The Sun.
London, England, 1849-12-20 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, DECEMBETt 20, 1840.

MEXICAN BONDH OLDERS.
(THIS DAY.)
A meeting of the holders of Mexican bonds was
held this afternoon at the London Tavern. Mr. James
Capel in the chair.
A considerable number of bondholders were present.
The CHAIRMAN called upon Mr. Robertson to make
a statement to the meeting. He said he met them
with great satisfaction on his return from the mission
to Mexico, with which they had entrusted him—
more particularly as at one time he thought from ill-
health he should never again return to his native land.
If, however, they were satisfied with what he had done,
it would be sufficient compensation for the danger
and anxieties he had encountered. _ Much misconcep-

tion had prevailed as to the nature of his mission, which
he hoped before be had done to:clear:altogether away.
He was prepared to submit to any committee they
might think proper to appoint the whole of his let-
ters, private and others, in order that they might
report on them to the bondholders. Ile went out to
make the best bargain he could ; and, therefore, it
was untrue, as he had been accused, that he had
exceeded his powers ; he went there as if he was
in Mexico on his own business. He was wrecked
whilst voyaging in the Forth, and lost all his papers
and money. He, therefore, landed almost a stranger.
He, however, was most warmly received by Messrs.
Manning and Mackintosh, their agents. His applica-
tions to the Mexican Government, he was told on his
arrival, would be treated with a sort of derision. He
found three friends who hud paid the utmost attention
to the claims of the bondholders—Mr. Mackintosh,
Mr. Doyle (her Majesty's Charge d'Affairs), and Don
Manuel Condon, a gentleman who held a number of
bonds. Mr. lackintosh introduced him to the
Foreign Minister. Ile knew that Mexico could not
pay 7,000,000 of dollars then overdue, and 5 per
cent. besides. He urged upon the Government the
an( m ilous state: of the funds sent to this country.
He stipulated that an order should be sent to this
country to remove this, and it was done. A
constant change of Ministers having baffled his
negotiations with the Government. M. Arranjuez
the new Finance Minister, proposed to buy up the
bonds at a low price, in order to save the payment of
future dividends, but he declined the offer on the part
of the bondholders.—(Hear, hear.) He made a pro-
posal to that Minister, but he declined it, saying that
he could not adopt any plan which he could not
honourably carry out.—(Hear, hear.) He con-
cluded a convention with that Government,

which had been published, and in which he
laid down three cardinal points: First, that
4,500,000 dollars :of indemnity money should be
paid ; secondly, that 3/ per cent. should be received
on the new revenue for ten years; and thirdly, to
have the silver duties of the state set apart for the
payment of the dividends. The entire revenue of
Mexico amounted to 7,000,000 or 8,000,000
dollars, and the expenditure was 10,000,000 or
12,000,000.—(Laughter.) Ile at first suggested that
new taxes should be raised, but he soon saw the imprac-
ticability and danger of doing so. For the difference
Letween the 3/ and 6 per cent. they had engaged to
pay the bondholders, he accepted 500.000 dollars.—
(Hear, hear.) The tobacco duties which had been
bssigned to the bondholders would soon be worth
200,000 dollars. Funds, to the amount of
from 1,800,000 dollars to 2,000,000 dollars
were to be secured for the bondholders, and
he wiAled the bondholders to believe that the terms
would be fully kept.— (Hear, hear.) Mr. Doyle,
her Majesty's representative, would, he felt ratisfied,
see the contract fuliy carried out.—(Hear, hear.)
The proposition or convention met with the utmost
opposition in the Congress, but he believed it would be
carried. An address which he issued led the people to
the opinion that the convention should be satisfied.
He left in October, when the convention had not been

completed, and at Vera Cruz he learned that Mr.
Doyle had receiv d instructions from our Govern-
ment to press the claims of the bondholders on the
Mexican Govern meat.—(Hear, hear.) Since his
art ival he had been assured by Lord.Tddisbury (Lord
Palmerston being ° ut of town) that there was every
disposition on t e part of the Government to

obtain justice to the bondholders ; the Go.
vernment had instructed Mr. Doyle to
interfere on their behalf. A recent letter
which he had received stated that there was a

growing disposition to accede to the convention. He
was of opinion that it would be ratified, and he
recommended them to adopt the terms.—(Hear.)
By the last packet 47,360 dollars had been sent over,

and 250,006 dollars were in the course of recovery—
which he believed certain—by Messrs. Manning,
Mackintosh, and Co. The funds as they

arrived would be placed under the con-
trol of their own agents and Messrs.
Facian.—(Hear.) He advised the bondholders to
appoint well paid agents in Mexico, in order that
their interests might be properly attended to. In the
course of a month and a half they would receive
1,500,000 dollars through the house of Messrs. Baring.
Such were the arrangements he had made at 11' ash-
ingt. n, Boston, and New York.—(Hear.) The Hon.
Gentleman was much cheered at the conclusion of
his address.

