The Express.
London, England, 1867-08-13 00:00:00

THE EXPRESS, TUESDAY EVENING, AUGUST 13i 1867.

OUR CONTEMPORAMII3.

(THIS DAY.)

Tin =rola( BILL AGBIZD TO.

The Times regards it as unfortunate for Earl
Derby that he attempted to give his reasons yesterday for
the-Doane which he recommended the house to adopt.
By insisting at length on the superior policy of the Lords'
amendments, he contrived to exalt the power of the Com-
mons, and to reduce his own house to a position of
insignificaoce. The supposed necessity of his case
led him into a strange series of contradictions.
The reduction of the copyhold and leasehold franchises
would be inoperative except so far as to bring a certain ad-
ditional number of voters on to the register ; yet the re-
duction ought to have been resisted. Voting papers might
be abused, yet they ought to have been adopted. Trian-
gular constituencies have not worked well without a pro-
vision for securing the representation of minorities, and
they ought not to be increased in number with such a pro.
vision incorporated in the law. On the whole, the Com.
mons were wrong on every point, but they must be allowed
to have their own way. Had his lordship simply pleaded
the advanced period of the session, and the necessity of
preventing all chance of a failure of the Reform Bill, be
would have said enough, and would have consulted the
dignity of the house.

The Lords, the Daily Pews says, have afforded another
proof that the logic of necessity is the only kind of de-
monstration which is really cogent and convincing to the
possessors of hereditary wisdom. Clearly, when the time
cornea for attempting to extend the principle of the repro
sentation of minorities to constituencies small enough to be
under territorial or other influence, Lord Derby, with the
whole force of the conservative party behind him, will
oppose an obstinate resistance, and the milder whip and
nominal liberals will be found on the same side. The
representation of minorities in populous constituencies is
regarded by them as a check upon and safeguard against
democracy. In smaller constituencies they believe that it
would favour democracy. With regard to the other rejected
amendments, Lord Derby protested against the decision
as to the voting papers, on the ground that any reduction
of the franchise is in itself a thing to be deprecated, and
he further remarked that the lodger franchise had been
forced on the government by the House of Commons. It
is satisfactory after all Mr. Disraeli's pretences to have
this explicit acknowledgment from his lordship. The
country will now know whom to thank for it.

The Herald hopes that before the time ;lines for enter-
taining the question of the representation of the minorities,
Lord Derby will have learned to take another view of it
than that which he now shares with Mr. Bright. It may
be that the ultimate effect of the present measure will be
to give the overwhelming power to one class, but that
clus, thanks to the representation of minorities, which
cannot fail to be more extensively applied, will be at least
compelled to hear before it decides.

The Standard pay. an elaborate tribute to the Chan-
cellor of the Exchequer. No man since the days when
Pitt encountered the coalition ever displayed in greater
perfection, under greater disadvantages, the courage and
the caution, the firmness and the pliancy of true policy ;
and however great may be the honour of having his name
connected in history with the second great English Re-
form Bill, Mr. Disraeli has amply earned and well de-
serves it.

TOPICS.

Yeirterday's debate on the Indian budget was chiefly
remarkable, says the Times, as revealing the diversities of
opinion which prevail among men who are justly supposed
to know the state and politics of India. The English
public will find it difficult to decide where the doctors dis-
agree so absolutely. Mr. Ayrton has a decidedly low
opinion of the country, while Mr. Laing, on the other
hand, takes up the defence of the Indian government. Mr.
Ling and Lord Cranborne believe that the Indian rulers
have done remarkably well, but that they would do much
better if they were allowed to act with more independence.
Mr. Mill, on the other hand, defended councils, alleging
that the deliberative part of government in a country like
India, where the natives could do little for themselves,
was as important as the executive. The benefits of both
systems may surely, remarks the Timcs, be combined by
taking care to choose only able men, by making them
fully responsible, and giving them councils, not to control,
but to advise them.

The Post highly praises Mr. Ayrton's speech, and adopts
generally his suggestions.

