The Sun. — London, England, 1853-09-17 00:00:00

,A 4 Tbirb zio-, t tOn SUN OFFICE, Six o'clock. STATE OF TRADE. (Prom. the Manche ter Guardian, of this day.) MANCHESTER, Sept. 16.—The progress of depression in our market is very decided in the present week. The rates for discounting bills in London have continued to advance, and the difficulty of effecting discounts has be come greater. No doubt the Emperor of Russia's de cided rejection of the modified note of the great Powers has contributed to this growing monetary stringency, which, however, is mainly due to the continued efflux of the precious metals, and to the state and prospects of the European food market. The effect we experience is a very much more marked abstinence from any attempts at business on the part of all classes of buyers, than was previously observable. it is, however, to be particularly noted that there is nothing like alarm, or any pressure to bell. Prices are undoubtedly lower, and a good deal of irregularity is occasioned by contracts terminating in many quarters, whilst considerable orders are yet unfi nished in the hands of other producers. A general per suasion, however, exists that the commercial interests of the country are sound at the core, though there may be a tendency to extension which needs to be restrained, and which meets with its natural restraint in a diminu tion of the facility of borrowing capital. BRADFORD, Sept. 15.—W00l is exceedingly bad to buy from the grower, and equally difficult to sell to the spinner, whose avocation is ruinously bad, and the con sumption is daily diminishing. Nods and brokes are without change. Yarns—The business doing is steady, but the prices are ruinously low. and the cost of pro ducing yarns is so great, both in material and labour, that the spinners are inclined to stoppage of frames Where orders run out. Pieces—The month of Septem ber has not been active for the purchase of gray goods of plain fabric. Those so engaged are unwilling to make to stock, and as orders run out, looms are ceasing to be employed ; the cost of worsted and cotton yarns is so great, it is impossible to realise prime cost, and the shortening of the supply is daily getting more general. NOTTINGHAM, Sept. 15.—Since our last report there has been a considerable number of lace goods from various p'aces, which has caused a little extra stir in the warehouses, but the benefit has not reached the producer. All machine holders are complaining of the want of business, and the extravagant prices now required for both silk and cotton are such that it would be madness for makers of brown goods to hold stocks. hence we hear of some who are contemplating stopping tl,eir frames as the warps come off. The hosiery trade is still in a healthy condition. Stocks are light in all departments, with the exception perhaps of articles Made from round frames, of which description of goods there appears to be an over production for the time, but orders are continually arriving from Australia, and buyers from the United States are making their appear ance amongst us. We are consequently looking for an increased business. The price of the raw material is much against us. LEICESTER, Sept. 15.—The general demand continues as good as we have reported for some time past, and many kinds of goods cannot be finished fast enough to complete orders on hand. Worsted yarns retain their Price, and are looking upwards. The wool market is active, and prices are well maintained by the growers. STATE OF THE WOOLLEN TRADE. (From, the Leeds Mercury of this day.) LEEDS, Sept. 15.—We have no change of material importance to report in the state of the cloth markets this week. There was a good business done in the co loured cloth hall in most description of goods. Beavers and Meltons, in blue and white, and brown and white mixtures, were sold very freely at rather lower prices. In the White Cloth-hall there was only a limited demand for goods. On the whole, there has been a fair season able trade done this week in balk cloths. Stocks con tinue very low, and prices, on the whole, without any Material change. The very critical state of affairs in the East, along with our monetary matters, has caused buyers to be very careful in their purchases, so that the trade in the warehouses has only been of a limited cha acter this week. HIIDDERSFIELD.—Our market has been much quieter to-day, the pressure on the money market and other causes having contributed to this rather sudden result. There is no doubt that a great deal of the trade latterly has been speculative, and now that there is something to check anything speculative, the re-action will proba bly be very considerable. ROCHDALE.—We have had a brisk demand for goods at improving prices, more especially for kerseys and low priced pieces. The wool market is steady, and prices very firm. BRADFORD.—Messrs. Harris and Co., bankers, have issued letters to those who transact business with them, warning them as there is a great drain of gold to go abroad, that money will become scarcer, and advising them to be cautious in their operations. The wool trade is very dull ; looms and spinning frames are beginning to stand, nevertheless there is a strong impression that neither wool nor yarn will be lower. A considerable quantity of pieces have been sold, but it is generally thought at unsatisfactory and even lower prices. During the last week or two cotton warps have advanced, espe cially those of doubled cotton. HALIFAX.—We have experienced another dull market here to-day, both as to the manufactures and the raw material. Stocks of combing wool, however, are only light, and prices continue to be quoted without any material variation. The demand is chiefly for the low and middle qualities. CONTEMPLATED CLOSING OF MILLS. Great excitement was caused in Preston yesterday (Friday) by the placarding of the following address to the factory operatives of that town and the neighbour , h•od, from the Manufacturers' Assoc iation, announcin g their intention to close their establishments A month has now elapsed since the associated mas ters of Preston and the neighbourhood, yielding to the request of the operatives employed in their respective mills, and after a full consideration of the circumstances of each particular case, agreed to give an advance upon the then rate of wages. Notwithstanding this conces sion, and the wish thereby shown on their part to settle the question in a liberal manner, the masters regret to find that the operatives have put themselves under the guidance of a designing and irresponsible body, who, having no connection with this town, nor settled posi tion anywhere, but living upon the earnings of the in dustrious operative, interfere for their own purpose and nterest with the relation between master and servant— create, where it does not exist, and foster and p er p etuate where unhappily it does, a feeling of dissatisfaction and estrangement—and in a spirit of assumption, arrogate to themselves the right to determine, and dictate to the ePeratives the means of enforcing the conditions on Which they shall be permitted to labour. To this spirit of tyranny and dictation the masters can no longer submit, in justice either to the operatives or to them selves ; and, hence, they are reluctantly compelled to accept the only alternative left—to close their mills, until those now on strike are prepared to resume their work, and a better understanding is established between the employer and employed. In adopting this course, they are fully sensible of the serious evils, moral and social, Which must attend it, and which the sad experience of ~..n 1 8 36 must painfully recal to the recollection of many. They feel, however, that the responsibility is not theirs --it rests with those who have recklessly created the difficulty, and forced this decision upon them." To this address are appended the signatures of thirty five firms, headed by Messrs. Horrockses, Miller, &c., the largest concern in town, employing some five or six thousand hands. Notices to quit work are already pre- Pared for serving upon the operatives, the intention of the manufacturers being to close their mills in a month f rom this day (Saturday). For some weeks past the operatives have periodically held out-door meetings, pre ceded by processions with music and flags. Some of these assemblies have numbered full twenty thousand People. Placards have appeared announcing another meeting for Thursday, with the usual preliminaries (all t urn-outs being requested to attend). The magistrates issued a proclamation forbidcUng the projected proces sion, as having a direct tendency to a breach of the Peace, and the intimidation of the inhabi tants. At P eace, meeting theispeakers inveighed against the magis trates, and expressed a want of confidence in the bench ° , ll account of its being " stuffed with cotton" (i.e., "iedY occupied by manufacturers). Several cases of In timidation have occurred during the week, and some fit the convicted offenders have been sentenced to three months and others to six weeks' imprisonment. • FALKIRK TRYST. WEDN•EaDAT, Sept. 14.