The Sun.
London, England, 1855-12-21 00:00:00

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.

SIR,—My attention having been called to the report
in the Daily News and Morning Post, of the 17th inst.,
of the trial a cause of "Pew v. Rosenthal," wherein the
plaintiff said—" She had been introduced to a Mr. De
Mattos and his wife, but had afterwards been told by the
defendant that Mr. De Matto% only kept the lady whom
he represented to be his wife ;" and having been informed
that, in consequence of the name of "De Mattos" being
uncommon, it had been supposed that I was the Mr. De
Mattos alluded to, I beg to state that I am not the Mr.
De Mattos in question, and that he is no relation or ac-
quaintance of mine.—l am, &c.,
W. N. DE MATTOS.
Weetow-hill, Upper Norwood, Dec. 20, 1855.

" Viscount Canning," says the Malta Times, " arrived
here on the 7th from Marseilles in the Caradoe, accom-
panied by Lady Canning, Lord de Burgh, Captain
Bouverie, and Dr. Leckie, and left the next day for
Alexandria. His lordship will spend a few weeks in
Egypt before proceeding to the seat of his future
government."
Tax MAILS.—SOUTHAMPTON, Thursday.—The Penin-
sular and Oriental Company's steam-ship Alma, Capt. C.
F. Burney, left this day, with the East India and China
mail ; a full cargo, being upwards of 504 tons, 82 pas-
sengers, and specie for Alexandria to the amount of
10,6491. ; India, 364,7841. Amongst the passengers by
the Alma are Captain and Mrs. Weston, Dr. and Mrs.
Rimmington, for Bombay ; Drs. Walker, Anderson,
Cowan, and Fox, for Calcutta ; Major and Mrs. Burton,
for Madras ; lirnael Pacha and friend, for Alexandria.
THE AUSTRALIAN MAILS.—LIVERPOOL, Thursday.—
The Royal mail ship Earl of Sefton, Capt. Noble, of the
White Star line of Australian packets, cleared to-day,
and will sail to-morrow forenoon for Melbourne, with
the usual mails for the Australian colonies, about 180
passengers, and one of the most valuable cargoes which
ever left the Mersey in one vessel on freight, being com-
posed almost entirely of fine goods. She should have
gone to sea to-day, but the state of the tide, and the
heavy swell in the river, owing to the easterly gales
which prevailed yesterday and to-day, prevented her
leaving the docks.
Tisis DEBT OF PORTUGAL.—In regard to this debt it
is understood that negotiations are still in progress with
the accredited agents of that country for the purpose of
restoring to the bondholders, as far as may he practicable
those rights which the Government violated by the de-
cree of 1852. A disposition being thus evinced by Por-
tugal to act justly towards her creditors, it is stated that
they, in return, are desirous to promote her credit, and
most probably to assist in carrying out the railway
p'ans which are essential to her progress and the increase
of her revenue. If the present propositions should be
concluded, the creditors will, it is stated, forthwith me-
morialise the Committee of the Stock-Exchange to allow
Portuguese securities to be again quoted in their official
list.
BULLION IN THE BANK OF ENGLAND.—The demand
for money at the Bank of England is heavy, but scarcely
more so than was anticipated for the close of the year.
According to the last return the bullion was only
150,000/. less than in October, when they resolved upon
their existing rates, and, as the additional note issue of
475,000/. just authorised will enable them to dispense
with a corresponding amount of gold without leaving
them in a worse position, as far as their power of accom-
modating the public is concerned, than they were in at
that period, there is no reason to presume that the pre•
sent requirements upon them are such as to call for any
immediate check. With regard to the future, the ap-
proaching termination of the payments on the Turkish
Loan is a favourable feature, and, although the absorp-
tion of specie on the Continent may be resumed, con-
siderable supplies can be looked for to enable us to meet
it. From Mexico a very large sum is due, fresh arrivals
from Australia are now to be expected at any
time, and
according to the last advises from New York, it is not
unlikely that the next steamer or the succeeding ones
may bring us some amounts from that city.
At a meeting of the Canada Company held yesterday,
Mr. C. Franks presiding, the dividend declared was £7
per share, free from income-tax ; and the statement was
received as satisfactory. It was intimated that the di-
rectors, after due consideration, have determined to dis-
tribute the amount of assets which may come into their
hands each half-year, making a limited reserve to cover
liabilities ; and with this view, as there is some doubt of
its being in exact accordance with the charter, they have
been authorised to apply to Parliament for a sf eclat
act. With regard to the present payment, the chairman
informed the proprietors, to prevent future disappoint-
ment, that it was not probable it could be maintained, a
sum of .£40,000 included in.the total now available hav-
ing been money out at interest as an investment. In
answer to a question it was mentioned that the income
tax will be paid on the whole amount distributed, since,
although a portion may be considered in some respects
a repayment of capital, ample assets still remain to re-
present the original outlay. If at a future date circum-
stances arise for rendering a winding-up desirable, the
directors then, if the impost shall be in force, will take
the necessary measures to protest against any charge
upon what may be considered a return of capital as dis-
tinauished from realised profits. A question having been
mooted on a previous occasion with respect to voting,
the opinion of Mr. R. Palmer has been obtained, and be
states that according to the terms of the charter the pos-
session el five shares entitles the holder to ono vote, 10
two votes, 20 three votes, and 25 or upwards four votes,
six months' qualification being required. Individuals
holding less than five shares may attend the meetings
aud speak, but not vote.