The Sun.
London, England, 1856-08-26 00:00:00

THE IRISH LINEN TRADE.

The early part of this month did not do much fur the
department of sale. Meat:lied linens accumulated con-
siderably ; the turn-tut from the several finishing esta-
blishments have been very large. Orders to a very hand-
some amount have come to hand within the last few
days, and the total quantity of clearances effected will
move off all extra stocks. From the chief markets of the
United States the reports aro very satisfactory. As we
stated some time age, the peopling of the far West, if it
carried off a great array of our Irish pepulaf ion, has been
the means of raising now markets for our textiles in
several parts of the world ; the taste for wearing linen
clothing in these countries will therefore bo cultivated to
a greater extent, and every family that takes up its abode
in distant lands becomes a large consumer of our staple
products. The amount of business transacted with the
recently raised cities and towns in districts of the United
States where, some years ago, there was scarcely the
evidence of civilisation, has this year shown a large in-
crease. Australia has not yet come up to expectation as
to demand for linen goods ; this year, however, t!tere is
a great improvement in these markets. Brown webs were
a good sale at the several tons in this and the neigh-
bouring counties during the last eight days. Damasks
are moved in larger lots, and diapers sell at full rates.
There has been more inquiry for printing lawns, and the
handkerchief trade, though quiet, is steady. Coarse
linens, whether for the brown or white finish, are worked
off in ample quantities. Stock's of such goods range at a
low estimate. Yarns are not changed in value. Tee
demand for warp yarns continues good, and welts of the
higher members sell readily at th top figures of last
month. Flax.has held its position even in the face of all
the increased importations from the Baltic. Samples of
fine Russian continue to be moved at rates which would
average 68. 9,1. per stone. •Home-grown flax sells at 6s.
3d. to 73. 9J, for hand•scutched ; a few lots we-re sold
this week at Bs. Milled gees off at 7s. to lls., with lie.
6J. for very flue lots. Our reports relative to the present
season's flax are so contiasictory that as yet we cannot
form any definite opinion on the sulje.ct. The more scien
tific growers, however, seem pretty well satisfied as to the
prospects both of yield and quality.--Banner of Ulster.

THE GNNERAL SCREW STEAIT
SHIPPING COMPANY.

An extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders
in the General Screw Steam Shipping Company was
held yesterday afternoon, at the L'edon Tavern, for the
purpose of considering the proposal for the dissolution of
the company; Mr. Raikes Currie, M.P., chairman of the
board of directors, in the chair.
Tiro CHAIRMAN moved, " that this company be dis-
solved," which was seconded by the DEPUTY•CHAIRMAN.
Mr. TAYLOR asked for seine information as to the
prospect of selling the ve,sels ; certainly they ought not
to be sold by public auction without reserve. lle should
be glad to know what price the directors put upon the
vessels ?

The CuntrarAN said the ships would only be sold by
public auction in the event of their remaining unsold by
private treaty at the end of October. He did not thin,i
it necessary to answer the other question.
In reply to other questions,
The CHAIRMAN stated that the directors offered to ex-
tend the time within which the French Clipper Compiny
were to purchase the company's vessels, but the offer
was declined. Proposals had been made for the employ-
ment of the company's vessels for a period of two years,
as well as for their absolute purchase, but he did not
think it right to disclose the terms,
After some further discussion the resolution was put
and carried ; but it was announced that it would be
necessary, in accordance with the law, to take a ballot
on the question, and also to confirm the vote at another
meeting, convened for the purpose.
The proceedings closed with a vote of thanks to the
Chairman.

M ARKET NEWS.— ais Day, )

HAY MARKETS.

SMITHFIELD.—OId meadow hay, 31 51 to 5/ 15s ; now
do., 31 Os to 41 5s ; old clover, 41 Os to 61 101 • new do., 31
103 to 5: Os; and straw, 1/ 8s to 1/ 13s per load. Trade
dull.

CUMBERLAND.-011.1 meadow hay, 31 88 to 51168; new
do.. 31 Os to 41 5s ; old clover, 41 Os to 61 88 ; now do.,
31 lOs to 510 s ; and straw, 1/ Os to 11 14s per load. A fair
average supply, and a sluggish demand.
WHITECHAPEL.—OId meadow hay, 31 5s to Si 15s new
do., 31 to 41 5s ; old clover, 41 Os to 6/ 158; new do.,
lOs to 51 Os; and straw, 11 Ss to 11 13s per load. Supply
good.