The Sun. — London, England, 1847-12-31 00:00:00

Now ready at all the Libraries, LEONORA; A LOVE STORY. In 3 Tole. Henry Colburn, rablither, 13, Great Marlborough-street. M R 7 THY NEW I; , .IOYEL. In 3 vols. post ß Bvo., W A.R ENNE, THE MEDICAL PRACTITIONER, 13y Use Author of "Margaret Capel," &a., Ifi THIS DAY PUBLISHED, And may be had at every Library. Richard Bentley, New Burlington-street. THEATRE ROYAL, HAYMARKET. Vm , er the Management et Mr. B. Webster, sole Lessee. • THIS EVENING ITill be performed shakspeare's Comedy of MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING. Pedro, Mr. H. Vandenhoff; Don John, Mr. Brindal ; Benedict, Mr. Webster ; Antonio, Mr. Tilbury ; Leonato, Mr. Ro gers ; Dogberry, Mr. Farrell ; Verges, Mr. Keeley ; Friar, Mr. Gough ; Beatrice, Mrs. Niebett; Hero, Mrs. Seymour. To conclude with a New and Original Burlesque Spectacle entitled THII WORLD UNDERGROUND; or, the Golden Flute and the ramie Waters. ritage 3lauager, Mr. Fatten; Acting Manager, Mr. F. Webster. J. T. Archer, Box-book keeper. Boxes, Ss. ; Pit, 35.; Gallery, 2s. ; Upper Gallery, Is. Doers open at Hall-past Six, Performance to eommence at Seven. THEATRE ROYAL, ADELPIII. Linder the direction w Madame Celeste . THIS EVENING Will be presented an entirely new Piece, entitled the PEARL OF THE OCEAN ; or, the Prince and the Mermaiden. Principal cha racters by Messrs. Waye, P. Bedford, Wright, Munyard, Glennaire, fallenterd, and Worrell ; Miss Woolgar, MissiEmma Harding, Miss Ellen Chaplin, Mrs. Laws, and Madame Celeste. To be to:lowed by a nlw Farce entitled THE TIPPERARY LE *ACT. Turnein Green: Mr. Wright; Bob Gills, Mr. Munyard; Lent) , Scrimmage, Mr. Paul Becifialt ; Chnbblock. Mr. Cullenford ; Policem In. Mr. Sanders • I.izzy Chubbloek, Miss Woo l g ar. To conclude with an It alian Pantomime, entitled t'IERROT, the Nerried Man ; and POLICHENELLO, the Gay Single Fellow Isoass, 45.; lit, 2*., Gallery, ls. P'xn - i open at Halt-past Six, Performance to commence at Seven ROYAL LYCEUM THEATRE. Under the Management of Madame Vestris. Sole Lessee, Mr. Charles Mathews. TIIIS EVENING Will be presented new Comic Drama, entitled THB TRI - OEDY QUEEN. After which, a New Fairy Extravaganza, entitled THE GOLDEN BRANCH. To conclude with a Romance of heal Life, called BOX and COX. Principal characters by Mr. Harley, Mr. Buckstone, and Mrs. Mac. Namara. Dress Boxee, ss. ; Upper Boxes, 4e. ; Fit, 2s. ; Oallery, Is. No kalf-priee to any part of the house. The Sew Ilex-office, No. 2, Wellington-street, is open to the Public every day, from Ten till Six. The Intertor of the House has been entirely re-designed by Mr. W. Bmitvell of the Colosseum. PRINCESS'S THEATRE. Mr. J. M. Maddox, sole Lessee and Manager, Duchess-street, Portland. place. Tins E:\ !NO Will be presented the ‘ Tragedy of TIIF. GAMESTER. Mr. Be verley, Mr. Cooper; StukelA Mr. Ryder; Leeson. Mr. Conway; Bates, Mr. C. Fisher; Jarvis, Mr. Gilbert; Dawson, Mr. Norton; Mrs. Beverley - , Miss Emmeline Montague; Charlotte, Miss Susan Cushman ; Betty, Miss Somers. After which, the Farce entitled A TRIP TO HAMPTON. Principal e.haracters by Mes.irs. S. Cowell, Neville, Ilowaisi, Harris, Mrs.. Selby, and Miss Villars. To conclude with a sew Christmas Pantomime, entitled OLD IPATIIEtt TIME ; or, Harlequin and the Four Se4sons. Dress Circle, Ss.: Boxes, 45.; Pit, ha.; Gallery, Is. rtays.--ST. JAMES'S THEATRE. Lessee, Mr. John Mitchell, 33, 0:d Bond-street. ON MONDAY EVENING. Will be performed LA PENSLONNALAR MARIE. After which, ECIIEC ET MAT. To conclude with LA I'REMIE it E RIDE. A detailed prosi.ectus of the general arrangements, and of the pieces which will be l minced during the season, may be had at Mr. ltitcheil's Royal Library. 33, Old Bend-street ; and at the Box-Oftice of the Theatre. which is open daily, from II to 5. Boxes, 65.; l'it, 3s. Gd.; ktti;ahitheatre, 2s. ; Gallery, 2s - FRENCH PLAYS.—ANTIGONE. Mr. Mitell , ll respectfully announces that t• .e celebrated lyrical tragedy of ANTIGON E, from the Gree:i of Sophocles, with the en tire music of the illustrious composer Mendeissohn, will reproduced at ST. JAMES'S THEATRE, On WEDNESDAY EVENING NEXT, Jan. 5. Distribution of the Chrracters.—Creon, M. Bocage, as originally perfoniwd I y him at the 'Meade de Pedeon, Paris, and by whom the /Use en Scene at this theatre will be conducted ; Hemon, M. reen ter ; Tiresias, 31. Lemonier ; Le Garde, M. St. Mark ; Le Coryphee, M. Henri ; An Igone, Mute. ltabut Fechtcr (her first appear ance this season) ; Ismene, Millie. Baptiste ; Eurydics. Mdlle. Berthe. D recto • 0; the Alusi.:• • • • 31. Jules Benedict. For the efficient pert rI.I:LIICC of th's cerebrated composition the following professors have been expressly engaged, and will consti tute the orchestra -First Violins—Messrs. Burotte, Deloffre, News ham, Mellon, Thirlwall, Brown, Goffrie, and Morris. Second Violins—Messrs. Ella, Pa) tor, Zerbini, Newsliam, jun., Elsinore, and Watson. Tenors—Messrs. Lyon, Glanville, Weslake, and R. Blagrove. Vielencellos.-Messrs. Lucas, filet, L. Phillips, and Guest. Double Basses—Messrs. Howell, Campanile., Severn, and Griffiths. Flutes—Messrs. Ribas and King. Oboes—Messrs. G. Cooke and Nicholson. Clarlunettes —Mcsgre. Ituose and Maycock. Corni—Messrs. Charles harper and t , allcott. Bassoons—Messrs. Larkin and Winterbettom. Trumpets—Messrs. Thomas harper and Handley. Trombones—Messrs. Smithies, Ilea ey, and Winterbot torn. Drums—Mr. Chipp. Harp—Mr. T. Wright. Conductor 31r. Benedict. N.B. A numerous and rowerful chorus has alsobeen engaged under the superintendence of Mr Grice and Mr. Lee. A new scene has been painted for the subject by Mr. Muir and assistants, Boxes. stalls, tickets, and season prospectuses, may be had at Mr. MITCHELL'S Royal Library, 33, Old Bond street. ROYAL SURREY THEATRE. Lessee, firs. F. Davidge, N. 1, DAvidge-terrace, Kensington-read, Surrey. THIS EVENING, the performances will commence with the eelebratecl Opera of THE BOHEMIAN GIRL. To conclude with a new Pantomime, entitled RATTLEDOOR and SMUT LECOCIC ; or, Harlequin Trap, flat, and Rail. A distinct entrance to the private boxes has been made (which have beea re-fitted). Private boxes may be had nightly of all the srincipal Librarians ; and at the Box-cflize of the Theatre, which Is *pen daily fl - om Ten until Four. Boxes, 2s. ; Pit, Is.; Gallery, 6d. ROYAL VICTORIA THEATRE. THIS EVENING Will be presented • , Drama, entitled The CARPENTERS OF LAMBETH, in "•" i - s Tincent, Mr. flicks, and Mr. For man wi l appear. '"" After which, THE JACKET OF BLUE. To conclude with the grand scholastic and instructiie Pantomime, entitled TIE WORLD OF WONDERS; or, Harlequin Caxton and the Origin of Printing; with wonderful scenery and decorative ap pointments. Clown, Mr. Pant Herring ; Pantaloon, Mr. Morelli ; Harlequin, M. Lupin° ; Sprite, Signor Molino ; Columbine, Mdlle. Boxes, Is. ; sit, 6d. ; Gallery, 4d. No lalf-price to any part the house. Doors open at Rix, to commence at Ralf-past Six. ASTLEY'S ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE, lt,)prletor and Manager, 'lr. William Batty. Mr. Batty's performing Elephants. THIS EVENING, The Grand Spectacle of THE CAMP OF SILESIA. Entirely !few Scents in the Arena, by the talented Artistes of The h.stafilisbment, in the carious modes of equestration. To conblude with a Grand Equestrian Comic Pantomime entitled lARLEQUIN DOCTOR SYNTAX AND HIS DAPPER. GREY MARE, in which those popular artistes Herr Dentin, lidlle. Theo dore, Mr. Anderson, and Mr. Bradbury, as Harlequin, Columbine, Clown, and Pantaloon, which will exceed in splendour and effect I►ll former productions at the Amphitheatre, Box-office open from 11 till 5 Acting and Stage Manager, Mr. W West. 11.1 E WEATHER.—Sow 07/FICB. DBC. 31. THEIOIOIIETBN., Lowest, 33 ; Highest, 36 ; Noon, 33. BAJtommTiatt, 29 9.—IVIND N.N.E.; cloudy. lil,ll WATER AT LONDON-MUDGE Trill; DAY. Morning.. 26 rainates after $ i Evening .. 