The Sun.
London, England, 1853-03-30 00:00:00

THE BURMESE AND KAFIR WARS.

(From the Times.)
The intelligence which reached us yesterday from the
seat of war in the Burmese Empire, and also from the
eastern boundaries of the Cape of Good Hope, happily
warrants a belief in the speedy termination of these
harassing conflicts. In Asiatic monarchies the usual
consequence of pressure applied to the State by a foreign
enemy is a revolution in the palace, and Sovereigns, ac-
countable to no other law, are commonly made the vic-
tims of their own presumption and obstinacy by the
disaffection and jealousy of their nearest relatives. A
catastrophe of this sort appears to have occurred at the
Court of Ava. The Golden-footed Monarch, who was
inaccessible to the remonstrances of the British Govern.
ment, and who defied the languid attacks of General
Godwin, finds himself surrounded by more dangeious
enemies. A younger brother, who is said to be sup-
ported by the army, has declared against the Sovereign,
and it may reasonably be hoped that the next accounts
will apprise us that the Prince whose obstinacy has
led to these hostilities is deposed. His successor
will probably mount the throne with the assent of
the British Government in India, and he will inaugurate
his reign by relieving the country from the severe httrd.
ships which the blockade and occupation of the great
rivers have inflicted on the population. Such, at least,
is the ordinary course which events have followed in
similar disputes with the potentates of the East ; and,
although no confidence can be placed in the assurances
of an Asiatic prince who ascends the throne under such
circumstances, it is probable that the prime movers of
the war at the Court of Ava will have fallen in this dis-
turbance, and that the first care of the new Government
will be to restore peace. The provinces of Pegu and
Bassein have already been evacuated by the enemy, and
the Burmese forces are more concentrated in the vicinity,
of the capital. Ambassadors had, however, already ar-
rived on a pacific mission in General Godwin's camp ;
and there is strong reason to hope that the ;principal
labour of the campaign is at an end.

-•-• Unhappily this gratifying improvement in the general
state of our affairs upon the Irrawaddy is clouded
by an incident of a very melancholy and distressing
character. We knew, from the last advices, that
an attack was about to be made upon a strong
position at Donabew, where a marauding chief,
with upwards of a thousand followers, had occupied the
square of the Pagoda, and ejected the head man of the
town, who had been faithful to the British throughout
the war. These marauders, or dacoits, as they were
called in the army, had already given the forces some
trouble, for they occupy a country covered with jungle
and intersected with creeks, in the unknown delta of
the river. Very recently a squadron of boats and
a steamer had been sent against them, and had
returned with loss, never having seen the enemy,
though they ascended a narrow creek, staked in
several places, and were exposed to a galling fire. It
was therefore thought necessary to renew the attack on
these formidable robbers with a larger force, and Captain
Granville Lock, the flag-captain of the Winchester, who
had already shown the greatest activity and ability in
maintaining the communication by water between Prome
and Rangoon, determined to lead this enterprise in per-
son ; for, since his arrival on the station last autumn, he
has been foremost wherever there was an enemy to be
encountered or a service to be performed. We learn
from the brief tenour of the telegraphic dispatch, which
gives us no further particulars, that the result of this
attack proved most unfortunate. It was repulsed by
the natives with very severe loss, amounting to
no less than 88 killed and wounded out of a
party which cannot have exceeded 300 or 400.
Two guns were also lost ; and, as if to render this disas-
ter the most painful occurrence in the campaign, it was
marked by the death of Captain Loch himself, who com-
manded the expedition, and of Lieutenant Kennedy, of
the Fox, while several other officers and mates were se-
verely wounded. We must await the arrival of the
mails for further information on the causes of this cala-

mity ; but throughout the service there will be one feel-
ing of deep regret for the premature loss of these gallant
gentlemen. Captain Granville Loch had found oppor-
tunities to distinguish himself even during a period of
general peace. In 1841 he was posted, and in the
following year he went out in the Dido to serve as a
volunteer on the staff of Lord Gough in the war in
China ; he was also present with Sir Henry Pottin-
ger at all the conferences which terminated that
war ; and in 1846 he obtained the command of the
Alarm (26), then on the West India station. In this
capacity Captain Loch conducted a very spirited expe-
dition in boats up the river San Juan de Nicaragua (the
scene of one of Nelson's early exploits), which enabled

