The Sun. — London, England, 1845-12-31 00:00:00

Mr. HAninvlCK said, that much credit was due to Mr. Wallace for the steps he had taken in bringing this cage forward. The prisoners were remanded until to-morrow. CLERKEN WELL.-(T (US DAY.) William Jones was charged with, burglary. It appeared from the e'..tuence that the prisoner en tered a house at '.:ne rear of that of Mr. Richbell, of Brook-stree;., bn the previous night, and stole therefrom n Tanner of fowls, which he was found in possession_ of, In Leather-lane, by police constable Porter, 10 G, at two o'clock this morning. The prisoner begged "to be let go," for God's sake. The house whence the fowls Were stolen is likewise a dwelling. The inmates were not at all disturbed by the thief.—Committed for trial. LOSS OF AN EAST INDIANIAN. LEWES, MONDAY.—From the letters received here this morning, it appears that there has been a dreadful storm along the south-east coast: On Saturday night, the 27th inst., the gale in3reased to a perfect hurricane, and several vessels were damaged, doubling Beachy head. About one o'clock on Sunday morning a large Dutch East Indiaman, name unknown, came on shore on the coast of Pevensey, a little to the north-east of the Head, the wind blowing tremendously, and the sea running mountains high ; eighteen of the crew, out of thirty-two or thirty-three on board, succeeded in land ing in safety in their own boat, and it appeared from their statement that the ship was hound from Batavia to Amsterdam, laden with a valuable cargo of coffee, sugar, and indigo. The greatest apprehensions were entertained for the safety of the captain of the vessel, who, steady to the trust reposed in him, remained on board with the mate and twelve or thirteen of the crew ; but it was not until Sunday forenoon that any assistance could be afforded them. Their situa tinn during that dreadful night, on such a shore, with n gale from the S.S.W., and a sea continually break ing over their ill-fated vessel, was truly awful. In the forenoon of Sunday, however, a small pleasure-boat, belonging to Pevensey, named the Rebecca, manned by two pilots, named Pierce and Wood, and three of the Coast Guard, named Oliver,Warnell, and Fleming, put off to the assistance of the crew of the East Indiaman, and succeeded in reaching her. From the violence of the sale, however, and the sea continually breaking over the wreck, they were unable to effect their purpose of bringing off the captain and the remainder of the crew ; but, with determined perseverance, they laid by, watch ing for a favourable opportunity. This, however, did not speedily occur, and about eleven the life-boat from Eastbourne went to assist her. After a considerable delay the remainder of the crew, with the master, were taken on board the boat, with the exception of one pour fellow, who was lashed to the rigging, and whom it was intpossible to save. It is some consolation to believe, from the appearance of the man, and the position of his limbs, that he was dead when the life-boat reached the Vessel. Having been landed in safety, it is gratifying to state that the poor fellows were supplied with every necessary by two of the railway contractors on the Lewes emd Hastings line ; the officers and men at the Coast Guard station also rendering every assistance. COURSE OF EXCIIAI 4,,Pa sterdam CF. 12 g Ditto, at sight l2 5 ttotterdam ...... 2 U l2 91 , A , ntworp klamburgh M.D. 13 141 Ajtona — I' Paris, 3 days' sight 25 75 Ditto, S months 26 kin's eines 26 10 ' 3 ottrdeaux 26 10 Frankfort on Maine 1221 Peter burgh, 3 Us.. Berlin — :Vienna, effee. flo. Rieste, ditto Cadiz 36 , 351 Bilbao — liareelona — Seville BUSINESS DONE IN FOR LONDON STOCK E. Anglo-Belgian ,barba does ,t 6 oulogne and Amiens I I 3A tordeanx Wilediterran B ordeaux and Toulowe • & Cette (Espeleta) 2 Mackenzie's) Lima, and Pa- Callao, iGE.—(YESTEADAY. Gibra1tar............... Legh0rn........•„ .. . 30 E 0 Genoa Milan ..... Venice Naples .. • ... 40 Palermo, per oz . 1194 Lisbon 52 Oporto • . . s2i Rio Janeiro ...... 234 Bahia ....... ..... Buenos Ayrei NewYork,2ldyssight Philadelphia PRICES OF BULLION, PER OZ. Foreign Gold, bars...o 17. 9 Portugal Gold Coin 3 17 5 New i .0ub100n5..... 0 0 0 New Dollars Silver in Bas 0 4 11i ,EIGN RAILWAYS AT THE XCHAIsTGE, DEC. 30. eitie'Coast Central of Spain .. D emerara 1 1 / 4 Venlerara Vendre Valley ...... ••• % D utch Rhenish Dieppe & Paris Jima — ,]on and Mulhouse East Indian ! s ampans.& Ilazebrouk ‘irt Northern of France Madrid and Valencia—. Mauritius Namur and Liege 3l/, 'North Jamaica ... Orleans and Vierzon Orleans and Bordeaux Over Yssel Paris& Lyons (Laffitte) 2% Ditto (Ganneron's). 3% Ditto (Caloa's) — Ditto (Sud Est) Paris and Orleans 'Paris and Rouen . 4O IA Paris and Strasburg (Ganneron's) iDo. (Compe de L'Est.) Do. (Aymard's) — Paris and St. Quentin — Rouen and Havre...— 314 Royal North of Spain — Sambre and Meuse Strasburg and Bale Tournay,Jurbise, Lan den, and Hasselt Tours and Nantes Do Constituted l5 ` 0 • Pepin to lialleur — 'eat Paris and Lyons — 'r % tat Western Bengal rat Western Canada 4 1haicaS.Mid.Junetion bto. North Midland Do. Extension Oraey Ltwain and Jemappe — I Yons and Avignon 2 `44.xembourg (Mackenzie's) 4 14 Do. ( Lefebvre's) Do. (O'Neill's) Trinidad Verona and Ancona — West Flanders 5 ST. LEONARD, SHOREDITCH, VESTRT.—On Tuesday tternoon a meeting of the inhabitant householders was held 7 . t the vestry, to make a poor's rate for the current quarter, 71 1 d als to make a church-yard rate. Mr. J. Bewley, senior 'aUrchwarden, who presided, explained the objects of the meeting. Mr. Ware, the vestry clerk, then proceeded to Tad over the estimates, amongst which was one of 1,950/. r, defray the expense of enlarging the workhouse. Upon `giB item a long and animated discussion took place. After 4° , ine discussion one of the trustee party proposed that the Ytstry do now adjourn, which motion was seconded amidst l 'ehetnent execrations from the ratepayers. The Church warden called for a poll on the question of the adjournment, Which was carried under a protest, and the vestry dispersed, aeveral of the parishioners declaring that they would appeal A gainst any rate made by the trustees. INTREPID CONDUCT OF A FRENCH GENTLEMAN.— DESPERATEYesterday ATTEMPT AT SUICIDE IN ST. JAMES'S 13.AnK.— afternoon, about four o'clock, a respectably - dressed f emale apparently about thirty-eight years of age, leaped into th e orna ment,l water in the enclosure, immediately a cing the Horse Gunrds. Au alarm was raised by several rsons who witnessed the occurrence, and 0. - ,e of them, a "inch gentleman, divested himself of his coat, and dived in ;titer her ; in a moment afterwards he appeared at the surface of the water with the female in his arms. Both were evi dently in an exhausted state, and by this time a large Timm er of persons were collected, and, with some difficulty, they Were brought ashore. The female, who was quite insensible, Zits conveyed with the greatest promptitude by the park eepers to Westminster Hospital. Some hopes are enter tained of her recovery. The gentleman was taken home I na cab. THE BOARD OF TRADE AND THE POTATO FAILURE. The Board of Trade is at present collecting information re -5 tive to the potatoes, so far as that is known in the port of I•ondon. Some of the merchants think the Government is ,_ t hereby preparing to justify itself before P Others think arliament in not, ',rem abolition of the corn-law. not, ',rem the limited and partial nature of the inquiry. It seems t o be confined, in most part, to persons not particularly well acquainted with the subject. On Friday the Board selected acme of the fruit-meters for examination. They are also i meters of potatoes, and as such may know how many 'lave arrived by sea in the port of London. Whether Any other persons connected with the potato trade are to be examined, does not yet appear. But those who could best give evidence as to the quantity now in existence, which is the question at issue, are the agents of the London dealers, who go into the country amongst the farmers to buy, or the farmers who grow them. On Friday, While a messenger from the Board of Trade was waiting at one of the wharfs to conduct the meters to Westminster to be examined, the said meters were running from one dealer to another, from one agent to another, and from one Goole captain to another, and among the York- Shire sailors, to inform themselves of what the probable state of the potato crop in Yorkshire is. This was proper conduct on their part, as it showed they were not willing to Speak of the potatoes actually in existence from what had passed through their hands for measurement ; but it also showed that they are not the persons best acquainted With the subject. THE PRINCE CONSORT'S HARRIERS.— Major general Wemyss and a large field were at the meet of the Prince Consort's harriers yesterday, which took place on the farm of Mr. Edward Mason, at Slough. A couple of hares Were put on foot, and afforded excellent runs. The first hare, which was found on Mr. Mason's land, took away in the direction of the Great Western Railway, on to Salt-hill, Where it doubled round to the seat of Granville Penn, Esq., and was killed at Stoke Park Lodge, after a very fast fifteen Minutes' run. The pack was then taken to Clialvey-fiel..s. Where the second hare was sound on a piece of fallow land, snaking away t.