The Sun.
London, England, 1855-09-01 00:00:00

Naval and Militl,ry Intelligence.

.1 Yesterday, at Lloyd's Captains' Rooms, Royal Ex-
change, a public sale by auction of Russian prizes took
place under the bands of Messrs. La,uchlan and Macleod,
by virtue of decrees of the High Court of Admiralty.
The Russian bark Industrie, about 350 tons, and be-
lieved to have been built of oak at Libau in 1833, and
to have had extensive repairs in 1853, looks a substan-
tial vessel, stands without ballast, has a half poop, and
a house on deck ; J. S. Schlossmen, late master ; lying
at Cardiff, and to be there delivered. Sold for 1,300/.
Also the Russian bark John, about 120 tons, and be-
lieved to have been built at Libau in 1845, is of light
draught of water, and a desirable vessel for coasting
service. Schuk, late master. Lying in the West India
Dock. Sold for 630/.
Also, the Russian bark Nina, about 320 tons, be-
lieved to have been built in Sunderland in 1847, and to
have been there registered as the Ocean, 360 tons, is
partly copper-fastened, and appears sheathed with yel-
low metal—will carry a large cargo. Stepanovitch, late
master. Sold for 1,500/.
The Peninsular and Oriental Company's steam-ship
Colombo, Captain Methven, screw-transport, No. 61,
will complete her cargo, consisting of shot, shell, and
huts for the Crimea, at Southampton this day. She will
probably sail in the afternoon. Great delay has been
experienced in the departure of the Colombo, in conse-
quence of the non-arrival of the buts, and further diffi-
culties have been sustained owing to the irregular
manner in which the various portions of the wooden
barracks have been loaded for Southampton.
The Chasseur, militaryfloating factory, passed through
the Downs yesterday for Balaklava, direct from the
Tyne, where she has been completely fitted out, manned,
and stored by Messrs. T. and W. Smith, the shipbuilders
of Newcastle. This factory comprises an engineer's
fitting shop, a smithy, a foundry, a sawmill, and car-
penter's shop, and has on board mechanics and all the
most improved machinery for carrying out each of these
branches effectually. There are on board also other
useful workmen, including a brickmaker, weliboier, and
miner ; and the internal arrangements for their accom-
modation on board are excellently contrived, in-
cluding a bath-room, ventilation by fan blast, mess-
, ing and sleeping galleries, manager's office, and fore-
man's apartments and factory storerooms. There is on
board a portable engine, shafting, and standards, so
that when occasion serves a plant of machinery may be
worked on the shore. Model huts of wood, canvas,
and iron are also sent. It is remarkable that, notwith-
s. ending the capabilities of this novel factory, the whole
has been arranged with apace and convenience on board
of a 70. horse power iron steamer. The work has been
fitted under the superintendence of a committee of
Royal Arsenal officers, consisting of Colonel Tullob,
Captain Collinson, and John Anderson, with such skill
and certainty, that every belt and machine in the factory
worked correctly upon the first trial, so that not a single
alteration was necessary, and in four working days from
the trial the vessel proceeded to sea, manned, victualled,
and the factory itself sto wed full of iron, steel, wood,
and other materials for carrying on its operation on ar-
rival in the Crimea.

The Wye steam-condensing vessel left Portsmouth
yesterday for Balaklava. The Dasher steam-vessel,
Captai❑ Le Febre, and her tender the Ceres, left Ports-
mouth yesterday for the Channel Plands—of which part
of his station Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Cochrane will
make his periodical official inspection next week.

Yesterday afternoon the large iron screw steamer
Great Britain embarked about 1,000 troops of the line
at Liverpool, composed of draughts from the 4th and
13th Light Dragoons, 2d, 4tb, stb, and Gth Dragoon
Guards, Bth and 11th Hussars, and 17th Lancers,
besides about 52 officers of the 9th, 17th, 18th, 13th,
33d, and 49th Foot. She has also on board a large
quantity of 13-inch shells, and a considerable number of
huts. At the same time the Europa steamer took on
board 13-inch shell and huts, and a number of officers of
the 55th, 68th, and 89th Regiments. They will both
sail this morning for the Crimea, calling at Gibraltar and
Malta.

