The Sun.
London, England, 1856-09-18 00:00:00

mpulse ; it is the crime of a person in the full
possession of his senses, and after twenty, gene-
rally not a first offence. The man who has proved
himself unfitted to be at large among other per-
sons' goods, may, it would seem, reasonably be
placf.4 where he cannot touch them. With much
hesitation we might admit, in some cases, say, if
the first offence were committed in adult years,
liberation on responsible bail. If experience
proves, as it has done, that the adult thief
is a perpetual tax on society, society must have
the right to get rid of the burden. We have
leaped from hanging for a few pence to brief im-
prisonments ; may it not be better to adopt a
medium course, and to inflict what cannot be
9.11e,d a savage or vengeful punishment, while it
would be an effectual prevention.
Then as to the expense. It would, of course,
be great, but we must bear in mind the great
expense to the community of every thief at large.
He proba4bly costs the community much more
than his prison support would do. Besides, it is
not proposed that he should spend his time in
idleness. The numbers being considerable, it
would be easy for each to be employed on. the
trade or occupation he already knows, or to learn
some trade ; nor would it be necessary that the
produce of his labour should interfere with that
of free labour ; the army, and perhaps other
Government establishments, and union work-
houses, could use all that could be manufactured
by prisoners. Next, it is to be remembered that
the hope is that the number of prisoners, after a
few years, would' greatly diminish. If reforming
our juvenile thieves and shutting up our adult
ones did not wonderfully diminish the future
crop, it would be strange indeed. We leave the
speculation for our reformers to smile at, con-
demn, or approve according to their fancy.

China in excess of that which was paid in the
preceding 12 months." If this estimate be at all
verified we shall have no less than 18,000,0001.
to provide for in actual specie—an amount that
will bring the circulating medium of the country
to the lowest ebb. ,
Are we to wait patiently until the panic has
arrived, or should we adopt immediate measures
to mitigate the evil, so as to be let down as easily
as possible ? There can be but little doubt as to
the answer that should be returned to this im-
portant interrogatory. Any man of ordinary in-
telligence would desire to avert the mischief while
there is yet time to do so. Unfortunately, how-
ever, the currency quacks have sufficient influ-
ence to retard, if not altogether to prevent, the
remedial steps indispensable. They talk a vast
deal of balderdash, sufficient to puzzle persons
who have not taken the trouble to investigate the
subject in all its varied details.
The great body of the people have not taken
pains sufficient to understand the question really
at issue, and permit themselves to be dictated to
by interested parties. They, therefore, remain
apathetic, while a subject involving the future
welfare and happiness of themselves and their
families is hurrying on the nation to the brink of
ruin. It is not by waiting until continental
nations have consented to debase their standards
that the emergency can be successfully encoun-
tered. We must economise our own use of the
precious metals, and by the judicious issue of
really national notes of small denominations,
:11., 21., and 31., provide for the 'internal cur-
rency of the country. This would at once
arrest the evil. We would then find bullion
an exceedingly useful servant, although it is now
a very tyrannical master. By this step, which
sooner or later must be adopted, from 30,000,0001.
to 40,000,0001. of bullion would be liberated,
the foreign markets would be glutted, and the
precious metals would return to our coffers, with-
out causing any misery or privation to the general
community by their temporary absence.

FASHIONABLE MOVEMENTS IN
BRIGHTON.

-~-

k Prom the Brighton Gazette.)
The Ulm of visitors to Brighton during the last
seven or eight days has been greater than we ever re-
member in so short a period of time, and we Cat carry
our recollection back for many years, even to the time
when Brighton was basking in the sunshine of Royalty,
under George the Fourth; but in those days, which
were considered the very acme of aristocratic patronage
for Brighton, the number yf visitors was not one tenth
part so great as we are .n the habit of receiving now,
and, for the best of all possible reasons, the means of
transit were not so convenient, and," judging distance
by time, London was ht the former period eight hours
from Brighton?, Whilst now it is scarcely an hour, and
to be able to reach the sea-side in the short space
of an hour, or an hour and a quarter, is a deside-
ratum with those who are in a position to enjoy the
health-giving air of a sea-side residence, not to be disre-
garded. Hence the vast numbers that flock weekly to
our shores. The railway Company continue to offer every
facility to those of moderate means to visit Brighton,
and their excursion trains of Saturday night, extending
over to Monday evening, bring an immense number of
passengers. But the class of visitors who chiefly favour
us with their presence is not of a common character, as
will be seen by a perusal of our fashionable columns,
and, although it may be imagined by the tone we adopt
that Brighton is literally overflowing with visitors, it
is not so ; but we have ample accommodation for
many more, owing to the rapid growth of the town ;
and, although the hotels have been doing immense busi-
ness, our population is of that fluctuating character that
there is always room enough and to spare, and those
who are desirous of visiting Brighton should not be pre-
vented from doing so under the impression that they can-
not get accommodation. Many are, no doubt, so deterred
by those who seek to turn the tide of fashion into an-
other channel, and also by reports that may reach their
ears that it is a dreadfully.dear place. The town has
stood the test of years, and all that we can say is, in that
respect, let them inquire the character from those who
have visited Brighton, before they give heed to loose and
unfounded statements. We have stated that the hotels
have been doing a good business, and we may add, more
than a good business, for it is a fact, which perhaps will
scarcely be credited, that some of our hotels during the
last three or four weeks, have been receiving, upon an
average, 300 visitors a week. We were satisfied that
Brighton, which felt the effect of the war, must rally,
and be greater than ever in a fashionable point of view,
and the immense quantity of fashionable information
which crowds our columns weekly is a convincing and
substantial proof of the fact.

