The Sun.
London, England, 1859-09-14 00:00:00

THE SUN- LONDON, WEDNESDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 14, 1859.

SPORTING INTELLIGENCE.

THE DONCASTER MEETING.

The town is rapidly filling, and by nightfall the notices
which are displayed in many windows, of "lodgings to
let," will doubtless be r emoved, and. travellers will find it
difficult to obtain sleeping accommodation. Although a
wide-spread belief exists in the success of Promised Land,
it is evident that the St. Leger has lost none of its popu-
larity, and that it still excites, albeit in a less degree, the
same interest and curiosity that have ever been associated
with the race. The interest, perhaps, deepens with the in•
creased favour bestowed on Promised Laud, and many per-
sons who recollect tho " disappointments" occasioned by
the overthrow of Blink l3•onny, Rifleman, and others which
held the same position in. the betting that, the favourite now
occupies, still place a traditional faith in the field, and hope
all things from the " glorious uncertainty of the turf."
Doncaster, ever clean and trim, is as gay and as busy as
crowded streets, bawling list sellers, and opposing bands of
music can make it. The inhabitants have given their
annual race visitors a right merry welcome; but a certain
section of them have entered a solemn protest against this
anniversary of St. Leger, and have issued a rebuke to pro-
fane pleasure seekers. Blinds of private houses are drawn
down in order to shut out the sight of the revellers, and in
the windows are displayed, in large letters, Scriptural quo-
tations. These demonstrations, however, do not seem to
discourage the visitors. A storm which set in just prior to
the sport more effectually lessened the attendance on the
course, and prevented people from going to the races. Rain
had fallen heavily during the early morning, but it ceased
soon afterthe breakfast hour, and hopes of a fine day re-
vived ; but they were dispelled soon after ono o'clock, when
the dark clouds which had been drifting over the sky
gathered in deeper masses, and drenching rain fell. It was,
however. of short duration, and the afternoon brightened.
The Fitzwilliam Stakes, since it has reverted with a
slight modification ,of its conditions to its original form,
has become quite popular. This year it obtained 17 nomi-
nations, and of these only three were withdrawn. The race
was with the first two throughout, the favourite, Wild
Rose, cutting only a sorry figure; Zuyder Zee made all
his own running, and won by a neck. The owner of Un-
derhand, however, claimed the race, on the ground that
Zuyder Zee should have carried 71b extra for winning the
Chesterfield Cup at Goodwood. The case was heard after
the second race, and the following decision was given :
" An objection having been made to Zuyder Zee, on the
ground that he did not carry 71b extra, on account of having
won the Chesterfield Cup at Goodwood,
" The stewards decide that, not having won 500 sove-
reigns, his penalty was properly only 41b, according to the
conditions of the Fitzwilliam Stakes.
(Signed) " FITZWILLIAM.
" ZETLAND (for Lord Chesterfield).

" Sept. 13, 1859."
The conditions on which this decision is founded are as
follows :—A winner of 200 soya in 1859 (matches excepted)
to carry 41b, of 500 sovs 71b extra. The value of the Cup
was not taken into consideration, only the surplus money,
£450, which the owner of Zuyder Zee received with the
Cup, was calculated.
The Champagne Stakes, for whichthe success of Madame
Eglantine was deemed a " certainty," lost much of its inte-
rest by the withdrawal of the Wizard and Thormanby,
The result was a surprise, for Sir J. Hawley's pretty, frac-
tious filly was beaten, and King of Diamonds gained the
stakes for Baron Rothschild.
For the next event the Baron's colours were again
triumphant, for Mentmore carried them first past the post
for the Revival Plate.

The Selling Race was remarkable for the dead heat which
it produced.

Twenty-two starters were announced for the Great York-
shire Handicap, but the accident which occurred to Cincin-
nati enabled Mr. Hibburd to muster only 21 at the post.
Julia was made first favourite at the close ; but she was
unfortunate in the race, and Paul justified the confidence of
his backers who had adhered to him through good and evil
report. _ _

The Fitzwilliam Stakes of 5 sovs each, with 100 added, for
two-yr-olds and upwards. One mile. 17 subs.
Mr. Crawfurd's Zuyder Zee, by Orlando,' 5 yrs, 9st 61b
(including 41b extra) (Ashman) 1
Mr. G. Forster's Underhand, 5 yrs, 9st 91b (inc. 71b ex.)
(Aldcroft) 2
Mr. Eastwood's Butterfly, 2 yrs, sst 1 llb (Howey) 3
The following also ran :—Wild Rose, Lord Nelson,
Shafto, Pan, Wallace, Scribbler, Mixture, Senorita filly,
Clernanthe, Greata, and Master Begot.

Betting-3 to 1 Wild Rose, 4to 1 agst Lord Nelson, 6to
L each agst Underhand and Zuyder Zee, 10 to 1 agst But-

Much delay occurred before the flag was dropped. Zuy-
der Zee went away with the lead, with Underhand in
attendance, and these two were left to finish the race to-
gether soon after entering the straight. Underhand failed
to head Zuyder Zee, who won by a neck, five lengths sepa-
rating the second from the third, and two lengths the third
from the fourth ; Clemanthe, Pan, and Scribbler were next,
the last two were Lord Nelson and Senorita filly.
The objection which was made to Zuyder Zee is ex-
plained in our introductory remarks.
The Champagne Stakes of 50 soya each, h ft ; for two -yr-
olds ; colts, Bst 71b; fillies, Bst 51b. Winners extra. The
second to save his stake. Red House in. 32 subs.
Baron Rothschild's King of Diamonds, Bst 71b (Fordham) 1
Lord Annesley's Sweetsauce Bst 71b (Aldcroft) 2
Sir J. Hawley's Madame Eglantine, Bst blb .... (Wells) 3
The following also ran :—Vanquisher, Predictor, Br. to
Sunbeam, Lupullus, and The Gentle.
Betting-5 to 4 agst (at first sto 4 on) Madame Eglan-
tine, 9 to 2 agst Lupullus,l7 to 1 agst Sweetsauce, 8 to 1 each
agst King of Diamonds and Vanquisher.
After a little fractiousness on the part of the favourite
they got off on good terms ; Madame Eglantine led, with
Sweetsauce, Predictor, and King of Diamonds next in pur-
suit Madame Eglantine was beaten half-way up the dis-
tance, and King of Diamonds went on with the running, and
won by three-quarters of a length; half a length between
the second and third; good fourth; Predictor was a bad
fifth ; Lupullus, who was beaten before reaching the dis-
tance, was several lengths behind Brother to Sunbeam.
The Gentle did not pa ss the post.
The Revival Plate of 100 sous in specie, for 2-yr-olds and

upwards. Allowances and penalties. Red House in.

Baron Rothschild's Mentmore, by Melbourne, 4 yrs, 9st 41b
(Ashman) 1
Mr. Saxon's Lady Peel, 3 yrs, 7st 131 b .. (L. Snowden) 2
Capt. Christie's Orchehill, 4 yrs, 9st 41b....(Fordham) 3
Twilight, Black Eagle, Amaryllis, and Lord Nelson, also
ran.

Betting-6 to son (at first 7to 4 agst) Mentmore, 6to l
each agst Orchehill and Twilight, 6 to 1 agst Lord Nelson;
8 to 1 agst Lady Peel.

Mentmore made nearly all the running, and won by two
lengths ; a head between second and third ; bad foUrth.
The Selling Stakes of 5 sous each, with 50 added, for 2-yr-
olds and upwards. T.Y.C. 8 subs.

