The Sun. — London, England, 1847-03-29 00:00:00

LITERATURE. 4ECOLLECTIONS OF MILITARY SERVICE in 1813, 1814, and 1815, through GERMANY, EOLL AN D , and FRANCE, including some Details of the Battles of Quatre Bras and Waterloo. By Thomas Morris, fate Sergeant of the 73d Regiment of Fo o t li This is one of those'pleasing little works, the peru al of which will gratify the general reader, while m ach instruction may be gleaned from the simple fiord of . th e lif e an d f ee lings of the private soldier, eeduringl. a most interesting and critical period of the hi story of our country. It is peculiarly apposite at the present time, when so many ameliorations have been m ected, and are contemplated in the condition of our nl ilitary brethren. Who can so truls depict the many kings thi ngs, in themselves trivial and inconsiderable , b u t , materially influence the mind, and lead to the the and happiness, or misery and wretc hedness of private soldier, as the man who has himself par Pated in those feelings, who has felt by what deans he could be enabled to resist temptation , to be o ii l l 'edient to his superiors, temperate and correct in . habits, a strict observer of discipline, and in all Sao a good and upright soldier , a nd who could 17 tell of the petty vexations and annoy ances t hat %tilos and torment his brethren, that induce in 44berdination, and lead men to incur the risk of P n eishment? ti The author throws considerable light on two ques ,4 that have hitherto been much discussed , but are now, we hope, practically set at rest, viz., the necessity of corporal punishment, and the effi ciency of enlistment for a limited period. The first : 1 , contends to be cruel and unnecessary, and he i n . 4 tes with much simplicity many instance s of its jurious effects, and the superior efficacy of a t lider and more lenient discipline. We shall give h u I s Own words : di ; The cheapness of ardent spirits, genuine hollands, e ct from- the distillery, and sold in the chandlers' ,OPs, the same as small beer used to be in England; and the pric e o f th e s pi r it ( re tail) was only eightpence per kkart. The consequence was, we had a great deal of uhkenness and crime, and, as a matter of course, a th e many punishment parades, which took place on 1 0, esplanade, or piece of ground near the citadel , over -o,:ked by a numb r of .respectable houses • and the fre 'hey of our d , sgracerul flogging exhibitions created tu c k horror and disgust, that at length a remonstrance " 4 s presented to our commanding officer on the subject. After the protest of the inhabitants, other modes of nishmeut were adopted. Solitary confinement for the re serious c ri mes , a nd extra guards and- punishment jlls for the c ommon afences. Sometimes the man auld have to mount guard, and stand sentry with a Of wood fastened by a chain to his leg. Crime did rainly not prevail to the same extent after wards as it bk.fore. &Aiwa) , confinement was more especially r aided by the men." Serje an t M orr i s w as manifestly a man of observa 11nti and judgment, and we confess that after 'the pe -1:sal of his little volume, we would feel inclined to 4 `tleh more weight to his judgment than to that of zany who have filled more exalted statio ns, and who P ill d scarcely tolerate an opinion at varia nce with the ..le.dice and fancies in which they are enveloped. ?A t ' OLD ENGLISH GEIVTLgMAN ; or, The Fields and the Woods. By John Mills. 4.. -the au th or o f thi s ag reeable volume is manifestly e nthusiastic and passionate lover of field sports. e devotes himself to their description in all their Z ttn 'ties whether hunting the fox or badger, ikik 0 0 tin g , coursing, or angling. The first, however, bie exciting fox hunt, appears the chief object of idolatry. .His hounds are in themselves s unc s t characters, e ach enjoyingtheir w e llliar qualification s, and his heroes are his i kf l ltstrien, and whippers-in. There is much 4 4 011 :nation as to the duties and requisites of those all 'r°, rtant functionaries, that would dou btless be va mule to young aspirants and would be p erused with , 11 pleasure by all sportsmen of every a g e, class, k t condition. The plot is cniefly used as a means of 4 )clueing his vivid and glowing descriptions of field ktt gtnes ; b u t yet it pos,esses interest sufficient to 4fr i. et, and satisfy those who know little of sporting h e Sits. The author, however, succeeds better while re m - , • Rh' ums in the country—on the green sod ;on Vo he is quite at home. His scene in ti b o u rt during the trial, of Larkins v. Titley is too t ek u t r ti• He makes this attorney a grossly transpa t6 rogue, who would speedily be banished from kr : profession. The barristers, dunderheads, who m eson down by the most commonplace slang from a li em l lion clod-hopper; and his jury of country gen the,:lll (we wonder he had not some sympathy with 13,:' , ) a set of simpletons, without sense or intellect. Itc;_ l Y.ith this exception (which is, indeed, strongly rriance with the other parts of the book), John Wh o s is a right merry and jovial companion with t i bie 'n to wile away a passing hour, and it is impos ellifinct to accord to him the character to which he h eart nasPires, that of a jolly sportsman. The kind tngfili old squire, full of benevolence, is a fine too, s o gentleman of the olden time. Tom Bolton, of le veteran whipper-in, is a character East which ther e t that many hive been many prototypes, and we are still to be found like master and 11 , 11 Man. Indeed we should deeply lament if we PPesed that either class was extinct, or likely to come so. We doubt not that the book will have an t tensive circulation, particularly in all coun trY quarters, and when once admitted, it will e olne a sort of sportsman's vade mecum, to be con o.ited with the "Sporting Repository," or the p apers of Nimrod.' ditTisTs' GENERAL BENEVO LENT INSTITUTION. 11 The thirty-second anniversary of this excellent Insti , the object of which is to relieve decayed artists, th,t o afford assistance to their widows an d or p hans in T: flour of need, was celebrated at the Freemason's k; 1 : 1 , on Saturday evening. Thomas Baring, Esq., presided, in the unavoidable absence of Samuel f ro ll es Lloyd, Esq., who had been announced to preside, di ti r4 indisposition. About 150 gentlemen sat down to el l i tle r- Among them we observed, Sir Roderick Mur soll, Sir W. C. Ross, R.A. ; P. Hardwick°, Esq. ; J. CI Wicks, Esq. ; J. H. Mann, Esq. ; C. R. Cockr ill, was ; and anumber of other gentlemen connect ed the Fine Arts. ono cloth having been removed, and the Benedictus ot Vnted, by Messrs. T. Cooke, Hatton, Kench, and to t he hilarity who, with the Misses Payne, greatly contributed It; ue hilarity of the evening, the usual loyal and con ,m‘ntional toasts were given, and warmly responded to b i ,Plrtieularly the toast of " The Queen, under whose I:tection the institution is now placed by her Ma th,trs command ;" and " Prince Alb-rt, the patron of k ` institution." which was coupled with the announce -1::11,t of the pleasing fact that His Royal Highness had 4orbated the institution with a munificent, done,tion of th irh e CHAIRMAN then rose to propose "Prosperity to % Is Artists General Benevolent Institution." In dis hi4rging so pleasing a duty—for it was one which gave 4 the highest gratification—he said he felt the im he : i b,ility of his adequately advocating th e cause which to , l a they had met to support ; his complete i nabilit y '' s tk ,,,''ve effect to the wishes which he entertained for the i ll —e sa and continuance of the institution. However, l est . asking them to drink prosperity to the tht nation, he felt that he could not do better f eei l l leave the appreciation of the toast to their own % m in g; which could not fail to plead mo re forcibl y in or ‘ , l an earnest response than anything he could say If they were not well aware of the importance Oft the national importance--of the general benevolence h e o b . • • • he feared he might des- Paioh•r „ Pets of the institution, obtaining their support and sympathy, for those tiof their advocacy rested neither upon his langua ge . ti conduct. When he founi that, since 1814, that instan t:l,4d expended 10,5631. in relieving those who emi pe"tiY deserved it, he felt that it was creditable to the e „ i ° Ple of this country, and also that expenditure was an Np i c i l ence of how much contributions were wanted. 41 at vast amount of sorrow and suffering had been re vl3ved by this fund, and what an ample field there ant s remained for the exercise of thq generosity f t . benevolence of the English people. — (Chee rs. ) th„ lsl 'impossible when ono looked through the list of t e i: s a who had received aid, not to see how much for- Its ifts circumstances tended to produce the most Elis e, Nis consequences, and to place those, who least fr om ected su c h a resu lt in a position to require assistance the funds of theinstitution ; how little error—how littl e raa• want of forecast, but how much circumstances ttii l t gbt render it necessary for many to apply to the insti h.