The Sun. — London, England, 1854-01-02 00:00:00

UNITED ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLMASTERS OF GREAT BRITAIN. On Saturday forenoon a public meeting was held in Shaftesbury-hall, Aldersgate-street. for the purpose of organising an association, which is intended to em- ! brace " all teachers who acknowledge the essential doctrines of Christianity and the sufficiency of Holy Scripture as the rule of faith and practice." The circular convening the meeting stated the general object of the proposed association to be " to advance and systematise the profession of teaching, and thereby to improve and extend elementary education. For the attainment of this object, the association will seek to establish a connection among the various local as sociations of schoolmasters throughout Great Britain, and to give them unity of action. It will endea vour to concentrate the talent and experience of the whole body of elementary instructors on the im provement of professional knowledge and the advance ment of educational literature. This will be done chiefly by means of the reading of papers on subjects connected with education, and by general discussions, at the annual meetings. The professional knowledge and experience thus elicited will afterwards be disseminated among teachers generally. The association will also give ex pression to the collective opinion of its members on mat ters relating to their professional interests." The meeting was attended by a large number of the masters of public schools in the nietropoks and in the provinces ; and several schoolmistresses were also pre sent. In the absence of the Earl of Shaftesbury, Mr. Alderman Challis occupied the chair. In opening the proceedings, The CHAIRMAN said that the object which had brought them together was one that was demanded by the cir cumstances of the times in which they lived. Education was now the great subject of consideration in the public mind. Juvenile delinquency, and all the evils which arose from ignorance, were now engaging the anxious attention of those whose intelligence and experience fitted them to discover a proper remedy, and all their suggestions and propositions, more or less, pointed in the direction of education ; for it was felt that without a general system of education, adapted to the condition of all classes of the multitudinous population by which we were surrounded, the existing evils of our social state "could never be overtaken There were some parties con tending that the education given should be purely volun tary, and others advocating a State system; but it was obvious to all, that by whatever means education was to be imparted, it must be extended to all, and that it was far cheaper to educate a child than to punish it. But, however universal was the attention which had been given to education, it was remarkable that little had been said by its promoters about the schoolmas ters by whom their remedy must be applied, and on whom the great work of grounding the rising genera tion in moral and religious principles, and making them good members of society, mainly devolved. It was true, training schools for schoolmasters existed, and it was only by their agency that our system had not fallen into utter contempt among other nations. But when a young man left one of these training establishments with great promise to undertake the duties of a school, he had often to sustain a very disheartening and wearisome struggle, unaided by his committee ; and therefore the object of that association would be, to point oat to him that, un less he went on constantly adding to his knowledge, his experience, and acquirements, his school must inevi tably retrograde. By means of combination they would afford him facilities for mutual intercourse with his pro fessional brethren, and by the interchange of ideas that would take place at the meetings of the association, every schoolmaster would have the means of improving himself, and increasing his fitness for his responsible vocation. The country 'teacher would thereby be en couraged to take heart under the monotonous and de pressing circumstances of his position, and would have the experience which others had acquired in larger schools than his own placed at his disposal. A common centre for united action, in all matters bearing upon the character, position, and general interests of the class, would also be provided by means of the association. They therefore claimed, in the first place, the support of the committee of every public school ; and further, they ought to have the clergy and ministers of all denomina tions to co operate with them, because they sought no separate or exclusive object ; and if any clergyman should have any objection to offer to their views, they would endeavour, as far as possible, to modify their rules so as to meet his wishes. He congratulated the promo ters of the association on the success which had already attended their exertions, and he had great pleasure in presenting them' with a first donation of ten guineas. (Hear, hear.) The SECRETARY (Mr. Tilleard) then read a report from the provisional committee, detailing the origin and progress of the movement. The document having been received and adopted, Mr. DAINTREE, head master of Highbury Training College, moved the first resolution, viz.:—" That the importance which the subject of education has now as sumed in the public mind demands that teachers should meet as a body for the promotion of professional ob jects." Mr. PAGE, secretary to the Elementary Teachers' Association, seconded the motion, and complained of the inferior status which schoolmasters occupied in this country, and the disrespect with which they were treated, as being inconsistent with the importance of their pro fessional vocation to society. Such an association as the one prop ised would, therefore, enable the school masters to act in a body like most other professions—it would watch over their interests, help powerfully to elevate their character, acquirements, and standing, and enable them to make themselves generally respected. Many country schoolmasters had great difficulty in pro perly educating their own children. With salaries of 401., or even 601. a-year, it was impossible for them to pay for the education of their own offspring ; and for his part, he thought they had as much right to have a school specially established for the education of their children as the clergy or any other class. Mr. HAY, of Kennington, supported the resolution. The first resolution was then put and carried unani mously. The Rev. JOHN CuRwEN, of Reading, moved the second resolution, viz., " This meeting rejoices in the increase of local associations of teachers, and duly values the amount of good effected by them ; but it is the opi nion of this meeting that no sufficiently comprehensive association of teachers has hitherto existed in this country." Mr. COGHLAN, head-master of the Home and Colo nial and Juvenile School, seconded the motion. The resolution was then put and carried unanimously. Mr. WM. DAY, of the Staines National School, moved the next resolutiion, which was—" That, in the opinion of this meeting, a general and comprehensive union of teachers is desb able, with a view to the diffo- Blau of professional knowledge and experience among the whole body ; and that the present tune appears to be favourable to the establishment of such a union." Mr. MEEN, of Bloomsbury Chapel School, seconded the resolution, which was also carried unanimously. Mr. TATE, mathematical lecturer of Kneller-hall Training School, moved the fourth resolution—namely, " That the discussion of questions connected with the theory and practice of teaching would be calculated to advance the interests of education." The Rev. W. S. UNWIN, principal of Homerton Cott. gregation Training College, seconded the motion, when it was carried unanimously. Mr. THOMAS CRAMPTON, of the Brentford Public Schools, moved the next resolution :—" That a pertna , Aleut exhibition of educational books, maps, diagrams, and apparatus, would afford teachers valuable aid in the pursuit of their profession." If he were asked what were their grievances, he would answer—an insufficiency of books in the schools, the bad quality of some of those books which they had there, inadequacy of trabling in certain instances, and bad pay. In fact, the school master's life was one continued grievance. He un derstood that 401. a-year was the averaage salary of country schoolmasters, a sum which was miserably in sufficient. Mr. STEVENSON seconded the motion, and it was unanimously adopted. Mr. SIMPSON, of Queen's School, Kew, moved : " That an association of teachers be now formed, to be entitled The United Association of Schoolmasters of Great Britain.'" The motion was seconded by Mr. SUTCLIFFE, of Chel tenham Training College, and agreed to. Mr. Alderman Challis was then appointed president of the association for the ensuing year, and thanks having been voted to the worthy alderman for taking the chair that day, the proceedings terminated. Later in the day a further meeting of a formal cha racter was held, at which the rules of society were determined upon, and a committee and officers elected. STATE OF TRADE. (Prom the Manchester Guardian of Saturday.) MANCHESTER, Dec. 30.—We have this week expe rienced a falling off in the demand for yarns and goods. Prices remain perfectly firm. The American accounts state that, notwithstanding the continuance of most fa vourable weather for picking cotton, and maturing the plant, an active demand, accompanied with an upward tendency in prices, had been induced by a still increas ing deficiency in the receipts. NOTTINGHAM, Dec. 29.