The Sun.
London, England, 1854-02-24 00:00:00

LONDON, FRIDAY, rEBRUARY 24, 1854

On Wednesday morning an extraordinary de-
gree of excitement was manifested in the neigh-
bourhood of Charing Cross and the Waterloo-road.
At two o'clock a.m. a numerous body of persons
had assembled to behold the 3d battalion of
Grenadier Guards march from their barracks,
with all

" The pomp and circumstance of glorious war."
Such scenes have happened from time to time, and
whenever it was known that the route had arrived,
many persons who had no peculiar ties connecting
themwith the troops about to march were yet ready
to brave all the annoyance and vexation attendant
on the earliness of the appointed hour, in order to
behold one of the most brilliant spectacles that
can be imagined—a well-disciplined and well-
appointed body of men, ready to brave any danger
in defence of their country and its free institu-
tions. Other and more interested spectators were
also in attendance. The red coat has invariably
acted as a dangerous lure for the " gentle sex."
Few female hearts can resist its attractions, and
therefore many " sweethearts" were in attendance,
so deeply interested in "The British Grenadiers,"
that theinspiring strains of "The girl I left behind
me" totally failed to cheer their afflicted spirits. These
tender sorrows could, however, be appeased.
" Time, the consoler," might repair the temporary
grief, more especially if the departed heroes were
replaced by equally stalwart and equally suscepti-
ble successors. The tears so freely shed for the
gallant "Grenadier" might be speedily dried up by
a brawny " Coldstreawer ;" and a dashing " Fusi-
libr" might repair the breaches inflicted on the too
tender heart by his daring predecessors. If the
wound had penetrated too deeply to be so easily
assuaged--if the maiden relied on theplighted troth
of her martial lover, she might derive consola-
tion from the thought that their separation would
be but of brief duration, and that she would
speedily be reunited to the object of her affec-
tions ; while the tviv,-a who had not merely
" netted" but "caged" their partners moved
tranquilly along, contented with the knowledge
that they were either accompanying the battaliore,
or that they would speedily be enabled to -rejoin
their " lords and masters," for the " old
girls," as Mr. BAGNET would declare, were
not easily daunted, and were fully prepared
to braie any ordinary difficulties, with
a courage and determination that might shame
even the sterner sex. The pleasure of the scene
Was, therefore, without any serious alloy, and the
soldiers marched forth triumphantly, the envy as
well as.the admiration of the gaping multitude.
But on Wednesday it was very different. There
-was a stern reality about the scene that showed
that the parties were no longer merely " playing
at
of man soldie,
Bitter grief was corroding the hearts
a last y em.,,
f arewell who feared that they were taking
the
of those who, although now in
full vigour of
health and strength, might,
ere many weeks had elapsed, be stretched on the
ensanguined field Without any one to staunch the
ebbing life-blood, or brig a draught of water to
assuage the feverish thirst of the dyin men. The
husbands, too, though i d. g
ifferent to the they themselves were called perils
though responding so nobl on to encounter—
y and faithfully to the
call of duty, that not a single absentee was be
found ,at the appointed hour—still went to
forth
with sinking spirits at the thought of the fearful
destitution to whiob those even dearer to 4-I,e
than life itself must speedily be exposed,a"temn.
who would not quail before the Cossack lance, Who
would stand unmoved in an " iron shower,,,
shuddered at the thoughts of what might become
of their wives, or how bread might be found for
their starving children during their absence. The
feelings of ardent patriotism, and enthusiastic zeal
to teach the AUTOCRAT the danger of arousing the
British Lion—the very RIP-VAN-WINKLE of the
feline race—from his protracted thirty-nine years'
slumber, were mingled with others of reproach
against the ungrateful country that treated
the families of its valiant defenders in so
ficurni a manner.
For what
we ask, mast be the fate --of

