The Express.
London, England, 1853-05-23 00:00:00

OCEANIC POSTAGE REFORM. •

A few weeks ago, when commenting on the answer
made by Lord Aberdeen to the deputation of oceanic post-
me reformers, we put it to this body to reply, if they were
able, in some practical way, to the assumption of the
minister that* fourpsnay rate was not tee much for the
seausrriage. An answer (hue been sent to us, giving the
sue of two American captains of sailing vessels, which
gauss—if the statement is correct, and if it be not correct
eke pat-office can at once contradict it—that the penny
wean rate is already in existence between this country and
America. The as is this : The two captains referred to
sail to and fro between London and New York. Thep say,
it is their custom "to leave a letter bag for the reception of
letters in some eoffee-house in New York a few days before
setting sale, with a notice that it will be closed at a spud& d
hour. At the time appointed, it is locked up, brought on
beard, and conveyed across the Atlantic to England. On
arriving off Gravesend the ship is boarded by the British
Custom-house officers; and the letter-bag is put into
their hands, under solemn affirmation by the cap-
tain that it contains all the mail matter on board
to his knowledge. The aims than open the
bag, count the letters. post them to the per-
sons to whom they are addressed, each charged with Bd.,
the usual rata on sailing ship letters, and give the captain
one penny each for his pert of the service. This service in-
cludes not only the simple item of transportation across
the Atlantic, but the putting up of the bag in New York,
and sundry other little cares at that end of the route which
are included in the Inland services an letters crossing the
sea and charged se each. Both those sea captains say that
this Du been a putties of lens alandieg with them, and
they presume a Manse arrangement has hem entered into
with other Amore= captains. For themselves, they were
quite satisfied with what they have received he their pert
ef
the performaire, he an *eight in the wed& would pay
them sn well as the Immepeetalim of letters arum the mum
at the rate of a pony melt. They and the notelet of the
other AMR'S= limn' would jump at the show et sew
wyls. all the lenses that crossed the ma at that fere."
These facts are mime and important. We are aware that
they de net answer the whole of Lord Aberdeen's objection ;
ben 'they unqueedmalely narrow It. If it be true that a
Ipeony Ms will pay the eset wider ordinary circumstance,,
-bseenste the men neesseary to show that the " usual
conditions." an observant* of which was part of the Minis-
ter's peered, are aessmarily so onerous as to require a tax
of throneless en every letter to cover the cost.—Atheurum.

COTTON.—LiranrooL, MAT 21.—The market closed
with firmness, but without change in prices. The sales
amounted to 7,000 bales, including 1,000 for ezport and
1,000 on speculation, and comprise 420 Pernams and Momen-
tms, 131 d. to 71d. ; 30 Bahia, Bid.; 400 Egyptian, 7+d. to
91d.; 1,000 Bunts, 31d. to 4,14.; 40 Sea blands, 21d.
to 2s. ld.

SILL—The subjoined observations on this market are
extracted from the monthly circular of Mears. Durant and
Co., dated May 21: " All from well in silk. The manufac-
turers have had a poi spring trade, the deliveries continue
krp, and considerable business has been done with com-
paratively little change in prices. In Chins silk matters
were progressing quiet' with the slightly upward tendency
reported last month, y the arrival of the telegraphic news
from China on the 12th inst. This bad not much effect
upon the trade, but jobbers thought it sufficiently im-
portant to take all that was to be found at old prices ; and
is the little excitement that followed, prices were pushed
up Bd. per lb., at which much of the purchases have been
resold. Importer generally hold back their silk, but the
quantity In Ant hands is not large—only 4,000 bales. Prices
may now be quoted a full Is. per lb. above the forted sake
of Pebevaii and March. In Bengal silk we have only mo-
derate business. The difficulty with the tbrowsten continues
undiminished—the wily feature is the eagerness with which
the iket-rate filature al is taken for continental use. In
Italian silk there is again nothing to notice--at one moment
it was feared that the coming crop might have suffered'
from the severe weather of a fortnight sines, but all is be-
fiend to be progressing favourably at present. In Brutla
silk, we mem to have reached the close of the season—the
last arrivals were only 27 bales, and then were sold on
landing at an advises of M. per lb. In Persian silk the
arrivals have ben 400 ballots—the quiet state of affain
ported last mesa eaatinned for another ten days—business
was then Wised by a reduction of le. per lb. on the corn-
lIIAPB, and M. pm lb. on the best sort—about 900 ballots
&waging beads—the market then miffesed again, and be-
dew baseless been done to a moderate extent at an int-
pcomniost of 3d. to 4d. in the coarser kinds."