—Much of this week has been given up to holiday making and feasting, so that very little business has been doing in the warehouses. The price of hosiery is a trifle lower than it was in autumn. LEICESTER, Dec. 29.—The business of a very satisfac tory and profitable year in every branch is brought to a most healthy conclusion with fewer failures for the amount turned over th n perhaps ever was known. Worsted spinners have had to complain of the discrepancy between the prices yarns are selling at and the price of wools, and as the latter supports its value firmly, higher prices may be expected if the demand continues. MUNICIPAL BOROUGHS.—By a return just issued, it appears that in the year ended the 31st of August, 1852, the receipts for municipal boroughs in England and Wales were, with the balances in hand, 1,417,449/. ss. 80., and the expenditure, 1,305,511/. 9s. 61d. [ADVERTISEMENT.]—ALIEITTENANTOF DRAGOONS CUBED OF RHEUMATISM BY HOLLOWAY'S OINTMENT AND PILLS.—This officer, who is in the Dutch army, states that Holloway's Pills and Ointment have cured hiss of rheumatism, which appeared to be incurable, as neither sea-bathing, vapour-baths, nor preparations vaunted as sure remedies, did him any good, and the treatment of the doctor, after several months' trial, was without suc cess. At this juncture he commenced taking these Pills and rubbing the Ointment into the complaining parts twice a day, which effectually cured him in the course of six weeks. The truth of this statement can be vouched for by Mr. J. B. Stratman, of Bois-le-Duc.—Sold by all drug- Sts • and at Professor Holloway's establishment, 244, trand, London. ,- -~ w4K ;. REMARKABLE EVENTS DURING THE YEAR 1853. JANUARY. 1. Rew Ministry. Re-election of Hon. W. F. Cowper, Sir James Graham, Sir George Grey, and Sir Win. Moles worth, severally for Hertford, Carlisle, Morpeth, and Southwark. 3. New Ministry. Mr. T. Baines, Lord Palmerston, Lord John Russell, and Sir Charles Wood, severally re elected for Leeds, Tiverton, London, and Halifax. 4. Hydrophobia.—Admiral Tremlett's specific for the bite of a mad dog proved effectual. Banquet to the American Minister at Liverpool. New Ministry, &c. Lord Ernest Bruce, Lord Alfred Hervey, James Moncrieff, C. P. Villiers, Sir W. P. Wood, severally re-elected for Marlborough, Brighton, Leith Burghs, Wolverhampton, and Oxford City. 5. Nathaniel Alexander, Esq., M.P., died. 6. Subterranean telegraph operations commenced be tween London and Liverpool. New Ministry. R. Bethell, the Hon. F. M. Berkeley, Right Hon. E. Cardwell, and Lord Alfred Paget, severally re-elected for Aylesbury, Gloucester City, Oxford City, and Lichfield. Malicious attempt to upset a railway train, by plac ing four wooden sleepers across the Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincoln line. 8. Duke of Wellington's will proved under 800,000/. Singular bequest : between 800 and 900 persons re galed with a new year's gift of a penny roll each at Col. chester. 10. Execution of Horler for the murder of his wife. • Great overflow of the river Thames. Robert Ferdinand Pries charged at the Mansion House with obtaining 35,0001. by forgeries. Walter Scott Lockhart Scott, of Abbotsford died, aged 27. 11. Death of the oldest clergyman in London, the Rev. W. Antrobns, D.D. Sale of the oldest ship in England at Sunderland, the Old Concord. Caloric steam-ship Ericsson made her trial trip at New York. 12. :Ravages caused by yellow fever on board H.M.S. Dauntless ; attacked, 120 ; died 59. • Mr. Monsen re-elected for Limerick county. 13. Fracas between Eighth Hussars and mechanics of Nottingham. Grand banquet at Southampton to the directors, &c., of the General Screw Steam Shipping Company. New Ministry. Viscount Drumlanrig re-elected for Dumfries county. Great ten-hours meeting at Stockport. Execution of George Christie at Aberdeen for a double murder. 14. Female poachers from Arbroath captured. Extraordinary death of Mr. Jones, in Acre-lane, Brixton. 15. Execution of Samuel Barbour for murder at York. Commission of lunacy on the Earl of Eldon. 19. Death of the Earl of Oxford ; title extinct. 20. Dover cliffs, immense fall of 8,000 to 10,000 tons. New Ministry. Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, re turned for Oxford University. Suicide of Dr. Rice, Head Master of Christ's Hos pital. 27. Perce Conference held at Manchester. 29. Marriage ceremonies of Louis Napoleon, Emperor of France, civil contract. 30 Fire at Wilton Abbey, the seat of the Right Hon. S. Herbert, M.P. FEBRUARY. 1. Explosion and loss of life at Glasgow at Greenvale. 2. Death of a whole family from glanders, at Maugherow. 7. Dissolution of the National Association for Protec tion. _ . 9. Gold found at Arran. Murder in Devonshire and confession of the murderer. Murder in Essex of Mr. Toiler, by Charles Saunders. A dumb witness in a poaching case at Brighton. 10. Epidemic at Croydon. Parliament re-assembled after the adjournment. Great meeting at Maidstone of West. Kent planters against the Hop Duty. 11. " Ten hours" great meetinc , at Burnley. 12. Fire and loss of life in Holborn. Fire and destruction of Lochnell Mansion. 14. Opening of the Legislative Session in Paris. 15. Extraordinary number of fires. Loss of Victoria, steamer, in Dublin Bay, with 100 lives. 16. Meeting of the two houses of Convocation. Verdict of manslaughter returned against a herbalist practitioner. 17. Extraordinary discovery of the body of a Jew pedlar among the snow on Dartmoor. 18. Attempt to assassinate the Emperor of Austria at Vienna. 19. Bishop of Lincoln died 21. Snow storms, loss of life, and stoppage of the mails on the Eastern and North-East ern Counties especially. 24. Railway accidents. Great Western, one director killed (Mr. Gibbs), &c. 26. Deputation from the Peace Conference of Manchester to Lord Aberdeen. Hurricane, snow storm, and dreadful loss of life and shipping at Liverpool and on the south coast, !cc. 28. Doncaster parish church destroyed by fire. MARCH. 3. Murder at Ilford. Conviction of Charles Saunders for the murder of Mr. Toiler. 5. St. Clement's Churchyard closed for burials. 8. Holyhead Harbour, fearful loss of property from the late gale. 9. Brixton House of Correction sold. 10. Major-General Daubeney died at Rome. 11. Government sanitary commission appointed to visit Croydon. 17. Sale of the theatrical properties of her Majesey's Theatre. 18. Fatal duel at Chertsey by Frenchmen. 19. Destructive fire at Windsor Castle. Electric light, extraordinary experiments by Dr. Watson and Mr. Prosser. English barque Spartan, attempt to murder captain and crew. Slavery ; meeting of ladies at Stafford-hoase on sla very in America 21. Death of Edwin Bates in prison, at Clerkenwell, to which he had been committed for writing threatening let ters to his Royal Highness Prince Albert. 24. Death from Chloroform at University College. Extraordinary turn out of railway servants at Liver pool. Melancholy loss of boatmen of Deal in a gale. 26. Burglar captured by a dog at Hadstock. 28. Disappearance of Copenhagen-house, &0., for the new cattle market. The old cab stand in the Strand removed. 30. Cape of Good Hope. Intelligence of termination of the Kaffir war. Railway accidents. Diabolical attempt to upset a train on the South Yorkshire line, by a large iron towing chain thrown across. 31. Munificent bequest to the charities of the city of London by Miss Hardwick's trustees, including educational and medical charities, and ward schools, 18,0001. APRIL. 1. Execution of Geo. Sparkes, at Exeter, for the murder of Mr. Blactmore. 2. Great Britain, the arrival of, at Liverpool, with 700,00 W. in gold, &c. Railway servants at Manchester ; threatened turn- out of. - Shipwrecks, &c. Duke of Sutherland steamers loss of, off Aberdeen. Many lives lost. 3. Lord Skelmersdale died. 5. Christ's Hospital. The Rev. Dr. Jacob elected head master, in the room of the late Dr. Rice. 6. Elizabeth Villiers, tried for the murder of William Jones, of Brixt , n, and acquitted. 7. Pier 'Majesty's ccouchetnent : birth of a prince. 9. Execution of Henry Dobin, at York, for the murder of a girl. 12. Commission of lunacy on Fergus O'Connor, late M.P. Arrival of Mrs. Beecher Stowe, the authoress of " Uncle Tom's Cabin," at Liverpool. 18. St. Clement's Churchyard finally closed for burials. 21. Colonel Gore. C. 8., died. 22. Fi e in Whitechapel, with loss of life. Halifax : destruction of a factory by fire (Messrs. Leyland and Ilighley). 23. Government seizure of munitions of war at Rother hi the ; case heard at Bow-street. 25. Crystal Palace at Sydenham (the new ; public ad mitted by tickets to view the progress of the works. 26. General Sir Thomas Gage Montresor, K.G.H., died. 27. Holmfirth, dreadful conflagration at, 12,000/. worth of property destroyed. 29. Very Rev. George Butler, D.D.,Dean of Peter borough, and Head Master of Harrow chool, died. MAY. 2. Raine's Charity, St. George's in the East; interesting ceremony of presenting 1001. to the best-recommended young woman educated in the school, on her marriage. 3. Lady Dalhousie died off Falmouth, on board the Monarch. 6. Kirwan, the convict, condemned for the murder of his wife at Ireland's Eye, having had his sentence com muted to transportation for life, sailed from Queenstown in the Robert Small, with 300 convicts, for Freemantle, Western Australia. 