The Sun.
London, England, 1853-03-31 00:00:00

THE INDIA BILL.

We heard last evening a rumour, which upon the
best inquiries we can make we-believe to be well founded,
that Ministers have made up their minds to strike upon
the India bill. Immediately after the re-assembling of
Parliament, we have reason to believe that it will be an-
nounced that a renewal of the present system of govern-
ing India will be passed for one year, and that a com-
mission will immediately be issued to inquire into Indian
affairs, of which Sir John Itomilly is to be the chief.
This rumour, we repeat, we believe to be well founded.
We cannot say as much for the statement that Sir Wm.
Molesworth dissents from this policy, that in his opposi-
tion he has been stoutly supported by Mr. Lowe ! and
that, in consequence, the Aberdeen Ministry are likely
to lose the services of both those gentlemen. Whatever
truth there may be in this latter surmise, we apprehend
that there is little doubt that Ministers have made up
their minds to escape defeat by adopting the sugges-
tion of Lord Derby, as to the postponement of any
permanent legislation.—Morning Herald.

GRAND BALL AT THE MANSION-HOUSE.—Last night
the Lady Mayoress gave a very elegant entertainment
to about 350 guests in the Egyptian-hall. The dancing
and merriment were' kept up till a late hour. The band
of the Fusilier Guards was in attendance.
GOLD.—The Lochnagar arrived yesterday from Mel-
bourne, with 3,224 ounces of gold, value about 42,896/.
LONDON GAS COMPANY.—Mr. Sheriff Croll has issued
a circular to the shareholders of the London Gas Com-
pany, proposing what appears to be an advantageous
arrangement. His offer is to lease and manage the
works from Midsummer next for 5, 10, or 15 years. and
to allow for the first year a sum which would pay 1.1.
per cent. on the capital of 386,5001., after providing for
a depreciation fund, the salaries of the directors, secre-
tary, &c., and the interest on the 124,6251. Six per
Cent. Preference Shares. For the second year he con-
templates paying a sum equal to 34 per cent., and for
the third and subsequent years 54 per cent., or upwards.
FIRE ,UN BOARD AN AUSTRALIAN SHlP.—Yesterday
morning, about one o'clock, a great alarm was occa-
sioned by the discovery of a fire on board the barque
Unicorn, now loading at the Shadwell Basin, near the
London Docks, for Australia and Sydney. It had origi-
nated in the galley, and taken very firm hold of the
flooring when discovered by the Dock watch and police.
Fortunately, however, by ready assistance afforded,
further danger ceased, and the ship with its contents
preserved from destruction.

- THE WEST INDIA MAILS.—The following communica-
tion from the Admiralty was received on Wednesday
last, by Robert Barnes, Esq., Mayor of Manchester :
"Admiralty, 29th March, 1853.—Sir,—With reference
to a petition from the merchants, ship-owners, &c., con-
nected with, and trading to, the West Indies, respecting
the inefficiency with which the Royal West India Mail
Company performed their contract with the Government
for the conveyance of the mails to and from that place
—I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the
Admiralty to inform you that immediate attention has
been paid to this memorial, and that the board have
referred it to the committee sitting on packet service,
before whom the entire subject has been brought. I am,
sir, your most obedient humble servant, B. OSBORNE.- -
The Mayor of Manchester."
SCREW STEAM-SHIP COMMUNICATION WITH THE UNITED
STATES.—LIVERPOOL, WEDNESDAY.—ShortIy after noon,
the Liverpool and Philadelphia Company's screw steam-
ship City of Manchester, Captain R. Leitch, sailed from
the Mersey, for Philadelphia, with about 500 passengers
(160 of whom occupied cabin berths), and a large cargo
of merchandise on board. Shortly after the City of
Manchester sailed, the British and North American
Steam-ship Company's new screw steam-ship Alps, Cap-
tain Wickman, left hcfr moorings in the river for Boston
and New York. The Alps carried no passengers, being
completely filled with merchandise. The Alps carried
out mails for Boston and New York.

THE LATE MR. HOLLINSHEAD BLUNDELL.—The
death of this unfortunate gentleman is now fully
ascertained to have been the result of accident. At
the inquest, although the verdict of the jury—
"found dead"—could lead to no other inference,
some unpleasant rumours were circulated, alleging the
possibility of the deceased's having committed suicide.
There aie no grounds whatever for such a supposition ; on
the contrary, the strongest evidence exists to show that
his death was caused by accidentally falling into the
water near the spot where his remains were discovered.
SERIOUS ACCIDENT.—A rather serious accident hap-
pened yesterday morning to Miss Saunders (daughter of
C. S. Saunders, Esq., secretary of the Great Western
Railway). While riding down a bill in Bridge-street,
Harrow-road, her horse fell, kicking her on the head,
from the consequences of which it is feared she will be
laid up for some time.