The Sun.
London, England, 1848-07-25 00:00:00

TIIE SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY EVENING, JT:TLY

Mr. F. O'CONNOR could say from experience th
the duties of ihe Judge Advocate General were ex-
tremely arduous. The present Judge-Advocate had sat
for several weeks upon an inquiry respecting him, and
he had really round a great deal to do.—(Lau4hier.)
Mr. B. OSBORNE said it was not hi, in er.tio t to
divide, though he thought all the duties of the Ju lge-
Advocate might be performed by his deputy.
Vote agreed to, as were the following:-
19,161/. for the expenses of the Royal M.litaly
Asylum, &c.
80,3091. for the expenses of the volunteer corps.
15,5071. for allowances and rewards for withal y
services.
26,0001. further vote for the pay of general officers.
Mr. HUME remarked on this vote that he thought
the number of general officers too large.
Mr. B. OSBORNE said the way general officers were
paid was perfectly disgraceful. They absolutely made
their money out of the savings of the regimental
clothing. Some of them, as, for instance, the M ►rquis
of Londonderry no doubt lost money by the system, but
the system itself was what he complained of. It was
no use, however, to talk upon this subject to tLe House
of Commons. Few Members knew anything about the
army, and still fewer cared about it.

Mr: F. MAULE said this question had been discussed
twenty times, and it had never been found that any better
system than the present could be adopted. It was a sys-
tem that worked well for the army, and that was econo-
mical to the country.
Mr. HUME said a majority of the House hr.d, after
inquiry, agreed to the continuance of the existing system,
and he, therefore, was not prepared to raise a discussion
upon the subject. At the same time he did not approve
of the system.
Mr. F. MAULE said it was impossible for any gene-
ral officers to make money unfairly by the existing
system.
Sir W. CLAY thought the system very objectionable.
Mr. B. OSBORNE said if the army clothiers were
examined before a Committee, they would prove that
many general officers made from 800/. to 1,000/. a year
by regimental clothing. They were making their gene-
ral officers army clothiers, nothing else.
57,0001. for charge of full pay of retired officers.
6,0001. (in part), for charge of half-pay and allowances
of retired officers.
47,3861. for charge of half-pay and reduced allowances
of officers of disbanded foreign corps, Sc.c.
29,5301. (in part) for charge of pensions of widows, &c.
38,000/. (in part) for charge of allowances on compas-
sionate list, &c.
26,7741. for charge of Chelsea and Kilmainham hos-
pitals.
223,8101. (in part) for charge of out-pensioners of
Chelsea hospital, &c.
37,500/. for superannuation allowances; &c.
' These resolutions were ordered to be reported to the
House to-morrow (this day), and
The House then resumed.
MESSAGE FROM THE LORDS.
A message from the Lords informed the House that
their Lordships had agreed to the following Bills:
Habeas Corpus Suspension (Ireland)—London and
Blackwell Railway (Connecting Branch)—Edinburgh
and Northern Railway (Roscobie, Keltyhead, and Glen-
craig, Branches, &c.), without amendment—Great
Northern Railway (Isle of Axholmo Branch), with
amendments—Monkland and Kirkintilloch, Ballochney,
and Slamannan Railways Amalgamation or Sale or
Lease and Amendment or Repeal of Acts, with an
amendment. _ .

INCUMBERED ESTATES (IRELAND) BILL.
On the motion for the third reading of this Bill,
Sir L. O'BRIEN observed that, as he had opposed
this Bill when first introduced, he wished to say that he
hoped the amendments made to it would be favourably
considered in another place. He should not press his
opposition further.
Colonel DUNNE expressed his entire dissent from the
Bill, which he still thought calculated to do great injury
to Ireland.

On the question that the Bill do pass,
The SOLICITOR-GENERAL moved the insertion of
a clause providing that notice of sale should be given in
all cases to remainder men; a personal notice wherever
possible, or in other cases an equivalent notice.

The clause was inserted.
Mr. MONSELL (in the absence of Mr. Bouverie)
moved the insertion of the following clause:—" And be
it enacted, that no assurance under this Act shall be sub-
ject to the further or additional duty (of equal amount
with the duty on a lease, or bargain and sale for a year),
with which conveyances by a single deed are by any Act
either expressly or by reference made chargeable; and
that, in lieu of all other stamp duty whatsoever (except
the progressive duty), there shall be chargeable on all
assurances under this Act on which the purchase or
consideration money therein or thereupon expressed
shall not amount to 2,0001., an ad valorem d►tty of 6s.
for every 501. of such purchase or consideration money,
and the like sum for any smaller or fractional part of 501.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said
that from fiscal considerations ho must on principle ob-
ject to the introduction of the provision.
Mr. MONSELL supported the clause as calculated to
encourage that which was generally admitted to be a
point of great importance, the sale of estates in small
portions. . .