him to adjust the differences then existing between the
British Government and the Nicaraguan Republic, and
to dictate a treaty with that state. For this service he
received from her Majesty the Order of the Bath, upon
the recommendation of Lord Palmerston. In 1852
Captain Loch was appointed by the Duke of Northum-
berland to the command of the Winchester, 50, which
was ordered to relieve the Hastings as flag-ship in the
East Indies. So that, by a singular coincidence, his
short but brilliant career was chiefly remarkable for his
services in river warfare on the Yang-tse-Kiang, the
San Juan de Nicaragua, and the Irrawaddy. Shortly
after his arrival at Rangoon Admiral Austin died
of cholera. . The Commodore remained with the
squadron off the coast, and the command of the
river devolved principally on Captain Loch. In
kspelp.tte
tohfeacno
m oppressivemunica ti
ocni ism
open,at climate an d a
nadh a
succeeded,r a ssingenemy h
againste
enormous odds, in compelling the Burmese to retire, in
great measure, from the stockades and positions they
held on the banks. In one of these desperate but ob-
scure encounters against a band of barbarous enemies

he is now reported to have fallen at the head of a fright-
ful number of his comrades and men, on whose courage
and steadiness he placed unbounded reliance, for they,
too, knew their leader ; and, though no death can be
more glorious than that of a British officer who falls in
the command of seamen and troops, and in the dis-
charge of his duty to England, we are painfully re-
minded by such an occurrence at how great a price the
warfare between civilisation and barbarism is carried on,
for Captain Loch wanted nothing to complete his fame
but a nobler enemy and a more conspicuous field of

action.
These considerations, which the loss of such officers as
Captain Loch in Burmah, and Major Wilmot, With
many others, at the Cape, naturally suggest, increase
our satisfaction at the probable termination of these fatal
campaigns. At the Cape, it appears that Governor
Cathcart has not only subdued the tribes on the frontier,
but, what is of more importance, has closed the disputed
transactions with them. Mosheish is at peace ; Basuta
land is tranquil ; Sandilla and Macomo have retired be-
yond the Kei, and announced their submission ; and
peace and amity have been restored between the British
Government and Kreili, with the Kei for a boundary.
Thahveeseyeatrereoebyivefdar
ofthtehe most complete accounts we
war is is knews. discomfiture of the enemy,
and, in spite of the distrust with which we cannot
regard
r e thatanything
the
vi h
Kafraria, it seems more atprobableangood than it has ever
butdone
befo
We still learn,
aen
from British
indeed, with some that the Governor
apprehension,
has resolved to convert the Amatolas into a military
settlement, On a system which seem analogous to that
of the military frontier of Austria ; but it is, perhaps,
necessary to guard that mountainous region from again
becoming a fastness and retreat for predatory bands of
Kafirs, and we hope the sturdy farmers of Southern
Africa will be induced by allotments of Crown,lands to
hold this position. At any rate, this is the last time
that England will submit to the cost and loss attending
the employment 'of a large army in a war against
savages for the defence of a territory utterly worthless
to ourselves. Now that the honour of the Queen's arms
is retrieved, and the power of this country vindicated,
the abandonment of these remote and unproductive pro-
vinces would be preferable to any attempt to hold them
on such terms. When we have placed the colonial
population
of the Cape in the most favourable conditions
for self-defence, we have done all that we can reasonably
be required to do ; and, if that is not enough for their
protection, the next step must be to draw the colony
within limits in which a more compact population and
a greater proximity to the scat of government will
insure its tranquillity.

A WHOLESALE POLYGAMIST.—A fellow named Joseph
Wardle was, in September last, committed by the dis-
trict magistrates to Gloucester gaol, to await his trial
for bigamy at the spring assizes. It has since been as-
certained that the prisoner has married as many as six
wives, all of whom are now living--namely, one at
Mancher, two in Staffordshire, one in the Isle of Man,
the fifth at Birmingham, and the last at Dymock.
Wardle's plan appears to have been to obtain a sum of
money from each newly-make bride, and then desert her.
All the wives, it is believed, will be present At 09
I%6PlZefi,—Cantbrian,

te..,...a."---.„„7-A4,. 'fr'i:. '
1- b
. t
;„,,,?,,,......-...-4,,-..07.

>MI

LONDON, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 1853.

