The Sun.
London, England, 1853-06-10 00:00:00

LONDON, FRIDAY EVENING, JUNE 10, 1853.

THE TEA ESTABLISHMENT,
4 and 5, King William-street, City.
Inconsequence of the alteration in Duty, we have this day made
alteeinction of 4d. per Pound in the price of all our Teas.
RIDGWAY & CO.

June 6, 1853.

HE OXFORD COMMEMORATION.—See
T "
THE PRESS "of SATURDAY NEXT, June 11. Office,
No. 110, Strand.
Money orders for subscriptions to be made payable to Mr. Alfred
Ive.

CONTRACT FOR COPPER.
Department of the Storekeeper General of the Navy,
Somerset Place, 9th June, 1853.
THE Commissioners for Executing the Office of
Lord High Admiral of the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Ireland, do Hereby Give
wi Notll icebe
r, that on
to TU
tr ESDAY,
ith such
the 21st
instant, at One o'clock, they eady eat w
Persons as may be willing to Contract for supplying her Majesty's
Dockyard at Chatham with
:100 or 200 TONS OF ENGLISH TOUGH CAKE COPPER,
Half to be delivered in One Month and tke Remainder in Two
Months. A Form of the Tender may be seen at the said Office. No
Tender will be received after One o'clock on the day of Treaty, nor
will any be noticed, unless thq party attends, or an agent for him,
duly authorised in writing.
Every Tender must be addressed to the Secretary of the Admi-
ralty, and bear in the left-hand corner the words, " Tender for
Copper," and must also be delivered at Somersetlace, accompanied
by a letter signed by two responsible persons, engaging to become
bound, with the person tendering, in the sum of 5,0001. for the due
performance of the Contract.

SOUND and WHITE TEETH are not only
indispensably requisite to a pleasing exterior in both sexes,
but they are peculiarly appreciated through life as a blessing highly
conducive to the purposes of health and longevity. Aiming the vari-
ous preparations offered for the purpose, ROWLANDS' ODONTO, or
Pearl Dentifrice, stands unrivalled In its capability of embellishing,
purifying, and preserving the teeth to the latest period of life. Pre-
pared from Oriental herbs, with unusual care, transmitted to this
country at great expense, this unique compound will be found to
eradicate all tartar and concretions, impart a pearl-like whiteness to
the enamelled surface, remove spots of incipient decay, render the
gums firm and red, fix the teeth firmly in their sockets, and. from its
aromatic influence, impart sweetness and purity to the breath. It is
important to observe, that when used early in life. it effectually pre-
vents all aches in the teeth and gums, effaces spots and discolour*.
Hon, eradicates scurvy, and, in a word, soon realises the chief attri-
bute of health and beauty—a Fine Set of Pearly Teeth. Price 2s.
9d. per box.
CAUTION.—The words " Rowlands' Odonto " are on the Label, and
"A. Rowland and Son, 20, Ilatton-garden," engraved on the Govern-
ment Stamp affixed on each box. Sold by them and by Chemists
and Perfumers.

TILE ENCAMPMENT AT CHOIIIIAM.
TN the summer of 1851, we had an Exhibition of
1. Art, and the excitement created by this has scarcely abated,
when to 1 we are promised an Exhibition of Arms. Chobham-com-
mon is to furnish us with an uncommon spectacle.
This magnificent military fete will attract thousands from all parts
of the kingdom, and will create a ferment of some five weeks dura-
tion. Special preparations are being made for this chivalric celebra-
tion; and as fashion will form an essential characteristic
of the same, L. IIYAM has been on the alert, and has
replenished his Establishment with a variety of new styles in gentle-
men's Summer attire. A light and elegant Over-vat will be almost
indispewable on this great occasion.
Sultry and showery weather, smoke, clouds of dust, and crowds of
spectators may be reasonably calculated upon, and ail these conco-
mitants will render this description of dress above referred to highly
requisite.
L. Hymn feels no hesitation in pronouncing all the Summer Gar-
ments which he supplies (Dress Coats, Frock Coats, Oxonian Coats,
Lounging Jackets, Trousers, Vests, &c ), as displaying all the excel-
lence and fashion for which Isis Establishment (situated in the centre
of the City), has ever been pre•eminently distinguished.
The savings which purchasers will realize by L. Dyam's moderate
prices will materially counterbalance the expenses which the forth-
coming military exhibition must necessarily incur, and therefore, on
this score also, a purchase of the proprietor's summer dress is
advisable.
OBSERVE i—L. HYAM begs to state that he has no connexion
with any similar establishment in London. 36, Gracechurch•street,
City (established upwards of 15 years), is the only place of bust-
hems carried on by L. IIYAM, where the public can be supplied with
good, durable, and fashionable Clothing, of sound workmanship, at
such economical prices as must defy all competition.
L. RYAN!, Tailor. Clothier, Hatter, Hosier, and General Outfitter
36, Gracecharch-street, City. •

