The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser. — Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1853-12-27 00:00:00

PHILHARMONIC -HALL. THOMAS'S SHILLING CONCERTS GRAND OPENING NIGHT. On NIONDAY next. January 2, A GRAND TRIUMPHAL M tRCH. (See Prorramme.) _ iokk-poot 0 - 7 tanbar.-0.... FROM OUR LONDON CORRESPONDE MONDAY MORNING. CHRISTMAS week is proverbially the dullest in the year. That which has just terminated was no exception to the rule. The synopsis of political gossip, which I gave .you last week in pith, remains unchanged ; to be sure, *here are rumours, apparently well founded, that Lord PA.LitEnsrox has been courted back again; he has not even up the seals, bat that goes for nothing if he meant to retire,—" holding office till a successor is appointed" iiemg a stereotyped Cabinet phrase. The fact is, Lord SIBERDEEN and his colleagues cannot get any one to fill lord PALMERSTON'S place; and your readers need not be surprised when I tell them that matters, in all probability, - - vill remain as they are till the meeting of Parliament, and then we may have a breaking np of the whole concern. 'Whatever one's opinion may be of the Coalition Cabinet, as a body, no one can doubt the existence amongst its tmembers of high honour individually. They will meet Parliament, make their statements, break up some of them retire—and there an end. At the clubs, the Earl zf DERBY and Mr. DISRAELI are looked upon as likely to join the remaining few. The foregoing embraces the sum and substance of the conversation yesterday at the Reform, Carlton, and Brooks's. A " certain convocation of politick worms " see :Hamlet passim —his in'Ej snit, trappings and shoots of -*woe, &c. Who ever heard of the jolly grave-diggers ? the merry undertakers ? We have all seen and heard of merry, and something more, undertakers' men, on certain apecasions. But to the point. One of the last—appro riately so—public acts of Lord PALMEILSTO7I, was a iturions one ; funny, yet sombre. His lordship had a meet- ing with two gentlemen in black—undertakers, in fact — referring to the burial of the dead belonging to the binary parish of St. Margaret and St. John, Westminster ; a given number of feet superficial,—deep, —were deemed meeessary to bury the dead, out of sight, in the parish 3eferred to. A long period was agreed on before a grave should be re-opened. These and other details were and his Hic Jacet Mends. They *rranged by PALMY th a cop: of the regulations.—eacH in went away ocket. PALUBSTOIc, when in office, touched his ivor 'dell-pall, gave orders, and thought nothing of havint . , twenty folios engrossed in half the number of minutes The gentlemen in black straightway send the reculatiom to the papers—they are published —papers and regulations --the latter as general rules for all burials throughout JEngland. Little did the two undertakers, still less did the "judicious bottleholder," now et-Secretary of State. Saucy for a moment that two parliaments—Marylebone "Vestry, and City Court of Sewers' Commissioners—would -lhave Imagined that what was fit and proper for the parishes atloove-named was altogether absurd, untenable, impossible in application for the country generally. The Marylebone veople —most sensible, respectable, sagacious, experienced inen among them—flogged themselves into a state.of desperation—frothed about self-government—non-inter- - lerence, and all the usual stereotyped clap-trap of anti itentralization. Some days pass over—time to chew the end of sweet and bitter—ignorance, and we find the city carom discuss thus : Mr. Deputy LOTT, who thinks " no small beer" of his - shrewdness at the commission aforesaid, otserved that, as the citizens of London had a " burial board," he was desirous of asking whether the extraordinary regulations issued by Lord PALMERSTON had been forwarded " offi- No, they have not," said to the commission ? 31r. Dew (worthy of his name Deputy LOTT a • . isrishedto remonstrate against any of Lord PALMERSTON'S sale s —(where are you, shade of L. MITIMA.Y ?). If the regulations of Lord PALMERSTON are carried out, there would be no cemetery adequate to the requirements of any locality. Upon which the chairman, Deputy PEACOCK, aman of forty years' experience as a baker in Bishopsgate street, common councilman, and so forth, sagaciously interjected, "we are masters of our own actions, and mhall, of course, take care not to go counter to the Secre tary of State." (I am obtuse, and do not perceive the Sequitur !) After much more twaddle, it was moved and carried that the rules and regulations issued by Lord IPALmERsToN be referred to the City Cemetery Com mittee. There was no harm in that. Perhaps, they will take a hint. The regulations referred to have as much to do with general burial as the reform bill had to do with PALMERSTON'S resignation. The Earl of ABERDEEN is looking poorly; this nipping weather seems.to starch him woefully. When he walks abroad he is usually attended by a couple of policemen in Vain clothes : these functionaries stick to the Prime "ilinister very close, observing everybody likely to come in contact with the noble earl. They wield each a trusty "shillelagh," which is firmly strapped round the hand, as if ready to bastinado any unruly Turk who might come offensively in their way. There's nothing in this, lhowever; it has long been the practice for Prime -Ministers of England to be thus attended. I have seen the late Sir ROBERT PEEL repeatedly so. Though coming somewhat within the scope—the doleful territory of "lapsed news"—l cannot refrain from refer ring to a fruitful subject of conversation and discussion in !city, hall, and coffee-house, during the week,—a topic 'which seemed to engross the city as well as west-end tradesman ; Government clerks, and they of the Bank of England, having only a negative interest in the affair,- -if Ibe allowed the expression, —were mute. I refer to lord PALMERSTON'S letter to the Lord MAYOR, on the question of keeping the 26th instant a holiday. Generally speaking, the great bulk of metropolitan tradesmen were in favour of the holiday, and well they might be ; there sronld not be au inch of ribbon sold by the hab dasher, nor * pound weight of raisins by the grocer on that day. Wh, Buse the purchases were made before the festival, as Stting preparations for it. The et-Secretary's letter has given much satisfaction to the numbers out of business. Government clerks have always been allowed a holiday mominally that they might go to church, when Christmas Tell on a week-day; argal, quoth PALMY, as it falls this time on the Sabbath, the clerks will have the same oppor tunity of performing their sacred duties. Abstractedly thls is true. They—the clerks—won't be very hardly worked after all. I dare say they will be seen flattening `their noses, and steaming the plate-glass panes at the west-end offices, as usual ;as they of Somerset-house will lave "hot joints" at their own fires "from ten till four." I am given to understand that of shop-keepers there will not be half-a-dozen doing business. This is virtually a victory for the closing movement. While on this subject, I may add, from the best authority, that the early closing iquestion is making sure, though slow, progress ; and that before another year shall have elapsed, thousands of intel ligent men, from the warehouse porter up to the conduc tor of our city establishments, instead of leaving work I " fagged " at nine or ten o'clock, as not long ago was the ease, will be able to doff the apron at six or seven in the • evening, without loss to any one,—a consummation de voutly to be wished. The week prior to our great Christmas festival brings out thousands upon thousands of human beings to visit Our public places, who, probably, are not seen far from 'their quiet and respectable domiciles the greater portion of the other part of the year. The weather each sight during the past week was inclement in the extreme, and, worst of all, wet and sloppy under foot, yet at least 20 ,000 persons were attracted to Exeter-hall by H ANDEL ' S 1" Sphere-harmony," chiefly as exhibited in " The Messiah." Other works were presented elsewhere. Such demon strations vouch for the grandeur of England's moral tharacter. These individuals never visit theatres, but they have a keen relish for sacred music. One wonders "there they all come from, as they form an entire contrast 10 the theatre and opera-going public. One of the more remarkable men of the day is DANIEL UHITTL E HARVEY, City Commissioner of Police, some t hirty years ago a city solicitor, with that other remark able man for an eleve, I mean DAVID WILLIAMS WIRE, now Alderman and Sheriff. After a long parliamentary career, Mr. HARVEY sat himself down in his well-paid, though arduous, commissionership. Though far advanced in year, he is still active and of commanding aspect. ben he done his best garments, which he invariably ' ll °es when he pays his periodical visits to the SECRETARY of STATE'S office, he looks like a man to be feared and re 13Peeted• I have said that WHITTLE HARVEY is active ; -. 