The Sun.
London, England, 1847-12-30 00:00:00

PEDESTRIANISM.

W. JACKSON AND J. HATES'S FOUR•MILE RACE
FOR 25 sovs. A-sinE.----This match for the above-
named sum and distance between the celebrated W.
Jackson, the American Deer, whose performances in
the Old and New Worlds have rendered his name so
well known as to supersede the necessity of a sum-
mary of his doings, and J. Hayes, of Halshaw Moor,
a youthful aspirant for pedestrian fame, was decided
yesterday at the Rosemary Branch, Peckham.
Hayes is a youth of between 19 and 20 years of age,
standing scarcely 5 feet 3 inches, and although un-
known, save as a winner of a sweepstakes in the
North, so much of his qualifications had oozed out,
that level bets, and before starting, 5 to 4 was offered
upon him. About a quarter to four the men appeared,
and at two minutes before that hour went off. Both
seemed in the best possible condition. The course,
measuring 648 yards 2 feet in circumference, re-
quired eleven circuits, minus 80 yards, to make the
stipulated measure of four miles.
For the first two rounds Jackson led ; in the
third and fourth the men, who seemed, especially the
Deer, straining every muscle, passed and re-passed
each other repeatedly. At this point, having gone
rather more than a third of the distance, Hayes, whose
stride was truly wonderful, fairly ran away from his
rival. He continued to increase the interval between
them, and finally ran by the goal two hundred yards,
honest measure, before the phenomenon. Some per-
sons calling to him that he had another circuit to
finish, the little fellow ran on, but his time at com-
pleting the eleventh turn to the winning-post, was
21 min. 8 sec. He is a surprising lad, and will yet,
. ne takes care of himself, astonish our long-distance
runners.

SIIERDON AND TETLOW FOR 100 80VS. A-SIDE.—
This interesting race of one mile, came off yesterday,
over Doncaster race-course, in presence of a vast
number of spectators. Tetlow, who appeared to be
labouring under the effects of a cold, was defeated by
forty yards; 2 to 1 on Sherdon went begging soon
after the hero of llollinwood came upon the course.

APPROACH OF THE CHOLERA.—Yesterday morn-
ing a meeting of the inhabitants of St. Stephen's, Wal-
brook, and St. Benet took place in the Vestry-room, to
adopt the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of
cholera, in the event of its appearing in the metropolis,
the Rector, the Rev. G. Croly, in the chair, who read a
Pastoral Letter from the Bishop of London, addressed to
the clergy of his diocese, stating that the report of the
Sanitary Commission just presented to Parliamnt, men-
tions the strong probability of the approach of the
cholera to this country, and recommending that local
committees should be appointed to inquire into the
cleanliness and ventilation of the habitations of the
people, which, the Rev. Chairman observed, when unat-
tended to, were the chief agents in the propagation of
this dreaded scourge, A resolution having been carried
approving the appointment of a local committee, it was
forthwith nominated, with power to carry out the pre-
cautions recommended by the Sanitary Commission, and
thanks being voted to the Chairman, the meeting sepa.
rated.

HARMONIC lIALL, SOUTHWARK BRIDGE-ROAD...—
Since the commencement of the Christmas holidays
this favourite theatre of amusement and rational recre-
ation has been attended by audiences, who have given
the surest marks of satisfaction and approbation. The
excellent new entertainment of the Shipwrecked Sailors,
written by Mr. W. Warde, has been brought forward
nightly with the utmost success, and its production re-
flects; credit alike upon the author and the spirited pro-
prietor of the establishment, Mr. Richard Preece, who
has evidently, as the old saying is, " spared neither
zeal, expense, or trouble, in bringing before his patrons
a series of amusements, not only of a pleasing but of a❑
intellectual nature." The irresistrble comic singing of
Mr. W. Warde has met with the full applause it de-
serves, as also have the efforts of the fair singers, and
particularly Mr. Pearce, in the historical and descrip-
tive compositions of the " Death of Nelson," " The
Storm," "Ship on Fire," &c.

In consequence of a communication made by Mr.
Justice Patteson, relative to the case of Michael APCabe,
now under sentence of death in York Castle for murder,
the Secretary of State has advised the Queen to respite
the prisoner.

