The Sun.
London, England, 1849-03-07 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON,

the objects it had iu view. IL did rot believe that
250,0001. would be collected under the ine:sute, and he
did not believe that any of it could be c illectrd unto
after harvest. He had heard it said that were this mo
sure passed, some of the magistrates would throw up
their commissions. He believed that if they attempted
try collect the sixpenny rate they would endanger the
Whole system of the poor-laws. Why did they not
Make those defaulting districts in the south and west of
Ireland support their own poor? In the south of Ireland
the land was better and more productive than in the
north, and why could tho south, then, not support its
Poor as well as the north ? The lands of Ireland were
more than sufficient to support the poor of Ireland, and
by proper management they would do so. There was,
therefore, no need for the imposition of such an im-
post as that proposed, which would be making the in-
dustrious and careful pay for the support of the indolent
and careless.
Mr. F. FRENCH said that he agreed with the last
speaker, and with the Hon. Member for Dublin (Mr.
Reynolds), that this rate in aid is objectionable in prin-
ciple, insufficient in amount, and must ultimately tend
to ruinous consequences, not only to Ireland, but also
to this country. He considered that Connaught, bad as
it is at present conditioned, would be able not only to
Support its poor, but to have surplus funds to develop
the rich resources of that province, if dealt with in the
BaMe manner as the agricultural interest of this country
had been dealt with, and as Holland, Prussia, and
other kingdoms of the continent, have dealt with their
provinces, by railways and canals; but he regretted
to say that all Governments, instead of applying
social remedies to Ireland, always contented themselves
With producing political: stimulants. He was fully
assured that there never was a time that any Govern-
ment had fewer difficulties than the present, because all
Political agitation had ceased, and because it was the
desire of all parties in Ireland to contribute their aid,
influence, and energy to the amelioration of all classes.
And as to the 250,0001. that would bo procured, if pro-
cured from the sixpenny rate in aid, every one knew
that it would not only not tend to the employment of the
labouring classes, but would not support them for more
than a few weeks. The Hon. Gentleman then referred
to the woollen and linen trade of Ireland, which, he said.,
Was taken from that country by the envy of the English
Manufacturer through the instrumentality of a British
Parliament. He was fully convinced that neither arte-
rial drainage nor any other measure of improvement
Could be carried on advantageously in Ireland while the
Board of Works were themselves the employers, the
workmen, and the paymasters; and argued that there
Would be no requisition fora rate in aid, or any othi r
Measure, if an income-tax were properly and efficiently
introduced into that country; but the present system, if
persevered in, would bring ruin, and if changed would be
followed by many and important benefits.
_ Mr. CONOLLY would consider that he was not per-

upon to do their duty by their tenants before
they called upon his constituents in Louth to
pay a rate in aid to support such conduct as that to
which ho had alluded. Ho hoped an amendment would
be moved in Committee in respect to the manner in
which the rate in aid was to be raised, and he would give
his supp‘irt to a proposition by which half of it would be
paid by the tenant and half by the landlord. He thought
that if this course were adopted, or if the principle
of giving the tenant credit for the payment of the rate in
aid, in his rent, were allowed, a great amount of relief
would be afforded to the occupier. The lion. Member
for Longford proposed an ame.idnaent, to the effect that
an income-tax he placed upon Ireland. If the, Hon. Gen•
tleman meant by this to import the principle of this
English income-tax upon Ireland, then he must object to
it. He could not consent to professions or mercantile
pursuits being taxed in Ireland. No interest had suf-
fered more severely than the mercantile interest in Ire-
land.—(oh, oh.) He would prove this by a public do-
cument. It appeared that in 1846 the circulation of
Ireland was 7,424,000/. In the second half of that year
it fell to 6,800,000/. In the second halt of the year
1847 it fell again to 5,300,0001; and in the second
half-year of 1848 to 4,000.000/. and odd. Thus showing
a decrease in the circulating medium during these three
years of 40 per cent. This decrease was still un-
checked, and this state of things was pretty good proof
that the mercantile interests of Ireland were not in a
condition to bear any additional impost upon them. In
Galway, of a rate of six shillings in the pound for the
year ending 1847, only sixpence in the pound is uncol-
lected. The Right Hon. Baronet the Member for Tam-
worth, when he alluded to the colonization of Ulster,
did not refer to the middle class, which was established
at the same time in that province. The b st mode, in
Ireland, would be, instead of forgiving arrears, to make
them payable out of the fee simple value of the estate.
With regard to the Unincumbered Estates Bill, it would
never work.—(Hear, hear.) They should have a maxi-
mum of rates. He also.felethat the Irish should make
a struggle to assist themselves and each other. He did
not underrate the value of the gifts which this country
had bestowed upon Ireland, for which they had their
best gratitude. No one could advocate the repeal of the
union until they learned to bear their own burdens and
to have a feeling of self-reliance.
Sir ARTHUR BROOKE disclaimed having imputed
blame to all the landlords of Ireland, he only referred to
those who reduced the country to the state the people
were in the western district.

The Earl of LINCOLN said, that in addressing the
House he would confine himself to the question whether
they should have a rate in aid or not. lie thought it
was difficult to decide that question, when they had not
at the same time under their consideration the other
measures which had been alluded to, and which referred
to the social condition of Ireland. Now, when it was
considered that extraneous aid was necessary to relieve
distress, it would not be Ilisputed that it should
come from Ireland, and then it was to be
considered from what part of Ireland it was to be ob-
tained. He thought it ought to be raised from the
entire of Ireland. He did not think equivalent taxa-
tion a sound principle, even if it could be proved to
be real, but he could show that it was not real. It was
declared by members of the Government that this mea-
sure was only defensible, inasmuch as it was temporary,
but he thought it was likely to be an increasing evil.
He would be happy if be could entertain so sanguine
a hope as the Noble Lord (Lord John Russell) enter-
tained upon this subject. He deprecated the idea that
relief WAS to be obtained by the cultivation of the po-
tato in connexion with the con-acre system, which he
thought would be almost as greet an evil as the famine,
and with regard to emigration as a means of relief;
that also was objectionable, by inducing the able-
bodied labourers to come to this country and
leave the women and children to be maintained on
the poor-rates at home. It was a sound maxim that
the property of Ireland should support the poverty
of Ireland ; but what was the property of Ire-
land? It consisted of realty and personalty. He quite
agreed with the Hon. Gentleman who last spoke, that the
commercial classes in Ireland had suffered, but certainly,
as regarded the burden of paying taxes for the poor,
they were taxed most moderately, while the landed was
taxed most heavily. Then, as to the question of a com-
parison between an income-tax and a poor-rate, it ought
to be recollected that the one was paid out of money
actually received, while the other was liable to have all
debts and burdens on it included. One great reason,
however, in his view, why some parts of Ireland, now
prosperous, should contribute to the distress of the other
parts, was their propinquity, and the result which should
in the end follow, if distress continued, because
the prosperous portions must share the common ruin.
The result of the imposition of the rate in aid would,
no doubt, tend to unsettle the minds of many farmers
in Ireland, and he feared, therefore, the effect
would be to decrease the application of capital to
the soil, and to promote that emigration going on within
the last year, namely, the emigration of persons who
had labour, and even capital, to improve the land, had
they remained at home.—(Hear, hear.) At the sitting
of the House on the previous day he had himself pre•
sented a petition against the rate in aid, from the union
of Carrickmicross, in which the astounding fact was set
forth, that while the inhabitants of the union were
39,000, the number of acres in it only amounted to
37,000. Independently, however, of the present evils of
the poor-law in Ireland, there was that of the valuation,
which was most unequal, and which the Committee up
stairs recommended should be nnibrin. With regard to
this subject, he should quote for the House the evidence of
Mr. Griffith, examined before a Committee on the poor-
lews. In that evidence it was stated to be most imperfect,
and yet that was the valuation on which the rate in aid
was to be levied, notwithstanding that that gentleman
said to levy a general rate on it would be most unjust.
Now as to what was called the poor-kw valuation, there
were twenty-five counties in Ireland which were not so
valued ; and indeed it was not so applicable, by reason
of its indivisibility. Would the House believe that, so
great was the inequality of valuation now existing, that
in Belfast the valuation existing was 20.3. Bd. above the
townland valuation ; while in Castle Blayney it was
3s 81. below it? showing how unjust and how imp
it would be to levy any general rate on such a basis.
Standing there, however, as a Member of that House,
not connected with Ireland or the Government, he should
on the previous evening have supported the present mea-
sure, had a division taken place; but he confessed that,
after what he heard, he thought an income-tax
would be the most proper means to meet
the evil, and far, preferable to any such pro-
position as that now put forward.—(Hear.) He knew
it was said as an objection to the introduction of the in-
come-tax, that no machinery was in existence to collect
such a tax, but on looking at the enormous machinery
got up, and got up suddenly, too, for relief works in
1846 and 1847, he saw no difficulty whatever in using a
similar exertion, at least as regarded the working of the
Bill, as had been done on that occasion. They would
not obtain a rate in aid until the end of the year, whereas
the income tax, being prospective, it would commence
from April next. For his own part, he believed equal
taxation was the great remedy for the evils of Ireland;
and although the proposal of the Hon. Member for
Longford to levy an income-tax did not go far enough to
carry out that view, still he should support it in prefer-
ence to the proposition of the Government.
Colonel DUNNE had heard the speech of the Right
Hon. Baronet the Member for 'Tamwerth with pleasure,
and that pleasure was enhanced by the feeling of kind-
ness exhibited towards his (Coldfiel Dunne's) country, a
circumstance very unlike the conduct too often pursued
by his friends in the Government on that side of the
House. He contended that the taxation of the two coun-
tries at present was as one to eight—taking the property
of England at 270 millions, and Ireland at 40; and it that
was so, he saw no reason why they should be encum-
bered with an additional burthen in the shape of an in-
come•tax.—(hear.) There was bat one thing for Ire-
land, and that was a sweeping change in the present
poor-law. Till that change took place, no grant, how-
ever large, would be of essential benefit to that country.
He thought this vote would be injurious to Ireland.
Mr. MUNTZ—This vote was nothing but a repetition
of the last, under a new name. There was no hope of
this rate being collected. It must all ultimately come
out of the Imperial exchequer. They must look to the
interests of England. Why did not the Noble Lord
come forward with some comprehensive measure? Ca-
pital, they said, was what was wanted in Ireland; but
was it probable that men would risk their capital when
there was no remuneration by the produce? Could the
present price of produce remunerate capital?—(Protec-
tionist cheers.) He would not have land in Ireland if
anybody would give it to him.—(Protectionist cheers.)
It was owing to protection that Ireland was hitherto
enabled to crawl on.—(Laughter.) It was all very well
for gentlemen to laugh, but could they laugh who could
get no rent and no victuals?—(Hear.) He said long
ago the handwriting was on the wall. He said so now.
'• Coming events cast their shadows before." Their
estates would be taken from them. They were not now
in a condition to benefit from free trade. He should
oppose the proposition of the Noble Lord, and vote for
the amendment.

