The Sun.
London, England, 1852-02-19 00:00:00

EVENING,

FEBRUARY 19, 1852

IRELA ND.

DUBLIN, FEB. 18.—ARRIVAL OF SHIPS FROM THE
TAG US.—Six vessels belonging to Comnicdon
Martin's fl.:et, from the Tagus, cast anchor in
Queenstown harbour, o❑ Monday afternoon, and
others were expected to arrive hi the course of the
evening.

A painful and distressing case was heard in the
Belfast police-court on Saturday ; some persons who
had been passengers on board an Austrian vessel, the
Mi!lah,,bound from Belfast to New York, being the
plaintiffs, and Mr. T. Quin, emigration agent, de-
fendant. It appeared that -t-tie ship; which came to
Belfast with grain, was hired for a voyage with emi-
grants to America, and was suffered to depart with
135 passengers and a crew of 15 on board, Edith only
a very slight and imperfect examination, and a defi-
cient supply of water and other necessaries. They
were scarcely removed from the land, when the small-
pox appeared on board, and before they were many
days out, some flay of the passengers were sick.
The ship only got as far as Waterford, when it put
back, and again entered Belfast Lough. The passage
money was returned to such of the emigrants as ap-
plied for it, and the magistrates told the complain-
ants that much as they felt the hardship of the case,
they were unable to give them any remedy.
ABDUCTION FROM KILKENNY.—On Monday even-
ing, at eight o'clock, the house of a widow named I
Butler, residing at Drakeland, near Kilkenny, was
visited by three men, armed, with their faces
blackened, who forcibly seized on one of the widow's
three daughters, Ellen Butler, and carried her away
in despite of all opposition of her family. It appeared
that the Butlers were a " comfortable" and it was be-
lieved in the neighbourhood that each of the girls
would have a fortune of 1001. Patrick Egan, a small
farmer, residing at Castleblunden, was a rejected
suitor of Ellen's, and suspicion naturally fell upon
him as the principal in the outrage. Constable lac-
namara immediately proceeded to Egan'a house, and
found him absent. lie discovered a dish containing
culm and water, and a brush with which the mixture
had been recently applied. Upon examining the ser-
vant boy, who was at the house, it was ascertained
that he had recently washed his face, and the remains
of the colouring matter wile found behind bis ears
and in his hair. Upon taking him to Butler's he was
identified as one of the party, and further his hat was
discovered in the house, where it had fallen off. No
trace of Egan or the girl has yet been obtained.

SOUTH AMERICA.

Extract of a private letter from Buenos Ayres, Jan.

2, 1852.)
Although no engagement has yet taken place between
the troops of this Government and the Revolutionary
forces, the latter continue to advance tawarda this city,
their advanced posts being ut San Pedro district, about
45 1c agues. A decisive operation is, therefore, close at
hand, and the next steamer will no doubt convey to you
the final issue of this revolution.
The commercial communication between Buenos
Ayres and Monte Video.had been re-opened on the 17th
December by order of General Rosas's Government.
(Extract of a letter from Monte Video, Jan. 4.)
Political affairs are rapidly approaching towards cn
eventful crisis. General Urqu;zo, with his army, crossed
the Parana on the 21st and 233 ult., and a; last dates
was at San Nicolas, 60 leagues from the city of Buenos
Ayres. General Rosas had ordered all his troops to re-
turn before the invaders, and to concentrate them in
the vicinity of Buenos Ayres. The prevailing opinion
was that such a measure showed weakness, and that
Roses must give way, especially as 600 or 700 of his
troops stationed at Santa Fe had gone over to Ijrquiza.
Exchange 451 d.
Roses may, however, intend to retire with his forces
to the South. If he does this, the war, instead of being
ended, will be a protracted one.

