The Sun.
London, England, 1859-02-09 00:00:00

COURT OF ALDERMEN.

t mo'asF A held
COUNCILMAN
for the dispatch of
ed in the adjourned considera•
of Mr. John Elder Duffield,
'AR]) OF ALDERSGATE.
ptpubliciloYsTnpherseotTfebcErtuopFdhsu
loaei
REny:eppasTEesri
ictP.:iit:looe:nNd•
complaining of defects in the list of electors for
this ward, and against the return of Deputy Lor.
kin as common councilman.

It will be recollected that the petition complained.
that the list wrongfully omitted the names of cer-
tain freemen entitled to -vote, while it contained the
names of others not entitled to vote, and that
Deputy Lorkin had been elected common council-
man notwithstanding he was not a householder
within the ward. The petition prayed that the
election might be declared void, and that Deputy
Lorkin had not been properly elected.
Mr. De Jersey appeared on behalf of Deputy'
Lorkin.

Mr. Duffield said that the first objection ho
should make to the proceedings on St. Thomas's-
day last was that the list of voters relating to the
election was not a true list, and that therefore the
election was irregular and illegal. He referred to
the statute of tho 2d Will. IV., cap. 45, sec. 54#
which stated that the duties of the revising officer
were to commence on the Ist October
in every
year.
' The Lord Mayor—Does that act apply to the
City of London ?
Mr. Duffield—This is the.foundation of the frau-
chise. The list that I contend ought to have been
made use of on that occasion was the list of 1858,
and not that of 1857. The act says that on the Ist
of November in every succeeding year the list shall
be given to the officer appointed to receive it. Th
act says that that shall be the list then in force ;
and it follows that if a simultaneous election were
to take place for a member to serve for_ the City of
London in Parliament, on and after the Ist day of
November, one of the grossest anomalies would
freemen occupiers with.
a member
atnod voteNote
uponfor the list of
exist, because the
the non-freemen occupiers who are on the
is the etghrose list then in force. Thy
loliefB:sl3iBosaft relblrBieeascdina7uellsinsesttu' bom thatwouldi
t is not the true list, and that the
Fhe °ree last were aline-,
onneoSnts.eTquheonmeaes'osi
they votes having been
taken in conformity with it.
rielldeignEsi
I. 0. Fisher
was then called by tho peti•
tioner, and said—l am a •
so icitor, and reside at 162,
Aldersgate-street. I
was present at the wardmoto
of Aldersgate on St. Thomas's-day last. I products
the Parliamentary lists and the ward lists of 1857
and 188. I
have examined both, and the name of
Deputy Lorkin is not on either.
Mr.
Piper, clerk of Aldersgate Ward, was then
examined at some length in support of the allega-
tions of the petition.
This was the case of the petitioner.
Mr. De Jersey having addressed the Court,
The Court was then cleared of strangers, who
were re-admitted after the lapse of about tea
minutes.
The Lord Mayor—Mr. Duffield, I am desired to
express to you that the full concurrence of the law-
, officers has been given to the unanimous decision of
the Court, that your petition should be dismissed.

property in pictures of rare value thus enhanced,
when the kindred enterprise recently inaugurated
in a private house down at Westminster, was set
on foot under the congenial presidency of the
accomplished Earl STANHOPE—the project of the
National Portrait Gallery—a Gallery of the Por-
traits of Great British Worthies, Poets, Warriors,
Orators, Actors, Artists, Statesmen, Philosophers,
Philanthropists. The unsightly structure look-
ing down upon " the finest site in Europe," upon
the fountains and the NELSON statue, and the
equestrian figures of Kings GEORGE and CHARLES,
and the vast colossal form of the slightly-built, but
terrible conqueror of Scinde, and the squat sic sede-
bat statue of JENNER beside him—that wretched
structure surmounted with vinegar-cruits and
pepper-castors, even if freed from occupancy by the
Royal Academy, had become incapable of contain-
ing conveniently anything like the whole of the
national collection. The time had obviously arrived
for the removal of the Royal Academy from its
precincts, preparatory to the enlarging of the site
of the present edifice and the rebuilding of it from
its very foundations. Hence the general feeling
alluded to by Mr. DISRAELI last night, " that the
Government should attempt to cut the Gordian
knot and bring the question [at last] to a settle-
ment:" We will let the Chancellor of the Ex-
chequer now speak for himself. "I undertook,"
said the Right Hon. Gentleman, " on the part of
the Government, in deference to the feeling of the
house to obtain that result, and I have the pleasure
of informing the house that I have succeeded in
accomplishing that which appeared to be the gene-
ral wish of the country. The whole of the building
in Trafalgar-square will speedily be entirely de-
voted to the National Gallery. (Cheers.)" No
wonder the statement was received with cheering.
It is precisely the one we have so long waited to
hear from the lips of one speaking authoritatively
on the part of her MAJESTY'S Government. But
the sequel is especially deserving of note, relat-
ing, as it does, the manner in which this long-
looked-for conclusion was thus happily arrived
at. " I •was so anxious," said Mr. DISRAELI,
" on the part of the Government to bring
this long-vexed question to a satisfactory settle-
ment, that I was prepared to offer to the Royal
Academy terms which were conceived in a liberal
spirit. We are prepared to recommend her MAJESTY
to grant them a site, and I may say we are pre-
pared even now to recommend this House
to ♦ote a sum of money to raise that build-
ing. But the Royal Academy, animated by
a spirit which the House will appreciate, and
which is worthy of that distinguished body, con-
sidered that if the academy were built by public
funds, their independence would be compromised ;
and, being in possession of sufficient property them-
selves, they announced their determination to raise
the building for themselves. Having had a resi-
dence furnished, if not granted, by the Crown
originally, and enjoyed so long, the Royal Academy
did not consider that in accepting the offer of a site
their independence would be at all compromised."
That site, it appears, is to be part of the ground
around Burlington House—the interior of the
future building there to be left to the disposition of
the Academy, and the exterior, if necessary,
to be subordinated to the design of the
Government. As to the mysterious gallery
in course of erection down at South Kensington,
that, happily, proves to be merely a temporary
home for the safe keeping of the. VERNON and
TURNER 4Valleries, together with . the SHEEP-
SHANKS' Collection, already there in its propin-
quity. Marlborough House being required imme-
diately for the future residence of his Royal
Highness the Prince of WALES—and the present
National Gallery, even when vacated by the Royal
Academy, not being available for the concentration
of the national collection within its walls until
after the period of its final and comprehensive re-
construction. Nothing, indeed—we must perforce
here repeat—could have been in every way
more satisfactory than the explanation as to the
rival interests of the National Gallery and the
Royal Academy, given to the House of Commons
last evening, with admirable lucidity, by the right
hon. gentleman (who must henceforth be grate-
fully regarded as the re-organiser of the National
Gallery) her Majesty's Chancellor of the Ex-
chequer.