Mr. Locke's Lady George, 2 yrs (£4O), sst 111 b
(J. Daley)t 1
Mr. J. Jackson's Knayton, 2 yrs (£4O), sst 111 b
(Grimshaw)t 2
Capt. Christie's The Dane, 3 yrs (£4O), Bst (Fordham) 3
Susannah, Miss Hawley, Little Poll, and The Don also

ran.
Betting-6 to 4on Lady George, sto 1 agst The Dane,
6 to 1 agst linayton.
A, dead heat with Lady George and Knayton ; bad third.
Deciding heat-6 to 4on Lady George, wha won by half
a length.
The Great Yorkshire Handicap of 25 sous each ; 15 ft, and
5 only if declared, &c., with 100 added ; winners extra.
The second to receive 50 sous out of the stakes. St. Leger
Course. 91 subs., 55 of whom pay 5 soya each.
Mr. P. Front's Paul, by Chanticleer, 3 ps, sst 101 b
(A. Sadler) 1
Captain Vernon's Nucleus, 3 yra, Est 31b (Challoner) 2
Mr. Saxon's Defender, 3 yrs, 7gt3lb. ..... (L. Snowden) 3
The following also ran :—Beethoven, East Langton,
Newcastle, King at Arms, Mazzini, Gorsehill, Dispute,
Gallus, The Grand Secret, Coroner, Julia, Souvenir, The
Squire, Gracchus, Newstead, Uralian, Timandra, and
Mutineer.

_ .
Verraby weighed for Cincinnati, but on proceeding to the
post the colt roared up, unseated his jockey, and did not
start.
Betting at starting to 1 each against Julia and Muti-
neer, 7 to 1 agst Beethoven, 9to 1 agst Paul, 12 to 1 each
agst The Squire and Coroner, 100 to 8 agst Nucleus, 100 to
7 agst Defender, 100 to 6 agst Newstead, 20 to 1 each agst
Gallus, Mazzini, and East Langton.
At the fourth attempt they got away, Julia being knocked
on to her head soon after the flag was dropped, and losing
a plate in the collision. She was, however, quickly reco-
vered. Gracchus showed the way at a good pace, with
Souvenir, Newstead, Beethoven, The Squire, Paul, Nucleus,
and several others clustering well together in their wake,
and King-at-Arms bringing up the rear. They reached
the Woods- without material alteration, when some of
the foremost horses gradually compounded, and on reach-
ing the Red House The Squire went up to Gracchus,
Beethoven and Paul being next, and Mutineer, who had
lost start, began to make up his ground. On entering the
straight Beethoven took up the running, and Gracchus
dropped back. At the distance Paul came °tit, closely fol-
lowed by Beethoven, Nucleus, and Defender, these four
being left to finish the race. Paul, however, held his own
to the end, and won by two lengths, the second beating the
third by a length, a head only dividing the third and fourth.
The Squire and Gracchus were next, side by side. The
others straggling in were preceded by Mutineer, Julia,
Dispute, and Newcastle.
The Glasgow Stakes of 30 soya each, 20 ft, for 2-yr-olds ;
colts, Bst 61b each. Red House in.
Mr. Jaques's High Treason, by Mildew .. (j. Osborne) 1
Lord Glasgow's colt, by Alarm out of the Rescued
(Aldcroft) 2
Betting-6 to lon High Treason, who led from start to
finish, and won by eight lengths.

The Filly Stakes of 3) soya each, for 2-yr-old fillies, Bst 71b.
5 furlongs 152 yards.
Mr. Hudson's Lady Trespass (J. Osborne) 1
Mr. Clark's Emily (G. Fordhal 2

Sir C. Monck's Vesta (L. Snowden) 3
Mr. Wentworth's Floretta (Aldcroft) 4

Betting-5 to 4on Emily. Vesta led to the enclosure,
when Emily came in front, but was in a few yards passed
by Lady Trespass, who won by half a length.

The Doncaster Plate (Handicap), of 70 sovs, for 3-yr-olds
and upwards. One mile.
Baron Rothschild's Bastion, 4 yrs, 6st 21b (G. Fordham) 1
Mr. Mills's Greenwich Fair, 4 yrs, Est 121 b (Lambourne) 2
C,ol. Martyn's Nereus, 5 yrs, 7st (Custance) 3
The following also ran:—Kestrel, Ilyder Ali, Eltham
Beauty, Bilberry, Ochiltree, and Rough Bob.
Betting-3 to 1 agst Bastion, 100 to 1 agst Bilberry, 4to
_ _

1 agst Nereus, and 5 to 1 each agst Kestrel and Greenwich
Fair. The latter made all the running to the stand, when
Bastion " collared" her, and won a fine race by a head.
Three lengths between the second and third. Bilberry was
fourth.

Match, 100 soya each. Red House in.
Mr. Coate's Kingston, 7st 711 s

...(Bullock) 1

Mr. Singleton's Exminster, 7st (J. Snowdon) 2
Betting-5 to 4on Exminster. The filly by Kingston
made play, was never caught, and won by a length and a

LATEST BETTING ON THE ST. LEGER.

75 to 40 on Promised Land (taken)
sto 1 agst Su.mmerside (taken)
14 to 1 agst Gladiolus (taken)
20 to 1 agst Napoleon (taken)
20 to 1 agst Gamester (taken)
25 to 1 agst Aston (taken)
50 to 1 agst Lovett (taken)
CESAREWITCH.
22 to 1 agst Artless (taken)
30 to 1 agst Prioress (taken)
30 to 1 agst Compromise (taken)

DERRY.
25.t0 1 agst King of Diamonds (taken)
40 to 1 agst Lupellus (taken)

HORSES STRUCK OUT OF THEIR ENGAGE-
MENTS.
Sept. 12, at 9 a.m.—Phantom and Volta, out of Doncas-
ter engagements.
Sept. 12, at 9 a.m.—Trabuco, Little Agnes, and Black
Eagle out of Doncaster Plate.
Sept. 12, at 9 a.m.—Moorcock, out of Doncaster St.
Leger.
Sept. 12, at 9 a.m.—Homeward Bound out of Champagne
Stakes, Doncaster.
Sept. 12, at 9 a.m.—York, Mavourneen, and c. by Vera-
lam, out of Bloomer, 3 yrs, out of engagements at Mon-
mouth.
Sept. 12, at 12.45 p.m.—Lincoln, out of all engagements.
Sept. 13, at 9 a.m.—Libellous, out of the Two-yr-old
Handicap Sweepstakes, Doncaster.

ACCEPTANCES for the CESAREWITCH STAKES, 2 miles,
93 subscribers.