GR AVESEND STAR
PACKETS,
Nu other Packets call at the Grays, Greenhithe, and Purfleet Piers.
The Packets call at the Piers as underlined (weather permitting)
FROM TERRACE PIER, GRAVESEND.

WEEK DAYS. SUNDAYS.
:i o Q 1
5. I •= Z
= ,A
Terrace t ';.:. .1 5. Time. ~ ci. 7N." e q to,
Pier. 24 Es. 8 A-§ f 8 6' '23 6" Z
'''
71,
its I`l2, 1 B% ———
t9i,4 11%
fly,. _ i%
I sit _ —3%
42 5
s———6
61l 14
7 _ 7
8 8 - -

Direc'

Trains from the Boats masked t

Omnibuses from Fenchurch-street Station to all parts of London
every quarter of an hour.

BRUNSWICK WHARF, BLACKWALL, on the arrival of the fol-
lowing Trains from the Fenchurch-street Station.

Time.

WEEK DAYS,

Time.

SUNDAYS.

;

Passages marked * are run direct.
Fore Cabin. Saloon.
To or from Gravesend and London ...• .... • 10d. .. Is. 2d.
„ Gravesend and Blackwell or Woolwish Bd. • • Os. 10d.
Between Gravesend and Intermediate Piers.. 6d. .. Os. Bd.
BOAT TICKETS.—TweIve Months, si. Os. ; Six Months, 31. Os. ;
Three Months, 21. Os. ; to be had of the Collectors on board the
Packets; or of Mr. Monk, Terrace Pier, Gravesend.
Fast and Commodious Packets to Let for Excursions. For Terms,
apply to Mr. W. Morgan, Agent, Star Office, Fenchurch-street Ter-
minus, Blackwell Railway.
May 5, 1853.

* Last words of the Great Tani of Derby, on the scaffold at Bolton-
le-Mcnrs, Oct. 15, 1651, after he had cattied the block to be so turned
that his face should look toward the church, Raying, " I will look
toward Thy sanctuary while I ani here; and I hope to live in Thy
heavenly sanctuary for ever hereafter."
t Charlotte do la Tremouille, Countess of Derby ; who,
at the time of her husband's death, Was with her children
in the Isle of Man.

Than when the children of the wise and good
Walking in holy truth,
By pious upright deeds,
Recall the glorious past, and emulate their sires ?
SOLO AND CHORUS.
" Hail we then now in Oxford's honoured Lord,
Great Derby's heir,
The virtues that adorn his patriot sire !
[(And now, 0 Pow'r unseen, our song inspire !)
The fear of God alone to be adored—
The love of man, that spurns ignoble pelf,
Regarding others even more than self--
Honour, as fair
As virgin purity ; courage, as bold
As that which mark'd the eagle's race* of old—
Eloquent words, to plead the righteous cause—
Zeal to maintain his country's sacred laws—
And that which, lacking, marreth all renown,
Firm loyalty to her who wears the Crown.]
RELIT. (Tenor.)
" Such be thy sons, Oxonia ; such is he
Whom we to-day
A t this our high and solemn festival,
With honour due to worth, as Lord install.
[Go forth ! again thy strength in arms essay,
True heir of of England's old nobility !
None worthier found in all the land than thou
To wear the coronet that decks thy brow !
We give thee weapons, tried and prov'd, to wield—
Go forth, with this emblazon'd on thy shield,
` God is our Light.'
Bear in thy hand, sharper than two-edg'd sword,
The open volume of His written word—
Go forth and prosper ! God defend the right !]
CHORUS.
" Praise our God,
All ye his servants, and that fear Him."—Rev. xix..s.

