The Sun.
London, England, 1854-02-27 00:00:00

LONDON, MONDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 27, 1854.

WAR RISKS for ALL PARTS of the
WORLD.-=The HOME COUNTIES and GENERAL
LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY, 29, New Bridge-street, Black-
friars, London.—This Company will ASSURE OFFICERS and
others, at most moderate rates of premium, against WAR RISK,
Voyaging, and Climate.
By order of the Board of Directors.
A. DURNFORD, Secretary.

PURSSELL'S BISCUITS, in Bags, 14 for Is.,
or in Boxes. Is., 2s. 6d., .55., and lOs. each—viz., Captains', or
German Cuddy Biscuits, have long been esteemed fer their delightful
flavour, and are adapted for coffee and tea ; Milk or Cheese Biscuits,
Arrowroot Biscuits for invalids, and their nutritive quality makes
them adapted for children ; Abernethy Biscuits, crown Digestive
Rye Biscuits; a large assortment of Mixed Biscuits, Is. o%d. per
lb. ; Bartholiver's Wine Biscuits, Isle of Wight Cracknells ; Arrow-
root Biscuits, Coffee, ditto, thin Captains' and thin Rusks, for wine.
The Royal German Rusks, Tops and Bottoms for infants' food, sold
in bags or ss. boxes. Warranted to Keep Six Months.
JOHN R. I'URSSELL, 162, Regent-street, and 20, Ludgate-hill,
only.

P
URSSELL' S. —BALL SUPPERS and
WEDDING BREAKFASTS SUPPLIED in the first style ;
public breakfasts, dinners, and promenade suppers supplied by con-
tract ; a large stock of bride cakes for immediate use, from one to
twenty guineas each; a handsome cake for five guineas, packed and
sent to any part of the country if required, and warranted to keep 12
months.—JOHN R. rIIILISELL, 162, Regent-street, and 20, Ludgate-
hill, only.

ROYAL POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTION.
PATRON—H.R.H. PRINCE ALBERT.
DURING LENT, a POPULAR LECTURE on ASTRONOMY,
SPLENDIDLY ILLUSTRATED, by Dr. BACIIROFFNER, on Wed-
nesday and Friday evenings, at eight o'clock.
MAGNIFIED PHOTOGRAPHIC PICTURES, and a NEW SERIES

of DISSOLVING VIEWS.
LECTURE by J. 11. PEPPER, Esq., on PAPER MAKING and its

DECORATION with COLOURS.
LECTURE by Dr. BACIIOFFNEB, on WILKINS'S NEW PATENT
UNIVERSAL ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.
DESCRIPTION of RUST'S PATENT TUBULAR PIANOFORTE,
and of TRESTRAIL'S PATENT METHOD of RAISING
SUNKEN VESSELS.

Open Mornings and Evenings. Admission, Is. ; Schools and
Children under Ten years of age, Half-price.

THIRD EDITION.—WITH ADDITIONS.
Just published, Bvo., in cloth, price 55., by post free, ss. 6d.

ON TRUE & FALSE SPERM_ATORRHCEA,
with the View to the Correction of wide-spread Errors
in relation to the Treatment and Cure of the Impuissant and Sexual
Hypochondriacs,
Translated from the German of Dr. PICKFORD.

To which Is added, an ESSAY on SEXUAL DEBILITY, by the

Editor.

"Dr. Pickford is known to English readers by his frequent practi-
cal contributions to German medical literature. This is the first
time, he informs as, that he has addressed himself to the non-medi-
cal reader. We trust this may not be the last, if he shall detect any
other equally flagrant evil which it may be in his sower to correct."
. . .

—London Medical Gazette, May 30, 1851. The tribe of 'Quiet Sympa-
thisers,'and ' Medical Friends,'are mercilessly exposed ; and if this book
coyld find its way into the hands of those who saffer from the com-
plaint of which it treats, we are satisfied that many hundreds would
De saved much needless suffering of body and mind, and what is of
less importance, though it is that which the quacks most prize—
much money ......This volume is well qualified to put an end to the
empirical system of treating Spermatorrhoea, and to place the treat-
ment upon a more rational and physiological basis. It is, therefore,
likely to do much good."—Medical Circular, June 16, 1852.
London: H. Balliere, 219, Regent-street.

TRIESEMAR, protected by Royal Letters
Patent of England, and secured by the Seals of the Ecole de
Pharmacie de Paris, and the Imperial College of Medicine, Vienna.

The long continuance of most Maladies arising from impurities,
while it tends to render detection more certain, and thus frequently
to embitter the domestic hearth, also serves to excite feelings of dis-
appointment, and to induce lowness of spirits, and other sensations
of a most painful kind. The TRILSRMAR effectually, in the short
space of three days, completely and entirely eradicates all traces of
these Diseases, to whatever stage they may have advanced, possess-
ing at the same time the manifest advantages of being utterly devoid
of taste or smell, and of all nauseating qualities. It may lie on the
toilet table without its use being suspected.
Sold in tin cases at II s. each, free by post, 2s. extra, divided into
separate doses, as administered by Valpeau, Lallemand, Roux,
&c. This quantity is sufficient for any case, however virulent or
protracted.—To be had Wholesale and Retail at Sanger's, Oxford-
street, and Edward's. St. Paul's Churchyard ; Johnston, 68, Corn-
hill; Hannay and Co., Oxford-street, London.

THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE.

The General Screw Steam-shipping Company's
packet Queen of the South, Commander West
Norman, arrived at Plymouth yesterday. Her
homeward dates are Sandheads, Dec. 16 ; Madras,
20 ; Point de Galle, 24 ; Mauritius, Jan. 5 ; Table
Bay, 21 ; St. Helena, 30 ; Ascension, Feb. 3 ;
and St. Vincent's, 14.
General Cathcart was on the Cape frontier
settling the position of the Fingoes and Tam-
bookies ; the Kafirs were quiet.
The elections for members of Council com-
menced on the 9th of January, and would continue
nearly all the month. The eight at the head of
the poll for the western province were Ebden,
Vigne, Rutherfoord, Whicht, Barry, Reitz, De
Witt, and Luderberg. The seven for the eastern
province—Stockenstrom, Wood, Fleming, Valine,
Goodlouton, Metellerkamp, and Meinbies.
Her Majesty's ships Meander and Dee were in
Simon's Bay. The Hydra, 6, Commander Henry
G. Norris, was spoken on the 9th of January in.
lat. 64.40 S., long. 26.5 E., by the ship Thorwald-
sen, from Calcutta for London. The General Screw
Company's mail-steamer Sir Robert Peel was in
Table Bay. The Calcutta, from Plymouth, arrived
at the Cape on the 20th of January, and was to
leave for Calcutta on the 22d. The Golden Ago,
Captain Potter, from Liverpool, arrived at the
Cape on the 11th of January, and left on the 16th
for Australia.
In Table Bay.—The Oronide, the Anna, the
Christabel, the George Wilkinson, the Jabez King-
ston, the Mary Ann, the Mersey, the Northern
Light, the Ocean, the Gem, the Perseverance, the
Rokeby, and the Shelbourne.
Arrived at St. Helena, on the 30th of January,
the ships Thorwaldsen, from Calcutta ; Success,
from Ceylon; and freight-ship Perle, from Bombay,
which spoke, November 30th, in longitude 76 deg.
0 min. 2 sec. east, the barque Royal Lily from Bom-
bay ; January 10th, in latitude 34 deg. 50 min.
south, longitude 19 deg. 30 min. east, the ship
Robert Barbour, from Calcutta ; January 14th, in
latitude 34 deg. 4 min., longitude 18 deg. 30 min.
east, the ship Aram, from Bombay ; January 15th,
oft Cape Agulhas, the Dutch barque Cassella, from
Java.

At Ascension on the 3d inst. were her Majesty's
store-ship Tyne, 4, Master-Commander James B.
Tucker, having had a passage of 33 days from Eng-
land ; tho store-ship Athol, 4, Lieutenant-Com-
mander William A. Pearse, from the Coast of
Africa ; the brig Crane, Commander Thomas Mil-
ler, refitting ; and the store-ship Tortoise. The
United States frigate Constitution and sloop Dale
were at anchor on the 12th at Cape Verde. The
Constitution was to leave on the 14th for Madeira.
A large steamer from Liverpool, for Australia,
arrived at St. Vincent's on the 10th of February.
The Queen of the South has a general cargo, and
brings about 50 passengers, among whom is Col.
Wigstone, 18th Royal Irish. She signalled, on the
29th of January, lat. 18.14 S., long. 3.33 W., the
brig Nina, from Colombo for London ; 30th anu-
ary, lat. 17.30 S., long. 3.50 W., the ship Anne
Cropper, from Calcutta for Liverpool ; Ist Febru-
ary, lat. 12.3 S., long. 10.22 W., spoke the ship
Planet, from Canton for London ; 20th February,
lat. 36.30 N., long. 23.14 W., signalled the barque
Sappho, Greenock.
From Mauritius, the Queen of the South brings
dates to the sth of January.
The sugar crop is estimated at 10,000 tons over
that of the previous year. Quantity exported in
December, 39,975,9241 b. Price from $3-A- to ssi.
Freights 3/. 10s. to 31. 15s. Bank bills, 30 days'
sight, 1 per cent. discount ; document bills, 90
days, 5 per cent. discount.
Ships Sailed since Dec. 21.—The Cassiope, Scott,
Elizabeth, Ellen, Earl of Derby, Huntly, Duke of
Bronk, Affghan, Empress Corneath, Mayo, John
Bright, Mary Sparks, John Martin, Saggitarius,
Conqueror, and Competitor.
Ships Loading.—The Mama Rambler, Chieftain,
and Norfolk.

The Peninsular and Oriental Company's screw
steamer Norman, which left Southampton Nov.
14, arrived at the Mauritius Jan. 4.

IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CITY. —The whole of the ma-
terials of the numerous buildings lying between Great
and Little Carter-lane and Old Change having been sold
by auction, a number of workmen were employed on
Saturday morning in pulling down and removing the
materials, and in the course of a few days the whole of
the buildings will be removed, which will completely
open the line of thoroughfare of the new street, Cannon-
street West, in a lino from the magnificent pile of new
warehouses in St. Paul's-churchyard, throughout to
London-bridge, on the south side, which, when com-
pleted, will be the finest street in the City of London.
THE CANADAS.—No portion of this country is making
more marked and rapid progress at the present time
than the western section of Canada. We are surprised
at the rapid growth of the Western States and cities of
the American Union. And yet since the year 1800 the
growth of Canada West has been nearly twice that of
the United States. In the last fifty years the increase
of the States, according to the best authorities, has been
about 400 per cent ; but during forty years, between
1811 and 1851, the increase of Upper Canada was up-
wards of 1,100 per cent. Take even the three great
States of the West —Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois, and
compare them with Canada West, for the past twenty
years, and great as has been their growth, our Canadian
eirn tthhaeer Westernrrerrupoat.
neighbours exceed their increase during the same period
by the. large ratio of 55 per cent. This immense in-
crease
hndCtioas
fctnlataiuhed
setaes
next
i esixnlnt
todoti
operation
decade. The
onnneeTrdahleither to the
cca:iente'l
cae
rss: thereto
which
imovement,nerea willse
of
the city of Toronto, when compared with cities in the
States, is found to exceed that of Boston, New York,
St. Louis, and Cincinnatti.—Boston (United States)Transcript.

PREPARATIONS FOR WAR.

It was not expected on Friday that Lord Raglan could
spare the time requisite for, going over to Paris and com-
municating personally with the chiefs of the French
auxiliary army on the plan 'of' operations to be pursued
in the East. The importance, however, of the object
induced him to set other matters aside for this mission,
and he started on Saturday. He was accompanied by
Lord de Roe, who, as Lord Raglan can make but a short
stay, will remain behind him. Sir Baldwin Walker has
also proceeded to Paris at .the same time, in order to
secure perfect concert in the naval operations of the allies.
The destitute condition of the wives and children left
behind by eoldierg ordered to the East is exciting much
benevolent sympathy. If the efforts to relieve them
coin,d be concentrated, ; effectual_ good might be done.
Tassociation formed at the Army and Navy Club
ses most 'likely' to act with due knowledge of what
the circumstances require. It was set on foot from the
,example of a lady and true woman, the wife of a captain
of Engineers, who, on her husband's departure for the
Mediterranean, applied herself to finding employment
'for all ;the married women of 'his company left behind,
and never relaxed her exertions until they were provided
with situations. The Duke of Sutherland has set an
example, by sending 2001. flit. the relief of the wives of
the 93d, or Sutherland Highlanders, just embarked at
Plymouth. . - •

SOUTHAMPTON, FEB. 25.

The steam-ship Himalayk sailed early tale morning
for Plymouth and Ma 'The Australasian Pacific
Steam Companfii steamer:Emu, Captain Edward Stamp,
also took her departure 'abOnt noon for Dublin, to em-
bark the 33d Regiment for 'Clinveyance to Malta.
The beautiful new steantiihip Golden Flesce, of 2,500
ton, belonging to, tilt? Gener* •,,,Screw Steam-shipping
'Company, for sea, and we: learn is to leave
the East India:DC-As Tuesday to prOceed to Green-
hithe, whence, after adjusting her compasses and com-
pleting her stock of coals, she will sail on the morning
of 4th March for Leith, to take on board the 4th Regi-
ment from that port. The Golden Fleece has been
arranged to accommodate 37 officers, a few ladies, 917
rank and file, 54 women, 75 children, and 12 horses.
After leaving Leith she is ordered to touch at Plymouth
to fill up coal, water, and provisions, and to await sail-
ing orders from the Government. Ten days ago it was
thought almost impossible to prepare this steamer, then
unfinished, in so short a time, but, under the energetic
direction of Captain Ford, the superintendent of the
company, who employed nearly 500 men and artisans of
different classes, the task has been accomplished, and
no delay in embarking the troops will take place. This
steam-ship is the second of the new Australian line
undertaken by the General Screw Company.

PORTSMOUTH, FEB. 25.

