The Sun.
London, England, 1848-08-24 00:00:00

SOUTH WALES RAILWAY.

The half-yearly meeting of this company was held yester-
day, at the 'Great Western station, Paddington, Mr. Charles
Russell in the chair.
The report stated that the directors would feel it their duty
to press as lightly as possible on the resources of the proprie-
tors during the continuance of monetary and commercial
difficulty, and to confine their operations within the nar-
rowest limits consistent with their obligations to the con-
tractors, they have confined the active prosecution of the
works to the most important portions of the line ; that they
have entertained no new project, and have incurred no new
engagements. The Bill to give effect to the agreement which
had been entered into by the Great Western Company, au-
thorising them to pay rive per cent. instead of four per cent.
on the calls was lost this session. The directors have received
from the latter company a renewal of the assurance of a fall
pecuniary equivalent in some other form. The directors
concentrated their efforts and resources on that portion
of the line which lies between Newport and Swansea because
it will bring a large and profitable section into early
operation, and contribute to the reduction of the amount of
interest otherwise chargeable against the capital. Their at-
tention must be next directed to the completion of that por-
tion which will connect Newport with the Great Western at
Gloucester. A branch of the Forest of Dean Railway, from
Grangecourt to llagloe, a distance of seven miles, had be-
come the property of this company, and now constituted an
integral portion of the main line, and would be constructed
by the South Wales Company. At the next half-yearly
meeting they will proceed to forfeit those shares upon which
the second, third, and fourth instalments shall then be un-
paid • at present 2,982/. remains due on the second instalment
of 21. 10s., 11,260/. on the third instalment of 51., and
24,0001. on the fourth instalment of Si., making the total
arrears 38,242/. The forfeiture of these shares will not re-
lease the proprietors from the liability of paying the arrears
due by them. On the fifth and sixth instalments about
65,0001. remains unpaid. The directors will use every effort
to recover the arrears due on them. The 5,000 shares which
the Swansea Vale Company agreed to receive in payment for
the purchase of their line have been placed in trust for that
purpose. The Railway Commissioners have granted an ex-
tension of time for the purchase of land.
The report of Mr. Brunel, the engineer, stated that the
works generally, which are in progress from Gloucester to
llaverfordwest, have proceeded very satisfactorily, and no
new difficulties had arisen to affect their eost or efficiency.
The destruction by fire of a timber bridge over the Usk will
not delay the works; the loss has been covered by the in-
surance ; the contractor is proceeding rapidly witli the re-
storation of this bridge. The heavy works at Chepstow and
at Newport, including the tunnel at the latter place, are in
a very forward state. If every endeavour were made to
expedite the works between Newport and Swansea, they
might be completed in ten or twelve months; and east of
Newport, assuming the Gloucester and Dean Forest Railway
completed, the whole might, with similar exertion, be-
finished in twelve or fifteen months. Several portions of
the line are ready for receiving the permanent way. The
accounts of the 30th of June showed that 1,118,251/. had
been received, ineluding 83.609/. in advance of calls; and
1,007,004/. expended, including 61,306/. subscriptions to Irish
and Welsh lines, leaving a balance of 111,2791.
The CHAIRMAN stated that every exertion had been made
to obtain the Bill for raising the rate of interest allowed on
calls from 4to 5 per cent. Since the Bill had been lost the
subject of the increase of the interest to 5 per cent. had been
again under the consideration of the Great Western board,
and they had renewed to him their assurance that a full
equivalent should be given to the South Wales Company.
lie regretted the depreciation of the shares in the market,
which he attributed to the general depression, which affected
all railways, especially those under construction. lie felt
satisfied that their line when completed would prove a pro-
ductive one, because it passed through one of the finest
mineral and manufacturing districts in the kingdom, and
would open up a rich and fertile agricultural district, which
required nothing but the means of communication for send-
ing its products to market. The whole of the traffic that
would come on the line would be new traffic, and it was
likely to be the only railway in the district through which it
passed. Ile believed that the plan of completing and open-
ing the line in successive portions was the only plan which
could at present be devised to improve the public confidence
in the undertaking, and to carry it out successfully.
Lir. COURT suggested that the terms of agreement be-
tween the two companies should be modified, the Great Wes-
tern to offer the South Wales a guarantee of 4 per cent. on
the full amount of capital to be expended, and the South
Wales to have the benefit up to 5 per cent. before the Great
Western participated in the profits of the line.
The Rev. T. SPENCER objected to the payment by this
company of 61,000/. to the Irish and Welsh railways, and
thought the Great Western ought to relieve them
of this
responsibility. He considered that the agreement between
the two companies had not been carried out as regards the
payment of the 5 per cent. interest on calls
The CHAIRMAN explained that the 5
per cent. was no part
of the original agreement. It had been granted by the
Great Western on condition that the South Wales Com-
pany should subscribe a certain sum to the Irish and Welsh
lines.