Mr. B. OSBORNE also supported the provision. The
alleviation of the stamp duties in Ireland was most es-
sential to the material interests of that country.
The Earl of LINCOLN hoped the Hon. Gentleman
would not divide the House on this motion, because in so
doing he might imperil the success of the measure itself;
and, still more, prejudice the satisfactory revision, which
he hoped would be at an early period, of the whole
system of stamp duties on the transfer of landed property
in Ireland.—(Hear, hear.) There was no question but
that this measure must be followed up by more, tending
in this and in other particulars to ameliorate the social
condition of the sister country.
Mr. HUME said it was quite clear that if the Govern-
ment wished the Bill to be of use in Ireland they
would listen to the suggestion of the lion. Member.
What was wanted in Ireland was the means of affording
employment to the labourers, and that could only be
done by facilitating the transfer of land.
Mr. -GOULBURN expressed a hope that the Hon.
Member would not persist in his amendment, as if agreed
to it would tend to render incumbrances more numerous.
—(Oh, oh.) A revision of the stamp duties on the
transfer of land was much required, and ho was sure
the Chancellor of the Exchequer would do right to take
that subject into serious consideration.
Mr. EWART was of opinion that the whole of the
stamp duties on the transfer of land both in England
and Ireland ought to be revised.
Mr. HENLEY thought that by making one conces-
sion the Government had drawn down upon themselves
the present one for a remission of the stamp duties in
Ireland. He must oppose the amendment.
After a few words from Mr. DaummoND and Sir A.
BROOKE,
The House divided, when there appeared-
-55
For the clause
114
Against it
Majority
The clause was consequently lost.
Sir L. O'BRIEN moved two clauses as riders to the
Bill—the first to prevent selling more of an estate than
was necessary to clear off the incumbrances; the second
to prevent the family mansion from being sold until the
outlying parts of the estate had been found insufficient
to redeem the mortgage.
The SOLICITOR- GENERAL opposed the clauses
on the ground that they would operate injuriously on
the general effect of the Bill.
Sir W. WALSH supported the clauses, which he
contended would in some degree correct the injurious
operation of the Bill. He had no desire to prevent the
sale of heavily incumbered estates in Ireland, but he
was most desirous to prevent small incumbrancers or
tenants for life forcing property into the market unne-
cessarily at a time when it could only be sold at a
ruinous price.

Colonel DUNNE also supported the clauses, which,
After a few words from Mr. GROGAN, were nega-
tived.

The Bill was then passed.
PUBLIC WORKS (IRELAND, No. 2) BILL.
The House having gone into Committee on this Bill,
Mr. GOULBURN, having remarked upon the prac-
tice of making advances to Ireland out of the consoli-
dated fund, said that the advance made its 1847 was to
be paid in a certain number of instalments. The object
of the Bill was to repay out of the consolidated fund the
sum of 1,000,0001., which would otherwise be available
for the general resources of the empire. If Ireland was
to pay the money, it should go into the consolidated
fund, and the sum necessary for Ireland be voted out of
that fund. But if the Government meant to relieve
Ireland altogether from the payment of this sum, they
ought to say so—they ought to declare at once that it
could not be levied without impoverishing the Irish
population, and then ask Parliament for the amount
distinctly stating what were the public works to which
it was to be applied, instead of leaving the matter in
the hands of the Treasury, with power to continue those
works which had already proved so useless and unpro-
ductive.
Mr. HUDSON protested altogether against the prin.
ciple of the Bill.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said
that the object of the Bill was simply to enable the
y
ghehitrthoiwnkn
tTor e
thea sugr yr
a,
nt
dh r
juriesoug h tohne Bp
roeasrd en ofe
nt
for Works,
theto I epnd or
pmo
oo n eoyf
completing such works
juriesmti
proper—the works to
haes
carried
ed
n
under
superintendence. The Government did not intend
Board of Works, or
to introduce the machinery of the
otherwise interfere with the mode of outlay, but
utleave
that altogether to the counties themselves. At present
to call on Ireland for repayment; but the a
he did not think it would be advisable for
Government
nvecronumnetrit
would do so the moment they saw that Ireland was
in
sufficiently prosperous condition to respond to the call.
as 3tihre. CRAigRhtDHWo LL
Gentleman the Member for the En. took the same view of the measure
y of Cambridge, hoping the House would not de-
part from the ordinary mode of expending money drawn
from the consolidated fund.

Dr. BOWItINd- regretted that Parliament had no
security against these loans to Ireland being converted
into gifts, either by that country's inability or unwil-
lingness to repay. He complained, too, of the unsatis-
factory nature of the accounts of the Board of Works.
Indeed, the whole state of Irish expenditure demanded
a searching investigation, for from the Treasury down-
wards there seemed to be an utter helplessness to pro•
tect the revenue. The evil was intolerable, and ought
to be put an end to. •
Major BLACKALL said that it would be found that
the loans which were given to Ireland were as fairly
paid back as any given to this country. The Hon.
Member for Liverpool, he thought, would see that his
objection to this loan, namely, that the object for
which the loan was intended was not stated, was met
by the Bill which specified the objects of the loan. The
House should pause before it refused to give its sanc-
iiN to a Bill which would prove a very great boon to

