The Sun.
London, England, 1855-08-16 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, AUGUST 16, 1855,

the canvassing of one hundred and forty
families, and all their connexions, from so small
a representative body as the East India Directors?
Henceforth fewer Directors will be elected as
mere catspaws to hook out appointments, and more
will be elected simply and truly for the perform-
ance of the public service itself. The like ex-
tinction of Parliamentary patronage would be one
of the greatest political purifications, and the
most successful measures of Parliamentary reform,
operating at once beneficially on the public service,
upon the morals of the constituents themselves, as
well as upon the representatives. It is an object
worthy of a great league to agitate.. Adminis-
trative Reformers have yet to see the full extent
of its bearings, and it must be displayed to those
of the Army and Navy, who are without Parlia-
mentary influence.

The open competitive examinations for Indian
medical appointments have already been produc-
tive of important public experience. A large pro-
portion of persons who had obtained diplomas of
oompetence for practice, some who had obtained
diplomas from the College of Physicians as well
as from the College of Surgeons, some who had
been in practice, were plucked, not for general
accomplishments, but for actual gross incompe-
tency to practise. The ignorance which had been
covered and sent forth by these diplomas was
proved by failures in common operations on the
dead subject to be of the most dangerous and
alarming description. Complete proof is
given by the competitive examinations for
the medical appointments, of the utter
inefficiency of mere " pass examinations," and
in support of Mr. CHADWICK'S proposed measure,
i.e. the application of the principle of competitive
examinations, as tests of professional competency
even for private practice, and as securities for the
integrity and trustworthiness of the examinations
themselves.

Of those sent back for incompetency, it is well
known, from their connezions, and from their
being well dressed, kid gloved, gold ringed, white
cravated, well coiffed, and presentible men, some
of them with eye-glasses, that two-thirds of them
would, under the old system of patronage, have
gained appointments. Medical men, anxious for
the respectability of their profession, rejoice at the
operation of the new barrier to the intrusion of
ignorance, and wish it to be strengthened and
largely extended.
The results of the new competitive examinations
for the Woolwich Cadetships are as yet Un-
known, but there are grounds for gene-
rally favourable anticipations in respect
to them, although the appointment as examiners
of such eminent men as Professor BROWN, the au-
thor of the chief works of our day for instruction
in the classics, and of Professor TRENCH, of the
King's College, would justify the same jealousy
that future WELLINGTONS or MARLBOROIIGHS,
well up in the practical sciences applicable to war,
may be hard pressed, or plucked in merely scho-
lastic accomplishments. It is most desirable, and
indeed necessary, that there should be a superior
and competent supervision, and reporting upon
the examinations themselves for the public infor-
mation and for their progressive improvement ;
the more so, as in respect to the most important
of the competitions- already instituted, 'those for
the Indian service, since Sir CHARLES WOOD, who
had a truthful interest in the measure, has left,
by one of those turns by which great measures
are continually sacrificed, and against which Ad-
ministrative Reform should provide, it has fallen
to the mercy of the now President of the Board
of Control, Mr. VERNON SMITH, who at the best
is indifferent to it, and it is consequently practi-
cally in the hands of Sir THOMAS REDINGTON, the
permanent veorotary to the Board, who has put
forth a written declaration (vide Blue Book, p.
230) of positive hostility to the principle of the
reform, from whom no assistance, and every hin -
derance, is to be expected.
Although the departmental examinations under
the Government for civil service appointments,
which, with few exceptions, are mere "pass exami-
nations," and such as pauper lads in the Union
Schools might smile at, the candidates sent by
Parliamentary influence are known to have been
scandalously below them. Out of the 76 examined,
24 were rejected as not possessing these very low
qualifications. 11 were declared unqualified for
clerkship; 1 for the surveyorship of taxes, 1 for
the surveyorship of excise, 5 for tidewaiterships,
2 for tidewaiterships and patrol offices, 2
for quayerships ; and 2 for weigherships.
The competitive examinations for certificates of
competency at the Government School of Practi-
cal Art, and at the alticationai Department of
the Plivy Council Office, for certificates of compe-
tency for school teacherships, are reported to be
producing important and beneficial effects on the
arts which it is the duty of those departments to
promote. But in consequence of the low rate of
pay ignorantly offered by the House of Commons
and the country for the high qualifications for
school teacherships, and the great value of those
qualifications, moral and intellectual, in the open
mercantile, trading, and commercial I abour markets,
the holders of the certificates of competency find
that by the means of those proofs they obtain com-
mercial clerkship; yielding one-half more emolu-
ment than is given for the school teacher-ships,
there is a continued tendency on the part of the
most successful competitors to abandon the ill-
paid business of tuition. The immense difference
in mere pecuniary results between good and bad
tuition will display the improvidence of giving
such payments as will retain only inferior tutors.
Great as would be the political purification, and
advancement in Administrative Reform, by the
general adoption and prosecution of the principle
of open competitive examinations, even as now
rudely and imperfectly commenced, the
public have yet to observe and intimate its ♦ast
importance, as a means of testing and guiding
the whole of the educational institutions of the
country. Of this, the frit competition for the
East Indian writerships affords an immediate illus-
tration.

