The Sun.
London, England, 1855-05-18 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, FRIDAY EVENING, MAY 18 1855,

portions of the river between Quebec and Mon
treal, through which delays of. a fortnight or more
in the arrival' of -goods perpetually occur. The
communication between Montreal and Brockville
is, during the period of navigation, by steam-
boats, which ply on the river St. Lawrence ; on
the opening of the section of railway a journey of
24 hours will be converted into one of 4i. The
average daily number of passengers is 200 in each
direction. From Montreal to Toronto, and places
west of it, the most expeditious route now is to
make a circuit by railway in the United States of
592 miles, with several changes of carriages, by
which a saving of 12 to 15 hours over the St.
Lwrence line is effected—at, however, an in-
creased expense. When the Grand Trunk is
complete to Toronto, the distance from Montreal
will be 333 miles, and this will be traversed in
12 or 13 hours. Besides the cases enumerated,
there are many others in which a similar saving
of time will be effected, the whole clearly
showing that a vast amount of passenger
traffic may Mgitimately be expected. To these
considerations, however, must be added
others of almost equal weight. The citizens
of the United States are uniformly remarkable for
their travelling propensities, and from the facili-
ties offered by the railway and the temptations to
pleasure-seeking by the Canadians, a large
revenue may be looked for from this source. The
average contribution of each resident within the
influence of a railway in the United States is, it
would appear, 12s. 6d. per annum, and the popu-
lation on and within 15 miles of the Grand Trunk
Railway being about 1, million, and rapidly in-
creasing, it is computed that, making the most
ample allowance for competition by water, an
annual income of 600,0001. will be derived from
this source. A gross revenue of 375,0001.
from the export of flour from Upper Canada is
also expected—the foregoing traffic being exclu-
sive of that to he derived from the lines tributary
to the main one. Next in importance to the
Grand Trunk line is the Great Western Railway
of Canada, which will meet the Grand Trunk at
Toronto, at a station common to both lines ; so
that if the immense traffic combinations of these
railways are carried into effect, not only will the
business of that city be immensely increased, but
the development of the resources of the neigh-
bouring district and the country at large will be
wonderfully promoted. We shall return again
to a notice of the reports.