0 minutes After 9 Innina -2"lttne LONDON, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1847. President Ponm has again shrived himself to the re presentatives of the United States, ns is ill be observed by the enormous document published in another part of our impression. By reason of the elaborate nature of his explanation, and of the multiplicity of matters to which it has immediate reference, we shall be exone rated from any inclination to treat the Speech with unbecoming indifference if we content ourselves, for the present, with giving merely a rapid synopsis of its.character. After an unusual gorge, even the boa-constrictor requires something like a fortnight for digestion. How much time, therefore, is not re quired for the digestion of matters so very nearly indigestible as the arguments and representa tions of President JAMES K. Pona ! After the abrupt and sententious addresses delivered to the legislators of Europe by the different constitu tional Sovereigns, the mind is almost bewildered by the garrulity of the prolonged narrations annually received from America. Leisure and meditation are essential to weigh with proper scruple the various schemes unfolded by the Chief of the model republic, and more particularly is this the case when those schemes are of such peculiarly questionable morality as those which were vindicated on the 7th instant before the Congress newly assembled at Washington. As might readily have been anticipated, the prin cipal portion of Mr. Ponies harangue is de dicated to the most daring and certainly the most reprehensible adventure undertaken during his Administration. We mean, of course, the adventure against Mexico. In the PAESI -3)IINT'S Spe ec h the whole history of the invasion of that territory, beginning with the forced marches of General TAYLOR upon Monterey, and terminating with the capture of the capital city, and the entrance of the conquerors into the palaces of the Monte sumag, is recounted with an admirable exactitude ; and.theun successful negotiation of the Plenipotentiary, NI% TRIST, is afterwards defined with considerable emphasis and lucidity. Whatever may be thought of the justice or humanity of the PRRSIDENT, in attempting the subjugation of a nei g hb our i ng and inoffensive repu blic, we will acknowledge that kis strictures upon the policy of this movement are candid and plain-spoken. There is no blinking th e truth ; there is no evasion of the reality ; there is none of that sophistical reasoning which would have c haracterised the address of a GUIZOT or a METTER.. NICII under similar circumstances. Mr. POLK speaks borne—bluntly, baldly, and (upon that point) with becoming brevity. He reminds Congress, and through Congress the whole population of the United S"tetes, that a vast expense has been incurred in consequence Of the incursion made into the Mexican dominion—that a national debt has, in fact, been fairly saddled upon the Republic—that, with the ac cumulation of these liabilities, the arms of their brave s,ldiers have everywhere triumphed—and that, con quently, it is both expedient in a pecuniary sense, arid possible in a military one, that the United States should receive compensation for the expenses conse quent upon the war by the negotiation of a peace with the violated country, and by the acqUisition of those portions of it which are contiguous to the American boundaries. The meaning of this is plain enough in all conscience. The invasion was made with the intention of aggran- dizing the United States by the spoliation of the ad jacent soil. A quarrel was picked with Mexico with the determination of reaping a territorial ad vantage from the encounter of powers so dispropor timiately matched. The pretext of expense and indemnity was foreseen from the very commence ment, and now that the invading forces have pro ceeded so far in their victories the ultimatum of the plan is divulged. The Rio Grande is to be the frontier line between the two republics reaching to about thirty-two degrees north latitude; right of way is to be insured acro.s the isthmus of Tehuantepec; and the United States are to be increased by the cession of the whole of New Mexico and California. What modesty and moderation ! The whole of New Mexico and California! Is it surprising that such generous conditions have been hitherto refused by the Mexican Government ? And is it not a most rational conjecture that the avarice and cruelty of the ag gressors may ultimately drive the countrymen of SANTA ANNA to the heroism of despair ? This at least is the only means which remains to Mexico for the redemption of its dominions, and the preservation of its nationality. After explaining that a public debt of 45,659,659 dul!ars has been incurred up to the Ist of December, and that a further loan of 39,000,000 dollars will be necessary if the war be continued beyond the August of 1848, Mr. POLK pourtrays the financial and commercial condition of the United States during the past twelve months. Nothing could 're more satisfactory, as an illustration of the working of free trade, than the result of the reducid tariff f America. Up to the Ist instant, tieing the •10 .e of the first year of the amended tariff, ne net revenues from the customs amounted to 31,5'00 000 dollars, being an increase upon the re ceipts of the preceding year of no less than 8,500,000 dollars. According to the Message of the PRESI DENT, an equally !rod result had followed from the opelation of the New Warehouse and Sub-Treasury Acts. Betides giving these monetary statistics, Mr. PoLK. enteks at some length into the subject of foreign relations. He advises the adoption of cer- tain treaties with the Sublime Poste, w.th Tunis, vkith Tripoli, and with Morocco; recommends with equal earnestness the establishment of a diplo- tmtic intercourse with the Court of his Holiness Pope Pins IX. ; and announces the appointment of Charges d'Affaires to Equador, Guatemala, and Bolivia. Lit. le intelligence of importance has reached us by the New York packet-ship Ashburton, beyond the 'Message of the PRESIDENT, but news of interest from the seat of war may be anticipated on the arrival of the Britannia. When the Government, on the 25th of October, ielded to the remonstran:a3 that were flowing in from every quarter, and. sent the celebrated letter to the Bmk recommending the "directors to enlarge the amount of their discounts and advances upon approved security," and promising that if their fo doing " should lead to any infringement of the existing law, her MAJESTY'S Government would be prepared to propose to Parliament on its meeting a Bill of Indem nity," there was a general expression of joy from all parts of the country. Immediate relief was thereby afforded to those who with ample means to meet every engagement, with abundance of real capital—although that capital did not consist of bullion—were brought into a most precarious position and exposed to the most imminent danger of being obliged to suspend their payments. True it is, a condition was annexed by which the value of the boon was greatly diminished. The minimum rate of discount was fixed at 8 per cent.--a rate so exorbitant, and so far beyond that which could be maintained for any lengthened period without the most ruinous consequences to the mercantile and manufacturing interests of the country, that it might well have awakened serious fears, and given rise to -many gloomy forebodings. All was, however, for gotten in the great fact, that the Bank Charter Act of 1844 was suspended, and it was not for a single moment supposed that it could ever again be revived. It was not merely its opponents who felt that its temporary suspension involved its immediate abolition, its unconditional repeal ; even the warmest advocates of the measure admitted that such was the case. The statement of Sir R. PEEL with respect to the free importation of corn was re membered, and his admission that if the ports had once been opened they could never again - be closed— that the nation would not submit to be again sub jected to the fetters from which they had been eman cipated, was manifestly in point, and applicable to the still more galling restrictions imposed by the banking enactments. The great organ of the but iionists declared that "the Bank 'Charter Act was virtually surrendered ;" that " the purposes of that Act might perhaps be supplied by other arrangements ;" and, again, that " the measure certainly did appear in its tendency a fatal blow to PEEL'S I .‘ Other arrangements " might be brought forward, new theories' might be introduced for the purpose of depriving the nation of the blessings and prosperity that would be the result of a free trade in money, and of a circulation adequate to the wants of the people, and which would enable every person able and willing to work to obtain re munerative employment ; but the restoration of the Act of 1844, in all its integrity, was never even con templated by any one not in the secrets of the Ministry until the very day of the meeting of Parlia ment, when that letter was withdrawn and the former law revived. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, however, when moving for the appointment of a Special Com mittee to inquire into the causes of the com mercial distress, and how far it had been occasioned by the laws for regulating the issue of bank-notes payable on demand, avowed his undiminished confidence in the working of the measure ; and it was perfectly manifest, from his statement, that no real intention existed of altering the IL v. The inquiries of the Committee were merely for the purpose of avoiding any immediate decision, and shelving the question until the arrival of a more propitious time, when the popular mind would not be so much excited on the subject, and a partial resto ration of prosperity might banish the recollection of l'the evils and sufferings to which we have been ex posed. If any doubt could have existed after the speech of the financial Minister, it must have been removed when the composition of that Committee became known, and the persons selected to serve thereon were nominated. In fact, the investigation might just as well be omitted, and the report imme diately published, the nature and character of which is already decided on even before the commencement of the labours of the Committee. It is therefore incumbent on the opponents of the present system to lose no time in bringing their opinions before the Legislature and the country at large. They must not suffer themselves to be hood winked by such flimsy pretexts, or induced to post pone the consideration of those measures which are essential to the national safety, while the farce of an inquiry is going on. The Act of 1844 has been weighed in the balance and found wanting. The law of the land has been necessarily violated, in order to preserve the country from the sad effects of its baneful operation. If further investigation is neces sary as to the new law by which it is to be replaced, let it t t least be forthwith repealed. Whatever may be the opinions of parties as to the maintenance of a currency convertible on demand into bullion, at a price of 3/. 17s. 100. per ounce, all should unite to abr.,gate that fatal enactment, and to erase it from our statute-book. Letters from Milan of the 19th inst. state that M. NAzutt, the deputy of the city of Bergamo, in the central congregation of the kingdom, moved a ri-sn- Aiti•,ti, founded on the universal discontent of t;., coup - ry, that a committee be appointed to lay before the Emperor of AUSTRIA. a project of reform for the Lombardo-Venitian kingdom. Although this mo tion was opposed by the Governor of Milan, who is president of the congregation, and who dcclared that the Viceroy himself was engaged in preparing a pro ject of reform, it was passed unanimously by the assembly, twenty-four members of which were pre sent. The president found himself compelled to proceed to the nomination of the:committee, declaring nevertheless, in the name of the Viceroy, that no dis content prevailed in the country. The committee consisted of the following deputies :—Count Ponno, for Como; Dr. VILLA, for Milan; Count Scuizzi for Cremona ; Count BARNI, for Lodi; M. SAN GERVASSO, for Brescia ; M. NAZARI, for Bergamo ; and M. ZANETTI, for Mantua. From the Ist of January the Mario di Roma and the Notizie del Giorno are to cease to appear, and are to be replaced by an official journal, which is to bear the name of the Gazette de Rome. Letters from Lisbon of the 23A announce that a change of Ministry has taken place. The following is a list of the new Cabinet:— President of the Council, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and ad interim of War—the Duke of SAL DAN HA. Interior—BEßNAßDO GORG AO HENRIQU ES. Finance—Joactunt JOSE FALCAO. Marine—AGOSTINO ALBANO DE SILVEIRA PINTO. Juitice—JOAQUlM JOSE DE QUEIROS. Several severe shocks of earthquake had been felt a! Lisbon, but no serious injury occurred. Sir CHARLES NAPIER'S squadron sailed from the Tagus on the 22d for a ten days' cruise, leaving only her MAJESTY'S ship Howe and the Comet steamer in port. The steamer from Southampton of the 17th had nit reached Lisbon on the departure of the packet. The French and Spanish Governments had refused to join Sir HAMILTON SEYMOUR in a protest against the elections. Exchange 53 at 31 days, and the discount on paper money 40 per cent. Madrid papers of the 22d and 23d have arrived. The Senate has passed the Bill authorising tht Government to levy taxes to the end of the year, atv! the 1)( puties have agreed to the Bill authorising thc immediate levy of 25,000 men. Queen CHRISTINA continued actively intriguing to secure the accessioi to office of IlloN and PinaL. MoN had refused t• accept the portfolio of Finance unless I'mat, war app , inted Minister of Justice. NARYAEZ is opposed to the admission of either of them into his Cabinet. MADRID BOLSA, DEC. 23 —The Three per Cents. were done at 274 for the 17h of January ; the Fir , per Cents. at 154 for paper ; the Debt without inte rest, at 5 for cash ; and the Coupons, at Mk. We have received the Paris papery of \Vednesday The Ministerial journals Frame the Speech from the Thr,:ne as a model of firmness. The National thus comments on that portion of it which relates to the reform banquets :—" Behold the sublimity of a free Government ! Put the g rew public powers in accord—have two united majoriti-s which is not difficult, and the manner to obtain then is well enough known, and then do what you please. The forced isolation of the citisens answers for their submission ; all collective expression of a sentiment, of an idea, of a desire, is interdicted. There were associations—no mote associations; public meetings,. —no more assemblies of any kind. Do the Deputies desire to know if such a Bill, such a reform, has th( assent of their fellow-citizens ? Then% they vril question their fellow-citizens one by one:or by cor respondence. Assemblies are disturbances ; delivers of speeches, interruption of social order ; to be ap plauded, violence; to petition for a reform, a factious dd. It is at that point we have arrived. Well—se much the better ! -We were accused of calumny when we announced it. France now sees to where she is being conducted; it is for her to decide if she will fall into that abyss of degradation towards which she is being pushed !" . The Constitutionnel is to the full as indignant. After characterising the passage alluded to as " an accusation and an insult upon a considerable part of the Chamber," it thus proceeds : " The reform manifestations, in which upwards of 100 deputies, as we have already said, took part, were held within the limit of the law. Was that limit. we may inquire, overstepped? And, if so, why did not the Government prosecute? If, on the other hand, the law was respected, how have Ministers lost their senses to such a point as to place in the mouth of the King accusations which the . inactivity of the courts" of justice and of the Governineut have beforehand contradicted ? But the presidentship of M. Guizot may be easily recognised in this extravagant policy, and in this forgetfulness of' all moderation. He divides the Chamber in two parts; the Ministerialists, sole and last defenders of royalty and of the charter ; and the Opposition, enemies by intention, or folly of the charter and of royalty. In order to compromise the King and the majority in the quarrel, he attacks, he provokes, he outrages. Like the Jesuits, his good friends in Switzerland, he has need of desperate combats ; like the emigrants of the Restoration, whose passions he so long shared, he sees in the half of France enemies whom royalty ought t 6 conquer if it does not want to perish-. Like the last Ministers of the fallen Government, he says :—no political re forms, no concession. We know no more dangerous enemies of a dynasty than they who pretend to serve it in this way." The Frew thuaAnsets at . lll9,,pgagra2l . l.,relating tai Switzerland:— " - The paragraph - relative. to Switzerland coin,. la g mences_like an idyl, sung on the bank of a fr sh streft - m, under the shade of a rustic cottage. ~ ' ivil war has troubled the happiness of Switzer and.' Yes, we imagined that a little. But vehatli.i've you done to keient'lltieiiiiffofffiner i',l4i3t " - 4'"Vern . eill had come to - au ' lindenlianding with-1 *: ~.) y : • teents of England, Align% A'r,osie _ 1. ,es, . offer a benevolent mediation Trst ii -,,; ~ ring and friendly people.' Good ; •Ave Inid a o heao -.peak of this good understanding of thie - fi' p..yern- . ments, especially with England, which at the end of? a week has left you in the lurch. But . the mediation has been refused by Switzerland. I'hen what next ?