The screw steamer Scamander, belonging to Messrs.
J. Moss and Co., Liverpool, has been taken up for the
conveyance of huts and shell to the seat of war.
Two gun-boats, the Sandfly and Sheldrake, each of
232 tons, are to be launched to-morrow by Messrs.
Pitcher, of Northfleet. These are the first of 48 gun-
boats in process of being built.
. A notice was posted in the Underwriters' Rooms,
Liverpool, yesterday, stating that Commander Bevis,
R.N., Admiralty-Agent at that port, required tenders
fur vessels to proceed to Dublin, to receive peat-charcoal
for Scutari and Balaklava.

Commander L. 11. Hammet, R.N., mentioned in our
obituary of yesterday as having been killed before Sebes-
topol. on the 17th inst., passed his examination in 1840,
served as mate of the Bellerophon at the bombardment
of St. Jean d'Acre in 1840, and was employed on the
North American and West India stations previously to
his being sent to the Black Sea.
We have been requested to contra lid the statement
that an attempt had been made to obtain employment
for Mr. J. E Perry (late of the 46th Regiment) in the
Turkish Contingent.
The depot of the 82d Regiment stationed in Edin-
burgh Castle have received orders to hold themselves in
readiness to proceed to Ireland. They will be replaced in
that garrison (which the 92d Highlanders also at present
jointy occupy) by Vie depot of the 72d Highlanders,
from Fermoy. The depots of nearly all the Highland
regiments in the service will thus be stationed in Scot-
land, where the recruiting and volunteering for these
national corps has for some time proceeded very briskly,
enabling them to send frequent and considerable draughts
to the seat of war.

A draught, consisting of Captain Dunbar, Ensigns
Ready, Bagge, Bent, and Cox, two sergeants, and 200
rank and file, of the 66th depot, marched from Portman-
street barracks, London, on the 28th inst., were billeted
that niuht at Stafford, an I embarked at Liverpool on
the 29th on board the transport Hansa for Gibraltar.
Early on Friday morning about 300 men from various
regiments, comprising the Provisional Battalion at Chat-
ham barracks left Chatham, and proceeded to the termi-
nus of the North Kent Railway, at Strood, from which
they were conveyed by special train to Gravesend, and
embarked on board the Earl of Balcarres for Bombay.
The detachment consisted of draughts from the 64th,
74th Highlanders, 78th Highlanders, 83d, and 86th
Regiments, with the following officers :—Major E.
Steele, 83d ; Lieutenant H. S. Cooper, 83d ; Lieutenant
H. S. Cochrane, 86th ; Ensigns G. H. J. Haldane, 64th ;
C. H. Thompson, 74th ; M. A. Kirby, 78th ; and J.
Creagh, 86th. Another large detachment for the Indian
regiments will leave on Monday next, which will be the
last this year.
Owing to the unusually large number of insane sol-
i diers who have returned from India this year the ac-
commodation provided at Fort Pitt Hospital for this
class of patients has proved inadequate, and directions
have been given for the construction of a separate build-
ing, within the ramparts, capable of accommodating 20
insane soldiers.

New Las arrived of the death of Major-General Sir
Robert Nickle, Commander of the Forces at Melbourne.
This officer entered the army in December, 1793, as
ensign in the 88th Regiment. On the 7th of July,
1807, he volunteered and led the forlorn hope at Buenos
Ayres, on which occasion he was very severely wounded.
Two years afterwards he embarked with the BSth for
the Peninsula, and remained throughout the whole of the
Peninsular campaign from 1809 to 1814, with the ex-
ception only of a few months' absence, rendered neces-
sary to recover from bis wounds. At the final battle
of Toulouse he was dangerously wounded. He served
afterwards in the American war ; and here, too, he was
wounded, leading the advance across the Sarinac river.
When the, insurrection in Canada broke out, in
1837, Sir Robert Nickle offered his services, which were
accepted. In 1853 Sir Robert was appointed Com-
mander of the Forces in Australia. Riots broke out at

the gold diggings in December, 1854, and Sir Robert
Nickle proceeded to Ballarat with a military force to
quell them. However, though the force at his disposal
was large, be rode without escort among the diggers,
exhorting them to peace ; and, such was the effect of
vigorous measures along with conciliatory manners that
tranquillity was restored. It was midsummer in the
antipodes, and the hottest summer which had been
known for years. Exposed to the glare of an Australian
sun, Sir Robert, while ab:y and humanely performing
his duty, wag struck with illness, which ended fatally in
the month of May following. He was under 70 when
he died, but was nut 21 when ho first led a forlorn hope.
His military career was arduous, extending itself over
many parts of the world, and was, moreover, distin-
guished by repeated proofs both of calm ,judgment and
impetuous bravery.
In consequence of the increased demand for accom-
modation in Cork Barracks, required by the departure
of such numerous strong draughts for the Crimea,
&c., it i 3 understood that the Ordnance Department
intend purchasing about four acres of ground in the
immediate vicinity of the barracks, for the purpose
of erecting new buildings thereon. The six huts
which will be in a few days completed, will accom-
modate 150 men, and are said to have cost upwards
of 1001. each. The barracks contain the following
draughts :-640 of the 2d Somerset Militia, 200 of
the 16th Foot, 500 of the South Cork Militia, 60 of the
16th Lancers, and 300 of the 2d or Queen's Regiment ;
in all 1,710.

