The Sun.
London, England, 1849-02-12 00:00:00

MONDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 12, 1849.

the best." These volumes are bountifully adorned
with pictorial embellishments. The " Book for a
Corner" should find a corner in every house.

TO FRANCE IN HER CRISIS.
Still tossed upon a wild tempestuous ocean,
Still struggling 'neath the world's unwavering glance,
Will ye be ever raging in commotion,
What would ye now ye sons of troubled France?
Would ye enthrone some despot lord, and dumbly
Suffer him then with iron hand to reign?
Would ye bow down your heads like slaves, and humbly
Place on your necks some tyrant's foot again?
Would ye tear down the flag your brothers planted?
Did they not give their hearts' blood for the boon?
Oh for their memory's sake this prayer be grunted,
Mar not their work of Liberty so soon.
Still on your ear their death-cry must be ringing,
Still in your sight their life's red current laves,
Scarcely the first green blade of grass is springing
Over the confines of their new-made graves.
Scarcely the orphan child hath hushed its wailing-,
O'er her loan hearth the widow's tears fall fast,
Would ye recal the scene these woes entailing?
Calmly look round ye, erg the die be cast.
Let us not tell it in your future story,
" France, who began the fight in Freedom's name,
Bore her bright banner ou through fields of glory,
Then turned aside, deserting it in shame."
Be ye united—let no vain dissension
Stir up the bitter blood throughout your land;
'Tis when the strong grow feeble with contention,
O'er their fall'n heads the crafty take their stand.
Foes are around with friendly looks dissembling,
They are but watching for the coming fray;
Tbeß, when 'tis o'er, and ye lie low and trembling,
Down they will stoop like vultures to the prey.
There are the memories of Moscow burning,
Jena, Marengo, Linden's blood-red plain,
Thousands of bosoms now for vengeance. yearning,
'Bide but the hour to meet their foe again.
Stand, then, together—war not with each other,
In the horizon tempest clouds are rife,
And ye will need the aid of every brother
Slain on the altar of unholy strife.
Southwark. J. B.

CALIFORNIA.
EXTRACT FROM A LETTER FROM PANAMA.
New Granada, Panama, Dec. 24, 1848.
Some persons appear to doubt the truth of the Cali-
fornian discoveries ; we were also very sceptical three
months ago, but the arrival of her Britannic Majesty's
frigate Constance at Valparaiso last month (Novemb( r),
confirmed all the startling prior reports, with many
additions. For example, a gentleman (to whom Captain
Courtenay, of the frigate, had given a passage), a
botanist, went from the bay of San Francisco in search
of plants or bulbs ; in the course of his journey he came.
on the diggings, trowel in band. He at once set to, and
with his own hand and so small an instrument took out
1,500 dolls. -worth of gold in three days. One of his
largest pieces, weighing 11 ounce, ho presented to Capt.
Courtenay. That you may not think I i:ave made a
mistake iti figures, I will give it
you in words—fifteen
hundred dollars in three days.
The Governor of California reports 40,000 dolls.
worth the average daily arrival at San Franciscl.
The fanatic Mormons, about 1,200 in number, first
discovered the precious metal during their march, and
are said to have extracted an immense quantity before it
became known. Governor Mason, in his report of
August last, says, from all he has learned he ha lieves
13,000,000 dolls. or 14,000,000 dolls. worth had been ex-
tracted to that date.

The vessel that brought the messengers was supplied,
through the good offices of the Governor, with a new
mainmast. The carpenters who made the spar, upon
some complaint of the captain, during the operation,
threw down their tools, exc!aiming indignantly," We are
losing money by you." They were then receiving three
dollars per hour. They have already grog shops ; the
price of a glass is a pinch, so you may imagine the state
of things here. The pinch must be at least worth two
dollars.

The sensation and commotion along the coast, from
the north to the south, even
mi toVathlpearinaiossot, 9 : insignificant,
ro
inferior town and villages, is without precedent. Num-
bers of vessels started:—
with aguadiente ; Callao, 4 •
Payta, 3 ; Guyaquil, 3 ;
isc, 1
Buenaventura, 1, of 50 tons ; Panama, and many others
going from all the aforesaid ports. It is supposed by
some that they are supplied with goods for the present,
consequently many are now going there with small coin,
from 20,000 to 200,000 dollars, to purchase the gold.
The last account sales was from seven to eight dollars
the ounce, which has sold in all cases at 18 dolls. to
18 dolls. lc., and 18 dolls. 2c. at Valparaiso. This fact
is proof of the purity of the metal.
clerks,Several
theird ones h
o l commercial housesavina cleared are
o
writing
out for the diggings
at California.

COURT CIRCULAR.
WINDSOR, SUNDAY.
The Queen and Prince Albert walked this morning in
the pleasure grounds of the Castle.
The Royal Family took their usual airings.
Her Majesty and Prince Albert, her Majesty's visi-
tors, the ladies and gentlemen of the Court, and the
domestic household, attended Divine service this fore-
noon, in the private chapel of the Castle. The Hon. and
Rev. C. L. Courtenay officiated.
Yesterday forenoon her Royal Highness the Duchess
of Kent visited the Queen and Prince Albert.
His Serene Highness Prince Edward of Saxe Weimar,
the Right Hon. Wm. Sebright and Lady Caroline Las-
celles, and Captain W. A. B. Hamilton, R.N., arrived at
the Castle yesterday, on a visit.
Lord Campbell, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster,
had an audience of the Queen yesterday morning.
Her Majesty and Prince Albert walked in the Home
Park yesterday, both in the morning and afternoon.
The Royal children took their accustomed pony and
walking exercise yesterday.
The Royal dinner party yesterday included her Royal
Highness the Duchess of Kent, her Serene Highness the
Princess Amelia of Hohenlohe Schillingsfurst, his Serene
Highness Prince Edward of Saxe Weimar, Lady Fanny
Howard, Baroness de Speth, the Dowager Lady Lyttel-
ton, the Right Hon. William Sebright and Lady Caroline
Lascelles, Mr. G. E. Anson, Lieutenant-Colonel the Hon.
C. B. Phipps, Lord James Murray, Captain W. A. B.
Hamilton, R.N., and Mr. Glover.
The band of the Coldstream Guards were in attend-
ance during dinner, and played the following pieces
Hochzeit's Marsch Aus dem Sommer-

