The Sun. — London, England, 1847-09-16 00:00:00

D what .Beer, lb, 59 4s 6,1 5 td; veal, lerate re on barely ut ton, 33 8(1 1 the ; IC e If ditto, load• ,/ 1 8 g; to 51; 11 I" 31 16g; 51 55 1 li 13s rat tho rig Of WAlv, in iuildet grnent pe es, nence 4 [9bt ed , oper o c r i le 1 1' 1 I tiler' old be but e, ned to roiel t, to to to and wand 8,1 to Veal, : kling 6 5 tO 61 t° f sAll• ON 2d 41) e • linfe" rd; of ,rdoL ,pervi o cet .bosl. th ol r l l 1 4 0' 1 ' tio 3 h t" ill' Ol ej as . 4 ,ive" ae 1° (THIS DAY.) " lie was not for an age, but for all time." the Queen of 205., also to pay 3/., the amount for 7aich th e art i cles had been pledged, or be imprisoned or 21 days, with hard labour. NN a s locked up in default. ury Ann S m ith was charged with rAbing a sailor riarned Thomas Santo of his handkerchief, value 33. Gd. k i t ,appeared that the parties were drinking together athe Cock a n d Neptune public-house, Ratcliffe ° way, when the prisoner spilt some gin and water er her dress, and borrowed the prosecutor's band ' erc htef to wipe off the stains. As she did not return l i t ? he asked her for it, when she immediately handed 1 3 what he thought was his handkerchief, but . oTch, on getting into the street, he found was an r4 g.--(Laughter.) He went back and taxed her th the robbery. She denied it and abused him, and ,gave her into custody. a} 0 1 4 her d e f ence, th e woman ca ll e d a man w h o swore was not in the Cock and Neptune last night, whe rell'lntosh, a constable, proved apprehending der there. , , BALLANTINE committed her to take her trial f or the felony. S, I4 LE OF SHAKSPERE'S HOUSE. t . l idte hous e i n w hi c h, according to the best tradi °n, our immortal bard—Shakspere 1 was ushered iis t ° the world, was sold to-day, at the Auction Mart, ,„ 3 ' l ir. Robins. The cowering, crumbling house, rawled over with the names of millions of pilgrims ;QM all the regions of the earth, who came to the ,„ 1111( ' of the " soft flowing Avon," as it were, to pro strate themselves before the shrine of the greatest r o ius the earth ever produced—the shrunken, e ked, age d f a b r i c w hi c h, w i t h it s a ppurtenances, ~, 541 c1 not, in the ordinary course of things, fetch , though auctioneer might o'er match his skill in set ting off the tenement to the best advantage, 1001 . — "as here eagerly sought for at the price of thousands. h /'or nearly two centuries and a half the small mean ou se, the cradle of the man whose associations are de stined, as in the past, to achieve a world of good t"at virtue, and charity ; to educate and civilize trla nkind from nature's own book, has been cherished 1 1(4 so much, we fear, from reverence for Shakspere, b ut for the half-crowns and shillings which the majesty of his genius brought to Stratford ; but will never become, as it should have become long ago, the operty of the nation—the spontaneous purchase of th at puissant nation which, if it were a desert, the majesty of his genius would have rendered immortal _ The nat i onal nature o f t h e sa l e en t rus t e d to t i lls aucti oneer brought a vast num b er o f persons, among whom were several distinguished perso ns, to al room shortly of Mr, Robins. The lower room wa s filled after twelve o'clock so full, that shortly before the appointed hour at which Shakspere's house was `utiounced to be knocked down by the hammer, one ~c 4l° ek, the upper rooms were thrown open, and the 1811 up stairs was quite confounding, and quite as energetic as at the gallery of the Surrey on a panto in„.!ale night, or the stalls of the Opera when Jenny Lind is announced to sing. Not one w hit l ess r es pectful or solemn were those Who came to witness the transfer of the house to Ot her hands to-day than they who, when passing the th reshold o f Shakspere's home at Stratford-upon t r an, raise their hands and bow down their heads in everen ce , as if they were entering a church. Mr. Robins ascended the rostrum at one o'clock -midst loud cheers and a cry of " hats off," which W th iL a ll Partially obeyed. He commenced by saying the felt himself highly honoured in having been -`trusted with the sale of the house in which Shak- Zte-- " Nature's poet"—was born. He agreed with tho se who considered that, as the relic was a national tle : the nation should become its purchaser, and that it S hould stand for ages as a monument of Shakspere's Ireatness, purchased by the subscriptions of a nation. L e vender had no interest in the property, he simply P``q as the trustee of several minors to whose interest erth bound to look, and in bringing the pro tlY before the public for sale, he was sorely following a course which the Court he Chancery would have directed if it had k " appealed to in the matter. He then gave t jraphic description of the house and adjacent pre- The l ,7 house, the shop of which had, up to Wi thin the l as t f ew years, been devoted to the trade 0 :t a butcher, was in good condition, so good that he "no doubt it would stand for centuries. There a er e several comfortable apartments in which di Party might comfortably dine ; he had no d very comfortably in one of them with a party the his visit.—(Laughter.) Property was attached to house which yielded a yearly rental of 30/. He Aso read the conditions, which were of the usual ti 4 l til re• The title of the property would descend to e PUrchaser or puchasers from the will of the mortalim bard himself. tilt A Person with moustaches, who was stated to be American exhibitor, here interposed, and called 4 4:1 1 . 11 Mr. Robins to prove that the house he was in g was the identical one in which the bard was rt. it i )o 4 r. Ronms said there could be no doubt at a l b t it it. T ra diti on , which pointed out the room N e ; Ilerkeley Castle in which a fearful murder 4: 3 Perpetrated, and the room in which L u -ril e 2 the First was born, pointed out this 16 -11 ? as that of Shakspere's birth-place. His father poet ha it, and there could be no doubt that the great Per Was born in the house and spent the greater it er : (4l of his life in it.--(Cheers.) They must take here a matter of course. He wished that those who i th -r f e sceptical on the point would stay away, ra a d of starting doubts which had no foundation to Of s ' 11 ,P°°. The house was transferred from the hands p,„ - " a kspere's descendants, in 1806, to the present ra -4 e 3 sor, and its quiet transference then presented a i i , k „ tkel contrast to the excitement which the an ti,;'rleetnent of its sale now produced, showing the ah ea t progress made in education, and a due greatest genius of all that appertained to the : te st genius the world ever produced. that time, and for many years, about 1,000 per :a vi s it e d the edifice in the course of a year; but la te years as m an y as 7,000 visited it in the to 1311° of one year, a vast proportion of whom were Americans. The lady who had charge of the house v wo uld not en li g ht en h er quer i sts as to t h e re e°lle she d er i ve d f rom ex hibi t i ng t h e house ; th ey could not get her to be communicative upon that point—(Laughter)—b u t no doubt she de rived a handsome income from the exhibitionofgoitintgo tourists. He recollected a st ory o f a person to Stratford, and expecting to see the midwife who officiated at the birth of the poet—(Laughter.) H e might, perhaps, by searching the register and insti tuting a minute inquiry, have learned that she slept " Q the churchyard near the poet's dwelling. A Person, who stated that he was a solicitor,, in titilrecl if the trustees could legally sell the house ? RoulNs said there could be no doubt about it, ali o pro duced the deed, which his audience would not . whi N e v h l ' i°l to read ; he, however , read a clause of it, th e 1 , stated that the trustees had full power to sell " 011 se, a statement which was received sister, loud o t ro -ell5. Shakspere left the house to his known al-tried Mr. Hart, and the house was always i..hokspere's house, and the proprietors of it the art Shaksperes." Su n , -a body here called out, - "I'll give a thousand L e A gentleman, whose name we could not learn, to re handed Mr. Robins a paper, which stated that b e - `-'°rarnittee acting at Stratford and London i b g h ge4 to offer 3,0001, out of the subscriptions sent to ,37 the people, and that they were most solicitous i',s:conie possessors of the house.—(Cheers.) 1 14, 7 r. Robins said, on the part of the trustees he t° state, that they waived their reserved right of pr o ll t t irchaw—(Cheers.) All they wished was, to ooe e ct th e i n f ants left to the i r c h arge. W e ll , if no b du t any further sum to offer it will become my 411 t 3 kn ock the house down to the highest , th er.