The Sun.
London, England, 1847-03-22 00:00:00

Ny MARCH 22, 1847.
S

THE WEST INDIA MAILS.
The Royal Mail Company's steamer Forth, C. M.
L;hapman commander, arrived at Southampton on Sa-
turday afternoon, at five P.N., bringing mails of the fol-
lowing dates, in charge of Lieut. Brown, Admiralty
agent:—Puerto Cabello, Feb. 19 ; St. Jago de Cuba,
Feb. 23; Jamaica, Feb.2s; Puerto Rico, Feb. 27; Deme-
rara, Feb. IS; Tobago, Feb.l9; Trinidad, Feb. 20; Bar-
badoes, Feb. 24; Grenada, Feb. 20 ; St. Vincent, Feb.
26; St. Lucia, Feb. 26; Martinique, Feb. 27; Dominique,
Feb. 27; Guadaloupe, Feb. 27; Antigua, Feb. 28; Mont-
serrat, Feb. 28; Nevis, Feb. 28-; St. Kitts, Feb. 28; Tor-
tola, March 1; St. Thomas, March 1. Her freight con-
sists of 225 ounces 16 dwts of gold ; 168 k ounces old
silver, and 1051. silver bullion; 74 tierces 2 casks, and
14 barrels of coffee; 6 serons of indigo, and packages of
sundries; 1 tierce and 1 cask of beeswax; 35 packages of
arrowroot ; 45 packages of succades ; 3 casks of tor-
toiseshell, &c., and 51 passengers, iccluding General
Middlemore and family.
The Forth left her Majesty's ship Vindictive, Admiral
Sir F. Austin, proceeding to Jamaica; her Majesty's ship
Imaum, her Majesty's sloop Electra, her Majesty's
schooner Pickle, and her Majesty's steamer Vesuvius,
at Port Royal, Jamaica; her Majesty's steamer Hermes
cruising in the Gulf of Mexico.
The Spanish ship Soberano left St. 'Jago on the 9th
February, with an Ambassador for La Guayra and
Central America.
The Royal Mail steam-packet Avon left St. Thomas
on the Ist March for Jamaica, the Tay down the Spanish
Main, the Thames leaving Havannali for Jamaica, the
Tweed down the Gulf, the Reindeer at Trinidad, the
Eagle on slip at St. Thomas's, and the schooner Larne
undergoing repairs.
A slight shock of earthquake was felt at Halberstadt,
Port Royal Mountains, on the 22d of February, at half-
past seven P.M.
The crops are in a satisfactory state throughout the
islands.
The Court of Spain had sent an Ambassador to the
states of Central America, being their first recognition
of these states since they asserted their independence,
and it is believed the British Admiral intends following
the shipeonneying the Ambassador, to watch proceedings.
There was fever at some one or two of the islands, but
they were generally healthy.
The Forth has made an excellent voyage, although
she experienced strong winds from St. Thomas to Fayal,
and bad weather at the latter place, since leaving which
she has had fine weather. She exchanged colours at sea
,with the barque Britain, March sth, lat. N. 23.9, long. W.
57.30; and on the 13th, with the Indian Chief, lat. N.
37.0, long. W. 32.14.
We have our usual files of West India papers by this
arrival, but we gather from them but little intelligence
of general interest. Addresses had been presented to
hit
Excellency Sir C. Grey, on entering upon his office of
Governor-General of Jamaica; and the Hon. General
Berkeley, late Commander-in-Chief, had left King.ton
oi the steam-ship Thames, attended by every demon-
tration of respect and attachment, to enter upon his new

nppointment.
The right wing of the 38th Regiment, under command
Hof Lieut.-Colonel Sir. J. Campbell, arrived at Kingston
in her Majesty's ship Vesuvius, Commander La Touche,
from Montugo•bay.

COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE.
(From De Cordova's Mercantile Intelligencer.)
JAMAICA, FEB. 23.-We have to report our market as
being in a yet better position than it was when we last went
to press; the intelligence brought by the packet from Eng-
iand, which came in on the 16th instant, of the high rates ot;
and increased demand for, American breadstuffs and provi-
sions having caused a corresponding demand and advance
in prices here. Speculators are coming forward freely, and
the market is being cleared of large quantities of flour, pork,
and rice (the two former in particular), which are taken at
even better rates than those reported in our issue of the 6th
inst ant.
We think it necessary here to mention, that, in the event
of there being a rupture between the House of Assembly and
the Council, arising out of the discussion on the RArench-
ment Bill, it is not unlikely that there will be a dissolution
of the House before the Revenue Bill, which will expire on
the sth of April, shall have been gone into. Should events
take the turn which it is conjectured they will, the Revenue
Bib must remain in abeyance until the differences between
the two branches of the Legislature shall be arranged; but
we cannot at this moment hazard even a surmise as to the
period which will elapse between its expiration and its re-
newal or amendment,
Unless specifically stated to the contrary, long or duty •
paid prices are always given, and are to be considered as
wholesale prices.
Flour -The following parcels have been moved on specula-
tion :-200 barrels New Orleans, at 30s. 6d. ; 1,000 ditto, at
315.; 330 ditto, at 325.; 700 ditto, at 325.; 600 ditto, Alex-
andria, at 335.; 500 ditto, Georgetown, at 335. ; .500 ditto, at
34e.; 600 ditto, Philadelphia, at 345. ' • 500 ditto, at 365.; 200
ditto New Orleans, at 365.; 300 ditto Baltimore, at 355. cash ;
300 ditto Georgetown, Philadelphia, and New Orleans, at
38s. ; 200 ditto each New Orleans and Georgetown, taken
together, at 365. and 365. 6d.; 38s. is now generally de-
manded, and prices, it is not unlikely, will keep up for some
time, the greater portion of the stock, which is not very
heavy, being in the hands of speculators. [Since the above
was in type, we have heard that 38s. has been refused for
203 barrels of Georgetown.]
Cornmeal-Previously to the arrival of the packet, 300
barrels in lots were taken at 24a. ; but subsequently 200
barrels commanded 265.: which rate is now refused. The
supply is light.
Rice-The sales before the packet came in were 200 bags
cargo, Bengal, at 17s. ad.- subsequently 1,000 bags Madras
commanded 215. 6d. per 1001 b.; but holders are now asking
225. In Carolina, 10 tierces were moved at 245. per 1001 b.;
and for a lot of 30 tierces, 30 half-tierces, and 200 bags, 26s
has been since obtained.
Bread-All descriptions are scarce and in demand; a
parcel of 70 barrels navy has changed hands at 16s. per
barrel.
Butter-About 270 firkins of the last arrival of Irish have
been parcelled at 121-some previous.lots were disposed of at
the same rate and Ad. under-but the stock is getting light
and holders are wanting more than 120. Nova Scotia has
been sold at 8,1. and 10d., and upwards of 900 kegs Ame-
rican have changed hands at from 60. to 80. per lb.
Lard-The sales have been 250 kegs l'hilade;phia at 6141.,
100 kegs Baltitocre at the aaate figure, and 180 k.,gs Isiew
Orleans at 6d. We have nothing to report in Irish. Both
descriptions are scarce.
Candles-American are wanted. Several large parcels have
been taken at SO. for 6's, B's, and 12's; and at 71,4. for
10's. Sales to the extent of 250 boxes of olive-oil wax
have been made at 120. per lh.
Codfish-The arrivals since our lest have been rather free,
and several cargoes have' been taken at 135., 13s. 60., and
14s. for casks, and 17a., 17s. 60., and 18s. for boxes. The
st.ck on hand is fair. The last cargo has just been sold at
13s. and 17s. in casks and b-xes.
Mackerel-The last sales were at 225. per barrel for No. 3,
and 265. for N 0.2. The stock is becoming light.
Alewives-are wanted. The last parcels were moved at
225. per barrel for No. 1.
Herrings-No. 1, with roes are in demand, and are taken
at 22a. per barrel.
Salmon is plentiful and dull. No. lis worth 50s. to 52;=.,
and No. 2, 465. to 485., in barrels. Tierces are unsaleable.
Soap-Very few transactions have been effected. in con-
sequence of the desire of holders to obtain better rates than
those last quoted, arid the disinclination of the trade to give
them. The only transactions which have reached us are-
-100 boxes Steele's double crown (561 h) at 15s. 6d. ; 460
boxes feather, same weight, at 135.; 100 boxes Olden's
(601 b.) at 14s. 6d. ; and 100 boxes Olden's (501 b.) at 13s.
per box.
Pork-The great demand for speculative purposes has
raised the price of this article. We quote the following sales
of prime at advanced rates :-500 barrels New Orleans at
665., 100 barrels Quebec at 67e., and 100 ditto at 685.; 725.
is now demanded. We quote also 130 barrels mess at 745.
40.. for which 80s. is now asked.
Hama-The stock of American is very heavy; 420 inferior
have been taken at 41 0. per 10. cash, 1,400 at 5140., and
200 sugar-cured at 530. to 60. Some superior parcels com-
mand 7d. English are scarce, and worth 101 Ad.
Pigs's 'tongues-are wanted.
Cheese--English may be quoted at 90. to 101,d., actor

