The Northern Daily Times. — Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1856-03-10 00:00:00

Commtrcfal Sam THIS DAY This DAY, the 10th instant, at a quarter before Eleven o'clock, at the Brokers' office, 11, Temple-court, 370 Boxes Messina ORANGES, ex Milan, 350 Cases „ LEMONS, ex Lizzie Garrow, 120 Boxes Lisbon ONIONS, ex Maria Helena, 80 Bags 100 Baskets CHESNUTS, ex Tiber, 300 Bags Barcelona NUTS, ex Estrella, 60 Bags Brazil DO., Apply to HOUGHTON & LEVY, Brokers. TO-MORROW, ' On account of whom it may concern. TO-MORROW, the 11th instant, at half-past One o'clock, at the Brokers' office, Corn Exchange-buildings, Brunswick-street, About 400 Loads Derry OATMEAL, „ 120 Bags Damaged Calcutta WHEAT, „ 69 Sacks Irish Seconds FLOUR, ~ 260 Qrs. Yellow INDIAN CORN, 50 Qrs. Mixed INDIAN CORN. For particulars apply to GOLDING & NASH, Brokers. Tai ANNVAL SUBSCRIPTION TO THE NORTHERN DAILY TIMES is TWO GUINEAS PER ANNuir. EARLY DIMMEST OF Tin "NORTHERN Tuts•"—Any subscriber within four miles of the Liverpool Exchange, or at Beek-ferry, Tranmere, Birkenhead. Woodside, Oxton, Claughton, Seacombe, Bgremont, or New Brighton, who does not receive his copy of the ' , NORTHERN TIMES," by Eight o'clock will oblige the publisher by addressing a note to bim at the office notifying the fact, in order that the cause of complaint may be investigated and removed. As our messengers commence their delivery at five o'clock on each morning, it would greatly facilitate its completion if subscribers would have letter-boxes in their doors through which the papers might be dropped, as the detention as some houses is very great at present, and causes delay and disappointment to other subscribers. either Constitutional Government or civilisation. If such a transformation should be wrought in the Conferences we can only say " Wonders will never And as the only prospect we have of the restoration of peace depends on the success of some such effort—while all that is transpiring in that assembly is kept secret, we may be allowed to entertain a doubt as to the attainment of so desi rable an end. We do not pretend to be better informed than our neighbours, but we cannot help remarking, that when little birds are allowed to whisper, " War to the knife" constitutes the burden of the popular song, and when all is hush, silence, and not a sound heard, the Te Deum of peace is chanted with remarkable enthusiasm. But as some of our local cotempora ries have become famous for pleasing all parties, and leaving DICKEY and SAM to choose which side of their politics they like best, we cannot, perhaps, do better at this momentous juncture, than leave those who are for peace to enjoy their opinion, and those who believe that there is nothing in store for us but war, in the full enjoy ment of the conclusion at which they have arrived, on the principle that those who have paid their money are entitled to their choice. cease. THE CHANCELLOR of the EXCETEQCrEIt has ex_ pressed great indignation at the thoughts of any inquiry being made relative to the transactions which are said to have taken place in the tea trade last year. It is quite clear, however, that with an expenditure which cannot fall far short of 100,000,000 1 . for the coming fiscal year, increased taxes must be levied. What art Treasury will select for these new imposts, those who really understand the condition of our stocks, and are well advised as to the prospects of future supplies, must be at a loss to divine. The present state of affairs in China does not encourage a hope that we shall receive any superabundance of tea or silk from that country. The supply of sugar reached last year what may be considered a fair average for 1856, if not 1857. Foreign coffees may be slightly in excess of the quantity imported in 1855, but those from the British possessions are not likely to exhibit any increase. Assuming then, that no relief is to be given to trade by Legis• dative interference with the anomolous state of the "money market," and that nothing can be done to increase employment, and restore consumption to its natural dimensions, any re-imposition of duties on those commodities would fall with extreme weight on all classes of the community, but more particularly on the unemployed and poor. Any addition made to the income or property , tax would, in the crippled state of the market for domestic productions, where profits are reduced to the zero of remuneration, and at a moment when incomes derived from professions, mercantile, and other employments, are cut down to the lowest point, and in a vast number of cases wholly swept away, would become perfectly intolerable. What then is to be done to raise a 100,000,0001. of revenue for the financial year 'close at hand? It would take a PITT to solve this problem. Will tho renewal of the Bank Charter Act, or an Order in Council to issue an extra 475,0001, of " convertible" paper money, based on the bankruptcy and refusal of other banks to issue notes, be sufficient to meet such an alarming exigency ? At a time when the country was not intoxicated with war, and its attention drawn off from the national balance sheet by every species of trifling, where is the statesman who would have the hardihood to ask for a 100,000,0001. of taxation from the ordinary, and every day trade means of the subject ? We hear a great deal said about the prosperity exhibited in the Board of Trade Re. turns ; but we would ask those who boast so largely of the increase they show in the value of our exports, to compare that increase with the additions made to taxation since 1853. We know that the State burdens have been very nearly doubled within three years, and we should like some one to show us an increase of 40,000,0001. or 50,000,0001. in the declared or official value of the products which we have sent out for cash and on credit, a large portion of which may never be paid for. It is the fashion to talk of enlarged trade, pro sperous times, banking restrictions and usury, as though the secret of reconciling the chemical differences of oil and vinegar had been dis covered—as if things perfectly incompatible all over the world, worked in sublime harmony in this enchanted land. Returns showing 100,000,0001 of exports, and 100,000,0001 of imports, would not be sufficient to justify the States, drawing one-half of its revenue, or 50,000,0001 a year from trade, unless indeed, we had some other system of adding taxation to price besides the adulterationof all commodities, an expedient which, we regret to say, is very generally resorted to. That fifty per cent of the