The Sun.
London, England, 1849-01-18 00:00:00

The toast having been enthusiastically drunk,
Mr. HUDSON, the secretary, read the report, from
which it appeared that the number of patients entered on
the books since the commencement of the dispensary in
October, 1847, was 923, the number cured was 185,
while the number of deaths was 54.
Mr. NEISON, in responding to the toast, feelingly
dwelt upon the expediency of opening district dispen-
saries to alleviate the painful sufferings of poor persons
afflicted with consumption. The necessity for such in-
stitutions might be gathered from the fact, that of the
30,000 persons who died during the last three years, be-
tween the ages of 15 and 60, more than a third of the
number, or 11,000, died of consumption.
The festivities of the evening were greatly enhanced
by the exertions of a corps of glee singers under the
direction of Mr. Bruton.

Mr. Higgs acted as toastmaster.
Before the meeting broke up several handsome sub.
scriptions were announced.

THE FIRST LORD OF THE
ADMIRALTY.
Sir Francis Baring, M.P. for Portsmouth, being inca-
pacitated from sitting, by his new place of First Lord of
the Admiralty, until re-elected, has offered himself again
to his old constituents, as will be seen by the following
address, published on Monday in Portsmouth:—
" Gentlemen,—Her Majesty has been graciously
pleased to appoint me First Lord of the Admiralty, and
my seat is in consequence vacated.
" The public service has suffered a great loss by the
death of Lord Auckland, and I fear I shall ill supply
his place; but I have returned to office to gratify no per-
sonal inclinations, and I hope I have not forfeited your
good opinion by the step I have taken.
"I take the earliest opportunity of asking you to ex-
tend to me the same confidence that I have experienced
on former occasions.
" I am aware that some of my friends are accustomed
to look with jealousy at the representation of Ports-
mouth being held by any person officially connected with
the Admiralty, and I am not surprised at this feeling;
but as I do not owe my long connexion with you to
merely an official tie, but have been trusted by you for
twenty years, during many political changes, I trust
there is no just ground for any distrust in my case.
There are more, perhaps, who expect much advantage to
the local interests from my official connexion with the
Admiralty. I have heard this topic much used when it
told against me, but I cannot hold out any such expec-
tations. The duty of my office must not give way to my
own inclinations.

" I shall have to enforce economy of the establish-
ments of the yards. I know how painful the task of re-
duction always is, and how heavily it presses on personal
interests, but when done it must be done fairly, and I
cannot exempt Portsmouth on personal grounds.
tho"seLroergduAlauticoknlsa:dnaimssely, that when once in the dock-
yard
issued regulations respecting pro-
motion in the dockyard; I concur in the principle of
a man should rise by his conduct, and not by
favouritism or political interest. I will endeavour to
give effect to the principle as fully at Portsmouth as
elsewhere.

" Much patronage in a gallant profession will be en-
trusted to me. I will not consent to use it merely to
gratify my own personal feelings of friendship, much
less to injure those who may not have served me, though
they have served their country.
" Official duties will prevent my coming among you
as soon as I could wish. I must trust to your indul-
gence. My absence will arise from no want of respect.
" I owe you much for kindness during a long con-
nexion; and if I am really anxious for a political dis-
tinction, it is for the honour of continuing your repre-
sentative.

