The Sun.
London, England, 1855-04-28 00:00:00

has shown how very easily the Cabinet Ministers
are disposed to take matters, and unless energy
be displayed somewhere we cannot feel surprised
if the affairs of the nation should become seriously
embarrassed. If the end of a private concern so
managed could only be bankruptcy, what can be
anticipated from the carelessness and inefficiency
displayed in the direction of public business ?

The Loan Bill and Customs Duties Bill have
passed through Committee, almost without dis-
cussion. The Hon. Gentleman the Member for
Glasgow alone stood forward to record his earnest
protest against the manner in which the Loan was
contracted, and the retrograde policy adopted by
the Government in imposing additional duties on
such articles as tea, coffee, and sugar. Mr. M-tc-
GREGOR justly complained of the apathy and indif-
ference displayed on subjects of such vast impor-
tance. A few members, barely sufficient to keep up a
House and to prevent another " count-out"
listened with impatience to the objections against
the additional taxation, that would be felt most
grievously in every cottage throughout the
United Kingdom, and which would not only ma-
terially derange the operations of commercial men,
but would extract much larger amounts from the
pockets of the people than would ever arrive at
the National Exchequer.

It is certainly very unjust and unfair to the
mercantile community to introduce changes
in the tariff on trivial or inadequate
gramnds, more especially when questions
have, after full discussion, been decided by
P.trliament, and merchants enter into large
speculations on the faith of the permanency of
such arrangements. There are elements in such
calculations, and points to be considered not merely
re I ating to the incidence of taption. Even if it should
be. decided that the comforts, we might almost say
the very necessaries, of the labouring classes,
should be subjected to additional burdens, we
should, at all events, act honestly towards those
en:Lbarked in the trade, and not in any way
ely to occasion loss to those on whose energy
and enterprise we are dependent for the
requisite supplies of these very important matters.
Nor should, as far as practicable, any advantage
bL! given to one man, or body of men, that would
et :able him or them to undersell their competitors
in trade.

Now, it is notorious that the intention
to increase the existing duties, however
strictly concealed, invariably ooze out in some
mysterious manner, by which the few are bene-
fit ted at the expense, of the many. There was no
e t.ception to the general rule on the present occa-
si..on, and some dealers—who displayed a species
0-1 fiscal clairvoyance, discerning the heavier
cllarges " looming in the future"—paid the lower
r !.t.e of duty on large quantities of tea. We do
not wish to be understood as charging that there
has been undue favouritism, or a distinct and in-
t ;11igible intimation given to the Minister him-
s e If. It is sufficient for the purposes of our
argument to show that the mystery in some
i ustances is dispelled, and that, therefore, the
better-informed dealers are enabled to obtain
great advantages over their less-favoured brethren.
There is another strong and almost insuperable
abjection to such a change. The charge to the
)üblic is increased from the moment of its an-
louncement. The dealers receive the higher rate
)f duty on the stocks in their hands, as well as on
chat they may subsequently purchase, and the
:onsumer must pay, although not a penny of the
tmount becomes available for public purposes !
'Phis is the strongest argument that can be urged
against any impost. The chief aim'of a Financial
Minister should be to get the largest amount of
that which is extracted from the pockets of the
)eople, and not, if possible, to let any stick to the
:angers of the middlemen.

The change is open to the same objection in
another way. We must recollect that the great
body of the working-classes purchase all articles
of consumption in small quantities, barely suffi-
cient for their immediate wants. The over-toiled
:sempstress while making shirts at a penny or five
farthings each, cannot afford to get her tea by
the pound or half pound. She is but too
happy if she is enabled to procure the neces-
sary supply for the day, buying an ounce or even
half an ounce of tea, or a quarter, possibly hip a
quarter, of a pound of sugar. Nov, to such per
sons the additional duty of 3d. per pound on tea,
or 3s. per cwt. on sugar, practically amounts to
nearly three times the amount payable at the
Customs. It may be considered as at least a
halfpenny additional in the ounce (or Bd. per lb.)
of tea, and a penny .per lb. (or 9s. 4d. per cwt.)
on sugar. How, then, can such additions be
justified. The sufferings or burdens of the
poorer classes may be beneath the notice
of our magnanimous Chancellor of the Exche-
quer. As they are without the elective franchise
honourable gentlemen may slight their com-
plaints, but they will still be heard, and justice-
loving Englishmen AV ill not disregard the mur-
inuring of the poor and lowly—albeit, they may
be nothing but political cyphers in the estimation
of the " waiters on PIOVIDENCE," hankering after
the crumbs of patronage that occasionally fall
from the Ministerial table.

WOOLLEN TRADE.

(Front the Leeds Mercury of this day.)