—What next ? Nothing. ' Switzerland will recognise, I hope, that the respect of the rights of all, etc., etc.' But it Switzerland be not of your opinion ; if, profiting by temporary unanimity which the recent events have established in the Diet, it thinks right to modify some of its internal institutions— a right which all independent nations have— what will you do ? Oh ! The Government will not even foresee that eventuality ! It will not again ven ture to pronounce any interdiction whatever, for fear of sustaining another cheek ! It hopes ! Adieu to the Sonderbund, which it had lately the pretension to resuscitate, in order, apparently, to cause itself to be pardoned for not having known how to secure its existence! There is not even a flower for its tomb. How has the policy of menace and of intervention thus changed into a policy of hope and resignation ? How has the war trumpet made way for the shep herd's pipe ? The Parliamentary muse will soon re count to us the causes of this great transformation." The KING, it is said, was manifestly suffering ft= the effects of recent illness, and exhibited unmistake able signs of old age. The Duchess of Oamens was received with loud applause by the Opposition De puties. It is said, that in the event of the succession of the Comte )a Pais to the throne during his minority an attempt will be made by M. TRIERS and his party to secure the Regency for the Duchess of ORLEANS to the exclusion of the Due DE NEMOURS. The illoniteur publishes a royal ordinance elevating Vice-Admiral Baron DE MACKAU to the dignity of Admiral. By other royal ordinances Rear-Admiral CECILLE was promoted to the rank of Vice-Admiral, Vice-Admiral BAUDIN was appointed member of the Board of Admiralty, and the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour was conferred on Rear-Admiral B ICU AT. M. OUTREIION, a rich notary, and one of the stanchest supporters of the Conservative party in Paris, has been committed to the Conciergerie on several charges of forgery and embezzlement. M. SAUZET was on Wednesday elected President of the Chamber of Deputies by a large majority; the numbers were--M. SAUZET, 227; M ODILLON BAR ROT, 105; DUPIN, 13; DUFAURE, 9. In all the bureaux, except one, Ministerial presi dents and secretaries were elected, and in that one M. TIIIZRB secured his election as president by a ma-, jority of one vote only. It was rumoured on the Bourse that Austrian troops had entered Parma, Placenzia, and Modena. The Three per Cents. closed on the Paris Bourse on Wednesday at 75f. 500. ; New Loan, 76f. Gsc. the Fire per Cents., 117 f.; the Orleans Railroad' :Sbart-:, 1,213 C. 7.1 . c.; Rouen. 910 C. 75c.; IT'ivr.2, 440 f.; Great Northern, 553:. Avgiion, 5801.; Vierzon, 547 f. 50c. ; Bordeaux, 490 f. ; Troyes and Montereau, 258 f. 75e.; Dieppe, 2621. 50c.; Paris and Strasburg, 413 f. 75c.; Tours and Nantes, 3Mf. ; Paris and Lyons, 405 f.; Spanish Three per Cents., 31. BUSINESS DONE IN FOREIGN RAILWAYS AT THE LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE, DEC. 80. Northern of France, 11 3 / 4 —Orleans and Bordeaux, 5 1 / ( 4 — Paris and Lyons, 5 3 A —West Flanders, 1%. AMERICAN NEWS. EXPRESS FROM LIVERPOOL. ARRIVAL OF THE BRITANNIA. I We have received by express from Liverpool Ame rican papers to the the 15th instant, being six days later than the intelligence brought by the Ashburton. These papers were received at Liverpool this morning by the Britannia steamer (Cunard), which was tele graphedpff Holyhead yesterday afternoon, when the news brought by the Ashburton left. The Britannia has made her passage in 11 days from Halifax, which port she left on the 19th, and Boston on the 16th inst. 52,000/. is the amount of gold specie on freight. The outward advices carried by the Britannia from here on the 19th ult., and which conveyed the news of the suspension of the Bank Charter Act, were most eagerly sought for in New York, and were generally considered as more favourable, notwithstanding the announcement of Messrs. True man and Cook's failure, which, as regarded the Ame rican trade, was not of such direct importance as to -neutralise the improved feeling apparent. General Zachary Taylor arrived at New Orleans on the 2d, and was received by a splendid procession, which surpassed any public display ever made in New Orleans. The General is one of the candidates for the Presidency. The General left on the sth for Memphis. The court-martial on Colonel Fremont was conti ' nuing its sitting at Washington. The New York Morning Express, of the 15th, lives the following summary of news : New levies of troops are constantly sent to rein• 'Orce the army in Mexico. By the latest news re ...eived from th it country, our troops may almost be said to be in quiet possession. The Mexican army appears to be annihilated, and the Government almost it an end. From present appearance, there is to be no peace with Mexico. There is no organized Government, and if there was, the exactions of our Government ire such that no terms would be accepted, short of yielding a large share of her territory. The American army is sustained in the various sections of Mexico, without any difficulty. Such is the demand for American lunge, and such the diffi !silty of exporting specie, that British and American capitalists there are ready to take army drafts on a'ie hington at consilerable premium, for which they readily pay the specie. It is impossible to state what course Congress will adopt. In the Senate there is a majority in favour, and in the Hous.s adverse to the administration. It Ain undoubtedly be a long and exciting session. Since the sailing of the steamer of the Ist our money market has continued to be unusually tight. The Banks have continued to contract their loans. No banking institution is permitted to take over seven per cent. per annum, but money has been, and still is worth one per cent. a month in the street. Up to the Ist about two millions of specie had been Sent. Since then, including what will go by this steamer, about half a million more will be added to the list. It is the general belief that after the Ist of January very little, if any, specie will be exported. Much of the export of specie has been caused from the want of confidence in bills. Many persons have ~referred to send specie, even at a certain loss, than to take bills at any rate. There begins to be a change in this respect. The last advices from England were more favourable, and confidence in English houses begins to be in acme measure restored. Fresh orders for breadstuffs have been received. particularly for corn, and large shipments of that article will now go forward. There are so few bills put in the market of an un doulsted chtiricter, that bills on London have been, And are now,:selling at 110 to 1108. There are, nowever, a large amount of second rale names to be had at 109 to 109 g. Stocks of all kinds are depressed. United States Treasury notes, which are the great favourite, and which bear an interest of 6 per cent. are selling below par. Both the imEnrtations and exports are now light, The prevailing belief is that the former will be less than last year at this time, and that the latter will increase. . The fall season of business is drawing to a close. [t has been 'a year of uncommon prosperity. The crop; of the last year sold at great prices, and those of the present season are most abundant, and com mand good rates. . This country has probably never been in a more sound and healthy state. There has been no over trading or speculating spirit ; every great interest has ' been well supported. Freights are uncommonly low. Many vessels have gone south fpr cargoes, and as the cotton crop will be ,much larger-than was at first suppOsed, it is believed there will 'be a good employment for the shipping interest. GREAT TELEGEAVIIC FRAT.—We have before us two Cincinnati papers, received yesterday by mail, , viz., the Getaeftesand the-Atlas, both printed on Thurs --lay morning49th inst.