The Express.
London, England, 1852-01-15 00:00:00

TO THE EDITOR OF THE EXPENSE.

SIR,—To promote the object of rifle practice for
the defence of the country front invasion, I would suggest
that the rope grounds in the east end of London, or else-
where, in which a safe and cheap ground for practice is re-
quired be used for the purpose. A trifling subscription
from a large number would more than remunerate the pro-
prietor, of these establishments. The shot might be

caught, little damaged, by bulkheada and targets, ;Mde of
the refuse tow and other materials.

Should it also be proved that the common musket, if
loaded with a peculiar ball, is as efficient, or nearly so. an
the rifle, then equipmeut, practice and all, need take little
from our pockets or our time. As to uniform, that must
be simple—the cap, the blouse, or semi-shooting coat and
belt, is the best. There is an antipathy to " flashy " dress
among *great number of the young men of the day.—
Yours respectfully, A TRADESMAN.

PARLIAMENTARY REFORM.—Yesterday, at the
meeting of the vestry of St. Pancras, J. P. Pierce, Esq., in
the chair, a communication from Sir Benjamin Hall, rela-
tive to the holding of • mooting on the above subject, was
read. Having stated his reasons for wishing a postpone-
ment of the projected meeting in terms similar to those
yesterday
.reported, he says : " The vision will be one of
ense importance to the metropolis, and I am glad to
think that the vestry of St. Pancras purpose appointing a
committee, as I shall thereby receive valuable assistance in
case I should require some information in detail, which 1
may not at present have."—Mr. F. Healey moved, that in
order to meet the wishes of the worthy member, that the
meeting convened by the vestry for the 26th inst., be post-
poned till 2nd Y•hnniry.-74e. Haltoun the motion,
which was carried onammously.—A motion was afterwards
carried, granting the vestry hall for on aggregate reform
meeting.

WRECK OF A STRAYER AND LOSS OP LIFL-1n
the course of yesterday and the preceding day some anxiety
was evinced at Lloyd's by the receipt of a telegraphic mes-
sage from Glasgow, dated Compbeltown, January 11th,
announcing the wreck of a steamer on the rocks near the
Arran Nan 's Barrels, in the sound of Saudis, and the'
leas of every soul on board with one exception. The
name of the ill fated vessel not being mentioned considerable
uneasiness was manifested lest it should be one of the
large steamers which run from the Clyde to Belfast, Liver
pool, and other ports, for although the scene of the catas-
trophe would be out of their ordinary and proper course,
still if was conjectured that the recent violent weather,'
which has occasioned so mucn havoc on the west coast of
Scotland, might have driven one of them in the direction of
the rocks before described. Yesterday afternoon, however,
the anxiety which generally prevailed was relieved by a
second telegraph message stating the unfortunate vessel to
I be the Rapid, of North Shields, and that all her crew, ex-
cept one man, had perished. It dues not appear that she
I had any passengers on board. The rocks are off the Isle of
Arran, Campbeltown of Kirtinc being abreast of them,
although some distance off. As may be known, they are in
the vicinity of the entrance of the Clyde. It is stated that
the Rapid, in perishing where she is represented, would be
out of her proper course, but the late heavy weather and
other circumstances perhaps might account for that. The
number who were lost and the size of the Rapid we have
not been able to learn satisfactorily. Inquiries wore made
last evening at the Glasgow Screw Steam Wharf, Wapping, as
to whether the vessel which bad arrived in the Thames dur-
ing the day front the Clyde had seen anything of the wreck,
but we learned that she had not. She was passing Arran
on the day (Sunday) the wreck is said to have happened,
but 1101110 distance from it. The weather also was very
boisterous.

SOUTH EASTERN RAILWAY.—The proprietors have
been called upon to oppose the prom: wed ratification of the
union of this company with the Reading, Guildford, and
Reigate, for which power are intended to be applied for in
the mean endow.