The Sun.
London, England, 1839-01-24 00:00:00

TO THE EDITOR 9F THE SUN.

Plymouth, Jan. 22.
SIR-I observe in The Sun of the 19th inst., a letter frcm
a Bristol Correspondent, remarking upon tile superiority of
that place as a point for transatlantic steam navigation, and
endeavouring to depreciate the character of °tilor ports—Ply-
mouth among the rest. Now when a man steps forward as the
author of statements likely to affect the interests either of
persons or places, he ought to be very careful that those state-
ments are grounded upon well- established and indisputable
facts, otherwise he exposes himself to the charge of wilful
misrepresentation, not to say libel. He states, as a proof of
the insecurity of Plymouth Sound, that when the Inconstant,
frigate, arrived from Canada with Lord Durham, " no com-
munication could be had with the ship for three days." Upon
what authority, I ask, does he make such an assertion, in the
face of the fallowing facts:—lmmediately on the arrival of the
Inconstant, a member of Lord Durham's suite landed with the
despatches, and proceeded, without delay, to London. Soon
after day-break, the Admiral sent off his tender to
convey Lord Durham ashore ; but, owing to the heavy
sea running, it was not thought advisable to remove the ladies
of his Lordship's family, and the Earl preferred remaining on
board with them, rather than land without them. The Admi-
ral's cutter remained in attendance nearly the whole day, cruis-
ing round the frigate, and the Harbour- master also visited her.
The gale continued with increasing violence for three days,
during which a daily communication was kept up, and his
Lordship's despatches sent on board; and the merchants'
boarding-gigs were in attendance on the other ships, in va-
rious parts of the Sound. It is really stepping somewhat be-
yond the line of fair and honest comparison when the charac-
ter of one harbour is condemned upon such evidence, far the
purpose of upholding the claims of another. But, since the
question has been raised, it may he well to mention one or two
FACTS, by which the public may be assisted in forming a judg-
ment upon the important point as to the SAFEST and best port
for steam communication with the Atlantic. Six of the largest
class Irish steamers enter and leave Plymouth Harbour every
week, one to and from Havre, one to the Islands, besides smaller
coasting steamers. The large Government steam-ships are
also continually coming to and leaving the port; and, with all
this steam communication during a period of many years,
there has never bean a single case of wreck or even serious in-
jury to any one steamer; whilst, if my recollection serves me,
the Erin was lost some years since, with all hands, in the
Bristol Channel, and soon after another of the large class Irish
steamers (whose name I cannot recal) was wrecked upon the
Sands, whilst proceeding from Cork to Bristol, when every
soul on board also perished, This comparison tells somewhat
more closely than tile Bristol version of the Incomstant. A
safe anchorage at Kingroad is not the only point to be consi-
dered. The Catwater at Plymouth is equally sheltered and
secure, and much nearer the town, Kingroad being several
miles from the town of Bristol. But will your Bristol Cor-
respondent maintain that 60 miles of Channel navigation,
with the iron-bound coast of Cornwall on the South, and dan-
gerous and too often fatal Sands on the North, is more safe
and desirable for communication with the Atlantic than an
open port like Plymouth, whose Breakwater is washed by the
broad Atlantic itself? Yes, if Plymouth Sound was the only
anchorage and shelter it possessed, as our Bristol friend seems
to imagine he might argue so. But he never can have visited
the port, or he unfairly misrepresents, if he would hide from
public view the noble and capacious harbours of Catwater and
Harnoaze immediately adjacent to the two towns, Plymouth and
Devonport. I throw out these remarks in justification of the
character of a port which I conceive has been unjustly attacked,
but which, at the same time, I am willing to hope has been
attacked more in ignorance than malice.
EDMUND FRY.

ROYAL SOCIETY OF HORTICUL-

TURE AND AGRICULTURE.

