The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser. — Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1842-08-30 00:00:00

, `~,~ `•~ TRIAL 0? DEAN, IOR THE ASSAULT ON HER \ • MAJESTY. At the Criininal Court, on Thursday, before Lord Abinger, Mr. Justice Williams, and Mr. Baron Rolfe, John William Bean, 17, was indicted for a misdemeanor in assaulting the Queen. Before the commencement of the trial, all the wit nesses were ordered out of court. The Attorney-General briefly addressed the Jury, and stated the nature of the offence with which the defendant was charged. On the 3d of July, as her Majesty was pro ceeding frotn the Palace to the Chapel Royal, the prisoner was observed to draw a pistol and to aim it at the carriage, and discharge it. These were the circumstances under which the charge was made, and he apprehended that, after the witnesses were examined; they could have very little doubt that the prisoner was guilty of assaulting her Majesty. The Attorney-General then went on to explain the law upon the subject of assaults, and concluded by calling witnesses to support the charge. Charles Edward Dasset saw the prisoner come from the crowd on the morning of Sunday, the3d of July, and present a pistol at the carriage in which the Queea was seated, and seized him. The brother of the last witness, Frederick Augustus Dassett, and several other witnesses who were at the Mall on the occasion in question, were examined, hut their evidence differed in no respect from the facts which transpired on the prisoner's apprehension with which every one is familiar. _ _ Mr. Horry, for the prisoner, took several objectiqps to the wording of the indictment. The learned counsel con tended that if the tobacco pipe with which the pistol was loaded was capable of doing an injury to her Majesty, the prisoner ought to have been indicted for high treason. The offence could not be considered legally as a mere misdemean our. An assault on the refining Sovereign was always con sidered to amount to theerime of high treason. Her Ma jesty was not aare of the assault, and, therefore, he submitted no common assault could be substantiated. He submitted that the charge was one of high treason and not misdemeanour ; and that, as no assault had been proved, the prisoner was entitled to an acquittal. The Attorney-General was about to reply, when Lord Abinger said, the prisoner firing, or attempting to fire, a pistol at the royal carriage, must be for the purpose of alarm ing and frightening her Majesty, and, therefore, amounted to an assault. The offence of high treason could not be sup ported, unless it was shown that the party intended or com passed the death of the Sovereign. He considered the in dictment sufficient in all respects to support the charge against the prisoner, and, therefore, the legal objections must be overruled. Mr. Horry addressed the jury for the prisoner, ridiculing the idea that he intended any injury to the Queen, as he was one of the most mild and least offensive of her Majesty's subjects. He contended, that the evidence did not substan tiate the charge, and called two or three witnesses, one of whom swore that the prisoner did not aim the pistol at the carriage. Other witnesses gave the prisoner a good charac ter as being a mild, peaceable, and inoffensive youth. John William Bean, the father of the prisoner, stated that he was unable to employ*an attorney to defend his son. (The prisoner here wept bitterly.) The habits of his son were peculiarly mild : be had never beard him express any harsh language or expression towards the Queen, but quite the reverse. The Attorney-General replied. A great deal had been said about the prisoner being a cripple, of diminutive size, and extreme weakness. Now, he admitted all that ; but it was proved in evidence, that he had sufficient strength to pull a trigger, which, had; the pistol exploded, might have proved fatal. From the conduct of the prisoner himself, both before and after the attempt, it was evident he meditated some attack upon her Majesty. He said in his letter to his father, that he should do something desperate, perhaps, led away with the idea that he should be provided for in some such way as another individual had been. The Jury found the prisoner Guilty, and Lord Abinger sentenced him to eighteen months' imprisonment. The trial lasted six hours, during which the court was ex cessively crowded. SPECIAL COMMISSION FOR THE TRIAL OF THE YORKSHIRE RIOTERS. In the Crown Court at the current Yorkshire Assizes, on Thursday last, before Mr. Justice Maule. the Hon. Mr. WORTLEY, Q.C., rose to make an application founded upon an affidavit which he held in his hand. The affidavit was made by the Solicitor t 8 the Treasury, and the learned gen tleman's motion was that the several prisoners who had been committed to York Castle since the opening of the Commis sion of Assize, charged with riots and other offences com mitted during the recent disturbances in various parts of the West Riding, might remain in custody in the Castle, on their commitments, until the proclamation of a special commission which it was the intention of Her Majesty's advisers to re commend her Majesty to issue. The affidavit of the Solicitor to the Treasury stated that there were already one hundred and eleven prisoners committed for trial, besides fifty-six others who had been committed to York Castle for further examination on the Ist of September next ; in addition to others who were in custody, and who were expected to be committed for trial is a short time. The deponent also stated that there had not been time to transmit the whole of the depositions taken before the comrOtting magistrates to the Home Office, from which depositions alone a proper classification of the cases could be made. In addition, the deponent anticipated that further important evidence against some of the prisoners would be obtained, but which, from the shortness of the time, and the disturbed state of the district, it had been impossible to get together. Now he (Mr. Wortley) apprehended that there waa nothing extraordinary in a motion of this sort—for pet sons to be detained upon their commitments, and their trials to be postponed—when justice was likely to fail for want of time to procure evidence. Although his lordship was sitting there under a commission to deliver the gaol, yet a discretionary power was possessed by him in circumstances of a special nature like these. In the case of the special commission at Derby, in 1817, the commission, under which her Majesty's Justices sat, was one of general gaol delivery ; yet the judges on that occasion pro ceeded with the trials of the state prisoners, leaving the re mainder of the prisoners in the gaol on that occasion upon their commitments, until the regular gaol delivery. No ob jection was raised on that occasion, and he humbly hoped that the same course would be followed now. Mr. Justice M AIME said that having sat for a fortnight, and with the probability of sitting for another fortnight, he bad no wish to prolong the assizes ; but he did think the affidavit insufficient to justify the application, as it did not specify any particular prisoners, nor did it state, except in a loose way, that other evidence was likely to be forthcoming. It merely stated that it was believed that important evidence might be expected, but it did not shew the existence of any grounds for expecting it. This amounted to nothing at all. Mr. WORTLEY said the affidavit alleged that there had not been sufficient time to obtain copies of all depositions, to peruse those which bad been obtained, so as to classify the cases and to prepare the indictments necessary to prosecute the several prisoners. Mr. Justice MAV LE said that certainly one circumstance ill favour of the application wa s that a s p e cial commission vTould be promptly issued, and that the prisoners would not be kept long in custody. There was a difference between the case referred to by Mr. Wortley and the present, as at Derby the ordinary prisoners only were left upon their com mitments at the close of the special commission, while here it was sought to detain persons at the close of an ordinary gaol delivery. He did not think he could make any order, until he had heard what the prisoners referred to had to say upon the subject, and therefore the motion must stand over for the present.—Leeds Intelligencer. [The application was renewed on Friday, and refused, — Mr. Justice Manic saying that there could be no doubt of his being sufficiently tired of these protracted assizes by the time the ordinary calendar was disposed of, but lie was sit ting under a commission now in active operation, which charged him to deliver the gaol, and he felt that he was in duty bound to do so, as long as his commission existed and there were prisoners for trial. He had consulted Lord Den man, who was of the same opinion. No doubt the power that set them in motion could stay their proceedings, but he could only proceed till his duty was by some means pro perly terminated.) THE CROPS IN IRELAND. „ Throughout the entire of this county the bustling activity of the harvest is visible. Nothing can be more delightful than the weather ; and thanks to Providence, there appears to be every prospect of the crops proving fine and abundant. In some districts wheat and oats have been cut, and the fields present a busy appearance, thronged as they are with troops of the sturdy peasantry. We have the authority of an old and experienced agriculturist for stating that the pro duce of the wheat and oat crops will be above the average ; and we may confidently calculate on a supply of potatoes, the staple food of the labouring classes, at least twice as great as that of last year. Generally speaking, they are of the finest quality imaginable—large, dry, and mealy. In many patches the wheat looks thin, but then it is heavy and plump about the ear, and likely to yield most abundantly, in proportion to the quantity of straw. Haymaking is nearly all over, and the produce of the meadows has 'riven the great est satisfaction. It has been ricked and cocked in the best possible condition, without one hour's hindrance from un propitious weather. Well, after all the distress and destitu tion that the poor had to contend with, ought they not to feel most grateful to the Omnipotent Dispenser of all Bless- . ings? Turn where you will, abundance meets the eye, and the cheering prospect of plenty fills one with the brightest hope s for the future peace and prosperity of the country. With but few exceptions, indeed, the labouring population is employed. Men, women, and children work from morning till night levelling the crops, with nerve in every arm, light ness in the heart, and a dash of industrious determination in the eye.—Castlebar Telegraph. . FALL IN THE Paws OF PROVISTONS. — There was an a uant supply of excellent potatoes at our m ark e t on Sa turday,b some of which, the inferior description, were sold at the hestunprecedented low rate of lid. per stone. The very quality with some difficulty brought ls. 4d. per cwt. collect Probabl y tu t il he very oldest inhabitant of the town does not re quantities of seen so early in the season such abundant is this favourite esculent. The venders state that the yi e ld prime in quality, times greater than last year. Oatmeal, cwt. - but the demand and abundant in quantity, sold at Its. per to the absence u emand was exceedingly dull, owing perhaps led " od e great t:lle country folk at what was formerly cal in go healthy fair a Ballyheane." Oats, which appeared Other descriptions of gave way about is. per cwt. prices.—CastleSae Te f ie provisions maintained their former PROLIFIC WIIEA T g. t' a Ph• of 12 acres, have been. F ou r heads of reheat, fair sample o e u nt s to this office, by Mr. R. J. Ni cholson, of Stramore.h richness, are probably unsurpassed, The beads, for fullness and from Scotland ; it is called The seed was imported Telegraph. hunter's Prolific."