THE WEATHER.—SUN OFFICE, FEB. 9.
THERMOMETER, IN THE SHADE.
47—highest sines noon yesterday.
47—lowest this morning and during the night.
48—this day at noon.
BAROMETER-29'48.
WIND, S.W. ; fresh, with rain, and dirty weather.

Our hopes have been fully realised in regard to
the harmonising of the confiicting.interests of the
National Gallery and the Royal Academy. Our
confidence in the satisfactory settlement of this
long-pending difficulty byAhe combined decision
and discretion of Her MAJESTY'S Government has
been justified to the full. Nothing could well be
more gratifying than the whole of the admirably
lucid statement given upon this matter last even-
ing to the House of Commons by the Right
Honourable Gentleman the Chancellor of the
Exchequer. As Mr. DISRAELI was the first
Minister of the Crown to kindle in the popular
mind a distinct and sanguine expectation of a
new palace of art—a gallery in every respect
worthy of containing en permanence the art trea-
sures of the United kingdom—so it was but fitting
that he of all men should have been the one (as the
event happily proved yesterday) to gratify the com-
munity at last with the explicit announcement
that the obstacles hitherto intervening between
us and the realisation of that golden hope
have now really been at length removed alto-
gether ! The explanation given yesterday
by the leader of the House of Commons, in answer
to the inquiry addressed to him by Sir H. WIL-
LOUGHBY, cannot by any possibility fail to give to
every reasonable mind the most complete satisfac-
tion.

Are we to have peace or war ? That is the great,
the momentous question which disturbs Europe, and
occasions a downward movement in the public
funds of every nation. A satisfactory assurance
would, even at this moment, lead to general pro-
sperity. ; but notwithstanding the 'affectation of can-
dour, there is still a reserve perceptible in the Im-
perial Speech, which induced the Parisians--who
should be the best judges—to accept it " cum grano
salt's," and which has unquestionably prevented its
from having the desired effect of bringing up stocks
and funds to the peace level, when the index of the
political barometer could point to " set fair."

We want deeds, not words. And if the EMIT,.
non would relinquish 'the preparations for war
that haN'e excited other nations, it would have
much
.greater efficacy than any language, however
conciliatory, that could be adopted. The alliance
with England may be spoken of in high terms, but
it would have been much better if England hadbeen
spared the necessity of strengthening her navy,
and maintaining at a heavy outlay the position
which it is not only an imperative duty but a
decided resolution to maintain. Britannia will
still rule the waves, and whenever she shall abdi-
cate her maritime sovereignty, it will require no
extraordinary powers of vaticination to predict her
speedy decline and fall.