—There appeared to be even a thaller quantity of stock on the Muir to-day than we h ad anticipated from the numbers that were left over Yesterdayay, . Sales were chiefly effected in the ear d pa n r o t °I the d and the prices throughout present y e_ changeange of any moment on those of Tuesday. There Were very few superior beasts shown, the entire of theft stock having been disposed of yesterday. The 4-rish beasts were still in as bad favour with buyers, a nd at the termination of the market the greater part of this stock was driven off the field, without ap- Parently having obtained purchasers. The best con ditioned part of the stock shown met with a ready sale; although the most extensive buyers appeared to have left the Tryst last night. The low-priced cattle br ought from 3/. 15 s . t o 4/ 10 8. , an d h o ld ers w h o were anxious to get quit of what they had on hand made e ven a still farther reduction in the lowest prices accepted yesterday. The sheep which remained in .tne stance on Tuesday, and which then met with little tfany attention, were, with th e except i on o f a very ,w instances, driven away last night, and the market n I?l,lesed on T ues d a y, on w hi c h d ay, indeed, very few transactions took place. In the h orse mar k et very f ew a nimals were brought back to the ground, and these We re nearly a ll o f an inf er i or d escr i ption, for which there was a com p ara ti ve ly s l ow d emand, and few sales Pzer,e effected. Little remained to be done td-day, es e`allY as compared with the last day of former Sep nlper trysts, w h en , as i n the case of th a t o f 1851, the arket did not make a beginning until Tuesday, in con flsequence of the movement to do away entirely with o nday as a t r y s t d ay. Th e quo tations whi c h we gave Yesterd a y' s report may b e regar d e d as h o ldi ng good at yesterday's day's mar k et, an d w h ere a ny diff erence took ta•ee the transactions comparatiely were of such an un :Portant character that we should not be justified in an •Y change.—lforth British, .Daily Mail. SHARE MARKETS.—(THIS Ddr.) BRITISH RAILWAYS. RAILWAYS. Closing Prices this day. Business done this day. .\berdeon Ambg. Nottng. Bost. and Eastu. Juuct Binning. Wolverh. & Stour Valley Birkenhd. Lancsh. & Cheshire Junct Do. Chesh. & £5O and £25 Cons. X20..............D0., Bristol and Exeter.. C',aledonian. ....... Chester & Holyhead. cork and Bandon Cork, Black, & Pass Dublin&BelfastJune Dundee Perth&Aber deen Junction Do. New East Anglian Do., (£lB E & H) Eastern Counties Eastern Union, A Stock Do., B. Stock.... 'Do New A. East Lancashire East & West Ind. Dk & Birming. June Edinburgh& Glasgow Edinb. and Peebles Edin. Prth. &Dundee Glasgow & S. Western Great Northern Stk. Do., A. Stock Do., B. Stock Gt. Sth. &West.(lre ) Great 'Western Irish South-Eastern Lancaster & Carlisle Do., Thirds Laneash. andYorksh Do., Fifths D a., Wst. Riding Um Leeds Northern Liv. Crsby. &Southpt London & Blaekwall' Loud. Tilb. & Sthend. Loud. Bright & S.Cst. Lond. and N. Westn. Do. Fifths Do JO/. 5h.,M&8...t ILonclonandS. Westn Do., £5O Do., £4O Lndudrry& Coleraine Lndndrry. Ennisk. \ lan ch.Shef. Do., Man. & Lin. Un. Midland Do. Birmng. &Derb3 G. West. (Ire., Do. Half Shares 'Newcastle & Carlisle Newmarket Do., Bury Extension. Nwpt.Aberg. &Hrfd Newry & Enniskillen Newry Warrenpoint and Rostrevor Norfolk .. Northn.Counties Un North British North Devon, No. 1 Do., No. 2 ')o., A Deferred Do., B Guaranteed Nortli Staffordshire North Western & S. Westrn. June Oxford, Worcester,& Wolverhampton Scottish Central Scottish Midland Shrewsbury & Bi img, Do. L. & N. Western Guarante ad St c, Shrewsby. & Herefd Shrewsby. & Chester (N. W. Min ;., Do. Halves, t a Do. Oswestry Shropshire Union South Devon South Eastern South Wales S. Yrksh. & Riv. Dun Do Stockton & Hartlepl. Thames Haven Dock and Railway Vale of Neath Waterfd. & Kilkenny Waterford&Limerick West Cornwall Wimbledn & Croydon York Newctl. &Berw. Do. Extensions 'Do. G.N. E. Purchase York & N. Midland.•. 21 - 23 44 - 4i 9t - 9i n —lO dis 16 18 4 3d - 57 ; 17 - 19 1 - 3 pl 8 - 9 4i 5 3 - 4 121 - 12 44 - 48 28 - 32 oi 6 oi ___ a 24 - 2G 75 - 76 46 48 124 - 126 1103 - 105 1 82 - 83 86 90 12 —14 p 68 69 61 6d 4 3) 2 . 13 13. 8 —d 97 —99 d 103 104 P 77 —7 8 P 12 lid 11— 9 d 11 13 21 -- 23 60; -60 i 31 - 34 52 par ss 40 4 —3 d 24 3 48 - 50 4 - 3i i 28 ... 29 8 - 10, li - 2 7 - 7:', 5i - 5,0 7 - 81 1 - 2 p 42 - 43 88 - 92 59 - 61 62 - 66 65 70 li lid 16 - 18 8 - 9 12 - 13 3 —31 d 17 -19 x 62 -63 i 34 - 35 3 - 2i - 3 14A 15 64 66d 47 -- 486 PREFERENCE SHARE& , . -.. ... .6i 7 103 .7 - 19 A - 6 34 - 4 5 - 5,1 - Lir 1 - 1 - 14 - 19 2O 121 - 123 09 - 111 - 8 - 71 98 -- 102 95 - 1 00 99 - 101 id- 1 ,1 L 46 - 1486 .. -..... ••• 31 - 31 10 -11 ,„ ••••• ..• sb 7b 9 — lO par i P --. ... 145 147 id_— pal ••• •• 1108 - 110 24 -25 par 1 wdl 10 —11 i 16 - 171 13 11? Par p 25 - 25 2 - O 98 - 102 5 -5; id parj 1064 16 15i. wd 10 22 3 56i 8 7i 17 18 46i 7 4i i 12i i g 68 i x 753 5 63 5i 48 7 125 103 4 813 2i 4 3 xd&xn pm xd&xn 674 i xd 94 i 84 xd xd 13i i i 7-1 8i 97i 6i 100 99 103 2i 4 3i 78 9 73 31i 21 2 i 591 60 59i 61 St. 100 Do. No. 2,7 p. c.... St. 100 Bris. & Ex. 4p. c. St. 20 5 Do. 4 p. c. Shares ... St. ill 15 I a] 63 6.i al 3fl al 51 al 6 al 10 al 20 a] St. 110 i 5 i al 10 ' 61 a] St. I W 50 a] 12 fl 11 124 a] 25 a] 10 I a] 10 a] St. 101 St. 101 St. 10 St. 101 20 al St. 10 15 L 8 al. 10, al 10 li 25 al 10 1.0 6 al St. 110 20 I a' st. ID 171 25 1 11 .Aberdeen.. )0 Caledonian £lO 11 Chester & Holyhead Guar. 5a per cent... 64 Cork &Bandonslp.c. 611 Dundee Perth &Aber deen Junction 11 EastAnglian (X3los) 6 per cent 11 Do. (£5) 7 per cent 2 Do. (£7 17s) 7p. c 11 Eastern Counties Ex tension, 5 p. c. No.] 11 Do. No. 2 . .11 Do. New 6 p. c. St. 11 Eastern Union, Scrip Guar. 6 per cent 10 East Lan cash. 6p. cts 11 EdinbPrth.&Dundee 5} per cent. )0 Glasgow & S.Western Guar. 5 per cent )0 Great Northn. sp. C )0 Do. sp. c. Redeem , at 10 p. c. 7t, Do. 4A p. c. Scrip 11 Gt, Southn.&Westm. (Ireland) Eighths) 6 Gt. Westn. (Berks & Hants Ex. 5 p. c) )0 Do. cov. red. 46 p.c. )0 Do. con. red. 4p. c. )0 Do. irred. 4p. c 6 Lan. &York. F. £2O )0 Do. 6p. c. Stock ... )0 London and Brighton Guaranteed 5 p. c )0 Do. Pref., sp. c. St. dl Do. Convertible, sp. e.,1852 )0 Do. New Guar.6 p. c. 5 London &S. Western Con. Thirds ... . . . l 0 Londonderry& Coler a Shares dl Londy. & Ennis. aSh dl Kan., Shef., & in , Shares, No. 1. dl Do. New, £lO 3 Do. £6 al Karypt & Carl. 4 P.C dl Do. 4a per cent 84 Do )0 Mid. Consol.6 p.c.St 10 Do. Consol. Bristol & Birm. 6 per cent 5 Do. Pref. 4a per cent 6 Norfolk Extension 0 Do. sp. c. Eat 10 Do. Guar. 56per ct 10 Do. Way. Val. 5 p. c 10 North British '1 North Staffordshire Oxford, Worcester, & Wolverh. £15,6 p.c. .5 Do .11 Shrews. &Birm.N.G 11 Shrewsby. & Chester (Nor.W.Min), 8 p.c. 0 Do. 5 per cent 11 'South Devon 11 Do. New 11 S. Eastern (Reading Ann.) of £1 Os. 6d. 10 Do. 41 per cent. Pre. 11 S. Yorksh.4p.c .Guar. 3 Waterfd.&Kilk.6p.c. 0 York, Newcastle,and Berwick,4 p.c. Pref 5 Do .0 York&N. Midland H and S. Purch FOREIGN. 5 Antwerp&Rotterdam 3 Belgian Eastn. June. 8 Beziers to Graissessac 11 Charlero: & Erquelin. .0 Dijon and Besancon 8 Dutch Rhenish I East Indian 20 20 a: 20 1 20 20 a] 20 5 a] 20 1' `2oh 2 Do- Extens'on Lll Gt. Indian Peninsula Gd. Janet. of France Ali Gt.Westena of Canada Shares 3 Lucca & Pistoj asp. c pref .5 Luxembourg .0 Do. (Railway) io Do.. 3 Do. (Canal)... 4 Do. 6 p. ct. pref.., Lyons & Mediterran 7i Madras al Namur & Liege (wits interest) Al Do. (ex interest) 11 Northern of France 20 I a] 50 al 16 al Do. 20/. 3 p. c Bds. 11 (fmy.B.&Ams.Shs.) ell NorwegianTrunkPref LO Paris and Lyons 11 Paris and Orleans 11 Paris and Rouen 11 Paris and Strasbourg 4 ParisCaen & Cherbrg. LOi Quebec & Richmond dl Rouen and Havre 2 Royal Swedish 20 a] 10 20 1 10 al 20 al 20 al 20 I a] Ell Sainbre and Meuse... 2 Sth-Eastrn. of France s 6 Southern of Franoe.. 20 a: 20 20 20 2s 8 al 10 11 20 li Upper India Scrip.. West Flanders 0 Do. 5i per c. Prof .0 Western of France West. of Switzerland 20 i 9 Zealand 2 2 lf 13i 144 2 2id 3 —44 p 1 2 p 1 2ip Ad id 61 6t 1 134 1 10 i 1 p 61 - 6 34 - 31 13/ - 141 8 - 9 . 161 - 47 -49 p 40 - 42 36 -3 6 i 2 -- 4P 19 - 20 8i 9 Par Si p )ar p Si (jig 3 2d, 36i i i par pm 3i THE SUN, LONDON, SATURDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 17, 1853. PROGRESS OF THE CHOLERA. SOUTH-EASTERN AND CONTINENTAL STEAM NEWCASTLL—Return for the 15th September : Deaths from cholera, 97 ; diarrhoea, 4. Deaths in Gateshead since last report, 20. " ' . , The cholera has extended to Hexham, from which three cases are reported, two deaths and one recovery. The medical officer has 17 cases of choleraic diarrhoea and one of cholera under treatment. Mr. Grainger has visited Hexham, to advise the authorities, and his sug gestions have been agreed to by the board of guardians, and at a public meeting. In Newcastle the epidemic is spreading fast. The type of the epidemic is much more severe than that of 1831-32, as a comparison of the first fifteen days of the two visitations gives 61 deaths in the former to 219 in the latter. The increase in the deaths of the last twenty four hours is, as will be observed, very large--almost double that of the 14th. The medical officers have been authorised to call in the assistance of private prac titioners, and nearly 30 of such assistants aro employed. Great activity prevails on the part of all the local authorities. SHIELDS, Sept. 15.