The Sun. — London, England, 1853-01-06 00:00:00

fore, to unite all the intelligence which Parliament af forded in order to furnish a strong and efficient Govern ment ; but undoubtedly, if that end was to be accom plished by the sacrifice of principle on the part of the Liberal party, he would say, better forego the good than do that from which good could never come—namely, have recourse to wrongful means to attain it. (Hear, hear.) But, he said, there was no sacrifice of principle. Look to the addresses put forth by all the members of this Administration. Did they find in them any retro gression from the princ i ples maintained by the Liberal party, from those principles which the Government of Lord John Russell—imperfectly, if they liked—endea voured to carry out ? He was told that he was sacrificing his principles by taking office under Lord Aberdeen. What principle ? He had always been an advocate for ex tension of the suffrage. He was so before he joined any Government he continued so under Lord John Russell, he was so still, and he pledged himself that he never would be a member of any Government which did not only advocate, but attempt to carry out that principle. The present Government would do so. They had read the speech of Sir J. Graham—that masterly speech which he had made to the electors of Carlisle. They had read also the dignified speech of Lord J. Russell to the electors of London ; the address of Mr. S. Herbert to the electors of Wiltshire, and the eloquent language addressed by Sir W. Molesworth to the electors of Southwark. Did they see in all those speeches any symptoms of going back ? (Hear, hear.) Certainly not. But then he should be told that the Earl of Aberdeen and the members of his par ty were sacrificing something o f th e i r pr i nc i ples. L or d Aber deen numbered among his followers some of the ablest men which this generation, or even the generation before us, had ever seen. Those men had not been for the last ten years idle or indifferent spectators of passing events ; and they could not fail to have observed the growing intelligence and the love of truth of the people of England. During that time the great problem had been tried whether that so-called revolu tionary measure ' the Reform Bill, which extended the franchise to the 10/. householders, had worked well or ill, and it had been seen whether a farther step might not be taken in advance, and whether Pa r li amen t m i g ht not still further extend the rights, powers, and privileges of the people of this country. Lord Aberdeen and his friends would no doubt be able to give a good account of themselves. For him it was enough to know that they were prepared to go in the march of political ad vancement, and that they were prepared to extend the rights of the people with regard to their representation i n Parliament. (Hear, hear.) Had he ever proclaimed himself an advocate of more than this, that he was now to be told that he was sacrificing his principles to place ? He had never been an advocate of universal or manhood suffrage. He had been asked that question repeatedly, and had always said he could not go so far. He would tell them why. In all these matters, when they were dealing with great principles, upon which the safety and welfare of the nation might depend, whatever might be their theories, they must proceed slowly and cautiously, not only to prevent the possibility of danger, but also to carry along with them the thinking and the wealthy classes of the community. If they excited the fears and apprehensions of those classes as to the perfect success of the measures proposed, they would, like the dog in the fable, be letting go the substance while they grasped at the shadow—(hear, hear)—and, instead of improving their position, they would injure it. He had always said that the people must be educated, and ren dered, by that means, capable of exercising political power. The schoolmaster was the great pioneer of civi lisation and power. (Applause.) A great statesman had once said, as the rallying cry of his party, "Regis ter, register, register ;" and if he might presume to give a rallying cry, it would be, "Educate, educate, educate." At the present moment we knew by authentic returns that one-half of the population of this bounty could neither read nor write, were destitute of the means of instruction, and ignorant of all that pertained to Govern ment or to education. He said this class must be educated. This was a first duty. It was of no use to give them power until they were prepared to use it wisely and bene ficially to themselves. If the French people had been satisfied with constitutional freedom—if they had been satisfied with progressing step by step, and with en • larging the boundaries of popular power gradually, their laws, their lives, and their liberties would not have been prostrated, as they were now, at the feet of a despotic tyrant. We saw not long ago—and the memo rable epoch was still fresh in the minds of all—we saw Europe agitated to its centre by a desire for freedom and for constitutional liberty. Despotism tottered and quailed before the cry, and we thought it had been swept away from the face of Europe for ever. Alas ! what was the state of things now ? The people every where cast down, despotism triumphant, military execu tions and scourgings, which made one's blood run cold to read of, taking place everywhere. The Government could not stand still, and, as the people showed them selves intelligent and wise, and fit to be intrusted with political rights, they must extend those rights and ex tend the representation. He had advocated and voted for a Si. franchise, and believed that that was the next step they would have to take. (Hear.) He was an advo cate for the ballot—(cheers)—and before he joined the present Government, he took care to ascertain that his vote upon that subject would be left to his own arbitra ment, and not be made a matter of Ministerial dicta tion. He had heard it said lately that the ballot was a bad thing, because you could not make it compulsory. Now, that was a very poor argument, and his opinion was that they could make it compulsory. On the other hand, it was said that the ballot was a bad thing, be cause it engendered secrecy, and that secrecy was foreign to the nature and character of the English nation. There was a good deal in that argument. But the answer to it was, that if, on the one hand, it was foreign to the English character to do secretlythat which ought to be done in the face of all men, on the other hand, it was still worse that an Englishman in whom the constitution of his country vested a certain trust for the benefit of the community should be placed in such.a position as that he could not, without bringing ruin upon himself and family, exercise that trust, and was compelled to sacrifice his country for the sake of protecting those were near and dear to him. (Applause.) Upon that ground he - thought it was better that the ballot should be adopted, with all its faults, than that county constituencies should he driven to the poll, as they now were, by the stewards of their landlords, like so many cattle and sheep to the market, and compelled to record their votes for candi dates of whom they did not approve, at the dictation of ' others. (Hear, hear.) That question remained under this as under the former Government. He had men tioned the importance he attached to the subject of education. Tho present Government had pledged itself to take the subject of the education of the people imme diately into consideration. Further reforms, also, were promised. Legal reform he could pledge himself for. (Applause.) He had the honour to be a member of the commission which had to revise the common law of the land, and he could say this, that when Parliament met they would be prepared to lay before it a report which would show they had not been idle, nor wanting in zeal to carry out reform. (Hear, hear.) The subject of our finances was now committed to one of the ablest minds of the present day, Mr. Gladstone, and all people seemed now to be agreed that the principle of a gradu ated income tax was one which must be applied, as far as Parliament could apply it, at the earliest possible period. (Hear, hear.) He had always said so. He never could bring himself to believe that the income which, although nominally of a given value, was not intrinsically of that value, ought to be taxed on the same footing as they taxed the income which was derived from fixed and secured property. (Hear, hear.) The income which was dependent upon the precarious accidents of life and health, was a totally different thing from the income secured upon property ; and, when, they taxed the one at the same rate as the other, disguise it as they would, they committed a great and grievous injustice. (Loud cries of " Hear, hear.") He knew it was very difficult to apply any principle