After an assurance from the Chairman that the Great
Western would honourably perform their agreement with
this company, the report was unanimously adopted.
Thanks were voted to the Chairman, and the meeting
separated.

:CESTER AND DEAN FOREST RAILWAY.
The half-yearly general meeting of this company was held
yesterday, at Gloucester; the chair was taken by Mr. Samuel
Baker, chairman of the directors.
The report stated that, in conformity with the opinion
s ex-
7essed by the directors in their last report, they have re-
ricted the works upon the line to that portion which re-
quires the longest time to execute. The directors feel that
the deplorable stagnation in the mercantile and trading inte-
rests of the kingdom has been adverse to the speedy and
successful progress of railways generally, and was a sufficient
reason for suspending, in some degree, a rapid completion of
the line before the South Wales Company can accomplish a
junction at the Grange. The directors have made consider-
able progress in the purchase of lands. They regret that in
some instances the demands made upon them were exorbi-
tant, and they were compelled to appeal to juries. In every
case the verdicts were less than the sums claimed. The di-
rectors had abstained from making calls beyond the absolute
wants of the company, and congratulated the proprietors
upon the promptitude with which the last call had been paid.
They have transferred to the South Wales Company the por-
tion of the line extending from the Grange to Hagloe, in
conformity with the agreement entered into with them under
the powers of the Act.
The report of Mr. Brunel, the engineer, stated that the
works upon this railway have been proceeded with so far as
the possession of land permitted ; but by reason of this
limitation the progress has been hitherto small, and princi-
pally confined to the work across the meadows near Glou-
cester. The removal of the houses in Gloucester itself has
been commenced, and a considerable portion of the work
through the town may now be proceeded with. The bridges
across the river may shortly be commenced. The earthwork
upon the rest of the line is not heavy •, but it will be desirable
now to enter upon some more of the land, so that during the
next spring the whole may be in work, to ensure the com-
pletion of the line simultaneously with that of the South
Wales Railway.
The accounts showed that 80,5561. had been received, and
74,530/. expended, leaving a balance in hand of 6,0261.
The CHAIRMAN stated that, since the last meeting, a new
secretary had been appointed (Mr. Nash), and had been
found a most zealous and efficient officer. The directors had
refrained from proceeding with the calls, as it would be useless
to push forward the completion of the line until the works
of the South Wales Railway (with which this line forms a
junction) were nearer completion. The bridges across the
Severn would be commenced early next year, and the whole
of the works would be completed in full time to form a junc-
tion with the South Wales line as soon as that line was ready
for the traffic. lie adverted to the delay in the purchase of
lands, and said the directors had no other wish than to give
the fair value for all lands taken by the company. If it was
found expedient to expedite progress, he had little doubt,
from the experience of former calls, that the shareholders
would not be found wanting with the means for carrying on
the works with vigour.
The report was adopted, and the two retiring directors, Mr.

_GI OUI

Price and Mr. Avery, were re-elected. _
After some further discussion of no importance, the pro-
ceedings terminated with a vote of thanks to the Chairman.

LONDON AND BLACKWALL.
The half-yearly meeting of this company was held on
Tuesday at the London Tavern; Mr. J. N. Daniell in the
chair.
The report stated that the net balance oa the revenue
account amounts to 5,4651., which will admit of the pay-
ment of a dividend of la. 6d. per share, clear of income-tax,
on the 48,000 original, and the 24,000 new shares (No. 1),
which are now entitled to participate in the profit' of the.

1848.

