The Sun.
London, England, 1857-03-23 00:00:00

SPORTING NOTE.

LITERATURE.

TOPICS OF THE WEEK. 1 '
Hidden _Links ; or, the Schoolfellows. A Tale.
Spring seems to have .et in with its, usual seve • 3
vols. Newby.
rity. During the Tuesday and Wednesday at This story is replete with interest ; a great offered to the reader. The purport of the
Va-
Warwick sunny genial weather prevailed, and the
nr iaertrY is.
tive is
.to trace the careers of three schoolfel-
hedge rows were bursting into leaf. Stern winter, lows,' who differ widely in character, fortune, and
however, is loth to depart, and lingers so pertina- pis/suits. Besides these primary subjects of atten-
ciously that he appears determined to chill the lion there are many persons more joined in who
"lap of May." Grumbling, however, at present, contribute to the general effect. Some of the inci-1
dents may be a little exaggerated, but, on the
is, after all, premature, still turfites are vexed that
whole, skill and ingenuit
—37 are displayed in the
events.' Laiy Ceurtena vinces a striking
the sport at Northampton seems likely to be
marred by unpropitious weather. The racing will example of the crime committed by paronts in urg-
ent sufficiently interesting to render them iudiffer- ing on their daughters to marry for the of ob-
eat to the elements, and they must e'en look hope- dining a higher position in the world, orea more
affluent home. Sir Frederick Courreney is another
fully to the time
warning to those possessed of an excellent disposi-
" When tried, prized April, drest in all her trim,
tion, but who mar the innate worth of their
Shall put new spirit ant life in everything."
nature
The Messrs. Marshall are in a tumult of prepara- by suffering themselves to be led astray. Dermot
tion, and are continually running between the town
O the 'Neill is an aptly-described hypocrite, who, undt r
guise of an unassuming candour,
and the race conies, actively engaged in superin-
play off as many frauds on his fellow-men contrives to
-men as any
tending the arrangements for conducting properly open offender. The manner in which his guil
the bu,iness of the meeting. Amongst the im- schemes a'e frustrated is powerfully demonstrated,ty and the final restoration of his brother's son to his
provements which have been effected, the most
rights is a triumph over vice as well as a success to
important is the extension of the Earl Spencer's
venue. Henry Montague is the only meritorious
Plate course, which, by the appropriation of the
one among the schoolfellows. He set out in I.fe
Paddock at the bottom turn, is now rendered per- with fewer advantages thanhis frieeds, but he con-
feetly straight. Other alterations of less import- trived at last to surpass them in everything. He
ance, but equally judicious, have been made. was always ready to lend them a helping hand what-
The most recent changes in the betting on the
Northampton Stakes have been the advance of
8 jer difficulties they were in. The family of the
t bisons forms a most amu_sing episode in the
Adarnae, the sudden advent of the Assa m The
y. vulgar pretensions of the mother, the
yer, and isabsurd elegance 3 of the daughters, are ludicrous to
the retrogression of Sir Colin. I shall reserve the witness ; and the mistakes they are constantly
discussion of the programme until to-morrow, when making, the awkward positions they continually
I sha'l be in possession of the latest movements at place themselves in, afford scope for many live'y
" the Corner," and certain facts and information sketches. Altogether "Ridden Links" furniehes
of importance. material for diversion ; and, among its readers,
some will doubtless not consider vain the hope The Warwick Warwick meeting was, after all, a slow affair. pressed by the autLor in conclusion, that the
Bookmakers had a losing time of it, for the betting "utile " has been mingled with the " dulee."
was confined to few horses, and nearly every race was reduced to a certainty. The only event which
excited more than transient interest was the Trial
Stakes, which brought out the flower of our turf cele-
brities, and which proved Fisherman to be even a
better horse than the public believed. Fisherman, it
is said, has his werk cut out fur him this season, for
Mr. Parr intends to pick up a Queen's Plate a week
with him, in addition to Trial Stakes, " Cups,," and
weight for age races. The scratching of Theory and
Tom Thumb for the Great Warwick Handicap, and
the withdrawal of Jean du Quesne from the Steeple-
chase,. furnish a lesson which the public will do well
to ponder, as it may during the season serve to pro-
tect their pockets.
Wells, the celebrated jockey, was married on
Wednesday last to Miss M. A. Taylor, the daughter
of Mr. T. Taylor, trainer to Lords Chesterfield and
Wilton. Few j,,ckeys are more popular on the
turf than " Tiny Wells," and the cordial congratu-
lations vi hich he received on his marriage from all
sorts and conditions of people must have been not
a-