WOOLLEN CLOTH.—Lienne, Mis 21.—There has
been only a moderate business done in the cloth halls to-
day. The absence of many clothiers from the market who
are at present attending the London wool tales, and no
Feat eagerness on the part of the merchants to purchase
beyond their actual wants, together here caused a flat and
quiet aspect to be the dietragaiehing feature of this day's
market. The trade In the warehouees, dining the early
part of the week, was very still; but along with a genial
and beautiful change in the weather on Thursday there
came several buyers-into the town, which has given consider-
able activity, and a better tone to the business of the week.

H&RDW

num, MAY 21.—Trade here is

still very brisk ; the men are still working overtime in many
of the manufactories, and orders continue to come in freely.
The demand for our icods for export is fully as great as it has
bun at any time during the last eighteen months. From
the district the accounts are also favourable, except as re-
gards the workmen, who will not work more than two-
thirds time. The prices of heavy goods, chains, and such
articles has somewhat declined, in anticipation of a fall in
the price of iron, bars being now to be purchased freely at
16s. below the price recognised by the trade. In the matter
of Mr. Attwood's affair, it is understood that he is simply
eking for time, all the creditors being paid in

CORN.—Boavorr, May 21.—The show of Wheat at OW
market hu been again small to-day, and Wednesday's prices
fully supported: red, 45e. to 465. ; white, 495. Fair inquiry
for Beans, at extreme rata.
CAMBRIDGE. May 21.—Our market was again cheaper for
Wheat. Other corn unaltered in value. Wheat. red,
38s. to 41s. ; white, 445. to 465. Barley, 265. to 275. Beans,
1334. to 83s. Pus, 325. to 345. Oats, 18s. to 225.
- • • ••

CANTIABOST, May 21.—We had a very dull sale, at
and a tolerably good supply. Brown Wheat, 365. to 435. •
whim, 38a. to 461. Barley, 31s. 6d. to 365. Oats, 2a.
Peas, 333. to 36e.
COLCIIISTER, May 21.—A good supply of Wheat; the
sale slow, at a decline of ls. to 2s. Barley almost nominal
in demand, and a quantity on sale. Beans and Peas fully
supported late rates, and in some instances ls. advance was
obtained.
- -

••••••••••,•••
GLOVCRISTIR, May 21.—There was a moderate show of
English Wheat at this day's market, which met with but
little attention at Is. per quarter decline. Fine samples of
foreign sustained late rates; inferior kinds unsaleable.
Batley as last noted, with but little demand. Beans firm.
Oats find buyers at fully the prices of last week. We have
had a week of vary forcing weather. Arrivals of the week
ending May 21; Wheat, 1,096; Barley, 177; Oat., 4,663;
Beans, .116.
ounmyoari, May 21.—The same dallier prevailed in our
Wheat tmde to-day as noticed for several weeks past.
Prices were Is. per qr. lower, with a limited demand. Su-
perior sorts quite anseeable. Wheat, 32a. to 625. Barley,
N.. to nc, cr;ata, 181. to 235. Beans, Hs. to 395. Peas,
365. to 371.
111IITFORD,. Mer 21.—The Wheat trade to-day heavy at
last week's prices, supply fair. But little doing in Barley ;
prices supported. °eta ruled dull. Peas and Beans made
fully es much money. Wheat, 235. to 355. per Wed. Barley,
235. to 325. per qr. 0:U, 16s. to 245. Peas, 22e. to 2U.
per load. Beans, 225. to 275. Tares, 235. to 281. Bye,
19s. to 21s. _ . .

