The Sun.
London, England, 1840-12-24 00:00:00

S : ea RIOUS AFFRAY IN JERSEY.

LATEST FROM AMERICA.

cado
___—.......-- Thr i Jersey Riper reo morning
brings
sived this
The Great AN °stern, from New cork, arrived tit at of an affray Paper
soldiers of theg garrison and
al:
13ristel about four o'clock this morning, Thursday, 24th,,
civ aFei?illa as
:...
after a successful voyage of between 14 and 15 days. i ‘. A serious affray, which is. :ikely to' lead to very dis-
The Great Western has brought New York Papers agreeable consequences, took place on Thursday evening,
to the 9th iost., on which day stiesstiessailed, instead of betwee a several soldiers of the garrison and some public
the Bth, s intended, having been detained a day in , sffieent and other citizens at Jersey. is appears that two
consequence Of a very severe snow storm, which ex- police officers were in search or a man sus-
tended over many of the northern am? southern p ected, of having fathered an illegii2mate child
States, having rendered the roads icopassable, in the, parish of St. Helier ; two soldiers at, empted to
and prevented the arrival of three days' N nth and enter ant room where the officers were. The Centenier
South mails. She has a full complement of cargo, with
wou.d not allow the soldiers to enter the room and inter-
upwards of 100,000 dollars in specie on board, aad she fete 9.-, th his duty. A struggle ensued, and one of the'
poFeco fficov
era received some severe blows. The soldiers;
brings home sixty-nine passengers, the whole of whom ho w
were, _
cr, mastered and ejected from the room. A.
speak in the highest possible terms of the ability, , ?our-
rumour, hoivever, spread in the town, that some of the
tesy, and general conduct of Captain Hosken. police had bae.l murdered in George-street. Mr. Alex-
It was fully expected that she would have brought t 'be ander, a most ac:ive police officer, accompanied by Mr.
President's Message, but it bad not arrived at No. Y Le Neveu, basted to Mr. Lloyd's, to render assistance if
York at the time of her departure, and indeed there were i necessary, but before they reached the house, from 20 to
doubts whether the snow storm had not prevented t .30 soldiers were seers rushing from the esplanades
the arrival of a sufficient number of members to open I t owards the house. In one n'oment they were on Mr.
the Congress on the Monday. A ,lexander and Mr. Le Neveu, vv:sen Mr. Alexander was
The Electoral College had met and elected General LI ddenly felled to the ground and ~`oaten about the head
h
wit h own staff. Mr. Le Nevei went to the as-
Harrison President, and Mr. 'Fyler Vice-President, by
si,t, .nce of his friend. One of the assailants cried out
a very large majority. ,i Di -aw bayonets 1" The order was obeyed. Mr. Le Nerei;
Upon the subject of General Harrison's Cabinet
was , minded and struck to the ground, bathes 's nin ' blood.
much speculation was abroad, but it was thought that Mr. A loxander's head was cut open- in fourplae-s.
begs ale still collecting evidence. In the nil agns!
both Mr. Webster and Mr. Clay would be members of The, Court of Inquiry hai not yet closed its procee iin
,lre happy to say that measures have been adop •ed
it ; and it is stated that Mr. Webster had been offered
, the recurrence of
the office of Secretary of State, which he would , theti me 7 ewt :
.eivil authorities. At one moment it was ex-
tvhole garrison were about to rush on the
to
ereven, . a collision between the sa l-
accept,
Accoants of the devastation occasioned by the storm diers and the-
were arriving from all quarters, but its extent was un- 1 rected that the
known, as most of the roads still remain impassable I Centenicr and hi.l officers.
....,...„..
from the snow-drift. In Canada every thing remained .........-....„............
peaceable.
(From the New York flirted of the 9 h inst.) '7.• •
MEE I'ING OF CONGIZEoS.—PRESIDENT'S
MESSAGE.
The second Session of the existing Congress opened
yesterday, and it is highly probable that the President's
Message will he delivered to-day. Although .it is the last
Nlessrge and dying words of Mr. Van &nen, yet there is
not a great deal of curiosity to know its contents.
Ia the present state of railroad travelling—covered %cid,'
snow drifts several feet deep—it is impossible to tell at
what hour, night or day, this week, the Message may ar-
rive in town. Wiest) it does reach us, we shall publish it
as soon as possible—hut as the Wall-street prints have
monopolized all the modes of transmission on the road, it
is highly probable that they will beat us this time—but it
is the last effort and " last card."