A Twine of Wayside Ivy. By Margaret Cason,
authoress of Cross Purposes, &c. John Moxon.
The style and scope of this little volume would
be scarcely gathered from its somewhat affected
title. It coosisis of "Three tales from an old
woman's notebook," relating the fortunes of some
fair friends she h id km.wu in the course of her
lift. They are pleasing and interesting st)ries of
domestic life, E ome what romantic, but very likely
they will be more attractive to mGst'reiders in conse-
quence. The first tale, The Haunted Well," is
tinctured with a supernatural interest. It conveys
a warning to those who would rashly reek to pry
int) their future fate, showing the misery that re-
sulted to the beautiful and unfortuna'e heroine,
Kathlteu O'Brien, from her wilfully s eking t )
learn the future consequences of her actions, instead
of amending them, while there was time. This story
is strikiney improvable, but it is mournfully
intere-ting, and points a useful moral. The must
p!e wing of the three is perhaps the next, " Evelyn
Shirley's Two Balls." Ibis, like the others, tarns
on Shakepere's axiom, "the curse of true love
never did run smooth," and rt lates delays, disap-
pointments, misunderstandings, and all the usual
cata-trophes of a love story. The last is a rt-tro-
spective story, which is seldom so pl-asing.. The
authoress is favourably known to the lovers of fic-
,ion as the writer of several romances, and the
present volume of agreeable narratives will sustain
her reputation. Though offering little of a novel or
striking character to the reader, and possessing but
little originality, they aro full of simple domesiic
interest, and breathe an elevated tone of sentiment.

ttle gratifying to him, as they unequivocally de-
monstrated how widely his civility of demeanour
and integrity of conduct are appreciated.
Some important " Derby demonstrations" were
made at Warwick. Blink Bonny was again in
steady request, and most people who fancied they
" knew something " and took liberties witli her
begin to feel uneasy. Lady Hawthorn, too, was
again, brought into high favour, whilst amongst the
outsiders Skirmisher took up a goof position, and
should he be successful on Wednesday many peopl%
will sanguinely expect that lord Zetland may re-
new with his Voltigeur's triumphs.
The Military had a rare field day at Buxworth
in Northamptonshire, on Friday. The Steepib-
chases ware excellent, and right pleasant was it to
see so many French and English "Crimean
Heroes" resuming that sport which they had pur-
sued even at the cannon's mouth before Sebasto-
pol. A FRESH MAN.
March 22.

THE CONVICTS ROBSON AND RgDPATH.

LATEST PA_RTICU LA ES.

On Saturday, P. Johnson, E-q., the official
assignee under the bankruptcy of Robson, aCcorn-
panted by Mr. Moraot, tre solicitor, for the
assignees, procceied to Neivg4te, and had au
interview, in the presence of the governor, Mr.
Wearlitrhead, with Robson. On Tuesday the
Crystal Palace Company presented a proof for
near:y 18,0001. against Robson's estate, which was
opposed by Mr. .13Tley, on behalf of twenty-four
trade creditors. These creditors have formed a
fund, not only to oppose the proof of the trade
assignee, but to call upon the commissioner to
suspend the dividend upon the numerous proofs
already admitted. It is alleged, but we cannot
certify to its accuracy, that upon an investigation
of the company's accounts many irregularities have
been discovered which have be n improperly attri-
buted to Robson. This led to the interview on.
Sa'utday at Newgate, in order that Robson, who,
since his conviction has manifested every disposi-
tion to declare the truth, should check the proof
tendered by the Crystal Palace Company. Should
that proof be adtnifted, it will nearly absorb all
the funds, and leave the trade creditors with almost
a barren estate. The desire of Robson appears to
be, that ho should be at tnc3 sent out to some
penal colony, where his natural and intuitive abi-
lities will, doubtless, soon pro-ure him favourable
consideration ; and his wife, who was governess in
a colonel's family, and is highly educated, and pos-
sesses considerable Went, has been promi-e 1 tbe
means to accompany her unfurtuna'e husband.
While Robson is endeavouring t.) do all in his
power to assist his assignees in bankruptcy to wind
up his estate for the benefit of his creditors, Leopold
Redpath exhibits the most unflinching taciturnity,
and pertinaciously refused, at his last "private"
meeting, to disclose anything which would lead to
the elueidation of the extent of the Great Northern
Railway frauds. He justified his silence upon the
ground of having been treated with great harshness
and cruelty by Mr. Mowatr, the secretary of the
company and tt;e assignee of his estate. His exa-
mination, as well as Lobsou'a, has been adjourned
sine die, the trade creditors not being at all satis-
fied in either case. Up to Saturday both convicts
remained in Newgate.

