapse to be sent back to durance to serve out the original term under even more stringent conditionathan previously. It is not very hard to account for the causes of the numerous failures—it is even astonishing that a still larger proportion of the tainted flock are not brought under magilterial cognisance, and sent back to their old quarters. The system is in many respects erroneous, but there are some 1 - mints in which_ it is especially defective, and which must be altered in some essential particulars before we can look for wholesome fruits. In the first instance, the government of con victed prisoners is one almost entirely of fear— they are influenced almost solely by terror. There are many stringent rules, any violation whereof is visited by severe punishment; while any conduct, however exemplary, does not bring any immediate reward or relaxation. When under Captain MACONocam's plan—which'the Birminghauf ma gistrates dispensed with for the AUSTEN cruelties-- good marks were conferred, the possession gave a certain substantial benefit, and every trifling de viation of discipline might be sufficiently noticed by the resumption of some of these coveted. tokens. They were tangible, substantial recogni tions •of good behaviour that • were duly appre- ciated by the recipients who strove to merit them. When none, however, are given— when. no amount of previous good 'conduct entitles the party to pardon for a trifling offence, and we cannot know with certainty the nature of the report concerning him, he. 'becomes careless, if not reckless—incurs punishment, and his heart becomes harder, and his nature more brutal and irreclaimable than ever. Sh ou ld he think it worth his while to dissemble, ho on l y adds a specious hypocrisy to his other crimes, and beconles m ore unfitted for the world —more dangerous to society at the time when he is about to be set loose. It is the "URIAH HEAPS," those who can succeed by an affectation , of religion, and the assumption of a vile cant, in deceiving the chaplain, that are the most likely to receive indulgence, and to be sent forth again to deceive their dupes. There should be better and more decisive tests than any that have yet been adopted, before we can speak with any degree of certainty of the reformation of the convict, who may be a hypocrite, or, even if sin cere for the moment, may have his principles not sufficiently firm to withstand the ordeal through which he will havo to pass on his re storation to -_ society, by which he - is branded and stigmatised, and where, from the suspicions entertained, he.is unable to obtain an honest livelihood by his own exertions. This latter is the main cause of the backsliding. Bad as may be the 'system of discipline in the Prisons, the Ifulks, or the Convict Depots—inade ,quate as may be the tests imposed—they . all sink into nothing whea compared with the treatment of the man, who is sent forth to earn his own liveli hood, with a character, blemished and kept under . police surveillance—with a drawn sword impending over his head that may fall at any moment. While there are so many competitors of unexceptional character seekin g for employment, where can the penitent sinner, without recommendation of any kind, hope to obtain it ? Who will take into his establishment any man who has not only fallen, but who will bring with him the espionage of the local constabulary, and subject the entire of 'his fellow-workmen to police interference on every occasion ? No, the man is a moral Pariah, shunned and avoided by his fellows and distrusted by his master. No matter how strenuous may be his determination to do the thing that is right, he is driven• to crime by the exigencies of his position—and we mourn over the depravity of mankind When we hear of a relapse, in place of won dering at the almost miraculous strength of those who are able to withstand trials from which the best principled and most meritorious might shrink aghast. Something s h ou ld b e d one f or • th ose m i sera bl e creatures who h ave no f r i en d s o r rel a ti ves capa ble of giving them a chance of retrieving their positions, and providing against absolute want. The old system of banishment had one advantage, that any description of labour was anxiously sought after in the localities in which the convicts were thrown, and that the liberated convict could gain bread, and was not living