• Has the Bank Charter Act of 1844 worked
well, or proved conducive to the welfare and
prosperity of the industrious classes—the real
thews and sinews of the country? Is its prac-
tical operation such as to admit of the full
development of the national resources, so that
the energetic and determined efforts may be made
which the magnitude of the existing emergency
imperatively demands? These are questions that
require speedy and decided answers. The im-
portant and interesting problem must be solved
during the present session of Parliament, more
than half of which has already elapsed without
the slightest intimation of the Ministerial inten-
tions respecting the renewal of the Bank of Eng-
land Charter being afforded. Indeed, according
to present appearances, it seems to be the object
of the Government to let the matter remain in
abeyance, without notice or observation, until the
last month of the session, when the golden oppor-
tunity will have slipped away, and people will be
compelled to submit to a renewal of the present
iniquitous code, without modification or improve-
ment, or to an emasculated and diluted measure
of little practical utility. •
We must confess that the auguries at this mo-
ment are not very auspicious. A Minister less
calculated to overcome the difficulties of the case
than Sir G. C. LEWIS could scarcely be found.
'lt would, to use a vulgar but significant expres-
sion, be " a toss up" between him and Sir CHAS.
WOOD. Their defects are of very different de-
scriptions, and yet they lead to results equally
prejudicial to the community.
.The quondam
Financial Minister ignored every passing circum-
stance, and perversely clung to the status in qUo,
however inapplicable to the actual state of affairs.
,The present Chancellor is blown about by
.every gale, he can scarcely make up his mind on
any subject, and should he do so, the chances are
'that he will completely change his earlier opinions.
Perverse obstinacy was the chief characteristic of
Sir C. WOOD ; vacillating instability of Sir. G. C.
LEWIS. Nothing save the pressure from Without
can influence the latter, and it is therefore a
'matter of paramount importance that monetary
reformers should spare no efforts to excite the
nation from the apathy and indifference so long
displayed on a subject so materially affecting its
welfare and the happiness of the people.
The inhabitants of Nottingham have enti-
tled themselves to the thanks and gratitude
of their countrymen for coming forward
at this pressing emergency—for inaugurating
a movement which will, we trust and believe,
progress throughout the length and breadth
of the land. No time should be lost in following
the example which they have afforded, of com-
' pensating even at the eleventh hour for the
apathy heretofore displayed. Let every mai who
feels the pressure of the extra taxation ask him-
self hew the burden is to be alleviated ? Let
every man who feels that the honour and safety
.of England, and of the Anglo-Indian empire, as
well as the cause of truth and justice, are in-
volved in the result, consider how peace can be
conquered, and the haughty and rapacious aggres-
sor be brought to his senses. Every disinterested
and unprejudiced person must see that the pecu-
niary part of the subject is by no means the least
important, and that, unless that be duly attended
to, all our other exertions, all the valour of our
gallant soldiers and seamen will be literally
wasted and misapplied.
We do not now ask parties to commit them-
selves to any peculiar views ; we merely implore
inquiry. Our own opinions have been too fre-
quently and too unequivocally expressed to per-
wit any doubt or difficulty with respect thereto,
and we shall be still found amongst the most
energetic labourers for the good cause. But we
ask those who have not yet arrived at a conclu-
sion to investigate the subject—to ascertain the
extraordinary influence which it must exercise on
coming events, and honestly and faithfully to
strive to form an impartial and unprejudiced
judgment. If the question be sufficiently ven•
tilated truth must ultimately prevail. The
different constituencies should not suffer their
, representatives to be taken by surprise, when,
at the fag-end of the Session the Chancel-
lor of the Exchequer brings forward his proposi-
tions. They should be, prepared to argue the
topic, and not to yield a tacit assent to the falla-
cies that may be put forward by the Financial

Minister.
Mr. KNOTT clearly and distinctly explained the
subject to the gentlemen and tradesmen of Not-
tingham and its vicinity. He has stepped
ward as one of the leaders of the vanguard. Are
there not others desirous of achieving
similar dis-
tinction who feel themselves qualified to enlighten
their friends and neighbours—to stimulate the
agitation that is so imperatively required t It is

easy to prove that the Act of 18.44 has
totally failed of accomplishing the alleged ob-
ject for which it was carried that. in
place of equalising the value of money, of render-
ing the purchasing power of the Sovereign equable,
it has led to the most extraordinary and disas-
trous fluctuations—" fluctuations more injurious
to the industrious classes than the failure of all
the banks of issue since the creation of paper
money." We know that it was anticipated ,that
the novel principle would work well as a self-
acting regulator of the circulating medium ; but
it has not merely failed in its intended object,
but its operation has been diametrically opposite.
When there was an abundance of money, it added
to the plethora. When our coffers were well
filled, it caused their overflow. The torrent
destroyed what more gently and equably distri-
buted, it would have fertilised. In place of stimu-
lating legitimate trade, it led to unhealthy specula-
tion. Money became what was commonly called " a
drug in the market." But, unfortunately, it did
not long continue so. The tide of prosperity
rapidly ebbed, and left the imprudent speculators
to suffer the deplorable results of their folly. On
the other hand, when there was a deficiency the

tightness was aggravated, and sufficient could not
be obtained for the exigencies of the people, and
more especially of the creators and producers of
national wealth. This must be corrected, and it
can only be corrected during the present Session,
for notice must be given by the Government to
the Bank of its intentions with respect to the
Charter before the prorogation. Monetary re-
formers know the arduous task which they are
called on to accomplish, and they should there-
fore at once, and for ever, shake off the apathy
by which they have so long been affected.

LORD ELLENBOROUGH'S MOTION.—The Earl of Dela
warr's name was accidentally omitted from the list of
Peers who voted in favour of Lord Ellenborough's
motion.

