The Sun.
London, England, 1846-01-12 00:00:00

TTIE StTN, LONDON. MONDAY EVEN.] NG, JANUARY Itt, 1846.1

of duty, 1,400,0001.; and it should be remembered that
on every pound of sugar lid. was paid for the purpose of
revenue to the Government, and ld, for protection, to
support the planters or their mortgagees, for protection
and mortgages were very near neighbours.—(Ap-
plause.) It was reported thet, Sir Robert Peel intended
to make a change in the:orn-laws; probably he would
propose a compromise„ for he was very fond of com-
promises. It was,mid that he and his lady once differed
as to a joint NO
Ach they should have for dinner; Sir Ro-
bert wanted a In of mutton, and his lady a shoulder,
so by svily o.:* compromise they got a loin, which was be-
tween t
-Pe two —(Roart of laughter.)
, Councillor MORDEY seconded the resolution. He
st_:-Iv'drted to the deficiency in the wheat crop, and the
u;.sease in the potato crop which exist in this neighbour-
hood and the country at large, and then proceeded at
some length by argument and example to show that no
danger was to be apprehended by the agriculturists
from a repeal of the corn-law, closing his speech by a
comparison of the state of the population of the two
counties of Durham and Buckingham, with both of which
he was familiar—the former county appearing to great
advantage in the comparison.
Mr. DicKisisoN, a working man (better known as the
Manchester Packer, and at one time a great advocate
for Chartism), rose, on the motion being put from the
chair, and supported it in an animated speech.
A. WHITE, Esq., moved the third resolution :—"That
the inhabitants of this borongh have just emerged from
an unexampled period of distress, as can be shown by
the returns of paupers made to the poor-law Commis-
sioners, and your petitioners, dreading the misery and
wretchedness which must ensue from a scarcity of food,
not only to the borough, but also to every part of the
kingdom, consider that the admission of foreign corn is
indispensably necessary to avert the impending distress."
He remarked that it afforded him very great pleasure to
have an opportnnity of bearing his testimony in favour
of the total and immediate repeal of those iniquitous
laws which prohibit the food of the people being brought
into this country free from taxation, as it ought to be ;
and he considered that in consequence of the partial
failure of the corn harvest and the great injury. the
potato crops have suffered throughout both Great Britain
and Ireland, the question is at present of the most press-
ing and urgent necessity ; and he trusted Sir B. Peel
would feel it to be his duty to listen to the petitions of
the people from the large towns, and to propose to Par •
liament the total and immediate repeal of the corn-laivs.
—(Loud applause.) The first part the resolution
referred to an unexampled period of distress. As they
were well aware, he had been engaged in extensive
commercial transactions for a period of thirty years,
and he could truly say that during the whole of that
period he had no recollection of such severe
distress among the great body of the working
class—and indeed among the tradesmen of the borough,
as during 1842, 1843, and partially in 1844; and al-
though it had pleased Divine Providence to give them a
season of prosperity, yet wheat being advanced 25 per
cent, and potatoes now selling at ls. per firkin, the
price of provisions was a very serious drawback on the
wages of operatives ; and there was too much reason to
fear that unless the ports were opened speedily for the
importation of grain and other food, we shall have
it a con-
siderable further advance in the price of provisions.—
(Hear, hear.) If this took place, would have a serious
effect on the country, by reducing the demand for ma-
nufactured goods. The worthy Gentleman then read
the returns of paupers in the Sunderland Union (which
includes a population of about 70,000) during the last
four years. In 1842 the average weekly number of out-
door paupers was 4,898, in-door 330. In 1843, there
were 6,162 out-door, and 343 in-door. In 1844, 5,289
out-door, and 337 in-door; and in 1845, up to the 25th
of December, 4,433 out-door, and 255 in-door. If they
contrasted 1843 with 1845, they would find a decrease
in the workhouse of 88, and of out-door paupers 1,729.
—(Applause.) This excess consisted of well-disposed,
honest, and industrious operatives, who were obliged to
throw themselves upon their parishes for relief during
that season of pressure. He feared that unless the ports
were speedily opened a very deplorable effect would fall
upon the commerce of this port, and the general trade
of the country.—(Applause.)
Mr. T. THOMPSON seconded the motion, enforcing the
truth contained in the resolution by facts and statistics,
which produced a powerful effect on the meeting. These
showed that within a very short period about 4,0001. was
subscribed for the use of the operatives out of work ;
13,800 persons were relieved from this charity alone,
exclusive of those receiving partial relief, presenting an
amount of distress which if properly divided would show
that every fifth man in the population was a pauper.—
(Shouts of " Hear, hear.") This fearful state of things
had resulted from deficient harvests aggravated by the
corn-laws. A large demand for ships in the corn trade
at first increased the rate of freights, this stimulated
excessively shipbuilding, and then, when the commerce
of the country was prostrated, our ships became little
better than rotten hulks—our tradesmen and ship-
builders became bankrupts, or insolvents, and the labour-
ing population paupers. He applauded his fellow-towns-
men for the charity which they then displayed, but he
insisted that the men of England want not charity, but
justice.—( Applause.) He called upon them to strain every
nerve for the accomplishment of their object, and in
stirring terms expressed his belief that if the free-traders
of Sunderland had done their duty at the last election,
and returned Colonel Thompson, the father of free trade,
Sir Robert Peel would then have brought on the crisis
which has now come.—(Great applause.) Some were
blinded at the late election by the railway mania to vote
against their convictions ; others refrained from voting
—he was sorry for some of these, because they had lost
a moral power in the town which it was impossible for
them to regain.—(Shouts of " No," and " Yes.") He
concluded by urging the audience to abhor expediency,
and to take their stand upon principle.
Alderman CROPTON moved the next resolution :
" That a petition be presented to Parliament praying
that the ports may be opened throughout the United
Kingdom for the admission (free from duty) of all arti-
cles of food, and that every protecting duty thereon may
be immediately abolished, and that the following be such
petition:—
" To the Right Hon. the Commons of the United King-
dom of Great Britain and Ireland in Parliament as-
sembled. The petition of the inhabitants of Sunder-
land

