The Sun.
London, England, 1856-02-19 00:00:00

WEAR VALLEY.

The half-yearly meeting of this company was held at
Darlington on Friday. The usual dividend of 6 per cent.
per annum was declared.

GLOUCESTER AND DEAN FOREST.

The balf•yearly meeting of this company was held on
Saturday at Gloucester, when a dividend WES declared
oT 12s. per share.

HULL AND SELBY.

The half-yearly meeting of this company was held on
Saturday at Hull. A dividend was declared of 2/. 9s. Gd.
on each of the 50/. shares, of 1/. 4s. 9d. on each of 251.
shares, and of 12s. 41d. on each of the 121. 10s. shares.

MIDDLESBOROUGH AND REDCAR.
The half•yearly meeting of this company was held at
Darlington on Friday. A dividend of 6 per cent. was
declared.

ROYSTON AND HITCHIN.
The half yearly meeting of this company was held yes-
terda,y at the office, St. Helen's-place ; Mr. Reed in the
chair.
The only business transacted wasp he declaration of
the usual dividend at the rate of 6 p cont. per annum
for the past half-year, after which the meeting separated.

SCINDE.
The first meeting of this company was held yesterday
at the offices, Gresham House, New Broad-street ; Mr.
Andrew in the chair.
The advertisement convening the meeting having been
read, the seal of the company was affixed to the register
of shareholders.
The report, which has already appeared in The Sun,
was taken as read.
The Chairman said some remarks having been made
in reference to the amount of preliminary expenses, he
thought it right to state that in the sum mentioned
the total amount of law expenses was not included ;
but the directors had reason to believe the amount
would not exceed 1,2001,, fees and all other matters
connected with the legal expenses of the undertaking
included. (Hear, hear.) The liabilities of the com-
pany it would also be interesting to the proprietors t•
learn were small. The directors had not been idle in
the forwarding of their undertaking, and about 4,060
tons of sleepers and rails were now ready for shipping,
the cost of which they were discharging. Their coy -
tracts, he might mention, were entered into at very fair
prices. In reference to the accounts, be did not know
that he had more to say, but he would, with the pt_r
mission of the meeting, make a few observations on thee
harbour of Kurrachee, to the capabilities of which he
bad paid a great deal of attention. It had been objected
that during tin south-western 111011109126 .11V. 11"1"

-tent whatever. Another jection had
been raised against the port of Kurrachee, on the
ground of the bar at the entrance of the port. Now,
the fact was, it had been ascertained that the bar con-
sisted simply of soft sand, and he bad the satisfaction of
stating that the East India Company were so convinced
of the value and importance of the harbour that twA
steamers had been sent out for the purpose of dredging
the bar, so that a full flow of 20 feet water would be per-
manently secured. lie should mention also that the
harbour was what is called landlocked, by the protec-
tion of a headland called Nora Point. Having said so
much in reference to the harbour, which it was of the
utmost importance that the mercantile interest should be
made acquainted with, ho would now proceed to say
something in respect of the railway which they proposed
to construct. Some portions of the Indus were so dan-
gerous to navigate, that according to a return furnished
by the Government authorities, no fewer than two out t f
seven of the boats coming down were lost. There was
another point of considerable importance in connection
wi, h the navigation of the Indus, which was, that vessels
fitted for the navigation of the river down to the Delta
were totally useless for ocean navigation. There were
many p, into therefore, from which it might be seen that
a considerable economy would •be accomplished in the
navigation alone ; but when the extension f the com-
munication was ope: e Ito the Puujtub, by a scueme of •
ralway and river transit, the advantages of the system
which he (the chairman) had advocated in 1846 would,,
andp water
thatco nvtehje antetime
he trusted, be done justice to. In short, he desired to
see the principla which he then advocated carried out in
the present iustanee. It was a frequent objection in this
country that the sya-em of intercommunication proposed
invoiced
a journey
oiceatich
was,fre
under all circumstances, ridiculously prolong el. The
exponents of such views as these should bear in mind
bqyue railwaynt trae F shrnn t
that in England we were accustomed to travel at the
rate of 400 miles a day, but the fact was that 10 or 12
miles a day was a very good rate of travelling in
India, upon which the system to be introduced was
a marked amendment. When the value of time wan ap.
preciated in India as it was in England, there would not
be wanting capital to carry oat a continuous system of
railway. (Hear.) He was reminded that Government
were about tci put on two steamers between Kim ecbe.
and ,Sne.a fee-4be purpose of proving the amount of owns
marital demand for that lino of transit. , The hoo.gessi."
tleman then moved the adoption of the report. ' -
Sir H. MAl:mom seconded the motion, and observed that the line proposed from Kurrachee (110 miles) to
Hydrabad would open up a communication with thirty
millions of people and all the commerce of Central
Asia. For his own part be did not doubt that such
would be the advantages of the present line of railway
that in fifteen years' time they would have a line from
Lahore to Kurrachee. A 9 to the port of Kurrachee, no
doubt ought to be entertained on the sul jest, for recent
surveys showed that ships of 700 to 800 tons have passed
into the harbour. It had a bar of soft sand, and as Mr.
Andrew had said, the East India Company had sent
oat two steamers to cut through the send, and when
the work was accomplished the port of Kurrachee
would be more accessible than the port of Calcutta.
In answer to questions, Mr. YARROW, the engineer,
said no doubt the line might be completed within three
years from the present time.
After some further conversation, the report and ac-
c nititi were adopted, as was a resolution, authorising
a reduction of the number of directors to five, three to
be a quorum ; Mr. Andrew and Mr. Williams were re-
elected directors, and Messrs. Mackenzie and Borra-
daile were re-elected auditors, and votes of thanks har.
ing been given to the chairman and directors, the meet-
ing separated.