„nn for r e li e f, which no one wished to do until com it7le dby stern necessity. No occupation tended more t.desire f or i n dependence than that of an artist ; and his struggle to obtain it, he, perhaps, was unable to is e 71 cle for those attached to him, or even for himself, as t e c te ° ,l lll s l wish. The adauitistration of the funds was Cal in those who could well appreciate the feelings and auc a ,inities of artist e, and whose high position was a p e '" a cient guarantee that the funds would be properly ex th:led. When he mentioned the name of Mr. Nichol, g e - "onorary secretary, ho was sure there would be a Ivhneral feeling of confidence.—(Elear, hear.) Artists th ei r necessitated to seek aid, had a strong claim on t'atgenerosit •—in fact, it was a national debt of 41 . 41 1c1e to contribute to the support of those who not, th,`"eir own fault, but by inevitable calamities were I,:selves, or those connected with them, reduced to ‘vh,„ 4 ,7 - (Loud cheering.) It was a debt due to those, t bar V their efforts and genius, elevated the public t 4te a cter—benefited the public—and directed public pl ea , by diverting men from the pursuit of mere sensual h eer 't \ ire to the more ennobling pleasure of art.—(Hear, th e 1)_, They must all know, that in every profession, t oe 4 . 4 nder must be climbed from the bottom—and that, r oen 'requently, the task was far from easy of accomlish -80 that, if a man bad only got half way up. if 124joi d not h a d hi s course c h a lk e d out for him so that it s oeti t be easily traversed, it was possible that he might rtis ,want aid; and, although he did not mean to say that th os 's were not encouraged in this country, yet through h, naeoccidental circumstances to which he had alluded, eoul d i g h t become dispirited and be crushed before he i cti _ vv rise into notoriet.—(llear, hear.) When he t that in that art, i t nrght often occur, that men 4 : 1 0 % ailed for fame as artists, d d forget the value of th," ?... Y and the suffering which its loss might entail upon ,that the artist might think that, in achieving repu stt, ,ne might eat all the means of emolument that , f _ r _ e q— he (l,d think that when a ;Llu wris 1 d(m n l ab u_re , he reaped any beneficial pecuniary r,,ui, ~m his th wie u-, disy sickness, or removed by death, leaving n ear andsar to him, without the bare means of subsistence, that it was their duty to step forward and assuage his or their sorrows.—(Cheers.) Do not let them believe that there were not many men of talent who were not thus prostrated. Let them remember Coreggio, whose . health and life were bowed down by the heavy blow of unappreciated and unrequited labour. He-was an example that, even with the greatest talents and Towers, and with the greatest claims to public gra titude, and to immortality, a man might be neglected during his existence, and that he might die and leave those dependent upon him in absolute want. It was because he believed that this was an institution which had claims not rarely upon their charity but upon their justice, not upon their individual generosity, but upon the public—upon national support—that he called upon them to drink prosperity to the institution with three times three, and with an additional cheer, to show that they heartily wished it unbounded pi osperity and sue • cess.—(Loud chem.) The toast was drunk with the greatect enthusiasm. Mr. MANN returned thanks. He said, if they could accurately estimate the advantegt s which the institution had conferred—the groans which it had suppressed, the cheering influence which it had produced, the widows hearts which it made leap with joy, the aid which it had given to depressed artists, whose life it had revived — they should present an account of good work which would be perfectly astonishing.—(Cheers.) No institu tion, which had ever met within these walls, had a higher claim to support.—(Hear, hear.) The following toasts were then drunk in succession : —The chairman ; S. J. Lloyd, Esq. ; the British Asso ciation, for the Advancement of Science, (responded to by Sir R. Murchison) ; Sir A. M. Shee, the President of the Royal Academy, and the Royal Academicians ; Mr. Reinagle, II.A. ; the Royal Companies for promot ing the Fine Arts ; the British Institution, and all other institutions for the promotion of the Fine Arts ; the Artists' Annuity and Benevolent Fund ; den ; Treasurer, &c. &c. From the cash account, made up to the end of the year, it appears that the total investments amount to 13,1041. 3s. id., that the total receipts, including the balance from 1845, were 1,7021. ss. ; and that 6801. had been expended in donations, many of the recipients having received as many as twenty donations, one twenty-four, another twenty-one, and two eighteen. Balance at bankers 549/. 12s. 6d. 995 cases have been relieved by sums amounting to 10,5631. 73. 101. Among the subscriptions announced by the Treasurer (which, in the course of the evening amounted to 5601. Ifs.), were the following donors and donations : His Royal Highness Prince Albert, 501.; British In stitution, 501.; Duke of Sutherland, 10 guineas ; Earl of Ellesmere, 101. ; Duke of Norfolk, 5 guineas ; Earl Ashburton, lb/. ; Sir John Swinburn, 10/.; the Lord Mayor, 5 guineas; Lord Charles Townsend, 101.; Sa muel Jones L(.yd, Esq., 20 guineas ; Thomas Baring, Esq., M.P., 21 guineas ; Sir Charles Forbes, 20/. ; Sir J. A Slice, P.R.S., 5 guineas ; Sir R. Murchison, 101. ; Chales Barry, Esq., R.A., 5 guineas ; George Jones, 10/. ; C. L. Eastlake, Esq., R.A., 5/. ; C. It. Cockerell, Esq , R.A. 5 guineas ; Sir William Ross, ILA., 5 guineas ; David Roberts, Esq. R.A., 5 guineas; Thos. Webster, R.A., 5 guineas , ; Philip Hardwick, 10 guineas ; W. Wyon, R.A. 5 guineas ; Thos. Creswick, R.A., 5 guineas ; Mrs. Pbillipps, 2 guineas ; Lady Chantrey (her 6th:donation since her husband's death), 201.; James 11. Mann, Esq., 5 guineas ; Robert Vernon, 5/. ; Henry Ross, 5 guineas; Messrs. Coluaghi, 5 guineas. The company did not separate till near eleven. THE UNITED STATES. LIVERPOOL, SATURDAY.-The arrival of the packet ship Minstrel, Captain Duane, from Boston, enables us to give American news two days later than that brought by the Montezuma. We do not find any political news of interest, and the commercial interesting to the Euro pean reader is confined to the following extracts from a Boston commercial paper of the 7th :- The market since our last report has not been very ac tive, but continues firm for nearly all articles. Flour has improved and is now full as high as previous to the last steamer's advices, and is held with even more firmness. This is owing in some degree to the very light stick in market, which has become very much reduced. In other articles but very little change. Grain-The receipts of corn have been large within a few days, great part which was sold previous to ar rival. The transactions have been light at 92c. to 94c. for southern measure, and 95c. to 96c per bush., weight of 561b5.; northern has been sold at the railway at 1 dol. to 1 dol. 3c. per bush., measure. Oats are also arriving pretty freely and sell at 46e. to 47c. for northern, and 42c. to 45c. for southern. In white pea brans there have been sales at 1 dol. 62c. to 1 dol. 75c. per bush. Ashes-But very few pearl ashes in market, and prices have again improved. We notice sales at, 6c. to 61,c. per lb., the market closing firm. In pots the sales have been light, at 44c. to sc. per lb. cash. Cotton-We have reduced quotations to conform to sales, which amount to 680 bales sine our last, at the quoted rates, and in some cases ie. below. Yesterday our market was more animated. The purchasers are very prudent, and a little over cautious. The total re ceipts of cotton at the different ports of the country, from September, 1846. to latest dates, are 1,248,606 bales; same time last year, 1,190,584. The exports of cotton from the United States, from September 1, 1846, to latest dates, are 506,287; same time time last year, 507,168; decrease in exports to Great Britain this year, 110,013; decrease in exports to France, 6,962; increase in exports to other foreign ports, 26,194; stocks at the several ports, 628,513; same time last year, 486.224. Drugs and Dees-There is no change of consequence to notice in articles uuder this head since our last. Turkey opium is held by the dealers at 5 dolls. 50c. to. 5 dolls. 75c.; superior carbonate of soda is very scarce, and it is held at 15c. to 16c.; camphor is also firm at 33c. to 34c.; 30,000 lb. sal. soda sold at 3i-c. for 80 per cent.; Prussiate potash is in few bands, and is held higher. Sales of India gum arabic at 20e. 220.; liquo rice root at sc. to 51c.; Bichromate potash at 20c.; and hydriodate potash at 9 dolls. to 9 dolls. 50c., six mos. Iron-There is no change to notice in the market. Small sales of Gartsherrie brand Scotch pig at 37 dolls. 