forming his duty ie his constituents if ho did not rise to
offer his most strenuous opposition to the motion of the
Noble Lord (Lord J. Russell).—(Hear, hear.) He
would ask the House to consider the present state of
those 21 unions out of 131 which are in a state of hope-
less bankruptcy, and would also ask, was not some
scheme other than that introduced by Government ne-

cealary?—particularly as there were -10 others in a state
equally deplorable as those 21 to which he had adverted.
Refound that of one hundred remaining unions there were
forty burdened with a heavy amount of debt. It was,
therefore, monstrous these should be called upon to pay
the debts of others before they had liquidated their own.
It was absurd to say that the rate was to be levied upon
'4l the unions in Ireland, when only fifty or

sixty unions were free of debt and able to pay
• the rate. When they ought to know those
facts, it was not fair in Government to come
down to the House and propose that all the unions should
Pay the rate in aid. In point of fact, the rate would
nave to be made up by an increased taxation upon those
who were able to pay.—(Hear, hear.) The case was
this—on the one hand, either England, with her vast
resources, must come forward, or, on the other hand,
Ireland must be made to meet the difficulty. If they
adopted the latter alternative, how were they to levy
• such a rate from the whole of Ireland, when only fifty
or sixty unions could pay?—(Hear, hear.) It was,
therefore, a delusion to talk of levying off the whole of
Ireland. The levy, in fact, was to be made off Ulster
and Leinster, and a small portion of Connaught. An-
other delusion which was contained in the Noble Lord's
proposition was that of making the rate last only for two
• Caret and he made it, he said. on the ground that he
tiered the destitution would last for that period.
Now he (Mr. Conolly) did: not believe, unless extra-
Ordinary measures were adopted, that the destitution
---the extreme misery—would last only for a period of
~twe years, Unless Government was prepared to come
lorward with some comprehensive measure to meet the
he did not see how it was to be got rid of. The
NOl3. Member then alluded to the speech of the Right
Icon. Baronet the Member for Tamworth (Sir R. Peel)
last night—a speech which had filled him with much
regret; and he asked whether it was likely that any man
Would part with estates which were endeared to him by
every tie of humanity?—(Hear.) He would tell them
that before the possessors of estates in Ireland would
give them up there would be a dire struggle, and every
form of law would ba resorted to in the maintenance of
their rights.—(Cries of " Hear, hear.") With reference
' to the main question before the House, he objected to the
rate in aid, as being unfair and unjust, and especially as
it referred to the county which he represented (Donegal).
Ile would make a comparison between the county of
Donegal, which did not ask for a rate in aid, with the
exception of one union, and the county of Clare, which
, did, and he found that in Clare the population was only
286.394, while hi Donegal it was 296,448 ; so that,
although the latter had a population above Clare of
10,054, it was, nevertheless unjustly called upon to
make good the deficiency of neglect or mismanagement
in Clare. With reference to what had been said about
the 103 alty of the north of Ireland, he, for his part, did
bet think that the loyalty of the north of Ireland would
Stand the test of the gross injustice involved in the
Passing of the present measure, and he would not think
• the worse of their loyalty on that account. The Hon.
°Umber concluded by reiterating his hostility to the
Proposed rate in aid.
,„_Lord CASTLEREAGH complimented the Hon.
Xember who had just addressed the House on the
ability he had displayed with reference to a question in
which Irish Members were so deeply interested. He
wished to refer to the speech of the Hon. Member for
Cork (Mr. Roche) who was not, he was sorry to perceive,
ie his place. That Hon. Member said he supported the
'sure because he perceived no other means of allevi-
atinge the distress which so unfortunately prevailed in
Ireland. But he (Lord Castlereagh) should like to be
informed whether that argument might not be applied
: tfo any measure that Government might choose to bring
orward.—(llcar, hear.) If Government had come down
t,e the House, and had proposed a still stronger measure,
I,le argument would be precisely the same.—(Hear.)
°o must take the proposition of the Government, or the
People would starve. Now, those who opposed the pro-
. Resition were not uncharitable, but they did not like that
the industry of Ulster should pay for the idleness and
lmProvidence of Connaught. No part of England had
contributed more largely to relieve the distress in Ireland
Pao Ulster had done, and particularly the town of Bel-
ast•—(Hear.) It was not for the opponents of the mea-
sure to tell the House what taxes ought to be imposed,
for
they had not had an opportunity of consulting their
teostituents, but they would be informed of the views
. "Be People entertained, as they were holding meetings
everywhere throughout the province. He (Lord Castle-
leagh) objected to the tax, not on account of the land
'ord, but on account of the occupiers of land and the
tatePaYers. Neither the justice nor the policy of the
tax had been supported. The Honourable Member
Or Cork had come forward as the advocate of the
tlierotnercial interest of Ireland. But did the
e On Gentleman recollect that, there was such a place in
treland as Belfast? The tonnage of -Belfast was, in
;847. 53,800 tons. It had risen in twelve years to
double its amount of tonnage. The imports and exports
...el' Belfast were last year of the value of 8,037,0001., and
was more than 2,000,0001. over Cork, and equally so in
amount over Dublin. This was a pretty good reason
Why Belfast should be heard in this case, and this town
was decidedly hostile to the proposed rate in aid.—(Hear,
hear.) He deeply regretted the course taken by the
atight Hon. Baronet the Member for Tamworth, for he
felt after his statement, that. as far as the position of the
Opponents of this rate was concerned, their case was a
hopeless one. The Right Hon. Baronet said he should
not object to take into consideration the proposition
of an income-tax for Ireland,—(Hear, hear.) He re-
gretted the manner in which the Right Hon. Baronet
alluded to this matter. It seemed to him that
from the observations made by the Right Hon.
Gentleman that they were not only to have a rate in aid,
but that next year they would find the Chancellor of the
Exchequer coming down to the House and proposing an
income-tax on Ireland, which he feared would have the
support of the Right Hon. Baronet. If they were going
:° tax Ireland in this way, let the Government grant
them a Committee to see what amount of taxation Ire-
landA ought to bear in accordance with the terms of the
Act of Union. Let them carry out fairly that Act, and
if Ireland in her distress was entitled to relief from Eng-
and, why should she not receive it? Do not act to-
wards her as if these ties that bound her to this country
were not real ties, or as if she was, as some Honourable
Members seemed to think she was, an incubus on Eng-
lted. Allusion had been made to the loyalty of Ulster.
There
could, however, be no doubt, that come what
bight, Ulster would be loyal to the Crown of England,
if this course of policy was pursued towards her, it
„
14 very possible that the question might arise whether
nerteal of the union was a disloyal question to be con-
uttered,—(Hear, hear.)
Mr. MiCULLAGH said a great variety of sugges-
ti
ant had been thrown out in the course of that debate,
11'1 some Hon. Members seemed to think that an in-
ere-tax, which would give the Chancellor of the Ex-
, °quer 1,100,000/. was to be preferred, to a rate that
h"ld only give him 300,000L—(Hear, hear.) The peo-
' rt. of Connaught had been termed idle and lazy—but
who
unkind to make such a charge against that people
."`° were suffering both from the effects of a visitation,
°rb from the miserable pittance of 4d. a day for their la-
e'er, which was all they received previous to the famine.
6."„ (Rear, hear.) An estate rate had been suggested—
the effect of such would be to establish a complete power
of getting rid of the poor on the land. The present
• Witite of Connaught was owing to the way in
NI tell the landlords of that province had treated
vs' people there. The Honourable Gentleman
then referred to an estate which he had seen
1,
°ms short time since. A large tract of this
was covered with fresh grass. He learned from
e persons attending the property that the occupants of
the lend had been recently evicted from it, and the land
lias now recovering
itself from the poverty to which it
aid' been reduced by being over-worked. On the other
e of the road, near a dark bog, the people who bad
been evicted wore building themselves 24 wretched huts,
squatting
thus these fugitive persons were put into a stale of
the landlords
by the evictors of the landlord. He thought
landlords of such property ought to be called