The Vulcan did not get out of harbour last night, but
went to Spithead at 8 o'clock this morning with the 2d
battalion of the Rifle Brigade onboard. On leaving harbour
they were vociferously cheered all along the shore to the
King's Ravelin by the inhabitants of the garrison. The
young wife, who managed to get on board in the uniform
of her husband, was of course detected, but we believe
the Countess of Errol interceded in her behalf, and she
consequently went to sea in the ship. Her husband went
with the draught by the Himalaya. We believe about
200 of the wives and children of this gallant corps are
left destitute in this borough by the departure of the
battalion, and the subject has caused a deep impression
on the inhabitants. Many of the wives of the Rifles
being Canadians, they have no parish to be sent to here,
and must all become chargeable to the local union, or
starve. With a view to devise some plan for meeting
the difficulty, which is every day increasing by the em-
barkation of troops from the district for foreign service,
the Mayor of Portsmouth, at the request of some 200 of
the most respectable inhabitants of the borough, has
called a public meeting. Another battalion of Guards
will embark at this dockyard on Tuesday, in her Ma-
jesty's screw-ship Simoom, which went out to Stokes
Bay to-day to test her engines and speed after her refit.
She made eight knots an hour. Two officers of the
Scots Fusilier Guerds inspected her this afternoon, to
ascertain the nature of her troop acoommodation. The
Gorgon and Sprightly steam-vessels went over to Cowes
on Friday night, and this morning embarked the
remainder of the 23d Royal Welsh Fusiliers, and
landed them at this dockyard to form the head-
quarters. This regiment is also under orders to pre-
pare for foreign service, as we stated yesterday, and they
will embark on the 12th proximo. There are no signs of
Rear-Admiral Corry's squadron yet. They are looked
for anxiously, although the Admiral had permission to
cruise until the Ist, making good his appearance at
Spithead by that day. Rear-Admiral Chads' flag-ship
Edinburgh, 58, Captain Hewlett, repaired the slight de-
rangement in her screw at Spithead, and was fully sup-
plied with coals to-day by the Orestes floating depot.
It is rumoured that Captain Richards will be appointed
Captain of the Fleet under Sir Charles Napier, so the
Admiral's flag-ship will.parry two 9iptains. ~His secre-
tary is Mr. Ozzard, paymaster,.R.N., a gentleman who
served with Sir Charles in a similar capacity when he
last had his flag up ; Mr. Biddlecombe, at present master
of the St. George, 121, who was also with Sir Charles
in 'the St. Vincent, will be Master of the Fleet, or
master of the flag-ship ; Mr. Ward is already appointed
Sir Charles's inspector of machinery in the fleet. The
Flag-Captain Commander and Flag-Lieutenant we have
not yet !heard named. Sir Charles has been guest for
a day or twthis week with the Commander-in-Chief at
this (port, it Thomas Cochrane, who has also enter-
tained the Duchess of Sutherland, the Dowager Lady
Napier, the Earl and Countess of Errol, Lord H. Len-
nox, the Marquis and Marchioness of Stafford, the Mar-
quis and Marchioness of Kildare, the Hon. Lady Cuffe,
the Earl and Countess Grosvenor, Marquis and
Marchioness Camden, Lord Adolphus Fitzclarence,
Lord Francis Conyngham, Lady Elizabeth Douglas,
Sir John Maxwell, the Honourable Joseph Denman,
gm Sir T. Cochrane went to Spithead this morning
to see that all was comfortable on board the Vul-
can before she started, which she did about noon,
and as she steered through the anchorage for the
Solent the crews of the ships at Spithead—the Prin-
cess Royal, 91, Captain Lord Clarence Paget ; the Bos-
cawen, 70, Captain Glanville ; the Edinburgh, 58, Cap-
tain Hewlett ; the Leopard, 18, Captain Giffard ; the
Dragon, 6, Captain Willcox; and the. Frolic, 16, Com-
mander Nolloth—manned bulwarks hnd rigging, and
gave them loud cheers at parting. These were as
heartily acknowledged.
This fine weather is peculiarly advantageous for the
outfit o(ships, and those in progress at this port are
getting
wonderfully. The Neptune, 120, Captain
Smith, C.E., is well advanced, and manning fast. We
believe she has shipped 400 coast-guardmen to-day to
make up her complement. The St. Vincent, 101, is
being equipped to take her place. The Caesar, 91, Cap-
tain Robb, has still the large force we have before men-
tioned employed upon her, and will be ready to join the
fleet in a fortnight or less. The Blenheim, 60, screw,
Captain the Hon. F. T. Pelham, will be out of hand,
we expect to-morrow, and will join the others at Spit-
head in a day or two after. The Excellent gunnery-
ship, Captain Sir T. Maitland,exhibits some smart
drill and gunnery daily in training her crews. At no
period have the value and importance of this establish-
ment been so apparent as at the present moment. The
gun drill batteries of the Royal Marine Artillery corps
on Southsea-common, and at their head-quarters, are
also daily used to train the men to ship gunnery.

SUNDAY, FEB. 26.
The Rhadamanthus steam-vessel arrived this morning
from the Thames with a propeller for the Caesar, 91, and
four boilers for the Colossus, 80.
Having discharged
these, she will proceed to Devonport with machinery
and a funnel for the Algiers, 91. The Diligence naval
transport arrived at Spithead this morning ; the Argus
revenue (screw) cruiser, with coastguardmen, this after-
noon ; and the Hogue, 60, Captain Ramsay, from Ply-
mouth, this evening.
The Centaur, 5, steam-frigate, flag-ship of Rear-Ad-
miral Henderson, C. 8., Commander-in-Chief on the
Brazils station, is immediately ordered home, we are in-
formed by the United Service Gazette. We hope the
report is correct, and that a heavier armed ship will be
forthwith sent out to relieve her, for, at the 'present mo-
ment, the single Russian frigate at Rio carries more
guns by about 18 than the whole of the vessels of the
British squadron on that station put together !

PLYMOUTH, FEB. 25.

