The Sun.
London, England, 1849-03-02 00:00:00

[SECOND NOTICE

By far the larger portion of this, the fourth and
concluding volume of Mr. Macgregor's most valuable
work, is devoted to the statistics of Oriental commerce,
including, of course, a history of the origin and pro-
gress of the British dominion in Hindostan and of
the English East India Company. The history of'
the Company should be attentively studied by every
free-trader. It is a complete illustration of the
truth of free-trade doctrines. The East India Corn-
pany
originated in necessity—its formation was a
practical protest against the monopoly doctrines and
practices by the Dutch :-
1 "In 1599, Clasen Elizabeth appointed Sir John Mil-
denhall as her minister to travel overland, by the route
of Constantinople, to the Great Mogul. 'He arrived at
the court of that potentate, and applied for trading pri-
vileges to an English company. He was opposed by
the Portuguese at that court; but he finally succeeded to
a partial extent. Individual enterprise, in regard to the
risk of undertaking uncertain adventures, was paralysed
by the disastrous fate of Raymond's expedition. The
Dutch had, however, opened a successful trade to India.
At this juncture England,' says Methuen, not being
able to get supplied with Eastern commodities from
Lisbon, on account of the war, could only obtain them
through the medium of the Dutch, or her own Turkey
Company, by way of the Levant. The Dutch, taking
advantage of this circumstance, raised the pepper upon
us, from about three shillings to the extravagant rate
of six and eight shillings per pound. Aggrieved by
this imposition, the merchants of London conceived an
idea of putting in for a share of this trade. A meeting
was accordingly called on the 22d of September, 1599,
at Founders' Hall, at which the Lord Mayor and most
of the Alderman and principal merchants of the City,
to the number of 101, attended, and agreed to form an
association, for the purpose of establishing a commercial
intercourse with India direct. The sum raised for that
purpose was 30,1331. 6s. 83."

Soon after the Company was incorporated they
sent out their first venture, which returned to
the merchant-adventurers a net profit of 95 per cent.
The anti-free-traders of the day objected to this com-
merce in silks and spices carried on by the East India
Company, as the anti-free-traders of the present day
object to a commerce in corn, that it drains the
country of specie. This fallacy was admirably
exposed as early as the year 1616 :
"A pamphlet published at this time, entitled Trade's
Increase,' charges the East India trade as draining the
country of specie, among other alleged evils. Sir
Dudley Digges, who answered these charges, says that,
the company had employed, from their origin, twenty-
four ships, of which four had been lost; that nineteen of
them were from 150 to GOO tons' burden; that one was
of 800 tons, one of 900, one of 1,060, one of 1,100, and
one of 1,293 tons ; and that the reason for having such
large ships was owing to the navy not being sufficiently
strong to protect them from the Barbary rovers.' Ile
states that the largest value of goods exported in one
year was 36,0001.; that 70,0001. had been saved annually
to the nation in the prices of pepper, cloves, and nut-
megs for home consumption ; that spices had been ex-
ported in the last year to the value of 218,0001., besides
indigo, calicoes, Chiaa silks, and drugs, to which should
be added the king's customs, and also the employment
given to ships and mariners in the re-exportation.
" That besides cinnamon, the Company calculated that
there were annually consumed at home, viz.:—pepper,
formerly at Bs. but now at 2s. per lb., 450,000 lbs.;
cloves, 50,000 lbs.; mace, 15,000 lbs.; nutmegs, 100,000
lbs.; and that the cloves, mace, and nutmegs were pro-
portionably reduced in price since our direct trade to
India. That the cargoes, in 1614, amounted to 100,000!.
and consisted of bays, kersies, and broad cloths, dyed and
dressed, 14,0001. ; lead, iron, and foreign merchandise,
10,0001; treasure (which is less than allowed to export
by charter), 12,0001.; the shipping and furniture cost in
the rnm. QA,noo./.; for provisions and other extra-
ordinary charges, 30,0000
No doubt the Protectionists or mat aay had the same
objection to cheap spices that the Protectionists of the
present day have to cheap corn and cheap sugar. In
the time of Cromwell the experiment of absolute free
trade with India was tried :