Mr. MOORE said that he should vote for the propo-
sitiun of her Majesty's Ministers, because no other had
been suggested to meet the present emergency, and sup-
port the poor of the country. As the representative of
a suffering people, he called upon the House of Com-
mons to come to their aid. Would they not stand be-
tween them and starvation ?—(The call fur a division
became so loud that the Honourable Gentleman became
inaudible.)
Lord JOHN RUSSELL said that the great majority
of the House bed decided upon two points—first, that
some aid should be given to the starving people; and,
second, that that aid should come from Ireland. The
only question then was as to the best means of raising
the rate required. To raise the taxation of Ireland to
a level with England would impose much
greater burdens than that plan already proposed.
It was objected that the rate proposed imposed an
additional burden upon property already too much bur-
dened; but yet it was property which both in England
and in Irelan.l was charged with the support of ihe'poor.
Great difficulties would attend at present the imposition
of a property and income-tax. The tax proposed might
be possibly continued, but the property and income-tar:
would be certainly continued.—(A laugh.) He could
only say that any scheme or plan proposed by the Right
Hon. Gentleman the Member for Tam wo, th deserved
the utmost attention; but he did not think that the cir-
cumstances of the present time were so similar to those
under which the settlement of U;ster, under James the
First, took place as to make the application of a similar
policy now likely to answer the same purposes.
However, he did not wish to enter into that discussion,
but he only wished to say that he was not insensible of
the value of any prop ,sition from so experienced a states•
man as the Right Hon. Baronet. He now left the ques-
tion with the House.

The Committee then divided, and there appeared—
For the amendment ... ... 164
Against it ... 237
Majority against 73
Mr. BUNQI4DS theft moved a resolution to be added

ENGINEERS, 'MASONIC, AND UNI-
VERSAL MUTUAL LIFE ASSURANCE
SOCIE LY.
The ordinary general meeting of the members of this
flourishing mutual society was held yesterday, at the
°frees, 345, Strand, at two o'clock'; W. F. Dobson, Esq. ,
M.A., occupied the chair.
Mr. FREDERICK LAWRANCE, the actuary and secretary,
read the following report of the directors:—
" The directors heartily congratulate the members,
that the principles of life assurance enunciated in their
prospecZu-, combined with the zealous exertions of the
assured, have secured to the society a large amount of
public support.
" In the interval from the 7th of June, 1848, (the date
of the society's certificate of complete registration), to
the close of the year, two hundred and fifty. three pro-
posals for assurance to the amount of 81,3301. were sub-
mitted to the board—twenty-eight of which, for an
amount of 11,0001, were declined—and two hundred
and eight policies, securing the sum of 64,5801., have
been completed, the annual premiums derivable from
which are 2,066/. 3s. 73.
" However satisfactory this result must be, the busi
ness of the office during the last two months has, pro-
portionately, far exceeded that of the previous half-
year, inasmuch as 144 additional proposals for the
amount of 33,140/. have been received, and 108 already
completed, making
The number of policies existing with
the society . . . ... 316
For an amount of £93 380
••• • . ,
And the annual income from premiums £3,013 3s. 61
" Notwithstanding the large number of individuals
assured, no claim has arisen from death amongst the
policy-holders.
The directors have only to request the continued
co-operation of the members in diffusing the knowledge
of the society, that the following problem may receive a
satisfactory solution for their next annual report:—
" If an association of twenty persons, acting zealously
upon the purest principles of life assurance, and pro-
mulgating widely its inestimable benefits, have obtained,
in less than seven months, so large an accession to their
numbers, what amount of business can be produced by
the combined exertions of more than three hundred
members?"
The report of the auditors, Messrs. Cates, Cullington,
Surrage, and Tatham, which was also read, testified to
the careful examination by them of the accounts of the
directors, and that they were strictly correct.
The CHAIRSIAN then moved the adoption of the re-
port. In doing so he assured the members that the
accounts had been submitted to the test of the most rigid
examination on the part of the auditors, and that it was
highly gratifying o the directors to find that these gen-
tlemen had reported most favourably upon them. The
members would be good enough to bear in mind that
though the receipts only extended over and represented
the business transacted by the society during the last six
months, yet that the disbursements extended over a
much larger space of time, namely, whilst the promoters
of the undertaking were embodying it; and doubtless it
would be satisfactory to the members to learn that the
entire expense of obtaining and furnishing the very
eligible premises in which they were assembled,
and, indeed, all the preliminary expenses from
its establishment, were comprised in the accounts
that day submitted to them. It gave the directors the
most unfeigned pleasure to inform them that the past
progress indicated that success could not fail to attend
the labours of the institution in the future—(Hear)—yet,
as the success of some men often engendered envy and
spleen in his neighbours, they could not be surprised to
learn that this society had not been altogether free from
remarks, possibly offered in a good-natured spirit, upon
its plan and position. It bad been said that though a
quantity of business had been transacted, and would
doubtless continue. to be transacted, though they had
effected a large number of policies, yet that the quality
of the business was not of such a nature as to ensure
security. He thought that the foot note at-
tached to the report was the best answer he
could offer to the observations to which he referred.
The 208 policies issued during the half-year were dis-
persed among and had the advantage of all the chances
incidental to the lives of 203 individuals.—(Cheers.) The
remaining policiy-holders had exhibited the estimation
in which they held the society by taking up additional
polices. They had 23 policies for 1,000/., amounting to
23,000/.; 28 for 500/., amounting to 14,0001.; 23 for
300/., amounting to 6,9001.; and 73 for 100/., amounting
to 7,300/., which presented a pretty fair test of
the character and amount of the business transacted.
Again it was said that they caught at all policies that
were offered—in fact, that all was fish that came to their
net.—(Laughter.) Now this was not true, inasmuch as
they declined all lives which they could not accept with
fairness to the members; they threw such lives over-
board. Thanks to the excellent skill and discrimination
of the medical officers, whose ability and care he could
not too highly commend—(Cheers)—the directors had
declined twenty•eight policies for 11,0001., being in
fact eleven per cent. of the number of pro-
posals effected, or thirteen per cent, of the
entire number offered for their acceptance.—(Cheers.)
Care and caution or this nature must influence to a vast
extent the prosperity of any office based on a similar
foundation to theirs. It h id been also said, that during
the first year a mutual society like this, exhausted all
its connexion and influence, the directors having by that
time brought in all their personal friends; and that,
therefore, during the second year its progress must,
as a matter of course, be slow. Now, on a
comparison of the amount of business transacted last
year with what had been done in the present, he found
that during each month of the present year
the number of policies issued, and their amount, far ex-
ceeded the number issued during any month in the past
year.—(Hear, hear.) He had observed in the reports
recently issued by other offices that any falling off of
business was attrikuted to the late commercial depres-
sion. Now he did not agree in that view, as he con-
sidered that prudent and diligent men, of whom assurers
generally consisted, became more thoughtrul with respect
to the future condition of their families when they
found that their business did not realise so
much as in former years; they naturally adopted
the very salutary means of effecting that purpose offered
by life assurance. lie, therefore, on the contrary, attri-
buted much of the success of the office to the recent
commercial distress.—(hear, hear.) lie did not think
the promoters of the society were wrong when they en-
tertained the belief that there was room for another
new office ; indeed, the results of its working had satis-
fied the directors that this society had been the means
of developing, in a popular and advantageous manner,
the great benefit of life assurance, of enabling those
classes to assure their lives, who, but for its system,
would, perhaps, not assure their lives at all ; and he be-
lieved, as its great advantages continued to develop
themselves, and the sphere of its labours was, therefore,
augmented, that its patrons and supporters would in-
crease in the same ratio. If any jealousy was entertained
towards them by any other office, ho assured the
members, that the feeling was not reciprocated, since
their plan, their labours, and their success presented fea-
tures of honourable emulation.—(Cheers.) And they
might depend upon it, if the exertions of the directors
were seconded in the proper spirit by the members, as
he was sure they would be, and if all their transactions
were actuated by two great and fixed principles—liberality
and good faith to the public, and caution and economy in
the management (to accomplish which nothing should be
wanting on the part of the directors)—he saw no reason why
the office should not have an unbounded and uninter-
rupted career of success. Having expressed his wish to
reply to any questions that might be put, he concluded by
moving the adoption of the report.—(Cheers.)
Mr. M. J. TATHAM (one of the auditors) seconded the
motion. It bad been his duty, in conjunction with the
other auditors, to examine the accounts, arid it gave him
great pleasure to state that they were kept accurately
and carefully. So well were they arranged, and so
easy of reference, that he considered the directors de-
served their warmest thanks for the care, zeal, and atten-
tion they had devoted to their affairs.
The motion was carried unanimously.
Mr. CULLINGTON proposed the re-election of the four
dirt ctors who had retired by rotation, namely, G. W.
Dasent, Esq., C. J. Longridge, Esq., the Rev. J. W.
Watson, M.A., and T. L. Wilson, Esq. Irrespective of
his character as one of the auditors, he wished to
state that he held endow ment policies in the so-
ciety in favour of his children, and many of his
friends, on his recommendation, bad assured in it.
They would believe him, therefore, when he said that
he had been anxious to see Low the affairs of the society
were conducted. He had had an opportunity of judging
in his capacity as auditor, and he assured the members
that the result was most satisfactory.—(Hear, hear.)
They could, therefore, safely congratulate themselves on
having a most efficient and industrious body of directors,
and he had much pleasure in moving that they be re•
quested to resume their seats at the board, and there
continue those exertions which they had commenced so
admirably.—(acers.)
Mr. GRIFFIN seconded the motion, which was carried
unanimously.
The Rev. Mr. WATSON thanked the members on be-
half of himself and his co-directors for restoring them to
their places on the board. They had been put upon
their trial, as to whether they. had or had not during the
few months they had been in office neglected the in-
terests of the society. They bad pleaded " not guilty,"
and by their verdict the members had affirmed and
established their plea, and found it to be a good one.—
(Hear, hear.) It should be their earnest desire to justify
what the members had done by diligence, and by every
means in their power promoting the interests and
success of the society, which had so auspici-
ously begun. Indeed, it was their bounden
duty to do so, since the object of the society was the
maintenance of many families, when the hand or the head
now winning their broad was laid low in the dust.—
(Hear.) Ile had heard this objection raised to life as-
surance—that in a religious point of view it was an act
of great presumption. Now it came within lets province
to assert the contrary—(liear)—that life assurance was
a practical acknowledgment of their conviction of the
uncertainty of that tenure by which they held their pre-
nt frail existence. In fact, every man desirous of pro-
viding for those near and dear to him in the
event of his death might justify the assurance of his
life on very many grounds; if indeed any justification of
such an act were required they had it in the words of
David of old, alio exclaimed " There is but a step be-
tween me and death."—(Cheers.)
Mr. DAINES moved the re-election of Mr Tatham as
one of the auditors, which was seconded by Mr. COHEN,
and carried.
Mr. TATHAM expressed his acknowledgments.
On the motion of Mr. GRIFFIN, a vote of thanks wed
awarded to the directors.
The CHAIRMAN returned thanks, and drew attention
to the fact that though the attendance of the members
was not large, yet that there was a large attendance of
directors, and during the list two months the attendance
of directors had not ,been less than ten at any of their
meetings. Though their society might not be graced
with royal patroiiage, Yet with confidence the members

