The Sun.
London, England, 1854-05-22 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, MONDAY EVENING, MAY O. 1684.

figured before the House as the author of nearly
half a dozen accepted financial statements, instead
of, as with Mr. DISRAELI, one unsuccessful Budget.
Nevertheless, if Mr. DISRAELI cannot claim the
credit of carrying one after another a series of
elaborate Budgets through the Commons—he can-
not at the same time be charged with having
left the country at the close of the
financial year with empty coffers, as the
evil consequences of perverse and abortive
experiments. Elsewhere will be found a few sug-
gestions, and some of them exceedingly sagacious
comments, upon the course pursued respectively
by MT. DISRAELI and by Mr. GLADSTONE, while
presiding in their official capacity over the finan-
cial department of the Administration. The re-
marks alluded to, as may be observed, have been
sent to us from the cotton capital of Lanca-
shire by a shrewd and intelligent correspondent.
Mr. GLADSTONE once upon a time indulged the
world with a peep at his correspondence with " A
Birmingham Clerk." We may be allowed, there-
fore, surely to lay before the public our brief
communication from " A Manchester Warehouse-
man." We do so the more readily, because our
correspondent proves himself, by every syllable of
his sententious observations, to be a thoughtful
and impartial spectator of things as they are—
not as they are sophistically represented to be
by the partisans, and sycophants, and adulators
of Government.

SHOCKING AND FATAL ACCIDENT ON
THE BIRMINGHAM AND NORM-
WESTERN RAIL WAY-TB IS DAY.

(FROM A PASSENGER.)

MAY 22.—1 was waiting at Coventry this morning for
the Birmingham train, which was to arrive at one
o'clock from London. At half-past one no train ap-
peared, and the officer, fearing an accident, worked the
telegraph with inquiries to Birmingham. They worked
very long, but in vain. It appeared that no one was
at the Birmingham office to attend to the telegraph.
Was this right ? They then gave it up. In five minutes
more the train arrived, with a gentleman lying on the
floor, at the foot of the guard, quite insensible, and
with his two legs cut off and placed upon his body. It ap-
peared that the gentleman was a Birmingham merchant
named Barnett, who wasalone in the last first-class car-
riage, returning to his private house a little on the other
side of the Beechwood tunnel ; that in passing through
the-tunnel the guard felt the break suddenly lifted up,
and instantly stopped the train and got out, and walked
back to the place where the occurrence happened.
In the tunnel he found a gentleman lying across
the rails much mutilated, the door of the last car-
riage open, and the cushioned inside board of it torn off.
The gentleman was put on the train and conveyed to
Coventry, a• distance of about four miles. On ar-
riving there every attention was paid to him.
The suffererer was carried on a tarpauling into a van
and conveyed to the hospital, a messenger being sent in
the meantime to the hospital. By this time he was
breathing his last. We came on to town ; and at
Rugby particulars were telegraphed to his family in Bir-
mingham.

How he got out of the carriage nobody at present
knows.

HIGHLAND SOCIETY OF LONDON.

On Saturday evening a general court of this ancient
society, very numerously attended, was held in the Free-
masons' Tavern under the presidency of the Chisholm,
supported by Sir Charles Forbes, Bart., Dr. Stewart
Chisholm, R.A., P. F. Robertson, Esq., M.P., W. F.
Caldwell, Esq., of Mishinish, J. Tullock, Esq., F.R.S.,
J. Sutherland, Esq., &c., &c. The principal business of
the evening, after the usual loyal and patriotic toasts had
been proposed by the chairman, and heartily responded to,
consisted in the presentation of a handsome service of
plate to George Bain, Esq., the Honorary Secretary.
Sir Charles Forbes, Bart., in presenting the plate to
Mr. Bain, on the part of the numerous members of the
Highland Society of London, begged of him to receive
it as a small token of the deservedly high esteem in which
they regarded him as a gentleman, and as their honorary
secretary, who had during his long connection with the
Highland Society of London, given them so many proofs
of his zeal in upholding its character, and promoting,
by every means in his power, the national and benevo-
lent objects with which it is identified. On the part of
the members of the society, and from the bottom of his
own heart, he would only add,—" May God bless you,
and grant you long to keep and to enjoy this testimo-
nial, which cannot express a thousandth part of the
esteem in which we hold you."
Mr. BAIN regretted that he had not language in which
he could express the sense he entertained of the kind-
ness which had prompted his friends of the Highland
Society to present him with the handsome service of
plate before him, far less to respond to the flattering
teems in which his health had been proposed, and the
Highland enthusiasm with which it had been received.
He could assure them he always felt so happy in the
company of the members of the society that time seems
to pass as if every sand in the glass turned to gold as it
fell.' He heartily thanked his friends and reciprocated
their kind wishes.

