The Sun.
London, England, 1849-02-08 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 8, 1849.

COURT CIRCULAR.
WINDSOR, WEDNESDAY.
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Majesty this morning in the Castle, and presented an
Address fr,,m the House of Commons to the Queen.
The Earl of Listowel was the Lord in Waiting.
The Queen and Prince Albert took their accustomed
early walk.
The Royal Family took walking and pony exercise in
the Little Park.
Her Majesty, accompanied by his Royal Highness
Prince Albert. rode out on horseback this forenoon into
the Great Park, Lord Alfred Paget and Colonel Wylde
attending the Queen and the Prince.
Lori and Lady Ashley are expected to arrive this
evening at the Castle, on a visit to her Majesty.
The Queen's private band played the following pieces
yesterday evening:—
Overture—" Zanetta"
Selection—" Les Huguenots" Meyerbeer.
Cauzonetta
Carlzbader Walzer
" Der Gruss in Alyendale," Marsch
This evening the royal dinner circle will include Lord
and Lady Ashley, and the Ladies and Gentlemen of the
Royal Household in Waiting. Her Royal Highness the
Duchess of Kent, attended by her Ladies, is expected to
visit the Queen this evening.
Her Majesty's private band will attend in st.e Castle
after dinner.

e Bishop of London had an interview with Lord
John Russell yesterday, at his official residence in
Downing-street.
Captain Maxwell, R.N., from New Zealand, had an
interview with Earl Grey yesterday, at the Colonial-
office.

The School of Design had a meeting yesterday at the
office of the Board of Trade. _

Some of the Cabinet Ministers dined yesterday even-
ing with the Corporation of the Trinity House.
Dispatches were sent off last evening from the Co-
lonial-office for the Governors of Ceylon and Hong-Kong.

THE NATIONAL DEBT.

TO THE EDITOR OF TEE SUN.

have been much gratified by the perusal of a
pamphlet, written by the Hon. Edmund Phipps, and
entitled " A Few Words on the Three Amateur Budgets
of Cobden, Macgregor, and Wason."
It would be libellous for me to suppose that any gen-
tleman of education, upon reading " The Budget for the
Million," would not immediately perceive that its great
principle is " That it is discreditably dishonest not to pay
off the National Debt."
And it would be still more libellous to suppose that a
member of the aristocracy was perfectly careless whether
that proposition was or not correct; yet the Hon. Mr.
Phipps is perfectly silent on this most important topic.
He who could find sufficient leisure to occupy several
pages in pointing out an error noticed in your columns
a fortnight since, has not a word to say against the pro-
position— That it is discreditably dishonest not to pay off
the National Debt.

"What is the fair, may I not say charitable, inference?
Why, that silence is more eloquent than words, and that
Mr. Phipps has tacitly admitted that he is unable to
point out any error in the proposition, or in the argu-
ment by which it was supported.
I venture to think that if it can be clearly shown that

it is discreditably dishonest not to pay the National Debt,
Englishmen wil► insist on its being paid; and that the
question of how much it will take is one in which they
will take but a secondary consideration.
Show to Englishmen that which J. believe is incapable
of being denied with truth—that the industrious classes
of this country have been syStematically robbed, and I
believe that all true-hearted Englishmen, whether of the
aristocracy or of the people, will resolve that the rob-
bery shall not be continued.

I am, Sir,

Your obedient servant,
RIGBY WASON.

THE NATIONAL DEBT AND
PUBLIC FUNDS SIMPLIFIED.*

Mr. Brenan, after having shown the unlearned how
they may write and punctuate unobjectionably, has now
tried his hand at simplifying the National Debt and
Public Funds. It is indeed surprising how few of our
people understand them, when we consider that this is
the greatest commercial country that perhaps ever
existed. Mr. Brenan's plan of explanation is quite ori-
ginal, and certainly one must be very dull who cannot
comprehend such a homely exposition. On reading it
attentively, all the seeming Mysteries of the funding
system disappear; and that and the national debt are
perfectly intelligible to those who could never under-
stand them before. This little work comes out very
opportunely in these times of financial Reform discus-
sion, as its cheapness will enable every one to speak
correctly on that portentous subject, the National Debt.
" " The National Debt and Public Funds Simplified for
General Comprehension. By Justin Brenan, Author of
Composition and Punctuation Familiarly Explained." Ef-
fingham Wilson, 11, Royal Exchange.

