The Sun.
London, England, 1860-11-02 00:00:00

- -
TEE FOUR MISSING STEAMERS.

DISCOVERY OF PORTIONS OF THE WRECKS.
No doubt is now entertained respecting the
melancholy fate of the four steamers which have
long been missing, namely, the Edinburgh, iron
screw steamer, 800 tons, belonging to Leith, out-
ward bound to Cronstadt ; the oscow, also an iron
screw steamer, 600 tons, of London, bound to the
same port ; the Viscount Lambton, steamer, belong-
ing to Sunderland; and the Thor, from Copen-
hagen for Hull,
It will be remembered they started on their voyage
a day or two prior to the outbreak of the terrible
storm which swept the North Sea and Baltic on
the 3d, 4th, sth, and 6th, when so many- vessels
were wrecked. With the exception of the Moscow,
nothing has been heard of them from the period of
their sailing, and from quantities of wreckage and
cotton that have been met with in the North Sea
it is inferred that the whole of the ships in question
must have foundered during the fearful hurricane,
and every soul belonging to them met with a
watery grave.
IThe Edinburgh was a superior class iron
ship, being rated in Lloyd's register A 1 for
12 years. Her crew consisted of Captain Steel
and twenty-seven officers and men. Like the
Arctic steamer, which was lost in the course of the
storm, she was burthened with a dangerous deck
load at this advanced period of the season, namely,
two steam-boilers and nearly 500 bales of cotton
piled in tiers fore and aft. She carried out some
passengers for St. Petersburg, among them was Dr.
M'Kenzie, his wife, and several children. It is be-
lieved that there are 24 widows and nearly 60 chil-
dren bereaved by the deplorable loss of this ship.
The wreckage seen, supposed to be part of the
steamer, consisted of cabin furniture, panels, &c.,
and a board with the letter " H" on it, painted blue
and gold. It was passed in lat. 55 N., long. 3.30
E., together with a large quantity of cotton bales.
The owners of the Edinburgh believe the wreckage
to have belonged to that vessel.
Respecting the Moscow, a quantity of wreck and
hales of goods, known to have formed part of her
cargo, have been washed ashore on the coast of
Jutland. Among the wreckage was some baggage
belonging to one of the cabin passengers, of whom
there were six on board. The bales of cotton are in
the possession of Captain Boulton, of Lloyds' Asso-
ciation, who was sent out to Jutland to protect the
underwriters' interest in the wreck of the Arctic
steamer. At first the cotton was supposed to have
belonged to that vessel, but when closely inspected
it was discovered they bore the brands of the Mos-
cow. It is somewhat remarkable that the Moscow
and Arctic, which were both from one port
(Grimsby), sailed at the same time for St. Peters-
burg. She kept company with the Arctic on• the
passage across the North sea, until within a few
hours of the wreck of the Arctic, when the master
of the latter lost sight of her, and that was the last
time she was seen. She, like the Edinburgh, bad
an immense deck cargo, chiefly cotton bales, piled
the whole length of the deck, and which has mainly
accounted for her loss. That she was one of the
two steamers seen to founder near the Skaw, on the
Danish coast, there appears to be very little doubt.
Her crew numbered about 25 hands, most of whom
were married men, and have left families unpro-
tected. Other wreckage has been washed ashore
on tilt coast of Jutland, evidently from the other
missing steamers, the Thor, and the Viscount
Lambton.
The Board of Trade having ordered an inquiry
into the loss of the Arctic steamer, the whole ques-
tion of steamers being allowed to carry heavy deck
cargo when bad weather must be experienced, is to
be fully gone into, and which it is expected will
terminate in some recommendation to the Govern-
ment to pass an enactment prohibiting deck loads
at the period abovementioned, as both dangerous to
life and property. It is on record that a great
many vessels have been lost with their crews in
consequence of carrying heavy deck loads. It is
computed that the loss of these five steamers and
Icargoes will exceed £lBO,OOO.

ROYAL NATIONAL LIFEBOAT

INSTITUTION.

