The Sun.
London, England, 1849-12-19 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, WEDNESDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 19, 1849,

HAYMARK ET THEATRE.

Having read an announcement that the translation
by the Hon. El dinued Phipps (nut the Hon. Cc•lonel
Phipps, as has been erroncotedy stated), of Henrik
Hertz's Danish: play, King Rene's Daughter,
was to be produced at this theatre last even-
ing, for the first time, we proceeded, accoed-
ing to our wont, to the box entrance, ;and
presented our admission ortir, when we were in-
formed that the perforreanec; were for the benefit
of Mr. Tilbury, and that no orders were admitted.
It would be well that Mr. Tilbury should, on the next
occasion, make the fact of the performances 'acing
for his benefit somewhat more public—neither the
posters nor the small bills sold outside the
house contained anv notice of the performances being
for the benefit of Mr. Tilbury, and it was not uaitil
we entered the doors of the theatre that we beta me
aware of the circumstance from reading an announce-
ment to that effect posted in the lobby. Several other
persons who presented free admissions were refused.
admission during tha few reomeets we remained in
the lobby, and gave vent to their feeling of &sap-
pointment in terrais that were anything but flattering
to Mr. Tilbury. We trust that Mr. Tilbury Avili
make better arrangements with regard to these ma tters
on any future occasion. Haying failed in procuring
admission, we extract from the Times the following
notice of the performance :
The drama of King Rene's Danghter, written by
the Danish poet, Henrik Hertz, and produced at the
Theatre Royal, Copenhagen, about four years ago,
has been seized by English translators with sin-
gular avidity. In 1845 a version by a lady named
Chapman was published by Messrs. Smith and
Elder; in 1848 the version by "Bon GeulCier,"
produced in an abridged form at the Sew
Strand Theatre last week, appeared in the
Dublin University Magazine; and within a very :short
time a third version, by Colonel Phipps, was brought
out at the Theatre Royal, Dublin. All these ren-
derings are distinguished by a graceful style of
writing, while in the two versions presented on the
stage much of the dialogue, together with
some lyrical pieces, has been omitted, the main
idea being preserved in all its integrity.
We have so recently given the subject of this beau.
tiful little drama that we need not repeat it in no
the production of Colonel Phipps's version last
night, when Mr. and Mrs. Kean porfornied
the principal characters, as at Dublin. Our chief otlice
is to record the very charming manner in which the
blind daughter of the troubadour King was played by
Mrs. Charles Kean. Strictly following the injunc-
tions of the drama, in which the rest of the charac-
ters are not supposed to perceive any defect in the
lady's 'vision till it is tested by experiment, she does
not close her eyes, but by gestures and an uncertainty.
of movement accomplishes the difficult task of repre-
senting blindness with her eyes perfectly open. The
rapid quivering of the lids when she was asked of what
use the organs could be, end she referred to weephir as
their only possible purposeOvas exquisitely conceived.
It indicated that the blind girl, not being able to
vary the expression of her eyes, brought them to
her consciousness by an appeal to her sense of feeling.
The voice in which the words were delivered, was
most musical, and while a sweet contented simplicity
was constantly maintained, her obvious bereavement
gave a tone of melancholy to the picture. The
Princess had never been informed of her blind,aess,
did not even suppose that the rest of mankind were
different from herself, but still you could see that
here was a subdued, t!e3iugh not an oppressed nature.
If in a performance which was perfect throughout 'we
would select one passage more strikingly beautiful
than the rest, we should perhaps tix on that in which,
after she has begun to love Tristan, she complains of
loneliness when he has departed. Never was sorrow
more touchingly or more quietly expressed.
The drama is written so completely for the display
of this one character—lolanthe, that all the rest
occupy but a subordinate position. Tristan has
rather to draw out the peculiarties of the Prin-
cess, than to exhibit any of his own, but still it
is a part requiring great care and taste. The
cheerfulness of the troubadour nature, and the ido-
latrous devotion of love in the most romantic of ages,
were represented with true geniality by Mr. Charles
Kean. If the lady looked the pure being to whom
worship was a rightful tribute, he thoroughly ap-
peared the ardent worshipper.
Small as are the minor personages, the piece was
very strongly cast. Mr. Wallack was. the King, Mr.
Webster the friend of Tristan, Mr. Howe the Moorish
physician, and Miss P. Horton the female attendant.
The garden scene in which the action took place was
beautifully laid out, and the costumes, in which real
armour was prominent, contributed to the romantic
character of the whole.