-wards Willow Brook and Eton, over Chal 'eey. ditch, and on to Eton Wick ; thence it doubled to the right to Cipp nham and Dorney, on t. Mr. Pocock's farm, near the Maidenhead station, where it circled back to Dor ney, and was kill d on Mr. Tru.nper's farm, after a gallant run of nearly three-quarters of an hour. It is expected, should the weather be fine, that the Prince Consort will hunt With his Royal Highness's harriers to morrow. It is expected that most of the Cabinet Ministers Will return to townein a few days, for the purpose of attend ing the Court to be held at Windsor Castle on Saturday next, that day having been appointed by her Majesty for receiving the petition of the Lord Mayor and Corporation of London on the subject of the corn-laws. We learn, from private sources of information, that the re-construction of the Cabinet has been the result of a compromise between the Premier and those who were op- Posed to his original proposition, which is understood to have been sweeping and radical in the extreme. It is now said that the project to be submitted to Parliament by Sir R. Peel is, that wheat in future should be liable to a fixed duty of twelve shillings a quarter, such duty to be decreased by two shillings a quarter in each succeeding year ; so that at the end of six rears it should be admitted free. This state rnent we submit to our readers just as it has reached our selves—observing that it comes from a source to which we hav e been frequently indebted for early and authentic infor• Ination.—Dublin Evening Mail. TIIE LEAGUE FUND.—The amount of the fund up to this date is 69,4001., and very considerable more is ex pected to be realised in Manchester. It is estimated that the sum realised at the meeting was 5001. per minute. The Earl of Mornington has taken the seat of Mr. Scholey at Wanstead, Essex (not Oak Hall, as has been stated). It is understood to be his Lordship's intention to extend the park into a portion of his own woods adjoining, and to preserve the covers. The Noble Earl owns most of the manors in the neighbourhood, and is warden of the Epping and Hainhault forests, in which the deer and timber have been in a great measure destroyed and injured during the last few years, want of proper care. ELGIN CATTLE MARKET.—At this market, on the 17th inst., there was but a small show of cattle. There was 4 number of fat cows in market, which sold brrskly at from 71 • to according to sire. There were only a very few lots of o th er t a ttl e sown. Mr. Cruickshank, Granary, sold ala of two year-old Highlanders at 8/. a-head. There was 4 fair supply of horses, and a few sales made—prices high.— loss-shin advirtion ANNIVERSARY DINNER OF THE NATION AL MERCANTILE ASSURANCE situation in society than the commercial travellers. There were no men who had greater opportunities of ascertaining the general opinions of the country, and there were no men who were more called upon to exercise a knowledge of human character. — (Cheers.) It was the first duty of a commercial traveller to look scrupulously to the characters of those on whom he called, that he might know whom to trust and whom to avoid. No class possessed a greater influence than the class of gentlemen whom he had the honour of addressing.—(Hear.) Through out their peregrinations they were looked up to as men of superior information, and as exercising an in fluence on society which in general exceeded that of any other class.—(Cheers.) He believed that they were all willing to exercise that influence on behalf of this Society, and therefore he would not detain them longer, but would at once call upon them to drink the toast.—(Cheers.) The toast was then drank with three times three. Mr. CUFFLEY, in rising to return thanks, compli mented his brother travellers on seeing so many men of influence assembled around them.—(Cheers.) He was delighted that the toast to which he had to re spond had been proposed by Mr. Nicholson, a gentle man who had been known upon the northern road for years, and who on that road, by his exertions in behalf of his employers, had always been an example for all commercial travellers, both old and young. In proposing the toast, Mr. Nicholson, as one of the Directors, had been pleased to say that they were a powerful body. He (Mr. C.) believed that they were a powerful body, and he felt assured that they were willing to exert all their power in promoting the prosperity of :the National Mercantile Life As surance Association.—(Cheers.) He believed that the Society was greatly indebted to the commercial travellers, who had not only insured their own lives in it, but had induced their customers and friends to become its supporters.—(Cheers.) In fact such ' was the power of the commercial travellers, that if they embarked in any enterprise with energy and zeal, it was impossible for them not to succeed.— (Loud cheers.) As an illustration of this, he would mention that the friends of this Society had endea voured to establish a school for the education of the orphan children of commercial travellers. Four gen tlemen had come forward, Mr. Walsh, Mr. Carter, Mr. Jones, and himself, with their subscription of ten guineas each in support of this school. He had said that if 100 gentlemen would come for ward with 10 guineas each, the school could be established. His scheme had been treated as chimerical. But what was the fact ? Instead of 100, they had obtained 250 sub scribers at 10 guineas each.— (Immense cheering.) Ile would not now appeal to them in behalf of that school, although he knew if he were to do so, that he should obtain a great sum.—(Loud cheers.) But he would say, that he thought those who had origi nally set this school on foot were entitled to the praise of their brother travellers—(Cheers)—and he hoped they would show that they appreciated the exertions which had been made by subscribing liberally to the school fund.—(Loud cheers.) Mr. ROBERTS rose to propose the health of the Chairman. He wished that the duty of proposing that gentleman's health had fallen into abler hands ; still, he would do his best to express his feelings respecting the excellent character of that gentleman.—(Cheers.) On every occasion on which he had come in contact with him, he had experienced the greatest kindness. All that he (Mr. Roberts) had seen of Mr. Wilcoxson showed that he had the best interests of the Society at heart.—(Cheers.) If the commercial travellers would do their duty, as Mr. Wilcoxson had done, their success would be placed beyond the possi bility of retrogression. However flattering it might seem to Mr. Wilcoxson, it was his (Mr. R.'s) duty to inform them that had it not been for his firmness, energy, and perseverance, the Society would not have been in existance now.—(Hear, hear.) He only men tioned these things to remind them of the obligations they were under to their chairman.—(Hear.) Under these circumstances he had very great pleasure in proposing the health of that gentleman, and he was sure they would receive it with warmness and enthusiasm. Before sitting down, he would refer to one pleasing incident of that day's proceed ings. It was in reference to the school. They had laid the foundation of what would yet prove one of the best schools in the country, and hundreds of children yet unborn would have reason to bless them for the establishment of that important institution. It would enable parents to procure a good education to their offspring, however much they might be afflicted with disease or impoverished in circumstances. Without further trespassing upon their attention, he would propose " The health of their excellent Chair man, Mr. Wilcoxson."---(Loud cheering.) The toast was drank in the most enthusiastic man ner, and accompanied with every demonstration of therefore, sit down, by expressing how highly gra tified he was at the manner in which his health and that of his brother Directors had been drank. Song, by Mr. Hawkins—' born." " The spot where I was The annual anniversary festival of the National Mercantile Assurance Association took place last evening, at the London Tavern, Bishopsgate-street, R. 11' ilcoxson, Esq., in the chair. Among those present we observed—W.Nicholson, Esq., on the right of the chairman, and Mr. Alderman Sidney on his left ; Geo. Moore, Esq., W. Lawson, Esq., Edward Baker, Esq., Giles Redmayne, Esq., Gen. Cursham, M.D., Chas. Ray, Esq., D. Hull, Esq., Murdo Young, Esq., David Waddington,. Esq., John Bragg, Esq., Edward Perkins, Esq., J. .R. Cuflley, Esq., John Stoker, Esq., E. Stockdale, Esq., James Walsh, Esq., R. J. Mullidge, Esq., M‘Cul loch, Esq., J. P. Massey, Esq., J. W. Brookes, Esq., A. D. Cuffley, Esq., W. H. Smith, Esq., A. Wilson, Esq., &c. The company began to assemble at five o'clock, and shortly after that hour about 200 gentlemen sat down to a dinner, which included all the delicacies of the season, and which was put upon the table in the best style of those first-rate caterers, Messrs. Bathe and Breache. The wines, too, were of excellent quality, and were supplied without stint. Messrs. Hobbes, Hatton, Hawkins, Machin, and Master Norman were the vocalists (Mr. Hatton presiding at the pianoforte), and Toole, the Toole, was the toast-master, and, as such, surpassed all his former doings as master of the revels. The cloth having been withdrawn, and the " Bene dictus " having been sung by the vocalists, The CHAIRMAN rose, and said that he had to pro pose as a toast the "Health of the Queen."