of gra duation to such a tax. All that could be done was to make some approximation to justice ; but, better an im perfect approximation of that sort, than a stubborn re sistance to a principle which justice and truth had clearly shown to be on its * side. (Cheers.) These were, un doubtedly, great questions. There remained the subject of our colonies. Those colonies had been, more or less, from the earliest time, subject to misrule. A great re former had, however, risen among us—he meant Sir W. Molesworth—(cheers)--who had devoted his sound in tellect and great powers of thought to investigate the subject, to probe the evils complained of to the core, and to discover a remedy. It was no trifling thing to find that man a member of the Cabinet. True it was, the colonies were not at this moment intrusted to his care ; but this he knew, that all the right hon. baronet's opinions would have the weight they deserved with the Administration, and they might depend upon it that his presence in the Cabinet was a guarantee to the full for colonial reform, and for the introduction of the prin ciple of self-government among the colonies of this coun try. (Cheers.) Well, then, he wanted to know again where was the going back, where was the sacrifice of prin ciple in the members of the new Ministry ? It was very well to hurl a political anathema, and to make charges of undue sacrifice of principle for the sake of power and place. But let his accusers descend to particulars. The new Administration combined both ability and power to carry out their principles. He believed it would have the confidence of the people of England, and he believed they would only retain power upon the condition of ad vancing the welfare of the great mass of the nation. (Hear.) It made an appeal to no pocket or hole-and corner boroughs to decide on its political principles. What places were to pronounce the verdict of the people of England upon the Mi n i stry ? Southampton, Oxford, Nottingham, Halifax, Le e d s , B r i ghton, Wiltshire, South wark, and London; these w ere the constituencies ap pealed to, and he rejoiced to say that almost everywhere the Government candidates had been returned without even the shadow of opposition. In Halifax, it was true, there had be en a struggle, and what had bee n th e result ? Why, that Sir Charles Wood had been returned by a tti umphant majority. Gloucester was another exception, • an d so Was Southampton ; but the gentlemen who ap ' eared to oppos e hi m were o bliged to admit that they ad very shrewd suspicions they were in a minority. ~ • %; - 41)ar.) Re was f ar, however, from blaming the oppo ,• ,:• ;' -. ?site party for putting forward a candidate to oppose him, • : r.md he would not care if they only fought him fairly. , . ..I.lter an attack on the pamphlet of Mr. Cochrane, en . , - titled " Who are the Liberals," and a lengthy allusion t4the attacks made against him (Sir A. Cockburn) of hav • * been guilty of bribery theat t e hr ec i t a o e r t s e w le o c u t l i d o n, carryl hexis . . `,/ pres sed his assurance that cause . to a victorious and triumphant i ssue,on (Th d e ch h e e eT and learned gentleman sat down amid p ing, after' having sp oken for more th an two ho g u e rs.) Mr. A. J 3. COCHRA NE next address t he elector s . The MAX 'OR then called for a sho w of hands, w hi ch he declared to be in favour of Sir A. Cockbuin. A poll was t hen demanded on behalf of Mr. Cochrane, and appointed f, • this day (Thursday). sed to the Mayor, and A vote of thin 'do was then pas THE SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, JANUARY 6, 1853. the proceedings terminated at about 3 o'clock, having lasted for more than five hours. HALIFAX. Yesterday morning, at eleven o'clock, the official de claration of the poll was made from the hustings. The Mayor said that the votes recorded for the Right Hon. Sir Charles Wood amounted to 580, while those for Mr. Edwards were 524 ; thus leaving a majority in favour of Sir Charles Wood of 56. The right hon. baronet re turned thanks to the electors, and told them that the present formed the eighth time that he had been re-elected by the constituency during a period of 20 years. Mr. Edwards, the defeated candidate, next addressed the as semblgge ; and, after a vote of thanks to the Mayor, the meeting separated. OXFORD UNIVERSITY ELECTION.—The LONDON COMMITTEE for conducting the election of Mr. DUDLEY PERCEVAL deem it necessary to state, that until the definite refusal of Lord Chaados to be nominated was formally an nounced on Monday afternoon, trey had not requested Mr. Perceval to become the candidate at this most important crisis. They have now the sincere pleasure of announcing that their selection has experi enced a most gratifying reception from those residents and non-resi dents who are anxious to see the University of Oxford represented, not only by one of distinguished talents, but also by a sound Church man and consistentpolitician. Determined to promote the success of their cause by every legiti mate exertion, they will not be diverted from their duty by unme rited obloquy from chagrined antagonists, or by plausible mis statements in party periodicals, and they refer to the satisfactory progress of the poll, that the attempts to create a prejudice to their cause, by referring to the name of Lord Chandes, has proved to be very unskilful electioneering tactics. The Poll will be kept open until the 12th daily, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., in order to afford every elector an opportunity of recording his vete. The London Committee sit daily at the Trafalgar Hotel, Charing cross; and the Oxford Committee in Magdalene Hill. Jan. 5, 1853. C. LEMPRIERE, D.C.L., Hon. Sec. Members of Convocation travelling by trains leaving Paddington at 7.40, 9.45, 10.15, 11.15, 12.40, 2.0, will be enabled to vote on the same day; a similar advantage may be obtained by trains leaving Euston-square at 6.30 and 10 0 ; and those Members who have not received Circulars are requested to attribute this apparent neglect to the difficulty in obtaining their accurate addresses on such short notice. The train from Dideot to Oxford, on Thursday, Friday, and Satur day, at 2.40, is for the exclusive use of Mr. Perceval's supporters, leaving London at t 2.40, or travelling from other places. THIRD DAY'S POLL.-11.0 Mr. Perceval .. 202 Mr.Gladstoae .. .. 195 E AST and WEST INDIA DOCK COMPANY. —The Court of Directors of the East and West India Dock Company hereby give notice that a HALF-YEARLY COURT or General Meeting of the said Company will be held, pursuant to the direction of the Aet Ist and 2nd Wittier& IV., cap. 52, at the Dock House, No. 8, Billiter-square, on Friday, the 14th January next, at which meeting a Dividend will be declared en the Capital Stock of the Company for the half-year ending the 31st instant. By order of the Court. GEORGE COLLIN, Secretary. East and West India Dock House, No. 8, Billiter-square, Dec. 31, 1852. N.B.—The chair will be taken at Two o'clock precisely. THE/LIME ROYAL, HAYMARKET. Farewell Season or Mr. Benjamin Webster as Lessee and Manager THIS EVENING Will be performed the popular and highly successful Comedy of MASKS AXD FACES; or, Before and Behind ttle Cuitain—by Messrs. Benjamin Webster, Leigh Murray, Stuart, and Faradic; Mrs. Stirling, Mrs. Leigh Murray, Miss Rosa Bennett, and Miss Fanny Maskell. After which, the gorgeous Extravaganza, entitled LEO THE • TERRIBLE. To conclude with the Farce of BOX and COX MARRIED and SETTLE D. ROYAL LYCEUM THEATRE. Under the Management of Madame Vestris. THIS EVENING, Jan. 6, will be performed the Comic Drama called A PHENOMENON IN A SMOCK-FROCK, Characters by Messrs. C. Mathews, F. Matthews, and Horncastle ; Miss F. Baker and Miss C. Mitchell. After which (10th time). a new and original Fairy Extravaganza, entitled THE GOOD WOMAN IN THE WOOD, in which Messrs. F. Matthews, Suter, Horncastle, and Templeton; Madame Vestris, Miss Julia St. George, Miss Robertson (her 10th appearance at this Theatre), Miss Martindale, Miss Ellis, Miss Wyndham, Miss Eglin ton (her 10th appearance at this Theatre), and Miss Rosina Wright will appear. To conclude with LITTLE TODDLEKINS. _ _ _ -- -- Sole - Agent for the Private Boxes, Mr. W. Allcroft, 15, New Bond-street. THEATRE ROYAL ADELPHI. Proprietor, Mr. B. Webster. —Directress, Madame Celeste. THIS RVET...TING, Jan. 6, the already popular Drama of SLAVE LIFE ; or, Uncle Tom's Cabin—by Messrs. Alfred Wigan, Cullen ford, 0. Smith, and Emery ; Madame Celeste, Miss Woolgar, Miss Collins, and Mrs. Keeley. After which, the gloriously successful Comic Pantomime, called NELL GWYNNE ; or, Harlequin Merrie Monarch—by Mr. G. Honey, Mr. Flesmore, and Mdlle. Auriol. ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE, OXFORD-STREET. Under the Management of Mr. C. Kean. THIS EVENING Will be performed Shakespere's Comedy of MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING. Principal characters by Messrs. Charles Kean, Har ley, Meadows, J. Vining, Addison, Ryder, and Graham ; Miss Heath and Mrs. C. Kean. To conclude with the new and original Grand Comic Christ mas Pantomime, entitled MARLEQUIN CHERRY AND FAIR STAR; or, Tire Green Bird, the Dancing Waters, and the Singing Tree. Harlequin, Mr. Cormack ; Clown, Mr. Huline (10th appearance here); Pantaloon, Mr. Paulo ; Columbine, Miss Car lotta Leclercq. ROYAL OLYMPIC THEA.TRE, Lessee and Manager, Mr. Farren. THIS EVENING will be presented Bnckstone's Drama of ISABELLE ; or, Woman's Life. Supported by Messrs. Farren, jun., Hoskins, Compton, and Shalders ; Miss H. Gordon and Mrs. A. Phillips. After which, the glorious new Cemic Pantomime, entitled ROMEO AND JULIET; or, Harlequin Queen. Mab and the World of Dreams. Harlequin, Mr. Forest; Columbine, Miss Marie Charles ; Sprite, 3lr. G. Thompson ; Pantaloon, Mr. Tanner ; Clown, Mr. Edwto Edwardes, who will introduce his wonder fully-trained dogs, Amy, Tasso, and the monster dog, Snarleyou. Box-office open from Eleven till Four, under the superintendence of Mr. Edward Chatterton. ASTLEY'S ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE. Proprietor and Manager, Mr. W. Batty. Immense triumph.. The New Pantomime, the greatest hit eve achieved in this Theatre; which, with Uncle Tom's Cabin, and wondrous Feats in the Arena, form the most varied and powerful attraction in Loudon. THIS EVENING, January 6, and during the week, the Enter tainments will commence with the increasingly successful Drama of UNCLE TOM'S CABIN. To be followed by a brilliant Routine of Batty's peerless Scenes in the Arena, supported by the most eminent Artistes of the day. To conclude with Nelson Lee's Grand Equestrian Christmas Comic Pantomime, entitled FORTUNIO AND HIS HORSE COMRADE ; or, Harlequin and the Seven Gifted Men. Harle quin, Mr. 11. Hemming ; Columb ne, Mdlle. Christine ; Clown, Mr. Gardner Bolen° ; Pantaloon, Mr. Priorson ; Sprites, Messrs. Hem ming and R. Hemming. Doors open at Hall-past Six o'clock. To commence at Seven. Box-office open daily from Eleven to Four. Stage Manager, Mr. W. West. HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE. PlB DAY —Morning 38 min. after 10 I Evening 13 min.aft. 11 o-Moaaow--Morning 46 min. after 11 f Evening 0 .aft. 0 THE WEATHER.--SuN OFFICE, JAN. 6. THERMOMETER, IN THE SHADE. 49 highest since noon yesterday. 36—lowest this morning and during the night. 45—this day, at noon. BAROMETER, 29'62. WIND, S. by W., fresh and stormy ; morning, cloudy —afternoon, blustrous rain, with hail. DAILY WEATHER TABLE. THURSDAY, JAN. 6, 1853. State of the wind and weather at each of the following places at nine o'clock yesterday morning. The stations are arranged in order of latitude. __ SOUTHAMPTON—W., gentle breeze—partially cloudy. FOLKESTONE—S.W., light breeze—overcast. TUNBRIDGE—S.W., gentle breeze—partially cloudy. BASINGSTOKE—S. gentle breeze—partially cloudy. GREENWICH—S.W., gentle breeze—partially cloudy. SWINDON—S.W., gentle breeze—partially cloudy. CAMBRIDGE—S.W., gentle breeze—cloudless. YARMOUTH— S.W., gentle breeze—partially cloudy. The returns from the following places indicate the state of the weather on Tuesday morning at nine o'clock : MIILLINGAR— S., strong breeze—heavy rain. GREENWICH—S., strong breeze—overcast. WHITBY—S., heavy gale—overcast. SHAP—S., hard wind—rain. Olt4 LONDON, THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 1853. TAE, QUARTER'S REVENUE. The Revenue Returns for the financial year and quarter ending the sth January instant—which will be found in another part of this day's impres sion—continue to afford the most satisfactory evi dence of the general prosperity enjoyed by all classes of Her MAJESTY'S subjects, and of the almost miraculous elasticity of the national re sources. Notwithstanding the fiscal reductions that have been made within the last twenty-two years—reductions amounting in the whole to no less than 22,352,3931., against which there was only 9,189,225/., leaving a clear balance of 13,163,1681. in favour of the tax-payer--we find that the sums received into the Exchequer, and applicable to the liquidation of the national lia bilities and the maintenance of the national establishments, \ exceed the receipts before these vast concessions were entered on, and that the surplus at the disposal of the Financial Minister is as great at this moment as it was at any time since 1828. We only hope that the spirit of Sir CHARLES WOOD may not so far prevail as to convert that which ought to be a blessing into a source of embarrassment and dif ficulty. From this calculation it will, of course, be understood that 'we exclude the stipulated payments from China, which could not, under any circumstances, be regarded as a legitimate portion of the public income. If any further proof were required of the beneficial results of the commercial and financial legislation of the last ten years, it would be found in these columns of figures. As Alderman BECKFORD once re marked, "Them 'ere facts are stubborn things." And even the most obtuse of the impracticable 53 could scarcely argue against the validity of the proofs contained in these important accounts. On the general account we find that the total amount paid into the Exchequer during the year 1852, exclusive of the stoppages in transitu for perpetual pensions, annual §tipends, &c., &c., amounted to no less than 50,468,1931., against 49,489,2671. received in 1851, the year of the Great Exhibition. So that notwith standing the extraordinary consumption occa sioned by that • unprecedented concourse of nations, there was an increase on the year of 978,9261. As that disturbing element did not enter into the calculations between the quarters ending ending sth January, 1852 and 1853, we find that the increase on the latter amounts to 702,7761. An extraordinary and ex ceedingly gratifying result. A portion of this improvement is attributable to the extraordinary sources of revenue,—the repayments of advances having, in consequence of the general prosperity, been made with much greater punctuality than in the preceding year. These extraordinary items account for 219,007/. of the improvement on the year, and 145,0171. on the quarter ; sufficient, however, remains, more particularly when coupled with the reductions of the Sugar Duties that have c•me into operation within the year, to prove the very satisfactory state of our finances, the im provement on the year (from ordinary sources) being 759,9191., and on the quarter 557,7591. Looking to the particular items of which this gigantic balance-sheet is composed, we find that in the Customs' there is a falling off on the year of 65,687/., and on the quarter of 18,1281. This, however, is explained partly by the reduction in the sugar duties, to which we have already alluded, partly to the smaller importation of cereals, which, owing to the excellent harvest, were not so much required. We may also state, that in the year the results of the Exhibition must be taken into account, so that we are equally surprised in find ing the deficiency under this head less than we should have anticipated. In the Excise, possibly the most important branch, inasmuch as it is generally regarded as the index from which the comforts of the labour ing population of the country—of those who earn their daily bread by the sweat of their brow— may be estimated, there has been an improve ment on the year of 263,8111., but a decrease on the quarter of 13,3241. This latter may partly be ascribed to the large stocks previously laid in, partly to the collection of arrears of Hop Duty in the corresponding quarter of last year, and also in some degree to the high prices of barley during the last quarter, and the antici pations of a reduction in the Malt Duties, which prevented the great brewers from laying in as heavy stocks as usual at this season. On the whole, however, and taking these several matters into consideration, the returns under this impor tant head give cause for unmitigated gratification. In Stamps, which indicate the degree of com mercial activity exhibited during the period under notice, there has been an increase on the year and quarter—on the former of 353,7121., and on the latter of 187,544/. On the Assessed Taxes there has been a decrease on the year of 186,1191.