The Commissioners of Chelsea Hospital have in-
creased the pension of Isaac Ohurch to ls. a-clay on ac-
count of his good character.
BANKRUPTCY COURT.—Mr. Bailey, the eminent
sculptor, was yesterday awarded a second-class certi-
ficate.

The number of exhibitors at the Paris Exhibition is
not less than 20,000, of whem 10,500 are foreigners.
On Wednesday upwards of 70 volunteers from the
City of Dublin Militia joined the 60th Rifles.
WAR ROCKETS.—Large Government orders, we are
informed, for iron cases, of the Congreve patternP, are in
course of execution by an extensive firm in Long-acre
and Drur

A deputation, consisting of the Right Worshipful the
Mayor of Waterford, W. B. N. Wyse (high sheriff of
the county Waterford), Joseph D. Laphain, and Joseph
Fisher, Esqrs., has arrived in town for the purpose of
waiting on the Postmaster-General respecting the im-
perfect postal arrangements of the south of Ireland.
Daniel Mitch-ll Davidson and C ,smn Wm. Gordon,
who carried on business in the city of London as gene-
ral merchants and metal brokers, and at West Ham as
distillers, were bronht up on remand before Sir P.
Laurie, at the Mansion-house yest rday, charged with
not surrendering aftr they had been adjudged bank-
rupts, with fraudulently conceding a portion of effec,t4,
*n4 with uttering fictitious warrant,. They were again
remanded.

PROVINCIAL DANK OF IRELAND.—At a meeting of
this bank held yesterday a dividend at the rate of 8 pe-
cent. per annum (free from income tax), with a b.ons of
4 per cent., was declared, and the report was unani-
mously adopted.
The members of the Halifax Mill-owners' Association
have just held a meeting, and resolved unanimously to
join the National Association, recently formed, for the
purpose of guarding the interests of factory proprietors
and occupier.
COLONEL SIBTHORP, M.P.—A report has been current
that the gallant member for Lincoln was seriously and
dangerously ill. We are happy to be able to state that,
though the colonel has been suffering from indisposition,
arising, doubtless, from over exertion, no immediate
danger has ever been anticipated by his medical atten-
dant, and he is so far recovered as to induce his friends
to believe that he will in a few days be able to resume
his Parliamentary deties.—Boston Guardian.
ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA.—Mario has reason to be flat-
tered by his reception last night. At no former period
of his career do we' remember to have seen a greater
degree of excitement produced by his appearance. The
house was crowded in every part, and presented an
aspect of more than usual brilliancy. When Mario
same forward as Arturo in the Puritani, he was greeted
with pea!s of applause, which were prolonged for several
minutes. He looked remarkably well, and was full of
vigour and energy.
ROYAL SURREY ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS.—The pro-
prietor of this popular place of amusement has prepared
for the season's exhibition a gigantic modelled picture of
Sebastopol, carefully prepared from the best authorities,
and painted by Mr. Dawson from drawings made on the
spot specially for the purpose. An attempt will be
made to give the public a satisfactory idea of the mili-
tary operations of attack and defence, as now carried on
by the belligerent forces. That nothing may be want-
ing to give reality to the scene, a considerable number
of the soldiers wounded at Alma, Balaklava, and Inker-
man, will take part in the mimic sorties and other
manceovres of the siege.
EXTRAORDINARY ACT OF SELF-MUTILATION. A
young tradesman of Exeter, named Ramsher, committed
a foolish arid dangerous act of self-mutilation on Mon-
day last. He was intoxicated, and, having gone into
his workshop, took up an axe, and placed his left hand
on the bench, saving to an apprentice that he should not
be long before he was in the hospital. He then deli-
berately aimed a heavy blow at his wrist, inflicting a
wound so severe as nearly to sever the hand from the