—Newry The weather continues most delightful, nearly all the oi ex o t down, and several wheat crops in this district have be esii crop rather short. fields of oats were ved by the -__ Potatoes will be abundant : the hay rior, and in many places two years' consi T r i a irf . i s very supe cut and saved. The merchants in this city rep ort have been new grain appearing at market is superior to any that the corn, both in quality and weight. Mr. John Abraham, foreign No. 8, George-street, yesterday sent to ou r office a of of Hopetoun oats, which was sown from seed whici:;laeruipolae - from the growth of which this ported last season,- superior imed la corn was produced on ten acres of recla nd bou undinv the demesne of the Earl of Clare. The produce is most abt ' ''. dant, and it is expected wi ll average 350 stones per Irish acre. The straw is 61, feet high, and remarkably fine.—Limerick Chronicle. The fine weather which we have been so long blessed has produced an abundant supply of most excellent new poWe ta toes, and brought down the market s very considerably. hope Providence will continue its favours u ntil the oat crop, which promises well, be gathered in.—Boyle Gazelle. Never, in the memory of that questionable personage " the oldest inhabitant" of our locality, had we a finer sea son, or one that p r omised more abundantly to re p ay the trouble of the farmer, thin the present. Accounts from all quarters of the country crowd upon us of the excellence of the crops, and th e ver y forward state of the harves t ; indeed, from tt truththe samples of oats sent to us for inspection , we can w pronounce that nothing of the kind ever bef ore the met our view. Already sickle • there in favoured fields, but not general. Nothing could ex ceed the luxuriouto cheer the sons s o ppearance of the country, or tend more The potato crop is il in the prosecution .of their labour. plenty exhibited in abundant beyond former years, and the year—the best qualities markets gives promise of a cheap per stone. The hay ha s r r e n be purchased at from 2/(1..t0 3d. busy in drawing to the stis finished, and farmers are now favours all out-door haggard,operations The present very fine wea thermaturity of the crops. „ ztoinons as well as promotes the farmer.''— Westmeath Guardian! life and success to the 1 ; CAPE OF GOOD HOPE.--DEFEAT OF THE` QUEEN'S TROOPS. Papers to the 19th June hOe been received from the Cape of Good Hope. They contain a despatch conveying the un fortunate information of a defeat having been suffered by the troops despatched against the settlers at Port Natal. Under any circumstances such an event would have to be regretted, but more so in the present instance, when the relative situa tion of the parties is considered. These men, descendants of the original Dutch colonists. feeling dissatisfied with our rule, removed, and located them selves in another district and set all authority at defiance, claiming to be independent, upon the ground that having first settled upon the land, though British territory, they thereby obtained an exclusive right to it. Although every privilege was offerefi them, both by the home and colonial govern ments, they(leterrnined to act on the defensive; and now, in the first encounter, they have been successful. The improvement in commercial affairs which the intelli gence during the last few months has noticed, still continued; and as labourers became more numerous, so it would appear the prospects of the colonists brightened. The Africans who had arrived were found to be extremely useful and willing, but the want of European emigrants was still much felt. The intelligence and superior strength of these latter render ing them far more viluable assistants than the former, in consequence of its being unnecessary to teach them every thing, whereby much time was lost, by the necessity of a constant? supervision. Every inducement was afforded to promote immigratidn. The following is the'official account of the despatch above alluded to : " Port Natal. May 25. " Sir,--It is with feelings of deep regret I have the honour to communicate to you the disastrous result of an attack made by the force under my command on the emigrant farmers congregated at the Congella camp at this camp. " In my last despatch I detailed the various steps taken by the farmers to annoy the troops, and my determination to abstain, if possible, from hostilities, if it could be done with out detriment to the honour of the service, in the vain hope of conciliating these misguided people , and smoothing the way to the quiet settleinent of their long-disturbed position as regards the goVernment of the Cape. But the receipt of an insolent letter, demanding that the force I commanded should instantly quit Natal, followed by the removal by armed men of a quantity of cattle belonging to the troops, rendered it absolutely necessary that some steps should be taken in order to prevent the repetition of such outrages. " I therefore determined, after mature consideration, to march a force and attack their camp at the Congella (a place about three miles from our position. where they have been for some time collecting,) and set apart the night of the 23d instant for that object. As the road leading to the Congella from the troops now occupy lies for the most part through thick bush, I thought it best to cross the sands at low water, as, by this means, I could avoid annoyance from their farmers until within a short distance of their station. Fitting a ho witzer, therefore, in a boat, under the superintendence of Lieutenant Wyatt, of the Royal Artillery, and leaving it under the charge of a sergeant of the same corps, I gave him directions to drop down the channel to within 500 yards of Congella, and await the troops, in order that they might form under the cover of its fire, aided by that of two six pounders, which accompanied the force I took with me. This consisted of one subaltern, and 17 privates, Artillery; one subaltern, one sergeant, and two privates, Royal Sappers ; two captains, two subalterns, five sergeants, and 100 rank and file, 27th Regiment ; and two mounted orderlies of the Cape Rifles. " Having previously sent out a picket to feel the skirts of the wood in front of :our position, in order to prevent our movements being discovered, I put the whole party in mo tion at eleven, p.m. (it being bright moonlight), and arrived without molestation till within nearly eight hundred yards of the place I proposed to attack. To my great mortification I found the boat had not dropped down the channel according to my instructions; but, as I considered it imprudent to wait the chance of her arrival, I was forced to make the attack without the valuable assistance a discharge of shells and shot from the howitzer would have afforded me. Giv ing the order to advance, therefore, the troops had just moved to where the termination of a range of mangrove bush opened to a level space in front of the Congella, when a heavy and well-directed fire from the bush was poured on them ; upon which they immediately formed, and commenced a fire in return, while the two six-pounders were loading. " Unfortunately one of the draught oxen being shot caused some interruption, but this being soon got over, a destructive fire from our guns silenced for a while our oppo nents ; but several more of the oxen being wounded, on escaping out of their traces, rushed among the troops, and caused much delay and confusion in the ranks. This cir cumstance again favoured the Boers, who, taking advantage of it, opened a renewed fire with their long pieces (much more destructive than a musket), and a loss among the troops was the consequence. _ _ " Finding, then, that I was not likely to accomplish the purpose for which I had put the detachment in motion, and that the men were falling fast, I thought it expedient to re tire; effecting this object after some delay, the partial rising of the tide rendered the road difficult. The troops, how ever, reached the camp about two o'clock in tolerable order, leaving behind them, I regret to say, the guns, which the death of the oxen rendered it impossible to remove. if Thinking it probable this partial success of the farmers might induce them to make an immediate attack on the camp, 1 made such preparations as I thought necessary, and found my suspicions realised shortly after by a large body of them opening a heavy fire on three sides of it. This was met by a spirited resistance on our part, but they did not finally retire until about an hour before day-break. _ _ " Such, I regret to inform you, has been the result of this attack, and the consequent loss has been severe, the total in both skirmishes being such as detailed in the enclosed re turn. One great cause of failure I attributed to the mis management of the boat, in which I bad placed the howitzer, by the shells of which I bad hoped the farmers would have been thrown into confusion ; but she dropped down too late to be of any use, and even then took up a position too dis tant for her fire to produce much effect. " Among the many matters connected with the subject of this report, and awakening the deepest regret, is the death of Lieutenant Wyatt, of the royal artillery, who for the two previous days had exerted himself much in making the necessary arrangments. He was killed early in the action. Of the zealous exertions of Captain Lonsdale and Lieutenant Lunnard, of the 27th regiment, I was also deprived, both these officers being severly wounded. In fact, under the trying circumstances in which the detachment was placed, I have only to regret that, with such willingness to perform the duty assigned to them, the result should have been so unfortunate. "The loss on the part of the Boers it is difficult to est mate, but lam told it has been severe. The whole of this day they have made no movement, but I have to give them the credit of treating such of the wounded as fell into their hands with great humanity. These, with the bodies of those who fell, they sent to the camp in the course of the afternoon, and to-morrow the sad duty of interring our departed com rades will take place. " What steps the farmers may take I cannot at this mo ment surmise with any degree of certainty, though I think it probable they will again demand that I quit the territory they call their own within a certain time. 1 shall, of course, do what I can to maintain myself in my present position ; but, considering the number of the disaffected. and the means they possess of molesting the troops, I beg to urge the necessity of a speedy reinforcement, as I scarcely con sider the troops at present stationed here sufficient for the performance of the duty to which they have been assigned. I have the honour to be, sir, your most humble servant, C. J. SMITH, " Captain, 27th Regiment, commanding. " His honour Col. Hare, C.B. and K.H,. Lieutenant-Governor," &C. Return of Killed, Wounded, and Missing, belonging to the Detachment under command of Capt. C. J. Smith, 27th Regiment, on the night of the 23d and morning of the 24th of May, tic. Royal artillery—Killed—Lieut. Wyatt; gunners, Spring hold, Speed, and Hawkes. Severely wounded—Bombadier Sadbrok. Slightly wounded—Gunner Stubbs. Royal Sappers —Slightly wounded—Privates Burridge and Sebbs. 27th Regiment—Killed—Privates A. Callaghan, 3, Fitz patrick, S. Greeson, J. Griffin, W. Grime, R. Kerr, W. Bowles, and J. Bowne. Ist and 2d Companies—Dangerously wounded—Haycock, J. Fitzpatrick, anck.lames Fitzpatrick. Slightly wounded — H. Stuart, J. Baker, J. Glaney, and W. Gallaghan. Severely wounded—D. Donohoe, James Kelly, and J. Sullivan. 