The Sun. — London, England, 1854-03-08 00:00:00

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. HOUSE OF LORDS.-(YESTERDAY.) The LORD CHANCELLOR took his seat on the woolsack at 5 o'clock. The Earl of SHAFTESBITRY presented several peti. tions in favour of the establishment of reformatory insti• tutions for juvenile offenders. The Duke of ARGYLL presented petitions from places in Scotland, praying for a national system of edu cation for that country. Lord BROUGHAM presented a petition from the society for the protection of trade in Manchester, in favour of the assimilatiOn of the laws of England and Scotland in respect to debtor and creditor ; and stated that, in the course of a few days, he intended to intro duce a bill on the subject. Their lordships adjourned at 20 minutes after 5 o'clock. HOUSE OF COMMONS—(YESTERDAY. The SPEAKER took the chair at four o'clock. SECOND RE4LDINGS. The Newcastle-upon-Tyne Docks Bill was read a se cond time ; also the South Wales Railway Bill. Lord LISBURN took the oaths and his seat for Cardi ganshire. On the motion that the St. Mary's, Stoke Newington, Church Bill be read a second time, Mr. T. DUNCOMBE moved that the bill be read a second time this day six months. The present church was a building that, for its architectural beauty, at tracted the admiration of every passer by. If the church was not sufficient for the present congregation, let them build an addition to it. (Hear, hear.) Lord J. MANNERS seconded the amendment. Mr. F. FRENCH defended the bill. Mr. HADFIELD maintained it was wrong to come here to ask for an act of Parliament to bind the trustees. He, therefore, supported the amendment. Mr. HEATHCOTE said, though unacquainted with the local views of the hon. gentleman who supported the bill, he would ask the house to take care and see what step they would take in respect of a matter of this kind. This was the first time that the common law rights of a church were to be taken away by enactments o f the house, and the principle of the bill was one which they ought not to pass. Mr. BOUVERIE said the bill unfortunately was likely to be shipwrecked between a High Church Scylla and a Dissenting Charybdis. (Hear, hear.) They all knew that in the parish churches of London rents were levied for the pews ; and, considering the question of principle, he should be inclined to vote for the second reading of the bill. Mr. FRESHFIELD said the effect of the bill was to give the rector 120 seats, and the parishioner had no control over them, and, in fact, the object of the bill was to provide accommodation for parties living at a dis tance, instead of those living near the church. After a few words from Mr. MIALL, The amendment was negatived without a division. Mr. LIDDELL presented a petition from Tynemouth praying for an alteration in the present postal arrange. ments with the North of England. Col. BLAIR presented several petitions from places in Scotland against the endowment of Roman Catholic institutions, and also against the Oaths Bill. GREEK INSURRECTION. Mr. M. MILNES gave notice that on Friday next, on the motion for the adjournment of the house, he would call attention to the Greek insurrection in Turkey. THE CONVICTS FROST, WILLIAMS, AND JONES. Mr. T. DITNCOMBE rose to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether it is the in tention of her Majesty's Government to advise the Crown to grant the same amount of pardon to Frost, Williams, and Jones, convicted of high treason in 1839, that has been recently extended to Smith O'Brien, con victed of a similar offence in 1848. Viscount PALMERSTON said her Majesty, who was always glad when she could properly find an oppor tunity of tempering justice with mercy, had been gra ciously pleased to extend the clemency of the Crown to Frost, Williams, and Jones, similar to that extended to Smith O'Brien. (Hear, hear.) He would take this op portunity of stating that there had been two other per sons transported at the same time with Smith O'Brien— .Martin and O'Dsgherty—for a slighter offence, and her Majesty had been graciously pleased to extend her par don to them also.(Hear, hear.) BUSINESS FOR FRIDAY. In reply to Mr. WALPOLE, Lord J. RUSSELL stated that the first business that would be taken on Friday would be the Bill for Reform ing the University, and then the second reading of the Bribery Bill. Sir J. PAKINGTON should understand then, that the Poor-law Settlement would not be brought forward on Friday. Lord J. RUSSELL replied in the negative. SAVINGS' BANKS. Mr. 11. HERBERT wished to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he intended to bring in any mea sure on the subject of Savings' Banks this session ? The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said at the first favourable opportunity he should submit to the house, in substance, the same bill that he introduced last year ; but as the financial part of the subject was mixed up with the management clauses, he was afraid, in the existing state of affairs, there was little prospect of his being able to pass such a bill at present. METROPOLITAN GRAVE YARDS. Col. HARCOURT moved an address for a return of all the notices for discontinuance of burials within the metropolis, issued by the Secretary of State, in compli ance with the provisions of the act 15 and 16 Vic. c. 85. Lord PALMERSTON had no objection to the re turn, remarking that at present he did not think there was any necessity for making a change in the law with regard to the construction of new cemeteries. He had, however, in preparation a bill for regulating what should be done with graveyards, in accordance with the orders in Council. After a few words from Mr. WILKINSON, Sir E. HALL said he was satisfied that when the re turns were forthcoming it would be found that the me tro politan parishes had obeyed the orders of the Secre tary of State with the utmost alacrity. Mr. A. PELLATT regretted that the return was not to extend to a wider area than the metropolis. After a few words the motion was agreed to. • POSTAL COMMUNICATION WITH SCOTLAND. Mr. H. G. LIDDELL moved for a select committee to inquire into the postal communication between Lon don and the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, with a view of ascertaining whether greater despatch and punc tuality can be attained in the transmission of letters, as well between the termini as the intermediate places. He suggested that the Northern Mails, instead of being carried round by Derby and Rugby, should be taken by the Great Northern Railway. Mr. COWAN seconded the motion. Mr. WILSON said there were difficulties at present in the way of employing the Great Northern line ; but when these difficulties, which were of a somewhat com plicated character, should be removed, there would be no objection to carrying the mails over that railway. The arrangements of the Post-office, he observed, were in a transition state, and considering the rapid rate of increase in the number of letters, it was no wonder that there should be occasional irregularities and delays. He would not oppose the hon. member's motion, but he wished him to alter it, so that the inquiry might nut be confined to any particular case ; and he would suggest that for that purpose words should be added to this effect----" to inquire into the causes of irregularity in the carriage of the mails by railways, and to consider the best mode of securing speed and regularity, and the re muneration which railway companies should receive for the services they performed." Mr. LIDDELL was ready to assent to this proposal, doubting, however, whether the area of inquiry would not be too large where an expeditious remedy was re quired for a pressing evil. Mr. MONCKTON MILNES thought both proposi tions objectionable. If witnesses were brought from all parts of the country, a long time would elapse before they would have any report on the subject. He thought it was the fault of the Post-Office Government in not coming down to bring in a bill to remedy the evils com plained of. Mr. FREWIN complained of the delay in the day mail train that left Euston-square for York. The ex- press train that left an hour later arrived in York an hour earlier than the mail train. Mr. HASTIE trusted that the inquiry by her Ma jesty's Government would be gone into with a deter mination to investigate the whole question, and to cor rect the abuses. Tn Glasgow there was no proper p o st - office, and the people of that city complained strongly of the inconvenience, and want of proper public acco mmodation. Lord TIOTHAM said it was not only the great towns on the main line that suffered, but the small, and more inland towns. Mr. HUDSON stated that if the Postmaster-General would only give directions at any time for a train to be put on the G reat Northern Line, the desire would be at once complied with. He thought the grievances com plained of by his hon. friend who brought forward the motion was a very serious one, and he (Mr. Hudson) regretted that there should be any opposition offered to hi s motion. The railway company was not at all to blame in the matter, and the only party who really was to blame, and against Whose want of arrangement there wa s great cause of complaint, was the Postmaster-Gene ral. H e (Mr. Hudson) thought it desirable that a com mittee should be appointed, and he was satisfied that such a report would emanate from that committee as would prove beneficial to the trading and commercial interests of the country, and to th e pu b lic generally. The motion was then withdrawn, and the amendment of Mr. Wilson was substituted and agreed