The Sun.
London, England, 1853-07-04 00:00:00

... £28,27913 1
£1,807 15 10
1,209 2 2

3,01 G 18 0
6,843 7 11

Assay-office and Gold Escort Department...
The Land Department, in eluding improve-
mute at Port Elliot (3,2681.135. 7d.) and
1,0841.152.1 d., on account of immigration 6,149 6 S

Total exptniditure 244,289 5 8
showing an excess of receipts over expenditure of no less
an amount than 100,116/. 11s. 9d. ! This is a most
gratifying fact to record,. as it exhibits in a very striking
light the complete reaction which has taken place in the
general condition of the colony, and her signal recovery
from the frightful state of paralysis under which she was
suffering this time twelve month, in consequence of so
large a proportion of the population employed in home
production.
The following is the oil icial return, by the immigration
agent, of the average wages of mechanics and others, in
South Australia, for the three months ended the 31st
December, 1852 :

Blacksmiths, 120. to 145.. Per day, 'without board and
lodging.
Bakers, 75. to 10s. per day, with board and lodging.
Bricklayers, 12s. per day, t without board and lodging.
Bullockdrivers, 251. to 300. Per annum, with board and
lodgings.
7s. to 9s. per day with board and lodging.
Butchers,
Carpenters, 12s. per day, ithout board and lodging.
Cabinetmakers, 15s. per day, without board and lodging.
Carriagemakers, 12s. to 13r s. per day, without board and
lodging.
Ccopers, 12s. per day, with out board and lodging.

_
Domestic servants :
Males 451. to 501. per ani turn, with board and lodging.
Females 201. to 301. pert amnia, with board and lode g.
Day-labourers, Es. to 70. per day,
without board and
lodging.
Farm-servants—
Married couples, 401. to 45/. per annum, with board and
lod.
Singlemen, 401. to 50f. per annum, with board and
lodging.
Masons 12s. to 15s. per drc.7, without board and lodging.
Millers, 10s. to 12s. per d s.y, without board and lodging.
Miners, 7s. to Bs. por day,. without board and lodging.
"Inters and Glaziers, Bs. to 10s. per day, without board
and lodging.
Plasterers, 12s. to 15s. per day, without board and lodging.
SsawadYle", 1.58. per 100 feet, without board and lodging.
Saddlers, 10". Per da' 7 without board and lodging.
lodginer. ak°"' 143- to let; .'per day, without board and
Shepherds, 35% to 501..
lodging. per annum, with board and

fail Ors, ls. per hour, wit hoot board and lodoing-
lodgiHarvest-work, 7s. to SS. per day,' without and
ng.
The present has been nte of the most delightful sum-
mers ever experienced in. the Colony, The're has not
been any continuance of the usual summer heat. The
influenza was very p.revale nt fur some time in a rather
revere form, but it has nrarly disappeared
ow The
harvest has been well got and we hear non com'plaints
of an indifferent crop.
Intelligence has been x eceived of the discovery of
productive gold field in N'w.v Zealand. It is siCtiateda
in the Coromandel District of Auckland. The first
"Auckland Gold Circuliar," by Messrs. Connell and
Riling, under date Dec. 13, appears in the New Zea-
lander, and contains an account of the sale of the first
gold dust and gold quartz brought into Auckland.
It may be interesting to the friends of the colony in
England to learn that at the sale of town lots in the out-
skirts of Melbourne some of thr,,m realised at the rate of
u o less than 2,0001. per acre,

THE EASTERN QUESTION.

