The Sun.
London, England, 1846-12-02 00:00:00

TriE SUN, LONDON, WEDNESDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 2, IP4t.

profit in his marriage. And thus, by foreign intrigue
awl • • h,s toftyp,!ndenee of Spain
been virtually bought and sold."
Assuredly M. Alexandre Dumas was never fur-
nished with a more enthralling programme loran hi,to-
rical romance. A. dreadfully so .so poem on St.
Magnus, Kirkwall, is appended ; and a laborious
article upon " The Game Laos" completes a delight
ful and characteristic number of the niagasine.

FRASER.
Almost all the magazines of the present month
follow in the wake of Blackwood of last month,
and take up the su'oject of English journalism.
The opening article in Fraser is on this subject.
The writer admits that journalism has risen to the
rank of a profession, that it has gained influence over
the hearts and intellects of the people, that it has
drafted into its ranks educatioe, information, and
ability, that it has altogether fulfilled its mission with
digoicy, and has used power beneficially where it
:right have abused it. Therefore, the writer argues,
iiat it is nece,ary to give the journalist a position
in the social scale, and compares the condition of
the journalist of Euglaud with that of the journalist
of France. " The French journalist is in the best
society, flattered by the homage of the rich, the at-
tention of the fair. His name is known in all poli-
tical circles with advantage, in his own with
tame and honour. He is sometimes a peer
al ways a celebrity." "Journalism in France is the
sure road to the possession of the highest offices in
the state, while in England there is no place assigned
to the journalist in the social circle, and as for poli-
tical rewards, except of the lowest kind, such things
are never dreamed of." The writer in Fraser would
remedy this state of things, and makes appeals ad
wisericordiam and ad timorem to the aristocracy to
grant a social position to the English journalist. The
writer does not perceive that it is because in France
the aristocracy has been annihilated that talent has
fair play, and that not only the journalist, but every
man of talent, the literateur, the scientific man, the
philosopher, the historian, each as a matter of
right, assumes that position in the social circle
which is his own by virtue of his talent. In Eng-
land, on the contrary, we have an aristocracy
close, exclusive, and like all aristocracies, gregarious
from very weakness. "It must," to quote the words
of Cebbett, " link and toddle," because (with the ex-
ception of those among them who belong to the aris-
tocracy of talent, and who would, therefore, under
any circumstances stand alone) if they did not, by
linking, afford each other mutual support—if each at-
tempted to " toddle" singly and alone, each and all
would fail in the attempt, and fall. It is, however,
the characteristic of talent to stand alone. Men of
talent are not gregarious, and the anomalous posi-
tion which they hold in this country is to be mainly
attributed to these facts. Being able to stand
alone, the aristocracy at once envy, bate, and
fear them. Hence the endeavour to ex-
clude them from all " 'vantage ground "
in society or polities, and as they are enabled by the
non-gregariousness of men of talent to isolate them
and attack them singly, they generally' succeed in
their endeavour; but whenever men of talent shall be
brought to understand each other, to know the irre-
sistible power which as an united body they could
wield to become in fact gregarious, then, and not
until then, will they assume that position in the social
scale which the writer in Fraser would fain assign to
them, but which they never will assume until a total
change shall take place in the organization, political
and social, of the country. The article on journalism
is succeeded by a pleasant bit of sentiment on " Hair
Love," and then comes the " Gallery of Contemporary
Orators." The subjects of the present portraits are
Sir R. Inglis, Mr. W. E. Gladstone, and Mr.
Christie. To the first more than justice is done,
to the second ample justice, and to the third some-
what less than justice. " Passages from an unpub-
lished French Novel" is a quiet quiz on the
mingled ignorance and impudence of the French
novelists who write on English subjects, and pretend
to improve Shakspere, Johnson, and Richardson.
" The History of Etruria" is a learned review of
Mrs. Gray's work on that subject. The paper, how-
ever, of the greatest permanent value in the present
number of Fraser is, undoubtedly, that on the pro-
p )ied commercial mission to Japan. After giving a
resume of the various attempts which have been made
to open the commerce of Japan to the world, the last
of which, in 1818, had nearly succeeded, the writer
proceeds to enumerate the various articles which
Japan produces, and which she might be induced to
barter for British manufactures. Gold, silver, and
copper are among the mineral productions of Japan.
" Another production of the Japanese islands is coal,
to which, in former times, little importance was attached
by the foreign traders to Japan, though, were we to suc-
ceed in obtaining a footing in that country, we should
probably set a higher value on it than on anything else
found in the whole empire. Respecting its quality, no
information has been obtained. We know, however,
that it is plentiful, and that the fields extend over nearly
the whole of the northern provinces, where it would
seemrp Popular
o
constitutetcraadn the
speaksonly fourelausedb
mountainy t the
whollyinhabitants.
com-
posed
f which taking fire some centuries ago, be-
came a volcano, and has ever since continued burning.
In what circumstances the story originated it might now
be difficult to discover. The whole group of islands,
however, is evidently of a volcanic formation, nearly'
everywhere rising into sharp and lofty cones, from
which smoke and flame perpetually issue. In many
places we find the craters of extinct volcanoes, with
clefts and vast caverns, from which is obtained an inex-
haustible supply of sulphur.
"In the south nearly all the fruits of the tropics are
found in abundance, while the northern provinces greatly
resemble in their productions the less favoured climates
of Europe."
The whole of this article is worthy of attentive
perusal, and we hope that no unnecessary delay will
be permitted to take place in sending an embassy to
the Court of Jeddo. As this writer justly observes,
"A case has been clearly made out in favour of try-
ing the experiment, which, if brought to a fortunate
issue, would provide a vast outlet for British manu•
factures, and tend at the same time to enrich us and
civilise the Japanese empire." The remainder of
this number is occupied by a political article vitupe-
rating the Whigs and free-traders. A review of
Leign Hunt's book on " Wit and Humour," in which
the reviewer acknowledges that he prefers Prior to
Butler, expresses a desire to see Voltaire in the
pillory, depreciates Rabelais, abuses Sterne, and finds
nothing but dulness in Andrew Marvell ; an amusing
archeological prolusion about Lord Mayor's day, and
various poems and articles of minor import.