1411 "Ing . the example of his superiors, he took it into his *lead. to deliver a lecture the other day, not on the duties Zuhedrhood °.bligati°llB of his fraternity—he had pleased the ' br ? , her s L, h , o wt'ver, by previo us ly o bt a i n i ng f or the menf labou"r'itiolutren to their pay—but on the rights and duties was a great crowd ; and the lecturer there I tnekl e : n sliT er went on at prodigious length; here a n d here and thdh him slightl y ti nted with " optimism ;'' lure—t o ld well, es ere t oretical ; but altogether it—the lec ture—told lua friePendeisatllY Calledu towards the close, where he guidance of a stead y res:l begin the ne w y ear un d er the ' tion to labour iu the cause of human improvement ; and to turn aside from those who slumber away their existence in the lap of sloth; to heed not the man, who, reclining upon the couch of indolence, a various tributes of surrounding toil, without m his pillow. The shop and the field, quoth our " Second DANIEL," are as essential spheres of service as receives the stirring fi set or the No class of pursuits, however iecessary in the contrivance for human In the husbandman, the weaver, the mason It was in the 7iltion of thes( truths that the process was discovered by which to overcome the heartburnings which rankle in the bosom of neg lected poverty, and swell the breast of ignoble pride. Of a piece was the address of Lord ASHBURTON, ill reference to the teaching of " Common things to common people." That intelligent peer and close friend of the late Count D'OusAr might have been considered " fast" at one time; certes, he has shown in th e foundation of these same prizes for understanding common things that he is a "man for a' that COMMERCIAL . 4 MONETARY NEWS. MONDAY NIGHT. THE Money market has not presented any par ticular change during the week, except a slight decline towards the close, owing to the public be coming sellers. For purposes of discount money has been comparatively easy, though no official change has taken place in the rate of interest. Great confidence appears still to prevail in the security of commercial credit, a fact owing chiefly to the absence of all undue speculation, and the general healthy state of business. From the re turns of the Bank of England, published in the London Gazette, there appears an increase in the stock of bullion to the extent of £101,962, a de crease in the active circulation of £439,835, and a decrease in other securities of £288,132, showing a falling-off in the demand for accommodation. In the Cotton manufacturing districts trade is, on the whole, improving, and a considerable amount of business is being done, though chiefly in the lower qualities, which accounts for the larger consumption of Cotton, and the demand in this market for Surats and the inferior kinds of Ame rican Cotton. It is said to be the intention of the French Government to permit the importation of Cotton Yarn at a reasonable rate of duty, this article having been hitherto prohibited, or the duty being so high as virtually to amount to a prohibition. Should this measure be carried into operation, it will have a beneficial effect upon Man chester spinners, as the French manufacturers will be enabled to import English Yarn both cheaper and better than they can make,. it for themselves. The recent accounts from Australia, and the ex pectation of further large remittances of gold, have also a favourable effect, and expectations are con fidently entertained of increased shipments being shortly required. Some complaint is made of the alleged tightness of the Money market, but con sidering the confidence which prevails, the mere difference in rate of discount can have little in jurious effect. The financial prosperity of the United States of America has led to a proposition for an alteration of the tariff, by which the free list will be consi derably enlarged, so as to affect the revenue to the extent of about eight millions of dollars. The articles chiefly affected by this alteration will be Linens, Wines, Tin Plates, Hides, Salt, Watches, Steel Bars, Indigo, Hatters' Furs, and Hemp. It is also proposed to re-arrange the duties on other imports to an ad valorem rate of 25 per cent. or 100 per cent. All articles not named in the higher list and the free list to be charged at the lower rate of duty. If this plan be carried into effect, and it is recommended in a Treasury report pre sented to Congress, it will, no doubt, have consi derable influence upon our export trade to the United -States. The return from the Bank of England for the week ending the 17th of Dec., gives the following results, when compared with the previous week : Public deposits _ 4 E10,492,686; Increase £465,520 Other deposits 10,699,684; Decrease 210,393 Rest 3,189,090; Increase 7,273 On the other side of the account — Government securities £15,043,730; the same as before. Other securities ... 16,237,015; Decrease 288,222 Notes unemployed ... 8,124,105; Increase 548,930 The amount of notes in circulation is £20,605,625, being a decrease of £439,835 ; and the stock of bullion in both departments is £15,443,256,5h0wing an increase of £101,962, when compared with the preceding return. Notes issued SSIIR ,730,Govemmt. Debt £11,015,100 ,Other Securities 2,984,900 Gold coin & bull'n. 14,729.730 Silver bullion ... £28,729,730 BANKING DEPARTMENT, £28,729,730 Prop. Capital ... £14,553,000'G0v. Securities £15,043,730 Rest ... 3,189,090 Other Securities 16,237,015 Public Deposits 10,492,686 Notes ... 8,124,105 Other Deposits 10,699,684 Gold & Silver Coin 713,526 7-day & other bills 1,183,916 £40,118,37C £40,118,376 PRODrCE.—During : the week there has been a considerable improvement in the demand for Sugar, both from grocers and refiners, which has enabled holders to obtain full prices for all kinds. For foreign there has been rather more inquiry, but the market being barely supplied sales are limited. The sales of Molasses are confined to a few small lots of Antigua, and the quotations are reduced 6d. to is. from the highest point. Of Coffee there is a strong demand for all ordinary descriptions, but the absence of stock has prevented business. Para Cocoa sold at 275. per cwt. Bengal Rice, 14s. to 15s. 6d. ; Arracan, on the spot, 13s. 9d. ; and Madras, to arrive, at 13s. 6d. to 13s. 10?-id. per cwt., the market closing with a firm appearance. In Tea the transactions were limited until Thurs day, when a speculative demand sprang up, and some considerable parcels of common Congou were sold at ls. 24d. to ls. 2id. per lb., and the market closed with a very firm aspect for all descriptions. Guano, mixed Peruvian and Bolivian, sold by auc tion at £lO I2s. 6d. to £los. 15s. per ton ; 800 tons of the lower kinds realized advanced rates. Olive Oil has continued to move off steadily ; Seal Oil, £4O ; Cod, £34 per tun ; Linseed Oil, 30s. ; and pale Rape, 465. to 475. per cwt. Spirits of Turpentine continue without change. Palm Oil in better demand, particularly for arrival ; the sales amount to about 200 tons on the spot, and nearly 1,500 to arrive, at £4O to £4l per ton. For Tallow the demand has much improved ; Petersburg Y.C., 575. to 585.; South American, 538. to 565. 6d. per cwt. Jute, £22 10s. per ton for middling quality. Carrow.—The amount of businee done has been to a considerable extent, the sales for the week ended on Friday having amounted to 45,460 bales, of which 9,760 were taken on speculation, and 2,790 for export, leaving 32,910 for the trade. Prices have been very firmly maintained, and though we cannot note any alteration in quotations, the turn was in favour of sellers. On Saturday the sales were about 7,000 bales, of which 1,000 Were on speculation and for export. To-DAY being a general holiday, nothing was done. The follow ing is a comparison of present rates with those of the corresponding period last year :-- 1852. 1853 , New Orleans, middling sld. fair Uplands, middling s ld. fair . s2d. ..... -id, SALES. IMPORTS. DESCRIPTION. cracks. Week Previ- Week This STOCK ending ' nusly ending year. , -• ' Dec. 23. this yr. Dec.23.Dec.23 Sea Island lO G 34 200 19380 Stained — 1780 Boweds 3 64 8700' 482670 I 934606 Mobile 4 64 3090 283730 New Orleans. 3j 72 17100 984190 I •• " Pernams, Atc. 64 8 1110 65920 Bahia, &c. 64 6 680 52240 Maranbam Demerara, &c 254280 61079 , 153 0 0 32039! 8350 355051 16190 Com. W. 1.8:,:c 2720; 128996 11820 5721 450 103931 78840 8032! 3610 - 411 Madras Bengal. 311868 177630 Imo! 5650 I ••• • 1 45460 23:32301 74211 2890 Nil. 20120135 T 557930 WooL.—There has been a moderate extent of business doing in English and Irish Fleece Wools, both for the home market and the continent ; and prices are quite id. per lb. higher. Irish Hog gets are selling at 154 d. per lb., and Wethers to 151 d. per lb., delivered in Dublin. METAL - S.—Great activity prevails in almost every branch of the Iron trade, and the only doubt which appears to prevail is as to the amount of advance to be demanded at the preliminary meet ing which will take place on Thursday next. Good Pigs are readily bought up ; but it is ques tionable whether the speculative price which they lately reached can be maintained. TIMBER.—We give the Wowing extracts from the circular of Messrs. A. F..and D. Mackay, of this tows2lipm._ " Since ou „_Figifftik.sircular, dated 10 February, 425 vessels, 293,2151,461„w00d laden, have arrived from British Noah - Ilainely, 146 tom - C/Fbee, 125 from St. John, N. 8., and 154 rriios 44130 arts-; lu the like time last ye ar , 365 vesse l s, 239,80 S fens, arrived. A general dulness prevails in the timber trade at this season of the year. Coupled with the arrival of many wessels during the latter part of the last and the early part of the present month, the scarcity of suitable labour to handle the cargoes, the crowded state of the docks and quays, and a determination on the part of some of the buyers to with draw from the market for a time,—not from the fact of their being overburthened with stock, but on the contrary, (desirous of beginning to lay in for the winter consumption at lower rates,) in which, to a certain extent, their expec tations have not been realised,—all these causes combine to force prices down. The greater portion of the importers, however, being well aware of the extent of stock on hand, as also of the probable quantity to come forward to Ist February, (the close of the' import season,) have deter niined not to submit to a reduction on the present rates, particularly in the article of St. John deals, which are of the best quality, and more in demand than any other description brought to market. Consequently, several cargoes have been stored for importers' account, and held firmly for the highest prices. The news received this week from Quebec of the loss of several ships and cargoes, as also the detention of many others for the winter by frost and ice, destined for this port, has had the effect of causing greater firmness on the part of importers, to which the trade has already responded. Of Baltic, since Ist February to date, 90 vessels, 25,280 tons register, wood laden, have arrived, against the corresponding date last year-69 ves sels, 18,498 tons register. Of deals and battens, several cargoes and parcels arc beingyarded for importers' account. THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD, AND GENERAL COMMERCIAL ADVERTISER THE STRIKES PRESTON.