The Sun.
London, England, 1852-08-04 00:00:00

SUN, L 0 N':: 0 N, WEDNESDAY

P WAN NE WS. _
_ ,

LIVERPOOL, TUESDAY, 7 P M.
By the United States Mail steam-ship Atlantic,
West, commander, we have advices from New York
to the 24th ult. She has 284,000 dollars in specie
on freight.
The steam-ship Baltic, hence to New York, was
passed at 7 F.M. on the 24th.
The steam-ship United States had arrived at New
York from San Francisco, with advices to the 28th
June, and 244,288 dollars in golddust. The city of
London had been totally destroyed by fire, not a
vestige remaining, except a few wooden buts. New
gold diggings had been discovered at San Ga-
briel. There was a good demand for money and a
fair supply. Sterling exchange, 60 days, 46} to 47.
The steam-ship G-01d.,n Gate sailed frym atn
Francisco on the 28th of June, with 1,400,000 dol-
lars in goldduet, making. the total shipments for the
month of June 5,343,754 dollars.
Her ,Maksty's sloop of war Arrogant was at San
Juan on the 15th ult., with sickness among the crew.
Advices from Haven:lab, to the 17th ult., are de-
void of interest. _ _

A long and violent discussion took place in the
Senate on the 23d, relative to the fishery question.
Mr. Mason, the member for Virginia, in moving a
resolution of inquiry, stated that the President's re-
ply ought to be " That he had ordered the whole
naval force of the United States into those seas to
protect the rights of American fisherman against the
British cannon." Mr. Cass, Mr. Seaward, and se-
veral others also followed in the same strain.

From St. John's, New Brunswick, accounts of the
23d. state that it was supposed the armed schooner
Alliance had been 10-t near St. Paul's Island with all
on board. Fifteen schooners had been lost near the
Magdalen Islands, and 22 pilots drowned.
From Tahiti we have intelligence that Queen
Pomare bad returned to power under the protection
of the French vessels of war.

We have advises from Mexico to the 9th ult.
The Mexican Government here are opposed to call-
ing an extra session of Congress to consider the
Tehuantepec affair and the treaty of Guadaloupe
lladalgo.

Accounts from St. Dorninizo to the sth ult. repre•
sent the fever as still raging there, both on shore and
among the shipping.
The accounts from Panama state that the cholera
was raging there, and was carrying off large numbers.
The New York stock market was active, and prices
were firmly maintained. There was an increased
demand for money, but the supply being large there
was no alteration in the rates of interest. Foreign
exchange in moderate demand ; bills on London, 110
to 11N-; Paris, 5 13i to 5 164.
Prices of cotton were well maintained in conse-
quence of the small stock on the market.
Flour had a downward tendency. There was a
steady demand for wheat at rather lower prices.
Indian corn was in good demand.
Provisions were firmer, especially beef and pork.
Six hundred tons Scotch pig iron had been sold at
2,050 dolls, cash, and 21 dolls. six months.
Freights to London without alteration.

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.
Arrived at New York—The Ortona, from Bordeaux;
Sheridan Albert Gallitan, Washington, Richard Morse,
and Torrent, from Liverpool; Ma) flower, from Glasgow.
At Philadelphia—The Joshaa Mauran, from Liver-
pool.
At Baltimore—The Flora M‘Donald, from Liverpool;
Harvest, frum Bremer).
At Charlestown—The Caroline from Newport.