revenue is derived from taxes directly affecting the mercantile capital and productive industry of the country, no one will deny. And where all 1 transactions resolve themselves into hard cash it becomes necessary to inquire, what amount of money—Legal Tender—we have to adjust all fiscal and trade demands ? We have nothing of our own, as a people, a nation, or an empire, beyond 14,000,0001. of paper money —Legal Tender—based upon paper ! All we have besides that amount is a few millions of a foreign commodity —gold— which we receive, not in payment for our entire produce, but whi , 3ll comes to us in settling the balances of trade. And with this paltry fraction plus 14,000,0001. of Legal Tender in the shape of Bank notes, we are left to carry on the trade of the country, and provide 100,000,000 1 . in loans and taxes It is true we get back nearly all the State receives, but then there is the diversion of our mercantile capital to be taken into account. This diversion is almost incessantly in operation, while we should be at a loss to find a CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER who would consider himself sufa ciently respectable to look the House of Commons in the face if he had not a balance of 5,000,000/. or 7,000,000/. locked up in the Bank of England as " Government deposits." Others, to make the diversion of money from its legitimate channels more irksome, do not think themselves successful financiers, unless they can show a surplus of a few millions at the close of each year, and all coming out of the movements of trade, which often leave us with a large balance to pay in gold to other countries, instead of having anything to receive. Such a system as this is as replete with danger and difficulty as every other species o f wild f o lly an d rampant i n j us ti ce . The imposition of additional taxes will most assuredly bring our present career in finance to an end. An empire cannot exist without somo means of sup plying its industrial and tradingwant‘sv,ithwhiicths might be contracted or expanded necessities, or in obedience to the dis cretion of the Imperial Crown and Parliament. The financial condition of India, and the whole of our inexhaustible colonial possessions, show that they a re sharing all the monetary anguish of parentthe State. They have no means dating EVENING EDITION ar An Evening Edition of the NORTHERN DAILY TIMES is now _Published every Afternoon, at Three o'clock, containing the Markets, together with all the News of the Day, up to the hour of going to Press. WILL POSITIVELY CLOSE ON SATURDAY NEXT. FIRST EXHIBITION of the FRENCH SMAD'CHOOL LLE ROSA of the FINE ARTBS ONHEV Rin Livervool, 'S including GREAT PICTITRE OP "THE HORSE FAIR," Is NOM plac, KN at the Liverpool Academy Rooms, Old Post•office •h-street. Admission Is. Catalogues. 6d. Gentle .. Tickets, ss. :Ladles' Ditto, 3s 6d.—Open from Ten o'r`ock. %AVM is now open in the Even:ng, from Seven ) -'oek. Admission, 6d. B. FRODSHAM, Secretary. Z4e RorOern 4ituto MONDAY, MARCH 10, 1858 IT is curious to observe the . changes which come over the public mind with regard to the probable result of the Peace Conference. When any intelli gence respecting its 'proceedings are allowed to leak out, it certainly favours those who believe that peace will not be obtained, and that the war will be renewed with increased vigour. When all is• silent, and secrecy becomes invulnerable, and we hear nothing of what is said or done in the congress, peace is immediately set down as certain. Thus— " The dominating humour makes the dream" of eseh succeeding day. Nothing, as yet, has been divulged which can be relied upon, and yet public opinion has undergone as many changes as though the Press were reporting its proceedings in the ordinary way. This, surely, is not what anticipated when it was resolved to close the doors of the Conference against those most interested in the subjects it was to discuss. It is possible, however, that the excessive impatience mystery has engendered throughout Europe, will lead to its sittings being terminated sooner than if publicity had been given to the negociations. The Plenipotentiaries of the Allied Powers will scarcely submit to de lays or evasion. The course they have to pursue lags, we may be sure, been distinctly marked out, end little left for the Russian Envoys to do beyond Raying, yes or no, to the propositions submitted to them. It is likely, therefore, that a few more meetings may settle the entire matter. If we should be fortunate enough to hear that the peace of the world is to be restored, we shall be the first to exult in the triumph of reason over law less ambition and unbridled passion. There is nothing to be gained in these days by bloodshed beyond an addition to afflictions which are prostrating the energies of every state in Europe. There are no longer conquests to be made which can add dignity to a sceptre, or give majesty to a people. tlf humanity can bear up against its natural burdens, and meet the endless calls upon its generous sympathies, and more holy attributes, we may all be satisfied. Political passion and prejudice may demand more than the labours of the Conference can secure to civilization, but moral: - and our cooler senses prompt us to accept anythir-z. short of absolute dishonour. Those who bo - ) opinions cannot be accused of doubting Ta( • le issue of the pending deliberations, Si Lv because they desire war, and look to ti to. .inuance of bloodshed as a means best obtaining political ends. When Peace ley will be found as ready to accept it as tl • c: era to lend their aid in the prosecution of tr• ,:intest. For ourselves, it would be superfluous to say, that whatever will tend to a revival of trade, to an fic,mease of employment, and activity in all those pursuits which give to this locality, and the country at large, a full measure of prosperity, would be the greatest boon that could be conferred upon us. But what becomes of all we feel or think in the face of diplomatic intrigue, and Russian perfidy?? We are not dealing with a stranger, while we have a Muscovite in hand. We cannot forget what the Cz,kas of all the Russias have ever been; the depth of the games they have played ; and the extraordinary success which has attended their acquisitive, and predaceous career. The history of the last half century solemnly admonishe s us to be more than usually dubious, and all the more on our guard, as the enemy approaches the consummation of his vast designs on the indepen dence of Europe. If the Conference was called upon to deal with trifles, the cry of England