A special general meeting of the subscribers of
this institution was held yesterday, at its house,
John-street, Adelphi, to consider and pass some
bye-laws for the government of the society, under
the Charter of Incorporation recently granted to it
by the Queen. Mr. Thomas Baring, M.P., F.R.S.,
Chairman of the Institution, presided. There were
also present Sir E. Perrott, Admiral Gordon,
Deputy Master of the Trinity House, Mr. Boete-
feur, Mr. John Clayton, and other gentlemen. The
chairman, having explained the objects of the
meeting, stated that the bye-laws had been care-
fully prepared by Messrs. Clayton and Son, honorary
solicitors of the institution, that they had been
maturely considered by the Committee of Manage-
ment, who had submitted them to Vice-Chaneellor,
Sir Page Wood, Vice-President of the society, and
who took considerable interest in its welfare. Sir
Page, after having made one or two alterations,
fully approved of them. They had also received
the approval of the Duke of Northumberland, the
president of the institution. The bye-laws were
afterwards moved and carried unanimously. By
its charter of incorporation the institution has
become one of the most important benevolent
societies in the country; and in order to enable
it to perpetuate its humane and national objects,
the charter has made special provision that any
person may hereafter grant, sell, alien, and con-
vey in mortmain unto it lands, tenements, and
hereditaments, not exceeding £2,000 a year.
The third service clasp of the institution was
voted to Captain Wasey, R N., Inspecting Com-
mander of the Coastguard, who had for previous
gallant exertions received its silver medal and
second service clasp for his recent services in the
Fleetwood lifeboat, belonging to the institution, in
saving 16 persons from the barque Vermont, of
Halifax, Nova Scotia. Payments amounting to
£BO were ordered to be made to the crews of the
lifeboats at Fleetwood, Appledore, Margate, Yar-
mouth, Fraserburgh, Silloth, Holyhead, Portmadoc,
Barmouth, and Tyrella, for saving or attempting to
save life from various wrecks during the recent
heavy gale. It was reported that the St. Andrews'
lifeboat belonging to the institution had proceeded
off and had rendered, in conjunction with a steam-
tug, some important services to several fishing boats
from Buckhaven, which, during the hurricane of
the 3d ult., had drifted out of the Firth of Forth;
and that the poor fishermen had sent £3 a few days
afterwards towards the support of the lifeboat, with
expressions of much thankfulness. It was also
stated that the cost of the new lifeboat stations of
the institution now in course of formation at
Thurso, Margate, Buckie, Portrush, St. Ives, Sel-
sey, Llandudno, Southport, Llandwyn, and Penrith
amounted to upwards of £3,000. To meet this
large and important outlay the society earnestly
appealed to the public for help, otherwise it would
be compelled to entrench on its small funded capital,
the interest on which was said to be so essential
to aid the institution to keep up in an efficient
state its numerous lifeboat establishments. Various
rewards were also voted to fishing and
other boats for highly laudable services in
saving life from different wrecks during
the heavy storms of the past month. It was
reported that the effects of these storms had been
very disastrous to ships ; but in consequence of the
noble services of lifeboats, shoreboats, and the life-
saving apparatus, the loss of life had been compara-
tively small on those fearful occasions. A commu-
nication was read from Mr. Lockhart Thompson,
of Edinburgh, stating that a lady resident in that
city was desirous of benefitting mankind by form-
ing a lifeboat station on some part of the west coast
of Scotland ; and that it was her wish that the
lifeboat should be called after her late husband.
The cost of the station when complete would pro-
bably be upwards of £5OO.

DETERMINED SUICIDE OF A GENTLEMAN.—Great
consternation was created amongst the passengers on board
the Emerald steam packet on her passage from Cowes to
Portsmouth yesterday morning, by a gentleman stepping on
to the bulwarks and throwing himself into the sea. The
body immediately sunk, and was no more sees, though the
steamer was stopped as quickly as possible and a boat pashed
off. It appears the gentleman's name was George Churcher,
a man of large property and a hop-grower, from Kent. He
leaves a wife and four children. No cause is known for his
committing this rash act. While on the passage he in-
quired of the captain and the man at the helm whether the
water was deep, and at what part it was deepest. He was
told it was shallow where they then were, that the deepest
part was between Hyde and Portsmouth ; and just before he
leaped into the sea he was told they had arrived at the
deepest part. Still there was nothing in his manner to
lead any one to believe what he was contemplating. Just
before he destroyed himself he had taken off' his greatcoat
and placed it on the seat, desiring a friend who was with
him to look to it. On examining the breast pocket, his
watch was found in it—the guard-chain fastened to the
button of the pocket. He had wrapped his money up ktw•
five pound notes and ten sovereigns) in his handkerchief,
and put it in the greatcoat pocket with his watch. In his
carpet bag was found a letter addressed to hie wife.

PRESENTA TION OF 7HE LORD 111.4T0R
ELECT-(THIS DAY).

