The Sun.
London, England, 1847-05-13 00:00:00

RATHKEALE.

Yesterday morning one troop of Artillery, with two
guns, two companies of the 59th, and a body of the Bth
Hussars, under the command of Colonel Cator, proceeded
to Rathkeale, in consequence of an apprehended rising in
that district. There were reports in town last night of a col-
lision having occurred between the people and the troops,
and that five men were shot. This morning, on inquiry,
we found that this was not true, and that all was quiet.
At Nantenant, however, the residence of Mr. Roy se, an
attack was made—twelve stand of arms were taken, and
property, chiefly consisting of provisions such as bacon.
The accounts from Ennis are of a tranquil character.

WREAT.—The quantities of wheat exported from
the united kingdom to foreign countries in the month of
April, amounted to 134,000 quarters; and the quantity
simultaneously imported, to 222,182 quarters.
SERVANTS BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION.—The firs
annual meeting of this institution was held on Tuesday after,
noon at the Hanover-square Rooms, and the attendance on
the occasion was numerous and influential. Lord Robert
Grosvenor occupied the chair, and in his introductory speech
stated the objects of the society. These are to afford aid, in
the shape of pensions, to infirm or disabled domestic servants.
It is calculated that there are more than 100,000 female
servants in the metropolis alone, and upwards of 1,000,000 in
England and Wales. Supposing that each of the 100,000
female servants in London were to contribute 3s. per year, a
sum of 15,000/. would be collected thereby, to be appro-
priated to the general purposes of the society. Although the
society has been only a year in existence, there are upwards
of 1,000 domestic servants amongst the subscribers, and the
committee have a sum of 1,0001. in the Bank. With respect
to another society of a similar nature at present in existence,
his Lordship stated that they did not look upon it with any
feelings of jealousy or hostility, but that on the contrary
they would be delighted to see the two societies amalgamated
into one. The report was then read by Mr. Chester, the
secretary. It stated that the donations during the year
amounted to 7751., the subscriptions of the members to 2291.,
and the annual subscriptions to 2041. Resolutions, confirma-
tory of the report and in furtherance of the general objects of
the society, were supported by Mr. Hodgson, M.P., Mr. T.
G. Parker, the Rev. Mr. Howarth, of St. George's, Mr. G.
Berkeley, the Rev. A. Cooper, and the Rev. Mr. Brown.
The meeting terminated with the usual vote of thanks to the
chairman, but we cannot close our notice without recording
the fact that the main feature dwelt upon by the different
speakers was the necessity which existed that domestic
servants should themselves come forward in support of the
institution, and not leave it altogether dependent on the
general charity of the public.
MARVELLOUS ESCAPE.—On Wednesday evening,
just after the steamer Wye, from Chepstow to Bristol, had
left the former place, and was within about fifty yards of
being opposite the place where the miners are employed in
blasting for the works of the South Wales Railway, which
here crosses the river Wye, the alarm was sounded that a
blast was about to be fired, and for the men to clear
out. The captain was unable to check the velocity of the
steamer on a sudden, and just as it arrived opposite the
spot a tremendous explosion took place, resembling a
miniature Etna or Vesuvius, and attracting every eye by its
brilliance and grandeur. Immediately afterwards, to the
consternation of every one on board, a Shower of stones, some
of them half a hundred weight, fell on all sides of. the
steamer. The terrified passengers and crew ran into
holes and corners for shelter. . Fortunately, only one
small piece fell on the vessel, but one large fragment
a
plunged into the water just before her bows, i
inand i
Hadsphave
riatyfeal
fallen
thoroughlyenthe
eteem wettederit
isvepryrnboanbeinit that
woniqiduarter.
made a hole clean though her bottom. It was a miracle
that no one was struck by the descending masses, which
showered thickly down on all sides. The passengers were
thankful to Providence for their preservation, and a petition
was signed by every person on board to the magistrates o
Chepstow, praying them to interfere to prevent the firing of
a blast when a vessel is passing. Between 40 and 50 persons
were on deck when the event took place.— 7Vorcester paper.
ROYAL SOUTI/ LONDON DISPENSARY.—The 2Gth
anniversary festival of this charity took place on Tuesday,
aptuktheeofAclabmiobnr,idAgeldinerstghaetectrV About 7 0
.
His oygalueHstigshsantesdsotwhne
to a dinner provided in excellent style by Messrs. Staples.
His Royal Highness, in proposing the toast of the evening,
" Success to the Chaity," dwelt upon it ••
37;000 persons had been relieved, pressed its claims oil support. usefulness, am
largestnce its
number
ue
nt ah be
tl i soh e u
pa-
tientst
in one year being 4,904. During the past year f
t,lie
state of the funds circumscribed the usefulness of the charity,
as the wants of the neighbourhood were augmenting with the
population. Mr. Galsworthy, the honorary secretary, in the
course of the evening announced subscriptions to the amount
of 3501. The party was a most social and agreeable one, and
great credit is due to the conductors of the festival for their
excellent arrangements. Mr. Toole was toastmaster, andy
discharged the duties of that important office in a
(.1,
fective manner. The musical department was under 11
rection of Mr. T. Cooke, who was ably supported by the
Misses Williams, Mr. Kench, and other vocalists.