HULL Dock COMPANY.—It appears ftroamt
there
simnel
report at the meeting of this company, that
has been a less value of manufactured goods exported
from Hull during 1848, than 1847, by 1,348,985 L—a sum
nearly equal to one-fourth of the falling off of the ex-
ports of the United Kingdom. This shows the desira-
bility for universal peace for a commercial country.
The tonnage for the same period is also less by upwards
of 19,000 tons. The dividend declared was 801. per
share, with a surplus of 3,4001. carried to " Construc-
tion Account." This is a pretty paying concern, beating
railway profits considerably. It was stated at the
meeting that the sum of 3,347/, had been expended in
opposing the Humber Ferries Bill, and a further oppo •
sition to a similar Bill was threatened this session; two
of the shareholders, who are also members of the Town
Council,' thought the Corporation ought to oppose the
Bill. Mr. Tall thought that body would do so if the
Dock Company would be quiet. Alderman Thompson
said he should be glad if the Corporation could be made
to pay, and he would advise them if they would spend
money in law to spend it in making the Corporation
show cause why they should not do what it was alleged
they ought fairly and in equity to do. Really this is rich,
and worthy of a patriotic Alderman, to suggest law be-
tween the rich and powerful Dock Company, who have
already spent half a million, and whose property might
be valued at half as much more, at least, and the poor
Corporation of Hull. The Corporation, however, have
sufficient experience to prevent them being made the
cat's-paw of the Dock Company, notwithstanding the
blustering of the Alderman.
The branch Bank of England, at Liverpool, is one
of Mr. Cockerell's most SUCCE csful works. It stands in
Castle-street, at the corner of Cork-street ; the frontage
next the former is 60 feet, and next the latter 117 feet.
The height to the top of the blocking is about 62 feet,
and to the apex of the pediment 72 feet. The columns
in front are 4 feet 2 inches in diameter, and about 31
feet high. Both fronts are executed in Darley Dale
stone : the plinth is granite. The entrance has
a moulded red granite door-case, polished; each
jamb is in one stone, 12 feet 3 inches high, 2 feet
3 inches deep, and 1 foot 3 inches face for archi-
trave. The central portion of the banking office (the
whole area of which is 47 feet by 50 feet), is 31 feet
high, and occupies two stories in height—namely the
ground and one-pair stories. The ground and base-
ment stories are fire-proof: Messrs. Holmes are the con-
tractors for the bank, at the sum of 23,135/. The flank
elevation, although plain, is exceedingly effective in
execution. Mr. Cock erell has just commenced another
building for the bank of nearly
_equal dimensions, but
not so lofty, eastward of the new bank, in Cork• street.
This consists of fire-proof chambers for.,fuerchan ta, and
has a stone exterior.—Builder.

nacht straum Mendelssohn.
Selection from " Alma"
Valse—" The Fuchsia"
Scherzo Movement from 9th Symphony
—Allegro Movement from Choral
Symphony Beethoven.
Glee—" The Chough and Crow"
The Drum Polka

Her Majesty had afterwards an evening party. The
company consisted of Lord and Lady Ruthven, General
and Lady Isabella Wemyss Mr. Wemyss, th,, Hon. Mrs.
Phipps, the Hon. Mrs. Anson, Sir George and Lady
Couper, Miss Couper, the Dean of Windsor and Lady
Charlotte Neville Grenville, (two) Misses Neville Gren-
ville, Lieutenant-Colonel Paget, commanding the Cold-
stream Guards, and Colonel M'Douall, commanding the
Life Guards.
The Queen's private band attended and performed in
the Castle during the evening.
To-morrow (Monday) the Queen and Prince Albert
will, it is expected, leave the Castle for town.

Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge visited
her Royal Highness the Duchess of Gloucester yester-
day at Gloucester. House.
A Cabinet Council waa held on Saturday afternoon,
at the Foreign-office. The Ministers present were—
Lord John Russell, the Marquis of Lansdowne, the Earl
of Minto, Sir George Grey, Earl Grey, the Chancellor
of the Exchequer, Sir Francis Baring, Sir John Hob-
house, the Right Hon. H. Labouchere, and the Marquis
of Clanrioarde attended.
The Council sat two hours and a half.

The churchwardens of St. Margaret and St. John,
Mr. C. W. Short, Mr. George Wilson, and Mr. Rogers
(vestry clerk), a deputation from the' vestries upon the
county rate, had an interview with Sir George Grey on
Saturday. The Earl of Arundel and Surrey had also an
interview on Saturday with the Right lion. Baronet, at
the Home-office.

