The Sun.
London, England, 1856-01-14 00:00:00

GREECE

The last accounts from Athens are to the 3d. A
decree, countersigned by M. Chriskopulo, orders
the construction of a church and the organisation
of charitable establishments. Greece will remain
strictly neutral. The relations with the Western
Powers are excellent. Tranquillity is general.

The Post Ampt Gazette of Frankfort states that,
in consequence of the annual levy which will take
place in Austria in March next, the Imperial army
will be increased by 90,000 men.

The Piemonte of Turin gives a list of the Sar-
dinian vessels of war destined to co-operate with
the allied fleets in the Black Sea. It comprises
three steam frigates, eight smaller war steamers,
three sailing frigates, a brig, a corvette, and a
brigantine.

THE TRADE OP SUUTFI SPAPPORDSHIRE.

BIRMINGHAM, Saturday Evening.—The principal fea-
ture of the week, in connection with the trade of this
district, has been the quarterly meetings of the iron and
coal masters, which have been held in this town, Wol-
verhampton, Walsall, Stourbridge, and Dudley. The
tone of the meetings was such as indicates a sound state
of trade, and the absence of that excitement which for•
merly characterised some of our meetings, when prices
were recklessly quoted, which could not be maintained.
At the meeting held here at Dee's Royal Hotel, on
Thursday, the attendance was numerous, large orders
for the foreign and home market were reported, the
prices of the preliminary meeting well sustained, and
the accounts for the past quarter well met. During the
past year there has been a thorough clearance, through
the Bankruptcy Court, of the artificial capitalists and
underseilers m the iron trade of South Staffordshire,
and the tra.nsactions of the past quarter have, conse-
quently, been of an unusually healthy character. It
is not, perhaps, too much to say, that one million's
worth of mining property has changed hands within
the last twelve months in this and adjoining county,
with no small injury to many, and total commercial
ruin and bankruptcy to some. The consequence has
been increased caution in dealing, and I believe, so cer-
tain have been the credit, transactions of the past quarter,
that there have been very few difficulties experienced in
the settlement of accounts. It was reported at the
meetings that some large houses are in possession of
orders for iron, which will corsunie the product of not
only the furnaces in blast, but others which it is in-
tended to blow in immediately. Oa the article of pig-
iron it is sought to obtai❑ an advance, which cannot be
upheld throughout the quarter. The agents of Lord
Ward have issued circulars, announcing the price of best
cold blast pigs at 51. 12s. 6d., and second quality at 4/.
15s. It is generally believed, however, that these prices
cannot be upheld throughout the quarter, and, most
certainly, it is not the intention of the principal makers
to follow his lordship's circular. The high price of fuel,
rate of wages, and interest paid for cash to carry on the
works, will not enable the manufacturers to realise such
an advance, and it is considered impolitic to try to en-
force it. There must always be something like fair pro-
portions between pigs and bars, if all parties are to live
and let live.

At the meeting held this evening at Dudley the prices
were fully confirmed ; for bars, 91. ; hoops, 10/. ; and
sheets, 11/. The attendance of buyers was large, and
some useful sales were effected at the above quotations.
There is therefore no immediate prospect of the iron
trade of this district undergoing any change during the
quarter, unless some untoward event—such as that, of
another twist of the Bank :crew—shall blow out some
of the furnaces.

In the coal trade the utmost activity continues, and the
demand is now certain to be increased by the severe frost
which kas set in, and threatens to continue. There hai
not been, however, any advance, nor can the manufac-
turers submit to a further rise, the pica now required
from them being double what it was a few years ago.
The price of home coal is also stationary, and without
any prospect of an advance. Best coal went up 6d. a
fortnight ago, and with that the mine owners express
themselves satisfied.
In the metal market there is much dissatisfaction ex-
pressed at the high price of tin, which is seriously affecting
the small manufacturers.

In the tin plate trade there is increased animation,
and the prices are quoted at from 345. to 355. per box,
This branch has hitherto been very' much depressed, but
now said to be rapidly reviving. Relative to the general
trade of this town, there is little to report this week.
Tn the steel pen trade the orders are very limited, and
prices not quite firm. The glass trade is yet dull, and
the jewellery trade also participates in the depression.
In the brass cock trade there are some brisk orders on
the books, and the bands are well employed. Superior
chasers arid casters will find work at the large manufac-
tories, and persons capable of taking part in the prepa-
tion of staine.l glass are also in requisition.

In the militay gun trade the demand for hands con-
tinues, and shot and shell casters are also required. In
the general hardware trade the demand is very limited.
The travehere, however, are now out, and we shall soon
have to report the result of their labours. Money is
still scarce, and the pressure upon the manufacturers
very considerable.