50c., and American pig at 32 dolls. to 39 dolls. per ton, six mos., as to quality. Lead-The market is not quite so firm. Sales at 41c. per lb cash, and some lots a shade under. Naval Stores-Prices of spirits turpentine, have been rather unsettled, and have had a downward tendency. Sales have been made to airive at 50c. to 52c. per gal., six months. In other descriptions of n aval stores no operations of any importance. Oils-Not much doing in American Linseed Oil, and it is generally held at 80c., cash. In English Linseed there have been further considerable sales, t arrive, at 80c., cash, on speculation. In Sperm Oil a further im provement has taken place in prices. Sales of crude have been made at 1 doll. 10c , and some at 1 doll. 12c., to be delivered at a southern port ; winter, bleached and unbleached has been in steady demand, at 1 doll. 17c. to 1 doll. 22c. per gal. Lard and Fish Oils have been sold in the range of quoted rates. Provisions-For pork, since our last, there has been a steady demand to meet the wants of the trade. Sales 'at 14 dolls., 16 dolls., to 18 dolls. for prime, mess and clear, 4 mos. In pickled sides pork there have been further sales fur the English market at Bic to 9c. per lb. Beef has been sold at 12 dolls. to 13 dolls. per bbl., for good and extra quality mess, 4 mos. For lard there has been considerable inquiry, and it is held firm at 101 c. cash, and 11c. 4 mos., at which rates sales have been made, in hbls. and kegs, some holders asking a still fur ther advance. In western smoked hams sales have been made at 10c. per lb. cash. In butter and cheese no change. Rice—This article has been arriving more freely, but prices are firm. Sales have been made to the trade and tor export at 4ic. to 410. per lb., cash, and for the best quality holders are firm at sc. Arrived since our last 453 casks. Salt—ln Liverpool fine there have been sales of 700 bags at 1 doll. 40c. per bag, cash. Wool—Domestic wool continues to be in steady de mand, and further sales have been made at full prices. In foreign the sales have only been small lots of Smyrna in the range of quoted rates. Freights—Owing to the scarcity of vessels but little has been done in freights since our last. Rates remain about the same. SADLER'S WELLS THEATRE. MR. F. CHATTERTON'S CONCERT. Mr. F. Ci , atterton gave his first concert for the season at this theatre on Saturday evening. The following were the vocal performers engaged :—Miss Birch, Madame F. Lablache, Miss Moriatt O'Connor, Miss Allen, Miss Ste , le, and Miss Mary Rose ; Mr. Brehm, Mr. Henry Smith, Mr. Harrison, Mr. G. Genge, Mr. N. J. Sporle, Mr. John Parry, Signor Furtado, and Signor F. Lablache. These performers are all, with one excep tion, so well known, and so justly appreciated, that to dwell upon their merits would be a work of supereror.- don. That exception is Miss Mary Rose, a young lady who made her clibcd on Saturday evening. This young lsdy possesses a sweet yet powerful voice, and has been well taught. It is evident that she is a thorough musician, and, with her powers, her science, and her exquisite taste, she cannot fail to attain to a high rank in the pro fession she has chosen. The house was crowded, and the concert seemed to afford the greatest satisfaction to all present. THE NEW JUDGES UNDER THE SMALL DEBTS ACT. We believe that the following may be looked upon as a correct list of the Judges under the New Small Debts Act, as far as the appointments have taken place, with the respective districts assigned to them : DISTRICTS. JUDGES. 1. Northumberland 2. Durham H. D. Stapylton 3. Cumberland & Westmoreland Theophilus Ingham 4. North Lancashire T. Addison 5. South West Lancashire Wm. A. Hulton 6. Liverpool 7. West Cheshire J. W. Harden Manchester . East Cheshire 1 ). South East Lancashire 1. Bradford 2. Halifax ,3. Sheffield [4. Leeds T. H. Marshall 15. York R. Wharton 16. Hull ... 17. Lincolnshire J. G. Stapleton Smith 18. Nottinghamshire R. Wildman 19. Derbyshire 20. Leicestershire and Rutland shire 21. Birmingham Leigh Trafford• 22. Warwickshire 23. Worcestershire B. Parham 24. Herefordshire and Mon mouthshire J. M. Herbert - • 25. Dudley and Wolverhampton Mr. Sergeant Clarke 26. Staffordshire R. G. Temple 27. Shropshire 28. North Wales A. J. Johnes 29. Mid Wales 30. South East Wales 31. South West Waless J. Johnes Norfolk ............... 32. ortolk 33. Suffolk 34. The Fen Circuit 35. Bedfordshire and Cambridge- J. Collyer shire 36. Buckinghamshire and North amptonshire 37. Berkshire.and Oxfordshire J. B. Parry, Q.C. 38. Home Circuit 39. Essex 40. Whitechapel 41. Shoreditch and Bow . 42. Clerkenwell T. Starkie, Q.C. 43. Bloomsbury .. . D. D. Heath 44. Brentford, Brompton, and Marylebone 45. Westminster D. C. Moylan 46. Surrey 47. SouthWark G. Clive 48. Greenwich cnet and Lambeth 49. West J. Espinasse 1 50. East Kent 51. Sussex 52. Hampshire and Isle of Wight C. J. Gale 53. Bath and North Wilts 54. Gloucestershire 55. Bristol 56. South Wilts and Dorsetshire E. Everett 57. Somersetshire 58. East Devon 59. West Devon W. M. Praed 60. Cornwall • . Kekewich. The Right Honourable the Speaker of the House of Commons gave his last Parliamentary banquet this session on Saturday last, at his residence in Eaton-square, when the guests who honoured the Right Hon. Gentleman with their company comprised—the Earl of Arundel and Surrey, Vis count Barrington, Lord R. Grosvenor, Lord J. Chichester, the Hon. E. Bouverie, the Hon. A. Cole, the Hon. J. Dundas, the Hon. E. Mostvn, the Hon. Captain W. Fitzmanrice, the Hon. Captain J. P. Maxwell, Sir P. Grey Egerton, Bart., Sir G. Staunton, Bart. , Sir A. Brooke , Bart. , Col on e l T. `ood, M.P., Mr. C. E. Rumbold, Mr. T. D. Arland, Mr. G. Philips, Mr. J. A. Smith, Mr. Smith, Mr. W. H. P. Carew, Mr. R. Prime, Mr. M. Gaskell, Mr. H. Lambton, Mr. S. Crawford, Mr. R. Currie, and Mr. C. B. Wall. VISCOUNT AND VISCOUNTESS PALMERSTON'S RE umoN.—Viscount and Viscountess Palmerston gave a sump tuous entertainment, on Saturday last to their Royal Hip nesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, at their mansion in Carlton-gardens. Their Royal Highnesses were attended by Baron Snesebeck and Lady Augusta Cadogan, and the distinguished guests at dinner to meet their Royal High nesses included his Excellency Count de St. Aulaire, his Excellency Count Dietrichstein, the Marchioness of • Ayles bury, the Earl and Countess of Clarendon, the Earl and Countess Granville, Viscount and Viscountess Jocelyn, Viscount Cantilupe, Lord Brougham, Lady Beauvale, Lady Mallet, the Hon. Wm. Cowper , &c. Her Ladyship, in honour to the royal visitors, received a select circle at a sub sequent period of the evening. We are glad to learn that the Marquis of Clanri carde has presented one of the sons of Mr. John A. Heraud, the epic poet, with an appointment in the Secretary's de partment of the General Post-office; such recognitions, on the pdrt of Government, of literary merit, are at all times gratifying. MR. O'CONNELL IN PARIS.—Mr. O'Connell, who as we announced on Saturday, arrived in Paris on Friday, does not seem to have suffered from his journey; and the only thing of which lie complained was great personal fatigue from the effects of his journey, and considerable mental depression. We learn from Paris that the twelve medical gentlemen who have seen Mr. O'Connell have given it as their opinion that he has no organic disease; and that the depression of spirits from which he suffers will probably sbteagrenag from business. by c hange of climate and by totally ab ini DEPARTURE OF LORD HOWDEN.—PORTSMOUTII, n e s t y , a s n s d te havingamermorning fter n in ine h o e , r el M ec a k - , AhliAinaiecttetr2aBt.—thTelgeßuritgheft 13Hraozni.l,LaotrrdivHedowhedreeno,nhFerridAalyajeesvtesnis and proceeds direct to Rio Janeiro. His Lordship was ac companied by only one secretary, and his personal servants. Captain Fremantle, appointed to her Majesty's ship Raleigh, Raetnitlbearr,kshede pyuetsttoersdeaaysoona and Mr. Grant, secretary to Commodore Sir Thomas Herbert, who commands the naval force in the Brazils, went out in tl, e Rattler. The prayer for the removal of the present prevail ing scarcity was read yesterday at SL Paul's C athedral and in most of the metropolitan churches. ACCIDENT ON THE LONDON AND NORTH-WEST ERN RAILWAY.— BIRMINGHAM, SUNDAY.—Last night con siderable anxiety was felt here, in consequence of the non arrival of the train which was due from London at a quarter past seven o'clock, and the express train which arrisss in about half an hour a fter. At nine o'clock a special train arrived from Coventry with a great number of passengers, and by it intelligence was received that some stoppage had taken place above Coventry, but at the time of the departure of the train no further information had been received in that city. This morning, however, it was ascertained that a very serious accident occurred on the line, but fortunately unat tended with any fatal consequences. Ist,autearilthdat in the gage train, consisting of many gg within on about . three miles of wt f r a om the Kilsby tunnel, at a Rugby,cour s course f a t n t h d e d a a ree of one of the 1 t quarter to six o'clock, when the ax e d ar is r t iv an ed ca a disorder. The r. usual wag gons broke. and threw the train into day, t d notices were given by the men , and every effort made, but in vain, to stop the engine. Th e wa g gons one after another ran off the line, and were thrown in a ll directions for a con siderable distance, and two of them rolled down a s mall em bankment. The engine-driver and the rest of the to men escaped, and with th e ex ception of the damage done the waggons and a great quantity of the merchandise, no further loss has been sustained. DISCovERY OF A SUPPOSED MYSTERIOUS , DER, COMMITTED ELEVEN YEARS SINCE.