3d and 4th Companies—Severely wonnded—Captain Lons dale, Sergeant Clynn, Privates J. Carroll, J. Ford, J. Kane, and Doherty. Dangerously wounded—Privates Kerberry, H. Coyne, T. Higgin, and J. Mulvey. Slightly wounded — Sergeant Armstrong, Cogan, J. Ford, J. Kane, and J. Keane. Missing—J. Breslen, 2d Company. REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS ON THE FINE ARTS. We have seen in the Atheneum of last Saturday the re port of the Commissioners appointed to inquire whether ad vantage might not be taken of the re-building of the Houses of Parliament for the promotion and encouragement of the fine arts, and we now lay it before our readers : " To the Queen's Most Excellent Majesty. "We, the Commissioners appointed by Your Majesty for the purpose of inquiring whether advantage might not he taken of the rebuilding of Your Majesty's Palace at West minster wherein Your Majesty's Parliament is wont to as semble, for the purpose of promoting and encouraging the Fine Arts in Your Majesty's United Kingdom, and in what manner an object of so much importance might be most effec tually promoted, humbly report to Your Majesty that we have taken into our consideration the matters referred to us, and have given due attention to the Report of the Com mittee of the House of Commons in 1841 on the Fine Arts, together with the opinions of various other competent per sons on questions relating to the special objects for which the present Commission was appointed, and have consulted the Architect as to the manner in which various kinds of in ternal decoration would affect his intended architectural boul f d ur be the taken purpose of the ar rangements; and we beg now to report our opinion that it e t di e e nt Housestha t u f advantage Parliament would rebuilding h eP e x o I the of promoting and encouraging the Fine. Arts in the United Kingdom. " Having, thus come to an opinion on the first point to which our inquiry was directed, we have, in conformity with the instructions contained in our commission, proceeded to consider in what manner the above-mentioned purpose best be accomplished. With this view we have n could h place directed our attention t o the q uestion w hether it te wouldfirst be expedient that Fresco - paint in g should b e employed the decoration of the new Houses of Parliamen t , ut n w e have not yet been able t o satisf y ourselves that the art of Fresco-painting has hitherto been sufficiently cultivated i n this country to justify us in at once recommending that it should be so employed. In order, however, to assist us in forming a judgment on this matter we propose that artists should be invited to enter into a competiton in Cartoons, and we have prepared the draft of an announcement on this sub ject offering premiums of public money, to which we request the sanction of your Majesty. " In framing this announcement we have felt that although the competition which we at present wish to invite has refer ence chiefly to Fresco-painting, yet if we were to confine our notice entirely to that method of painting, an inference might be drawn therefrom that we intended to recommend its ,e ex clusive adopti on f or the decoration of the new building s. V ), have, the r ef ore , i nser t e d i n our announcement paragraphs intended to expl a i n th a t the future attention of the commis sion will be d direct e to ployment that du e c artists skilled in oil-painting and in sculpture, and departme n t s onsTeration will be given to other methods and We humbly subjoin an Appendix to this Report some papers treatin g in detail various considerations connected with the su bj ect of "ALBERT—LyNor inquiry. —LINCOLN—A HURST— SUTHERLAND —LANSDOWNE —PALMERSTO:ERDEEN—J .-RUSSELL—F. EGERTON' SHAW LEFEVRE 1 1/ELBOURNE—COLDORNE—CH AS. —ROBERT HARRY i"ERT yEEL—J. R. G. GRAHAM —B. HAWES, JUN,— NALIS—HENRY GALLY KNIGHT —GEORGE VIVIAN Tu E NRY HALLAM—S. ROGERS " Gwydyr House, Whitehall, April 22, All that is of interest is, of course, 22, 1842." Appen dix, which includes an able summary on in the of the Commission, considered in relation the general objects Prospects of the English School of to the State and Painting, by Mr. East lake—the S tatements of Cornelius, relating t Decoration of th e House of Parliament — Communications p ro p osed on Fresco-painting, from Professor He ss , of nuunnications Messrs. Wilson, and others—Methods of Fresco-a?, the &c. As the subje ct is one of engrossin g interest, both Fresco-Painting, the artists and the public , we shal l p robabl y return t o it in our n etxte THE PRESENT CRISIS CONSIDERED, TO TEIF. EDITOR OF THE. TIMES. Sir,—Your Correspondent "T. 8.," whose letter dated Islington, appears in your paßer of the 20th instant, seems to me to he more that of a speculative theorist than a prac tical observer. He assumes for a fact, that cheap food is to be secured to the consumers by free trade, which he explains to mean exemption from all but nominal duties, and that with cheap food there would be no limits to the demand for la bour. As regards his first position, whilst those countries that usually have corn to spare for export provide by protec tion for the encouragement of their incipient manufactures, and the exclusion of ours by high duties, it follows, that it we are to depend on drawing supplies of food from such sources, we must pay for them with the precious metals, for which our means to do so continuously are altogether in adequate. Trade can only be said to be free with recipro city, and experience has shown that no such reciprocity ex ists with those countries. As long as it suits their conveni ence they will sell us their surplus corn, and take our money, but not our goods, in payment. Were our wants to exceed such surplus (and we never in our most deficient seasons have been able in any of them to obtain, even at very high prices, a supply equal to one-eighth part of our own growths) so as to interfere with their home consumption, to call for more, even with money in our sacks to pay for it, may be expected to be met by prohibition of export ! Whilst on the other hand our home growers receive their payment in goods on the principle of reciprocity, which appears to me to prove that it is for the best interests of the manufacturers and their people to protect that source of certain supply. Moderate prices for food are usually attended by reason able rates for labour ; united they stimulate production, which is followed by lower prices and increased consumption ; but that increase is gradual, and, to support it, the supply ought also to be so ; but experience has shown that the capi tal, enterprise, and other resources of this country are such as at times to carry the supply beyond the demand, to a de gree greatly to exceed and outstrip it; and that this result has been more accelerated when food is comparatively cheaper than when the prices are suchls to remunerate those who produce it. Production beyond demand is in the first instance followed by the accumulation of stock, which causes the holders of them to look for new vents and additional purchasers ; to in duce such to come forward, they reduce their prices ; this for a time answers their purpose, but the effect soon again be comes supply beyond demand, theirstocks accumulate afresh, when, if possible, to secure a profit to themselves, whilst fur ther reduction in price must be submitted to, the wages of the workmen are lowered, these being only fairly remune rating; further reduction is resisted, which brings the peo ple into a state of conflict with their employers. Such a state of things, aided by other circumstances, might be post poned by lower prices for food, but come it must, as in the present instance, when similar consequences will follow. I contend it is with the master manufacturers alone to t prevent these evils, by regulating their productive powers in relation to demand ; they ought for a time to abstain from building additional mills, and regulate the produce of those . they have in operation; to attempt to do more, even with a ' view of giving employment to the people, is to force an in crease of trade, by lowering the rates of wages to keep pace with those of goods, which can only involve them in difficulty, and produce disappointment. The constantly increasing redundancy of population with which our manufacturers are surrounded, is most serious and alarming; but that must, if possible, be kept down by pro viding outlets, or finding our means of employment, and until this can be effected through the acts of the legislature, and the exertions of the government, the master manufactu rers have no choice but to endeavour to provide means to support those whose increased numbers are the fruits of their enterprise and exertions in the pursuit of wealth; low prices for food would enable them to do so at less expense for a time, but it would not produce permanent good ; the artificial state in which this country and its internal resources are placed is such, that to persevere in promoting measures for diminishing remuneration for the labour of production, is to enhance the value of money, to increase the pressure of taxation, to render more difficult the collection of the public revenue, and thus to hasten the advance of adversity and that distress [which has been anticipated by many : in the best point of view we are surrounded with difficulties, but they must be grappled with, and I trust overcome, although all the wisdom and foresight of our government will be called upon and required to effect it. At least, such is the view that presents itself to my mind, be it right or wrong. I beg to thank you for your prompt attention to my request by the insertion of my former letter, and am, Sir, Your most obedient servant, JOHN G LADSTONE. Fasque-by-Fettercairn, Aug. 22. FINAL EXPLOSION OF THE SOCIALIST COM. MUNITY IN HAMPSHIRE, AND FLIGHT OF ROBERT OWEN. Socialism is at last, by the confession of its dupes, declared to be impracticable. The whole scheme in Hampshire has failed, and after having spent £37,000 ! in the half formation of their Grand New Moral World Establishment, that during the present year was to astonish us all, they are at length compelled to admit that the whole matter was founded in folly. The workmen have been' discharged—Robert Owen has fled—and the Fifties sent down to wind up the affair announce that Robert Owen is "childish," and unfit for the office of New Moral World Manufacturer. He left the " New World" on Sunday, the 10th of July, driving him self off in the fine carriage presented to him by two silly women named Pierce, whom we have before referred to, and whom he has left minus £7,000 ! They make the most bitter lamentations, and declare themselves completely ruined by the loss. Owen, it is believed, has taken himself off to America, from which place he is not likely to return to England. We sin cerely pray it may be so, and that even yet, although with him the harvest is past, and the summer ended, that now, in the eleventh hour, be may be led by God's grace to see his awful condition, and like the thief on the cross, seek the Saviour's intercession. We also learn that after all their boast of possessing land and estate, they have not yet even paid the deposit money for Rose Hill? A. farming gentleman living in the same parish writes, in reference to the bad state of their crops—" To those who may have observed the manner in which they dressed and behaved to their land, it must be evident that some extraordinary power must have been exerted to pre vent their prospering —or, at least, that His blessing, without which nothing prospers, has been withheld in the present instance." No expense was spared in cultivation, and all that human labour and human skill could do was done, yet are the crops singularly bad. They, like the fig tree, bear no good fruit, therefore are they dried up and withered. They are now so completely destitute of funds that they cannot even employ labourers on the necessary farming ope rations. Thus have all their prospects been nipped in the bud. They have not been permitted so much as to enter upon the new arrangements, but they have been permitted to waste all their strength in erecting what they can never occupy, and effecting improvements which they can never enjoy. Verily, " There is that maketh rich, but it tendeth to poverty." " Oh, that they were wise, that they under stood this, and would consider their latter end."