[The lines inserted between brackets were not sung.]
The ode was set to music by Sir Henry Bishop, the
University Professor of Music, and performed under his
directions by a choir of vocalists, which included Miss
Pyne, Miss Dolby, Mdlle. Zerr, Mrs. Endersohn, Miss
M. Williams ; Staudigl, Pischek, Gardoni, Lockey,
Hobbs, Phillips, &c. The choir, though very select,
was rather weak, and might with advantage have had its
numbers reinforced, and it is perhaps unfortunate that
more of the Oxford singers were not employed. These
include some excellent musicians, who are in continual
practice at the various college chapels, and we under-
stand that some dissatisfaction has been created among
them at their exclusion.

After the conclusion of the ode, Mr. Ridding, of
Exeter College, read his Latin Essay—" Quibus prteeipue
de causis in artium liberdium studiis Romani Greeds
vix pares, nedum superiores, evaserint," to which the
Chancellor's prize has been awarded. The Newdigate
Prize Poem in English verse, " On the ruins of Egyp-
tian Thebes," was then recited by Mr. Reynolds, of
Exeter College. The supplementary Installation Odes
followed ; by Mr. Walker, of Corpus Christi College, in
Greek verse ; by Mr. Wormald, of Lincoln Collegre, in
Latin verse ; by Mr. Bell, of Baliol College, in English
verse ; by Mr. Sanderson, of Magdalen Hall, in Greek
verse ; and by Mr. Russell, of Magdalen Hall, in Eng-

IPP DA., SD.

TIMES LIFE ASSURANCE AND
GUARANTEE COMPANY.

The annual meeting of the shareholders and policy-
holders of this company was held on Wednsesday, at one
o'clock, at their offices, Ludgate-hill—Mr. 'Wyld in the
chair.
The Manager, Mr. SHERIDAN, read the report as fol-
lows :
" The directors have much pleasure in meeting the pro-
prietors of the company at the fourth annual general meet-
ing.

7` The directors lay before the meeting a general balance
sheet of the company's affairs, made up to the 30th day of
April last, the period at which the financial year of the
company terminates.
" In accordance with the provisions of the d eed of set-
tlement, the following directors retire ; but being eligible,
present themselves for re-election, viz.:—Thomas N. Baker,
Esq. ; Charles Latham, Esq. ; Louis de Alassiac, Esq.; John
Lilwall, Esq. ; Archibald F. Paull, Esq.
" The directors have to inform the shareholders that,
since the last annual meeting, Captain H. H. D. O'Brien,
Royal Artillery, has retired from the direction, in conse-
quence of his residence abroad, and inability to attend to
the duties of the office ; but that the influence and valuable
support of that gentleman are still retained by his remain-
ing a shareholder.

" The directors have supplied the vacancy caused by the
retirement of Captain O'Brien, by the election of the fol-
lowing gentleman—viz.: Edward G. L. Perrott, of Wool-
wich, a director of the "The Times Fire Company," and
they recommend the shareholders to confirm the appoint-
ment.

" The directors have also to report, that since the last
annual meeting of the shareholders they have elected the
following gentleman to act as auditor—viz.: T. C. Blun-
dell, Esq., 123, St. John-street, Middlesex, which appoint-
ment they recommend the shareholders to confirm.
" The following auditors retire this year, and the di-
rectors recommend their re-appointment—viz. :—W. D.
Owen, Esq., H. B. Rye, Esq.
" The directors lay before the shareholders a return of
the whole business transactions of the year, contained in
the following table—viz.—

No. Amount.