" From the commencement of the Company's estab-
lishment complaints had often been made against their
exclusive trade to India. Cromwell, by way of experi-
ment, declared the navigation and commerce to India
open and free to all for three years. Milburn remarks:
All ranks eagerly embarked in the trade. The conse-
quence of this permission is thus truly stated by an in
telligent author—" When the East India trade was laid
open, they afforded India commodities so cheap, that
they supplied more parts of Europe, and even Amster-
dam itself therewith, than ever they did after, whereby
they very much sunk the East India Company's actions;"
and there was also a great lowering of English com-
modities in India.' In this year the Company made up
the actual state of their affairs, by which it appeared
that their assets amounted to 185,5891. 75., and their
debts to 29,2711. 19. i. 4d., leaving a balance in their
favour of 156,3171. 7s. Bd.'"

In consequence, however, of the representations of
the proprietors of the East India Company of the great
expense they had incurred in erecting factories, &c.,
the charter was renewed in 1657. Still the outcry
about the drain of specie continued, and was met in
the following manner by Sir Josiah Child :
" In the year 1670, Sir Josiah Child, who was an East
Indian director, published his Discourses on Trade.'
In that work he maintains with respect to the Indian
trade, that,

" I. It employs from twenty-five to thirty of the
most warlike merchant ships of the kingdom, with
sixty to 100 mariners in each.
" 11. It supplies the kingdom constantly and fully
with that necessary article, saltpetre.
" 111. It supplies the kingdom for its consumption,
with pepper, indigo, calicoes, and several useful drugs,
to the value of from 150,0001. to 180,0001. per annum.
" IV. It also supplies materials for carrying on our
trade to Turkey, viz., pepper, cowries, calicoes, and
painted stuffs ; as also for our trades to France, Spain,
Italy, and Guinea, to the amount of near 300,0001. per
annum, most of which trades we could not carry on
with any considerable advantage but for those supplies.
And those goods exported do produce in foreign parts,
to be returned to England, six times the treasure in
specie which the Company export to India. He there-
fore concludes—

" That although the East India Company's imports
greatly exceed its exports of our manufactures, yet fir
the above reasons it is clearly a gainful trade to tho
nation.' He subjoins also,
" Ist. That if we had not this trade ourselves, the
single article of saltpetre, so absolutely necessary for
making gunpowder, would cost a vast annual sum to
purchase it from the Dutch.
" 2d. The loss of so many stout ships and mariners
would be a great detriment to the nation.

." 3d. Were we forced to buy all our pepper, cali-
coes, &c., from the Dutch, they would make us pay as
dear for them as we do for their nutmegs, mace, cloves,
and cinnamon; and if we did not use calicoes, we should
fall into the use of foreign linens.'"

In consequence of the outcry against the East India
Company, as les_,seners of the consumption of English
manufactures, Parliament actually enacted an absolute
prohibition of the wear of all Indian cotton fabrics in
England, muslin only excepted. While this prohibi-
tion lasted the wear of Indian cottons in England
was very great, and they could always be procured
without difficulty, the only effect of the prohibition
being to throw the trade into the hands of the
smuggler. The prohibition was removed, from that
moment the smuggling trade began to decline, and now
English cottons have not only driven Indian cottons
completely out of the English and all neutral markets,
but actually compete with them advantageously in
the Indian markets themselves. Another curious
illustration of the truth of the doctrines of free trade
Ind
is afforded by the history of the East ia
Company
as a trading body. As long as they had
on
competitors
in the Indian market, such as the Irern:ch,thtehePotrratude-
gum, the Dutch, so long did they ca
at a profit, but when they had entirely monopolised
the whole trade of India, and were without coin
petitors, they traded at a loss. At the time the trade
was thrown open in 1834 it was a losing trade to the
East India Company. Such are the blighting effects
of monopoly.
We must postpone our notice of Mr. Macgregor's
account of the history of the rise and extension of
the British power in India to another opportunity.

