The Sun.
London, England, 1854-01-24 00:00:00


THE SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY EVENING, JANUARY 24, 1 8 54,

of unduly prejudicing the accused. Far from it ;
he only acted in accordance with the recognised
laws and customs of the Island, and it is of those
laws and customs (which have already been con-
demned by her MAJESTY'S Commissioners) that
we complain. Above all, we cannot in any de-
gree underrate the admirable exertions of the
prisoner's advocates, Messrs. FALLA. and GAL-
MINIM Exertions the more honourable to the
parties as they were gratuitously bestowed, with-
out the slightest expectation or desire of receiving
any remuneration for their services, and yet the
most eminent member of the English Bar could
not have displayed greater zeal and efficiency than
these learned gentlemen. Mr. FALLA particularly,
on whom as senior the weight of the defence
chiefly fell, and whose address to the Court—
wilich lasted 20 hours—exhibited a thorough
knowledge of his profession, an intelligence and
acuteness in turning that knowledge to the best
advantage—and a devotion to the interests of his
client which could not be surpassed. It was, we
believe, to Mr. FALLA'S earnest appeal to the
Home-office that the respite for a week—until
the 3d of February—for further inquiry may be
attributed.

MONEY MARKE

RUSSIA AND TURKEY.

AND
CO3IIIIEiCIAL INTELLIGENCE.

IMPORTANT FROM ST. PETERSBURGH.
In a third edition to-day, the Morning Post
publishes the following, from its Paris correspon-
dent, dated this morning :
" The Russian courier who was to leave St.
Petersburgh shortly after the 15th, has arrived here
to-day, bearing most important despatches to M.
Kisseleff.
" Their contents have not transpired ; but it is
known that they will lead directly to important
events.

CITY, TWO O'CLOCK.

The sales of cotton at Liverpool yesterday were
estimated at from 4,000 to 5,000 bales, all to the
trade. The sales comprised 150 Pernam and Ma-
ranham at 64d. to 7/d., 300 Egyptian at 60. to
Eqd., 1,200 Surat at 3d. to 3d., 10 Sea Island
at 2s. 9d., and the remainder American. Railway
shares were dull, at lower prices.
It is stated in a report by Messrs. Smith and
Charles, tallow brokers, that " the Petersburg ad-
vices are to the 4th (16th inst.) There was nothing
whatever doing in exports for next season, but
the feeling amongst commercial men is pretty
clearly indicated by the rise which is quoted in
all descriptions of imports, including sugar, lead,
coals, &c."
In their circular respecting the course of the
East India produce markets at Liverpool, during
the last fortnight, Messrs. Browne, Hunter, and
Co. state, that•--

" Despatches from St. Petersburgh of the 17th
inst. have arrived here. The excitement in that
capital was intense consequent upon the knowledge
of the active measures taken by the Western
Powers, and their forbidding the Russian Flag to
navigate its waters.
" The Emperor, on appearing in public, was
cheered enthusiastically by the populace.
",The Constitutionnel publishes the following ex-
pressions of the Czar, and I have reason to believe
they are strictly authentic. When the Emperor
learnt the entrance of the fleets into the Black Sea,
he displayed perfect calmness, and said to those
about him—
" When battle is offered to Russia, Russia
accepts. She can afford to mourn for a fleet, but
not for the honour of the nation.
" I expected the resolution taken by France
and Great Britain, and, therefore, I am not found
unprepared. All my orders have been given in
advance, foreseeing this act which, by violating
treaties, frees me from their obligations.' "
" It appears certain that the Czar had asked
Prince Menschikoff whether he could make head
against the combined fleets. The Prince's reply
was—' Yes : we can conquer, or fight and die to
the last man.' "
Despatches from St. Petersburgh, dated the 15th
inst., mention that on that day the Emperor re-
ceived a despatch from Prince Menschikoff, enclos-
ing the communication which had been made to
him by Admirals Dundas and Hamelin, respecting
the entrance of the combined fleets into the Black
Sea for the purpose of protecting the Ottoman ter-
ritory, and requiring the Russian commander-in-
chief to give such instructions to those under his
orders as might obviate hostile collision.
This intelligence had produced a great effect on
the Emperor, and he was about to send off couriers
bearing instructions to his ambassadors at the
Courts of the Tuileries and St. James's.
Warlike preparations were carried on with great

" Notwithstanding the unfavourable circumstances
that prevailed at the opening of the year—dear money,
high prices of food, and the probability of this country
being involved in a war which threatens to become
general, all which, under ordinary circumstances, would
have interfered greatly with and curtailed business—
the produce market re-opened with considerable activity,
and transactions since have been to a ♦ery great extent at a
considerable advance. For rice, influenced by the further
rise in the corn markets throughout the country, a great
demand has been experienced, chiefly on speculation.
Hemp, linseed, and all descriptions of oils and tallow
have also been influenced by the probability of a war
with Russia ; whilst sugar, from its favourable position
regarding stocks and largely increased consumption, and
from the high prices of grain which may cause it to be
brought into use for distilling and brewing purposes,
has also been largely operated in by speculators."
At the meeting of the Union Bank of Australia
yesterday, the extraordinary dividend of 20 per
cent. for the half year was declared.