" Showeth,—That your petitioners consider that all
protecting duties are unjust and impolitic, and ultimately
injurious to all classes of the community.
" That, from diligent inquiries which have been made
throughont the country, it appears to be universally
admitted that there is a failure in the present year's
crop of potatoes, which constitute a very large propor-
tion of the food of the poorer classes, and that your
petitioners have also reason to believe that the corn
harvest throughout the United Kingdom has been un-
favourable both as to quantity and quality.
" That the inhabitants of this borough have just
emerged from an unexampled period of distress, as can
be shown by the returns of paupers made to the Poor-
law Commissioners, and your petitioners, dreading the
misery and wretchedness which must ensue from a
scarcity of food, not only to the borough, but also to
every part of the kingdom, consider that the admission
of foreign corn is indispensably necessary to avert the
impending distress.
" Your petitioners, therefore, humbly pray that the
ports may be opened throughout the United Kingdom
for the admission (free from duty) of articles of food,
and that every protecting duty thereon may be imme-
diately abolished.
" And your petitioners will ever pray, &c."
He observed that, as a shipowner he had been a free-
trader ever since Mr. Huskisson passed the Reciprocity
Act ; he believed he stood alone for many years ; but
amidst all the outcry which was raised against that mea-
sure, he never signed a petition for its repeal.—(Loud
applause.) Ho was confident it only required the full
and united voice of the people to assist such men as
Messrs. Cobden and Bright in order to secure the repeal
of all protective laws, and to induce those Dukes and
Marquises who now fancied the people fared sumptu-
ously on potatoes and curry powder, to give way, that
the people might have a good and cheap loaf of bread.—
(Applause) He spoke to several of his friends among
the shipowners being now in favour of free trade in al'
articles of food, and hoped the time was not far distant
when this blessing to the country would be secured.
Mr. G. HARDCASTLE, in seconding the motion, ob-
served that at that late period of the evening he would
not detain them long, and after the speeches which had
been delivered, it was unnecessary for him to do so.
The circumstance in which he was placed reminded him
of an anecdote of a gentleman who, riding along to New-
castle, met a queer-looking pitman, to whom he good-
naturedly said, " It's a fine day, my friend." The pit-
man turned up his face and said, " Whae said it wasn't"?
—(Laughter) So if he told thorn that the corn-laws
were wicked, unjust, and oppressive, some person might
reply, " Who says they are not ?" They all appeared
to be in one mind on the subject. Mr. Hardcastle, how-
ever, branched into the question of free trade as it bears
on the shipping interest, the farmer, and the public. He
stated that on the Duke of Cleveland's estate in the
county of Durham, for every tenant who had gained a
competency, he could point to twenty who had been re-
duced from tenants to labourers, and some of them hur-
ried into the parish workhouse.
Colonel BECKWITH, of Silksworth, moved the follow-
ing resolution:—"That David Barclay, Esq., M.P., be
requested to present and support a petition founded
on the above resolutions, and that George Hudson,
Esq., M.P., be also requested to support such peti-
tion." He looked at the corn•laws in two
points of view—as they affect the foreign relations
of the empire, and its domestic policy and industry.
In regard to the former, he had no hesitation in
saying, that if we had a Government having solely in view
the general welfare of the empire, instead of (as all
Governments since Lord Chatham's seem to have in
view) the propping up of an oligarchy, its object would
be to render this country the commercial capital of the
world ; and suppasing this to be the case, everything
must be arrived at by affording every facility to all the
countries of the world sending their staple produce here
as fi:,e as possible from interruption.—(Loud applause.)
A violation of this rule has at the present time occa-
sioned most serious results. They were all aware of
our relations with the United States of America. Some
two or three years ago a treaty was signed with that
power which has been justly designated a capitulation ;
it surrendered many of our interests, and in conse-
quence of that treaty a tone of dictation' and system of
aggression have been had recourse to by the United
States, which no man, however peaceably disposed he
may be, can permit to pass. The question of peace and
war indeed is no longer in our hands. All we can do
is to maintain our possessions ; we cannot retreat one
foot ; upon the United States will be the responsibity'
and upon their heads must consequences.
be the
Now, had the corn-lawsbeen abolished some year;
ago, America would never have thought of going to
war with England ; and we should .now strike out
of her hand the best weapons she can wield by
abolishing the corn-laws.—(Applause.) The Gallant
Colonel then turned to the domestic policy
.of the
country. On looking at the state of the /Atm; he

found the whole of the manufacturing and a large por-
tion of the commercial classes opposed to the corn-laws ;
a majority of the agriculturists are in favour of protec-
tion, but the more enlightened of them are as much op-
posed to it as any other portion of the community.—
(Applause.) There was another and more numerous
class—those who are not able exactly to make up their
minds on the question, and who are confused by looking
at the magnitude of the interests involved. .To such he
would simplify the matter by supposing that the Mayor
and corporation had the power and will to levy protective
duties or to prohibit goods being brought from Monk-
wearmouth or Shields. Did any man think that would
eonduce to the prosperity of the borough ? No : by
abolishing competition, it would destroy enterprise; and
although the maker of any article might gain an in-
creased price for it, he would have to pay every other
tradesman in the same proportion, and would therefore
lose in the long run. The same principle applies to the
country generally.—(Applause.) The Gallant Colonel
then contended that protection is not beneficial even to
the landed interest, and adverted to the experience of
the past as affording satisfactory evidence that trade and
manufactures prosper most without protection. As Pre-
sident of the North Durham Registration Society, he
concluded by calling upon the meeting to qualify for
North Durham, observing that any one calling at the
Registration-office, in the High-street, might purchase a
qualification which would be better as a speculation than
many dozens lately afloat in this neighbourhood.
Mr. Councillor CARLING seconded the motion in an
energetic speech.
This closed the proceedings, and a vote of thanks
having been given by acclamation to the Mayor for his
able and impartial conduct in the chair, the meeting se-
parated.

PASSENGER-TAX STATISTICS.
(From the British and Foreign Railway Magazine.)
Railways have done much for Government and the
country, and it is only fair to inquire what Government
in return has done for railways? Nothing—absolutely
nothing, beyond investing them with the permissible
power of circulating throughout the country golden
currents of capital, quickening the pulse of national
labour, suppressing, by timely supplies of employment in
many districts of the kingdom, the cries of the querulous
and discontented, and the outbreak of the rebellious.
All that a sage Legislature has effected, in return for
this enrichment of its national resources, is the impo-
sition of three odious taxes, the passenger, assessment,
and income taxes, which all weigh heavily on the purse
of enterprise, being again visited by the railways (from
whose profits they detract), in the shape of high and
inordinate exaction of fare, upon the people.
It will be seen from the accompanying analysis that
the payment of passenger duty to Government forms a
considerable item in the outgoings of annual profit on
some of the principal lines, amounting, on the London
and Birmingham and Great Western to 25,0001. per
annum, and upon the Grand Junction, South-Western,
&c., to from 12,000/. to 14,0001. Fifty-seven lines from 1833,
when the tax was first imposed, to 1844, have paid to Go-
vernment amercements in the enormous sum of 708,913/. ;
and many, we believe, of the minor lines have, in this
respect, paid far more than they ever divided. Cui bono.

Wfio benefits? Clearly Government does largely by
the railways; and is it not a hard, an ungracious thing,
then, that railways shou'd be taxed by the state? seeing
that the impost acts so injuriously, not only on the
interests of their enterprising projectors, but upon the
interests of the travelling community. A tax of this
kind acts prohibitory, not only on the peregrinations of
the poor, but upon the profits and pleasures of the
middle classes, and decides to a great extent the amount
of dividend railway companies declare, which fluctuates
and is affected in proportion to the extent of passenger
traffic.

The passenger impost took effect in 1832, and was
fixed at 5 per cent. on the receipts, but compositions
were granted by the Treasury in 1839 to the Scotch and
North of England lines on terms exempting low fares
from taxation, so that the measure only took effect upo❑
the transit of poorer passengers at that date. The fluc-
tuations observable in the amounts of some of the lines
will be accounted for by this latter reason; added to the
fact of their progressive periods of opening and the con-
sequent accession of receipts. The officers of the Board
of Trade affirm that the average cost of conveying each
passenger upon the London and Birmingham is near
9-10th of a ld. per mile, thus calculating that a gross
receipt of 100/., from fares of 3d. per mile, would give
a nett receipt of 701., and at a Id. a mile 101. It appears
from the evidence of Mr. Laing, late secretary of the
Board of Trade, 5 per cent. operates as a general tax of
8 per cent. on nett receipts from high fares, and 20 per
cent. on id. per mile fares. It appears, moreover, from
the last report of the Select Committee on the subject,
that the profits from passenger receipts arise from the
higher fares, as instanced in the case of the Grand
Junction, where the per centage of first-class passenger
is 54; on third, 12; the dividend 10 per cent. On the
South-Western the per centage of first-class passengers
is 32; third-class, 8; dividend 7 per cent. On the East-
tern Counties the per centage on first-class passengers
is 16; on third-class, 55; dividend 1/. 12s. On the Glas-
gow and Greenock the per centage on first-class pas-
sengers is 9; on third-class, 64; dividend 2. It will
thus be perceived that the dividends are in proportional
ratio to the per centages. The tax for the last eleven
years, from 1833 to 1844, has given a total revenue to
Government, exclusive of lines in Ireland and Scotland,
of 708,9131. This is upon upwards of fifty-six lines.
The returns for the past year not yet made out will,
doubtless, owing to the fuller development of the rail-
way accommodation of the kingdom, show a larger pre-
ponderating value, and there is no question that when
the numerous lines of last and the coming sessions are
in action, the railway tax, if continued to be extorted,
will exceed that of any other impost. It is by no means
improbable that Government, knowing this, will main-
tain the exaction as a kind of equipoise to the loss that
may be sustained by the repeal of the corn and other
duties that now act so oppressively on the people. It is
contended that the remission of 5 per cent. passenger-
tax on all fares at and under a ld. per mile would only
reduce the revenue from this source, derivable yearly by
Government by 8,0001., besides being a great boon to
the poor who travel by third-class trains. This amount,
instead of being paid to Government, might be well and
usefully laid out by the different railways in adding to
the convenience and comfort of their third-class car-
riages. We contend, therefore, without qualification,
for the total abolition of this tax, as an incumbrance
alike on railway property and the pablic, and call upon
the companies to unite and memorialise for its remission.
The following is a complete analysis of the amount of
passenger duty paid by each railway company in England
and Wales, for passenger duty (made up to the sth
January in each year), from 1833 to 1844:

The Bolton and Leigh, a line now amalgamated with
the Liverpool and Manchester and Grand Junction, paid
in 1834, 131.; in 1835, 101.; in 1836, 10/.; in 1837, 101.;
in 1838 this small amount of tribute rose to 1001. ; in
1839 to 261/. ; in 1840 to 377/ ; in 1841 to 345/. ; in
1842 to 304/.; in 1843 it fluctuated and fell to 2591.; and
in 1844 to 272/. The total tax paid by this line to Go-
vernment from 1834 to 1844 was 1,918/.

The Bodmin and Wadebridge, one of the primitive
mineral lines of the Land's End, proposed to be amal-
gamated with the Cornwall and Devon, began to contri-
bute its " widow's mite" of 11. 12s. to the Government
Exchequer in 1835 ; in 1836, its traffic enabled it to pay
a tribute of 11/. 155.; in 1837, of 191. 14s. Its quota of
contributions never large, owing to its being chiefly a
mineral, and not a passenger line, then varied as follow:
in 1838, 151. Gs., in 1839, Si. 195., in 1840, 131. 175., in
1841, 161. 55., in 1842, 151. 25., in 1843, 121. Bs., and in
1844, dwindling down to 51. 16s. Total paid by this line
to Government as capitation tax from 1835 to 1844,
1621.

The Brandling Junction, lately bought up by Mr.
Hudson, and incorporated with the Newcastle and Dar-
lington, paid 5731. in 1840. In 1841 the amount of duty
rose from 5721. to 2,6201.; in 1842 to 2,6751. ; in 1843 it
sank to 1,7371., and in 1844 to 1,0141. Total paid by
this line to Government from 1841 to 1844, 8,6191.
The Birmingham and Derby, now amalgamated with
the Midlands, paid in 1840, its opening year, a duty of
7081, in 1841, with the subsequent increase of its traffic,
2,720/., in 1842, 2,3371., in 1843, 2736/, in 1844, 2,2261.
Total paid by this line to Government from 1840 to 1844,
10,127/

The Birmingham and Gloucester, first of all amalga-
mated at the commencement of the present year with
its broad gauge neighbour, the Bristol and Gloucester,
and subsequently with Mr. Hudson's lines, commenced
payment in 1841 at the rate of 7201., in 1842 it rose to
3,6451., in 1843, 3,2621., in 1844, 3,071/. Total paid by
this line to Government from 1841 to 1844, 10,6981.
The Bolton and Preston, amalgamated with the
North Union in August, 1844, giving rise to the conso-
lidated stock of the latter distinguished as A. and 8.,
paid a duty in 1842 of 2611., in 1843, 3741., in 1844, 3681.
Total paid by this line to Government from 1842 to 1844,
1,003/.
The Clarence, a coal line in the North, now leased by
the Stockton and Hartlepool, paid in 1836 341., in 1837
891., in 1838 99/., in 1839 661., in 1840 1861., in 1841 1801.,
in 1842 2111., in 1843 1331., in 1844 771. Total from
1836 to 1844 1,075.

The Canterbury and Whitstable, now amalgamated
with the South-Eastern, paid in 1834 51., in 1835 51., in
1836 201., in 1837 261., in 1838 261., in 1839 561., in 1840
391., in 1841 291., in 1842 741., in 1843 671., in 1844 401.
Total from 1834 to 1844 3871.

The Chester and Birkenhead paid in 1641 1351., in
1842 2,1691., in 1843 1,5661., and in 1844 1,073 L Total
paid by this line to Government from 1841 to 1844
4,9431.

The Durham and Sunderland, united by Mr. Hudson
with the Midlands, contributed in duty to the Govern-
ment Exchequer no very considerable sum. In 1838 it
contributed 201., in 1839 1131., in 1840 4321., in 1841
5771., in 1842 5771., in 1843 4531., in 1844 2901. Total
contributed by this line to Government from 1838 to
1844 2,386/.

The Durham Junction, a coal bearing line, paid in
1841 1051,in 1842 137/, in 1843 1341., in 1844 1191. Total
sum paid by this line to Government, 492/.
The Eastern Counties, the trunk of the East Anglian
districts, paid to Government from 1838 to 1844 9,247/.
The Grand Junction paid in 1538 5,005/., in 1839
12,0261., in 1840 14,2571, in 1841 15,0301., in 1842
14.4561., in 1843 13,545!., in 1844 11,5111. Total sum
paid by this line to Government from 1838 to 1844
85,8594 The passenger-tax paid by the Chester and
Crewe and Warrington and Newton lines, now merged
in the Grand Junction, are included in this amount.
The Great Western paid in 1839 2,299/., in 1840
5,4401., in 1841 10,965/, in 1842 21,814/, in 1843
25,804/, in 1844 25,089/. The sums received during the
last three mentioned years include the passenger-taxes
paid by the Bristol and Exeter, and Cheltenham and
Great Western, whose lines are worked by, and their
expenses paid by, the Great Western, who from 1839 to
1844 paid a total sum to Government of 91,342/
Gascoigne's Private, a colliery line, paid a regular tri-
bute of 21. each year from 1838 to 1843. In 1844 it paid
nothing at all.
The Great North of England, now leased by Hudson

paid in 1842 1,4751., in 1843 2,2321., in 1844 2,4821.
Total paid by this line to Government from 1842 to 1844
6,095/.
The Hartley burn and Brampton paid in 1835 10s., in
1836 103., in 1837 51., in 1838 51., in 1839 5/., in 1840
17/., in 1841 151., in 1842 81., in 1843 8/., in 1844 9/.
Total paid by this line to Government from 1835 to
1844 73/.