—Antidote, a monthly magazine for the Refutation of Modern Delusion. LEICESTER, AUG. 2G. ARREST OF COOPER, THE LEICESTER CHARTIST. This morning, Superintendent Cotterill, of the Newcastle nude-Line police, and Superintendent *des, of the Hanley police, arrived at Leicester, by the 940 p.m. train, with a warrant for the apprehension of Thomas Cooper, the leader of the Leicester Chartists, on a charge of using seditious language and exciting the mob to acts of violents. The war rant having been backed by the boroagh magistrates, Sergeant Wright, of the town-police, accompanied by Francis Smith, police constable, proceeded to execute it. Upon arriving at the shop occupied by Cooper as a place for vending the pub lications issued by the body of which he is a member, and also as a " coffee-room," for the assembling of parties con nected with the Chartists, he looked at the publications dis played in the window, when Cooper, looking over the blind, said, " Sergeant Wright, I don't want you here ; you have no business with these papers, so move on." Wright went on a short distance, when he beckoned to Smith, with whom be entered the shop, and after reading over the warrant, took Cooper into custody. After hearing the charge against him, he said to his wife, " I'm done now, my wench," kissed her, and after telling several of the bystanders that he was going to gaol, proceeded, handcuffed with Sergeant Wright, to the station-house. A letter was found on his person addressed to a man named White, a Chartist orator at Birmingham, which he said he " would rather should not have been discovered." A number of letters aad papers were found in a desk in the shop, the whole of which were secured. A private investi gation took place before the mayor and a full bench of ma gistrates, at the Town-hall, which ended in Cooper being committed to the custody of two officers, who came after him, and he was removed from the police station to the rail way in the George omnibus, guarded by a body of the bo rough police. The intelligence of the prisoner's apprehen sion spread rapidly through the town, and hundreds of his supporters followed the omnibus to the station, crying out, "Keep up your spirits, Cooper, never mind about the ' tyrants." At the corner of the Market-place the crowd was so dense that the omnibus was obliged to be stopped, and numbers of the people took the opportunity to thrust their hands through the windows of the carriage to bid good bye to their " General." Upon our reporter entering the police station, Cooper said, " Well, you see me in the position that you have so lang foretold, at last." He appeared to be rather depressed, and attributed his "persecution" to malice, occa sioned by the part he had taken at the last election for the bo rough. From the statement of Rhodes, the policeman, it ap peared that after Cooper had addressed a large mob at the latter place, on Monday week, the people left the town, and proceeded to Burstein, after which they returned to Handley, and set the to several mansions in the town and neighbour hood, particulars of which appeared in our publication at the time ; the apprehension caused by tbese proceedings was such that the inhabitants generally removed their plate, and buried the money in their possession under the flooring of their houses, Rhodes (our informant) doing the same. After these acts bad been committed, Cooper called a meeting, at which he said, "This is the best day's work you have done; go it, my lads, and we shall soon obtain the Charter!" After the breaking up of the meeting other outrages took place, of which particulars have already appeared ; several individuals were taken into custody, and after examination, committed for trial. A solicitor in Leicester asked Cooper whether he would be defended ? He replied "No ; he should depend upon the righteousness of his cause, and conduct the cause himself." The train having left the station, an attempt was made to " g et up " a crowd in the Market-place, but without success, and the meeting broke up after giving " three cheers for Cooper." During the time Cooper was at the station-house, he com municated the following particulars of his " life," which we give in the first person singular:—" I was apprenticed at Scarborough, in Lincolnshire, a cordwainer, and over the • last' (an instrument used in the business) learnt myself five different languages ; after leaving Scarborough, I became master of a school at Lincoln, and it was at that place I formed ?by connexion with the press. A lecture was deli vered Upon an interesting subject, a report of which I fur nishedce, the p ro p r i e t or , entere d into arrangements that led to to th e Sta m f or d M ercury. After th i s, M r. New stye s situation engaging about 4Z 4hllayimearas after reporter fter w h iacth I a went to London, w m omb ith qui , amounti ng t o near l y £3O O a-year. I remained in this where I rem a i ne d a b out 17 months, perqui sites, employing myself by periodicals and newspapers, and also acting a s t rans criber p atte British Museum. I su bsequently became edit or o f t h e Greenwich Gazette, but, my ideas being too liberal, I left it, and engaged to the Leicester Mercury, which situation 1 as reporter vacated in a few months, and shortly afterwards took the lead amongst the Chartists, whose rights I will advocate, even if it lead me to the scaffold." in most t y one In American R ailwa y s, in almost ever y instance, 1 track or line of rails are laid down, and the se , are continuous bearings of wood, tipped with iron nail edbarscase down upon them. M. Tearing, of Munich, has, according to German ac counts, produced a most unexpected addition to the owners of the Daguerrotype, that of producing natural colour on the plate, as well as the usual form and chiaro oscuro. THE LONDON MONUMENT. —The City Lands Committee, at a meeting on Monday, determined, in order to prevent any other persons from precipitating themselves from the top of this pillar, to place some strong iron bars, fixed suffi ciently close over the head of the visitor to leave no chance of squeezing through. The additional railings will be painted white, so as to be invisible at a distance. The surveyor of works was directed to proceed with the alteration imme diately, and till it is finished the monument will be closed. ARRIVAL OF THE COLUMBIA. On Sunday the Coliimbia, Captain Judkins, which sailed from Boston on the afternoon of the 16th instant and Halifax (where she stopped six hours) on that of the 18th, arrived at this port, having made the passage in 11 clays and 14 hours from Boston, and nine days and 16 hours from Halifax. We subjoin a list of her passengers and a copy of her log. LIST OF PASSENGERS From Boston to tralifax=Mrs. Mitchell, Master Mitchell, Miss Loveland, Mr. James Tobin and lady, Rev. Denis Mackie, Lieutenant R. Davies, Messrs. Forbes, jun., Mr. Edward Lawson, Mr. W. W. Hoffman, Mr. A. Bell, Mr. W. W. Spence, Mr. James Pryon, Mr. J. C. Herbert, Mr. J. Forbes, Mr. Charles Richardson, Mr. James M'Farlane, Mr. John Nott, J. A. de Araugn, Mr. J. Lewis, Mr. John, Mi. A. Barry, and Mr. C. H. Osmer. From Boston to Liverpool.—Mr. and Mrs. Lyele, Mr. and Mrs. Shade, Messrs. W. Vance, D. M'Clagau, Murdock, Henry Holland, D. M. Soligny, M. Ducos, and Michael M'Grath. From Halifax to Liverpool.--Major Dalton, lady, child, and servant ; Mrs. Putman and two children, Miss Amelia Johnson, Messrs. Dundas, Shute, Hudson, Nelson, Chat ham, Richardson, Murray, and the Hon. P. Strathuen. ABSTRACT OF THE LOG. Aug. 16.—Wind N.E. At 5 30, p.m., proceeded to sea : 6 45, discharged the pilot. Light winds and hazy. 17.—Wind N.N.W. Running between Boston and Ha lifax. Light airs and hazy. 18.—Wind S.W. 11, a.m., moored alongside the wharf at Halifax ; 4 30, p.m., started for Liverpool. Light winds. 19.—Wind S.W., course N. 82 E., distance 175 miles, lat. 44 54, lon. 59 28. Moderate breezes. 20.—Wind Southerly, course N. 77 E, distance 242 miles, lat. 45 49, lon. 53 57. Light breezes. 21.—Wind S.W., course N. 73 E., distance 255 miles, lat. 47, lon. 48 3. Moderate breezes and hazy. 22.—Wind variable, course N. 72 E, distance 268 miles, lat. 48 22, lon. 41 52. Moderate breezes and hazy. 23.—Wind N.E., course N. 76 E., distance 248 miles, lat. 49 20, lon. 35 46. Strong breezes and cloudy. 24.—Wind variable, course N. 78 E., distance 252 miles, lat. 50 11, lon. 29 21. Light breezes. 25.—Wind variable, course N. 81 E., distance 253 miles, lat. 50 48, lon. 22 47. Light airs, with rain. 26.—Wind N.E., course N. 89 E.,,distance 266 miles, lat. 50 46, lon. 15 45. Light breezes. 27.—Wind N.E. At 8 45, a.m., abreast of Cape Clear. Fresh breezes and cloudy. 28.—Wind E. At 12 30, p.m, arrived at Liverpool, in 9 days 16 hours from Halifax, and 11 days 14 hours from Boston, including stoppage at Halifax. THE NEW CORN LAW AND THE TARIFF. (From the Times.) The new scale of corn duties and the tariff are working by degrees their effect upon the speculators, who were hardy enough to doubt their elljtotcy for the public benefit. Ano ther failure on the Corn.E:change was announced to-day, that of Messrs. Richmond and Varr, who are said to have held large parcels of grain in expectation of the market being in no manner affected by the revision which was made in the regulation 'of the duties. Their liabilities, according to the gossip of the market, are £50,000 to 1:60,000, and some even speak of them as being above that sum. Mark-lane was in the highest state of excitement to-day owing to this and other reported stoppages, which are not, however, yet authenticated. The absence of another large speculator from his accustomed post gave rise to prejudicial surmises, but parties who are acquainted with his movements do not appear to apprehend any difficulty in that quarter. The revenue and the public are reaping the advantages of this state of things, for while, on the one hand, the duty paid increases the solvency of the Treasury, the increase of grain for consumption at lower prices must soon bring down the pretensions of the bakers and mealmen to a correspondino. level. Notwithstanding the reduction in price, and 'the consequent increase of duty,'the importation of foreign grain continues on a large scale. As much as 72,000 quarters of foreign wheat have entered at the Os. rate, according to the statement of some parties in the market, but others are inclined to believe that GI,COO quarters is really the quantity upon which this duty has been paid ; however this may be, it will at once be seen that the revenue is receiving an enormous supply of wealth from this source, and taking it at the average of the two stated qualities, will have brought into the Treasury coffers from £30,000 to £32,000. Under the old law the duty would have been 235. Sd. per quarter, which to all intents and pur poses would have proved a prohibition. Parties who were all along in favour of this new plan of the Premier, which ap pears to be working so successfully, are of course elated at the high prospects it holds out of supplying a fruitful source of revenue, and now even venture to predict that wheat will come in up to the extent of 20s. duty. They say that the Danish islands, Odessa, Holstein, and other cheap growing countries, will enter their produce even at this high point, while from the lls. duty to the 15s. duty, they expect a rea sonable supply from the various continental markets. It is worth while remarking, now this subject is under notice, the arrivals that are constantly occurring of cured meats from foreign parts. At present they are inconsider able, but this is easily accounted for, when it is recollected that time euough has hardly expired to allow of a general communication of the reduction made in the new tariff in favour of foreign cattle. Already some tons of Monte Videan beef are advertised for sale, and from present appearances, it is not improbable that it will be brought into competition with our own cured sorts of beef. Should this new descrip tion of meat make way in the market, which it is stated it ought to do, considering the quality and the price at which it can be retailed, there can be but little fear of a successful competition with Scotch and Irish importations, which is the argument at present set up by those connected with the pro vision trade against any good resulting to the public under this head of the tariff. That both bread and butchers' meat will be much cheaper during the present year than for along while past, is asserted unequivocally by those who are old enough to remember movements which have taken place under former alterations of the tariff; and on the ground that the effect of the present alteration having so speedily exhibited itself, and long before it was expected, the provision markets will be seized with that sort of panic which, while it may bring to the ground many whose premature speculations have been conducted on principles at variance with those demonstrated when the change was first proposed, will in the end serve