the women not included among the fortu- 1 near Portsmouth. To " the dull, cold ear of
nate few—four to each company—permitted to death," the words of eulogium are inaudible, how-
accompany the regiment during the campaign. 'ever plaintive or however impassioned. And so,
They find themselves suddenly cast on the wide, scattering these words on the wings of the wind,
wide world, without the slightest means of sup- we would here, without fear of the charge of any-
port. The scanty pay allowed to soldiers is thing like adulatory enthusiasm, pronounce over the
barely sufficient for the support of the husbands memory of Sir CHARLES JAMES NAPIER some
themselves. It is true that in peace time they few syllables expressive of the homage of our ear-
can manage to keep life and soul together, for the nest and unaffected admiration.
" old girls" are handy, and can turn to anything Happily for that memory—the memory of the
to earn a shilling. Washing and mending, and Conqueror and Administrator of Scinde---eit has
discharging many useful offices for the .officers already been so embalmed by fraternal affection
and the bachelor soldiers, afford the means as to be well assured of being long cherished in
of eking out their slender circumstances, so the popular remembrance, if it cannot be said to
that, albeit with economy and difficulty, they have become thus eternized in the hearts of his
manage to rub along and make 'both ends meet fellow-countrymen. For the history of his most
while permitted to remain with their partners. illustrious actions, his history both Military and
Regimental schools, too, are provided for the administrative, has been inscribed already upon no
children, who receive instructions which qualify perishable tablets by that pen of which Sir Bue-
them at an early age to contribute something to WER LYTTON remarked so admirably the other day
the general fund, for the " Woolwiches," " Gib- in his inimitable oration at Edinburgh, that the
raltars," and " Maltas" are never permitted to classic charm of its style is derived in some mea-
remain idle. They learn the necessity of early sure from the spirit of THUOYDIDES. And what
exertion, and find a friendly sympathy, a kind says that history ? Why, it breathes in every
assistance from their fathers' comrades, who en- page of indomitable resolution, of unremitting ac-
deavour to enable the "young-uus" to do some- tivity, of matchless daring, of promptitude, of
thing for themselves. Bat when the terrible fiat generosity, of magnanimity. Turning to the record
has gone forth—when the distracted wife with her it gives of oneyearalone, of one notableyear-1843
helpless children is left behind destitute and —it shows us all these qualities united in an epoch
penniless, there is no one she can look to for rendered marvellous and memorable by their
shelter aed protection. Not a single shilling has combination. It tells us how in January Sir
she to assist her towards obtaining a livelihood, CHARLES NAPIER marched into the desert and
for the married soldier cannot, even with the there destroyed—what was deemed by the Be-
most stringent economy, hope to accumulate pro- loochees to be impregnable—the formidable for-
vision for a rainy day. Nor can he allocate any tress of Enaumghur. It tells us that in Febi uary
portion of his pay to his wife and children. Tho (on the 17th) ho defeated an army of 35,000
regimental schools are broken up ! The children warriors, "killing nearly six thousand in a battle
are thrown entirely on her hands, and of nearly four-hours' duration," with—how many ?
the care and attention which she must be- --why, - vithless than two thousand fighting men,
stow upon them materially impairs her efforts all of them raw recruits, and only four hundred
to obtain an independent livelihood. She out of these Europeans—the enemy they were
cannot take service, cannot go out " charing," or opposedto not only 35,000 strong, but the strength
even accept any employment that would take her of those 35,0.00 enhanced by the circumstance of
from home. What, then, is to become of her
.and their being united together under the authority
her innocent charge ? If young and well-looking of a regular despotic Government. That was the
' she is exposed to the most fearful temptations. great victory of Hyderabad ! The victory which
The best fate that awaits the wretched family is gave the conqueror six sovereign Ameers as
that which may be afforded by the tender mercies prisoners, enabled him to capture the power-
of the union workhouses ! Is this just or equit- ful fortress hard by the battle-field, and
able ? Is it humane or politic ? The schools of placed at his feet the whole of that magni-
Greenwich Hospital are—we are told in a little ficent province which had been previously ruled
pamphlet recently published and circulated by the tyrannous sceptre of SHERE MOHAMED, the
under the authority of the Admiralty Lion of Meerpoor, and the hardiest of the Tal-
i
always open for the children of sailors in poores. Why; the vaunted glories of Plassy, that
the Royal Navy, and there they receive, with- redoubtable triumph, the name of which is embla-
out a farthing's expense to their parents, " a zoned together with the lofty motto, Primus in
training that qualifies them for any employment." Indus, on the colours of the 39th Regiment—
Each man may allot a portion of his wages for could scarcely, all things considered, be brought
the support of his family, with the most perfect into direct comparison with those achieved by
certainty of its being punctually and regularly NAPIER at Hyderabad. For if the terrible Nabob
paid during his absence. Jack then goes forth was enabled to bring against his adversary forty
with a tranquil heart. He has no fear fur "Poll " thousand infantry and fifty thousand cavalry, to-
or "the kids." He knows that during his ab- gether with fifty pieces of ordnance, drawn by
seuce they will be taken care of, and his mind is white oxen and impelled by elephants--Cerve
at ease on the subject of the deepest and most was enabled to oppose to this host three thousand
absorbing interest to every husband and father ! (and not, as with NAPIER, scarcely 2,000) men
Why do we not act in a similar man- in the aggregate, and out of these nu less than
ner to the wives and children of our sol- a full thousand (and not, as with NAPIER, only
diers ! Why does not the nation perform an 400) disciplined Englishmen. Reverting, how-
act of justice and humanity towards those whose ever, to the annals of that famous twelve mouths,
desertion by their legitimate protectors is rendered 1843—we find it there recounted how in March
necessary by the stern exigencies of the service? he defeated the foe, 26,000 strong, at Dubba,
They should not be left trusting either to private afterwards reducing, with " matchless activity,"
or public charity. England is not so poor as to the fortified towns of Meerpoor and Omercote.
be unable to discharge her sacred obligations to It relates to us, moreover—this wonderful history
those whom she herself has involved in the diffi- —how in April the victor of Meannee and Flydera-
culty. A Parliamentary grant for an allowance bad made good his time by repairing, during the
to the wives of soldiers who are engaged on foreign temporary lull caused by the inundation of the
service, and who are unable to accompauy their Indus, the important but dilapidated fortress of
husbands, would not add very largely to the ex- Aliar-ka-Tanda. How in May, besides awing the
penses of the war. A few, say five, shillings robbers of the Delta into submission, he elaborated
a-week to each woman, would place herself and the means for withstanding effectually the reviv-
children beyond the reach of destitution, and enable ing power of the Lion of Meerpoor, a power whose
her with prudent management to secure a liveli- revival was simultaneously indicated, by the ga-
hood. The soldier husband cannot afford it out -diming together of another enormous armament,
of his pay. Then, let the country recognise the and the ominous tokens of a wide-spread insur-
right of the deserted wife. And what will be rection. It acquaints us—this history—with yet
the expense during war? Even if twenty thousand more marvels worthy of our particular remem-
men should be engaged, the probability is that brance. It tells us how in June " though the
but a tenth of the number, or two thousand, will mercury stood at 132 deg. of Fahrenheit in an
be married men. Of these four in each company artificially cooled tent, he (Sir CHARLES NAPIER)
Will, by the regulations, be accompanied by their marched from Hyderabad, and having by a dex.
wives. Eight hundred will thus be taken off terous stroke of policy prevented the breaking
the list, and twelve hundred only remain, out of the general insurrection, on the Bth entirely
who, at ss. per week each, would cost the couu- crushed the Lion" adding " while there
try 300/. per week, or 15,6001. per annum. employed, a sun-stroke reduced him to the last
Surely we should not hesitate for such a sum, degree of bodily weakness, yet in this state he en-
How it would nerve the arm of the grateful tirely suppressed the disturbances of the Delta,
soldier in the hour of danger. How it would completed the organisation of his government,
cheer him during his long and weary marches and and brought the country to a state of general
countermarches, and induce him to bear without tranquillity." No wonder that with a resolution
a murmur all the trials to which lie might be thus inflexible, coupled with a valour thus irre-
exposed. The effect on the men would be well sistibly impulsive, NAPIER should have been
worth the expense. Never was there a more dreaded amongst the Asiatic; or that he should
politic expenditure, if expenditure it could be have gained amongst them the sobriquet of the
called, which would save a larger outlay in the " Brother of the Devil," just as NAPOLEON was
less graceful form of parochial relief, or vo- christened " the Sultan of Fire" by the terrified
luntary contributions from the charitably Egyptians. A better title than any born out of
disposed. We trust, then, that no time dismay, however, was that soon afterwards won
will be lost iu making provision for this by Sir CHARLES NAPIER from the gratitude of the
interesting object, in ascertaining from Ministers conquered population. It was not long before the
that the claims of the soldiers' wives will be taken GREAT PADISHA.W was beloved by the brave war-
into consideration and faithfully discharged, and riors—the might of his strong arm and of his keen
that the families of those who are braving death sword had vanquished—beloved for the justice of
in the service of their country will not be left to his ordinances and the benignity of his adrninistra-
depend on the precarious gifts of charity—to re- tion. What says the gallant and eloquent brother
ceive as mendicants' dole that which should be dis- of the Dead Hero in regard to this very par-
charged as an honourable debt. titular. What says Sir WILLIAM NAPIER upon
this identical theme in those sentences of mingled
eulogium and lamentation pronounced by him over
the tomb, as it were, of the departed Conqueror,
pronounced too in language articulated with the
emphasis of an historian. He says—" When Sir
CHARLES NAPIER—at variance with the governing
spuoeed- e rbsy i India--was
her
evii
igretiring
s ofsue t e
e sos
fui privatekn a
knaves,
e life,s, p u r -
who
vainly imagined they had crushed him, the Sirdars
of Scinde, those fierce Beloochees whose might in
war and feudal power he had overthrown in battle
and by legislation, came forward in crowds, pour-
ing forth their riches, without stint, to offer the
apparently fallen man a testimonial of their
attachment—avowing that to him their conqueror,
who had slaughtered in fight their best men
by thousands, they owed freedom, and
happiness, and security." Yet more—listen !
" Every feeling of wrath had fled from
their hearts to make way for love and veneration;
and they chose the moment when his power was
gone, his fortunes low, todisplay their sentiments."
With reason may-the annalist inquire—" What
man of history -can boast the like ?"—observing
in conclusion, with affecting solemnity, " The
sword of peace thus. bestowed by the Sirdars, the
tribute to his glory which lie most prized, was
laid beside his corpse when he died, and rested
on his coffin when he was carried to the grave."
Touching and beautiful words of commemoration !
Memorable and manly memorial of gratitude
And to this man it was that the high and mighty
members of the Indian Civil Government acted
from first to last with the most shameless per-
versity, the most odious spleen, and the most
despicable malignity. It is his heroic memory
they have tracked even beyond the grave
with base and unblushing misrepresentations
—striving with a scarcely accountable per-
tinacity of hatred to cast a shadow on
the fair fame to which they themselves have
been so largely indebted—indebted for the addi-
tional lustre thereby cast upon their annals, and
for an enormous accession to the already gigantic
results of their system of territorial aggrandise-
ment. Scarcely, however, has the tomb closed
over Sir CHARLES JAMES NAPIER, when the mag-
nates of Leadenhall are startled by the apparition
of his posthumous and triumphant self-vindication.
A vindication so complete that of it may we say—
never before was case proved so clearly. Never
before has the breath of slander passed away with
such rapidity—like a momentary dimness on a
steel breastplate—from the splendour of an un-
sullied and heroic reputation.