TUB GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY.—An accident
of a shocking nature occurred on the above line to a
young man named Henry Beasant, about 30 years of
age, on Saturday last. At the inquest on the body, lull
at Swindon New-town, before Mr. Whitmarsh, coroner
for the county, William Herbert, a police-constable,
stated that about eight o'clock, as he was on the Great
Western Railway, near Swindon station, the deceased,
who was in the servica of Mr. Brotherhood, as a sentinel
on the line, passed by him, and was going to his duty
further on. Mr. John Smith, one of the clerks at the
station, deposed that about half an hour afterwards, as
he was going up the line, within a short distance of the
station, he saw a hat on the railway, which led him to
suspect that something had happened, and going across,
he found the deceased alone, and lying apparently dead
on the north side of the up line. He went immedi-
ately for assistance, and returned soon afterwards with
Mr. Rogers, a medical gentleman. This witness stated
that he found upon examination that the head of de-
ceased was frightfully injured, that his death must have
been instantaneous, and caused by an engine of the rail-
way. Robert Jobson, one of the drivers of the Great
Western Railway Company, stated that he drove the
Mentor engine, to which was attached the passenger
train from Bristol, and arrived at the Swindon station
about ten minutes past eight o'clock, when he left ; in a
short time afterwards he was informed that
a man had
been killed by his engine. He then returned, and ar.s
shown what is called the life-guard, on which he saw
sonic hair clotted with blood; he had no idea that any
accident had taken place until that moment, not having
observed deceased:on the line, although ho kept a strict
look out, nor had anything unusual occurred while the
train was proceeding. After hearing the evidence, and
the summing up of the coroner, the jury, being satisfied
that no blame was attached to the engine-driver, re-
turned a verdict of " accidental death."

The Duke of Wellington and the Marquis and Mar-
chioness of Salisbury attended the early service yester•
day, in the Chapel Royal, St. James's. The prayers
were read by the Rev. Dr. Wesley, and the sermon was
preached by the Rev. P. Dodd. At the daily service
the prayers were read by the Rev. J. C. lladen, the
lessons by the Rev. T. Helmore, and the Communion
Service by the Rev. Dr. Wesley. The sermon was
preached by the Rev. P. S. Dodd. The anthem was
"Awake up my glory►," (Wise), Sir George Smart pre-
sided at the organ.

The Duke of Wellington gave a grand entertain-
ment on Saturday evening, at Apsley House, to his Royal
Highness the Prince of Orange. Their Royal High-
nesses the Prince and Princess of Parma and a distin-
guished circle were invited to meet the Royal Prince,
who arrived shortly before eight o'clock, attended by
Admiral Arnens and Captain Gudicher. The Prince
and Princess of Parma were attended by the Countess
Lopez. His Excellency the Dutch Minister and Madlle.
Schimmelpenninck, Viscount and Viscountess Mahon,
Lord Downes, Lord and Lady Fitzroy Somerset, L9rd
and Lady Charles Wellesley, Sir Colin Halkett, &c., were
among the company. The circle broke up by eleven
o'clock.

TIIE EARL AND COUNTESS GREY'S RE•UNION.—
The Earl and Countess Grey received a distinguished
circle to dinner on Saturday last, at their mansion in
Belgrave- square, the guests including his Excellency the
French Ambassador (Admiral Cecille), his Excellency
the Belgian Minister and Madame Van de Weyer, the
Countess of Tankerville, Viscountess Palmerston, Vis-
count and Viscountess Melgund, Lord Edward Fitz%lan
Howard, the Hon. H. Grey, Mr. Augustus Stafford, Mr.
R. M. Milnes, &c. The Countess afterwards had a
soirée, when 'the company included his Excellency
Baron de Cetto, his Excellency the Dutch Minister and
Madlle. Schimmelpenninck, his Excellency Mr. Bancroft,
the Duchess of Norfolk and Lady Mary and Adeliza Fitz •
Alan Howard, the Marchioness of Ailesbury, the
Marchioness of Clanricardo and Lady Emily De Burgh,
the Countess of Minto and the Ladies Elliott, the
Countess of St. Germans and Lady Louisa Elliot, the
Countess Dowager of Essex, the Countess Waldegrave,
Mr. G. V. Harcourt, M.P., the Earl of Shelburne, Vis-
count and Viscountess Mahon, Viscount Palmerston,
Lord Foley and Hon. Miss Foley, Lord Elphinstone,
Lord Campbell, Lord Ossulston, Lord Moreton, Lord
Seymour, Lord H. Vane, Lord and Lady Monteagle,
Lord and Lady Eddisbury and Hon. Misses Stanley, the
Right Hon. Sir George and Lady Grey, the Right Hon.
Henry and Mrs. Labouchere, Sir John Cam Hobbouse
and Miss Hobhouse, the Attorney-General and Lady
Jervis and Miss Jervis, Lady Eliz tbeth Bulteel, Lady
Georgians Grey, Baron and Lady Parke and Miss
Parke, Lady Hislop and Miss Elliot, the Speaker
and Mrs. Shaw Lefevre, Lady De Dunstanville,
Lady Davy, Lady Francis Hope and Miss Lascelles,
Sir David Dundas, the Right Hon. Fox Maule, Mr.
Tuffnell, MT., and Lady Anne Tuffnell, Hon. Mr.
and Lady Maria Ponsonby, Mr. Lewis, M.P., and Lady
Theresa Lewis, Hon. W. F. Campbell, M.P., Hon. Wm.
Cowper, Hon. Wm. Bouverie and Lady Mary Bouverie,
Mr. Bouverie, Sir Denis le Marchant, the Right Hon.
Richard and Mrs. Vernon Smith and Miss Vernon, Hon.
Algernon Egerton, S:r Henry de la Beche. the Account-
ant General, and Mrs. and Miss Russell, Colonel and
Mrs. Malcolm, Lieutenant-Colonel Reid, Mr. T. Brand,
M.P., and Mrs. Brand, Mr. and Mrs. H. Seymour, Mr.
J. Parker, M.P., Mr. H. Greville, Mr. Edwin Landseer,
Mr. Herbert, M.P., Mr. C. Baring Wall, M.P., Mr. B.
Hawes. M.P., and Mrs. Hawes, Mr. Ricardu, M.P., and
Mrs. Ricardo, Mrs. J. Abel Smith, Mr. Gibson Craig,
NI.P., and Mrs. Craig, Mr. R. W. Grey, M.P., Mr. F.
Calvert, Mr. Panizzi, Miss Burdett Coutts, the Daan of
Westminster and Mrs. Buckland, &c.
The Right Hon. the Speaker of the House of
Commons gave his first Parliamentary entertainment this
session ou Saturday last, at his official residence in Eaton-
square. As customary at the cJmmencernent dinner, the
guests of the Right Hon. Gentleman comprised the lead-
ing Members of the Government in the House of Com-
mons, among whom were Lord John Russell, Viscount
Palmerston, the! Right lion. Sir John Cam Ilobhou.e,
the Right Hon. Henry Laimuchere, the Right Hon. Sir
George Grey, the Bight Hon. Sir Francis T. Baring,
Lord John Hay, Lord Marcus Hill, the Right Hof:. Fox
Manic, the Hon. Captain M. F. Berkeley, the lion. Wil-
liam F. Cowper, the Right Hon. Richard Lalor Sbeil, the
Right Hon. Sir W. Somerville, the Atterney-Genera:',
the Solicitor-General, the Judge Advocat,,, the Solicitor-
General (for Scotland), Rear-Admiral J. Deans Dundas,
Mr. H. G. Ward, Mr. H. Tufncll, Mr. George Corne7ol,l
Lewis, Mr. 11.. ch, Mr. Gibson Craig, Mr. It. M.
Mr. B. Hawes, Mr. John Parker. and Mr. Ralph Bernal..
The Right Hon. the Chancellor of the Exchequer was
unavoidably absent from the banquet.
The Princess's Theatre has been visitedwniethitnr,tltro
nobility e
last few nights by the following __u gKi
ng
and g y
hal :—Her
see the grand comic PalatOrOllDC,#t
Royal Highness the Princess Of. :Farina and party; the
Duke of Brunswick, Baron NelLlMal), Beron Nicoll
and parties; Earls Cardigan, Fitzhardinory Chesterfield,
Charlemora and parties; Lords Paroley;durnsey, Bruce
and parties; the Count'es3 of Essex aud party; Ladies
Compton, Rivers rind party; Earl Verulam and party;
the Hon. D.L. Astley and party;
Sir G. Wombwell, Sir
C. Shackerley, the lion. lAr.Greville Brook, Madle.
Jenny Liud and party; Mr. Ricardo, Lord John Russell,
- and tohef distinguished visitors.