After the health of the Chairman, and other toasts,
the company separated, after spending a most agreeable
evening.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.

MANCHESTER, May 20, 1854.
Sin,—lt is a matter of conjecture among " the lower
strata of the great middle class" whether or not the
Chancellor of the Exchequer has convinced Mr. Phelps,
of Birmingham, that he is a much more able financier
than his predecessor ; if he has done so—which I very
much doubt—it would, at least, be interesting to know
on what grounds that intelligent gentleman has been so
convinced. As a member of this numerous class, I have to
ask, Why was Mr. Disraeli expelled from office I For
making a distinction in favour of precarious incomes !
for proposing a reduction in the tea duties ! for promis-
ing cheap administration ! and showing, during his
short tenure of office, that he meant it ! Or,
was it because the Peelites said, " his estimates
would prove fallacious," whereas time proved that he
was eminently successful in his anticipations. But I
shall be told "it was the house tax that rendered
the scheme so unpopular ;" admitting that 18d. in the
1/. at that period would have been unjust, I
have to inquire what can be more just and
equitable than a graduated house tax down to
even Cl. houses ? It would have the effect (as
Mr. Gladstone stated the other night he desires), of
causing " all classes to bear their due share of the bur-
dens," and you could have doubled your income tax at a
future and more pressing period ; and Sir, it is my
humble opinion that had not Mr. Disraeli known "what
he had to face that night," he would have withdrawn
and -amended that item. But "men who judge for
themselves " saw, at the time, it was not the Budget—it
was Mr. Disraeli that was opposed, by personal feel-
ing with one party, and party feeling with the other.
And now of Mr. Gladstone ! passing over his first
Budget—a second edition of Mr. Disraeli's, with notes,
what has he done ! Stuck to one idea, and that not his
own—the Income Tax for 7 years—half as much added
to ditto—ditto doubled, and, I suppose, the next move
will be 14d. and 18d.

In my opinion, sir, it is most lamentable that at the
present momentous period—through personal spite and
party feeling— two such statesmen as Lord Palmerston
and Mr. Disraeli cannot be associated together for their
country's welfare, while Lord Aberdeen's foreign policy
is being seconded by a Clarendon, and our finances ad-
ministered by the casuistical Gladstone.—l am, Sir,
your very obedient servant,
A MANCHESTER WAREHOUSEMAN.

MONEY MARKET

AND
COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE.
CITY, TWO o'CLOCK,

The sales of cotton at Liverpool on Saturday
were estimated at 5,000 bales, all to the trade. The
market closed heavily, but there was no quotable
change in prices. The sales comprised about 4,250
American, 150 Bahia at 6id, 300 Egyptian at Sid.
to 11. d., and 300 Surat at 3d. to 3id. per lb. Rail-
way shares continued dull.

Wheat is firm this morning, although the arrivals
are large.

The public sales of tea have just concluded.. Of
38,005 packages offered, 9,000 only have been sold,
and the auctions close flatly.

Accounts from Galatz state that 8 lonian mer-
chant ships bad been captured by the Russian
authorities there, and the crews made prisoners of
war.

It is stated by the Finnish captains of vessels
that have been seized and brought to England by
our cruisers, that there are numerous small posts
or forts along the coast of Finland, similar to that
taken by Admiral Napier, and that there is no
chance of their holding out. It seems, indeed,
very questionable if the Russians should not have
evacuated them, so as to spare their forces for other
purposes.

The accounts brought by the Arabia from New
York represent the market for breadstuff as being
dull. The home demand kept prices above the
limits of foreign orders. Stocks were tending
downwards. The specie shipped in the week to
May 6, amounted to 1,571,0121. The last weekly
City Banks return showed an increase in every
department. Money was expected to get tighter.
Freights were dull, and rat es low for Liverpool.
The grain crops had in some districts been affected
by the frost.

The Canadian advices are again satisfactory.
The quarterly returns relating to trade show a
considerable augmentation.in the exports and im-
ports. There was an expectation at Montreal that
breadstuffs would materially advance. The ships
from Europe were arriving out, the St. Lawrence
being open.