Income.

Number of proposals made
to the company, from 29th
May, 1852, to June 5,1853 1,887 £452,219 £9,763 3 1
Policies completed and
issued
Proposals declined 2OB 48,642 1,036 4 0
Proposals accepted not yet
paid ll9 30,562 660 0 1
Proposals under considera-
tion

1,887 £4.52,219 £9,763 3 1
" By the above statement it will appear that FIFTEEN
HUNDRED AND TWENTY POLICIES HAVE BEEN PAID
UPON AND ISSUED SINCE THE LAST MEETING, YIELDING
AN ANNUAL INCOME•OF 7,874/. 18s 7d.
The total number of policies issued during the three pre-
ceding years, and up to the time of the last annual meet-
ing, was as follows :
Number of policies issued/ 1,679. Ann. income thereof X 7,707 3 4
up to May, 1852.
Add to these figures the
total business of the last 1,520
year. viz., from May,
1852, to June, 1853. £15,532 1 11
" And it will be at once perceived THAT IN THE LAST
YEAR THE DIRECTORS HAVE EQUALLED THE BUSINESS OF
THE THREE PRECEDING YEARS, a circumstance the more
remarkable, inasmuch as hitherto each year of the com-
pany's operation has exhibited similar results; the second
year doubling the first, the third year producing as much
as the first and second year, and this, the fourth year, pro-
ducing as much as the three prior years.
" The directors congratulate the shareholders upon this
statement, and they feel it must to evident to all persons
that the proceedings of this company exhibit a marked
amount of vitality and success ; and trust that they may
be permitted to indulge in the hope that, during the year
upon which they are now entering, the same amount of
public support and good fortune may be experienced.
"By reference to the foregoing figures, it will be seen
that the total ANNUAL INCOME OF THE COMPANY
AMOUNTS TO 15,582/. Is. 11d., and that the company has
issued, in the short space of four yeah, three thousand
two hundred policies.
" This large number of policies materially distributes
the total amount assured, and at the same time that it ex-
hibits and secures connection, it lessens the chance of large
losses, by reducing the amount of individual policies.
" The force of this proposition is made apparent by the
experience of the last four years, inasmuch as the sum of
950/., the total amount paid upon life policies since the
commencement of the company, was claimed upon five
1 3ifferen2tll.l.licies—thus reducing the average of each loss
" The directors still find themselves compelled to decline
a-large proportion of the business offered, and in the exer-
cise of their discretion have this year refused 208 proposals
for the assurance in the aggregate of 48,6441.
" The large amount of business transacted by the com-
pany during the past year, the directors attribute to the
increased confidence of the public in the management of
institution, to the assistance derived from theeperatione of
the fire company, to a better knowledge and appreciation
on the part of the public of the principles of life assurance,
and to the growing popularity of the guarantee department,
—indeed, the sy stem of guarantee established by this com-
p pany has met with most decided apprptation from the
leading institutions of the country, in proof of which the
directors append to this report a list of the companies and
societies which nave already accepted the guarantee poli-
cies of the company, for the honesty of those whom they
have employed in situations •f pecuniary trust.
"The losses during the year have amounted to the sum
of 2,1661. Bs. lid., 1,6101. Bs. lid., of which has been paid
for guarantee claims, leaving the life claims for the year
still far below the expected amount, whilst part of the sum
paid for guarantee claims may yet be recovered. At the
same time it must be borne in mind, that the company has
received comparatively a large amount of premium for its
guarantee risks, and that as eaeh year's risk is met by each
year's premium, there is no continuation of liability for
the ono payment, but each year the account can be
balanced, and the directors are in consequence enabled to
congratulate the shareholders on the hitherto profitable
working of this department ; and they feel assured that
by the time of the first valuation of the company's busi-
ness, the guarantee premium fund will be found in such a
position as to materially -assist the valuer in the decla-
ration of profits.
" The directors have to remind the shareholders that at
the expiration of the next year, the fifth from the date of
complete regifttration, the first investigation will take
place of the financial condition of the company, when all
those circumstances which affect the soundness of the
institution will be strictly and impartially inquired into,
and a full and detailed report thereon laid before the
proprietors.
" The directors look forward to this event with increas-
ing satisfaction, fully believing that the result will show