would be one incessant —bah ! But a question of peace or war is no little matter that lies in a nut shell, that can be taken up, or laid down, as philanthropists may wish, or moralists would command. We have no ItOBESPIEBRES in this age, but we have ROMANOFFS, despots, and autocrats without end, backed by hungry aristocracies, whose cravings after " glory " cannot be appeased, and who thirst for those empty distinctions which bloodshed only can confer upon men whose intel lectual qualities are below mediocrity. Throw all these elements into the scale, and weigh them against the chances of peaces ar e we to rely on for the world's tranquilityand what beyond a dastardly trick or a miracle. Englishmen can not get Russian, Austrian, Prussian, and German rulers to think or feel as they do. An English politician may make an excellent CALMUC, but we can never make a Muscovite statesman a friend to NOIVIVERN !f IM %WNW, MARCH 10, 1866 from the centre of Empire wherewith to develope their greatness, and add to our strength and prosperity. The old curse of Whigs and Whigery is to be found wherever England holds dominant sway, and additional ;taxes levied upon income, property, and the poor man's necessaries, will surely not be resorted to in favour of crotchets which have been suffered to triumph over the constitutional prerogatives of the Crown, all sound principles of finance, and the prime elements of social prosperity and progress. If we are to have increased taxation.the country must have enlarged means wherewith to meet it. THE COURT BUCKINGHAM PALACE, FRIDAY.—The Queen and Prince Albert, with the Princess Royal and the Princess Alice, attended by Major-general Buckley, and Captain the Hon. D. de Ros, honoured the Baron Marochetti with a visit yesterday afternoon, at his studio, in Onstow square, Brompton. Prince Albert rode on horseback in the morning, with the Prince of Wales and Prince Alfred. Her Majesty and Prince Albert, accompanied by Prince Arthur and the Princess Helena and Louisa, honoured the Pr'ncess's Theatre with their presence in the evening. SATURDAY.—Her Majesty and his Royal Highness Prince Albert, accompanied by Prince Alfred and the Princess Helena, left the Palace at a quarter before four o'clock in the afternoon, in an open carriage and four, attended by two equerries on horseback, and drove to the Botanical Gardens in the Regent's Park, and after a promenade through the grounds returned to the palace. having been absent about an hour. His Royal Highness Prince Albert afterwards rode out on horseback till two Her Hi the Prine ss Gauromma, of Coorg, (to whom her Majesty was pleased to stand sponsor on her arrival in this country,) arrived in the afternoon, attended by Mrs. Drummond, to pay a visit to the elder members of the Royal Family. In the after noon the Princess Royal and the Princess Alice accom panied by the Princess Gauromma, walked in the gardens of the palace, Prince Arthur and the Princess Louisa were also out in the grounds. Her Majesty received a distinguished party at dinner in the evening. On Wed nesday next the third levee of the season will be held at St. James's Palace; and on Monday week the court will leave town for Windsor Castle. CABINET COUNCIL.—On Saturday, the whole of the Ministers met in Cabinet Council at the Foreign Office including Earl Granville, who was sufficiently recovered from his late serious indisposition to be present. Lord Granville, was confined to his bed for some days, but his recovery has been very rapid. FIRE AT DRURY-LANE THEATRE.—This splendid estab lishment was last night, between nine and ten o'clock, and during the performance, discovered to be on fire; but timely aid checked its career before any particular damage was done. Mr. Braidwood, the Superintendent of the Fire Brigade, was afterwards sent for by the lessee, Mr. Smith, aad a strict inquiry instituted into the origin. The result, however, has not been permitted to transpire. Neither the theatre, nor its contents, are insured.—Shipping Gazette of Saturday. ATTEMPT To Comurr SexclDE•--On Saturday a woman, named Margaret Thomas, was brought before the count magistrates by Mr. Gough, governor - of the West Derby workhouse, charged with attempting to commit suicide by throwing herself into the canal on Wednesday evening last. Several of the woman's friends offered to take charge of her for the future if she were given up to their care, and Mr. Gough was accordingly ordered to deliver her up to them. It appeared that the woman has a husband in Australia, and had been a long time expecting a letter from him. Not receiving it her mind became so affected that she resolved on drowning herself. She threw herself into the canal near Vauxhall-road, but the water being very shallow she was easily rescued. She is about 38 years of age. SOIREE AT TIIE FREE LIBRARY.—On Saturday evening Mr. Picton, T. C., and chairman of the Free Library Com mittee, gave a soiree at the library, Duke Street, to some thirty or forty literary, professional, scientific, and other gentlemen. All the splendid works, illustrated volumes. and literary treasures of the library, were laid out in the most profuse manner for inspection. The extent and value, the beauty and variety, of the works belonging to this admirable institution are hardly known to the public. We were, we imagined, pretty well aware of the contents of the library, but until Saturday evening we had no con ception of the splendour of the works of art, literary merit, MSS;, and other rare productions, both of pen and pencil, contained in the library. When we consider all these things, and that the general public have free access to this invaluable collection, for reference or reading, and also the value of two free lending libraries attached, we cannot exaggerate the praise due to all concerned in the diffusion of such benefits to the people of the town. There are MSS. of Roscoe and Burns—the latter are raro and interesting. The volumes of works of art are treasures not to be met with every day. After tea and coffee had teen served at seven o'clock, an interesting conversation took place, during which Mr. Picton entered into some satisfac tory details of the working of the library. The company then inspected the whole building, and the different apart ments were deservedly admired, aq was also the model of Rome. An agreeable and instructive evening was spent, and soon after nine o'clock the company began"to separate, thanking Mr. Picton for the intellectual treat they had enjoyed. THE WONDERFUL TRAVELS OF A LADY'S SILK APRON!