to. COASTING TRADE BILL: - - On the question that the bill be read a third time, Mr. H. LIDDE LL put a q uestion, wheth er foreigners would have to pay duty on the stores they used, ot h er than those that were unlocked ? Mr. G. THOMPSON expressed his gratification a t this measure, which removed the last rag of protection, and only trusted that the Americans would meet us in Ile spirit of reciprocity. Mr. CARDWELL said that with regard to the ques tion of stores, foreigners would by this act be admitted to exactly the same privileges on this point as British subjects, and to no more ; and, therefore , foreigners coming into our coasting trade would enjoy no privilege with regard to duty-paid stores whatever ; but, on the .contrary, would be placed on exactly the same footing with the Queen's subjects. (Hear, hear.) That wags the law of common justice, and that was the law which would be carried out by the bill now before the house. Before the measure took its final departure from this house, he was anxious to say a word or two on the subject of reciprocity. Apprehensions had been expressed not only lest we should fail to obtain reciprocity from other countries, but lest at some future period, upon any reverse of our prosperity, we should find the evil conse quences of opening our trade to all the world. Now, he was glad to find that the Liverpool Shipowners' Society, the members of which could ant be considered insensible to the interests of the shipowners of the United King. dom, had sent to him an official record of their approval of this bill, and they not unreasonably coupled the ex pression of that approval with a desire that the Govern ment should urge upon foreign countries the duty of conferring upon British subjects privileges identical with these which in our ports we conferred upon them. When the Government did urge that course upon foreign countries, by what plea would they be most likely to prevail I If, by retaining some fragment of the pro tective system, they betrayed a want of confidence in their principles, the Government would naturally fail in the argument they addressed to foreign countries. It was not by reciprocal bargaining upon the subject of trade that they were so likely to carry out their views with regard to foreign countries as they were by show ing them the success of our own example, by pointing to the unp ara ll e l e d prosper i ty w hi c h had followed every successive relaxation of our restrictive system, by show ing that we had adopted it from a conviction that it was for the benefit our own people, and that it re dounded to the national advantage, thus tending to pro duce in their minds an anxiety to reap the same ad vantages for themselves. (Hear, hear.) Particular attention had been drawn to the case of the United States, the most important of all the countries with which we had relations upon this subject. It had been said that the United States would not give us recipro city unless we could satisfy them that it was for their advantage to do so. Now, we should most easily satisfy them that it was for their advantage by urging upon them our own successful example. We had a right to say to her that, having made every concession with re gard to her citizens, having shown an undoubted confi dente in the soundness of our own principles, we were not open to any retort when we claimed reciprocal advantages. The Government neglected to take the steps which became them in order to obtain reciprocity with other countries. His noble friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs had, at the opening of the session, called the attention of every country, and more especially the attention of the United States, to the steps which her Majesty was recommending Par liament to take. There had not been sufficient time for the answers to those inquiries to be generally re ceived, but it was his (Mr. Card well's) good fortune to be able to state that already the circular issued by his noble friend had not been unproductive of re sults, and, in the case of a neighbouring country, not unimportant as regarded its commerce—he alluded to Holland —most satisfactory assurances had been already received of intended immediate action on the subject of reciprocity. (Hear.) It must be extremely satisfactory to the community to find that this measure had been permitted to pass through this house without a dissen tient voice, supported on this occasion and on others by the testimony of those who either had a large personal interest in the shipping trade or represented the largest shipping communities, and he did believe that it was a most important step in the progress of universal free trade that England with the unanimous concurrence of the House of Commons, was throwing open the free navigation of her shores, and was banishing the last remnant of protection. (Hear, hear.) Mr. DIGBY SEYMOUR, referring to a resolution of the Shipowners' Committee of Sunderland, condemn ing the opinion he had expressed on a previous occasion in this house, denied that that resolution expressed the sentiments of the great majority of the people of that town. The press of Sunderland—Tory, Whig, and Ra dical—had united in expressing their approval of the course he had taken in supporting her Majesty's Govern ment, and he might add, to their credit, that the seamen of Sunderland had come to the conclusion that the throwing open of the coasting trade and the extension in that way of free-trade principles would, while it pro moted the prosperity of the country generally, promote also, if not at the present moment, at least in the end, the prosperity of the interests which they represented. The bill was then read a third time and passed, amid general cheering. The Mutiny Bill was brought in and read a first time. The house adjourned at a quarter-past 7 o'clock. THE SUN, LONDON, WEDNESDAY EVENING, MARCH 8, 1854. PRIVATE BILLS. why not begin by the committee ? It must be remem bered that both the promoters and opponents of the bill are put to vast expense and vexation by the preliminary proceedings, which appear, after all, to be otiose and superfluous. It is not for us to say whether there should be a standing committee or a series of committees, or in deed in any way to suggest the exact details of the remedy to be applied; but at least this much is clear, that the questions involved in private bills are peculiarly such as require examination before a select tribunal— limited in point of numbers, and judicial in its character —rather than in the loose discussion they at present re ceive in the off-hours of the general house. We attribute no fault to members of the house, nor charge them with neglect of any kind under existing arrangements. If they are in fault at all, it is inasmuch as they do not order the course of their business better. We fully admit that it is absolutely impossible that any one member of the house can inform himself of the merits of all local and private bills submitted to the con sideration of the house. They do their best, and this best amounts to little enough. In any case it would no doubt be proper to leave the ultimate decision in the hands of the general body of the house ; but it would be infinitely preferable that this decision were taken after any particular measure had received the considera tion of a committee. The public have nothing to lose as far as Parliamentary decision is concerned by such a change in the course of proceeding, but everything to gain. They retain the constitutional privilege, but avoid useless expense and delay. highest weight acceptin, raised to Bst 71b, and proportion. . .. being Bst 51b, it bas been ,he others remaining in in A LETTER TO THE EIGHT HON. SIR JOHN PARINGTON, CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON PARLIAMENTARY BUSINESS. Age st lb Age st lb Nabob Trifle Pantomime Ireland's Eye 4 7 4 Bridesmaid Charley Don Quixote 4 6 8, Roebuck 3 4 12 Cleveland Rock Scorpion(h b) 4 6 6 Cheshire Marquis 3 4 12 Aldford The FIRST YEAR of the SALISBURY BIENNIAL STAKES of 10 sovs. each, with 50 added each year if four horses start; to run at 2 yrs old; colts, Bst 71b; fillies, Bst 31b; the winner of a stake value 200 sovs. to carry 31b extra for every such winning ; no horse to carry more than 91b extra. Half a mile. Cockspur, Cock of the North, Pearlin Jane, Clotilde, b or br f by Lanercost--Nun Appleton, b c by Robert de Gorham—Wilderuess, b c by The Libel—Splitvote, The Huntsman, ch f by The Hers—Nubia, William the Third, h c by Collingwood— Tarella,Namur. Albany, February 23rd, 1854. It seems to be agreed by members of the committee, that nothing in our order of reference debars us from considering what is technically called "private busi ness"—to the state of which I desire, accordingly, to invite attention. Nothing is confessedly more irregular or unsatisfac tory than the manner in which private bills are debated in the house. Very few members think it worth while to attend at the early hour of from 3.45 to 4.30, except members connected with the Government, members who may have petitions to present, and members who come down expressly to vote on a private bill, because they have some personal or local interest in it. Thus a jury is formed, (for the proceeding is in its nature judicial), fluctuating in point of numbers,—not selected, but taken at random,—composed in part of the very last persons who ought to be admissable as jurors, and composed more largely of such persons in proportion as the inte rest excited by the case under trial is greater. But these are not the only objections to the present system. Whether from the comparative unimportance of the matters under discussion to those great national ques tions which engage us at a later hour, or from the fact that most of those present arc there only by accident, and waiting for other business, or from the sense of indi vidual irresponsibility created by the presence and parti cipation of a considerable number of persons, it is quite certain that no subjects are so hastily decided upon, or with so little real examination of their merits, as private bills. The CITY BowL, value 18 sovs. in specie, and 12 sovs. from the fund, added to a sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each ; for 3-yr-olds and upwards ; optional selling weights. Gentlemen riders. Heats, three quarters of a mile. FRIDAY.