The Sun. — London, England, 1847-01-28 00:00:00

m•ims iptains S. Lloyd's 1 order, he ex: a nd of y to Indian I which ion." raralty, Yal, reZ w hic— Ldoned by the , which osed to . 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Iv 0 " rta t it Rau e observ e tticlC4 'l.lllings f or the barrow full. lie would destroy it if be was 141 d' , charg t d . HAL L discharg e d hi m , b u t or d ere d th e fish to be de ed and destroyed by the police. PE TITIONS ON PRIVATE BILLS. HOUSE OF COMMONS.—(TII IS DAY.) ,40 0ai 22, before Mr. Examiner Surat and Mr. Assistant- Examiner FRERE.) Th e formal UNOLIPOSED Di LIST. --)roof ca se , p: s were complete, in ie f, 'eh and B ury S t. Edmunds Railway (No. 2), Extension Bury St. Edmunds to Newmarket and Ely. kl udderstield and Manchester Railway, branch from Old 'ap to Ashton and Guide-bridge. of the and North-Westeru Raithew-, Lease and Purchase 1 , 'lle Huddersfield and Manchester Railway and Canal and Leeds, Dewsbury, and Manchester Railway. IlAshton Gas Am en d ment . t r , lr kenhead Improvement (Gas Works), with power to ea.s_hase the Bi r k en h ea d an d C laug h ton G as W or k s . QVaest Cernvrall Railway, branches.to - St. Ives, Norwayman's rt, and construction and enlargement of quays at Hayle. 6 k,hari ng - cross-bridge, hitherto the Hungerford and Lam- Slapension Foot-bridge. t lanehester and Salford Waterworks Acts Amendment, Ex "ion of Works, with powers of sale or lease to the corpo ration of Manchester. (‘‘,. ( ' ut halripton and Dorchester Railway Acts Amendment eflneutli Branch ). .Southampton and Dorchester Railway (New Forest De flation and Branches). EASTERN orms LIST. UNION RAILWAY (BRANCH FROM toInMANNINGTREE TO HARWICH.) , this case the opposition was withdrawn, and the cus otliary formal proofs were put in. orrusKl) LIST. SO UTHAMPTON AND DORCHESTER RAILWAY (BLANDFORD BRANCH). (14 ts petition was M opposed. ‘"" 111 23 , before r. Examiner MAY and Mr. Assistant. Examiner Gt:;NELL.) UNOPFOSED LIST. The following cases being unopposed, the customary Anim a l proofs were completed : Westminster Improvements. N orth-Western Railway Deviations at Skipton, Casterton, and Sedbergh. Birkenhead Improvements, Waterworks, and Purchase of the Birkenhead and Claughton Waterworks. Manchester and Leeds Railway, Alteration of Levels of the Brighouse branch of the West Riding Union Railways, end new line into Leeds. Huddersield and Manchester Railway, Deviations and Al terations in Oldham Branch Extension to Manchester, through bledlock Valley, and Branch from Oldham to the Extension Line. Stourbridge Rates. ADJOURNED CASE. NORTH BRITISH RAILWAY (No. 2). This case was then resumed, and occupied the rest of the day. The Examiner said that an allegation as to the accuracy of the sectional figures which he had received was sustained by the evidence. No other allegation of any im portance was sustained to-day. MELANCHOLY DISASTER at SEA. LIVERrOOL, WEDNESDAY.—A melancholy duty devolves Upon us to-day to chronicle the loss of the captain, first and second relates, five seamen, and a boy, belonging to one of oir noble packet-ships. The Columbia, Captain Rathbone, left New York on the 2d inst.; on the 13th a gale spiting up, 141 .4 while scudding before it the whole nine men were swept middenly from the deck by a sea and hurried into eternity, amidst the waste of waters. Five days after the ship was fallen in with, without a com mander, and in distress, by the Lady Falkland , arrived at this port from New Orleans this morning. The Lady Falk her mate on board the Columbia to navigate her to ...lverpool. The Columbia has not yet arrived; but she was Perfectly tight, and will, no doubt, be heard of in a short ; i ale. The Lady Falkland experienced a Suceession of vio lent gales during the last 16 days. A few words are due to the memory of the gallant and la mented dead. We never knew a man more estimable than l Captain n Rathbone. As a professional man he had no su- Pvrtor, and to him we owe the discovery of the short route "As the Atlantic. As a private individual there was none Zq r ,e... e gentlemanly, more humane, or more noble in all the at on s e that render man worthy of esteem, than Captain DESTRUCTIVE FIRE. Between the hours of one and two o'clock on Wednesdey beruing a dreadful fire broke out in the spacious premises g to Mr. Challener situated on the east side of Czon-street, near Wapping ' Liverpool, which destroyed It seems and other property t t o a very considerable amount. C e etos to have originated in a wooden shed used by Mr. „_aallener as a place of temporary deposit for flour: but, as La l most cases of the kind, the cause of its origin is involved to the myste r y. Th e a l arm was instantly conveyed • e fire station, and Mr. Hewitt lost no time in sending ; to th e spot, but in the meantime the high wind 11 prevailed that night, aided by the fury of the devour th! w elem ,,,cat, speedily ignited the adjacent property. From Ch a iiren shed the flames were carried across a yard to Mr. add - " that le _a er'il stable, which was burnt down ; and we regret to cinder. a due horse which was in the stable was also burnt store d Partly as The fire next communicated with Mr. Chal _.ore anlare w arehouse, which was used partly as a flour anentirely early a block manufactory. This fine building w at iirs gaffed. The roof, joists, and doors gave way r c h°d, and nothing now remains but the bare „I I • %lie property consumed in this building was to a g r eat arncunt. Three of the rooms were fully stored bloc- flour, and the other rooms contained a large stock of eith ks and steam machinery, the whole of which have been either whop machinery, destroyed with rendered utterly useless. The c ommunicated with a fine warehouss belonging to also, °l nas Booth, the corn-merchant, and this warehouse been together with the whole of its contents, has likewise n destroyed. The roof and floors have been burnt . •_a a r r ou,,t, , and the bare walls only are standing. A second to house belonging to 'Mr. Booth. arid a large warehouse o f ITg i .g to Messrs. Lodge and Pritchard, on the east side nrst-street, both took fire, but, owing to the vigorous exertions mons of th e fi remen, t h ey were on l y part i a ll y d amaged. small dwelling -house adjoining Mr. Challoner's warehouse 7.aa also on fire for a short time, and its preservation is en ca wing to the efforts of the firemen. Too much praise nnot indeed be given to Mr. Hewitt and the men under hie e not . and for their promptness and energy ; and, when it is a r 2 a Ktered that they h a d t o contend against flames which ad almost with the rapidity of lightning, and raged with ta'governable fury, the wonder is that the entire of the pile L'4: -buildings which skirt Mason-street on the one hand, and ors t - street on the other, were not entirely laid in ruins. r. Challener informed us that he was insured in the Star ffice and no doubt Mr. Booth is also insured. The large manufacturing premises of the former gentleman, Which have now been consumed, were the most complete in L iverpool, they having been built expressly for the purpose at'great expense. Several engines are still engaged in play tbg upon the smouldering pile, and large crowds of per sons a re assembled in all the adjacent streets. do correctesti mate can as yet be formed of the value of the property de atroyed, but, doubtless, it will amount to several thousand bounds.—Lirerpool Courier. THE LATE MR.. W. CLOWES. • We have to record the death of one whom we may pro perly term distinguished. Mr. William Clowes, the head of the largest printing establishment in Europe, expired, after a short illness, on Tuesday evening. He was the architect of his own fortune, having come to London, some forty years ago, after the expiration of his apprenticeship to a printer in his native town of Chichester. He soon after commenced business on his own account, in a small way ; and by un wearied industry and perseverance, gradually established a respectable connexion. He was amongst the first, a quarter tf a century ago, to see the new era of printing that was vPened by the introduction of the steam-press; and his engines at Northumberland-court were the earliest ap plied to the production of books. The demand for cheap literature, of which the Penny Magazine was the most extraordinary example, gave a new ina- Pulse to the energies of Mr. Clowes ; and, in connexion with a vast amount of Government business, gradually es tablished the gigantic printing manufactory of Duke-street, S tamford -street, so often described and so celebrated wher °vet English books penetrate. To have accomplished the great results of his business from small beginnings required the efforts of no common man. Mr. Clowes did not aspire to highest honours of the learned printers; but he possessed the nighest powers of business organisation, and an energy which overcame every ordinary difficulty, and in many in !tancea accomp li s h ed un d erta ki ngs wh i ch are almost marvels. To work off half-a-million sheets of paper in a week—to set uP the types and complete the impression of a thousand folio ~Pagea of a Parliamentary report in the same ti me —t o pr i nt ,(•• "Nautical Al manac ," cons i s ti ng o f 500 or 6 00 pages of figures, without a single error, in 16 or 17 days, are a m o n gs t the r ecor d ed wonders of Mr. Clowes's establishment. The labours of Mr. Clowes's life will be permanently associated with the intellectual development and the persevering energy which are distinguishing characteristics of our own own times ; and his loss will be deeply lamented by a large circle of friends, to whom he was endeared by his kind and gene rous nature. DEATH OF 'BAR-ADMIRAL EDW. ELLICOTT. We have to announce tho decease of the above flag-officer, who expired on Sunday, at Alcombe, near Minehead, Somer •set, in the 79th year of his age. The gallant deceased en tered the navy in 1781, at a comparative early age, and had seen considerable service during the war under Admirals J. Muchbridge, Sir Richard Strachan, G. Palmer, F. Cole, Lord Bridport, and the immortal Nelson. When lieutenant on board the Revolutionnaire. he gallantly distinguished him self in the capture of L'Unite. and in the following year, un der the command of Lord Bridport, be assisted at the fa mous victory off Cape St. Vincent. At the critical period of the mutiny on board the fleet the same year, the intrepi dity of his conduct was so much appreciated, that he received the thanks of his commanding officer, as well as from the Admiralty. While on board the Perseus, he was severely wounded in an engagement with the enemy. He served un • der Nelson in 1801, in that gallant hero's unsuccessful at tempts on the flotilla at Boulogne. In 1806 lie was wrecked off the coast of Heligoland, and was iminediatel) afterwards appointed to the command of the Hebe, and while in the command of that vessel, assisted at the bombardment of Co- Penhagen in 1807. For his eminent services in the Baltic, the King of Sweden decorated him with the order of the Knight of the Sword of Sweden. He was appointed lieute nant, 22d June, 1794; commander, 12th June, 1797; cap tain. 12th August, 1812 ; and by the recent retirement accepted the rank of rear-admiral. TROTTING MATCH FOR TWENTY PouNDs.