The Sun.
London, England, 1861-09-10 00:00:00

FIRE AND LIFE ASSURANCE.

Fatalities come in groups. This has never been
more strikingly illustrated than by the recent
grave sequence of fires, headed by the almost un-
precedented conflagration in Southwark. The
locale and time of advent of these groups are alike
uncertain, but there is nought of uncertainty in
their results. These the prudent citizen nullifies to
the best of his ability by the provident intervention
of insurance. This, to equal the import of its name,
must possess the one grand faculty of being able to
meet any and every emergency, no matter how ex-
ceptional or tremendous. Amongst the companies
that have proved themselves equal to the almost
unexampled trial and test of stability alluded to
in the awful fire of Tooley-street, we have
noted the admirable promptitude of the "THE
ROYAL." In three days after the outbreak, Mr.
Johnston, the secretary, was in position to pay all
claims, as presented prior, and that this was no
light achievement is demonstrated by the figures
of the amounts already paid—L7s,ooo, The re-
serve fund secured from the judicious savings of
past years is, we are informed, so ample, that had
the Royal's quota of the damage been thrice the
sum it could have been liquidated on the instant,
and without drawing on the company's capital.
No better or more satisfying evidence could be
given of the prudence and stability of the Royal
Insurance Company, and its ability to fulfil its mis-
sion as an institution of its class in giving speedy
and liberal indemnity for loss by fire, even under
the most exceptional circumstances. That a vast pub-
lic appreciate the first-class position of the office is
demonstrated in the confidence that endows it with
an annual and increasing revenue of above
£262,000.

Two years only have seen an increase in Fire
business to the extent of £66,000, or a rise of 34
per cent. on the then income—the ratio of expan-
sion of which is a type and guarantee of the corn-
pany's vitality and success.
The Life business, too, keeps in parallel advance
with the Fire, a circumstance gratifying, not only
as a commercial fact, 'but as an exponent of rapidly
extending healthy habits of prudence and resulting
civilisation among the masses.
In 1860, although,,an augmentation of £15,000
new business came -ell the totals of the bonus
year, the first six :b,i34l,hs of 1861 have surpassed
by 50 per ce :`its of any like previous
period. This :05:4-9iiomentum is to be as-
cribed to the fed{"''" effect a brochure on life
curves and avers ; . ; ,lished by Mr. Dove, the
manager, last year, has had in waking attention to
the duty and advantages of life assurance. This
pamphlet, :oloured diagrams, and
couched in .e simplest kind, makes

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To all intending insurants, the report of the
Royal Insurance Company bears its own commen-
dation, not only in its satisfactory totals and large
bonus of £2 per sent. per annum, the largest ever
continuously declared by any company, but in the
candour with which its affairs are unreservedly
and lucidly disclosed to the investigation of the
public.

The Prince Boris Galitzin and the Princess
\Vladimir Galitzin have arrived at Long's Hotel from Paris.

His Excellency the Italian Minister has arrived
at the residence of the Italian legation, in Park-lane, from
Germany.
The Duke of Rutland is shortly expected in
England. His grace is now at Emms, in Germany, and
has not been yachting, as erroneously stated.
The Earl and Countess Delawarr, who are paying
visits in Scotland, are expected at Bourne Hall, the noble
earl's seat in Cambridgeshire, early in October.
The Earl and Countess of Craven arrived at
Asbdowne Park yesterday from Scarborough, where his
lordship has been staying for the benefit of his health.
The Countess of Glengall has arrived in Gros-
venor-street from her seat in Ireland.
Viscount and Viscountess Palmerston arrived at
Cambridge House on Saturday from Walmer Castle, and
will leave town in a few days for Bi oadlands.
Viscountess Jocelyn has left Tallymore Park on
a visit to the Marquis and Marchioness of Londonderry at
Mount Stewart,
County Down.
A fearful explosion occurred on Saturday after•
noon at Mr. Kirby's fireworks manufactory, Sandymount,
Dublin, by which two of the workmen Were seriously in-
jured. It appears that whilst filling a rocket the rod struck
fire, the ignition extending to the explosives around, blow-
ing up the workmen, and destroying the building. The
two poor Mlows were at once removed to the City of Dub-
lin Hospital, where, up to the latest accounts, they were
both progressing favouraWy.

TIIE HEALTH OF SIR EDWARD BITLWER LYTTON.
—An unfounded 'statement has appeared in some of the
daily papers, alleging that Sir E. Bulwer Lytton has been
seriously indisposed and confitted to his bed. We are autho-
rised to announce that there is not the slightest ground for
these rumours, the right hon. bart. enjoying better health
than he has done for years past.

Lord Clyde has arrived at Frankfort.
THE DaAWBACK UPON PRINTERS' STOCKS OF
PAPER.—The printers and stationers of Liverpool, who are
taking up this subject with much activity and earnestness,
held another meeting yesterday, at which a memorial to the
Commissioners of Inland Revenue was agreed to, pointing
out the injustice of withholding from printers the drawback
upon stocks of paper while it 'is allowed to stationers,
strictly so called, as persons who do not print upon the
premises where the paper is held. It was also resolved to
seek the co-operation of the Liverpool Chamber of Com-
merce, and to recommend the trade in other towns to inte-
rest their local chambers of commerce in laying the question
before the Government in a proper light.

POLISH PIETY.—In removing to a new farm it
is always customary in Poland to have it solemnly blessed
by a priest: In fact, God's blessing is invoked upon every
undertaking and trivial domestic arrangement and duty.
No cook will as much as put a batch of bread into the oven
without having first made the sign of the cross over it, to
ensure a satisfactory result. One of the national charac-
teristics is strong religious feeling, and an ever-present
conviction of a watchful Providence; and, although in the
poor, untaught or ill-taught, superstitious observances aro
substituted for spiritual worship, yet " God's holy will be
done" is invariably the conciut3ing phrase in the recital of
an afflicted creature's misfortune, as " God repay you" is
the expression of thanks for any benefit; received.—Dublin
trniveißity Magazine.
ABOLITION OF OATHS IN CRIMINAL CASES. —On
the Ist of next month an important Act of Parliament,
passed in.the late session, will come into operation, under
which persons who may refuse or be unwilling, from alleged
conscientious motives, to be sworn in criminal proceedings,
may make declarations or affirmations. On a person de-
clining to be sworn to an affidavit or as a witness in court,
the party may make a declaration alleging that he solemnly,
sincerely, and truly affirmed and declared "that the taking
of any oath is, according to his religious belief, unlawful ;"
and the declaration to speak the truth is to be of the same
force and effect as if the person had taken an oath ; and for
a false declaration ation he is to be liable to the
same penalties es

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