The Northern Daily Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1856-01-17 00:00:00

THE CRIMEA

A despatch dated Berlin, Wednesday, mentions
that the Invalide Busse publishes a telegraphic
notification received from Prince Gortschakoff,
stating that a party of French, wearing white
cloaks, probably that they might not be so easily
perceived in the snow, had advanced by night and

surprised Baidar. They bayoneted the outpost,
and retreated when the Russian reserves came up.
The Russian loss was three killed and three

wounded

FRANCE.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

PARIS, TUESDAY EVENING.

Of the complete and absolute failure of the re-
cent attempt to induce Russia to consent to peace
on reasonable terms, there is no longer any doubt.
The Constitutionnel publishes an article in large
type, with the signature of the Secretaire de la
redaction (indicating that it comes from a semi-
official source), which says that Russia, instead of
frankly accepting the Austrian propositions, pre
scribed a string of counter-propositions, and that
England and France, on receiving communication
of them, declared that they were unacceptable.
In consequence, Count Buol, the Austrian Minister
of Foreign Affairs, declared to Prince Gortschakoff,
the Russian Minister, that if, before the 18th of
this month, his government should not accept the
propositions without any modification, the Austrian
legation will be recalled from St. Petersburg. The
Journal des Debats, which receives information
from high diplomatic quarters, also declares that
Austria has gone even farther, inasmuch as she has
already sent orders to her ambassador to return.
Thus then is confirmed the
,intelligence which I
have at different times been enabled to transmit
to you.

Despatches received from Vienna, to-day, say
that Prince Gortschakoff is already making pre-
parations to leave Vienna ; and that it was thought
in that capital that his stay could not be prolonged
beyond the 18th. On the other hand, I am assured
that the Russian party in Vienna, consisting of
the principal aristocracy, the great dignitaries of
the state, all the old generals, the Prussi an and
other German embassies, and even nearly all the
members of the Emperor's family, were making,
at the last hour, most desperate efforts to present
the Austrian Cabinet from coming to a rupture
with Russia. But the cabinet showed no dispo-
sition to yield.
It is asserted, in the ConstitutionneZ that when
the anticipated rupture shall take place, Austria
will call on the German Confederation to support
her in making war. That, however, the confedera-
tion will comply is doubted ; it is not even certain
that Austria is prepared to go to war at present.
In my yesterday's letter I mentioned that it was
reported that Russia had charged Baron de
Seebach, the Saxon Minister, who had just arrived
from St. Petersburg, to present propositions to the
Western Powers. The report turns out to be un-
founded ; but I learn that it originated in the fact
that in St. Petersburg such intense indignation is
felt against Austria, that it was seriously proposed
to return no reply whatever to her propositions,
but to send one direct to the Western Powers.
Count de Nesselrode, however, strenuously opposed
the idea of showing any act of hostility to Austria
so long as she shall not actually be at war with
Russia, and he, with great difficulty, caused his
views to prevail.
I have already informed you that the general
belief is, that the recent article in the Moniteur,
about the Senate, is destined to prepare public
opinion for the proposition by that body of certain
measures which, in former days, would have been
vehemently denounced as of a Socialist character.
To-day, I hear that one of the measures will
probably be the pet Socialist one, of progressive
taxation—that is to make a man with a fortune of
£2,000 or £3,000 pay 10 or 20 per cent., when a
man with a fortune of £2OO or £3OO, shall only pay
2 or 3 per cent. _ _ _ _

The distribution of the Crimean 'medals to the
French troops from the Crimea took place to-day
pursuant to notice. The weather was unfortunately
very unfavourable,—rain, or rather melted snow,
having fallen with little intermission, and the
ground being ankle-deep in mud. But a large
crowd assembled to witness the ceremony. Before
one o'clock the troops were drawn up in lines in
the court yard of the Tuileries, and in the
Place du Carousel. At one o'clock precisely
the Emperor and H.R H. the Duke of Cam-
bridge got on horseback, and passed the
troops in review. The men shouted " Vive
Empereur !" " Vive la Reine d'Angleterre !" and
" Vive le Due de Cambridge !" as his Majesty
and the Prince passed before them, and the bands
played " God save the Queen!" The distribution
of medals by the Prince then took place. It was
s long and tedious operation, and as each man
received his, he pinned it to his breast. It must,
however, be stated that it was confined to the
generals and superior officers, and for each regiment
to a captain, a lieutenant, a sergeant, a corporal,
and a soldier; the rest of the regimental officers
and the men having received theirs either on the
previous evening or this morning. When the dis-
tribution was concluded the different regi-
ments filed off before the Emperor, and
the Prince, and as they did so they repeated the
same cu ies. The Empress, for the greater part of
the evening, occupied a seat in the balcony of the
Tuilleries ; her Majesty was attended by her
ladies of honour, and accompanied by the English
ambassadress.

