The Sun. — London, England, 1844-12-09 00:00:00

1 IS loud levies who Duke pato' —The prated at at 7 , e , on tbrul , ,able, doing iVa S F*rl' of by , w ere ,f the 's pellig eel' al 0 - the tweet dor to vill he, 'relic° , n the theC ciperOt ie end ni de' boa Vie r obe, ; a W e r C 01• CO ° d a b" r n rt 14' goon' loo§ 6 rchi°' ,en W bal e on • oh yrn *Nu" the Bo! hoe" er, the rico ll3. bee ll 0 f sh e erlw" - -,.1. • UNITED STATES. We have news from New York by the Montezuma, Ca • P.ale Fowler, one day later than by the last Iti vat The elections were still going on in favour kr. Polk, and left no doubt that Mr. Clay was ttte rlY defeated. The Whir, however, do not • despair. They trust to the Senate, to the real friends of liberty, and to the spirit of independence which ori ginal] k _y formed the Constitution. A Whig journal, ;me Neu, York Morning Express, after admitting that narty h beaten, thus takes consolation :—" Public Itte ntinu will next be turned to Washington, where C°llgress will assemble in two weeks from next /Ineday. We regard this session, in consequence of the result of the recent election, and the important 1 111e8 tinns growing out of the contest, as more impor 4nt than any we have had since the embargo and the i e r • The majo r ity i n the House of Representatives nneh lar ger w i t h our op p onen t s th an it w ill b e i n the t next Congress. Their strength is sufficient there /o r a nd purpose which they may unite to accomplish, the discussi ons , whether they end in the success hi r j e lefeat o f measures, i n a ll pro b a bili ty w ill b e o f an v e ,nsely interesting character. We anticipate, in -14", a more exc iti ng session than we have had for •truve•le for the annexation oi Texas,--a totb• 'nation for the overthrow of the Taritf,—an e.tirt to establish the Sub-Treasury. These two the t i l : A ir leiPles to be battled for, and, if possible, to be bat t,3l4(mn. A party, too, is to be made—a Cabinet eh ue for me d , an d our w h o l e b o d y o f Di p l omat i sts 1 1 ,,, a ,, a ged• The faint—so faint, indeed, that we can th r 'l l Y discern the faintest shadow left—remnants of arrison victory are to be obliterated, and in all ' the Tyler faction will he cast off with mere eentempt than ceremony. Men will change ; and to Waiting th ere i s, we fear, a radical system of proscription % wa iting for the most meritorious officers of the „ a eral Government. 6 ,, Our ey es are t urne d u p on th e S ena t e w ith in t r interest. If there is trne courage and true pa 1, tun with the majority there, as we believe there 1111 Will be well. The destroyer can be driven I and he must be. Manly courage, prompt de li fete, a heart alive to the impulses of pure patriotism, wih e ltd to comprehend the interesting crisis at hand, I t " carry every IVhig senator seasonably to Wash- Crn• He will stand as firmly at his post as the k e s of the capitol where he sits, unmoved by ei tt a ta, unseduced by bribes, and not terrified by tunstances. The oath is upon him to support the 4 4 s titution. The eyes of the people are upon him, at e . he will h ave to render such an account of his " st raship as hereafter will make him a blessing or ott e ttrze to all mankind. We look to our senators as cftreat, truest, ablest sentinels. We have confi -14 in their integrity and intelligence, and while 4 1 ile we do not despair of the Republic." p t ;.'9e, same journal gives sad accounts of the frauds lo' i led at the elections. Among others the fol ting:— The New Orleans Tropic charges that some tt es ieds of the votes given in Plaquemines, were by hat of New Orleans, who had previously voted uat city. That parish is capable of polling per ekPs. 50 0 votes, at the utmost, and had, when the thu?a of 1840 was taken, a white population of v i "ee hundred and fifty-one souls! including men, to - 'en and children. Yet can it be believed, that up a tit i, o'clock, on the 7th instant, twelve hundred t _tglity-th ree votes were polled ? At one o'clock, T qe stood-- F Or Cl,ay or Majority for Polk e T o he foll ow i ng are ex t rac t s f rom th e p a p ers : Itat, , i4 kaaclaL.—Stocks continue in a very excited Pa nt . arid little disposition shown to operate. A few b,„ l ea clo se a s h a d e b e tt er , b u t no t enoug h t o g i ve %liner appearance to the market. Some disposi titt Is shown t o make contract to deliver on long ep 4B e ~ ,hut a p ro p osa l to deposit ten per cent. at once te e the proposal. State stocks are a shade lower in 440 c ases and a general feeling of caution is seen 1„ 1 2$ all operatives." the i' ll atssEa.—The Nashville Banner prepares us for la m 'sa of th e e l ec t ora l vo t e o f Tennessee, by the foi e! t g?t,para grap h :—" Our friends in other sections c a l .a nion will be able to appreciated the increased OW /11 11 ,1 1 es of the canvass this year, when we inform up 'eat it is probable there are a thousand, nay we ta ii4 Leot be far wrong in saying there are two thou- N en "hig families in this State, of more or less in hip,-cei Who have some one or more of their mem- Th eitiz ens of Texas. " e New Orleans Tropic, heretsfore a Whig paper, raised the American Republican flag. In its 71!' of the 6th instant, it remarks : IN r ° ll. l this day we shall wage war upon the pre- L l aturalisation laws, and urge, with what power * -- e ,."',. 11 3' possess, such a modification as will compel tAe4 l 'reigner who lands upon our shores to remain eitiztone year s , an d then receive his evidence of 4 ehip from the United States Court only." 8h t ract of a letter from a prominent Whig at "'eland, Vs, to his correspondent in this city t— hij lir letter of the Bth instant, giving the result of et i:eation in your State, is received. The triumph tha?,: Calhoun is complete. You express the opinion tip t here will be no important change in the present eh I think you reckon without your host. My pk in _opinion is, that the whole system, as regards thsTv t i l i on, will go by the board. For two years past, tre k ig senators and representatives in Congress 4 tor Yirginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and tea pe alal, have encountered all the prejudice of their the measure States against a protective tariff, believing isr ge % sure would prove beneficial to the country at and determined to stand by Mr. Clay through leel: ili Vaign. Pennsylvania and New York have lltiti; e u against the Tariff, and Southern Whigs 440' Perhaps, the exception of members from Louis the3,/: Will not lift a finger to preserve it. Why should 41 1 , 'should not be surprised if the views of Mr. 'ee 1 , - ",. 11 ' and Mr. Woodbury should be carried out by Pres ent Congress." thj a POL K CABlNET.—Speculation is busy upon "fri s a s ilib ject, and we hear the names of Messrs. tekirt, nuchanan and Stevenson, as likely to have a t' Of places. A „ 'att ' lONABLE INTELLIGENCE. t j4 ` 11% ARRIVALS. Ut of Vane, M.P., in Grosvenor-street, from the 1 :1 1 ‘ O Cleveland's, Raby Castle ; the Hon. Captain Oti ;i la Lady Arabella Knox, in Montague-square ; hurlow and the Hon. aptain Thurlow, at the diffeirn Hotel, Cork-street, from Ashfield Lodge, 1 .;01 04 ; the H on . J u d ge Ball, at ditto, from Dublin ; ao k tLimend, at ditto, from the Continent ; the Right ' 4 41 1 ;,L r H. Pottinger, G.C.8., in Eaton-place, from l itid b - `",; Mr. Hesketh (2d Life Guards), at Knights- Alta :!.arracks ; Lientenant• General Sir C. Dalbiac, tr o ora ;,Itsit to the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe, at %3 !tie, Roxburghe ; Earl and Countess Jermyn, stitl' s v isit to Mr. and Lady E. Drummond, at Cad "4/(leVlants ; . and Mrs. Orlando Tompson, in 4r k - place, fr . Mr om Geneva. the DEPARTURES. 1"le ) 4 4, -eane, from the Clarendon Hotel, Bond-street ; 1 1, % i ts "! Perceval for Brighton • Mrs. and Miss Mo tve "olti the Burlington Hotel, Cork-street, for tto t . ; Mr. and Mrs. Sandback,. from ditto, for - "•lj av a ltain Stuart, 44th Regiment, for Devon port ; —l uso; 6th (Inniskillen) Dragoons, for Brighton. t • he CHANGES. f Earl of Ilchester, at Melbury House, Dorsetshire, 4%414 v isit to th e M arqu i s and Marchioness of Lens nle t e, t I Bowood, Wilts ; the Marquis of Bute, at his et Q 4 ll ll S c ok otland, from the' south ; the Countess of Essex, B robury Park from Brighton ;ir .bn H9 , n ) , tj e o n r . .ghton, from a tour ; the . H . . I h r, from Brussels, for the British Emb n assy at hell the Duke and Duchess of Sutherland, from a lllar t - , t ,. ° ,°.,oviager Lady Blantyre aud . the lion. Misses Fe l i n g 4 : -Lennox Love, near Haddington, N. 8.. for ,-,g , on Spa, en route to Trentham ; Sir Orford and I.,t.u•lordon, at Brighton, from a tour ; Edward H. I•stt t:' Esq , from his seat, iu Cambridgeshire, on a rd Scarborough, at Rufford Abbey, Notts. b ' 'VV l et tli of SIR ISAAC WILSON, KNIGHT, I Pit A; lve to announce t h e d ea th o f Si r Isaac Wilson, l'ar i b e ;,`to at Bognor, Sussex, on Monday last, at the ad ,the a ,ge of eighty-seven years. The deceased was ,111, 1 1 13 1 ,'° 1 ' physician on the medical list of the Royal r vriVaving been senior by one year to the late Sir I t s t 1413e4 tY• He had for some years retired from t le ti a duties of his profession. Sir Isaac had for h a 40717etbtd period been physician at the Royal Naval to be Q „ a t Plymouth and Haslar, and had the honour Duk e 13 41 4 , ",, - c e of the domestic medical attendants of the lat f njient and her Royal Highness the Duchess ( 2 L le was ele c t e d a f e ll ow o f the Royal Society in ILFeb?arY, 1831 ktr -1:11bli 'NG AT CROBIRR.