The Sun. — London, England, 1854-05-01 00:00:00

TBR ROYAL ACADEMY. Immediately after her Majesty's visit to the Royal Academy on Friday afternoon, we were amongst the earliest of those who passed slowly round the three prin cipal rooms of the Exhibition. As a reward for our punc tuality in attendance, we were enabled to obtain some thing better than a merely casual glimpse of the paintings arranged along the walls—a rather unusual advantage on thu day of " private view," when hats, elbows, and bonnets ordinarily occupy afterwards the chief share of our r emembrance. It is perhaps not unworthy of re mark just now, when the evidences of loyal enthusiasm possess a more than customary interest, that the Queen, both on arriving and returning, was greeted on the 28th in stant by th e assem bl e d crow d w ith ac clamations. Her \ NestY and his Royal Highness the Prince Consort Were accompanied on the occasion by the Prince of Wa les, the Princess Royal, and by two or three of the Younger children. During the stay of the royal family within the wall s o f th e National Gallery, the conco urse outsid e appeared to watch with peculiar satisfaction the se ven state carriages and *lie scarlet and gold liveries in attendance. Directly after the Sovereign had taken her departure, we ascended the staircase, and were rewar ded, as already intimated, with a leisurely, and what might be called with more reason than usual, a really ',private view" of the present year's collection. Scarcely to y one had arrived at the time of our entrance, but P r ior to oar taking leave of it, the gallery had become tolerably well crowded with the privileged throng accus tomed to assemble on this annual occasion of the private viewle of the R oya l A ca d emy — a th ro ng including most , the celebrities of the day, whether members of the aristocracy or members of the republic of literature — t he vernal paradise of the tuft-hunter or the hero- WQrs hiPPer, where he may have the delight of rubbing elb ows With eminent statesmen, authors, peers, and academicians. p The season o f 1854 brings the Royal Academy to its I'th ex hibition. So that it has long since passed its rand climacte r i c . It h as survived even the three i e 4. 7 e Years a n d t en a ll o tt e d on th e average to humanity. It has adv anced yet further, an d h as coins t o b e mor e than an octogenarian. It is interesting to glance back, "en for a few hurried moments across the interval of of those eighty-six years, from 1854 to 1768, from the pres ent date o f i ts ex i stence t o that of its original insti tctioh n• Cu r i ous l y enough i t i s t h e prec i se interval occupied Y the life of the recently deceased Marquis of Anglesey. W hen that veteran was born in 1768, the Royal Academy Ive s • Just then established. He expires, now, in 1854, ape in • th e Years and honolrs, almost simultaneously with the "veiling of th e aca d e my's eighty-sixth exhibition. At - former date, namely, in the year of our Lord 1763, th e F rench Revolution had not commenced. It was not far f rom the eve o f it s b rea ki n g out. The last great o f ti . r° P ea n war was, therefore, fast approaching the ver g e dread beginning. At this moment the nations are somewhat similarly, nay, yet more perilously, situated. ` ll this still more memorable year of our Lord 1854, the already becomi ng au dibl e —only under rather different r ead y --thanks be to God, tinder rather different to cur estances ! Not with England and France opposed e ach oth er i n d ea dl y an i mos ity, but with a cordial union established between their people and their Govern ments, Not a war in defence of the " right divine," i> ' ab so l utism, of tyranny, of " legit i macy " not 4 War of conquest or of spoliation, but a war the Weak, despoti sm , aga i ns t autocracy, in behalf of tWeak, in d e f ence o f t ru th, i n vi ndication of justice, ra t itll() triple cause of peace, freedom, and civilisation. i 3 a wonderful contrast altogether, that presented by the comparison o f th ese two notable dates in the history ° '` c the Roy a l A ca d emy , 1768 an d 1854, the date of its f ° undatio n an d t h e d ate o f i ts e i g hty- s i x th ann ive r sary. li ° Ny many brilliant triumphs of the brush and of the chisel have been achieved by its more illustrious disciples betw een the time when Sir Joshua Reynolds held and that When Sir Charles Eastlake holds the distinction of its presidency ! How many noble reputations have been M ade within its walls between the epochs when Oliver goldsmith and when Henry Hallam enjoyed the hono rary title of the Academy's Professor of Ancient History "--between the marvellously contrasting, though after all not such very widely separated, dates when Dr. J ohnson and when Mr. Macaulay occupied the Aca demy's chair of the Professorship of Ancient Literature A retrospective glance like this, we cannot but feel assured, will be regarded as not altogether invaluable, because we rest satisfied that among the majority of the more reflective it will be found, especially at this pre sent moment, in many important particulars, altogether Wonderfully suggestive. Art flourishes in the midst of War. The truth has ° cell often almost miraculously illustrated. Amongst c ' e rm neighbours, did not David rise into celebrity as an his torical painter, first of all through the civil agonies of t he Reign of Terror, and then afterwards through all the i sanguinary glories of the empire ? It was the same hurtle, about the same time with the sister art of Sculp re. Canova's fame was contemporaneous with that ; I\ -rapoleon. Art, we repeat, flourishes in the midst of a' l - History has declared this, experience has proved th is, even in the continental lands which have been ra vaged by the armies of the belligerents. How much more securely therefore in those countries which, by their e° gaphical p os ition, are secluded for the most part from calamities of that appalling character ! As, for ampl e i n our own " snug li tt l e i s l an d," w h er e, as on rid aY afternoon, th e m onarch could saunter through the gita l leries of h er Aca d emy o f A rts, a t th e p er i o d when her ; id lers are bein g d es p a t c h e d to the Turkish frontiers to op ii:se the advancing hordes of the northern Autocrat. while at mighty fleets have gone forth into the Baltic and the Euxine, to fight, side by side with those of ranee, the battle of civilisation. t°° king nearer home than to France and Italy— the ()urfaisthheesrland of David and Canova—we certainly find amo ngst ourselves at the present day, that whether art Ne er in the midst of . war or not, the rumours of h ave at any rate failed to affect it in any con t.. euQu s manner prejudicially. The collection now ° A llened to public view within the walls of the Royal f ac to ee MY affords proof of this, proof in every way satis ,,rei;ftryy.ofThe season of 1854 may in this respect, indeed, W ith the average of its recent predecessors. The 'W er k e this is shown abundantly among the 1,531 W orks of art, in painting and sculpture, here arranged r: lethe r for exhibition. Especially is this t he case in e t r m -re nce to a cons id er able proportion of the 623 mo re a l o —At kable or more hi g hly favoured pictures disposed tlg t he walls of the three principal apartments. A d t c. f ew of th ese , p er haps half a dozen of them, ar e a in guished by their extraordinary merit scarcely less it 13 3' their ambitious character. Several others side Is " the praise due to uncommon excellence. A con tberahle number secure approval by their evidences of sli„ b itni eu of skill, ability, and application. The res t are ° 1 '" tl Y abov e , or are on a level with, or are a little be• t1 1 :' M ediocrity Alt oge ther, therefore, we repeat that - collection for the season of tile i tion of the Royal Academy, may compet e with average of its recent predecessors. 544 ° q u estionably the most attracti ve, p erha p s we should is ': 7 lle most a rres ti ng , picture in the whole e xhibition ( 9) by Daniel Machse—an enorm ous p aintin g re trZ-riting " Strongbow's Marriage with the Princess the bride being the daughter of Dermot liacMur- Al e : iCi ng of Leinster, and the marriage cerem on y takin g a h(t — °I I the b a ttl e -fi e ld immediately after the terr ible a . 5 successful siege of the city of Waterford. Gigantic the th e canvass, it is for the most part crowded with ee te var imis groups introduced, and every portion of this 14 1 a ordita r y p i cture , m o r eover, appears to have been 4 4 Il ea with the utmost degree o elaboration—an ela e4t,i°n, indeed, kindred in its minuteness with that 1i cu. delineated every petal of the May blossoms in or Maeliße's " Alfred in the Camp of the Danes," ty with that again which defined every individual ( 4 P ‘ e v e itt , his " Caxton's Workshop" in the sanctuary ail• - '4llllllSter. The principal personages in the centre s;(' Painting are arranged with admirable effect—an l ain er e pathos depicted on the visage of the defeated Ilar ch, loveliness in the form of the bride, valour in fug a arrn ed and knightly figure of the bridegroom. heapsCon of the dead and dying litter the foreground, Vi 6 in the rear an d hi g h up a long the adjacent accli ne% the th e melee of s till con t en ding belligerents fi lls u p tavample measure o f th e composition. A single exanu is b a, how ever a tt en ti ve , of this daring work of art, , ° f cours e altogether inadequate equate for its complet e appre ciaiou e pic • Mr. llaelise's large picture occupies a con 11°Ils place in the " Middle Room," and two other eastern, paintinge ^onfront each other—one on the ern, the other on the western wall of the same wo nt,apart p . p ln (352) "The Song of the Troubadours," by code ' - "elk we recognise the genius of that gifted „ ur- poet, wh ose b an d h as so often b efore comman d e d interior up w i t h equa l f ac ility the of the holy home of Job, and the grim tragedy of t he streets cr S olomon Eagle during the Plague of London. Mr. t 1' _ ° , (3 . 