—(Cheers.) He was sure it was needless for him to say anything more, for that was a toast that, in every assembly, must be received with affection and loyalty. Drunk, upstanding, with three times three. Air— " God save the Queen. The CHAIRMAN then proposed the "Health of Prince Albert."—(Cheers.) He thought her Majesty,might be justly said to have been most fortunate in hav ing allied herself with a prince whose conduct, since his arrival in this kingdom, had been such as to secure to him the good opinion of the public at large.—(Loud cheers.) Drunk with with three times three. Glee—' Albert, hail." The CHAIRMAN had next to propose the "Health of that illustrious lady, the Queen Dowager," whose many private virtues, as well as her great public benevolence, had won for her the esteem of all classes of the community. With the health of the Queen Dowager, he begged to couple that of " the Prince of Wales, and the rest of the Royal Family." Drunk with three times three. Madrigal—" Who is Sylvia ?" The CHAIRMAN then rose and said, I am now about to propose a toast of great national importance—" The Army and Navy of England." I think it may be fairly said that to these great branches of the public service the country is indebted for much of its great ness in the scale of nations, and for much of its commercial prosperity.—(Cheers.) It is owing to the exertions of these services that our ships are found in every port, bearing to us the fruits of the industry of every clime, and that Britannia rules triumphant o'er the waves.—(Cheers.) War, with its attendant horrors, is ever to be deprecated (Cheers) and I trust that the day is far distant when this country shall be compelled to have recourse to arms to defend our national rights and our national honour.—(Loud cheers.) But I do think that it is to our army and our navy in a great degree that we are indebted for the long and happy peace which this country has enjoyed, and by which each man has been enabled to sit under his own vine and his own fig-tree, none daring to make him afraid. Drunk with three times three. Grand chorus— " To arms," which was rapturously encored. The CHAIRMAN then said—Gentlemen, it is now my pleasing duty to propose to you a toast in which you are all much interested. I think it may be said to be the one that has brought together, this evening this very large and very respectable company. lam sure that you have already anticipated me, and therefore I give at once " Prosperity to the National Mercantile Assurance Society."--(lmenenee cheering.) Through your kindness last year I had the honour of filling the chair at your annual festival, and it was my duty to give you something like an account of the rise and progress of this Society, of the difficulties which wt had encountered—of the fiery ordeal through which we had passed—the tempest in which we had been tossed and buffeted, and which, at one time, almost threatened the dissolution of the Society. But now a more pleasing task devolves upon me— thanks to the moderation, temper, firmness, and de termination of a little band of your Directors, only three in number, who stood up for what they con sidered the defence of your rights and liber ties (Immense cheering) -- against a fearful majority of the then board of Directors we have been enabled to overcome every difficulty, and to hand over to you, your society uninjured and unimpaired. —(Loud cheers.) It is therefore my pleasing duty this evening to endeavour to present to you something like a sketch of our present position, and of our future prospects.—(Cheers.) Early in this year the Directors called the Proprietors together to exercise one of the most important privileges with which they are invested, the election of four gentlemen as Directors. You were then pleased to elect four gentlemen as Directors, and 1 congratulate you on your choice, for by that elec tion you obtained the services of men of sterling worth, high business character, and unblemished reputation.—(Cheers.) At that meeting it was re solved that a further increase in the number of shares should take place, and, in consequence, your Di rectors have, since that time, issued 10,000 addi tional shares, the whole of which have been eagerly taken up.—(Cheers.) It is gratifying to me to state that we consider this as a great step gained, inasmuch as it will add to our stability in the public estima• Lion, by increasing our pledged capital. (Hear, hear.) This has not been a year in which life asoirance associations have in general experienced very great successes. This is to be attributed to the large speculations which, during the first nine months of the year, were made in rail way shares. The public mind seemed to be so absorbed in railway matters, that the still more important subject of life insurance was neglected. Things, however, have now come round to their usual channels, and life insurance associations have so progressed within the last three months, that, judging from our own experience, taking all things into consideration, I think that life insurance companies have reason to he satisfied. I now come to an important part of the business of the evening. You know that it has been determined by our constitution that periodically the Directors should proceed to make a division of the profits of this Society. The year 1846 is one of the periods fixed for that division. It is my gratifying and pleasing duty to be able to inform you that our funds, in con sequence of the exertions of our actuary (Mr. Jones), whose exertions have been great indeed, more particularly in devoting to your service many hours after the usual time of business, have been placed in such a position as to enable us to declare to our pro prietors and policy-holders a most liberal bonus. — (Cheers.) This is neither the time nor the place to enter into further details on this subject but I feel called upon to say that I feel confident that the bonus which we shall be able to declare, must and will be highly satisfactory to all.—(Loud cheers.) To our com mercial friends I would say, that I hope that they will be stimulated to make exertions during their journies through the length and breadth of the land —to interest their friends and customers in our be half as far as they can do it.—(Cheers.) Their hearts are with us.—(Cheers.) I know they will do their utmost.—(Loud cheers.) Before I sit down I may be permitted to say that the Directors have long felt the want of larger premises, in which to conduct the business of this Society. We have long been seeking for premises in some leading thoroughfare, such as we ought to possess, bat, owing to the many , public companies which have recently started, land lords have asked exorbitant rents, and we have ex perienced considerable difficulty in procuring premises which will suit us ; but through the exertions of our Directors we have at length been enabled to procure eligible premises, which we hope to occupy in the course of a few months. They stand in the Poultry, with a frontage in Charlotte-row, and when we get there I doubt not that we, with your zealous co-operation, shall make this society what we all wish it to be—one of the first in the city of London. The toast was then drunk with three times three. Song—" Oh, if there's a pleasure," beautifully sung by Mr. Hobbes, and enthusiastically encored. Mr. NICHOLSON felt proud of the honour which had been conferred upon him, in having the proposal of a toast entrusted to him, but he was sorry it had not fallen into more able hands, see ing as he did, around him so many gentlemen who were so much better able to do it justice. The toast he had to propose was " The Commercial Travellers of the United Kingdom." He had him self for many years the honour of belonging to that important, energetic, and noble class of men. For forty years of his life he had been one of that great and important body ; but he believed that in his time the body of commercial travellers hail not possessed one-half of the energy and importance which it now poesessed. There was eio situation in life requiring more energy and decision than that of a commercial traveller. They were required to exercise sounder judgment and greater zeal to fulfil their duties pro perly than any other class of men were called on to exert. It had been his happiness to belong to their body for many years, although for the last eight or nine years he had retired from public business as a commercial traveller. But his former experience justified him in saying that they were a most impor tant body—the representatives of the commercial world. There was no class of men theoughout th kingdom who ought to occupy a more The CHAIRMAN said—lt was now with great pleasure that he introduced to their notice a toast—it was " The Health of their Actuary, Mr. Jones." In doing so, with their permission, he would briefly explain the circumstances which led to the introduction of Mr. Jones as the actuary of that 3ociety. The Directors were looking round to find a gentleman to fill that important situation ; and, in order to obtain one with the necessary qualifications, advertisements were inserted in the public newspapers. The result was a wonderful number of applications, and, amongst them, one from Mr. Jones. He (the Chairman) was one of the committee appointed to receive applications, and examine testimonials, and in that committee there was but one opinion that the testimonials of that gentleman were pre-eminently above those of any other. The committee, therefore, came to the unanimous decision, that he was the most fit party to undertake the duties of the office of actuary. That duty he had discharged with the greatest ability and energy. His talents were of the highest order, and always at the disposal of the Direc tors. He (the Chairman) was always pleased to say that that gentleman enjoyed the un bounded support and confidence of the board. He would not occupy their time any further, but call upon them to join with him in drinking the health of Mr. Jones.