The Doily New quotes from the lettere given in the
pamphlet which has been published is Paris under the
title of " The Court of Rome and the Emperor Maxi-
milian," and gives in parallel columns some ex-
tracts of • letter written by the Emperor in 1865,
and from the proclamation, proclaiming martial law,
which WM Malted only three months afterwards.
The comparison must satisfy, the Daily News thinks, all
but the most implacable enemies of the unfortunate Prince
that although both documents bear his signature, they did
not proceed from the same hand. The one bears the im-
press of truth and courage, and the megnanimity.which
can do justice to enemies ; the other combines the spirit of
Algerian cruelty with a mendacity of which there are
examples in the proclamations of the First Napoleon. At
the trial of Maximilian it was alleged by his advocate that
the proclamation was the work of the French general, and
that its signature was obtained from the ex-Emperor by
tho 11F"1* of overwhelming Pres:aura A::
!tea C~i6uid-
stances favour We explanation.
The government having declared that they will endea-
vour to pass the Parks Regulation Bill, the Star urges the
liberal members to do their utmost to defeat the attempt.
A measure of the present parliament on such a subject can
have no authority, even were her Majesty likely to grant
her assent to an act depriving the people of an occasional
use for the noblest of purposes of a royal perk wholly de-
voted to the public.

Discussing the affairs of the Great Be tern Company,
the Times suggests that it would be by no means a profit-
less task to inquire into the eirsumstanees of the adminis-
tration and policy which have brought this great company
into its present position. We have all its debt. and its
liabilities placed at length before us, but how and for what
purposes were these successive obligations incurred?
When did theGreatFmrtern take the first step downwards?
There was no mistake about the original speculation. The
traffic of the line has exceeded all reasonable anticipations,
and in comparison with other liner it has not been exposed
to very serious competition. Where, then, did the mis-
chief begin which has ended in such calamitous embarrass-
ment ?

Mr. Newdegate will call the attention of the
House of Commons on Friday to certain circumstances
connected with the select oommittee appointed to consider,
to hear evidence with respect to, and to report upon the
Ecclesiastical Titles and Roman Catholic Relief Acts, to
the evidence taken by, to the proceedings, ant to the
report of the above committee ; and to make a motion.
Mr. Seely intends next session to move that,
in the opinion of this house, the control and management
of the dockyards is inefficient, and that the inefficiency
may be attributed to the following mules The con-
stitution of the Board of Admiralty; 2. The defective
organisation of the subordinate departments; and 3. The
want of clear and well-defined responsibility.
Sir John Gray has given notice that next session
he will bring forward a bill to repeal so much of an act,
intituled " An Act for the relief of his Majesty's Roman
Catholic Subjects," as imposes penalties and disquali-
fications on members of religions orders, communities, or
societies of the church of Rome bound by monastic or
religious vows, resident within the United Ringdon.
Mr. Laird will ask the Secretary to the Treasury,
on Thursday, whether before coming to any decision as to
accepting tenders for the conveyance of the East India,
China, and Australian Mails, her Majesty's government
will afford the house en opportunity next session of giving
an opinion on the subject. And, if in consequence of
postponing the decision, any temporary arrangement may
be requisite for the conveyance of the mails, whether her
Majesty's government have made or are prepared to make
such arrangement.

On Thursday Mr. Hadfield will ask the Chan-
cellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been drawn to
the case of Mr. Pbocion Foster, farmer, of North Currey,
a prisoner in Taunton Gaol, for non-payment of 15s. 71d.
ehurch-rste,l47l. 6e. 1 id. oats, and if. 15e. for a monition—.
total, 14W. 16s. 9id.; and to the case of Mr. James Brighton
Grant, a prisoner since 15th of March last in Whites:rose-
street Prison for 1/. 13s. chureb-rate, and 257/. costa, as
masted in his petition to this house on 6th Jane last ; sad
whether the government will adopt measures for the early
release of these prisonern

the Court.

OSBORNE, Auouss2.
The King of the Belgians, attended by Count
Van der Straten•Pontboz, M. de Van:, M. Brewer, and
Dr. Wimmer, arrived at Osborne at half.paat ten o'clock,
from Ostend.

