The Express.
London, England, 1852-01-21 00:00:00

AMERICA.

(By Electric Therm t.)
P. OWN CORIMPONDINT)
I.IV Kllrool., W TM:IP:ADV.% 10 o'CLoca.
The Unjust States mail steam ship Pacific passed
toad at s this morning. She is expected in the
Ithrs•v at 2 o'clock this afternoon. She brings three
411..4 Loa news from New York, and an average
au..ober of passengers; amongst others, Jenny Lind.

FIRE ARM&

Oterestations is As past and present shags of Fire arms, and
es Ms proessiolo effects of the wee mashes, he. Rai Cols
D.C.G., and 'I.R.S., Royal Artillery.
was sad Co.
It is • sign of the present time, when we find
officers of the army and navy coming boldly before
the public and making it the umpire of professional
controversies. Some years ago these gentlemen
would have been quietly informed that they had
incurred the serious displeasure of the powers minis-
terial, and perhaps that their further services would
be dispensed with, but we have now our Napier, and
Plunketts discussing the state of the navy, and oar
Napier, and Burgnynes that of the army.
In the present instance we find an artillery officer,
who,—anxious to remedy the evil system which has
gradually crept into that service, yet at the same
time feeling that the enormous ordnance expenditure
weighs heavily on the country, finds it rather difficult
to Wow how to increase the corps without adding to
INV_ iMpithe.
Whatever system is adopted with respect to artil-
imy,thery is one point which should never be overlooked,
rill that is the dissemination of the men over innu-
merable fortresses. For this reason, therefore, the
sempany of artillery, as at present organised, is
already too strong. For instance, some years ago
it was required to send some artillerymen to New
Zealand. A company was too much ; about a quarter
was sent, under a subaltern; had it been of lees
strength, then a united body could have been sent
instead of a fraction, by which the company has
been broken up ever since. In the field, artillery
is divided into batteries of eight guns smoapt
most of the European powers. This number is se-
lected because it is that which one officer is able to
command efficiently on service. Our peace organ-
isation is only four guns, and Colonel Chesney pen.
poses that, to form a buttery on the war establishment,
two of these peace batteries should be united into
one, under • field officer. This is a simple method,
which requires to be commended. Each company to
consist of one captain, two subalterns, and seventy-
two men, instead of two captains and three subal-
terns, as it does at present, the second captain being
neither one thing nor the other, for in the army he
has the same rank as his senior, and in his regiment
he is junior to him.
The excuse generally made against admitting this
theory is, that artillerymen are so scattered about,
that the company requires more officers than the
line do. But it' the number of men in the company is
reduced, then it can hive fewer officers, whilst at the
same time it does away with the absurd rank of
second captain.
There is a subject connected with the formation of
field batteries which Colonel Chesney raises, and
which is well worthy of public attention. Some
fifty years ago, the present rocket was invented by
the lute Sir William Congrevc, a man of great
ingenuity. They were tried by the flotilla off Itou-
logne, and found so sucoesaful that they were adopted
in the service, and used afterwards in thildyrences,
Leipzig, and Waterloo. Like all other things,
however, they were taken possession of y that pet
corps of the master-general, the horse artillery, and
,at a time when every field-battery should have its
rocket-carriage attached, that ann is still confined to
the horse artillery. If the question were asked in the
House of Commons, we should have the old hum-
drum story about rapidity of movements, strong
homes, efficient body, Sze., the main part of the ques-
tion being especially avoided. But luckily we all
know 'that rockets are large squibs with sticks
attached to them, and that any boy in the streets
could fire them just as well as a real royal horse
artilleryman. It is the deficiency of these field bat-
teries for which we cannot account. We all hear of
Woolwich-common ; the perfection of the instructions
carried on there, the admirable reviews; and, in our
innocence, take our wives and children to see those
guns, which, to the uninitiated, appear so many
ogres; and, lo! to our dismay, we are told, as soon as
there is a chance of a row, that these guns are no
use; that they arc merely 6-pounders instead of
9-pounders ; that we have no horses to draw them;
that our men arc unable to move the heavier ones; that
few officers have ever seen a rocket fired, although the
arsenal is full of them, and many other little stories,
which make us wish that during the last thirty years
we had kept our pockets buttoned up, and burnt all
blue books entitled Ordnance Expenditure."
We hope that Colonel Chesney's remarks on this