FRENCH HOSPITALITY.
brated General Sopelana (one of the Spanish
The following letter from his Excellencynffithceercselsen
Interior, will
imprisoned) to the French Minister of the
unjustly detained in France, and now yet more unjustly.
b nation.r e a d
appears It th i s country
teraire, published in Paris on the 26th instant :
aw/li'lhodea,stri"eits-uhem./93noititt7ude eitmtgl-
fi I.e
dS iars,—aScinrci
nelitnhael 2isnt h
of
without once being infor tried ot the crime which is imputed
September
the piison of tlhheaoepbeei.eein.gceorille-.
to me, and without having been brought before any tri-
bunal. lam not, Sir, acquainted with French law, but I
know well that justice and the rights of men rest in all
countries on one and the same basis; and I know no
country which, offering universal hospitality, can arro-
gate to itself the power of detaining in prison a foreigner
who respects its laws, and against whom nothing can he
alleged except his political opinions. If the French Mi-
nistry has pursued a course so arbitrary towards my •
self and others of my countrymen, with a view to give
satisfaction to the Court of Madrid, assuredly they have
surpassed the seal of Messrs. Isturitz and Mon; for the
counsellors of Isabella have not yet proceeded to the
extent of imprisoning such Spanards as are suspected of
not sharing in their opinions. You have not, Sir, the
right to punish my opinions; you have only that of
bringing to trial and punishment such acts of mine as
may be contrary to the laws of France ; and it would
ill suit with the character of a country which pretends
to stand at the head of the civilised and free nations of
the earth, to offer with one hand a treacherous hospi-
tality in order that with the other it may imprison those
who, like myself, are so unfortunate as to place confidence
in her good faith.
In the early days of may imprisonment I addressed you
explaining the tyranny of '
which I have been the victim;
and also the unhappy F osition of my wife, who is on the
point of her confinement, alone, and deprived of every
resource in a foreign country, of which she does not
know even the languege. You have not condescended
to answer me yet; I am still in gaol and separated from
my family. I leave it to yourself, Sir, to appreciate
such conduct, while all Europe, before which I thus
loudly protest, in my own name and in those of my
countrymen, denounces with indignation the tyranny of
which we are the victims.
In fine, Sir, I demand once more the justice which is
my due. If you believe me to be criminal, bring me
before a tribunal; if, on the other hand, nothing like
crime can be alleged against me, restore me to that li-
berty of which I have been arbitrarily deprived.
And if you believe me to be unworthy of the b.sspi-
tality of France, deliver me my passport, that I may
seek some other country whose hospitality is not a de-
ceit, and where I may hope to enjoy unCtisturbed my
personal liberty so long as I shall respect its laws.
In the paean time, receive, &c.
SOPEL ANA

DARING HIGHWAY ROBBERIES.—On Monday infor-
illation of the following daring cases of highway robbery
in the metropolis was received by the police: —On
Saturday evening, between seven and eight o'clock, as
a young man named Dunn, residing at Twickenham,
was proceeding through Zion Park, he was met by two
men, who stopped him and threw him down, and struck
him repeatedly with their fists, and after robbing him of
two half-crowns they 'decamped. On the same night,
between seven and half-past, as Mrs. Whettington, the
wife of the keeper of the Ship beershop, Cusford-hill,
Lewisham, was proceeding along Perry Vale, Sydea-
ham, when near the finger-post she was stopped by a
m9.n, r ho T>inv, anal nn hnr -lenlinint:?:
give him one, he kncielce,4 her down, anri stole from her
person a purse con ,i,,,liug 1/, 15s. in silver, with which
he got clear off.

COURT OF ALDERMEN•

Yesterday a Court was held for the dispatch of busi-
ness. A sufficient number of members not having ap-
peared in the chamber at half an hour after the appoint-
ed time, according to the business paper,
Alderman SIDNEY gave notice of a motion upon the
subject, for consideration on a future day. His impres-
sion seemed to be, that a p,,nalty -should be inflicted upon
thus- In embers who absented themselves upon any day
appointed for business, and that, a, was the case in the
general run of corporations throughout the country, ab-
sence for any len :th of time should be visited with ex-
pulsion.
The RECORDER cautioned the Court against entertain-
ing a question so important to the privileges of a cor-
poration essentially different from there bodies to which
Alderman Sidney alluded.

THE SEPARATE SYSTEM IN GAOLS.
When the Sheriffs were making their report of the
state of the gaols.
Sir P. LAURIE tlolt occasion to represent that if the
Government intended to persevere in the experiment of
the separate system in gaols, Bethlehem Hospital must
b^ enlarged, or more hospitals must be built, to meet
the increasing demand of accommodation for insane
person,. Toe Penitentiary, at Milbank, and the Model
Prison, at Pentonville, were fruitful sources of the men-
tal malady, while the pri,ons in which the separate sys-
tem was not adopted, produced no instances of insanity.
Alderman SIDNEY positively denied that Sir Peter
Laurie was supported in his violent outcry against the
separate system by credible testimony, and said that the
List report of the Inspectors of Prisons corroborated all
former evidence in favour of the effects of the expe-

riment.
Alderman GIBPS brought up the report of the Com-
mittee to whom it was referred to take into consideration
the aprlicition of the ancient Company, called the Hor-
ner's Company, for a library. It recommended acquies-
cenze in the prayer of the petition, and was unanimously
agreed to.

CITY IMPROVEMENTS.
Alderman GIBBS brought up the report of the Com-
mittee upon the presentment of the Inquest of Low_lbourn
Ward. The presentment stated as follows :--For
length of time the increased trade of Leadenhall market
has caused such destruction and confusion in Lime-
street by waggons and carts unloading and re-loading,
night and day, that it is notoriously one of the most
dangerous and difficult thoroughfares in the city of
London ; hut, of late years, the evil has so much in-
creased that the undersigned inhabitants of Lime-street
feel bound to apply to the Corporation for such altera-
tions and improvements as may enable them to carry on
their trade without danger, molestation, or inconvenience.
The presentment was signed by most of the firms in
Lime-street.
The report recommended that the subject should be
referred to the Commissioners of Sewers and the
Improvement Committee, which was accordingly done.
THE COMMISSIONER OF THE CITY POLICE.
Alderman GIBBS brought up the report of the Com-
mittee to whom it was referred, to take into considera-
tion certain matters connected with the Commissioner
of the City Police, including the subject of increasing the
salary of that officer.
The report expressed the Committee's disapprobation
of the conduct of the Commissioner in employiivr police-
men who were paid by the city in the capacity of private
servants, recommended that such practice should be pe-
remptorily discontinued es irregular, aed that the sum
of 1,200 t. per annum should be paid to him from last
midsummer.
Alderman GIBBS moved that the report should bo
agreed to.

