The Sun.
London, England, 1859-05-05 00:00:00

MANNING THE NAVY.

Yesterday the greatest excitement prevailed at
the East end of the metropolis, and the vicinity of
the Naval Rendezvous, Tower-hill, was surrounded
by hundreds of men and lads who were anxious to
join the service of her Majesty. A great number
of able seamen were selected by the Government
officers as low as five feet, but landsmen were not
received under five feet five inches and a half. No
lads have been taken into the service at present,
but a day will soon be appointed to bear the
applications of all boys and youths considered
suitable for the naval service. The bounty money
for those already duly appointed will not be paid
until five weeks after they have passed the exami-
nation of the chief officer. The crowdwas so great at
the principal rendezvous, facing the Tower, that
body of the H division of police were stationed at
the several entrances, under the direction of Ser-
geants Egerton and Foay, to preserve order, and to
facilitate the ingress and egress of the applicants.
At all the Government offices in Ratcliff-highway,
Shadwell, Wapping, Ratcliff, Limehouse, Poplar,
Blackwall, Deptford, and Greenwich, able seamen,
landsmen, and a vast number of dock • labourers
who had been out of work for a considerable pe-
riod, joined the Queen's service under the new
regulations, and- many were taken on board the
Crocodile, lying off the Tower, to undergo the
usual training, and to receive instructions prior to
being sent to Portsmouth, Plymouth, and other
places for embarkation.
About 500 agricultural labourers tom the boun-
ties of Essex, Berkshire, Kent, and Surrey, came
up by the Parliamentary trains yesterday morning,
and proceeded to the several places at the East-end
for enlistment, and many were successful, while
others were unable from the number of applicants
to gain an interview.
Additional orders were received yesterday
morning from Whitehall, at Portsmouth, Ply-
mouth, Sheerness, and other Government dock-
yards, for the authorities to take on 300 mechanics
and other artisans, with a quantity of labourers for
the purpose of fitting-up without delay several
first-class men-of-war, required for immediate ser-
vice, under the official directions of the Lords of
the Admiralty, and no time was lost in putting on
the necessary number in the various departments.
Telegraphic' messages were transmitted from the
War-office to Woolwich, and other arsenals, with
strict orders to the officers in command to prepare
large quantities of naval stores, ammunition, &e.,
without delay, which are to be ready for going on
ship-board within forty-eight hours.

AMERICA.

SOUTHAMPTON, WEDNESDAY NIGHT.

The steamship Vanderbilt, Captain Lefevre, has
arrived off Cowes, with New York mails of the
23d. News anticipated by the City of Baltimore.
She brings 50,000 dolls. in specie for England, and
880,000 for France. She has 240 passengers for
England and France.

TIIE FRENCH AND SARDINIANS AT SHIELDS.—
Considerable sensation was caused at Shields at tide-time
yesterday afternoon, when the outward bound fleet was
under-weigh, by the Sardinian barque St. Paolo, Captain
Revelle, when •proceeding to sea, firing a salute to the
French brig of war Agile, which was of course returned,
and both vessels dipped their ensign, complimentary to
their respmeive• national flags, whilst the crew apparently
fraternised during the salute. The appearance of all this
was not (ally novel here, but had quite a warlike and ex-
citing effect. There are only two Austrian vessels in
Shields harbour at present, and it is said the captains have
great difficulty in obtaining a freight owing to the war.—
.Yetecastle Chronicle. _

LIMERICK CITY ELECTION.—LIMERICK, Wed-
nesday Evening. This city is in a fearful state of excite-
ment. Large bodies of military and police are parading
and stationed in the streets. In Broad-street, about
six o'clock, it appears the police were assailed with
stones, and other missiles were freely used. The Riot
Act was read, rind orders were given to fire. Two men
were killed and five wounded. It is feared that, despite the
exertions of the' Clergy and the magistrates, together with
the police and military forces, some further serious riotinr,
will occur. Demonstrations are numerous in honour of the
successful candidates, Messrs. Russell and Gavin.

STEAM SITIPT'ING.—This department of shipping
cannot at present claim any exemption froM the general
depression which may be said to pervade the commercial
world. It is even feared that, in consequence of the politi-
cal condition of T.uroPean affairs, the free navigation of
waters, upon which a• large amount cf steam and sailing
tonnage has hitherto found employment, may undergo in-
termption. Seine inquiry exists for the charter of small-
sized steamers, by the voyage; and a feW engagements have
very recently been made in coal freights for the French
arsenals, at fair rates. In contracts for new steamers very
little vas done last month; and building establishments
generally remain inactive. The amount of steam tonnage
which changed hands in April has not been extensive ; but
it is understood that some important negotiations are pend-
ing,. Inquiries on the part of buyers are not very urgent.
Under the dread of impending war, and the consequent
political complications, the aspect of the moment is very
far front encouraging for shipping property.—(From the
monthly eireulaf of Messrs, Alfred Brett and Co.)