iu daily dread of .exposure. The moment the penal settlement became thickly peopled, it was no longer suitable for the purpose. Thus, the Old "Botany Bay" and Van Diemen's Land ceased to be available, but there are still districts that might be obtained where convicts might be sent after the trial period, and where, with slight assistance from the Govern ment, they might hope to become good and use ful citizens, making amends to their country for tho errors of their early lives. THE ROOD MONUMENT. Tuesday next, July the 18th, has at length been defi_ nitively flied for the public uncovering of the monument now being erected, in memory and over the grave of Thomas Hood, in Kensal-green Cemetery. An appro priate address is, we observe, to be delivered upon the oc caion by Richard Monckton Milnes, Esq., the poet of " Palm Leaves," and the liberal representative cf Ponte fract. Those who may be induced by an affectinate admiration for the genius, for the wise, the witty, the gentle, and most plaintive genius of Thomas Hood—will then have an opportunity of beholding over the spot rendered classic by his dust, the exquisite me morial to the Bard' and Humorist, designed by the skilful hand and graceful intellect of Matthew Noble. Three o'clock in the afternoon has been fixed as the hour for this peculiarly interesting ceremony of inaugura tion. - THE CZAR AND THE ENGLISH CABINET. A rumour has reached us, on good authority, which we confess we can hardly credit. It is to the effect that Count Pablen, a Russian em ploye, son of the Count Pahlen whose name every one acquainted with Russian history will remember in con nection with the last days of the Emperor Paul, has been for some days in London, it is said, upon a diplo matic mission. We know not with what truth this object is assigned to his visit; but of the fact of his visit We believe there is no doubt. It is also said; and said upon very credible authority, that within the last few days this avowedly liussian agent has been introduced into a leading chib at the West-end, the rules of which admit of the introduction of distinguished strangers, and that his introducer was a Cabinet Minister ! ! Can this be true ?—.4foriting 'THE COALITION CABINET-T HE OFFICE OF MINISTER OF WAR. We are assured from more than one quarter, that, at the protracted_ Cabinet Council of Saturday, there was not only a great difference of opinion, but a considerable display of teeling with respect to the propriety of substi tuting Lord Palmerston for the Duke of Newcastle as Minister of War. We are informed that, finding that not only a portion of his colleagues, but the entire nation, are is favour of appoihting Lord Palmerston to that office, the DukQof Newcastle intimated his willingness to resign a post which he had only filled for a few weeks. It is further said, that it was with the view of com municating his wishes to her Majesty, and ascertaining her Majesty's •pleasure on the subject, that the noble duke proceeded to Buckingham Palace while the Cabinet Council was still sitting. It is added, that the Queen expressed her Royal pleasure that matters should remain as they are. This is, on,every account, to be regretted, because not only is Lord palmerston the fittest man in her Majesty's dominions for the office of Minister of War, but it is known to every one that he has never had an hour's comfort in the Home-office ; and, consequently, as might be expected, he has proved the reverse of an efficient Home Secretary. But on this point we shall have more to say in a day or two.— Morning Advertiser PLEASANT FUR sr. PE PERSBURG. There is what is called'in India a bazaar report, that in the event of the Allies making a serious impression on St. • Petersburg, th 6 Czar has prepared a force of 40,000 Tartars, who are to pillage the place and leave it in the condition least calculated to,,be of advantage to the 'conquerors. In sort a copy of the Moscow history. A bazaar report is one which travels by oral tradi tion. No man knows OM precise way, in which it came, but still it is in men's mouths. Such reports are not of the first order of credit, but they are very often true. Their mere existence sometimes proves hard facts. • For inita.dce, in the present example, it is clear there is an opinion somewhere, that the Allies will. make an im pression on St. Petersburg. Secondly, there is an opinion in the same