The Sun.
London, England, 1858-01-14 00:00:00

AT SHANGHAI.

British.—The Cormorant, gunboat, 4, Lieutenant
Saumarez ; the Pique, ship, 36, Commander Sir F. W.
Nicholson.
French.—The Capricieuse, frigate, 40, Captain Col-
lier ; the Durance, steamer, 12, Commander Choyin.

PASS PSGERS FROM INDIA, CHINA, dc.

The following is a list of the passengers now on their
way to England par Peninsular and Oriental Company's
steamer Pera, Captain Soy, which sailed from Malta at
3 p.m. on the Bth inst. with the heavy portion of the
India and China mails, and it is expected to arrive at
Southampton on Sunday next :
From Calcutta.—Mr. J. Mackenzie, Mrs. Lindsay,
infant, and servant ; Miss Morris, Mrs. Ross, Rev. H.
Purton, Mr. J. Hunt, Mr. B. Benett, Captain Western,
Miss Mackenzie, Mrs. Moncrieff, three children, and
servant ; Mr. R. Hall, late purser of steamship Rajah ;
Mrs. Creighton and three children ; Hon. Mrs. 'last.
ings, four children, and servant.
From Madras.—Mrs. Dorehill and two children, Mr.
Johnstone, Mr. Dickson, and Mr. Roche.
From Bombay.—Mrs. Fullerton, two children, and
two servants ; Mrs. Anderson, two children, and ser-
vant ; Lieutenant Harris, and Mr. J. G. Jeffs.
. From Galle.—Mrs. Hancock, child, and servant ; Mr.
Sivans, child, and servant ; Mr. Cutajas.
From Singapore.—Mr. Waterwortk.
Fr.)na Hong Kong.—Captain Hoogenstroaten, Mr.
Jenner, Mr. Ripon, Mr. Bush, Mr. Henderson, Mr.
Spencely and taco servants.
From Alexandria.—Mr. Logan and 11 servants, Capt.
Duncan, Lieutenant Ballie, Mr. Malony.
From Malta.—Mr. Fletcher, Mr. Sandy, Mr.
Haworth, Sergeant and Mrs. Burdon, Sir Frederregt
Blackwood, Mr. A. Dean, Mr. Trollope, Mr. Stephen

ST. MARGARET'S ii-G-Isi—E-7--W-e-----tinderstand that the
Owner of the premises at East Grinsteed VOW occupied
by the Sisters of the Society, has refused to renew the
lease under which it is held, and which expires at Mid-
summer next ; the reason being that bis conscience will
not allow bins to let • house in which, the practice a
confession is carried on.—
confession Advertider.

E[ER MAJESTY'S THEATRE,
THIS EVENING.
Piccolomini, Spezia, Giaglini, Belletti, Rossi, Vialetti,
and Aldighieri.
THIS EVENING (Thursday, Jan. 14),
LA TRAVIATA.

Prices :—Pit Stalls, 12s 6d; boxes (to hold four persons),
it and one pair, 2/. 2s ; grand tier, 31, 3s ; two pair, 11. 55.;
three pair, 15e ; gallery boxes, 103; gallery stalls, 3s 6d ;
pit, 3s 6d; gallery, 2s,

ITER MAJESTY'S THEATRE.—
Her MAJESTY the QUEEN has graci-
ously signified her intention of HONOURING with her
PRESENCE a SERIES of FOUR FESTIVAL PERFORM.
ANCES, intended to be presented at the period of the ap-
proaching Nuptials of her Royal Highness the PRINCESS
ROYAL with his Royal Highness the Prince FREDERICK
WILLIAM of PRUSSIA.
The general arrangements are under the direction of Mr.
Mitchell, in co-operation with Mr. Lumley, and favoured by
the assistance of the following Managers of the Metropolitan
Theatres;
Smith Theatre Royal, Drury-lane.
Mr.
Mr. Beckstone Haymarket Theatre.
Mr. Webster Adelphi Theatre.
Mr. Harrison and Miss Pyne Lyceum Theatre.
Mr. Robson and Mr. Emden Olympic Theatre.
Mr. Phelps ......... ..... Sadler's Wells Theatre.
The prograxame will comprise the following Entertain-
ments

