The Sun.
London, England, 1854-01-20 00:00:00

OXFORD UNIVERSITY ELECTION.

Sir W. Heathcote has acceded to the wishes of the
requisitionists by consenting to be put in nomination,
and his committee yesterday commenced operations by
issuing the following card to all members of Convoca-
tion :

" Members of Convocation are respectfully informed
that Sir William Heathcote, Bart., D.C.L., late Fellow
of All Souls' College, will be proposed as a candidate
for the seat about to be vacated by the retirement of Sir
Robert Harry Tnglis.—Jan. 18, 1854."
Sir William Heathcote formerly belonged to Oriel
College, but was afterwards elected a Fellow of All
Souls' College. In the year 1821 he distinguished him-
self by gaining a first class in liter-is humantoribus. He
was elected on the conservative interest in 1841 one of
the representatives of the northern division of Hamp-
shire, and continued to sit for that county until 1849,
when be accepted the Chiltern Hundreds, and retired
from parliamentary life on the ground of ill health.
The following additional names were yesterday placed
on Sir W. Heathcote's committee :—The Provost of
Oriel College, Rev. W. Sewell, B.D. Fellow and late
sub-rector of Exeter College ; Rev. J..E. Sewell, M.A.,
Fellow, and Bursar of New College ; Rev. J. R. T.
Eaton, M.A., Fellow and Tutor of Merton College ;
Rev. I. H. Wood, M.A., Fellow and Icitor of Queen's
College; Rev. B. C. Caffin, M.A., Fellow and Tutor of
Worcester College.
In the address which was last evening issued by the
Rev. Dr. Williams, Warden of New College, the chair-
man of Sir Wm. Heathcote's committee, it is said that
Sir W. Heathcote has never swerved fram a faithful
adherence to the principles of the constitution ; he com-
bines with independence of position and soundness of
judgment that firmness of mind which would ensure his
opposition to injurious measures, from whatever quarter
they might proceed, and his cordial 'support of such as
should promise to be really conducive to the improve-
ment of our most valued institutions. His temporary
absence from Parliament 'on account of ill health leaves
him free from all trammels of party ; and being now
restored to his former vigour, with matured experience,
ability to perceive, and resolution to pursue the
course that shall tend most surely to maintain and
strengthen the best interests of the University, the
church, and the country, should it be the pleasure of
convocation to return him as their burgess, he may be
confidently expected to prove an upright, useful, and
effective servant of their cause.

Neither Lord Robert Cecil, the other candidate
spoken of, nor his friends, have yet made any announce-
ment, and it was currently rumoured last evening, that
the noble lord will not come forward, and that his sup-
porters have another candidate in view, being resolved to
try the strength of parties on this important ►natter. It
is, however, very evident that this delay in announcing
a candidate will operate prejudicially to his success, for
Sir W. Heathcote's committee are working most energe-
tically and maturing their plans, which are well or:
ganised. In the evening of yesterday it was rumoured
that Sir J. Pakington, M.P. for Droitwich, is to be the
new candidate.