16 has seldom revealed greater power than in the the°ule production in which be has here revealed outside ~battlements of the Castle of Haute-Fort, in Pro ;tic% on the seashore, the heroic form of Bertrand de 4 ,° e ru, the warrior-bard of the 12th century, chaunting in (41 moonlight one of those glorious metrical romances— the War eswear songs of the Troubadours. N ever b e f ore on can haTn We seen such moonlight ! It is a triumph of art. The whole scene is suffused with the nocturnal splendour—the Ftar z L,re paled lvy it = s and there trails across the sea that broad flood of the glory of the moon beams, which we remember one of our most popular liv ing writers has said, very beautifully, appeared to him in the day dreams of his childhood, to be the veritable pathway up to heaven. One can hear, in imagination, on that calm summer night in Provence, under the walls of that grey old castle, in the midst of the lustre of that divine :ioonlight, mingled with the sound of the surges not far off, and with the rippling strings of the lyre played in accompaniment to the war song, the grand, vibrant, sonorous tones of the voice of Bertrand de Born, chaunting to the winds of night his triumph as a troubadour. In (403) "The Last Sleep of Argyll," by E. M. Ward, we have an affecting historical incident, realised with all the vividness of reality. This picture, we learn from the catalogue, is one of a series painted for the Commons' corridor, by order of the Royal Com missioners. It is a work in every respect worthy of its destination ; and cannot fail, we believe, materially to enhance Mr. Ward's already high but still rising reputa tion. Unlike the majority of his productions of a similar character—such, for example, as his representation of the " Execution of Montrose," or of "Napoleon signing his divorce from Josephine," or of " Louis XVI. and kis Family in the Temple," or of "Charlotte Corday on her way to the Scaffold," wherein Robespierre, Danton, and Desmoulins were portrayed as almost within arm's length of the "Angel of Assassination" —unlike those paintings, in all of which so many contrasting figures were introduced, the production contributed to the Royal Academy Exhibitio n for the present season by Mr. Ward contains only three figures altogether—the form of the recumbent Argy ll, that of the gaoler, and that of the renegade privy councillor. The incident is taken from a passage in Macaulay's "History of Eng land"—a touching incident here, most pathetically treated. Sir Edwin Landseer contents himself with two contributions to the gallery—one (360) being an other of his inimitable dog-portraits, " Dandie Dinmont, the favourite old Skye terrier of her Majesty the Queen," and the other, the more important work of the two (63), a large painting representing " Royal Sports on Hill and Loch," a picture in which the Queen, the Prince Consort, the Prince of Wales, and Viscountess Jocelyn are cleverly introduced. Prince Albert is assist ing her Majesty out of a boat-- both gazing at the same time with evident satisfaction at the pile of slaughtered deer in the foreground, the heir apparent on a pony to the left, and the Viscountess unobtrusively in the background. Although Clarkson Stanfield has three other pictures in the collection, (315) will be regarded as the only one of an importance worthy of his reputation—a wonderful glimpse of snowy moun tain scenery, being a view of the " Pic du Midi d'Ossau, ' in the Pyrenees. Mr. Webster indulges his many admirers with three pictures—all of them small—but one of them (85), " The Villager's Offering," capital as a limning of rustic childhood. Mr. Roberts has contrived to be almost as industrious as ever, though the loveliest of his Venetian scenes cannot compensate for the lack of another of his marvellous interior views of cathedral architecture. Mr. Jones preserves to himself his pre eminence as a battle painter by his inspiriting memento (13) of the victory of Hyderabad. There is another of those luscious sunrises of mingled crimson and gloom, in (34) " The Departure of Ulysses from Ithaca," which Mr. Denby paints as with the pencil of the Magician of the Landscape. For all the picture tells us to the contrary, however, the hero of it might be the father of Gulliver quite as well as the father of Tele machus. The happiest product this year of the easel of Mr. Uwino, is (79) " A Cabin in a Vineyard," a charm ing view, brought from the land of the giape, not a hundred miles, we fancy, from Bordeaux. A graceful embellishment to one of the daintiest passages in the most delicately elaborated of all the poems of Pope, is given, we are rejoiced to observe, by Mr. Leslie, in (192) his well-selected scene from the " Rape of the Lock." Sir Plume is the very perfection of empty headed foppishness, precisely the man in all the world to be— of amber snuff-box justly vain, And the nice conduct of a clouded cane." We venture to predict a wide popularity for Mr. Frank Stone's (258) version of "The Old, Old Story," whenever it shall be reproduced in an engraving. It is delicious. According to Mr. Charles Dickens " the old, old story" is Death, judging from his account of little Paul Dombey's departure. According to Mr. Frank Stone, " the old, old story " is Love —if we may guess from that coy maiden listening, half fluttered, half-delighted, to the whispered nonsense of the comely young fisherman. In (330) every one will recognise at the first glance the delightful mannerism of Mr. Frost—his chef crceuvre for 1854 being a group sym bolical of "Chastity," as suggested by an allegoric pas sage of exquisite beauty occurring in Milton's masque of " Comus." Mr. Goodall has had recourse to a more modern poet for inspiration. A couplet in Mr. Rogers' "Pleasures of Memory" exactly depicts the central charm of his admirable picture of (50) " The Swing " round which we have watched the observant faces of the urchins wondering at the little lassie as she " Soared in the swing half pleased, and half afraid, Thro' sister elms that waved their summer shade." From Mr. Goocall this season we are compelled to con tent ourselves with this one production. Somewhat tantalising But then—how many are altogether absent from the gallery this year among our more eminent artist-con temporaries ! Mr. Mulready, as usual, has nothing— resting, as he well may at last, upon the ample laurels of his reputation. Neither has Mr. Dyce anything. Nor has Mr. Herbert. Nor has Mr. Elmore. And we believe we might, with a little trouble, still further extend the list of the defaulters among the academicians. Conspicuous, however, among all the more notable painters who contribute nothing whatever to the collection of 1854—conspicuous, although only an associate—is Mr. Millais, the leader of the pre-Raphael ites. His absence, for once, from among the number of competitors for public applause, is sincerely to be regretted. For of late his unquestionably high genius has revealed the progress of a manifest and remarkable development. The school, or rather the revival-of-the school, of which he may be regarded as the chief origi nator, and as certainly the principal champion and ornament—is but indifferently represented even by a gifted disciple like Mr. Hunt, the most notable among all the disciples of Mr. Millais—from the former of whom we have this year (337) " The Awakened Con science," and (508) "The Light of the World," each in its way astonishingly clever, but both wonderfully ex travagant. Although an academician, Mr. Cope, by the way, has, particularly of late, shown himself some thing of a pre-Raphaelite. In testimony of which we have simply to refer to (217) "The Friends," and to (84) " Baby's Turn"--the latter especially fraught with the graces of truth and tenderness. Several humorous pictures of more than common merit shine out through all the surrounding seriousness of the collection. Pre-eminent among these we would at once place (157) " Life at the Sea Side," by Mr. Frith —an elaborate representation of the gaieties and oddities of a watering place, pencilled with much of the fun of Hood, and with some of the wisdom of Hogarth. Im mediately after this exceedingly clever performance, come the companion paintings of Mr. Solomon—(314) " First Class : the Meeting," and (361) " Second Class : the Parting"—the last mentioned, however, mingling some what of the pensive also with the broadly humorous. As illustrative of the manners and customs of England in this age