The troops which received the medal were
these :—A company of engineers, the Chasseurs
de Vincennes, two regiments of Voltigeurs; one of
Zouaves, two of grenadiers, one of gendarmerie,
and one of artillery—all of the guards ; also, the
20th, 39th, 50th, and 07th regiments7of the line.
Generals Caurobert, Bosquet, and Niel, all of
Crimean renown, were present and received the
medal.
It was to be feared that such a wholesale distri-
bution of military honours, being so contrary to
what the French are accustomed to, would have
excited general derision, and would have been
regarded with contempt by the recipients of them
themselves. But to my delight, and, I confess, to
my surprise, this appears not to have been the
So far as I could judge, both officers and
men, from the general down to the little drummer,
seemed well pleased to get the medal ; and though
the sight of a whole regiment, every man of which
was decorated, was a very extraordinary, and a
scarcely credible thing in French eyes, I did
not hear from the spectators anything like the
sneering remarks, or the expressions of ridicule
that were to have been expected. An occasional
exclamation of " What ! have all got it? " followed
by a shrug of the shoulders and an elevation of the
eyebrows, on receiving the answer " All !" was the
only thing that met my ear or vision, and I pur-
posely went about from place to place to hear
what people said. Of all the regiments, I should
say that the Zouaves were most pleased with the
medal—at least they seemed to me to swagger
more jauntily than they generally do, and
seemed more full of rollicking fun. Amongst
the recipients I specially noticed, was a general
carrying the stump of his left arm in a sling,
and a dashing little vivandiere. It was really
charming to see with what swelling vanity the
smart damsel, in her half-masculine, half-feminine
uniform, strutted along with her medal displayed
on her breast.
The medal has been described in the English
papers. It is worn by a light blue ribbon. As the
regiments were marching off, numerous soldiers
fell out of the ranks to show them to the by-stand-
ers, and the latter examined them with extraordi-
nary interest.
The Emperor and Empress are to attend a
grande soiree at the English Embassy this evening,
in honour of the distribution,

CHESTER MECHANICS'

INSTITUTE.

SOIREE LAST NIGHT

(FROM OUR OWN REPORTER.)

A social, literary, and musical festival was held last night,
in Chester, in aid of the funds of the Chester Mechanics'
Institute. The soiree took place in the recently-opened
Music-hall, Northgate-street, a fine and capacious hall,
admirably adapted for the purposes for which it is especially
The Music-hall is in a parallelogram form, sur-
rounded with light and ornamental galleries, and having a fine

intended.

roof of polished oak. The structure can scarcely yet be
described as in a finished state, the walls being, as yet, almost
bare ; yet, from the elegant proportions and roof of the hall,
it has already a very handsome effect. It is well lighted,

having a large chandelier in the centre of the roof, a smaller

circle of lights at either end, and branch lights along the walls.
We regret to say that last night the attendance was not at all

so numerous, as the really very attractive nature of the pro-

gramme, not to speak of the object for which the entertain-

men', was projected, might have warranted its originators in

Inticipatir

The hall was but thinly filled, and many tables

were nearly vacant,

The entertainment, as has been already stated, was musical
as well as literary in its character. On the platform, where
the organ stands, the band of the Ist Cheshire Royal Militia
were stationed, and, under the leadership of Mr. Hull,

