The Sun.
London, England, 1848-06-01 00:00:00

COAL MARK ET.-YESTERDAT.

Buddle's W. Hartley.. I4s OLißraddyll's Hetton 153 fed
Chester Main ]3s 3dTast Haunt l3s (id
Davison'sWestHartley 14s Od Haswell l6s 6d
Hasting's Hartley l4s Od Iletton ... His 6d
New Tanfield 123 6d Jonassohn•— l3s 3d
Ord's Redheugh
Richardson's Hartley 12s 6diltussell's Hatton
South Peareth
Taufield Moor .... ..... 13s OdplStewart's
Tanfield Moor Butes... 12s 6dCaradoe .. ..
Wylam
West Hartley .. 14s Od!Kelloe lss Od

Wall'; End ' irc.
........ .
Bewicke and Co.
Brown's Gas
Itiddell's 133 Od Ships at market...B4.
Eden Main • l6s 06,

MARLBRO'-STREET—(THIS DAY.)
William Griffiths was placed before Mr. Hardwick,
charged with being intoxicated, and creating a disturb-
ance at St. James's Church, Piccadilly.
Lieutenant-Colonel Frederick Johnson said he was a
speciNonstable. Last night, about eight o'clock, he
was on duty at the gates of St. James's Church, his ob-
ject being to keep the thoroughfare clear. A crowd of
persons had assembled, and amongst them the defendant.
Witness told them to keep moving on, which most of
them did, but the defendant:pertinaciously refused, and
kept pushing up against witness, and endeavoured to
force his way into the churchyard. Witness laid hold
of the defendant, and took him across the street,
and on his promising to go away quietly, wit-
ness let him go. Witness they returned to
his post, and in a few minutes after the de-
fendant came again, and said he wanted to
see Mr. Hardwick. Witness told him, that as was so
persevering he would take him where he would have an
opportunity of seeing Mr. Ilardwick. Witness then
took him to the station. Witness Added that he at-
tended at the court this morning as a matter of public
duty, and as he thought that defendant bad been al-
ready punished enough, he trusted the magistrate would
deal with the case as lenient as possible.
Mr. HARDWICK fined defendant 10s., and in default
committed him to the House of Correction for seven
days.
James Lemsby was fined 10s. for obstructing. Mr.
Walkins Grey, a special constable, in the execution of
his duty.
Mr. Hardwick was in attendance last night till past
twelve o'clock, but not a single charge was brought be-
fore him.

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS OF
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCESS SOPHIA.

A deputation, consisting of Mr. Sievier, the chair-
man, with Messrs. Valpy and Griffiths, directors of
the Mensal-green Cemetery, had an interview with
the Lord Chamberlain, to arrange the funeral of her
late Royal Highness, which is to take place on Tues
day, the 6th instant, in the ground of the company.
Her Majesty having most graciously concurred in
the wish of her late Royal Highness—the funeral is
to be strictly private ; very few persons will attend
excepting the Royal Family, officers of State, and
the household.

The Bishop of Norwich will officiate on the oc-

casion.

DEE',TRUCTION BY FIRE OF THE
NEW RAILWAY BRIDGE OVER THE USK
AT NEWPORT.
FROM A CORRESPONDENT.)

NEWPORT, WEDNESDAY MORNING.—At half-past six
this morning, one of the most terrible conflagrations
took place that ever occurred in this town. The magni-
ficent new South Wales Railway Bridge, which crosses
the river Usk, built of wood, and being about four hun-
dred yards long, was completely destroyed by fire, even
to the water's edge ! At six o'clock, the workmen en-
gaged in completing the central arch, which was an im-
mense pile, consisting of several tons weight of timber
and iron bolts, were busy at work driving in the bolts,
when one man used a bolt which had been heated to an
extraordinary degree. This immediately ignited the ad-
joining timber, which being highly kyanized, or
" pickled," was :like gunpowder to ignite. The
man had a bucket of water at .hand, as was always
usual, but it was useless ; for, in less time than we have
written the last five lines, the flames leaped along on
each side from .the centre to each end of the bridge, and
the whole extent was in a terrible blaze in a moment.
The men with difficulty escaped with their lives. A
team of trains passing at the time, but the horses put to
their utmost gallop, were obliged to dash through the
flames to escape. The screams of those who saw the first
terrible conflagration were awful. The whole town
rushed to the great stone bridge adjacent, and hundreds
of navvies, carpenters, masons, labourers, tradesmen, and
gentlemen were quickly on the spot; but it was of no
avail. The town fire-engines were brought, but they
were syringes contrasted with the awful flames bursting
from the surface of the piles, the rails, the arches, and,
in fact, wherever the fire could lay hold of wood to burn.
The timber work was so enormous that it took a con-
siderable time to burn any portion wholly away; while
the patent composition used to preserve the wood, lent
assistance to the flames, which rose up with blue and
black smoke, filling all the heavens. At about nine
o'clock the ponderous work of the central arch, having
lost its abutments in the fire, gave way with a terrible
crash, and soon after this had fallen in, portion after
portion gave way, until, with the exception of here and
there a solitary black and charred fragment, with some
portion on the banks, the whole of this magni-
ficent work was totally destroyed. The river was
black with burning wood which fell into it;
and the tide being receding, the banks became
strewed with enormous pieces of half-burnt wood,
like the coast after a wreck. The engine from the
barracks did great execution, worked by two companies
of soldiers wider the command of officers, and the town
engines did all they could, but it was a moral impossi-
bility to save even a fragment; we might as well suppose
a portion of a barrel of gunpowder could be found alter
the ignition of the barrel. The bridge was almost com-
pleted when this unfortunate calamity occurred. It had
been built of kyanized timber by the eminent firm of
contractors, Messrs. Rennie, Logan and Company, and
cost upwards of 20,000/. in the erection. Fortunately,
the firm insured recently for the full amount, so that
their loss will be covered. I understand they insured at
a very high premium, owing to the enormous risk in-
curred. It will now (the bridge) be built of stone, it is
supposed. The work is delayed two years in conse-
quence.