It may not be generally known that some of the
Queens of England hair," been in the habit of choosing a
fine and thriving oak or beech tree in Windsor Forest,
to which they have given their name, which, with the
date of the month and year, of the selection, is en-
graved on a brass plate, and screwed securely to the
tree. Thus in one of the most beautiful and retired
parts of the forest, Queen Anne's oak may be seen; the
oak of the consort of George IL, Queen Caroline; the
oak of Queen Charlotte; the oak of Queen Adeleide; as
will as that of her present Majesty. They have all seats
around them.

CHURCH EXTENSION.—SeveraI new churches, to
which grants have been made by the church commis-
sioners, are approaching completion, and will be ready
for consecration in the (01-se of the ensuing month.
Amongst them are those of Ashton-under-Lyne, Hurst,
Lancashire, early English architecture, with bell-turret,
645 sittings, 459 free, began March 1, 1848
Astbury,
Chester, early English architecture, 610 sittings, all
free, began May 29, 1847; Coventry, St. John, diocese
of Worcester, Gothic architecture, 576 sittings, 456 free,
began February 10, 1848; Duffield, Derby, early English
architecture, with bell-turret, 516 sittings, all free, began
June, 1847 ; Earnsden, Northumberland, early English
architecture, 506 sittings, 426 free, began May 24.
1848; Gloucester, St. George (Two Mile Hill district),
Gothic architecture, 516 sittings, 411 free, began June 1,
1847 ; East Greenwich,' Kent, Gothic architecture,
with tower, 1,333 sittings, 753 free, began June 28,
1847; St. Pancras, Camden-road Villas, Middlesex, de-
corated architecture of the 14th century,wiltBh4t7o;wsertoactkid.
spire, 1,189 sittings, 670 free, began August, 1847; Pon-
tefract, York, early English architecture, with bell gable,
757 sittings, 561 free, began September,
port, district of Bredbury, gothic architecture, with
tower, 862 sittings, 512 free, began September 6, 1847;
Stockport, district of Sr. Mark, Dukenfield, gothic
architecture, 915 sittings, 815 free, began May 28,
1847; Stoke-upon-Trent, Stafford, early English archie
texture, with bell turret, 718 sittings, 479 free, began
August 17, 1847 ; Stoke-upon-Trent, district of
Hope. Anglo-Norman architecture, with bell tur-
ret, 656 sittings, 456 free, began November 22, 1847;
Stoke-upon-Trent, district Of Noriiht‘rviocotd,oreasrlty.
Bark,
Eng-
lish architecture, with bell turret, 500 sittings all free,
began Nov. 19, 1847; Wte lley, district of Lamb, Lan-
caster, Gothic architecture, 603 sittings, 448 free, began
June 29, 1847; Wolverhampton, d
Stafford, Gothic architecture, with tower and spire, 1,066
sittings, 533 free, began April 11, 1848. Churches are
also to be erected in the following places, wants for that
purpese having been made by the CorninissiontrA:—
Newcastle-upon-Tyne ; Totworth, Soria( rset; Greet
Pet er-street,Westminster ; Eunismore Gardens, Knights -
bridge; Portland-road, Marylebone; Coxhoe, Durham;
Paddington-in-Pendleton, Lancaster; Minshull Vernon,
Chester; St. Luke's and St. Mathew's, Wolverhampton;;
Ocker-hill, Stafford; Charlesworth, Derby; St. Jude's,
Bristol; Eldon, Sheffield; and Aston, juxta Birmingham.
FRIGHTFUL ACCIDENT ON THE LONDON AND NORTH
WESTERN RAILWAY.—This morning during the period
that the fog was most dense, the train which leaves the
Euston station at five minutes pa t nine o'clock, had
just passed the bridge over the car al at the Camden Sta-
tion, the pilot engine having be n turned Into a siding
the moment before. A cry was suddenly raised of " A
man down!" when it was diseovered a policeman, named
Fitzpatrick had for some cause, as yet unexplained, pro-
ceeded to cross the lines between the two engines, and
while, it is supposed; in the act of doing so, was struck
by the engine attached to the train. On reaching the
unfortunate object of the dant he was found perfectly
insensible and most frightfully mutilated. He lingered
a §hqrt time, when 401 th 411:n4141W his sufferings.