THE FORTHCOMING SESSION OF PARLIAMENT.—There
are already, as appears by a Parliamentary document,
thirty-eight notices of motion in the order book of the
House of Commons for the ensuing session, commencing
on Tuesday, the 31st inst.
PARISH OF ST. MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS.---Yesterday
a meeting was held in the vestry room of this parish, the
Rev. H. Mackenzie, vicar, in the chair, to consider the
best means of raising 1,5001. towards the liquidation of
the baths and wash-houses .debt, and the most expe-
dient steps for providing for the burial of the dead of
the city and liberties of Westminster. The report pf the
Commissioners of Baths and Wash-houses stated, that,
as compared with the previous year, there had heen a
falling off in the receipts of 634/. s. 2d., which was
attributable to the late bad weather, the, opening of a
similar establishment in St. Giles's, and the high 1 price
of coals. • A further sum- of 1,5001. was required
towards the liquidation of the debt. Mr. Church-
warden Gillat moved that this sum be raised by
a rate. Mr. Bayne seconded the motion,l and
expressed a confident hope that, ere long, the whom debt
would be paid, and that the establishment would be self-
supporting. An amendment was proposed, but t°o
ori-
ginal was carried. The Vestry Clerk then read an L r
in Council directing the discontinuance of burials an the
Camden-town cemetary. Mr. Churchwarden Gillat,
as
a member of a committee representing eight parishes in
Westminster to provide a burial-place
for the dead of the
district, said that they could not obtain a site for that
purpose, near the metropolis;wider 2001. or 300/, an
acre. Under those circumstances, and at the instance
St.
of Mr. Elliott, churchwarden of Margaret's, they
applied to the London Necropolis Company, the pro-
prietors of the Working Common Cemetary, comprising
9000 acres, who offered to give the parish a site for
-bu"rials free of all cost excepting the usual burial fees,
which varied according to the means of the deceased.
He rnoveda resolution, authorising the parties appointed
by the parish to select a suitable cemetary, and to con-
fer with the authorities of the other parishes as to the
propriety of accepting the proposals of the London
Necropolis Company, as it would secure a saving of
nearly 15,000/, to the parish. The motion was carried.
ARRAN ISLAND. —The Duke of Hamilton has just
purchased the whole of that portion of the island of
Arran which belonged to Lord Rossmore, at the price
of 51,0001. The rental of Lord Rossmore's property in
Arran only amounted to about 800/. per annum ; and
thus it is seen the Duke has given for it at the rate of
64 years' purchase. Arran has always been a favourite
spot of the duke's, and he has shown his partiality for
it by giving this unprecedented price to Lord Rossmore.
The duke now becomes proprietor of the whole island,
with a small. exception belonging to Mr. Fullarton.
North British Mail.
BURNTISLAND BANK ROBBERY.--A few weeks ago,
the bank of Burntislan'd was broken into, and a large
sum of money carried off. The depredator, a man
named Macrae, in company with a brother, have been
detected in the town of Ballamony, Ireland. They were
taken up upon suspicon, in consequence of their osten-
tatious display of riches not in keeping with their years •
and manners. They have been brought back, and are
now lodged in Cupar gaol. Of the 1601. which was
taken from the bank, 1341. was found on the persons of
the prisonerc—Edinburgh Advertiser.

. .
On Wednesday, evening, last, Sir Edward Bulwer
Lytton wa§ inaugurated, into the office of President of
the Associated Societies .of Edinburgh University, at a
meeting assembled for the purpose in Queen-street-hall„
of' that city: The' hon. baronet was the first elected to
the office, which is an extra-academical one, created by
th-F2rssociated Societies last summer. The large hall
was quite crowded on the occasion by ladies and gentle-
men, and among the gentlemen on the platform were—
the Lord Advocate, Lord Robertson, Lord Curriehill,
Sir Archibald Alison, Bart., Mr. Stirling, of Keir,
tie Professors of the University, and numerous well-
known clergymen and gentlemen.
The LORD ADVOCATE, in a few words, introduced the
hon. baronet to the meeting.