Ireland, as it would give employment to a very great
number of the starving population.
Mr. STAFFORD said that the Chancellor of the Ex-
chequer had mixed the question of the poor-law with
this question. The poor-law had no hearing on the
matter whatever. He held in his hand a petition from
the county of Clare, protesting against this 13111, signed
by the most respectable gentlemen in that county. As
for his own constituents, he believed that, if he did not
make any allusion to the Bill, so easily was million after
million passed for Ireland, none of them would have
known anything about it. It was not by voting million
after million that they would do anything for the benefit
of the country, it was by teaching the people self-
reliance. He was glad that the Hon. Gentleman the
Member for the University of Oxford afforded him an
opportunity of reiterating his objections to the principle
of the Bill.
Sir IL FERGUSON said he was very much pained
at the manner in which the petition was quoted. The
petition implored the House of Commons not to pass
this Bill, because it held out an idea that the money
would be paid back again. That idea they repudiated.
He did not think it fair under such circumstarces to
quote the petition.
Mr. URQUHART said that the criticism on the peti-
tion enhanced its value.
Sir D. J. NORREYS objected that the payment of
advances were made general while the advantages would
inevitably be local. Ho thought that the benefit derived
by particular counties ought to be correctly ascertained.
Mr. STAFFORD made an explanation.
Sir H. WILLOUGHBY concurred in the views of
the Hon. Gentleman the Member for Liverpool on the
ground that no money should be voted by Parliament
unless the mode in which it was to he expended was
specified in the estimates.
The CHAIRMAN then put the question as to whether
the blank for time should be filled up by the words
" three years," which was agreed to.
The House then divided on Mr. Goulburn's amend-
ment, when there appeared—
For the clause
Against it
Majority for the clause —66
On returning to the gallery we found,
Mr. HUDSON objecting to grants of money made
without any prospect of repayment.
Mr. GOULBURN reminded the Hon. Member that
the House had already affirmed' the principle of the
grant.
Colonel SIBTHORP, as one of the guardians of the
public purse, objected to this mode of frittering away
public money. He looked upon the present Bill as the
smuggling act of a smuggling Government.
After a short discussion clauses 2 and 3 wore agreed
to. The remaining clauses were agreed to, and the Bill
was ordered to be reported on Thursday next.
SPIRITS (DEALERS IN) BILL.
On the motion of the CHANCELLOR of the EX-
CHEQUER, the Committee on this Bill was postponed
until Friday next.
BONDED CORN BILL. _ _

On the motion of Mr. LABOUCHERE, the order for
the Committee on this Bill was discharged. The Right
Hon. Member stated that he had ascertained from the
Board of Custums that legislation would ant be neces-
sary to enable parties to grind corn in bond during the
next three months, and therefore he begged leave to
withdraw the Bill, which he had proposed with a view
of legalizing that operation.
SAVINGS' BANKS IN IRELAND.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER moved
that a Select Committee should be appointed to inquire
into and report on the laws regulating savings' banks in
Ireland, and on the large deficiencies in several branches
of those banks, in consequence of frauds committed by
the officers.
After a conversation the motion was agreed to.
SUGAR DUTIES.

Mr. CARDWELL moved for copies of any reports
•made to the Government by the revenue departments,
with a view to the proposed :alteration in- the propor-
tionate duties upon refined and raw sugars respectively.
lie made this motion in consequence of the proposed al-
teration in the Government plan, to be prepared for the
Committee on Thursday.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said
there were no official returns such as were alluded to
which it was in his power to lay before the House. The
information on which Government had proceeded had
been chiefly obtained by communication with individuals
in the trade.

After a few words from Mr. GOULBURN, the mo-
tion was withdrawn.

THE NEW HOUSE OF COMMONS.

Mr. EWART rose to submit a motion on the subject
of the accommodation in the new House; but a motion
being made that the House should be counted, and there
being only 33 Members present, the House stood ad.
journed, at a Quarter after One o'clock, until noon this
day.

PARLIAMENTARY DIVISIONS.

:From the Votes and Proceedings of the House of Commons.]

MONDAY, JULY 24.
SUPPLY.-(IN THE COMMITTEE.)

Motion made, and Question proposed, " That a sum not
exceeding 168,2371. be granted to her Majesty, for defraying
the charge of General Staff Officers and Officers of the Hos-
pitals serving with her Majesty's Forces in the United
Kingdom ;ot Great Britain and Ireland, and on Foreign
Stations (excepting India), and of her Majesty's Garrison of
the Tower of London, which will come in course of payment
from the Ist day of April, 1848, to the 31st day of March,
1849, both days inclusive :"—Altetwards, Motion made, and
Question put, " That a sum not exceeding 164,3261.
,be.
granted to her Majesty, for defraying the said charge."
The Committee divided:
MINORITY—AYES, 21.
Biewitt, Reginald Mastic, Alexander Thompson, Colonel
Ilowring, Dr. M`Grcgor, John Thompson, George
Brotherton, Joseph Mitchell, A. T. Wakley, Thomas
Clay, James Mowatt, Francis Wawn, J T.
Cobden, Richard O'Connor, Feargus Williams, John

