The Sun.
London, England, 1854-10-12 00:00:00

RAILWAY TRAFFIC RETURNS.

THE GREAT NORTHERN ItAlLWAY.—Traffic roturn for
the week ending Oet. 1, 1854 £24 026 5 10
Corresponding week last year

LANCASHIRE • AND YORKSHIRE RAlLWAY.—Traffic re-
turn for the week ending Oct. 8, 1854 £20,115 3 5
Corresponding week last year
CHESTER AND HOLYHEAD RAlLWAY.—Tratfic return for
the week ending Oct. 8, 1851 £5,433 16. 11
Corresponding week last year 4,907 15 10

Increase in 1854 £526 1 1

ONTARIO, SIMCOE, AND HURON RAILWAT.--We have
been furnished by our correspondent in Toronto
(Canada), with the traffic of the Ontario, Simcoe, and
Huron Railway, commencing July 1, and also with the
corresponding traffic of last year, showing a large in-
crease this year. This line leads from Toronto to Lakes
Simcoe and Huron, and opens up
the whole of that es-
tensive lake district, saving no less than 400 miles in the
route frem Canada to the United States of America.
The total length of this line is 97 miles, of which 63
miles are opened, and the traffic is maintained from local
sources and requirements along the line. This railway
bids fair to be a profitable concern, and speaks well for
C.inadian lines. We understand that the late awful
ravages of cholera in America have much affected their
passenger traffic on railways, and this line, like the rest,
has considerably suffered during the visitation in its
locality.
LIEUT. "ARTHUR WALSRAII, Or THE ROYAL ARTILLERY.
which appears in the
ristTohfethila()sneekfif thinlledrnytohuenbgat(t)ffir,lecoefthe Alma, will be read
with deep emotion by many, and with painful interest by
nearly ail persons in this town. Lieutenant Waltham
was the third gen of Sir John \Val.ham, Bart., and
was entered at King Edwards School, at a very early
a',e, when his family came to rsside at Bury in 1842.
After a blameless career at school, where he was much
liked both by his masters and his schoolfellows, he pro-
ceeded to Woolwitth, where he acquitted himself with
such uniform credit that his sleeve was literally covered
with chevrons, of which he obtained the largest possible
number, and on leaving the Arsenal he received from
Sir John Burgoyne, the sword of honour which is given
to the best conducted of those cadets who havt gained
their commissiotein the Artillery. The energy and acti-
vity of this high spirited yOuth was shown last year by
his ascent of Mont Dane under circumstances of peculiar
difficulty. And his military ardour led him to seek a post
in the army of the East, when he might have acquiesced
in his orders to juin the garrison at Gibraltar.—Bury
Post.

" The above important facts, combined with the ab-
sence of the obstructions to last winter's trade, (exten-
sive strikes and exorbitant high prices of bread and fuel)
naturally induce the opinion that there will be an in-
creased demand for currants this season. The stock in
London ou 30th Sept. is ascertained to have been about
5,000 tons.; of .this quantity the far greater portion is
low 1852 fruit. The 1851 fruit consists of remnants of
parcels, much of it Trieste fruit, and but little of it fine
Pairas and Island, some of which, however, retain their
original bloom and freshness. The whole stock of 1851
fruit being inadequate to meet the exigencies of a Christ-
mas trade, we shall require a large importation of new
fruit of good and fair quality.
"From accounts on which reliance can be placed it
would seem that the crop in the Morea and Zante is a
failure as regards good fruit ; 'at Cephalonia the produce
is about the same as last year in quantity and quality,
but better probably in condition. Of the latter, this
port is not likely to receive any for some weeks to come,
unless via Liverpool, whither two steamers are now afloat
from Cephalonia, the Liverpool houses having this year
got the start.
"The only noticeable feature in the market is a better
demand by grocers for good 1852 and 1853 fruit at low
prices, and such is likely to continue. Good 1851 bar-
rels have been sold for export at 102 s. to 105 s. 6d."
The high price of grain in Belgium, considering
the average harvest, still presses upon the
poor of that country, and excites the con-
troversial remarks of public writers. These, in
endeavouring to account for an apparent ano-
maly, do not take, in many cases, the same
view as ourselves. Sufficient allowance has not
been made for the fine weather, of which the agri-
culturist naturally takes advantage, to the neglect
of thrashing out and sending his corn to market ;'
neither do we consider that the prohibition on the
part of Russia to export grain will be of perma-
nent importance, seeing that the Danubian pro-
vinces are again free from their control. The
greatest support to prices will be derived from the
approach of winter, which always impedes supplies,
and the deficiency in the maize crop of the United
States. The following reflections by a Belgian
writer give an unfavourable view, but although
we think it somewhat in extreme, there is much
therein that deserves attention :