A great man has recently crowned the glory of
s life by the triumph of a posthumous vindica-
on. Elsewhere in our impression of this even-
ing, will be found a somewhat detailed, and (may
we add ?) a somewhat elaborate analysis of that
vindication in a criticism on the masterly treatise
penned shortly before his lamented demise, by
Sir CHARLES JAMES NAPIER, on the subject of the
" Defects, Civil and Military, of the Indian Go-
vernment." Since the foundation of our Oriental
Empire, thereperhaps has not existed any individual
more eminently qualified to pronounce an opinion
upon those defects than the heroic Captain, the
wise Statesman, the sagacious Administrator, who
was at once prominent among the benefactors, and
conspicuous among the victims of the supreme
councils at Leadenhall. Assuredly, no one among
the great Sepoy Generals ever invested with more
brilliant success the banners of that Company
of Merchant Sovereigns. Certainly, not one
among them was ever treated with mos despic-
able contumely, or more odious ingrati:ude.
Thcso pages in the annals of our dominion over
Hindostan, in which the future historian of Bri-
tish India, the ORME or MILL of another age, will
have to inscribe the achievements of Sir CHARLES
NA-PlER—the daring and adroitness of his glorious
conquest of Scinde, and the consummate ability
revealed on his part throughout the development
of its yet more glorious administration—while
they must for ever be illumined by the recollec-
tions of his valour and of his genius, they cannot
but be likewise branded indelibly with the re-
membrance of the turpitude with which his incom-
parable services were repaid, through the blunder-
ing, the jealousy, and the misprisions of the Civil
Government. Notwithstanding the resplendent
deeds of prowess whick had illustrated the career
of so many of his predecessors, before none of
these can the victories won by Sir CHARLES NA-
PIER be said to pale by comparison, if we search
the whole catalogue of our triumphs, treasured up
in the wondrous record of the extension of our
Asiatic possessions. Not if we survey that
marvellous catalogue from the days of SURA-
JAH DOWLAH to those of DosT MAIIOMMED.
Not from the defence of Arcot downwards to a
time almost immediately em temporary. Not
from the earliest conquest made by an European
in Hindostan, from the day when Madras was
taken by the Governor of Mauritius, when the
French flag was planted on Fort St. George by
the hand of LABOURDONNATS. Posterity will not
be able to detect in praises even as earnest as these,
d whim). applied to the victor of Meannee and Hy-
erabad, the faintest vestige of exaggeration. Let
it be remembered—while these words are being
perused that we are speaking of one who is dead,
of one who has for ever passed from amongst us,
of one whose glorious remains are mouldering in
the lowly but honoured grave of a soldier. Not
under the marble floor of a Minster, but under
the green sods of the burial-ground of a barrack