7. Mrs. Beecher Stowe entertained at Stafford House. E. Submarine telegraph to Belgium ; process of laying down occupied three days.. 12. Dublin Great Industrial Exhibition opened by the Lord Lieutenant; 15,000 persons present. Gilbert, Sir Walter Raleigh, Bart., died. George Palmer, Esq , late M.P., for South Essex, died. 13. Preparations for the Camp at Chobham approach completion. Attempt at extortion, by Wm. Wilson, to secure a situation from the Right Hon. the Chancellor of the Ex chequer, heard at Marlborough-street. Excise Office, Old Broad-street, sold by auction for 108,0001. 17. The right of admitting soldiers into canteen, or sut tling-house, during Divine service on Sunday mornings, confirmed by Mr. Beadon, the Magistrate, at Hammersmith. 18. Correspondence respecting the erroneous quartering of the Royal arms of Scotland. The Herald's College of England no power to interfere. " Uncle Tom's Cabin." The circulation of Mrs. Beecher Stowe's book prohibited by the Pope. Dreadful fire at Liverpool, destruction of the North Shore Mill, and of 100,0004. of property; 1,000 people thrown out of work. Railway accidents. York and North Midland Rail way ; three directors apprehended on the coroner's warrant, for manslaughter ; bail given for their appearance at the assizes. 19. Electric telegraph wires laid down to communicate with the Royal Italian Opera and the Houses of Par liament. 21. City Railway Terminus Company ; memorial consi dered by the Court of Common Council, and Deputy Har rison's motion in approval of the plan carried by a majo rity of 31. 23. Telegraphic communication between Great Britain and Ireland completed. 24. Queen Victoria's birthday (born 1819). 25. A new guano island discovered. Railway accidents. South Western Railway, another verdict of manslaughter against the Hon. F. Scott, M.P., and Mr. Beattie (directors). 26. Culling Smith, brother-in-law of the late Duo of Wellington, died. 28. Gore House grand exhibition of cabinet work, &c., opened. 30. Alderman Sir John Key, Bart, elected Chamberlain for the City of London. JUNE. 2. Earl of Ducie died. 11. Suicide of the Queen's chaplain, the Hon. and Rev. A. B. Perceval. 14. Chobham Camp : arrival of troops. 15. Christs's Hospital, tricentary festival, held at Mer chant Tailors' Hall. 16. Dublin. Arrest of an Irish attorney, for carrying .. , .:. dir.lava eirk L.i .~: r~ away money and securities belonging to his aunt, to the amount of 35,0001. 17. The Marquis of Huntly, K. T., died, aged 92 years. 18. Maurice O'Connell, M.P., died suddenly. 20. Queell Victoria's accession, 1837. Submarine and European Telegraph Company, open ing of communication between London and Brussels; at the Houses of Parliament. 21. Queen Victoria proclaimed, 1837. Visit of her Majesty, Prince Albert, Scc., to Camp at Chobham. 28. Coronation of Queen Victoria. Royal christening of the infant Prince "Leopold George Duncan Albert. JULY. 1. Manchester without police this night, from a mis understanding. 2. Voluntary Starvation in Marylebone. Extraordinary case of the Misses Sharpley brought before the board of guardians. 8. Marchioness of Anglesey died. 11. Advertising vans prohibited from and after this day, 16th and 17th Vict., cap. 33, sec. 16 13. Arrival of the Russian Royal family at Torquay. 14. Suspension of a clergyman from taking priest's orders, for 12 mouths, for Romish practices, by the Bishop of Durham. 14. Annual meeting of Royal Agricultural Society of England, at Gloucester. 17. The Earl of Portsmouth died. 22. Strike of 5000 miners and colliers at Dowlais. Countess of Mint() died at Nervi, in Piedmont. 23. Strike of the Hull police. 27. Strike of the cabs ; not one to be seen in London for hire. Great meeting of cab proprietors. 28. Meeting of City police to petition for increase of pay. 30. Cab strike terminated. Earl of Seafield died. AUGUST. 1. Police meetings interdicted by the chief commissioner. Railway accidents, South-Western Railway. Trial of the Hon. F. Scott, chairman, and Joseph Beattie, super intendent of the locomotive department, for manslaughter; both found not guilty. Strike of the market gardeners' labourers at Fulham. Railway communication from Fenchurch-street to Kew opened. _ _ _ 2. Strike of dock labourers. 3. Execution of Hans Macfarlane and Helen Blackwood, at Glasgow, for the murder of Alexander Boyd, ship carpenter. 4. Advertisement duty ceased this day. 5. Strike of workmen in her Majesty's Dockyard, Devon port. 6. The first sod of Portsmouth Railway cut. 8. Smyth v. Smyth; this celebrated case of imposture tried at Gloucester, before Justice Coleridge. 11. George Richard Smyth, the plaintiff in " Smyth v. Smyth," committed for trial for forgery aed uttering documents, &c. 15. Dreadful accident at the Crystal Palace, Sydenham —l2 men killed, and many others dangerously wounded. 17. General Sir F. Adam, G.C.8., died. 18. Mr. Bransby Cooper, F.R.S., died. Major-General Lord Saltoun died. 20. Presentation of medals to Viscount Palmerston by the Polish Historical Society of Paris. Prorogation of Parliament. Speech from the Throne. The break-up of Chobham Camp. 22. Public dinner in honour of R. Steplensoh, Esq., M.P., at Montreal. The Hon. Sir George Cockburn, G.C.8.,F.R.5., &c., died, aged 82. Strike of coalheavers. Singular charge against Mr. Wilkinson, it the Man sion-house, of unlawfully bargaining for an East India appointment. 23. Maynooth commission nominated. Account of another ascent of Mont Bla?u, by Lieut. A. C. Murray, R.N. Report of select committee published as to picture cleaning at the National Gallery ; precautions for the future ; reforms and improvements. New act to prevent the defacinc; and bending of coin. Death from cholera in Millbank Prison. Marriage of Vie Duke and Duchess of Brabant, at Brussels. 24. Murder of his wife by Nathaniel Mobbs, and at tempted suicide by the murderer. Death from cholera in Bethnal-green. Loss of the Meridian, off Amsterdam blind. 26 Prince Albert's birthday. Great destruction of shipping along the coast during a gale. 27. Loss of the British ship Sea, off Por Philip Heads, May 31; 17 lives lost. Loss of emigrant ship Charles Clarke, on 27th July last ; 95 lives lost. Royal visit to Ireland, departure of her Majesty from Portsmouth for Holyhead, and embarkation therefrom. 29. Royal visit to Ireland ; arrival of her Majesty with the fleet at Kingstown, and entry into Dublin. Lieut. General Sir Charles Napier died. Strike of factory operatives at Hull. 30. Strikes of the navvies engac' ed on the sewer works, and of lightermen of the port of London. Royal visit to Ireland. Visit of her Majesty and Prince Albert to the Dublin Industrial Exhibition. 31. Railway accidents. Great Northern Railway (Horn sey). Many persons injured, amongst whom were the Bishop of Lincoln, Lord Enfield, the Lord Mayor, Sir James Duke, &c. Mrs. Harrison had a compound frac are of the leg. SEPTEMBER. 1. Royal visit of Ireland grand review in Phoenix Park, Dublin, in presence of her Majesty, kc. Death of a Scotch descendant of Prince Rupert, (Miss Onchterlony), aged 91. Abolition of transportation under 11 years; the act came into operation this day. 4. The Royal visit to Ireland. Return of her Majesty to Holyhead. 7. Annual meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science at Hull. Fall of a house, at the corner of Arundel-street, Strand, and loss of three lives. 10. Ghost at Chelsea. Strike of seamstresses. Destructive fire at Millwall, Poplar; estimated da mage, 120,0001. Cholera at Christiania ; death of Mr. Bradshaw (" Railway Guides, &c.") Outbreak of Cholera in Newcastle ; 57 new cases ; recoveries, 10 ; deaths, 23. Deathfrom cholera in Southwark ; inquiry into the filthy state of the locality. 14. Arrest of Miss Margaret Cuninghame, at Florence, on a charge of disseminating Protestant tracts. Turning the first sod of the European and North American Railway; 40,000 persons present at the cere mony. 15 Extraordinary swarms of flies, at Harrowgate, form ing a black clond, which obscured the light for several hours. 16. Sir Charles Adam, K.C.8., Governor of Greenwich Hospital, died. 17. Russian Royal family ; Grand Duchess Katherine of Russia sailed from Dover for Ostend. Colonel Colquhoun, R.A., F.R.S., died. 20. Leicester Gaol, inquiry into the management of, &c. Cholera in East Smithfield ; inquest and disgusting details of the filth of the locality. Russia and Turkey; meeting at Sheffield on the pre sent state of the Eastern quest-.on. Saltaire, near Bradford, opening of a colossal manu factory at, belonging to Mr. Titus Salt; entertainment given to 3,750 persons. 23. Cholera in Lambeth. 26. Strand, the late fatal accident in the; verdict of manslaughter against Mr. Abraham, surveyor to the Duke of Norfolk. Eastern question ;beat meeting at Stafford. OCTOBER. 1. Intelligence of the escape of John Mitchell, the Irish convict. 2. The manning clause. Riots of foreign sailors at Sunderland. 3. Gaming house. The Cocoa Tree, capture of 24 per sona charged with having been found in ; case dianlissed. Burglar ; the gallant capture of one, by Mrs. Elliott, of Liverpool. Turkey and Russia ; great meeting in favour of Turkey at Hanley Potteries. Preston, dreadful accident at; fall of 200 or 300 through the floor of a room ; one person killed. 4. Eastern question, great meeting at Leicester on the. - - Railway Accidents. Ambergate Railway; collision of two engines; one life lost, many dangerously wounded. 