The Sun.
London, England, 1853-09-13 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 13, 1853.

with the condition of selling back at a cer-
tain advance within a limited time ? Nothing
so powerfully illustrates the improvidence
of the very poorest classes—their total reckless-
ness in money matters—then the fact that " leav-
ing-shops," as they are termed, are established in
so many districts, and that all of them obtain an
abundance of business, and realise enormous pro-
fits for their unconscientious owners. That offices
fairly conducted, are deserted for the " free and
easy" dealing of the leaving-shop, where, provid-
ing the avarice of the presiding deity, generally
one of the fair sex, be satisfied, no inconvenient
questions will be asked, and the dishonest servant
can dispose of his master's property, the youthful
thief of his plunder, and the convivial laundress
can obtain the means of obtaining a further supply
of gin, on the security of the clothes left out for
the wash.

The
regular pawnbroker might make trouble-
some inquiries, and, if the responses were not
satisfactory, call in the assistance of the police.
Not so the marine storekeepers. "Possession" is the
the only title they require, and the only haggling is
as the sum to be advanced. When that point is
disposed of there is nothing else to disturb the
harmony. No ticket is given, no memorandum
entered. If the property be redeemed, and in-
terest amounting to between eight and nine
hundred per cent. paid on the specified day, gene-
rally a week from the time of the loan, all is
well. If not, the mortgage is stringently foreclosed,
the property is confiscated, although the advance
might be totally disproportionate to its value, and if
the former owner desire to obtain it again it will
only be on payment of its market price. The
transaction by which it came into the possession
of the mistress of the leaving-shop is totally for-
gotten, and no reference thereto will be per-
mitted by the fair despot, who, on that point at
least, is inexorable, and will sooner destroy the
property than give the borrower the satisfaction
of getting back the property on any other terms
than she herself pleases to dictate. The CZAR
himself could not treat any proposition emanating
from the Divan with greater contempt than the
" Mother BURETTES" of the British metropolis
do the remonstrances of their victims.

If any doubt should be entertained as to the
extent and magnitude of the evil, a perusal
of the case of MARGARET SCANNELL, recently
heard before the presiding Alderman at the
Guildhall, will set it at lest, and unequivocally
prove the necessity of some new law adequate to
the emergency, or the more stringent application
of enactments already in force. We believe that
the latter would be sufficient to abate the nuis-
ance ; but it must be administered with greater
energy than was displayed on Saturday by the
worthy Alderman who dispensed justice in the
ancient hall of Gog and Magog. It appeared that
the complainant had on the Sunday fortnight pre-
viously sent an apron and handkerchief to the
shop of the defendant, MARGARET SCANNELL, at
Blackhorse-court, on which she obtained an
advance of 6d., on the understanding that she
was to pay back that sum, with a penny for
interest within a week. The time, however,
elapsed, and, according to the leaving-shop code,
the equity of redemption was for ever barred.
The unreasonable borrower, however, had the
audacity to expect to receive them back again, on
payment of the sevenpence within a fortnight, and
the money was accordingly tendered, and the goods
demanded. This unheard-of proceeding naturally
astounded the indignant SCANNELL, who culled
the choicest flowers of Billingsgate, for the pur-
pose of hurling at the devoted head of the inso-
lent applicant, concluding her tirade of abuse with
the assurance that she would rather burn than
restore the articles. During the course of the inquiry,
it was stated that in one district (that of Moor-lane sta-
tion) there were from 30 to 40 of these leaving-shops
—the Police Inspector adding, "that they were the
greatest difficulties that the police had to contend
with in tracing stolen goods, as they were recep-
tacles for all sorts of stolen property, and open
at all hours, night and day, Sundays included."
A very lame defence was set up, viz., that Mrs.
SCANNELL had purchased the goods for 6d., on
the understanding that she would sell them back
within a week for 7d.2 and that, therefore, there was
no loan within the meaning. This was at once, and
very properly, overruled. It is quite clear that the
law will not permit anything to be done indirectly
which it does not directly sanction, and if so
frivolous a pretext were for a moment listened
to, there would be an end to all restrictions,
and the several enactments by which the trade is
regulated might at once be repealed. But what
was the course adopted ? By what means did the
worthy Alderman endeavour to vindicate the
majesty of the law, and to prevent its habitual
violation ? He inquired of the defendant "if
she was now willing to accept the 7d. and restore
the goods ?" And on her statement that she
would do so even for the 6d., he discharged her
on payment of the costs of the summons. Now,
she had either committed a breach of the law, or
she had not. If she had not, he had no right to
mulct her in the costs, or any other sum, how-
ever trifling. If she had, it was monstrous to
allow her to get off scatheless to carry on her ini-
quitous trade with redoubled activity. No wonder
that "leaving-shops" abound in the district, when
in the few cases of detection the offence can escape
so easily. Verily the City may be termed the
paradise of woman haters and keepers of unlicensed
pawn-offices. It is there only that they can laugh
at the law, and follow their own vagaries on the
most reasonable terms.