--(Ch eers.) 4 / h e man with th e mous tachios here exclaimed, A Voice --The no obj ec ti on to g i ve 2 , 000/." —(Laughter.) Va t nation has purchased it; they ad 14ed the money.—(Renewed cheers.) Robins said, as no higher sum was offered it Th 's duty t o k nock i t down to t h e comm ittee. twi ee e house wa s , a f ter th e pre liminary, " once, kn ock ' and thric e ," an d a smart tap w ith the hammer, Ch a ti clown accordingly amidst loud cheers. t ee, j e ts were su b sequently awar d e d t o th e commit azid v. ° the auctioneer, and to the great bard himself, 147 crowd dispersed. result of the sale gave the greatest satisfaction to all, save the gentleman before alluded to, who, in its purchase, had doubtless a pecuniary object in view. Shakspere's house, after all, will not be taken across the Atlantic ; it will remain at Stratford•upon- Avon. BANK• OF ENGLAND. (TIIIS DAY.) The half-yearly general meeting of the proprietors of the Bank of England was this day held, at twelve o'clock, for the purpose of considering of a dividend. This was also the quarterly general court of the proprietors, appointed by the charter, held for the purpose of confirming the late election of James Morris, Esq., to the office ofGovernor, and of G. F. Prescott, Esq., to the office of Deputy-Governor, and for the transaction of the ordinary business. The minutes of the last court having been read and con- firmed, JAMES MORRIS, Esq., the newly-elected governor, :hp said—Gentlemen, I have to acquaint the court :hat this is a quarterly general court, appointed by ',he charter, and also the usual half-yearly general court appointed by the bye-laws to consider the dividend. I have to inform the court that the directors, having considered the state of the Bank's accounts, are of opinion that a dividend should be made of 41 per cent. interest and profits—(Loud cheers) —for the half-year ending the 10th of October next, without any deduction of income-tax.—(Re newed cheers.) It affords the directors great satis faction to add, that in addition to the 41 per cent. which we are enabled to declare as a dividend, we shall add the sum of 2(3,4001. ;to " rest."—(Cheers.) The reason for which the directors considered it better to recommend a dividend of 41 per cent., instead of 31 per cent. and a bonus of 1 per cent. additional, is, that if we adopt the latter course those who have only a life interest in the stock would not participate in the benefits to that extent. Although we call it a dividend of 4 per cent., we should wish it to be con sidered as 31 per cent. with the addition of 1 per cent. It must not be supposed that we contemplate declaring a dividend of 41 per cent. for the future ; we wish the present to he considered simply as a dividend of 31 per cent. If the profits of banking should keep as high as they have been, it will of course be a pleasure to the directors to increase the dividend, and they would prefer so doing to adding anything in the shape of bonuses.—(Cheers.) If any gentleman has any observations to make I should be happy to hear him previous to putting the question. W. FIELDER, Esq., wished to say that he most c ordially coincided in the recommendation of the directors, and considered that it was satisfactory to hear that the state of the Bank was in so flourishing a state. P. CLARK, Esq., wished to know what would be the total amount of the "rest" after the payment of the proposed dividend. The GOVERNOR—After the payment of the divi dend the " rest" will amount to 3,270,7541. We propose to divide 654,8781. among the proprietors ; you will then have the total amount of " rest" 3,270,7541. W. FIELDER, Esq.—Are we to understand that after the payment of the dividend there will remain a sum of 26,4001. to add to the " rest." The GOVERNOR—That is the case. T. Coo', Esq.—After reserving the sum appointed for dividends they would then have a sum of upwards of 270,0001. above 3,000,0001. He thought that the great point to consider was how much was actually necessary for effectually working the affairs of the Bank. It was generally considered that a sum of 3,000,0001. was amply sufficient. If that were so (and it was a question open to discussion) the directors were reserving over and above that sum about 270,0001. Now, 200,000/. would be equal to a bonus of 2 per cent. upon the stock, while they were at present only receiving 1 per cent. additional, whereas if the amount of " rest" were kept down to the 3,000,0001. they might be receiving 3 per cent. bonus, or close upon it, and if a bonus of 2 per cent. only were to be declared the directors might then have a sum of 100,0001. or upwards, in addition to 3,000,0001., and which was generally considered sufficient.—(Hear, hear.) The GOVERNOR—The Court must be aware that in the valuation of the assets, we were obliged to include a considerable number of Government Securities.— ( dear, hear.) Those securities were purchased at a time when they were of a higher value than they are at present. If we were to take the valuation of those securities at the sum which they would now realise, it would as nearly as possible make a difference of about 200,0001.—(Hear, hear.) We have, therefore, but a slight amount of excess over that for which the Hon. Proprietor has been arguing, namely, a "rest" of 3,000,000/. T. COOK, Esq.—The Bank buildings were not in cluded in the valuation, and they had been estimated by competent persons to be of the value of about 800,0001. or 1,000,0001. When the dividend was last declared, the stock, amounting to about 150,0001., was not taken into consideration. The directors have no wish to sell that stock; large profits had been made upon that stock, but they had not, on previous occa sions, been considered as profits, and the loss by the sale of the securities (if they were soli) ought not to be considered as loss. If 3,000,0001. of " rest" was enough, there was at present a sum of 270,0001. be yond that, which was more than equal to a bonus of 2 per cent. He disapproved of adding. any unneces sary sum to the amount of " the rest." W. FIELDER, Esq., wished to know whether, in calculating the amount of " the rest" the directors had considered those Government annuities which were called " the dead weight," which were annuities for the term of 44 years, upon which 540,000/. was annually paid, and whether it was thought that the 10,000,0001. would be paid back at the termination of the annuities? The GOVERNOR—A certain portion is set apart for the purpose of redeeming the cost of them. W. FIELDER, Esq.—Was the same course adopted with respect to another class of annuities called the twenty-six years' annuities ? The GOVERNOR—It was. W. FIELDER, Esq., said that he found from the returns of the Bank, that on the 28th of August last the amount of " rest" was 3,368,123/., and on the 6th of September it amounted to 3,865,933/. ; he wished to know how the difference was to be accounted for ? The GOVERNOR—The amount of the "rest" is made up on the Saturday previous to the 31st of August. The difference between the two sums referred to by the Hon. Proprietor arose from the payment of several sums after that period, but prior to striking the balance of the profit and loss account. Mr. LEVY thought that in so large a concern as the Bank of England it was not a wise course to screw out the last farthing for dividend. He was satisfied if a rest of 3,000,0001. was required that the directors should have some 270,000/. over and above that sum. Ile did not complain about the dividend, but he did about the small share which the pro prietors had in the election of the directors. PARRY DE WINTON, Esq., thought that the direc tors had acted wisely in the course they had adopted. The amount of rest had gone on increasing every year. On the sth of September, 1845, the amount of rest was 3,016,0001., but it was now 3,986,0001. Ile hoped that the directors would continue to pay the some dividend as they now proposed. The GOVERNOR then put the question authorising the directors to pay a dividend of 4f per cent. with out deduction of income-tax, which was unanimously agreed to. Tlie GOVERNOR—Now, as this dividend is of a larger amount than paid last year, it will be necessary, in order t t o o f bq t b e e p u r i t o e p r s i u e r t e o , r s t h i a n t o t r h d ere er t o should fi r b m e t a b g at eneral divi dend. I will therefore move that a general Court be holden on Wednesday next, Sept. 22, at eleven o'clock in the forenoon, in order to take a ballot upon the pene r a cent.ng followingl o i tquesti on, eth orfe October a t n o d v b i e z r pro fits :viz. :—" t ,bTe paidat a withoutf o d r i a v nt i by d ee deduction u cf half-yeari 40 of income-tax." The motion wa3 agreed to. Mr. DE WINTOR said that he would now call the attention of the meeting to a most important subject. He alluded to the insolvency of the gentle man who had lately filled the chair—a circumstance which was familiar to all present. Upon looking back for the last eighteen years he found that out of the nine Governors who had been chosen during that time, six of them had been in the same unfortunate position. It was a discredit to the Bank that such things should be allowed to happen. In the eyes of the mercantile world it was a sight as police magistrate t o answer bad as that of the Bisho p of L a o c n h d ar o g n e s o ta f n p d e in tt g y b la e r fo c r e e ny a questions of his creditors. Commissioner to answ er the as a Governor of t he Bank of England before the —(L au we (Laughter.) ht er ; not taken by h How wasthis to bea o p vo r id ie e t d or ? s If some p so r m e e measures; vent the recurrence of such things, depend upon . some measure would be framed for the purpose by another body against their will.