The Sun. — London, England, 1854-02-20 00:00:00

LAW INTELLIGINC2.—Feb. 18. COURT OF QUEEN'S BENCH. Tut QUEEN' V. THE SOUTHEASTERN RAILWAY CO3IPANY. ASSESSMENT TO A POOR RATE.-JUDGMENT. This was an appeal from ;;;;;;adebytheParish of Dorking upon a portion of the Brighton Railway which passed through their parish. That tailway had become amalgamated with the South-Eastern Railway Com pany, which had agreed to the payment of an annuity for it to the orig;nal company of 41,0001. The parish had assessed that portion of the line which passed through their parish, on the principle that 41,0001. per annum was the rateable value of the whole line ; and the question was, whether that principle was a correct one, or whether the actual profits' of the line ought to be taken into consideration. Mr. Justice Crompton was of opinion that in the assessment of the rate the value of the trunk to the main line ought to be taken into account. Mr. Justice Erie was of opinion that the case ought to be sent back to ascertain the relative value of the trunk to the main line, as by the amalgamation the Brighton had become part of the South-Eastern line. Mr. Justice Coleridge was of opinion that the rent paid for the line was only evidence, but was not con clusive evidence of its rateable value, and therefore that the decision of an arbitrator, or of the Quarter Sesssons, should be taken as to the rateable value calculated ac cording to the profits of the entire line. Rule accordingly. THE QUEEN V. TEE NORTH-WESTERN RAILWAY COMPANY -CERTIORARI-JUDGME NT. This was a rule which had been obtained for a certio rari to bring up to this court, and to quash a finding of a jury, respecting the amount of compensation due to a certain landowner by the defendants for injuriously affecting their land, in order to carry out their railway. The question was whether a jury summoned for that purpose could inquire into the existence of a right of way, and other advantages, said to belong to the occu pation of the land. Mr. Justice Erie now said he was of opinion that the rule must be discharged, as the jury had not exceeded their jurisdiction. Mr. Justice boleridge, with whom, as his lordship stated, Lord Campbell concurred, was, h owever, of t he opposite opinion, and thought, therefore, that the rule should be made absolute. Rule absolute. kSittiugs at Nisi Prius, at Guildhall, before Lord Camp bell and a Special Jury.) SERAINCOURT V. HIIDSON, M.P.—BREACH OF CONTRACT. 11(7. Bramwell, with Mr. Rew, appeared for the plain tiff ; and Mr. Watson, with Mr. H. Hill, for the defen dant. Mr. Bramwell, in opening the case, stated that the plaintiff was a French gentleman, who was engaged in ex tensive transactions for the supply of iron to continental railways, and brought this action against Mr. George Hudson, M.P. for Sunderland, to recover damages for the breach of a contract Mr. Hudson had entered into to supply him with 20,000 tons of iron. The plaintiff had come over to England for the purpose of obtaining a supply of iron for a railway company of which he was the agent. He was introduced by Mr. Masters to a broker in the City of the name of Bramwell, and in quired of hint if he knew of any persons who would supply him with iron. Mr. Bramwell, among other person; mentioned the defendant, who, he said, could let him have 20,000 tons of iron, and he offered to call on Mr. Hudson for the plaintiff. At that time Mr. Hudson was the largest iron holder in London, having about 40,000 tons en hand. Mr. Bramwell brought to the plaintiff a bought note for 20,000 tons of Scotch pig iron, at 3/. 7s. 6d. a ton. There was to be a deposit of 10s. a ton paid within 14 days—the iron to be delivered within 3 months from the date of the contract, or the plaintiff was to give 10 days' notice of his wish for the iron to be delivered. In two days after this con tract iron rose ss. a ton, it was supposed in conse quence of such a large purchase. The plaintiff then gave the 10 days' notice for a delivery, which would expire on the day on which the deposit was to be paid. On the sth of November, accompanied by his attorney, Mr. Kersey, the plaintiff went to Mr. Bram well's office, where he saw the defendant, and he then made a tender of the whole amount, being 67,5001., asking for the storekeeper's warrants for the iron. The defendant, however, refused to take the money, and would not give the warrants. The plaintiff then made a tender of 10,000/., the amount of the deposit. Mr. Hudson, however, refused to accept that sum. - Upon this the plaintiff gave Mr. Hudson notice to deliver the iron in ten days, and, at the expiration of that time, the plaintiff made another tender, which was also refused, and he then found it necessary to bring this action, and it was apprehended that the plaintiff was entitled to re cover the difference between the price of the iron on the day that the contract was entered into and the price on the sth Nov., when it ought to have been delivered, that difference amounting to 7,5001., and that was the amount now claimed by this action. The first witness called was, .Tames Bramwell, who stated that he was the nephew of Alderman Thompson, and carried on a large business as a metal broker, at No. 1, Royal Exchange-buildings. He bad acted as Mr. Hudson's broker for some years. Mr. Hudson had a room in his office, where he was ac customed to go and write his letters. On the 22d of October the plaintiff was introduced to him there by Mr. John Masters. The plaintiff stated that he wished to purchase a large quantity of iron. He mentioned the names of several persons to the plaintiff, and amongst others that of Mr. Hudson, who, he knew, had a large quantity of iron. He stated that Mr. Hud son was laid up with gout, and that it would be ne cessary to go and see him about it at Albert-gate. He (witness) went to Mr. Hudson, and told him that a French count was over here, and, through some influ ence unknown to the world, was likely to be the buyer of a large quantity of iron, and mentioned that it would be a good thing to sell him 20,000 tons in one line. Mr. Hudson asked what the price was to be, and he re plied that the count would give 675. 6d. per ton for Scotch pig iron, which he had said was for consumption in France. Mr. Hudson said he was satisfied with the price, if the count was able to pay a deposit. He (the defendant) said, " Well, set your way clear, and get him the 20,000 tons." He (witness) then went back to the City, and on the same afternoon saw the plaintiff and his attorney, Mr. Kersey. He signed the contract and gave it to the plaintiff. (The contract was produced.) That was what was known as a " bought note." He sent a " sold note" to Mr. Hudson. When Mr. Hud son had authorised him to sell the iron he had said that he would send his servant on the Monday morning to see what had been done. The servant came accordingly, and he sent the " sold note," with other papers, to Mr. Hudson. Mr. Watson admitted th•it the defendant had re ceive(' the " sold note." Witness—There was no rise in the price of iron on the Monday and Tuesday, although the purchase of such a quantity, if it had been known, would have been sufficient to produce a rise. On the Wednesday iron looked up a little, in consequence of a telegraphic com munication with Paris. Mr. Kersey said that on the sth November he had made a tender of 67,5001. to Mr. Hudson,. who refused to accept it. He also made a tender of 10,0001. deposit, and then served him with a written notice. He again tendered the 67,5001. on the 16th November, and asked for the storekeeper's warrants for the iron, which Mr. Hudson refused to give. Mr. James Lawrie, a merchant in the City, said it was the custom in contracts for three months to give the buyer the option of an open contract. On Monday, October 24, the price of Scotch pig iron was 675. 6d. per ton. On the afternoon of Wednesday it had risen to 71s. 6d. cash, but it would have been 2s. or 2s. 6d. more upon the terms mentioned in the contract. On the sth November the price was 755. to 755. 6d., and on the 16th November it was 795. per ton. If 20,000 tons had been purchased on that day it might have risen to 795. per ton. Mr. Watson, in addressing the jury for the defendant, denied tint Mr. Hudson had authorised Mr. Bramwell to enter into this contract, and submitted that Mr. Hudson was not to be bound by what had been said or done by Mr. Bramwell. Mr. George Hudson was then examined, and said he was in the habit of dealing largely in iron. All his dealings had been to actual purchasers. Had employed Mr. Bramwell. Always gave him specific instructions on each contract. Al ways had the contract laid before him before it was entered into, so that he could exercise his own judgment. Recollected Mr. Bramwell coming to him on October 22d, when he was laid up with the ?mat. Bramwell stated to hina that Mr. Masters had Introduced him to the plantiff, who was anxious to buy iron. After some conversation about the state of the market, he produced a contract, showing the price of Irnn at the time. Stat e d t o hi m th a t h e h a d an open eo ntract for 20,000 tons of iron, and would be disposed to send that at the price he named, 3/. 7s. 6d., and that the 0,,t ,„ (e)t was with Messrs. Coles. S a id t o Bram well,know the position in which I stand. I cannot eater into any contract binding me to deliver in less than three better,' Witness He said that would suit the he was aware h Witness then said to Bramwell, that and had given h e had paid as a deposit 7,200/. in cash, for 5,0001. more. Bramwell said the plaintiff woul d ee not o bj ect to ma k e a d epos i t of 10s. per ton if for ,t,h;Townlriths, and 20s. if for s i x mon th s . Said to him co ntract deliverable b e less ; don't enter into an y in a ware that I never seeir than three months. You are am t i tu article which I have not the power of deliveri and the 20,00b0y that time Coles' matter will be settled, diettons delivered." Recol lect all that conversation i :fietly. On the Monday afternoon, about five o'clock, were contracts be the sold note. ; threw them aside. Finding they Looked at them o,a the Tuesda ascertained that there was the Opt Z o n r n i ing, and then clause. w w r e o l u l, and told mediately sent hie servant to t rarn aL wished t o him to tell him that the contract e.