Alderman WILSON. seconded the motion.
Sir PETER LAURIE disapproved of the report alto-
gether, as rot containing adequate condemnation of the
irregularities it alluded to, not censuring the connexion
of the Commissioner with railway companies as a
director in such speculations, and, lastly, as recommend-
ing a large increase of salaries, notwithstanding the
Commissioner's admission of the correctness of the
several matters of accusation alleged against him.
Alderman COPELAND said he was never so much as
tonished at any thing as at the report just presented.
The Committee had not thought proper to examine the
individuals who could have given informatio❑ corrobora-
tive of every charge against the Commissioner. Why
had not Boyd, a policeman, who received leave of absence
for a length of time, and who had been notoriously re-
ceiving emoluments from a railway company of which
the Commissioner was a director, called to give evi-
dence ? In fact, for more than two years the Commis-
sioner had taken from the City police individuals to act
as servants in his family, at the same time that they
were paid from the fund for protecting the civic com-
munity. Not only was his footman a policeman, but ,his
coachman, whose only recommendation to the force was
that he could drive a coach well, was appointed to a
similar situation. Alderman Copeland concluded by
moving an amendment strongly animadverting. upon the
conduct of the Commissioner in employing men belong-
ing to the force as his domestic servants, requiring that
he should send in a return of the money received from
the civic funds by those so employed, and, finally, ex-
pressing the necessity for the observance by the Com-
missioner of the regulation enjoining that such officer
should not not be employed on any other business.
Sir PETER LAURIE seconded the amendment. He
was present when the Commissioner admitted that there
was to a certain extent foundation for every charge.
The COMMISSIONER in answer to the charge, as to the
employment of policemen in the capacity of his domes-
tic servants, said that he could not think of allowing his
wife to be attended by a fellow with a belt and lanthorn.
—(Laughter.) It pleased him also to observe upon the
subject of employing his policemen on railways, that he
wished more of the police were so occupied, as they
might have numerous opportunities of discovering the
railway stags with which the country abounded—
(Laughter),.—and having done all that he expected to be
rewarded for (what every body must condemn) he looked
after all that for an increase of salary !—(Laughter.)
"Oh!" said he, "all that's done at the west end of the
,town, the Commissioners of the metropolitan force have

as many servants as they please selected from that ex-
tensive body." He justified his practice by a reference
to what existed. The Commissioners of the metropoli-
tan force never employed a single man of the force as a

domestic servant. The city Commissioner, it seemed,
threatened if the increase were not given to him, what?
Why to go away—to abandon the force altogether. That
would be, indeed, a desirable consideration.—(Laughter.)
Alderman WlLsox said he differal from some members

of the corporation, in opinion as to the Commissioner's

qualifications for the office he held. He considered the
Commissioner to be a man of very extraordinary powers,
and certainly to accomplish by his talents in one hour more
than many gentlemen whom he knew, and often heard
speak, would effect by all their exertions in one week.
The difference between the practice of the City Com-
missioner and the Metropolitan Commissioners consisted
in the fact, the latter employed as many men as they wishe I
without putting them into livery, while the former only
employed two whom he considered it no crime to distin-
guish by different habiliments. He considered that the
Commissioner had been extremely ill-treated by the
non-observance of the conditions prescribed by those
who elected that officer, than whom they could never
find a better.

Alderman COPELAND made a few observations to the
effect that all that had been said upon the other side
strengthened his position.

Alderman SIDNEY and Alderman Gums advocated
the report, and it was finally agreed to by a majority of
11 to 3.
Alderman COPELAND then stated that he should cer-
tainly move in the House of Commons for an inquiry
into the proceedings of the Court in the case of the Com-
missioner of the City Police.

VIOLENT SHOCK OF EARTHQIIIAICE. On Tuesday !
night, a few minutes before twelve o'clock, a shock
e
xthquake was felt here of greater intensity and longer
of
duration than any remembered. The state of the
atmosphere at the time was calm and beautifully clear.
Early on the previous morning a very heavy rain had
'alien, which had cleared the air and softened the tem-
perature, and the following day was unseasonably fine
and mild, the thermometer standing about 52 degrees.
At nine o'clock, evening, it had fallen to 42 degrees,
the barometer indicating 29 50 inches ; the greatest
cold during the night was 36 degrees, and the barometer
inclined to ri-e, standing next morning at 29 51 inches.
The feeling of individuals, during the shock, depended
greatly on their situation. It is most generally de-
scribed as being rather tremulous than undulating,
ar,d in high tenements heavy articles of furniture were
violently shaken, bells were rung, and crockery ware
overturned. Every family was alarmed, and many
rushed out to the streets under the impression that their
houses were falling. Such a; were walking at the
time describe the ground as shaken (under their feet,
much like the tremulous motion in steam-boats. The du-
ration of the shock, by all accounts, must have been
from fifteen to twenty seconds, although the fears of
many naturally led them to think it longer. It extended
as tar north as our accounts yesterday reached, and
along the line of the Grampians it seems to have been
particularly severe. Our correspondent at Crieff writes
last night thus;--,4 At twelve o'clock, perhaps two
minutes after it, a low rumble, resembling distant
thunder, but one which a practised ear could at once
nearer,
heavy
u nadnedr g
rweauxnedd k
el oeuedke r
or and t
v,o,lotuhde louder; detect to be the herald of an earthquake, was heard.
For five or six seconds it approached nearer and
heaving and downfalling accompanied by violent
a
shock of earthquake that shaking of everything
like noise continuing
for the last fifty years, but it certainly for
the surface, and the thunder-
;a
thseennsicbalemeupa-
orThsiisx or eight seconds, died
away in the distancge.
cemtaayinlnyowt
heaviest
rat has occurred in Crieff
one, and caused many a timid heart to quake. The air
ahsaav have
veryb been
smart
one,
before and at the time of the shock was calm and still,

but a short time thereafter a fresh breeze sprang up."•
Perthshire Courier.

SUICIDE DY LEAFING FROM A Wirzoow:--Monday
evening, Mr. W. Payne held an inquest at St. Bartholo-
mew's Hospital, on the body of Walter Bell, aged 53,
who committed suicide. The deceased was a hair-
dresser, lately carrying on business at No. 40, King-
street, Snow-bill, who had been . of weak intellect for
some time past, which the family attributed to their
being much reduced and disappointed in his business,
which had greatly fallen off. On Friday evening last,
about six o'clock, the deceased was in his bedroom, on
the third floor, with his daughter, when he suddenly
rushed up, and said, "I will give you a shilling if you
will go outside of the door." He then ran to the
window, and jumped out into the street, where he was
found by his son. lie was removed on a stretcher to
the above hospital, where he died the same night from
fractures of the right 117 p bone, lower jaw, and other
extensive injuries. The jury returned a verdict of
" T,q-noorary Insanity."
. Our Liverpool iet,ters repoit Goat 44 nu intelligence
of the Britannia steamer has beeii received up to four
o'clock yesterday."