enlivened the first hour with many spirited airs, among which
were selections from " Lucrezia Borgia," " Sonnambula,"
" Lucia di Lammermoor," " Partant pour la Syrie," &c.
At seven o'clock, tea, coffee, and confectionary of various
kinds, were served around to the guests.
Among the company at the head table were, the Earl of
Grosvenor, M.P., Honourable W. 0. Stanley, R. C. Temple,
Caldicott, Wardell, J. F. Braddock, William Brown, John
Rogers, W. W. Brittain, W. Morris, Monsieur Kriens, &c
A very considerable number of ladies was also present
The greatest attention and aptitude was displayed by the
gentlemen who acted as stewards on the occasion. The
chair was taken shortly before eight o'clock by the Earl of
Grosvenor, amidst loud applause.
His Lordship said : Ladies and gentlemen, fellow-members
of this mechanics' institute : We have just now rather reversed
the usual order of things, and have had pleasure before
business. It is now my duty to begin a little business,
and the first thing I have to do is to read a letter from
Mr. Hicklin, in these words. His lordship read a letter
from Mr. Hicklin, expressing his regret that indisposition
prevented him from being present that night, and then
proceeded—l am sure, ladies and gentlemen, you will sgree
with me in the fitness of the old saying, "that three is no
rose without a thorn"—no pleasure without accompanying
pain. In this case I fulfil the part of the thorn, but I
can at least promise you that the thorn with which I shall
take the liberty of pricking you will leave a pain of no
very long duration, and therefore I hope you
will be patient under the operation. (Hear and laughter )
Before I do my duty as Chairman of the n:ght, and call upon
the gentlemen who will address you in the course of the
evening, and who can speak with authority as well as
eloquence upon the subjects which we have met to consider, I
wish to say two or three words upon the subject of ourinstitute.
(Hear, hear.) Our institute was founded, as you are aware,
some 20 years ago, and it was founded upon the rules and
principles generally adopted at the time, and rather earlier, by
other institutions throughout the country. The object was
the intellectual and moral improvement of the inhabitants of
the town, who, having left schools generally at a very early
age, had otherwise no means for obtaining mental
improvement. This is stated in the heading of your
own rules—" The object of the institution is to
communicate useful knowledge, and thereby increase
the respectability and happiness of individuals and
promote the welfare of society. The means for attaining this
desirable end are, the establishment of a library and reading.
room, the delivery of lectures on popular and useful subjects,
the opening classes for the study of English grammar, arith-
metic, mathematics, drawing, and such other branches of
knowledge, as in time may appear requisite." These were the
guiding principles and rules which, at the first foundation of
these institutes, were adopted. Dr. Biikbeck iu the beginning
of the century, who was one of the chief, if not the chief
founder, adopted these as his rules and guiding principles,
establishing them mainly on this educational principle. These
institutes, throughout their career, have been beset with
difficulties and dangers. The difficulties which they had to
contend with at first, were thellow character of the elementary
instruction in the day schools throughout the country. The
danger into which they have fallen, has been rather a disregard
of that educational principle which led them to give their
chief attention to libraries and news-rooms,—which are
excellent things in their way, and have done very great good,
but in that way they deviated rather from the right track, and
followed one rather more agreeable and seductive, but eventually
detrimental to their own interests. Had they followed the
right track, and kept the great principle of education by class-
instruction more steadily in view, results would have followed,
which have not yet occurred. Had they ke?t that principle
in their minds, and followed that right track, keeping to the
original intentions of their founders, and to the existing
rules of the institutions themselves—had they carried these out
to their full and complete integrity—the results would have
been different, and these institutes would be now in a better
position than they are, and have been. Our institution with
which wo are all connected, forms no exception
to this rather general rule. It was fairly
started in life, and its tender years gave pro-
mise of a vigorous majority. But at the age which in
human life is most critical, it has rather declined—l hope
soon, however, to recover from that partial depression. It
has rather declined—and we are meeting now to celebrate
its majority, for it has very nearly arrived at the age of 21
years. It has come to years of discretion, and I hope also
it has sown all its wild oats. (Laughter.) But I am sorry
to say it has come in for no very large inheritance.
(Laughter.) Therefore, my duty this evening is to appeal
to the rich of this city, and of this district, and of this
county, to come forward and lend a helping hand. I know
it has been objected to such appeals that these institutions
ought to be self-supporting, and that as they are called, and
rightly called, the peoples' institutes, they should be sup
ported mainly, if not entirely, by those for whose interest
they were intended. But my answer to that is
that there is no institute throughout the coun-
try which is quite independent of such means of
support, and that until they can be made self-support-
ing—and I believe they will be in course of time, and I shall
be happy if I see the day when it arrives, for I do believe that
education even in the very poorest districts, and the poorest
localities, may be made, if properly managed, self-supporting
—but until they can be made so, as at present they are not
self-supporting, I think I may appeal to the rich to come
forward and lend a helping hand, and I do not believe that
appeal will be resisted. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) Secondly,
I appeal, and with confidence, to my brother freemen of this
city, and the mechanics of Chester, for unless they come
forward and help, the help and the assistance of the rich is of no
avail whatever. (Hear, hear.) They should come forward—they
for whom this institution was intended as a people's institution
—they should come forward and put their shoulders to the
wheel, and by a long pull, a strong pull, and a pull
altogether, establish the institute on the basis which it
should have, and place it in a position which might do credit
to the old city in which we live. (Hear, hear.) I may say
here that Chester has already earned a fair name for works of
education. Great things have been already done here. I
need only mention the training college, under the able auspices
of Mr. Rigg ; and I may also mention s;the schools of design,
under Mr. Davidson, which have done great things for Chester
in that branch of instruction, and are creating a great interest in
that department, and which he is bringing to a state of yet
higher efficiency. (Hear, hear.) I appeal, therefore, to the
mechanics of Chester, and I do not believe the appeal will be
resisted by them. (Hear, hear.) And, last, but not least, I
may appeal to the ladies of Chester ; because I know that
most of the good things which are done for this country, are
done very much by the assistance, and with the co-operation of
the ladies of England. I hope the d is not far distant—
and nobody would be more glad of it than myself—when
all classes in this country, and this city, may combine to the
support of the greatest and most important objects of our time.
I am afraid that it is not so at present, but I know much has
been done with advantage already, and I look with hope for
the time when you shall have firmly established your institu-
tions, and kept strictly to their rules, in all their integrity, and
when you will have zealous paid teachers. Here, I may say,
that I know the voluntary teachers' exertions have been of
incalculable benefit, and that we must all feel indebted, in this
institute, to those who have voluntarily come forward, and
given their valuable assistance. (Hear, hear ) But I think
the past experience of other institutes, generally, has proved,
that without paid teachers, your system will not work well ;
and I need hardly add, that without adequate funds, this very
vital point cannot be carried out. Therefore, there should be
in this institute, zealous teachers, and numerous
and willing pupils, and not confined—certainly
not—to one sex only, for, I am sure that
the mothers of generations yet unborn and to come, expect
to have equal facilities with the lords of creation in obtaining
teachers
f
o or
itnh
their minde, a s
turns.
(Hear,
they r
htehaerm. ) s e
.wv e se I
k) anvoew t become
wo h
at
their
teaching sometimes is, and what it ought to be. Therefore, I
should like to see evening classes of instruction for the
daughters of the citizens of this town. They have such
classes in other towns of the north of England, partipularly
Leeds, Rotherham, Sheffield, and Huddersfield. They have
evening classes in those towns, and many others whose names
I cannot mention now, and where, among other things, they
have sewing classes, in which one of the number reads aloud
to the rest, which I think is a practice worthy of your notice.
With other classes of instruction, they have reading, writing,
arithmetic, singing, and drawing, which I principally
mention as being absolutely necessary for well
cultivated and regulated institutions, But, " all

