The Sun.
London, England, 1848-02-28 00:00:00

CAPE OF GOOD HOPE.

We have received files of papers front the Cape to the
23d of December. The report brought by the last
overland mail that the Kafir war was over, on the
authority of dates from the Cape to the 18th, is not
confirmed. We extract tho following from the Zuid
African of the 22d of December :
FRONTIER ArFAIRS.
TheAtews by yesterday's t, as far as the war
question is concerned, is of Hine impoitance. Hopes
were again entertained that ',Pato would surrender
himself, and the probable time for so doing is conjec-
tured to be when Sir Harry Smith, whom he well
knows, shall approach his whereabouts.'
" His Excellency reached Graham's Town on the
17th inst., and bad met with a similar cordial recep-
tion from the inhabitants there, as had marked his
arrival at Port Elizabeth. Addresses, salutes, bon-
fires, and illuminations were the order of the day, and
nothing appears to have been wanting to testify the
participation of the men of the east in the just display
of respect entertained towards the Hero of Aliwal by
the colony at large.
" We regret that want of space should prevent us
from giving all the details of the most splendid recep-
tion —it will suffice to say that it was in every respect
complete, and indeed honourable to the inhabitants.
" One of the first acts of his Excellency, after his
arrival, was the publication of a proclamation fixing
the Keiskamma River as the future boundary of the
colony, and the release of Sandilla, who was sent to
the Gaika Chiefs with the following message :
Tell them,' said his Excellency, ' that within a
few days Smith will be at King William's Town,
where they are to appear with all their guns ; that
he expects to be obeyed, and that they will neglect to
comply at their peril."

From Port Natal we have advises to the 3d of
December. We extract the following from a local

paper :

" The following brief extract from a letter dated
Pietermaritzburg, 3d December, will give a just idea
of the critical situation into which the inhabitants
are plunged. We have obtained it from one of the
best sources :

" ' Extract from a private letter, dated Pieter-
maritzburg, December 3, 1847.
"` The Bushmen have stolen 63 horses. The
Klip River farmers have refused to take the oath of
allegiance, and left their farms with very promising
crops, to ,proceed beyond the Drakenberg. The
civilians of this place have met to devise plans of
safety, in case Pandah's hosts should make their ap-
pearance, under pretence of getting deserters and
cattle stolen from his Majesty.
" Capt. Campbell, of the Cape Corps, has la it
with 30 men, accompanied by Dr. Best, to recon-
noitre and report, and, if necessary, to assist the
farmers who have assembled in lagers.' "

AFFAIRS OF THE DUTCH EAST
INDIES.

AMSTERDAM, FEB. 23.—The overland mail from
Java, up to the 29th of December last, has arrived.
The news is unimportant. The Governor-General
has ordered, by ♦arious resolutions :-
1. That the new codes for the East Indies shall
assume the force of law from the Ist of May, 1848.
As you will remember, I gave you last year some ex-
tracts from these very curious codes.
2. That paddy and rice, during the year 1848, may
be imported into all the Dutch East Indies free of all
duties, no matter from what place, or under what flag.
3. That from January 1, 1848, the duty on the sale
of salt in the residence of Batavia and Buitenzorg
shall no longer be adjudicated, but that the said sale
shall be effected in those localities (as everywhere
else) in parcels.
4. That the port of Tjilatjaj (residence of Bangoe-
m aur) shall be opened to the small trade of Java.
In honour of the ex-General Cochius, the inhabi-
tants of Batavia gave a grand ball on the 27th of
December in the rooms of the Society La Harmonie;
and the Governor-General gave him a grand enter-
tainment on the 20th of December.

The earthquakes, the sad details of which were
conveyed by the last mail, have not been repeated,
with the exception of a few slight shocks, accom-
panied by heavy rains.
From Canton we have advices to the 25th of De-
cember, to the effect that on the Ist of that month a
dreadful fire broke out in the city, which lasted for
two days, and utterly destroyed 200 houses. The
factories ran the most imminent risk, but, thank God,
they were spared.
The English inhabitants had for some time been in
the greatest consternation, on account of the assassi-
nation of six English gentlemen by the satellites of a
secret league of the Chinese. The Government of
Sir J. Davis immediately summoned two war steamers
from Hong Kong, and demanded signal satisfaction.
It is said that Governor Davis has requested instruc-
tions from his government.