We Lave observed no change of any moment in the
state of the woollen market during the current week.
In the Cloth-halls, both on Saturday and Tuesday, there
was a fair attendance of merchants, and a steady, but
not a brisk, business was done—something equal to a
present average.
The trade in the warehouses has been rather quiet
daring this week ; it has been steady, but, we believe,
most of the merchants have done less business than
they did during the two or three preceding weeks. In
fact, buyers were rather scarce during the early part
of the week ; a few have made their appearance within
the last day or two, but they operate very cau-
tiously, and their purchases are mostly confined to
immediate requirements. The London buyers report
favourably of the state of the London market ; they
state that they are doing a better trade, and hope to do
a good steady business during the next month.
HUDDERSFIELD, April 24.—The market of to-day was
but too quiescent, especially in the Cloth-hall. Some
few houses, however, could reckon on having had a good
day. There was a moderate attendance of buyers, but
their patterns were very select, and only purchased in
small quantities. Prices continue nearly stationary.
ROCHDALE, April 23.—We have bad a more steady
business doing to-day in pieces, and the merchants have
evinced a greater disposition to purchase. There is a
fair demand for wool, and prices may be quoted a little
firmer.

HALIFAX, April 21.—There continues a fair business
doing in the worsted trade, all circumstances con-
sidered, and prices fully as firm. In the wool market
there have been some extensive sales this week, at rather
better prices for certain kinds of combing fleeces, which
very latt ly were showing a temporary inclination to give
way a little. Wethers appear to have recovered 12d.
to 124 d. again. Short wools are a little better, and noils
fully as dear.

STATE OF TRADE.

(From the Manchester Guardian of this day.)

MANCHESTER, April 27.—Our market is in a some-
what curious position at the present moment. Buyers
have been expecting that, as soon as the want of a
renewal of contracts should begin to press upon spin-
ners and manufacturers, they would gradually modify
their quotations, until prices should subside to the
level at which they stood before the late rise, and
that then operations might be recommenced with ad-
vantage, and the bulk of the production be engaged for
some time forward. The position of the great eastern
question, the serious addition to be made to our public
burdens, and the tendency to an increased dearness of
food, have added to the expectation that a retrograde
movement must now take place in the way just indicated.
NOTTINGHAM, April 26.—There is little improvement
in the condition of the lace trade, with the prospect of
its being permanent during the summer. There is also
a better demand for hosiery goods generally.
LEICESTER, April 26.—The American orders at pre-
sent received are upon the most limited scale, and we
fear will continue so.

BRADFORD, April 26.—W00l : Ther• is a somewhat
better supply of wool in the market, and the wants of
the spiuntr3 are comparatively limited. Noils and
brokes are in good request, and the price well supported.
Yarns : The increased activity among the buyers
for Lancashire, and the demand for home con-
,umption, have given a better tone for spool yarns.
Pieces : The unsatisfactory accounts in political matters
appear to have had a rather depressing influence, and
the business done during the week is lessened in conse-
quence.

A NEW PEERAGE.—The Cork Constitution mentions
the existence of a general rumour to the effect that a
new peerage had been created in the person of Sir Den-
ham Norreys. This, if true, would create a vacancy in
the representation of the borough ct Mallow, for which,
it is added. Mr. W. D. Norreys, eldest son of Sir Den-
ham, and Lord Ennistnore are spoken of as candidates.
Sir D. Norreys was also a strenuous opponent of the
Ecclesiastical Titles Act.

BRISTOL SUGAR MARKET, April 27.—The only busi-
ness reported this week is about 200 casks of new Bar-
badoes, on which the importers have obtained a consider-
able proportion of the increased rate of duty. "Ilie mar-
ket has been very unsettled, and will probably continue
to be so for some little time ; and it is expected that at
least two-thirds of the increase will eventually be paid
by the importer. Refiners' produce has advanced 2s. to
3s. per cwt., but the sales are not large at this improve-
ment. Of rum the market is very bare of samples.
BOILER EXPLOSION.—On Wednesday evening a boiler
explosion occurred at the factory of Messrs. Pilkington,
domestic manufacturers, at Crawshaw Booth, Lanca-
shire. The force of the explosion threw down a parti-
tion wall between the boiler-house and a blacksmith's
shop, and five persons were killed on the instant and
another died afterwards of the injuries received. They
were mostly scalded to death. The engine-tenter, who
was badly scalded, is not expected to recover.
The report on the Orphan Working School, Haver-
stock-hill, presented at the annual meeting yesterday, is
a cheerful and cheering document. It tells of the good
health, good conduct, and good mental progress of the
children, of whom there are about 270. The accounts,
which are open to all subscribers, sho'w that last year
the managers expended 6,7751., being 7111. more than
the income. The society is well supported by people
accustomed to keep an eye on the charities they aid, but
subscribers are still needed to replace those removed by
death or other causes.