„ and con trary to his instructions, and he well directly. Bram well did not co me until ti:heopWraenidl. nesday morning at eight o'clock. Ask e d him w could have entered into such a contra ct , as h e he Knew he had not the power of delivering the iron until the end of three months. Bramwell said he would see the plaintiff and get it put right, but that the plaintiff had gone to Paris. Afterwards went into the city and saw the plaintiff, and told him that the, contract was wron g , and that he could not agree to it. Witness then asked what the price of iron was, and the plaintiff said it was about the same as was mentioned in the contract. Expressed distinctly to the plaintiff that the contract was contrary to his instructions, and he could not think of carrying it out. The plaintiff said witness must fulfil his contract. Cross-examined—Had only about 12,000 tons of iron at that time on hand, and the 20,000 tons from Messrs. Coles w as th e on l y supp l y h e h a d coming in. Was ex-' Coedingly ill at the time. Re - examined—Told Bramwell he might sell 20,000 Zone to be delivered in three months. Mr. Bramwell having replied, Lord Campb e ll summed up the case to the jury. The THE SUN, _LONDON, MONDAY EVEN I NG, _PRBRUARY 20, 1854. single question was whether Bramwell bad been autho- THE ELECTORS 6F NORWICH' AND THE NET' rised by Mr. andson to enter into this contract. Every- REFORM BILL. thing had been conducted on both sides with perfect good faith, and if Bramwell had exceeded his instructions lie had done so unknowingly ; but then Mr. Hudson would not be bound. Mr. Hudson had also acted very, fairly, and it was clear that he had not refused to deliver the iron on acconnt of the rise in the price. They must say whether upon Bramwell's evidence he bad been au thorised by Mr. Hudson to made the contract, or whether his evidence had been answered by that of Mr. Hudson. The question was entirely for them. The jury retired, and in about an hour returned a ver dict for the plaintiff—damages 4,0001. On Friday evening last, a very numerous meeting of the liberal electors of this city was held at the Royal Hotel, to consider the provisions of the above measure, and to adopt resolutions thereon, with a view to support her 'Majesty's Ministers. EDWARD WILLETT, Esq., occupied the chair, and, after a few words in commendation of the general policy of the present Government, expressed his satisfaction with the New Reform Bill, which, he said, would greatly extend the franchise amongst just that portion of the people who now particularly deserved to be represented. The bill very likely did not go far enough for some of his very liberal friends, but it could not be expected to please everybody. For his own part, he thought that a measure more sound in principle, more calcu lated to give a fair representation to the whole country, and more likely to induce the labouring classes to strive after that point which must be reached in order to secure the franchise, could not well have been devised. On the whole, then, though the measure might not go far enough for some, he thought it was a measure which deserved the support of all who pro fessed to be Liberals, and he trusted therefore that Ministers would meet with the encouragement which they deserved. J. H. TILLETT, Esq., said he was prepared to give the mea sure a general support, but it was not sufficiently liberal to deserve his full and cordial approval. He acknowledged the presence of several excellent features in the bill—such as the total disfranchisement of 29 nomination boroughs, and the partial disfranchisement of 33 others; the repeal of the rate paying clauses affecting the 101. householders, which mate rially restricted the franchise, particularly in the metropolis; and the introduction of the popular element into the counties by giving a representation to the minority. He expressed his partial approval of the various means suggested for the exten sion of the franchise, but—except by the 61. qualification— he did not consider that by any of these means would the borough franchise be considerably extended ; and perhaps in many boroughs, not even by the 61. qualification, for there was at present great obscurity as to its precise nature. He hoped it would turn out, however, that a 6. rental was intended, for if the provision were accompanied by certain ambiguities and perplexities as to the assessment, and the payment of rates, it would be scarcely worth having. In Norwich houses below 8/. were compounded for and the assessable valuable of houses in different places varied very considerably. The lengthened residence which was required was also a great evil, and he thought that a term of 6 or 12 months would certainly have been sufficiently long. He objected to the sweeping disfran chisement of all future freemen, urging that in many places the freemen were not worse than the other electors, and that, even if they were, the sons ought not to be punished for the sins of the fathers. He expressed his regret at the absence of any provision for abolishing the property qualification and for taking votes by ballot, and he concluded by moving the following resolutions : " That this meeting is of opinion that the New Reform Bill, though it falls short of the hopes and wishes of a large section of reformers, yet contains many excellent provi sions which entitle it to the general approval of the country." " That our esteemed representatives, Messrs. Peto and Warner, be therefore requested to give their support to the bill, but, at the same time, to endeavour to obtain such amendments in committee as may make the measure as com prehensive and popular as possible." " That, in particular, they be requested to'nse their best efforts to induce the Government to withdraw the clauses for the disfranchisement of freemen, to urge the simplification of the provisions relating to the 61. franchise, and to support the amendment intended to be proposed for taking votes by ballot." MR. STURGE IN RUSSIA. Our readers will feel interested to learn that Mr. Joseph Sturge and the other gentlemen deputed by the Society of Friends to wait upon the Emperor Nicholas, have arrived at their destination, and have probably ere now fulfilled their mission. Mr. Sturge has communi cated to his brother, Mr. Charles Sturge, of this town, some particulars of his progress, and to that gentleman we are indebted for the following details :—" We learn that early in the present month the deputation left Riga, I a town situated in Russian-Poland, and several hundred miles from St. Petersburgh. This distance was traversed by means of sledges ; and some conception may be formed of the sort of route they had to take, when we mention that no fewer than 300 horses were employed for the various relays on the road. Mr. Sturge, writing from St. Petersburgh, on the 4th of February, describes his journey as having been very satisfactory ; and, consider ing the great amount of snow that had fallen, he and his companions had arrived as soon as they could have ex pected. On their arrival at the Russian capital, the party first obtained an introduction to a gentleman who had resided in Russia for 40 years, and who it was thought would be of service to them in their delicate mission. The deputation found a report prevalent that all the mem bers of the Royal family, even including the Grand Duke Constantine, were anxious for peace ; and as Count Nesselrode, the Chancellor of the Empire, was known from the fi r st to have opposed the war, t hei gentleman already alluded to, recommended the deputation to send the Count a note, requesting an interview. This they did, stating that they had not deemed it advisable to apply to their own Ministers, or to the ambassador in London ; and for the same reasons they had preferred applying to Count Nesselrode direct, for the purpose of securing his assistance in the presentation of the address to the Emperor. On this letter being delivered, the Count almost immediately sent a messenger, apparently one of his private secretaries, who could speak good English, and fixed an early hour for receiving the deputation. The messenger further stated that he was instructed to render them any service he could. Mr. Sturge states that though the weather has beet. severe, yet his health has been so far benefited by the journey, even if no other (-rood should result from it. On the sth of February, Sturge and his friends were visited by the English Consul, who, though he had but little hope of their success, expressed his belief that the Emperor would receive them. In reference to the war, the British Consul stated to the deputation that the trade of Russia, as far as England is conoerned, must be greatly paralysed by what bad taken place. This circumstance is already known to the Emperor, and it was hoped would have its influence with him on the side of peace. On the following day the party learnt that the Emperor was riding out, and consequently that the day of their reception would be thereby postponed. However, just after receiving this intelligence, they had a note from Count Nesselrode, stating that be had been sent for by the Emperor relative to the interview, and inti mating his (the Count's) wish to receive their visit about half-past one o'clock. Accordingly, they waited upon him and met with a -very cordial reception. The Count said he had already spoken to the Emperor upon the subject, who had expressed his willingness to appoint a day for giving an audience. In answer to a question