—far less than the loss to the Revenue accruing from the abolition of the infamous tax on light and air, and the substitution of the scarcely less iniquitous House Tax. In the quarter where that element is omitted the increase is no less than 233,9511. —a truly wonderful amelioration, when the generally unchangeable character of these imposts are taken into consideration. The improvement in the Property and Income Tax is, however, the great feature in these impor tant and gratifying returns. It is well known that, as the Excise represents the condition of the labouring classes, the Property Tax indicates the state of the middle classes. The great landed proprietors, the owners of accumulated and realised property of every description, continue to contribute about the same amounts to the Revenue. It is on the physical and intellectual labourers, on those embarking their capital in trading, manu facturing, or commercial pursuits, that the state of the accounts will chiefly depend. If success at tends their laudable exertions, it will be percep tible in the Income Tax returns. We find then that the improvement under this head has been on the year 204,714/., representing an additional amount of earnings of nearly 7,000,0001. sterling, and on the quarter of 100,2821., the improvement on the last being nearly equivalent to that on the three preceding quarters. In the Post-office there has been a decrease on the year of 42,0001., but an increase on the quarter of 26,0001. In the Crown lands an im provement on the year of 110,000/., and on the quarter of 40,0001. We shall hope that the management of Sir WILLIAM. MOLESWORTH may be even better than that of Lord JOHN MANNERS in this department. There is, indeed, great room for improvement, and there is little doubt that, with ordinary care and judicious alterations, the proceeds, which last year amounted to 260,0001., might be nearly doubled. The only remaining item of the ordinary revenue, the " Miscellane ous," exhibits an improvement on the year of 121,4811., and on the quarter of 1,434/. The result of the whole being, as above-mentioned, an increase of 759,5721. on the year, which, by the balance of 219,0071. from extraordinary sources, is swelled to 978;9261.—the increase on the re payments of advances dpring that period being 228,3541., from which should be deducted 9,347/. for the decrease of imprest and other moneys. The addition on the quarter is 145,017/., which is made up of 25,3931. improvement on "imprest and other moneys," and 119,6241. on Miscella neous. On the whole, it will, we believe, be ad mitted, even by habitual croakers, that more satisfactory financial returns have seldom, if ever, been offered for public consideration, and that the most propitious omens may be adduced from the imposing array of figures to which we have re ferred. In another column will be found . a report of a very interesting Banquet which was * given yester day, at Liverpool, by the American Chamber of Commerce to the American Minister in this coun try. The meeting was in two respects remark able,in both n o t l es s singularly satisfacto r y. As an and n evidence of mutual good feeling between the different nations of the same race, the speeches on both sides were received with enthusiasm, and will be responded to with pleasure on both sides of the Atlantic. A Chamber of Commerce was the most fitting place for any such amicable demon stration, seeing that Commerce is the espe cial Divinity who li n k s together the hearts and hands of divers nations. It is by her blessed stshee king d instrumentality "divide." It i s b y herty that seas are m a d e t o "join" good offices that the terrible threat of " depen dence upon foreigners" is happily realised, and a mutual need of mutual good offices goes far to hostile desires. If e ver th e wards dissipatin g dreams of the Pacificators are realised, that desi deratum will be due not to their discourses, but to the deeds of that glorious community so nobly apostrophised by Mr. SMYTHE,— " The merchants of Old England—• The Seigneurs of the seas." As a recognition of this fact, as another evidence of the happy effects of commercial intercourse, the Banquet of yesterday must be regarded with satis faction. The other point worthy of remark in that en tertainment is the discourse of Lord DERBY, and more especially that portion in which the Noble ex-Premier, in the presence of an Ambassador from a Republic, and at a meeting of commercial men, spoke of the House of Lords. His Lord ship's observations tend still further to justify the appellation of Tory Reformer, which we have al ready bestowed on him. As a Tory, as an Earl, as a Member of the Hereditary Legislature, Lord DERBY'S sympathies are naturally with his order, and his ideas of the important and beneficial influence of the House of Peers are not those likely • to be entertained by the majority ; nevertheless, the following obser vations will be read, we cannot doubt, with very general approbation. We admire in them not only the spirit of justice by which they are cha racterised, but the courage manifest in such a declaration from such a speaker ; for remember it is the High Tory, the exclusive Earl of DERBY, who is the Speaker :-- "Gentlemen" said the Nobe Earl, " allow me to say, is the House of Lords in this country what in some other countries it may be, an exclusive branch between which and the rest of the community there is an impassable gulf ? There are countries in which 'noblemen and the commonalty are so f4r separated, that from generation to generation they are within the same country, but not connected together,—in different societies, and incapable of passing the barrier which subsists between them. Happily, far different is the case with us. The House of Lords in this country is constantly receiving fresh reinforcements and influence from the popular element, constantly receiving reinforcements of new blood ; while, on the other hand, in the secon d generat i on at all events, the younger sons of the peerage are merged in the commonalty, and becomes a portion of the general mass of the community without any separating barrier. Gentlemen, I think I could hardly - take a stronger instance of the manner in which these reinforce ments of the House of Lords takes place, than those which have occurred in the last ten months—in three cases, the only three in which I have had the honour of advising the Crown to grant a peerage. These three cases are drawn from three different professions. One was a noble and gallant officer, connected originally with a distinguished family, but still more distinguished for having been for many years the right-handed counsel lor of that distinguished and lamented man this coun try has lately lost. In the chief command of the army he had attained a military name, and his ser vices were well known t o every military officer, and his conduct in that position was well and highly ap preciated. (Applause.) The second was a genleman of a family of recent origin, but whose services in the dip lomatic career have reflected even additional lustre upon that great name which you in this town had many years ago the honour and privilege of calling your own repre sentative, bearing the name of Canning. (Hear.) Th e third was a gentlemen whose parents were of the very humblest class ; whose parents had no higher rank than small shopkeepers in a little country town, who started in public life with no advantages beyond those of his own ability and his own energy ; and yet, by his own labour and own talents, without any adventitious advan tages, passed through all the higher ranks of that labo rious and learned profession to which he had devoted himself. It will ever be a satisfaction to me that I ad vised the Crown to call to the House of Lords, as Lord High Chancellor of England, the son of a small trades man of Lewes, who has illustrated his own name and character as Sir E. Sugden ; and who has reflected, I will venture to say, still higher honour by the name of Lord St. Leonard's. (Hear, and cheers.) Gentlemen, I can hardly give, I think, three stronger instances to show that, while according to the working of our con stitution while a seat in the Lords is an object of just and laudable ambition, how far that distinction is con stantly open to every rank and class, and now, by the instance of three different professions, the only three in last year raised to that rank had the opportunity of showing the favour of the Sovereign conferred upon in dividuals possessing high and meritorious claims in those professions." While we are disposed to go much farther than Lord DERBY on this matter, and to regard these instances to which he alludes only as a small movement in the right direction, nevertheless the above remarks, coming from such a quarter, are, as we have said, a satisfactory indication of his Lordship's appreciation of the requirements of the age. We earnestly hope that the voice of public opinion will make itself heard plainly and intel ligibly on the subject of the renewal of the Pro perty and Income Tax, even in the deepest re cesses of Downing-street--that the middle classes, professions,eleven musty e ba speak in beenso some s u euff t f oer u 7 n i : ga g: i ud v ni o dt c a edr l l e more especially those emba r k e d i n t ra di ng , commer cial, or manufa c t ur i ng p ursu it s, or i n th e lib eral the important t o pi c . It is certain that the im postypge l o o d s n s s r e