METROPOLITAN BOARD OF WORKS.

Last evening a complimentary dinner was given at the
Albion Tavern, Aldersgate-street, by..the Chairman of
the Metropolitan Board of Works to the members of
that body and the metropolitan members of Parliament.
Amongst the company were the Lord Mayor, Sir B.
Hall, M.P., Sir James Duke, M.P., Sir J. V. Shelley,
M.P., Sir W. Clay, M.P., Mr. Apsley Pellatt, M.P.,
Mr. Montagu Caambers, M.P , Sir Charles Napier,
M.P., Mr. Masterman, M.P., Mr. W. Williams, M.P.,
Mr. Alderman and Sheriff Rose, Mr. Woolrycb, secre-
tary to tie board, Mr. Nicholay, Mr. Offer, Major
Lynn, &c.
The usual loyal toasts having been duly honoured,
The CHAIRMAN proposed the " Army and Navy,"
coupled a itti the names of Major Lyon and Admiral Sir
Charles Napier.
Major LYON returned thanks for the army.
Adtairal Sir C. NAPIER, in acknowledging the toast
on behalf of the navy, said he felt very much obliged to
the company for the honour they had done him. Though
the navy bad not yet had the opportunity which the
army ha I experienced of distinguishing itself during the
present war (the enemy, notwithstanding his bold and
enterprising spirit, having kept so close in port that it
was impossible. to get at him), he could assure them that
the navy was just as willing and ready as in former wars
to do those deeds of glory which had recommended them
to the favourable notice of their countrymen. (Rear.)
He was happy to say that by the direction of the present
Government— should the war continue—it would be seen
that there never was a navy sent t ) sea in such an A-
-1 cient state as the Baltic fl.!et would be sent this year.
The Government, he was happy to a iy, had aeon the ne-
cessity of sending proper shipethere, and no vessels were
to be employed that were not in good acting order. It
appeared that 200 gun and mortar boats were now ready -
fur the Baltic service, ith a fleet consisting of 100 sail
and pennants. With these advantages he was quite
sure that, if it wore possible to get at the Russians this
year, either through Sweaborg or Cronstadt, they would
make a very severe example of them, and give a good
account of themselves to the 'Government. (Rear.)
The CHAIRMAN next gave "Her Majesty's Ministers
and Sir Benjamin Hall."
_ _ _

Sir B. HALL, in returning thanks, said they were met
on this occasion for social rather than political objects,
and therefore he should best discharge his duty, and act
most in accordance with the feelings of the company,
if he confined himself to the expression of his thanks
for the compliment which they had paid the Government.
(Hear, hear.) He conceived they were met here for
the purpose of supporting the operation of an act of
Parliament which hal lately been passed, and that he
was invited because he was the author of that measure,
and the successful promoter of it. A quarter of a
century had elapsed since be first took his seat iu the
House of Commons, and for nearly 23 years be had
represented one of the largest constituencies of the
empire. (Hear.) He bait always hoped that the
time would one day arrive when he might be enabled
to make some return for the confidence which had been
placed in him by preparing a measure of reform which
would produce good and great results ; and the mo nett
he accepted office he determined that a session should
not pass without his laying before the Government a
scheme for the better regulation of the tnetropoli4, in
order that the various parishes might be brought into
that state of local- se!f-government of which he had
always been the earnest and uncompromising advocate.
It. was satisfactory to Lim to find that, notwithi tending
the difficulties he had encountered at the outset, the bill
—owing in a great measure to the assistance he had al-
w•ays received • Ifrom his noble friend at the head of the Go.
eminent, who supported him at every step and from his
noble friend the present Secretary of State for the Homo
Department—had met with the greatest eneourrge nent
and success. The bill had passed, and be was happy to
perceive from the reports of the proceedings of the
Board of Works, and from commusicstions which
reached him day after day, that there was scarcely any
provision in a legislative enactment containing no less
than 250 clauses, which required alteration or revision.
So far the government had been successful In their en-
deavour to establish reform in the management of the
metropolis. And be was happy to say that anothi r bill
of a similar tendency was about to be introduced—viz.,
an act for such reforms in the corporation of the City of
London as might be necessary in consequence of altered
times and circumstances. Front what Ile had seen of the
draft of the bill, he believed it would preserve to the cor-
poration all those rights and privileges to which
they were entitled ; whilst at the same time it
would give to the City of London those principles of
local self-government which were enjoyed by our large
provincial towns. With regard to tee present bill, he
need only observe that the principle of local self govern-
ment rested with them (the Metropolitan Board of
Works). It was for them to determine whether that
principle was to be extended over the whole empire.
They had many anxious and important duties to dis.
charge •
and he might be allowed to say that if, as the
Chief dommissioner for Public Works, he cntCd render
them any assistance, he begged they would call upon
hint to aid them ; and if he ceased to be a minister, but
retained a seat in the house, he should always be readily
at their service. He should never forget
the debt of
gratitude which he owed to the metropolis ; and he was
proud of being the author of the bill which had called
this influential body into existence. (Cheers.)
Other toasts having been given and responded to, the
company separated after a very agreeable evening.

AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS.—Lord Stanley of Alderley
will shortly introduce aGovernment bill for the purpose
of giving effect to the recommendation of the Lords'
committee on the subject of am icultural statistics.
THE LATE ACCIDENT ON THE NORTH KENT RAILWAY..
—Yesterday, at the Surrey Sessions, Richard Beattie,
a watchman in the employ of the South Eastern Rail-
way Company, surrendered to answer the charge of
having, by neglect of duty, caused an accident of a most
serious description. The evidence was in accordance
with the particulars which recently appeared in our
columns, and to show that the accident (whisb, as will
be recollected, took place in September last, bEtween
New-cross and the Surrey Canal Bridge) was caused by
the prisoner's omission to shift the point, and by his
showing a wrong signal. It WU elicited on cross-exami.
nation of the witnesses, that the prisoner s duties were
very numerous, and that since the accident the company
bad reduced the speed of the trains, and the hours of
attendance of the switchmen. The prisoner had been
stpweecntteyd. Mr. Tobiason,yearsinthecompo n his behalf,nysservice, urdwas much re-
ged that cri-
rn
acte
mi
of
nal liabilityforg etfasihnoeussld. not
Thei) jury
ytacrheetti to
returned momentary
ua verdict of
" guilty," with a recommendation to mercy on account
of the multiplicity of the prisoner's duties. The Chair-
man, in passing sentence, said that such multifarious
duties, and so responsible a position as the prisoner's,
Looking at the pri-
sooungehrt,
st oe
xecne
ltiasinl t achl
character,
brearcat
el r salary,h he
tho u
ght that justice would
be satisfied by a merely nominal punishment. Sentence
seven days' imprisonment. This lenient award appeared
to give Batiefaction to those prompt.

ROYAL PRINCIPAS'S THEATRE, OXFORD-STREET.
Under the Itanagernerit of Mr. CHAsUiI YEAR.
THIS EVENING,
KING HENRY TEE EIGHTH.
Queen Katharine. Mrs. C. Kean; Cardinal Wolsey, Mr. C. Kean.
After which,
HARLEQUIN AND THE MAID AND THE MAGPIE ; or, the
Fairy Paradisa and Hanky Panky, the Enchanter.
Harlequin, Mr. Cormack ; Clown, Mr. Italica ; Pantaloon, Mr.
Paulo ; and Coltunhine, Miss Caroline Adams.

TITZATRE ROYAL ADELPECI.
P:oPrf stcs:, lit. E. Webster.—Dlrectress, Madame Celeste.

THIS EVE/TING.
-.BETTY MARTIN.

After which.
BETSY BAKES.
To be followed by
THAT BLESSED BABT.

To conclude with

ACK AND THE BEAN qTALICI or,
.Itiarleqntn and Mother

Goose at Eon* Again.

which Mews. J. BUM. P. Bedford. -Madam Celeste, Miss
Wyndham, and Miss E. Arden will appear.

ROYAL OLT ANC THEATRE.
Lessee and Manager, Mr. Alfred Wigan.
THIS EVENING.
STAY AT HOME.

After which will he— produce-I a N'ew and denbly-moral. though
exoestively old, Melodramatic Fairy Extravaganza, entitled
TFIE DISCREET PRINT JESS ; o-, the Three Glass Distaffs.
In which Messrs. Emery, F. Ro4san, H. Cooper, Miss Marston,
eel Miss Maskell will appear.