MONEY MARKET

AND
CITY INTELLIGENCE.

CITY, TWO O'CLOCK.

The sales of cotton at Liverpool yesterday
were estimated at 5,000 bales, of which 1,000 Ame-
rican were taken for export. The market closed
heavily, without change in prices. The sales oom-
prised 4,000 American, 90 Pernam and Maranham,
at 64d. to sid. ; 40 Bahia, at 60. ; 200 Egyptian,
at 6d. to 7id. ; and 400 Surat, at aid. to 42d.
per lb. Railway shares were very depressed, and
prices of all kinds had declined considerably.
Numerous vessels, probably 400 sail, have passed
the S traits of Gibraltar, from east to west, during
the 31st August and the Ist September, with grain,
fruit, dsc.
The Marco Polo has arrived from Melbourne,
whence she sailed on the Bth June. She brings
54,201 ounces of gold. There are one or two other
vessels reported, but the amounts are not yet
known.

There is in operation at the present moment
that most inexplicable but frequent social pheno-
menon—a panic. Holders of securities are, without
rhyme or reason, sacrificing their property to the
advantage of those who have nerve and capital,
and any one looking dispassionately on, neither
as bu:, e • n a- seller, would feel;astoni3hed at tl i
" madness of the many" which s the " gain of the
few." In such periods it is most difficult to get
any one to listen to the slightest argument that
might prove consolatory; but at the risk of being
unheeded, and in discharge of that wholesome
function which the press should at all times exer-
cise, we must at least chronicle facts. The sup-
plies of foreign grain are becoming exceedingly
large, and there is not the remotest chance of
famine prices for food. The United States are, for
the manufactures sent, greatly indebted to Eng-
land, and will be too glad to discharge the liability
in grain, of which they have abundant crops.
Canada has been shipping extensively, and her in-
creasing population causes her to buy of us
more liberally. In fact, a mere glance at the official
returns of the Board of Trade must convince the
most sceptical that the balance is greatly in our
favour ; in the aggregate, however, it may be
against us as regards particular countries. For India
and China silver is, temporarily at least, in less
demand, and the Burmese war being over the
drain may be alleviated. The amount already
sent to China must be already so large that
it is difficult to understand that much more
can be sent, or what we are to get in return.
The rate of exchange renders it no longer profitable
to send gold to Paris, and if the demand for silver
were to cease, gold would not require to be sent
hence in purchase thereof. As to the 400,0001.,
said to have been taken for shipment to Russia, we
believe it was withdrawn last week, and an eminent
firm has sent in, it is rumoured, 100,0001.
to the Bank of England. There remains, then,
the Australian remittances to Europe, and these
must, for the next two or three months, be large,
whatever they may be hereafter. As to sending
gold to Australia to purchase the precious metal,
there is no longer any idea of it. Upon such data
parties may form their own conclusions, but severe
pressure for money or famine -prices for food we do
not deduce therefrom.

The English Market opened heavily in the
morning at a further decline, but since then there
has been a partial rally. Consols have been at
958 to 96 for Transfer, and at 95i to 964- for Ac-
count. Exchequer Bills have been at 2s. to 3s.
discount, and India Bonds at 2s. to ss. premium.
The Transfer books being shut, there is very little
doing except in Consols, and parties in want of
money sell these as their only alternative. A bet-
ter view is taken of Eastern affairs, and it is
thought the supplies of grain will be exceedingly
large.
Foreign Securities have been very fluctuating,
and they keep up well, not having been previously
at unduly high prices. Mexican Bonds have been
241 to 25R- ; Buenos Ayres Stock is at 64; Chili an
Bonds have realised 104 to 105 ; Russian Bonds
have improved to 115 ex div. ; Spanish Three per
Cents. have been at 46i to 46/ ; and the Deferred
at 22g to 228 ; Dutch Two-and-a-Half per Cents.
have been at 63/ to 64k.
Railway Shares have been about 2 per cent.
lower, and in some instances more, as the Lanca-
shire Banks are stated to be compelling the repay-
ment of loans upon them. This should not affect
the real holder, if he has not pawned them.
French Shares have been lower.