The Chronicle gives the following criticism on the
acting :
" Lipen Mrs. Charles Kean fell the most difficult task
of embodying the character of lolanthe. She had
to picture, as in a mirror, the quick sensitive feminine
nature of the blind maiden, and her pare eleva-
tion of soul, yet to develop the merely physical attri-
butes of her malady, and the gait nud habits of
body incidental to it. To a merely physical actress
the temptation would naturally he strong to mislead
an audience by clever imitations; but Mrs. Kean last
night showed herself an intellectual actress in the highest
degree, in that while she retained those physical attri-
butes and peculiarities, she subdued arid made them
subordinate to her conception. The blindness of
Mrs. Kean's counterfeit is like that of the
sonnambulist. The eyes are opened wide and fixed
in gaze, but in the slightest degree upturned,—so as
never actually to meet the glance of those to whom
she speaks. Again, when the soul is violently touched
her eyes rapidly open and shut—as attentive observers
of the blind may have seen is their habit. Another
evidence that Mrs. Kean has carefully studied the
physical side of her art, is the peculiar motion of the
hands when extended to touch any person or thing.
But these are the minor duties of an artist; the merit
of rylrs. Kean's delineation consists rather in the
psychological portraiture, the dreamy abstraction che-
quered by sudden touches of tenderness and solemn
thought, the art by which without effort or display her
unconsciousness of the one groat want was delicately made
manifest. And when lolanthe's sight is at last restored
—when the new world of beauty and of glory is re-
vealed to her, till the effulgence of light, the charm
of nature, and the majesty of mankind overpower
her newly-born sense and appal her soul—this lady's
histronic development of the effect on the being whose
retiring innocence she had before so exquisitely sha-
dowed forth, was one of the most perfect artistic tri-
umphs we have had occasion to record. If it did not
elicit from the audience the ordinary excitement, it should
be remembered that it wanted the customary stimulants
of the modem acting' drama.

"The other characters were sustained by Mr. Charles
Kean (the lover), whose delivery of the poetry and his
general bearing excellently harmonised with the roman-
tic character of the picce; Mr. Wallack (King R6ne),
and Mr. Webster, Mr. Rogers, and Miss P. Horton., in
minor characters. All were in good keeping, which is
the best praise to accord, where the interest centres in
one chief character.

" This lyrical dramatic sketch' was put on the stage

in a manner doing great credit to those who ordered rt.
Die singlo scene in which the action goes on is beauti-
fully arranged, and the costurnog are not merely
brilliant—they are also correct."

AN ACROSTIC.
BY S. IL, JON.
A pproaching fast, the joyful season comes,
S trangors and friends in hundreds quit their homes
T o see the Christmas Pantomimes—when you
L ook forward with delight such scenes to view;
E ach Harlequin and Columbine are dress'd
Y ourself will soon acknowledge in their best;
'S hould Pantaloon and Clown attract your gaze
R egard them well, they'll quickly gain your praise:
0 1 all gay pastimes, or equestrian troupes,
Y ears have produe'd, the best are Astley's groupes ;
A 11 well caparison'd in trappings bright,
L ords, ladies, horses, what a splendid sight!
A erial, majestic, fill'd with ev'ry grace,
M ark well the beauties of each female's face.
P aris, son of Priam, King of Troy,
II ad heard of Helen's charms—the wanton boy,
I n haste to Greece he travell'd, to demand,
T o him the greatest treasure, Helen's hand.
II ad he been living new, in manhood's youth,
E rring is mortal—he must own the truth
A mong this fairy groupe, the lot must fall,
T hen hear his choice, not one—l'll have them all.
R. ceder, their charms he mutually a=say'd.
E, itch blushing free consent, with j >y obcv'd.
W. rought in steel armour, or in vestments bright,
B ehold each hero his fair lady plight,
A token of her lave, One fund embracs
T he nymph bestows, then bids him take his place
T o grace the Tournament—an ancient sport,
Y, ears have roll'd by since introduc'd at Court.
P repar'd with buckler, lance, mace, shield, and sword,
R egard each warrior, waiting for the word
0 f onslaught—life-blood burning in his veins,
P roudly his charger, with tight hand he reins,
R uthless of danger, see him poise the lance
I n warlike manner, then with eager glance
E nter the lists to end all jealous strife,
T o win a hero's grave, or gain a wife.
0 f Astley's Circus you'll nt'er have your fi!l,,
R. cad but the programme of the daily bill.