by Mr. Pease, the Count said that it was very likely the heir apparent would be present. The deputa tion then read the address they had been deputed to pre sent, and he (the Count) replied that both himself and the Emperor sympathised with the sentiments it contained. The deputation then retired, after leaving a French trans lation of the address for the perusal of the Emperor. The above details we have been enabled to glean from some correspondence that arrived in England on Tuesday last, and we learn that another letter has arrived dated Saturday, the 11th instant, but up to that period the party had not been summoned before the Emperor. However, they were in daily expectation of learning his Majesty's pleasure. We may add that Mr. Sturge de scribes the frost as exceedingly intense, the temperature being one morning at five degrees Fahrenheit. How ever, the houses are so seeured with double windows and other means used to exclude the cold that he was not sensible of the change of temperature until going out of the domicile. Sunday is very little observed by the great body of the people. The places of worship were all opened, as also were a number of shops ; while, on the same day, there was a sledge-race on the frozen Neva, to which some thousands; of persons resorted. Mr. Sturge adds that there is an Episcopalian place of worship, and also one belonging to the Independents. — Birmingham Mercury. The resolutions wore seconded by Mr. S. Pion, and sup• ported by several other speakers, and, having been unani• inously adopted, the proceedings terminated. IPSTVICH DOCK COMMISSION. (From the Suffolk Chronicle, of Feb. 11.) The monthly meeting was held at the Town Hall, yesterday, R. D. Alexander, Esq., in the chair. THE 11[1413TES OF THE COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT . It was reported that since the last report upon the subject of the dispute with Mr. Byles, Mr. Beardme, the arbitrator, had made his award against the commissioners in the sum of 3801. and costs. This, it was stated, left the legal question between Mr. Byles and the commissioners precisely in its former position, and the sub-committee had been advised by counsel not to take up the award, but to wait for Mr. Byles's further proceedings, and to continue to act on the de fensive. The committee fully concurred in the course adopted by the sub-committee, confirmed their proceedings, and re quested them to take such further steps as they might deem it necessary and desirable for the defence and protection of the interests of the commissioners. It was also reported that a letter had been received from Mr. Jackaman, clerk, stating that the Paving and Lighting Commissioners were prepared to sink the required dead-well in William-street, Horn-office-road, and only awaited the approval of the surveyor of the Dock Commissioners with re spect to the site, depth, and dimensions. • The committee, after considerable discussion, deferred the question for further consideration until their next meeting. Mr. SHEPPARD enquired who formed the sub-committee in the case of Mr. Byles. The CHAIRMAN replied, the chairman, vice-chairman, and Mr. Jackson. The committee had not taken a step without counsel's opinion ; they had submitted him all the difficulties of the case, and had rather courted objections. He remained firm in his opinion upon the points advised as to the defence. With respect to the other minute, he might remark that a vast amount of improper sewage matter went down the Brook-street sewer into St. Peter's Dock, contrary to the stipulation made by the Dock Commissioners when they con sented to the construction of that sewer. It would appear that the Paving Commissioners were about to extend the sewerage in Orwell-street, and consequently with an increase of sewerage there would be an increase of the pollution of the river. The Dock Commissioners were already put to con siderable expense with the dredging machine, in taking up the soil carried down by the sewers, and suffered very great inconvenience and annoyance in consequence of the damage done to ballast for the shipping, It was the opinion of the Managing Committee of the Dock Commissioners, and also, he believed of most of the legal gentlemen of the town, that the Paving Commissioners had no power whatever, under their act even to put a spade into the ground. The sewerage did not belon g to them at all—paving, lighting, and cleansing were all that they were empowered to do. The Managing Committee were desirous of meeting the Paving Commissioners as far as they could with propriety, but they had another duty to perform, that of not allowing the river to be con verted into a pest ditch. Mr. JosssuN was sorry the Paving Commissioners still per sisted in making sewers, as the discharge of filthy matter into the river must become a source of evil to the town, and he sincerely hoped that they would pause, and consider it their duty to guard against the detriment which must arise to the health of the public. He quite agreed with the chairman as to the powers possessed by the Paving Commission ; the Paving Act did not invest them with power to sewer the town. If they did continue to make these sewers, and thereby add to the existing evils, it would have the effect of bringing the Health of Towns' Act into operation within the town, against which the inhabitants had manifested so much hostility. With respect to the injury to the river, he pro tested against the expense and trouble to which the Commis sioners were put in consequence, in order to supply proper ballast to the shipping. Mr. SHEPPARD thought some plan might be developed by which the sewerage could be carried along the quays and dis charged into the river below the dock. Mr. BATLEY was surprised to hear such a proposition ema nate from Mr. Sheppard. There was quite sufficient nuisance existing at that spot already, and the stench at times was scarcely bearable. (Laughter.) Mr. R. BURROWS said the dead-well would have been con structed before, but for the refusal of Mr. Hurwood to have anything to do with it. Mr. C. BURTON understood this point was now fully ar ranged. Mr. JOSSELYN said the contravention of agreement of which the Dock Commissioners complained was that no means had been taken to prevent the discharge of water-closet soil into the sewer. The CHAIRMAN stated in confirmation of this statement that the soil from the whole of the Sea Horse premises passed into the sewer. He apprehended that nothing further could be done in the matter at present. Mr. A. SHEPPARD moved the confirmation of the minutes, and expressed his regret that the dispute with Mr. Byles did not admit of a satisfactory settlement. Mr. F. RANSOME seconded the motion. The motion was put and carried. COMPLAINT AGAINST THE EASTERN COUNTIES RAILWAY COMPANY. Mr. A. SIIEPPARD wished to bring before the meeting a matter of considerable importance, with reference to the supply of trucks on the quays. It was unnecessary to intro duce the subject with any particular argument, because its vital importance not only to the trade of the port but also to the interests of the Dock Commissioners, was fully acknow ledged, and he was sure it would meet with the most mature and reflective consideration. The trade of the port since the Ist of February was in a totally different position from that in which it stood previous to the amalgamation between the vari ous railway companies, in consequence of the supply of trucks for the conveyance of coals from the dock into the interior having been totally inadequate to the wants of the merchants. (Hear, hear.) He had not been able to prepare any tabular statement, showing the number of trucks in use prior to the Ist of February, under the management of the Eastern Union Railway Company, as compared with the number supplied since that date ; but the deficiency was so palpable that at the present moment there were some five or six thousand tons of coals in the port, the greater portion of which would have been sent along the line if the former facilities for so doing had existed, but which the merchants, to their great loss, were unable to discharge from the vessels. They were in the greatest difficulty in consequence, as they were subject to claims for demurrage from owners and masters, and in many instances large sums for demurrage had been demanded and paid. So. that, in addition to the loss which the mer chants were daily suffering from inability to supply customers, there was also the additional burthen of demurrage for deten tion of vessels. As a merchant and a shipowner, he was him self suffering in both ways. Gentlemen would follow him who had conferred with the Eastern Counties' Company, and had received statements which would tend to throw some light upon the subject. It was sufficient for him to call at tention to the fact, that unless the supply of trucks was equal to the demands of the port, as was the case under the Eastern Union Company, the commerce, especially the coal trade, of Ipswich, would be half annihilated, and driven to other places; whilst, as regarded the revenue of the commissioners, and their ability to carry on improvements and develops a spirit of enterprise, of their anxiety in respect to which ample proof had been given, the matter was of such grave importance, that no time should be lost in bringing it before the Board of Directors, and in such a shape as to satisfy them at once, as to the position and requirements of the port, and the claims which it had upon their immediate attention. He proposed that a deputation from the Dock Commission should wait upon the directors of the Eastern Counties' Com pany, and bring the matter before them, in order to effect a permanent arrangement, by which similar difficulties might be avoided in future. He apprehended that this course was the best calculated to command the attention which the grievances complained of required. The following