COLONISATION OF COSTA RICA, AND THE
OPENING OF A NEW ROUTE BETWEEN
TEE ATLANTIC AND PACIFIC.
(From the Mining Journal.)
Since the year (1699) of that memorable attempt to
found a British colony in the Isthmus of Darien, as pro_
jccted by that amiable Scotch clergyman, the Rev. Mr.
Paterson, whose expanded mind comprehended, even at
g
that era, the important advantages that must result to
humanity and to commerce, by rendering the „mm:mi.
cation between the Atlantic and Facia° Oceans more
ronnd Cape Horn, a wonderful and rapid--
chango
praipssidag,
e safe, and easy, than the tempestuous and lengthy
has taken place in the world, and vast colonies have been
established, by which tee hardy and enterprising sons
and daughters of Great Britain, the Christian religion,
the English language, and our social habits and customs,
are spread over the most distant parts of the globe. It
is not surprising, therefore, that the subject of the pas-
sage over or through the narrow neck of laud dividing
the two great oceans is et this time exciting much
attention, or that our enterprising go-a-head neighbours
the Americans, intimately allied to us by language and
descent, should be foremost in the enterprise, into which
the discovery of the Californian gold has, as it were,
forced them to enter without loss of time.
But our national character . and national in-
terests • render the immediate consideration of this
most important subject imperative with us. This
century will not pass away before the highroad
of traffic and commerce between the eastern and
the western world will be by this route, almost ex-
cluding all others; and an opportunity is now presented
to the English nation which, perhaps, is unequalled in
the advantages which it offers, by which we can secure
a safe, easy, and healthy passage between the Atlantic
and Pacific Oceans. The subject has been lately placed
before the public in an interesting little pamphlet, pub-
lished by Effingham Wilson, of the Royal Exchange. It
is drawn up tram authentic documents and original ma-
terials, placed in the hands of J. S. Buckingham, Esq.;
and an excellent map, by Mr. Wyld, adds greatly to the
lucid and popular form in which the matter is thus placed
bsfcre those who will devote a few minutes to its perusal.
The patriotism of our country, the religious and the
commercial bodies, are oil deeply interested in the imme-
diate accomplishment of the plan, which does not embrace
any wild or visionary scheme, or the otrlay of millions
country', er ue n t rY
equally.
to be wasted unsuccessfully. In the pamuhlet, the seve-
ral plans which have been proposed to effect this impor-
tant oceanic communication, and their relative advan-
tages and disadvantages, are shortly contrasted, and the
eminent superiority of the Costa Rica route over all
others cannot fail to be perceived.
A magnificent harbour at each end of the route (an
essential feature, entirely wanting in all the other plans
proposed), and the discovery of coal is the immediate
developmentnattal p r pro_
proximity of the coast, are advantages which cannot be
too highly estimated; while the settled nature of the
the general healthiness of the climate, with the
magnitude' and value of the concession, already settled,
striking; and the ulterior commercial re-
sults, not only arising from the transit of goods and pas.
be in
0 alsoun
tfromry itself,tli the r iacnhd andt h
e further valuable
sductsel 'g e
rot' butth
of which colonisation and British industryand : i
capital
any part of the world. A company has
Rica
been
are sure to produce, are an promising as they can
formed, under the title of the 6' Costa Rica Company;"
and its prospectus, supported by highly respectable par-
tics, will afford the best guarantee as to the soundness
and honesty of the scheme. And it is evident that,
with a moderate share of British capital and enterprise,
our nation may in a few years witness that feat accom-
plished, which has been so long desired, even prior to
events and changes in the world which have rendered
such an achievement now, unless our commercial pros-
perity is to dwindle away, a great national necessity.
We earnestly commend to our readers a consideration
of the Costa Rica plan, as detailed in the pamphlet al-
ludied to, which will be found to be full of the most inte-
resting details respecting the territory of Costa Rica, and
its vast resources of natural wealth.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.
SIR,—I beg to acquaint you, that the Treasury mi.
nut° of 1840, allowing the admixture of Chicory with
Coffee, is rescinded, and that the new regulations for
the futurgi sale of each article will be announced to the
Trade by the Excise in the course of a few days.
I have the honour to be your obedient servant,
CHARLES H. BURTON.
14, Furnival's Inn, Aug, 3, 1852.

► SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING THE
AMENDMENT OF ME LAW.

NINTH ANNUAL REPORT. OF THE COUNCIL.
The chief subjecti that -have occupied the -attention
of the society during the past year have been the e
movel orthe distinction between the procedure of
courts of law and equity is this country; the reconstruc-
tion of the Masten office,• involving •
lion; the enfranchisement of oepyholds; the
r"
lion of the transfer of laud,: the relationabetweca the
.the attorney, and the client; and the establishment o.
liw school, with a provision for an effective examination
before granting. a-law degree on admilSiOla to the bar.
On the first subject—the fusion of law:end "Wit).
special ceenicietee iaw arid equity procAere have pre-
sented its gradnal i:,-
sented a third report, not • only recommending several
measures the immediate adoption of-the Legislature,
bat giving the outlines of
code by means of which this
great cheege might he effected.
The subsequent appearance of the first report of the
Chancery Cemmissioners, and the introduction of the
Bills founded upon it, have affordedafforded us the gratification
of seeing not ouly the views, but in some eases the very
words of our reports and resolutioes proposed for the
sanction of Parliament under the highest auspices.
We therefore trust that in procedure at least, as
eventually we hope in all other respects,
law mho equity
will soon be wholly united.
On this subject we refer with pleasure to the second
visit which'our society received ldst titilumn from `lB
distineenie,hed member, Mr. David Dudley Field, of
New York, and to the additional .evidence which he has
supplied (and which has since been increased by a Cam.
munieation from the State of Missouri) of the satisfac-
tory- working of the conjoined courts of law and equity
in America. Your council have no wish to hasten
prematurely a change so extensive and important as
this. They have only
to express their convietim that
it is as practicable and advisable- in this country as it
lies been proved by experience to be practicable and aci-
visabie in the United States of America. They
-
wil-
lingly accept as an instalment of justice the following
opinion of the Chancery Commissioners in their first
report, signed as it is by three equity judges, 000
common law judge, and several eminent counsel, and
stet., smen not of the legal profession:—
We have arrived at the conclusion that, without
abolishing the distinction betweea law and equity, or
blending the courts into one court of universal jurisdic-
tion, a practical and effectual remedy for many of the
evils in question may be found in such a transfer or
blending of jurisdiction, coupled with such other practi-
cal amendments, as will render each court competent to
administer complete justice in the cases which fall under
its cognizince.