At the ordinary meeting, on Tuesday evening, Mr. Glenny,
P. H. S., in the chair, Professor Johnson deliv,red a lecture
on the orchidaceous plants, several beautiful specimens of
which were on the table. These are, perhaps, without ex-
ception, the most remarkable and isolated group which the
vegetable kingdom presents ; fur, unless in the possession of
organs which are common to all flowering plants, they have
no tokens of affinity with any other. They are, for the most
part, herbaceous plants, very few only assuming a semi-
fructescent character ; and in the characters of their roots as
well as flowers they differ from other varieties of plants.
The obscurity that involves their functions, and the equivocal
characters of the anthers and stigma is, and will probably
long continue to be, an obstacle to the profuse production
of varieties which has followed the efforts of cultivation in
other tribes, and at the same time the daily importation of
new species is calculated to check the desire of the culti-
vator to vary by his art those which he at present possesses—a
cause which it is likely will operate for an indefinite period, so
small is the portion of orchidaceous plants contained in the
collections of this cruntry compared with those which actually
exist throughout the world. Not more than 500 or 600 spe-
cies on the widest estimation have yet been seen in the living
state in our part of the globe ; but it has been calculated that
at the least 1,000 species more exist in the intertropical re-
gions. No natural order presents such numerous and diversi-
fied modifications in the flower, and the variations present such
grotesque, imitative, and beautiful combinations of vegetable
feature, that the most incurious eye could scarcely fail of being
interested in beholding them. The popular names by which
many of them are known, are founded upon fanciful resem-
blances to different animals, and in our native spe-
cies we have the bee, the spider, the frog, and
the man orchis. What may be the object of nature
in the remarkable deviations here presented it is diffi-
cult to conjecture ; but the Lecturer gave it as his opinion
that they were destined to protect the pollen from the depre-
dations of insects, which collect that and other plants for
food and other purposes. Some grin like monkeys, while
others resemble enormous spiders, or some other ravenous in-
sect, with eyes fixed and claws extended to seize its daring de-
predator. The cultivation of these plants has, within a few
years, been brought to a degree of systematic excellence which
would at first appear to leave little room for improvement;
but whoever grows them to any extent has continually to
deplore the loss or gradual deterioration, of numerous
species, under the treatment to which they are subjected.
The Lecturer expressed himself on this point, that a very
egregious error was committed by most collectors by submit-
ting them all to similar circumstances of cultivation, and
that too little attention was paid to their geographical
and physical conditions. Few natural orders have a wider
distribution, as orchidea form a part of the scanty Flora
of Lapland and Siberia, almost on the borders of the
Frozen Ocean, and they contribute more espezially towards
swelling the rich catalogue of tropical vegetation. Of those
which derive their nutriment chiefly from the atmosphere,
and some of which are capable of subsisting for weeks,
and even months suspended from the ceiling of a chamber
without any visible support, the most interesting is the
Chinese air plant, so called from the use to which the
Japanese and Chinese apply it in consequence of this pro-
perty and the fragrance and beauty of the flowers. The
daily improvements of floriculture leave us not without hopes
of ere long seeing some of those singular plants thus
displaying their beauties in the drawing rooms of the
wealthy and the study of the amateur in England. The
principal economical use of this tribe is in one variety producing
a saloop, a nutritious, and formerly a very popular beverage of
the poorer classes of London. Vanilla is also the product of
another species, and it may be remarked, that one characteristic
of the tribe is the total absence of any deleterio us or poisonous
principle.

On 'Tuesday afternoon Mr. Crouch, a gentleman re-
siding in High-street, Marylebone, was about to show a friend
the fast trotting qualities of a blood mare he had recently pur-
chased, and for that purpose went to the stables, Nottingham-
mews, New-road, where she was put in a gig; but Mr. C.
and his friend had scarcely taken their seats when the animal
took fright and started off at full speed; at the earner of the
mews the wheel came in contact with a post, and by the con-
cussion both gentlemen were thrown out. The mare began
plunging violently, sad at length having by breaking both
shafts released herself from the chaise, ran off into Nottingham-
street, and was only stoppld by coming in contact with the iron
railings of the area of No. 10 ; one of the spikes caught the
collar, and in the animal's efforts to disengage herself, she
broke ten of the rails completely in half. She was then
about stepping forward, by which she would inevitably have
fallen into the area, when assistance arriving she was extri-
cated. On examination it was found that both knees were
broken, and that she was dreadfully lacerated by the spikes.
Mr. Crouch sustained a dislocation of the shoulder and other
severe injuries, but his friend escaped unhurt.