His Majesty was received on landing from his yacht at
Trinity Pier, West Cowes, by Captain the Prince of
Leiningen, the Hon. Mortimer Seek-vine West, Groom in
Waiting, and Major-Gener►l H. Seymour, Equerry in
Waiting, and drove from thence to Osborne, where his
Majesty was received at the entrance hall by the Queen
and the royal family, and the ladies and gentlemen in
waiting.
The Right Hon. J. Wilson Patten has left Osborne for
London.

The Princess of Wales drove out yesterday afternoon,
►ttended by the Hon. Mrs. Hardinge.

VISIT OF H.R.H. THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE TO
CHATHAR.—Yesterday Warning his Royal Highness the
Duke of Cambridge, K.G., Field-Marshal, Commanding-in.
Chief, paid en official visit to this garrison, for the purpose of
inspecting the troops in the district. The whole of the
troops were armed with the Snider breech-loader, and
each man supplied with twenty rounds of blank cartridge.
On his arrival, the Duke was received with a gener►l
salute, and, after Inspecting the front and rear of the
columns, his royal highness took up his position at the
flagstaff, when the entire force marched past in grand
divisions, and afterwards in contiguous columns of com-
panies. Arrangements were then made for en extended
series of field-day manumvres, having for their object the
repelling an attacking force, which had succeeded in
effecting a landing from the river, and was marching on
the garrison. A series of brilliant movements followed.

The Princess of Wales drove out yesterday after-
noon, attended by the Hon. Mn. H►rdinge.
The Duchess of Newcastle has arrived in Paris
on a I:sit to her mother, Mrs. Hope. The Duke of New-
castle will leave in a few days to join the duchess.
The Marquis and Marchioness of Bristol and
Lady Mary Hervey have arrived at lokwortb Park, Bury
St. Edmund's, from Milton Park, near Peterborough,
where they have been visiting the Hon. Charles and Mrs.
Fitrwilliam.

The Earl and Countess Vane, who left town
yesterday for Wynysrd Park, will entertain a distinguished
party during the Stockton Races.

Frances Countess Waldegrave and the Right
Hon. Chichester Forteecue, M.P., have left town for their
seat, Chewton Abbey, Somersetahire.

_ .
Lord Strathnairn has left town for Dublin, to
mum. bis military duties.

Major-General Hon. James Lindsay and Lady
Sarah Lindsay have arrived in Paris.

The Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, M.P., and
Mn. Gladstone and fandly, left town on Saturday for Pen-
maenmawr, North Wales, for the season.

His Excellency the Lord Lieutenant and suite,
and Lord Strathnairn, arrived on Saturday morning at
Kingstown from Holyhead, by the mail steamer Munster,
en route from London. On arriving at Westland-row sta-
tion, his Excellency entered one of the Vicerepl carriages
which was in waiting, and proceeded to the Viceregal-
lodge, Phoenix-park.
The Bishop of London was able to attend morn-
ing service on Sunday ►t Fulham parish church, and yes-
terday was present at the meeting of the Ritual Commis-
sion in the Jerusalem Chamber.

The Empress and the Queen of Portugal were
present the evening before last at the performance in the
Chinese theatre of the Exhibitioa.

The Prince de la Tour d'Auvergne, the French
Ambassador in London, hu gone to Vichy.
The Empress received on Friday at the Palace of
the Tuileries the Grand Dual Prince Alexander of Huse
and his wife, the Princess of Battenberg.

The Prince and Princess Napoleon have arriv d
at Pau, on their way to Eau: Bonne,

General Altnonte, the late Mexican representa-
tive at the Court of the Tuileries, has left Paris for Carls-
bad.

The Journal de Liege states that the Empress
Charlotte is still entirely ignorant of her sad bereavement.
The late Duke de Morny's estates at Deauville
are about to be sold. He erected this pleasant watering-
place under imperial patronage, but ft has not attracted
visitors, and property there Is very much depreciated.
The Journal de Paris says :—" We learn from
Rome that the Pope is highly satisfied with the ' stay,'
• journey,' or 'minion,' of General Dumont. The final
interview between the Pope and the general was most
cordial. After a conversation concerning the legion of
Antibes and Garibaldi, the general is said to have ex-
pressed the pleasure France and the Emperor Napoleon
would feel at the Pope %kiting the exhibition. 'We are
very old and much fatigued to make such a journey,'
said his Holiness, ' besides, are wo not already sufficiently
exhibited"

Count Walewski, with his family, has just passed
through Amphion (Haste Savoie), on his way to his seat
of Villa Irene, near the Lake of Geneva.