THE NEW YA
ENT ROCHIAL ASSESS-
iN ACT.

Ate Special Meeting of Ma.gistrates at Kingston, on
Monday, Colonel Wemyss, one of the Equerries to her
Majesty, attended before Sir R. Frederick and Messrs.
Webster and Sharpe, for the purism lof appealing against
the assessment upon his residence in the parish o‘' Kingston.
Mr. 13islinp, of Kingston, appeared in Eopport Li- the ap-
peal. and Mr. Walter attended on behalf of the :)arish.
The ground of appeal set forth by Colonel Went;s., was
that other property in the parish was not rated so .high
as his, and he brought forward the gas-works and' the
lamas of several parishes in the neighbourhood, with
view fro show that they were under-rated.
It appeals that Colonel \Vcmyss has taken posscssio n
of romp Freruises situated at Robin-hood Bottom, near
Kingston, That were in very indifferent condition, and,
which were assessed at a very small amount. The Co-
lonel has since built a hasidsome and commodious mansion,
and the parish at the last assessment raised the assess-
ment to nearly 2001., and it was against this assessment
that the present appeal was nude.
Mr. Giles, an engineer and surveyor, was called by
Mr. Bastrop to show, on behalf of Colonel Wcmyss, that
the gas-works at Kingston were under-rated in compari-
Olt to treat assessment, and he stated that he had ,surveyed
the tsste.. for of the gas-works, and from inquiries he had
made o'.‘th respect to them, and the extent of b isiness
carried on,. he was of opinion that they would let for three
hundred a year, and he considered that those pret rises
were entainly under-rated by the parish. In answer to
the witness said that he
qwuaessnt iootn sa
i; fromovve d
to
oe
sAcleatghiestriantteesrior of the gas-works, and
that his ca;eulations* were founded upon the information
given him by others.
this was eery unsatisfactory, and
surveyor could make an accu-
The Pr.scir thought
soch property as gas-works,
of all the matters con-
they could not sass how any
rwaitteh oetsttti mamteinouftedirnet,enrakt.utriesuer.voy
sessme
under assessed.
i
nected with them. ton, who is connected:
Mr. Mercer, the Mayor of tslrii..4
n
allow it to go forth
with the gas-works, said he conja .nak•
uncontradicted that the gas-works wet. •
The premises were originally rated at 2f)., but upon an
appeal which was made at Newington the a.. • t was
reduced to 36/. He complained that, after th. 's decision,
the subject should be again brought forward by such a
procecding as the present.
Colonel \Vemyss said that all he desired was a just ..ad
fair assessment. He did not wish to flinch from payin
any demand that was reasonable; but he was satisfied tbatt
he was much higher rated than his neighbours.
Evidence was then adduced in reference to the other
cases upon which the Colonel grounded his appeal, bat
the Bench decided that these parties were fairly rated.
After some further conversation it was arranged that the
Bench should postpone its decision, in order to give art
opportunity for the production of additional evidence.

From Mr. Van Buren we do not anticipate anything
remarkable or startling in his Message. When defeated,
no man is more humble and unprciending—trun-
dlingcabbages to Kinderhook market, when he can't
trundre States, but both with equal equanimity. He
may indirectly clevelope some of the views of his
party, on which to rally and direct their future move-
ments—but the deepest interest will be felt in the
action of Congress itself. Thr, friends of the new Ad-
ministration may begin to indicate their policy. A
repeal of the Sub-Treasury Law, the revival of the Land
Bill, a renewal of the discussion on the Bankrupt Bill, and
a new ratio of the representation, growing out of the cen-
sus just taken, may all be brought up for discussion. Ac-
cording to the accounts:already received, it is nearly cer-
tain that our populati©n in 1640, will amount to nearly
18,000,000.
Altogether, however, the interest of the Washington
news will not be very exciting till towards the close, when
the inauguration of General Harrison takes place—the
selection of his Cabinet and Foreign Ministers is made—
sod the appointments to the collectorship and other lucra-
tive offices are known. There is a lively and buo;ant
feeling ta the country, pervading all classes—springing
from the election of Harrison—but whether he will realize
our hopes, time alone can tell.
SAILING CF THE GREAT WESTERN. The Great
Western sails to-day at one o'clock precisely—her letter
bags at Gilpin's and the agent's. This is her last voyage
this year. On her arrival at Bristol she will go into dock,
overhaul, and retttrn in March. She carries out 60 pas-
sengers, principally British officers and civilians from Ca-
nada. Mr. Hulford, of the eminent banking house of Holford
and Co. London, also returns in her to England. Already
about $60,000 dollars in specie is on the manifest, but it
is expected that $200,000 will go in all. She is full of
freight. This is the last steamer from this port in 1840,
and generally considered the most successful. Captain
Hosken enjoys a high reputation as a nautical man and a
gentleman.
The Acadia is now on her way frota Liverpool to Bos-
ton. She sailed on the 4th inst. and will be in Boston on
the 17th or 18th inst. with fresh news.
SNOW STORM.
The recent storm has been the cause of some confusion
and much damage. Several vessels were driven ashore
1 and lost.