—THE HANDICAP PLATE. The WILTON PARK STAKES of .10 sovs. each, with 50 added if four horses start, for 2-yr•olds ; colts, Bst 71b ; and fillies, Bst 31b ; winners of a stake value 100 sovs. or upwards, including the winner's own stake, to carry 41b ; of two stakes and each of the above value, 71b extra. T.Y.C., three quarters of a mile—Saucebox, b c by The Libel—Splitvote, ch f by Collingwood—Es telle, Pantheon, Woodford, Cavatina, Prattle, Bessie, fby Cowl—Young Defiance, Oulston, Newington, Clo tilde, Decamp, Tocsin. On a railroad or election committee, no one is allowed to vote who has not heard all the evidence, no matter how trivial or tedious agreat part of such evidence maybe. On the second reading of a private bill, members drop in at the close of the debate, or when the division-bell is rung, trusting to chance to enlighten them as to the vote which they shall give, or willing to follow the judgment of any friend whom they may see. It is quite matter of accident (depending chiefly on the import ance of the public business which is to follow) whether a private bill be rejected or read by fifty votes, or by three hundred. If the discussion upon it lasts three quarters of an hour, at a time when the house is filling, it is probable that one-half of those who vote will not have heard the grounds on which it was introduced, or those on which it is opposed. Even in the case of mem beis present, how much impatience is usually exhibited when any speaker attempts to enter into a detailed explanation of his reasons for voting ! !Yet private bills turn almost entirely on questions of detail ; which ought to be a reason for debating them more carefully than any others. Where a leading po litical principle is involved, a discussion may be con ducted with great ability, yet scarcely influence a single vote, for on such questions men's minds are supposed to be made up. But there can exist no such pre-judgement in the case of a canal, a waterwork, or a railway—all turns on the facts—yet these facts are neither suffered to be stated at length, nor much attended to by a large proportion of those who hear them. I have repeatedly heard members of all opinions and parties lament the existence of this system. Some, whom I know, invariably vote for the second reading of every private bill, irrespective of its merits, avowed on the ground that the House of Commons is not a fit tribunal for its consideration, and that the bill ought to be referredto the select Committee, by whom, if objectionable, it will be rejected. But this mode of proceedure involves a heavy expenditure to the opponents of the bill, and allows any bill however absurd, to receive the apparent sanction of the house. A HANDICAP PLATE of 80 sovs., for 3-yr-olds and up wards, 50 sovs. added ; 30 sovs. added from the fund if four horses start. A winner of a handicap of the value of 50 sovs. clear after the publication of the weights, 31b; of two or more, of 100 sovs. clear, 61b extra. Three quarters of a mile. Age st lb 1 Age st lb 4 9 2 Jessamine 3 7 2 a 8 6 1 Mazella 4 7 0 ...4 8 2 eh c by John o'- ...5 713 ! Gaunt Valen- Orestes Narcissus Noisette Henrietta Michaelmas Maid. 4 712 i tina. - 3 7 0 Hybla 4 7 12 Black Bess 4 6 10 Herbert .a 7 10 Grimalkin 3 6 10 Surprise 5 7 10 Master Adams.... 3 6 10 Shipwreck 4 7 9 Cheshire Marquis. 3 6 10 The Queen's Own 3 7 9 Stonehenge ...... ...3 6 8 Rose of Ellel 4 7 6 Hermitage 3 6 6 Austrey 3 7 6 Poetry 3 6 6 Mouser 3 7 4 Woodyeates 3 6 4 Sir George.... ..... 3 7 4 Cable 3 6 4 Thrush 4 7 4 Roebuck 3 6 2 Old Rowley 5 7 4 THE QUEEN'S STAKES of 1 00gs; for 3-yr-olds, 6st 71b four, 9st 21b ; fire, 9st 131 b ; six and aged, lOst 31b, Three miles. THE SOUTH-WESTERN RAILWAY STAKES of 25 SM., added to a sweepstakes of 5 Boys. each. Heats, one mile. COWES, ISLE OF WIGHT. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) THE DIN OF \VAR.—Troops are daily arriving and departing, and our streets are quite alive with the march of troops and the roll of baggage waggons. On Satur day a number of the 65th Regiment, who had volun teered into the Ist Royal; passed through from Albany Barracks, to embark from Portsmouth for the East, to endeavour to curb the ambition of the Russian Bear. On Monday 150 men of the Rifle Brigade landed, and about the same number of the 63d embarked to-day. There were about 200 more embarked. THE EXPENSES OF THE WAR.—The third edition of The Sun enlightened us this morning as to the source from which the Chancellor of the Exchequer proposed to raise the means of carrying on the war. The income tax is not at all a popular tax here, but as, if we are de termined to go to war, or to go to law, there is no doing it without money—and it is the same case if others are determined to go to war with us—we cannot defend ourselves from these tyrants without money. Thus, in either case the money must be had ; and as there are but few here that, were a subscription set on foot, but would gladly subscribe their pound, or ten, or a hun dred in the cause, and rather double it than live the slaves of the Russian tyrant, the matter soon settled down very quietly, many consoling themselves with the remark that they should now know pretty nearly what the war cost them, whereas, if it had been collected by an indirect tax, they should not. THE COMMODORE'S YACHT.—The Earl of Wilton's beautiful yacht Zara, of 280 tons, was hauled up into the Messrs. White's yard on Friday last, to be length ened 14 feet. She has now 24 feet 6 inches beam. As she is to be lengthened amidships, the addition to her accommodation will, therefore, be 14 feet by 24 feet 9 inches, and about 30 tons will be added to her tonnage. The Leader schooner is in the same yard, being length ened 10 feet by the bows. ROYAL YACHT SQUADRON INTELLIGENCE.—SeveraI of the members considering that the present Squadron House is too small and inconvenient, have given notice of their intention of bringing the subject before the general meeting in May next. My objection to our method of dealing with private bills may be summed up thus : The proceedinr , is rather prejudicial than legislative, and is nevertheless conducted with an entire departure from judicial forms. The tribunal before which it takes place is uncertain in numbers, and irregular in attendance ; its mem bers are indifferent for the most part to the matter in hand, and do not act under any sense of personal judicial responsibility. I have known members vote in ignorance, not only of the merits of the case, but of the very name and purport of the bill which they were helping to carry or to throw out. It follows that there is no real security either for a good bill being allowed to go to a committee, or for a bad one being stopped. Can these things be amended? I content myself with indicating a grievance, and do not attempt to point out the precise remedy. Yet it would seem practicable to institute a preliminary en quiry into the merits of every private bill brought be fore us, to be conducted by a select or standing com mittee of a few members, or by an officer or officers of the house, whose report should be laid before the house previous to the second reading. Such enquiry to ex tend no farther than to the primp facie case, and to guide only, not control, the decision of the house, which however would almost cert a i n ly follo w th a t already come to by an impartial and accurate scrutineer. It would be understood that the result of such enquiry would go no further, if favourable, than to affirm that in the bill as proposed there was nothing manifestly con trary to public policy, or to the precedent of the house, or to the rights of private parties, upon the showing of the promoters. If any of these objections were raised, then the report to be accompanied by a statement of its nature. In this way some re sponsibility would be taken off our hands, and some expense saved to opponents, by unfair or imprac ticable projects being checked in the outset. lam tar from thinking the remedy perfect ; I suggest it only ; and I rather desire to call attention to au abuse, than aspire to cure it.