quarters that the course described is very likely to be followed. A corollary from which is, that the opinion so somewhere existing, is much more likely to do harm to the Czar's party than to the Allies. There must be a burning desire in many hearts to be quit of a, paternal government, which destroys its capitals in aid of a whim for protecting churches in Turkey. It does ,not require much military or state craft to see that romantic barbarisms of this kind will be turned against the - inventors in the long min. It has been rightly' said, that no two cases are ever exactly alike. There may be a fire at Moscow and a fire at St. Petersburg ; but there, may be a mighty difference in the coasequencts. If there is any truth iu the report, the good people of St. Petersburg are fighting in the comfortable hope of being roasted by their own Auto. crat Tour encourager les mares. APPROACHING MARRIAGES IN HIGH LIFE.—We un deistand that the preliminaries of a matrimonial alliance have been arranged between Lord Harry Vane, M.P., youngest brother of the Duke of Cleveland and the Vis countess Dalmeny, relict of the late Viscount Dalmeny, and only daughter of Earl Stanhope. The contemplated matrimonial alliance between Mr. Staynor Ho!ford, the wealthy Commoner, and the youthful Miss Lindsay, daughter of Colonel Lindsay, is expected to be solem nised early in the ensuing month. LADIES WITH THE EXPEDITIONARY ARSlY.—Several ladies are now with the army in the East. Among them are the Hon. Mrs. Jocelyn, the lady of Lieutenant- Colonel the Hon. C. Scott, Scots Fusilier Guards ; like wise the ladies of Captain Munro, Grenadier Guards, and of Lieutenant-Colonel prownrigg, Grenadier Guards. These ladies are taking practical lessons in the useful art of " roughing" it in camp. They have, of course, lodgings in the town, but, nevertheless,' pass a consi derable portion of their time under canvas. KING or PORTUGAL.—A letter from Brussels states that the King of Portugal proposes this week to visit the principal towns of Belgium. His journey to France has been postponed to September next. On leaving Belgium his Majesty will proceed to the Hague, Berlin, Vienna, and Gotha. WESTiILNSTER BRIDGE.—Notice has been served from the engineer's office upon the proprietors of the Citizen and Iron Steam-boat Companies, and others plying large vessels up and down the river, to avoid the third arch of the Westminster Bridge on the Middlesex side, as the abutment of the new bridge has been commenced on that side, and to pass under the fourth arch at a slackened pace. PRESENT FROM THE FRENCH 9rOVERN3IENT TO THE HOUSE or COIEMONS —A package of books has arrived from France, consigned to Messrs. Lightly and Simon, being a present from the French Government to the House of Commons, and the Lords Commissioners of her Majesty's Treasury have given directions for their delivery for that purpose. THE DUCHESS OF GLOUCESTER'S GRAND JUVENILE FETE TO THE ROYAL FAIIILY.—Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Gloucester gave a juvenile ball or fete to the youthful members of the Royal family and a select circle of the children of the aristocracy, yesterday after noon, at Gloucester House. The Queen and .Prince Albert, accompanied by the Prince of Wales, Prince Alfred, Prince Arthur, the Princess Royal, and the Princesses Alice, Helena, and Louisa, attended by the Countess of Gainsborough, Colonel Seymour, and the usual royal suite, arrived at half-past four in five car riages, and were conducted to the principal drawing room, where the had previously assembled. Their Royal, Highnesses the Duchess of Kent and the Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Mary preceded the arrival of the Queen by a few minutes. Quadrilles were then formed, and dancinc , commenced. Among the company were the Duke of Buccleuch and the youthful Lady Margaret Montagu Scott (the Duchess was ab sent through indisposition), the Duchess of Sutherl an d and the Lo r d s R ona ld an d Albert Leveson Gower, the Duke and Duchess of Argyll and the Marquis of Lorn (who was attired in the Highland costume), the Mar quis and Marchioness of Stafford and Earl Gower, the Countess of Wilton and Lady Egerton, the Hon. M rs . Sidney Herbert and Miss Herbert, the Hon. Colonel and Mrs. G. A. Liddell and family, the Marchioness of Abercorn and family, Lady Caroline Murray, &c. Her Majesty and Prince Albert returned to Buckingham Palace at eight o'clock. ADMISSION OF DISSENTERS TO OXFORD.