of railroads, love, and adventure, Mr. Solo mon's twin pictures of First and Second Class are drolly and delightfully characteristic. Several attractive works of a somewhat less pretentious description than those already mentioned deserve, however, to be here especially particularised. The visitor will not fail to remark with interest the quaint little sketch (9) of " Cinderella," by George Cruikshank—in which the crickets, and the rats, and the pumpkin figure very prominently. There is some humour too in (176) "Dr- Johnson at Cave's the publisher," by H. Wallis—at least in the supercilious expression of the serving-maid, who brings the plate of meat behind the screen to the poor thread bare scholar. Considerable sweetness of expression is thrown into the faces of the tiny toddling "Children in the Wood," (344) painted by J. Sant, with colours taken from the palette of the Pre-Raphaelite. We can not but recognise at a glance, moreover, in (390) "The Lady Emily" of G. Landseer, abundant promise both in skill of hand and in liveliness of imagination. The thought is taken from the " White Doe of Rylstone." We shall look for still betto things from the young artist when he goes in quest of his theme elsewhere than to the rhythmical feebleness of Wordsworth. A smile will, we doubt not, be provoked from the lips of the majority of observers by R. Hannah's representa tion (426) of "The pictur C e o d u i n s t t e in ss gu o i f si N ied ithad by al i e ts P p e r t e it p io os ning ter. there are but few i n th e o G u e 0:1 George g landscapes, s " c — ag rotesque p a e s x t a h g i g s e r y a e t a i o. r Royal Academy's collection deserving of any particular commendation. Messrs. Lee and Cooper, however, still labour together in such wise as to command every now and then our cordial and unaffected admiration. As, for example, in (362) that lovely perspective of the bough-canopied road with the flock of sheep scattered about it iu shadow and sunshine. Mr. [ Redgraye, (212) "A n Old English Sonicstead," Ld liar ite coul d .rs. Cow iglish bins r the ,d to num' Eng' inarf te to . dis ;ts of have Brnor i glish s and wing hale HWY ra pt' squet ,b any Oa ,utho ceePet ,nd to I been 'legal ed of by ibject Leers, ,hem" road, the kc -* .0' 91 n ea d a V 7a 1, tl be al i f hi sr THE SUN, LONDON, MONDAY EVENING, MAT 1, 1 delights our eye with a truly national landscape, as in (326) ho charms us with a glicep,, , e of the ,:;yl7n.L. eolitudo of " The Mid-wood Shade." A curious effect of watery air is produced by Mr. Creswick in (302) "The Pass ing Cloud," one of the most notable works in this de partment of the exhibition. Another of Mr. Anthony's microscopic delineations of foliage (420), " Nature's Mirror," cannet by possibility be overlooked. In portraits the Gallery is for the present season pe culiarly rich—in portraits, we mean, of superior excel lence. The most commendable among all which are un questionably two very noble paintings from the master-hand of F. Grant, the academician (69) " Mr. Macaulay," and (193) a full length of " Lord John Russell." Both are wonderfully life like, and bit off exactly the character, or the intellectual personality as it may be termed, of the two distinguished statesmen. There are two other historical portraits, as they may be called, which will be recognised by many as having been already exhibited elsewhere in the galle ries of popular printsellers—(l4) " His Imperial Majesty Napoleon III.," by J. G. Middleton—a surprisingly good likeness ; and (247) " Nelson meditating in the Cabin of the Victory, previously to the Battle of Tra falgar," a picture some months since mentioned by our• selves in these columns eulogistically. Personages of various note will be recognised in effigy in all parts of the collection. Here (74) " Viscount Gough," by Grant, in the dress worn by the noble veteran in his battles in Hindostan. Here (133) the " Duchess of Argyll and the Marquis of Lorn," by W. S. Herrick—neither mother nor son, however, in this latter picture, painted very pleasingly. There (206) " Lord Dufferin in his robes as a Peer," ?a production of considerable merit by A. Schyfer, although marred in some measure by the hardness of Pre-Raphaelisin. There, again (372), the brave old "Earl of Dundonald," by W. Ross. Yonder H. Wei gall's recollection (381) of the " Duke of Wellington," and, not far from it, T. N. Joy's well-known portraiture of the gallant Sir Charles Napier, the Baltic Commander in-Chief. Several others might be particularised in de served terms of commendation. But among the many meritorious portraits of private individuals scattered through the collection, an especial word of praise is com , manded for itself by (321) the exceedingly clever "Portrait of a Lady," by T. Brigstock, an artist of already advanced, but still advancing, reputation. It may not be forgotten ' that it was to the brush of Mr. Brigstock the public were indebted for that remarkable full-length painting of Cardinal Wiseman, robed in his scarlet vesture, which a season or two back arrested such general observation. The present work from the same hand reveals in several particulars an evident advance in the artist's already recognised skill as a portrait painter. Without any know ledge whatever of the original, it is obvious at a glance that the picture has the peculiar merit of a vraiseei blance. Another portrait revealing particular ability in the artist is (198) that of the Rev. E. Hearn, by E. Kaulbach—a work of art full of thoughtful expression and intellectual individuality. There are numerous other heads hardly less ingeniously pencilled, several of them, as, for instance, the portraits of "Dr. Forbes Wins low" (128), of " Colonel Sabine" (182), and of the late " Viscount Beresford" (125), depicting men of celebrity in various departments or professions. A cursory glance is all we have yet been enabled to take at the numerous contributions to the collection of sculpture arranged in the downstairs apartment. It is difficult, however, to pass over without allusion in this division of the exhibition, to the exquisite bronze relievi by Matthew Noble— (1398 and 1400)—illustrative of the "Bridge of Sighs" and of the "Dream of Eugene Aram," portions of the now famous monument on the eve of being erected over the grave of Thomas Hood in Kensal-green Cemetery. The former of these emi nently beautiful works of art is expressive in every graceful line and swell of the metal of the pathos of the poor poet's stanza : "Take her up tenderly, Lift her with care, Fashioned so slenderly, Young and so fair !" The latter relievo is, on the other hand, delineative of the picture conjured up in those pensive verses—now blithe, now sorrowful : " Like sportive deer they coursed about, And shouted as they ran— Turning to mirth all things of earth, As only boyhood can ; But the Usher sat remote from all, A melancholy man." Besides these touching tributes from the genius of the artist to that of the departed poet, Mr. Noble, we ob serve, has contributed to the Academy this year, besides another bust, a vigorous and life-like semblance (1489) of George Stephenson, the Watt of Railroads and the Newton of Engineering. In the room devoted to drawings and miniatures it will he seen that Sir Ree boo pi , ,vod .0.. often before, industrious. No less than eight of his graceful and inimitable portraits are contributed to the collection by Nit. Carrick—the artist famed long since for his popular and well-known drawings of such celebrities as the noble Lord the present Leader of the House of Commons, as the great Italian Basso, or as the yet greater Irish Liberator. Lance, of course, contributes another of his gorgeous fruit-pieces (435) : and, though last, not least, the distinguished President of the Royal Academy con fides this year to his one isolated picture of "Irene" (129), the difficult but not overwhelming task of sustain ing his artistic reputation. THE CANADA WORKS, BIRKENHEAD. The Canada Works are a thing of magic, in the rapi dity with which they have been constructed and brought into active operation. Hero it is that Messrs. Brassey, Jackson, Peto, and Betts, the contractors for the Grand Trunk Railway of Canada, are constructing their plant and materials for carrying on that great undertaking. The premises are very extensive and as complete as pros Bible. The main building is 900 feet in length by 3G feet in width, and there are also other erections. The yard encloses a long water basin, where coals and other neces sary stores are landed at thel very spot where they are wanted. Besides this, the line of railway is carried from the docks to all parts of the yard. The establishment is divided into two distinct compartments ; one for the manufacture of locomotives, waggons, carriages, and plant, and the other for the construction of bridges ; for all the large bridges on the Canada Railway are to be tubular ; and one of them, over the St. Lawrence, will be a mile and three-quarters in length, throwing into the shade all previous attempts at tubing, the famous Britannia Bridge included. The general management of the Canada Works is in the hands of Mr. Harrison, a gentleman of great experience in such matters ; and the " bridge department" is