The Sun. — London, England, 1853-05-04 00:00:00

THEATRE ROYAL, HAYMARKET. rndV the Management of Mr. Buckstone. THIS EVENING, MAT 4, Dy desire, THE LADY OF LYON'S. Supported by Mr. B. Sul livan, and Miss Helen Faucit. After which MR. BUCKSTONE'S ASCENT OF MOUNT PAR. NASSUS. To conclude with OUR MARY ANNE. ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE, OXFORD -STREET. - Under the Management of Mr. Charles Kean. THIS EVENING, MAT 4, Will be performed the Tragedy of MACBETH. Principal cha racters by Mr. anal Mrs. C. Sean. To conclude with the new Distilla, nappedadm the French of Wm. Scribe, by Mr. Palgrave MARCO SPADA. Messrs. W. Lacy, J. Vining, Ryder, Graham P r i nc ip a l characters by and Everett ; Misses Heath and C. Leclercq. _______------------ ROYAL LYCEI7M THEATRE. under the Management of Madame Vest:ls. THIS EVENING, MAT 4, Will be performed A.S.S. C haracters by Messrs. F. Mathews, Suter, and Rostere ; Mrs. Macnamara and Mies Wyndham. After which, A FAST TRAIN—HIGH PRESSURE EXPRESS. Characters by Messrs. C. Mathews, Baker, and Suter. To be followed by TRYING IT ON. Principal character by Mr C. Mathews After which, USED UP. Principal character by Mr. C. Mathews. THEATRE ROYAL ADELPHI. Proprietor, Mr. B. Webster. —Directress, Madame Celeste. THIS EVENING, MAT 4, Will be presented THE ROUSED LION. Characters by Messrs, B. Webster, Parsee, Wigan, Hastings, Scc.; Mrs. Keeley, Miss F, Masked, and Mrs. L. Murray. After wbicb. A DESPERATE GAME. To be followed by THE PRETTY GIRLS OF STILBBERG. To conclude with THE DANCING SCOTCHMAN. ROYAL OLYMPIC THEATRE. Lessee and Manager Mr. Farren. Great Hit of THE MILLER OF DERWENT WATER. THIS EVENING, MAY 4, Will be performed THE MILLER OF DERWENT WATER. Characters by Messrs. H. Warren, F. Robson, Shalders, G. Cooke, aid Morgan ; Mesdames Anderton and E. Turner. After which, UNCLE CROTCHET. Supported by Messrs. Far yen, F. Robson, and Mrs. Phillips. To be followed by MACBETH. By Mr. Samuel Afiebeth, Mr. F. Robson, Mrs. Sarah Macbeth, and Mrs. A. Phillips. To conclude with THE WATERMAN. ASTLEY'S ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE. Sole Lessee and Manager, Mr. W. Cooke. Continued and brilliant success of the New Spectacle. "lard Night ,of an entirely new Drama. THIS EVENING, MAT 4, And during the week, the performances win commence with the increasingly popular spectacle of AMAKOSA • or, Scenes of Kafir Warfare ; with all its new and beautiful seenie;intereating dramatic and astonishing Equestrian effects. The Burning Wood, the TARP through Fire, and the terrific spring of Amakosa's Steed over tho Falls of the Umtata, nightly received with enthusiastic approbation. To be followed by a novel and incomparable display of Equestrian Achtevements in the Scenes of the ARENA, supported by the most accomplished Artistes of the day. Mr. Cooke win appear with his wonderful steed Raven ; also Mr. Alfred Cooke and his accomplished Family. To conclude with a new Comic Drama, entitled IN FOR A DIG; or, Life at the Diggings. Box-onice open daily from Eleven to Four. Stage Manager , Mr. W. West. DAILY WEATHER TABLE. WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1848. State of the wind and weather at each of the following places at nine o'clock yesterday morning. The stations are arranged in order of latitude. HASTINGS—E., gentle breeze—rain. SOUTHAMPTON-- S., strong breeze—rain. TUNBRIDGE—E., stroll breeze—rain. BASINGSTOKE—N.B., strong breeze—scud—rain. GREENWICH—E., gentle breeze— heavy rain. SWINDON—E., fresh breeze—rain. CAMBRIDGE—N.B., gentle breeze—cloudy. LEIGirroN--S.E., gentle breeze—rain. YARMOUTH—S.E., gentle breeze—foggy. The returns from the following places indicate the state of the weather on Monday morning at nine o'clock HASTINGS—E.N.E., fresh breeze—cloudless. SOUTHAMPTON—S.E., strong breeze—overcast. FOLKESTONE—N.E., gentle breeze—overcast. TUNBRIDGE—S.W., gentle breeze—cloudless. BASINGSTOKE—N.E., gentle breeze—partially cloudy. GREENWICH—S.E., gentle breeze—partially cloudy. STROOD—E., strong breeze—partially cloudy. SWINDON—S.E., fresh breeze—partially cloudy. CAMBRIDGE—E., gentle breeze—partially cloudy. LEIGHTON—S.E., gentle breeze—cloudless. YARMOUTH—E., gentle breeze—foggy. HOLYHEAD—S.E., strong breeze—overcast. DARLINGTON—E., strong breeze—partially cloudy. SHAP— S.E., gentle breeze—partially cloudy. HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE. Tam Dar —Morning 0 min. after 0 I Evening 56 min.aft. 11 To-Moaßow—Morning 17 min. after 12 1 Evening 38 min.aft. 12 THE WEATHER.—Stm Onnca, MAT 4. THERMOMETER, IN THE SHADE. 57—highest since noon yesterday. 52—lowest this morning and during the night. 57 this day at noon. BAROMETER, 30'14. WIND, E. to E.N.E.—Light breeze, and dull, cloudy weather. i ' . "rr ~" , n't.. ' ...411b „ i - -• -Vit.' ' - 7- " Z llt b ~, 4 v.it..-3,,, ,ir• - it LONDON, WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1853. It is wonderfully instructive to watch the pro gress made in their inquiries by the Committee (now sitting) on Dockyard Promotions and Ap pointments. Seldom has the country, at any rate of late years, enjoyed the opportunity of any such amusing, but at the same time melancholy revela tions. For once we are admitted behind the scenes at the Admiralty. We hear for once the official whisper. We observe for once the " aside"—generally inaudible to the vulgar com munity. Confidential remarks, uttered within closed doors, are reported before Committee, and noted down verbatim et literatim by the attendant short-hand-writers. Confidential letters have their seals broken, so to speak, in the mar ket-place, and their contents flaming in the printed columns of the newspapers. At one moment we are standing at the elbow of the late Secretary to the Admiralty, listening to his candid confession—" There's no use blinking the question ; I can't help myself, I am so pressed by the Government." At another we are watching Vice-Admiral PARKER, as lie tosses behind the fire that important missive in which Sir BALDWIN WALKER, as Surveyor of the Navy, takes the liberty of respectfully tendering his resignation to the Lords Commissioners. Already we have commended the really sur prising lucidity of the evidence given by Sir B. WALKER. before the Committee of Inquiry into the subject of Dockyard Promotions and Appoint ments. It is deeply to be regretted that the evidence subsequently " taken down " from the lips of Mr. AUGUSTUS STAFFORD, is by no means comparable either in coherence or explicitness. Throughout his replies there is a painful sense of hesitation, if not indeed of actual reservation. Beyond which, while there is not a link wanting in the whole chain of evidence given by the late Surveyor of the Navy, there is per ceptible here and there in the evidence given by the late Secretary to the Admiralty a hiatus at once suspicious and bewildering. Another remarkable witness was examined before committee only yesterday—one Mr. JOHN BRIGGS--who during the last twenty-seven years has been reader to the Board of Admiralty. His evidence, it must be allowed, is sufficiently enter taining from its delightful preciseness. Witness —as we learn from one part of these amusing revelations—remembered distinctly the notable interview which took place between Sir BALDWIN WALKER and Mr. AUGUSTUS STAFFORD, in refer ence to the former official's memorable latter of resignation. In fact, he seems to have blundered in upon them during their conference. "On my entering the room," remarks the wit ness, " the Surveyor of the Navy appeared to be labouring under great agitation of mind, "2s. if something very unpleasant had occurred." That, at least, is the surmise of Mr. JOHN BRIGGS, reader to the Admiralty. Thereupon his curiosity became naturally excited, more particularly when he adds, "I heard some words [delightful indefi niteness !], and was about to retire [bashful BRIGGS !], thinking something had taken place"— marvellous instance of .. ,y astuteness in ratioci nation ! Can it p l 3 friend, Mr. BR/Gas 0,1 be our dear old Punch --the beloved of JOHN LEECH, and " the bright particular of the London Charivari ? To return, however, star" from idle surmises to this delectable evidence, wit ness adds, "The Surveyor was standing at th:tale f o lding up his papers and I beard him say th ese words Very well, Sir, I will go to Somerset. house, and return by and by.' Seeing that h e was much agitated, I said to Mr. STAFFORD [ we presume by this time Sir BALDWIN WALKER had qu itted the apartment], I hope the Surveyor has not resigned.' He [meaning of course Mr. STAFFO RD] said 6 No : he has re signed.' I said, ' What do you mean ?' " ' reply was let it be