to the original one, the object of which was to increase
the funds proposed to' be raised by a ratein aid, by charg-
ing it on all salaries derived from Government offices in
Ir,land of not h,ss than 1501., on property in the funds,
and other property.
Lord JOHN RUSSELL suggested that the original
resolution should first be adopted, and that the Hon.
llember's resolution be then moved as a substantive
motion.

Mr. SPOONER called upon the Hon. Member for
ilutilin to show his sincerity in this question by putting
his resolution as words to be added to the original one.
Mr. REYNOLDS said that, as he was aware it was
competent for him to move his resolution as a resohi-
tion to be added to the original one, be should persist
in his intention of moving the resolution in that shape.
After a few words from Mr. A. STAFFORD, who
said he should take no part in the question,
The Committee again divided, when there appeared—
For the motion ... 51
Against it ... ... 212
Majority ... . . —l6l
The Committee then divided on the main question,
what there appeared—

For the resolution ... ... 206
Against it 34
Majority ••• ... .. —172
The House resumed, the Chairman reported the re-
solution, and leave was given to bring in a Bill founded
upon it.
The Petty Sessions Bill, and the distraining for Rates
Bill were then read a third time.

The Committee on the Spirits (Ireland) Bill was post-
poned till Thursday, and the House then adjourned at a
Quarter to Two o'clock.

PARLIAMEN'T'ARY B USINESS.

(From the Votes and Proceedings of the House of Comnions.

TUESDAY, MARCH 6.
STANDING ORDERS COMMITTEE.

The following Resolution was reported from the above
Committee :
_ _ _

That in the case of the London Corporation petition for
extending the time for presenting the Bill, the standing
orders ought to be dispensed with :—That the time for pre-
senting the Bill be extended to Tuesday next, the 13th inst.
Resolution agreed to. _

PARLIAMENTARY DIVISIONS.

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

TUESDAY, MARCH 6.
POOR-LAWS (IRELAND).
(IN THE COMMITTEE.)
Motion made, and Question proposed, " That in each of
the next two years there shall be paid by every Union in
Ireland a sum equal to a rate of sixpence is the pound on
each electoral division in such Union, towards a General
Fund for the relief of the Poor in Ireland:"—Amendment
proposed, to leave out from the words " next two years"
to the end of the Question, in order to add the words " an
auxiliary fund for the relief of the extraordinary distress in
Ireland be raised, by a rate not exceeding sixpence in the
pound, to be levied upon all proparty and income in Ireland
above the annual value of l-)0/,' instead thereof:—Question
put, " That the words proposed to be left out stand part of
the Question" The Committee divided :
MAJORITY—AYES, 237.
Abdy, T. N. Grey, Sir G. Peel, Frederick
Adair, It. Shafto G ey, R. W. Perfect, R.
Anson, Colonel Grosvenor, Earl Philips, Sir G. R.
Amon, Viscount Guest, Sir J. Pigott, Francis
Armstrong, Sir A. Hallyburton, Lord J. Pilkington, James
Armstrong, R. B. Harcourt, G. Pinney, William
Arundel, Earl of Harris, Richard Plowden, W. H.
Ashley, Lord Hastie, Alexander Power, Nicholas
Bagsha w, John nestle, Archibald Powlett. Lord W.
Baines, 31. T. Hawes, B. Price, Sir Robert
Baring, Sir F. T. Hay, Lord J. Pryse, Pryse
Bass, M. T. Hayter, W. G. Reid, Colonel
Bellew, R. If. Heneage, G. H. W. Reynolds, John
Berkeley, Captain Henry, Alexander Ricardo, Osman
Berkeley, H. Heyworth, Lawrence Rice, E. R. _
Berkeley, C. L. G. Hindley Charles Rich, Henry
Birch, Sir Thomas Hobhouse, Sir J. Robartes, T. J.
Rlandford, Marquis Hobhouse, T. B. Roche, E. B.
Boyle, Colonel Hodges, T. Twisden Romilly, Sir John
Bracktey, Viscount Hogg, Sir J. Rumbold, C. E.
Bright, John Hollond, Robert Russell, Lord J.
Brockman, E. D. Hope, Sir .7. Russell, F. C.
Brotherton, Joseph Hope, H. T. Rutherfurd, A.
Brown, H. Howard, Lord B. Salwey, Colonel
Brown, W. Howard, C. W.l Sandars, George
Browne, R. D. Howard, E. G. Sanders, Joseph
Bruce, LordlE. Howard, P. H. Scholefield, William
Rulkeley, Sir R. B. Hume, J. Seaham, Viscount
Bunbury, E. H. Jackson, William Seymser, H. K.
Butler, P. S. Jervis, Sir John Seymour, Lord
Buxton, sir E. Keating, Robert Shea°, R. D.
Cardwell, Edward Keppel, George T. Shell, R. L.
Carter, John B. Kershaw, James Sheridan, R. B.
Cavendish, C. C. Kildare,",Marquis of Shirley, E. J.
Cavendish, 41;H. Labouchere, Henry Smith, Vernon
Chaplin, W. J. Langston, J. H., Smith, 31. Tucker
Charter.s, Francis Lascelles, W. S. Smith, John B.
Clay, James Lemon, Sir Charles Somerville, Sir W.
Clay, Sir W. Lewis, Sir T. Spearman, H.J.
Clerk, SiriG.' Lewis, G. C. Stansfield, W. R. C.
Cobden, Richard Littleton, E. It Stanton, W. S.
Cockburn, Alex. Loch, James Staunton, Sir G.
Copeland, Alderman Locke, Joseph Stuart, Lord D.
Cowper, W. F. Lushington, C. Stuart, Lord J.
Craig, W. G. Mackinnon, W. A. Talbot, C. R.
Crowder, R. B. M`Cullagh, W. T. Tancred, H. W.
Currie, Raikes 3PGregor, John Tennent, 1.. J.
Dashwood, G. IL Mahon. O'Gorman Thicknesse, Ralph
Davie, Sir Henry Maitland, Thomas Thompson, Colonel
Dawson, T. V. Mangles, R. D. Thompson, George
D'Eyncourt, C. T. Marshall, W. Thornely, T.
Douglas, Sir C. Martin, C. W. Tollemache, F. J
Douro, Marquis of Masterman, John Towneley, John
Drummond, Henry Matheson, Alex. Townley, R. G.
Duckworth, Sir J. Matheson, Colonel Townshend. Captain
Duff, G. S. Melguad, Viscount Trelawny; J. S.
Duncan, Viscount Milner, W. M.. Tynte, Colonel
Duncan, George Milnes, R. Monckton Vane, Lord H.
Dundas, Admiral Mitchell, T. A. Verney, Sir IL
Dundas, Sir David Moore, G. 11. Villiers, Charles
Dunne, F. P. Morison, Sir W. Walmsley, Sir J.
Ebrington, Viscount Morris, David Walter, John
Ellice, Edward 31ewatt, Francis Ward, H. G.
Ellis, John Mulgrave, Earl Watkins, Colonel
Elliot, J. E. Norreys, Lord Wawn, J. T.
Enfield, Lord Norreys, Sir D. Wellesley, Lord C.
Euston, Earl O'Connell, John Westhead, J. P.
Evans, William Ogle, S. C. Willcox, Brodie
Ewart, William Ord, William Williams, John
Fagan, William Oswald, A. Will; ams, H.
Fergus, John Owen, Sir John Williamson, Sir H.
Ferguson, Colonel Paget, Lord A. Wilson, James
Fordyce, A. D. Paget, Lord Clarence Wilson, Matthew
Forster, M. Paget, Lord George Wood, Sir Charles
Fox, W. J. Palmerston, Viscount Wood, W. I'.
Freestun, Colonel Parker. John Wyld, James
Glyn, G. C. Pearson, Charles Wyvill, Marmadeike
Goddard, A. L. Pechell, Captain TELLERS.
Graham, Sir J. Peel, Sir Robert Hill, Lord M.
Grenfell, Charles W. Peel, Colonel Turnell, 11..