Pursuant to requisitions very numerously and respectably signed by
the parishioners of Clerkenwell, the Churchwardens convened a meeting
last evening at the School-house in Amwell-street, to take into consi.
deration the propriety of petitioning Parliament for a total repeal of the
Corn-laws. The Senior Churchwarden, T. W. Cropley, was called to
the Chair, and the Minutes of the last Vestry Meeting having been read,
The CHAIRMAN said that this was, perhaps, the most important meet-
ine that had been held in that parish since the passing of the Reform
Bill. The object of the meeting was to determine what course of pro.
seeding should be adopted-to obtain that article of human subsistence
which was essential to all.—(Cheers.) In discussing this important
subject he trusted that they would enable him to preserve order, and to
obtain for every gentleman who should address them an impartial
hearing.—(Hear, hear.)
Mr. Gaccoav came forward to move the first resolution. He said that
the subject of the resolution was in itself so fruitful, and came so nearly
home to the hearts and bosoms of themselves and their families, that it
was hardly possible for any person to speak upon it without saying some-
thing to the purpose. The resolution was to the following effect :
" That the Corn.laws at the present time in existence are incompatible
with the prosperity of trade, injurious to the artizan, and alike destruc-
tive of the best interests of the nation." This resolution required very
little argument to recommend it; it was a simple matter-of-fact question
whether bread should be cheap or dear.—(Cheers.) That the present
Corn.laws were incompatible with the prosperity of the country there
could be no doubt, because by the existing laws they offered a premium
to the foreign artizan—they gave him a premium of 30 per cent. over
the artizan of this country.—(Hear, hear.) They all knew and felt
that the manufactures of this country were in a great degree
the staple article and the strong staff on which we rested.—
(Hear, hear.) It was very true that corn was very good to eat,
and it was very good to produce it at home; but if it could be grown
abroad better and cheaper than at home, he should like to know why
they were not to have it from abroad.—(Hear, hear.) Every country
had a peculiar prodttetion superior to others. England had never
been a corn.growing country, but we had by other means, by our in-
dustry, talent, and exertions, established such a trade and such menu.
factures, as enabled us to obtain all the products of the world. They
might make England a flower-garden, and still have corn, wine, oil,
silk, and all the necessaries, as well as the luxuries of life, in return
for our labour.—(Hear, hear.) If then the present Corn-laws prevented
that excellent end, if they prevented the people of this country from ob-
taining the ease and comforts of life, they must be bad.—(Hear, hear.)
Who were those that thought otherwise ? The corn-growers, or
rather the landowners.—(Hear, hear, and groans.) These persons, the
landowners, were desirous of high rents; but the corn producers
were anxious for even prices.—(Hear, hear.) Some years ago,
when he was in business, he was connected with many farmers,
and amongst the most Intelligent he found this opinion to exist,
namely, that they wished corn cheaper, because they thought high
prices were in the end injurious to themselves. They said that when
there had been high prices for any particular period rents were raised,
and then the farmer was placed in this situation, that if the high prices
could not be maintained he was obliged to pay the increased rent out
of his capital, until in the end he was driven to poverty. They felt
that when prices were low their risk was little, they were called
upon to pay little, and low prices answered their purpose.— (Hear,
hear.) So far for the argument that these laws were of importance to
the farmer. But the argument with the landlords was this, that if they
were prevented from growing corn, and this country was left to depend
on foreign grown corn, if a war took place where would we be ? He
should like to know whether, under the worst of circumstances, corn
could not be smuggled.—(Hear, hear.) There would always be plenty
of foreigners glad to bring their corn, and to receive guineas in
return. Oh, but it was said that these persons would insist upon hav-
ing gold. Well, let them and welcome. They could not eat gold, but
they could produce manufactures and turn them into gold, and it was
the greatest fallacy to suppose that it would be her injury to let gold go
out of the country. If it went out it would come back again, and that
quickly. It was as much an error to suppose that it would be an in.
jury to have rents reduced.—(Hear, hear.) The landlord would be in
a better situation. If rents were low, there would be a better chance of
their being paid ; and again, if rents were reduced, he would receive for
that reduced rent a larger quantity of the comforts of life. He would be
placed in reality in a better situation. He was ashamed to have taken
up their time so long, and a ould therefore conclude by moving the first
resolution.—(Cheers.)
Mr. WEST rose to second the resolution. There was not one whose
heart entered more fully into this subject than his, and he, therefore, felt
a most cordial delight in being called upon to second the resolution. He
remembered when there were no such things as Corn-laws. He had
been brought up a farmer in Suffolk, and knew something of agricul-
ture, and he remembered, when twelve years of age, going to market
with a score of the best white wheat, which was sold at 2Ss. the quarter.
He had since known it sold for five guineas the four bushels. He recol-
lected its progress, and the means by which high prices were produced,
and he had felt their pernicious effects.— (Hear, hear.) In the manu-
facturing districts they had caused the most fearful injury to trade, and
he was sure that if the great landed proprietors of this once flourishing
country were allowed to continue the Corn-laws, the manufacturers
would be compelled to sell their machinery, and to reside in
foreign countries, or they would be compelled to bring foreign ma-
nufactures into this country, if they expected to sell them at a profit.—
(Hear, hear.) It had been stated at a public meeting at Manchester,
that foreign goods were at present obtained in this way, and that amongst
other articles, stockings which were sold in this country at 30s. the
dozen, were imported at 18s. 3d. the dozen. What was it that pro-
duced this extraordinary anomaly ? Nothing but the Com-laws.—
(Hear ) He recollected that in 1810 the duty was only 6d. the quarter
wheat ; in 1804 it was 245. ; and he would ask what was the cause of
this difference? It had been determined not to enter into politics,
but it was scarcely possible to discuss this subject without going
a little into polities.—(Hear, hear.) At that period we were
engaged in an unfortunate and impolitic war—a war against
public opinion, and for the suppression of public opinion. But
when the peace of 1815 came, corn fell and land fell, but the
landed proprietors and the clergy continued to exact war rents
and war tithes. Nine millions were in this way annually taken out of