It has been a complaint that a narrow and dark
sectarian spirit has overshadowed the seats of
learning in Scotland, and depressed the mental
ability which once prevailed there, and prevented
a proper succession to the ADAM SMITHS, the
Dt;OALD STEWARTS, the PLAYFAIRS, who had as
their pupils Lord JOHN RUSSELL, the present
Premier, and some of the leading spirits of the
last half-century. What professors have those
universities now that are of European reputation?
Under proper successors to the great teachers
named, it may be averred that the pupils taught
by them would have swept away the absolute
majority of the Indian prizes, for appointments
(leading to emoluments of from four or five thou-
sand pounds per annum), but the Scotch Univer-
sities and Colleges are now, at the "first inningr,"
dead beaten, even by the new " Godless Colleges"
of Cork and Galway ; and the London University,
which is the lowest in theology, outstrips Edin-
burgh. What English families will, if this
Continues, send their children to the Scotch
Universities, what Scotch families, anxious for
the advancement of their own younger members,
will not bethink themselves of the London Uni•
age) 0; that ahvild Do too 401tP
z .

even of Galway ? All Scotland must look to this.
The importance of the general examination of
all candidates for the public service, as a mean 4
for improving the education of the country, was
clearly foreseen by the Rev. JAMES BOOTH,
the incumbent of Wandsworth, and the pre-
sent Chairman of the Council of the Society of
Arts, and is stated by him in a pamphlet, en-
titled, " Examination the Province of the State ;
or, Outlines of a Practical System for the Exten-
sion of National Education." This pamphlet is
highly deserving of the attention of Administra-
tive Reformers, as showing (from what will be to
most of them a new aspect) the additional im-
portance of the principle of public examinations as
a means for improving the educational institutions,
private as well as public, for the middle as well as
the higher classes of society. In that pamphlet
he adverts to the enormous difficulties which
parents of the middle classes, and indeed of all
classes, are placed in determining to what schools
they shall send their children, and the dreadful
quackeries to which they are subjected. He shows
that " Do-the-Boys-Halls " are still maintained—
that Charlatanism and humbug flourish, and that
in the commercial schools (many of whom now
prove, when examined, actually lower than na-
tional charity schools) puffing conduces more to
success than learning or painstaking skill. He
says :