Colebrooke, sir T. Pilkington, James TELLERS.
Crawford, W. S. Reynolds, Joins liurne.:Joseph
Fagan, William Smith, J. Benjamin Osboine, Ralph

MAJORITY-NOES, 69.
Abdy, Thomas N. Grace, 0. D. Reid. Colonel
Anson, Color el • Greene, Thomas Rice, E. lt.
Armstrong, Sir A. Grenfel , Charles W. Romilly, Sir John
Armstrong, R. B. Gref, Sir G. Russell, F. C.
Bellew, R. M. Gwyn, Howel Rutherford, A.
Bentinck, Lord G. Hamilton, G. A. Sandars, George
Blackall, S. W. Hay, Loll J. Sheil, R. L.
Buller, Charles Hayter, W. G. Simeon, John
Bunhury, E IL Henley, J. W. Somerville, Sir W.
Cardwell, Edward Herbert, Sidney Stafford, Augustus
Clay, Sir W. Hood, Sir A. Stephenson, Robert
Craig, W. G. Jervis, Sir John Tancred, H. W.
Dawson, T. V. Langston, J. H. Thornely, T.
Drumlanrig, Vis. Lennard, T. B. Turner, Edmund
Drummond, Henry Lindsay, Colonel Vivian, J. E.
Dundas, Admiral Lockhart, A. E. Vyse, H.
Dunne, F. P. M'Cullagh, W. T. Ward, H. G.
Egerton, W. T. Marshall, William Williamson, Sir IL
Ferguson, Sir R. Matheson, Colonel Wilson, James
Fitzpatrick. J. W. Maule, Fox • Wilson, Matthew
Floyer, John Monsell, 'William Wood, Sir Charles
Fox, Richard M. Morison, Sir W. TELLERS.
Freestun, Colonel Palmer, Roundell Tanen, Henry
Goulburn, Henry Parker, John Rich, Henry

INCUMBERED ESTATES (IRELAND) BILL,
Read a third time; Clause added ; another Clause (And
be it Enacted, That no assurance under this Act shall be
subject to the further or additional Duty (of equal amount
with the Duty on a lease, or bargain and sale for a year),
with which conveyances by a single deed are by any Act,
either expressly or by reference made chargeable; and that,
in lieu of all other Stamp Duty whatsoever (except the pro-
gressive Duty), there shall be chargeable on all assurances
under this Act, on which the purchase or consideration
money therein or thereupon expressed shall not amount to
two thousand pounds, an ad valorem Duty of six shillings
for fifty pounds of such purchase or consideration
mon
ey, and the like sum for any smaller or fractional part of
y
pounds," brought up and read a first time : —Motion
fifty
i f
made,t every
and Question put, " That the said Clause be now read
a second time." The House divided :
MINORITY—AYES, 55.
Anderson, Arthur Gore, W. 0. Perfect, R.
Greene, John Reynolds, John
Arct•dall, Captain Gwyn, Howel
Ansley, T, C.Robartes, T. J.
Ball, Sir B. Salwey, Colonel
Bateson T.
Bolling,' William' Hamilton, G.'A. Scully, Francis
Bourke, R. S. Fenny,
Alexander Simeon, John
Bowring, Dr. Hodgson, W. N. I
Spooner, Richard
Talbot, J. H.
Bright, John Hood, Sir A.
Tancrcd, H. W. •
Brooke, Sir A. B. Nornby, John
Tennent, , . J.
Clay, James
Bunbury, E. H. Hume, Joseph
, Jackson, William Thompson, Colonol
Cobden, Richard Kershaw, James Thornely, T.:
Courtenay, Lord Leonard, T. B." Tyrrell, Sir J. T.
Crawford, W. S. Lushington, C. Villiers, Charles
Dawson, T. V. 31‘Cullagh, W. T. Williams, John
_ _ _._

DrummOnd, Henry Mowatt:Fi'ancis
Duncan, George Norreys, Sir D. TELLERS.
Ewart, William O'hrien,Sir Lucius Monsell, William
Fagan, William O'Connor, Feargus Osborne, Ralph
Fox, Richard M. Pechell, Captain