—On Monday, to reeicue advertisement, a meeting of the tenant-farmers itit er ..' ll ,_ in the hundred of North Erpingham, and others Ivas 1;:,; in the welfare and prosperity of agriculture, pre trial gi at the Board-room, Cromer, to consider the talit,..Y of petitioning Parliament for a repeal of the 4 nr. ICI:, Among the gentlemen present we remarked tou ' La ing, of Gimingham ; Mr. Woods, of Thurgar- SUji Pit London, of Sherringham; Mr. W. Woods, of' rttiZd; Air. James Carter, of Southrepps; Mr. J. Bar , of Antingham; Mr. John Clarke, Felbrigg ; Mr. epard Playford, Northrepps ; Mr. Weeds, South - AyEll Mr. Clarke, Thorpe Market; Mr. Symonds, of erton; Mr. Spurrell, Thurgarton; Mr. J. W. Rust, 4::oer ; Pilgrim, Mr. Barthrsm, Metton, &c. Mr. ( 41 4 se g '4 f ,... G itoingham, in the chair. A petition to the Lir e or ~.,ommons, praying to be relieved from the en 4ara e n t r k _ ts i mPost, or, should the remission of so large a e; petli uu Practicable, then of such portion as may be 2A b "Its Was adopted.—Norwich Mercury. 11‘eqwililltA-lar Szorms.—Messrs. Rock, Son, and th e tu 'K, have again received the Admiralty contract for 11,0 N VY of 100,000 gallons of rum for the use of the tsrd ' ll 7, the whole of which is, by order of the th e Li Commissioners of the Treasury, -in pursuance of bet e ms of the contract, to be delivered from the louses of the London, St. Katharine, and '" 1 Ale mks, into her M a j es ty' s v i c tualling stores N i c ) rdr duty tree. COURT CIRCULAR. WINDSOR, SATURDAY.—The Queen and Prince Albert took their usual early walk this morning in the vicinity of the Castle. Their Royal Highnesses the Dukes of Saxe Coburg and Gotha, and Wurtemberg, attended by Baron de Alvensleben, left the Castle at ten o'clock this morn ing for Buckingham Palace. Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales, Prince Alfred, the Princess Royal, and the Princess Alice, left the Castle about two o'clock for Claremont. Her Majesty and Prince Albert, accompanied by the Duchess of Saxe Coburg and Gotha, and at tended by the Marchioness of Douro, Lord Charles Wellesley, and Sir Edward Bowater, took their de parture for Claremont, soon after two o'clock, travel ling in a char-a-banc. Her Majesty and his Royal highness were conducted to their carriage by the Hon. Misses Stanley and Hamilton, the Earl of Hardwicke, and the Hon. and Rev. C. L. Courtenay. The Lord Steward left the Castle for town about twelve o'clock. Her Majesty and Prince Albert i the Duchess of Saxe Coburg, and the royal suite, arrived at Clare mont, on Saturday afternoon, from Windsor Castle. The Earl of Liverpool arrived to dinner from town. The Dukes of Saxe Coburg and Gotha, and Wur temberg, attended by Baron de Alvensleben, arrived at Claremont Saturdey night, from town. The Queen and Prince Alert, the illustrious visi tors, and the royal suite, attended Divine service yesterday, at Claremont. Archdeacon Wilbarforce officiated. The Duke of Cambridge visited her Royal High ness the Duchess of Gloucester, on Saturday, at Gloucester House. Mr. John Wood, Chairman of the Excise, had an interview with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, on Saturday, at his official residence, in Downing-street. The Duke of Wellington attended the early service yesterday in the Chapel Royal, St. James's. The Rev. Dr. Wesley preached the sermon. The Marquis of Normanby, Lords Campbell and Cantilupe, attended the daily service. Prayers were read by the Rey. Mr. Hall, and the lessons by the Rev. Dr. Knapp. The sermon was preached by the Rev. Dr. Sleath. Earl Delawarr, Lords Hawarden and Norreys attended the evening service in the Chapel Royal, St. James's. The Lords Committee of the Privy Council for the affairs of Guernsey and Jersey sat on Saturday in the Council Chamber. The Lords present were the Se cretary of State for the Home Department, Mr. Baron Parke, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Cornwall, and the Judge of the Admiralty Court. The Solicitor- General was heard on a petition of the States of the island of Guernsey, praying her Majesty's confirmation of a project of reform. Judgment was not given. Lady Henniker, whose accouchement took place at Thornham Hall, Suffolk, on the 4th inst., is, with her infant daughter, going on very favourably. DRURY-LANE THEATRE. _ Balfe's Daughter of St. Mark, was performed at Drury-lane Theatre on Saturday night. The most effective among the performers was certainly Borrani, who not only gains on his audience at every represen tation of this opera, but who absolutely approves him self one of the first bass singers of the day. Miss Rain forth also gave evidence of untiring zeal and thorough knowledge of art all through her arduous and oppres sive part of the performance. At the close of the opera, acording to previous ar rangement, Mr. Balfe was presented with a magnifi cent breakfast service of plate, in commemoration of the one hundredth representation of his Bohemian Girl, which took place some short time since. The audience, who were on the alert for the -ceremonial, cheered the composer on the fall of the curtain, and they cheered him also again when he vacated the conductor's seat and retired to the cavernous pas sages beneath the stage, previously to re-appearing on the scene as the recipient of the public bounty. At this point of time the house presented a very animated and inspiring picture ; the whole company before the curtain, in the boxes, in the pit, and in the galleries, were standing, and pleasurable expectation lighted each eye and kindled each conntenance in the crowd. After the performers had responded to the call of the audience, and received the usual and cus tomary ovation in the shape of a given amount of applause, Mr. Balfe, led on by Mr. Bunn, the lessee of the theatre, emerged from the side of the stage and advanced to the foot lights—both making the necessary obeisance to the cheering public. In a few moments, when silence had been sufficiently restored to enable him to be heard, Mr. Burns stood forward, and. said :—" Ladies and Gentlemen,--I was apprehensive, when the subject which is to form so interesting a feature in this night's entertainments first came under consideration, that it would not be altogether proper to bring it before the public in the manner proposed on that occasion. I therefore hesitated a moment as to the part that I should take in the matter ; but, recollect ing that it was I who first introduced my talented friend to the stage, I thought it was only just that I should participate in the present ovation. That favour which was freely conceded to him on his first intro duction to the public, I am happy to say still continues to be manifested for him ; and it is with pleasure I add that the spells of his enchantment yet hold their accustomed sway over the hearts of every audience. A body of his admirers —including a large portion of the general public—having determined upon present ing him with a testimonial in honour and remem brance of the hundredth representation of his opera of the Bohemian Girl, this , the night on which he takes his benefit at your hands , is deemed the most fitting time to offer it to him.—(Cheers.) And while I most gratefully and most cordially, thank you all for the kindness with which you have viewed my own humble share in that opera—(Hear)-1 assure you that no one can feel more heartfelt gratification than I do in being the medium of introducing to you in person my exeellent friend.—(Hear.) He is now before you—the receiver is in the presence of the giver, and I shall— " Leave him alone with his glory," to answer for himself. A task I have no doubt he will perform not alone in a much better manner, but far more to, your own satisfaction than any other person." The curtain then rose, displaying on a table the various articles of which the " testimonial" was com posed. They were tastefully arranged, and looked rich and expensive —doubtless they . were the one and the other. IVI.r. Bunn retired, bowing to the audience in his own peculiar manner. He was much cheered by the house. Mr. Balfe then spoke, but he certainly is not as much of an orator as he is a musician. The enthu siastic applause of the audience seemed to embarrass him, and he evidently was in want of words to ex press himself:— " Ladies and Gentlemen —I thank you. lam ' placed by Mr. Bunn in a most awkward, though a most enviable, position.—(Cheers.) I have had the honour of appearing before you several times as a composer. I hope I shall still have that honour se veral times more.—(Cheers.) I thank you from my heart, and allow me to say that I feel deeply the ex cessive honour you have conferred upon me on this and on every other occasion when I have presented myself before y ou.— (Cheers.) lam sensible of the high favour you have accorded to me; and I trust that my future professional life shall be devoted to an untiring effort to deserve your great bounty. — (Cheers.) Ladies and gentlemen, I now take leave of you for the present. thanking you heartily, and entertaining but one hope on earth—that of soon meeting you again under equally auspicious circum stances.—(Cheers.) The composer then left the stage amidst a perfect tumult of approbation ; the curtain fell, and the scene was over. It is but justice to state that the Testimonial was originally proposed by H. J. St. Leger, Esq., through whom, as Honorary Secretary, all the subscriptions were received, at Chappell s, 50, New Bond-street. The subscription amounts to - 2501., of which "sum Mrs. Chappell gave 1001. The Distin family executed Meyerbeer's famous piece Robert toi que faime on their saxhorns ; and an encore gave the audience that exquisite scene from Lucia di Lammermoor, Bel Alma inamorata, which loses that fine opera. The house appeared to be mightily pleased with the performance. The ballet of The Peri followed, and concluded the entertainments of the evening. There was a numerous audience all through, from the commencement to the close of the performances. THEATRE ROYAL ' ADELPHl.—Extraordinary at traction is announced at this favourite place of enter tainment for this evening. It is many years since Mr. Buckstone played at the Adelphi ; he appears in his own popular piece of Snapping Turtles, in which Mrs. Fitzwilliam sustains three different haracters. Mr. Webster and Madame Celeste will perform in The Trumpeter's Daughter, and dance the celebrated Polka ; and Mr. John Parry sings his historical romance of " Fayre Rosamond." SMITHFIELD CLUB CATTLE SHONV.