2 furlongs, 28 yards,
Age st lb
Tournament • 5 9 4
Fisherman 6 9 4
Lifeboat 4 9 3
Starke 4 8 11
Beadsman 4 8 10
Musj id
Prioress 6 8 5
Special Licence • 5 8 4
Sunbeam 4 8 1
Roman Candle
Des Chiles 4 8 0
Lord Nelson 5 8 0
Vanity
Borderer
Riseber
Summerside
Ths Argosy
Tunstall Maid
Wild Rose 3 7 8
King at Arms 4 7 8
Defender
Scar of the East ~
Scribbler
Wrestler
Napoleon
Yorkshire Grey

_
Jordan
Royal Sovereign
Pole Star a 7 1
Pensioner
Prince of Denmark 4 6 13
Sam Spode
Compromise 4 6 12
Aston
Independence 3 6 11
Magnum
Gaspard 3 6 9
Bevis
Sampson
The Jade 5 6 8
Miss Cath 6 6 8
Gallus— ... • .....
Spiteful Dick 6 6 7
Clydesdale 4 6 7
Flying Duke 4 6 . 7
Marine.... 3 6 6
Queenstown 4 6 6
Hungerford

HOUGHTON
ACCEPTANCES for the CAM'
subs. One mile 240 yards.
pay 5 sovs. each
Age st lb
Fisherman 6 9 4

Age st lb
Winkfield
The Greek 3 6 6
May Morning. 3 6 5
Cincinnati 3 6 5
Glee-singer 5 6 5
Accurate
Broadlands , 4 6 4
Haymaker 4 6 4
Tiara
Hydromel 4 6 2
Mazzini .
Lady Alice
Pan 3 6 2
Petra 3 6 2
The Old English
Gentleman
Margery Daw 3 6 0
Neva
The Courier
Knight of the Tour-
nay
Ambush
Fortune .. 3 5 12
•Cytherus
Bumble Bee
Red Eagle 3 5 12
Rara Avis 3 5 10
Brazen
Magnet
Odd Fellow
Aneurin 3 5 5
Lovett
Heiress
Whitewall 4 5 5
Ochiltree
Mutineer
Eller
Gala colt
Artless
Target
Moorcock
Australian Maid
Polonius
Don Cossack 3 4 10
Wildgravo 3 4 10
Coxcomb
Polly Taft..

MEETING.

:BRIDGE/MIRE STAKES. 205
205 subscribers, 91 of whom

Age st lb
Amsterdam 4 6 13
Magnum •• 36 12
Accurate ....•••••• 4 6 12
The Jade . 56 12
Gallus
Ariadne
Beethoven ......••
3 6 11
Marine 3' 6 10
Balnamoon '3 6 10
Cincinnati .. . .
The Covenant Bow 3 6 10
Turret ... •.. .. . 4 6 10
The Old English
Gentleman • . . 5 6 10
Mazzini
Tom King
Petra .. . ........ 3 6 7
Miss Cath ........ 6 6 7
Cytherus ........ 4 6 7
Broadlands ...... 4 6 6
Nuncia . ........ 3 6 6
Ticket-of-leave..... 3 6 5
Heiress .......... 3 6 5
Ambu5h.......... 3 6 5
Bumble Bee .•• • • • 3 6 5
The Greek....
' Lady Alice
Lovett
Penalty
Harraton
Odd Fellow
Artless
Margery Daw . •
Meg Merrilies
Rare Avis 3 6 3

Tournament .. 5 9 4

Zuyder Zee 5 9 2
M. Philippe
Lifeboat...,,.
Beadsman 4 8 10
Lord Nelson 5 8 9
Strathnaver
Lance
Starke
Roman Candle 4 8 7
Musjid 3 8 7
The Promised Land 3 8 7
North Lincoln-- 3 8 7
Sunbeam 4 8 4
Ditto
Prioress 6 8 3
Mayonaise 3 8 2
Riseber
Zouave
East Langton 4 8 0
The Argosy 4 8 0
Black Tommy
Montebello
Des Chiles 4 7 10
Wild Rose.. 3 7 10

Mdlle. de Chantilly 5 7 10
Hegira
King of the Forest 5 7 9
Star of the East 4 7 9
Brother to Bird on

the Wing
Newcastle 3 7 9
Defender

King at Arms 3 7 9
Royal Sovereign 4 7 8
Wrestler

Cock-a-hoop 3 6 2
Gracchus
Maud 4 6 0
Mutineer
Hal o'Kirklees 3 6 0

Shafto

.3 7 7

Coroner 3 7 7
Glee-singer
Tiara
Drogheda
Cantine
Jordan
Yorkshire Grey
Schism
Prince of Denmark 4 7 1
Pensioner ..
Twilight
Lambourn 5 7 0
Volcano
. _ _

Solomon 3 6

Geologie
Red Eagle 3 5
As You Like It filly 3 5
Woodburn 3 5

Aneurin 3 :5

Dutchman's Daughz -
ter
Target
Gala colt
_ _

—_
Volta 4 7 01
Comforter 3 7 0
Sampson
Independence 3 7 0
Knight of Tourney 4 6 13
Reynard 3 6 13
Sam Spode ......
Glonbuck ....

Never Despair 3 6 5
Wanderer 4 5 6
_ _

Queen Charlotte 3 5 5
Benbow ~ 3 5 4
Australian Maid .. 3 5 2
Honey
Wildgrave 3 5 0
Orcus 3 4 10

PUGILIB3II

WILLIAM SMITH (OF BRIGHTON) AND THOS. ROBERTS
(OF LONDON).—The encounter between these men took
place yesterday, in the
." home circuit," the ring being
formed by Fred. Oliver, m the absence of the veteran com-
missary, on a well-known spot. The men were not restricted
to weight, but in this Roberts had all the advantage of his
antagonist. Smith, who is better known by the sobriquet
of " the doctor," had for seconds Bill Gillam, of Brighton,
and Dan Collins, while young Hill and Jack Callaghan did
the requisite for Roberts, who was the non-favourite in the
betting. At 10 minutes past one the men were -left to begin
the contest, which may be summed up in very brief terms.
In the whole 18 rounds were fought, occupying 35 minutes,
when, unfortunately, just as Roberts was winding up, the
police made their appearance. The referee at once made
selection of ground, where for the second time the ring was
formed, when, as Roberts did not think proper to again
enter the list, notwithstandipg he had been warned of the
consequences by the referee, the battle was awarded to
punishment.
Smith, who, on leaving the ring, displayed little or no

GLASGOW CELTIC.—The first general meeting for
the formation of this corps was held on Friday in the Lower
Trades' Hall, which was pretty well filled by members of the
Glasgow Celtic Society. Col. Campbell, of Skipness, presi-
dent of the society, occupied the chair. A report was read
from the provisional committee, which had met several times
to make the necessary arrangements for the proposed
corps. Bailie M'Gregor then moved a resolution, which
was as follows :—" Seeing that upwards of fifty gen-
tlemen had signified their intention to join a rifle company,
it is the opinion of the present meeting that the company
be formed under the auspices of the Glasgow Celtic Society,
and that its designation be the Glasgow Celtic Rifle Com-
pany.' " Bailie M'Gregor said that the society would
have been among the first to form a rifle corps had not
their attention been engrossed by the preparation for
the Highland Games, and because they could not have
given the matter the attention it deserved. He affirmed
that the Highlanders were as loyal subjects as any
her Majesty possessed, and had do doubt that if they were
called to do active duty they would not be behind any of
their fellow-countrymen. He approved of rifle corps, inas-
much as, judging from the late continental wars, our country
was not free from danger, and because they might be trained
to be an efficient defence of our islands, and allow the re-
gular soldiers to go and defend any important interests
elsewhere. This motion was seconded by Mr. Brown, and
carried with acclamation. Other minor arrangements
occupied the meeting till the close.

AUSTRALIA.

THE COLONY OF VICTORIA.

•
The following is the letter of the Times' Mel-

_
bourne correspondent :
" MELBOURNE, JULY 16.
"The mailship Salsette reached Kangaroo Island
early on the morning of Tuesday, the sth inst , and
a few hours after the newsboys were proclaiming
the war' about the streets of Melbourne. The mail
in bulk reached Hudson's Bay on the 7th, only two
days after its time—a wonderful instance of punc-
tuality, according to our chastened notions—for like
the crowd' in Goethe's Faust," TVir sind am bes-
ten nicht gewohnt.' We have not been accustomed
to the best at the hands of our former contractors.
We learn by the mail that the Indian line of elec-
tric telegraph is now completed to Aden. This is
a matter of some importance to us. The mailship
for Australia leaves Aden on the 2d day of the
month next after its departure from England, and
ought to arrive at Kangaroo Island on the 3d ; in-
deed, the time-table first:published sets it down on
the Ist of each month. TThus we may calculate on
receiving and sending news between Melbourne
and London only 31 and 32 days old. This is the
actual condition of our means of communication.
Our prospects in that behalf demand a few words
more.