MAJORITY—NOES, 114.
Adair,' Hugh E. Grace, 0. D. J. Palmerston, Vie.
Arkvvright, G.
ri tt, Francis
Baring, Sir F. T. Grogan, Edward Pilkingtoil '- -P James
,
Parker,ratten JJ.ohlvn
Armstrong, Sir A.W.
Armstrong, R. B. Grey, Ralph.W. :
i W. 11.
G r e
Grey,n fesl li ,r Charles
George W .
Bellew, It: M. ' 'Grosvenor, Lord R. Plowdet ,
'.
Benbow, John Hardcastle, J. A. Pusey, I
Bernal,Bentin ekß,aLlpoh Hawes, Benjamin Rice, E. R.
Lord G. Hastie, Alexander Ricardo, Osman
Blacken, S. W. Hay, Lord John Rich, HettrY
,
Brockman, E. D. Hayter, W. G. Romilly Sir John
Brotherton, J. Headlam, T. E. Russell, F. C. H.
Brown, W. Henley, J. W. Rutherfurd, A.
Campbell, W. F. Hobhouse, Sir John Sadleir, John
‘.
Cardwell, E. Hobhouse, T. B. Sanders, George
Carew, W. P. Hogg, Sir J. W.
Chaplin4W. J. Howard, J. K.
Charteris, Francis Jones, Captain Smith, R. V.
Christopher, R. King, P. J. Smith, John A.
Seymour, Sanders,
Christy, Samuel Labouchere, Henry Smith, J. B.
Clay, Sir W. : Langston, J. H.
Clerk Sir G. Lascelles, W. S.
Cocks, Thomas S. Lewis, G. C. SS
torni icekrlvai,lllde,,
Sir
rr
G.
Thicknesse, It. A.
Craig, W. G. , Lincoln, Earl of Towneley, John
Cuban, William M'Gregor, John
scopu M
P. Matheson,
Matheson,l4aatrhsheallson,Townshend, Captain
Denison, J. E. Mangles, R. D. Tamer, E.
Duncan, Viscount
J. - Vane, Lord IL
Dundas, Admiral Martin, J Walsh, Sir 3.
Colonel Wellesley. Lord C.
Dunne, ncitoFnr,aysis
J. T.
: Al
Wawn
William
Elliot, J. E. Mettle, Fox Willcox, Brodie
Estcourt, J. B. B. Melguad, Viscount Willoiteliby, Sir B.
Ferguson, Sir B. Morpeth, Viscount Wilson, .Taines
Foley, John H. Morris, David Wood, Sir Charles
Forster, Matthew Mostyn, E. Wood; W. I'.
Fortescue, J. W. Norreys, Lord Wyvill, Marmaditko
Freestun, Colonel Ogle, S. C. TELLERS.
Glyn, G. C. Owen, Sir J. Hlll, Lord 31.
Goulburn, Henry Palmer, Roundell Tutbell, Henry

RESWEARING OF SPECIAL
,CONSTABLES.—In con-
sequence of a communication received from Sir George
Grey, the Secretary of State for the Home Department,
the magistrates of the Kensington division of Middlesex
have been engaged since Wednesday last in re-sw•eaa lug
the special constables appointed previous and subsequent
to the 10th of April last. The division comprises the
parishes of Chelsea, Kensington, Fulham, Hammersmith,
Chiswick, Ealing, Acton, and Willesden. All who
have presented themselves have been re-sworn for six
months. Many have, however, absented themselves, and
the greater part have not undertaken the duty with the
willingness they did at first, most of them considering it
at present unnecessary.—Observer.
Sir John Gerard had an interview with Sir George
Grey yesterday, at. the Home-office, .

OVER LAIVD MAIL

INDIA AND CHINA.

We have received from: Marseilles letters from
India in anticipation of the monthly mail from Cal-
cutta and Madras. The dates so received are from
Calcutta to the Ist; and Madras to the 9th of June.
The papers from Bombay are to the Ist of June, by
dawk to Madras, the mid-monthly mail having been
discontinued from Bombay, in consequence of the
setting in of the monsoon.
The advices, as may be expected, are important.

At Lahore, General Khan Singh, of the Seikh
Artillery, had been discovered heading a plot to allure
our Sepoys froM their allegiance, and had been hanged
by order of the Resident, along with a Moonshee of
the Ranee, similarly implicated. It was expected that
important information would be gleaned from a
third culprit, who had been reprieved at the gallows
on that condition. About twenty other persons were
in custody on the same charge. The plot had been
brought to light mainly by the instrumentality of
several Sepoy officers. Previous to this discovery it
had been considered necessary by our authorities at
Lahore to employ further measures of precaution to
secure the peace, of that capital. Troops had been
ordered to move up there and:to the Jullunder Doad
—namely, her Majesty's 14th Light Dragoons from
Ferozepore, and a native troop of horse artillery from
Loodiana ; and from beyond the Sutlej two corps of
infantry, a corps of irregular cavalry, and a field
battery, to occupy Govindhur, near Umritsir ; while
a native regiment and a troop of horse artillery were
further to reinforce Jullunder. Her Majesty's 23d
were to move from Umballah to Ferozepore, and her
Majesty's 98th, from Meerut, to take up the place of
the 32d. The engineers were occupied in raising a
parapet around the whole inner edge of the rampart
of Lahore, and by every possible means strengthen •
ing and isolating the works occupied by the troops.
A large magazine of arms in the city, furnished of
old by Runjeet Singh, had been undermined by order
of the Resident, and blown up., It was said that the
populace had begun to help themselves to arms from
that arsenal. The strictest garrison duty was being
maintained, and every officer had been called in from
the districts. Prom the measures of surveillance of
defence, however, which had been enforced, it does
not on the whole appear that there are grounds of
serious alarm as to the ultimate issue of affairs at the
Seikh capital.
_ . _