_ .
The Hereford and Monmouth Cap, paid in 1839 a.,
and for successive years to 1844 21. each year. Total 11/.
The Hull and Selby, now amalgamated with the Mid-
lands, paid in 1841 1,4751., in 1843 3,2394 in 1844
2,4821. Total paid to Government 6,6601.
The Hartlepool Dock Company's Railway paid in
1840 921., in 1841 2591., in 1842 3021., in 1843 2481., in
1844 160/. Total 1,0611.
The Hayle Railway, a mineral line, in Cornwall, now
about to be merged in the proposed West Cornwall line,
paid in 1844 321.
The Liverpool and Manchester, the first line in the
north upon which tax was levied, paid in 1833, its year
of opening, 621/., in 1834 5,6461., in 1835 6,2591., in 1836
6,863/, in 1837 7,485/, in 1838 7,170/, in 1839 6,8401.,
in 1840 7,9911., in 1843 6,798/, in 1844 5,661/. Total
paid by this line to Government from 1833 to 1814
76,2421.
The Leeds and Selby, also merged into the Midlands,
paid in 1835 2421., in 1836 1,093 e, in 1837 9001, in 1838
737/., in 1839 7951., in 1840 1,2331, in 1811 1,3581., in
1842 4851.. in 1843 3881., in 1844 2311. Total 7,495/.
The Leicester and Swannington, a mineral line, lately
incorporated with the Midlands, paid in 1833 181., in
1834 251., in 1835 5/., in 1836 27/, in 1837 501., in 1838
65/., in 1839 871, in 1840 96/., inl 841 1001., in 1842 99/.,
in 1843 76/., in 1844 44/. Total 7621.
The London and Greenwich, now amalgamated with
the South-Eastern, paid in 1837 553/, in 1838 858/., in
1839 1,1001., in 1840 2,7691., in 1841 2,6961., in 1842
2,6791., in 1843 2,6041, in 1844 2,050/. Total 15,2091.
The London and Birmingham commenced paying in
1838 1,3821, in 1839 9,712/., in 1840 20,3501., in 1841
24,806/, in 1842 26,2271., in 184325,940/, in 1844 25,412/.
Total paid by this line to Government from 1838 to 1844
133,730/.
The London and Croydon, lately united with the
Brighton, paid in 1840 972/, in 1841 1.6361., in 1842
1,7431, in 1843 1,5824, in 1844 7971 Total 6,736/.
The London and Brighton paid in 1841 299/., in 1842
1,485/., in 1843 5,827/., in 1844 7,819. Total 15,5431.
The London and Blackwall paid in 1841 1,031/., in
1842 2,367/., in 1843 2,5291., in 1844 2,028/. Total 7,9551.
The Lancaster and Preston, now amalgamated with
the North Union, paid in 1841 508/., in 1842 1,1281, in
18431, 229/., in 1844 1,6511 Total 4,416/.
The Llanelly and Llandilo. a Welch mineral line, paid
in 1841 3/., in 1842 12k, 1843 101, and in 1844 91
Total 34/.
The Manchester, Bolton, and Bury, now amalgamated
with a group of lines known as the East Lancashire,
paid in 1839 645/, in 1840 1,231/., in 1841 1,2881, in
1842 1,3911., in 1843 1,0601, in 1844 1,149/. Total
7,073/.
The Midland Counties, running from Rugby to Derby,
one of the first of Mr. Hudson's amalgamative mea-
sures, and united by him to the York and North Mid-
land, paid in 1840 567/, in 1841 2,8621., in 1842 5,2891.,
in 1843 4,834/, in 1844 4,411/ Total 16,963/.
The Manchester and Leeds in 1840 paid 1,1991., in
1841 3,032/., in 1842 8,023/., in 1843 7,8041., in 1844
6,047/ Total 26,105/
The Marvport and Carlisle paid in 1841 41., in 1842
34/, in 1843 36/., in 1844 96/. Total 170/.
The Manchester and Birmingham, lately delivered up
to the London and Birmingham by amalgamation, paid
in 1841 839/, in 1842 1,486/., in 1843 1,9761., in 1844
3,6571. Total 7,958/.
The Newcastle and Carlisle, in 1836 paid 471., in 1837
2501., in 1838 6001, in 1839 1,210/, in 1840 2,125/, in
1841 2,4101., in 1842, 2,188/., in 1843 1,673 k, in 1844
1,281/. Total 11,784/.
The North Union paid in 1834 10/., in 1835 101., in
1836 100/., in 1637 2501, in 1838 3641., in 1839 448/., in
1840 1,5081., in 1841 1,900/., in 1842 1,8941., in 1843
1,5021, in 1844 1,039/. Total 9,0151.
The Newcastle and North Shields paid in 1836 471.,
in 1837 250/, in 1838 6001., in 1839 1,210/., in 1840
2,1251, in 1841 2,4101, in 1542 2,188/, in 1843 1,6731.,
in 1844 1,2811. Total 7,3561.
The North Midland, now a limb of the amalgamated
Midlands, from Derby to Leeds, paid in 1841 3,6971.,
in 1812 7,8691., in 1843 6,182/., in 1844 4,883/. Total
22,6311.
The North-Eastern, now consolidated with the Eastern
Counties, paid in 1841 3051., in 1842 2,2831., in 1843
3,0641., in 1844 3,274/. Total 8,926/.
The Preston and Longridge paid in 1841 16/., in
1842 511., in 1843 411., in 1844 20/. Total 1281.
The Preston and Wyre paid in 1841 4181., in 1842
934/., in 1843 489/, in 1844 468/. Total 2,305/.
The Poatop and South Shields—originally Stanhope
and Tyne—paid in 1536 81, in 1837 51., in 1838 5/., in
1839 251., in 1840 321., in 1841 177/, in 1842 196 k, in
1843 127/., in 1844 4/. Total 5851. _ _

St. Helen's and Runcorn Gap, now forming a portion
of the co•allied lines of the Liverpool and Manchester
and Grand Junction, paid in 1835 5/., in 1836 SL, in
1837 10/., in 1838 101., in 1839 80/., in 1840 37/, in 1841
36/., in 1842 29L, in 1843 471, in 1844 811. Total 2901.
The Stockton and Darlington, in 1834 paid 1001., in
1835 100/., in 1836 230/., in 1837 2001., in 1838 4321.,
in 1839 6691., in 1840 8061., in 1841 1,0071., in 1842
1,100/, in 1843 7951., in 1844 582/. Total 6,0211.
The Stratford and Moreton, paid in 1834 SL. in 1835
5/, in 1836 5!., in 1837 5/., in 1838 301., in 1839 25/, in
1840 30/, in 1841 32/., in 1842 29L, in 1843 29/, in 1844
12/. Total 207/.

The South-Western in 1839 paid 1,5241., in 1840
5,4951., in 1841 10,1311., in 1842 10,6221., in 1843 12,0431
in 1844 12,0321. Totalsl,Blll.
The Sheffield and Rotherham, now a tributary to the
Midlands, paid in 1840 593/., in 1841 985/., in 1842
7961., in 1843 596/., in 1844 361/. Total 3,3314
The Stockton and Hartlepool paid in 1842 277/., in
1843 2601., in 1844 2311. Total 768/.
The Seghill and Percy Main paid in 1842 29/., in
1843 50/., in 1844 22/. Total 101/.
The Sheffield and Manchester, also united to the Mid-
land, paid in 1842 45/., in 1843 751/., in 1844 987/. Total
1,7331.
The South-Eastern and Dover paid in 1843 1,274/., in
1844 5,7101. Total 6,9841.
The Taff Vale paid in 1841 67/., in 1842 4101, in
1843 473?., in 1844 272/. Total 1,224/.
The Whitby and Pickering, amalgamated with Mr.
Hudson's line, paid in 1837 1261., in 1838 151/., in 1839
25/., in 1840 127/., in 1841 113/., in 1842 102/., in 1843
801., in 1844 60/. Total 648/.
The Warrington and Newton, now merged in the
Grand Junction, paid in 1834 511., in 1835 5/., in 1836
50/., in 1837 50/., in 1838 72/. Since 1839, when it be-
came part of the Grand Junction, its tax payments be-
comes included in that of its guardian, the Grand Junc-
tion. Total 1851.