Mr. BEACON said he was one of the committee of
bondholders, and read a statement to the effect that
Messrs. Schneider had refused to pay the money
entrusted them to pay the dividends. Their excuse
was that they had not received the whole of the
balance, though the Mexican Government intimated
that they had, but they would not even pay what
they had in their hands.—(Hear.)
After several questions and much discussion, Mr.
POWLES movtd " That this meeting has heard with
great satisfaction that Lord Palmerston had interfered
to ob'ain the rights of the bondholders, in order to
show that they looked to the Government."

Mr. ROBERTSON observe& that the communication
with respect to the interference of the Home Govern-
ment must not be considered official.

The motion was, therefore, withdrawn.
Mr. LAWRENCE moved a vote of thanks to Mr.
Robertson for his zeal and assiduity, and that the

convention he had entered into be cordially accepted.
lie hoped the motion would be carried unanimously—
(Cries of " No, no.") 1k hoped they would do so
unanimously out of respect to Mr. Robertson, and
to show the Mexican Government and Lord Palmers-
ton that they all pulled together.
This having been seconded,
Mr. SAMPSON objected to their agreeing to the
convention, as the next packet might bring its rejec-
tion, in which case they could stand upon their
original terms. He moved as an amendment that a
cordial vote of thanks be passed to Mr. Robertson,
and that the meeting be adjourned until the decision
of the Congress had been ascertained ; which was
seconded.

Ultimately a cordial vote of thanks was passed to
Mr. Robertson, and the latter part of Mr. Sampson's
amendment was agreed to.
The meeting was then adjourned until the news of
the ratification or rejection of the convention reaches
this country.

SAXONY.

In the Saxon Chamber of Deputies, on the 14th,
the Minister Z ,ch:nsky said that a Bill on the aboli-
tion of the penalty of death would probably be pre-
sented in the course of the session. A deputy com-
plained that this answer was not satisfactory, and
said that he would bring I.n-ward the matter on a
future occasion, as the German Constitution completely
abolished the penalty of death.

The clerks to the attorneyS on both sides said they
were left in court without authority to consent to
dircharge the jury without a verdict.
The LORD CHIEF BARON then said, that in conse-
quence of the urgent representations made to him by
the invalid juryman of the dangerous state of his
health, he thought he had the power to dispense with
the formality of a physician's certificate, and he would
at once, therefore, take the juryman's statement on
oath.

The juryman was then sworn to answer truly all
questions demanded of him, and having answered
several questions put to him by his Lordship on the
subject, his statements in answer to which were cor-
roborated by the foreman,
The LORD CHIEr BARON discharged him from
further attendance in the case.

This proceeding having the effect at law of breaking
up the jury, the remaining eleven jurors were for-
mally discharged without giving a verdict.

BUSINESS OF TUE COURT.

The LORD CHIEF BARON gave notice, that after
to-morrow (this day), no more special jury cases
would be taken at the present sitting. Four were
ordered to be set down in the list.

Mr. Baron ALDERSON will sit here to morrow (this
day), in place of the Lord Chief Baron.

ASSIZE INTELLIGENCE.
NORTHERN CIRCUIT.—York, Dec. 18.

NISI PIULTS COURT.—(lletore Mr. Justice CRESS-
WELL)
John Laverack and Hannah Laverack were charged
with having at Armin, in the West Riding, on the
Ist of November last, administered to Abral.am
Laverack and Hannah, his wife, a certain deadly
poison called white arsenic, with intent to poison them.
Mr. Overend and Mr. Digby Seymour conducted
the prosecution ; 11r. Dearsley and Mr. Campbell
Foster defended the prisoners.
HIS LORDSHIP having summed up the evidence,
The jury, in a short time, returned a verdict of Not
Guilty.
John Naggs was indicted for forging and uttering,
knowing it to be forged, an acquittance for 351.,
with intent to defraud Messrs. Leatham, Tew, and
Co., bankers, of Wakefield. Another count charged
him with intending to defraud John Leathain. a
trustee of the Widows' and Orphans' Friendly So
ciety, who kept an account at Messrs. Leatham and
Co.'s bank.