s rweilnl h e a w ve ed on the energy now exhibited by those who for and palpable injustice, what that form will be. Whether it be in accordance with the iniquitous system now in operation, or whether any and what attempt shall be made, to achieve—to use the words of the Ministerial Leader of the House of Commons—" a greater approximation to justice than in the measure hitherto in force." The statements of the PRE MIER in the House of Peers, and of Lord JOHN RUSSELL in the Guildhall of the City of London, warrant a reasonable expectation that some change will be effected, to render the impost less objec tionable .than heretofore. We regret, however, to be obliged to add, that these statements were too vague and unsatisfactory, to rest on with im plicit confidence. We cannot, as we have already repeatedly stated, know " with absolute certainty what that excellent ABERDEEN" may consider to be in accordance with "Justice and Equity," and Lord JOHN RUSSELL expressly reserved a locus penitentice, by declaring that " if not successful in the en deavour" (i. e. to revise the apportionment, and thus to obtain " a greater approximation to jus tice " than can be hoped for under the present system), " they, the Ministers would come down to the House of Commons, and explain all their argumehts and reasons on the subject, and then ask the House to judge whether they had not fairly grappled with the question with the view of making as just as possible (0 the measure in regard to that large portion of pur revenue." If these statements prove anything, and we yield every credence to the Noble Lord's honest desire for the ameliora tion of the system, so far as to his peculiar notions, on the subject may be practicable—they only show that the matter is still sub judice, and that nothing has yet been conclusively determined' in reference thereto. It is on Mr. GLADSTONE that it chiefly depends ; and we must confess the tone assumed by that Right Honourable Gentleman on the subject during the recent debate, leaves by no means a fa vourable impression on our minds. Can he pos sibly assent to that which he so positively and Unequivocally declared to be " a breach of na tional faith"—" a violation of the contract into which we entered with the public creditor I" We have heard much of " the sacrifice of personal and private ambition, and the surrender of individual opinions for the national advantage." But, hitherto, these "sacrifices" have been made on matters of expediency only—not of principle, and not on questions, by which the honour and honesty of the Government of the United King dom—their faith towards the public creditor — might be compromised or endangered. We must, therefore, still hesitate as to what will be done, until the point be placed beyond the possibility of doubt. We should greatly re gret the rejection of Mr. GLADSTONE by the Uni versity of Oxford, .at this moment. We should not willingly do anything to injure his chance of success, or to offer a factious opposition to the Government, of which he is an influential Mem ber. It is by their acts that we would judge them, and we would allow every reasonable time for the development of their intentions. It, however, appears only fair, that some intimation should be forthwith given by, or on behalf of, the Right Honourable Gentleman, that he has .altered his views on this all - important topic. We ask nothing as to the details. If he is prepared to recognise the distinction between permanent and precarious income, we should be perfectly satisfied to leave the matter in his hands. If he abandon the untenable position he assumed, we would render him every aid in overcoming the difficulties that have hitherto retarded, and still retard, an equitable arrangement. But it is time that he should have arrived at a decision on that point,—that he should know his own mind at least to that extent ; and it could not be considered as unreasonable of the profes sional men, who have already suffered so deeply un d e r the present system, if they required full and authentic information on the subject before recording their votes in his favour as Representa tive for the University, of which they constitute no unimportant portion of the constituency. SOUTH DEVON RAILWAY.—On Monday this line was opened where the slip took place. The 6.50 p.m. train passed through, and the traffic has since then gone through without any interruption. On Tuesday morn ing a long train of 34 carriages of goods, drawn by two engines, came in with the parcels, &c., that had accumu lated during the week east of Teigumouth. APSLEY-HOUSE-(THIS DAY.) A private view of the principal apartments of Apsley house took place to-day, previous to their being thrown open to the public, as announced in our columns yester day. The apartments on view are—four drawing-rooms, the famous picture gallery, the China-room, the Secre tary's-room, the Duke's private-room, and the bed-room. The principal attractions are the pictures and statuary, the magnificent presents made to the Duke, and in the last three rooms; which to many will be the most in teresting, the nearer in contact we seem to be brought, on admission into the scene of his private life, and a view Of those evidences of his simplicity of tastes and habits, which were not the least remarkable features in his cha racter. The pictures are numerous, and contain several excellent specimens of the best Italian, Spanish, and Dutch) painters, besides a number of contemporary por traits of the great statesmen and warriors of the age passing away. It would have been a great convenience to visitors had a more ample catalogue of the pictures been furnished, as in the case of the Bridgewater Gallery, as it is in that which we published yester day in full, gives us only what almost every person could readily have guessed for himself, and gives that in such a general and indeterminate manner as to be occasionally more a source of bewilder ment than a guide. The most famous paintings are in the picture gallery, the room in which .the Waterloo banquet was always held. They are the "Agony," by Corregio, formerly in the Palace at Madrid, a copy of which is to be found in the National Gallery ; several excellent " Velasquez," amongst which are three inimit able portraits, one of himself, one of Walter Seller, and a third one of Pope Innocent. There are also two ex quisite Titians, several Munllos numerous specimens of the Dutch school, among which figure prominently Teniers, Backhaysen, Wonvermans ; and we thought we recognised one Cuyp, though at such a distance that we were unable to be any the better for the discovery. The cabinet pictures are very numerous, being mostly by such artists as Jaiistyn, L. Van Leyden, Breughel, and Van der Heyden. Spagnoletti's " Witch," a pic ture of considerable repute, is one of the collection, though this morning we did not recognise it. Only one Rubens, too, we noticed, a small cabinet picture ; and one Salvator Rosa, a battle-piece. The Claudes" are small, and not equal to th ose o f th e N a ti ona l Gallery. Among the modern pictures those which will attract most attention are the " Chelsea Pensioners," by Wilkie and the companion picture " The Greenwich Pensioners," by Burnet, " Van Am burgh in the Cage with the Wild Beasts," by Sir Ed ward Landseer, in the first drawing-room, " The Melton Hunt," by Francis Grant, in the second drawing room , and " The Battle of Waterloo," by Allen, taken from Napoleon's head-quarters, in the striped drawing room. The portraits are numerous, and, with the exception of one of the Duke of Marlborough, over the mantel-piece in the first drawing-room, are mostly contemporary. The most interesting are in the striped drawing room, and are mostly companions in arms of the Duke, among whom we recognise the " Marquis of Anglesea," in hus sar uniform, to the left of the door • next to him, " Lord Lynedoch ;" over the do or , " Marshal Blucher"—a most pleasing portrait of the rough old veteran ; to the right of the door, "Lord Beresford," in a Portugese uniform, " Sir George Murray," the Duke's Quarter-Master-Gene ral, in a civilian's dress, and a host of other military heroes, at whose individuality the visitor is left to guess. In this room, also, are "Lord Nelson," " Mr. Pitt," and "Lord Cowley." W e h ave before, in passing from the first to the second drawing room, passed under admirable portraits of "Marshal Soult" and " Pius VII ;" and in the small drawing room, by a fine full-length por trait of "William the Fourth," by Wilkie. Two in ferences from thie collection of portraits cannot fail to strike the most careless observer ;—the Duke's respect for his great rival in military fame, and his love for his daughter-in-law, the present Duchess of Wellington, are evinced by the frequent recurrence of their portraits. The former we have at almost every age, and besides two excellent highly finished portraits