—No changefccan yet be reported in the posi tion of the contending parties. The returns show that the number of unemployed hands relieved last week was 15,781 ; previous week, 15,502; increase, 279. The amount paid to the hands last week was £2,938 125.; pre vious week. £2,908 7s. 3d. ; increase, £3O 4s. 9d. To this sum must be added £274 19s. lid., the expenses in cident to the conduct of the agitation. The total expert"- diture of the week amounts to £3,213 lls. lid. The working expenses, exclusive of relief, are about five per cent. on the sum collected. The operative spinners had a meeting in the Temperance-hall, on Friday night, when, after a series of speeches, the annexed resolution was adopted :—" That we, the operative spinners, and winders of Preston, do still resolve to have our just and equitable demands before we resume work." A general meeting of the unemployed was convened in the Orchard on Satur day. Cheers having been given for Blackburn, Stockport, and their allies, and for the ten per cent., the proceed ings concluded at four o'clock, with a vote of thanks to the chairman. The card-room hands held a meeting in the Temperance-hall, and, after several delegates had de livered addresses, pledged themselves to persevere in their struggle. WlGAN.—Though the mills at Wigan and Hindley were re-opened on Monday, the strike of factory operatives is far from being at an end. The total number of mill hands in Wigan is about 5,000, and in Hindley 1,160 ; and the number who went to work on Monday was only 633 in Wigan, and 15 at Hindley. At three mills in this town no hands presented themselves, and the machinery was therefore obliged to be stopped and the gas lights put out. At another mill there were four hands, at another five, at another seven, and so on. In the latter part of the day Messrs. James Eckersley and Sons had 240 opera tives at work, being scarcely a fourth of their full com plement ; and the executors of the late Mr. Rylands 150, or rather more than a third: these two mills were the best manned. At one mill, at Hindley, two persons went' to work ; at another six, and at a third seven. There an now about 1,500 persons at work in the Wigan factories five of which are still closed for want cf hands, but Hindley. There was a meeting of the masters' association at the Victoria Hotel, Wallgate, on Friday, Mr. William John son in the chair. They were in deliberation more than an. hour-and-a-half. The proceedings were conducted pri vately, but we understand it was agreed that they should continue to maintain their present attitude, and that the meeting should stand adjourned to that day fortnig none at with au understanding that , should circumstances require it, any three members might call a meeting of the associ ation in the interval. j • During the week the town has been in a state of con siderable excitement, particularly the lower parts of Wall gate and the streets adjoining, the largest mills_ being situate in that neighbourhood. When the hands who have gone into the mills were returning from work, they were hooted and shouted at by large crowds of persons. On Tuesday night there were about four thousand persons col lected in that part of the town referred to, which bore every appearance of a riot. The police and fire-brigade were three hours in clearing the streets. On Wednesday a " caution" to persons against thus assembling, &c., signed by the Mayor, was posted on the walls of the town, but Tuesday night's proceedings were repeated, and it was quite as much as police, fire-brigade, and a number of special-con stables could do for three hours to prevent large groups from forming. The people, when driven from the main street, would collect at the corners of bye streets, and there keep up their hooting, yelling, and whistling. Since Wednesday matters have assumed a Much less serious aspect. Several persons have been apprehended on suspicion of intimidating the hands at work, and of being concerned in the disturbances; but the evidence in every case was very slight, and all have been discharged with a reprimand except a girl, who ,has been bound over to keep the peace. On Monday nearly 1,000 of the operatives yet on strike held a meeting in the area of the Commercial-hall, and it was unanimously resolved that they would not return to work without an advance of ten per cent., and that if the advance was not conceded by New Year's Day, then twenty per cent. should be demanded. A similar meeting was held in the same place on Wednesday afternoon. The income of the " Amalgamated Committee" of Factory Operatives during the past week amounted to £6O Ss. 6d. ; £2B lls. 11d. of which came from Liverpool, and £8 from Manchester. _On_Tues. aay the thirty rank and file of the 34th Regiment of infantry left Wigan for Preston. There yet remains one company of this regiment, 63 rank and file.. RESIGNATION OP THE ORMSK IRK WORKHOUSE CHAPLAIN. — The Rev. E. L. Blenkinsop, chaplain to the Ormskirk Union Workhouse, has tendered his resignation of the chaplaincy, which the guardians have accepted. Tila WEATHER yesterday was clear and frosty, and great numbers were in consequence tempted to enjoy their holiday by trips to Birkenhead and other places across the Mersey. Towards evening, however, there was a slight fall of rain. HER MAJESTY'S royal bounties to a limited number of aged poor in the metropolis were distributed, under the special direction of the Lord Bishop of Oxford, lord high almoner to the Queen, assisted by the Rev. Dr. Jelf, sub-almoner. THE BIRTHDAY of the Duke of Northumberland was celebrated at Alnwick, on Thursday week, with extraor dinary eclat and magnificence, the gentlemen of the county generally, without distinction of party, attending to take part in the celebration. The chair was occupied by Capt. George Selby, R.N. The health of the Duke, the Duchess, " the house of Percy," &c., were duly honoured ; speeches being made by the chairman, the Hon. H. T. Liddell,M.P., Mr. H. G. Liddell, M.P., Rev. Court Granville, &c. ADD-EL-KADER.—Abd-el-Kader lives a very retired life at Broussa, in the bosom of his family, and occupies him self with the education of his children. His principal en joyment in the day and through a part of the night is study and poetry, for which he has a decided penchant. He carefully avoids any noise, and Broussa pleases him so much as a place of residence that he has decided on purchasing a farm in the neighbourhood, in order to give employment to himself and the persons who compose his numerous suite. He is disgusted with grandeur, and now prefers to live retired and tranquil, and to enjoy on his new estate the pleasures of a country life and study. The conduct of the Emir is always in keeping with his noble character, and he allows no opportunity to escape of loudly proclaiming the generosity and greatness of mind of the Emperor of the French, and in his devotions he never fails to pray for the preservation of the life of him who restored him to liberty and repose. The Emir is expecting to receive from Damascus .two magnificent horses of the famous Arab breed called Nedjdi, which are intended for the Emperor Napoleon, to whom they have been already offered, and accepted by his Majesty.—Journal de Con stantinople. _ _ GpaiLTAß.—Advices from Gibraltar to the Bth inst. statthat when the Governor, from some unexplained cause, suddenly removed his land cordon on the 27th of November, the Spaniards established theirs on a liberal footing, and traffic in supplies proceeded satisfactorily until the following Saturday, the 3rd instant. But on that day an order arrived from the real Consejo deMinistro (supposed to be in consequence of Sir Robert Gardiner's measures, the rescinding of which was not known in Madrid) ordering an immediate closing of all communi cations by land, excepting the post ; and a rigid enforce ment of ten days' quarantine by sea. Notice to that effect was promulgated at once, to be put in force from four p.m. the same day. At the time of the cordon a most painful spectacle was seen. Many hundred persons on each side the ropes were assembled, and much weeping and wailing going on. Great efforts were made to get in as many supplies as possible, but these were wholly inadequate to the demand. Straw and charcoal rose to prodigious prices. Straw was sold at $8 to $9 per horse load, being a rise of 300 to 400 per cent. ; charcoal in the proportion of 200 to 300 per cent. Butchers' meat has risen 50 per cent. The stock of cattle in private hands was only three or four days' consumption. The Government contractor had 300 or 400 head of cattle, but had little or no straw for them. It was reported that the Government contrac tor was to be indemnified by a grant of the public money for the losses incurred through the Governor's mischievous measure.