—l remain, yours truly, Right lion. Sir J. Packington, M.P. STANLEY, (From the Times.) While the minds of men are keenly alive to the even tualities of the war in which this country is to all intents and purposes already involved, and nothing but a languid attention can be secured even for great measures of in ternal reform, is it possible to say a few words with effect on the method in which private business is con ducted in Parliament ? The subject is of vital import ance, and of daily interest to all persons whose fortunes may be compromised by the course of Parliamentary legislation. Now, however true it may be that the moment is an ill chosen one for raising a discussion which might touch all the susceptibilities of party feeling, or even imperil the stability of a Government charged with the serious responsibility of conducting our warlike operations to a successful conclusion, the same objec tions cannot apply to the consideration of a question in volving no such amount of conviction or of prejudice on either side. On the contrary, it would appear that there is a peculiar fitness in the present season for placing the conduct of private business upon a footing satisfactory to petitioners and to the public. Do what we will, men will look for some time with far keener interest to news from the seat of war than to the minutes of domestic controversy. Attention is stretched, not occupied. The question then is, if we cannot utilise the time and ability of hon. gentle men in the intervals between the reception of the last and the coming bulletin ? The time is peculiarly fit for securing reform in certain minor matters ; minor, be cause each of them do not specifically bear upon the interests of all, which would certainly be neglected as soon as public business shall have once more fallen into its usual channel. Time out of mind, private business has been conducted in the most slovenly manner, but the voice of remonstrance has been either faintly raised, or absolutely drowned amid the universal and noisier acclaim for onward progress in public matters. Is it necessary for us to say that the importance of business which is denominated " private" really makes no dif ference in the disposition of the house ? Year after year since the conclusion of the last general war in which this country was involved, private bills have been passed which have operated upon an enormous pro portion of the existing property of the country, but these bills have been hustled through the house with less at tention than would have been bestowed upon the trial of an urchin at quarter sessions for filching a parcel of linen from a hedge, or abstracting a couple of fowls from before a farmer's barn door. Few people are aware of the manner in which such matters are dealt with in the House of Commons. The absence of publicity insures the continuance of the abuse. We may venture to sug gest as evidence—if such were needed—of the enormous benefits which the country has derived from the labours of the daily press, the difference which exists between the manner in which the public and the private business of the country is conducted. In the one case an accu. rate report of the proceedings is laid every morning upon the breakfast table of every person who feels an interest in the matter—in the other no record is forthcoming in a popular form of the course of Parliamentary business. A letter has been forwarded to us upon this subject, written by Lord Stanley to Sir John Pakington, in which the modusdus operandi in such cases is very clearly and sufficiently set forth. The writer, as we shall do —con tents himself with stating the abuse. The remedy is best left for the present to the discretion of the house and the public spirit of the members. Private bills are brought in and read a second time, before reference to committee, between the hours of 3.45 and 4.30 p.m. At that hour few members are in attendance, or, if there should be a gathering of the house, it is just because hon. gentlemen are in a frame of mind which would ren der every subject irksome but the all-absorbing one which stands for discussion immediately the private business has been shelved. In ordinary cases the house at the hour named is formed of a few members of Government, of a few members who may have petitions to present, and of the few members immediately interested in the bill. Thus, as the writer of the letter truly re marks, " a jury is formed, fluctuating in point of numbers not selected, but taken at random, composed in part of the very last persons who ought to be admissible as jurors, and composed more largely of such persons in proportion as the interest excited by the case under trial is greater." In ordinary cases most of the members who run in when the division bell is rung have heard nothing of the discussion, and care nothing about the arguments on either side. They either givetheir vote at the suggestion of a friend, or aE least upon the inspiration of the first person who will give them a hur ried notion of the merits of the case. In many cases, it is said that hon. gentlemen make it a point of voting, at all events, for the second reading, because they are of opinion that every private bill should have a chance, and that it is the duty of the committee to whom the bill may ultimately be referred to relieve the general body of the house from its judicial functions. Who shall say that this course of proceeding is unadvised ? But, at the same time that it appears necessitated by the course of business, it would also seem to in dicate the form of the remedy to be applied. If a select committee is substantially invested in the end with the judicial powers of the house, and all proceed ings beyond those which take place before them, and under their auspices ; be really mere form and solemnity, POLICE INTELLIGENCE. BOW-STREET.—A batch of cabmen were summoned at the instance of Mr. Wigan, the lessee of the Olympic Theatre, for refusing to take a fare. The constable and other servants attached to the thea tre proved that they applied to each of the defendants in succession to take up Mr. and Mrs. Wigan, after the termination of the performances, shortly after 11 o'clock. One or two of them distinctly refused, while others walked away from their cabs into a neighbouring public house, to avoid having their numbers taken. The ring leader exclaimed, " Oh, ah ! Brompton for eighteen pence ! Don't you wish you may get it ?" Indeed, the entire rank, with one reluctant exception, refused to take the fare ; and, as the occurrence was by no means un usual, Mr. Wigan directed that a summons should be taken out against the whole of them. Mr. Jardine—What could be their motive for refus ing, if they were on the rank waiting for hire 1 The constable explained that the rank was close to the theatre, in Drury-lane, and nothing short of a whole family of four or six—which enables them, under the new act, to realise a good sum by extra passengers— appeared to satisfy their expectations. A married couple, without encumbrance, or a single old gentleman or lady, stood no chance at all. The defendants affected to be oblivious in regard to the matter. " They had no recollection of ever having refused to take any one at any time." 111 r. Jardine said that by way of example, he should fine the principal offender, who appeared to have acted as a sort of ringleader, 20s. or 20 days' imprisonment. The others were fined 10s. each, or ten days' imprison ment. LAMBETH.—This court was much crowded by the inhabitants of the parish of Brixton, who had attended to hear the conclusion of a case in which the son and two daughters of the Rev. Dr. Vaughan, the incumbent of Brixton parish, were the complainants, and Mr. Jesse Higgins, a nurseryman and tradesman, on Tulse-hill, was the defendant. On the former hearing it appeared that for several weeks a strong feeling against the Rev. Dr. Vaughan had been created in the minds of several of his parishioners, in consequence of his opposing the claim of a tradesman named Reddick. Tho latter brought an action in the County Court against Dr. Vaughan, and the judge, on its hearing, gave a verdict in favour of the rev. defendant Many tradesmen in the neighbourhood, however, feeling, whether rightly or not, that injustice had been done to the plaintiff, had hand bills printed and circulated, calling a meeting at the George Canning Inn, for the purpose, as it stated, of giving the inhabitants an opportunity to express their sympathy with Mr. Reddick, and considering the pro priety of raising a subscription to reimburse him for the loss he had sustained. Mr. Higgins, being one of the sympathisers, placed one of the printed bills in his window, and this, it was alleged, gave such offence to Dr. Vaughan and his family, and created such a strong feeling in their minds against him as to lead to the pre sent proceedings. On the former hearing of the case, Master Vaughan and his sisters deposed that they had several times been subjected to the insults and annoy ances of the defendant, and that on a particular day, to which the summons referred, while passing along the highway, they were met by Higgins, who, without the slightest provocation on their part, put both his hands to his !nose in a most offensive manner, and hallooed and hooted at them. Higgins then denied the general charge of annoyance, and accused the witnesses of stating false hoods ; declared that his only offence, if offence it could be called, was that of placing the printed bill calling the meeting in his window ; and for this he said that Dr. Vaughan went so far as to say he should banish him out of the neighbourhood. He also called a witness who was with him on the accasion last spoken of by the witnesses against him, and this man frankly admitted that Mr. Higgins had put one hand to his nose. Mr. Elliott, upon this admission and the testimony of the complainants, convicted the defendant in a penalty of 405., or 14 days' imprisonment ; but judgment was, on the application of the defendant, suspended until yes terday. Evidence was then adduced to show that young Vaughan had placed his fingers to his nose at the de fendant, and that his sisters were in the habit of stopping opposite the defendant's shop and tossing back their heads in a contemptuous manner, and acting otherwise offensive. Mr. Elliott remarked that there appeared to be no doubt that the defendant had acted improperly by put ting his hand to his face in an, insulting manner ; but, again, it appeared that the persons complaining had also acted in an improper manner ; and if persons in their station of life did so they could not expect perfect civility. If the witnesses called for the defendant had sworn falsely they might be indicted for perjury, and he should therefore dismiss the complaint. The decision was followed by loud applause, which the officers found it difficult to suppress, and Mrs. Vaughan and Ler family had to be shown out by a private door. [ADVERTISEMENT.] -Fifty thousand Cures have been effected by Du Barry's delicious Revalenta Arabica Food, without medicine, inconvenience, or expense (as it saves fifty times its cost in other remedies).