The Prince Albert, Captain Meyer, which left New
York on the Bth of December, was off Plymouth this
afternoon, and has landed a mail and passengers. The
Message of the President had not been published at
the period of the departure of the Prince Albert, but
the Ashburton, for Liverpool, was lying ready to haul
into the stream on the publication of that important
document. The steamer Cambria was to sail on the
16th. Exchanges, 91 to 9i. Flour, 4,75 to 5 dolls.
per barrel. Beef high.
The two first pages of the New York Herald of the
7th instant are occupied almost entirely by some
intercepted Mexican letters, giving an account of the
war in Mexico.

The English steamer Britannia was in the 18th
day of her voyage to Boston and not arrived.
The Hon. R. C. Winthrop, of Massachusetts, a
Whig, was elected Speaker by a majority of oae, at
Washington, on the 6th inst.
The " caucus " have united to nominate Mr.
Thomas Jefferson Campbell, of Tenessee, to the
clerkship ; Mr. Sargent, of Pennsylvania, as Ser-
geant at-Arms ; Mr. Homer, of New Jersey, door-
keeper; and Mr. M'Cormick, Postmaster of the
House. Mr. Sergeant and Mr. Horner are both con-
nected with the press.
The American war-ship Columbus, Commander
Biddle, left San Francisco on the 25th of July, for
the United States, via Valparaiso and Rio Janeiro.
She had not arrived at Rio on the 13th of Sep-
tember.

The New York Herald of the 7th say's—.
" The President's Message will in all probability be
delivered to-day, and we may receive a telegraphic
copy of it in time for publication in an extra Herald
this afternoon. If not we shall receive it by express
to-night, and publish it in our regular edition to-
morrow."

Upon the choice of a Whig Speaker it has the fol-
lowing remarks, the choice being, as here, considered
as deciding the feelings of the majority :
"So a Whig Speaker is elected—Mr. Winthrop of
Boston. Well, the Whigs must now take the respon-
sibility of originating the measures for the pacifica-
tion of Mexico, and of granting the supplies. They
must at once play trumps, or take the consequences."
The same paper gives the following description of
the office-seekers at 'Washington :

" The newspapers speak of a number of candidates,
now at Washington, sighing after various foreign
missions, or other offices. The vacant mission to
Naples has been spoken of in connexion with the
name of Mr. Grund, formerly a consul in some part
of Europe. The new mission to Rome has been
given, by common rumour, to a great variety of
persons, both here in New York and elsewhere. The
last great personage for high office we have heard
spoken of is Bishop Hughes, of this city—who,
according to a curious but apocryphal account, is
thought of as one of the commissioners to Mexico;
and, as the account goes, even the Cabinet held a
meeting on the subject. No doubt this last surmise
was all a mere humbug, put forth by the friends of
the bishop, who want to make a great statesman and
diplomatist of a pious divine. We have some slight
knowledge of the history of Bishop Hughes, and we
should not be surprised if he were ambitious of occu-
pying so distinguished a poet as that of commissioner
to Mexico ; nay, it would not surprise us if we were
told that he aspired to become Lord Primate of all
America, and even Pope of Rome himself—all in due
time. He is a man of some natural talent, some
acquired tact, and a prodigious quantity of piety and
ambition ; we cannot,i however, think that he is a
discreet man, from sonic transactions of rather an
unfortunate result which heretofore took place in
New York and Philadelphia. We doubt much if
the Cabinet ever had any meeting on such a subject,
or that any member of it would take upon himself
the responsibility of sending his Eminence upon a
mission of any kind, anywhere, unless it were a
mission to go home and'attend to his flock."
The report of the flat day's proceedings in Con-
gress is thus given :

WASHINGTON, DEC. 6.
SENATE.

The Hon. George M. Dallas, Vice-President of the
United States, called the Senate to order at noon.
Prayer by the Rev. Mr. Slicer.
The names of 17 senators were called, who went
forward, and were duly qualified.
The following senators were absent :—Webster,
Baldwin, Clayton, Pearce, Calhoun,Btrrion, Colquitt,
Lewis, Baghy, Bell, Benton, Yulee.
The new senators having taken the usual oath of
office, on the motion of Senator Breese, of Illinois, a
message was sent to the House of Representatives,
announcing the organization of the Senate.
On the motion of Mr. Fairfield,- of Maine, the hour
of meeting daily was fixed at twelve o'clock, noon.
On the motion of Mr. Cameron, of Pennsylvania,
each senator was authorised to order four daily news-
papers.
Adjourned at a quarter past one o'clock, r.is.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
The House of Representatives was called to order
at noon by Mr. French, the clerk. 220 members
answered to their names.
On the motion of Mr. Adams, of Massachusetts,
the House proceeded to ballot for a Speaker.
The whole number of votes on the first ballot was
220, viz.:—