EASTERN STEAM NAVIGATION
COMPANY.
The first annual meeting of this company was held
yesterday, at the London Tavern, Bishopsgate-street.
Thu chair waa taken by R. W. Crawford, E-q.
The SECRETARY having road the report,
The CHAIRMAN, in moving its adoption, begged to ex-
press, on behalf of himself and colleagues, the great gra-
tification they had in meeting the proprietors, and in
submitting this day an account of tho company s affairs.
He hoped the directors' proceedings would meet with
their cordial approbation, considering the difficulties
they had undergone. It was unfortunate that this
meeting came so near the time appointed for the
tenders to be sent in. On this subject he thought
it would be prudent to say nothing at present; all
he would say was that the question would be consi-
dered both in respect to the public convenience as well
as the interest of the shareholders. The course of the
Chancellor of the Exchequer in these matters had been
a difficult one; he had been called upon to pledge him-
self to large sums of the public money, and therefore he
was bound to ascertain clearly the amount and nature of
the services to be rendered. The Peninsular Company
was entitled to great credit as the pioneers in this
eastern communication, hut they had not availed them-
selves of all the improvements which circumstances
ha, the large profits they
had divided. All he could say was that they had suffi-
cient funds at present, and that it was not the intention
of the directors to call for more money till the con-
tract should be obtained. If they got the contract they
could be put in the possession of a vessel, and if not it
would not be compulsory to take it; if the contract were
obtained, an agreement would be entered into for build-
ing ships, and the delay would be for the advantage of
the company.
A PROPRIETOR inquired what the amount of call
would be?

The CHAIRMAM said not more than 21, 103. per share
every three months; if the contract were not obtained,
the money might not be wanted.
A PnornrETcat inquired how long it might be before
the result of the contract was announced?
The CHAIRMAN thought in about a week's time.
The report was then adopted, and the board of direc-
tors was elected unanimously.

Mr. BOIRADAILE moved a vote of thanks to the di-
rectors for the attention and zeal they had displayed in
the formation of the company, which was duly se-
cond' d and passed unanimously.
The meeting then adjourned.

DISMISSAL OF THE MASTER OF ST.
PANCRAS WORKHOUSE.

Yesterday, at a fully attended vestry Meeting of the
parish of St. Pancras, held in the vestry-hall, King's-
road, Camden-town, Dr. Gregory moved the following
resolution —" That it appearing from the minutes of the
board of directors that Mr. Eaton, master of the St.
Pancras workhouse, has forfeited their confidence, and
that they recommend the vestry to declare the situation
of master vacant, the vestry resolves that the services of
Mr. Eaton be dispensed with on and after the 25th of
March next." Dr. Gregory then entered into par-
ticulars relative to a correspondence which had
been going on between Mr. Hall, one of the
poor-law inspectors, and Mr. Eaton, the existence of
which the latter had denied. He had on former occa-
sions done all in his power to defend the master from the
various charges which had been brought against him;
but now he telt convinced, after the manner in which Mr
Eaton had prevaricated, that he was no longer worthy
the confidence of the parish, and was unfit for the
responsible duties of master of that workhouse.7—Mr.
Martinelli having seconded the motion, the master
was called in, and stated that he had merely
written to Mr. Hall as a private friend, not in his
official capacity at the Poor-law Board. He did not
deny having received a letter from that gen-
tleman, for he showed it to Mr. Baker, the church-
warden, the day it arrived. He applied to Mr. Hall for
advice how to act with regard to the orders and regula-
tions given him by .the vestry and the board of directory,
which were contradictory to each other. If be carried
out the former, which he was under a heavy bond to do,
he disobeyed the latter; in this dilemma he applied to
Mr. Hall, who had enclosed him a copy of the rules and re-
gulations issued by the Poor-law Board, and which he was
informed he was bound to act up to. He bad done
much to improve the workhouse, notwithstanding all the
impediments thrown in his way; there vita no other
master of a workhouse in England so shackled and
bound •as he bad been. Tho master having retired, a
long discussion ensued, in which Mr. Healey, Mr.
Fraser, Mr. Manning, Mr. Billett, Mr. Bermingham, and
other members took part, most of them denying that
the Poor-law Board had any power to issue orders or re-
gulations for the guidance of the parish. When put to
the vote, the numbers were—For the dismissal, 50;
against it, 4: majority, 46. The master was then called
in, and informed that after the 25th of March his ser-
vices would be dispensed with.