There is, at length, some reason to hope that
the Kafir war will no longer prove a serious drain
on the British Exchequer. General CATHCART
has exhibited a degree of vigour and energy,
coupled with great forbearance, when anything
approaching to an unequivocal submission has
been made, deserving of high praise. We have at
length learned, by bitter experience, the difficulty
of dealing with these savages. The degree of
cunning and equivocation in which they habitu-
ally indulge—the impossibility of yielding cre-
dence to their most solemn promises--greatly
increase that difficulty. The most plausible
pretexts may be resorted to--pledges volun-
tarily given in all apparent sincerity may
be rendered ; but no reliance can be placed
on their redemption, unless ample securities be
taken against any violation of the contract. This
part of the case proves the necessity of stringent
regulations and a strict enforcement of all agree-
raents on the part of the local authorities ; while,
on the other hand, much mischief might be occa-
sioned by driving our adversaries into a corner,
and compelling them to stand at bay—to fight to
the last extremity rather than to submit to con-
ditions too humiliating and too onerous. There
is always danger in reducing brave men to a state
of desperation. Even a coward will fight when
no alternative remains, and there has certainly
been no indications of pusillanimity on the part
of the Kafir tribes. They have, on the contrary,
exhibited considerable skill and cunning, coupled
with much physical power and resolute courage,
and as formidable opponents have entitled them-
selves to respect and consideration.
General CATHCART appears to have judiciously
Pursued a middle course. His acts have been ener-
getic and decisive, while his counsels have been
moderate and conciliatina. He has alike avoided
t'
the Scylla and Charybdis of undue lenity or undue
severity.
With an armed foe he has refused to
treat. Before any applications for pardon or
amnesty would be attended to, or even received,
an unconditional must have been
there surrender
_an unqualified submission to British
authority.
But when the enemy had withdrawn, and even an
instalment of the penalty had been paid, showing
an inclination, if there vas the power, to com-
ply with every requisition, the greatest
kindness and indulgence has been shown, the
vigour in the field more than con'p •
ensatmg for,
and preventing any erroneous inferences from
being
,drawn from the forbearance in the Cabinet.
But the happy termina
• ton of the vrar---so far
as there can be any confidence placed
ours of ain any triice
ur
or treaty with the restless neighb
African colonists—is not all that Governor
CART has accomplished. He has adopted the most
judicious precautions against future disturbance,
exacting the most solemn pledges from the defeated
Chiefs not only for their own conduct, but for the
good behaviour of all others under their
control or
influence. They are made practically to insure the
cattle of the settlers from the depredations of
friends and foes, and also to bring the delin-
quents to justice—being bound " to recover and
restore the stolen property, and to punish the
offenders."

Besides these stringent provisions, they are
cautioned against encroaching upon the British
territories, being bound to restrain and punish
all attempts to disturb the peace of her MAJESTY'S
people. And, also, to be responsible for the lives
and properties of the British subjects whom they
may allow to live within their territories. The
conditions and arrangements on which such
permissol3s may be granted are matters

for special agreements between the chiefs and
the intending residents. With the terms of
these contracts the Colonial authorities will
not in any degree interfere ; but whatever
they may be, they must be strictly observed.
The name of a British subject must be respected
in the kraals of the Kafir chieftains, and of all
who recognise their authority.
Judicious measures have also been adopted for the
formation of a hardy race of borderers—men who
will be at all times able and willing to defend the
frontiers, and to retaliate upon their restless neigh-
bours for any aggression. A sort of military
tenure has been created, by which grants of land
are to be given on condition of residence and
military servitude. The Amatolas and other
lands formerly occupied by the rebellious
Gaika tribes are to be thus parcelled out, but a
preference given to those " deserving applicants"
who " have fought nobly in the ranks of the
Colonial levies and other corps during the rebel-
lion now happily suppressed." So many advan-
tages are attached to the possession of these erven,
that we may reasonably anticipate a considerable
demand from men ready to bear the brunt
of any contest, and to protect themselves
and all settlers more distant from the Kafir
territories by their own unaided efforts. We
may then confidently anticipate that the
financial statement in the next budget will be the
last in which a Kafir war will constitute a formida-
ble item. And even under the present circum-
stances, the Chancellor of the Exchequer will not
be warranted in withholding any relief from the
fear of heavy demands for the pacification of our
African colonies, or the protection of our settle-
ment at the Cape of Good Hope.