Mr. Hale and Mr. Hardy conducted the prwecu-
tion ; the prisoner was defended by Mr. Matthews.
It appeared that the prisoner and John Ler tham
were trustees of the Widows' and Orphans' Friendly
Society, which/consisted of 700 members, and had
several branches. When a branch had collected a
sum large enough to be put into the bank notice was
given to two trustees, who, on depositing the money
in the bank, received a deposit- note from the bankers.
This note had then to be cut in halves, each trustee
taking a half; and then each half had to be deposited
with a different branch of the society ; and, when the
money was required again, the two trustees had to
get the halves of the deposit- note from the branches
where they had been deposited, and then the trustees
would jointly present the two halves at the bank, or
have the name of the trustee not present endorsed on
the other half. On the 22d December last, the prisoner
having only one half of a deposit-note for 35/., obtained
the other half from a branch of the society, on the
ground that he was going to pay 101. more into the
bank, and take out a fresh deposit note for 451., and then
he presented the note, endorsed with his own name and
that of John Leathern, by which means he drew out the
351. The endorsement of JohnLeatham was a for-
gery. When aske Ito return the half of the new
note, by the person who had given him the half of
the old note, he said that he had it amongst his papers
and that he would find it. But no fresh note had
ever been issued, as the prisoner had taken the 351.
out. When taken into custody, he said he did not in-
tend to defraud the society, but to pay it back as soon
as he could. _ _

Mr. MATTHEWS addressed the jury for he pri-
soner, contending that his identity with the person
who received the money at the bank had not been
established.

His LonDaum having summed up, the jury re
turned a ♦edict of Guilty.

Sentence deferred.

NISI PRIUS COURT.—(Before Mr. Justice
WILLIAMS.)
Emma Craven and Eduard Craven were charged,
the former with having, at Wakefiehl, on the 6th of
August last, endeavoured to conceal the birth of her
child, and the latter with aiding and abetting her in
the concealment.

Mr. Blanshard and Mr. Shaw conducted the prose-
cution; Mr. Overend and Mr. Pickering defended the
prisoners.

Mr. BLANSIIARD, in opening the case, after stating
the charge against the prisoners, said that they resided
near Dewsbury, and the family consisted of a female
servant, named Ellen Sykes, and a man servant
named Thomas Nettleton, who: did not live in the
house. Before August last, the appearance of Miss
Craven had caused suspicions in the mind of Ellen
Sykes, and on the 4th of that month, early in the
morning, Miss Craven complained of her being unwell
from a bowel attack,: and remained in bed; Mr.
Craven attended her, taking up her breakfast, and
afterwards brandy and water. About half-past 12
she heard cries from Miss Craven's room. Mr. Craven
attended her all day. Ellen Sykes observed several
other circumstances which went to prove the birth
of a child, though she herself never saw the infant
alive. On the Monday she observed Mr. Craven
go into the garden between nine and ten o'clock, and
watched him in consequence of what she had previously
seen, and observed him digging near a cucumber frame
in the garden. She was then sent out, and when she
returned in about an hour, she found Miss Craven
down stairs, looking much thinner. After tea she
went out into the garden, and the hole which she had
seen Mr. Craven digging was filled up. What she
had seen she told to Thomas Nettleton, and on going
to the place where the hole was dug, searched, and
found buried in it a paper parcel, inside which was
found a male child, wrapped up in white calico.
Sheets and chemises were afterwards taken possession
of by the police, belonging to Miss Craven, which
medical men would state had marks which clearly,
showed that whoever had used them had been de-
livered of a child. In addition to this evidence, after
the discovery was made, Mr. and Miss Craven sud-
denly left the neighbourhood ; the former, however,
surrendered himself; the latter was taken into custody
in October. The Learned Counsel then called

Ellen Sykes, who deposed to the facts stated in the
opening speech of counsel.
Cross. examined—Miss
Craven had a sweetheart
who went out to Australia about two months before
this happened. When she complained of being
poorly, she said her father had wanted to send for a
doctor, but she did not like doctors. Had seen some
baby-linen in a box of Miss Craven's. It was quite
clear to me that Mr. Craven was digging a little
grave. He continued digging, though he could see
sue. I went into Miss Craven's room many times, the
door was not locked. Mr. Craven used to go Into
Miss Craven's room when she was sick.
His LORDSHIP here said there was no concealment
of birth; there was concealment of the body, but no
concealment of the birth on which a jury could act.
The jury then returned a verdict of Not Guilty.
Mary Skinner was charged with the wilful murder
of her new-born male child, at Dunnington, on the
13th of September last.
Mr. Matthews prosecuted, Mr. Dearsley defended
the prisoner.
At the suguestion of the latter gentleman Mr. Hay,
a surgeon at York, was called, who spoke as to marks
and bruises which were found on the child, and as to
the fact of its having been born alive. He gave other
testimony tending to show that the prisoner had in-
flicted injuries upon the child which caused its death;
but at the conclusion of his testimony, his Lordship
having asked the witness whether his opinion might
not be fallible, and being answered in the affirmative,
his Lordship asked the jury whether they wished the
charge of murder to be proceeded with, to which they
replied in the negative.
The prisoner then withdrew her plea of not guilty
as to the charge of concealing the birth, upon which
the jury found her Guilty.
His Lordship then, considering the length of time
she had been in prison, sentenced her to a further
imprisonment of six weeks.

CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT.

OLD COURT.

ATTEMPTED PARRICIDE AT CHISWICK.

Just before the Court rose Henry Bathurst
Monkhouse was again brought up to receive sentence.
Mr. Justice COLERIDGE, addressing him, said that
the jury had found him guilty of firing a pistol at
the prosecutor with intent to do him grievous bodily
harm, and had acquitted him of the more serious por-
tion of the charge. They had at the same time re-
commended him strongly to the merciful considera-
tion of the Court, and he was always glad to attend to
such a recommendation when it was founded upon
proper grounds. In this case, hovk ever, the jury had
given the recommendation upon the ground that he
had committed the act while under the influence of
liquor, and his duty compelled him to say that the
Court could not allow that fact in any way to operate
as an excuse, and that they could nut for a moment
permit it to be thought that it was any palliation of
an offence that it was committed under the influ-
ence of drink. He could not help thinking that, in
the present case, the prisoner having formed the dys-
perste design which to some extent he had carried
out, had endeavoured to fortify himself to commit it
by the excitement of drink. He had now, therefore,
to answer for a most grievous crime. Upon some real or
imaginary grievance he had deliberately armed himself
with two loaded pistols, and having gone to the house

of his father at a time when he knew be should find
him helpless and unsuspecting, had discharged both
the weapons at him, and bad left him upon the ground
bathed in his blood and apparently dead. Human
nature shuddered at such an act, and it was one which
could hardly be considered possible unless proved, as
in the present instance, by the clearest possible testi-
mony. Under these circumstances the Court felt it
had no alternative but to pass upon him a sentence
that would remove him from this country, and for a
very long period.
The prisoner was then sentenced to be transported
for 15 years.

MIDDLESEX SESSIONS, Dee 19.
(Before Mr. Sergeant ADAMS, Assistant Judge.)
MUSIC AND DANCING ESTABLISHMENTS.

On the grand jury coming into court to present
some

The Learned JUDGE said he would take that oppor-
tunity to mention that, in the course of the day, a
bill would, he believed, be submi:b d to them against
some persons for keeping an establishment for music
and dancing, in contravention of the provisions of the
25th Geo. IL, c. 36.—a description of proceeding
which latterly had been discussed to some extent, in
cons( (pence of a series of prosecutions having been
instituted under that statute. It was supposed by
many that the magistrate* could not grant a licence
for music only, to the exclusion of dancing, but he
was satisfied that the magistrates had the power to do
so, for the whole matter was vested in their discre-
tion. lie did not think the Act applied at all to
public-houses, but to places where public entertain-
ments were given, such as assembly rooms, gardens
of public resort, and concert-rooms. It was an Act
which was greatly misunderstood ; but in those cases
which were • occasionally brought forward under its
provisions jurors were bound to act upon their oaths,
and he was bound to administer, to the best of his
ability, the law as it existed, justly and fairly.
The grand jury then retired.
A person named Collins was indicted for felony,
but the bill could not be taken before the grand jury
in consequence of a policeman who was a witness in
the case being as the Central Criminal Court. The
grand jury having waited some time for the arrival
of the officer, who had ben sent for, they came into
court and requested to be discharged, but the Learned
Judge requested them to wait a short time longer.
The messenger returned to the court and informed
the judge that he had applied to the Common Sergeant
to allow the officer to leave for half-an hour, as the
grand jury were waiting to take his evidence, and
that the Common Sergeant had replied that he had
already given one messenger his answer, and he should
not delay the business of his court to forward that of
the Middlesex Sessions.

The Learned JUDGH said he was extremely sorry
that he should have received such an answer from
one of the authorities of the city of London. It hap-
pened that the policeman was a witness in two cases—
one at this court, and the other at the Central Cri-
minal Court ; and, although he had respectfully
informed the Common Sergeant that the grand
jury at this court were being detained solely because
the officer was not in attendance, having no other
case before them, that learned functionary not only
declined to accede- to that request, but threatened to
estreat the policeman's recognizances if he left the
Central Criminal Court. Knowing that the Common
Sergeant could easily dispense with one man's
attendance for the abort time he was required here,
having a number of other cases to dispose of, he (Mr.
Sergeant Adams) had again sent a messenger to
inform him that the grand jury were still waiting for
the man's attendance, and they had just heard from
the messenger the Common Sergeant's reply. De
regretted that such an answer should have been sent,
but he lamented more that a failure of justice should
be the c6niequence of that mower. He had no
alternative but to discharge the grand jury at once,
sad he tendered the thanks of the county f,r the
services they had rendered. Ile should not, like the
civic authority, threaten to estreat the policeman's
recognizances; but, on the contrary, would allow him
his expenses.
The grand jury then retired.
At the rising of the Court the prisoner WUS
discharged by proclamation, there being no bill found
against him.