TO .THE SECRETARY OF THE
METROPOLITAN REFORM ASSOCIATION.
Sir,—On Wednesday the 7th the principal debate
was on the proposal of the Government for giving
50,0001. to the relief of certain distressed Poor-Law
Unions in Ireland ; on which an amendment was
moved, to secure a lien on the rateable property of
such Unions for repayment.
The Government did not distinctly, or at all events
impressively, make out that the assistance was to be
limited to Unions which were absolutely without
resources. If -a vessel is found at sea, with positively
no provisions of any kind on board, there is clearly
nothing to be done but dispense such assistance as
may be at hand. But before this is determined on,
a lo:k must be had into the captain's lockers. It
must be made quite certain that the proposed assis-
tance is neither wholly nor in part, an aid given to
prop up the profits of the owners or commanders
from the voyage, or increase the residue which they
shall find in their hands for a future venture.

From want of this, and other causes, the feeling in
the House, as to be collected from ominous whispers
and questionings of mutual opinion by Mem-
bers who usually vote together, was to a
considerable extent adverse to the Ministerial
measure. And this was growing into a
prospect that the Government would be in a minority
when the leader of the Opposition came to the rescue,
with a proposal that the debate should be adjourned
to allow of further speaking. The instinct of adjourn-
ment is so strong, as to overpower the temptation to
accept of silent success. The Government, with more
skill than their opponents, immediately closed for the
adjournment of the debate till Friday.
This amendment is an instance, like some that were
noted in last session, of the inconvenience ofincomplete
amendments; and as Parliamentary tactics improve,
a time will come when such will be distinguished by
some kind of disapprobative epithet. Without in the
slightest degree attributing the intention in any par-
ticular case, an amendment of this kind is capable of
producing a strong and unfair action on the decision
of a question. Members are called upon to vote,
whether certain words " shall stand part of the ques-
tion." What they want is, that they shall stand, and
they shall have the opportunity to negative them.
But if Members swell the majority for .the words so
standing, it is tantamount to giving virtual victory to
the side they want to oppose. It is highly impro-
bable that there will be any opportunity afterwards
for giving their vote against the original measure,
for everybody considers the measure as carried.
And the perplexity will be just as bad
if they vote for the amendment ; for if they swell a
majority for that, they as effectually as before put an
end to any fair chance of voting against the original
measure. I doubt whether any study can come to a
conclusion on this point, except that an incomplete
amendment—an amendment which goes to admit
half the question in debate—is or may be a formidable
weapon against - those whose object may be to go
against the measure in its totality. And the use of
bringing the facts before the public is, that possibly
at some time there may be remedy devised. A sense
of some of the inconveniences, is probably among
the reasons which have since induced the Mover to
alter the form of his Motion.

On Thursday was some debate on the conven-
tional rank and precedency of Roman Catholic pre-
lates, founded, I surmise, on an apprehended difficulty
whether a Protestant Bishop or a Roman Catholic
Archbishop is to band the Governor's lady to dinner
at the Antipodes. The argument against the Arch-
bishop is that he has not his commission from our
side. In time of war this might have been a good
argument; but not in time of peace. When France
and England were engaged in hostilities, there might
be strong objections to the recognition of rank de-
rived from the Republic One and Indivisible, or from
the Empire. But when the wars were over, and
French and English fleets were sailing in
concert, as they are doing at this moment,
it would be bad policy as well as unhandsome, to
raise questions on ceremonial, and most of all
on such a ground as that the rank did not
emanate from ourselves. St. Paul was the true
Chesterfield, when he directed the settling of such
punctilios, by " in honour preferring one another."
On Friday was the second reading of the Habeas
Corpus Suspension Bill for Ireland. In the course
of the debate, appearances arose of an intention to give
an opportunity in a future stage for voting for dimi-
nishing the period of further suspension ; which
has since embodied itself in the shape
of a notice by Lord Nugent, to move as an amend-
ment in Committee, the substitution of the words
" first day of June" for " first day of September."
This intimation was very unkindly received by the
Irish Members. On reflection they can hardly fail to
be aware, that there may be English Members whom
it is quite in vain to think of convincing of the pro-
priety of showing a disinclination to 'Support the
Government in measures of what they think neces-
sary precaution, but who at the same time are anxious
to show their jealousy of the continuance of restraint
an hour longer than can be helped. There may be
Members too who wont.' be glad of an opportunity to
give the Government the broad hint which would be
conveyed by any considerable number voting for such
an amendment, that eyes are upon them, and that
there will be no chance for anything like a scheme of
continuous extension of the suspension without resist-
ance. In short, the mere intimation of such an
amendment amounted to the commencement of a
growl from English Members, which another time
might siren into a louder concert. It is difficult to
perceive why this should not have been received by
Irish Members at least with equanimity. When the
perfervidum ingenium his had time to settle, perhaps
they will perceive that it is not everybody who at the
risk of their displeasure would have attempted doing
them so good an office.
If English Members vote for the amendment, it
does not appear that they are bound thereby to any par.
ticular subsequent course. If, on the amendment's being
negatived, they vote for the Government measure,
they have at all events authenticated their jealousy
of continuations. If they vote another way, they
have given proof that they are not opposed to any ne-
cessary precaution, nor even to putting considerable
confidence in the Government's opinion of the ne-
cessity, but that to have their votes, the Government
must consent to the minimum of suspension, as evi-
dence of which it must consent to draw from the oven
hot and hot at short periods, instead of baking for us
a quantity at once, which we must eat though it be
musty.

