The Sun.
London, England, 1854-01-06 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, FRIDAY EVENING, JANUARY 6, 1854

have the hardihood to brave the icy passage. I
Even habitual snarlers can scarcely grumble at the
addition to the ordinary scale.
Business, in fact, is at a standstill, except in
the shops where fuel or provisions are for sale,
and these exhibit extraordinary activity. Every
customer who has the means of obtaining it re-
quires an extra supply, in place of being contented
to reduce his' demands. He who remains within
doors wishes to be surrounded with all the " crea-
ture comforts," to have abundance to eat and
drink, with a well-swept hearth and a blazing fire.
The enjoyment of these various matters enables
him to bear with fortitude the severity of the wea- I
ther, to look out even cheerfully on the unvarying
aspect of out-door matters, to see the unsullied
purity of the snow, by which everything is co-
vered, and even to smile with satisfaction at the
ample provision which he has made to expel cold
and hunger from his domicile.
But what has he done for his suffering fellow-
creatures ? What aid has he afforded the unfor-
tunate wretches who find that while their means
are greatly reduced, or altogether cut off, they
have to pay extravagant charges for the com-
monest necessaries of life—for the commodities
essential to the support of existence. Has he exa-
mined his butcher's, his baker's ---:above all, his
coal merchant's—bill ? If he has had to supply
himself with any of the articles supplied by these
useful tradesmen, he must feel for those whose
scanty means prohibit the comforts that he is en-
abled to obtain—perhaps with difficulty—not-
withstanding his superior resources. If so, he
must, if a man of ordinary feeling, determine -to
do something to assist the many who are endur-
ing severe privations at such a season. It is not
our habit or desire at any time to preach to our
readers, or unduly to press upon their attention
the social duties incidental to their position in
society ; but surely at the present time we are
more than justified in directing attention to a sub-
ject which ought not to be forgotten by men of
any creed or class, and which ought to be felt and
acted on by all, from the highest to the lowest.
The high prices of provisions and fuel are in-
deed peculiarly worthy of notice, and it may be-
come a serious question whether means should
not be adopted to prevent such exorbitant charges
as are at present, and, we fear, in some instances,
unduly levied on the chief necessaries of life, the
articles of every day consumption. Let us, for
instance, take the case of " coal." What can
justify a retail price amounting to 21. 10s. or 2/.
15s. per ton, or 2s. 6d. or 2s. 9d. per cwt.,
charged to the poor man, who can only purchase
a half, or possibly a quarter, of a cwt. of coal
at a time ? The quotations on the Coal Exchange
have unquestionably ruled high, but not so high
as to justify such charges, and it may be impor-
tant to ascertain how these quotations are. It
was notorious during the palmy days of the Corn-
laws and the sliding scale, how the averages were
doctored, and foreign breadstuffs excluded from
the market, except at extravagant and almost.
prohibitory duties. We fear that there is a little
,doctoring going on at present at the Coal Ex-
change to keep the quotations high for the benefit
—not of the coal' owners, but of the coal mer-
chants. For instance, we know that within less
than a month more than six hundred vessels laden
with coal arrived in the Thames. This, indepen-
dent of the railway-borne coal, would have pre-
vented anything approaching to a scarcity. ' There
could certainly be no justification for famine prices,
and yet we have them, for even the most moderate
dealers are 'now charging 2/. ss. for large quanti-
ties ; and this, although, as we last week men-
tioned, more than one thousand vessels started in
the beginning of last week, the great majority of
which have arrived in the river. It is obvious,
then, that there is an evil, a public grievance, of
no ordinary magnitude, for which a remedy may
be practicable. It is the duty of the Legislature
to ascertain the causes that have led to such un-
toward results, and, if possible, to prevent a re-
petition of matters which so deeply affect the
welfare and happiness of the working population
of the country.

WARLIKE PREPARATIONS IN FRANCE.

We learn, from good authority, that the Emperor of
France is making, though quietly and unobtrusively,
preparations for war on a scale of magnitude far sur-i
passing anything of which either we or his own subjects
had any idea. In a few weeks ho will have the extra-
ordinary number of 700,000 efficient men available for
warlike purposes at a moment's notice.—Morning Ad-
vertiser.

COURT CIRCULAR.

WINDSOR, JAN. 5.

The following had the honour of dining with her
Majesty yesterday :—Colonel the Hon. Charles and Mrs.
Grey and the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone.

The band of the Ist Life Guards attended in the Castle
during dinner, and performed the following pieces :
March, " Feiza Baari."
Overture " Fest"
Airs de Ballet, " Le Prophete* Meyerbeer.
Selection, " Rigoletto" Verdi.
Polka.
Quadrille, " Frederich Wilhelm" Bilge.
Galop
Her Majesty's private band afterwards was in atten-
dance, and played the following selections :
Overture' " Zerline" Auber.
Aria and Quartetto in Canon (Ist Act),
" Fidelio"'
Coro, I" Il Crociato" Meyerbeer.
Selection, " Iphigenie" Gluck.
Couplets and Air de Danse, " Gustave" Auber.
His Royal Highness Prince Albert drove her Majesty
out in a sledge yesterday afternoon towards Staines.
The Princess followed in a second sledge.
The Hon. Mary Bulteel, Colonel Bouverie, and Colo-
nel the. Hon. Charles Grey was in attendance.

The Marquis of Lansdowne, the Earl and Countess
of Hardwicke, the Earl and Countess of Shelburne, and
Sir Charles Eastlake have been invited, and are ex-
pected to-day.

CABINET Courwm—A Cabinet Council was held at
the Foreign-office, Downing-street, yesterday afternoon.
The Ministers present were the Earl of Aberdeen, Lord
John Russell, the Lord Chancellor, Earl Granville, the
Duke of Argyll, Viscount Palmerston, the Earl of
Clarendon, the Duke of Newcastle, the Chancellor of
the Exchequer, Sir James Graham, Sir Charles Wood,
the Right Hon. Sidney Herbert, and Sir William Moles-
worth. The Council sat four hours.

The Marquis of Lansdowne and the Earl and Countess
of Shelburne left Lansdowne-house, yesterday, on a visit
to her Majesty, at Windsor Castle.
The Earl and Countess of Hardwicke left town, yes.
terday afternoon, on a visit to the Queen, at Windsor
Castle.
Mr. Tidd Pratt had an interview with the Chancellor
of the Exchequer on Wednesday, at his official residence
in Downing-street.
Viscount Palmerston arrived in town yesterday morn.
ing to attend the Cabinet Council from his seat, Broad-
lands, Hants.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer arrived in town
yesterday forenoon from Windsor Castle.
The Bight Hon. Sidney Herbert arrived in town yes.
terday morning from Wilton-house, Salisbury, to attend
the Cabinet Council.

Despatches were received at the Colonial-office yester-
day from the governors of the West India lelands.
THE NEW GOVERNOR OP VICTORIA. Sir Charles
Hotham, Bart., who intended leaving England by the
General Screw-Steam Shipping Company's steamer
Crcesus, which sails from Southampton on Tuesday next,
has been compelled to postpone his departure. It is
probable he will leave England by the Bosphorus, which
will sail for Australia in the following month, and which
will carry the mail.
HER MAJEirrY'S PREACH/MS.—The following gentle-
ment have been appointed to preach before her Majesty
for the present month :—The Rev. Sir John Hobart
Seymour, Bart., canon of Gloucester and rector of
Northchurch ; the Hon. and Rev. J. T. Pelham, M.A.,
incumbent of Christ Church, Hampstead ; the Rev.
Matthew Irving, D.D., canon of Rochester, vicar of
Chatham, and vicar of Sturminster Marshall ; and the
Rev. Charles Baring, M.A., rector of All Souls, St.
Marylebone.
THE HORSE GUARDS.—We are enabled to stat 4 that
the resignation and changes in the Horse Guards, re-
ported by a morning contemporary, are quite unfounded.
—Morning paper.

JUVENILE ENTERTAINMENT AT THE MANSION-HOIISE.
—Last evening a splendid juvenile party was given by
the Lady Mayoress at the Mansion-house, to nearly 400
of the younger branches of the families of several of the
nobility (now in town), and of the judges, merchants,
bankers, and the principal citizens. The amusements
were varied, dancing forming the most attractive feature
of the evening's entertainment. Mons. Rosenberg (the
conjuror) attended and amused the company with his
extraordinary performances; and an efficient band, under
the direction of Mr. Blagrove, was engaged for the oc-
casion. Supper was served in the Egyptian Hall, which
probably never looked more interesting than when filled
by the brilliant assemblage of juveniles, between the
ages of seven and sixteen. The occasion on which this
festivity was given was in celebration of the birthday of
the Lord Mayor.

MONEY MARKET

COMME.RCIA.LA/ND TELLIGENCE.

CITY, TWO O'CLOCK.

The sales of cotton at Liverpool yesterday were
estimated at 6,000 bales, 1,500 of which were taken
for export, and on speculation. The market was
quiet at previous prices. Railway shares were
flat.

On Tuesday the markets opened, and fuller prices
were realised for most colonial staples than were
obtainable before the holidays. Holders generally
evince considerable firmness, under the supposition
that the occurrence of 'war would retard supplies.
There was an advance in sugar, coffee, and rice.
Tea has been dull, but seems now to be experi-
encing a revival of demand.

The state of the dried fruit trade at Liverpool is
thus described by Messrs. Houghton and Levy :

" For the season of the year the current market dur-
ing the past month has been unusually quiet, but the
improved clearances show an increased amount of busi-
ness on several months past, and reach 230 tons against
110 tons during the previous month ; in comparison,
however, with the corresponding period of last year they
show a decrease of one-third the quantity. Our arrivals
have been large—say 500 tons (principally 1853 fruit),
against 150 tons in December, 1852 ; our stocks also
show a larger accumulation than we then had, though
chiefly of inferior qualities. Holders of all descriptions
have evinced more disposition to sell, and for 1851 fruit
have submitted to lower terms, it has, however, had the
effect of bringing it into increased consumption ; 1852
fruit is pressed upon the market, and fur inferior quali-
ties there are sellers as low as 30s. per cwt., D.P.,—
the present heavy stocks of this description will tend io
prevent any improvement in price, as the bulk being of
a perishable character will not do to hold. The arrivals
of 1853 crop are generally of a good quality, and a few
parcels equal to any of 1852 growth are held for ex-
treme rates. The dulness which has pervaded our fruit
market up to the present time is only similar to whit
prevailed the same period last year, though not to so
great an extent then, and leads us therefore to hope a
like improved demand which occurred after Christmas
last season will manifest itself from this time forward,
though, from a variety of causes, there is no question
we shall this year have a limited demand.
"We have had three arrivals of Valencia raisins during
the month, bringing the total importation at this port,
this season, up to 18 cargoes, against 21 at the corre-
sponding date of last season. Our clearances have,
nevertheless, been much larger, and our present stooks
are comparatively small ; prices, however, have not been
maintained, but have been influenced by the London
market, which has also receded in consequence of the
pressure of tender fruit. We have therefore to note a
decline of ls. to 2s. per cwt. ; and as the bulk of the
imports on thih market are of good average quality, we
do not for the present look for any alteration. Black
Smyrnas. —The arrivals still continue extensive and
without any corresponding demand, and the stocks have
now considerably accumulated ; some holders having
forced their fruit upon the market have submitted to a
great reduction in rates,—fine fruit has been bought at
28s. to 30s. It has, however, had the effect of bringing
the article into greater consumption. Sultanas.—Our
supplies continue small, but the high rates demanded by
importers prevent any large amount of business ; but
where moderate prices have been submitted to, the ti'de
have bought readily. Muscateles.—The arrivals are
quite equal to the demand ; prices are without alteration."
The Committee of Mexican Bondholders have
been informed that the remittances received by this
packet from Mexico on account of the advance
made by Jecker, Torre, and Co., amount to
$93,635 50c. from Vera Cruz, and $36,857 59c.
from Tampico, making together $130,493 9c.,
which, with the remittances and bills of lading
already received, will nearly cover Messrs. Jecker,
Torre, and Co.'s advance.
The Committee of Spanish American Bondhold-
ers have received this morning a letter from Mr.
Mocatta, dated Quito, the 23d November, apprising
them that the' Ecuadorian Senate had thought
proper, in reference to the provisional agreement
submitted to the bondholders at their meeting"of
28th June last, and agreed to by them, to make
such alterations and modifications as would, in his
judgment, completely destroy the basis of the said
agreement. Mr. Mocatta received the official com-
munication of this most unsatisfactory result only
the day prior to the above date of his letter. He
had, however, immediately protested against it ;
and, as the ordinary sessions of Congress would
last only two days longer, he had requested that
the matter might be again taken into considera-
tion by the Extraordinary Congress, which was
about to be convened for the principal object of
submitting to them proposals for reforms in the
constitution. Whether Mr. Mocatta's application
would be acceded to or not he expected to learn in
a few days.

The few letters to the 2d October from Sydney,
via Panama, refer in favourable terms to the state
of the import markets. A reduction had been
made in the charge for gold mining licenses, but it
is improbable, after their total abolition in Vic-
toria, that this will give satisfaction.
The mails from the provinces, though still in
arrear, are coming forward more regularly this
morning, as the lines of railway get cleared' of the
snow.