MINORITY—NOES, 164.
Adair, Hugh E. Fottescue, Chichester Morgan, H. K.
Adare, Viscount Fox, R. M. Morgan, 0.
Adderley, C. B. Fox, S. L. Mullings, J. R.
Alexander, N. Frewen, C. H. Mentz, G. F.
A rchdall, Captain Fuller, A. E. Napier, Joseph
Arkwright, G. Galway, Viscount Neeld, Joseph
Bagge, W. Gaskell, .1. M. Newdegate, C. N.
Bankes, G. Gladstone, W. E. Newport, Visct.
Baring, Thomas Gore, W. R. 0. Newry, Viscount
Barrington, Viscount Goulburn, Henry Nugent, Sir Percy
Barron, Sir H. Grace, 0. D. O'nrien, Sir Lucius
Bennet, Philip Greene. John O'Connell, M. J.
Beresford, William Gwyn, Howel O'Connor, Feargus
Bernard, Viscount Haggitt, F. R. O'Flaherty, Anthony
Blake. Martin J. Raiford, Sir Henry Packe, C. W.
Boldero, Henry Hamilton, G. A. Plgot, Sir R.
Bourke, R. S. Hamilton, J. H. Plumptre, J. P.
Bowles. Admiral Morris, Captain Repton, G. W. S.
Bremsidge, Richard Hayes, Sir E. " . .Richards, Richard
Brisco, M. Henley; J. W. St.
.George, Chris.
Broadley, Henry Herbert, H. A. Scott, Francis
Brooke, Lord Herbert, Sydney Scrope, G. P.
Brooke, Sir Arthur Herries, J. C. Scully. Francis
Bruce, C. L. C. Hervey; Lord,A. Simeon, John
Buaer, Sir Y. Hill, Lord E. Smyth, J. G.
Banbury, William Hood, Sir A. Spooner, R.
Burghley, Lord Horsman, E. Stafford, Augustus
Burroughes, H. N. Howard, Sir R. Stanley, Edward
Callaghan, D. Jermyn, Earl Stuart, Henry
Campbell, W. F. Jocelyn, Viscount Stuart, J.
Carew, W. P. Jones, Captain Sullivan, Michael
Castlereagh, Vie. Ker, Richard Sutton, H. M.
Caulfeild, J. M. Knight, F. W. Talbot, J. H.
Cayley, Edward S. Lennard,AT. B. Taylor, T. E.
Chandos, Marq. of Lennox, Lora H. Tenison, E. K.
Chichester, Lord J. Leslie, C. P. Thesiger, Sir F.
Christy, Samuel Lewisham, Viscount Thompson, Alderman
Clements, Charles Lincoln. Earl of Trevor, G. R.
Clive, Henry B. Lindsay, Colonel Turner, George
Cobbold, J. C. Lockhart, W. Tyrrell, Sir J. ;
Cocks, T. S. Lopes, Sir Ralph Teiner, Sir W.
Cole, H. A.; Mackenzie, W. F. Vesey, T.
Coles, 11. B. M`Naghten, Sir E. Vivian, J. E.
Conolly, Thomas Macnamara, Major Vyse, R. H.
Corry, H. Meagher, Thomas Waddington, H. S.
Cotton, W. H. Mahon, Viscount Walpole, Spencer
Davies, D. A. S. Mandeville, Viscount Walsh, Sir J.
Dod, J. W. March, Earl of West, F. R.
Dodd, G. Maunsell, T. P. Wodehouse, E.
Drumlanrig, Vis. Maxwell, Hon. S. P. Wortley, J. S.
De Pre, C. G. Meux, Sir H. Young, Sir John
Edwards, Henry Miles, P. W. S.
Fagan, James Miles, W. TELLERS.
Ferguson, Sir R. Milton, Viscount Blackall, S.W.
Fitzwilliam, G. W. Monsen, William Grogan, Edward
Forester, G. C. Moody, C. A.

Another Amendment proposed, at the end of the Question
to add the words " That for the purpose of augmenting the
fund proposed to be raised by a rate in aid of sixpence in the
pound from all property rated to the relief of the destitute
poor in Ireland for the next two years, the same rate should
be charged upon all salaries paid to Government officers,
being not less than 1501. per annum, and upon all income
derived from the public funds, and that all moneys derived
from the Tax at present collected in England on income de-
rived from Ireland, be for the next two years applied to the
same fund :" Question put, " That those words be there
added." The Committee divided:—

MINORITY-AYES, 51.
Barron, Sir H. Harris, Captain O'Flaherty, Anthony
Bennet, Philip Hayes, Sir E. • Packe, C. W.
Burroughesal. Henley, J. W. Philips, Sir G. R.
Bunbury, W. Ilervey, Lord A. Power, Nicholas
Callaghan, D. ' Hood, Sir A. Roche, E. B.
Chaplin, W. J. Jocelyn, Viscount Scott, F.
Christy, Samuel Keating, Robert Scully, Francis
Clements, Charles Lindsay, Colonel Sullivan, Michael
Cobbold, John C. Miles, Philip W. S. Tollemache, F. J.
nod, J. W. Miles, William Trevor, G.
Dodd, George Moore, George H. Tyrrell, Sir J.
Duncan, Lord
Morgan, H. K. Wawn, J. T.
Fagan, William Muntz, G. F. Wodehouse, E.
Fitzpatrick, J. W. Newdegate, N. Woretly, J. S.
Fox, Richard M. Newry, Viscount
Gore, W. 0. Nugent, Sir Percy TELLERS.
Grace, 0. D. O'Connell, M. J.' Reynold=, Jonh
Greene, John. O'Connor, reargue Spooner, Richard

Butter
Candles .. • •
Cheese .. •
Coals and Culin • •
Cotton manufactures
Cotton yarn .• ••
Earthenware..
Fisk, herrings • •
Glass .. .• ..
Hardwares and cut-
lery ••
Leather, wrought and
un ,vrought
Linen ,anufactures
Line. yarn ..
Machinery
Metals. Iron and
steel
Copper and brass
Lead

Tin, unwrouglit • •
Tin-plates ..
Salt • • • •
Silk manufactures • •
Soap . • • • ..
Sugar, refilled ..
Wool, sheep and

Wok alen yarn
Woollen inankfactures

MAJORITY-NOES, 212.

Main Question put. The Committee divided :
MAJORITY—AYES, 206.

MINORITY-NOES, 34.

Archdall, Captain Ferguson, Sir It. Nugent, Sir:Percy
Bagge, William Fitzpatrick. J. W. O'Flaherty, Anthony
Barron, Sir H. Gore, W. R. St. George, Chris.
Bennet, P. Greene, John Scoldlf rancis
Blake, 31. J. Gwyn, Bowel Sitn4nl;John
Bunbury, William Hamilton, G. A. Sullliidn, Michael
Callaghan, D. Hayes, Sir E. Tenison, E. K.
Caulfeild, J. M. Howard, iir R. Tennent, R. J.
Clements, Charles Jocelyn, Viscount
Crawford, W. S. Keating, Robert TELLERS.
Dawson, T. V. Leonard, T. B. Fox, Richard M.
Dodd, George Miles, P. W. Dunne, Francis P.
Fagan, James Newry, Viscount

GLASGOW, MARCH 3.—Cotton—During the week
we have had a quiet market ; a limited business has
been done, and little of it on speculation. Prices are
not lower than ou this day week. The transactions
during February amount to from 13,000 to 15,000 bales.
The yarn in the market is firm, with a tendency to :KI-
N ance. Pig In n.—Our pig iron market has been very
quiet during the week, but prices have not given way
much. Mixed numbers may be quoted 525. cash; all
No. 1, 525. 6d. to 531.; No. 1, Gart.herrie, 565. cash.
Bars are in fair demand at from 61. 10s. to 71. per ton,
less discount for cash.