the mouths of the people, and put into the pockets of the landlords and
clergy. It was said that we could not grow corn enough to support the
inhabitants of the country. Why, in 1815, there was such an abun-
dance of corn that we were obliged to export it. It was cheaper here
than in any other country, and what consolation did Lord Liverpool
give the farmers ? Why, he told them that two or three years of scar-
city would make all right again.—(Groans.) There was another thing
he wished to draw the attention of the meeting to. In proportion as
they broke up pasture land, and turned it into tillage, by so much they
reduced the number of cattle, sheep, &c.; and by reducing the supply of
meat, raised the price.—(Hear.) But what had been the result of the
Corn-laws, even partially, to our manufacturers? In 1820 we exported
13,000,000 yards of woollen cloth to Russia, and in 1837 only 84,000.
—(Hear) Russia told us, and very naturally, that if we did not take
her corn, she would not take our cloth ; and accordingly she got our
machinery and manufacturing labourers, and was now able to sup.
ply herself. So with regard to Prussia. In 1820 we sent 5.500,000
yards of c'oth, and in 1837 not one yard; and again in 1820 we ex-
ported to Germany 201 million yards of cotton twist, and in 1837 only
17i million yards. But for the accursed Corn-laws, the ingenuity and
industry of this country would have maintained its manufactures in all
these markets. The foreigner had now got our machinery and our ma-
nufacturers to work it, and was beating us not only out of his own
market, but out of our own —(Hear, hear.) If the people of this
country did not show themselves alive to the importance of this ques.
tion, if they did not nosy come forward and bestir themselves, the sun
of England must set for ever.--(Cheers.)
Mr. HICKS, in supporting the resolution, said he would advert to
what might be called the political monopoly of the landed interests.
Those interests possessed in fact the power of guiding any Ministry, and
while that was the case, the manufacturing interests could expect
nothing from the Legislature. There was a class of persons in this
country not politically represented at all. He meant the agricultural
labourers. Those who produced corn were the worst off of all con.
nected with the agricultural interests. They had three earthly gods to
worship—the landholder, the parson, and the magistrate.—( Hear, hear.)
They had to bow before the first, to kneel before the second, and to
tremble before the third.—(Hear, hear, and cheers.) They had not
enough wages given them to subsist upon, therefore they were com-
pelled almost to do what their consciences forbad; and he (Mr.
Hicks) had known farmers tell him of men whom they were aware con-
stantly robbed them, and whom, nevertheless they dared not either
discharge or prosecute, because in either case the consequence
would be that their support would be thrown on the poor.rates.—
(Hear, hear.) It ought to be considered that the infernal Corn.laws
had a tendency to discourage the growth of foreign corn. The foreign
corn-grower could not afford to send his corn to this country to remain
several years in bond—losing the return to their capital in the
meantime.—(Hear, hear.) Besides, with the present system the fo-
reign corn-grower never could calculate with certainty the price which his
corn would fetch here.—(Hear, hear.) After he embarked the corn, and
before it reached this country, the panic might have risen or fallen con.
siderably. A fixed duty would be much better than the present fluc-
tuating duties. But let not the agitation on the subject be divided, and
thus Ministers be furnished with an excuse for neglecting the question.
Let the public voice call unanimously and perseveringly for a total re.
peal of these accursed laws.—(Hear, hear, and cheers.) Mr. Hicks
went on to observe, that either at the latter end of the reign of George
11. or the beginning of George 111. there was a premium offered on the
exportation of corn, and concluded by expressing his earliest hope that
these laws, restricting its importation, which so impeded the prosperity
of the country, would speedily be entirely repealed.—(Cheers.)
The resolution was then put, and carried unanimously.
Mr. erns/AL came forward to move the second resolution. He said
that after the very able arguments that had been used on this subject,
both in that room and elsewhere, he would not trespass at any length
upon
the
time
of
the
meeting; he would content himself with stating a
few facts, illustrative of the pernicious effects of the present system of
the Corn-laws; and he would the more willingly do this, because he was
aware that a simple statement of facts often made a deep and lasting im-
pression, where argument would be of little or no avail.—(Hear, hear.)
The statement he had to make related to the importation of foreign
manufactures. He could inform the meeting that recently there
had been some consignments to this country which would
have a powerful tendency to throw a great number of opera-
tives out of employ. There had been consignments of articles which
had heretofore been almost solely manufactured in this country, and the
importation of which must crush the manufacture of this country.
Two vessels laden with buttons had arrived in this country ; the one in
London, the other in Scotland, and it appeared that the importers were
able to pay the import duty of 20 per cent. and make a good profit.—
(Hear, hear.) Let any impartial mean look to the effect of this. Here
were at least 700 tons of buttons imported into this country. He
should like to know what number of individuals would be thrown out of
employment in consequence of this? How many of them would be
thrown upon the poor-rates, and whom, consequently, they would have
to suppott ?—(Elear, hear.) How did it happen that the foreigner was
able to beat us in our own markets, paying so large an import duty at
the same time? We were paying 1 1 id. for the quartern loaf, whilst
the foreigner had it for 6d.—(Hear, hear.) The foreigner could very
well afford to send his goods here because he got as much bread for 6s.
as the English workman got for 12s. There was another article which
was manufactured abroad, and which was now imported into this
country; yielding a handsome profit to the importer, and throwing
our own citizens out of employ.
He alluded to furniture, such as
chairs and tables, which were now imported largely into this country.
What was this to be attributed to but the monopoly caused by the ope.
rations of the Corn-laws, a Monopoly which enriched some twenty or
thirty thousand landed proprietors, at the expense of the remaining
millions of the people of this Country ! Was this to be an agricultural
or a commercial country p
We were at present a commercial coun-
try, and if were to become an agricultural country we should not have
the means of supporting the population. We must import corn, and
how were we to get it unless in exchange for our manufactures 1—
(Hear, hear.) There had recently been demonstrations in the manufac-
turing districts that were of a very alarming character. A large
Capitalist had declared that for three or four years his capital had