— arcs of a lady's fan have been poetised, and mething in plain prose hae appeared aLeut a " bustle ;" cart bonnets have been immortalised by our friend Punch, id petticaats by Lord Byron. Garters have attracted the ..3tice of kings, and " high-heeled shoes" had their days of veneration: Every schoolboy knows the little incident that led to the Honi sot/ Ssc., and the order of the garter, and it is just possible that the following small affair may lead to results, in time to come, as astonishing. Should such be the case, Pat Gallagher and John Donald will have the honour of being the means of introducing an entirely new order of knighthood—and why should they not ? The name of that order, however, must be kept aitogether in the bands of the ladies—as, properly, it should. A lady's silk apron is the subject of the present theme, the following being the history. It would be impossible to say if the worms were hallowed that did breed the silk of which the apron was composed ; but, on the undoubted authority of policeman 650, of the Liverpool force, the apron certainly bred a fight between John Donald and Pat Gallagher. John is a fine looking Scotchman, with an accent as broad as his face; and Pat Gallagher might be descended from a female relation of Brian Born, by the nsother;s side, and, in his own way, Pat's accent smacked of as fine a brogue as could have been worn by his ancestor Brian. Pat had been out spending the evening with Peggy Shea, who, sometime after Lent, is destined to change her name ; and Mr. Donald was perambulating the streets on his own account, when, what should he see lying on the footway but a little black apron. He picked it up, and examined it. It was a curiously ame w co os r rt o d u rie g nm h g l t oyt c e. o n u e ! vo e it r ,i n Do , no n a oa n f i d i a ph h pe e ri no a pg t r o ai a n nt c ih e nag c n a e m t sht e e m t o a n a , c h o and " article" to his own use and benefit, although, had he done so, it might have saved him a black eye, and 5s into the bargain. Man is very short-sighted in his speculations, and what he may intend for the best, often turns to the worst account. Looking about him, he saw a group of three persons standing at a corner of Tithebarn-street. This trio consisted of Pat Gallagher, Peggy Shea, and " another lady." Ile stepped up to Miss Shea, and holding out the little black apron— like afl ,g of truce—politely asked her if the commodity belonged to her ? This was by no means an impertinent nor unreasonable query, nor did Miss Peggy think it was. She curtesyed to the gentleman, and thanking him, said it was not her property. " Then," replied M'Donald, " will you please to accept it, as I gathered it up hard by." Now this was good nature, and so thought Peggy, but she declined the proferred gift. The " other lady" took the affair in a different light, and declared it was an insult, and that Pat was "no man" to stand it. Pat was not very pugnacious, but being put on his metal, he used some unbecoming language towards the Scotchman, who instantly knocked him down. Whether he " sarved him right" or not, must be left to another tribunal. Pat, on regaining his feet, gave the poor Scotchman a polthouge in the eye, which shut out daylight in that quarter, and put it into mourning—blacker than the little black apron—for at least ten days to come. Some " amusement"—according to Pat's declaration—followed, and goodness knows how lone the " amusement" might have lasted, had not officer 650 come up, and by impertinent interference put an end to the "sport," by hustling both gentlemen into the main bridewell, where they liy without " bail or mainprize" until brought before Mr. Mansfield next morning. The Scotch man frankly admitted that he struck the first blow, and Pat was equally sincere in his acknowledgment of having closed the Scotchman's " peeper." The latter was fined five shillings, and Pat was discharged. Some of the detectives went in search of the unlucky little black apron, but all their sagacity could not detect it. They say if it can be found, that they will subscribe and get a frame made into which they will put it, with full length portraits of Messrs. Donald and Gallagher, with a suitable poetic inscription, which they have employed " General Kennedy," one of their body, to write for the " memorial l" Fhe advent MONETARY AND COMMERCIAL. LIVERPOOL, SATURDAY EVENING. There has been less activity in the Liverpool Cotton Market to-day,but there has been no change in prices. The sales reached 6,000 bales, and comprise 1,000 on speculation and for export. The Liverpool Share Market has been firm all day, closing steady at the following quo tations :—Aberdeen, 131 131. Chester and Bir kenhead, 141 15. Caledonian, 29 291. Chester and Holyhead, 121 13. Eastern Counties, 94 10. East Lancashire, 18 18k. Great Northern, 23 231. Ditto A Shares, 91 10. Great Western, 61 611. Lancashire and Yorkshire Stock, 83i 83a. Liver pool, Crosby, and Southport, 15 151. London and North Western Stock, 991 100. Manchester, Sheffield and Lincoln, 251 251. Ditto Preference, lle 111. Ditto New 6 per cent. Prof.,l- fip. Mid land Stock, 70 701. North British, 7a 71. North Staffordshire, 6'l- 6', 1 ,d. South Eastern 20 9-16 ~ 208. York, Newcastle, and Berwick, 19 1-16 19 3-16. York and North Midland, 26i 261 Leeds Capital Stock, ln 15a. Dutch Rhenish,ll - 16 13-16 p. Ditto New Shares, 21 21p. Great Western of Canada, 25a 251. Ditto New Shares, 31 3ip. Great Luxembourg, 81 qd. The movements of the precious metals this week have been important. The arrivals include the James Baines, from Melbourne, with 320,0001.; the Persia, from the United States, with 140,000/. ; the Parana, from the Pacific and West Indies, with 220,000/. ; and the Sultan, from the Peninsula, with 3,ls9l.—making a total of 683,8591. The exports comprise 470.591. to the East Indies, by the Euxine ; 40,7051. to the West Indies, per the Atrato; and 39,800 oz. of silver, and 13,180 oz. of gold coin to the Continent, besides the shipments by private hands which may be estimated at 250,000/._ The total exports may, therefore, be estimated at about 770,0001 The amount of bills drawn by the Hon. East India Company on the three presidem the last fortnight has been 159,069/ -Is. 61 Messrs. T. and 11. Littledale and Co , have issued their usual monthly circular to-day, and we quote from it the following report of the condition of the sugar market:— The depressed str !,-; of the sugar market, noticed in our circular of 7th - Veb., continued until the middle of the month, when prices declined 2s per cwt. At this period a decided improvement was manifested in the London market, which has continued up to the present week, and prices have recovered the depression. The quantity of bag sugar brought to auction in London, as usual at this time of the year, has been heavy, and the chief purchases there as well as here have been either on speculation or for export. The deliveries during the last few weeks have been larger,than for some months, but still considerably under those of previous years. 