The Sun.
London, England, 1848-08-04 00:00:00

EVENING, AUGUST 4, Ifl4B.

viding every necessary facility, and a simple apparatus
for cutting and preserving the peat in any weather suf-
ficiently dry for out-door labour.
" Before the introduction of railways, the import of
coal into Ireland has been estimated at from 2,500,000
to 3,000,000 tons per annum. The present average
may be taken at 4,000,000 ; but, supposing it to be
only 3,000,000, and that Ireland use but two-thirds
of her own fuel in future—not to speak of the Eng-
lish or other markets—there will arise a certain de-
mand for 4,000,000 tons of peat (taking it as only half
the calorific value.ot coal); and if there be added to this
2,000,000 tons, to he converted into 500,000 tons of
cleacoal (a low estimate, indeed, for the United King-
dom), it may with safety be calculated that there will
tie et least a consumption of 6,000,000 tons of peat an-
nually.
" Calculating that no more than 6,000,000 tons of peat
be prepared and sold per annum, the estimates, taken
from data in the report to Government, will show the
result as regards income and expenditure, and the re-
venue to be derived.
" After deducting the prescribed 6 per cent. interest
on the paid up capital, and a suitable provision for con•
tingencies, it is estimated there will remain an overplus
of 160,0001. per annum, one•half of which will belong to
the proprietary, and the remaining half will be appro-
priated yearly to the amelioration fund.
" The cost of erecting drying-houses, &c., at each
station, will vary from 3001. to 500/., end need never
exceed the latter sum; consequently a very small por-
tion of the capital will suffice for plant;' the principal
amount being at ell times available in money or stock,
almost itninediately convertible.
" It is the hope of the society that the Irish labourer
will be encouraged in industry, by paying him according
to the extent of his labour. His payment shall be
weekly, unless a casual labourer or a seller of peat, when
it shall be prompt ; that he may be taught the value of
time by example, and induced to use it to advantage.
" It-is intended, as land is cleared of peat, to divide it
into holdings, of an extent suited to the district, with
buildings of improved construction ; and to let some of
these farms to those whose industry has been most con-
spicuous at each station, provided they have saved suffi-
cient capital for undertaking the culture; and in process
of time it is also intended, under certain restrictions, to
provide the deserving labourer with a cottage and small
garden. In all cases power will be reserved to take im-
mediate possession should a division of holdings be at-
tempted.
" To Ireland the value of this measure may be esti-
' mated by the fact that, when fully carried out, at least
one million of money will be paid annually for labour in
cutting peat alone, to the now but half-employed la-
bouring class, in addition to large sums for carriage,
&c.; and from 2,000 to 3,000 acres of the most valuable
land may be reclaimed yearly, particularly fitted for the
culture of flax, which may be made to distribute at least
an equal annual amount.
" The exclusive use in Ireland of the patent right for
preparing peat and peat charcoal, principally by hand
labour, and not requiring expensive machinery, has been
secured to the society without purchase; the inventor
paying all expenses thereof, and receiving only a small
royalty on each ton of peat prepared for charcoal or fuel,
and actually sold.
"THE AMELIORATION FUND.
" The means for obtaining food, shelter, and comfort
being first placed within reach of the labouring class,
the next object of the society will be to improve their
mental condition. It is, therefore, intended that a build-
ing sufficiently large shall he erected at each peat
station, where the peasantry may assemble every even-
ing, except Sunday—that useful and entertaining publi-
cations be read for their gratification and instruction,
and lectures given on the culture and preparation of
flax, with the object of introducing it into general
use throughout Ireland—thus affording constant
employment to almost every member of each labourer's
family—that lectures be also given on agricultural and
other subjects suited to their sphere in life, and tending
to their general benefit. In short, that every possible
effort be made to improve their social position, by giving
them permanent and comfortable maintenance, to be
earned by steady labour—providing dwellings deserving
the name of homes—opening to them and their children
means for moral and mental improvement, adapted to
their habits and desires—thus advancing their happiness,
and, it is hoped, securing their contentment.
" All expenditure for building reading and lecture
rooms, salaries to readers, lecturers, &c., and purchase
of books, it to be defrayed out of the Amelioration
Fund;' also, of machines, and all other appliances for
the preparation of flax; and the cost of seed sup-
plied to those desirous to commence its cultiva-
tion is to be repaid out of the produce of the crop.
Persons will be employed at each peat station
perfectly competent to teach the whole operation of sow-
ing and manufacture, whose business it shall be to in-
struct the peasantry, according to fully proved processes
which have been already carried into effect elsewhere;
and when the amelioration fund exceeds in amount
the necessary outlay for these purposes, it is intended
that the balance shall be applied to establish at each
station a loan fund, and an efficient dispensary, under
the Loan Fund Act. The surplus capital to be thus em-
ployed, it is expected, will generally extend those in-
dustrial pursuits of minor consequence, so beneficially
carried on throughout England, and so essential to public
good, but which hardly exist in Ireland, for want of
money circulation amongst the lower classes.
" BOARD OF AMELIORATION.

" To consist of governors, members, and a secretary.
To direct and manage the establishment of reading and
lecture rooms, for the improvement of the labouring class
and others in the district, and carry into effcet the re-
maining objects of the society in bettering the condition
of the Irish people. Members of the hoard of ameliora-
tion to have no voice or responsibility in the direction
of the mercantile sitf4irs of the society.
" Members of the board o!. management to be ex-officio
members of the board of amelioration.
" Amelioration district committee to be appointed by,
the amelioration board, and to be composed of Protes-
tant, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, and Dissenting
ministers of the parish, with other leading inhabitants.
AMELIORATION AID OR BENEVOLENT Tncsr FUND.
" it is proposed that, under the above denomination, a
separate tend be formed for receiving the contributions
of those parties who may be desirous of promoting the
benevolent objects contemplated, without becoming
shareholders, or participating in the mercantile trans-
actions of the society. Such contributions are to be
naid into the bankers of the society, who will grant
lag acknowledgment for the same, and place the
amount t^ the credit of the trustees, to be invested by
them in stock of the Irish Amelioration So-
ciety, from time to time, as the said contributions shall
amount so invested shall stand
amount to 501. ; and
in the names of the said 4Tstees, and the entire profits
accruing thereon shall be added,,:s dividends are declared,
to the amelioration fund. Thus tht; amelioration aid, or
benevolent trust fund, would assist the double purpose
the society has in view, by enabling them both to em-
ploy and improve the people."
Having gone through the foregoing statement, Mr.
RocEits proceeded to explain more in detail how all tie
proposed operations were to be carried on, by referring
to the drawings hung round the upper end of the room,
and answered several of the objections which had been
stated against the project. In conclusion, he dwelt
strongly on the powerful properties of charcoal as a de-
odorising and disinfecting element.
The Rev. Mr. STODDART moved the first resolution,
which was to the following effect:—" That this meeting
is of opinion that the discontent of Ireland is mainly
attributable to the miserable condition of its people, and
that the most effectual mode of removing it is by pro-
viding them extensively with the means of remunerative
employment."
Mr. FITZWILLIAM seconded the resolution, which
passed unanimously.
After a few questions put by Mr. DEVEY, relating to
the estimates, had been answered by Mr. ROGERS,
General liniuGs proposed a resolution to the following
effect :—" That remunerative labour may be found for the
Irish peasantry by employing them in cutting peat, to be
converted into charcoal for agricultural, sanitary, do-
mestic, and manufacturing purposes, and thereby also
rendering the land fit for immediate cultivation."
This resolution having been seconded by General
M`Lizoti was also carried.
Mr. G. TnompsoN proposed the last resolution, which
was nearly as follows :—" That the principle upon
which the Irish Amelioration Society is founded will
afford practical means for the continuous employment
of the Irish peasantry ; and that this meeting pledges
itself to give it every assistance, whether by subscrip-
tion to the amelioration aid fund, by taking shares, or
inducing others to do so."
Having been duly seconded the resolution was carried.
General 3.l'l:Eon then proposed, and Mr. LANGBOURN
seconded, the usual vote of thanks to the Chairman ;
after which the meeting separated.

THE LATE MURDER AT CHELTENHAM.—The
journed inquest on the body of Mr. John Mulcock, who
was murdered on the polling•day of the late Chelten-
ham election, has been at length brought to a close.
No new facts have been elicited calculated to lead to the
discovery of the perpetrators of the crime. The jury
returned a verdict of " Wilful murder against some per-
son or persons unknown."
BOILER EXPLOSION AT PRESTON.-011 Wednes-
day afternoon an inquest was held before Richard Pal-
mer, Esq., the coroner for this district, on the bodies of
seven persons who were killed by a boiler explosion at
Messrs. Cooper and Carrington's mill, in this town.
The deceased were three men, including the engine-
tenter, Robert Wilkinson, and four women, rulers in
the mill. Four of them expired on the day of the acci-
dent, which occurred about half-pest eleven o'clock on
Monday last ; and the' other two breathed their last on
the following day, After hearing evidence, the jury re-
turned the following verdict:—"Accidental death, caused
by the bursting of the boiler ; and the jury are unani-
mously of opinion that considerable blame is attached
to the engineer and manager,•in working the boiler at a
higher pressure than it was calculated to bear."
EASTERN COUNTIES RAILWAY, AUGUST I.—Re-
turn of cattle, grass, &a., for the London markets,
over the Eastern Counties Railway, for week endin
4g
July 29. Cattle Department—Beasts, 305; calves,
11;
sheep, 9,432; pigs, 732. Granaries Department—Malt
4,322 qrs. ; wheat, 2,436 qrs. ; barley, 70 qrs.
oats, 615 qrs.; beans, 44 qrs.; peas, 40 qrs.:—total,
7,527 qrs., 501111 to 15,054 sacks; tkur, 6,836 sacks;
seed, 917 sacks :—total, 22,107 sacks. General
Merchandize—Meat (dead), 142 tons, 10 cwt.;
poultry, 16 tons, 17 cwt., 2 qfish (fresh), 134 tons,
rs.;
5 cwt.; fruit and vegetables, 189 tons,.s cwt.; ale and
porter, 259 tons, 11 cwt.; wines and sprits, 48 tons, 1.)
cwt.; wool, 117 tons, 16 cwt., 1 qr.; general merchandize,
9,492 tons, 16 cwt.:--total, 3,401 tons, 19 cwt. 3 qrs.—
Milk, 19,838 quarts; bread 52 cwt.
ARREST OF ANOTHER CHARTIST IN EDINBURGANOTHER
On Monday night John Grant, while on lnds way to the
meeting upon the brain was.taken into.eusto
neve the charges agst tutu arty similar to those
.made
1 against Rankine and Walker.—Echaburgh Adrattser.

IRELAND.

RUMOURED ESCAPE OF SMITH O'BRIEN.
DUBLIN, AUG. 24.—We are still as much in the
dark as to the proceedings or fate of Mr. Smith
O'Brien as ever. The town is, as usual, full of the
most absurd rumours. We are, however, inclined to
think that Mr. O'Brien has succeeded in quitting the
kingdom. Up to the present we have nothing in the
shape of accurate intelligence respecting him.
A correspondent of a morning contemporary writes
as follows :
"It is confidently affirmed, by parties who feel the
deepest interest in the fortunes of Mr. Smith O'Brien,
that he has already succeeded in effecting his escape.
How he accomplished this rumoured escape, or whe-
ther he has withdrawn, I could not ascertain. But
his friends in Dublin are satisfied of his safety, and
pronounce him beyond the reach of daager. This I
give you on good authority.
"We hear from another source that a person
answering in description to Mr. S. O'Brien, bereft or
his whiskers, arrived at Bristol from the west on
Sunday morning, travelled by the Great Western line
to London, and arrived just in time to catch the
Batavier steamer for Rotterdam, which place he
reached—not exactly without a passport—but with
one very much out of date. On being confronted
with the authorities on this account, the fugitive
owned at once that he was one of the Irish leaders."
Reports of a contradictory nature are rife in
Dublin. The Freeman of this morning, whose ac-
count is confirmed by the Kilkenny Journal, states
that Mr. O'Brien was somewhere in the county of
Kilkenny, and was seen late on Sunday night in the
company of two horsemen. Other accounts state that
he had reached Scollogh Gap, in the county of Wex-
ford. In fact, we are bewildered with reports.
The correspondent of the Southern Reporter, writing
from Clonmel on Monday evening, says—
" I drove by Slievenamon to-day, and saw no appear-
ance of meeting on it, or about its western base.
" The Sub-Inspector's horse, on which Mr. O'Brien
left Ballingarry, on Saturday evening, has been returned,
from what quarter is unknown."
The Freeman's Journal of this morning contains
the following letter from its special correspondent :
LATEST FROM THE SOUTH.
" KILKENNY, WEDNESDAY NIGHT, NINE O'CLOCK.
"Notwithstanding that the utmost vigilance charac-
terises all the movements of the authorities here, they
remain in perfect ignorance of Smith O'Brien's where-
abouts. There are rumours innumerable as to the di-
rection he took after leaving Ballingarry, but they are
so conflicting that it would be difficult to come to a cor-
rect conclusion on the subject. However, the best au-
thenticated accounts represent him—as stated in my
dispatch of last evening—as having been seen at Clo-
manto, a few miles from this city, in the Thurles di-
rection, on Monday. He then wore a portion of the 'B2
uniform.
" I read a private letter from Limerick, directed to a
party iu this city, to-day; and it states that it was confi-
dently asserted there that Smith O'Brien sailed from
the port of Limerick in the Jane Black, on Saturday
night. The letter in question further states that this
vessel had got under weigh suddenly, leaving behind
a number of emigrants who had engaged a pas-
sage in her. Now,l do not at all believe that Smith
O'Brien made his escape in this vessel; for, though it
would not have been impossible for him to reach Lime-
rick on the same evening that ho left Ballingarry, it
would have been exceedingly difficult for him to do so.
Besides, I have no doubt that he was seen in this county
on Monday. Many think that he is about the collieries
still, and General M‘Donald has a portion of his forces
encamped in that locality, which fact proves that the
authorities are of opinion Mr. O'Brien's locus in quo is
in the neighbourhood of the scene of the late encounter.
" A cautionary notice, warning all persons against
harbouring any of the implicated parties, was posted
through Kilkenny this morning, but it was immediately
torn down by the people, as I have been informed by
some of the authorities.
" The military out-posts of the county have been
strengthened considerably. This morning 3QO men of
the 75th, commanded by Major Delanzy, marched from
this city, taking their tents with them for Callan, to be
there encamped to act in conjunction with General Mac
donald, and under that officer's command. A company
of the 83d, under Lieutenant Crow, also marched to
Castlecomer, to strengthen the garrison there. Intelli-
gence, stating that Major-General Prince George of
Cambridge will come to Kilkenny in case of an outbreak
here, has been received.
" There was a street riot in Thurles yesterday morn-
ing. It appears that some of the people attempted to
prevent the conveyance of bread from a baker's shop to
General M'Donald's forces, and broke a few panes of
glass in the endeavour; but they were dispersed, without
loss of life, by a troop of dragoons.
" This evening, as two industrious citizens, Mr. Gaff-
ney, a merchant tailor, of High-street, and Mr. Grace,
gunmaker, of Patrick-street. were proceeding on private
business iu the Bennett's Bridge direction, they found
themselves overtaken at Millmount, about two miles
from town, by Carroll, the mounted policeman, who was
taken before S. O'Brien on Saturday. Carroll told them
that he had been dispatched by the county inspector to
search the car on which they sat, as he had been in-
formed that they were conveying arms out of the city.
Messrs. Gaffney and Grace at once returned to the city
with the constable, and when it was found that they
were perfectly innocent of having as much as a pistol
lock with them they were discharged.
" Considerable anxiety prevails here to-night respect-
ing Dr. Cane, as it is generally rumoured that he will
be removed from the county gaol to Newgate, or some
other distant prison immediately. Some say his removal
will take place before morning."
According to the Vindicator, everything in that
locality is in a state of great tranquillity in and
about Nenagh, save the plunder of sheep from the
pastures of some persons since the withdrawal of the
constabulary from the out stations. At first mass in
Nenagh chapel, on Sunday, the Rev. Mr. Power,
C.C., spoke in the most persuasive terms to the people
to keep the peace. The Itev. Air. 130wles addressed
the congregation to the same effect at last mass.
The same journal says—lt is melancholy to reflect
on the state of the country throughout this wide and
extensive district. Business suspended—farming
operations unattended to—men's minds torn by
anxiety—a wide-spread sentiment of sympathy,
which I forbear, for obvious reasons, from describ-
ing. The Roman Catholic clergy everywhere exert-
ing themselves to dissuade the people from joining
the insurgents, and earnestly and zealously exhorting
the insurgents to abandon their arms, and give up,
what appears to be, an insane and desperate move-
ment.
It will be exceedingly difficult, notwithstanding, to
arrest Mr. William Smith O'Brien. In many parts
of the country the Government proclamation, offer-
ing a reward of 500/. for his capture, has been torn
down or covered with mud and gutter; and unless
he be betrayed, the authorities, from present appear-
ances, will have a long chase after him.
It was stated to-day that a gentleman, said to be
the Rev. Mr. Coghlan, from Waterford, had been
arrested near Castleotvvay, on the suspicion of his
being Mr. J. B. Dillon. It is said that Mr. Dillon
has made hr, escape in the direction of the Shannon ;
but it is well nigh impossible to believe one word you
hear on this head.
In Cashel, yesterci.iy, the police arrested a respect-
ably-dressed person who they thought was Mr. Dil-
lon. He would not give his name, as he did not
conceive what authority there was to demand it. He
was committed for further examination. In Cashel
there is no business whatsoever doing.
It is stated that a discovery of five hundred pikes
and sixty kegs of gunpowder was on Monday made
in the neighbourhood of R illenaule. A strong body
of police from the Northern Division of Tipperary
was yesterday drafted to the districts stated to be in
a state of disturbance. One hundred men left Ne-
nagh for that purpose.
Thirty of the police from the out-stations are con-
centrated in Cloghjordan, under head-constable
Burke, and a great number of police from the out-
stations occupy the barracks at Borrisokane.
In the provinces, Mr. John Francis Blake, proprie-
tor of the Galway Vindicator, Mr. Coll Rochford, an
attorney of that town, and a gunmaker, named Cal-
laghan, have been committed to the gaol of Galway
under Privy Council warrants. Mr. Marson, of the
Drogheda Argus; Mr. Houston, of Belfast ; Messrs.
J. B. Russell, James Purcell, and Edward Smith, of
Clonmel, are also arrested under like authority.
Seventy pounds were found on Mr. Purcels per!on
on his capture. It was supposed he was proceed
proceeding
to join " the camp."
ignored by t
ened the jury into an " ignoramus.
The information was of a monstrous si,z,e,
rarnhde fcrrigolNNl,tn-
solicitor should have been more skilful or cautious.
racks are crowded with troops;
and the Temperance
CAanacK-ON-Sole—At Carle
are also occupied by the militaor ,
s one of the greatest
them with troops. his
li°lO-uSseusit adjoin banrg-
occupy
federates is wit
strongholds of the Con
Hall, and it is contemplated,
,t
.Yttt'
.ke other, htiolausuestmaonsdt
n check by their leaders. On
difficulty they are ke made
and foro n
one
armsfo l
thirty pike handles,
obtained;
some barrels of gun-
powder Friday and Saturday
mounted pike were a
vendor named Higgins,
were taken frompaftonisrearcikhe
s%bylaasdes
corn on Father Ga ney s farm looking for
po-
tatoes and man, aged 80, who
with one case of fire-arms. They, trampled the
arms, and the field of one poor
stoi)d on a ditch and opposed the 500 men, armed
with a pitchfork ; he was arrested and imprisoned.
The soldiers and police had been confined to barracks
for the previous fortnight, and were under arms every
night.
A REBEL CHlEF.—Mahoney, the rebel chief of
Ballyneal, near the slate quarries, drills a thousand
men every morning at six o'clock ; he is it man of
powerful stature; his arms are a blunderbuss slung
over his shoulder, a pike two feet arid a half long,
containing three pounds weight of steel, with a pair of
atusnfbtoaern
et
aeinds
salliretrialetishutoe, leather. It
which
ioclm
pistolsappears
ratherst
hl uetri
eg iesi in
aiffiwa
rubrleatlnttte os
task,
the wilds of Slievenamon a formidable force to his
L rescue,

CLONMEL.—The 37th regiment, with a large body
of troops, and part of the 35th regiment, occupy
barracks here. Camp tents are erected in the large
barrack-squares, and the pensioners are called in for
active service. Last night an alarm was given at the
barracks by some passer- by that the rebels were
coming to attack the town, when shortly before one
o'clock a strong guard of lic,rse and foot were sent out
by the Irishtown to reconnoitre, and before two
o'clock two Dragoons returned at full speed to
announce that the alarm was false. The night
wo.tchmen are all well armed with pikes about five
feet long.
THE REBELLION DENOUNCED.—The altars of Car-
rick-on-Suir, Cahir, Clon►nel, and Cashel rung with
denunciations against the physical force movement on
Sunday morning last—all the priests, with a few ex-
ceptions, are for peace.
LATEST FROM THE SOUTII.

lIALF-PAST THREE.—The mid day mail from the
South has no intelligence of Mr. O'Brien. All along the

r e is 1.1 parted quiet.
MEETING OF THE CORPORATION THIS DAY.

DECLARATION OF LOYALTY.

An adjourned meeting of the Corporation of Dublin
vas held this day, when the following rational and timely
resolutions were proposed by Alderman Stanton, cx-
Lurd Mayor, and adopted after a very animated debate,.
" h, solved,—That we embrace this present opportu-
nity of dcelaring that we have never ceased to cherish
sentiments of devoted and affectionate loyalty to her
Mwjesty's person and throne.

"That the duty we owe to her Majesty has ever been
strengthened and enforced by the conviction we have
always entertained, that her Majesty's conduct in dis-
charge of the functions of her exalted office has been
that invariably of a constitutional and beneficent
Sovereign.
_ _

" That we view with detestation and abhorrence all
attempts to excite an insurrectionary spirit in this
country, and that measures to uphold the ascendancy
of the laws, and the power and authority of the Throne,
shall ever receive our hearty co-operation.
Resolved,—That our opinions on any questions re-
lating to this country, formerly made the subject of
complaint or remonstrance, remain unchanged ; and that
we do not think we would discharge our duty to the
Throne if we did not record our conviction that great
and comprehensive remedial measures are altogether in-
dispensable to the permanent peace and tranquillity of
Ireland."

STOCK EXCHANGE.
Three per Cent. Consols, 86} ; Three•and•a-Quarter
per Cent. Stock, 86i ; Bank Stock, 1881.