—Yester day the one mile trotting match, between Mr. James's cob and Mr. Bunce's mare, for 101. aside, came off at Dulwich. The contest was in harness. The cob took the lead, which he maintained throughout, and won the match cleverly by tw elve yards, having covered the one mile of road in three minutes and twenty-eight seconds. 4 , COURSING MATCH FOR FIFTY POUNDS —Yesterday j:' e ng-pnding coursing match, btween Mr. ya's cele ratlead doe l and Dr. Guthrie's e bitch Fly, R was ll decided i N ' r th trap e hares, on Wandsworth-common, in the best of th ree cours es . I n t h e f i rst course Al b ert turne d the hare twice, and ultimately picked her up. In the second course Albert did all the work, and was declared winner. Tun GUARANTEE SOCIETY.—A meeting of the pro prietors o f t h e Guarantee Society took place yesterday, at th eir premises i n Birchin-lane, for the election of three direc rrs and one audit or , w h o h ad gone out by rotat i on. Th e same confidence were re-ele c t e d unan i mous l y, s h ow i ng the of the shareholders in the manner in which the affair s of the society are carried on. The chairman took the o pportunit y o f stating that the affairs . of the society were in It±,s_ver.ylopmro security condition, and that th e num b er o f persona had gres zr eiy ity has been giv en an d t h e income received increased. to i E ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH FROM PETERBO• cleogrmplehtiedc onTuesday las e t : „ not 7 cm TO ST IMF !ntti opening for ' the fi ° r ß s p tti was e t "'tell Loudon and the borders of Lin colnshire. communica t ion b THE SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, JANUARY 28, 1647. THE MIDDLESEX ELECTION. The following correspondence has taken place between Lord Robert Grosvenor and Mr. Henry Hoare:— " New-street, Spring-gardens, Jan. 21, 1847. "My Lard,—l have been requested by several of the electors of Middlesex, who have met together this day to consider the course to be taken with reference to the present vacancy in the representation, to bring under your Lordship's notice one very important topic, to which they find no allusion in the address published in this morning's papers. " We cannot doubt that your Lordship is fully alive to the importance of a free communication of sentiment between a candidate and the constituency he seeks to represent. The connexion between your Lordship and the county of Middle sex, when formed, is one which may be expected to endure for many years to come; but it would be disappointing to both parties if there were afterwards discovered to exist dif ferences of opinion on important subjects, such as to render a dissolution of the connexion inevitable. " The point to which we desire to draw your Lordship's attention is that of the contemplated endowment of the Ro mish priests in Ireland. We speak of it as contemplated,' not meaning thereby to imply that it is likely to be imme diately proposed to Parliament; but rather, that being re garded with favour by some of the leading men in all the great parties into which the nation is divided, it is not probable that the next Parliament will expire without hav ing had some such proposition urged upon its acceptance. " Regarding it, then, as a subject of the deepest importance, and as one which is likely to be brought before the House of Commons in the course of a comparatively short time, we earnestly desire a candid explanation of your Lordship's views and intentions respecting it. "Allow us to add, that our inquiry has no reference to the possible details of such a measure. It is not as a question of finance, or unjust taxation, that we regard it. If it could be shown that the Irish priests could, be endowed by means of Crown lands, church leases, land-tax, or any other purely Irish resources, that circumstance would not in the slightest degree lessen our repugnance to the measure. Our oppo sition to it rests wholly on religious grounds, and would not be in any degree affected by a variation in the financial arrangements. " Entertaining these views, and believing them to be par ticipated in by many of the electors of Middlesex, we request at your Lordship's hands a statement of your views and in tentions with regard to this important subject.--I have the honour to be, ray Lord, your Lordship's obedient and very humble servant, " HENRY HOARE. " The Lord Robert Grosvenor, ace., ace." " Moor Park, Jan. 23, 1847. " Sir,—l beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 21st, which should have had an earlier reply, had it been delivered at my house in town before Friday evening, but as left London in the afternoon of that day, it did not reach me till this morning. "Permit me, in the first place, to thank you for the cour teous terms in which you are good enough to put to me the question it contains, an act which could not require the smallest apology on your part. Though I have no difficulty in replying to it, I regret being compelled to do so, because I find myself under the necessity of avowing an opinion not in unison with your own and that of those gentlemen in whose name you speak. "Having for so many years represented a constituency identified in political feelings with the friends and supporters of the late Mr. Byng, the vacancy caused by whose lamentd death I am now called upon to fill, I thought it would not be inconsistent with the respect which I entertain towards them, to abstain from entering into a detail of opinions which I conceived would be already known to them ; and, in regard to the particular point upon which you desire explanation, I might mention two reasons for not having made it an exception to the rule : first, because I concur with you in thinking that, after the declarations of the Prime Minister, and also of the Irish Ro manist hierarchy, made only last year, it is very unlikely that the subject will be brought forward at present ; and, secondly (though I am far from expecting that every one will be acquainted with the political acts o. so humble an individual as myself), because I have, upon two occasions, indicated with tolerable distinctness my views upon the point at issue. " The occasions to which I allude are, my votes upon the motion of Lord Ellesmere, then Lord Francis Egerton, made, I believe, in 1827, for the endowment of the Irish Romanist clergy, and upon the additional grant to Maynooth College, proposed at a recent period. I made no objection to the ad ditional grant, but voted with Mr. Ward, in order to record my opinion, that the present Protestant Establishment in Ire land is more than commensurate with the requirements of its members; in 1827 I voted with Lord Ellesmere. Now, I do not attach any exaggerated merit to political consistency ; one may be as obstinate in a failing as in a virtue, and could I bring myself to the conviction that I had erred in these votes, I trust I should at once confess it. Having, however, attentively and seriously reconsidered the subject, in its religious not less than its political aspect, I am bound to declare, that—abstaining from any pledge as to detail—holding myself at liberty, should I then have a seat in Parliament, either to acquiesce in, or to oppose, upon its own merits, any measure that may be laid before the House having for its object the endowment of the Romish clergy in Ireland. There msy be again, as there were be fore, propositions to that effect submitted to the Legislature, at a time, and under circumstances, which will ensure my concurrence. " I must apologise for the length to which, owing to the nature of the question you have put to me, I have been com pelled to extend my reply; but with one more observation I will conclude, namely, to express a hope that in this, almost ray first public communication with any considerable portion of the electors of Middlesex, I have manifested a desire to keep up a free intercourse with tl:em, and to give to whatever question they shall think proper to address to me a candid, straightforward, and respectful answer. " I must again repeat my unfeigned regret, that I find myself differing with yourself, and those friends in whose name you write, upon an important subject; and I beg to su bscribe myself, with great deference, sir, your most obedient and very humble servant, " ROBERT GROSVENOR. "H. * Hoare, Esq., New. street, Spring-gardens." LITERATURE. HOOD'S OTVI ; or, LAUGHTER FROM YEAR TO YEAR. Happily for us there is no necessity for any analytical examination of the contents of this cele brated volume ; we say happily, because were there that necessity, we should find ourselves placed in a bewildering dilemma;_ we should feel, at one and the same moment, incited to enlarge upon it to the ex tent of many columns,and coinpelled,notwithstanding that inclination to condense our observations in con sequence of the press of Parliamentary and miscel laneous intelligence. But, fortunately for us, there is not merely no necessity for any lengthened criticism of " Hood's Own," but such a criticism would be little better than a wilful impertinence to the public. We should just as readily attempt a critical dissection of " Robinson Crusoe ' " or "Tristram Shandy," or " The Visit to the Other World," as we would of " Hood's Own." One is about as much familiarised with the popular mind as the other, and all of them are equally associated with our pleasantest recollections. Why, we should have ample matter for commentary upon the profusion of illustrations scattered through the letter-press—and such illustrations ! Forms and faces as much in accordance with the pro portions of nature, as with the elementary principles of art. Faces and figures little more artistic in pencilling than the monstrous shapes pro duced by a child on its satchel. But brimming over with the extravagantest drollery imaginable ! A joke in every line—a witticism in every movement of the pencil. Throughout the kingdom, these comical engravings have, by one means or another, been cir culated in periodicals, in a variety of editions, in broad-sheets, and so forth. 