The arrangement which has now been de-
finitively made reflects the highest credit at once
upon the Royal Academy and upon the Govern-
ment. Hitherto the former distinguished body, as
we all know, has found shelter for itself under the
roof-tree of one or other of the great public
buildings. It, first of all had a home in Somerset
House. It has latterly for many years past occu-
pied an entire moiety of the so-called National
Gallery, in Trafalgar-square. Custom, in this
way, might perhaps, not unreasonably, be pre-
*limed to have given it a certain claim upon the
national consideration. But the habit in re-
gard to the past gave it, unquestionably,
no right in regard to the future. The
Royal Academy found welcome year after
year within walls not belonging to itself, but to the
oountry at large—but it remained there all the
:while, so to speak, simply on sufferance. The
national collections of pictures all the while were
toeeming year after year more and more numerous.
The National Gallery, even if entirely devoted to
its original design, that of affording the paintings
belonging to this country a collective conserva-
tion would
haves been found altogether inadequate
for that purpe
Within the compass of the last
ten years the increase in the number of national
art treasures has been
Munificent patrons progressing by wholesale.
of art have bequeathed entire
in
collections to the nation
the Perpetuity. Mr. VER-
NON was the first to set
TonNezxample of this
princely munificence. Mr.
left the unrivalled productions (,)t enh. dying,
IS own
rare genius to the country that genius had
tended thus directly to enrich as w
well as
directly to adorn. Mr. SHEEPSHANKS waited not
for death, but enjoyed the noble satisfaction during
his own lifetime of witnessing the transfer "of his
superb gallery to the nation, of whose art it will
afford henceforth so very admirable and compre-
hensive an illustration, Scarcely was the national

The EMPEROR is particularly sweet on all the
Powers with whom he is in communication
save Austria. FRANCIS JOSEPH is the black
sheep who is to be expelled the flock, and who
may be " hit hard in the absence of any friends."
The reorganisation of the Danubian Principalities
is the pretext adopted, but it is manifest that is
not the real difficulty. There would in such case
be no necessity for " drawing closer to Piedmont,
which had been so devoted during war, so faithful
to the French- policy during peace." Sur
Sardinia cares but little about the Danube
Principalities. It is the Lombardo-Venetian
kingdom, with perhaps some slight aspirations
after the States of the Church, that VICTOR Mu-
mANTIEL is looking. He -would have no objection
to become a " lay Pope," and to become the Mon-
arch of United Italy. But that object cannot be
quite so easily obtained as it might have been ten
years since but for the interference of French and
Austrian bayonets.
rt re iqa
u, i
rsepde at ko s s
uocfce"dthine"
He now reproaches Austria,
great spirit of concil
solving questions of principle; the "drawing
closer " to Piedmont, in the
notorious state
of its relations with Austria, beyondprovesFraneeis
the
possibility of doubt or difficulty that
pre-
pared to enter the field at any moment, and to tak
the initiative against Austria. It will not be very
difficult to find a point whereon to dispute. There
are open questions that will furnish any bellicose
nation with abundant excuses. Indeed, there are
always standing topics that might be made pre-
texts for hostilities, that require what the EMPEROR
terms a " great spirit of conciliation" to keep in re-

serve, but which may at any moment be resorted
to by the party anxious to commence hostilities.

The EMPEROR himself has been astonished at the
uneasy feeling, " vague anxiety, and hollow agita-
tion" that has disturbed France. He is grieved
.rather than surprised, in consequence of society
having been shattered by so many revolutions, b'it
he wishes to reassure these timid parties, and to
show that the peace and tranquillity of Europe
will be preserved, notwithstanding his bellicose
demonstrations. Some may invoke war with
all their hearts, without legitimate reasons—
others may amuse themselves by showing to
France the dangers of a " new coalition," he will re-
main firm, and peace, he hopes, will not be disturbed.
This great, this all-important question, depends
on his mysterious will. He can " cry havoc, and
let slip the dogs of war;" if he thinks proper
so to do. He can preserve the peace
and tranquillity of Europe, and promote
the prosperity of trade and commerce. A great
-:esponsibility rests upon him, but, as we have
already stated, " acta non verbs" should be his
motto. He should, by relinquishing warlike pre-
parations, prove that he was resolved to preserve
peace, and then his professions would be univer-
versally credited, and other nations would
be enabled to spare expenses, now very onerous
to their respective exchequers.

An announcement which will be found in ano-
ther part of our impression of this evening explains
the nature of a very interesting enterprise of a
philanthropic character, which has within the last
few days been inaugurated under the happiest
auspices. We allude to the Public Readings now
taking place night after night in various parts of
the metropolis, in our different school-rooms, public
halls, and mechanics' institutions. The project,
Originally set on foot by EDWARD W. Cox and
CHARLES J. PLUMPTRE, Esquires, both of
the Temple, has been brought into effective
operation by the cordial sympathy and energetic co-
operation of other gentlemen following the track
marked out by their own generous zeal and intelli-
gel perseverance. The first of these public read-
ings took place on Monday evening in Crosby Hall,
Bishopsgate-street Within, when the two able origi-
nators of the enterprise were signally aided by the
Revs. J. M. BELLEW and W. H. BROOKFIELD. Last
evening, at the second reading in the school-room
of St. Martin's-in-the-Fields, Charing Cross, those
assembled there proved themselves (bytheir alternate
silence and laughter) to be attentive and delighted
listeners to Mr. PLumrTßE's admirable reading of
BULWER'S humorous apologue of the Wooing of
the Fox. Subsequently to which they listened
with no less eager attention to Mr. Cox's charm-
ingly pathetic declamation in the delivery of
CAMPBELL'S Exile of Erin—and (to close tho whole
performance effectively) were convulsed with
laughter by the nasal unction with which the Rev.
ALEXANDER WATSON read a few of Sam Slick's
notions upon soft sawder and human natur'.
The admission charge to these public readings
—(viz., what MONTAGUE TIGG would call " the
ridiculously small amount" of One Penny)—will,
we do sincerely believe, render them efficient and
eventually, we hope, triumphant rivals to those
dens of abomination—the penny gaffs—still fester-
ing, like plague spots, in various parts of our
metropolis.