His Grace the Duke of Sutherland has sent a donation
of 2001. to aid the wives and families of the soldiers of
the 93d regiment, and Mr. R. Morris, of the Branch
Bank of England, is taking subscriptions for the same
worthy object. We' understand that, through the good
offices of the Commander of the Forces for the Western
District, some arrangement will be made for organizing
the distribution of these moneys, so that the object of
the humane donors shall be fully attained.
After the 93d have left the Citadel the Ist Royals are
expected to occupy their quarters, preparatory to em-
barking for the East ; and the Bth Hussars will leave
Dorchester on the 28th inst. for Exeter, en route to this
port.
Captain Henderson, Controller-General of the Coast-
guard, who left Plymouth on Wednesday, accompanied
by Colonel Tulloh, Superintendent of Pensioners, and
Captain W. H. Kennedy, R.N., proceeded to Exeter,
where they examined the seamen and marine pensioners,
and then went on to Taunton, Bristol, and Bath, ap-
pointing the pensioners to Coastguard or ordinary duty,
according to qualification. Every alacrity was evinced
by the men to serve the Queen in their new capacities.
Captain Henderson returned to London on Thursday.
At the Royal William Victualling-yard 12 ovens will
be set to work on Monday, the 27th inst. The number
in ordinary use is four, and they were doubled about a
fortnight since. The bakers will make nine days every
week until further orders.

FIB. 26.

The Peninsular and Oriental Steam Company's new
ship Himalaya, Captain Kellock, arrived here last even-
ing, after making a passage in keeping with her previ-
ous character for rapidity. The Needles were passed
against a flood tide at a quarter to 10, and she steamed
thence to abreast of Portland, 34 miles, by a quarter to
12, making 57 miles from Southampton, in 3i hours.
From Portland to the Start, 49 miles, two•thirde of the

way against the flood, and having a fresh breeze from
north-west, occupied-3i hours, being abreast of Start-
light at 3 15. Soon after this she stopped for a pilot,
and steamed thence into Plymouth Sound, 36 miles, in
three hours, against the flood tide. Allowing for two
stoppages, she was actually under way only 91 hours,
and, taking the distance at 136 nautical miles, she ran
from Southampton to Plymouth at an average speed of
14 7-10 knots per hour.
The Himalaya passed the Hogue off the Start, and
brought up last night to the south of the merchants'
anchorage ground, near the breakwater. This morning
she came furtb ar in towards the citadel to facilitate the
embarkation of the troops.
The 93d Regiment will be sent out to her in four de-
tachments by he r Majesty's steam-vessels Avon, Pike,
Confiance, and J.asper, which will embark the troops at
the Royal Willis; Ti Victualling-yard. The baggage will
go in lighters. l'he first detachment will leave the cita-
del at 9 o'clock in the morning, and all are expected to
be on board by 4 i'n the afternoon.
The Himalaya v Till sail on Tuesday morning at nine
o'clock, just after i the arrival of post, and will proceed
direct to Malta.

DEPTFORD, FEB. 25.

It is understood that no less than 25 transport and
store ships have been k taken up for service in connection
with the army and n avy to aid in the preparations for
war. Five of these vessels have arrived at Deptford,
and commenced loadin ig—the Amazon, No. 2, transport
ship, belonging to Du nbar ; the Resolute, belonging to
Green ; and the Pyra ,nee and Egmont. A large red
funnel steamer has also arrived, named the Tonnings, of
Lowestoft, it is suppoE sed to be in attendance on the
sailing vessels, with ho rses on board, to assist them if
they should encounter zmy difficulty or any of them fall
behind from any unforesg,en accident during their voyage.

THE COMMISSARIAT ESTIMATE.