the interests of the general community by making apparent the great good effected. ' • ••• With respect to the tendency. which the trade in grain still has, which is decidedlyy to a decline, several of the experienced dealers do not give any g reat degree to the present year's harvest as having influenced it. They observe, that it is mainly owing to the new scale of duties ; and such further effect it is anticipated it will have, that some have re mar k e d they should not be at al l surprised, were a panic to come on the market, to see the average price of wheat quoted at 40s. DESCRIPTION OF THE BATTLE OF MONTEREAU (From Alison's Histo ryevol of ution Euro.)pe during the French R • " Situated 20 leagues to the south of Paris, at the con fluence of the Seine and the Yonne, the town of Montereau presents one of the most agreeable objects in France to the gaze of the traveller. The part which lies on the left bank of the Yonne, which is the most considerable, is joined to the right bank by a bridge of stone. Another bridge, famous for having been the theatre of the murder of the Duke of Burgundy, in 1812, unites the opposite banks of the Seine. These two rivers, which unite at Montereau, with the nu merous barks which carry on their active navigation, give the t own a gay and joyous aspect, which is increased by the sm iling appearance of the vineyards and meadows which ad join it on the south and east, and the country houses and villas which glitter around it in the sun. The traveller who approaches from the side of Paris involuntarily halts on the summit of the heights of Surville, which overhang the town on the northern bank, to gaze at the lovely scene which lies spread out like a map beneath his feet: he would do well to remember that there, beside the little cross adjacent to the Château, stood Napoleon during the last, and not the least brilliant of his many victories. On the evening of the 18th of February, 1814, the French troops assembled in imposing masses on these heights, which completely commanded the bridges and town beneath ; the artillery of the Guard was placed on either side of a road near the cross, and the Em peror took his station in person amidst the guns, to direct their fire, for the enemy still held the town. He had strongly barricaded the bridges, and everything presaged a bloody conflict. ' " It was not, however, till late in tire day, and after a se vere conflict, that these important heights fell into the bands of the French troops. Bianchi, fully sensible of their im portance, had, during the night, occupied them in force with the troops . of Wertemberg, supported by artillery ; and Vio tor, who in the morning commenced the attack on the posi tion, was repulsed, and his son-in-law, the brave General Chateau, killed, when in person leading on the grenadiers to the assault. Gerard, who was now directed to supersede Victor in the corbmand of his corps, next advanced to the attack, and, undismayed by the fire of 40 pieces of artillery which the German batteries vomited upon him from the heights of Surville, bravely and repeatedly led his troops to the very mouth of the guns. But it was in vain ,• still the undaunted cannoneers made good the post assigned to them, and morn was far past, and evening at th a t inclment season was fast approaching, while yet the heights were in the hands of the enemy. Then Napoleon came up with the artillery and cavalry of the guard at the gallop, and desirous of pro fiting by the few hours of daylight which still remained, he instantly brought forward 40 pieces of the reverse artillery, and disposed his redoubtable Old Guard and Cuirassiers to aid the renewed attack of Gerard withal! their forces. 30,000 men, supported by 80 pieces of cannon, now marched fiercely forward, under the very eye of the emperor, amidst cries of Viva l'Empereur I' Despairing of maintaining his post, which wss only defended by 12,000 men, against an accumu lation of forces, the Prince of Wirtemberg drew his men off towards the bridge in his rear; yet at first in good order, and presenting Ins undaunted front to the imperial cavalry, which now thundered in close pursuit. But by degrees, as they descended the southern and steeper face of the heights towards the bridges, and got entangled in the hollow way through which the road passes to them, they fell into confusion ; and infantry, cavalry, and artillery, breaking their arraY, rushed headlong to the only issue by which they could hope for escape from the bloody sabres of the Cuir assiers. " The Prince Royal of Wurtemberg, however, at this dreadful moment, exerted himself with equal skill and reso lution to stem the torrent • he was at one time nearly en veloped by the French cavalry on the bridge, fighting with his own hand to gain time for the troops to cross over ; and by the vigour which he displayed, and noble example which he set, succeeded in enabling the greater part of them to get in safety to the other side, where they were receiv ed by Bianchi, with his hitherto untouched Austrian divisions. Meanwhile, Napoleon had established himself with the artillery of the Guard on the now abandoned .heights of Surville, and soon 60 pieces of cannon opened a dense and concentric discharge on the dense masses which were crowding over the bridge. Such was the eagerness of the Emperor to direct their fire, that he resumed, after 20 years' cessation, his old occupation as a gunner, and, as at the seige of Toulon, in 1793, himself levelled and pointed a cannon. Meanwhile, the Aust r i an batteries below, on the ba opposite nk, replied with vigour to the fire of the French pieces ; and the old cannoneers of the Imperial Guard, hearing the whistle of the bullets above their heads, besought the Emperor to retire from the front qaurage,. my friends,' he to a situation of less donger. replied, the bullet which is to kill me Is not yet cast !' Protected by the fire of such a powerful artillery on the heights above them, the mere discharges of which shivered every pane in the windows in the neighbouring chateau of Surville to pieces, the French Chasseurs pressed so rapidly on the last columns of the Wurtembergers, that there was no time to fire the trains with which the bridge was undermined ; the pursuing horsemen crossed over, pell-mell, with the fugi tives, the division of Dubesme rapidly passed after them, and, amidst the shouts of the inhabitants, drove the enemy en tirely out of Montereau; the allies retiring, after having de, stroyed the bridge over the Yonne, which stopped the pur suit, in the direction of Sens. "This bloody combat, w hi c h was one of the most obsti nately contested of the campaign, and inferior to none ever directed by Napoleon in brilliancy and valour, cost the French 3,000 men in killed and wounded , p rinci p all y in consequence of the destructive fire of grape so lo n g k ept up by the Wur temberge artillery from the heigh ts of Surville ; but th e l oss of the enemy was as great in killed and wounded, and they had to lament, in addition, abov e 2,000 p ris oners, six guns, and four standards. My heart is relieved,' said Napoleon, 'on beholding the flight of the allies across the bridge. I have saved the capital of my empire. " UNITED STATES. The British and North American royal mail steamer the Columbia, Captain Judkins, arrived on Sunday at this port from Boston and Halifax. She sailed from the former port on the afternoon of the 16th instant, and from the latter (where she stopped six hours) 'on the evening of the 18th ; and has made the passage in the remarkably short space of H days and 14 hours from Boston and 9 days and 16 hours from Halifax. She has brought thirty passengers. We have received by the Columbia New York papers of the 15th instant, Boston of the 16th, and Halifax of the 18th. The New York papers are four days later than those brought by the Great Western, but they do not add materially to our stock of American news. The treaties between the United States and Great Britain were sent to the Senate on the afternoon of the 11th instant. The Senate, when in what is termed an " executive sitting," deliberate in secret'. Two or three such sittings bad been held on the treaties, but, of course, no information respect ing them bad found its way into the newspapers. Not the slightest doubt was felt, however, that the Senate would approve of the treaties. A sum of some £12,000, in the treasury of New Brunswick, denominated "the disputed territory fund," and arising from duties levied upon the timber cut on that territory during the last six or seven years, is, according to the terms of the treaty,' to be paid over to the United States, for the benefit of Maine and Massachusetts. Lord Ashburton, having fully and satisfactorily sccom plished the objects of his most important mission, was on the point of quitting Washington for New York, where her Majesty's ship Warspite was waiting to receive and convey him home. The municipal authorities of New York were preparing a cordial reception for his lordship. A joint com mittee of the two city boards had been appointed to receive his excellency and do him the honours of the city. They had, by an unanimous vote, placed at his disposal the large apart ment in the City Hall, usually appropriated to the use of the Governor of the State, in which his lordship would see company. He would take up his residence at Astor House. The excitement caused by the President's rejection of the Revenue Bill had not subsided. A committee of eleven had been appointed by the House of Representatives to consider and report what steps the house should adopt in consequence of the veto message. It was rumoured, that another revenue bill would be brought forward. The general opinion, how ever, seemed to be, that Congress would adjourn without making a fresh attempt to legislate respecting the revenue. The money and stock markets had not undergone any material change in the interval betwixt the 11th and 15th instant. Ohio stock had fallen considerably, however, from an alarm, whether well or ill founded is not stated, of the issue of new stock at ten per cent. interest. Money was abundant and trade stagnant. A sligat advance had taken place in foreign exchange, caused by the absence from the market of Southern bills. A limited business had been done for the Columbia at 107 per cent. premium on London and 535 on Paris. Captain Elliott, the new British Consul to Texas, arrived at New Orleans on the sth instant, on his way to Houston. Accounts from Rio de Janeiro of the 22d of June, had been received at Baltimore. They announce the approaching suppression of the insurrection in the province of St. Paul. The imperial troops, under General Barao tie Caxias, had pushed the insurgents from Itu and Porto Felix, the latter abandoning much of their baggage and some artillery. They I had retreated to Sorocaba, upon which place the imperial troops were advancing, and expected to reach it on or before the 19th. The force of the insurgents had been greatly reduced by desertion, and Gen. Caxias was confident of finishing the war in a few days, by the capture or dispersion of the insurgents. To counterbalance these successes, how ever, it appears that a grito had been put forth in Barbacena, province of Minas Geraes, having the same causes and mo tivei with that in the province of St. Paul. In consequence, Certain articles of the constitution bad been suspended: all persons were forbidden to enter or depart from that place without a passport, and orders were issued for the arrest and detention of suspicious persons there and in some other of the provinces, as well as the province of Rio Janeiro, &c. No other particulars are given. The West India royal mail steamer the Clyde, Captain Woodruff, in going from St. Thomas to Barbados, struck on the southeast reef of St. Nevis, and laid there thirty-six hours. She was lightened by heaving coal overboard, got off, and returned to St. Thomas on the 26th ult. Next day she was taking in coal, and would return home to repair damages. The British and North American royal mail steamer the Britannia, Captain Hewitt, which sailed from this port on the evening of the 4th, arrived at Halifax on the 17th inst. THE " ATLAS" PRIZE ESSAY ON THE CAUSES OF, AND THE REMEDIES