Ist Ballot. 2d Ballot. 3d Ballot.
B. C. Winthrop (W), of
Massachusetts

Linn Boyd (D), of Ken-
tucky
J. A,M'Clernuntl (D),

82 64

_
of Illinois
R. M.Clelland (D), of
13 14
Scattering
Michigan 23 15
Mr. Winthrop having received a
30
majority, was de-
clared elected. He was conducted to the chair by
Having
Messrs. Vinton and McKay.
returned thanks
in an able, eloquent, and patriotic address, he was
sworn in by Mr. Adams..
In conclusion of the third ballot, Mr. Levin (native),
of Philadelphia, who had twice previously voted for
J. R. Ingersoll (Whig), changed his vote, and sup-
ported Mr. Winthrop.
Mr. Holmes (Democrat), of South Carolina, re-
fused to vote, and another member retired from the
hall, thus reducing the whole number to 218 votes.
A resolution was adopted, authorising the appoint-
ment of the usual committees, to inform the Senate of
the organization of the House, and wait on the Presi-
dent.
The rules of the last Congress, except the one hour
rule, were adopted, until the third Monday of this
month.
.._

A committee was appointed to retire and simplify a
resolution, brought forward to re-appoint Mr. French
clerk of the House, when, on motion, the House ad-
journed until twelve o'clock to-morrow.
At the New York money market, on the 6th of
December, the business done was moderate. There
was great anxiety for news from Europe. The notes of
the Lewiston Bank were discredited in Philadelphia.
The report of the failure of the Bank of Wooster,
Ohio, was without foundation. From November
1, 1846, to November 1, 1847, the impartation of
specie into the United States amounted to about
25,000,000 dolls., notwithstanding which the banks
of this state had only about 200,000 dolls. more No-
vember 1, 1847, than November 1, 1845, and not
within nearly 2,500,000 dolls. as much as on the Ist
of November, 1843. On the other hand, the circula-
tion has increased more than 50 per cent., showing
that with the increase in paper issues and the increase
in the amount of specie in circulation, there is a
greater volume of currency now in existence than for
many years before.
The New York Sun of the 7th inst. states that the
demand for money in Wall-street was so pressing
that two per cent. a month was freely paid for 15 and
30 days' paper. Loans on demand were at the same
rate, and per cent. per month was paid on 90
day loans railroad stocks. Advances on Treasury
notes, 10 to 14 per cent. per annum. Merchants and
capitalists have suffered greatly by European failures,
and, in many cases, temporary embarrassment, or
suspension, will be created. The aggregate loss to
America is estimated to exceed 3,000,000 dolls.
New York Markets.—Sales :-3,000 barrels Ge-
nesee proper, 6 dolls. 371 c. to 6 dolls. 50c. ; grain,
6,000 bushels fair to good Ohio, at 1 doll. 34c. to
1 doll. ;36c. ; Ohio pork, small sales, prime, 8 dolls.
50c., and mess, 14 dolls. Freights—There is con-
siderable offering, and very full rates are obtained.

MONEY MARKET.
(From the New York Herald.)
-MONDAY, DEC. 6, Six o'CLocx, P.M.
The matt to-day opened more buoyant than we