ANNIVERSARY OF THE POLISH

REVOLUTION.
On the 29th of November, that day being the anni-
versary of the Polish Revolution
n of IS3O, the Polish
refugees resident in London attended Divine service, at
the Belgian Chapel, London-road. The Rev. S. P.
Brzninski, their countryman and chaplain, officiated,
and afterwards delivered an appropriate ertsaon, the text
being taken from the 2d Epistle of St. Paul to the Co-
rinthians, chapter 1, verse 5. Sabsequently a meeting
was held at Sussex Chambers, Duke-street, St. James's.
Captain JABLONSKI having been unanimously called to
the chair, addressed his countrymen at some length. He
portrayed to them the present wretched condition of
their once free and glorious country, which had rendered
eminent services to Christianity and civilisation. Poland
was now oppressed by the three perfidious neighbours.
One, an open tyrant, like a branded criminal, struck a
blew whenever he found an opportunity, boasted of his
boldness, and defied human justice. The other, like a
perfidious, but at the same time a coward antagonist,
masked his treacherous movements with a benevolent
appearance, and stealthily drove a dagger into the heart
of his victim by a hired hand. The third was a political
hermaphrodite, partaking in some way of the destructive
nature of both, and acting in concert with them in per-
petrating evil deeds, but forcing himself into the rank of
his western neighbours, and displaying before them his
assumed love of freedom and civilisation. These three
oppressors had sworn the destruction of Poland, and in
that, at least, they kept their word. Many cruelties in-
flicted upon the unfortunate Polish people were not be-
lievedin this country, and he did not wonder—they were
too atrocious to be believed by a feeling heart. The suf-
ferings of the Abbess Mieesyslawska were disputed; the
late wholesale butchery of the land proprietors, nobles
and clergy, in Galicia, ordered and paid by the infamous
Austrian Government, was at first disbelieved here, but
now-the mask fell, and the crime appeared in its full
horror. The recent suppression of the republic of
Cracow and its incorporation with Austria created a
strange surprise in every country, especially in England
and France ; they (Poles) were not astonished at it.
They knew the policy of the three aggressors too well;
and they shoald not be astonished at seeing soon further
encroachments, the accomplisl.ment of which had been
bequeathed to their successors by Peter, called the Great,
and Catherine 11. Whether England and France, the
two powerful nations standing at the head of civilisation
and liberty of the world, would check and chastise the
absolute and criminal conduct of the three despotic
the Poles, however, should
ounllrs
resources. The power of a nation
rulers,
r,eltyim on e
their v‘'ould
own showre so ;
of twenty millions when once united for action was
irresistible. They should not be disheartened by past
disasters ; they should persevere in their patriotic
endeavours, and trusting to Divine Providence aad the
justice of their cause, hope for the restoration of their
fatherland. (The Gallant Chairman was repeatedly
applauded.)
The following resolutions were then proposed and
unanimously carried :-
1. Proposed by Mr. WIERCINSKI and seconded by Mr.
I'rusiuowski—

" That the assembled Poles having found an hospitable
refuge in England, and enjoying the blessing of freedom
in that country, where they can publicly express their
own feelings and those of their oppressed brethren, do
not cease to protest most solemnly against the partition
of their fatherland by the three despots of Russia, Aus-
tria, sal Prussia: considering it, as well as every act
connected with it, down to the incorporation of Cracow
with Austria, which is the last deed of their long and
ignominous conspiracy, as a flagrant and atrocious rob-
bery. They denounce it as injurious to humanity and to
the safety of the liberal institutions of Europe; and they
warn and entreat, in the name of civilisation and liberty,
all concerned in the preservation of them, to vindicate
their sacred rights, thus outraged by the execrable
policy of the spoliators of Poland. Faithful to this
cause, for which they took up their arms on the 29th of
November, 1830, the Poles are ever ready to
sacrifice their lives for it; thereby to avert the
imminent danger with which Europe is at
this moment threatened ; in the confident hope
that the interest of the enlightened countries of western
Europe, and the interest of other Sclavonic nations, will
induce them to co-operate
for the re establishment of
Poland among the free nations, in order that she may
again become a bulwark against the incursions of Asiatic
barbarism."
2. Proposed by Mr. JACKOWSKI, and seconded by Mr.
TERLECKI—
" That the Poles express their feelings of contempt
and indignation towards the Austrian Government for
its iniquitous and treacherous conduct in Galicia and
Cracow. That perfidious Government having organised
and paid bands of assassins, and incited the ignorant
peasantry to murder the nobility and clergy in Galicia,
threw afterwards the guilt of that crime upon the citi-
zens of Galicia and Cracow, imprisoned the patriots who
escaped the knives of the murderers, proclaimed thanks
to the perpetrators of those atrocities for their fidelity to
the Throne, and finally annihilated the republic of Cracow
and incorporated it with the Austrian dominions."
3. Proposed by Major GIELOUD, and seconded by Mr.
P. F. ZALESKI—
" That the Poles express their thanks to the British
nation for the. hospitality they have met with in this
country, and for the protection they have found in its
laws. In particular their thanks are due to the Lite-
rary Association of the Friends of Poland, to the Right
Hon. Lord Dudley Coutts Stuart, to the Corporation of
the City of London, and other public bodies and private
individuals who have continued to evince their sympathy
with the misfortunes of Poland, and to endeavour to
alleviate the sufferings of her exiled sons."
4. Proposed by Mr. SZNZCZEWSHI, and seconded by
Mr. MICHALSKI—
" That the thanks of the Poles are due to the editors
of the metropolitan and provincial journals, who have
nobly taken part in advocating the cause of Poland, and
who have in an independent and energetic manner de-
nounced to the public opinion the implacable persecu-
tion of which that country is the victim."
Several other gentlemen addressed the assembly. The
thanks having then been voted to the chairman, the
meeting, which was exclusively composed of Poles,
separated.

On Wednesday a Court of Directors was held a,
the East India House, when Mr. Frederick Currie was
unanimously appointed a provisional member of the
Council of India.
APPLICATIONS FOR " LOCAL ACTS.”—OH Monday
was the last day for notice to be given to the Commis-
sioners of Woods and Forests of intended applications in
the ensuing session for Local Acts. By the second sec-
tion the Commissioners can, within a month, appoint a
" surveying officer" to make a local examination, whose
duty will be to report to Parliament on or !;efore the
Ist of March. By this new Act (9 and 10 Vict., c. 106)
it is expected that considerable expense will be saved in
procuring local Acts.
SHERIFFS' FUND.—The half-yearly general meet-
ing- was held on Monday at the London Coffee-house,
Ludgate-hill, when the chair was taken by Mr. Alder-
man and Sheriff Challis, who was supported by Mr.
Sheriff Kennard, Mr. Alderman Johnson, the late Lord
Mayor, Mr. Under-Sheriff Tillierd, Mr. Deputy Bed
ford, Mr. Eagleton, and several other of its active
supporters. The report, which was read by Mr. J. C.
Cooper, the Honorary Secretary, recommended the
appropriation of 5001. from the permanent fund to the
Elizabeth Fry Refuge for the Relief of Destitute
Females, on the principles long advocated by the society.
Several members spoke in favour of the recommenda-
tion, which, on the proposal of the late Lord Mayor, was
agreed to, and the officers and committee for the ensuing
year were appointed.
SMITHFIELD CLUB CATTLE SHOW.—The prepara-
tions are now completed for the ensuing show, which
takes place next week. Since the erection of the per-
manent roof over the large area these have not been
very extensive; but the part appropriated to the exhi-
bition of implements, a department yearly increasing in
interest and importance, has been this year extended to
nearly double its usual size. The last day for receiving
stock will be next Monday; the award of the judges will
be made on Tuesday, and the show will be open for the
remainder of the week. The entries are more numerous
than last year.
The Count de Paris has written to M. Le Verrier
the tollowing letter :—" Monsieur,—l have received the
map of the heavens which you have had the kindness to
send to me. I shall see in it with pleasure the planet
which you have discovered. I thank yon very much for
what you have sent me. I hear you have a son about
my age ; be so good as to embrace him for me, and say
to him that I congratulate him on having for a father so
distinguished a savant."
A CHINESE DINNER.—An officer of the United
States squadron in the Chinese seas gives the following
bill of fare at a large Chinese dinner, to which he, with
numerous other foreigners, was potatoes.' 1. Birds%
nest soup. 2. Pork fat, fried with p 3. Hogs'
hoofs. 4. Mushrooms, stewed. • 5. Birds'-nest salad.
6. Giblet soup. 7. Kitten hash. 8. Fried Irish pota-
toes. 9. Rat hash. 10. Tea. 11. Sharks' fins. 12.
Fried ducks. 13. Dog stew. 14. Stewed chickens.
15. Ham stew. 16. Pork stew. 17. Fried cucumber .s.
18. Pate of rats. 19. Feline ragout. 20. Ham stewet.'
with pork. 21. Sucking pig. 22. Snail pate. 23. Snail
soup. I tasted the first dish, and became so disgusted
that I could not proceed. They were brought on, one
dish at a time, in exquisitely beautiful china bowls.
GUN COTTON.---A gentleman residing in the vici-