It has, been resolved to establish a corn market at
Do wn`..iam, Norfolk, on Fridays, the first market to be
held, on the 26th inst.

The Prince de joinville is now on a tour through the
Lake district.
• •

The Marquis of Westminster is at present on a visit
to his son-in-law, Lord Muncaster, of Muncaster Castle.
We (Bury Post) regret to hear that Sir Fitzroy Kelly,
'who is on a visit to Lord Brougham, in Westmoreland,
is confined to his room by indisposition.
Lord Panmnre has arrived at Invermark Lodge, his
seat in Scotland, and his lordship's tenantry and feuers
are about to entertain him at a public dinner.
The Marquis of Exeter, the Marquis and Marchioness
Townshend, the Marchioness of Donegal, the Countess
of Lucan, Lady Ernest Bruce, the Countess of .Belmore
and Lady Harriet Corry, Lady Alice Peel and Miss
Peel, the Countess of Morley, Lord and Lady Truro,
and Mr. and Lady Jane Repton, are among the members
of the English aristocracy at present sojourning in Paris.
It is reported that the Dean of Carlisle will be the new
Bishop of London.
The Bishop of London has licensed the Rev. 0. J.
Vignoles, 8.A., to the curacy of Percy Chapel.
The Lord Chancellor's rectory of Mainstone, in the
diocese of Hereford, has become vacant by the death of
the Rev. John Rogers, M.A. It is worth about 4001.
a year.
At the forthcoming confirmations for the district the
Lord Bishop of Carlisle has announced his intention of

We regret exceedingly to state that Mr. Clarkson, the
eminent barrister, is lying very dangerously ill at his
Brighton residence, on the King's-road, and that but
faint hopes are entertained of his recovery.
The Rev. Dr. Livingston, the celebrated African tra-

What to do with our rogues has become the
grand question of the recess. Parliamentary blue-
books and Reformatory Union papers and speeches
have suggested details enough to us, but anything
like a complete system no one has yet ventured

yeller, has arrived tz deat the Mauritius. Thls gentle.
man has completed in his last tour a journey through

southern tropical Africa from Loando to Quillemain In

the east.

Celestine Somner, the young woman convicted at the
April sessions of the Central Criminal Court for the
murder of her child at Islington, has been removed from
Newgate to the Millbank Prison, preparatory to under-
going her sentence of penal servitude for life.
THIA CORRUPT PRACTICES PREVENTION ACT.—Among
the a;,•ts of the late session was one to continue the °or-

;o propose. Politics are pretty well banished

'mai the discussion of the subject—the statesmen

and philanthropists of all parties, indeed we might
say of all countries, being willing to communicate

rtrdt Practices Prevention Act of 18M to the 10th Aug,
liext year, and thenceforth to the end of the then nexi
session of Parliament.

and to receive information. At present we are
in a transition, and unsatisfactory state. We have
abolished transportation, and are vacillating as to
a substitute for it. We are trying the ticket-of-

The Haymarket is undergoing a thorough repair, but
it is not intended that the thoroughfare shall be stopped.
Portions of the road will be taken at various times, so

that there will not be any material interference with the

Leave system, but are deafened with the complaints
___

;raffia.

of judges and policemen as to its working. We
are continuing our ordinary course of a few
months or years' imprisonment, while we have not

delivering an address after the ceremony.
Harrowgate, weunderstand, is at the present time un-
usually full of visitors, there being not less, it is calcu-
lated, than 4,000 strangers at this favourite resort of the
valetudinarian.