resolution was then submitted by Mr. Sheppard :—" That this meeting, viewing with regret and alarm the total inadequate number of trucks daily supplied by the Eastern Counties Company, to carry away the coals and other merchandise of the port, do now appoint a deputation to wait upon and confer with the Board of Directors at the earliest possible opportunity, and bring this subject before them in its fullest extent and im portance, that the same may be permanently and satisfac torily remedied, whereby the trade and commerce of the port may not be crippled and injured." The - CHAIRMAN stated tkat in the six months prior to the amalgamation, the increase in the importation of coals, com pared with the corresponding six months of the previous year, amounted to 8,854 tons, whereas last month there was a decrease of 6,760 tons, compared with the corresponding month of the previous year, thus bringing downithe increase for the seven months to only 2,124 tons. The fact was very alarming. Mr. GEARD said, in consequence of the peculiar pressure upon the merchants caused by the withdrawal of trucks, he bad corresponded with the Eastern Counties' direction. He had previously received from Mr. Bruff, the manager of ~. the Eastern Utilon Company, an intimation that the arrange ments made would meet all the requirements of the port after the amalgamation, and in reply to his last enquiry, he had received further assurances to the same effect from the East ern Counties' direction. Yet their position remained unal tered. The coal trade would be totally annihilated unless im mediate relief was had. The coals could nyt be housed, be cause the warehouses were full, and what would be the con sequence, if means for removing them were not immediately furnished, he could not divine. Almost every hour assurances were received that an express train was coming down with 30 or 40 trucks, but the trucks had not yet made their appear ance. With regard to the firm with which he was connected, they had an average of two trucks to a ship—a mere nothing —and quite futile. He believed the company were very short of trucks, and the result must be highly detrimental. The trucks supplied by the Eastern Union Company for the sole accommodation of the trade amounted to 800 or 1,000 ; these had been taken away since the amalgamation, and put into use elsewhere. He should be happy to second the resolution, feeling it was a step which the Dock Commissioners were best qualified to take, and hoping that it would be backed in the strongest manner possible by the representations of the parties aggrieved. The CHAIRMAN said he had lost no time in making represen tations in the proper quarter. He sent a letter to J. C. Cob bold, Esq., and subsequently a memorial was got up by the merchants of the port. This had also been submitted, and Mr. Cobbold immediately waited upon the parties responsible, and was assured that the difficulties would be remedied. 31r. JOSSELYN could not but think, when the subject was strongly represented to the Eastern Counties' Directors, that they would at once see the necessity and propriety, for their own interests, of providing immediately a sufficient supply of trucks. The trade of the port would be otherwise totally an nihilated. If their representations failed of effect, the only course open would be for the merchants to find their own trucks. (Hear, hear.) Mr. R. RANSOM& could bear personal testimony to the in convenience which his business has suffered in consequence of the withdrawal of the trucks, but he had submitted, pa tiently, as the assurance had been given that the difficulty would be shortly remedied. -;PORTING NOTES. NOTIONS ANENT NOTTINGHAM. Mr. HEWrrT believed the company were really unable to furnish trucks sufficient for carrying on the business of the line. At Lowestoft the merchants were put to similar incon venience as themselves. Yet it was right that they should ascertain the intentions of the Railway Company, that no future apprehension might exist, and at the same time to re present that unless better accommodation was afforded the trade of the port Would materially suffer. When he stated that a payment of 401. or 501. had been incurred by one house for demurrage, that the customers of the merchants were com plaining and endeavouring to seek other channels from which to draw their supply of coals, that there is a large number of ' vessels in the dock unable to discharge their cargoes, it would be seen that they had a very strong case to represent, and that these facts going on week after week must have a serious tendency. Mr. R. &knows said the difficulty was capable of two solu tions ; either the company had not a sufficient supply of trucks, or they had intentions with respect to the trade of the port, which required to be looked into at oue. If the difficulty arose from the cause stated, they would wait patiently until it could be remedied. But the present awk ward state of affairs was leading to serious differences be tween neighbours. • He was nearly getting into a quarrel with a neighbour, who came and took his trucks by force. In that case might overcame right, but might was produced again in greater force, and so he got the trucks back again. Mr. C. BURTON—That was not free trade. (A laugh.) Mr. It. RANSOME—Nor yet fair trade. Mr. JOSSELYN said he was informed by a gentleman from Lowestoft a few days ago that the merchants were in the same position in that town ; they actually scrambled for the trucks whenever one made its appearance, and whoever succeeded in getting possession took care to lock it up. (Laughter.) Mr. JACKSON said he had received a letter that morning from Lowestoft, which fully confirmed this statement. Mr. JOSSELYN added that it was the same at Hadleigh ; the merchants there complained that they could not get coals for want of trucks. The industrious and persevering C.C., Mr. Bradfield, is working wonders at Nottingham. He has established a Spring Meeting, which, for the variety of its " attrac tions" and the efficiency of its business arrangements, is not likely to be distanced in the race for populrrity. Last year only one day's sport was furnished, now, how ever, the proceedings will extend over two days, but whether their interest will be weakened by this arrange ment remains to be seen. The policy of the change has been much questioned. To-morrow is the opening day of the meeting ; the list of sport comprises five items, including the Spring Handicap and a two-year-old race. To the former there were thirty-two subscribers, fifteen of whom, however, have declared forfeit. Of the probable competitors no information is obtainable; my "notions," therefore, as to the respective chances of the acceptors, must be formed on the supposition that those horses will be " intended" which appear on paper to be favourably weighted. Alonzo, Bst 31b, Surveyor, 7st 91b, Vixen, fist 131 b, and Roebuck, sst 111 b, have, perhaps, the " best of the handi cap," and this lot will, I expect, furnish the winner. From the thirteen nominations to the Two-Year-Old Race, I shall select Challows Boy and Prince Plausible as being most entitled to consideration. The events appointed for decision on Wednesday do not now require discussion. Feb. 20 A FRESH MAN. The CHAIRMAN said it was clear that they were entitled to demand an explicit explanation at the hands of the board, whether the difficulty really arose froni the want of trucks. Mr. JOSSELYN remarked that free trade had been men tioned; in this case the merchants needed a revival of pro tection. Mr. BAYLEY said ho had several vessels lying in the dock unable to discharge their cargoes. If these difficulties con tinued, he should be compelled to seek employment for his vessels elsewhere. Mr. GEARD repeated that Mr. Capper, of the Eastern Coun ties Company, had given the fullest assurances, by letter, that the difficulty should be remedied as soon as possible, and that he should keep his attention especially directed to the requirements of Ipswich. His letter stated thg a train of 40 trucks would be sent down, and that he hoped they would bo of service. Mr. SHEPPARD said 400 trueks were required. Not only was the commerce of the port in jeopardy, but the trade of the town was equally affected, while, what was of still more consequence, it was a matter which might tell injuriously upon the employment of the labouring population. The resolution was then put and carried unanimously. Mr. Hswirr said he had always feared that the amalgama tion of the railways would prove detrimental to Ipswich, for he could not see what particular affection the Eastern Coun ties Company could have for this town in preference to Yar mouth and Lowestoft, both ports to which they were bound by ties of equal interest. He advised a conciliatory course of conduct at the interview with the Eastern Counties Board, so that their claims might be met in a good spirit. In any step they took it would be injurious not to regard the com p ny as friendly to the interests of the port. The following gentlemen were then appointed to form the deputation :—Mr. G. Josselyn, Mr. J. Head, Mr. Hewitt, Mr. Geard, Mr. R. Ransome, Mr. W. Bayley, Mr. D. A. Sheppard, with Mr. Long, the clerk. Mr. HEWITT said allusion had been made to the decreased importation of coals. It might be partly accounted for by the fact that the premises used for the manufacture of coke for the railway had been closed. The quantity of coals con sumed there was very considerable for some years past, amounting in round numbers to about 8,000 tons per annum, by which the Dock Commissioners realised about 6004. yearly. The contract with the Eastern Union Company had been put an end to, and no agreement had at present been made be tween the proprietors and the Eastern Counties' Company. The premises had been offered, but the Company hesitated, not knowing what terms they should be able to make with the Dock Commissioners