Gold Mines are maintained still tolerably well,
but the Land Companies are heavy. Joint-stock
Banks are neglected.

BRITISH FUNDS THIS DAY AT ONE O'ULOOK.
Prom the O.(cial List.)

Business done.
3 per vent. Consols Annuities 96 5
India Bonds, £lOOO ...•••. ........... ••••••••• 3 5.4
Ditto, under £lOOO 2 5
Consols for Account 13th October
Exchequer Bills, ld.
£l000

PRICE OF FOREIGN FUNDS AT ONE O'CLOCK.
Buenos Ayres Bonds, 6 per Cent 64
Chilian Bonds, 6 per Cent... ............
Niexican 3 per Cent.
Russian Bonds, 5 per Cent.
Spanish Bonds, 3 per Cent 461 i
Spanish New Deferred, 3 per Cent. 22.1 i a
Spanish Committee Cert. of Coup. not fun. 5t P 0
Dividends on the shove payable in London.
—' - •

Dutch Exchange, 2{ per Cent.
HALF-PAST TWO.
Consols 96
Ditto October Account 96

MARKET NEWS-(THIS DAY.)

COLONIAL.

SUGAR.—The market has been very firm. Floating car-
goes of Havana and Brazilian have been in good demand at
previous rates. Refined brown lumps are 45s 6d and low
to fine grocery 46s to 48s 6d per cwt. The quantity of
British Plantation landed last week at the East and West
India Docks was 1,964 hhds 243 tierces 525 barrels, there
were taken for home consumption 1,439 hhds 223 tierces
474 barrels. The stock in the same places is 11,325 hhds
1,714 tierces 3,787 barrels.
COFFEE.—Native Ceylon has been firm with a fair
business doing at 48s to 48s 6d per cwt. Plantation has
been also in request. _

"-RUM.—The quantity landed last week at the East and
West India Docks was 619 puns 39 hhds ; there were taken
for home consumption 208 puns, and exported 138 puns
127 hhds. The stock in the same places is 8,043 puns 376
hhds.
RlCE.—Madras, 2,993 bags, at auction, was all taken in
at lls to us ed per cwt.
TALLOW.—P.Y.C. 538 per cwt on the spot and Town
54s 3d. There is an active demand.

DONCASTER RACES.

(THIS DAY.)

(BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH. )
FITZWILLIAM HANDICAP.
Miss Agnes

Twelve ran.
ORDER OF RUNNING.
2. 0 Fitzwilliam Handicap.
2.30 Stand Plate.
3. 0 Champagne Stakes.
3.45 Great Yorkshire Handicap.
4.15 Revival Plate.
4.45 Selling Stakes.
ADDITIONAL ARRIVALS.

Truth, Defiance, Jack Frost, Misletoe, Honeywood,
Acrobat, Boiardo, Evadne, Georgey, Barrell, Kennyside
Hero, Stiletto, Lady Agnes, Audubon.
LATEST BETTING.
GREAT YORKSHIRE HANDICAP.
5 to 2 agst Haco.
6 to 1 agst Heapy (offered).
7 to 1 agst Grapeshot (taken).
12 to 1 agst Hungerford (taken).
CHAMPAGNE STAKES.
6 to 4 agst Domino.
5 to 2 agst Ruby (taken).
3 to 1 agst Tacicaster (taken).
ST. LEGER.
5 to 4 on West Australian.
7 to 2 agst Sittingbourne.
12 to 1 agst Reiver (offered).

SPORTING NOTES.

THE ST. LEGER.