—(Loud cheers.) Mr. JONES said he could not help feeling much gratified at the very kind and handsome manner in which their Chairman had made reference to his abilities. He could only assure them that his desire, on all occasions, had been to for ward, in the best manner, the objects of the society. When they were not in so good a position as they were now, he had stood by the Chair man, at the risk of losing his position, in defence of their rights and interests, and he was pleased that ciscumstances now showed the policy of the course then taken. After the able and flattering address of their Chairman in explanation of the affairs of the society, he had little to say. Still to one point he would make reference. From his position he was enabled to say the bonus to the Proprietors would be very consider able; in fact, the position of their affairs was far better than it had ever been before. If they had accomplished the great end—a good bonus—with all the difficulties they had to contend against ; if the vessel had sailed so well under adverse winds, what might they not accomplish with the winds in their favour?—(Cheers.) It was the source of great satisfaction to him to think that he stood so high with the Chairman and Board of Directors, and that a new Board of Directors.; and it was to him, too, a cause of much pleasure to think that he commanded the respect of so wealthy and influential a body as the gentlemen by whom he was surrounded—(Hear, hear)—gentlemen who re presented in an eminent degree the wealth and in fluence of this great nation. If they wanted any evidence of the wealth and public spirit of the commercial travellers, they had amply given it that day in the steps taken to establish a school.—(Loud cheers.) While that institution was understood to be entirely distinct from the assurance society, he need not say that the members of the latter ought to give it every assistance in their rower. They ought to be the first to give it their support, and that he was sure they would fully and effectually render.—(Loud cheers.) In fact, they had given an evidence of that already. He would conclude by thanking them most kindly for the honour they htid done him in drinking his health.—(Loud cheers.) The CHAIRMAN, in the absence of Mr. Wilson, who had been deputed for the purpose, proposed the next toast, " The auditors, solicitors and medical officers of the society." The sincere thanks of all were due to them for the valuable assistance they had rendered the institution. To the auditors they were indebted for the careful examination into their finan cial affairs, by which they were placed in possession of most excellent accounts ; to the medical officers, for the great ability displayed in the selection of lives to be assured ; and to their worthy solicitors for the discretion they had evinced in keeping them out of litigation, and consequently of expense.—(Cheers.) He hoped the company would excuse his joining the names of these gentlemen together in the present toast, as they ought, had the evening not been so ad vanced, have been given separately. Without further comment, he would propose the healths of the audi tors, medical officers, and solicitors of the society.— (Loud cheers.). The toast was drunk with all the honours, and amidst great applause. Comic song, by Mr. Hatton—" There was a little man dressed all in green." Mr. STOCIIDALE (one of the auditors) responded to the toast. It gave him great pleasure to possess that opportunity of returning thanks on behalf of the auditors of the society. He did so, and he believed he spoke their sentiments when he said that, however much their labours might be enlarged by the increase of applications, they did not care so long as it led to the extension and prosperity of the society.—(Loud cheers.) He was well satisfied that the new year would bring with it an increase of business, and he knew the feelings of the two auditors so well as to say, if it did so, it would give them, independent of any extra exertion, the greatest pleasure and gratification. The affairs of that society required industry and vigilance in the auditors, and should their increasing business require that more time and labour should be devoted than had hitherto been, he should be most willing to devote that extra time and labour to it, so as to have the work efficiently done.—(Cheers.) They would not require any more observations from him. He could only say, that in his humble capacity of an auditor of the society, he returned his most sincere thanks. On looking around him he recog nised many old associates, as well as many that were new to the institution, and he could assure them that by the exhibition of industry and perseverance on their part, before the next annual meet ing took place, such additions would be made to their numbers, as would prove to the world that the commercial travellers of this country were really a powerful and influential body of men.—(Cheers.) For himself and brother auditor, he would say nothing should be wanting on their part to forward the in terests of the society. He had nothing further to add but the declaration that they would do their duty if the members of the institution did theirs.—(Loud cheers.) With regard to the solicitors, he would say they had fought well for the society's interests ; and the attention of the medical officers had been careful and undivided to its affairs. It therefore afforded him much pleasure in returning sincere thanks on their part, as well as for himself and brother auditor. Song, by Mr. Machin—" Down among the dead men." ." Hail, respect. The CHAIRMAN then rose to return thanks, and was greeted with renewed and most enthusiastic bursts of applause. When silence was restored, he said—l rise, under feelings of great excitement, to express thanks for the very kind and enthusiastic manner in which you have noticed me, and to say how exceed ingly gratified I am at the warm and cordial manner in which you have received the mention of my name. Were any further inducement re quired to stimulate me to greater exertion in your service, such a striking manifestation of your feeling and respect would he an additional incitement. You all well know the position I have occupied in this life assurance company. It has been till within the last twelve months often of a mixed and painful cha racter. There has been much to encounter, much to endure ; still, the strong and undeviating sup port of two of my brother directors, Giles Redmayne, Esq., and Edward Baker, Esq., who, with a large majority of the proprietors, supported me, and en dowed me with sufficient moral courage to stand by the interests of the company, to fight its battle and to obtain the victory.—(Loud cheers.) As long as I improve proprietors, the so condition long d I employp os se s s t e h r e ery confidenceexertion advance the solid interests of this assurance societ y , and I am proud in the result o f this da y , when I see of t t the ranged around me at this friendly board so many of my friends among the commercial travellers. — (Cheers.) lam certain, with the gigantic efforts you have made, and with what we are yet able to accomplish, we must and shall command every success that is de sirable. Thanking you for the kind wishes you have expresssed, in return I beg leave to drink all your very good healths. The lion. Gentleman resumed his seat amidst loud. and general applause. Glee—" The Chough and Crow." Mr. WADDINGTON then rose to propose the health of the Directors. He regretted that some other party had not been entrusted with the toast who would have done it greater justice. Still, when called upon to speak, he was much gratified in having to appear before that as sembly to propose such a toast. He would not detail the reasons why they should respond to it, as he was sure, when he told them it was a vote of confidence in the management, it would be quite sufficient. From what he knew of the past circumstances of the Company, he, as one, must say the Directors were entitled to support, and that the meeting ought, as a mark of respect, to drink their healths in a bumper toast.—(Cheers.) If they considered the onerous positions those gentlemen occupied, the attention they had bestowed in conducting this public institution, in conjunction with their standing in society, he was sure they were entitled to every mark of consideration and respect. 