The Exposition of Manufactures and Art finally
closed on Saturday evening, after a brilliantly successful
season of about fourteen weeks. During the past week
the rooms have been visited by nearly 19,000 persons,
and the total number of visitors since the commencement
exceeds 100,000. The receipts have been about 3,0651.
There will, doubtless, after payment of all expenses, be a
handsome surplus; and we cannot bat express a hope
that it may be devoted to the eitablishment, in the
shape of a Museum of Art, of a permanent and classi-
hfiaedm
ure
emxarinousfiaticotilosf; 13Li
rit''ii and especially of
indeed,:dirining-
such au appropriation of the
profits of the present Exposition would seem to be the
most legitimate course. We could have wished that the
Exposition had been kept open e week or two longer, so
gain include the Chmtrnls holidays, and tb.us
afforded to the artisans of the town an opportunity of
examining, at a low admission fee, a collection of manu-
factures which may, perhaps, never again be witnessed
in this towne.viris's 13irminiham Gazette,

ROYAL MILITARY ACADEMY.
WooLvriciri Dr.c, 18.—A board of officers, con-
sisting of Major-General Sir John F. Burgoyne,
K.C.B. (chairman), Major-General Sir Hew Dal-
rymple Rosg, K.C.8., Alajor-General John Boteler
Parker, C. 8., Lieutenant-Governor of the Royal
Military Academy ; Major-General R. J. J. Lacy,
Colonel F. Campbell, Colonel Henry William Gordon,
Colonel William Bolden Dundas, C. 8., and Colonel
W. D. Jones, Inspector, Royal Military Academy,
assembled in the hall of the Gentlemen Cadets' de-
partment at the Royal Arsenal, at eleven o'clock
today, to witness the examination of the gen-
tlemen cadets, of the practical class, who had been
studying since the last vacation, preparatory to their
being qualified for commissions. Captain Savage,
Captain Eardley Wilmot, Captain Crawford, Captain
Anderson, and several officers of the Royal Artillery
were present to witness the examination. Captain
W. M. Dixon, Instructor in Practical Artillery, put
the various questions he had prepared in that branch
of the service to the gentlemen cadets, and they were
answered with a :promptitude and ability highly to
their credit.

Captain Stotherd, Royal Engineers, Instructor in
Surveying, than examined the gentlemen cadets in
that branch, in which they acquitted themselves sa-
tisfactorily, and after three hours' examination before
the board, they were passed for commissions, subject
to the approval of the Master-General of the Ord,
The following is a list of the names of gentlemen
cadets, of the practical class, who have been found
qualified for commissions in the Royal Artillery and
Royal Engineers :—Willoughby Digby Marsh, Wm.
James Stuart, Richard Oldfield, Herbert Mark Gar-
ret Purvis, William Howley Goodenough, Albert
henry Wilmot Williams, William Smyth Maynard
Wolfe, Charles Frederick Cockburn, Henry Hamilton
Conolly, Walter Chidiock blangle, Henry Strover,
Campbell Hardy, William Wilberforce Hagan,
Charles Dickson Fisher, Lewis Frederick Hall, Fre-
derick Cockburn Griffin, Jdhn Henry Peile, John
Kelly, Charles John Dowse.
Major General Sir John Burgoyne,at the conclusion
of the examination, congratulated the gentlemen
cadets on the satisfactory manner in which they had
answered the questions put to them, and added that
he had now the pleasure of presenting the various
prizes awarded for the ability they had shown in the
following branches of their education :
Mr. Cockburn, practical artillery —a telescope ; Mr.
Oldfield, next in merit.
Mr. Marsh, surveying—a pocket sextant; Mr.
Wolfe, next in merit.
Mr. Griffis), chemistry—treatise on chemistry; Mr.
J. Sterling, next in merit.
Mr. Harvey, first class mathematics—a case of
mathematical instruments; Mr. Porter, next in merit.
Mr. Teesdale, second class mathematics—prismatic
compass; Mr. Newbolt, next in merit.
Mr. Fox Strangway, first class fortification—
Essai Generale ; Mr. John H. Brown, next in merit.
Mr. John T. Brown, second class fortification—
Sieges in Spain and Portugal; Mr. Mahon, next in
merit.
Mr. Ogilvie, French—Course Elementaire, &c. ;
Mr. Lyons, next in merit.
Mr. Harvey, German—Schiller's Gammtliche
Werke ; Mr. C. Martin, next in merit.
Mr. Cromartie, history and geometry—Encyclo-
pw,lia of Geometry ; Mr. Brackenbury, next in merit.
Mr. Strange, military plan drawing—Sketching
telescope; Mr. Keene, next in merit.
Mr. T. Carey, fifth room, landscape drawing—box
of colours; Mr. Strange, next in merit.
Mr. Brackenbury, sixth room, landscape drawing—
box of colours ; Mr. Martin, next in merit.
Mr. Tyler, descriptive geometry—work on geo•
metry ; Mr. 131akiston, next in merit.
The gentlemen cadets of the theoretical class
were previously examined at the Royal Military
Academy, on Woolwich Common, and the following
having proved themselves qualified for the practical
class, their names were submitted to the Master-
General, and his Lordship has been pleased to di-
rect that they shall join the practical class at the
Royal Arsenal on their return to Woolwich after
the Christmas vacation :—Robert W. Duff, Charles
E. Harvey, Charles B. Brackenbury, Walter A.
Fox Strangway, George Philips, John Henry Brown,
Frederick M. H. Prosser, Thomas A. J. Harrison,
James M. M. 0. Yibart, William Booth, George S.
Harward, John D. G. Higgon, Edmund J. Winn,
Edwin Markham, Henry It. Porter, William L.
Yonge, Edmund P. B. Turner, Frederick C. Cro-
martie, Leonard S. Joyce, Ralph Gore.
The young gentlemen at Carshalton Academy were
examined on Thursday and Friday last.