.... - - ..,,,.‘
SERIOUS ROBBERIES IN I.4IVERPOOL.—W maul the
last week a number of very darinrobberies have been per-
petrated, in some instances the "garrotte" style of attack
having been adopted, while in others prsonal violence of
another kind. Burglaries, too, have prevailed to an un-
wonted extent. On Tuesday two notorious characters,
Clarke and Foulkes, who broke into the shop of a pawn-
broker in Scotland-road some nights since and robbed him
of 2001. worth of property, were committed to the assizes,
having been apprehended in Manchester on Monday. An
abandoned woman, their associate, wash discharged. A mer-
chant's apprentice, who was carrying master's cash-box
to the place where it was usual to deposit it, was the victim
of a garrotte robbery on Saturday night, though fortunately
both the box, containing.money to the amount of 2001., was
recovered, and the thief captured. The robberies in the oute
skirts have also been very numerous, but the county magis-
trates are taking prompt steps to put a stop to this state of
things.
THE GREAT UNKNOWN.-011 Admiral Stewart
he
presenting himself for admission unless a doorroduced of the Polling
booth on Tuesday he was refused,
p
by the policemaii who had charge of the entrance. " What
Police constable R lo ke
a card from me," said the astonished visitant, "why I am
and, apologising for his inn cent *gd
one of the ' culprits,' man."
equally astonished,
noyance, of course withdrew his epposition.—Kentish lifer-
cury.l-
OF BREAD.—The greater
FALL IN THE PEWS
portion of the " second-rate bakers" throughout the
from 6d. to
polls, have reduced the price of the 41b. loaf i riletr-
o-41. The first-r bakers at
,charge from Md. to Bd. for
and in the City. still, however char
eicnenPdaris and Brussels is 6d.
Strand,
the 41b. loaf. The best brelds
per loaf of 41b. Boz. English
quality, 5d., or 10 sous.
party residing not above EXTREME LOYALTY.—A
twenty miles from Burslern, Staff shire, went to see the
Queen on miler late visit to Manchesoter, and was so charmed
with her affability and evident goodness, that immediately
on his return home he waited upon the assessor of the dis-
trict, and had his dog entered on the books. It must be
understood that he had hitherto looked upon the dog-tax as
I an imposition, and evaded the law.

EARL GREY AND SIR HARRY SMITH.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.
Stn,—The interest the public naturally tLke as to
' the ultimate consequences to result from the dispatch
of Earl Grey dated the 31st of January, addressed to
his Excellency Sir Harry Smith, then and now the
honourable representative of our Most Gracious
Sovereign at the Cape of Good Hope, emboldens we
to trouble you with a few remarks.
It appears that on the 33 of Febralry the Houses
of Parliament met, and a blue book! was presented
and ordered to lie on the table, a copy of the cor-
respondence relative to the state of the Kafirs, &c.
On the sth, his GraCe th-e Duke of Wellington,
who, had he not been already immortal, would on
this night have crowned himself with everlasting
laurels, went down to the House of Lords to record,
as he did in his most forcible and memorable words,
his manly and generous protest against language the
most unstatcsmanlike and offensive, hut used, I am
sorry to say, by our Minister for War and for the
Colonies, when recalling a gallant old warrior from
the field, where, no doubt, fresh honour and glory
awaited him—indeed, perhap?, has already ben
gained.

You Sir, at all events, will recollect well the
case of Lord Gough—for in that, as now, you stood
boldly forward, and your Sun shone beautifully forth,
as it always does, when injury and insult are in-
tended, to dispel the heavy mist with which injus-
tice and malice would ever overshadow and smother
their victims.

On the 7th, Sir, your article appeared oa this sub-
ject—an article that does the greatest honour to
the head and heart, as well as infinite credit to the
talents of him who wrote it. If it has not
had the power to make Earl Grey feel
deeply and repent seriously of his cruel and
heartless conduct to one who is far distant,
and unable to defend himself, you will at least,
Sir, I am sure, have had the satisfaction of carrying
consolation and satisfaction to the old military friends
of Sir Harry Smith, and to his near and dear rela-
tions. They cannot, Sir, have read your words re-
porting the Noble Duke's speech, without being con-
scious that the blow intended for Sir Harry must
sooner or later recoil upon Earl Grey, and that what-
ever our Gracious Sovereign might sanction, and her
Minister inflict, against Sir Harry Smitb, the people
of England would not only acquit him of all the
smallest blame, but receive him in this country with
acclamation and with honour. The matter cannot,
however, and must not rest here. On the 9,b,
10th, 1 1 th, the whole daily press came forward
most unanimously in condemnation of Earl Grey's
conduct ; and it has not been forgotten that be was
an unfettered man—he was not like Lord Palmerston,
obliged to send his dispatches to be examined, and
was of course the more responsible for the language
he used.