The aggregate of the eleven votes to be proposed for
the service of the current year is 644,573 L, showing a
net increase of 87,4471 over 557,1261., the amount which
was last year granted. The first seven votes are for
the effective service, and the total of these is 600,2711.,
which exceeds the sum voted for 1853-4 by 88,3841. ;
while, on the other hand, the four votes for the non-
effective ,service amount to 44,3021., and fall below the
estimates of last year by 9371. It may be worth while
to remind those who are inclined to lay too much stress
upon the distinction between these two classes of votes,
that although, for various reasons, it is convenient to take
them separately, yet it would be most absurd to forget
the intimate connection which exists between them. The
pay of a soldier is the annuity which he receives when in
actual service, while his pension and the grants which
may be made to his widow or children are the supplements
which enable us to keep the pay at its present moderate
amount ; and if at any time it were to be found that
a small increase of pension, certain or contingent, would
enable us to make a great reduction in the rate of
pay, economy might be greatly promoted by an actual
and even a considerable addition to the non-effective
votes. Superannuations and compassionate allowances
admit of the same defence, for, in the strictest sense of
the term, all these items conduce to the effectiveness of
the service, and it is a mere question of arithmetic whe-
ther a present annuity of given amount, or a deferred
annuity of some other amount, is, in a particular case,
the heavier charge upon the national finances. Inde-
pendently of arithmetic, the preferences of those for whose
benefit the pay and pensions are granted will be duly
consulted by those who feel that efficiency is the first
object, and economy only the second ; but regard to the
consideratioin which itava hem,.nientioned. wilLperhaps
check the murmers of those who looV''upon every vote
for the non-effective services as so much money abso-
lutely thrown away. With this caution, the technical
distinction may conveniently be adopted, and we will
proceed to notice the votes in detail.
1. PAY OF OFFICERS AND CLERKS IN HER MAJESTY'S
FOREIGN GARRISONS AND POSSESSIONS.—The amount
proposed is 42,6881., and the decrease on last year's esti-
mate is 3,9001. Expenses are reduced in Canada, Van
Diemen's Land, the West Indies, and the Cape of Good
Hope district ; while for Malta there is an augmentation
of 1,0001. on last year's vote, which was 1,474/. The dimi-
nution of expense at the important stations which have
been mentioned shows that active steps are being taken
to lighten the burden which the maintenance of troops
in our foreign and colonial possessions has hitherto
entailed upon the country, while the augmentation of
expense at Malta is of course, under present circum-
stances, -unavoidable. The total number of stations pro-
vided for by this vote is 23 ; and for " expenses in
effecting reliefs" among them, the charge is 3,000/. in-
stead of 1,5001., so that the actual diminution of ex-
pense at the different localities is 5,400/., which amounts
to more than 10 per cent. on last year's estimate.
2. PAY OF ASSISTANT CLERKS, STOREKEEPERS, AND
OTHER SUBORDINATE PERSONS ; ALLOWANCES ISSUED
IN MONEY AND CONTINGENCIES.—The total amount
for the 23 stations is 44,913/, ; and here again there is a
decrease of 2,632/., although " travelling and contingent
expenses payable in England " are estimated at 1,0001.
instead of 3001. For Canada, the Cape, and the West
Indies, there is a diminution amounting to about 5,0001.
on 23,0001., but for Van Diemen's Land an increase of
more than 1,6001. on 2,521/.
3. PAY AND CONTINGENCIES OF THE COMMISSARIAT
BRANCH OF THE TREASURY.—The proposed vote is
4,9991., and the decrease on that of last year is 2941.
The total number of officers on the establishment is 14,
the principal clerk receiving a salary of 1,0001. per
annum,_ while the juniors begin at 90/.
4. LAND AND INLAND WATER TRANSPORT, INCLUDING
THE SUPPLY OF WATER PROVIDED BY THE COMMIS-
SARIAT AT FOREIGN STATIONS.—The amount proposed
to be taken is 44,913/., and the dimunition on last years'
grant (84,536) is no less than 34,8731. For Canada the
sum required is 5,1701., instead of 8,450/. ; for the Cape,
14,8301., instead of 40,000/. ; for New South Wales,
4571., instead of 3,576 ; and for the West Indies,
6,5001., instead of 12,100/. ; while for Novia Scotia, it is
4,4501., instead of 2,900/. ; and this is the only increase
deserving of notice. The very considerable decrease in
the aggregate of these items affords confirmation of the
remark which we made on the first vote of the series.
5. FREIGHT OF SPECIE, INCLUDING EXPENSES OF
SHIPMENT.—This vote remains at 5,0001., which was
its amount for the preceding year.
6 PROVISIONS ISSUED TO THE ARMY, ORDNANCE, AND
COMMISSARIAT, AT THE SEVERAL STATIONS ABROAD AND
IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, AFTER DEDUCTION OF STOP-
PAGES ON ACCOUNT OF RATIONS FROM THE PAY OF OFFI-
CERS AND MEN.—We now come to a large vote, which
has been considerably increased by causes wholly inde-
pendent of political complications. The amount required
for provisions to be supplied during the year 1854-5 is
306,5761. which is snore than double 'file grant of
last year (140,8931.) For almost every station there is
a considerable increase, and for the Mauritius the charge
is raised from 3,0511. to 16,1501. ; while the only impor-
tant reduction is at the Cape, for which 20,467/. is pro-
posed, instead of 31,183/. The total charge of this sub-
division is 171,576 for foreign stations, to which must
be added 135,0001. as the sum required to meet the ex-
cess in the cost of the rations in the United Kingdom,
above the reduced stoppage of 41d. ; thus making
306,5761., the total which has already been mentioned.
In the estimated charge for forage, which is now 75,0701.,
there is a decrease of 45,0001., accounted for almost en-
tirely by reductions at the Cape. For fuel and light the
proposed vote is 66,3621., which exceeds by 4,0001. that
of last year, Malta and Gibraltar accounting for a large
proportion of this increase. The aggregate of the three
items included in this vote is 448,0081., and the total in-
crease in the estimates of 1853-4 amount to 125,0831.

,
7. COMMISSARIAT EXPENSES OF THE TROOPS WHEN
ENCAMPED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.—This is a new
vote, and the amount is 5,0001.
We now proceed to the votes for the non-effective ser-
vices ; and first under this head we take—

8. HALF-PAY OF COMMISSARIAT OFFICERS. The
amount proposed to be taken is 27,0871., and there is a
reduction of 2,4191. on the sum last year granted. The
number of recipients is 127, two commissaries-general
receiving 21. 10s. per diem, but the majority less than
155., and 29 of them only 4s. lid.
9. PENSIONS TO WIDOWS OF COMMISSARIAT OFFI-
CERS.—The proposed vote is 7,750/., and that of last
year was 7,360/. The number of widows in receipt of
pensions is 143, and the amount assigned to each in no
case exceeds 1201. per annum, and in only 40 instances
exceeds 501.