nity of Leith -walk, having purchased some of the gun
cotton, left it in his study after having made some ea:-
periments with it. His little boy, a fine intelligent chEid
of five years, entering the room in his father's absenoe,
determined to play him a trick, and seizing some of th e
cotton, hastened to the nursery, and placed some of it
by the side of the fire. Neither the nurse nor governe:
being aware of the dangerous plaything their youn g
charge had got into his possession, took no notice .of
what he was doing until they were aroused by a dreati 1-
ful report, and on looking in the direction whence it
came, saw the poor little boy stretched on his back in
state of perfect stupefaction. Their efforts to restore
him for some time seemed hopeless, and at the same time
an alarm of fire was raised, and the vent fotind to be in
flames. Assistance was fortunately soon obtained, and
little injury done. The child is gradually recovering.---
6'cottish Gazette.
THE RAILWAY R ALMANAC DIRECTORY, YEA
complete railway directorY of 3'll
BOOS OF 6TATISTICS, AND DIGEST OF :RAILWAY LAW
FOR 1847 _This is the second year of the appearance of
which is a complete reper-
containing nom only a diary
railway and bank meetings in each month ; list of
ttaehoxuri
disys
taAionfcl
railwaygrlaer acii clawrybsuinformation
aanedctotheir
officers,
&c.
a
abandoned railway schemes diary of
; abstracts of Parliamentary
returns, &c., relating to railways ; a list of the clerk
the
s of
the peace ; a digest of the standing orders of all
Railway Acts of the sessions, and of all decisions on
vet
railway law in the Courts, so far as they have as
beef: glrou. fact, it is so
f.r an - o
engaged in railway speculations to require any stata
- tical information which he will not and in the .Raillot */
Almanac,

REVIEW OF THE BRITISH CORN

TRADE.

The official account of the stocks of Grain, Pulse, and
Flour in bond in the United Kinglom on LI:, sth instant,
has been pcblished this week ; we give the statement,
with the addition of what was under lock at the cor-
responding period last year, in a tabular form, to show
at a glance the relative position of stocks at the two
periods :