" A gentleman named Gisborne arrived by the
last mail empowered to treat with the several Aus.
tralian Governments for the establishment of
telegraphic communication between Australia and
London. He presents himself with the great ad-
vantage of a specific and apparently well-considered
plan. He shows that the line is now complete to
Aden ; that from Aden to the mouth or mouths of
the Indus (Kurrachee)-the-line is contracted for,
and the cable ready for laying down in December
next. This will complete the line to Calcutta—or
rather to Rangoon—for the telegraph has been for
some time at work between the two last-named

places. From Rangoon (proceeding south) the
Indian Government have already engaged to com-
plete the line down the west side of the Malay Pe-
ninsula, by Tenasserim and Penang, to Singapore,
and thence by Banca Island to Batavia. The
Dutch Government has alrrady a line at work

along the whole length of Java- to its eastern end,
Cape Sedano, to which point electric communication
may be said to be provided for ; what follows rests
at present merely in proposal, and it pursues very
nearly the track I sketched out in one of my letters
written about two years ago. It is proposed to
proceed from the east end of Java, in an easterly
course, to Copang, in the island of Timor, thence
to Port -t ssington, thence to Cape York, thence
down the Australian coast to Cleveland Bay, and
thence further to Moreton Bay. There the line
will terminate, and very probably so, for there is
no doubt that long before the above grand
scheme can be carried out the New South Wales

and Moreton Bay Governments will have esta-

blished intercolonial communication. The whole

distance from Java to Moreton Bay is calculated

at 3,024 miles, and the estimated cost, which
seems based on reliable data, is £720,000, or to
be on the ,safe side, £750,000. It is proposed
either that the Australian Government should
construct this line, e Lch Government contributing
according to the proportions fixed under the mail
contract, or that the several Governments agree to
guarantee 6 per cent. profit or interest on the capi-
tal required. As the proportion of Victoria is 58
per cent. of the whole postal service, our contribu-
tion would amount to £435,000, or if the guarantee
system be adopted to £26,100 a year. Nothing
more has transpired at present, nor am I aware
which of the two modes of contribution, or whether
any mode, is likely to be adopted, but my own im-
pression is that the war and the necessity for pro-
viding for ' our defences' will absorb every other
consideration for the present.
" During the Russian war very little anxiety was
felt for the safety of this colony. By the naval
operations c f England in the Baltic and the Black
Sea and the Sea of Azoff Australia was effectually
protected. Russia had no naval force at a distance,
and was not in a condition to detach any ships for
distant conquest or plunder. Though her action
was'aggressive so far as Turkey was concerned,
she was effectually reduced to the defensive by the
allied forces. But should England in this war be
forced from her neutrality and have France for her
enemy—of which I do not as yet see any proba-
bility—our position will be one of extreme peril,
and the sinews of war, upon which England de•
pends, may be crippled through us. On an
average we have always about £2,500,000 or
£3,000,000 of gold afloat, and our homeward-
, bound ships will be even more attractive objects
of attack than the Spanish galloons were of old.
This large amount of treasure, when once afloat, is
either directly or indirectly at the risk of the English
capitalists. It is in the first instance the property
of the banks here, and of these the two largest
shippers, the Union Bank and the Bank of Aus-
tralasia, have an English proprietary, and any loss
by capture would injure a very large body of
English shareholders; but all the banks, whether
English or colonial, effect their insurances with the
London companies, and will, no doubt, elect to pay
the war premium rather than insure with the war-
ranty.of free of capture.' It is therefore England
that is especially interested in the protection of
these rich argosies at the two points of danger—
namely, on leaving the Australian coast, and on
approaching the coast of Europe. In the wide
ocean the danger is comparatively trifling." For
protection at sea the colony is not in a condition to
provide—that seems to be the proper function of
the imperial navy. As for our own shores we
ought mainly to depend on ourselves, with such aid
as England can afford.
" The other danger to which we are open is
from the visit of the enemy's cruisers. At present
it would not be difficult for a few ships of strong
armament to enter Port Phillip, and send a polite
message on shore with a demand for all the loose
cash which the banks happened to have about them,
and the penalty of being shelled would compel com-
pliance. The French are a very polite nation, and
would rob, us as civilly as Paul Clifford robbed Lord
Mauleverer—with this difference, that the laws of

war would justify them. In July, 1858, the Governor
in Council issued a commission directed to 14 gen-
tlemen, to inquire into the defences of the colony.
Six of the commissioners were military officers of
experience, two were naval officers, and the other
six were members of the two houses of the Legisla-
ture. They recommended that Hobson's Bay should
be defended by batteries on shore, and by a steam
floating battery, and they went into details as to
the weight of metal, structure, &c. The steam
floating battery, they suggested, should be supplied
by the English Government, as the shipping in the
bay belongs chiefly to English shipowners. They
also recommended the importation of 6,000 improved
rifles, and of a complete 9-pounder field battery.
They also sketched out a plan for the organization
of a militia. This report was made in December,
but had in part been communicated to the Govern-
ment earlier, so that when the Estimates were be-
fore the House in October a vote was taken in ad-
dition to the ordinary votes for a' and
Volunteer force' of £25,000, and a portion of the
arms were forthwith ordered. Further portions
will no doubt now be ordered, and it is anderstood
that a Militia Bill will be introduced as soon as
the Legislature meets. As for the plan which
is most relied on by non-military persons—that
of fortifying the Heads,—the engineering and
naval authorities do not much rely rely on it, or
at least postpone it in point of importance
to the immediate necessity of 'defending Hobson's
Bay. The Heads would soon be passed at 2,000
yards from the batteries, whereas if Hobson's Bay
were well defended a hostile force would run into
the lion's jaws. As for the landing of any consider-
able force for permanent operations on shore, that
is not very likely, and an expedition to capture the
colony is less likely than attempts to levy large con-
tributions from our banks and merchants and to
pick up our goldships. Proclamations have been
issued this morning for immediately organising 16
additional companies of volunteers ; the four com-
panies of the 40th Regiment, now 400 men, are to
be augmented by local enlistment to 700. Both
these bodies will be increased should the intelligence
by the next or any subsequent mail render it neces-
sary. A further supply of arms is to be sent for, and
generally it is understood that such measures will
be adopted as the military authorities may deem
necessary for the protection of the port and its trade
from sudden attack. Should England preserve her
neutrality the serious attention of the Legislature
will nevertheless be directed to the necessity of
putting the port in a condition to be effectually
defended against a hostile armament. Naturally,
the mere suggestion of the possibility of a war in
which England may be involved has created for
the moment a sort of panic; but it is subsiding
into a reasonable determination to make such pre-
parations as will prevent or defeat a surprise.
The papers are filled with all sorts of suggestions,
many impracticable, many absurd, a few with an
eye to trade, and fewer still of a useful nature.
In the meantime the Board is composed of men
well versed in the subject, and it is understood

P*
4 D"). STAMPED, .

that the Government will act upon their sug-
gestions. This seems to me to be certain-7
that Steps will be taken, war or no 'war, to
put the harbouririto a state of complete defence
—rapidly .if the probability of war continces,
more leisurely if peace be assured. With This
view, and in order to husband the resources 'of
the colony, I understand that the Government
have finally determined to reject for the present
the proposal respecting telegraphic communication
with tngland.mentioned above. The proposal how-
ever has had this good effect—that we know. what
remain to be done and the cost of doing it.
" The abundant fall of rain during the last two
months has had a very marked and beneficial effect
on the supply of gold by the escorts. Up to the 3d
of June the weekly returns generally showed a de-
ficiency as compared with the corresponding periods
of 1858. Since the 3d of June the excess has been
invariably in favour of 1859, the weekly excess
being as follows :7-
" Week ending June 1Q ..
_3,045 ounces

24 ..
July 1..
8

Total

• 18,410 „
• 8,657 ~
▪ 7,488 „
• 7,840 ,

.. 40,440 ounces.