—( Hear, hear.) He would call attention to the policy of the direc tors. He found that upon the 11th of April last the reserve fund amounted only to 2,832,9101., and at that time there were private deposits on calls amount ing to 11,277,7541., so that to pay the sum of 11,000,000/. and upwards there was only a reserve fund of 2,832,910/. He knew that Government had called upon them by deficiency bills to the amount of about 3,000,000/., but it was the duty of the directors to provide for that. Between the 19th of April and the early part of the month of May the directors were compelled to borrow on Bank Stock 3,000,0001., or there abouts, from funds which were already crip pled, and thereby adding considerably ty the Tll E SUN, LONDON, embarrassments under which tie mercantile world was then labouring. This should not he when money was scarce ; ike everything else, it ought to be dear, and the directors ought to have raised the rate of interest in the month of January, before the difficulties set in. When men were making th, _ ,eir fortunes they wi-led money to be cheap, but when they had made their fortunes they wished it to be dear, in order that they might command more labour, and more of the comforts of life. He thought that the board of directors ought to be composed in part of those who bad made their fortunes, and those who had not ; and he thought that the office of Governor ought to be filled by a person of responsibility and well-known talent not a mere ephemeral person appointed for two years, but appointed for at least four years, and eligible to re election at the expiration of that period. He had not the slightest ill-feeling towards any of the directors; on the contrary, he entertained a high opinion of their ability and integrity. It was the duty of the proprietors to endeavour to prevent further disgrace falling upon the Bank, and he wished to know whether the court of directors would convene a special meeting at any time to con sider the present bye-laws regulating the election of directors, governors, and deputy-governors, with a view to their amendment. The GOVERNOR thought that no good could result from the appointment of such a meeting, and he would say, for himself and brother directors, that he was decidedly opposed to the appointment of any such meeting for the consideration of the bye-laws referred to. With respect to the charge of not rais ing the rate of interest, he wished it to be under stood, that in so doing the directors, whether they acted rightly or not, suffered with the general body of the mercantile world. Of course, if a re quisition to the directors, signed by nine persons holding five hundred pounds stock, were presented the directors would convene the meeting, but he thought, before such requisition was sent, that the better course would be to take the opinion of the proprietors on the propriety of holding such meeting. Mr. LEvir thought that the election of directors and governors ought to be placed more effectually in the hands of the proprietors. If such a course was adopted he was sure that the best results would follow. and that the greatest confidence would be ensured in the direction of so great an establishment as the , Bank of England. In stating this he was far from supposing that gentlemen holding so high a position should do so without emolument. He thought that they should have salaries, and he would move a resolu- tion to that effect at the next meeting of the pro prietors. Sir P. LAURIE deprecated the proposition of the Governor and Deputy-Governor being paid by sa laries. After some discussion the subject dropped. The GOVERNOR then informed the meeting that the dividend warrants would be delivered and paid on and after the 11th of October. _ .., Mr. HENRY THOMPSON gave notice that at the next half•yearly meeting of the proprietors he should pro pose that the salaries of the clerks on the establish ment should be paid without the deduction of in come-tax. _ _ The motion was unanimously agreed to. Thanks were then unanimously carried to the Governor and directors, and the Court broke up. SPORTING INTELLIGENCE. DONCASTER RACES. DONCASTER, WEDNESDAY MORNING, NINE O'CLOCK. The prices reported from the course shorted an im provement in Cossack and Foreclosure, and a slight de cline in Van Tromp, who was backed in the early part of the day at 5 to 1, and was unquestionably second favourite. The Subscription-room was thronged last night until near one o'clock, and the betting, after repeated fluctuations, closed as we have quoted below. At one time 6 to 4 was laid on Cossack, and 5 to 1 taken about Foreclosure; 8 to 1 offered at first agst Planet, who was subsequently backed in several quarters at 7 to 1. Lord Egliaton's horses were steady, but only the Dutchman backed; both will run, and " the best will win." Mr. Pedley, it is understood, will declare to win with Foreclosure. The Great Yorkshire Handicap betting was almost nominal. Latest prices:— ST. LEGER. 112 to 1 agst Eryx—taken 4 14 to agst st Philosopher swallwo I 0 to agst Black Dwarf is scratched. IRE HANDICAP. 12 to 1 agst Tragical 12 to 1 agst Yardley BY. 33 to 1 apt Backbiter 50 to 1 agst Loadstone— taken 6 to 5 on Cossack 6 to 1 agst Van Tromp—t 11 to 2 agst Foreelosure—t I 7 to 1 apt Planet—taken GREAT YORKSII 7 to 1 agst Palma—taken I 3 to 1 agbt Lothario DER 12 to 1 agst Surplice 14 to 1 agst Springy Jack 25 to 1 agst Nil Dvsperan : dum `WEDNESDAY. The Municipal Stakes of 200 sovs, each, h ft, for two yrs old colts, Bst 71b ; and fillies, Bst 41b. Red House in. (10 Subs.) Mr. Mostyn's Surplice .. (Nat) 1 Sir R. W. Bulkeley's Miss Orbell 2 10 to lon Surplice. Won in a canter by two lengths. The St. Leger Stakes of 50 sovs. each, h ft, for three yrs old colts, Bst 71b; fillies, Bst 21b; the second to re ceive 300 sovs. out of the stakes, and the third 100. St. Leger Course. (149 Subs.) Lord EJuiton's Van Tromp Mr. Pedley's Cossack Lord Eglinton's Eryx ... (J. Alarson) 1 ...(remplemAn) 2 ... (Marlow) 3 The following also started, but were not placed: — Mr. L. Fox's Philosopher ... (F. Butler) 0 Mr. Mostyn's Swallow... (Holmes) 0 Mr. Meeson's Jovial ... ...(Whitehouse) 0 Mr. Mostyn's Planet ... ... (Nat) 0 Mr. Pedley's Foreclosure (A. Day) 0 Betting-5 to 4on Cossack (t)-4 to 1 agst Van Tromp- 11 to 2 agst Foreclosure-7 to 1 ags Planet (taken freely)-12 to 1 agst Eryx—and 25 to 1 agst Philospher. Cossack took a clear lead at starting. with Van Tromp and Eryx second and third, and Jovial fourth. In this position they made running at a good pace right into the distance, when Van Tromp went up, caught, and headed Cossack at the stand ; a severe struggle ensued, but Van Tromp won easily at last by two lengths. Eryx a bad third. The Selling Stakes of 10 soya. each, and 30 added. St. Leger course. Winner to be sold for 2001., &c. (4 Subs.) Mr. S. Ilawke's The New Era, 3 yrs (Prince) 1 Lord Chesterfield's Cherry, 3 yrs Mr. Meiklam's Aristotle, aged 3 Even on Cherry, and sto 4 agst Aristotle. Won in a canter, by three lengths. The Produce Stakes of 100 sous. each, h ft, for 2 yrs old; colts, Bst 71b; and fillies, Bst 51b. Red House in. (9 Subs.) Mr. Mostyn's Loadstore Colonel Anson's Contessa. •• 6tol on Loadstone. Won by four lengths. Her Majesty's Plate of 100 sous. Four miles. Mr. J. Day's The Hero, 4 yrs, Bst 51b walked over, The Corporation Plate of 601. Heats. Two miles. Mr. Brookes's Luminous, 3 yrs, bat 71b (A lad) 1 1 Mr. Harrison's Lady Mallorie, 4 yrs, ist 9lb ... 3 2 Lord Chesterfield's Cherry, 4 yrs, 7st 91b 2 3 (Nat) 1 ... 