SPIRIT OF THE PUBLIC JOURNALS.

The Common Council of the City of London meet to-
day, for the purpose of taking into consideration the pro-
priety of petitioning Parliament for a repeal of the Corn-
laws. A meeting for a similar purpose is to be also held
this day in Greenwich. There can be no doubt that the
resolutions which will be adopted will be substantially
the same in both cases. Nor can there be a question that
those resolutions will be in favour of an immediate and
total repeal of laws which are at this moment producing
such frightful effects among the working population of the
country. To every anti-corn monopoiy meeting which is
held at the present time, we attach a greater or less degree
of importance ; but a meeting of the Common Council of the
City of London, on such a subject, is one whose importance
cannot be over estimated. The example thus set by that body
will be sure to be followed by every municipal body through-
out the kingdom ; vt bile the conduct of the latter will, in
its turn, operate as a stimulus to other associations of in-
dividuals in all the great towns in the country. There
will thus be an universality of petitioning on the subject,
which will inevitably ensure the speedy extinction of the
most monstrous and iniquitous monopoly under which this
land of monopolies has ever been doomed to suffer and
groan. To other bodies of individuals in all parts of the
kingdom we would say—lose no time in getting up your
petitions. It is of the utmost importance that such peti-
tions be poured in on the Legislature immediately on its
assembling, as in that case Ministers will have something
tangible to appeal to, as a justification for bringing
in any measure which they may have in contem-
plation for ridding the population of these realms
of one of the greatest grievances of which the people
of any country under heaven ever had to complain.
Should the petitions sent into both Houses of Parliament
by the time Ministers bring forward their measure be few
in number, and from unimportant places, they (the Minis-
try) will be charged by the landed interest with introducing
a measure ruinous to that interest, without having even
the shadow of a justification of their conduct. It were of
no use for Ministers, or the friends of Ministers, indig-
nantly to repudiate the imputation, and to affirm, that there
is one loud and universal cry for the abolition of the Corn-
law monopoly ; their opponents and the country's oppres-
sors will have the effrontery to deny that any such feeling
against the Bread Tax exists. A thing may be as clear
as the light of day, yet if it cannot be proved by plain
matters of fact, they will, provided their own interests be,
as in this case affected, pertinaciously and unblushingly affirm
the contrary. There will be this other great advantage atten-
dant on the transmission of numerous anti-corn-law petitions
to Parliament, that the circumstance will have the effect
of deciding many Members, who are at present wavering
in their minds us to the course they ought to pursue on,
the corn monopoly question. If they find that the peti-
tions against the Corn-laws are few or unimportant, they
will, not hesitate, when Government bring forward their
measure on the subject, to enlist themselves on the side of
the landed interest, and uphold, to the utmost of their
power, the tax on bread—a tax which has reduced some
myriads of the poorer classes of the community to the very
brink of starvation. lf, on the other hand, there ba a uni-
versal demonstration against the Corn-law monopoly, in
the shape of strongly worded petitions, the waverers to
whom we allude will at once range themselves on the
Ministerial side, and prove the most zealous advocates of
its extinction, either within or without the walls of Par-
liament.—Morning Advertiser.
We recommend to attention two letters, one from Sir
John Barrow, the other from Captain Hastings, of the
Excellent. For Sir John Barrow, and for everything that
comes from his pen, we feel the respect due to intellectual
attainments, integrity of character, and length of service.
We are bound to believe that in the present instance he
did not consult with, nor receive orders from, Lord Minto,
about the defence of his Lordship's naval administration.
But if the worthy Secretary acted without authority in
taking upon himself the vindication of Lord Minto, how
does lie venture to tax with presumption," " impertinence,'
and so forth, men so much his own superiors in professional
knowledge, station, and independence, as the " Flag Offi-
cer," and Captain Craufurd, for acting as he himself did,
without authority, in making known their sentiments on
matters so deeply interesting to themselves and all other
Englishmen ? The tone of contemptuous reprimand from a
Secretary of the Admiralty, employed towards gallant offi-
cers for exercising their inherent rights, is, with all due con-
sideration for Sir John Barrow, intolerable. Captain
Hastings is a distinguished officer, an eminent instructor in
naval gunnery, and an estimable gentleman. With regard
to the bored-out guns, which he so highly praises, we have
heard at least a dozen of his brother officers express, as to
their efficiency and safety, the precise apprehensions con-
tained in our yesterday's article. We unfeignedly rejoice
to learn from Captain Hastings his opinion that such fears
are groundless. A spirited letter from Lieut.-Colonel An-
gerstein is also worthy of attentive perusal.—. Timer.