The advices further allude in detail to,kthe position
of affairs with respect to Mooltan.
It had been determined at Bombay not to under-
take military operations from that presidency at the
present season of the year. There remained but a
few days after the news of the outbreak in which to
decide upon any efficient movement from that side
of India ; and although it was understood that the
first impulse in the Council was to hasten a consider-
able body of troops with artillery up the Indus, and
to reinforce Sinde, a contrary decision was subse-
quently adopted. Fears, it is understood, were enter-
tained of the difficulties of the passage through Sinde
at the beginning of the hot months, and it was hoped
that the same ground would deter the hill tribes
from any active movement. It was hardly doubted at
Bombay, we are told, but that the works of Mooltan
would be strengthened, and combinations be effected
among some of the hill tribes before October next,
but, on the other hand, every confidence was felt in
the more complete operations which might then be
undertaken.

While those counsels prevailed at Bombay, similar
results,-under more urgent circumstances, occurred
on the north-west frontier, where the Resident at
Lahore, Sir Frederick Currie, entertaining grounds
of distrust as to the state of affairs at the capital,
and the spirit of the Seikh troops, counter-
manded an order for the march- upon Mooltan of a
brigade from Ferozepore. Sir F. Currie, it appears,
considered it necessary, on further reflection, better
to secure the safety of the capital of the Punjaub,
and was unwilling to trust, in any degree, to the co-
operation of Seikh forces against the insurgents of
Mooltan. But, notwithstanding these circumstances,
by which the army of Western India, with the
corps; of Sinde, and the powerful frontier co-
lumns, organized by Lord Hardinge, remained in-
active,
,there was one direction in which, with
slender means, we may hope for some of the
results of promptitude towards a rebel whose
efforts of resistance were not yet consolidated.
Major Jacob, at the head of the irregular Sinde
horse—a hotly of at least 1,200 cavalry, which
that officer is understood io have brought to a
high state of efficiency—had at • once moved up-
wards to the frontier near the enemy. Little had yet
been heard of his proceedings. He is said to have
fallen in with a body of Beloochees, under one of the
hill chiefs at Kosmoe, on the. verge of the Sinde ter-
ritory, who were proceeding to join the standard of
the Dewan, and to have had a smart end successful
engagement, withouP, however, being able altogether
to arrest their course. It is thought, however, that
we shall yet have other than a bootless account of the
efforts of this officer, known to have been an apt pupil
of the late G9vernor of Sinde. Similar conduct, al-
though ineffectually, had been displayed by Lieutenant
Edwardes—an officer dispatched last year to garrison
the plain of Bunnoo, in Eastern Affghanistan—who
marched upon Mooltan with the 2,500 Seikh troops
under his command, but these forces deserted him
when near the insurgent frontier, and he escaped,
with only one attendant, through perils. It deserves
also to be mentioned, that Colonel Shaw, of the 9th
Native Infantry, at Sukkur, dispatched a light com-
pany, with medical assistance, by steamer up the
Indus, on receipt of the first intelligence from
Mooltan. The steamer put hick when news had
been obtained as to the final fate of our two coun-
trymen.
Accounts had been received at Lahore, via Bha-
wulpoor, of the proceedings of, the insurgents in
Mooltan. The Dewan had offered large bounties to
Seikh Sepoys, and especially to horsemen, to induce
them to join his standard, and there appears no
doubt that considerable masses had already collected
around him. He is said to be strengthening and
garrisoning the fort of Mooltan, and also that of
Mittenkote, on the Indus, at the confines of our
territory. He attempted to intercept an officer and
his family who were descending the Ravec, but they
received timely notice and escaped. His horsemen
had been out, also, in pursuit of Lieutenant Ed-
wardes.

The Nawaubl of Bhawulpoor, whose territory is
contiguous to that of Mooltan, and who remained
faithful to our interests, had been threatened by the
Dewan. A fuller statement of the catastrophe which
befel our countrymen does not materially differ from
the facts previously known.

With regard to the north-west frontier, it was un-
derstood that no further movement of troops would
take place besides those already alluded to until
definitive orders had been received from the Go-
vernor-General. General Gilbert had gone to Simla
at the invitation of Lord Gough. We are informed
that the Governor-General had decided upon de-
ferring operations against Mooltan until after the