Mr. HULINE'S BENEFIT.--This first of lightweight
pantomimists and universal favourite has announced his
benefit at the Princess's Theatre for Tuesday next, the
28th inst. The entertainments will consist of the gor-
geous Sardanapalta, and the pantomime of Harlequin
and dee Miller and his Alen, the extraordinary success
of which is in no small degree owing to theequally won-
derful and pleasing performance of Mr. Huline as the

THE SUN, LONDON, FRIDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 24, 1854.

MONEY MA RKE

AND
COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE.

THE COMMAND OF THE BALTIC FLEET.

Admiral Sir Charles Napier has been appointed
to the command of the Baltic fleet. It is a safe
prophecy that the public at large will accept this fact
as a new proof that the Government are earnest in
their opposition to Russian aggression. Sir Charles
Napier has excited the enmity of certain cliques in
the Navy—but his bitterest opponents cannot deny
that lie is a man of action. But if he has Tory
foes there are reasons for it. He is a Political
Reformer—he has represented Radical constitu•
encies—he is not a dandy—he has won the reproach
of being " indiscreet." But Reformers have little
difficulty in understanding that iu official jargon
all men are "indiscreet" who expose official abuses,
and all men are unpopular with the obstructives
who solicit the votes of Liberal constituencies.
Up to the present time we have had in com-
mand of one naval force brought to bear on this
Russian question a Whig Admiral, and the result,
at present, has been far from brilliant. We shall
now see what a practical reformer can do afloat.
Sir Charles Napier's services as a sea, captain have
been varied. He ranks in the Navy as Vice-Admi-
ral, and is third in the list of that rank enjoying
the good service pension. He fought a 3 long ago
as 1806, as Lieutenant of the Courageux, and from
that year till 1813 was engaged in various naval
actions—in all cases showing himself an active and
fearless officer. His experience has been won on
many seas, and against various foes--Dou Miguel
included—his last and chief exploits in the Royal
Navy being those at the storming of Sidon and
the bombardment of St. Jean d'Acro, in 1840. It
is more than probable that, before the present
year is out, we may find him again putting for-
ward claims on public approbation and applause
for duties done in the Baltic more important
and more memorable than any that have hitherto
distinguished his meritorious and remarkable naval
career. The fleet ho is called upon to lead to the
North is to be one of the most powerful that ever
left the shores of any nation. It will include a class
of ships new in their warlike powers, and unparal-
lelled in their destructive capabilities. The list is
not yet complete, but, according to a recent state-
ment, we may count upon a muster of vessels amply
sufficient to do what the necessities of Russian ag-
gression may render needful to be done in the
Baltic. The catalogue is a noble one in its way.
At the naval review at Spithead, there were nine
line-of-battle ships. What these vessels might
be able to perform was tolerably well indicated
on that occasion, but the Baltic fleet will far
exceed in force the naval armaments then mus-
tered. At Spithead, besides the nine line-
of-battle ships, there were about seventeen
frigates and sloops but, as our Portsmouth
correspondent has already reported, we are " now
equipping double that number of ships of the line,
and nearly double that number of frigates and
sloops," for this expedition to the North.
At anchor in the Baltic there are now a number
of Russian men-of-war, outside the ice and approach-
able ; and we may fairly anticipate—unless the
Czar, bully-like, draws back at the eleventh hour,
when he finds himself met manfully face to face—
we may see, before the end of the year 1854, those
same Russian men-of-war safely brought into Ports-
mouth harbour.
Besides this sign of earnestness shown by the ap-
pointment of Sir Charles Napier to the Baltic fleet,
it is confidently rumoured that a communication
similar in character to the letter of the Emperor of
the French has been sent to the Czar from Eng-
land. Rumour says that a definite number of days
has been named from the date of the receipt of
such letter, within which the Autocrat is to give
orders to his invading forces to fall back beyond
the Pruth— the penalty of non-compliance being
open and immediate hostilities on the part of the
allied forces of England and France.—Daily News.
REVOLVERS FOR THE NAVY.