MONEY AND CITY NEWS.

(FROM THE MORNING PAPERS OF THIS DAY.)

TIMES.—In the early part of the day the funds were de-
pressed, and a considerable sale of Consols for money reduced
the quotation to 02f, but before the close of business they
rallied to 92k, sellers for money, and buyers for account. The
indications of a fall in India Stock yesterday were realised to-
day, and it fell to 254 k, at which it left off buyers. Bank
Stock was 2021 to 3 ; Exchequer Bills, 653. to 675, ; India
Bonds, 625. to 645. premium.
In the Foreign Market Dutch Two-and-a Half per Cents.
advanced to 55, but the Five per Cents. receded to 102 k tog ;
which ,may be taken as a proof that the reports of a final
arrangement of the Belgian question had no real foundation.
Belgian were 98i to 99. Spanish Actives, with the May
coupons, were 18f to ; Portuguese were heavy, and slightly
depressed, the Five per Cents. to 35 to k ; the Three per
Cents. to 22 to I ; Brazilian were 77k to 8 ; Mexican, 24
to Is; Colombian, 28} to g.
The Railway Market was neglected, and prices rather on
the decline. London and Birmingham, 78 to 80 ; Grest
Western, 11 to 12; North Midland, I to 1f premium.
Manchester and Birmingham, ; and the extension line, 1
discount to par. Midland Counties, 16k to 15k; Northern
and Eastern, 8f to 7i Croydon, 7 to 6} • Southampton
old, Bto 7 ; Brighton, 38 to ; Blackwall, 1 tog discount.
Accounts have been received by way of Havre from Rio
Janeiro to the 25th of November. The exchange was in a
very unsettled state. Business to a small extent had been
done at the date at 28. i. But little money was to be had.
Coffee was in good demand, fetching high prices; large
shipments were still making in the United States. The ex-
change was quoted 284 to 29 ; the Six per Cent. Stock, 78 ;
Coffee, 3,6u0 to 4,300.

The flagrant injustice of the proceedings of the French in
Spanish America is operating to the prejudice of other coun-
tries in more respects than the inconveniences resulting from
the stoppage of commercial intercourse. The Lima papers
alluded to yesterday contain articles full of bitterness and even
threats against British and American as well as French resi-
dents, and a feeling is thus aroused which may in its results
prove a serious impediment to a friendly commerce in future,
from the danger to all resident traders arising out of such a
state of national exasperation. To France the damage of a
tot4l suspension of dealings would be of small account, for the
amount of goods exported or of capital really carried out and
invested in those countries is altogether of very trifling consi-
deration. The weighty benefits derived by her do not consist
in a fair exchange of commodities in a mercantile point of view
but in the facilities afforded by Spanish America as a conve-
nient outlet for a mass of pauperism for which employment
at home is either difficult to be obtained, or from the ques-
tionable character of the objects would be refused. Thus the
exports of France consist to a greater extent of the refuse
of the population in a state of misery and seeking bread than
of products of the soil and manufactures ; she exports in fact
more poverty than property. The thousands of poor thus
transferred enter into direct competition with the lower classes
of natives in various descriptions of labour, and in all the
shopkceeping and retail trades ; with the profits of which, as
th© French rarely colonise or settle, they return in due season,