From California the mining news is highly en-
couraging. Business continued to improve, and it
was asserted that the State was never more pros-
perous. Emigrants were arriving fast. The culti-
vation of the soil kept pace with the increased
population, and sufficient breadstuffs would be
raised this year to supply the entire State. Forty
thousand acres of wheat were growing in San
Coaquin country. Several rich gold discoveries
had been made, and a quicksilver mine of great
richness. The San Francisco Mint was in opera-
tion, but the new coin was not yet in circulation.
The demand for money is stated to be brisk again
this morning, and the fact of specie being with-
drawn from the Bank of England, although the
arrivals were last week so considerable, is evidence
that there is such a scarcity of bills, that even the
nominal improvement in the rate of exchange will
not prevent bullion being sent in. There is, how-
ever, this much in our favour that we received
last week 700,0001. and sent away 300,0001., con-
sequently the excess will either serve to meet fur-
ther requirements, or replenish the amount in the
Bank vaults. The steamer Arabia from New York
brings 180,000 dollars, and what the Union arrived
with on Saturday will go to augment the abundant
supply of cash already in the principal citiesiof the
Continent.

The English stock market is extremely dull this
morning, and has given way to A- per cent.
Paucity of business is undoubtedly the principal
cause, but there is a little suspense about the de-
bate that will arise upon the budget of the Chan-
cellor of the Exchequer. The prevailing impression
seems to be that Mr. Baring will not succeed in his
opposition. Another circumstance that is against
Consols, and has led to sales by one or two leading
brokers, is the incased demand for money, and
the rumour that it vrill not be long before the Bank
of England again puts up its minimum rate of dis-
count. Without attaching too much importance
to this view, we believe the speculators will influ-
ence the market with it. Finally, there is the
prospect of an augmentation in the rate of interest
upon the unfunded debt, which would thence ob-
tain readier currency than stock. Consols have been
89i for transfer, ant since 88k. The account prices
have not been higher than 89, and are now 88g-I.
Bank Stock is heavy at 2021, and India Stock at
233. Exchequer Bills have been at 2s. discount to
ls. premium, and. India Bonds at ss. discount.

Foreign Securities have been rather inactive, but
without any marked change in the price. Mexican
Bonds have been quoted 24k, and Peruvian 62k.
Grenada have been at 17, and Brazilian New at
96i. Russian Five per Cents. have been supported
at 95. Sardinian Bonds realise 821 to 83. Spanish
Three per Cents. have been done at 35k, and the
New Deferred at 18/
The railway meetings announced are the fol-
lowing :

Company. Date. Place, &c.
Cork and Bandon ............ . allay 24, 17, Gracechurch-st.
Kilken. and Gt. S. and W. Ire May 29, 17, Gracechurch-st.
Killarney Junction May 31, Dublin.
Leeds Northern May 27, Leeds.
Londonderry and Coleraine May 23, Coleman-st.-build.
Northern of France May 24, Paris.
Royal Swedish
South Devon May 23, Plymouth.
Southern of France
Stirling and Dunfermline June 1, Glasgow.
Victor Emanuel (Sardinian) May 23, Paris.
Waterford and Kilkenny,, May 31, London Tavern.
The Railway Market has been relatively better
supported than the funds, but the amount of busi-
ness done is not large. Caledonian, Lancashire
and Yorkshire, North-Western, and South-Eastern
have been principally dealt in. French Shares have
been slightly in favour of bi Dyers.
In Mines there is but little doing, Banks have
gone back about I per cent;., and the Land Com-
panies are nominally at previous rates.

BRITISH FUNDS THIS DA.Y.—CLOSING PRICES.
( From the Olici al List.)

nosiness done
Bank Stook •.•••••••••• •Do•• • • • • 60* •••• *I 202,} 5

3 per Cent. Reduced Annuities.
3 per Cent. Consols Annuities . ,
3 per Cent. Annuities, 1726
Gong Annuities, Expire sth Jan.,. 1860
Ditto 30 Years Expire sth Jan.,. 1860 4 13-16
India Stock . • 233
India Bonds, £lOOO . —
Ditto, under £lOOO
Consols for Account 6th June .
Exchequer Bills, 2d.
£IOOO
2500 2 d 1 p 2 dis
. ..
Small
PRICE OF FOREIGN Fl tYNDS THIS DAY.
Brazilian Bonds, 5 per Cent.
New Bmizilanßonds, 1829 dt 39, 5. per Cent • 96}
Buenos Ayres Bonds, 6 per Cent... 554
Grenada Bonds, Ex. Dec., 1849, Coupon.., 17
Mexican 3 per Cent.
Peruvian Bonds, 44 per Cent.
Russian Bonds, 1822, 5 per Cent. ..£ St 95
Sardinian Bonds, 5 per Cent.............. .
Spanish Bonds, 3 per Cent
Ditto New Deferred, 3 per Cci it.
Dividends on the above pa: fable in London.
THREE O'CLOCK.