It seldom happens that a political pamphlet
survives beyond the particular season which may
have -witnessed its publication. It has been de-
clared, moreover, upon competent authority, that
scarcely half-a-dozen brochures of this kind have
ever been known to pay even the expense of paper
and printing. Scarcely a quarter of the new year,
however, has elapsed—and already 1853 has been
productive of two very striking and remarkable
proofs to the contrary. Mr. COBDEN'S masterly
argument in Three Letters runs through edition
after edition, and—what is much more extraor-
dinary—it elicits a rejoinder so very singular and
remarkable of its kind as to be, we feel assured,
altogether without any precedent. That rejoinder,
in fact, appears in the shape of a pamphlet*
which was originally published in 1802, and
which has now in 1853 been re-published. Never
was there a more startling instance of political
resuscitation. It may be said to constitute, in
fact, an unparalleled example, politically speak-
ing, of suspended animation. It is printed in
1802 as from the hand of ROBERT ADAIR, Esq.,
M.P. for Appleby, and is re-printed in 1853 as
from the hand of Sir ROBERT ADAIR, G.C.B.
Like Ensign Beverley and Captain Absolute,
they are simply " two gentlemen in one,"
or, in other words, are identical. It is the
same pamphleteer who, after the lapse of
more than half a century, " revisits thus the
glimpses of the moon," not less anxious than
the clever fellow in the Arabian story to
sell old lamps for new ; or, in other words,
to answer " 1793 and 1853" by " The
Letter of the Hon. CHARLES JAMES Fox to the
Electors of Westminster, with an Application of
its Principles to Subsequent Events." We ques-
tion very much whether the evidently sanguine
anticipations of Sir ROBERT ADAIR will, in this
matter, be fully realised. We doubt very much
whether the triple shotted " great gun" of Mr.
COBDEN can be knocked over quite so easily by an
ingenious little pop-gun which had been thrown
aside fifty-one years ago, and ever since then for-
gotten. As well might a carrier pigeon attempt
to compete with the electric telegraph—or a cross-
bow with a Cola's revolver—or a pack-horse with
a steam-engine--or a canoe with a screw-propeller.
We don't wish, in speaking thus, to be regarded
as gratuitously uncomplimentary. We make no
allusion to the pamphleteers—referring only to
the pamphlets in our comparison. Sir ROBERT
ADAIR is about the last man to whom we should
feel disposed to direct the language of imperti-
nence—supposing that we were capable of treating,
in this manner, any public writer whomsoever.
His " antecedents," as the cant phrase of the
day has it, would effectually preclude us
from the attempt under any circumstance,
while even the most splenetic and spiteful
of his opponents would be disarmed by a correct
appreciation of his character. Nevertheless, with
all our respect for his career, and all our admira-
tion for his abilities, we must still acknowledge
that we find it difficult to admit the force of his
reasoning as opposed to the simple, and, to our
minds, wholly incontrovertible, logic of his anta-
gonist. Cordially as we may applaud the skill of
the diplomatist, we cannot remain blind to the
obtuseness of the pamphleteer. We recognise
the tact displayed by him in 1806, upon the oc-
casion of his mission to the Court of Vienna ; we
readily bear witness to the skill with which he
participated, in 1808-9, in the negotiations for
the Peace of the Dardanelles ; but we behold, as
clearly as any elementary truth that could be
named, the very singular misapprehension to which
we are indebted for this inapt revival of commen-
taries, first made in 1802, upon Mr. Fox's cele-
brated Letter to the Electors of Westminster.

We speak as impartial witnesses in this argu-
ment. We regard Mr. COBDEN as decidedly in
the right, and Sir ROBERT ADAIR as decidedly in
the wrong ; and we think thus, moreover, let it be
remembered, although we still view in the light
of a fantastic day-dream the peace policy of the
Honourable Gentleman the Member for the West
Riding of Yorkshire. Whatever the merit of
that policy, it cannot affect, we conceive, in any
material respect the bearing of the present con-
troversy—we mean that, be the promoters of this
benevolent but high-flying project of Arbitration
right or be they wrong, that cannot alter by one
tittle in regard to the treatment of France dur-
ing twenty-three years, the innocence or guilt of
the English Government. During the course of
the introduction to the present reprint of his
pamphlet, Sir ROBERT ADAIR says, we cannot but
think rather too flippantly—" Mr. COBDEN must
make a coalition with Mr. BURKE and Mr. PITT,
before he can persuade the world that Mr. Fox
by his opposition to the war of 1793 was advo-
cating either French principles at home, or
French ascendancy abroad." Surely never was
there—quite unintentionally we believe—more
flagrant prevarication. " Persuade the world
that Mr. Fox by his opposition to the war of
1793 was advocating either French principles at
home or French ascendency abroad !" Why the
thing is preposterous. Mr. COBDEN from the
first page of his admirable pamphlet down to the
very last never once attempts to " persuade the
world" of anything at all of that description.
Instead of arguingthat Mr. Foxadvocated " either
French principles at home or French ascendancy
abroad," all that Mr. COBDEN endeavours to prove
is, that Mr. Fox was opposed to those who would
not allow to France the inalienable rights of all
nations, those of choosing her own principles,
securing her own independence, and selecting her
own form of government. Perhaps no one will
be more surprised at this accusation than the
lion. Membet for the West Riding himself—if
he can be supposed to experience anything like
tturprise nowadays at any amount of misappre-
hensions and misrepresentations.
It is insisted, in another part, by Sir ROBERT
ADAIR, that the failure of the negotiations for
peace in 1806 was attributable to NAPOLEON'S
exorbitant demands for the concession of Sicily,
and this, too, after his acceptance of the principle
of Uti vossedetis. That is a very old story.
We shall expect now to witness all kinds of odd
li le -"a7b aonudt thethe ppanmisponhlinetg !
of
Wt
hee shi alc
kl
revivals
again a
after tlx
abteJtaoffltal, although it has been proved, as clearly as
anything ever was proved, that not a single grain
of poisrn was at the time in the medicine chests