Brig Washington, of Boston, from Turk's Island, with
5,000 bushels of salt, for Phiadelphia which put into this
port on Saturday, with loss of sails and both anchors, was
driven ashore during the gale in the Horse Shoe. Soon
after she was driven thence, and went ashore sear the
Highlands, where she now lies high and dry, and will pro-
bably be a total loss. She was insured at Boston. Her
Captain and crew arrived in the!, city, last evening, in the
steamer Hercules.
Schooner Rambler, of Boston, for Baltimore, anchored
off Staten Island, was driven from her anchorage on
shore at Staten Island. It is expected she will be got off
wit' et damage.
A uhale bark, which was anchored in the North river,
dragged her anchors, and grounded on the Flats, near
Bedlow's Island,
Schooner Leader, of Plymouth, hence for Philadelphia,
was driven ashore at the Hook. Her captain and crew
were also brought to the city in the Hercules.
The North River is closed down to Red Hook it is
said. The Utica left yesterday morning, and was in
hopes of reaching Rhinebeck. Yesterday we received
Albany papers of Saturday morning.
The Charter Oak started on Saturday afternoon for
Norwich, and proceeded to Throgg's Neck, where she
was compelled to anchor in company with the Mahegan,
which left at the same time for Stonington. We heard
yesterday that the Charter Oak went through.
Yesterday afternoon wa received the Philadelphia
payers of Saturday evening.
No cars run on the Haarlem. Railroad now. Passen-
gers are conveyed in sleighs.

