The Sun. — London, England, 1844-02-05 00:00:00

roiks! tefi sr olici-:, Eng KI to , hit& pidly. BtON.EY AND COMMERCIAL NEWS -.- CITY, QUARTER TO THREE. In the Liver Pool Cotton Market on Saturday a fair busi ;eas was done, at firm prices. Sales, 7,000 bales—viz., 200 .furat, at Iv. t 6 41d. ; 40 Egyptian, 'at 84d. ; and the rest ,I,l2nerican, at 54d. to 61d.—'rhe• •Share Marlet closed firm. ..ssiiirraingham and Gloucester New, 171 ; Grand Junction •;.i - ; Great Western; 112 ; South Western Eighths, 171 ; t v . o rth Alidland, 96 ; Paris and Lyons, 2/. 13s. ; Rouen and ' lsi vre• 14 ; South Eastern, 351 ; and ditto New, 361. __There are not. any Colonial arrivals this morning, and tits delivery of the morning mails was very late, owing let t ti ers from the heavy f a ll s o f snow t h at h ave ta k en p l ace. Th e the manufacturing districts continue to-read ai• 1/fact4 TilY, as respects the prospects of trade. The alight increase th a t h as b een ma d e i n th e i ssues o p notes by the Directors of the Bank of England, 7 aPPears by the returns referred to on Saturday, tends to ,sTmonstrate, however, that the demand for accommodation at bank and its branches in various parts of the country, have 1 1 0 t .been, by any means so considerable as was anti • e 'Pated. No doubt great caution in this respect continues to be obs er , for ed by the Court of Directors, the more so as the mania _ r s peculation in cotton, in railways, and in mining shares 4 PPears to be rapidly on the increase. There is an opinion t rev alent, that before the middle of the year, the Bank will g a sess a sum in -bullion not far short of 20 millions sterling. Y e very arrival from South America, large remittances are !/Pected t o b e rece i ved for some t i me to come, and at the pre s ~,, ent moment there is scarcely any demand for ex rirtation• The orders for foreign gram, in anticipation sho r t crops in this . country, do not at the present :omens demand the slightest attention. It is true, that ;r u t a month or six weeks back, there were many who ticipated a large importatation in the spring, but the high f_te that at . present rules, and which is likely to con ks,trie,ec in 'no immaterial degree, the furor fat at the time we have referred to prevailed favour of speculations in foreign grain. At any r ye, the Directors of the Bank of England are now in a 9o ,t`eical to answer demands upon them, for the exportation of 3TeriPireeloll.B metals, to the extent of four or five millions ag, without there being the least necessity for putting sa the screw. N A firm market has r u led for the British Securities to-day. 9 '1 130 1s for Aloney and Account have advanced, the former from 3 ti n a i to 9 71, and the latter from 971 to 971. At the present but 1 0,0011 ; are scarcely so high. The Commissioners bought bac" ~,- ', ° o o/ . Consols at 974. The Reduced Three per Cents. tio '° fluctuated only from 981 and 981. A quota is: is given for the New Five per Cents. namely, , It is some time since any transaction occurred o ur Stock, and their prices were very considerably lower, o - Q _ 4r n 'enlary serves correctly. Bank Stock was last quoted 134.sturday at 1931, but now sales cannot be effected above g;:',Eiehequer Bine remain at 678., 695. premium, and India nus at 82s. premium. p A n improvoment must be noticed in most of the Foreign nds this m orn i ng . A us t r i an Fi ve p er C en t s . were worth ilu in verted, .Belgian, 106 ; D u t c h Five per Cents. 1011 : Portuguese .6,,,c ver ted, 48 ; the Old Five per Cents. 751 ; the Spanish r,'Lives have risen from 23 to 231 1, and the Three per ,ents. from 311 to 321 1; Mexican and Portuguese Stocks a l'e a trifle higher than they were on Saturday. si. A very var ied, market has prevailed for Railway h _ ga res to-day. The most important features are a ill', in the London and Birmingham Shares to premium ; and in the Great Western to 38 reltiurn. Most of the other Shares are in the shade, under . s a tarday's rates. Lond on an d W es t m i ns t er B an k Sh ares ‘ra rather lower, namely, at 4/ premium. BRITISH FUNDS THIS DAY AT ONE O'CLOCK. (From the Official List) t l ahk Stock 19214 192 :Per Cent. Reduced Annuities ...........».».•••• 9e/4 ' lier Cent. Consols. Annuities 97% ?,,, per Cent Reduced Annuities ....... ew 334 per Cent. A nn uities 11174 1 Long Annuities, Expire sth Jan. 1560 l2 13-141% India Bonds,l,ooo 1 32 MN - Ditto under 1,000 Bl Consols for Account 9 7%%% Exchequer Bills laid. 134 d 1,000/. . 5001. Ditto Small , 69 6O pm. FOREIGN FUNDS THIS DAY AT ONE O'CLOCK. Austrian Bonds, 5 per Cent . .......... ................ 115 . _lielgian Bonds, 5 per Cent... ....... ...-...... ..... 106 zraxilian Bonds 5 per Cent. Ditto for the Account . ....... Spanish Bonds, Five per .... . ............. Ditto for the Account 23% %34 I Ditto Three per Cent. Ditto for the Account Mutch 34 2 Cents 5 ` ,14 Dutch 5 per per Cents lOl% PRICES OF SHARES THIS DAY AT ONE. 1%,_,• kAILWAMII. PAID. PEA SNARL 1417. 11,1 2 ham and Gloucester—. 100 '74 ..... .... to 73 COI and . Exeter 7O 69 ..... .... to ...As t ern Counties - 1-litto Gr N ew 25 12% to —.. eat Westent Gri l to 14 Shares , _and Junction IOO Kindon and Brighton so ..... .... 4614 ...... to 45 34% i . 7, 1 2c10tt and South Western 'Hid and Carlisle 5 ..... .... 514 ..... to ..- ,ularid Counties lOO .... .... 93 ?... rw ieh and Brandon p ' o l , y t eastle and Darlington Junct. 15 hem and Eastern . Paris and Orleans Pa ris and Rouen Rouen and Havr e.•. sc 'eth Eastern and Dover .... 50 ........ 35%% ••• to ,pitto Scrip .. '" '25 - 1 rk and North Midland , Ditto New Shares 2O ..... .... 57 ' ,l- ANcnr.sTr STOCK EXCHANGE, FEB. 3.—We have a pgrilli_tt market to-day, there is no material alteration in I, , ,.`"• —. Alanctie s t er and Leeds Half Shares, 49; Manches 3ancl Birmingham, 391 to 4; Newcastle and Darlington, ,‘,.• Manchester and Leeds Quarter Shares, 94 to i; South rf tltern, 77 to 774. CLOSING PRICES. St "Ic BRITISH FUNDS. S Stock ~ Per Cent. Red. ` 3 %Per Cent. C 0, ,.... .. 97% Ditto Old Annuities 961 b,1 4 . 1) " Cent. Red lo2i Ditto New Annuities.. New -w 3% per Cent i .. 5 Per Cent. "I,if Annuities to expire Ditto 5mi11..... 69 pm '-, 111 . 1 860 ~et. 1859 44 ' I b6o .. 4.14 '5 FOREIGN FUNDS. 1n 5 cen .. Portngele , Pe r cent• " R ilti g i ln & pe p" ent t. --r atilian b Bor r id c s.... ...... 79 Prussian, 5 per cent.... • ..... !lance Ayres 6 per cent. Russian. 5 pe . reent...... telsc • , 11ilian, 6 per cent. Ditto , 111 e entomb: an, 6 per cent... 12} Spanish, 5 per cent 24 Ditto, 1824 — Ditto, 3 per cent.... 321 Cuba Bonds, 6 per cent 93 Ditto, Deferred.... . 13 banish, 3 per :ent — !French, 5 per cent. —f. —c. Creek, 1825, 5 per cent —i Exchange ...... .... —f. —c. 4 lxican, 5 per cent — !French, 3 percent. —f. —c. isuitto, 6 per cent. 1837 Dutch, 21 per cent. 55% r truvian, 1825,6 per ct. Ditto, 5 per cant.... 101% SHARES. , Birmingham and Derby (100 paid) Bristol and Exeter (70 paid) ... ...... Eastern Counties (23 paid) lO% Ditto New Shares (25 paid) .... Edinburgh and Glasgow (50 paid) — Ditto Registered (12% paid) ... ..... . 141 Gravesend, Rochester, and Chatham (2% p) 2i Great Western (75 paid) ... 112% Harwich Extension (2 paid) ... .. .......... .. 2% Itarr ogate and Knaresboro' ( 3 paid) ..... 3 % Hull L and Selby (50 paid) .. 6O endon and Brighton (50 pa d) . London and South Western (41/ 6s 10dpd) 78 L . Ditto Eighths (15s. paid) .., 2A london and Croydon Railway (Trunk) ... 17 , ler .wich and Brandon (2 paid) ••• •• ..... , 4 , 1 . 1 arts and Rouen (20 paid) ... . ... ............ 0 4 Ro uen, and H avre ( 6 pa id) 14% South Eastern and Dover (50 paid) •. 35 % Ditto Scrip (25 pa id) Yarmouth and NorwiDh (13 paid).......... 18 % -York and Scarboro' Branch (2% paid) 20% riZ • FINE ARTS. e Were f avoure d on Th urs d ay l as t w ith a p r i v ate m ot; of som e p i eces of sculpture, which are intended to t he Pediment o f th e new Royal Exchange. The th e -."" who has undertaken them is Mr. Westmacott, rie emi nent sculptor, and he has shown great chaste -It,.an simplicity in his designs, and, so far as he tok,. l e , t Proceeded—for the work is by no means ttir e v eat skill in his execution. The sculp t° kennsists of several figures, all bearing reference e o l ot e teantile life, which are grouped on either side a sal, l / 4 0 figure of Commerce, upwards of nine feet se groups are for the most part detached we see a British and a foreign mer qh°,.' en aged apparently in conversation with each tim e ' *nile close beside them stands a Persian 1 0° 1 *; and i n anot h er, a sa il or w h o i s t y i ng u p a . Pen goods, while an agent is looking on, with a %.01 h is hand, as if about to take an inventory of Ple tal se Parate arti c l e . The whole produces a very itpls,4lg effect, and has the merit of being strictly tYe4P ri ata, and intelligible at the first glance to (011 4 , 8 Peetator. Mr. Westmacott deserves praise Plg Ivl l i eh vnlg rejected all fantastic mythological designs, „w, ould have been utterly out of keeping in a elhl 4 ,..'ge the Royal Exchange. With it it is impos ture. "" associate classic ideas or images. The sculp- Ite x ; . we understand, will not be finished till May TIT ht., 4 LATE CASE OF EXTORTION AND MURDER AT St 11.,1411433.