undertaking. The sum thus applicable to the payment of a
dividend is larger than on any previous corresponding half-
year, enabling the directors to propose a dividend equal in
amount to that paid at this time twelvemonths, although the
number of shares has been since that period increased by
one-half. This result is attributable to the conversion of de-
bentures into capital, by which a large and permanent re-
duction is made in the annual expenses. The traffic during the
first six months of 18.48 showed that 1,273,969 passengers had
been carried, receipts 22,023/. ; at the corresponding period
of 1847, 1,354,622 passengers were conveyed, and the
receipts amounted to 22,9691. This decrease was prin-
cipally confined to the local traffic. In the Gravesend
traffic there had been an increase, notwithstanding the un-
toward state of the weather. The first half-year's receipts
for local traffic in 1848 amounted to 15,659/. ; for Gravesend
traffic, to 5,156/. ; and Woolwich traffic, to 1,208/. ; in the
first half•year of 1847 the traffic was 16,8571., 4,6701., and
1,441/. respectively. The heads of an agreement with the
East and West India Docks and Birmingham Junction
Railway Company have been finally settled, the directors of
that company undertaking to complete a junction with the
extension line by the time their own line shall be finished to
Camden-town. The directors are still in negotiation with
the Easter Counties Company in reference to the use of the
extension line; and they cannot doubt that a common in-
terest must necessarily lead to an arrangement satisfactory
to both companies. The directors have thought it prudent
not to interfere with the traffic during the present and the
ensuing month, and they have therefore determined to defer
closing either of the lines for the alterations necessary to the
introduction of the locomotive system and the change of
gauge until the Ist of October. They have every confidence
that the extension line will be open in November, and that
both the lines will be in full operation under the new system
of working before the close of this year.
The report of Mr. Locke, the engineer, stated that the
works of the extension line bad progressed rapidly and sa-
tisfactorily; that the whole of the arching was finished, and
all the bridges, with the exception of those over the Com-
mercial-road, the Regent's Canal, and the Bow-road, which
would be completed in six weeks. The permanent way
was laid along the whole line, except at the latter places;
one line of rails may be altered on the old line, and
opened simultaneously with the extension line in November,
and both lines may be altered and in operation by locomotive
power before the end of the year. The capital account to the
30th of June showed that 1,147,075/. had been received, and

1,079,1691. expended, leaving a balance of 67,9061. The re-
venue account stated that 26,452!. had been received for j
traffic, including 2,591/. for rents and wharfage ; and the ex- I
penses 20,9051., including 1,131/. Government duty, 1,039/.
rates and taxes, and 2,6004 interest on loans and scrip shares,
leaving a balance of 5,6271. The extension account showed
that 220,5051. had been expended, leaving a balance against
the com/~pany of 46,435/.
TheHAIRMAN, on moving the adoption of the report,
said the directors regretted that the extension line was not
yet open, and the gauge altered ; the delay had arisen in Par-
liament. He trusted the shareholders would approve of the
alteration in the gauge on the old line being put off till the
Ist of October, so as not to impede the large traffic re-
ceivable prior to that time. Their negotiations with the
Eastern Counties Railway Company had not yet led to any
determinate result, although principles had been laid down
between the companies which could be carried out, and the
directors only awaited coming to such an arrangement as
would be remunerative to the company.
Mr. Mous seconded the resolution.
Mr. LEVY said they were charged 201'. for the passenger
tickets of the last half year, that his printer would do them
for 951., and get a fair profit, which would save the company
about 220,. a year—a saving worth something on a Is. 6d.
dividend. He perceived that there were large arrears on the
extension shares, amounting to 30,522/. ; he thought those
who had not paid ought to be handed over to the company's
solicitor, and be made to pay.—(Hear.)
The CHAIRMAN said if Mr. Levy would send his printer to
look at the peculiar tickets they used, to prevent imposition,
and would do them for less than they paid at present, the di-
rectors would be glad to save the difference.
After some observations respecting the probability of leas-
ing the line to the Eastern Counties and the London and
North-Western Companies, Mr. Alderman Salomans warned
the proprietors against entering into any inconsiderate
bargain, and pointed to tho example of the Greenwich
Railway.
The report was adopted unanimously and the dividend
approved.

A vote of thanks was passed to the Chairman, and the
meeting separated.

MIDLAND.