The York and North Midland, Mr. Hudson's first line,
the nucleus of the fusion of the Midland lines, paid in
1840 5011., in 1841 1,3671, in 1842 2,7224, in 1843
3,7601., in 1844 3,3351. Total paid by this line to Go-
♦ernment, from 1840 to 1844, 11,266/

The following shows the total sums paid for passenger-
tax to Government by each line, from their respective
dates, given above, to 1844: £
1 Bolton and Leigh
2 Bodmin and Wadebridge ll5
3 Brandling Junction
4 Birmingham and Derby
5 Birmingham and Gloucester
6 Bolton and Preston
7 Clarence 1,075
8 Canterbury and Whitstable
9 Chester and Birkenhead
11 Durham and Sunderland 2,386
12 Durham Junction
12 Eastern Counties
13 Grand Junction 85,859
14 Great Western
15 Gascoyne'a " Private" _ l2

16 Great North of England
17 Hartleyburn and Brampton 73
18 Hereford and Monmouth Cap
19 Hull and Selby
20 Hartlepool Dock
21 Hayle 32
22 Liverpool and Manchester
23 Leeds and Selby
24 Leicester and Swannington
25 London and Greenwich
26 London and Birmingham 133,730
27 London and Croydon
28 London and Brighton
29 London and Blackwall 7,995
30 Lancaster and Preston 4,416
31 Llannelly and LLinidlo
32 Manchester, Bolton, and Bury 7,073
33 Midland Counties
34 Manchester and Leeds
35 Maryport and Carlisle
36 Manchester and Birmingham
37 Newcastle and Carlisle 11,785
38 North Union
39 Newcastle and North Shields
40 North Midland
41 Northern and Eastern
42 Preston and Longridge
43 Preston and Wyre
44 Pontop and South Shields
45 St. Helen's and Runcorn Gap
46 Stockton and Darlington
47 Stratford and Moreton . 207
48 South-Western
49 Sheffield and Bother:lam
50 Stockton and Hartl.ep00l
.51 Segbill and Perzy Main
52 Sheffield, Ashlon, and Manchester
53 South-Eastern
54 Taff Vale
55 Whitby and Pickering
56 Warrington and Newton
57 York and North Midland 11,286

£708,913

RAILWAY ENTERPRISE.

-- --
The following reflmtions upon railway enterprise are
interesting just now, and are written by an enlightened
man of business:

" The most remarkable feature of the present age is
the gigantic grandeur of its commerciel designs. Great
public enterprises were formerly the work of great men.
Then the individual stood forth in solitary greatness
from the mass of his fellows—emperors, kings, and
generals commanded, and their works arose. Thus the
pyramids were built, and the dams of the Nile con-
structed ; thus the most famous cities were created ;
thus the viaducts of Rome were formed—nay, even in
modern times, thus the navy of Russia was built ; thus
Napoleon intersected Europe with highways for his
countless armies. But a change, and that a sudden one,
has taken place. A few years of peace and successful
commerce have raised a class unknown to ancient his-
tory—a class faintly typified in the merchant princes of
Tyre. Now the mass stands out in bold relief from the
mass of former ages—indiTiduality is on the wane—whet

was formerly done by tlin famous is now being done by
the many ; companies are exercising greeter power than
Courts ; the merchants are outstripping the monarch&
Great men are growing scarce in proportion as things
are being clone—they are lost sight of in the grandeur
of the designs in which they are engaged. Men are
looking small by the side of their own works.
" As usual, England takes the lead, in fact, if we leave
America out of the question, British enterprise and
flri-
fish gold are changing the face of the earth. But great
projectors often turn mad, and we are afraid Great Bri-
tain is a little touched. Never before:was John Bull in
such a state of excitement. In fact he is railway mad."

CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT.
SENTENCES.
The following is a correct list of the sentences passed
upon the prisoners at the last session:—
To be Transported for Life—Thomas Smith, 24.
For Fifteen years—Thomas Bennett, John Reed, alias
Frederick Mason, and Charles Bowen.

For Fourteen Years—John Dancock, George Bates,
William Wilkes.
For Ten Years—John Thomas, Philip Wetz:;l, Fred-
erick Bunyan, Charles Shannon, James Norman, George
Lake, Wiliam Frederick Kelly, John Concannon, Wil-
liam Breeson, Edward Cunningham, Henry Mortimer,
William Tapson, William Mills.
For Seven Years—John Kloba, James Darks, Thomas
Pennyfather, John Bradley, Jeremiah Graham, alias
John Scott, William Porter, Henry Harman, Thomas
alias James Henville, John Wilson, Frederick Fitzgerald.
Imprisonment and Hard Labour for Two Years—
William Bennett, Edward Hogwood, George Senders,
alias Andrews.
For Eighteen Months —DAnnis Shine.
For Twelve Months—Peter Burgess, Thomas Blaka,
Benjamin Brown, John Moore, Henry Brown, Frances
Read, Eliza Cross, John Gordon, Henry Prescott, George
Mitchell, Henry Jameson, William Roberts, Mary Davis,
John White, James Hudson, Emma Austen, Mary Anne
Williams.

For Nine Months—Mary Anne Nye.
For Six Months—James Thorn, Arthur Webb, Mary
Barrett, Mary Anne Lloyd, Daniel Cruikshank, Mary
Green, John Young, Pierce Driscall, James Parker,
Joh❑ Ashford, Richard Carter, William Long, Amelia
Haynes, Thomas Walker, Alfred Hay, Rosina Bayley,
George .Evans, Robert Studley, Charles Holmes, Abra-
ham' Wheeler, John Mansell, Isaac Hoare, Benjamin
Shepherd, William Stockwell, William Deacon, Mary
Wilson.
For Four Months—William Hewson, John Greimne,
Benjamin Freeman, John Jetty.
For Three Months—Thomas Scalfield, William Cod,
John Wheatley, James Beasley, Edward Ileawood,
Barbara Goulding, Mary Green, John Reilly, Thomas
Hamilton.
For Two Months—Edward Home.

Several other prisoners were sentenced to undergo dif-
ferent shorter periods of imprisonment, varying from one
month to seven days in Newgate.
The following were acquitted :—George John Ford,
Richard Riley, John Tubbs, David Lewis, Elizabeth
James, Susanah James, Ellen Dasey, Richard Warwick,
James Hogan, Anne Hogan, William Barry, Edward
Walker, William Probett, John Brummell, John Strutt,
George Dickenson, Thomas Ernmerson, Mary Anne
Sears, Mary Anne Chalk, John Tew, William Oldham,
Thomas Roberts, Mary Roberts, Richard George Reef,
Robert Downs, Thomas Bash, William Bond, Elizabeth
Sanders, James Whitside, Caroline Barbar, Anne Jones,
William Gibbs, Joseph Mitchley, Mary Day, llenry
Joseph Killerby.
There was only one bill ignored by the Grand Jury,
viz., against Isaac Clark.
Judgments Respited—Henry Spicer, Mary Smith.
Remanded to the next S, ssion—George Johnstone,
for murder ; George Green, James Thomas.
The CJurt at its rising adjourned to Monday, Feb. 2.

POLICE INTELLIGENCE.
GUILDHALL.

On Saturday, Henry Bushell, a young man of respect-
able appearance, was brought before Mr. Alderman
Moon, charged with uttering a forged cheque for 3801.
on Messrs. Child, the bankers, purporting to be drawn
by Lord Ducie, who is a customer of that house.
Mr. Clarkson attended on behalf of the prisoner ; Mr.
Pickering, a solicitor, conducted the prosecution.
Mr. Pickering now proposed to add to the testimony
of the porter and the clerk at the banking-house, the
evidence of the servant who delivered the note addressed
to Mr. Briggs, and gave Mr. Briggs's anEwer containing
the forged cheque to the porter.
Ruth Alcock, the servant of No. 30 A, Wigmore-
street, stated that on Monday last, the prisoner came be-
tween eleven and twelve o'clock in the morning, to look
at some rooms that were to be let. He came again about
one o'clock, when her mistress was out, and asked for
some paper, and a pen and ink to write a note. He asked
if anybody had been there inquiring for him. She said
no person had called ; but while he was finishing the
note the bell was rung, and the porter now present
brought the letter, which she delivered to the prisoner.
Without opening it he gave her the note he had pre-
viously written, and sealed, desiring her to tell the por-
ter to get back as quick as he possibly could. She saw
the address on it was Messrs. Child and Co.