have noticed for some time past. Monday is usually
a dull blue day, and for this reason the advance is
more extraordinary. The absence of the steamer
tends to check operations. At the first board to- day
Harlem advanced 4 per cent. ; Norwich and Wor-
cester, fr ; Reading Railroad, ; Reading Bonds, 1 ;
Canton, 4; and Farmers' Loan, ; all others closed
at prices current on Saturday. Transactions were
only to a moderate extent, and we cannot expect any
activity in the market until the arrival of the steamer.
The greatest anxiety exists to learn the nature of
later advices from Europe, as our money-market, and
everything el'e connected with financial and com-
mercial matters, depends upon the complexion of the
news. We do not look for anything very good, or
anything very bad. That the accounts will be more
favourable than those received by last steamer, we
have no doubt ; but that they will be highly satisfac
tory, we doubt. We cannot expect any very great
change in such a short space of time, and, therefore,
must be prepared for a continuation of failures and
for only a partial moderation of the depression.
The notes of the Lewiston Bank, Pa., are discre-
dited at Philadelphia. We do not know the cause of
the difficulty, but the only way to avoid loss is to re-
fuse them altogether.
The report put in circulation some time since rela-
tive to the Bank of Wooster, Ohio, was without the
slightest foundation. Its issues have never been dis-
credited in the vicinity of its location, and the re-
sources of the bank are most ample to meet with
promptness all its liabilities.
In the year ending November 1, 1847, the impor-
tation of specie into the United States amounted to
about 25,000,000 dolls.; notwithstanding which, the
banks of this State had only about 200,000 dolls.
more on the Ist of November, 1847, than on the Ist
of November, 1845 ; and not within nearly 2,500,000
dolls. as much as en the Ist of November, 1843.
In the face of this falling off in the amount of sp!cie,
on .band,-tbes cirottlation has Indreased `rire lran
fifty per cent.; showing that with the increase
in paper issues, and, the increase in the amount of
specie in circulation, there is a greater volume of
currency now in existence than we have had before
in many years. More than three-quarters of the
recent importations of specie have gone into the hands
of the people, and it will be pretty difficult to draw it
from them. There is more specie in the channels of
commerce than ever known before in the history of
this country; and as SGOEI as the Mexican trade opens
with much activity, immense quantities of specie will
find its way into our markets, and restore that confi-
dence which has been partially destroyed.
Our banks are in a strong position. Notwith-
standing the recent shipment of specie, there is still
sufficient left, and the probability of large supplies
soon flowing in upon us is such as to give strong
hopes of an improvement in financial affairs through-
out the country.
STOCK EXCHANGE.

. 100
... 103 k
b. 60 39
... 701
60
... 26i
••• ..• 4

$60,000 Treasury notes, 6 per cent.
4,000 State 6 per Cents., '62 ...
50,000 Illinois fund
15,000 Reading Bonds ... .
300 shares Reading R. R. ...
100 Farmers' Trust ...
100 United States Bank ..
100 Morris Canal
50 shares Canton Co.
75 Nor. sad Wor.
5 Auburn and Roch.
500 Long Island.
450 Harlem ...
25 Stonington R. R.
45 E. Railroad scrip
10 Erie Railroad ...
SECOND BOARD.
100 shares Far. Loan
50 Harlem R. R.
25 shares Nor. and Wor. R. R.
200 Long Island R. R.
NEW STOCK EXCHANGE.
100 shares Harlem R. R. ...
50 United States Bank ...
100 shares Long Island R. R.
50 Far. Loan ...

... 37

.. 99i
... ... ... ... 28

... 42

••• ... ... 504
••• ... ... 784
••• ... .• • 60i

... ... b. 10 27
... 42,1
... ... 37
... ...

... b. 10 42
... b. 10 341
. . stw.
... cash 26i
5.3 60

50 Reading R. R.
CITY TRADE REPORT.

NEW YORK, MONDAY AFTERNOON, DEc. 6.
The continued absence of the steamer Britannia,
daily looked for, had the effect of checking operations
in bread stuffs. Flour, however, was firmer, with
moderate sales, at full prices. Wheat was also firm,
with a fair demand, and sales of Ohio were made on
terms stated below. Corn was also in fair demand, at
steady prices. Sales of round yellow were•made at a
Might advance. Oats were steady at Saturday's rates.
Rye sold at a fraction lower. Barley remained about
the same,,with small sales. Meal sold freely at steady
prices. York continued dull, and prices of prime and
mess were nominal. In groceries there was very little
of importance doing, and prices continued about the
same. • •

Ashes—Sales of pots were reported at 5 dolls. C2ic.
to 5 dolls. 75c., and some 50 or 75 barrels of p'..arls
were reported sold at 7 dolls. 37 c. to 7 dolls. 500. •
Beeswax—Yellow remained inactive at 22c.

Flour—Sales of 1,500 barrels of New York State
were made, deliverable in April, at 6 dolls. 373 c.
Sales of about 3,000 barrels were made, including
Genesee, at 6 dolls. 371 c., and Oswego at 6 dolls. 25c.;
300 ditto of Yates county, a little better than com-
mon, sold at 6 dolls. 50e., and 156 ditto of Genesee
pure at the same price ; 800 ditto of Troy sold at
6 dolls. 31-Ic. Southern continued inactive ; a small
lot of 100 barrels of Richmond county sold at
6 dolls. 374 c.
Wheat—Sales of 2,800 bushels of Ohio were made
at 136 c.; 2,600 ditto ditto at 136 c. ; and 2,500 ditto
ditto sold at 134 c.