~ ,
-Lpiefe,
.-0f........,..._,,,x:
,- ' •-t:44.....- ....------:- -,.. ,
....-: v.)".... ~:'-
and oo ar enrich only their own country.-. Tnikit.4o44ol:,
will the French in every part of Spa' lab Arneitai_siiitetA . '
in Mexico and Peru, naturally rich terr °Hee, they, abltjateir
swarm. The number in Mexico alone is ietalrestiblqpija
\a.r..
several thousands. It is hard upon the natirghlifithiticibuliteAs
that they should be involved in the odium naturally arising from
such astate of things in regard to the French, but it is infinitely
more to be deprecated that, by the glaring oppressions, exact-
tions, and pretensions of the French Government, in the
abuse of its power over weak States for the compulsory eon.
cession of more special privileges in behalf of a class of adroit.
turers such as described, other nations should be exposed to
the resentments and retribution which ought to be confined
to France alone.
In Lima, as in Mexico, the foreigners resident are loudly
accused of interfering in " the domestic dissensions" of the
republic, and of taking sides in the civil war between the eon•
tending parties. With respect to Peru, it is known that
Santa Cruz is particularly protected by the French, and that
he has even been decorated by the King of the French with
the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour. It must be ob•
served, however, that Santa Cruz is generally esteemed
among all classes of foreigners in Peru. At Monte Video,
as has been seen, a revolution was effected in the Government
by the direct interference of the French agents and Admiral.
They are known to have been active in promoting civil war
and a change of the ruling party in Buenos Ayres. In
Mexico they are accused of being in league with the party
opposed to Bustamente, with a view to chpose the Govern-
ment, and it is known assisted the rebels at Tampico. It is
sufficiently obvious that nothing can be more offensive to an
independent nation than the uncalled-for intrusion of strangers
in their intestine broils, and those who so meddle can and
ought to have no claim upon their own Government for pro-
tection against the punishment justly incurred for the breach
of the laws of the land in whieh they reside by permission. In
a small pamphlet published at Lima, the question is pertinently
put as to what would be thought of the Spanish Americans if
they were to " interfere in the affairs of France, and decide
whether Louis Philippe should be King, or Don Carlos King
of Spain ?" From the tenor of this and other publications
written in the same spirit of animosity, it may be feared that
serious danger threatens the personal safety and property of all
foreigners in Lima, from which nothing can so well save them
as the speedy pacification of the country, and a moderation,
which should be enforced, if necessary, by strong remon.
strances, in the proceedings of the French.

POST.—The Funds were depressed again to-day in both
Markets. Consols left off at 921 to for Money, and 92i,
buyers, for Account; Exchequer Bills were done at 655. to
675. prem. ; India Bonds at 625. to 645. prem. ; and Bank
Stock, at 2021 to 3i. The late news from the East has had
a very unfavourable effect on the value of India Stock. That
ir.terest, which had been previously quoted 256 k to 7i, was
done to-day at 2541 to 5, a proof that much is apprehended
by the proprietors from the military operations about to be
commenced by the Governor-General in Cabul. The
Markets continue, however, to be kept altogether in a fe-
verish state by the suicidal efforts of the Corn-law
agitators to break up the agricultural system of the country
for the benefit of foreigners. It has not escaped the ob-
servation of prudent capitalists, that, as soon as the oc-
cupation of our peasantry shall have been taken from them,
and with it, the means of existence for themselves and their
families, should such a thing unfortunately occur, manufactur-
ing and other property will no longer be secure from the vio-
lence of the frame breaker and incendiary. The cotton-spin..
ners may be quite sure that so great an injury is not to be in-
flicted by them upon the rural population of England in favour
of the Continental corn-grower without producing amore ca-
lamitous state of things than any we have yet experienced.
Even those who have declared themselves in favour of a pro-
tecting duty of 20s. per quarter, or upwards, seem to have the
greatest dread of the continued agitation of a question so
deeply affecting the welfare of the whole mass of our labour-
ing poor, for it is impossible but that any suffering that may
arise to the peasantry from the proposed change, must, in the
end, be fully shared by the working manufacturers and those
who are dependent upon them for their daily food.
The advices received to-day by the Hamburg mail notice a
decline in the value of gold in that market. The quantities
lately exported from London to the Continental cities on spe-
culation, which have, as far as we can learn, greatly exceeded
those shipped for corn purchases, will, at the present rates of
insurance, most likely entail some loss on the parties engaged
in the traffic, as it is hardly to be doubted that the re-action
which has taken place in so influential a market as that of
Ilamburg will be fullowed by a like change in other quarters ;
and if this should prove to be the case, the Bank of England
cannot expect to be relieved of their superfluous amount of
treasure to anything like the extent that may have been antici-
plated. In the absence of an actual demand for the precious
metals in the North of Europe, it is but reasonable to believe

that much of their gold will 'be re-exported back to England
as a medium of payment for our manufactures. While remit-
tances have to be made to this country, it is absurd to suppose
that it will long be suffered to accumulate and lie idle in the
coffers of those to whom it may have been consigned.