2 Won in a canter. BETTING ON THE COURSE. GREAT YORKSHIRE HANDICAP.-5 to 1 agst Palma, 9 to 1 agst Vanish, 9 to 1 agst Alliance, 9 to 1 apt Sagacity, 10 to 1 agst Lothario, 10 to 1 agst Yardley, 10 to 1 agst Tragical. THE CUP. 5 to 4 on The Hero. Van Tromp and Eyrx are scratched. SALE OF BLOOD STOCK BY MESSRS. TAT TERSALL.—YEARLINGS. Gns. Guizot, by Bay Middleton, out of Guile ... 150 B f, by Bay Middleton, out of Vacuna 60 B f, by Bay Middleton, out of Eyebrow . . 20 Br f, own cister to Intrepid 76 B c, by Emilius, out of All-round-my Hat 70 Bf, by Coronation, out of Muliana ... 27 B c, by Bay Middleton (brother to King of Morven) 250 B c, by Coronation, out of Pussy ... . 155 Brood mare, Judy Callaghan, by Falcon, &c. ... 51 LAUNCH OF A STEAMEL-011 Tuesday afternoon was launched from Messrs. Wigram's yard, at Black wall, a new steam-ship, the Scotia, built for the Chester and Holyhead Railway Company. She is of 600 tons burden, and is to have engines by Maudsley and Field, of 400-horse power, being the largest amount of power, in proportion to tonnage, of any vessel yet built. Her lines were generally admired, and every confidence was expressed by the builder and engineers, that " they abed be able to get twenty miles an hour out of her," and that she will make the passage between Holyhead and Kings town (63 miles) in ordinary weather in three hours and a quarter, and tour hours in all weathers. Several of the directors were present; among others, the chairman of the directors, Mr. W. R. Collett, Mr. Thomas, the deputy chairman, and Mr. Lambert. The Caradoc, one of the Government boats, built for the express purpose of performing the Post-office service between Holyhead and Kingstown, by Mare and Co., with engines by Sea ward, 600 tons, 350-horse power, was tried on Monday; she ran between Gravesend and the Nore, against tide, at the rate of 151- miles an hour. WESTMINSTER. HoseiTAL.--Yesterday a Quarterly General Court of the Governors of the above Hospital was held in the Board-room of the Institution, in the Broad Sanctuary, Westminster Abbey; Thomas Aymot, Esq., in the chair. The report stated, that during tho past quarter 2,474 out-patients had been relieved, and 489 in-patients received. The total number admitted and relieved since its foundation in 1719 have been near 340,000. Four of the wards, for want of funds, remain untenanted. The common seal of the corporation was affixed to a deed of gift from the trustees of a litho tropic fund, which has been some years in abeyance, but now transferred to the Governors of this Hospital, for the reception of which class of patients one or two of the present untenanted wards will be opened. During itlhaevepbaesetnthree i m v e o d n tis the :—Undercf e o n 1 l tt o sh.e .i . i w i agini will of fiiisiessess: Ann lni legacies znacbeu tlh_ lyer, 2,000 1 . Three p er , us Sloane al street, d u tt oi C 3b h cu e hs la i s an e iers. , 5A 11 01 : 0 c l i . n T h g er b shu e rl e el t o r pf a e n re s a a c Cd t °e e gn d t at , sn place,. l3an :s e were rote man. TREATY lIETWEEPi RUSSIA AND THE Por Allegetneine Freussische Zeitung, of the Bth inst., confirms the report of the conclu6ion of a treaty between Russia and tha Holy See. The Russian Plenipotentiary, M. Von Bludow, having'aecomplished his has returned to St. Petersburgh. THURSDAY EVENING-, SEPTEMBER 16, )847. naquoich amid all the storm, and have taken quarters in the Marquis of Abercorn's shooting lodge, in Glen sherrar SUNDAY MORNING. The storm still continues, though in a somewhat abated form. No injury has been sustained that I have heard of. The boisterous weather is sufficient gain to prevent her Majesty's attendance at Laggan Church. Prayers will be read, as usual, in the lodge. Her Majesty is beseiged at Ardverikie by bagmen of every deecripti in. Among the other arrivals came a dealer in stationery, from Paisley, on Tuesday—a curious-looking red-haired fellow, arrayed in clothes of many colours and qualities ; he claimed to bear a striking resemblance to the beloved consort of her Majesty; and when confronted with the London po liceman stationed at the Boat Bridge, stoutly asserted the liberty of the subject, and his own right in par ticular to obtain an interview with her Majesty. "If she knew," said he, " that I was here, I would not have to wait long for admission." For the " very great resemblance " he bore to the Prince he expected a pension of five hundred a year, and " a maid of honour to be given him for a wife I"—Correspondent of Caledonian ATercuiy. THE QUEEN.—STRANGE COINCIDENCE.—Perhaps it is Not generally known that the wild and romantic spot, where our beloved Sovereign is at present re siding, is the identical place where Fergus, our first Scottish monarch, delighted to soj urn, and where, not many yards behind the beautiful lodge of Ardverikie, his remains lie ; also those of two succeeding mo narchs. In those days it was chiefly upon the most elevated situations that the inhabitants of our country resided, in consequence of the plains and valleys being then infested with wolves and other wild beasts. The proper meaning of the name " Ard• verikie," is Ard-Fergus (Fergus's height); or, in Gaelic language, Ardferigie. From this circumstance, we are not surprised though her Majesty, if aware of the fact, should choose this royal residence of the " olden time" in the " land of the mountain and of the flood," as a temporary abode amongst us.—Ross-shire Ad vertiser. HER MAJESTY'S TOUR TO THE HIGHLANDS. (From the Court Circular.) ARDVERIKIE, SEPT. 13.—Her Majesty and his Royal Highness walked in the grounds early this morning. The Prince of Wales and the Princess Royal, attended by Miss Hillyard, went on their ponies to the hills. :From the Special Correspondent of the North British Mail.) LOCII LAGGAN, FRlDAY.—Bahainnie is situated on the opposite side of Glen Roy, and its two co-town ships, Achalnoroch and Merligar, on the outskirts of the farm in Glen Spean. They consist in all of 16 families, who pay a rent of 3501., or 1001. more than is paid by the 32 families who occupy the I3ahantins. As might be expected, they are much more comfort able in their circumstances than the latter. They have 2,000 sheep on the hill, of which they sell 300 lambs and 200 ewes yearly. Their arable ground, however, is managed on the same principles as in the Bahantins ; and judging from the appearance of the crops, I would say the land is of inferior quality. The soil at Bahainnie is wet and mossy. The tenants drained it at their own expense some years ago, and are now reclaiming considerable tracts of moss. The people on this farm are generally con vinced of the disadvantages of the rig system ; but the fears and prejudices of a few, aided by the depressing influence of a landlord who takes no interest in his people, and refuses to lay out any money, prevent the introduction of any better and more enlightened mode. There is the same want of green crops here as in the Bahantins ; and to all in quiries why they do not grow more turnips, the answer is, " We cannot, because we have no fences. A scarcity of manure is sometimes hinted ; but where there are so many families, each possessing three or four cows, this is a difficulty which can only arise from indolence or mismanagement. I have no doubt, however, that the people in these hamlets are very hardly dealt with by their proprietor, and that they have many grievances to complain of. Last Martin mas they asked permission to retain 501. of their rent as a loan till Whit- Sunday, for the purpose of buying meal for their families, as a substitute for the pota toes which had been destroyed by the blight; but this small boon Mackintosh of Mackintosh peremp- torily refused, alleging, as his excuse, that he had to do so much for the poor that he could give no indul gence to his tenants. He might as well have said that he had his grocer's bill to pay, for he is as much bound to contribute his share to the maintenance of thero r oad- ships.d p . o t a o xr Each pressesa s amvlryy discharge is unjustly any assessed ootnhr as hs tlegalh Highlande deb y ‘ were e town oe u Th e t. hne. sole in oe c t h up e saen threet ofthe s hamlets a r . are compelled Thus the sixteentofami lies2 1.8 s of road money, and at the same time are obliged to make and repair the roads to their farm steadings. It is such imposts that breed Rebecca riots in Wales; but Donald bears fleecing as mutely as his own sheep. Every person in the smallest degree acquainted with agriculture must feel satisfied, upon inspecting the condition of these townships, of the injurious effects of the system of run-rig, and the hollowness of the reasons which