—FFOIII an early hour on Friday until a late hour in the evening the neigh bourhood of the Horse Bazaar, King-street, Portman square, was the scene of the greatest bustle, consequent on the assemblage of hundreds of persons to witness the arrival of the splendid animals destined for exhibition at the ensuing anniversary of the Smithfield Cattle Club, as also the novel implements of agriculture, forwarded for competition on the occasion. A large number of horned cattle arrived during Thursday night and Friday, via the London and Birmingham and Great Western Railways, and presented an exceedingly fresh appearance. Mr. Gibbs, the secretary of the club, and Mr. Ayling, a gen tleman connected with the bazaar, were actively engaged throughout the day in numbering the various animals, and allotting them partitions in accordance with the grade to which they belonged. All arrangements, under the direction of Mr. Gibbs, are now finally completed. It is expected that the exhibition will this year be i n noureci by II viiit from toyelti Unit THE LATE °TWAY CAVE, M.P. The funeral of the Hon. Robert Otway Cave, M.P., took place on Saturday, from Stamford Hall, attended by a numerous assemblage of the friends and tenantry of the family. Mr. Otway Cave was only son of the late Henry Otway and the Baroness Braye, heir to this peerage, the patent of which had been lately revived, after some cen turies of abeyance, on the late Duke of Bedford resign ing his equal claim to it. He was in the 49th year of his age. He married in 1838 the eldest daughter of Sir Francis Burdett. Between Sir Francis and his son•in law there existed through life an affectionate friendship. Mr. Cave was highly distinguished for classical pro ficiency both at Eton and Oxford, Some of his Latin compositions (which, as an amusement, he occasionally indulged in even till recently) were much admired by one of the best judges—the late Marquis Wellesley. He was eighteen years in Parliament, represented Leicester, Hastings, and Tipperary ; and as his talents, discernment, and information were of a superior order, he would probably have been an influential speaker, had not the extreme delicacy of his health prevented the possibility of regular Parliamentary attendance and practice in debate. The last time he addressed the Reuse was in support of the motion condemnatory of the prosecutions of the union repeal leaders. In his political principles he was staunch, undeviating— pure and fearless in their advocacy. Of Catholic eman cipation, West Indian emancipation, tithe modification, Parliamentary reform, and every other measure offering the hope of benefit to his fellow-beings, he was an ardent supporter ; and though a man of great benevo lence, and though his pecuniary sacrifices in support of party politics (which he considered it his duty to incur) were great, so modest, self-denying, and unostentatious were his habits, that he has left his property without a shilling of incumbrance. The humbler the condition of those who sought his assistance, the more fervently and with the more sympathy was it rendered. Of the ulti mate distribution of the extensive estates in England and Ireland which were in his testamentary disposal (amount ing to at least 20,0001. a year) we have not heard. By his death there will probably be no vote lost to his party, but the void left in the Liberal ranks will be sensibly felt. But it was in private life, and by those most allied to him, that the loss of Otway Cave will be most tenderly and poignantly deplored. Nor do we think that we exceed in quoting the words of one who knew him fur thirty years—that " a disposition and amenity more en dearing, or a heart more devoted to those whom he deemed deserving of his affection, more disinterested, kinder, or more amiable was never inclosed in any human frame." To omit on this melancholy occasion some brief tribute to the memory of one so consistent and honourable in public, so good and benevolent in private life, were to be wanting to justice and proper feeling, and to one of the most grateful duties of public journalists. THE FROST. The frost still continues, but with rather diminished severity, although, from the keen and cutting wind from the north-east which prevailed throughout yesterday, the cold was most intense. The thermometer at seven o'clock in the morning, at the receiving -house, Hyde-park, was not lower than 29 degrees (3 degrees of frost), and during the day it varied only from 29 to 30 degrees, and at six o'clock the mercury was still standing at 29 de grees, with a dense and cloudy sky, and every probabi lity of a fall of snow before the morning. The parks and Kensington-gardens were throughout the day thronged by respectably-dressed persons, appa rently from all parts of the metropolis, in anticipation of witnessing or participating in the healthy exercise of seating, in which they were not disappointed. The Serpentine was entirely frozen over. It was, however, extremely thin, not being in any part more than an inch and a half thick, and was therefore most dangerous. During the day full 5,000 persons ventured at the risk of their lives upon the ice, notwithstanding the repeated cautions they received fr om the icemen of the Royal Humane Society, whose exertions to prevent accidents were most praiseworthy. , The number of ice men was twelve, with a deputy- superintendent, the whole being under the direction of Mr. Williams ' the active superintendent. Shortly after four o'clock an accident occurred which had nigh proved fatal to no less than ten persons. The first that became immersed, a young man named Charles Fane, residing at No. 3 (Harris's), Ox ford-street, broke in about the centre, between the re ceiving-house and the bridge, into six feet water. Sparks and Highmore, two of the icemen, instantly hastened to his assistance, but, on approaching the edge of the breakage, the ice gave way under their feet, and they also become immersed, the sinking man cling ing to them, and dragging them under the ice. At that juncture, others of the icemen, with other persons, came to their aid, when a third breakage tookplace, through which seven other persons were im mersed. At that instant a sailor, who happened to be present, most courageously jumped into the hole, andgot out three men, while the others were got out by the ice men, and then, jumping out himself, walked off, wetted to the skin, without his name being ascertained. One of the men gut out by him, named Martin Connell, living at 3, Barrett's-court, Oxford-street, was in a very faint state, and both he and Fane were instantly conveyed to the receiving -house, where they received every attention that their state demanded from Dr. Woolley, one of the honorary surgeons of the institution; and after a hot bath, &c., were able to proceed home. On the Round Pond in Kensington-gardens the ice round the edges was very thin and insecure, although in the centre it is very firm. About 1,500 persons were on it during the day without any accident of a serious cha racter occurring. Two of the Humane Society's icemen were in attendance with the necessary implements fur saving live. On the Long-water, that portion of the ice between the islands and the Bayswater end is most secure, while the portion towards the bridge, owing to the strong action of the north-east wind blowing through the arches, was slight and dangerous. About 2,500 per sons were during the day on the upper part, amongst whom were several members of the Skating Club, whose practised and elegant evolutions excited great admiration from the numerous and fashionable assemblage which crowded both the banks. Two icemen were in attend ance but fortunately no accidents occurred. The Ornamental Water in the Regent's Park yester day, from as early as 8 o'clock in the morning till dusk, was literally thronged with skaters and sliders. Se veral members of the Skating Club were present. The ice was in excellent condition, in thickness about two inches, and far less dangerous than in the other parks, which will account for no accident whatever having oc curred, although no less than 10,000 persons had ven tured upon the ice throughout the day. In the event of any accident the Royal Humane So ciety have had marquees erected, with the usual appa ratus, baths, beds, &e., and also medical attendance, besides nine men, a boy, and the Deputy Superintendent Berwood, whose services were fortunately not required, the latter having succeeded in keeping persons from going on to the broad and dangerous ice, and confining them to the narrow and stronger. On the lake in St. James's-park there were also from an early hour in the morning crowds of persons con tinually thronging to the ice till nearly dark in the af ternoon. The numbers who were on the ice throughout the day were upwards of 10,000, but, unfortunately, the day did not close without several serious and, it is feared, some fatal accidents. The first which took place was at about half-past 12 o'clock, when Mr. S. Pendell, of No. 5, Parliament-street, broke in up to his middle, but he fortunately got out without help, and after receiving some assistance from Mr. M'Cann, the surgeon attending the Humane Society's marquee, proceeded to his resi dence. The most serious casualties took place between three and four o'clock. The ice generally was in a very dangerous state, and about the time in question there was upwards of 6,000 persons engaged in skating and sliding. A portion of the ice gave way on the north side of the island at the east end. and seven or eight persons immediately became immersed in 14 feet of water. Iceman Jost ph Clapstone immediately repaired to their assistance, with