CHILDREN'S BOOKS.

TRIALS AND TRIUMPHS OF FRED.

HAMILTON. By the Rev. John Young.
This little volume possesses every attraction. The
story is exceedingly interesting, and the moral is of
universal application. The interesting nature of the
tale may be imagined when it is known that Fred.
Hamilton, a mere youth, is transported for a robbery
of which he is innocent ; he is soon after set at
liberty, and undergoes many strange vicissitudes,
both at home and abroad. The story is throughout
of a pleasing character, even although some of the
incidents may (for the time) appear unfortunate.
The moral inculcated is perseverance—perseverance in
trials which will inevitably, like the perseverance
of Fred. Hamilton, convert those " trials " into
" triumphs."

PARLIAMENTARY BUSINESS

(From the Votes and Proceedings of the House of Commons.)

TUESDAY, FEB. 6.
Mr. Macgregor gave notice that on Tuesday, Feb. 20, he
should submit to the House the following Resolutions:-
1. That considering the magnitude of the maritime com-
merce of the British empire, and that no vessel or ship, with
a cargo, in ballast, or with passengers, can, when engaged
either in the coasting, colonial, or foreign trade, arrive at,
discharge, or take is a lading, or passengers, or depart from
any port in the United Kingdom, without the interference of
the officers and submitting to the regulations and laws of
the Customs, it has become necessary for Parliament to take
into consideration the whole subject of the administration,
organization, management, and regulations of that depart-
ment :

2. That the friendly and peaceable relations, and reciprocal
social benefits, and commercial advantages between the
United Kingdom and all foreign countries, can be most
harmoniously andldurably maintained by the maritime and
trading intercourse being rendered as free as the security of
the revenue may allow from all vexatious, ignorant, and
useless restrictions, delays, and expenses :
3. That with a view to facilitate maritime intercourse be-

tween British and all foreign ports, and to effect a direct re-
sponsibility of duties and efficiency of services in regard to
the security of the revenue, and the quick dispatch of the
commercial and shipping business of the United Kingdom, it
appears the following changes are absolutely necessary :
First. A complete reform of the system of regulations,
orders, and management of the Customs.
Second. An abolition of the present administrative
organization of appointments, and especially that of
the Board of Commissioners.
Third. That for the purposes of responsibility of duties,
the security of the Revenue, and the quick and
efficient dispatch of ships and their cargoes, an efficient
re-arrangement of the personal organization of the
Customs' department appears necessary.
4. That considering the effect which the commerce and
the financial legislation of the United Kingdom have, at all
times, upon the employment of the people, the prosperity of
the empire, aid the public revenue and credit, it appears
necessary to inquire into the progress of the trade and navi-
gation between the United Kingdom and foreign countries,
and also between the United Kingdom and the British pos-
sessions abroad, including India, from the sth day of January,
1827, to the sth day of January, 1849.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 7.
The following Railway petition was presented, and the
Bill ordered to be brought in :
Stockton and Darlington (Lease of Line to the York, New-
case!, and Berwick Railway Company, and Amalgamation of
the two Undertakings.:
SECEDING CLERGYMEN.

Mr. Granger gave notice that he should on Friday, Feb.
9, ask Lord John Russell whether it was the intention of her
Majesty's Government, during the present session, to bring
forward any measure to relieve clergymen who have seceded
from the Established Church against the penal consequences
of ecclesiastical censures, incurred by preaching in other
places of worship.

NEW HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT.
FINE ART COMMISSION.
The eighth report of the Commissioners appointed by
her Majesty for the purpose of promoting and encou-
raging the fine arts has just been printed; it is as fol.
lows:—