It may be said, from these acknowledgments,
that TAPNER was fairly and justly convicted
according to the lex loci, or law of the Island
in which he was sojourning, and that, there-
fore, he could not complain at the consequences
of that law. But this is not so. Where a Bri-
tish subject has been condemned under an un-
just or unfair law, we have always interfered in
his behalf, and that although he had voluntarily
placed himself within the jurisdiction. It is only
necessary to allude here to the case of Miss CUN-
NINGHAM-t 0 say nothing of that of the MADIAis
—when we called on the Grand Duke of TUSCANY
to release the prisoner, and this, we apprehend,
would be the case if a conviction for a recognised
offence had taken place by improper means, as,
for instance, if the prisoner had been put on the
rack or exposed to any species of torture in order
to extort a confession. Now TAPNER was an Eng-
lish subject, born in Kent; he was not voluntarily,
or of his own accord, a resident in Guernsey. He
was sent there on her MAJESTY'S service, as a
clerk in the engineer department of the Ordnance,
and during that time he maintained a good repu-
tation, and gave every satisfaction to his superior
officers. It is a well-known principle of the law,
that a person sent to another country on her MA-
JESTY'S service is entitled to ample protection
against the local authorities, and that he would
not be surrendered for any alleged offences unless
his guilt was unquestionable, according to the rules
of the English law. If this be so with respect to
other powers, if we should be prepared to risk even
the horrors of war rather than see one of her MA-
JESTY'S subjects, when engaged in her MAJESTY'S
service, unfairly condemned, it is equally impera-
tive on us to prevent his execution, in a depen-
dency of our own, where the QUEEN'S prerogative
may be exercised in his_ favour.
First, we find flint TAPNER, during his pre-
liminary, was kept au secret, without the advan-
tage of professional advice, or even, for a con-
siderable time, of knowing the nature of the
charges against him. He was then subjected to
a stringent examination, without being allowed to
hear the depositions of the witnesses against him.
He was examined four different days, during
which no less than 240 interrogatories, all art-
fully framed, so as to lead him into contradictions,
were exhibited, his answers to which were used
against him at the trial, and relied on by the Pro-
cureur, who declared that he attached more than or-
dinary importance to these interrogatories. Now it
is a fundamental principle of the English law, that a
man is not bound to criminate himself. So far do
we carry this, that, if questions be put to a person
charged with an offence, we do not permit his
statements in reply to be given in evidence, un-
less he had previously been distinctly cautioned
that they would be used against him. But here
we find a man entrapped, and betrayed into a
series of answers that are so turned and twisted,
and made such use of, as to become the
chief means of his conviction. On this ground
alone, then, TAPNER should be saved from the
extreme penalty. There are other, however,
even stronger points to which we shall direct at-
tention, and which, in our judgment, render his
execution impossible.

The Roxburgh Castle has arrived from Melbourne
with 71,882 ounces of gold on board.
The India Overland Mail brings no Australian
letters, the steamer having arrived too late at
Ceylon.
The New York accounts contain a statement of
the financial position of the United States. From
this we find that on the 31st ultimo the public out-
standing debt was 54,398,757 dols 62 cents, since
which date there have been 113,700 dols. of debt
redeemed. The last weekly return of the city banks
showed an increase in the discounts of 18,348 dols.,
and in the deposits of 1,977,235 dols. The circu-
lation was extended 154,068 dols., and the specie
517,956 dols. There was a large business doing in
breadstuffs at advancing prices.
Californian advices represent the mining news
from the interior as being highly encouraging.
There was a cessation of river mining owing to the
rise in the waters, but dry digging was active.
Rather more business was being transacted at San
Francisco in a few departments of trade, but the
demand was not extensive.

activity.
Since the first notification of the entry of the
fleets into the Black Sea, the warlike ardour among
the upper classes, which was never very strong,
has considerably diminished ; and among the other
classes the enthusiasm has very much cooled.
The poets keep silence, and the public writers no
longer pour forth insults against England.
The Court appears gloomy ; the preparations for
war have already cost enormous sums, and the
Minister of Finance has laid his hands on the capi-
tals of loan societies conducted by private persons.
We learn that a courier from St. Petersburgh,
with despatches for Baron Brunow, arrived this
morning in London.
From Berlin we learn that the Czar has in-
structed his Ambassadors to demand whether
by the entry of the combined fleets into
the Black Sea, it is intended to take part with
Turkey, or simply to observe a strict neutrality ;
in the former case, they are to demand their pass-
ports. Some expectations were indulged in at
Berlin of the probability of an amicable settle-
ment between Russia and the Porte.
The Pasha of Belgrade insists on the immediate
dismissal of all Russians from Servia, and vows
that if M. Moukhine, Russian Consul-General,
crosses the river from Semlin again, he will arrest
him.