breaker, ladders, &c., but these from the rottenness of the ice, giving way, he fearlessly sprang into the water, and with the aid of Ferrer, one of the park-keepers, • and some of the bystanders, suc ceeded in extricating five persons ; but the other two or three it is feared have met with a watery grave. Drags were used for their recovery up to a late hour. Poor Clapstone, the iceman, nearly lost his life, three of the persons struggling in the water having clung to him and carried him several times beneath the surface, so that he became completely exhousted ; he was then assisted by iceman James Wood, and on reaching the surface the last time brought up a gentleman, who was thus saved and was able to proceed home immediately. The four others rescued were immediately conveyed to the Royal Humane Society's marquee, and were promptly at tended by Mr. M'Cann, and Mr. Laslett, his assistant. They were each put into warm baths, placed in warm blankets, and stimulants were administered. Scarcely had this been effected when a similar accident took place at the west end of the lake, near Buckingham Palace, where the ice broke completely across from the northern to the southern shore, and about fifteen persons were suddenly thrown into ten feet of water. Icemen James and Richard Wood, 'and „Jo seph Knight, instantly repaired to the spot with ropes, sledge, breaker, ladders, &c., but the sledge got under the ice and was stove in. While extricating it the ladders broke in, and became useless, and the ropes which were thrown across broke several times before, with the aid of poles, the immersed persons could be got out. This having been fortunately effected in each in stance, about half of them were able to depart homewards instantly, but seven or eight were taken to the marquee, where a scene ensued which baffles all description, there being only two beds with two persons in each, and but one warm bath, with the tent literally crowded and the mob outside pressing in, mostly attracted by curiosity, but many inquiring for friends and relatives. In this state of things, however, every exertion was used by the medical gentlemen, as well as by Mr. Deputy Superin tendent Petrie, and the Society's men generally. It was, however, necessary to put three or four of these - shivering patients at - one time into the warm bath and also in each bed. The whole of these persons were able to proceed homeward in the course of the evening. The whole of the ladders and other implements were ren dered comparatively useless, and it will be necessary for Mr. Superintendent Williams to send another supply this day. The following is the list of persons who were brought to the marquee :—Thomas Wattin, 49, High-street, Bloomsbury; William Valens, 45, North-str ee t, Sloane street; Richard Taylor, 6, Baldwin's-place, Baldwin's gardens; Henry Bragg, 2, Rinaston-street, Lambeth; John Jones, 83, Chancery-lane; Will iam Elish, 6, Ame lia-street, St. Olave's; John Burden, 55, King- street, Soho; Alfred Clark, 4, Leigh-street, Red Lion-square; Samuel Harvey, 31, *Brewer-street, Pimlico; James Conquest, ditto; William Hutchins, Paris-street, North Pimlico. THE LATE EARL OP LOXSDI,LE:—The Subscription for the memorial to this nobleman amounts to 8624.35.6 d. THE SUN, LONDON, MOMDAY EVE.NING, DECEMBER 0, 1844. DR E ADFUL MURDER. (FROM A CORRESPONDENT.) BRECON, DEC. 7.—1 send you particulars of one of the most foul murders we have ever heard of, and which took place last night, about midnight. I should inform you that in this country there are many men who obtain their livelihood by purchasing butter and other provi sions, in Cardigan and Carmarthenshire, and taking them to the iron districts for sale ; and they are often compelled to travel at very late hours of night, to avoid the payment of back tolls, which in this neighbourhood are enormously heavy, it being 9d. for a single horse and cart. The poor victim alluded to was one of these men. He had sold his butter, and was returning to Cardigan shire. He left this town about eight o'clock on Friday evening ; he was in one cart, and his son, a lad about thirteen years of age, was driving another. It appears from the statement of the lad, that about two miles from this town, they overtook a man, who asked his father what he would take him to Lampeton for, and they agreed as to the price. When about half-way to Tri castle, the man, hims e lf, an d hi s f at h er , got out and walked a little way. The man asked if they were near Tricastle, and his father said they were but little more than half-way (the distance is more than twelve miles). He then paid his father what he had agreed to pay for taking him, and advised the boy to get into the front cart, and let him cover him over with some straw and tarpaulin, which he did, and he went to sleep. The horses went on, until they came to the turnpike-gate, about a quarter of a mile from Tricastle. The boy might have been here some little time asleep, when a man with a waggon came up in the opposite direction, and woke up the gate-keeper. This awoke the boy, who immediately inquired for his father, but he was not to be found. The poor boy was much distressed, and the toll-gate keeper took him to an inn in the village. It was now about twelve o'clock. In a very short time the waggoner returned riding one of his horses, saying he had found the man about a mile on, lying by the side of the road murdered. Assistance was given, and the body was brought in. At that time he was quite warm. %His death was occasioned by a pistol-shot, which passed through his hat, and entered his bead just over the right ear. The ball lodged in the bead, and has since been extracted. Death must have been instanta neous. There is not the slightest mark of any struggle. It is to be hoped that the stranger is known, though he is not yet apprehended ; and a person answering his de scription bought a pair of pistols of a tradesman in this town a few days since. It is supposed the deceased had about 701. with him, the proceeds of his two loadsof butter, but there was not a farthing in his pockets when he was found. I should add that the boy says he saw the same man in Brecon, in the afternoon, and he then asked what time his father would leave fQr Tricastle. He told him about eight o'clock. This proves that this was a most deliberate, cold-blooded murder. - - - - _ NAVAL INTELLIGENCE. PORTSMOUTH, DEC. 7.—The Cambrian, 36, Commo dore Chads, left Bombay for Madras on the 24th of October. _ _ . —______ The Columbia steam-sloop, Lieutenant-Commander Shortland, was at St. John's refitting on the 11th ult. The Harlequin, 16, Commander the Hon. G. F. Hast ings, left Singapore for England on the sth of Sept., with nearly a million dollars on board. The Pilot, 16, Commander W. H. Jervis, was at, Cal cutta on the 30th of Sept., last from Moulmien. The Savage, 10, Lieutenant-Commander J. Booker, has been daily expected at Spithead from Gibraltar to be paid off. The Serpent, 16, Commander W. Neville, was at Bom bay on the Ist of November. The Vixen steam-sloop, Commander G. Giffard, was at Singapore, repairing damages, on the 13th of Sept. The Wolverine, 16, Commander Clifford, had replaced the Harlequin at Singapore prior to the 30th of Sept. DETONPORT, DEC. 6.—The brigs forming the experi mental squadron have arrived in the Sound ; but no au thentic information respecting their sailing qualities has transpired, from the cause stated in The Sun of Mon day last. The Amethyst, 26, is reported to be launched to morrow. We believe her dimensions to be somewhat as follows Ft. In. Length between perpendiculars Extreme breadth Breadth moulded Breadth for tonnage 4O 0 Length of keel for tonnage Depth of hold Burden in tons, 911 37-96. The Canopus, 84, is reported for speedy commission, and extra hands have been put upon her to expedite her fitting. The Daedalus, 20, Captain P. M'Quhae, arrived from Woolwich on Wednesday, to receive her advance wages. The Penguin, 6, Lieutenant-Commander Leslie, left yesterday for Falmouth, to carry out the next mail to the Brazils. The Snipe cutter, Lieutenant-Commander Raymond, arrived on Wednesday from Portsmouth, with.supernu meraries. The Albion, 90, Commodore Lockyer, we believe, is ordered to this port to repair defects. In Harbour—The Caledonia, flag-ship, San Josef, Swift packet, Snipe cutter, and Confiance steam-vessel. In the Sound—The Daedalus. PROMOTIONS. Commanders—G. G. Wellesley and H.", R.ESturt, to the rank of Captain. Commander—John Clavell,Zacting, ',confirmed in the rank of Commander. Lieutenant E. Codd, to the rank of Commander. Mates—lL D. Blanckley, E. P. Fuge, R. 11. Risk, C. T. Deuch, and F. Martin, to the rank of Lieutenant. APPOINTMENTS. Commander—H. C. Otter, to the Sparrow. Lieutenants—P. F. Shortland, to command the Co lumbia, vice Harding ; J. Giles, to the Tartarus, vice Stokes, dismissed ; R. ➢laguire, additional to the Agin court ; Hon. W. B. De Blacquiere, to the Eagle ; A. G. Edge, to the Caledonia. Chaplain and Naval Instructor—J. Burrough, to the Amazon. Mate—F. F. Hawkins, to the Eagle. Surgeon—H. D. B. Kenning, to be surgeon and me dical storekeeper at Malta Hospital, vice Whitmarsh. Assistant-Surgeon—J. Whitmarsh, from Malta Hos pital, to be Dispenser at Greenwich, vice Drayton, super annuated. Midshipman—D'Arcy Preston, to the Eagle. CHATHAM, DEc. 7.