of the Duchess, we remarked two beautiful sketches of her face over the door in the Duke's bed room. Of the statuary, the finest specimen is the magnificent colossal statue of " Napoleon," by Canova, presented to the late Duke by the Allied Sovereigns. In the waiting room are busts of "Lord Castlereagh," "Mr. Perceval," " Colonel Gurwood," " Colonel Ponsonby," and the late Duke, — this last, with an engraving lately published, were the only representations of the Duke himself which he no ticed in the house. In the picture gallery are a number of female busts, and in the china room busts in bronze of "Henri 1V.," "Louis XIV.," the great " Conde," " Turrenne," and the late "Marquis Wellesley." Of the magnificent prdsents made to the late Duke, we have scarcely time to spe:k, and shall reserve them for a future visit. Besides vases of porphyry from the King of Sweden, of malachite from the Emperor Alexander, of Sevres china from Louis XVIII., candelabras of Russian porphyry, from the' Emperor Nicholas, and magnificent services of Sevr6s china scat tered through the apartments, the most valuable are to be found in the China Room. Here the first object that strikes the visitor's attention is the famous Wel lington Shield, presented to the Duke by the merchants of London in 1822 ; here also is the magnificent plateau in silver, presented by the Regent of Portugal, and the services of china presented by the Emperor of Austria, the King of Prussia, and Louis XVIII., in glass cases, on each side of the apartment. From these the visitor passes into the Secretary's Room, the Duke's Private Room and the Duke's Bed Rom, in ' the arrange ment of which we are assured that no altera tion has been made since they were last occu pied by the Duke. The simplicity and utter absence of anything like superfluity or luxury in these apartments are the very image of the man himself. The apartments will be open on Tuesday next for the first time to the public. Admission, by ticket, to be obtained by 'written application to Mr. Mitchell, to' whom all the arrangements, most satisfactory of their kind, have been entrusted. LICHFIELD. Lord Alfred Paget, appointed Chief-Equerry to her Majesty, was re-elected for this city yesterday (Wednes day) morning. There was no opposition, and the sup porters of the noble lord, who for many years have been the adherents of the Anson and' nglesey families, were the only persons who had apparently any concern in the matter. The inhabitants of the city did not appear to know that an election was going forward. GLOUCESTER. GLOUCESTER, WEDNESDAY.—The poll opened yester day morning at eight o'clock, and in accordance with the behests of the two rival committees, the electors " rushed to the poll' at an early hour to record their votes. The booths were erected in a cluster in the corn market in Eastgate-street, a small 'covered building, totally inadequate to the purpose, and in the most crowded thoroughfare in the city, this being one of the principal streets of local traffic, besides being also the great thoroughfare to the railway station. The conse quence was, that great difficulty was experienced by voters in getting to the poll, and as a large majority were brought up in flys and omnibuses, there was great confusion and excitement in the neighbourhood, so that the tradesmen had to close their shops, and business was suspended. Throughout the day bands of music were parading the streets, and everybody wore his particular dolours, while vehicles were rushing through the streets conveying the "free and independent" to the poll. At the close of the poll at four o'clock the numbers were— Admiral Berkeley Mr. Hope Majority for Berkeley There were many serious fights in the course of the day, and one man was carried off to the hospital in an insensible state. SPORTING INTELLIGENCE. SPORTING NOTES.—No. CCCLIX. " Believe me, nothing has a chance in racing matters without perfect and safe information you know what that means."—The Dalton, by Charles Lever. Very good, Mr. Lever ; the words you have put into the mouth of your mental creation are remarkably true and very much to the point, for "nothing has a chance in racing matters without safe ' information " and to endeavour to furnish this will be my task during the season we are just about to enter on. In the race of judgment during the last two years I have been more successful than any other sporting writer, having in 1851 selected the winner in one hun dred and ninety-six instances out of three hundred and eighty-three races that I had commented on ; and last year, more fortunate still, hit the mark two hundred and thirty-four times out of four hundred and twenty-one attempts at selecting the winner. These are my creden tials to the confidence of my readers. The racing prospects of 1853 are the brightest on re cord, the nominations for most of the stakes being stronger than in any previous year. The Chester Cup has closed with two hundred and sixteen entries—a number unparalleled in any race but the Derby. The Metropolitan Stakes has also obtained the largest entry since its creation. The Derby, however, now commands my entire atten tion. I shall begin my analysis with the great stable of the north, as it contains the first favourite for the race at the present time, and has been the most successful stable in the great races of the year latterly. JOHN SCOTT has ten horses in training engaged in the Derby of 1853, three of whom have already been backed for a good deal of money. Mr. Bowes' b.c. WEST AUSTRALIAN, by Melbourne, out of his br mare Mowerina (own sister to Cotherstone), by Touchstone out of Emma (dam of Mundig), by Whisker, was foaled in April, 1850, and first introduced to the betting market at Tattersall's on the 3d of last June—the price 30 to 1. In the following week 40'to 1 ' was laid against him ; but about the end of June he advanced to 1,000 to 30. With the exception of being touched upon slightly at York, he was scarcely men tioned until the Saturday before the Houghton Meeting —the consequence of not having run for any of his heavy engagements at Ascot, Goodwood, York, Don caster, and Newmarket First October Meeting. This was ,owing to his not being quite up to the mark. He was then backed at 30 to 1 ; and after losing the Crite rion to some extent at 25 to 1 ; a proof that the race was set down for naught by the Ring. The Criterion running must not for an instant be taken as any crite rion of the merits of the horses that ran. The course was in a frightful state, the pace was slow, and the winner—Speed the Plough—was not only favoured by these two circumstances, but also had the advantage of getting off well in front, wjiere, under Nat's manage ment, he contrived to keep West Australian, when he made his effort, not being able to get any nearer to him than half a length. On the Thursday following, in the race for the Glasgow Stakes, the running was reversed. The ground certainly was not much better, but the pace was made strong throughout, which resulted in giving West Australian—whose forte is speed —an easy victory. Speed the Plough only obtained a bad third place, Fil bert getting the second position by a couple of lengths. After this race West Australian found backers at 1,000 to• 60 ; and at the beginning of November rose to 12 to 1. He has since oscillated between that figure and 14 to 1. He has been backed to win at the least 40,000/., about a quarter of which was put on at the Turf Club. His blood is undeniable ; and although seemingly good for a distance, yet I doubt his being so. In fact, I think he will turn out much better suited to the Rowley mile at Newmarket than the hilly course at Epsom. He is engaged in the Two Thousand Guineas ; and as, in all probability, he will run for that race, he ought to be somewhere about the mark there. It was reported some time ago that he was within 10 lbs. of Longbow ; and as it was as much as Pelion could accomplish, receiving 2st. 21bs., to beat Longbow for the Eglinton Stakes at Doncaster, he must be a clipper if such report was cor rect. THE SPIRIT OF THE TURF. (To be continued.) DESTRUCTION OF AN EMIGRANT SHIP BY FIRE. The Orlando, Captain White, has arrived at Havre with a number of passengers belonging to the American ship St. George, Captain Bairson, which had been de stroyed by fire at sea. The St. George, it appears, left Liverpool for New York on the 24th November with 127 passengers and 25 crew—the former chiefly Irish, and amongst them women and children. The voyage was favourable enough up to the 24th December, when in 46 deg. 12 min. lat., and 25 deg. 30 min. long., the hold of the ship was discovered to be on fire. The cap tain caused one of the hatchways to be opened, and set the fire-engine to play. But the smoke was so thick be tween decks that the passengers were obliged to leave. The flames spread to the part of the vessel between the main and mizen