—In anticipa tion that the "Dissenters' clauses" of the Oxford Bill would be sharply contested in the Lords, the Libera tion of Religion Society, immediately that the bill had "passsd the Commons, despatched some t h ousan d s of letters to all parts of the country, for the purpose of again putting in motion the machinery which had pro duced so decided an impression on the Lower House. It was, however, understood early last week that the bill would be quickly despatched by their lordships, and further, that the very provisions which the Government excused themselres from proposing, oa the ground that they would ensure the rejection of the bill, were to be conceded without opposition, which was to be concen trated on the clause authorising the establishment of private halls. This anticipation, it will be seen, has been substantially - realised, the first clause having been adopted without a division, and the second carried by a majority of 26, on a division called for as the result of Lord Derby's defeat on the question of private halls. So much for the prophetic wisdom of those who advised Dissenters to throw away the finest chance of the kind they have had for years, because of the 'obstructive power of the House of Lords RUMOURED ANNRX,ITION OF THE SANDWICH ISI,A,NDS. —A despatch has been received from Mr. Gregg, our Comm6sioaer at the Sandwlch Islands, that the native Government throws itself into the hands of the American party from French, English, and other foreign settlers. The Commissioner has been empowered to accept the island fur the United States, and assure the native Go vernment of American protection.—nw York Courier and Eaquii.er. THE LAST OF THE "TEN PER CENT. AGITATION."— We understand that, this week the prosucutions against the delegates, Messrs. Cowell and Co., concerne,l in the recent strike, have been withdrawn, and consequently they will not haVe to take tlieir trial at the Liverpool assizes,--p1• 911 Pilot. MONEY MA RKET AND COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE.: CITY, TWO o'CLOCK. The sales of cotton at Liverpool yesterday were estimated at 6,000 bales, including 1,500 taken for export and on speculation. The mar ket was steady at previous rates. The sales com prised 5,000 American; 350 Pernam and Maranham at qd. to 7d., 100 Bahia at .61d. 150 Egyptian at 6Rd. t 0,91, and 500 Surat at 3d. to to 31d. per lb. Railway Shares were dull, at rather lower prices. A parliamentary document, showing the imports of lead and lead ore, during the year ending last January, gives a total of pig and sheet of 17,564 tons, and of ore 733 -tons, of which the principal portion came from Spain, France, and Portugal. The imports during the same period comprised 488 tons of ore, 14,935 of pig and rolled lead, 1,307 of shot, 316 of litharge, 1,025 of red lead, 1,528, of white do., and 1,438, of foreign pig and sheet led, chiefly to Russia, France, Australia, the United States, China, and the East Indies. The Income Tax returns afford a curious insight into the amounts which Government derives from particular classes. Under Schedule D the principal figures are as follows : Income Charged. Number of Persons. Under £l5O a year £2,478,416 ..: 33,158 £l5O and under £2OO 6,346,590 ... 40,473 200 „ 300 6,641,375 30,142 300 „ 400 4,676,365 ... 14,679 500 „ 600 2,701,499 5,260 1,000 , „ 2,000 6,244,246 ... 4,843 5,000 „ .10,000 4,505,742 ... 661 , 10,000 „ 50,000 6,487,668 ... 373 Under schedule E there were 21,296 persons under 1501. a-year paying upon a gross income' of 1,547,869/. ; 9,153 persons upon 2001. and under 3001. a-year 2,046,630/. ; 1,134 from 1,0001. to 1,500 upon 1,138,0211.; and 54 5,0001. and up wards upon 425,870/. The.relative -productiveness of commercial and profession'al incomes and fixed property is shown in the grand totals. The aggregate amount of the tax, collected during the year ended the sth April last in the United Kingdom was 5,747,2561., of which, as far as England was concerned, 4,102,7041. was obtained upon the asessments by the Commissioners for general pur poses, and 744,850/, upon dividends from home and foreign state stocks. , The half-yearly meeting of the Colonial Bank was held this day, C. Marryatt, Esq., in the chair, when a dividend of 2 per cent. for the half-year, free of income tax, was declared, which would leave 8,5241.