MAY 21.—The farther decline in the
value of wheat at Mask-lane on Monday last, ewe-
bleed with meet Wheat weeds: and the holWeis weal

this week, have e.aused an almost total suspension of bold- I
nes, since that day. With the exception of liberal *twins
of wheat, Indian corn, and flour from abroad, the arrivals '
at Liverpool are very light. Our market this morning woe
of in inactive character, but holders of good fresh flour
were firm, and previous prices were supported. In wheat
nn charge occurred. Oats and oatmeal the turn d .
Brans Is. per qr. higher.
Nawcarn.a-crow-Trxit, May 21.—The trade during
the week has ruled steady in spits of the ,flat reports from
Mark-lane ; fine new foreign red Wheats have sold at 48s.
per qr. of 6311)4. without difficulty, and other sorts in pro-
portion, whilst at the same time Flour has moved off rather
more freely than of late. With the exception of grinding
Barley, which has receded further in value; all other
articles have remained without any variation of
moment. At our market this morning we had a moderate
show of Wheat from the growers, and having very little
offering ex.ship, ft( eh. thrashed samples were readily cleared
at the extreme rates of this day se'nnight, anything extra
commanding a trifle more money. For Flour there was
rather more inquiry, but in its value we have no alteration
to note. In Rye little stirring. Grinding Barley met little
attention, although offered freely at former prices. Malt
in steady request, and inclining upwards. Beans were more
sought after, and must be written the turn dearer. Boiling
Peas much before. With Oats we were moderately sup-
plied by our growers, and the arrivals coastwise being also
more liberal than ol late, all descriptions sold more freely,
but any attempt at advance was sternly resisted by our
buyers. The arrivals this week are : Wheat, coastwise,
160 qrs. ; foreign, 2,909; Rye, 170 ; Barley, coastwise, 48 ;
foreign, 256; Malt, coastwise, 100; Oats, foreign, 480;
Flour, 800 sacks.
Noawtcu, May 21.—Our market to-day was thinly
attended by farmers ; the show of Wheat in geed condition ;
quantity small. The reports of the leading markets being
of a downward tendency, buyers required a reduction of 2s.
per qr. on the prices of this day week. Sellers were firm,
and a good deal was unsold at the close of the market.
We quote lc, per qr. reduction. Flour was held for the
same money, and met with but little attention. Barley,
for grinding purposes, realised full rates. Beans and Peas
were very small offer ; demand good; and an advance of
21. per qr. was established. Oats were a free sale at late
prices. Wheat, white, 451. to 48e. per qr. ; red, 40s. to
42e. Barley, grinding, 28s. to 30s. Beans, 38s. to 40s.
Peas, 351. to 375. Oats, 231. to 265. Fine household Flour,
Lmb., 31s. 6d. per sack of 2801b5., purchasers finding sacks
and claiming one month's credit.
- - -

PETZHBObOUGH. May 21.—There was a good supply of
Wheat here to-day, but that of spring Corn was very small,
fine Wheat the turn dearer. Secondary and inferior de-
scriptions made last week's prices. Barley and Oats each
made rather more money, and Beans realised hilly Is. per
qr. over late rates.
-

READING, May 21.—We b►d a moderate supply of
Wheat to day, most of which wu of very middling quality ;
indeed, the trade wu excessively dull, at a decline of 2s.
per qr. One parcel of fins old elite= Wheat made 15s. per
load. Summer Corn without alteration.

WISBECII, May 21.—We are fairly supplied with Wheat
here to-day, but of other grain short. Good fresh Miller's
Wheat fully supports the prices of this day week, with a
healthy demand. Oats and Barley as before, and Beans Is.
dearer.

WORCESTER, May 21.—At this day's market there was
an increased supply of Wheat from the farmers, and in
some instances lower prices were submitted to, but holders
were generally firm. Barley maintained its value. Oats
fully as dear. Beans scarce and a good deal inquired for.
Foltz, May 21.—We have a moderate show of Wheat
at this day's market, which met • fair sale at last week's
prices. No Barley offering. In other articles no altera-
tion. Wheat, white, 50s. to 525. per imperial qr.; red,
465. to 495. Beans, 375. to 395. Malt, Us. to 60s. Oats,
9d. to 91d. per stonc of 141 be. Flour, 365. to 395. per sack
1 of 2601b5.