—Tke Hornet, 6 gun brigantine, was paid off at Chatham this day. She arrived here from the West Indies on the 3d instant, after a passage of fifty-nine days. She experienced during her homeward voyage several calms and variable winds, which ac counted for her being behind the Griffon (which was paid off last week at Sheerness), that left Jamaica before her for nearly a week. Lieut e n a nt C. Seaver, from the Imaum, receiving-ship at Jamaica, was in command of this vessel. One corporal and eight privates of the Royal Marines disembarked and joined their head-quarters at this division. The Hornet is to be taken into dock, and refitted for commission. She has been absent seven years on the West India station, and during part of that time she was employed in the mail-packet service. The engines of the Janus, steam-vessel, having arrived from the contractors, were put on board on the 30th ult., and she has been since taken into dock 'again to complete her fittings. FIRE AT ST. PETER'S CHURCH, HACKNEY. —Yes• terday morning (Sunday), about half-past five o'clock much alarm was created in the Hackney-road, on the discovery of a fire in St. Peter's Church. Some persons were engaged in lighting the stoves for warming the building, and a portion of the pipe under the organ-loft having got red hot, the fire communicated to the wood of the gallery. A party of the N division of police in stantly procured the parish engine, and, within half an hour afterwards, several brigade and West of England engines had arrived. The water-mains were well charged from the East London works, and the engines having been set to work, the fire was very soon got under ; not, however, until considerable damage had been done. NBW NAUTICAL INVENTION.—A useful invention is now in the act of being applied to one of our men of war. It is called a " manceuvrer ;"(it:is the proposition of R. Foulerton, Esq., is an Archimedean screw fitted through the deadwood of the ship at right angles with the keel, and set in motion by the capstan, for the pur pose of turning the ship round when, from calm weather, the helm has no effect on the vessel. It does not project in any degree, so as to impede the ship's way through the water, and must be highly useful in the case of .a ship being attacked by steamers or gun-boats, in bringing the broadside to bear on them ; or it may even assist a ship in the act of staving. DARING ROBBERY.—A respectable corn-dealer, from the neighbourhood of Howden was cruelly robbed in this town on Tuesday last of 2151., with which he was proceeding to the corn-market. The villanous per petrator must have been well acquainted with the habits of his victim, and the manner in which be carried his money—in a waistcoat breast-pocket —or he could not, even in the crowd by which the parties were in all pro bability surrounded, at or near the entrance of the market, have so adroitly effected his nefarious purpose as unfortunately proves to have been the case in this in stance. The pocket, it seems, was completely cut from the waistcoat, together with the contents—a red pocket book, inclosing 20 notes of the Doncaster Bank, 22 of the Howden Bank, and one of the bank of Beckett and Co., Leeds, for 51. each-2151. The numbers of the notes are unknown, neither has the individual who sus tained this merciless pillage any suspicion of the thief ; yet unwilling to return home, he lingers in Hull with the fond hope of his property being traced. The office has been given to some of the elite of the police, but we fear it is a forlorn hope, which even their vigilance may not achieve.—Hull Packet. THE ROYAL STAG-HOUNDS.—In consequence of the extremely severe nature of the frost which has pre vailed for some days past the Royal Stag-hounds have not been hunted since Wednesday. The meet this day has been appointed to take place at Thorpe Green, in Surrey ; but, from the appearance, of the weather up to a late hour last evening, with the wind in the north-east, there is not the least probability of there being any hunting for some days. THE QUEEN DOIVAGER.—Her Majesty has trans ntitted 201. towards the fund for the erection of the new church now in progress at Broseley, Staffordshire; a donation of 201. in aid of the rebuilding of the old church, which has fallen into comparative ruin in the re tired village of Kingsweare, Devon; and 201. to the fund for erecting the proposed new church at Skirbeck, Lin colnshire, to which laudable object the Earl of Brownlow has contributed the munificent sum of 100/. ROYAL ACADEMY OF MUSIC.—The examination of candidates for the King's scholarship, which was founded by his late Majesty, with a portion of the surplus 'de rived from the festival in Westminster Abbey, 1834, will take place at the institution on the 20th of December, when one male and one female will be selected, who will received a musical education for two years gratuitously. Musical World. LONDON AND SOUTH-WESTERN RAILWAY. On Saturday afternoon a specal general meeting of the Shareholders in the London and South-Western (London and Southampton) Railway was held at the station, Nine Elms, Vauxhall, for the purpose of assenting to the va rious important projects which the Directors contemplate bringing before Parliament in the ensuing session. There was a very numerous attendance ofj Proprietors. Mr. Chaplin, the Chairman of the Board of Directors presided. Mr. ALFRED MonGarr, the Secretary to the Company, submitted a lengthened report, detailing the various pro jects in contemplation by the Directors. These projects are as follows :-1. A branch from the present Nine Elms terminus to the vicinity of the Hungerford and Waterloo Bridges and to the Thames, and from Wimble don to Epsom. 2. From Weybridge to Staines and Windsor. 3. From Woking-common, by Guildford, Godalming, and Chichester, to Portsmouth and Fare ham, including the purchase of the Guildford Junction Railway. 4. From Hook Pit Farm, on the main line of railway, to Mottisfont, on the Salisbury branch, and from Salisbury to Sherborne, and Yeovil to Dorchester and Weymouth. 5. From Basingstoke to the Great Western Railway at Didcot and Swindon. And also to amend and enlarge certain powers of the Company under their existing Acts of Parliament. The necessary sur veys, notices, and deposits have been made and given according to the standing orders of Parliament with respect to all these lines, except that from Weybridge to Windsor. With respect to the first of these, the Hunger ford and Waterloo-bridge Extension, &c., the report stated that the Directors had made arrangements with the parties who originally contemplated the continuation of this line in connexion with a railway to Richmond, the effect of which is that the South-Western Company will construct the line from Nine Elms to Waterloo and Hungerford-bridges, and the branch to Richmond will be undertaken by a separate company, and will join the South-Western line at Wandsworth. The Directors had resigned their contemplated junction of the London and Brighton line at Croydon with their own rail way at Wandsworth in favour of the Brighton Com pany. The Directors again intend to renew their ap plication to Parliament for a branch to Epsom, feeling confident that it can be worked cheaper than any other, is shorter, has better gradients, and will be connected with the best London terminus. The line from Wey bridge to Windsor the Directors have been obliged to postpone for the present year. This project is designed mainly with the view of completing the communication between Chertsey and that vicinity with London, and of affording to Staines, Egham, Windsor, and their popu lous neighbourhood the most direct communication with the southern coast, either by the present mail line to Southampton and the west, or by the projected line from Guildford through Winchester to Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight, Brighton, &c. The Directors some weeks ago purchased the Guildford branch, granted last session, the confirmation of which they now asked. After alluding to the various " direct Portsmouth" lines now before the public, the Directors went on to state that they had joined in the promotion of a line com mencing at Woking, adopting the Guildford branch, and passing through Godalming and near Midhurst and Pet worth to Chichester, from which city to Portsmouth and Fareham the line will be the same as already sanctioned by the Company. A Company has been formed for the execution of this work, and the capital has been sub scribed under the guarantee of the South-Western Com pany, to work and lease the line in perpetuity, at such rent as will give the Shareholders four per cent. on their subscriptions, and an equal interest in the surplus profits. By the proposed Hook Pit branch, on the main line between Andover road station and Winchester, to join the Salisbury branch at Mottis font, the distance between London and Salisbury will be shortened nearly eight miles. They further re ported that they had caused surveys to be made of a line from the Salisbury branch to Dorchester, Wey mouth, and Poole ; and on the necessary capital for the line they propose to guarantee in perpetuity a return of four per cent., and a moiety of the surplus earnings. From Salisbury, also, they have caused a line to be sur veyed to Sherborne and Yeovil, which will provide for all the northern parts of Dorsetshire, considerable por tions of South Wilts and East Somerset, and give all these districts their shortest road to London and the east, including the readiest communication with the ports of Southampton and Portsmouth. With respect to the lines from Basingstoke to Newbury and the Great Western Railway, the Directors had failed in an at tempt to bring about an arrangement with the Great Western Company, and they, therefore, felt that they had no alternative but to undertake the schemes them selves, recommending that the requisite capital should be provided by the Company. To provide the capital necessary for these various undertakings, the Directors recommended that there should be issued as many new schemes of 501. and of 401. as there now exist shares of those respective nominal amounts in the Company, and that the option be given to each Shareholder (except holders of the fixed five per cent. Gosport shares) of taking one new share of the same nominal amount in respect of every old share ; each such new share to bear interest of four per cent. upon the calls paid during the construction of the new works, to be payable out of the new capital. The CHAIRMAN, in a speech of considerable length, en tered into the details of these various projects, and endea voured to show that from the Guildford, Chichester, and Portsmouth, and Salisbury, and Dorsetshire lines, when their resources were fairly developed, addditional profit to the Company might be expected, and as respected the branches for which the capital was to be raised by the South-Western Company, although they might not prove as productive as the parent line, yet they would bring an accession of traffic that would be remunerative. The report was warmly received and adopted, and a series of resolutions confirmed the various recommenda tions of the Directors carried. Mr. TAYLOR, of the proposed " Cornwall and Devon Central Railway," then entered into an explanation of the public advantages which he maintained would accrue from this scheme, which, with one or two . exceptions, were very well received by the meeting. Mr. W. TITE moved a resolution to the effect that this Cornwall and Devon Central scheme would be of ma terial advantage to the South-Western Company, and that the Directors should be authorised to -give such support to it as they should deem expedient, which was agreed to. After a vote of thanks to the Directors the meeting separated. DEATH OF A GIPSY FORTUNE-TELLER , AT WANDS-. WORTH.