-17 s. 2d. to he carried to-the fund to meat bad debts. The report was adopted. In the English. Funds there has been a very heavy tone again,. and the supply _of money stock, now the transfer boOkdare reopened, is more than equal to the demand at the current high rates ; conse quently, the dealers are More fully supplied, and disinclined to purchase unless at a concession in values. The support of the market must ever, in the long run, depend upon the public ; and money being scarcer, 04 can , find more remunerative employment, temporarily, elsewhere. The uncer tainty about the Eastern question and the danger o'f a protracted . war, together with the Con tinuance of wet, will induce caution, even if there be no positive danger. Whether the Bank of England will lower its rate of discount next Thins day, is still a favourite topic of discussion with the speculators, some of whom argue that the step is probable; because loans have been made at 4 , per cent. on stock. This, however, would not neces sarily lead to a reduction in discounts, inasmuch as with a good margin, bankers generally might prefer. lending upon stock at a low rate, after the mercantile failures that have occurred. Consols have been 92g and since 9i to 92, the present value. The New 3/ Per Cents. have been quoted 92i, and are naw 92k. Bank Stock is heavy at 20711. The tone of, the market is, indeed, altogether flatter since business commenced. Exchequerßills hdve been at ls. discount to 2s. premium, and India Bonds at is. to 4s. premium. East India Stock is marked 227 to 2281. Foreign Sedurities have been extremely inac tive, and there is . correspondingly but little fluctu ation-in prices. Portuguese small Bonds have been dono at 36% and 37. Mexican have been at 24. Russian 41 per Cents. iat 83, and Sardinian at 85 to 86. The following are the nominal prices of Foreign Stocks :—Grenada Deferred Bonds 6i to 61, Mexi can 24 to 241,‘"Pernilan 67_ t o 69, ditt o 3 per Cents. 51 to 53, Portuguese 4 per Cents. 39 to 41, Russian 5 per . Cents. 97 to 99, ditto 4i per Cents. 81. to 83, Spanish New Deferred 19 to 19k, ditto 3 per Cents. 37i to_3Bi, ditto Certificates 4 to 4i, ditto Passive 4 to 4f. In the Railway Market the transactions have been limited; and nearly all at lower prices within the last half hour. There have. been dealings in Caledonian under thevalues of yesterday morning, and also in South-Eastern, North-Western, Great Western, and Midland. The foreign lines have heenmerely nominal. Mining - Shares have been neglected, the Aus tralian Land shares are flatt er , an d th e B anks have been quiet. Crystal Palace are still at a dis count. BRITISH FUNDS THIS DAY AT ONE O'CLOCK. ( Front the ONcica List.) Business done. Sank Stock ... .... .. per Cent. Reduced Annuities 92A 1/ 3 per Cent. Consols Annuities ,. 92s 1/ 3/ per Cent. Annuities - i Long Annuities, Eipire sth Jan., 1860 .-- 4 11-16 India Stock' India Bonds, .E.lOOO ' ' --- Ditto, under £lOOO 4 1 p Consols for Opening 19th July Exchequer Bills, lid. £IOOO 2500 par2pld , 3mall 5 p par - 4 •2 p Exchequer Bonds, 1858 YkICE'OF FOREIGN FUNDS AT ONE O'CLOCK. Mexican 3 per Cent. Ditto for the Account 24 Portuguese Bonds, 4 per Cent, x d Ditto Ex all over-due Coupons 37 6i Russian Bonds, 1822, 5 per Cent. £ St Ditto 4.} per Cent B3 - Sardinian Bonds, 5 per Cent... ..... .... Dividends on the above payable hi London. lIALF-PAST TEM. Consols for Openin g 19th July ARRIVALS OF GOLD.--The gold brought by the New York steamer yesterday is less than on former occasions, the amount being 57,0001. A larger sum was intendell to have been sent, but, owing to a decline in the rate of exchange, a portion was withdrawn. Meanwhile, 250,0001. had arrived from California, and some re . - covery-in the st6ck market may therefore be anticipated, although at the departure of the packet there had been scarcely any abatement of the pressure. DEPARTURES FOR AUSTRALIA.—The departures from the port of/ London for the Australian colonies during the past week show a considerable increase. They have comprised altogether 14 vessels, 9 to Port Philip, with an aggre - gate burden of 5,030 tons; 3 to Sydney, with an aggregate burden of 1,913 tons ; one to Adelaide, of 934 tons ; and Ito Hobart Town, of 387 tons. Their total capacity was consequently. 