with reference to dues. He sub mitted whether some steps might not be taken by the Dock Commissioners so as to avoid the loss of income arising from this source. If they insisted npon the full payment of the dock dues upon coals used in the manufacture of coke, Col chester, Mistley, and Lowestoft would be found successful competitors in that trade, inasmuch as the only object the railway had in view was to get their coke supplied at -the cheapest rate. The CnAIRMAN stated that there was a remission of duty granted upon coke sent by railway. Mr. HEWIIT was aware of this fact, but up to the present time the remission had not been claimed. Upon reference to the books of the Commissioners, it was found that the remission amounted to 3d. per ton. Mr. GODDARD submitted that the remission of 3d. per ton on coke was not commensurate with the duties remitted on coal. It took a ton of coal to manufacture 12 cwt, of coke. An intimation was thrown out that the question would be reconsidered by the Committee on Coal Dues, and the meet ing then adjourned. TEE ROYAL PANOPTIOON. A handsome Saracenic-looking structure, on the east side of Leicester-square, has for some time attracted the notice and excited the curiosity of the public. Little, however, has hitherto been suffered to transpire as to the character and de sign of an institution which, in its external appearance, pre sents itself under so novel and striking an aspect. The time, it seems, is not now far distant when its doors will be thrown open, and the advantages which it is intended to confer upon the inhabitants of the metropolis be made available. These, we have reason to believe, will be highly important, both in a literary and scientific, and in a social point of view. A glance at the interior of the building suffices to show that, while skill and taste of the highest order have been brought to bear upon the undertaking, no expense has been spared to carry into effect the objects for which it is de signed. Under a dome 72 feet in diameter—the centre of which is filled by a circular light of nearly half that diameter, surrounded by 16 star-shaped lights of smaller dimensions— a hall 100 feet in height presents a magnificent coup At the further end of the hall, opposite the entrance door, is a deep recess, containing an organ which exceeds in power any instrument of the kind ever built either here or on the con tinent, except, perhaps, the Birmingham organ, the only one that can at all compete with it. Below and in front of the organ stands a gigantic electrical apparatus; and the centre of the organ is so constructed as to leave a large space open for the action of an optical apparatus of a power altogether unrivalled, fitted up at the back of the instrument. The organ recess is flanked on either side by two galleries, one above the other, supported on pillars of exquisite design, the upper gallery being surmounted by the arches of the dome, within which a series of daguerreotype rooms is fitted up. The side galleries meet over the entrance, in two plat forms, one on each floor, where, opposite the organ recess, seats are placed for the convenience of the spectators during the exhibition of dissolving views and other experiments ; the lower tier being furnished, moreover, with a sumptuous and tasteful box for royal visitors. Along the walls in both galleries are a number of stalls, in which a variety of articles, as well as processes, of art and manufacture will be displayed. The floor of the hall is occupied by statuary, by machinery of different kinds, which will be seen in operation, and by additional scientific apparatus,—among others a huge diving tank, reaching to the floor of the second gallery, the frame of which is of iron, and the walls of plate-glass. In the centre of the floor is a fountain, the basin of which, beautifully wrought in enamelled slate and glass mosaic, is flush with the floor, and which will throw up water from eight disc jets, and from a centre jet to the very roof of the building. In the basement, below the ground floor, is an immense engine room, fitted up with all sorts of engines, and of apparatus for heating the building, and supplying it with gases and other appliances for scientific experiments ; the whole surrounded by a circular electric railway. Attached to the sides of the hall are two spacious lecture-rooms, an apparatus-room, and a laboratory. From this very brief and cursory description of the different portions of the edifice, it will be seen that it presents faci lities unequalled by any existing institution for scientific de monstrations. These are to be made subservient to the pur poses of popular instruction on a scale not hitherto attempted either here or elsewhere. Arrangements are, we under stand, in progress for the delivery of courses of lectures, by men of the first eminence, in every branch of literature, art, and science, at such times as will render them available for the different classes of society; the design of the projec tors of the Institution being to create a s;'ecies of popular University, which shall render the information which other literary and scientific institutions afford on a small scale to the upper ranks of society, available on a large scale for the instruction, and thereby the improvement of the masses. The important bearings of such a design upon the moral and intellectual condition of the population of the metropolis are obvious. Church extension, and the multiplication of the ministrations of religion, is no doubt the first and chief moans of promoting the improvement of all classes of society. Model lodging-houses, baths, and washhouses, and other means devised by philanthropy for increasing the physical comforts of the poor, and inducing habits of cleanliness and decency, have an indirect tendency to raise their moral character. But between the two there remains a wide gap to be filled. Not the lower classes only, but the upper classes of operatives, as well as the trading and middle classes, stand in need of op portunities of intellectuarimprovement, and aesthetic cultiva tion, such as have not hitherto been provided. Most heartily, therefore do we wish success to an institution, which, accord ing to the information we have obtained, appears to be emi nently calculated to supply so great a desideratum. Alike at tractive and instructive, it may render the most important service to literature, science, and art, and at the same time confer incalculable benefits upon society at lar ge.—John Bull. SHIPMENTS OF SPECIE.— The shipments of specie by the Peninsular and Oriental steamer Indus amount to 169,057/.,0f which 73,438/. is gold for Malta, Alexandria, Ceylon, and Hong Kong, and 95,6191. silver for Madras, Penang, Singapore, Hong Bong, and Canton. RUSSIA AND TURKEY. The Lloyd of Vienna, of the 13th, says : " We lately announced that Russia did not any longer insist on negotiating directly with the Porte. It isbeyond doubt that the Cabinet of St. Petersburg has secretly made concessions on that point and declared that the representa tives of the four Powers might enter into relations with a Turkish plenipotentiary at the moment that the pleni potentiary was treating with Russia, without on that account the negotiations clashing with each other. Ac cording to another version, a Russian plenipotentiary and a Turkish one would be charged to come to an agreement relative to the bases of peace, and then to communicate what they might agree on to the represen tives of the four Powers." The Wanderer of Vienna states that the Porte has requested the Government of Servia to make an advance of four years of tribute (about two millions of francs), but that there is little prospect of the request being complied with. A letter from Vienna, of the 13th, in the Cologne Gazette, says : • " One of our ministers, into whose attributions the Eastern question does not really enter, nevertheless drew up a memorial on the subject, and handed it to the Em peror previous to the arrival of Count Orloff. In this document the author points out in the clearest manner the injustice of Russia, and the disastrou s consequenc es which would result to Austria, if she were to - be led to give her adhesion to the policy of the Cabinet of St. Petersburg. It is stated that his Majesty has taken the arguments contained in this memorial into serious consideration, and that they have exercised considerable influence on his resolution with regard to the mission of Count Orloff. The discussion which took place on the subject of the Turco-Egyptian officers has not led to anything material. M. de Meyendorff confined himself to demanding tht they should be delivered up to him, in order that he himself might hand them over to the Ottoman ambassador, which formality was gone through this morning. An attache of the Ottoman embassy con ducted them to the house of M. de Meyendorff ; and in a quarter of an hour after, a secretary from the Russian embassy reconducted them back to Arif Effendi. They will leave to-morrow for Trieste." A. letter from Odessa says : "Osman Pacha has had to have his foot amputated at Sebastopol. He suffered a good deal, but the operation was indispensable, for gangrene had comm ence d. H e had requested to be removed to Odessa, but the Govern ment of Sebastopol dared not take on itself to let him go, and it has applied to St. Petersburgfor orders. Osman Paella has obtained permission to address a letter to Ahmet Pacha, of the Liman Odassi, in which he makes known his situation, and that of his companions of mis fortune. This letter, which was given open to the au thorities, has, it is said, been sent to Constantinople. The prisoners who are here and a t S e b astopo l are • to be sent in a few days into the inierior, the Christians to Kiew, the others to the neighbourhood of Moscow. Some of them, however, are to be sent to St. Peters burg—and amongst them are to be the four officers