FOR, THE EXISTING DISTRESS IN THE COUNTRY. (From the Atlas.) In our last weeks number appeared the following an. nouncement . _ _ " In order to discover, as far as possible, the cause of the present distress in the country, as well as to indicate some remedies for existing evils, the Proprietor of the Atlas' Newspaper has resolved on offering ONE HUNDRED POUNDS for the best Essay on this important subject. To the columns of that Paper of next Saturday the Public is referred for ad ditional information on this subject." In compliance with the promise thus made, we proceed to state, with as much precision as possible, the nature of this effort to assist in discovering remedies for admitted distress, and to point out the character of the Essay which will, by highly competent and distinguished judges, be selected as that which shall most fully embrace the objects we desire to attain. The Prize Essay is not intended to promote the spread of any party, or exclusive opinions. For although the Atlas lent Its best aid to the ministry of Earl Grey, it has at all times been willing to support good measures whether they have proceeded from whigs or from tories, and haS invariably looked to measures rather than to men. Nor is it required or expected, that the Prize Essay should be written to support exclusively any class of opinions of any party. On some topics the writers of the Essays may agree with one political party in the state, and on other topics with the antagonist party. No restriction whatever is laid on the political biasses of the writers; but it is desirable that it should be felt by all candidates, that the effort now making is not that of a party desiring to witness the triumph of any one or more measures to the exclusion of others as modes of relief, but that all who can contribute by their suggestions of remedies for positive and acknowledged distress, to alleviate the admitted misery, will be those to whose contributions a decided preference will be given. This is an attempt to discover, by means of the application of mind to the subject, to what causes, be they few or many, may be attributed the distress in the manufacturing, mining, and other districts of England, Scotland, and Wales ; and then to the indication of the best, as well as the promptest remedies for such distress. It is, perhaps, unnecessary to state, that no restriction is imposed relative to the points to be discussed, or the length or brevity of their discussion, provided the matter introduced shall evidently bear on the two points which must constitute the gist of the Essay ;—the causes—and the remedies—for the evil. It will therefore he wholly irrelevant to offer any opinions on the merits of this or of that minister, whether lately or at present in office. Their measures are, of course, open to attack or approval, as bearing on the questions form ing the subject of the ATLAS Prize Essay. It is, like wise,.desirable to state that no Dian is suggested, and no rules as to the mode or manner of treating the ques tion are laid down. Preference will, undoubtedly, be given to facts and figures, over mere opinions ; and opinions should be founded on data, and not merely on political biasses. Thus the candidates will have the right of expressing all their opinions on all points which they may think will bear on the question under discussion ; keeping in mind that the atten tion of the adjudicators will be specially dire.cted to ascertain which essay is most replete with facts and statistics in sup port of the opinions expressed. The utmost liberty as to facts and opinions is, of course, conceded to the candidate; but they, in their turn, are requested to bear in mind that the object in view is to do good, and to provide remedies for evils, by searching into their various causes. As the condition of Ireland is to be imputable to causes in many respects wholly distinct from those which affect the rest of the United Kingdom, it is not proposed that any re ference should be made in the essay to that portion of the empire, except by way of illustration. Ireland has her pe culiar distress, population, habits, and institutions, and to discuss these would rather tend to distract the attention both of the candidates and the adjudicators from the real objects of this essay, than to assist in its preparation or solution. NAPOLEON'S ATTEMPT AT SELF-DESTRUCTION The following important historical fact has been discredited by so many individuals, both friends and enemies of Na poleon, that it may be interesting to our readers to have an opportunity of perusing Mr. Alison's succ i n ct account of it in Mr. Alison's " History of Europe During the French Revolution." " A terrible catastrophe had w e ll- n i g h t erm i na ted at this period* the life and sufferings of Napoleon. His departure (from Fontainebleau) for Elba had been fixed for the 20th of April ; and in the interim, while he was totally deserted by all but a few domestics and his faithful Guards, it became evident to those around him, that some absorbing idea had taken possession Of his mind. He recurred constantly to the last moment of departed greatness ; his conversation to his intimate friends was entirely upon the illustrious men of antiquity who, in circumstances similar to his own, had fallen by their own hand. In the close of his career, as at its outset, he dwelt on the heroes of Plutarch, and their resolution not to survive misfortune. The apprehensions of his attendants were increased when they learned that on the 12th, the day after the signature of the treaty, he had directed the Empress Maria Louisa, who was on her way from Blois to join him, to delay the execution of her design, On taking leave of Caulaincourt that night, after a mournful reverie, he said, My resolution is taken,—we must end,—l feel it.' Caulaincourt had not been many hours in bed when he was suddenly roused by Constant, the Emperor's valet, who entreated him to come instantly, for Napoleon was in convulsions, and fast dying! He instantly ran in; and Ber trand and Murat were already there; but nothing was to be heard but stifled groans from the bed of Napoleon. Soon, however, his domestic surgeon, Ivan, who had so long at tended him in his campaigns, appeared in the utmost con sternation, and stated that he had been seen, shortly before going to bed, to rise quietly, pour a liquid into a glass, and lie down again ; and Ivan had recognised in the phial, which was left on the table, a subtle poison,—a preparation of opium and other deadly substances,—which he had given him during the Moscow retreat, at his desire, and which, as long as the danger lasted, he had constantly worn round his neck! When Caulaincourt seized his hand, it was already cold ! ' Caulaincourt,' said he, opening his eyes, lam about to die ! I recommend you to my wife and son—defend my memory. I could no longer endure life. The desertion of my old companions in arms had broken my heart.' The poison, however, either from having been so long kept, or some other cause, had lost its original efficacy ; violent vo mitting gave him relief, he was with great difficulty pre vailed on to drink warm water, and after a mortal agony of two hours, the spasms gradually subsided and he fell asleep. Ivan,' said he, on awaking, the dose was not strong enough—God did not will it ;' and he rose, pale and hlg gard, but composed, and seemed now to resign himself with equanimity to his future fate." * The short interval which elapsed between the abdication 01 Napoleon and his departure to Elba. The South-Eattern Railway will be further opened to Headcorn on Wednesday next. PRINCE ALBERT'S BIRTHDAY. —Friday being the anni versary of the birthday of his Royal Highness Prince Albert, when his Royal Highness completed his 23d year, having been born August 26th, 1819, the morning was ushered in by peals from the various churches in the metropolis, and in the Royal parishes of St. Margaret, Westminster, and Ken sington, Royal standards were hoisted on the church steeples. The day was also kept as a holiday at the public offices, and at one o'clock the Park and Tower guns !Were fired. In the evening there were numerous illuminations at the west end of the town, &c. - _ STORIII.—A thunder storm of considerable violence and duration visited this part of the kingdom on Tuesday even ing, but providentially passed without serious mischief. In the county of Durham it appears to have raged more vio lently, and at Castle Eden Colliery two lives were sacrificed. A young man, named Proud, who was harvesting, was struck and killed. In the other instance the sufferer was the wife of Mr. W. Proud, sawyer, who was killed while nursing; the husband, on entering the room , found her lifeless on the floor, the infant remaining uninjured. THE ANTI-CORN-LAW LEAGUE RIOTS. MANCHESTER—MONDAY.--All is perfectly tranquil, though a great number of hands still remain out. The inter mediate sessions for the Salford Hundred were opened this morning before T. F. Foster, Esq., the chairman, and a full bench of magistrates. The calendar' contains the names of 142 prisoners, charged with rioting, in addition to 17 charged with other misdemeanours, and 199 with felony. Of the rioters, SG are from Little Lever, near Bolton, 32 from Clif ton, 14 from Bolton, 2 from Rochdale, 2 from Tottington Lower, 2 from Oldham, 1 from Manchester, 1 from Shar pies, 1 from Bury, and 1 from Droylsden. Nearly all the Manchester prisoners have been committed to the assizes, which accounts for the small number for trial at the sessions from Manchester. It will be the middle of next week before any of the rioters are tried. O'Neil, the Chartist preacher, was arrested at Dudley, on Friday, and was examined on the following day, and was re manded. Several other rioters on the latter day were com mitted. On Friday, Charles Turner and James Leach were brought up at the New Bailey, Manchester, before 1). Maude, on a charge of conspiracy and publishing a placard tending to ex cite a breach of the peace. They were ordered to find sure ties of £2OO each, and to enter into their own recognizances of £4OO, to answer the charge at the next assizes. Alex ander Hutchinson and other prisoners were examined and remanded. Two courts sat for the purpose of getting through the business, the gaol being so crowded that the health of some of the prisoners to a slight extent is suffering. Many of them have for some time been obliged to sleep on the forms for want of accommodation. Mr. Gregory, who has been sent down by the government for the purpose of in quiring into the various cases connected with the disturb ances, said, in those cases which were bailable he should press for its being fixed at a sufficient amount to insure at tendance to take their trials. The bail was fixed by the bench in some cases at £25, in others at £3O; ane, as high as £5O. No less than 35 prisoners were committed for trial on the various charges of riot, assaulting the police, destroying property, or, obtaining food and other articles by means of threats; but about half the number were told bail would be taken for their appearance. COLLIERS' STRIKE IN MID-LOTHIAN. (Fran: Saturday's Edinburgh paper.) `We understand that the colliers belonging to Sheriff-hall, Whitehill, and Newbattle, have again struck work, and it is rumoured that throughout the whole country there is not a collier .employed. This has arisen, we believe, from the masters refusing to give the advance of wages asked for, and partly through intimidation. It is well known that the col liers are much divided in opinion, some being inclined to work for their present wages, while the more numerous por tion are determined to seek for an advance. The latter having succeeded in intimidating the former, thus every coal mine around Edinburgh is at a stand still. On Wednesday night, as district constable Simpson was proceeding near the farm of Monckton, he saw three men standing whom he knew to be colliers, On arriving at the spot where they stood, he saw in an opposite field, a heap of potatoes apparently newly lifted, and which the colliers evi dently intended to carry off. On Thursday night, constables M`Pherson and Simpson saw between 20 and 30 colliers near the same place, who whistled as if to give warning when they