subject will be taken up, for every nation but our-
selves has strong rocket corps, and we who were the
originators—for all over the Continent they are
known by the name of Congreves—are the most
backward in making use of them.
Colonel Chesney, to prove the deficiency of our
artillerymen, points out Gibraltar as having but ono
man per gun, and Malta two men for every three.
An officer of his standing might better have illus-
trated this had ho obtained returns of some of the
smaller detachments, where often there arc hardly
men sufficient to keep the guns clean and prevent them
from getting rusty. It is also stated, upon what autho-
rity we do not know, that there are fifty-twofield-guns
horsed. Yes, they have horses, but when these guns
took the field, not onielialf would be horsed as they
should be for service, and it is notorious that at all
reviews nine-pounder guns, with their six horses, are
obliged to leave their waggons behind,—much in the
same way as if a man set out on a journey leaving
his money behind. Tile battery at Ballincollig, under
the immediate command of the colonel, may be a
very good one, but he forgets that it is in Irelands
and in case of an invasion not ono man wadi be
taken from it. At present we can and must oily
look to Woolwich. It is our boasted depot, and has
coat us thousands. Let us see what it can produce.
But, unfortunately, like all other things in this world
which receive no opposition, they are apt to go to
sleep. It is an overgrown monopoly. flow MIA
more efficiently does the marine system VOL
Divided between Portsmouth, Plymouth, Climillam,
and Woolwich. there is a striving between then liar
heed-quarters as to which should be the smartest and
best-drilled body. Their adjutant-general lives in
London, and thence orders are sent to these various
stations; besides, their depots give extra men to the
garrisons of these sea-ports, whilst the goodly troops
of Woolwich do nothing but mount guard in an un-
protected, undefended arsenal, where the whole
might any night be cut off by a bold steamer.
guard y
should they not bo divided also between our
sea-ports, and let an inspector of drills, in the same
manner as the cavalry have, go his rounds as often
as be likes, and see that everything is carried on in
an uniform, proper manner. Is there anything about
the soil of Woolwich which alone can make gunners?
Is it so impregnated with drill, that the very at-
mosphere should act in flavour of the drill-sergeant?
We suspect that there is a little obstinacy in the
use, and that were more gunners sent to Plymouth
and Portsmouth, their drills could be earned on just
as efficiently as at Woolwich.
Colonel Chesney's theory on artillery is that of an
eminently practical man, and when he and such men
as Sir Robert Gardiner take up the subject in the
manner they have done, them in no doubt that some
stringent reforms will be carried out, but there is
one point which should not be decided on in a hurry.
In foreign armies a distinction is made between field-
batteries and garrison artillery; they are in fact
two separate corps. But England does not raise an
army for the purpose of keeping down a desolate
peasantry or for foreign invasions. It is keptti
solely for defence of herself; and when we speak[
of England we include her numerous possessions
and colonies. Supposing that we had so many gar-
rison gunners and so many field-batteries, and that
one of our largo foreign fortresses were besieged,
where are we to obtain more men to send to its
relief? Our garrison artillery we cannot spare, for
it may be wanted; wo must therefore look to a
field battery, turn it into garrison artillery, and
send it out. On the other hand, let a war break
out, at home or abroad, we want more field-batteries
than we possess ; we have then but to give a garrison
company a few guns and horses, and the battery is
ready to take the field. We cannot, in this instance
imitate foreign armies, for England, with her colo:
nies, cannot afford to have an army organised for
itself and another for each colony. It is true that
this system requires a great deal of common sense in
the men, and gives them a great deal to learn ; but
that they do learn is clear, for in the rebellion in
Canada, the garrison artillery, which was suddenly
turned into field batteries, was found just as effective,
—and the same lately at the Cape.
As we have said before, Colonel Chesney's book
must be read with caution, hut at the same time it
may be read with profit, for there is much practical
truth in it. On the main point we fully agree with
him. There is great want of artillerymen and of


THE EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY EVENING. JANUARY 21. 11152.

a stringent reform in the whole system of artillery ;
the reason for which will be understood by every man
of business when he thinks of tho reforms ho has
been obliged tomake in his own house when his esta-
blishment has outgrown the system upon which it
was originally established.

gbe court.

