The Sun.
London, England, 1855-06-12 00:00:00

PORTUGAL.

SOUTHAMPTON, Monday.—The Vasco da Gama,
steam-ship, Captain Taylor, with ship letter bags,
passengers, and general cargo, arrived this morn-
ing. She left Lisbon on the sth! inst., at mid-day.
By this arrival we receive files of newspapers
from the above capital. Since the Madrid reached
Southampton with the usual Peninsular mail
nothing has transpired in the political hemisphere
of Portugal worth recording.
It appears in commercial affairs that a steam com-
pany has been formed for the purpose of a regular
communication between Lisbon and the Azores—a
line that was much required. The company will be
assisted by a loan from the Courts. The Electric
Telegraph Company, through its chairman, Mr.
Ricardo, have made a proposition to Government
to make the Azores a station in the projected com-
munication by telegraph to America.
Some little excitement has been caused at Fun-
chal in consequence of the sentinel of her Majes-
ty's sloop Teazer having shot a poor Portuguese
boy dead, who was approaching the vessel to sell
his commodities. An investigation was being made
into the affair, and it was reported that the unfor-
tunate affair originated in mistake, but how the
" mistake " occurred has not transpired.
The weather had been boisterous in the extreme
in the Tagus during the past week, and three or
four vessels were dismasted.
The Iberia, with the homeward Peninsular mails,
andwas ev:c• rdcdt el
©ford tovsenfurteliln Ga
inp
Her Majesty's steam-frigate Malacca, convoyingt
six gun-boats, appeared off the bay on
itbonra lntnait•
hoen
9ttliile. Bth ,
no st
ult., steering southward.
The Great Western, steam-ship, for Southamp-
ton,the 10th inst.
L
lls on Loudon, dap,
Lisbon Exchanges.--Bills with the liver Plate and Bnrazilian mails, was
expected at Lisbon, en route, o
; 30 days, 51/.

TUE ERICSON.—The steamer Ericson, which has at-
tracted so much attention, has recently been refitted
with new machinery, had made a trial trip thirty miles
out.,. to sea, the resuit of which is reported to have been
sat;slactory, and she was announced to leave New
York for Havre on the I.Gth of the month, under the
command of Capt. Lowber.
ANIGLING.—A gentleman named Dawson, who has
fished the Brora for some seasons, has, during less than
two months, killed 179 salmon, or, at an anera,e of
more than three daily.—Scottish Record.

The Toronto Globe intimates that the removal of the
seat of the Canadian Government to Toronto is pretty
certain. A Government agent has been at Toronto
making arrangements for the necessary buildings.
The departures from the port of London for the Aus-
tralian colonies during the past week have comprised
only three vessels—two for Melbourne and one for
Adelaide, with an aggregate capacity of 1,527 tons.
The rates of freight exhibit little alteration.

Mr. Arthur Guinness, the bead of the great brewing
establishment, known over the four quarters of the
world for its incomparable XX, is no more, having died
on Saturday, at the advanced age of 88.
A very large seizure of malt, said to exceed 1,5001. in
value, was made a few days since in the vicinity of Dub-
lin. It is saidAhowever, that the parties expect to adduce
proof sufficient to release all or a portion of it from the
Customs warehouse.

Yesterday there was an advance of id on the 41b. loaf
of wheaten bread throughout the metropolis. The charge
now made for third quality, or household breal, is 9d. ;
the second quality bread is 10d. ; and best bread 11/d.
the 41b.
The indefatigable Barnum has just favoured the pro-
digy-loving public of New York, with the announcement
of a new marvel, i.e., the "infant Esau, two years old,
covered with hair, and has already a full-beard and
whiskers !" _ _

.....___ .
The Dumfries Courier says that the closing to the
public of the renowned marrying establishment yclept

Gretna-hall, is about to take place.
AMERICAN INTERVENTION IN EIIROPE.—A rumour
has been going the rounds of the newspapers to the
effect that ex-President Tyler was about to proceed to
Europe, there to join Messrs. Van Buren and Fillmore,
and that the three were to mediate between Russia and
the Western Powers. Of course there was no truth in

it. The idea was seriously entertained at one time-by
several personages in Congress, and was briefly dis-
cussed in that body. But it was understood from the
representatives of the Western Powers, that no inter-
vention in the quarrel was desired or could be enter-
tained ; and the project was dropped immediately.