" But, it may be asked, to what cause is this inferiority
due ? Several of those causes I have discussed at some
length in an essay published last year. I shall here do
no more than refer to the very limited requirements
of the majority of those engaged in middle-class schools
—their ignorance of the art they profess to practise—
their inferior social position—their inadequate re-
muneration—the want of an authoritative standard
to define precisely the essential constituent elements
of a sound and practical education—the gross
mieappreheusion of the public as to what those
' elements should be, and, as a consequence, their habits of
intermeddling and compelling the teacher (if dependent)
to yield to the whims of ignorant caprice, and to shape
his course of instruction more in accordance with his in-
terest than his convictions. Quackery in medicine, and
charla::anism in education, generally spring from the same
source, and are fostered by te same causes-the ignorance
of an unenlightened public, grasping at results without
any clear notion or well-defined appreciation of the means
by which they can be realised."
He points out the progressive discontinuance
of what may be called lectorial tuition, and the
increasing use of various forms of examinations as
means as well as tests of attainments. He has
anticipated a proposal of Mr. CHADWICK'S, con-
firmed by the results of the examinations for
school teacherships, and has proposed that the
governmental examinations should be so adapted
as to be opened to all comers as voluntary tests
of attainments for the open professions or for pri-
vate service. His statement of his views is de-
serving of very great attention.
"The hope of obtaining a qualification to hold at some
future time a Government or Muncipal appointment
would he only one of the inducements (and that not the
greatest) to undergo such an examination. Putting aside
the spirit of emulation, the hope of distinction, and the
love of praise ; first or second-class certificate, awarded
by such a Board of Examiners, commanding by their posi-
tion and character the confidence and respect of the
public, would directly confer no trivial advantages upon
its possessor. He would be at once singled out from the
crowd, would be placed in no very unfavourable position
to start for the race of life ; he would be sought after,
private employers and public comp lilies would hasten to
secure his services. Such proved talent and varied infer-
inetien, vouched for by the certificates of her Majesty's
Examiners, would be found the mo-t flattering testimo-
nial, the very best pasepoit to lucrative employment. We
should thus see the system of inferring acquirements and
comp lency, from private testimonials (so often exagge-
rated and illusory), done away with ; and the merits
of candidates for public appointments, teste l by an
imp4rtial, competent, and responsible tribunal. Thus,
though the hope of obtaining a Government appointment
of some sort, might be originally the primary inducement
to nn.lergo smdei en examination, yet it is quite possible,
and ind ,ed all hut certain, that the unforeseen secondary
edvantaees thence arising would come, in the course of
time, to ontwei,th so far the original motive that the ex-
ami nation would be sought for its inherent instead of its
contingent utility.
"Bet the advantages of such a public and official exa-
mination do not stop here. At no very distant time the
Royal Certificate wosl.l be looked upon as a necessary
pre-requisite for any young man who should seek admis
sion into one of those industrial professions, which, at
the present time, afford so many openings to industry and
talent. The testimony of the Government Board would
he held as conclusive evidence that the candidate had
acquired such an amount of general knowledge as would
amply qualify him to enter on the technical duties of his
future profession. We should, in a short time, behold the
youth of the middle classes with minds well stored, and
intellects developed, taught to rely upon their own ener-
gies, diverging from this point, as from a common centre,
and bearing with them into their new pursuits that stea-
diness of application, that force of will, that facility in
turning the well-trained faculties of the mind on an un-
tried subject. which previous exercise and the habitudes of
study can alone bestow.
"It is almost needless to observe, and would be alto-
gether so, were the calling of the schoolmaster recopised
as a legitimate profession, that the system here proposed
would in no respect obviate the necessity of providing
Normal Institutions,' or 'Colleges of Preceptors,' f)r
imparting a knowledge of the technical duties of the office
of schoolmaster. No one would suppose that such a system
of examinations could supply the place of that technical
instruction which the architect and the surgeon, the soli-
citor and the engineer, must, each for himself, seek under
the guidance of those who are skilled in these arts. So
also must the future schoolmaster repair to the Normal
Institution, there to acquire a knowledge of the more
special duties of his calling. We see, too, how clearly and
Precisely the duties of the State define and shape them-
selves upon this system. While it provides that the
general substratum shell be solid and secure, it takes no
thought of the vast variety of structures which individual
choice, unchecked baits freedom of selection, may choose
to erect upon it.
"Another advantage that might be expected to arise
from the adoption of such a plan is. that, instead of ex-
citing its opposition, it vould enliskthe sympathies, of the
schoolmaster in its favour, and stimulate his exertions; it
would afford a spirit of laudable emulation between the
schools of the same educational circuit. The proportion
of candidates. coming from any given school, which
shool.l usually succeed in passing a successful ex-
amination before the Government Examiners would
become in the estimation of the public the test of
the qualify of the education given there; so that
instructors of youth would be appreciated by their
merits and the success of their pupils ; and not, as is too
often tho case, on other erounds far removed from educa-
tional onalificetions. It must not bo overlooked that
middle class schools labour under a great disadvantage in
this way. because the public cannot apply any test de-
serving the name of such by which the progress of the
pupils, or the state of education in any given school, can
he ascertained. In this respect the public stools in con
nection with the universities enjoy great advantages. If
the pnpils of any such school habitually distinguish them-
i
estheo pupilslnv
derapidlytatnciclet 'ao nrfee eti
rehnee increase, arnusd bete, ladi kc.
nni (glls
nhat ohtt ntehroeaeucart sea rd at
schools
t ot nto 1 Is
etoohffue
tnthsihcevohesorZil
tehli :toes'
classes, there being no such accurate test of proficiency, a
great temptation is held out to the practice of deception
in various forms.