WEDNESDAY _EVENING-, MARCH 7, 1849.

might say to their friends that they had a beard perfectly
zealous in the cause of life assurance, and who gave
personal arkl careful attztation to their affairs.
Dr. enucErrx proposed a vote of thanks to the audi-
tors, which was carried, and one of the gentlemen re-
turned thanks.

On the motion of Mr. MACE; a vote of thrtnks was
awarded to Mr. Frederic Lawrerce, the actuary and
secretary of the ofliee. In doing so he took occasion to
observe that the possession of a number of small policy
holders (for initauce, they had 73 holders of policies of
1001. each), was infinitely more satisfactory than a
smaller number of persons holding policies for 1,000/.
and upwards. He preferred to have his eggs in many
baskets instead of one.—(Laughter.) The risk was
less, and they had a greater number of persons inte-
rested in promoting a knowledge of the institution.
The CEIAIRMA.N stated on behalf of himself and the
directors that Mr. Lawrence's conduct during his con-
nexion with the society had given them the warmest
satisfaction, and so long as he acted with the same z'al
and fidelity which he had shown heretofore, so long
would he continue to merit the entire confidence of the
directors.

Mr. LAWRENCE said he could not but feel highly gra-
tified at the way in which this vote had been proposed,
more especially for the unexpected and flattering addition
of the Chairman. He could not say that in the future
he should use greater energy or exertions than during
the past, since he had exerted himself to the utmost—
that was impossible. Perhaps, from a little over-exertion
the few roses which once used to decorate his cheeks had
fled, but so long as he was blessed with health his best
energies would be devoted to the service of the institu.
tion. He hoped to labour long in their service, and die
with harness on his back.—(Hear, hear.)
On the motion of Mr. GRIFFIN, a rote of thanks
was accorded to the Chairman.

The CEIIIRNAN, in returning thanks, raid he agreed
with the remarks of Mr. Macey. Since, in
his opinion a large number of small policies were in-
finitely better than a small number of large ones. For
instance, five policies of 1001 were infinitely better thin
one of 500/.: the risk was more dispersed, and they had
five persons instead of one diffusing a knowledge of the
society.—(Cheers.) He hoped next year they would
meet in the same health, and in greater number.
The meeting then separated.
In the evening the directors and several of the mem-
bers celebrated the success of the institution by a dinner
at the Freemasons' Tavern.

TO THE SECRETARY OF THE

METROPOLITAN REFORM ASSOCIATION.
Sir,—On Monday the sth, and Tuesday, the debate
was sore, but dull, on the rate of sixpence in the pound
in Ireland for the Poor. Tho beginning, middle, and
end, of Irish politics is, not to pay; and hints moro or less
remote on the importance of their "loyalty," form the
stock of their argument. It is true the Ministerial plan
includes the abstract and positive injustice, of levying a
temporary rate on temporary incomes. But this seems
nowhere understood, and therefore the resistance is in-
significant on this point. Sir Robert Peel, like Mrs. Chick,
advises Ireland to " make an effort;" and his proposal
to buy the Connemara estate for an experimental farm
by the Government, has the air of a dream after fall-
ing asleep over the history of the British Solomon's
" plantations."
On Tuesday Lord John Russell announced the deci-
sion on the new Commander-in. Chief for India. There is
no opportunity for inserting a word on these occasions;
otherwise it might have been stuff o' the conscience to
ask, whether there had been taken into account the pro-
bability that on the first advices, the allies and neutrals
will go over en masse if there are any.
It has often been a question, whether talking in the
House of Commons convinces anybody. It eases men's
minds. It must have been on this ground that the speak-
ing on the Irish question was continued so long, after the
strength of parties had been tried by a division of 251
against 104 on a motion for adjournment. The whole
was finally wound up by a division of 206 against 34 on
the main question.

I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
AN OLD REFORMER.

London, March 7, 1849.

BOARD OF TRADE RETURNS.
With respect to exports, the return is strikingly
favourable, and such as to confirm the highest expecta-
tions expressed at the commencement of the present
year. As compared with the month ending the sth of
January, 1848, they present an increase of not less than
589,3011. The increase in cotton, woollen, and linen
manufactures is very striking, and the continued
falling-off in the exportation of machinery still shows the
check which has been given to foreign production. The
following table will show specifically the manner in
which this has occurred:—

DECLARED VALUE OF EXPO'

Month ending Jan. 5.

1848.

14,549
3,469
1,809

1849.

25,592
6,040
1,943

61,732
1,292,932
410,037
60,571
8,841
17,779

66,439
1,720,289
434,156
62,697
13,648
19,754

189,447

24,578
327,599
49,760
29,805

241,033
124,561
9,492
7,030
37,145
26,062
64,606
19,63
30,317

11,043
2,571

4,707
427,357
74,119
2,126
4,607
975

25,354
64,140
512,575

10,464
59,28 I
15,417

3,161

14,093
15,291

4,075

Decrease.

14,443

46,290

3,660,444

4,249,745

3,934
71 040

724,610

41,618
9,769

7,980

8,178

6,512

135,309

The exports for the entire year amount to 46,407,9391.,
and the total decrease is 4,597,0001. The variations of
each month are subjoined:—

Increase. Decrease.
X. X.
Month ending February 5 149,223
March 5.. ...... 151,535 ...
April 5
May 5 •••
Juno 5,..........
July 5
August
Sept. 5.
October 10
Nov. 5 30,994
• Dec. 5
Jan. 5 589,301 ...

... 580,583
... 1,467,117
1,122,0J9
... 953,353
925,284
... 530,381
.. 63,260

BANK OF FRANCE.
The following is a return of the situation of tho Bank
of Franco up to March 1:

ASSETS.

... f. 173,892,623 96
. . 129,448.352 00
2,295,697 96

Cash and ingots •••
Ditto in branch banks
Bills past duo
Bills falling due in Paris, of which
14,620,680 f. Ge. are from the branch
banks ••• ••• ... 49,412,885 52
Bills in the branch banks .. ... 91,487,502 62
Advances on coins and ingots... ... 20,655,548 00
Ditto on French public securities ... 31,363,454 40
Ditto by branch banks... 1,554,337 00
Ditto to the State on Bons du Tresor... 50,000,000 00
Ditto on the loan of 150 millions ... 50,000,000 00
Rentes of the reserve fund ... 10,000,000 00
Rentes, disposable funds ... ... 42,581,488 13
Investments of the new branch banks in
the public funds ... 12,806,741 39
Hotel and furniture of the Bank ... 4,000,000 00
Real property of the branch banks ... 2,273,734 00
Loan of 10,000,000 f. to the city of Paris 7,000,000 00
Interest in National Discount Bank ... 200,000 00
Ditto branch banks ... 230,000 00
Bills protested at Paris ••• ••• 8,765,756 04
Ditto at the branches ... ... 4,534,955 00
Expenses of administration of the Bank 246,762 74
Ditto of the branches ... 143,547 00
Miscellaneous 453,069 15
Advance to the department of the
Seine ••• ••• ••• 2,000,000 00
Loan of 3,000,000 f. to the City of Mar-
seilles 750,000 00

f. 696,096,454 91

AMERICAN NEWTS.

LIVERPOOL, TUESDAY.—The North American
mail steam-ship Niagara, Captain Stone, arrived at
this port this afternoon from Boston and Halifax,
with the usual mails, and 70 paSsengers. Her dites
are New York, 20th ; Boston, 21st; and Halifax,
23/1 ult.
We have particulars of the loss of the Forth on the
14th of January, at 5 o'clock r.m. She struck on
the south east side of the Alacranes, and was soon
afterwards abandoned, the passengers and crew
saving most of their effects. The passengers and
crew arrived at Campeachy on the 18th of January,
after suffering much hardship. The officers and part
of the passengers left three days after for Havannah
—part of the passengers left for Vera Cruz. Several
took passage on the 21st of January. The Forth had
passengers for New Orleans, as well as r Bermuda.
The Niagara brings the mails intended for the un-
fortunate t•teatner Forth.