—A fatal case of cholera has taken place this morning, in Stephenson-street, in this town. Various medical men have visited the body, and there is no doubt of its being Asiatic. We do not hear anything further amongst the shipping in the river. MANCHESTER, Sept, lti.—The authorities here are upon the qui vive in respect to this fearful scourge, and though not apprehending any immediate outbreak, are quietly making preparations to be able to meet any emergency that may arise. HEALTH OF LIVERPOOL.--It was reported at the Health Committee, on Thursday, by the medical officer, that two other fatal cases of Asiatic cholera have oc curred in addition to those mentioned in our last. So far, however, the disease has been confined to the Ger man emigrants who come to this town from places where the disease is raging on the continent. One of the new cases was that of a f ema l e who arrived here on Saturday last from Germ an y, by way of Hull. On Monday it was ascertained th a t s he was suffering from cholera in its first stage, and s h e was immediately trans ferred to the Northern Hospital. The other case was that of a child, three years old, one of a family of Ger man emigrants, who had embarked on board the Albert Gallatin, for New York. On Tuesday morning she was seized with the early symptoms of cholera, and died the same day, at the Emigrants' Home, in Moorfields. No other cases had been reported up to yesterday, and the general health of the town continues in a satisfactory state, the deaths reported up to Saturday last being 19 fewer than the average of the last five years. - - • HARTLEPOOL.—AtHartIepooI, on the 13th inst., an inquest was held on the body of John Staunch, who died from Asiatic cholera. He was a healthy man, 42 years of age, and a coal trimmer by trade. He was attacked with purging and vomiting on Monday morn ing, and died the same evening. Thomas Lillo, the the surgeon, who attended him, said he considered it a case of epidemic cholera, such as he had seen on board ships. He did not know why it should be called Asiatic cholera, except that it first came across from Asia. It was that species of epidemic that had visited this country before, and was the only case of the kind he had seen in the town. He had fifty cases of endemic cholera, and they had all recovered. He considered epidemic cholera to be an atmospheric disease. He did not think the dirty state of the neighbourhood where deceased died had anything to do with his death. The disease was what was called Asiatic cholera ; he did not think it was contagious. A juryman said he did not wonder the man died ; there was a large midden heap just under the sleeping-room window ; and during the last visitation of cholera, a person had died in the same house. Verdict' " Died of epidemic cholera." MARYLEBONE. - Yesterday, at the usual weekly meeting of guardians at the Marylebone Workhouse, Mr. Squires, senior house surgeon, stated that in the attic of a house in York-court three cases of spasmodic cholera, one of which proved fatal, had occurred. The room was occupied by au Irish family, comprising eleven persons, many of whom occupied one bed. The father, an itinerant vendor of shell-fish, upon returning home on Tuesday week, ate two oysters, and was the following morning attacked with diarrhoea. On Friday the Roman Catholic priest was sent for by the family, and he (Mr. Squires) heard nothing of the man's case until the following Tuesday, when the clergyman informed him of it. The man's two sons, aged 22 and 17 respectively, were next attacked, and the youngest died while the father and other son were recovering. It was not a case of pure Asiatic cholera, but what was termed sporadic cholera, which was as terrible in its cha racter and its results as Asiatic cholera. They had no necessity to go to Asia for cholera, for they had in their own streets as prolific causes of cholera and fever as could be found in the jungles of India. The room where the Irish family alluded to was filthy in the extreme, had its window fastend down, was wholly void of ventilation and was over a urinal and water closet, whose exhala- tions not only damped the walls of the house, but also penetrated the adjoining buildings which were equally dirty and badly ventilated. If they had been constantly whitewashed and kept purified, he had no doubt that the awfulv isitation with which they were threatened would be obviated ; and he therefore called upon the board for immediate and increased remedial and precautionary measures against this frightful disease, which otherwise would undoubtedly spread itself throughout the parish. Mr. SULINER—Have you not heard of other cholera cases in the parish, besides the three mentioned ? Mr. SQUIRES—Yes, several others, as severe as those that occurred in 1848 and 1849, when I attended 70 that terminated fatally. In the cases that lately occurred, cramps, cold, and collapse did not present themselves, but the patients were attacked with burning and thirst. It was sporadic, not Asiatic, cholera, and that was en gendered by filth and poverty. After a brief discussion, Mr. WHITMORE moved the appointment of a com mittee to consider Mr. Squire's report respecting the existence of cholera and malignant scarlatina in the pa rish, and to inquire into the sanitary condition of the crowded and populous districts, and to report thereon, from time to time, to the board. Mr. SUMNER seconded, and Mr. COHEN, surgeon, sup ported the motion, which was carried nein. con., and the following gentlemen were named the committee :—Rev. Mr. Scobell, and Messrs. Poland, Smith, Russell, Beavor, Sumner, Artaund, and Whitmore. RAILWAY INTELLIGENCE. NORTH BRITISH. The half-yearly meeting of this company took place at Edinburgh on Wednesday ; Mr. Balfour presided. The CHAIRMAN congratulated the proprietors that there had been an increase on all the items of traffic during the past half-year as compared with the first half-year of 1852. That increase amounted to nearly 7,000/. ; above 5,000/. of the increase being on the goods department. He might also congratulate them on the prospects of the present half-year so far as it had gone; they were most promising, and, if they continued as they were now going on, he hoped, when they brought the extra accommodation they were about to provide to bear on the traffic, that even greater results might be attained. But he regretted that, while the traffic held out these satisfactory prospects, the expendi ture during the half-year had not shown that decrease they could have wished. Several causes had arisen for this increase of expenditure. The two principal causes to which he would refer were the maintenance of the line and extraordinary expenses. They had had to renew a great number of the sleepers last year, and their engineer informed them that that renewal must continue for some time to come, and that a large portion of the line would have to be relaid. Under the head " extraordinary expense" were placed the repairs to those serious damages that occurred during the wet season of last half-year, and also from other incidental causes, as also for the repairs of old works, and the addition to their works found necessary for the proper carrying on of the traffic of the company. But, while he had been obliged to refer to an increase in the expenditure on these heads, it was satisfactory to be able to notice a decrease of 2,2001. in the locomotive de partment, notwithstanding the increase that had taken place in th e traffic. The directors had anxiously looked forward to the new act enabling them to pay off the liabilities due by the company, and to put a stop to the liti ga ti on w hi c h h a d ta k en p l ace between different classes of the shareholders. They hoped the share holders would agree with them in what they proposed, and would permit them to insure the new stock at 5 per cent., and thus enable them to obtain a sufficient premium to pay off the arrears on the preference stock upon the first half-year of 1852 ; and he hoped, also, they would be still further able, by the premium that would accrue, to lay by something for the future wants of the company. If the shareholders ap proved of the report and scheme proposed, he felt confi dent that in a short time they would be able to pay off all the liabilities of the company ; and, free from pecu niary difficulties, they would then be able to turn their attention more to the development and the resources of the line, so as, he hoped, not only to pay off all the dividends accruing on the preference stock, but also something to the original shareholders. He moved the adoption of the report, which has already appeared. After