ing to quality and condition. American at from 6d. to 61Ad.
per lb. B.th sorts are plentiful, American in particular.
Corn—Several large sales have been made at 45., and re
axles of small parcels at 4e. 6(1. to he. per bushel. A lot to
arrive has been engaged at 4e. 6d.
Oil—Cod continues scarce—and is still worth 23. 6d. per
gallon.
Malt-400 casks London porter and ale have changed
hands at Bs. per dozen. Lane's Cork commands 90s. to 955.
per hhd. 63 hogsheads Scotch have been moved at 821.
per hhd.
Lumbar—A cargo of W. P., deliverable at an outport,
has been taken at 120 s. per M feet, and 24r. per 31 for
Shingles. 20,000 feet United States have also been parted
with at 1003. The stock of W. P. is still light, and that of
P. P. only fair.
Brandy—Best brands are worth 6s. 9d. to is. per gallon,
short price.
Rum—We quote sales of 60 puncheons at 4s. 3d. This
article is now held for very advanced rates.

EXCHANGES ON LONDON.
Planters' Bank-90 days, par.
" " 60 days, 4 per cent. premium.
44 " 30 days, 1 per cent. premium.
Jamaica Bank-90 days, par.
Colonial Bank-60 days, i per cent. premium.
" " 30 days, 1 per cent. premium.

---
We understand that an amateur theatrical perform-
ance. in aid of the funds of the Printers' Pension Society, will
take place on Saturday, April 24, at the Royal Olympic
Theatre.
MONUMENT TO LORD BYRON.—We have much
pleasure to learn that the British Government are about to
pay a just tribute of respect to the memory of our immortal
bard Shakspere, by the purchase of the house in which he
was born, at gtratford-upon-Avon ; and we hope the same
noble and generous feeling may extend to •Missolongili,
where Lord Byron died. The erection of a monument at-
tached to the Vice-Consulate on the spot would triad to per-
petuate the memory of one so renowned. Indeed, we heal
from a correspondent who recently visited Missolonglii
the
the actual house in which Lord Byron died no longer exisN,
having been totally destroyed, as it will be recollected that
on the Turks storming that garrison, seventy aged men,
women. and children, entered a magazine and blew them
selves up, preferring death to cruelty and slavery. Witt!
this heroic act fell the house sacred to our last immortui
poet. The proprietor of the site not only generously offez,
to give it for the erection of a monument, but also will give
a handsome sum towards it, and surely the friends, the rela-
tions, the Government, and the admirers of his Lordship ilk
at once set on foot a subscription for so noble a purpose.—
Malta Paper.
NORTE! OT ENGLAND JOINT-STOCK BANK.—The
directors of this establishment at Newcastle-upon-Tyne have
made a call of 5/. per share, to meet engagements which can
not be postponed, and they propose calling the shareholdeis
together at an early day, when a statement of the liabilities
of the bank will be laid before them, and the course of future
action determined upon.