The half-yearly meeting of the proprietors of this line of
railway was held at the station of the company at Derby, on
Saturday. Mr. Hudson, M.P., occupied the chair. The
attendance was unusually large.
Soon after one o'clock Mr. HUDSON, in company with the
board of directors, entered the room, and called upon Mr.
Beta., the secretary, to read the following report :
" It is gratifying to your directors, that at the termination
of a half-year of peculiar difficulty, they are enabled to an-
nounce that the gross receipts from the traffic have
amounted to 507,1701. 1.55. 3d., exceeding those of the
corresponding half of last year by 22,509/., and leaving a
disposable balance of 195,460/. Bs. 10d. This will enable you to
declare a dividend of 31. upon each Midland Consolidated
Stock ; 3/. upon each 1001. Consolidated Preferential Stock ;
after the same rate of 61. per cent. per annum upon the
amount paid (421. lOs. per share) upon the Erewash Valley
shares, and of 2/. 6s. 3d. upon each 1001. Consolidated London
and Birmingham Stock. The opening of the Syston and
Peterborough line was delayed beyond the period contem-
plated in the last half-yearly meeting, partly from
the unavoidable state of the weather, and partly from the
inability of the contractors for one part of it to complete
their work, and which the company were obliged to take
into their own bands. It was not opened until the Ist of
May. The branches connecting the principal collieries on
the Erewash Valley with that railway are now in rapid
progress. The line from Nottingham to Mansfield, as
far as Sutton-in-Ashfield, a distance of about thirteen
miles, will be opened in a few weeks. Since the last
meeting the directors have contracted for the making
of the branch line front Leicester to the Leicester and Swan-
' nington Railway, at Desford, about six miles, and the
works are progressing satisfactorily. The extension from the
Leicester and Swannington, at Long-lane, to Burton-upon-
Trent, will be opened during the autumn. Arrangements
are making for the junctions of the Manchester, Stieffield,
and Lincoln Railway with this line at Beighton ; of the
North Staffordshire. at Burton. on-Trent ; of the South
Staffordshire, at Alrewas ; and of the Oxford, Worcester,
and Wolverharepton line at Abbot's Wood and Stoke. Mr.
B.irlovr, the resident engineer, reports, That the main-
tenance contracts on north branch terminated in the
early part of this month, and that this portion of the
line is now in the hands of the company. I anticipate
a saving of from 601. to 70/. per mile per annum will he
effected by this arrangement. On the Birmingham and
Gloucester, twenty-one miles have been relaid, and the re-
mainder is being actively proceeded with. On the Bristol
and Gloucester the improved condition of the line has en-
abled the company to make arrangements with the con-
tractors, by which the cost of the maintenance is re-
duced; but I regret to say that the company does not reap
the full benefit of this reduction, in consequence of the
excessive cost of the repairs and maintenance of the mixed
gauge line between Cheltenham and Gloucester. I have
also to report the. completion of the following works, viz.,
the passenger station at Nottingham, the branch line to the
docks at Gloucester, and the short branch to the canal
and stone quarries at Little Eaton. The line and works
are in a very satisfactory state; they have never since
the opening of the line been in better condition and re-
pair than at this time.' Mr. Kirtley, the superintendent
of the locomotive and carriage department reports—' The
locomotive plant, carriage, and waggon stock are in good
condition.' The following Acts have received the Royal
assent :—For making a Branch Line from Little Eaton to
Rigley and the neighbouring Collieries, and also empower.
ing the Company to improve and enlarge the Derby,
Masbro', and Burton Stations. For an Extension of
seven miles in length, from Gloucester to Stonehouse,
uniting the Birmingham and Gloucester Railway to the Bris-
tol and Gloucester, rendering unnecessary the break of gauge
at Gloucester, and extending a continuous narrow gauge line
from Birmingham to Bristol. For authorising certain altera-
tions in the Hitchin, Northamption, and Huntingdon Exten-
sion of the Midland Railway, and for other purposes."
[The statement of accounts had for some days been printed
and circulated among the proprietors.]
The CHAIRMAN then rose and said the proposition he had
first to bring before them was, " That the report of the
directors now read be received, adopted, printed, and circu-
lated among the proprietors ;" and in doing so it would be
unnecessary to detain them for more than a few minutes
with any observations of his own. The report spoke for it-
self. He stood there, however, to give to any proprietor
any information which he might require, and upon one or
two points some explanation might, perhaps, be deemed
necessary. He would not refer to the pamphlet of Mr. Alfred
Smith—the statements therein made had been so completely
answered by his friend Mr. Glyn, that it was altogether
unnecessary to further allude to that publication.—(hear.)
One or two points with regard to the accounts of the com-
pany he thought it right to refer to. It would be recol-
lected that at a former meeting it was promised that the 40/.
shares should come into the present halt-year's dividend,
the directors having entertained a hope that the Syston and
Peterborough line would be opened in January, when, in
fact, it was not opened until May. The consequence was
that the 401. shares now received six per cent. as old stock,
whereas had they not been brought into stock until the line
was opened, according to the arrangement at the allotment,
they (the shareholders of 40/.) would have received
4 per cent. only from January to May, and 6 per cent. from
May to June. There had been a consequent encroachment
upon the revenue which would have been dividable among
the proprietors of the old • stock. This explanation he
thought ought to be afforded to the company. When last
he met them he (Mr. Hudson) did not contemplate those
events which had subsequently occurred in Europe
and disturbed in so fearful a degree the commercial interests
of this country. He would not deny that the directors were
in consequence disappointed in the amount of their revenue
for the last half-year. In their passenger traffic there
had been a diminution to the amount of 2,700/., but in
goods and minerals there had been an increase to
the extent of between 23,000/. and 24,000/. There
were none of them, however, but must have ex-
pected that railways, which were essentially commercial un-
dertakings, must suffer with all other interests in the present
circumstances of the times. They (the directors) considered
that during the next half.year they should be enabled to re-
move many of the causes of their present depression. They
should gain by a reduction of their expenses, for there was
no article which they consumed which was not reduced in
price. During the last half-year they had opened twenty-
five additional miles of railway ; in the next half-year
gthegrt
should be able to open forty more; leaving only ht n
aftergiving
completed.viog
the He
subjectthought
theirit r
best right to
consideration,
ig state, tha t theh
adediiredcettoerrs:
mined not to enter into any new undertaking until they had
again the pleasure of meeting the proprietors.—(Cheers.)et
referred, in the
ar y meeting he
the -
yueld be completely
excepted the trifling work necessary to be donel in widening
Pinxton station. By the next ha
firmly hoped that the affairs of Europe
to the condition
He had now to allude, in terms o regret,His
settled, and, as a consequence, tradef andwecommerce revived
of the expenditure of the company.
between
Leeds was
heavy charges for maintaining the
Nfivrasyt.inTsthaencec,ost between Derby and to the
601. and 701. per mile. This work had hitherto been
let to contractors. The board of directors had deter-
minedh to take it into their own hands, and he thought the
experiment would sow that the work would be better and
more cheaply done than by contractors. The items of in-
creased expenditure were very considerable, but at the ter-
mination of another half-year—always considerably the best
half-year—they would have, he calculated, at least 100,00 W,
more revenue than during the last. One item, that of 12,0001.,
parochial
eocitheimal
could be satisfactorily accounted for. In the first instance,
their arrangement fur the carriage of goods had been too ex-
tensive, and their establishment too large. This, and, indeed,
e There
every other department, was undergoing the most careful
overscrut scrutiny,
which with
they a vhiaedw
otoo
oeocnotnr
°mini'
h a;hluerdeedwa to p on
.
rates, In respect to those charges railway companies were
most unjustly treated, and so he had stated in the Ho
use of
Commons. On the Eastern Counties line, with which
he was connected, they paid at the rate
of
8"
per annum per mile (twelve acres to the mile),
paro-
chial rates. Such a state of things could
110 L remain