are advanced in its favour. The waste of land occasioned by the marches between the rigs is enormous. A great deal of labour is also lost erig to another ; spread over so many attended to as when l con centrated in one spot. But these are small evils back se et; impossiblesd, c forward atnhabte sc or f ow r p o es m i o n i a n n d goin gitis detached compared with the obstacles which run-rig raises in the way of agricultural improvement. A joint-tenant in one of these townships, however enterprising, and however deeply convinced of the necessity of new modes of culture, is unable to manage his lot in his own way until he carries his sluggish neighbours along with him. He cannot drain unless they all drain. If they choose to grow certain kinds of crops, and to pursue a certain system of rotation, his rigs are so inseparably mixed up with theirs, that he is compelled to follow their example, however sell ruinous it may be. Suppose, for instance, that he grows turnips or mangold wurtzel for his cows on the rigs from which old habit teaches his fellow-tenants to take a second or a third crop of oats, what is the result ? Why, they cut down their corn in Sep tember, and his green crop is left exposed to the common destruction of the cows, which, for want of anything better, must be brought down to graze on the stubble. The experiment, therefore, is never made, and the minds of the small Highland farmers remain impervious to the idea of improvement, be cause the golden advantages to be reaped from it are never exhibited. That the rig system secures an equal division o good and bad soil among the co-tenants is an absurd imagination, wholly inconsistent with fact. The tenants at Bahainnie occupy soil entirely different in its qualities from the soil divided among the tenants at Achalnoroch and Merligar, yet those people are on the same farm, and pay an equal share of the rent. Even on such a farm as the Bahantins, where the arable ground is all in the same place, the rig system fails to secure the nice adjustment which it is sup posed to do. There are sixteen tenants in each of the two hamlets, and each rig may be 18 cr 20 feet wide. I ask what chance is there that the sixteenth rig will be as good as the first ? Soil changes its qualities rapidly. By dividing the arable ground into crofts, an equally just allotment of the soil would be effected than by cutting it up into rigs. And if a tenant should get a worse croft than his neighbours, there it is before you. The degree of its inferiority may be estimated, and deducted w i t h t h e utmost exac t ness , in pounds, shillings, and pence, from the tenant's share of the rent. Nor is it necessary that the hamlets be swept away in order to introduce a system of separate allot ments. The fervid tenacity with which the High land people cling to these old seats of population is worthy of sympathy and respect. They are the dwelling-places of th e i r f at h ers an d grandfathers— the homes of their childhood—the scenes of their loves and their joys. Th e y are h a ll owe d b y th e warm emotions of the past, and are no t i n consistent with the wants and exigencies of the present. They are admirably adapted to dissipate the loneliness of rural life, and to preserve th e en j oymen t s o f soc i e ty an d intercourse amid the dreary solitudes of a mountain land. Picturesquely s it uated, w i th t h e green swar d stretching to their thresholds, enlivened by the merry gambols of the children, or the joyous labours of the haymakers, a little more taste and cleanliness is all that is required to render them the finest combina tions of rural happines s an d s i mp li c ity t o be found in any country in the world. By all means let them be preserved. There is little danger of any of the crofts being so far r e m ove d f rom th e hamlets aa r to give any serious inconvenience to the cultivator ; and the union of the cottages will still be a symbol of that community of interest with which their inmates have agreed to occupy and stock the hills ; for with the pastoral department of their industry no fault can be found. It is only by some such system of co-opera tion that a poor but nu merous t enan try can take pos session ofimmense tracts of mountain pasture ; and there is nothing to hinder a stock of sheep belonging to a community of small farmers from being as well managed and as productive as a stock which is the property of one large monopolising grazier. The two hamlets on Mr. Walker's property in Glen Spean are called Munessie and Achnacoichan. They are also joint townships, and occupy the same farm. Thirteen families are bound for a rent of 1501. They have a stock of 600 sheep, and the usual proportion of cows. They sell 50 ewes and 100 lambs yearly. The former generally bring about 10s. each, and the latter 7s. or Bs. They clip 120 stones of wool, which the factor sells for them, and retains the proceeds as part payment of the rent. Twenty fat ewes are also sold yearly off this farm—an item which is not found in the sales of the other townships, because the few fat sheep on the farms are consumed by the tenants themselves The poverty, however, of the people in Munessie and Achnacoichan does not admit of the luxury of butcher meat. Each tenant sows about one and a half bolls of corn, and plants about eight barrels of potatoes, but the produce is not sufficient to maintain the families, each of whom has usually to purchase three or four bolls of m ea l y ear ly. M r . Walker is attempting t o abolish the rig system, and introduce a plan of separate allotments. He proposes to diminish the holdings of some of the tenants, and has on this account raised an opposition to his scheme which it may require time and patience to overcome. He seems to be a kind-hearted gentleman, who wishes to improve the condition of the peopl e w ith ou t resort ing to cruel and repulsive methods. The remainder of Glen Spean and Glen Roy are occupied as large single farms. The upper part of Glen Roy is consolidated into two immense sheep walks. It was possessed in former times by nine townships, similar to Bahainnie and the Bahantins. Mr. Walker resides for a month or two every year at Lochtrieg. Mr. Mackintosh has not visited Glen Spean during the last fifteen years; and his factor is never seen except on rent-day. Several oak planta tions on the estate are literally going to wreck for want of thinning and cleaning, and the most promising facilities of improvement are neglected. The popula tion is consequently poor and dispirited. LOCH LAGGAN, SATURDAY NIGHT. Another tremendous storm! The wind is blowing with the greatest violence, and, though there is not much rain, the agitated billows of the loch, the roar ing of the trees, as if they were about to be torn from their roots, and the tumultuous aspect of the sky, render the scene wild and awful enough. The royal party have not been able to leave the lodge to-day, with the exception of a short period in the fore• noon, when her Majesty and the royal children tcoli an airing in the gr rounds. It will be matter of thank fulness if no damage is done to the marquees during the night. Lord and Lady Jocelyn have returned from Glen- COURT CIRCULAR. His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge left Bushy House, Bushy Park, the residence of her Ma jesty the Queen Dowager, on Tuesday afternoon, and returned to Richmond. Her Royal Highness the _Duchess of Gloucester ar rived in town yesterday morning from her residence at Richmond, and left Gloucester House in the after noon on her return to Richmond. The Governor of the Bank of England had an in terview with the Chancellor of the Exchequer yester day, at his official residence in Downing-street. Mr. Carey, Bailiff of Guernsey, had an interview with Sir George Grey yesterday. Mr. Harcourt Vernon had also an interview yesterday with the Right Hon. Baronet, at the Home Office. The Chancellor of the Exchequer arrived in town on Tuesday night from Yorkshire. SOUTHAMPTON —WEDNESDAY. The Peninsular and Oriental Company's steam ship Iberia, Captain John Bowen, arrived at Southampton at six, A.M., from the Peninsula, and landed mails from the following places and dates, in charge of Lieut. I. J. Wilkinson, R.N., Admi ralty agent :—Gibraltar, Sept. 4 ; Cadiz, Sept. 5 ; Lisbon, Sept. 9 ; Oporto, Sept. 10; Vigo, Sept. 11. Passengers—Rev. D. Hughes, D.D., Mrs. Sulli van, Mr. and Mrs. Crosby, Messrs. P. Sinclair, D. Cotton, and W. M'lntosh, from Gibraltar ; Messrs. Resso and Hogan, from Cadiz ; Lord and Lady Ross more, Mr. Lorege, Mrs. Blace, Messrs. H. Davis, James Bainbridge, and Andrew Frezes, from Lisbon ; Mr. Larrong, from Oporto. Rear-Admiral Sir