The Sun.
London, England, 1850-04-03 00:00:00

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(1842), to eotn_mad the Archer steatfif
missioned this—aay at Devonport.
screw-propeller steamer, built at Dept(
WOOLWICH, APRIL 2.—Captain
and Commander E. W. Vansittartihaving
course of study at the works of the steam-factory
Woolwich dockyard, were examined as to their pro-
ficiency on Saturday last by Mr. Trickett, assistant to
the chief engineer, and having been found well
acquainted with the principles and practice of steam.
engines, obtained highly satisfactory certificates.
Commander Burnett and Lieutenant J. W.
Vaughan, appointed to study steam at the factory
here, have joined, and commenced their studies.
The Megaira steam-sloop has had all her ballast
taken out, and will leave Woolwich to-morrow for
Sheerness, to be immediately made ready for sea ser-
vice. The engines worked well, making 74 strokes,
of 2 feet 9 inches each, per minute, on her recent
trial down the river, and with very little noise. The
vessel is built of iron, 207 feet long, 37 feet 8 inches
broad, and 24 feet 3 inches depth of hold ; her
draught forward, 11 feet 4 inches ; and aft, 15 feet 3
inches, giving a mean of 13 feet 34- inches. Her
burthen is nearly 1,700, but her actual displace-
ment during the trial was 2,900 tons, and the exact
speed at the measured mile iii Sea Reach 10.291.
knots on the average runs, or 11.895 statute miles
per hour. The vacuum in the baroineter was 27,
and the horse-power exerted 1,200, as shown by the
indicator.
Tua ARCTIC EXPEDITION.—The Resolute, Capt.
IL T. Austin, C. 8., was taken out of Mr. Green's
dock at I3lackwall, yesterday afternoon, the greatest
exertions having been made to get her ready for sea.
It is intended that all the coals and tanks, and other
heavy articles, should be put on board at Blackwell,
but the whole will be completed, and the vessel taken
to Woolwich about this day week. According to the
present calculations, it is expected the whole of the
vessels will leave oolwich for Greenbithe on the
Ist of May, and in a few days afterwards they will be
towed, if requisite, to the Pentland Frith, on their
enterprizing undertaking. A sleigh, convertible into
a punt, was brought to Woolwich yesterday afternoon
for trial. It consists of a frame like the frame of s
sofa without a back, and the under part of the wood-
work for being used on the ice is covered with a
narrow bar of iron. The mode of converting it into
a punt for rowing in the water is very simple, being
effected by taking out the gutta percha lining with
which it is supplied when used as a sleigh on the ice
or snow, and attaching it on the outside. The sheets
of gutta percha are not very thick, which makes them
as elastic as cushions when used on the ice, and the
material is admirably adapted for keeping the officers
and crews dry when resting in them during the night,
although they are so close to the ground. The di-
mensions of the sleigh are eleven feet six inches
long by three feet broad, and one foot three inches
deep, and the whole is remarkably light, although
sufficiently strong for the purposes for which it is
intended.
PLymoterer, APRIL 1.--The Superb, 80, Captain
Purcell, returned to the Sound this morning from
cruising in the Channel. She is to go up the harbour
to refit.