It i 3 necessary for me here to allude more parti-
cularly to Lord Palmerston's case, because it will be
of vast importance, in looking to the conduct of Earl
Grey, to consider his power andhis duties—clearly
understood, if not minutely explained.
Lord John Russell spoke to the House of Com-
mons and the country on the 3d February, when
speaking of Lord Palmerston, in the following
words :

" But as regards the Noble Lord, it did so happen,
that in August, 1850, the precise terms were laid
down in a communication on the part of her Majesty
with respect to the transaction of business between
the Crown and the Secretary of State. I became the
organ of making that communication to my Noble
Friend, and thus became responsible for the docu-
ment I am about to read from." [The Noble Lord
then read the memorable document referred to.]

Why, or how his Lordship could hold office for one
moment after the receipt of this, is to me incompre-
hensible—but with that question we are not dealing
—and thus pass on, therefore, to the case of Earl
Grey and Sir Harry Smith, which will, I think, Sir,
be found one far more serious and important, as a
constitutional question, than at first sight has ap-
peared.
On the 9th of February, the Hon. Member for
Lambeth, wished to ask whether any letter of in-
structions had been sent to the Colonial Office, and
whether the dispatch of January last, condemnatory
of Sir Harry Smith, was approved of by the Prime Mi-
nister, and by him transmitted by the Sovereign before it
was forwarded to Sir Harry Smith, or whether the con-
tents of the dispatch were communicated to her Ma-
jesty by Lord Grey as appeared in the 6th paragraph.
Lord John Russell said, ‘. with reference to the first
part of the question, perhaps he might state, that
when he came into office he received her Majesty's
directions that all foreign dispatches should be sent to
her Majesty. With respect to the colonial dispatches,
her Majesty was pleased to say she was desirous to
know all important proceedings, but that every par-
ticular dispatch need not be communicated. What
was done in regard to this particular dispatch he was
th.f it waq transmitted to him.
He might say further, that the decision to recal Sir
Harry Smith was a decision of the Cabinet."
Sir, these extracts are the foundation-stones, and
are therefore most important. The public do not
as yet half comprehend the abominable conduct of all
parties concerned in this transaction. The country
is indebted to the lion. Member fur Lambeth, who I
trust is biding his time, and is not to be so easily put
off as my Lord John may suppose with such an
answer. I shall return to this subject, should you
consider my observations as worthy the attention
of the public. I honestly confess that it appears
to me, if Earl Grey is pern-Litted to remain in office,
after his conduct to Sir Harry Smith, the family
compact will indeed have proved itself too strong
for the people.--I am, Sir, yours, &c.,
A CONSTANT READER.

MARRIAGE IN HIGH LIFE.
The union of the ancient, chivalrous, and time-
honoured families of Warwick and Wemyss was consum-
mated yesterday morning in that far-famed hymeneal
temple of aristocratic alliances, St. George's Church,
Hanover-square, by the marriage of Lord Brooke, only
son of the Earl of Warwick, the direct representative of
the renowned " King-maker" of bygone days, to the
Honourable Ann Charteris, eldest daughter of Lord
Elcho, and granddaughter of the Earl of Wemyss. The
ceremony was performed in the presence of a very large
number of the friends and relatives of both parties, the
Right Hon. the Marquis of Lansdowne, the Earl of
Warwick, Earl Grosvenor, and Lord Guernsey, being
amongst the number, with many others of lesser note.
The young lady, who was elegantly attired iu the usual
bridal costume, was attended to the altar by a full bevy
of fair bridesmaids, and the church was also very
much crowded by parties who came to witness the
solemn engagement, after the ratification of which the
immediate friends of the noble bride and bridegroom, to
the number of eighty, repaired to the residence of Lord
Elcho, in Hanover. square, where they partook of a most
recherche wedding breakfast prepared for the occasion,
and on its conclusion, the health of the happy couple
having been drank with all the honours, they entered a
travelling carriage and four, and in another minute
Lord and Lady Brooke were whirling away amidst the
hearty cheers of their friends (accompanied by
slipper flying after them), for that historic
Zwick
stronghold of his Lordship's feudal ancestors,
ad from
Castle, where they will spend the honeymoon,
for
_
the lofty battlements of which they can behldt
amsues
the meandering of Avon's silvery stream flowing
ee
Englan's
ancestral
stronghold
si-
lently and enchanting as in the days
.wh
Ist _
Bard wandered along
and daring which
able song those deeds of chivalry
have rendered it and its owners' names famous to pos.
its banks, entwining impe
terity.