—Globe. GOLD IN AusxnALlA..—The following extraordinary news of the gold-diggings at Geelong are contained in a letter received by Joseph Abraham, Esq., from a relative in Hobart Town. The letter is dated September 8. Well may it be called a "quarry of gold," if 18,000 ounces have been taken out in three days by a few persons :—" Know ing how deeply interesting any news respecting Australia must be to you, I write to inform you of a great discovery that has again been made on the Geelong side, about fifty six miles from the town. They have been digging very deep, and have come on a table of gold, about 100 feet from the surface, apparently inexhaustible. All I can tell you respecting it is that the people's minds are partly turned, from the immense discovery. Every tubfull of earth they raise from these holes contains pounds weight of gold. The more they dig, the more inexhaustible it appears. At Geelong, a tumult has broken out among the diggers. The Government has sent up all the military to quell the disturbance, and the marines of her Majesty's ship Electra are mounting guard at the Treasury ; and the sailors of the above steamer of war mount sentry at the banks. The military from Van Diemen's Land are about to be . despatched to Melbourne, to aid the military already there. Goodness only knows bow all this will end. (Hobart Town, Sept. s.)—By the steamer from, Geelong this day, I find that a gold quarry has been discovered near Geelong, 100 to 130 feet from the surface of the earth, putting all other diggings in the shade, 18,000 ounces have been taken out in three days, by a few persons ; and one person has got a lump weighing 1901b5., in one solid piece. This is no exaggeration, and the greatest excite ment prevails." Esualum.—From an ocersight at the time of going to press, a portion of our first impression was printed 'of with the first paragraph of our London correspondence at page, relative to the the head of the article in tk local Christmas festivities. CONSECRATION OF THE NEW CHURCH AT GREAT CROSBY. YESTERDAY, the new Church which has been built at Great Crosby, to supply the spiritual wants of the inhabi tants of that district, was consecrated by the Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of Chester, assisted by the Rev. R. Walker, incumbent of Great Crosby, the Rev. J. G. Lee, Walton, the Rev. John Jones, Waterloo, the Rev. H. Hampton, St. James', Liverpool, the Rev. Evans, the Rev. Wilkins, &c., &c. The church was filled to overflowing on the occasion, by an assemblage of ladies and gentlemen, chiefly belonging to, or connected with, the parish ; among those present we observed J. Buck Lloyd, Esq., Mayor of Liverpool; John Myers, Esq., and family ; Robert Theakatone, Esq., and family; Robert Horsfall, Esq., and lady; Charles Groves, Esq., Arthur Holme, Esq., Councillor Henderson, R. Briscoe, Esq., Thomas Carson, Esq., &c., 1, Pr ' were were read by the Rev.' R. Walker. • after which an appropriate sermon was preached by the Lord Bishop, from Ist Corinthians ail 1. " Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal." In the course of his sermon, the right reverend Prelate took occasion to allude in eloquent terms to the innate modesty and unpretending nature of true charity, which, avoiding display, sought yet to forward, by strenuous efforts, the benefit of men, and to assist in disseminating God's bles sings. He described, in forcible and touching terms, the true Christian charity of those who, in the earliest times, had lent their aid in the erection of churches, wherein their humbler brethren might have an opportunity of joining in the worship of the Most High. He then, by a happy turn, alluded to the exertions of those by whose instrumentality the present edifice bad been mainly con structed, speaking pointedly as to the increased accommo dation which would be thereby afforded for the poorer classes of worshippers, as compared with the means pre viously within their reach. A collection in aid of the building fund was made at the conclusion of the services, when the sum of £lOO was contributed. The church, which is dedicated to St. Luke, is built on a convenient and commanding situation on the right hand side of the village, entering from Liverpool. Its ground plan is cruciform, the church having a nave, transepts, and chancel. It is 108 feet in length from west to east ; the width of the nave is 40 feet ; the transepts are each 28 feet in length ; the general height of the walls is 20 feet to the cornice or spring of the roof, and 40 feet high to the apex or ridge. At the western end there is a tower and spire, of good proportionwand tastefhl ornamentation, rising to the height of 120 feet. The spire is furnished with cleverly-carved grotesque water-spouts, has an elegantly-enriched clock circle; is surmounted by a golden cross, and altogether forms an elegant as well as a con spicuous feature of the landscape. Standing on an elevated situation, it will be readily visible from a great distance, and will be easily recognised by mariners before entering the mouth of the Mersey. Interiorly, the church presents a fine appearance, the roofs being lofty, supported upon arched open timber framings, intersecting in the form of an airy groin at the junction of the transepts with the nave and chancel; and that, as well as the pew divisions, being of stained pine. The transept windows are tall, and furnished with slender mullions and elegant tracery, the intervals of which are filled by stained glass of brilliant hues and pleasing devices. The chancel, which is octagonal in form, has its ceiling painted in deep ultramarine, studded with golden stars ; its windows are filled with stained glass; the principal being occupied by well-executed designs re presenting the Annunciation, and the birth of Christ; the side windows are decorated by shields bearing the armorial devices of the Lord Bishop of Chester, of the Venerable Archdeacon Brooks, of the Reverend R. Walker, the incumbent, and of several laymen who have taken a prominent interest in the erection of the Church. On the south side is the organ recess, divided off by an open screen. The chancel floor is laid with a tes selated pavement of Minton's encaustic tiles, of rich design, and as a whole it presents an agreeable as well as a strik ing object to the eye. The pulpit has a very tasteful and unique appearance; it is richly ornamented by devices of carved white stone, the interstices between which are filled up by rock-faced work of pale blue stone. The font is carved of Bath stone, and the reading-desk is of open work carved timber. The whole of the stained glass was, we believe, provided by Messrs. Pilkington, of St. Helens, and from the general harmony and brilliancy of its colours, will support the reputation of their estab lishment. The edifice is of the decorated style, and bears an affinity in its general characteristics to the fine church recently erected at Grassendale, but is more elaborate in its details. Like that structure, St. Luke's, Great Crosby, has been built from designs made by Messrs. A. and G. Holme, architects, Liverpool ; it is constructed chiefly of Stourton-hill stone, filled up with rock-faced stonework, from the quarry of Upholland. The building has been conducted with much spirit, under the auspices of Messrs. Holme, and it has been finished at a cost of £3,500, con tributed in voluntary subscriptions. WANTED-A HOME SECRETARY. ( PROM THE PRESS. A ek.BINET Cour; ciL was held on Thursday afternoon at the Foreign-office, at which ten of the Ministers were present. The Council sat five hours and a half. So far the Ministerial journals reveal the truth. But had they favoured the public with some information as to what the Council was doing all this time, we should have been spared the trouble of going to the Foreign-office yester day, and demanding to see the minutes. However, at the present crisis,we grudge no labour which leads to enlighten the public and hprp are extracts from the ho.k ! Dias Jovis, " Dsc `7 - 4 1853. _ Present—Lords Aberdeen, J. Rusiell, Cranworth, and Clarendon, the Duke of Newcastle, Sirs J. Graham, TV Molerworth, and C. Wood, and Messrs. Herbert and Gladstone. Lord ABERDEEN moved that it was very disagree able weather. Carried nern. con. (with an addition by Mr. GLADSTONE, that we ought to very thankful to Providence that we had any weather at all. Lord CLARENDON moved that the fire be poked. Carried nem. con., and that it be an instruction to Sir C. Wood to do it, as he was sitting nearest. The Duke of NEWCASTLE moved that he found coals deucedly dear, on which Sir C. WOOD remarked that few people liked to carry coals to Newcastle. The Council laughed, except the LORD CIICANCELLOR. Lord ABERDEEN moved that the place of Home Secre tary ought to be filled up, as it was disgraceful to see so important an office left open for a week, and a Ministry, avowedly commanding all the talent of the country, unable to supply it. Carried nem. con., and Sir C. WOOD observing that nobody hail offered_the place to him. Sir J. GnAirAm`moved his chair nearer the fire. Lord ABERDEEN moved that Lord John Russell, who held no office, be requested to accept that of Home Secre tary; and the Noble Earl, smiling, read to the Council the article which he had written in the Times, dilating upon the courage with which it was certain that Lord J. R. was about to accept the challenge of Lord Palmerston. Sir W. MOLESWORTH moved, as an amendment, that he should be requested to accept the office. The council divided, and the numbers were—For the motion 8; for the amendment, 1 (Sir W. Molesworth) ; Lord J. Russell not voting, _ _ _ Lord J;RussELL stated that he should not accept the office. First, he had enough to do. Secondly, he was not very strong. Thirdly, he liked domestic life. Fourthly, he thought they wanted a new man. Fifthly, he thought it was exceedingly improbable that if he vacated his seat and went to the electors of London he should be returned, and then where was their Reform Bill ? The LORD CHANCELLOR here burst into a hearty fit of laughter, having just succeeded in comprehending Sir C. Wood's joke about coals and Newcastle. He requested, for Lord J. Russell's satisfaction, that it might be entered in the minutes that his laughter was not at Lord John Russell's five points. Lord ABERDEEN moved that there was a very abomina ble smell of tobacco about the Foreign-office, and that it be an instruction to Lord Clarendon not to smoke.