The Direction of the Dutch Commercial Society
has announced its intention to sell, at Amsterdsm, on
the 30th of March next, 36,471 crangangs (?) of
Java sugar, 20,234 at Rotterdam, 3,483 at Middle-
burg, and 3,126 at Dordrecht.—Times.

LONDON PROTIDENT INSTITUTION.—The annual
general meeting of the president, vice-presidents,
trustees, and managers of the above institution was held
on Fi iday, Mr. Thomas Baring, M.P., and vice-president,
in the chair, when the superintending committee made
their 31st annual report for the year ending the 20th of
November last, from which it appeared that the general
pressure Curing the year 1847 had been felt by the depo-
sitors in that savings bank, as well as by other classes of
persons, and the number of accounts had decreased 397,
and the aggregate balance 117,1651. 1 Is. 4d., the actual
payments, in number 23,357, having amounted to
344,9021. 16s. 10d., exclusive of the expenses; while
the receipts, 45,617 in number, had amounted to
204,3501. 145., (=elusive of the interest received
from Government- The total number of' transactions
was much the same as in the previous year, while the
sums withdrawn above 100/. were nearly doubled. These
e ithdrawals had rrduced the aggregate average of the
depositors between 2/. and 31. each account. Th. • only
previous year which exceeded this in the relative pro-
portion of decrease, was the memorable year of 1826.
The Committee stared that although they could not but
regret the withdraw& of such large sums, yet it must be
gratifying to reflect upon the benefits conferred upon the
depositors by having:their little savings in an institution
where they could be obtained with certainty at a short
notice. Since the bank re-opened in December, espe-
cially during the levier part of the period, the receipts
and payments have nearly
.balanced each other; the
aggregate balance, due at this time to 41,132 depositors,
amounts to 753,044/. 17s. 4d., exclusive of the accruing
interest. A!ter the usual complimentary votes to the
President, Sir Thom as Baring, and the chairman of the
day, the meeting sep crated.
RAILWAY LAND.6uP.—Early yesterday morning,
owing, it is presumed., to the recent rains having loosened
the soil, a land-slip o P part of the embankment near the
east end of the Falki rk tunnel, on the Edinburgh and
Glasgow Railway, to place, by which both lines of
rails were covered 1 vith earth. When the goods and
cattle train, which I‘ tft Edinburgh, at two in the morn-
ing, reached that portion of the line—it being dark at
the time--the engine came in contact with the obstacle,
and was thrown off the rails, along with four trucks
containing cattle, and three of the animals were killed.
Fortunately neither t'tte engine driver nor stoker were
hurt. As it was fou ad impossible to clear the line in
time for the passenger trains of the same morning, the
passengers at seven, eight, and ten o'clock from each
end exchanged trains„ those from Edinburgh leaving
their own trains, and walking over the earth to get into
the train from Glasgow , and the same as respects those
from an opposite direction, so that but little delay or in-
terruption to the traffic: occurred. By the time of the
arrival of the eleven f) 'clock train from both ends one
hue of rails was clear, which allowed the trains to pro-
ceed es usual.—Cale ton ian Mercury.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer has received 2/.
from an anonymous. correspondent, •` be:.,ng stamp duty
evaded contrary to the wish of the writer. The amount
will be paid into th, f receipt of the Exchequer.

REFORMATION OF JUVENILE
OFFENDERS.
On Saturday last the anniversary festival of the
hilanthropic Society, St. George's-fields, was held
et the London Tavern, Bishopsgate-street, under the
residency of the Right Hon. Viscount Morpeth,
The Noble Chairman was supported on his
by Lord Kinnaird, and on his right by Mr.
Sheriff Cubitt. Amongst the other distinguished
guests in the vicinity of the chair were observed Mr.
Monckton Miles, M.l'., Mr. C. W. Grenfell, M.P.,
Mr. Sheriff Hill, Right Hon. Sir E. Ryan, the Hon.
G. Rice Trevor, M.P., Mr. Charles Pearson, M.P.,
Sir Charles Aldis, Captain Maconochie, E. Penrhyn,
Esq., J. G. Fry, Esq., J. G. Catley, Esq., A. Majen-
die, IL sq , Matthew Davenport Hill, Esq., Q.C., Col.
Colquhoun, R.A., Colin Mackenzie, Esq , Wm.
Gladstone, Esq., Rev. Thomas Jackson, David Wm.
Wire, Esq &c.