CITY, TWO O'CLOCK.
The sales of cotton at Liverpool yesterday were
estimated at 5,000 to 6,000 bales, of which 500
American were taken on speculation. The market
was flat, and closed heavily, with American at 54d.
to 6d., 1-16 d. to id. per lb. lower. The sales in-
clude 300 Egyptian, at 64d. to 81d., 600 Surat, at
3d. to 41-d., 50 Sea Islands at ls. Oid. to 25.,
and the remainder American. Railway Shares were
better again.

Colonial produce has been offered to rather a
limited extent at auction this week, and holders
have been firm. Rum has been taken to a large
amount by the Government again, and 30,000 l
of tea have been tendered for. Sugar has been
firm, and at fid. advance for some descriptions.
Coffee is held for steady rates, but the demand has
been quiet. Rice has slightly declined, but spices
have been active at firmer prices. Saltpetre has
risen, cochineal is cheaper and iron inactive.
Upon the state of the silk trade during the pre-
sent month, Mr. Henry W. Eaton reports as fol-
lows :

"I beg to report to you the result of the public sales,
which have gone off even more heavily than usual, the
attendance of the trade being moderate. In Chinas the
best qualities were taken in at about previous rates, and
the bulk of the other sorts at a reduction. Some few
parcels, however, of Tsatlees, of middling to good fair
quality, were sold from 14s. 6d. to 16s. id., being stout
ls. to ls. 6d. under rent prices. Bengals were much
neglected, the quality being so inferior. The operations
during the week by private contract have been unprece-
dentedly small."

The official returns relating to the trade and
navigation of the United Kingdom include, like-
wise, statements relative to the Customs income.
From these it appears that, in the years ended the
sth January, the figures stood as follows :

853. 1854
Gross receipt of duties £221,187,149 £22,612,.729
Payments therefrom

---
Net receipt £22,036,297 £22,419,308
From butter and cheese about 190,0001. were
last year received as duty, from coffee 463,6651.,
wheat 247,5691., flour 87,1231., pepper 90,862/.,
rum 1,253,3051., brandy
,402,9321., wine
2,036,0831., raw sugar 3,913,727/., tea 5,686,1941.,
tallow 89,7431., tobacco 4,749,7801.
The quantity of hops retained last year for home
consumption was 30,949,590 lbs. only, against
50,146,639 lbs. in 1852. Malt rather increased,
paper rose 17,000 lbs., and of spirits the quantity
was 25,021,317 gallons, a slight decrease com-
pared with 1852.

Another notice is out from the Victualling De-
partment for the hire of transport ships, three or
four of which are required, of 630 to 800 tons, and
to be armed, according to indent. Owners are
particularly requested not to tender for ships
known to be ineligible according to Admiralty re-
gulations, as it causes much delay and incon-
venience at the office.

The steamer Cleopatra has arrived at Liverpool,
from South Australia, which she left on the 16th
inst. She came home by way of Rio de Janeiro.
Her freight includes 18,829 ounces of gold, and
346 tons of coffee. The dates brought are not so
late as those per Great Britain.
The amount of bills drawn by the Hon. East
India Company, from the Bth to the 23d inst. in-
clusive, on the Presidencies in India, was in the
aggregate 78,6501. 18s. sd. On Bombay no bills,
however, were drawn.

The English Funds have been very steady, but
with less business doing. Consols have realised
91 1, and are since 911 a. The New 31 per Cents.
bring 93i to 1. Bank Stock is supported at 217
to 218, and India Stock at 240. Exchequer Bills
are 18s. to 21s. premium.
Foreign Securities have been quite neglected.
Russian 41 per Cents. bring 855, being a fall of 1
to 2 per cent. Dutch 21 per Cents. have remained
at 591. The Spanish Committee's Certificate is
at 34

TO THE EDITOR OF THE BUN.
SIR,--The Admiralty, being in earnest, have done
wonders ; but why don't they supply a limited number
of revolving pistols to each ship for the use of the
boarders ? The old-fashioned ship's cutlass, pistol, or
pike has not a chance in attack or defence against hese
deadly modern weapons at close quarters. The Yankees
have proved it in Mexico and the prairies. Heaven
grant we may not, when too late, find out that the
Russians are before us, as reported, in this matter !
Yours obediently,
H. J.
London, Feb. 23.