—and both containing tha Pre• 'sidenes Message in full. The readers of those papers were therefore placed in possession of the document just 42 hours after it Wars read in Congress. The Message comprises about highteen thousand words, Ind according to a stateinent‘in the Cincinnati Ga e.e.it.vvas telegraphed through the enterprise of the Cincinnati and Louisville press. The time occupied by the operators on the wires in transmitting the whole document from Philadelphia to Cincinnati was sixteen hours, including one hour and a half loss oy the current of electricity having been led from the rosin wire to the earth, at one of the intermediate offices. Owing to the dampness of the atmosphere, and this alone, the entire message could not be trans mitted all the way from Philadelphia. The aid of Pittsburgh office was therefore called in. Had the night been clearer and the atmosphere dry, the com plete document could have been successfully transmit ted, not only to Cincinnati, but even to Vincennes in Indiana—a distance of about 900 miles from Phila delphia. This enterprise W as set on foot and chiefly accomplished by Mr. Day of the Cincinnati Enquirer, and Mr Fisher .of the Cincinnati Gazette. Great credit is due to the operators at all the offices for their faithful and correct performance of their duty on this occasion. At Cincinnati, Mr. John Brough went to the assistance of the regular tele graph reporter for the press at that place (R. Smith) and wrote out the great body 'of the Message as it was transmitted; standing at his post from the be ginning to the end. The first words of the Message were received at the Cincinnati Telegraph office, at eight o'clock on Tuesday night—the conclusion and signature of the President on Wednesday at twelve o'clock, noon. " Whatever (says the Gazette) may be said of other telegraph feats, this, it must be ac knowledged, is the greatest achievement yet known. As an abstract proposition it would have been scouted, even so recently as a year ago. It has, however, been accomplished and that in the neatest and most correct manner. And after this let .no one , set bounds to the results of science." COMMERCIAL NEWS. NEW YORK, DEC. 15. THE COTTON MAI/EXT.—At the date tof my last re spects per Acadia on the 30th ultimo, I stated that buyers for export were participating in the operations going forward to a very limited extent, notwithstanding an easy freight market—the only inquiry being from our own manufacturers, who were purchasing sparingly, and only as their immediate necessities required. After the emission of my circular on that day, there was a more active inquiry, and holders obtained bids a full quarter of a cent over my extreme quotations, at which about 700 bales found buyers. The following day they were loth to offer, and very stringent in price, which ffectually stopped the little business going forward, and for a week subsequently to the departure of that steamer, the market wore a quiet appearance, as all parties were reluctant to operate until the reeipt of Pater a dvices from abroad. It is unnecessary to parti cularize the daily sales in such a perfectly dull and in active market, as rarely exceeded 400 bales. On Wed nesday, the Bth instant, the sales ran up to 1,500 bales, about 1,000 of which was New Orleans Cotton, from the wharf by ship samples, to make out a cargo for the packet-ship Argo, for Havre, at prices quite equal to those previously paid. On Thursdly m orning, the 9th instant, we were placed in possession ~f the telegraphic accounts of the Liverpool market to the !9th ult., by th e s t e amer Britannia ; some coriftision .tpparent ut the quotations ruceivcd in this t r.nd buyers under the general aspect of trade there, were indisposed to come forward except at a reduction in price of a full quarter of a cent., which was generally acceded to, and at which, about 800 bales changed hands, chiefly in the afternoon, the bids of the morning being still lower. These accounts represented some amelioration in the money affairs of England growing out of a partial extension of the issues of the Bask at the recommendation of Government, which had the effect of establishing confidence, and in the existing state of things there, that, ap peared to be wanted, more than money. Trade, however, in the manufacturing districts still ap peared to labour under great depression, aad it would seem that a long time must elapse before it can recover its former activity. On Friday morning the letter mail was received, by which it appeared that the market was very similar to that existing at the departure of the previous steamer, prices here consequently immediately recovered that decline, and the sales that day were 600 bales. On Saturday, II th inst., they amounted to 1,200 bales, at the full prices of the day preceding. Buyers for export have participated in the latter purchases, and some disposition was shown to grant facilities for ship ment to Liverpool. On Monday the sales were again 1,200 bales, at prices an eighth higher than those of Saturday, and mostly for Liverpool. Yesterday they were 1,000 bales, at prices to which my quotations at top conform, the market gip sing firm. The fall has been iEe most favourable on record for ripening and gathering the crop ; the average date of the killing frost in Georgia and South Carolina was on 21st ultimo, and in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, on 26th ultimo. Frcights have slightly improved. Exchange is more abundant, end closes dull. NEW YORK MARKETS.—TuEsDAY, P. 1.1 Ashes—Pots are quite active for shipment. Sales at 5 dolls. 50c. to 5 dolls. 62kc. Pearls are quits and dull ; sales at 7 dolls. Cotton—There is a better feeling in the market. The advance of *c. is sustained, and the demand is good. The sales are 1,000 bales a day. Flour—The market is quiet, at a slight decline. Sales of pure Genesee at 6 dolls. 37c. ; Western, Oswego, and Troy, 6 dolls. 06c. to 6 dolls. 25c. There is but little doing in Southern. Meal is selling freely at 6 dolls. 58c. to 6 dolls. 621 c. Grain—Genesee Wheat will command 140, and Ohio Mixed at 130 to 140. There is an active demand for corn for export, sale of 30,000 bushels Western mixed, old, at 74 to 76 ; yellow at 77 to 78 dolls. ; new Corn at 66 to 68c. Sales of Rye at 84 to 85c. Oats, Northern, at 46. Southern 41 ; Jersey 43. Barley, 82c. Provisions—Beef is very dull, the stock large and accumulating. Pork is also neglected. Cheese at 6c. to 7c. Lard has fallen, sales of new at Bi. Molasses—Sales of New Orleans Molasses, new crop, in bbls , at 28c. . Oils—English Linseed is selling at 24c., and Ameri can at 58c. to 59c. Whale at 35. Rice-Sales of 200 tierces at 3 dolls. 6210. to 4 dolls. Seed-Soles of Linseed at 1,35. Fruit-Malaga has fallen to 1,50 a box. Sales of Turkey Figs at 10c. to 15c. Lead-Prices are declining; sales at 4,25. Sugar-Sales of 100 hhds. New Orleans at 4i to 51. Tallow has declined. Sales at Bc. to 81c. BoSTON, DEC. 13.-Flour and Corn-The market is rather quiet to-day, and but few sales have been made. Pritearange from 6 dolls. 37ic. to 6 dolls. 50c. for Michi gan and Genesse common brands; 6 dolls. 75c. to 7 doll. for fancy ; 6 dolls. 37c. to 6 dolls. 50c. cash, and 6 dolls. 62c. to 6 dolls. 75c. for four months for Southern. In Corn, sales have been made at 82c. to 84c. for Southern ysllow, 77c. to 78c. for mixed, cash. Oats are selling at 52c. to 53c. for Northern, and 50c. for Eastern, cash. Weather remarkably mild to-day, and it being our city election, but little business doing. Auction Sales.- Corn - Yellow and white, Ohio, 1,683 sacks, 691 c. to 77c. per bushel, cash-bags Bkc. BRIOHTON MARKET, DEC. 13.-At market 850 Beef Cattle, 32 yokes working Oxen, 46 Cows and Calves, 7,600 Sheep and Lambs, and 1,550 Swine. Beef Cattle- Extra at 6 dolls. 75e.-first quality, 6:dolls. 25c. to 6 dolls. 50c.-second and third ditto, from 4 dolls. to 5 dolls. 50c. Working Oxen-sales at 72 dolls. 86e. and 130 dolls. Cows and Calves-Sales at from 46 dolls. to 50 dolls., according to quality. Sheep-Sales of lots at 2 dolls. to 2 dolls. 33c., and 3 dolls. 25c.-one or two lots, very poor, taken at 1 doll. 12c. Swine-Dull-Sales at wholesale, 4e. for Sows, and sc. for Barrows. At retail sc. to 6c. and 61c. PITT: BURG, DEC. 13.-Flour-The market was dull, at 4 dolls. 871fre.-Corn was firm, with an upward ten dency, and we quote good mixed at 40c., and yellow at 45c., with small sales. Oats were firm at 28c. with sales. New Orleans Sugar was firm, with sales at sc. for middling good fair quality. Whisky-No change. The weather continues very mild for the season. From the effects of the lite heavy rains the river has risen quite rapidly, and we report about 23 feet of water in the channel. BALTIMORE, DEC. 13. Flour—The market was steady, with a fair amount of business doing: sales of 2.000 barrels of 'Howard-street were made at 6 dolls. 25c. to 6 dolls. 37ic. Wheat—Sales of 3,000 bushels were made, including Maryland reds, at 132 c. and Maryland family white and mixed, and 62c. for yellow. Provisions remained inactive, and sales were making chiefly at retail. Whisky—No change. CINCINNATI, DEC. 13.—Flour—The market was in active and we have only to notice a sale of 400 barrels at 4 dolls. 75c. to 5 dolls. Wheat continued in fair de- mand, with light sales, without change in price. Corn —No change. Hogs—Sales of 2,000 head were made at 2 dolls. 50c. to 2 dolls 87ie. The latter figure for lots of good quality. Old pork continues dull. We heard of no sales worth reporting. Sales of 2,000 packages Lard were made on terms not understood. Whisky—Sales of WO barrels were made (rectified) at Vac. There is a freshet in the river and . the water is very high. NEW YORK STOCK-EXCHANGE, DEC. 14. $7,000 Treas. Notes 6,000 U. S. 6's '56 ... 