'When they found a gentleman among them so highly respected as the Chairman, along with those by whom he was sur rounded, and when he (Hr. Waddington) told them, also, that that gentleman was a man who had risen from the ranks, and had led an active and useful life for forty years, he was proud to have that oppor tunity of calling upon them to honour the toast he was about to propose. Looking to what the society had been, and to what it now was, and well knowing what life insurance companies ought to be, they would perceive the great obligations they were under to the Directors. He had most sincere pleasure in propos ing " the Health of the Directors," and hoped they would find the amplest support from the Proprietors in carrying out the good work in which they were engaged. The toast was drank with all the honours. Mr. GILEs REDMAYNE, returned thanks. He said that Mr. Alderman Sidney, who had been entrusted to respond to the toast, having been obliged to leave, he (Mr. Redmayne) was called upon to reply, and he would not, therefore, shrink from the duty. He was not prepared to say much on behalf of the board after the excellent speeches which had been deli vered ; but this he must say, that with his friend, Mr. Wilcoxson, he had stuck well to the ship —(Loud cheers)—and had got her under fair sail again. They had left th.dr adverse gales behind, and found the vessel under fair sailing, and with few con trary winda.—(Cheers.) He had great gratification in meeting them that night ; and felt deeply interested in the interest and welfare of the soc;ety. He be lieved the Directors had done their best to advance the interests of the whole body. There was another point to which he would refer. It was the school. It would be most gratifying for them to know s that in the event of their death, their children 'would 'alese advantages t o he well provided with the elerae:,',s o f know• ledge, or if they did not secure they would at least be ?secured o 4 ...ne . widow and the orphan.— t t l o ie i t r he o w e n hi7( fl i n , g )f , (Cheers.) They did not live fnr themselves alone, but for the 'oenefit of others ; and what could be ISehagoueldwitlhoewire o re cv n o o f t an a i b i l i e es to n p ot ro r a e i ci d u e ir it e t fo h r t . h_ i etnelves. more praiseworthy than to provide tlite with know e of such a s c hool as th e y ...dvantages Nvi :. - re establishing, if any of their brethren sh o uld w a - die, and leave a widow with a family, it v-s a Very easy thing to subscribe a guie unprovide ' toy wo,oa be enabled to en j o y the cheers.) He was n by which the children so left !Ts • education. — (L oud port at 1 V:6ll334are°dl to make a long speech, and would, Mr. AlooßE said that he had now the pleasing duty to propose " The health of the Vice-Presidents, and he felt proud in being allowed to do so in that convivial company. They were gentlemen who had paid great attention to the affairs of the society, of much perseverance, capacious intellect, and undoubted benevolence.—(Cheers.) The previous speakers had so fully explained the affairs of the society, in con nexion with its officers, that all that he could do was, to propose «The Healths of the Vice-Presidents, Mr. Brooks, Mr. Millidge, and Mr. Roberts, and long life to them."—(Loud cheers.) The toast was drunk with great applause, and with all the honours. Mr. BROO KS re sponded. He thanked them for the flattering com p liment paid to his brother vice-pre sidents and hi ms elf in the kind and handsome manner in which th e i r names had been received. For himself, he felt not only deeply complimented, but, he must say, pleased and gratified in no ordinary degree, in sitting under so able and efficient a chairman.—(Cheers.) He considered it was the proudest moment of his life, the becoming a member of such .8 society. It was the first time he had been there, and it was the source of no ordinary gratification his being placed under so good and valuable a chairman ; so much more so when asso ciated with men of intellect, and worth such as those they had connected his name with, and such were, he was proud to say, those engaged in commercial pursuits, whom he saw around him.—(Cheers.) If he had any sincere friends, or even foes, in the world, he could not wish a greater gratification to the one, or punishment to the other, than being present that night and witnessing that scene. Their ship, as had been told them, was going steadily forward, it was sailing well, and there was every in dication of its soon reaching the haven of complete success.—(Louil cheers.) It would be imprudent on his Fart to say more, after so much had been said. It was but necessary for him to repeat that which every one present was deeply interested in—the prosperity of the National Mercantile Assurance Association.— (Hear, hear.) In the name of the vice• presidents he concluded by returning them his sincere thanks. Song, Mr. Hatton—Mock Italian bravura. Mr. Law eoe rose to propose a toast. lie was sure that every one who had partaken of the delightful entertainment provided tor diem must have felt grate tut ; and if any additional proof were wanting to show what their commercial friends could do, that proof had been furnished in the present festive board. feeling much gratified and pleased at the entertain mint provided, and of course with those who had so am ply attended to their wants, he proposed the health of the stewards. Though it might be con sidered invidious to mention any one in connexion with the toast, still he could not avoid naming Mr. M'Colloch.—(Cheers.) He gave, therefore, " The health of Mr. M'Culloch and the stewards." The toast was drunk with loud and general ap plause. Mr. M'Cur.r.ocn said be was exceedingly pleased at the manner in which the toast had been received by the meeting. lie knew of no class that better understood what a good dinner was than the cOrn mercial travellers. Among the stewards the point sug gested was, what sort of a dinner should' they PILE SUN, LONDON, WEDNESDAY EVENI NG, DECEMBER 31, 1845. have, and they all agreed a first-rate one. Such dinner he hoped theihadbeen supplied with.—("Yes, yes," and lourl cheers r ) The next matter was the music, and the first professional gentlemen were secured. lle hoped on that point, likewise, they were satisfied.— (" Yes, yes.") Ile hoped they had all been satisfied with the entertainment provided.—(Loud cries of " Yes, yes,''. "All, all," and general cheer ing.) If they were all satisfied, he was pleased and delighted ; and he would further say, that in what ever position they might think fit to place him, how ever humble the appdintment might be, his services would be at their disposal. (Loud cheers.) Chorus—" When the wind blows." Mr. CUFFLEY rose and said—l have great pleasure in informing the meeting that Mr. Edward Baker, of the firm of Baker and Ward, Bouverie-street, is the first volunteer of 100• guineas for the establishment of a school.—(This announcement was received with tremendous cheering.) Mr. F. STARR was next called on for a toast, and spoke to the following effect :—I may safely say that I feel myself in quite. the same position as some other gentleman who have addressed the meeting ex pressed themselves—when I say I wish the toast I am about to propose had been placed in other hands who would have been better able to do it justice. I regret having volunteered to introduce the toast, not from any want ,of appreciation of the great power of which it is the subject, but of my want of ability to place it in its proper light before you. I would not have so felt had the toast only referred to the National Mercantile Assurance Company, but it is one of the greatest importance, connected as it is, not only with the country at large, but with every other similar society to the' present throughout the extent of the land.—(Cheers.) SD satisfied am I of its mag nitude and importance that, like Frankenstein, I am frightened at the task I have undertaken. The toast I have topropose, gentlemen, is " The press," and taking into account the effects produced in the country by it, it must command our . fullest homage and respect. — (Cheers.) The subject lam free to confess, however, is one which leaves me without words to express what I really think in referenre to it ; nay, I very much doubt whether I ainjustified in entering into the sub ject, and anticipating a gentleman who is to rise after me, and who is more,competent to do it justice than I possibly can.—(Loud, heers.) Still, I may say, no one more than myself is disposed to pay homage to the intelligence and power of the press ; and there is no body of men that owe more to it than such as I see around the. do not say that you are much indebted to it on your own behalf for the sup port of your Life Assurance Society, but, indirectly, you are under much obligation to it—not only to the Great Thunderer of Trinting-house-square, but to your facetious friend . Punch ; the whole press, from the one to the other of these, through all its interme diate stages, declares that life assurance is a good thing.—(Cheers.) On all occasions the principle of life assurance has had the benefit and support of its influence.—(lleac, hear.) Six years ago we could not exhibit to. the world such an association as the present; but. the press showed the way and assisted and cheered us, guiding us by its intelli gence and advice, until we have become successful. — (Cheers.) No one amore than myself admires the in tellect and industry that characterises the conductors of the press, and none is disposed to pay it greater consideration and respect, as a powerful moral engine for elevating, improving, and guiding public opinion. Gentlemen, in conclitiion, I beg leave to propose— " The Press, and hing life to those who direct and sway its pages, and whose labours regulate and govern the feelings of the country."