It is stated that the suspicions referred to yesterday
as having been expressed by a correspondent regarding
the course pursued by the Royal British Bank in con-
nection with their Welsh iron and coal works are with-
out foundation. A full explanation will doubtless be
elicited at the approaching meating.—Times.
The directors of the London and Paris Bank have
agreed to recommend to the shareholders, at the meeting
to be held on the 19th instant, the dissolution of the
company, and the immediate return of the subscribed
capital, less 3/. per share retained until the exact amount
of the expenses be known.
MODEL LODGING HOLISM—The leasehold model
lodging houses of the society for improving the condi-
Ilion of the labouring classes have been put up for sale.
They are situate in the Bagnigge Wells-road. It is
much to be regretted that some' plan cannot be devised
to enable the tenants of the building to become their
own landlords.—Building News.
The Espana says that the Government has refused
passports to Marshal Narvaez, "so ' long as internal
affairs yet pending remain undecided." The offer of a
diplomatio post abroad has been politely declined by the
Marshal. The enmity between the court and O'Donnell
is undisguised, but he intends to hold his own or die
bard ; and, supported as he is by the French Emperor,
hA may give Queen TkahiallA mow, *roublo than sla
imagines.

the shadow of a doubt that half or two-thirds of
those thus sent to gaol will be sent again and
again till transportation for life or the gallows
will be the end of many of them. The only real

On Monday evening Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Wigan,
from the Olympic Theatre, London, made their first
appearance at the Theatre Royal, Edinburgh, and were
welcomed by a numerous audience.
®Madame Grisi and Signor Mario, who had been stay-
ing at the Reiyal Albion Hotel with their family during
the past week,,left on Sunday, for Dublin, to fulfil an
operatic engagement. They remain in Dublin a fort.
night, and then proceed to Liverpool and other places,
returning to Brighton about the 23d of October to sing
at a concert here. Their almost infant family remain in
Brighton during their absence. They have four beauti-
ful children, all females, the eldest only about eight years
of age.
The Trieste Gazette, in a letter from Athens, states
that the English troops have received orders to hold
themselves in readiness to embark for the Cape of Good
Hope.—We find noconfirmation of this intelligence in
any other quarter.
Yesterday, Daniel Forrester, the Mansion-house offi-
cer, succeeded in arresting one of the persons implicated
in the robbery nf oln,nnni worth of shares belonging to
the directors of the Northern Railway of France, and
proceeded with him direct to Paris.
UNITY GENERAL ASSURANCE COMPANY.—We learn
that Mr. J. F. Wieland, the Glasgow agent of the
" Unity," who brought about the recent compromise
' for 7501. of an indisputable policy for 2,0001., which has
caused so much excitement of late, has been summarily
dismissed by the directors.
A highly-interesting portrait-model has just been
placed in the royal group at Madame Tussaud's exhibi-
tion. It represents the King of Sardinia. His Majesty
is dressed in a green uniform, decorated with several
military orders. The figure is admirably constructed,
and reflects great credit on the artists employed in its
construction.
The following intimation was given from the pulpit of
the Roman Catholic Chapel, Spanish-place, on Sunday
evening, immediately after the sermon :—" The prayers
of the confraternity are requested for a clergyman of the
Irvingite community, who is about to join the Catholic
Church—particularly for ten clergymen of the Protestant
Church, who are about to renounce their errors, and
join the Catholic Church."
THE MAILS.—LIVERPOOL, Sept. 'l7.—The United
States mail steamship Baltic, Comstock commander,
sailed hence to-day for New York, with a large cargo
and 127 passengers. The Africa takes her departure for
New York on Saturday. The Royal Mail ship Tip-
tree, Capt. E. Periel, of the White Star line of Austra-
lian packets, sails on Sunday morning with the English
mails for the Australian colonies, about 300 adult pas-
sengers, and a full cargo of merchandise niifteight.
THE MAILS.—SOUTHAMPTON,, Sept. 17.—The Royal
Mail steamship Parana, Captain Bayntun, sailed this
afternoon with the West India and Pacific mails, 79 pas-
sengers, 5001. in specie, 4,1001. value in jewellery, and a
full general cargo. The Peninsular and Oriental Com-
pany's steamer Madrid, Captain Bradshaw, also lett to-
day with the mails for Vigo, Oporto, Lisbon, Cadiz, and
Gibraltar, 22 first-class, 10 second-class, and 5 deck pas-
sengers, 17,0351. in specie for Cadiz. and a full carzo;
Atnang the passengers are- the Hon. Col. Colborne, De-
puty Quartermaster General, and Caelain Roxby. The
Pera, Captain Soy, with the next homeward India and
Mediterranean mails, is expected to-morrow. The Co-
lombo, Captain Cooper, will convey the outward India
mails on the 29th inst, The Ava, Aden, and Rajah will
leave on the 30th inst. for India and China via the Cape,
to take up their respective stations in the conveyance of
the malts between Calcutta and Suez, Bombay and Suez,
and Singapore and Labuan. The Royal Mail steamer
Thames, Captain Woolward, sails on the 22d in,t. for
the West Indies, to assist in the intercolonial mail ser•
vice. The United States' mail steamship Hernaann,
Captain Higgins, with the German, French, and English
mails from New York, is expected to arrive off Cowes,
en route to Bremen, on Friday next.
PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION Or NEVf DOCKS IN THE
TYNE.—At a meeting lately held at Newcastle the
River Tyne Commission determined to take active mea-
sures for the construction of the deep River Docks,
which the amount of shipping in the Tyne and the in-
crease in the tonnage of ships trading, with the port seem
to demand. Whether the contemplated docks be at
Coble Deane or Hayhole may no doubt be a matter of
some local interest, but that such docks should be con-
structed as soon as possible is a question which affects
the general prosperity and navigation of the Tyne, and
one which no local interests ought to be permitted to
delay.
BOOKSELLERS' PROVIDENT INSTITUTION.—Yesterday
afternoon a meeting of the board of directors of the
above institution was held in the committee rooms,
Paternoster-row, for general business. The annual re-
port congratulated the members and friends on the posi-
tion of the institution, the directors having been able to
invest a sum not required for the immediate purposes of
re ief. The amount invested at the date of last audit
with the Commissioners for the Reduction of the Na-
tional Debt amounted to 21,6101. 14s. 9d. The relief
administered during the past year was 3911. 10s. in per-
manent assistance or annuities, and 3931. Bs.. in tempo-
ary assistance, making a total disbursement since the
commencement of nearly 6,000/. amongst 84 members
and 20 widows of members.
CANALS IN INDIA.—The canal from Roorkee is now
open, and it is impossible to describe the astonishment
of the natives of Cawnpore, when on Thursday last they
saw seventeen iron boats come to anchor close to the
Dak Bungalow. From inquiry we find they have per-
formed the distance in 17 days, making an average of 40
toss per day, and have brought down from Roorkee
machinery for a water mill, which is to be erected at
Cawnpore. The boats are about 20 feet long and 8 feet
broad, built of sheet iron, and square at both ends like a
punt. The natives will now learn the use of a canal,
and at the same time some hundreds of old women will
learn to their cost what a water mill is, as it will be the
means of taking away employment from all the grain
grinders in Cawnpore.—Cawnpore Paper.
CARRYING COKE TO NEWCASTLE !—The wonder of
one generation is the every day experience of another.
To " carry coals to Newcastle, ' was a proverb derisiv
of the folly of sending commodities whither they were
not wanted ; just as in ancient times "Owls to Athens,"
and "Enchantments to Egypt" were common sayings.
Bet, In the present week, chancing to look into the
Elewick foundry (Mr. Clark's), we saw a pile of coke
from the Auckland coal-field, one of the first fruits of
the construction of the Auckland Branch Railway. The
Auckland coalowners are bent upon sending their coal,
in the shape of coke, even into the Newcastle market
and as it is of excellent quality, it is probable that, i
they can sell it at the Tyneside price, they will succeed
in their enterprise. Yet who ever expected, at one
time of day, that Auckland coal would be a saleable
commodity in Newcastle-upon-Tyne ?-04tteeltead Ob-
server.