97 1,000 Illinios Special ••• ••• 5,000 Penna s's 2,000 Reading Bonds ... 1,000 Reading M Bnds 38 Mechanics' Bank ... 6 Bank of Com scrip ... 200 Farmers' Loan ••• ••• ••• 50 Vicksburgh 150 Morris ••• ••• ..• ••• 30 N. Jersey R. R. ... 7 Stonington 125 Canton ... 100 Nor. sad Wor. 250 Reading 100 Long Island 1,000 Harlem R. R. ••• ••• ••• SECOND BOARD-DEC. 14. $6,000 Treasury Notes ... 300 Harlem ... ••• ••• ••• 40 Farmers' Trust ... 100 Morris Canal •• ••• ••• 5 N. Hay, and Hart. ••• ••• 10 Erie R. R. ... 68 ... 64 ... 104 ... 50 ... 27 ... 35 cash 57 ... 26 ... 40 •.. 99 ... 39; ... 25 ... 92 ... 60k THE VERY REA"' ° DR. MAGEE. 1« 4. TO THE EDITOR 'OF ,THE SUN. SIR,—In justice to my chara. .As a clergyman, may I respectfully request you 4 :‘,iittert in your valuable columns the enclosed apolibgy from the Herald of this day. It may not be irrelative to state that the proprietor of the Herald,' Mr. Edward Baldwin, by way of making amends to me for inserting the libellous letter referred to, publishes the apology, and pays all legal costs and charges. He, moreover, has given an order on his banker for thirty guineas, as a subscription to my poor schools of West minster, and delivers up to my solicitor the original libellous letter, with the name of the writer attached to it. Trusting that you will excuse this trouble, I beg to remain, Mr. Editor, Your obedient servant, A. MAGEE, D.D. Reform Club, Dec. 31, 1847. On the 17th November last a letter appeared in the Morning Herald, headed " Ireland—Romanism, „ in which an opprobrious nick-name was applied to the Very Reverend Anthony Magee, D.D., the Roman Catholic priest of St. Mary's Chapel, Westminster, and animadversions were made upon the reve rend gentleman, which, if well founded (and we be lieve them to be wholly unfounded) would seriously impair his efficiency as a minister of any church. The letter came to us with the name of a person on whose accuracy we thought that we could rely, and in justice to Dr. Magee we now express our regret that any such charges should have appeared in our columns, and we have afforded to him the best repa ration in our power, by placing in his hands the means of knowing from what quarter the attack pro ceeded. DESTRUCTIVE FIRE (Tans DAY.)—About four o'clock this morning a dpstructire fire took place on the premises of Mr. Eneas Mackenzie, printer, Poppin's court, Fleet-street. The establishment publishes the Railway Monthly Time and Fare Tables, and, as is neces sary on occasions at the end of the week, the compositors were engaged until the hour of ten in the composing room, and on leaving, everything appeared perfectly safe. At the time above stated the upper door was noticed by one of the police to show a great light, and, on alarming those in the house, it was ascertained that the flames were making rapid progress. Two engines of the London establishment, from Farringdon-street, were quickly on the -spot, followed by several others, when, by a ready supply of water, the fire was got under, but not before considerable damage was done to the property. HOLLAND.—A change has taken place in the Dutch Ministry. M. van Hall, Minister of Finance, has re signed with M. de la Sarral, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and are replaced, the first by M. Rappard, and the latter by M. van Randwyke, at present Minister of Home Affairs, who is succeeded by AL van der Hard van I)uivendyke. Stock was lower upon this 'Change, as it is attributed to a difference of opinion between the King and M. van Hall about the revisal of the Fundamental Law. It is said that the King objects much to the pro posed revisal, and has therefore chosen M. van H a ppard, who is knovt n as an extreme Conservative. _ . - . AN nosou, r iumtsnAv EVENlNG.—lnvitations to dinner and an evening party at Windsor Castle on Sa turday next (New Year's-day) have been sent out to dAy among the Nobility and gentry of the neighbour hood, including General and Lady Isabella Wemyss, Colonel Chalk nor, of Patnall Park, &c. Her Majesty's Christmas bounty to the poor of Windsor and its neigh bourhood will be also distributed on the morning of N ew Year's-day, in the presence of her Majesty and the Court, in the riding-house of the royal mews. IR OF CLINICAL SURGERY.—Professor Miller, now in the chsir of surge ry is ab out to be ;Li:peril - JAW by , Government to the chair of clinical surgery, vacant by the removal of Professor Syme to London. MARKET NEWS.-(THIS DAY.) CORN EXCHANGE.-FRIDAY. The present week's arrivals of English Wheat having been again very moderate, the show of samples here to day was small. Although the attendance of both town and country buyers was by no means large, all kinds of Wheat of home produce commanded a very steady sale, at fully Monday's quotations. The imports of Foreign Wheat have been large, and of full average quality. In this article only a moderate business was doing, at late rates. With Barley we were rather heavily supplied ; however, sales progressed slowly, and, in some instances, the currencies had a downward tendency. Malt met a very inactive demand, and late rates were barely sup ported. Oats, Beans, and Peas were heavy, but not cheaper. Indian Corn and Flour steady, at full prices. ARRITALS. Barlay. I Oats. Fleur. 7,770 qrs. 750 qrs. 3,710 Flu. 12,600 N;nglish Wheat. 3,580 qrs. Irish. ........ Foreign .• •• I 25,100 _ 1,500 1 Malt, 5,230 gra. SIVZITIIPIELD. Notwithstanding our market was seasonably well supplied with beasts as to number, the Beef trade was steady, and Monday's quotations were well supported in every instance. The primest Scots sold at from 4s 10,1 to 5s per 81bs. There were on sale 233 Beasts, 770 Sheep, and 6 Calves, from Holland and Germany. The numbers of Sheep were small, yet the inquiry for that description of stock was in a sluggish state, at barely stationary prices. In Calves a firm business was doing, and the best qualities of Veal were rather higher. The Pork trade was firm, but we can notice no improvement in value. Mach Cows were heavy at from 141 to 1715 s each, including their small Calf. Per albs. to sink the offal. a. d. to s. d. Inferior Boasts.— • 3 4 3 g i.cond quality •••• 3 10 4 4 Prime large Oxen •• 4 6 4 8 Primo Scots ••• • • • 4 10 i 0 Large coarse Calves 4 0 410 Prime small ditto •• 5 0 5 4 inckling Calves ..20 0 29 0 Inferior Sheep •• • 3 8 4 0 SUPPLY AT Beasts, I Sheep. 1,105 I 3,310 s. 4. to s. Second quality ditto 4 2 4 6 Coarse-vroolled ditto 4 8 5 0 Southdown tit ether 5 2 5 4 Ditto out orthe wool Large Hog■ • . 4 0 4 6 Small Porkers .... 4 8 5 2 Quarter old Pigs ..20 4 25 0 Lambs ..... 0 0 0 0 MARKET. I 911Y6es. I Pigs. NEINGATD AND I.I3IS.DENHALL. Owing to the change in the weather these markets were heavy, to day; on the following terms : At per Stone by the Carcase. s. d. to s. d, s. d. to s. d. Beet, inferl4r.• ••.. 8 4 3 6 Mutton, inferior .. 3 4 3 6 - middling • . 3 8 310 middling.. 3 8 4 0 - prime large 4 0 4 2 prime •... 4 2 4 6 - prime small .. 4 2 4 4 Pork, large.... 3 8 4 6 Veal.... • . - small ........ 4 8 b 2 Lamb. Os Od to Os Od. BOROUGH HOP MAItHET. Although we cannot call our market brisk, the amount of business doing in the best hops is improving, and the late advance in the qnotations is well supported. The middling and inferior kinds—the supply of which is good—on a slow sale, at late rates. The following are this dgy's prices:—Ncw flops: Sussex Pockets, 2116 s to 315=; Weald of Kent, ditto, 31 to 3/ 10s; Mid and East Kent ditto, 315 s to .5/ 12s per cwt. SECONDARIES.—(THIS DAY.) (Before Mr. Secondary POTTER.) THISELTON V. THE SOETII-EASTERN RAILWAY COMPANY. This was an action to recover damages under the fol lowing circumstances :—The action was brought under an Act known Ks Lord Campbell's Act, whereby the relatives of persons killed through negligence or acci dent, are entitled to recover damages by civil action. The plaintiff in this suit sued as administrator of his wife, Mrs. Mary Thiselton, deceased. The defendants at first pleaded that they were not liable, as the accident by which the deceased met her death was on works proceeding with under contractors—the plea, however, was withdrawn, and defendants admitting their liability. This was an inquiry to assess damages. The parties, however, had come to an arrangement, and a verdict for 2001. was taken by consent-1001. being apportioned to the plaintiff, and the other 1001. to the three children. A discussion arose as to the form of drawing up the postea, The Learned SECONDARY observing that it was a novel case, and the Act was faulty, and must be amended, as to the direction of the division of the property. The Solicitor to the Company said that in fact the contractors were the defendants, who would have to pay the money, although the company felt they were legally liable. He wished to state that the accident arose from some of the timbers of an arch forming over one of the streets in Bermondsey having been knocked away by a cart, but the coroner's jury, after a very patient inquiry, had returned a verdict of accidental death, and that no blame was attributable to any party ; he, however, regretted to say that another person besides deceased met their deaths. The Learned SECONDARY asked if any arrange ment had been come to as to costs. The Solicitor to the Company said that they would pay all the costs, even those of the letters of admi nistration. A verdict for 2001. was then entered. • • 4 , t , • S. • tit* 25 - 11 , A BRUSSELS PAPERS. HAMBURG, DEC. 25.