The Sun.
London, England, 1850-02-27 00:00:00

BIRTHS IN THE WEEK.

Males

... 781

Females ... ... ... ... ... 755

Total ... ... 1,536
*ln this number are included 11 by Scarlatina, 32
by Typhus Fever, and 21 by Diarrhoea.

STATE OF TRADE.
(From the Manchester Guardian of this day.)
MANCHESTER, TUESDAY.—The business of the day has
been on a limited scale, and, for the most part, confined to
a few articles. Since the date of our last report, however,
indications of a somewhat more favourable cha-
racter than were then observable have shown them-
selves. Although the makers of 7-8 printing cloths
have conceded a little from the reduced prices of last
week, yet they have thus succeeded in somewhat in-
creasing their sales. In 40-inch skirtings, also, there is
rather more doing, in consequence of the decline which
has taken place in prices. A similar effect has scarcely,
however, as yet, followed a further giving way in long cloths
and T cloths; nor is there any improvement in domestics.
During the last three days the India merchants have
operated freely in 40's, 50's, and 60's mule twist; giving
rise to a better feeling in this department of produc-
tion. Manfaeturers have been able to purchase medium
yarns on rather lower terms than those of last weak,
which has led to rather more inquiry on their part.
But the letters received this morning from Germany
and Italy show a remarkable paucity of orders.
Those markets have been injuriously affected by
intelligence of the prevailing inactivity in Manchester ;
and we, again, are feeling the reaction of that intelli-
gence, so far as water twist is concerned. Although, how-
ever, extremely little,is doing in this article, its value cannot
be said to be further depreciated, but is, indeed, well sus-
tained by the lightness of stocks both here and in Ger-
many. On the whole, a somewhat more cheerful tone has
prevailed on Change to day, arising out of the evident
approach of sellers and buyers, in some branches of our
trade, towards such rates as would lead to a renewal of
business. The working of short time appears to be ex-
tended from this town to other neighbourhoods among
the manufacturers of stout goods, and also among the
spinners of coarse numbers of water twist. We under-
stand that, at Rochdale, seventeen mills have resorted to
this meosure. Some spinners have stopped their ma-
chinery altogether.
ROCHDALE, MONDAY.—We have had something like
an average market to-day, and the manufacturers are
askidg a small advance in prices. There is little change
in the wool market as to amount of business transacted. ,
English wools continue very firm, and colonial wool may
be quoted a shade higher.
MACCLESFIELD, TIIESDAY.—The silk throwing trade
of this town still continues as brisk as reported for some
time past. The manufacturing department is also very
active, particularly in figured fabrics; and some in-
fluential buyers have already made large purchases this
week. The trade generally is anxiously awaiting the
result of the ensuing public sales of raw silk, which
commence on the 27th instant, and, in consequence, are
pustehasing spari-cgly, In the raw silk market, prices
are very firm, with a general opinion that they will ad-
vance
shortly, which is strengthened by the overlann
news fully confirming all previous reports as to short
crop and scarcity of supply, with prices advancing
in China.
HALIFAX, SATURDAY.—Our Piece Hall has been but
moderately attended to-day; and the stillness which we
spoke in our last, still continues througheut the worsted
trade. The only description of goods for which
there has been any particular inquiry is lastings,
which are scarce from causes mentioned in a re-
cent report. We have no decided change to notice in
the yarn market. The shipping houses are not purchas-
ing, and the spinners are busy on old orderE. There is

not much doing in wool. The spinners are employed
amnf,what large Stee!C.,, bill ore, eons. quently, not; if-,
;he market. The quotations show the turn to be in fa-
vour of the buyer.
LEEDS, TUESDAY.--'There is no change to notice in
the woollen market sit;co last week. The market t nde,)-
has bteu fiat; but lust Saturday a brisk business was
doing, and there is still a good deal doing by direct d, -
liveries to the merchants. Prices are a shade higher,
lud stocks are low. There is also a good business doing
in the warehouses.

" SERMONS IN STONES."—A Scottish geologist'
while i❑ the country, having his pocket hammer with
`aim, took it out and was chipping the rock by the way-
side for examination. His promeiings did not escape
the quick eye at.d ready tongue of an old Scotchwoman.
What are you doing- there mun ?" 6' Don't you see,
I'm breaking a stone." '‘ Ye'ro doing mair than that;
ye're breaking th e Sabbath."

TAW VALE RAILWAY.—The committee appointed
to report on the propriety of eAner prosecuting or
abandoning this undo taking, recommend going on with-
out delay. It is rt.commended to lay down u single like
on the broad gauge. Contracts to complete the line on
lavourabh2 terms have been ot-L.rel to the directors.

IMPEitiAL I'A.tudA;vlENT.
HOUSE OF LORDS, Feb. 26.

The LORD CHANCELLOR took his seat on the Wool-
sack at Five o'clock.
RAILWAY BILLS,

Lord MON FEAGLE then rose, according to notice,
to move that the House do resolve `• That ten days at
least lot fore the secoad r eading of any private Bill fur
making, improving, abandoning, or in any other way
affecting or varying any rain al, or fur erecting, incor-
porating, or alfccting the powers vested in any railway
company, or for the ama:gaination of any railway corn-
peny, or in any other way touching the same, there
shall be delivered at tne office of the Clerk ot the Par-
liament for the use of this House copies of the balance-
sheets of every such company, for the years 1848 and
1849, as required to be kept by the Bth and 9th Vic.,
cap. 16, or by any Act incorporating such company,
together with copies of schemes for dividends, in which
dividends shall have been declared during the years
1848 and 1849, under sections 120 and 121. of the said
Act of the Bth and 9th Vic., cap. 16, or under any other
Act incorporating the company, and a statement of
the amount of dividends declared in pursuance of such
schemes, and the date at which such schemes
were agreed to, and the dividends declared." .
importance a an inquiry conducted on rigid prin-
ciples was amply shown by the returns of the seven
principal railways in the kingdom, amongst which were
the Great Western, the North- Western, the South-
Western, the illatichest‘r and Leeds, the Midland, and
the York and North Midland. In the month of Auguit
1845, 1004 of the average nominal stock of these rail-
ways was worth 2161. 15a. and on the Ist of January,
1850, it was only worth 63/. 65., being a falling off of
1531. 10s. The object of the resolution which he should
now move, there fore was, that before they came to the
second reading of Railway Bills in the course of the
present year, they should have before them their finan-
cial condition, with a view of seeing, that if that finan-
cial condition show. d malversationon the part of any of
those companies, their Lordships should, as trustees for
the public, refuse to confer on them new and increased
powers. The Noble Lord concluded by moving the re
solution of which be had given notice, and it was
agreed to.
The Earl of CARLISLE presented petitions from
the West Riding of Yorkshire, directing the attention
of the House to the evasion, by Brazil and Cuba, of
treaties made for the prevention of the slave-trade, end
praying the House t take steps to enforce them.