Mr. Pickering prayed a remand, as he was unable to
put Lord Ducie in the box that day to prove that his
signature had been forged.
Mr. Alderman Moot,' directed that his money should
be restored, amounting to 71., and he remanded the pri-
soner till Saturday next.
MARLBOROUGH-STREET.

Mrs. Hughes, of No. 2, Great Rider-street, was sum-
moned by the well-known Mr. Richard Dunn, a bar-
rister, for detaining, without just cause, two portman-
teaus, twenty-five books, a carpet-bug, shirts, breeches,
boots, and spurs, &c.
Mr. Dunn, it appeared, during the lifetime of Mrs.
Hughes's husband, lodged in Mr. Hughes's house, in
Bury-street.
In 1841, in consequence of Mr. Dunn's persevering
pursuit of a young lady of large fortune and distinction,
proceedings were taken against him, the result of which
was, that Mr. Dunn was condemned in the costs to the
amount of 801., which he refused to pay, which refusal
led to his confinement in the Queen's Bench Prison.
After an imprisonment of seven years, Mr. Dunn took
the benefit of the Bankruptcy Court, and obtained his
liberty. The present proceedings were instituted for the
purpose of recovering certain property, which had been
left in the custody of Mrs. Hughes at the time of Mr.
Dunn's arrest.
The answer to the claim was that Mr. Dunn left the
house 141. in debt for lodgings, and that as soon as this
demand was satisfied the property claimed would be
restored. _ _

Mr. Dunn contended that Mrs. Hughes had no autho-
rity to detain the property, or to claim the debt. She
was not the legal representative of her husband, inas-
much as she had not taken out letters of administration.

Mr. Humphries, who attended for the defendant, re-
minded Mr. Dann that he had recently obtained the pro-
tection of the Bankruptcy Court by assigning his property
to the Court.

Mr. Dunn said there were excepted articles in his
schedule, and the articles in question, he believed, formed
part of those articles.
Mr. Humphries said books could not be among the
excepted articles. He submitted to the Court that Mr.
Dunn was not in a situation to ask for the property in
question ; for, even if proved to belong to him, it must
be claimed by the assignees of the Bankruptcy Court.
In the course of the proceedings Mr. Dunn made a
long and rambling address, in which he referred to the
persecutions " he had for years sustained from Mr. Hum
phries."
Mr. HAnDwicx reminded Mr. Dunn that these " per-
secutions," as he termed them, were only the result of
professional instructions which Mr. Humphries had re-
ceived from his client.
The summons was dismissed.
WORSHIP-STREET.

On Saturday Mr. Henry Eiteridye, described as a
lieutenant in the navy, was charged on a warrant before
Mr. Broughton with committing a violent assault upon
vestryeiYardley,nkan n
ea yt -sydct
aoloetuwretidnih
s,
oft
that
fourteen rthoot enkoeettnhhNee other
yearsibvooi
tnyhg:
soofopf
nlaglaayse
son
_
Thomasx
13h eoJr
u.
was
yhagnsa
complainant
oodlmil
eHackney-downs
aa
month T ho ee
ing at a game called " rounder," and had a small dog
with him, when he saw the defendant coming across with
a large bull dog. and he took his little dog up in his
arms. The defendant, however, clapped his hands to
set on the great bull dog, and complainant, in fright,
dropped his dog, which the larger one then began to
worry. The complainant said he was afraid that his
little dog would be killed, and he again got it into his
arms, and threw a stone at the other, upon which the
defendant struck him a blow in the eye and knocked
him down. He got up and begged of the defendant to
prevent the bull dog from injuring his little one, but the
defendant knocked him down a second and a third time,
and would have done so again, but for a man who came
up and threatened to knock the defendant himself down,
unless he desisted from his violence. The defendant, he
said, struck him in the eye with his clenched fist every
time.

George Barrow, a farmer's man, said he was at some
distance when he saw the boys playing at rounder, and
one of them came running to him, and begged his pro-
tection for the complainant, who was being ill used by a
man. He himself saw the complainant knocked down
three times, and the defendant gave him regular knock-
down blows. He then went to the spot, and told the
defendant he was no gentleman to act in such a way,
and desired him to let the boy and his dog alone. The
animal which the defendant had with him was a large
bull dog.
Mr. Yardley, son., stated that when his son came home
and complained to him his eye was much contused, and
it was black fora week afterwards. He had since re-
ceived a letter, now produced, from the defendant, in
answer to an application from him, stating that the mat-
ter had been greatly exaggerated.
Holland, the officer who served the warrant, said he
had made particular inquiry, and ascertained that the
defendant was not a lieutenant in the royal navy, but an
officer in the Indian naval service.
The defendant said that was the fact. He was not di
the royal navy, but a lieutenant on furlough, in the
Indian merchant service. In answer to the charge, he
said that he was abused by the complainant, and boxed
his ears in return, but he denied having struck him down
by blows in the manner stated by the complainant and
the witness, who, he said, was at too great a distance to
see what blows were struck; and the witness, he believed,
was unable to tell the difference between a bull dog and
a cat ; for his dog was not a great bull dog, as described,
but a small one, between a bull dog and a terrier.
Mr. BROUGHTON said the violent nature of the assault
was fully establisL‘ed, not only by the evidence, but by
the bruised condition the yonth himself for some time
afterwards. After eouisweating btr ungly upon his
brutality, he sentenced the def-ndant to pay the full pe-
nalty of 5/., or to be imprisoned six 7eeks in default.
CLERKEN WELL.
George Dougherty was charmicl with stealing >3 piece
of coal, Yalta three Wpm,.

The prisoner is in the service of Mr. Newton, coal
merchant, of Battle-bridge, and has of late been sus-
pected of pilfering. When leaving his work on Friday
night he was stopped, and the coal was found under his
smock frock: _ . _

In answer to Mr. GREENWOOD, the prosecutor said he
wished the charge to go before a jury.
Mr. GREENWOOD replied, as that was his desire he
had no alternative but to commit the accused to Newgate
for trial. It was, however, a matter of so trivial a na-
ture that he would take one bail for the prisoner's ap-
pearance to surrender to answer for the offence when
the Old Bailey St ions commence. Bail was imme-
diately tendered and accepted.

THUNDER-STORM AT THE CAPE

- - -
OF GOOD HOPE.
(From a Graham's Town Journal.)
Graham's Town was visited on Thursday evening last,
the 16th of October, by a severe thunder-storm, which
was very near being attended with the most calamitous
results. Never do we reMember to have witnessed light-
ning of a greater intensity ur accompanied with such a
remarkable carmine blaze of light. The flash at each
discharge, instead of being instantaneous, appeared to be
a continuous stream of electricity pouring down for an
appreciable interval of time, and leaving behind it a faint
streak of white light—whilst the simultaneous crash of
the thunder was truly terrific. The electric fluid struck
several times in different parts of the town, and at half-
past six a broad stream of light was observed to descend
behind the Drosty Barrack, accompanied by a deafening
peal of thunder. This, it was afterwards ascertained,
struck the powder-magazine, containing about 60,00011a5.
of gunpowder, besides large quantities of shells, rockets,
ball-cartridges, &c. The lightning, it appears, first
struck the gable-end on the eastern side of the building
facing the town, 'where the fluid separated, one stream
passing directly downwards, leaving a black streak on
the wall inside the magazine—the other branching off to
the porch, shattering the wall in several places, and tear-
ing off a portion of the door-post. The sentry, who was
at a distance of about forty feet from the spot where the
lightning Struck, was thrown to the ground, and re-
mained in a state of insensibility for an hour and a half,
when he was discovered and removed to the hospital,
where he now is, we are happy to be enabled to state,
gradually recovering. If the electric fluid had struck a
few feet further to the westward on the ridge, there is
every reason to believe that the magazine would have
been laid in ruins. It is said that in consequence of the
east wall being rather damp, the powder was removed
from actual contact with it some short time ago, and
that perhaps to this circumstance, and to the fact of the
damp wall conducting the electricity more readily into
the earth, our providential escape may be attributed.
About seven or eight months ago we directed attention
to the exposed situation of this powner magasine in par-
ticular, having on two occasions witnessed the lightning
strike within a short distance of it. Estimates were at
that time prepared by the commanding officer of en.
gineers, and sent home, for the erection of two con
ductors, but were disallowed by the authorities at home.
The calculated expense of the two conductors, with the
necessary tanks and apparatus, was, we believe, about
501.; and for this paltry sum the whole of the Govern-
ment buildings, and half the town and its inhabitants
have been placed in jeopardy, and have narrowly escaped
destruction- We are happy to learn, however, that ap-
plication has been made to the Governor to sanction their
immediate erection. The private powder magazines near
the mill should also be protected by lightning rods; they
generally contain from 30,0001b5. to 40,0001b5. of gun-
powder.