IlluariA.—According to the circular transmitted
to the Lord-Lieutenants of counties, her " Majesty has been
pleased to recommend that an inspection of the permanent
staff of the militia in Great Britain shall take place at the
earliest possible period." Those gentlemen who may happen
to be unprovided with proper uniform can obtain the same
at moderate cost, and witthh great
fpyomptness, by applying
to Messrs. Nicoll, army lo ier.s, o Regent-street and Corn-
hill, who are also preparing designs for any fresh corps that
sverovl volunteer eienr
trhifieemcilluitbi
as
may be formed, when all modern improvements in military
f r from mt oof
clothing and accoutrements will have attention.—N.R. With
an official announce-,
according equipment
tahllefuturnieayo
Mmeensatr's. Nicoll respectfully beg to seek timely notice in those
membersrpd l (11l i for foran
exemptionthe which,
instances where they may be required to provide rifles made
on the French principle ; but where gentlemen merely r -
qalre uniform or other clothing, such maybe
quantity with great dispatch and obtained in any
well-earned reputation of this firm.
ifCompetent economy • the excellence in
point of material or fit will be sufficiently 'guaranteed by the
at
orders
a fair amount of
be insured, on applicationll4, 116, 118, and 120, Regent-
street, or 22, Cornhill.
PEESERTED MEATS.—NAvy.—The returns of the
contracts for preserved meats with Goldner, specifying the
quantity fit for use, and the quantity condemned, ordered by
the House of Commons, have been published. It appears
from the return, that 2,741,9881b5. have been issued out
since the commencement of the contract, of which 95 per
cent. had proved fit for use; and 387,7951b5. had been con-
demned or returned into store. Complaints have been made
from the first use of the preserved meats, but none of any
objectionable matter having been found in them until the
24th November, 1849 ; from which period until the contract
in May, 1850, eleven complaints of offal discovered in
twenty-one canisters had been niade. The meat issued for
the Arctic voyagers was of superior quality, principally from
Messrs. Copper -and Gamble. Of Captain Austin's stores
2,0061b5. had been condemned.
- - -

. --- --- ------
'IRE BEER QuEsTioN.--A joint-stock brewery
company has been formed, with a capital of 200,0004 in
40,000 shares of 51 each, for the purpose of establishing
breweries on a comprehensive plan, to supply the public with
unadulterated ale and porter at prices below those at present
charged by the London brewers, and yet with a handsome
profit on the capital invested. Branch breweries are to be
opened in various district!. There are also two features of
great and novel interest in the scheme. To meet the case of
persons who may be unwilling to incur the responsibility of
it has been determined to admit subscribers of
will be entitled to a reduction on their own
and the workmenregularly employed by the
shareholders,l. t .
each,
who
purchases;
company
are to be allowed a participation in all profits ex-
ceeding Si. per cent. upon the capital used,
in proportion to
the value of their labour, as measured by the wages earned
at the ordinary rate.

M
- -- -
Two prisoners, in custody for baying a large
amount of counterfeit coin in their possession, escaped
from the borough gaol of Colchester on Saturday by cutting
through a strong door and breaking down a brick wall.