" I am, Gentlemen, yours very gratefully,
" London, Jan. 15, 1849." " F. BARING,

RAILWAY.—The THE w
pears in Trewnian's Flying Post:—" We are in
a AYL.—ATTEheßfooallßoEwainrg
t rTal ri i nGaRr yE AsTt a tWe
posi-
tionmEesnTtEaßpN-
to assert an extraordinary fact connected with these
Jack Sheppard-like achievements:—The plan of the late
robbery of the down train was communicated to two
highly respectable persons in Taunton (one of whom
we have the pleasure of knowing) some four or five
months since. The detail was so accurate as to give
the man's name (who is now actually in custody), the
description of disguise, and the manner in which the
robbery was to be accomplished, the whole of which
has been perpetrated to the very letter. The
information was given to the respected parties
above alluded to by the wife of the supposed
accomplices in this and many other railway
schemes. The parties immediately communicated
this to the railway authorities, and we trust that it may
lead to the capture of as formidable a gang of ruffians
as ever infested any community. The persons to whom
the information here referred to was given are of the
highest respectability—Mr. Eales White, proprietor of
the East Reach brewery, and Mr. James Dyer, surgeon,
Taunton." Upon this the Taunton Courier comments
as follows .—" The correctness of the above statement
we can fully confirm. The communication was made
most circumstantially to the persons named as to the
mode in which the late robbery was to bo effected, and
the description of the disguise to be used was minutely
described, even to the moustaches' found in the rail-
way carriage occupied by the prisoners. Why the di.-
rectors, to whom the above particulars were communi-
cated, did not timely adopt some investigation as to their
accuracy, may seem to render them vulnerable to cen-
sure; but it should be known, and is not among the
incidents of the disclosures narrated in the above state-
ment, that the communication was made by the wife of
the man said to be implicated in the robbery while in
a paroxysm of anger arising from the ill usage she had
experienced. He had, consistent with his accustomed
brutality, turned her out of his house, and it was while
consulting those to whom she had appealed for advice
that the various and long. continued enormities of her
husband had been disclosed. The directors, therefore,
possibly considered
that the allegations were unworthy
of attention; but it is not improbable that their conduct
may be charged upon them as an indefensible supine-
ness by those who may seek legal redress for the losses
they have sustained."
CLEAR SPACE FOR ST. PAUL'S.—It has always
been regretted that London's greatest architectural orna-
ment should be so barred from an adequate view. The
enormous value of house property here has hitherto ren-
dered any expansion of space a serious question of ex-
penditure. The house of Messrs. Butler at the north-
east corner, and that of Messrs. Goodyear, the corner o
Watling-street, appear built purposely to create impedi-
ments. An angular slice from the fronts of Messrs.
Hitchcock and Allan, on the north side, would restore
much of an evenness of line there, and these removals
would be of comparatively small cost. But bow much
greater would be the advantages of display if the ugly
iron railing were demolished, and the entire area paved
oppositei
otehde f
oRr o
tyhael t Exchangeraffi e
hy
and made open, like Irafalgar-square, or the space
einlaArgminpgle threoomroawdowualyd
on the south side, and the two cab-stands would be-
come
no inconvenience if provided for on the south-
eastern space. The majestic portico would rise into
due consequence, as well as the beautiful semicircular
ones of the transepts. Between the steps of the northern
portico and the railing 20 feet more of width would be
added to the thoroughfare. What is now redolent of
many evils would become a great improvement and or-
nament of the metropolis, a source of enjoyment to the
cultivated class of inhabitants and visitors, as well as
causing the abolition of a constricted circulation in its
present impure and nasty state. The open areas re-
cently added at Trafalgar-square and the Royal Ex-
change afford delightful breathing-room to enjoy the
scenes around, a kind of refuge from the sweeping tor-
rent of the multitude in the incessant pursuit of mun-
dane matters.
There is no apprehension of the steps of
the portico being infested by improper persons, as, may
be already evidenced at St. Martin's Church and the
Royal Exchange. The presence of a single policeman
would always ensure due propriety and decency.—The
Builder.