rains.
We regret to learn that several cases of cholera are
reported to have occurred daily at Surat and Broach,
in Western India.
We have received intelligence from Hong Kong to
the 95th of May.
All remained quiet at Canton, and also at Shanghae
and the other ports on the coast.
g
Commodore Pluniridge was daily expected at Hon
Kong. The frigate Melampus, Captain Campbell, and
steamer Medea remained in the harbour, the Pluto
steamer at Canton, the Columbine at Amoy, the Scout
at Foochow, the Childers at Ningpo, and the Espiegle
at Shanghae.
The latest dates received from Hong Kong are
from Calcutta, April S ; Madras, April 14 ; Bombay,
April 10 ; Singapore, May 9; and Manilla, May 4.
There had been a better feeling in the import
market in general, and prices at Hong Kong im-
proved for almost all articles, with the exception of
cotton, which remained very dull, the stock being
59,204 bales, against 27,832 bales in 1847.
Cotton yarns were firm at last month's quotations,
viz , Nos. 16 to 24, 2.5 i to 26 dolls.; Nos. 28 to 32,
33 to 331 dolls; Nos. 38 to 42, 36 to 36i dolls.
Loncloths have experienced a slight advance, prin-
cipally the lighter fabrics, and we now, quote gray,
dolls. 75c. ; white, 2 dolls. 902. to 3 dolls. 30c.
Woollens sp. stripes have improved a little. Long
' ells also rather better, and assorted quoted 8 dolls. 70c.
to 9 dolls. Caplets, English, 20 to 241 dolls. Dutch,
221- to 26 dolls.
iron without change. Nail and hoop, 4 dolls. 80c.
to 5 dolls. Bar, 3 dolls. to :3 dolls. 20c.
Cochineal, 250 to 260 dolls.
In tea a greater activity' has been shown through-
out the month at former prices. The export from
Ist July, 1847, tolBth May, 1848, is—black,
39,938,4001 h.; green,6,042,6001b .
• t
0ta140,981,0001b,
against o r 1 299, 6941 b. last season, thus showing a (lc-
crease this year of upwards of 5,000,0001 b., of congou
alone 3,000,0001 b.
The export of silk to date amounts to 21,843 bales,
against 17,097 bales in 1846-7.
Exchange on England has fallen to 45., and few
bills offered ; Company's bills accepted, 210.
Freights, 41. The last arrival from England is
the Guardian.
From Shanghae we
.have advices only to the 3d of
May. Longcluths firm,; and grays quoted at 2 dolls.
60.2. to 3 dolls.; white
2 dolls. 90e. to 3 dolls. 10c.
Woollens little inquired after. In tea and silk
nothing doing ; of the latter about 400 bales, mostly
inferior, remain ,io ithe uw,r4t, The Dumfries and

Larpent were the only ships loading, and would pro-
' bably be obliged to sail with part cargoes.
COMMERCIAL AND MARKETS.
CALCUTTA, JUNE 2.—Since the date of our last re-
port, of the Bth of May, everything connected with com-
merce in this city has worn a very gloomy appearance.
Our export market has been completely paralysed by
the home news. The little conffidence which remained
has been extinguished, and the most sanguine are at a
loss what to do, and unable to see their way through the
difficulties which environ commercial and political
affairs. Business has been almost at a stanp still, and
the comparatively deserted state of the streets, in what
formerly used to be the busy haunts of commercial ac-
tivity, as well as the scanty daily list of exports, suffici-
ently indicate the low state of prostration to which our
trade has been reduced. The mail of the 24th April is
looked fur with much anxiety, although but little hopes
are entertained that it will bring news of a nature cal-
culated to produce an improvement in the state of affairs
here.

Our market for exports has felt severely the existing
state of commercial depression. Indigo heti been very
quiet, little disposition being shown to opekate in the
article. Sugar has been greatly neglected, and a decline
of fully rs. 1 per md. has taken place in its value. The
new crop is making its appearance in small parcels,
which have been placed at 7 to 7-6 per md., according to
quality. It is conjectured that the imports from the
interior will be less than during the past Tear; for, in
addition to the little temptation which the prospects of
the market offer to importers, the reduced price of the
article will doubtless give rise to a large increase in the
local consumption. During the last few years its high
price placed it beyond the reach of the most numerous
class of the native population. Saltpetre has continued.
in active request at progressively improving prices, at-
taining a rise of rs. Ito 1-2 per md. The reduced rate
of freight has drawn attention to rice, and some ship-
ments to England have consequently been made. The
transactions in safflower have been limited, owing to the
terms demanded by holders. Raw silk and silk piece
goods have, until lately, been quite neglected.
The import market has shared, though in a less de-
gree, the inactivity which has prevailed since the date
of our last price current. Holders continue to evince a
desire to place their goods, while the minds of the prin-
cipal dealers, who are also speculators in opium, have
been disturbed by the claims of the great time-bargain
opium contractor, which, added to unfavourable acounts
from the upper provinces, has caused a falling off in the
demand. The consequence has been a decline in prices
for almost all descriptions of piece goods and mule
twist. Turkey red yarn commands a better demand at
improved rates. Metals have been rather neglected.
The money market has remained without much alter-
ation. Money continues abundant and procurable on
comparatively easy terms on security of Government
paper, or equally valuable and tangible security. Seven
per cent. is the rate of interest on loans covered by this
security, and 10 to 12 per cent. for loan on mortgage of
landed property. The business of the Bank of Bengal
has been reduced to a small compass for want of ap-
proved channels for the investment of its funds. The
next dividend will consequently be smaller than they
have been of late, but we understand that the bank has
suffered no loss whatever from the commercial disasters
which have ruined so many, and from which so few have
escaped unscathed. The price of its shares is still 2,050
premium. Government securities have given way in
consequence of the threatening aspect of affairs in the
Punjaub. Our present quotations are :-4-8 to 5.4 dis-
count Second and Third Fives ; 3 to 3-6 ditto in New
Fives ; 17 to 18 ditto in Company's Fours ; and 19 to 20
ditto in Sicca Rupee ditto.
Very few transactions have taken place in Exchange.
The rates for six months' sight bills, with documents, are
1-10 to 1-10 i; but this description of paper, owing to
the small quantity of goods going forward, is extremely
scarce and much wanted. We have heard of a sale of
uncovered bills at three months' sight, drawn by a highly
respectable firm here on Jones, Loyd and Co., at 1-91.
The calls upon the export warehouses for advances have
been trifling. Only rs. 1 83,404 have been taken since
the 30th April. Exchange on China, rs. 200 to 202 per
100 Sp. dolls. On Ceylon 3 per cent. discount at sight.
Freights have undergone considerable fluctuations.
Our last report left them at Si. to 51. ss. for dead weight
to London. During the succeeding week they fell to
41. to 41. 10s.; in the second week they became very un-
settled, and were quoted at 31. 15s. During the past
week they rose to 41 108. to 41. 155., and now our quota-
tions are 41.55. to 4/. 10s., with a downward tendency.
CURRENT VALUE OF GOVERNMENT SECURITIES, BANK