" The question of the sustenance of the people is
paramount to all others at this moment. It is said, and
with some reason, that the granary for corn which
Western Europe possessed at Odessa is now lost for a
considerable period.
"It will neither be in 1555, nor even in 185 G, that we
may expect arrivals from the Black Sea, even if peace
should be proclaimed next year. The Wallachian pro-
vinces may be said to be completely ruined ; the harvest
of the present year will hardly suffice for the wants of the
inhabitants, for many districts have not been resown,
the Russians having plundered the people of their oxen
and bea-ts of burden, or forced away the labourers to
supply the exigencies of the army.
" Besides this, the large masses of Turkish and Allied
troops, which have been quartered in Bulgaria, have
also consumed vast quantities of provisions.
"In Bessarabia, Podolia, and Cherson, the enormous
quantities of Russian troops which have been there col-
lected for more than a year, and may be a considerable
time longer, will have consumed an immense quantity
of corn ; and how much more will be destroyed by the
continuation of this terrible war in those countries ?
Who knows the fate in reserve for Odessa and its vast
magazines of provisions, as well as those at Galata,
Ibrail, and Akkevaran ?
" Suppose peace be established, will not the agricul-
turist have suffered? How much time will he required
to repair all the disasters caused by the war, so as to
replace agricultu: e in its normal state, and bring business
again into its regular course ? We should say at least
three or four years after peace has been declared. We
must, therefore, for this period at least, no longer cal-
culate on any cereal importations from Tangarve or
Odessa.

" If these arguments be true, as they appear to us,
the normal state of our commerce in corn is destroyed.
These principles of economy which might have had a
certain relative value a year ago are no longer so, at
least as far as this trade is concerned. These countries
which had a deficiency of corn went to Odessa to supply
their wants. They cannot do so at present, but
must be compelled to seek those cereals elsewhere, at
any price when the markets will offer some advantage.
Belgium will, therefore, be one of the first mark, is to
draw the attention of speculators.
"Freedom of trade will restore to us what has been
taken away say the partisans of that doctrine. But
whence are we to expect these arrivals ? One may
reply from America and Egypt. We will only make
one remark on the subject, which is that 100,000 hecto-
litres (quarters) of corn form from twenty to twenty-five
cargoes, a very large figure certainly ; still these 100,000
hectolitres are not sufficient to supply our population
longer than four or five days. By land carriage
we may have the same amount taken f rum
us monthly. or rather fortnightly. What then
—must we not have to buy of the foreigner at per-
haps at from four to five-and-twenty per cent. above our
selling price, provisions inferior to these which we have
ourselves got rid of? It is true that speculators and our
commercial men would find it to their interest to encour-
age such transactions from the great profits that would
arise ; but here we must remind these parties, that when
the question is to avoid a public calamity, such as a
dearth of provisions for the public support, speculators,
as well as our commercial gentlemen, should make up
their minds to moderate gains.
"In all cases exceptional cases require exceptional
measures, and certainly, as we have just proved, this
war in the East has brought about quite an anbormal
state in respect to the grain trade ; the remedy, there-
fore, is by public consent, the temporary prohibition to
our cereal productions."
Telegraphic despatches have just reached Lloyd's
from Liverpool, that are of a very distressing
nature. We gather from them that the Arctic
steamer, on her voyage from Liverpool to New
York, came in contact on the 16th ult., about 65
miles N.E. by E. of Cape Race, Newfoundland, with
the French steamer Vesta, and in a short time the
Arctic sank, 45 of her passengers and the second
mate and crew, however, being known to have
escaped in two boats. It is fervently hoped that
that this report, necessarily imperfect, will be fol-
lowed by intelligence of the other passengers having
escaped, otherwise there will have occurred an
awful sacrifice of life, the number on board
being 185 first-class passengers, 75 second,
and 130 in the crew. The accident seems
to have occurred in a fog, and vessels which
bad gone from St. John's, Newfoundland, in
search had not seen a vestige of the Arctic.
With regard to the Vesta steamer she was on her
voyage from St. Peters to Grandville, and having
thrown her cargo overboard she made for St.
John's, but 15 persons who left her iu a boat, out
of 140 on board, were supposed to have perished.
An accident to the splendid steamers of the Cunard
line is so rare that this direful casualty has natu-
rally occasioned much excitement.
At the half-yearly meeting of the Royal Mail
Steam- packet Company, this day—A. Colville,
Lq., in the chair—a report was presented of a
satisfactory nature, the increase of freight and pas-
senger money having been great, and the whole
surplus of the working account being 112,2071.
12s. 5d., that is, 47,0111. more than was made
at the corresponding- period of last year. The
Company had now 24 ships, four of which
would be disposed of. There had been no reason
for complaint against the Company's officers, which
had, on the contrary, met with general approba-
fion. The dividend was at the rate of 21. per
share for the first half-year of 1854. The report
was under discussion at the time of our going to
press.
The English Stocli Market has been less buoyant
than it was yesterday morning, Consols being 95i
to # for Transfer, and 951 toe for Account. There
has been a check to the upward tendency by the
rumour that the Bank might advance its rate of
discouut ; while it appears that the National Debt
Commissioners will have to invest all their sur-
plus in Deficiency Bills. The New 3i- per Cents.
have been 941 to #, and the 3 per Cents. 931 to
941. Exchequer Bills have been 4s. to 7s. prem.,
and India Bonds 10s. prem.
Foreign Stocks are generally very quiet, but
Turkish Scrip
is up to 31- and 3g premium. Sardi-
nian Bonds have been at 83i. Peruvian 41 per
Cents. have realised 71k, and Brazilian Old Stock
has been at 99 ex dividend. Dutch 2i per Cents.
have been quoted 62.
The last week's railway receipts ascertained up
to this day are in round figures as under :-
1854. 1853.
Great Western £23,986 £23,022
57,416 53,810
North-Western
23,986 23,0
South-Western
17,297 14,9
Brighton
South-Eastern 12,117 11,262
Caledonian
Great Northern
Lancashire and Yorkshire
Railway Shares are looking up, and the _ _
returns above given, contrast very favourabLy
with' the corresponding period of 1853. The Gteat'
Northern line has advanced more than the
others which are rather firm than dearer.
North Eastern have been better. Caledonian
him been heavy. The French hues; have been