—On Saturday an inquest was held at the Ship, water-side, Wandsworth, before Mr. Carter, on the body of Harriet Larab, aged fifty, a gipsy, who had obtained her living by professing to tell fortunes. It appeared from the evidence adduced that on Thursday morning last a lad, named Cartwright, was going to his work, when he observed the body of the deceased lying on the shore opposite to the Ship. She lay between the moor ing shores, close under the wharf-wall, over the edge of which she had apparently slipped. The lad obtained assistance, and the deceased was removed into the Ship public-heuse. Her body was stiff and cold, and there was a _ wound on her head, as _ if she had pitched with it on the spike of one of the moor ing-stones. It was further proved that the deceased had been in the Ship on the previous evening, and that she left that place the worse for liquor. Several persons who knew her saw her wandering about up to half-past eight o'clock, but they took no further notice of her, as she lived in the neighbourhood. After this time she was not seen alive, anti it is supposed that she must have soon afterwards tumbled over the wharf wall whilst making her way home, and being stunned by the fall on the mooring stones, was incapable of call ing for assistance. It was proved that the place from which the deceased fell was a public footway, that the wall was six feet in depth, but level with the path, and that although the tide rose nearly to its level there were no rails to protect people from falling over, and no lights to warn them of the danger. Several persons had been maimed for life by falling off this wall, but no attempt had ever been made to prevent the recurrence of such accidents. The jury !returned a verdict of "Acci dental Death," coupled with a request that some repre sentation of the insecure state of the place would be made in the proper quarter. The Coroner promised that the suggestion of the jury should be attended to. MAGISTERIAL COURTESY.—THE LICENSED VIC TUALLERS.—A few days ago Mr. Phillips, proprietor of the Plasterers' Arms, in Seymour-street, St. Pancras, and Mr. Deacon, of the George and Dragon, Bucking ham-street, Fitzroy-square, waited on Mr. Rawlinson, the magistrate of Marylebone—the latter to transfer his licence to the former, when the following most curious scene occurred :—Mr. Rawlinson (to Mr. Deacon)—So you have disposed of your interest in the George and Dragon ? Mr. Deacon—l have, Sir. Mr. Rawlinson— Why ? Mr. Deacon—On account of the ill-health of my good lady. Mr. Rawlinson—Good lady, indeed ! why don't you say your wife ? Mr. Deacon — The ill-health of my wife, then, Sir. Mr. Rawlinson—To whom have you sold the property ? Mr. Deacon —To this gentleman (pointing to Mr. Phillips). Mr. Rawlinson (in a rage)—Well, this is worse than ever ; why don't you say that man ; who ever heard of a gentleman being a publican ? Mr. Deacon — Well, that man. Mr. Rawlinson.—flow long had you possession of the house ?: Mr. Deacon—Just seven months. ;Mr. Rawlinson—l suppose you had some money from your brewer ? Mr. Deacon—l had, Sir. Mr. Raw linson (throwing down the licenses.)—Then take them away. I refuse to transfer them. So, to the utter sur prise of the applicants, ended the scene ; and, in what manner Mr. Rawlinson can justify his conduct we are at a loss to conceive, as there was not the slightest ground of complaint against those two named " gentlemen" pub licans, who, in their various transactions through life have been quite as deserving that appellation as the ma gistrate himself ; and if either of them sustain any loss by the extraordinary freak of the latter, we advise them to bring an action against him, to which he will certainly be liable for damages. We would recommend a manda mus to be applied for against him, for his conduct seems anything but that of a " gentleman."—Sunday Times. SEVERITY Or THE WEATLIBR.—The weather has been so severe the last few nights that the engine dri vers and stokers of the various mail trains, have arrived in town with their great coats literally covered with ice from the dew and steam freezing on them, although with so large a fire at their feet. In consequence of the seve rity of the weather the Directors on the South-eastern line have ordered that the engine-drivers and stokers on the mail trains, shall be relieved every alternate night ; and they now only run three times a week. This has been considered absolutely necessary for the benefit of the men's health. THE BANK ROBBERY AND TWO WELSIIMEN.—It is not generally known that Daniel and John Forester the celebrated Bow-street officers, are natives of Carmar thenshire. They were born at Nantycaws, three miles from Carmarthen, their father having kept the public house now occupied by Levi Llewellyn. Another brother was accidentally shot near Nantycaws.— Welshman. f THE RIVAL LINES BETWEEN LONDON AND YORK. (From the Atlas.) Perhaps the most important, in a national point of view, of all the projected railways, is that between Lon don and York, and as the interests, not merely of a lo cality, but of a fourth of the population of the entire kingdom, are concerned in it, we trust that those inter ests will not be sacrificed to any erroneous views or undue influences. As we perceive from the public ad vertisements, that the rival parties are prepared to enter the lists against each other when Parliament sits, we shall state our reasons for giving the preference to the Direct Northern line on public and national grounds, as well as on those of private advantage. Since the publication of the prospectus of the Direct Northern Railway, on the 4th of April 1844, the time has doubtless been spent in preparing the necessary preliminaries of the undertaking, such as the comple tion of the share list—the examination of the line— the lodgment of the plans and sections—the finishing of the books of reference, and other requisitions of the standing orders of Parliament. Convinced of the priority of their claim to the scheme of a direct line from London to York, we have delayed until now stating our opinion of their case, because we deemed it premature to do so before it was ready to be compared in all its integrity with its rivals. But the Parliamentary notices of the various schemes of the Di rect Northern, the London and York, and the York, Lincoln, and Cambridge lines being now published, it is easy to sea the grounds upon which the Direct Northern claims a superiority over its competitors. The principle of the Direct Northern is to take the straightest line from London to York that the engineer ing circumstances will admit of. This principle has been steadily kept in view, and minor considerations have not been allowed to interfere with it. . . The result is a line of about 178 Liles in length, which is eight miles shorter than the London and York, and more than forty miles shorter than the London and Birmingham. As compared with the lino proposed to be prolonged from Cambridge, through Lincoln to York, it is needless to say that it presents infinite advantages. The comparison of the different schemes must rest on the balance of national advantage. By the direct principle, all Scotland and the north eastern counties of England will gain. Every extra mile is a tax of two-pence upon each passenger and ton of goods, amounting on the traffic of the line to 3,0001. per mile. A loss of eight miles in the distance between London and York, and all North Britain, would, there fore, amount to 24,0001. per annum levied on the through traffic. Against these advantagos all that can be nrgod is, that the Direct Northern does not pass through certain second-rate towns situated on the old northern post road, such as Grantham, Newark, and Doncaster, with an aggregate population of 32,000 ; towns which can only be accommodated •by sacrificing directness and other towns on the same route. Thus the London and York line sacrifices Stamford for the sake of Peterborough; and Lincoln, Gainsbo rough, Thorne, and Snaith for the sake of Doncaster. If the Direct Trunk Line is constructed, branches to meet the local wants will be made to suit it, in addition to those for the accommodation of Bedford, St. Ives, Grantham, Sleaford, Newark, Doncaster, and Goole, which the present projects includes; but if the Trunk is spoiled to meet the local demands, it will be impossible ever to remedy it. If the principle of local accommodation is to be looked to exclusively, the public must adopt Mr. Hudson's line by York, Lincoln, and Cambridge ; but if a new direct communication