some discussion th e C HAIRMAN su b m i tte d a motion in terms of the report, that the arrears due on shares which had not been transferred since the register was closed on the 2d of September, 1852, should be forthwith paid, and that th e arrears on those which had changed hands should be lodged in bank till the ques tion between the former and the present holders was decided: Mr. EDDOES moved, as an amendment, that the whole of the arrears should be immediately paid to the present registered preference shareholders. Mr. R. CLARKE seconded the amendment. The CHAIRMAN ultimately consented to the amend ment, which was carried. Motions concerning the payment of 6 per cent. divi dend on the guaranteed stock, and the forfeiture of cer tain shares, were then passed. Mr. AULD moved that the expenses (9831.) incurred by the committee of preference shareholders in London and Edinburgh in furtherance of the bill which had just passed the legislature, should be paid by the company, subject to taxation, which was carried. Notice of motion was given in by Mr. Blackadder for next meeting, for certain returns connected with the Sunday traffic. LINES LEASED AT FIXED RENTALS. i Paid, RAILWAYS. Leasing Compans. Closing Prices tills day. Bedford and I Bletchley. Birm. & Oxfd. guarantee_ _ Do. withoutgr Birm. Wolv. &j Dudley guar. Do.wtht guar. Buckghamsh. Clydesdale Jc. E. Lincoln gr. 6 per cent. Glstr.& Dn. Fr, Hal pl. Dk. Railway !Hull & Selby Do. 4 Shams. Do. Shares. Lon. & Greenw Do. Preference Lowestoft gr. 4 per cent. Do. 6 per ct. Manch. Bxtu. and Matlock Middlesbro' & Redcar Midld.Bradfd Northern and Easternsp. c. Do. 6 per et. Do. Fixeds p e Prest. & Wyrel Do. Shares. Roystn.& flit. Do. Shepth. St Shef.Roth.andl Goole g. 5 p.c. ; S. Staffordsh. Wear Valleygr 6 per cent Do Wilts&Sornrst London. & N. West. 1 IGt.Westn Do, IDo Do L.kN.W Caledon , 100 - 102 51i -53 i 146 - 148 31 - 33 Gt.Nrthn. Gt. Westn 1 1 - 1(. Now. & Berw. Y. &NMd Do Do 108 -11 C 54 -- 55 27 -- 28 141 -14 i 26 -- 27 S. Eastern ;'Do Norfolk.. L.& N. W. & Midi& Stckton & Darlingt. Midland.. 2i 3hxd' 1101 - 103 E. Count Do 61 - 63 L. & N. W &Ln&Yk Do ad G i3 t Northn 144 - 148 144 - 148 iLancash& Yorksh. M.MCloan Stockt. &' Darlingt Do i-I iii, 3 . 0 - 32 IGtWestn MINES. 1 all Agua Fria 1 all Anglo Austrin. Gold 4d par 10s. all Anglo Californian 3pm 10 2 Australasian l4d 1 d 20 5 Australian 1 all Australian Cordillera 4 id 1 all Australian Freehold 1 all Ave Maria 1 all Baden (Gd. Duchy of) 4d. par 1 all British Austrin. Gold d 20 13.5 British Iron 35 244 Brazilian Inap (issued at £5 pm 34 31 30 all Do. Cocaes & Cuiada 24 3 20 15 Do. St. John Del Rey 324 334 33 1 4 Carson's Creek 40 all Cobre Copper 434 444 434 4 5 1 Colonial ... 15 Copiapo St. all Copper Min. of Eng 55 65 25 all Do. Pref. 74 p. cent 64 —74 p 5 all English and Austrin Copper Smeltg. Co 24 —21 d 20 all General 2 all Great Nugget Vein_ 4 4 p 2 all Do. Registered 3 all Great Polgooth 1 all Lake Bathurst 1 all Liberty 3 all Linares 1 all Lond.&Californ.Gold Quartz Crush. Co. 1 all Mariquita 10 9 nexican&S.Amerien 64 7 1 all New Granada ad-- d 1 all Nouveau Monde # P 1 4 # 10 5 Nova Scotia Mining and Copper Smeltg. 5 1 Port Philipd 1 all Quartz Rock 50 all Rhymney Iron 15 15 Do. New — 30 101 Santiago de Cüba 1 all South Australian 10 7 Tin Croft 5 7 28,i all United Mexican 34 4 31 1 all Waller a 1 all West Granada 4 d 1 all West Mariposa d 1 all Yuba - JOINT-STOCK BANKS. 40 all Australasia 7l 73 TOl 3 50 all British N. American 20 2 Chrtd. Bnk. of India, Australia, & China 4 d— par 100 25 Colonial — ... 18 100 20 Commercial of Lond — 20 10 English Scottish and Australian l4d 4d 81 20 15 Lond. Chart. Bk. of Australia par— 1 p 50 20 London and County 50 10 London Joint Stock — 100 20 Loud. & Westminster _ 20 2 Loudon Bank of Aus tralia and India 50 221 National of Ireland 25 all Oriental Bank of Corporation. . 45 48 474 64 25 5 iDo. New — ..• 100 25 Provincial of Ireland ... 50 10 all IDo. New ... 5 1 'Royal Australn. Bkg & Gold Imp Co die— par 25 all ,South Australia 3B 40 25 all ,Union of Australia 6l 63 63 4 . . New 6 7 7 50 10" Union of London 40 all Union of Madrid..... ... — MISCELLANEOUS 100 35 Australian Agricult. 32 34 32 31 20 12 Australsn. Pcific. Mail 10 8 Australn. Royal Mail 50 38i Brit. American Land 58 62 100 324 Canada — 5 5 Crystal Palace l4 -- 1 11 , 6 i 4 2 Crystal Pal. of France 20 1 Eastern Steam — 1 1 Electric Teleg. of Ir — 15 14 Gen. Steam Navigat — 20 14 General Screw Steam 20 5 Irish Beetroot Sugar 1 all Nat. Pat. Steam Fuel 10 3 Netherlands Land 1 id 20 10 Nrth.ofEuropeSteam 50 all Peninsular & Oriental 50 25 Do. Do. ... ... /39 100 60 Royal Mail Steam 25 25 South Austral. Land 32 34 32 35 1 all Submar. Telegraph 5 2 Univeral Emigration and Colonization._ 100 284 Van Diemen's Land 15 17 16 154 MAIMET NEWS-(THIS DAY.) COVENT GARDEN. A very large business was transacted in fruit and vege tables to day, as follows : FRUIT.—Pine apples, English, 3s Od to 6s Od each ; ditto colonial, is to is 3d each ; Orleans plums, is to 2s ; green gages, is Od to 2s Od per punnet ; hot-house grapes, is Od to 3s 6 d; foreign ditto, 8d to is p er lb ; apples, 3s Od to 5 s per bu shel ; lemons, is to 2s Od ; oranges, 2s to 3s per doz. ; pomegranates, Od to Od each ; almonds, 5s per peck ; Barcelona nuts, 20s per bushel ; cob-nuts, s per 1001bs. ; chesnuts, 8s to 20s per bushel ; filberts, 60s to 70s per IC3 lbs ; walnuts, 8d to ls 6d per 100 ; peaches, 2s to 7s ; nectarines, 2s to 713 ; apricots, is to 3s per dozen ; figs, is to 3s per dozen ; damsons, 2s to 38 per half sieve ; melons, is to 38 Od each. VEGETABLEEL—Cabbages, 6d to Os 9d ; Brussels sprorts, 2s Od to 3s Od per ha lf sieve ; brocoli, 3s to 68 ; greens , 2s Gd to 4s Od per dozen bunches; broad beans, is 6d to 2s Od per half sieve ' • French beans, is 6d to 2 s 6 d p er half sieve ; sea-kail Os Od to Os Od ; asparagus, is Od to 4s per bundle ; rhubarb, 3 d to Os 6d p er bundle ; cauli flowers, 2d to 4d each ; potatoes, 80s to 120 s per ton ; turnips, 2s Od to 2s 6d ' • carrots, 3s Od to 4s Od per doze n bunches ; cucumbers, Os 2d to Os 6d each ; celery, 9d to is 6d per bundle ; spinach, is Od to 2s Od per sieve ; onions, 6s Od to lOs Od per bushel ; Spanish do., is to 3s per doz. ; leeks, 3d to 4d per bunch ; shallots, 6d to 8d ; garlic, 6d. to 8d per lb ; endive, 2s 2d to 3s Od per score : small salad, 2d to 3d perpunnet; horse-ddish, 180 d to 3s Od per bundle ; mushrooms, 18 Od to 2s Gd per pottle ; parsley, 2s Od to 4s Od per dozen bunches ; turnip greens, is 3d to is 6d per bushel ; beet, is Od to is 6d per dozen ; cos lettuces, 9d to is per score ; radishes, is Od to 3 s O d p er doz . hands ; tomatoes, 6s Od to 8s Od per dozen ; mint, 3d to 5d per bunch ; artichokes, 3s to 6s per dozen. NEWGATE AND LEADENHALL. Geese, 4s Od. to is ; Turkeys, 3s 6d to 5s 6d. each ; Ducks is 6d to 2s 6d; tame Rabbits, 180 d to is 9d; wild ditto, 6d to 10d ; Pigeons, 5d to 8d each; roasting Pigs, Os Od to OsOd each; Surrey Fowls, 5s Od to 9s Od ; ditto Chickens, 3s Od to 5s Od; barn-door Fowls, 2s Od to 5s Od per couple; Capons, 3s to 4s Od : Chickens, is 6d to 2s Od per couple ; Pheasants, Os Od to Os Od; Partridges, Os Od to Os Od; Hares, Os Od to Os Od; Leverets, 3s Od to 5s Od; Woodcocks, 28 6(1 to 3s 6d; Grouse, is 6d to 286 d; Snipes, 9d to is 6d; Teal, 6d to 9d; wild Ducks, is 3d to 2s Od ; Widgeons, 9d to is Od; and Plovers, 6d to is each. English Eggs, 7s Od to Os Od; French ditto, 6s Od to Os Od per 120 ; Ostend fresh Butter lls, and English us to 13s per dozen lbs. BILLINGSGATE. Turbots, 2s 6d to 5s Od ; Brills, is Od to 5s Od each; Salmon, 8d to is Od ; Cod Fish, s6dto4s 6d ; Soles, 2d to is 8d per pair ; Eels, 4d to lld per lb ; Lobsters, 6d to 2s 6d ; Crabs, 6d to 2s 6d ; Whitings, is to 3s Od per doz.; Doreys, is to 5s ,Od; Mullets, 6d to Os 9d each ; Common Oysters, 8s Od to 10s Od; Natives, 36s Od to 48s Od per bsh.; Mackerel, 30s to 35s per 100 ; Smelts, is to 5s per doz. ; Skate, 6d to 7d per lb; Shrimps, is 6d to 2s 6d per gallon; Bloaters, is 3d to 2s Od per dozen; Fresh Herrings, 3s Ocl to 4s Od per 100 ; Haddocks, 3s to 75 per doz. ; 4d to 6d each ; Carp, '2s Od per brace ; Tench, 2s Od to Os Od per brace ; Gurnots, 4d to is Od. each ; Halibut, 6d per lb. • Salt Fish, 2d to 5d per lb. ; Prawns, 2s 6d to 4s Od per 13. ; Flounders, is to is 6 d p er dozen ; Sturgeon, 6d per lb. ; Trout, 6xl per lb. • Pike 6d each. BREAD. The prices of wheaten bread in the metropolis are from 9d to 9id; of household ditto, 7d to 8d per 41b loaf. HIDES AND SKINS. Market hides, 561 b to 641 b, 3d to Od; 641 b to 721 b, 3d to aid; 721 b to 801 b, W. to 3/d; 801 b to 881 b, 3d to 4d; 881 b to 961 b, 4d to 4id; 961 b to 1041 b, 4i421 to 4id ; 1041 b to 1121 b Od to Od. Horse hides, 6s Od to Os Od; calf skins, light, is Od to 3s Od; ditto, full, 6s Od to Os Od; polled sheep, 4s Od to 4s 8d; gents, 3s 7d to 4s 2d; Half•breds, 3s 7d to 4s 241 ; Downs, 38 Od to 3s 10d; Lambs, 2s 10d to 4s 4d ; and Shearlings, 2s 7d to 3s 4d. HAY MARKETS. SMITHFIELD.