—( The toast was received and drunk: with loud and long continued cheering.) . Mr. MURDO YOUNG rose and said—Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, I will not detain you long in the observations lam about to make. I feel great plea sure at the high character which the gentleman who has just addressed the meeting has given the press. The public press, 'like Joseph's coat, is made up of many colours,.: or, I may rather say, of many opinions, but in th main I believe those opinions to be honest, and that they have a virtuous and benevolent tendency. We are—in the words of the poet— " Brethren in it;pls, but rivals in renown." The feeling of those connected with the public press is to do good, and to•adyance, as far as in tFem lies, the general interests of society. They do not pro fess to be supeiior to their fellow-men, but they say what they think, freely, independently, and with the best intentions. The press is the great mirror of public opinion—it reflects its hopes and fears. Perhaps it foreshadows too truly the conse quence of coming events, but in the main it is a friend that may be trusted. To have an honest press, the people must theMselves be honest.—(Cheers.) We think deeply and, it may be, correctly on many questions, but you think on a greater variety of subjects, and are well qualified on many of these to set us right, from your more intimate knowledge of all their various bearings. In this spirit the gentle men connected with the press are ever ready and happy to le4n the opinion of parties experienced in the several walks of business with which they are connected. Much is said of the power of the press, but in reality the press has no power but in the anscience of the people. The people think much tlie same as the press, and when the press comes out publicly with their private thoughts, they give the press credit for divining too happily their own very abstruse medi tations. But there i(no wonder in that after all—for "What can we reason but from what we know?" and the public press is.but the pulse of public opinion —it beats quick or slow, as the temperature of the mind or the body politic may indicate. You may, per haps, recollect the obervation of a Dutch Minister — De Witz, I think—who said to his son, Go and travel, and see what the world is ;" and the young gentleman went, bttt he went in an easy chair, saw people disguised like - himself, and he returned, like Captain Cook's celebrated cow, which had travelled all round the world, .but came back as wise as when it set out.—(Cheers and laughter.) But if that old gentleman lived at the present day, I am sure he would' say to his son, should he wish him to poss - ess an efficient knowledge of society, " Go ' and become a British commercial traveller.—(Loud cheers.) You will then see the world as it really is, in its manifold phases and conditions," and— " Survey mankind from China to Peru." —(Cheers.) Gentlemen, you have said that the press represents public opinion—so It does. It reflects the feelings and sentiments of society as water reflects the rays of the sun.—(Loud cheers.) Commercial travellers go everywhere—east, west, north, and south, and, if a war were to break out, I am sure they would make an excellent army of observation.—(Cheers.) They, indeed, are the true interpreters of public opinion, whether they go through the extent of Yorkshire or Lanca• shire, or throughout the wilds of Scotland ; wherever they go fliey are the men to ask what is the state of opinion upon- any question. I have heard with great pleLsure a gentleman who has addressed the meeting refer to that glorious institution you have just established—the School.—(Cheers.) Careful as you have been in building up your Assurance Society, and provident as are the objects it has in view, there is something still beyond that which is required—something to which you can, as hus bands and father;, look to, as conferring a benefit on your-.- !children—(Loud cheers) —as a means of providing elements of knowledge to the youthful mind— " To teach the young idea how to shoe," by the success of your own bright example, the ad vantages of such a school cannot be too highly esti mated. It is an institution which, in addition to the Assurance Society with which you are connected, or rather an emanation: of your own, is entitled to the warmest and most energetic support. The press, it is said, is the fourth 'estate ; but there is another estate which has recently grown up—l mean the railway estate—if the Railway King will condescend to be one of us.—:(Laughter.) Yet beyond these there is a still More provident estate—that of as surance companies. These societies are springing up around us far and wide, and doing good everywhere. Your society is one of these, the principle of which is entitled to every encouragement, and which I am sure it will receive from the great, in • dustrious, and energetic body to which it mainly looks for support , 4 mean the British commercial travellers. It has- been said that you should look to royal assistance ; but, however desirable that may be under certain circumstances, my advice is, look to yourselves. (Cheers.) If you determine to go forward in yoic present course you will reap the reward of suecesd, and all the world will applaud yott. Ton will seta good example, and your pros perity will induce others to go and do likewise. Mr. STARR then prvosed the " Health of the Ladies," which, having been drunk with the greate,t. enthusiasm, the chairman left the chair, and the meeting immediately afterwards separated. PREPARING POW THE ATTACK.—Free - traders are qualifying in IsTottiurrhamshire, in order to be prepared, at the opportune time, to make a resolute attack upon the fortress of monopoly. At the period of the iieform Bill that county re turned six Reformers; since then the "landed intere*" has regained hold. It is now perceived to be high time that an assault was commenced in right good earnest upon the Chandos camp. Let this only be well done throughout the country, and hankility, selfish, and unfeeling brown bre:A, curry, and potatoes Dakes—whether royal or not—must sur render to the force of reason. Truth and justice are against them ; this they wpll. know. That, for the purposes and ends of a particular .class, the rest of the community should suffer (and in consequence be kept in discontent) is a thing* too grievous to be allowed to continue.—Front a Correspondent. Mr. W. H. Polk, brother to the President of the United States, is at :this moment in Paris. He will remain some time awaiti4 dispatches from Washington, and will then proceed to Rotn'eand Naples, where he will act as En voy Extraordinary from the Union, in order to exchange the ratifications of a treaty of commerce and amity recently con cluded between his Government and the kingdom of the Two Sicilies.Galignani. LITERATURE. THE CABINET HISTORY OF ENGLAND ; being an Abridgment, by the Author, of the Chapt.?rs entitled " Civil and Military History" in the "Picto r ial History of England." Vols. X. and Xl. By Charles Mac Farlane. These volumes contain the greater part of the his tory of James 1., with that of his unfortunate son, up to the famous Remonstrance passed by the Commons in the sixteenth year of his reign, when his power and authority were gone, and preparations were made on both sides for settling all differences by an appeal to the sword. The reign of Charles I. forms the most important era of English history. During that period was commenced the great struggle against the despotic power of the sovereign, and the foundations were laid of that constitutional liberty which has long been the boast of this island. It is, therefore, of great importance that facts involving such consequences should be correctly stated and fully elucidated, and the more so as they have hitherto been greatly obscured or grossly distorted, and written rather to serve party purposes, or suit personal prejudice 3, than to lay open the real causes of the revo lution, and point to succeeding generations the debt of gratitude they owe to the Pyms, and Hampdens, and Eliots, and the calumniated Puritans. Hume, with all.his great abilities, his apparent impar tiality, and his clear insight into the motives which generally actuated mankind, has failed in this part of his history, and to a certain extent cast an odium upon the Parliamentary leaders which they little merit. He has done justice to their splendid talents, their consummate skill in forming and carrying into effect their plans—he admits even their patriotism in re sisting arbitrary power, and, cannot deny that to the Puritans we are indebted for the most valuable privileges we enjoy as freemen ; but still his praises are evidently forced, and he endeavours to lower these men in public estimation by turning into ridi cule some of their speeches, and by inveighing against their fanaticism and hypocrisy. That, however, is not the only defect in his history. His partiality to the Stuarts, and the pity which he excites for the fate of the unfortunate sovereign who made war upon his people • to defend what he calls his pre rogative, but which all impartial men call despotic power, tended much to lower the