On TVESDAY, January 19,
MACBEIII.
Produced under the direction of Mr. Phelps.
Mo.cbeth, Mr. Phelps ; Lady Macbeth, Miss Helen Faucit.
Wish Locke's Incidental Music, under the direction of

Mr. Benedict.
And Mr. Oxenford's Farce of
TWICE KILLED.
In which Mr. and Mrs. Keeley will perform.

THURSDAY, January 21.
Balfe's New Opera,
THE ROSE OF CASTILLE,
By Miss Flynt), Mr. Harrison, Mr. Weiss, and the Operatie
Company of the Lyceum Theatre ; conductor,
Mr. A. Mellon.
With a COMIC AFTERPIECE.

SATURDAY, January 23,
AN ITALIAN OPERA,
ty Maas). Piccolomini, Signor Giuglini, and the Principal
Artistes of Mr. Lumley's Theatre.
And a FESTIVAL CANTATA composed by
Mr. Howard Glover.
With a BALLET DIVERTISSEMENT.

Fourth Performance,
AN ENGLISH COMEDY,
By Mr. Bnckstone's Company of the Haymarket Theatro.
And an AFTERPIECE, in which Mr. Wright and Members
of the Adelphi Company will perform.

Admission to the pit (for which a limited
number of tickets will be issued.... los. 6d.
Gallery stalls (reserved and numbered) 6s. Od.
Gallery 3s. Od.
Applications for boxes, orchestra stalls, and tickets to
be made at the Box-office of the Theatre, and at Mr. Mitchell's
P.oyal Library, 33, Old Bond-street.
-

THEA TR E-R OYA L, DRURY-LANE.
Lessee, Mr. E. T. Smith.
THIS EVENING, will be performed THE LADIES'
BATTLE, in which Mr. and Mrs. Leigh Murray and Miss M.
Oliver will perform.
After which, the new grand pantomime, LITTLE JACK
HORNER.
Commence at 7.

THEATRE ROYAL, HAYMARKET,
Lessee—Mr. J. B. Buckstone.

THIS EVENING, to commence at Seven o'clock, with
SINGLE LIFE.
After which, a new comic Christmas Pantomime, entitled
THE SLEEPING BEAUTY IN THE WOOD ; or, Harle-
quin and the Spiteful Fairy. Harlequin, Mr. A. Leclercq ;
Columbine, Miss Fanny Wright ; Pantaloon, Mr. Mackay ;
Clown, Mr. Charles Leclercq.
Orchestra Stalls (which may be retained the whole of the
eveningk6s. each. (No charge for booking.)
First Moe. s. d. Second price. s. d
Dress Boxes 5 0 Dress Boxes 3 0
Upper Boxes ....... ........ 3 0 Upper Boxes 2 0
Pit 2 0 Pit 1 0
Gallery 1 0 Gallery 0 6

ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE.
Proprietor, Mr. Charles Kean.

,
THIS EVENING, will be performed Skakspere's Tragedy
of HAMLET. Hamlet, Mr. C. Kean.

After which, a new grancl comic Christmas Pantomime,
entitled HARLEQUIN WHITE CAT; or, The Princess
Blanche Flower and her Fairy Godmothers. The Princess
Blanche (White Cat), Miss Kate Terry ; Harlequin, Mr. Cox.-
ma* ; Clown, Mr. Flurme; Pantaloon, Mr. Paulo ; and
Columbine, Miss C. Adams.

THEATRE ROYAL, AD EL PHI,
Lessee—Mr. Ben. Webster.