RAILWAY INTELLIGENCE.
SOUTH WALES RAILWAY.

The adjourned half•yearly meeting of this com-
pany was held yesterday, at the Paddington station
of the Great Western Company, to receive the report
of the committee appointed at the half-yearly meeting
in August last, and to consider the propriety of
adopting the report of the directors ; Mr. Talbot,
M.P., in the chair.
Mr. NPNAGIITEN, the chairman of the committee,
stated that it was his duty to submit the report of the
committee on the present position and future prospects
of the company. After the reading of the report to
the meeting he would be happy to answer any ques-
tions with regard to it, and to enter into any expla-
nations that may be desirable. The committee had
stated in the report that it was not desirable at present
to proceed with the line further than Swansea ; but
since it had been printed they had made iaquiries, and
they thought it would be desirable to go as far as
Carmarthen. In the amended report, to meet that
alteration of opinion, they had inserted Carmarthen
iLs!ead of Swansea.
Mr. SAUNDERS, the secretary, then read the report
of the committee. _ _

Mr. M'NAGBTEN moved that the report be receivcd
and adopted, which was seconded.
Major COURT objected to that part of the report
which referred to proceeding with the line from
S Nansea to Fishguard. Their first object should be
to complete the line between Gloucester and• Swansea,wansea,
and bring it into profitable operation before enter-
taining the question of proceeding any further than
Swansea. The Great Western Company would then
be obliged to work that portion of the line, provide
the working stock, and hand over the whole of the
profits to the South Wales shareholders. Ile had no
doubt that the line would be worked in a faithful
manner, and from the opinion of the committee, ex-
pressed in their report, it appeared that it would be a
good paying hoe. In proposing to work the best
portion of the line first, he did not intend to release
the Great Western Company from their guarantee,
but merely to ascertain what the line would pay, so
as to form some opinion as to the propriety or other-
wise of going to Fishguard. He objected to the
measure suggested in the report with regard to the
creation of preference shares, fur in nine cases out of
ten their tendency was to deprive the original shares
of dividends, and nothing but the most dire necessity
should cause their adoption. If the line from Glou•
tester to Swansea, 94 miles in length, could be com-
pleted for 2,970,0001., the sum stated in the report,
it would be at the rate of 31,0001. per mile, and to
get 5 per cent. on that sum would require a profit of
1,6001. per mile per annum ; and allowing 1,0001. for
working expenses, it would require a receipt of 2,6001.
per mile per annum. This WAS not a very consider-
able sum to expect from such a line. He was not ac-
quainted with the district between Gloucester and
Swansea, but he thought they might fairly expect 5
per cent. per annum if the line was worked with
economy.
Mr. CAZENOVB said the whole gist of the report
was to complete the line between Gloucester and
Swansea, and to place the company in a position to
secure 200,0001. per annum. The advantage of com-
pleting the line to Swansea would be twofold—it
would give the South Wales Company time to con-
consider whether they ought to construct the line to
Fishguard, and it would also give the Great Western
Company time to consider whether it would be more
prudent to come to some arrangement with the South
Wales Company respecting the guarantee and the
further extension of the line. It was unreasonable
to expect that either company would act in a manner
injurious to their interests, and if the present terms
are not suitable, some other terms must be made.
He cordially agreed with the report.—(Applause.)
A PROPRIETOR said they ought to concentrate all
their strength to complete the line to Swansea, and
open it for traffic. He recommended the shareholders
to act with unanimity in finishing the line to Swan-
sea, and he had no doubt that terms would be come
to with the Great Western Company.
Mr. M'NAGHTEN said that the committee had
agreed on the necessity of completing the line to
Swansea, but if the funds were available, they thought
it might be advantageous to complete the line to
Carmarthen.

Mr. IhrusrEn stated, ill reply to a question, that
the portion of the line between Chepstow and Swan-
sea would be ready for opening in April next, and
from Gloucester to Swansea in the spring of 1851.
If all the works beyond Swansea were abandoned,
the cost to the company would be 240,0001. The
powers of the company for taking land and construct-
ing works would not expire till 1854.
Mr. NASH entered into a variety of details with
regard to the affairs of the company. lie wished to
know upon what grounds thay had decided that the
line would be made fur the estimate. lie proceeded
to show that the terms of the guarantee were con-
ditional, and, from the nature of the agreement which
would have to ba mutually decided on between the
two companies before the guarantee of the Great
Wk stern could come into operation or be enoreed,
he contended that the option lay enirely with the
Grtz,t Western Company as to the validity of the
guarantee. In his opinion it was a question for the
shareholders to decide whether they had not better at
once throw over the guarantee, get rid of the Great
Western management, alter the gauge, and act
independently of the Great Western Company. He
would propose that the reports be referred to a corn-I
mittee of investigation, with an instruction to ascer-
tain satisfactorily- whether the line can be constructed
for the sum specified in the estimate. Be then
entered into a review of the committee's report
of the Waterford, Wexford, Wicklow, and Dublin

Railway, in reference to the South Wales
financial matters. He concluded by moving an
amendment to the effect that the reports of the com-
mittee and directors be referred to a committee of
investigation, especially those parts referring to the
estimate for the line, the gauge, the loans, and other
transsetions, and that no sanction be given by the
directors of this company on the three W.'s bonril to
the bill promoted by the latter company.
Mr. LUCAS seconded the amendment.