WINDSOR, JAR.
The Due and Duchesse de Nemours left the Oast*
last evening, for Claremont.
Lord and Lady John Russell arrived in the evening
yesterday, having been invited to the Castle.
The only additions to the royal table, yesterday, wee
Lord and Lady John Russell.
The band of the Urenadier Guards was in attendaasi
during dinner, and perforated the following pieces:
Owertere, Militant Tail"
Lot ml Chur, tram Der Templer tad dis
Mrs* ldarectintr.
_
Ersualerono Walser -

Detroiter heri" Preston*
livernrekey Mier Mara\
Her Majesty's private band sltarwards attended, and
played the following selection:
Overture, .7ergree"
Ilemaeri • dens bate, .• Le Preyed' or" Member,.
neleitles, •• Jamie'
lierriehord lemma
Finale. .. garyantbe"
The Queen and Prince did not take their usual morning
walk, owing to the unfavourable state of the weather, but
rode in the Riding House in the forenoon.
The Prince of Wales and the Princess Royal took exer-
cise in the Hiding House this morning.
The Duke of Wellington and the Right lion. Sir Francis
and Lady Arabella Baring have received invitations, and
arc expected to arrive at the Castle to day.

Lord John Russell has issued invitations to a large party
to a full drew dinner on Monday, the 2nd February, at hie
lordship's official residence in Downing-street.
The Cambridge University Commission had a meeting
yesterday at the official residence of the First Lord of the
lreasury, in Downing-street. Present, the Bishop of Ches-
ter, the Dean of Ely, Sir John Herschel, the Rev. Profesiior
Sedgwick, and the Rev. W. H. Bateson, secretary.
A deputation consisting of Captain Huish, Mr. Carter,
and Mr. Morgan representing the London and North Wes-
tern Railway Company; and Mr. Roy, ham the Shrews-
bury and Birmingham Railway Company, had an inter-
view with the Right lion. Henry Labouchere yesterday at
the Board of Trade.
_

Lord John Russell arrived in town yesterday morning
from Windsor Castle, for the purpose of attending the
Cabinet Council. His lordship returned to Windsor Cantle
in the afternoon. _ . _

-- -.—.--.
Despatches were received at the Calonia-odice yesterday
from the Governors of Van Diemen's Ltntl, South and Wes-
tern Austr►lia, Ceylon, Hoag Kong, and tho Mauritius.

A CABINET COUNCIL WAS HELD YESTERDAY at
the Foreign-office. It was attended by Lord John
Russell, the Lord Chancellor, the Marquis of Lans-
downe, the Earl of Minto, Sir George Grey, Earl
Granville, Earl Grey, the Chancellor of the 'Exche-
quer, Sir Francis Baring, the Earl of Carlisle, the
Right Hon. Henry Labouchere, the Right lion.
Fox Maulc, and Lord Seymour. The Council sat
three hours and a quarter.

Major-General Fox. the Surveyor-General to the
Ordnance, has been on a visit to Lord Palmerston, at his
lordship's seat, Broadlands, Hants.

LEOAL EDCCATION.—The recent discussion by the
press and the public of the question of an improved system
of legal education for the future memblrrs of thu bar of
England has apparently not been without influence on the
bencliers of the inns of court, who have so long enjoyed the
dignity of educational government with so little of its cares.
A meeting of an educational committee, composed of
benches of the four inns of court, was, is we are informed,
held in the hall of Lincoln's ion on Monday afternoon.
Nothing has transpired as to the extent of educational re-
form contemplated, or, indeed, to show that the question
has yet taken the shape of a project. It will be so far
gratifying to the friends of this reform to learn that the
benchers are at least moving.

REFORM MEETING AT

The Dowager Lady Byron, the widow of the
great poet, is at present residing at Southampton.

MANCHESTER.