The mail steamer Europa, Captain Lott, arrived at
Halifax on the 21,t, and proceeded to New York,
which she would reach on the 23d ult., in 13 days
from Liverpool.
The proceedings of Congress had not been im-
portant. Nothing decisive had been done with the
Panama Railway scheme projected by Messrs. As-
pinwall. The slavery question had exhibited no new
feature. The Bill before the House of Representa-
tives, providing for the formation of a Home Depart-
ment in the Central Government, had received the
assent of a majority of 112 to 78. An Assistant-
Secretary of the Treasury was also to be created. A
memorial had been laid before the Senate from cer-
tain parties, proposing to construct a railroad across
the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. It was not acted upon
prominently.
On the 19th, in the Senate, a sharp discussion took
place relative to slavery ; resolutions condemnatory
of interference being presented from Florida. On
the same day, in the Senate, Mr. King presented the
memorial of certain citizens, proposing to carry the
mails and military stores of the United States across
the Isthmus of Panama, for a sum not exceeding
12,000 dolls. per annum. The petition was referred
to the committee on Military Affairs. On the 19th,
also, in the Senate, Mr. Douglass, of Illinois, moved
to take up the Bill for the organization of a territorial
Government in California, upon which the yeas and
nays being ordered, the result stood—yeas 10, nays 35.
General Taylor, the President elect, was shortly
expected at Washington. He had already offered the
office of Secretary of State under his administration
to the Hon. John M. Clayton, and that gentleman,
our advices state, had accepted the appointment.
The National Intelligencer, the most " relia-
bie" of the journals of the capital, state that Mr.
Crittenden " will not accept any place in the Cabi-
net." Mr. Clayton is opposed to slavery, "in the
broad sense of the term," it is reported in one quar-
ter; in another he is said to be " a discourager of
fanaticism." He is representative of Delaware.
The following is an extract from a speech delivered
by General Taylor at Memphis, Tennessee, on the 3d
ult.; it is brief and promising :
"He had been called by his countrymen to a new
theatre—from a long military life to a civil position of
the greatest public trust; and in entering upon the dis-
charge of those high duties, he did so greatly distrust-
ing his own abilities to discharge them in such a manner
as their great responsibilities might demand; but he
should look for assistance and support not to this man,
or to that, but to the whole people, to whom he was
indebted. The office was not one of his own seeking,
nor had it been secured by any effort of his. In
electing him to the Presidency of the United States,
the people had mainly looked forward to good govern-
ment and a just administration of the laws; and in en-
deavouring to carry out their wishes in this regard (al-
though no one could rival the Father of his country), it
was left for those who might succeed him to emulate his
example as far as possible. He again thanked the
citizens of Memphis, through their representatives, on
this occasion, for this warm manifestation of their
regard."

—Accounts from Venezuela, via Puerto Cabello, of
the 28th ult., state that the late naval engagement
between the rival fleets of Monagas and Paez was
much more decisive than was at first reported. The
Monagas party had been completely triumphant, and
war was now considered as being at an end. At the
capture of the fleet of General Paez a large number
of prisoners were taken, among whom were three of
General Paez's sons. The provinces had become
tranquil; business of all kinds was improving, and
was likely in a short time to resume its usual ac-

tivity. -
From 'Mexico we have dates to the 26th cf Janu-
ary, being three days later. The insurrection, headed
by Don Estevan Leon, in the vicinity of Toluca, in
the district of Mexico, has not yet been entirely
quelled.
From Valparai3o we have dates to the 22d of De-
cember, via Panama. From the 25th to the 30th of
November, 113 persons took out passports to Cali-
fornia. Bolivia was in a very unsettled condition
revolutions and counter-revolutions were the order of
the day. That under General Beizu was the last re-
volution.
From Havannah we have dates to the 7th ult. by
the steam ship Isabel of Charleston. Fine rains had
set in in Cuba, after a prolonged drought.
The United States' steamer Isthmus arrived at
llavannah on the sth from Chagres, which port she
left on the 26;11 of January, and an officer who came
in her, bearer of dispatches to the United States'
Government, fully confirms the previous reports in
regard to the abundance of gold in California, of
which, it is said, he has specimens to take on with
him.

•
should you have reasonable doubts of their character you
will
.board them tor the purpose of ascertaining if such
'suspicious vessels remain in po,sessien of the persoa-who
cleared them from the last port. Should you find, On
boarding any vessel, that any act of mutiay.or other
unlawful violence has been committed to the, prejudice
of the rightful owners, you will repair the injury in,-the
best way you can, by reatoring order on board, and by
takin, out any murderer or mutineer that the master or
owner on board such vessel may request you to tale on
board. Should it be necessary to send any such vessel
into port, if other than one sailing under the flag of the
Ui.i.:ed States, she must be sent to the port whence she
la,t sailed, if west of Cape Horn, with a letter to. the
Government or Consul of the nation whose flag she may
bear. Individuals and Americans sent in under this
order will be sent to this port.
" In discharge of the foregoing highly important and
delicate duties, moderation and great circumspection are
strictly enjoined on 3 ou; and whenever it is necessary to
beard a vessel, especially when under a foreign flag, you
will do so with the b ast practicable d lay or hindrance,
taking care to make known to the master the true and
only object of your visit.
*. Rospectfully, your obedient servant,
" Taos. AP C. JONES,
" Commanchr-in-Chief United States' NATAL Forces,
Pacific Ocean.

"'To —, &c.
" True copy—;eat: "' W. M. STEUART.
" ' Secretary to the Commander-in-Chief United
States' Naval Forces, Pacific Ocean."
" San Franci,co (Upper California), Dec. 3, 1948.
" ' Sir,—The long looked for St. Mary's, Commander
Cron inshield, joined me at this place on the 12th in t.
" TrlnlliS AP C. JONES,
" Commander-in-Chief United States' Naval Force
Pacific Ocean. _
" ' The Hon. John Y. Mason, Secretary of the Navy."
The Union adis

From Chagres the dates are about a fortnight later
than those by the last arrival, and the advices relative
to the subject of California are of great interest.
The third ship of the Pacific Mail Line of Messrs.
Howland and Aspinall was about to leave New York
for Rio, Panama, and San Francisco. She would
take out 33,000 dolls. in specie. She completed the
line, the steam-ships California and Oregon being
already at Panama. The California arrived on the
18th of January. She, and two ships that were there,
would take all the passengers to San Francisco—be-
tween 600 and 700—who were waiting their depar-
ture on the 20th ult. The California left Valparaiso
on the 22d of December, and Callao on the 10th of
January. Six ships had left the former port for
California since the Ist of November, and 10 were
loading for the same region. The steamer Cali-
fornia brought to Panama from Callao and Pay ta
118,600 dulls. in specie for California, 17 cabin
passengers, and 52 steerage ditto. The California
spoke on the Pacific coast 35 vessels bound for
California.
The accounts from the Californian gold regions
continue ample. We extract the following official
documents from the Washington Union of the 14th
ult.:—
" We are indebted to the Secretary of the Navy far
the following very interesting letters just rect ived from
Commodore Jones. They were forwarded from Mazat-
lan by our consul, Air. Parrot, thence across land to
Vera Cruz, and transmitted to Pensacola, thence by mail
to Washington:—
" Flag ship Ohio, San Francisco, Dec. 22, 1848.
" Sir,—My letters from Nos. 33 to 42 inclusive,
dispatched from Monterey by Lieutenant Lanman, and
from this place by the Lexington, will fully inform you
of the operations of the squadron since our departure
from the Gulf of California. Nothing material has
occurred since my last date. Desertions are less
frequent, the Ohio having lost but oi:e man since
her arrival here ; and I think the disposition to
desert is not so general; but that may be owing to
the inclemency of the season, which, for a while, must
suspend the digging and washing fur gold, except by
such persons as are most amply supplied with good
houses and all the ',necessaries of life requisite for a
winter's campaign in a rigid climate, affording nothing
for the use of man but gold. Incredible quantities of
gold are yet daily collected, and scarcely a week elapses
without some new discovery of the precious metal more
startling than any previous one. It is said that a
small party of five or six persons, a few days ago, struck
upon a pocket, as they term certain deposits, from
which in two days they obtained 30,000 dollars Of pure
gold.
Within the last three weeks we have certain ac-
counts of fifteen murders. In one instance an entire
household of ten persons—a respectable ranchero, his
wife, two children, and six servants. The man, whose
name was Reid, bad been very successful in the dig-
gings during the summer, and had returned to his
house near Santa Barbara with a large amount of gold.
His house was surprised by an armed party, and the
whole family, as above stated, were barbarously
murdered, and the house rifled of its golden
still at
treasure. The perpetrators of this horrid deed a
large. Of the other five cases, fourarerehighwwiathy
robberies committed on persons returning
I may say
gold from the mines. In a word,erty
p are insecure
with truth, that both person
sorry to add
in Upper California at this andtiaend
vapni
ordloeln
caeca,
as yet dis-
that, in all cases of outrage
e _
United States, disbanded
covered, emigrants from
I rts and deserters from the army
volunteers, runaway
and navy, are believesdalt o be, the perpetrators.
s attended with murder have been
" The mutinies
fully confirmed, and have caused much uneasiness to
shippers of gold froml
this coast.
" A recent arrive from Callao reports that the Ade-
lina had been taken into that port, and the mutineers,
eight in number, promptly executed.
...x have the honour to he, your obedient servant,
"`THOMAS AP C. JONES,
" 'Commander-in-Chief United States' Naval Forces,
Pacific Ocean.
" 'The Hon. John Y. Mason, Secretary of the Navy.
p " . S.—Since the above letter was written we have
accounts of more murders. One in the town of Sonoma,
and another in the vicinity.
" December 25, 1848.
" San Francisco, Dec. 18, 1848.
" Sir,—ln consequence of the late rnutinous.and mar-
derous proceedings on board the Chilian barque Adelina
and the English schooner Amelia, increased vigilance is
required to guard the lives and property of all lawfully
navigating the high seas.
" You will, therefore, henceforth, in makir passages
from port to port, scrutinize closely the appearance and
manceuvring of all vessels you fall in with at sea; and

" Lieutenant Lanman, of the United States' Navy,
arrived last evening in Washington, as bearer of die•
patches from the Commander of the Pacific squadron.
At Payta, on the 12th January ult., he took passage in
the mail steamer C:slit'ornia, and arrived at Panama on
the 171 h. On the 26th the California was to sail for
San Francisco. We learn from Lieutenant Lanman
that there were about 500 persons, including General
Smith and other officers, waiting at Panama for a pas.
sage up the coast. Lieutenant Lanman is confident in
the opinion that they were all accommodated with •
passage in the steamer. The American ship Phila-
delphia and an English vessel discharged coal at Panama.
There had not been much sickness or mortality on the
Isthmus."