The Honourable East India Company had, dur-
ing the fortnight to last evening drawn bills to
the amount of 100,4821. 19s. 3d. upon the three

presidencies.
The English market opened rather firmer,
Consols being 90g 1, but fresh sellers appeared
soon after, and there has been a gradual decline to
90 and 89k, and at present the rates are 89g
The latest advices from St. Petersburgh show
greater apprehension there at the decided attitude
taken by the English and French Governments,
and it is just possible that the Emperor may be
glad, even now, to extricate himself by accepting
the most recent propositions. _ Were it not for

this probability, the e iunds would be still lower.
The New 3f per Cents. have been 91/ to 91k, and
the 3 per Cents. 90i to Bank Stock has been
firmer at 215 to 216. Exchequer Bills have
realised 6s. to 9s. premium, and India Bonds par
to 4s. premium.

There is generally a very dull market for Foreign
Bonds, but in particular stocks there have been
several transactions, although in every instance at
reduced quotations. Russian 5 per Cents. have
fluctuated between 1051 to 103, being at the pre-
sent time about 2 per cent. lower than yesterday.
Mexican Bonds are heavy at 224, and Peruvian
4i per Cents. at 65 to 66. There is nothing be-
yond the general depression to account for these
securities being affected. Spanish Deferred Bonds
are weaker at 184. Dutch 25 per Cents. are 58i
to 60. The 4 per Cents. 88 to 89, being reduced
prices.

According to letters from St. Petersburg there
remains not the remotest hope that the Emperor
will listen to any compromise such as that proposed
by the Vienna Conference. One letter states
that, in a conversation with the French Ambas-
sador, the Emperor declared that though his
original intention was not war or conquest, yet
that he should. consider it an act of the greatest
cowardice and indignity not to accept the war
which the Powers offered him. It is the same
policy throughout ; the Czar would still have it
that he is more sinned against than sinning. An-
other fact mentioned is, that the Emperor having
heard of the negotiations going on for an arrange-
ment, and of the nature of the propositions
that would be made to him, before they were offi-
cially presented, and having determined; to rejezt
them, issued his orders accordingly to the Generals
of the army ; that he communicated with Prince
Menschikoff, and asked about his fleet, and whe-
ther it was in a state to face the combined French
and English squadrons ; that the reply was, that
the fleet was in very good condition, no doubt ;
that it was ready to meet the squadrons, but on
the condition that every man must make up his
mind to die ; and that the Emperor replied that
that was all he wanted, for to die in such a cause
was in the old Muscovite spirit. The only inter-
pretation that can be given to Prince Meuschikoff's
message is, that destruction was inevitable in such
an encounter, but that they were all prepared for it.

There appears a disinclination to operate in
Railway Shares, and the consequence is an inactive
market and a downward tendency in prices. Great
Northern have receded 10s. to 11., Great Western
10s., North British also 10s., and York and Ber-
wick about 11. Midland have been firmly main-
tained. French Shares have participated in the
reduction, and are on the average 10s. to 15s. per
Share lower.

BRITISH MINES.—The market this day is very
inactive, but the following shares may be mentioned
as mostly inquired for :—Alfred Consols, 25 26 ;
Porkellis, 10i ; West Providence, 35 37 ; Hingston
Downs, 9i 10; Combniartins, f ; Poltimores, 1i ;
Great Crinnis, 30s. ; Sortridge, 255., 275. 6d. ;
Wheal Sarah, I; So. Carradon, 380 ; Wheal Bul-
ler, 1,100 1,110 ; North Pool, 200 205 ; East
Russell, 6i; West Sortridge, ; South Russell,
A ; Arun ells, 255. ; Great Tregune, 3i ; Mol-
land,
The current prices for the Jamaica Mines not
officially quoted, are as follows : Jamaica, par to
premium; Metcalfe, to premium; Sue River,
discount to par; Port Royal, to premium.
Gold Mine Shares are neglected, and also Joint
Stock Banks. The Australian Agricultural Land
Shares are steady.

BRITISH FUNDS THIS DAY.
( Prom theMicial List. )
Dullness done
Bank Stock
3 per Cent. Redreed Annuities . 90 4 894
3 per Cent. Consols Annuities OO3 90 4 894
New 34 per Cent. Annuities 9l 4ii4l
Long Annuities, Expire sth Jan., 1860 5 3-16
Ditto 30 Years, Expire sth Jan., /860
India Bonds. £lOOO ...... ........
Ditto, under £lOOO par 4 p
Consols for Account 15th Feb. 9oa 894 14 SO

Exchequer Bills, ld.
,
£lOOO
Small lO p

PRICE OF FOREIGN FUNDS THIS DAY.
Mexican 3 per Cent.
Peruvian Bonds, 4i per Cent. 65 6
Portuguese Bonds, 4 per Cent 3B 7i
Russian Bonds, 1822, 5 per Cent. £St lO4 5 5 3
Ditto 4i per Cent B5

Ditto Sin&ll
Spanish Bonds, 3 per Cent 393/4 8
Spanish New Deferred, 3 per Cent. lBl
Spanish Committee Cert. of Coup. not fun. 3B
.. . _