MR. ROEBUCK'S COMMITTEE ON THE ARMY BEFORE
SEBASTOPOL.—The members of the Committee on the

Army before Sebastopol again assembled yesterday to
further consider their report. The whole of the mem-
bers of the committee were present. After a stormy
sitting of four hours, they had not concluded upon their
report, and they will meet again this day. It is, how-
ever, fully expected that the report will be laid before the
house in the course of the present week.
AN AEROLITE.—There is now to be seen in the Mu-
seum of (Economic Geology in Jermyn.street, a part of
the trunk of a willow tree lately felled in Battersea
Fields, in the centre of which was found an aerolite, or
meteoric stone, of very large size, which seems to have
fallen on the tree many years ago, and to have embedded
itself in its substance. "It is a prodigious curiosity
(says the Gardeners' Chronicle), and well worth exa-
mination."
CLOSING OLD SMITHFIELD MARBET.—Yesterday after-
noon, immediately after the termination of the day's
business at Smithfield, notices were posted on all parts
of the market, signed by Sir G. Grey, her Majesty's
Secretary of State for the Home Department, informing
the public that the Corporation of London having com-
plied with the whole of the provisions of the Markets
Act, in the formation of the New Market at Copenhagen-
fields, Islington, he had fixed the New Market and
slaughter-houses to be opened on Friday next, the 15th
inst. ; a,nd that henceforth Smithfield would entirely
cease to be a market for the sale of horses and cattle.
The sale of hay and straw will be continued as usual.
In the general business of the port of London during
the past week there has been continued activity. The
total number of vessels reported inward was 244, being
only 15 less than in the previous week. The number of
ships cleared outward was 152, showing a decrease of 8 ;
out of this total no less than 35 were in ballast. The
number of ships on the berth loading for the Australian
colonies on the Bth inst. was 62. Of these 7 were for
Adelaide, 5 for Geelong, 5 for Hobart Town, 3 for
Launceston, 4 for Melbourne, 1 for Moreton Bay, 4 for
New Zealand, 1 for Nelson and Wellington, 1 for New-
castle, 10 for Port Philip, 2 for Portland Bay, and 19
for Sydney.
SEIZURE OF A VESSEL AT IPSWICH.—A large foreign
barque, of 304 tons burden, called the Nina, which has
been some time in the port of Ipswich, under Austrian
colours, was seized on Wednesday, by authority of the
Admiralty, on suspicion of being Russian property. She
brought a cargo of linseed from the Black Sea, consigned
.to a firm in Ipswich. The Nina was built at Sunder-
land, and was purchased while at Odessa by her present
owner, alleged to be an Austrian. She sailed under
Russian colours until September, 1853, the date of her
present papers. At that period she assumed the Aus-
trian flag, under which she remained until her seizure.
She is now in the hands of the authorities, and will so
remain until her true character has been thoroughly in-
vestigated.—lpswith, Journal.
PEDESTRIANISM. JOHN HOTINE AND WILLIAM
BASSETT.—Yesterday the match between these metro-
politan pedestrians to walk seven miles for 50/. came off
on Sadler's enclosed ground, Garratt-lane, Wandsworth.
Hotine was the favourite, his backers laying the odds of
30 to 25. Bassett throughout the first and second lap
kept up with his opponent, but in the third succeeded in
just getting away from him ; at the finish of the mile he
was leading by a few yards. Hotine from the fifth mile
took the lead and went in a winner by five yards, .doing
the distance in 53 minutes 40 seconds.
DESTRUCTIVE Finn NEAR DOVER.--Early on Thurs-
day morning a fire broke out in some extensive premises
situated about a mile from Dover, and formerly known
as Maxton Farm, but which are now occupied by Mr.
H. Worthington, who carries on the business of a brewer.
Fortunately the accident we have to record did not re-
sult in any injury to the business premises, or to the
plant employed, although we regret to state that Mr.
Worthington's dwelling-house was completely gutted,
and nearly the whole of its contents destroyed. The
house and furniture were insured in the Alliance and
Norwich Union Assurance Offices. The furniture, we
hear, was insured for 4001. ; and the total loss, which
was estimated at rather over 1,0001., is, we understand,
more than covered by the combined insurance.—Dover
Chronicle:

REPORTED GERMAN INTRIGUES.—We learn that the
successes of the French army in the Crimea are giving
rise to most uncomfortable apprehensions in Berlin,
Brussels, and at some of the petty Courts, where the
notion existsithat these successes will tend to "feed the
love for glory," and awaken the traditions and views of
the first Napoleon upon Germany. In consequence of
this, the most deeply-laid intrigues are said to be carried
on, with the view of opposing the diplomacy of England
to that of France in Germany, and, to give the former a
predominating influence. The extraordinary speeches
of Mr. Gladstone, Mr. S. Herbert, and Sir James
Graham, are all said to harmonise with the views
of the Courts of Berlin, Brussels, &c., the great object of
whose diplomacy is to bring the war to a close, as soon
as some further events take place in the Crimea, in order
to break up the Anglo-French allianee. We believe the
Minister whom these monarchs would desire to see at
the head of affairs in England is Lord John Russell,
and we should not be surprised if their favourite, before
the lapse of many weeks, is called upon to form a Go-
vernment. The rumour that Lord Palmerston will soon
be elevated to the Peerage is again current ; bat we re-
gret to hear it snrnAsed that, should his lordship not
submit to the counsels of Lord Lansdowne and other,,
Lord John Russell, in all probability, will, on the proper
occasion, deal with the present Ministry much as he did
with that of Lord Aberdeen.—Morning Advertiser.
MERCHANT TAILORS' COMPANY.—The annual election
of scholars to St. John's College, Oxford, and other
university preferments, from the school of the Merchant
Tailors' Company, took place yesterday. After an exa-
mination, which was reported to be satisfactory, W. H.
Smith, .A. S. Austin, and Win. Holding were elected
'to Probationary Fellowships at St. John's College, Ox-
ford ; R. C. Ward was appointed Stuart Exhibitioner,
and Albert G. Strutte, Parkin Exhibitioner to Cam-
bridge. The Master of the Company (Mr. Jacomb),
the Wardens, and a large assembly of guests and old
scholars, then proceeded to the School-room, where
speeches were delivered. The head-master, the Rev.
Dr. Hussey, then distributed the prizes, of which the
following are the chief :—Latin Verse—W. H. Smith ;
General Latin Literature—W. H. Smith ; General
Greek Literature—W. H. Smith ; ,History—C. A. S.
Austin ; Montefiore Hebrew Medal—James Mew ;
Chief Mathematical Prizes—W. R. Blackburn and E.
F. M'Carthy ; Chief French Prize—R. F. Clarke. In
the evening the Master and Warden entertained a nu-
merous party at dinner, in their hall in Threadneedle-
street. The chair was taken by Mr. Charles Jacomb,
the master, who was supported by his Royal Highness
the Duke of Cambridge, the Marquis of Salisbury, Lord
Viscount Hardinge, the Lieut.-General Sir George Pol-
lock, and other distinguished guests.
OPENING OF THE SOUTH- WALES RAILWAY FROM
HAVERPORDWEST TO NEYLAND.—AII the arrangements
for opening the line from Haverfordwest to Neyland
have been entered into, and according to present arrange-
ments, the 20th of August is the day fixed for the opening.
Mr. Brunel, accompanied by Mr. Bennett, and Mr. Con-
der, visited Haverfordwest on Tuesday and Wednesday,
and walked over the line to Neyland. There is to be a sta-
tion at Jobnston,for both passengers and goods—the sta-
tions and all the offices are at once to be built, both at
Neyland and Johnston, and Messrs. F. Conder and Co.
have, we learn, obtained the contracts. The object of Mr.
Brunel's visit was to decide where the landing pier for the
passengers is to be built—and we understand, that the
line is' to be carried on to the end of the yard, in the
stream beyond the Royal William, where there is water
enough for the largest steamer to come alongside. The
timber is being fast prepared at the contractors' yard,
and there are many cargoes of rails on the way from
Newport, and before the end of the summer we may
look out for a beginning for the American and Irish
traffic. There are now only two bridges to be finished
between Haverfordwest and Neyland, and the line is
ballasted fir more than six and a half miles. The two
unfinished bridges are at Johnston--one on the public
road to Rosemarket, and the other an accomodation
bridge on Mr. CarroW's farm.
SUCCESSFUL ENTERPRISE IN THE IRON TRADE.—The
following estates have been purchased by Messrs. Baird,
of Gartsherrie Iron Works, in the central iron district
of Scotland, within the last five years :—The late Mr.
Closeburn and Sham; estate, 225,0001. ; Mr.
William Baird, Elie, 145,0001. ; ditto, Rosemount and
whitefield, 50,0001. ; Mr. Alexander Baird, Ury,
120,0001. ; Mr. James Baird, Cambusdoon, 50,0001. ;
Mr. George Baird, Striehen, 140,0001. ; Mr. David
Baird, Stitchel, 165,0001. ; Mr. Robert Baird, Auchma-
den, 60,0001. ; total 955,0001. The Messrs. Baird have
been in all respects the architects of their own fortunes.
The sons of a respectable farmer in Lanarkshire, their
patrimony was but small ; yet, small as it was, aided
and guided by judicious enterprise, courage, integrity,
and perseverance, they have fought their way manfully
to fortune, and are at present the largest iron manufac-
' turers in the British empire,