There was a numerous and influential meeting of
the Council of the Manchester Financial and Farlismen- I
tary Reform Association et Manchester, yesterday evening,
Mr. Wineon in the chair. The meeting did not commence
in time for our correspondent to send a full report. Amongst
the gentlemen present were Mr. Bright, M.P. Mr. Oibson,
M.P., Mr. James Heywood, M.P., Mr. Alexender Henry,
11. P., Mr. Kershaw, M.P., Sir Elkaoah Armitage, M.P.,
Mr. Thomas Eekriggs, Mr. Thomas Thompson, Mr. Joseph
Simpson, Dr. Johns, Mr. J. Barrett, Mr. John Platt, Mr.
John Moore, Mr. N. Buckley, Mr. John Whittaker.
The CHAIRMAN introduced the business in a speech of
some length.
Mr. BRIGHT moved the following resolution :—"That
the population of the county of Lancaster, by the census of
1851, is declared to be upwards of 2,000,000, or one-eighth
of the population of England, end one-fourteenth of that of
the United Kingdom ; that its taxable property, by a pee-
-1 liamentary return of the session of 1847, is declared to be
6,463,3131., or more than one-tenth of the whole rateable
property of Ragland ; that its contributions to the national
exchequer, whether from customs' contributions, or from
payments to the various branches of the inland revenue, far
exceed the average of the population and area of the United
Kingdom; that its position with regard to industry, wealth,
intelligence, and puputaii.,e, is second to no other county
of the United Kingom ; that on all these grounds
this meeting is of opinion that, in tiny measure of parlia-
mentary reform to be introduced by the government or
enacted by the legislature, the number of members returned
from this county should be largely increased, in order that
its influence in the House of Commons may correspond to
the magnitude of its interests, end to its importance as a
portion of the United Kingdom." The hon. gentleman,
after alluding to the pledge given by Lord J. Russell to in-
troduce • measure of parliamentary reform early in the en.
suing Ill.illlll, and noticing the gradually increasing weak-
ness of the noble lord's government, said he sonsuiered it
most itaportaut that the government should not only he
powerful enough to firing in a good bill, but powerful
enough to carry that bill through both houses of parliament.
He insisted, although the same tumultuous agitation which
preceded the Reform Act of 1832 was not now exhibited,
then was nut the less dissatisfaction with the present repre-
sentation of the country, or the less anxiety for its
improvement. After alluding to the disadvantages of an
unstable government both with reference to the domes-
tic and foreign interests of the country, he expreseed his
opinion that the House of Commons was now so balanced
that it was utterly impossible, without a great mea-
sure of reform, that anything like • good, firm, or
powerful government could be established. He next re-
ferred to several important questions, as law reform, our
colonial policy, the management of the customs, the in-
come-tax, and the public expenditure, with which the go-
vernment were unable to deal efficiently and satisfactorily
on account of the present state of parties in the House of
Commons. Mr. Bright, after some allusions to the manage-
ment of the army and navy, directed attention to the state
of the national representation, contending that the country
members were the representatives of a handful of bind-
owners, and that the members for small boroughs were ge-
nerally the nominees of some lord, or banker, or lawyer.
It was not surprising in this condition of the repre-
sentation that they should have a feeble and impotent go.
vernment. After referring to the preponderance of the
aristocratic element in the Cabinet, and to the exclusion
from the higher offices of government of persons connected
with the people, he contended that the remedy for this
state of things was a great measure of parliamentary re-
form, which would render the House of Commons the true
exponent of the opisious and will of the people. In conclu-
sion, he went into some details to show that Lancashire es-
pecially woe entitled to a larger amount of parliamentary
representation than it now possessed.
Mr. J. HEYWOOD, M.P. seconded the resolution,
which was unanimously adopted.
Mr. KERSHAW, M.P., moved the adoption of the fol-
lowing petition:
o To the honourable the Commons of the United King-
' dons of Great Britain and Ireland, in parliament assembled :
The petition of the undersigned inhabitants of Man-
cheater humbly ehoweth : That your petitioners have heard
with great satisfaction that it is the intention of her Ma-
* jesty's ministers to introduce in the session of the present
year a bill to amend the representation of the people in your
. honourable house.

!From isst alesi'. Gazelle.)
DOWNING-STREET, JAN. 20.—The Queen has been
plowed to appoint Major-General the llonourable George
Cathcart to bo Governor and Commander-in• Chief in and
over the Settlement of the Cape of Good Hope and its de-
pendencies, and to be her Majesty's High Commissioner
for the settling and adjustment of the affairs of the territories
adjacent or contiguous to the eastern and north-eastern
frontier of the said Settlement. .

lIITEUALL, JAN. 20.—The Queen has been pleased
to present the Rev. Thomas Ltielinuin to the church and
pariah of Collace, in the presbytery WA county of Perth,
vacant by the death of the Rev. John Rogers, late Minute,
thereof. .