BILLINGSGATE IMPROVEMENTS
TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.
SlR,—After the improvements now going on at Bil-
lingsgate Market are completed, and the other con-
templated improvements in that quarter, such as the
widening Lower Thames-street, by carrying back the
houses on the north side oft the street, Billingsgate
Market will then probably become a place of some public
attraction. The pier HOW erecting abreast of the market
is to be carried in a direct line from the Custom-house
pier to Nicholson's Wharf; thus taking away the present
fish wharf projecting out in the river. This will be a
considerable improvement, inasmuch as that the fishing
vessels will be enabled to lay alongside of the pier v‘ith
some sort of regularity to get their cargoes discharged.
The other principal improvement to be effected will be
placing the wholesale shell fish market below the whole-
sale white fish market, and consequently from nine to
ten feet under the surface of high water mark. I have
not ascertained whether or not it is intended to take
down the row of public-Louses which stand between
Darkhouse-lane and the market. If that row of houses
is to come down, the surface of the wholesale white
fish market will then occupy a space of about 200
feet square, and as the wholesale shell fish market will
be held in a space underneath, the great number of
persons who go to Billingsgate every morning will then
have ample room to transact business.
In all large towns, or at least in prosperous parts of
those towns, we invariably see parties follow the exam-
ple in building as they do in dress. When the old Coal
Exchange, with its dingy-looking exterior, stood directly
I opposite Billingsgate Market, it was then possible, whilst
passing by, to look at the market without the eye being
altogether ♦ery materially offended, Now, however,
that the old Coal Exchange has been removed, and a
new and splendid edifice erected, with lofty dome and
gilded top, the erections of Billingsgate Market put one
very much in mind of a person dressed in rags standing
alongside of one who is gaudily attired. Where there
is a plentiful supply of water, however, there can be
little excuse for the body being dirty, although the ex-
terior attire may put on a rather sombre appearance
from age. The face of the flags and tables of Billings-
gate :wholesale fishmarket are invariably scrubbed and
washed pretty clean after the appointed hour, " One,
P.M." The amount of capital to be involved so as to
make Billingsgate Market vie in respectable appearance
to its grand neighbouring buildings, the Custom-house
and Coal Exchange, lam not exactly aware of. What-
ever the amount is to be, however, I expect those inte-
rested in fishery and; fish-market; improvements will
not admit that the wholesale fish market of the metro-
polis of Great Britain should be looked upon con-
temptuously, or a forum of the least consideration in the
heart of the city. Fishermen are producers of food,
and all producers of food are deserving of space and
convenience for transacting their business. The row of
public-houses before alluded to, which stand between
Darkhouse-lane and the market (if they are to be taken
down), besides the convenience such an additional space
would give to the frequenters of the market, the new Coal
Exchange would be beautifully teen from the south side
of London-bridge. All the way from Fishmongers'
Hall, at the upper part of the north side of Lon-
don-bridge, as far as the eye can stretch below St.
Katherine's Docks, the regular row of lofty ware-
houses, the Tower, the Custom- house, the new Coal
Exchange, and several church spires, seen whilst look-
ing in that direction, presents to the view one of the
most regular and beautiful scenes anywhere to be seen
on the banks of the river Thames.—l am, Sir, &c.,
H. DEMPSTER.

THE LATE FRAUDS ON THE

HOUSE OF RATHBONE BROTHERS.
It will be recollected that at the April borough
sessions of 1849, John Meiklejohn, head warehouse•
man to Messrs. Rathbone Brothers, was found guilty
of having defrauded his employers of various amounts
of money. He was sentenced to nine months' impri-
sonment, and at the expiration of the term to pay 2001.
or to be further imprisoned until that amount should
be paid. The term of his incarceration expired on the
4th of January last, and the 2001. was paid.
Through the instrumentality of Kehoe, one of the
detective force, it came to the knowledge of Messrs.
Rathbone that Meiklejohn possessed property to be-
tween 3,000/. and 4,000!., invested in various public
societies and companies, and through their attorneys
they sued him in the Court of Exchequer for the re-
covery of the property which they could prove they
had been defrauded of. Meiklejohn allowed judg-
ment to go by default, and yesterday a' Sheriff's Court
was held in the Grand Jury Rooms, before Mr.
Aston, barrister, to assess the amount.
Mr. Crompton, Mr. Paget, and Mr. Ruston, bar-
risters, conducted the case for the plaintiffs.
Mr. Crompton, at very considerable length, stated
the case to the jury, and went fully into the circum-
stances of the frauds carried on by the prisoner, which
are already known to the public. lie could, in ad-
dition to the amounts which would be proved before
the jury, show a vast number of frauds, the expenses
and difficulty attendant upon which had induced the
plaintiffs not to bring them forward.
Upwards of sixty witnesses were examined, whose
evidence fully established the statement made by the
Learned Counsel.