- " Twenty-five years nervousness, constipation, indigestion, and debility, from which I had suffered great misery, and which no medi cine could remove or relieve, have been effectually cured by Du Barry's Food in a very short time. W. R. Reeves, Pool Anthony, Tiverton. " Eight years' dys pepsia, nervousness, debility, with cramps, spasms, and nausea, for which my servant had consulted the advice of many, hare been effectually removed by Du Barry's delicious food in a very short time. I shall be happy to answer any inquiries. Rev. John W. Flavel, Rid lington Rectory, Norfolk." "Three years' excessive nervousness, with pains in my neck and left arm, and rzeneral debility, which rendered my life very miserable, has been radically removed by Du Barry's excellent food. A.lexs. Stuart, Archdeacon of Ross, Skibbereen." —" Fifty years' indescribable agony from dyspepsia, nervousness, asthma, cough, constipation, flatulency, spasms, sickness at the stomach, and vomitings, has been removed by Du Barry's excellent food. Maria Jolly, Wortham Ling, near Diss, Norfolk." Copies of testi monials of 50,000 cures (including those of Lord Stuart de Decies, Major-General Thomas King, Drs. ITre, Shorland, and Harvey (gratis). In canisters, with full instructions, 11b., 2s. 9d. ; 21b., 4s. 6d. ; 51b., lls. ; 121 b., 225. ; super-refined, 51b., 225. ; 101 b., 335. Th e 101 b. and 121 b. carriage free. Barry Du Barry and Co., 77, " le g e/It- street, Loniion ; also, Fortnum, Mason, and Co., purveyors to her Majesty, Piccadilly. TESTIMONIAL TO COL. ASPINWALL. The following address from the leading London firms engaged in large financial or commercial transactions with the United States has been presented, together with a service of plate, together with a service of plate, to Colonel Aspinwall, by whom the office of American Consul in London has been honourably filled for thirty seven years, and who is now returning to his country. In his reply Colonel Aspinwall took the opportunity of testifying that in the long period of his duties he has never known a well authenticated case of distress for the relief of which he has not instantly had ample co operation from the London merchants in the American trade, and he accepts their parting tribute to his course as another addition to the many daily proofs of the mutual esteem and respect subsisting between the two kindred nations : " Dear Sir,—Having been informed that you are about to return to your native country, we cannot allow you to depart without offering you the expression of our sin cere esteem and regard, and we avail ourselves of the occasion to tender you our best thanks for your uniform courtesy and kindness in all our intercourse with you during the long period in which you have filled the im portant post of Consul-General of the United States in this city. You have administered the arduous duties of your office with dignity, ability, and integrity unim peached ; you have lent a willing and patient attention to appeals for relief in all cases of distress, granting freely your counsel and your money, inviting others to aid you when needful. Wishing to mark our sense of your merits, and of the efficiency with which you have dis charged your duties, by some lasting memorial, we re quest your acceptance of a service of plate, and permit us at the same time to offer our best wishes for the future health and happiness of yourself and of your family. Baring, Brothers, an d N . 3 1. Rothschild and Co. Sons. George Peabody. Forbes, Forbes, and Co. C. M. Lampson. Frederick Huth and Palmer, Mackillop, Co. Dent, and Co. John Gilliatt and Co. M`Calmont, Brothers, Bell and Grant. and Co. Maclean, Maris, and. Co. T. Wiggin and Co. Charles Gumm. Overend, Gurney, and M. Hetherington and Co. Co. Phillipps, Shaw, and David Taylor and Sons. Lowther. B. C. Gray and Sons. Allen and Anderson. G. and F. Evans. Osgood Field. H. J. Enthoven and Thomas F. Evans. Sons. Sadler, Firth, and Ross. R. Bainbridge and Co. Vyse and Sons. George Seymour. J. C. im Thurm and Co. Thomas Ashmore and Blundell, Spence, and Sons. Co. Stone and Man. Alfred Hill. J. Cattley. P. Walther and Co. Matheson and Co. Alexis J. Doxat. " Colonel Thomas Aspinwall, late Consul-General of the United States in London." AMERICA. ARRIVAL OF THE AFRICA. LIVERPOOL, TUESDAY AFTERNOON. The Royal mail steam-ship Africa, Captain Har rison, arrived in the Mersey about noon this day, with the usual mails from the United States and British North America. The Africa, having boen got off the bank where she went on shore, has arrived from New York with 75 passenger s an d a sma ll ma il. Th e ma i n portion being sent by th e A mer i ca from B os t on , which sailed fou r h ours b e f ore th e Af r ica. Business has much improved in New York since the departure of the last steamer. Money very easy. Stock buoyant and advancing. The mark e t f or b rea d s t u ff s was dull and declin ing, anxiously waiting for further news from Eng land, and rather flat, caused by the rise in freight. There was an average business in the cotton market at former prices. The provision market very dull and unsteady. The shipowners were asking the following prices for freight to Liverpool :—Grain, 18d. to 20d. per bushel. Exchange on London dull, 1081- to 1081 ; on Paris, 5 15 to 5 17i. We have just heard that the America is off the port. PRICES OP COMMISSIONS IN THE BRITISH A RMY. —. Now that our expeditionary military force is on its pas saere to Malta and Constantinople, to co-operate with that of France, in supporting the integrity of th e Otto man Empire, against the unjust aggression of the Mus covite troops of the ambitious Czar of Russia, the fol lowing rates of the price of commissions in the British army may not be uninteresting :—Life Guards—Lieu tenant-Colonel, 7,2501. ; Major, 5,3501. ; Captain, 3,500/. ; Lieutenant, 1,7851. ; and Cornet, 1,2601. THE COASTING TRADE.—FOREIGN SHIPS.—The Com missioners of Customs have issued directions to the principal officers at tho several ports throughout the United Kingdom to prepare an d transmit to the Regis trar-General of Shipping, with the utmost despatch, the following return, so far as relates to their respective ports, viz., a return of the tonnage of foreign vessels cleared in ballast at each of the principal and other ports of the united Kingdom to ports in the United Kingdom in the year 1853. TEE LONDON GAZETTE OF LAST NIGHT. WHITEHALL, MARCH 6. The Queen has been pleased to direct letters patent to be passed under the Great Seal, constituting and appoint ing the Right Honourable George, Earl of Aberdeen, K.T.; the Right Honourable William Ewart Gladstone ; Alfred Hervey, Esq. (commonly called Lord Alfred Hervey) ; Francis Wemyss Charteris, Esq. (commonly called Lord Elcho) ; and Chichester Samuel Fortescue, Esq. ; to be Commissioners for executing the offices of Treasurer of the Exchequer of Great Britain and Lord High Treasurer of Ireland. DOWNING-STREET, bIARCH 6. The Queen has been pleased to appoint Captain Henry Ratcliffe Searle to be Assistant Police Magistrate for tho colony of Sierra Leone. Her Majesty has also been pleased to appoint John Grant and James Sawkins, Esqrs., to be Colonial Surgeons for the Forts and Settlements on the Gold Coast. Her Majesty has further been pleased to appoint William Henry Shew, Esq., to bo a Member of the Council of the Virgin Islands. ST. JAMES'S PALACE, MARCH 6. The Queen has been pleased, on the nomination of the Right Honourable Lord Foley, to appoint Philip Salo mons, Esq., one of her Majesty's Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms, vice Kitson, retired. Notice is hereby given, that in the Exchequer-bills about to be issued on the 10th instant, an error, committed by the engraver in the date of such bills, will be corrected in rod, by the substitution of 1854, for 1853. MONTEAGLE, Comptroller-General. Exchequer, 3d March, 1854. COMMISSION SIGNED BY THE QUEEN. Royal Flintshire Militia—John Warren Glubb, Esq., late Captain 4-4th Regiment, to be Adjutant, vice Puleston, resigned. COMMISSIONS SIGNED BY LORD LIEUTENANTS. North Durham Regiment of Militia of the County of Durham—John Nicholson, Gent. ; John George Lambton Green, Gent.—to be Lieutenants, March 2. 