The Sun.
London, England, 1846-10-29 00:00:00

AMERICAN AFFAIRS.

NEW YORE, SEPT. 30.—During the last two weeks
we have had various rumours as to propositions said to
have been made by this Government to Mexico in refer-
ence to a negotiation for the restoration of peace. That
some suggestion of this character has been made, I con-
sider certain ; but whether any reply, and if any, what
has been received from Mexico, the public are in igno-
rance. Indeed, the Administration, on all matters in
reference to the Mexican war, preserve a studied si-
lence ; nor am I able to assign a satisfactory reason fur
this caution.

There are those who think, and so express them-
selves, that the Government commenced the war under
the most erroneous impressions, and in complete igno-
rance of the manner in which it should be conducted to
bring about a speedy and triumphant issue. The Ad-
ministration considered the Mexican a poor distracted
people, without the means of self-defence, and destitute
of the money necessary to procure those means. So
thinking, and not having an elevated idea of the personal
bravery of the Mexicans, the conclusion was, no doubt,
that they would be incapable of anything like a syste-
matic resistance to a powerful invading army.
In the arrangements which the Government proceeded
to make no reference was had to the climate ; none
to the impracticability of moving an army of
15,000 or 20,000 men during the summer months.
The means of transport seem to have been en-
tirely forgotten until the moment arrived when they
were wanted. The mad', the ravines, and the
mountains afforded the most formidable difficulties,
which seem not to have been taken into calculation
as present:llg impediments and delays of a ruinous
character. It was thought by the friends of the
Government, that three or four months were all that was
necessary to overrun Mexico. We are now in the fifth
month of the war, and nothing comparatively has been
effected ; and yet we have done all that could be dune
under this Administration.
The impression is universal, or nearly so, that we are
now about to press our army forward, and, with as little
delay as may be, drive the Mexicans into their moun-
tains, and then quietly take possession of their country.
This idea is about as visionary as was their first, which
was, that in ninety days an invading army would be in
peaceable possession of the halls of the Montezumas.
It is now understood that the mediation of Great
Britain has been declined by this Government. The
Union, the acknowledged Government organ at
Washington, has treated this friendly tender of kind
offices in a rude and indelicate manner. I trust,
and sincerely hope, that in this particular the organ
does not fairly represent the feelings of the Execu-
tive, and that the mediation will be declined at
least in a courteous and gentlemanly manner. now
the British Premier will feel on the occasion is not
for me to judge. The rejection of this offer is a part
of the policy by which the present Administration is
and will continue to be governed, so long as it remains
in power. That policy forbid.: and will prohibit all inter-
ference, friendly or unfriendly, of any of the European
Powers in the affairs of this continent. It is, I thick,
becoming more popular daily, and must, sooner er later,
give rise to serious collisions between the Governments
of the two hemispheres. There are those in the United
States who hope and believe that they will live to see the
day when this whole continent will be under one Go-
vernment, and that a Federal Government ; or, in other
words, a Government of States.

We have no late news from any section of the in-
vading army, except a rumour this day, not well authen-
ticated, but yet generally believed, that General Wool
has taken possession, withcut opposition, of Santa Fe.
Such a state of things has been anticipated for several
weeks. All accounts have agreed in the statement that
there were no Mexican troops in Santa Fe ; and conse
quently that General Wool, who is a gallant and expe-
rienced officer, would have no fighting to do in that
quarter.

- On the whole, there is little or no change in the aspect
of Mexican affairs and this country. As yet no injury has
teen done to Mexico. She has expended no money in
war preparations, and appears to stand perfectly still,
waiting our movements. What will be Santa Anna's
Foley none seems to know. He professes and announces
himself " the slave of public opinion." Consequently,
if the Mexican people are for war, he is for war.
Now, the Mexicans have suffered so little, and gained
o m ich by the war, that they seem to consider it
child's play, and apparently have no objection to its
continuance. The opposite of this is the condition of
the United States, and, if peace were to tyke place to-
morrow, this Government could not close its account of
war expenditures for less than 50,000,000 dols.
The Administration have not yet experienced any in-
convenience from the want ofmoney, but soon must, if their
a • expenditures are to continue at the extravagant rate
they have been during the last five months. When war
as declared, they ha over 12,000,000 dots. surplus on
deposit in the banks ; more than two-thirds of that is
xpended. All the revenue collected is in like manner
expended, and the President was authorised to issue

10,000,000 doll. in Treasury notes, which has in part
ben done, and expended. Such is the state of the
finances.

The different state elections are now coming on. So far as
they have progressed the result is favourable to the Whig
cause. The two most important states in the Union, Penn-
sylvania and New York, are both doubtful. So far as the
tariff of 1842 concerned, Pennsylvania will undoubtedly
return members to Congress favourable to a repeal of
the present and the re-enactment of the Act of 1842.
But whether they will be Whigs or the friends of the
present Administration on other subjects is very doubtful.
New York will be warmly contested, Both parties
entertain, or appear to do so, strong hopes of success.
My own opinion, after closely examining the question,
that the Locofocos have decidedly the bes; chance of
vi,!tory. Indeed it can hardly be said that I have a
doubt on the subject.

OCT3BER S.
You are advised of the carelessness of the Boston post-
office, which caused about 7,000 letters, intended for the
lazt steamer, to be left behind. These letters have been
returned to the New Yolk post-office, and will be fo: -
warded by the Great Western, which sails to-day.
Among them is one for you.
Santa Fe is in quiet possession of a division of the
American army, commanded by General Wool. Since
the date of my last, so far as we have heard, the
troops have not changed position ; but the most
active preparations are making for an onward move.
It is understood that the Government have de-
termined on a Radical change of their system for
carrying on the war against the Mexicans. The array
of the United States entered the territory of Mexico with
assurances and proclamations that the Mexicans and
' their property should be protected from all injury, pro-
vided that they (the citizens) would remain in their
houses, pursuing their usual avocations ; and these pro
clamations added that whatever supplies were required
for the army, and were furnished by the Mexicans, should
be promptly paid for by the commanders ordering or re-
ceivinc, them.
In this way the war has been carried on for nearly
five months; and, so far as I can learn, the Mexicans
can have no objection to continue it on the same terms,
Rut it is becoming ruinously expensive to this Govern-
ment, while it is doing, substantially, no harm to their
enemies. Under such circumstances, the Administra-
tion finds it necessary to change their system; and it is
now confidently asserted that the Cabinet have deter-
mined that, hereafter, the inhabitants shall furnish such
American trccps as may be in their vicinity with ncces.
~cries without any charge whatso::ver. Indeed, it is
believed that such orders, in effect, have already been
issued from the proper department.
It is not my intention to discuss the merits of this
question under existing circumstances, and the manner
in which we invaded the territory of Mexico. Nor do
I mean to express any opinion as to the policy of this
new delaration of war, after the pl,dges made by our
proclamations, &c., at the commencement c,f this conflict.
These topics I leave to the animadversion of you and
your readers. All I will say is, that under such a system,
and when such a people are the victims of it, the most
sanguinary results may be anticipated.
Heretofore this Government has experienced no incon-
venience from the want of money, nor do the Adminis-
tration even now feel it. But before the month of Novem-
ber expires I apprehend they will be pinched. Indeed,
the Secretary of the Treasury has recently exhibited some
" premonitory symptoms" of approaching want. Mr. Wal-
ker, the Secretary, has been here for several days non-li-
t-I,llly to make arrangements for carryinginto effect the Sub-
Treasury and Warehouse Bills, but really, as many
suspect, to borrow money on Treasury notes, or in
some other way. He has made an application to our
city banks for 4,000,000 dols., on Treasury notes,
bearing an interest of five per cent. per annum, pay-
able in twelve months. This the banks have declined,
but have offered him the money at six per cent. per
;.nnutn.

Congress, at their last session, authorised him to
:orrow 10,000,000 duls. on Treasury notes, or on Six
per Cent. Stock, or a part of each. He has not yct
tempted to dispose of any part of the stock. The
money-market, at present, is quite easy, and there is a
considerable amount of idle money, waiting, it is sup-
pos,,-d, for Government to come into market. It is well
known that their necessities will compel them soon to
orrow 10,000,000 dol=. or 15,000,000 doll. A loan
for
.that amount would readily be taken at par, or a
fraction above it, for a Six per Cent. Stock.
From Santa Anna we hear nothing ; he remains
perfectly still ; nor do we hear a word as to his in-
tended policy or his wishes. He appears disposed
to take no active part until the new Congress shall
hare been chosen and convened, and by same action
evidence the policy, as to the question of peace or
war, they would recommend. Whatever that policy
may be, it is more than probable Santa Anna will
not attempt to thwart it ; but, on the contrary, as "the
slave of public opinion," will use his influence to carry it
into effect. If he should assume that position—and I
repeat that I think he will nothing in the of no-
-
g Ala tion can be effec:ed beford January, 1847, h
as the Mexican Congress will not convene before De•
cember. In addition to which, the Spatii=b race, and all
connected therewith, are everlasting negotiators.

Since the sailing on the Ist of the last steamer no-
thing his transpired in relation to the mediation, which,
it is understood, was courteously declined. You may
consider it as the settled policy of the party in power,
and I think a majority of ih&r opponents, that they will
not permit any Earopean interference with the people or
established Governments on this continent. The opinion
is certainly gaining ground here, that all these Govern-

ments, sooner or la—te—r, must and will, as sovereign and
independent states, be annexed under a federal Govern-
-

went to the United States.
The system of free trade is producing some excite-
ment in Canada. In the discussions on this subject,
they say the Imperial Government has put the United
States in the home-market on a footing with Canada;
that the interchange of commodities which this will lead
to, and the friendly feelings which will arise out of it
between the Americans and the Canadians, may pro-
duce results never anticipated by either party. They

speak cautiously, but in language not to be mistaken cr
misunderstood.

California, by proclamation of Commodore Sloat, and
New Mexico, by a similar process of General Kearney,
are declared to be a part of the United States, and as
such annexed to the Federal Union.

Our city is in an uproar. Public meetings are being
held preparatory to the election. In this city the Whig
party will be completely defeated, by a majority against
them of not less than 4,000. I think it highly probable
that the same result awaits them throughout the state ;
but that is more doubtful.—Times.
A GENEVESE TRAVELLER.

LIABILITY OF LITERARY AND
SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTIONS TO PAROCHIAL
RATES.-NEW POINT. .

THE PARISH OF ST. ALPHAGE, GREENWICH, V. THE
TRUSTEES OF THE GREENWICH SOCIETY FOR THE
ACQUISITION AND DIFFUSION OF USEFUL KNOW
LEDGE.—A case of very considerable importance. in re-
gard to this and similar societies, came on for adjudica
tion on Saturday before Mr. Trail!, at the Greenwich
police-court, the trustees of the abovenamcd institution
having been summoned by the parochial authorities for
the sums of 41. 18s. 4d. poor-rate, and 11. tis. highway-
rate. The question excited considerable interest.
Mr. James, solicitor and vestry clerk of the parish,
attended to support the summons ; and Mr. J. Meadows
White, o'icitor, of Lincoln's Inn• fields, and a trustee
of the institution, to oppose the rate.
Mr. James, in opening the case for the parish, stated
that he believed no question would arise as to the
amount of the rate made in this instance, the
point being whether this institution came within
the Act of 6 and 7 Victoria, cap. 36, which
exempted buildings erected solely for the ad-
vancement of literature, science, and the fine arts, from
contributing to the local rates. He contended that it did
not ; and he should call on Mr. White, one of the trus-
tees, to show that the institution was founded and car-
ried on agreeably to that Act, one of the provisions of
which was that the building should not be let for
any purpose which might give a dividend or profit to the
members. Now, in a prospectus issued by the society,
there was an announcement that the hall, which was
capable of holding 1,000 persons, might be hired for led-
tures and other purposes, not of a theological nature, as
also several class rooms, on application to the secretary.
This had been done, as- he should be able to show, and
he contended that it was in contravention of the Act ;
and although the society was partly supported by annual
voluntary contributions, very large receipts were oh•
tained by letting the building for lectures, &c. In the
case of the Queen v. Jones, reported in the "Justice of
the Peace, it was held by Lord Denman that it was not
sufficient for the rules of a society to omit any notice as
to not paying a dividend to the members, but it was
necessary to have a rule expressly negativing any divi-
dend ; and in that case the rate was ordered to be paid.
As the Greenwich Society had no such rule in their code,
the rates had hitherto been paid ; but since that
time a new rule (No. 19) had been inserted, to
the effect that no dividend should be paid to the mem-
bers, in respect of such membership, and they had also
obtained the certificate of the barrister, Mr. Tidd Pratt,
to those amended rules. Upon that, the Greenwich So-
ciety claimed exception from the payment of local rates ;
but the parish authorities insisted that the latter five
words of the 19th rule had taken the case out of the Act,
and that the society had no more right to claim exemp-
tion than they had before, as it was clear an arrangement
might be made with a member to give a lecture for his
own profit. It was relied by the society that the certifi-
cate of the barrister had exempted the society from the
payment of the local rates ; but in the case of the Queen
v. Pocock, reported in the " Justice of the Peace," Lord
Denman was of opinion that the certificate of the bar-
rister was not conclusive ; and Mr. Justice Patteson also
said, "The certificate was a mere condition precedent to
right."
Mr. Traill remarked that was clearly so.
Mr. James then put in the rate-books of the parish to
show that the rates had been duly made, and called
John Boyd Jarman, the collector, to prove the demand.
Mr. J. M. White at once admitted that fact ; but as
the collector was unable to give evidence as to the hall
having been let for lectures and other purposes since
January, 1844, Mr. James called
David Bass, the secretary to the institution, who being
shown some prospectuses containing the advertisement
for letting the hall, said they were the prospectuses is-
sued by the society.
Mr. James—What is the object of your society ?
Mr. Bass—l think the title " The Greenwich So-
ciety for the Acquisition and Diffusion of Useful linow-
lc recognise s its objects.
Mr. Traill was of opinion that the term " useful know-
ledge," was rather too lar.;e for the definition.
Mr. James concurred. There was nothing in the
title ab ,ut literature, or the fine arts.

Mr. Bass—The hall has been let for various purposes,
the money for which goes into the general funds of the
society. He recollected the hall being let for a meet-
ing on the subject of Church-rates ; for a meeting on
the Cora-laws ; for a meeting respecting the Water-
men's Pier, after the Lord Mayor had ordered its re-
moval, very recently ; and a meeting to petition for the
release of Frost, Williams, and Jones. The hall had
had also been let to exhibit Tom Thumb, the Ojibbeway
Indians, &c. Rooms had oho been let for classes and
other purposes. The rooms were only let for other pur-
poses when not in use for the legitimate objects of the
society,- he did not recollect any money ever having
been taken at the doors.
Mr. James remarked, that he had paid money for
admission at the doors.
By Mr. White—The society never held those meet.
ings mentioned, or the exhibitions. They had never
hir: d Torn Thumb or the Ojibbeway Indians. The
rooms had been let, and the money way applied to the
purposes of the society ; in fact, for sustaining the in-
s'itution. They have about 1,000 members at present.
He believed the 19th rule had been prepared at the sug-
gestion of Mr. James.
Mr. James replied he never saw it.
Mr. Bass—There have been no alterations in the object

of the institute since January, 1834.
Mr. James pointed out that in the prospectuses of the
society prior to that date no mention was made of letting
the hall. This closed the case.
Mr. White submitted that the Act had been followed
by that society in letter and in spirit ; in filet one of the
clauses which allowed the raising of funds otherwise
than by annual subscriptions had been framed by Mr.
Wi,e partly in reference to that society. He now pro-
posed to put in the minute book of the board of Gover-
nors and directors of the parish of Greenwich, and so
reft r to a minute of some proceedings in reference to the
19th rule.

Mr. James objected, as the minute referred to bore
date the 23d of January, 1844, prior to the necessity for
these proceedings, the claim being now fur rates made
in 1845.

The matter was not pressed.
Mr. Trail! :aid the point in this case he should have
to consider was, whether there had been sufficient shown
to justify his issuing a warrant. There were two objec
tions of att chnical nature ; first, ought not the societ)
to be described as for the exclusive advancement of
science, literature, and the fine arts. Now, it did not
say that ; it described the society as for the advance-
ment and diffusion of useful knowledge ; and the subse-
quent question was, whether the uses made of the so-
ciety's profits were properly applied. The society might
appoint one of its own members to lecture, and take
what profit he could make. That was the construction
which might be put upon those five words—" in respect
of membership."
Mr. James replied, that if a distress warrant was
granted the question could be fully raised in the proper
quarter.
Mr. Traill was of opinion the whole matter could
not be decided in that Court, and the better way would
he to let the warrant of distress issue, and then the
question could be raised in several ways. It was imma-
terial to him in what way: the solicitors could agree as
to the least expensive and most speedy manner, either by
replevin on his warrant, or issuing a mandamus to him,
or in an appeal to the Quarter Sessions, who would refer
the matter to the Court of Queen's Bench; for really
the question had never yet been decided, viz., Can a
society let its premises for other than its own purposes
if the receipts are solely applied to objects of its own
use ?

Some conversation then ensued between the magis-
trate and the solicitors on either side, as to the mode to
be adopted, Mr. Trail! recommending that before the
matter went up to the Court of Queen's Bench, all the
technicalities in the case should be got rid of ; that the
soeitty should make a new law in lieu of the 19th,
leaving out the objectionable words ; and that they
should also in their title set forth, that it was founded
for the advancement of literature, science, and the fine
arts, as it appeared in the preamble of the Act.
Mr. White said that should be done, and after some
further discussion it was agreed that the warrants should
issue, but nut be acted on for a few days.

FATAL ACCIDENT.-Yesterday morning, at 9 o'clock,
an accident, attended with a fatal result, occurred to a
young man named Robert Richardson, in the employ-
ment of Mrs. Sarah Cordwell, pawnbroker, at the
corner of Exmouth-street. The unfortunate man was
standing upon a high ladder, in the act of hanging up
some clothes for sale outside the shop door, when, by
some mischance, his foot slipped, and he wasjprecipitated
to the ground, his head striking with such violence
against a large metal fender which was outside for sale,
as to break it into three parts. He was taken up in a
state of insensibility, and conveyed to St. Bartholo-
mew's Hospital, but before he reached it he had ceased
to exist.

WELLS.—DIOCESE OF BATH AND WELLS.—The
Bishop of Bath and Wells has given notice that he re-
quires all persons who propose to offer themselves as
eandilates for deacon's orders, to write to him, asking
his permission, at least six months before Trinity Sunday
aid Christmas respectively, stating their age, college,
I
academical degree, and usual place of residence, together
with the names of two or more clergymen, or other
reisons of respectability to whom the Bishop may refer
if he think lit. It is not necessary that the person so
applying should, at the time of his application, be pro.
vided with a title, which may be sought afterwards. The
title, however, is required to be communicated at least
three months before the day of ordination.—Sherborne •
Journal.

Colonel Gore Langton, M.P., has, owing to the
failure of the potato crop, and the consequent high
prices of provisions, again generously given directions
to his steward to remit the whole of this last year's rent
to his numerous allotment tenants at Newton, Corston,
Bedminster, and throughout the whole of his property.
The Colonel has more than 150 allotment tt.nants on his
different estates in Somerset.4iire and Gloucestershire,
towards whom he has now for two successive years exec-
cised the same liberality.—Both Jounsal.