* The Letter of the Hon. Charles James Fox to the
d
Electors of Westminster, dated January 23d, 1793
with an Application of its Principles to subsequent Events.
By Robert Adair, Esq., M.P. for Appleby. Published
ii 1802, and now Republished_with an Introduction by
Sir Robert Adair, G.C.B. BVo. pp. 89. -Ridgway.
London ; 1853.

of the army. We shall be told again of the heinous
atrocity of seizing all the English travellers in
France on the sudden rupture of the Treaty of
Amiens, although the previous seizure of all
French merchant vessels in our ports had, in
reality, provoked that retaliation. We shall hear
again of the violation of good faith shown by the
memorable escape from Elba, although not a syl-
lable, of course, will be whispered of the previous
violation of good faith by the Councils of the
Allied Sovereigns No. We shall be stunned
again, and again, and again with all those dear old
fables which are the delight of Mr. LANDOR, and
the solace of Colonel MITCHELL, and the facts of
M. BOURRIENNE. In illustration of this, as it were
one of the shadows cast before by these " coming
events," we have one of those favourite crotchets
of the elder generation rejuvinated for the purpose
of convincing the public, contrary to all the state-
ments of Mr. COBDEN, that during the last pro-
, longed war with France, England was not the ag-
gressor. We am perfectly aware that the Hon.
Member for the West Riding has been charged
with something very like shuffling, in restricting
his argument on this point to the time of
the correspondence of our Ministers with M.
CHAUVELIN. That he did so we, for our
part, attribute solely to his wish to secure his
statements the advantages of simplicity and con-
centration. For we consider the subsequent
events of that unhappy history as no less clearly
pointing out the crime of England as the trans-
gressor, than those by which was first commenced
that odious war of coalition after coalition. Mr.
COBDEN, we repeat, is charged with evading the
real difficulties of his argument—namely, those of
its regular development. He may be goaded into
the most formidable and effectual of all replies to
the accusation—namely, into the accumulation
of proof upon proof, all leaning undeniably in the
one direction. It were very far from difficult.
If he should—why—then—Good-bye to all the
sophistries of his antagonists.

COURT CIRCULAR.

WINDSOR, MARCH 29.

The following had the honour of dining with the
Queen yesterday :—The Duchess of Kent, the Princess
Adelaide of Hohenlohe, the Duke of Newcastle, the
Lady in Waiting to the Duchess of Kent, the Baroness
de Speth, Lieut.-Colonel F. H. and Lady Emily Sey-
mour, and Mr. Gibbs.
Her Majesty and the younger portion of the royal
children walked in the park this morning.
Prince Albert rode out on horseback this forenoon, at-
tended by Captain the Hon. Dudley de Ros.
The Prince of Wales and Prince Alfred also rode out,
attended by Mr. Gibbs.
The Duke of Newcastle left the Castle to-day for
London.

The Earl of Granville has.,been invited,' and is ex-
pected this afternoon.

Her Majesty will hold a Privy Council on Friday next,
the Ist April, at Buckingham Palace. Summonses were
issued yesterday to the Ministers and Officers of State.
Earl Granville, Lord President, left town yesterday
afternoon for Windsor Castle.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer and Mrs. Gladstone
left town yesterday on a visit to the Right Hon. Sidney
and Mrs. Herbert, at Wilton House, Wilts.