HAYMARKET THEATRE.

Last night a new five-act play, by Mr. J. Saunders,
entitled Love's Martyrdom, was produced here with the
most decided success. The plot is simple—love and
jealousy forming the leading features. The scene of the
play is laid near Lincoln, and the drama opens with
preparations for a marriage. Franklyn, a noble-spirited
gentleman, is about to be wedded to Margaret, a
wealthy heiress, whom be loves to adoration—and she
too loves him, although she hardly knows how deeply.
The beauties of Franklyn's mind are counterpoised by his
deformity, of which he is painfully sensible. This de-
formity has in a great measure restrained him in his
wooing, and Margaret is rather piqued at his coolness,
as she thinks it. This circumstance becomes known to -
the villain of the piece, one Master Freelove, and
he accordingly commences his scheme to obtain
possession of Julia, the beloved of Clarence
Franklyn; Clarence has been invited to the wedding,
and with him comes Freelove. Freelove discovers the
weak points of the betrothed lovers, and skilfully plays
upon them, as also upon the impressible Clarence.
Franklyn, persuaded that Margaret loves Clarence, re-
signs her in agony, and she, piqued at his indifference,
as she imagines, aquiesces in the transfer of her band.
Clarence, vain and easily led, forgets his pledge to Julia,
whom he has seduced, and Freeleve, triumphing in the
successes of his plot, prepares to carry off Julia, who
rejects his proffered love. He is baffled and slain by
Laneham, Julia's brother, an artist, and devotedly at-
tached to Franklin, who had patronised him in his
youth. Laneham breaks off the ill-omened marriage of
Clarence and Margaret, and, bringing forth his sister
Julia, denounces Clarence as her seducer. Explanations
ensue, and the result is that Franklin marries Margaret,
and things are put in train for the marriage of Julia
with Clarence.
Miss Helen Faucit, as Margaret, was charmingly
graceful ; her acting was beyond all praise, and although
the play is not devoid of defects the beautiful character
of Margaret compensates for them. The little part of
Julia was artisticlly sustained by Miss Swanborough,
and little Miss Schott ably acquitted herself as the
maid to Margaret. The part of Franklyn, the hunch-
back lover, was admirably given by Mr. Barry Sullivan.
To our thinking it is the best thing he has yet done—

it was the performance of a gentleman and a scholar.
The greatest credit is due to Mr. Howe for 'the capital
manner in which he gave the part of Laneham, the ar-
tist, and the author is under great obligation to him.
Mr. W. Farren had a very up-hill part, that of Clarence,
which, however, he got through very ably ; but the
Freelove of a Mr. Leighton Walter frequently jeopar-
dised the success of the play. Mr. Buckstone has done
all that could be done for the drama as regards scenery,
dresses, and appointments ; they are all superb. At the
fall of the curtain Miss Helen Faucit was called for, as
she was at the end of the fourth act, and was greeted
with loud applause. That the play will have a run
there cannot be a doubt.