The depressing events of last year had prevented
the committee from holding the usual annual
festival, but on this occasion a determined rally
had been made by a few zealous and indefatigable
advocates of the institution, and the consequence was
an unusually large and influential attendance of
members. The dinner and wine comprised the
choicest varieties, and were placed on the table with
peculiar taste and the greatest attention to the comfort
of the guests. A corps of distinguished vocalists,
under the management of Mr. Hobbs, was in attend-
ance, and contributed materially to the enjoyment of
the evening. The gallery was devoted to the accom-
modation of the fair sex. Mr. Higgs efficiently per-
formed the duties of toast-master.

The cloth having been removed,
The Noble CHAIRMAN proposed the usual loyal
toasts with his accustomed good taste and impressive..
ness. The " Health of her Majesty " (who was
stated to have contributed a donation of 100 guineas
to the funds of the institution) was received with
signal manifestation of loyalty and attachment, which
had marked reference to the occurrences taking place
in a neighbouring State.
The health of "The Queen Dowager," and of
"Prince Albert and the rest of the Royal Family,"
were honoured in a similar manner.

" The Army and Navy."
Colonel COLQUHOUN and Captain Mscortoclizz
severally returned thanks.
The Noble CHAIRMAN next proposed " The
Church," in connexion with the health of the clergy
who had advocated the cause of the institution, and
passed a high eulogium on the character and services
of the Rev. Mr. Jackson, who had been one of its
most useful and efficient advocataa.
The Rev. Mr. ..T.scusorr returned thanks.
A number of the boys belonging to the institution
were then introduced and paraded round the room.
They presented a fine, manly appearance, and be-
trayed no symptoms of juvenile depravity. Our
readers are aware that the objects of the institution
are to unite the religious and general education of
the child with his practical instruction in some useful
branch of industry, which will enable him to main-
tain himself in after life by his own honest exertions,
and that the objects received into th• institution are
exclusively of one description, namely, boys who have
been charged with or convicted of crime. From the
want of space, however, for their healthful exercise and
accommodation, the society resolved on forming a school
of industry at some distance from the metropolis, in
which the children who the society receives and
shelters may not only have the benefits of moral and
religious instruction, and be taught tailoring, shoe-
making, &c., but be trained also to gardening and
field labour, and such active out of door employments
as are connected with farm service ; by which such
of them as are fitted by age and other circumstances
to emigrate may be prepared to gain an honest and
comfortable livelihood in British colonies.

The children having sung a hymn retired, and
The Noble CHAIRMAN then proceeded, in an elo-
quent and forcible appeal, to advocate the cause of
the charity and its claims to public support ; but we
regret that the pressure of our space precludes the
possibility of giving it at any length. He stated that
the institution had received, and would continue to
receive, the countenance of the Government, Sir
George Grey having recommended a large number of
the children for admission.

The effect of his Lordship's appeal may be best
judged of by the fact that after the resident chaplain,
the Rev. Sydney Turner, had read the report, the
subscriptions were announced to amount to upwards
of 2,0001.

Amongst the subscribers to the Model Farm School
of Industry were some of the first banking and mer-
cantile firms of the city of London. The following
are a few of the leading names as they were an-
nounced :—Baring, brothers, 100 guineas ; Roths-
child and sons, 100 guineas ; William Gladstone,
Esq., treasurer, 100 guineas ; Smith, Payne, and
Smith, 60 guineas; Gurney and Co., 50 guineas ;
Barnet, Hoare, and Co., 50 guineas ; 13osanquet and
Co., 50 guineas; Samuel Jones Loyd and Co., 50
guineas ; Messrs. Hoare and Co., 50 guineas ; Messrs.
Coutts, 50 guineas; Glyn and Hallifax, 50 guineas ;
Messrs. Hankey, 50 guineas ; R. S. Holford, SOL, &c.
Mr. Mogcl:roN MILNIIB, M.P., proposed the
health of the chairman, who returned thanks.

Mr. CIIARLES PEARSON addressed the company at
considerable length in support of the institution,
and concluded by proposing the health of Lord
Kinnaird.

Lord KINIcAIRD returned thanks, and proposed the
health of the treasurer, William Gladstone, Esq.,
who briefly expressed his acknowledgments.
M. Matthew Davenport Hill, Q.C., Mr. Cattley,
Mr. Charles Cochrane, Mr. Benjamin Rotch, and
several other gentlemen who take a warm interest in
the success of this and similar institutions, subse-
quently addressed the company.
The health of the resident chaplain, the Rev.
Sydney Turner, was proposed by Lord Morpeth, and
concluded the proceedings, which did not terminate
until near midnight.

