The Press.
London, England, 1854-10-21 00:00:00

OCTOBER 21, 1854.

IT having been considered inexpedient to accept
the proposals of the Soldiers' Friend Society for send-
iug scripture-readers to the army in the East, on
grounds connected with military discipline, the chap-
lains on the spot have been instructed to select from
the ranks of the different regiments with which they
are connected a corps of soldiers, who are to act in
the capacity of scripture-readers, and stand in the
same position to them as such teachers do at home.
The advantages of getting men to act in this capa-
city, who are comrades of those they instruct, is too
obvious to need remark; nor do we think that the
benevolent individuals who compose the Soldiers'
Friend Society will be otherwise than thankful that
their zeal has excited attention on this important
subject, and that the high and laudable objects by
which they are animated are likely to be more effec-
tively advanced by machinery other than their own.
Great credit is due to the authorities for the spirit
with which they have regarded this movement.

WE have reason to believe that six additional
chaplains are about to be despatched to the seat of
war by the Society for Propagating the Gospel in
Foreign Parts, to be placed under the control of the
authorities on the spot, and to receive the moiety of
their remuneration from the Secretary at War.
Apart from these, it is in contemplation to increase
the regular clerical force by two chaplains, who will
be sent out immediately, together with the gentleman
whn is selected to fill the vacancy in their body oc-
casioned by the lamented death of the Rev. George
Mockler.

WITH reference to the announcement which has
been made of the Government proposal for sending
out nurses to the sick and wounded in our camps
and hospitals in the East, we are enabled to state
that arrangements are now complete for despatching
a staff of twenty-four of them, this day, under the
able and intelligent superintendence of Miss Nightin-
gale. This body will include a certain number of
Sisters of Charity, belonging to the Homan Catholic
Church, who have placed themselves entirely at Miss
Nightingale's command, and who, in accompanying
her, have disclaimed all intentions of a proselytising
character. Dr. Smith, of the Army Medical Depart-
ment, has receivt•d instructions to co-operate with
Miss Nightingale in her plans and preparations ; and,
in order to open the way for this noble mission, the
chaplains in the East have been apprised of the steps
which have been taken, and strongly urged to assist
the work and its ministers with their sympathy and
regard.

The first promotion from the ranks for gallant
services performed during the war is that of Sergeant-
Major Grinlinton, of the Sappers and Miners, who
has been made ensign of the 65th Foot without
purchase, on account of good conduct.

A medal has been struck in Paris in honour of the
battle of Alma. On one side it has the portrait of
the Emperor, and on the other the following in-
scription :—" Victoire remportie sur les
Busses par les Armes Alliees de France, d'Angle-
terre, et de Turquie, Sept. 20, 1851." It is the com-
position of M. Borrel.

THE MALT TAX.
TO THE EDITOR OF "THE PRESS."
Sir,—ln consequence of the increased duty (of
fifteen pence halfpenny per bushel) upon malt, a
material falling off in the consumption has occurred.
Last season I found it necessary to cease making
operations much earlier than usual; and this season,
having large stocks on hand, I shall not commence
malting for three weeks later than usual. The re-
venue thus, as far as 1 am concerned, will be a con •
siderable loser, which loss the additional duty will
fail to supply ; for not only was a loss sustained upon
the quantity manufactured last year, but in this year
there is an absolute loss of three weeks' duty alto-
gether. These circumstances, I apprehend, are not
confined to my neighbourhood, and, if such a defi-
ciency in the quantity of malt manufactured is gene-
ral, what will become of Mr. Gladstone's anticipated
revenue? It was very easy for Mr. Gladstone to at.
tempt. to create revenue in such a manner; any
schoolboy in the kingdom could have done the same.
"We want so many millions ; very well, there's the
malt tax, 2s. 84d. a bushel, make it 4s. a bushel and
you've got your millions!" For the sake of the
country I hope he will be found correct in this scheme
at least, but I must be excused if, front my own ex-
perience, I choose to doubt. However, let us wait
the budget of 1855-o.—l am, sir, your obedient ser-
vant, A DEVONSHIRE MSLTSTER.

LORD MELVILLE has accepted of the command in
chief of the forces in Scotland vacated by the pro-
motion of General Napier.

THE PRESS.

Irtlattb.

No serious difficulty will, it is stated, be found in
raising the entire amount of 30,0(k) men for the
Irish militia force by voluntary enlistment, and with-
out the necessity of resorting to a ballot in any of the
counties.
Twelve assistant-surgeons left Ireland during the
past week for the seat of war.
Prayers, it is said, were offered up on Sunday last
in all the Roman Catholic chapels in Dublin for the
repose of the souls of the soldiers who fell at the
victory of the Alma.
The latest reports of the health of Dublin are
more favourable, and, though indicating the continued
presence of cholera, show a decided diminution of its
power.
The inquest on the body of the unfortunate men
killed by the atrocious attempt to overset the Derry
excursion train has terminated in a verdict equiva-
lent to wilful murder against six suspected parties.
A special meeting of Protestants was held in
Dublin on Monday for the purpose of expressing
their opinions on the doctrines of Mormonism, as at
present taught and practised in Ireland. The follow-
ing resolutions were adopted :
- -

Resolved.—That this meeting is deeply sensible that the
doctrines of Mormonism are directly contradictory to the
teachings of Christianity, and ita practices subversive of that
morality which is established by Christianity, and recognised
by the laws of this land. That we, relying on the Divine
blessing, pledge ourselves to oppose the teachings and prac-
tices of Mormonism. That this meeting judges that Chris-
tians should not be present at a Mormon meeting, unless
fur the purpose of, by legitimate means, opposing Mormon-
ism, and of teaching Christianity.
The people of Wexford are about to give a banquet
to their distinguished fellow•townsman, Captain
M'Clure, the discoverer of the north-west passage.
The costly dispute which has existed so long be-
tween the Great Southern and Western and the Mid-
land Great Western Railway Companies has been
amicably arranged. Good news this for the share-
holders in both companies.