character of the op posite party even among good reformers, and to de stroy all their merit in the eyes of the High Church party. His prepossessions in favour of that worthless race of kings blinded a mind otherwise so clear and unbiassed, and made him palliate, or deny, or excuse crimes, which ought to meet with universal reproba tion. Even in the history of that contemptible and vulgar sovereign, Jarnes'l., this partiality is most glaring. He tells us, of course, what he could not conceal—that he was desperately attached to young favourites, that he conferred on them the highest honours, and loaded them with wealth; that they, in *act, were his chief councillors, though they followed each other in rapid succession, and that such a strange propensity caused general offence and scandal, while at the same time he not only throws a veil over his crimes, but asserts what few . persons now believe, that these propensities had nothing i n them "immoral or flagitious." The trial, conviction, and pardon of the greatest of his favour ites, Somerset and his profligate wife, for the murder of Sir Thomas Overbury, are briefly described, and made to appear as little injurious to the king as pos sible, though nothing can be more fatal to his character than the whole scene of this man's life at court. The favourite seduced this woman while the wife of the injured Essex, the king granted his royal permission for a divorce, the guilty pair, with the king's consent also were married, and though they were guilty of an atrocious murder, for which many of the other accomplices suffered death at Tyburn, they were pardoned a few weeks after conviction, and the king settled on Somerset the splendid income of 40,0001. a year for life. This extraordinary conduct is attributed to some secret cause, to some ap prehensions of the king's that Somerset might make fearful disclosures, and the whole history of the trial confirms the worst suspicions. Somerset for some time absolutely refused to submit to a trial, told Sir George More, the Lieutenant of the Tower, that he should carry himto Westminster Hall by force in his bed, and that the king durst not bring Lim to trial. The rest of the strange scene is thus graphically described by the author of this excellent history : " This language made More quiver and shake ; . . . yet away goes More to Greenwich, as late as it was, being twelre at night, and bounces up the back-stairs as if mad.' The king, who was in bed, on hearing what the Lieutenant had to say, fell into a passion of tears, and said, On my soul, More, I wot not what to do Thou art a wise man ; help me in this great strait, and thou shalt find thou dolt it for a thankful master.' Re turning to the Tower, the Lieutenant told his prisoner that he had been with the king, and found him a most affectionate master unto him, and full of grace in his in tentions towards him ; but, said he, to satisfy justice, you must appear, although you return instantly again, without any further proceeding, only you shall know your enemies and their malice, though they shall have no power over you. With this trick of wit he allayed his fury, and got him quietly, about eight in the morn ing, to the Hall ; yet feared his former bold language might revert again, and, being brought by this trick into the toil, might have more enraged him to fly out into . some strange discovery. He had two servants placed on each side of him, with a cloak on their arms, giving them a peremptory order, if that Somerset did any way fly out on the king, they should instantly hoodwink him with that cloak, take him violently from the bar, and carry him away ; fir which he would secure them from my danger, and they should not want also a bountiful reward." Hume keeps all these remarkable circumstances out of sight, though attested by Coke as well as Weldon, and merely remarks, " Allowing all these circum stances to be true, of which some are suspicious, if not palpably false, the great remains of tenderness which James still felt for Somerset may, perhaps, be suf ficient to account for them." Throughout the whole history of Charles the First the same par tiality in favour of the royal martyr prevails. The philosophical and elegant historian, by a singular perversion of facts, about which there can be no doubt, declares that Charles " was candid, sin cere, upright, as much as any man whom we meet in history ;" and adds, " perhaps it would be difficult to End another character so unexceptionable in this par ticular." Now, it is a matter of history that the Par• liamentary leaders could place no confidence in the king's most solemn promises, and that this very cir cumstance urged them to extremities for their own preservation. It is necessary to cite only two or three instances to disprove the assertion that the king was " candid, upright, and sincere." His very entrance into public life displayed great duplicity. While he remained at Madrid he deceived the whole court, and more especially the confiding Infanta, with promises and engagements which he never in tended to perform. He even submitted to a course of mental reservation, evasion, lying, and per jury, says the writer of this work on good authority. He was ready to vow whatever they chose to get safe out of their country, " fully resolving to break all these en gagements as soon as he conveniently might ;" and his first remark on finding himself on board one of his father's ships was, "that he had duped the Spaniards." Another instance of perfidy occurs on the memorable occasion when he reluctantly con sented to give to the Parliament at Westminster the appellation of the Parliament of England, and secretly entered an explanatory protest in his council-book, pretending that though he had called them a Parlia ment, he had not thereby acknowledged them for such. And what justification or apology can be made for his shuffling, evasive, and faithless conduct in reference to the Petition of Right ? He at first gave an evasive answer—he at last gave it his full assent, and broke every article of it either imme diately after, or during the long period that he ruled without Parliaments. His breach of pro mise to Strafford, too, is an indelible blot on his memory, and proved that he was neither can did, nor sincere, nor upright. Strafford saw the storm coming, and, to escape from his enemies, asked leave to retire to his government in Ireland; but the king, afraid to act without him, refused his consent, and assured the devoted victim that " not a hair of his head should be touched." Charles basely betrayed his friend, appointed a commission to sign the war rant for his execution, and the Earl, on receiving the fatal intelligence, and indignant at such weakness and treachery, exclaimed, in the agony of despair, " Put not your trust in princes." A candid and sincere friend would have been torn to pieces rather than submit to such infamy ; but he lived to repent his baseness, and at the hour of his death could not for get his treachery to Strafford. This admirable historical sketch, drawn by Mr. Mac Farlane, and, among many other standard works, pub lished at a cheap rate by Knight and Co., pourtrays the scenes of that eventful per iod in their true light, and reveals many facts which Hume mysteriously concealed. One of its grea t merits is its impartiality. Justice is done to ()hales, but no more than justice. There is no indiscriminate praise of the patriotic leaders of the Common s, nor of the principal men who figured in the civil war. He justly blames the extravag ance and the wild fanaticism of the Puritans; he admits that the Scotch Covenanters were like their neighbours, and not very nice in keeping their word when it suited their purpose to break it ; and is no less severe against the intolerance and tyranny of the Presbyterians and Puritans than the determined and open despotism of Charles, and Laud, and Straffo rd. To Laud he do es full j ustice, and asser ts that some of his reforms in church discipline and habits were not only harmless, but . judiciously contrived —a se . n timent from which we totally differ. pf the king not much good is recorded, because, it truth , were observed, little could I\ b e said in his favour. early his whole life was disgraced either by treacherous policy or by downright absolutism. No two characters differ more widely from each other than the character of Charles as drawn by Hume and that which he was proved to possess by undoubted facts in history. Hume' repre sents him as a gentleman in every respect, while he was notoriously addicted to vulgar language, more vulgar even than that used by his uncouth father, and in his letters was constantly in the habit of using such expressions as " rascals," "villains," and in a commission with which he intrusted the Marquis of Hamilton for reducing the discontented; Scots, he called the Presby terians " that rascally people ;"' and the favourite epithet he applied to such illustrious men as Eliot, and Pym, and Hampden, was " the vipers." On reading the trials of Laud and Strafford, as described by the Tory historian, one is astonished at the inex tinguishable hatred of the people against these two Ministers, and the savage determination with which they were pursued to death; but a correct history, like that here given, explains the mystery, and shows that no men ever were more justly doomed to death for betraying the liberties of their country. The style of the work, too, deserves great praise. It is nervous, dignified, and eminently p.