The Sun.
London, England, 1857-05-11 00:00:00

TIIE LOSS OF THE CURLEW.

Captain Charlewood, R N., and Commander
Robertson, R.N., the officers who were appointed
to institute an inquiry into the loss of H. M. revenue
cutter Curlew, presented the following report on
Saturday "
Board of Trade, Miy 9.

" Sir,—ln pursuance of the directions of the Lords of
the Committee of Privy Council for Trade, Capt. Cherie-
wood, R.N., on hehalf of the Admiralty, and Comman-
der Robertson, R.N., on behalf of the Board of Trade,
hold an inquiry yesterday, the Bth inst., at the Privy
Council office, into the occa-ion and circumstances at-
tending the sinking of the Coastguard. cruiser Curlew,
near the Mouse lightvessel, at about 1 a.m. on the 23d
ult., and the loss of the master and six men, one only
(Michael Hawkins) being saved out Oa crew of eight in
number, including the master.
" After a careful consideration of the evidence adduced
on the inquiry (a copy of which is annexed), we beg to
report that in our opinion the loss of the Coastguard
cutter is entirely attributable to the neglect 0.12 the part
of the master of that vessel in not taking the precaution
of exhibiting a light, in accordance with the Admiralty
regulations, which require that all sailing vessels at an-
chor in roadsteads or fairways shall be bound to exhibit
between sunset and sunrise a constant br'ght light at
the masthead.'
" We exonerate the master, officers, and crew of the
Belgian steamer from all blame, as every necessary pre.
caution appears to have been taken by them under the
circumstances, the master, mate, and one man being on
the lookout on the bridge, and one man on the lookout on
the forecastle, the vessel proceeding at a reduced speed.
"The night, although so dark as to prevent a vessel
of the size of the Curlew being seen until within a few
yards of her, was nevertheless sufficiently clear for lights
to be visible at least three miles off.
"The conduct of the captain, officers, and crew of the
Scout, coastguard cutter, which was at anchor near the
Curlew, and also of those of the Baren Osy, appears de
serving of praise, for the prompt manner in which they
sent their boats to the aid of the clew of the wrecked
vessel.—We have the honour to be, sir, your obedient
servants,

" T. CHARLEWOOD.
" R. ROBERTSON.
" To the Secretary of the Marine Department
of the Board of Trade."

It is with deep regret we record tae very serious ill-
ness of the Duke of Devonshire. His grace is at present
at Chiswick, and his malady is so obstinate and severe
that his large circle of relations and friends begin to have
the gravest apprehensions. The Duke's med cal attend-
ant has had to sit up all night with him on more than
one Occasion latily.—Court Journal.

FAL.
The mail steamer Tyuemon
from the. East Indies, put in h,
consequence of the prevailint
teing short of 'fuel. She lias dun__
Her dates of departure are Satid Heads (Calcutta),
Jan. 24 ; Madras, 31st do. ;' Point de Galle' sth
of Febroaty.; Port Louis, 24th do.'; Cape of Good
Hope, 13th of March ; St. Helena, 22d do.;. and
Ascension, 29th do. She has brought as passengers,
Mrs. Aston Key and. daughter, from Calcutta;
Lieut. Stokes, Indian fumy, from Madr,s ;
Braithwaite, three children, and nurse, from Cey-
lon' • and r. Wells, R.N., from Ascension.
At Mauritius the Governor Higginson was ex-
pected to arrive with the English mails two days
after the Tynemouth left. The sth Regiment, stia-
fioned at Port Louis, had alt.( ady reci-..dved orders
to hold themselves in readiness to, procerd t) Hong
Kong before the news by the Tynealcuth reached.
Toe next sugar crop promised. exceedingly well,
and if there was not £0 much uncertainty abort', a
supply of labour there would 13,, a fair pro;ipect
making 130,000 tons. With r•-igard to tie present
crop, 85,000 tons had been shipp.-d, and there re-
mained about 20,000 tons.

In the prices of sugar there had been an adyaneA3
of 25c., caused rather by the low rates of freitoat,
the rate of exchange more favourable for purchaser. 4,
and the scarcity of sugar, than by the late news
received from Europe.
The French ship Minerva, from Calcutta for.
Havre, put into Ascension leaky, and had discharged
a considerable porfon of her cargo t ) render her
safe for the passage ho.ne. The Tynemouth re
ceived 490 chests of indigo from her to London.
We take the following suminaly of Cape re a
from the Cape Argus of the 11th of March :—.