In Railway Shares there is only a limited busi-
ness doing, but prim are mostly fully up to yes-
terday's range. Great Northern, North-Western,
South Wales, and the York and Berwick are higher.
French Shares are a shade lower.
The Joint-Stock Bank Shares have been much
the same, and also the Land Companies.
The current prices for the Jamaica Mines, not
officially quoted, are as follows :—Metcalfe, par to
premium; Sue River, # discount to par ; Port
Royal, /to premium.

BRITISH FUNDS THIS DAY AT ONE O'CLOCK
( From the Oficial List. )

-, Busin.se done.
Bank Stock ........,...... ............... 2lB 17
1 per cent.lteduced Annuities 9211 #
3 per Cent. Consols Annuities 9IR i i
blew 34, per Cent. Annuities 93i i
Long Annuities, Expire sth Jan., 1860
Ditto 30 Years, Expire 10th Oct. 1859 54
Ditto 30 Years, Expire sth Jan.:lB6o 5
India. Stock
Consols for Account 16th March 94 i 4
Exchequer Bills, ld.
21000 - p
2500 lB 21 p
Small lB 21 p
PRICE OF FOREIGN FENDS AT ONE O'CLOCK.
Russian Bonds, 1822, 5 per Cent, £ St —
Ditto 41 per Cent 853
Sardinian Bonds, 5 per Cent...........
Spanish Committee Cert. of Coup. not fun 3 p c
Dividends on the above payable in London.

Dutch Exchange, 2i per Cent. 12 Guil ..... 59i
HALF-PAST TWO.
Consols
Ditto March Account 9li

CARDIGAN COUNTY. ELECTION.—CARDIGAN, Feb. 23,
The Earl of Lisbu7ne was returned yesterday, without
opposition, for the county of Cardigan.
LOUTH ELECTIO4.—On Thursday night, at the close
of the poll, the number of votes polled by the candidates
were as follow .—Fortescue, 720 ; Cantwell, 525 ; ma-
jority for Fortescue, 195. There was scarcely any ex-
citement.
TffE HORSE GUARDS.—Major-General Charles Yorke
has been appointed to succeed Colonel Airey as Military
Secretary to the Commander-in-Chief. Major-General
Yorke served in the Peninsula with the 52nd Regiment
at Roleia, Fuentes d'Onor, Salamanca, Vittoria,
Pyrenees, Nivelle, Nive, and Orthes, and also in the
Waterloo campaign. He has received the war medal
with ten clasps for his services in the Peninsula, and has
only very lately returned from active service in the
Kafir war.
The grand civic banquet to the gallant officers (naval
and military) ordered upon foreign service is fixed for
Saturday, the 11th of March next ; and it is expected
that her Majesty's Ministers will dine with the Lord
Mayor and Lady Mayoress during the same month.
The Duke and Duchess of Roxburgh, and the youth-
ful Lady Susan Innes Kea, have arrived in London,
from Fleurs Castle, near Kelso, N.B.
The Marchioness of Breadalbane has arrived on a visit
to her relative, George Baillie, Esq., of Mellerstan, at
his seat, in Midlothian, en route from Taymouth Castle
to Breadalbane House, Park-lane, for the season.
The Earl and Countess of Lichfield have arrived in
town, from Brighton.
The Earl and Countess of Kinnoull and family, who
have been passing the winter at Brighton, have returned
to Hampden House for the season.
The Hanoverian Minister, Count Kielmansegge, enter-
tained her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge,
the Duke of Cambridge, and a select party at dinner on
Wednesday evening, in Grosvenor-square.
A marriage will shortly take place between Colonel
Long, of Bromley Hill, Kent, late of the Grenadier
Guards, and Miss Herbert, sister to Mr. Herbert, of
Muchruss, Killarney, M.P. for the county of Kerry.
MARRIAGE IN HIGH LlFE.—Yesterday the nuptials of
the Hon. Harriet Louisa Hanhury, eldest daughter of
the late Lord Bateman, with Mr. Astley Dashwood, son
of Sir Charles Dashwood, were celebrated at the church
of St. George, Hanover-square, in the presence of a dis-
tinguished circle of the nobility, &c. His Grace the
Archbishop of York officiated on the occasion. After
the ceremony, Lady Bateman, mother of the bride, gave
a dejeuner at her mansion in Cumberland-street, Hyde-
park. The happy pair subsequently left town for Mares.
field-park, Sussex, the seat of Sir John Shelley, M.P.
for Westminster.
CRYSTAL PALACE.—His Royal Highness Prince Al-
bert visited the palace yesterday, and devoted two hours
to a careful inspection of the works, expressing much
satisfaction with the progress which has been made, espe-
cially in the Fine Arts and in the gardens. His Royal
Highness was accompanied to the different portions of
the palace and grounds by Sir Joseph Paxton, Mr. Digby
Wyatt, Mr. Belshaw, and other officers of the company.
A Maar IVISRDERED BY HIS FATHER.—William Barker,
a cattle-dealer, of Donnington, Lincolnshire, 37 years of
age, was a few days ago stabbed by his father, Christo-
pher Barker, a man of 66. The evidence given before
the coroner, Mr. Fricker, at the inquest held yesterday.
at Donnington, went to prove that the prisoner was ad-
dicted to drink, and had frequent quarrels with his son,
during which lie had often been heard to threaten his life.
Yesterday week the deceased had been drinking at theßed
Cow at Donnington, and his wife and he went home toge-
ther. Soon after they left the public-house the prisoner
came up, and a quarrel took place. The deceased pushed
his father, who fell down, being tipsy at the time. They af-
terwards crossed over the road together, and the quarrel
appeared to be over, but the old man suddenly pulled
out a large clasp knife and stabbed his son three times.
The wounds were of such a nature that he died a few
(lays afterwards. The prisoner called out, "Oh Lord,
I have stabbed my son !" Afterwards he exhibited the
knife, admitted that ha had stabbed his son, and said he
did not care who knew it. He added that he had once
bought a pistol to shoot him for his ill-treatment. The
jury returned a verdict of " Wilful murder" against the
prisoner, who Wittl committed for trial. The deceased
has left a wife and six children, He was an industrious
man, and did a good business as a cattle-dealer With
;nary of the farillop in the county.