the correctness of the principle upon which the company
was founded, and the vigour and energy which have cha-
racterised its management.
" The directors ye to report that they have secured
the services of Mr. Jenkin Jones, one of the vice-presidents
of the Institute of Actuaries, as the consulting actuary. of
the company, a gentleman whose ability in his profession
is a sufficient guarantee to the shareholders, policy holders,
and the public, that the valuation of the company's affairs
will be efficiently conducted.
"The directors recommend that the paid-up capital of
the company shall bear interest at the rate of 5/. per cent.
per annum, and that the same be paid in future half-
yearly.
" The register of directors' attendances is placed upon
the table, by which it will be seen that the directors have
uniformly attended to the business of the company, and,
in order to show the importance of the regular attendance
of the directors, they draw attention to the circumstance
that a vast number of proposals are made to the company
in each year, the number last year amounting to 1857, or
36 for every week in the year, covering assurances to the
extent of 452,2191., or nearly half a million of money,
and that a great many of these proposals they are at all
times compelled to decline, though not without the fullest
investigation; at the same time the directors also have to re-
mark that, as a consequence of the above circumstance,
together with the necessity of vigilance and close inquiry,
with each guarantee proposal, the sittings of the board
meetings are unusually prolonged and laborious."
The CHAIRMAN then moved the adoption of the report
and balance-sheet. The union of the assurance and gua-
rantee principles had been so successful that very few
institutions of the kind could show so favourable a re-
port as theirs. The business done in the year
amounted to nearly 8,000/. ; the whole losses were but
12 per cent. on the whole business. On the life busi-
ness from the commencement of the company there had
been a loss only of 5561., scattered over five policies,
which showed how carefully the policies were investi-
gated before they were issued. Under these cir-
cumstances there was every assurance that-the company
would be able not only to meet any and every loss which
might possibly occur, but also materially to extend the
sphere of their operations. Happen what might, there
was no fear but that the office could sustain itself, and
he would say there was no company in London which could
stand upon a more favourable footing. Upon first read-
ing the report, it had seemed' to him that a large
expenditure had been incurred upon local agencies ; but
he thought, when they came to look into that item, and
considering that they had agencies in all the great towns
of the kingdom—at Berlin, Hambprgh, and . other Con-
tinental cities— it would be found that that expenditure
was wisely incurred, and that it would produce considerable
profits in return. At this moment, a Parliamentary
committee was sitting on the subject of life assurance,
and he thought the shareholders of this office might
congratulate themselves on that fact ; because, when their
turn came to be submitted to examination, theywould pass
the ordeal with credit and honour, and would thereby
give an additional guarantee for the prosperity and sta-
bility of the society. He must congratulate the share-
holders and policy-holders on the great increase which
had lately taken place in their business, and he believed
that the excellent proposal of the Chancellor of the Ex-
chequer to deduct the income tax from that part of a
man's income which he paid for assurance, would give a
[ADVERTISEMENT.]—This Era 'newspaper of Saturday
greater stimulus to life assurance than had ever yet been
next will contain an original report of the Royal Ascot
a known. Excellent as the plan of. this company
Races and winners for Hampton, by "Touchstone ;"
was it
Squeak from the "Stable Mouse" about Past and Future would never have been carried to such perfection had it
I not been for the energy and arduous efforts f
Events ; Latest State of the Betting ; Aquatic news,
The hon. gentleman
manager and directors, he thought deserved th
thanks
of all
concerned,who
report.
o the
interesting Cricket matches, Angling, Pedestrianism,
and Pigeon shooting, with all Sporting and Miscellane-
then concluded by moving the. adoption of theg
highest tha
ous News of the week. Order of any news-agents or
Mr. A. F. PAULL seconded the motion with
send six postage stamps to Era office, 3, Catherine-
*street, Strand. Upon payment 0r135., you receive the sure, as the report fully bore out predictions peculiar.h plea-
paper for 26 weeks, and participate in the St. Leger formerly made. He ventured to predict further,
which be had
rther, that, at
gifts. their next meeting, the report would
shoal a surplus profit