advance yet made is a general conviction that the
Reformatory School is the proper prison for lads,
and the partial carrying out of the system accord-
ing to the liberality or capacity of individuals in

different counties.
The grand object, however, is to stop the grow th
of crime. So far as reformatory schools are suc-
cessful, they achieve this ; they send out twe-

thirds of their charge really steady fellows, able
and willing to earn their living ; what is more,
they diminish by that two-thirds the sources of
temptation to others. It may be fairly assumed
that almost every juvenile thief, through the facile
nature of boys, is a tempter and trainer of another
to thieving. If the magistrates will also be more
strict in enforcing on parents the payment of a
large part of the expense of their children at the
schools they will do much towards diminishing
youthful crime—parents of bad habits will then
be much more careful of contaminating their
children. Nothing will weigh more with that
class than having to pay in hard cash, and weekly,
for their criminal neglect, or something worse, of
their own children. If, therefore, the reformatory
system be worked as it might be, and we hope
ere long will be, a vast amount of nascent crime
will be strangled, and a good beginning made with
the juvenile part of society.
It is, however, fearful to think of what ie to be
done with the large number of thieves of all
classes committed after twenty years of age. Let
them return to society how they may, with tickets
of leave or after a full imprisonment, they find
the utmost difficulty in again obtaining employ-
ment. It is hard upon them, but while other
servants are to be had, who of us likes to
employ a person in our family, shop, or ware-
house, once convicted of crime ? We are slow to
believe his real penitence and reformation. If
we should employ such a person, we susper.t, we
watch, and we exercise, as we think, in this but
c)mmon prudence, but how painful the position
to the watched person. By most, however,
" gaol-birds" are rejected, and even when
they have obtained employment, on the hints of
the police, they are but but to) frecpently dis-
missed. Only the other day a young man was,
with difficulty, prevented from committing suicide,
because every effort to obtain employment had
been thwarted by the police. Of course all these
hopeless adult criminals, combined with the far
greater number of incurables of the same age,
form a standing training school, unluckily of the
highest qualifications, as well as a
.standing army
of thieves.

A MISSING CLERGYMAN.—On Sunday morning,
Hwharrienatghteozantgrtehgeaut congregation
la shsoeumr,b ltehde r ine wasth e
nparishn
icsht
eu
rr ctho,.
conduct the service, and, after waiting some time, the
people had to return home, wondering what had be-
come of the resident clergyman, the Rev. John Price,
late a Fellow of the New College, Oxford. It afterwards
transpired that the reverend gentleman had left the dis-
trict. The parish is now left without an officiating
clergyman, the rector being non-resident.—Cumierland
Pacquet.
WHERE JOIN SADLEIR WAS FOUND.—On visiting
Ismpstead Heath this week a correspondent informs us
tie found that the two fir trees which overshadowed the
little eminence where the supposed dead body of John
Sadleir was discovered, have been completely cut away
to the roots by visitors anxious to secure some relic of
the tragedy. The, name " Sadleir" is cut out on the
grass in large letters, and the places where the razor and
silver mug were found are marked for the observation
of the curious. The broad dyke which surrounds the
hillock has been bridged over with stones, which, not-
withstanding the dryness of the present weather, are
rapidly sinking from the moist nature of the ground.—
Clonmel Chronicle.
SCHOOL OF DESIGN FOR COALBROOKDALE.—At the
second meeting of the committee organised for the pur-
f nee cf establishing drawing schools in connection with
the department of science and art, held on Monday at
Coalbrookdale, resolutions were passed authorising the
secretary, Mr. G. Norris, to make the necessary appli-
cation to the department for securing the immediate ap-
pointment of a competent master. Considering the
artistic skill required in the neighbourhood, both iu the
manufacture of iron and china, this institution cannot
fail to be highly useful, and will no doubt be made ex-
tensively available by artisans and others. Madeley,
Broseley, Wenlock, and Coalbrookdale are associated,
the committee of management consisting of three from
each place.
DISCOVERY OF AN OLD ROMAN SHAFT.—In the month
of May last an old Roman shaft having been discovered
a short distance from Machynlleth, Montgomeryshire,
North Wales, it was determined by Mr. Weston and
some other residents to drive a level into this old shaft,
in order to unwater it and ascertain what were the
hidden riches that induced this great work. The level
was driven through early this month, and the removal
of -the mud and rubbish commenced. A small Roman
pick and a salmon spear have been already found.
Whether the spear, which is similar to those used in the
present day, is of the same antiquity as the pick, is a
matter of conjecture, but its condition favours that
assumption. The pick is nine inches from point to point,
in form like the common pick-axe, and is in the posses.
sion of Mr. Weston in the above town. A fine lode of
copper was discovered in driving the level, and two
strong lodes in the shaft. Most of the successful mines
in this country have been worked by Romans. The
shaft is fifty feet deep, driven through the solid rock.
THE TRAM' OF LIVERPOOL.—LIVERPOOL, Manday.—
The Customs Bill of Entry," published this morning,
gives a return of the number and tonnage of the ships
that have entered inwards from and cleared outwards
for foreign ports in the week ending September 13, 1856,
as well as the corresponding week of 1855. It appears
that during the last week 55 ships of an aggregate
tonnage of 27,368 tons entered inwards, against 76 ships,
40,026 tons in 1855, being a decrease of 21 in the num-
ber of ships, and a decrease of 12,668 tons in the
tonnage ; the number of clearances outwards during the
week, 93 ships, of a tonnage of 51,574 tone, against
107 ships and 54,856 tons in 1855, being a decrease of
14 ships and 2,782 tons. The total number of
of ships reported inwards from foreign ports during
the present year up to the 13th September was
3,026, with a tonnage of 1,731,378 tons, against 3,015,
and 1,491,592 tons in the year 1855, showing an increase
of 11 ships and 239,786 tons.
BANAGHER GREAT ANNUAL FAIR. BANAGHER,
Tuesday Evening.—lt appears upon making up the re-
turns of yesterday's sale of sheep, that the number sold
amount nearly to 9,000, being in excess of last year's
sales of about 3,000. Unsold under 1,500 against 4,900
of September fair, 1855. The fifteen hundred remaining
unsold consisted of several small lots of poor, unsaleable
sheep, in fact not fit for any grazier or breeder desirous
of holding even middling flocks. All sellers of sheep
were highly pleased, and the only disappointment felt
ll
f
short
to oonf fi
tcheedi r troe
qpurchasers s
.w h
To
was appropriated to the sale of horses, which or many
years has not been equalled. Supplyday large and esf
a superior description. It is gratifying to record
the great improvement the country generally is
undergoing, rand no clearer proof can exist of that
improvement than to see the anxious inquiries
after this noble and useful class of animals amongst
country; gentlemen and farmers, the one supplying
himself with a luxury, and the other for his agricultural
purposes. Several buyers for the army picked up large
lots of young horses, and for which prices were given
from 301. to 451. unters were in great request, and
sold from 601. to 1201. Mr. Clarke, of Portumna, sold
one et 1101., and another at 651. Mr. Sherlock got 70
guineas for a four-year-old Freney. Rei. Mr. Egan got
60 guineas for a horse that was offered to be sold last
wee kastosl.olfo.r aMthr.relleyy r- o Kenney,l
d colt.
cot r, e
such Castle,
a g ob-
tainedoodfair has not been in Banagher for years, and all unble-
mished horses had several bidders. The business of -enera
to-
morrow is to be confined to the sale of horned cattle, and
already purchasers are on the look-out. Mr. John
Fallen, of Banagher, has just sold his stack of three-
year-old heifers at 181., being fully 31. a-head more than
the same class brought last year.

We are not aware that we have seen quite an-
other course suggested for thediminutionof crime ;
one which, though costly and apparently severe
at first, might not be so in the long run. Sup-
posing that for youth the Reformatories be con-
sidered sufficient, beyond that period perpetual
detention, or some equivalent, may be the best
plan for a later age. We will notice presently
the leading objections, but the effect is obvious
enough. Its action would be double, first deter-
ring most effectually from crime ; next, with-
drawing the great teachers and promoters of
it from society. If the majority of thieves knew
that conviction, after attaining years of discretion,
was certain to be followed by detention and labour
for the more part compulsory, and, for life, would
not the number of thefts diminish rapidly ?
Thieves would think twice ere they hazarded per-
petual seclusion from the world. Celibacy, exclu-
sion from stimulants, and low amusements, with
regular labour, would be a terrific idea to the
animal, lazy, or excitable natures who constitute
the majority of our adult thieves. What with
this and the diminution of tempters, one would
think this class of crime would rapidly decrease.
It may strike some as too severe a course to be
even contemplated; perpetual deprivation of li-
b3rty for a small theft, it may be, it seems too
barbarous to be thought of. But a different
course is proposed for the youthful criminal. Ic
is the thief for whom, as a class, no fair excuse
can be offered that we would confine. No one is
compelled by want to steal in England—we have
poor laws and pay poor rates, and the man old
enough to understand this has no excuse for his
villany. Theft is not like any of the crimes com-
i mitted under the impulse of ungovernable natural

THE SUN, LOINDON, ITIVURSriA.Y SEPrEivinElt iB, 1856

JOIN'-,STOCK BANKS.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SIIT.N.
SlR,—The public attention being now thoroughly
roused to look into the validity of joint-stock banks, the
few observations I hate to itittlie may now find a little
more nttention than at any period for the last 20 years.
I had 30 years' active employment in a private bank ;
for very many years I made up the daily balance ; and
every year the annual hals.hee arid statement. That I
did so honestly, and retired with credit and honour to
poverty, is a fact as well known as it is rarely practised.
That some few of the present joint-stook banks are in a
sound condition I am most willing to concede, though
I can, of my own knowledge, state that one of the most
eminent was once wont to put forth direct falsehoods to
puff their growing child. That many are not in that
sound state which their directors congratulate their
proprietors with I am also fully satisfied. I am not to be
'gulled by statements that accountants have been called
in and investigations concluded to the satisfaction of all
parties. Facts will steal out, and when these facts
disclose falsehoods, what are we to think of the rest /
What are we to think of the statement lately made
with respect to a late great delinquent I—" That the
advances made by the Bank with which he was con-
nected were comparatively small and amply covered,"
when it came out afterwards that securities to the value
of between one and two hundred thousand pounds bad
been obtained with the money of another victimised
establishment, and handed over to this one, who states
it to be a comparative small advance to one person. If
they have many of these small advances, their shares
ought to be at nil.
Those banks who have branches, and especially pro-
vincial byanches, may be sound; but that is and must be
a mere speculation, with such a system of inspection as
is deemed sufficient by persons who only wish to believe
in their prosperity till they are crushed. lam (I flatter
myself perhaps) no mean authority in banking practical
details; there is no part of it with which I have
not been practically conversant. I have had to con-
tend with the tricks of clerks, and devise means to
detect and prevent. I have had to do the same with
customers bringing to me forged bills for the year
together, and I well know, and to my cost, what
may be done to deceive th• most practised in bank-
ing, and. I unhesitatingly state that no inspection of
a branch which does not embrace such a period as
to allow of the realisation of every asset, whether
drafts or bills, with a close attention to the mode and
means by which they are realised, whether by bona
fide cash payments, or by substitution of other docu-
ments or renewals, and also a competent examination
and valuation of collateral securities is of any service
or use, but is an absolute farce. Some person fully
competent in every department of the bank should be
sent to the branches from the parent establishment,
during which time the manager should be round
other occupation, and this person should remain till
every asset had been realised. If this course
were taken, I fear very few would be found in that
position which under the present system they are pro-
nounced to be.
I think some six or seven Joint-Stock Banks have
failed within the year, generally under circumstances
very discreditable, and, if properly investigated, criminal
—but so anxious are people to make the best of a bad
job that they sedulouslyhush every whisper about legal
proceedings, and thus compound felony by wholesale. I
have known something about the Royal British from its
outset. I know that the first deposit of 10,0001. neces-
sary to go before the Board of Trade for their charter
was lent ; if not all, the greater part of it by a large
Joint-Stock Bank, the condition being that a certain
person should not be in their employ (had that person
been in their employ the British Bank would not have
fallen).. Beginning with a lie they have gone on with a
swindle-and such I ever have proclaimed, and
such I ever will. It well behoves the public
to look a little closer to the moral character, tried
honesty, and habits of the men to whom they entrust
such enormous powers ; and I maintain that they have
not done so. For many years one of the leading banks
had not a man of even common competency in their
direction (I will not impugn their honesty), and the
same thing might be said of the greater part of those
who thus plunged into the management of a class of
business in which it requires a life of assiduity to obtain
a real practical knowledge of.
A RETIRED BANKER.