(FROM ANOTHER CORRESPONDENT.)
NEWPORT, MONMOUTHSHIRE, WEDNESDAY.—This
enormous structure, which was approaching completion,
is now but a wreck of burnt timber. At about six
o'clock this morning flames were seen spreading along
the eastern side rails, and from the inflammable nature
of the materials (the wood having been creosoted accord-
ing to the patent process) the work of upwards of two
years was destroyed in two hours. This unfortunate
event will probably stop the progress of wooden bridges
on railway lines. It is said that the structure to replace
the one now in ruins will be of cast-iron. The contractors
are insured, it is said, Cully—say 20,000/.

We understand that Jullien's Concerts, at the
Surrey Zoological Gardens, commencing on Monday
next, are on the most extensive scale. The incompa-
rable Koenig, Barret, Baumann, Prospere, Lazarus,
Richardson, Collinet, &c., are engaged. Godfrey's baud is
greatly increased, and, conducted by the grand maestro,
in the splendid orchestra, it cannot fail proving highly
attractive.
Mu. T. JULIAN ADAMS'S CONCERT. Mr. T.
Julian Adams, the pianist, gave the first of a series of
threechamberconcerts at Willis's Rooms last evening. The
room was extremely well attended, and the programme
included a variety of instrumental pieces of an interest-
ing character, interspersed with vocal efforts of Miss
Miran, Madame de Lozano, the Misses Collins, and
Signor A. Galli. The concert opened with Spohr's
quintetto in C minor, ably performed by Messrs. Julian
Adams, pianoforte; Richardson, flute; Jarrett, horn;
Sonnenberg, clarionet; and Winterbottom, bassoon.
The second part opened with a trio of Beethoven's, in
which Mr. Julian Adams played the principal theme on
the pianoforte, the violin and violoncello parts being
played with considerable taste by two young ladies—
Miss Victoria Collins and Miss Rosina Collins. In the
course of the evening, Miss Rosins, Collins played a solo
on the violin; and Signor Giulio Regondi a solo on the
concertina, on airs from Lucia di Lammermoor. The
whole performance appeared to afford complete satisfac-
tion to the numerous patrons of Mr. Juliam Adams who
filled the room.

SOMERSETSIIIRE SOCIETY.—The 28th anniversary
festival of this excellent institution whose object is to
apprentice the children of poor Somersetshire parents
resident in London, and also to aid them at the expira-
tion of their apprenticeship, if their conduct shall have
been meritorious,with money,without interest, to establish
them in business, was celebrated last night at the Lon-
don Tavern. A most numerous party assembled on the
occasion, and the dinner, which was of the most
recherche description, fully sustained the reputation of
this select establishment. The Lord Bishop of Bath
and Wells presided, and in proposing prosperity to the
institution, pointed out the great benefit it had conferred
upon a great number of children of poor Somersetshire
parents resident in London. The object of the society
was highly praiseworthy, and he was sure that the nu-
merous attendance that honoured the festive board on
that occasion fully proved that it was held in high
esteem by the influential inhabitants of the country.
The usual loyal toasts were drunk with great enthu-
siasm, and the festivities were greatly enlivened by the
singing of favourite airs by Messrs. C. Kenny, J. Binge,
J. Lee. and Miss Thornton, under the direction of Mr.
C. F. Taylor. Mr. Binge sang with more than his usual
good taste and ability Doniaatti's serenade, " Oh,
summer night," end Mr. Taylor gave the new
popular air, " Viva Victoria, the Throne and the
Queen," which was much admired and applauded to the
echo. The entertainment passsd off with great eclat,
and the company did not separate until a late hour.
SWINDON RAILWAY STATlON.—Yesterday the
Swindon Refreshment Rooms, on the fine of the Great
Western Railway, held for a term of ninety-nine years
from the company, at an annual rent of one penny, were
sold by public auction at Garraway's, by Alderman Fare-
brother, for 20,000/.

PROVIDENT CLERKS' ASSO-
CIATION AND BENEVOLENT FUND.

The election of three annuitants, in pursuance of a
resolution to that effect passed at the annual meet
ing, held on the 18th of February last, took place
yesterday, at twelve o'clock, at the London Tavern.
J. A. Smith, Esq., M.P.
(the treasurer of the Bene-
volent Fund), occupied the chair.
The resolution of the meeting declared that one
aged clerk, entitled to an annuity of 251., and two
widows to annuities of 151., should be elected. The
following is the list of the candidates, and it will be
seen, by reference to the cases, how incumbent it is
upon all the clerks in the kingdom to enrol themselves
members of an institution which not only affords
them pecuniary aid in any season of distress, and does
its best to obtain them situations, but enables them,
whenever a vacancy occurs, to become candidates for
annuities, which will render the remainder of their
days comparatively happy.
" CLERK.—G. W., aged 52 years, late a clerk, but
now incapacitated from any labour by a severe paralytic
affection ; a member of the association seven years.
Testimonials satisfactory.
WlD°ws•-8. M. C., aged 42 years. Her late hus-
band a clerk in a Manchester warehouse ; a subscriber
to the Beneiolent Fund for six years. Assured in
another office. Died suddenly in the street, leaving four
children ; has very limited means of support. Testi-
monials satisfactory, and the case strongly recommended
by the employers of her late husband. Second appli-
cation.
"H. M., aged 48 years. Her late husband, an assurer
for five years ; clerk to a provision merchant. Died
after a lingering illness, leaving her with eight children,
six dependent on her for support. The widow in ill-
health, having ruptured a blood-vessel ; dependent on
friends for support. Testimonials satisfactory.
M. A. J., aged 53 veers. Her late husband an assurer
for six years ; clerk in a glass manufactory. Died after
a long and painful illness, leaving her with five children,
two of them dependent upon her, one efli.cted with deaf-
ness. The widow is confined to her bed in a bad state
of health, and unable to do anything
for her support.
Testimonials satisfactory.
"E. S., aged 38 years. Her late husband a subscriber
to the Benevolent Fund seven years ; clerk in a mer-
chant's counting-house. Died after a lingering illness.
One child ; means of support very limited and uncertain.
Testimonials satisfactory."
The usual preliminaries having been gone through,
The CHAIRMAN then announced that the poll was
open, and that it would continue so till three, when
the numbers would be declared. He believed his
duty to-day was confined to the announcement of this,
and the fact that they had been called together to
elect one clerk and two widows of clerks to annuities.
This duty waa a very agreeable one: in the future he
hoped they would be able to accomplish more than
they had heretofore done.
Mr. R. H. Jones, the Chairman of the Board, said
the institution had prospered exceedingly, and there
was not the slightest doubt that it would continue so
to do for years to come. _