—Mr. GLADSTONE seconded the motion, which on division was lost by 13 to 3 (Sir C. Wood by mistake voting both ways), and the majority immediately lit cigars, but put them out again on Mr. Gladstone opening all the windows and doors. - Lord ABERDEEN then moved that Sir James Graham should take the vacant office. Sir J. GRAHAM stated that he should do nothing of the kind. He was safe enough at Carlisle, no doubt, but he had made such a mess of speechmaking that he intended to hold his tongue most severely until they met Parlia ment. He moved that Mr. Herbert should take it. Mr. HERBERT begged to decline, without troubling the Council with reasons. ' Lord ABERDEEN said that there was nobody else pre sent who could be applied to. The Home Secretary must be a member of the House of Commons, as the Duke of Argyll knew, or he would have attended and taken the office. What were they to do ? Sir C. Woo]) here stood up on a chair, and pointed to himself, but, no notice being taken of this pantomime, the Right Hon. Baronet got down again. _ Lord J. RussELL stated that it was very unlucky. Lord Panmure and Sir G. Grey both pleaded ill health. Lord Canning did not like changing his place. Bernal Os borne- Sir J. GRAHAM stated that he could not spare Bernal Osborne. He was getting that intelligent but impetuous young person into very good training, and was happy to assure the Council that the Secretary to the Admiralty had not made a joke for three days. Lord CLARENDON moved, Mr. GLADSTONE seconded, and it was carried nem. con., that the thifiks of Her Majesty's Ministers should be presented to Sir J. Graham for this most salutary reform. Lord AIIERDESN moved that their situation was most embarrassing. The country was laughing at them—im portant business was at a stand still—and they were going to pieces. He wished that Lord Palmerston could be persuaded to come back. It would damage them to modify the Reform Bill, but it would damage them more to have to go out. Lord J. MissiiiL stated that he should not modify his Reform Bill, and that he was not desirous of seeing Lord Palmerston back. But inasmuch as, from the time of a Coalition, Lord Palmerston had been in a perpetual state of warfare with the Noble Earl on foreign policy, it was idle anything short of the Noble Earl's Noble Viscount. Was the Noble yielding to satisfy that the Noble Earl prepared to burn Sebastopol, as, if so, he (Lord J. propriety of modifying his mild be time enough to think oßßafoskinrm Russell)gßmiLord h Lord ABERDEEN moved , Sir J. GRAHAM seconded, and it was carried by seven to four (Sir C. Wood, by mistake, g a t npd co at n mh s ee id rsn e to r it n thewto return. voting both ways), that a message be sent to Lord Palmerston offering to surrender everything if he would, by returning to office, save the Coalition Ministry from its inevitable doom. The Council then rose. ST. PAUL'S CHURCII NATIONAL SCHOOLS. — The . ed an u n ca ua i l io promoting scriptural be held this evening in the Concert-hall, Lord Nelson-street. The chair will tean in S t . P an aul d ' •be occupied by Mr. Alderman T. Bold, and addresses will be.delivered by several gentlemen who take an interest in ibg .abject of scriptural education. Paul's district , will AMERICA. ARRIVAL OF THE EUROPA, By the Britishand North American Royal Mail Steam ship Europa, Captain Shannon, which arrived here last night, we have intelligence from New York to the 14th I instant. The Europa sailed from New York at 1.40 p.m., on the 14th, and reached the Mersey at 8.10 p.m., on the 26th, having variable and head-winds. She has brought six.ty-five passen g ers, and $875,000 in specie. The United States Mail Steam-ship'Arctic arrived at New York on the 11th instant. The United States Senate has been laying down the law to the administration, in an act so direct and emphatic as to preclude all possibility of a misconstruction. It ap pears that the Cabinet made the election of General Arm strong a sine qua non—that the last vestige of organized hostility in Washington to Guthrie and Co. was to be " crushed out ;" and it appears that to this end General Cass and Judge Douglas went in for Armstrong • and that, after the election of Tucker, M r . S ena t or Dodge, of lowa, declared the result " anything but complimentary to the democratic organization." The Senate adopted a bill providing that the Secretary of that body shall hereafter draw and disburse all moneys for the pay and mileage of its members. Notices were given of bills to establish private bonded warehouses, and to increase the salary of the District Judge of Massachu setts. Bills were introduced and referred to establish mail steamers beta - ten California and China, via the Sand wich Islands; to reduce and graduate the price of public lands ; to suppress the circulation of small notes in the District of Columbia, and to re-imburse the city of New York for the expense of supporting the First Regiment of New York Volunteers. A serious difficulty has occurred between Senator Gwin, of California, and Secretary Guthrie, which it is appre hended will result in a duel. Intense excitement existed in Washington, owing to the fact that both are gentlemen of tried metal, and that their friends, including, it is alleged, the President and his Cabinet, had thus far been unsuccessful in their endeavours to effect a reconciliation. New York was again the scene of another most terrific conflagration on Saturday afternoon. Shortly after one o'clock, as the employe's in the large printing establish ment of the Brothers Harper, running through from Cliff to Pearl streets, were about resuming their labours after dinner, smoke was discovered issuing from the premises, and in a short time the whole building was enveloped in flames. In a comparatively short space of time, sixteen buildings, with their contents, were in ashes. The loss is estimated at a million and a quarter of dollars. The revenue cutter Hamilton, which left Charleston for a cruise on the 7th inst., was wrecked off Tully Breakers during a hurricane on the night of the Bth. All but one of the fifteen persons on board are believed to have perished. Lieutenant Joseph Adams, nephew of John Quincy Adams, died on board the United States steamship Pow , hatan, early in October. A card has been published by the Mayor of New Or leans, in which he declares that strangers may visit that place with perfect safety, as the health of the city was never better. The weather continues mild, and both lake and canal navigation are uninterrupted. Late advices from Texas inform us that Governor Bell had resigned, the Indians 'were quiet, and the general condition of affairs in that State was prosperous in the extreme, although it was estimated that the sugar crop would fall short nearly seven thousand hogsheads. A bill had been introduced into the Legislature, and was likely to become a law, compelling the creditors of the State to speedily come forward and have their claims finally settled. General Campbell, Commissioner of the Boundary Survey, had completed the work with which he was entrusted. • Considerable excitement seems to have been produced among the people of Pittsburg, by the appearance of the Pope's Nuncio at one of the churches last Sabbath. The disaffected exhibited their displeasure, after• the service was over, by puffing cigar smoke in the faces of the Nuncio and Bishop O'Conor. Advices from the city of Mexico announce that rich golden discoveries had been made in Sonora. The cholera had ceased its ravages. Two supreme judges had been removed, and one of them, ex-President Cevallos, banished, for refusing to accept the. honour of knighthood of the new order of Guadaloupe. By the way, information is said to have reached New Orleans that Santa Anna intended to assume the title of Imperial Majesty on the 12th instant. Lower California is a republic ! The Walker expedition, fitted out at San Francisco, had Landed at La Paz, seized two Mexican Governors, lowered the Mexican colours, raised the new republican flag, fought and gained a battle, declared Lower California free and independent and a republic, and had chosen a President, Secretary of State, Secretary of War, and a Secretary of the Navy ! All this I was done in one week by a handful of men from San Francisco. WEST IN - DrEs.—We have advice from Kingston to the 28th of November. The news from Jamaica is of impor tance, both in a commercial and political point of view. The economic party in the Assembly have surrendered the principle for which they so long contended the right of appropriating their own money—to the government party, after having created so much excitement about it. The new " import duty bill" has been assented to by each branch of the legislature, and a re-construction of the constitution is to come up for consideration in the House. The inter-colonial intelligence is favourable. News from Havana to the Bth instant states that Mr. Clayton, the United States consul, had been duly received by the Captain General. General Canedo was to return to Spain this week. CO MERCIAL_ WTELLIGENQE. 