We think that the jurisdiction now exercised by
courts of equity may be conferred upon courts of law,
and that the jurisdiction now exercised by coat ts of law
may be conferred upon courts
of equity, to such an ex-
tent as to render both courts competent to administer
entire justice without parties in the one court being
obliged to resort to the aid of the other."
These are valuable admissions, and aro surely suf-
ficient justification to this society for introducing the
great question of a fusion of law and equity in this
country to the notice of the Legislature and the public.
A Bill itas been Since brought in to effect the altera-
tions proposed by the Commissioners, and both in its
provisions end in the debates respecting them in Par-
liament the principle of a fusion of jurisdictions had re-
ceived great support, It was; indeed, generally admitted
that its accomplishment in effect, if not in name, is
not far distant. By this nseasure also several improve-
ments suggested end recommended by this society as to
the printing of Isgal proceedings, and the introduction
of bird vice evidence into courts of equity, will be-
come law.
With respect also to the office of Master in Chancery,
we have to congratulate the society on the introduction
by the Lord Chancellor of a Bill containing pro-
visions almost identical with those which our equity
committee have recommended, and in execution
of the plan reported by the Chancery Com-
missioners, and fully adopted by the late Govern-
ment, which issued the COll2l/1131i011. This measure
will prevent the delay now arising from proceedings
commenced before a Judge being referred either in
whole or in part to the Master. On the 12th day of
January last a resolution was carried at a meeting of
this society recommending this change, and the gradual
abolition of the office of Master in Chancery, and we can
only Express a hope that its doom is sealed, and that a
procedure so mischievous both in theory and practice is
practically swept away. Although a specific resolution
for the abolition of the Masters' office was only come to
by the society on the 12th of January, yet the proposi-
tion for the abolition of the Masters' office, and the com-
pletion of the whole business in a suit by the Judge,
has been for many years before the society, where it
was gradually advanced in favour, and his at length
proved triumphant. It is right also to gay that it eves
much considered and much evidence adduced upon, it in
a Committee of the House of Lords, which sat last sum-
mer, and reported the opinions as well as the other evi-
dence of witnesses in its favour.

A Bill for the improvement of the procedure of the
common law courts has also passed through most of its
stages. It rests on the authority of the Common Law
Commissioner..., and hes received high professional sanc-
tion. This Bill doubtless contains many important end.
useful provisions, but your council are desirous of stat-
ing their opinion that the remedies propered leave easily
of the evils in the procedure of the superior courts of
common law still existing, and that until these are re-
medied the county courts will be preferred by the suitor,
who will demand, and with justice, the extension of their
jurisdiction. Considering the long period allowed for the
preparation of this Bill, the high autnotities under whose
sanction it was introduced, and the many revisions it has
undergone, it was not unreasonable to expect something
complete in conception and careful in execution. Some
partial improvements have been made, but the leading
critic, d. The Bill mey be allowed to be a
principle—the abolition of forms of action—has been sa-
common law.
ment, let; not a permanent settlement of
procedure. There is, moreover, a very serious defect in
of endless
the execution, which will be the certain cause
disputes and enormous expense. In order to save a few.
weeks' labour to the draughtsman it is left quite uncer-
tain
are repealed, and which are still in
which of the innumerable statutes apply tog to Pro-
cedure
slight improve-
old rules of court are also left in the same positi°P' In
order to understand the new system the practitioner
must master the old, and then, after careful comparison,
qualify the enactment by introducing into its construc-
tion all thole principles which it does not abrogate by
necessary implication. The amount of expense, uncer-
tainty, and vexation thus introduced is incalculable. The
present system, faulty as it is, is at any rate well wider-
stood. It is distresSingio contemplate how much money
must be spent in clearing cv mere points of form before
the new one can be placed in
- an equally satisfactory
position. These considerations become yet more imp.or-
taut when it is remembered that this new code is in-
tended to enter into competition with the county courts;
force. titn
in weich the litigant is not called upon to exPL'ndemunc
farthing for any purpose except the very merits of the
suit.