211U7U AL LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY.
I The half-yearly general meeting of the members
a
the London
read
the tnLondon
of this society was held .yesterday at h
Tavern ; Mr. W. 0. Harnett in the chair.
MrinSu.teß6 1 t
orti,,le lactausatrnyietteittin;.ig, society,nd the notice
hi
e
con-
vening the present, proceeded to read the report of
the directors. It stated that the progress of the
society had been steady and satisfactory during the
prat year, and that the surplus and ad irions to the
policies had been gradually increasing. Toe affairs
of the society were in a most prosperous condition,land
if there might be a passing regret that more new bu-
siness had not been transacted, it would be borne in
mind that the past year had been one of an unusual
ch erecter, and that most of the life assurance com-
panies had felt its effints. The total number of pro-
posals laid before the board during the year had been
167, for assuring the sum of 83,771/. Of this
number 126, for 60,946/., had been completed; 9
proposals for 4,600/. were standing over for
completion or further consideration at the
end of the year ; and 32 proposals for as-
suring 18,2251. had been declined, or not pro-
ceeded with. The claims by death during the year
had been remarkably small,
being only 10,0501. on a
total sum assured varying from 848,805/. at the
beginning to 874,3471. remaining 7in force at the end
of the year. This was considerably less than the
mortality on which the premiums had been computed,
and was only about four-fifths of the average amount
of claims for the preceding four years. The policies
remaining in forfe on the Ist January, 1852, were
1,367; assuring 874,3471 ; and producing an annual
income from premiums of 29,0581. Bs. 93. The total
assets of the society on the 31st of December last
amounted to 604,505/. Nis sd. (including the value
of future premiums receivable), and the total liabilities
to 514,933/. 18s. sd. (including present value of all
the sums assured, leaving a clear surplus for division
of 89,5791) The calculations for arriving at these
results had been completed with the greatest care,
and ample allowances had been made for contin-
gencies so as to avoid any undue assumption of
profits. The whole of the invested capital of the
society was either in the Government funds or
secured on the mortgage of freehold or other
available property, none being lent out on per-
sonal security. The amount of the invested
capital had increased during the past year from
152,496/. 11s. to 174,1701. 10s. 6d. The system of
agency had been too recently adopted to produce the
advantages to which it must ultimately lead ; but it
could not fail when fully carried out to be the means
of making the character and position of the society
known throughout the country. During the past
year 70 new agents had been appointed. The direc-
tors hoped that the members would not . only assist
them in selecting an active and efficient agent in
every principal town in the kingdom, but would also
make known amongst their private friends the satis-
factory working of the society, and the superior and
increasing advantages which yearly experience
showed to be the result of an assurance in this in-
stil ation.

The CHAIRMAN moved that the report, which had
been read, should be received, adopted, and entered on
the minutes, and in doing so expressed his willingness
to afford any explanations that might be desired to the
members of the society. No member, however, rising
to ask a question, the resolution was put and carried
unanimously.
On the motion of Mr. S. W. ROSELL, it was ordered
that the report should be printed and circulated
amongst the members.
The proceedings terminated with the unanimous
adoption of a cordial vote of thanks to the directors
for their zealous attention to the interests of the so-
ciety during the past year.

FATAL COLLISION ON THE LANCA-

SHIRE AND YORKSHIRE RAILWAY.

BURY, FEB. 17.—A shocking collision on the Lan-
cashire and Yorkshire Railway, which resulted in the
loss of two lives, was the subject of a lengthened in •
vestigation yesterday, at the Queen's Hotel, in this
town, before Mr. T. F. Deardon, the coroner for
the district. Mr. Gaskill, solicitor, of Bolton, with
Mr. Blackmore, the general superintendent of the
line, and Mr. Hirst, locomotive superintendent, at-
tended to watch the evidence for the company. The
facts of the unfortunate event appear to be briefly
these :—Between one and two o'clock on Saturday
morning a goods train was in the act of being shifted
from the siding or branch line connected with the
goods warehouses of this station, when the Normanton
luggage-train arrived from Bolton, and came in fear-
ful collision with the one which was being moved on
to the main line. The shock is described to have been
very severe. The engine was thrown on its broad-
side, and the driver, Robert Dunkerley, had one of his
legs cut off, and was otherwise much hurt. He died
shortly afterwards. The stoker, Benjamin Hewley,
was killed on the spot. He was thrown under the
tender, and his body was not extricated until between
six and seven o'clock. It would appear that the Bol-
ton train had not to stop at Bury, and that it had
been going at the rate of twenty miles an hour, but
on approaching the station and descending the incline
its speed was reduced. There seemed to be some
difficulty in ascertaining whether the red
signal was on or not, and it would seem
that the watchman on duty at the station
charged the guard with having knocked it off, and
that he might at once say that it was on, and that he
(the watchman) would not report him. The guard
stated that he did not do so, and that indeed he could
not tell whether it was on or not. The watchman
informed the Court that he put the red light on to-
wards Bolton at about 10 minutes past 12 o'clock—
that he had not altered it afterwards. Immediately
after the collision, however, he found it off, as did the
guard of the train which was ruu into. Tao signal
was moved by a lever, and the watchman etated that
he:had never known it to go off on its own accord. In
order that other important information might be
gleaned respecting the signal, the proceedings were
adjourned.