'The stooks in the four ports, in bond, as we have frequently called attention to, have accumulated beyond general expectation, being 95,000 tons against 65.000 ; and allowing 10,000 tons for sugar held last year duty paid, it allows an excess of 20,000 tons. The improved demand for the home trade is only partial, and grocers continue to purchase with great caution. There is no change of consequence in the pro spect of supply from anywhere, except it be Cuba, where they have had a continuance of wet weather ; but the last accounts were more satisfactory. The accounts by the West India mail were generally very satisfactory for our own colonies. The present prices of sugar are similar to those of last month, and we do not alter the quotations. The quantity brought to auction this week in London has again been large, and the sales, particularly those of yes terday, showed less animation, and prices were with difficulty maintained, though importers gave great support by buying in freely, We also quote the following general remarks Though the past month may have been characterised as quiet and even dull, it has been so in feeling, and in the absence of excitement in our produce markets, rather than any deficiency in the extent of operations. The public sales of wool and indigo held in London—both large in point of the quantity offered—went off with unusal spirit at a con siderable advance. Silk has also been taken freely at enhanced prices. The sales of cotton have been unusually large each week, and sugar, after having been almost erard from the prices current, from the inability to give correct quotations, has experienced a market improvement, both in demand and value, in the last three weeks. It is so frequently observed in the fluctuations of produce, that " one extreme begets another." that many parties imagine, after the extraordinary fall of fully 50 per cent. in the bonded price of this latter article, we are on the point of seeing a very considerable re-action in its present value— overlooking perhaps the complete derangement to which the consumption amongst the masses has been subjected by the mania of November last, the length of time it requires to rectify the evil, the weakened position of many of the grocers, and the accumulation of stocks. These latter now amount to 95,000 tons in bond on the Ist March gainst 65,000 last year, and instead of 8,900 tons ! an estimate put forward by printed circular in London about four months since, certainly with no intention to mislead, but which' with others of similar (purport have been pro 7 ductive of much evil. The late increased demand appears to arise chiefly from exporters buying for the Continent in the expectation of peace, and from speculators tinder the idea of a considerable advance, and not from the grocers— which is against a permanent rise. _nice has again fallen 2s. per cwt. and has suffered a greater per-oentage decline in the anticipation of peace than any other article, even than Russian products, and can only be explained by the large shipments from Calcutta, 60,000 tons in three months, and an abundant crop expected ofArracan. The general opinion in this country, and on the Continent, is decidedly in favour of peace being restored ; but peace or war, money appears likely to maintain a high value for some time to come, — the demand continues active, and the only change in the rates of discount during the month has been a slight reduc tion in long-dated bills. The Continental exchanges are now strongly in our favour, and the bullion in the bank being on the increase, it is not improbable the directors may equalise the rate to 6 per cent. during the present month. Stock of bullion £10,599,650 against £10,3 , 11,108 ; reserve of notes, £5,493,005 against X 4,874,975 last month. In the Mincing-lane market this week the de mand for most descriptions of Colonial produce has continued limited, and the prices, with one or two exceptions, have remained without alteration. For sugar, however, there has been an increased inquiry, and the rates have advanced 8d to is per cwt., but during the last two days there has been a quieter market. The stocks, which have been gradually increasing, are now larger than at this time last year, the supply in London at the close of last week being 56,085 tons, against 49,874 tons in 1855. No change of importance has occurred in the coffee market, but the amount offered publicly has been comparatively insignificant. Cocoa has been sold at a slight decline. Rice has ruled dull, and spices have been heavy. For Leeward Island and East India rum there has been a fair demand, but the prices are ld per gallon lower for the former kind. The Cotton Market has remained brisk. The Wool sales, which have progressed throughout with the utmost animation, terminated on Friday. The advance on nearly all kinds was 15 to 20 per cent. upon the average range of the previous sale. The course of the London Stock and Share Market, during the past week, is reported upon in Mr. Wm, Avens circular of this day, as follows : Consols have not maintained the highest price of the week. On Saturday they closed at 911 to 91 for the account; on Monday they advanced to 911 911. and for a moment they even touched 92; but on Tuesday they rece ded to 91-? ; to 911, whilst at the close on Wednesday the official quotation was 91a to The rise on Monday was owing to an announcement that a preliminary treaty of peace had been signed by the plenipotentiaries in Paris ; and the subsequent decline, to a Parliamentary explanation which rather diminished the importance of that statement, and to the speech of the Emperor of the French implying an uncompromising spirit in the prosecution of the war unleis Russia accedes to the principal demands of the Allies. A demand for Stock has prevailed all the week on the part of the public, and considerable business has been done on speculative account. On the whole the tone of the Market has been good ; and the expectation of peace being almost universal, it is certain that the state of the Money Market interposes the chief obstruction to farther improve