Although such examiners could not directly interfere
in the business of education at particular schools, yet,
notwithstanding, the eontrol of the education of the mid-
dle classes of the country would be indirectly placed in
their hands, precisely in the same way as the education
of the higher classes is dictated and ruled by the univer-
cities. For, having the power to appoint the modes and
,übjects of examination, they would, of necessity, induce
a conformity to their rules and a sameness in the course
of study pursued by candidate.; for their certificates.
Thus, without trouble, without any direct interference
on the part of the Government, would be established
a uniform and regular system of education through-
out the middle classes, directed by a body of men of
high attainments and practical educational knowledge,
acting under the sense of a weighty responsibility, de-
voting their whole time and undivided energies to the
due and conscientious discharge of the duties of their
trust. In this way, too, would be put an end to that per-
nicious tampering with education by the public, to which
reference has been alreacry made, asid itself an evil.
" Such a plan would do more to raise at once and im-
mediately, the character of the education of the middle
classes than almost any other practicable scheme that
could be devised. It is one that would call for no pre-
vious outlay, or tedious preliminary organisation ; taking
the materials and tools already provided, it would oper?te
neon and by them—it would not impose the necessity
of building new schools, or founding colleges, or en-
dowing professorships, but, being applicable to the
schools and educational machinery already in existence,
would —Jaye education in those hands in which it
found. it It would interfere with no vested rights,
whether real or supposed. Co-operating with all, anta-
gt,nistic to none, it would neither provoke the hostility of
the held, nor alarm the fears of the timid ; cautiously
respecting the rights of conscience, and the religious feel-
ings of every class, it would neither excite theological
jealousy, nor kindle the smouldering fires of sectarian
animosity. The Government—freely offering the same
advantages to all—presenting the same friendly aspect to
all alike, to Churchman and Dissenter—acting in unison
with existing schools and educational institutions, would
be welcomed rather as a valuable co-operator than viewed
with suspicion and jealousy as an antagonist posier."

We regret our want of space to cite illustra-
tions of the justice and importance of these views
of Dr. BOOTH.

THE OYSTER FlSHERlES.—Yesterday a new act was
issued for the more effectual execution of a convention
between France and England. It is provided that ()pi ers
and dredges found on hoard fishing vessels between the
British islands aid France are to be seized. Persons
offending in British vessels are to be liable to fine or im-
prisonment.
THE NEW ACT, ON MILITIA. OFFICERS' QUALIFICA-
TIONS —Yesterday the new act was issued to amend the
law concerning the qualifications of officers of the mi.
litia. - The qualifications now are-o.lonel, 600/. a
year ; lieutenant-colonel, 4001. ; major, 300/. ; and cap-
tain, 2001. The qualifications are not to apply to the
Chty ct Yoacloa or to ill! City of 14liabwall
_

HPr Majesty has been pleased to approve (,f th, name
of hie Royal Highness the Duke of Cornwall being an-
nounced as the patron of the Cornwall Sailor-4' Home.
The institution, therefore, will henceforth be de.ignate,i
"The Royal Curawati 110tue,"— Plymouth
Mail.

His Excellency the French ambassador gave a grand
banquet last evening, at the embassy, Albert-gate
House. Nearly all the foreign ministers were present.
The Countes of Zetlatid is still sojourning at the
Malvern Wells. The noble earl will receive a select
party dating the race meeting, next week, at York.
The Earl and Countess of Bandon, Lady Harriet Ber-
nard, Lord and Lady Barnard, Lord and Lady Carberry,
Sir John and Lady. Parks, Sir George and Lady Shee,
the lion. Charles HoWard and son, and Baron A. D.
Berechiel have arrived at Cork.
A quantity of splendid fruit has been despatched to
the imperial palaces in Paris and its vicinity, from South-
ampton, via Havre, for the use of the Emperor of
France's illustrious visitors, the Queen of England, the
Prince Consort, and suite.

Several of the Ruc=sian prisoners exchanged for French
officers have 'ately had au interview with the Emperor
of the French.

The Spanish Financial Commission have advertised
the 44th auction of the Foreign Redeemable Debt to
take place at Madrid on the 31st inst., for which pur-
pose 375,000 reals have been assigned by the Govern-
ment.

CRYSTAL PALACE.—Return of admissions for six days
ending Aug. 11.—Number admitted, including season
ticket holders, 52,963. Amount received for admission,
2,7911. 12s.

PEMBROKE AND EAST CRINNIS MlNES.—Yesterday
a meeting of shareholders was held at the offices of the
company, AuQtinfriars ; Mr. J. S. Margetson in the
chair. The financial statement showed a balance in
favour of the company of 7001., and a balance of lia-
Hities over assets of 3381.