—Meadow hay, 2/ 10s to 5/ Os ; clover, ditto, 3/ 10s to 6/ Os ; and straw, 1/ 8% toll 16s per load. Trade dull. CIIMBERLAND.—Meadow hay, 2/ 12s to Si 5s ; clover, ditto, 3/ lOs to 6/ Os ; and straw, 1/ 8s to 1/ 16s per load. A fair average supply, and a steady demand. WHITEOHAPEL.—Meadow hay, 2/ 10s to Si Os; clover, ditto, 3/ lOs to 6/ Os ; and straw, 1/ 7s to 11 16s per load. Supply good, and trade rather dull. Business this day. 102 1 146 k 8 PACKET COMPANY, The half-yearly general meeting of shareholders was held yesterday at the Bridge-house Hotel, London bridge ; Mr. J. Macgregor, M.P., in the chair. The CHAIRMAN submitted the following report to the assembled proprietors :—" The accounts of the South- Eastern and Continental Steam Packet Company now submitted to the proprietors show the gross earnings of the half-year ending on the 31st of July to be 20,4081. lls. 6d. The comparison of passengers conveyed is as follows :—Half-year ending July 31, 1853, Folkestone to Boulogne, 14,202 ; 1852, 12,508, increase, 1,694; Boulogne to Folkestone, 1853, 13,173 ; 1852, 11,912, increase, 1,261 ; total in half-year of 1853, 27,375 ; in half-year of 1852, 24,420 ; total increase, 2,955. From Dover to Calais half-year ending July 31, 1853, 5,305 ; 1852, 2,859 ; increase, 2,446. From Calais to Dover in half-yea r ending July 31, 1853, 5,795 ; 1852, 2,004 ; increase, 3,791 ; total increase in half year ending July 31, 1853, 11,100 ' in 1852, 4,863 ; i ncreas e in half-year of 1853, 6,237 ; showing a total increase in the half-year of the number of passengers conveyed of 9,192 passengers. The working expenses have been 6,5941. 55. 3d. ; the cost cf repairs and renewals, 4,9771.95. ld. ; the harbour dues, 1,720/. Bs. ; and 2,2241. 13s. 4d. has been paid for insurance, leaving a balance of profit on the half-year of 4,965/. 15s. 10d. This sum, with the balance brought from the previous half-year's account, 1,1361. 2s. 2d., places 6,1011. 18s. at the dispo sal of the proprietors, which would allow of a dividend at the rate of 5 per cept. per annum, free of income tax, and leave a balance of 3,2401. 6s. The directors, how ever, strongly urge upon the proprietors the expediency of adopting the recommendations contained in the re port of the directors, presented at the last general meet ing of this company, held on the 18th of March, and which were approved 'at the special meeting of this com pany, held on the 21st of June, and which were yester day adopted at the special general meeting of proprietors of the South-Eastern Railway, viz., That the sum of 99,4061., being the valuation made on the 6th Decem ber, 1852, by the surveyors appointed by the committee of Lloyds,' of the eight steam-ships belonging to the South-Eastern and Continental Steam-packet Company, viz., the Princess Mary, Princess Maude, Queen of the Belgians, Queen of the French, Prince Ernest, Princess Clementina, Princess Helena, and Lord Warden, be the price at which the steam-ships and other property in cluded in the report and valuation be taken over from the South-Eastern and Continental Steam Packet Com pany; that, to facilitate the settlement between the two companies, the working of the steam-ships from the Ist August, 1852, to the 31st January, 1853, shall be consi dered to be on account of the Steam Packet Company ; and that the sum of 99,4061., and the amount of the valuation of the plant and stores on shore on the 31st January, 1853, shall bear interest at the rate of 4 per cent., from the Ist February, 1853, until the 4th day of November next. That the proprietors of the Steam Packet Company shall, on the 4th day of November next, have the option of being paid in cash, or receiving in lieu thereof a debenture of the South-Eastern Railway Com panyfit) v e e r year cent s t n h t e e r Steam est l:er - Packet proprietors shall have the option either of re ceivingamount thereof to be converted into ordinary shares or exchanged for the ordinary stock of the South - Eastern an n u ma't a p fi n a v d y e m thate n t years ' at the a th t bn d e d e a b r e fn n g t t u h4 r el e . , or of requiring the Railway Company at par, of which requirement three months' notice in writing shall be given, expiring prior to or at the termination of the five years.' If the pro prietors are pleased to adopt this report, the directors will propose resolutions in conformity, and also for the p n u a y m m f e o n r t t h o f e a h dividendalf eae ending i t n h g e t r h a e t3 3l o s f t 5 0 f per u cent.ly last. per Thean balance of profit to the 31st of January last, undisposed - of, amounted to 1,1361. 2s. 2d. If to this be added in terest at 41. per cent. on 99,406/., the value of the ships, and 7,3231. 3s. 7d., the valuation of stores and plant on the 31st of January to the 31st of July, the dividend, at the rate of 5 per cent. per annum, free of income tax, may be paid, and a balance would remain of 427/. 175., and on the settlement between the two companies, on the 4th of November next, further interest at the rate of 5 per cent, per annum, from the Ist of August to that date, which will include the 4 per cent, from the railway company payable to the proprietors of this company. The settlement on the terms proposed will enable the proprietors to receive in cash or in the bonds of the South-Eastern Company somewhat above 121. each share in the South-Eastern Continental Steam-Packet Company. Having made the foregoing report, the CHAIRMAN proceeded to observe that the subject-matter which the report involved had been brought very fully before the proprietors on the two former occasions to which allu sion had been made, and he did not think it was neces sary for him to add anything to the recommendations contained in the report of the directors. The directors had been able to carry through the operations of the two companies, as they had hitherto existed, in consequence of the great confidence put in them by the proprietors on either side, inasmuch as almost every transaction, almost without exception, that took place between the companies, required some arbitrement by the directors in dividing the profits that had been earned between the two companies. He was proud to say that up to that moment they felt that almost unanimous confidence was placed in them, and he begged to move that the report of the directors should be adopted and circulated amongst the proprietors in the usual manner. The motion was seconded, and passed unanimously. A dividend of ss. a share, or 5/. per cent. per annum, free of income tax, was declared. Resolutions were unanimously adopted to carry into effect the various recommendations in the report. A resolution was also passed authorising the directors to do all such things from time to time as they should deem fit, to give effect to such resolutions.—The meeting then adjourned. j THE TEN PER CENT. MOVEMENT AT MANCHESTER. The movement for an advance of wages among the operatives at Manchester and the surrounding districts goes on with unabated vigour. No matter what are the relative prices paid by masters at present as compared with others, the cry is still "ten per cent." Messrs. Christie, of Fairfield, pay the highest wages in the neighbourhood, but their hands raise the cry of " ten per cent.," and like the other turnouts, repeat it with a pertinacity akin to fanaticism. ThB weavers of do mestics on strike had a procession through Manchester on Thursday, beaded by a band of music, and carrying banners inscribed " 1,500 " (the number on strike), and " ten per cent. and no surrendar." A. large proportion of them were young women. A meeting of them was held at the Carpenters'-hall the same evening, when the secret of the unreasoning character of their proceedings was readily discernible in that of their orators. These were chiefly men who have been leaders of socialist, chartist, "freedom to industry," and other movements in past times, and who are clever at uttering fluent non sense, though they have never yet shown themselves clever enough to conduct any one movement to a successful issue. A resolution was moved and adopted to the effect that, considering the present state of prosperity, the operatives were justified in striking for a 10 per cent. advance, and pledging all pre sent to join the Weavers' Trade Union now forming. Amongst the strange doctrines uttered by the speakers on this occasion, a man named Cooper told them if they persevered " employers" would become an obsolete term, since operatives would become their own employers. A man named Matthews commented on the speech of Mr. Wilson Patten, at a late agricultural meeting, and said that masters having displaced all the labour they could by machinery as applied to manufactures, were now go ing to try the same course with agriculture. One speaker told them that the masters could well afford to give this advance, but afford it or not they must give it, and charge the extra price on their customers. Some of the speakers complained of want of support, and it appeared that the subscriptions of last week only reached tenpence per head for the people on strike. At a meet ing of employers held a few