NOTTINGHAM SAVINGS' BANK.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.

Sirs,—ln your paper of the Bth instant you admit
a communication which casts a most undeserved
imputation of dishonesty on the officers of the Not-
tingham savings' Bank. I have known the secretary
of that institution intimately for more than thirty
years, and I believe there never was a more conscien-
tious, vigilant, and active man of business than he is,
nor any bank better managed. Ile has ever been,
not only faithful and minute in the discharge of his
own duties, but kept so quick an eye over his clerks
and other officials, that instea4 of the least want of
confidence, the management has ever been highly
eulogised. I will cite only one proof, and that from
a paper which never spares perversion in whatever
quarter it may be discovered. As you have unin-
tentionally given publicity to a misstatement, im-
pugning the character of an important institution. I
am sure you will gladly make a reparation by
inserting this letter, and the following extracts.
I am, Sir, yours very faithfully,
V ERITAS.

".In The Sun newspaper of Saturday last, a corre-
spondent says In no case of defalcation in the
Savings' Banks of England, that I know of, have the
depositors eventually sustained any loss. In the
instance of both Nottingham and St. Alban's Savings'
Banks a few years ago, the deficiency occasioned by
the dishonesty of certain paid officers, was made
good to the depositors by the trustees to their lasting
honour, out of their own private fortunes.' Now we
notice this to correct a glaring error. There never
was a deficiency in the Nottingham ,Savings' Bank.
The officials connected with this institution have been
men of high principle and sterling integrity, and
there is not a savings' bank in the kingdom where
more care is taken to:preserve thel,depositors from loss."
--Nottingham Review, Dec.l4, 1849,p. 4, col. 4.
The editor says—" In the course of the week we
have gone to the Savings' Bank in Nottingham, and
have inspected the mode of doing business. We may
remark that we never set foot over the threshold of
the door before, that we have not, nor ever had,
anything, to do with the bank ; but we are persuaded,
from personal investigation, that it is next to an im-
possibility there should be any wrong doings here;
for we find that, in every instance, when money is
received, one of the managers (not the secretary or
clerk) signs the depositor's book; and further, 'that
on each day appointed for the receipt and payment of
money belonging to the depositors, the manager in
attendance shall (and does) in his own handwriting
make out a statement of the amount of money re-
ceived from the treasurer, and also of the amount of
money to be paid to the treasurer, and sign the same,
and the secretary shall each day deliver such state-
ment to the treasurer, with the balance of cash.' To
make assurance doubly sure, the two auditors have
called in a professional accountant to their assistance,
and he has gone over the books of accounts, and cer-
tified them. In Nottingham, therefore, there can be
no possibility of fraud on the part of the officers of the
institution."—ld. p. 4, col. 2.

NATIONAL CURRENCY REFORM ASSOCIATION.—
A preliminary meeting of gentlemen desirous of effecting
a change in the existing system of the currency; by
substituting that which shall be a symbol of national
wealth fur the precious metals as the medium of ex-
change, was held last night at the offices, No. 4, Beau-
fort-buildings, Strand. Mr. Bennoch, Mr. Duncan, Mr.
Wyld, M.P., Mr. Sidney Smith, Mr. Wilson, and other
gentlemen were present. Mr. Bennoch took the chair,
and in an able address reviewed the commercial events
of the last several years, the commercial distress, and
the various attempts made to remedy it, for the pur-
pose of showing that a contracted medium of ex-
change was at the bottom of all the difficulties of the
trading and labouring community. Mr. Duncan after-
weras briefly expounded tho principles on which he '
wished to ace the currency based, and concluded by
moving, " That this meeting recommends the imme-
diate formation of the National Currency Reform
Association, to effect the abolition of the fixed price
of gold in our coinage, and to establish a system of
national paper money, secured on the whole prosperity
of the empire, and declared a legal tender by Act of
Parliament ; such money not to exceed the annual
amount of taxation. That joint-stock banks be em-
powered to issue notes on the deposit of approved
guarantees with the Government to the extent of two-
thirds of their securities, and convertible into the legal
tender-money of the country on demand." Mr. Wyld,
M.P., stcouded the resolution, but without pledging
himself to a plan. The resolution was unanimously
affirmed, and a conversation afterwards ensued as to
ttnure operations necessary to bring the association
before the public.
NOTICE TO MARINERS.—PORT OF LIMERICK.—
The following notice has been issued by the Commie-
sioeers of the Customs' Department Custom-house,
London, Dec. 1849.—Notice is hereby given, that the
the Act of the Bth and
Commissioners of her Majesty's Custeres, in pursuance
86, see, 12, have appointed Scattery
Roads, on the east side of Scattery Island, to be the
o9fththve
powerstori ica, cvheas Pe. d in
them by
proper
station within the port of Limerick for all vessels
coming up or departing out of the :aid port to bring to
for the boarding or landing of oFticers of the Customs,
in lieu of Tarbert ; and that the master of every vessel
failing to comply with the provisions of the said Act will
render himself liable to a penalty of 100/. By order of
the said C9mmissioners, C. A, gCOVALL, Secretary."