'They cannot be circu lated too much, for they have a morally medicinal effect upon the mind of every spectator; they drive away the nightmares of indigestion and the day mares (if we may so call them) of melancholy, and whole swarms of blue devils and morbid phantassies ; and they drive them away to the most hilarious of all music—explosions of laughter! Such is the inevitable effect of this, the most humourous work of one of the most humourous beings that ever breathed. MURRAY'S HOME and COLONIAL LIBRARY No. AL.—Gatherings from Spain. Part 11. By Ri chard Ford. As pleasant and good-humoured as its com mencement is the conclusion of this excellent sketch of Peninsular society. Here and there Mr. Ford ex hibits a quaint formality that almost reduces his style to the grotesque, but the principal portion of his nar rative is keen and sparkling. The philosophy with which he scans the people of Spain in their present degeneracy is sweet and homely. Without any os tentation of shrewdness, the sarcasm of Mr. Ford is at times surprisingly penetrant. He looks at the descendants of the Cid not through the jaundiced medium of national prejudice, but with a calm, im partial gaze. When he is wandering through the streets of their principal cities he doubtless bears in recollection the age in which those same forms the present number of the monthly volumes, formerly published by Mr. Charles Knight, but now published by Mr. Charles Cox, will prove an admi rable pioneer. Even to those few who are ignorant of the French language, the little work translatei from the original of Madame Blaz de Bury, (née Stuart,) will be comprehensible and, we will under take to say, most charming. The smallest quotations of wit, irony, sarcasm, retort, equivoque, and so forth, from the exuberant drolleries of Moliere, are given throughout with their English version. Every paragraph in this composition of Madame de Bury is stored with anecdotes or critical observations of a piquant or delightful character. KNIGHT'S WEEKLY VOLUME. No. CXI. The Romance of TraveL Vol. 11. By Charles MacFarlane. We should feel disposed to utter a somewhat lengthened commendation upon the oriental sketches of Mr. MacFarlane, but that we deem such eulo giums to be altogether superfluous, from the popu larity already acquired by his writings. Like Eothen, and Elliott Warburton, and Mrs. Romer, be regards the East from two separate points of view — first as a fervent worshipper of the physical creation, and, secondly, as a shrewd contemplator of the spiritual nature of the lands visited; he looks at one moment to the peculiarities of the country which he is traversing, at another he regards the society, the habits, the customs, the disposition, the creed, and the traditions of the multitudes by whom it is popu lated. Mr. MacFarlane has an eye for the pic turesque, and one capable of appreciating the beautiful, whether of the moral or actual world. PROGRESS OF THE NATION in its Various Social and Economical Relations from the Beginning of the Nineteenth Century. By G. A. PORTER, F.R.S. A new edition. The work, of which this is a new edition, has long since been universally recognised as the authority on all matters relating to the statistics of the British Empire, and for years past it has been constantly ap pealed_ to as such in Parli amen t by men of all parties. The statistics of the empire are, in this edition, brought down to the close of the year 1847. In his preface to this edition, Mr. Porter, to whose demon stration of the absurdity of the protective system, the destruction of that system is .mainly owing, and to whose record of facts, quite as much as to the " un adorned eloquence of Richard Cobden," the conver sion of Sir Robert Peel may be attributed, thus speaks of the mighty victory of truth over fallacy which is accomplished in the year 1846 : "During the year in which these sheets have been passing through the press, changes of the most momen tous character, affecting our commercial relations, have been crowned with legislative sanction. The protective system, which only a few years ago appeared to be so interwoven with all our habits and interests that any man who should venture to raise his voice against it, was stigmatised as a visionary and a theorist, has sud denly yielded to the force of argument, and is abandoned by every one having valid pretensions to guide the opinions, or to govern the deCisions of the legislature. "If this sudden change could have been foreseen, some of the arguments might possibly have been spared, that appear in the following pages, and that were levelled against positions which, at the time, were by most per sons deemed impregnable, but which are now and for ever given up as no longer tenable; for it is not to be conceived that a victory so signal ever deep-rooted pre judices, and which has been gained by changing the convictions of the great majority of those by whom they were entertained, can ever be reversed, nor that circum stances can hereafter arise to call for a repetition of the means by which that victory has been aehieved," is admirably said. We join with Mr. Porter in cele brating this signal victory over deep-rooted preju dices, and we entirely agree with him in opinion that a victory so gained can never be reversed. THE PARSEES ; OR FIRE-WOR SHIPPERS OF INDIA. (From the " Camp and Barrack-Room.") The supposition is natural to the mind of man in whatever position he may be placed, that a Being exists, superior to himself, who watches over and in fluences his destinies either for gocd or evil. While in his rude and primitive state, he hesitates with what at tributes and powers to clothe this mysterious one; he is necessarily sensible that the sun is the source of light and heat, and that summer, whose genial warmth gives verdure to the earth, is the consequence of its protracted appearance. On the other hand, as winter approaches, he sees the flowers wither away, and the trees shorn of their leaves; he feels the cold and storms of the season; and therefore wishes for the return of that time of light and beauty which presents so many pleasing objects to his senses, and which alike enables him to provide for present wants and future necessities. Thus sensible of the great benefits resulting from the emanations of the sun, it cannot be a matter of surprise that this glorious luminary is associated in his mind with all that is good and powerful; and that a feeling of gratitude is en gendered which gradually merges into adoration. Hence, mankind, in almost every age and every coun try, in the absence of revealed religion, have wor shipped the sun and fire as its prototype, under different features. In the new world the nations of the South adored it, and hailed the Spaniards as its children, a circumstance which considerably facilitated their con quest by the latter; and there is every reason to suppose that the practice existed amongst them from a very re mote period. Xi:cams, the light of life, was the fa vourite god of the Greeks, as well from his being sovereign of the sun, as from other qualifications suited to the inclinations of a polished people. The sacred fire of the Romans, guarded and kept alive by the vestal virgins, was never to be extinguished; such an occur rence being considered as portentous of dire calamity to the empire. Anterior, however, to the era of Latin supremacy, fire-worship was almost universal in Persia, and had already been reduced to an established form several hundred years before the birth of Christ. Thus, if great antiquity of origin, as some say, stamps to a certain extent the tenets of a creed with truth, that of the Parsees has strong claims upon our belief. Fire-worship is said by some writers to have been in troduced into Persia by Zoroaster or Zerdisht, an emi nent philosopher, whom they affirm to have flourished in the sixth century before Christ. Others maintain that fire-worship existed long before that period (having been first instituted by another Zoroaster, a king of Bactria, who is supposed to have lived some time before the Trojan war, and who, like Pythagoras, admitted no visible object of devotion except fire, which he considered the most proper emblem of a supreme being), and that Zerdisht only reduced the practice to systematic order. The followers of Zoroaster aver that extraordinary and miraculous occurrences preceded his birth, which event took place under most unusual circumstances ; while his life was like that of all other celebrated law givers, a tissue of marvels. For example, some of the old Persian writers say that he was induced, from mo tives of wisdom and virtue, to lead a solitary life upon a mountain, which he found one day in a flame of celestial fire, out of which he came unharmed, having been en gaged on certain sacrifices to God, whom he declared bad appeared to him. According to many of his followers, Zoroaster did not die a natural death, but was taken up into heaven. The new, or revised doctrine, as it may have been, was first taught by Zoroaster in the province of Aderbijan, and spread rapidly from thence over the whole empire. Gushtasp, who was then sovereign of Persia, is said to have been converted by his son Isfundear, and to have subsequently built temples in every part of his kingdom, ordering at the same time 12,000 cow-herds to be finely tanned, that the precepts of the prophet might be written on them, and when this was done, carefully placing them in a vault at Persepolis. A war with Arjasp, King of Tartary, was the result of this change of religion on the part of Gushtasp, which was prosecuted with the exterminating fury of fanati cism during its continuance. Balkh, then the capital of Persia, was taken and sacked, and all the priests and fol lowers of Zoroaster there put to the sword. The Tartars likewise captured the sacred standard of Persia, the apron of the blacksmith Kawap ; but in another engage ment, Isfundear totally defeated them, slew their king Roweendeb, and re-captured the national banner. Under the dynasties of the Seleucidm and Parthians, the religion of Zoroaster was neglected, and conse quently became corrupted. Ardisher Babigan, how ever, a military adventurer, who rose from a low rank to the sovereignty of Persia, and who assumed the title of Shahon Shah, or king of kings, after overthrowing Arduan or Artabanus, the last of the Parthian mo narchs, about the year 229 of the Christian era, re stored the religion of the Guebres to its primitive purity. From the reign of Ardisher Babigan, until that of