TO THE QUEEN'S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY.
We, the Commissioners appointed: by your Ma-
jesty for the purpose of inquiring whether ad-
vantage might not be taken of the rebuilding of
your Majesty's Palace at Westminster—wherein
your Majesty's Parliament is wont to assemble—
for the purpose of promoting and encauraging the fine
arts in your Majssty's United Kingdom, and in what
manner an object of so much importance might be most
effectually promoted, humbly report to your Majesty
that having on a_ former occasion, viz., in our report
of the 13th July, 1847, expressed a hope that certain
of the frescoes proposed to be painted in the House
of Lords would be completed during the autumn of
that year, we have now to state to your Majesty that
three frescoes, in addition to the first executed by Wil-
liam Dyce, R.A., have been painted accordingly, the
subject of Religion by John Calcott Horsley; the sub-
ject of the Spirit of Chivalry by Daniel Mediae, R.A.;
end the subject of Edward the Black Prince receiving
the Order of the Garter from Edward the Third, by
Charles West Cope, R.A. We consider that these works,
the designs for which have been before approved by
us, are highly satisfactory as examples of fresco paint-
ing; their effect confirms us in the opinion that, under
certain circumstances of light and distance, fresco
painting is well calculated for the purposes of decora-
tion; while, from requiring the preparation of careful
designs, the method recommends itself as being fitted to
promote the study of form.
Two subjects remain to be painted in the same locality;
that of Justice, and that of Prince Henry, afterwards
Henry V., acknowledging the authority of Chief
Justice Gascoigne. We propose to commit the
subject of Justice to Daniel Maclise, and
the subject of Prince Henry acknowledging the au-
thority of the law, to Charles West Cope, R.A.;
two corresponding frescoes on each wall will thus be
executed by the same artists. We recommend this
course, not only from being satisfied with the ability dis-
played by those artists, but also as a means of insuring a
due conformity of style and a due symmetry of composi-
tion in the works. As considerable time will be required
tor the preparation of the cartoons, it may be found ne-
cessary to postpone the execution of the paintings till
the next year.
We have already, as expressed in our last report,
which has received your Majesty's approval, adopted the
recommendation of a Committee appointed to select
subjects for the decoration of tke Palace of West-
minster, to the effect that William Dyce, R.A.,
should be employed to decorate, chiefly in fresco,
your Majesty's robing room in the said Palace,
and that the subject to be illustrated should be the
Legend of King Arthur; and we have now humbly to
report to your Majesty, that we are prepared to con•
dude an agreement with Mr. Dyce, according to which
he undertakes to complete certain stipulated work
in the said locality, within a period not exceed-
ing six years, commencing from the let of July,
1848, and for which it is proposed that he should
be remunerated at the rate of 8001. a year; other con-
ditions being included in the agreement, which may
make it his interest to complete the work, subject to
the approval of the Commissioners, in less time; and, on
the other hand, allowing an extension of time in the
event of certain additions or changes in the decoration
being proposed by the Commissioners.
We have further humbly to report to your Majesty
that the statue of Lord Falkland, by John Bell, and the
statue of Lord Clarendon, by William Calder Marshall,
A.R.A., which are intended to be placed in St. Stephen's
Hall, in the Palace at Westminster, have been completed,
and that we consider the execution of those works in
marble (the models having been before approved by us)
as highly creditable to the artists.
With respect to the models for statues to be placed
in the House of Lords, as.proposed in our last report,
we beg leave to state that, having referred to a Select
Committee the consideration of the designs submitted
by the sculptors commissioned to prepare those works,
we have adopted the report of such Committee, and
have subjoined it to this our general report.
We have also humbly to state to your Majesty that
four designs for frescoes, to be executed in the Upper.
Waiting Hall, as recommened in our repert of August
7th, 1845, have been approved by us, and that the artists
so selected are now invited to commence frescoes in that
locality.
The expenditure which the works now recommended
to be undertaken will involve consists of 1,6001. for
the two remaining frescoes in the House of Lords, and
also the annual remuneration of 800/. to be paid to Wil-
liam Dyce, R.A., for the work above specified, for
which expenditure we request the sanction of your
Majesty.
Westminster, Sept. 5, 1848.
The following is the report of the Committee ap-
pointed to inspect the small models for statues, to be
placed in the House of Lords, of barons and prelates who
signed Magna Cbarta:—
Your Committee appointed to inspect the small models
for statues of barons and prelates to be placed in the
House of Lords, are prepared to acquiesce in the opinion
expressed by a former Select Committee, whose inquiries
were connected with this subject, and who observed that
" the very narrow size of the niches and their gothic
form" necessarily restrict the choice of attitudes. Your
Committee also acknowledge the justice of an observa-
tion by the architect, in his letter on this subject,
dated the 17th of March, 1647, that the character of
the statues referred to " should be severe and monu-
mental, and, consequently, free from all violence of
action; and that they should be designed strictly with
reference to the form and proportion of the niches, upon
architectonic principles." Your Committee, in inspecting
the models and designs for the statues in question con-
sidered it their duty to bear in mind these conditions,
which had been duly communicated to the artists,
in the first instance, by the secretary. Your Com-
mittee. were also of opinion, that in so strictly historical
a series an attention to costume was especially desirable,
as farther tending to preserve a harmony of appearanee
between the character of the statues and that of the ar-
chitecture.
The artists have readily paid attention to the sugges-
tions of the Committee on these and other points, and
the designs bavo been as much varied as, in the opinion
of your Committee, is consistent with the conditions
above noticed.
The order of the statues in the eighteen niches is pro-
posed to be as follows :
In the niche immediately on the east side of the
throne the statue of Stephen Langton, Archbishop of
Canterbury.
In the niche immediately on the west side of the
throne, the statue of Henri de Londres, Archbishop of
Dublin.
In the niche at the south-eastern angle the statue of
William Earl of Salisbury.
In the niche at the south-western angle the statue of
William Earl of Pembroke.
In the first niche on the west side, next the statue of
William Earl of Pembroke, the statue of Almeric, as-
ter of Knights Templars.
In the four niches next in order the statues of William
Earl of Warren, William Earl of Arundel, Hubert de
Burgh Earl of Kent, and Richard Earl of Clare.
In the niche at the north-western angle the statue of
William Earl of Aumerle.
In the two niches next in order on the north side, the
statues of Geoffry Earl of Gloucester, and Saber Earl of
Winchester.
In the niche at the north-eastern angle the statue of
Henry Earl of Hereford.
In the five niches next in order on the east side,
, the statues of Roger Earl of Norfolk, Robert Earl of
' Oxford, Robert Fitzwalter, Eustace de Vescieand Wil-
liam de Mowbray.
Westminster, July 18, 1648.
• The following commissions for Frescoes in the Upper
Waiting Hall have been given
The subject of " Satan touched by Ithuriel's spear
while suggesting evil dreams to Eve," as an illustration
of Milton, to be painted in one of the compartments
on the east side of the Upper Waiting Hall, to Jelin
Calcott Horsley.
The subject of " The Trial of Griselda's Patience," as