FATAL WAGER.—Saturday Mr. Bedford held an
inquest at St. George's Hospital on the body of Frede-
rick Douglas, aged 26, a coalheaver, whose death was
occasioned under the following circumstances ap-
peared that on Wednesday afternoon last the deceased,
who lived at Richmond, was with some companions,
when the conversation turned upon the feats they could
individually perform. Several were attempted, but none
of a very wonderful nature, till the deceased said, that
for a wager of half a gallon of beer he would put the
end of the poker when red-hot into his mouth, and in
that way carry it once up and down the room. The
challenge was accepted, the wager made, and the
poker put into the fire, where it remained till it
was heated through. Deceased then took it up, and
opening his mouth, placed the fiery end between his
teeth, and with it in that position he had nearly reached
the top of the room, when, from some cause he slipped
forward, and the handle of the poker coming in contact
with the wainscot it was thrust into his throat. The
screams of the unfortunate man betokened the greatest
anguish, and every assistance was rendered him by those
present, who immediately conveyed him a cart to the
above hospital. It was there found that all the arteries
within the mouth and of the throat wore destroyed, and
every effort was made to alleviate his sufferings, but he
rapidly sunk and died on Thursday, in the most excru-
ciating ugony. The Coroner and Jury having remarked
upon the folly and danger of such performances, a ver-
dict was returned of " Accidental Death."
NEwsrAreas.—Most people think the selection of
suitable matter for a newspaper the easiest part of the
business. How great an error ! It is by all means the
most difficult. To look over and over hundreds of ex-
change papers every week, from which to select enough
for one, especially when the question is, not what shall,
but what shall noL be selecttd, is no easy task. If every
person who reads a newspaper could have edited it, we
should hear less complaints, Not untrequently is it the
case that an editor looks over all his exchange papers for
something interesting, and cam absolutely find nothing.
Every paper is drier than a contribution box; and yet
something must be had; his paper must come out with
something in it, and he does the best he can. To an editor
who has the least care about whet be selects, the writing
is the easiest part of his labour. A paper, when completed,
should be one that the editor should be willing to read
aloud to his wife, his mother, his sister, or his daughter;
and if he do that, it he get out such a paper, he will find
his labour a most difficult one. Every subscriber thinks
the paper is printed for his special benefit; and if there
is nothing in it that suits him, it must be stopped —it is
good for nothing. Some people look over the deaths and
marriages, and actually complain of the editor, if but
few people, in his vicinity, have been so fortunate as to
at married the previous week, or so unfortunate as to
die ! An editor should have these things in his paper
whether they occur or not. Just as many subscribers
as an editor may have, so many different tastes has he
to consult. One wants stories and poetry; another
abhors all this. The politician wants nothing but politics.
One must have something smart, another something
sound. One likes anecdotes, fun, and frolics, and the
next door neighbour wonders that a man of sense will
put such stuff in a paper. We only wish that every man,
woman, and child, who reads the paper were compelled,
but one single month, teoyedaitmoanttee.r
asT htheyeywsouuplpdosteh.eLa
quite so as
find that is not
Liverpool Mercury.
The Observer (Feb. 27) contained thirteen folio
columns of the latest intelligence from Paris and Dover.
About a hundred useful advertisements, and twenty-two
folio columns (chiefly original) of foreign and domestic
news. Price of the Observer (forty columns), 6d. The
extensive publication of the Observer commences at six
o'clock on Sunday mornings. Monday's edition, with
that day's markets, best adapted for the country and
abroad, is published at 170, Strand, at four o'clock, on
Monday afternoon.
DIN EFFICACY OF THE ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH,"

The electric telegraph just put in operation upon the
Birmingham and Gloucester line has been used to day
to some purpose, A bankrupt named Best having set
out this morning from Birmingham with some packages
of silkmercery goods which belonged to his creditors,
a description of his person, and of the packages, was for-
warded to Spetchley. Mr. Skinner, the superintendent
of that station, immediately recollected that such a party
had gone to Worcester, and though the omnibus had
started twenty minutes, he jumped into a fly, and over-
taking it, conveyed the parcels back again to the station.
It is said that 3,0001. worth of the bankrupt's goods are
missing.— Worcester Herald.