At a Committee Meeting of the Taunton Hos
pital, on Monday, J. S. Gould, Esq., announced Lis in
tendon of giving 1,000/. (in addition to the 1,000/. Oven
a short time ago by that gentleman, which was applied to
the general purposes of the hospital), towards the fund re-
quired for the enlargement of the hospital.
DREADFUL ACCIDENT, ATTENDED WITIC
Loss OF LIFE —Yesterday afternoon a serious accident.
occurred on the Old Dock Bridge, by which many per—
sons were seriously injured, and from the effects of which
one child has since died. It appears that, about half-poSt
four in the afternoon, the bridge having just been opened,.
a truck being the first vehicle on the town side, proceeded'
to cross the bridge; it was immediately followed by the
lioresca mail which, by some means or other, came in
contact with the truck, and was driven on to the foot-path
where crowds of passengers were crossing, many of whom
were run over by either the truck or mail coach before
they had time to get out of the way. Much confusion
ensued, an'l it was a considerable time before the bridge
could be cleared so as to ascertain..what injuries had been
sustained ; on a clearance being effected, it was found that
from twelve to sixteen people were more or lees injured,
many having been run over by the truck and coach, and
some having received severe bruises by being pressed
against the railings of the bridge. The full partici:Oars of
the cause of this accident will, doubtless, be elicitied to-
(1.1 in the examination of the driver of the mail coeciii—
(who was apprehended immediately after the accidenc)—
before the magistrates, and at the inquest vriiieh wilt be
held at tl:c Mansion-house this afternoon. —II ell Obser, no.
of Wednesday. •
EXTENSIVE FIRE AND LOSS OF LIFE.—
Petween the hours of three and four cesterday afternoot t -
a fire, unhappily attendant with loss of life, broke out on
the premises, No. 32, Clerkenwell.close, Clerkenwelis. -
green, the property of Mr. Bennett. The premises were
tenanted by several families, and it commenced in thee
front room of the first floor, occupied by.,a female named:
Coombs. The alarm was raised by the people living in:
the second floor, :chose attention 'was first attracted by-
smoke issuing through the joists of tile flooring, and:
on proceeding to the apartments underneath they-
discovered them in flames. Intelligence was imme—
diately forwarded to the different fire-stations, and in a
short space of time the brigade engines and firemen from:
Farringdon-street station arrived, and were followed
quickly by several others. For upwards of twenty.
minuet the flames raged with fearful violence, and the
destruction of the whole building appeared certain. The
engines on being brought into operation played with great
effect. The firemen combated with the flames both back
and front of the property, and, after considerable exertion,
succeeded in preserving the lower portion of the,
building. The first and second floors are, however, nearly
consumed. The firemen, after the flames were extin-
guished, got over the burnt flooring of the first floor, for
the purpose of ascertaining whether all was safe. The
fi st obj, et which attracted their attention was a blackened
substance lying on the rafters, which they at first thought
to be the body of a dog, but on hauling it over they were
astounded by discovering it to be the remains of a child.
An inquiry was made by the firemen, and it proved to Le
a son of Mrs. Coombs, six years of age, who had been
locked up by his mother in the apartment above stated.
The people of the house have lost all tney possessed, and
arc not insured. An inquest will be held on the body this
day. No fewer than six fires happened yesterday in the
metropolis, and were attended with serious destruction o
f
property. . . .. „ • • . _
LAMENTABLE CA TASTBPPILE AT TIfEMAN....q.49Ii
CHESTER ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS.—On .Tuesday-moraine jli 1100(
one of . the keepers at these gardens.,
,nattio4:-.11114aut.7 igtoo23
Hardy, was engaged in cleaning the den appropriated to- -,,,i7,
the leopard and leopardess ; the latter flew at Harvey and -
seized him by the scalp, the greatest on of which she tare
away. He made a desperate struggle; but against such
odds certain death must have been the consequence, had
not another of the proprietor's servants had occasion to
pass the building when the contest was at its height. One
m itt, with more courage than the rest, boldly entered, ac-
companied by a bull terrier, which flying at the leopardess,
caused the animal to let go her hold of the keeper. This
stack was followed by a dreadful wound inflicted in the
side of the animal with a pike. In a short period, how..
ever, a sufficient force was collected for any emergency,
little but by a sort of council of war held among the various
ahsotpaekeonf
..
persons employed in the gardens, it was unanimously de_
lies, with keeper
eideo that the animal should be forthwith despatched by a
musket or rifle, and the shot taking effect in the side, she
to almosttie
Infirmary,instantly
expired.
%s. he r e he The
now lacerated
recovery. Another of the servants, perceiving the ter-
rier's death could not be avoided, and wishing to preserve
its lil3, took up a piece of iron, about three.qaarters of an
inch in diameter, went into the building and gave the ani.
gal a blow on its nose, which was so effectual, that the
leopardess instantly loosed the terrier from its I.l' 8 ).
CHRISTMAS SHAM PA RC ELS.—The *public
ougl t to be particularly cautious at the i r.;sent time in
sa isfying themselves of the nature of their Christmas
" presents," and New Year's "gilts," before they pay the
deinart unless they are
- fur carriage, porterage, &C.,
brought in the eonveyatices of some of the coach-inns, as
t I.; police, particularly in the city, have received informa-
tion of nun eruus frauds, by which London friends have,
after indulging in most joyous anticipations of Christmas
cheer, found that the basket contained nothing valuable.
EXTENSIVE ROBBERY OF WATCIIES.-011
Wednesday the police received info,r,miLtihontooofkthelafoclelowoll-
- extensive robber). of watches, in A:
1 arauispe-street,
Friday last, the is:IL lost., team a shop
c silver verge watches, auln-
Liverpool, viz t—Six fair case silver
i 20,3 marked in
7175, and - -
bend 7171. 7195, 7170. 5112, .
,J. w.,, Five silver ditto. common consulars, Nos.
consfe: ( 66 9330, 9327. and 9018, marked in case "J.
- ' -.)d) ').l . i'. ls Not. 90"6 9633, 9616,
eV," Five duce, silver tii . , .0 ~ 9627,
i 34, marked in case "W. C." Four ditto, hunters,
ado.dub9le( bottom, Nos 7165, 7600. 7605, and 7616.
At six o'clock on Saturday morning a hostile
n e sing took place between a Mr. Byrne, of this city, and
a b
rentleman, whose name or residence was not ascer-
tained,
at the Fifteen Acres. The dispute originated
about some letters which the latter gentleman was sus.
pected of writing to an Italian lady, resident in Dublin.
After exchanging two sho:s each their seconds interfered,
and the parties left the ground without further militia-
tion. Mr. Byrne, who, it is said, was the challenger,
received a slight wound in the arm, and his antagonist
one in the fleshy part of one of his legs.—Dublin Morn
ling Register. • ,