long without obtaining the consideration of Parliament. In
that item of charge there hs.(l been an increase en their own
line of between 4,000/. arid 5,000/. over the last year. lie
trusted that the day was not far distant when he should
have to congratulate the company upon a diminution
of this impost. He found Fells introduced into Perlis-
mein for the exemption of stock in trade, and he
thought railway interests eqimilly entitled to consideration.
That was one grievance against which railway proprietors
had had to contend. But the railway interest had had
before to contend with difficulties which would have ap-
palled any other proprietors; they had struggled on without
the assistance of Government, and success had attended
their exertions. By perseverance, by retraining from undue
speculation, by entering into as few engagements as pos-
sible, by fair, open, and upright conduct towards the public,
he had no doubt the present difficulties of the railway in-
terest would be removed, and prosperity again restored. If
any gentleman required further information with regard to
the affairs of the company, he should be happy, if able, to
afford it. He sat down, assuring them that he felt deeply
anxious to promote the interests of the Midland Railway.
In reply to a question from a PROPRIETOR,
The CHAIRMAN said he had no intention of retiring from
the management of the company.—(Cheers.) He would
say further, that so long as he possessed health, strength,
and energy, and the confidence of the proprietors, nothing
should induce him to leave them.—(Loud cheers.)
Mr. RRANCKER ( of Liverpool) inquired whether any of the
amount of the 501. new shares had been taken to liquidate
the debts of the company?
The CHAIRMAN replied that no amount had been taken
for that purpose, but so soon as the new lines had been com-
pleted, the remaining suns to he called up would be then
taken to liquidate the debts of the company.
Mr. BRANck-xn, after some further observations, said he
thought it would have been better if the directors had recom-
mended a dividend of 5/ per cent, and carried the balance
forwards.
A PROPRIETOR wished to know upon what amount of capi-
tal the dividend was declared ?
The CHAIRMAN—About seven millions.
Mr. WATEES wished for a reserved fund, to meet deprecia-
tion of stock, He should, therefore, move as an amendment,
that a dividend of 5% per cent. be declared.
The CHAIRMAN said before that rwas done, it would be
better that the report should be received.
Mr. IztoNsinEs wished to know whether any rupture be-
tween the engine-drivers and directors was likely to occur on
the Midland line?
The Crimnstax replied that the best feeling existed be-
tween them. The Chairman afterwards observed that be
had been present immediately after the occurrence of the late
accident on the London and North-Western at Blisworth.
The accident was one of those misadventures which no fore-
sight could prevent.—(Hear.)
The report, atter a few other remarks, was received and
adopted.
Oa the motion of the CITAIRMAN, a dividend of 31. for the
half-year, payable on the 4th of September, was then
agreed to.
Mr. RAND (of Bradford) moved a vote of thanks to Mr.
Hudson for his able conduct as chairman of the Midland
Railway Company.
The Cii.tritsmar, in acknowledging the vote, said he was
only anxious to preserve the confidence of the proprietors.
He could not close the proceedings of the day without re-
ferring to an event which every railway proprietor, and
every well-wisher of his country, must regret. He alluded
to the death of that great and distinguished man, Mr.
George Stephenson. His character, and the works which he
had left behind him, would live in the memory of his coun-
trymen to all future ages.—The meeting then broke up.