8,264 tons. The rates of freight continue to exhibit heaviness, owing to a decrease of general shipments. AMSTERDAM AND ROTTERD*M.—The weekly reports from the above produce-markets State that business was inactive, and that prices presented no material variation. The demand for : coffee had been fairly maintained, and the superior descriptions could be sold on rather higher terms. ROUEN.— Letters mention that the market for manu factures had slightly improved, the attendance of foreign buyers having increased. " A TEMPERANCE " PALACE."—An arrangement is on foot amongst the friends of temperance, offended by the sale of wine, &c., at Sydenham, to purchase the Surrey Zoological Gardens, and to erect a large building of glass. We have not yet the precise particulars before us, but understand that it is proposed to raise 100,0001. by 100,000" 1/. shares, and that the gardens have been provisionally purchased for 25,0001. —The, Builder. D ESTRUCTIVE CONFLAGRATION AT HORNSEY.— Yes. terday forenoon a mounted express arrived at the London Brigade and West of England engine -houses with intelligence that an extensive fire was raging at Crouchend, Hornsey, and that there was every appear ance of other premises adjacent being destroyed. The moment the news arrived two of the brigade engines, with Mr. Fogo, the principal officer of the A section, with a powerful body of firemen, started towards the spot, followed by Mr. Connorton, with the West of England engine and firemen. Upon gaining the spot they found the manufacturing premises of Mr. Wilber ton, a carpenter and builder, in one large body of fire. The parish engine, which had previously arrived, was already at work, from an abundant supply of water furnished by the East London Company; but it was quite apparent that without extra assistance the fire could not be subdued. The firemen, therefore, went to the aid of the parish engine, and owing to their con tinued exertions they managed to extinguish the fire in an adjoining house, which was tenanted by several poor families ; but the flames in Mt. Wilberton's premises could not be extinguished until the building was de stroyed, and the valuable stock in trade and working tools consumed. The building was insured in the Sun Fire Office, but unfortunately the contents were not insured for a single penny. Considerable damage has also been done to the adjoining house and its contents by fire, water, and hasty removal, and none of the oc cupants were insured ; but the building was, in the Sun Fire Office. The origin of the disaster could not be learned. CRICKET.—THE UNITED ALL-ENGLAND ELEVEN V. FIFTEEN OF THE UNIVERSITIES OF OXFORD AND CAM EIIIDGE.—This far-famed eleven entered the ground at Lord's yesterday, but, owing to the unpropitious state of the weather; but little cricket was the result. Should the weather prove fine to-day, a treat may be expected. Oxford and Cambridge : let innings,. 64 ; United eleven, let innings, LATEST FOREIGN NEWS. THE WAR. REPORTED BOMBARDMENT OF CRON ' STADT. The Press of Vienna contains a letter from War saw of the Ist, which says:— " General Count Rudiger received last evening a tele- graphic despatch from St. Petersburg, announcing that the combined fleets had commenced, on the morning of June 30, the bombardment of Cronstadt, and were still continuing the attack when the despatch was sent off. Count Rudiger communicated the contents of this de spatch, confidentially, to the Bank of Poland." BATTLE AT GIIIRGEVO. The Turks having crossed the Danube in consi derable force, an action was fought on the sth inst. at Giurgevo, in which the Russians had:l6o killed and 300 wounded. Prince Gortschakoff (the General) returned to Bucharest on the 7th ; where a reinforcement of 20,000 to. 30,000 Russians had arrived. They were in expectation of further attacks by the Turks upon their positions, audineant to remain in Bucharest on the defensive.