10. COMPASSIONATE ALLOWANCES TO CHILDREN OF
COMMISSARIAT OFFICERS.—The proposed amount is
1,1061., and the decrease on last year's vote amounts to
341.

11. COMPENSATION AND SUPERANNUATION ALLOW-
ANCES FOR THE COMMISSARIAT.—The amount which will
be asked is 8,359/., and there is an increase of 1,1261.
over last year's estimate, accounted for by the addition
of seven recipients, one of whom, having served more
than fifty years, retired on full pay. The other allow-
ances are exceedingly small, and the period of service
has been in each case of considerable length.
The Secretary-at-War very appropriately reminded the
House of Commons on Friday evening that the estimates
which he was proposing were peace estimates, although
framed in contemplation of war, and that it would pro-
bably be his duty, at no distant period, to ask for addi-
tional supplies. The same remark applies to the votes
above analysed, which would be considerably less than
those of last year were they not necessarily augmented
to meet the increased price of provisions ; and it would
be folly to suppose that an expensive war in a distant
country can be long maintained without a very consider-
able increase in the charge of this as well as other de-
partments. The nation and its representatives will, we
feel assured, cheerfully respond to these calls on our re-
sources, which it may hereafter be necessary to make
with a view to the vigorous prosecution of the quarrel
into which we have been forced, and which we have
sought to avoid by every means not unworthy of our 31a-
tional fame, and not inconsistent with the duty which
we owe to a deeply injured ally.

THE DEFENCES OF THE MERSEY.—In its form the bat-
tery is constructed on a parallelogram 360 feet long by
170 feet deep. The three land sides of the battery are
formed on the bastion trace, with e
river front
embrasure windows
and loopholes for musketry fire—the
feet) being the battery for ten embrasure guns, and (360
a
tower at each end, armed
Fourteen with one gun
in all will in casemate be-
low, and one on the top. guns thus be
te on dwarf traversing platforms, and it is intended
mtlfautnd these guns shall be 68-pounders ; those at the Rock
Fort not being half the size—namely, 32-pounders.
In the interior of the fort there will be barracks for the
accommodation of 150 men, and suitable apartments for
twelve officers, There will be two tanks for water, with
filterers 40 feet long, 15 wide, and 10 feet deep. The
mess-rooms, hospital, and other details of the soldiers' re-
quirements, will be furnished on a suitable scale. A bomb-
proof magazine will be constructed, with provision for ar-
tillery and ordnance stores equal to the necessity of the
battery. The roofs throughout the building will be flat,
with brick arches on iron girders, cemented with
asphalte, and will, from the parapets, afford the holders
of the fort a musketry fire on every side. The entrance
to the fortification will he in the centre of the east (or
land-side) curtain, and this will be protected by a ditch
and drawbridge.—Courier.
THE MARVELS OF MELBOURNE.—The subjoined mor-
ccaux from the Melbourne correspondent of the Sydney
Morning flerald is really worth reprinting :—"Buildings
are going up with great rapidity ; many of the massy
blue-stone stores are completed and in full operation.
Mr. Michael Pender, formerly a milkman, has been
offered 90,000/., cash down, for his property in Collins-
street (Criterion Hotel, &c.), and refused it with disdain.
He is said to be worth over a quarter of a million.
Also take this. The premises on which the Argus office
stands are held on lease for 3001. or 4001. a-year. The
Victoria Fire Insurance Company have just erected
three fine stores on the ground adjoining, and the
Argus people have taken one of the three at a rent of
2,5001. a year—the accommodation being equal to about
one-third of what they enjoy for the low rental,"

,r•

OOMPLIMENIARY DINNER TO HIS ROYAL
HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE.

The members of " White's" gave a grand banquet on
Saturday evening, to his Royal Highness the Duke of
Cambridge, at the Club-house, in St. James's-street.
His Royal Highness, who arrived at eight o'clock, was
vociferously cheered by a numerous crowd of respectable
persons assembled in the vicinity of the club. He wore
his garter and star, but, as a matter of couse, was in
private costume. The committee met his Royal High-
ness in the entrance hall, and conducted him at once to
the banquetting room.
..

The dinner was necessarily confined to a small num-
ber of members, the largest saloon not affording accom-
modation for more than seventy persons. The Duke of
Hamilton occupied the chair, having the Duke of Cam-
bridge on his right hand and the Duke of Leeds upon
his left.