5, Declaration of war by Turkey against Russia ; intelli gence from Vienna. Railway accidents (Ireland). Great Southern and Western Railway ; collision caused from the breaking of engine ; 14 persona killed, several dreadfully wounded. 7. Eastern question, great meeting in the City respect in the. 8. Intelligence received of the discovery of the North west passage by Commander M.'Clure. Death from chloroform in the University College Hospital. 10. Miss Cunninghame compelled to leave the prison at Lucca, after having been unjustly imprisoned for a month. New penny receipts first used. 11. Horrible disclosures of treatment of prisoners in Winchester Gaol at an inquest held on a man who had been removed hence to the Queen's Prison, Southwark. 12. Proposed monument to the late devoted French officer, Lieut. Bellot. Inauguration of Sir Robert Peel's statue at Man cheater. Great Western; the Reading Railway accidents. station knocked to pieces 15. Preston cotton mills closed ; 25,000 persons out of employment. 17. Dcath from cholera in the Millbank Prison. Mr. Bowlby's Arctic expedition ; intelligence of the Wellington. 18. Great meeting in Finsbury respecting the Eastern question. 19. Shipwrecks. Loss of the Dalhousie, with all on board, with one exception, off Beachy Head, with cargo valued at 100,0001., bound for Sydney. 20. Fatal termination of the use of chloroform at St. Bartholomew's Hospital. Medway River. Thirty-one lives lost by sinking of Harslake Bridge, over which a waggon containing 40 per sons was passing. 21. Deputation to Earl Clarendon on the Eastern ques tion from Finsbury. 22. Gift of 5,044. to John Bright ; expended in books. Russia and Turkey ; first encounter between the Rus sian steamers and gunboats and batteries off Isactcha. 23. Russian Royal family : Arrival of Grand Duchess Mario of Russia at Dover, and embarkation for Ostend. 25. 120 gentlemen dined in a new gasometer at Paisley Gasworks. 26. Great meeting in the Tower Hamlets respecting the Eastern question. Sir W. Knight Bethune, Ulster King at Arms, died. Visit of Louis Napoleon with the Empress to the fortress of Ham. North•west passage ; testimonial to Lieut. Samuel Gurney Cresswell, R.N., at Lynn. Blackburn ; Great Eagle Factory blown up, many lives lost. 27. Deputation to Lord Clarendon respecting religi nu. persecution in Tuscany and Sweden. Preston strike, meeting of power-loom weavers at the Temperance-hall. Bishop of Derry (Dr. Ponsonby) died. 28. Intelligence of the murder of General Count De Neuilly by his aide-de-camp. ... Lord Cloncurry died. Riots at Wigaii. 29. Turkey and Russia, armistice between the contend• ing powers reported in Paris. Opening of the Shrwsbury and Hereford Railway. Preston wages movement, meeting of 0,000 unem ployed operatives. 31. Strikes general in Lancashire. Great meeting at Nottingham respecting the Eastern question. Riots at Wigan, several persons shot. The Earl of Keumare died. NOVEMBER. 1. Fearful riot at Blackburn. 2. Intelligence of fatal fever at Bermuda. Shoplifting, remarkable trial of Miss Cantwell in Dublin ; acquitted. Boiler explosion at Blackburn, Ave' lives Tost. 4. Admiral Nesham died, aged 83. Intelligence received of the blowing-up of the Prin cess Victoria, Australian trader, and miraculous escape of passengers and crew. Russia and Turkey; intelligence of arrival of the fleets in the Dardanelles. 5. Remarkable immunity from fever in the West ladies, in iron ships. Intelligence of 50 deaths from snake bites in India. Guy Fawkes-day. Dreadful accidents from the ex plosion of fireworks in the metropolis and at Exeter. Plots for the assassination of Louis Napoleon. Com mencement of proceedings against parties inculpated, before the Court of Assizes. 9. Fearful mortality in emigrant ships to the United States. Massacre of the crew of the ship Heroine off Cape Labua, Sept. 1. Dismissal of Professor Maurice from King's College. 11. Frightful ravages from yellow fever in Bermuda. Discovery of a new planet by Mr. Bishop. 12. Grand banquet to Lord Elphinstone, governor of Bombay. Manifesto of the Emperor of Russia appeared in the London journals. 14. Intelligence of the capture of Shanghai by the in surgents. 15. Queen of Portugal, Donna Maria, died. Rear Admiral Pasco (Nelson's flag-lieutenant) died. Scotch Representative Peer, the Earl of Seatiel. , elected, vice Lord Saltoun, deceased. 17. Duke of Beaufort died. The Princess Nicholas Esterhazy died. 21. Execution of Nathaniel Mobbs for the murder of his wife. 22. Visit of his Royal Highness Prince Albert to Cam bridge, as Chancellor of the University, &c. The Earl of Dartmouth died at Patshull. Fog in the metropolis, rendering the streets im passable. 23. Another dense fog, with fatal consequences. 28. Russia and Turkey. Repulse of the Russians at Chefkatil. _ _ 30. Preston strike and labour parliament. Metropolitan meeting. DECEMBER. 1. Inauguration of St. Martin's-hall, Long-acre. 3. Shipwrecks, &c. Intelligence of the loss of the Marshall, Hull steam-ship, with 170 lives. 4. Vice-Admiral Dawes died. _ _ _ 5. Royal commission on the recent prevalence of cholera at, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Extraordinary occurrence at Portsmouth ; the au thority of the Queen defied by a Russian officer, in respect to men who had deserted from-a Russian frigate. 6. Opening of the Newport, Abergavenny, and Hereford, and Shrewsbury and Hereford Railways. 12. The late fog ; 14 vessels wrecked. Russia and Turkey. Naval victory over the Turks by !he Russians, Nov. 30, at Sinope. 16. Russia and Turkey. Intelligence of the defeat of the Turks at Akalsik ; 4,000 Turks slain. 17. Resignation of Lord Palmerston. 22. Lord Palmerston returned to office, after a resigna tion of five days. 25. (Christmas-day) Tremendous fire at Esher—partial destruction of the Royal paper mills. Dr. Mill, Regius Professor of Hebrew, &c., died. Dr. Gilkrest, Inspector-General of rmy Hospitals, died. 26. Christmas-day falling on a Sunday, this day was ob served as a general holiday, the shops being closed. Pisces of amusement open as usual. The transfer and dividend offices at the Bank of England were closed, and all busi ness suspended except in reference to bills falling due; the Customs and Excise Offices shut. 28. Colonel Layard, late M.P. for Carlow, committed suicide. - • =lntelligence of war declared by Persia agains' Turkey. - Railway accidents. Taff Vale ; rush of a train down the inclined plane, near Dowlais, from alleged neglect : one woman's back broken, many other persons dreadfully injured. 29. Skating in the parks. News received of Lord Dudley Stuart's visit to Con stantinople, to persuade the Porte to accept the services of the Polish refugees. -- Intelligence of an attempt by the Russians to set fire to the allied fleets at Constantinople. Rumour of Turkey having accepted the last propo sition of the Four Powers. 30. News of a treaty, offensive and defensive, between Russia and Persia. Meeting of Parliament fixed for the 31st of January , 31. Rumour that the Emperor of Russia formally re. jects the protocol and note of the sth of December. THE OLD AND THE NEW YEAR. ( From the Banker's Magazine.) - Looking disparsionately at the events of the last 12 months, it cannot be denied that all classes have had to contend with various disturbing elements ; but these elements have been produced by the transition through which capital and labour are now gradually passing— the consequences of the gold discoveries in Australia and California, and the altered relations which they are destined to create. Political considerations apart from those connected with the attitude of Russia towards Turkey, have probably not for a long time past made so inconsiderable a figure in the ordinary course of affairs. The several measures of the Government, if not altoge thersuccessful, having been received with a tacit acknow ledgment of their propriety—the only determined oppo sition being in the case of the India Bill, which, despite its thorough inadequacyito meet the requirements of the period, was permitted to be adopted as a kind of com promise between the Ministry and the Court of Directors. The great financial scheme of Mr. Gladstone, well-in tentioned as it was, suffered defeat shortly after it was brought into operation. From the first it was fore seen that, however encouraging might have been the situation of the country for introducing mea sures practically allieti with a conversion of the public debt, there were circumstances which indi cated that an earlier attempt would probably have been attended with great success. The sequel has proved the correctness of the observation. The autumn of 1852, when Mr. Disraeli was in power, was the opportunity that should have been seized for favourably realizing this grand project—the general elasticity of the stock market at that date, the plethora of money, and the anti cipations respecting a lengthened continuance of low rates of discount, having formed prominent features in the existing order of things. The Derby Ministry going out on their budget, Mr. Gladstone took office as Chancellor of the Exchequer ; and, desirous of retrieving the position lost by his prede cessor, laid before the Legislature. measures for a com mutation of the South Sea and other annuities—with what result the public are already acquainted. Mr. Gladstone possibly was a little too sanguine in his notions of the readiness of fundholders to accept terms of guaran teeing a minimum rate of 21 per cent., his avowed in tention being to establish such a denomination