" The quarter's supply is, for 1859, 592,194 oz.,
against 591,161 oz. in 1858. The deficiency on the
first six months is 58,301 oz., which has since been
reduced to under 43,000. _ _ _

"The shipmentS for the first six months of 1859,
were 1,197,062 oz., against 1,277,568 oz. in 1858,
the difference, being 8Q,506 oz. But this deficiency
is also in course of reduction, thongh I am unable
tb give the exact figures. , Quartz-crushing is in-
creasing, and the accounts are generally of a fa-
vourable nature.
.At Reedy Creek, near Kilmore,
some large quantity of quartz has realised
16 oz. 6 dwt. 3 gr. on the average' to the
ton. The £lO shares of one company have been
sold at £l6O. Some very rich reefs have been dis-
covered accidentally, it is said, at Pleasant Creek.
It is to this branch of gold mining that the miners
now look for future supplies. Large capital and
extensive machinery, with combined labour' are
now being applied, and the attention of the Legis-
loture has been, and will continue to be, directed
to measures for facilitating this branch of mining
enterprise. We still hear occasionally of the dis-
cbvery of rich alluvial diggings, but I do not think
that branch of industry is likely to extend. It is
Pow either stationary or on the decline. On the
whole, I have no doubt that the supply will con-
tinue at about £10,000,000 per annum. I do not
think it will increase materially, as other branches
of industry are eagerly embraced. Agriculture
especially is extending, and is likely to increase
from year to year. There has been a good deal of
fluctuation in the price of gold during the month,
owing to the alteration of the exchanges and the
Possibility of war freights and war insurances.
Ballarat gold, which, as the purest, generally leads
the rest, is no v 775. 6d. to 78s. 6d., while the prices
op other places range from 675. to 78s. As a means
o comparing the prices of one period with another,
t e course of prices of Ballarat gold (read by the
1 ht of the exchanges) afford the best standard.
" The shipments to England since last mail have
Iken heavy. They are by the ,

Oneida, June 18 , 6.5,677
Agincourt, June 18
Kent, June 25
Blue Jacket, July 29
Marco Polo, July 11

I Total 230,048
I "The banks have raised the rates of exchange to
21- per cent. premium on bills at 60 days' sight, and
3ti per cent. premium on bills under £5O at 30 days'
sckght. After having previously lowered the rates
discount on mercantile paper they have again
Tf
' ised the rates to 8 per cent. on three months'
aper and 9 per cent. on four months' paper. Five
the banks have discontinued the allowance of
interest on current accounts, but still allow 4 per
dent. on accounts subject to withdrawal on three
Months' notice, and 5 per cent on deposits subject
to six months' notice of withdrawal. The Oriental
and English and Scottish continue the allowance
cif 3 per cent. on current accounts, and allow 6 per
dent. on deposits, subject to 12 months' notice of
tithdrawal. Freight on gold is from 21d. to 3d.
er ounce, and insurance 11 per cent. Since the
lit st mail there have been large exports of sove-
eigns—namely, 228,262. With all this the prices
f securities have shown a tendency to rise. The
shares of the Bank of Victoria arc at 140, Colonial
16 7s. 6d., and most of the insurance companies
have slightly advanced.
I " The excess in the value of imports over exports
is now moderate.
Imports
Exports

313,668
I 1 "The following is the account of railway traffic
rthe Government lines since my last.
Passengers. Net amount to
Treasury.
?Meek ending June 16 .... 11,945 .... £1,050 7 5
1
9) 7) 23 .... 10,359 .... 1,633 4 5
21 11 30 .... 10,775 .... 1,123 19 11
27 July 7 .... 15,645 .... 1,340 311

48,724

£5,147 15 8

Average ... .. 12,181 £1,286 18 11
" The return of gold exported up to the end of
last week, 11th July, including the Marco Polo's
quantity, is 1,251,562 ounces, against 1,277,568
ounces to the corresponding period of 1858, reduc-
ing the deficiedey to 25,999 ounces, or about four
days supply only."

NEW SOUTH WALES.
(Front the Sydney Morning Herald of July 13.)
The last mail brought out a commission to Capt.
'Loring of her Majesty's ship Iris, as Commodore
of the Second Class, in which capacity he now com-
mands on the Australian station. Two other,
vessels of war are shortly to be added to the force
on that station, which will thus become very re-
spectable in point of strength. The Cordelia has
left, with Sir William Denison on board, for Nor-
folk Island, and it is understood that in the course
of her trip she will look in at Vanicolo and inquire
after the murderers of Captain Prout of the Maid
of Australia, and his men.

The principal portion of the railway works now
in progress in this colony is that undertaken by the
agent for Messrs. Peto, Brassy. and Betts, the full
particulars of which we have given in former sum-
maries. The entire length contracted for by that
firm is about 45 miles, consisting of continuations
on the Southern, Western, and Northern lines. A
commencement was made on the Southern line im-
mediately on the completion of the contract, two
months ago. The portion between Campbelltown
and Menangle accordingly begins to exhibit con-
siderable progress in the cuttings and embank-
ments. The various processes connected with rail-
way construction are in full operation. Bricks aro
being made for a long viaduct which will carry the
railway over the Menangle river. In the course of
two or three months, however, a substantial por-
tion will he completed, and it is likely that the
Great Southern Railway will be open for traffic as
far as Menangle in the early part of next year.
The Western extension from Blacktown to Pen-
rith, is also in progress, the first sod having been
turned on the 6th inst. About 250 men are em-
ployed, scattered about different parts of the line.
Shops have been put up and all the requisite mate-
rials have been brought to the gr.)und, so that the
works can now be pushed on without delay. The
work on this portiop is also tolerably heavy ; there
are to be three large wooden viaducts, besides se-
veral culverts and under.bridges.
Messrs. Peto and Co. have not yet commenced
preparations on their portion of the Northern line,
from Lochinvar to Singleton. There are two years
before them for the completion of their contract,
and, considering the speed at which English con-
tractors are accustomed to makB railways, the delay
of a month or two on starting is of no consequence.
The line between Paramatta and Blacktown,
carried on by Mr. Gibbons, is in a very forward
state.
Trial surveys are being proceeded with in the
Grose valley for the best direction for the proposed
continuation of the Great Western line to Bathurst.
The range known as the Blue Mountains offers very
serious impediments to the extension of a railway
westward, and the work of finding a practicable
line for its construction is consequently one of
great labour and difficulty. Mr. Rhodes is pursu-
ing with great industry and good management his
important mission.
The Customs revenue collected at the port of
Sydney during the months of June amounted to
£45,356 18s. 7d. During the corresponding month
s
of 1858 the receipts were £43,931 16s. 3d. There
is therefore an increase of £1,425 2s. 4d.,
or about
3 per cent, on the past month. For the first six
months of 1858 the amount of duties received was
£260,878 Bs. 2d. During the same period of the
present year the receipts have amounted to
£308,030 10s. 2d., which is an increase of £38,152
2s.
or nearly 14 per cent. in favour of the present
year.
Some fine specimens of gold, discovered at Coro-

PORTLAND, SEPT. 13.

Of the this remaining firemen injured by the
explosion, and now in the Infirmary at Portland,
two; I am glad to say, are progressing favourably.
The third man, Tait, still continues in a most pre-
carious condition, and suffers so severely that it is
'now more than doubtful if he can survive. He is
dreadfully scalded about the face, breast, stomach,
and arms, at4unfavourable symptoms are showing
themselves,. which make his medical attendants fear
that another will yet be-added to the list of fatal
casualties which have already resulted from this

lamentable accident. Including the poor ~fe]~ow
who in his agony jumped, overboard, six have
perished, _arid the'more the matter is inquired 'into
the more marvellbils' it appears that the loSs of life
has not been tenfold greater. The accident was an
extraordinary one, both from its cause and its seve-
rity, but it is a still More extraordinary accident,
if 1 may use such a term, that the crising of the
second funnel did not explode almost immediately
afterwards. The engineers who have inspected
the rent masses of iron, and the tremendous evi-
dences which yet remain of the force of the ex-
plosion, come to different conclusion.; as to the
amount of steatti preiSure which occasioned it.
Some literally'give 'it' AS high as I,ooolb. to the
square inch; but -this appears almost incredible.
The majority • generally estimate it as having
been between 4001 b. and 5001 b., an amount of
pressure • which, at4-far.iis- can be calculated, has
never yet been got by steam. The highest pressure
boilers for locomotives are only made to withstand
about 1501 b. to the inch. Even for experimental
purposes a pressure of 5001 b. or 6001 b. steam has

never yet been generated. James Watt, in his
earliest experiments on evaporation, made some
very small globular boilers, au which it was said
a pressure of 4001 b. was eventually got, but any-
thing approaching. to 5001 b. or 6001 b. has. never.
been so much as heard of among engincers till the
present most unfortunate occurrence. Gunpowder
when exploded expands 800 times its bulk, and
when steam is' superheated to an intense degree the
water becomes utterly decomposed into its con-

stituent gases, oxygen and hydrogen, which, when
brought into contact with any. redhot surface, re-
combine with the most fearful explosion. This was
exactly what took • place on board the Great
Eastern, and the bl'ow up in its force was pre-
cisely similar to what would have taken place had
the space between -the inner and outer casing of
the funnel been filled with gunpowder instead of
steam.
From the evidence which has been given at the
inquest, and from4ninute inquiries and observations
inade at the scene of the accident; the circumstances
tpwhrhee it
fctuyhn
nlweedel
cases,
a soa
set
esh:eratoccurrencet
haarpt ehp nee
them
rwts
hts
heu
apbtpo
boilers,,
loseeor
sdn taso be
ftuepr.
leaving Deptford the donkey engines for keeping
plied with water showed most decided symptoms of
infirmity, which -as the vessel progressed on her
voyage increased .to such an extent that some of
them were rendered altogether, useless, and the
others were only kept feebly working by the con-
stant attention of some 'of the assistant engineers,.
Thus from the first there was, a difficulty in keep-
ing the boilers properly supplied with water,
which was greatly increased by the fact that the
supply had first to be forced up a considerable
height to fill the funnelcasing. This, it is supposed,
induced those in charge to feed the boilers direct
from the donkey engine:,, withoutpassing the water
through the funnel case. In shutting off the-com-
munication between the casing and the boilers, the
engineers had, every.reason to believe they were
performing a perfectly harmless operation, for it
was well known there was an escape pipe to carry
off any steam which might be generated. It was,
however, afterwards ascertained that this pipe had,
previous to the departure of the vessel from Dept-
ford, been used for' testing the casing by hydraulic
pressure. ,For this purpose a brass cock had been
fitted to the end of it, and this by some shocking
inadvertence 'was never taken away, and, what is
worse, it
.viras.left turned off. Consquently, when
the communication between the bottom of the cas-

ino•° and the boiler was interrupted the water left
in the funnel was rapidly oonverted into steam, and
the whole apparatus became a monstrous vertical
boiler without a safety valve or any vent whatever.
That all the water left in the casing was converted
into vapour long before the explosion took place is
quite certain, and it was evidently not till the con-
fined steam had gone on expanding and probably
decomposing for some hours that the easing at last
, gave way with the awful effect I have endeavoured
I to describe.

The jury have carefully inspected the scene of the
disaster, and the debris is now in course of being
cleared away, with the view to the necessary repairs
being commenced at once. How long these repairs
will take it is at present quite impossible to say. To
restore the ironwork which has been found to need
reconstruction will occupy from three weeks to a.
month, but the question is how far the forward pair
of main boilers, from which the funnel was blown,
and which acted as a base to the whole explosive
force, have been injured. Both will, in the course
of to-morrow,,be subjected to a strict scrutiny, and
if any injury has been. sustained, their repair will
be a work of time and difficulty. But whatever may
be the delay or cost, the directors have most pro-
perly determined that all shall be repaired in the
strongest and most perfect manner, and the boilers
tested with the hydraulic press before again pro-
ceeding to sea. The fragments which are being
hauled up from the stokehole each minute afford
fresh evidence of the uncertain, fearful nature of the

explosion. In an apparently nninjured portion of
the outer casing a round hole is blown out, through
which a man could put his head. Yet there is no
flaw in the iron, nor is any other portion of this
segment hurt at all. I have mentioned the appa-
rently extraordinary fact that two of the largest
mirrors in the grand saloon fixed on each side were
left unhurt, when glasses at four times the distance
from the funnel were pulverised. The reason is
now explained by the fact of these two mirrors
having been the only ones fixed in the iron bulk-
heads. A greater proof could not be given of the
immense strength of the ship than this, Had the
iron bulkheads vibrated in the least these glasses
must have gone to fragments like the rest, but the
manner in which they were stayed across kept
them rigid even under the awful concussion of the
blow up.
Mr. William Brisco, the engineer on duty in the
stokehole at the time, and who was burnt about the
hands, is progressing most favourably, and in a few
more days will be quite convalescent. He states
that the first effect of the explosion was to blow
open the furnace doors, smashing some to pieces,
and sending out a rush of scorching air. The
stokers instantly ran up the ladder to the lower
deck gangway'. Mr. Brisco raw the dreadful dan-
ger of such a course, and called on the men to keep
below, while he threw himself on his face, which
he kept covered with his hands. In this position
he remained for three or four minutes, till he could
hear that the rush of steam on the gangway above
had almost ceased. The heat in the stokehole was
then something fearful and dangerous to life, so he
rushed from it up the ladder as he best could.
Above the steps, on a level with the lower deck, he
found the wretched men who had so imprudently
fled there, standing or sitting, and all looking
horror-struck at the appearance of their hands,
from which the flesh was boiled off, for they had
rushed into the very spot where the steam was
hottest. None of these poor fellows seemed to be
aware that the scalds which they had sustained
about the rest of their body were not only
ten times more dangerous, but infinitely more
severe. Mr. Brisco, however, notwithstand-
ing that the flesh was burnt off the backs
of both his hands, remained with the sufferers
till all were removed and had their wounds
dressed. Mr. Prowse, the chief officer, was fore-
most in rendering assistance to rescue all who were
injured d
that a ton of powder was in the
shiipt aw a below.
It
the
a:t
ime
e of the explosion, and stowed away
somewhere near the scene of the disaster. Not an
ounce of gunpowder has ever been on board the
vessel. Crowds of visitors come daily to inspect
her, but none are allowed to go where the accident
occurred. Such is the morbid curiosity on this
subject that almost any amount might daily be re-
alised by the company throwing this unlucky por-
tion of the Great Eastern open to public inspection.
At present, the decks are almost thronged with
sight-seers, gazing with awe upon the broken
funnels and heaps of shattered fittings which have
been brought up.