The French Orpheoniata held their festival on
liunday at the Cirque de l'lmperatrioe. The societies b 7
which they were joined swelled their numbers to a con.
siderable extent, and on their way in a body from their
bead-quarters, preceded by dogs and banners, formed an
imposing procession.

The Universal Exhibition has not yet been en-
tirely abandoned by royal personages. During the past
week the King of Sweden, Prince Albert and Prince
Charles of Prussia, and Prince Michael of !Jervis made
repeated visits to the Champ de Mars.

The Tycoon of Japan, who is childless, has de-
cided, in sword with the chief daimios, that his younger
brother, Prince Miu-Bou-Taiou, now in Paris, shall be de-
clared his legal successor. In order that this heir to the
Japanese throne should receive an education suitable to
his high position, the Tycoon has requested the Emperor
Napoleon to appoint a governor for him, whose duty will
be to direct his studies during the four years which the
prince is to pass in France. The Emperor, acceding to
that desire, has named Lieutenant-Colonel Vilette, of the
staff, aide-de-camp to the Minister of War, to be governor
of the prince.

The Figaro speaks of a little revolution which is
said to have occurred in the household of the Prince Im-
perial. It says :—" M. Meunier, his preceptor, cannot
agree with the Prince's Governor, General Frossard, and
has consequently sent in his resignation. The Emperor is
believed to have the highest opinion of the capacity and
scientific attainments of the general, who has himself
educated his two sone so well that they have passed
through the Polytechnic School with great success. The
Emperor is said to have accepted the resignation of M.
Meunier, and given the complete control to the generaL
The education of the young prince is to receive a decidedly
scientific direction."

The Italian journals state that Mgr. d'Aoquisto,
Archbishop of Moore&le, has died of cholera. The Italie
of Florence mentions a rumour that the Archbishop of
Palermo has been attacked.

The Italie of Florence announces that General
de Is Marmon' has left Florence for Bologna, on his way
to Venice. He is said to intend proceeding thence to
Vienna and ultimately to Paris.

The banks of the Lake of Constance are at the
present moment covered with vast numbers of dead fish,
the result of a malady prevailing among them. A similar
epidemic recently prevailed in the waters of the Lake of
Geneva.

Count de Castel Girone, aged 10, and the Prin-
cess Pie, aged 18, son and daughter of the late Queen
Dowager of Naples, have also been attacked with cholera,
but are both recovering.

The Rev. Mr. Kell, the Southampton antiquary,
states that upwards of 1,800 coins of Roman Emperors
were dug up recently at the Milit►ry Hospital at Netley,
on Southampton Water ; that more than half of them
were Tetricuses, senior and junior ; and that a great many
belong to Victorious and Claudius Gothicus. Mr. Kell
thinks this confirms the opinion that these emperors
assumed the sovereignty of Britain, and that the head.
quarters of Tetricus was at Clauseutum, about four miles
from Netley. At Clauaentum, at Cadenbam, in the New
Forest, and at Sholing, three miles from Netley, Roman
coins have been found, the majority of which have been
Tetricuses. At Farringford, in the Isle of Wight, the seat
of the Poet Laureate, Tetriousee have also been found.

: LATEST 1110ALIGENOL
crititi JAPAN.

The China Mail (Hong Kong) of June 29 reports
that the prohibition of tha importation of rice into
Japan has been withdrawn, and large quantities
have been imported, much to the satisfaction of
the natives. We read :
The Japanese are beginning to perceive the advantages
of free trade. They are perceiving gradually that we can
supply them with cotton manufactured goods cheaper and,
better than they can supply themselves from their native.
grown cotton, that we can return to them their silk made up
into fabrics such as they do not attempt—that there is
plenty of room for increase in the growth of tea to
supply us with a quantity after they have reserved
enough for their own use—sod finally that is seasons when
their main stay, rice, is at famine prices, we can obtain
it in quantities and lay it down at rates that give im-
mediate relief. These facts are working a prodigious
change among them, and will waist much in expediting
the better state of intercourse that is every day showing
itself.