I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
AN OLD REFORMER.
London, Feb. 12, 1849.

THE PRICE OF SILK.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE MACCLESFIELD CHRONICLE.
Sir,—Will you allow me, through the medium of your
paper, to correct a most erroneous statement which ap-
pears in the London Morning Chronicle of Wednesday,
the 7th inst., under the head of "Manchester News," as
follows: _ _ _

"In the silk trade, the price of the raw material is
considerably lower, which will be beneficial to the ' Mac-
clesfield manufacturers,' whose operations have been of
late checked by the inability, on their part, to obtain au
advanced price for their goods."
Now no statement could have been more incorrectly
brought before the public, and the author of it must be
entirely ignorant of the real state of the raw silk market
at the present time.
I beg to state, without fear of contradiction, that, at
the present hour, the price of the raw material of silk is
higher than it was two months ago. From the last
monthly circulars, issued by the London silk brokers, on
the Ist of February, 1849, it appears that the prices of
raw silk were fully maintained, and, in addition to this,
the last advices from the silk districts abroad fully cor-
roborate the general opinion, that the price of the raw
material of silk would still be higher.
I cannot conceive what has led to the insertion of
such an erroneous statement under the head " Manchester
news" in the paper alluded to, unless it is a feeler on the
part of some London silk goods buyer, who wishes to
make the manufacturers in the country believe that
which he wants to reap the advantage of; but I trust,
for the benefit of our manufacturers, that he will be
much disppoiated.—l remain, Sir, yours respectfully,
A CONSTANT READEER.
Macclesfield, Feb. 6, 1849.

NAVAL INTELLIGENCE.
THE FIRST LORD'S LEVEES.—The Right HOD. Sir
F. T. Baring, Bart., M.P., will hold his first levee of
naval officers on Tuesday week next, '-the 20th instant,
and on every subsequent Tuesday-until further notice.
The levee will commence at one o'clock, and the number
of officers to ly-5 admitted on each day will be twenty-
five. Those officers desirous of interviews with the First
Lord may register their names in the levee-book kept in
the hall.

MEASUREMENT OF VESSELS FOR TONNAGE.—We
hear that a committee, consisting of several. members of
the Naval School of Architecture, are ordered to as-
semble for the purpose of arranging a new plan for mea-
suring the tonnage of ships, the new measurement
(now so called), which was adopted some twenty years
back, having been found defective, and tending to give
an erroneous result.
It is reported that the St. Vincent, 120, Captain. S. C.
Dacree, now bearing the flag of Rear-Admiral Sir"
C. Napier. K.C.B„ will return to Portsmouth after her
cruise, and be paid off', and that Mr. Biddlecombe, the
master, will be offered the vacancy in the Royal yacht,
Victoria and Albert.
STEAM SQUADRON RESERVE AT. DEVONFORT.—The
Spiteful, steam-sloop, arrived in Devonport on Friday in
charge of Mr. Belem, master. She is given in chargesof
Captain Mends, of the Agincourt. Six of the reserve
steam-squadron are now at Devonport—the Virago and
Jackal (ready for sea at the shortest notice), the Grow-
ler, Salamander, Rattler,. and Spiteful. The stores for
the vs hole lot are to be kept in a state of readiness. The
Spiteful, steamer, on her way from sheerness, touched
at Portsmouth on. Thursday, and landed the marines
and seamen, belonging to that port'paid of from the
President.
The Victory, the Port Admiral;sl flag-ship at Ports,
mouth, .was paid six months! wages,on.ThursdaY last.
The Rolla has been rigged at,Portsnaouth, and will in
a few days bo ready for exercising:the naval apprentices.
She has hauled over to. her former mooring, off Hasler,
Creek.

The Heshemy, convict-ship, which has been so long
at the Mothrbank with diarrheas on board, dropped
down to Spithead on, Thursday (the remaining cases
being convalescent), and sailed for Hobart Town yester-
day morning. -
PORTSMOUTH, SUNDAY, FIVE P.M.—Light breezes
from the northward, with very fine weather.
THE PACIFIC STATlON.—Correspondence from this
station, dated Valparaiso, November 30th, informs us
that the Commander- in-Chief, Rear-Admiral Phipps
Hornby, C. 8., is determined that the Cobdenites shall
not have a shadowy of complaint against his flag-ship for
lying in port. The Asia has not been a- couple of
months in harbour at any one time since she has been in
the Pacific. The Admiral had just returned from Juan
Fernando and Conception, and was to sail again in a
few days for those places, in company with the French
Admiral's 50-gun frigate Poursuivante, trying rate of
sailing by the way. Ws have already noticed how the
Calypso has been lately employed. It is to be hoped
that Captain Worth has taught the_South Sea ISlanders
a salutary lesson, and that they will not be allowed to
commit outrages on foreigners with impunity. During
her late cruise (February to September) the Calypso
visited the several groups, and Captain Worth having
learned that a barbarous murder had been committed on
the persons of two foreigners at the Fegee Islands, pe-
remptorily demanded the murderers to be given up, and,
upon refusal, attacked and destroyed the town of Agun-
duvon. He also adopted very prompt and decisive mea-
sures to obtain redress from the savages at the Naviga-
tors' Island, for wanton injuries done to foreign residents
at those islands; which line of conduct will certainly
operate as a strong check upon the commission of such
crimes in future, and which had been of frequent occur-
rence, especially of late.

