The Sun.
London, England, 1861-02-07 00:00:00

THE VOLUNTEER MOVEMENT.

The challenge from the West Middlesex to any
corps in Middlesex to shoot a challenge match,
according to the announcement a few days ago, has
been accepted by Lieutenant Colonel Lindsay on
the part of the St. George's. It will probably come
off between the 18th and 22d of the month on
Wormwood Scrubs. The match between ten men

of the A Company (West Middlesex) and ten men
of the Harrow Rifles will take place on Saturday

next, the 9th, at Wormwood Scrubs, for a silver
cup; ranges, 300, 500. and 600 yards, being a con-
tinuation of the competition originally proposed by
Capt. Wilbraham Taylor, of the Barnet Rifles.
Yesterday about 400 of the Inns of Court Volun-
teers paraded in Gray's-inn at two o'clock, under
the command of Colonel Brewster, and, accompa-

nied by their band, proceeded to Hampstead for
ammunition drill, twenty rounds being served to
each man. The men, after undergoing a series of
evolutions in a most satisfactory manner, marched
homewards, the band playing selections of music,
reached the headquarters about half-past six o'clock,

and were then dismissed.
The 35th Middlesex (Enfield) Rifle Volunteers
assembled on Sunday last at their armoury at
Enfield-court for church parade, and, under the
command of Captain Letchworth, marched, headed
by their band, to St. James's Church, Enfield-
highway, where they attended Divine service. The
sermon was preached by the Rev. J. Harman, M.A.,
the incumbent of the church, and honorary chaplain

to the corps.
A general meeting of the 38th Middlesex (Ar.
tists') Rifle Volunteer Corps was held on Tuesday
at the Floral Hall, Covent-garden; The prizes shot
for at the recent competition were presented to the
respective winners :—A Hay rifle, won by Captain
Lewis ; a silver medal, won by Ensign Gale ;
a short Enfield rifle and sword bayonet, won by
Sergeant Earles. The financial report for the
past year showed that the working expenses of
the corps were more than covered by the sub-
scriptions of the effective members alone. A
letter from Lieutenant-General Sir James Outram,
G.C.8., announced his acceptance of the command
of the corps. This announcement was most enthu-
siastically received. At the conclusion of the meet.
ing the corps formed four deep, and marched to
head-quarters at Burlington-house.
On Thursday evening last a numerously attended
meeting of the members of the Ist and 4th Com-
panies of the York Rifle Corps was held in the
Guildhall (Captain Lloyd, of the Ist Company, in
the chair), for the purpose of taking into considera-
tion the circular issued by the War-office respecting
the arms to be used by the different corps. It was
ultimately decided unanimously to respectfully
memorialise Lord Herbert on the subject ; and that
the members should meet on Monday to discuss and
settle the memorial, a committee in the meanwhile
being appointed to embody the arguments and
opinions expressed by the members. Should the
Government still persist in their determination, the
members intimated their intention of resigning in a
body, as they considered the order neither more
nor less than an expression of want of confidence.
A handsome silver bugle was presented to the
4th Cinque Ports Artillery Volunteers (Hastings)
on Monday by Mrs. William Scrivens, whose hus-
band is captain of the Ist Company. An appropriate
speech accompanied the presentation, which was
acknowledged by Captain-Commandant Harcourt
on behalf of the corps. Two companies of the
Artillery were present and several of the officers
and men of the Ist Cinque Ports Rifles. The
Artillery of this town are now numerous enough
to form a brigade.
A considerable number of recruits has been
obtained at Colchester, and, with the help of a con-
tingent from the neighbouring village of Wivenhoe,
a third company will, it is expected, be shortly
'orated,

ELECTRIC AND INTERNATIONAL
T.ELEGB,A.PII COMPANY.

The thirtieth half-yearly meeting of this company
was held yesterday, at the offices, Telegraph-street
—the Hon. Mr. Grimston in the chair.
The CHAIRMAN, in moving the adoption of the
report, said ho had considerable satisfaction in
calling attention to the first paragraph in the report,
which referred to the receipts of the company. The
receipts had been increasing gradually, and the trust
account amounted to the handsome sum of £30,000 ;
but still the cost of maintaining the different lines
amounted to a large sum. The directors had been
contemplating a reduction of the tariff, as experi-
ence had shown that all previous reductions of the
tariff had resulted in an increased profit to the
company. Some people considered that there
should be an equalisation of charges throughout
the company's lines for messages ; but that would
not answer, as it was plain they could not send a
message for ls. when it cost the company 2s. 6d.
At some future time the directors would be prepared
to make some modification in the charges that
would be of benefit to the public. He concluded
by formally moving the adoption of the report.
Captain HUISH seconded the motion, which was
carried.
A dividend at the rate of 31 per cent. for the
half-year was then declared.
Some discussion ensued upon the trusi fund.
The CHAIRMAN having explained that the fund
was for the renewal of cables and to meet any
emergency that might happen,
The meeting separated in the usual manner.

A telegram from Havannah, via the United
States, announces the stoppage of Messrs. G. Sthamer and
Co., merchants and sugar exporters, with large liabilities,
some of which will have to be sustained in Alanchester,
London, and Hamburg. They are believed. however, to
be so divided that the amount wil theot be particularly
heavy in any individual instance, total in do
Lonn
ranging, perhaps, between £50,G00 and £70,000. Mr.
Sthamer has transacted an extensive business and enjoyed
good standing, but is said to have locked up his means
in
bank shares and other speculative investments. The firm
have Agent at gand.ester,