days since, it was resolved to send a deputation to Christie 's mill to point out to the operatives the obstacles in the way of compliance with their demands, and it was explained to the meeting that this firm were already paying very high wages. They had, until recently, employed their hands 65 hours per week, and had taken off five hours without lowering their wages, leaving them in a very advantageous posi tion. It was stated that the dispute about wages, how ever, only applied t o a sma ll num ber of Messrs. Christie's workpeople--the strippers and grinders. The places of these men could have been readily supplied by other hands, glad to accept the same wages, but the great bulk of the hands in other branches stepped in between them and their employers, and said they would only work on condition that the old strippers and grinders were employed. On Wednesday the deputation of mas ters went to Fairfield, and had an interview with a depu tation of the operatives, who introduced a delegate also from Stockport. The interview was productive of happy consequences. The strippers, after a long argument, abandoned their position, but the grinde rs, it was fo u nd, had a more substantial ground of complaint, having hou a con tinued to do the same quantity of work in 60 twhichthat somet hey formerlyassistance. shoulds. The hgle. enut t h a e ti m o , n h s y u g w g a e y s t hours m wi il t l h s ou h t av in e crease lightening o fm esr their chr s tis labour, ha nadnsdhtahvee result agreed, s witht. h a thisthe whole of Messrs. Christie's hands have agreed, with this modi given t of wages.o of the irh e h a n dispute, ds a t t o resumeseveral owork,the nl E es x s ch t a h n e g h e an t d h s at th t e h r e e nisioetiscsers.otiraieystr,ikweh, o i nhca lu d d a in lr g ea l d ) y ar r t en o e f iv t ed he a s n pi a n d n v e a r T s io a e. A rumour w r a r s es masters at master entering up the claim of 10 per cent. now urged, they would close all their mills for three months—each in to e n nt h i a o d ned ag o re n ed t , h u e entering into a bond for 5,0001. not to resume business without leave from the others. MR. SMITH O'ButEN.7—The Corp Constitution says : I —" A gentleman at present in this city, lately returned from Hobart Town, states that he had had an interview with Smith O'Brien, at Norfolk Island, where lie found him enjoying excellent health. He was living in an hotel, where he was supplied with every comfort and luxury he could desire. He had none of the appearance of a convict ; he dressed in a similar style to which he did in this country. The Government allowed him a circuit of 10 ten miles for exercise, and he had only to report himself once a month to the police authorities. The gentleman referred to was two evenings in company with Smith O'Brien, and during both interviews O'Brien avoided all reference to politics, or any subject relating thereto." SINGULAR PRENOMENON.—A writer in the Intelli gencer communicates a curious incident. A little girl w as standing at a window, before which was a young maple tree. After a brilliant flash of lightning, a corn ' plete image ofithe tree was found imprinted on her body. This is not the first instance of the kind.—Newark Ad vertiser. ORDER IN COUNCIL. The following Order in Council appears in last night's Gazette, putting in force the Nuisances Removal and Diseases Prevention Act of 1848, for the whole of Goat Britain : At the Council Chamber, Whitehall, the 15th day of September, 1853, by the Lords of her Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council. Whereas by an act, passed in the session of Parliament, held in the eleventh and twelfth years of her Majesty's reign, intituled "An act to renew and amend an act of the tenth year of her present Majesty, for the more speedy removal of certain nuisances and the prevention of contagious and epidemic diseases," after reciting that it is expedient, that when any part of the United Kingdom shall appear to be threatened with or affected by any formidable epidemic, endemic, or contagious disease, measures of precaution should be taken with promptitude, according to the exigency of the case, it is enacted, that in Great Britain, the Lords and others . of her Majesty's Most Hoaourable the Privy Council, or any three or more of them (the Lord Presi dent of the Council, or one of her Majesty's principal Secretaries of State being one), may, by order or orders to be by them, from time to time made, direct that the provisions in the said act contained for the prevention of epidemic, endemic, and contagious diseases, be put in force in Great Britain, or in such parts thereof, or in such places therein, respectively, as in such order or orders respectively may be expressed, and may, from time to time, as to all or any of the parts or places to which any such order or orders may extend, and in like manner revoke or renew any such order, and, subject to revocation and renewal as aforesaid, every such order shall be in force for six calendar months, or for such shorter period as in such order shall be expressed. And whereas the United Kingdom appears to be threatened with a formidable epidemic disease, and a case has arisen for putting in force the provisions of the said act ; Now, therefore, it is hereby ordered by the Lords and others of her Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council (of whom the Right Honourable Viscount Palmerston, one of her Majesty's principal Secretaries of State, is one), in pursuance and exercise of the powers so vested in them as aforesaid, that the provisions contained in the said hereinbefore recited act for the prevention of epidemic, endemic, and contagious diseases, be put in force throughout the whole of Great Britain immediately from and after the date of this order. And it is further ordered that this order shall continue M force for six calendar months from and after the date ;hereof. C. C. GREVILLE. DARING BURGLARY AT WHITCHURCH, NEAR BRIS TOL.— Great consternation and alarm were occasioned yesterday morning at the above village, in consequence of a burglary having taken place at the house of a Mrs. Edgell, widow of a respectable farmer of the county, who kept but one female servant. At an e ar ly h our the servant was alarm ed by .hearing a pane of glass in her bedroom window break, immediately upon which a man's hand was thrust through, and the sash lifted up. Three ruffians, with their faces covered with black crape, then entered the room by means of a ladder which they had raised to the window. One of them imme diately seized her by the throat, and swore he would mur der her if she gave the least alarm or resistance. One of the gang remained to keep watch over her, while the other two went to the bedroom of the mistress, whom they seized and threatened in the same way, telling her they would put her to death if she did not diclose the whereabouts of her money, plate, and other valu ables ; having told them, one of the villains held her head in a blanket while the other ransack e d th e h ouse . He succeeded in getting possession of about 701. or 801. in cash, and various articles of silver, amongst which were a silver tankard marked "J. M. E.," several table-spoons marked " J. 11- E." and "T. E. W.," one with a crest and arms, a silver sugar-basket marked " E.," two silver salt-cellars marked "J. S. C.," and several tea-spoons, salt-spoons, sugar -tong s , & c . After possessing themselves of their booty the ruffians threa tened vengeance if any pursuit was attempted, after which they decamped, leaving the two females half dead with terror and alarm. At about three o'clock in the morning they heard a waggon pass by, and one of them summoned courage enough to give an alarm. Intelli gence of the robbery has been received at the Bristol police-office, and strenuous efforts are being made to i discover the thieves. SPECIAL MEETING. The meeting was then made special, and a resolution was passed to raise 180,2001. by the creation of new shares of 5 per cent. pari passu with the existing 51. guaranteed shares. Some discussion arose as to whether the shares should be issued to the shareholders at par pro rata, or to the public at a premium ; but it was ul timately resolved to allow the directors to carry out their own views. Several other resolutions were also proposed in conformity with the company's new act— including one authorising the directors to borrow 150,0001. on debentures—and adopted. A vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the proceedings. SCOTTISH ;MIDLAND, The half-yearly meeting of this company was held at Perth on Thursday, Mr. Stirling, in the chair. The CHAIRMAN congratulated the shareholders on the satisfactory position and prospects of the company. The contracts for the construction of the branch lines to Blairgowrie and Kirriemuir (bills for which were obtained last session) would be signed that afternoon. He explained that the cost would be about 33,000/., ex clusive of land, the length of both branches being about 7 miles. There was a great call, he said, for the Dunkeld