—1t will be recollected that on Thursday hil--,..._""ourough-street Police-court, a miscreant, who of No. 1 16, -- a to be Joseph Burgen Smith, gentleman, l'i tot vnirumond-street, Euston-square, was fully committed tr 0 ,._7 4 1 at the Central Criminal Court, for extorting money )tlt gt h I. r d Abingdon's butler, under a threat of charging him Itte.,-"aving committed a most horrible offence.l Governor, has h h as is itsce-wqxtion in New at Mr. Cope, the G th at lrtinesi that the prisoner has assumed a name,welfare the pnabnlide tt, oit t's is Jt,lan Bottle, aged 32, in whose we account of his 1t,,i,;40Me interest a few years since, at pig' it is said, been innocently charg o e n d ith l a B33 7ur i% d i e r r . q, c, ,Mustead, near Woolwich. In November s ng ist liti ze uodi, a gentleman residing, and b arsenic 1 41 11 ,.. °f Property, in that village, was murdered posses . i . y a large her,b adrninistered in his breakfast coffee, and severatlhrmoeumgh iirt,l°f his family nearly shared a similar fate th e - flis _"' l ng of the poisonous draught. Suspicions reti . on e Vraa7Vo-ualned prisoner (the murdered man's grandson,n liv e e rr oated, and at the Coroner's inquest, w b h en h se l e as n te t d o ki...,_aYs, evidence was adduced of his having e . (1,,', 'nmething in the coffee-kettle on the morning of the . .. Y on which the murder was committed, besides his utter wouldas e ns that he wished his grandfather was dead, *— then come into possession of 1,0001. a iizether with other facts indicative of his guilt, warranted .t year, which, i l i,„i . lirt in returning a verdict of " Wilful murder " against 4 ",'.. ilis trial took place at Maidstone assizes in the suc e4Tr month, before Mr. Justice Gazelee, Mr. Adolphus 112`moting the prosecution, and Mr. Clarkson and Mr. Bod ;- iefending the accused. It occupied two entire days, and Zmulated in an acquittal. The decision of the jury pro intl the utmost excitement in Court, and was hailed with its4Mintostlivelyindgemonstrations of satisfaction and applause, a strong prejudice against his relatives for piroi tang. him. Circumstances, however have since trans at t. winch further dispel the mystery of the murder, but A f ue :ntesent period it would not be prudent to detail them. .1 0 .17 r nOnths since he was charged with stealing 501. from te l lac ii rd r i t a i . ther- in-law, who resides in St. John-street, Smith as, bui he managed to abscond, and had not been th ara : . f until he Was apprehended on the present infamous ()Nazi:l4l:4l,de Bronstein, Chamberlain to the late Duke Jety n ,,„ ` - °burg Gotha, arrived at the Brunswick Hotel, illg C . Peet, on Saturday last, bearing dispatches announc• i ' 4l 3 tr - "emise of his Serene Highness. His Excellency, who t ostaaavelled with the utmost haste, was detained two days 1 , 14 4 3 bY th inlemency of the weather, Which ‘CCSUIte ~eueai orauheuticiatelligonce. THE SITIC LONDON, MONPAY EVE2-1 1 -1444 , FEI3R trAll 11, 1844. America with respect to the Oregon Territory. He wished to ask if those negotiations were- still pending, or whether their had been a cessation of them. _ dered to the public. Honourable Gentlemen would . :collee - 4- that - with - respect to a ll p r ivate Cerra-r "m ereial Bills, excepting Railway Bills, were subject to the jurisdiction of the Board of Trade, . and he thought it would be advisable that some similar jurisdiction should be allowed, which would give the same right of supervision to the Board of Trade. He wished that this matter should be brought under the consideration of a Committee of the House, and his proposal would refer not only to new companies, which might come be fore the House, but alsa that existing companies might be subjected to such arrangements as the Committee might suggest. It was true that it might be difficult to make any rule which might be generally applicable. to such different circumstances, but he had no doubt of the right to interfere in the matter. But there was an unusual disposition to restrain the exercise of that right within the limit of moderation. The exercise of that right, however, at the present moment, on the ground of any general malver sation, or general exaction, by Railway Companies, would not, in his opinion, be justified. He excluded such consideration from the notice of motion. At the same time it included the consideration of such arrangements with regard to railroads, as Parliament would recommend. The time was now come when capital abounded to an unprecedented degree, and parties were seeking for some mode of investing it. Under these circumstances it was natural to expect that it would take a direction towards the extension of railways. It was natural to expect under those circu ms t ances , that there would be a disposition t o make propositions to Parliament for the establishment of com pleting lines.—(Hear, hear.) This suggested grounds for serious • and delicate consideration. But his experience of railway systems informed them that they must not rely too much on the statements which were put forward. The consequence of allowing competing lines would be in many instances an increase of ex , action ; it would be a mere multiplication of monopoly for such were the facilities of combination that such a competition only would be a course very far from that which wisdom would dictate. Parliament need, there fore, well consider what course they would adopt with regard to lines recommended as com peting lines. Those observations were not " in tended to apply to local lines which were re commeded by the national construction of the country, and the local traffic they were likely to have. But while Parliament had many strong grounds to avoid the practice of unlimited competing lines, existing Railway Companies had many motives to look themselves to the disposition on . the part of the people, and it was far better for their own interest if they made terms with Parliament satisfactory to the general feeling of the public, and to expose themselves to the opposition of competing lines. There was one subject upon which it was desirable that some arrangement should be made. He alluded to the neglect of third class carriages ; he did not mean to en force upon railway companies such an increase of ac commodation in the' third class of carriages as would break down the general arrangement which they adopted—those who were willing to pay from first and second-rate carriages ought to have additional comfort, but he thought it matter of im portant concern, whether those whc had not the means of paying for the higher class carriages ought not to covered from the inclemency of the weather.—(Hear, and cheers.) There was a great deal of feel ing on the subject out of doors, and the feeling was one which was likely to increase. He was ; exceedingly desirous that no inconvenience should be occasioned by the proceeding now recommended to parties engaged in promoting Mills. He should propose the nomination of this Committee, with an interval as short as possible, he would then proceed to business, and lay before the Committee, on the part of the Go vernment, such propositions as they were prepared to make. The examination of those, whose evidence it was desirable to obtain, they would then report; the general conclusions of the Committee at a period as early as possible, in order that, on all points in which steps were taken with regard to Bills before the Honse, no inconvenience or delay should arise. He was not aware that there was any other particular which he need state to the House, and would now place the motion in the hands of the Speaker. Mr. LABOUCHERE said he did not rise for the purpose of objecting to the proposition of the Right Honourable Gentleman. He was glad to hear that the Government had brought it forward, because great good would Ibe likely to result 'from their having , done so ; but if he understood the Right Honour able Gentleman, the Committee was to examine , the whole subject of the present position of the , Legislatu;e with regard to railways ; if he under , stood the Right Hon. Gentleman ; he said that whenever Railway Companies came before the House, , asking for privileges or extension of powers, the House had a right to impose on them what , conditions they thought proper to insist on. If he understood the Right Hon. Gentleman rightly, it intentiontormeferthe. T the whohlee Right quest Hoyt. iono G fraelilitlwaey: man ili n legislation s to' this coniitte had expressed a hope, in which he was sure every one would join, that these questions might all be amicably settled with the different Railway Companies, and that he did not despair of the Committee being enabled to make recommendations to which all the - Railway Companies of England would equally be willing to agree. He was afraid, however, that the terms of the motion would preclude the Committee from considering the case of any railway company which did not come before the House for a new Bill; and he sug gested to the ißight Hon. Gentleman the propriety of making the terms of his motion more comprehensive, so as not to preclude the Committee from taking into their consideration the subject of railway legisla tion generally.—(Hear, hear.) He agreed in the greater part of what had fallen from the Right Hon. Gen tleman. On one subject, however, he differed from him. He disagreed from that part of the Right Honourable Gentleman's speech, in which he states that he consi dered it may be adviseable for the Government and the Right Honourable Gentleman to enter into some sort.of compact with the existing Railway companies, to pre- Aent the construction of competing lines of railssay.— (Hear)—He thought that in some cases competing lines of railway might be necessary, in order to secure to the public the benefiss of competition.— (Cheer.) At all events, they could do no harm. They would secure the public against the monopo y of carriage possessed by some of the railway companies. For instance, the Great Western and Southampton were, to a certain extent, competing lines, and the consequence had been a reduction in the r rices of carriage. lie had recently, at one of the stations on the Southampton line, seen parcels directed to Bath. He had inquired, and had been informed, that they were competing with, the Great Western line, and that when they had a branch to Salisbury, there would exist a still greater degree benefit o the f public.—(Hear, competition, be.ear w, ha r hi which ) would The undoubtedly R Gentleman had stated too p os i t i ve l y t h at no advan age could be derived from competing lines.—(Cheers.) He was sure the public would" feel much obliged to the Right Hon. Gentleman for having directed his attention to the high rate of fines charged for third-class pas sengers.—(Cheers.) Any one who bad travelled on the continent could not but be struck with the beneficial effects ilproduced by low third-class fines. There _ _ Sir R. PEEL said, if he recollected rightly, that the British Government had originated communications with the Government of the United States as to the extreme advantage of proceeding amicably to some arrangement for settling the matter in dispute ; certainly the answer received to that communication justified them in hoping that by this time some progress towards an arrangement would have been made. All he could state now was, that the British Minister who had gone out, had very full instructions on that subject, Mr. HUME asked if the Right Hon. Baronet had any objections to lay on the table of the House the papers relative to that subject ? Sir R. PEEL said, that as these papers related to a matter of so much importance, he thought the Hon. Gentleman would take the wisest course in not pressing for their production. After a few words from Mr. HUME, Lord STANLEY said that if the lion. Gentleman waited, it was possible more precise informationcould be given. labourers went to thei r wor k o f a morning by railway, while here the exorbitant fines demanded for third-class passengers pressed most heavily upon the humbler c lasses.