The Duke of Newcastle arrived in town yesterday
afternoon from Windsor Castle.

Dispatches were received yesterday at the Colonial-
office from the Governors of Canada, New Brunswick,
and Nova Scotia.

The Council of Education will meet at the Privy
Council-office, on Saturday, the 2nd, at half-past twelve
o'clock.

PRICE OF GOLD.—The quotation of gold at Paris is
about at par (according to the last tariff), which, at the
English Mint price of 31. 17s. 10Id. per ounce for
standard gold, gives an exchange of 25.17 ; and, the ex-
change at Paris on London at short being 25.071, it
follows that gold is about 0.38 per cent, dearer in Paris
than in London. By advices from Hamburgh the price
of gold is 429 per mark, which, at the English Mint
price of 31. 17s. 10d. per ounce for standard gold,
gives an exchange of 13.7 ; and, the exchange at Ham-
burgh on London at short being 13.61, it follows that
gold is 0.35 per cent. dearer in Hamburgh than in
Landon.
BUCKINGHAM PALACE IMPROVEMENTS.— The extensive
works which have been going on for some time past at
the rear of Buckingham Palace, Arabella-row, Pimlico,
have so far progressed towards completion, that the
whole of the massive scaffolding erected for the purpose,
with the exception of a small portion on the western
side, has been entirely removed, and this is also in course
of being cleared away, as the new building, so far as the
outer portion is concerned, is entirely finished. Two
handsome entrance lodges have been built separate, for
the convenience of ingress and egress to this new portion
of the palace, and the whole will decidedly improve the
appearance of the building as well as add to the internal
comfort of the illustrious occupants.
We understand that it is in contemplation to get up
a show of Cochin-China and other poultry at the Royal
Surrey Zoological Gardens. A Letter place cannot be
selected; and, from the spirit and liberality of the pro-
prietors associated with the various breeders, whose
names we have heard mentioned, we have little doubt
of its proving eminently successful.
THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY.—It is stated, in the
West-end, that the Conservatives are about to make
some strenuous efforts to regain the power which they
have lost ; and certainly the following circular, which
has been addressed to each of the members of the House
of Commons, who acknowledge Lord Derby as their
chief, gives countenance to the impression :—" Impor-
tant. Your attendance is particularly requested at a
meeting of the Conservative party, at the Earl of Derby's
house, in St. James's-square, on Monday, the 4th of
April, at twelve o'clock." It is to be presumed that
Lord Aberdeen, after this circular meets his eye, will
forthwith summon all the supporters of his Government
from the country to town.
ANOTHER STOPPAGE TO THE AUSTRALIAN MAILS.—
Yesterday notice was issued at the General Post-office,
St. Martin's-le-Grand, that the mails for the Cape of
Good Hope, Adelaide, Port Philip, Melbourne, Sydney,
New South Wales, and Van Diemen's Land, which
should be made up and forwarded in due course on
Saturday next, the 2d proximo, would not be able to be
dispatched, in consequence of the mishaps to the Austra-
lian mail packet. The Postmaster-General is, however,
endeavouring to effect arrangements for their conveyance,
of which due notice is to be given. In the meantime
the following vessels have been taken up for the convey-
ance of ship-letter mails. The Tasmania steamer, to
sail the 20th of April from London for Melbourne and
Hobart Town ; the Osmanli steamer on the 7th of April,.
from Liverpool for the Cape de Verd Islands, St. Helena,
Cape of Good Hope, and Port Philip ; and, the Argo
steamer, for Port Philip, on the 4th of May.
MYSTERIOUS AND SUDDEN DEATH.—On Sunday night
last, about half-past ten o'clock, a tall and well-dressed
young man, who was apparently enjoying the best of
health, entered a beer-house, known'by the sin of the
Newcastle and Sunderland Arms, at the corner of Glass-
house-street and Broad-street, Ratcliff. He was accom-
panied by a woman of the town. The man called for a
pint of ale, and remained in earnest conversation with
his female companion for a considerable time, when he
suddenly leant forward, and fell to the ground a lifeless
corpse. Three medical men were called in immediately,
but their skill was of no avail ; death appeared to be
instantaneous. Mr. Pemble, the beadle and summoning
officer of the Hamlet of Ratcliff, caused the body of the
deceased to be removed to the dead-house, and fo,rwarded
information of the occurrence to Mr. Baker, the coroner,
who, in consequence of the bad character of the beer-
house, where the death took place, ordered a post mortem
examination of the body, previous to the inquest to be
held this day. The deceased was about 26 years of age,
his name was Brown, and he was 'the mate of a ship
lying in the river. A few weeks since a Captain Pen-
nington was found dead in Glasshouse-street, under the
window of the Newcastle and Sunderland Arms beer-
shop, and he had either been flung out of the bed-room
on the top of the house, or thrown himself from the
window, while labouring under delirium tremens. The
house is frequented by the worst of characters. The
matter has been taken up by the parochial authorities,
and the propriety of indicting the keeper of the house
will be discussed by the Board of Trustees of the hamlet
on Tuesday next.
FREE TRADE—GREAT BRITAIN AND FRANCE.—With
reference to an impression, derived from a recent remark
of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, that the free trade
negotiations between Great Britain and France had not
advanced so far as the public had been led by some
writers to believe, the Dundee Advertiser gives a state-
ment of the manner in which the linen trade has been
affected by the French tariffs. In 1830 the whole value
of linen yarns and manufactures exported to France
from Great Britain was only 11,340/. Between that
period and 1835 the duties imposed, although very high,
were not absolutely prohibitory, and the value con-
sequently advanced to 260,4351. This appears to
have been regarded with satisfaction by the French
Government, and towards the end of 1836 they
effected a great reduction of the existing duties, which
led to an increase of the trade that denoted to a re-
markable extent the eagerness of the mass of the
people to avail themselves of its benefits. From
260,435/., in 1835, the value of our linen exportations
taken by the French population steadily advanced until,
in six years, it was more than quadrupled—the total in
1841 being 1,088,3181., constituting considerably more
than a third of the amount of our shipments of all kinds
to that country. The infatuated policy, however, was
then adopted by Louis Philippe of checking in this re-
spect all that had been done, and in 1842 the rates were
largely increased, and ultimately made almost prohi-
bitory. A rapid decline in the traffic thenceforth com-
menced, which seems almost to threaten its extinction
—the total in 1851 having fallen to 141,3771. These
facts, it is added, have been strongly pressed upon the
attention of the Board of Trade by the Chambers of
Commerce of Dundee, Belfast, and Leeds, with the hope
that they may be kept in view during the progress of
arrangements between, thelwo-Governments for a freeer
ccmakercial intercourse.--Times.