11/Aw - ro - I . 5"Kc - .. :14 3furx.—The Stock market is down again, after showing a rise of 31 per cent. during the past week in Erie Railroad Shares. The demand for Exchange has been moderate, but with a small supply of bills, rates have been well supported. Lon don, 1091 a 1092-; Paris, 5111 a 5121; Amsterdam, 411 a 411 ; Hamburgh, 37 a 371; Bremen 802- a 81; Frankfort, 411 a 4111 ; Antwerp, 5 134 a 5 16. The supply of money is now nearly equal to the demand, as there is but-a small amount of good paper offered for discount. First class is in demand at eight to ten per cent. Loans on call are readily effected at six to seven per cent. CoTtox.—(From W. P. Wright's Circular, Dec. 14.) —Since my circular of 6th inst., we have the advices per Europa, Humboldt, Niagara, and Arctic, the latter with dates to 30th November. In this market, at the com mencement of the week, there was a disposition to sell, particularly after the arrival of the Europa on Tuesday, when a decline of * to 1 c. was generally submitted to. Upon receipt, however, of the accounts per Humboldt, via Halifax, showing that the Liverpool market had not de clined as was expected, but, on the contrary, was some what firmer and higher, the decline was recovered, and a good demand being experienced during the remainder of the week, prices still further advanced, and closed at the quotations annexed, which were those adopted on Monday by the Association, and which continue to be the correct standard. The business of the week has been 16,710 bales, as follows : —Export, 3,888 bales ; home consumption, 5,653; speculation, 1,886; in transitu, 5,283 bales; and the export during same time---to Liverpool, 2,522 bales ; Glasgow, 50 ; Havre, 440. Total, 3,012 bales. The Southern markets remain steady, without important change. Receipts at the ports continue to fall off, the decrease now amounts to 432,000 bales, and on Saturday last the deficit as made up in New Orleans was 465,000 bales. It is quite possible, owing to the low state of various Southern rivers, very few of which are in navigable con dition, that the deficit may reach 650,000 bales, or even .more, and it is also probable that the maximum decrease •when attained may diminish very slowly for many weeks 'thereafter. CROP.—The weather in the South has continued highly favourable for the maturing and picking the late crops, which are represented as being of better quality in staple, cleanliness, and colour, than the early receipts. In this city, Charleston and Savannah, the general opinion seems to settle upon 3,000,000 bales as the probable yield ; but in New Orleans, and in some few instances also in Mobile, the opinion is general at about 2,800,000 bales ; the ex ceptions to this opinion go for 3,000,000, with some few as high as 3,300,000 bales. The large and increasing deficit in receipts as compared with last year gives confidence to parties whose estimates are below 3,000,000 bales. The following is a statement of the movement in cotton since the Ist September last, as compared with the pre vious three years : 1853 1652 .1851 1650. Receipts at the ports 570,000 1,002,000 649,000 605,000 Exports to Great Britain 155,000 360,000 210,000 207,000 „ France 34,000 54,000 82,000 93,000 other for. Os 38,000 52,000 29,000 47.000 Total exports 227,000 466,000 321,000 347.000 Stock on haml _ _ Of which, during the past week, included in the above 1853. 1852. 1851. 1850. Receipts at the ports.. 71,000 138,000 89,000 85,000 Exports to Great Britain 24.000 55,000 33,003 15,000 •France 7,000 13,000 9,000 20,000 other for. ports, 5,000 6,000 2,000 5,000 Total exports From which it will be seen that the decrease in receipts now amounts to 432,000 bales ; the decrease in exports to Great Britain, 205,000; France, 20,000; other foreign ports, 14,000. Total decrease in exports, 239,000 bales. BREADSTUFFS.—With rather free receipts and some what lower English advices, the turn of the market for flour the past two weeks has been downward, and although we are within a very few days of the end of canal and river navigation for the season, still at present rates there is but little disposition shown to hold for winter sales. The unsettled state of the money market for a month or two past has prevented speculation, and caused the trade to be ready sellers, and we close with not ex ceeding 300,000 barrels of all kinds, probably not one 'third of which is of the ordinary shipping qualities. Since the arrival yesterday of the letters by the Humboldt, Niagara, and Arctic, the market rules heavy, with but little inquiry for England, and a few purchases on French account, at a decline of 25c. to 31i c. per barrel since the Circular of 29th Nov. last. Canadian brands (in bond) are iu light supply. The shipments by sea from Montreal this season to Nov.llth, 1853, consisted of 217,420 barrels flour, and 533,661 bushels wheat, against 202,678 barrels flour, 309,656 bsls. wheat, to November 13, 1852. The market is getting quite bare of prime parcels of white wheat, and that description is firmly held at the quota tions, whilst the inferior qualities are more plenty and re latively lower : the principal demand has lately been for red and mixed. The receipts for the season are now at a close, leaving us an unusually light stock at this port, and also at the manufacturing districts of the state. Roches ter, Buffalo, and Oswego Indian corn, of the old crop, suitable for export, is scarce ; the i new is beginning to ap pear more freely, the condition s . greatly in advance of last season, and shipments will be made with safety, at an early period. Barley is quiet, at 81c. to 87c. per 481bs. Oats are in request, at 51c. to 54c. per bsl. Rye has ad vanced several cents, the last arrival having brought nu merous orders, (most of them limited too low for execution with present high freights,) a few of which have been executed at the quotations. PitoVlSlONs. — The stock of old pork is light, and de mand is rather small ; we quote mess $13.671 to $12.621; prime $11.122 to $11.25. The arrivals of new mess pork are small ; some sales at $14.50 to $l5 ; prime $l2. Cut meats are rather cluiet ; sales of hams, in pickle, at 9.1 to loc. ; shoulders, 61 tia 7c. ; old sides, in bulk, are very dull and prices nominal ; some sales of long and short middles at Btq 81c. Lard is in fair demand, partly for export ; old, in bbls., 91 to 10c. ; new do., 10 to lOac. We have heard of no new lard in kegs, old sells from 10 to laic. Beef of good quality is in fair demand ; Western and Chi cago repacked mess, common light $11.50 to $12.50; good $l3 to $13.50; extra $l4 to $l5 country mess $8 to $10; prime $5 to $5.75; old prime mess $16.50 to $l9 ; new $2O to $23. State beef hams $l3 to $13.50 ; Western and Chicago beef hams, $l4 to $l5. Butter— stock large and prices a little easier—Ohio 101 c. to 14c.; State dairies 16c. to 19c.; Orange County 20c. to 23c. Cheese—Ohio, Tic. to Bic.; State dairies 81c. to 91C. FREIGHTS.—There is a large amount of freight offering for Europe, but at lower rates. Shippers will not pay the present prices, and rates have decidedly a downward ten dency. The following are the asking rates : —To Liverpool : Cotton, square bales, 3-16 d to 7-32 d per lb ; flour 3s to 3s 3d; rosin 4s per barrel ; heavy goods 35s per ton ; grain, in bulk, Hid to 12d per bushel ; beef 6s per tierce. To London : Tobacco 60s per hhd. ; flour 4s 6d per barrel ; turpentine 5s per 2801bs ; measurement goods 30s to 35s per ton ; heavy goods, oil, &c., 45s to 60s ; beef 8s per per tierce; oil cake 45s per ton ; grain 15d per bushel. To Havre : Cotton, square bales, - 4 c per lb ; ashes $lO to $l2 per ton ; rice $l2 per ton ; whalebone, &c., is per lb; flour 97c to 974 c per barrel; grain 25c per bushel. To Glasgow : Flour 3s 6d ; grain lld to 12d. To Antwerp : Flour 5s ; grain 16d to 17d. NEW ORLEANS, DEC. 9.—Receipts for the week, 39,000 bales ; total decrease this day, 465,000 bales at all the ports; sales for the week 35,000 bales; middling , 9ic. DEC. 10.—Sales to-day, 8,000 bales ; lower qualities ad vanced lc. after receipt of Niagara's accounts. Dec. 12. Sales 2,000 bales, but after the Arctic's news was received, an active demand set in and 10,000 bales more were sold at advanced prices ; middling, 91c., and good middling, 10c. Freights to Liverpool active , at id., to Havre lit. Exchange on London, 9 to 91 per cent. MonnE.—Receipts for the week ending December 2d, 5,029 bales. Export to Havre, 2,113 bales. On Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday, the transactions amounted to some 2,300 bales ; prices for the lower qualities dull and droop ing; whilst in other descriptions there was no change. On Wednesday the Atlantic's news checked operations, and but 400 bales were sold on that, and 1,300 on the two following days, making a total for the week of only 4,000 bales, the market closing dull and declining at st to 9c. for middling. Freight to Liverpool, R. CHABLESTON.—Receipts for the week ending December Bth, 16,028 bales Up. and 460 S. I. No foreign export. On the first two days the market was very heavy, and but 800 bales sold. On Monday holders gave way, which led to more extended operations, and during that and the two following days the sales amounted to some 4,400 bales, prices at the close showing more firmness. On Thursday 1,600 bales changed hands, the market dosing at a decline of éto e. on last week's quotations. Total sales, 6,700 bales. Freight to Liverpool, id. SAVANNAIL—Rectipts for the week ending December Ist, 12,847 bales Up. and 556 S. I. No foreign export. We have the Canada's and Atlantic's accounts this week, and our market, under their influence, has declined full c. per lb., closing very dull and inactive. Total sales, 4,434 bales. Freight to Liverpool, -id. nom. OBSERVANCE OF THE HOLIDAYS.