Charles Napier was to leave the river Tagus in the St. Vincent, with the English squadron, on the 10th September, on a cruise, leaving the America at Lisbon. On a trial round the Bur- lings from Lisbon, with the seven steamers, in strong winds, the Sidon proved the better vessel : the Dragon broke down. _ _ _ Freight-60 barrels grapes, 50 boxes almonds, 1 cask melons from Gibraltar, 2,258 boxes grapes, 95 half boxes and 20 whole boxes lemons, 6 parcels specie, 13 packages sundries from Lisbon ; and from Vigo, 11 oxen, 8 cases eggs. THE CASE OF CAPTAIN ALLAN, TO TILE EDITOR OF THE SUN. Snt,—With reference to your report of yesterday's (Tuesday's) proceedings at Bow-street, I beg to say that I have seen Captain Allan on the subject of the charge brought against him, and have also examined his witnesses, one of whom, and perhaps the most important, was not examined before the magistrate, and have thus satisfied myself,[at any rate, that the charge was altogether groundless, and that the police grossly misconducted themselves. I beg to add, that us I have !received the captain's instructions to bring an action for false imprisonment against the policeman who took him into custody, the public will ere long have a better opportuhity of forming an impartial judgment of the case. Meanwhile, that the character of Captain Allan as a magistrate and a gentleman may not be prejudiced, I shall be obliged by your inserting this letter. I am, Sir, your obedient servant, T. WALKER. 12, Furnival's Inn, September 15, 1847. THE PARLIAMENTARY COMPANION. Fifteenth Year—New Parliament. By Charles X. Dodd, Esq. We hail the appearance of this most useful manual of Parliamentary information with thanks to the compiler for the accuracy of the information which it contains, and for the shortness of the time which he has suffered to elapse between the period of the election and that of the appearance of this made mecum of politicians and public writers. The plan which has proved so successful in former volumes of the Companion has been followed in the present ; and so well known and so universally approved has the plan been, that, to ti , ,e the words of the preface, "to de scribe the kind of information which may be found in these pages is now, fortunately, a needless task." The following resume of the Parliamentary statistics recorded in this new edition may prove not uninte resting to our readers : " I. Two hundred and twenty-three persons who had no seats in the House of Commons at the period of its dissolution have been returned to the New Parliament. Of course a corresponding number have been ejected, or have retired from public life. " So large an amount of change has not taken place since the election of the first Reformed Parliament, the number having been, On that occasion, 280 persons, In 1834 5, at the gene ral election, 184 persons, In 1837, at the general election, 121 persons, In 1841, at the general election, 183 persons, On the present occasion, 223 persons. " 11. The composition of the House of Commons has also undergone the following changes: there have been returned, A greater number of Railway Directors, Engineers, and Contractors, A greater number of Barristers, A greater number of Merchants, A greater number of Retail Tradesmen, A greater number of Political Writers and Lecturers, A smaller number of Naval and Military Officers, A smaller number of Persons connected with Noble Families, A smaller number of Country Gentlemen, than on any other occasion since this Annual was com menced. " 111. Many pledges have been exacted by electors, respecting The Endowment of the Roman Catholic Clergy, The maintenance of the Navigation Laws, The further extension of Free-trade Principles, &c. " These have been carefully recorded as additions to the old party designations by which Members have hitherto been distinguished. Every reader will, there fore, be enabled to discover readily The supporters of Sir Robert Peel's policy, The friends of Lord John Russell's Government, The adherents of Lord George Bentinck, The advocates of ' the People's Charter,' The Irish Repeal Party, as well as The other minute subdivisions into which the present House of Commons has resolved itself." TUE NEXT 11.LYORALTY.—At a Court of Alder man, which was held on Tuesday, Mr. Alderman Sidney, seeing Mr. Alderman Wood in his place, begged to ask whether it was his intention on Michaelmas-day to con test the return of Mr. Alderman Hooper as the next in rotation to serve the office of Lord Mayor. Mr. Alder man Wood said the support he had received last year, and expected on the present occasion, would have _ en couraged him to do so, but the very precarious state of his wife's health forbade it. She was in a state that . rendered it impossible that Ehe could take he r . part in the honours and hospitalities of the Mans ion -h ouse during the coming year. and he should . therefore 1 BUNN V. JENNY LIND.—I esterd . ay, in . pursuance of an order made by Mr. Justice Williams in this matter serving. t u r ned w i t b h i o r u . tAolpdpeossmitaionn.Hooprer will no dou bt be re (2Snueneno.sf utheene3bd Office to to a examine witnesses viva voce at Berlin, or any two other c a o t ro ch m a i m ss b i, e , r n s y, ( .a m s e i n ss t u i places in Prussia, as to the alleged breach of contract for which the action is brought. The celebrated com poser ( menti oned from o in m The the Meyerbeer is expected to be one of the witnesses examined under the commission. The commissioner on the part of Mr. Bunn is Mr. I. G. Lewis, of Ely-place, his solicitor; and on the part of Mdlle. Jenny Lind, Mr. Noggins, one of the barristers retained on her behalf in the action, has been named the other commissioner. It would seem that the cause is to progress as rapidly as the forms of the Court will permit, the commission being made returnable on the 2d of November, the com mencement of Michaelmas Term, and it is therefore txpected that the action will be tried the first possible opportunity. The Right Rev. Dr. Wi“Anan has received from Home the appointment of Vicar Apostolic of London, pro tempore, till . the arrangements consequent on the death of Dr. Gr iffiths are conplote. LATE STEAM-BOAT EXPLOSION. ADJOURNED INQUEST. (Continued from our Afternoon Edition of yesterday.) Mr. Benjamin Nash, the Secretary to the company, 5, Acacia-place, St. John's Wood—He said he kept a report book, in which he inso ted the statements made weekly to him by the captains. There was a statement in the books of the company from the cap tains' report-book to the effect that Edwards, the stoker, had stated to the captain of the Cricket that Clarke had tied the valves down. He believed that Edwards made an exclamation of this nature to the captain in the presence of the passengers. The CORONER ordered the book to be produced. Mr. Nash said he would go to his office and bring it back immediately. The inquiry was th en a dj ourne d f or ten minutes. Onits resumption Mr. Nash produced the minute book. Mr. M. Chambers suggested that nothing more than what had reference to the matter in question should be read. The CORONER acquiesced, and the following ex ,ract was read : " April 25.—The Cricket started at Ito 10. About three o'clock the stoker came on deck, and said the engineer had got the valves of the engine tied down, and that it was not safe to stop in the engine-room." Mr. Nash—There was no other record in the book with respect to the matter. Recollected on one occasion a stoker in the Bee, named Buckley, had his hair singed and his jacket burned by his own carelessnes. No record of that was kept. When he heard of the occurrence he communicated with Mr. Smith. Edwards was not discharged for this. He ran up and made this exclamation before several passengers, instead of making his statement to the proprietors, who would have investigated it. He was discharged because the engineers were, as a body, dissatisfied with him, as he was a malicious man. The report that Clarke had tied the valves was discredited as a thing impossible. Clarke himself said he should be a madman to do such a thing. He obtained the information from the cap tain's weekly book. To the Jury—Edwards was discharged because he informed the public that they were in danger. Mr. Nash said he considered Edwards rightly dis charged ; he might have made his statement to the proprietors. Edwards would have been discharged whether this had happened or not, because the en gineers were dissatisfied with him ; they thought him a dangerous man. He was a good stoker. When the entry was made, he called the attention of the superintendent to the matter, and no doubt he inves tigated it. A