MONEY AND COMMERCIAL NEWS.

CITY, TWO O'CLOCK.

The sales of cotton at Liverpool yesterday were
estimated at 10,000 bales, of which 2,500 American
were taken on speculation. The market closed
with much animation—compared with Saturday's
rates, prices of American were 1-16th to i• per lb.
dearer. Other sorts without alteration. The sales
comprised 8,500 American, 450 Pernam and Ma-
ranham, at 60. to 7id. ; 250 Egyptian, at 6d. to
; 500 Surat, at 3id. to 41d. • and 80 Sea
Island, at ls. Bd. to 2s per lb. The Railway Shares
opened heavily, but closed with a better tone.
It appears that the Great Britain steamer left
Melbourne as early as the 4th January, conse-
quently her advices may not be more than a day
later than those previously to hand. This is a dis-
appointment to most parties, and it is much to be
regretted that the steamer had left so nearly at the
same time, because the commercial public lose to a
great extent the advantage which such rapid com-
munication would otherwise give. In the present
instance, however, the overland mail is the cause
of the dates being thrown out. No doubt, a large
number of letters will come by her, and the general
details, so far, will be ampler and more interesting.
The Cape news is very satisfactory, and it is
hoped this time the statement concerning the pre-
servation of peace may prove well founded.
The accounts received yesterday from Nova
Scotia state that the Opposition in the Assembly
were still working against the Government Rail-
way Bills, and it was apprehended that a postpone-
ment might in consequence occur for another
twelve months. If the bills were defeated, a new
election it is said must follow. Some official docu-
ments had been published upon the Fishery ques-
tion, having reference to the obtainment of British
registers for American vessels by British subjects
residing in the United States. These appear to
have been called forth by the detention of the
Creole by H.M.S. Devastation, on the ground of
irregularity of transfer.
In one communication from Halifax the follow-
ing observation,: are made :
" The railroad scheme seems to have come to a dead
lock,' Mr. Howe having
.moved, on Wednesday, that
when the railroad shall have progressed as far as where
the branch lines should diverge, they be built simultane-
ously with the remainder, unless the trunk line in New
Brunswick to the boundary would be finished sooner
than that of Nova Scotia, which was carried by the
casting vote of tbc chairman—a factious amendment pro-
posed by Mr. Johnson having been negatived—but after-
wards lost in the house by a vote of 27 to 25. On the
following morning this was rescinded by the casting vote
of the Speaker-- one of the opposition having changed
sides. With a state of the House so nearly balanced,
it is not probable the Government will proceed with the
measure; and a petition at this juncture having been
presented in favour of the passage of bills constituting
railroad companies, Mr. Howe intimated that no further
steps would be taken until the moneyed men had been
afforded an opportunity of showing what they are really
disposed to do—their real object, as he conceived, being
to obstruct the Government."