- THE RUSSIAN ANkiWER. - Intelligence from Vienna to the morning of yes terday, the 10th inst., says the statement of Prince Gortschakoff (the Minister) having left Vienna for St. Petersburg is not confirmed. It was believed in Vienna that the principal forces of the Emperor of - Russia are-being concen ttated against - Austria, and that they amount to 300,000 men, but this must be a vast exaggeration. The Cologne Gazette states that doubts having • arisen as to the interpretation to be. put upon the answer of the Emperor of Russia; negotiations aro about to be opened on the subject between the Cabinets of Vienna and Berlin, and that Colonel Manteuffel will be sent from Berlin to Vienna to assist in them. The chief object 'of these negotia tions; however,saccording to the Cologne Gazette, is to come to an understanding as to the convention of the 14th inst. between Austria and the Porte, for although it is denied that the Prussian cabinet has made any formal protest against the Occupa tion of the Principalities of the Danube by Austrian troops, it appears, that Prussia does not regard the convention with Turkey as a necessary consequence of the Austro-Prussian convention of 20th April. The Zloyd of Vienna states' that the Emperor has published an ordonnance, declaring that, in consequence of - the - assembling of an army on the south-eastern frontier of the empire of Gallicia, the districts hitherto occupied by the 3d and 4th armies are to be partly evacuated, and such troops as remain there are to be concentrated for the pur pose of being afterwards directed elsewhere. The officer in command of the troop's in Hungary is to take the title of commander of the reserve of the 3d army ; the general-in-chief in Gallicia, that of commander of the reserve• of the 4th army ; the general-in-chief in Moravia and. Silesia, that of commander of the reserve of the' 2d corps of infan try ; and the officer in command in Transylvania, the title of commander of the troops of the reserve of the 12th corps of infantry. Letters from Berlin, of the 7th, say that the de tails given by the Nouvelle Gazette de Prusse were furnished to that journal by the Russian Ambas sador, and that, on the question of the acceptanCe of the protectorate of the Christian subjects of the Sultan, the answer added—" Without preju dice to 'the privileges appertaining to the Greek Christians ;" an expression which maintains the position originally taken up' by the Czar. It is also stated that Colonel Manteuffel was about to be despatched to Vienna with a Prussian note to the Austrian Cabinet, endeavouring to obtain - a postponement of the entrance into . Wallachia. Som.° importance is attached to this measure, in the, belief that the Czar will make further conces sions if negotiations should be resumed. The new Russian loan had been offered at a fall of two per cent. It now bears no premium. Accounts of the Bth from Vienna assert that the intelligence of the entry of the Austrians' into Wallachia is prema ture. Prince Francis Joseph Dietrichstein,-Ptivy Councillor to the Emperor, had just died. SORTIE BEFORE SEBASTOPOL—FRENCH OFFICIAL DESPATCH. Vice-Admiral Hamelin, commanding the French fleet in the Black Sea, has addressed a report, dated Baltchick, June 23, to the Minister of Marine, giving an account of the various operations of the squadron. To this report is appended that of Com mander Darricau, commandin g the Descartes, from which we give the following extracts : " Admiral,—ln conformity with your instructions, I quitted the squadron on the 10th inst., in company with. the English frigates, Furious and Teirible. I placed myself under the command of Captain Loring of the Furious. • " W.e arrived' in sight of 'Sebastopol on Sunday the 'llth, about 5 p.m. We stood into the entrance o f th e bay, quite near enou g h t o see well. All appeared there to be in the same state as when we had previously re connoitred. We counted. 18 large-sized vessels, twelve of which 'were ships of the line ? and four frigates, two steam .frigates, besides a number of masts belonging to vessels of smaller dimensions. We imagined that three steamers we did not see were out,- -perhaps off - the coast of Nocolaef ; in consequence we made the Gulf of Pere cop, north of Cape Tarkau, our cruising ground. " Everywhere we carefully examined the coast. I satisfied myself that it was Vigilantly guarded. Through out its whole extent a line Of - coastguard, with a chain of signals, was established. As soon as we appeared two Cossacks started on horsebackfa frill gallop in the two directions away from the' coast. . " We were expected, and the Russians have, I think, even wished to lay a -snare for us, which we avoided. Three liners, were hugging the shore a short way off, beating up to the north. Six steamers, two of them frigates, had stationed themselves a little to the west in the quarantine bay, without showing any