superintended by Mr. Evans, who brings equal ability to the performance of his duties. The main building is, of course, divided into separate compartments, the principal of which is the fitting, turn ing, and erecting shop, a noble room, 300 feet long. There is, also, the boilermakers' shop, the smithy (with 22 furnaces), the brass-moulders' and copper-smiths' shop, the pattern-makers' shop, the cast-iron foundry, the warehouse, the store, and other smaller "shops. ' The bridge department includes two "shops"—the smithy and the plating-room. Spacious offices, and a suitable house for the " foreman s " residence, stand detached from the other buildings. There is, also, sta bling for a number of horses employed in " out-door " work. The premises include an eating-room and a read ing-room, for the use of the artisans employed. machines, steam re sfiTmthev hi a abe ecmtaohl locomotivesmfciet nhmt eiehrssoesf often The locomotives and their tenders are entirely con structed at these works, as also all the castings, mould ings, and forging—in fact, all the iron-work—for the carriages and waggons of the Grand Trunk Railway ; but the wood-work and fitting-up of the latter are, for very obvious reasons, effected in Canada, principally at Montreal. Two large stationary high pressure engines, of 30-horse power each, supply the motive power to the numerous slotting, planeing, punch ingchanical contrivances for assisting eetarxer expected eae n are t strd a oh eeey r n dn e e n s g o c fo t teotorlwhrharunabecsdatrott drawingen e r u el u d di r ty c e m et t a b e hr oe m y y d e i ito:eotonitowards "ana other handicraftsmen . rtsedfitaosvunetcpcompletion—five niloeaerpan:gland the Go tetoi dhocal T ensst g—hhfioeerfiwssfievt traffic. Whitworth and Naysmith, of Manchester, Shank, of Nil 5 l feetbe Canadianendof gauge May. It in terestingv to many to state that the Grand Trunk Rail way of Canada is on nei t h e r the " broad" nor the " nar row gauge" principle. The inches. The contractors have bought a large vessel to be employed solely in conveying the locomotive and car riage work across the Atlantic, and her 'tween docks are being opened u p and fitted so as to give great stowage for such hea v y frei g ht. She can la y alon g si de the yard, where there it a powerful crane that will hoist her car goes on board as the y are com p leted. Of the ultimate extent of the operations carried on at the Canada Works, it may be somewhat premature to speak just now, but the number of men employed now is upwards of 300, and every week additional hands are being taken on until the maximum of 600 is reached. The wages of the mechanics range from 28s to 34s per week, the average being 31s. Gd. The monthly expendi ture in wages alone is now upwards of 5,000/. ; and, when the works are in full operation, it will be more than double that amount, or at the rate of 120,000/. per annum—all, or nearly all, of which will be spent amongst the shopkeepers of Birkenhead. It is calculated that the works are capable of turning out 40 locomotives, with their tenders, in the course of a year, which, at the mo derate estimate of 2,5001. for each locomotive (they are very large and powerful ones), gives 100,000/, per annum for the work of that department alone. The carriage, bridge, and miscellaneous plant work will probably reach double that amount, and thus we ha ve 300,000 /. worth of work turned out yearly from the Canada Works alone. The people of Canada have thus the assurance that their great railway will be completed as s p eedil y as p ossible, for all hands are working over - ti me, and the machine ry is kept going night and day.—Liverpool i 07074141. MARKET ITS DAY.) CORN EXCHANGE. The supplies of wheat on sale in the country markets held on Saturday were somewhat on the increase. For all kinds the demand ruled heavy, at a decline in the quota tions of from is to 2s per quarter. In barley, very little was doing on easier terms. Oats, beans, and peas, sup ported former currencies ; but flour was dull, and easier to purchase. The continental markets have been rather inactive for most articles. In the United States, the trade has been excited, and a considerable advance in the value of wheat nd flour has taken place. Up to our market, last week, the receipts of English grain were very moderate. From abroad, we received 52,047 quarters of wheat, 7,058 barley, 38,563 oats, 530 beans, 71 peas, 69 tares, 382 linseed, 857 rapeseed, 2,725 sacks, and 6,405 barrels of flour. The arrivals of English wheat fresh up to our market, this morning, were on a very moderate scale, and there was very little addition to the supply of that grain by laud carriage. The show of samples of both red and white was limited ; nevertheless, the demand for all descriptions was in a very inactive state. In some instances, prices were a shade lower on this day se'nnight ; and the amount of business doing was limited. For forward delivery, scarcely a transaction took place. We were heavily supplied with all kinds of foreig n wheat. The inquiry for all descriptions was confined to immediate wants, and low and middling parcels were lower to purchase. The arrival of floating cargoes off the coast continues good. The show of both English and foreign barley was season ably large. Although the business doing in that grain was comparatively small, no actual decline took place in prices. The transactions in malt were devoid of interest. In prices we have no change to notice. With oats we were well supplied. Sales progressed steadily, at full quotations. Beans were in short supply and good request, at an ad vance of ls. per quarter. Peas and flour sold heavily, at barely stationary prices. CURRENCY PER IMPERIAL MEASURE. Whaat—Essex & Kent, Red • • .. new 74s to 843 Ditto .• • • ........ old 76s B7a Ditto, White new 76s 88s Ditto ........ old 76s 90s Norfolk and Lin coln, Red, old 74s , 84s Ditto new •• 745 84s Rye—Old • • •• •• 51s 52s New • • • • • • ...... 50s 51s Barley—Grinding ..... 36s 383 Malting . • • • • .... 39a 41s Chevalier • • • • ... 42s 445 1 alt—Saffolk and Nor folk • • • • 663 71s Brown . • • • • • • ...... • 603 62e Kingston and Ware 735 75s Malt—Chevalier .... 75s to 765 Oats— Yorkshire and Lincoinsk.,Feed 30s 34s Potato ...... 32s 36s Youghal andeork 81ack....... 30s 33s Cork, White 293 35s Scotch, Feed..... 34s 36s Beans—Tick 455 54s Pige0n5...,...... 494 66s Peas—Grey 44s 48s Maple 48s 53s White........... 56s 62s Boilers 56s 6es Flour — Town-made... 68s 70s Suffolk .......... 603 G4s Stockta & Norfolk 603 66s SMITHFIELD. Last week's imports of foreign stock into London were decidedly on the increase, the total supply being only 1,104 head. In the corresponding week in 1853 we re ceived 3,550 ; in 1852, 1,944 ; in 1851, 1,647 ; in 1850, 1,360 ; in 1849, 1,211; in 1848, 1,090 ; and in 1847, 1,241 head. IMPORTS INTO LONDON LAST WEER. From Beasts. Haanburgh,_ ." 153 _ . Rotterdam B2 Harlingen 204 . - Ostend Amsterdam ._. 20 -. Bordeaux Dordt .... - Antwerp Sheep. Lambs. Calves. Pigs 154 ... ... 192 30 ... ... 34 2 - ... - ... - ... .. . 13 ... - - ... 71 ... Total—. 244 ... 319 2 The yearly comparison of weekly imports is as under : Beasts. Sheep. Lambs. Calves. Pigs. 1853 908 2,124 _. 1 -. 474 43 1852 3BO 992 _. 535 1851 443 772 -. 11 -. 348 -. 73 1850 328 -. 007 2 .- 303 -.- 1849 252 750 -. 239 The show of foreign stock in to-days market was mode rately good, both as to number and quality. From our own grazing districts the receipts of beasts fresh up to-day were rather extensive, and in excellent condition. Still. however, the demand for all breeds ruled steady, at Friday's advance in the quotations of 2d per Sibs. The primest Scots sold readily at 4s 6d per 81bs, and a good clearance was effected. The receipts of beasts from Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, and Cambridgeshire amounted to 2,200 Scots and short-horns ; from other parts of England, 700 of various breeds ; and from Scotland, 700 horned and polled Scots. With sheep we were well supplied. Although the de mand for that description of stock was by no means so active as on Friday, when prices advanced 2d per Blbs, sales progressed steadily, at full value. The highest value of the best old Downs in the wool was 5s 2d per 81bs. Lambs, the supply of which was seasonably extensive, were tolerably firm, at full currencies—viz., 5s 6d to 7s per B]bs. There was a full average business doing in calves, at last week's currency. The primest veal was worth 5s 801 per 81bs. We had a slow sale for pigs, on former terms. Per Sibs to sink the offals. s. d. s. d. Inferior Beasts.... 3 2to 3 4 Second quality.... 3 6 3 8 Prime large oxen 3 _lO 4 2 Prime Scots, dm 4 4 4 6, Inferior Sheep ...3 S 310 Second quality ...4 0 4 6 Prime crse.-wlled.4 8 410 Lambs.. s. d. s. d. Prime Southdown 5 0 5 2 Large erse. calves 4 6 5 2 Prime small do_ 5 4 5 8 Large hogs 3 0 4 2 Small porkers 4 4 4 8 Sueklingealves ..22 0 29 0 ,Quarter old pigs 21 0 27 0 . 5s sa to 76 Od. TOTAL SUPPLY. FOREIGN SUPPLY. Beats .. •• •• •• 4,68 Beasts . 265 Sheep . • . 25,020 Sheep 470 Calves ..•• .. • • ...• •• .. 