Bills upon the principal cities of the continent
were taken yesterday afternoon at fuller rates ge-
nerally, for 30 days' paper. Paris, 25 21- to 30 ;
Amsterdam, 11 19 to ; Hamburgh, 13 Eif to
and Trieste, 11 3 to 8.

The English Funds are again very buoyant, and
the scarcity of stock continues to be felt. Consols
have bees done at 99k, and since as high as 1001
for Transfer, while for Account they realise 100 to
1. The decline on the Bourse at Paris has, thus
far, no effect, nor ought it to have, seeing that it
is no doubt attributable to local speculation and
the leaning of the Account. March Exchequer Bills
are ss. to 95., and East India Bonds 40s. to
455. premium. South Sea Stock is at 1101, and
Fast India Stock for account at 264.

In the Foreign Market there is nothing doing.
Spanish New Deferred Stock is firm at 24 to 25.
Greek Bonds are maintained at 84. Sardinian 5
per Cents. are worth 974, about the previous value.
The Swedish Loan is worth only 2 discount, and
the Turkish Loan is at 11 premium. Dutch 24 per
Cents. have been dull at 66.

The Railway Share Market has been flat again.
This is " ticket" day, and to-morrow the account
will be adjusted. . Apparently the speculation for
a rise must have been rather in excess of late,
otherwise there is nothing that should cause prices to
decline at the time when stocks are advancing. The
re-action is about ito per cent. on North-
Western, Nidland, and Lancashire and Yorkshire.
Others about the same as yesterday. French
Shares are quite neglected, and are a shade lower.

The Gold Mine Share Market has been rather
firmer, the principal dealings being in Colonial
Gre at Nugget Vein and Nouveau Monde.
The Land Companies' Shares have been higher.
The Agricultural is up 21. to 31., and the Peel
River to
The Joint Stock Bank Shares have been lower, as
regards the English, Scottish, and Australian, and
the Oriental.

BRITISH FUNDS THIS DAY.
(From the Official List.)
Business dare.
3 per Cent. Consols Annuities
Long Annuities, Expire sth Jan., 1860 —
Ditto 30 Years, Expire sth Jan., 1860 6 3-16
India Bonds, £lOOO 45
Ditto, under £lOOO 4O 5
South Sea Stock
Consols for Account
India Stock for Account 264
Exchequer Bills, 14d. June.
£lOOO
£5OO
Small
PRICE OF FOREIGN FUNDS THIS DAY.
Austrian Bonds 5 per Cent. 10 Gu. R. 99
Brazilian Bonds, 5 per Cent.
Ditto New, 1852, 4i per Cent 9B,
Equador Bonds r
Grenada Bonds, Deferred,
Greek ex over-due Coupons
Mexican 3 per Cent......
Peruvian Scrip '.. .... .., . . .
Ditto Deferred, 3 per Cent ....... ....
Portuguese 5 per Cent.
.
Ditto, 4 per Cent 39
Russian Bonds, 5 per Cent.
Ditto, 4i per cent lO3
Sardinian Bonds, 5 per Cent.
Spanish Bonds, 3 per Cent.
Spanish New Deferred, 3 per Cent... 245 5
ktDitto Committee Cert. of Coup., not fiiii tig i p a
Swedish Loan 2 d
Turkish Loan, 6 per Cent., 1852' ll P
Ditto for the Account 25 P
French Rentes, 4A,per Cent' lo3f Ex.2sf 15a
Belgian Bonds, 44" per Cent. Ex. 25fr 983 9i
Dutch Exchange 2A per Cent 66 i
TLTREE O'CLOCK.

March.
59

4' 3i

.... 63

Consols lOO
Ditto April Account