A vote of thanks having been awarded to the Chair-
man, the poll commenced. The poll was closed at
three o'clock, and at four the numbers for each of
the candidates wore declared to be :
For W. G....
S. M. C
H. M. . .....
M. A. J ... 1,006
E. S. •• . 261

Mr. R. H. JoNss, the Chairman of the Board, de-
clared that the three first candidates were elected—

the first, a clerk, to an anuity of 25/. ; and the others,
widows, to annuities of 151. each. The friends of
the successful and unsuccessful candidates than re-

turned thanks, and the proceedings terminated.
It was stated in the room that the employers of
one of the successful candidates had not given the
slightest aid to the institution.
THE DINNER.

The election of the annuitants was celebrated in
the evening by a dinner at the London Tavern, to
which nearly two hundred sat down. The Right
Hon. Henry Labouchere, M.P., the President of the
Board of Trade, presided, supported on his right
by the Baron Lionel de Rothschild, M.P., and ,on his
left by Thomas Baring, Esq., M.P. Among those
present we observed Thomson Hankey, jun., Esq.,
James Mackillop, Esq., Alderman Salomons, J. A.
Hankey, Esq., W. G. Gilbart, Esq., F.R.S.; J. G.
Shaw, Esq., of Bristol; G. G. Barton Esq., Rawson
Reid, Esq., Alderman Finnis, W. Ridge, Esq., 0.
Vile, Esq, the Secretary of the French Embassy (a
nephew of Lamartine), 11. de Montherit, M. Eugene
le Gelache, of the Belgian Embassy, &c., &c. An
array of beautiful and elegantly-attired ladies cast
from the gallery a lustre on the proceedings of the
evening.
Grace having been chanted,

_ .
The CHAIRMAN (who was received with great ap-
plause) then rose and said—Gentlemen, the first
toast which I find on the list which has been put
into my hands, is one which I am sure requires no
preface on my part to recommend it to the cordial
reception of the gentlemen present at this- assembly
—it is the health of her Majesty the Queen.—
(Great applause.) I am sure that in no portion of
the widely-extended dominions of the Queen is there
any place in which her name would not be received
with that enthusiasm which is due alike to her es:alted
station and personal virtues—(Loud cheers)—and I
am too well acquainted with what has been at all
time the feeling prevalent within the , city
of London towards the Constitutional Monarchy
of this country—(Prolonged applause)—that )l feel
certain the gentlemen whom i am addressing this
evening will not constitute an exception to that tfeel-
iwni,
gllwthheicrehtolreb,egliievveeytoou be universally prevalent in
this country.—(Cheers.) Without further pref ice, I
" the health of her MPiiesty
the Queen."
Drunk with the utmost enthusiasm.
The toasts of the " Queen Dowager," " Prince
Albert, Albert Prince of Wales, and the rest of the
Royal Family," followed, and were received with '
equal respect.
The CHAIRMAN, in proposing the next toast, s,sid—
Gentlemen, I
am aware that I am addressing those
who are principally engaged in the exercise of com-
mercial pursuits. Those pursuits best flourish in a
time of peace, and we must all cordially desire
that that peace which this country, by the blessing of
Providence, has so long enjoyed may long continue
—(Loud cheers)—but, gentlemen, that desire, which
I am sure is entertained by the entire people of Eng-
land—(Loud cheers)—is not caused by any appre-
hension, for if it were necessary for the interests and
honour of this country to engage in war, we should
finditthsatdehfoenndouerrs._no(tehleeessrs.) able than they have been
at former periods to assert those interests and to up-
hold I, therefore, am sure
that you will with pleasure follow that custom which
in all our public meetings is an usual one,lof, paying
theydue respect
ertfoormtheod in sedefenderstimes
of our country to
whom we look with gratitude for the services which
p
confi-
dence that those services will past,
p a
equally efficient manner if circumstances should
enrdforwmiethd
innaarise unfortunately to call for their aid.—(Cheers.)
You will, therefore, I am sure, cheerfully join with
me in drinking the health of the " Army and Navy
of England."—(Loud cheers.) I do not know that
we can boast of the presence of a single officer of
either the army or navy;. but we have amongst us
iudootfehmnte
manner
inwhich
Kane of the distinguished members of the City Axtil-
lery—(Loud cheers)--who * constitute the nearest
approach of any present, to a martial character. I
have no doubt whatever thiit if we should _have any
occasion to throw ourselves•upon that body for pro-
tection, they will exert themselves with all the
heroism which belongs to that corps.
The toast was received with all the honours, and
the healths of Captains Iselin, Welch, and Sheppard,
were drank individually and collectively.
Captain ISELIN, the senior officer of the gallant
corps present, briefly returned thanks. He said at
the present period it was incumbent upon every
citizen to take up arms to protect the throne,—
(Cheers.) He, for one, and he thought he might say
the same of all, would always be ready to take
perfidyup arms,
r attacks either
rtohme purposewbiet h
more
uotr.
without.—(Loud
f Properly
eoofpeueadrtliyenhgce internalaelrlse
tlhne
thatcom rpeasnpye ct
wouldhe hopednevnever
thebies Honourablewanting.—(Cheers.)
ionfg ,7P :
coCsbpi
ateyerriArtilleryst.: to t
the
e
The C H A I El
vewMer
DhkAiasN; then
gnl aiy t rose Association, a n
asnaidd,—sulenestslemtnen:hie
come e toCe
rto lo oantit:dmv;tho
iteie cheering.) nialgavte.
: receivedupon t
h e
tnooaws t
S'f—ac:toPery proof to me how superflu-
ousmPreouv,
tfhoirs institution ; indeed, your pre-
senceGentle-
night is a sufficient indication how
thisßen etovoalsetnits Fund:'—(Prolonged
importance
it would wh eo
ru
el d
oft beo .
much you value the benefits which it confers, and
how great your anxiety is to promote its prosperity.
ocommunityes
.) whom it imme-
diately
The principle I think, indeed, that no one who considers the objects
of this institution can fail to feel sensible of the great
value of the benefits which it is calculateditotnheecipolnef of
com-
mercial thisudipa upon nel theinstitution
in tclassese reat s
I apprehend to be that of promoting
.
_, 0 f (
L the u
d
life
assurance
great metropolis and throughout
the entire country. I ow,l can conceive no object more
important than that.—(Loud cheers.)
houses
ofm o
thisn g the clerks employed I
believe that
the commerce of this city is deeply interested in the
comfort, in the character, in the moral habits, and in
the integrity of that numerous and valuable class of
society who are engaged in the occupation of clerks
to mercantile houses.—(Cheers)—and I can conceive
no institution more calculated to promote those habits,
and none are more desirable of encouragement among
that class, than that I have mentioned—I mean habits
of prudence, foresight, self-reliance, and of that manly
independence of character which is the true found.