-•
PRINCE OF WALES' COUNCIL CHAMBERS, SoMek-
arr-nocan, Las. 16.—Sir Colman Ruhleigh, of Prideaus,
in the county of Cornwall, But., has been appointed
Sheriff of the county of Cornwall.
CoMMIsSIONS STONED ST THE LORD-LIEUTENANT
or florsemarrsitine.—Major the lion. William Henry
Berkeley Portman, to be Lieut.-Colonel • Captain Augustus
Puhford Brown, to be Major, in the West Somersetakire
Regiment of Yeomanry Cavalry.

DEATII OF SIR JOHN DEAN PAUL, BART.—Sir J.
D. Paul, the first baronet created in 1821, died at the Hill-
house' Stroud, aged 77. He was the son of Dr. Paul, of
Salisbury, by the daughter of John Snow, . , Esq. banker, of
London. He married, lint, in 1799, the daughter of Sir
John Simpson, of Bradley Hall, Durham, who died in
1833; secondly, in 1831, the relict of Berkeley Napier, Bs+,
of Pennard House, who died in 1812 ; and thirdly, in ISI4,
the youngest daughter of Bishop Horsley, of St. Asapb.
The deceased baronet is succeeded by his eldest son by his
fist wife, now Sir John Paul. born 1802, who is a partner
of the banking firm of Snow, Straban, Paul, and Co.

NATIONAL PARLIAMENTARY AND FINANCIAL AS-
-IORM AersorrioN.—Yesterday evening, II public ratio(
of the umbers and friends of this emaciation took plan at
the Friar Albert tavern, King's-cross, for the purpose of
pritieniog parliament on the subject of reform of the repro-
entadea. Mr. D. Harris, secretary of the Islington Pero-
err RehmAlso:dation, presided. Mr. brew miser a
readers. doeiseing that any measure which did an re-
, eerier the eiseeseal districts, extend the franchise to every
occupier of a Posner, protect the voter by the ballet,
shorten the duration of parliaments, and abolish the pro-
perty tudilleatim ter atembers, would fail to satisfy the
just expectations of dr people, would be ineffectual d pre-
venting the corruption. intimidation, and oppressioo mew
prevailing at electron, and ia securing the full and free
representation of the people in parliament. Mr. Hinton
seconded the resolution. Mr. Drummond expressed himself
opposed to any rate-pa yieg qualidcation, and said that 40s.
freeholders had r geed a -right to vote in boroughs as Ia
counties. Mr. Moaning, a mitusber of the council of the
association, said, their great object was to give the feanshisa
ee every occupier of a bear or tenement; and
tba executive committee bad decided on repudiating
soy tax' paying clause is the New Reform BilL
The mohair WAS unanimously agreed to. Mr.
Ferris nerd that the eordiel union and renter
soden of Wormers were imperatively requisite; that
Wyeirdplas Monate I by the National Parliamentary and
riatundd !Wens Association merited the support of the
goad bode at the people; and that the wisstlng.emristin
of twiternes of every shade, pledged themrdriMaarrle
W Weill.seted efforts of that association.—Mr. Chamber '
sermailii Or rewilution.—A petition, founded on the fore.
going onslatione, wee agreed to. and wee numerously
signed by thaw present at the close of the meeting. It was
rented that it should bo forwarded to Mr. Wakley, M.P.,
far gaseeatstiva.
Tas MAYNOOTII COLLEGE ENDOWMENT ACT.—On
Headily night an overflowing meeting took place at the
Town-hall, Reading, to adopt petitions to parliament foe
the repeal of the Maynooth College Endowment Act. It
was one of the most enthusiastic meetings that has occurred
in the town since the earn law agitation, and clergymen of
different denominations were found uniting together to