ELECTORAL MAP OF ENGLAND.
BY JAMES WYLD.

PROPOSED BOROUGH OF PADDINGTON.—At a
special meetilig of the Vestry, of Padding,ton, held yesterday
—the Rev. Mr. Campbell, the rector of the parish, in the
chair—it was agreed to petition Parliament to form Pad-
dington into a separate borough, with power to return re-
presentatives to the House of Commons. Sir B. Hall is to
be requested to present and to support the petition.

The commissioners appointed by Prince Napoleon
to report on the expediency of continuing the engagement of
negroes on the coast of Africa for the French colonies,
were unanimous in favour of it. The concession of the
principle proves the great desire of the Emperor to con-
ciliate the people of England.
GOVERNMENT EMIGRATION.—The Government
emigrant ship Mary Pleasants; 786 tons, Captain Moore
Gilchrist, which sailed from Liverpool on the 28th of July,
in charge of Surgeon-Superintendent Philip Beal, with 35
married couples, 62 single men, 95 single women, 21 boys
between the ages of one and 12, 20 girls between the samo
ages, three male infants and five female, making a total of
276 souls, equal to 2471 statute adults, arrived at Sydney,
New South Wales on the 16th Nov. Two deaths (one
adult and one child) occurred during the voyage. Her
Majesty's Emigration Commissioners will receive tenders
to-morrow (Thursday) for ships to proceed to Algoa Bay,
Cape of Good Hope, and to Sydney ; the former to be ready
for the reception of passengers on such days as the commis-
sioners may appoint between the 7th and 14th March,: and
the latter between the 21st and 28th.
FLOGGING A ROYAL MARINE AT CHATHAM.—
Yesterday morning the Commandant of the division issued
regimental ordes for the whole of the officers and men
comprising the battalion to assemble at the rear of the
barracks, to witness the proceedings being read, and the
sentence carried into execution, by the infliction of corporal
punishment on a prisoner named Charles Thier, 41st
Company, who was tried by a district court-martial for
striking Sergeant Philip Grady, 21st Company, a violent
blow over the head with a fire shovel. The sergeant was
on duty at the time, and in consequence of hearing there
was a disturbance in the public-house called the White
Swan, at Chatham, he went into the taproom, when the
prisoner committed the offence. The proceedings of the
Court were read by. Lieut. Caircross. The Court directed
the prisoner to receive 50 lashes, and to be imprisoned in
the Military Prison, Fort Clarence, for 56 days. The
prisoner bore the infliction of the cat with a great deal of
fortitude. He was afterwards removed to the Infirmary ;
and as soon as he is able he will be transmitted to prison,
to undergo the remaining part of his sentence. He bears
a very bad character.
THE TELEGRAPH AS A PREVENTIVE OF RAIL-
WAY ACCIDENTS.—The Lancashire and Yorkshire Rail-
way Company, imitating the example of several other large
lines of railway, have resolved to extend the telegraph
through their system, and by its aid anticipate increased
advantages as regards speed, economy and safety. The
work has been placed in the hands of Sir Charles Bright,
and the plan intended to be adopted is as follows :—When
a train leaves Wigan for Bolton and Manchester, Wigan
will telegraph to Hindley "Train on," and put up the
danger signal or semaphore, to prevent any train passing
the station till Hindley telegraphs back " Line clear,"
which will be done as soon as the train has passed that
station. Wigan then drops its signal, the semaphore being
raised at Hindley, which will also have telegraphed to
Westhoughton, and the trains both on the up and down
lines are thus handed from station to station along the line
with great facility : and as the stations are seldom above
three or four miles aparrt, it will enable trains to run at
intervals of even five minutes without the possibility of a
collision. Too much value cannot be attached to the
arrangement, which appears to be as perfect as it is simple.
DISCOVERY OF HUMAN SKELETONS.—Two per-
.

Another admirable map of the electoral districts
of England and. Wales, by her Majesty's Geo-
grapher. It reveals with perfect lucidity at once
—the state of the representation before the Reform
Bill of 1832—as amended by the Reform Bill of
1832—and as proposed by the correspondent of the
Times newspaper, whoever that mysterious per-
sonage may be. The boroughs wholly disfran-
chised, disfranchised of one member—the places
marked down to return additional members—those
to return members not now represented in Parlia-
ment—the counties and divisions of counties—the
boroughs in which no change whatever is proposed
—all these are distinguished one from the other
with equal exactitude. Besides which there is an
immense map of the Metropolitan Boroughs—
including among them the future boroughs of
Chelsea and Kensington. The publication is emi-
nently acceptable, and will, we doubt not, be
received as such by hundreds both within and
without the walls of Parliament.