Chosroes, the contemporary of Justinian, a period of about 300 years,t he doctrines of Zoroaster were main tained in their primeval purity, and continued to be the established religion of the State. Mahomet new appeared before the world; and while still little better than an obsure adventurer, sent a formal requisition to Chosroes, then in the zenith of his power, to renounce the religion of his fathers; this he received with the utmost contempt, tearing the letter of the prophet to pieces; an act deemed sacrilegious b) the Mahometans, and to which they ascribe all that monarch's subsequent misfortunes. The next attempt to subvert the ancient religion of Persia was made by the Caliph Omar, who effected a passage across the Euphrates with a strong body of Arabs, and although repulsed in several engage. ments, at length won an important victory, which paved the way for Mahometan ascendancy. Yezdijiird 111., on his accession to the throne, found his kingdom seriously threatened by the Arabs, and immediately dispatched an envoy to their general, Saad, to effect, if possible, an amicable adjustment with him of mutual differences. Saad communicated with the caliph, and a deputation was sent by the latter to the Persian monarch, to whom the terms proposed were that his people should become converts to the Moslem faith,upon which no Arab should enter his territory without permis sion. If they did not choose to do this, they should pay the taxes levied upon infidels ; and if both these condi • Lion were refused, they might prepare for war. Yezdi jiird rejected these proposals with disdain, and prepared for hostilities. In the first general engagement, the Persian monarch i was defeated, and his army all but annihilated, the sit crod standard falling into the bands of the enemy. After the battle Yezdijiird fled to Hulwar, with all the property he could carry, and continued the war for a few years ; but his defeat at Nahavund decided the fate of Persia ; its monarch, a fugitive in his own dominions, dragged out a miserable existence for ten years, when he was murdered, and the religion of Zoroaster terminated in Persia. From the death of Yezdijiird, historians generally date the era of the modern Guebres. Shortly after that oc currence, the persecutions of their fanatical conquerors induced many of them to emigrate into Khorassan,where they remained for about 100 years ; and some modern travellers suppose that the Siaposh Kaffirs, or black clad infidels, inhabiting a mountainous district near the Kama, are the descendants of these refugees ; both from their manners and customs, different from those of their and the rem a i ns o f pyrat h rre to b e Aff g han neighbours, seen in their country. Certainly, from Khorassan a large portion of the Guebres withdrew to the island of Ormuz, in the Persian Gulf, where they staid for a period of fift ee n years ; when not finding it a residence suited to their wishes, they sailed for India, and landed at Diu. But on consulting their written oracles they ascer tained a protracted stay here would not be auspi cious ; and again embarking on board their ships, they put to sea, and reached a fertile part of the coast of Guzerat, after encountering a severe tempest, which seriously damaged their fleet. The prince of this terri tory received them favourably ; but as they wer e numerous and well a rme d, he bound them to the ob servance of five conditions, ere he allowed them to land: That they should explain the mystery of their faith, lay aside their arms, and sp ea k th e l anguage of the country, that their women should appear unveiled, and that their marriages, according to the customs of his people, should be solemnised at night. As there was nothing in the writings of the G ue b res w hi c h f or b ade their acceptance of these conditions, they gladly consented, and were per mitted to land. The Indians, discovering something analogous be tween many of the strangers' principles and their own, treated them kindly, and gave them land to build a town on, which they called Sanjan; and shortly after, obtain ing another grant of land, they erected a fire temple, in pursuance of a vow they had made should they escape the tempest which had assailed them. At this place they remained together for about three centuries, when they dispersed to Baroach, Surat, and other places along the coast; and in the lapse of time Sanjan gradu ally became depopulated. They were, however, recalled by . the Sovereign of Guzerat, on his being threatened with invasion by the celebrated inconoclast Mahmood of Ghuzni, in order to assist in the defence of his terri tory, when 1,400 of them were found capable of bear ing arms. A large number of Guebres fell in an engagement with the Affghans, and the survivors fled, leaving their city to be pill age d ; and carrying their sacred fire along with them, they proceeded in quest of another settle ment. Thus they continued to wander from place to place along the coast for several centuries, as though they were never destined to obtain a permanent resi dence, until at last they found a secure asylum in Surat, Bombay, and a few other places, where they are per mitted to enjoy the free and undisturbed exercise of their religion. Such of the Guebres as remained in Persia without becoming proselytes to Mahometanism, were treated with the greatest rigour, and their number gradually decreased. At Yezed, however , distinguished by the appellation of the Darub Abaduct, or seat of religion, the Guebres are still permitted to have an Attush Kudu, or fire-temple, in their own q uarter of the town, which they assert has had the sacred fire in it since the days of Zoroaster. But for this indulgence they are indebted to the avarice, not the tolerance, of the Government, which levies on them a capitation tax of twenty-five the taunts and abned sides leaving them without redre ss atin: for at the followers of a despised faith. The religionthoefirthteesheetGs uheabvriensgdoheesconmoet exist in its original purity ; gradually mixed up with thoseotfthceaCsehirhislahndsiaa,ndwhMeare hommetans. The co n t rar y undisturbed, and he they have practised their worship is pre served some of their religious books, in a peculiar cha racter, to the present time. The Parsecs maintain t ,i hat an or w i a g t i e n r a , l f p i r re in , ci ll pl u e r , ns a n n z a d : logous to eternity, created light, rim an, the author of evil -, the source of all go od, d creation, for by it the formation of speech preceding a ll e beings and ma t t er was effected. Hormuinzdd is n t a stati adored n for his beneficen ce, and Ariman held for his malevolence. Their belief who t s h e us va closelyfa r r ee re trees ; se mbles that of the Hinds , d e ities are Brahma, the creating power; Shiva the de etroyisg; and Vishnu, the preserving. many of the traditions of the Guebres relating to the early condition of the world, like those of the Greeks and Latins, are assimilated to Scripture truths, although barely dis cernible through the mists of fable which obscure them. With respect to fire, the Guebres place its fountain head in the sun, called by them Mithras, or Mihir, and to which they pay the greatest reverence, as well in gratitude for the various benefits resulting from its ministerial omniscience, as from the belief that the throne of the author of all good is placed in that lumi nary. But they do not confound the creature with the creator. They view the sun simply as a passive instru ment, controlled by the power of the deity, and as pos sessed of no qualities of sense or reason; while at the same time they only give it a secondary place among the works of creation, the first being occupied by the mind of man. According to their sacred books, the holy fire should be found in every town and settlement; and if necessitated to move, it should be carried with them. The Guebres allege that the holy fire, Behram, is the guardian of their abodes and destinies; that it is the extract of 1,001 fires, taken from fifteen other fires; and that it must always be preserved unextinguished in absolute purity. Many sacrifices are performed before it, either by priests in their temples, or by individuals in private. In the temples the fire burns on a vase, within a grating, which nune may approach but the priests who keep it alive, and watch perpetually over it day and night; the light of the sun, from its superior brilliancy, being carefully excluded. Should any person of another sect approach within the temple, the priests consider themselves defiled, and have to undergo a cere• mony of purification, during the course of which they are suspended from the performance of their sacerdotal duties. As to these priests, the Guebres hold them in the greatest reverence, as has been the case in every age ; and Gibbon, when speaking of their tenets, says— "lf the destours, or priests, be satisfied, your soul will escape hell's tortures ; you will have praise in this world and happiness in the next ; for the destours are teachers of religion, they know all things, and deliver all men." Independent of their sacred fire, the Guebres have the greatest veneration for that element in general, and when mace kindled. they deem it sacrilege to extinguish it un less by a particular method. A candle must either burn out to the end, or if they wish to save a portion of it, the part next the wick is cut off, and being carried to the hearth, is left to burn out. A light is blown out with the wind of a fan or the hand, but never with the mouth, for that would be impure ; and should their houses take fire, they will not permit the flame to be extinguished by water in the usual way, but pull down the surrounding parts, that it may expire of itself when it has nothing to feed upon ; their principle being to let fire die away, witkout any endeavour on their part to abbreviate its duration. They will allow no person to meddle even with their shop-lights ; and a European can scarcely insult them more grossly than by attempting to light a cigar or pipe with them. One of their traditions touching fire is very poetical ; it says, that when a child of a great prophet was thrown into a large fire by order of Nimrod, the flame instantly turned into a bed of roses, where the infant sweetly reposed. The festival days of the Guebres are very numerous, but their principal festival is celebrated on the last ten days of the year, when they believe that the souls of the just descend within three bow-shots of the earth. They likewise carefully observe their birthdays, and those of their children, towards whom their conduct is affectionate and