LATEST FOREIGN NEWS,

RUSSIA AND TURKEY.
It was confidently asserted in Paris yesterday
that Austria entirely adheres to the policy of France
and England ; it is even said that she will take part
in the treaty of alliance which is being negotiated
between the two Western Powers and Turkey.
The Independance of Brussels, of yesterday,
which on this subject should be a good authority,
states positively that the French Government has
received from Austria assurances of sympathy in
the war which is now commencing.
A telegraphic despatch, dated Vienna, yesterday,
states that the Austrian troops are now ready for
action on the south-eastern frontier, and will be em-
ployed in putting down any attempt at insurrec-
tion against the Porte, whether in Servia, Monte-
negro, or Bosnia.
It also says that a feeling of gratitude may pre-
vent Austria part;cipating in hostile measures
against Russia, but that she will positively not
assist in supporting her pretensions.
Austria, it is Ailed, is in worse odour at St.
Petersburg than either France or England.
In its new financial measures, the Austrian Go-
vernment fbrmally renounces alt right to issue
bank notes. The Rink takes on itself unconsoli-
dated debt represented by 149,000,000 florins in
Imperial Treasury bills. Tire Government gives
the Bank as security the Customs' revenue, and
repays 10,000 florins a-year.
A letter from Berlin of the 20th says :—Eriglancl
has announced to our Government the speedy en-
trance of a British fleet into the Baltic. Mr. Camp-
bell, English Consul at Stettin, has been here for
some days, and his presence is supposed to be con-
nected with the entrance ,f that fleet. It is said
that M. de Benkendorff, the Russian Military
Plenipotentiary, has been recalled. Prussia, in
consequence, will have only to occupy herself with
her interests and those of Germany. She cannot
permit Russia to insist on her unjust pretensions,
which suspend indefinitely the peace and safety of
Europe. The Zeit of this place makes on that
point the following remarks :—" Prussia has during
the whole time of the Eastern difficulties, taken
into account her friendship for Russia. She ought
to expect from Russia not to insist on a demand
disapproved of by all Europe, and in which Prussia
was obliged to perceive that she must sacrifice her
sympathies and her duties."
A letter from Frankfort says ;—" Our Stock
Exchange is very much irritated against Russia,
not only because she excites a European war, but
because she causes Austrian Securities to decline ;
paper money in particular is almost as low as it was
in 1848. The blow which Russia inflicts on Aus-
trian finances is a set-off for the service she rendered
to Austria ; so that the latter is not ungrateful.
Austria has made all possible efforts to prevent war
between Russia and Turkey, but Russia has paid
no attention to her desire."
Our latest news from St. Petersburg is dated
the 12th instant. The Hamburger Nachrichten
says that the return of Count Orloff was anxi-
ously expected, although it was already known
that his mission had been unsuccessful ; and the
feeling towards Austria in the highest circles
had consequently undergone a material change,
her conduct being considered more ungrateful
than had been expected. The Emperor Nicholas
is said to be in an exceedingly excited and morbid
state of mind, caused by the vacillations and
doubts that are inseparable from the course of
action which he must now resolve upon. Her
Majesty the Queen of England's speech also, at the
opening of Parliament, had made no very friendly
impression upon him ; but the letter from the
Emperor of the French had been received with a
" strong feeling of dissatisfaction." It was known
at St. Petersburg that a negative answer had already
been given thereto, and people who are about the
person of the Emperor say that there is little or no
chance of his Majesty givino. way. It is said that
the very opposition which Russia meets with on all
sides tempts the firm and inflexible character of the
Monarch to persist in his hitherto adopted line of
policy. Under these circu.nstances, even the return
of Count Orloff to St. Petersburg will hardly bring
about any material change in the dispositions of toe
Emperor Nicholas; and the new mediatory project
suggest 2d by Austria, of which Count Orloff was
the bearer, will most likely share the same un-
happy fate as all the preceding projects. At all
events, we hear that Russia is preparing for war
against England and France. The peace party at
the Court of St. Petersburg is completely van-
quished. A war manifesto may soon be expected
to appear, which will call the nation to arms in
defence of its honour and most precious inte-
rests, and, above all, in defence of the orthodox
faith. M. de Lapinski, of the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, has received orders to draw up this
document in terms both decided and popular,
and full of ardour (plein de chaleur). It was
also stated that Russia would declare to the
Courts of Vienna and Berlin that it did not
intend to endanger the existence of the Otto-
man Porte, nor to retain permanent posses-
sion of the Danubian Principalities ; adding, how-
ever, that affairs have now taken such a turn as to
render it a duty incumbent on Russia to bring
matters to a decision. This has been construed
into a probable demand for war expenses, which
Russia, if victorious, will claim of the Porte,
it may be, in the shape of a cession of a portion
of the Turkish territory in Asia. The Russian
fleet in the Euxine has received orders not to pro-
voke a collision with the combined fleets, but, on
other hand, to accept a sea-fight if offered.
The following letter from Omar Pasha appears in
the Moniteur of yesterday.