SPIRIT of the PUBLIC JOURNALS

FEOM TOE MORNING PAPERS OF THIS DAY.
TIMES.—The law of nations has not hitherto in-
cluded any comprehensive chapter upon bankruptcy and
insolvency. Though the great community of Christen-
dom has most justly been considered by publicists as one
large commonwealth, in the system of which nations
played the parts of families or individuali in separate
states, yet it was conceived that their relations would nut
descend to transactions of swindling and embezzlement,
and that a general congress might part without settling
a small debts act, or establishing an insolvent court for
states. We fear, however, that the particular attention
which this particular department of law is found to re-
quire in our own country is now still more imperatively
demanded in the code which regulates the intercourse of
states and kingdoms. When monarchies conceal their
property, and republics obtain money under false pre-
tences, it is time that some commissioner should act for
Europe as Mr. Fans acts fur Middlesex; and that Spain,
as soon as such machinery can be brought into opera-
tion, will be suspended from her certificate for two
years without protection is unhappily as clear as that
she once filled the most respectable place in that
great society which she now so terribly scandalizes.
The case of Spain, which Lord G. Bentinck is to
bring before the House of Commons to-morrow, is,
indeed, one of those which the gentlemen we speak of
are accustomed to characterise as " the very worst in-
stance of misconduct and dishonesty lately brought
under their knowledge." At a time when the very exis-
tence of her constitutional freedom was a stake she bor
rowed large sums of money to aid her in the struggle
she was manfully conducting. The money was liberally
advanced to her, on the security of the country, pledged
by the very Government which, thus aided and
strengthened, was placed in a position to perform its
promises. Had King Carlos V. repudiated the engage-
ments contracted by Isabella IL, some reason might be
alleged for his conduct, but none for that of the claimant
who succeeded in the venturit for which the money wac
borrowed. Yet, within three years of Isabellit's acces-
sion, payment of the dividends ceased. The subsequent
conduct of the indebted state it would be hard to
match by any example from Portugal-street. Four
years after the first defalcation, viz., in November,
1840, the Spanish Government at length yield to
the importunate entreaties of its helpless creditors.
aed, without going to the length of actually paying
the interest due on the bonds, did condescend to ca-
pitalize the arrears, and consider them as chargeable
with interest thereafter. This, however, is all that has
been done, for the division of the stock into " Actives,"
" Deferred," Ste., has effected nothing beyond the
variety of nomenclature, and the present state of the
account, in round reckoning, is this ;—Spain owes the
bondholders 45,000,0001. of capital stock entitled " Ac-
tive ;" 13,000,0001. of capital steck entitled " Passive ;"
7,000,0001. of the arrears of interest added to the prin-
cipal in 1840, and 12,000,0001 arrears of interest now due
in cash, making near 80,000,0001. of money, principally
British, on account of which sums she neither pays, nor
has paid for these twelve years, a sixpence of interest
'oe)und a miserable 3 per cent. on the last capitalized
sum of 7,000,000/. Conceive a man's figure before Mr.
Fonblanque, who should plead, that though he had
borrowed 10,000/. on which he paid no interest, yet that
he had very handsomely capitalized one year's arrears,
for whiCh he was religiously paying 151. per annum.
The case is really infamous. Every single particular
that comes to light concerning it aggravates the
deformity of its features. 'I he indebted party is'
under no disabling difficulties. Partly by the aid of
these very loans. and partly by the resources of a
kingdom so naturally exuberant and elastic that the
grossest misgovernment cannot check them, the pros.:
perity of Spain has increased as rapidly as under the
Administration of Alberoni. Its revenue, which, when
these loans were csntracted, was under 6,000,000 L, and
when the first arrears were capitalized was under
10.000,0001., is now publicly stated to exceed 12,000,0004
It is a most extraordinary proof of what national as
well as human constitutions will occasionally do for
themselves ; but it is nevertheless a fact, that Spain has
actually, at this moment, a surplus revenue of near half
a million, while France has a large deficit, and England
may, perhaps, just bring both ends together. Nor is it
denied that by the commonest use of sagacity—by the
mere recognition of principles which are now poli-
tical axioms, this surplus might be multiplied
twentyfold ; insomuch that it was admitted by one
of her Ministers nearly ten years ago, that " the re-
sources of Spain were more than sufficient to pay her
debts ten times over." Indeed, though she has
not applied her acquisitions to the acquittal of her
obligations, she has availed herself of her noto-,
rious competence to obtain further credit, and has lately
borrowed such money as she wanted on easy terms from
her own subjects, which domestic liability she very
punctually attends to. The creditors' case is as strong
as the debtor's is weak. They have not been " trouble-
some?' They lent their money in an hour of need, and
only ask for it in a day of wealth. They do not exact
the letter of their bonds, regardless of means or conse-
quences. They urge the capabilities of the borrower as
well as the claims of the lender, and ask for a small
share in the prosperity which they contributed so largely
to produce. To these moderate representations Spain
replies by the very conduct of a dishonest jobber. She
amuses them by promises which she never fulfils, eludes
their claims and ignores their petitions, while she
indulges herself in the full swing of political
extravagance, going to the hills every summer
for an insurrection, and returning to the capi-
tal every winter for a revolution. Imagine a
man borrowing 100,000/. to recover an estate, winning
his cause, furnishing his house, extending his establish-
ment, marrying his daughters, contracting now bass,
and then, after 10 or 15 years' abjuration of the claims
upon him, calling his family together and announcing
that " the solemn moment was approaching when he
might occupy himself with the settlement of his debt!"
Yet this is the allusion which Senor Mon accorded in
the Cortes to the claims against him of 78,000,0001., and
interest of many years' standing. Spain is precisely in
those circumstances agairiA which, in private life, the
compulsion of the law is justly provided and righteously
exerted. She will not pay till she is obliged to do so.
She has abundance of means, but she prefers employing
them in novel speculation, to absorbing them in obsolete
charges. When payment is inevitable it must
be made, but every postponement is so much
gain, and may perhaps conduce to an ultimate
escape from the liability altogether. In humble
life this class of debtor is at once served with a writ; he
bows his head to the finnan of necessity, and resigns his
purse to the mute of the law. To such a resource the
Spanish bondholders are now.looking at last, and, though
the international code does not provide very emphati-
cally for such popular dishonesty, yet there are both
clauses arid precedents pointing to a remedy against the
general controgeney. An appeal is now before the Bri-
tish Parliament from these sufferers, entreating the in-
t.-rposition of the Government either to help them, or to
:authorise their helping themselves; and it would indeed
show a tn-gnanimous indifference to the source where
charity begins, if, after so thorough a discussion of na-
t!onal contracts, we should exempt others from the obli-
gations which we so freely assume ourselves. We pre-
sume there can be little comparison between the claims
of the Russian Emperor and the claims of the Spanish
bondholders, nor would there he much greater difficulty
in maintaining the one than in satisfying the other. There
s ould be no necessity for the " reprisals" so ominously
spoken of by the indignant creditors,. matters would
hardly come to a distraint upon the Philippines or a
sequestration of Cubs. The first process would termi-
nate the business, and a single serious word from our
Cabinet would at once intimate that there was no more
room for trifling, and that the money must be paid.