indulgent in the extreme. But in no respect are these people more singular or distinct from other sects than in the treatment of their dead. The The corpse is placed in a round tower, or circular edi fice, open at the top, on a stone floor, elevated from the ground, and sloping to the centre, where there is a deep well or sink, into which the bones are gathered after decomposition, by means of an iron rake, subterra neous passages beneath communicating with the sink and preventing it from being filled up. Exposed to the birds of prey in this way, the bodies of the dead pre sent a most revolting appearance. Yet the Parsecs, from habit, look on with indifference, and even draw omens of good or evil as regards the stase of the de parted spirit, from the eye which is first plucked out by the hawk or vulture. Marriage is a favourite condition among this people, while sterility is, on the contrary, a reproach. Polygamy is not allowed amongst them; yet if a man has no off spring by his wife, he may, with her consent, take an other, she still continuing to live with him. When a young woman attains maturity, she may demand that her parents provide a husband for her, and if they dis regard her request, it is considered a culpable negligence on their part; but if she, on the other hand, declines the married state, and dies a virgin at eighteen, her soul is believed to descend to hell, where it remains until the end of the world. The marriages of the wealthy are celebrated with great pomp, and as I witnessed this cere mony while at Bombay, I will endeavour to describe it to the reader. Happening to proceed to Fort George on business, I found the street it was necessary I should pass through literally blocked up with carriages, palanqueens, and people, and on inquiring the cause of this unusual con course, I learned that a Parsee marriage was about to be celebrated. The wedding guests or friends of the par ties, to the number of about 500, were seated on forms placed at each side of the street, in front of the bride groom's house, and these, clad in their costume of spot less white and singular hats, all exactly alike, presented a strikingly characteristic and unique appearance. Pre sently the bridegroom, a boy of about fourteen years of age, descended the steps leading from the door of his house to the street, his dress being completely covered over with gold leaf, and mounting a horse richly caparisoned, and having long garlands of flowers trailing from his trappings, one of his relations took an egg and cocoa-nut, as the emblems of plenty, from a basket filled with them, and after holding these above his head for a moment, dashed them against the ground, when the pro cession already marshalled moved onwards. First came several carriages filled with children, from three to eight years of age, their little caps closely fitted to the head, glistening with ornaments of gold, and in many instances with precious stones, the rest of their dresses being formed of the richest stuffs. After the carriages were borne palanqueens filled with the chil dren of such as had no equipages. Next in the procession came several boys and girls on horseback, the former dressed like English generals and staff officers, and the latter like English women, their horses being led by servants. A sepoy band in full uniform succeeded to these, which endeavoured to make as much noise as pos sible; being immediately followed by the wedding guests en masse, another sepoy band coming after them. Behind the band came between twenty and thirty low caste Hindoos, who exhibited a mock fight with short sticks, and after these were a crowd of native musi cians, the noise of whose tom-toms, brass trumpets, six or eight feet long, &c., 84c., was absolutely deafen ing. The bridegroom now appeared, his horse led by his nearest relative, while several servants fanned him. He held a folded handkerchief in his hand, which he every moment pressed gracefully to his forehead as he salaamed the numerous spectators ranged along the streets. Ile was followed by about a hundred women, one of whom carried a silver lotah and a representation of a sugar-loaf in a line with her shoulder, as emble matic of the commencement of housekeeping. These were simply, yet richly dressed in a gown and spencer, with large shawls of the choicest fabric thrown over their heads, which fell in loose and graceful folds around them, exhibiting to the best advantage their deep borders of gold and silver lace: their atockingless feet, in many instances beautifully white, were encased in tiny kid slippers, peaked and turned up at the toes. Although the Parsee women are not, generally speak ing, handsome, some of these, despite features of an olive cast, were so, and possessed those large melting eves peculiar to Orientals, while their pencilled brows and glossy hair were both as dark as the wing of the raven. The women closed the procession, which proceeded through various streets of the fort, returning at length to where it had started from ; that quarter being now lit up by innumerable small lamps, disposed in clusters, which produced a brilliant effect. The Parsees of Bombay number most probably between ten and eleven thousand, and although it may be styled their head-quarters, a much larger portion of them are scattered through the various towns along the coast, so that on the whole the amount of this people in India cannot be much short of thirty-five or forty thousand. Many of them are very wealthy, and may be classed among the princely merchants of the earth ; and taking them altogether, they are an industrious, enterprising people, among whom the extreme of individual poverty is unknown, as the rich invariably assist the poorer when required. They may be said to monopolise the trade of Western India, displaying in commerce the energy and acuteness of the British merchant, along with the craft and latent duplicity characteristic of Asiatics in general. The Parsees of Bombay have branch es tablishments in all the principal towns and military stations of the presidency, and in Lower and Upper Scinde ; while their vessels trade to the several ports in the East and to England. In many instances, they have become extensive landholders by purchase, and their country seats are mostly elegantly fitted up in the English fashion, whom they love to copy in everything, with the exception of religion and dress. Their equi pages are the most beautiful in Bombay; they use Eng lish saddles, and are good horsemen; and continuing the analogy, like many of our countrymen they will stop at nothing to acquire money, and have their prodigals to squander it again. Like the generality of Asiatics they are sensualists in their pleasures, and lascivious in their conversation, and many of them keep European mistresses. They resemble the Irish for sociability of manners, and have houses in the country, the property of the whole fraternity, where they as semble for convivial purposes. On these occasions the boa vivants frequently quarrel in their cu p s; generally, however, at an advanced period of the night, when rows ensue which would rival those of Ireland. In all the Government and public offices, Parsecs will be met with, either in posts of trust, or as clerks. duties which are ever fulfilled with honesty and ability; in deed, as a people, they justly merit the indulgent light in which they are looked upon by the authorities of the Presidency, being equally susceptible of polish and re finement with the European, although closely wedded to their ancient mode of dress and to their religion. A Parsee convert to Christianity is among the phenomena of the East. THE LATE FLEET PRISON.—It appears from the report of the Commissioners of Woods and Forests, just pub lished as a Parliamentary blue book, that nine tenders were made for the purchase of the Fleet Prison, in sums varrying from 8,200/. to 18,000/. As, however, the highest of the offers was considerably below the minimum price which, by the advice of their architects, the Commissioners had been advised, previously to opening the tenders, to accept, viz., 25.000/, they were all declined. Subsequently the Corpora tion of London treated for the purchase of the property, with the view of converting it into a house of correction in lieu of Giltapur• street Compter, and the Commissioners asked the sum of 25,000/. The City offered 22,800/., as its full value, which was refused, and the suns of 25,000/. was agreed to be paid on a conveyance of the freehold to the City; to be paid free and clear of aud from the enema of the conveyance. NAVAL INTELLIGENCE. PORTSMoUTII, WEDNESDAY.—The Scourge steam sloop, Commander Caffin, left this morning for Bristol, to load with meal for Ireland. _ _ _ . . The Echo steam-tug will convey Mr. Bellamy, the Assist ant Master Attendant of this dockyard, to the neighbour • hood of the wreck of the Sphynx, this evening or tomor row, to await a favourable opportunity of making another attempt, in conjunction with other ♦essels and officers, to save that vessel, which remains in the same position as when last specially alluded to. The Royal Frederick, 110, building in this dockyard, on the same or very similar lines as the Queen, by Sir William Symonds, is being rapidly expedited for launching, for which she is ordered to be ready by August next. Upwards of 160 hands are now employed upon her. The Sharpshooter and Rifleman, screw steam gun dispatch vessels, built on the design of Mr. Fincham, Master Ship wright of this dockyard, are ordered to this port from the river, to be fitted for immediate commission. They are to mount very heavy guns of long range. The Rochester navy lighter sailed this morning for Devon , port, with stores. The African steam-tug. which left, as supposed, yesterday for Sheerness, returned in the night with a merchant brig in distress. She had been lent by the Admiral Superin tendent of the dockyard for the above good purpose to Messrs. Garret and Gibbon, the agents to Lloyd's at this port. THE FOREIGN MAILS. 'ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ENSUING MONTH. The following notice of the postal arrangements for the departure of the foreign mails for the ensuing month has been issued at the chief office, St. Martin's-le-Grand : The Indian Mails.—Mails for Gibraltar, Malta. Greece, lonian Islands, Egypt, Ceylon, India, China, &c., rid South ampton, will be dispatched from hence on the mornings of the 3d and 20th of February. The Achilles, for the above mails, on the morning of the 3d of February, which will sail from Southampton. India, &c., rid Marseilles.