work, and no play, makes Jack a dull boy.
and, therefore, it is also equally necessary that there should
be amusements of a rational character. Among the amuse-
ments in other institutes they have occasional exhibitions—
such as exhibitions of models of machinery, and objects of
natural history, which latter, by the bye, you ',have in the
Museum in the Water Tower. Such exhibitions are very
desirable, and have been found to be popular with the•
members of institutes in other places. There are some other
subjects connected with this important subject, upon which I
am not able to dwell now. I have not the time, and lam
sure you have not the patience. There is work for the com-
mittee to do in visiting pupils, collecting arrears, and can-
vassing members. This is all necessary work to be done, en l
there will also arise a question, whether it would be advisable
or not for the committee to meet once a week, at least,
if not oftener; and whether they should raise
the amount of the subscription, which is generally
considered too low, whether they should not raise it to 34d a
week at least, with an entrance fee of 6d ; and whether it
would be advisable or not that members should pay fort-
nightly, always in advance. One of the principal objects
of our meeting here to-night, is to obtain funds for a-
new building.- I hope soon that such a building as
will suit our institute, and adapted for it in every way, may be
found. It will cost a considerable sum of money. It is a
question whether it will be advisable or not to establish day
schools in that building. By so doing, you will be entitled to
receive a government grant—and I do not think, under the
present circumstances, that would be a bad thing either..
(Hear.) It may be said that this is not the time for pressing:
this question. But we see the case admits of very little choice.
Wo must either sink or swim, and as we should tar prefer the
latter alternative, I appeal to you with confidence for the result.
It certainly is not a time for passing any great, comprehensive,
measure of political reform, social reform, or educational
reform. Therefore, there seems to be the more reason why
we should do what others are not able to do for us. (Hear,
hear.) 'There is one very painful topic which I cannot help
alluding to, for it refers to a great friend of mine, and of many
of you present. Since the last meeting of this institute, and
within a very few days, we have lost a valued friend, and
Chester has lost a valued minister. A great soldier has fallen.
on the hattle-field of life. The friend we have lost—the late
rector of St. Mary's—was ono of the great and good bf the
world, whose deeds are alluded to in the Psalm of Life,. in. the
noble lines—

" Lives of great men all remind ue,
We can m ke our live, s, blime;
And (lepa ting leave behind ua,
Footpr nts on the sand of iime ;
Fontprin s that perhaps anther,
Sailing o'er life's solemn main.
A forlorn and shipwrecked brother.
Seeing, may take heart again.' "—(Cheers.)

I cannot refrain, also, from quoting the succeeding verse—

" Let UR then be up and doinv,
With a heat for any fate;
Still achieving, still Dursuing,
Learn to labour and to wair."—(Reneved cheers.)
Well, ladies and gentlemen, I feel I have no right to occupy
your time any longer. With these few and very incornpleter
remarks, I shall leave the matter in your hands. The.
grand object of these institutes is to develope the faculties
of man, to refine his manners, elevate his intellect, produce,
his moral and social improvement and his worldly pros.
parity. All that, however, is subservient to a greater end,.
and we should all prepare for a nobler institution, the one
built without hands, eternal in the Heavens, (Cheers.)
The Hon. W. 0. Stanley, M.P., addressed the meeting
in an eloquent speech, which surveyed comprehensively the
vast scientific and industrial advancement of the half cen-
tury.
Mr. R. G. Temple, in a few powerful sentences, advocated
the cause of popular education, concluding by proposing a
vote of thanks to the noble chairman, to Mr. Stanley, and
the other gentlemen who had come from a distance to take
part in the proceedings.
The vote was carried by enthusiastic acclamation.