NICHOLAS AND LOUIS PHILIPPE

TO THE EDITOR OF TUE TIMES.
Sir,—lt may help us to understand a thing done to-
day if we regard a similar thing done some time ago.
In the panic of 18256, a City millionaire, who had
not been on the best of terms with some City bankers,
called on them unexpectedly, and, after expressing his
fear that they might have an inconvenient run on them,
and his anxiety to serve them, begged them to accept a
deposit of (it was said) 1,000,0001. in Exchequer-billp
and notes. The deposit was accepted with many ex-
pressions of thankfulness. In the Bank parlour the cir-
cumstance was discussed, and it was resolved that the
bills and notes should be sealed up and put in the stron.:
room till called for. When the run on the Bank came
the millionaire called, as had been expected, for his de-
posit, and had the mortification of finding at th be with
as
baulked of his intended revenge by being paid off
his own sealed packets.
Will Louis Phillippe seal up Nicholas's 2,000,000 L?
Will Nicholas call for his deposit when the run comes?
Yours, &c., QUERY.
March 20.

ARTISTS BENEVOLENT FUND.—On Saturday the
37th annual meeting of the subscribers to the above fund,
founded in the ) ear 1810, fot the relief of the widows and
orphans of deceased artists, wili keld at
chaither. Free From masons'
Tavern, B. B. Cabbell, E,q., M.P., i nth e th,
report read by Mr. Thiselton, the secretary, it appeend the!
her Majesty and other members of the alitßoy Family stil;
continue their iy.tronage to the iostitution. e receipt,
during the past year amount. d to 1,248/. 7d. ; of which sinl;
7601. was expended in gratuities of 201. to 3$ widows. and
1151. in gratuities il 5/. each t. 23 ;)rplian children of di,ce.ucd
artists. The report concluded by stating that, in conscquem.,
of the ordinary income of the past year liaviiig fallen oil' tr.
the extent of 244/. 15s. 7d., the committee deeply regretted
they would be compelled to reduce the grratuities to the
widows for the present year from 20/. to 141., in order to in.•
crease the permanent security of the fund. The following
noblemen aild gentlemen having been elected Vice-Pro,idems
for tke year—the Duke of Sutherland. Earl of Ripon. Sir R.
Peel, M.P., 13. B. Cahhell, Esq., M.P., R. H. SoIIY, 17,,,(1.
F.R.S., &c., a:id Peter Legh, Esq.—the umial cotripliwrA;
was cvdd the chairman, and lb meeting separated.
SERIOUS ACCIDENT.-011 Thili6daV last the 8.. .....
round
Rothschild's hounds met at Rowsham. Tfie deer *t
k ‘Lr';'.
towards Bierton, and when near Mr. Eistace;- 11')t) a '4'
Vyse, in taking a fence near the road, fell' from rsh•°‘.'e'
consequence, of the saddle slipping ..., is horse ;:,
tunately hung in the stirrup,
wards of 100 yards, the horse gallo i e was dragged up-
-I,eating the unfortunate gentleman's lit' n•
g at
'flill speed am
.'i t length his foot became, disen r:
by which h. " ,foot tmfor-
unudkeri
Ire was carried to the house of NI;
after a short period, it was tho'
in town in a very alarming
to London by railway. W' e , ead against the ground_
i.ja,ed
,from the stirrup. an
sttaarnia:tisiateblies :to
his residence
?.1, ohn E.ustace, from whenc,
state.—. Bucks Herald.