216 Calves. . A. statement and comparison of the supplies and prices of fat stock exhibited and sold in Smithfield Cattle Market, on Monday, May 2, 1853, and this day, Monday, May 1 1854. Per Sibs, to sink the offals. May 2, 1854. s. d. s. d. 3 oto 3 2 34 3 6 3 8 310 40 4 2 40 4 2 44 4 8 4 10 5 0 IMay 1, 1853 s. d. s. d 3 2to 3 4 '3 6 3 3 10 4 2 44 4 6 3 8 3 10 40 4 6 5 4 0 8 5 4 1 2 0 56 7 0 4 fl 5 2 54 5 8 30 4 2 '4 4 4 8 4,668 25,020 216 295 Coarse and inferior beasts ... Second quality ditto Prime large oxen Prime Scots, &c Coarse and inferior sheep Second quality ditto Prime coarse woolled ditto Prime Southdown ditto , Large coarse calves Prime small ditto Large hogs ... Neat small porkers Beasts... ... Calves... ... Pigs 5 2 5 4; .5 0 6 0 .3 6 4 . 4 4 4 8 „3 0 3 61 38 4 4 ▪ 4,303 ▪ 24,300 228 ▪ 310 SUPPLIES ON SALE, May 3, 1852.—Beasts, .3,974 ; sheep and lambs, 23,940; calves, 226; pigs, 350. May 5, 1851.—Beasts, 3,974 ; sheep and lambs, 25,460 ; calves, 233; pigs, 360. NEWGATE AND LEADENHALL. Since our last report very moderate supplies of each kind of meat have been offer in these markets. The general de mand is steady, and prices are well supported in every instance. Per Blbs by the carcase. s. d. s. d. Beef, inferior 3 0 3 4 Do., middling 3 6 3 8 Do., prime largo 3 8 3 10 Do., do. small 3 10 4 0 Pork, large 3 4 4 2 Lamb . s. d. s. d. Mutton, Inferior 3 4 3 6 Do., middling 3 8 4 2 Do., prime 4 4 4 6 Veal 4 0 5 4 Pork, small 4 4 4 8 . 5s 4d to Gs 10d BOROUGH HOP. We continue to havo a moderate inquiry for most kinds of hops, the supply of which is limited, at late rates. Last week's imports were 11 bales from Antwerp. Tho quo tations are—Mid and East Kent pockets, Cl. lOs to 121. Os ; Weald of Kent, Cl. Os to 71. Os ; Sussex, 51. 12s to Cl. lOs per cwt. BOROUGH AND SPITALFIELDS. --- Since Monday last the arrivals of potatoes, coastwise and by land carriage, have been on a very moderate scale. The supply to-day is small, and a steady business is doing, as follows :—York Regents, 120 s to 155 s ; Kent and Essex ditto, 120 s to 150 ; Scotch ditto, 105 s to 120 s ; ditto cups, 100 to 110 s ; Irish whites, 100 s ; foreign, 90s to 100 s per ton. WOOL. We have again to report a very dull sale for all kinds of English wool. To effect large transactions, lower rates must be submitted to. Foreign and colonial parcels are heavy, and almost nominal in value. Last week's imports were 117 bags from Hamburgh, and 1,300 bales from Hobart Town. SEEDS. There has been less business in linseed since our last report, and prices have ruled somewhat easier. Bombay has sold at from 68s to 70s ; Odessa, 64s to 68s ; and Petersburgh, 66s to 68s per quarter. Cakes are firm, and. quite as dear as last advised. Curnip,White, per bush. 22s to 24s Swede .. •• 22s 24s Ansi.ard, 8r0wn...... 12s 14s White, new...... 13s 168 rares,Wlnter,new.... 9s Od 986 d Carraway.....• ••• • .. 435 46s Coriander ••••..• • • • • • 17s 18s ilenipseed, per quarter 40s 445 Linseed, Eng.iowing.. 70 3 Crushing •••• • • • • 663 68s Baltic ••••.• • • .. 663 68s Odessa •••• • • • • 64s 68s Li n seed Cake, pr. toe— English • • . 101 Os 111 10s oia •• ••• • • . • .... 7s Od 86 Od Canary, per quarter 483 348 Etye grass • • • .. • • • ... 24s 28s Clover, Red Eng. (cwt.) 58s 643 White • • 54s 84; Foreign Red...... 32s 644 White•... 62s 903 Trefoil, new.. .• 263 333 Foreign, per ton 9/ s;iii 10s Rape Cakes, pr ton 61 153 71 5s Rapeseed, New, pr lat 31103 3310 s TALLOW. Our market is in a very depressed state, and prices are still drooping. P.Y.C. on the spot is quoted at G4s, and for forward delivery 65s to 66s per cwt. Town tallow is 62s per cwt. not cash. Rough fat, 3s sid per 8 lbs. 1851. 1852. 1853. 1854. Stock this day ...... Price of Y. C; ... Delivery last week • • Ditto from June 1.... Arrivals last week.. Dittofrom June 1.... Price of Town .. • • 26,471 j 31,476 42,99 G 25,108 36s 9d ,38s fid :o 36s Od to, 47s 6d to 37s Od' 39s Od 00s Od Ito 00s Od, 1,736 I 893 930 1 2,256 89,605 87,750 98,730 98,081 54 610 1,083 1,408 90,675 96,711 105,192: 82,561 33s Od 39s Gd 38s Od 498 3tl cos 9d 34.192 i4a Od to 003 Od 784 89,741 SCOTTISIt HOSPITAL.—On Friday a special general meeting of this corporation was held in Crane-court, for the election of pensioners. Mr. W. Kirk, one of the governors of the corporation, presided. There were fifteen vacancies, twelve of the first class, and three of the second. Three scrutineers were appointed, and a ballot took place at three o'clock. The meeting having been summoned for the purpose of filling up the vacancies in the list of pensioners, no other business was transacted. 1,082 100,618 A. SOUTHAMPTON, APRIL 29.—8 y the Royal Mail steam-ship Atrato we have received, via Panama, accounts from Melbourne to the 3d of February, being a few days later than were received by the last overland mail. In the Legislative Council of Victoria on the Ist of February a bill for the extension of the fran chise to the diggers was introduced by the Colonial Secretary. The New Constitution Bill had also been considered, and a report on the O vens Mining Company Incorporation Bill presented to the House. The attention of the colonists was principally directed to the means of defending Melbourne and Port Philip from an attack by Russian cruisers in the event of war, and the Melbourne papers were chiefly occupied with discussions upon the subject. It was proposed to raise a militia, to fit out gun boats, and to arm small steamers with Congreve rocket batteries, for the destruction of any hostile naval force that might approach the Australian shores. With regard to the wreck of the Marco Polo, the following letter appears in the Argus from the com mander of that ship : "The Marco Polo has been lightened of all her pas sengers and luggage, and a lighter is to-day taking off the small portion of cargo she has on board. The greater portion of her water (say 90 tons) has been started and pumped out. Her top hamper has been sent down, and it is confidently expected by Captain Ferguson (who has been giving valuable assistance to me) that she will be towed off to-morrow. The crew have worked most cheerfully, only four having left the ship, which they did the first night the vessel went on shore. The injury to the windlass is so slight that it was in use yesterday. The vessel has made no water since being on shore, and does not show the slightest appearance of being in jured by straining or otherwise. Her false keel has not suffered at all." A subsequent announcement in the same paper says : "It is gratifying to be enabled to announce that this celebrated vessel has been rescued from what appeared inevitable destruction. A despatch was received from her by Messrs. J. B. Were, Kent, and Co., Lloyd's agents, on Monday, and Mr. Were immediately pro ceeded down with additional assistance, and, under the able and judicious directions of Captain Ferguson, the harbour-master, at 4 o'clock yesterday morning the ves sel was hove off and brought up into Hobson's Bay about mid-day." There was nothing new from the mines. The correspondent of the Argus, writing from Bendigo, says of the rich discoveries at Bryant's Ledge : " These diggings are now pretty well understood here, and, if some of the exaggerated statements have been shorn of their brilliancy by the discovery of the truth, on the other hand, it is pretty certain that on these ranges a gold field has been discovered which, in respect to ex tent and richness, will take rank among the recognised gold fields of Victoria, and that is saying a good deal. From authentic information I believe that there are about 6,000 or 7,000 people at work there, and 20 gul lies have been opened, in all of which gold has been found. There are numerous other gullies untried, re sembling those which are in work, and there is every likelihood that the gold deposits will be found to extend over a considerable tract of country. The gullies are deeper, and the adjacent hills steeper and higher than those on the Bendigo. I have not heard of any main creek or stream of water, but the gullies tend towards the Loddon. The holes are about 16 or 20 feet deep in general, but in some places not more than 4 or 5 feet. The washing-stuff is pretty thick, being frequently 18 inches, and in some claims the diggers wash the whole height of the drive. One hole has been sunk to a depth of 60 or 70 feet, by a party of Germans, but want of funds compelled them to abandon it. They went through the first bottom, and finding, as it is said, a deposit of gravel beneath it, they were induced to persevere so long as they were able. In some of the gullies the gold deposit is found in a narrow gutter a few feet wide. Those who hit upon this channel get washing-stuff which pays very well—as much as three ounces t• the load in many cases. It is expected that some very good hill-sinking will be found, as many of the hills there have similar deposits of pebbles and cemented clays and gravel to those which are found on some of the hills at Forest Creek and on the White Hills here. The richest part yet struck is the flat which was first opened. Num bers continue to pour into the diggings, but many have left, not seeing any probability of working the ground with much profit in the present dry weather. It is their intention, however, to return when the rainy season has set in. Water is very scarce. There is hardly any for washing, and the nearest extensive supply is at the Loddon some eight miles off." Gold was quoted 31. 