of stock ; but he forgot one important consideration, viz., that, unless compulsorily forced, the majority would rather risk the contingencies of other investments than imme diately adopt the proposed alternative. He experienced good earnest of this conviction in the resolutions passed by the Court of South Sea proprietors, declining altoge ther to assent to the conversion, the preference being given to a repayment in money. The complication of foreign politics, together with the subsequent increase in the value of money, naturally caused more than common vigilance to be exercised when such an alteration presented itself ; but it now certainly seems questionable whether, if affairs had re mained in much the same condition as they were from April to October, the extent of voluntary acceptances would have been as great as was expected. In any future attempts that may be contemplated for reviving a similar operation, it will be necessary to define with more precision the equivalents tendered, since on the explicitness of these depends a proper appreciation of the scheme. As a step in the right direction, the pub lic agreed with the measure ; but its failure is to be attributed to its numerous details, and the inopportune time at which it was introduced. The budget, however, was much more satisfactory; and, although hardly con tested ou some points, was finally triumphantly carried. Recognising, as it did, popular demands—the abolition of the soap duty, the progressive reduction of the im port upon tea, being leading points recommending it to the middle and lower classes—the increase of the income tax, at the modified rate of sd. in the pound on receipts of 1001. a year, was not greatly objected to, although it was felt that the payment would press with some se verity upon those brought within its limits. The re arrangement of the customs' tariff, and the alteration in the stamp laws, were likewise received as favourable measures ; and, in the whole of these, the Chancellor of the Exchequer may be considered to have achieved a decided success. In other respects the proceedings of Parliament did not exercise an important effect upon the general course of mercantile transactions. The debates with regard to the Turkish question dragged their slow length along until the close of the session, when, notwithstanding the aggravated conduct of Russia, the yearning for peace allowed the Government to break up the great council of the nation, without defining their actual policy, or explaining publicly what precautions had been adopted to arrest the aggressive movement of the Emperor Ni cholas. The passage of the Pruth, and the consequent occupa tion of the Danubian Principalities, should have aroused the jealous anxiety of Lord Clarendon and his colleagues, and not permitted them to rely upon the efforts of a Vienna congress to produce a pacific adjustment of the difficulty. It was this first act of presumptive aggression, on the part of the Czar, that has led to all succeeding embarrassments ; and, had a timely demonstration been made by England and France—a desire urged to the utmost by the latter Government—much of the annoy ance that has followed would have been avoided. With out launching int) the particulars of the several negotia tions, the Nesselrode notes, the dispatch of the fleets to the Bosphorus, tte rejection by Russia of the terms ap proved by Turkey, and the final outbreak of hostilities in Asia, Georgia, and Wallachia, the result has precipi tated a crisis wtich threatens to involve an European war. Already we have largely experienced the depress in.- influence of tiis condition of things, and it remains to be seen whether we may not yet have to pass through even a severer orceal. The depression produced originally by the Turco-Rus sian dispute, was afterwards heightened through a re actionary feeling expressed in connection with the ex pansion of our trada to Australia. From January to July most active operations had been carried out—the employment of ohpping, and the efflux of emigrants, presenting a rematcable contrast to the previous apathy , —till, at length, apprehensions were generally enter tained that the c)lonies and their markets would be over-flooded. In the meanwhile, the money market becoming tighter, he Bank directors having made a gradual advance in heir terms for public accommodation a check was fortmately given to these adventures; scarcely, however, iefore advices of the fact of a heavy depreciation having taken place in prices at Port Philip 5 ency. The diggings still continue to yield well. The and New South Wales. individual instances of lucky finds' are not so nume- Concurrently with this adverse change in the general rous as they were at the commencement of the gold dig situation of mercantile relations, the fears entertained gings. But there are still some fortunate diggers with regard to a deficiency 'in the harvest' rieceTiarily who happen to be extremely successful in their opera aviakened attention. The crops in France, Germany, , tions. A party at the Ballarat diggings lately hit and -Italy were short, and these respective Governments upon'a4arge table of gold, vvfiich was dug out by the not only enforced their customary prohibitions of ex- cwt. Such lucky hits as these inspire the more un ports, but also commenced large purchasweteelncrease fortunate part of the digging community with fresh their own supplies ; and as these had takett plied bdore vigour, and they go on toiling with a patience the termination of our harvest, we were somewhat in a equalling that exhibited by Mr. Micawber in Dickens's state of doubt relative to actual resources. The late Copperfield,' who lived in the hope that something improvement in prices, although facilitated by specula- . would turn up.' There has been great excitement lately tion,. has since afforded strong evidence of a scarcity of at the Bendigo diggings in particular, in consequence of the principal cereal products ; and the season, so far as a portion of the diggers refusing to pay the usual monthly we have yet gone, does not promise much relief for the license fee of 305., which they considered was too exor coming year. The enormous advance in provisions of bitant an amount. The affair eventually assumed such all descriptions, particularly the prime necessaries of life a formidable aspect that it was feared bloodshed would —the rise averaging from 30 to 35 per cent., and in follow. Happily, however, such has not been the case. some-cases still more—has, of course, affected many de- Government seeing the dilemma they were placed in, partments of business ; while the strikes in the manufac- immediately passed a temporary bill reducing the license turing districts, although occurring at a period when a fee to 40s. for three months, instead of 30s. per month, limit to production is in a measure desirable, must ine- as hitherto, the whole amount to be paid in advance. vitably lead to distress and discomfort. This measure seems to have given general satisfac- The mania for new companies, which distinguished the tion, and the excitement is now nearly blown over. first five months of 1853, gradually subsided front pure In consequence of the late threatening disruption, the exhaustion— the caution of the public and the increased 40th Regiment of Infantry has been sent to the dig value of capital co-operating to repress an undue infla- gings, where it is reported they are to remain for a don before it reached a dangerous point. Multifarious considerable time, and the 99th Regiment has been sent is the projects were, embracing almost every species of from Van Diemen's Land to Melbourne, in order to enterprise, representing in the aggregate a considerable strengthen the power of Government in case of an out sum, the tendency in any single direction was not suffi- break. There was a grand fete at Geelung on Tues ciently extensive to entail large losses. The speculation day last, on the occasion of the ,urning of the first sod having now ended, with little prospect, the market re- of the Geelong and Melbourne Railway. His Excellency , nains inundated with a vast quantity of securities which the Lieutenant-Governer of the colony was the principal are almost valueless, owing to the doubtful nature of the personage in the ceremony. A railway between Mel undertakings, and the irresponsible character of their bourne and Hobson's Bay was commenced same months promoters. ago, and in all probability will be opened in less than 12 While we have been passing through this period, al- months from this date. A meal and dock company be though our supplies of gold and specie have proved pro- tween Melbourne and the Fay has also been formed, and portionately great from Australia, America, and the will very likely be carried into effect without delay. Spanish Main, the shipments to Melbourne, Sydney, The post-office has been made three times as large as it and the continent, with those also made to India and was twelve months ago, and is now carried on in so effi- China, since the outbreak of the revolution, have, in ad- cient a manner that it certainly reflects great credit on dition to the absorption of all imports, caused a drain the manager of that department. The arrangements, I upon the Bank of 5,000,0001., the stock of bullion on am of opinion, cannot well be surpassed by any of your the Ist of January having been 20,527,6621., whereas on first-class cities at home (London, Manchester, and the 17th of December it was 15,443,256/, Liverpool excepted). A college is about to be esta- The lowest amount returned was on the 22d of Octo- Wished. A large amount has been granted for the public her, when it bad descended to 14,969,2061., the reserve library, and a grant for the formation of a musuem of of notes having, in the preceding week, stood at the natural history Is now being brought before the legisla limited figure of 5,012,4901. From the 6th of January, tive council. What with these and other things, which when the directors raised the rate o f di scoun t to 2i per time and space will not allow me to mention, Melbourne cent., until the 29th of September, when they effected bids fair to become eventually one of the most flourish an advance to 5 per cent., the terms for accommodation ing cities in the world.