—(Loud cheers.) The county generally was indebted to the Right Hon. Gentleman for the attention he had paid to the subject of railways.—(Che ers .) Mr. GLADSTONE was anxious that the attention of the Committee should be directed in the first instance to those Railway Companies which were about to apply to that House for additional powers. He hoped that he should shortly be enabled, with the consent of all the existing Railway Companies, to submit the general sub ject of railway legislation to the Committee, and nothing could be easier than to enlarge the powers from time to time by instructions.—(Hear, hear.) Mr. ROEBUCK was glad that the subject had been brought under the consideration of the House. He thought they ought to have no half-and-half measures in relation to this subject. A great revolution had been made in our several relations by the in troducti o n of the railway system. Parliament had in fact created certain monopolies, and he asked the Right Hon. Gen tleman to go into the whole subject and not con tent himself with legislating in those cases merely in which railway companies might apply for fresh powers. A monopoly had been created of the extraordinary advances we had made in physical science which could not have been dreamed of twenty years ago. (LEFT SPEAKING.) the French people. It was not for him (Lord A.) to say co-operate with the Noble Duke in has efforts ' i *hat would be the residt - ofsiich Pi•opositions;huthls Hof r trfrolillite the happiness, the morals, and the indepen ; and Lbarned. Friend, and the House might rest' assured dente of the people. _ He_ agreed with the Noble Duke ' that nothing should be done that in any degree might respecting the expediency, the policy—and he would impair the means of suppression of the abominable tratfio say, the duty—of promoting the manly recreations of the in slaves. He could assure the House that the French poor, whenever they were placed und, r restraiut,nothing the detestable traffic. There certainly was a feeling bu : paramount necessity could justify the restriction, abroad in France that the mode of putting it down was Lord CAMPBELL said that he hoped their Lord not consistent with th e i r f ee li ngs o f nn ti ona l h onour an d s hip s wou ld no t sanction the Bill of the Noble Duke, dignity. His Noble F r i en d h a i given an unanswerable re- which would have the effect of encouraging gambling ply to this by reminding their French neighbours that we and Making all kinds of bets reeeverable in Courts of Law. equally conceded the same right on our parts, and as Lord DE NMAN thought the Noble Duke had a right we gave the right of sear c h our five or six ships for one to complain that when lie had agreed to postpone his we gave up more than they did ; yet we did till Noble Lords thought proper to enter into a dis not in the slightest degree consider ourselves dishoL cussion of it. He (Lord Denman) thought that, the' houred by it. He entirely agreed with the Noble Earl whole Bill ought to tie referred to a Select Committee. in thinking that instead of its being a desirable arrange- The Duke of RICHMOND said that the gamblers ment or a good per se, he wished that some mode could against which he meant to legislate had no 'characters to be devised for repressing the Slave-trade without it as he lose, and cared not what risk they incurred. He entirely looked on it rather as an inconvenience than a burden. agreed with his Noble Friend the Lord. Chief Justice, They must always keep in mind one of his propositions and therefore suggested that the Order of the day for in dealing with this question. One of these was, that the second reading of. the Bill be referred to a Select when England had entirely. abolished her own slave Committee. A hundred thousand pounds might be bet trade, she had done nine parts out of ten of what was upon a horse in London, if the better could learn her own duty, and that; strictly speaking, it was that intelligence of the winning horse by a carrier alone which she could be called on to do, anything beyond pigeon or by any other means, and what was that being in the nature of a work of supererogation. more that bet could be legally recovered as was God forbid that they should in the slightest degree re- lately decided. That debt was recoverable at common lax from their efforts to repress the slave trade, and law, but if the money was bet fairly at the race it could that having washed their own hands of the stain, they not be recovered ; if they bet at a race at which no should not for the sake of humanity and of Africa, money had been contended for, then the bet was reco seek other nations to do so also. One thing verable. In fact, the present law was full of they must also always bear in mind that though bsurdities, and was xery well worthy of the attention they were philanthropists ' and statesmen legislating of their Lordships. The Noble Duke concluded by for Africa, they were also European and English states- moving the discharge of the order of the day.—Agreed to. men, and that their primary, object must now be the The Duke of RICHMOND said he would, to-morrow, preservation of peace among the nations of Europe. in all probability, bring in a Bill on the subject himself. They must not risk that first and greatest blessing for It was then ordered that the laws relating to gaming 'the sake of any work of supererogatiou or humanity. be referred to a Select Committee of their Lordships. To do so would be the most preposterous attempt any (LEFT SITTING.) great nation could engage in. STATE OF IRELAND. The Duke of WELLINGTON—Seeing the Noble Earl (Fitzwilliam) in his place—rose to inform him that it-was not his intention to oiler any opposition to the motion of the Noble. Earl relative to certain accounts and returns ralative to the military and police in Ireland. He stated this' in the hope that the Noble Earl might continue to forbear all reference to recent events in Ireland. Earl FITZWILLIAM said he had no inclination whatever to break the understanding which prevailed as to the expediency of abstaining from all allusion to Ireland at present. He was glad to hear that the Noble Duke and her Majesty's Ministers did not intend to offer any opposition to the motion he was about to make. .his Lordship then moved for the production of accounts, according to notice.—Agreed to. Lord Null MANBY, from the same wish not to in dulge in any remarks On events now pending in Ireland, deferred his motion on the state of Ireland till Tuesday, 13th inst. between the present time and that day, he would announce to the - House the precise shape in which he meant to make his motion. If it was probable that the trials would not terminate by that day, he would give due notice of further postponement. OPERATIONS IN CHINA. The LORD CHANCELLOR communicated to the House that he had received a letter from Admiral Parker, acknowledging the vote of thanks of this House for the gallant conduct of her Majesty's naval force en gaged in the operations in China. His Lordship then read the letter, which was dated from her Majesty's ship Cornwallis, Hong-Kong, June 15, 1843. Earl MINTO expressed some degree of disappointment that some further mark of her Majesty's approbation had not been conferred upon Admiral Parker. He stated that some feeling of dissatisfaction existed in the navy that a baronetage had not been bestowed upon the naval commander, as had been done the case of the army. The EARL of HADDINGTON believed that it was stated to their Lordships at the time, the noble Duke (Wellington) made the speech which never could be forgotten by the navy, when the thanks of that house were given to the naval and military commanders who had served in China, that the reason why the two re wards were not bestowed on Sir William Parker at the same time: that they were on Sir Hugh Gough was, that it would have appeared to be giving more to one than the other. The Govern ment had no anxiety, but to deal fairly by both parties, and the Noble Lord could well say that her Majesty's Government duly appreciated the services of the navy upon that occasion. They were certainly most extra ordinary. He did not advert merely to the gallantry displayed, that was a matter of course, for the navy had frequently gone against more formidable enemies . than the Chinese. But he knew that taking the large ships to the walls of Nankin was considered by the navy as a very extraordinary per formance indeed. It would be in the recollection of the House that Sir Hugh Gough had earned the Grand Cross of the Bath before Sir William Parker arrived in China. At the conclusion of their joint services for their gallant, distinguished, and meritorious services:a baronetcy was awarded to Sir Hugh Gough and the Grand Cross of the Bath was given to Sir William Parker. Sir William Parker had since been informed the reason why both rewards were not conferred upon him, Ministry was as desirous of the total abolition of the slave trade as he (Lord Aberdeen) was, and this would be kept in view by them in any propositions they might submit to us. With respect to the right of search itself, he had witne3sed with some regret that it had been sometimes referred to in a way tending to con -firm the unwarranted and calumnious representa tions which had been made respecting it on the other side of the water. It had at times been repre sented in this country, as it had been constantly over the water, that the real object of England in the right of search -was to degrade and insult the French marine, and to obtain certain informa tion respecting French ships, in order to turn it to;pur own advantage. Incredible as this might appear, yet was it certain that such a notion extensively pre vailed. Now it was not very likely we should attempt to inflict a degradation upon another nation that might, with five-fold weight, be retaliated upon ourselves ; for certainly the right of search being mutual, where one French cruiser might be subjected, five English ones would be subjected also. In the ports of France, so near to us, surely we could get, did we desire to do so, far better and fuller infor mation as to the French marine than on the distant ' shores where the right of search existed. He (Lord Aberdeen) had sometimes seen the right of search spoken of as a great good in itself. It no doubt might be made an available means of narrowing the ' detestable slave trade, but of, and in itself, he looked upon the right of search as a great evil, and only to be justified by the great object they had in view. There was nothing else that could justify so great a sacrifice on the part of his coun try. He of course was not prepared. to say what might be the result of the negotiations for the modification of these treaties, but he hoped the few words he had now uttered would allay any anxiety that might have been felt by his Noble and Learned Friend or other old and stanch friends of the abolition of slavery.