During the night several solos, duets, glees, &c., taste-
fully selected, and most skilfully sung, were given by Miss
Shaw, Mrs. Brooke, Mr. and Mrs. David, Mr. R. Brown,
Mr. 0 wen, and several amateurs. Mrs. David presided at
the pianoforte. The whole concluded with the Nati .nal
Anthem, finely played on the organ, and accompanied by
chorus. We must not omit to add that, at an earlier part
of the evening, the overture to " Tancredi " was finely
played by Mr. Owen on the organ.

WEST INDIA MAIL.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

SOUTHAMPTON, JAN. 16.

The royal mail company's steam-ship La Plata, Capt..'
C. G. Weller, arrived this morning at 5.30, with the usual
West India mails, in charge of Lieut. J. G. Robins, R.N•'
Admiralty 'Agent. Her dates of sailing are—Santa
Martha, December 22nd ; Greytown, 18th ; Nassau, 14th ;
Colon, 24th ; Demerara, 28th ; Trinidad, 25th ; Cat thy
gena, 25th ; Jamaica, 26th ; Grenada, 26th ; Barbadoes,
27th ; Antigua, 29th ; St. Kitts, 28th ; Nevis, 29th ; Mon.,
surat, 27th; Porto Rico, 31st; and St. Thomas, January
Ist, at six o'clock, p.m.
During her homeward voyage, the La Plata experienced
strong easterly gales, and fine weather.

_
The La Plata brought thirty-six passengers, among
whom were Dr. Jopp, 36th regiment, and Lieutenallo
Annesley, Royal Navy.
The freight of the Plata consisted of 230,714 doll. 11)
silver and bars, 25,558 dols. in specie, 589,300 dols. in gold
dust and bars, 800 dols. platina, 13,265 dols. gold and
silver coin, 13,210 dols. in value of pearls and jewelled'
The general cargo comprises 285 serons cochineal, 328
serons indigl, 278 serous bark, 5 packages plants, 10 caseo
succades, 527 bags cocoa, 2 boxes mace, 1 case tortoise°
shell, 8 boxes nutmegs, 9 bales India rubber, 3 package,
merchandise, 69 bales sarsaparilla, and 41 packages 0.1
sundries.

Stations of the company's ships. The Teriot, Captaill
Moir, at St, Thomas's, for Spanish main; Dee, Captain
Woolcott, at St. Thomas for Jamaica ; Clyde capon
Heenan, on the Gulf route; Conway. Captain Lewis,
St. Thomas, for Windward Islands ; Eagle, Captain Hole,
at Barbadoes ; Solent, Captain Jellicoe, on Spanish Main;
Atrato, Captain Woolley, arrived at St. Thomas on tea
31st Dec., at 4 p m. ; Wye, Captain Leeds, at St. Thonini2;
repairing. The Plata spoke the City of Mobile, NW
14th, bound easterly.
By this mail we have dates and advices from Jamaie)
to.the 26th of December.
There is but little news of interest. The legislatage
adjourned on Thursday, the 20th of December, for °ti
Christmas holidays, and was to re-assemble on the 15p
instant.
A notification from the Postmaster-general, requirinif
the pre-payment of one penny on each colonial newspaPe_
transmitted by the mail to England, has been felt to beL
most oppressive regulation, and will operate practical_y,
as a prohibition to the circulation of colonial newspaper
on this side the Atlantic.
Mining enterprise holds out the highest promise, P-0
very encouraging reports have been received by tb
different companies.
From Georgetown, British Guiana, we have dates t!
the 25th ultimo. The Court of Policy met on WednesdsrA
the 12th December, when among other bills introdLlS
was one to authorise the issue of new bonds for the 17i
payment of the loan of 70,0001. advanced by her Majestl,
government for immigration purposes. This bill 114-
been read, but is not yet passed
Some apprehension is felt in the colony that the suPP
of immigrants will fall very short of the demand.
Frequent and copious showers have relieved the inhai.p
tants of the colony from the apprehension of drour
The young canes are looking fresh and vigorous. .011
TO exports from the colony for a fortnight prev),
to the above date are—Sugar, 2744 hhds., 246 tif-r%,,
1035 barrels, and 1235 bags ; rum, 1539 puns., 288 hilu,;
tobacco, 100 boxes ; coffee, 1 barrel ; old iron, 10 toast
233 barrels; old copper and brass, 3 tons; salted
hides, 20; cocoa nuts, 1900.
Business continues dull among the merchants, '
freights are still high.

