The Sun.
London, England, 1851-09-18 00:00:00

11OLLAN D.

OPENING OF THE STATES-GENERAL.
SPEECH FROM THE THRONE.
The new session of the States-General of Holland
was opened at the Hague on Monday by the KING in
person, and his l!thaasTir delivered the following
speech :
" Gentlemen,—ln opening the new session of the
States-General, it is very agreeable to me to be able to
communicate favourable news relative to the situation of
our country. The birth of a Prince has increased the
happiness of my house. Our relations with ail the
powers show that good intelligence exists. We have
concluded with different States conventions tending to
protect the interests of commerce, and to ameliorate and
assure international communications. With the same
object, negotiations with different S aces have been
opened, and they will, I hope, bring about the same fa-
vourable result. The army and navy continue to give
proofs of laudable zeal, and still afford us motives for
satisfaction. The state of tranquillity in which all the
colonial possessions now are leaves nothing to be de-
sired. Disturbances which recently took place in the
isle of Borneo have been repressed by the force of our
arms. The news of the sanitary situation in the colonies
are more re-assuring. The bad consequences of the
failure of the harvest in past years aro disappearing; and
the most recent news on the harvest of this year arc
very favourable, especially in what regards provisions.
The electoral, provincial, and communal laws fulfil, so
far as can be at present ascertained, the object of the
legislator. In consequence of the past winter not having
been rigorous, and of there not having been any ex•
traordinary thaws or tides, our dykes have remained
exempt from all injury. The great woi ks for the
improvement of our rivers, according to the system
communicated to you, have been undertaken and
are continued with activity. The harvest of the
last year, though only a middling one, has turned
out to be more abundant than was at first expected.
That of the present summer appears satisfactory in
most provinces. Arduous efforts are being generally
made to dcvelope agriculture, and to cause it to prosper,
both by improving the means of farming and by bring•
ing new lands into cultivation. Trades and manufacturers
are also continuing to increase in importance. The con-
tinual increase in navigation, and in the building of
ships, are proofs that the changes effected in our com-
mercial legislation last year have not disappointed the
hopes which were entertained. The great activity which
exists in several branches of our manufactures proves
that commerce is generally in a prosperous situation.
The continual increase of communications both by land
and by water, exercise not only a salutary influence on
the relations of the interior, but also on those with other
countries. I endeavour strongly to aid in the develpp-
ment of these communications. A convention
concluded with Prussia, and which will be com-
municated to you, is one result of these efforts.

We have entered into arrangements with Bel-
gium for preparing, and I sincerely hope eira-
blishing, new means of communicatioin between the two
countries. Thtl favourable hopes conceived with respect
to the situation of the finances of the kingdom have not
been disappointed; this situation, on the contrary, is re-
latively better than that of last year. The present year
likewise promises advantageous results. We will de-
mand, at the commencement of your session, your co-
operation in measures relative to the sinking fund.
The important Bills, deposited in your last session, and
for the examination of which there was not time, will be
again submitted to your deliberations. May the same
spirit of common accord, which has caused to be achieved
thus far so many important labours, prevail in the exa-
mination of these Bills and of others which will be pre-
sented to you in the course of this session. I ardently
wish that our common labours may promote, under the
blessing of God, the happiness of our dear country. I
declare the new session of the States-General to be
opened."

The KING, on going to and returning from the
Chamber, was received with great enthusiasm by all
classes of the population.

LIBERATION OF KOSSUTH.

A letter from Malta, dated 12th Sept., says—
"By the French steamer which arrived yesterday
from Constantinople we have received the welcome in-
telligence of the liberation of Kossuth and his compa-
nions from Kutajah on the Ist inst. The Mississippi
had arrived wifely at Constantinople. Its cabins were
fitted up in the most elegant manner, so as to accommo
date Kossuth, his family, and all his party. A
Turkish steamer was to leave at once for Gieme-
leck to take them on board and convey them to
the Dardanelles, where the Mississippi was to be in
readiness to receive them. Nothing could exceed
the kindness, the a.tentions of the Turkish Govern-
ment. The Pacho, of Broussa, in accordance with orders
forwarded to him from Constantinople, sent no less than
fifty carriages to convey the exiles to the point of their
embarkation. Among those mentioned as likely to ac-
company Kossuth, we find the well-known names of the
two Perczels, of Vissowski, a general, and of Asboth.
His secretary and physician will also go with him.
Count Batthiany's movements are uncertain. His state
of health is such that he is anxious to get to Paris, in
order to consult some of the French faculty. The
Countess Batthiany has been using all her endeavours
with the French Ambassador to obtain permission for
this change in his destination."
By the Growler, which arrived this morning, we
have heard that Kossuth and his companions were all
safe on board of the Mississippi, and that she had left
the Dardanelles with them on the 7th for America.