ROUTLEDGE'S NEW ILLUSTRATED
NATURAL HISTORY.
EDITED BY THE REV. J. G. WOOD, ISLA., F.L.S.

The want of a comprehensive and, at the same
time, accurate work on the natural history of the
animal kingdom has long been felt. The taste for
natural history becomes developed in an increasing
ratio by the extension of our colonies and our com-
merce. There is scarcely a cottage in the British
dominions where the desire to know something
about God's creatures in strange lands is not fos-
tered by some present from the emigrant, the
soldier, or the sailor of the family. We are,
therefore, glad to see an announcement of a new
Natural History, which will embrace the most
remarkable varieties of the animal kingdom, from
the gigantic elephant to the minute manufacturer
of the coral reef, and which is intended to instruct
both the eye and the imagination of the reader.
The graphic pen of the Rev. J. G. Wood, already
so popular' for his lifelike descriptions of animal
life, and his " Common Objects of the Country and
Sea Shore" is a guarantee that his " Illustrated
Natural History," while securing scientific accuracy,
will possess that charm, of a vivid delineation of
the habits of the creatures described, which will
render his undetliaking as amusing as it will be
instructive. In order to bring this work within
the reach of every one, it is intended to issue it in
Shilling Monthly Parts, each containing forty-eight
pages of letterpress and thirty illustrations from
designs by Wolf, Harrison Weir, Harvey, Coleman,
&. ; and we have no doubt that whoever sees the
specimen number, which may be seen at any
bookseller's, will thank us fordrawing attention to
this book.

A letter from Berlin of the sth states that the
Princess Frederick William is going on so favourably that
no further bulletins will be published.

The Prince Wladimir Bariatinsky and M. Rosch-
kouski have left the Clarendon for Paris.

His Excellency the United States Minister enter-
tained at dinner, on Monday last, Lord Lyons (the newly-
appointed Envoy to Washington), the Brazilian Minister,
the Swedish Minister, the Danish Minister, Mr. Seymour
Fitzgerald, M.P., Mr. Thomas Baring, M.P., Mr. Thomson
Hankey, M.P., Lieut.-Col. Scarlett, &o.

The Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and
ily are expected at their new mansion in St. James's-
aqi:liare, from Blenheim, early in the ensuing month.

The Duke and Duchess of Wellington have re-
turned to Apsleysliouse, from Strathfieldsaye.
The Marquis of Bristol has arrived at his resi-
dence in St. James's-square, from rekworth Park, Suffolk.

The Earl and Countess of Craven and family
have arrived at their mansion in Charles-street, fro-m
Ash-
down Park.

Viscount and Viscountess Grey de Wilton arrived
in town on Monday, from visiting the Earl and Countess
of Craven at Ashdown Park, Berks.

Viscount Clifden has left town to pass a few
weeks in Paris.

Lady Dover and the Hon. Mrs. Coke come to
town to-morrow from staying with the Right Hon, Henry
and Lady Mary Labouchere at Stoke Park, near Windsor.
The Hon. Mr. and Mrs. Sydney Pierrepont will
arrive at Claridge's Hotel to-day from Evenley Hall,
Brackley.

' Sir Robert Gerard has arrived at the Clarendon,
from Garswood, near Warrington.
'We have to announce the death of Sir Chaloner
Ogle, Bart., son of the late Sir Charles Ogle, Admiral of
the Fleet, which took place at Brussels on the 3d inst. He
is succeeded in his title by his eldest SOIL Magendio, who is
in his 16th year.

The Earl of Ripon is likely to take his seat in
the House of Lords on Thursday or Friday of this wet* ;
and the writ for the West Riding will probably be issued
on the same evening.

feet human skeletons have been dug up by the railway
labourers, employed in excavating the earth for the abut-
ments of the new railway bridge over the Severn, near
Pitchcroft meadow. They were lying side by side with
their hands crossed over their breasts, as though interred
in an orderly manner, at a depth of 12 or 13 feet, in a deep
bed of dark clay, or silt, which bore no appearance of
having ever been disturbed. They were skeletons of rather
more than the average height, and in both skulls the brains
remained in a pasty mass. The teeth were nearly perfect.
On the breast of one of them was found some small leaves,
apparently of the salix (withy or osier), which were to all
appearance as fresh and as green as though but recently
placed there. It is thought they were among the slain at
the skirmishes at the siege of Worcester, but the most feasi-
ble conjecture •is that they are the remains of two men who
were drowned in the river at a time when the locality where
they were found was a morass. Some time ago near the
same spot, at a depth of 21 feet, was turned up some river
silt, with layers of broad and narrow-leaved safix and orle,
and which would therefore favour this supposition.—Bir-
mingham Daily Post.
WHITTINGTON CLUB.—On Monday evening the
half-yearly meeting of the members of this club was held in
the great hall of the club-house in Arundel-street. Mr. Ald.
Mechi presided, and in his opening observations dwelt very
strongly on the importance of that care and promptitude in
the monetary matters which he was glad to perceive in the
conduct of the institution. He attached great value to well-
kept honest accounts, and he had examined those of the club
to form his own opinion of its real position. He was con-
vinced that the institution was in a solvent condition. The
secretary then read the report, which spoke of the great
success which, in spite of many difficulties; had crowned
the efforts of the provisional committee, under whose con-
duct the club-house had been rebuilt and refurnished, and
the ordinary literary and club operations of the institution
re-organised. The report was unanimously adopted, and
its printing and circulation suggested. A managing com-
mittee was then appointed, several subjects of interest only
to members were discussed, and the proceedings closed with
a vote of thanks to the chairman. Arrangements have been
made for a grand concert on the 17th of the month, and a
full-dress ball on the Ist of March, and it was stated that in
a week or two at farthest the dining department of the club
would be re-established and in full work.