an illustration of Chaucer, to be painted in one of the
compartments on the north side of the same hall, to
Charles Wost Cope, R.A.

The subject of " Lear disinheriting Cordelia," as an
illustration of Shakspere, to be painted in one of the
compartments on the east side, to John Rogers Her-
bert, R. A.
The subject of " Alexander's Feast," as an illustration
of Dryden, to be painted in one of the compartments on
the south aide, to John Tenniel.

NA VAL DITELLIGENCE.

PORTSMOUTH, FEB. 7.—The First Lord of the Admi-
ralty issued the following letter of thanks to his consti-
tuents this morning:—
" To the Electors of the Borough of Portsmouth.
" Gentlemen,—Accept my thanks for the honour you
have this day conferred upon me by re-electing me as
your representative. Be assured that lam grateful for
your long-continued kindness. Official duties prevented
my presence here before the day of election. I regret,
that in consequence, I have not been able to pay my
personal respects to you, as I have been accustomed to
do, and am sincerely obliged to my committee, who un-
dertook to canvass in my absence. I now quit you, to
enter on the duties of my office, with the earnest hope
that I may not disgrace your choice.—l am, Gentlemen,
your faithful servant, "FRANCIS BARING.

"Portsmouth, Feb. 6."
The Arrogant, 46, new steam-ship, has been, we are
informed, pat back three weeks in her commissioning,
but on what account is not stated.

The Ilashemy convict-ship, the same on board which
Asiatic cholera broke out, and which was compelled to
put in here in consequence, has been released from qua-
rantine, and came up from the Motherbank to Spithead
to-day. She has been here 51 days.
The Racer did not finally get away, in consequence of
the light winds, until this morning, and was in sight at
4 P.M. to-day.
Wind S.W. Light airs, and dark cloudy weather.

The licensed victuallers of this garrison held a meet-
ing last night, to adopt resolutions for obtaining some
redress under the grievances they are and have been for
some time labouring in having soldiers billeted upon
them without occasion, barrack room for 1,000 men being
unoccupied within the walls.
CHATHAM, FEE. 6.—The Juno, 26, Captain Patrick
J. Blake, was towed into this harbour this afternoon by
the Rhadamanthus steam-vessel, from Portsmouth. The
Juno will be paid off next week.
The President, 50 guns, Captain W. P. Stanley, was
paid off this day into ordinary. The Royal Marines
joined their head-quarters at this division, the others
belong to Portsmouth.
The Rhadamanthus steam-vessel sailed this afternoon,
taking on board 50 seamen riggers, lent from this yard,
to assist in navigatiug the Spiteful steam-sloop from
Sheerness to Plymouth; and the Royal Marines and
able seamen from the President, and belonging to Ports-
mouth, the Admiralty have kindly permitted a passage
on board the Spiteful. The Rlaadamanthus, after dis-
embaiking the whole of the men at Sheerness, proceeds
to Woolwich.