(From the Times.)
Although the impending occupation of the Da-
nubian Principalities by Russia has been discussed
and anticipated by Europe for a period of several
weeks, the near approach of this event has not
diminished its importance, but has rather increased
the anxiety with which its consequences must be
regarded. We still speak of it as an event impend-
ing, but not consummated, because great doubt
was attached to the intelligence transmitted to us
from Vienna, that 12,000 Russians had. actually
entered Jassy on the 25th, and the Austrian Go-
vernment has since contradicted that statement.
According to the more precise information which
we have received from St. Petersburg, it was not
till the 25th that the order to cross the Pruth had
been given by the Emperor. Whatever may en-
sue, the people of this country will require, and
they have a right to require, full and honest proof
that nothing has been left undone by which war
could be avoided ; that the Government sedulously
abstained from mixing itself up, in questions of
foreign interest, such as that of the Holy Places,
until the general obligations of Europe and our
own interests and engagements were proved to be
at stake ; that even then our interposition was
conciliatory, not menacing ; and that we adhered
throughout to the explicit declarations given in her
Majesty's name at an early period of these trans-
actions. Nay, should the Principalities be occupied
by Russia—as they perhaps are in part at this
moment—we still hope that a collision may be
avoided long enough at least to afford time for a
fresh attempt at negotiation. But, should all this
fail, should all these delays on the part of Russia
turn out to be no more than the disguised prepara-
tions of a long-conceived and deliberately executed
plan of aggression on the part of the Emperor
Nicholas, then, indeed, we do not think so meanly
of our countrymen or of the British Parliament as
to doubt that they will display the same union and
determitation which has often borne us through
far greater trials.
No doubt it would be easy for the Emperor
Nicholas even Dow to accept the guarantees which
the Porte gives to its Christian subjects and to ter-
minate the dispute, if such were his desire. But it
is difficult to pass in review the circumstances of
this quarrel without arriving at the conclusion that
he who thought fit to begin it will not think fit to
end it here or now. The utter insufficiency of the
alleged causes of resentment against Turkey, espe-
cially after satisfaction had been obtained on the
only tangible grievances complained of, suggests
that other and deeper motives . must he at work.
As long as we had reason to believe that the object
of Prince Menschikoff's mission was to settle the
dispute about the Holy Places or even to obtain a
fresh declaration of immunities to the Christian
Churches, these matters lay within the ordinary
compass of diplomacy. But the concentration of
armies on the frontier, the review at Odessa, the
demeanour of the Envoy and his reception at Con-
stantinople awakened other suspicions. He seems
to have been sent not so much to obtain a treaty
as to pick a quarrel. What he seems most to have
wanted was a refusal, and to have obtained all he
asked would probably have been to fail in his en-
terprise.
There exist at the Court of St. Petersburgh in
the Russian empire two parties, which are broadly
distinguished by their respective descent from the
German or Baltic provinces of the empire, or from
the old Muscovite stock. A large proportion of
the statesmen who have done honour to the policy
of the empire belong to the former class—among
them Prince Lieven Count Nesselrode, M. de
Benkendorf, M. de 'Meyendorf, Baron Brunow,
Baron Krudener, and many others. The reigning,
house of Russia is itself divided by only two gene-
rations from its German origin, and the Emperor
Alexander never concealed his prediliction for men
who streng,thened his connection with the manners
and ideas of Western Europe. The Emperor Ni-
cholas has pursued an opposite course. His policy
has been to identify himself with the passions, the
peculiarities, the political aspirations, and the reli-
gious fanaticism of the Muscovites, and, far more
than his Ministers, he has adopted the spirit which
he chose to represent. His second and favourite
son, the Grand Duke Constantine has espoused the
same great national party, with even greater fana-
ticism and intensity than the Emperor; and in both
of them the cause of the Church and of the Empire
finds. a champion, and perhaps an instrument. It
is certain that the strong ambition of this party,
inflamed by religious enthusiasm and the pride of
a dominant race, has for years past been directed
to the present year as the fourth centenary of the
overthrow of the Greek Empire, and to Constan-
tinople as the prize of war ; and, whatever may be
the intrinsic worthlessness of such mystical asso-
ciations and prophecies, it will not be denied that
they contribute to the feeling which may lead to
their fulfilment. In the impassioned judgment of
these men, the circular of Count Nesselrode, whieh
has been condemned in the rest of Europe for its
illogical temerity, is denounced as a feeble and un-
worthy declaration of Russian supremacy. War,
in the shape in which it is presented to them is
not an invasion, but a crusade ; and the question
of the Holy Places, combined with a claim to the
protection of the Greek Church, are precisely the
subjects most calculated to kindle their ardour. If,
in an evil hour for the work and for himself, the
Emperor Nicholas has roused this spirit, which it is
beyond his power to curb and subdue—if, as we have
reason to fear, the advance of the army is accom-
panied with fresh appeals to the pride and daring of
the nation, this calamitous and destructive force may
break forth and lead to the most deplorable conse-
quences. Such passions are just aslawlessaud hostile
to the best interests ofmankind as those revolutionary
commotions to which the Emperor Nicholas con-
ceives his policy to be diametrically opposed ; and
it matters but little whether the world is threa-
tened by the intemperate proselytism of the French
Convention, or by the popular superstitions and
barbarous irruptions of the Muscovite race. The
triumph of might over right, and of force over
law, especially when it is assisted by popular excite-
ment, is the essence of political revolution, and,
paradoxical as it sounds, the Emperor Nicholas is
rapidly becoming the chief enemy of the established
order of things in Europe. That is our chief dan-
ger, for the revolution which he represents is
armed with enormous military forces and directed
by absolute power. But, on the other hand, as its
ambition is insatiable, this spirit once let loose
must sooner or later come into collision with the
constituted rights of other nations, and, if Europe
remain united and true to her common interests
and duties, she has it now in her power to pre-
scribe to ussia those limitations which that empire
seems at present so little disposed to respect.