RAILWAY TRAFFIC RETURNS.
LONDON AND NORTFI-WBSTERN RAILWAY.—Return of
Traffic for the week ending Feb.
Ste 15:—
Passengers, parcels, mails, - £22,439 411
Merchandise ... ••• 17,883 17 11
Cattle .. ..• ••• ••• 860 13 6

... ... Z 40,683 16 4
Total '''
published are exclusive of the
esekalsast year ... 40,335 5 7
sfield Canal and h Fludder Shropshire Union, Nerth
traffic of t e
Preston and Wyre, South Junction, Manchester and
Union, PreB- ' h h. d Bnclung ams ireßailways, and of the propor-
Buxton, an
ffic deducted under agreement with the North
tion of tra
Staffordshire Company.
Note.—The
GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY.—Return of traffic for the
_ Corresponding
ih ore
returns
rwn
week ending Feb. 15 .
...
£14,038 15 3
Corresponding week last year... 13,873 13 5
Tai GRIM' NORTHERN RAILWAY._ (Miles in work, 241 k)
_Return of Traffic for the Week endin Feb. 8 1852 .
Passengers, parcels, carriages,g ' •
horses, dogs, and mails Merchandise and minerals £5,687 410
•...
... 5,741 8 0
Cattle
''' ••• •.. ... 142 17 2

Total .. .. ....£11,491 10 0
Corresponding Week, 1851 (236 miles) :
Passengers, parcels, &c. Merchandise... .£4,137 9 9
, Cattle, &c. ... 3,662 0 9

Total ... £7,799 10 6
_ LONDON AND SOUTH-WESTERN RAILWAY.--AMOttlit of
Traffic for the week ending Feb. 15:—
Passengers ... £5,961 18 10
Goods 2,404 7 6

Total ,„. ... ... £8,366 6 4
Corresponding week last year.•• 7,960 13 2i

LANCASHIRE AND YoREsIuRE RAILWAY. (260 Mile!
Open.)—Traffic for week ending Feb. 15 £16,056 2 5
Corresponding week in last year (260
miles open) .. ... ... ....£13,544 19 10

- -
Noe,TH STAFFORDSHIRE RAILWAY. -( Miles 0pen,112.)-•
Return of traffic for the week ending Feb. 8
Railway and canal .- ... £4,487 0 0
Corresponding week last year ... 4,399 0 0
Note. —The above is exclusive of the receipts available
under the agreement with the London and North-Western
Railway CompanY•

CHESTER AND HOLYHEAD RAlLWAY.—Traffic for the
week ending Feb. lb : _

MAIN LME.

Passengers ...
...
Parcels, H. C. and D.
Goods, cattle, &c. . "
Mails •••

... £1,004 19 3
60 4 4
...
567 14 1
•••
575 0 0

Total

... £2,207 17 8

•..
MOLD.

Passengers
Parcels, H. C. and D. ••• *",H.C.
Goods, cattle, &c. ... •••

£44 8 4
1 9 11
43 1 11

£B9 0 2

Total

••• ••• '
STFAId-BOATS•

Passengers
Parcels, H. C. and D. ...

... £lBB 8 11
... 29 5 6

Total ... ••• ••• £21714
of 5
CALIEDONIAN RAlLVtre!r•-(189 miles open2le7d.)
traffic for the week ending Feb. 8 :
Passengers, &c. ...
Goods, &e.

£2,668 10 5a
... 4,596 11 1

Total ... £7,265 1 61
Corresponding week last year ... 6.905 0 6i

FREEMASONSTAVERN.—INAIJOURATION DINNER.
—Last evening about 250 guests sat down to dinner at the
above tavern to celebrate the tenancy of the new proprie-
tors
uiks of. Tthhee
m inmentterta,
same—namely, Messrs. Watson, Coggin, and
wines, dessert, Lc., were all of
the most excellent descuption, and gave great satisfaction to
rn the numerous co' any. The chair was filled by Mr. Alex-
ander Dobie ; and in the course of the night the following
Banks.
toasts were proposed and duly honoured :—" The Queen,
" Prince Albert," " The Prince of Wales and the rest of the
Royal Family," " The Army and Navy," " The new Proprie-
tors of the Tavern," " The Chairman," " The Grand Master
and Grand Lodge of England, and the Trustees of the Free-
masons' Tavern," " The Press." The musical arrangements
of the evening were conducted by Mr. H. Smith, assisted
by Messrs. Turner, Godder, Holmes, Williams, Fortescue,
Williamson, M
--cin‘leY, and the Misses Wells and G. Wells.
Mr. Toole acted as toastmaster with his usual ability and
discretion.