It was proved that at the time the defendant was
arrested upon the criminal information, although his
wages for the greater portion of the time be had been
with Messrs. itathbone had been but 235. per week,
one year 275., and never more than 305., he was pos.
1
sessed of property to be between 3,0001. and 4,0001.
invested, as before stated. He held 2,100 11. shares
possessed
in the North Britain Loan Society, of which society
he had for a number of years acted as chairman of
the directors. He had
Company; he 1.
was shares
poin e s
s t
Apothecaries'-hall ; thirty 51. shares in the Manchu-
ter and Liverpool Fish c
of a coasting trade, and owned several substantial
and valuable dwelling-houses in Mil-street, in the
Park
The
amount of property proved before the jury was
2,0651. 16s. 11d., for which sum they made their
award,—Liverpool Standard.

TUB RAILWAY DIRECTOL—Many people asked
whe Captain Scott Dingle Was ; but it was a sufficient an-
swer to all inquiries, that he was a friend of the Member
for Yarlton. Dingle's fortune was made. He could see
no end to the riches that were minting for him by the
benevolent genii in Moorgate-street, who were about
this time beginning to cluster on a spot destined to
become famous in the annals of Bubbledom. Money,
hitherto a myth, was now a reality to the Captain.
The long-suppressed aspirations of the gentleman had
vent at last. The style of the outer man underwent a
visible and important change. His moustachios were care-
fully oiled;
he mounted a handsome open blue waist-
coat with military buttons, and just such coats, pan-
taloons, and boots, as became a dashing military man of a
certain age. He looked almost handsome, and certainly
very airy and gallant, as he stepped of a morning out of
Feuillade's Hotel in the Opera Colonnade, and glanced
up and down the street with a roguish sparkle in his
eyes, as if he had come out to make conquests of all
the women. It was a sight worth going a long way
to see, he looked so happy and assured, as he stood pulling on
his kid gloves in the most leisurely manner, and swinging
his faithful bamboo, like one who had nothing in the world
to think about but pleasure. Ali ! that was a delicious
episode in the life of Captain Scott Dingle."--" The Ladder
of Gold," in Bentley's Miscellany fur April.

,:..stoo-sMArito:,
Arciuti-Wk: .10 "
:ford in
Max
B. Q).•
- •

NOTICE.
11,SR, AR,BU R TON'S HISTORICAL
jolt_ ROMANCE, " REGINALD HASTINGS,"
IS PUBLISHED THIS DAY,
In 3 yqls., and may be had at all the Libraries, and of all Booksellers
throbghout the kingdom.
- Henry Colburn, Publisher, 13, Great Marlborough-street.

?TICE 1-MR. I. FENI3IORE COOPER'S NEW ROMANCE.

In 3 vols., post Bvo.,
THE WAYS OF THE HOUR,
A ROMANCE,
Ey J. FENI3fORE COOPER,
Author of " The Pilot," " The Pathfinder," &c.
Will be published on SATURDAY next, April 6.

Orders should be immediately sent to the Booksellers, to secure
copies of this New Romance.
Richard Bentley, New Burlington-street.

DRENCH PLAYS, ST. JAMES'S THEATRE.
ARRANGEMENTS AFTER EASTER.

Mr. Mitchell respectfully announces that the THEATRE will be
RE-OPENED on FRIDAY EVENING, April 5, for the perform-
ance of Comedie and Vaudeville, when will be produced Scribe's po-
palar Comedy of

BERTRAND ET RATON.
Le Comte Bertrand de Raatzan, M. Samson.
Mr. Mitchell begs to submit the following arrangements