Some political differences have arisen between
the Daimios and the new Shogoon, with respect
to the opening of Osaka, one of the new ports.
Thirteen clipper ships left Foochow for London,
with tea, on various dates between May 31 and June
18 The Taewan, which sailed from Foochow on
the 20th June, got ashore on the North Bank, in
the river Min, and is reported by Lloyd's agents as
a total wreck. She had 789,5001b5. of tea on board.
The second crop of silk is reported at Canton to
be coming in very slowly from the country ;
holders in the interior are holding for very full
prices. Rates in a few settlements are nominally
higher all round. The silk market at Shanghai
was opened early in the month ; the chief pur-
chases are said to have been made by young and
inexperienced houses, the other firms having ab-
stained from entering the market.
The tea season has commenced at prices fully
equal to those of last year. Export from Foochow
alone about 14,000,0001b3.
Sir Rutherford A lcock is visiting the ports in
succession, to judge for himself by observation and
in communication with the merchants on the spot,
what had been the working of the treaty of Tien-
tsin and wherein it was imperfect or defective,
or might with advantage be modified. He was
last at Swatow.

Strong representations have been made to Sir R.
Alcock by residents at the Yangtze ports, in favour
of inland navigation by small steamers. The Minis-
ter's reply was undecided, but somewhat favour-
able.

The United States ships Hartford and Wyoming
visited the scene of the wreck of the Rover, south
coast of Formosa. A landing was resisted by the
natives, by whose fire Lieut.-Commander Mackenzie
was killed. Some concerted action between the
foreign powers is necessary for the protection of
commerce. The Chinese authority there is purely
mythical, and the government will not interfere
unless backed by foreign aid.
Several lights are to be erected forthwith at the
mouth of Yangtze.

Closing prices: Gold, 140 i. •Bterling exchange
ea Leedom, 104. 5-0 United States Bonds, 114.
Illinc*, 119 ; Erie, 70i. Cotton : Middling Up-
land, 11111.

PHILADELPHIA, Atova 12.
Standard white petroleum, 28.

IL T. W.
N &fru 19.97 62' W.
Aberdeeo 29. t 68 B.&W.
Leith .1U.0191
AA-roman 30.01 611 L
Greeacsatk 29.1/7 60! N. E.
Valaatla 2086 02 N. X.
Rochea Point It St 111 &X
Liverpool 30.00 7 &Z.
Holyhead '9.03 e 7 LICE
Noma 29.92 03,
Bred 10.36 72, B.E
Lore 65 20 .84 10 IL
Rochefort SRN 70' E.N.X
Plymouth 19.96 611
Weymouth 90.0309
Portsmouth D 1.03 70' 129.6
Loudon 30.10 GB SAX
Yarmouth 30.14 66' 14.71.5.
Scarborough 30.10 061 &
shields
Helder

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The atmospherical pressure, which is greatest hi the south-
east, has decreased since yesterday, and is now gener.dly de-
creasing. Temperature has risen on the south-coast, where
winds are sonth-essterly and moderate. Weather Is due short
but severe thunderstorm is reported front Liverpool,

A St. Petersburg letter states that there is every
prospect of an excellent harvest in Southern Russia. The
wheat crop espedilly is magnificent all along the coasts of
the Sea of Azoff. From the state of the markets in
Western Europe higher prices and an increased exportation
from the Black Sea ports an anticipated.

The Tycoon has just authorised the opening at
Japan of • third maritime city, named Tatusoga, which
maintains very active relations with Osaka and Hiogo.
The city his an excellent port on the inland sea, which
serves as a useful entrepot for silks, silkworms, and grain.