tion of all moral worth.—(Prolonged cheering.)
_I
say, I can conceive no institution more calculated to
promote those desirable objects than one of this
kind, which holds out inducements to those to whom
I referred to provide during the period of employ-
ment for those vicissitudes which the uncertainty of
human life and of human health render all subject to.
--(Cheers.) I believe there is no class of society in
this country in which the principle of assurance—
mutual life assurance—may not be applied with ex-
ceeding value and importance. I believe there is no
condition in life in which a prudent man, who feels
what hi., duty is (not merely to himself but to those
dependent upon him, who, in the event of his death,
may not only be left without a protector, but without
the means of subsistence)—there is no condition in
life, I say, in which this principle may not be applied
with the utmost advantage; and those who feel
for the well-being of those near and dear to them
must be deeply sensible of the advantages which it
must confer upon him and them; and those who have
not yet turned their serious attention to the matter
will do well to lose no time in doing so. I say no
principle is more important, and no man, no matter ,
what may be his position in life in this country, can
the act of Providence, or by
do better than consider well what advantages are
afforded by a society like this, to enable him to pro-
vide as is his duty for those who look up to him for
support arid assistance, and who with him may, by
fortune,
respect
beset to tthheosewho occupationsfollo
follow
f mercantile.
be deprived of that support and assistance on
community of which we asroenleallsevwereell
which, perhaps, they had all too surely and fondly
m afraid at the present moment
rtelied.—(Loud cheering.) But, gentlemen, in addi-
on to that uncertainty which prevails with
all
I a
classespuorfsuitthse,
,
be too v. • ividly aware that
misfor-
tunespeculiar we
msturaos;earall of
which renders it especially
desirable that those so
engaged, as well as those actively
of you are, in those pursuits,
nectet conshd, as many
should provide
continuance
to the best of their ability during the ontinuance of
prosperity for these seasons of adversity
and stag-
nation which may at any time come
Gentlemen, it is upon these upon us.
principles and for the
purposes that I believe this institution se
founded. Connected with the departmentof wrafss
assurance is also a benevolent branch, which I ibe-
lieve is calculated to produce the most extensive and
the most beneficial results. It is conducted upon the
most benevolent and delicate principles inasmuch as
the managers of the society do not publish the names
or give publicity to these particular circumstances of
the different instances in which relief is afforded
out of the funds of this branch.—(Cheers.)
I believe that the aid afforded by the benevolent hand
of this society to individuals in distress is very much
augmented and enhanced by the delidacy observed
towards those who receive relief from its funds--
(Cheers)—but of this I am perfectly satisfied, from
the instances given me by the gentlemen entrusted
with the management, who are necessarily much
better acquainted with the details of the society than
I can pretend to be. If these details could with pro-
priety be laid before you, you would be astonished
how much real distress has been alleviated
by this department, and you would feel, inde-
pendently of the claims which it has upon
your prudence, how great are those which
it also has upon your benevolence—upon your bene-
volence and upon your feelings of Christianity it has
the strongest claims.—(Cheers.) Gentlemen, I re-
joice to find from a statement which has been placed
in my hands that the prosperity of this society has been
steadily progressive.—(Cheers.) It was established
in 1840, and I find that in 1841, 73 policies were
issued, in 1842, 61; in 1843, 123; in 1844, 110; in
1845, 211; in 1846, 374 ; in 1847, 417 ; and from the
beginning of this year up to the present moment I
find no less than 180 policies have been issued,
amounting to 37,850. The total number of policies is-
sued is 1,543, for an aggregate sum of 281,4201. ; 43
gratuities to the amount of 3181. ss. have been given ;
andsince thecommencement of the institution 18 deaths
occurred, on account of which claims to the amount
of 3,2001. have been paid; from all of which it is
clear that the policies issued each year greatly ex-
ceeded those issued in the year that preceded it. I
find in this steady increase of the prosperity of the
institution the best assurance that it will continue to
enlarge the sphere of its usefulness—that it is based
upon a sound foundation—that it strongly recom-
mends itself to those who look into the principles on
which it is established, with which they cannot fail to
coincide and endeavour to carry out to the utmost;
they will find that it has prospered from its
commencement—that it has gone on steadily
increasing and enlarging the sphere of its
usefulness, and extending, more and more,
those benefits which it was established to confer ; and
I am sanguine enough to hope that it will continue
to progress until the entire commercial community,
for whom it was designed, had come within its pale.
—(Cheers.) But whilst we may congratulate our-
selves that hitherto the success of the institution has
been as large and great as we could necessarily ex-
pect, we cannot disguise the fact that its sphere is
comparatively narrow compared to that which is
within the scope of its intentions ; but believing, as
I do, that it rests upon a solid and safe foundation—
feeling sure, as I am, that those who have taken a deep
interest in its welfare, have the judgment, character,
zeal, and experience best calculated to promote the
objects of the institution, I believe that it will con-
tinue to flourish, and more and more deserve to re-
ceive the support of the commercial community of
this metropolis, and of the country at large.—
(Cheers.) Gentlemen, Ido not know that it is
necessary for me to trespass any longer upon your
attention. I am aware that lam addressing those
infinitely better acquainted with this subject than
myself, and that it would be impertinent in me to
enter into the details with which you are so much
better acquainted than I am. I will, therefore, con-

clude by asking you very cordially io join with me
in drinking " Success to this Institution."