WOOLWICH, FEB. 7.—The Rhadansanthus steam-
vessel, Master-Commander J. Ayling, towed the Juno,
26 guns, Captain P. Blake, up to Chatham yesterday, to
be paid off on her return from the Pacific. The Rbada-
manthus is ordered to Woolwich to be paid off and re-
commissioned at this port, and she arrived to-day.
The Alban steam-vessel, Master-Commander Brad-
shaw, arrived at Woolwich yesterday afternoon, to be
paid off.
The Spiteful steam-vessel was to leave Sheerness yes-
terday, and take round the men paid off from the Presi-
dent to Devonport. The Conflict steam-vessel will be
detained at Sheerness until about the middle of the
month, to have her steam chest made perfect.
The Niger steam-vessel is having some alterations
made in her valves.

A 50-gun frigate, named the San Fiorenzo, is ordered
to be built at this dockyard, from a design by Messrs.
Reid, Chatfield, and Cruze, members of the School of
Naval Architecture, and her keel will shortly be laid in
the spacious new slip No. 4; and another 50-gun frigate
is to be built, and named the Bacchante, at Portsmouth.
These frigates will be of the same character as the
Thetis, 36, designed by the same members of the Naval
School of Architecture, and launched at Devonport in
August, 1846. The Thetis is now serving on the Medi-
terranean station, under the command of Captain Cod-
rington, and the official reports made by Rear-Admiral
Sir William Parker, and published in the Parliamentary
returns, have been highly satisfactory. The San Fio-
renzo will be a powertul vessel—the whole of her guns
on the main deck, of eight inches bore, for firing 56-
pounder hollow shot, or 58-pounder solid shot.
The Espiegle, 12 guns, commander F. Campbell, paid
off at Sheerness on Saturday last, on her return from the
East Indies, has been reported highly' of as to her sail-
ing and other qualities, having accomplished 12.5 knots
per hour under double-reefed topsails, top-gallant sails,
and studding sails, and sails so well on every point of
wind, that it is difficult to state which is her best. The
trials were made when she had four months' provisions
on board.

The Black Prince was taken out of the basin at high
water this afternoon, and will be towed to Chatham to-
morrow.