Corn—The sales footed up about 12,000 to 15,000
bushels, .including mixed at 73c. to 74c., and flat
yellow at 75c. to 76c., and 2,000 round Northern
yellow at 77c.
Meal—Sales of. 1,200 to 1,300 barrels of New
Jersey were reported at 3 dolls. 50c.
Rye—Sales footed up about 7,000 bushels at 87c.
in the slip to 871 c. delivered.
Rye Flour—VS barrels sold at 4 dolls. 621 c., and
small sales of ditto were made at 4 dolls. 75c.

Barley—We only heard of a small sale of 300 to
400 bushels at 76c.

Oats—No change since Saturday's report.
Receipts down the Hudson River, Dec. 6.
Flour .. ... ... 8,900 barrels.
Corn Meal ... ... 360 do.
Rye ... • • .. 3,300 bushels.
Candles—Common sperm were firm at 33c., and
patent ditto at 38c.
Coffee—The market continued inactive, without
material change in quotations.
Cotton—There was no disposition shown by hollers
or buyers to make operations to-day, and we had,
consequently, a dull market.
Fish—Since our last report, 800 quintals of dry
cod had arrived and were held at 3 dolls. 621 c. Some
that had arrived previously were going into store.
We heard of no sales of moment. 300 barrels of
Massachusetts mackerel had arrived. There were no
sales reported. The market remained rather dull.
Herrings—Sales of 100 barrels gibbed were made
at 3 dolls. 50c. _ _ _ _

Fruit—Sales of bunch raisins were light, and sales
of wet dried (300 to 500 boxes) were reported at
1 doll. 65c.; good dried were held at 1 doll. 85c. to
2 dolls.

Hemp—No change.
Lead—Nothing of moment transpired.
Molasses—Sales of 300 barrels New Orleans were
reported at 26c.
Naval Stores—The market continued quiet, and
prices were nominally the same as on Saturday.
Dealers were waiting steamer's news.
Oils—Linseed—English continued dull, with small
sales at 550. City pressed we continue to quote at
57c. to 85c. Shipping whale was held at 321 c.,
while 32c. was offered. Crude was inactive at 1 doll.
.sc. The last sales of spermaceti were made at 33c.
Provisions—Mess and prime pork were very dull
A small lot of old prime reported sold at 8 dolls. 50c.
In a retail way mess was selling at 14 dolls. 50c.
Beef.—Sales of .130 barrels. Hams were made at
9 dolls. 50c; sales of 100 barrels new pork. Hams
and shoulders were made at Bc. for the hams, and 6c.
for the shoulders. Lard was inactive, without change
in quotations. Cheese—Good shipping cheese was
worth 6/c. to 7c. with some more inquiry for export.
Butter no change.
Bice—Sales since our last report have reached
about 100 tierces at 3 dolls. 25c. to 3 dolls. 50c.
Seed—Sales of 700 bushels linseed at 135 c. and
20 tierces timothy at 17 dolls. per tierce. No sales of
clover were reported.
Sugar—The market was quiet, and we heard of no
sales of moment.
Tallow— Sales of 8001 b. were made at 812 c.
Whalebone—Sales of 12,0001 b. were made at 28c.

Whisky—Sales of 300 barrels State prison were
made at 26c., including some lots reported at 26c.
The market closed with a little more firmness.
Freights—Cotton was engaged to Liverpool at
3-16 d., and oil cake at 20s. The packets were taking
flour and meal at ls. 6d. To London and Havre
rates remained about the same.

DREADFUL MORTALITY.—The ship St. Patrick,
Captain Howe, arrived at the Quarantine, New York,
last Thursday afternoon, from Liverpool; her doctor,
steward, seven seamen, and 115 passengers, are sick
with ship fever. The cook (coloured) and one pas-
Huger died.,--Boaton Mail of Dec. 6.