approached. The constables are of opinion that it was in tended to plunder the same field, which no doubt would have been the case but for their timely approach. We understand the collier, Whiggins, who took an active part in inducing the men to return to their employment has been obliged to go to the west country in consequence of in timidation. Some unknown persons came to his house at midnight and threatened him through the window; and he has also received threatening anonymous letters. There has been no meeting of the colliers for some days past, as far as we know. AYRSHIRE. - -We regret to state that manifestations of that spirit of disaffection which has terminated in direct and open violation of the law in various places throughout the country, , have begun to develope themselves among the colliers of Ayrshire ; and from what we have learned, there is good reason to believe that some secret agency has been at work. On Monday last a meeting was held near Kilwinning. It appeared that over-weight was the principal- hardship com plained of. It was consequently resolved, that, in order effectually to check the continuance of such conduct, a meeting of the coal masters and proprietors throughout the county should be convened in Irvine, on the following Wednesday. Only some half-dozen of the masters having obeyed the summons on Wednesday, nothing satisfactory was concluded. We believe the colliers were allowed to state their grievances ; and a promise was obtained that if the other masters and proprietors were willing to acquiesce, they would not stand in the way of a satisfactory adjustment. Next day a great meeting was held in Shewalton Moor, about a mile and a half from Irvine. The colliers in our vicinity turned out to a man; and before going to their rendezvous they assembled in a common near Prestwick, where, it is said, they were addressed, amongst others, by a party from Airdrie. The conclusion they came to is not known. The gathering at Shewalton Moor was very nu merous. We should think there would not be fewer than two thousand individuals present—of these six hundred, at least, were froth Ayr. The proceedings were conducted in a very orderly and becoming manner. The speeches, in the main, recommended pacific measures; but at the same time, expressed a determination not to relinquish what they had commenced, until they were succe sful in securing a redress of all the grievances under which they at present laboured. It was agreed that another circular should be drawn up and transmitted to all the coalmasters in the county, warning them to attend in Irvine on Wednesday next ; and that a delegate should be sent from each pit as a deputation to state their condition, and seek relief. It was also resolved that nothing definite should be resorted to until after that meeting. In our own locality the result has been anticipated—the men struck work on Saturday. They have since issued a placard explanatory of the causes that induced them to adopt this alternative. They profess a repugnance to extreme and violent measures ; and as yet have conducted themselves in a peaceable manner. We understand Sheriff Bell has adopted every precaution which prudence can suggest, to guard against the consequences of an outbreak occurring.—Ayr Observer. THE RIOTS AND THE MANCHESTER BOROUGH MAGISTRATES. The following correspondence appears in the Manchester papers of Saturday . Manchester, 24th August, 1842. Dear. Mr. Mayor,—ln compliance with your request that I would furnish you with some account of what matters came under my observation on the morning of Tuesday, the 9th instant, and of the reasons which influenced me, I beg to give the following statement. About a quarter past nine o'clock on that morning I re ceived a letter from Sir Charles Shaw, of which the follow ing is a copy : " Dear Maude,—lt is necessary on receipt of this you put yourself in communication with Colonel Wemyss, who you will find at the Town Hall.- If Colonel Wemyss is gone you had better follow him and the troops, and you will find him on the Ashton Road, at the bridge over the canal. Take the riot act with you.—Yours truly, " Town Hall, 9 o'clock." 10 CHARLES SHAW. This was the first intimation I had that there was the slightest cause for apprehending any interruption to the tran quillity in which we had long been. I immediately repaired to the Town Hall with all speed, where I found Colonel Wemyss ; and, understanding that you were in London, we lost no time in proceedinc , towards one of the Ashton roads, to which point troops had been or dered forwards, and these we overtook and carried with us. On arriving at the junction of Pollard-street and Great An coats-street, we found the head of the procession just reaching the latter street. It was led by a large party of young women, very neatly thesaed ; both they and the men who followed were arranged in regular tire, and nothing could be apparently more respectful and peaceable than their demeanour. It will be seen that I had not the opportunity of prevent ing their entering into the town. I might have attempted to drive them back or disperse them, but I was convinced that the inevitable consequence of such a step would have been, that large numbers would have detached themselves from the main body, and penetrated by the side streets into the other parts of the town. 1 believed that feelings of irritation would be excited, which might lead to great destruction of property at a time when the authorities of the town were not prepared fOrlany unusual outbreak ; and I could not lose sight of the great risk of personal injury to those who appeared to be peaceable and quite unarmed. I had little time for deliber ation, and had to form the best judgment I could at the mo ment from the experience I bad previously had, particularly in the attempts made three years ago to turn out the hands which almost entirely failed. Judging from the past, and from my recent observation of the general quiet state of our population, I did not believe that anything like a general outbreak was contemplated, still less that it was likely to ensue on the present occasion. Viewing the difficulties on Loth sides, I came to the conclu sion that it was the safer and better course to allow the pro cession to pass forward, having previously assigned the streets through which it should pass. To this arrangement the leading parties composing it seemed to give willing con sent, and the route marked out was Great Ancoats.street, Lever-street, Piccadilly, to the other Ashton-road, and so back to Ashton ; I had been informed that another body was expected by the latter road, and I was in hopes of effecting a junction between the two, and the police and military might not have to be divided. As the procession was mov ing forward I rode through several of the side streets, to as certain if any parties had detached themselves. I found that this was the case, or else that others had come into the town ; and that the object of these various small bodies was to turn out the hands from the mills. On again rejoining the procession, I found, to my great mortification, that it had divided from the assigned course; and had very nearly reached the vacant ground near Granby Row. The same motive for keeping this large body together prevented me from taking steps to disperse it ; and, after waiting for some time, it proceeded quietly homewards. In the mean time, however, numbers of mills were turned out with such cape.. dition, and by such insignificant bodies, as showed that the hands in (I believe) the majority of instances were ready to go out at the first invitation, and rendered it generally im possible for any force to be brought to the required point in in time to prevent such a result. Subsequent consideration and events have satisfied me that any other course which I could have adopted would have failed to prevent the effects which followed, and might have added to them other very serious consequences.—l am, dear Mr. Mayor, yours very faithfully, (Signed) To the Mayor of Manchester. D. MAUDE (cory.) Town Hall, Manchester, Aug. 25th, 1812, Sir,—ln order that no misapprehension may exist as to the commencement of the disturbances in this town, and the power of the magistrates to have prevented the same, I deem it to be my duty to explain to you the position in which the It has been stated that it was we ll magistrates were placed. known in Manchester early on Monday, the Bth instant, that resolutions had been passed at a large meeting held on Mot tram Moor on the perceding day (Sunday,) to the effect that there should be a general and compulsory cessation of labour in Ashton-under-Lyne on the following day (Mon day ;) and that, on the following day (Tuesday,) the opera tives should march to Manchester for the purpose of there, also, compelling the cessation of labour ;—that on the Mon day, in pursuance of those resolutions, the mills and works in Ashton-under-Lyne, and the neighbourhood, were actually stopped ; and that, notwithstanding the borough magistrates were in possession of this information, they neglected to take any precautionary measures for preventing the entrance of the operatives into Manchester on Tuesday. This statement, so far as concerns the magistrates, is utterly and entirely without foundation. The tirst intimation, by any one of the borough justices, of the intention of the Ashton operatives to visit Manchester, was given verbally by Sir Charles Shaw (when on his way to the Town Hall) to one of the magis trates, whom he accidentally met in the street, on the Tues day morning, at too late an hour for him to adopt any mea sures for preventing the entrance of the procession into the borough. On his arrival at the Town Hall, Sir Charles Shaw, in my absence from t own, addressed a note to Mr. Maude, request ig :him to proceed: forthwith to the Town Hall, and to put himself in communication with Colonel Wemyss, which note was received by Mr. Maude about a quarter past nine o'clock on Tuesday morning. With this request Air. Maude instantly com plied, and in the course of as short a time as possible was with Colonel Wemyss and the military, and they, together, immediately proceeded to Pollard-street, where they first met the procession from Ashton-under-Lyne, at which time another pcirtion of the operati*es from Ashton had already entered the town by another s!reet, and succeeded in stopping one or more of the mills. In the prudence and propriety of the course adopted by Mr. Mande in the difficult position in which he was so un expectedly placed, as detailed in his letter to me of the 24th instant, (a copy of which I enclose)—the borough justices, upon a careful review of all the circumstances, concur. Whatever information may have been possessed by other parties in the borough, relative to what had taken place at Ashton or the neighbourhood on 'the Sunday or Monday, none was communicated, officially or otherwise, either to myself as mayor, or -any other magistrate ; and, therefore, it is evident that no responsibility for not having taken steps to prevent the entrance of the operatives, from Ashton, into the Town on Tuesday, can possibly rest with the magistrates. I may further add, that not only had the magistrates net received any information as to the particular occurrences above refgrred to, but that they were entirely without infor mation of any kind, which might have led them to anticipate the possibility, much less the probability, daily outbreak. — I have the honour to be, sir, yours very respectfully, (Signed) Wm. NEILD, Mayor. To the Right Hon. Sir James Graham, Bart., M.P., &c., &c., Home Office, London. THE QUEEN'S VISIT TO SCOTLAND. (From the Perth Constitutional of Wednesday.) The promised visit of her Majesty absorbs, all other topics here, and every succeeding day the bustle, as well as the In terest, thickens. The magistrates and council met on Thurs day, and unanimously resolved to make every arrangement for the reception of the royal visiters, on a scale of liberality befitting the high occasion ; while at the mansions of our nobility, the preparatious are in a style of splendour which will do honour to our country and her Majesty's ancient kingdom of Scotland. The proceedings at Taymouth are to be peculiarly