branch, and if the Midland Company did not make It, some other would ; and he hoped that the next time the shareholders met together a prospectus for the construc tion of this branch would be laid before them. The Duke of Atholl was favourable, and had stated that he would offer no obstruction, and would take a fair price for his land. A working agreement with the Scottish Central Company would be submitted to the meeting, and a special meeting would probably be called before long to sanction an application to Parliament for an amalgamation bill. He concluded by moving the adop tion of the report, which appeared in The Sun on the 9th inst. Mr. WATSON, of Keillor, seconded the chairman's motion, and it was carried unanimously. The CHAIRMAN then moved that a dividend of 21 per cent, per annum to be paid on the 26th inst. This was agreed to, as was also the working agreement with the Scottish Central. The meeting then adjourned. SCOTTISH CENTRAL. The half-yearly meeting of this company was held at Perth, on Thursday, the Hon. J. C. Dundas, chairman of the company, in the chairman. The CHAIRMAN moved the adoption of the report, which was published in The Sun on the 12th instant. The revenue was favourable, though hardly so much so as he had anticipated. This might be accounted for by the attraction of tourists to Ireland by the Dublin Ex hibition, so that there were fewer travellers in Scotland this year. But, on the other hand, their goods traffic had exceeded their expectation, and since the half-year's accounts had been made up it had gone on increasing at the same ratio. He thought, therefore, that the directors were fairly warranted to take from the re serve fund the small sum required to make up the proposed dividend, as they had the best reason to expect that they would make it up on the next half year's receipts. During last session the company had obtained a bill to convert their debenture debt into stock ; but, owing to the state of the money-market, the directors had not availed themselves of its powers. Such was the excellent state of their credit that they had no difficulty in obtaining money at 3Y per cent. There would be submitted to the meeting the draft of a work ing agreement with the Scottish Midland. The two lines were naturally only the continuation of one line, and it would be for the benefit of both that a closer con nexion should subsist between them. In conclusion, he congratulated the shareholders on the prosperous condition of the line, and he had no doubt that its prospeperity would be progressive, or that in 10 years hence it would pay a dividend which at present none of them could anticipate. he moved the adoption of the report, and of the draught of the working agree ment with the Scottish Midland ; also, a dividend at the rate of 4 per cent. per annum, to be paid on the 26th inst. Mr. BRUCE, of Kennet, seconded the motion, and after a brief conversation it was unanimously agreed to. The working agreement with the Midland contains a clause to the effect that both companies shall apply for an act of amalgamation. After some discussion it was carried, by 12 to 10, that a special meeting be called to decide on this matter. This was all t he business of im portance, and after a vote of thanks to the chairman the Imeeting separated. NOTTINGHAM STATE OF TRADE.—The lace trade in most superior branches is as flat as it well can be ; and little improvement is anticipated prior to the commence ment of next business season in October. It is not ex pected that, except as respects a few German buyers, the state of matters just developed on the Continent ought materially to affect the Nottingham lace trade. As for the American and Australian orders our mer chants are totally at a loss to see how it can interfere with these. Not so, however, the buyers —amongst whom business has sunk into great inactivity, as they are unwilling to make purchases until something definite is ascertained regarding the Turkish question. The ad• vance in material seems progressive. The hosiery trade is now within a fortnight of the American season. At the close of the present, or in the first week of next month, the American buyers will begin to flock in, and their orders to come to hand ; and the pros pects of the trade being very favourable, the hosiers are in active preparation for the ensuing market. About four weeks ago, as our readers are aware, the wrought goods hands came round with a list of prices for an ad vance of wages, to which their employers generally assented. Last week the hosiers voluntarily made a second advance, exactly doubling the first, which has been confirmed by the trade and accepted by the hands. Upon these rates the various houses in the trade are now engaged framing their lists ; and within the next fort night they will probably submit them to the London houses for the shipping purchases. Stocks being low, and material as well as labour high, the hosiers will ap proach the London houses, therefore, in a very indepen dent position—for they can say, " Here are our lists of prices as dictated by circumstances." If orders are given they can manufacture for the spring, and if not they seem to be tolerably indifferent. We have no doubt, however, that the price lists will prove no obstacle to a good course of business. Yarns still continue firm. — Notts. Guardian. DISCOVERY OF VALUABLE PAINTINGS.—The Tuscan Monitore announces the discovery of several precious paintings by Giotto in the Cappella dei Bardi in the Church of Santa Croce. They were partly covered with white wash, and partly concealed by two cenotaphs. These paintings represent figures of saints, symbolica 3 devices, a St. Francis in a vaulted ceiling, and six great compositions illustrative of the life of that saint. A FAIR WARNING.— Galignani states that a manu factory of imitation Champagne wine, made from the rhubarb plant, has just been established near Epernay. It is to manufacture four or five thousand bottles a week, at 45 centimes a bottle. 12, St St 25 12 11i 12 40i 4 3 62# 34i 65 ill 48 9 8i pm 1 f pm all 100 all 100 all all all all all 100 100 100 18a 9 all 3 id 1d =d 147 5 e t t • THE ROCKY MOUNTAIRS: EXPEDITIONS OF GOVERNOR STEVENSON AND LIEUT. BEALE. A correspondent of the New York Daily Timms furnishes the following interesting particulars of these American exploring expeditions " The steamer St. Ange arrived at St. Louis on Au gust 27, from the Upper Missouri River. She was chartered to take up supplies of provisions and goods for the trading ports on the Missouri, which are occu pied by the firm of Harvey and Primeau. She left St. Louis on the 7th of July. She has made the trip• in more than ordinarily good time in consequence of the longer continuance of the spring freshet. I learn from the officers the following particulars : " Governor Stevenson arrived at Fort Union, at the mouth of the Yellow Stone on the sth of August. So far, the party has proceeded without difficulty, and with a celerity beyond their expectations. On the 7th the governor and party, with the ample outfit which had been prepared for them, left for Fort Benton. They were in high spirits, and anticipated a rapid and successful termination of their expedition. Captain F. S. Everett, bearer of dispatches from the governor to the government, came down upon the St. Ange, together with eight of the employees, whose terms of service had expired. Governor Stevenson divided his party on setting out from the border. The northern division un der Lieut. Donelson, proceeded on a line a little south of the 49th parallel ' • the southern one, under Lieutenant , followed generally the line of the Missouri River. The two parties have no doubt sufficiently ex amined the country to give a fair topographical account of the territory between the Missouri and our northern boundary. I have been unable to ascertain satisfactorily the exact route on which the governor purposes to tra vel beyond Fort Union. Lewis and Clark ascended the Jefferson or middle branch of the Missouri to its source, thence over the crest of the Rocky Mountains to Lewis's fork of the Columbia ; thence over another mountain range into the valley of Clark's fork of the Columbia; thence to the mouth of Traveller's Rest Creek, one of its western tributaries, and thence up that creek and over another range into the valley of the Koos koosie, an eastern branch of Lewis River, and on ward, in canoes, to the Pacific. On their return they retraced their onward route to Traveller's Rest Creek, where the two adventurers separated. Captain Lewis proceeded eastward through the North Pass, and thence down Maria's River, and via the Great Falls to the mouth of the Yellow Stone. Captain Clark moved in a south-eastwardly direction to the vicinity of the sources of Jefferson River, and thence across Gallatin River, and through a gap in mountains into the valley of the Yellow Stone, and down that stream to its mouth, where he rejoined his energetic companion. Both of them found excellent natural waggon roads— the one through the North Pass being decidedly preferable. We have