(Pram, tlic Examiner. )
Since the publication of the Nesselrode ultimatis-
simum, there can no longer remain a doubt of the
occupation of the principalities of Moldavia and
Wallachia by Russian troops. And never certainly
since the days of the partition of Poland was there
a more unconstitutional or insolent attack upon
a weak and almost unresisting neighbour. That
Russia, in full peace, without provocation
should thus wantonly take a step seriously me-
nacing the independence of the Porte, de-
priving it of the allegiance and resources of two
of its provinces, and destroying the loyalty or at
least the tranquillity of a third province, that of
Bulgaria, is surely something that calls for a seri-
ous resolution on the part of the western powers
of Europe. If Russia be now, allowed to occupy
the Turkish provinces without let or inconvenience
to herself, it will become a rule that she 'may oc-
cupy them at any time hereafter without war. A.
frontier province which a country may seize with-
out without giving a pretext for resistance. may
indeed be considered as already appertaining to
that country. But this occupation not only
threatens the Turkish territories north of the Bal-
kan, it threatens Constantinople itself.
It is quite idle now to say that the Turk is to be
left to the responsibility of his own acts, and is
free to consider the passage of the Pruth as war or
not war. All the world knows that the Sultan
will be guided by the advice of France and Eng-
land. If the Sultan tolerate the . insult and
accept the invasion, the announcement to the
entire East will be that the maritime powers
dareteeth
notof b
of the West quail before Russia ; and, in the
therinwg up their
provocation of that power,
their fleets to Constantinople.
If this be the end, all we can say is, that we have
indulged much vapouring and' a large expense for
no purpose, except to render more manifest our
impotence and our pusillanimity. We have either
the right and the power to defend the Turkish
empire from Russia, or we have not. If we, that
France and England, have the power as well as
the right, now is the time to ezercise it. Never
again in the lapse of years will such another oppor-
tunity occur. If some certain limit be not now fixed
to Russian advances, we may take for granted
that every limit will be oversteppci. We have
now the opportunity-, as we have the right and
assage of ePk
the power to declare, that the p
by the Russians, without any pretext
nttose
th
in any treaty, is a breach of the prf
bettleinkni'
uth
ent
of Europe, and requires instant
innte
eerseimncAtsot
provide against its consequences. in
precaution is that of the allied fleets anchornry
the Bosphorus. It is an act that really does in no
wise menace Russia, or cripple her resources. It is
✓ery far from an ample set-off to the invasion of the
P▪
rincipalities. But it is an act that would address it-
self to the invaded poP lationg, and would make
manifest to the world and to- Russia that the
Western Powers are not prepared to permit; the
conquest and appropriation of the Turkish capital

and the empire. Let that be done, and we shall
have no war. Let it be not done, let Russia push
her soldiers to the foot of the Balkan with impu-
nity, and there dictate terms, as to the Sultan she
alleges it to be her intention, and the Western
Powers give up ipso facto the interests for which
they *ere arming, and all declare all their remon-
strances and threats to be mere idle vatouring.
The same conduct of Russia since February is
inexplicable, except upon the generally-believed
supposition that there is a powerful party in the
empire which is growing impatient, and which blaanes
Nicholas for being so dilatory in pushing forward his
means of conquest. It is a war party that sent and
supports Prince Menchikoff, and, if it triumph, if it
can exhibit to the Czar the Western Powers aban-
doning Turkey, or some of the best provinces of Tur-
key, to the invader, it will acquire fresh spirit, insol-
ence, and hardihood, and fresh national support
for more audacious advances. If, on the other
hand, the position taken up by this party can be
shown to have put Russia at a disadvantage, and
to have led to measures which must permanently
render the capital of Turkey secure against an in-
vasion from the Black Sea, then the more rational
and tolerant statesmen of Russia will resume
the sway, and we shall have to deal with a rational
European rival instead of with a barbarous Asiatic
antagonist.