THE PEOPLE'S COLLEGE, SHEFFIELD.

(From Eliza Cook's Journal.)

We had heard much of the Sheffield College, and
were not amongst those who expect to find the minis-
try of the people's self-earned learning housed in a
palace, and therefore found more than we looked for.
That was fair sized, cleanly, well lighted, and well
ventilated rooms, in the heart of where the people
work and dwell, where exist the social relations
they may exalt and carry onward, and
where the knowledge so acquired will best bear
its fruits. But there was an earnestness in all we
saw which would have graced a college of Massa-
chusetts, or cur own more aristocratic institutions,
though many of the students were no other than the
young men and apprentice lads we had seen at the
forges, at the grinding wheels, and in the workshops
that morning; and their studies no profounder, or
more abstract, than plain rules of arithmetic, and

lessons in writing. Bui no learning, however rudi-
mentary, can be separated from this condition of
earnestness ; if it is, it ceases to be truthful ; and

this is why the mechanics' institutes of this country
have proved to so large en extent failures. The induc-
tive link, between the working man's labour and his

intellectual needs, was not clearly- seen, even by insti-
tutors like Lord I3rougham and others, who were the
early promoters and patrons of the Society for the Dif-
fusion of Useful Knowledge. The thing is, as we have
elsewhere said, the moral and phlsical nature of man is
in one respect in opposition ; exhaust either by labour,
and it becomes a matter of absolute rest to bring its
opposite into action ; and thertfure to those wearied
by physical labour, the solution of a rule in a:ith-
rnetic, the study of history, or a geometrical lesson in
relation to design is, if the paradox may be allowed,
the most stimulating and satisfactory of repose, whilst
at the same time conducive to the need of sound
and pregnant knowledge. But the contrary to this,
was on two material points pursued by the earlier
promoters of mechanics' institutions for the work-
ing classes. It was conceived that, because the
artisan had been in his workshop all day, that
knowledge must be made seductive ; and however
profound the subject chosen, he must be treated with

it as children with physic—that is sugared. He was
favoured with what was called "a popular" elucida-
tion of astronomy, "a popular dissertation on heat,"
" an entertaining analysis of the steam-engine ;"
but once these entertaining facts worn threadbare,
and his interest wearied by reiteration, he
found himself as ignorant as before, or in posses-
sion of just that smattering of scientific knowledge
which disclosed the difficulties which attend the ac-
quirement of all truth ; and thus disgusted by the
very knowledge which he needed, his support and
interest were no longer given. This shows that we
cannot invert the processes of truth. Support thus
withdrawn, and popularity lessened, a new stimulus
was sought by managers and committees ; and
concerts and lectures on every-day subjects,
were brought into operation, with no other re-
sult in innumerable instances than that of attracting
another class who, occupied more by mental than
physical labour, were glad to procure amusement at
a cheap rate. Hence mechanics' institutes have
notoriously passed into middle class hands ; and a
very able report which now lies before us fully bears
out this fact.

But the people, the handicraftsmen of this country
want knowledge ; they want that species of know-
ledge which possesses the stimulus of being connected
with the duties and interests of their daily life;
they want instruction in that class of knowledge
which is truth based upon induction ; namely,
knowledge which grows out of a considera-
tion of their peculiar local needs, as design in rela-
tion to metallic art for Sheffield and Birmingham, to
textile art for Norwich and Manchester; they want
instruction in the teeming facts of the history of tins
great country, and to be taught that its principles of
liberty are sterling, its laws noble, in spite of much
error and, need of reformation ; and they want finally
to be taught that the greatest reformation wanting, is
of men, not things; and that the exercise of their own
individual temperance, prudence, and forethought, is
what this country and this generation require. As the
noble Pestalozzi beautifully said; " The amelioration
of outward circumstances will be the effect, but can
never be the means of mental and moral improve-
ment." Now if people's colleges be ably carried
onward, such needs may be fully satisfied ; but there
must be no attempt to make a royal road to learning,
by pleasant sedatives, for knowledge possesses within
itself the s weetest and most attractive allurements ;
and what attractions may be needed, let them be
found apart, at the concert and lecture room, and
not as mere matters for amusement in connexion
with the institution intended to carry out the
purposes of a college. But we must not be sup
posed to condemn all classes of lectures ; those in
inductive connexion with the branches of knowledge
taught, form a desirable method for the able
teacher; but it is when unconnected, when out of
the line of all method, when mere persiflage, that we
eject to them. The lecturers in the hospitals of Lon-
don and Edinburgh do not entertain their students
with an essay on comic actors, or a digression on
architecture; and the same rule holds good, though
the students be but handicraftsmen, and the studies
but rudimentary.
In this institution of Sheffield, as in others organised
on the same principles, the chief class hours are in the
evening, between half past seven to nine, and the
best attendance is secured at this period. Whilst,
it is observed, that with all the students, more or
less, the signs of the day's toil have been effaced before
the hour of meeting, and an air of decency and clean-