FESTIVAL OF THE THREE CHOIRIC—The arrangement
for the holding, of the triennial meeting of the choirs of
Worcester, Fereford, and Gloucester, at Hereford, next
week, are tow nearly completed,
THE AUSTRALIAN MAIL.—The Star of the East,
which sails on the 18th from the Mersey, will convey the
next mail. Letters will be received at the Liverpool
Post•oflice until one o'clock on that day, and half an hour
afterwards, on pas ment of the late fee.

• LIVERPOOL TRIBUTE TO MR. M. T. BAINEE4,—The
Liverpool Select Vestry on Tuesday, at their usual meet-
ing, passed a resolution of thanks to Mr. M. T. Baines
for his uniform courtesy and attention to the inter.sts
of Liverpool in regard to parochial matters during his
presidency of the P,ior-law Board, and of regret at his
retirement from that office.

THE LIMITED LI BILITY ACT.—An association, to be
called the London, Manchester, and Foreign Warehouse
Company, has been formed under the Limited Liability
Act to carry on the business of the old firm of Rogers,
Lowrey, Holyland, and Co., who were obliged, in con-
sequence of heavy losses in Australia and the Cape of
Good Hope, to suspend payment in January last.
PROFO4FD FETE AT KNOWSLEY.—The Lancashire and
Cheshire Institutional Association, consisting of 70
literary and mechanics' institutions, and 15,000 mem-
bers, is to visit the seat of the Right Hon. the Earl of
Derby, at Knnwaley, near Liverpool, on Saturday next.
The company will visit the paintings of old masters, the
gardens, and pleasure-grounds, and Lord Stanley, M.P.,
who is to be present, will probably deliver an address in
the course of the afternoon.
STANFORD'S NEW GUIDE TO PARIS.—Un 'er this title
M. E. Stanford, publisher, Charing cross, has issued a
neat, concise, and portable l-andbook, accompanied by
two maps and a view of the Exhibition and the Champs
Elvs6es, which may safely be recommended to all who
are about to pay a flying visit to Paris, and desire to
procure a serviceable guide. Though concisely given,
the information is ample, and so arranged that any por-
tion is available in a moment.

THE ATTACK ON SWEABORG.—MANCHESTER, Aim. 15.
—The news of the attack on Sweahorg by the allied fl-et-,
with its resu►ts, has produced great satisfaction here,
and we have bad flags flying, with other demonstrations
of joy. Seeing how little our magnificent fleets had
accomplished in the present war heretofore, this proof
of its power was as necessary, perhaps, to reassure us
at home that our ancient renown on the ocean could yet
be upheld as it was to teach a lesson to the a emy.
BRIGHTON, Wednesday Evening,—The news froos be-
fore Sweaborg was hailed this morning with unbounded
satisfaction, as a proof that the disturber of Europe is
not altogether beyond the reach of punishment behind
his own batteries. Later in the day the official de-
spatches were closely scanned, and thought to hear out
the earlier renort of the "destruction "of Sweaborg It
was remarked that the admirals do not state the effect of
their fire on the forts and batteries which, after all, con-
stitute Sweahorg a fortress. The language of Admiral
Dundas, representing the affair as a mortar and gun-boat
attack, seems to prove that the forts have not been bat-
tered, and gives to the .operation the same character as
the bombardment of Odessa last year.
SUICIDE THROUGH DISTRESS —Yesterday morning a
respectable female committed self-destruction, by drown-
ing herself in Liseehouse-cut, Bromley. On the body
being taken nut every assistance was rendered by a
medical gentleman who was sent for, and who endea-
voured to restore animation, but life was extinct. The
deceased female is described to be about 50 years of age,
dark clothing marked No. 225, and five feet four inches
high. A shell having been procured, the body was re-
moved to the Coventry Cross public-house, Bromley, to
be owned and the inquest held.
THE NEW TURKISH LOAN ACT.—Yesterday the act.
which received the Royal assent on Tuesday, was
printed, "To enable her Majesty to carry into effect a
convention made between her Majesty, his Majesty the
Emperor of the French, and his Imperial Majesty the
Sultan." There are three sections in the act. The loan
is 5,000,0001., at 4 per cent. Her Majesty is empowered
to guarantee the interest to be charged on the Consoli-
dated Fund, and where sums are repaid as interest they
are to be carried to the same fund. The accounts relat-
ing to the loan are to be laid before Parliament. In
addition to the 4 per cent, the Porte is to pay one per
cent. per annum on the whole capital of five millions
by way of sinking fund.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM AN OFFICER, DATED
CRIMEA, JULY 30.—1 n addition to the bigwigs already
gone home, I hear General Airey intends to go soon.
He is now Sir R. Airey, K.C.8,, and I suppose wishes
to repose on his laurels. It has a very odd appearance
so many leaving. Colonel Collingwood Dickson, who
was looked up to as one of our best artillery officers, and
who speaks Turkish fluently, is gone to take charge of
powderroills at Waltham. Major Claremont, on special
service at the French head-quarters, gone home, though
perfectly well. Report says that Pelissier snubs General
Simpson—consults him very little. What was he selected
for ? He is too gouty and infirm for any active move-
ments.