Sir E. B. LYTTON then delivered an address replete
and
in said
the
with polished phrases and beautiful imagery. He com-
menced-Cy alluding to the poets of Scotland,
that the first poets who charmed him from play
holydays of school were Campbell and Scott, and the
first historians who clothed;" for him, with life the sha-
dows of theeeeet, were•Robertsou and Hume. In a long
vacation from his studies at Cambridge he contracted
the habit ofself-reliance by solitary excursions on foot,
and it was towards Scotland that he instinctively bent
his way, as if tia the nursery-ground from which had been
wafted to his mind the first germs of those fertile and
fair ideas which, after they have come to flower upon
their native soil, retueu to• seed, and are carried by the
winds they kney., not whither, calling up endless diver-
sions of the same plant, according to the climate and the
ground to which they are borne by chance. Sir Edward
then referred to the distinguished individuals of the
University of Edinburgh, glanced at the medical schools
of Scotland, end spoke of the learned faille of its capital.
He pied an eloquent tribute to Macaulay, and then spoke
of the points which were essential for excellence in study.
Hisleadineeproposition in this respect was, that, whether
in active life or in letters and research, a man would al-
ways be eminent. according to the vigilance with which
he observed. He was, he said, no believer in genius
without labour. Sir Edward then spoke of books, and
said it was well in youth to acquire the habit of reading
with conscientious toil for a special purpose. His next
topic was the importance of classical studies. Every
professor who encouraged the young, he said, would tell
them how the ancient masterpieces of classic writers have
served ,modern Europe with models to guide the taste
and excite emulation. After dwelling upon' the beauties
of the ancient Greek writers, Sir Edward proceeded to
give his opinion, that from modern as well as from the
older Athens streamed the lights of philosophy and
learning. Ile then glanced at religion, observing that,
in his opinion, no man would ever go very far wrong
who, by the mere habit of thanksgiving and prayer, was
forced to examine his conscience, even' but once a day,
and remember that the eye of the Almighty was upon
him. The hon. baronet concluded in these terms:—"lt
would ill become me to enter into the special grounds of
debate now at issue ; but permit me to remind you that,
while pressing with your accustomed spirit for whatever
you may deem to be equal rights, you would be untrue
to your own fame if you did not feel that the true
majesty of Scotland needs neither the pomp of courts
nor the blazonry of heralds. What though Holyrood
be desolate—what though no king holds revel in its
halls ?—the empire of . Scotland has but extended its
range ; and, blended with England, under the daughter
of your ancient kings, peoples the Australiee wilds that
lay beyond the grasp of Columbus, and rule over the
Indian realm that eluded the grasp of Alexander.
(Loud applause.) That empire does not suffice for you.
It may decay—it may perish. More grand is the
domain you have won over human thought, and iden-
tified with the eternal progress of intellect and freedom.
(Renewed applause.) From the charter of that domain,
no ceremonial can displace the impression of your zeal.
In the van of that progress no blazon can flaunt before
that old lion of Scotland [pointing to the flag suspended
opposite]. (Great cheering.) - This is the empire that
you will adorn in peace ; this is the empire that, if need
be, you will defend in war. It is not hero that I would
provoke one difference in political opinion ; but surely
you, the sons of Scotland, who hold both fame and
power upon the same tenure as that which secures civi-
lisation from lawless force—surely you are not the men
who could contemplate with folded arms the • return
of the dark ages, and quietly render up the haven that
commands Asia on the one side and threatens Europe
on the other, to the barbaric ambition of some Alaric of
the north. (Loud applause.) But, whether in reluc-
tant war or in happier peace, and in your various call-
ings, continue to maintain for Scotland her sublime
alliance with every power of mind that can defend or
instruct, soothe or exalt humanity." (Sir Edward re-
sumed his seat amid loud and continued applause.)
At the conclusion, Lord ROBERTSON moved " That
the societies tender their warmest thanks to the Presi-
dent for his visit, and for his unrivalled address ;"
which proposal was warmly responded to.
Sir E. B. LYTTON returned thanks.

THE MAILS TO THE MEDITERRANEAN, INDIA, &c.---
Notice was issued yesterday at the General Post-office,
that the mails for the Mediterranean, Gibraltar, Malta,

and Egypt, India, Hong Kong, and China, will be made
up this morning, the 20th inst., to be forwarded by the
Himalaya. screw-steamer, of 3,550 tons, and 700-horse
power (being her first trip), belonging to the Peninsular
and Oriental Mail Company, from Southampton ; and on
the evening of the 24th inst., by the Overland, closed
mails ♦ia Marseilles.

THE PEEL RIVER COMPANY.—The first annual report
of the Peel River Company has been issued, preparatory
to the meeting on the Ist of February. It is signed by
Count Strzelecki, as chairman, and commences with a
statement or the circumstances connected with the
leasing of 640 acres out of the company's 313,000
acres of land to the Australian Cordillera Company for
5,0001. per annum, and 20 per cent, of all minerals
raised beyond 25,0001.. The selection of these 640
acres was duly made by the agent of the Cordillera
Company, and one year's rent was paid by them ;
but further proceedings on their part are in a state
of suspense owing to the wreck of the vessel sent
out with their stores and machinery. Proposals for
leases have been received from other parties, but not such
as were acceptable. With regard to the geological and
mineralogical survey of the company's property, it being
deemed essential to obtain a minute and scientific report
from some person of unquestionable reputation, choice
was made of Mr. Odernheimer, ministerial assessor and.
inspector of mines in the duchy of Nassau, who had.
lately been employed for two years by the Marquis of
Breadalbane in a geological survey of his property in Scot-
land. Mr. Odernheimer accordingly sailed for Sydney on
the sth of August, 'Where he, intended to select the most
eligible spots for mining operations pending the arrival
of 18 German miners sent out to him last month, to-
gether with crushing, _concentrating, and gold-washing
machines of the simplest construction and greatest
durability. As respects the pastoral value of the Peel
Paver Lands, which were originally selected by Captain
Parry as surpassing in worth and beauty every location
of similar extent in New South Wales, the directors
intend .to lose no opportunity of gaining advantage
from it, and have arranguil to! take_Ofii;live stock at
present existing upon the spot at a fair' valuation
'from the :Australian Agricuttural Company. The
finance statement shows a balance. of 1;304/. in excess
of the company's entire paid-up capital of 99,9501., not-
withstanding the discharge of preliniinary expenses and
the costs of sending out the mining expedition and
machinery.
AUSTRALIAN AGRICULTURAL COMPANY.—This com-