—(Hear, hear.) Lord BROUGHAM said he should be very unreason able indeed if he were not satisfied with what had fallen from the Noble Earl, and he could add that he agreed with him in giving the fullest credit to the Govern ment of France for its hearty wishes to put down at the same time. He (the Earl of Haddington) trusted that Sir Willigm Parker was satisfied. Sir William Martin had also been informed of the intention of her Majesty's Government to bestow upon him the other honour. It would be in the recollection of their Lord ships that at the time of the former discussion on this subject, it was said that it was the intention of her Majesty's Government to confer upon Sir William Par ker the further honour ; " Aye," said the Noble Earl on that occasion, " when he hauls down his flag." Lord MINTO said that he did not recollect ever hav ing used the language attributed to him ; but he would not his recollection against that of the Noble Earl opposite. THE WILL or EARL FERRERS.—The will and three codicils of the Right Hon. Washington Earl Ferrers and Viscount Tamworth has recently been proved. In his will, he appoints W. Matthews, Esq., sole executor; but, in a codicil, revokes that appointment, and names his Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex (since dead) and P. S. Shir ley, Esq., executors, to whom he bequeaths 1001. each to, purchase a ring; to his grandson he gives 5001.; to another a full length portrait of himself; and directs his executors to offer his library to his grandsons, at a fair valuation, and, in case they should not become purchasers, to sell the same by auction. His conservatory is to be pulled down and dis posed of in the same manner. To his late wife's sister 100/. ; to his adopted child, Eliza Davey, 1,000/. ; to two of his servants legacies of 2001., free of legacy duty. The property is sworn under 30,0001. From the effects of a paralytic woke, the deceased was unable to sign his will, and made his mark instead ; but he appears to have recovered from its effects, for the codicils are sigued "Ferrers" in a firm bold hand. THE WEATHER.—Winter 7 now that February has arrived, has set in in right good earnest. The weather was comparatively mild up to Tuesday night, accompanied by high wind,' but early on Wednesday morning we were sur prised by a sudden storm of thunder and lightning, which was succeeded by snow. This was followed by fine- clear frosty weather, but in the night of Thursday the wind shifted towards the east, and at the time we write (Friday morning), snow has been falling fast for several hours.— Leicester Mercury. RETURN OF LORD MORPETH TO PARLIAMENT. MORPETH, FEB. have now to communicate to you the very interesting intelligence that ,the restoration of Lord Morpeth to a seat m the Legislature—an event so long and earnestly desiderated by his Lordship'S political friends—is in a high degree likely to be very speedily realised. I learnt yesterday evening that an arrangement is in progress by which a vacancy in the Parliamentary representation of this town will take place almost immediately by the acceptance, probably by Captain Howard, the present Member, of the stewardship of the Chiltern Hundreds, and that Lord Mor peth will forthwith become a candidate for the representa tion. I have my information from a quarter which admits of no doubt of its veracity, though the subject has not yet become matter of public rumour here. I am also informed that his Lordship is expected in this town in the course of a very few days, to enter upon his canvass of the electors. I do not apprehend, assuming that what I have stated shall turn out to be true, that any opposition will be offered to his mrdship's return, unless it come from the Anti-Corn-law League; and when we re member that that body recently pledged themselves, in the event of any borough being unable to procure a free-trade candidate, to bring forward such a candidate themselves whenever a vacancy occurs in the representation, it is not improbable that we shall have the representation contested by the League. Considering, however, the decidedly liberal character of the great majority of the constituency (and I speak from my own knowledge of it), and as attested, more over, by the small success of Major Cadogan, who contested the representation a few years ago on the Conservative in terest, I feel no hesitation in stating it as my conviction that any opposition, if it were attempted, to any member of Lord Carlisle's family in a quarter where their influence is all-pa ramount and all-pervading, would, at the present moment, most certainly eventuate in defeat, come from what quarter it may, but especially if attempted against one of no less " mark and likelihood" than my Lord Morpeth ; for here, as elsewhere throughout the. lotngdom, his Lordship per sonally is 'very highly 'auenitiversally respected and es• teemed, and this quite arespebtive of political considerations, none of which ever move the great body of the electors of Morpeth in their exercise of political privileges.— Times Cor respondent. .Lord HADDINGTON said that it had always been the intention of the Government to mark, in every way they could, their very high sense of the great deeds which had been performed. Sir William Parker, however, had no: so great a share in the achievments of the China campaign, as Sir Hugh Gough, who had conducted not only the naval operation, but those of the army, into the very heart of China,. Lord BROUGHAM begged to interpose. He thought that it was most unconstitutional for Noble Lords to interfere with the prerogative of her Majesty as the fountain of honour.—(Cheers.) After a few words from Lord MINTO and the Earl of HADDINGTON, in explanation, The Duke of RICHMOND said that in order to put an end to the discussion, and for the satisfaction of both sides of the House, he would take the oppor tunity of presenting a petition from Morpeth against the bastardy clauses in the Poor-law Amend men t A c t. BETTING ON PUBLIC SPORTS. Lord BROUGHAM wished to put it to his Noble Friend who had just sat down, whether, instead of the Bill of which he had given notice, to legalise betting upon certain sorts of public sports, to which there was a great objection in certain quarters, it would not be better to postpone for a time his prospective measure, and in the meanwhile to bring forward a short Bill to the qui tam actions which were pending. The Bishop of LONDON said that he could not allow the occasion to pass without expressing his disapproba tion of any measure which would go to leagalise gamb ling. The Duke of RICHMOND said, he had a right to complain of the Right Rev. Prelate assuming that his Bill was intended to promote gambling ; on the con trary, he firmly believed that if the Bill was carried into • a law it would diminish betting. He was not a better himself, but he was cunvinced that if something was not done the pre sent system would ruin the " Turf" altogether. His only object was to compel the fa'r loser to pay the fair winner. He wished to encourage the manly amuse ments of the people, which had been of late too much discouraged. He had rather see the people enjoy the manly sport of cricket, than sit in sullen sotlishness in a beer-shop. He would not place himself in oposition to the Noble and Learned Lord opposite (Lord Brougham) on a subject of law, and he would therefore postpone the general Bill, and bring in one for stopping the qui tam actions and defeating the objectsts of those "scoundrels," who, because last year their own practices were dis covered, had raked up Acts of Parliament, of which oddish constructions had been made.—(Hear.) Lord BROUGHAM thought it would be well to refer the whole of the laws relating to betting to a Select Committee. The Bishop of LONDON had not • attributed to the Noble Duke any wish to increase the evil of gambling. He thought, however, that the tendency of the Noble Duke's measure would b e t o in rcease that evil. He had always wished to ebtrti Ltz'Zittton SUN OFFICE, Seven o'Clock. SPIRIT of the PUBLIC JOURNALS FROM THE EVENING PAPERS OF THIS DAY. GLOBE.—Those conversant with the proceedings of courts of criminal jurisprudence have remarked, that when the evidence against a prisoner at the bar has shown itself too strong to be shaken by direct testimony, the counsel for the defence adopt one of two modes to afford their client a chance of escaping conviction. The first, and that most frequently adopted, is to argue upon the extreme improbability of his being betrayed into the commission of the particular crime of which he stands accused. His habits—his disposition, so opposite to the tendency of heart and life tending to such an offence, would justify a doubt—heavily as the evidence may seem to press against him—that some mistake exists ; which, though not capable of detec tion by his counsel, nor of being explaMed by the ac cused, will justify the jury in acquitting him of the charge. Of course, a host of witnesses will be ready to swear that the gentleman at the bar is all his counsel has said respecting the correctness of his morals and the kindness of his heart. In many cases, this line of de fence succeeds, and the prisoner is acquitted. The other mode is to rest his defence upon the previous excel lence of his character ; to fill the Court with wit nesses—all of whom have known the prisoner a very considerable time, and never knew anything against his character until the present charge, which placed him in his now unhappy situation. The design is to raise a presumption in the mind of the jury, notwithstanding the facts in proof, that he has not been really guilty of the offence with which he is charged. A course some what resembling this seems to have been adopted in the House of Commons on Friday evening, by the members of the Government who undertook the defence of the Irish Attorney-General. The charge brought against this functionary was, that he, while engaged in conducting a State prosecution, of the deepest importance to the parties he accused, and to the country at large, was so far regardless of