Mr. MORTIMER, one of the committee, said he fully
concurred in every part of the report, and he would
appeal to the shareholders whether it would not be
better to come to an understanding with the Great
Western Company than to rake up things that were
passed. The proposal of the committee was to com-
plete the line to Swansea, and receive a rent of
125,0001. per annum, and release the Great Western
Company from that portion of the guarantee applicable
to the portion of the line between Swansea and Fish-
guard, amounting to 75,0001. per annum.
Air DUNCAN would support the original motion ;
and, as to the amendment, he did not think they had
anything to do with the narrow gauge or the broad
gauge; their line was connected with the Great
Western, and they wished to go hand-in hand with
them ; but if the latter company were not disposed to
act fairly by this company, the matter could be sub
witted to public opinion, and to the courts of law,
and they were strong enough to make them do what
was right. The committee had left them in the dark
with regard to the accounts, and be thought it de-
sirable that a clear statement of the receipts and ex-
penses should be submitted to the proprietors before
the next February meeting. when they, with other
matters, could be dealt with in a proper manner. He
trusted they would reject the proposed amendment,
but at the same time he hoped that the shareholders
would watch every move in the boards of both
companies, and keep their attention fixed on their
interests.

The Rev. Mr. SPENCDIR said he thought the share-
holders had not been fairly dealt with. He thought
their affairs ought to be investigated by a public ac-
countant. Their late secretary, Mr. Armstrong, had
shown no disposition to keep the accounts properly,
for in a conversation he had with Mr. Armstrong re-
specting the construction account, he said with regard
to a certain item of expense being large, the only
way would be to swell out other items, and make
that less.—(Hear.) He (Mr. Spencer) wished to
have a Parliamentary investigation into the affairs of
the company in justice to the injured shareholders,
for he was quite sure that there were parties in the
company who had made themselves secure at the ex-
pense of others.
Mr. BAKER strongly urged on the shareholders not
to appoint a committee of inquiry, for he thought it
would do a great deal more harm than good. There
was a prospect of putting matters in a favourable
position. Something had been said about the esti-
mate of Mr. Brunel not being sufficient, and that
there was no confidence in his estimates ; he (Mr.
Baker) could mention two railroads which were con-
structed by Mr. Brunel—they were the Bristol and
Exeter and the Bristol snd Gloucester ; and he had
no doubt that Mr. Brunel's estimate with regard to
this company would not be exceeded. With regard
to the guarantee, he was fortified by the best legal au-
thority in the country in asserting that it was
perfectly valid, and could be enforced on the comple-
tion of the line to Fishguard. It was agreed by all
parties that it would be madness to construct the
portion of the line between Carmarthen and Fish-
guard. With regard to the accounts, the committee
proposed to suggest the appointment of Mr. Ernest,
of Cheapside, to investigate them, and to report
thereon ten days prior to the next meeting.
The amendment was then negatived.

Mr. MATIIEWS said, with reference to observations
which had been made on the directors lending the
funds of the company to other companies and to
individuals, that they had in all cases obtained
ample security. The object was to increase the funds
of the company in the shape of interest during
periods when the company did not require the
money to carry on the works. The company had
gained by lending money at various times to the
Great Western Company, who had always paid back
the loans when the South Wales Company required
it. The object of the directors by these loans was
to benefit as far as possible the financial position of
the company. He denied that the directors of the
South Wales Company, as stated in the report, were
under the Great Western influence, with the exception
of the six directors at the board representing the
Great Western Company. He deprecated the pro-
posal for a Parliamentary investigation, because he
thought the shareholders were fully competent to
inquire into their own affairs. He recommended the
shareholders of all things to avoid squabbling among
themselves.

Mr. BURKE said that they could not legally adopt
the report of the Committee, because it involved re-
commendations which could not be adopted without
due notice, and at a special general meeting convened
for the purpose.
After some further discussion resolutions were
passed receiving the report of the committee, and re-
ferring the further consideration of the recommenda-
tions contained therein to the next meeting ; re-
questing the directors to proceed with such negotia-
tions with the Great Western Company as they may
deem expediett ; adopting the report of the directors;
appointing Mr. Ernest to investigate the accounts of
the company, and to report thereon Lt the next meet-
ipg ; postponing the forfeiture of 1,465 shares until
the next meeting; and authorising the expenses of
the committee to be paid.
Thanks were voted to the committee of share-
holders, and to the chairman of the company, after
which the meeting separated.