smoke. Their object was to let us approac..h, and then try to close us in,_ so as to catch us between the frigates and the liners. "We were coming from tile north, the liners were oloSe in shore to the right of Sebastopol, the frigates were in the bays situate between the pout and Cape Cherson. "At first we steered south against a vessel signalled by the watch, when we perceived the six steamers and the three liners in the positions close to the land that I have indicated above. " Our course )hen became more oblique ; we hauled upon the wind (changeable from S.S.E. to S.E.) so as to render the presence of the liners unfavourable: the Russian steamers had already allowed us to cross their parallel, when they bore down upon us. We formed a front line, the Descartes being in the middle. The Rus sians imitated this manoeuvre, and steered towards us in the same order, the cape being to the south-east and a quarter south. - " At, tea minutes past twelve a frigate, recognised as the Vladimir, fired a cannon shot at a great distance off, we answered it, by hoisting our colours. The fire was not continued, the distance being too great. 'We stopped and slackened our speed ; it was ,only when the ball s could reach us in full for ce th a t wo opened our fire. It was half-past one. We tacked about, bearing down on the Russians, who immediately retreated: We gave chase, with full Steam on, firing our chase-guns in the direction of Sebastopol. We did not giye up the chase till half-past three. " It was with a feeling of good fortune, and I will say almost of pride, that we saw, in presence- of this squad ron of line-of-battle ships, the flags of six steamers dis appear behind the ramparts of the harbour fortifications. "The Russians had intended boarding us, for their decks' were covered with soldiers. " From Friday the 16th to Monday the 19th, we kept under light steam pressure to the south of Bolaklova. During thisrinterval we saw only ono Sardinian three master bound for the sea of Azof. " On Monday early we were off Cape Cherson • the weather was misty and wet ; the reconnaissance, there fore, we wanted to make was not possible on thaeday. In the clear, we saw several sails in the horizon, but could not make out their number; In the afternoon the weather cleared up, and we saw four vessels luffing at the mouth of the harbour. We immediately bore down on this division, which was composed of two frigates and two liners, one of the latter a three decker ; but although we approached within a range and a half of their guns in order to offer them battle, they did not accept the chal lenge, and the "steamers remained at anchor behind the line of broadsides at the bottom of the Sebastopol roads. We were ncai enough to judgd that the number of vessels then in the harbour was the same as at our first visit.. "On leaving Sebastopol we passed the mouths of the Danube and by Kustendje." Vice-Adniiral Hamelin resumes his preceding report in the following terms : "Your EXcellency will see our three cruising frigates could not induce three Russian frigates and three steam corvettes to ineasure their force with them beyond the protection of the liners of their squadrons." 4 ST. PETERSBURG. A letter from St. Petersburg of the Ist states that the cholera there bad increased considerably in intensity. On the 28th, there were 405 cases. The Cologne Gazette has the following from Vienna, dated the 6th :—" Prince Glortschakoff, 'who has arrived here with the answer of the Em peror of Russia, performed the journey in four days and a half. Re left the Emperor at Peterhoff at the moment when the Anglo-French fleet made its appearance off Cronstadt. An immense crowd of persons had come from St. Petersburg to Peter hoff to see the Anglo-French fleet, which was about six wersts from Cronstadt. Prince Gorts chakoff accompanied the Emperor to a point from which it could be seen distinctly. The prince, on taking his leave of the Emperor, expressed his re gret at having to quit him at so critical a moment. The Emperor replied, with a smile, God be with you, prince, the danger is not yet imminent.' At Drunn, the prince met the Austrian General Count Schlick, to whom he said, among .etiver things, that Austria would be satisfied with the reply of the Emperor of Russia." Tue last number Will e Augsburg Gcize:tte contijim icivices up to the 23d Julie from fit, Peterobijig: