The Sun.
London, England, 1854-01-18 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, WEDNESDAY EVENING,- JANUARY 18, 1854,

had been distributed as designed from the com-
mencement. Wherefore, the military position
occupied by the soldiers of Turkey would appear
to be of remarkable strength, both along the banks
of the river, and along the line of the Balkan
Mountains.

As to the situation of things in the Black Sea
—that we cannot by any means regard as
satisfactory. It is gratifying, of course, to know
that the combined fleets have really at last entered
those waters, instead of remaining uselessly at
their anchorage in the Bosphorus. But assuredly
it is anything rather than agreeable to remember
that they have delayed this movement until the
very worst season of the whole year for that most
difficult and even perilous navigation. Besides,
will it be credited, that by a monstrous oversight
on the part of our naval authorities, the best lino
of coast has been awarded to the French for their
'operations, and the worst line of coast to ours ?
the two squadrons having separated immediately
on emergingfrom the Bosphorus, that under Admi-
ral DIINDA.S directing its course along the Asiatic
shores, and that under Admiral HAaIELIN along
the European. Everything considered, there-
fore, we must await with some anxiety the news
from the Euxine, as well as the intelligence from
St. Petersburg.

Perhaps the greatest legal reform of modern
days has been the establishment of local tribunals
in every district throughout the entire country,
and the enactment of a complete code for the
cheap and expeditious recovery of small debts.
We have advocated the County Court system from
the very commencement, and long before it re- ,
ceived the general acceptance since accorded. But
notwithstanding our approval of its general
features, we were by no means blind to its defects,
many of which we have from time to time ex-
posed while pointing out the necessity of altera-
tions in the practice. We are well aware that
perfection cannot be looked for, that grave errors
must be anticipated under the wisest and best-
regulated law, and that a single mistake, or even
dozens of mistakes on the part of the local judges
could not derogate from a system, the object
whereof is "to confer the greatest good on the
greatest number." But, still, when we find the
most glaring errors committed, and the judges
who have been in fault interposing obstacles to
their correction, and trying to claim infallibility
for themselves by making their decisions final and
irreversible, we feel strongly the necessity for
extending the power of appeal, and enabling every
person who feels himself aggrieved, and who is
willing to comply with certain reasonable condi-
tions, to take the opinions of the judges of one of
the superior courts on his case, and to test the
validity of the judgment.
It has been urged that such a privilege would
take away one of the greatest advantages of the
new system, the promptitude and expedition with
which:every matter wouldlbe finally disposed of, and
also that it would lead to additional expenses
that would speedily deprive the new tribunals of
their ecospmical character, so that their principal
recommendations—speed and cheapness—would be
taken away. Some weight is undoubtedly to be
attached to these arguments, which are conclu-
sive against indiscriminate appeals that might be
taken merely for the purposes of vexatious delay.
Some guarantee should be given as a test of bona
fides, but when that is done every facility should
be afforded, and the appeal in every case Bided
according to its substantial merits and orrwsome
point of special pleading or technicality. That
we should insist on this power cannot be taken as
casting a slight on the County Court Judges, for
their decisions would not be more liable to ques-
tion than those of their superior brethren, all of
whose judgments may be questioned as a matter
of right, which every litigant may claim ex debito
justitia.

The point to which we are alluding, and which
shows the obstacles interposed in the way of a
rehearing of a case, supposed to have been erro-
neously decided, received a powerful illustration
from the case of Wm-KIN-sow V. FIGG, heard before
the Barons of the Exchequer, on the first day of
the present term. It appeared that the original
case, which had been tried before Mr. PARRY,
Q.C., the Judge of the Oxford County Court,
was brought for a breach of viarranty of a horse,
which the plaintiff had purchased from the de-
fendant for 501. The local Judge gave damages
for 501., the full amount paid, and that although
the subject of the dispute still remained in the
hands of the plaintiff. Against this palpably
erroneous judgment an appeal was entered. Under
the County Court Act it is necessary that in all
notices of appeal the case must be signed by the
Judge whose decision is impeached, andithat this
must be done within three days, and the case so
signed transmitted to the London office of the
court, and notice of such transmission given to
the opposite side. Mr. PARRY, on signing the
case, directed that a certain receipt and summons
should be inserted. These could not, however, be
obtained within the necessary time, inasmuch as
they were in the possession of the plaintiff's agent,
whose object it was to defeat the appeal in any
manner practicable. The Barons of the Exchequer
did not consider the case sufficient, and remitted it
to the Learned Judge for amendment, enlarging
the rule until this present term. The observa-
tions of Mr. PARRY, on being requested to sign
such ease, are worthy of notice. We subjoin
them, as taken by the short-hand writer. They
are certainly not such as would have fallen from
a person who supposed that his words would be
taken down and printed. Mr. PARRY said :
" I take the same view of the case as I originally did,
and are sorry that parties will not consent to substitute
this for the former case. I can only say that I was re-
luctant to sign such a document, but it was only on the
earnest personal entreaty of the defendant's attorney, as
if life depended on it, that I was induced to sign the
document. I signed literally at the point of the bayonet.
If any affidavit has been made in opposition to the facts,
the party making it has placed himself in the same posi-
tion as a person against whom has been obtained a sen-
tence of transportation for seven years. I was in no
way to blame, but the person who acted for the de-
fendant, and goaded me to sign the documpat. I said
at the time in question, If it is desirable to sign such
a document, lam quite willing to sig❑ a fair copy.' As
a, judge, I am bound hand and foot by the law, and if I
sign that which is opposed by the opposite party, what
position do I place myself in ? I might be charged with
dereliction of duty, and be liable to be impeached for
having acted knowingly and wilfully against the law.
Why should the judges in the superior court force my
conscience when they have consciences of their own ?
I cannot see why they cannot treat this as a fair case,
and deal with it accordingly. I inserted on the ease
' copy summons and receipt,' and I cannot see why the
Court of Exchequer could not deal with it as if they had
been inserted. . . . . Why not let the Court of Ex-
chequer do that which is done in other cases ? Where
judges differ they should put a liberal construction on
the County Court practice. The oversight has arisen
entirely from the defendant's attorney urging me to sign
blindfolded in this mauxter. I should have been pre-
pared to sign a fair copy, provided the other party had
not objected to my doing so ; but, the seal of the Court
having been affixed to the first case, the other side say,
We will hold by the strict letter of the law, and hold
you to it.' I can only say that I regret that such is
the case, and that I am not in a position to sign a fresh
ease."

On this the respondent entered a rule requiring
the appellant to " show cause why the case should
not be struck out of the special list, the proceed-,
ings stayed, and why the appellant should not
pay the costs." It was on showing cause against
the rule that these strange proceedings were
brought under public notice. It is not necessary
to allude to the observations of some of the
Learned Barons, which were by no means compli-
mentary to the County Court Judge. Our object
is not to hurt the feelings of that learned gentle-
man, but merely to point out a defect in the law that
should be remedied. Why, we ask, should there
be any necessity for obtaining the signature of
the Judge to the case within so Jimited a time ?
Why should not the rule be obtained, as in the
Superior Courts, on the statement of counsel, and
the notes of the Judge on the hearing obtained
before the final decision. It might facilitate
matters if such a case could be agreed on ; but
when that is manifestly impossible, the Superior
Court should be authorised to proceed without,
on such conditions,
perhaps, even for the originalor,
debt, as the Court
should be pleased to direct. When such security

was given, it could not possibly be asserted that
the plaintiff would be prejudiced by the delay,
and the only tangible objection would be removed.
It is the more important that this power of ap-
peal should be placed on a sound foundation, for,
if that were the case, the jurisdiction need no
longer be restricted, but might be extended to
ten times the present amount. With a facility
for appeals that would be decided not according
to technicalities, but the substantial merits, the
judgment might as well be for 5001., or even
5,0001., as for 501. The efficacy of the local tri-
bunals would thus be materially increased, and
cheap and speedy justice would be placed within
the reach of all classes in the community.

The contest between the masters and the opera-
tives in the manufacturing districts can never be
brought to a satisfactory conclusion until greater
energy and determination be displayed on the part
of the employers of labour, not only in the duchy
but throughout the entire kingdom, than has
hitherto been exhibited. Up to a late period
they remained comparatively apathetic and indif-
ferent, while their brethren at Preston were
vigorously and efficiently engaged in fighting their
battles. It would almost appear as if they had
imbibed the spirit of " Aberdeenisna," and that
the principle by which they were actuated was to
defer assistance to the last possible moment, and
then to make it as scanty and as indecisive as
possible. How many weeks, aye months, were
suffered to elapse before any support what-
soever was accorded to those who were
engaged in the common cause ? and,
when at length it was given, how singularly
inadequate to the magnitude of the emergency !
How long did the Capitalists even of Lancashire
stand aloof from the Masters' Association, not
merely abstaining from rendering aid to those of
their own order, but virtually bestowing it on
their opponents by employing Unionists who
would contribute largely in proportion to their
means to the turn-outs, and thus practically sup-
plying the " sinews of war" to the malcontents ?
On this point, the most important of any, nothing
whatsoever has been done. No pledge has been
required from the hands that they will abstain
from appropriating any portion of their wages to
a cause adverse to the interests of those who enable
them to earn these wages. Should the 5 per cent.
promised at the eleventh hour be actually and bona
fide paid, it would scarcely neutralise the efforts of
the " hands" on the opposite side, who freely pay
a much higher proportion of their receipts into the
hands of the delegates. A strict neutrality, indeed,
would be far better, by which masters and work-
ing people would mutually pledge themselves to
abstain from all active assistance, and mow espe-
cially from any payment to the funds of any body
which, either directly or indirectly, should find
its way to Preston for the use of either party.
But even that proposition, when made, was con-
tumeliously rejected, and the masters recognised,
aye, and truckled to the spirit of insubordination
that was abroad, being afraid to say, candidly and
honestly, that they would not support those who
were supporting their adversaries, and only await-
ing a suitable opportunity to attack themselves in
turn.

The five per cent. contribution from the mas-
ters would, if given in sufficient time. at the com-
mencement of the struggle, have been decisive,
but it was so long kept back, that it is now of com-
paratively trivial importance. There has been a
thorough organisation of the workingmen—they
have obtained new auxiliaries who would probably
have never embarked in the contest if they thought
masters generally were in earnest. A vigorous
demonstration, three, or even two months since,
would have been amply sufficient to have termi-
nated the deplorable and internecine conflict, and
to have arranged every point of difference. But
the matter was procrastinated to the last moment,
and the insouceance and vacillation of the mas-
ters found a striking contrast to the vigour and
resolution of the men.

And now we find the tardy and inadequate
assistance turned into a laughing-stock, and un-
mercifully ridiculed by the agitators. A dele-
gate appropriately named " ToNGE" or "TONGUE,"
and who certainly appears to be vox et praterea,
nihi,/, informed the ordinary weekly gathering on
Saturday, that " when inquiring how it was that
some of the manufacturers of Stockport, after
urging the delegates to agitate Preston for an
advance of wages, should now be contributing 5
per cent. towards the supportof the masters whose
mills were closed, he received as a reply from the
son of a manufacturer in Stockport- There's more
in that than you can see!' " This statement was
received with laughter and cheers by the audience,
who fully agreed with the active " TONGUE"
that the contribution was but a dodge to
deprive the Preston masters of their mar-
ket and to profit themselves from the absence
of competition to a larger amount than they paid
nominally for the support of the Masters of
Preston, but really to keep the mills closed, and
thus diminish the supply. Mr. GEORGE COWELL
had previously taken a similar view of the sub-
ject, and harangued at considerable length a
very attentive auditory, to prove that the 5 per
cent. was only given to suit the .selfish purposes
of the contributors.

We cannot feel surprised that such an opinion
should get abroad. The long-continued apathy,
and the indecisive nature of the aid afforded,
fully justify the imputation. But, even sup-
posing it to be well-founded, does it not prove a
little too much for the purposes of the delegates ?
Does it not show that such a payment which
virtually puts money into the pockets of
those by whom it is made cannot become
burdensome or oppressive, that it will not ex-
haust the resources or wear out the patience of
those by whom it is paid. In these important
respects it differs materially from the money
wrung from the hard hands of the operatives
who receive no pecuniary equivalent, but have
to curtail the wants of their families and
their own . comforts in order to keep up the
payment. If, then, the " Torroue" be without
guile, it requires no extraordinary amount of in-
telligence to prove that his argument tells against
himself, and that the weaker side must eventually
succumb. A more active and decided interference
would, however, be better, and if the masters be
desirous of really terminating the contest, they
should unanimously resolve to give no employment
to any who would refuse to renounce the Union,
and to promise that they would not give any of
their earnings to the support of the malcontents.
This would show that they were really in earnest,
and afford the best answer to the statements put
forward, and credited by many, as to the sinister
motives by which they have been actuated.

PROVIDENT CLERKS' MUTUAL LIFE
ASSURANCE ASSOCIATION.

We have great pleasure in directing attention to
the report, in another column, of the annual meet-
ing of this very excellent and prosperous institution,
affording as it does a striking illustration of the
opinion expressed by Professor de Morgan, " that
a well-regulated life assurance is the safest of com-
mercial speculations." The lucid statistical state-
ment of the chairman, showing the rapid progress
of the society,
by all who look upon the extension of life assurance
will, we think, be read with interest
to all classes of the community as an end to be de-
sired by all well-wishers of mankidd. The account
of the benevolent department is not less deserving
of perusal, as it shows how by a small subscription,
and by skilful management, the necessities of the
unfortunate among a body of associated individuals
may be liberally provided for.

THE LOSS OF LIFE IN OLD BROAD-STREET, CITY.—The
aisaster recorded yesterday, resulted from an attempt to
lower the roof, en masse, for which purpose screws were
used to lift it from its original position ; and as soon as
the screws, which were worked on the attic floor, had
raised the ponderous roof, the joists of the flooring,
unable to sustain the weight, gave way, carrying with
them the solid masonry of the superstructure, which
breaking through the several floors successively, landed
on the basement, and led to the fatal result. Two young
men had a narrow escape, being hurled in their fall into
a corner, where the fallen timber formed a kind of roof
over them, and they were taken out unhurt. A young
man, whose name cannot be ascertained, when extricated
was supposed to be dead, but exhibited signs of return-
ing animation on his transit to the hospital, where he
remains in a perfectly unconscious state. Several per-
sons who received slight wounds had them dressed at
Bartholomew's Hospital orat the neighbouring surgeon's,
and were sent to their homes.

MONEY MARKET

AND
COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE.

CITY, TWO O'CLOCK. II

The sales of cotton at Liverpool yesterday
were estimated at 5,000 bales, all to the trade.
The market closed steadily, with more desire to
sell. The sales comprised 3,500 American, 300
Pernam and Maranham, at 6d. to 7d. ; 20 Bahia,
at Rd.; 100 Egyptian, and 800 Surat, at 21d. to
4d. per lb. Railway shares were firmer.
By the steamer from New York yesterday, we
have a few Central and South American accounts.
The difference between the United States and
Mexico seemed nearer a termination, but the ex-
travagant habits of the nation, and the exhausted
treasury, were the chief drawbacks to an immediate
settlement. In Venezuela yellow fever was preva-
lent among the shipping, and the mortality was
great. Internal improvements were being carried
on energetically. The new coffee crop is described
as being more than usually abundant.
At Washington the idea very generally prevailed
that Congress would soon take into consideration a
proposition to grant credit for the duties on rail-
road iron, and that the duties would, in fact, be
practically abolished.

The Governor of Tennessee in his financial state-
ment for the last fiscal year, remarks that, if the
Internal Improvement Bill should become law, the
prospective liabilities would be increased about six
million four hundred thousand dollars, which would
make the total prospective liabilities of the State
twenty-one million six hundred and sixty-seven
thousand one hundred and eighty-one dollars.
The probable amount owed by counties and
corporations throughout the State, which had
been created by the issue of county and corporation
bonds, was about 5,000,000 dols. The State had
invested 1,230,856 dols. in the various turnpike
roads, for which State bonds were issued, and inte-
rest was paid on them to the amount of 61,969
dols. This investment brought in only 15,106 dols.,
which was a loss to the State of 46,763 dols.
annually.

At the half-yearly meeting of the London and
Westminster Bank this day, a dividend at the rate
of 6 per cent, per annum, and a bonus of 4 per
cent. upon the paid-up capital, was declared. After
these payments the surplus fund would be 125,3071.
ls. 6d. The nett profits of the last half year
amounted to 61;617/. 4s. 9d. The report was
adopted.

Bills of exchange were quoted rather lower yes-
terday afternoon on the principal continental cities.
Paris, 25 25 to 30 ; Amsterdam, 11 15/ to 16 ;
Hamburgh, 13 41 to 1 ; Frankfort, 1181 to ; and
Trieste, 12 12 to 12 18.
BRITISH MlNES.—There is a very limited busi-
ness doing to-day, but we have no particular varia-
tion in prices to notice. The mines dealt in were
—Alfred Consols, 25 to ; Mollands, Qto ; Gt.
Hugo's, jr, to 1 ; Fatwork and Wheal Virtues, 10
to 8 ; Treweather, 4f to ; Sortridge, 30s. to 355.;
Tremollet, s to 4 ; West Bassett, 15 to 16 ; Quin-
tril Downs, 8 to / ; North Downs, 4 to
The English Securities have been directly influ-
enced by the settlement of the account, Consols,
which opened at 921 to 93, being since done at
92{1 for transfer, and from 921 down to 924 for
account. The Bulls have had to come in and close
their accounts, and there is a " contango" of 8 per
cent. Bank Stock is 216 to 2171, being heavy.
Exchequer Bills are 7s. to 10s. premium, and India
Bonds 35. prem.
There has been very little business doing in
Foreign Securities, and prices remain about the
same. Peruvian Stock has been firm at 68. There
has been a rumour that the Government at Lima
contemplates a larger appropriation of the guano
proceeds to the purposes of the Sinking Fund, but
this needs confirmation. On the contrary, we be-
lieve that there is more ground than ever for
strictly watching the acts of the parties now in
power in the republic. There is no hope for the
bondholders but in the exercise of the utmost vigi-
lance. Russian Four-and-a-Half per Cents. have
been flat at 92 to 921. Spanish New Deferred
Bonds have been quoted 282, Dutch Two-and-a-
Half per Cents. have been at 621 to 63.

In the Share Market the transactions have been
at lower rates for all the principal English lines,
the decline being about to per cent. The
Brighton Shares are firmer and have advanced
nearly 11., in consequence of the large dividend
declared, making the year's interest equal to 5 per
cent. French Shares are 10s. to 1/. lower.
The Joint Stock Bank Shares have been rather
lower, Australasia having declined about 1/.
The Gold Mine Shares are heavy.
In the Shares of the Land Companies there have
been no bargains.

BRITISH FUNDS THIS DAY AT ONE O'CLOCK.

(From the Official List.)

Business (inns.
Bank Stock ....... .. . -.. . ......... 2161 16 17i
l per Cent. Reduced Annuities 93. 2
3 per Cent, Consols Annuities 92i 3 2
New 31 per Cent. Annuities 94 i 3 4
India Bonds, £lOOO
Ditto, under £lOOO par
South Sea Stock
Consols for Account 15th Feb
Exchequer Bills, ld.
£1000
£5OO 7 10 P
Small 7 10 13
PRICE OF FOREIGN FUNDS AT ONE O'CLOCK.
Peruvian Bonds, 4i per Cent. 6B
Russian Bonds, 1822, 5 per Cent. £ St
Ditto 4i per Cent 92
Spanish New Deferred, 3 per Cent 203

Dividends on the above payable in London.
Dutch Exchange, 2i per Cent. 12 Gail 63 21 x d
HALF•PAST TWO.

Consols 92a
Ditto February Account

EXTRAORDINARY HIGH PRICE OF COALS. This
morning the retail coal dealers in the metropolis and
suburbs advanced the price of coal to the enormous
amount of 2s. 9d. for second qualities, and 3s. per cwt.
for the best, being nearly 150 per cent. dearer than they
were at this period last year. This is certainly a very
great hardship on the poor, who are unable to purchase
in large quantities, as very good coal (per railway),
and quite equal to that sold by the retail dealers at
3s. per cwt., can be obtained at 365. per ton, being
at the rate of ls. 91d. per cwt., so that actually those
dealers who supply the poor, allowing for the many
draughts in weighing small quantities, are realising a
profit of at least ls. per cwt., or 20s. on every ton of
coals they dispose of. Gas coke has advanced to ls.
and Is. ld. per bushel.
FURTHER ADVANCE IN THE PRICE OF BREAD.—The
bakers of the metropolis made a further advance in the
price of bread this morning ; bread of the second quality,
which was selling at 91d. to 10d. per 41b. loaf, cannot
be obtained for less than 10d. and lid, per 41b. re-
spectively. Country or household bread (unweighed),
8&d. to 9id. per loaf. The League bakery continue
the price of 10d. per 41b. loaf, and 9d. per loaf of
country bread unweighed.
PRICE OF GOLD.—The quotation of gold at Paris is
about 3 per mille discount (according to the last tariff),
which, at the English Mint price of 31. 17s. 101 d. per
ounce for standard gold, gives an exchange of 25.091 ;
and, the exchange at Paris on London at short being
25'25, it follows that gold is about o'2B per cent. dearer
in Paris than in London. By advices from Hamburgh
mark, which, at the English
the price of gold 422 per
Mint price of 3/. 17s. 100. per ounce for standard gold,
gives an exchange of 13.33 ; and, the exchange at Ham.
burgh on London at short being 1314, it follows that
gold is o'B9 per cent. dearer in Hamburgh than in Lon-
don. The course of exchange at New York on London
for bills at 60 days' sight is 109 i per cent., and, the par
of exchange between England and America being 109
23.40 per cent,, it follows that the exchange is nomi-
nally 9'17 per cent. in favour of England • and, after
making allowance for charges of transport and difference
of interest, the present rate leaves a trifling profit on
the importation of gold from the United States.
PARISH OF ST. GILES-IN-THE-FlELDS.—Yesterday
morning the annual meeting of the inhabitants of this
parish was held in the vestry-room of the parish church,
Mr. Churchwarden Rowland in the chair. Mr. Mar-
shall, of Broad-street, inquired of the churchwarden
what course had been adopted with respect to the dis-
continuance of interments in the churchyard, in con-
formity with the order of Lord Palmerston to that effect,
the inhabitants oxerlooking the churchyard having wit-
nessed upwards of 100 interments, many of which had
taken place in the common interment ground, since the
15th of last August, the day on which the order was
directed to take effect. The churchwarden stated that
it was not considered that the Metropolitan Burial Act
was applicable to a joint parish like that, and they were
therefore justified in keeping open the churchyard, not-
withstanding the order. Avestryman said the law was
not strong enough to compel them to close the church-
yard. Mr. Marshall said the Act of Parliament par-
ticularly named that parish, and was therefore applicable
to it ; and the inhabitants were resolved to resort to
every legitimate means in their power in order that the
act should be carried into effect.
DOVER AND CANTERBURY RAILWAY.—We are sorry
to confirm the reports which have been circulated during
the past week respecting the suspension of this under-
taking for another year. This we have learned by in-
quiry at head-quarters,—Dover Chronicle.

AMERICA.

(BY MAGNETIO TELEGRAPII)
ARRIVAL OF THE PACIFIC.
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
LIVERPOOL, WEDNESDAY.

This forenoon, the United States mail steam-
ship Pacific, Capt. Nye, arrived in the Mersey,
with the usual mails from the United States and
British North America. The Pacific left New
York on the 7th inst., and has brought, besides the
mails, about 60 passengers, and 275,000 dollars in
specie on freight.

The American coasts had been visited by very
heavy weather, and the shipping experienced great
disasters. The Empire City, among others, had
been driven ashore near New York.

Much anxiety and great fears were entertained
for the safety of the Californian steamer San
Francisco. She had no fewer than 800 persons
on board. Rumours were afloat that she had
foundered.

In all branches of trade there was a pervading
dullness. Stocks, breadstuffs, and cotton were
suffering under this influence, and had been unable
to sustain previous prices. Freights, however,
were firm and higher. Exchange on London was
quoted at 1091 to 1091.

COURT CIRCULAR.

WINDSOR, JAN. 17.

The dinner party yesterday included the Duchess of
Kent, the Lady in Waiting to her Royal Highness, the
Baroness de Speth, Colonel the Hon. C. B. Phipps, and
Captain the Hon. D. and Lady Elizabeth de Ros.
Her Majesty's private band was in attendance after
dinner in the Castle, and played the following selec-
tion :

Overture, " Melusine"
Selection, " L'Enfant Prodigue" Auber.
Scena and Rondo, " Il Crociato" Meyerbeer.
Scherzo Mendelssohn.
Airs de Ballet, " Stradells." Flotow.

A deputation, consisting of Mr. Walter, M.P.,
,Mr.
William Vickers (Nottingham), Mr. John Dillon (Lon-
don), Mr. Sampson Copestake (London), and Mr. Lewis
Honeymann (Nottingham), had an interview with the
Right Hon. E. Cardwell and Lord Stanley of Alderley,
yesterday, at the office of the Board of Trade.
Lord John Russell will give a Parliamentary dinner
to a party of members of the House of Commons, on
Monday, the 30th instant, at the Foreign-office, Down-
ing-street.

Despatches were received yesterday at the Colonial-
office from the Governors of the North American pro-
vinces.

uNIVERSITY INTELLIGENCE.

CAMBRIDGE—(THIS DAY).
The nomination by the Heads of Houses of two of the
candidates for the vacant Esquire Bedellship took place
this morning. The successful candidates were Mr. God-
fray, St. John's, and Mr. Roberts, Magdalen. The
final election of one of these two gentlemen by the mem-
bers of the Senate will take place to-morrow.

JAN. 17.
•
THE UNIVERSITY AND THE ROYAL COMMISSION.

At congregations holden this day, a grace passed the
Senate, confirming the report of the syndicate appointed
to take into consideration such parts of the letter ad-
dressed to the Chancellor of the University, by her Ma-
jesty's Secretary of State, as relates to the University.
The confirmation passed unanimously. The attendance
was not large. The report will now be for warded to his
Royal Highness the Chancellor, as the groundwork of
the answer to Lord Palmerston's letter.

OXFORD, JAN. 17.
REPRESENTATION OF THE UNIVERSITY.

The name of the gentleman agreed upon at the meet-
ing at All Souls College, to be solicted to become a can
dilate, is still kept a secret. Rumour assigned it yes-
terday to Lord Robert Cecil, but to-day it is rather
doubted. The election, it is understood, will take place
on an early day after the meeting of Parliament. An
answer has not been received from Sir William Heath-
cote.

LATEST FOREIGN NEWS.

RUSSIA AND TURKEY.

A Russian messenger has arrived at Vienna with
news of the Bth from St. Petersburg. The Russian
Cabinet submitted a reply to the notification of the
approaching entrance of the fleets into the Black
Sea to the Emperor on the 7th.
It was confidently believed that Russia will de-
clare herself released from all conditional promises
previously given to the mediating Powers.
The Note of the Vienna Conference was for-
warded to Russia on Monday night.
The official version of the note addressed by the
representatives of the four Powers to]the Porte,
and in which they propose a new basis of negotia-
tion, is in one respect materially different from
the account heretofore given. In the version first
published, the negotiations between Turkey an
Russia were spoken of as to take place in presence
of the representatives of the four Powers ; while in
the official version, it appears that the negotiations
are to take place with the co-operation of those re-
presentatives. This is a very important difference,
for Russia has always declared that the question
was simply one between her and Turkey, and she
has always repudiated the co-operation of the
other European Powers.

The renewal of diplomatic relations between Eng-
land and Persia is doubted at Vienna.

Despatches from Orsova of the 12th, and from
Bucharest, of the 15th, state, that after the sangui-
nary battle near Citale, the Turkish army had re-
turned to its intrenched camp at Kalafat, and that
the Russian army was being reinforced in the posi-
tion which it originally occupied.
It is already known that the Russians suffered
heavy losses. One whole regiment of Rifles, and,
with the exception of 465 men, one regiment of
Lancers, were completely annihilated. The Turks
are entrenched in eight villages around Kalafat.
Commercial advices from Odessa state that the
Russian ports in the Black Sea will probably soon
be closed against English and French merchantmen.

New contracts have been made for supplying the
Russian army in the Principalities with food and
forage, from the month of March next till the end
of June.

It was asserted at Belgrade, on the 9th, that
Prince Alexander, of Servia, would not promulgate
the firmans of the Sultan abolishing the protectorate
of the Czar over Servia ; but that he had warned
the authorities of the districts to abstain from any
acts of hostility against the Turks, on pain of being
punished. The armaments continued, and the
Turkish authorities were unceasing in their efforts
to induce the Prince to declare in favour of the
Sultan.

It is said that General Luders, who is now at
Ibrail, is having bridges thrown across the diffe-
rent arms of the Danube between that place and
Kalarach. Be has also given orders that three
steamers, well armed, shall ply between Braila
and Giurgevo, as soon as the fine season has set
in. They are to keep a sharp look-out on any
fortifications that the Turks may raise. Two Rus-
sian steamers had taken up position near Giurgevo
and the islands.

The fortifications round Kalafat and Widdin
contain 250 pieces of the heaviest calibre. 60,000
men are collected within the rayon.
Besides the order for a general mobilisation of
the Russian army, commanded by the Czar, he
has in addition issued an ukase, decreeing the
positive mobilisation of the reserve battalions of
the corps of Grenadiers and Guards.
The Lloyd of Vienna has a letter from Odessa
of the 24th ult., which states that in the spring
two camps are to be formed in the neighbourhood
of that town, each containing 6,000 men. The
troops are to arrive from the interior of Russia.
The same journal says, on the 13th, in an article
on the probabilities of war or peace—" Russia will
not undertake a war unless she entertains a hope of
attaining a victorious result. If, as we suppose, the
entrance of the fleets into the Black Sea be not con,
sidored by Russia as a casus belli, the chances for the
maintenance of peace are now more favourable than
they have been for some time past. Let France
and England remain tranquil for some time, and
by a firm and dignified but pacific language they
may establish more friendly relations with the Ca-
binet of St. Petersburg. The German Cabinets
will, in this manner, also gain a fresh opportunity
of displaying their diplomatic efforts. Disastrous
incidents may in truth arise. Perhaps Charge
d'Affaires will for a time replace Ambassadors.
Perhaps Count de Nesselrode will energetically
take up the gauntlet thrown down by M.Drouyn
de L'Huys. But so long as the Ottoman Porte does
not show itself unreasonable, the Western Powers
be not unjust, and Russia be not strengthened by
open or secret alliances, we shall persist in thinking
that notes, and not cannon shots, will put an end
to the complications of the Eastern question."
The Louqsor, which arrived a few days since
from Alexandria, brings accounts from Syria, that
the excitement among the Mussulmans of that
country is still very great, and that the voluntary
enrolments continue to be very numerous. Six
hundred men have arrived by land at Beyrout,
from Lataquia, to join the body of volunteers al-
ready assembled at the former place, where they
are waiting for vessels to convey them to Constan-
tinople. The caravan of pilgrims which recently
returned to Damascus from Mecca, pretend that
they found on the tomb of Mahomet a letter ad-
ressed to the Sultan, in which the Prophet pro-
mises him victory over the Russians. The letter
was, it is said, immediately forwarded to Constan-
tinople.

THE BRITISH FLEET IN THE BLACK SEA
AND AT CONSTANTINOPL E.
It appears that Admiral Dundas has taken with
him into the Black Sea about half of his force—
namely, four line-of-battle ships and five steamers,
exclusive of the two steamers detached. The fol-
lowing is the division and distribution :
IN THE BLACK SEA.
SHIPS OF THE LINE.
Britannia, 120, Captain Carter, with the flag of the
commander-in-chief, Vice-Admiral Dundas, C.B.
Agamemnon, 91, screw, Captain Symonds, flag-
ship, of Rear-Admiral Sir E. Lyons, second in
command.
Rodney, 90, Captain Charles Graham, C.B.
Vengeance, 84, Captain Lord Edward Russell.
Sansparoil, 71, screw, Captain R. C. Dacres.
PADDLE STEAM-FRIGATES.
Terrible
Furious
Tiger
Firebrand 6 Captain Hyde Parker.
Sampson 6 Captain Jones.
AT SEBASTOPOL.
Retribution, 28, paddle-frigate Captain Hon.
J. R. Drummond, had been sent to Sebastopol
with the caution.of the British ambassador that it
would be dangerous for the heroes of Sinope to
show their noses out of port.
AT SINOPE.
Inflexible, 6, paddle-sloop, had been sent to
Sinope to warn the Russians off from a second visit.
AT CONSTANTINOPLE.
The following force remained at Constantinople
Jan. 1:--
Trafalgar l2O Captain Greville.
Queen ll6 Captain Michell.
London 9O Captain Eden.
Albion 9O Captain Lushington.
Bellerophon 7B Capt. Lord G. Paulet.
Leander 5O Captain King.
Arethusa 5O Captain Mends.

_
,•
Niger (screw)
Fury (paddle) 6 Commander Tatham.
The latter vessel was waiting the arrival of the
mails, when she would overtake the admiral in the
Black Sea.

The following is from an officer serving on board
the fleet in the Black Sea, dated

"BEYCOS BAY, DEC. 31.
"A ball was lately given by the French Ambassador
at Constantinople, to which the officers of both fleets
were liberally invited ; but it was very thinly attended
by those invited from the ships, owing to their being
kept in constant readiness for sea. Captain Symonds
joined the Agamemnon, 91, Rear-Admiral Sir Edmund
Lyons, G.C.8., on the 27th inst., and the Admiral
hoisted his flag in her on the 28th.
It was decided yesterday that the Britannia, 120,
Vice-Admiral Dundas ; Agamemnon, 91, Rear-Admiral
Sir E. Lyons ; Vengeance, 84, Captain Lord Edward
Russell ; Sanspareil, 70 (screw), Captain Dacres ; and
Rodney, 92, Captain Graham, C. 8., accompanied by
three steam-frigates, and an equal force from the French
fleet, each accompanied by their two Admirals, should
proceed to-day into the Black Sea, and take up a position
off Sinope, it is said, to protect the southern coast.
This morning a general signai, was made to all the ships
to `prepare for sea, with the exception of the Trafalgar,
120, Captain Greville.
"Yesterday a report was prevalent that the Russians
were collecting a very large convoy for the purpose of
landing troops on the coast of Georgia, and, by all the
ships being ordered to sea, I am rather inclined to think
&here may be some truth in it.
The Retribution, 28, paddle-wheel steam-frigate,
Captain the Hon, J. R. Drummond, proceeds to Sebas-

•1

topol to demand two English naval engineers, who were
taken prisoners on board one of the Turkish steamers at
Sinope.

" The cruise of these large fleets in the Black Sea
appears very warlike, and I do not think the Russians
will be allowed to land on any part of the Turkish terri-
tory, which will be equal to a declaration of war on Vact
part of the combined fleets.

"All in the fleet are in high spirits at the prospect of
active movements. No exercise has taken place in the
fleet, with the exception of striking and fidding topgal-
lant masts morning and evening."
The writer adds, on Jan. 1 :—" A thick fog coming
on yesterday, just as the fleets were on the point of
starting, detained them, and to-day it is raining hard,
with very thick weather, so there is no chance of their
getting away before the morning. I think it more than
probable the fleets will remain at Sinope until a result
one way or the other is attained, as it is a very good
anchorage, in fact, much better than that of Beycos. A
report came in yesterday that the Turks had been de-
feated, with a loss of 30 guns, on the southern frontier of
the Black Sea. I cannot ♦ouch for its authenticity."