" The attention of the colonists is at this moment, and
has been for the last six weeks past, directed to the un.

settled state of Caffreland. All feel very anxious, but
none seem to comprehend the real meaning of recent
events. That some apprehension is felt by the Governor
there can be no doubt, for he has postponed the opening
of the Parliamentary s .ion from the 26th March to the
2d April, Our correspi dent on the frontier write,
and appalling accouo, of rnurlefs znd eat
Capt. Ohlsen, of the German Legion, was tonna muLuerea -
the week before last, about half a wile freak the-villaga
which Sir G 6 Grey bad built for-the pensioners,wbo were
to have come out. He had been stationed there with a
portion of the Germans, and.had left the village at abort
half-past 8 in the morning, inteir'ing to visit Fort, Mur-

ray. The body bore several assegai wounds, one severing
the jugular vein, while a deep gash, inflicted apparently
by an axe, or some such weapon, crossed the skull dia-
gonally; his clothes were much torn, and his sword
watch, and revolver taken. An inquest was held.Pand tb e
jury considered that he bad been murdered by Kr.firs, of
which there can be no doubt.. A herdsman was found
killed about the same time, and his oxen taken. The
leader of an ox-waggon was stabbed through the hand.
while resisting Kafirs who attempted to steal his oxen.

A. private of the 89th has also been butchered by Kafirs
at East London, and the men of the regiment who were
at hand executed summary punishment on the Kafir
kraal. They burnt out the savages and chased them out

of the town. There have been several fights between tha
Kafirs themselves ; they st-al from each other as well :14
from the whites. There appears to be no combination
among them, but how soon there may be it is difficult to
say.
"The Governor io on the frontier, and is doing all in
.his power to avert war.
"Our border relations continue altogether very unsa-
tisfactory. The state of affairs in the Orange Free State
excites great apprehension, and the results of the niit-
chievous and absurd policy which carried out the aban-
donment of that country are now beginning to be felt.
The 3 years of the convention with Sir G. Clerk, by whirls
the rights and liberties of about 500 English residents
were, to a certain extent, secured, having expired, the
President Boshof, has lost no time in developing those
anti-English prejudices which first exhibited themselves
in the prosecution and murder of Mr. Csx. But he has
hitherto been foiled in his attempt to crush his English
subjects, who, by the way, are still tritish subjects ; the
Yolksraad, which he fondly hoped he had purged of all
opponents to bis measures, have had the good feeling
and courage to reject one of the two obnoxious ordi-
nances which he presented to it. Public opinion is
much divided in the State—all the more respectable por-
tion of the community being anxious for the return of
the British Government to the country, and its senses,
as well as its duties. But the most important subject of
dispute is the boundary line between the Free State and
Moshesh, paramount chief of the Basutos, which must
end in involving both the Free State and this colony in
the horrors of war, if British interference is withheld.
The adjustment of this question was one of the duties
Sir George Clerk was sent here to perform, but which
he neglected. Moshesh is exceeding y anxious to avert
war, for which he is, however, thoroughly prepared, and
con:lilies with all the demands made upon him in the way
of rest,,ration for cattle stolen by his people. He it,
howevel, quite open to reason and conviction, and to.
ceedingly anxious that the governor of this colony
should arbitrate between him and Boshof. As this
is a question involving duties and responsibilities whisk
the British Government formerly took upon itself, and
in which it has already done a great deal more harm
than good, it is to be hoped that its attention may be
again attracted to it with happier results before it be tea
late. To add to the complication of affairs, Pretorius,
President of the Trans-Vaal Republic, has formally made
a demand for the country, alleging that it is his by right
of conquest, and exhibiting a letter from Sir George
Clerk, said to strengthen his claim, but the contents of
which have not transpired.
"The affairs of the col my are certainly brightening ;
the wine growers are busy, and are realisiog handsome
profits. Attention has been directed to the manufac-
ture of our wine, and we are 'glad to hear that the home
consumer will shortly find them•much improved. White
wines are fetching 121. per pipe ; there are no pontacs in
the market. A few new ones are just coming in, but
they, are not fit to ship. The vintages are excellent ;
growers have not room to store their wines.
"The commercial body at the Exchange published
their report last week, and by it we are informed of the
imnroved position of the colony, as shown in the in•
creased exports.
"The exports for 1856 exceeded in value those of the
preceding year by 269,7861., notwithstanding that those
of 1855 were far in excess of any former year. This in-
crease is most conspicuous in wool, although there are
other articles which have materially aided in making up
the amount. Those which have principally contributed
to this result are, wool, 197,012/. ; wine, 25,277/. ; cop.
per ore, 23,412/. ; skins, &c., 18,4581. ; hides, 16,6931.;
total, 280,852/. • while in grain, flour, and bran there
was a decrease of 6,4611.

" The imports exceeded those of 1855 by 412,9041. ;
the tonnage of vessels entered inwards, 22,093 tons; and
the Cust ms duties, by 42,2771.

"The Exchange Cowminittee, in making these returns,
expressed their confident belief that the trade of the
colony was never in a sounder state than at present, and
that the accession to our frontier population by the
location there of a portion i.f the British German Legion
gives goo. ground for hope that our prospective progress
will be still greater.
"The gross imports of 1856 amounted to 1,588,393/.,
and the gross
,experts, the produce of the colony, to
1,240,625/.