Engagements—M: Samson (of the Theatre Francais, Paris), his
first appearance, Madlle. Denain (of -the Theatre Francais), M.
Regnier (of the Theatre Francais), Madlle. Nathalie (of the Theatre
Francais), and M. Lafont (of the Theatre des Varietes).
The first production after Easter will be Scribe's popular Comedy
of " Bertrand et Batton ;" Le Comte Bertrand tie Rantzau (Premier
Ministre), M. Samson, as performed by him in Paris. Subsequent
performances will be selected from the following : —" L'Ecele des
Vetllards," " Un Venvage," and " Ma Femme et Ma Place," new
Comedies by M. Samson ; " La 'Marquis de Senneterre ;" the two
admired Proverbs of Alfred de Musset, "Il fie Faut Jurer de Rien,"
cad " II Fant qu'une Porte soit Ouverte on Fermee ;" " Les De-
meleelles de St. Cyr," " La Paix a Tout Prix," " Un Chateau de
Cartes," " Le Mari a Is Campange," and the new Play by Emile
Angier, " Gabrielle," now performing in Paris'vcith unsurpassed suc-
cess, and in which Mad& Reguier and Madlle. Nathan's will sus-
tain their original characters.
Ms. Mitchell feels particular gratification also in announcing that,
in the production of Scribe's celebrated Comedy of " La Camarade-
rie," estimated amongst the chef d'oeuvres of the modern stage, the
Principal characters will be sustained by four members ofthe Theatre
Francais, Paris—M. Samson, in the character of De Miremont ;
Madre. Denatn, in that of Cesarine; M. Regnier in that of De
ntlaear ; and Madlle. Nathalie, in that of Zoe; presenting -a
com-
ideation of ta ent not to bewitnessed at any other theatre in Europe,
the arrangements for which have been most generously accelerated
by the administration of the ThC4tre Francais, Paris.

'ln addition to the present Company, and the foregoing engage-
!mats. are the following :—Matille. Avenel (of the Theatre de
I 'Odeon); Madile. Brassine (of the Theatre du Valais Royal) ;
lifsdlie. Renaud (of the Theatre du Vaudeville) ; Madame Octave
(of the Theatre du Vaudeville) ; Madlle. Constance (of the Theatre
des Varietes), &c.

The first performance of the eminent tragedienne, MacUle. Rachel,
definitively arranged for Monday, July Ist.
Subficriotions for the reminder of the season may be arranged at
Mr. Mitchell's Royal Library, 33, Old Bond-street.

HER MAJESTY'S THEATRE.
First Appearance of Madame Sontag.
A GRAND EXTRA NIGHT
Combining the talents of Madame Sontag,
Signed Lablache. Relletti, Lorenzo, Calzolarl, Sims ReeveS,
Madlles. Parodi, Carlotta Grist, Maria Taglioni, and
Amalia Ferraris.
The Nobility, Subscribers to the Opera, and the Public are respecl
rally informed that

A GRAND ENTERTAINMENT
Will take plea;
TO MORROW EVENING
When will be presented Donizettrs celebrated Opera of
DON PASQUALE.
Norina— • • ..Madame Sontag.
Ernesto • • • • • • .... • • • , signor Calzolari.
Doctor Malatesta• • .. Signor Belletti.
and

Don Pasquale. Signor Lablache.
After which,
• A DIVERTISSEMENT,
In which Maine: Amelia Ferraris will appear.
To be followed by the Last Act of Verdi's favourite Opera,
ERNANI.
_ _

'omblning the talents of liadlle. Parodl, Signor Dellettl, and

• Sims Reeves.
To conclude with an entirely new and original Grand Ballet
by M. Paul Taglioni, entitled
LES MET .t MORPIIOSES.

The Music composed by Signor Pugni ; the Scenery (entirely new)
~y Mr. Marshall : the Appointments by Mr. Bradwell ; the Coe.
t mai by miss Bradley add Mr. Caointes, ander the superintendence
of M :d.Ame Copere.
The Sprite (under the forms of 1, a Page —2, a Rustic Coquette-3,
Will-of-the-Wisp-4, a Folie —5, a Domino-6, a Cavalier), Mdlle.
Carlotta Grist; Karl (a Student), M. Paul Taglioni ; Ida (his be-
trothed), Madlle. Rosa ; Momus, M. Charles ; Slues, Madlles.
It (Ma, Ausandon, Julienne, Lamoureux, E. Pascales, and F. Pascales.
In the course of the Ballet a new grand Pas de Charactere, by
Maine. Marie Taglioni.
Applications for Boxes. Stalls, and Tickets to be male at the
era Box-office, Colonnade, Haymarket.

ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA. COVENT-GARDEN.
The first appearance of Signor Tamberlik.
MASANIELLO TO-MORROW.
The Directors have the honour to announce, to the Subscribers
at