BANK OF ENGLAND-(THIS DAY )
A general court of the Governor sud company of the
Bank of England, was held this day, at twelve o'clock,
for the purpose of considering a dividend. This was
also a quarterly general court, under the terms of the
Act of Incorporation.
Thomson Hankey, jun., Esq., Governor of the Bank,
presided.
The CHAIRMAN said—l have to acquaint the court
that this is one of the quarterly general courts appointed
by the charter, and also one of the halt-yearly general
courts appointed by the charter for considering of a
dividend. I have also to acquaint the court that the net
profits of the half•year ending the 30th of August last
were 554,1881., being 13,394/. less than those of the
preceding half-year. The " rest" out of which the
dividend is to be made amounts to 3,566,964/. This
will enable the court to declare a dividend or 3f per
cent., which will leave the "rest" at the amount of
3,057,6131. The court of directors, therefore, propose
that a dividend of 31. 10s. per cent. be made, if the court
think fit, out of the interest and profits for
the half-year, ending the 31st of August last, without
any deduction on account of income-tax, which has
already been paid by the Bank. I will, therefore, now
put the question—that the court do order a dividend to
be made of 31. 10s. per cent., the interest and profits for
the half-year ending the 31st of August, without any
deduction on account of income-tax.
Mr. COPELAND said that he was ready to support the
recommendation of the directors. He was considerably
disappointed that he did not receive an account of a
better state of things, considering that the last twelve
months had been a period of prosperity to the country,
unaffected by any kind of excitement, during which
joint-stock banks generally had been highly prosperous
and given enlarged dividends, and, in some cases,
bonuses to the proprietors. However, he was per-
fectly aware that the general interests of the Bank were
prosperous, and he thought the proprietors could only
look for an increased dividend to the good and judicious
management of their large capital. Many persons con-
sidered that they ought to look for enlarged dividends
in times of commercial distress, but they ought to be
aware that the directors ofahe Bank of England bad to
look not only to the interests of the proprietors, but to
those of the public, and that it was impossible for them
to screw sums of money out of the people when they
were suffering from commercial embarrassments. Consi-
dering that they had no accounts or other data to judge by,
it having always been the custom of the proprietary to
accede to the non-production of any official data; and
considering that their whole affairs were entirely re-
posed in the breasts of the directors, they in reality had
no other course to adopt than to rely on the honour,
good faith, and ability of the directors. It seemed to
aim that a great deal of the well-being of the
establishment depended on the manner of
electing the directors. Some thought that greater
prosperity would arise to the Bank if a
,sort popular mode of °feeling the directors were de-
vised, and he must confess he inclined to that opinion,
hut as the establishment had hitherto been conducted on
the principle of the directors nominating themselves, the
proprietors scarcely having a voice in the matter, he
considered that they could not do better under all the
circumstances than accede cheerfully to the recommen-
dation of the directors for the payment of a dividend of
3f per cent. for the half-year.
Mr. LEVY said it was perfectly understood, three or
four years ago, that all beyond three millions of rest
should be given as dividend. Now, according
to the report, there were three millions of rest,
which he should be very sorry to see touched,
besides plenty to pay three and three-quarters, and
something would even be left then. In order to main-
tain that arrangement which was so satisfactory to the
proprietors, the directors ought to increase the amount
of dividend. He should be sorry, just for an additional
quarter per cent., to take any money which the Bank
might want, but ha did not see any reason why, under
existing circumstances, so much beyond the three mil-
lions should be withheld from the proprietors.
Mr. MARRIOTT hoped they would never have quarter
per cents.—(lelear.) They had not come to such a state
of destitution as to render that course necessary.—
(Hear.) He should support the proposition of the
directors.
Mr. HATHAWAY considered that the proprietors could
derive a dividend of 4 per cent. on the present occasion
without any risk whatever to the Bank. On the 30th of
August the rest amounted to 3,566,9651., and if a divi-
dend of 4 per cent. were agreed to, the diminution of
he rest would not be more than 15.155/. If this
additional sum were withheld, the directors would
be guilty of something like injustice to that
class of proprietors who only had a life-
interest in the Bank. No rule would be broken through
in agreeing to his suggestion. In opposing so trifling a
difference in the dividend he was disposed to think the
directors were carrying their views of safety too far.
He concluded by moving an amendment, to the effect
that the dividend should be 4 instead of 3f per cent.
Mr. CLARKE said it was clearly understood that the
rest should remain at a fixed sum, the subject having
been discussed from time to time, and the directors
having responded to the opinion of the pro-
prietors, and they would be doing wrong if
they invaded that principle in the slightest de-
gree. If they took an eighth, or even a sixteenth, they
might as well take every farthing above the three millions;
when the principle was once interfered with the amount
was immaterial. He trusted that the dividend of 34 per
cent. would be acceded to.
Mr. HOLLYMAN seconded the amendment.
The GOVERNOR said the directors were anxious to
preserve the property of the proprietors in its integrity.
fhe dividend had received their fullest consideration,
and they believed they were acting, in making the
present recommendation, in accordant ewith the almost
universal feeling of the proprietors, expressed at for-
mer courts, that the rest should not be reduced below three
millions. They did not consider it necessary to ask the
opinion of the court on a subject which had so universally
received the assent of the proprietors, viz., that there
should not be a quarter per cent. on any one occasion.
If that were to be adhered to, it was impossible for the
directors to propose other than what they had done.
After some further discussion,
The amendment was put, and, two hands only being
held up in its favour, was declared Wm lost.
The original motion was carried, and the court
separated.
The GOVERNOR intimated that the dividend warrants
would bo delivered and paid on Saturday next.

BATTY'S NATIONAL HIPPODROME, KENSINGTON.—
Yesterday evening, in consequence of permission having been
given by Colonel Williams, the commanding officer of the
Second Life Guards, situated at the Barracks, Hyde- p
the splendid band of the regiment attended at Batty's Hip-
podrome, to assist in the pertormances The greater portion
of the men with their non-commissioned officers were present
in their undress, and occupied seats in the second class de-
partment. Colonel and Mrs. Williams, with some of the offi.
cers, were also present in the private box. The regimental
.
band played several pieces the course of the evening. The
routine of performances, which were under the direction of M.
Soulier, Equerry to the Sultan of Turkey, consisted of chariot
races, a steeplechase by monkeys, a Barbary race, as per-
formed at the Corso of Rome, by twelve horses, &c., &c.
There were about 10,000 persons present.
PRIVATE BILLS IN PARLIAMENT.—Yesterday a
parliamentary return was printed, from which it appears
that in the late 'moon 217 private Bills were introduced •
the number brought from the Lords was 28. Of the Bills
179 received the royal assent. There Were 128 treated as
opposed, or classified in groups by the Committee of Selec-
tion. The number of private Bills referred to the Chairman
of the Committee of Ways and Means by the Cormnittee of
Selection was 82. Of the Bills which received the royal
assent 61 related to railways, 26 t. roads and bridges, 7 to
waterworks, 5 to ports, piers, harbours, and docks; 3 to
canals and navigation, 3 to churches, chapels, and burying-
grounds; 22 to paving, lighting, and markets; 2 to in-
closure and drainage, 1 to letters patent, and 27 were Lords'
Bills.

Mr. R. A. Stephens, chief superintendent of police,
was yesterday elected governor of the Birmingham borough
gaol, in the room of Captain Maconochie, so well known in
connexion •rith the system of convict discipline formerly
pursued in Norfolk Island.

Lieutenant-General Sir John Burgoyne is making
a most minute inspection of the state of fortifications m the
Channel Islands and the western Mut of England.