observ ed that Mr. " D a S wwas" No : he has resignedpy to any ordinary izliAd asp la.ll4 a skoltai; 13ut - - THE SUN, LONDON, WEDNESDAY EVENING, MAY 4, 1853. Mr. BRIGGS'S was not an ordinary mind. He was evidently bewildered, for we find him adding— " I said, What do you mean ?' " Fortunately, Mr. BRIG-GS was bewildered —fortunately, because his bewilderment elicited from Mr. STAFFORD the following explanation—" The Surveyor of the Navy has been to the Duke of NORTHUMBERLAND, and the Duke of NORTHUMBERLAND informed him that he had never seen the resignation, and that if he had seen his letter of resignation, he should immediately have taken it to Lord DERBY ; that the Surveyor had been to Admiral PARKER, who had told him that he had not thought fit to bring his letter before the Board, but that he had de stroyed it." According to witness, Mr. STAFFORD added—" In fine, cuffed by the Duke, snubbed by Admiral PARKER, with his letter of resignation in the fire, the Surveyor of the Navy not only comes to me and recites this in his own proper person, but asks me what he had better do." Mr. BRIGGS'S sensitive nature is startled by this plain speaking. "My remark was," says he [by the way he has never spoken of his remark before, any more than Mrs. GAMP, but that en passant], Mr. STAF FORD lam astonished at you, I am." And so the evidence of Mr. JOHN BRIGGS was conducted throughout. Garrulous, minute, scrupulous as to the most trivial circumstance, Mr. BRIGGS de poses from first to last, as the report informs us, with " great importance and preciseness." His evidence has been about the most amusing episode in these entertaining and occasionally grotesque re velations. The whole transaction breathes rather of the age of the Merry Monaxch than of the age of Queen VICTORIA. Conning these odd exposures of the doings at the Dockyards, and reading them by the light of Mr. BRIGGs'S evidence, we are almost fain to imagine ourselves in the days when good " Mr. SAMUEL PEPYS his Diary" recorded the thoughts and deeds, official and domestic, of the Secretary to the Admiralty Board of Commis sioners. Slowly, but surely—we believe—Mr. CHARLES PEARSON 15 breaking ground for the erection of his proposed City Terminus. Under any circum stances ho may be said to have already prepared for the laying of its foundations. Additional promise of this was afforded on Monday afternoon by a cluster of representatives, described correctly enough as " a very numerous and most influential deputation," who waited upon the Home Secretary according to special appointment. Altogether, the interview proved more satisfactory than such things are accustomed to do. Instead of leaving the Members of the deputation just about as wise on going out of the official apartment as they had been on entering it, Viscount PALMERSTON ex pressed his views upon the subject of this pro jected metropolitan improvement with so much energetic candour and lucidity, that it were idle to doubt now for a moment the opinion enter tained upon the matter in question, by one at least of the most influential members of her MA JESTY'S Government. It could scarcely have been otherwise. The feasibility of the sug gested enterprise has already long since been clearly demonstrated. The advantages certain to accrue from it to the community at large have been for some time past duly appreciated by the majority of the inhabitants of London and West minster. Besides all which, the Noble Lord, her MAJESTY'S Principal Secretary of State for the Home Department, was addressed in language of such peculiarly forceful appropriateness, as applied to himself personally, that it became in a manner incumbent upon him for once to break through that Ministerial reserve which is no doubt as con venient to statesmen as it is annoying and bewil dering to the general population. Viscount PAL MERSTON, for example, had heard those closing re marks of the Hon. Member for Northampton (Mr. RAIKES CURRIE), in the course of which, speaking for himself and the gentlemen associated with him, he assured the Home Secretary—" They (the members of the deputation) believe that the pecu liar energy, the pre-eminent ability, the indefati gable devotion to the public service which have long signalised your Lordship's career in one of the highest departments of the Government, may now, under PROVIDENCE, be the means of con ferring domestic benefits no less remarkable, no less deserving the labours of a great statesman, on millions of your fellow-countrymen : and in this point of view, and under these impressions, they respectfully submit this important undertaking to your Lordship's attention and favourable conside ration." He had heard one of the Representatives of the City of London (Sir JAMES DUKE) bearing witness to " the unanimous and cordial approba tion " with which, out of doors, the project is hailed and supported. He had heard another (Mr. MASTERMAN) assert that " there could be no doubt of the state of public opinion on the subject, or of the advantage which would accrue to the City from its being supported by the Go vernuient." He had been reminded by the Mem ber for Lambeth (Mr. W. WILLIAMs) that " the objects of the deputation were not merely local," and by the Hon. Member for Southwark (Mr. A. PELLATT), that the execution of the intended works would, by diminishing the present crowded condition of the streets of the metropolis, and by materially promoting the cause of sanitary im provement, be received as a great boon by the inhabitants. Another of the Hon. Members, the Representative of Lambeth (Mr. W. A. WILKIN SON) had corroborated the assertions made by his colleague ; while " last, but not least " in the group of Legislators, the Representative of the Borough of Finsbury (Mr. THOMAS DIINCOMBE) had insisted, with some con siderable show of reason, that, "as upwards of a thousand houses were now in progress of removal in Fleet Valley," it became necessary that no time should be lost in securing to the public the benefits of the projected enterprise. Listen ing to all these arguments, and remarking that they were arguments of a really authoritative character, as coming to him from the lips of Metropolitan Representatives, Lord PALMERSTON could hardly have ventured to evade something approximating to a definite explanation. Instead of doing so, in fact, he avowed that, while " re serving to himself a discretion to consider any fair objection that might be brought forward," he gave the matter his most willing consideration, and, as far as he was at present informed, believed that it was deserving the support of her Majesty's Government." Naturally, of course, he reminded the deputation that the details of the under taking fell entirely within other departments. For example, the Noble Lord observed, that "the railway portion of the measure would devolve upon the Board of Trade for consideration, and the proposed street improvements would be inquired into by the Board of Works but apart from this, the Home Secretary distinctly avowed that he regarded the project, as a whole, as highly de serving all the support that could fairly be given it by the Government and the Parliament. After this bold acknowledgment on the part of so emi nent an authority, it were frivolous to question the probability of that same project being speedily real ised. An interval will, of course, be required for fur ther preliminary labours before the enterprise can be commenced in earnest. Ultimately, however, we may now count upon its completion, without any degree of extravagance. Wherefore, once in a way, at least, good may be said to have actually resulted from a deputation. Exeter-hall can create saints as well as the Vatican, and in some respects much more efficient ones. Rome canonises the dead, but the English beatifiers confer their honours on the living, and however many of us may doubt the omnipresence of departed spirits, or their prowess in sublunary affairs, none of us disputes the occasional advan tage of fighting a political battle under the pa tronage of a flesh-and-blood saint of Exeter-hall notoriety. At elections some of these unetherial guardian genii of Protestantism have laid occa sionally ti a large cons tit uenc y u nder a most holy An-Maynooth spell, and returned in triumph the fav our it e aid. I n the candido a e otef oefotmhmosoenwshosinineveoked Mr. r t hei r ER CIVAL'S exit, this race of beings has been nearly extinct ; some specimens spe cies do indeed rem • the extinct Ones of • old without the argu ments of the canonised ' but ofmg only the testimonialts of canortisatio they preaent rather a ludicrous than an imposing appearance. In the House of Lords, however, there is still remaining a specimen of the species now extinct in the other hemisphere of Legislation ; one, more- over, of such sterling worth, that we much regret the unworthy purposes for which his aid has been invoked. As the patron saint of Sabbatarian movements, Protestant Alliances, Stafford-house Addresses, baths and washhouses, model lodging houses, ragged schools, and of everything indeed which bears the stamp of benevolence or anti- Popery, the Earl of SHAFTESBURY has enjoyed the long and just admiration of all the Protestant MACHALES and LUCASES, and of all who delight in benefiting the humbler classes of society by direct charity. The sincerity of his charity, more over, has never been called in question. The most rabid curs on the other side of St. George's Channel would not venture to denounce him as guilty of " soup-ticket proselytism." His Lord ship is, however, but one of too many instances in which the narrowest interpretation of a meek and expansive faith is combined with a high de gree of religious and social excellence. This, no doubt, was the reason why he was selected as the standard-bearer of mediaeval bigotry and intoler ance on Friday night. Had Lord DERBY been put forward, it would have been held all pretty fair as a political opposition in his peculiar position, but it would have been accounted a purely political opposition. Had the Bishop of EXETER moved the amendment, all his resistance would, by worldly and malicious minds, have beef ascribed to views and habits so uncourteously described the other night by Sir WM. MOLESWORTH. But, if Lord SHAFTESBURY, whose motives none ever ventured to impugn— Lord SHAFTESBURY, who has such a constituency of the benevolent on his right hand, and the zeal ous Protestants on his left—if he will but head the ill-omened phalanx of civil and religious des potism, his name would be an answer at once to many a taunt, and an authority with thousands of followers. Nothing harsh could come from the noble patron of factory operatives and ragged schools ; nothing contemptuous to the Jews from One who vies with BENJAMIN DISRAELI in extolling " the Hebrew mind," as destined to make them " the future sovereigns of the earth." Lord SHAF TESBURY'S name is sufficient to prove that it is both Christian and benevolent to do to the Jews as we would not that they should do unto us—to prove that it must unchristianise the kingdom since he thinks it would. Lords who, at bottom, chiefly desired to give Lord JOHN RUSSELL a well-deserved snubbing, since he chose to try his hand at " lead ing" their Lordship; as well as the House of Com- mono, where he ought to have settled the whole business ; Lords who wished to tantalise the Coalition a little; Lords who wanted to take breath after such a mighty liberal effort as passing the Canada Clergy Reserves Bill ; Lords who really believed that there was such a thing as unchristianising a Legis lature by permitting Christian electors to choose a Jewish Representative—and there really are a few such Lords—chiefly those, no doubt, who _ _ _ have personally retired from public life and coma mated themselves to the care of their wife and the chaplain ; but chiefly the far greater number of Lords who delight, in any safe contest, to nail the good old Tory colours to the mast, and show that they are Tory Lords still, and not the foot ball of a Reformed (?) House of Commons—all these various classes of Lords could play their part in this annual sham-fight to the very best advantage under a leader far too good a man to be a party politician. " I voted with the Earl of SHAFTESBURY." That's answer enough to all the gentler sex assuredly, and more than answer enough to all who care for " our Protestant insti tutions." His Lordship performed the office of a legislative CALCRAFT, of course, with his wonted blandness. He strangled the last offspring of Religious Liberty with a silken cord, but it was strangling of the noblest kind of freedom still, an( gave a Bishop the opportunity to remind the House of the " grievous wrong they had done the Church in admitting Catholics and Dissenters into the Legislature, and that admitting the Jews would be but to perpetuate a greater wrong." Lord SHAFTEsnußvhimself partly adopted the same argu ment, and ought, logically, to have adopted the whole when he urged that a Christian Church ought only to be legislated for by Christians. Lord SHAFTESBURY and the Bishops, however, must take care. They may find that the sentiment of Religious Liberty is becoming hourly much stronger, and the policy of State Endowments and State Churches more and more extensively questioned. We regard it as perfectly certain that if the two should come of necessity into conflict, Religious Liberty would gain the victory, and speedily too. If the greater part of our politicians at all believed that a system of exclusions from civil privileges and offices were necessary to the preservation of English Episcopacy, they would neither dare, nor probably wish, to take their stand on the ground of exclusiveness. On the debate generally we have already expressed our opinion. We suppose it is hopeless to expect the House of Commons under a Coalition to assert the rights of Electors, or Lord JOHN RUSSELL to kick at the House which snubs him at pleasure. To us the People's Representa tives appear unendurably degraded when they suffer the Upper House to hold the keys of the Lower ohe—when, year after year, they invite Baron ROTHSCHILD to take his seat among them. But the Lords see fit to bar the door, not of their own, but of the People's House, in his face. Surely the day must be at hand when the good old motto, that " Every Englishman's house is his castle," will be adopted in good earnest by the Englishmen who compose the House of Commons. We want a " House of Commons Reserves Bill," of which the first clause should enact " that the settlement of qualifications for a Representative of the People should be determined by the Repre sentatives of the People ; and a second, that all matters pertaining to the right of suffrage, the mode of collecting votes, and the arrangement of electoral divisions, should also belong exclusively to the People's House." COURT CI.RCULAIt OSBORNE, TUESDAY. The Queen drove out into the grounds this morning. Prince Albert and the royal children walked as usual in the park, The Countess of Mount Edgcumbe will arrive to-day as Lady in Waiting to her Majesty. It is understood that the Court will return to London on the 27th May. As her Majesty's birthday will be celebrated on the 24th of May no drawing-room will be held upon that occasion. It is also understood to be her Majesty's intention that State Balls shall take place on Wednesday, the 15th of June, and on Wednesday, the 29th of June ; and that Concerts shall be given on Friday, the 3d of June ; Monday, the 20th of June, and on Monday, the 4th of July ; and further, that the christening of the Infant Prince shall take place on Monday, the 27th of June next. Sir A Perrier had an interview with the Duke of Newcastle yesterday at the Colonial-office. Major- General Sir R. Nickle had also an interview with his grace yesterday. A deputation from the London Dock Company had an interview with the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, yesterday, at the office of the Board of Trade. The deputation consisted of Messrs. Cattley, Cave, Powles, Chandler, and Weston. Mr. Ross and Mr. Jackson, M.P., had yesterday an interview with the Duke of Newcastle. Dispatches from the Governors of Hong Song, Ceylon, and Malta, and also from the Lord High Com missioner of the lonian Islands, were received yesterday at the Colonial-office. NEW SUBMARINE TELEGRAPH.—On the first fine day after this date the cable is to be laid down for the new submarine telegraph from Dover to Ostend, where, in dependently of the French lines, it will connect with the general continental system. The length of the cable will be 70 miles, and it will comprise six distinct wires. SPECIE.-:-The shipment of specie by the Peninsular and Oriental steamer Ripon, amount to 151,6001., of which 43,5001. is gold for Alexandria, and 103,400/. silver for Bombay, Calcutta, Madras, and Singapore. The remainder consists of small quantities of gold for Port Philip, Adelaide, and Madras. SOUTH WALES RAILWAY.—The tubular suspension bridge, 300 feet span, on this line of railway, constructed by Mr. Brunel, over the Wye, at Chepstow, was in spected by the Government Inspector of Railways, who has certified that it is fit for traffic, and accordingly it is now open. A single line of rails over one side of the bridge was opened last year for traffic, but now both lines are open, and the bridge which is 610 feet in length is completed. The electric telegraph on this line is now nearly completed to Swansea, and preparations are being made to carry it to Carmarthen. It is already in use from Gloucester to Cardiff, and a few days will coin plOe_the communicatio4 to Swansea. MONEY MARKET AND COMMERCIAL, INTELLIGENCE-(TIILS DAY.) CITY, TWO 0 CLOCK. The sales of cotton at Liverpool yesterday were estimated at 6,000 bales, of which 500 Surat were taken for export, and 1 , 000 American on specula tion. The market closed very firmly, with prices of American rather against the buyers. The sales comprised 4,500 American, 50 Pernam and Maran ham at 6.0., 50 Bahia at 61d. to 6Ad., 300 Egyptian at 62d. to 7d., 800 Surat at 30. to 40., and 30 Sea Island at ls. 10d. to 2s. 7d. per lb. Railway Shares were dull. The ship Statesman brings Melbourne advices of Jan. and 10,339 ounces of gold. 30, Thesteamer Ripon has taken out 151,680/. to Egypt and India, principally in silver. The Magdalena steamer, with the West India mail, has over 3,000,000 dollars on board. Trade at Jamaica was very dull. In regard to mining operations in Jamaica, which have of late been of so much interest, the advices are very satisfactory. Discoveries of gold are al leged to have been made in St. Lucia, though the specimens found had to be submitted to analysis before this could be confirmed. The analysis of copper found on Moreland estate, WestmOreland, had given great satisfaction, and copper ore had actually been found in one of the streets in King ston of an exceedingly rich nature. The remittance for the Mexican dividends is stated at 27,000 dols., with 70,000 dols. for the cotton licenses, to be placed to the old account. Mr. Falconnet had been imprisoned by the autho rities, on account of the charges of corruption he is alleged to have made against members of the Congress. The Trade and Navigation returns for the month, and three months ended April 5, have been issued. In the importations into the United Kingdom a d n u un rin als g , th co e mcoa,ocnotffhe,e,thwerheeawt in live , as ba a r n le in y, cr ry em e, e corn, flour, cotton manufactures, cotton yarn, flax, hemp, lace manufactures, linen manufactures, metals, opium, rice, saltpetre, silk, silk manu factures, nutmegs, pepper, spirits, unrefined sugar, refined ditto, tea, tobacco, wine, cotton wool, and sheep's wool. There was a falling off in the im portations of oats, guano, bacon, eggs, cassia lignea, mace, and pimento. In the exporta tions, there was an increase in butter, cotton yarn, thrown silk, soap, and woollen yarn ; but a diminution in coals and culm, cotton manu factures, linen yarn, refined sugar, woollen manu factures and woollen yarn. The total exports of British and Irish produce and manufactures from the United Kingdom in the month ended April 5 were to the amount of 7,887,2331., an increase of 1,486,8181. over the corresponding month of 1852. The tonnage of vessels employed in the foreiga rade of the United Kingdom during the month to the sth April was 548,531 tons inwards against 406,784 tons at the like date of 1852. English Stocks have been rather flatter this morning, and there is still an absence of speculative dealing. Consols have been done at 1001, and since at 100 k for transfer, and at 1031 1, for Account. New Three-and-a-Quarter per Cents. were 1031 to 2, and the 3 per Cents. 100 to k. Bank Stock is firm at 228, and India Stock'at 261 and 2621. Exchequer Bills of March are Is. to ss. premium, and South Sea Old Annuities are worth 99g to par. Foreign Stocks generally have been firm, with a fair business doing. Mexican Bonds have been at 2 7 i to g, being firm. Equador Bonds are -at 6i, and Brazilian Small at 101. Portuguese Four per Cents. have realized 421. Peruvian Scrip is 31 premium. Spanish Certificates have been heavy, and the Swedish Loan is at 2 discount. French Four-and-a-Half per Cents. have been quoted 104 50, with the Exchange 25. Dutch Two and-a-Half per Cents. are worth 60,1 /. Railway Shares are rather flatter, and with less doing, but the Caledonian has improved to 68, and the York and Berwick to 701. Lancashire and Yorkshire are fairly supported. The others are scarcely so good. French shares keep steady, but with very little doing. Gold Mine Shares have been less dealt in, but remain at about the previous rates. The Copiapo have been in request. The Land Companies' Shares are heavy, with the exception of the Scottish Australian, which has risen. British American Land are declining. The Joint-Stock Bank shares are generally dull. .d BRITISH FUNDS AT ONE O'CLOCK THIS DAY. ( Front the Official List.) Business done. Bank Stock. 3 per Cent. RedueediAnnuities lO4 100 3 per Cent. Consols Annuities New 31 per Cent. Annuities Long Annuities, Expire sth Jan., 1860 Ditto 30 Years, Expire 10th Oct., 1859 .... 5 11-16 i Ditto 30 Years, Expire sth Jan., 1860 3-16 India Stock India Bonds, £lOOO South Sea Old Annuities 99i 100 Consols for Account Exchequer Bills 4d. June. March. £lO00. £5OO 4l 5 41 5 Small 4l 5 41 5 PRICE OF FOREIGN FUNDS AT ONE O'CLOCK Brazilian Bonds, 5 per Cent. — Ditto Small Milian Bonds, 6 per Cent . 104 i Equador Bonds Mexican 3 per Cent. Ditto for the Account 27A ii Peruvian Scrip 34 p Portuguese Bonds, 5 per Cent. Russian Bouds, 5 per Cent. Ditto 4i per Cent IO4A Spanish 3 per Cent., New Deferred 24& Ditto Passive (Converted) Spanish Committee Cert. of Coup. not fun. 6 a p c Swedish Loan ........•..,...... ...... ... ..... Dividends on the above payable in London. French Rentes, 43 per Cent. Belgian 4 per Cent. Dutch Exchange, 2, per Cent. 12 Guil. Ditto 4 per Cent. Certificates HALF-PAST TWO, 100' 100 Consols Ditto May Account SPORTING NOTES.—No. CCCOXIX. CHESTER SPRING MEETING.—The bill of fare to-mor row comprises seven items, three of which—the Scurry Handicap, Dee Stand Cup, and Selling Plate -call for no remarks from me. The Cheshire Welter Cup of 100 sovs., the rest in specie, by subscription of 20 sovs. each, h ft, &c., over the Grosvenor course, will, I opine, be contested by Agis, Montague, Caurire, Titterstone, The Carrier, Sphynx, and perhaps by Trifle and Fairplay. My idea of the result is that Fairplay, if he runs, will win. In his absence I must place CAURIRE first, Montague second, and Titterstone third. The starters for the Marquis of Westminster's Plate depends so much on the running for the Cup to-day that it would be absurd to attempt giving a list. My opinion points to PELION as the probable winner, April Fool perhaps occupying the second place, Indian Warrior third. The First Triennial Stakes, one mile and three-quar ters, will, I understand, terminate in a walk over for Osborne's Merry Bird. The Dee Stakes of 10 sovs. each, with 200 added, for three-year-olds, colts Bst 71b, fillies Bst 21b, Grosvenor course, will, it is said, have the following at the post:— Prince Leopold (brother to Shylock), John Bull, Eliza, Helena, Orinoco, Sylphine, and perhaps another or two. If I were to take the betting as any criterion, Orinoco would be my selection, as they lay slight odds upon him against the field ; but, as the case stands, I must look to a thorough dark on e for the winner, and I expect to see PRINCE LEOPOLD first, Orinoco second, and Sylphine third. THE SPIRIT OF THE TURF CHESTER, THIS DAY.-LATEST BETTING. (BY ELECTRIC' TELEGRAPH). CHESTER CUP. sto 2 agst Trifle. Bto 1 agst Lord-Lieutenant. Bto 1 agst Peggy 12 to 1 agst Talfourd. 15 to 1 agst Newminster. 20 to 1 agst any other. ADDITIONAL ARRIVALS. Truth, Koh-i-noor, Allegro, Babette, Hatchet, Content ment, Guicowar, Orinoco, Caurire, Prince Leopold (Brother to Shylock), Pelion, Effie Deans. Dawson's lot are all scratched d but Peggy and King of of Trumps. Bardolph scratche. HOBAItT Towx.—The Derwent has arrived from Hobart Town, whence she sailed the 16th of January with 25,000 ounces of gold, valued at 101,2001. The advices by this opportunity are a few days later than those received yesterday, but they communicate no thing of interest. GOLD IN NEW ZEALAND. —The advices from Auck land, New Zealand, by the last arrival, with reg he foard to the gold discoveries in Coro mandel harbour, give tae description of the specimens brought in The dust consisted of flaky gold of a pale lemon colour, largely intermixed with auriferous quartz, tho separa tion having been effected only by washing in the simplest manner. No very accurate assay has yet been obtained, but it is found to be free from any alloy except silver, of which it contained a portion. The quartz is highly auriferous, and from ita great friability may be separated by crushing with great fa cility. Considering the small number of diggers yet upon the ground—not more than 40 persons, scattered over an area of 10 or 12 square miles—the short since the first specks of gold were discovered —only two months—and the large proportion of the time of each digger employed in exploring, we hail the commence ment of the Auckland gold diggings as affording the most brilliant promise of ultimate productiyonen.". IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. HOUSE OF COMMONS—(THIS DAY.) The SPEAKER took the chair at 12 o'clock. PRIVATE BUSINESS. The report upon Victoria (London) Docks Bill was considered and agreed to. PETITIONS. Mr. BLACKETT presented a petition from the com mercial association of Gateshead, in favour of improving the administration of India. BOROUGH OF TYNENIOUTH. Sir B. HALL gave notice of his intention to move that the writ for Tynemouth be postponed until June next ; also to move for the appointment of a committee to inquire into the corrupt practices at elections for that borough. PROBATES OF WILLS AND GRANTS OF ADMINISTRATION BILL. Mr. HADFIELD moved the second reading of this bill, intimating that if the house agreed to the motion, he would postpone going into committee until after the holidays, in order to afford an opportunity to the Soli citor-General to bring in the larger measure of reform which he had promised on this subject. The SOLICITOR-GENERAL said, in consequence of the reception which the announcement of his intention to bring in a bill met with in the house, he had been encouraged to proceed with its preparation, an d it was now reay to be introduced. The question of testa mentary jurisdiction was, however, under the considera tion of the law commissioners, and it had been thought de sirable to postpone his bill until it could be submitted to ;he house with the sanction of those commissioners What he proposed, therefore, was, that the present bill should be read a second time on the understanding that unless the larger measure was brought in, it should receive the best attention of the Government in order to render it at all events an instalment of a much needed reform, Mr. PHILLIMORE protested against the bill, which he said was full of serious errors, and would consider ably aggravate and not diminish the evils which it was proposed to rectify. The LORD ADVOCATE intimated that the hon. mem ber had agreed, in the event of the bill going into com mittee, to introduce a clause to meet certain cases in Scotland, to which it did not now apply. Mr. B. DENISON thought it was trifling with the dignity of the house to press the second reading, after the Solicitor-General had given a pledge to propose a. more comprehensive measure. If the hon. member did not withdraw his motion, he would move that the bill be read a second time that day six months. Mr. FITZGERALD objected to the bill being read a second time except pro forma, because he believed that in attempting to remove a small evil it created a greater one. Mr. HENLEY also opposed the second reading. Lord J. RUSSELL could not see any sufficient reason for rejecting the bill at its present stage, for he thought it was advisable that every information and sug gestion should be brought before the house previous to its coming to an ultimate decision upon the important subject of testamentary jurisdiction. He should, how ever, object to going seriously into committee upon the bill, as it only dealt with a part of that subject. Mr. COLLIER perfectly agreed with what had fallen from the noble lord. He did not mean to say that the measure was perfect, but it was good as far as it went, and should not be stopped in its progress. If the ques tion of testamentary jurisdiction was not dealt with during the preSent session, he believed that great dis satisfaction would be caused throughout the country. The. bill was.then read a second time pro forma, and ordered to be committed on Wednesday next. PAYMENT OF WAGES BILL. Petitions against , this bill were presented by Mr. Bass, Mr. Hadfield, Mr. Brocklehurst ; and in favour • of it by Sir J. Walmsley, from Leicester. Sir H. HALFORD, in moving the second reading of the bill, said the house was aware that for a long series of years the payment of wages otherwise than in the coin of the realm was prohibited by law. The ancient statutes on the subject were consolidated and confirmed in the reign of Will. IV. The policy of that act was little questioned, but it was found to be imperfect and to leave room for the evasion of its provisions. One of the grievances which it failed to touch, and for the remedy of which this bill was introduced, was the sys tem existing among employers in the Midland Counties, of lending weaving machines to frame-work knitters, and charging for them exorbitant sums of money, which were regularly deducted from the wages they received. It was a curious circumstance in , connection with that system, that the part of the frames so lent had increased in proportion .as their value had diminished. It was, in fact, a contrivance by which the master pro cured from his workman that interest and profit on his capital which ought to enter into the cost of production. In order to remedy the evil he asked for no new law or new principle of legislation. The bill was merely a de claratory one for, the purpose of carrying out the exist ing law to its legitimate extent. Its object was to sub ject the hiring of fraMes to free competition in an open market. At present the rent paid. for them had no limit except the conscience of the master, and the consequence was that great distress prevailed among the framework knitters. What he called upon Parliament to do, was to allow workmen to get them at the best price they could, instead of having to submit to tyranni cal impositions, in the shape of deductions from their wages. The bill was universally desired by the inhabi tants of the districts which it mainly affected. The number of petitions in favour of it from the Midland counties amounted to many thousands. He asked the house to read the bill a second time, as being necessary to that fair play which the existing competition in the country required. CANTERBURY AND HULL ELECTIONS. Lord DRUMLANRIG, who was attired in the uni form of Comptroller 'of the Household, brought up the reply of her Majesty to the addresses of both Houses of Parliament in reference to these boroughs, stating that she had given directions for the appointment of commis sions for making the inquiries prayed for in those addresses. PAYMENT OF WAGES BILL. Mr. BIGGS said he was a manufacturer in the Mk; land Counties, and identified with the trade to which the bill referred, and though he thought the bill would be useless, and in some of its provisions mischievous, he should not vote , at all upon the second reading, lest it should be thought he did so from interested motives. (LEFT SPEAKING.) BANKRUPTCY COURT.-( THIS DAY. (Before Mr. Commissioner Goulburn.) IN RE LACY.—IN THE MATTER OF THE COMMERCIAL BANK OF LONDON. The bankrupt formerly carried on business as a mer chant in Great St. Helen's, and to-day was appointed for hearing a claim made against the estate by the Com mercial Bank of London. Mr. Pearson appeared as counsel for the Bank, and Mr. Aspland. as counsel for the assignees. Mr. Pearson said that he proposed, in the first in stance, to enter a claim, on behalf of the Commercial Bank of London, on a bill of exchange for 2,5001., drawn by Lackerstein and Co., on the bankrupt. The bill was dated the Ist of December, 1851, and professed to be accepted for " value received on shipments." The ob ject of the present claim was to follow the shipments, and ascertain what they realised. Mr. Aspland submitted that if the bank sought to prove a claim on the bill, they must waive any col lateral security, or else realise the security, and prove for the difference. _ _ Mr. Pearson on the contrary, urged that both the bankrupt and Lackersteins had distinctly vouched to the cashier of the bankrupt that the bill was on the ship ments, and he hoped his clients would not be pressed to make an election now. His Honour concurred that the general rule was to either prove for the debt, and abandon the collateral security, or to realise the security and prove for the differ ence, and he did not see why it should be departed from in the present case. The only effect of admitting the claim would be to shut up a large sum of money from being made available for a dividend amongst the gene ral body of creditors. The bankrupt could not be pre judiced by a delay, as there would be an abundance of assets to meet their dividend, in the event of the right of lien on the shipments not being supported. The claim was then withdrawn, and it was agreed that the right of lien should be argued before a Court of Com missioners, whose decision was to be final. Commis sioners Goulburn, Holroyd, and Fon.blanque will be the commissioners on the occasion. CITY COMMISSIONERS OF SEWERS.—The Commis sioners met yesterday at the Guildhall. There was the usual routine of business disposed of, and tenders were received for the cleansing of the streets and removal of dust, &c., for the year commencing at Midsummer next. The Commissioners directed the Medical officer of Health to examine the business premises of Messrs. Cuthbert, in Paternoster-row, which have obtained notoriety from the frequent complaints made of nui sances from the fat-melting process carried on there ; and he was directed to report at length as to any means that can be devised to get rid of the nuisance. The Court also agreed with a committee who had had under consideration the widening of Birchin-lane, at the pre mises of Messrs. Waterlow, but found that the cost re quisite to carry it out, even to the extent of six feet, would be so great as to render it unadvisable to adopt such a course. It was rumoured that the sum asked amounted to several thousand pounds, so great is the value of ground in that part the city. SAVINGS' BANKS. —lt has been announced that the Government intend to propose a measure with regard to the management of Savings' Banks. A similar promise, it will be remembered, was repeatedly made by Si r Charles Wood a few years ago, when heavy losses were being sustained almost daily by the poor from defalca tions in all parts of the united kingdom. Nothing, however, was done after the immediate excitement had passed away, and hence, as the connexion of these in stitutions with the Government was allowed to continue without the slightest protection being afforded to de positors, who were deluded by it into the belief of perfect security, the remedy still remains to be applied. If the Government are to have anything to do with these establishments, it is unquestionably desirable that they should assume a real instead of a deceptive respon sibility. At the same tme, it would be more in ac cordance with sound principle if they were to leave such matters entirely to private enterprise, and in place of assuming, after the Continental fashion, that the humbler classes are too helpless to conduct their own banking transactions without State assistance, were to enconrage them to exercise their discretion, and to acquire by experience the advantages of oolf-reliance. LITERARY ASSOCIATION OF THE FRIENDS OF POLAND. Yesterday the twenty-first annual general meeting of this association was held at the Sussex Chambers, Duke street, St. James's. Lord D. Stuart, M.P., the Presi dent of the Association, presided—supported by the Earls of Harrington and Zetland, Lord Robert Gros venor, M.P., Captain Townshend, R.N., M.P., George Traill, Esq., M.P., R. Monckton Milnes, Esq., M.P., Thomas Alcock, M.P., W. Scholefield, Esq., M.P., Sir B. Hall, Bart, M.P., Digby Seymour, Esq., M.P. W. Pritchard, Esq., High Bailiff of Southwark, Thomas Hankey, jun., Esq., Frederick Pigeon, Esq., the Rev. Dr. Worthington, &c. The Noble CHAIRMAN said, it was his duty as Presi dent to preside on this occasion, and he had to tell them . . it would that day be a part of their duty to elect a Pre sident for the ensuing year. The noble lord stated that he had received letters from the Rev. Richard Macdon- nell, Provost of Trinity College, Dublin ; Mr. Alder man Salomons, T. Mowatt, Esq., late M.P. ; T. Daniel, Esq. ; E. Romily, Esq. ; and James Silk Buckingham, Esq., • apologising for their inability to attend the meet ing from various causes, and all expressing their anxiety to render every support to the association. His lordship concluded by calling on the secretary to read the annual report. WM. LLOYD BIRKBECK, Esq., the honorary secretary, proceeded accordingly to read the report, of which the following is an abstract :—The report commenced with expressing the regret of the council that, after twenty two years, the exertions of the association, either to diffuse information respecting Poland, or to afford as sistance to Polish political exiles, should be still required. It explained the causes of the latter, by the augmen tation of the number of refugees, caused by the conti nued persecutions of Poles by the Russian Government, and the unjust severity of that of Prussia, It entered at some length into the case of Leopold de Rose, and re ferred to the just, handsome, and honourable manner in which the late Home Secretary, Mr. Walpole, had made the am,ende honourable to the sufferer, by declaring in the House of Commons that, had the magistrates pos sessed the information which he had received, they would have come to a different conclusion, and have honourably acquitted him. Reference was made to the arrival of a large number of Polish refugees after the conclusion of the war in Hungary, and the valuable aid afforded by Lord Malmesbury in consenting to furnish a free passage to America for 200 ; to the kindness of the Common Coun cil in granting the use of the Guildhall for the ball and con cert ; and of the performers who lent their gratuitous aid. The report further stated, that many Poles residing in the Continent have contributed to their funds, either directly, or through the zealous and most efficient resident secre tary ; and that among the refugees in this country, the Polish Fraternal Aid Society has been established. In conclusion, the council expressed their faith in the ulti mate re establishment of Poland, a nation whose in terests are identical with our own in eastern Europe. The income of the association was 8761., and the relief granted to refugees was 7201., and other expenses amounted to 3431., leaving a balance of 1861. excess over income. The number of refugees now in England is 769, being 36 less than last year. In the course of the year there were 954, most of them having been expelled from the duchy of Posen. 172 left this country, and 13 died. The reading of the report having been concluded, The Noble CHAIRMAN called on The Rev. Dr. WORTHINGTON, who said it was some matter of regret that the report was not more satis factory, although, all things considered, they could hardly expect it to be more favourable. He thought it must be apparent that a change was rapidly ap proaching which would better the condition of the Sclavonian race. He considered it was matter of deep regret that the present ruler of France had adopted such an illiberal policy as regarded the Poles. But when they remembered that the French Emperor had formed such a close alliance with the Jesuits, the deadly enemies of foland, and bad bound himself up with the most intolerant portion of the Roman Catholic Church, they could not wonder at the hostile policy he had adopted towards the unfortunate Poles. (Hear, hear.) He was proud to say that England still stood forth as the refuge of the oppressed ; and he regretted that Lord Malmes bury had, as they would remember, acted in a manner which was not creditable to the character of England. He was, however, proud to refer to the policy which had uniformly been pursued by Lord Palmerston in counte nancing the struggles for national independence in every part of the world. (Hear, hear.) After eulogising the conduct and general character of the Poles, the rev. doctor referred to the policy which Austria had recently adopted, and the grovelling sycophancy which the Aus trian Government had exhibited towards Russia. He saw no reason why the refugees should not make every exertion to recover their independence, and he trusted, that when the attempt was made, it would be under such circumstances as, would insure success. (Hear, hear.) He concluded by moving the adoption of the report. Lord R. GROSVENOR rose to second the resolution, and said he did it at the request of his noble friend the chairman, whose wishes he was at all times ready to assent to in forwarding any good work. (Hear, hear.) He hoped the report would be printed and widely circu lated, as he thought it contained matter which should be extensively known. One portion of the report had given him much pain —he alluded to the treatment of that much ill-used gentleman—Mr. Leopold de Rose— (hear) —and he thought that no one could have ren dered more service to that unfortunate gentleman than the noble lord had done, in placing Mr. de Rose in a proper light before the public. (Hear, hear.) While he stated that he was deeply interested in the fate of Poland, that distinguished but unfortunate and brave nation, he must at the same time say that he certainly would not express any encouragement to insurrection. The time would come he hoped when Poland would be again a nation, but ill-advised and premature attempts to recover the independence of Poland would only result in the discomfiture of those engaged, and add to the suffering of Poland. He hoped the association would be the means of rendering much service to the refugees and the cause of Poland, and he had much pleasure in seconding the adoption of the report. The motion was then agreed to. The Earl of HARRINGTON moved the second resolu tion, and said he was delighted to meet the association at the present moment, and especially in the presence of the noble lord in the chair, who was the untiring advo cate of the oppressed in all nations. (Hear, hear.) The partition of Poland destroyed the balance of power in Europe, and led to the unfortunate events which sue ceeded, and with which that partition was associated. (Hear, hear.) It was only in England, by means of a free press, that the wrongs of the oppressed could be made known ; but the measures adopted by foreign states prevented these statements being widely circu lated. (Hear, hear.) He was happy, however, to say that he had that day heard that the Prussian Govern ment had come to the determination of not preventing the introduction and circulation of foreign journals throughout Prussia. (Hear, hear.) Ile could not doubt that the redemption of oppressed nations was at hand, and he felt confident that the day was not • far distant when Poland would recover her independence. (Hear, hear.) He was, however, opposed to the establishment of a republic in Poland ; and he could point to this country as an instance of the happiness and liberty that prevailed under a constitutional monarchy. He intended to have been present in the House of Lords on the debate on the Jew Bill, and to have spoken against the bill, because he considered the Jews to be abettors of tyranny throughout Europe, by furnishing the despots with funds. The noble earl concluded by moving the following resolution :—" That the permissive destruction of the nationality of Poland laid the foundation, and has mainly facilitated the further development, of that sys tem of confederate despotism which has since absorbed, with those of Poland, the national rights of Italy, Hun gary, and Germany, and menaces the existence of con stitutional Government, and of any form of freedom, throughout Europe." MONCKTON MILNES, Esq., M.P., seconded the reso lution, and thought it was so worded as to merit their support. Everything that had occurred had shown how unfortunate it was for Europe that the nationality of Poland had been destroyed. Even the countries that had benefited by the accession of territory through the partition of Poland, had in reality gained anything but an advantage by the perpetual irritation and excitement that prevailed throughout their territories. (Hear.) The destinies of the Sclavonic nations were not yet unfolded, and he believed that the remnant of the unfortunate Poles would take the lead in righting that unfortunate race. (Hear.) He would say that in all their struggles they had his hearty sympathy and best wishes. (Hear.) Recollecting the position in which the Poles were pliced, he conceived they were entitled to every possible consi deration. (Hear.) Were Englishmen scattered through out the world as the Poles unfortunately were, he had no doubt they would behave as the Poles had done. (Hear.) The hon. gentleman then referred to the state of Italy, Hungary, and the other oppressed countries on the Continent. The nationality of the Poles was most prominently exhibited, and he thought if the events of Europe enabled them to regain their independence, that they should not consider too particularly what form of Government should be adopted. (Hear.) In conclu sion, he complimented the noble lord in the chair on his efforts in behalf of the association. (Cheers.) The resolution was then agreed to. The Earl of ZETLAND proposed the next resolution, which, he said, afforded him much pleasure, as no one more deserved the hearty expressions of their regard than did the noble lord in the chair. (Hear, hear.) He begged to move that Lord Dudley Coutts Stuart be President of the Association for the ensuing year. Colonel CHESTERTON seconded the motion, and bore testimony to th e un ti r i ng zea l which the noble lord ever exhibited on behalf of the oppressed. (Hear, hear.) The motion was then unanimously agreed to. Lord DUDLEY C. STUART rose to return thanks for the honour conferred upon him in re-electing him president of the association for the ensuing year. They had for a long while, to regret the condition of Poland, but he did not despair of the restoration of that unfortunate country to independence, and he trusted they would all live to witness it. (Hear.) Since the last great struggle in 1831 the condition of Poland had been indeed of a most melancholy character. The unfortunate Poles were sent to the mines in Siberia, exiled, or put to death. Those who had, been able to escape from the power of Russia had their sentences of death still recorded against them, and among the numbers were some of the most illustrious of the people of Poland. So sure as their an niversary meeting came round they were quite certain of not being at a loss for topics on which to expatiate, espe cially as regarded the proceedings of t he Emperor of Russia, liberty iu who u r w u a p s e , he This y ro of and ev i e ryn aid.the considered,year ear he e w the as a l gz rk e u a l n e s g t a e u n E el n u p e policyb y is p m u e r s n u a c e i d n g by c ß on u d ss u i c a t AtouwstarriadswaTsugr giving There was no doubt that the animosity entertained towards Turkey by these despotic powers was owing to the noble conduct of the Sultan in giving refuge to Kossuth, Bob and the other unfortunate Hungarians. (Henn) Eng land, backed by the onlyntber free country in the world e- , the United States of America, support ed Turkey in wound, the of fusing to give up these bravo men to the vengeance Russia and Austria ; and the noble conduct of the Sultan will never be forgotten by these twi n despots. Th_? noble lord then referred to the Monte ne g ro affair, and to the object of Russia, in demanding the indepen dence of Montenegro. The intention of Russia in that matter was obviously to undermine and destroy the independence of Turkey. (Hear.) The object of Russia was universal dominion, and she had her eye fixed on Constantinople and the Dardanelles. But Russia knew that the western powers were watching her movements, and she was there: fore endeavouring to do that secretly which she dared not attempt openly. The noble lord then at so me length re. ferred to other proceedings of Russia, which he said wag in order to work out the infamous policy i n which sh e had been so long engaged. He was glad to see the course which this country was pursuing on the Eastern q uestion. So far, at least, as it went, it was satisfactory ; and be especially pleased with the letter which Lord John Russe had lately written to the town of Newcastle -upon-Tr? on the subject. As he bad already stated, the presenD prospects of Poland were not very bright, and he " 8 sorry to say, neither were the prospects of the associai tion. He had been thinking that a public dinner rein be made the means of giving some aid to the funds, au." he hoped their friends would turn the matter over 1 0 their minds, and see how it could be carried out. ( 11e94. ' hear.) He believed the Almighty would not a llow ec,' great an injustice as had been practised towards Post to remain unredressed, and he could not doubt thit" Poland would yet be free and independent. (gear' hear.) Let the Poles go on cherishing their nationat the ut he would not counsel them to make any elThrhe fitting period arrived. Let them teach their children to cherish their love for the white eagle of Polandl (h ea r, hear, hear)—and when he knew the dev otion fat the feelings of the women of Poland, he had no fear their children would have deeply instilled into the : minds that love of Poland which had ma de their fetbea patriots. (Hear, hear.) In conclusion the nob le lorr b eg ged again to thank them for re-electing him P rey. dent of the association. (Loud cheers.) Mr. ALCOCK, M.P., moved the next resolution --4 vote of thanks to the Lord Mayor, Aldermen , and Cla mon Council of the city of London, for thei r continu e sympathy with the misfortunes of Poland, by grant g li t the use of their Guildhall on the 15th of December_,% for a ball and concert, in aid of the funds of this annu`":,: tion, and, in particular, to Mr. Deputy Holt, the ch.,,to' man, Mr. Deputy Eagleton, the treasurer, and P; James R. Carr, the secretary of the ball committee, 4 their noble and indefatigable efforts to insure the sueces„„- of that entertainment. In recommending the reso luti Ta to the meeting, the honourable gentleman said he eutio never forget the visit he had made some years ago, Poland, and the great delight which that visit hal„. o forded him, as well as the interest it had excited in for the restoration of Polish independence. (Cheer" Mr. Bn&LES seconded the resolution, and, in doing warmly advocated the cause of Poland, and denoen,;„ the vile conduct which Austria had recently p ractisee ct Italy. He also severely censured the attempts mad ir certain parties in this country to get up another g"4 powder plot, with which it was endeavoured to connri,. the name of the illustrious Hungarian patriot , sossu' (Cheers.) The motion was then agreed to. vieg Mr. CARR returned thanks, and concluded by In ° v e a vote of thanks to the ladies and gentlemen who em, their gratuitous services to the concert at the GuildniP in aid of the funds for the Polish refugees. Mr. FERGUSON seconded the resolution, whieh ag d M ree to. r. PRITCHARD moved that the following no ble rl O . should be elected vice-presidents of the assoc iation,i ba the ensuing year, namely, the Duke of Sutherland, o,b, Marquis of Breadalbane, and the Earls of Scarboroo,nd Harrowby, Harrington, Fitzwilliam, Shaftesbury ° Fortescue. viti° Mr. DEERING seconded the resolution, which agreed to. dosh On the motion of the Rev. Dr. WORTH INGh " for seconded by Mr. FERGUSON, the council and officer ° the ensuing year were next elected. Colonel SZYRMA then, in the name of the Polish fr ill ; torical Society, presented to the association an Ra re from the council of the society. Lord DUDLEY STUART was sure he spoke the P-13„011 ments of the association, when he said they were 01"0 gratified by the address from the Historical Society_ft. was most gratifying, he said, to see how the Polish ~..n r y"t o gees were employing their time during their exile j• their their native country in collecting valuable h istoricP formation. (Hear.) Mr. W. A. SMITH proposed a vote of thanks to , fi a noble lord in the chair, for his presence that dal: 50 for his unwearied and indefatigable exertions in cause of Poland. doing M. WIERANSKI seconded the resolution,and in th e so pronounced a high eulogy on the character o f noble lord. The motion was unanimously agreed to. of Lord DUDLEY STUART briefly returned thanks. Lieut. C. SzuLCZEWSKI then proposed the than i h i L 0 the association to the hon. secretary , Mr. 111r,w;ir Lloyd Birkbeck, for the valuable services he ha" dered to the association. Colonel PRZYIEMSKI seconded the resolution, was agreed to. Mr. L. BIRKBECK expressed his acknowledgments' after which the meeting separated. VOLUNTARY SCHOOL ASSOCIATIOY. The fifth annual me e ti ng o f the Mends and supportel of this association was held last night at the Freernase Tavern, Great Queen-street—S. M. Peto, Esq., 0' in the chair. t io The CHAIRMAN, in opening the proceedings of fits evening, dwelt forcibly and eloquently on the bee e- o l to be derived from the voluntary principle in eduotioe_A matters. The hon. gentleman was loudly che el lii during the delivery of his speech, the principle: the following quotation furnishing the chief arguree n :; of "This association was formed in 18 48 , for the purP°,-01 promoting religious education independently of Stale o , or control. Under the present Governmental sYsys' en , though nominally religious, all classes are taxed t ° „ o 3o dow Judaism, Popery, Tractarianism, and other {0 t he of error, whilst just four-fifths of the fund raised I°l. purpose are expended upon schools essentially exeltirlia and sectarian. The new measure proposed by Li° t oo Russell on the 4th of April, continues to the caro l ' t he of council the power it now possesses, of directiog v es religious education of the country, whilst it rell o g from it even the semblance of responsibility, by po ll °t for that purpose a fund beyond the control of Parlieuledeit It also embodies the scheme of local rating, recoil:1 1011 0 0 by the Manchester and Salford Committee, with c er , modifications, which render it still more obnexi°ll-1 if 0 not practically inoperative." The hon. gentlem ali r t" eluded by calling on the secretary to read the reffici; tt The SECRETARY then read the report, from w' c ,." met appeared that the principles of the Voluntary s' to te appeared so commanding that it only required t°,: t ioe them clearly. The committee believe that edu ce Toie should not only be religious, in the wide and unc e but state put upon that term by the Governme wA , l . thoroughly Christian—and that the State, as it n l ii - ght competent to give such an education to the peopl e, "„ tie rl not to interfere in the matter, but leave it to Yelt r ioli effort. The confidence of your committee hae,,%,of the past year, been greatly strengthened by a var' e ' o tib' considerations ; and their own sentiments upon tb e pr• ject have found an eloquent echo in the address of ico , Harris at the last assembly of the Congregational Although the financial statement presents an 00.7" ing aspect, the committee would urge upon their fr l 4 o , the importance of augmenting the resources of the r e ciation, that their wishes may be realised both P ' 14 03 s 1 gards the enlargement and efficiency of its 11° . 0 ,pli" establishments, and the increase of the fund, ;AA cable to the extension of schools in our rural cbs - l iga The amounts of subscriptions and donations red el' during the past year have both increased, while , i lj „ e penses of the male normal school have been red „o 0 and those of the female branch have been but t ie; siderably augmented, notwithstanding the gre a '"Zt, creased attendance. From the treasurer's state lll ,,i appeared that the balance in hand April 1, 18 '100 563/. ; annual subscriptions, 6771. 15s. 6d. ; dooki-56,1 5891. 2s. ; collections and sale of pamphlets, 21/ ' ' re - 13 0 1` making a total of 1,8521. 19s. The expend itli a been 1,1901. 15s. 3d. ; leaving a balance in 11311 6621. 4s. ld. f Resolutions in conformity with the objects ° 11 ,01. meeting having been submitted were carried 2 to mously, and the proceedings terminated with a v° thanks to the chairman. , WILLIS'S ROOMS, ROOMS, Sr. JAMES'S.—A grand ev etu "' cert, for the benefit of some foreigners in distreseloco, given at the above rooms on Monday, upon whicil„ the r sion the following eminent artists generously ga t valuable services :—Mesdames Fiorentini, A4,111 04 ' Newton, Ferrari, Taceani, Tasca, and Enderso n Bassano, Alleyne, Cole, and Stabba.ch ; Signor i ' v i u oi°' Ferrari, Onorati, Li Calsi, and Herr Gan' ;„ 1 1 ; 13es t ,, Madame Bompiani. The concert opened t 1.1 .; hoven's " Septuor," arranged for four performers 00, pianofortes-. -perfectly rendered by Madame 13 1 Wi ll : and Herr Ganz, assisted by Signori Li Calsi a n- 0 1 ° - real. Miss Bassano sang with her usual taste, a y did Madame Tasca. The duet of Madame a nd et bir Ferrari was delightfully sang, as was also the Miss Alleyne and Herr Brandt. Miss Staltt,ol' in exquisite voice, and sang a very apPr°,ll7 - 1 , 1 1 11 son sung for the first time, by Glover, entitirreueil Morning," which was charmingly given, and sloe well-deserved applause ; her other song', f e eliot Home," was sang with much pathos an a lso i n - t Signor Oncrati, in a romanzi by Verdi , as s ass duet by Donizetti, with Miss Stabbach, ica °. ng could be wished. Mrs. Alexander Newto n zart's " Queen of Night " with her usual br illiancy , The pianoforte duo of Signori Li Calsi and! of t1 : 0 for two instruments, on therilgrim's ivas, g Lombardi of Verdi, arranged by Alent n° , r ); 1 03 ', e u itself a gem, and artistically performed. rhea Cole, in Mendelssohn's duet, " Greeting, . a vve , H. Smart's duet, " The Greenwood," h i e 0 recto? h merited applause for the artistic manner vnth hick by gave their duets. The concert closed wit h o ung " Terzetto," from Th e L u crezia, beautifully 000; Madame Tasea, Herr Brandt, a nd Sig n l, an a The room was fully and fashion ably a ttendp, ch it vi hope the co ncer t realised the objec t for Till' er given. Signor Li Calsi was conductor. n THE AUTHOR OF " SAM SLlcx."----',llra n ew ° ,O. loving readers will be delighted to hear t ha ; j u dge ° o f° is immediately forthcoming from the pen i y Burton. It is in two volumes, and title of " Sam Slick's Wise Saws and —d." stances ; or, What he said, Did, or Invenw bears%hge Mo d e rn title MO, V