- , -
lish verse.
After the conclusion of the proceedings, the Earl of
Derby, who was loudly cheered both on entering and
quitting the theatre, returned to Worcester College with
the Vice Chancellor. A grand dinner is given to him
this evening in the hall of Pembroke College, of which
he is official visitor, and the second installation ball takes
place in the Town-hall.

* Alluding so the legend of the Eagle and Child in the
Stanley Family.

NAVAL INTELLIGENCE.

PORTSMOUTH, JuNn 9.

PI 7,874 18 7

At the Court of Examination held to-day at tho Royal
Naval College, the following young gentlemen passed
examinations, and accordingly entered the navy as cadets :
—J. G. F. Leacock, W. A. F. Phipps, A. Williams, H.
N. Hippisley, C. S. P. Woodruffe, A. B. Wodehouse, C.
N. Hoare, and R. D. R. Farquharson.
The Geyser, 6, paddle-sloop, Commander Wilson, ar-
rived at Spithead to-day at noon, from Jamaica, to be
paid off. She sailed on the 27th of April, and arrived at
Bermuda on the 7th of May, whence she sailed on the 19th
with a mail for England. On the 27th ult. she spoke the
Leander, 50,'Captain King, with the Earl of Ellesmere and
the contributions from England for the Great Exhibition
at New York on board, and on the 3d inst. she exchanged
numbers with the Alfred Indiaman, from Calcutta. The
following officers are passengers by the Geyser :—Colonel
Alexander, R.E. and Mrs. Alexander ; Captain Mon-
tressor, ; Mr.: G. R. Caldwell and Ensign Hurt, of
the 34th Regiment, in charge of a detachment of the 44th ;
part of the crew of the Bermuda schooner, recently paid
off at Jamaica, have also been brought home by the Gey-
ser. We gave the distribution of the West India squa-
dron in our yesterday's report of the arrival of the Poic-
tiers transport.
The Fire Queen steam-yacht, Master-Commander Paul,
conveyed the Admiral of the Fleet, Sir Thomas Byam
Martin, G.C.8., Rear-Admiral Fanshawe, C. 8., Rear-
Admiral F. Martin, Captain Chads, C. 8., &c., to-day to
Sconce Point, to inspect the coast defences at that place.
The troop-ships Poictiers and Progress came into harbour
this morning, and discharged the 34th Regiment into the
SiMOOlll steam-frigate for conveyance to Sunderland.

WOOLWICH, JUNE 9.

APPOINTMENTS.

Lieutenant John Lyons Macleod (1848), to the Simoom
iron screw steam troop-ship, at Portsmouth.
Masten—Francis Hale (1842), to the Tribune, 30, screw.
steam-frigate, at Sheerness.
Paymaster Charles A. Thorn (1847), to the Terrible
steam-frigate, at Woolwich.