the respect he owed to the Court; of his duty as the principal law-officer of the Crown in the country ; and of the temperate and impartial administration of justice toward the indicted parties, who then stood on their deliverance, as to challenge to personal combat one of the counsel for the defence, who was then in course of addressing the jury in behalf of his client ! There were other counts, charging him with unfair ness in his general mode of conducting the prosecution. The proofs establishing the ease against this officer of the Government were so strong, that even thereading counsel for the defence of the culprit, though he muttered something of " the House being imper fectly acquainted with the full particulars of the case," did not attempt to rebut the facts as they had been stated. Still it was necessary to frame something in the nature of a defence—seeing a defence was to be set up. And how was this done ? After the most approved Old Bailey fashion ! By drawing the attention of the jury from the facts, and pronouncing an eulogium upon the private virtues of the accused party. First it was at tempted to be shown that he was not a person at all likely to be guilty of the particular piece of miscon duct imputed to him. "He had displayed remarkable coolness of temper and moderation of judgment in conducting these proceedings"—and these, it was further urged, are the qualities by which he is, and always has been, distinguished. Another witness stated, " the At torney-General conducted himself with the,greatest po liteness and kindness of demeanour during these trials." Now, all this testimony . was brought forward to show that from his previous habits the party accused was not at all likely to be guilty of the offence charged against him (and especially of those in the other counts); it was, therefore, peculiarly unfortunate for him, and those who undertook his defence, that it was met by the stubborn fact, that he had been guilty of them ! It was evidently felt that mere presumption, where the proofs of criminality were so strong, would do little by way of rebutting the charge. This diffi culty was met by calling witnesses to general character. These (as in Old Bailey practice) were easily found One, who had known him for up wards of twelve months, could safely say, that " a more honourable, right-minded man does not exist." Another, that "he is an honour to his profession"—that " no man is more remarkable for high-minded conduct, both in public and private life." A third, that "in private life he was a man of most exemplary character." Now, this is exactly what is seen at every session of the Cen tral Criminal Court. It resembles it in another parti cular ; viz., its utter inapplicability. It is just as if a man charged with forgery should receive a good character for temperance ; or one of the swell-mob, accused of picking pockets, for his humanity to animals. The forger and the member: of the swell-mob, when acquitted by juries, upon the strength of the good character given of them by their friends and associates, sometimes take their departure from the Court with an expressive com pliment from the Judge—that " they leave the bar without a blemish upon their reputation 1" So it has been with Mr. Attorney-General Smith. That he is guilty of the monstrous outrage of which he was accused there exists not the smallest doubt. But his general character (whether true or false) for the time served him. He was not only saved from merited pu nishment, but his employers informed the Court that " they had taken no steps toward his dismissal, and do not contemplate taking any." In short, they intend to retain him in their service ! Mr. Attorney-General Smith is, therefore-44 least far the present—a free man. Whether he will be equally fortunate on a future occasion, and before another jury, re mains to be seen. What may, however, be the fate of this unhappy subordinate official is not a mat ter of much moment. The day is not distant when his masters, who are the principal delinquents, and have adOpted his guilt by screening him from punishment, will themselves stand, with him, at the same bar, from which, by their means, he has just escaped. The charge which will be preferred against them is one serious in its character ; and of its truth the proofs are abundant and irresistible. They have conspired against the peace of one portion of the empire, and against the prosperity of the whole. Their speeches and their acts attest a mutual purpose. In fact, they are guilty of originating the very measures in carrying out which Mr. T. B. C. Smith has been only an agent—their hired tool; instructed, paid, and, protected: by them. If the jury which is to try these criminals perform their duty, their career of crime will be stopped. IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. (THIS DAY.): HOUSE OF COMMONS. The SPEAKER took the Chair at Four o'Clock. PRIVATE BILLS. On the motion of Mr. STRUT' I' the following Mem bers were appointed as a Select Committee on Petitions for Private Bills, viz. :—Mr. Strutt, Mr. Robert Clive, Mr. Rice, Mr. Villiers Stuart, Mr. Wrightson, Mr. George Cavendish, Mr. Crompton, Mr. Brotherton, Mr. Pakington, Mr. Forbes, Mr. Beckett, Sir John Yarde Buller, Mr. Bramston, Mr. Richard Walker, Mr. George Philips, Mr. Bell, Mr. Gibson Craig, O'Conor Don, Mr. Forbes Mackenzie, Mr. Horsman, Mr. Eliott Yorke, Mr. Kemble, Mr. Aglionby, Captain Jones, Mr. Thornely, Mr. Barneby, Mr. Benjamin Wood, Mr. Tatterton Egerton, Mr. Stansfield, Lord Worsley, Mr. Baillie, Mr. Edward Buller, Sir William Heath cote, Henry - Mr. Hope Johnstone, Mr. Morgan John O'Connell, Mr. Packe, Mr. Acland, Mr. Evans, Mr. Home Drum mond, Mr. Parker, Mr. Marshall, and Mr. E. P. Shirley. THE LEAGUE. Sir JOHN TROLLOPE presented a petition from Boston, and other places in Lincolnshire, praying that protection might be afforded to agriculture, and com plaining of what the petitioners termed the machina tions of a body of persons calling themselves the Anti- Corn-law League. - PAYMENT OF POOR-LAW OFFICERS. Mr.: GODSON presented a petition; from Kidder minster, complaining of the high salaries given to officers of the Poor-law Commissioners, and praying that the subject might be inquired into. IRISH JURIES. Mr. Sergeant MURPHY presented a petition from the Roman Catholics of the city of Cork, in public meeting assembled, signed by the Mayor on behalf of the meeting, complaining of the exclusion of Roman Catholics from the jury list in Dublin. Mr. HUME presented a petition (supposed to be from Montrose) praying that until grievances were redressed, the House would refuse to grant any supplies. NOTICES OF MOTION. Mr. MILNER GIBSON gave notice of a motion (on what day did not reach the gallery) for the appointment of a Committee to obtain information on the present state of the agriculture of the kingdom, the quantity of land at present under cultivation, and the amount of its produce. THE CLONTARF MEETING. Colonel RAWDON gave notice that on Thursday, the 15th inst., he should move an address to the Crown, praying her Majesty to order an inquiry into the cause of the delay in the publication of the proclamation on the subject of the great Clontarf meeting. RIGHT OF SEARCH. Sir CHARLES NAPIER wished to repeat the ques ion he twice last session put to the Right Hon Baronet t the head of her Majesty's Government, as t the in tructions given to the Commanders of British cruisers, n reference to the American cruisers on the African coast. He also wished to ask the Right lion. Baronet if he had received any information of the establishment of military posts by the Americans on the Oregon frontier ? Sir R. PEEL said, with respect to the first question of the Gallant Commodore, as to the instructions issued to our cruisers on the coast of Africa, he would give the Gallant Commodore an answer to-morrow or next day. With respect to the second question, he had no other information than the Gallant Officer himself pos sessed. POOR RATES (IRELAND). Mr. FRENCH moved for a return of the dates and places where the military have been employed in Ire land in the forcible collection of poor-rates, between the Ist of January, 1843, and the Ist of January, 1844 ; also the return of the number of men employed ; and also the amount of rate uncollected. SUGAR DUTIES. Mr. PATTISON said he wished to ask the Right Hon. Baronet at the head of her Majesty's Government whether it was the intention of the Government to make any alteration in the sugar duties ? Sir R. PEEL said that the fact of the Hon. Gentle man being one of the youngest Members of the House, could alone justify him in putting such a question. THE OREGON TERRITORY. Lord JOHN RUSSELL understood that it had been stated that negotiations had been entered into with DISTURBANCES IN WALES. Dr. BOWRING wished to know from the Right Hon. Gentleman the Secretary of State for the Home Depart ment, whether it was his intention to lay the Report of the Commissioners who were sent to Wales on the table of the House. Sir J. GRAHAM was understood to say that he had not yet received the Report. As soon as he had re ceived it it would be laid before the House. MEDICAL CHARTERS. In answer to a question from Mr. MACAULAY on the subject of medical charters, Sir J. GRAHAM said that he had no objection to lay on the table of the House the charters of the College of Surgeons of London and Dublin. He had also two Bills nearly ready which he would lay upon the table of the House, with regard to the medical practice of the country. POST-OFFICE. Mr. HAWES wished to know from the Right Hon. Gentleman the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether it was his intention to renew the Committee on the subject of the Post-office; also whether a paragraph which he had seen in the papers, and which stated that the whole of the revenue derived from the Post-Office was to be applied to carry out certain improvements in that department, was correct. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said, he did not see any necessity for moving for a renewal of the Post-Office Committee. With respect to the returns alluded to, he had no ob jection to lay them, as far as it was possible, upon the table of the House, But there were several letters from the late Chancelor of the Exchequer, many of which were in the form of private communications, and it would therefore be exceedingly difficult to make such a general return as that sought by the Honourable Gentleman. With respect to the Post-office Returns there would -- be . no difficulty. With respect to the question relative to a certain para graph which appeared in the newspapers, he would say that there was not the slightest authority for supposing that it emanated from either him or the Government. Mr. WALLACE wished to ask the Right Hon. Ba ronet, the First Lord of the Treasury, whether the fi nancial and commercial statement would be brought for ward at an early period of the session, or whether it would be postponed. Sir R. PEEL said the estimates should be brought forward as soon as the returns were completed for the April quarter. THE QUEEN'S ANSWER TO . THE ADDRESS. Lord JERMYN (as Treasurer of the - Household) ap peared at the bar in the Windsor uniform, and bearing a white wand. The messenger in attendance announced _ . .‘ her .Majesty's answer to the address." . His• Lordship said—l am commanded by her Majesty to inform the House,that on Saturdaylast she received the address ofyour Hon. House, which her Majesty was graciously pleased to receive, and to give the following answer :—" thank you for your loyal and dutiful address ; your de claration that you are anxious to co-operate with me in my earnest endeavour to promote the welfare of my people is most satisfactory. You may be assured that it will be the invariable object and constant care of my life to promote the happiness and preserve the confidence of my people." ALLEGED DEFICIENCY OF THE CIVIL LIST. Mr. BLEWITT said that a report was prevalent that a considerable deficiency of the civil list had occurred, which would require an application to Parliament for the grant of a loan. He wished to ask the Right Hon: Baronet whether there was any foundation for that rumour ? Sir R. PEEL was sorry that any one could be so oredulous as to believe any such rumour.—(Hear, hear.) He was surprised that any. Member of the House could give a moment's credence to it.—(Cheers.) He thought that the habits and personal character of her Majesty were too well known to render it possible for any one to think that any deficiency in the Civil List could have occurred.--(Cheers.) Mr. SHARMAN CRAWFORD rose, and, as we un derstood, addressed a question to the Speaker on the subject of the motion of which he had given notice, on the subject of the redress of grievances. The SPEAKER said that he had understood the Hon. Member to ask when he could bring forward the motion of which he had given notice, on the subject of the redress of grievances. He apprehended that the proper time for the Hon. Member to bring the subject before the House would be to-morrow, when the Order of the Day would be read for the House resolving itself into a Committee of the whole House, for the purpose of granting a supply to her Majesty. Mr. S. CRAWFORD gave notice that he should to morrow make the motion on the subject of the redress of grievances, of which he had previously given notice. THE CENSUS. Capt. PECHELL wished to know from the Right Hon. Baronet the Secretary for the Home Department, when it might be expected that the Report of the Census Commissioners would be laid upon the table ? Sir JAMES GRAHAM was most anxious that the Report should be laid before the House as soon as possible, and it would be his duty as soon as that should be done that the Report be referred to a Select Com mittee. At the same time he was afraid that the Re port could not be laid upon the table before the recess. METROPOLIS IMPROVEMENT BILL. On the Order of the Day being read for the second reading of the Metropolis Improvement Bill, Mr. HUME desired to know what was the principle of the Bill. It was unusual to move the second reading of a Bill without the House having been informed of its principle. He had certainly seen the Bill in the ante room, but he had had no opportunity of making himself acquainted with its provisions. This might be a Bill for authorising the expenditure of money, and he wished to be informed of the principle of the Bill. Lord LINCOLN said that an Act had been passed some time since fur improving the metropolis. Some doubts had arisen as to the construction of the Act, and the present Bill was intended merely to remove those doubts, and to carry out the provisions of the former measure. Mr. HUME would not oppose the second reading of the Bill if the intention of it was merely to carry out the provisions of the former Act. . The Bill was then read a second time. TRAFALGAR SQUARE. Captain BERNAL begged to ask the Noble Lord the Chief Commissioner of Woods and Forests. whether the statue of Nelson, in Trafalgar-square, was erected under the sanction of the Woods and Forests ? The Earl of LINCOLN said that that part of the improvements was erected by by a committee, by means subscriptions. The works which are now going on in Trafalgar-square, are under the direction of the office of Woods and Forests. STANDING ORDERS ON RAILWAYS. M. W. GLADSTONE rose to move :—That a Select Committee be appointed, to consider the standing orders relating to Railways, and whether any and what chapges onght to be made in those Standing Orders ; and likewise to con sider whether auy and what new provisions ought to be introduced into such railway Bills as may come before the House during the present or future sessions, for the advantage of the public and the improvement of the rail way system, and to report their opinion thereon to the House." The Right Hon. Gentleman said as this im portant subject—the subject of railways—was one which had on several occasions been the subject of inquiry, and as the several Select Committees which had sat to investigate it, had left their examination incomplete ; he should be very brief with the statement which he had now to make to the House. He would, however, very briefly inti mate to the House what were the immediate occasions out of which the proposal which he had now to make had grown. In the first place it appeared to the Go vernment that the time bad come when it might be ad vantageously considered whether, after the operation and the experience of severalyears, some modification might not properly be introduced in the standing orders relating to railways. There was one of those standing orders, for example, which required of all parties seeking to obtain a Bill from the House of Commons that they should have 10 per cent. of the whole capital to be de posited before theL could succeed in their object. An opinion had been extensively entertained that there would be no disadvantage in reducing the proportion of capital so required as a deposit 1 but there was no necessity for locking up at so early a period, and for such a length of time, so considerable a portion of the capital of the Company. There was already a Standing Order in the House of Lords limiting the amount to 5 per cent. There was another Standing Order re lating to level-crossings, in which it was also proposed to make some alteration. .He would not detain the House, by dwelling further upon the Standing Orders; but, over and above the pre sent question, the House would no doubt be aware that the present was a great era in railways. Great spe culations had taken place with respect to them, but those speculations seemed to have been done away with. During the last two or three years, the specula tions in railways had considerably diminished ; but in the present session he understood that no less than sixty-six Bills were to be applied for, including upwards of 900 miles, while the present extent of railway ex ceeded 2,000 miles.—(Hear, hear.) It had, therefore, appeared to the Government that this was the fitting opportunity to investigate the subject. The propo sal he had to make, comprised those companies coming before Parliament of their own accord. Ile had divided them into two classes, those Companies coming before the House for new powers, and new Companies altogether, who were anxious to create new lines joining to the old. He proposed to take this matter into consideration at the earliest opportunity, not in any unfriendly feeling towards those bodies, but still in that spirit which would be compatable with the interests of the public. There were many of those Companies who sought from the House new towers, and in return for those the thought some equivalent should be rer. HOUSE OF LORDS. - Their Lordships assembled at Five o'Clock. HER MAJESTY'S ANSWER TO THE ADDRESS. The LORD CHANCELLOR communicated to the House her Majesty's answer to the address presented by the House on Saturday. The answer was as follows: " My Lords, I thank you for your loyal and dutiful address. The first object of my wishes is to promote the welfare of my people, and I rely with confidence on your assurance of support in framing such measures as the interest of the country may require." On the motion of the Earl of SHAFTESBURY, her Majesty's most gracious answer was ordered to be en tered on the Journals of the House. THE SEES OF ST. ASAPH AND BANGOR. The fia of POWIS presented four petitions against the unions of the two Sees of St. Asaph's and Bangor. The Noble Earl said he should, on an early day bring the subject under the consideration of the House. SLAVERY. Lord BROUGHAM wished to put a question to her Majesty's Government. A great deal of anxiety and uneasiness had been excited amongst persons who wished for the abolition of the slave trade, in consequence of some report respecting negotiations that were at present taking place with respect to the treaty of 1838 and 1833 between England and France on the subject of the right of search. Pending any negotiations he (Lord B.) certainly did not wish to press for any information that it m i g ht be inconvenient to the public service that the N o bl e Earl should give. Perhaps, however, his Noble Friend might be able to say a few words that mi g ht answer t h e purpose he (Lord Brougham) had in view by allaying the anxiety, the great anxiety, which prevailed in the country upon this subject. The Earl of ABERDEEN said he should have been glad if he had been in a position to give to his Noble and Learned Friend the fullest information he might desire. The suject was undoubtedly of a very weighty nature, but from the part taken by his Noble and Learned Friend on this subject for so many years, it was natural he should show great interest in reference to it. It was perfectly true that the French Govern ment had expressed a desire 'that such modifications might be introduced into the treaties which established the right of search, as without impairing their ,efficiency might render thew Wore conformable to the feelings of THE SNOW STORM. SUNDAY.