GLOUCESTER AND DEAN FOREST RAILWAT.-It
appears probable that the dispute between this com-
pany and the South Wales Company, which gave rise
to the recent special meeting, will be adjusted. The
question in dispute is one of some importance to the
Gloucester and Forest of Dean Company, whose line
runs into that of the South Wales Company about
nine miles from Gloucester, at a point some four or
five miles distant from the Forest of Dean mineral
field. Access to this is at present attainable by an
old tramway, called the Bullo Pell tramway,
which has been purchased by the South
Wales Railway Company, who undertook in
consequence of a " pressure from without," to con-
vert it into a locomotive railway, and provide loco-
motive power, charging a maximum toll for convey-
ance of materials of 111 d. per ton per mile. That
agreement, if carried out, would occasion consider-
able loss to the South Wales Company, and therefore
they are seeking to obtain a modification of the terms.
The directors of the two companies have had several
meetings on the subject. In the meantime the works
of the Gloucester and Forest of Dean Railway are
progressing very satisfactorily, and will be completed
by the time that the South Wales line is ready for
opening from Swansea up to the point of junction
with it. The erection of one of the bridges across
the Severn, near Gloucester, has been begun. It is
situate close to the " over" bridge on the west branch
of the river, which here divides into two channels.

LONDON AND NORTH-WESTERN RAILWAY.—The
workmen employed in the locomotive department
of the London and North-Western Company,
Wolverton station, are laudably endeavouring to
extend their means of improvement, and they
have arranged, with the sanction of the direc-
tors, to hold a soiree at the works on Friday, the
21st inst. (tomorrow), in aid of the Mechanics' In-
stitution at that place. Many of the most able and
influential advocates of education for the working
classes (amongst others Mr. Disraeli, one of the Mem-
bers for the county) have been invited, and are ex-
pected to attend. The meeting, there is every
reason to believe, will be most numerously attended,
as already upwards of 1,000 tickets have been dis-
posed of.
WINDING UP OF JOINT STOCK COMPANIES.-011
Tuesday the winding-up of the affairs of the Tontine
Life Assurance Company came on before the Master
in Chancery Richards, upon the petition of Sarah
Dee, setting forth that the scheme was projected with
a capital of 400,0001., in 20,060 shares of 201. each,
with power to increase the capital to 2,000,000/.
Business was opened at 20, Pall-mall, by the direc-
tors, Hon. E. Curzon, Dr. Conolly, W. H. Burrell,
W. H. Cadogan, T. W. Fleming, Non. R. Rowley,
F. H. Lindsay, A. F. Proctor, and R. Hoy, but as
many of the shareholders did not pay up the first
subscription of 11. per share, the directors, without
calling a meeting of the shareholders, in accordance
with the deed of settlement, to consider the pro-
priety of such a course passed a resolution on the
17th of August last, dissolving the company, and
transferring the business, funds, and debts to the Engi-
neers' Masonic and Life Assurance Company, informing
the shareholders simultaneously, that unless the U.
were paid to liquidate the expenses incurred proceed-
bags would be taken for the recovery thereof. These
'calls not having been responded to, petitioner prays
that as there are outstanding liabilities to a consider-
able extent, and that as two policies of insurance
granted by the company have become payable, but
for which no provision has been made, the affairs may
be inquired into and wound up. The Master ap-
pointed Mr. Henry Croysdill official manager, to
proceed with the aff..tirs.
YORK AND NORTH MIDLAND.— Special trains are
to be provided for the Liverpool and Manchester
shareholders on this line, to enable them to attend,
returning the same day, the special meeting on
Friday.
CORK AND BANDON RAILWAY.—It appears that the
Exchequer Loan Commissioners have agreed to ad-
vance 35,000/ to this company, on condition that the
contractors perform work to the amount of 23,000/
before the first advance of 10,0001. be made; that the
tunnel at Goggin's-hill be made wide enough for a
double line of rails ; and that the additional sum of
5,0001. required for that purpose be raised by the
disposal of forfeited shares.

~~~~

Dolmen AND AEllllOll'O DIR:4ISIZ StAND Nitta
RAILw A is.—The committee appointed at the general
meeting of the former company last month to inves-
tigate the validity of the agreement of 1846 have just