A petition of a curious kind has been presented
to the Assembly at Melbourne in reference to the Educa-
tion Bill. It was from a number of Chinese, and was
written in Chinese characters, accompanied by an English
translation. It was addressed "to the honourable and uni-
versally-respected gentlemen in Parliament assembled, de-
liberating on the honourable affairs of state in obedience to
the dictates of heavenly reason, and for the furtherance
of the well-being of the people." It then stated
that the petitioners had heard that • proposal had been
submitted for establishing among the Chinese schools for
instructing them in their own and in English letters.
They felt that the proposal indicated • benevolent heart
and a philanthropic purpose ; and approaching the
presence of parliament with "profound prostration,"
they hoped that it would give effect to this laudable pro-
ject, "seeing that it is one that will help to show us igno-
rant people that we are now to reject the evil and prefer
the good."
Rabbits hare increased in such numbers in Vic-
toria that warrens are now formed in various parts of
the country, where good sport is obtained. The sandy
soil is particularly favourable to them, and they are re-
' pidly increasing. English hares are also beginning to
show themselves in places where they were not suspected
to be. Another flock of Angora goats had been received
from the Cape of Good Hope.
THE LOSS OF THE MISSIONARY BARQr It JOHN
WILLIAMS. —The report of the loss of the missionary barque
John Williams, on the north end of Savage Island, has
been confirmed by the arrival at Sydney of Captain Wil-
liams and the officers and crew in the brig Towers, from
Tahiti, via Navigators'lsland. From theparticularesopplied
by Captain Williams, it seems that on the 9th of
January the ship was off Savage Island, and the boats went
on shore. At evening the boats returned to the vessel,
which was then four or five miles from the shore, and as
the wind was getting light, all sail was made. The wind
soon after fell off altogether, and as the ship was getting
near the reef, the boats were got out and sent ahead
to tow. Blue lights were burned, and • man was
kept sounding, but could find no bottom with the
deep-sea line. At half-past 10 o'clock at night the boats
were called alongside, and the ladies and children, and
I then the other passengers and the crew, were got into the
boats. As soon as the boats left off ulling the ship's
head turned to the reef and she was almost
in the breakers when the boats quitted her. She
struck at 11 o'clock, with a tremendous crash. The
boats, with their freight of 72 souls, got to the
shore, and their passengers were taken through the surf,
two or three at • time, in • canoe, by the natives. All
were landed safely. The next morning the ship was seen
lying on the reef, with her back broken, and the sea break-
ing right over her. Some natives went on board, but mild
succeed in saving only very little of the goods.—Mdbourne
Argus, June 27.

LONDON AND SOUTH WESTERN BANE
(LIMITED).-(THIS DAY.)