masts, and were accompanied with such thick smoke that seven or eight persons were suffocated. It was now found that it was impossible to check the pro gress of the flames, and the captain assembled all the pas sengers on deck. Rain was falling, and the horizon was overhung with clouds ; but fortunately a vessel passed sufficiently near to perceive the signals of distress. This vessel turned out to be the Orlando, and she approached as near the St. George as it was safe to do. Unfortu nately she had lost her sails and boats in a violent gale. The captain of the St. George caused his two boats to be let down, and they conveyed as many passengers as they could hold to the Orlando ; but the violence of the sea was such that one of them was knocked to pieces against that vessel. The life-boat only remained to remove 150 persons, but it could not take more than 4 or 5 at a time. Meantime the flames continued to pro gress, and the wind blew furiously. The seabecame so vio lent that the only means the- passengers had of entering the boat was to leap into the sea, and let themselves be picked up. At length, after 64 times passing to and fro, the boat succeeded in placing 76 of the passengers in safety on board the Orlando. Of the remaining 51, 15 were drowned, 8, as already stated, were suffocated be tween decks, and 28, principally women and children, fearing to throw themselves into the sea, refused to leave the burning vessel. All the crew were rescued. Eventually, the Orlando, fearing for its own safety from the progress of the flames and the violence of the sea and wind, was obliged to sheer off, leaving the twenty-eight unfortunate creatures to their wretched fate. The rescued persons were almost without clothing, but the captain and crew of the Orlando did everything they possibly could to provide for their comfort. It was feared that a famine would arise in the ship, from the unexpected demand on her stores ; and as the Orlando had lost her sails, there was small hope of reaching land in time. But fortunately the wind was in her favour, and after 11 days' voyage, she arrived safe at Havre. Her provisions, by that time, were completely exhausted, and she only had a few gallons of water. Food was immediately procured fer the passengers and crews, who had already begun to feel the pangs of hunger ; and they were afterwards sent to different lodging-houses, where they will be taken care of. It is the intention of some shipowners of Havre to raise a subscription for their relief. ANCIENT PROCLAMATIONS.—The Society of Anti quariestshe s e s ion finest, of andcollection these ofProclaarmeaitnionpso,saindsienegdu,laexlystinfigne have been placed in the hands of Mr. Lemon, of the State Paper Office, to arrange for binding, withproper indices. The collection is wea k i n parts , especjall as concerns the reign of Elizabeth, an d our o bj ect in men tioning the steps now being taken is to induce any of our readers who may have detached proclamations, for which they may not care, or duplicates, to contribute them to the society's collection, so as to render it as nearly complete as may be. In glancing at a number of the proclamations a few days ago, the first that met our eyes was one dated in the reign of Charles 11., 1671, against the increase of buildings in the metropolis, and showing that in Windmill fields and the fields adjoining Soho, small houses were being improperly carried up.— The Builder. CIRCULATION OF THE LONDON MORNING PAPERS. THE MORNING ADVERTISER. The Stamp Returns of the circulation of the MORNING NEWSPAPERS in 1850, the latest published, give the following results : MORNING ADVERTISER . . . 1,549,843 Daily News . . . . . . 1,152,000 Morning Herald . . . . . 1,139,000 Morning Chronicle . . 912,547 Morning Post . . . . . 828,000 It will be observed from this statement that, omitting the " Times." :he circulation of the MORNING ADVERTISER was then far above that of its morning contemporaries. Early in 1851 the MORNING ADVERTISER was permanently enlarged to a double sheet, and since that time it has met with a measure of success, both as regards the extent of its circulation, and the number of its advertisements, which has no parallel in the annals of English journalism. Were the Stamp Returns to be given down to the present time, the relative circulation of the MORNING ADVER TISER to its four morning contemporaries (assuming that their circulation has undergone no diminution) would be as follows : MORNING ADVERTISER . . Daily News Morning Herald 1,139,001 Morning Chronicle 912 547 Morning Post . . . . . . 828,000 It will be seen that the present circulation of THE MORNING ADVERTISER is nearly double that of the two greatest of its four contemporaries, and approaches to treble that of one of their num ber. This vast addition to the circulation of THE MORNING ADVERTISER, obtained in less than two years, is the result of its progress in all parts of the country, and among all classes of society. proud a position among its contemporaries is to be regarded as the best tribute that could be paid to its thorough independence of all parties and Governments, and its earnest advocacy of the popular cause. January, 1853. Published every Morning, at 127, Fleet-street, London, tbirb Vbittion+ OXFORD UNIVERSITY ELECTION. THIRD DAY-ONE O'CLOCK. PERCEVAL GLADSTONE . . 235 . 222 COURT CIRCULAR. WINSOR, JAN. 5. Her Majesty, hi s R oya l Highness Prince Albert, with the Prince of Leiningen, attended by the Countess of Charlemont, the Hon. Matilda Paget, the Hon. Mary Seymour, Lord Charles Fitzßoy, and Lieutenant-Colonel F. H. Seymour, drank tea with her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent, at Frogmore, last night. The Tyrolese Minstrels performed a selection of fa vourite airs. The Hon• and Rev. G. Wellesley, and Lieutenant- Colonel Biddulph, had the honour of receiving invitations. His Royal Highness Prince Albert, attended by Lieut.-Colonel Seymour, honoured Mr. Ward with a visit at his Studio, at Upton Park Villas, yesterday, to inspect his Historical Picture of the Execution of Montrose. Their Royal Highnesses the Duchess of Cambridge and the Princess Mary of Cambridge, are expected to-day on a visit to her Majesty, and Monsieur and Madame Van de Weyer, the Earl of Aberdeen, Viscount and Vis countess Hardinge, and Major - General Sir George Bowles, have been invited, and are expected this after noon. Sir W. Gore Ouseley had an interview with the Earl of Aberdeen yesterday, at his official residence, in Downing -street. The noble earl left town yesterday afternoon, on a visit to the Queen, at Windsor Castle. Earl Granville left town on Tuesday evening, for Wo burn Abbey. Viscount Palmerston arrived in town yesterday after noon, from Tiverton. SOUTHAMPTON ELECTION (THIS DAY). --The poll opened at 8 o'clock this morning. At 10 o'clock 393 voters had polled for Sir A. Cockburn, and 266 for Mr. B. Cochrane. AYLESBURY ELECTION (THIS DAY).—Mr. Bethell, the Solicitor -General, was this morning re-elected without opposition. SCOTTISH HOSPITAL.—The usual general quarterly meeting of the governors and subscribers to this e orp - purpose of ration was held yesterday in the board-room of the in_ committee stitution, Crane-court, Fleet-street, for the transacting the usual business of the charity; Dr, Web ster in the chair. The minutes of the l as t , been read and confirmed, Mr. Kirk moved the ult following havi n g resolution :—" That the building be instructed to memoralise thec orporation of the City the buildings now being constructed arounds - thought that the corporation in widening at the expense of the buildings belt'respecting the hospital." He Fetiter-lane both an error and an injustice. the motion. Mr. Donaldson la Were committing at the manner in which they said had a r d . b S be t e Stewart wasa treatedr t seconded surprisedb y the corporation of the City, who had made such loud professions about promoting the widening of courts, and the health of the middle and poorer classes, and yet should thems e l ves set such a bad exam ple. Dr. Webster, e of as the buildi ngs i n course medical offi cer t o the hospital; erect i on would be was decidedly of opinion that preju dicial to the health o f th e ne i g hliourhood, and suggested that a d epu t at i on be appointed t o wait upon the Board of Health. Af ter some f ur ther conversation, the mo tion was carried. The secretary reported that the total number of persons relieved during the past year ending in December last had been 4,158, at an expense of 2,1381. The subscriptions during the past year had amounted to 2,600/. ; and when all expenses had been defrayed they had a balance in hand of 1671. A vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the proceedings. LADY CATHARINE LONG'S NEW NOVEL, entitled "THE LIEUTENANT'S STORY," in 3 vols., is just published by Messrs. Hurst and Blackett, successor to Mr. Colborn, ' of Great Marlborough-street, who have also lately pub lished the following new works of fiction :-2. Castle Avon, by the author of " Emilia Wyndham," &c. 3. Broomhill ; or, the Country Beauties. 