110710fLognodl
London
atis
25.12}is
about
E 1
do
iFs Ga
nociL t.e— shortTh e qexueohtanatgioe
per £1 sterling. On comparing these rates with the Eng-
lish Mint price of 17s. 101 d. per ounco for standard gold,
it appears that gold is about 1-10th pm• cent. dearer in
Paris than in London. By advices fr om Hamburg the
price of gold is 4221 per mark, and the Aloft exchange on
London is 13.4 k per £1 sterling. Sta adard gold at the
English Mint price is therefore about 2 10tha 'per cent.
dearer in London than in Hamburg. 'I (lie course of ex-
change at New York on London for bills at 60 days' sight
is about 110 per cent., which, when con Tared with the
Mint par between the two countries, shows that the ex-
change is in favour of England ; and, after making
allowance for charges of transport and cliff* crence of inte-
rest, the present rate leaves a small profit on the importa-
tion of gold from the United States.

THEATRE-ROYAL, HAYMARKET.
Lessee, Mr. J. B. Buokstone.
THIS EVENING the performance!' will commence with
THE HAPPIEST DAY OF MY LIFE.
With THE CONTESTED ELECTION.
After which, OUT OF SIGHT OUT OF MIND.
And ;HALLOWE'EN.
Commence at 7.

ROYAL STRAND THEATRE,
Lessee and Directress, Mies Swanborough
THIS EVENING, THE GOOSE WITH THE GOLDEN
EGGS. .
♦fter which, ♦ SCHOOL FOR COQUETTES. Misses
fiwanloorough, Oliver, and Lavine.
Followed by THE VERY LATEST EDITION OF THE
LADY OF LYONS.

Commence at 7 o'clock.

CANTERBURY HALL CONCERTS.-
EVERY EVENING.--The Music of Verdi's Opera of
MACBETH (now first made public in England at these Con-
certs), the extraoruinary Violin Performances of the cele-
brated Infant DELEPIERRE FAMILY, and the usual
Vocal Concert.
Comic Vocalists —Messrs. George Hodson (the Irish Come-
&lan and Mimic), W. T. Critchfield, and E. W. Mackney.
Several interesting Pictures are added to the Fine Arts
Gallery. The suite of Halls have been re-decorated and
beautified, and constitute one of the most unique and brilliant
sights of the metropolis.

THE WEATHER.—SUN OFFICE, SEPTEMBER 14.
THERMOMETER, IN THE SHADE.
62—highest smce noon yesterday.
48—lowest this morning and during the night.
56—this day at noon.
Benwirrian--29.50.
WIND, Northerly ; fresh, with dull rainy weather.
This is the coldest day we have had this season.

HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRoon ID GE.
THIS DAY.—Morning, 2h. 58m.—Aftern, 3h. 12a.
To-Moßaow-Morning, 3h. 27m.—Afternoon, 3h. 42m.

We this day present our readers with the melan-
choly details of the late attack on the Chinese forts
at the mouth of the Peiho River. It will at once be
seen that the attack was as daring as it was disas-
trous. On Monday we stated our suspicious that
some European or American guile was at the
bottom of the defence. We now have great plea-
sure in doing a bare act of justice to our Cousins
across the Atlantic, by withdrawing the supposition
that they could. have pandered to Chinese cunning
or be parties in such nefarious transactions. No.
The guilt or complicity lies all at the door of

Russia, whose double-dealing policy it is to offer
the hand of friendship in open day, while she plots
in the dark to insure the destruction of those who

trust in her professions. It now turns out that
Russians were seen on the battlements—not only
seen, but heard to call out for more powder to over-
whelm the gallant hearts who were struggling
against terrific odds, and almost engulfed in mud—
up to their knees—aye, and to their very hearts,
while showers of destruction were pouring down
on their devoted heads
_ _ _

• ---
The mouth of the river was barricaded after the

fashion of Sebastopol, while the shallowness of the
water on either side the stream prevented our heavier
ships from approaching the forts. However, in
spite of all these complicated difficulties whatever
heroism could attempt was done, and the capture

of the forts would have been achieved but for
the obstacles interposed, and the small number
of our forces. Admiral HOPE behaved as a gal-
lant sailor always does. He was everywhere.

Notwithstanding his being wounded early in the
action, he shifted his flag from one ship to another
always courting the hottest place is the battle,

and directing the energy of his men in the most
chivalrous manner. Nor were the sterling spirit
of his officers less conspicious than his own.
Wherever enterprise could best be displayed there
they were cheering on their eager companions in
the very face of death, amidst dangers unheeded.
It is, indeed, a sad pity that such heroic gallantry
should have failed in accomplishing its purpose.
But, after such desperate resistance on the part of
the Russian-Mongol forces, and the loss of so many
brave men, it was hopeless to continue the attack
with a force so inadequate, seeing that a whole
army estimated at from 20,000 to 30,000, or even
40,000 men, were amassed behind the ramparts.
To Russia belongs the credit of this outrageous
act aof guile. Russian perfidy now bids fair to
rival Chinese chicanery; but cunning, like all other
machinations, will find its due reward when honesty
steps forth in its straightforward daring and takes
the bull by the horns. We have much to settle
with these same Russians before another year passes

over. They may hate us for our manliness in fight-
' ing our way in China, and for opening the trade
with the inside barbarians, not for our own benefit
alone, but for our strange generosity in letting other
nations—and Russia among them—reap the advan-
tage of our labours. Men often hate others as
much for goodness conferred as for benefits with-
held. And Russia finds a kindred spirit after this
fashion in the Chinese, who act the dog in the man-
ger with devilish sympathy of soul.
That a prompt and fearful retribution must be
taken by England and France, or by England
single-handed, is most imperative, both on account
of the treacherous conduct of the Chinese, and as a
signal punishment in revenge for the loss of so
many brave men. This time it must be no boy's
play, nor paper-treaty coquetting with a set of in-
famous thimbleriggers, but a bona fide capture of
Pekin, Nankin, arid all the principal places assail-
able by land and water. We did wrong at the out-
set in giving up Chusan, which commands the
mouth of the great river leading to Nankin. We
should have held that as a hostage or security for
the good behaviour of the Chinese in all time, for
they understand or respect nothing but force. And
force they shall have to their heart's content, or
more properly, to their heart's dismay and utter
confusion, We must see that the sycee silver be
this time composed of pure metal.