from London to York be the primary object (as it unquestionably is), then the Direct Northern clearly has the preference. The Lateral Line with its branches, projected by the London and York Company for the accommodation of Wakefield, Lincoln, and Boston, in connexion with their main line, is nearly double as long as the whole extent of the Direct Northern's branches, and may therefore be expected to involve twice the cost. In fact, it forms a line three-fourths of the length of the main trunk. In determining the relative merits of the rival lines, it is necessary to look beyond the present, and to consult the wants and capabilities of the people of Scotland, and the large masses of population at the termini. Now it is stated by Mr. Baxendale, and other compe tent authorities, in evidence before the Select Committee on Railways, that the traffic generally doubles itself in fifteen years. The through traffic will therefore greatly increase. If circuitous lines be sanctioned there will be constant fear of new schemes, whereas, if the straightest line be in the first instance adopted, it will be safe from future competition. On the whole, we feel con fident that the direct principle is the only fair and just one, and that the population of Scotland and London will not suffer the monopoly of the Leeds and Manchester line, who have coalesced with the London and York, or the scheme of Mr. lludson to save his Midlands Rail way, to prevail over the obvious necessities of the great mass of the population. PRESENTATION OF A PIECE OF PLATE TO THE REV. THOMAS DALE, A.M. On Saturday a deputation of gentlemen of the parish of St. Sepulchre's waited upon the Rev. Thomas Dale, to present to him a handsome piece of plate, which had been subscribed for by his friends and admirers, Mr. Deputy BEDFORD, in presenting the testimonial, I said he felt himself particularly honoured in being soli cited to present this tribute. On occasions in which our grateful country rewards her distinguished defenders, the pride which we feel in successful valour is alloyed by the reflection that it has been exerted at the sacrifice of human life, and that the richest laurels ever gained by victory have always been—always—stained by a tear. On the present occasion, however, we can have no such feelings ; our satisfaction is pure and perfect, for we offer up this tribute to religion and morality, to the good pastor who, for sixteen years, has discharged the duties of his sacred office with unwearied kindness and atten tion, who has constantly enforced our duty to God and man, and inculcated the necessity of doing kindness to our fellow-creature, and has pointed out to us that this world is but the passage to another, but that it is by our con duct in that passage that we shall be received or re jected in the realms of everlasting life. Accept this tri bute, dear sir, as some proof that your labours have not been exerted upon an ungrateful flock, but that the re collection of your eminent sevices will be impressed upon our minds, though we be separated in future from your ministry. " Absent though not forgotten" is our motto, and our wish is that all happiness and health may attend you. The Rev.TUoMAS DALE acknowledged the compliment in a speech, in which he said, that this handsome tri bute, while it filled him with the deepest gratitude, would keep alive the feeling of regret at being separated from such dear and affectionate friends. He should ever pray for their welfare and happiness in this and in a better state, and the greatest blessing of his life would be to find that his labours had been so affectionately remem bered and so eminently rewarded. This testimonial has been executed Isy Mr. Turner, of Ludgate-hill. It is an epergne of exceedingly chaste and beautiful design. From an ornamental tripod base rises a shaft, expanding upwards like a convolvulus flower, and terminating in a slightly recurved border of vine leaves and grapes. The calyx of the flower supports a rich and massive cut glass bowl, forming the centre of the piece, while three branches springing from the lower part of the epergne sustain three similar cups of similar design. The upper part of the shaft boars the following inscription : " Presented to the Rev. Thomas Dale, M.A., Canon Residentiary of St. Paul's, and Vicar of St. Bride's, by a few friends of the parish of St. Sepulchre, London, as a token of their high estimation of his ministerial ser vices as an evening lecturer, during the space of 16 years, and for his great and successful exertions in pro moting the interests of the various charities of the parish-1844." The design and execution of this beautiful piece of plate reflects the greatest credit upon the highly-re spectable manufactory from whence it came. Mr. Archer, the box-book-keeper at the little theatre in the Haymarket, will take his annual benefit on 'Wednesday next, for which occasion we perceive that an overpowering programme of performances has been announced. The kindness and conciliatory disposition evinced by Mr. Archer in the discharge of his duties would have secured for him a full attendance on his be nefit night, independently of any other attraction. REINSTATEMENT OF A CONVICTED INSPECTOR OF POLICE.—Our readers will recollect that several months since a long investigation took place at Bow-street into the conduct of an inspector of the A division, of the name of Tierney, who had interfered in the most un warrantable manner with a constable named Weaver, of the F division, while taking into custody a friend of his (the inspector's), named M'Bride, for a brutal assault he had himself witnessed upon a female. After two long investigations, one before Mr. Hall, the chief magistrate, and the other, which lasted two days, before Mr. Jar dine, the inspector was convicted, and committed to a month's imprisonment without fine, Mr. Jardine declar ing him unworthy to hold any situation of trust or re sponsibility. The inspector served his time, and months have rolled on, but it appears has not effaced his memory from the police authorities; for, monstrous as it may ap pear, this same inspector, convicted of a flagrant derelic tion of duty. and held by a magistrate to be unfit for any situation of trust under Government, has been lately re instated to all the honours and emoluments he lost, and is now in the G division, which, we believe, is the first vacancy since his release from his prison, and caused by the promotion of Inspector Shackell to the Detective Force. If the public are to rely on the police for pro tection, surely they ought to have confidence in those who compose it. A grosser attack on the liberty of the subject, and more direct insult to the magistrate who convicted cannot be given; while it is a direct infringe ment of the Police Act, which declares no man con victed of crime shall be eligible to serve. This, however, only falls on the men, it appears; it clearly is not very scrupulous as to the officers. LONDON JOURNEYMEN BAKERS.—Saturday night a meeting of master and journeymen bakers was held at the New Hall, Swan-yard, St. Martin's-lane, to hear a lecture from W. Brooke, Esq., upon the nature and ob jects of the " Lendon Journeymen Bakers' Provident In stitution." He, at great length, dilated upon the object and nature of the institution, and stated its objects to be threefold, viz., to provide an asylum and re lief for the aged and infirm, and their wives or w idows, and orphans : to provide district houses for the accommoda tion, comfort, and mental improvement of the members of the institution. According to the lecturer, the be nefits of the institution wore confined to journeymen bakers residing wit hin twelve miles of St. Paul's ca thedral. The Rev. W. Harrison (morning preacher at the Magdalen) was . on Saturday elected to the office of after noon preacher in the chapel of the Foundling Hospital. MELANCHOLY CATASTROPHE. On Friday last Mr. T. T. De Lasaux, one of the coroners of Kent, held an inquest, at Whitstable, on the bodies of Edward Polhill, aged thirty-four, William Polhill, aged twenty-five, George Miles, aged thirty-two, John Mason, aged thirty-one, and Henry Pym, aged thirty-three, the whole of whom had been unfortunately drowned on the evening of Wednesday last, while passing from Whitstable to the Isle of Sheppey. Mr. Pym was a farmer, and for some years occupied an extensive farm at Leysdown, in Sheppey, but had recently retired from business, and at the ti me o f hi s melancholy death resided at Bridge, near Canterbury. His companions in misfortune were men engaged in the Coast Guard service, stationed at Whitstable, and were all highly respected by their companions in the service, as well as by the inhabitants of Whitstable and Seasalter, by whom their untimely fate is much regretted. E. Polhill and G. Miles have each left widows, with five young children ; and J. Mason, also a married man, has left a widow and one child ; the other two—viz., W. Polhill and H. Pym, were unmarried. The jury having been sworn, proceeded to the Coast Guard station-house to view the bodies, which presented the melancholy spectacle of five human beings, in the prime of life and full of health, hurried into eternity without a moment's warning, as may be conceived by the evidence adduced. Mr. Aldridge, Chief Officer of the Coast Guard Ser vice at the Seasalter station, stated, that shortly after four o'clock in the afternoon of Wednesday he directed E. Polhill, chief boatman, and his companions W. Pol hill, G. Miles, and J. Mason, to proceed to sea in the " four-oared gig" on duty, to watch the various craft that might be rounding the Shellness point, and also to proceed to the station at Shellness, and communicate with the chief officer there. Mr. Pym, who was at Whit stable at the time, asked his permission to be allowed to pass over in the boat to the Isle of Sheppey, which he assented to, and the five left the