STATE OF TRADE.—The annual cessation of lace hus.i-
ness in August is for the present about complete. There
is at all events ne foreign business doing ; and the atten-
tion of our manufacturers is occupied in devising new
eatterns and combinations to suit the approaching sea-
son. It will be about the 20th of September before
activity is resumed. Hosiery is still characterised by
imetivity ; but with prospects of considerable encour
ae•ement, both from the fine weather, the good Pews,
and the relaxation of the pressure on the American
money market, where the prospects are becoming more
and more favourable as to future operations every mail.
Materials have been for some time very firm and are now
looking up—merinoes having experienced an advance,
and both raw and thrown silks likewise being dearer.—
Nottinghamshire guardian.
RACE BETWEEN JOHN LEVETT (OF BATTERSEA) AND
WILLIAM JACKSON (THE AMERICAN DEER) FOR 501.
On Monday, the race between these pedestrians, they
having to run ten miles for the above prize, came off ac
announced, at the Green bill Gardens, Norwich, the
meeting being numerously attendel by those who take
an interest in this pastime. By five o'clock the compe-
titors, both looking in admirable condition, came to the
mark, the betting being 5 to 4 in favour of' Jackson,
who had, according to the proviso:e to be allowed a start
f one hundred yards On getting away, Jackson, at a
fine pace, took the lead, which be maintained till full
half the distance had been accomplished, when Lovett.
in a rattling spurt, dashed in front and, desnite the
efforts of his competitor, held the advanced position till
they had fairly entered upon the last mile, when the,in-
domitable Jackson, who was still running gamely, again
challenged his opponent, and once more went ahead,
amidst the deafening cheers of his admirers. Jackson
ultimately won a highly excaing match, by something
like seventy yards. The men were much distressed with
the exertion they had undergone, and stood greatly in
need of the ready assistance offered to them by their
attendants.
Loss OP LIFE ON WESTMINSTER-BRIDGE.—Last
night, between the hours of six and seven o'clock, an
accident of a fearful and extraordinary character took
place on Westminster-bridge, by which one person lost
his life, and several others were placed in jeopardy For
some time past about 300 men have been employed in
forming the foundation for the new Westminster-bridge,
and, in order to accomplish the work, diving bells were
used. These were lowered and lifted by means of what
are technically termed " travelling purchases," consist-
ing of machinery capable of raising heavy substances.
The one which has unfortunately caused the accident
was so constructed that it could lift without the least
danger 16 tons weight, but at the moment of the occur-
rence, it is asserted by the clerk of the works, that there
was not more than six tons burden on the mach ne.
From some cause, however, which cannot be clearly
ascertained, just as four men had bean drawn up in the
diving-bell, the pinion of _the driving or travelling pur-
chase snapped asunder. In an instant the iron cog-
wheels of the machine burst asunder, and the cogs were
scattered completely across the carriage-road of the
bridge. One piece of the iron work, weighing probably
not more than a-quarter of a pound, struck a gentleman
who was passing. The piece of iron entered his chest,
caused the blood to flow most copiously, and made him
fad to the ground. Several persons rushed to his assist-
ance, but on lifting him up be appeared perfectly insen-
bible. He was at once removed to Westminster Ho,-
pital and was seen by Dr. Wallace, and upon examining
the sufferer pronounced life quite extinct ; the chest was
completely broken in. Another man (one of the work-
men). was badly hurt, and he was also taken to the hos-
pital, where the wounds he had received were dressed
by Dr. Wallace, and nothing serious is apprehended.
His name is Wrn. Clarke. He resides at No. 5, Maiden-
lane, and is about 35 years of age, and in his pocket
was found about a pound in silver and a piece of paper,
on which was written in pencil the following :---‘• F.
Nicolls, No. 1, Victoria-place, Union—treet, Borough."
Had it not been for the forth, ate circumstance of the
four men having the moment before the accident left the
diving bell they must unquestionably have also lost
their lives. A strict investieation into the cause of the
accident will take place before Mr. Bedford, the coro-
-ze:,.to•Daorrow. - -

LA_TEST N lEWS.