The toast was drank with the loudest demonstra-
tions of applause we ever heard or witnessed.
J. A. SMITH, Esq., M.P., proposed the health of
the Chairman, whose private character, not less than

meeting.pth
hei
ese
muo lffiitahcr
that
official position
too
gentlemanntn
ai
connected
at
jdu sthth
iemsuhe
fillingb ja.
subject
of
with
e htos
ft
h congratulation
Board
the
i 3h
objects of
situation
o Trade,ft
dh taidot
not think it otherwise than his duty, at a time of the
year when the labours of the season demanded every
moment, to come there and stamp with his approval
and sanction the objects of that institution.—(Cheers.)
It was not, he was proud to say, the first time that
they had been honoured by the presidency of the
Minister holding that high office, and he believed that
he was not wrong when he said, that from the time
the Earl of Dalhousie had filled that chair, they might
date the rapid progress of the society.—(Cheers.)
He did not believe that it was in the power of the
President of the Board of Trade to stimulate or main.
tain an institution which had not intrinsic claims to
public support ; but, looking to the peculiar posi-
tion of the Minister at the head of the Board
of Trade, he felt it was not less graceful on the
part of the Right Honoura'ole Gentleman to pre-
side, than it was useful to them.—(Renewed cheers.)
On public grounds he congratulated them on the Right
Hon. Gentleman as the chairman of that day ; and,
honoured as they were by the presence of a Minister
of the Crown, he should feel it to be his duty to con-
tinue his own efforts for the promotion of the interests
of the association, and he doubted not that in due time
life assurance would be, not the exception, but the
rule, amongst the classes for whose benefit this society
was founded:

The toast as drunk with great applause.
The Right Hon. CHAIRMAN, in returning thanks,
said that, besides the reason for his presence, adverted
to by Mr. Smith, namely, his official position, he had
another reason for attending there. It was that he
was connected with a commercial family, and owed
all his advantages in life to that circumstance, al-
though he had individually never been connected with
commercial pursuits ; and therefore he felt that it was
his duty, and it would be his pride, at all times to give
his utmost assistance to anything calculated to im-
prove the commerce of this country; and, above all,
the position of those who were engaged in it, what•
ever position they might occupy.—(Cheers.) The
Right Hon. Gentleman concluded by proposing" The
Corporation of the city of London ;" which was re-
sponded to by
Alderman SALOMONS, who said that he and his
friend Alderman Finnis were there less as representa-
tives of the Corporation than of the commerce of the
City of London, but he felt that whether in their
official or private capacity they could nowhere more
appropriately appear than at a meeting like that, which
was so well calculated to promote the welfare of those
upon whom the practical conduct of our extensive
commercial transactions mainly depend.—(Cheers.)
The CHAIRMAN then proposed " The Members of
the City of London." However much they might
differ from each other in political opinions, they were
all, he believed, sincerely desirous of promoting the
interests of the City. Ele had the pleasure of having
one of their Members on his right, Baron Rothschild
—(Cheers)--and he had that morning happened to
see another of their Members, Lord John Russell—
(Cheers, and a cry of " Oh !")—who had commis-
sioned him to say that he (Lord J. Russell) regretted
exceedingly the pressure of his public avocations pre-
vented him from being present, but requested him to
express to them his sincere good wishes for the pros-
perity of that society. -
Baron ROTHSCHILD, M.P., who was greeted with
protracted applause, said it would be highly gratify
ing to Lord J. Russell when the chairman reportedthe manner in which his health had been proposed as
a Member for the City, and honoured by that mm st-
ing. The two other Members were prevented by
e
his
previous engagements from being present, and as on
of their Members he begged they would accept
sincere thanks.—(Cheers.) Connected, as they were,
with the commerce of this great city, it could not be