IMPORTANT AGRICULTURAL
IMPROVEMENTS.

On Saturday afternoon a number of gentlemen inte-
rested in agricultural and gardening pursuits, met by
invitation, with Mr. Francis Henry Bickes, of Mayence,
on the Rhine, at the offices of Mr. Croucher, 3, Tra-
falgar-square, to examine several specimens of agricul-
tural produce raised by a new process invented by the
first-named gentleman. The nature of the discovery, as
stated by Mr. Bickes, is to lessen exceedingly that
heavy item of cost manure ; to bring lands hitherto
considered not worth the trouble and expense of culti•
ration into a highly productive state, and grow crops
that even in the most fertile land would be deemed a
valuable compensation to the agriculturists. Further,
that land now in high cultivation may be made to pro-
duce better crops of all kinds, in quality and quantity,
without exhausting its strength ; its fertilizing power
being fully sustained from year to year. These asto-
nishing results are produceable by preparing the seed
in a peculiar manner (the process Mr. Bickes keeps a
secret), by which the powers of attracting and absorb-
ing in a high degree the elements of nutrition is given
to the plant. For sixteen years the gentleman in ques-
tion has been engaged in agricultural pursuits in his
native country, and has but lately arrived in this coun-
try ; his object being, if possible, to get the Govern-
ment convinced of the truth and value of his discovery,
so as to purchase it for the benefit of the nation at
large. It was stated by Mr. Wickes that the value of
his discovery was fully-attested by practice ; in proof of
which he could refer to testimonials from various parts
of the Continent as well as England, which he now sub-
mitted to the public. The gentlemen present were here
supplied with a copy of the testimonials referred to, con-
taining attestations from the Imperial Garden at Der
Burg, several magistrates and leading agriculturists,
of Vienna ; agricultural judges appointed to examine
into the discovery at Offenbach, the garden of the Count
of Isenbourg, several landed proprietors of Castel, the ar-
bitrator of the Agricultural Society of Mayence, and
several members of the Society of Naturalists there, an
agricultural committee .at Manbach, several landed pro-
prietors of Belgium, in addition to testimonials from
Colonel Blagrove, Calcot-park, Berks, and other gentle.
men in that county, who had tried the prepared seed; all
declaring the results produced by the seed prepared by
Mr. Bickes' process, to be most astonishing, both in deve-
lopment of fibre, and in size, quantity, and ripeness of fruit.
It was further stated thatpotatoes, grown by the prepared
process, had in no case been subjected to the prevailing
disease. A great number of specimens were handed
round the room, consisting of wheat, barley, oats, and
maze or Indian corn, and various kinds of shrubs and
plants. The cerealian products, especially, were of the
most gigantic dimensions, and the ears were beautifully
filled ; yet, it was stated, these were grown on inferior
land, without manure, the seed being simply prepared,
notwithstanding which they had arrived at maturity
much earlier than the best favoured grain, under the
ordinary system of cultivation. A very fine rose tree
plant was shown, grown from a prepared seed, which in
one year had become as large as the plant ordinarily
does in eight. Altogether the specimens, taking for
granted the data of Mr. Bickes, are the most astonish-
ing we ever saw, and the theory, if proved true—if Mr.
Bickes really possesses a secret that can cause fertility
amidst barren wilds, and doubly enhance the value of
even the most fruitful soils—he will, prove himself the
greatest benefactor the world ever saw. The English,
however, are a practical people, and he must demonstrate
his powers in an unambiguous manner on their own land,
and under such circumstances as cannot admit of doubt,
before he can expect the patronage and reward he seeks.
Mr. Bickes, and the gentlemen whom he had invited,
dined together afterwards, at the Exeter Hall Hotel,
Mr. Croucher in the chair, where, after an excellent
dinner, a very delightful evening was spent, and several
excellent speeches delivered.

An arrangement, it is said, :has been entered into
among the Conservatives of the eastern division of the
county, by which Mr. Darby will retain his seat during
the ensuing session, but with the understanding he will
vote, on all Ministerial questions, with Sir R. Peel. The
appointment. therefore, held by Mr. Darby does not ren-
der it necessary that he should go before his constitu-
ents to be re-elected, and the retention of his seat whilst
holding de facto a place under the Government is another
evasion of the Bill of Rights—long since become, to all
useful purposes, a dead letter. But Mr. Darby seems to be
acting candidly towards his monopolist friends. He tells
them that, if he remain in Parliament, he shall vote with
the Premier, and they, rather than incur the expense of
an election, with another election in the immediate rear,
consent to allow Mr. Darby to retain his seat (for they
could call upon him to resign—not because he is a place-
man, but because he avows his intention to support the
Minister in his free-trade projects) till the present Par-
liament dies a natural death. One vote, at least, will
therefore be lost to the monopolists of the eastern divi-
sion in the coming conflict.—Briyhton Herald.
Miss A. ROMER, THE VOCALIST.—We were very
much pleased with the debut of this young lady at the
Concert-hall, on Wednesday evening. She has been
educate.!, we understand, at the Royal Academy, Lon-
don, and has returned to the place of her birth an ac-
complished vocalist. We have seldom witnessed so pro-
mising a first appearance, and predict her speedy rise to
eminence in the arduous profession which she has chosen.
Her figure is slender, and rather petite, her face expres•
sive, her voice of exceedingly melodious character, her
knowledge of musical science erudite for her years, and
her style in the highest degree neat and finished, remind.
ing us very much of the manner and capabilities of Miss
Delcy, who is now delighting the musical world on the
other side of the Atlantic. Many of our leading profes-
sionals were present, and one and all accorded to her
their utmost meed of admiration. To this were added
the warm commendations of an enthusiastic authority,
who was always ready .to greet indigenous merit, and
well capable of applying a strict test for its discovery.
The performances were announced by Mr. Joseph Robin-
son, who presided at the pianoforte, and who was also
ably assisted by Miss Whitnall, Mr. Reeves, and Herr
Braunhelder.—Literpool Mail.