ment, though, under present circumstances, many persons refrain from contracting engagements from distrust as to the pacific issue of the conferences. The closing prices last night was 917 to 1. The next account is fixed for the 10th April ; transactions have been entered into for the settle - ment at that date at 924- to 1, yesterday at 91Z- to 92. The arrangements for the settlement of the March account are now in progress. The rates of contango are heavy, being from Ito a per cent. The Railway Market has generally been firm, with steady quotations, though some stocks have shown signs of weakness. Great Western of Canada have declined, in consequence of increased capital being required. The business of the week has been moderate in amount; still the public are regarding railway securities with increasing favour. Business has not been active in Foreign Securities, but prices are well maintained. Turkish Six per Cents were done yesterday at 961, and 96, being an advance of 1/. per cent. since Saturday. The Four per Cent. Guaranteed are 4 higher than last Saturday, This morning, money was.m good demand, both from the Discount Houses and on the Stock Ex change. It is now worth fully 61 per cent for short periods ; and may p o.,sibl y be even sp a u s i i a n l g ly le variation of C de o a n r s e o r is be h f a o v r e e the Consol settlement is fir. all y arr anged. g, they were rather dy, opening of the fifb, ore firmer ns u eer b qs l aut i ecteant closece ; v r b i i ttuil than feaaa:nr anything, t3 e ; in the mar ket. Consols opened at 911 to I, the price at which they closed yesterday, and for a time an improve ment of k took place; after having receded to the original price, they finally closed at 91k to k. In the early part of the day a slight feeling of gloomi ness prevailed as to the issue of the Conferences, but it Was only temporary, and counteracted by a report that a son had been born to inherit the imperial throne of France. Some reports are gradually obtaining circulation in financial quarters that England and France will fall into disunion after peace, on points connected with Ottoman policy, and that Russia, by skilfully taking advant age of them will hereafter attain all her ends, notwithstanding the power and the sacrifices of the West to prevent such a result. Consol Scrip closed LI to 7 1 - pm. ; Exchequer 11 to 7 4 pm. The Railway Market has been firm with an improving tendency. Business is restricted exept for occa sional investments; but the tone of the market is strong, and seems likely to grow firmer. Foreign Securities are a shade better; but with few opera tions in them. On Thursday next there falls payable an instal• ment of 25 per cent upon the new 5,000,0001 loan besides a payment of 20 per cent upon the 3,000,000 loan. The following were the closing quotations of Railway Shares :—Caledonian, 58 581. Eastern Counties, 91 ; 10. East Lancashire, 71 72. Great Northern, 924 921. Do. A., 781 792. Great Western, 69 60k. Lancashire and Yorkshire. 831 8:31. Lon don and North Western, 991 991. Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire, 25 251. Midland Stock, 691 70k. South Eastern and Dover, 661,06. York, Newcastle, and Berwick, 70 77. York and North Midland, 52 521. THE IMPERIAL ACCOUCHEMENT ♦ According to the Shippi2; Gazette of Saturday, the reported news from Paris of the birth of a Prince caused some sensation in the city. The report, however, turns out to be premature, though the event is now hourly expected. In Paris, as the period approaches, a certain there—prayers ;tor the )ffered in all the churches 01 her t y are Ind it is remarkable to observe women in humble life investing small sums in penny candles, to be burnt before a certain altar in every church, the effect of which, they fondly believe, is to propitiate Lucina. The Rue Vivienne is thronged by the crowds who: come to inspect the Imperial baby linen. The thoroughfare was at times quite impassable. The Emperor and Empress came together at about half-past three on Friday afternoon, to pay a visit to the show rooms of Madlie. Felicie, No. 22, Rue Vivienne, in order to inspect the layette prepared for the expected infant. A considerable crowd blocked up the Rue Vivienne for more than an hour; even after the departure of their Majesties, people hung about the door of Madlle. Felicie's house, waiting for the exit from the yard of a court carriage, which it was fancied had been sent to transport the cradle to the Tuileries. It is mentioned as a curious fact that M. Paul Dubois, who, as I have already mentioned, was installed in the Tuileries on March 1, occupies the very apartments which his father, M. Antoine Dubois, entered on that day forty five years ago, to he in readiness to attend the Empress Marie Louise during her confinement. Enthusinatlo Bonapartists, encouraged by this remarkable coin cidence, hazard the prediction that the expected Imperial infant will be born on the birthday of the Icing of Rome, March 20. There is, however, great reason to believe that the event will occur much sooner. But the believers in anniversaries may feel consoled by the fact, that the celebrated chesnut tree in the Tuileries. which is said always to have green buds by the 20th of March, is, owing to the:very advanced season, sprouting already, so that there will be room to argue in any event, that their prophecy has been substan• tially accomplished, COVENT GARDEN THEATRE The ruins of the late theatre have been a centre of interest to a great number of royal and aristooratic visitors. At thalf-past three o'clock on Friday his Royal High ness Prince Alfred arrived at the theatre, attended by Colonel Phipps, and was received by Mr. Pouteau, treasurer and secretary to the theatre, by whom the young prince was conducted over the ruins. Prince Alfred had scarcely left when his Royal High ness the Prince of Wales arrived, attended by Mr. Gibbs. Mr. Pouteau again acted as cicerone to his Royal High ness, accompanied as before by Mr. Superintendent Dur and Inspector Dodd. The prince desired to be led to spot from whence her Majesty had viewed the interior of building on the previous day--a request which was imme diately complied with. The prince expressed the deepest interest in the painful scene, and selecting a few curious relics from the debris of molten glass and other refuse lying around, asked permission to retain them. The prince viewed the building from almost every point of view, and before retiring expressed his sense of the attention which had peen shown him. The numbers of the nobility who continued to arrive