—The following particulars were collected yester day, throughout the afternoon, from the various officials con nected with the London and Dover, and the London and Brighton, •the Great Western, the London and Birmingham, the Soutk Western, the Northern and Eastern, and other railways, the details of which will be read with interest. THB LONDON AND DOVER BAILWAT.—Upon inquiry at this terminus, it was stated that there had been considerable obstruction on the line, arising from the heavy fall of snow which took place on Thursday night and Friday morning, and which has continued since at intervals. Some uneasi ness was occasioned on Friday morning by the late arrivals of the up-trains, which leave Folkestone at forty minutes past eleven, twenty minutes past one, and fifty minutes past three o'clock, the earliest of which should have arrived at the London terminus at half-past three o'clock, and the latest at twenty-seven minutes after ten. Before they had reached Penshurst and Staplehurst the depth of snow was so exces sive that the three trains were detained for some hours at those stations, and it was found necessary to employ the united power of the three engines to accomplish the Journey, which was not done until between three and four o'clock the next morning, being a delay of above five hours beyond the time at which the last train was due. On Saturday and yesterday brooms were attached to the guards of the engines to clear away the snow from the metal, so as to afford the flanches of the wheels to have an unterrupted passage on the rails. Throughout yesterday the trains, with trifling exceptions, arrived at their destina tion within a brief penod of the regulated time. An acci dent occurred, however, which was most fortunately not attended with fatal consequences. It has been already made public that the entire line from London to Dover is to be opened on Wednesday next, on which occasion the Directors will invite the authsities of Calais and Boulogne to a banquet in celebration of the completion of this undertaking. In pursuance of this intention several of the Directors, with an express engine and a carriage attached thereto, yesterday made an experimental trip, and on arriving at that part of the line where it is intended to have a branch from New cross to the Bricklayers' Arms, the engine came in contact with a truck, which was nearly demolished, and the party had a narrow escape of being thrown down the embankment, and meeting with serious if not fatal consequences. The down train, which left London at eight o'clock on Friday morning, did not reach Folkestone within fifteen miles, thereby occa sioning serious inconvenience and delay to the passengers. An extra engine was yesterday attached to each train. THE LONDON AND BRIGHTON RAILWAY.—The trains on this railway, the reporter was informed, had not exceeded 20 minutes delay in any of the arrivals, but the effect of the thaw upon the drainage and bed of the line is not yet known, as the cuttings in many places are very steep. TILE LONDON AND BinmiNaiimAx.—Mr. Morris, the acting officer of police, stated that the train which leaves Binning ham at half-past eight o'clock on Sunday mornings, bring ing with it the mails from the great northern towns, arrived at the terminus, Euston-square, yesterday, at twenty-five minutes past one o'clock, being five minutes in advance of the usual period of its arrival. From the circumstance of this train bringing up the Irish intelligence connected with the State trials, much anxiety prevailed respecting the state of the line. It was apprehended that in the event of the wind veering round to the north, some obstacles would pre sent themselves to the afternoon (seven o'clock) train, but every precaution had been taken to avoid any casualty. THE GREAT WESTERN.—The up train from Swindon, propelled by the Centaur steamer, and bringing the mails from the principal cities and towns on this line, arrived at Paddington with the loss of only three minutes. The ploughs and brooms were attached to the engine, and proved quite successful in clearing away the snow, which at Twyford cutting was from sixteen to eighteen inches in depth. To the weight and solidity of the engines may be attributed the efficient operation of the machinery employed. All the pre parations at Slough were completed on Saturday for her Majesty's reception at that station, and up to a late period yesterday the decorations made use of had not been removed, as no intimation had been received of the postponement of her Majesty's visit to Windsor, in consequence of the lamented death of his Serene Highness the Duke of Saxe Coburg Gotha. Tinc Sount WESTERN.—On Friday the train which brings the mails from Gosport, Portsmouth, Southampton, &c., was about five hours beyond time. A number of men have been since employed on the line, and, in conjunction with other measures, have succeeded in removing any impe diment in the transit of passengers, &c., as usual. fhe fall of snow, owing to the direction of the wind, appears to have been heavier upon this line than on any other. On Saturday the mail-train was four hours and twenty minutes beyond time. The greatest delay, however, that occurred yesterday was half an hour. THE NORTHERN AND EASTERN.—The delays upon this line, as well as upon the Greenwich and Blackwell, have been very insignificant, so far as the information furnished by the officers bf the several companies may be relied upon. In none of the above cases were the engineers, police, or stokers allowed extra clothing. THE BRANCH COACHES.—Upon inquiry at some of the principal booking-offices, the clerks doggedly referred to the railways for information, and affected the utmost ignorance of any non-arrivals. THE METROPOLIS, &c.—The number of applicants for re lief and shelter at the different refuges for the destitute was, as might be expected, considerably increased. About two o'clock the snow abated, and from that time until about four o'clock a small but thick sleet fell. Towards the latter part of the afternoon a heavy ground thaw set in, which rendered the streets exceedingly dirty—an effect which was to be mainly attributed to the police not having put the law in force compelling housekeepers to remove the snow from the pavement opposite their doors. DEATH OF GENERAL CummianAmE.—This Gallant Officer, whose decease has been officially reported at the India House, has been in the service half a century, and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-General 28th J un e, 1838 (the Coronation brevet). KNACKERS' YARDS.—On Friday night a petition from the Committee of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and complaining of the inadequacy of the law relating to those places, and praying for relief, was presented to the House of Commons by the Honourable J. S. Wortley, and we are informed that a Bill for consolidating and amending the laws now in force has been prepared under the direction of the Committee of the Societ y , and w i ll be introduced in the early part of the session. ANNUAL LICENSING 'MUSES. The .*\ ragistrates.Of Ncivington division of Surrey hate appointed the tollowing days and places - for renewing licenses to the Licensed Victuallers, in their respective dis tricts, viz.:— atMarch, ten tlie o'clock, l e 'h k r , e Tuns ,l Bermondsey, BOROUGH OF SOUTHWAR K .—O n T ues d ay , th e l e t of Tarn Newington, Camb erwe ll, and Ilatcham, on Monday, -et R 3 o l t a l r i the 4th •of - -March,- at the Sessions-house, New ington, at ten o'clock, A. m. ; Lambeth, Clapham,. Streatham, Christchurch, and the Clink Liberty, on Thurs day, the 7th of March, at the Sessions-house Newington, at ten o'clock A.M. The Magistrat es have also appointed to meet at the Sessions-house on Friday, the 16th of February, at ten o'clock precisely, for the purpose of receiving corn plaints against Licensed Victuallers living in the above-men tioned districts, and also to receive applications for licenses to new ale and victualling howls. HOLBORN DtvxstoN.--fhe Magistrates of the Holborn Di vision have appointed Tuesday, the sth of March for renew ing publicans' licenses, the meeting to be holden at the Board Rooms of the Holborn Union, Gray's Inn-lane, at the follow ing hours for the respective districts :—St. Andrew's, Holborn, and St. George-the-Martyr, at ten o'clock ; St. Giles-in-the- Fields and St. George, Bloomsburv, at eleven - o'clock ; Liberty of Saffron-hill, Liberty of the Rolls and Ilampste,ad, at twelve o'clock ; Paddington and Duchy Liberty, at )IW past twelve o'clock. • TOWER DIvISIOY, MIDDLESEX.—The Magistrates for the Tower Division, have appointed the General Annual Li-, censing Meeting for the same purpose, to be holden at the Court-house, Osborne-street, Whitechapel, on Monday, the 4th of March, at 11 o'clock, A.M., for publicans residing in the following districts :—St. Mary, Whitechapel; St. 6\7go; St. Matthew, Bethnal-green ; St. Catharine, Rateliff; church ; All Saints, Poplar; and St. Botolph 'Without ; gate. The said meeting will be adjourned to Monday, the , 11th of March, for the districts of St. John, Hackney ; St. Paul, Shadwell ; Mile-end Old Town ; St. Leonard, Shore ditch; St. John of Wapping; Mile-end New Town • Norton folgato ; St. Mary Stratf o rd, Bow; Bromley St. ' Leonard; and St. Anne. DEATH of GENERAL IiERTRAND. (From the Paris Messenger.) "The faithful friend of the Emperor, the companion of his labours and of his long exile,'died on the 31st ult., at Cha teauroux, his native town. When serving as a national guard on the 14th of August, 1793, Bertrand placed himself' in a battalion which was proceeding voluntarily to the 'Till leries to defend the King. He served subsequently in 'the corps of engineers, and passed rapidly through the grades; was in the expedition to Egypt, where he. fortified several places, merited the confidence of the general-in-chief, Bonaparte, and received, almost at the same time, the commissions of Lieutenant-Colonel, and General of bri gade. After the battle of Austerlitz, in which General Bertrand covered himself with glory, Napoleon ad mitted him amongst the number of his aides-de camp. He equally distinguished himself at Spandau, at Friedland, and principally in the construction of the bridges over the Danube, which were destined to facilitate the passage of the French army to Wagram. This campaign, and that of Russia, displayed his talents and bravery in such a light, that the Emperor appointed him Grand Alarshal of the Palace after the death of Marshal Duroe. His successes were the same at laitzen, Bautzen, and •Leipsie, and if he experienced some checks at the passage of the Elbe against Blucher, we must ascribe them to the fortune of our armies, which was beginning to totter. It:was Bertrand, however, who covered our retreat after the sanguinary battle of Hanau. 