but gratifying to Lord J._Russell :and the other
Members for the City; it must be highly pleasing to
have their names thus received at such a meeting.
As to his own Parliamentary career and duties, per-
haps the less he said about them the better.--(Hear,
and cries of " No.") But this he would say, that per-
haps with the kind assistance of some friends he
saw around him he would be able to attend to his
Parliamentary duties as well as his capacities would
allow him.--(Cheers.) With respect to the society
in whose cause they were met, he had been con-
nected with it from an early period of its progress,
and it gave him the greatest pleasure to observe that
year by year it was steadily advancing. It must
have-given them the greatest pleasure to see, as they
had done that day, the widows of men who had
moved in a respectable station of life rescued from
want without being obliged to charity or the degrada-
tion of making public appeals to charity.---(Cheers.)
It would ill become him, after the manner in which
the chairman had explained the objects of the society,
to detain them longer ; but he hoped that next year,
when they again assembled, they would have the
pleasure of hearing accounts of the continued and
steady progress of the society.—(Cheers.)
The CHAIRMAN then proposed " Prosperity to the
Commerce of the City of London," with which he
desired to connect the name of Mr. Baring.
T. BARING, Esq., 111. P., briefly returned thanks—
he said—grateful thanks. Connected as most of you
are, as an association, with the commerce of this
great city, it must be gratifying' to Lord John Rus-
sell, and the other two Members for the City, to be
informed that the prosperity of the commerce of the
city of London was indissolubly connected with the
prosperity
of the. clerks, who were so actively en-
gaged in the promotion of that commerce. Mer-
chants had had of late to experience times of adver-
sity, as well as their clerks ; and many, no doubt,
had found how essential the institution was during
such periods. It was, therefore, incumbent upon
them to support it in the season of prosperity and
affluence. Clerks and principals were identified with
each other.—(Loud cheers.)
THOMSON HANKER, jun., Esq., said it was impossible
the institution could have prospered as it had done but
for the.labours of those entrusted with its manage-
ment. To them, therefore, their thanks were espe-
cially due.—(Cheers.) It was gratifying to find that
the exertions of the London board had been seconded
in a kindly and friendly spirit by the gentlemen in
the country ; and in no place had they been more
successful than in Bristol. Mr. Shaw, the gentle-
man to whom they were much indebted for the
success that had attended the institution in that
town,
was present.—(Cheers.) He had heard from the
chairman of the board (Mr. Jones), whom he had
the pleasure of seeing almost daily, how much the
deputations that had attended in the country from
London were indebted for the success that had at-
tended them to the gentlemen who had met them in
He b
a kindly spirit. e
of Mana g ed to give the •' Committee
gement," and to couple with it the name of
Mr. Shaw.— (Cheers.)
Mr. J. G. S. SHAW (of Bristol) returned thanks
in an eloquent address, for which regret we have
not space. Ho said, in effect, that wt;:e glorious prin-
ciples of the institution required but
to
.be known to
receive that support to which it
was en
employer of clerks, he did his utmost totl'itndu.ce clerks
to
should
to enrol themselves members of it ; he
con-
tinue as heretofore to do his utmost to Promote a
knowledge of its.) s advantages in the ancient city of
dg of
Mr. R. H. JONES expressed his acknowledgments
onibehalf of the London' board. He said he was
sure the ladies who had honoured them with their
presence were as actively interested in the prosperity
of the institution as any of them, and he was deeply
gratified at seeing so many gracing the
gallery. He had experienced the greatest
pleasure at the successful demonstration which
he and the committee had witnessed in
support of the great and benevolent principles of
the institution. It had proved most beneficial, and
there could be no doubt, patronised and supported as
it was, that it would continue to prosper. They had
that day added two widows and one clerk to the
number of annuitants, making altogether seven
widows and three clerks, who were now receiving aid
in that way.—(Cheers.) They had granted loans to
the amount of trom 3,0001. to 4,0001. to a number of
clerks, which had been punctually repaid, with the
excption of a small amount, and they were enabled to
state that this part of their operations had been the
means of relieving the temporary difficulties of
many most deserving persons. The Casualty Fund,
which was devoted to the immediate aid of
distressed members, had also proved most beneficial
In fact, the only alloy in the whole of the day's pro-
ceedings consisted in the fact that two of the candi-
dates had been unsuccessful.—(Hear, hear.) This,
however, would not have been the case if their
means were more commensurate with the claims that
were made upon them. This showed how incumbent
it was upon clerks who had not joined the institution
to do so without delay.—(Hear, hear.) He begged
to thank the company, in his own name and in that
of the committee, for the honour conferred upon them.
Their approval would stimulate them to increased
exertions on behalf of tha institution.— (Cheers.)
Mr. TARRANT next proposed the health of Dr.
Mullinder, their indefatigable and zealous secretary
—(Loud cheers)—to whose exertions the success of
the institution was in a great degree attributable.
Dr. MULLINDER briefly expressed his acknow-
ledgments. As long as his health was spared he
should, feel a pleasure in labouring to promote the
prosperity of the institution, and he trusted he should
not " rust," but wear out in their service.—(Cheers,)
The company then separated.
The subscriptions in the course of the evening
amounted to about 60Q1. Among the subscriptions
were the following :—the Chairman, 251., Mr. T.
Baring, 211.; Baron Rothschild, 20/. ; Mr. Hankey,
101. lOs ; M. Forster, Esq., M.P., 101. 10s.; John
Ingram Travers, Esq., 101. 10s. ; J. A. Hankey, Esq.,
101. 10s.; and W. G. Gilbert, Esq., F.R.S., 10/. 10s.
The dinner was excellent. The musical arrange-
ments, under Mr. Hobbs, included Messrs. Francis,
Young, Bradbury, and Hatton, and gave the utmost
satisfaction. The band of the Artillery Company,
under the direction of Mr. Smithiers, attended and
performed a selection of music of the most popular
character in the course of the evening. Mr. Toole
officiated as toast-master.

THE DIORAMA.
Improvement is not more visible in any one of the public
exhibitions of the metropolis than in the Diorama in the
Regent's-park. Two new pictures of considerable ability
are now revealed to the visitors of this establishment in
that dark rotunda, where you tumble over the benches
at the risk of bruising your joints, or, as Miss Lucretia
Tox calls them, " the knobby parts of your body." One
of these extraordinary productions represents the in-
terior of St. Mark's Cathedral at Venice, one of the
most wonderful, and certainly the most gorgeous of all
the ecclesiastical buildings of Europe,after the renowned
St. Sophia at Constantinople. Every one who has ever
witnessed the scenic effects produced at the Diorama,
and particularly the effects of light and shade in the in-
terior of a building, will be able to imagine to them-
selves the admirable results of the artificial lights thrown
upon the architectural splendour, the mosaic walls and
the tessellated pavements of this sumptuous edifice. At
first St. Mark's is revealed by the light of the day, but
twilight gradually steals over the scene—night
closes in, the lamps upon the altars, and those suspended
from the domes are ignited, the worshippers assemble,
and the solemn strains of the organ resound through the
sacred pile. The effect of this is altogether very beauti-
ful, and coming in suddenly from the rabble of every-day
life in the Park, in the New-road, or in the stately
breadth of Portland-place, the influence on the mind is
strange and holy. Much, however, as we were gratified
with the picture of the interior of St. Mark's, we were
still more delighted with the representation of a scene in
Sicily. Unlike the preceding view—when the curtain is
raised a landscape spreads itself out before you, lit up by
the silver beams of the moos. As you gaze over the
exquisite spectacle, you feel from the stillness of the
whole scene that you are viewing the land of Theocrites
and Archimedes in the dead of night. The very air
seems full of what Shelley called in his Alastor, with so
much delicious truth—
" Solemn midnight's tingling silentness."
Almost imperceptibly the clouds glide over the moon
and the stars twinkle through the clefts of the clouds,
and then again their light " pales its ineffectual fire "
before the superior glory of the dawn. Daybreak is
wonderfully depicted in this portion of the exhibition,
and the distant summit of 'Etna reflects the sunlight
conspicuously on its diadem of snow. Subsequently the
landscape is obscured, and the mountain breaks out in
eruption. The effect of this, however, was considerably
marred by the profound silence with which the volcanic
eruption was accompanied. Saving this, the whole ex-
hibition was clear and marvellously true to nature.