" That your petitioners are deeply anxious that the
chance now proposed should render your honourable house
• fair representation of the property, the intelligence, and
the industry of the United Kingdom ; and in this view they
submit the fullowing propositions, in the hope that they
may receive the consideration of your honourable house,
and be adopted in any measure for the amendment of the
representation :
" Your petitioners propose, that the elective franchise
shall henceforth be based upon occupation, and liability to
the poor-rate, with such limitations as to period of resi-
dence as shall be necessary to afford • guarantee that the
occupation is bona fide ; ani:turther that the 40s. franchise
shall be extended to the United Kingdom, and be con-
ferred upon the possessors of property of that annual
value, whether derived from freehold, copyhold, or lease-
hold tenures.
Your petitioners are of opinion that your honourable
house cannot satisfactorily adjust the representation of the
people without • very considerable change in the distribu-
tion of the electoral power, and they suggest,
that, where practicable and convenient, small and
neighbouring boroughs shall be united ant form ono
borough ; that where such union is not practicable, small
boroughs shall cease to return members, and their existing
constituencies merge in the constituency of the county io
which they are situate; that, corresponding to the extent
to which small boroughs shall be united, or shall tease to
return members to parliament, new boroughs shall be
created from the populous towns now unrepresented, and
that additional members shall be conferred upon the metro-
politau and other first-class boroughs in the United King-
dom; and that, so far as is practicable, no constituency shall
hereafter consist of fewer than 5,000 electors.
" That your petitioners are most strongly of opinion, that
the adoption of the ballot is indispensable to an honest
representation; that it would make the conviction of the
elector, rather than his personal interest and fears, the
leading motive in the exercise of the franchise ; that it
would greedy repress the demoralising practices, ao humi-
liating to candidates, and so degrading to electors, which
seem almost inseparable from unease and a poll under the
existing system; and that it would aid most effectually in
preventing the turbulence and riot with which elections
have hitherto been too often attended. _

denounce the Endowment Act of 1845, and to mimorialiss
for ita repeal. The chair was taken by Dr. Consn, and
several addresses having been delivered, the various resolu-
tions in furtherance of the objects in view were carried
unanimously.

"That your petitioners are of opinion that the present
legal duration of parliament is mach too extended to secure '
to constituencies, proper control over their representatives,
and they therefore strongly urge the repeal of the Septen-
nial Act, and the limitation of the duration of parliaments,
according to ancient precedents, to a period not exceeding
three years.
" That your petitioners are of opinion that a property
qualification for members of parliament is neither n
nor just; and that the law which now insists upoerusrg
qualification should be at once repealed.
" That your petitioners, in urging the adoption of the
foregoing propoctions, express their belief that they are
strictly in accordance with the principles and objects of the
constitution ; that they will provide for an honest expression
of public opinion in your honourable house, and are calcu-
lated to secure a just and economical government to the
British empire. Your petitioners, therefore, earnestly pray
that the said propositions may form a part of any measure
which your honourable house may pass to amend the repre-
sentation of the pee le.
" And your petitioners will ever pray, &c."
The motion was seconded, and at once agreed to.
Alter speeches from Mr. Gintiosr, M.P., and other gen-
tlemen, the meeting broke up.

SUBPICTED SMUGGLING AT SOUTTIAMI`TON.—In
easeequenee of information having been received by the
Cemndesioners of Canteens of extensive smuggling tremens-
lions helves/tied as by the officers of the passage steamen
running to and from the French porta and the southern
coast of England, an active and experienced metropolitan
Custom-house officer has been employed to visit the English
ports in question for the purpose of detecting the contra-
band practices. The whole of the officers of the South-
ampton and Havre passage steamers underwent • rigid
examination a few days since immediately on their arrival
at the first mentioned port by the metropolitan official,
who, however, failed to detect anything illegal. The
officers were partially stripped. Such a rigid personal
examinatien has never before been found necessary at
Southampton.
EXTRAORDINARY PIIENOMENON.—OR Wednesday
forenoon a most extraordinary circumstance happened at •
fishing station on the Tay, a little below Errol. Several
parties were is the habit of throwing a net into the river
for the special purpose of capturing the small fish com-
monly known "sperlings.' Instead, however, of the
fry they were wanting, in their first haul they brought
ashore their net loaded with full grown herrings. A second
shot was attended with, if passible, a larger e-stature. Such
was the haul that it was feared the net would go to pieces.
' A third shot was made, but we did not hear of the result,
but we are apt to suppose it was little behind the amount of
the preceding, if the inference eon be drawn from the cir-
cumstance that the spoil were called at a penny ter fifteen
in Errol throughout the day. 'f he unwonted circumstance
of herrings being found so far up the Tay can only be ac-
counted for on the supposition that they were pursued by
some marine foe.—Perits Courier.