Our foreign news are more problematical than
real. The journey of the modern Ulysses to
Biarritz is shrouded in mystery worthy of the
occasion. Its purport may be guessed without
much difficulty. It is simply to beg the question
of the Duchies for Austria. King LEOPOLD is
married to Austria as to England, and lat-
terly to France: Ile hopes to win over

to
the conqueror of Solferino-
espouse
.cause of the Bourbon Dukes by re-seating
*em on their forsaken thrones in spite of the
wishes of the people. LEOPOLD is a wary Prince,
with more head than heart. All his ambition has
been concentred in political match-making—but
we rather suspect he will find his match in the
present instance rather too much for him.
NAPOLEON is not to be caught by German
sausages, however spicey they may taste. No.
ing LEOPOLD, though backed by a large and very
jar, nosing assumption, may find out that Emperors,
at least one of them, are not to be taken in by
G, r, nan flummery. Indeed, we cannot help won-
d, Ting • at the cc opl audacity of the too lucky King
in- vero,uring, oia the strength of his relative con-
nee,tio to seduce or turn aside the Emperor from
his fyi utose for the benefit of a set of runaway
despot g" frea the just indignatian of those whom
they l gad first betrayed, and then fought against
t. heir t leliverers: But some people are spoiled by

too much good fortune, and presume that there's no
end to good luck. Wait a bit. It may so turn out
some of these untowards days that the EMPEROR
may find it convenient to return the King's visit at
the Palace of Laeken, and ask him civilly to turn
out. Verily there is too much of this family
manoeuvring in royal circles, and too little
respect for the rights and liberties of the people.
Everything is sacrificed to family compacts,
while mystery—mystery is the order of the day.
We cannot but wonder how long this hocus-
pocus intriguing is expected to last. King Time
can tell—and will in due season.

It is not so impossible—" Out:of the Nettle Dan-
ger to pluck the Flower Safety "—in the instance
of this terrible casualty onboard the Great Eastern.
To the Messrs. BOLTON and WATT ought, at once, to
be entrusted the reconstruction of the two paddle
funnels, upon the wise and cautious and rational
plan upon which they have already constructed the
giant funnels in connection with the screw engines
and boilers. Let it be remembered that they had
nothing whatever to do with the original paddle
funnels—one of which was so disastrously shattered
by that terrific explosion on board the • Great
Eastern, at about six o'clock on Friday evening,
when the Leviathan was steaming majestically past
the coast off Dungeness. Messrs. BOLTON and
WATT had not only nothing whatever to do in con-
nexion with those rashly-constructed funnels, at-
tached to the paddle engines and boilers, but it is
now remembered that they resolutely " refused to
round their funnels, or attach to their engines''
the screw engines— that outer feed-pipe casing
(" rising from the boilers to about 8 ft. above the
under deck "), the casing filled with cold water to
cool the saloons where the funnels passed through
them—the ',bursting of which casing (from the
generation of steam within it) was the cause, on
Friday night, of this deplorabla catastrophe.

" The water," writes the most lucid of all the
narrators of the calamity, "is pumped in at the top
of the casing while cold, and gradually passing
down into the space round the furnaces, becomes
gently heated, when it is discharged into the
boilers by means of an ordinary stop-cock." And
the same eye-witness of the dreadful incident of
Friday evening adds—" A plan by which so much
coolness is supposed to be gained in the berths and
saloons, and so much fuel saved by the ample sup-
ply of hot water to the boilers, promises such obvi-
ous advantages, that for the last 10 years attempts
of every kind have been made to carry out the prin-
ciple successfully on board most of the sea-going
steamers." Experiment after experiment of this
ingenious but perilous plan, however, has, during
these ten years past, proved incontestibly the dan-
ger by which it was invariably accompanied ; in-
somuch that we are told, "in but too many cases,"
the funnels, so constructed, have done precisely
what the funnel of the Great Eastern did on such
a colossal scale on Friday evening." As reason-
able men, therefore, as men guided by common
sense, from a peril exposed to view, again and
again, by the glare of actual experience, Messrs.
BOLTON and WATT, the eminent engineers, deter-
minedly set their minds against the adoption of this
most hazardous plan in the treatment of the screw
funnels. In spite of their opposition, however, the
experimental scheme—for failure after failure, still
constituted it, to the very last, nothing better than
"experimental "—was applied, as we know now
only too well, to the paddle funnels. By reason of
which five unhappy firemen have " died the death''
under the most lamentable circumstances—another
poor fellow (also believed to have been fearfully
scalded) having been driven in panic over the side
of the vessel, beaten to death, as he fell, by the re-
volving paddle-wheel, and his remains drifted off,
beyond recovery, in the waters of the Channel.
Lamentable though the calamity undoubtedly is
in itself, it has brought to light several facts fraught
with encouragement to every one interested, directly
or indirectly, in this magnificent undertaking. The
Great Eastern has now passed through the most
tremendous test of her strength that could have
been applied to her colossal framework, and she has
passed through that test triumphantly. Her engines
have been subjected to the most fearful concussion
with perfect impunity. The whole force of this
terrible explosion has been confined, indeed, to the
compartment in which it occurred, the longitudinal
and transverse bulkheads resisting the shock en-
tirely. Apart from the good ship herself, the offi-
cers in command of her appear to have acted, upon
that abrupt and terrific emergency, in a manner
worthy of the highest admiration. The conspicu-
ous part at once taken by the gallant,
and we may certainly now add without
one particle of exaggeration, the heroic Captain,
redounds to his honour, and can have been read by
few without emotion. Perhaps the most graphic
and animated account of Captain HARRISON'S con-
duct, upon the instantaneous occasion of Ihe explo-
sion, is the one given in the Daily News—where it
is thus related by our contemporary " A foolish
passenger," writes the correspondent, " had raised
a cry of the boats !' and assisted by some of the
sailors, was madly attempting to let them down.
In one moment all would have been lost, for the
rush to the boats would have been universal, and
hundreds would have been drowned, whilst the
noble ship would have been left to certain destruc-
tion. But the voice of the captain was heard like
a trumpet, calling out, glen to your duty, officers
to your posts, give me a rope, and let six men
follow me.' The effect of this short address was
electric. In an instant he had slid down the rope
into the saloon, followed by his brave boatswain
HAWKINS, and six volunteers were not long wanted
for the forlorn hope. One after another he dashed
open the gilded panels, but the splendid apartments
had, strange to say, only two inhabitants, his own
little daughter EDITH and her pet dog. It was
the reward of his gallantry, that his own child
should be thus the one to be so providentially
saved." Few but will cry "Honour to the gallant
Skipper !" as they read on in the Times' narrative
that Captain HARRISON merely gave orders to have
his little girl passed up through the skylight, and
continued his search past all that splendid rubbish
of the ladies' cabin, further and further, down into
the actual scene of the disaster. Reverting to the
vivid description of ,the Daily News' correspondent,
we read there—" Mr. ATKINSON, the pilot, a little
unpretending man, stood at his post on the bridge,
and, undismayed by the loud explosion, the de-
scending fragments, the suffocating chasm, or the
yawning gulf immediately beneath him, and in the
firm conviction that all the boilers would go in
succession, continued to direct the movements of
the ship as calmly as if he were only turning her
into a harbour. Some frightened fool shout3d,
ATKINSON, come down and save yourself,' but the
gallant veteran replied with grave nonchalance,
I'm no engineer, I'm a pilot, I've charge of the
ship, and I'll stick to her !' " Here, as it chanced,
in truth, the brave Pilot was worthy of the good
ship and of her gallant Captain. While the officer
then at the wheel—Mr. SEWELL—was, in his turn,
worthy of all three, being, as we learn, " equally
self-possessed." " I saw his tall figure through the
smoke," continues the same eyewitness, k•
wor Mg
and turning the wheel with the regularity of clock-
work." Public confidence in the Great Eastern

' - .:- , ,-,
~..
,x....:. f,
„,' (.14
~,„,!) ' -dro, -7,`1, .741_ -.,5 ~:, ~, .1.
L, 40141,,,A
___....".:1:11 A •', 1. ~. A"W
h,O'
. 1...N.11W1 0 S '
.. e, , In,.
_. RO I r ..,, 1i,,,,T,
.i*;,,'. DIcT• ‘ ' tio ..., i...., 41'`
---,,,

THE SUN.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1859.