4 . Uncle Walter, by Mrs. Trollope. 5. The Kinnears, a Scottish Story ; and the Romance of the Forum ; or, Narratives, Scenes, and Anecdotes from Courts of Justice, by Peter Burke, Esq., in 2 vols, CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT-(THIS DA 171) OLD COURT. (Before Mr. Justice Williams and Mr. Justice Talfourd.) ---- UTTERING A FORGED NOTE. William Marks, 29, described as a draper, was in. dicted for feloniously uttering a forged 51. Bank of Eng land note, with intent to defraud the prosecutors. Mr. Clarkson conducted the prosecution, and Mr. Payne defended the prisoner. It appeared, from the evidence, that the defendant, on the 17th of December, purchased some goods from. Messrs. Bull and Wilson, of St. Martin's•lane, and gave the note in payment, endorsing the back of it with tho signature, "John Johnstone, 37, Great Queen-street." The note was found to be a bad one, and a few days afterwards one of the servants of the prosecutors saw the prisoner near the Mansion-house. He endea voured to slip away, but was given into custody. Mr. Payne addressed the jury on the part of the pri soner, contending that he was not the person who changed the note. He then called several witnesses for the purpose of proving that he was at another part of the town when the alleged act was committed. Mr. Justice Williams having summed up the evidence, The jury found a verdict of Guilty. • The prisoner was sentenced to transportation for 10 years. NEW COURT. (Before the Recorder.) MISDEMEANOUR. William Paxton, publican, an Augustus Wynne, house agent, convicted in the Old Court on Monday, upon an indictment charging them with conspiring to obtain the sum of 1551. from Edward Howell, by fraudulent pre tences were brought up for judgment. The prisoners had obtained the sum mentioned from the prosecutor in consideration of the transfer of the lease of the White Horse public house, in Theobald's road, which they represented as having ten years to run, whereas, it was terminable at the Christmas of any year by six months' notice from the lessors ; and the prisoner Paxton, the then landlord of the house, was actually under notice to quit, at the time when the transfer took place. Mr. Robinson, for' Paxton, said the prosecutor had suffered no loss by being unaware of the notice, inas much as he was still in possession of the house. The learned Judge said it would be advisable - to lay all these facts before the Secretary of State. Mr. Clarkson —That is all we want. In the mewl time can we have the sentence remitted until next sessions ? The learned Judge—That is what I have been con:. sidering. Can he find bail ? Mr. Clarkson—Oh, yes, my lord, there is no difficulty about that. The learned Judge—Then let it be so. ROBBERY AND VIOLENCE. John White, 19, waterman, charged with robbery, from the person of William Kepling. The prosecutor deposed that while passing along Sut ton-street, Commercial-road, East, a night or two before Christmas, he heard footsteps behind him ; but being then suffering from the effects of illness, he sat down upon a door-step, when the prisoner and two other men approached, one of whom seized him by the throat, while the others took hold of his arms and rifled hi§ pockets. A policeman coming up, they ran away, and the prisoner only .was captured. The jury found the prisoner guilty, and The learned Judge sentenced him to be tranported for ten years. SHERIEFS COURT-(THIS DAY). (Before Mr. Burehel.l) CLARKE V. SMITH.—PUTTING A CHILD OUT TO NURSE. This was an action to recover the sum of 10/. Bs. for the nursing and education of defendant's son. The plaintiff's attorney stated the case,—that the) plaintiff, who resided in the vicinity of the Seven Dials, St. Giles's, had been induced to take charge of an in fant at the rate of Bs. per week. Some money had beer/ paid, and Mrs. Smith afterwards withdrew the infant from,.Mrs. Clarke's domestic circle, and left the above' trifling balance unpaid ; and as Mr. Smith was as vi sionary a personage as Sairey Gamp's "Mrs. Harris,'', Mrs. Smith was now sued. The jury gave a verdict for the amount. ROGERS V. (700EER. -RATHER, COOL. j This was an acti on on a Bill of E xchange. Defendant pleaded that he did not accept the bill. Evidence was adduced in clear contradiction of the plea. A gentleman in the attorneys' box said, " Let ma look at the bill ;" and having done so, he said, "That's. all right," and placed on his hands a pair of delicate coloured gloves. The Undersheriff—But who appears for the defen dant ? Does he appear ? Gentleman—Oh ! I beg pardon—l am the defendant, and appear in person. It's all right by the case shown- The Undersheriff (to the jury)—You will say what is right. Here is a claim made and admitted. If you. have a doubt, of course you will properly deal with it. I don't see much myself. The jury gave the usual nod on such occasions, and. the foreman gave a verdict for the amount of the claim.. Defendant politely bowed to the 1 7ndersheriff and. jury, and left the court with a smile on his countenance. It was understood plaintiff and defendant belonged to the legal fraternity ; so, pleasant smiles may bring bitter results. SURREY SESSIONS.-(THIS DAY) SERIOUS CHARGE AGAINST A FARMER. John Castledine, 32, a respectable-looking man, was indicted for stealing, at Long Ditton, two cows, the pro perty of William White, a farmer. Mr. Thompson prosecuted,- and Mr. Lilley, instructed. by Mr. Neale, defended the prisoner, who formerly was an extensive farmer near Kingston. The prosecutor said he resided at Court Farm, Long Ditton, and on the morning of the 23d of October last he saw 18 cows safe on his farm. He went to London on business, and on his return on the 25th he heard that two of his cows had been stolen, and on the 28th they were found, and brought home by a constable. The pri soner formerly resided on an adjoining farm. Be valued the cows at 181. Joseph Twilley, a dealer in cows, residing at Mitcham, said on the morning of the 24th of October the prisoner came to him and offered to sell two cows to him, and told him they were in the Swan Inn yard. He asked 131. for them, and witness offered him 11/., and on the following morning witness paid him the money and took the cows away. The prisoner gave him a receipt for the money, signed " John Hall." He told him that he had chopped a horse away for them. Witness had pre viously seen the prisoner at Kingston market. On the 27th of October the policemen came to his yard and o ie took the cows away, stating th a t th ey h a d b e en stolen ; and on the 13th of N ovember as he was c oming to Kingstond when m witnessakt, took met khi m the to t, the e r prisonere u a t t o r t , the whenß o Robin was given i n t o custody. Eo James White, a labourer, said, on the evening of the 23d of October he saw the prisoner driving the two cows in p aest i on i n the gr een lanes leading f rom Mal don to 111orden with anothe r man. Stephen Tye, V 275, said on Sund a y, t h e 24th of October, he traced the cows across the fields and lanes to Mitcham, and on the 27th he round them in Mr. Twilley's yard, and on the following day they were identified by the prosecutor. Mr. Lilley made a very ingenious defence, contending that the prisoner chopped away a horse for the two cows, but that statement not being substantiated, the jury found' him Guilty. Th e Court said it was a very serious affair, and tran sported him for 10 years. BOW-STREET.-( THIS DAY.) Mary Troy was placed at the bar before Mr. Jardine charged with stealing two 51. notes, the property oilier father. It appeared from the evidence that the prisoner has been for some time past in the habit of keeping her father's (an elderly man) room clean, for which she was paid a weekly salary. Yesterday morning she got very drunk, and treated the whole of the lodgers in the house to port wine, got several things out of pawn, and was very free with some money which she had. The father missing the two notes, gave information to the police, who, upon repairing to the prisoner's home, found that she had changed some notes, and that she had told one of the lodgers " that she had done it, and that she had another fiver in her pocket." The prisoner was veil badly off. Mr. Jardine ordered her to be remanded for the pro duction of further evidence. SUBTERRANEAN TELEGRAPH BETWEEN LONDON AND LIVE.RPOOL.—The contra,ctom have just commenced opera tions for laying down the undergaound telegraph from Cornhill to Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham along the old coach road, and the line, when completed, will place those towns in immediate communication with the Continent, besides furnishing a duplicate line of tele graphic communication with the matropolis. ~~ ~~~ _.,