issued their report. It stares that, on consultation by
the committer, eminent counsel art of opinion that
the agreement is valid, and obligatory on both com-
panies, and that it is in the power of the Dundee and
Arbroath to compel the Dundee and Perth to enter
into a formal lease. The committee state that the
Dundee and Arbroath paid 6 per cent. prior to its
lease, and attribute its not continuing to pay that sum
to the mismanagement of the Dundee and Perth;
and they recommend, upon consideration of the ca-
rious bearings of the case, that, with the view of
avoiding the endless litigation that would be necessary
to enforce the existing agreement, they had better
concur with the Dundee and Perth in obtaining from
Parliament powers to enter into a modification of the
terms, subject to clauses insueing payment of this
guaranteed dividend, and security for the maintenance
of the Dundee and Arbroath line.

THE BRITANNIA BRIDGE.—The operation of raising
by the hydraulic machines the second monster tube,
of 1,800 tons, to its intended elevation of 100 feet
above sea-mark, was commenced by the engineers on
Tuesday, fourteen days only having elapsed since the
day on which it was successfully floated. The action
of the hydraulic presses in the towers was found to
he most perfect and precise, as in their first play on
the stupenduous mass communicating with the chains
it was worked steadily six leet upwards. Immediately
after the bricklayers and masons entered the recesses
of the towers, and built it up firmly beneath. The
instant the masons left it another six feet lift was
taken ; and in this manner the operation is being
carried on without intermission day and night, during
the latter period with the assistance of large lights
and fires. With about fifteen more of these lifts,
should no unforeseen contingency occur, the tubs
will have attained its permanent level, and be joined
on to the great tube in the Britannia tower. The
greatest energy is being displayed in every depart-
ment, and the majority of the workmen, on the re-
lay system, have been engaged for some months pact
from night to night. The first empress train is eX'
petted to pass through before the middle of March.

THE COUNTRY MARKETS.
NEWCASTLE, DEC. 18.—With a small attendance, and
holders not pressing sales, the trade ruled firm, at Sr
turday's rates, for all articles, while, in some instances;
a slight advance upon that day's quotations were realised
for finest samples of wheat.
NEWCASTLE CATTLE MARKET, DEC. 18.---Thi6
being the market day for Christmas, the supply of lel
cattle was large. Quality superior, and nearly all clears
off at good prices. The shet p trade was also good; the
show of cattle allowed to be as fine as ever witnessed ill
a public market out of London. Beasts, 800; 0014
4,400. Beef, 4s 6d to 7s Od per stone. Mutton, 4F le
sfd per lb.
WISBECH, DEC. 15.—With only a moderate supplile
wheat, the trade is very firm, and an advance of fully
per quarter on the prices of last week is generally give
A good show of oats and beans, and both articles sell is
former rates. Wheat, white, 40s to 455; extra, red'
35s to 40s; extra, 41s per quarter. Oats, old, 9d; n"'
8d to 9d per stone. Beans, new, 26s to 27s per quarter,
EDINBURGH MEAL MARKET, DEC. 18.—There o'ere
in the market to-day 81 sacks oatmeal, each s‘eighlef
2801bs imperial, whereof 60 sold thus:-4 at 1/ 6s 01
0 at 115 s 6d, 14 at 11 5s Od, 33 at 1/4s 6d, 9 at 114 s, an
oat I/ 2s ; average price of the whole 114 s 7d 8420;
4 sacks flour, whereof 2 sold at 293, and 2 .a
27s Od. 2 sacks barleymeal, wht reof 1 sold at 218 6d, an
lat 21s. 11 sacks pot-barley, whereof 10 sold ebtisy;
1 at 11 is OJ, 1 at 1/ 5s Od, 1 at 114 s Od, I at 1/ 35 °"'
and 6 at 1/ Is OJ.

LDINBURGII HAY AND STRAW MARKET, DEC. 18."..
Supplies of all kinds large. Oat straw, from 7s 6i toj
9s Od per kemple of 16 stones tron; wheat ditto, 8' oaj
,
to 106 Od; barley ditto, 6s Od to 7s Od. Hay, from "
to 10d per stone.
DALKEITH MEAL MARKET, DEC. 17.—There vier:
207 bags of oatmeal, 1 of barleymeal, and 3 of poi
barley at this day's market. sales ready. Oslole:a
(best) up 6d per bag, but down 3d per bag on the sec°,'",o
quality; barleyweal, one bag, Gd dearer; pot-barley s'
6d per bag up.

First Second Third
24s Od 22s 9d 21$
17.91 —s Od DOJ
... 1-8 Od —s Od
• —s Od —s Od
• 2ls 9d —s Od

Oatmeal, per sack, of 280 lbs.
imperial
Barleymeal, per ditto
...

Peaserneal

Flour

Pot barley

COAL MARKET.— TECTE/WAY.
Old Tanfield
Wall's End, &c. Nixon's Merthyr and od
lieselden _ 17s 6d Cardiff .... ......... 211