SEIZURE OF ILLICIT SPlRlTS.—Yesterday Mr.
George George, an officer of Customs, accompanied by
Messrs. Sargent and Mack, officers of Excise, from in-
formation received, proceeded to the house of a man
named George Knight, Ague-place, St. Pancras, to
search for an illicit still, supposed to be at work there.
On their arrival the door was opened by a female, who
stoutly denied that anything of a contraband nature was
on the premises. The officers, however, were not to be
put off with such an answer, but determined on satisfy-
ing themselves. They accordingly made a search of the
house, and found three large carboys, each containing 16
gallons of illicit spirits 30 over proof, besides several
other vessels used in illicit distillation. The woman in
the house showed very considerable tact in avoiding all
questions calculated to throw any light upon her posses-
sion of these articles, and it was impossible to glean any
information from her. No still was found in the house;
but the officers had good reason to believe that it was at
work in some neighbouring premises, but their search-
warrant being confined to the house they entered, they
were unable safely to go beyond that authority. The
seizure was then conveyed to Broad•street warehouses.
PUBLIC AIONEY.—By the Act passed last session,
in regard to penal proceedings, gaolers are required, im-
mediately on receiving penalties and costs paid to them
oappeprlyrequirement th
by prisoners in order to entitle their release, to pay
the amount over to the committing justice's
clerk,
money
lerk,in
conformableor d r th a t
to
l
h emaayw, in
Thisthe u
isiusal
vcourse,
of gaolers.
PURCHASE OF HORSES FON THE FRENCH REPUBLIC. i
—we understand that the Government of France has a
number of agents in this country purchasin horses
g
suitable for troopers. One agent has bought several in
the neighbourhood of Ipswich, and forwarded them for
inspection with all possible speed.—Burl and Wolk
Herald.
The Government surveyors were engaged yester-
day in surveying the Excise establishment in Broad-
street, to ascertain how far those premises are available
for the whole business of the joint department of the
Excise and Stamps and Taxes. The belief gains ground
that Somerset-house, as far as the Stamps and Taxes
Office is concerned, will be altogether abandoned.
THE NATIONAL SOCIETY.—The Rev. John G.
Lonsdale, son of the Bishop of Lichfield, has been ap-
pointed Secretary of the National Society, rendered
vacant by the resignation of the Rev. W. J. Kenedy, who
is now one of the Government Inspectors of Schools.
Sir Robert and Lady Peel have returned to
Drayton Manor, Staffordshire, from town. Captain W.
Peel, R.N., left town yesterday, to join the family circle
assembled at the above seat.

mention that the number of out-patients connected with
the institution was no less tha❑ 976. Every body must
feel interested in the success of an institution like this,
which had for its object the mitigation of the sufferings
of the poor, by affording them relief from a terrible and
always expensive disease, if he might use the expression,
and he was confident it would meet with the warm sup-
port of the public.

What can be more certain, than that the adoption
of Mr. Tuite's " screw," would chiefly benefit the
hard-hearted landlord, who has already banished
from their hearths, and fired the houses of his wretched
peasantry, and those who with Mr. Tuite's " screw"
as a premium would lose no time in adopting similar
measures ?

Does not every man of tolerably sound judgment
know that Mr. Tuite's "screw." like all others of a
similar character, from drawing the teeth of a wealthy
Israelite to this new invention, must have an end; and
what then—after his "screw" had thrown out of cul-
tivation the land of the orphan and the widow—after
excessive poor-rates bad reduced their estate to the
condition of the whole parish of Chorlesbury, swarm-
ing with poor, and without rent ? What next ?
Upon whom then would Mr. Tuite put the " screw"
—upon himself or the British nation ? I pause for a
reply without promising to accept the answer, which
may be given as that of the real intention of the
parties.
But suppose Mr. Tuite to say, and to be sincere in
saying, " Oh, then you may give me a turn of the
screw, and by a rate in aid I will contribute to the
support of the poor on such a property." What then
will Mr. Tuite have gained by ruining his neighbour ?
Gained, indeed !! ! Why just what such men
deserve to gain who wish to "put the screw" on the
unprotected. A demoralized pauper population on the
adjoining estate, anxious, after they had eaten up
the unfortunate ward in Chancery, for their next prey,
would very speedily teach such legislators "that
honesty was the best policy."
The Legislature can no more prevent Mr. Tuite
having an idle neighbour, who will not properly cul-
tivate his land, than it can his having one who was
afflicted with the cholera. All it can do is that
which I proposed—via., prevent the idle neighbour
reaping the whole benefit arising from the industry
and capital of a more fortunate proprietor.
That a stupendous evil exists is unfortunately too
true, and in this, as well as other instances in our
legislative annals, " One-eyed men," by preventing
Government frem adopting the earliest remedy which
was proposed, have increased the cry for legislation
to a fearful extent beyond what was requisite to meet
the real evil.