The depot of the 2d (or Queen's) Regiment left Cork
Barracks on Fr:day, and proceeded to Tralee, relieving
the Kerry Militia, ordered to Buttevant.

THE MILITIA.

The inquiry into the cause of the affray between the
Berkskire Militia and the police of the town, on the se-
cond day of the races, after occupying the attention of
the bench more tban a week, has been brought to a close.
The whole of the evidence has been forwarded to Sir G.
Grey, the Secretary of State for the Home Department,
and though a few of the militia have been clearly identi-
fied as having beaten and severely injured some of the
police-officers, it is not expected that any proceedings
will be taken against them, unless instructions are sent
to the magistrates from the Home-office. The authori-
ties have made application to the Secretary-at-War for
the removal of the militia from the town, and Lord Pan-
mure has sent a letter, stating that the regiment is under
orders for foreign service, and very shortly the town will
be relieved of the corps. The injured policemen are yet
unfit for duty.
The greater part of the Haddington and Berwick
Artillery Militia have been removed back to Dunse from
Stirling Castle in consequence of complaints of their
having displaced the local militia there.

SUSPECTED MURDER OF A POLICEMAN.—.MTSTERIOUS
AFFAlR.—lnformation has reached the police authori-
ties in London, of the mystgrious and extraordinary
sudden disappearance of one of the members of the force
at Wickham, the missing man having, as it is surmised
and widely believed, been,waylaid and brutally murdered.
The affair iN as yet, oIITC;O din royatcry.

BRITISH EIIPP?E 3117TVAL FIRE
ASSURANCE COMPANY.

Yesterday the annual meeting of this society was held
at the offices, 37, New Bridge-street ; but the numbers
having greatly increased, and the meeting been formally
opened by the secretary reading the advertisement con-
vening it, an adjournment took place to Radlcy's Hotel.
The Chairman, JAMES Low, Esq., said—Gentlemen,
the meeting having been already commenced, it only
remains for me to introduce the business to your notice.
I shall then call on the secretary to read the report and
the cash account which will be submitted for your adop-
tion. The other business before us will be to select
directors for the coming year in the place of the three
retiring by rotation, and likewise to fill up the office of
auditor. It is quite unnecessary for me to remark but
very generally on the objects this society aims to accom-
lish. I take it for granted that every one knows them
as well as Ido myself. It has now existed some seven
years. About that period it was thought desirable that
societies should be constructed on the most economical
principles consistent with safety. The mutual plan com-
mended itself to the judgment of men of experience.
They thought that a safe and permanent fire-office might
be established on the most economical plan to effect
assurances at as low a rate as was possible consistently
with safety, taking it for granted that, if it were carried
out vigorously, the society would rise into a large and
important institution. (Hear.) Every gentleman who
has had any experience in business knows that it is ne-
cessary, to carry on a profitable business, to clop on a very
extensive scale; for any one commencing business on his
own account it takes a considerable time to establish a
connexion, and to make it profitable he must do a very large
amount, sufficient not only to cover the expenses accruing
in carrying it on, but enough to maintain a very substantial
reserve. The result of our seven years' apprenticeship—for
we have only just finished learning our business—l do
trust will be beneficial, and that we shall now begin to
reap very rapidly the benefits of our experience and hard
labour. The principle, as you have all seen, has proved
a sound one, and there is nothing wanting but co-ope-
ration and perseverance to complete its succes'. It is
evident to me, that, while the directors feel that a great
deal of responsibility attaches to them—and, for my own
part, it is more than is quite agreeable—they know that
they are only a portion of yourselves, and that in all dif-
ficulties they must fall back on you. It is in your power,
gentlemen, as individuals, to make the next year a more
profitable one than any gone by. Every arrange-
ment is made ; great pains have been taken to appoint
agents over the country, and the foundation is laid for a
very large business. But the only means we have of
getting business is through the members. They now
amount to between 7,000 and 8,000 ; and if they would
only take the trouble to look at the principle of this so-
ciety, it would recommend itself, not only with increased
force to their own minds, but to that of their friends.
We are all joined together, and it depends solely on you
how long it shall be ere this become a great and impor-
tant company. That it will ultimately' do so I have no
doubt ; but its speedy arrival at eminence depends solely
on you. It has become an important company already ;
and it is, in my opinion, a very striking fact, that in the
Government returns of companies now in existence this
stands fifth. I say it is remarkable that it should stand so
near to the older companies, the Sun, the Globe, and
other large offices. I am sure it will commend itself to all
of your judgments, that you should take some means of
increasing the business of the society, which might be
done at a very small additional trouble. Now, if every
gentlemen out of that 7,000 was only to bring one
fresh policy in the Michaelmas quarter, it would make
11,000. It would to me, I need hardly say, be a most
delightful thing to find even this done ; but how much
more so if two each were brought, raising our numbers
to 21,000. It concerns us all equally ; and Ido ask you
to put your shoulders to the wheel. Having thus intro-
duced the proceedings, I beg to conclude my remarks by
calling on the secretary to read the report and the cash
statement for the last year. (Cheers.)
Mr. FRANCIS CLOWES then read the following report:—
" The directors have pleasure in reporting that the
business of the company has again made considerable
progress ; indeed, according to the Government returns
of fire-duty for the year ending Christmas, 1854, the in-
crease of the business of the British Dripire was exceeded
by that of four only out of thirty-seven offices.
" The new policies issued during the year ending the
30th of June were 2,644, insuring property to the
amount of 1,301,5591. The total number of policies
issued to 30th of June amount to 13,931, insuring
6,261.9201. 16e. Sd.