WATERFORD, May 21.—Our week's list of imports shows
an arrival from abroad of only 2,647 qrs. of Wheat; there
are, however, two or three mrgoea of French Indian Corn
in the river not yet reported. Our market this week has
exhibited very little activity, but a fair amount of basalt's
has been transacted, and prices, considering the discouraging
accounts from London, pretty well sustained. Wheat:
There has been a fair inquiry for the better descriptions of
foreign at 6d. per barrel under the quotations of this day
se'nnight ; secondary sorts difficult of sale, except at prices
to which holders are indisposed to submit. Barley main-
tains its value, but Oats are easier to purchase, and must be
noted Id. to 2d. per barrel lower. Indian Corn in better
demand, at the currency of Saturday last. Flour cheaper
by 61. per sack. Imports this week :—Wheat, 2,647 qrs. ;
Flour, 60 sacks. Exports this week: Wheat, 77 brie.;
Barley, •70 Oats, 4,875 ; Flour, 350 sacks ; Oatmeal, 120 carts.

KIRKCALDY, May 21.—At our country markets, this
week, we had hardly u much grain offering as sufficed for
the wants of local consumen, for which they had to pay
very full prices,—in some instances Is. per qr. advance on
fresh Wheat. No Barley offering. Here, to-day, we had a
fair supply of Wheat and Oats, and a few small parcels of
Barley. Sales ready for all sorts, and at prices not obtain-
able last market-day. Wheat, 425. to 81s. per tir. ; Barley,
275. to Ws. Oats, 18s. to 224.. Oatmeal, per bag of 2801b5.,
28e. to 295.

POULTRY, ac.-EIW4I.ILTI AND LIADINNALL, MAY
21.-Ocese, 4e. to 7s.od. ; turkeys, 38.6 d. to Bs. emh ; docks,
24. 3d. to 31.3 d. ; tame rabbits, Is. 6d. to la. 10d. ; wild ditto,
841 to le. 2d. ; pigeons, 7d. to 9d. each ; roasting pigs, Os.
Od. to Os. Od. each ; Surrey fowls, 6s. to 91. Od. ; ditto
chickens, 6e. to 7e. Od. ; barn-door fowls, 3a. Od. to 6s. per
couple ; pheasants, Os. to Os.; partridges, Os. Od. to Os. Od. ;
hares, 2s. Od. to 2s. 9d. ; leverets, Os. to Os. Od. ; woodcocks,
2s. Bd. to 3a.6d. ; grouse, Os. to Os.; snipes, 9d.to Is. 6d. ; teal,
13d. to 9d. ; wild ducks, Is. 3d. to 24. Od. ; widgeons, 9d. to
le. Od. ; end plovers, 6d. to le. each. English eggs, 78.64. to
Bs. 3d.; French ditto,Bl. Bd. to 7s. Od. per 120;- Fresh but-
ter, it. to la. 2d. per lb.

FISH.-Bumnsosewrs, MAY 21.-Salmon, Is. 6d. to 2s.
par lb.; turbots, 6e. Od. to 125.; brills, Os. Od. to Os. ; cod fish,
2s. 6d. to 71. Od. each ; soles, Bd. to 21. 241. per pair ; Eels,
6d. to le. per lb.; lobsters, Bd. to 25.; crabs, 6d. to 2s. Od.
each ; whitings ' , 31. Od. to 6s. per dos. • haddocks, 4d. to ls.
Od.; dory', 2s. 6d.to 10e. ; mullets, ls. to be. each ; common
oysters, 61. tol2s. • natiyes, 36e.t0 42a.per bushel; mackerel,
40s. to 60a. per 100 ; smelts, 6d. to Is. 6d. per doz. ; skate,
64. to Od. per lb.; shrimps, Is. 6d. to ?a. 3d. per gallon ;
bloaters, la. Id. to 2s. 3d. per dozen ; fresh herrings, 3e. to
3s. 9d. per 100 ; plaice, 4s. to 6s. per 100; ear"! 18.0.
Is. each; tench, Is. to 24. per brace; gurnets, 64. to Is.
each; halibut, 6d. per lb. ; salt flsh,2d. to bd. per lb.

SNIPPING INTELLIG.ENCP.

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SEABORNE MAILS.
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