—l am, &c., have been steadily augmented, and up to the present " CANOVA MEGSON." moment the Bank's latest quotation is maintained with irmneas. Consols on the Ist of Januaryjwere 1004 ; in April they were at their highest point, which was 101: they then gradually declined, until panic seized the market in October, and the quotation fell to 90g. From this price they eventually rallied to 96, and are now about (in cluding dividend) 95/. The extreme range in the value of railway shares has been considerable—in some in stances from 15 to 20 per cent.—while, from the most depreciated quotations, the recovery has not exceeded 3 to 5 per cent. Although, when the Bank directors raised the rate of discount to 5 per cent., more than ordinary pressure was experienced, not a single mercantile failure took place. This was considered to be a sufficientproof of the general prosperity of trade, and of the caution exercised with re spect to speculative operations in England and the colo nies. Not so, however, with our transatlantic neigh bours • the disarrangement of the New York money mar ket, which continued in full force from September to November, and has yet only partially abated, created con siderable disturbance in credit. Suspensions of import ance were received by each steamer ; and, although principally connected with what are termed dealers in " fancy" securities, their general effect was extremely unfavourable, and caused for the moment alarm, lest their ramifications should extend to other and more sub stantial firms. The result of banking business is on all hands admitted to have been extremely encouraging, and the shareholders are looking forward to handsome rates of distribution. Of all experience in banking pursuits, none has been more remarkable than that identified with the several Australian establishments. Increased dividends have been declared in addition to the appropriation of im portant amounts to meet ordinary contingencies ; and the new institutions brought into operation have begun business with every appearance of succeeding. Abroad, the foundation of banks on the joint-stock principle has enlisted some supporters, several having been organised in the continental ciries ; but of their progress little has as yet transpired. An endeavour has been made to set on foot a project for a Mexican na tional bank, but no hope can be entertained of its being satisfactorily conducted in an administration such as is likely to prevail during the rule of Santa Anna, At home, we have had no increase to existing establish ments. The merits of two new London joint-stock banks were privately canva-sed in July and August last, with apparently some prospect of support ; and it is un derstood that the plans upon which they are proposed p to be conducted are still available, whenever the preli minaries can be efficiently managed. At the latest moment we write the commencement of the New Year does not appear to he attended by propi tious circumstances. War with Russia is predicted as almost a certainty. The temporary retirement of Lord Palmerston has created dissensions in the Cabinet ; and • the public mind is far from being tranquillised by the f indefinite and unsatisfactory nature of the various float ing rumours. The presence of the English and French fleets in the Baltic may, although tardily ordered, ren der the Emperor Nicholas sensible of the danger which - his unwarranted venduA hes provoked, and, after all, induce him to accept terms of compromise which shall • secure the integrity of Turkey, and respect to the wishes of the Western Powers. Should blind obstinacy, how - ever, urge him to engage in this fresh contest, while feeling satisfied of what must be its actual issue, we abstain from attempting to estimate its political and financial consequences. •Manchester Guardian. SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE CUSTOM HOUSE, DEC. 31. ENTERED INWARDS.—The Fortuna, from Gottenburg ; Ane and Thar en, Minds ; Saekjobbing Leon, Gravelines ; Margaret Jane, C .diz ; M. 8.,_ Odessa. ENTERED OUTWARDS FOR LOADING.—The Julie, Rouen; Caroline, Abbeville ; Waldemar, Valencia ; Empress, Cape Good Hope ; Palatine, Dunkirk ; Oriental Port Philip ; Maria, Cristina ; Santander, Corunna and Vigo ; Dion, Cape Good Hope ; Zemindar, Sydney. CLEARED OUTWARDS WITH CARGO The Emprisa, Monte Video and Buenos Ayres ; Amelia and Ann, Dun kirk; Joma, Genoa; XI. April„Burgen; Montssuma, Bos ton ; Jane and Margaret, Dunkirk; Calma, Havre; Royal George, Hobart Town • Wesleyan, Havre; Rio, Constan tinople and Odessa ; Ben Minck Dhui, Cape Palmas ; Dud brook, Bombay; Antionette Cezard, Port Philip ; Henry Tanner, San Francisco. LIVERPOOL, DEC. 31, The Collaroy (s s), hence for Sydney, put into Beau maris yesterday, in tow of a tug-boat, for shelter. The Rita, for Buenos Ayres, has put back. The Bohemian Girl, from Smyrna to Liverpool, that was on shore in Carlingford Bay, was got off on the 28th, and placed on the patent slip ; her keel was gone, and the flat of floor generally damaged. The schooner Rose, of Milford, reported ashore at Water ford, came off on the 29th without damage. The Julie, hence at Copenhagen. The Laurel and Marie Angela sailed from Santander for this port Dec. 4. 'GRAVESEND, Dec. 31.—Arrived, the Seine (s), from Boulogne ; Sir James Ross, Calais; Albatross. Calcutta ; M. 8., Odessa. Sailed, the Audacia, Gothenburg ; Marl borough, Honduras. WATERFORD, Dec. 30.—The Rose (schooner) of Milford, has come come off the Mussel Bank, without damage. MALTA, Dec. 21.—The Alla Kerim, Providence, and Petit Mouse, have put in with damage. BEYROUT, Dec. 15.—The Eperour, from Marseilles went on there during a heavy gale about four miles east of this port. LOIVESTOFFE, Dec. 30.—The Alliance, of Sunderland. from Ipswich to Seaham, which was on shore, Dec. 27, near Corton. has got off and put in here. The Effort, of and from Southampton, for Sunderland, is in the Roads, having been assisted off Holm Head Sand. YARMOUTH, Dec. 30. —The Buoy Yacht (schooner), of Wells, which was on shore at the back of the North Pier. has been got off. Intelligence has been received by elec tric telegraph that the Stamboul, from hence to Venice, had been stranded near Malamoco Breakwater, and was in danger, the weather being stormy--crew saved. PORTSMOUTH, Dec. 30.—Wind N.N.W. to N.N.W.— Arrived the Puggoard, from Rio Janeiro, for Copenhagen; Goethe, Baltimore, for Bremen. MILFORD, Dec. 29. The Maria (schooner), of and from Penzance for Cardiff, was run foul of by the Kingston, schooner, Dec. 19, while at anchor in the mouth of this harbour, and lost bowsprit, &c., in consequence of which, when the gale increased, both masts broke off by the deck. The next morning she slipped by chains, and was towed into Hubberstone Pill. TAIRACH, Dec. 30.—The Albion, smack, of and for Port Talbot, from Neatn, was in contact with the Pioneer, steam tug, of Neath, when the former lost mast, and re ceived other damage. HARTLEPOOL, Dec. 30.—The Jubilee (brig), of Jersey, which stranded on the sands on the 19th Dec., has been got off, and brought in here. The Alert (brig), of and fur Wisbach, for Archangel, which got on the strand on the 15th Dec., and has been got off and brought in here. The Jenne Astuve, from Newcastle to Genoa, which went on shore at the same time, still remains, and should the weather continue the same, will probably become a wreck and her cargo lost. The Good Intent (schr.), of Wisbeach, which went on shore on the 19th December, has been got off and brought in here. HARWICH, Doe. 30.—The Jane (brig), of Whitby, was in contact with a billy-boy this morning ; the brig lost main rigging and billy boy her bowsprit. WHITEHAVEN, Dec, 29.