grand; and while we are sure the other noble families will not be behind in their hospitality or in the elegance of their arrangements, the princely castle of the Marquis of Breadalbane will afford ample scope for the gaieties of the court, and the magnificence and extent of the grounds, will present a grandeur of scenery, and a facility for the enjoyment of Highland sports, of which, perhaps, few other demesnes in Scotland can boast. The preparations are in active progress at all the noble mansions in the intended circuit. Both at Taymouth and Drummond Castle, several hundred of the respective clansmen are being newly equipped in the " Garb of Old Gaul." The retainers and tenantry of the Eails of Kinnoul and Mansfield, being ' Lowlanders, it has been considered best that they should meet the Queen in their proper colours and costume. Her Majesty will, as is most fitting, first visit her owu local vice gerent, the lord lieutenant of the county ; and next, as we stated last week, honour the Palace of Scone and its noble occupant, by dining and resting under its roof. Let us next advert to the preparations afoot in the city, and the arrangements for the occasion. Already about 30 workmen are busily engaged in the erection of a triumphal arch at the entrance to the town at the east end of Marshall Place, facing the South Inch ;—and we may here mention, as another reason for adopting that line of approach on which the public are so decidedly solicitous ; it was by the south gate of the city that the last lawful sovereign who visited it, Charles the First, made his entree in state. From the plan we have seen, this will be a magnificent structure. Here the keys of the city will be presented to her Majesty by the Lord Provost. The magistrates will then conduct the royal visitors through the town, by Prince's Street, St. John Street, east end of High Street (where the unique hydraulic machine, the invention of Professor Anderson, will be placed, newly and appropriately ornamented for the occasion) and thence along George-street to the Bridge, where the civic escort will take leave of the Queen, on her departure for Scone Palace. This course is the nearest, scarcely deviating in any material degree from a direct line. [Since the above was in type, we have learnt that at a meet ing.of noblemen and gentlemen, it was decided that, if con sistent with her Majesty's pleasure, the entree to Perth should take place on her way to, and before visiting Dupplin Castle, which will of course, if agreed to, alter the route we have pointed out.] After this there is to be a grand banquet in the County-hall, to which all the official gentlemen, many of the respectable citizens, and the neighbouring gentry, are to be invited. Nor are the humbler classes to be without the means of enjoyment provided for them. White staves are in preparation for one thousand operatives, who are to line the streets and assist in preserving perfect order, and they also, as well as the middle and higher classes, are to have an allowance by which to make themselves comfortable, on the occasion. Besides, the poor and the needy have also been taken into account. Every pauper on the ordinary roll is to receive one shilling for the same purpose. The Incor porated Trades, too, propose giving those individuals on their relief funds—young and old, and of either sex—each a moderate allowance of cash, that even their hearts may, if possible, be made to sing with joy. In the evening there is to be a magnificent display of fireworks on the North Inch; and the high grounds on the Burgh Muir will literally " flare up" with a succession of large variegated lights, which will shed their lustre to a great distance, and will be seen with fine effect from the Palace at. Scone, where the royal visiters and their distinguished attendants will then be enjoying the hospitalities of a Highland welcome. t,,•••••• WOOLWICH, Sunday Evening, August 28.—The arrange ments for her Majesty's embarkation at Woolwich, at an early hour to-morrow morning, continue to be carried on without one moment's cessation from labour, as those em ployed are relieved by others at stated periods. A quarter past 6 o'clock a.m. is now named as the hour when her Majesty will embark. That early hour has been resolved upon, in order that the Royal George yacht may get far enough to sea with daylight, so as to be over the swing of the river and part of the coast, and the sailors term it. The time occupied in towing the Royal George yacht to sea will be nearly, if not fully, twice as long ,as the same distance would be performed by moderate sailing steam-vessels not towing others; and, consequently, vessels later of proceed ing down the river than the time of her Majesty's departure would be easily able to overtake the royal squadron before it reaches the Nore, and be gratified by witnessing its pro gress. The royal artillery have been ordered to hold them selves in readiness by half-past 5 o'clock, and a field battery of four, guns will be stationed in the dockyard to fire a royal salute. Six 9-pounder guns have already been sta tioned at the royal arsenal to fire a salute as the royal yarty pass that great naval and military depot. It has now been decided upon, whether her Majesty is enabled to arrive at the early hour named or not, that the Royal George yacht will not be brought alonFaide the wharf of the docyard. Ad mlral Sir G. Cockburn, G.C.8., arrived last night, and re mained a considerable time on board, giving the necessary orders for the voyage. A flight of steps has been attached to-day to the side of the vessel, and they have been covered with carpeting, and every facility is afforded to enable her Majesty and the royal party to get on board with the greatest ease. The Black Eagle has now been ordered to form one of the royal squadron to accompany her Majesty. The men employed at the dockyard have received orders to enter at the west gate, and the foreman of each department is to be held responsible that they will keep at a proper distance during the time of embarkation. Notwithstanding the early hour of her Majesty's departure for Scotland it will require every exertion to get to Granton Pier, near Edinburgh, on Wednesday, and should the wind prove contrary it is not improbable it may be Thursday before the royal party can reach their destination. RAILWAY MEETINGS LAST WEEK. The half yearly general meeting of the Birmingham and Glocester Railway Company showing the receipts to be £41,967 4s. 7d., while the expenses, with interest, amounted to £40,000, which left a balance of £1,615 some odd shillings. It appears that though the railway is not in a paying condi tion, the attention of the management is most sedulously directed to that important point, and that they are using every exertion to produce such a renovation as will speedily effect a change. In the present condition of affairs it seems that the traffic of the line is good, having increased, both . goods and passengers, to an extent which was not antici pated. The Taff-vale Railway has declared a dividend of 28s per share on the original shares, payable out of the disposable balance of the hal-year's workings of £4,376 14s 2d, while a further sum of 22s per share is to be carried to the credit of the old shareholders as capitalised interest, making the nomi nal amount of each share £ll6 14s lid. The receipts from passenger traffic are stated to have exceeded that of the cor responding half-year, while the tonnage from the coal works, although not equal to what the directors anticipated, has been proportionately good. At the North Midland Railway meeting a dividend of 20s per share upon each whole share, a dividend of lOs per share upon each half-share, and a dividend of 6s 8d upon each third share, clear of income-tax, was declared, leaviug a balance of £2,784 3s 2d, out of the £31,154 3s id stated to be the amount of the net profits. The shareholders, who, it is evi dent, are not satisfied with the present management of the undertaking, have instituted a committee of inquiry, who are to be empowered to investigate and devise means for the bet ter conduct of the company, The directors in coming before the proprietary attribute the decline in the traffic to the de pressed state of trade. The half-yearly meeting of the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway was held in the course of the present week, and was the first which has taken place since the line has been opened. The results of the undertaking appear to have equalled the expectations which the directors formed of it, notwithstand ing the unexampled depression in trade. The net profit of working is stated at £33,716 16s. 3d., making every allow ance for the yet undeveloped state of the goods' traffic, while expenses, with interest on debentures, loans, &c., are esti mated at £17,267 12s. ld., leaving a net profit of £16,449 4s. 2d. From this balance it was agreed that £1,449 4s. 2d. should be carried to the reserved fund, and that a dividend of 16s. Bd. per share be declared on the original stock, which being for one-third of the year, was computed to be at the rate of 5 per cent. per annum, payable on the 9th of Septem ber next, clear of the income-tax. The prospects of the con cern were ably demonstrated in the speech from the chair, in which it was stated:that since the 30th June the traffic had continued to increase. Since that date, up to the 20th of August, the passengers had been 110,374, an average of 14,716 per week. The receipts are stated to have averaged £2,324 per week, while, prior to the 30 of June, the average was only £1,806, being an increase of £5lB per week. Dur ing the six months the railway has been open, there have been carried 315,642 passengers, which nearly doubles the Parliamentary estimate, which stipulates the carriage of 340,000 for the whole year. The Bristol and Exeter Railway Company held their half yearly meeting on Thu rs d ay l ast, an d t h e prosperous state of affairs induced the di rectors to recommen d a di v id en d of £1 Os. ld. per share on all shares which £7O shall have been paid on or before th e 6th d ay o f O cto b er nex t , f or w hi c h d a te the dividend is made payable. The report states, that 45 miles of the line arein active traffic, yielding under the lease, a clear inco me o f a b ove £50,000 a year, w i t h t h e prospec t of a considerable increase at every future opening. The prin cipal materials for the entire railway to Exeter are secured at the present reduced prices, while the contracts f o r the tunnel and several miles beyond it are satisfactorily let. The disposable balance for a dividend was £170,000. At this meeting the directors were empowered to borrow £450,0 0 ° upon the loan notes of the company, at the rate of 5 per cent., which will obviate the necessity of calling upon the shareholders for the present for the £3O per share yet to be paid as capital. The proceeding will not, however, it ap pears, preclude those shareholders who choose to pay up in anticipation from receiving their 5 per cent, interest for sueh. payments, but it is adopted in the present plenteousness of money as a means to push forward the undertaking to a coo; elusion, without unnecessarily pressing upon the pockets of the shareholders. THE INcol n TAX.—It has been decided by the Cora; missioners of Taxes, that the carriage and horse of a medicalr man, although required for the exercise of his profession' if occasionally used by him or his family for pleasure, cannot be deducted from his profits, nor will any deduction be made for the assessed taxes on them. It has been very currently reported in Dublin on the au. thority of private letters received from London, that Arch deacon Pakenham, brother-in law of his Grace the Dnke of Wellington, has been appointed to the vacant see of Meath' and that Mr. T. B, Smith, the eminent Queen's counsel, i 9 to be the Solicitor-General, in succession to Mr. Jackson- THE New PALACE INTRUDER.—This person is well known in Maidstone, having for some time previous to last week lived with Mr. Weekes, of the White Lion Inn' 89 ostler, in which situation, excep t when he indulged in drink, which he did latterly to a considerable extent, he was alwaYs a useful, well-conducted servant.—Maidstone Journal. .