—Mails for the Mediterranean, Egypt, India, China, &c., rid Aarseilles, will be dispatched from hence on the evening of the Eth and 24th of February. The Peninsular Mails.—Mails for Vigo, Oporto, Lisbon, Cadiz, Madeira, Gibraltar, &c., will be dispatched from hence on the mornings of Feb. 8, 17, and 27. The Queen for the above mails, on the morning of the Bth of February, which will sail from Southampton. Madeira, Brazils, Buenos Ayres, &c.—Mails for Madeira, Brazils, Buenos Ayres, &c., will be dispatched from hence on the evening of the 4th of February. (From August to January inclusive, the packet touches at Pernambuco and Bahia on her outward voage to Rio Janeiro, and the other six months on her homeward.) Her Majesty's brig Swift for the above mails of the even ing of the 4th of February, which will sail from Falmouth. Sydney, New South Wales, &c.—Mails for Svdney, New South ales, Australia, &e., will be dispatched from hence on the evening of the Ist of February. The Glentanner for the above mails of the evening of the Ist February, which will sail from Gravesend. The American Mails.—Mails for British North America, Bermuda, and the United States, will be dispatched from hence on the evening of the 3d of February. The Cambria for the above mails of the evening of the 3d of February, which will sail for Liverpool. The NV, st India, &c., Mail.—Mails for the British and foreign colonies in the West Indies, Venezuela, Madeira, &c., will be dispatched from hence on the mornings of the 2d and 17th of February. Mexico, Honduras, and llavannah will be included in the above, of the morning of the 2d of February only, and not in the 17th. Bermuda, San Juan de Nicaragua, New Granada, Chagres, ' Chili, and Peru, will be included in the above of the morning ' of the 17th only, and not in the 2d. The Avon for the above mails of the 2d of February, which will sail from Southampton. France.—Mails for France, via' Dover and Calais, will be dispatched from hence daily (Sundays excepted). Belgium, &c.—Mails for Belgium, !cc., vin Dover and Ostend, will be dispatched from hence daily (Sundays ex cepted). Holland.—Mails from Holland will be dispatched from hence every Wednesday and Saturday mornings. Hamburg.—Mails for Hamburg, &c., will be dispatched from hence every Tuesday and Friday. We SUICIDE Addington, son H. Lord Sidmouth, comm i tte d su i c id e a t his father's r la O st r th T e H H E on I 1-le N n . ryilist E cO TON urAt DADdldlfiGn.-lof at Albury, n ear G u ildf or d . I t appears th a t the unfortunate young man (who se age i s on l y 24 years ) h a d for some time past been labouring under mental aberration, his malady being consid ere d to b e t h e result of a fever caug ht in the island of Corfu while on military service. On the 9th inst., by the recommendation of his medical attendants, he was placed under the surveillance of a keeper. The coroner for West Surrey (Mr. J. C. Woods) held an inquest on the body on Friday, at the Drummond Arms, Albury. From the evi dence of George Collins, the keeper referred to, it appeared that on the morning of Wednesday, while shaving the de ceased, he earnestly solicited to let him take the razor and shave himself, which of course was refused. Some time after wards deceased proceeded to his bedroom, the keeper watch it.g him, but not following him. Entering, however, shortly afterwards, he saw deceased suspended to the bedstead by a black silk neckerchief. Notwithstanding prompt assistance deceased never rallied. The jury returned a verdict of " In sanity."—Sussex Advertiser. EXTENSIVE FAILURES IN BIRMINGHAM AND WO', VERHAMPTON.—BIANIINGIIAM, TUESDAY.--A house in this town, very extensively engaged in the continental, but more especially in the Spanish trade, has just suspended payment. Its engagements are yet unknown, but they are, by the most likely to be well informed upon the subject, supposed to be to a large amount. A composition has been offered, but has been declined by many of the creditors. The firm is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, in Birmingham, and held the agency for the Copper Company. Henderson's house, of Wolverhampton, largely engaged in the tin plate manufac ture, has also closed. Its liabilities are said to exceed 130,000/. PAINLESS SURGICAL OPERATIONS.—The establish ment of the fact that surgical operations may be performed without pain, has been proper ly described as " good news f or , travellers by railway.—Punc h . streets reverberated with the warlike wail of Ay tit mi Alhamal and the citizens drew their brands against the Moors. Nevertheless, if his mind is teeming with these remembrances, he seldom allows them to appear, and that is what we conceive to be the chief deficiency of the book. Probably he con ceives such dreams about the romantic chapters of Spanish history to be the hallucinations of a contem plative rather than the embellishments of an observant writer. For the pleasure of the -thousands, who are lovers of that tobacco which Mr. Ford poetically and expressively terms " the anodyne for the irritability of human reason," we copy sundry notes about - the "divine weed," contained in the closing pages : "In Spain the bulk of their happy subjects cannot afford either the expense of tobacco, which is dear to them, or the gain of time, which is very cheap, by smoking a whole cigar right away. They make one afford occu pation and recreation for half an hour. Though few Spaniards ruin themselves in libraries, none are with out a little blank book of a particular paper, which is made at Alcoy, in Valencia. At any pause all say at once—" pees senores ! echaremos un cigaretto—well then, my Lords, let us make a little cigar," and all set se riously to work ; every man, besides this book, is armed with a small case of flint, steel, and a combustible tin der. To make a paper cigar, like putting on a cloak, is an operation of much more difficulty than it seems, al though all Spaniards, who have done nothing so much, from their childhood upwards, perform both with ex treme facility and neatness. This is the tootle :—the petaca, Arabia, Butak, or little case worked by a fair hand, in the coloured thread of the aloe, in which the storke of cigars is kept, is taken oat—a leaf is torn from the book, which is held between the lips, or downwards from the back of the hand, between the fore and middle finger of the left hand—a portion of the cigar, about a third, is cut off and rubbed slowly in the palms till re duced to a powder—it is then jerked into the paper-leaf, which is rolled up into a little squib, and the ends doubled down, one of which is bitten off and the other end is lighted. The cigarillo is smoked slowly, the last whiff being the bonne bouche, the breast, la pechuga. The little ends are thrown away : they are indeed little, for a Spanish fore-finger and thumb are quite fire-browned and fire-proof, although some polished exquisites use silver holders : these remnants are picked up by the beggar-boys, who make up into fresh cigars the leavings of a thousand mouths. There is no want of fire in Spain ; everywhere, wkat we should call link-boys run about with a slowly burning rope for the benefit of the public. At many of the sheds where water and lemonade are sold, one of the ropes, twirled like a snake round a post, and ignited, is kept ready as the match of a besieged artilleryman ; while in the houses of the affluent, a small silver chafing dish, with lighted charcoal, is usually on a table. Mr. Henningsou relates that Zumalacarreguy, when about to execute some Christinos at Villa Franca, observed one (a schoolmaster) looking about, like Raleigh, for a light schoolmaster lighted .a,and d went his awayown , ananking returned and for his last dying puff in this life, up on w hi c h t h e Gene ral took his own cigar from hi s mout h , an d h ande d i t to ot him.other r w T i t h s e a respectful reconciled to be shot. This urgent necessity levels all ranks, and it is allowable to stop any person for fire ; this proves the practical equality of all classes; and that democracy under a despotism, which exists in smok ing Spain, as in the torrid East. The cigar forms a bond of union, an isthmus of communication between most heterogeneous oppositions. It is the habeas corpus of Spanish liberties. The soldier takes fire from the canon's lip, and the dark face of the humble labourer is whitened by the reflection of the cigar of the grandee and lounger. The lowest orders have a coarse roll or rope of tobacco, wherewith to solace their sorrows, and it is theircalumet of peace. Some of the Spanish fair sex are said to in dulge in a quiet hidden cigarrilla, una pajita, una reyna, but it is not thought either a sign of a lady, or of one of rigid virtue, to have recourse to these forbidden plea sures; for, sat a their proverb, whoever makes one basket will make a hundred. " Nothing exposes a traveller to more difficulty than carrying much tobacco in his luggage ; yet all will re member never to be without some cigars, and the better the better. It is a trifling outlay, for although any cigar is acceptable, yet a real good one is a gift from a king. The greater the enjoyment of the smoker, the greater his respect for the donor ; a cigar may be given to every body, whether high or low : thus the petaca is offered, as a polite Frenchman of La Vieille Cour (a race, alas I all but extinct) offered his snuff-box, by way of a prelude to conversation end intimacy. It is an act of civility, and implies no superiority, nor is there any humiliation in the acceptance ; it is twice blessed, ' It blesseth him that gives and him that that takes.' It is the spell wherewith to charm the natives, who are its ready and obedient slaves, and, like a small kind word spuken in time, it works miracles. There is no country in the world where the stranger and traveller can purchase for half-a-crown, half the lore and good-will which its in vestment in tobacco will insure, therefore the man who grudges or neglects it is neither a philanthropist nor a philosopher." This is a pleasant enough description. James I. of England, and Louis XII'. of France, would have thought differently ; but the imperturbable Spaniards would, no doubt, have retorted upon their irascibility —" Pues, senores! echaremos un cigarrito:' That would have been an expressive counter-blast to the counter-blast of James and also to Louis, " qui kris soil le tabac singulierement," according to La Beau melle. THE ECLECTIC REVIEW. We observe that the Eclectic Review, for January, devotes more than a merely cursory review to the progress of the present as a gitation for the education of the