—A large vessel, with only bow sprit and foremast standing, was seen on the 10th Dec., in hit. 50 N. long. 15 W„ with a barque and a brigantine by her, and being stripped by the crew of the British Queen. VESSELS SPOKEN WITH. . _ The Patriarch, homeward bound, Oct. 14, off Algoa Bay The Sandford, from Demerara to Madras, on the 19th in lat. 33 S. long 13 E. The Champion, homeward bound, Nov. 10, lat. 20,W. The Emily, from London to Port Phillip, on the 13th, in lat. 5 N. long. 24 W. The Arachne, from Liverpool to Calcutta, on the 16lb, lat. 7 N. long. 24 W. The Beulah, bound south, on the 17th, in lat. 9 N. long, 27 W. EXTRAORDINARY PUNISHMENT OF A CAPTAIN. — We have published some and received several other letters on the subject of the treatment the passengers on board the ship Asia received during their passage from England to this colony. That the complaintsun this subject are but too well founded there can be but little doubt; and we should have given full vent to our correspondents' indignation thereupon, but that all that can be done, and a good deal more than ought to be done, in the way of punishing the captain, has already been done. Cap tain Howes, being convicted of divers breaches of the Passenger Act, at the Williamstown police court, was fined for them in the aggregate amount of 1,8001. Shipmasters who, for the sake of a little extra and illicit profit on their passengers' fare, curtail them of those stipulated comforts for which they pay, and to which they are entitled—such shipmasters, as the common phrase goes, deserve to be made an ex ample of, and we should simply return the Welsh ver dict, "Sarve them right," if the thumb-screws of the law wrung from them a good slice of their ill-gotten gains. But with respect to breaches of the Passenger Act, it sometimes happens that while the captain is but in part responsible, the whole burden of punishment falls upon his unlucky shoulders ; and so it has chanced in the present case. In default of payment of the enor mous fine imposed him, Capt. Howes has been condemned to a series of terms of imprisonment. amounting alto gether to nearly 30 years—a period Langer than the whole past lives of the majority of our fellow-colonists. This tremendous sentence has begun to take effect ; in the hurry and bustle of our colonial existence, the waves of time are rapidly closing over the wkolA transaction, and Captain Howes may pass "the remainder of his days within the walls of the gaol without being ever heard of again unless some one cOmes to his assistance. We do not extenuate the captain ; and though it is to be wished that, by the forfeiture of the the vessel or some other stringent measure, the owner- , could be made to suffer for the offence to which he has been an accomplice, we can quite see the propriety of teach ing captains the lessons that they must not with impunity be the tools of heartless, mercenary, la w-breaking owners. For a series of serious offences Captain Howes has been sentenced to a fine of 1,8001. For not choosing, or not being able to pay this money—in all probability the latter—he has been sentenced to be imprisoned for thirty years.—M elbourne Morning Herald, Sept. 10. THE SCHOOLMASTER ABROAD.—Among the candidates for legislative honours in the provincial council was one whose address thus figures in the New Zealand paper. The ambitious gentleman had the satisfaction of stand ing at the bottom of the poll, with sixteen votes regis tered in his favour :—" To the Electors of the Citey of Wellington.—Gentlemen,—l have been perswaded at the eleventh over to put myself forward as a Candidate at the insueing election as money gen tlemen have promised me thar votes & intrust to obtain a seat in the Provincial Councel about to he assembled in this place, & if I should have the honer of being chosen one of your representatives I will do all in my power to serve the best intruests of my consten an ts & my adopted countrey, & I sisal be at all tunes redey to receve advise from my constituents, & vote on that side the majority may dictate, & if I can not carey out thear wishes or meashers, I will resine my seat and trust in thar hands when fifety of them please to call upon me to do so.—l remane your humble and obe deent servant, FRANCIS 13hADEY. Tamworth Cottage. Wellington, August 2, 1853." The foregoing address is printed verbatim, et literatim. BRADFORD, Dec. 29.—Wool—This being the last week in the year, business has been quiet ; but to-day there is more inquiry for both English and foreign, aryl prices are firm. Bright-haired wools are still ecarc,_-. in this market. Noils and brokes keep low ha stock, and command full rates. A LETTER FROM AUSTRALIA. The following letter from Mr. Canova Megson, a brother of Mr. Albert Megson, stationer, Market-street, in this city, has been handed to us for publication. It was received on Tuesday morning, by the latest mail : " Melbourne, Sept. 26, 1853. • " Gentlemen,—The success which has hitherto at tended the efforts of the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company in affording a speedy and sure communication between Australia and the parent coun try, has secured to them such an amount of patronage that it will require great exertions on the part of any rival company to rob them of those laurels they have so ably won. One of their mails being about to be des patched hence to Great Britain to-morrow, I avail myself of the opportunity of giving you a few remarks upon the state of affairs in Melbourne. Whilst upon the subject of postage communication between this part of the world and England, I may mention that great disappointment and inconvenience have been felt from the very, irre gular manner in which the mails have been received from the parent country. Great satisfaction was manifested here on receiving the news that the Home Government had withdrawn the contract from the Australian Steam Navigation Company, whose repeated failures in the transmission of the mails to this and the neighbouring colonies had most !seriously inconvenienced the mer chants and the public generally, who experience great losses by the irregularities complained of. The Strat ford, which brought out the English mails of the 4th June last, arrived at Sydney in 106 days, being a period of 22 days beyond the time mentioned in the contract, which was 84 days. The mails for Melbourne and Ade laide were put on board the Shanghae, which reached here on the 25th (yesterday). The quickest passages yet made between the two countries are by steamers via the Cape of Good Hope, and until another route has been discovered which will afford a more speedy communication, the authorities at home would do well to adopt that mode of transmitting the mails which has hitherto proved most successful. With regard to the state of this colony, we still continue to have a large in flux of immigrants from all parts of the world, though the recent accounts received of the prosperity of the mother country, coupled with the unsatisfactory statements of parties who have been disappointed with this land will, I have no doubt, have their influence in checking the tide of emigration which at one time assumed such an aspect that it almost threatened to decimate the old country. If we may Judge from the busy state of the wharves. there is no lack on the part of our friends at home in sending us out merchandise of almost every description. Many articles are already cheaper here than at home, so that some parties must have burnt their fingers.' Of course, when any article becomes a drug in the market, a general order is sent home to stop the supplies, and the article eventually gains its paying price, but not before great losses have been sustained. Parties in Eng land cannot be too cautious in watching the exports to these colonies, in order to ensure a consignment of such goods as are likely to be scarce. Caution should also be exercised in shipping goods by a firm of known respecta bility. A friend of mine had just received a quantity of goods, the freight of which was paid to Liverpool in ad vance, with a written agreement that they should be landed free of expense at Melbourne Quay. In the face of this agreement, the agent in Melbourne has com pelled my friend to pay the expense of lighterage from the bay, the amount of which is considerable, or otherwise he would not deliver the goods. The worst of the matter is, the shipping agent at Liverpool has • failed, and consequently it would be utterly useless to sue a bankrupt shipping agent for damages. The only 'way left for my friend is to pay the lighterage under protest, and rest himself content. In regard to the price of land, it still continues high, and affords handsome profits to the wealthy land-jobbers. The Go vernment are throwing more land into the market, not withstanding which the competition amongst •the land speculators is as great as ever. Rents are equally high, if not higher, than they were two er three months ago. Good permanent stone buildings are springing into exis tence in every part of Melbourne, nor are the suburban portion of our population behindhand with their wooden erections. In almost ever part of the district surround ing Melbourne, wooden houses, stores, &c., are shooting up as it were by magic, and it almost seems like a fairy scene rather than a reality. To walk a little way out of Melbourne to a thriving locality reminds one of a coun try fair or wakeit at home ; the continued hammering and bustling resembles the noise made in putting up the shows and other paraphernalia which is generally heard on the day before the fair. The great consumption of timber in the erection of these buildings has kept up the price of that article, until the recent heavy arrivals, which have had the effect of cawing a downward tend• COUNTRY MARKETS, The supply of all kinds of grain was smaller than in last market, with the exception of barley. The sales were rather dull. The following are the prices"of grain at our market to-day : WHEAT. I BARLEY. First Bos Od 42s Gd Second 738 8d 39s 3d Third 64s Oct I 30s 6d Total quantity of wheat in Aarket, barley fl oats AP beans PP PI Pt Average of wheat .C3 13 OATS. ZEAISS 32s 6d 578 Ocl .28s gtd 478 .0d 21s fM 458 Od 517 Aii., 1 458 sold 836 qritpB3s sold 371 qrs, i t 352 sold 61 qrs., r 57 sold ,'4-t - 2ths 3' 10-Itths $lll-12ths 0 ~i5,1,-;tho . ~ Ditto of Barley Ditto of Oats Ditto of Beans . ...... .......... DALKEITH GRAIN MA.RICET—DEO.i9. There was a good supply of all kinds Of ;grain at this clay's market, with the exception of peas and bbani. Sales were ready for all kinds. Wheat on the top is up, current price sanie . as fist week, and lowest 55 per qr up. Oats ou the top is darn, cur rent price 8d down, an.l lowest is 4d up. Barley on the top 2s up, current price is 2d up, and lowest 4d up. Peas and beans 2s up on the top, current price -IS up ,.; and 3s . down on the lowest p r i ce . ' • ' ' • ' Qrs. Best. Current. lnferior. 