amnesties.

SIGH' PRICE OP BREAD.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.
DEAR SlB,—Permit me to thank you most heartily
for your able and well-timed article upon a dear loaf,
while the Creator of all good has vouchsafed to us so
bountiful a harvest.
I have noticed that a slight shower has been sufficient
for the vampires of Mark-lane notoriety to hang for a
higher price in cereals, even if it be by their eyelids, and,
as a matter • of course, the troop of innocent, hardly-
done by bakers follow in the wake.
Why, sir, I am paying at this time 9d. per quartern
loaf, and f very questionable quality ; and certainly
my loaves look as if made during a frost, they are so
terribly nipped in, and I think of setting up scales' and
weights for the future, not being aware that bakers are
any more honest than their neighbours.
A new dodge has also obtained among some of our
West;end bakers. It's a fact a halfpenny per loaf is
now charged for bringing the bread round ; I have paid
it, but my servant now fetches it.
I hope and trust you will not cease to thunder away
at the gates of monopoly until these bloodsuckers let go
their hold, so that the poor of the land may obtain what
a benevolent Creator intended, "a cheap loaf," so that
there may be no complaining heard in our streets.
R. L.
27, Manchester-street.

LATEST NEWS.

MARSEILLES, SEPT. 17.

The Meandre hag. arrived with accounts from
Constantinople to the Bth The squadron of
Admiral Lyons is to proceed from Smyrna to
Athens, and then to Malta. Khalil Pacha has
been named resident Minister at Athens. The
works for the settlement of the frontier•of Persia
will not commence this year, in consequenfle of
the approach of winter. Thousands of person
have been deprived of shelter by the fire of
Ghimlek. Large quantities of silk goods and
other merchandise have been destroyed.

M. Paulin Talabot has arrived at Verona from
she Tyrol with the director of the Lombardy

railways. It is in contemplation to unite the
Italian to the German lines. The works on the

Liao from Toulon to this city are going on with

great activity.

MADRID, SEPT. 16.
The Gazette publishes a Royal decree which re
establishes the Constitution of 1845.

An additional article explains what offences of
the press are to be brought before the jury.
The minimum of the duration of the session of
the Cortes will be four months ; the existence of
the Council of State is ratified, and the authorin-
-1 tiou of the Cortes will be required for the mar.

riage of the
,sovereign or the heirs, of the crown,
for the sale of Royal patrimony, and for general

P.....•••• ...0

The Times' Paris correspondent (Second Edi•

tion) says :
" There was an unusual stir last night at the
Prefecture of Police and at the prison of Mazas,
owing to the ,arrest of about 30 persons belonging
to a secret society. This society, composed of
revolutionists of the most violent and dangerous
kind, held a meeting yesterday, at which it is
said that it was decided to assassinate the Empe:
ror on his return from Biarritz. I understand
that the police know all the members of this society,
most of whom are old members of the Marianne,
inhabiting the 6th, 7th, and Bth arrondissements
of Paris. The majority of them are artisans. Seve-
ral of those arrested are very young, and appear
intelligent and not uneducated. They have been
placed in solitary confinement at Mazas, and are
allowed to communicate with no one. The search
made at their residences has brought to light
nothing that compromises them, but the police are
prepared to prove the existence of the society,
and to bring forward witnesses of its frequent
meetings.
" This confirms the evidence, already pretty
positive, contained in the details I sent you con-
cerning the Marianne, as to the existence of a
secret society, whose members are sworn to at-
tempt the life of the Emperor. Fortunately the
police are vigilant and sharp-sighted, and history
is there to show us how rarely such attempts
succeed. It is doubtless very difficult to form a
society of this kind, into which some agent of
the authorities does not find means to insinuate
Ihimself, and even when that is not the case, at
the last moment it is rare that all the conspira-
ors preserve their firmness of purpose and of

nerve.
" I am assured that the French Government
has given an order, dating from the Ist instant,
prohibiting any further transportations to Ca-
yenne."