And the organ of Sir Robert Peel's party has
openly supported the proposal! What, is the battle
of faction again to be fought on Irish ground—for-
getful or heedless of the misery such conduct has
created? Strange, indeed, if Sir Robert Peel, who
began his political career by fomenting the evil pre-
judices of the bigoted Orangemen, should close it by
pandering to the fancied interests of a landed oligarchy.
I am, Sir, your very obedient servant,
RIGBY WAS ON.
Corwar, Jan. 14, 1849.

COURT CIRCULAR.
:WINDSOR, WEDNESDAY.
Mademoiselle Jenny Lind, Mrs. Anderson, and
Signor Belletti, had the honour of performing at
Windsor Castle on Tuesday evening. The following
is the programme :
Overture—" Prome thee"
Cavatina—"Di Piacer," Mdlle. Jenny
Lind (La Gazza Ladra) Rossini.
Allegro (Trio, E flat), pianoforte, Mrs
Anderson; violin, Mr. Sainton; and
violoncello, Mr. H. Chipp .
Lieder—"Suleika," Madlle. Jenny Lind Mendelssohn.
Aria—"Ecco it pegno," Sig. Belletti Donizetti.
Lieder—" " 0 Jugend 0 Schone Ro-
senzeit," " Das erste Veilchen,"
Madlle. Jenny Lind
Adagio (Trio, E flat), pianoforte, Mrs.
Anderson ; violin, Mr. Sainton ; and
violoncello, Mr. H. Chipp Beethoven.
Duetto—" Per piacere " Mdlle. Jenny
Lind and Signor Belletti (II Turco) Rossini.
Lieder—" Am Meer," Schubert, " Ich
muss nun einmal singen," Madlle
Jenny Lind Taubert.
Marien Walzer
Mrs. Anderson presided at the pianoforte.
Her Majesty walked this morning in the pleasure-
grounds around the Castle.
The Royal Family took their accustomed airings.
Prince Albert went out shooting this forenoon, ac-
companied by the Duke of Bedford, the Marquis of
Abercorn, and Earl Spencer, and attended by his
Royal Highness's Equerry in Waiting, Captain the
Hon. A. Gordon.

His Royal Highness Prince George is expected to
arrive at the Castle this evening.
The royal dinner party this evening will include
her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent, his Royal
Highness Prince George, her Serene Highness the
Princess Amelie of Hohenlohe Schillingsfurst, her
Serene Highness the Princess Elise of Hohenlohe
Schillingsfurst, the Duchess of Sutherland and Lady
C. Leveson Gower, Lady Fanny Howard, Baroness
de Speth, the Duke and Duchess of Bedford, the
Marquis and Marchioness of Abercorn, the Earl of
Aberdeen, the Earl Spencer, and Colonel Wylde.
The band of the 2d Life Guards will attend during
dinner. The Queen's private band will afterwards
attend in the Castle.

Mr. H. Maclean had an interview with Earl Grey
yesterday, Sir C. F. Smith and Sir John Pelly had
also interviews with the Noble Earl yesterday, at the
Colonial-office.

A deputation, consisting of Mr. Pattison, M.P.,
Mr. Masterman, M.P., Mr. John Wood, Mr. De-
puty Harrison, Mr, John Dixon, Mr. Loot, Mr. T.
H. Hall, and Mr. R. Taylor, had a conference with
Lord John Russell, the Earl of Carlisle, and the
Hon. Charles Gore yesterday, at the official residence
of the Noble Lord in Downing-street.
The Marquis of Lansdowne, Lord President of
the Council, has issued invitations to the Cabinet
Ministers and the Great Officers of State of the
Queen's Household to a grand dinner on the 3d of
February, at Lansdowne-house to settle the roll of
Sheriffs for the present year.
Mr. Locke King had an interview with Sir George
Grey yesterday. Sir Benjamin Brodie had also an
interview yesterday with the Right Hon. Baronet, at
the Home-office.