liness is the usual —characteristic. Indeed, as respects
the females, we particularly noticed that they were
cleanly and well dressed, and far more earnest
students than some philosophers who conceive Woman
has no other vocation than to darn stockings and
make puddings, might like to have witnessed;
and so far from being as such philosophers
would imagine, the attendance of females has been
found highly conducive to the order and respectful
deportment of the other classes. One thing appears
to us wanting in this department of the " People's
College," namely, a class of instruction that might
tell upon the progress of domestic life. And here
it is in a department of this kind that the females
of the middle and higher classes ought to prove
serviceable; and, through lessons or written
discourses on cooking, housewifery, and the
management of children, conduce to a most needful
and most important public and social end. If
extraneous and separated from the ordinary duties
of rudimentary learning, no efficient committee,
especially one formed of young and able men like
that of the Sheffield College, who have not been
hardened by half a century of routine, into a
fashion of domestic life, far from being productive
either of comfort or happiness, would refuse a
separate room for such classes ; and we do hope
at this hint thrown out of what is needed, that
some will be found willing to become teachers of this
character. Many a plate-burnisher, many a file-
scourer, many an apprentice girl, might be, by such
method, taught a hundred different lessons, the effects
of which would, in the next generation, be grave
enough for the consideration of the philanthropist,
the moralist, and the physician.
Through the forthcoming year we shall turn our at-
tention to this class of topics ; and, in the meanwhile, we
cannot press too earnestly upon the consideration of
this and similar institutions, the noble and earnest
work there is for them to do both in the relation of
monitor and student ; and whilst it is in the power of
the former to show both ministers and people what
can be done by the forca of co-operative earnestness,
it is in the power of the latter, to demonstrate that
true education is no fallacy in its connexion with
manual labour, and to show, in perhaps another in-
stance, that the heights of Wharncliffe can inspire
anew, and the soil of Hallamshire be not destitute of
the noble in their generation.

SILYERPIN.

THE MAN.
Is the man a bit the better
For his richest, golden gains,
For his acres and his palace—
If his inmost heart is callous,
Is the man a bit the better? •
And if the man's no bit the better
For his coffers and his mines,
For his purple and fine linen,
For his vineyards and his vines,
Why do thousands bow the knee
And cringe in mean servility,
If the man's no bit the better?
Is the man a bit the worse
For a lowly dress of rags,
Tho' ha has no lordly rental,
If his heart is kind and gentle,
Is the man a bit the worse ?
And if the man's no bit the worse
Fur his poor and lowly btund,
For an always-empty pocket,
For a dusty, working land,
Why do thousands pass him by
With a cold and scorning eye,
If the man's no bit the worse?
llcc., 1849. JOHNSON BARKER.

THE COURT.—tier Majesty and the Prince Con•
sort, with the youthful members of the Royal Family,
will, it is said, leave Osborne on Saturday next for
Windsor Castle, where they will pass the Christmas
holidays. Owing to the recent demise of the Queen
Dowager, the dramatic performances at the Castle
have, by her Majesty's command, been deferred, and
the Court will remzin at the Castle in comparative
retirement, until the assembling of Parliament in
February.
It is rumoured in the Court circles, that his Royal
Highness Prince Albert will be appointed to the Ranger-
ship of Bushy Park, vacant by the demise of her late
Majesty the Queen Dowager.
The fine estate of Summerhill Park, near Tun-
bridge Wells, has just been purchased by the Rev.
E, re Owen, of Bettws, Montgomeryshire.

THE LATE EXPLOSION OF FIRE-

WORKS IN BERNIONDSEY.