'ln these two circumstances, and those which followed the departure of the Emperor from Paris, Count Bertrand thought only of saving the remnant of our army, and almost always saw his efforts and arrange ments crowned with all the success which it was possible to hope for in the midst of such disastrous events. On his return to Paris in 1814, General Bertrand was ap poined Aide-Major-General of the National Guard, per formed that campaign of Frande so astonishing by its suc cesses and reverses, and followed Napoleon to the island of Elba. On his return with the Emperor, on the 20th March, he served him with his accustomed devotedness. After the fatal affair of Waterloo he never quitted Napoleon. He fol lowed him to his last exile, partook of and softened his mis fortunes,.and thought only of returning to France when he had received his list breath. It was with joy that General Bertrand saw the revolution of July, and the triumph of the national colours illustrated by so many victories. It was with profound emotion that, ten years later, he saluted the . ashes of the Emperor, which had been brought across the ocean by the Prince de Joinvillei and saw France .award to this great shade brilliant and unanimous homage. The name of General Bertrand was associotod in this homage with that of the Emperor, as the finest model of honour and fidelity. It will remain united with it to all posterity. History has rarely recorded a devotedness so pious, a fidelity so firm, so pure and noble a memory. It is little to become illustrious by one's own labours, and to have served France truly. General Bertrand, by his worship of genius and misfortune, has raised himself to the same height in which hovers the glory of Napoleon. This glory will shield bins from oblivion." MANLY SPORTS RELIEF BlLL.—Bell's :Life in London of Sunday, Feb. 4, price 6d., contained a copy of the Bill to be presented by the Duke of Richmond to the House of Lords, for the repeal of the statutes of Anne and Charles, and for legalising horse-races, foot-races, boat races, regattas, rowing -matches, sailing-matches, fencing-matches, putting stone, wrestling-matches, cricket, tennis, fives, raquets, bowls, quoits, curling, golf, and other manly games ;:and for regulating betting thereon, with acopious digest. Bells Life in London of Sunday, Jan. 7, with the gratuitous stamped Suppleinent, consisting of 24 folio columns of the Chronology of Sporting Events, 1843, has been regulary kept on sale, and copies can be had till the end of February. A sixpence or six Queen's head:stamps, sent from the country to Mr. Clement, jun., 170, Strand, will insure a copy of the two sheets by return of post. - "AGAtE BuTToris."--The principle of forming les• sere by the pressure of dry powder, has been applied to the manufacture of various kinds of buffo/A. They are called " agate buttons," and are made from the disintelz-rated granite which is brought from the neightlonrhood of St. Amide, in Cornwall. Compared with the cost ofmother-of-pearl, they are about one-third the price.—Birtninyhanz Paper. MARSHAL DEOUET D'EnLoN.--The Siecle pub lishes the following biographical sketch of the late Marshal Drouet d'Erlon :—" This distinguished officer took an honour able part iri the campaigns of the Empire. 1n.1792 he en rolled himself in a battalion of volunteers ; seven years afterwards he was General of Brigade. In 1803 he WAS ap pointed General of Division. This rapid advancement was the reward of his activity in several military operations with our armies beyond the Rhine. He fotight at .Jena and at Friedland, where he rendered important services, par ticularly on the former field, where he contributed to the defeat of the Prince of Wurtemberg, wh o commanded the Prussian reserve. He subsequently com manded the 9th Corps d'Armeel in • Spain. Amongst the successes he obtained, he forced the British General Hill to retreat to the walls of Lisbon, and car ried by assault the col de Maya, notwithstanding it wee vigorously defended by the Spaniards. In July, 1813, he was one of the Lieutenants of Marshal Soult, and when the British army invaded the South, he assisted at all the affairs with the Duke of Wellington, and finally at the battle of Toulouse. After the first restoration, he presided at the first Council of War, which acquitted Excelmans, who was ac cased of having corresponded with Murat, ex- ing of Naples. After the 20th of March lie was named Peer of France by Napoleon, who intrusted him with the command of the first Corps. d'Artnee, at the head of which he performed prodigies of valour at Fleurus and Waterloo, which were, unfortunately, ;useless. He afterwards assumed the com mand of the right wing of the army, under the walls of Paris, and retreated, after the capitulation of that capital, behind the Loire. For this reason, he was persecuted, and exiled by the Government of the Restoration. ' DREADFUL ACCIDENT.—TWO LIVES LOST. —A melancholy accident occurred in the township of Swanland on Monday morning last, by which two poor fellows lost their lives. It appeared that a number of men were "marl • ing" on a field belonging to Mr. Todd, of Swanland, and situated on the road side, between Hessle and Ferriby. A pit to the depth of about twenty feet had been sunk, when about a cart-load of chalk fell on two. men out of three who were working in the pit, and killed them instantaneously. One of the sufferers was a native of Swanland, and 57 yearn of age : the other was a young man, named William Ford. 22 years of age, a native of Wiltshire, who, we understand, was to be married in a month. The man who escaped wan an elder brother of Ford's, and had conic with him from their native county to teach the labourers here the proceis of " marling." It seems that the two unfortunate men at the time they suddenly met their death thought themselves quits safe, but.were watching the survivor, whom they thought to be in a dangerous position. The old man's body and 'legs were dreadfully mangled—every rib being broken ; the chalk had fallen on his back, knoeked him to the earth, and crushed in the whole of his body: his head was. 'uninjured. In the case of Ford there was no injury perceptible except on the head, which had been nearly cloven, in two. An inquest was held before Mr. Conyers on Tuesday night, when a verdict of " Accidental Death" was returned. The bodies were in terred at Ferriby church on Wednesday. We understand no blame attaches to any one, pits having been sunk to a much greater depth in other parts of the same field.—Hull dickyr, THE 1V EW ROYAL EXCHANGE.--7lnstructions o havo been given by the committee superintending the erection of the new Royal Exchange, to sell the triangular block of buildings facing Cornhill and Threadneedle -street, known an Bank-buildings, and which is to be taken down for the pia.. pose of forming the western approach to the new Royal Ex.. ehange, and the site for the Wellington statue. The portion to be sold comprises the premises occupied for many years the Sun Fire Office, the house where -Messrs. Ladbroke.sall Co., the bankers, carried on the business of the establishment, and several residences adjoining. The sale will take place by auction, the materials consisting of about 200 rods of brickwork, thirty tons of lead, a quantity of &ileum, maho gany desk, &c. ' BAcIWELL. —AN . EARLY • BROOD. Mr. Henry Watts, of this place, had on the 15th of thi s mont h , a duc k , which brought forth thirteen ducklings. The duck stole her nest, and the young ones were hatched in the open barton. This indeed shows the mildness of the season. —Somerset Gazette. ANTI-111Arruusime.—A short time since, at the village of Uphill, in the parish of Linkinhoru, a poor woman. the wife of a miner named Granville, was delivered of three boys, who, with the mother, are doing well. They were baptised at the parish church of Linkinhorn, on Sunday last, by the names of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. A subscription has been set on foot for the relief of the poor family, and • nearly 50/. have been already subscribed.— )Vest Briton. TDB MILDNBSS OP TRH SEASON.--111 every &rec. tion we see or hear of remarkable things, in consequence of . the peculiar mildness of the season. At Cotherstone, near. Barnardcastle, an apple-tree,.in the garden of Mrs. ROwland son, appears at present in full leaf and blossom. A sunny knoll in the Flatts Wood, Barnardcastle, has been for the last few weeks overspread with primroses. Similar'wonders aril - recorded in various parts of the country.—Durham Chronic* The following is a' list of the game killed during the last week by a small party on a visit to the Henn Wilson, at Didlington Park :—On the two first days, phea sants, 279 ; partridges, 13 ; - hares, 225 ;• rabbits, 216 ; wood cocks, 12 ; snipes, teal, and other Water-fowl, 29—total, 774. Three last days, pheasants, 180; partridges, 21; hares r l77; rabbits, 178 ;. woodcocks, 7 ; teal and other water-fowl, 53-- total, 615. Grand total, I,3B9.—Noricich ifercury. SHEPTON MALLET.—CUBIOIIB FACT.—There, , living in the parish of West Ponnard, an old miser, who had an extraordinary rhdinas hadary c a r h op ors o e f a a p n p d le c s a l r a t :t w s i e t as h season. For o n n d tub, one F te o in r a the Nat siz e i a n r 7g id th t e n T o on igs Tai la e: t n o o p th u i t u t g he m s i xd be on lo es st i . 7 , , and t fi l n ie t o n t e h bd e e r asp t itc h sk e day last. The old man lost two: over- fe edi ng.--Somerset azof. week, through kindness M TIE withW tp in ay n . s io om rn e ingii surprisedparts. This Is the fist fall of snow that has remained upon the grou n d i n this vicinityent ire 'ear the 'ear of 1843, and th us f ar i n EA a ni fal E l ß . 0 7 snow, 1844. Even on Wednesday last all sorts of flowers peeped • from the garden borders and shady lanes around us—prim- • roses, snowdrops, crocuses, &c. The nectarine trees have not dropped their green leaves, and we have a spray of oak With &Teen leaves upon it , —ihrewebery amide. IS Three 55c. ; burg, 'riday ruing :eased of the 1, the ,burg, died r t rail nces- Ti" rOlidt vhich leter thAt an d; 1 die- xious o him puke Exi 0 the f the Duke ckett cold. rd an avert n the iy 1111 Lord alnr lesoa etura race's tbs Ike 0 1 I to . Pis' ckp mons atur e not 3 the, mced a lets e lught to be to I_ol Mr. era & e 6th intri irsY atical Lab!, tO &Q..; oviroi AO :rot! the/,‘ 110 ) e ed of