16s. 9d., with a fair business doing. Cash price for flour—firsts, 351. per 2,0001 b. ; seconds, 321. At M'lvor flour was 501. a-ton. The import markets were generally un changed. From New South Wales and Adelaide we have no later accounts. MORE RUSSIAN PRIZES. PORTSMOUTH, Saturday.—The revenue cutter Active, Lieutenant John J. C. Tracey, R.N., commanding, brought into Spithead at noon to-day as a prize, the Russian barque Fyra Broder (Four Brothers), of 400 tons, and 14 men, bound from Hieres for Nystad, laden with salt. She sailed on the 25th of March, and was boarded and captured at 1 p.m on the 27th inst., Hast ings, bearing S.W. 15 miles. She was taken this evening to the Thames by her captors. DOVER, Sunday Evening.—Another Russian prize was brought into Dover Harbour yesterday afternoon by the Lion revenue cruiser, Capt. Wm. Pearn. It is a schooner, the Johannes, Capt, Szoman, of Burgo, laden with salt on Russian account. The capture was made off Folkestone. Positive intelligence has been received that one, if not two Russian ships, are hovering about in the Channel. Great exertions are consequently being made to effect the capture of one or both of these vessels. LLOYD'S SHIPPING-(THIS DAY.) LONDON, May 1.- - Wind this day at Noon, Westerly ; light breeze, and dull, cloudy weather. The Mercury has fallen considerably, and is now at 29 (Rain). PORTSMOUTH, April 30.—Wind, W.S.W., blowing hard. Arrived—Helen, from Maulniein ; Ariadne, Dantzic. Off Port—Katherine P. Forbes, from Singapore ; Wellington, Portland Bay.—The Agenoria, No. 18, pilot-boat, of this port, landed here yesterday the captain, mate, carpenter, and three seamen, part of the crew of the Bremen ship Favourite, from Bremen for Baltimore, with emigrants (186 in number), which had been in contact yesterday with the American barque Hesper, of Newbury Port, from Charleston for Antwerp, the Start bearing N.E. about 14 miles ; the Favourite, it is supposed, shortly after sunk. The Hesper proceeded in charge of a pilot, with bows stove, cutwater carried away, and with loss of jibboom and foretop-gallantmast.—The Fyra Broder, from Hyeres, for Nystad, laden with salt, was captured, April 27, 15 miles S.W. of Hastings, by H.M.'s revenue steamer Active, and was brought in hero yesterday, and then proceeded to the Eastward. DOVER, April 30.—Wind, S.W. to W. Arrived—En deavour, from Oran, with loss of anchor and chain, and sailed for London ; Nicolaus, Jamaica, with damage, hav ing been in contact ; Garland, Newcastle, for Constan tinople, with damage, having been in contact. —The Johannes (Russian schooner), from Cadiz to Elsinore, with salt, was brought in hero yesterday in prize to Lion, C.H.C. SOUTHAMPTON, April 29.—The Commerce, of London, laden with coals, was fallen in with 24th April, in lat. 44 N. long. 34 W. abandoned, but with her hull in good order, and making no water, by the Atralto (s.), arrived here. Tuunso, April 27.—The Ariadne (schooner), from Nor way, 1.M., is on shore on the rocks below Penreglaudhouse, having parted her anchors and chains ; cargo expected to be saved. MARGATE, April 30. - A Russian galliot lying at anchor near the Tenge Lighthouse, has been taken in by a French frigate and a sloop, and have proceeded up the Princes Channel with her. PERNAMBIICO, April 6.—The Spirit of the Times sailed hence 4th April, in ballast, bound to Paraiba, but missed stays and went on shore on the reef near the lighthouse ; was subsequently assisted off and into port, making 22 inches of water per hour. ROTTERDAM, April 24.—The Whitby, from Newcastle, with loss of mainmast and foretopmast, has been assisted into Goeree by the Glen Albyn (s.) The Noord, from Ba tavia to this port, was lost on the Banyard yesterday after noon ; crew saved. SCARBOROUGH, April2B.—The Comet (sloop), of Whitby, with stone, being in a leaky state, was run ashore in Foley Bay, and has since become a wreck; crew saved by the life-boat. HARWICH, April 30. The Good Intent (sloop), of Hull, from Newcastle to London, with a cargo of bricks and glass, sank off Cromer on the 28th April ; crew picked up in a boat by the Active (smack), of London, and landed here. (BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.) LIVERPOOL, Monday, 10.30 a.m. Wind W., fresh breeze, and fine. Arrived—Ann, from Maranham ; Eton, Alexandria Colon, Melchiere, and Adolphus, from dessa ; City of Manchester (s), Philadelphia. Off Port—Charlotte of Derby, Chesterholme, Christina, Liverpool, Wiltonwood, Jane, and Rolina, all inward bound. (BY SUBMARINE AND EUROPEAN TELEGRAPIL) DEAL, Monday, 10.10 a.m. Wind W.S.W. fresh, with thick rain. Passed—Caractacus, ' from Penang ; Flora WDonald, Callao—both for London. THE LATE MARQUE.; OF ANGLESEY. -By the demise of the Marquis of Anglesey there becomes vacant the command of Cowes Castle, which will not be filled u p ; the lord lieutenancy of Staffordshire, the colonelcy of the Oxford Blues, the lord lieutenancy of Anglesey, the office of constable of Carnarvon Castle, and the Ranger. ship of Snowdon Forest. The Premier has, in addition to these prizes, a blue ribbon to give away. There are now on the roll of the British army but two field marshals—viz., his Royal Highness Prince Albert and the King of the Belgians. LONDON HOMCSPATIiIC HOSPITAL.—In consequence of the lamented death of Field Marshal the Marquis of A nglesey, the president of the hospital, the conversa• zione fixed for to-morrow:, May 2, is postponed until further notice, and the tickets already issued will be then available. trb Ebition+ NEWMARKET RACES. (THIS DAY.) (BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.) MATCR.—Nathan beat Assault gelding. HANDICAP SWEEPSTAKES. T.Y.C. Testy Lady Flora Five ran. SWEEPSTAKES OF 200 SOVS Lady Bird Miss Charlotte Four ran. 501. PLATE. Four ras. SWEEPSTAKES of 50 Sovs. Three ran. ... 2 Ariosto ......... Captain Plash. Scythian ....... Weathercock . LATEST BETTING. DERBY. Nil 30 to 1 against Hospodar. ARRIVED —Ruby, Cobnut, and Hermit. fourtblZbition SUN OFFICE, Seven o'C7,ock. IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. HOUSE OF LORDS.--(THIS EVENING.) Their lordships assembled at 5 o'clock. Lord BROUGHAM presented a petition from the Mayor and Town Courcil of 03,:o - d in fm our of opening the University of Oxford to all classes of the people. Lord CAMPBELL presented a petition from the Trade Protection Society, at Edinburgh, against the ' bill for the Assimilation of the English and Scotch bankruptcy law. Lord BROUGHAM said he had received petitions from all parts of Scotland in favour of the bill, and Edinburgh was the only place from which any petition against it had come. The LORD CHANCELLOR had believed from the communications he had received that the proposed assi milation would be tasteful to a great portion of the people of Scotland. The noble and learned lord inti mated that to-day for the first time he had seen the re port of the Bankruptcy Commissioners, and it, together with a large mass of evidence, was now on the table of the house. TICKETS OF LEAVE TO CONVICTS. Lord ST. LEONARDS inquired what course the Go vernment intended to pursue with regard to tickets of leave to convicts in this country. He alluded to a case in which a convict in Dartmoor jail, who was sentenced to seven years' transportation, had, after a few months' good conduct, been furnished with a ticket of leave, but this required his return to Edinburgh, where his offence had been committed, and it appeared that shortly after his return he was taken into custody for some minor offence. He thought that before prisoners were liberated the Government ought to see that they had an opportunity of getting an honest livelihood, in order that they might not be compelled to return to their old practices. The LORD CHANCELLOR said he would make in quiries of the Secretary of State for the Home Depart ment as to the case mentioned by the noble and learned lord. He could scarcely, however, believe that the facts were as had been stated. UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE. , Lord LYNDHURST inquired whether the Govern ment intended to introduce into the University of Cam bridge a legislative body corresponding with that contained in the bill for the University of Ox ford ; whether they intended to establish in the University of Cambridge a class of members now connected with any of the colleges ; and, lastly, when it was intended to introduce any of those restrictions with respect to fellowships which were contained in the Oxford Bill. The Earl of ABERDEEN said, as he had already stated, it was not the intention of the Government to bring forward any measure for the University of Cam bridge this session. It was unnecessary now to enter into the points mentioned by the noble and learned lord. His (the noble earl's) declaration on a former occasion, was not that a similar measure to .that of Oxford would be introduced with regard to Cambridge, but that it was the intention of the Government to ask Parliament to legislate on the subject, and not to allow the university to legislate for itself. [LEFT SPEAKING.] HOUSE OF COMMONS-(THIS EVENING.) The Set:LK-ER took the chair at four o'clock. LOUTH ELECTION. The SPEAKER announced that he had received a letter from the agents to the petition against the last return for the county of Louth, stating it was not the intention of the petitioners to proceed further in the matter. THAMES EMBANKMENT BILL. On the motion for the second reading of the Thames Embankment and Railway (London and West London) Bill, Sir W. MOLESWORTH moved that the bill be read a second time this day six months. Mr. MACARTNEY, after such a decided expression of opinion against the bill, begged leave to withdraw it. The bill was then by leave withdrawn. PETITIONS. Petitions were presented—by Mr. HADFIELD, from the Corporation of Sheffield, in favour of secular education and the admission of dissenters to the universities ; by Mr. BRADT, from Leitrim against any interference with nun neries ; and three petitions in favour of the medical Regis tration Bill ; by Mr. T. DUNCOMBE, from Blackburn, praying for inquiry into the condition of the working classes. TESTAMENTARY JURISDICTION BILL. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL brought up the above bill, which was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time on Friday next. CITY OF LONDON CORPORATION COMMISSION. In reply to Sir B. HALL, Mr. LABOUCHERE stated that the commissioners ap pointed to inquire into the state of the Corporation of the City of London had made their report, and it was now in the hands of the Secretary of State for the Home Depart ment. (Hear, hear.) MONEY ORDERS. Mr. BLAND wished to ask the Secretary to the Trea sury why a charge of one halfpenny has, since the Ist day of April, been made at the Money Order-office for printed forms of application heretofore furnished gratis. Mr. HAYTER said five forms of orders were supplied for a halfpenny, and it had been found that the arrange ment was for the advantage of the public. TROOPS FOR THE EAST. Lord LOVAINE asked if the steamers engaged for con veying troops to the East were employed for the use of the troops alone. Mr. B. OSBORNE believed they were exclusively so. Lord LOVAINE—How came it to pass, then, that the reporter to the Times obtained a passage out o f board one of these vessels ? Mr. B. OSBORNE was not aware that the reporter of the Times did obtain a passage on board ore of the steamers, but he ought to have had notice of the question. Lord LOVAINE gave notice that he would repeat the question. MORE ESTIMATES AND ANOTHER BUDGET. Col. BLAIR observed that the Education (Scotland) Bill stood for second reading on Friday, and he should be glad to know if it was intended to bring it on then ? Lord J. RUSSELL replied in the negative, as the Go vernment on that night proposed to ask for additional esti mates both for the navy and army, and the house would be asked to go into supply for that purpose on Friday. On Mon day next (this day week) the Chancellor of the Exchequer would make another financial statement to the house. INNS OF COURT. Mr. BOWIL, 7 R asked Lord John Russell when the com mission to inquire into the inns of court will be appointed, and whether the commissioners will be empowered to in quire into the property of the inns of court, and the pur poses to which such property is now applied, and its management. Lord J. RUSSELL said the terms had been settled by the Lord Charcellor, but ho could not state what the powers of the commissioners would be. OXFORD UNIVERSITY BILL. The house then went int o committee on the Oxford University Bill. amendment that On clause the claus e should be postpone d, w ith a view to leaving out the nam es of the Bishop H oits l mA , whNich moved appoit an s of Ripon , Lor d Ellesmere, Mr J ustice Cole ridge, and Sir J. Audrey. Lord J. RUSSELL objected to this course, cont en di ng that those gentlem en were in all respects qualified to act as commissioners. 11ORSMAN repeated his objection, more especially Ripon, to the Bish o p of as ho con tended a bishop had ample duties to attend to in his own dioc ese . Sir J. p.A_KINGTON said no two individuals were more en titled to respect than the Bishop of Ri pon and Judge Coleridge, but the question was, Were they able to devote their time to such an inquiry as this ? Mr. SOTHERON thought the attempt to ersc,from the bill the first clause, which appointed the see med like taking off the head and leaving commissioners, nothing but the t run k. He hoped the h ouse would on no account consent to postpone the clause. After some remarks from Mr. Heywood, Mr. Blackett, and Mr. Wigram, The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER rose, and was LEFT SPEAKING. RETURN OF THE GREAT BRITAIN. The screw steam-ship Great Britain, which took her departure hence for Melbourne on Saturday, at noon, under the most favourable circumstances, was obliged to put back, when off Holyhead, owing to a mishap to some new description of piping connected with her ma chinery. Although the accident was not of a serious nature, Captain Gray, after consulting with the engineer, considered it his duty, at the commencement of a long voyage, to return to port, and thus prevent the possibi lity of further accident taking place. As the Great Britain will have to go into the graving -dock, and to discharge a considerable portion of her cargo, she will be detained for some days. Though the report caused by the bursting of the pipe was loud, it vfas unheard or unheeded by the passengers, who were not aware of the cause of the return until informed by the officers of the ship. This is one of those accidents against which pro- vision cannot be made ; and no blame, consequently, is attached to the owners, or those who have superintended her arrangements and fittings.—Liverpool Albion, of this day. NOTES ON THE PRACTICAL WORKING OF MR. CARD WELL'S BILL. Under the powers contained in this bill, " any person who complains of any Company, with respect to the arrangements for receiving, forwarding, or delivering traffic ;" or, " with respect to the times of starting, stop ping, or arriving of trains ;" or, "with respect to the tolls, rates, or charges exacted by any company;" or " in any other respect ;" may petition the Court of Chancery for an order referring the case to the Board of Trade, and the Board are empowered to report to the Court their opinion on the same, and "on any arrangements WI to the traffic, or any regulations for conducting the same; or any adjust ment of the tolls, rates, and charges which appear to the Board fitted to remedy the grievance complained of," or, " to be just and reasonable ;" and the court may make such order on the report as the Court thinks fit. _ _ These provisions would invest the Court of Chancery, and, practically, the Board of Trade, with absolute power to interfere with the profits of railway companies by the alteration of tolls. To govern the whole management of the line and its branches, by settling the starting and ar riving of trains, thereby fixing th speeds of running. To order any number of carriages or waggons to be sent through, without regard to expense, in any direction, or to any distance where there is a continuous line, and to enforce * compulsory partnership between competing com panies Mixing directly hostile interests, thereby rendering one party responsible for all the acts and defaults of ita rival in trade, and without any of the control and check which the companies now possess of absolving themselves from liability by ceasing to book through. At the same time, the bill leaves with the directors of railway companies all the responsibilities to life and pro perty which are involved in the conduct of the daily traffic, in addition to those whhich might be produced by the orders of the Court of Chancery. Passing by the subject of tolls, which is simply one of confiscating the rights of parties who have laid out their capital on the faith of their acts of Parliament, the practi cal questions involved in the compulsory through booking kingdom, e a r tt on. E wt y the system, the regulation o f t ra i ns , an d th e sen di ng th roug h carriages,fpaorrarofdethde wherever er deserve ev enti harmonions acti on o f f r i en dly com p an i es , th roug h booking h as ex t en d e d o f l ate years throughout the greater bhAnasst been theis, arrangements aean stuenormousp on and have througis.h sufficient t s to are warTh gene n r t al i l t y , the traffic it av o e u n t m o a eems p f n sa i l e r a s i bou l.ycertaino booking expense limits. the its. the en a through on the London and North Western rail way has already produced more than 33,000 different rates in the merchandise traffic on that line, and if the booking were confined to all stati ons on that ine alone, the number of different rates and classes of tickets would be 530 , 160. Now, there are on the li nes assoc i ated with the clearing-house (omitting all lines south of the Thames), 2,342 stations, and if all these were compelled to book with each other, the number ofdifferent fares and classes of tickets would amount to seventy-eight millions, eight hundred and forty-four thousand, seven hundred and thirty-five. The largest station on any line could not even hold the tickets, say nothing of the enormous staff required to manipulate them. Again, if the London and North- Western Company