FRANCE.

PARIS, WEDNIISDA.T EVENING,

The.Messager de Bayonne gives the following
account of the proceedings at the Villa Eugenie on
the latter days of the past week and the commence-
ment of the present one :
" At the ball given on Friday night in honour of
Prince Adalbert and his young bride the invitations
were more numerous than usual, and dancing was
kept up with great spirit until one o'clock in the
morning. The Empress wore a dress of plain white
tarlatannc, excessively fine, having for ornament only a
bouquet of' bluets and diamonds placed in the centre of
the corsage. Her Majesty's head-dress was a garland of
the same flower intermixed with diamonds. The
toilette of the Infanta consisted of a dress of white
muslin, with deep flounces of black lace with rose-
coloured ribbon, and she was profusely decorated with
diamonds. Among the guests were the Marquis and
Marquise de Target, Marshal and Mine. Serrano, M.
de Menique (the Prefect of the Gironde) and Mme. de
Menique, &c. On Saturday MM. Joseph Salvador
de Lequerica and Antoine Lopez de Calle, deputed by
the province of Biscay to offer to the Prince Imperial
the title of Biscayan, were received by the Emperor,
being presented by Marshal Serrano. His Majesty re-
ceived them with the greatest courtesy and conducted
them to the Empress, who thanked them for the flatter-
ing compliment offered to the prince her son. The de-
putation, after an appropriate address, handed the offi-
cial document to the Emperor. His Majesty replied
that he was very grateful to the Queen for allowing the
deputation to be presented to him ; that he deeply felt
this mark of sympathy for the Empress ; that such de-
monstrations could not fail to strengthen the bands
which unite the two countries ; and that he was happy
to think that the Prince Imperial had also Spanish
blood in his veins, for he (his Majesty) had always en-
tertained for that chivalrous people as much affection as
esteem. The two gentlemen afterwards had the honour
of dining with their Majesties, from whom while at
table they were the object of the most flattering
attentions. After dinner, they bad the honour of
being taken into a private salon by their Majesties,
where they conversed together for more than an
hour. The Emperor with the warmest interest
inquired into the state of the crops, the position of
the working classes, and the resources and wants
of the country. At the conclusion of the confer-
ence the Emperor presented to each of the gentle-
men the cross of the Legion of Honour, and told
them at the same time that he had given orders for
three vases to be manufactured at Sevres, orna-
mented with portraits of the Emperor, the Em-
press, and the Prince Imperial, which were to be
offered to the general deputation of Biscay, as a
mark of the gratitude of their Majesties for the
souvenir given to their son by the representatives
of that noble province. On Sunday, after hearing
mass at the church of Biarritz, their Majesties went
to the bull fight. The Emperor and Empress were
in an open carriage and four, without escort. Two
othe'r carriages and four followed with their suite.
The Emperor and Empress stopped until the• con-
clusion of the scene. On Monday their Majesties
passed through Bayonne on their way to Bidache
to Visit the ruins of the chateau of the Dukes de
Grammont."
BOURSE, Sept. 17.—The following were the last
quotations :
Cash. fr. a. End of Month,
4i per Cents (xd) 92 75 —f. —O.
3 per. Cents 7O 50 70 75
New Loan 7O 50
Bank Shares 4,125 Roman .. . ........
Credit Mobilier 1,725 Austrian
Bolgian Fives
Piedinontese (5) fot:l DebtThre.e.L...
RenwAys—ros CAM.
f r.
fr. 0-
Orleatui ...•...« 1,360 Western 943 75
Northern
Lyons 995 Strasburg
—,... 1,345 New Ditto
Mediterranean 1,795 Grand Central
Teste
Austrian Corn 875 .^—
f6= Geneva .
The mo„iteur of yesterday announces that Mar-
shal Serrano had presented to the Emperor and
Empress at Biarritz the deputation charged with
the official act by which the Junta of Biscay rower-
nised the right of the Imperial Prince to enjoy tlie
prerogatives
and privileges attached to the citizen-
ship of the province.
The Emperor, who received the deputation very
graciously, replied that he was very grateful to the
Queen of Spain for allowing the deputation to be
presented to him ; that he was extremely touched
by this proof of sympathy on the part of the pro-
vince for the Empress and her son ; that such de-
monstrations could not but strengthen the ties
which already united the two nations ; and that he
was happy to think that the Imperial Prince had
Spanish blood in his veins, for he had ever felt as
much affection as esteem for that warlike and chi-
valrous people.

PRUSSIA.
A letter from Berlin of the 14th, in the Consti-
tutionnel, says :—" The statement made by several
journals that the residue of the loan of 30 millions
of thalers, amounting to 8,700,000 thalers, is to be
employed in increasing the Prussian army is COM-
pletely unfounded. A bill will be submitted to
the chambers to devote this sum to the construe-