rrfoeuslullts o
timef
STATE OF EMPLOYMENT IN MANCEIEST ER
official report for the present week,
n
of employment in the borough of Manchester,
further proofs of declining trade.
Nearltin9oo the —The
Bands,
state
Nearly idica
have been discharged
fromre thatplac g
discloses
heretofore engaged in full work,
l_vm hilst upwards of 500
a
300 to 400 are
thrown wholly ou
lt
ahset report
are as follows:—
present
of work.
,
30,272; in the ed rateon short of e mtpiniloey,m aennoi t, f
The
week, 29,390. Number work-
ing short time last week, 6,675; present week, 7,229.
uweorrwk:orkTinge
The number of hands wholly out of employment last
week was 8,520 ; in the present week the number is
8,144.
ALTERATION IN THE BANKING FIRM OF MESSRS.
JONES Loll), AND Co., Or LONDON AND MANCHESTER.
—Some changes aro in contemplation as regards both
the London and Manchester firm of this house, to take
effect, it is understood, at Christmas next, when Mr.
Edward Loyd, jun., retires from the London firm the
partners in which will then be Mr. Samuel Jones Loyd,
Mr. Edward Loyd, Mr. Lewis Loyd, jun., Mr. William
Jones Loyd, and Mr. Charles William Tabor. The
Manchester firm will consist of Mr. Edward Loyd, jun.,
Mr. William Entwistle, Mr. Thomas Barlow Jervis, and
Mr. Henry Bury, of the firm of Cunliffes, Charlewood,
and Bury.----Manchester Courier.
Dispatches were sent off 3 esterday evening from the
Colonial-office, for the Governor of New South Wales.

' f TACTICS OF SOBRLEIt, AND THE
i --GOM-MUNIST CLUB.
A document entitled, ";Instructions du dteguoi du
Comite Revolutionnaire, Club des Clubs, et des Car-
porations d, Ouvriers,ft
was among those found at So-
brier's. Its leading points are as follow ,:r—
-" The delegate is to visit towns, cantonsa.communes,
and villages, to ' secure the sanctity of the elec-
tions.' Re is not, however, to allow his character
of 'i wissionary of : republicanism ' • to .be known,
but is to pretend that he is travelling on business,
to visit his friends and relatives, or even for his
pleasure. He is to place himself immediately in
communication with the authorities, to offer his co-
operation, after having obtained the most precise
information as to the spirit and tendency of the
people ; and he is to stimulate the lukewarm, sustain
and second the ardent, and watch over avowed and
secret reactionists. Nevertheless, he is .carefully to
retrain from appearing to possess any authority what-
see% er, and is not to command, but to preach and per-
suade. lie is not to be paid any salary. On .going to
any town, he is to emieavour to ascertain who are the
influential persons, and if their opinions be republican,
he is to enter into communication with them, in order
to labour in the common work; if, on the contrary,
their influence be hostile, he is to undermine it by able
tactics, by turning to account their acts, by commenting
on their political biography, and by unveiling their re-
trograde tendencies. For, 'if the political adversary
be a noble, a legitimist, or a monarchist, the delegate
is to insist on the misfortunes which the •legitimists
and monarchists have brought on France—that they
have constantly enriched themselves at the expense
of the labourer, pressing_ down the people, and
endeavouring to maintain privileges • and heavy
taxes. If the adversary be a man of finance, it man of
crowns, the delegate will describe him as having always
carried away from the farmer, the.- peasatit, and the
workman, the largest part of the profits of their labour,
profiting by the sweat and fatigue of the: people whom
he oppressed under the regime of selfishness, which has
been overthrown. The delegate is further 'tz develops
with skill the consequences of the Republic,. which has
generously accepted, at the very beginning, the heavy
inheritance of royalty.
The instructions then proceed to describe what the dele-
gate is to do with the men who possess influence—the
cure, the schoolmaster, the juge de pair,- the tax-gatherer,
and the notary—in the communes and villages:—
" To, the cure, he is to represent Jesus Christ as the
greatest Republican in the world, as the divine pro-
moter of Republicanism, as having uttered these divine
words when despotism was everywhere firmly esta-
blished: ' Always walk in the paths of liberty, equa-
lity-, and fraternity, which lead to the promised land;'
and to show to him that, as the priest of Jesus Christ,
his duty is to preach the Christian doctrine, which is
that of liberty, equality, and fraternity. To the school-
master, the delegate is to dwell on the advantages he will
derive from the overthow of the University coterie and
from Republicanism; to the juge de pain, that he always
suffered under the Monarchy, and that the Republic will
give him a recompense ; the tax-gatherer, who pos-
sesses influence by giving time for payment, is to be
watched and signalised to the Comite Revolutionnaire,
if he do not display sympathy for the Republic ; the
notary, who trembles lest notarial deeds should be
done away with, is to be re-assured, and his hostility
prevented or paralysed. Finally, a hope is to be
held out to the land-owner that the extra tax of 45c.
may be taken off, and be replaced by one on mortgages
and luxury. The delegate is to modify his language
according to the persons with whom he will have com-
munication ; he is to economise his time ; to be careful
of the sum of money placed at his disposal ; and to ad-
dress a daily report to the Comite Revolutionnaire on all
he may do and observe.
There has always been a quasi alliance between the
communists and the parti-pretre. Sobrier himself was,
vt e believed, educated by the Jesuits, and he has shown
himself an apt pupil.