" The receipts for the year have amounted to 12,5081.
Os. 6d., of which 6,682/. 10s. Bd. were for premiums,
and 5,8251. 9s. 10d. for duty.
" As with most offices, the company's losses have this
year been above the average, amounting to 5.1151. 10s.
2d. In the case of some companies, however, they
have even exceeded the premiums and duty together,
strikingly illustrating the inju,tice of a tax which can be
extorted even when tho losses sustained ran the ordinary
rates of insurance equal or surpass the amount of the tax
itself.

"It should be remmbered, however, that the sums
paid under claims for fire losses may be regarded as the
index of a company's usefulness. The combination of
insurers in this company has not only guaranteed all, but
saved to some of them the amount already mentioned,
and probably saved some evon from inpolrenoy.
" Three of the directors—Messrs. J. Blyth, P. Cart-
wright, and J. H. Cuff--have completed their term of
office, of whom Mr. Cartwright offers himself for re-
election.

"One of the Auditors, Mr. Isnac Doxsey, retires by
rotation, but is eligible for re election.

" The members of the Company have been already
informed, by circular, of the alteration and augmenta-
tion of the Guarantee Fund. The Fund will now con-
sist of 300,0001., in 60,000 shares of 51. each, instead of
the present Guarantee Fund of 200,000/. in 2,000 shares
of 1001. each,—an alteration by which it is hoped to in-
terest a large number of persons in the prosperity of the
Company.
" From the same Circular they have also learned that
the increased business of the Fire and Life Companies
has rendered it necessary to obtain separate premises for
each Company."
The cash account showed, in receipt., 21,206/. 13s. 6d.,
which, after paying all expenses, left a balance to the
credit of the company of 5.3121 6s. 9d.
On the motion of the Chairman, the report was unani-
mously vldopted.
The CI:TAIT:MAN then, in detail, explained the reason
why the guarantee fund had been altered, as stated in
the report, which was, that the property might be taken
out of the hands of a few wealthy individuals, and dis.
tributed more among the lower and middle classes, who,
thus having an interestin'the company, would naturally
seek to benefit it in every possible way.

A few queries having been replied to,
The CHAIRMAN stated that the next business was the
retrement of Mr. J. Blytb, Mr. R. Cartwright, and Mr.
J. IL Cuff, by rotation, from the Board of Directors.
Mr. Cuff had beet. a warm frieni to the company sidlee
its formation, and retired from the Board on the ground
that increasing difficulty <f hearing prevented his parti-
cipating in the business in a manner satisfactory to him-
self. The Chairman complimented Mr. Biyth in very
high terms for his zeal, energy, and activity, stating that
he retired solely from a wish not to come into ccmpeti-
tion with two other gentlemen who had announced them-
selves as candidates for seats at the Board. Mr. Cart-
wright, of whose services the Chairman spoke in the
highest terms, offered himself for re-election.
The names (if Mr. Cartwright, and those of the two
candidates, Mr. Isaac Doxsey and Mr. Mark Lindsey,
were then put seriatim, when each was unanimously
elected. _ _ _ _ _ _

Mr. CARTWRIGHT briefly returned thanks for his re-
election, promising still to devote his best energies to
the interest of the company.