ROYAL SL-ZREY THEATRE.

Lessees, Mews. Shepherd and Cresniek.
TIIIS EVENING

JASPER LINGTON ; or, A Duel to the Death.
To conclude -.with
A PRINCE or P ;ART A ; or, llarlevin and Jane Shore.

ABTLEY'S ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE.
Lessee and Manalier, Mic. Win. Cooke.
TIII3 EVENING,
First time, a grand Oriental Equestrian Spectacle, called THE
ARAB OF THE DESERT AND TITS FAITHFUL STEED. The
principal character by Mr. W. Cooke, jun.
After which the SCENES in the CIRCLE and the performance of
the Stupendous Elephants, one of which ascends uncontrolled upon a
narrow inclined plane from the centre of the ring to an elevation 12
feet above the stage.
To conclude with HARLEQUIN AND ST. GEORGE AND THE
DRAGON.

Box-office open Prom Eleven till Four. Stage Manager, Mr. W.
West. Equestrian Director. Mr. W. Cooke. inn.

EMMA STXVLEY'S SEVEg MISS OF WOMAINT,
Every Evening at S, and on Saturdays at 3.
Pronounced by the unanimous voice of the press. and by nightly
increasing audiences, to be the Greatest Artistical Triumph of the
day.

SAINT MARTIN'S HALL. Long-acre.

Area, ls. Reserved Chairs, 23. Ed.

HIGH WATER. AT LONDON BRIDGE.
Tam DAY—Morn. 19 min. aft. I—Evening 49 min. aft. 1
Tn-Sionaow—Morn. 59 rain. aft. I—Evening 19 min. aft. 2

THE WEATHER—SIII4 OFFICE, FE8.19.
THERMOMETER, IN TRIM SHADE.
40—highest shme noon yesterday.
38—lowest this morning and daring the night.
39—this day at noon.
BAROMETER, 2916.
WIND, N.E. Fresh, with bitter cold, hazy weather.

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,§IZ,

LONDON, TUESD&Y, FEBRUARY 19, 1856

The Chancellor of the Exchequer has made his
demand. Five millions sterling by way of loan,
and a funding of three millions of Exchequer
Bills is all that the Financial Minister requires for
the time being. The diminutive offspring of the
teeming mountain scarcely excited greater con-
tempt and ridicule among those who had in gaping
expectation awaited its advent. There was cer-
tainly no great "welcome for the little stranger."
A feeling of astonishment was perceptible on every
side when the paltry announcement was made.
Was it for that the capitalists were convened,
some of whom might take the entire amount with
but little difficulty ?—was that the thunderbolt
which had fallen on the money market, and
frighted the Isle from its propriety, causing a
monetary panic, and a general fall of nearly 2 per
cent, on all classes of securities, public and pri-
vate. Many of the parties who yielded to the first
impression must have felt deeply humiliated at the
position in which they have placed themselves and
the country by their fruitless apprehensions.
The loan of 5,000,0001. is clearly insufficient.
It is neither one thing nor another. It disturbs
the money market, without seeking for any ade-
quate result. If all the preparations for war are
to be carried on without cessation, an additional
loan, and for a much larger amount, will be inevit-
able. This is still kept hanging over the market ;
the inevitable result being to depress quotations,
and injuriously affect public credit. All that
could be elicited from the Chancellor of the Ex-
chequer was, that "no similar financial measure
will be taken during the period in which the pre-
sent loan and funding are in progress"—that is
to say, until the 24th of April next, when the-
last instalment will lzm payable. The only respite
given is for two months, and during that time the
public must draw their own conclusions, which
can scarcely be very favourable to the financial
department of the Government.
It is to be regretted on many grounds that so
favourable an opportunity for replenishing the
National Treasury, and rendering the Exchequer
perfectlyindependent of the Bank was disregarded.
It seems as if the Government had resolved upon
peace at any price, or on any conditions, and
thought that the additional amount that must be
required, could be obtained on'issore favourable
terms after a temporary peace had been patched
up. It is needless to show how injuriously this
supposition must affect the interests of Great
Britain. Had we placed ourselves in a perfectly
easy position in pecuniary matters, much greater
weight would be attached to the arguments of
our representatives. Unequivocal testimony
would be afforded that England was at length in
earnest, and would display the inflexible deter-
mination which could alone prevent any attempt
at diplomatic trickery and evasion of pledges
deliberately and advisedly entered into.

It is, in fact, so far as any reasonable opinion
can be formed, a following up of the GLADSTONE
financial policy, that was attended with such pre-
judicial consequences to the best interests of the
nation, and which had no trilling effect in forcing
on the War. At the very time when the late
ArrocsAr was dropping ominous hints as to the
division of the Sick Man's assets, Mr. GLA.DsIoNE