After the banquet the usual loyal toasts having been
proposed and duly honoured.
The Noble CHAIRMAN said they were met to celebrate
an event which being unprecedented in modern days, ren-
dered it difficult for him to perform the duty which the
kindness of his friends had allotted to him. His Royal
Highness the Duke of Cambridge had adopted the noblest
of professions, and had shown his readiness on the first
occasion when the slightest danger manifested itself to
go forward in defence of his country, and to follow out
the honourable career of arms which he had chosen.
There could not be a doubt that this spirit on the part
of his Royal Highness would be hailed with pleasure, not
only by his military comrades and the members of the
club, but by the whole community, among whom his
Royal Highness enjoyed an universal popularity. The
departure of the Duke of Cambridge from this country
would occasion feelings both of pleasure and regret—.
pleasure at the high distinction which his admitted ser-
vices to the army had procured for him ; regret at the
absence of one whose kindness and good feeling made all
regard him as a friend. Fully sensible of the inadequate
manner in which he had fulfilled the office, he was yet
grateful for the kindness that had afforded him the plea-
sure of proposing the health of their honoured guest.
The Duke of Cambridge had his duty to fulfil as a sol-
dier, and though as civilians they might feel regret at
what his military comrades hailed with delight, they had
the high satisfaction of knowing that his Royal High-
ness was leaving England under the most auspicious
circumstances, having the path of glory before him, and
the prospect of noble deeds which might still further
illustrate the fame of his glorious line. He begged to
to give them " The Duke of Cambridge, and success to
_ _

.oyal Highness on his approaching Campaign."
The noble speaker was-frequently interrupted -by-the--
cheering, which accompanied almost every period, and
the toast was hailed with a tumult of applause.
The Duke of CAMBRIDGE immediately rose. His Royal
Highness said—My lords and gentlemen, your kindness
places me in a position of some embarrassment, although
conscious that there is not one in this room whom I may
not be permitted to claim as a sincere friend. (Hear.) In
paying this high compliment to myself, I am induced to
think you are rather giving expression to your own senti-
ments in regard to that cause which has given the first
origin to our meeting. All mustlament what seems about to
happen ; but our cause is good and just, and your pre-
sence here shows that, however deeply we may deplore
the course of events—our cause .being just—we, as Eng-
lishmen are determined to carry it through. (Hear.)
These are the sentiments with which my brethren in
arms and myself will enter ou the duties of the distant
expedition before us. For my own part I feel very diffi-
dent—l confess lam doubtful of my own powers, but
your kindness this evening satisfies me that you are con-
vinced there will be t►o want of effort upon my part to
do my duty. (Cheers.) Need I add that lam most
grateful for an honour that has rarely happened to any
individual, and which I consider the proudest tes-
timonial that can be offered me. (Hear, hear, hear.)
I see myself surrounded by kind friends and gentlemen
of every party, several of whom I believe have come
from the country to pay me this compliment. I assure
you I shall never forget this mark of the distinguished
kindness you bear towards me. (Hear, hear.) I trust
when I return—at a period, I hope, not far distant—l
shall have shown that I am not unworthy of your con-
fidence.

The duke, who delivered his speech in a very frank
and manly manner, resumed his seat amid reiterated
cheers, at the close of which the Duke of Hamilton
called for 1" one cheer more," which was the signal for a
renewal of the applause.
The healths of the Duchess of Cambridge and the
Princess Mary were next proposed by the noble chair-
man, and drunk with much enthusiasm, his Royal High-
ness returning thanks in a few words for the honour
done his mother and sister.

The noble CHAIRMAN: in proposing " The Navy and
the Army," said this was a toast which, in the enlight-
ened times of peace, was always received with acclamation
—in the present time the welcome given it must be two-
fold. The two services which he saw so admirably repre-
sented there would doubtless prove themselves worthy
the expectations of the country. Moreover, there was a
new cause for emulation to both services. The French
fleets and the French army were about to fight side by
side with them for almost the first time in English his-
tory, He doubted not that as they had always shown
themselves gallant foes, they could not but prove good
allies. (Cheers.)
Admiral Rous said, it was now forty years since this
country had been engaged in warfare with any great
power, and yet a fleet manned to its full complement had
been sent to sea without the aid of " press gangs "—a
fact which he thought spoke highly for the spirit of the
people. The young men of the present day were quite
as good as their fathers—their hearts as brave, and their
hands as ready ; and when you came to put the British
flag against that of -Russia, it—was a thousand. in--
favour of old England. (Cheers and laughter.) The
flag that had braved the battle and the breeze for so
many years would never have its honour affected or be-
come tarnished by a parcel of greasy Russians. (Cheers.)
Lord ADOLPIIUS FITZCLARENCE said, I agree with the
gallant admiral in every laudatory expression he has
used respect the condition of our fleets and the condi•
tion of our seamen. I left the fleet only this morning,
and I can testify that the crew of every ship is fully de-
termined to do its duty, and keep the old character of the
British navy.
The Earl of CARDIGAN acknowledged the toast on
behalf of the army.
The Duke of CAMBRIDGE proposed "The health of
the noble chairman" in a very handsome manner.
The Duke of HAMILTON briefly responded to the
compliment.

Lord ADOLPHUS FITZCLARENCE next proposed " The
health of Lord Raglan and the British Army under his
command," which was drunk with all the honours.
The Duke of HAMILTON said, as a parting toast, he
would give them a sentiment common in Scotland, but
perhaps not so well-known on this side the Tweed.
It was—

" Happy to meet,
Sorry to part,
Happy to meet again !"
If the toast be unusual, as the noble chairman sug-
gested, it may now be considered as fairly acclimated,
for the company received it with a shout of applause,
and drank in bumpers.
Immediately afterwards the party broke up.

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