The Press.
London, England, 1854-11-04 00:00:00

THE PRESS.

strength was rapidly failing, and he mast fall off if be was
not relieved. As he was about four or five feet from me it
was difficult to reach him, but after considerable exertions
I succeeded in doing so, and helped him with one of my
knees until I became quite faint, when I was obliged to
leave him to his fate. Poor fellow, be promised me if he
ever got to New York alive be would reward me well. He
clung with terrible tenacity to life, but he, too, dropped off
in his turn.
I was now left alone on the raft—not a solitary being
was alive out of seventy—but still my hope continued
strong. The night of the second day was about closing on
me, and during the whole time I had been in the water I
had not eaten a particle of anything or drunk a drop. My
strength 1 found was beginning to give way, and my sight
had become so dim that I could not perceive objects a few
feet off—even the ghastly faces of the dead, that looked up
at me from under the raft, were hardly discernible. I de-
termined on making one more effort for life. I raised my-
self on my knees upon the raft, and through the dusk of
the evening 1 saw, or thought I saw, a vessel. My strength
seemed to revive, and in a few minutes I heard the voices
of persons in a boat approaching me. Ten minutes more
and. I, too, would have gone ; but Providence had mercy on
me, and, after twenty-six hours' exposure, I was by its
mercy pres'rved from a watery grave. The boat I after-
wards learned belonged to the Huron, and was manned by
Mr. Doran, the third mate of the Arctic, Captain Grann,
one of the passengers, and some sailors. One of the men
caught hold of me by the collar and dragged me into the
bow of the boat, where 1 lay in the last stage of exhaustion
till I was transferred on board the Huron.

It is believed that the District Attorney of the
United States will cause a large number of the crew
of the Arctic to be brought to trial, under an indict
ment for mutiny. No instance exists in the history
of the marine of the United States, in which so
many lives were lost, or so much injury done, in
consequence of mutiny in a crew. It is now demon-
strated that the Arctic carried boats enough to have
saved, at least, three hundred persons, even in a
gale, if well managed ; while, with the aid of the
crew, all working under superior orders, rafts could
have been constructed that would almost certainly
have saved all on board until they were picked up,
for the Arctie was lost in that spot., of all others, in the
Atlantic most frequented between the two continents.
The statement of the officers, the engineers, and pas-
sengers saved would be enough to condemn them in
a court of justice.

CASE OF MR. STONOR.
THE Australian papers last received contain accounts
of the arrival in that colony of Mr. Stonor, the
cancelling of whose appointment as colonial judge
had been announced by overland mail before he
reached the country. In the Sydney Argus we find
a long letter from Mr. Stonor explain►ng and
defending his conduct. This letter concludes as
follows :
When I received my appointment I trusted that the
Colonial-office entertained the same views, and I accepted
it with gratitude and confidence, but I must add with little
pleasure. I immediately left England for this colony at
very considerable sacrifices. On my arrival I learnt that, in
deference to opinions expressed in the British House of
Commons, and by the British press, the Government had
directed the cancellation of my appointment. The Lieute-
nant-Governor, Sir C. Hotham, has since my arrival
carried out the instruction which he has received upon the
subject in a manner which I shall always remember with
gratitude. 1 shall return to England trusting to oonvince
the Home Government of the ►njustice done to me. As
regards the colony I have no complaint to make. I have
met in almost every quarter the most marked sympathy
and consideration, and pressing requests to take my place
at the bar. No false pride prevents my compliance w►th
the latter; private reasons alone have led me to the reso-
lution which I have taken. On the earliest possible moment
I shall leave the colony, grieved and mortified beyond ex-
pression to have been the cause of so much trouble and
turmoil, and truly grateful fur the sympathy and kindness
which I have experienced.
During the few days, or at most weeks, I may remain,
all I desire is privacy, and after my departure perhaps the
press may reconsider calmly and dispassionately the cir-
cumstances of my case, and may come to the conclusion that
I did not apply for or accept my late office unwarrantably;
that my dismissal has been my misfortune and not my
fault ; and that I have been the victim of a grievous, al-
though-unintentional, act of injustice.
HENRY JAMES STONOR.
Since writing the above I have been greatly obliged by
the loan of a paper, containing a debate, on the house
resolving itself into a committee of ways and means, in
which Mr. Moore again renewed the subject of my appoint.
ment, and insinuated that it was obtained by my trans-
ferring my influence at Sligo to Mr. Sadleir. That gentle-
man fully contradicted the assertion ; and I most solemnly
state that no relative, friend, connection, or other person
whatever in any manner supported my application to the
Colonial-office, which was granted solely on account of my
brother's position and claims, and my own qualifications
and testimonials.

MR. WLEI.T.AN, of Mugdock Castle, Stirlingshire,
who died on Sunday week, has bequeathed his
library and pictures to the town of Glasgow, for the
foundation of a free library and gallery of the fine
arts. The library is said to be worth :1,0001.; while
his collection of pictures, chiefly by the old masters,
together with his collection of statues in bronze and
marble, is said to be worth 50,0001.

THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND CHOLERA.
VARIOUS quarterly returns relating to the health of
the country, the epidemic, etc., have been published
by the Registrar-General during the week. The
following are the chief heads respecting which the
statistical accounts are presented .
MOUTALITY.-113,939 deaths have been registered during
the summer quarter, or 21,1.107 more deaths than were
registered in the summer quarter of the 'preceding year.
The mortality in the last quarter was at the late of 2.425
per cent. annually, or 2.85 more than the average 2.140.
The epidemic ie chargeable with this excess in the rate of
mortality. When epidemics prevail, as well as in ordinary
times, the towns in their present detective sanitary condi-
tion are the chief sufferers. During the summer quarter, in
the same population, to every three deaths iu the country
there were four deaths iu the towns.
Msnitisots.-40,3811 marriages were celebrated in the
quarter ending June 30th. The number only exceeds by
51 the marriages in the corresponding quarter of 165$ ;
still, after allowing for increase of population, the rot
have exceeded the average of the ten previous yearrilll:
marriages decreased in some of the South Midland Counties,
and inert-aged in Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Wilts, Cornwall,
Staffordshire, Worcestershire, in the North Hiding of York,
in Durham, and in Northumberland.
linsrus.-154,735 births were registered in the quarter
ending September 30. This number, which exceeds by
7,154 the number of births iu the summer quarter of 1853,
is the largest number ever registered ill the summer
quarter ; and allowing for increase of population, the rate
of births, 3.'294 per cent. per annum, exceeds the average
(3.179). The chief increase of births has been in the
counties of Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Wilts, Somerset,
Stafford, Worcester, Lincoln, Durham, Northumberland,
Monmouthshire, and South Wales.
INCREASE or I'OPULATION.—As 154,735 children were
born, and 113,939 persons died iu the summer quarter, the
natural increase of population 'in the quarter was 40,796.
The increase is below the average. 91,900 emigrants
sailed in the quarter from the pelts of the United Kingdom
at which there are Government emigration agents Of
these a large proportion are from Ireland; others from
Germany.
THE CHOLERA.—The deaths by choler* in the three
months were 15,587, by diarrhma 11,135 ; or 26,722 by the
two forms of disease. The epidemic has exhibited less
intensity than it did in 1649 ; and although diarthon has
been apparently as prevalent, or at least as fatal, the
deaths by cholera have been less by 28,234 then the deaths
by the same disease in the three summer months of that
year. The mortality from cholera and diarthces is less by
one-half than it was iu 1849. The districts in what was
called the London Cholera Field have suffered most
severely; and theta it is known that though seine sanitary
improvements have been projected, they have only in a few
instances been carried out. Liverpool has been attacked
by the epidemic, but the deaths by cholera in that town
and its suburbs (the districts of Liverpool and West Derby)
have hitherto been 053; whereas the deaths by cholera
in
the corresponding period of 1841) were 4,545. Liverpool
has a health officer; and certain sanitary measures have
been carried into effect. The authorities of the town
deserve credit for their successful efforts in the improve-
ment of the health of Liverpool. Iteaths by the epidemic
cholera have, during the three months, occurred in every
county except Herefordshire, Hutlandehire, and Westmore-
land ; but many districts have escaped hitherto, and a few,
such as Merthyr Tydvil, have suffered or are still suffering
severely.
Ilesut.Te.—The general result of the returns is of a
mixed character. The marriages in the spring quarter
exceeded the average proportion. The births were also
more than usually numerous in the summer quarter ending
September 30. And in the slimmer quarter also the mor-
tidily was high in consequence of the prevalence of the epi-
demic of cholera, chiefly in deuce, ill-drained towns, sup-
plied with impure waters.
HEALTH OF Loenoe.—Respecting the mortality in
the metropolis for the last week the Registrar re-
ports:—
From the present return it will be seen that the cholera
epidemy in London is for this season quickly passing away,
and that the total mortality has nearly resumed its former
position. In the week that ended on Saturday the num-
ber of deaths registered from all causes was 1,213. In the
ten corresponding weeks of the years 1844.53 the 'verve
number of deaths was 952, and with a correction for in-
crease of population 1.047. The excess of last week is 181.
The deaths from cholera, which were 163 in the preceding
week, have fallen to 60. Those from difirahcea are 46.
In the western districts 10 deaths from cholera were
registered last week ; in the northern 3, in the central 11,
in the eastern 12, and in the southern districts 30. Last
week the births of 733 boys and 114 girls, in all 1,447
children, were registered in London. In the nine corres-
ponding weeks of the years 1e45.53 the average number
was 1,407.