320 Wheat 82s (k 1 1403 Oats . 30s 8.. i 23s 4d ...'...;;..:17s 4d 942 Barley 42s Od. 20 Peas & beans 544 at sls Od Average of wheat, 3/. 3s 51d. . ~ ABE itDEEN—DEc. 30. The prices of grain are—Old oats, 25s Cla to '26s Od; tfflbs per Lusbel; new oats, 24s 6(1 to 25S 6(1,' 401ba per bushel ; bere, 34s Od to 35s 0(1, 531bs per bushel ; barley, 33s Od to 34s Od, 531bs per bushel • wheat, red, :60s Odto 62s 0(1, 62163 per bushel ; wheat, white, 66s 0(1 to 68s Od, 621bs per oushtl ' • oatmeal, 20s Od to . 21s Od per boll; dour, 57s 0(1 to 50s 0(1 per sack. Provisions—Beef, per lb, 6d to Btl ;'mutton, .litto, 6d to ; veal, ditto, 541 to 8d; pork, per lb, Os 5(1 to Os 7(1 • Lilmon, per lb, Os Od . t o Os Od; ' rabbits, each, Od to Od • tallow, pa. stone, 5s 9d to Os Od ; potatoes, per peck, 8(1 to 9(1; rtter, per.lb, 9d to 10(1 ; eggs, per doz, is 01 to is 6(1; hens, per pair, •38 Od to 3s 61 ; chickens, ditto, is 64 to 2s Od ; ducks,. ditto, 2s 6d to :31 0 ; ducklings, ditto, 2s 6d to Os Od - ; - turkeys, m ~ ch, 43 0' to 5s Od ; geese, lotto, 3s Od to 4s och t ; butter for ezmortation (preent care), per cwt, Sis to :00s Od; ditto (.iuntm , :r Lured), 00s to 00s 0(1 • eggs, wholesale price, per dozen, Od to 10(1 ; 4th loaf, 8d; '2lb loaf, '4.l' ' • pork, 'lnc small, Os Oil to 0(1 ; pork, large, Os Od 'to Os Od ; io,lnb, per lb., 03 6d. to 8(1 • cheese, per imperial stone, is 6cl to 7s. . . DUBLIN—DEC. 30. We had here a small but very firm market at our Corn exchange to-day. Transactions were not extensive, but he general tendency of prices was in favour of the seller. Bsrley must be noted 6d dearer. White wheat, 40s 01 to 42s 6d ; red ditto, 376 to 40s 6d ,arley, 15s i'd to 21s 6d ; oats, 12s 6d to 15s 3d; rapeseed; 27s 6d to 2os 6d per brl ; oatmeal, 14s Od to 16s Od ; bakers' , lour, 22s Od to 263 Od per cwt ; lu.uau corn, 40s Od to 45s 6d per 4801bs. RAIL i' Al' SHARE 4IARKETB. LIVERPOOL, DEC. 31. STOCK EXCHANGE. The market for shares opened sieadily this morning, . but afterwards becanie bad, and dosed at its worst point with a very uneasy feeling re a gard• ing politics, .Chester and Birkenhead, 174 ; Caledonian, tlf 6; 7 6; ; Chester and Holyhead, 16 ; itistern Coun ties, 134 ; East Lancitshire, 164 •16 ; Lancashire and Yorkshire, 66 65 it : 1 j ; London and North-Wes tern, 103:1, ; Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincoln,- 22 1; ; Midlands, 62g i 2 4 ; South Eastern and Dover, ISt, 1-16. MANCHESTER, DEO. 31. STOCK EXCHANGE.— There was a considerable business for the day of the week, but at rather lower prices. Blackburn Class B. Pref., 21 316 ; Caledonian• 27 ; East Lancashire, 16} ; Leeds, 66 ; London and North Wes tern, 1034; ShefUeld, 22 ; Midlands, 02/ ; Davers, 18 3-16. BIRMINGHAM, DEc. 31. • STOCK EXCHANGE.—This market was active to-day, but pikes were a shade !ower, there being less demand for stock. London and North Westerns were done at 103,1 ; Shrewsbury and Birminghanis at 59a. LEEDS, DEC. 31. STOCK EXCHANGE.—The market has this' morning shown the same inactivity as for some time past, and prices are still drooping. Midland stock, which opened at 63j, fell towards the close, and left off at .626,; York s.nd North Midlands were transacted. at 2 n ;' Lancashire and Yorkshires at 651 ; Eastern Counties at Leeds Northern quarters at 1 prem. SEABOR.VE VA LLS. N iigniries that the mails are sent from the General Post-office ~ ,3, the niOn —and M by the morning --dispatch.) - . . Day when , 111 ,1 , nti From what When COU.N TBiEd, itt General Po,t.. Port 'Jae in Odice, London.* Dispatched. England. )!, Every Friday Liverpool . . Each Mon •kmerica (by United . packet) - • . -`• Jan. 15 . Liverpool „, Jan. 7 .*.tnerica (by (.L St , packet) ,Jan. 17 .. ........ Sou'hainp , • Dec. 28 ‘ustralia (via South ampton) .......... NI Jan. 4.. • . - • • .... Southampt... Feb. 4 'Jinn (via \ tat seille.s , N Jan. . .. Dover Ditto (via Cape of modl Hope) ............N Feb 4 . • ... —Liverpool ... Uncertain. .Ifriea ('West Coast) .. N ,' , 3d of the month . ?Plymouth .. Dec. 28 Ilexandria. . M l 4th & 2CLII of mo SouthamptoolJan. 4 ,a,hantas ........... ali7th of the. rrod Smlthamptohjan. 1 it.dgium . , trazii ........... Ml9th of the month.. souttunnoton:Jan. 16 • snenos lyre of he month .. Southamaton'Jan. 16 :ape or :rind 4th o' the month Plymoto..'Nov. 26 'apt , of Good Hope .. 14th of the month. Southampton, ape de Verdi NOm or the mouth,. PlyalottUt ) Jan. 'T'eylr.ti (see India) Ceylon .............. N l l4th of the month Plymouth .. !Nov. 26 .2ttanne , .... .4•)uthampton,Tu.Th.Sat. Chili. 2d & 17th of month Seuthamptor4an. 1 Chinn (sec India) Constantinople . , ....N 7,8,17,21,&27 or m. Dover ...... Jan. 1 Constantinople 4th Sc 20th of mon Southampton Jim. 4 :ont. of Europe M & N Twice daily Dover ...... Twiced kry Egypt (see India) France ........ M (It N Twice daily Dover ...... Twicedany Gibraltar .. Greece (see India) Greytown ..........M;2nd & 17th of mon. Southampton ! Jan. Harnburgh .......... NlTuesd ay & Friday London .....I Clavannah .......... 0 2nd of the month Southampton Jan. 1 Holland ....... ..... id Daily .. . Dover • Hond in M:l7 th of the month. Southampton Jan. 16 India (viaSout . tempt.) NI 4th 3Z 20th of mon. Southampton Jan. 4 .n (via Marseilles)M 81.h&24th mouth Dover ...... Tonitio Isles (see Indial,7, 7, &27 of mon D0ver...... Ireland ........M & N i Twice oaily Holyhead .. Twicedally Lhthon 7,9, 17, & 27 of tn. Southampton Jan. 16 Madeira of the mouth Southampton Jan. IS Niadeira ............ ;- 123 d of mouth .... Plymouth Dec. 28 tilt , (see India)) I N 7 17 19 r. 7 30 of In. Dover ......'ll. 10 Mauritius (see. India) • auritius ath of the )»fthti , P,, mouth .. Nov.i 26 Mexico .... ........ M . 211(1 o( the month, Sonthampton 'Jan. 1 Naples . - ........N sth I , th2sthormon Dover ...... Jai. 2 New t4ranada "20 & 17 tti of month Southampton Jan .1 New Ze aand lit private ship .. Various port , 'Uncertain Papal :Jam- - . „....N l, tlllsth2r , thonnon, Dover Jan. 2 Peninsula „. 'th 17th28thottnon Southampton Jan. 6 Peru -d fe /7th or mon •;outhaniptor, Jan. 1 [et Nate' N I nth or the month Plymoulh .. Nov. 25 Sicily ........ „N sth) 'tb2 s tlio . mon, Dover ...... jap. 2 Tuscany „N thlst ly2stholmon. Dover ......,Jan. 2 Venezuela - Van Diernen's Lam (seei I Australia) ........ I ( West Indies „ „ a+12.1 :7th o month Southampton Jan. 1 • When any of these dates 01 Sunday, the mails will 0,3 lispatche I on the following day with the exception of the India via Southampton), and the Malta. both of which will be dispatched ti, • day preceding. [Ai3vErrrisEmEfill—Fifty thousand Cures have been effected by Du Barry's delicious Revalenta Arabica Food, without medicine, inconvenience, 'or expense (as it saves fifty times iis cost in other remedies).-- Twenty-fiveyears nervousness, constipation, indigestion, and debility, from which I had suffered 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 o imany, have been effectually removed by 1?u Barry's delicious food in a very short time. I shall .be,happy to answer any inquiries. Rev. 'John W. Flavel, Rid. lington Rectory, Norfolk." " Three years' excessive nervonsness, 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, Tlerv,nis , lcss, asthma, cough, constipation, flatulency, spasms, sickness at the stomach, and vomittings, has 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 Stuar de Decies, Major-General . Thomas King, Drs. Ure, Shorlan . d, and Harvey '(gratis). In canisters, with full instructions; llb., 2s. 9d. ; 21b., 4s. 6d. ; 51b., lls. ; 121 b., super-refined, 51b., 225. ; 101 b., Us. Tho 101 b. and 1211 i, carriage free. Barry Du Barry and Co., 77 • R ,-- fent;street London • also, Fortnum Mason, and . 4 , .f Co.. rvevors to her Majesty, Piccadilly. BIRTHS. OF A BON. At Simla, the wife of Charles Cureton, Esq., 2d Irregular Cavalry, who survived his birth but a short time. On the 29th ult., at St. John's-wood, the, wifo of Mr. R. Thomas. OF A DAUGHTER. On the 30th ult., at Court-house, Cannington, Somer fo,tiire, the Hun. Mrs. Clifford. On the 31st ult,, at 15, Burton-crescent, the wife of T. H. Fischer, Esq.. of Lincoln's-inn. IazIED. Ou the 28th ult., at Lurgan, James Thomson, of Belfast, Esq., to Eliz,,betb, only daughter of the late W. J. Hancock, Esq., Assistant Poor-Law Commissioner. On the 31st ult., at St. Peter's, EaOn-square, C. Freer, Esq., of Glocester-creseent, Hyde-park, to Juliana Eliza beth, e dest surviving daughter of A. de Arroyave, Esq., o f P:dace-gardens, Kensington. 01B1) On the 29th ult., at Haxey Vicarage, Lincolnshire, the Rev. John Dobson, vicar of that parish, aged 54. At Eiliu burgh, on the 29th ult„ Hugh Melville Balfour, M.D., Assistant Surgeon, 84th Regiment. At Hackney, on the 30th ult., Mr. Henry Harvey, late of the Stock-Exchange, aged 57. On the 31st ult., in London, Commander James Lamont, R.N., aged 68. LONDON : Printed and Published MURDO YOUNG, of No. 112, Strand, Printer, at 2e Sun Office, N 0.112, Strand, in the Fret:mot of the Savoy, in the amity of Middl•47., MonOy, Jima 2, WC ,;•„„ rn *t. 61H 4 , -1 -