In Bond in the In Bond in the
Kingdom. Kingdom.
Nov. 5, 1846. Nov. 5, 1845
Wheat qrs. 114,989
Barley „ 15,895
Oats „ 52,621
Rye
Beans
Peas 10,045
Flour cwts. 257,985
It would be very useful if a similar statement of the
stocks of free corn, &c , could be laid before our readers ;
but this cannot, in the absence of statistical information,
be done. The imports of wheat and flour into Greet
Britain this year have certainly been immense ; equal
together to about three millions of quarters. If, there-
fore, the consumption of foreign bread stuffs had beenno
greater during the present autumn than it was in the
autumn of 1845, we should at present have a large excess
of both wheat and flour over what was held at this time
last year. That there really is an excess we entertain
no doubt, but it is not nearly so great as the extent of '
the imports would appear to indicate. At the time of
harvest last year a very considerable quantity of old
English wheat remained on hand ; and there was, conse-
quently, less necessity to employ foreign for mixing with
the new produce. In the month of Sptember this year
a much smaller proportion of the supplies brought for-
ward by the farmers consisted of old wheat than in
ordinary seasons, and since then the deliveries have been
almost wholly of the new crop ; the condition of the
latter has, it is true, until very lately been so dry as to
render it fit to grind with a less portion of old than in
ordinary seasons ; still it has been necessary to take
considerable quantities for that purpose ; and from the
comparatively bare state of the granaries at all the prin-
cipal depots of foreign in the kingdom, we question whe-
ther much more than a million piarters of old foreign
wheat is left in the country. The rapid reduction which
the stocks have recently undergone, and the very scanty
manner in which the growers have brought forward sup-
plies during the last menth, hive imparted a firm tone to
the trade. This has been more observable in the coun-
try markets than in London, and the rally which has
occurred in prices within the last fortnight originated in
the provincial markets, Mark-lane having followed, and
not, as usual, led the advance. This is a new feature in
the trade, and one deserving of notice. The accounts
received this week from the leading country markets state
that a good deal of business bas been done in wheat, at
improving rates. At the shipping ports on the east
coast the supplies have barely kept pace with the de-
mand, and prices ls, to 2s. per quarter above those pre-
viously current have consequently been realised. Whilst
this has been the case in the agricultural districts, the
tendency has also been upward at the large consuming
towns, though not in so marked a degree.
At Liverpool wheat was no higher on Tuesday than
on that day week, but flour rose Is. per barrel, and In-
dian corn, being in lively request 'for Ireland, partly re-
covered from the previous depression. Later in the
week the inquiry for wheat became more lively, and a
fair amount of business was done on Friday, at an en-
hancement of 2d. per 701bs.
In Yorkshire quotations of wheat have remained nearly
stationary ; but at Birmingham, Bristol, and Gloucester
buyers have this week had to pay fully is. to 2e. per qr.
above former terms.
In Ireland some sensation appears to have been pro•
duced by the arrival of rather impoetant supplies ref In-
dian corn ; the effect does not, however, appear to have
been very lasting, and the temporary decline which
prices of grain had undergone at several of the leading
markets held in the early part of the week had been par-
tially recovered during the succeeding few days, the
value of most articles being nearly as high on Friday as
in the beginning of the week.
We have to report a good arrival of English wheat,
the receipts coastwise into London having been larger
than of late, the quantity which has come to hand hav-
ing amounted to 10,059 qrs. The bulk of the supply
has gone to the millers direct ; and that exhibited at
Mark-lane by land-carriage samples has been of a
limited character. On Wednesday the Essex, Kent, and
Suffolk stands were absolutely bare ; and on Friday
only a few runs were shown from the first-named
county. Under these circumstances it is needless to say
that the operations have been unimportant ; but the
town millers, whose stocks have been gradually reduced,
have manifested an increased disposition to purchase,
which has enabled factors to obtain full terms where
sales have been made. A very large proportion of the
English wheat brought forward during the last month or
six weeks has been purchased for shipment coastwise ;
and had it not been for the extremely cautious manner
in which the bakers have for some time past supplied
themselves with lour, the millers would ere now have
been compelled to buy more freely. As it is, the
demand cannot be deferred much longer—for all
the parties engaged in the meal trade, the manu-
facturer, the factor, and the baker—have for a con-
siderable period drawn heavily on their reserve ; and
the time is, we think, not far distant when it will be-
come necessary to take steps to replenish the inroads
made on their stocks. Holders of free foreign wheat
have remained very firm throughout the week, but the
inquiry has not been active, and no advance on previous
prices has been established. There has been an inquiry
for 13w qualities, for shipment to Ireland, without, how-
ever, leading to much business ; the orders from thence
having, in most cases, been limited somewhat too low to
admit of their execution. The operations in bonded
wheat have been less extensive this than last week, the
accounts from France being of a somewhat more sub-
dued tone than before. The stock under lock in London
is not large—on the sth instant (the latest date to
which it is officially made up) it consisted of only 36,879
qrs. The arrivals since then have, on the whole, been
moderate ; and several parcels having from time to time
been taken for export, and a few lots having been en-
tered for home consumption, no great increase can have
occurred in the bonded stock.
English flour, whether of town or country manufac-
ture, has moved off tardily throughout the week, and its
value has undergone no change requiring notice ; but a
greater degree of firmness has been displayed by sellers.
American flour has met with a moderate share of atten-
tion, and in some instances a trifle more money has been
paid for really fresh sound qualities. On the sth of the
month there were 32,129 cwts. of flour under lock in
London.
The market has been rather sparingly supplied with
barley of home growth ; and though the maltsters have
conducted their operations with more than ordinary cau-
tion, they have not succeeded in depressing prices, really
fine qualities being fully as dear at the close as they were
at the commencement of the week. Good heavy grinding
samples have met a tolerably ready sale at the currency
of last Monday, but distilling sorts (of which the bulk of
the arrivals from abroad has consisted) have moved oft'
somewhat slowly at former terms.
The scarcity of prime Malt has caused the best de-
scriptions to be held very firmly, and even secondary
kinds have not been sold at lower terms than last week,
though the inquiry for the latter has been very far from
lively.
The arrivals of Oats from our own coast and Scotland
have been on the scanty scale as previously; and from
Ireland only 10,282 qrs. have come to hand, with the
wind mostly favourable for arrivals from thence. The
foreign supply has likewise been moderate, consisting,
up to this evening (Saturday), of 6,403 qrs. The ad-
vance established on Monday last has, therefore, been
well supported; indeed fine corn was hardly obtainable
at the close on as easy terms as in the beginning of the
week. The dealers still look anxiously to Ireland for
supplies; if, however, we may judge by the accounts we
receive from thence, no assistance of importance can be
calculated on from that quarter. Meanwhile the stocks
on the spot are being daily diminished, the receipts
having for several weeks past fallen short of the quantity
required for the consumption of the metropolis. There
were in bond at this port on-the sth of November 38,104

being shipped to Great Britain.
A letter from Dantzic of the 21st informs us that only
1430ut 60 lasts of wheat had changed hands at that port
been taken for shipment to France or Belgium, the qua-
lity being too inferior to suit the English market. The
price paid has been equal to 475. 6d. per quarter free on
board, and the weight only 591bs. per bushel. Really
fine high-mixed qualities were then still held at 555. to
565. per quarter ; and for a parcel of only 601bs. weight,
qrs.
The late decline in the price of Beans has not as ye
been followed by an improved demand, only a retail
business having been done in the article at last Monday's
reduced terms.
White Peas sold rather more freely on Friday, but
were not by any means dearer than earlier in the week.
The few parcels of hog Peas brought forward have
been sold without difficulty at previous prices.
The demand for floating cargoes of Indian Corn has
again revived (principally on Irish account) ; and very
full prices have been obtained for the article.
THE FOREIGN CORN TRADE.
We learn from the north of Europe that the weather,
after having been frosty, had again become mild ; but it
is more than probable that a similar change to that ex-
perienced here may have afterwards occurred, and there
is some prospect of the shipping season in the Baltic
being closed early. By the most recent accounts from
that quarter we learn that comparatively little grain was
sioce that day week. This parcel had, it was supposed,
received down the Vistula, 545. per quarter had been
asked. The stock in granary was estimated at 80,000
quarters, a large proportion of which consisted of infe-
rior qualities. The water in the Vistula had slightly
risen; still it was feared that part of the supply expected
from the interior might not get down before the setting
in of frost,
From Rostock our advices are of the 23d inst. The
reports from France had caused holders of wheat to
raise their pretensions ; and new, which had before been
offered on rather moderate terms, had again risen to a
price corresponding with 525. per qr. free on board. Of
old wheat there were absolutely no stocks ; and the
supplies from the farmers had barely kept pace with the
demand. Tho inquiry for barley had, on the other
baud, fallen off, the latest reports from hence having
checked the inclination to buy. Good qualities were
then offered pretty freely at 295. per qr. free on boar
At Stettin (from whence we have also letters oft he
hardly anything appears to have been done
pt for local consumption ; but the deliveries
growers having been exceedingly small, needy
pay quite former rates. Of barley a pur-
lotcoehad been made by buyers from the interior,
The Hamburg reports of Tuesday last are of very
per qr. free on board.
2ifbcanr3hutodayme
sec
iienrut
ssohatrhlea
wheat,
ant3edwto s .
little interest. In wheat hardly a sale has been made
since the p•'eaeding pn.t (lay, either of parcels on the
' Ispot or cargoes to be shipped from outports. From
Holstein and Wismar there were offers of wheat at 535.,

from Denmark at 51s. 6d. to 525. 3d., and from Pome-
rania at 525. to 535. per qr„ free on board, without hay-
ing led to much business.