Juryman—You bold a very responsible situa tion ; but it appears that you are a mere copyist. You are a very inefficient secretary. - To further questions, the witness replied that he certainly did not go and see whether the valves were tied down. I satisfied myself that the superintendent of the company made an investigation, and that the valves were not tied down. He did not have the aptain's book until the end of the week. The pro prietors would hear of anything that occurred imme diately from the superintendent. Could not say whether he communicated the charge immediately to the proprietors. The superintendent communicated with the proprietors independently of the information afforded by the captain's book. The superintendent was in the habit of seeing Mr. Smith almost daily. By Mr. Chambers—Mr. Smith was in the habit of journeying by the boats two or three times a day. At times he wrote a short note to Mr. Smith stating what had occurred during the day. He obtained in formation in addition to that furnished by the captain. By Mr. James—Clarke must have engaged Parker. Had no record in the books of Parker driving any of the boats ; but he had seen him driving the boats in the absence of Clarke. Did not know that Parker was employed in a seed warehouse last winter. Could not say whether Ball was on board of the boat at the time Edwards ran up from the engine-room and ex claimed that the valves were tied, and that the lives of the whole of the passengers were in danger. No watch was kept en Clarke to see whether he tied the valves down or not. It never occurred to him after to look at the valves. He had seen spunyarn at tached to the levers and hanging down, both before and after the complaint. In fact he did not pay any t attention to it. Never saw the levers tied. Most likely was on the boat the same day or the next morning. Took no steps himself to ascertain if it was true. Mr. Polleti gave him neither a written nor a verbal report to lay formally before the directors. A few days after—he could not tell how many—Mr. Smith made a minute examination. Clarke was called into the office, and Mr. Smith spoke seriously to him on the subject. He denied it. He was satisfied with his assurance. Clarke had driven one of the vessels since the occurrence. He was the foreman of the engineers, and it was his duty to be as much in the boats as out of them. To the Jury—Never saw the covering of the boiler off. The Cricket was sometimes out of repair. Clarke did a great many repairs, independently of Mr. Joyce. He had the character of a first-rate mechanic, and Mr. Joyce entertained such an opinion of him. Mr. James said he would call witnesses to show all the repairs that had been made by Mr. Joyce. To a Juryman—Clarke repaired the engine last. He repaired the boats with the aid of other hands. Last week he had his brother to assist him. The boat was never laid up for repairs longer than a week. By Mr. M'lntyre—The denial of Clarke was con sidered sufficient, and the denial of the foreman of the engineers of any company would be considered sufficient in any case. Believed Buttress took Edwards from the Cricket into his boat after Clarke said he would not have him. Edwards went to Mr. Smith to ask him to reinstate him ; but finding that he was disliked, he was not re-appointed. His " oration" did not lead to his discharge. They were all jealous of Clarke, because he was foreman. Edwards wanted to get an engineer's situation. He did not, however, tell him so. Kent, the former engineer, also com plained of Edwards in writing. Mr. Edward Caban, tailor, of 371, Strand, stated that he was on board the Cricket the day before the explosion. He took the boat at London-bridge, and when she was between Southwark and Blackfriars bridge there was a loud noise in one of the wheels ; the boat was stopped, it was rectified, and the boat proceeded. Joseph Whalden, foremast hand of the Cricket since the 14th of May—Was in the engine-room the day before the explosion. There was nothing the matter with the machinery on that day. Saw the engineer take a broom and move up the valves. Never saw a string attached to the lever. Clarke never said anything to him about the valves. He (witness) knew as much about the safety-valves as the safety-valves knew about him. About a week before Reisman came in Clarke told him that the engines were never in better order. Haisman was about four or five minutes in the en gine-room after the boat put to before the explosion. Heard the steam making a hissing noise just before Haismau came up. It was quite an easy noise, but he did not see it, because he could not tell the difference between steam and smoke. Very little smoke was coming out of the funnel. Re was standing alongside the paddle-box on the sponson, by the engineer and stoker, and a person named Cripps, all of whom were talking. The passage up was an easy one, and took about eight minutes. Usually stopped about ten minutes at the pier. Hais man broke the broom handle raising the lever of the larboard boiler—the one that exploded. By Mr. James—The boat had been on the blocks when Clarke said it never was in better order. Saw the steam blow off when Clarke raised the lever with the broom handle. The handle was thin and easily , broken. Had been fourteen years on board steam boats, but could not distinguish the difference between steam and smoke issuing from the funnel. Heard Reisman open a water-cock and try the quantity of water in the boiler. Never was in a vessel with the steam-pipe opening into the chimney. He looked at the starboard boiler the morning before the occur rence, as he thought there was something on fire, and he could state, on his oath, that be did not see an y rope attached to it. By Mr. AVlntyre—Knew Parker had driven the engines once or twice. Had there been a rope at tached to the end of the lever he must have seen it. Alfred Cripps stated that he was the foremast hand of the Bee ; and that be had frequently been employed on board the Cricket. [lad looked at the engines frequently, but during the whole time he had been employed be had never seen the valves tied ; in fact, he never noticed them. Was not acquainted with the nature of engines. He was on the larboard sponson when the explosion took place. The boat had been four or five minutes at the pier at the time of the explosion. Did not hear the steam blowing off. Had heard that Edwards had charged Clarke with tying down the valves. Had heard some of the men employed by the company say that Edwards was a smuggler. Mr. Edward Martin, captain of the boat, was next examined. He said he 'had filled the post of captain since July last year. It was not his business to con trol the engines or the engineer in any way. The engineer was rated above him, and paid a higher sa lary. He had nothing more to do with the engineer than giving him the word of com mand. Had seen during the ti me b o th Kent a piece of spunyarn and Clarke were em -1 ploy ed. It was several yards long, and the ends were thrown down into the engine-room. Never saw it tied. Its use was explained to him as there to shake the valves. It was used in the other boats, and when he was appointed to the Cricket he did nut ask the reason. Had not had his attention called to the strings. The engine never required any serious repairs. The boat went very well indeed the morning of the explosion, so well that he remarked it. He had landed his passengers, and left the boat three or four minutes before the explosion took place. Could not say whether the steam was blowing off or not. His attention was directed to something else. Saw Hats man betw , ,en the eves at h time the hovt carve to Haisman did not an-tiler q:11e1:11• wished, and the ho - 4 6verf., , t i m;.11; t.t usual occurrence, and a hole Wa- 1 - Q..1;(1i in -Ile box in consequence. His attellti,•L t,.kee o,tf that. Fancied occasionally whilst the karat was l ying to that steam blew off. He cculd state positively that she blew steam off at London-bridge. In April a report was made to him by Edwards that the valves were tied. He could not positively believe it ; such a thing was impossible, and therefore he did not examine the valves. Afterwards he had made an entry in his book. ;He told the superintend dent about it perhaps an hour after ; he also mentioned it to Clarke, who said, " Could you believe it—can you believe that I should do such a thing?" to which he replied, " I Should think not." Having reported the matter to his superior, he took no further ste p s with respect to it. Recollected Meech:km saying on one occasion, on coining up the ladder, "Do away with the strings altogether. He could not tell who the remark