NORFOLK ESTUARY COMPANY.—Yesterday after-
noon the twenty-fifth half-yearly meeting of the share-
holders of this company was, held at the Gray's-inn Coffee-
house, Holborn; Mr. West, Commissioner of Bankruptcy
for the Leeds district, in the chair. The report stated that
in consequence of the instructions issued to the solicitor of
the company to enforce the arrears upon calls, upwards of
£4,000 had been received on that account during the past
year, and it was their intention to persevere in that policy
until all recoverable arrears were paid up. After alluding
to the loss which the company had sustained by the death
of the late Lord Orford, and the late Mr. A. G. Day, the
report proceeded to state that the directors had made a call
of £2 10s. per share, payable on the 3rd of May, making
the amount paid up on each share £34. According
to the capital account the sum expended by the direc-
tors since the formation of the company was £316,289
3s. ld., or £242 ls. id. in excess of the amount re-
ceived on calls, interests, &c. The report of the en-
gineers stated that within the last six months the works
of reclamation had been so far proceeded withNthat 500
acres had been enclosed, the increased value of which would
accrue to the company, and now that they had got seaward
of the old frontages, all future enclosures in that direction
would be entirely to their own profit. In consequence of a
difference of opinion between the company's engineers and
the contractors (Messrs. Peto and Betts) with regard to the
feasibility of some of the works contracted for, the Messrs.
Cecil, of Hull, had propsed to undertake the completion of
the work, and Messrs. Peto and Betts were willing to pay
over to them the difference in the cost of the execution of
the work. This offer the engineers advised the directors to
accept, as it would preclude their having recourse to legal
proceedings to enforce the completion of the work by the
original contractors, and save the loss of time which would
otherwise prejudice the company. On the motion of the
chairman, the report was adopted. The outgoing directors
and auditor were then re-elected, and the proceedings ter-
minated in the usual manner.

A GOVERNMENT "AGENT."—On Friday evening
last a person dressed in a gold-laced uniform, and wearing
an Albert chain, called at the Haunch and Venison Inn,
Maidstone, and represented to Mr. Cheeseman, the proprietor,
that he was an officer in the service of the Government, and
required beds for twelve men, besides one for himself, as he
had been sent down by the Secretary of State to take charge
of the county prisons. He further stated that he had
- already been to the gaol, and put the governor "under
arrest," and that he had left his men there. The fellow told
-his tale with so much plausibility that Mr. Cheeseman
though tar easily "done"—was induced to give credence
to it, as also were others persons there at the time. Ac •
cordingly, one of .the best beds in the house was placed at
the disposal of the " Government official," and he was
treated with all the respect and attention which a person
of such authority would be supposed to command. Next
day he made known the " important busindlli" which had
brought him to the town to several parties who came to the
house, and even spoke of it openly at the ordinary of the
inn, going so minutely into details that no one appears to
have questioned the truth of his assertions. As may be
supposed, his " mission" soon got noised abroad, and coming
to the knowledge of Mr. Hillyard, the governor of the
gaol, he went down to the Haunch, to inquire after the dis-
tinguished stranger by whom he was to be superseded. By
this time, however, the stranger was figuring in the cha-
racter of "a drunk and incapble," in the hands of police-
sergeant Hills; ,and, on inquiry, it turned out that his
name was James Donelly, and that he was formerly in the
6th Carabincers, but latterly had been employed as a
warder in the convict establishment at Brompton, having
obtained leave of absence till Saturday night, and made
application to Mr. Hillyard, with a view of getting a situa-
tion in the Maidstone prison. When asked for an expla-
nation of his conduct next morning, he said he was sorry
for what had occurred, but he attributed it to a blow he
had received while in the Crimea, and which he said had
affected his brain. As there was not sufficient to detain
him he was discharged, leaving the duplicate of his watch,
which he had pawned for 10s. at the shop of Mr. Edmett,
as security for the payment of his bill to Mr. Cheeseman.
—South _Eastern Gazette.