arm.
BRITISH FOREIGN LEGION.—We are requested to
state that well-educated and intelligent non-conirni,si med
officers in the army, who are experienced in the duties
of the paymaster's, quarterma,ter's, and adjutant's office,
are eligible as candidates for commissions as quarter-
masters in the British Foreign Legion, now about to be
organised immediately, partly at Stiorncliffe camp, in
Kent, and partly at Heligoland. No candidate need
apply without unexceptionable testimonials as to good
character and efficiency from his commanding officer.
The Legion will consist of cavalry, infantry, and artil-
lery. Applications will be recei.ed by Colonel Kinloch,
Inspector, British Foreign Legion, War Department,
Whitehall.
THE NEW BBHOP OF SIERRA LEONE.—Ye=t€rday
(Ascension-day) the ceremony of consecrating the Bishop
designate of Sierra Leone, the Rev. John Weeks,
D.D., took place at the old church of St. Mary,
Lambeth, in the presence of the Archbishop of Canter-
bury and the Bishops of London, Oxford, and 'Winches-
ter. The order of the proceedings on these occasions is
so well known that to describe the long and formal rou-
tine would be tedious. There was the full morning ser-
vice, with a sermon, after which the patent of the new
bishop was read seriatim, and the ceremony of consecra-
tion commenced. The holy sacrament was afterwards
administered to the newly-consecrated prelate and to
such of the congregation as were not too fatigued by the
enormous length of the previous service to remain. A
printer form was distributed among the congregation ,
particularly requesting that those who did not wish to
receive the eucharist would not leave the church till the
prayer for the church militant had been read. The con-
gregation was a crowded one.
NEW BARRACKS AT COLCHESTER.—It is confidently
stated that during the present year Colchester will be-
come a garrison town. During the past week, Colonel
Wolfe, of the Engineers, made a minute inspection of
the Government ground in the vicinity of the town,
with a view to the erection of barracks for 5,000 men.
The ordnance field, of about 30 acres, we understard
wilt be occupied by wooden huts, in blocks, each calcu-
lated to accommodate a battalion of 500, thus providing
for 3,000. The huts for the remainder will be erected
on the old barrack ground, of 14 acres. The town sur-
veyor has sketched out a plan for the drainaze. It is
supposed that the huts will differ materially from those
of the Aldershott encampment, which .are said to be
anything but models for imitation. We hear the con-
tracts for their erection will be offered to the tradesmen
of the town.— Issex Herald.
PROPOSED WIDENING OF HuNGERFORD BRIDGE,
AND NEW LONDON RAILWAY.—Yesterday, the Com-
mittee on Metropolitan Communications met in room
No. 18, House of Commons. Mr. Giles, C.E., was '
examined, and produced plans for the purpose of form-
ing tunnel railway from the London and North-West-
ern Railway to effect a junction with Hungerford-bridge,
over which it would pass on to the South-Western Rail-
way. From this point it was proposed to carry on arches
a branch line of railway to London-bridge, which would
completely unite all the railways on the south side of the
river with those of the north, affording the public great
facilities of pa4sing from one to the other, and at the
same time would relieve the streets of London of a great
deal,of its crowded traffic. In Oxford-street the tunnel
would be 32 feet below the surface, and the tunnel itself
would be 23 feet in height. There would be no engi-
neering difficulties. Mr. Bayley, engineer to Hunger-
ford-bridge, said it was proposed to widen the bridge 50
feet, and by two girders in the centre to strengthen the
bridge. The entire cost of the tunnel and bridge was
estimated at two millions. Shortly before four o'clock
the committee adjourned.
PROCLAMATION OP OUTLAWRY.—At the sitting of the
Ipu
rnposocolniayttein)nati
oCourtno ye
surrender
f outtsol teatwrdhreya ,
respective pdleetthi veeHemp, the
suits followingbaff m
against
wereili
themcalled
de
—Frederick Hughes Secretan, Maria Sabina de Melfort
(commonly called the Countess de Melfort), Robert
Hodgson, David Harris James, Catherine Mary Jane
APOuhrey (sued as Catherine Mary Jane Evans,) Gen.
Alfred Lawrence, Wm. Henry Gregory, Dunbar John
Cother, John C des Foudrinier, Charles Hallowell
Carew, John Jubilee Johnston, John Lawford and
Ed ward Lawford (twice), Sir John Nicoll, Robt. Camp-
,, bell, Sussex Lennox, Esq. (commonly called Lord Sussex
Lennox), Henry Ball, John Bush, and Francis W.
Salstonball.