multitude t : o ta t k h i e n the writings of Mr. Lines the texts of its observations systems o . f Lancaster a uttering an ejaculation to andth Dr. Vaughen. After ti o memory li o f the of t ' andßobert Bell, R th a e ik w e r s ite a r nd enters upon a consideration for some and of the alarm ingva at growthly increased a nd e xt e n s l e necessityn systematic in struction. lie is irrate at the m anm n f e er in which the years the most clergy continued for a long series an o inveterate opponents of the diffu i s s io i n nd o . f knowledge sitegopn part r n t t atw would l a d t l bec co a nversion to the among same c l t e h r e g y poorer on t he ir classes, unmi gmarpnawlcdoyenahfnuet wanting their fu of rthe e r duc a a n ti t o a n gon ( ja s they saw lise the direction and superintendence ctbeautseutterly ineffectual), monopo lise ot)hoe national schools. We are amazed, considering the frankness and impartiality of the article generally, to find One reviewer in one part characterise the Crusade aga i ns t Ignorance, led on by Lord Brougham, a s " earthy" and its measures all of the earth. As if the mere absence of conventional phrases of devotion derogated from the divine and god-born influence of the study of Nature's laws and of the organisation of the universe ! As if the contemplation of the phenomena of this globe, and of the mysteries of the skies were ini mical to religion, and not an almost irresistible im pulse to its more ennobling impressions ! The deve lopement of the Free Trade question in France is noticed, as is also the doctrine of Future Punishment, the Career of Thomas Clarkson, the Abolitionist, and Dr. Croly's Fiction of Marston. LVIGHT'S MONTHLY VOLUME. No. VI. — Moller( and the trench Classical Drama. To those enviable individuals who have not yet made their acquaintance with Jean -Baptiste Pogue lin, commonly called Moliere, the little book which MUSIC. THE TURF.' (01 what a time for a bit of Sonnet ling.) d *Racing Song. By Harry Hieover. Not " The Turf " of Mark 'Lemon. No ; but a capital song upon that most suggestive and delightful theme—a song worthy of being carolled in the petite comedic of the editor of " Punch." Those who thoroughly enjoy anything relating to the field sports of England will remember with pleasure the hunting song of The foremost flight," by the same " know ing hand" as the present. To say that " The Turf " is a fit companion to its predecessor is admirable praise, and is well deserved. ROYAL POLYTECHNIC INSTITU- TION. To our mind there are few plans better calculated to impart instruction and amusement to all classes than this establishment, The principal lectures which are being delivered at this well-conducted institution are upon Schonbein's gun-cotton and the electric telegraph; the forraer by Doctor Ryan, and the latter by Doctor Backhoffner. As we have already given a notice of Dr. Ryan's admirable lecture on the guncotton, we need not repeat it, but as the latter has not appeared, i .r i d s e o£ the xthr ei apeculiar electricnati On s application e we with pleasure give a short notice for the advantage of our readers. The learned doctor particularly pointed oute graph in . thecommencement to, the f t the n his c discourse purposess cl l of the principles of magnetism, and an historical notice of the application ot the invention to railway and pub lic purposes, Doctor Backhoffner entered into a length ened illustration of the practicability of the mode of communication by the index upon the new principle secured by patent to Messrs. Nott and Gamble. It is but just to observe, in a passing notice of the various instruments invented for the purpose of facilitating the transmission of messages, &c., in such cases the new patent of the above-named gentleman is far superior to any that has preceded it. The simplicity of the nde, and the direct communication establi shed by the e i ectri x c current, the ringing of the bell to the most distant t station on any lino of telegraph, app ear mighty stri towards the necessary simplification of this most im portant, but at present not sufficiently appreciated agent. M os t admirable practical exemplifications of the applica bility of the invention were given during the lecture, by conveying messages from one side of the stage to the other from two beautiful working models on th e princi ple of Messrs. Nott and Gamble. The lecture was fully attended by a highly respectable audience, who ap peared to appreciate the learned doctor's discourse. SPORTING INTELLIGE NCE. LEAMINGTON STEEPLE CHASES—WEnxEsnaT. The Leamington Cup, of 1 000 Guineas , Three miles. Mr. B. Sutton's King of the Valley, li s t 71b (Cap t. Broadley) 1 3 2 Mr. H. de Rodes's Pullawa , 71b ........................... Captain Barnett's Marengo); I2st ................................. Lord Guernsey nd Eugene Sue ................................... 4 Several others started. \% on by a head. A fine race, the third only beaten a head from of second. each, &c• The Professional Steeple Chase Stakes, 3 s ° " ach ' Three miles. Mr. E. S. Devonport's Victress .......... . . (W. Saunders) 1 Mr. J. Brown's Hip Briar ..... ............... . .............. . ..... 2 Four others started. Won easy. The Handicap Hurdle Stakes, of 1 0 sou s each. T w o miles. Lord Strathmore's Belshazzar, 1 1 5 t... ............... (Owner). 2 1_ Mr. E. Nunn nd Waterman, aged, lO st ............... . ..bolted. Mr. Clarke's Leo, lOst 121 b ............ ........... "' COURT CIRCULAR. WINDSOR, WEDNESDAT. -- Th e Queen a nd Prince Albert took their accustomed early morning wal Prince k. Their Royal Highnesses the Princ e of Wales, Alfred, the Princess Royal, and the PriDCESS Alice took walking and pony exercise to-day, on the eastern terrace of the Castle and the Slopes. Her Royal High ness the Princess Helena was also taken an airing. His Royal Highness Prince Albert, accompanied by Count Alexander Mensdorf, Earl Fortescue, Lord Camoys, and Colonel Seymour, enjoyed the sport of shooting this morning. Sir Robert and Lady Gardiner are expected to arrive at the Castle to - day , on a visit to the Queen. The Royal dinner party at the Castle this even y in a g nn i y s expected to include her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent, Count Alexander Mensdorf, Lady Howard, the Baroness de Speth, Earl Fortescue Earl of Aberdeen, Sir Robert and Lady Gardiner, and Mr. G. E. Anson. e band • the Scots Fusilier Guards will attend The during di n ner,. her Majesty's private band aft erwar d s attend in the Castle. A deputation consisting of the Earl of Lucaa, Lord Doneraile, Lord Bernard, Mr. French, Mr. George A. Hamilton, Mr. W. S. O'Brien, Mr. Gregory, liiir,e Ai r. Sir yesterday, George. fr o Grattan, Mr. Tuite, Colonel Conolly, an d had an interview with Lord John Russell, Grey, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, at the official residence of the First Lord of the Trea ehoardge also Grey, re a y o , Trea sury, in Downing street. Lord Acheson had an inter vi ew with yesterday, at the Horne -office. Mr. Sir ßos ? interview with the Right Hon. Baronet, yesterday. A deputation from the Mauritius Association, . L. Mr. A. Stale, Mr. Gower, ing of Mr. D. Barclay, M.P., Chairman. ton, consist ;r i -- interviewo'l Rowland son, n d. Gower, Mr. Milligan , son, Mr. S. Baker, and Mr. Guthrey, h a d with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, yesterday, at hi s official residence, in Downing-street. Mr. Hawkins ha d an interview with the Right Hon. E. Strutt, yesterday , at the office of the Commissioners of Railways, in Grea t Geor g e-street. Viscount Morpeth g ave a dinn er t(3 the Cabinrosve et G Ministers, yesterday ev enin g , at his residence in no r -pl a c e . The Lord Advocate had an interview, yesterday, with the Chancellor of t h e Exchequer. L ioNs.—Tne SUN EXPRESS EDlTL eicester Chronicle, in its Second Edition, published en Saturday morning, says— "We learn, from the Third Edition of The li:vening S un o f yesterday, that the Corn Bill was f orwarded through its remaining stages, a nd the Navigation Bill re a d a second time last evening.' , CHESTER ELECTION.—The sheriff of the city of Chester has fixed Saturday next for the election of a burgess in the room of Lord Robert Grosvenor. The only candidate at present in the field is Earl Grosvenor, son of the Marquis of Westminster. SALE or A KENNEL or GREYHOUNDS.—Yesterday, at Aldridge's Repository, Sh Martin's -lane, the sale of Mr. Parkinson's well-known kennel of greyhounds took place by auction, and, (notwithstanding the celebrity of some of the dogs, as winners of cups, Scc., yet, in consequence of the coursing auaon being nearly closed, there was but little com petition for the dogs, and the best greyhounds were knocked done to bidders as low as sis Moab lad a balL lIAMBURGH MAIL. POLISH FRONTIERS, JAN. 10.—The number of Russian troops in the kingdom of Poland, is increasing in a re markable manner, by the addition of troops from the interior of the kingdom, especially since the roads have again become passable ; five regiments of infantry, two of dragoons, beoides light cavalry and artillery, have arrived since the middle of last month by th o road of Brzesz Litewski alone, to be placed in canton ments in different parts of the kingdom. Now, as everything here is perfectly still, it is difficult to conjecture what may be the object of these reinforcements of troops, and we begin to suppose that there may be some truth in the former re ports, which indeed have not wholly died away, respect ing the conversion of the kingdom of Poland into Russian government. :An article from the Polish frontiers in the Mannheim Journal, says that the Emperor is expected in Warsaw before the commencement of spring, on account of im portant changes to be made in the administration of Poland. Among these, it is said, are a new organisa tion of the courts of justice, of the schools, and numer ous measures, the object of which is, to introduce greater uniformity in the administration of the kingdom with that of the Russian provinces. The Emperor is said to be averse to moderate the prohibitive tariff in favour of Polish manufactures. BERLIN, JAN. 17.