THE MERCHANT NAVY.
(From Tuesday's Gazette.)
A list of the masters and mates in the merchant ser-
vice who hare voluntarily passed an examination, and
obtained certificates of qualification for the class against
each assigned, under the regulation issued by the Board
of Trade, since 31st Dec. last:-
Masters-M. W. Kett, 2d class cert. Sir Thomas
Gresham, London ; W. Digby, 2d, Gilbert Munro,
London; W. Hamilton, 2d, Thomas Jones, London; G.
M'Lean, 2d, Miame, St. John's ; R. Back, 3d,
Florentia, London ; A. C. Campbell, 3d, Essex,
London ; J. Sedgwick, 2d, Juverna, Waterford ;
B. D. Pugb, Ist, Diana, London ; C. R. Tel-
lidge, 2d, Helvellyn, Whitehaven ; J. Crawley,
3d, Quebec Packet, Newcastle; W. S. Baker, 2d, Chris-
tina, Port Glasgow; J. Todd, 2d, Chins, London; J. P.
Anderson, 2d, Mariner, London ; W. B. Simpson, Ist
extra, Hibernia, Glasgow; W. Tillock, 3d, Huntcliff,
Newcastle; G. Pottinger, 2d, Zephyrus, Newcastle; T.
Restarriok, 2d, Eagle, London; G. Mainland, 2d, James,
London; M. Martin, 2d, Mariner, London; W. Richard-
son, 2d, Symmetry, Scarborough; J. Merits, 3d, Su-
sannah, London; J. Littlewood, 3d, Nautilus, London ;
P. Dickinson, 2d, Maria, London; J. Middleton, 2d, Sir
William Molesworth, Liverpool ; D. Forrest, 2d, Ocean,
Newcastle; T. Lodge, 2d, Industry, Newcastle; W. F.
Millar, let, Cambria, Glasgow; J. S. M'Leod, 2d, Lan-
nercost, Liverpool; T. T. H. Culverwell, 2d, Emma Eu-
genia, London; J. Clark, 2d, Maria, London; G. Hayman,
2d, Crusader, Jersey; M. Conway, 2d, Lanchester, Lon-
don; A. G. Hartley, 3d, Gleuelg, London; E. Johnson, let,
Blue Bell, Liverpool; J. Furguson, 2d, Helen and Jane,
Arbroath; J. Bewick, 2d, John Burrell, South Shields;
G. Pottinger, 3d, Zephyrus, South Shields; E. Ous-
ton, 3d, Wandering Shepherd, South Shields:; J.
James, 2d, Posthumous, London ; W. F. Sager, 2d,
Symmetry, London ; Z. C. Pearson, 3d, Royal
William, Hull ; W. Finlayson, 3d, James M`Queen,
London; E. Fletcher, Ist, Marmion, Liverpool; R.
Davidson, let, Janet, Leith ; J. Ploughman, 2d,
Rambler, London ; A. C. Maclean, 2d, John
Bright, Greenock; W. Tilloch, 2d, Jane A. Milvain,
South Shields; J. Woodhouse, 3d, Jane Shirrefs, South
Shields; G. W. Watson, 2d, Victory, London; J. Lind-
ley, 2d, Duchess of Northumberland, London; J. Parker,
2d, Horatio, London; G. Thorns, 3d, Anne Milne,
Dundee; C. Clapp, 3d, Anne Milne, Dundee; P. Cuiliton
2d, Inconstant, London ; H. N. Gardner, let, Apolline,
London ; W. H, Kemp, Ist, Emigrant, Liverpool ; G. H.
Slater, 2d, Hibernia, Glasgow ; J. Campbell, 2d, Be-
raza, London ; T. Sparks, 2d, Northam, South Shields;
J. Oliver, 2d, Fort Augustus, South Shields.
Mates-H. J. Woolcc,t, 2d class cert., Tagus, Liver-
pool; H. D. Bayly, 3d, Rajasthan, Glasgow; J. Park,
3d, Emma Eugenie, London • J. W. Horn, 2d, Posthu-
mous, London; L. C. Goldsmid, 3d, Splendid, New
York; P. H. Hall, 3d, Maria, London; J. Fowler, 2d,
Rookery, London ; W. M'lntyre, 3d, Inconstant, London.