piny have issued their report, preparatory to their 30th
annual meeting to be held on the 27th inst. The statis-
tical returns embraced are those of 1852, and show the
live stock of the company to consist of 113,135 sheep,
9,095 cattle, 1,676 horses, and 69 asses, being a decrease
of 4,438 sheep, 101 cattle, and 23 asses, and an increase
of 107 horses since the preceding year. The sales of
live ssock amounted to 3,6771., being an increase of
9821. The number of Chinese in the employ of the
company is 87. They arrived in April, 1852, and have
been found particularly useful in heavy work, but
cannot be relied upon as shepherds. At first there
was a tendency to insubordination, but their con-
duct has since been orderly in the extreme, and they are
becoming in many ways very valuable servants. The
coals sold daring the year realized a net' evenue of
7,6951., against 5,5501, -in 1851 (although the total in
tons—namely, 40,354, showed a diminution of 5,288)
—a result consequent upon a further advance of prices
from 9s. to 10s. 7d. The difficulties with regard to
labour reduced the get of coal in 1852 to 31,349 tons
froth 57,637 in the preceding year, but prospects are
Yew
satisfactory,
igiit
months t0n5301f,1168453.
Fhi
Fifty
o li
ci having
colliers
raised s
July were siennttbhye
first
h. company from England in Jul last. The receipts
of wool from the clip of 1852 have been. 654 bales,°e
realising 18,3411. while of tallow the quantity has be
en
549 casks, realising 8941
I . As regards the total revenue
of the company, the amount is 23,314/., against 15,324 i..
in the preceding
year, and a dividend is consequently
recommended of 11, ls. per share, or 6 per cent. on the
paid-up capital, free of income tax. The report con-
cludes with an expression of satisfaction at the energy
displayed by Captain Brownrigg, the company's new
superintendent, in Australia, and of regret at the death
of Mr. J. S. Brownrigg, the late governor.
ENLARGEMENT OF THE WELLINGTON BARRACKS, ST.
JAMES'S-PARK.—Yesterday a large number of men were
engaged in taking down several houses in the rear of
the Tellineton Barracks, St. James's-park, for the pur-
pose of extending its site and of erecting additional
large and commodious barracks. A few days ago, 30
houses were sold, situated in York-terrace, York-place,
King's Head-place, York-street, for this object, and it
is intended to clear away many more houses, including
her Majesty's stationery-office, in lieu of which a spa-
cious building is being constructed near Storey's-gate.
The necessity for a new barracks has arisen in conse-
quence of the Government being compelled to give up
the Portman Barracks, the property of Lord Portman,
as his lordship does not intend to renew the lease, which
has expired, so that the Guards which used to occupy it
will be stationed at the Wellington Barracks. It is also
intended that there shall be accommodation for a troop
of artillery from Woolwich, which will render it neces-
sary that a very considerable space should be added to
the ground to be attached to the barracks. A new wing
near the old stationery-office has been recently com-
pleted, and this will be shortly taken possession of by
the Guards at the Portman Barracks.
MAY HAPPEN IN MAT ?—Saith the veracious Raphael,
under the head of "May, 1854 ,e_.."Mereury meets the
quartile of Jupiter on the Bth day. These configura-
tions are truly ominous and important, for Mars hastens
as it were to apply the torch to the train of evil he has
previously laid. The highest power in the land is
grievously afflicted, It is the earnest prayer of Raphael
that the direful influence of Saturn on the ascending de-
gree and radical place of the luminaries in our beloved
Sovereign's horoscope may be averted."—Prophetic
Almanac for 185 • by
4 Raphael.

LYCEUM THEATRE.
Under the Management of madame Vestris.
THIS EVENING, Jas. 20,
Will be performed A BACHELOR OF AR TS. Characters by
Messrs. C. Mathews, F. Matthews, and Baker ; Miss F. Hughes.
After which, the original Fairy Extravaganza, called ONCE
UPON A VINE THERE WERE TWO
risKINGS. Principal cha-
racters by Mr. Wright and Madame Vest.
To conclude with PATTER VERSUS CLATTER.