VIENNA, Ava• 15.
CONSTANTINOPLE, Aug. 9.—Omar Pasha
return to the Crimea.
The insurrection at Tripoli continues.
Two Turkish regiments will be sent there.

MADRID, Aro. 14'
The government will reply in a moderate, blie
energetic manner to the Papal allocution. 113
d ar
statement that Garibaldi and Mazzini ba
truilplied for permission to come to Spain is un
In case they should do so, the government /11°
refuse their application.

THE SIEGE OF g SEBASTOP4O Ot
CAMP OF THE FOTjt-e2ll vi P
BEFORE SEBASTOPOL, Autl' poi
Rain, rain, and nothing but rain in thister
damp and dreary of camps. I closed in let
v,noie
yesterday in a storm, and I commence this_o
a deluge. A few tents that had been hiedwother
washed down had been re-erected, leaks an edied'
defects revealed by the rain had been reelone
Towards 10 o'clock another storm arose. 00
count, probably, of the bad weather there_foo
auk',
cannon firing than usual. Now and then three eti'ccer,
cannon shots followed each other in raPid, sosion, the rifles engaged in a brief audes
toob
versation, and shells by twos and thre pet
their leisurely and lofty flight skywards--t..,llenoui
like a little ball of flame, alternately apPealTvgis
vanishing, until with sudden dip, the,' P
into trench or battery. Then came the deepAir4
of the thunder, rebuking the discord slicl r:tinties
the puny rivalry of man. The rain ee;to.l,l
heavily during the night and morning, an:inst
the camp is a field of mud, in parts '—
morass. tit
One of the greatest curses of the eare„,P
present moment is the multitude of flies:4db°'
really an Egyptian plague. In every te,ro;
they swarm in myriads. There are tAflegsTo utii°-.
erel
Geo
The news of the day is the recall of is 0
Canrobert. No cause is assigned, buttste!
that his position was awkward, as stlheraots3,
Generals Pellissier and Bosquet, wheat
commanded.
The recent rains have brought a slight reV
cholera. The day before yesterday the 72410°
ten men, dead of that complaint, but the bed'
recent arrival out here, and may theref°ll
peered to suffer more than others.
The Duke of Newcastle is in camp, V°
General Bentinck's tent.
VOTIS ,

A- 400
There has been a good deal of firing °poet
two nights. The night before last ..the i'corsi,"
made a sortie, but were driven back. Thelon sr
away five yards of the chevaux de fri's,6 ottd
Woronzoff road. Their reserves were ve.1.7005
It is thought they desire to distract our t' 010
from the point they really mean to 01111.15 nfijo
some suppose to be the Cemetery. ll'elfr
approaching attack on the Malakhoff, 'tlirctilr
various dates are conjectured, continue t°
THE TURKISH ARM-
1r
THE CRIMEA.,„ Agg,"4l.
Tußxisir
The apprehensions about an intendea
oprot7;
attack on the Tchernaya, which have b 01117)
lent for the last week, are gradually pa
again. There seems really to have bee° s°11)!,411
intention on the part of the Russians. 06170
news about this projected attack on tbecince „101"
was brought by a Russian deserter. 110
several other deserters have come, 00'10
confirming the story. Among these deseopidj
sergeant, who had been employed as it ,c oer
the chariot-Eery of one of the divisions 111
oort
L dere corps.
According to his s,•xinuut; General Ludettebe edi
bad made all its preparations for forcing so io
tion on the Tchernaya, and it was ocitdici,
weather which, as it was thought, ilort they
movement, but an order wi,sich arrived!. ', d
moment, and which countermanded
tion until the arrival of General Panitlllfl,
expected with the corps of observation of
bia, amounting to 70,000 men (on paPer,,/,:gifo
Besides the news relating to the atfc',.-terAFP'
corps of General Paniutin this same clBse-sbor
also other valuable scraps of inforinati°l3 - 600
bastopol. I.°ollcl
by The first is, that the Russians are 1
well provided with provisions in Sebastorifib.o
the soldiers' rations, which ought tel LP; Slop
bread, have been reduced to 1 lb. j 'qv 4
spirits set ved out except to the men in,„frAil
and meat very rarely. The cause of o'9'oo
says, is the want of means of transport. opal''
plenty of everything at Perekop, SimPileifetel4:4/
even Bakshiserai, but the road froui dra
bastopol is covered with the carcase%oollor
animals. The greatest part of the e" opr for
lected in the south of the Crimea for Weep*
vice have died off, from want of care it 01°
the horses, he says, are in good conditioTtiviil!f,
Yesterday evening the rumour Was 604
Turkish camp that a Turkish steatner,—,issis''
from Eupatoria with the news that the
attacked it. The story is not believed'

