The Sun.
London, England, 1847-01-19 00:00:00

Dr. CRUCEFIX expressed himself highly gratified with
what had taken place. 116 was quite satisfied that the di-
rectors had only one object in view—the good of the society ;
and if he asked one or two questions, he trusted they would
not he considered as arising from idle curiosity. The first
point on which he wished to ask a question related to the
mode of arriving at the peculiar valuation respecting un-
healthy lives; whether the calculation had been taken from
the lives received.first as such, and bearing a proportion and
a relative value; or whether thel society had received proper
and regular information with respect to those lives, which
rentiered them more doubtful than the general progress of
calculation ? Ile also wished to know whether the directors
had considered another matter, which he had always thought
of great importance—the propriety of an insurer participating
in the bonus, instead of its being added to the policy for the
benefit of those for whom be might have toiled. An insurer
might not be always in a position to pay, and lie thought
whatever bonus became due should become the property of
the insuring party without receiving it bit by bit in the re-
duction of premium.
The SECRETARY, in reply to the first question, said, that
more than usual care was always taken in admitting diseased
lives, and when they were admitted they were taken at a
corresponding premium. With respect to the second ques-
tion, the directors had no power to act in the manner sug-
gested. Dr. Crucefix did not seem to think the reduction of
premium so important as it really was. To show its effect he
would mention one or two instances. In the 3 ear 1825,
Archdeacon Pott insured for 1,0001., paying a premium of
86/. Os. 101 This, being the fourth bonus, would not only
have the effect of extinguishing the premium, but of adding
the sum of 176/. to the policy.—(Hear, hear.)
A PROPLIETOR remarked that this was somewhat extra-
ordinary.
The SEcarranir, in explanation, said, that the four bonuses
amounted to 400/. By taking an annuity instead, in reduc-
tion of his premium, he would obtain a larger amount than
would pay the premium.
The Rev. E. G. Wmcoch:s.—And for the rest of his life
not have a shilling to pay.—(Hear, hear.)
The SECRETARY.—Yes, and beyond that there would be
the addition to the policy to which he had alluded. He
would mention a younger life, the insurauce on which took
place in 1827. The age was 61, and the premium 661.; but
by applying the bonus in a similar manner, the premium
would now be reduced to 81. lie would just add another in-
stance or two, where two bonuses had been given. A life,
aged 69, was insured in 1832, at a premium of 1001. That
premium was now reduced to 351. ss. In another case the
life was 61. The premium which, in 1832, was 66/, was now
reduced to 41/.—(Hear, hear.)
Dr. SHEARMAN moved that the account and statements
contained in the Report be approved.
Dr. DUNLAP seconded the motion.

Mr. FovvLER-said'he was desirous of ascertaining the rela-
tive position of this with other offices, and the number of
offices started within the last five years.

Mr. NErscca said a great number had been projected, but
he believed that 50 had come to maturity. He was con-
vinced, however, they had done more good than harm to the
present society/for they had made more public the utility of
such institutions; and when once individuals made up their
minds to insure, they would naturally choose old offices which
gave the best bonus.

Mr. FOWLE& asked whether other offices had been equally
successful.

The SECRETARY believed that a majority of the old offices
had rather receded than gone forward. Many of the same
standing were not doing near so much business.
Dr. HUE wished to know the number of applications for
policies; and the number of refusals.
The SECRETARY said the number of proposals during the
last five years was 2,784, out of which number 415 were
declined.

A Pflorruuron—How many were Effected?
The SECRETARY—For the five years ending June, 1841,
*he number issued was 1,837; for the last five years, 1,892 ;
showing an increase of 55. To show that the Society was
progressing, he might add that the number issued during the
last year was 401.—( Hear, hear.)
The resolution was then put and unanimously agreed to.