—The setting in of the frost and freezing of the Elbe has, we fear, almost put a stop to our export trade for the winter, or at any rate till we have a thaw. At our market yesterday no wheat was sold, except in loco for home censumption at reduced prices, from 6 to 8 rix dollars. The following engagements were made for Scot land, and 112 rix dollars were offered for 'nibs. Very little was done in rye, except that some pur chases were made in speculation. BREMEN, DEC. 25.—The frost has produced a fa vourable effect on our corn trade, and the price of nearly every kind of grain has fallen. Wheat was sold only for home consumption, and rye, which was more in demand, was sold at the market price. WITTENBURG, DEC. 20.—A most terrible fire at Schwienitz has deprived fifty families, consisting of 201 persons, of shelter-and maintenance. In a few hours thirteen houses and eleven small ones, the senate house, the tower, the newly-built warehouses, and forty-four cottager,' were burnt to - the ground. Very little household furniture was saved: the winter stores were all consumed, and it was with the utmost exer tions that the newly-decorated church, with its hand some tower, as well as the clergyman's house and the school-house, were saved. It is not yet known how the fire originated. Great distress prevails among the people, who have thus been rendered houseless at this inclement season, and subscriptions have been set on foot for their relief, and are earnestly requested, both from home and abroad. Letters from Darmstadt state that his Serene Highness the Hereditary Prince of Hesse Homburg is at the point of death. By the death of this Prince the Landgravate of Hesse Homburg will be incorpo rated in the Grand Duchy of Hesse Darmstadt.-- Brussels Papers, Dec. 29. There are five Sabbaths in each of the following months in 1848, viz. :—J2.nuary, April, July, October, and December. THE OYSTER.—Why is an oyster the greatest paradox in nature ?—D'ye give it up ? • Because it has a beard without any chin, And gets out of bed to be tucked in. SMIACITY or A SIIEEP.—A decent carter, em ployed by a large carrying company in this town, keeps several horses in his stable, and amongst them a stallion. Between his dwelling-house and stables is a court, the free run of which is enjoyed by a pet sheep, which finds sleeping quarters with the horses in the stables. Well, a few days ago, about two o'clock in the morning, whilst the honest carter was in bed, ho was awakened by a " tap-tap" at the back door. The sound, which was repeated, being of an unusual character, John got up, repaired to the door, and cautiously challenged the applicant for admission. No answer, save the tap, being vouchsafed to his reiterated " whae'e there?" he slowly opened the door, peeped out, and lo there stood Mr. Sheep, quietly looking up in his face! He instantly chased the poor animal into the court, closed the door, and returned to bed. Scarcely fire minutes elapsed. however, till the dunt-dunt at the door was again heard. John, who was just dropping over into the nicest, coziest snooze imaginable,bounced from bed, quite indignant at the impertinence of his untimely visitor, and snatching up a cart-tram, opened the door with the intention of "doing" for poor Mr. Sheep. Luckily for both, however, as the door opened, he heard a strange noise proceeding from the stable. The thought immediately struck him that something had gone wrong; and proceeding across he found the stallion broken loose, in a paroxysm of fury, and biting and kicking at the other beasts, and every thing in his way. Thus, it would appear, the sagacious sheep had gone over to report the state of matters, and though drisen back, wisely persisted in summon ing the gudewan to stay the fury of the riotous brute...— Ayr Advertiser. MANSLAUGHTER IN THE WESTMINSTER -ROAD.— Yesterday an inquest was held by Mr. W. Carter, at the Two Sawyers, Palace-road , Lambe th , on the body of Mary Morton, aged 72. Police-constable Mole, of the L division, said that on Monday evening week he was on duty in the lobby of Astley's Theatre, when his attention was directed to a horse and cart proceeding a w t at a chi v n e g the vehicle, hery furious and a im lo p n r g ope t r he ra li t : . est w mi h n i s l t s e t r h -r e o w ad a , B saw the deceased, who was in the act of crossing the road, kno t c i e , p d o o n w s n e e b i n y the gwh c a a t r h t . 0 The odriver, whippedwh owas sthis ho a r n s d e i , n a g nd drove on even faster than before. Witness pursued him down the road until out of breath, when he lost sight of him. He had endeavoured, but in rain, to find out who the driver was, or to whom the cart be longed. Other evidence was put in, showing deceased had died on the Monday following from the effects of the returnediti.tur3 ' a she bed rec e i ve d. Th e j ury, h av i ng consu lt e d , verdict of " Manslaughter against some person or persons unknown." SOUTHAMPTON, DEC. 30.—The Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company's ship Iberia, Captain Bowen, arrived at Southampton at one P.M. yesterday, bringing the Spanish and Portuguese mails in charge of Lieutenant Raynor, Admiralty agent, 20 passengers, and a small cargo of fruit, &c. The Iberia left Lisbon on the 23d, an d has experienced very tempestuous weather during her passage across the Bay of Bisteiy. At the date of th saiiing the South• sinspten payket of the 17th :ter, Captain Mediae), had not made her appearance at Lisbon. The commer cial adrices by the Iberia are not of importance. FAILURE IN THE IRON TRAM: BIRMINGHAM, WEDNESDAY.—To-day a meeting of the creditors of Messrs. Sharpe, Brown, Burgess, and Morriss, who have been extensively engaged as manu facturers in the above trade, in Halifax, and in this town, took place at the Union Inn. It appeared that the debts of the house amount to about 31,0001., and the assets to about 15,0001. One of the bankers at Halifax claimed for 5,0001., exclusive of 3,0001. for which they hold security. Messrs. Foster and Bradley, iron masters, claim for 7,5001.; nearly 100 creditors share the loss of the residue. It was pro• posed to pay Os. in the pound, at four instalments of three, six, nine, and twelve months ; the two last payments to be guaranteed. After a full investiga tion of the affairs it was agreed to accept the pro posal, but a further adjournment became necessary. The proposed securities, who reside in Scotland, had only agreed to guarantee one instalment, and the adjournment took place to obtain their further con sent. Messrs. Brown and Co. have been only three years engaged in business in this town. The prinei , pal creditors reside in the neighbourhood of Stour bridge and Brierly Hll, and few in this town are losers by their failure. In noticing this failure it may be observed that the iron trade throughout the whole district is in a most depressed state ; and other cases of pecuniary embarrassment have recently been settled. The men at some of the works have turned out, and refused to submit to a reduction of their wages, of which they have received notice. How far they will succeed in prevailing upon the masters to rescind their resolution is very doubtful, in the face of the fact that a declaration of a reduction in the price of iron to the amount of at least 30s. or V. will be made at the forthcoming quarter-day. We do not know that there has ever been so sudden and violent a reaction in any branch of trade as that which has taken place in the iron trade. THE POST MAGAZINE ALMANACK FOR 1848. As the proprietor of this Almanack justly observes, what the public want is a correct almanack for 1844, and not one published as early as possible in 1841 4 and by delaying the publication of the Post Ma gazine Almanach to the latter end of December, he has been enabled to secure this correctness. 