A vast amount of thought and. knowledge is dis-
played in the composition of this work, and talent of
no inconsiderable kind reflects a light and lustre on,
its pages. Many various phases of society and dif-
ferent gradations of character are dexterously given
to sight, and some of the prominent vices and follies
of the day are brought under the notice of the
reader in a striking manner. It cannot be said,
however, that the narrative itself is pleasing, or
that there is any hero or heroine who parti-
cularly attracts interest or attention. Katha-
rine de Bohun, of whom little is spoken,
forms an exception, together with Sir Murdoch
Douglas, to. whom she was afterwards married.
Godfrey de Bohun, the father of Katherine Doug-
las, was a very selfish man. It is true he was
placed in an awkward situation, being compelled
to keep up the dignity of au ancient name, with a
small income and an encumbered property. His
conduct towards his only son, Moreton, was very
unworthy his high name and race, and it appears
only a just retribution when he is deprived, by a
sudden death, of him for whom he had formed such
ambitious projects. Young Moreton de Bohun
died on the field. of Waterloo, and then the hopes
of his family were laid low. More skill is depicted.
in the second portion of the story, when the ple-
beian succeeds to the patricianlin the possession
of the magnificent old hall. The mistakes and
contradictions in bearing and demeanour committed
by Mr. Gideon Clincher and his family are suffi-
ciently ludicrous and extravagant. His daughter,
Letitia, who could never get over her contracted
notions, or expand her narrow powers of observa-
tion, with her husband, who affected aristocratic
ease and refinement in a vulgar and petty style,
are very naturally represented. Mr. Gideon, him-
self, after having worked very hard all his life,
completely frustrated all his efforts, by sheer
neglect and folly, as may often be noticed in
those who suddenly set themselves up as genteel ;
he gave up common care and attention to his
affairs for fear of appearing vulgar. His son-in-
law, Inglis, was not affected by such scruples, and,
falling into the hands of some practised fortune hunt-
ers, he speedily disposed of the sums it had taken his
relation many an anxious year to hoard up. Eller-
ingay Manor House was again deserted, another
day of departure from its tune-honoured walls took
place, and the splendid property was once more
offered for sale. Sir Murdoch Douglas, the son-in-
law of Godfrey de Bohun, now came forward and
purchased the domain, to reinstate the fallen family.
He desired them to remain in it during Mr. De
Bohun's lifetime ; after that it was to belong to
himself and Katherine, the eldest of the De Boliuns.
A great deal of the plot is worked out in London,
where Inglis meets with those fatal acquaintances
who occasioned his ruin. Count Pufferdoff- and
Lord Squanderfield, together with Fitzgerald, lured
him on with their treacherous wiles. The former
was the moving spirit and the actuating prin-
cipal, but the others followed his dictates ;'
one folly succeeded another, and the guilt
of one man was the instrument of vengeance
to the covetousness of his neighbour. Thus Gideon
availed himself of Godfrey's pride to obtain posses-
sion of his estates by bonds and mortgages. Again
Inglis made a tool of Gideon, whose vanity was
excessive, to become master of his affairs, and then
he himself fell a prey to self-conceit and love of
pleasure, when acquainted with Puffurdoff's set.
The only exception to this state of things is, as has
been said before, Sir Murdoch Douglas. It is to
be regretted iat he is not more prominently
brought forward, or that there are not some others
like him, to refresh the mind, wearied with so much
duplicity and meanness. For those who desire to
see the dark side of the human character, who
would rather dive into the depths of vice and scan
the motives that actuate the wicked than behold

the calm and. even tenour of peaceful every-day
life, this story will afford attractions. Some of the
descriptions display considerable ability, and the
variety of persons who are introduced on the scene
impart a lite and spirit which keeps alive the atten-
tion and enchains the interest.