Trim LONDON ONNIBITS PROPRIETORS held a meet-
ing on Tuesday to consider the depressed state of
their business, through the high prices of corn and
provender and the pressure of the omnibus duty. It
was stated that the traffic at present prices did not
pay, and it was useless to raise the fares, as the
public would not bear it. The current duty on each
omnibus was 101. per month, or 1201. per annum. It
was ultimately resolved that a memorial should be
presented to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pray-
ing for some reduction of the duty during the winter,
or, at all events, for a pledge from Government that
they would propose a general reduction of the duty
during the ensuing session of Parliament.

THE PATRIOTIC FUND.
THE appeal of the royal commission is meeting with
ready response from all parts of the country. The
principle of providing for the widows and orphans
of our soldiers and sailors who fall in battle, or rather,
we suppose it should be said, while engaged in active
service, is so admirable, and ;the enthusiasm excited
by the heroism displayed at Alma so great and general,
that the public appears eager for an opportunity of
testifying its approval, and the subscription; thus far,
promises to be one of the most magnificent efforts
ever made by purely voluntary feeling. There is
some force in the objection, it is true, that private
benevolence will thus be diverted into one channel,
to the exclusion of all others, and that most public
charities will suffer in greater or less degree from
the munificence of this subscription ; and for this rea-
son, as well as others advanced in this journal, it
would, we think, have been more expedient for the
State to have made direct provision for the destitute
families of its defenders. Two or three hundred
thousand pounds, or even half a million, would be
but a small item in the enormous expenditure of the
war, and on economical grounds alone might have
been advantageously expended, as whatever increases
the efficiency of our services and renders them more
popular must be advantageous to the public. But
such a sum, if possible to be raised by subscription,
would severely tax the exertions of benevolence. As
this course, however, has been decided on, the coun-
try must, not hold its hand.
There has been some speculation as to the amount
which may be required. A leading journal hints at
a hundred thousand pounds, but, on any calculation,
it is difficult to see how such a sum could be con-
sidered sufficient, as there is no probability of the
war being brought to a speedy termination. The
sum, when raised, will, we presume, be put out to
interest ; and 3,000/. or 4,0001. per annum would go
but a short way, considering that our loss already,
through sickness and the sword, can be little short of
five thousand men ; and it has been justly said that
those who fall by disease are equally entitled to
grateful consideration as those who fall in battle.
One point has been raised in connection with this
fund which has not yet met with a satisfactory
answer. Are the families of officers to be regarded
as having a claim on its bounty as well as the fami-
lies of privates? This will be a point, say the secre-
taries, for the commission to decide; but it is inti-
mated that whatever benefactions are received with
special directions and limitations will be faithfully
administered. It is to he hoped, at all events, that
the commission will at once get into working order.
Nothing is so proverbially sickening as "hope de
ferred," and the beneficent process of relief is one of
the first duties imposed on the commission. Sub-
scriptions will flow in more freely when it is an-
nounced that the work of distribution has com-
menced, and when widows and orphans testify with
tears and thanks that the country in whose service
their protectors fell has not been unmindful of their
forlorn condition, nor unsolicitous to relieve their
distress.
The meeting of the CITY OF LONDON on Thursday
has been the most conspicuous manifestation of the
week. It was held in the Egyptian-hall at the Man-
sion house, under the presidency of the Lord Mayor.
The "merchants, bankers, traders, and other citizens "
had been invited to attend, and a very numerous as-
sembly, containing the chief members of the above
classes, as well as representatives of most of the great
mercantile corporations in the City, responded to the
call. Lord John Russell was also present in his ca-
pacity as member for the City of London. In open-
ing the proceedings, the Lord Mayor briefly reminded
his hearers that London had prospered abundantly
during forty years of peace, and its inhabitants were
bound in conscience to provide liberally for the fami-
lies of those who might fall during the war :
The citizens of London on the present occasion would
prove themselves worthy of their sires. Half a century
ago the city of London set a noble example to the country
by the patriotic feeling which it evinced in behalf of the re-
latives of our soldiers and sailors ; it would not now show it-
self less regardful of those who were now fighting the cause
of the oppressed against the oppressor. ( Cheers.)
Lord JOHN RUSSELL then moved the first resolu-
tion :

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That this meeting regards with the highest admiration
and gratitude the gallant conduct of their countrymen
who have been engaged in the recent naval and military
operations in the east of Europe.
Commenting on this topic, his lordship said :
I am sure it is not necessary for me to use many words
to persuade the meeting to agree to this resolution. We
are engaged in a just and necessary war, for no immediate
object of our own, but to defend our ancient ally and to
maintain the independence of Europe. In support of this
assertion it is unnecessary for me to offer any proof.
Parliament, and the citizens of London, and the people
of the United Kingdom have generally and almost unani•
mously assented to the justice and necessity of the war.
(Cheers.) If, however, the war were altogether an error,
we should not be the less inclined to show our gratitude
to those brave men who, at the call of their country and
•