Our fears may be unfounded, but there is some
e
ground to apprehend that the new element of expense
and uncerteint.y thus introduced without any corresp.
,_,.
ing amelioretion; together with the references win'
may ba made to the court, nuoluntin to as many
three end forty in a single sui',
will finally decide
favour of the county courts tho titte2tion between central
Y•ie a
"s
and local judicature.
Tho present state of the ecclesiastical courts, yourloudlY
calla for largo alteration and amendment, and „,
council have made a reference on this subject to a
mittee. • ,
Your council have witnessed with much satisfaction
the introluction of a Bill this session for the
re compulsory
the lord
enfranchieent of copyhelds, giviag as well to
uehise-
as to the tenant power to demand such ee'lifouse .ei
went. This nil!, after paling through the a select
Commons without opposition,
:r. was care
was referred
te
Committee of the Hens° of Lords, by whom " „at
tee
is
considered, and your council anticiPatc,.Forh" there is
fits from the adoption. of a measure as to which is so general a coacurrence of opinion, and which of
cal-
culated to remove a great obstacle to the cun
elaborate
the land and to the erection of buildings. &
it by one of
report on this subject was lately presell,7. interesting
Your committees, which gave rise to al"' to interesting
discussion. It was received by the society, 8
ulsory en-
con:Psociety
a resolution affirming the advantage of a
franchisement of copy holds. Here also thi
r .chilattire, to
endeavoured to act as a pioneer to the 1.1`7h a view to
discuss the legal difficulties of th 3 aukieet:lLegislature
ascertain the true principle on whion a
t in the efforts
may properly and safely proceed; and cgu
of the society have been successful.
„eneeted that of
With thu subject of copyholds is u— and its i
the transfer of land, the copyiaold tenurcen, a heavy tea
hes
on such transfer. Oa this subject,
dents frequently imposing., as is well itri'mportant in all
its bearings, ono of your committee the to the society a
the law of property—has submittedation of the same
paper in which a former room:amen fel. of land to that
committee for assimilating the traccsre the society. If
"the eommiatr on
of stock has been again brought bsi° say who would be
this can be -effected, it is difficalt_, to the increase of the
most benefited, the owners of inna "Joie at, large by the
value of their property, or the Peerof
Ad possessing land
strong motive weien the prospect
&fiord for ;greater frugality.
nian
Your council consider that `"d",:erving of the utmost
paper just mentioned is not only
ati eminent and expee
attention, but, as coming from
.0
, p that this difficult
proposed in the
rienced solicitor, affords W."' , be solved, and may be
and most inn orient question mil'sfaetory result.
conducted to a 'practical and sa'lbeen
Little real progress has yet
two!, with effective exa-
made towards the
establishment of a good hop ECtiou, of the inns of court
minatienT; the late recommendation
as insufficient; but we
your courieil cannot but consider..„l the public at large
trust that boh the profession '"
A alive to the necessity for
are h, o -ming. mere and reore-cs
such a provision, and that the tnhe : of the inns of court
are becereing more aware of e,eeee We are gliocl it)
whioh rests upoki them in thi.iatriog serious responsibility
evntioned in the re-
tied tho subject of legal education
port )inted to inquire into the
port of the Commissioners aPheiversity of Oxford. and
state of the revenues of
are gratified at seeing tho
at by tho Commlssicrere to
duced in rereport of a pri'l:of me univeteity to impart-
apply a portion of the tuns Yof the country. We hope
ieg a ktiowleclge of the lames in lhe report on to:,
of there Beata of learning
to :'.io the f.,arno rnorielc-_,, that in the course of v.
faenwfifiecrutthlearwe
swelllooble.
-University of Cembridgo, a' '
'1 hope and believe that from
Still more do your ccnclil at length arise a complete
the Preent inti.a of court o'l.,
endowed with the -
tey, e" - funds
and eatiefecory law
Ileiver societies for legal education
etigi"llY vested 'in these &toted than to the perry, '
and which cannot bb bolter
your council 'se
of teachteg the law. Nor can ,
i,
~_entertain a
a 137 thee© fund,
doubt that it the henchers do no., so PT . _
will be enforced by the Legifila'.
their Proper application wb-
4:ehallinien ‘);:
this
Eaci'etY
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