THE TRINITY HOUSE.—Last evening the Master,
Deputy, and Elder Brethren of the Corporation of the
Trinity House, assembled at the Trinity House, Tower-
hill, to initiate Lord John Russell as an Elder Brother,
in the room of the late Viscount Melbourne. The Duke
of Wellington, the Master, arrived at twenty minuted to
seven o'clock, and the different guests assembled soon
afterwards in the Court-room, when Lord John Russell
went through the customary ceremony previous to his
becoming one of the corporate body. As usual on all
such occasions, a grand banquet was given under the
presidency of the Master (the Duke of Wellington) and
the Deputy, (Sir John Henry Pelly, Bart.) in the vice-
chair. There were among the Elder Brethren present
—the Earl of Minto, the Right Hon. Sir Robert Peel,
Bart., M.P., the Right Hon. Sir James Graham, Bart.,
M.P., Captain Aaron Chapman, Captain Andrew
Timbrell, Captain R. Welbank, Captain John Hay-
man, Captain John Rees, Captain Henry Nelson,
Admiral Sir Thomas B 3 am Martin, G.C.8., Captain
Charles Weller, Captain Frederick Madan, Admiral
Sir C. Adam (Governor of Greenwich Hospital), Cap-
tain S. Ellerby, Captain George Probyn, Captain Wil-
liam Pixley, Captain Charles Farquharson, Captain
Robert Gordon, R.N., Captain W. E. Ferrer, Captain
Henry Bonham Bax, Captain John Shepherd, Captain
Edward Foord, and Captain Gabriel J. Redman. The
visitors who availed themselves of dining with the mem-
bers of the corporation, were the Marquis of Lans-
downe, the Right Hon. Sir John Cam Hobhouse, Bart.,
M.P., the Right Hon. Henry Labouchere, the Right
Hon. the Speaker of the House of Commons; Captain
Lord John Hay, Captain the Hon. Maurice F. Berkeley,
the Hon. W. F. Cowper, and Capt. Alex. Milne (Lords
of the Admiralty) ; Rear-Admiral Sir F. Beaufort.
K.C.B, and F.R.S., Captain William A. Baillie Hamil-
ton, R N., and Mr. Henry G. Ward, M.P., Secretaries
of the Admiralty; Dr. Lushington, Captain Richard
Pelly, &c. Viscount Palmerston, the Earl Grey, and
the Earl of Granville were prevented dining with the
honourable assembly from prior engagements. The
customary loyal toasts of the Queen, the Queen Dow-
ager, and the Royal Family; Prince Albert (an elder
brother), the Master (the Duke of Wellington), the
Deputy, Sir John Pelly, Lord John Russell, the new
elected brother, were given among the leading toasts;
and at eleven o'clock tfie circle broke up.
ACCIDENT TO 'THE BEE STEAMER.—Yesterday
afternoon, about one o'clock, as the Bee halfpenny
steamer was proceeding on her up-voyage from Landon-
bridge to the Adelphi-pier, an accident occurred which
might have been attended with the most frightful con-
sequences, and as it was, caused the utmost alarm to the
passengers on board. It appears that the steamer, when
above Blackfriars-bridge, came in contact with a barge
coming down the stream, which ran into her with such
force, that the barge cut the starboard paddle-
polleetely'
boax
the
and confusion that immediately ensued amongst
•as it was appre-
hendedpassengers may be easily conceived,
loweraw
parta away f r
oo
tint
ht
eh ep
as di dd el
eo.
wf thheee
ls.t e aTinhe
er ,
taantde fle tatclesonrmendl-
uatt
she would go down.
s and conveyed the
off from the Essex and Temple i stai ,
fortunately beyond
passengers safely on shore ;
that the side of the theeumvebsesrelewf
no
nj y
by the collision. The
the fright having been caused
was
occurrence, it is understood, purely accidental. boats, o stovea , h however, eavne dr
, tph
Britons, in the room of the late Earl
Fowls.
of Ancient
The Hon. Colonelhas been George
e elected
t eßice r
eTsirdeevioar ,0
fMt.hre. for
Carmarthenshire,So-
ciety

THE GOLD IN CALIFORNIA.

The following letter from Admiral Hornby, with the
annexed document, will be read with intt rest : _

" My Dear—Since I finished my letter I have received
this paper, the truth of which is more than confirmed by
Captain Courtenay, of the Constance, just arrived from
California. I have, therefore, no hesitation in saying it
ought to be made known, so pray show it wherever you
think fit. " Yours truly,
" Nov. 17. " P. HORNBY

.1- •
" Mr. Editor—l have now spent several months at
the Gold Plains, during which time I have visited the
principal diggins. I find these dry diggins' far ex-
ceed anything that has ever been discovered. At
the lower mines, the miners count the success of
the day in dollars ; at the upper mines, near the
mill, in ounces ; and here, in pounds. The pieces
found here are of an astonishing size; the largest piece
which I shall inform you of (for you would not believe
me if I told you the whole truth) weighs about thirteen
pounds. The only instrument used at first was a but-
cher's knife, and the demand for the article was so great,
that 40 dolls.has been refused for one. Now, a pick,or spoon
or shovel is used. The earth is taken out of the ravines
which make out of the mountains, and is carried on
waggons, and packed on horses, from one to three miles,
to the water, where it is washed. 400 dollars has been
an average for a cart load. In one instance five loads of
earth u hick had been dug out sold for 47 ounces (752
dolls.), and which yielded, after washing 16,000 dolls.
Instances have occurred here where men have carried
the earth on their backs and collected from 800
to 1,500 dolls. a day. Notwithstanding all this, I
am confident the fountain-head has not yet
been discovered. The hills in all directions must
abound- in gold, and when proper machinery is intro.
duced and the hills cut down, huge pieces must be found.
News has just arrived that new diggins have been dis-
covered on the Stanislaus River, and ■bout 200 persons
leave this morning for the new prospect, myself among
the number, from whence I will write to you. Send me
some papers. I would give half an ounce of pure gold
for one of your valuable papers at this moment ; I have
not seen a paper since I ;have been in the Gold Plains.
Let us have 100 copies ; most any one coming up will
take them, and, besides greatly accommodating us gold
hunters will make a handsome spec. on them.
" Yours fortunately (Signed) J. P. S.
" Aug. 15, 1848."