This morning, according to annual custom, some of the
leading representatives of the citizens of London proceeded
to Stratheden House, Knightsbridge, the private residence
of the Lord Chancellor, for the purpose of presenting for
her Majesty's approval Mr. Alderman William Cubitt, M.P.
who has been elected Lord Mayor of London for the en-
suing year. Amongst those present were the Lord Mayor
elect, the Right Hen. Russell Gurney (Recorder of Lon-
don), Mr. Alderman and Sheriff Abbiss, Mr. Sheriff Lusk,
Alderman Sir Henry Muggeridge (who stands next in the
order of rotation for the mayoralty), Alderman W. S. Hall,
Mr. Thomas Chambers (the Common Sergeant), Mr. Com-
missioner Kerr, Mr. Charles Pearson (the City Solicitor),
Mr. Benjamin Scott (the City Chamberlain), Mr. Secondary
Potter (the Town Clerk), and other officials connected with
the corporation. These gentlemen were received by the
Lord Chancellor in the principal drawing-room of Strathe-
den House, his lordship being attired in his full robes of
office, and attended by his secretary, mace, and purse.
The RECORDER advanced and formally introduced the
Lord Mayor elect. He remarked that Mr. Alderman
Cubitt, whom the citizens of London had selected to fill
the office of Lord Mayor for the ensuing year, was a gen-
tleman who was in all respects eminently qualified to al 1
that high and responsible office. For many years he had
carried on a large business, all his dealings had been cha-
racterised by honour and integrity, and he was happy to
add had been crowned by success. Mr. Cubitt was born at
Brixton, near Colteshall, Norfolk, and in early life served
about four years in the royal navy. In 1810, being then
19 years of age, he turned his attention to commercial
matters and entered the building trade, which he had car-
ried on up to within the last few years, and in which he had
realised an ample fortune in connection with his brothers.
The house of Cubitt was now one of the most eminent in
the country. After 40 years of successful application to
business Mr. Cubitt in 1851 retired, and devoted his time
and attention to the service of the public in other ways. In
1847, while still in business, ho was elected by him 'fellow-
citizens to the shrievalty, in coijunction with Mr. Charles
Hill, and at about the same period the electors of Andover
returned him as their representative in the Commons House
of Parliament—an honour which he enjoyed at the present
time. He (the Recorder) had only to add that Alderman
Cubitt was held in the highest possible esteem by his fellow-
citizens, and that he had the greatest confidence in present-
ing him to the Lord Chancellor for her Majesty's approval.
The LORD CHANCELLOR, addressing the Lord Mayor
elect, said that it was with the greatest satisfaction he had
to announce that her Majesty highly approved of the choice
which the citizens of London had made in electing him to
fill the office of Lord Mayor, an office which was worthy of
the ambition of the most distinguished man the City of
London could produce. The Lord Mayor elect entered
upon his office at a time of comparative peace, and, there-
fore, no doubt, would direct his attention to the advance-
ment of those great social reforms which ware so much
needed. While, however, we were at peace, an important body
had been organized in the city of London, as in other parts of
the country, which his lordship would no doubt encourage
and support. He alluded to the Volunteer movement
which had been so warmly espoused throughout the land,
not from any immediate fear of danger, but as a wise pre-
cautionary measure, which it was impossible too highly to
praise. As the Chief Judge of the Central Criminal Court
of London, the Lord Mayor elect would no doubt discharge
his duties with the same carefulness and seal as he had dis-
charged those which were involved in his Parliamentary
career. In these respects, and, indeed, in every respect, he
felt peculiarly gratified in again expressing to Mr. Alder-
man Cubitt her Majesty's high approval of the choice which
the citiaens of London had made in electing him to the
chief magistracy.
The Lord Chancellor then advanced to the Lord Mayor
elect and shook hands with him, and also with the Recorder
and Sheriffs.

The " Loving Cup" having been handed round the civic
procession returned to the City.

LAW INTELLIGENCE-( THIS DAY.)

COURT OF BANKRUPTCY.
(Before Mr. Commissioner Evans.)

IN RE RULLAII-:-TRE LITE FIRE AT ST. MARTIN'S HALL.

This bankrupt was described as of St. Martin's Hall,
Long-acre, and a private address, bookseller, and to-day
was appointed for a choice of assignees.
The accounts have not yet been filed, but it is stated that
property has to be realised to a considerable amount, and
that, should the expectations of the parties be fulfilled,
there will be more than sufficient to pay 20s. in the pound.
Mr. Burstall, builder, of Hanover-street, Long-acre, was
chosen assignee.
The bankruptcy is ascribed mostly to the late disastrous
fire at St. Martin's Hall. The fabric of the hall was in-
sured for £6,000, and the fire-office undertook to renew it.
The personal effects, library, furniture, fittings, duo., were
only insured for £2,500, and on them there is of course a
very great loss.
(Before Mr. Commissioner Fane.)
TER LEATHER TRADE.-IN RE JOBEPH ROOPEE.

This . bankrupt, described as of Weston-street, Ber-
mondsey, leather merchant, came up to-day upon hie ex-
amination meeting.

The accounts, by Messrs. Paul and Turner, commence
on March 1, 1857, showing a capital of £739; on the 26th
July last the debts were £10,876, partly secured by con-
signments £6,218; liabilities, £24,622. Assets—cash to
official assignee, £7l; bills receivable to ditto, £63 ; debtors
—good, £695; doubtful, £1,035; property, 12,779. There
is an item of £3,403 for gross profit ; and against this were
trade expenses £6,709 ; losses, £6,066; house and personal
expenses, £7BO.
The bankrupt is expected to pass.

POLICE LYTELLIGENCE-(TRIS DAY.)