The following extracts from a letter are from the
National Intelligencer, published at Washington :
" To give you some idea of the state of things here, I
will mention the prices of a few of the necessaries of life.
Flour has been selling at 300 dollars per barrel, pork
70c. per lb., brandy 60 dollars per gallon, and most
other things in proportion. I trust J. will not take it
into his head to emigrate. Gold-hunting is a most
dangerous amusement. The mortality is really frightful
among the gold diggers, and the poor beggarly-looking
creatures returning from the mines have, no doubt, paid
dearly for their peck or two of gold."

Touching the movement to the gold regions, the
New York Herald says :
" The golden sands of the Sacramento, and the auri-
ferous produce of the soil bordering on the San Joaquin,
continue to be an absorbing topic of conversa-
tion among all classes of society. Thousands of adven-
turous young men, armed with implements for gold-
digging, and for washing, smelting, and assaying the
ore after it has been gathered, are on their way to El
Dorado, and thousands more are preparing to embark for
the same distant region. The accounts that have been
recently received, confirmatory as they are of the official
statements that have been published concerning the
great, and almost lavish, abundance of gold in California,
have strengthened the wandering in a determination to
seek their fortunes as gold diggers, and incited many
who are in comfortable circumstances to throw up all—
friends, relatives, and business—for the chance of mak-
ing a fortune among the placers. In fact emigration to
California has hardly yet commenced. Several thou-
sands of our citizens, from various sections of the country,
have gone thither, but that number is only as a drop In
the bucket to that which will follow.
" RECAPITULATION OF DEPARTURES TO CALI-
FORNIA.
" Total in 141 vessels, via Cape Horn
24 Chagres
- 6 The Brazos
- 5 Vera Cruz
- 1 Tampico...
- 1 San Juan River

... .. 8,484
... ... 1,769
... 406
.•• •.• 449
... •••

" Total in 178 vessels ... 11,160
"If the gold excitement does not abate, we think it
very probable that 25,000 more adventurers will be on
their ay to California and the gold diggings before the
Ist of May next. There are many companies being
formed in the Western and South-Western states, th•
members of which intend proceeding overland through
our own territory, and are only waiting for the season to
be a little more advanced to take up the line of march
for the shores of the Pacific. The probability is that
there will be 50,000 gold diggers at work in the mines
before the lit of January, 1850, and perhaps 100,000.

COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE.
NEW YORE, FEB. 20.—The retention of coin by the
Sub-Treasury, owing to the recent heavy importations,
has tightened the mosey market. The export of coin to
California has also a visible influence; and discount in
IV:JR-street, now rules at from 9 to 12 per cent. per
annum; and on call money is sought for, on the best so.
curities, at from 6 to 7 per cent. per annum.
Foreign Exchanges have declined, and the supply is
inereait d. The transactions for the steamer have been
considerable. Quotations are 107 i to 108.
The Herald says:—
" The demand for foreign exchange for remittance
by the steamer Niagara, which leaves Boston on Wed-
nesday fur Liverpool, has thus far been limited. Sterling
bills have fallen off a fraction in rates, and the supply on
the market is large. We quote prime bills on London
at 7 to 7i per cent. premium; on Paris, sf. 30e. to
sf. 27ic.; Amsterdam, 39/ to 40 ; Bremen, 78 to 78i ;
['ambit! gh, 35 to 354.
" The State Treasurer of Ohio has announced his
readiness to pay off the faith and credit and Miami ex-
tension stock belonging to the domestic debt of the
State, to the amount of 245,152 dolls, on demand, and
that the interest will be punctually paid on the Ist of
May next,"

The Tribune says :
" The Niagara, it is believed, will take out a consider-
able amount of Government stock as remittances.
" The exchange market has had a downward ten-
dency. The improvement in the Liverpool cotton mar-
ket, and the supplies of Government Stock sent forward
to London, have produced a surplus of bills. Sterling is
quoted at 7i to 8 per cent. for favourite names. Francs
are heavy at 5 dolls. 30c. to 5 dolls. 27ic.; Guilders 392
to 40; Banco Marks 35 to 35i; Rix Dollars 78 to 781.
" Ihe movement in vessels for the California trade,
which has taken a large number from the regular freight.
ing trade, has caused an advance of about 10 per cent.
in the price of vessels, and has sustained the rates of
freight. For Liverpool the rates are:—Cotton per lb.,
9-32 d.; flour, per barrel, 21.; naval stores, per barrel,
2s. 6d.; grain, per bushel, 7d. to 7d.; provisions, per
barrel, 24. 6d.; heavy goods, per ton, 255. to 30s.
" For London.—Flour, per barrel, 25.; naval stores,
per barrel, 2s. 6d. to 3s.'; heavy goods, per ton, 30s. to
355.; tobacco, per hhd., 305.; provisions, per barrel, 35.;
measurement, per ton, 30s.
"Tu Havre.—Cutt,n, per lb. ic. rice, per ton, 10
dolli.; hone, per lb. ic.; ashes, per ton, 8 dolls. to 10
dolls.; bark, per ton, 12 dolls.; measurement, per ton,
10 dolls."

The Courier and Inquirer says :
"The general condition of the country is easy and
prosperous ; the excess of imports has indeed the effect
of deranging currency and producing uneasiness in the
money market, by the abstraction of coin from the milli
of the banks in larger amounts than are needed for im-
mediate disbursement. Still, the condition of the
European exchanges is such as to render certain that
no export of coin is likely to occur from our side, and as
California will assuredly contribute some gold to our
supply ere long, there see ms no reason to apprehend
serious pressure in the money market. The Treasury
of the United States is strong, and the payment of some
two millions of dollars, yet due from the contracture for
April, the large loans, has been postponed till the Ist of
the Government not needing it before that time,.rc and
stances
de-
siring to save interest. tinder these
and Treasuryel notes
United States' Six per Cent. Stock
rule high ;
London at the date
the rise in price of these stocks
the intelligence by thine Niagara steamer of
an immediate impulse here,
of her departurealthough gnaovto
maintainedthe to the extent at first
as. the quotations are higher than
a active and con-
rbeeatocrheedt,heis sNiagaratillfelt,
We refer to the quotations annexed.
sideruble. arrived, and sale •
" Bills on London may be quoted at from 8i to 7f,
more being done at the lower than at the higher figures .
For France, 60 day bills, the quotations are from 5 30
to 35.
" The rates of freight are to Liverpool for cotton in
square bales 9-32 d. to 5-16 d., and in round Id.; flour, 2s.
per barrel; grain (in bulk) 7d. to 7id. per bushel for
corn and wheat respectively. To London-2e. to 2s. 3d.
per barrel for flour, and other articles in proportion. To
Havre—Cotton, ie. per ound.
" Foreign Exchanges p
--Exchange on London, 107 i to
108; ditto on Paris, 5.35 to 5.30; ditto on Amsterdam,
391 to 40; ditto on Hamburgh, 341 to 35; ditto on Bro.
men, 78 to 781.”
NEW ORLEANS, Dm. 15.
Cotton— the receipt of the Niagara's news the
market assumed greater firmness, and sales of 13,000
bales were made yesterday at an advance in prices. The
weather is unusually cold for this latitude.
NEW YORK, TUESDAY MORNING, FED. 20.
The transacti ms in breadatuffs for the last fortnight
have been mostly confined to a moderate demand from
the east, and the usual supply fur the city trade. 'The
arrivals from the south have prevented much decrease
of stock, and served to keep the market steady and
firm, and it closes now at about 64e. to 12ic. higher than
at the date of the last report. the common brand' of
Brooklyn and city made are selling at 5 dolls. 5610. to
5 dolls. 62ec.; common western, and straight state and
Genessee sell at 56 dolls. 2ic. to 5 dolls. 75c.
Southern kinds may be quoted at 5 dolls. 27ic. to S
dolls. 50c.

flour is scarce at 3 dolls. 371 e. to 3 dolls. 44c.
Corn meal is in light demand at 2 dolls, 871 c. to
3 dolls.
Wheat has been wanted, and 40,000 to 50,000 bIISIIAI
sold during the last week at 130 c. to 132 c. for Geneare©,
and 110 e. to 115 e. for Ohio, per 601 b.

Burlay, 64c. to 68a. per 481 b.
Rye, for distilling, brings 65c. to 66C. per 561 b.
Oats, 40c. to 430. per inisheL
Winn corn, with light supply► hal sold ftooly it 64c.