THE AFFAIRS OF MESSRS. FELIX CALVERT ANID
Co.—Yesterday, a meeting of the creditors of this firm, con-
vened by Mr. Smalley, secretary of " The Incorporated
Society of Licensed Victuallers," was held at the London
Tavern, Bishopsgate-street. On the motion of Mr. Funnell,
seconded by Mr. Dolamore, Mr. Smalley was called to the
chair. There were about 400 persons present The object of
the meeting, as stated in the circular convening it,
was to ascertain whether the admitted. creditors
of the existing firm desire that the rights of the creditors of
the old firm should be further litigated, in the face of an
adverse decision in the case already adjudicated, or whether
it should be at once agreed to treat the whole as one estate,
without any distinction of old or new firm. The chairman,
who said he had called the meeting at the desire of the in-
spectors, entered at some length into the circumstances at
tending the bankruptcy, and the various proceedings which
have been instituted under it. After showing the saving
which had been effected by the inspectors in the carrying on
of the concern, he asked whether it was better to allow
them to continue than to wind-up the affairs, the suspen-
sion of which would create a wide-spread - distress. He
hoped that by the vote of that day they would show the
firm of Calvert and Co, that they were their friends ; that
they helitted the inspectors were doing their duty; that
they had confidence hi them, and if they did this, he be-
lieved at the end of two years such a statement would be
submitted to them as would be found highly gratifying. In
reply to a queStiori, Mr, Smalley stated that the partners
could not object to the arrangement until it should result in
paying the creditors more than 20s. in the pound. Mr.
Funnel said that 41W had spoken to two of the partners, Mr.
Nicolton.Calvert and Mr. Phelps and they were both in
faVolif of the motion which would now be proposed. Mr.
Funnel then moVati resolution to the effect that it was
not expedient further to contest the right of the creditors
whose debts were not taken over by the now firm to rank as
Mr. Gol e,
creditors of the existing firm. Mr. Leeds Paine secondeddrin
the motion, which was carried unanimously
the inspectors for their past exertions, and requesting
moved, and Mr. Leeds Paine seconded a vote of thanks
to continuo for the future, which was also unanimously
agreed to. On the motion of Mr. Harrison, seconded by
r
Mr. Wood, a vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Smalley. f
ksthetmo
consideart ion, ephaartirietshaitildt
eaiy,e,4na and di
nfor t
the
the
mattersrvi underhe
hill Cis conduct
rendered ll
the
el

THE SUN,/ LONDON, WEDNESDAY EVENING, FEBRUAEI 9, 1859.

LATEST NEWS.

THE INDIA MAILS.

(BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.)

The Pera, with the mails from Calcutta and
China, left Malta for Southampton on the 6th inst.,
at 5 p.m.
The Euxine left Marseilles on the 7th inst., at

6 a.m.
The Ripon, with the Bombay mail, left Malta for
Alexandria on the 7th inst., at 8 a.m.
The Panther sailed on the Bth, at 6 a.m.

The following telegrams have been received at
Mr. Reuter's office, Feb. 8 :
MARSEILLES, FEB. 7.

Advices have been received from Rome to the
sth inst. The Prince of Wales arrived there on
Thursday evening incognito, The following day
the Pope sent his major domo to pay him his
respects. Prince Albert of Prussia has left again,
after having had several interviews with the
Pope.
The official journal contradicts the statement
published by some papers that Ferrara has been
declared in a state of siege.

VIENNA, FEB. 8.

The semi-official Austrian correspoUdence Oester-
r eichische Correspondenz ), in an article of this
evening, characterises the Emperor Napoleon's
speech as peaceful, and states that the alliance of
France and England is a guarantee for the main-
taining of the treaties. The same article hopes
for the speedy solution by diplomatic means of the
question respecting the military occupation of the
States of the Church, and also for the discontinu-
ance of the warlike preparations in France.

TRIESTE, FEB. 8.

The Austrian Lloyd. mail steamer has just ar-
rived here from Alexandria with news from Cal-
eutta to Jan. 9th.

Exchange on London 2s. to 2s. 10. Imports
little doing. Exports inactive. Prices firmer on
account of rising freights.
Canton, Dec. 29—Imports quiet: Arrivals of
produce small.

Hong Kong, Dec. 30—Freights lower. Ex-
change 4s. 7d. to 4s. '74d.
Shanghai, Dec. 22—Imports more in demand.
No fresh tea arrivals. Exchange 6s. 6d. to 6s. 64d.
Freights for tea 30s. to 325. Freights for
silk 70s.

FRANCE.
PARIS, TUESDAY.

settled to-day, and Rente has been in fair demand
Threes, after having been done at 68f. 15c., improved
to 68f. 50c. Mobilier varied from 777 f. 50c. to
795 f. ; Austrian, 550f.43 555 f. ; Orleans, 1,315 f.
to 1,322 f. 50c. ; Northern, 922 f. 50c. to 927 f. 50c. ;
Lyons, 827 f. 50c. to 835 f. ; Southern, 515 f. to
517 f. 50e. Considerable sales were made towards
the close, when the following were the quota-
tions

41 per Cents. .... 96 50 Credit Fonder 650
Do. end month .. 06 50 Belgian 41 — --
3 per Cents. 6B 10 Piedmonteso (5)
Do. end month.... 68 10 Roman —
Bank Shares 2900 Austrian
Credit Mobilier .. 780 Spanish Threes
Do. Account ..... 775 Home Debt 39 50