"The chief subjects mentioned for the consideration of
Parliament are radwar, immigration, and the report of
the Er gineer to the Admiralty, relative to making Table
Bay a harbour of refuge. Sir G. Grey is determined to
get a vote in favour of railways if possible. He has re-
ceived petitions from several districts in the Western
Province soliciting his assistance in this matter. He has
promised to do all he can. He has sent out the civil en-
gineer to survey several lines, and persons have been
placed near the tell-gates outside Cape Town to make re-
tarns of the traffic to and from the city. We suffer
greatly from the want of statistics of this kind. His be-
lieved that a majority of the members of both houses are
in favour of railways, and that Sir George will succeed in
getting the vote he desires.
"Some measure for the encouragementef immigration
will no doubt be carried during the ensuing session. The
opposition offered laSt session will hardly be persevered
subtjbeac ttthe have d e
in, for the r.n:on that the vri,tie of the country people
wholaredil
far: of t s f expressedavour. Itth
willem eble
v te onthe
recollected
majo-
rity of the House of Assembly was in favour of the Go-
c
vernor'd measare, but a small minority stopped the pro.
Mr. P. B. Borcherds, one of
o availed himself of the
press of the bill. At the first agricultural dinner that
ott bopoepkoorli:dul eanscitet yoi Town,fnotfhCeea:Dperuetscs lonists,hing what may be considered to be
the feeling of the colonists generally. He declared that
the agricultural interest demanded that a scheme of im•
migration should be carried out. This has been echoed
and re-echoed over and over again in various parts of the
colony.
"From Albert we learn that the wool season has corn-

menced in that district in earnest, and a large number
of bales have already reached Burghersdorp. The wool
season will be larger this year than the preceding ono.
The wool-washersre busy washing, and there is every
probability of their being fully employed for the next
three months."

Further
THE CHINESE W Alt " paprs" relating to the
proceedings of our naval forces at Canton were publishe 1
en Saturday by order of Parliament, to whom they wee
lately presented by Royal command. The correspondeno
(principally between Sir J. Bowring and the Earl of Cla-
rendon) extends from the 27th December, 1856, to the
28th ult. We may quote the following significant passage
from Sir J. Bo wring's despatch to the Foreign-office of
the 28th February. 1857 (No. 18 of the series) :—." I
have the comfort of believing," writes Sir John," ..that
notwithstanding the lone?, privation., sufferinge, and
disquietudes which these events have produced, there
exists an almost un aoimity of opinion among her Ma•
jesty's subjects in Cbil la as to the opportunity and nece;..
city of the measures tb.at have been taken, and a convic-
tion that the crisis which has occurred was an inevitable
one,
while the councils of the Canton authorities were
directed by such intolai able pride, presumption, faith.
lessuesa, and ignorance as they have so long exhibited.
And it has greatly added to my gratification to know
that the representatives of ,foreign powers in China have
generally concurred in approving the course which has
been pursued. Indeed, I m ay safely say that I have rather
had to struggle against demsn4s for more violent and de-
structive measures than to tear censure for that) which
have been wiop ed. It has been throughout my desire,
and that of the Admiral, to snare as much as possible the
innocent and unoffeodin.b people of Canton ; but I grieve
to say the ferocious and barl ,arous element disposed to
avail itself of means however atrocious and savage, ie
widely spread among the ben :e population of that place.",

FiER MAJESTY'S THEATRE.
First appearance of Madame ALBONI.
REICHARDT, BELLETTI, VIOLET I'l, BENE VENTANO.
TO-MORROW EVENING (TUESDAY), May 12.
IL BARBIERE DI SEVIGLIA.
Rosina, Madame Alboni.
Ballet—LA ESMERALDA.
La Esmeralda, Mdlle. Pocchini.
IterpArticulars see bills.
A limited number of boxes in the Half Circle Tier have
been specially reserved for the public, and may be had on ap.
plication at the Box-office at the Theatre Colonnade, Hay.
market.
Price Ono Guinea and One Guinea and a Half each.

TIER MAJESTY'S THEATRE.
Last appearance of Madlle. Pocchini.
FICCOLOMINI, GIUGLINI, BEL LETTI, VIOLEPTI.
On THURSDAY EVENING, May 14, an Extra Night.
LUCIA DI LAM.IERMOOR.
Lucia, Piecolmini ; Edgard°, Sig. Giuglini.
After which,

LA ESMERALDA.

La Esmeralda, Madlle. Pocchini (her last appearance.)

Far particulars, see bills.
A limited number of Boxes in the Half-circle Tier have been
specially reserved for the public, and may be had on applica-
tion at the Box-office, at the Theatre Colonnade, Haymarket.
Price One Guinea and One Guinea and a Half each.

ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE.
THIS EVENING will be performed
Shakespere's tragedy of
KING RICHARD THE SECOND.
King Richard 11., Mr. C. Kean ; Queen, Mrs. C. Kean.
Preceded by a new Farce, in one act, called
AN ENGLISHMAN'S HOUSE IS HIS CASTLE.

THEATRE ROYAL, HAYMARKET.
Lessee—Mr. J. B. Buekstone.
NEW ARRANGEMENT OF PRICES OF ADMISSION.
THIS EVENING (May 11) to commence at Seven .'clock,
with THE EVIL GENIUS. Tom Itipstono, Mr. Buckstone.
After which, the successful Classical Love Story, un-
der the Apple-lation of A CAL ANTA ; or, The Three Golden
Apples : in which Miss M. Coiver will appear; also Miss M.
Wilton, and Miss Ellen Teruan.
To conclude with BOX AND COX.
In future the prices will be :
Orchestra Stalls (which may be retained the whole of the
evening), es. each. (No charge for booking.)
First Price. s. d. Second price. s. d.
Dress Boxes 5 '0 Dress Boxes 3 0
Upper Boxes ....... 3 0 Upper Boxes...
Pit .
Lower Gallery 1 0 Lower Gallery 0 6
Upper Gallery 0 6No half-price to Upper Gallery,

THEATRE ROYAL, A DELPHI.
Lessee—Mr. Ben. Webster.

THIS EVENING, will be performed a new and original
drama (never acted). entitled JOSEPH CHAVIGNY ; or,
Under the Thumb, Ben. Webster, Paul Bedford, Madame
Celeste, dle.

Followed by a new Farce, called FEARFUL TRAGEDY
IN THE SEVEN DIALS.
To conclnde with the new and original domestic sketch,
entitled WELCOME, LITTLE STRANGER. Mr. Wright,
Mr. Paul Bedford, &c.

OYAL SURREY THEATRE,
t, Lessees, Messrs. Shepherd and Crescvick.
THIS EVENING will be performed MATHILDE.
After which, THE THREE WONDERS OF PEKIN,
To conclude with 102 ; or, The Veteran and his Progeny.
Mr. Widdicomb, &c.

OYAL OLYMPIC THEATRE.
Lessee, Mr. Alfred Wigan.
THIS EVENING will he performed a new drama,
called DADDY HARDACRE. Mr. Robson, &c.
To conclude with YOUNG AND HANDSOME. Messrs
Robson, G. Murray, &c.
Commence at half-past Seven.

ASTLEY'S ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE.
Lessee and Manager, Mr. W. Cooke.
Last Five Nights of the present successful Entertainments.
On Saturday the theatre will be closed for a Grand Re-
hearsal of Verdi's far-famed Opera of IL TROVATORE ; or
The Gipsy's Vengeance, which will be produced on Monday
next, with Equestrian Illustrations, and supported by the
FIRST OPERATIC ARTISTES OP THE DAY.

On Friday, May 15, the Annual Complimentary Benefit of
Mr. William Cooke, and his daughter, Miss Kate Cooke, un-
der the distinguished patronage of the Right Hon. the Lord
Mayor and Lady Mayoress.
THIS EVENING, and following nights, the performance
will commence with the Grand Military Spectacle, entitled
THE FRENCH IN ALGIERS; or, The Battle of Constantine.
To be followed by a matchless routine of SCENES IN
THE ARENA, in which Miss Kate Cooke will appear.
To conclude with a Risible Farce.

Commerce at seven o'clock. Dress Boxes, 4s. ; Upper
Boxes, 3s. ; Private Boxes, from 1/., no charge for booking ;
Pit, 2s. ; Gallery, Is. ; Upper Gallery, 6cl.
8.,x-office open from Eleven till Four. Stage Manager,
Mr. W. West, Equestrian Director, Mr. W. Cooke, jun.

CANTERBURY HALL, Westminster-road.—
OPEN EVERY EVENING.—The follow-
ing company of Vocalists are engaged for the performance of
selections from all the popular Operas, Madrigals, Choruses,
Glees, Duets, &c., viz.: Miss E. Pearce, Mrs. J. Caulfield,
Miss Brunel% Miss Summers, and Madame Marietta ; Mr. J.
Caulfield, Herr F. Jonghmans, H. Grover, ?. Farrant, S.
Jones, J. Barker, W. Melling, P. Corri. Senor Antonio M.
de Solla, and E. L. Himo ; Masters Bennett and Corri;
Messrs. Sam Cowell, Sam Collins, and E. Mackney,
Pianoforte, Mr. Cecil Hicks; harmonium, J. Caulfield, jun.;
lirector, Mr. J. Caulfield. Commence at Seven o'clock pre-
cisely, Suppers, &c., until twelve o'clock,