and physicians of the Egyptian steamer, and ten men of the Egytian steamer, and ten men of the commercial steamer the Medari-Tidjaret." THE LATE G.ALES. LrvERPOOL, FEB. 18. During the whole of yesterday and to-day it has blown a terrific gale from the north-west, accompanied with heavy showers of hail, snow, and rain. The ship ing in the river and channel have suffered severely, and there has likewise been a fearful loss of life. The swell on the river was unusually high, and many of the ferry steamers ceased to run. The Woodside boats, which are the finest ferry steamers on the river, only run occa sionally. The first report that reached the underwriters' rooms this morning was, that large quantities of barrel flour and bales of rags were washing ashore near /Slew Brighton. It was at first not known to what vessel they belonged, but it has since been ascertained that they formed the cargo of a large coasting schooner, which was seen floating bottom up near the spot. It is believed that all hands belonging to the schooner have perished. The most fearful casualty which we have yet heard of occurred about one o'clock this afternoon. At an early hour it was made known that the barque Che rokee was ashore on the East Hoyle Bank, when prepa rations were immediately made for rendering all the assistance possible. For this purpose the steam-tug President, with the Liverpool life-boat in tow, and the steam-tug Victoria, with the Tug Company's life-boat in tow, sailed to the assistance of the unfortunate barque. The sea was very high in the Rock Channel at the time, and the boats were towed with difficulty. When near the bank, the Tug Company's lifeboat, which was in tow of the steamer Victoria, soddenly capsized, and, out of 11 persons that formed her crew, only one was saved. The men who were drowned were experienced river boatmen, all in poor circumstances, and several of them have left large families totally unprovided for. While on the Hoyle-bank, the Hoylake lifeboat went to the Cherokee, and succeeded in taking off p ‘rt of the crew. At noon she drifted over the bank, and went ashore near Dove point ; but, the sea being so rough and the wind so strong, it was impossible for the lifeboat to approach, and it was expected she would soon go to pieces. The Cherokee belonged to,Messrs. Horsfall, and only sailed yesterday for Africa. The steamship Alps, Captain Little, which should have sailed about 11 o'clock with the usual mails for Halifax and Boston, was prevented from putting to sea by the violence of the gale. The Windsor, for Para, and the Brevet, for Melbourne, were in collision in the river. The former lost her main mast, &c., and the latter damaged her head, cut water, &c. The ship Evelyn, for London, got ashore in Bootle bay, but came off again at high water, with the assist ance of three powerful steamtugs. She lost anchors, chains, &c. A A flat capsized off George's pierhead, but the crew were saved.. A brig was driven ashore at Dingle-bole, and at low water was high and dry. The ,steamer Commodore, from Havre, got ashore near EL;Temont, but got off on the flood, and anchored in the river. Although the force of the gale has moderated, it still Wows very freshly, and at noon it was blowing a strong gale from the north at Holyhead. = AWFUL COLLIERY EXPLOSION AT WIGAN. , 1 On Saturday afternoon an explosion of firedamp oc siurred in the Arley mine of the Ince-hall Coal Company, near Wigan, attended by an appalling loss of life. In the morning about 240 men and boys had descended Ole coalpit, and all went on well until about three q'clock, when two reports were heard in quick succession ley those at the mouth of the pit, and soon after the Elignal was given by colliers below to be drawn up the shaft About 30 men were taken out after this signal from the south working, who reported an explosion in the north levels ' which they said were on fire near t h e. eye of the shaft, so as to cut off the retreat of the workmen Piere. . Mr. Darlington, the manager, was sent for, but some ours enable elapsed h im and a before bodythe fire f s c e o a u r l e d h b e e r a extinguished, enter the n s o o r t a s h li vels for the purpose of recovering the col liers who I fight be still alive. i When they did get into the levels they had an appall !, i g task. They encountered heaps of dead. During the afternoon and night not fewer than 60 dead bodies : were taken out of the pit, and, in the course of yester day, about 24 others were recovered, making a total of 86 per-ons dead. Only a few, and those much exhausted, have been taken out alive. Some of the colliers had escaped by another pit, so that the exact number killed is not known ; but there is every reason to believe that at eight o'clock last night there were still 40 persons in the levels, under or beyond a large portion of roofing which had fallen in, and as none of the colliers discovered since Saturday night were alive, it is feared the number killed is not less than 120. Of course, so appalling an acci dent has caused great excitement, and the mouth of the pi was surrounded on Saturday and yesterday by many thousand people, including wifes, sisters, and mothers of 1 the deceased, almost distracted with grief. ! i n It is eh the same m i ne i n w hich about 60 lives wer e lost last by a similar explosion. -- --- THE ARCTIC EXPEDITIONIS.-With all the attention that is paid to fitting out the fleets and the army at Deptford and G osport, the supplies to Sir E. Belcher's Arctic searchi ng expedition are being prepare d for shipping in the Talbot, old 26, now being fitted at Dept ford. At the Clarence establishment there are manu facturing 6 tons of pemmican for the Arctic squadron. STRETFORD MEETING.-FEB. 27. WEIGHTS for the MANCHESTER STEEPLECHASE. About three miles and a-half. Acceptances to be declared on or before the 22d. Yrs st lb Needwood ...... all 5 Tulip Maley a 10 10 Labyrinth C rabbs Columbine a 10 7 Bruce a 10 6 Sir Philip The Old Rake Slashing Painter alo 3 Theodine WEIGHTS for the STRETFORD STEEPLECHASE. About three miles and a-half. Acceptances and selling prices to be declared on the 22d. Yrs st lb Escape Frederic a 9 12 The Farmer (h b) a 9 12 The Duchess a 9 12 Petticoats The Beaver (h b) a 9 10 Luna The Woodman (h b) a 9 6 Braggadocia Luke the Labourer a 9 4 Melly Brown a 9 0 Yrs st lb The Tulip Crabbs Countess The Linnet (h b) a 11 2 Escape Royal Blue Diana (h b) Yrs st lb Braggadocia Locomotive Take Notice The Buck The Kaffir a 10 7 Killarney Smilax CROXTON PARK RACES, APRIL 4. The GRANBY HANDICAP of 20 sovs. each, 10 ft, and five only if declared, &c. About a mile and a half. For feits to be declared on or before the first of March. If the highest weight accepting be under 12st it will be raised, and the other weights in proportion, at the option of the stewards, to any weight not exceeding 12st, which will be declared seven days after the ac ceptances. Age st lb Chief Justice a 12 13 Red Lion Defiance Trifle (II b) 5 12 3 Ethelwelf Ethelbert Lerrywhent lanthe Lucio 5ll 7 Ty pee 4 11 7 Orpheus Montague Ireland's Eye 4 11 6 Lamartine 6 11 5 Hazlenut ...... The Buck Poodle Titterstone (h b) 6 11 5 War wick Gossip Itch Billy Richardson 5 11 2 Farmer's Boy Sackbut 5 11 2 Black Draught 4 11 1 Fortio The General 4 11 0 Janey 4 10 13 Florist WEIGHTS for the CUP. Certain winners extra. For. feits to be declared on or before the Ist of March. Two miles. If the highest weight accepting be under 12st., it will be raised, and the other weights in pro portion, at the option of the stewards, to any weight not exceeding 12st., whi c h w ill b e declared seven days after the acceptances. Age st lb Waterfall William Rufus Bourton a 10 13 Pride Scarcity 6 10 11 _ _ _ Cheroot . Miss Briggs Economy Captain Flash Georgy Gelding by Arun- del-=Za - ra Little Tom 4 10 9 Galileo Countryman .. Grey(own Brother to Warwick) Peter Simple a 10 7 Friendless Boy (h b) . , 5 10 6 Gerard Star of England a 10 4 Cast-off (late Fare- well► Colt by Drayton— Spring's darn 5 10 1 Melody El Dorado 3 9 7 Age st lb Red Lion Triple (h b) Ethelwolf Lncio 5 12 0 Orpheus 5 11 12 Lamartine 6 11 11 Titteratone (h b) 6 11 11 Sackbut 5 11 10 Montague Cleveland Itch Billy Richardson 5 11 5 Janey 4 11 4 Waterfall William Rufus Age at lb The Buck 5 11 2 Smuggler Bill a 11 2 Half-and-Half a 11 2 Pride 4ll 1 Grey (own bro. to Warwick) 4 11 1 Cheroot 5 11 0 Miss Briggs 4 10 13 Gerard. ........ 5 10 12 Melody a 10 7 C. by w Drayton— Spring's Dam 5lO 7 Luck's All a 10 6 Communist 3 9 3 RACING FIXTURES FOR 1854. MARCH. Liverpool Spring 1 Doncaster Spring 7 Salisbury 14 Coventry Spring Warwick Spring 2l Catterick 27 Northampton 29 Abergavenny 30 IL. Catterick Bridge 19 Ahergavenny .... 2O Tork Spring 25 Malton 27 AY. AP Croxton Park 4 Epsom Spring 6 Cheltenham Spring 12 Newmarket Craven 17 Newmarket F S Chester Spring 9 Lothians & Edinburgh 11 Newmarket S S l6 Shrewsbury lB I Lothians and EdinburghlB Lewes l9 Bath 23 Liverpool Hunt Spring ..24 Epsom BO NE. YU: Manchester Ascot Heath... l3 Newcastle•on-Tyne 20 Hampton 2l Carlisle 26 Bibn .17 Stockbridge Lidlow Winchester Jul Newmarket Worcester 4 Lancaster 6 Mansfield ll Liverpool l2 Ipswich 13 Stourbzidge Stamford ... Nottingham Goodwood , Ripon SEPT: Warwick Lichfield Western Meeting 7 Rochester and Chatham 7 Doncaster 12 Pontefract 18 ..17 _lB .20 .25 AU( Brighton Brighton Club 4 Wolverhampton Yarmouth 8 Reading Odiham 9 North Staffordshire 9 Wolverhampton l4 Chester Autumn 3 Yorkshire Union Hunt 5 Wrexham 5 Newmarket S 0 9 NOTE Epsom Autumn 9 EMBER. Bedford .. Leicester Manchester Autumn Lanark . Newmarket F 0 Northallerton 1111 ST. Eghant York Hereford Eccles Chelmsford Derby Plymouth Lincoln DBER. Warwick Autumn 17 Caledonian Hunt 17 Newmarket H 23 Worcester Autumn 31 MBER. Cowbridge Hunt 8 .22 ..23 -.24 ...28 ..29 ..29 STEEPLECHASES TO COME. FEB I R 6 Ui crmrenshire A a RY a . th Torquay MARCH. Liverpool (1) 1 I Birmingham 2 Beverley (1) 17 APRIL. Liverpool Hunt Club 1 Cheltenham lB (Hoylake) (2) 8 1 Rothbury 19 NOVEMBER. Cowbridge Hun 9 AGRICULTURAL RETURNS OF IRELAND FOR 1853.