The tendency of speculation is calculated to confirm
the opinions which I have already expressed on the pro-
bable issue of the St. Leger Race. West Australian
maintains, with unshaken firmness, his "pride of place"
in the betting, and the spirit with which he is still sup-
ported indicates that the confidence of his party is undi-
minished. They who have seen him give the most satis-
factory reports of his form and condition, and shrewd
and experienced judges unhesitatingly declare " nothing
barring an accident" can prevent his victory. The par-
tisans of Sittingbourne, however, are apparently little
discouraged, and calculate somewhat sanguinely upon
seeing the defeat of the " crack." Their expectations,
however, will perhaps be sorely disappointed. That
Sittingbourne is a goo d game horse is unquestionable,
and his powerful action is likely to be "well served" over
the St. Leger course, but I nevertheless believe him to
be inferior in racing ability to West Australian Still,
the formidableness o.F his chance admits not of
a doubt. The Rei ver has a "downward ten-
dency" in the betting, and his supporters display
a diminishing confidence. Still lam informed that
the style in which he did his work this morning on
the Town Moor was most satisfactory. His narrow
quarters, and evident deficiency of propelling power,
however, are sufficient to occasion a prejudirle against
him, and to warrant the belief in his inability to "stay"
the distance. Cineas is again gradually advancing into
favour ; he looks remarkably fit, and, should Alfred ride
him, I shall expect him to make no inglorious exhibi-
tion. Rataplan goes as well as his most ardent sup-
porters could desire.

No arguments are required to prove that West Aus-
tralian and Sittingbourne are the best "public per-
formers" in the race, and the encounter will, in my
opinion, indisputably establish their superiority, and de-
termine their relative merit. The judge's decision will,
I anticipate, be in favour of West Australian. Sitting-
bourne may be second, and the third and fourth posi-
tions will, perhaps, be occupied by Cineas and Rataplan.
A FRESH MAN.
Doncaster, Monday Night.

LATEST FOREIGN NE‘Vr:.-.;.

FRANCE.

The Moniteur contains a second note denying
that the French Government has been buying corn.
It says :—" Some foreign journals again speak of
purchases of corn made on account of the French
Government. The contracts entered into in Eng-
land, about six weeks ago, for 419,000 hectolitres,
for the annual supply of the army and navy, are
the only facts of this nature which could give a
pretext for such an allegation. With the excep-
tion of this purchase made abroad, in order not to
influence the markets of the interior, the Govern-
ment has not and never had the idea of interven-
ing either directly or indirectly in any operation
relative to grain. It bas already declared, and
declares again, in the most formal manner that any
contrary supposition is absolutely false. It has
full confidence in the efficacious activity of com-
merce, and only intends to exercise its action to
facilate operations by general measures."
On Sunday a Cabinet Council was held at St.
Cloud under the presidency of the Emperor. All
the Ministers were present.

A decree, dated St. Cloud, the 11th, confides the
Administration of the Ministry of the h,t ,rior,
during the absence of M. de Persigny, at Dieppe,
to M. Abbatucci, Minister of Justice.
The Echo Agricole says :—" The wheat crop din
France presents a very considerable deficit.
in vain that some journals of Paris and of the de-
partments, either from a want of proper informa-
tion, or from a foolish desire to conceal and atten-
uate a sad truth, have declared that the crop will
be at least equal to that of an average year ; the
fact is that it is notably inferior. The most exact
reports each day confirm the apprehensions of the
first moment, and the prudent acts by which the
government has endeavoured to facilitate the en-
trance and circulation of foreign grain, are the
most powerful confirmation of the bad state of the
wheat crops of 1853."
From Algiers, Aug. 5, we learn that the colony
was perfectly tranquil, and that the cotton crop of
this year promises to be exceedingly fine.
The decree in the Ilionitenr, increasing the rate
of interest on Treasury Bonds, produced an un-
favourable effect on the price of Public Securities
at the Bourse to-day. The Three per Cents. opened
at 77f. 70c., and fell to 77f. 30c. They closed at
77f. 35c. for the end of the month. The Four-and-
a-Half per Cents. closed at 101 f. 50c. ; Orleans
Railway Shares, 1,227 f. 50c. ; Rouen, 1,067 f. 50c.;
Havre, 517 f. 50c. ; Great Northern, 870 f. ; Paris
and Strasburg, 925 f. ; Paris and Lyons, 925 f. ;
Lyons to the Mediterranean, 775 f. ; Western of
France, 740 f. ; Bordeaux and Cette, 621 f. 25c. ;
Great Central, 532 f. 50c. ; Lyons to Geneva, 550 f. ;
Shares of the Bank of Credit Mobilier, 805 f.