REVIEW OF THE MARKETS.
KINGSTON, DEc. 16. o
ALswrvits.—Only 12 barrels have arrived since our last, Wo,
was sold at 28a.
rl
BUTTEa.-Irish has been very dull of sale at
_lsd, but ofre.,oo

14id have been promptly refused by receivers. Stock of Anieth
fair. A sale has been made at Hid to lad.
BEEF.—A sale of Smith's at 535. Only 525 is now offered.
BRANDY.—Stock ample..
dalintli. W
EAD.—No inquiry for any description, and stock still
CORNMEAL.—Last sales at 218 6d to 225. 5 11114
CANDLES.—A parcel of 400 boxes sold at 10d, WAS rejected'
re-sold at gil.
COFFEE.—Very little at market. - 1•-
intcy(ei in tierces declined from 17s to 158 a
iss,vdedryat 19s round, for tierces and
refuse to operate, 14s only being offer',
,til
which
cargocC ooaD CORN ,—Good
fh., —sesi
CODFISH.—The
buyerse!frdo
hqe.undap7l
Newfoundland
Halifax in boxes. sold at 205.
cu„s,,,— G. G. is worth is 3d. American 10d. 04
at which figure small 10'''
te'
246 gi
gsalea were at 28e for Shore, and - tp-
yinlot of St. John's, N.F., direct apt*oo
buyers n 5(); refuse to pay over '24s for
fij
and 20s for Newfoundland, place,
moving.x FeH s FLOUR.—holders
in2.Nd-2.1:1- Is.
n.
b—odul d:rt etharhnse
edeaasarkl
os llAms.—Superior scarce and wanted. A lot inferior 501 d
to 81d.
10
LARD.—Sales at 9d for best quality.
LumBER,—W. P. abundant and dull. W. C. scarce, and sale',"
at 225.
MALT.—Sales of 50 hhds. Sacell at an advance over Preci
rates. A nee
MACKBRRI..—SaIes were made at 30s, then at 28s, ant. -
un,aleable at the last price.
Ott.—A small quantity of cod in'eargo, sold at 4s 3d.
PORK —A sale of 100 barrels mess at 112 s.
RlCE.—Sales at 17s 9d, 184 3d. and 20s, according to quaff" Ad
BUN.—Sales at 3s gd to 3s 10d, proof 18.
of
sALmow.—Of Halifax No. I sales at 110 s, No. 2 at 106 s;
foundland No. 1 sa'es at 1005. ,l
SALT.—The market has been very quiet for Liverpool t s
ofty
since the large operations which occurred the early Par
m nth. ,
SOAP.—No sales to report.
SUGAR —Sales a 23s to 30s. according to quality. ti
TOBACCO.— ales of la's to 20's at lOid, and 10's at 19d. 1,64/
EXCHANGES.—O., London—Jamaica and Colonisl $lO (0'
2 lidayesr,
clepnetr.
Icreennat
hipmr7ium; 60 days, la per cent. premium;

0141
SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.
Arrived at Kingston, Dec. 19, William H. Bogen, frool
Willoo, 38 Jaye, calm.

THE RUG ELEY POISONING

CASES.

•
FIIRTIIER AND LATEST PARTICULARS

(PROM OUR OWN IMPORTER.)

RIIGELEY, WEDNESDAY.
The fact of the inquest on the body of Walter Palmer
laving been last night further adjourned to this day
*week, for the purpose of hearing further evidence from
Professor Taylor and other witnesses, and also to pro-
cure the attendance of Mr. Pratt, of London, respecting
the insurance transactions with William Palmer, has
given an additional excitement and interest here to this
tnost extraordinary case, and it is now very generally
believed that the result of the inquest will be accom-
panied by the criminal implication of other partir
besides William Palmer, should ev--

latter be

acquitted of the charge of the murder of his brother.
Captain Hatton, the superintendent of the count
Police. -

een in

iondon for the last few

making- inquiries into the circumstances connected with
the case of Mr. John Parsons Cook, arrived in Stafford
lan night very shortly after it was known that the
inquest had been further adjourned, and soon after
his arrival, he waited upon Mr. Deane, the solicitor, who
is conducting the case- on behalf of the insurance
companies, and stated to him that he had obtained
highly important information connected with the case
iow under investigation, and that he was very glad that
the inquest had been further adjourned.
lis understoo d
that Captain Hatton has had an interview
Wtith Mr. Pratt,
(luring his stay in Loudon, and has obtained: from that
person several most important admissions respecting his
insur Ince transactions with Palmer, which will be laid
before the jury at the adjourned inquest, and which, it is
believed, will unravel a vast number of circumstances
connected with these extraordinary transactions.
It is now very generally believed that before the case
terminates investißatiens will certainly take place with
regard to the other persons who have suddenly died.
During the present week the wife and brother of Mr.
Illaden, who died at Palmer's house under rather mys-
terious circumstances, and who is buried in Palmer's
family vault in Rugeley churchyard, have been in Rugeley
'Prosecuting inquiries respecting the circumstances con-
nected with his death, and have also been in communica-
tion with Sir George Grey, the Home Secretary, and we
believe it may be confidently relied upon that an order
for the exhumation of the body, and an inquest, will be at
once issued.