REDUCTION IN THE ABAIY.--The names of about
300 soldiers were returned to the Horse Guards, for
discharge from the regiment in Cork garrison. It is,
however, understood that a letter has been received in.
timating that at present compliance with the order direct-
ing discharge would not be required.
DUBLIN, THURSDAY.--THE WRIT OF ERROR.--
It has been intimated to the state prisoners that the
arguments on the writ of error, in the case of smith
O'Brien and others against the Queen, cannot be entered
into at the very earliest, before the 20th of May, Lut
more probably nut until a month later, namely, the 20th
of June.

DUBLIN, FEB. 28.—1 t blew a strong gale here last
night. A vessel, apparently a brig, was reported to be
on shore on the Arklow Bank yesterday.

THE NDON 'WEDNESDAY CON-
CERTS, EXE;TER HALL.
The directors beg leave to announce, that in conse-
quence of the unprecedented succeai of these ecncerts,
the series will be extended to twenty-thre3 concerts, in-
Stead of fifteen, as originully advertised, making an
extra season of eight concerts, which w ill be held as
follows:-
16th concert, Wednesday next, March 7; 17th,
March 14; 18th, March 21; 19th, March 28; 20th,
April 11; 21st, Wednesday, April 18, being for the
benefit of Mr. Sims Reeves; 22d, Wednesday, April 25,
being for the benefit of Air. Willy; 23d, Wednesday,
May 2, being for the benefit of Mr. Stammers, and the
last night of the season.
The directors of " The London Wednesday Concerts
avail themselves of this opportunity of tendering to the
public and to the press their grateful acknowledgments
for the unprecedented patronage and support which
these concerts have received. They were fully aware
at the onset of the numerous difficulties which sur-
rounded the establishment of an undertaking of this
character; yet, being convinced of the want of such an
entertainment, and being resolved on their part to carry
it through with energy and liberality, they were led to
hope that neither the patronage of the public nor sup-
port of the press would be wanting. The result has far
exceeded their most sanguine expectations; and in the
short space of fifteen weeks, " The London Wednesday
Concerts" havoyaken a position as one of the first
musical entertainments of the metropolis. The fifteen
concerts will have been attended by upwards of thirty-
nine thousand persons, and the performances through-
out the series have received the kind approval of the
whole of the daily and weekly press.
'The directors cannot but congratulate themselves upon
the fact, that, at this, the conclusion of the fifteen con-
certs, they are not aware of a single promise made, or
hope held out, in their original prospectus, but which
has been fully redeemed; and that they have, moreover,
been enabled, by the liberal patronage bestowed, to avail
themselves of a variety and amount of musical talent
which they hardly dared to hope for when the series was
commenced.
The directors feel it their duty to acknowledge their
grateful sense of the zeal and ability of the various
artists, vocal and instrumental, who have been engaged
during the season; this acknowledgment is most pecu-
liarly due to Mr. Sims Reeves, to whose great talent
and' active co-operation, upon all occasions, end in
everymanner which was conceived to be to the interest of
the undertaking, although, in many instances (at the
time), directly opposcd to- his own taste and wishes, the
directors feel they are in a great measure indebted for
the success they have achieved.
In conclusion, they beg leave to announce, that, for
the supplemental season, most of the principal artistes
who have appeared during the past season are retained.
The services of Mr. Sims Reeves have been secured for
each evening. Several new engagements have also been
made, which include Mademoiselle Nissen (three nights),
Mademoiselle Helene Stoepel (three nights), Messrs.
Travers, Lawler, Noble, Briccialdi, and others.
Negotiations are also pending with other artiste., of
eminence; and no effort will be wanting, on the part of
the management, to endeavour to maintain the favour-
able opinion, and liberal patronage, which the public
have been pleased, up to the present time, to bestow
upon " The London Wednesday Concerts."
JOSEPH STAMMERS, Managing Director,
Feb. 28, 1848. 4, Exeter Hall.