In the principal Dutch markets prices of wheat have
rather risen of late ; but quotations are not as yet suffi-
ciently high in Holland to admit of shipments being
made from Great Britain with a prospect of a profit.
For Rye there appears to have been an immense de•
mand both at. Amsterdam and Rotterdam, by buyers
from the Prussian provinces, &c.
At the principal French ports the value of wheat has
been very firmly supported. A letter from Marseilles,
dated 23d instant, informs us that, by a new regulation
in the quarantine laws, the time of detention had been
shortened to five days. This had liberated nearly the
whole of an immense fleet of vessels wheat-laden. all of
which had come into the harbour to unload. The enor-
mous supplies thus poured into the harbour had failed,
however, to depress prices, the demand from the interior
having taken off the receipts as soon as landed. Ma-
rianopoli wheat was then still worth 505., and superior
soft Polish Odessa 535. Gd. to 555. 6d. per qr. free on
board.—Mark-lane Express, Monday.

.TUESDAY NIGHT'S GAZETTE,
WHITEHALL, NOVEMBER 28, 1846.
The Queen has been pleased to direct letters patent to be
passed under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland, nominating, presenting, and appointing
the Venerable Walter Augustus Shirley, M.A., to the
Bishopric of the Isle of Man and Sodor, void by the trans-
lation of the Right Reverend Father in God Doctor Thomas
Yowler Short to the see of St. Asaph.
WHITEHALL, Nov. 30.
The Queen has been pleased to present the Rev. John
Keillor to the church and parish of North Ronaldshay, in the
presbytery of North Isles and county of Orkney, vacant by
the resignation of the Rev. Robert Waugh.
WAR-OFFICE, DEC. 1.
10th Light Dragoons—Lieutenant Thomas Tristram Spry,
Carylon, to be Captain, by purchase, vice Tomline, who re-
tires ; met John Walrond Clarke, to be Lieutenant, by
purchase, vice Carlyon ; Edward Stacey, Gent., to be Cornet,
by purchase, vice Clarke ; Dec. 1.
Ist, or Grenadier Regiment of Foot Guards—Lieutenant-
Colonel Arthur Augustus Thurlow Cunynghame, from the
13th Foot, to be Captain and Lieutenant-Colonel, vice Stuart,
who exchanges ; Captain Henry Caldecot, ,from half-pay 2d
Dragoon Guards, to be Lieutenant and Captain, vice Pen-
leaze, promoted ; Ensign and Lieutenant William Drogo
Viscount Mandeville to be Lieutenant and Captain, by pur•
chase, vice Caldecot, who retires; John Davie Ferguson
Davie. Gent., to be Ensign and Lieutenant, by purchase,
vice Viscount Mandeville, Dec. 1.
Ist Foot—George Rowland, Gent., to be Ensign, by pur-
chase, vice Williams, who retires, Nov. 30; Henry Howard
Barber, Gent., to be Ensign, by purchase, vice Deane, pro-
moted in the 63d Foot, Dec. 1.
13th Foot—Captain and Lieutenant-Colonel Charles
Stuart, from the Ist or Grenadier Regiment of Foot Guards
to be Lieutenant-Colonel, vice Cunynghame, who exchanges
Dec. 1.
27th Foot—Lieutenant Herman Stapylton to be Captain,
by purchase, vice Lewes, whose promotion has been cancelled,
Dec. 1; Ensign Frederick Charles Herring to be Lieutenant,
without purchase, vice Lewes, deceased, Aug. 5 ; Ensign
Charles Adrian Webster Wedderburne to be Lieutenant, by
purchase, vice Herring, whose promotion, by purchase, has
been cancelled ; Gentleman Cadet Joseph William Tate
Dickson, from the Royal Military College, to be Ensign,
without purchase, vice Wedderburne, promoted, Dec. 1.
63d Foot—Ensign Henry Allen Murray Deane, from the
Ist Regiment of Foot, to be Lieutenant, by purchase, vice
Hunt, whose promotion, by purchase, has been cancelled,
Dec. 1.
66th Foot—William Yates Peel, Gent., to be Ensign, by
purchase, vice Conner, promoted, Nov. 30 ; Webster Thomas
Gordon, Gent., to be Ensign, by purchase, vice Robert Gor-
don, who retires, Dec. 1.
69th Foot—Captain the Honourable Charles Reginald Pa-
kenham, from the Ist West India Regiment, to be Captain,
vice Losack, who exchanges, Dec. 1.
73d Foot—Gentlemen Cadet Cameron Neville Hogge,
from the Royal Military College, to be Ensign, without pur-
chase, vice Coney, deceased, Dec. 1.
93d Foot—Robert Bryce Hay, Gent., to be Ensign, by
purchase, vice Thompson, who retiree, Dec. 1.
Ist West India Regiment—Captain George Losack, from
the 69th Foot, to be Captain, vice Pakenham, who exchanges,
Dec. 1.

Dec. 22—A. T. Edwards, bricklayer, Idol-lane, Tower-street,
City, Dec. 22—J. Blunden, grocer, Basingstoke, Southamp-
ton, Dec. 24—S. Joyce, ironmonger, London-wall, Dec. 23
J. Elliott, ship smith, Beer-lane, Great Tower-street, City,
Dec. 19—J. Beaton, tailor, Upper-street, Islington, Dec. 23
—T. Savage, butcher, Nunney, Sotnersetshire, Dec. 31—H.
Hutchinson, merchant, Dec. ',a—T. Ward, malster, Notting-
ham, Dec. 22—W. G. Merrett, surgeon, Leadenhall-street,
Dec. 22—J. Bloor, brewer, Tutbury, Staffordshire, Dec. 22
W. Ballinger, malster, Swansea, Glamorganshire, Dec. 22
W. Stockbridge, tobacconist, Wandsworth, Dec. 22.
PARTNERSHIPS DISSOLVED.

J. J. and J. Gibbins, colour manufacturers, Mile-end-read
—D. Ladyman and A. Scott, joiners, Beswick,Cumberland—
J. Hardy, J. Hardy, jun., and J. B. Lawton, carriers, Not-
tingham—T. Nicholson, J. Harling, and T. Wilson, stone-
ware manufacturers, Castleford, Yorkshire—J. W. Monnery,
B. Cowie, and H. Brookman, printers' brokers, Blackfriars-
road—G. West and G. Nichols, millers, Wells next the Sea,
Norfolk—S. J. Malenoir and J. S. Moore, fish salesmen,
Lower Thames-street—J. and W. Webb, grocers, Rayleigh,
Essex—R. Wilkin, E. Preston, jun., and C. D. Watson (so
far as regards R. Wilkin)—F. Ricketts, A. Ricketts, W.
Boutcher, and W. Mortimore, merchants, Gracechurch-
street (so far as regards F. Rickets)—R. H. Manning, W.
Manning, and P. M. Hayman, oil merchants, Bristol—R.
Place and W. Wood, silk manufacturers, Gresham-street,
City—T. Godfrey and J. Parker, corn merchants, Liverpool—
R. G. Jackson and T. C&wthra, woolstaplers, Birstal, York-
shire—F. Vines and C. W. Lewis, corn factors, Crutched-
friars—S. Vines, T. Kitelee, and J. Tomlin, corn factors,
Crutched-friars—G. and S. Sharp, stone masons, Commercial-
road, Lambeth—J. and P. Morgan, Abergavenny, Mon-
mouthshire.