EXCHEQUER-BONDS, 1854.—An account of the appli-
cation of moneys received on account of 6,000,0001.
Exchequer-bonds issued by the act of the 17th of Viet.,
chap. 23, shows that 591,1001. Exchequer-bills, (un-
funded debt) were cancelled in pursuance of the provi-
sions of the 14th clause of the act of the 17th of Vic-
toria, chap. 23 ; and 5,375,5131., applied to supply ser-
vices as under viz. :—To the army, 1,119,000/, ; to the
navy, 2,955,6951. ; to the Ordnance, 775,6521. ; to the
vote of credit (war with Russia), 220,000/. ; and to mis-
cellaneous civil services, 305,1651.
SEIZURE OF Two FOREIGN SHIPS.—By order of the
Commissioners of Customs, two vessels, lying in the
West India Docks, have been seized, on suspicion of
being Russians. One is the brig Caroline, 180 tons,
Kraeft, under Prussian flag, and cleared out for Konigs-
berg on the 11th inst. The Customs' officers aver that
she is the property of a merchant at St. Petersburg.
The other ship is the koff Phcenix, of 141 tons, Bolwin,
under Hanoverian flag, arrived from Memel with A cargo
of hemp. She is alleged by the Customs' officers to
belong to Riga. Both vessels await the decision of the
Court of Admiralty.—Shipping Gazette.
The Earl of Carlisle attended the banquet of the
Lord Mayor of Dublin on Thursday evening, and in the
course of his remarks said he knew from the most au-
thentic sources that at the present period the peace of
the island is hardly anywhere seriously disturbed—that
crime has sensibly diminished—that agriculture is under-
going- systematic and scientific enlargement—that wages
are higher, and that there is rather an under than an
over supply of candidates for employment—that the task
of the ministers of justice is materially diminished, and
that schools for instruction and temples for the Divine
worship are multiplied, and that the services of those
who minister within them are sedulously and reverently
attended to.
Some of the gentlemen who have been engaged in dis-
tributing the goods sent out by the " Crimean Fund
Committee" have returned to London, and have made a
report of their proceedings. " The goods," writes Mr.
Denison, M.P., to one of the contributors, " all arrived
in safety ; arrangements were made by which a fair and
equal distribution among all the regiments was effected.
The stores of all kinds were of great service to the
troops. The hams were thought excellent, and there
was an eager run made upon the cheeses. The superior
officers said the moral effect produced upon the army
by the kind sympathy of their friends in England was
very great and gracious."
CHlNA.—According to telegraphic advices from China
which reach to the 15th of March, the rate of exchange
at Shanghai had experienced a decline of 2d., the quota-
tion being 6s. sd. At Canton it remained at 4s. Bid.
The exports of tea to date had reached 64,500,0001 b.,
and of silk 40,800 bales. The Imperialists had regained
possession of the city of Shanghai, and at Canton they
had also gained some successes, the rebels in that neigh-
bourhood having been partially dispersed.
THE GREEKS AT SEBASTOPOL.—The French and Eng-
lish reports of the night sorties of March last made fre-
quent mention of warriors in Greek costume fighting on
the Russian side. The leader of those men, who form a
free corps, is Aristides Christoveri, a native of Messem-
brig, on the Black Sea coast. When a boy he was taken
to Odessa and educated at the commercial school tht re.
When a young man he forsook commercial pursuits to
take part in the war of Greek independence, and from
that time served in Greece until 1854. Last summer,
wofithclamnadnesytino
against Greece tTo br ek e
ym, a deeh
rtihs et obvae sr iis
when it became plain that the Allies would not allow
etheorpeurarteieoknss
made for Bessarabia. He was decorated by the late
Czar with the order of St. Anne.

eNDaouNnußa7lF
meeting
gRoYf FtohßisiiDnlTstLiTtuMALE CRIMINALS.
Rtaioiln. was held on
nt thete nni Ent
thataorpl
e of
—Thith:sday evening in St. Martin's
ing Shaftesburytire
proceedings,i n the cheaxi rp.r e
sTs chairman,ehdehnisobdliesap o
tegreater
rs
ehaenumber
.desire
Eofve r
oy reformatory
daycriminals
revealed
tet o institutionsahvi
a mil)I t
morehheamd
ands e not been
themselves
oef
means of reformation, and it was only recently that a
' man had walked from Wakefield, in Yorkshire, oi
pur-
pose to obtain admission to the London Reformatory.i
Notwithstanding the great success which had attended
the labours of the institution, 3,000 applicants had been
refused during the past year from ,want of funds. The
meeting was addressed hy Lord Henry Cholmondeley,
Alderman Wire, Mr. E. Ball, M.P., Mr. Barnes, M.P.,
and other gentlemen.
AN INTERESTING MARRIAGE. —A singular marriage
was celebrated on Wednesday in the chapel of the Hotel
des Invalids, that of a Zouave, who lost both feet and
both hands in the siege of Sebastopol, with a young
woman of some property. The couple, it seems, were
edbeforetck, ofrgh
the Zsouavieletiftufiloyr
bSuethasso-
teonpgoalg;edantod be married
w hmenhie came back,
gloriously mutilated, his betrothed generously declared
that she would keep her word. The marriage was at-
tended by the Governor of the Hotel and his staff, and
by all the invalids. The Emperor and Prince Jerome
caused themselves to be represented by aides-de-camp,
and the Empress by a Lady of Honour. After the cere-
mony, the cross of the Legion of Honour was presented
to the hero in the name of the Emperor, and a valuable
aaeivni
de hst present. to
talniebdes promoteddei bride:
beenthein
to the
of the Empress. The
adthmeitrteadukinotfosuthbe-litotteenladnets.