A scene may be expected at Stafford, on Monday next,
for a writ of habeas corpus has been issued for the pro-
duction of Palmer at one of the law courts in London, on
Tuesday next,.at a trial respecting one of the forged bills
for £l,OOO. The case is that of Mr. Padwick of London,
to whom Palmed gave the bill. It was drawn by Palmer,
and purported to be accepted by his mother. The bill
was not paid, and subsequently an action was commenced
against Palmer for the amount. Since his imprisonme,
his mother has been sued by Mr. Padwick as the acceptor
nd
going to
of the bill, and she is defending the action on the
grou
that she never accepted the bill, and Palmer is
London for the purpose, as ie understood, of admitting
the forgery.
:‘ The fiat of bankruptcy issued against Palmer, will
when Mr.
come before the Birmingham district court to-morrow,
Smith, solicitor, of Birmingham, who is now
watching the inquest on behalf of Palmer, and who
solicitor for him in the bankruptcy, will dispute th is alsoe
adju-
dication on the ground that no act of bankruptcy has been
committed.
With regard to the trial, it seems to be now the prevai-
ling opinion, that the application which will be made for the
Prisoner's removal to another county, on the ground of the
strong feeling existing against him here, will be success-
ful, and that the trial will most probably take place in
London. The various statements which have, from time
to time, been made respecting the counsel engaged for the
prosecution and the defence respectively, are more or less
erroneous. We can state upon the authority of the
respective solicitors engaged, that in the case of Mr. John
Parsons Cook, the counsel at present engaged on behalf of
the prosecution are Mr. Fluddlestone and Mr. Scotland,
one of the leaders of the Oxford circuit ; and it is expected
that in addition the Crown will direct the Attorney-gene-
ral to lead in the case. For the defence no counsel has at
present been retained ; and it is untrue, as stated, that
Sir Frederick_Thesiger and Mr. Edwin James have both
been named, along with Mr. Sergeant Wilkins. The
great probability, however, is that the latter gentleman
Will be retained, along with Mr. Kenealy, of Birmingham.
The case against the postmaster for opening a letter
from Dr. Taylor to Mr. Gardener, and conveying its con-
tc'otS to the prisoner, will be resumed to-morrow, when the
coroner is subpoenaed to attend. This inquiry also -is
exciting the most intense interest.

CHURCH OF ENGLAND MAGDALEN
INSTITUTION.

___,____
• the first annual meeting of the subscribers and friends
of thia institution was held at half-past two o'clock, ye's-
terday, in the Bible depository, Slater-street. In the
absence of the Rev. Rector Campbell, from whom a letter
was read apologising for his non-attendance through indis-
position,; the chair was occupied by ADAM Hooosow,lEsq.
There were several ladies present, and among the gen-
tlemen were... r. W. Gregson. Mr. G. H. Duncan, Mr.
J. Eden, Mr. S. Martin, Dr. Hulme, Mr. E. Higgin, Revs.
After prayer T. C. Cowan, T. Carter, S. Holtne, T. Moore, &e.
had been offered up by the Rev. D. Ander-
son., 'Honorary Secretary and Chaplain to the Institution,
The Chairman proceeded to open the business of the
meeting. It was not one, he said, into which from its
nature, they could go into'details;as in other societies, but
at the same time there was not perhaps any class of our
fellow-sufferers, sons and daughters of adversity, who were
more to be pitied, or excited greater sympathy, than that
class which the institution sought to reclaim, and that
Whether they regarded the homes, which in the days of
their innocence, they had left, or the deep abyss of degra-
dation, vice, and misery, in which they were pluaged. It
Wu not for men to attempt to measure the different
degrees of criminality, but he thought it must have struck
every one that in very few other careers of criminality
are the steps, generally the result of weakness or mis-
placed confidence, so rapid and fearful into misery and
degradation as happened to the poor, forlorn, and un-
friended outcasts whose wretchedness it was their busi-
ness that day to attempt to 'mitigate. He dwelt on that
fact to show that it was their special duty to rush to the
rescue, if possible at the first stage, of that descent into
crime, so that the poor wanderers might not be utterly
lost—that the betrayed might not become the betrayers—
that the wretched might not become utterly desponding
and outcast, but that they might be saved by aid, hope,
and comfort being extended to them. (Hear, hear.)
!dr. William Gregson then read the following