UNIVERSITY INTELLIGENCE.
OXFORD, MARCH I.—ln a convocation holden this
afternoon, the honorary degree of Doctor in Divinity
was conferred on the Rev. Gorge Smith, M.A., of Mag-
dalen Hall, Bishop Designate of Victoria, in Hong-Kong,
China. The Ray. Gentleman was introduced to convo-
cation by the Rev. Dr. Jacobson, Regius Professor of
Divinity, who, in a suitable Latin oration, urged his
claim upon the notice of his auditors for this important
degree. The convocation was rather a large one. We
noticed several heads of houses, as well as Masters of
Arts and Proctors. The ladies' gallery was numerously
attended, and a great many under-graduates were also
present. • _ _

At the same time the grant from the University chest
of 200/. towards the restoration of the church of Draycot-
le-Moors received the unanimous sanction of the house.
The names of the Rev. John Robert Oldham, M.A. of
Oriel College, and the Rev. John Buckle, M.A., of St.
Mary Hall, were also orthred to be restored to the re-
gister of convocation.

THE HARBOUR MASTERSHIP OF THE PORT OF
LONDON.—The Port of 1,,,nd0n Committee were to have
met yesterday, at Guildhall, for the purpose of electing a
principal harbour-master, but the election was postponed
till this day, in consequence of the holding of a Court of
Common Council, at which the members of the committce
were obliged to attend.
_ _

Admiral Sir Thomas Cochrane, K.C.8., enter-
tained at dinner last evening the French Ambassador,
Vice-Admiral Cecile, Rear- Admiral Deans Dundas,
C. 8., M.P., Captain W. A. B. Hamilton, and a party of
friends. During some portion of the time the gallant
host held the command-in-chief in China and the East
Indies we believe Admiral Cecile commanded the French
naval forces on that station.

GOLD FROM CALIFORNIA.—It vas reported hi the
City yesterday that intelligence had been received at the
BAIA of England toe (fleet that her Majesty's sur-
veying brig Pandora, Lieut. Commander Wood, was
coming home from the a it-eight of " gold
diggixs, to tho amount of nine tons—n. th.
900,000!. sterling. This will give the lucky commander
about 11,0004 for the freightage, the admiral's share will
ba 2,87111., and Greeuwicb Hospital will benefit to a like
amount.

DUDLEY- CRANBOURNF. Br SKEFFINGTON 31001111.
—This novel sets out with more than one startling fact
in woman's history, two of which lend their hue to all
the rest of the story. One is the htpse from honour in
the wife of an earl, described as a most magnanimous
character (as he is drawn in relation to his frail lady, in
remembrance of their former love, and for the sake of
their only son); and the other is the equal fall of a virtuous
and high-spirited widow, in connexion with the aforesaid
Nt,ble Lord, and the sad consequences thereof. The most
original feature of the work is the gradually descending
career of the widow. It is not overstrained, nor un-
mixed with traits of her original goeduriss and purity.
She is a female and novel Lucifer—truckling and bate,
and sensual under the pressure of her condition, but re-
taining qualities unobliterated, though confused, of her
former self-esteem and womanly worth. We consider
this portrait to possess very uncommon truth and na-
tural reality."—Litenuy Gazette.

MELANCHOLY AND FAT AL ACCIDENT.—In our
obituary of this week we notice the death of Miss Sarah
Maria Dancocks, daughter of the late 11. 11. Dancocks,
E. q., of D) mock, in this county, and sister to Mrs.
Thomas Higgins, of Dingwood Park, Herefordshire. It
appears that this este( med young lady left Ledbury on
Saturday (17th ult.), in a gig, to return to her residence
at Dymock, accompanied by an attendant as driver, and
when a short distance from Ledbury the horse, owing to
some cause arising from tho inebriated state of the
driver, ran °flat a rapid rate, and both were precipitated
with fearful violence to the ground. The driver was
incapable :of rendering Miss I/encodes any assistance;
but she was discovered some time after the accident
lying on the road in a senseless state, and was immedi-
ately brought back to Ledbury, where every assistance
which human aid could bestow and skill suggest, was
rendered by Drs. Tanner and Goat, but the injuries she
had sustained were of so fatal a nature that she never
rallied, and died on the following day.—Cheltenham
Examiner.