MARINE SMOKE-CONSUMING APPARATUS.—WO pre-
sume that as Mr. Haig, who has been trying experiments
for two or three years, and for the last twelve months in
the Arid steam-vessel, at Woolwich, with the view of
perfecting an apparatus invented by him, for consuming
the smoke of steamers, has suspended operations, and the
Admiralty have ordered the apparatus to be removed,
Mr. Haig has failed in his endeavours to accomplish this
very desirable object.—United Service Gazette.
PORTSMOUTH, SUNDAY.—The armament of the Blen-
heim, steam guard-ship, Captain Horatio Austen, C. 8.,
is ordered to be altered from 55 to 60 guns. Thus:—
Main deck-26 guns; calibre, 8 in.; weight, ,50cwt.;
length, 6 ft. 6 in. Lower deck-28; calibre, 32-pounders;
weight, 56 cwt.; length, 9 ft. 6 in. Forcastle-2; calibre,
10 in.; weight, 85 cwt.; length, 9 ft. 4 in. Forecastle-
-1; calibre, 68-pounder; weight, 95 cwt.; length, 10 ft.
9 in. Quarter deck, 2; calibre, 10 in.; weight, 85 cwt.
Quarter deck, 1; calibre, 68-pounder; weight, 95 cwt.
Total, 60 heavy guns of the longest range.
The Admiralty have ordered the exchange of the
bower anchors of the Llewellyn steam•packet, respec-
tively of 16 and-17 cwt., of the Admiralty pattern, for
two of 12 cwt. each on Porter's principle. This reduc-
tion in weight will afford relief to the bows of the vessel,
and take off a great superincumbent weight (of serious
consequence when contending or pitching in a heavy
head sea), while it will be providing her with a better
safeguard against dragging, or loss from that cause.
After such an acknowledgment as the above of the in-
feriority of their own anchor to hold a packet, we expect
to see a general order issued for the return into store of
all the out hanging old anchors, as, if the Llewellyn is
unsafe with them, so likewise must be every other vessel
or ship provided with them.
Captain Bartholomew J. Sullivan has obtained per-
mission of the Admiralty to settle at the Falkland
Islands, and has proceeded thither with his family, from
Falmouth, in the Australia, Harrison. He has.taken
with him farm stook and other requisites suitable for
comfort and convenience as a settler. He has laid before
the Government a suggestion for a number of pensioners
to be allowed to emigrate to the Falkland Islands.
Hants Telegraph.

The schooner yacht Dolphin, 204 tons, the property
of Mr. Charles Perkins, " R.Y.S." is chartered for a
trading voyage to California, having been purchased
with that avowed object by a speculator upon " golden
gains." The vessel is lying in the Corporation Camber,
and is certainly better calculated for such a voyage than
we should imagine ten vessels out of a dozen to be which
have 01 late been announced as to sail for the shores of
the "diggins." The Dolphin will load with provisions
and slops.

REDucnox.--The navy seems in a very fair way of
reduction now, and is progressing at even more than
Cobden pace, if we may draw an inference from past
facts and present appearances. Nine vessels, varying in
character from the 50. gun frigate class to the steam
tender, having been home and paid off within little more
than a score days, whereas not one pennant has been
hoisted since to supply the deficiency of force or power
thus reduced. Amongst the items of the reduction is
now named the abolition of the Excellent, at Portsmouth.
—Chronicle.

Wind, N. by E., light breeze and fine weather.
PLYMOUTH, FEB. 9.—Her Majesty's steam-vessel
Centaur, Commodore Fanshawe, from Portsmouth, ar-
rived on Sundry, and came into harbour to coal. On
Wednesday she proceeded into Barnpool. The Centaur
will sail on the 13th with mails for Madeira and the
coast of Africa, and with 40 naval apprent.4ces from
Portsmouth and 40 from this port, for distribution among
the ships employed on that station.
Her Majesty's Eloep Harlequin, 12, Commander John
Moore, is ordered here from Lisbon to be paid off.
On Wednesday the crew of her Majesty's ship Cale-
donia, 120, in Hamoaze, got up lower yards and top-
masts, crossed topgallant yards and bent sails, unbent
them, and struck yards again.
Merchant vessels spoken in the Channel:—Feb. 6, off
Eddystone, the brig Clorinda, from Shields for Cadiz; off
the Ram's Head, the Dutch barque Thetis, 96 days from
Batavia, short of provisions, bound up Channel; Feb. 7,
tho barque Olinda, Captain J. F. Taylor, 116 days from
Colombo, all well; Feb. 8, off Ram's Head, Le Dooia
Mats Clementine, Captain A. Donvet, from Havre Feb.
1 for Havannah; the Olinda, Feb. 6, off the Lizard,
spoke the ship Mary Sparks, and Feb. 7, off the Ram's
Head, the brig Easy, of and from Sunderland, 29 days
out for Oporto, with coal; and the ship Laidsman.
Wind west-south-west. Light breeze. Cold.