STEAM DEFENCES OF ENGLAND
SOUTHAMPTON, DEC. 29.—While the subject of
national defence is occupying so large a share of the
public attention, it may be useful to allude to the
number of steam-ships comprised in the steam mail
fleet of the port of Southampton at the disposal of
Government in the event of war or invasion.
The mercantile steam navy of Southampton is the
finest from perhaps any single port, many of the ships
are of the largest size, and, belonging to companies
under contract with Government, have been built in
such a manner that in case of necessity they can be
armed and fitted with ordnance of the largest calibre.
The Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation
Company have the following ships :—Achilles, Ariel,
Bentinck, Braganza, Euxine, Erin, Haddington,
Hindostan, India, Iberia, Indus, Jupiter, Lady Mary
Wocd, Madrid, Montrose, Oriental, Pacha, Pekin,
Pottinger, Precursor, Ripon, Sultan, Tagus, Tiger ;
and the Ganges, Bombay, and Malta building. Total
27 ships; aggregate tonnage 25,730; horse power
8,410. The vessels may be classed as follow :
CLASS I.
CAPABLE OF CARRYING AN ARMAMENT OF TWO LONG
68-POUNDERS ON TRAVRRSING CARRIAGES, AND FOUR
OR SIX 32-POUNDER GUNS ON SLIDES.

Bentinck ... ...
Haddington... ...
Ilindostan ...
Oriental ...
Indus ...
Pottinger ...
Precursor ...
Ripon • •

Tons. Horse power,
1,800 ... 520
... 1,500 ... 450
... 1,800 ... 520
.. 1,800 ... 500
... 1,400 ... 450
... 1,400 ... 450
... 1,600 ... 500
... 1,500 ... 450
CLASS 11.
CAPABLE OF CARRYING AN ARMAMENT OF ONE 68-
POUNDER AMIDSHIPS, AND FOUR 24 OR 32-FOUNDER
CARRONADE6.

Pekin..
Achilles
Ariel... ...
Braganza
Euxine
Erin
Sultan
Tagus
India..

Tons. Horse power,
~.,, 1,180 ... 430
... 950 ... 420
... 850 ... 300
... 800 ... 280
... 1,100 ... 400
... 850 ... 280
... 1,100 ... 400
.. 800 ... 280
.. ... 1,300 ... 300
CLASS M.

MIGHT BE ARMED WITH A 32•?OIINDER AMIDSHIPS,

AND FOUR. 24 FOUNDER CARRONADES.

,Tons. Horse power.
Iberia ... 600 ... 200
Jupiter ... 700 ... 220
Lady Mary Wood .. 650 ... 220
Madrid 500 ... 160
Montrose ... 650 ... 240
Pacha ••• ... 600 ... 210
Tiger 800 ... 300
The Royal Mail Steam Packet Company have the
following steamers :—Clyde, Dee, Forth, Medway,
Severn, Tay, Avon, Teviot, Thames, Trent, and
Great Western ; total, 11 ships of 1,800 tons burden
each, and 500 horse power; each might be armed
with two long 68-pounders on traversing carriages,
and eight 32-pounder carronades.
The total number of ships belonging to the port of
Southampton that could be adapted to war purposes,
conveyance of troops, &c., in case of necessity, is,
therefore, 37 ; size varying from 500 to 1,800 tons
burden, and 200 to 520-horse power. The total
tonnage is 45,530 ; total horse power, 13,910; capable
of carrying the following ordnance :

47 68-pounder guns.
83 32-pounder guns.
88 32-pounder carronades.
28 24-pounder carronades.
Besides the above mentioned steam-ships there are
ten smaller steamers, of about 400 tons burden, be-
longing to the South-Western Steam Packet Com-
pany, which, although being unfit for war purposes,
would be very useful in conveying troops, carrying
dispatches, &T. The South-Western Company's
steamers Courier, Express, Wonder, and South-
Western are four of the fastest steamers afloat.

Supposing an invasion to take place, by means of
the electric telegraph orders could be sent from the
Admiralty to Southampton, and the 13 or 12 ships
generally lying in the dock could in a few hours be
got under weigh, ready to render any assistance to
the Admiral at Portsmouth for the cceiveyance of
troops or other service. In the event of aw4r being
anticipated, most of the steamers could be recalled
from their foreign stations in three months, and would
constitute a powerful armed steam ,pav,y, consisting
of steamn•ships of the largest class and' immense power,
and placed at the disposal of the British Government
they might, be employed in scouring the English
Channel7hd effectually prevent any invasion by hos-
tile forces.