THE JERSEY COLLEGE.--On Tuesday last there
was a meeting of the Administrators of the Imp& and
the Committee of the States, appointed to co-operate
with them, with a view of erecting in the island. After
some deliberation, the majority of the meeting rejected
the revised plans of Mr. Buckler, and also decided not
to allow more than 5,500/. towards the erection of a
college.
The Venerable Knight of Kerry lies dangerously
ill at his seat, Valentia, and his death is hourly expected.
THE ROYAL WEST INDIA. MAILs.---We have reason
to believe, that in consequence of the accidents to the
steam-packets of the Royal West India Mail Company,
the Admiralty, en requisition, are disposed to assist the
Company by placing at their disposal one or two men-
of-war steam-vessels. It is likely that the Birkenhead,
now one of the advanced squadron at Portsmouth, will
be the first for service.
—Yes-
METROPOLITAN COMMISSION OF SEWERS.
held at
terday a general Court of Commissioners was
the Sewers-office, Greek-street,
Present—
the Right Hon. the Earl of Carlisle,
Ebrington, M.P., the lion. Fred. rg
Beche, Dr. Southwood Smith, B.x•
discussion it was proposed and seconded,
tion of the Earl of Carlisle,
that a case should be drawl!wilP
court, to be submitted to tt
as to the legality of transacting
Com-
mission by committees:
the Court adjourned.
posed of,
it, w c
regret hair• Lord
in
the chair;
H. de la
j3A
ter considerable
Soho square.
andb eat
hr re ile
solicitor
nt
unanimously,h estuoggtehsee
law by the
of the Crown,
Clio' the business of the S e'other business being die.
DALTOnannrouTnclieEtheEdeath oilf.thisilmOoßsEt'amßiaeblee,.—gifltlerd.,
aeffleepeitrieodn
a int e
leyhlaarml eevni Itleed,
boyn
tahned
2pastthriointisctacnletr,gdyemepanly, INa .nhdo
the inhabitants of that town, the scene of his short mis-
sion and glorious labours in the cause of religion aael hu-
manity. The deceased was nephew to the respected
parish priest of Charleville, the Rev. Thomas Croke.
He was educated in the Irish College Paris, where be
remained for a period of seven year's : and immediately
after his ordination, he was engaged as professor in one
of the most important colleges in Belgium, where he
remained for two years. On his return to Ireland, he
was attached to the mission of his Rev. Uncle, where ho
became remarkable for his saintly character, his untiring
zeal, and his ardent sympathy for the poor. He was
imbued with the strongest love of his native land, and
the warmest hopes for her ultimate freedom. He fell a
victim to a virulent fever, of five days' duration.—Cork
Examiner.
DEATH OF CAPT. MOYLAN OP TILE 72D HlGH-
LANDERS.—lntelligence has been received of the demise
of this gentleman. He died on the 21st of Jannary, at
Barbadoes, having, like many of his brother officers and
soldiers, fallen a victim to the yellow fever. The de-
ceased was brother to Mr. Moylan, the judge of the
Westminster County Court, and had been connected
with the service since 1831. He was advanced to the
rank of captain in 1844.
TILE EPSOM CASE.—It was yesterday decided by
Mr. Justice Pattesou that the writ of habeas corpus
being a continuing writ, the sheriff and the keeper of
the prison were correct and justified in the course
they had pursued. The Learned Judge, therefore, dis-
missed the application with costs. Mr. Bartlett conse-
quently still r..ir..ains in prison.
The railway calls for March, advertised up to the
present time amount to 2,187,7201., the whole being for
British
and Irish lines. For the corresponding month
of last year they were 1,848,9201. for British, and
1,287,0004 An (crop, making 4 total of 3,135,9201.