ItEr.
The committee are now caned ORT
uou: to p t first
to the friends and sunporters of the Chu•chresent of En heir
gland ma report
i.den
Institution But as it has only been in operation
since the middl
of Febru.ry last, and as the number of inmates h is been for the
Treater portion of that time limbed, it cannot be expected that they
should as yet have mach to communicate in the way of positive
results. Stint they can say, with great confidence. that the expe-
rience of even that short period h been of such a character as to
invest, with adeeper force and urgency, every consideration which
first prompted them to undertake this work of mercy. The simple
act that more than 120 fallen women have, since the opening of
the institu ion,voluntarily sought admission, is an affecting proof
that, besides the asylums already occupied
there was a pressing necessity for an
add itional one. Very painful
has been:th- duty of receiving, and liataninvt,otio, their tale of ruin and
woe, and still more distressing has it been iged to refuse to
the majir portion of them the refuge which tehe them with bitter tears. But there was no alternayt'vsoelfg The manyoef
accommodation of the house is limited to about fort fou I
Moreover, the committee were of opinion that great painsforty_
r n rn
shouldatehse.
taken in the selection of suitable objects for the charity ; nd still
further, at the commecement of a work of such great delicacy and
d fficulty. they felt themselves called upon to proceed in a gradual
and tentative manner, admitting a few at a time, and then adding
to the number of inmates as rapidly as they could with safety guard
adopting what anpeared to them the course most likely to
against disorganisation, and peril to the permanent well-workine of
the institution. Proceeding on this plan, thirty-eight applicants have
been admitted in the course of the past year, each case having been
carefully Investigated by the chaplain, in order' as far as possible to
bring into the institutioa such only as were likely to derive re d and
abiding benefit from its moral and religious agencies. Notwith-
stan,ing all precauVons it ought not to be matter of surprise, when
due considerat'on is given to the previous ways of life, and the
habits of unutterable moral degradation of this unhappy class, that
some, after the first impulse cf remo.'se had subsided, or whose
feelings of remorse have been superficial. should experience a
retuning desir • for their pis, courses, and feel even the gentle
restraints of a well-ordered and religiously conducted house to be
irksome. It is further tobe remembered that institutions of this
kind admit of no re.tra'nt of personal liberty, even were such re-
straint desirable; and this it obviously is not, as ths first and most
necessary condition of the reformation of the fallen is the r willing-
neas to he reformed. The committee have, in consequence,
to state,
that of the thirty-eight admitted api 'leant% ten are no longer in
the house ; five left at their own desire, foar absconded, and one
Was dismissed for unruliness of temper and continued insubordina.
tion, It is, however, satisfactory to be able to state that two of the
five who went out of the house did not, as it has been positively
ascertained, return to a life of infamy, but are now at home with
their friends. Of the remainder the committee may venture to
Speak, is not with confidenee, yet undoubtedly with fair grounds
for encouragement and hope. As a body they have become re-
markably amenable to discipline, and are strikingly ti. corous In
their demeanour. They pursue their various industral occupations
ha the laundry, the sewing room, and in the gener-1 s-rvice of the
ilonsehold with admirable cheerfulness, steadiness, and goodwill.
1t 'oil, more a ttisfa aory t t add that these poor girls, a little while
ago utterly cut off from I, or finances of religion, now a,tend, with
e,videat readiness of mind, and apparent interest, the daily ministra-
tions of the chrplaln joining in prayer and praise, and listening with
Meekness and attention to the word of exhortation, or to the simple
exposition of Chr stian Truth. Fur ther, that the Sabbath is spent with
Irt""enci Of observance, and it is hoped with Opirittisi advantage

in attendng, morning and evening, the services of the church; while
the rest of the sacred day is-, by their own free choice, doted to
the eketcise of committing to memory the Collect of the day, and a
hymn. or portion of Holy Scripture, repeated generally with wen_
derful accuracy to the chaplain, each Monday Morning. Nor have
there been wanting still more positive indications of the Divine
blessing on the work, tut the Chaplain is enabled to teport that indi-
vidual inmate& not unfreiluently seek his hdvice and consolation
under the Con fictions of sin, Lad the deep anxieties of a troubled
conscience. Before concluding their report, the committee would
beg to offer their warmest thsnks to the Committee of Ladies, who,
With untiring Christian zeal, have laboured to proniote the Soirituat
etiod of the inmates, by giving them individual instruction, and also
for their valuable services in the careful inspection of the various
arrangements of the hottse. They feel also that, to the gentlemen
visitors, their hearty acknow

devolved duties o
nect.d. in tilt fi,s

gments are due. On them have
e most onerous and responsible character, con-

ith the adaptation or the premiaef tc
•

kred purpos,

ion, and afterwards. with thedver

entire working. Their Fervic S haVebtdii;n;earied,
reatest value to the establishment. It is impossible for
,ee suitably to express their sense of obligation to the

Simnel 1%

Institution. Of

cur: d the respect

ischarge ;
o •allow tl

.hed to the

atifying, for

in-titution
the aid

is sCcret

exempt