no account of any pass i n the mountains north of the line of Captain Lewis's travels, until we ascend to the head of Peace River, the great feeder of Slave Lake, discovered by Sir Alexander Mackenzie in 1773. The river has its source within. twenty-five yards of the head spring of the northern branch of the Columbia. The only passage yet made between those two points, so far as I am informed by a white ma n , was that ofFather de Smedt, a pious and zealous catholic missionary, who resided for a time with He ee crossed Flatheads on mountains,the northernen his b returnranchct thee St. Columbia. euls near the sources of Maria's River, over tremendous bar riers, cut up by deep gorges, I incline to think that no pass can be found south of the 49th parallel, and north of the North Pass. Our own traders and trappers have long since satisfied me that, with the exception of the gap found by Clark, none other will be found south of that place. The land route, then, either for emigration or railroad, on our northern territory is through the North Pass. " But when the valley ofClark's River is reached, where will Governor Stevenson then proceed ? He cannot find even a road for carts south of the mouth of Clark's River. There is an immense and unbroken spur on the Rocky Mountains extending from the sources of Lewis River, where it unites with the main chain a littl e wes t o f north to the mouth of Clark's River. Through a fissure of this chain, that stream rushes with great difficulty, as it has been nearly dammed up by the falling in of an overhang ing cliff. Northward and westward it continues to tra vel, how far no one can tell. Looking at the map, one would say that Governor Stevenson could and should al low the line of Clark's River to its northern bend, and hence westward to Puget's Sound; but this is probably impracticable. The only person who has published any account of this river was Major Pitcher, an experi ence d trapper and trader, and subseque n tly Indian agent, who descended it in batteaux in the year 1820. H e k ept a journal of his travels, which he afterwards placed on the files of the State Department, where I had the pleasure of reading it some years since. He says that, for whole days together, he floated down its swift current, be tween walls of rock several hundred feet in height, and that these walls were so smooth and unbroken, that for three nights he and his companions could not find a ledge even broad enough to sit upon, and were actually com pelled to stand up, leaning against the wall, to sleep. Such is the only account we have of what we would na turally suppose to be a spacious valley. The upper por tion of this river waters a very fertile and beautiful basin, enclosed by a gorgeous panorama of mountains. Major Pitcher did not, however, diverge very far from the line of the stream, and it is possible the Governor may find a fissure near the northern bend through which he can strike for the Sound. If he does find such a pass, I undertake to predict that through it must ultimately be constructed the American commercial railroad to China and the Indies. From New York it will be at least six hundred miles shorter in distance than any road leading to San Francisco from St. Louis or Mem phis can be. Temporary causes, however, will occa sion the construction of the first road on a more southern line. " I have just received the latest newspapers from Santa Fe. Finnegan, about whom rumours of revolution have been set afloat, was killed in an affray between Mexicans and Americans, which occurred at a ball where the two races were intermingled. The consequences are not likely to be as serious as was apprehended. In relation to the accident which occurred to Lieutenant Beale and party, I cannot do better than give you the following extract from the Santa Fe Gazette : " ' Information reached us a few days since from Lieut. Beale, by Mr. Cosgrove, of his party. Mr. C. states that the party got on rapidly and well to Grand River, a distance of three hundred miles from Fort Massachusetts. They found the river very high, and the crossing bad, owing to the muddy condition of the valley bordering on the river, to the distance of some miles or more in width. This mud had been left by the receding of the river, and was half-belly deep to a horse over the entire extent of the valley ; this made the process of digging a canoe, which had to be done in the mud and water, tedious and unpleasant. The work was, however, accomplished, and the cross i ng commenced, and the two first loads crossed in safety ; but in crossing the third load, which contained nearly all the provisions and ammunition of the party, the canoe was capsized, and everything turned into the river and lost—leaving barely enough to subsist the party until they could send back to Taos for a new supply. Seven of the party returned to Taos—among them Mr. Riggs, banker, of Washington City ; a supply of provisions, &c., was obtained at Taos, and two of the party, with a renchman, whom they took back as guide, returned to Lieut. Beale. Mr. Riggs, with three others, obtained an outfit at Taos, and took the Salt Lake route to California. This unfortunate accident will detain Lieut. Beal twenty or twenty-five days longer ' than he expected to be in reaching California. Mr. Cos grove says the route from Fort Massachusetts to where • they struck Grand River, passes through a beautiful country, well watered and timbered, and lands suscep tible of being settled onto a very considerable extent. He thinks the route entirely practicable for a railroad.' " THE NEW COMPULSORY VACCINATION ACT.—This act, already noticed, was s, passed on the 20th August , and it is directed that within six weeks, pari s h es or unions, if needed, are to be divided into districts, f or the purposes of vaccination, and places appointed, givin g i ncrease d facilities for the vaccination of the p oor . The six eeks o will expire at the end of the p resen t month, DEATH OF SIR WILLI AM W il l i am w (1811), Master, R .N. , B l i s r thinst at ßain died B nA.iN th e.— the Grange, Romford, E ssex, aged 82. He was the' earliest steam captain between London and Edinburgh. In his career in the navy Sir William served in the Centurion in the expediti on t o D un ki r k i n 1793 ; capture o f F renc h frigate Duguay Trouin, off the Mauritius, in 1794 ; and. served on sho re a t t h e capture of T r i n comalee, Battioa ice, and Jaffnapatam, in 1795. Was present in the same ship at the capture of Banda and Amboyna, in 1796 ; and in many boat actions while blockading Ba tavia, in 1800 ; and slightly wounded while cutting out some vessels at Sourabaya, 1801. Acting master of Caroline at capture of Dutch frigate Maria Riggers bergen, and a brig, and destruction of shipping in Bata via Roads, 1806 ; and in the same year slightly wounded at the capture of a Spanish galleon. Master of Sybil. from 1812 to 1815, and captured several privateers.l Published, in 1817, a " Treatise on the Variation of the Compass." GREAT WESTERN AND NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE RAIL. WAY.—An alliance between these companies has been suggested similar to the alliance between the Great Wes tern and Shrewsbury and Birmingham and Chester Rail ways, and to project a junction line either from Wediiisa. buiy or Bilston through Cannock Chase to Colwich, fifteen miles, with a line of five miles to the Warrington, and Altrincham and Manchester, so as to give the Great Western Railway an entrance to the north. BANKRUPTCY LAW REFORM IN SCOTLeD.—A meet ing took place on Tuesday, at noon, in the Council Chambers, Paisley, consisting of the Provost and magic. trates, and members of the Town Council, of the Faculty of Procurators, and of merchants and manufacturers of the town, for the purp ose of discussing the . principles the e d pArodymisinioisntsraotifonLoerfd Bankruptcy 3 7 , b n il d l for proving pro c ving in Scotland, and at whi ch Provost Phillips presided. John Gilmour, Esq., barrister-at-law, who is now in Scotland the purpose .of attendedh e aring t s h u e g g m e e s e ti t o4 by the desire of Lord Brougham and the promoters of fl' it r s th p banydin7iitanitoionns.o Mr. Gilmour having explained the bill, his lordship's bill, for Mr. John Dunn, writer, moved, "That this meeting a pprove of the principle of the bill intituled 'An Act to i m prove the Administration of Bankruptcy and Insol vency in Scotland,' introduced during the last session of Parliament by Lord Brougham, as a great improvement on the existing law of bankruptcy, and resolve to sup port the same, and to use their efforts to have it carried into a law. And f or thi s p ur pos e , and for c onsidering the details of the measure, and offering such suggestions as may appear desirable, a local committee be ipv.r ap pointed." The motion was carried by acclamation, and the committee was nominated. \ 100 1 100 wo 100 8A 1100- all 100 100 42 too 4; 4 100 1.00 474 17?, 812 s 6i 25 50 20 St. St. St. St. 100 100 100 100 263 13 20 20 50 20 20 50 20 21s. 100 20 ,100 49 8 28 i 65 4 G 1 i 343 i 261 i