was addressed to. Had been freq:tently in the engine-room since the complaint, and had no ticed the strings ; but made no further observation to Clarke on the subject. By Mr. James—When Edwards told him that the valves were tied, he hustled from him, got on the paddle-box, and got the boat off. Edwards might have used the word " saf." Never saw Clarke drunk. Had seen a good deal cf beer come on board ; never recollected any gin coming. Believed Mr. Pol. letti made an investigation after the char g e of Edwards. Heard Edward s say t h at C larke drank. Did not think the public in the boat heard Edwards's statement. Was on the - pier barge at the time. Did Dot think any left ; in fact, the passengers increased after. Their trade was a growing one. Had seen both Kent and Clarke make the strings fast. Would swear that he never saw the strings taut. He ex pected that Balls, Cripps, Whalder, and the poor call boy were on board at the time of the explosion. The boat was to lay alongside eight minutes. Did not notice that the steam blew off at some piers and not at others. It blew off with a loud noise. A man sitting three feet from the funnel could not fail to hear it. At times he com plained that the speed of the boat fell off. This was some months ago. By Mr. M'lntyre—Never went down to look at the v sires in consequence of the complaint of Ed wards. He knew now that the tying down of the valves was dangerous. He did not give him time to think about it. If he had been positive that such a thing was done he should have considered it dan gerous. He considered himself safe with the people ; it was not his business to interfere with the engineer any more than it was the duty of the engineer to meddle with his wheels. By Mr. M. Chambers—Clarke took a good deal of beer. Should say that the quantity of beer niight take effect. As far as he could recollect Clarke was sober on the day of the complaint. Engineers per spired much and drank usually a good deal of be-er. The CORONER said—You have given your evidence • in a very satisfactory manner. I"wish the other per sons employed by the company had thought right to imitate your example. A contrary course tends to engender an unfavourable opinion in the minds of the jury. I wish they %ould imitate your example. The inquiry was then adjourned until ten o'clock on Saturday. Mr. Lloyd said he should be ready to furnish his report any day next week. MORTALITY in the METROPOLIS. NUMBER OF DEATHS FROM ALL CAUSES REGISTERED IN THE WEEK ENDIXG SATURDAY, SEPT. 11, 1847. Epidemic, Endemic, and Contagious Diseases ... 372 Diseases of Uncertain Seat ... .., 121 Diseases of the Brain, Nerves, and Senses... ... 143 Diseases of the Lungs, and other Organs of . _ Respiration ... 17.5 Diseases of the Heart and Blood-vessels ... 32 Diseases of the Stomach, Liver, and other Organs of Digestion... ... ... 91 Diseases of the Kidne3s, &c. ••• ••• ••• 16 Childbirth, Diseases of the Uterus, &c. ••• 9 Diseases of the Joints, Bones, and Muscles 8 Diseases of the Skin, &c. 1 Old Age, or Natural Decay ... ... 41 Deaths by Violence, Privation, or Intemperance 30 Causes not specified ... I DEATHS FROM ALL CAUSES Po )ulation Enumentied, 1841. West Districts... 301,326 North Districts.. 376.396 Central Districts 374,759 East Districts ... 393,247 South Districts .. 502,483 Totals... ..... 1,948,211 Males Females Males Females Average weekly Deaths Deaths, 1842-6. in the Five Summers. Week. 137 ... 143 . 175 ... 208 173 ... 196 . 212 ... 248 . 244 ... 245 BIRTHS IN THE WEEK 1,040 Totals .. ... 1,040 .. 519 ~ 521 ... 666 ... 611 -.1,277 WEST GLOUCESTERSHIRE ELECTION. GLOUCESTER, TUESDAY EVENING.—This day was appointed for a festival to be held here, to celebrate the return of the Hon. Grantley, Berkeley for West Gloucestershire. Shortly after noon a party of gen tlemen, with rather an imposing display of flags and banners, and a brass band, left the residence of Mr. Balme (Elton-house, in this city), and proceeded to Wotton, accompanied by Mr. T. G. Clayton, of Bierley-hall, near Bradford, Yorkshire, who was to have been the second Liberal candidate if the Conser vatives, taking advantage of the Berkeley feud, had brought forward a second candidate on their part. At Wotton the cavalcade met Mr. Grantley Berkeley, and then, returning to Gloucester, proceedei with hint in triumph about the town, the church bells ringing merrily. The procession was not large. Mr. G. Berkeley himself rode at the head of it, next after the flags and music, followed by seven other gentlemen on horseback, and after these ewe five vehicles of various descriptions filled with friends and partisans of the Hon. Member. He was received respecttully, but rather quietly ; it could not properly be said that he was enthusiastically welcomed. Arrived at the Albion Hotel, he briefly addressed the 400 or 500 persons who had followed him there, and, after thank ing them, retired to a pavilion erected in the adjacent ground, where dinner was laid for about 400 persons. Nearly 300 gentlemen sat down to this repast ; and a small party of ladies was accommodated on some raised seats in a corner of the room. Near the ch a ir were 4r. W. J. Barber, of kingsland House, Mr. S. Bromedge, of Lower Stone, Mr. E. Harwood, of Al mondsbury,-Mr. R. Berkeley, of Spetchley Park, Mr. H. Teague, of Coleford, Mr. Bradbury, Captain Ashe, the Rev. T. M. M'Donnell, of Clifton (who said grace), Mr. H. W. Hall, Mr. J. Hall, &c. Letters of apology for unavoidable absence were read, written by Mr. Drag, M.P., Mr. Hume, M.P., Colonel Thompson, M.P., Mr. Muntz, M.P., and one or two others. The dinner was very well served, and when the last train left for London everything seemed to promise a lively and agreeable evening to the party. THE ST. LEGER.—ButmizioNAm.---The result of the great St. Leger race was known here at four o'clock. The interest felt relative to the result was in no way abated from that of last year, and hundreds congre gated around the Derby Railway station, anxious for the intelligence. Last year Mr. Needham, the superin tendent of the railway, in order to accommodate the public, and at the same time prevent any unfair advantage being taken of the news, caused the result to be posted on the gates of the station, where all parties had access to it. To-day, however, the Telegraph Company had the management of the business, and few persons. T charge con finedh the intelligence to comparatively result, however, was soon known , and no small surpri se was felt on its being known that Van Tromp, Cossack, and Eryx were the winners. GRAND FIREWORK GALA TO-NIGHT AT VAVX "[ILL.—Mr. Darby, the pyrotechnist, who some weeks since sustained a very severe loss , by the expl os i on o f his extensive manufactory in l iegent str ee t, L am b et h , takes a benefit we perceive this evening (Thursday) at Vauxhall-gardens, when in addition to the ascent of the giant balloon, the beneficiar e h illuminative aid pyrotechnic d is play prepared a magnificent SURREY ZOOLOGICAL GkI:D PI E a N Y S . .--In spite of the somewhat unseasonable character of the weather yester day, these gardens w ere crowd e d by a large assemblage of visitors, attracted b y the Royalfr the ea SoutshLsoondonFleri cultural Society 's la st show fruit, and mi sce ll aneous flo o flowers. They werenof dahlia, exhibited in several large tents, erected in various parts of the ground, and which were thronged throughout the day by numerous amateurs and admirers of these beautiful productions of nature. The show consisted chi( fly of dahlias, many of which were really most magnificent, both in form and hue. There were also numerous specimens of fruit and ve g etables, amon g which we par ticularlyii. noticed some most g i gantic pumpkins. Up wards of seventy prizes were awarded for the best l)- specimens of dahlias, fuschias, verbenas, cut flowers, fruit, &c. The admirable band belonging to the gar dens in the evening performed severa l se m lections fro Rosini, Donizetti, Bellini, and othera masters, in very excellent style: and ct dusk Gibraltar was beseigtd, and the Spanish fleet destroyed with the usual éclat. The beautiful collection of bi r d s and b easts, from every quar ter of the world, is in itself well deserving inspection, as well by the curious as by the naturalist,—it is indeed most perfect. There is no truth whatever in the report of the ill• ness of Alderman Thompson, which appeared in the John Buil of Sunday. The lion. M, mber for the county of Westmor:and has for some weeks been at his seat, at Underly Park, enjoying the fresh air and the beautiful scenery. lie has not, we are happy to add, for some years been in such excellent health.