PETITIONS ON PRIVATE BILLS.
HOUSE OF COMMONS.
The Examiners resumed their sittings at the usual
hour yesterday morning.
(Room 22, before Mr. Examiner SMITH, and Mr. As.
sistant.Examiner FRE RE.)
UNOPPOSED LIST.
The following petitions being unopposed, the cus-
tomary formal proofs were put in, and the standing
orders declared to have been complied with:—
GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY (WEST LONDON
BRANCH).
GREAT WESTERN RAIL WAY (EGHAM,
STAINES, BRENTFORD, AND T WICKEN-
HAM BRANCH).
REGENT'S CANAL COMPANY RAILWAY.
GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY (HUNGERFORD,
WESTBURY, AND DEVIZE`3).
MANCHESTER, SHEFFIELD, AND LINCOLN-
SHIRE RAILWAY.
DIRECT LONDON AND PORTSMOUTH RAIL-
WAY.
LONDON, BRIGHTON, AND SOUTH COAST
RAILWAY.
GLASGOW, PAISLEY, KILMARNOCK, AND
AYR, AND GLASGOW, DUMFRIES, AND
CARLISLE RAILWAY (No. 3).
This case was then resumed, and occupied the re-
mainder of the day.
(Room 23, before Mr. Examiner MAY:and Mr. Assistant.
Examiner G UNNELL).
OPPOSED LIST.
YEOVIL, BRIDPORT, AND EXETER.
This petition had been put down in the opposed list,
but the opposition was withdrawn ; and the customary
proofs having been put in, the Examiner declared the
standing orders to have been duly complied with.
VILTS, SOMERSET, AND WEYMOUTH RAIL-
WAY.
This was the petition of the above company for leave
o bring in a Bill to construct a railway from Yeovil and
Bridport to Exeter, to connect Salisbury and Yeovil,
and also Blandlord through Burton, Shepton Mallet
with Wells and Bleadon, and thence by the Bristol and
Exeter line to Bristol. The length of the line was ninety
miles, and the estimated cost 1,600,0001. Mr. I. X.
Brunel was the engineer.
The petition was opposed by several memorialists,
amongst whom was a clergyman.
Mr. VENABLES, for the petition, stated that the me-
morialist wished to withdraw his opposition, and pro-
duced a notice to that effect addressed to the agent of
the memorialist in support of his statement.
Mr. C. PARKES, who had been retained by the memo-
rialist, said he would have nothing to do with a man
who could memorialise against the petition one moment
and support it the next.
The next memorial against the petiticn was that of
the Bristol and Exeter Railway Company, who com-
plained of defects in the plans and sections, and inac-
curacies in the books of reference.
Several allegations of miner importance were sus-
tained, and the case was adjourned till to morrow.

JO UT II DEVON.--The price of corn in our provin-
cial markets has again advanced to an extraordinary
price. Wheat is to los. 3d. per bushel ; Barley, ss.
to ss. 6d. ditto ; Potatoes, l
causing to 2s. per 201bs. This
state of affairs at present is great alarm. Sep
stealing is greatly on the increase. The ere
in many of the manufacturing towns have not half employ-
ment, and numerous poor families have not food suffi-
cin tto exist on. We trust the Legislature will at once
throwe open the ports for the admission of corn, &c.

From a letter published in a German journal, we
learn that an imperial ukase is about to increase the poll-
tax from 4-8 to copecks per head.
BRUSSELS, JAN. 16.—Many complaints continue to be
made on the subject of the irregularity of the convey-
ance of passengers on the railroad between Brussels and
Paris, which seem to be attributed to various accidental
causes, which it is not always easy to prevent, especially
during this unfdvourable season of the year, and at night
time. The Centigrade thermometer yesterday (15th), at
six o'clock in the morning, was seven deg. below Zero,
at noon, at five and at four o'clock, at four deg. below
Zero. The continuation of this intense cold, and the
want of employment, have greatly increased the hard-
ships among the labouring poor in the neighbourhood of
Brussels, and especially in the country. The establish-
ment of a night patrol has proved very benefi-
cial at this critical moment. The various chlri-
table societies established in the capital continue to
make large contributions of bread, fuel, &c. Great
exertions are also making for the respectable poor, who
are not inserted in the list of paupers. The treasurer of
the garrison of Namur has with the most praiseworthy
humanity given ten fine pictures to be disposed of
in shares for the betefit of the poor, especially among
the soldiery. Eggs are selling in the market at 10s. 9d.
the 100; n e have never known them so dear.
ANTWERP, JAN. 16.—Our manufacturers, and espe-
cially those at Ghent, have received much encourage-
ment by the information that Valparaiso presents a
excellent market for the sale of white and unbleached
cotton and printed muslins. A large house here has
during the past year made very great and successful
transactions at that place.
This morning (the 17th) at about eight o'clock the
cold at Antwerp was 9 degrees below Zero; the frost
each day increases in intensity.
We learn from a letter from Vienna of the 9th, that
the Archduke Palatine of Hungary died at Ofen at the
age of 70, after a very long and trying illness.