The Count de Morny, in his speech to the Legis-
lative Body to-day, said—" Let us have confidence
when the Emperor tells us, 'resume with calmness
those works of peace which I hope will not be in-
terrupted. I shall remain firm in the path of right,
justice, and national honour ;' and when recalling
those celebrated words—' The Empire is peace,' he
adds that peace cannot be disturbed except for the
defence of great national interests—religion, philo-
sophy, and civilisation. Credit and labour have
made of peace the great bond of modern society.
The blood of the people is no longer shed
lightly. War is the last resource of right mis-
understood, or of honour offended. The great
mass of difficulties is smoothed down by diplomacy,
or solved by pacific arbitration. Publicity and the
rapidity of international communicat ion have
created a new European Power, of -which all
Governments are compelled to take account. This
Power is Opinion. It may for a moment be unde-
cided or mistaken ; but it always takes its place
ultimately on the side of justice, right, and huma-
nity. Let us hope that, under existing circum-
stances, the generous ideas, the loyal an d disinte-
rested intentions, of the Emperor will make their
way in the world, and that in accordance as they
are with the sympathies of nations, and sustained
by the influence of sovereigns, they will succeed in
solving peaceably all the questions of difficulty that
present themselves."
The Emperor's speech is commented on by several
of the Paris journals, but the Constitution nel, Debuts,
Pags, and others have abstained from favouring the
public with their views on 'this important docu-
ment. Our contemporaries, at their discretion,
overlook the fact that the first maxim o:f successful
journalism is to strike while the iron is hot ; to-day
their opinions would have been consulted with
respect ; to-morrow their most elaborate arguments
will be received with comparative indifference.
Moreover, by their silence they allow the warlike
hints of the Presse and Siecle to exercise unopposed
influence over the public mind. We commence our
extracts with the Patrie ;
" This speech, in which is interpreted, in splendid lan-
guage, the logic and power of a great country, responds to
everything that was awaited from the sovereil pi of France.
It will inspire regret in thOse who may have questioned
the moderation of the Emperor. It will give confidence to
those who believed in his wisdom. Finally it will create a
feeling of justifiable pride in all those who are fired by
national honour. . . . The speech will a 3rtainly attain
the double aim proposed by the Sovereign of France—it will
at once strengthen and calm public opinion. The country
will give its unanimous approval to this wise and generous
policy. Europe will learn once more that , the Emperor
sincerely
,desires peace—but a peace which 'corresponds to
the interest of his honour, to the legitimate g randeur of his
influence, and to the cause of civilisation over the entire
world."
The Courrier de Paris observes :

" Our readers will recognise in the Imperial language a
fresh proof of the wisdom and patriotic spirit which for ten
years have constituted the glory of the Imperial Govern-
ment."

The Siecle describes the points which particu-
larly excited the applause of the senators and
deputies ; these were—the remark "th at the inte-
rest of France exists wherever there is a just and
civilising cause to be carried out," the allusions to
the Piedmontese alliance, and the pa:ragraph on
Italy. The observation that France e.nd Russia
had' been in accord on all points in discussion"
excited, according to our contemporary, a marked
sensation in the Assembly. We extract the con-
cluding remarks of this journal :
" The skill with which the speech was drawn up, and
the happiness of its arrangement and language, were gene-
rally remarked. The deputies, in applauding in the most
intelligble manner the above passages, have protested
against those who circulated the report that ..they had ar-
rived from the departments with ultra-pacific views."
The Presse has the following article :

" This speech will create a great sensation ha France and
in Europe. The Emperor, without departing from the re-
serve dictated by the serious nature of circumstances and
by his high position, was able to depict in a rapid manner
the characteristics of the relations maintained by France
with foreign Powers—the accord with England, the cordi •
ality of the Russian relations, the community of interests
between France and Piedmont, and the numerous scissions
with Austria."

The Debats maintains that Turkey has no right
to interfere in Wallachia on account of the double
election of Colonel Couza ; that the consent of the
Powers who signed the Treaty of Paris must first
be obtained ; that Turkey may complain, but can-
not annul that election by her sole will. Poor
Turkey !
The secret of the animosity borne by " lawyers
and journalists" towards the Papal court is thus
explained by the Univers :
"No good places exist there. The Pope is the most
economical of Sovereigns. The priests placed at the head
of the various branches of the administration are satisfied
with poor salaries, and do not move heaven and earth for
promotion."
The same journal advances this tremendous argu-
ment against the politicians who propose a reor-
ganisation of the Roman States.
" The Roman States are not the property of Pius IX ;
they are the property of St. Peter. The Pope has a life
interest in them. . . . There is no possibility of a con
federation in Italy, and the Pope has not the faintest desire
to be nominated to the nominal rank of head of the Italian
Confederation."

BOURSE, Feb. B.—The market has been more

TA:ur7m AI ,
-441
. ;peg: ,N
apr_,
3.4 „ , .4‘,41101A. ttariiicistiy.t.
". Tr le -44°1T

THE SUN.
WEDNESDAY. FEBRUARY 9, 1859.