—The census commissioners have issued a return, showing the ex tent of land under crops for each county and province in Ire land in 1582-3. We give the total for Dublin of acres :- 1853, 86,552 acres; 1852, 84,442 acres. Total for Lem star, under crops--1852, 1.747,632 ; 1853, 1,683,600 acres; t , ,tal decrease, 64,032. Total for Munster, under crops -1852,1,440,758 acres ; 1853,1,431,082 acres total decrease, 9,676. Total for Ulster, under crops-1852, 1 , 842 , 844 acres ; 1853, 1,846,246 acres; total increase, 3,402. Total for Con naught, under crops-1852, 707,980 acres ; 1853, 734,419 acres; total increase, 26,439. Total decrease under crops in Ireland 43,867 acres. Total of acres under crops in Ireland-1852, 5,739,214; 1853, 5,695,347. The decrease of cereal crops was 143,661 acres on meadow and clover, 404. Increase on green crops of all kinds, 62,783 acres ; on flax, 37,415. Potatoes in 1852, 876,532 acres; 1853, 897,774 acres. [ADVERTISEMENT.] --Holloway's Ointment and Pills have effectually cared an awfully bad leg of a person 75 years old.—Extract of a letter from Mr. Illsop, drug gist, Lincoln, dated April 4th, 1853 :—To Professor Holloway. Dear sir—Among . the nu merous cures effected by your valuable med i c ines, permit me to in form you of the following :—Mrs. Mary Jackson, re siding in this town, 75 years of age, had a dreadful bad leg for upwards of five months ; there were three sores on it, and it was swollen to an immense size • every person that saw it thought th a t s h e would not recover • however, your ointment and pill s a l one have perfectly ' cured it. Sold by all Druggists, and Professor Hollo way's Establishment, 244, S trand, London. / STATE OF TRADE. (Front the Manchester Guardian of Saturday.) MANCHESTER, Feb. 17.—The demand for the East continues to be that which is most felt i n our mar k e t ; and it has been increased this week by the overland advices, received on Monday, which appear to be, on the Whole, of a tolerably favoourable character for yarns and goods. Although prices are not generally quoted higher, they mostly show a bias that way, while some thing; are slightly dearer. These statements are mainly applicable to mule and twist in the bundle, and to the lower qualities of shirtings, jacconets, and mada pollams, suitable for India. The demand for water twist is principally on China and Bombay account. rhe current descriptions of twist and weft for home manufacture are taken cautiously at the previous rates, which are firmly maintained. Doubled yarns from 60's downwards are bought up and very dear. Domestics are quiet, but firm ; the lighter makes being the best. In printing-cloths, the buyer has some ad vantage. The very large arrear of cotton at the Ameri can ports impart great strength to the Liverpool market, and contributes to the firmness of our own. GLASGOW, Feb. 17.—Our cotton market has been more active during the past week, and closes firmly at hi 1 rates, BRADFORD, Feb. 16—Wool : there is a greater dispo sition to sell wools than a few weeks ago, but the induce ment offered is only such as to effect doublets in the sales. Of down and half-bred wools there is an immense stock for the season, and it is not improbable, if the present dullness in this class continues, that they will, by next clip day, suffer a further decline. Yarns—The demand is not active, and chiefly to order. Pieces-- There is yet but little doing for the spring by the home houses, and this season having closed with the shippers, causes an unusual dullness arising, however, in part from the unsettled position of the political world. THE WOOLLEN TRADE. (From the Leeds Mercury of Saturday. ) LEICESTER, Feb. 16.—The market for worsted goods remains flat, but in cotton more is doing ; yarns are plentiful, though the spinners are still working short time, the prices offered are unsatisfactory ; in wools there is but little alteration either in price or demand. LEEDS, Feb. 17.—There has been a rather better feeling in the Cloth-halls this week. Both on Saturday and on Tuesday there was a good attendance of mer chants in the markets, and a larger business was done than during the previous week. Doubtless this has to a considerable extent been caused by the firm prices which characterise the London wool sales now proceeding ; for certainly there is nothing in our commercial prospects that lead us to hope for any great improvement in the trade, go long as the present uncertain state of our foreign relations continues. The business in the ware houses is dull and slnggish. There is,, as usual at this season of the year, a fair export trade doing for Canada, and a little for China, but the demand for the home mar ket has been on the whole inactive this week. ' HUDDERSFIELD, Feb. 14.—There has been a very flat market to-day. The Aly sign of animation has been exhibited by the shipping merchants, whose purchases of low goods have been moderate. The home trade at present very quiet, and the inquiries generally are for new patterns. There is very little doing in the wool warehouses. ROCHDALE, Feb. 13.—The market has been very in active to-day, and the amount of goods sold has been very limited. The wool market has been still, and the manufacturers purchase very sparingly for immediate use only. The price is much the same as for some weeks past. _ _ _ HALIFAX, Feb. 11 —We have had a very inactive market to-day in almost every department of business, and prices exhibit a declining tendency. Long wools are offering on lower terms, and but few sales can be effected. Short wools scarce, and prices firm. SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE. CUSTOM HOUSE, FEB. 18. ENTERED INWARDS.—The only entries to-day were the Admiral Zoutman, from Rotterdam; and the steamer from Harlingen. ENTERED OUTWARDS FOR LOADING.—The Change, for Port Philip; Adelia Maria, Konigsberg; Clara Ann, Cal cutta ; Helen Baird, Sydney; Waban, Calcutta; Hawk, Cherbourg ; Lord Nelson, Gibraltar; Euphrosyne, Madras and Cape of Good Hope ; Mary, Fernando Po ; Governor Madian, Cape Coast Castle ; Gloriosa, Calcutta ; Mercury, Cape of Good Hope; Adventure, Algoa Bay ; Brodrene, Madras and Rangoon , Fronkje, Konigsberg ; James Stewart, St. John's, Newfoundland. CLEARED OUTWARDS WITH CARGO.— The Chandema gore, for Geelong ; Gem, Alexandria ; Prince Albert, Van couver's Island ; Ceres, Oporto ; Agnes, Jamaica. LIVERPOOL, FEB. 19. The gale gradually abated last night. Arrived—The Constitution, from New York; Isabella Scott, Para. Sailed—The Alps, with the mails, for Boston, &c. The following additional casualties are reported :—The Australia, which sailed from this port for New York on Thursday last, was caught in the gale on Friday, and the captain deemed it prudent to put back. While endea vouring to do so she struck on Taylor's-bank, and con tinued to thump heavily for some time. She was got off at high water, and arrived in the river in a sinking state, when, to save her from going down, she was run ashore on the Devil's-bank, opposite the Sloyne, where she remains. The Montezuma, which sailed on the 16th for Boston, has also put back, after being ashore on the north end of Burbo-bank. She is reported to be making water. A number of casks of rum have been washed ashore on Wallasey-beach from the barque Cher, kee. Many persons partook of the spirit when it came ashore to such an ex tent that they became insensible, and one of them is not expected to recover. At Holyhead the gale raged with terrific violence. The barque Penninghame, bound from this port for Rio Janeiro. sought refuge in the new harbour at 1 p.m. on Saturday, and at 3 p.m. drifted from her anchorage,and went ashore on the rocks : , t S a lt I s l and, and it was thought would become a total wreck. VESSELS SPOKEN WITH. The Pulsford (ship), from Liverpool, 4th Feb., lat. 48 N., long. 10 W. The Maas (schooner), outward bound, 11th Feb., lat 48 N. long. 10 W. The Maid of Judah, from London to Sydney, New South Wales, 4th Jan., lat. 2 N., long. 23 W. The Brothers, of Yarmouth, from Nova Scotia, bound S., 21st Jan., lat. 26 N , long. 38 W. The Circassian, outward bound, 14th Feb lat. 49, long. 14. The Hamilla, Mitchell, from London to New Zealand, sth Sept., lat. 26 N., 24 W. The Emma (brig), from London to Melbourne, lat. 39 S., long. 131 E. The Unique, steering S. and E., 19th, lat. 19 S., long. 29 W. The Guatemala, for Calloa, 27th, lat. 7 W., long. 32 W. The Zero, of Glasgow, from Cardiff to Havanna. The Sea Nymph, steering W., 21st, lat. 27 N., long. 27 W. The Mayflower, from the Mauritius to Barbadoes, 21st Dec., lat. 14 S., long. 34 W. The Constance, from Boston to New Zealand, sth Sept., lat. 54 S., long. 65 W. The Mermaid, from Liverpool, 7th Jan., long. 46. The Lady Flora. Hastings, from Liverpool, steering south ward, 6th Feb., lat. 49, long. 9. The Joseph Savoy or Jubez Snow, from Liverpool to New York, main and wizen topmasts gone, 4th Feb., lat. 44 N., long. 32 W. The Wyoming, from Liverpool to Philadelphia, 7th Feb., lat. 49 N long. 32 W. The Ellen Rawson, from Plymouth to the Cape of Good Hope, 6th Feb., lat. 43 N., long. 10 W. The Senator, from the Mauritius to London, lat. 20, long. 2 W. _ COUNTRY MARKETS. HADDINGTON—Ff B. 17. The following are the prices of grain at our market to-day : WHEAT. BAILLIEY. First B3s 6d 42s Od Second 7.ls lid 1 39s 8d Third sBs Od f 33s 6d Total quantity of wheat in market, barley ~ oats f J. beans 111 OATS. =ANS 34a 6d 50s Od 31a 54 44a 14 28a Od 42a Od 544 qrs., 498 sold 421 qrs., 333 sold, 680 qrs., 520 sold 159 qrs., 145 sold .. .C 3 14 11 3-12ths .. 1 19 8 0-12ths .. 