SERIOUS COLLIERY ACCIDENT AT OLDHAM.

On Friday afternoon a shocking and most fatal explo-
sion of gas occurred at the coal mine of Mr. Butter-
worth, Bent Grange Colliery, Oldham, resulting in 17
deaths-15 of the colliers (men and boys) having been
killed at once, and two having died subsequently. The
accident occurred about 3 o'clock, and was accompanied
by a very loud report. The gas is believed to have been
fired in a level running in a westerly direction from the
main road, and about 300 yards from the shaft. Some
men had been working in this level on Thursday night,
making a roadway ; and the men whose places were near
it were cautioned to be very careful during the day, as
the night men had of necessity moved a sheet which
turned the air into the workings. It is said, however,
that William Wild, one of the deceased, went to the spot
immediately before the explosion with the top off his
lamp, which was placed in his waggon. It is said to
have been a practice for the men to work with the tops
off their lamps, and to smoke when they pleased.
An explosion occurred at this colliery on the 9th of
October, 1850, when 15 persons were killed. At that
time there was only one shaft, which was divided by a
brattice for the purpose of ventilation, but a second
shaft near to the existing one was being sunk. This
shaft was completed in February, 1851, and has since
been used as the downcast pit. The old shaft is the
upcast, and a current of air through the mine is secured
by a steam jet, the pipe from one of the boilers being
carried 35 yards below the surface. Each of the shafts
is about 220 yards deep. The coal got is known as the
ilyley Mine ; it is- about 21t. 10in. thick, with about
18 Jn. of " bass." The mine is said to be very free from
" faults," and to be fully an average one as to freedom
from gas.
We subjoin a list of the' 17 persons who have been
killed by the explosion, with such names of the sufferers
as could be ascertained, many of those brought out alive
being at their homes, of whose present state no particu-
lars have yet been obtained.
The following is .a list of the killed lying at the Abbey

Inn :
Elkanah Howarth,•Booth-end-lane-; aged 30, wife and
three children. " •• • •
Samuel A.F.hwoi-tb, Cow-hill, 43, wife and five children.
William Wild,lßoYton, 22, single.
John Jones; Red-town-nook, 30, wife and child.
Robt.lam, Middleton, 24, wife and three children.
Joseph; Haikyard, Royton, 35, wife and four children.
Robert Crookson, Royton, 28, wife and three children.
Joseph Jackson (did riot work in the pit), Coldhurst,
20, single.
Samuel Ogden, He,gginshaw 35, wife and five children.
Simeon Sinii,h; I 1
b, 38, wife, but no children.
Henry Kershaw; North Moor, 21, single.
James Kershaw, (his, father), 44, wife and five children.
George Whittaker, OldhaM, 21, single.
Robert Mellor, Oldham, 50, wife and two children.
William Fitton, Oldham, 35, wife and five children.
Of those who have died.in. their houses in Royton are
—Nathaniel Gill, 30, widower, one child ; and Luke
Brierley, 10, drawer's assistant.
Among the injured are— • •
Robert Mellor, a lad, very much bruised, burnt, and
sufferinr, fro:a the afterdamp; not expected to recover.
Joseph Hailsworth, a young married man, with one
child, severely burnt ou the- shoulder.
Edward Butter.vorth, 18, much bruised and blown.
Bricrley and San2nel Wild, two lads, suffering much
from afterdanip, and also " blown" when got out, but
much better to-day.
Richard Crookson (brother to Robert, one of the de-
ceased, bruised, and suffering from afterdamp.
Gill and. Brierley died early on Saturday morning,
there having been no holie of their recovery ; most of
the other unfortunate men were dead when they were
got out of the pit. The last dead bodies were brought
out between half-past 11 and 12 o'clock on Friday night;
and, although some parts of the mine have not yet been
examined, the underlooker was confident that none of
the men were missing, on Saturday afternoon.
Mr. T. F. F. Dearden, coroner for the Rochdale.dis•
trict, opened the inquest upon the bodies at the Abbey
Inn, about 3 o'clock, but nothing could be done beyond
the identification of the bodies ; and the inquiry was ad-
journed until the receipt of a reply from the Secretary
of State, relative to an inspector being sent down.