--Saturday's Govern ment Police Gazette contains the particulars of a supposed murder, under most mysterious circumstances, committed - eleven years since. In the month of August, 1836, a mare was found tied in a coppice at Sedgberrow, Worcestershire. She was of the following description; viz., dark brown with switch tail, star in the forehead, long in the back, about fif feen hands high, three or four years old, and a fast trotter. She had on a bridle and saddle, the latter a good one, with two new stirrup leathers and girths attached, maker's name on the saddle, "C. Reeve, Malmesbury." In consequence of human bones having been recently discovered near to where the mare was found, it is thought that the owner of the mare was murdered, and that he was a dealer. A p erson suspected of the murder has g iven a way an antique double linked silver watch chain,and affixed to the chain is a watch key, in the body of which is curiously worked in silver the figure of a man, seated on a barrel, smoking a pipe. It is believed that the chain and key belonged to the deceased, and every endeavour is being made to ascertain who that individual was. The General Steam Navigation Company's mail steam sl.ip, " Countess of Lonsdale," arrived in the river yesterday morning with the Hamburgh and Bremen mails. .Fog prevailed during the greater part of the passage, which occtipied forty-eight hours only from Hamburgh. She passed the Lord Strangford, schooner, Saturday morning, just below Cuxhaven, bound up. The Genoral Steain IN'avi,.:lll - I,:n Company's mail ste,un ship, "I:Ainbor.," arrived at ill aVeSa:d, at ten o'clock last evening, with the Holland mail; the passage from Rot terdam was performed in fifteen hours. THE SUN, LONDON, MONDA `TriitE v N i t / ( 7 1 HER MAJESTY'S THEATRE. Saturday evening was a glorious evening for her Ma- • jesty's theatre. It was the evening of the day of the Drawing Room, and her Majesty herself, with Prince Albert honoured the theatre with her presence. Around her were grouped the elite of the most glorious Court in the world. The coup d'eeil was magnificent, and on Sa turday was realised the imagining of him to whose taste we are indebted for the bouton d'a decorations of the boxes. Every box was occupied, and each box looked like a framed picture. The Opera presented was worthy the occasion. It was Ernani with Fraschini as the hero. The part was originally composed by Verdi, for Fraschini, arid whether we consider him as an actor or as a singer, his performance was perfect. His opening air, " Come rugiada alcespite," was exquisitely given ; there was a tenderness and pathos about it that quite carried the House by storm. It was evident that an English au dience—albeit Moriani's interpretation of the character was, in parts, beautiful—had never before heard Er nani. Fraschini went on from triumph to triumph, and secured not only his own fame, but made the opera. Madame Castellan was the Elvira, and she, too, was as superior to her predecessor, Madame Rita Borio, as was Fraschini to all who have preceded him in the part. There was a grace and a pa thos about her interpretation of the charecter of Elvira which left nothing to be desired. Superchi, as Carlos, was very fine, his " Meco Vieni," in the second act, was most deservedly encored. Ernani is an opera which, perhaps, depends more upon its choruses, its con certed, and its orchastral music than any other. It is one which tests to a superlative degree the powers of the chorus and the orchestra, and never was it performed better than on Saturday evening. The choruses were given in a manner infinitely superior to that in which they were either last season or the season before. Musically they were magnificently executed, and they were acted as well as sung—a vast improvement upon the impaisable, immoveable. semicircular arrangement of the old chorus singers. The orchestral accompaniments were superbly given. There was a feeling, an intelligence, about the rendering of Verdi's music by the orchestra on Saturday night, which imparted to it a vitality and a spirit for which mere mechanical hand-organry cold correctness is a very poor substitute; not but that musical correctness was also present. It was impossible to have the music performed more correctly ; but there was spirit superadded to correctness. It was, taken for all in all, perhaps, the most perfect performance ever heard within the walls of her Majesty's 1 heatre. Her Majesty and Prince Albert were attended by the Duchess of Sutherland, the Marquis of Ormonde, the lion. Miss Murray, the Hon. Miss Napier, Lord Clifden, Colonel Grey, Colonel Bouverie, and Captain Seymour. Amongst the other distinguished visitors were the Duke of Wellington, Dowager Duchess of Bedford, and Lady Rachel Russell, the Marquis of Aylesbury. the Duchess of Victory and Madile. Espartero, the Duchess of Hunt ley, the Marquis of Clanricarde, the Marquis and Marchioness -of Douro, the Marchioness of Ormonde, Earl of Falmouth, Earl of Lonsdale, Earl of Belfast, Earl Cardigan, Earl and Countess of Sheffield and Lady Susan Holroyd, Countess of Jersey and Lady Clemcntina Villiers, Baroness Brunnow and Mademoiselle Olga Lochner, Countess of Blessington and the Misses Power, Viscount Drumlanrig; Lords Ernest Bruce, Saltoun, W. Lennox, H. Lennox, A. Fitzclarence, Gardner, Sandys, the Lord Mayor, Mrs. Carrol and the Misses Cerro], Lady Charles Wellesley, Lady Fitzroy Somerset, Count Kondriaffsky Conde de Montemolin, Sir Richard Vivian, Sir John Lowther, Col. Upton, Sir George Wombwell, Mrs. Parke Reading, Mr. and Mrs. E. Phillips, Capt. and the Hon. Mrs. Ryder Burton, Hon. Mrs. Norton, Capt. Greville, Hon. F. Chichester, Captain Meynell, Hon. George Byne, Major Berkley, Mr. and Lady Augusta Wentworth, Sir H. Webb, Captain Reynolds, Mr. Tollemache, Major Baring, &c. GROUPS ON RAIL The following groups are appoh. commencing Monday, the 12th of A, GROUP, No. 5. Ra i lway world Great Western (Branches to West Timid, nation. —o*J London Brentford and Great Western Ju k • Great i'estern (Branches to Egham, Stain, ) Windsor Railway. London and South-Western, widening thereo .ts f;;' to '- Windsor, Staines and South-Western (Rh. Windsor). Windsor, Staines and South-Western (S ttlines to Ascot, &c.) _ ',WAY BILLS . atsci to sit in the w eek, GROUP, No. 6. Bristol and Exeter (Branch from Bleadon t Wells, Glastonbury, &c.) Bristol and Exeter (Taunton and Castle Cary B rat ich). Great Western (Extension of the Berks and Han is Rail- way, &c.) Yeovil and Bridport to Exeter, with Branches.. Wilt; Somerset and Weymouth (Amendment, NC). 1.) Wilts, Somerset and Weymouth (Amendment, N 4), 2•) Chard Canal and Railway C o mpany. Southampton and Dorchester (Blandford Branch' )• Salisbury and Yeovil (London and South-Weste n, , with Brandies to Shaftesbury, &c.) Exeter, Yeovil and Dorchester Railway Branch s, Exeter and Exmouth Railway Act Amendment. Blandford and Bruton. Great Western (Amendment and Extension). GROUP, No. 16. London and North-Western (St. Alban's, le, It on and Dunstable). Eastern Counties Railway (Hertford to Hitchin, „&c.) Great Northern Railway (Hertford, Hatfield aad St. Alban's). Enfield and Edmonton Railway Extension. GROUP, No. 18. London, Oxford and Cheltenham Railway and B r Inches (Cheltenham to Triug, &c.) Cheltenham and Oxford Railway (Great Wester n June don, &c.) Midland Railway (Gloucester and Stouehouse Ju ti ction). Midland Railway (Branch from Dlangolsfield tai Bath, &c.) GROUP, No. 21. Shropshire Union Railways and Canal (Lea: 10 to the London and North Western). Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Stour Valley (.No . 1 ) . London and North- Western Railway (Bescot a Ins 1 W ol verhampton). London and North-Western Railway (Portol 10110 and Wolverhampton Branch, &c.) Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Stour Valley (N 0.2). Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Dudley Act (Stour bridge and West Bromwich, &c.) Shropshire Union Railways and Canal (Shrews' bi try ,to . Worcester). Shrewsbury and Birmingham Railway Act Ame ailment and Branches Oxford, Worcester and Wolverhampton Railway ( .7go. 2). GROUP, No. 47. Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle (Branches, No. Wishaw and Coltness (Branches to Auchenhea th. and Canderside). (a). Caledonian Railway (Branches to Wilsc 43 town, Fauldhouse, &c.) Second half of divided I see Special Report of Group 46. Caledonian (Branches to Douglas, Lismahag a, and Strathavon). Caledonian (Extension with Branches to the ' iirishaw and Coltness). Airdrie and Bathgate Junction (Amendment and. Devia- tion). Wilsontown, Morningside and Colinas (Brae whes to Benhar, &c.) Edinburgh and Bathgate (Extension of B wrack's Branch, &c.) The following groups are appointed to sit in tl to week commencing Monday, 19th April : GROUP, No. 11. Braintree and Halstead Railway. Colchester, Stour Valley, Sudbury and Halstead I tailway (Stour Navigation Purchase). Colchester, Stour Valley, Sudbury and Halstead I halway (Extension to Milford, Lavenham and Clare). Colchester, Stour Valley, Sudbury and Halstes xi (Ex tension from Lavenham to Bury St. Edmund's).. Colchester, Stour Valley, Sudbury and Halstead Pistilway (Lease to the Ipswich and Bury St. Edmund's).. Eastern Union and Hadleigh Junction Railway (Sale to the Eastern Union Railway Company). Ipswich and Bury St. Edmund's (Branch frorm Stow Market to Sudbury). Eastern Union and Hadleigh (Alteration and Extension to Laveuham). Eastern Counties Railway (Maldon, Witham, and Brain tree Railway Purchase). Easter Union and Ipswich and Bury Amalgamation. GROUP, No. 28. Boston, StaMford, and Birmingham (Peterborouei and Thorney Line). Eastern Counties Railway (Peterborough to Folkinehara). Easter Counties Railway (Spalding to Newark). Great Northern Railway (Deviations between Peter borough, Boston, and Doncaster), the Bill No. 2, as proposed in the Special Report. Great Northern Railway (Branches to Sleaford). The Committee recommend that the Great Noirthern Railway Bill (Deviations between Peterborough, noston, and Doncaster) be divided into two Bills, the one to contain the Deviations near Doncaster, the other the remaining Deviations, and that the first Bill be referred to Group, No. 81, the second Bill to Group, No. 28.. GROUP, No. 34. Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire Railway (Branch from Aldham to Ashton). Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway (sta tion approach in Manchester). Rochdale Canal (sale to Manchester and Leeds Rahway Company). Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire Railway (Ash ton Canal purchase). Uuddersfield and Manchester Railway (branch from Old ham to Ashton). London and North• Western Railway (Lease and Pur chase of Huddersfield and Manchester Railway and Canal, &c.) Huddersfield and Manchester Railway (Deviation and Alteration, &c.) Oldham Alliance Railway (Lines from Oldham, &e.) GROUP, No. 50. Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock and Ayr (Branches, No. 1.) Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock and Ayr (Branches, No. 2.) Glasgow Paisley,Kilmarnock and Ayr (Branches, N 0.3). Glasgow, Kilmarnock and• Ardrossan (Deviations and Amendments). Glasgow, Barrhead and Neilston (Amendments, Devia tions, Branches, &c.) Glasgow, Paisley, and Greenock (Amendments and Branches). Glasgow, Paisley, and Greenock, No. 2—vide Special Report. Paisley, Barrhead and Hurlet (Branches). Paisley and Renfrew (Improvement). Kilmarnock and Ayr Direct. • GROUP, No. 51. Glasgow, Dumfries, and Carlisle (Branches, No. 1). Glasgow, Dumfries, and Carlisle (Branches, No. 2). North British (No. 2), (Extension Hawick to Carlisle, &c.) Caledonian (Branches to Canobie, &c.) Caledonian, Glasgow, Dumfries, and Carlisle (Lease of part). Ayrshire and Galloway. The following Groups are appointed to sit in the week commencing Monday, the 26th of April GROUP, No. 9. Liskeard and Caradon Railway Act Amendment. West Corrwall Railway Branches and Improvement. Cornwall Railway Act Amendment and Deviation. Plymouth and Dartmoor Branch. Falmouth and Helston. GROUP, No. 13. Lowestoft Railway and Harbour (Alteration near Need ham). Ipswich and Bury St. Edmund's (Extension to Yar mouth). Norfolk Railway (Branch from Wymondham to the Norwich Extension of the Ipswich and Bury St. Ed mund's Railway). Norfolk Railway (Yarmouth Extension from the Sta tion). Norfolk Railway (Thetford to Lowestoft Railway, &c.) GROUP, No. 20. London and North-Western Railway (Kenilworth, Lea mington, &c.) Birmingham and Oxford Junction Railway (Warwick and Stratford Line). Birmingham and Oxford Junction Railway Amendment (Deviation of Line). Birmingham and Oxford Junction, and Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Dudley Railways Amalgamation. Oxford, Worcester and Wolverhampton (No. 1). Midland Railway (Cheltenham, Warwick and Leaming ton Line). GROUP, No. 22. Newport, Abergavenny and Hereford Railway Deviations. Newport, Abergavenny and Hereford Railway (Exten sion to Taff Vale Railway). Midland Railway (Worcester, Hereford, Malvern and 'Cheltenham Lines, with a Branch to Ledbury). Gloucester and Hereford Railway and Canal Purchase. GROUP, No. 23. Llynvi Valley Railway Extension. Bristol and South Wales Junction Railway and Aust - Ferry. Gloucester and Dean Forest Railway (Construction of Docks, &c.) DutTryn, Llynvi, and Porth Cawl Railway, and Llynvi Valley Company Amalgamation. Vale of Neath Railway (Branches and Amendments).. Swansea Valley Line and Branches. South Wales Railway (Deviation Branches and Amend ment). Swansea and Amman Junction Railway (Yousemond to Nantmelynn). MARCH 29, GROUP, No. 27. Lynn and Ely Railway (Extension to Spalding and Holbech). Eastern Counties Railway (Wisbeach to Spalding). Great Northern Railway (Branch to King's Lynn). Lynn and Ely Railway (Deviation and Lynn Dock.) Lynn and Ely Railway (Lynn and Wormegay Naviga tion). Boston, Stamford, and Birmingham Railway (Branch to Wisbeach Harbour, &c.) Boston, Stamford, and Birmingham Railway (to Sutton Bridge Harbour, &c.) GROUP, No. 33. Leeds, Dewsbury, and Manchester Railway (Extension to Wakefield, &c.) Leeds Central Railway Station. Manchester and Leeds Railway (Alteration of Levels of Brighouse Branch, &c.) Lceds, , Wakefield, and Midland Junction Railway. Great Northern Railway (Extension to Leeds and Wakefield, &c., and Deviation). Leeds, Dewsbury, and Manchester Railway (Osset Branch, &c.) 1847. GROUP, No. 48. Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock and Ayr (Branches, No. 4). Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock and Ayr (Branches, No. 5). General Terminus and Glasgow Harbour (Branches to Caledonian and others). (Glasgow, Airdrie, and Monklands (Branches at Glasgow). Glasgow, Airdrie, and Monklands (Cowlair's Branch). Glasgow, Paisley, and Greenock (Branches), Caledonian (Garnkirk Branch to Glasgow and Stations. Caledonian (Clyde Bridge and Glasgow Station). Caledonian & Dumbartonshire Junction (Deviations, &c.) The Committee recommend that the Glasgow, Paisley, and Greenock (Branches No. 145) Bill be divided into two parts ; the one to contain the branch railway from the goods depot of the Glasgow, Paisley, and Greenock Railway, at Glasgow, to the proposed branch of the Caledonian Railway near to Shields-bridge, in the parish of Govan, in the county of Renfrew, and the power to divert or alter the line of the Glasgow, Paisley, and, Ardrossan Canal ; and the other to contain the pro visions of the Bill. That the first be placed in Group 48, and the second placed in a subsequent Group. The following Groups are appointed to commence their sittings in the weeks beginning on Monday, the 3d of May : GROUP, No. 7. Southampton and Dorchester (Nevv Forest Deviation and Branches). Southampton and Dorchester (Weymouth Branch). London and South-Western (Andover and South- ampton. Manchester and Southampton. GROUP, No. 25. Manchester, Sheffield,and Lincolnshiia Railway (Branch at Bugsworth). Manchester, Sheffield, and Lineolnsbire, and Manchester and Lincoln Union Amalgamation. Manchester and Lincoln Railway (Deviation). Midland Railway (from the Erewash Valley to the Nottingham and Mansfield, &c.) Manchester and Birmingham and North Staffirdshire Junction Railway. Manchester, Buxton, and Matlock and Midland Junc tion Railway (Deviations, Amendments, &c.) GROUP, No, 31. Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire Railway (Junc tion) with Midland Railway, &c.) South Yorkshire, Doncaster, and Goole Railway (Pur chase of Sheffield Railway,.&c.) Manchester and Leeds Railway (Branch from the Hud dersfield and Sheffield Railway, &c.) Midland, Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster and Goole Line. Sheffield, Rotherham, and Doncaster Junction Railway (Naseborough and Doncaster). , Great Northern Railway (Deviation between Peter borough, Boston and Doncaster). The Bill No. las proposed in the Special Report to No. 28. GROUP, No. 39. Hartlepool and Stockton Junction Railway. Wear Valley Railway, Bishop Auckland, and Weardale Railway, &c., Amalgamation. Clarence Railway, and Leeds and Thirsk Railway Amalgamation. Leeds and Thirsk Railway (Leeds, Durham, and New castle Extension, &c.) Leeds arid Thirsk Railway (Eaglescliffe. and Stillington Extension, &c.) York and Newcastle Railway (Pelaw Tyne Docks, Branches, Sze-) York and Newcastle Railway (Wearmouth Dock En largement). York and Newcastle Railway (Main Line Improvement, &c.) York and Newcastle Railway (Hartlepool Dock and Railway, &c., Purchase). GROUP, No. 49. Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle, and Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock ' and Ayr (No. 4). Glasgow, Barrhead, and Nei!stun, and Glasgow Southern Terminal Railways Amalgamation. Caledonian (Glasgow, Paisley, and Greenock Amalga- mation. Caledonian (Glasgow, Barrhead, and Neilston, and Glas gow Southern Terminal Railway Junction). Caledonian ( Wishaw and Coltness Purchase). Edinburgh and Glasgow (Amendments, Purchases, &c.) Edinburgh and Glasgow (Monitland and Kirkintilloch, &c., Amalgamation). The following Groups are appointed for the week, commencing Monday, 10th of May:— GROUP, No. 15. Eastern Counties (Cambridge, Royston and Ware, &c.) Eastern Counties Railway (Cambridge to Bedford, &c.) Eastern Counties Railway (Somersham to Ramsay). Royston and Hitchin Railway Act Amendment (Exten sion from Royston to Cambridge, &c.) Royston and Hitchin Railway Act Amendment (Sale or Lease of Line). Cambridge, St. Neots' and Bedford Junction Railway. GROUP, No. 17. London and North-Western Railway (Newport Pagnel Olney and Wellingborough). . Midland Railway (Syston and Peterborough Devia tions, &c.) Midland Railway (Extension from near Leicester to Ilitchin, &c.) Midland Railway (Leicester and Swannington Railway widening, &c.) Great Northern Railway (Deviations between London and Grantham). - - Ambergate, Nottingham and Boston and Eastern Junc tion Railway. GROUP, No. 19. Buckingham and Brackley Junction Railway and Oxford and Bletchley Junction Railway Companies (Amalga mation, &c.) Northampton and Banbury Railway (Blisworth to Ban bury). London and North-Western Railway (Atherston and Whitacre Branch). London and North-Western Railway (Coventry and Nuneaton Branch). Coventry, Nuneaton and Birmingham, and Leicester Railway (power to purchase to the London and North- Western Company, and Midland Railway Com pany purchase). Coventry, Banbury and Oxford Junction Railway. GROUP, No. 24. Birkenhead, Lancashire and Cheshire Junction Railway (Deviation of Main Line and Cheshire Branch). Birkenhead, Lancashire, and Cheshire Junction Rail way, and Chester and Birkenhead Railway Purchase or Amalgamation. Chester and Holyhead Railway (Extension to Chester and Holyhead). Shrewsbury and Chester Railway (Branches to Lan gollen, &c.) Parkgate and Chester and Birkenhead Junction Rail- way. Mold Railway (Mold to Chester and Holyhead Railway), GROUP, No. 26. North Staffordshire Railway (Churnet Valley Line, and Trent Valley Railway Junction). North Staffordshire Railway (Churnet Valley Line and Trent Valley Railway Junction), Alterations and Branches. London and North Western Railway (Birmingham to Lichfield, &c.) South Staffsothhire (Churnock, Wyrley, and Norton Branches, &c.) Derbyshire, Staffordshire, and Worcestershire Junction Railway ar.d Branches. Manchester, London, and Birmingham Railway. GROUP, No 35. Blackburn, Darwen, and Bolton Railway Acts Amend ment (Deviations). Fleetwood, Preston, and West Riding Railway (Burn ley and Colliery Brancher). Preston and Wyre (Extension from Lytham to Black port, &c.) Liverpool, Manchester and Newcastle-on-Tyne Junc tion Railway Acts and Amendment. Manchester and Leeds Railway (Branches, Exten sion, &c.) East Lancashire Railway (Deviations and Rawtenstall Coal Branch). East Lancashire Railway (Burnley Connecting Line). East Lancashire Railway (Bury to Manchester). East Lancashire Railway (Clitheroe, Mitton and Padi ham). GROUP, No. 44. Scottish Midland Junction (Amendment and Branch to Laurencekirk). Arbroath and Forfar and Scottish Midland Junction Connecting Railway. Aberdeen Railway (Brechin Branch and Deviation). Aberdeen and Great North of Scotland Amalgamation. Aberdeen Harbour (Improvement and Sale to Railway). Dundee and Perth (Alteration. Extension and Branches). Dundee and New tyle (Widening, Altering, and Im proving). Strathtay and Breadalbane Extension. GROUP, No. 52. INDIA. Great Western of Bengal, from Calcutta to Rajamahal. with Extensions, &c. (Incorporation). Great North of India, to connect the Cities of Delhi, Agra, and Allahabad, with Extensions, &c. Great Indian Peninsula, Bombay to Alleh, with Exten sions, &c. The following Groups are appointed to sit in the week commencing Monday, 17th of May : GROUP, No. 4. Regent's Canal Company (Paddington and Limehouse Railway). London and Blackwall (Improvement and Branches). Eastern Counties (Tottenham to Guildford-street). Eastern Counties (Enlargement of the London and Stratford Station). Eastern Counties (Stratford to Victoria-park). GROUP, No. 29. East Lincolnshire Railway (Deviation at Boston, &e.) Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire Railways (Louth, Horncastle, and East Lincolnshire Junction Branches). East Lincolnshire Railway (Louth to Lincoln). East Lincolnshire Railway (Louth Navigation Purchase). Great Northern Railway (Purchase of Ambergate Not tingham and Boston and Eastern Junction Railway, &e.) Great Northern Railway (Horncastle Branch, &e.) Midland Railway (Extension of Nottingham and Lin coln Branch at Lincoln, &c.) GROUP, No. 36. London and North-Western Railway Company (Pur chase of the Earl of Ellesmere's Interest in the Man chester, South Junction, and Altrineham Rail w ay . Liverpool, Crosby, and Southport Railway and Branch. Manchester and Southport Railway and Branches. London and North-Western Railway (Ormskirk and Rainford Branch, &c.) East Lancashire Railway (Southport Branch, and Pres ton Extension). St, Helen's Canal and Railway Amendment Bill (War rington and Blackbrook Branch, &c.) London and North-Western Railway (Lime-street, Liverpool ) GROUP, No. 37. Leeds and Thir:k Railway (linuresburough and 80. roughbridge Branch). Leeds and Thirsk Railway (Harrowgate and Pateley Branch). Leeds and Thirsk Railway (Branch to Melmerby, &c.) Leeds and Thirsk Railway (Deviation of Main Line, &c., in Chimple Valley). York and North-Midland Railway (Harrogate Branch, &c.) York and North-Midland Railway (Harrogate Branch Extension and Terminus). GROUP, No. 45. Edinburgh and Northern (Burntisland to Dunfermline, Deviations, Extensions, &c.) Edinburgh and Northern (Burntisland Pier, Ferry, purchase, &c.) East of Fife Railway (Deviations). Edinburgh and Perth Railway and Branches. Edinburgh and Northern (St. Andrew's and Newburgh Branches). Edinburgh and Northern (Tay Ferry Improvement). GROUP, No. 46. North British (No. 1, Increase of Capital, Extensions, Deviations, &c.) Caledonian Railway (Edinburgh Station and Branches). Edinburgh, Leith and Granton (Leith and Granton Junction). Edinburgh, Leith and Granton (Leith Extension). Edinburgh, L( ith and Granton (Union Canal and Cale donian Junction). East Lothian Central Railway. Edinburgh and Northern, and Edinburgh, Leith and Granton Amalgamation. Tim Committee recommend that the Caledonian Rail way Bill, No. 205, be divided into two Bills ; the first to contain Edinburgh Station, and Branches to Granton and Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway. The second to contain Branches to Willsontown, Fauldhouse, Biggar, and Broughton. The first Bill to re main in this Group; the second to be placed in Group 47 The following Groups are appointed to sit in the week commencing on Monday, the 31st of May GROUP, No. 2, Reading, Guildford, and Reigate (Deviations, &c.) Direct London and Portsmouth. Direct London and Portsmouth and Brighton and South Coast Amalgamation. London and South Western Railway Acts Amendment Guildford Extension and Portsmouth and Fareham Ex- tension and Deviation. Direct London and Portsmouth (Brighton and Chi chester and London, Brighton, and South Coast and London and South Western Railway Companies' Act Amendment). Tunbridge Wells, East Grinstead, and Brighton Junction GROUP, No. 3. South-Eastern (North Kent and Bricklayer's Arms Junction. London and Brighton and South Coast Railway (Lon don. bridge Station Enlargement). London-bridge Railway Termini (General Enlarge ment). London and Brighton and South Coast Railway (Ex tension to London-bridge). South• Eastern (widening of the Greenwich Railway). South-Eastern (London bridge Station Enlargement). GROUP, No. 8.) Bristol and Exeter Extension (Crediton to Launceston), Liskeard and Launceston Branch Railway. Cornwall and Devon Central and Plymouth Railway. Sutton Harbour Improvement Company (power to the London and South-Western Railway Company to subscribe thereto). Taw Vale Railway (Deviations). South Devon Railway (Extension and Amendment). Taw Vale Railway and Dock. GROUP, No. 10. Eastern Union (Manningtree to Harwich). Eastern Counties (Ilford to Tilbury Fort and Southend). Ipswich and Bury St. Edmunds (Branch from Ipswich to Woodbridge). Eastern Counties Coal and Coasting Dock and Junction Railway. Eastern Counties Purchase of the North Woolwich Railway, &c. Harwich and Eastern Counties Junction R ailway, &c. GROUP, No. 14. Lynn and Ely, and Ely and Huntingdon, and Lynn and Dereham Amalgamation. Norfolk Railway (Norwich to Aylsham). Ipswich and Bury St. Edmund's (Aylsham and North Walsham). Ipswich and Bury St. Edmunds (No. 5). Eastern Counties (Lynn and Ely, and Ely and Hunting don, and Lynn and Dereham Railway Lease). GROUP, No. 30. Great Northern Railway (Isle of Axholme Extension). Great Northern Railway (Deviation between Grantham and York). York and North Midland Railway (Knottingley Branch). York and North Midland Railway (East Riding Canals Purchase). Axholme Railway (from Leeds and Selby Railway, &c.) York and North Midland Railway (Hull Station and Branches). _ _ _ GROUP, No. 32. Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway (Branch to Chapeltown, &c.) Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway (Station at Sheffield, No. 2). Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway (Shef field Canal Purchase). Midland Railway (Masbrough and Normanton Stations Enlargement). Sheffield, Rotherham, Wakefield, and York Railway (Partial Alteration of Levels, &c.) Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire Railway (Station at Sheffield). GROUP, No. 38. Wharfdale Railway Act Amendment and Deviation. North- Western Railway (Skipton, Casterton, &c., Di version). Liverpool, Manchester, and Newcastle-on-Tyne Junction Railway, &c. Northern Counties Union Railway Deviation. Liverpool, Manebeiter, and Northern Counties Union Railway Amalgamation. GROUP, No 40. York and Newcastle and Newcastle and Berwick Rail ways Atnalgation. York and Newcastle and Newcastle and Berwick Rail- ways and North British Amalgation. Newcastle and Berwick Railway (East Coast Line), &c. Newcastle and Berwick Railway (Cramlington, &c. Branches). GROUP, No. 41. • Dundalk and Enniskillen Amendment. Portadown and Dungannon Railway. Newry and Enniskillen Amendment. Dublin and Drogheda (Branch from Navan to Dells). Dublin and Belfast Junction, and Navan Branch Rail- way Act. Dublin and Drogheda Railway (Amendment and Pur- chase of Navai Branch). Meath and Cavan J unction Railway. GROUP, No. 42. Midland Great Western (Deviations). Midland Great Western (Extension from Athlone to G al way ). Dublin, Dundrum and Rathfarnham (Extension to Ste phen's-green). Waterford, Wexford, Wicklow and Dublin Amendment. Great Southern and Western (Portarlington to Tulla more.) Grand Canal Amendment and Amalgamation. Waterford, Wexford, Wicklovi, and Dublin Repeal. GROUP, No. 43. Cork and Bandon (Amendment,Deviation and Extension.) Cork, Blackrock and Passage (Amendment, Devia tion, &c.) Waterford and Limerick (Amendments, Deviations, &c.) Wexford and Valencia (Kilkenny to Valencia). ARRIVAL OF THE MONSTER TROUPE OF HORSES, ELEPHANTS, &c. On Saturday, at half past two o'clock, the grand equestrian company engaged by Mr. Bunn to perform at Drury-lane, arrived at the Euston-square terminus. Some hundreds of persons were collected outside the railway station before the period named. The two ele phants, who were obliged to perform the journey from Birmingham on foot, owing to there being no railway convenience sufficiently large to contain them, arrived first, drawing atter them a huge and richly ornamented carriage, in the shape of a fiery dragon, twenty-one feet in height. These noble animals were first led off, to a spacious yard adjoining the terminus, and there lodged in a place of safety. Soon after the elephants were housed the two o'clock train arrived, consisting of forty five carriages, with trucks, horse-boxes, &c., and the de barkation of the biped and quadruped performers commenced. The entire company, of male and female artists, musicians, painters, and auxiliaries, were next landed. Fifty-four horses, ten camels, ten ponies, and a great number of new and curiously fashioned carriages of ancient and modern architecture, with emblematical devices, formed a portion of the cor tege, which occupied two hours in unpacking. The quad rupeds were all taken off to some adjoining stables, and the bipeds were then conveyed away in cabs to•the va rious 'edgings prepared for them, under the immediate superintendence of Mr. Bunn, who appeared highly gra tified with their safe arrival. The grand entrance into the metropolis of this nume rous company will take place to-day, when:they will be all removed in procession to Farringdon-street, where every accommodation has been prepared. It is un derstood that they will start at eleven o'clock, and if we may judge from the concourse of people who lately followed the removal of a certain gigantic equestrian statue, the crowd, of spectators will cer tainly be immense to view this procession, combining all the attraction of elephants, camels, horses, carriages, &c. llughes, the proprietor of this establishment,- was formerly the head manager of Mr. Batty's Amphi theatre, and was the superintendent of his various en gagements throughout the country. After this Mr. Hughes commenced the formation of a company upon his own responsibility, which has now become the largest of the kind that has ever appeared upon any stage. The day announced for the first exhibition of this grand equestrian troupe upon the board of Drury-lane is Easter Monday, when will be performed a spectacle entitled Leah Roohh, dramatised by Mr. Fitzball, and every possible effoi t will be used to render it ene of the most superb displays ever witnessed upon the stage. No expense whatever has been spared by Mr. Bunn in form ing the arrangements, and we trust that so enterprising an undertaking will meet with its just reward from the public. The Belgian Government has just authorised a company of merchants to establish at Liege a manufactory of fulminating cotton on a very large scale. This is, we be lieve, the first manufactory of the kind which has been yet established; and it has already produced a considerable quan tity of the cotton. A frightful attempt at rnurde,r and suicide was made on Wednesday last at Fareham, at the residence of William Thresher, EN., the intended victim being the nur sery maid in that gentleman's family, an d the perpetrator of , the double crime his footman. Both parties survive. NAVAL INTELLIGENCE. rORTS3IOITTIT, M&ncn 28.—Her Majesty's steamer Sidon went to Spithead yesterday, and is to cruise for a short time, to exercise her engines, before going on per manent foreign service. The Sphynx steamer, in charge of officers and men from the Victory, also went to Spithead yesterday, and is to go to Deptford to be put i n or d er . The Mariner transport, having had the convicts which she brought from Bermuda about a fortnight since re moved from her to the Stirling Castle, was towed out of harbour by the Echo, and has gone to Deptford. Her Majesty's brig Mariner, having encountered very heavy gales otf Scilly, has been compelled to put back to Plymouth to refit. She was on her passage to the coast of Africa, but ordered to touch at the Cape de Verds, to land one of the slave commissioners. Her Majesty's brig Recruit has returned to Plymouth with Cispatches from Vice-Admiral Sir William Parker, but has not any news. The Recruit experienced very bad weather on her passage home. She was caught in a sudden and heavy squall, which nearly turned her over ; and from the nature of her construction, being iron, she is so buoyant that she requires constant watching to prevent being taken aback and sa amped. In this in stance, although under reduced and close reefed sail, she carried away her main-yard, and had to use her maintop sail rur a mainsail, until the yard ass fished and the re pairs made good. She sails better since she has had the additional lead ballast put in her, but the Recruit is still a most unsafe and dangerous vessel. The steamers Avenger, Dragon, and Odin are in the harbour, ready to receive the seed corn for Ireland ; part came down yesterday, by the South-Western Rail way, to the Clarence-yard, and was shipped as soon as it was delivered. The Portland, 50, is loading with meal and biscuit, but from the accounts which have been received from Ireland, it is doubtful if these will be required. Her Majesty's ship Talbot was paid off on Friday afternoon, and she is now in the hands of the dockyard authorities to be fitted as a provision ship. The Salamander steamer is ordered to remain in the harbour until the Admiralty have determined what measures to adopt relative to the late court of inquiry which has been instituted on board. A Board of Admiralty, with the Earl of AuAland, will be in the dock-yard on Wednesday, on official busi ness. One subject will be the organization of the dock yard artificers into battalions, for the defence of the Arsenal. The drill is intended to come into operation early next month, and the formation of the officers and men into companies on the Ist of April. In addition to a neat uniform, to be worn on inspections, and any other public occasions, it is contemplated that a white canvass dress shall be supplied to each man to appear in when at drill, to be kept in the store, and not used out of the yard ; it will enable the inspectors of the various trades to ascertain who are at drill and nho are absent, and has been applied for by the workmen through the master shipwright. Her Majesty's steam-frigate Retribution is to be put in commission, when a new shaft to her engine has been made, She was taken out of the charge of the St. Vin cent on Friday, and turned over to the dockyard. The steam squadron this year for exercise is expected to consist of the Retribution, Dragon, Odin, and Avenger. The Scourge is ordered here to be fitted with a mortar on Lieutenant Roberts's plan, to be tried against the ten inch mortar now on hoard her, fitted on a bed. THE LATE MR. KEARNS.—The produce of the concert given for the benefit of the widow and children of the late Mr. Kearns, after deducting expenses, amounts to 237/. 16s. Bd., upwards of 401. of which were donations. THE OVERLAND MAIL.