~ PROTECTION."

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.

SIR,—" Good phrases," says Justice Shallow, " are
and shall be commended:" the word " Protection" shall
be commended for the good service it has done. Who-
ever has read Mr. Whiteside on the " Tribunals at
Naples and their proceles," may be assured that his
account is not exaggerated. Ask a Neapolitan witk
little or no money how his lawsuit is going on? he re-
plies, with shrugs and squeaks, " Eh! a Napoli tutto e
p i rotezone. (bribery.) This is the true meaning of
the word, and ought to be nailed to it. When a Bill is
passed "for protection of Crown and Government," one
is inclined to ask, Who dares take our Victoria, enfant
de la :liaison, dread and dear Sovereign, under his pro-
tection, or make her his protegee? If Lord Stanley's
friend, 'yclept of the Two Sicities, in the exercise of his
undoubted prerogative, made a law just now to double
the price of maccaroni, as our landlords did of bread, to
gratify noble cornfactors or Austrian moalmen,
that would be protezione in the strictest ac-
ceptation of the term. The customs of Naples
are daily brought to our doors by Pulcinella
their national maschera. His litigiousness and yet
hatred of law-officers, in the first place—his attachment
to Judy, whom he beats—his fondness for tame animals,
yet his cruelty towards them—his spadacino valour as
in General Pepe, combined, however, with a perpetual
longing to run away—his superstition and yet profane-
ness—his vocal powers solacing all his misfortunes—hit
perfidy, levity, caprices, and lies—his unmistakeable
beak, top-knot, and voice, as of a ccckrell or game-
chicken, pulcinella—all these describe the union of
Greek volubility, Arab temper, Tuscan shrewdness and
talent, constituting—Punch. Certainly Naples is not so
tar as from Cornhill to Grand Cairo; Cerito, Lablache,
the Taglionis, three or four Grisis and a Tosi, came all
the way to see us; probably also Grimaldi and Delpini,
clowns. One is apt to view Naples merely as a cele-
brated watering•place, but it is also the second capital in
Europe, London exclusive; population about half a 'pil-
lion, a court, nobility, and garrison inure than propor-
tionate, with a fine breed of little barb horses, who ex-
hibit what Mme. de Stael saw in the human natives, a
je ne sais quoi de Nuinide." Here Pythagoras, in-
ventor of inthic, and the astronomy ennui Copernican,
dwelt.

Here Aquinas, who, according to some, would Intro
►wade three Newtons, was born. Here, in the time of
our Heptarchy, Greek laws, medicine, civilizaticu, rthd
refinement prevailed at Salerno and Amalfi. Here
Cesar, Marius, Pompey, Virgil, Romans of all ages,
•' etowded on each other's and jostled for the most
beautiful angles." Even Lablache is nothing new. '• In
tt.c plague ►it Athens, the few who escaped infection de.
termined to enjoy ii:e wit►le it lasted. They had singers
Iron, Magna Grecia (Naples) and• dancers from Gaul,
who received an Attic talent, or 1931. 15s. every month
for their trouble, which, in those times, was considered
a high salary." If any doubt the influence of Naples, or
the origin of the vocable Protection, let them consider
that Christina and her kinswoman, the Duchess de Berri,
are Neapolitans, besides the ex-Queen of France—and
surely we have heard enough of them. I saw Christina
at a public iestival—a young princess of fatal, tragical
beauty probably in that vast assemblage were but few
male creatures who would not have been glad to accept
her as sister, daughter, wife, or friend, notwithstanding
the 1/las nialorunt she might bring her Menelaus and King
Priam. The Neapolitans combine the extremes of human
character.