The half-yearly meeting of the shareholders was
held at 1 o'clock at the City Terminus Hotel, Cannon. ets., railway station, Mr. Glossa Kane in the chair.
The SRCRETARY (Mr. Cleather) having read the notice
convening the meeting, the following report and balance
sheet were presented :
" The directors beg to premmtibeir meal report for the
half•year ending 30th June last. It having been intimated
at the last meeting that the board had under consideration
the desirability of writing off from the reserve fund the
entire amount of preliminary charges and expenses con.
netted with the establishment of branches, the direct.),
have carried out that operation, so that in future all cur.
plus profits will be carried to the former account. The
directors have opened a branch of the bank at Clapham,
with every prospect of success, and they have much
satisfaction in stating that the branches recently opened
in the London districts are progressing most favourably.
On the other hand the directors, in accordance with their
a:premed determination to close say blanch which, after
a fair trial, has not proved remunerative, have made satis-
factory arrangement, with a local banking firm for the
transfer of the business of three branches of the beak in
the county of CornwalL By this proceeding a considerable
saving will be effected in the annual expenses. ree
directors recommend that a dividend be declared at the
rate of 5 per cent. per annum (free of income tax), and
that the balance of 8811. 9a. 11d., inclediag 5161. 3.4 d,,
rebate on bills not due, be carried to prolit and loss new
amount. The dividend will be payable at the Head-office,
or at any of the branches, on and after the 20th instant.
" Balance Sheet. -Dr. :To capital paid-up, 200,010 t. •
to reserve fund (after writing off preliminary expenses mil
cost of establishing all branches opened to 30th June,
1867), 3,0001. ; to amount due by the bank on current, de.
posit, and other accounts, 479,564/. 7e. 3d. ; to liabilities
on acceptances, 15,850/. • to balance of profit and
loss brought from iit'st account, 1,002/. 19s. fid. ;
to gross profits for the half•year 16,673/. 7s. 10d. ;
together, 17,676 k 7s. 3d. • total, 716,0901. 14s. 6d.
Cr.-By cash in hand and at till, 43,5011. 9. 4d. ; by Mai
discounted and temporary advances to customers, 638,28 X
13s. 7d.;),by bank premises, freehold and leasehold, form.
bum and fixtures' 22,5041. 14e. 3d. ; by current expenses,
head office and branches, 8,4271.195. Bd. ; by intend;
paid on current and deposit amounts, Sze., 3,3661. 17.8 d.;
total, 716,0901.14,. 6d.
" Profit and loss amount. -To current expenses as
above, 8,4271. 19s. Bd. ; to interest paid, 3,3361. 17a. Bd. ;
to dividend at the rate of 5 per cent per annum, 5,0001. •
carried forward to profit sad loss new account :- Rehm.'
on bills not due, 5161. 2. 4d ; balance of unappropriated
profit, 365/. 7a. 7d. ; together 8811. 9a. ILI. -total, 17,6764
7s. 3d. ; by balsam brought from last account, 1,0021.
19a. sd. ; by gross profits for the half•year, 16,673/. 7e,
10d.-total, 17,676/. 7s. 3d."
The CHAIRMAN, in moving the adoption of the report,
said when they last met there was a general impresson
that they were on the eve of a revival of business ; but
that had proved a mistake, and every one would
admit that the last half-year was a period of
great depression. Under these circumstances he considered
the result of the wmidng satisfactory. There was an ia.
crease of 33,0001. is the deposit and • =rent meounta, sat
since the close of the half-year 30,0001. more had been added
to the gross amount. The number of new account.
opened from the beginning of the year WAS 657.
The gross profits, indeed, showed some diminution,
but with such a low rate of interest that was
not surprising. The unprofitable branches bad been
disposed of, and the new branches opened during the last
eighteen months had proved remunerative. The . of the
half-year were about 1001. The bank was steadily propos.
sing, and he believed it had agreat f uture before it. (Cheers.)
Mr. H. W. °REM (a director), seconded the motion,
which, after a short discussion, was put and adopted.
A dividend at the rate of 5 per cent. per annum sem
afterwards declared, and the proceedings terminated with
the customary votes of thanks.

LONDON AICD BLACKWALL RAILWAY.
(TBIS DAY.)

This day the ordinary half-yearly meeting of
shareholder* was held at noon, at the London Tavern.
Mr. F. MACNAGHTEN, the chairman of the company, pre-
siding.
The report, which has been published, was taken as
read.

_
The CHAIRMAN, in moving its adoption, said that in these
days of railway depreciation, when most tines were paying
very small dividends, and some none at all, he thought the
shareholders in this oompaay might be congratulated upon
possessing • secured income in perpetuity of 43 per cent.
An attempt had been made to impair the security of their
income, but be was happy to say that it had been rendered
aboGive. It was et)/ hard, he thought, that they should
be called upon to incur expense in protecting their just
rights, but he was sure the meeting would sanction any
further expenditure, if it became necessary, in
prosecution of a like cause. (Hear, hear.) There
was one other point in the report which
would cause dissatisfaction amongst the shareholders,
he referred to the fact that the directors were not yet in a
position to distribute the balance standing to the credit of
profit and lose account. They had repeatedly urged
upon the Great Eastern board, and apparently
without success, the necessity of satisfactorily
dealing with that matter ; but within the last
few days, he was happy to say, a ino ;event had Lken
place in the right direction, and a settlement would be the
reault. There was a matter affecting the debenture bonds
involving • sum of 5,300 f., which must undergo the
rooess of law. He had no doubt the Great
Easters had had other more weighty questions
to attend to, but that circumstance could not be taken as
an excuse by the directors of the London and Blackwell
line.
Mr. C. Warms', seconded the motion.