LA r
T--,
X
4-1 ia
40

RESIGNATION OF GENERAL
CANROBERE

PARIS, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 7.30 A.M.

The Moniteur announces that his Majesty the
Emperor has received the following despatch from
General Canrobert

"CRIMEA, MAY 16, 11 A.M.

"My shattered health no longer allowing me
to continue in the chief command, my duty to-
wards my Sovereign and my country compels me
to ask you to transfer the command to General
Pelessier, a skilful and experienced leader.

" The army which I leave him is intact, har-
dened to war, full of ardour and confidence. I
beseech the Emperor to leave me a soldier's place
(place de combatant) as commander of a simple
division."

The Minister of War has addressed the follow-
ing reply to General Canrobert
:
"PARIS, MAY 16, 11 A.M.

"The Emperor accepts your resignation. He
regrets that your health has suffered; he congra-
tulates you upon the sentiment which makes you
ask to remain with the army, where you shall
have the command, not of a division, but of the
corps of General Pelessier.

" Hand over the chief command to that

General."

FR AN CE.

PARIS, THURSDAY EVENING.

The Moniteur publishes a decree, ordering that
the triennial renewal of one-third of the members
of the councils of arrondissement shall take place
on the 2d and 3d June next.

The Moniteui promulgates the budget for 1856,
as passed by the Legislative Body and the Senate,
and which shows a definitive surplus of 3,300,204 fr.
The Minister of War, in conformity with a deci
sion of the Emperor, has just prescribed that all
the men of the class of 1847, now serving with their
regiments in France, shall be liberated on the Ist
June next. Those of the same class now in the
East, Africa, and Italy will be liberated on the
arrival of the young soldiers of the last contingent
at the war battalions.

Gen. Walsin Esterhazy, who commands the sub-
division of the Eure, has been appointed to the
command of a brigade of cavalry in the army of the
East.

The Althen, the Omnibus, the Napoleon, and
the Express, steamers on tie Rhone, took down on
Monday and Tuesday from Lyons to Valence
755,000 kilogrammes of materiel, consisting of
gunpowder, shells, fusees, cannons, and balls. This
enormous mass of articles was at once taken to the
railway and conveyed to Marseilles.
The Indus steam-packet left Marseilles on the
14th for Constantmople, having on board 350 mei:
belonging to different corps. Among them wen
128 Poles incorporated in the foreign legion.
The trial of the conspirators accused of having
constructed an infernal machine at Perenchier, with
a view to kill the Emperor, will come on before the
Imperial Court of Douai in a few days.
Colonel Frossard, ;who commands the French
engineers of the 2d corps d'arinee of the East, has
been promoted to the rank of general of brigade,
in the room of General Dalesme, made general of
division.

Another steam gun-boat, the Aigrette, was
launched on Wednesday from the yard of M. Nor
mand, at Havre, and immediately taken into the
dock to have her engine and boilers fitted.
An equestrian statue in bronze of Napoleon 111.
was on Wednesday erected on a pedestal oppositt
the eastern front of the Exl;.ibition Palace. ThE
statue is of the size of nature, and was cast by M.
Gaillard, from a model by M. Debay. The Em
peror is represented in the uniform of a genera,
officer, and is mounted on a magnificent horse.
His Majesty holds the reins in the left hand, and
is saluting with his hat in the right.
Capt. Exelmans, who lately commanded the im-
perial yacht Reine Hortense, has been appointed
to the command of the floating battery the Devas-
tation.