—Our journals, and a Breslau Gazette have mentioned the foundation of a special Professorship in our university for the statistics of prisons. The intended professor, as far as we know, is Mr. Tellkempf, who has gained already considerable reputation by numerous publi cations relative to this subject. He was lately here for a long time, and was appointed member of a com mission, which was established to consider the forma tion of a definite system, for the management of prisons in the Prussian Monarchy. He was, at the time, a Member of the University College in New York, and to the best of our knowledge, returned to that city in 1843. At all events, his invitation to this University would be generally approved. With respect to the commercial affairs of Cracow, in telligence was received here a few days ago, that Mr. Von Kamptz had partly succeeded in his present mission to Vienna ; but, it is added, that another part of hia proposals could not possibly be accepted ; and this latter account is accompanied by some not very edifying state ments respecting smuggling. FROM THE RHINE, JAN. 12.—While some public journals bring the information that negotiations arc now carrying on between the Dutch Government and the Zollverein, in order to conclude a commercial con vention which may be suitable to the interests of Ger many and of Holland, we learn from an authentic source that France has likewise lately made some attempts to enter into a convention with the Cabinet at the Hague; in consequence of which, the treaty of commerce and navigation,concluded on the 25th of July, 1840, will undergo an entire change, to adapt it to present circum stances. Six years' experience has shown that the ad vantages which were expected, both in France and in the Netherlands, have not been realised. BERLIN, JAN. 15.—1 t is now decided that the mili tary occupation of the province of Posen shall be strengthened, the whole of the sth corps of the army will in future be garrisoned in that province. The cavalry regiments will be quartered in the small towns, the artillery and infantry will be divided between Posen, Griesen, and Bromberg. HAMBURG, JAN. 22.—The London Mail of the 19th had not arrived when we went to press. The state of the ice in the Lower Elbe, and in the mouth of the river, is scarcely changed, on account of the south and south west winds being too faint to clear the channel entirely of floating ice. There has been no fresh ice for some days here; above the:stream has been gradually freed from the ice GLucKsTADT, JAN. 21.—The wind being from the south-west, the floating ice is increased on this bank. A thaw has set in. VIENNA, JAN. 17.—His Majesty has been pleased to appoint the son of the late Archduke Palatine, the Arch duke Stephen, to be locum-tenens of the dignity of the Palatine of Hungary. This imperial decision was made known to the Chanelry of Hungary. GALICIAN FRONTIERS, JAN. 14.—The 29th of this month is the day fixed for the union of Cracow with the Austrian Custom-house line. The negotiations of M. Von Kamptz ceased some weeks ago, and the final declaration of the Vienna Ca binet is already dispatched to Berlin. It remains to be seen whether, in case the Russian Government should not be satisfied with the concession made by Austria with regard to the entrepots, it might;n o t b e a d v i sa bl e to refer th further discussions on the subject to the Con ferences at Vienna, which were appointed to discuss the affairs of Cracow, and are not yet broken up. A report has been lately spread of the discovery of a conspiracy at Cracow ; whether there is any truth in it must ap pear in a few days. STORM AT LIVERPOOL.—LIVERPOOL, WEDNESDAY. —We have experienced a very severe storm here, which commenced shortly after midnight, and continued with un abated strength for several hours. The Dublin mail had to lay-to during the storm. A large American ship, supposed to be the Swatara, is reported outside with loss of masts. The widow of the late Lieutenant-Colonel Faw cett, whose melancholy death in a duel with his brother-in law, Lieutenant Monro, in 1843, will be fresh in the recollec tion of our readers, was married on the Bth inst., at the chapel of the British Embassy, in Florence, to Mr. A. Shaw, of the 2d Madras Infantry. Tne Empress of Russia, according to accounts from St. Petersburgh, has derived so much benefit from her sojourn at Palermo last winter, that her Majesty's health is quite re-established. Yesterday a Court of Directors was held at the East India House, when Lieutenant-General Sir Willougby Cotton, G.C.8., Commander-in-Chief of the Company's forces on the Bombay establishment, was appointed second member of Council at that Presidency. TILE INNER TEMPLE BENCHERS.-The judges re cently decided in Mr. Hayward's case, that a member of the bar acquires no legal right by bcirg made a Queen's coun9el to be elected a bendier. As their Lordships, however, re commended an alteration in the mode of e,lecting benchers for the future, and intimated dissatisfaction at the power of exclusion by a single black ball at a very full assemblage of the benchers on Friday evening last, it was unanimously re solved that henceforth no one shall be elected to the Bench of the Inner Temple, unless he obtain the votes of a majo rity of the existing benchers ; and that four black balls shall be sufficient to exclude—an arrangement which certainly appears unobjectionable. GRAY'S INN, JAN. 27.—Mr. John Worsley and Mr. Samuel Rolls Ewen were this day called to the cegree of barrister-at-law by the Hon. Society of Gray's Inn. THE 43D REGIMEI'tT.—The 43d Light Infantry, Colonel James Forlong, K.H., were officially inspected yes terday morning on the Grand Parade, Portsmouth, by Lieut.- General the Hon. Sir Hercules Pakenham, K.C.8., the Lieutenant-Governor (their Colonel). The regiment, up wards of 800 strong, marched past in slow time, and at quarter column distance, and performed other manoeuvres with the most soldierly precision and efficiency, at which the General was pleased to express his warmest satisfaction, say ing he hoped ere long the weather would admit his inspect ing them in field exercise on Southsea-common. This gal lant regiment returned from Halifax, Nova Scotia, in April last, and arrived at Portsmouth from Dover on the 14th inst. The 43d will shortly, it is expected, be presented with new colours by the Hon. Lady Pakenham prior to the General being relieved of this command. Their present colours were presented at Gibraltar on the eve of embarkation for Por tugal, in January, 1827, by the lady of General Dunn, then Governor of Gibraltar. _ CITY OF LONDON LYING-IN HOSPITAL, CITY.. ROAD.—Yesterda7 the annual meeting of the supporters of this hospital, which was established in 1750, for the recep tion and delivery of poor married women, was held at the institution, City-road ; NV. Hanley, Esq., in the chair. James Clift, Esq., solicitor and secretary, read the report. During the year 467 in-patients, four of whom had twins, received relief, which was a considerable increase on the pre vious year; and only five deaths took place. The financial statement exhibited a great incroase in subscriptions, al though considerable expense was incurred in enlarging and repairing the hospital. The report, in conclusion, expressed great regret for the loss sustained by the death of John Copel, sq., the treasurer. The report was adopted. G. Bentley, Esq., V.P., was elected treasurer; William Handley and Henry Jackson, Esqrs. ' were elected vice-presidents ; and thanks were voted to the officers of the hospital and to the chairman. REVENUE OF THE BISHOPRIC Or SALISBURY.— Tuesday's Gazette contains an Order in Council directing that from and after the next avoidance of the see of Salis bury, the Bishop succeeding thereto, and his successors, shall pay to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners the annual sum of 1,850/. By a recent valuation it appears that the revenue of the see exceeds by this sum the amount fixed by the Commissioners " OS suitable to the circumstances thereof." The income so allotted was 5,000/. a year. PRIZE MONEY.—In the Gazette of Tuesday notice is given to the officers and crew of her Majesty's ship Star, R. J. W. Dunlop, commander, that an account of the bounty money on the tonnage, and a moiety of the sale proceeds of the Diligencia, Brazilian slave schooner, captured on the Bth of February, 1845, will be deposited in the registry of the Admiralty on the 26th of February next. STEAM-BOAT EXPLOSlON.—Yesterday morning, as the Jane, a Woolwich small steam-tug, belonging to the Shipowners' Towing Company, was towing a vessel up the river, between Blackwell and Greenwich, the boiler suddenly burst with a loud explosion. The captain of the Jane, who was standing near the boiler at the time of the o.ceurroenthe, was scalded slightly on the back, and a dog berloosntfiligntg tug was was killed. The rest of the crew , who was . mmediately ward, escaped without injury. The tug factory, where she brought up opposite Messrs. E nderle y 's uowDlilNes. NER TO SIR TATTON SyKEB.—pn Tuesday last a grand dinner was given in the 1?e Grey Rooms, to Si r T a tt o n Sykes, by the memb ers of the .York and Ainsty H unt, as a token of th e hi g h esteem in which that respected Ba ronet is held by them. Between 60 and 70 person , a . ; w a e n r a e present. The chair was occupied by R. Gilb_ertAt.adEthsanusnaer W. Reed, En., and— AT Bateman, i‘i Ai, E n s E q s . Eo:ficia vice chairmen.— York paper. THUNDER-STORMs d t r nn ato v k io e T le h n e ce sn , obwutwithiv,er hhaadl)l3 11 oerAlanchester on T il ue , sd f ay night with extra ordinaryo l only a few minutes' disap peared, and the atmosphere on Tuesdayaen as w t as w a e s e m k ilhdadaacaaidbe expected on a fine spring morni ng , u p t o a b ou t s i x rat., when a little rain fell, accompanied byAb out nine cold wind. nirT o'clock th e thunder-storm burst; about three or four vivid flashes of light n i ng b e i ng f o ll o wed by loud peals of I thunder and a heavy fall of rain. The roaring of the wind during this short•lived storm was almost equal to the noise of the thunder itself. When the thunder and rain had ceased, the wind continued to blow hard, and did not sub side till morning. Yesterday the weather was mild and calm again. DESTITUTION IN THE METROPOLIS.—The want of employment is severely felt by the journeyman garment dyers and the trade of calico glaziers, likewise painters and glaziers, kc , &c. In and about Knightsbridge and Bromp ton, the bread of the cheapest description is still selling at 10d. per 41b loaf ; coals ls. 10d. per cwt., and all other arti cles equally proportionately dear. THE LATE ARCHDUKE PALATINE OF AUSTRIA.--. The deceased Archduke was born on the 9th . of March, 1776, and had filled the office of palatine fora period of fifty years. The mode of palatinate election is peculiar ; four candidates are proposed by the Government to. the Diet, of whom the latter select one. The post is provisionally occupied by the Judea Curie, Count Bklath. ■