'This is the only almanack for 1848, which ws have seen that records the changes consequent upon the death of the late Archbishop of York, and notices the recent appointments of Colonial Governors, and the election of Mr. Sala. , mons as Alderman, in the room of Mr. Thomas Wood. Another great feature of this work is the immense mass of information it contains respecting the various Insurance Offices of the United Kingdom. It also notices the new Postal arrangements which have recently taken place. In fact, it is what it professes to be, an almanack for 1848. PEMBROKE COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE. Yesterday the 500th anniversary of Pembroke College was celebrated at Cambridge. A burglary and robbery was committed by armed men on the night of the 17th instant, at the house of Mr. Haves, Simon's Wood, Ormskirk. THE LATE ACCIDENT ON THE NORTH MIDLAND RAILWAY.—The adjourned inquest relative to the deaths of Robert Leppington and Thomas Redshaw, cattle jobbers, resulting from a morning mail train running into a goods train at Brotherton, on the above line, was held at York on Weit;eAay, when, after a lengthened and ridiculous discussion between the foreman and the jury, the foreman wishing to bring in a verdict of man• slaughter against the whole company, a verdict of acci dental death was finally returned. THE DEAD SEA.—There appears to be no antis• factory evidence as to whether any fish are to be found in the Dead S-a. Our guides said that some small black fish had been seen there, but others deny this. A dead fish had been found on the shore, near the spot where the Jordan enters the lake ; but this might have been cast up by the overflow of the river. It is said that small birds do not fly over the lake, on account of the deleterious nature of the atmosphere. About small birds I cannot speak; I saw two or three vultures wing ing their way obliquely down it, however. The curious lights which hung over the surface struck me as showing an unusual state of the atmosphere—the purple murky light resting on one part, and the line of silvery refrac tion on another. Though the sky was clear after the morning clouds had passed away, the sunshine appeared dim, and the heat was very oppressive. The gentlemen of the party who stayed behind to bathe, declared on rejoining us at lunch time, that they found the common report of the buoyancy of the water of this sea not at all exaggerated, an :f that it was indeed an easy matter to float on it, and very difficult to sink. They also found the hair and skin powdered with salt when dry; but they could not admit the greasiness or stickiness which is said to adhere to the skin after bathing in the Dead Bea. — Miss Martineau. THE DUKE DB LA VICTORIA.—After a sojourn in this country of nearly four years and a half, the puke de la Victoria left London yesterday, on his return to Spain. The Queen has been pleased to appoint Edwin Saunders, Esq., cf George-street, Hanover-square, to be dentist in ordinary to her Majesty. The British and North American Royal Mail steam-ship Britannia, Capt. Harrison, passed Holyhead yesterday, inward bound, at 3 o'clock rad. She will bring papers from Boston to the 16th inst. THE BIGAMY CASE AT • HUDDERSPIRLD.—This case, in which Miss Nicol, of Glasgow. is the prosecu trix, and Mr. Hellawell, surgeon, of Hudderateld, the n.p P arty a ort a. n whinh WaS rapr..-5 of October 16 as having been heard before the Hudders field Bench of Magistrates on the Thursday previously, came before the Grand Jury at York Assizes on Wed nesday, when, after a full investigation into the circum stances, the bill was ignored, and the case dismissed as one of the most shameful extortion and conspiracy that could possibly be trumped up.—Manchester Examiner. COURT-MARTIAL AT DEVONPORT.—A Court martial took place at Devonport, on board the San Josef, flag-ship of the Port Admiral, on Monday, to try a seaman of the Columbia steam-vessel, for desertion, arid entering on board an American merchant schooner. The proceedings commenced at ten, and the case closed • at two, when the prisoner was found guilty, and sen tenced to be imprisoned three calendar months, and for feit all arrears of pay. THE NEW POSTAL CONVENTION DETWERN ENG LAND AND FRANCE.—This long-desired international communication with England and France, which has been looked forward to with great interest on both sides of the Channel, will at last be fully carried out by the establishing of two daily mails from London to Paris, and vice versa. The facilities afforded by the South- Eastern Railway to Folkestone and Dover, and the. Boulogne Railway to Amiens and Paris (nearly com pleted), will open in a very short time a grand trunk line from the northern to the southern extremity of France, and whets the railway from Lyons to Marseilles is finished, will cause a great development to the com mercial intercourse between the Mediterranean and this country and our Indian empire, by a rapid correspon dence by steam and locomotion. According to the new arrangement, the mail by way of Boulogne will leave Paris daily at eight in the evening, and reach there the next day at four in the morning, and London at half past ten in the morning. The mail from London by the same route s ill be dispatched daily (Sunday excepted) at eight in the evening. The mail will be delivered to the post-office of Boulogne next day at half-past two in the morning, and reach Paris at half-past ten in the morning. The mail by way of Calais will leave Paris daily at noon, and reach Calais at ten at night and Lon don at half-past four next morning. The mail from London by the same route will be dispatched daily , at eleven in the morning, and delivered the next morning at Paris at half-past four. The French steam-packets will convey the mails to and from Calais and Dover, and the British packets to and from Boulogne and Dover. NEW Fox TRAP.—We have frequently heard of mice and rats, and such small game, being caught by oysters, but the entrapment of a fox by a muscle is a novelty which has been reserved for the especial wonder of the present generation. For stalwart men, fiery steeds, and fierce dogs to turn out with " whoop, and shout, and wild hallo," to perform what can be achieved by a solitary muscle on the banks of Loch Carron, will hereafter, perhaps, be regarded as something ridiculous. The Inverness Courier states that immense muscles, some of which are almost as large as a man's shoe, are found lat Ardinisgain, on Loch Carron. A few days since one of these muscles was left uncovered by a spring ebb tide, and was induced by the rays of the sun to open itself. While thus open, it was observed by a prowling fox, which thrust its tongue into the shell in the hope of securing the fish; but the muscle instantly closed on the tongue of the fox, which was retained a prisoner until drowned by the rising tide. BI IgTEIZ. On the 18th inst., at Bonn, on the Rhine, the wife of Mr. A. Ilelinters, of a daughter. On the 21st inst., in Great Marylebone-street, Cavendish square, Mrs. Edison, of a daughter. On the 24th inst., at Castle Connell, County of Limerick, the lady of J. S. Dwyer, Esq., J. P., of a daughter. On the 25th inst., at Walliscoto House, the lady of John Parkinson, Esq., of a son. On the 25th inst., the wife of Charles J. Tomkins, Esq., surgeon, Colet-place, Commercial-road, of a daughter. Oa the 28th inst., at Devonshire-square, Biahopsgate street, the wife of Dr. Oldham, of a son. On the 28th inst., at lilackinore, Essex, Mrs. W. T. Long bourne, of a daughter. On the 28th inst., at Bayswater, Mrs. Charles Hall, of I son, who survived only a few hours. On the 29th inst., at Lee, Kent, Mrs. Wallroth, of daughter. On the 29th inst., at Tavistock•square, the svife of G. Willmere, Esq., of a daughter. On the 29th inst., at Highgate, Mrs. Henry Lake, ef a son. MARRIED. On the 22d inst., at Watford, Herts, Mr. J. H. Stockdale, of London, to Harriet Maria, only daughter of Clement Rose, Esq., surgeon of that place. __ DIED. On the 19th inst., at No. I, Belvedere, Bath, the residence of his sun, Mr. Beauchi Taylor, Mr. James Taylor, late of London, aged 78. On the 25th inst., at North-end, Fulham, Lester, eldest son of the late W. G. Harvey, Esq., aged 59. On the 26th inst., Mary, the youngest dauglgter of Mr. T. Escreet, of Islington. On the 27th inst., at Boley-hill, Rochester, Maria, the wife of Captain Thomas Baker, H.C.S.. aged 52. On the 27th inst., Mr. James Garner, of Corrie-place, Old Kent road, aged 78. Pri,li,cl and Publinlied by AIUIiDO YO:3NG, at No. 112, Strand, Printer, at The Sun Office, No. 112, Strand, in the Precinct of the Savoy, in the county of Middlesex, Friday, December 31, 1847. /