Mr. Doxsxr, in returning thanks for his election, ex-
plained the motives which had actuated him in the
course be had pursued. He disclaimed any feeling of
personal opposition to the retiring directors. When he
had determined on his course, he did not even know
which of the directors were about to retire. He did not
deny that there was a great deal of satisfaction to be
derived from the progress of the society ; but still it was
not what it might have been. The British Empire
Mutual had not done all that it might have done, nor
di' it occupy the place it should. -aid, in his
address :

"I am particularly anxious to see a vigorous effort
made to create a public opinion against the absurd, un-
just, and injurious tax upon fire insurances, amounting
in many cases, as you well know, to 200 per cent, on
the premiums ; and I think that this may be easily at-
tempted, as a means of extending the business of the
society.
If he wanted to insure 1,0001., he would have to pay
15a. +o the office, and actually 30s. more to the Govern-
ment, Now, it was this last-named tax he sought to
remove ; and he thought—and now that he had a seat
at the board he should strongly urge—that, if this so.
ciety took the matter up, and well agitated the question,
they would not only confer a benefit on other assurers,
but gain a lasting fame to their own institution. They
could not rationally expect that such large institutions
as the Sun would take it up, when it made a profit out
of the tax given to the Government of some 8,0001. or
9,0001. With these very few remarks, he begged very
cardially to thank them for having bestowed on him_a
seat. at the board. He promised that he wouldear
always the best interests of the association at t, have
, andif
never to lose an opportunity of doing it a lasting h
and,
possible, _a material good. (Cheers.)
honour conferred upon him by the ma
nnpeaart shoer e it
uld be
Mr. MARK LINDSEY then returned thrnkosf
hfoiehce.
tion, engaging that no labour on his
. 0,
his
power, the
wanting to further, to the utmost, f
prosperity of the company.
vacant, Mr. Doxsey, the retiringceed
elected a director ; but the office
settlement did not
aoufdiatuord,itloiarvwinasg been
The CHAIRMAN said the o
the vacancy immediately.
propose that they should
He would, therefore,
in
till the next annual meeting.
tsouecawlal was,
require that theyhould.mfiplltyup
go on with one auditor.
A lengthened discussion ensued, in which the
man,chair-
together with Messrs. G-ovar, Millar, Moore, Wat-
son, and
hadT h eapoint 0 atwe
power
whether or not the
special meeting before the next annual meeting, for the
election of an auditor. Many opinions were rged pro
and con., but ultimately
rTsmboe vreedv:—
ested to call an early X"
r.
ThatDANIEL
elicAt oT
spe-
cial meeting of the members, to make such alterations in
the deed of settlement, if necessary, as shall enable the
society to fill up vacancies which may occur in the offices
of directors and auditors between the holding of the
anw.l4l ge444 pleOtinei Ltd also to comidor tio pro.

•
priety of altering the hour of holding the annual general
meetings of the company."
Mr. HOWARD seconded the motion, which Was put
from the chair, and carried ncm. con.
The Rev. SAMUEL GREEN then moved :--
"That this meeting desires to express its sense of the
superiority of mutual fire insurance, as carried out by
the British Empire Company, to all other arrangements
for combining perfect security to the assured, with the
utmost economy • and its confidence that a principle so
simple, intelligible, and self-recommending, must, so far
as it is known, command universal attention ; that it
cordially approves, therefore, of the plans of the direc-
tors, as stated in their report to enlarge the operations
of the company, and invites the co-operation of all classes
of the community in obtaining the widest possible sup-
port for an institution founded exclusively for the public
advantage."
Mr. MEDWIN seconded the resolution, which was una-
nimously carried.

The thanks of the meeting to the chairman and direc-
tors having been moved by Mr. JOHN THOMPSON, a
director of the British Nation Life Association, which
was seconded by Mr. HOWARD, and carried unanimously,
The CHAIRMAN, in acknowledging the vote, said that
he would spare no pains in his individual capacity, and
he could say the same for all his fellow-directors, to make
the British Empire Mutual Fire Company one of the
very best in the kingdom. (Hear, hear.)
The proceedings they terminated.