Consols ................
Ditto Juno Accouut

THE FASHIONABLE V tr()BLD,—The lioness of Saturday
evening was Lady Aelthurton, to whom Lady Palmer-
ston gave way. Her ladyship received a distinguished
*circle on the evening of the Queen's birthday, at Bath
Mouse, Piccadilly. All the attendants at the State
dinner flocked there .at a late hour—the scene in the
great rooms of the ma nF,ion forming a, variation of colours
.most pleasing, so ma, 3.7 were the costumes.
MARRIAGES IN H IGH LIFE.—A marriage is on the
Lapis between Miss Graham, eldest daughter of the
Right Hon. Sir Jarr s'es Graham, M.P., First Lord of the
Admiralty, and Lc ,rd Grey de Wilton, eldest son to the
Earl of Wilton. The marriage of Lady Beatrice
Hamilton, daught RI- to the Marquis of Abercorn, with
the Earl of Durh am, is expected to take place during
;he present weel z.
:BERLIN, MA' t 17.—His patriotic Majesty, the King
,Prussia, has conferred the following distinctions upon
the Russian ofi leers specified below : —The red order of
the eagle, first class, to the Lieutenant. Generals Riesen-
kari pff, Tuts( It koff, and Tenner, all three holding rank
and office in. Russia or Russian Poland ; the red eagle,
second claso, •to Colonel Ulrich, and the same, third class,
to C 'olonel Maximof ; the same, fourth class, to Captain
BJo 3rn, to First Lieutenants Masloff and Jegoroff, and
to f. lecond Lieutenant Renwald.

ICING OF HOLLAND.—A letter from the Hague, of
th • 1 6th, says :—" The King yesterday incurred some
da ngt rin consequence of the horses running away with
his ca rriage, and galloping at a fearful rate through seve-
rs 1 str vets, before the coachman could pull them in. His
N lajew ty remained quietly seated in the carriage, and in
th at way escaped all injury. After a short delay the
co achmae was able to drive on to the Maison du Bois,
th e palace where the king was going to when the insi-
de: It mum

LATEST FOREIGN • NEWS.

THE BALTIC.

COMMENCEMENT OF_ OPERATIONS-1,500

RUSSIANS MADE PRISONERS.

A telegraphic despatch from Stockholm, of May
18, says, the British fleet, after eight hours' bom-
bardment, destroyed the Castle of Gustafsorn, south
of Hango, at the entrance of the Gulf of Finland.
1,500 Russians were taken prisoners.

RUMOURED CAPTURE OF ALAND AND

REVEL.

Another despatch from Stockholm, of the 13th,
states that it was reported there that Aland and
Revel had been taken.

THE FRENCH FLEET THROUGH THE
BELT.

KIEL, Saturday.—Eight French liners, four fri-
gates, and four steamers anchored to-day in Buelk
Roads, and leave on Monday to join Sir Charles
Napier.
COPENHAGEN, May 16.—Yesterday the steam-
frigate, Penelope, 30 guns, arrived here with 60
officers and 30 midshipmen, for distribution among
the fleet. She passed seven vessels of the French
fleet at the Island of Anholt, in the Cattegat, yes-
terday morning. She takes on coals for the fleet.
It is rumoured that a plan of attack upon Cron-
stadt has been agreed upon between the English and
French admirals, but it certainly will not be carried
into effect before the arrival of the gun-steamer
flotilla. The blockade of the Russian ports and the
seizure of some Russian vessels would neither be an
object worthy of the great maritime Powers, nor
would it require that formidable torte of vessels
and guns which, before long, will be gathered toge-
ther in the Gulf of Finland. Want of salt will not
drive Finland to rise against Russia ; and nothing
short of action on a great scale will prevail upon
the Scandinavian Powers to change their position
of well-wishing spectators for that of active allies.
The Swedish squadron, stationed lately at Canis-
crona, and destined to go to Elfsnabben, under
the command of Rear-Admiral Krusenstjerna,
consists of the folloWing vessels :—" The line-of-
battle ships Charles XIII., flagship of Prince Oscar,
and the Prince Oscar, the frigates Desiree and
Eugenie, the steam corvettes Thor and Gefle, and
the schooner Nordenskjold. This squadron will
before long be reinforced by the line-of-battle ship
Gustaf the Great, and the steam corvette Oradd.
The Norwegian squadron, under the command of
Rear-Admiral Hesselberg, consists of the frigates
Desideria and Freja, the corvette Nordstjernen
(North Star), and the steam corvette Nidaros.
Proportionately to Sweden and Norway's mari-
time power, this is no peace armament.