4th Regiment of West York Militia—Edward Wand, Esq., to be Captain ; Lieutenant Richard Dyneley Cham berlain (from the Ist Regiment of West York Militia) to be Captain ; Humphrey John Hare, Esq., to be Captain ; Lieutenant Joseph Hartley (from the Ist Regiment of West York Militia) to be Lieutenant ; Joshua Ingham Ikin, Esq., to be Surgeon, March 1. Forfar and Kincardineshire Militia—William Burnett Ramsay, Esq., to be Lieutenant-Colonel, vice Sir Alex ander Ramsay, Bart., deceased, March 2. The Lord Chancellor has appointed the following gentle men to be Commissioners for administering oaths in the High Court of Chancery : Robert Cole, Tokenhouse-yard, City. William Thomas, Walsall, Staffordshire. James Miller, Eastcheap, City. James Vaizey, South-square, Gray's-inn. Samuel Heath, jun., Church-court, Clement's-lane, City. John Danby Christopher, Argyle-street, Regent-street. Thomas Lacy, King's Arms-yard, City. John Wyberg, jun., Liverpool. Joseph James Ridley, Birkenhead. BANKRUPTCIES ANNULLED. William Houldsworth, brewer, Egremont, Cheshire. William Ness and Thomas Snowdon, tar and naptha, distillers, Leeds. BANKRUPTS. George Jones, jeweller, Baker-street, Lloyd-square, to surrender, March 16, at eleven, and April 20, at twelve, at the Court of Bankruptcy. Johnson, official assignee; Crover and Coare, solicitors, Temple. William Gilbertson Leo (known as William Leo, and sued as George Leo), dry salter, Walworth, March 17, and April 21, at half-past one, at the Court of Bankruptcy. Carman, official assignee, Aldermanbury ; Scarman, Cole man-street. John Ellis, joiner and builder, Manchester, March 24 and April 28, at twelve, at the Manchester District Court. Hernaman, official assignee, Manchester ; Sale, Worthing ton, and Shipman, Manchester. Richard Lynch, shoemaker, Manchester, March 20 and April 10, at twelve, at the Manchester District Court. James Stansall Pott, official assignee, Manchester ; Cooper and Son, Manchester. John Ashworth, hotel keeper, Litchurch, Derby, March 24, and April 7, at ten, at the Birmingham District Court. Harris, official assignee, Nottingham ; Marshall, Bir mingham. Charles John Darkin Campbell, builder, Camden-town, March 21, at one, and April 24, at two, at the Court of Bankruptcy. Lee, official assignee, Moorgate-street ; Law ranee, Plews, and Boyer, Old Jewry-chambers. Francis Paul Becker, engraver and printer, Stationers Hall Court, Paternoster-row, March 20, at two, and April 24, at one, at the Court of Bankruptcy. Lee, official as signee, Moorgate-street ; Pawle, New-inn. James Sivyer, grocer, Stratford, Essex, March 18, and April 22, at one, at the Court of Bankruptcy. Pennell, official assignee, Guildhall-chambers ; Hill and Matthews, St. Mary-Axe. Henry Groom, miller, Bray, Berkshire, March 15, at one, and April 22, at two, at the Court of Bankruptcy. Nicholson, official assignee, Basinghall-street ; Smith and Son, Argyle-street. Joseph Munden, sen., flax and tow spinner, Slaps Mills, Dorsetshire, March 14, and April 19, at one, at the Exeter District Court. Hirtzel, official assignee, Exeter ; Gun dry, Bridport; Terell, Exeter. Thomas Harvey, builder, Caledonian-road, Islington, 18th March, and 22d April, at half-past one, at the Court of Bankruptcy. Nicholson, official assignee, Basinghall street ; Lawrence, Plows, and Boyer, 14, Old Jewry chambers. SCOTCH SEQUESTRATIONS. Archibald Grahame Lang, merchant, Glasgow. James Wallace, writer, Glasgow. James Milne, merchant, Glasgow. INSOLVENT PETITIONERS. B. Richards, Fleet-lane, City, journeyman carpenter— C. E. Warneford, Blenheim-street, Chelsea, commercial traveller—J. H. Bond, St. Mary-street, Kennington-road, ready made linen warehouseman—B. L. d'Ambrumenil, Croydon, Surrey, professor and teacher of languages—A. Cunningham, Old Rutland-street, Whitechapel, hardware man—H. Watson, Half Moon-street, Piccadilly, consulting surgeon—J. Sartan, Wellington-place, Camberwell, com mission agent for purchase and sale of cattle—W. V. Daw son, Ealing, Middlesex, clerk—T. W. M. O'Keefe, Alfred street, Bedford-square, author—J. Davis, Baring-street, New North-road, clerk:to an at tornoy—J. Win drab Strand, stone mason—T. Barwood, Buckenham-street, Southwark, attorney's clerk—R. B. Rolfe, Bermondsey New-road, baker—G. Munnery, Cross-street, Clapham, common brewer—T. Pain, Kingston, surrey, builder—R. Yalden, Vine-cottage, Hammersmith, laundryman—T. A. Farey, Holywell-lane, Shoreditch, boot maker—J. V. Monck ton, Norland-cottage, Bayswater, gentleman—J. Simp son, Brooksby-street, Islington, commercial travel ler--J. W. Cole, East-street, Red Lion-square, en gineer —J. Bartlett, Belvedere, Bethnal-green, ap praiser —S. Couchnian, The Oval, Hackney-road--W. F. Stevenson, Polygon-buildings, Clapham, job mas ter—W. Lucas, Bridge-street, Bermondsey, beerseller— W. Rutson, sen., Chipperfield-common, Hertfordshire, linendraper—W. Tillman, Osborn-street, Whitechapel, tailor—T. Boyle, Walbrook, City, manager of the Patent Daylight Reflector Company—J. P. Brust, Royal-street, Kennington-common, baker—E. H. Plummer, Grange road, Bermondsey, commission agent—W. W. Smith, Bat tersea, Surrey, coal merchant. DECLARATIONS OF DIVIDENDS, Thomas Lampert Powell, Romsey, Hampshire, uphols terer—lst div. of 4s , March 9, and three subsequent Thurs days, at Stansfeld's, Basinghall-street. Philip Wesley Hardwick, Regent-street, dealer in rib bons —lst div. of 1 s., March 9, and three subsequent Thurs days, at Stansfeld's, Basinghall-street. John Robinson, Nassau-place, Commercial-road East, wholesale clothier-Ist div. of is. 9d. on new proofs, March 9, and three subsequent Thursdays, at Stansfeld's, Basing hall-street. 'homas Mere() and Andrew Were°, Newcastle-upon- Tyne, grocers—final div. of 11d. (making with former divi dends 9s. 6d.), March 11, and any subsequent Saturday, at Wakley's, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. DIVIDENDS. March 30. M. Cubitt, High Holborn,' builder—March 28. J Window, Craig's-court, Westminster,—March 28. J. T. Davison, Chatham, grocer—March 28. T. Barber, Cam bridge, school m a s t er —M a rch 28. J. H. Gibbons, Wood street, City, straw hat warehouseman—March 28. J. A. Homes, High-street, Southwark, and Hatcham, Surrey, woollen draper —March 30. E. T. Blakely, Norwich, shawl manufacturer—March 30. A. Fisher, Mincing-lane, City, colonial broker—M a rch 50. J. Colquhoun, Woolwich, money scrivener—March 30. J. Loader, Pavement, Fins bury, upholsterer—March 29 A. Mongredien, Liverpool, merchant—March 30. W. Holme, Manchester, cotton manufacturer. CERTIFICATES to be granted, unless cause be shown to the contrary, on the day of meeting. March 29. F. W. Thomas , Leadenhall-street City, auc- tioneer—March 29. W. Cobb,pfaidstone, builder=karch 29. D. Jenkins, Mile End-road, licensed victualler—March 29. J. Deacon, Oxford, builder—March 28. T. Wilkinson, Cambridge-wharf, Pimlico, and Grosvenor-street, Eaton square, coal merchant—March 29. T. Proctor. Lincoln, engineer—March 28. T. Young, Sunderland, shipowner— April I. H. Purcell, Dudley, Worcestershire hosier— April 4. W. Brook, Manchester and London, stuff mer chant—April 7. M. Bowell, Manchester, publican. PARTNERSHIPS DISSOLVED. J. Evan and J. Bixley, Worship-street, Shoreditch, coach joiners—W. Roxburgh and J. W. Hopkins, Liverpool, general merchants—S. Whitworth and W. Whitworth, Hurst Brook, Lancashire, corn and provision dealers—L. Amelang and H. Boldt, manufacturers of leather—J. 11. Shorthouse and B. IL Lawrence, Carshalton, Surrey, sur geons—J. Jones and J. Bricknell, Bristol, wholesale con fectioners—J. Davies, J. 0. Davies, and J. D. Davies, Ply mouth, coal merchants, so far as regards J. D. Davies—J. North and C. H. North, Bilstou, Staffordshire, plumbers —Jane Barrow and Mary Barrow, Stockport, Cheshire, shopkeepers—E. Lanyou and W. Brewer, Taunton, Somersetshire, linendrapers—T. Davies, S. Davies, and Jane Jones, Wavertree, Lancashire, gardeners, ho far; as regards Jane Jone s — F. W. Robinson an d M. L. Jervis, Southport, Lancashire, printers—F. Spence and J. Spence, Deptford, linendrapers—J. Firth, T. Firth, E. Aspinall, and P. Aspinall, Rastrick, Yorkshire, fancy cloth manufacturers —S. Ries and N. Daniels, West Dean, Glou cestershire, tin-plate workers—W. P. M'Andrew, R. M'Andrew, and W. M'Andrew, King William-street, City, merchants, so far as regards R. M'Andrew—W. P. M'Andrew, R. M'Andrew, and R. N. Cunningham, Liver pool, fruit merc h ants, so fa' r as regards W. P. M'Andrew —G. Clark, It. P. Clark, and J. Clark, Lymington, Hamp shire, grocers—J. Hughes and S. Phillips, Esless Mill, near Bersham, Denbighshire, millers T. A. Tyson, G. E. Mackreth, and F. T. Mackreth, Cannon-street, City, wholesale tea dealers, so far as regards F. T. Mackreth—J. Heyworth, B. Harker, and J. Uttley, Meadows Mill, near Bacup, Lancashire, cotton manufacturers—H. Parker and J. T. Simnett, Stockport, Cheshire, waste and cotton dealers —E. Robertson and J. Holder, West Bromwich, Staffordshire, provision dealers—l. Charnock, I'. Bridge, and J. Walmesley, Church, Lancashire, chemical manu facturers, so far as regards T. Bridge—R. Wharton, D. Little, and J. Caird, Melbourne, commission merchants, so far as regards J. Caird. [ADVERTISEMENT.] —Holloway's Ointment and Pills certain remedies for Old Sores and Ulcers.—Copy of a letter from Mr. John Johnson, of Tregaron, Wales, dated December 19, 1853 :—" To Professor Holloway. Sir,—For twelve years I was afflicted with sores on my legs and arms, which gradually broke out into ulcerous wounds, and disabled me from following any of the active duties of life. I tried a variety of medicines, and applied several liniments, without benefit ; but a friend recommended me to use your ointment and pill s , which completely healed tha wounds and restored me health, after every other means had failed.”