throughout th 3 day—both ladies and gentlemen—kept the officials constantly occupied, the dangerous state of cer tain parts of the building, rendering it necessary that no persons should be allowed to approach the ruins unat tended. The chief commissioner of police, Sir Richard Mayne, has several times visited the ruins, and on Thurs day, after consulting the surveyors appointed by the 18 and 19 Vic., cap. 122, it was determined that all such portions of the outer and inner walls as were in an unsafe state should be at once pulled down. On Friday 200 men were laid on, and all access to the ruins will bp stopped, as well for the safety of the public as not to impede the operations of the workmen. The surveyors have con demned almost all the walls, both on the outside and in the interior of the building. They are to be pulled down at first to a level, which will render accident almost im, possible, and then the ruins will be handed over to the representatives of the proprietors of the theatre. TIM POISONING OF CAPTAIN KENT.—The two assistants of Mr. Connor, apothecary at Newry, have been convicted of the manslaughter of Captain Kent, and sentenced to four months' in prisonmen A court -martial is ordered to assemble on Monday, at Portsmouth, to try Commander Frederick Warren and itir. Herbert, the master of her Majesty's late steana.sloop Polyphemus, for the loss of that vessel in the Baltic last month. ITANESS or Tlf,E LORD MAYOR.—The Lord Mayor bas been so much indisposed during the last few days as to be unable to preside in the justice room at the Mansion House. His lordship is, however, so far recovered, that he will be able to attend to his magisterial duties on Monday, this day. IMPRISONMENT roa DEBT.—OR Saturday, in the insol vent debtors' court, Ann Larkin, and old lady eighty years of age, was brought up to be discharged on sureties till her tearing in April. There was no opposition, and two friends of the insolvent, one of whom was also eighty years old, attended to enter the required recogni,ance for her ap pearance. The bail was accepted, and the discharge was ordered. ST. ANNE'S DISPENSARY AND EYE AND EAR INVEMART, 9, Rosp.—nit L.—New patients entered on the books last week, v:z., 8 h March : —Relieved at the institution, 152 ; relieved at their own dwellings, 77 ; total, 229. Visitors, Messrs. E. Watts and T. Kirk. Hon. secretary and treasurer, Joseph Kitchen, Esq. LIVERPOOL ROYAL INFIRMARY. Week ending Bth March, 1856.—Admitted : In-patients, 35 ; out patients : ; casuals during the week, 9. Discharged : In-patients, cured, 15 relieved, and at own request, 4 ; made out patients, 5 ; irregular, 2 ; dead, 3. Remain in the house, 174. House visitors : William Carson and Charles Freer, Esqrs., Physician and surgeon for the ensuing week : Dr. Dickenson and Mr. Stubbs. House surgeon : Mr. G. B. Halford. Junior house surgeon : Mr. Cecil Webster. Chaplain : Rev. H. J. Garrod, B.A. Robert Hutchison, treasurer. "HEALTH'S TRIBUTE SoctuTy."—A fete in connection with this philanthropic and peculiar society, exponetive of the principles of which frequent previous notices have appeared, was given nn Thursday last, at the house of its hospitable propounder and founder, Henry Ormerod, Brunswick-road. The occasion was move than usually brilliant and gratifying. The company t numbering nearly seventy, had to congratulate each other on the enjoyment, not only of health but of a comfortable share of the world's prosperity. The feature of the entertainments of the night was a dramatic performance by members of the parent and branch societies, which went of with the greatest eclat. The entertainment was produced under the management of Mr. H. C. Cadney, and its getting up would have done credit to a first-rate professional. The magnificent room in whioi the performance took place was most elegantly adapted for the occasion. It was gracefully festooned, and hung round with the standards of the Allied powers, em blematical of our victories in the Crimea. A neat stage had been contrived, and the cos'umes, scenery, properties, and all other appliances, were admirable—in fact it was a Drury-lane reduced to miniature. The stage manager was Mr. T. Billing, leader of the orchestra, Mr. F. Sorge, and prompter, Mr. W. H. Courtley ; the whole of whom fulfilled their respective departments to general admiration,. The first piece was the late Mr. Dowling‘s burlesque burletta of " Othello Travestie," the whole of the characters in which were most admirably sustained. Without invidi ousness,:it may be remarked that the Othello of Mr. Young, the lago of Mr. T. Billing, the Roderigo of Mr. Openshiam, the Cassio of Mr. Matthews, the Desdemona of Mr. G. Tilston, and the Ghost of Desclemonq of Mr. W. 11. Courtley, received especial commendation by the audience. So admi rable a she ghost did Mr. Courtley make, that he was (sailed non twice to " revisit," not " the glimps of the moon," but the glare of the footlights. . The other characters were sus tained thus :—.Thike of Trentep, Mr. Jas. Seddon ; Brabantro, Mr. Thomas James; _bank°, Mr. C. Seddon ; Montana, Mr. Leah ; and Emilia, Mr. Leech. " A Dramatic Picnic,"—a "thing of threads and patches," —made up by Mr. Cadney and others, and abounding in pungent hits at the follies and foibles of the day, followed the burletta, and created amazing merriment. The whole conc l u d e d w i t h a ball, in fancy and private costume. Mr. O rmero d' s hospi tality on the occasion was on his meal liberal scale, and a nost interzsting and pleasant night was spent, LATEST INTELLIGENCE• FRANCE PARIS, SUNDAY EVENING: The sixth Conference of the Plenipotentia rte was held yesterday. The Moniteur announces that the expectation of peace is causing all sorts of projects to be instituted. As to the probability of peace the Governtneo maintains its reserve. The Gazette de Aredicin states that the acconehe ment of the Empress will take place between the 15th and 23rd of the present month. Prince Jerome, uncle of the Emperor, has bee° attacked with inflammation of the chest. Thy bulletins are favourable. Accounts from Tiflis via St. Petersburg mention that General Williams had left for Moscow i ° improved health. TURKEY News received from Marseilles of Satur( l3 .Y 4 date announces that a financial crisis prevails at Constantinople. The Exchange on Loild o3 amounted to 137, and the pound sterling stood a t 140 piastres. Lei. The Turkish Government had sent orders '` Omar Paella, and to Selim Paella, to suspend hos tilities Intelligence from Trebizonde of the date of tile s 20th ultimo, states that Omar Pacha had arr ive(' there, and that Selim Pacha had been recalled. It was asserted that the English army conteln plated an encampment in Asia, and that barr W 't preparations for the Allied armies were active l3r proceeding on both sides Constantinople. ♦ THE DANUBE, The mouth of the Danube has become free fr° lll ice, and the Austrian Lloyds' company's seillecl has recommenced TIIE BRAZILIAN MAILS- SOUTHAMPTON, SUNDAY. The West India Royal Mail Steam-ship o ° lll pany's steamer Tamar has arrived here with the usual monthly mails from the Brazils and th e River Plate, Her dates are from Buenos Ayres to the 19t r Monte Video to the 4th, Rio Janeiro, the 14t13. 