CHRONICLE.—The exportation of the precious metals
from the port of London for the week ending Saturday last
consisted, according to the official returns, of 9,000 ounces of
silver bars which were shipped to Calcutta; 1,930 ounces
of gold bars forwarded to Rotterdam ; 2,000 ounces of gold
coin, 1,500 ounces of which were sent to Calcutta, and
500 ounces to Boulogne ; and 427,929 ounces of silver
coin, which were disposed of as follows :-300,000 ounces to
Calais, 101,014 ounces to Calcutta, 8,000 ounces to Rotter-
dam, 6,500 ounces to Mogadore, 6,456 ounces to the West
Indies, 3,459 ounces to Gibraltar, and 2,500 ounces to Ma-
deira. The only important feature in the above is the conti-
nued exportation of silver to France, but this arisen in a great
measure from the difficulty of obtaining bills, and is also
much increased, no doubt, by the carrying out of the
plan by which several French houses were to obtain as-
sistance from the Bank of England. We have all along
contended, contrary to the opinion of most of our content.
poraries, that a crisis was at hand in Paris a very short time
since, but the exertions which have been made by the banks
of France and England have wholly averted the blow, which
must have occasioned much uneasiness, if not embarrassment,
to the commercial and monetary world. Many persons, in-
deed, express a doubt as to the statement in this article of the
Bank of England having rendered assistance to French houses
through their correspondents in London, but it is nevertheless
a fact. Messrs. Rothschild (brothers) made application, and
the advance to them by the Bank of England amounted to
about 600,0001. It was unquestionably a good operation for
the Bank, for it gave the Directors an opportunity of placing
out a large amount of their unemployed stock of bullion
on advantageous terms. It shows at the same time the
strength of the firm of Messrs. Rothschild, and much credit
is due to that house for coming forward to render assistance at
a time of need.

Theprices
fC oArino
nAdlaayr eht
but afso
rb eveenr
very
stationaryfin e
samthis morningg
realt
nt he
every description a slight advance has, in most instances been
obtained. The supplies of foreign wheat have been hitherto
limited, and freights have risen so rapidly in cense-
vence of the unusual demand for shipping for sending
out for foreign grain, that this circumstance is now dwelt upon
by the factors as likely to have a considerable influence in
maintaining the price of corn. During the last week in-
telligence has been received that the King of the Two
Sicilies has consented to take off the prohibition lately laid
upon the exportation of corn from the Neapolitan ports,
and a duty is to be substituted instead of the total stop-
page of the trade; but the export duty when added to
the rising charges for freight, is considered to be equal to
the continuation of the prohibitory law. From Russia like-
wise there are accounts of an ukase by which the merchants
are to be allowed to send out the corn for which orders had
been received at the date of the ukase, and even the grain for
those orders is to be lent from the Imperial granaries for a
period of six months, but it is then to be returned in kind.
There are few merchants at the Russian ports who will pro-
bably venture upon taking it for exportation on these terms.
It is also considered probable, that following the issuing of
this ukase will be another, prohibiting the further exportation
of corn for which real orders had not previously arrived, and
altogether the certainty of full supply from the south of
IRussia becomes daily less.

On Tuesday an inquest was held before Mr. Higgs,
at the King's Arms, Boughton-street, Clare-market, on t 11.3
body of Thomas Parke, aged six months. It appeared that
the sister of deceased was sitting before the fire nursing him
on Wednesday week last. There was a saucepan of water
boiling on it, when, owing to the cinders giving way, the
whole contents were thrown over the deceased, scalding him
i:i a dreadful manner. Ile lingered in great agony until
Sunday morning. Verdict—Accidental Death, with a recom-
mendation to the mother that she should provide a trivet for
the prevention of such an occurrence in future.
THE ORTON MURDER.—The story told by Little,
of Lennox, the keeper of the public-house at Low flesket,
having confessed to him that he was one of the persons engaged
in the murder of the Orton carrier, turns out to have been a
fabrication ; at least such it is in the opinion of the magis.
trates, for on Monday last they discharged Lennox from cus-
tody, atid he is now once more at home. The officer made
minute inquiries at Low liesket, and from what he learned
there respecting the character of Little, coupled with the con-
clusion which he drew from a close consideration of all the
circumstances of the case, his opinion, we understand, strongly
inclined in favour of Lennox's innocence. Little did not make
his appearance at two examinations which took place subse-
quently to that at Orton, although desired by the magistrates
to attend. On Monday last, however, he was brought up by
the officer, who was armed by the magistrates with a warrant
for that purpose. One circumstance which must have tended
materially to impress the magistrates with a conviction that
Little's evidence was not to be relied upon, was his having
stated, in his examination at Orton, that a conversation took
place between him and Mr. Matthew Atkinson, a highly re-
spectable gentleman at Templesowerby, on the subject of
Lennox, which in reality never occurred. What motive could
have induced Little to fabricate his extraordinary story—
whether a desire to obtain the reward of 1001. offered fur the
person who may give evidence which will tend to the convic-
tion of the murderer, or a desire to gratify some feeling of re-
venge_he only can tell. Wills and Sisson are still in cus-
tody, and we understand that important evidence against them
has been obtained through the instrunientality of the Bow-
street officer, who has been at Kendal for the last fortnight or
three weeks, and whose exertions have been indefatigable to dis-
cover the perpetrator of this borriblecrtme.—Carlisle Patriot.
JUVENILE CRIME.—No fewer than seventeen
persons were committed for trial from Hatton-garden police-
office on Monday on charges of petty felony. Of these fourteen
were boys, whose ages varied from eleven to fifteen, and the
greater part of whom wercrccognised as reputed thieves.