THIS EVENING, will be performed the second and
third acts of THE GREEN BUSHES, in which Madame
Celeste, and Mr. Wright will perform.
After which, a Mythological Extravaganza, entitled
HARLEQUIN, OR THE LOVES OF CUPID AND
PSYCHE. Jupiter, Mr. Paul Bedford ; Mars, Mr. Frank
Hall ; Venus, Mrs. Billington ; Cupid, Miss Marie Wilton ;
Psyche, Miss Mary Keeley.

OYAL LYCEUM THEATRE.—SoIe Lessee
and Manager, Mr. C. Dillon.—

THIS EVENING, will be presented Sir E. L. Bulwer's
play of RICHELIEU. Principals. characters by Messrs
~, It • —•••4 •
To conclude with the Burlesque and Pantomime, LALLAH
ROOKH, and the PRINCESS, the PERI, and the TROU-
BADOUR ; or, Harlequin and the Ghebers of the Desert.
Supported by Mesdames Charles Dillon, Buckingham Whits,
Eliza Webb, Maria Ternan, Esther Jacobs, and Woolgar ;
Messrs. Barrett, Calhaem, Holston, Poynter, and J. L.
Toole. Clowns, Messrs. T. Matthews and R. Stilt ;
Harlequin, Mr. J. Ricketts; Pantaloon, Mr. A. Stilt ; Sprites,
Herr Zeleski and Sons , • Columbines, Misses Malcolm and

,
Lees. Gorgeous Feast of Lanterns.—Fenton's Grand Trans-
formation Scene.

Doors open at half-past 6, to commence at 7.
A Morning Performance on Saturday next, Jan. 16, to com-
mence at half-past 2, on which occasion the Boys of the Duke
of York's School will attend.
On Monday next, a new and original Comedy, by Leigh
Hunt, Esq.
3ox.office open from 11 to 5 daily.

ROYAL SURREY THEATRE.
Lessees, Messrs. Shepherd and Craswick.
THIS EVENING, will be performed PERILS BY LAND
AND WAVE.
After which, QUEEN NAB ; or Harlequin Romeo and
%Met. Clown, by the Surrey Buck ; Pantaloon, Mr. Brad-
my.

STRAND THEATRE.—Lessee, Mr. T. Payne.
—THIS EVENING, will be performed
HARLEQUIN NOVELTY AND THE PRINCESS WHO
LOST HER HEART. Harlequin, Miss Craven ; Columbine,
Madlle. Deulin ; Sprite, Herr Kirt. The Lambert Family
and the Red Man of Agar in their wonderful performance,

Commence at Seven. Stalls, 35.; Boxes, 25.; Pit, Is.;
Gallery 6d.

CANTERBURY HALL, Westminster-road.—
OPEN EVERY EVENING.—The follow-
ing company of Vocalists are engaged for the performance of
Selections from all the popular OPERAS, MADRIGALS,
CHORUSES, GLEES, DUETS lac., viz. :—Miss Russell,
Mrs. Bedacy, Madlle. Marietta, Miss Brunel, Miss Ray,
Madame Bartoletti, Miss Montague, and. Madame Marietta ;
Herr F. Jonghmans, Mr. Renshaw, R. Grover, T. Farrant,
13. Jones, J. Barker, W. Melling, Senor Antonio, E. L.
Rime, Mr. Badgey, Mr. Edwards, Mr. Bell, and Mr. Ber-
nard; Messrs. W. T. Critchfield and E. Mackney. Piano.
forte Mr. Cecil Hicks ; harmonium, Master Williams ;
Director, Herr F. Jonghmans. Commence at Seven o'clock
precisely. Suppers, drs., until twelve o'clock.
Mr. AIIGUSTITS BRAHAII will make his first appearance on
Monday, the 25th inst.

HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE.