SCOTCH SEQUESTRATIONS.
John M Gibbon, merchant, Glasgow, Dec. 7 and Jan. 4, at
twelve, at the chambers of Messrs. Baird and Mairhead,
Glasgow.
Alexander Falconer, book agent, Edinburgh, Dec. 9 and
Dec. 30, at two, at Messrs. Stevenson and Sons' salerooms,
Edinburgh.
William Johnston A 3 son, merchant, Blairgowrie, Dec. 8
and Dec. 29, at twelve, at M'Laren's Inn, Blairgowrie.

MONSTER EXCURSION TRAINS.

Numerous reports of the Inspector-General of Rail-
ways and of the Assistant-Inspector, on the opening of new
portions of railways, on the occupation of land for pre-
venting slips, and on other subjects, have just been
printed in a volume, by direction of the Houses of Par-
liament (to whom the documents were presented by the
Queen's command, just before the prorogation), consti-
tuting appendix No. 3, to the report of the officers of the
Railway Department to the Lords of the Committee of
Privy Council for Trade, for the two years 1844 and
1845. The following is an interesting document from
this volume, being "on the best mode of arranging
large excursion trains with a view to the public safety.'
It was written by Major-General Pasley, and dated from
the Railway Department of the Board of Trade, White-
hall, and is addressed to the Lords of the Committee of
Privy Council for Trade, Rce.:—

" My Lords,—Having considered the question of very
large or monster trains for pleasure excursions, and
having seen the opinions of several engineers, or other
officers of railway companies on the subject, collected
by Captain O'Brien, besides having myself taken the
opinion of several other railway officers personally, and
having reflecte:l fully on the same, I beg leave to report
as follows :

" There are two obvious modes of conveying passen-
gers by these trains, which may be adopted by any rail-
way company—first to collect them all in one train, to
be drawn by as many locomotive engines in front as may
prove necessary.
" Secondly, To divide them into several sections, or
distinct trains, following each other at certain intervals,
and not containing more carriages than are usually
drawn by one engine in the ordinary passenger traffic of
the company, but which may occasionally require the aid
of a second engine to held them up steep inclines.
" Of these two systems, I am of opinion that the first
is objectionable, inasmuch as trains requiring, under all
circumstances, two or more engines, have too great a
momentum, and when several engines and tenders are
connected together, it is impossible for all the engine-
' men to act in concert ; so that, if any engine or carriage
were to break down, or get off the rails, the crash would
be tremendous, and the consequences might be fatal.
" On the other hand, when several smaller trains fol-

low each other, a collision is possible without a previous
breakdown, as was the case recently on the Croydon
Railway, but that accident, luckily not attended with
loss of life, was caused by peculiar circumstances, upon,
which I have made a special report ; and the experience
of several great railways in the north of England, where
the practice of successive trains, drawn by one engine,
following each other at very short intervals, has beer.
adopted for many years, must be considered conclusiv
as to the safety of this system ; especially when such
successive trains all belong to the same railway company.
as is the case in the excursion or pleasure-trains now
under discussion.

" I therefore beg leave to confirm the opinion of th
majority of the engineers, or other officers of rail
ways, who have been consulted on this head, in recom
mending— . _

" Ist. That no monster train for excursions, drawn by
two or more engines, should be allowed ; but that the
passengers should be conveyed in successive trains by
one engine each, with the aid of a second engine only to
help them up steep inclines; that these trains shall start
at intervals of not less than three minutes after each
other, which time is to be corrected by signal at every
station; besides which the engineman of each succeed•.
ing train is to look out for the train in front of him, afte
having passed a station, and take care never to approacl
nearer to it than half a mile.
" 2ndly. That no goods or coal-waggons shall be al
lowed to carry any part of the passengers of excursion
trains, however they may be fitted up.
" 3dly. There shall be a proportion of guards, no
less than one to every eight carriages, and that no pas
senders shall be allowed to sit on the roof of any first e
second:class carriage, or on the side or end of any ope

third-class carriage. -
.6 4thly. That arrangements shall be made in respec
to the departing trains, to prevent the admission to t'
platform at one time of a greater number of passenger
than one train is calculated to carry.
" I have, &c.

" C. W. PASLEY, Major-General, &e."

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF COMICAL FELLONVS.-
A few evenings ago a numerous meeting of this encl.
order took place at the Coach and Horses, Chiswe.
street, Finsbury-square, when N. G. R. Thomas Sed
wick took the chair, and was ably supported by D. G.
S:enlake, S. G. M. Perrin, Secretary Waite, from tl
City Arms Lodge, Brothers Freeman and Olive fro
the Whitstable Lodge, Secretary Dorner and Broth
Barber from the Haggerstone Lodge, and P. N.
Greenwood, from the Southwark Lodge. After the usi.-
toasts had been given, and warmly responded to, t:
widows and orphans of the No. 7 Lodge were ushere
into the room, and were liberally relieved by the brothe
of the lodge, in addition to the regular funeral mone.
such relief being given regular once a year, by ear
lodge, to their respective widows and orphans, so th.
in fact, they are never forsaken. The evening was spei
in the greatest conviviality and good humour. Th

flourishing society, although bearin—g a strange appC.
tion, appears from their address, wherein they state th.
".to cheer and protect the unfortunate, to sympathi
with and aid those whom accident or disease overtake

in feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, giving drir
to the thirsty, visiting the sick, relieving and releasir.
the oaptive, a husband to the widow, and a father to tl
fatherless, are the leading objects of the Independe2
Order of Comical Fellows," to have excellent intentioi

in view, and is calculated to do much good.
PHILLIPS'.— ars' GARDENS RAGGED SenooLsOn Ifon
day evening a public meeting was held at the Natio
School Room, Mortimer's Market, Tottenham Court-road
__.....

for the purpose of celebrating the opening of the Phillip:
Gardens Ragged Schools. The Right Hon. Lord Ashle a
presided. By the report of the committee it appeare.-4
that the school had been opened on the 26th of lass.
month, with an attendance of forty children of both
sexes, which number was afterwards increased to' ar
average of sixty. The total sum reeeil ed towards the
object of the charity was 91/. 3s. 6d., and the disburse•
-
ments amounted to 27L Its. .5d., while the annual ex-
penditure was calculated at 1001. The Noble Chairman,
inlan able speech, advocated the paramount claims of
such institutions to generous and timely support. The
Rev. Mr. Dibden, the Rev. Mr. Denam, the Rev. Mr.
Hughes, Mr. Bevan, Mr. Carson, Mr. East, and other
gentlemen, having addressed the meeting, resolutions in.
accordance with the objet is which they had as-
sembled to promote were passed, and the proceedinge.
terminated.