FRANCE.
PARIS, WEDNESDAY, 011 r
The preparations for the arrival of tilirepeoel 0
England are actively continued. 170r'raii Peo_,°°
engaged in making English and Ttlr"lie0.„:19",
unite with the French ones for the trecair;
club, whose windows. look on .the Booliiwr geP:tr.l
purchased 60 of them. At Boulogne"°;;Detp,!;
preparations are making with qua' esg-trie..-aivr
town is having constructed a- gigantlethel°lool
arch oppo ite the Custom-house, where ,colle
will take place. The Northern tenor
is erecting another at the terminus. 5100944
of Boulogne will rival in decoration t-froo
hourg. Ornaments for it are sent
several times a day. The Emperor wP to 111011
n Friday at 1 o'clock for Boulo3llesce
Queen Victoria. Their Majesties W"
logne about one o'clock.
,e
Difo;
Intelligence has been received at Moe
Astracan, that the Turkomans are r, the
coasts of the Caspian and the banks the*
Several vessels have been plundered b.'
THE PENINSULAR-,
4
souTHAMPTO-,, A
coi ,0 or
By the Peninsular and Oriental b0t0,91
steam-ship Tagus, Captain Weeks, !e,
from Gibraltar, August 4; CadiZ) u ' 034
Oporto, 10; and Vigo, 11.
The Tagus brings several 10014'_d
„(o'oo 4f
freight 29 packages of specie, value 9,31 deg'
chests of -lemons, 13 casks of wilts of j
tomatoes, 11 baskets of onions, 3 I-A—dries, v
boxes of eggs, and 34 packages of sulk lop
cAo
On the 12th inst., in lat.°44 26 .tb.'the 1.0e0?
W., the Tagus exchanged colours paid ft,
guese war-steamers Mindelo $.0.),"4,
the former having on board the Tog 0 Voi
tugal. 14th. —Olf Ushant, ties 600
fell in with the Broderene, of al:P(3l'od felidAye
den, abandoned, coal-ladent supl3l-0 her
andria, took her in lOC Oviing 0t Stedvfle re,
head being carried away, could voic. P 00:0
ship, and was obliged to cast her
rvethiqiiill;;f
been boarded and plundered of siiP
day signalled the English ship boar' loci'
towed by the Tagus, with troops ell the 011 s
quested to be reported. .00 to Oa
The Tagus left Lisbon, just prev Woe /104
val of the mail steam-ship Avon fro
upon /A
"
Few transactions had taken nlac_rod onuoj rot
bon exchange. A few takers app
ethillg
at 54i for three months, and song
W
e
do
on anet
Paris A
g. Comntsitneerdnt.
,rates ilajtobtirgt Ceilb
530
43 ;Tbroar,:retls
and Genoa, 527 ; Portuguese P...bstlo
Portug IP
Stock. 41.11 to 42 ; Bank of - plc 0,01; •
t 0 3 f 3
to 110 milreis discount ; OPer Lisbon A 0
to 15 per cent. premium ; and 'll-0
1 per cent. discount.
Commercial-square and the Pl2obtliiecipbstitiii°49°4
Lisbon were gaily decorated ill a nuke 0 4140
the ;rip thefio lob
arrival of Don Pedro V. and
The cholera, which had appeare_ith „ate
, wit
was reported to be disappearing, "
efeej
life. to tlie tbe f
From Gibraltar' we have dates to
Captain M'Lean and six men, _ forn3uth, so fe000;
of the brig Science, of portstn!jth OAO
their vessel on the 15th inst., files eft:i4eclostr.
f
water in tier hold, about 15 ujore, suifocl
She was laden with iron ,ewporttios t:oje
Rio Elba (Corsica), bound to ta I tit;
w 9,0
dered two hours after the ore 10, the stia
ligul of • e
safely on the beach. The ,n qua
boat, whe,:l they pulled fearuthoritiesrotifsh(ooolo
place immediately put then3,,!ree claY; of fa.
kept them under guard for t".
tiles I. bi sOt
• of a 1
possession ,4 •
from gate. captaiia geoit`ela eta
they were in