AUSTRIAN FLINDS.—Yamrs, JAN. 9.
5 per Cent. 108%
4 per Cent. ditto. •• • ••••••.•• • • • • • • • • • 99
3 per Cent. dittO. •.•• • :• ••••...• .. • • • • 72%
Loan, 1834 ...... 157
Ditto, 1839 . . ll9
Bank Shares ....... ......... .... 1592
Esterhazes Loan ~..........

GEOLOGICAL DISCOVERIES IN NORTH AMERICA.
—ln Mr. Featherstonthaugh's most amusing " Canoe
Voyage up the Minnay-Sotor," just published, geologists
will revel. The geologist, like the botanist, is the hap-
piest of tourists. The observer of men and manners is
often in want of subjects to observe, so, in a lesser
degree, is the naturalist who directs his attention to sen-
tient life, unless an entomologist. The botanist is often
overwhelmed by an embarrus de richesses, and must as often
employ himself on minutia. But the geologist is
occupied with grand features and grander results. Sitting
at his case in boat, or coach, or on horseback, he can
observe the forms of hills or valleys, the strata of arti-
ficial cuttings or natural channels, and while noting the
facts before him rise to the largest speculations on the
formation of the world. This character of the interest
and largeness of geology for the traveller is better im-
pressed by Mr. Featherstontaugh than by any other
writer we.have met with. The general speculations of
the author are of a popular character, embracing geolo-
gical operations on the large scale.—Spectator.
The handsome new entrance from Grosvenor place
(nearly opposite the Earl of Carlisle's) through Buck-
ingham Palace Gardens to the Green Park, is now com-
pleted, and will be thrown open to the public in a few
days.

A SUBURTON.—Two brothers, named French, the
eldest about fifteen years old, took a gun from over the
chimney-piece, on Saturday last, not being aware it was
loaded, when, 'shocking to relate, the brother that had
the gun presented it towards his brother, and, snapping
it, it went off, and the load was lodged in the arm and
side of the unfortunate little fellow; Amputation of the
arm took place, but he lingered about four hours, and
expired.
THE LACE MANUFACTURE.—Perhaps few of our
readers are aware of the extent to which the lace trade
is carried on in the town of Hamilton. Under the head
of the lace manufacture is included veils and demi-veils,
lace dresses, pelerines, capes, scarfs, and muslin robes.
This trade is the means of giving employment to many
thousands in this town and neighbourhood, chiefly
women and girls, who otherwise might be very destitute
and a burden upon others. On a gross average, about
7,000 demi-veils are manufactured in Hamilton and
the neighbourhood per week. A good lace-worker
will earn from about 4s. 6d. to 6s. 6d. per week.
At present the demand for the " Hamilton lace"
is, perhaps, not quite so pressing as it has been for the
last two years, still it can scarcely be said that the
manufacturers are getting burdened with a heavy stock,
nor is there any reduction of wages at present, or in
prospect, to occasion any alarm. For some years past
the demand for goods, in the larger houses in the trade,
was greater than they at times could well answer, and
hence arose a secondary class of lace manufacturers,
who, after the Paisley fashion, have been denominated
wee corks (small masters), who, from their needy circum-
stances, have driven the trade somewhat out of its
natural channel, and are beginning to feel the conse-
quences of their own inexperience and recklessness. The
consequence is, that the small streamlets which at first
broke off from the main cbannel are beginning to return
to it ; but although the wee corks aro meanwhile giving
up, the trade iq, upon the whole, in a thriving enough
condition.—flamilton and Clydesdale Advertiser.
THE ATRAPILATORY, OR LIQUID HAIR DYE—the
only dye that really answers for all colours, and does not
require re-doing but as the hair grows, as it never fades or
acquires that unnatural red or purple tint common to all
other dyes. Botanic Water and Bear's Grease.—When the
hair is becoming thin, and falling off, the only effectual
remedy besides shaving the head is the use of the two above-.
named articles, applied alternately—the botanic water to
cleanse the roots from scurf, and as a stimulant, and the
bear's grease as a nouri,her. The New Tooth-Pick Brush,
thoroughly cleansing between the teeth, when used up and
down, and polishing the surface when used crossways. Th•
hair warranted never to come out. The Union and Triple
Hair Brushes. The Double Anti-Pressure Nail Brush.
The Medium Shaving Brush. The Railway Strop and
Powder. The above new and elegant articles, in addition
to a very extensive assortment of beautiful perfumes, are
the sole manufactures and inventions of Messrs. Ross and
Sons, 119 and 120, Bishopsgate-street, London.