-actical. The object of the writer is not to round off a period or draw a beautiful metaphor, but to state facts in the most impressive mariner, and furnish the reader with the truth, the whole truth, 'and nothing but the truth. When he condescends to use figures of writing they are generally thrown in his way, and taken up, as it were, by accident, and in that respect he is generally very happy. For instance, the courtiers at Vienna told the emperor that Gustavus Adolphus, the Lion of the North, was but a king of snow, who would melt away as he approached the north. "But," says Mr. Mac Farlane, " the Swede continued his course, and there was no melting away ; or, if there was, it was of that nature which releases the avalanche from the mountain, to thunder through and over whelm the valley beneath." And in a like happy figure of speech, when stating that the Pres byterians of Ulster had by Strafford's tyranny and persecution been banished to their native country, he adds, " These preachers returned to their native hive in Scotland, whence there soon issued such a swarm as darkened the sun of the house of Stuart." The work altogether is entitled to the highest praise ; it, in fact, forms a new era in the writing of history ; it is neither prolix nor tedious; on the contrary, the reader regrets often that the description of some great man, such as the splendid account of the birth, educa tion, and character of Hampden, given as an episode, is not more prolonged, and every possible detail exhi bited to view. No novel or romance can be more en tertaining; and, we say with perfect sincerity, that the eleventh volume of this publication, containing a his tory of the events preceding the civil war, is the most interesting book we ever read. KNIGHT'S WEEKLY VOLUME, for all Readers. No. 74. Lord Brougham's Statesmen of George 111. This, the first volume of the third series of this standard work, which Mr. Knight is rebublisbing in his weekly volume, contains Lord Brougham's re marks on the French revolution, with his precis of the characters of Robespierre, Danton, Camille, Des moulins, St. Just, and Sieyes. Lord Brougham met Sieyes at Brussels in 1817, and he relates some curious anecdotes of the self-sufficiency of the cele brated Abbe, who, however, was always regarded by Carnot and by Talleyrand as a man of great merit, and to whom is due the honour of having first sug gested the three great measures which secured to France the blessings of constitutional Government, namely, the joint verification of the powers at the meeting of the States-General, the formation of the National Guards, and the establiThment of the new system of provincial division and administration. This volume also contains several interesting anecdotes of Fouche, communicated by Earl Stanhope, who was well acquainted with the ex-Minister of Police during his sojourn at Dresden, after the fall of Na poleon, in 1815. At the conclusion of the remarks on the French Revolution, the sketches of English Statesmen continue, and we have a spirited vindica tion of the character of John fourth Duke of Bed ford from the calumnies of Junius, an elegant pane gyric on the life and labours of Earl Camden, and a withering philippic against demagogues in general, and John Wilkes in particular. Mr. Knight is conferring a great benefit on society by thus placing these historical sketches, by Lord Brougham, within the reach of all classes of readers. THE COMIC BLACKSTONE. By Gilbert Abbott A'Beckett. This is a reprint of the admirable series of papers by Mr. A'Beckett, which have from time to time appeared under the above title in Punch, and the perusal of which most of our readers have no doubt heartily enjoyed. They are here collected into a small volume, beautifully printed, and altogether very nicely "got up." The frontispiece, by George Cruikshank, is one of those fanciful pieces of sati rical drollery that none but George Cruikshank could imagine or design. MRS. CAUDLE'S CURTAIN LECTURES ; Ed'ted from the original itf.S. by Douglas Jerrold. Here we have that stream of wisdom which con tinually flowed from Mrs. Caudle's lips, and which hath for nearly twelve months past delighted and instructed the world, collected, as it were, into a reservoir. Who has not e njoyed the cup of caudle provided weekly by Punch? Behold, here is the caudle-bowl— an admirable Christmas present. Leech's illus tration of Mr. Caudle's return from the skylark, is very rich. THE MANUAL OF HERALDRY; being a con cise Descripron ttf the several Terms used, and contain ing a Dictionary of every Designation in the Science. This is a most elegant, and, at the same time, very useful little book. The taste for mcedieval architec ture, and for mcedieval decorations in our buildings, public and private, is now reviving, and we would recommend all those employed in the decorative art to procure this little manual, and make it their vade tnecunz. It will prevent the commission of many a blunder. It is copiously illustrated with woodcuts (there are upwards of 400 illustrations), and in its pages will be found " all the varied figures invented by the College of Heralds, and bestowed from the day of the conquest till the reign of Elizabeth, upon the noNlity and gentry, as marks of merit for services rendered in the cabinet or in the field," and which constituted the chief ornaments of the halls, palaces, and churches of England, up to the close of the six teenth century. COURT CIRCULAR. WINDSOR, TUESDAY.—The Queen was prevented from taking her usual walk, owing to the squally state of the weather this morning. Prince Albert lull the Castle at five minutes past five o'clock for the Slough station, en route per Great Western Railway for Buckingham Palace. His Royal Highness was attended by Mr. G. E. Anson, Major-General Sir Edward Bowater, and Colonel Bowles. His Royal Highness and suite returned to the Castle at twenty minutes past two o'clock. Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales, the Princess Royal, and the Princess Alice, were taken their early morning airings. The Earl of Lincoln, Sir Robert and Lady Peel, anti the Right Hon. Sidney Herbert, arrived at the Castle to day, on a visit to her Majesty. The Viscountess Jocelyn has succeeded the Countess Desart as the Lady in Wating to the Queen. Lord Rivers has arrived at the Castle, and has succeeded the Earl of Warwick as the Lord in Waiting to her Majesty; and Colonel Berkeley Drummond has succeeded Mr. R. Ormsby Gore as the Groom in Waiting to her Majesty. Her Majesty and her Royal Consort walked in the pleasure-grounds in the afternoon. Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent, Lady Fanny Howard, and the Baroness de Speth, will join the royal circle at dinner this evening. The band of the 2d Regiment of Life Guards will attend during dinner. Her Majesty's private band will afterwards attend at the Castle. Sir Robert and Lady Peel arrived in town yesterday from their seat, Drayton Manor, Staffordshire. The Earl of Aberdeen visited the Right Hon. Baronet after his arrival. In the afternoon Sir Robert and Lady Peel left their residence in Whitehall-gardens, for Windsor Castle. Mr. Henry Smith (Highfield House), Mayor of Birmingham, had an interview with the Chancel lor of the Exchequer yesterday, at his official re sidence in Downing-street, and presented a memorial addressed to her Majesty' s Ministers, praying for the free admission of grain and provisions into the king dom, and for the abolition of all protective duties. Mr. Sidney Herbert arrived in town yesterday morn ing. The Right Honourable Gentleman left town in the afternoon for Windsor Castle. Sir James Graham arrived in town yesterday evening. SPORTING INTELLIGENC BETTING AT MAN C HESTER.--.TUESDAY. CIIESTER CUP. 500 to 10 on the field. DERBY. 6 to 1 agst Lord E. Russell's Sting 15 to 1 apt Gen. Shubrick's Brocardo 30 to 1 agst Mr. RamsAy's Malcolm 30 to 1 agA Mr. Meiklain'. Fancy Boy to 1 agst Mr. O'Brien's The Traverser. Quotations merely nominal. PRICE o r GOLD.—The premium on gold at Paris i s iii per milk, which, at the English Mint price of 31. 17e. no. per ounce for standard gold, gives an exchange of 25 43, am t the exchange at Paris on London at short being 23 57i, it follows that gold is 0.57 per cent. dearer in London i n Paris. By advices from Hamburgh the price of 4 . per mark, which, at the English Mint price of 3!. 1 . i per ounce for standard gold, gives an exchange et than{, 1 is os :d3.3 13 9; and the exchange at Hamburgh ou London at short being 13 10, it fo!lows that gold is 0.46 per cent. dearer in London than in Hamburgh. The course of exchange at New York on London is 1081 per cent.; and the par 0,-i-- exchange between England and America being 109 23- per cent., it follows that the exchange is 1.08 _per ceite t ._.; against England. But the quoted exchan g e at New YoTIF :' being for bills at sixty days' sight, the interest must 4)ei : ::'. , deducted from the above difference. ---t , -, - - We hear that Lord Howard de Wald en , who has`,, been for many years our Min ister at the Court of Lisbon:Oa likely to resign his diplomatic post, and return to this saw. try, having succeeded to the title and estates of his fatlii the late. Lord Seaford. ""." .i,,... k!, ,:. ,~~