The adjourned inquest upon the bodies of the four
persons who lost their lives in consequence of an
explosion of fireworks in a private dwelling house
occupied by a person named Barlin, was held
yesterday at the King John's Head, Abbey-street,
Bermondsey, before Mr. Carter, Coroner for East
Surrey. _ _

It ;611 he recollected that the inquest was adjourned
from the Gth of November last, in order to enable the
persons injured by the explosion to recover, and be
present to give evidence.
Charles Bailin, son of Wm. Barlir., was called and
examined. He had just been brought from the
hospital, and, notwithstanding the long interval since
the accident, he was still in great suffering, and gave
his evidence with considerable difficulty. He ap-
peared to have suffered great injuries on the head and
hands. He said—l am 19 years of age next January.
My father's name is William thrlin ; I lived with
him on the 12th of October last, at 4, Brook-street,
Bermondsey New-road, and on the evening of that
day I was engaged rolling cases for a description of
fire works called blue lights, which are sold to children
at id. and id. each. There were other persons
in the room, and to the best of my recollection they
were all rolling cases. I don't think my father was
there. The explosion took place at half-past eleven,
as near as I can say, and there were then in the room
my father and mother, my brother William, and
George Barlow. I believe there was a quantity of
fireworks being made up in parcels of a gross each.
All I can remember is that my mother asked me to
give her a chair in order to sit down to supper. We
had then cleared away everything. I don't
know whether anything was knocked down, but
a cracker went off. I have no distinct recollection
whether in the act of giving the chair, something fell ;
but a cracker fired off, and a number of others fol-
lowed. I made my escape in the first instance, with-
out injury; but I returned to the house to fetch out
my brother (the poor fellow here sobbed bitterly).
I got into the house by the window by means of a
ladder, because I heard two little children crying in
the fire. I believe that the fire was occasioned by
my striking the lamp as I lifted up the chair.
I can't exactly say whether there were
any fireworks on the table. I think we had cleared
the table for supper.—(lt was understood that the
witness was to he taken back to the hospital )
The boy Larser, who was examined on the last
occasion, said, in addition to his former evidence, that
he was upstairs at the time of the accident, but from
the position of the table when he left the room he
thought the handing of a chair across the table might
knock down the lamp and ignite some sulphur and
lampbhick which was on the table.
Mrs. Barb, who had also just left the hospital, said
she asked her son for a chair, and as he was handing
it over the table something fell, and immediately
afterwards a cracker went off, and others followed.

If she had not asked for the chair the accident would
not have happened. Her husband had followed the
business of making fireworks for many years, but he
had been out of employment for a considerable
time, and, being in great distress, they had to
work early and late. They had a manufactory in
the Westminster-road, but a simple thing, like blue
lights and crackers they made at home. When the
accident happened they were capping the fireworks,
i. e., putting on the touch paper with a little damp
powder.
The CORONER said it now became the duty of the
jury to consider whether any person was liable for
the consequences of the explosion. There could be
no doubt about the illegality of making fireworks, for
the 9th of Wm. 111., ch. 7, sec. 1, made it so. The
evidence went to show that the parties were finishing
the fireworks; and the question for them to decide
was whether that was a part and parcel of the making.
The other question was as to the cause of the accident;
and that was one of considerable importance. A
person was liable to a criminal indictment, if he was
instrumental in causing the death of a person by the
illegal manufacture of these commodities, but on the
other hand he was not responsible for an accident
which might have been occasioned by circumstances
over which he had no control. The Recorder of
London had already held that a person was decidedly
answerable fur the death of a party, occasioned by an
explosion of fireworks illegally manufactured. It was
entirely, however, a matter for their decision. Should
they think any onus attached to the father they would
return their verdict against him, but if they were of
opinion that the occurrence was purely of an acci-
dental nature he would not be liable for the conse-
quences of it.
The jury then deliberated for some time with
closed doors, and on the public being admitted,
The CORONER directed that Mr. Barlin, the father,
should be brought in, and on his entering the room,
said, that the jury had found a verdict of " Accidental
death," but had thought it right to append the
following to it :—" We, the jury, cannot separate
without expressing our regret that sufficient steps are
not taken by the police authorities to prevent the
manufacturing and selling of fireworks, whereby lives
and property are greatly endangered."

IRELAND.
(FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.)
___

DUBLIN, .MONDAY EVENING.—At the meeting of
the Repeal Association to-day, the attendance was
fuller than usual, owing, perhaps, to the Non. Cecil
Lawless, son of Lord Cloncurry, and M.P. for Clon-
mel, taking part in the proceedings. The amount of
rent was not announced in time for post.
An awfully sudden death occurred this afternoon at
four o'clock, in the shop of Pim, Goodbody, and Co.,
Westmoreland-street. An elderly gentleman named
Ferguson, who, as well as his brother, an eminent
saddler in this city, was remarkable for his portly
person, was at the time mentioned transacting some
business, when he dropped down in a fit of apoplexy,
and immediately expired. As the deceased was rather
a remarkable man, his death has caused some sen-
sation.