—Sold by all druggists, and at Professor Holloway's Establi s h.' meat, 214, Strand, London. ' SPORTING NOTES. DOINGS AT DONCASTER. They who left London this morning by the special train from King's-cross, arrived at Doncaster in ample time to witness the first race—which was judiciously "set" for two o'clock. As usual, the proceedings com menced with the Trial Stakes, for which five horses started, although, in reality, only four went with the intention of winning, the Duchess of Loraine colt being merely started for the avowed purpose of being beaten, in order that he might have the advantage of the allow ance for the Whittlebury Stakes at Northampton. A declaration to this effect was made prior to the race, still the practice of running horses on such terms, a practice which of late has been frequently adopted, is at least un fair and pernicious in its operations. My " selections". Snowdon Dunhill and Eulogist made an exciting "finish", the former winning by a neck only. Just before taking his preparatory canter he jumped round when opposite the stand, and George Oates, his rider, came to the ground. His trainer, however, fortunately "had hold of his head" at the time. Little Tom was the favourite for the Sheffield and Rotherham Plate ; but scarcely in any part of the en• counter did he sustain the expectations of his backers. Ptolemy achieved an easy victory. Within a few strides of the chair, however, his jockey stopped riding, and for a few seconds rendered his success doubtful. Before starting Julius Caesar throw his jockey, got loose, and was with some difficulty caught and re mounted. Twenty " youngsters" put in an appearance for the Hopeful Stakes, and before they quitted the post, much tedious delay was occasioned. Indeed, the amateur starter was apparently somewhat inexperienced, and was not a little puzzled to marshal so large a field in due order. At length, however, they got away, Lady Pal merston rushing to the front, maintaining her lead throughout, and winning easily by two lengths. Cypri ana, the favourite, was early beaten in the race. Cross country events are not likely to attain a flourish ing popularity at Doncaster ; a circumstance which is scarcely to be regretted. Ever since the establishment of the Spring Meeting their association with the legiti mate sport has been attended with little success. Their abolition would produce no effect on the prosperity of the gathering,—and the money which is now added to the Grand National might be more judiciously applied. Only six ani ma l s ran for the St ee pl ec h ase on the present , occasion, and they, with the exception of the winner, pos sessed no pretensions beyond the most leather-flapping mediocrity. Indeed they belong to that class in which Ben Land's horses occasionally show to so much advan tage. Notwithstanding his crushing weight and his re , cent running at Liverpool, Bourton won with little apparent difficulty. Contrary to my expectation he was selected to do battle for his party instead of his stable companion Trout. The race was however, decided as I anticipated in favour of the " lucky scarlet jacket with the white hoop." Spring was in the saddling enclosure, and Archer, booted and spurred, was ready to ride him. But just before going to pcale, it was discovered that Spring had unjustly incurred a penalty of 71bs. by winning a hurdle race at Lincoln. Although the strict letter of the condi tions made him liable to this penalty, yet it is unques tionable that had their spirit and the rules of racing been abided by, the penalty would not have been enforced. Indeed, the framer of those conditions declared that they were not drawn up with the intention to penalise a win ner of a hurdle race. Oscar, too, was sent to Doncaster, but was scratched to-day at a quarter-past 12 o'clock. His withdrawal was, however, I believe unavoidable, having severely bruised his leg by his fall at Liverpool. Indeed, his accident was somewhat singular ; both he and Peter were racing at a " gap," when the latter swerved, Oscar was therefore knocked out of his stride, and on charging the rails, caught them with his fore-feet, and carried a por tion of them for some few yards between his legs. The mystery which surrounds Miss Mowbray, and the proceedings of her party relative to the Liverpool Stee plechase, is at no distant period likely to be dispelled, and much of the odium which at present attaches to cer tain individuals may be removed. From the inquiries which I have instituted, I am induced to believe that the mare was certainly "got at." Should my informa tion be correct, there is little doubt that the wrong doers will be speedily detected and unsparingly exposed. Salisbury races will take place to-morrow and Friday. My "fancies" as to their probable result must be briefly expressed. In the absence of Autocrat, Bribery will doubtless carry off the Triennial Stakes. Should Orestes and Cineas meet for the Trial Stakes, the race will be peculiarly interesting. Believing that the latter has been somewhat hard worked with King Tom, I shall expect Cineas to achieve the victory. Ireland's Eye, Vixen, and Roe-buck will perhaps occupy the foremost places in the race for the Wiltshire Stakes. With a start, I shall be inclined to give Nabob the precedence of the " lot ;" a probability, however, seems to exist that he will be reserved exclusively for Chester. Doncaster, Tuesday night. A FRESH MAN. DONCASTER RACES.—TUESDAY. THE TRIAL STAKES of 7 sovs. each, 3 ft, with 30 sovs. added ; for 3-yr olds and upwards. Weight for age. Certain penalties and allowances. T.Y.C. (13 subs.) Mr. Ewbank's Snowdon . Dunhill, by lago 4 yrs, Bst 121 b (including 51b extra) (G- Oates) 1 Mr. Morris's Eulogist, 4 yrs, Bst 121 b (including 51b extra) Mr. Moseley's Romeo, 4 yrs, Bst 41b....(W. Sharpe) 3 Mr. T. Cunningham's The Jewess, 3 yrs, Est 71b (Wells) 4 Lord Wilton's c by Cotherstone out of Duchess of Lorraine, 3 yrs, Est 71b (Ashmall) 5 THE SHEFFIELD AND ROTHERHAM PLATE (handicap), of 50 sovs. for 3-yr-olds and upwards. Last mile. Mr. Knowles's Ptolemy by Pyrrhus the First, 3 yrs, sst 121 b (Bates) 1 Lord Chesterfield's Communist, 3 yrs, sst (Comery) 2 Mr. G. S. Thompson's Orange Blossom, 3 yrs, sst 41b (including 21b over) . (Bearpark) 3 THE HOPEFUL STAKES of 5 sovs. each, with 100 added, for two year olds ; colts, Bst 71b ; fillies and geldings, Bst 31b. A winner before starting 41b extra. The second to receive 20 sovs. out of the stakes. Half-a mile. (55 subs.) Mr. Worthington's Lady Palmerston, by Melbourne, Bst 31b (Wells) 1 Mr. Powell's Flatterer, by Hetman Platoff, Bst 71b (Yates) 2 Lord John Scott's f by Touchstone—Valentinia, Bst 31b (Aspinall) 3 Mr. Morris's Donald, by Planet, Bst 71b (Basham) 4 THE GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLE CHASE HANDICAP of 15 sovs. each, 10 ft, and only 5 if declared, &c., with 100 added. Certain winners extra. The second to save his stake. About three miles and three quar ters. (38 subs., 7of whom pay 5 sovs. each.) Mr. Moseley's Bourton, 12st 31b (including 101 b extra) (Tasker) 1 Mr. Blood's Star of England, aged Pst 71b (W. White) 2 Mr. Henderson's Maley, aged, 9st 71b (Thrift) 3 Mr. Smith's Lucy Neale, aged, 9st 121 b (H.Lamplugh) 4 Mr. C. Reynard's g by Young Priam, dam by Woldsman, aged, 9st (W eaver ) 5 Betting - 5 to 2on Bourton, 7to 1 agst Maley, Bto 1 agst Jumpaway, 10 to 1 agst Star of England. Bourton waited until within half a mile of home, when he drew towards Maley, who was then in possession of the lead, and after clearing the last hurdle he came away in earnest, and won easily by two lengths. Oscar was scratched on Tuesday, at 12.15 p.m. The contusion received in consequence of his fall at Liverpool, was found to be of such a nature, that, after an inspection of it on Tuesday morning, it was deemed necessary to withdraw him. Archer was prepared to ride Spring, but it being discovered that the horse was liable to a penalty of 71bs for winning a hurdle race at Lincoln, his owner determined not to let him start. THE MUNICIPAL STAKES were won by Mr. Gibbs' Penitent, 3 yrs (301.), sst 81b, beating Mr. Lister's Cri terion, 4 yrs (301.), Est 91b ; Mr. Harrison's Julius Caesar, 3 yrs (301.), Est ; and Mr. Lambert's Leda, 6 yrs (301.), 7st 1116. The weather was fine, and the at- tendance of company somewhat above the average. SALISBURY RACES. PROGRAMME OF THE SPORT. TO-MORROW (THURSDAY) THE WILTSHIRE STAKES. THE SECOND YEAR of the THIRD WILTSHIRE TRIEN NIAL STAKES of 10 sovs. each, for foals of 1851 ; colts, Bst 7113 ; fillies Bst 31b, to run at 3 yrs old ; untried stal lions or mares allowed 31b ; but only one allowance ; the winner of the Derby to carry 71b, and the second horse 41b extra, the winner of the Oaks, Two Thousand Guineas or Newmarket Stakes, 51b extra. One mile and a half. Bribery, Bracken, Dan Cupid (31b), Autocrat. THE TRIAL STAKES of 10 sovs. each, with 50 added ; 3-yr-olds, 6st 101 b ; four, Bst 71b ; five, 9st ; six and aged, 9st 31b. One mile. Poetry, 3 yrs ; Cineas, 4 yrs ; De fiance, 4 yrs ; b or br c by Cowl—Argam Lass, 3 yrs ; Jessamine, 3 yrs ; Orestes, 3 yrs ; Henrietta, 4 yrs ; The Queen's Own, 5 yrs. The WILTSHIRE STAKES of 25 sovs each, 15 ft, and only 5 if declared, with 100 added ; the second horse to save his stakes ; if 50 subs, the second horse to receive 50 sovs out of the stakes, and the third to save his stake ; if 100 subs, the second horse to receive 100 sovs out of the stakes, and the third 50 sovs. The winner of any handicap after the weights are declared tc carry 61b ;of two, 91b extra. Two miles, The SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE. QUARANTINE NOTICE. LISBON - , FEB. 28. SIR,-By an order of the Board of Health, dated 23d of February, in the " Diario" of the 24th, Gibraltar is do dared free from disease," from the 7th inst., thus revok , ing that of the 24th of January last. (Signed) CHARLES JAUNCEY, Lloyd's Agent. Capt. G. A. Halstead, R.N., Secretary Lloyd's. CUSTOM HOUSE, MARCH 7. ENTERED INWARDS.