Her Majesty's and Prince Albert's visit to the
exhibition of Mulready's pictures, at the Society of Arts,
which was to have taken place this day, has been post-
poned in consequence of the death of the Princess
Sophia..
UNIVERSITY INTELLIGENCE. -- CA MERIDGE MAT
31.—The Vice-Chancellor has informed the members of
the University that, in consequence of the lamented
death of her Royal highness the Princess Sophia, her
Majesty the Queen has for the present postponed the
reception of the address, which had been appointed to
take place this day.
CROWN WITNESSES,--The Limerick Chronicle of
Saturday says :—" This morning 170 Crown witnesses,
who had been maintained in this city for several months,
left for Cork, under an escort of poliee, and will embark
at Cove on Wednesday for North America. A number
yet remain at the police barracks, who aro to take ship-
ping from this port.
HEAVY RAIN AND Loss OF LIFE.—The district
of the Tyne and Wear were, on Monday last, visited
by heavy thunder showers, which continued to fall un-
remittingly for several hours, swelling the streams in the
country, and rendering the streets of Newcastle, Shields,
Sunderland, and Durham almost impassable for some
time. In some parts of Sunderland, where the drainage
is small, the streets were covered with water several
feet deep. At Durham-lane-end, in Bishopwearmouth,
a sewer burst with tremendous violence, and the water
rushed out into an underground kitchen with such
rapidity and violence, that a woman and two children
were drowned, being unable to escape, and the apart-
ment in a few minutes was completely filled with water.
FALL OF A RAILWAY BRIDGE. At about half-
past three o'clock on Monday afternoon last a three-
arch bridge on the Buckinghamshire Railway and across
Bath-lane, Buckingham, fell with a tremendous crash to
a complete ruin. The abutments only remain, the rest
became a heap of ruins. A rumbling noise was at some
distance heard like thunder, which was immediately
followed by a dense cloud of dust, and onlhis clearing
off, the wreck of that which had been considered a
specimen of good workmanship presented itself. Fortu-
nately, un bodily injury was sustained. This was pro-
vidential, as the workmen had been passing and re-
passing with loaded tip-waggons during the previous
part of the day. When the workmen returned from
dinner it was observed that the bridge had sunk about a
foot over one of the piers, and the precaution was taken
to place a man to watch and prevent persons from pass-
ing under it. The cause was, the sinking of the founda-
tion of one of the piers.
We are requested to state that Mr. Bentley has
just published the following new works :-1. " Horace
Walpole's Letters to the Countess of Ossory," 2 vols.
demy Bvo., with portraits, 30s. 2. The second edition
of Miss Pardoe's new novel, " The Rival Beauties," 3 vols.
3. " Nasology; being Hints towards a Classification of
Noses," post Bvo., Bs. 6d. 4. Mr. Curling's new romance,
" Shakspere; the Poet,. the Lover, the Actor, and the
Map," 3 vols.

The Court of the Cooper's Company met yesterday
at the School-house at Ratcliffe for the purpose of car-
rying out an enlarged commercial system of education
for the children of the inhabitants of the extensive and
populous parish of Stepney. This school was founded
by Nicholas Gibson, citizen and grocer, of London, in
the reign of Henry VIII., and augmented and extended
by several other benefactors. The company was met by
the Rev. Richard Lee, the rector, who has kindly inter-
ested himself in making the intention of the company
known amongst his parishioners, the new rules and re-
gulations having been recently supplied to him for the
purpose. The inhabitants appear to appreciate the
wishes of the company, as several applications were
made for the admission of their children. A general
day for the above purpose was fixed for the 20th of next
month, and it is intended that the school shall be opened
on the 19th of July.
FALL IN THE PRICE or BREAD.—Yesterday the
bakers throughout the metropolis reduced the price of
the 41b. boat Ad. The best bread is now charged 7d.
and 7d., second quality 6d. and 50. Some of the
cheap bakers only charge sd. the 41b., weighed on de-
livery.

'lce regret to have to announce the demise, at
Malta, on the 16th inst., of Charles Forbes, Esq., a
nephew of Sir Charles Forbes, Bart., and a partner in
the house of Messrs. Forbes and Co., of Bombay. Mr.
Charles Forbes was pre-eminently distinguished for
urbanity and generostty, and for that lofty standard of
moral excellence which was befitting the acting partner
of one of the greatest houses in the British empire. He
was en route from Bombay to this country, and was only
28 years of age.
THE LATE SIR T. BARING'S COLLECTION OP
PICTURES.—The auction rooms. of Messrs. Christie and
Manson were yesterday crowded by the nobility and
gentry to view the highly important collection of pic-
tures of the late Sir Thomas Baring, Bart., which, in
pursuance of his will, are to be disposed of by auction.
Like other members of his family, the deceased Baronet
exhibited a wonderful taste for the fine arts, his collec-
tion comprising some of the finest works of English,
Dutch, and Flemish artists. This portion of the col-
lection consists of 136 pictures, of which no fewer than
a-st them are the two celebrated
63 are by English masters. These will form the first
day's sale, and amon„
N
pictures by Wilkie otAlfred in the
catherd s Cot-
tage, and "Sheep Washing. By Collins, R.A., there
"
are four pictures, including his chef d'auvre, painted in
”
1833, of "Fisher Boys taking Sea Fowls' Eggs." By
Wilson there is the celebrated picture of " Meleager,"
with others by Stanfield, Turner, Hogarth, Reynolds,
Lawrence, Nasmyth, T. S. Cooper, Lee, Linnell, &c.,
&c. On the second day the Dutch, Flemish, and
French pictures will be sold, including some fine ones
by Rembrandt, Ostade, WouTermans, P. De Hooghe,
tl.7:;r3e a
Rubens, Vandyck, 'Watteau, Hobbima, P. Potter, &c.
From the fine condition of the pictures, they are
EceiehTlßeaiclex-
pected to fetch very large prices.
moArninig'°)lilastl O
the n
small Tuesday
ithDabiNitAaniltrs.;
vil-
lage of Irlams-o'th-Height, n.?ar Pendleton, were much
surprised at the cry, " A fox! a fox!" and immediately
a crisiderable number of persons gave chase to the
animal, some armed with gis ns, others with sticks, and
accompanied by several dogs. The fox took the direc-
tion of Clifton, with the honti,tes et canes in full cry after
him, tally-ho and hark forward echoing far and wide
from the throats of his '` deep-mouthed" pursuers. The
chase was continued with unabated vigcur until about
four o'clock in the afternoon, at hen the strength of Rey-
nerd becoming exhausted, he ultimately took shelter in
a cottage near Bury, upon which an exulting shout of
" whoo up " was raised, and the cottage immediately
surrounded to prevent an escape. But upon entering,
the expectant sportsmen found (to their no small asto-
nishment and chagrin) that they had only been hunt.
ing a poor dog, very like a fox. The affair has
created much merriment in the neighbourhood.—Man-
chestcr 7 Imes.

THE POTATO Cnor.—We are glad to be enabled
to state that the potatoes in this county are everywhere
looking well. The crops are fine and will be early, and
there is not the least appearance of blight or disease.—
Westßriton.

.4