1 11 5 5-12ths 2 4 1 10-12ths PP PP Average of whoat . Ditto of Barley .... Ditto irf Oats Ditto of Beaus ...., DALKEITH GRAIN MARRgT-FEB. 16. Wheat on the top 4s down, current price is up, od lowest 4s down. Oats on the top 8d down, current plies same as last market, and lowest 3s 4d down. Barley on the top sane as last market, current price is down, and lowest 2s down. Peas and beans on the top and current price the same, and lowest 9s up. Qrs. Best. Current. 350 Wheat 82s Od 69s Od .... 1660 Oats 343 01i 24s Od .... 754 Barley 41s 6d 33s Od .... • 76 Peas & beans 50s Od 46s Od .... Average of wheat, 3/. 7s 11d. Inferior: 445 Od 155 4d 285 Od 405 Od ABERDEEN—FEE. 17. The prices of grain are—Old oats, 27s Od to 27s 6d; 401bs pet Lushel ; new oats, 00s Od to 00s Od, 401bs per bushel ; bere, 35s 6d to 36s ud, 531bs per bushel ; barley, 00s 0d to (0a Od, 531bs per bushel ; wheat, red, 65s Od to 7us Od, 62103 per bushel ; wheat, white, 73s Od to 75s Od, 621bs per bushel ' • oatmeal, 23s Od to 21s Od per boll; flour, 60s Od to 61s Od per sack. Provisions—Beef, per lb, 6d. to 8d ; mutton, ditto, 6cl to d ; veal, ditto, 6d to 8d; pork, per lb, Os hd to Os 71; salmon, per lb, Os Od to Os 0d; rabbits, each, Od to Od ; tallow, per stone, 5s 9d to Os Od; potatoes, per peck, 10d to is 2d ; butter, per lb, 9d to 10d ; eggs, per doz, Os 7tl to Os 9,1 , hens, per pair, 3s Od to 3s 6d ; chi c k ens , ditt o , 2 s 0-1 t o 2s 6d; ducks ditto, 2s 6d to 3s 0 1 ; Ducklings, ditto, 2s 6d to Os Od ; turkeys, each, 4s 0 1 to 5s Od ; geese, , titto, 3s Od to 4s Od ; butte' for eviortation (present cure), per cwt, 80s to 84s Od; ditto (summfr cured), 00s to 00s Od ; eggs, wholesale price, per dozen, 9d t o Od ; 41b loaf, 8d ; 21b loaf, 4d ; pork , fine small, Os Od to ,ts Od ; pork, large, Os Od to Os 'Od ; lamb, per lb., 56 9d to Od ; cheese, per imperial stone, 5s 6d to 7s. DUBLIN-FEB. 17. White wheat, 44s Od to 46s Oa, red ditto, 418 to 44s Od; barley, 178 yid to 186 5d ; oats, 13s Od to 16s Od; rapeseed, .108 Od to 008 Od por brl ; oAtmeat, 16s Od to 17s 6d ; bakers' flour, 248 Od to 283 Od per cwt ; lustiati corn, 47s Od to 5280 d per 480 tbs. RAILWAY SHARE MARKETS. LIVERPOOL, FEB. 18. STOCK EXCHANGB.—Business was very quiet, prices . closing as follows :—Caledonian ' 26i ; Eastern Counties, 13; Lancashire and Yorkshire, 66# ; Ditto (fifth shares), ; Lancashire and Carlisle, 944 London and North- Western, 104 ; Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincoln, 231.; • . Midland, 634 ; South Eastern and Dover, 181; Midland (4) per cent.), id ; St. Helen's Railway (5 per c en t. B.),: 101 i. MANCHESTER, FEB. 18. STOOK EXOHANGE.—Prices have been supported, but business has been very dull, only two sales being quoted : —Sheffield, 23a ; Dover, 1813-16. BIRMINGHAM, FEB. 18. STOCK EXCHANGE.—Shares were a shade firmer in this market to-day, but ther e i s very littl e b usiness do i ng. London and * North-Westerns closed (sellers) at 104, and Midlands at 63. LEEDS -FEB. 18. STOCK EXCHANGE.—There has again been rather snore transactions on 'Change to-day, but they have been chiefly in the smaller stocks. The tone of the market was by no means buoyant. The sales were as follows :—North- Westerns, 8 1-16 8 ; Great Northern (A), 9# ; East Lan cashire, 16i ; Leeds Northern Extensions, No. 3, # pm. SEABORNE MAILS. (N signifies that the mails are sent from the General Post Wee by the night—and M by the morning —dispatch.] Day when maa, up From wt.., When COUNTRIES in General Post- Port du. , in _Office, London.* Dispatche England. America(byßrit.pack)N Every Friday . America (by United Sts. packet) ..........N .......... America (by U States ••••• packet) ..........N • Australia (via South- •• ampton) ..........M March 4 . Ditto (via Marseilles) N March 8 . ........ Ditto (via Cape of Geed Africa (West Coast)..N 13d of the month . Alexandria .......... N'B, 4, 24, & 30 of it Alexandria......... M 4th & 20th of moo. Bahamas ........... M 17th of the month Belgium ............N ....... Brazil M 9th et the month.. Buenos Ayres 9th of he month .. Cape of Good Hone ..,N , l4th of the moat Cape of Good flops ..N 14th of the month.' (Jape de Verds 14th of the month rleylon (see 'lndia) Cey10n..............N 14th of the mom! , Channe' Isles ..N'Mori.,Wed.,&F dd. Chili. ............ 9i 2d & 17th of month China (see India) Constantinople . N 7 , 8 ,17,24,&27 of m. Constantinople ........ 4th & 20th Of moo C .nt. of Europe M & NTw/ce daily Egypt (see India) France ........ M & Twice dai1y...... Gibraltar .. • . Ml 4, 7,11, 20, 27 ern., Greece (see India) qi•eytewn M 2nd & 17th of mon. Hamhurgh ........ N Tuesday & Friday Flavannah .......... AI 2nd or the month Holland M .. Honduras 111 17th of the rnomh. India (via.Soutitampt.)M 4th Bt. 20th of m.ll. India ( via Marseilles)M Bth& 24th of moot:. lonian Isles (see India) 7, 17, & 27 of mon Ireland ........M & N Twice daily ... • • . M 7, 9, 17, & 27 of in. Madeira ............ M '9th of the month Nfadeira N ;23d of month •... Malta (see India) Malta tn. Mauritius (see 1ndia),7,17,19,27, 30 of Mauritius .... ..Nll4th of the month mexi ee of the mouth.. Naple s ....N . sthliSth2sthofmen. New Granada .. M2d & 17th of month New By private skip Papal States N ' s thlhth2sthoflnon. Peninsula M 7th 17th28theflnon. Peru . . Port Natal of the month Sicily ..............N:sthlsth2sthofmon, Tuscany ............Nlstlllsth2sthofmen. Venezuela Ar!2d & 17th of month I Van Diemen's Lam: (see Australia) West Indies 4412 d & 17th o month,) Liverpool . Each Mon. Liverpool Sowham, Arrived Southamo Feb. 20 Dover .. Feb. 16 Liverpool ... Itrneertain' Plymouth .. !Arrived Dover .... Feb. 16 Southampton Feb. 20 Southamptoi, Feb 16 Dover So at h amp t on 'Arrtved Southamptm. Feb 16 Plymouth .. Feb. 26 Southampton] Plymouth .. Feb. 26 . _ ....._. Plymouth .. Feb. 28 4 4.uthamoton Tu.M.Sat outhamptobreb. 16 Dover ......! Southatmpl ft. , Feb. 20 Dover ...• ..,Twieedally Dover . . Twicedalli Southampton Feb. 16 ioutharaptoi. Feb 16 London Southamirmi•March 1 Dover .. 'Daily Southampton Feb. . - Southampun, Feb. 20 Dover ...... Feb. 16 Dover.... • • Feb. '0 HOlylledd Twicedally Southampton Feb. 16 Southampton Feb. s Plymouth .. Feb. 14 Dover ...... Plymouth ..'Feb. 26 Southampton Mara 1 Dover ...... Feb. 12 Southampton Feb 16 Various punk Uncertain. Dover ...... Feb 12 Southampton Feb. 16 Southampton Feb. 16 Plymouth .. Feb. 26 Dover ...... Feb. 12 Dover Southampton Feb. 16 Southampton Arrtved When any of these fates ' -4inday, the mails wii be dispatched on the following day, with the exception of the Inctla Via Southampton), and the Malta. both of which will be dispatched the day preceding. [ADVERTISEMENT.]-Fifty thousand Cures have been effected by Du Barry's delicious Revslents Arabica Food, without medicine, inconvenience, or expense (as it saves fifty times its costin other remedies).- " Twenty-fiveyears nervousness, constipation, indigestion, and debility, from which I had suffered great misery, and which no medi sine 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, slid nausea, for which my servant had consulted the advice o - many, have been effectually removed by Du Barry's delicious food in a very short time. I shall be happy to answer any inquiries. Rev. John W. Fl ave l , Rid lington Rectory, Norfolk." " Three years' excessive nervousness, with pains in my neck and left arm, and general debility, which rendered my life very miserable, has been radically removed by Du Barry's excellent food. Alexs. Stuart, Archdeacon of Ross, Skibbereen." —" Fifty years' indescribable agony from dyspepsia, nervousness, asthma, cough, constipation, flatulency, spasms, sickness at the stomach, and vomittings, has been removed by Du Barry's excellent food. Maria Jolly, Wortham Ling, new Diss, Norfolk." Copies of testi monials of 50,000 cures (including those of Lord Stuart de Decies, Major-General Thomas King, Drs. Ure, Shorland, an d Harvey (gratis). In canisters, with full instructions, 11b., 2s. 9d. ; 21b., 4s. 6d. ; 51b., lls. ; 121 b., 225. ; super-refined, 51b., 225. ; 101 b., 338. The 101 b. and 121 b. carriage free. Barry Du Barry and Co., 77, Regent-street, London ; also, Fortnum, Mason, and Co., purveyors to her Majesty, Piccadilly. BIRTHS. OF A SON. On the 17th inst., at Newick, the wife of John Diu . , Esq. On the 9th inst., at New West-end, Hamp s t ea d , ma. Henry Chater. OF A DAUGHTER. On the 17th inst., the wife of F. Dundas Faithful], Esq., of 13, Westbourne-park - terrace and Gray's-inn. On the 18th inst., the wife of Francis Cr amp, Esq., at his residence, Upper Bedford-place. MARRIED. On the 18th inst., at • Ringwood, Hampshire, Henry Smith, Esq., of Caroline-street, B edford-square, to Mary Ann, eldest surviving daughter of the late Thomas Dyer, Esq., o f Ringwood. At St. John's, Upper H o ll oway, on the 18th inst., AI J. M'lntyre, Esq., of th e Mid dle Temple, son of Dr. M'ln tyre, of King's College, Aberdeen, to Eleanor, second (laughter of G. Corbett, Esq., of Tavistock-terrace. DIED. On the 30th of September last, at Melbourne, Australia, Hester, the wife of M r. Charles Braid, and daughter of the late George Matthew Burchell, Esq., of Scotsland, Bram ley, Surrey. On the 19th of October last, near Sydney, New South Wales, George Henry Minto Alexander, Esq., Civil Ser vice, Bengal, only son of the late Major-General James Alexander, 11.E.1.C. service. On the 10th ult., at Barbadoes, Molyneux C. Marston, Esq., Captain of the Royal Artillery, ; and on the 14th ult. Charlotte L ee, hi s wife. Al Torquay, on the 16th inst., Major D. J. Macleod, Scot., Greys, son of the late General Sir John Macleod, K. r. 1 3. On the 17th inst, at Bexley, Kent., in her 82d year , Mary Harrison widow of William Harding, E sq ., for merly chief accountant in the Transport-office. LONDON: Printed and Published by AMMO YOUNG, of No. 112, Strand, Printer, at The Sun Office, No. IL7, Strand, in the Precinct of the Savoy, in the county of Middlesex, Monday, February 20i UN. - and and mg, the the per E. vea dra dra Pol n;1 mil D 1( cor, eea to 1 plai nin, Mu Wh, ma PA ng tho hoc les: mu en Ines ilk