TRIM DAT —Morn., 35 min. aft. I—Even., 0 min aft. 2
TO-MOBEOW—Morn., 20 min. aft. 2—Even., 40 min. aft. 2

THE WEATHER—SUN OFFICE, JANUARY 14.
THRRMONETER, IN THE SHADE.
49—highest since noon yeste_rday.
36—lowest this morning and during the night.
41—this day at noon.
Beitozarnm 30.38.
WIND. S.W. ; light, with hazy weather, and glimpses
of sunshine. Frost in the night.

V- ,-...' -:
41-....... c--,
gr b
'
Int
..,. ...•........ .

LONDON, THURSDAY, JAN. 14, 1858.
_...._

A. very important and interesting meeting took
place yesterday at the East India House, Leaden-
hall-street, in reference to the contemplated abo.
lition of the Company's charter, and the assump-
tion of the Government by Her MAJESTY, through
her responsible Ministers. Of course, the
Directors and proprietors were opposed to the
project ! It was scarcely to be anticipated that
any body of men would willingly surrender the
power and patronage which they enjoyed under
the existing system, or that they would not make
every exertion to retain that which was very bene-
ficial to themselves and their friends, although it
might be quite the reverse to the countless mil-
lions who were placed under their rule, and to an
Overwhelming majority of the inhabitants of
the United Kingdom. No monopoly was
ever surrendered without loud protests on the
pail of those who fancied that they were person-
ally interested in its continuance &eh persons
have always endeavoured to cover their own
wishes under the mask of patriotism Without

their interference public matters could not be
properly carried on, and while they were really
looking only to themselves and their private in- 1
terests, it was something to be enabled to chatter 1
about the vast benefits_ they were conferring on
the community at large. It has been from the
beginning, and will be so to the end of the
chapter—from the Alpha to the Omega.
Parliament has, however, to look not merely to
the East India Company, but to the general wel-
fare of the native population of India, and also to
the interest of the British community. Neither
have been promoted under the existing system,
and it is full time that we adopted a different
one, under which better prospects for the future
might be ensured. The anomaly of the double
Government has long been painfully notorious.
It led to the mutiny of +he Bengal army, and the
rebellion which has not yet been suppressed.
There was no responsibility in any quarter, and
complaints were bandied about so that there was
1 bat little chance of obtaining redress for any
grievance, however flagrant. India was virtually
held for the benefit of the Civil Service, and the
Civil Service only ; and, unless a candidate for
employment in that country had interest with
some Director, he might abandon the expectation,
without wasting his time or resources in the use-
less pursuit. Indeed, a person who had only
merit to recommend him, would have a far better
chance of obtaining a clerkship in the Treasury,
or the Customs, or a commission in the British
army, than a writerahip or cadetship.
Nor is the system for the benefit of the pro-
prietors, save so far as they can procure a return
for votes given at the elections of Directors.
They receive a certain rate of dividend on their
stock which will be paid, whether the affairs of
India be prosperous or otherwise. For every
1001. invested they receive, and must until 1874
receive 101. 10s. per annum, and the charge can
only then be redeemed by the payment of 2001.
• Their pecuniary interests have thus been well
attended to, and any others do not merit a
moment's consideration by the Legislature.

It was the policy of annexation, inaugurated
by Lord DA.LHOUSIE, that mainly produced the
present crisis. No doubt inefficient administration
of justice by persons who, being bad diplomatists,
or collectors, were pitchforked into the judicial
bench, contributed to that deplorable result.
Great expectations were entertained as to what
the Noble Marquis might effect for India ; but
unfortunately for that country, and for the
United Kingdom, he lent himself to the Company,
and strained every nerve to carry out their views.
He might have rendered his name illustrious by
the creation of great public works, and facilities
for communication with this country. But now
we can chiefly speak of his sins of omission—of
what he might have done, but did not do, and
other acts of positive injustice. He also set aside
the former mode of conveying troops, which, if
continued, would have been highly advantageous
during the existing crisis.
What, we ask, can be said of the gross negli-
gence manifested with respect to telegraphic com-
munications with India the existence of which
would not only have relieved many anxious hearts,
but would, even within the late year, have saved
to the country more than ten times its cost.
Two projects were put forward, either of
which might have been properly accepted,
and would have been of immense service.
Both ought to have been advanced, for we ought
not to have been dependent on a single line where
there might have been a possible interruption.
The Times, in its City Article, which we have
inserted in another part of our impression, argues
so justly on this part of the case that there is no
necessity for putting forward additional reasons in
ganvorhaisguit- -*Ur cm?"' notntni" itself, nor
will it afford the requisite encouragement
to private enterprise. The mere fact
that HAYELOCE surrendered his noble soul with-
out knowing the public feeling of England,
to say nothing of the poSsibility of his life being
sacrificed, the slowness of communication would
alone condemn the course of apathy and inaction
that has been pursued. We cannot, however,
place the burden on the right shoulders, or say
who is the delinquent under the present regime.
The sooner it is abolished the better for all parties
concerned, even for the East India Company, and
incomparably so for the people of the United
Kingdom and of Hindostan.

There is every reason to hope that the rate of
discount at the Bank of England will be forthwith
reduced to more reasonable dimensions. The
store of bullion, and with it the reserve of notes,
are rapidly improving, and the quasi national
establishment is underbid in Lombard-street, and
by all the discounting houses. The London and
Westminster Bank has reduced the rate for
money deposited at call to 3 per cent. for
500/, and upwards, and 2 per cent. for
less sums. When unexceptionable bills are
readily discounted at 4 per cent. out of
doors, it cannot be supposed that the Old
Lady can still exact 6 per cent. from her cus-
tomers. The payment of so exorbitant a rate
►would show that they could not be in a sound or
healthy position. It is probable that a change
may be made even this day, but if not, it is cer-
tain that it cannot be long deferred.

The second suspension of the Bank Charter
Act has thus again proved an effectual remedy
against the terrible evils produced by that inequit-
able and impolitic law. It has been virtually
abrogated, and the country was thereby saved
from calamities, of which an adequate estimate
can scarcely be made. The ;Times, the organ of
the hard calculators, admitted that but for the
tardy movement of the Government, the rate of
interest must have advanced to 20 or 30 per
cent., and that an immense amount of property
must have changed hands at a heavy sacrifice by its
present proprietors. Why, then, should a system
be perpetuated that has produced or even aggra-
vated the mischief g The monetary code has been
weighed in the balance and found wanting. It
is opposed to the industrial community, and should
be forthwith repealed. Free trade in currency is
required even more than in commodities. It would
be far better to pay higher prices with increased
means than to be tantalised by want in the sight
of abundance. We had a magnificent harvest.
Everything would have been in the most satis-
factory condition,
but for the drain of bullion,
and still more from its being hoarded by " hard
calculators." T
is
clear that all the money could
not have simultaneously vanished from the
earth, and again been miraculously restored when
the emergency had passed away. it was
at the same time wanting in every part of the old
and the new world. It was not that any nation
had obtained more than its due proportion, for all
were equally embarrassed. It follows, therefore,
as' a natural consequence that there must " have
been a general conspiracy of hard calculators" in
all parts of the globe to plunder their softer com-
panions.

Surely then the time has arrived, when
the British people ought to shake off the
apathy into which they have so long been sunk,
to arouse themselves to a true sense of their

situation, and look to their own interests,
and the real interests of the nation. They have
been bamboozled and plundered for a series of
years, and the "looting" will be continued JO
long as they sanction the process. If the Commit-
tee be an open one, and its proceedings published
daily, the mattx may be satisfactorily arranged,
but if they are kept secret it will practically be
shelved, and nothing will be done until, in the
course of the inevitable pycle, another and a more
terrible crisis occurs than that of 1847 or 1857,
and the voice of public opinion imperiously de-
mands the abolition of the obnoxious law and the
i übstitution of a better and more equitable mono-
hry code.