Assistant-Surgeon James G. T. Forbes (1849), recently
serving in the Rifleman steam-sloop, to the Simoom.
Master's Assistant H. R. Harris, to the St. Jean D'Acre,
101, screw steam-ship, at Devonport.
Clerks.—Edward R. Key (1851), recently serving in the
Hastings, 72, when on the East Indies station, to the
Sybille, 40, at Devonport, under orders to proceed to the
East Indies and China station; James T. Bignell (1848),
from the Horatio, 24, steam guard-ship at Sheerness, to the
Tribune; W. N. Rowe, to the Tribune.
Commodore Henry Eden attended experiments which
were carried on between one and two o'clock to-day, at
the dockyard landing place with Mr. Parratt's life-boat
raft. The invention is very simple, and might be always
available on board ship if the hammocks of the crew were
made water-tight, and so constructed as to be capable of
being inflated in the same manner as an air-bed. Tho
boat experimented with by Mr. Parrett was 27 feet long
by about 6 feet breadth of beam, 3 feet 4 inches in depth,
and drawing ono foot of water. On the outside of the
boat four hammock-shaped Indiarubber air-tight cases
were lashed, two on • each side, and when inflated they
gave the boat three times its own natural buoyancy, ren-
dering it capable of carrying 50 men, who were rowed
about by four oars and four paddles, and making it a safe
life-boat, not liable to be upset. n approaching a wreck
the two air-tight cases are extended by a cross beam to the
distance of six feet from each side, making in all a breadth
of 18 feet, the space from the boat to the cases being covered
with strong netting, so that any person may jump down
upon it from a height of 20 feet without being hurt or
being able to upset the boat. Sixty-one mon were at one
time on the raft without having much effect on its immer-
sion, and the experiments exhibited the great advantage
which troop-ships, passenger steam vessels, and emigrant
ships would possess, in cases of danger from fire or ship-
wreck, if provided with a supply of the invention to every
boat on board; and if the rafts were expanded before being
thrown overboard there would be no danger of its cap-
sizing were the boat even to fill with water. In a heavy
sea it would still have sufficient buoyancy, with 50 persons
on board, to have its gunwale 11 inches above the water-
line. The boats usually carried by steam vessels, if fitted
on Mr. Parratt's plan, would hold 100 persons, and convey
them safely to the nearest shore.

PLYMOUTH, JUNE 9.
The Swedish frigate Eugenia arrived yesterday morning
and anchored in the Sound. She saluted the citadel and
the flag of the commander-in-chief, which were duly
answered by both the citadel and the Impregnable.
The James Watt, steamer, was taken into No. 5 Dock
last evening to facilitate her fitment.
Tho Valorem!, 16, paddle, Captain Buckle, sailed last
evening for Queenstown, where she is to remain as flag-
ship during the absence of the Ajax, one of the fleet or-
dered to be ready to accompany her Majesty on her sum-
mer cruise.

Orders have been received at this yard to increase the
stock of coals for steam-vessels to 6,000 tons.
Letters from the Vestal, dated 25th May, state that
Captain Cospatrick B. Hamilton has invalided. The com-
mander-in-chief on the station waits instructions from the
Admiralty prior to filling up the vacancy.

MALTA, JUNE 2.
The stirring intelligence from the Levant, which reached
Malta on Tuesday evening, forms the only theme of gene-
ral conversation. The return of the Caradoc is anxiously
expected, for, apart from the arrival of Admiral Stewart,
she will, it is thought, bring orders to Admiral Dundas to
show his ships of war in the Archipelago. Beyond this
there is no news of the slightest importance.
The screw-steamers Astrologer and Melita have ar-
rived, the one yesterday, the other this morning. At
6 a.m., on the 24th of May, when off Cape St. Vincent,
the Astrologer was discovered to be on fire, from the
ignition of the coal through the heating of the bearings of
the shaft. Water was thrown down and the decks scut-
tled, and fortunately mastery over the fire was obtained,
and it was finally extinguished by 9 a.m. The cargo is
very considerably damaged.
The Peninsular and Oriental Company's steamer Bengal,
which arrived here, on her third voyage, on the 28th ult.,
has made another splendid passage. In Channel she had
light S.B. winds, with a heavy N.W. swell, and from
Cape Finisterre to Gibraltar strong N. winds and thick
weather. From the Needles to Gibraltar she took but 3
days 23 hours, the quickest run by several hours ever
made. Remaining 6 hours at the Rock, she ran to Malta
in 3 days 16 hours, weather calm the whole way. Thus
has the Bengal made her outward voyage to Malta in 7
days 16 hours under steam, or 8 days, including stoppages.
Her average speed to Gibraltar was 12 knots per hour, and
from Gibraltar to Malta 11i knots. It is doubtful if any
paddle-wheel boat could have done it in the time.