STOCK, &C.
Transfer Five per Cent ... 8 0 0 to 9 0 0 prem.
Second ditto
Third ditto
Now ditto 3 0 0 to 3 6 0 ditto.

FREIGHTS.
London. LiTerpcol.
Sugar
Saltpetre
Rico
Hides
Jute
Raw silk
Indigo
. .

Rates have lately been a good deal unsettled, and
now, owing to fresh arrivals, are looking downwards.
BOMRAY, RINE 30.—BANK OF BOMBAY.—Discount
on Government bills, 6 per cent. ; discount on private
bills at or within three months, 9 per cent. Interest on
fixed loans on deposit of Government notes, 8 per cent.;
interest on cash credit accounts on Government notes,
9 per cent.; interest on loans on deposit of goods, &c., 9
per cent. The rate of advance on deposit of 5 per cent.
Government notes is 90 per cont., on 4 per cent. Go-
vernment notes 70 per cent., and on goods, three-fourths
the approved value. -

Oriental Bank.—Rates of Exchange.—Drafts on Lon-
don at 6 months' sight, above 504, Is. o;td.; ditto at 3
months' sight, above 201., 1.. 91d.; ditto, at 1 month's
sight, above 201., Is. oid.; ditto, at one day's sight,
about 51., 1.. Bi. Circular notes payable throughout
Europe, and drafts on Ireland and Scotland at I day's
sight, Is. Eid.
Freights, May 30.—T0 London, per ton, 31. si. to 3/.
is. 6d.; to Liverpool, 3/. si. to 31. 10s.; to China, per
candy, 12rs. to 12irs.

Exchanges.—D,udon, at 6 months' sight, per rupee,
Is. 90. to is. 100.; at 3 ditto, ditto, Is, 9.-}d.; at 1 ditto,
ditto Is. Sid.

C HINA,
The following Government notification had been
issued . ,

His Excellency her Majesty's Plenipotentiary and
Chief Superintendent of British Trade, &e., is pleased to
direct that the annexed communication from Seu, the
Acting Imperial Commissioner, relative to the inland
transit duties to be levied in future on foreign cotton
manufactures at the Pih-sin Custom-house, in the pro-
vince of Chekang, be published for general information.
—By order, A. It. Johnston. Victoria, Hong-Kong, Bth
May, 1848.

Sou, High Imperial Cummisioner, &c., &c., sends the
following communications:—The late High Imperial
Commissioner, Keying, presented a memorial to the
Throne, requesting that the same rate of transit duties
on calicoes might be levied at the Pih-sin Cus-
tom-house iii Chekeang as at lieu-shoo, which
is in the neighbourhood. To this application the
Imperial reply was, " Lot the board of revenue deli-
berate and report on this subject. Respect this!" I have
now received a communication from the board, stating
that every description of foreign cotton manufactures
paid at the Hen-shoo Custom-house 2 mace 2 candareens
per hundred catties, or per pecul weight, whilst 1.2 mace
were paid per pieco at Pih-sin. Since the difference in
the amount is very considerable, the tariff of duties on
calicoes at Pih-sin ought, as proposed, to be the same
as that at the Heti-shoo Custom-house in the neighbour-
hood, in order to equalise the rate of duties levied. To
this representation an Imperial reply was received, say-
ing, " Let it be done as proposed. Respect this." Whilst
transmitting this information to the superintendent of
the Pih-sin Custom-house, I thought it my duty to sub-
mit it also for the consideration of the Hon. Envoy, and
wish you much happiness, addressing the same—To his
Excellency her Britannic Majesty's Plenipotentiary,
Samuel George Bonham, Esq., &c. &c., &c.,
CHARLES GUTZLAFF, Chinese Secretary.