—AS recommended by our municipal authorities, and cheerfully acceded to by all, yesterday was observed as a holiday in all our public institutions; the members of the Exchange and the managers of the various mercantile and trading firms early intimated their intention of eschewing business and its cares, and, while indulging their subordinates in a day of relaxation, to allow themselves a few hours of quiet indulgence from the toils and anxieties of work. The shops and other places of business were closed throughout the day. The inhabitants and rulers of other localities, having entertained a similar opinion as to worldly labour, advised a kindred mode of enjoyment ; and the result was, that, even in the busy town, the teeming warehouses, and the overburdened docks of Liverpool, time was de voted to the interchange of friendly and seasonable greeting. The day proving almost unusually inviting for the season, from an early hour the streets Were thronged by groups of pleasure-seekers, the town pro menaders being augmented and kept in countenance by numerous arrivals from the country, poured in by every mode and style of convel ance, till, towards the close of day light, a drizzling shower induced a general desire for shelter. Such of the restaurants as preferred the sacri fice of their own pleasure to the loss of their eu , tomer's gra tification and comfort, and kept their establishments open, gained a golden harvest and a shower of blessings from numerous recipients of their bounty. Hilarity, decorum, and good will, seemed the order of the day ; and, although here and there a boisterous reveler or two might be met with, on the whole the festive time, as far as we could learn, was passed in decorous enjoyment and good humour. CONGREGATIONAL DISCIPLINE IN RIISSIA..—A letter from Russia gives a curious account of the discipline oc casionally exercised over the Pastors by their flocks : " In one parish in the interior the inhabitants, for a long time past, have invariably kept their spiritual Pastor under lock and key from Saturday evening until twelve o'clock on Sunday, to prevent his becoming too much in toxicated to be able to perform the Mass ; yet on some occasions they have been deceived, and he has staggered into the church, thanks to the bottle of brandy he had concealed beneath his frock." A CHRISTIAN COHMITNITY IN THE INTERIOR OF ASIA. —The Christian Intelligencer publishes a singular story received by a missionary from a military officer :—A man had arrived at Peshawur, who declared that he belonged to a Christian nation about eighteen marches distant from Cabool. They inhabit 12,000 villages, each containing 200 soldiers, and have churches, pastors, the Scriptures, and a bishop. The people are as fair as Europeans, and the mau was exceedingly anxious for controversial tracts against the Mussulmans, with whom his people live at continual given are eJc.ag,are.tect, bat it is not improbable that one of the Nestorian Churches still exists in Tartary. PATRIOTISM IN THE HAREM.—The Journal de Frank fort, in a letter from Constantinople, says—" M. Baltazzi, who, some time since, made an advance to .the Port of 35,000,000 piastres on the tribute to be received from Egpyt, has also furnished 10,000 pieces of cloth, and all the wives of the employA in the war department have been set to work to convert it into a cloaks for the troops. A large building has been converted into a work shop for the purpose. The women of the harem are similarly occupied, although they are not very expert at needlework." HUNTING SLAVES IN CANADA.—We clip the following from a late number of the Cincinnati Columbian :—" We learn that a slaveowner, who arrived in this city a few days since from Kentucky, in pursuit of some of his cattle, went over to Canada, having heard of them there. On finding them, he began to urge the subject of their voluntary return, holding out to them the certainty of being well treated and well provided for in their old age, and contrasting their prospects if they returned with the cold climate of Canadas and the life of toil and priva tion they would be obliged to lead in the enjoyment of their liberty. While talking they were walking towards the old untenanted barracks, and on reaching the barrack yard the runaways seized a hunter, and, tying his wrists together, they suspended him from the limb of a tree, when they proceeded to give him 100 lashes, well laid on with a stout raw hide."—American paper. PUBLIC-SPIRITED INCENDIARIES.—A strange affair, says the Colone Gazette, has just been submitted to the Criminal• Tribunal of Gleiwitz, in Silesia, in Prussia : The little town of Berun possessed a tile-kiln and de pendencies which produced almost nothing. Its municipal council wishing to get rid of them on the most advan tageous terms possible, held a secret meeting to deliberate what should be done with them. In that meeting it was resolved that, as the buildings were insured, they should be burnt down, and one of the members of the council was charged to set them on fire. He executed his commission, and the buildings were entirely destroyed. The municipal council then demanded an indemnity from the Assurance Company ; it was paid, and every farthing of it was placed in the municipal treasury. The matter, however, though kept secret, became known, and the law authorities caused all the councillors to be prosecuted for arson, The tri bunal condemned them to periods of imprisonment vary ing from. six months to a year, and to reimburse the in surance money, with interest thereon ; also to pay all the costs. THE CANADA COMPANY.—A general court of this com pany was held on Wednesday, Mr. C. Franks, the governor, presiding. It appears from the statement laid before the proprietors that the quantity of land sold by the company to the 2d of December last was 3,681 acres, at an average of 255. per acre, and that the quantity leased was 15,925 acres, at 245. 10d., making together 19,786 acres, at an average of £1 4s. 11d. per acre. The land previously leased, and now converted to sales, amounted to 45,580 acres, which had realised an average of 14e. ed. per acre. The receipts in Canada to the 2nd of December last were £98,836 7s. 2d., while the receipts up to the same date for the year 1852 were only £51,149 7s. Bd., exhibiting an increase of receipts in 1853 over those of 1852 of £47,686 19s. ed. It appears that the amount of debenture debt now unpaid is £85,200, and that the funds in hand in London are £37,000. A dividend of £2 per share, free of income-tax, and payable on the 10th of January next, was declared out of the gains and profits of the company. A vote of thanks was unanimously given to Mr. F. Widder and the Hon. W. B. Robinson for their judicious and successful administration of the company's affairs in Canada. THE MITEDEE AT lIAVANNAH.—On the morning of the 23rd instant, the famed Matilda Domiguez, the long favourite actress of the Tacon Theatre, whose personal attractions were almost irresistible, was brutally murdered by her husband, Jose Francisco Valdez. With a poniard he inflicted 32 wounds on his victim, and then stabbed himself eleven times, but without effect. In his wounded state he was taken to prison, where he now remains, and is recovering. Sentence of death has been pronounced upon him, and as soon as he is sufficiently recovered he will be garotted. With this tragedy the name of our su preme authority has been presumptuously associated in terms not flattering to his domestic virtues and attach ments ; but as to the termination of the wretchedly bril liant career of the woman he should not be held account able. What La Dominguez was as an actress is due to her extraordinary talents—what she became in morals and conduct the miserable wretch her husband should be answerable for, as forced upon her by his authority for the means of his own licentious existence, The story cannot all be written of this ill-fated daughter of an ill-fated mother, who perished in the same way, and for a like cause, by her husband ten or twelve years since —he, with the same weapon, terminating his own life, leaving the orphan Matilda to the chance care of relatives or charita ble friends. Valdez attempted to kill himself after the murder of his wife; but, although he dealt himself several stabs, none were mortal, and he has a chance for reflection and the ordinary punishment, which will be administered, probably, under the administration of General Pezuela, to the relief of General Cando. The late residence of La Dominguez was thronged through the day, the 23rd, and on the 24th her body was borne to the grave, followed by thousands of our people, who forgot all but her worth on the stage and her years of ministry to their enjoyment as an actress. The rema r k a bl e c i rcums t ances o f h er lif e — the coincidence of its close with that of her mother's—the names mingled in relation to the cause which instigated the monster who killed her, whom he had forced into shame, and who lived by the fruits of crime that he com pelled —were sufficient to create most intense and sadden ing feeling throughout our society, and there was not a pulse that did not cease a moment to throb under the awful impression of the event.—New York Daily Tunes. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1853. COURT AND FASHION. THE COMMAND IN CANADA.