Mr. PARSONS moved the following resolution :—" That
in the opinion of this meeting, excepting in the case of the
re-election of any existing directors or auditors, no person
should be eligible to a seat at the board of the London and
Blackwell Railway who shall be the holder of auy mort-
gage or debenture bond, or of debenture stock, or of any
preference or ordinary stock or shares in the Great Eas-
tern Railway Company, or the Northern and Eastern Rail-
way Company, and that any one becoming such holder se
aforesaid, after baying been elected a director or auditor,
shall forfeit his seat at the board or his appointment 11/
auditor."

Mr. P. Flim. seconded the motion.
The SOLICITOR of the company explained that, inaamuck
as the present meeting could not regulate the action a
future meetings, the resolution would remain a dead let-
ter ; but it might be accepted as the enunciation of a
principle.
Mr. PaMunes said the resolution would serve hit pur-
pose.
The resolution was then put and carried with two die.
sentient..

A vote of thanks was then pealed to the chairman, sad
the proceedinp terminated.

THE LORDS AND COMMONS—AMENDED FORMS
OF PROCEDURE.—SeveraI amendments were recently made
in the forms of procedure regulating the communications
between the two houses. The Lords always used to send
messages by the masters•in-chancery, their attendants,
and on special occasions by their assistants, the Judges
of the superior courts. The arrival of these
messages necessarily caused an interruption to the
debate. When the member then speaking had resumed
his seat, the serjeantat-arms went to the table and
announced " • message from the Lords." The Speaker
had to put the question that the messengers be called in,
and then they marched up to the table with three obei•
sances, and read the message or delivered the bills.
They then returned with the same ceremonial. Now
messages and bills are brought down from the Lords
by Sir J. Lefevre, the clerk of the parliament,.
in his wig and gown. When be is seen at the bar, Sir
D. Le Merchant, chief clerk of the House of Commove,
leaves his place at the table, and takes the bills or message.
Bills are sent to the upper from the lower house in the
same way, with the exception of the Appropriation
which is always taken by the Speaker himself. l'oul
within the last two or three years the Lords would
receive no bill or message unless it W brought
by a deputation of eight members. A standing
order of the Lords loftily declares :—" We never send to
the lower house by any members of our own ;" audaddi:
—" But the lower house never send unto us any bet of
their own body." These cumbrous formalities were said
away, and with them went the ordinary conference for
receiving the reasons for disagreeing to the amendment/—
such reasons being quite as conveniently brought up by the
chief clerk or the clerk of the parliameuts.—Seotalaea.
THE WEATHER AND THE HARVEsT.— Since
Thursday last there has been a great change in the weather,
and brilliant sunshine and a high temperature are now
" the order of the day." This change is universally trel•
corned. A large breadth of corn hasbeen cut, and harvest
is now in full swing. Already some forward pieer,.ol
wheat have been carried, and the warm Duna drill
breezes, and high temperature of the last few days mil
have rendered the products of many thousands of acre!
ready for removal to the barn or the stack. The grass
point with our farmers will now be to obtain murkiest
hands to make the beet use of the favourable change.ot
weather. Everywhere the crops are ripening mo
th
marked rapidity, and the important problem le
solve is how to get them harvested in the shortest
possible . time. On a careful estimate of the re-
porta that reach us, we are disposed to adhere
to the opinion in our last, that the actual damage caused
by wind and rain is comparatively limited, and that the
fears entertained have been in a vast measure removed by
the recent delightful change in the weather. The root
crop and pastures have been immensely benefited bl the
recent rains, and the " second crops" of clover bid fair in
many places to be only second in name to the fint. From
the hop districts the accounts come decidedly better. The
change of the weather during the past four days has bees
previousvastly
in favour
ten avourodfathysehpnalannit,reandndy en th
coming upon
bt inh:
gn
raininnof
the .
questionable start. Should the present weather continue,
we may anticipate a emit change in the estimate lately
made as to the probable crop. The coming weft. '6ll
bably be the turning point in the case of some thousands
of acres of hops.—Susses Advertiser.