BIRMINGHAM, MONDAY.
(BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.)
The following horses have arrived at Sutton : Hope-
less Star, Forest Queen, The Archduke, Goldfinch, Sul-
tan, Penelope, Sir Charles Napier, M.A., Fearless, and
Maley. Many others expected. Thirty-four boxes
taken, and good fields expected.

NORTIZAWPTON.—Arrived—Gandy. The course is in
excellent condition.

BETTING AT MANCHESTER—SATURDAY'.
NORTHAMPTON STAKES.
4to 1 agst Skirmisher (taken)
7to 1 agst St. Giles (offered)
Bto 1 agst Sir Colin (offered)
8 to ' 1 agst Adamaa (ifered)
100 to 6 agst Silfmore (taken)
100 to 6 aget Bracken (~ffered)

THE HIGHLAND SOCIETY OF LONDON.

The members of this, the most select of the
Scottish soviet i« s formed in London, dined togetht r
in the Fr eernacons' Tavern, on Saturday evening,
to celebrate the anniversary of the victory of the
bat le of Alexandria, fought in 1801. The High-
land Society was instituted many years ago by
patriotic noblemen and gewlemen, for the purpose
of preserving, not only among the Scotlish resi
dents in London, but over the world, the martial
spirit, the language, the music, and dress of ancirm
Caledonia. That it has carried out these objects
and still maintain them, those acquainted with .its
history aro satisfied, but the greatest and the most
interesting of its benefits is the institufon of the
Caledonian Asylum f r the education and support
of the children of Scotch soldiers and sailor s who
may be killed or disat led, or those of other desti-
tute Scotchmen in London. It forms among its
members the majority of rank and r...spectabrlity in
the country, and amongst wirers, Prince Albert
and the Duke of Cambridge. On Saturday evening
there was a large assemblage preterit, and the noble
dinner hall, handsomely decorated with national
flags and bannei's of the various clans,
presented an animated appearance from
the variety of costumes—the blue coat of the sailor,
the red coat of tire soldier blending pleasingly with
the cow tier's dress and Highlander's picturesque
garb.
On this occasion the Highland brigade he.ng
stationed at Dover, the society invited its officers,
many of whom were present. The Earl of Eglin-
ton, K.T., took the chair, supported by The
Chisholm, Sir James Grant, General Delemotte,
Captain Jay, R.N.' Colonel Lake, Major Teesdale
(the latter two of Kars celebrity), Colonel Alex.
Cameron, Major Hodgson, Dr. VPKinnon, Sir
Peter Halkett, Lieutenants Baird and Macpherson,
of the 42d Royal Highlanders ; Major Clephane,
Captain Butt, and Lieut. M'Donald, 79th earner-
ons Highlanders ; Colonel Ewalt, Lieutenants
Wood and Taylor, 93d Sutherland Highlanders ;
and among other gentlemen present were Dr. Col-
quhoun, Mr. C. Carlisle, Mr. J. Campbell, Mr.
Duff Gordon, Mr. Irving, Mr. Coppock, Mr. Thos.
Macgregor, Mr. James Macgregor, Mr. F. Napier,
Mr. Colquboun, Mr. Sutherland, Mr. Smith, Mr.
Chisholm, of Sydney, Mr. Elsey, of the Bank of
England, and Mi. George Bain, the honorary
secretary.

THE I?USSIANS AND THE CHINESE

WAR.

The hostilities in which China is now becoming
involved, with one, if not more, " barbarian "
Stater, forms a subject of the highest interest to
Russia and the press there ; the very words
ued by the leading spelkers in the recent de-
bates in our Houses of Parliament have been
faithfully translated into Russian journals, an
amount of accuracy and circumstantiality that
hitherto has never been bestowed on any foreign
discussions. The opinion which the Russians at
first formed, that these hostilities on the eastern
coast of China would lead to an increase of their
trade off the western land frontier of that empire,
seems to be giving way to a lively apprehension that
they will produce the opposite effect : this is ex-
pected to arise, not so much from the usual im-
poverishing effects of war as from the circumstances
that the interruption4pf the Chinese commercial
relations with Europe is stopping the import of
silver at the Chinese ports : the price of silver is
already very high in that country, and there seems
now every reason to expect it will rise considerably
higher. The inevitable consequence of this. exces-
sive rise in the price of silver in China that
the Chinese demand in Kiakhta for Russian mer-
chandise is likely to be very materially reduced.

A postal treaty has) just been ooncladed between
France and the United States. By this treaty the
French Government will pay the expense of transit of
the Franco-American mails between Franca and Eng-
land and between England and America by British
packets. The American Government will pay the ex.
pense of transit of such ninth between France and the
United States by American packets, and between Eng
Ipwauinla di
Calais,t
postal
nuNdffi etuhwe the
u Havre,UnitedYfotrh exchange
rßaSi
Boston,
wtsataot
yerbipe bytoywshteiAieoaumffideec
yirepi
rchbaainenatuwepaeaaneendukdest;ast r
I.nm.F:Tra 41
cisco. The postage on a letter from America will be
7id. per i oz., pre-payment to be optional. The treaty
will come into operation on the first of next month.
INQUEST.—On Friday evening an inque4t was held on
o°P:hthatienriYr
the body of a child 16 months old, the daughter of a poor
man, named Baker, living in James-place, Rata&
Baker had been lately thrown outof work in consequence
of an Injury to his hand, and two of his children being
feveraotptiancikoendthwaitthmr.
s tehpeh obtained
ens
o
relief from the Ratcliff Workhouse. The jury were of
house, had neglected the child;
poor generally. The
faction with his treatment of the
coroner observed that it was the fourth occasion on which
tbsetosda surgeon
expressed
e)
dt the i
sweaotrike-
he had been obliged to lecture Mr. Stephenson at the
reqTuheestßoifgajuries.
ni
uonusn owe di t
b"the
e
situuc have
nego t
iaant
concession has been ex-
been reduced
es in the length and route of the
in coneequ,nce of changes
and "the terms as now arranged enable the dire*.
line,
substantiate the original representation of a mi-
nimum to
tended from 56 to 75 years, the capital has
like= interest of 5 per cent, upon the required capital."
sc:iiia'nf u IG
Government." termination
Railwayf;
n tni ln. 'C'
The shares are to be reduced from 1001, to 201. each,
and the calls will be made over a period of three years.
The exact .details have yet to be received, and mean.
while it must still be difficult to form an opinion as to
the value of the concession, although the shares have
improved upon the announcement. A favourable fea-
ture of the scheme, as it was originally understood, was
that the shares with 801. paid were to be redeemed at
1001. The concession is now stated to be prclooged to
75 years, but nothing is said regarding the terms of re-
demption. It must also be borne in mind that when the
prospectus was first issued the public knew nothing of
the intention of the Russian Government to swamp the
European markets during the next ten years with
45,000,0001. of their railway securities, nor of their plan
of diverting the commerce of Rigsby constructing a link
' to the port of Libau and the Prussian frontier.

The music of Scotland was well represented in
the performance on the bagpipes, pibrochs and
reels, by Mr. Ross, her Majesty's piper ; Mr. Mac-
lennan, the Duchess of Sutherland's piper ; and
Mr. Wilson, the Society's piper. Mr. Macgregor
Simpson, the famous vocalist, also sang several
songs, including the celebrated boat song, "Hail
to the Chief," in such a soul-stirring manner as to
elicit the hearty approbation of the Highlanders
present. _

- The Noble CHAIRMAN proposed in appropriate
terms the loyal toasts, which were received with
applause and drunk with Highland honours. The
memory of Sir Ralph Abercromby and the heroes
who fell at Alexandria followed, which was re-
ceived in solemn silence, the Queen's piper playing
" Macintosh's Lament."

The Earl of EGLINTON then proposed "The
Army and Navy," paying a handsome compliment
to the devotion, endurance, and gallantry exhibited
by those noble defenders our country's rights and
liberties, whenever these were menaced.
Colonel ALEXANDER CAMERON, of the 79th High_
lenders, responded for the Army ; and
Captain JAY, RN., acknowledged the honour
paid to the Navy.

•
" The Heroes of Kars," coupled with the names
of Colonel Lake and Major Teesdale, was proposed
by the noble CHAIRMAN, and most enthusiastically
drunk. -

Colonel LAKE briefly replied, but in a voice s°
inaudible as to render it impossible to follow his
observations.
"Prosperity to the Highland Society," " The
Health of the Noble Chairman," eloquently Pll3-
posed by The Chisholm, and a variety of other
toasts, not forgetting " The Ladies," Lacing been
drunk, the company separated shortly after eleven
o'clock.

The dinner and wines were of the- best descrip-
tion, the managers of the Freemasons' Tavern,
Messrs. Elkington and Banks, being assiduous in
their attention to the desire of the company. Mr.
Banks; jun., officiated as toastmaster, and dis-
charged his duties satisfactorily.