mTelisitse,r,,midgham;
Fri.,
streatioy.
SPORTING INTELLIGENCE.
LIVERPOOL SPRING MEETING AND S
CHASE. •. :".
The following have
THE LIVERPOOL SPRING C11P....-•-,. he :
04 Wool, Ada
paid forfeit :—Fireaway, Ellerslie, Laii? .
Mary, Pelham, and Clifford. TWO are' scratched,
cup...... •
STEEPLE
THE SEFTON WELTER
viz, Teresa and Peter Simple•
declared ft viz.—Sham.
CAP.—Twenty eight have s
len
did, Agitation, Charm,
rock, Brunette, Sir Jghgr,ietly), Flycatcher, b g by Young
Clarinda, The Page' r_lttle FtinnY, Clonardon, Abdel
TIIE GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLE CHASE Hman-
Rainbow, Nimrod,
_ortulie,
Shinrone, Redstreak, Box-
keeper, Miss Brown.
Kader, Dicky tanfs
Canary, Venom, Marengo, Bold
keeper, Miss Burns,
BDu:evokyult hilTdßim err
HUNTING APPOINTMENTS.
A therstone hds., Wed., Shustoke ; Fri., Ne
A wnham;
Village-104. .
Sat., Upton Vill 4
Saßerkshire lids., Wed., Harcourt Arms, Nuneham ; Fri.,
Cheshire hds., Wed, Appleton; Thurs., Twemlow
Hail; Sat., Bradfield Green-10i.
Sir John Cope's lids., Wed., Sherfield Green; Fri.,
Lawrence Waltham-10i.
Craven lids., Wed., Henswocd; Fri., Combo Wood;
Sat., Woolley Down-10i. •
Mr. Salkeld's hde., Wed., Hutton End-12.
Maori lids., Thurs., Ogwell-11.
Ea:t Essex lids., Toes , Ilelions Bumpstead; Thurs.,
Allham ficll; Sat, Tollam Maypole-10i.
Essex Union lids . Wed., the Kennel; Sat., West Han-
'ming fi,ld Compasses-10
1-i,,uth Essex lids., Tues., Muckiug; Sat, North Oak-
endon. akWrsk:rffieehrPdGGs,a,

EXPENSIVE LITIGATIONS. The prosecutions %
outabout
the Maynard and Garrett gangs in 1845, for systematic
the nsatin.
depredations on railways, and the carryingo
vestigations, cost the united railway companies
800/.; the costs of successfully resisting
fe of some
the six actions
rence
resulting from the leniency and _ interference
after much rrailway men (and which were defeated
Company above
la-
bour) cost the Gt eat Western R
defence, and
700/. law expenses for the .
above 7001. in cash pay-
was left to defend himself, paidma),
expenses. The costs
meats, and above 4001. Outstaendl 1 Mr. Nash, who
had assisted in these tie-
the company by persons
part
Payment, cost the complliy
fences and claimed r
of the unsuccessful I-et-isms:it:o to tho claim made upon
above .1004 and c,i
s,E'''' ,e 1 to barristers 1,4. e seer tainnient,
and the claims being admitted,
and the amount re.cirr
deverr months, and has cost the
the re,erence laste,
SalllP coeunntp i
aat
4501.n1,000/. more, the claim being upon one
ini
iasta
.T . Ii,EQ , uEsTS
•—A lady, lately deceased,
.a3a,
s!ed a
MUNIFICEN
who for many 3 ears rosided at Hammersmith (the late
Miss Caroline Elizi Fenn) has, by her will, beqaeathecl
the sum of 1,000/. Stock in the Three-and-a-Quarte.v
per Ce:;ts., to the School for the Indigent Blind in St.- !
.—... •.
Geurge's•flelds. The deceased lady for many years la.. T • • sof a
.01PROVED LUGGAGE CHECKS- under the severe calamity of loss of sight, and
n the shape of
with a feeling of commiseration for her poorer fellow- !•' very useful invention have been sent us,i
robberies at
creatures similarly sillicted, and with a desire to contri- j a luggage check, to prevent the numerousul gage at railway
bute to the alleviation of their distresses, she has made 1 I >resent effected by persons obtaining he g
upper portion of
the above munificent bequest in aid of the funds of the i t .cations by false representations.he T
affixed to the package
institution referred to. The testatrix was grand-daugh- i I the check is gummed, and may
strings by which it may
ter of the eminent composer Dr. Wm. Boyce, and mind- 1 ' by moistening it, or there aiis.ethen........spe.eimen
torn off, and being
ful of the misfortunes of the poorer members of the pro- passenger retains it a% si,
cession of which Dr. Boyce was so distinguished a mew- I printed in the check torm,red
I be tied. The lower portion is
production of which the trunk
her, she has bequeathed a legacy of 1,000/. Stock in the handed over. These Booth's' •re-
: counterpart, without the p
,or rarcel is not to be handed Thiee• and-a- Quarter per Cents. to that excellent cha- are already in common 11Pe on
rity " The Royal Society of Musicians," established foil g4tered luggage checks
. ,
the support of the decayed members of that profession.- the Duke of Cambridge • 'sited
several of the limes.
His 1 loyal 11 1 `Visited
National Fenn has also left a legacy of 500/. Stock to the- ' a Saturday.
! s., the British Museum o
National Benevolent Institution. Museum on
,

E,sex and Suff..lk Alresford Pointer; Fri.,
DAuish—
Mr. Morgau's Thurs,,. Hunter's Oak-10.
Mr. W. Marshall's hds., Thurs., Familia Wood.
'""Mr. Trelawny's Tues., So:AA scombe; Fri., Tolch
Moor Gate.