beach on board the boat for the above destination. He (the witness) saw no more of them; but the men not returning all night, fears were entertained for their safety, and he on the following day went in search of them, and between one and twe o'clock in the afternoon of Thursday found the bodies of E. and W. Polhill, Pym, and Miles, lying on the Ponard Sands, and the boat a short distance from them, lying on her larboard side. On further search the body of Mason was found in the water with an oar under him, appa rently as though he had attempted to save his life by its assistance. The whole of the men were perfectly sober when they put to sea, and were well known as being steady and careful men. Witness believed that their deaths were caused by the capsizing of the boat, caused by a heavy swell of the sea, which often takes place by the meeting of two tides near the place where the bodies were found. Charles Foreman, a dredger, of Whitstable, stated that he was in a punt near the Pollard oyster-grounds on Wednesday last, shooting wild fowl, and saw a boat crossing towards Shellness, and noticed that she was going at a fast rate, and shortly after he lost sight of her, when he supposed those who were in her had lowered the sails. On the following day he found the body of Miles, and gave information of the fact, and shortly after the other bodies were found. When he first saw the boat on Wednesday, there was no other vessel of any description on the water with which it could have come in collision by accident or otherwise. Captain Blair, R.N., inspecting officer of the district, was in attendance, and at his suggestion several ques tions were put to the above witness, as to whether it was prudent to allow a boat of the description to go to sea in the then state of the weather ; and also as to whether the men who bad charge of the boat were proceeding to their destination in a proper direction ? To which questions the witness replied, that there was nothing. in the weather that would prevent any one going to sea for such purpose in a boat of that kind, and had he been going, he should have proceeded in the same direction as he saw the boat, without any idea of its being unsafe to do so ; but he stated that at times the passage across was a difficult one, arising from what was termed by the seafaring men of Whitstable a "hollow," or " counter sea," occasioned by the general tide and by the water flowing through the " East Swale," which divides the Isle of Sheppey from that part of the coast of Kent. Captain Blair explained that he, had merely required those questions to be put to the witness, who, being a seafaring man of the place, might be better able to show if danger was to be apprehended at the time the boat went to sea, and not that he (Captain Blair), considered there was, as, in fact, he himself was at sea in exactly the same description of boat at the same hour on Wednesday, in which they stretched out full three miles, passing on from Reculver to Whitstable. No other evidence being adduced, The CORONER addressed the jury, calling their at tention to the facts elicited ; and remarked, in the ab sence of further evidence, and almost certainly with the whole that could ever be produced, he felt justified in say ing that the deceased had come by their deaths by purely accidental circumstances ; in which opinion the jury concurred, and returned a verdict of " Accidentally drowned," levying a small deodand on the boat. THE STEAM-ENGINES OF THE RETRIBUTION. (FURTHER PARTICULARS.) After some preparatory trials the engines were set to work on Friday, and several persons distinguished for scientific acquirements or mercantile eminence, received invitations to witness the performance. No inconsider able number of gentlemen attended, and several ladies. We are glad to see such a deep interest taken in the suc cess of our steam navy, for one of greater national im portance hardly exists. There was no pleasant trip on the occasion to give excitement, for the vessel was lying the whole time fast bound to the dock pier, but so far from it as to permit the paddle-wheel freely to revolve. The mere performance of the machine, and wonderful it was, excited the highest interest. As we approached the vessel we saw the immense wheel, 34 feet in diameter—the paddle-boxes which cover them standing high above the top sides of the ship, and looking, we must say, unsightly—throwing the water away with great rapidity, and though that was no index to the rite at which the vessel would move were she at liberty, the velocity with which the water was thrown past the ship was a sufficient test of the vast power which was at work within. It has been said, in depreciation of man's faculties, that he " dashes the water to hasten the speed of the cataract ;" but each of the mighty wheels of the Retribution, as it revolved, gave rapid motion to a body of water that may be ap propriately styled a river. It made as much ferment as a little cataract, and it raised the water to which it gave an impetus. The wheels, however, were not at full work, for only half the float boards were on, yet the rush of the water filled us with astonishment. So dis turbed and so aeritied the usually still waters of the dock probably nevsr were before. We entered the ship, expecting . to find her trembling with the exertion. She was perfectly still. Not a vibration was felt. We descended into the engine-room, convinced that so great a power could not be exercised without considerable elatter, but it was working almost as noiselessly as the heavenly orbs. It did not tick as loud as an eight-day clock, and yet it was raising and sending astern, on either side, a long stream at the rate of eight or nine miles an hour. We saw cranks, weighing each thirteen tons, moving backwards and forwards, and they were perfectly silent. Such great power, combined with such a total absence of every kind of noise, as is exhibited by these two noble engines, is, perhaps, no where to be found, except in the works of nature. We were astonished, too, at the large space prepared for the machinery, and at its compactness. The two engines, with their boilers, which occupy the whole breadth of the ship, weigh no less than 540 tons. They occupy nearly one-third of the tonnage of the ship; but they are as compact and well arranged as they are powerful, and every part of them is easily accessible. If any man get entangled with the machinery it must be by his own fault ; he can move about amidst it as com fortably as in a parlour. The whole, too, is as simple as it is compact and gigantic. Four cylinders, two to each engine, each cylinder 72 inches diameter, occupy the hold of the vessel; and the double cylinders giving motion to one beam must work identically. The smallest deviation would cause a waste of power. The two legs, though they each contribute equally to move forward the body, do not work so pre cisely together as Messrs. Maudslay's double cylinders. By their invention a great power is obtained in compa ratively small space, and the immense wheel receives its impetus from a short and slow stroke. Abaft the cy linders, but with an ample space betwixt, the boilers are placed, and the stoker's-room seemed no more confined or heated than a well-warmed kitchen. With all this power and ingenuity great neatness is combined. The cylinders are cased with mahogany, and instead of the places about the engine being like a dirty smithy, they resemble rather a ladies' drawing-room. After admiring this wonderful union of power, simpli city, order, compactness, and neatness, remembering that the Retribution is to be what the Victory and the Queen Charlotte were, the means of ensuring the safety of the nation, we could not help asking ourselves how many generations of small farmers and spade husbandry men, whose gradual disappearance it is at present the fashion to regret,land whose restoration is the object of so many prayers and wishes, it would require to construct such a model of skill ? By similar instruments has Great Bri tain in past times been made triumphant—by such in struments must she be henceforth defended; and they are blind admirers of her great maritime superiority, and her national independence, who would impede the increase of those classes who construct such admirable machines. Naval victories, it is conclusively shown in the present number of Blackwood's Magazine, are far more decisive) of the fate of empire than land battles. Those wiles form a contrary opinion derived it from contemplating; the naval battles of something less than a century a go . But the writer in Blichwood only described half the value of our great naval victories. They were obtained at a comparatively small cost of human life. The great battles won by Lord Howe, Lord Duncan, Lord St. Yin.. cent, and Lord Nelson cost the country less than 5,00i1 men, or less than fell in each of several of the battles in t the Peninsula. The reason is, that disabling machinery., instead of slaughtering human beings decides the fate cti naval warfare, and the more machinery is used the leae bloody will be naval encounters. The more it is used the more time and labour it requires to equip a fleet, ana the more decisive will be those victories which destroy it. At the same tune, the more complete is the machi-• nery the more certain will be the success. We look, therefore, on this invention, and such works as those et Messrs. Maudslay, as having a greater value than merely strikes the eye, impressive as they are. They are the means of securing the national independence and the national superiority. The Hon. H. T. Liddell, M.P., has arrived at Rao vensworth Castle from Eslington House, on a visit to hit noble and venerable parents, Lord and Lady Ravens. worth. During Christmas holydays Ravensworth Castle) will be full of vissitors, and old Ei iisla hospitality wilt b. dispensed in bounteous profusion.. •-• 11,