—The Cornelia, from Rotterdam; Gerhardina, Antwerp ; Vriendschap, Worcum ; Laurel, Antwerp; Welvaurt, Antwerp ; Hermina Neperus, Ant werp ; Annegiena Jantina, do. ENTERED OUTWARDS FOR LOADING.—The Gebkea, for Copenhagen ; GezinaJantina, Amsterdam ; Julia, Lisbon; Sarah, Hamburgh ; Emelia, Cadiz, Malaga, and Valencia; Mogadore ; Canada, Sierra Leone ; Amelia, Rouen; Radical, Caen. CLEARED OUTWARDS WITH CARGO.--The Pekin, for Demerara ; Maria, H a rb urg ; T re B ro d re, Memel • Mari a Burness, Mauritius ; J o h n S co tt, D emerara ; driental , Port Philip; Peninsula, Cadiz; Rajah of Sarawak, Hong Kong and Whampos. ; Dauntless, Barbadoes ; Nelson Place, Port Philip ; Cato, Demerara. FALMOUTH, March 6.—Wind, E., light breeze. The Newhouse, of Fowey, from Neath for Charleston, was in contact with the Rapid ( sc h ooner ), o ff B eaumar i s, March 4, about six miles S.E. of St. Anthony's Light, when both received damage. PLYMOUTH, March 6.—Wind, S.W. Arrived—Water' witch, from Corunna. BRISTOL, March G.—Wind, N.W. Arrived—Rown lus' from St. John's, N.B. S a il e d— M a j es ti c, for Norio ; Ada Mary, Africa. HARTLEPOOL, March6.—Wind, S.W. Sailed—Clifford , for Cape of Good Hope. LOWESTOFT, March G.—Wind, S.E. Sailed—Gratitudet for Bahia. GLOUCESTER, March s.—Arrived—Lara, from Smyrna; Asia, Galatz. KIRKCALDY, March 4.—The Indian (barque), gettingfrom ,_ Callao, caught th e groun d yes t er d ay b e f ore gett i ng the harbour, but is expected to be brought in without anY damage, if the weather remains fine. PARIS, March 7.—The Menai (s), Pashley, from London, which went ashore at the back of the West Pier, near Fort of Roy, everything which it had on board, as well as part of the machinery. STEENBERG STRAND, Feb. 26.—The Sylphiden, from Hull to Copenhagen, with a cargo of iron and goods, was stranded off this place to-day ; crew saved ; cargo and materials expected to be saved. ST. MARGARET'S HOPE, Feb. 19. The Henry and Marl parted one of her chains, and dragged the other anchor in this harbour this morning, and now lies on the ground' The Ranger, of Wick, ashore at Cara, got afloat yesterdayand this morning d ragge d both anchors, and is ashore again near the same place. PANAMA, Feb. 6.—The Kate (ship) has been stranded at the Pearl Islands. NASSAU, N.P. Jan. 18.—The Oce an , f rom Havannsh to Marseilles, with sugar, &c., was totally lost at Memory Rock, Dec. 1. SAN BLAB, Jan. 20.—The Ceylon, from San Francisco , which received damage by striking on a rock, Dec. 4, hes been condemned and sold at Banderas Bay. MOLDE, Feb. 15.—A schooner, dismasted and derelict , laden with fish, h as b een p i c k e d up at sea, and came" into Haroen ; she is Gen., as part of her cast iron gear le marked " Prahl, Bergen, 1852." BERGEN, Feb. 20.—Part of the cargo ex Christine Weer" ness, on shore off Bukkum, has been saved in a damaged state ; wind variable ; weather stormy. PILLAW, March 2.—The Cito Umlauff, from this port to Hull, which put back here, Feb. 16, leaky, and with other damage, has been obliged to discharge her cargo, and the damaged portion thereof will be sold to-morrow. LISBON, Feb. 28.—The Lionne, from Newcastle to Cette, put in here, Feb. 20, with loss of both her masts. VESSELS SPOKEN WITH. The Matchless, of London, from Girgenti to Newcastle , 21st Feb., off Cape Palos. The Fanny, from Martinique to Marseilles, 18th Feb., off Blanc (Catalonia). The Slater Rebow, from St.! Michael's to London, 22 4 Feb., lat. 44 N., long. 17 E. COUNTRY MARKETS. LIVERPOOL —MARCH 7. A good attendance of the town and neighbouring trade, and rather more buyers from a distance than for some time past. In wheat little business transacted, at a decline of 2d to 3d per 701bs. on the week. Large purchases of flour, were made at is per b a r re l b e l ow t h e current prices o f Tuesday. Oats and oatmeal in demand at id per 45110. and Gd per load under the currency of this day week. Barley, beans, and peas ld to 2d per 601bs. and is per (Jr' lower. In Indian corn the sales were limited. IPSWICH-MARCH 7. Although rather an increased supply of wheat as corn' pared with last week was offered for sale, prices ruled the same, and a firmness in the trade was evinced. Berle,' was much shown about. As the maltsters are leaving off steeping, finding there is no sale for malt, the only buyers of barley were those who had a commission for London maltsters. Beans and peas much improved in condition, and late prices maintained. TER QUARTER. PER QUARTER. Wheat, red (old) 78s to 84s Barley, grinding ... 34s to 3 65 Ditto (new) Ditto, white (new) 84s to 87s Peas Ditto (old) Barley, malting ... 39s to 42sIFlour, per sack AVERAGES FOR THE WEEK ENDING MARCH 7,1854. Wheat Barley la 37s 10d Oats Beans Peas HULL—MARCH 7. Only a moderate supply of wheat from the farmers this morning, and very little foreign offered. In the transac tions reported we consider any decline during the week es having recovered. More tone about barley. Oats and dry beans as dear as before, but anything out of condition unsaleable. More inquiry for Indian corn and Dari. In linseed an extensive business done during the week, at irre gular but advancing prices. Itapecakes go off in retail a 6 7i. per ton. More business done in bones. B B Wheat, English, red 78 to 82 1 Ditto whito B3 to 85 Dantzic and Konigs berg • Pomemnianandllam- a Peas, grey and black 50 to 52 Linseed, Black Sea... 62 to 6 4 Ditto Petersburgh ... 50 to 60 Ditto Riga and Arch- burgh Danish, Holstein, and angel - i Ditto Konigsberg and Memel 44 to 50 Frieland 72 to 78 1 Russian and Odessa 70 to 75 Oats, English Ditto Danish Ditto Friesland Ditto Russian 27 to 29 Barley, malting Ditto grinding 36 to 38 Beans Ditto foreign Peas, white and yel 54 to 60 , Per Ton. Lins. c.,Hu11121008 Od to 010 0 Ditto fine for. 01 Os Od 01 00 Ditto inf. for OlOB Od to 0100 Rapeseed OOl Os to 001 0 0 Rape cakes Tares, English...... 00s to 000 Ditto foreign ;Guano 4l 10s 81 to 121 Cl Bones l26s Od to Os Od Rye Meal RAILWAY SHARE MARKETS. LIVERPOOL, MARCH 7. STOCK EXCTIANGE.—The market has been dull and without fluctuation all day, closing flat. Caledonian, 271; Eastern Counties, 124 ' • East Lancashire, 16 ; L ancas hire and Yorkshire, 663 47i 7 ; London and North Western, 1014 2 ; Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincoln 224 ; Midland, 614 ; North British, 84 ; South-Eastern and Doter, 18i 11-16 4 ; Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincoln 61. new pref. shares, p. , MANCHESTER, MARCH 7. STOCK EXCHANGE.—The market was dull, an attempt to drive up prices tending much to check business. The sales were—Dover, 18i; Leeds, 67; London and North- Western, 101? ; ditto Eighths, 9-16 dis. ; Midland, 601. LEEDS, MARCH 7. STOCK EXCHANGE.—There has been little doing this morning on the stock exchange, and in prices no material change has occurred. Leeds Northern, No. 1, were trans acted at 20s. prem. ; Midlands were also done at 62i. BIRMINGHAM, MARCH 7. STOCK EXCHANGE.—There was more than an average amount of business done in this market to-day, and prices were firmer. London and North-Westerns closed (sellers) at 102; and Manchester and Sheffields at 22, 22i. COURSE OF EACH. Amsterdam.... •• •• .. n 13 .ANGE-YESTERDAY. Ditto, three months .. 11 1514 Rotterdam ..... .• • .. „ I 1 15% Antwerp .• •• • • • • • • • • 25 20 Brussels ...• ••• • • • 25 20 Hainburgh ............ 13 3% Altona . • • • • • • • • • • • Paris ••....•••• • • •• • • .. 25 0 Gibraltar • • • • •• • • •• • • •• Leghorn •• • ••••• • • • • • 30 Venice .............. ,Naples .. 42 Palermo .• •••••• . • 12 ,, K, ilyiessina ••••••• • • • • • .• 126 N Lisbon • • • • • • • • • • • . 534 Itio Janeiro .••••• • • • • • • •••• Ditto, throe months .: 25 2734 Marseilles.. • .. • • • • .... 25 35 Bourdeaux .. • • • • • • .... Frankfort-on-Maine 118% Berlin Vienna .. • • ............ 13 20 Trieste 13 25 Petersburgh............ 31 % Madrid ................ 50 Cadiz .......... ..... •• • 50 % Barcelona • ..... • • • • Seville .......... ...... !Buenos Ayres _— New York, 60 days' sight — 'Philadelphia • • • • PRICES OF BULLION, PER OZ. Foreign Gold in Bars £3 17 9 Portugal Gold Coin 00 0 Mexican Dollars 0 0 0 New Dollars 0 0 0 Silver in bars ...... 0 0 0 BIRTIIS. OF A SON. On the sth inst., at 56, Ebury-street, the wife of John Worlledgo, Esq., barrister-at-law. OF A DAUGHTER. On the 6th inst., at Stratford-sub -Castle, near Salisbury, the wife of Henry J. F. Swayne, Esq., barrister-at-law. At Stratford-green, Essex, on the 6th inst., Mrs. Alexander Tod. MARRIED. On the 17th of January, at St. Thomas's Cathedral, Bombay, F re d er i c Longford Yonge, Esq., Mk-Regiment N. 1., and Adjutant Kolhapoor Light Infantry, to Georgians Annie Chalmers, elder daughter; and Hely Frederic Bol ton, Esq., 12th Regiment N.L, to Eliza Jane, younger daughter, of Lieutenant-Colonel D. G. Duff, Bombay Army. DIED. On the sth inst., T. F. Armistead, Esq., of 5, St. George's terrace, Islington, and of the Post Bill-office, Bank of England, aged 53. On the sth inst., at Wynnstay, in the 65th year of her ago, the Hon. Lady Williams Wynn, wife of the Right Hon. Sir Henry Watkin Williams Wynn, K.C.R. and G. C. 11. LONDON: Printed and Published by MORD° YOUNG, of No. 112, Strand, Printer, at The Sum Office, No. 112, Strand, in the Precinct of the Savoy, in the county of Middlesex, Wednesday, March 8,1854. r t- .. ing On fin Re, fug Fel bat Dor Inc: Wei wee (wh Whi Che Colo Legi for t attel butt SYStI corn , in n 1 1 YP To ins and eve' pros of tl am The on c oth( are the mer mor and Soul • film I ng nin: