The Sun. — London, England, 1853-03-10 00:00:00

TIIEA.TRE ROYAL; IILYMARKET. • Farewell Season of Mr. Benjamin Webster as Lessee and Manager. • - THIS EVENING, MARCH 10, Will be performed THE LOVE CHASE, by Messrs. B. Webster (last time ) , Stuart, Lambert , and Ho we ; Mrs. Stirling, Miss Rosa Bennett, Mrs. Selby, &c. After which. SEELEY WORRIED BY BUCkSTONE. After which, the Farce, called TO PARIS AND BIM FOR FIVE POUNDS. ROYAL LYCEUM THEATRE. Under the Management of Madame Vestris. THIS EVENING, Mssca 10, Will be performed A PHENOMENON IN A SMOCK-FROCK. Characters by Messrs. C. Mathews, F. Matthews, and Horncastle ; Miss F. Baker and Miss C. Mitchell. After which, the popular new Fairy Extravaganza entitled THE GOOD WOMAN IN THE WOOD , in vkilich Messrs. F. Matthews, Suter, Horncastle, and Templeton ; Madame Vestris, Miss Julia St. George, Miss Robertson, Miss Martindale, Miss Ellis, Miss Wynd ham, Miss Eglinton, and Miss Rosins Wright will appear. To conclude with LITTLE TODDLERLNS. Sole Agent for the Private Boxes, Mr. W. Allcroft, 15, New Brall-street. THEATRE ROYAL ADELPHI. Proprietor, Hr. B. Webster.—Directress, Madame Celeste. THIS EVENING, Ms.sca 10, By desire, the popular Drama of THE GREEN BUSHES; or, a Hundred Years Ago. Supported by Messrs. Paul Bedford, Honey, 0. smith, &c.; Madame Celeste, Miss Woolgar, and Miss F. Maskell. To conclude with (last time but one, and at second price) the Drama of SLAVE LIFE ; or, Uncle Tom's Cabin. ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE, OXFORD-STREET. Under the Management of Mr. C. Kean. THIS EVENING, Maim 10, Will be performed CHARLES IL After which, the PANTOMIME.. To conclude with A. ROLAND FOB AN OLIVER. ROYAL OLYMPIC THEeTRE. Lessee and Manager. Mr. Farren. THIS EVENING, Maus 10, Will be presented THE SERGEANT'S WIFE. To be followed by the Farce of A DEED WITHOUT A NAME. After which, LILIAN GERVAIS. Supported by Messrs. Comp ton, W. Farren, G. Cooke, Shalders, Edgar, Bender, and Clifton ; Misses Anderton and H. Gordon. To conclude with the Ballet of THE DUMB RECRUIT. /cox-office open from Eleven till Five, under the superintendence of Mr. E. Chatterton. ASTLET'S ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE. Proprietor and Manager, Mr. W. Batty. Positively the Last Week of Mr. Batty's Management. THIS EVENING, M.Ascs 10, And during the week, the Entertainments will commence with for the Last Six Repsesentatioirs, MAZEPPA. AND THE WILD HORSE, with all its original magnificent effects. To be followed by an incomparable dlsply of Batty's Scenes in the Arena. Supported by the first Artistes of the day. To conclude with a Laughable Farce. Doors open at Half-past Six o'clock. To commence at Seven Box-office open daily from Eleven to Foar. itage Manager, Mr. W. West. HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE. This DAT —Horning 30 min. after 2 I Evening 50 min.aft. 2 To-lloanew—Morning 6 min. after 3 1 Evening 22 min.aft. 3 THE WEATHER.—SUN Orrica, Kum 10. THERMOMETER, IN THE SHAME. 47—highest since noon yesterday. 36—lowest this morning and during th. night. 50— this day at neon. BAROMETER, 30.25. WIND, S.W l ,—Light breeze, and fine, sunshiny weather, THE PUBLICATION OF " THE SUN" COMMENCES EVERY AFTERNOON AT THREE O'CLOCK, • AND THE LATE OR THIRD EDITION, CONTAINING: THE DEBATES IN PARLIAMENT THE SAME EVENING, With all other News arriving up to the hour of Post, AT SEVEN O'CLOCK. EXPRESS EDITIONS will be forwarded aftei• the Post is dosed by the Latest Trains. vewr 1/4....„,10 . 4,•.4,- .ssii , . ----:- ,ow,:ii, :-...-__-..11,4,41 . - - 7ir a. 'V ILL'o LONDON, THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 1853. The Election Petition Committees—one and all —are discharging their important and arduous duties ably and efficiently. For the first time, perhaps, since its enactment, has the working of the Grenville Act proved really satisfactory—for the first time has ft appeared to be the object of the tribunals clothed with authority to decide both on the law and the facts of each case—to elicit the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, and to apply the existing law to the state of facts thus brought to light, without fear or favour, according to the actual merits of the case. This great improvement is chiefly ascribable to the Law of Evidence Act, which enables parties to appear or be subpoenaed in cases in which they are personally concerned. In many recent in stances, where bribery or treating had been clearly brought home to agents, Hon. Gentlemen, whose seats were in jeopardy, voluntarily came forward as witnesses, for the purpose of exonerat ing themselves from any previous knowledge of the Corrupt a.ndillegal proceedings carried on under the sanction of their names. It thus appeared that innocent, or at least comparatively innocent, parties were severely punished for the offences of their so-called friends who had permitted "their zeal to outrun their discretion," and to commit most improper and unjustifiable acts in the heat of the electioneering warfare. How thankful . must Messrs. ASTELL, MACAULEY, MACKINNON, &aims, and Sir R. PIGOT, and, above and be yond all, Mr. HORSFALL, be at the benefi cial reform in the law which permitted them to completely remove what might otherwise have proved grave and indelible stains on their respective characters. From the testimony which these gentlemen were enabled to offer, they showed that " indiscretion "—possibly a culpable indiscretion—was all that could be laid to their respective charges. It seems true that the sums advanced might have afforded prima facie evi dence that there was something more than could be required for strictly legal purposes. But still there was no direct or positive sanction to the corrupt practices, so disgraceful to the se veral constituencies, which have just been brought to light. There was great cre dulity, but no actual criminality, on the part of the sitting Members. Indeed, the salutary provisions of the new code rendered it indispensable that candidates should not pry too curiously into the application of the funds with which, in some instances, they themselves lavishly supplied the agents, or which, in others, were abundantly provided by the reckless par tisans who so vigorously contested the supremacy of their own colours in the different boroughs. This, however, although it may relieve many of thie unseated members from actual participation in these very objectionable proceedings, cannot exempt the delinquent constituencies from the e_eraure to which they a re so j us tl y li a bl e, or I_J:ke. unworthy electors who betrayed thei r t rus t, gellin g th e i r bi rt h r i g h ts for messes of pottage, and exer c ising their most sacred privileges on the most degraded and despicable grounds, from the contempt they hav e . m the t s? y merite d . These men. ribers as well as th e bribed— deserve the m ost stringent punishment sanctioned by law for their of fnees. Whatever annoyance they may sustain, or sufferings th e y ma y un d ergo , no sympathy be fe=elb on their behalf. "Served them right," w ill the unanimous ver dict of the community. It i s too but t h too certain, that justice w il l , home to a very small proportion of the offenders. Many who have been habitual sinners will escape with i mpun ity—not even will public opini on b e brought to bear on their backsliding % i t is, We find, proposed that ail the recipients of bribes t o whom corruption can be traced, should be disfranchised for life. It would be a fitting expiation, but, unfortunately, the re . medy would be of a very homoeopathic cha racter—the proportion of those actually convicted and punished bearing an almost infinitesimal ratio to those who had merited similar dooms. In truth, the disease is too deeply seated to be eradicated by such milk-and-water measures. The remedy must be suited to the disease. So deep seated an ulcer can only be eradicated by means suitable to the emergency. The knife must be used with a determined and unsparing hand. There is but one course that can be adopted from whi c h a ra di ca l cure can be anticipated. " The Ballot" w ill alone protect the voter from undue influ e nces in the exercise of his franchise whether these influences h be exert e d b y way of bribery or inti midation ether it be by £ s. d., by intoxi cating liquors % Jae by threats from landlord or e lector swerve fro cu stomer, that . can b e i n d uce d t o i ni the Strai ghtforward course, and to bestow his suffrage not in accordance with his conscientious convictions. The Ballot, then, is that to the attainment of which every Reformer should direct his energies. Whatever doubt or difficulty might formerly have existed as to its propriety and expediency must now be removed. Recent disclosures must con vince, the most sceptical that such proceedings require a vigorous and decided treatment, and that " the Ballot" will alone prove effectual for their removal. CRUIKSHANK has already given the world his " Bottle" as a warning against Drunkenness. He has now presented to it his " Glass" as an argunient in favour of Abstinence. It would be difficult to afford any adequate idea of the force of this argument by a cursory allusion to the pamphlet* through which its humane sentiments are inculcated—almost as difficult as to convey any sufficient conception of the woodcuts scattered among the letterpress by a passing, or we might even say by the most laboriously minute, descrip tion. Fortunately, the wide and well-merited popularity of the artist-author will command the attention of a tolerably large division of the com munity to the publication itself—attracting it, at first, by curiosity, and fixing it, at last, by admi ration. Fortunately, we say, not because we ourselves have any sort of complicity with those very excellent gentlemen who take part in the Teetotal Associations—entertaining, for our own part, we will acknowledge it, a kind of instinctive repugnance for Pledges of every description, whether given at the hustings or elsewhere—but because we entertain profound and dispassionate feelings of respect for every gentle-hearted phi lanthropist like Father MATHEW, regarding their labours as calculated to improve the morality, and, by improving the morality, to enhance the prosperity, and increase the happiness of the population. If we are not mistaken the Tee totallers have already their organised organs in periodical literature. We cannot claim - for our selves the distinction of being ranked in the catalogue of those publications. - Having, doubt less, a moderate infusion of the OLD ADAM in our nature, we confess to a certain appreciation of the pleasures of conviviality—viewing, not alto gether without interest, the movements made from time to time towards the modification of the malt tax, or the reduction of the hop duty, in the Imperial Legislature--observing with satisfaction the efforts now making with a view to the ultimate diminution of the imports levied upon foreign wines ; and to speak more _ _ comprehensively still, in regard to the whole of the rather delightful question at issue, like Mrs. MALAPROP herself, fairly owning the soft im peachment. Nevertheless, we are always ready to accord a respectful hearing to those who think differently upon the subject. We are always prepared to admit the elevated and generous motives of those benevolent enthusiasts who be lieve that the virtue of sobriety may be the most effectually diffused throughout society by the complete renouncement of all kinds of intoxicating beverages. We believe them to be actuated by the highest motives of which human nature is capable, and, while we cannot feel ourselves called upon to participate directly in their pecu liar endeavours to_ "put down" the vice of in toxication, we view their resolute self-denial with admiration, and form in our mind and in our heart the most genial estimate of their conscien tiousness. We believe that personal participa tion in their labours is altogether dependent upon a man's idiocyncrasy. DOGBERRY, it is well known, considered reading and writing to " come by nature." Certainly it must be so to a very considerable extent with teetotalling ! It must require a peculiar sympathy like mesmerism, or a peculiar aptitude like a predilection for the mathematics. However such things are, and though they may not " overcome us like a sum mer cloud without our special wonder," they command from us, we conceive, a very respectful consideration. - - Everything hitherto recorded as to the effects of the Total Abstinence movement has proved that its influence has never yet been injurious, but that in a variety of ways it has, on the contrary, been in the highest degree bene ficial. That at least must be allowed. Again, the number of its advocates is no longer insigni ficant. It has extended, within the last quarter of a century (the period during which the system has been in existence), from "the seven im mortal men of Preston," in Lancashire, who aureed in 1832, to the proposal that they should " abstain altogether from fermented liquors, that they should abstain tee-totally" (and hence the designation), until the aggre gate amounts nowadays to hundreds of thousands, or perhaps, indeed, " millions," as here main tained by GEORGE CRIIIKSHANK. Beyond this, we find the system actually—by a magnificent kind of suicidal magnanimity—encouraged by the brewers themselves. In illustration of this other wise incredible fact,'we find ourpamphleteer stating, in a footnote (p. 5), that Mr. BASS subscribes to a Temperance Society, according to his own ac knowledgment—though how the Hon. Gentleman, the member for Derby, can reconeile the apparent, contradiction of giving the bane wholesale, as it were, with one hand, while doling out the anti dote in dribblets with the other, it would be somewhat difficult to conjecture. Another cir cumstance in connection with the progress made of late in the Abstinence movement is that very noteable one, that Teetotalism has secured to itself, in various quarters, the support of direct legislative interposition. This interposition ap pears to have been brought about by the resolu tion of one or two determined municipalities in the United States—the example of one of these States, that of Maine; having, it would seem, proved very recently so contagious, that it has resulted in the prohibition of the traffic in strong drinks throughout the British Province of New Brunswick, an Act declaring as much having lately been passed by the local legislature, and that Act having received the final approval of the Sovereign. "So that," exclaims Mr. CRUM SHANK, with very reasonable exultation, when alluding to this occurrence, "there is now actually a portion of the British Empire where the traffic in strong drink is prohibited by law !" Query— if he conceived that such a course was to be adopted in the mother country as well as in the trans atlantic possessions, would the representative of Derby, we wonder, feel himself called upon to enco a-. rage the development of the Temperance movement by personally subscribing to its associations ? It reminds one of the very agreeable position in which HOGARTH has placed that unfortunate gentleman who is coolly sawing away the signboard upon which he himself is seated astride, in the humor ous picture on " Perspective." Returning, however,' to the consideration of the really important fact of the steady and rapid ad vance of the movement made of late years by the Teetotallers, it must be admitted that one of the most noteable tributes to their cause recently made public, was that which was announced a month or so back at a public meeting - in Exeter-hall, pre sided over by Mr. CRIIIKSHANK. Of that tri bute, and consequently of that meeting, the pre- sent pamphlet is a very delightful celebration. It impresses yet more strongly upon the public mind the fact that the New Crystal Palace Company at Sydenham have resolved not to permit the sale of spirituous liquids on their establishment. Deter minedin all its indisputable sig to d o hi s very uttermost to force the recog nition o f thi s conversion nificance upon the judgment of the community, our distinguished humourist--not more humourist by the way (and we should find it difficult to en hance our eulogium) than philanthropist -- GEORGE CRUIKSHANK has enforced his vivo voce arguments from the platform by others of a yet more important, because more diffusible, charac ter, those furnished by his facile pen and by his inimitable pencil. Here, then, is the origin of cc The Glass and a glass with, cuts too --cuts deep and energetic. It would b e difficult not to bow to the force and justice of the latter, whether to the more droll or the more After a glanc e at that illustrations. ghastlyregard be had * "The Glass and the New Crystal Palace." By Crmum CRIIIKSHANS. With Cuts. Bvo., pp. 32. Cassell: London. • 1853. - " something pottle-bodied " phantom, with the spoons for legs, we question very much whether the most inveterate antagonist of the Temperance movement will not hesitate before running his head once more against the Tea-Pot. In those companion sketches of " The Glass of Whisky after the Goose," and then, " The Goose after the Whisky," there is home wisdom not less than exquisite drollery. " Old King Cole," again, the Chairman of the Club called the Social Villagers, carries a terrible moral in his toothless gums, and his calf-less shanks, and his corporation. Then the Social Villagers in the shape of tombstones, with DEATH as their Chairman, and a funereal um as their Vice, and hour glasses for their brandy and water, holding midnight carousals in the church yard ! And that scarecrow Bottle " putting up Mr. TIPPLER'S shutters" ! And that sketch of " The Spirit Level," in the shape of a gentleman' " rather screwed," sprawling at full length upon the pavement ! Everything in this would be to us as conclusive in application as we doubt not-it appears to the artist, if we could contrive to be lieve with him that the glass is only productive of Robbery, Brutality, Mischief, Murder, Death, Destruction, Madness, and Blasphemy. Against that quotation from Proverbs upon the title, we could adduce, by way of counterpoise, that fami liar declaration of Holy Writ, that " wine glad deneth the heart of man besides insisting upon the significance of that memorable fact that the First Miracle of our SAVIOUR was performed at his sacred bidding, when— " The conscious water owned its LORD, And blushed itself to wine." But enough for us that we remind the generous and gifted advocate of Temperance, that there are limits to all arguments, even to the loftiest and the most benevolent Beyond which there are lights, surely, as well as shadows in that picture which he has undertaken t 6 delineate. Howbeit, through the fervour of his manifest prejudices, we only recognise the more clearly] the warm and genial ardour of the philanthropist. And so with all our antagonism, we can end only with a beni son to GEORGE CRUIKSHANK. THE SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, MARCH 10, 1853. RARMONIC UNION. Last Tuesday, the Oratorio of Elijah was performed, at Exeter Hall, by the Harmonic Union. The chief parts were taken by Miss Dolby, Mrs. Endersohn, Miss Bassano, Mr. Sims Reeves, and Mr. Lawler. The latter took the important roll of Elijah. He appeared to give general satisfaction. One of his best performances was "Is not His Word like a fire," &c., which impressive air he gave with great energy and spirit. Mr. Sims Reeves had not much to accomplish, but his few solos elicited great applause. In particular, the beautiful air he sung at the conclusion, "Then shall, the righteous," &c, was admirably executed and unanimously encored. Mrs. Endersohn took the first soprano part. Her voice is excellent, unusually clear and sweet ; but it is to be regretted that this talented vocalist did not infuse more feeling into the solemn passages assigned to her. Miss Dolby's style is too well known to need criticism. She was heard with the usual admiration that attends her appearance. " Oh, rest in the Lord," was encored. The trio taken by Mrs. Endersohn, Miss Dolby, and Miss F. Rowland, was one of the best features of the evening's entertainment ; it was likewise re-demanded. Miss Bassano's voice was well suited to the part of the Queen, which she rendered in a very superior manner. Two of the finest choruses were those of "Behold ! God the Lord passed by," and " Then did Elijah the prophet break forth like a fire." The conductor was Mr. Benedict. CEYLON LAND AND MINING COMPANY.—We would refer our readers to the advertisement of the Ceylon Land and Mining Company, which will be found in an other part of this day's impression. The association is formed for the purpose of developing the extra ordinary mineral resources of the Island of Ceylon ; and from the respectability of the parties concerned, and the high testimonials received as to the great natural capa bilities of the intended scene of their operations ; that from Dr. Ure, the eminent chemist, and from Messrs. White and Du Maurier, more particularly, the most sanguine anticipations may be formed of the speedy success of the Company. HAYMARKET THEATRE.—We understand this theatre will open after Easter under the management of Mr. Buckstone. Many novelties are promised, and the Bri tish dramatist will be encouraged to indulge in original ity, in preference to cribbing from the French, though, when anything worth translating is produced in Paris it will not be lost sight of. We regret to learn that the Marquis of Londonderry has been suffering from a severe attack of influenza and fever since his arrival in town from Wynward Park, and his lordship is not yet sufficiently recovered to leave the house. THE 'PORT OF LONDON.—The first stone of the new works for enlarging and deepening the East Country . Dock and adding it to the Commercial Docks at Rother hithe was laid yesterday by Mr. Gould, the deputy chairman of the company, supported by Mr. Sim, a director, and attended by Mr. Walker and Mr. Burges, the company's engineers, and Mr. Kelk, the contractor. It is interesting to notice that the Greenland Dock, now one of the Commercial Docks, was, in the, reign of Charles 11., the only dock (or rather basin, for it had no gates) in the port of London. Its area is 10 acres, There have been added during the present century addi tional decks, making a total area of 70 acres, including the East Country Dock. From the above increase of this one concern, and the numerous other docks since made,—namely, the West India, the East India, the London, the Grand Surrey Canal Docks, and the St. Katharine's Docks,—an idea of the vast increase of shipping and accommodation for shipping may be formed. FIRE AT A CHEMICAL WAREHOUSE. Yesterday, shortly before three o'clock in the morning, a fire broke out in the house of Mr. Dimond, chemist and druggist, Holborn-bars, by which great loss was occasioned, and two men were severely burnt. The fire took place near the laboratory in the lower part of the house, and on its discovery in a fey+ minutes the engine and firemen from Holborn and Farringdon-street arrived and commenced their operations. The firemen, in their anxiety to clear the place of combustible substances and com positions threw a quantity of phosphorus out into the road, when it ignited, as it commonly does in con tact with the air. A constable; named Patterson, igno rantly rushed forward and began to stamp on it, to sub: - due the flame, when of course a quantity of phosphorus adhered to his boots, and his clothes were soon all on fire. A soldier, who was passing at the time, rushed forward and endeavoured to extinguish the fire about the officer, and in so doing his own clothes came in con tact with the phosphorus, and in less than a second he, too, was on fire. By great perseverance the fire was subdued about the policeman and soldier, but they were terribly burned. The firemen, under the direction of Mr. Colf, went to work, and with the aid of the portable engine the fire in the building was confined to the back laboratory, bit considerable damage was done to the stock in trade, and also to the premises. The origin of the fire is unknown. Fortunately the sufferer was in sured in the Sun fire-office. h H el e d nry yesterday Ellispres a i t din t h g e . LITERARY FUND.-The annual meeti ng o f mem b ers offices,of the Great t e R in us st s i e tt ll s eetitorn; was sir From the Treasurer's Report it appeared that the re ceipts for the past year had been-Newton estate rents, 2081. 18s. : dividends, 869/. 08. Bd. ; subscriptions and donations, 1,0451. ss. ; balance from past year, 296/. ss. 4d. ; total, 2,4191. 98. sd. Of the disbursements there had been forty-nine grants for relief, 1,3401. ; rent 1401. ; secretary's salary, 2001. ; anniversary tavern bill, 1391. 7s. ; musicians, 71. 7s. ; with other lesser items, making in all 1,9261. 10s., and leaving a balance or investment of 2031. 55., and in hand 2891. 14s. sd. The accounts having been read and approved of, the following satisfactory review of the affairs of the institution for the last fourteen years was submitted and approved of. The total income during the last 14 years has exceeded the total income of the 14 preceding years by 7,450/. 14s. The total expenditure during the same period has increased by 2,8461. 3s. 11d. The in crease of the receipts has therefore exceeded the increase of the expenditure by 4,6041. 10s. id., being at the rate of 3281. 17s. 11d. per annum. The subscriptions and donations have increased by 3,9901. 3s. 2d. ; the divi dends and rents by 3,1991. 3s. 4d. The money funded from ordinary receipts, exclusive of legacies, by 1,8591. lls. 9d. ; the grants by 3,079/. 15s. The dinner of 1851 cost 1391. ss. 6d. ; that of 1852 cost 1461. 14s. Adding to these sums the full share of the printing, stationery, advertising, and incidental expenses, it appears that by the sale of tickets, the contributions of stewards and honorary visitors, and other donations directly traceable to the dinner, exclusive of the Queen's benefaction, and all other annual subscriptions, the dinner of 1851 pro duced a clear profit of 5181. 2s. 6d., and that the dinner of 1852 produced a clear profit of 5571. 16s. ld. CHURCH OF ENGLAND FREEHOLD LAND SOCIETY.- Yesterday evening a public meeting of the members of this society was held at Exeter-hall, for the purpose of affording the committee of management an opportunity of explaining its objects. Mr. Deputy Obbard, having been called to the chair, stated that the society had been eleven months in existence. In the first month 368 shares were taken, the amount received being 6601. In the second month the number of shares taken amounted to 527, the sum paid being 1,000/. ; 3d month, 647 shares, 1,9201. paid ; 4th month, 680 shares, 2,1061. paid ; sth month, 698 shares, 2,7251. paid ; 6th month, 783 shares, 4,8301. paid ; 7th month, 1,200 shares, 6,230/. paid ; Bth month, 1,658 shares, 7,6501. paid ' • 9th month, 1,968 shares, 8 ,7 301 . paid ; 10th month, 2,290 shares, 10,6061. paid ; 11th month, 2,444 shares, 17,4491. paid. Since the accounts were made up (on the 28th February) between 300 and 400 shares had been taken towards the next month. The society had purchased an estate of eight acres at Forest hill, one of 5) acres at Finchley, one of eight acres at Harrow, and one of 33 acres at Wimbledon. All these had been paid for, and the committee were in treaty for others eligibly situated. More than half of the 2,444 shares which had been taken up were held by single shareholders, and 558 allotments of land had already been_ made. Resol u tions in favo u r of th e p r inciples of the society were passed, and a ballot afterwards took place for shares. MONEY AND COMMERCIAL NEWS. CITY, TWO O'CLOCK. The sales of Cotton at Liverpool yesterday were estimated at 5,000 bales, of which MO American were taken for export. The market closed flatly. Compared with Friday's rates prices may be quoted an i t d. per lb. lower. The sales comprised 4,000 American, 300 Pernam and Maranham, at 61d. to 64d., 200 Bahia, at 6d. ; 200 Egyptian, at ,6d. to Bd. ; and 300 Surat at 3id. to 44d. per lb. Rail way shares were flat, at lower prices. The six-weeks average price of wheat is 455. sd. per quarter. The report which some time ago was circulated with reference to the alleged difficulty, experienced in certain railway quarters in obtaining money, has received confirmation, from the suspension to which we yesterday alluded, of Mr. George Hen nett, the well-known contractor. The amount of liability is stated at 200,0001., and if the assets could be fully realised, there would be sufficient to discharge all the claims. It happens unfortunately, that a breach of confidence upon an enormous scale has been perpetrated, and that there is no possibility of bringing the party to justice, the alleged fraud being construed into a debt of 90,0001., in bills handed over to the person in question for discount. The proceeds to Mr. Hennett were but 10,0001., and nevertheless the whole of the paper appears to have been circulated. Finding this, there was no resource but to stop payment, although the larger creditors would all willingly have come into an arrangement to prevent such a step. The contracts in hand are said to be of a very remunerative character ; offers by responsible parties having been made to take them off at a great advance upon the original bargain. The preparation of the accounts is entrusted to Messrs.. Quilter and Ball. It is understood, that the accounts received at Lima from Port Philip direct, and which are to the 6th December, as mentioned yesterday under this head, are of an extremely favourable charac ter. The gold diggi ngs o f N ew South Wales especially were yieldi ng we ll ; th ere f ore , even if Port Philip has fallen off, there would be coun terbalancing production. The Peel River advices also, by way of Ceylon, are most encouraging. It is now ascertained that the steamer Sydney left on the 4th December, consequently she is full three months out, unless she was detained at the other Australian ports. Such a voyage, for a steamer, tis withimt the*slightest advantage, and inclines one to acquiesce in the loud complaints uttered upon all hands. The passengers by the Australian are becoming extremely impatient, but it is obvious their safety would be jeopardised if they were to proceed before the vessel has under gone a thorough overhauling. The steamer Antelope, which left Liverpool on Monday for Australia, took out 30,0001. in specie. In consequence of the destruction of a large quantity of the letters in the mail bags of the steamer Australian, a party writing to the Morn ing Advertiser makes the excellent suggestion, that all letters for the colonies should in future be placed in gutta percha boxes, and be then herme tically sealed. This would not only protect them from damage, but even afford a chance of their re covery in the event of shipwreck, the packages being ,adapted for floating. The Post-office authorities, it is said ) have' the matter under con sideration. The market for English Stocks is firmer, Consols having been done at 99i for transfer. The prices for Ap r il a re about 99 it, consequently the 1 " continuation" is slightly ower. The New 3k per Cents. have been at 1031 to f, and the 3 per Cents. at 99k I. Exchequer Bills are Bs. to 135., and India Bonds are 48s. premium. The foreign accounts generally read well, and there is more confidence in respect to the forthcoming Australian advices. In the foreign market there is not so much ac tivity. The recent advance in Greek Bonds has tempted one or two parties to realise, and Greek Bonds have been 8 I-, buyers holding off tem porarily, with the view of supplying themselves cheaper if possible. In 1845 these Bonds were dealt in as high as 15. Equador Stock is supported at 5 g. Grenada Active Bonds are at 221. Bra zilian New 4 per Cents. are at 97i. Mexican have been at 251 8. The Peruvian Scrip is at sto pre mium. Spanish Certificates are steady at 7f pre mium. Russian Bonds are higher. The second reading of the Upper India Railway. Bill is postponed until the 12th April, at the ex press instance of Sir Herbert Maddock, and Mr. Lowe, who introduced it. The object in view is to await a dispatch expected from the Governor- General of India, in which it is hoped there will be full corroboration of the importance of the line, and the expediency of carrying it promptly out. The last week's railway receipts ascertained up to this day, are in round figures as under:- 1853. 1852. 16,613 15,322 43,063 41,173 • 9,252 8,877 7,982 7,868 21,250 20,843 10,217 9,747 • 8,375 8,456 12,352 10,802 18,133 16,477 7,035 7,226 13,099 14,144 Great Western North Western. South Western Brighton Midland South Eastern Caledonian Great Northern Lancashire and Yorkshire .. York and North Midland Newcastle and Berwick These returns may be considered satisfactory, as there are but one or two of the northern lines that show a decrease. The Railway Share Market is looking up, and an advance has occurred of to 1 per cent. in Great Northern, Great Western, North Western, Mid land, Caledonian, and Eastern Counties. The general business, however, has not been of any magnitude. French Shares are rising, Northern being about ss. to 10s. better, and also Paris and Lyons. Gold Mine Shares are extremely quiet, and a further decline has occurred in Port Philip of ; the Great Nugget are firmer ; United Mexican are rather heavy. The Land Companies shares are rallying, and with more inclination to do business In them. South Australian are up 21., and Agricultural 21. to 41. The Peel River are 10s. to V. better than they were yesterday morning. The Joint Stock Bank Shares have been dull, - but at rather fuller rates. The following is from Messrs. Tredinnick's re port : " The continued and progressive rise in the price o metals induce many capitalists into British mines, and a very large extent of business is daily transacted in shares —the prices continue to advance, yet we fear in dividend stock, before many months elapse, a reaction must take place. In times past, purchasers looked for 20 to 25 per . cent. per annum in dividends upon the current price of shares. Many mines now command prices yielding only 10 to 12i per cent., and although we can see no just cause or reason why established Mines should not sell at ten years' purchase, wherein reserves of ore are maintained, the works fully developed and the - requisite machinery erected, still we must remind our readers that great caution, discrimi nation, and judgment should be observed in the selec tion of Mines for investment ; and on the whole we are inclined to suggest to their notice a preference to dividend over speculative stock, It should not, how ever, be lost sight of, that it is from a judicious selec tion from the latter class, that large and rapid fortunes are often realised with comparatively small outlay; and from thehost of companies now catered to the public, some few can be selected at the present moment, offer ing advantageous prospects of success, at prices much below their intrinsic worth." BRITISH FUNDS AT ONE O'CLOCK THIS DAY, (From the Official List.) _ _ _ Business done. shut Bank Stock 3 per Cent. Reduced Annuities • shut 3 per Cent. Consols Annuities New 31 per Cent. Annuities..... ........ Long Annuities, Expire sth Jan., 1860 shut Ditto 30 Years, Expire 10th Oct., 1859 India Stock . shut India Bonds, £lOOO , 4B South Sea Old Annuities Consols for Account 13th April Exchequer Bills lid. £ 1 000......... ........ £5OO Small PRICE OF FOREIGN FUNDS AT ONE O'CLOCK Brazilian Bonds, 5 per Cent. — Ditto New, 1852, •ii per Cent 97i Equador Bonds si i Grenada Bonds, Deferred, Ditto Ex; Dec., 1849, Coupon..M 2n Greek ex over -duo Coupons Mexican 3 per Cent — Ditto for the Account 253 4 Peruvian Deferred 3 per Cent — Ditto Scrip Russian Bonds, 5 per Cent. Ditto, 4A per cen t lO3, Spanish Bonds, 3 per Cent 4B Spanish New Deferred, 3 per Cent 24 Spanish Committee Cert. of Coup. not fun 74 P c Turkish Loan, 6 per Cent., 1852 2 p Dutch Exchange 2i_per Ceut 66 Ditto 4 per Ceut. Certificates.... • .... • - 1 * 813 8 13 8 13 HALF-PAST TWO. Consols . 99 99 iii Ditto April Account DELICATE GOSSIP IN PARIEL—We received on Tues day a communication from Paris, from a private sou r ce , in which it was stated, that an extraordinary rumour was not only current, but generally credited, in the French capital. We abstained from making use of our information from considerations of a delicate nature, which will most probably suggest themselves to the minds of our readers. We have reason, however, to be lieve, that to-day most, if not all, of our contemporaries will make the announ cement, that it is confident l y affirmed in the b e tt er -i n formed circles in Paris, that the French Empress is in an " interesting situation." — Morning Advertiser. ELECTION COMMITTEES-(THIS DA Y.) SOUTHAMPTON. The committee re-assembled at 11 o'clock this morning. The Chairman directed Bower, the witness who re fused to take the oath yesterday, to be brought up. Bower was introduced, and still refused to take the oath. The Chairman said that he must therefore order him +o be confined. If, however, he should alter his mind, he should be released. He was then removed. Mr. Harman, proprietor of the Hampshire Indepen dent, was then called, and stated that he had been chairman of the committee of Sir Alexander Cock burn and Mr. Wilcox. Mr. Andrews had been in the committee-room twice. After the election, 1,3001. had been placed to his audit at his bankers by the two sitting members to pay the accounts. Some of the ac counts were disputed. Mr. Andrews was present at the meeting in the Riding-school, where Sir Alexander Cockburn spoke. WIGTON. This committee sat this morning at half-past eleven — Mr. Miles, chairman—and the examination of witnesses in support of the petitioners was proceeded with. James Galbraith was called to prove the circumstances detailed in Mr. James's opening speech, viz., that he had premised to vote for Caird—that then the agents of Sir J. Wraggart had put a distress on his house, and had then prevented him to sell his house, and by this means he had lost his vote. Mr. Rose, Q.C., objected to this witness being exa mined. The learned counsel argued the point at con siderable length, and Mr. Slade was replying when our report left. HUDDERSFIELD. This committee resumed this day at eleven o'clock—the Right Hon. Spencer Walpole, chairman. The counsel for the sitting members having objected that, in all the alleged cases of treating, there had been no evidence to show that it had been practised by the agents of the sitting members, Mr. Edwin James proceeded to argue that Mr. Turner was decidedly an agent, inasmuch as he had received money to expend for the purposes of the elec tion, and that he was certainly officially connected with Mr. Stansfield's committee. The learned counsel had not concluded his argument when our report left. SHERIFFS COURT-(THIS DAY). I'VE V. COURTLAND.-AN ACTION FOR COSTS. This was an action continued for costs in this case. Defendant pleaded now liability. Mr. Towne, plaintiff's solicitor, stated the case, from which it appeared that defendant, who is the captain of a vessel, purchased a chronometer for 201., for which Mr. Greenhow, a merchant in the City (and owner of the vessel of which defendant was master), gave his guarantee. The amount not having been paid, an action was brought against Mr. Courtland on his guarantee, and also against defendant. Mr. Courtland paid the 201. and the costs of the writ against himself, but refused to pay the other costs. The action was therefore continued for the costs. _ _ Mr. Needham, for the defence called defendant, who proved that he had p r e v i ous ly hired the chronometer of Charles George Jo , plaintiffs son, and paid him, but he could not now be found. He knew nothing of plaintiff. Mr. Greenhow stated that he knew Charles George Joe, who had been master of a vessel, and supposed he was dealing with him, but he paid the amount on a writ issued by plaintiff, William Joe. He did not notice it at the time, as the guarantee was given to " Mr." Joe. Witness stopped the money from defendant's wages to meet the guarantee. Mr. Needham addressed the jury, and commented on the injustice of the whole proceeding, and, urged that the doubled action was brought solely foi costs. The jury, after a short consultation, gave a verdict for defendant for is. damages and costs as to be taxed. SOUTHWARK.-(THIS DAY.) DARING ROBBERY AT THE SURREY THEATRE. John Herring, a notorious young thief, was brought before Mr. A'Beckett, charged with stealing a valuable silver watch from the person of Christopher Wright in the Surrey Theatre. Prosecutor deposed that, a little after six o'clock last evening, he went to the Surrey Theatre for the purpose of witnessing the performances. As he was passing up the gallery stairs among a great number of people, he felt a sudden jerk at his waistcoat pocket, and im mediately missed his watch. The prisoner was just in front of him, and attempted to force his way through the crowd, but witness, securing his watch in his hand, laid hold of him, and saw him drop it on the stairs. A. constable was then called in, and he was given into custody. He valued the watch at five pounds. George Watmough, 105 L, said he was on duty last night at the doors of the Surrey Theatre, when his at tention was called to a disturbance on the gallery stairs. He immediately proceeded there, and saw the prosecutor and the prisoner struggling together. The latter was given into his custody, and witness picked up the watch from the stairs. The prisoner, who declined making any defence, was fully committed for trial. ATHENAUM INSTITUTE. A meeting of gentlemen connected with literature and journalism was held on Saturday afternoon, in the rooms of the Athenaeum Insurance Company, in Sack ville-street, for the purpose of a conversational discussion on the features and the merits of the newly-started Athenaeum Institute. From what fell from Mr. Rich mond, of the Athenaeum Insurance Company, who took the chair ; from Mr. Tomlins, the secretary of the Institute ; Mr. Lewis, Mr. Thornton Hunt, Mr. Bayle Bernard, Mr. Stirling Coyne, and several other gentlemen connected with the project, it appeared that the Institute had been actually legally established under the Benefit Societies Act, its rules and calculations drawn up by eminent actuaries, and duly sanctioned, after a careful examination, by Mr. Tidd Pratt, and that it had practically—and already with some success—com menced its operations. The object of the Institute appears to be, to unite in the benefit society, backed by the insurance principle, a numerous body of lite rary men—using the phrase in a liberal sense—not at all confined to distressed geniuses, but, on the con trary, extending over all the great class of literary workers of the day, whatever their departments. The annual subscription necessary to memberhood is only one guinea per annum ; but it is expected that every member shall insure his life—the assurance rendered perfectly safe by a cross contract with the parent life in surance company, for any sum up to 1001.—the legal limit allowed to benefit societies. Peculiar advantages are offered to insurers, one of which is the indisputability of the premium, and the favourable yet sound terms on which the rates are calculated. Members wishing to in sure higher than 1001. may do so at the same ratio of premium through the Institute with the company. The guinea annual subscription will go to form a fund for the payment of the ordinary expenses of the Institute, and from the surplus, after these are defrayed, for the relief —according to the discretion of the managing committee ---of cases of distress ; and, as a primary object in such cases, for the keeping up of the premium on the distressed member's insurance. It ought to be mentioned that in no true sense will there be any eleemosynary assistance de manded by the Institute. The arrangement is that the mo neym. P. ; Mr. rvey M ye. tsh i dacieAol of n, thesernanrosno of the honorary subscribers —including at present Lord Goderich, Mr. Scholefield, M.P. ; Mr. A. Pellatt, P guw g n " ht e t gentlemen teocl have -- a m ntvoh e s en h e n a ap i l respectively, policies er b at e id eyitreatedwill nas l ocs r ectp w mrhru a abee r tme d ratisuto i in nhtsh a de oi i er d hn of the funds, are Lord Justice Pmn Knight ge Bruce, Sir Francis Baring, Mr. B. .Disraeli, and Sir George Staunton, while co-operation has been pro mised by many more distinguished personages, literary and political. Such, then, are the main features of the "Athenaeum Institute for Authors and Men of Science." It will be seen that the project is one of a substantially self-supporting nature, and which is calculated to be less useful to isolated cases of unfortunate mon of genius, than as a working institution, established for the benefit of the general body of those who gain a living by pen and ink. SOUTHAMPTON, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, T Mediter ranean. egershe Asturias a4rt o diec la y yros a . I Mail Steam-packet Company's ship Severn, Captain Wil liam Strutt, took her departure this afternoon with the usual monthly mails for Lisbon, Madeira, Teneriffe, St. Vincent's, Cape Verde, Pernambuco, Bahia, Rio de Janeiro, Monte Video, and Buenos Ayres,.,in charge of Lieutenant La Touche, R.N., Admiralty agent. She took out 43 passengers, specie value 8,0001., and 300 tens of valuable cargo on freight. The Teviot, Captain G. H. Onslow, with the next homeward mails from the River Plate and Brazil, will be due at Southampton on the 16th instant. The Magdalena is appointed to take out the next West India and Pacific mails on the 17th withihsa instant, a he nd the homeward Parana mails will from e t d h u e e s o a n tn the q e l a 6 r t t h e r. Thames, which arrived on Sunday from the West Indies, instant, proceeded to London yesterday to undergo a thorough with dates from New York to the 26th ultimo, is ex repair. The wrUei remain iabtieenduanta StatesblSouthampton to m ail pected off Cowes on Friday or Saturday next, on her way to Bremen, but in consequence of the frost not having yet broken up in the North Sea ports, it is expected the ai sn nd atvoi gtaoboloeh. ffT eo Franklin w es en Wednesday,i s appointe dnetr h te o on l l 6 eh t ae h vr t W ha a t sh sh in e g w th i n ll p t a i n ii i s sh po b r e t et on The the for New York, with the usual semi-weekly America mails. The steam-ship City of. London is hourlyexpected on freight r e me Jocelyn, ro t enancn S ei r neevge o laeryba u ndasun t . h:ogsafchmcTarw, here p ephhwtb t et h o ear ainii Stearn-shipping tigi f :ans r iaanno o t: ednrgmi morning aniifrgi6tpe Constantinople fberaibarrels snvr ieleel cnlSantander sgoal eennopraiftspvna se e w il ay avr to e m l IGth instant for India rid the Cape, continue t eanantacianymlendl Company's e o r h s r e Wv r river Weserneg:aonnd' touching at Ply mouth on the 15th for the mails. THE FATAL LOCOMOTIVE EXPLOSION NEAR MANCHES TER.—An i nquest was opened Yesterday morning at the Waggon and Horses, Longsight, near Manchester, by Mr. W. S. Rutter, coroner for the hundred of Salford, on view of the bodies of Thomas Gresty, engine fitter, of Gorton ; James Snowden, of Manchester ; William Black, Gorton-brook ; and James More, boilermaker's assistants, the persons killed by the explosion of the locomotive engine, No. 1, at the Polygon shed, at Long sight, of the London and North-Western Railway Com pany. The particulars of this d rea df u l occurrence were given yesterday. Th e i nquiry was adjourned. AUSTRALIAN CORDILLERA GOLD MINING ASSOCIATION. On Monday the ship Tory, chartered by the directors of this company for their exclusive use, left the London Docks en route for Australia. The preparations for "the diggings" were on a scale of unprecedented mag nitude. Everything that could possibly be required was provided on the most liberal scale, and the men and officers engaged in the company's service were selected with the utmost care, ample securities being given for the due performance in the colony of the contracts into which the parties have deliberately entered in the mother country. It will be in the recol lection of our readers that the above company have ob tained a licence from the Agricultural Land Company, on mutually beneficial terms, to carry on their opera tions on the Agricultural Company's lands in the Peel River District. It is the first company that has con cluded such arrangements, and the directors have made every exertion to reap the utmost benefit of the privi leges thus obtained. An efficient staff of officers, with a chosen body of men, have embarked, determined to reap the golden harvest before them. Yesterday the directors, accompanied by their friends and those of the intending emigrants, visited the Tory, at Gravesend, and closelyinspected the accommodations provided, which were of the most satisfactory description. Afterwards, all hands being called on deck, Mr. H. C. Duppa proceeded to address them. After expressing his assur ance of the regret with which they would learn that the managing director of the company, and owner of the vessel, was by illness prevented from attending on the occasion, Mr. Duppa, announced the great sa tisfaction with which the directors had received Mr. Levecque's report of the orderly and cheerful conduct of the men during the period they had been on board, a line of conduct which they confidently trusted would be pursued under whatever circumstances might occur. He felt convinced himself that, by a willing and cheerful obedience to orders, the comfort, happiness, and well-being of the men would be certainly attained. An undertaking like the present, in which they were all en gaged, where a distance so great had to be traversed be fore they could arrive at the site of their labours, would give ample time for their becoming mutually well acquainted, and for cultivating friendly feelings towards each other. " Remember" (continued the speaker) "you go not to work solely for the company that sends, feeds, and pays you, but also for yourselves ; as you are, by your engagements, entitled to a share in the gold produced by your labours, amounting to 20 per cent. nett. Aided by the powerful machinery you carry out, you will probably obtain a larger profit than were you_to rely on your individual exertions." Mr. Duppa then proceeded to read the names of the officers of the Company under whose orders they were to be henceforth placed :—Lord Walter Butler, the Managing Director in Australia ; Captain Price ; Dr. Wigan ; Mr. Bond (commissariat) ; Mr. M'lntyre (engineer) ; Mr. Hoare (superintendent of miners) ; with ten sub-officers of the Company. The number of men is 110. After a few valedictory words Mr. Duppa retired amid three deafen ing cheers from the men, who received hls observations, delivered with great spirit and feeling, with the utmost satisfaction. Mr. R. Martin, one of the directors, also addressed them in a few pithy observations, pointing out the auspicious circumstances under which this expedition was started, and the pros pective advantages in store for the men in Australia. He was heard with great attention, and enthusiastically cheered by as fine-looking a set of fellows as ever left for the Antipodes. Tha directors, officers, and some friends dined, in the evening, at the Falcon, where an excellent entertain ment was provided. Shortly after the cloth had been removed a deputation arrived from Erith, in order to present a testimonial to Mr. Wigan, the medical officer in charge of the expedition, from his friends and former patients. Mr. Wigan received the gratifying token of amity with much emotion, and in a very eloquent and feeling speech testified the deep sense of gratitude he entertained for the unexpected reward of his previous exertions ; one that would be cherished and retained to the latest moment of his existence, and would be transmitted as an heir-loom to his children. Few expeditions, if any, have ever left the shores of old England under more favourable auguries than that which has just been dis patched in the good ship Tory for the auriferous soil of Australia, by the Australian Cordillera Gold Mining Com pany. DREADFUL ACCIDENT ON THE MIDLAND RAILWAY. Yesterday morning a painful degree of excitement was created in Bristol by the arrival of information that a dreadful accident had occurred on the Bristol and Bir mingham branch of the Midland Railway, near the Mangotsfield station, about five miles from the Bristol terminus, and which had resulted in the loss of two lives and severe injuries to several other persons. On making the necessary inquiries this information turned out to be too correct. The following account of this melancholy event has been derived partly from official sources, and partly from personal investigation. It ap pears that the accident occurred to the morning down mail train from Birmingham and the North, and which is due at Bristol at 6 a.m. The train had proceeded in safety till it approached the Mangotsfield station, and was within only about five miles of its destination'when, owing to some derangement of the machinery or boiler' tubes, it gave symptoms of coining to a standstill. The engineer and stoker both at once got off and en deavoured to ascertain the cause of the stoppage, and also to repair the damage. For this purpose the train was entirely stopped It so happened that at this very time an engine, which the previous evening had gone up the line for the purpose of assisting a heavy luggage train up the steep incline, was in the act of returning to the engine house at the Bristol station. The driver of this engine, being wholly unaware of any stoppage on the line, and the morning been very f ogg y, did no t see th e disabled train till just as he was turning a sharp curve near the Mangotsfield station, and had arrived within a very short distance of it. He applied the breaks, and did all in his power to stop the engine and avert a col lision, but unhappily in vain, for it ran into the train with alarming violence, completely smashing the two last carriages all to pieces. Of course, the most disastrous consequences ensued. Two of the unfortunate passengers, both inhabitants of Glocester, were killed on the spot, and several others were more or less severely injured. The guard of the mail train, a man named Bennett, and who is well known in Bristol as a remarkably steady man, was shock ingly cut about the head and face, but fortunately he was not rendered insensible, so that he was enabled to look after his mail bags, place them in another down train, and bring them on with all his letters and despatches to Bristol. The injured passengers were also brought on to Bristol, and conveyed to the George Inn Templegate, immediately adjoining the Bristol terminus, and a mes senger was at once dispatched for Dr. Lansdowne, who was speedily in attendance, and rendered his professional assistance. Another medical man was also promptly on the spot. Every attention was also rendered to the sufferers by Mr. Dyke, the company's active superinten dent, , who, the moment the information reached Bristol, procured a special engine from the Great Western Com pany, and proceeded himself to the spot, to see tha i t they were carefully and promptly removed to Bristol. Sub joined is a list of casualties : Mr. Thomas Jones, Glocester, killed. Mr. William Hantell, Gloucester, killed. Mr. James Moreton, severe contusions and injuries of the head and person. Mr. S. Chas, a foreigner, injuries of the ancle. Bennet (the mail guard), wounds and contusions of he face and head. Mr. Henry Thompson, fractured arm. TO THE EDITOR OF TIME - SUN. 12, St. Helen's-place, City, March 8. SIR, —ln your journal of yesterday I observe a pretended account of the seizure of the ship S a l_ sette, bound for Australia, under circumstances cal culated to injure materially, perhaps even to ruin, my clients. The circumsta nces you narrate, thou g h founded on some peculiar facts, are in the main and in the substance wholly false. From the style, it is evident your information is derived from one of those men who so cruelly, and in a manner so surpris ingly vindictive, have persecuted my unfortunate clients, even to the Court of Bankruptcy, but where the adjudication is to be disputed, and I have full and authoritative reason to hope upset, on Friday next. It may afford you some reason to doubt your correspondent's accuracy when I tell you that good and ample security was offered to their vindictive per secutors, and accepted, before the arrest of the captain or the adjudication procured against my clients, which was procured by certain parties in entire violation of the agreement entered into. I entirely acquit the solicitor in the matter of the petition of all participation in the conduct above depicted. His conduct throughout has been most gentlemanly and courteous, pressed on unwillingly by those he repre sented. It is a further proof of the vindictiveness of the parties to whom I have alluded, that a friend of my clients left for Dublin, even after the security above - mentioned had been given, and returned, within 40 hours, with the money sufficient to satisfy all claims in his pocket in vain. The introduction by you of the name of Messrs. Deane and Co. is unwar ranted and utterly untrue. Not one penny is, or was, owing to those gentlemen. Goods to a large amount have been purchased, both of those gentlemen and of others, and paid for i n cas h. The s t a t emen t th a t l e t ters were found, evincing an intention to evade their credi tors, is equally false. You cannot enter into—you cannot understand—all the circumstances of this most peculiar case. You are much to blame for inserting an ex parte statement. I must beg you to give up the name of your informant that imme diate proceedings may be taken against him. I must request you to insert this letter in your impression of this day ; at the same time, not relieving you thereby from the consequences of any damage my clients may sustain through the publication of this libel upon them.—l am, Sir, yours, &c., MONTAGUE LEVERSON, Solicitor for Mr. Dunne and Mr. Venables. MELANCHOLY CASE OF FRATRICIDE.—A man named George Seignor, had been to Dungannon market on Thursday, and on returning home in the evening in a state of intoxication, he commenced to abuse his wife. His brother, John Seignor, who is represented to have been a most inoffensive and peaceable man, interfered, and on the other persisting in brutalities a scuffle ensued, during which the drunken man produced a'clasp knife, and plunged it into the side of the other, who has sinc e died. The wretched survivor decamped at the time of his brother's death, and has not since been heard of-- Banner of Meer. SPORTING INTELLIGENCE. SPORTING NOTES. —No. CCCLXXXVIII. SALISBURY SPRING MEETlNG.—Ethelbert, after hav ing been backed for a great deal of money for the Don caster Handicap by the public, on Monday and Tuesday at as little as 3 to 1 on the supposition that the stable was " on," the horse early yesterday morning becalm?, in the peculiar phraseology of the ring, very " &I: 1 Y ; and soon afterwards was declared not to start. This, ,of course, entirely capsized my judgment ; but had he run, lam pretty nearly certain he must have won. St. Andrew, who I placed in the second position, realised that portion of my prognostications to the letter. Hungerford, I remarked, was not altogether disposed of by the weight; and he just managed to win cleverly. Ethelbert was brought out for the Betting Room Stakes, which he won very easily The other races require no comment. The principal race at Salisbury to-morrow, will be that for the Stewards Plate of 50 sovs., the gift of Sir J. B. Mills, added to a Sweepstake of 15 sovs. each , 5 ft, &c., (one mile and three quarters.) The interest of this race is entirely confined to Weathergage, Buck thorn, and Michaelmas Maid and as Ido not entertai n that high opinion of Weathergage that most people .do, I shall look for the winner in BUCKTHORN or MICHAEL' MAS MAID. Cariboo's running is extremely doubtful. Bushranger, at the weight cannot win. Joe Miller's extra 101 b will settle him. Lamartine is decidedly in' ferior to Buckthorn at the weight. Psaltery and the Peggy filly are disposed of ; one by being short of work, and the other, I believe, being a non-starter. The entries for the County Members Plate and South Western Railway Stakes do not close and name until this evening. I shall decline giving an opinion on the Wilton Par k Stakes, as I cannot ascertain what is likely to go. In the last day or two the Derby betting has under gone a marked change with respect to two or three horses. The selection made by me for that great even t on Monday last—Orestes—has been in great force e ver since ; and, upon a la rge ou tl ay a t the list houses, a nd to some extent at Doncaster, has advanced from 16 to 12 to 1, and I have not the slightest doubt but what ref remark made in that note, " that Btol or under Woul d be taken before the flay,"will be very soon realised. A t the same time I stated upon good authority that Honer wood was overrated, and that he would only prove r tolerably good handicap animal. Since then, sicroilv cantly enough, he has retired from 14 t o 20 t o 1. c' T i l Reiver is firm in the market, and is evidently " coming* West Australian is steady at 9 to 1, and will soon see'a much shorter price ; he is Scott's best, although the showy-looking Hurworth is thought a great deal of. CHESTER CUP.—The two favourites, Trifle and LadY Evelyn, are well worh an investment at their present prices, being, as far as I can see at the present time about the best in the race. CONSTANTINE Is doing strong work for his engag e " ments in the Craven Meeting. ORINOCO, I understand, is to be the representative of Mr. Stanley's stable for the Guineas. THE SPIRIT OF THE TURF- PARLIAMENTARY DIVISION. HOUSE OF COMMONS.-MARCH 9. (From the Votes and Proceedings of the House of Commons.) GREAT LONDON DRAINAGE BILL. • , Order for second rea di ng rea d ; mo ti on ma d e, and 4117:, tion proposed, "That the bill be now read a second tita°* o — Amendment proposed, to leave out the word a u°, l6 o and at th e en d o f th e quest i on - to add the words " n•ri. ,Wednesday, the 6th d a y o f April next:"—Question That the word 'now' stand part of the question:"- - -' House divided; Ayes 111, Noes 16. MAJORITY-AYES, 111. A'Court, C. Ferguson, Sir R. Montgomery,Sir a* Aglionby, H. A. Fi tzgerald, J. D. Napier, Joseph _.,,, Alcock, Thomas Fi tzroy, Hon. 11. Oliveira, Beniau w " Anderson, Sir James Fra.er, Sir W. A. Packe, C. Willful. Arkwright, (I. French, Fitzstephen Palmerston, Vis' Baines, M. T. Geach, Charles Barrow, W. H. G oo d man, S i r G. Bass, M. T. Gre i dle, Colonel F. Pellatt Apslei ly. Bell, J. Gwyn, Howel Pollard Umtata' , " Berkeley, C. Hadfield, George Ricardo, 0. Biggs, William H as ti e, Alexander Russell, F. W. Parker,ratten J. R . ToWnlef Benham-Carter, JoLn Hastie, Archibald Sadleir, J. Bramston, T. W. H a yt er , W. G . Sawle, C. B. G . Bremridge, R. Henley, Joseph W. Scully, V. Buller, Sir J. Y. Herbert, Sidney Seymer, H. R. Butt, G 111 Hervey, Lord Alfred Seymour, Lord Bynz, G. H. C. Heywood, James Smith, R. V Cardwell, E. Hildyard, Robert C. Smollett, A. _.. Cayloy, E. S. Irton, Samuel Sotheron, T. tl• Charteris, F. Johnstone, James Stafford, Aug ust° Chohnondeley, Ld. H Kelly, Sir F. Stanley, Lord Cocabura, Sir A. Kendall, N. Stapleton, J. Coffin Walter Kershaw, James Strutt, Edward Cowan, Charles Kirk, William ThicknesSe... v . . A. Crook, Joseph - Lacon, Sir E. Thompson, G. Crossley, Frank Lawley, F. C. Thornely, T. Crowder, Richard B. Lockhart, A. E. Trail, G. Davie, Sir H. Lockhart, W. T u dway, R. C. Davies, D. Lovaine, Lord Tuthell H. Davison, R. Mackie. John Whiteside, James Dering, Sir Edward Marshall. W. Wilkinson, W. Duncan, George Massey, W. N. Wilson, James. T. Dunlop, A. M Egerton, Edward 3li e a a l g l Wyndham, W. , h E er . , Thomas Winnington. SIT Elliot, J. E. Miller, T. J. Young, Sir John Evelyn, W. J. Milligan, It. xxm.xse. It . E wart, William 311tchell, W. Gibson, Thomas Fagan, W. Molesworth, Sir W. Cobden, Ric/Wu MINORITY—NOES, 16. Butler, Charles Laslett, William Williams, W. Divett, Edward Locke, J. Wise, J. Evans, Sir Ds Lacy Mackenzie, WF. Forbes, William Pechell, Sir G. TIMLEBA. Elamilton, Geo. A. Shelley, Sir J. T. dolllffe, Sir IV . G.H. Spooner, R. Dtmcombe, T. Langton, A. G. Trollope, Sir J. Hall, Sir Itenlionla CRUELTY TO ANIMALS BILL. • ti es. Order for second reading read; motion made, and e' tion proposed, "That the bill be now read a se cond ti,r s —Amendment proposed, to leave out the word "n°% this at the end of the question to add the words " u l r : A ° , n ow day six months : '—Question put, "That the w ow ; Ayes stand part of the question :"—The House diva " 17, Noes 91. MINORITY—ALES, 17. Bell, James Greene - , J. Berkeley, Craven F. Hadfield, G. Biggs, William Kershaw, James Chambers, Thomis Massey, W. Cobbett, J. Morgan Mall, Edward vivy Stri arakag e n kl eTzaz egk fr i art r . jl . Cobden, Richard Pechell, Sir George Dancombe , T' A . Crossley, F. Shafto , R. D. A g li o nbf, IL '''' MAJORITY—NOES, 91. A'Court, C. A , eoCit, Thomas Forster, Sir Geo. Mi Packe Charles W. Franklyn, George W. Parker, R. T. Anderson, Sir James Fraser, Sir W. A. Patten, J. .„, o , Arbuthnott, General Gaskell, James Milnes Percy, J. Will'. Arkwright, G. Grace, 0. D. J. Phinn, Tholne ar t i Vr. Bagge, William Greville, C o l. pollard:Urge , . Berestord, William Grey, Sir G. Price, W. P. Blackett, J. F. B. Gwyn, Howel Ricardo, a „, Bremridge, Richard Hamilton, Lord C. Sawle, C. B. Ll ' Bruce, H. A. Hastie, Alexander Scott, F. ~ Buller, Sir J. Berbert, Sir Thomas Seymour, Lo rd Butt, Geo. Medd Hildyard, R. Smith, R. V . . Campbell, Sir Arch. Ingham, Robert Smollett. A. eg R• Cholmondeley, Ld. H. Irton, Samuel . St an hope, Jal n Cockburn, Sir Alex. Johnstone, James Stanley, Lord 14 ' Collin, W. Jolltff e , Si r W. G. H. Stansileld, W • Cowan, Charles Jones, David Stirling, W. A' Crook, J. Kendall, Nicholas Thicknesse, R. Crowder, R. Kinnaird, A. F. Turner, C. Davie, Sir H. Kirk, William Villiers, C. ~,i O. Davies, D. Laslett, Willi am Wellesley, lA4- Davison, R. Lockhart, A. E. Whalley, 0_..... „ v it. Duffy, C. G. Lockhart, W. Wickham, iideL'/.. el .. Duncan, G. Mackenzie, W. F. Winningtolh '' Eger ton E. C. Mackie, J. Miner, W. M. E. Wyndham, ;. ii j i ir 4 . 9' Elliot, John Evans, Sir D. L. • Michell, W. Wynn, Herb , '" Evelyn, W. Monsen, William Young, Sir f. Fellowes, Edward Montgomery, H. Fitzgerald, J. Montgomery, Sir G. TELLEI S ' Fitzroy, Henry Naas, Lord Charteris, F% n otle Forbes, W. Osborne, Ralph Berkeley, Gra n ANOTHER DARING ROBBERY IN MANCHESTER. The shop of Messrs. 011ivant, goldsmiths, silversV i St. and jewellers, corner of Exchange-street anu o rli Mary's -gat e , M anc h es t er , was en t ere d b y t hi e Yes ro' on Tuesday morning, a n d pl un d ere d o f va luable,r. e s pely, estimated at up war d s o f 2,5001. Th e Pre' n gli were entered by picking the padl oc k o f a gr id threinto which the shop-shutters a re t a k en from the eeil ar Exchange-street. Th ere was easy access through fastened doors in the cellar and a staircase into the j ba d shop, and also into the repairing shop. The le ci s iclet been removed from the door of the repairing shop ' 4 9 o a probably to let in co n f e d era t es , b u t thi s d oor was `,,„ (3 iseli bolted inside, so that wh en th e thi eves l e ft the P r° „ - noc° one of them probably r e tu rne d by th e wa y the envi the was effected. They app ear t o h ave plundered k oa la' glass-cases and drawe r s o f th e p or t a bl e an d mess" na te° able properti, includi ng 81 go ld wa t c h es , m aker's et, " 011ivant ;' 30 gold brooches, set with topaz, an le f i r tg o, carbuncle, &c. ; 250 gold guard rings and signe t D i for, set with blood or white carnelian, or black enamel' mourning ; ,30 gold Albert chains, 50 gold seals, , o birt watch keys, 10 gold thimbles, 5 sets of diarnona 24 studs, 200 gold pencil-cases, some with gold Pe n° dozen silver teaspoons, and 60 gold guard chains. f oale The private watchman and his wife, and two , an d cleaners slept on the premis es , b u t up i n the thil? s fourth stories, at the back. A p r i va t e wa tchman i t a nd employed by the shopkeepers in Exchange-st r i r o .oos" St. Anne's-square, in addition to th e regular P°''efornig stables, to watch the property, of which this 5h 0 1 ) ,, 0 th°, a part ; but the thieves have m anage d to gu; an° vigilance of all these guardians o f the night , also to quiet a fierce terrier k e pt i n the een''' n ick have fixed the robbery as taking pl ace i n the iue r d o or because a man was seen leaving by the shoP ra ja) in St. Mary's-gate a little bef ore fi ve in the Nibr e o who was no doubt one of the ro bb ers . This rll3 sid 6 ; very tall, wore a long over. coat, an d l ean ed on e xi o e nL bat as though carrying somethi ng h eavy i n the pocke t „ o w ing side ; but the person who o b serve d hi m , after fh .u r e s lice him as far as Cross-stre e t, w h ere h e passed 3bjlib watchman, came to th e conc l us i on t h at h e was Pr o (r ice°, private watchman of 011i vant ' s. A n acc ount NO" a nd a few weeks back of a man rushing into this shy' o g stealing a large b un dl e o f b ank no t e s from Mr' b c go' vant's desk one even i ng, w i th ,4 51 ., o f which _ b beri clear off; and on th e n i g h t b efore t h e present r o bbed clear 0 e ry the police had warned the firm that the town _ o re full of thieves, and that it would be necessary toaeiroacity more than usual vigilance on the premises. The, in thiS with which robberies have been effected recently id an d town and the neighbouring towns of Maccle.ne_ ',„ 0 1 3 ,11° Stockport, has caused great excitement in tne,f o hoP , mind, and the neighhourhood of Messrs. Olivailtgsooday): and that of Mr. Howard , jeweller (robbed on -LY O - _, an ° were surrounded by immense crowds of curl n wondering people all yesterday. THE CITY OF ABERDEEN AND THE EARL ()R_ A be o, —At a meeting of the magistrates and coun c il n o c o 0 deen, on Monda, it was unanimously resolved., n r is trst e _,,, o s t he er goesthe fr d e o e w d freedom of be the ins l y e d on a s t the rEda Rector 1 e o c f t o C r a "() — a g_ to versity. The council remitted to the re sn s make such arrangements as would be in evni nat ion worthy of the occasion. We believe the ?.. , , 28 :"!:7 011 t. likely to take place on Wednesday, the 306 n i