" Shumla, Jan. 17 (29).
"A very serious engagement has taken place within
about six hours' journey in advance of Kalafat, near the
village of Citate on the Russian Christmas-day. Our
force consisted of 11 battalions of infantry, 22 field
pieces, three regiments of cavalry, and 450 irregular
horse, under the orders of Ahmed Pasha. The Russians
had upon the spot 15 battalions of infantry, two regi.
ments of cavalry, besides two squadrons of Pas-
kiewitch's Hussars, and five squadrons of Cossacks,
all under the command of General Aurep. In order to
keep up the communications between the village of
Citate and Kalafat, three other battalions had advanced
as far as the village of Pojana. Citate was occupied by
four battalions of Russian infantry, 12 pieces of cannon,
two squadrons of Paskiewitsch's Hussars, and five
squadrons of Cossacks. The Russians had raised a
redoubt behind the village. The village was attacked
by six battalions of infantry, 12 pieces of cannon, and
two regiments of cavalry, under the orders of Ismail
Pasha. The rest of our troops, commanded by .Mrus-
tapha Pasha, and consisting of five battalions of in-
fantry, ten pieces of cannon, and one regiment of ca-
valry, were posted before the village.
" After an obstinate combat of three hours the enemy
was completely dislodged from the village. The streets
were encumbered with dead. Half a, Russian battalion
surrounded and incapable of retreat, perished at the
point of the sword. Hardly 600 men of this regiment
could escape. Shortly before this, the Russian cavalry,
charged by ours, were at the first shock completely
routed.
" While our troops were engaged in taking the
lage by assault, another Russian detachment of nine bat-
talions of infantry, six guns, and two regiments of
cavalry, attacked our reserve, posted before the village,
and committed the fault of attempting to take our rear
instead of charging our right. This was the cause of
their defeat, because our troops in changing from front
to rear, and by placing themselves nearer to the back of
the village, were able to profit by the advantage of the
ground, particularly those battalions placed in first line,
which were covered by a ditch, as well as the other two
battalions of the second line, which were also placed in
a very advantageous position.
" The fight upon this point lasted an hour and a half.
From the commencement of the cannonade our artillery
had caused so much loss to the enemy that the latter, de-
spairiiig of holding his position, advanced within the
range of our guns. Thanks to the coolness of our troops,
this movement was fatal to him ; the well-directed fire of
our infantry, aided by grapeshot, produced such ravage
in the enemy's line, that, once forced to beat a retreat,
he was soon compelled to fly in disorder, pressed by our
infantry, who rushed in pursuit of him. Had it not been
for the night and the fatigue of our troops, who had
been on the march that and the preceding day, the enemy
would have been completely routed.
" Tho loss on our part is e-timated at 300 dead and
700 wounded ; among the latter, Ismail Pasha and
Mustapha Pasha, three colonels, and three chiefs of bat-
talions.
"The loss of the Ruesiane, according to the most
accurate accounts, amounted .to 3,000 dead, including
three colonels, three chiefs of battalions, and at least 60
officers. More than 200 chariots, each carrying f.ur
or five wounded, were sent to Krajova and Slatina,
besides the wounded soldiers, who went on foot towards
Krajova. Among the wounded is General Orloff, two
colonels, and seven chiefs of battalions. Another colo-
nel is missing. Three waggons laden with munitioni!
and a quantity of baggage, 500 muskets, 60 officers
swords, and 500 horses, most of them wounded, form
the trophies of the day. Several crosses of St. George
now ornament the breasts of our soldiers. General
Orloff hae since died of his wounds.
"As the redoubt behind the village was defended to
the death, and as our troops were not prepared to scale
it, they gave up the idea of taking it, and assembled a
little in the rear.

" The Russians, believing that they were making pre-
parations for a fresh attack, abandoned the redoubt and
took flight under shelter of a small wood. Our troops
soon abandoned a pursuit which would have been
useless.

" After three hours' rest, our troops returned to
Kalafat. Our dead have been buried at Widdin.

" Our soldiers gave no quarter to the enemy, which
was the reason why the redoubt was so desperately
defended.
" The Russians also attempted, under the protection
of their flotilla., a strong attack upon Isakteln and
Matschin, but they were repulsed with considerable loss.
They endearured also to establitila fortifications