—It has been stated in one of the Marseilles papers that the Government of Great Bri tain had definitively decided upon adopting the route to India by Marseilles and Alexandria, and had abandoned all efforts to procure another mode of transit.. This statement has Wen copied into the London papers. The mistake of the French journals has arisen from the fact of the Ardent (Government steamer) having been taken from the other route, and ordered back to Malta. But in tact the Ardent had been only lent to our enterprising countryman, Lieut. Waghorn, for a series of experimental trips, six in number, which have now terminated. A suns of money was also placed at his disposal by our Government, to carry out the remaining portion of his experiment, which is now for the present concluded. No opinion as to its working has been come to. Indeed there has not as yet been time to arrive at a conclusion. But even should that conclusion be adverse to the route by Trieste, in the present state of road travelling, it by no means follows that the way by 'Marseilles is to be definitively settled upon as the best.— Observer. FATAL ACCIDENT.—On Saturday Mr. W. Payne held an inquest at St. Thomas's hospital, on the body of William Dudfield, aged 34, a butcher. On Saturday week the deceased was driving a herd of swine, near King's-cross, when a boy trundled an iron hoop against his leg. The hoop was broken, and one of the ends inflicted a slight abrasion on the deceased's leg. Inflammation ensued, and on Wednesday deceased went to the hospital. He was attacked with locked jaw, the effect of the wound, and died on Thursday last. The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and recom mended that the police should prevent the bowling of hoops along the public streets. FRIGHTFUL ACCIDENT IN A CHURCH.—An extra ordinary accident occur red at St. Michael's Church, Angel street, Manchester, on Sunday evening; no less than the falling of a great portion of the ceiling, but a few minutes previous to the time for commencing divine service. Had the accident occurred a few minutes later, as the service would have commenced at half.past six, there is little doubt, but that many lives would have been sacrificed. As it was, the escape of three persons with their lives appears little short of miraculous. ACCIDENT AT WOMBWELL'S MENAGERIE, STAM- For:D.—On Friday afternoon, directly the " intrepid female," or " Lion Queen,' made her appearance in the den, the lion sprang at her, and bit her face, but not severely. She screamed loudly, and the scene which ensued, is difficult to describe. The arena was nearly full of respectable persons of both sexes. The keepers did all they possibly could to beat off the infuriated beast, but were some time in accomplishing their object; the lion, the keeper, and the lady were all down and struggling together_ on the bottom of the den; and again the animal seized the female, and bit her at.fhe lower part of the back. To make the occurrence appear more dreadful, the whole of the beasts and birds assisted in the uproar. Ultimately the keeper rescued the daring wo man, and the assistance of a surgeon was immediately called in. She was induced in the evening again to enter the den. Nothing, however, occurred this time to injure her. —Lynn Advertiser. SINGULAR AND FATAL ACCIDENT.--On Saturday Mr. Wakley, M.P., held an inquest in the Middlesex Hos pital on Bridget Connor, aged 38, the wife of an ostler. The nurse ‘ of the ward stated that she was admitted on the 7th, suffering from a deep wound at the lower part of her back, whence blood flowed so abundantly that it could not be stop ped, and even forced out fhe lint with which it was plugged.. She died on Monday. She told witness that she fell on some crockery in her room, which she broke, and a splinter enter ing her back inflicted the wound. Mr. Rogers, house-surgeon, deposed that the wound, which was very deep, was one and a half inch in length, aid appeared to have been inflicted by a sharp stick. Every effort was ineffectually made to stop the blood, which rushed out in gushes. At length an attempt was made, by cutting into the wound, to discover the wounded vessel, but ineffectually. In consequence of the flow of blood she ultimately died. Upon a post-moi tem examination it wag ascertained that the internal puder had been half cut through. Verdict, "Accidental Death." LAMENTABLE OCCURRENCE.—Saturday afternoon a well in Bow-street, close to Covent-garden Theatre, was opened for the purpose of taking up the pipe, and a _young male named Henry Warten, ;in the employ of Mr. Cooper, plumber and glazier, of Maiden•lane, being deputed to cut away the pipe, a ladder was put down the well, which is not' thirty feet deep, to enable him to perform the work assigned to him, but he had only descended about half way when he was so powerfully affected by the enclosed foul air that he lost his hold and fell to the bottom a lifeless corpse. There was about ten feet of water at the bottom of the well, and the men engaged in the repairs of the exterior of the theatre having been attracted by the circumstances, an elderly man (a German) volunteered to rescue the unfortunate sufferer, if possible, from his perilous situa tion, and a rope being attached to his person, he went down a few rungs of the ladder, but, being nearly overcome, was compelled from the force of the foul air, to return with out succeeding in his laudable object. Upon which persons were sent in haste by Mr. Cooper, to Waterloo-bridge and Hungerford stairs, to procure drags, by which means the deceased was in - a short time brought up, and conveyed to King's College Hospital. The deceased was a single and information of the melancholy circumstance was for warded to his uncle. first day's fishing, this seasgshoinonliussorldalf alone t nt o uhe c e k uctL t a o me n lvoee A lnt n ion g asl l ni e tged r h s a ' a: C go l o u fAnt b aa , GOING SNACKS !—A fortnight ago, during the nd u ne c r t t I h se i r e a. i b C wi a ht p eo. t ; a e, i t fi i Is S ihe t , o t k ,,,i e ep r uh l' e a lae s dd t ar up" otter, or other amphibious animal, had " got a bite" as well as the Captain, and entitled himself to be elected an honorary member of the Stockton Anglers' Club, The fish—a trout — had been afoot long.—Gateshead Observer. MARYLEBONE VESTRY. ••••• On Saturday Mr. G. Daniel rose and complained of the conduct of the late guar dians of the poor, who, when their own secretary and the vestry stated last year that 34,100/. would be required for the support of the poor during the ensuing year, asserted that a penny in the pound less would do, although at the ex piration of three-quarters they spent 36,000/.—(Hear P hear.) And during the past week their exigencies required 3,9141., although they had only 2,4991. in the bank, exclusive of which they had to pay the police-rate before the 31st inst., or be subjected to a large penalty. In conclusion he moved that an application be made to Sir Claude Scott and Co., bankers, for the loan of 6,000/. to supply the deficit. Sir Walter Stirling, Bart. (guardian), supported the motion, which was carried nem. con. ECLIPSE OF THE MOON.--A partial eclipse of the moon, visible in this country, will take place on Wednesday, the 31st inst. The first contact will be at Bh. 3m. in the evening; the middle, 9h. 6m. ; and the last contact, 10h. 9m. by the mean time at Greenwich. LITERARY PATRONAGE.—Recognitions on the part of Government of literary merit are healthy signs of the times. We are happy to learn that the Marquis Clan ricaide has presented one of the sons of Mr. John Heraud, with an appointment in the secretary's department of the Post-office. Court will next h E N e V a ednesday I(eoar WINDSOR, v,ea tßtuhcekilatest,) ag ehsatin SUNDAY on Palace T h Thursday), rd v al E yv N )i iN ,ndf G os or . — r t, h o T e n orders to that effect having been received Raster holidays ; beyond ten or t we l ve at the Castl e . Th e Court will not remain at Winds or days. , EXTENSIVE ROBBERY OF RAILWAY Saurday a gentleman, named Jones, SCRIP.—On Ox ford-street, had a black leather residing at No;88, Ox person in the Strand, containing pocket-book t a k en f rom hi s , shares and receipts.nearly 9 000 rat way 1 scrip. THE BODY o r A r i ___ REGENT'S CANAL. A gentleman,xENTLE"AN FOUND IN THE hav ing brown whiskers and light fair complexioned, eyebrows, and wearing a black dress coat and pantaloons , a s shawl-pattern vest, and a black silk-figured vest mule ' taken out of the tification in the Regent 's vaults of THE ME E TING rneith, and N% ellington boots,.has.been Canal,. and is now awaiting ',dea f Islington church. GOVERNMENT EDUCATIONAL SCHEME: AT READING.—The scheme of education, as pro pounded by the minutes of Council, has given rise to great opposition amongst the Dissenting portion of the community, and a meeting hostile to the measure was held in this town, at the large Hall, in London-street, on Friday evening last. About 1,000 persons of repectability, comprising almost every class of inhabitants in Reading, attended the meeting, which was conducted with great order. The Rev. S. Curwin was appointed to the chair, and the resolutions were moved and seconded by the Rev. W. Legg, Rev. John H. Hinton, of London, Rev. Mr. Robertson, and Mr. Carrol, a Quaker. These resolutions, which were strongly condemnatory of the measure, were put to the meeting and passed. ~.. q