1 ; Pernambuco the 19th, and St. Vincent the 27th ultimo. _ a The Tamar has brought 80 passengers. X 2OO specie, and X 35,000 worth of diamonds. From the River Plate we learn that Flores been routed, and that the coast invasion b a entirely failed. At Pernambuco there was not much activitY business, and freights were barely so firm. . 0 The Advices from Rio Janeiro state tlobb was a moderate amount of business going for wit i l. a Money was plentiful, and Exchange on L onuQ a had slightly declined. Freights were dun, a ll rates rather easier. FRANCE. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) PARIS, FRIDAY EVENT The political salons favourable to Russo', id est nearly all in Paris, were thrown into c°ll., v siderable alarm last evening by the statement ve,1•70 confidently made, by persons who are known to well informed, that the deliberations in the C°, ll l , ferences during the day had been of a less atni"'t' 4 " o character than those which preceded. The pr 2 tt, subject under discussion were not mentioned, "" 4 it was said that they had given rise to more seri° l.l " differences of view than have yet presented 01013; selves. The sensation created by the news was s i great that the A ssemblee Nationale, the prin cl P!'o Russian organ, was instructed to endeavou r , quiet the alarm, and it has done so in an atticv's this morning ; but though the lucubration is 10 11 4, to be as soothing as possible, it displays nnilleler, takeable distrust as to the result of the Coll' ences. ; Lord Clarendon, I hear, displays adtm l 'il l e caution and firmness, in the deliberations. 4 Russians talk a good deal, and argue stoutly W ill o f the hardships of such a condition, the injustietot that, the unreasonablenes s o f suc h another : l ; s t Lord Clarendon, whilst listeni ng with the g reat attention and courtesy, does not allow 1 moved a hair's breadth from the line he has out for himself, and the conditio ns he is instr ee : " to impose. Count Walewski, the French p lev ` t il ia tentiary, plays, it is said, quite a secondary P'," . j 5 the discussions, and on all knotty points ''he hound to consult the Emperor by telegraph• t y, reply promptly arrives from his AMi es t o and it is generally to the effect to stand bY„ i icl English negotiators. M. de Walew ski ' ier ior to be personally much annoyed at his in position. The Russian negotiators and their rartisang are now trying a new dodge to influence„git opinion of the French. Hitherto I have to l ;' n eli ~, more than once, they have fl a tte r ed the r ,"saY and disparaged the English, but now tali•:,,,nee they fear that the English and French - o tlf is too firm to be shaken, rand that conse(rl'iops as Russia is alone against the two greatest n¢ .ally in the world, they ought to be generous, esP ec4 as she is ready to acknowledge herself beat eli c,eo In consequence of the less favoural.;oo about the Conferences, there has been a d ee .' l- arsa the Rente, and in most Seenrities on the J- 1 " to-day. ' „itetif' An imperial decree in this mornings Jut l Bs 6, s calls into active service the contingent ei 0,1 1 amounting to 140,000 men. This levy is 11,,-,cl to increase of the army, but is principally destl - replace the soldiers whose time of sell' expired. The government has forbidden the pabl'e in the Presse of a feuilleton, by Eugene Su% Oa A Berlin despatch of to-day meuti' n- dipl;?; passage through that city of two Aussian. matists, with new instructions for Coun t ,. i t t relative to the frontier question. Letters tr ° b igck Petersburg state that every measure hs s ',.. f dell taken for the Baltic campaign, and t 1 1 0, - 8 11 ' have been given to the Russian adrnirf"'„aitl'. generals to defend Sweaborg to the last e% tfe- t.lO The same letters announce, from T e herai l '.,o 4 the Persian government is t a ki ng measurqs_, t,9l an attack of an English fleet omits onaSt'.. Three millers at Utt ose te r have been fined acitlp crate d with forfeiture of several bags of flour, having the flour by miring rice with it. 'th t" Assistant surgeon B e d we ll , who was conne cted ! 1 1, 10 ease of poisoning by m i s t a k e at the garr i son how i s L t viel, received orders f rom t h e Di rector General, t hat hi ; k D id will no longer be requ i re d, th e me di ca l b oar d have to it as their opinion that he did not have r ecent active measures as the urgency of the cm requir i e , l "; sa f r° , ll4 d CRIMEAN HEROES.—On Wednesday last an S u ", ° -se g " h s the inhabitants of the minty of Fermanagh was fi r fi r d ' I to Lieutenant-Colonel Maude of the 3rd Bolls , - 1 11 t ° , brothers, Lieutenant-Colonel Maude, of the R/Y 3 Artillery, and Lieutenant M au d e , of the 41st e ta b i° th ; each of whom has serv e d with marked distieoti° see° present war. Richly si% on the same ocoasion to the gallant officers. b 9. • d mounted swords were also Pr ° THE INLAND REVENUE ROARD.—There are i th if 0 commissioners of Inland Revenue at present, t c o o f mmissionership not having been filled up. I be ha ir: ll3 "; the commissioners are as follows :—The e , c oo £2,500 ; th e d eputy c h a i rman, £ 1 , 800 ; four e i -1 6 00 ; t he mission ers , 11,200 each. The secretary his le r , two assi s t an t secre t ar i es , £ BOO eac h ; the asss'fienhairol secretary, £6OO ; the private secretary to the o f £lOO. —Civil Service Gazette. I S relatea COUNT ORLOFF.—The following anecdote yo air ls . . e t Count Orloff and his musoular strength : At a gr a ,, t b o etl b l ot which he gave, hearing a lady admire a mar ifice 'the " of placed in one of the ornaments on the centre of en ds _ a he took it out to present it to her ; but finding tiTiv the flowers wet from the water placed below, h e . on . on the instant a porte-bouquet of a new & s cript?, on lid t took up one of the silver-gilt plates, an d r olling ttIP sheet of paper, he placed the bouquet within it , au position snit the flowers to the lady.