Their " protection of Crown and Government" " went
too far" in 1799 when the French Government evacuated
the city. Van Raumer, who surely is a good autho-
rity, tells us " Cardinal Ruffo was leader of the counter-
revolution, and the greatest horrors were perpetrated
before his face. (Persons now living can show you the
very spots.) Fra Diavolo; Macamone, the blood-quaffer,
and others of that class, were treated as friends by ,
and loaded with titles and honours." if the brutality of
the many equalled that of the few it would go hard with
poor humanity; but in the Carbonari year, 1822, when
no Government existed for several weeks, the wealthy
inhabitants end foreigners did not even bar their doors
at night. This is a great fact. Marshal Saxe (the only
Frenchman who ever beat the English in three pitched
battles) observed that in all disputes between the army-
waggoners and their horses, the waggeners were wrong.
Burke always presumed in favour of the people against
governments—as an Irishman he had reason. Abbe
Petrarch was involuntary witness of human sacrifice at
Naples, and the name of the place was Carbonaria.
Gibbon therefore was inaccurate in saying " the human
feasts of Lestrygons hare never been renewed on the
coasts of Campania." Such customs are merely external
necessities like Juggernaut, Thuggee, Suttee—but ta
treacherous echo is tound in the hearts of those demi-
Africans. A day may come—who knows ?. when that
great referendary, the oldest; inhabitant. will just be able
to remember human sacrifices or capital punishments as
fiercely applauded by modern as by ancient Britons.
Every ins:ance of misgovernment and consequent
ferocity brings Ireland, piteous Ireland, to memory, but
one escapes from the idea. They have, in the matter of
whisky, conquered themselves—teach them now to con-
quer us. Would that I could be more useful to your
most useful paper hare the honour to be, Sir, &c.,
IL C. ARGENT.

RACING SUBSCHIFTION OFFICE, 301, STRAND.—
On Friday last the managers of the Racing Subscription
Fund received at this office, distributed the horses to
holders of the numbers for the great Ebor Handicap, to
the several classes of the subscribers, at the Parthenium,
St. Martin's-lane, Westminster. Before the distribution
was commenced, one of the managers addressed the as-
sembly, and said, that although he accepted the compiles.
lively thin attendance of the subscribers as a proof of
the confidence they reposed in the managers'-if any
further proofs were needed of that fact, in addition to
the rapidity with which they had filled up the subscrip-
tions—still the managers would have been gratified if
their attendance to look after their own inter, sts had
been more numerous, especially as it was difficult to hit
at once upon any method oraistribution which might
not be open to some objection. There was, however, an
important one which the managers had provided against,
namely, that some of the numbers might be withheld,
and thus be unfairly excluded from the chance of a horse
The speaker then produced
gaehdoixndainviadre.dthinstooona 100
compartments, each of which conittyao.in2neondthe parcelsm arithmetical
subscribersealsse-
ries num-
bers of 100 each; the first compartment containing from
anyand number trhee-
grwl
art
e,r( secondleoedlfolchoo;,lolntlOddhOreebbdees. e gße 3c, thustfromethd tsi
sirnrsaltnao arrangementt
hazard,as
not inth
ere orderto
were asked to call for any numbers at w
to test the fact, whether every ticket
to be placed in the wheel. This was done, and the result
y. well as the simplicity of the test, gave the utmost sa-
tisfaction, which was warmly expressed by all present.
The distribution of this gigantic Racing Subscription
Fundh leh occupied
beseen
l
the London MercantilienJoouu o
rr advertisement page.—From
Her Majesty's Pi
Erard, of 18, Pianoforte and Harp makers, Messrs,
Great Marlborough-street, have also been
honoured with the appointment of makers to his Ruyal
Highness Prince Albert, in consequence of the new ire-
proved Pianoforte
s made by them to the order of his
Ito) al Highness.
\Ve are happy to announce that tfie proprietor of
the Royal Surrey Zoological Gardens has appropriated an
evening next week for Monsieur Jullien's benefit. We are
sure the public of all classes will respond to it; and we are
glad to hear that his professional brethren, both vocal and
instrumental, have so promptly proffered heir' aid. It re.
douuds much to their credit, and they may rest assured it will
assist them in the estimation of a generous public.
We understand that the Marquis of Breadalbane
will be appointed to succeed to the office of Lord Chank•
berlaio, which the Earl tiparicer is about to-tssistt, -

Now ready, in one vol., comprising as much matter as is renty ordi-
nary volumes, with 1,500 Engravings of Arms, &c. . bound,
BURKE'S PEERAGE and BARONE TAGE,
NEW EDITION,
Revised and corrected throughout to the present time fr. M 1 the
Personal Communications of the Nobility, &C.
" The most complete publication of its class we possess."— Atlas.
" No other Peerage eau be compared with that of the, Messrs.
Burke for accuracy and completeness."—Weekly Chronicle.
Henry Colburn, Publisher, 13, Great 31arlborough-street.

FOIL NORTHERN TOURISTS.
Now Ready, in 2 vols., 21s. bound,
A YACHT
TO V OYA GE
NORWAY, DENMARK, AND SWEDEN.
By W. A. ROSS, Esq.
Henry Colburn, Publisher, 13, Great Marlborough-street.

---
HER MAJESTY'S THEATER.
lyfdHe. JENNY LIND.
THE FAREWELL NIGHT.
The Nobility, Gentry, Subscribers to the Opera, and the Public are
respectfully informed that the FAREWELL NIGHT will take
pace THIS EVENING, Aug. 24, when.sladlle. JENNY LIND will
appear as AMINA, in Bellini's Opera ,1
LA SONNAMBULA.
Amina, Mdlle. Jenny Lind ; Lisa, Mdlle. Vera; Count RodOlpho,
Sig. F. Lablache Elvin°, Sig. ardoni.
The National Anthem will be ,sutig, by the whole strength of the
Company.
After the Opera. Selections from the admired Ballet of FIORITA,
by Mdlle. C. itosati, Mdlle. Petit Stephan, and M. Dor.
To conclude with the celebrated WI Scene from the Ballet of
ALMA, comprising the Pas des Trois, by Mdlle. Cerito, Mdlle. Petit
Stephan, and M. St. Leon.
The Free List is suspended, the public Press excepted.
pit Tickets may be obtained as usual at the Box-office of the
Theatre, price les. Gd. each, where applications for Boxes, Pit Stalls,
and Tickets are to be made.
Doors open at half-past Seven, and commence at Eight o'clock.

THEATRE ROYAL, HAYMARKET.
Under the Management of Mr. B. Webster, solo Lessee.
THIS EVENING,
Will bo performed THE HARVEST HOME.
After which the Burlesque of NORMA. Norma, Mr. P. Bedford;
Adelgisa, Mr. Wright; Pollio, Miss Woolgar.
To conclude with the Farce of THE MOTHER AND CHILD
ARE DOING WELL

Kul AL SUItHEY THILATItE.
Under the direction of Mr. Kerschner.
Engagement of Mr. G. Bennett, and Mr. and Mrs. A. Wigan, for

Five Nights only.
Re•appearance of Mr. T. P. Cooke and Grand Ballet Company.
THIS EVENING
Will be performed THE TOWER OF NESLE. Buridan, Mr. G.
Bennett.
To be followed by Mr. Wigan's successful comic Drama, entitled
NEXT DOOR. Jack Skylark, Mr. A. Wigan; Jemima Evans, Mrs.
A Wigan.
To conclude with THE WANDERING TRIBE.
%tanager and Treasurer, Mr. B. S. Falrbrother.

ASTLEY'S ROYAL. AMPHITHEATRE.
Proprietor, Mr. W. Batty.
Fitzball's new and completely successful Spectacle.
Unparalleled Equestrian Feats.
THIS EVENING,
WEI be performed, the new brilliant Spectacle, founded on Sir
Walter Scott's celebrated poetical Romance, and entitled MAR-
MION ; or, The Battle of Flodden Field.
To be followed by the inimitable EQUESTRIAN and GYMNAS-
TIC EXERCISES in the ARENA.
To conclude with a Grand Pageant, entitled-, LADY GODIVA
AND I'EEPING TOM OF COVENTRY; or, Clearing the Toll.
In compliance with the numerous applications ai the Boa-office,
the gorgeous Spectacle of MAZEPPA will be produced with great
splendour on Monday, August 28.
Box-office open from Eleven till Five.
Stage Manager, Mr. W. West.

ROYAL SURREY ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS.
Attraction unprecedented.
New Series of GRAND PROMENADE CONCERTS.
Continuation of MISS SARA FLOWER.
The DAYLIGHT VIEW of ROME, by Damson.
Superb and Unique MENAGERIE.
Grand Display of FIREWORKS, by the Messrs. Southby.
No Extra Charge.
MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, and
FRIDAY.
View of Rome,—Promenade Concerts, Vocal and Instrumental,
conducted by Mr. GODFREY, the splendid Band of Solo Performers
includes Messrs. Clot% Collins, sen., George and Viotti Collins, Eger-
ton, Griesbach, Stevenson, Hardy, &c.—Several favourite Songs by
Miss Sara Flower—Also to be seen, during the day, the beautiful
Menagcrie—Shakspere's House—The Magic Bridge—and other no-
velties will be exhibited, the whole concluding with a most mag-
nificent and not to be rivalled display of Fireworks, by the Messrs.
South by
Gates open at Ten ♦.x.. Feeding Time Five—Concert at Six
—Fireworks at Nine.
Admission, as usual, One Shilling.

TIIE WEATHER.—Sox OFFICE, AUGUST 24.
THERMOMETER, Lowest, 49; Highest, 65; Noon, 61.
BARONIETEB, 30.01.—WIND W.S.W.; slight showers.

HIGII WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE THIS DAY.
Morning .. 38 min. after 9 I Evening .. 18 min. after 10

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