The English Funds have been heavy, and after
opening at 93i Consols have receded to 921. Special
transfers have been made for the first time since
the shutting, and there seems to be a supply of
stock, although yesterday the speculators were
rather short of it, and glad to take considerable
amounts. The dissentients to the conversion of
South Sea and other Aniuities are being paid off
at the Bank of England, and but for the uncertain
state of political affairs, this would doubtless have
given an impetus to prices, especially in conjunction
with the very satisfactory revenue returns. As to
the capital of the South Sea Company being all re-
ceived from the Chancellor in Exchequer Bills, at
3s. premium, and not obtainable by the proprietors
unless they submit to a discount 4 per cent., while,
moreover, there is no certainty that the Company
will accommodate them, even in this way after
next month, it ceases to be an element in any cal-
culation involving an increased supply of money,
since few will take their money upon these terms. The
dividends upon Consols, &C. will be paid on Monday
the 9th inst. to the public. The bankers, as a matter
of convenience, sign the books this day and to-mor-
row for themselves and country correspondents.
The New 3± per Cents. have been 93i to 94i, and
the 3 per Cents. from 931 I have receded to 921.
The news that France has advised her ambassadors
of the intended entry of the fleets into the Black
Sea is considered to bring the Eastern dispute
nearer to a crisis, and as in all such cases the
anxiety increases, although the relief subsequently
will be greater, if the step be followed by a deter-
mined line of policy. Exchequer Bills have been
quoted Is to 10s., and India Bonds 3s. premium.
Foreign Stocks are dull, but at lower rates.
There is more doing in Dutch 4 per Cents., which
from 961 have sunk to 951. Mexican Stock has
been quiet at 23i to 4. Russian 41 per Cents, are
94 toe ex dividend.
Railway Shares have been flat again,
and the
few transactions entered into have been at lower
prices. The French lines are also worse:

The Gold Mines are merely nominal, and the
Banks dull, and the Land Companies again lower.

BRITISH FUNDS THIS DAY.
(Prone the Official List.)
Business done.
Bulk Stock
3 per Cent. Reduced Annuities 93i 21 3
3 per Cent, Consols Annuities 93h 24 x d
New 31 per Cent. Annuities 94 31 4i 4
India Bonds, £lOOO . ......
Ditto, under £lOOO .. .
Bank Stock fbr Account ... .
Consols for Opening 18th Jan.
Exchequer Bills, ld.
£1000
£5OO 7 10 p
Small 7 10 p
PRICE OF FOREIGN FUNDS THIS DAY.
Xustrian Bonds, 5 per Cent. •• ••• 91
New Bmzilianßonds, 1829 & 39, 5 per Cent. 98
Danish Bonds, 1825, 3 per Cent
Ditto 5 per Cent ....... .... ....... ..• ••• 1.011
Grenada Bonds, Deferred. 7i
Mexican 3 por Cont. .. .
Ditto for the Account 231
Portuguese Bonds, 5 per Cent. .. .. .
Russian Bonds, 1822, 5 per Cent. £St ll2
Ditto 44 per Cent
Ditto Small .. . ..... ... .
Sardinian Bond's, 5 per Cent.

Dividends on the above payablOn London.
Dutch Exchange, 2i per Cont. 12 Guil 63 x d
Ditto 4 per Cent. Certificates
THREE O'CLOCK.
Consols for Opening 18th January 93

DELAY Or MAILS THIS DAY.—Very great inconveni-
ence was this morning experienced by mercantile firms
in the city, owing to the detention of most of the Nor-
thern, North Western, and Eastern Counties mails, conse-
quent on the immense accumulation of snow not only on
the branch lines, but on the main trunks. With very
few exceptions, none of the mails due at the General
Post-office at 4 and .5 o'clock had reached that establish-
Anent at 11 o'clock. Several arrivals, however, took
place that have been over-due since yesterday and the
day preceding. The hamsgate and Margate branches
are not yet open to Canterbury, and the transit is by
the circuitous route of Deal and Dover, and from thence
to London. No communication has as yet taken place
with the Isle of 411eppey, as the Medway and Swale are
described as being full of large masses of floating ice,
and the guards on the Northern Railways state that the
thaw has not as yet sensibly diminished the obstruction.

LAW INTELLIGENCE--(THIS DAY).

BANKRUPTCY COURT.
(Before Mr. Commissioner Evans.)

A COMMISSION OF 1812.-LIN RE KENSINGTON AND CO.,

BANKERS.

This was an audit meeting under the estate. of Ken-
sington and Co. ,"who, up to theyear 1812, have carried
on business as bankers in the City. From the lapse of
time no parties appeared, and the business was, pro
forma, to appoint a dividend meeting and to hand over,
under the Bankruptcy Consolidation Act, any unclaimed
dividends for the purpose specified.