The case of Ffrench v. Ffrench is again adjourned.
Mr. Brewster, for the plaintiff, after speaking for two
hours on Saturday, occupied the Court from ten this
morning till three r.m., when Chief Justice Black-
borne, in mercy to the jury, postponed his charge
till to-morrow morning. Some very heavy bets are
pending on the issue of this extraordinary litigation
between two brothers.

The Evening Packet says it has it from an un-
doubted source, that the income-tax is to be ex-
tended to Ireland, and a two-shilling rate in aid im-
posed, immediately after the meeting of Parliament.
This does not look as if Government believed all the
statements of ruin which now meet one from the four
quarters of Ireland. In reading over the items of
provincial news one cannot fail to be struck with the
contradictory nature of the reports even from vicinous
districts ; whilst the reports of the fairs, &c., are even
still more discrepant from the unanimous lamentations
of the landed interest.

Mr. Francis Morgan, late law agent to the Dublin
Corporation, but who had to fly to France for the part
he took, or rather was accused of intending to
take, in the ludicrous insurrection of '4B, is, it is said,
about to be reinstated in his office. Mr. Morgan
returned from exile on the expiration of the Habeas
Corpus Suspension Act, and seemed by no means
exteriorly improved by his continental sojourn.
Active preparations are in progress to give all the
assistance in the power of this country to the effec-
tiveness of the great manufacture exhibition of 1851.
A working committee has been appointed in Dublin,
besides the general one, and corresponding branches
have been formed in Belfast, Derry, Cork, and
Limerick—for the success of whose show of lace
great lccal hopes are entertained.
This was a beautiful day for winter, clear, cold,
but bracing. The thermometer is now falling, and
we shall have a night of frost.

DESTRUCTION OF THE WAREHOUSES OF MESSRS.
WARD, AT BELPER.-A terrific fire broke out on Sun-
day night, on the extensive premises of Messrs. Ward,
hosiers. The fire was discovered at nine °Week, and
immediate information was given to the police. A mes-
senger was instantly dispatched to Derby, and the fire
engines arrived from that town at the place of confla-
gration in an incredibly short space of time. At twelve
o'clock the fire was at its height, and the firemen di-
rected the whole of their efforts to protect the adjacent
premises. At three o'clock yesterday (Monday) morning
the force of the flames had abated, and all fears for the
safety of the surrounding buildings were now dissipated.
The premises, however, of Messrs. Ward are a complete
wreck. The amount of damage is immense. Messrs.
Ward have usually employed upwards of 2,000 hands,
the whole of whom from this serious disaster will be
thrown out of employment. It is doubtless one of the
worst calamities that could have happened to the town
of Baper, a place of about 10,000 inhabitants, and the
suffering which will be entailed upon the lower
orders residing there is immense. It has net yet been
ascertained how the fire originated.

MANCHESTER, TUESDAY.—STATE OF TRADE.—
We have had a firm market today, particularly for
cloth. Buyers are much more active than is usual at
this time of the year, and in some descriptions of goods
a slight advance has been obtained. The Greeks, India
houses, and home producers have been the principal
operators. Stocks in all light makes of cloth are nil;
as also in the finer numbers of yarn. The coarser counts
do not appear to accumulate in the hands of spinners or
agents. Madapollams and 36-in. shirtings are much
quieter, but no change in price; 40-in. shirtings have
been sold to a considerable extent, and the middle
qualities have advanced a little in price. Domestics,
generally, are better to sell, but the improvement is
trifling. Our two next principal market days will be o❑
Monday, the 24th, and Monday, the 31st inst., in conse-
quence of Christmas and New Year's-day. We have
telegraphic advicea of the arrival of the Caledonia at
Liverpool, with dates from New York to the 4th inst.
Cotton appears to have advanced cent. The letters are
not yet delivered.
CHESTER AND HOLYHEAD RAlLWAY.—Traffic for
the week ended Dec. 11, 1849:—Coaching traffic, 738/.,
parcels, &c., 42/.; goods, cattle, &c., 2791.; steam-boats
101 L; Mold, 531.—Total, 1,213 L

FRANCE.

It is said that an outbreak took place at Belle
Isle among those of the insurgents of June, 1848,
who have not been amnestied, and that one man was
shot before the disturbance was quelled.
At eight o'clock on Monday evening the National
Assembly voted the Ministerial proposition for the re-
imposition of the tax on potable liquors by a majority
of 225, the numbers being—
For the Ministerial proposition 445
Against it
Majority for the Ministers
La Presse says—" If we are well informed, dis-
patches were received in Paris on Sunday from
Constantinople of the 29th ult., announcing the
definitive solution of the differences existing between
the Porte and the Austrian and Russian Govern-
ments. A definitive convention, satisfying all parties,
and only waiting the ratification of the Courts of
Vienna and St. Petersburgh, had been concluded be-
tween the Divan and the Plenipotentiaries of Russia
and Austria."