were compelled to send through car riages to all the lines with which they now ex change through booking, their trains, averaging less than 15 car riages, would extend to 72 carriages on each train. Of course this number could not be conveyed, and the num ber of trains must consequently be quadrupled. But this is by no means the measure of the work which might be created should the Court of Chancery think fit. Had the clauses been limited to compulsory through book ing, by the most direct route between two points, the principle, though equally objectionable, would have been intelligible ; but Mr. Cardwell's avowed object is to secure through accommodation wherever, and by as many routes, as there are continuous lines. The particular instance selected by Mr. Cardwell, as an illustration of the ground for Legislation in regard to pas sengers' was the Aberdeen line to London ; and he com plained that although a passenger could book through by the direct and shortest route, he could not take a through ticket to diverge at a particular point on his journey, and proceed thence by a circuitous line. It may be useful, therefore, to examine this particular case. There are thirty-four different and continuous railway routes between Aberdeen and London, by which carriages could be sent through, and no less than nineteen of them are actually shorter than the one upon which Mr. Cardwell rested his grievance. Almost all large termini would exhibit as many roads to any given place, and some of them a far greater number. Now, the Court of Chancery might " think fit" to order through booking, and the sending of through carriages by all of them, in order to avoid the charge of partiality ; and in that case, the classes of tickets numbering 77,844,735 most be indefinitely multiplied. The state of helpless con fusion into which the railways would be thrown if booking through wore ordered by various routes may be imagined ; the delays at stations—the irregularities—the mistakes — and the claims arising from them—would bring the whole system to a dead lock within twenty-four hours. The number of portmanteaus and other articles of passengers'. luggage conveyed upon the London and North-Western alone exceed twenty millions annually. How many of these would reach their destination if a variety of routes were open to send them astray ? But to insure the thorough booking, the Court of Chan cery must deal with the times of starting and arriving of the trains. On the London and North-Western Railway and its branches there are now running, daily, 705 trains. The arrangement of this mass of work requires the nicest adjustment, and the continual attention of the directors and a large staff of officers. An alteration of some of the trains would involve extensive changes throughout the system, and probably on a dozen contiguous railways. The Court of Chancery, on the report of a military engineer of the Board of Trade, might by a single change, throw their entire time table into a state of dangerous en tanglement, and, what with booking everywhere, sending through carriages for the convenience of everybody in every direction, render it pretty nearly impossible to en- sure going anywhere in reasonable time. But it may be replied that the Court of Chancery would not insist on applying their powers so extensively, but would select particular routes in each direction. Exactly soLand this fact illustrates the injustice of the power. The court may " think fit" to choose a few certain routes (probably circuitous as suggested by Mr. Cardwell, because the direct routes rarely require adjustment), in order to produce and regulate the amount of competition as it pleased. It could thus check or let loose competition in any particular direction, or to any extent it might think fit ; in fact, it could crush any particular railway which became obnoxious to the Board of Trade. But what principles are to guide the court in its deci sion? Is the public interest exclusively, or the interest of the proprietors of the line under consideration, or the advan tage of some hostile company, seeking to earn a dividend, which it has failed to secure on its own line, out of the revenues of its richer neighbour, to determine the pcint. Is a short middle link in a chain to be made entirely obedient to the longer line? Is a trunk line to have its trains fitted to the numerous and important branches in its vicinity, which again interlace with other trunk lines? or are the small companies to be made subservient to the large ones'? Are the tolls to be adjusted (reduced) on the principle of assisting the circuitous railway to compete with the direct one ? It would appear from the bill that there is absolutely no rule ter the court but its "discretion under the special circumstances of the ease ;" and thus, there being no ap peal, no legal rights (for all would be swept away), the greatest injustice might be inflicted under the guise of public advantage. But a very serious question arises also on the question of responsibility. Juries and public opinion are increasingly severe on rail way directors and officials—personal responsibility is de manded, and a bill is, or was, in contemplation to define it. Thus the Board of Trade is to regulate the manage ment, and the whole consequences of their orders (neces sarily issued on the report of parties who have only a theo retic knowledge of the subject) is to be visited on the un happy instruments of their will. Would any one submit to penal consequences under such a system ? The practical results of this bill would be to check that grawing tendency to self-adjustment which in spite of the n umerous diffi cu lties interposed by complexity of interests complainedcreated f y Parliam ent, throug h com munication by continuous lines ; would increase jarrings and jealou sies between the com panies themselves , and has already cured many of the evils largely extended the be ne fit o f has and between the companies and the Government ; would incalculably increase litigation and expense by perpetual application to Chancery ; would swell the working ex penses of railways ; delay the trains ; introduce uncer tainty iu transit ; and, in fine, render the safe working of the railway system, which is already somewhat diffi cult, pretty nearly impossible. DREADFUL COLLISION AND Loss OF 180 LIVI4B sailed IN T c t a T p S t 1 0. 1 n O H U t o T h e l l e g Saturday.— na , 23dit. fr Tom I m r T s e l o S n bark n )0C board, d I A Na which e O.- an, with 180 p t a h s Ee s e Bremen BRITISH Bremen for Baltimore, came into collision yesterday morning, at two o'clock, off the Start, with the Ameri can bark Hesper, of Newburyport, C a pt. J ones , f rom Charleston for Antwerp. The Favourite was struck on the starboard bow, and cut down to the water's edge, her foremost at the same time going by the board. The captain, mate, and four of the crew got on board the American during the collision, leaving the unfortunate passengers to their sad and untimely fate. The Fa vourite is supposed to have gone down instantly, with 180 human beings, as nothing could be seen of her at daylight. Some of the crew were supposed to have got into a boat, but nothing has been seen or heard of them. The American sustained some damage, but proceeded on her voyage. The captain, mate, and men that escaped were brought on shore by the Agenora, pilot-boat, and placed under the direction of Mr. Vandenbergh, the Bremen consul at this port. JUSTICE TO WOMEN.—Surely there is work wanting to be done in the marital code of England ! Surely there are wrongs to be redressed and reforms to be made that have gone too long unmade ! Surely we have here a righteous quarrel with the laws—more righteous than many that have excited louder cries. Justice to women. No fanciful rights, no unreal advantages, no prepos terogs escape from womanly duty for the restless, loud, and vain ; no mingling of women with the • t o them of careers broils of political life, nor opening which nature herself has pronounced them incapable of following ; no high-flown assertion of equality h i kind but simple justice. The recognition of their indi viduality as wives, the recognition of their natural right as mothers, the peimiss • ' ion to them to live by their own honourable industry, untaxed h the legal right and moral wrong of any man to claim as his own that for which he has not wrought—reaping where he has not sown, and gathering where he has not strewn. Justice to women. This is what the phrase means ; this is where the thing is truly wanted ; here is an example of the great injustice done to them, and of their maltreat ment under the eyes of a whole nation, by the law.— Dickens's Household JVords. CHOLERA. IN LEEDS.—This terrible epidemic is now disappearing from Leeds. During the past week there have been only 4 cases and 2 deaths. Diarrhoea is also on the decrease, and it is gratifying to add that there has not been a single death for 8 or 9 days. «::zr ain the the able i the i u k© that )pre'' y at (lade the tbis aron the L hled ,h it w ith ffers, store it is w ill 3 r to e fore 3 ,use+ roUld f file •eadl atio o )t, 1 11 plied to it man y the L had d his o his —By New Pas' I ex- ,mes N-eilt 01 rtl ue: a, ►at 20, ur ;ed in ed- )t, ed 5 4,