—It is said that Miler' General Wetherall will relieve General Rowan __Ain the command of the troops in Canad a , an d will be 0 14 ,,,„evu°""„ e i as Deputy Adjutant-General at head-quarters by Torrens, whose place as Assistant-Quarter-Master-Gea ow will be filled by Lieut.-Colonel Cunyno•hame THE EARL OF DEBBY.--It having' been . reported th r s .: the Earl of Derby was so reduced by recent illness, that was not probable he would ever resume his position s 5 the leader of his party again, the Edi n b urg h Advertise r quotes a letter to a member of his party, in which the noble earl says :—" My general health is not in the least affected ; and I hope to be quite equal to my parliamentag, work, which promises, in the approaching session, to "' pretty active." MINISTERIAL MOVEMENTS. — Lord Aberdeen left town on Saturday afternoon for Windsor Castle, to have ap audience of the Queen. His lordship returned to Louden at night. Th e D u k e o f N ewcast l e h as b een in d a ily . at tendance at the Colonial-office. Lord Granville arrive° in town on Friday, the day the Cabinet had their long sitting of five hours and a half, and remains in London' Sir William Molesworth is detained from joining a circle of friends in the country, and remains in town. Th e - Earl of Clarendon returned to London on Saturday from Windsor Castle. The Right Hon. William Gladstone and Sir James Graham also continue in the metropo Lord Palmerston has attended at the Home-office within the last day or two. His lordship's Under-Secretary o f State, the Hon. Henry Fitzroy, came to town in the middle of the week. Sir G. Grey, who arrived in town in the early part of the week from his country residence, Fallo don, Northumberland, took his departure on Saturday for Fallodon. Sir James Emerson Tennent, Secretary to the Board of Trade, was expected in town on Saturday night from Italy. PRINCE LEOPOLD of Saxe Coburg and suite arrived in London on Saturday, from Germany, en route to Windsor Castle, on a visit to his illustrious relatives the Queen and the Prince Consort. The Prince was to proceed tP , Southampton yesterday, to embark for Lisbon, on a visit to the King Regent of Portugal for a month or six weeks. APPROACHING MARRIAGE.—We understand that a matrimonial alliance will shortly take place between Richard Naylor, Esq., of Hooton-hall, Cheshire, and Caroline, second daughter of the late Rev. Robert Tred croft, rector of Tangmere, Sussex and niece of the late Henry Tredcroft, Esq., of iiirarnham-court, and of Sit John Brooke Pechell, Bart. EXTENSIVE FORGERIES.-it appears that the defalca tions of Mr. W. B. Anderson, the foreign and general agent, at present under remand on a charge of forming ac ceptances, are much more serious than was at fi rs t ' antici pated, the entire amount involved being rumoured to reach between £130,000 and £150,000. Chowringhee has arrived from Port Phi-- lip, whence she sailed the 6th of September, with 59,880 ounces of gold, valued at about £230,000. A WASII *ANTED BY THE GOVERNMENT.—Tenders will be received at the,Qffice of the First Lord of the` Treasury, or the office oYthe Foreign Secretary, for Coe-• metics to Improve the Complexion of Eastern Affairs.-- Punch. ExtortTATlon OF CORN.—The reaction in favour of the farmers appears to be felt pretty generally in all the Irish markets. One of 'the last Belfast reports states that Irish-grown oats have been in very great demand in all the English markets, and immense quantities are in coarse of transit from our several ports to Liverpool, Bristol, and London. High prices have induced large exportation, and at present the quantities of that grain sent across the Channel are in advance of the greatest average from Ireland since 1846. SHi"TTING THE GATES . OF DERRY.—The 165th anni versary of this event was this year celebrated in the usual manner with unabated enthusiasm. Owing to the anni versary falling on Sunday (the 18th instant) the rounds of cannon with which it is customary to usher in the day were discharged at half-past eleven on Saturday night ; and the virgin flags were hoisted from the Cathedral and Walker's Pillar. At twelve o'clock on Sunday the apprentice boys formed into procession at the Linen-hall, and proceeded to attend Divine service in the Cathedral. At one o'clock on Monday morning a fresh thunder of cannon, echoing from the ramparts, reminded the citizens that the portion of the time-honoured observance, more appropriate to the week day, was about to commence. At six, and amid firing, the effigy of the traitor Lundy was suspended from the Testimonial, where, as day broke, he was discovered swinging to and fro beneath the feet of Governor Walker, whilst the joy-bells pealed forth their merry notes, and the several apprentice clubs, repairing to the ramparts, with nine well-equipped field-pieces, fired fifteen rounds- At twelve o'clock there was a fresh discharge from the heavy pieces of ordnance stationed on the north-west bas tion. The joy-bells continued to peal almost without in termission during the day and between two and three o'clock twenty-one rounds from the field-pieces announced that the traitor Lundy was about to meet with his doom. At this time the walls were crowded with a most respect able assemblage, who, notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, continued to promenade until about half-past three, when the effigy of the traitor was ignited, and blazed away in gallant fashion. Not the slightest acci dent or disturbance took place on the occasion, but the greatest harmony and good feeling prevailed throughout , the entire proceedings. A BARON OF BEEF WILL BE ROASTED ON THE 2ND OF JANUARY, AT THE MANSION-HOUSE, 11, DRURY-LANE. LATEST INTELLIGENCE. MONDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 26. BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAWL THE MINISTRY. The Sun laments Lord Palmerston's resumption of office as an act of political suicide. The Globe says the event will gratify many more than it will surprise, and that it at once disposes of any doubts that may have lingered as to the conduct of affairs in the East. The - Standard considers it most probablethat Lord Palmerstnn't consent to retain the seals of office is the consequence of the triumph of his opinions on foreign affairs over the of the Premier and the Austro•Russian party in the Cabinet. THE EASTERN WAR. There is nothing later from the Danube or from Asia,. and no authentic news respecting the movements of the ed Beet. The Austrian Minister in Paris is stated to have declared is impossible for Austria to remain passive, and permit the Emperor of Russia to proceed in a career of ambition which would be fatal to the balance of power is Europe and to the' interest of Germany. Changes in the French Cabinet are no longer spoken of, and the Ministerf that it are now firmly united. (From the Second Edition of the Morning Chronicled PARIS, SUNDAY.—A Trieste despatch of 24th Dec. add to the news of the Persian movement sent this morning, that the Russians have entered Rhiva, and destroyed Achmetzen, in Independent Tartary. The Patrie contains the following :—" We have never doubted that the French Government, which has taken in hand, in the affair of the Levant, the cause of humanitY and of violated treaties, would adopt, when the pro Per time came, a decision worthy of itself and of France. The massacre of Sinope, which has no precedent excepting i n the annals of the Lower Empire, has made throughout the whole of Europe an immense and painful sensation. IS creates for the civilised nations a new position and nee duties." The Independent Belge published information as to th e new attitude of France, which we are persuaded will b e received with a lively sentiment of satisfaction. We think it our duty to call in a most particular manner the attew tion of our readers to the following passage :—" The Government of the Empire (if my information be correct) had put the question to the British Cabinet in terms of such distinctness, that any escape—any compromisc --- became impossible." FRANCE. The Courier du Havre says-,—" We are able to cow a report which was current yesterday, that the Goverli ment had informed the Chamber of Commerce that it wa g not in contemplation at the present moment to lower b duties on Cotton. As far as regards Spun Cotter' , . w e d question has made a step in advance. A dispatch reel' : this morning announces that the Superior Council Commerce has proposed to the Government to remove prohibitions on this article, and levy an ad valorem (ill"' of thirty-four per cent. The Journal de Havre, on the same subject, sae/ "To our great regret, the Government does not OP . : disposed to give up the existing duty levied on Cet' coming filbm the places whence we derive our Pi a supply, but only thi n ks of admitting Cotton from lAi/;; pool or London direct, without compelling importer s e have it sent by O s tend or Rotterdam ; and to reduce °l d , additional tharge, which is now 11 francs by Fren vessels, and 16 francs 15 cents by foreirn, on Cutt oll ' coming from the entrepOts of Europe in Moot 10 CATTLE MARKET. The Beast trade is good at last Mo Calves sold slowly at the same quotationa Beef 2s 8d to 4s 8.1 I Veal Mutton 3s 2d to 5s 4d Pork ...• 1443 1 Calves. • • 7100 1 Pigs ..... ARRIVALS. Norfolk and Suffolk Beasts.. Cambridge, Leicester, Linc01n,..... , and North- 36 ga 38 gd to os Beasts Sheep and Lambs ampton feasts Scotch Beasts Irish Beasts ... Holland Beasts Do. Sheep . Do. Calves. Do. Pigs• • • Spanish Beasts. Do. Sheep . French Beasts . DIED, on the 23d inst., in Ashton•street, Louie n of Mr. Thomas Jackson. LIVERPOOL: Printed and Published every Tuesday Morning,f Proprietor, ROBERT PEARSON THACKER/400— n itcYtreet, t the STANDARD GENERAL r.i'L. oo ol. --- "L'ICE, No. 4, ST. GEORGE'S CRESCENT, 10 Tuesday, December 27,1853.