MR. BURKE'S PEERAGE AND BARONETAGE, TOR
1846.—We are requested to state that Mr. Colburn, of
Great Marlborough street, has this day published " Mr.
Burke's Peerage and Baronetage, for 1846," a new edi-
tion, corrected throughout from the personal communi-
tions of the nobility, &c., and containing all the new
creations, in one volume (comprising as much matter as
twenty ordinary volumes), with upwards of 1,500 en-
gravings of arms,
&c., price 38s. bound, which can now
be had of all booksellers. Mr. Colburn has also lately
published the first three parts, price 10s. 6d. each, of
Mr. Burke's " History of the Landed Gentry," a genea-
logical and heraldic dictionary of the whole of the un-
titled aristocracy of England. Scotland, and Ireland. The
t;,;irth, and concluding part, is in the press.
Bili:f,TOL SUGAR. MARKET, JAN. 2.—The offices
having been closed for the Christmas recess since the
24th ult., were re-opened on Wednesday last, and there
has been a fair demand for raw sugars on the two market
days this week, the s ales re' ching 500 hhds. and tierces,
and a few hundred mats Mamitius, at prices not obtain-
able previously to the holidays. Refined goods are in
demand, and prices have an upward tendency.—Bristol
Mercury.
It has lx-en stated in the papers that circulars have
been dispatched from the Treasury to those Members of
the House of Commons who usually support Sir Robert
Peel, requesting their attendance on the opening of Par-
liament. We understand that no ouch ctrculars hare
been iesued.—Observir.

DESTRUCTIVE FIRES. oi
h
Yesterday morning, between the hours of tl
four, a fire broke out in the Castle Tavern' parker'
court, Strand, the property of Mr. Thoillas " three
licensed victualler. The premises, which Oe_*nrerotis
stories high, were flanked on either side by nobs
dwelling-houses, and were adjoined at the rear ficorr
Adelphi Theatre. An alarm having been raised, a," to
siderable period elapsed before the proprietor at the
different lodgers could be aroused, by which tim,e„,lll
of
of the back of the buildings, composed PrilleVith
timber, were completely wrapped in flames' a o'sl
such impetuosity was the fire then burning, that;f
with the greatest difficulty the inmates cntlid Aelscrsel
safe retreat. As it was, the waiter, a man nanle, "to it'?
Craner, together with a lodger, were obligor:Aio
from one of the upper windows into the coa':".„.itet
nothing on but their night-clothes. The
upon Jumping out of window, started off in the to
he was to the Chandos-street Brigade sta,' ere
give intelligence. The engines from that der"' vi
A
quickly got out and taken to the scene ; tbes' oitls
followed by others of the London establishment, tbore
Mr. Braidwood, the superintendent, and also w,oce
belonging to the West of England County 10..,.,11r01,
Companies. By the time, however, that they a"—„ael
the flames haJ broken through the roof, and ascer'tioo
so high into the air as to illuminate the greater Pl,,t,et
of the metropolis. There being only a lath-and-Photise
partition between the burning premises and the,- co&
No. 7 in the same court, a few seconds onlY lot
before the latter also became ignited. The hose °plies
engines having been attached, the branches wete 13e olr
down the court, but no water could at that 00 pod
tained from the plugs. For some t.imo it was oeci,
that the Adelphi Theatre would have been con'uorsl
the skylight and trap-doors on the roof being jeering
times in flames. A number of persons, however,
reji in
mounted the roof, a quantity of water, kept the Old
tank provided in case of such a disaster, was sceerfeX
about, and by that means the theatre was mains, tbf
As soon as water could be procured from the 111°I.ix
engines were set at work, under the directienfiroeo
Braidwood. After labourir.g for some time, tileA
The
at length got the fire completely extinguisbera stoa,
damage done is very considerable, the whole of e
belonging to Mr. Parker, together with his furniturf
wearing apparel, is totally lost. The furniture °for
lodgers in the building, and that belonging to i° The
lies in the adjoining house, is likewise destroYeu'icleto
scene at one period was truly distressing ; the,,,rese°:44ll€
of at least twenty houses in the court were '''„b ov;
running to and fro almost in a state of frenzy' ""ropert4l
along with them their children and what little Pldit
they could lay hold of. The origin of the fire cr
be accounted for.. The only party out of tlro„rj‘rf'
number of sufferers who was insured, was Mr- ,'"„veff
eight or nine families are therefore deprived 0'
thing they once possessed. nOA/1(' f
DESTRUCTIVE FIRE IN THE WALIV P.
ORT'" r;
Yesterday afternoon, the premises belongiag.,n
_ote,„P
Aldous, a corn chandler and seed merchant, 611-red
No. 9, Baker's-row, Walworth-road, were diSeo.%ted
be on fire. The flames, it is presumed, orignosf,
the back of the .shop amongst the stock, tun
from thenoe up the staircase, and conveunicat.e.ltbo,
first and second floors. The intelligence "
vflefor
delay furnished to the engine stations, all; of—ter';',o,
it
the brigade engines, from Southwark and Per.„et
bridge-roads, arrived on the spot. Byth flesh
however, that the firemen could get to work, ti";, 01",
had obtained so strong a hold as to threste
destruction the numerous contiguous building
tunately the mains of the Lambeth works an°'neotil
plentiful supply of water, and after labouring °oe,
an hour, the firemen succeeded in subduing the,
e",,getb.,he.
not, however, until the back part of the shoe, .7 o",
with the stock in rade therein, and the stairctli
the first and second floors, were nearly destroyere oir
adjoining premises of Mr. Marsoall, No. I°,, I
damaged by water and fire. The origin of the la%‘A"
kriown. The building was insured in the Alliaile-
but Mr. Aldous was uninsured. estitt AO
DESTRUCTIVE FIRE IN CLERESNIVELLEigiOtS
morning a fire broke out upon the premises helj:,;ess:f
Mr. W. Farmer, an engin,,er, cat rying on hilrlgjos',l
No. 33, Great Sutton-st eet, Clerkenwell.
b
from some unknown cause in the factory at re °
et
the dwelling. Fortunately the building, a '1""
k •or the
about forty or fifty feet long, was oetacoe ed.
disastrous consequences might have been expect
engines of the London Brigade, parish, Weeqed, a
land, and County Companies promptly atten brd
there being en abundant stream of water suPPhe,rit, th
New River Company. the engines were set to att jergr
the firemen, after labouring for some i•inle' 13oiletie;
succeeded in extinguishing the flames, oar togs it
until the premises in which the fire began' werciet:4o
with the contents, nearly consumed. Mr. Fr e' op;
insured in the Sun Fire-office. for 0,
FIRE ON BOARD A SHIP.—On Satlllllo,loll'lo
about twelve o'clock, the barque Thomas, 'Avg Aefp
Exeter, Captain Jewry, lying in Messrs. 01,',", 0e,"4
Young's deck, Limehouse, was discovered to
:offer a:0
The issue of a dente mass of smoke from the t
made the watchman aware of the fact. Ani,ol"-Ilthe "do
was spread, and intelligence was dispatched s°„„sis.)
ferent engine stations. Upon entering the after --;„a 0,,;0
flooring was found to be on fire, and was blat.,
fTuriously, threatening destruction to the etnrelt, Ave)
The crews of several vessels instantly set tc'47ev ay.,14
so firm a hold had the flames obtained that F. 10,r1"
the utmost exertions of the parties resent. iilbye ed.l%
engine was the first to arrive, and present'
sPee:4l" S'e. o°'
work. This was followed by the brigade ellWo":5
Schoolhouse-lane Jeffrey and W Or)
ling-street, ant the West of England stations. Are "jo
to the combined exertions of all varties the ijer9
eventually extinguished, but not before ci_ell„0" trs"
damage was done. The origin of the fire has
to a defect in the stove. 1 lid
FIRE AT THE LONDON AND BIRMINGIr4OI, 00" pri
STORES.—A fire, caused by the explosion os. oflettof
signal lights, occurred in the above storaft Ape id
near Chalk Farm. There being a quantitY: 017
• teu, A
wipings in the place, the same became igra. 061
some time considerable alarm prevailed lea''.,dee
building should fall a prey to the fury of the o'loo
us
fire-engine belonging to the Company wall, tri
out and soon at work, and by judiciously trot j
the water the flames were extinguished, but; sier
the floor of the building was much burned an
tents damaged by fire and water.