The Sun.
London, England, 1847-10-19 00:00:00

NAVAL INTELLIGENCE.

PORTSMOUTH, MONDAY.—Considerable dissatisfac-
tion has been excited among the riggers belonging to
this and Devonport dockyard, who were lately em-
ployed in rescuing the Great Britain from her peri-
lous situation in Dundrum Bay, by the shabby
manner in which the company of proprietors of that
vessel seem disposed to treat them. It is universally
acknowledged that it was to their indefatigable exer-
tions, under the able direction of Mr. Bellamy, As-
sistant Master-Attendant of this dockyard, that the
safe removal of the leviathan steamer was mainly
owing. A great many high-sounding promises were
made to the men while the operations were pending of
the rewards which would attend
their efforts, if suc-
sessful ; these have eventuated, it appears, in a reply
by Captain Claxton to an application made, by Mr.
Bellamy on behalf of his men, to the effect that the
company have not funds wherewith to comply with
the demand. The men have received nothing but
their bare pay and rations during the term they were
employed, although they were working night and day
for three weeks, generally up to their middle in water,
and relying on the specious promises made, they never
even demanded the lodging money of 2s. per man per
diem, to which they had an unbounded right, and which
would have been paid by the Admiralty under similar
circumstances.

The Centaur steam-frigate, 1,269 tons, and 540
horse power, a new ship, was brought down from
among the ordinary on Saturday, and to-day the
dockyard riggers have been ordered to comme:nce rig-
ging her, which they did this afternoon, prior to her
immediate commission.

The Cambrian, 40, Commodore Plumridge, was
paid advance this morning. She will sail to-morrow
or Wednesday for Singapore, without touching at
any intermediate place or port. She takes out dis-
patches and supernumeraries for Rear-Admiral In-
glefield and squadron.
The Amphion, 36, Captain Williams, anchored at
Spithead this afternoon, last from Plymouth.
Wind, S.W., fresh breezes ; weather squally, with
heavy showers.-5 o'clock P.M.

LIGHTING BY ELECTRICITY.—A renewed attempt
has recently been made to accomplish this great end—
the " light of nature" itself, it may be;—a patent to that
end having been taken out by Mr. Thomas Wright, of
Cooper's hill, Thames Ditton, the chief peculiarity of
which consists in the method of producing a permanent
light by continually presenting one or more points or
surfaces of carbon, or other suitable material, to the path
of an electric current.—Builder.
DOING BUSINESS.—A culprit from Dundee, who at
Perth was tried, convicted, and sentenced to banishment
last Wednesday evening, officiated on the previous
morning in Dundee, as hangman's assistant, at the exe-
cution of Thomas Leith. He had 5/. for his services,
of which he gave his counsel 2/. to defend him on his
trial.
IMPROVEMENT OF THE WORKING CLASSES .--The e
Working-men's Association for their mental improve.
ment is extending itself over the metropolis, and has
several district libraries, circulating many
arew ho informed,int
theoruessta
bn
yd s t
hoef
volumes.. It was originated, as we
men in Messrs. Maudesley's employ,yrswho at first con-
templated nothing more than a littlet society for mutual
instruction ; but, a knowledge of spreading,. it was
taken up by Lord Radnor and others, them-
selves in tho condition of the working classes.—Builder.