Mr. John Wood had an interview with the Chan-
cellor of the Exchequer yesterday, at his official resi-
dence in Downing-street.

The Right Hon. Sir Francis Baring attended at
;he Admiralty on Tuesday.

THE WESTMINSTER IMPROTEMENTS.—Yesterday
the Commissioners for carrying out the proposed im-
provements in Westminster obtained possession of the
whole of the houses between Pye-street, Pear-street, and
the Broadway and Artillery•row, Strutton-ground, West-
minster, the whole of which are now evacuated, and will
be pulled down forthwith for the formation of the new
opening to Pimlico to be called Victoria-street. The
Commissioners have already removed the Westminster
School of Medicine and the Royal Maternity Hospital,
in Dean-street, and a great many houses in Tothill-
street, to make the proposed line of street through
Queen-square into St. James's•park, to facilitate the
royal progress between Buckingham Palace and the New
Palace at Westminster.

PHILANTHROPIC SOClETY.—Yesterday a meeting
of the friends of this society was held at the London Ta-
vern, for the purpose of receiving the report of the
committee appointed to carry out the arrangements
with regard to the model farm at Red Hill, and to take
some steps for the removal of the society from London.
IV. Gladstone, Esq., in the chair. The secretary read
the report. It stated that some time since the com-
mittee selected what they considered a suitable spot for
the erection of the model farm, but a gentleman, a friend
of the society, objecting to it, offering the very large do-
nation of 1,0001. if the site were changed for one more
eligible, the committee had concluded arrangements for
the lease of a farm at lied Hill. Nothing now remained
but to affix the corporate seal to the agreement, and
consult his Ifoyal Highness Prince Albert as to the time
when he would lay the first stone of the new buildings
and chapel; and that would at once be done on the
sanction of the Court being given to the report which
had been read. The report was then adopted, and votes
of thanks being given to the donor of 1,0001, and to the
chairman, the Court adjourned,

ALTERATION OF IRISH POOR-
LAWS.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUR.
Slur—Since I last addressed you, Mr. Tuite, late
M.P. for Westmeath, has publicly avowed the end
sought for by those who propose to limit the area of
Poor-law taxation to individual estates; he desires
to put " the screw upon all properties in the possession
of the indolent and bard-hearted landlord and tenant,
the absentee, and, worst class than all, the estates in
Chancery."
What a specimen of injustice ! of confusion of
ideas ! of short. sighted policy !
Of injustice, because Mr. Tuite proposes to put
" the screw" on the orphan and the widow who are
under the protection of the Court of Chancery. Of
confusion of ideas, because the hard-hearted landlord
is not the man, whether absentee or otherwise, who
indolently refuses to evict from their homes the
wretched peasantry. Of short-sighted policy, because
it Mr. Tuite's proposal became the law, most assuredly
its calamitous results would recoil most fearfully upon
himself.
The support that such a proposal has received
from the Morning Chronicle—the organ of Sir Ito-
bert Peel's party—gives to it an importance it would
not otherwise possess, and renders it useful to examine
the true character of Mr. Tuite's proposal to put
"the screw" on his helpless neighbour. Oh no, not
helpless, for Mr. Tuite informs us, " that the legal
functionaries and managers under the Court of Chan-
cery are willing to co-operate, but that the law will
not permit them."
Thank God! the law will not permit legal func-
tionaries or managers of an estate in Chancery to
turn farmers or improvers at their client's risk, at
the bidding of an interested neighbour ; and states-
men will not commit the injustice of putting " the
screw" upon such property merely to afford a tem-
porary benefit to Mr. Tuite; for temporary, indeed,
would be the benefit.