MISCELLANEOUS MAGAZINES.
Tait's commences with a sketch of " Uriel
Acosta," a German drama, by Karl Gutzkow. An
article is given on the Great Astronomical Dis-
pute; and another on " Life in Turkey." No.
VIII. of " Glimpses of Churchwold" concludes
the series. There is an amusing paper on the
" Painters and Glaziers of Paris."—The National
Miscellany has a very interesting account of the
progress of the English navy, entitled. " Ships of
War in the Olden Time." " Pinto Ribeiro ; or, the
Revolution in Portugal," is continued ; and there
is another instalment of the extracts from the
"Journal of an Officer in the Expeditionary Force."
There are also papers on the " Commerce of Cen-
tral Asia" and the " Life of Belisarius," the
famous general of the Emperor Justinian.—
The New Monthly _Review appears to have
improved since its change of title. Not
the least attractive feature in it is a series of
sketches of the celebrities of the day, written in a
fair and impartial way. The " Life of Lord
Brougham" is commenced in this number. Au in-
teresting paper en " Charles Lamb" gives a brief
account of his chequered career.—Sharpe's London
Magazine presents a striking name iu the list of
authors. It contains a sketch by Torquato Tasso,
translated by the author of '.' Mary Powell," who
is so well known from her successful imitations pf
the old styles. The present tale is, however,
genuine, and the manuscript still exists in the
Liberia Patriarchate of Udine. There are
many pleasing tales and verses. I'Tewtoit's
London, Journal gives an account of thirty-ono
recent patents, besides the usual scientific notices,
list of grants, &c.—The Assurance Magazine gives
much information respecting characteristic ques-
tions, and gives an account of the proceedings of
the Institute of Actuaries, of which it is the journal.
—The Illustrated Magazine numbers among its
contributor's the Hon. Mrs. Norton, Lady E. S.
Wortley, Fanny Fern, J. E. Carpenter, Captain
Mayne Reid, and numerous other well-known
names.—Le _Pellet has an additional plate be-
sides its usual attractive figures.—The Penny
Post is well calculated for distribution among
the poorer classes. It seems to be chiefly
intended for that purpose.—The Family Friend
and The Rome Companion continue to maintain
their character. Orr's Circle of the Sciences is a
really valuable work, putting the works of cele-
brated professors within the reach of the most
limited means. The English Cyclopcedia is con-
tinued in weekly numbers and in monthly parts.
The name of Mr. Knight is a sufficient recommen-
dation. All who desire a standard work of refe-
rence should avail themselves of its publication.
The Dublin Journal of Industrial Progress is
chiefly on industrial and agricultural subjects.
Papers on the inland navigation of Ireland and
the recent improvements in manufactures. Mac-
phait's Edinburgh Journal contains, among
other topics of interest, a criticism on Mrs. Stowe's
new work, which deprecates the publicity and
confusion with which her visit was attended,
occasioned by the bad taste of injudicious admirers.
" The Land we Live in," a sketch-book of the
British Islands, has reached the seventh number.
" Orr's Household H tndbooks" offer some useful
hints for housekeepers. " Handley Cross," which
chronicles. the events of " Mr. Jorrock s Hunt" is
nearly completed. Bogg's Instructor has a va-
riety of contents of a superior. character. "Our
Friend" and " Home Thoughts," which have been
, enlarged and improved, are continued in their
usual style.
22

EXTENSIVE FIRE IN MANCHESTER.—Yesterday, about
twelve o'clock, a fire broke nut on the extensive pre-
mises of Messrs. Bremner Brothers, oil and tallow mer-
chants, near the Victoria-bridge, Manchester. The
premises were stored with a large quantity of oil and
tallow, which burned so fiercely that it was found im-
possible to save the building from destruction. Adjoin-
ing Messrs. Bremner's warehouse were a timber-yard
and saw mill, and it was with the utmost difficulty that
these were save I. Messrs. Bre►nner's premises were
completely burnt down. The damage will amount to
several thousand pounds, but is amply covered by in-
stance,