The Sun.
London, England, 1850-03-29 00:00:00

MARCH 29, 1850_

tinue good, there is a very large stock and much greater
than in the past season.
SPIRITS.—There is scarcely any variation to
notice in prices of Jamaica Rum this week, yet
few parcels have been taken for the Continent
and home dealers have made purchases with caution.
Prices vary from 28 3d to 2s 93 for 20 to 29 per
cent over proof, 2s 9d to 33 5d for 30 to 36, and
3s 6d to 4s 2d for fine marks. Leeward Island has been
operated in with caution, and Is 4d to is 4kci proof is the
value. East India is held fur is 4d, but few buyers
are to be met with. Demerara is not much wanted, yet
strong qualities are held for 2s 2d to 2s 6d. For Brandy
the market has presented a dull aspect during the week,
and sellers are willing to sell Cognac best brands of the
vintage of 1848 at 4s 7d to 4s 9d, 1849 ditto 4s 6d to
4s Bd, and interior sorts 2s 10d to 4s 4d per gallon. For
British made Spirit prices are the same as last week.
Gtneva is offered at Is 8d to Is 9d for ord, and 2s 31 to
3s for fine, still only small orders have been completed.
INnwo.—Holders of East India remain firm, and last
sales' rates are supported, still there are few export or-
ders and home dealers do bthiness with caution. 'There
are sclera! buyers for all purposes at a slight reduction.
Spanish is not to be obtained at any further decline, add
the market is less freely suppliel
OILS.—In consequence of the small stock of Col Oil
there are no sellers under 25/, but only limited sales
have been made. Southern met with little attention,
and the value is from 30/ to 331. for low to fine quality;
there is also a fair supply at market. Seal has bees
purchased with caution, and prices are drooping, pale
selling at 361 lOs to 371, straw and tinged 331 to 361,
yellow and brown 30/ to 32/ 10,; the better sorts are
still least in demand. A good trade has been concluded
in Linseed Oil fur home consumption, and several
shipping orders have been executed; price;
are firm, and rule at 32s to 33s per cwt on the spot.
There are several buyers for delivery at similar
terms, but not many sellers are to be met with. There
is a lair supply of Oil at market but consumption is
much larger than a few weeks back. In Olive the sales
concluded have been less than injhe former week, and
on the part of holders a desire is evinced to sell Galli-
poli and Spanish at 471 to 48/, Barbary, Levant, and
Portugal 44/ lOs to 45/10s. per tun. Palm of good and
fine quality is offered at 31/ to 324 still few buyers are
to be met with. Opinion is still unfavourable towards
Cocoa Nut Oil; there is no decrease of supply, and the
value is from 30s to 34s for fair to ord qaality. Rape
Seed Oil is further depressed in value. British refined
selling at 39s to 40s, brown 37s to 38s, pale foreign 40s
6d to 41s, and brown 39s to 40s—at these rates only
limited purchases have been made. For Sperm Oil
prices have further declined, land buyers are not much
disposed to sell. At public sale 50 tons of British went
at 80/ to 811 for good and fine quality.
TALLow.—This afternoon at public sale 700 pkgs
South American Tallow were nearly all sold, but at
rather lower rates, and went at from 32s 9d to 365, grease
30s, and 400 casks New South Wales at 33s 6d to 36s
3d per cwt; these are also easier prices.

METROPOLITAN OMNIBUS SER-
VANTS' PROVIDENT SOCIETY.

The first annual meeting of the members and
friends of this society was held last evening at
Exeter-hall; James Wyld, Esq., M.P., in the chair.
Among those present were the Rev. Dr. Burn,
Mr. Francis Gell, Mr. J. Payne, Mr. M. A. Garvey,
Mr. C. Cochrane, Mr. Reynolds, and others.
The society has been established for the benefit of
that large body of men who are connected with
omnibuses, either as drivers, conductor., time-keepers,
or clerks, numbering in all 10,000.
The CHAIRMAN congratulated the members upon
the presence of several ladies, whom he most cordially
thanked for taking an interest in the society. When
he considered what large bodies of the middle and
working classes—not excluding the ladies who be-
longed to those classes—were in the habit of travel-
ling by omnibuses, and enjoying the facilities which
they afforded, he did not wonder at their taking an
interest in a meeting of that kind. This was the first
annual meeting of a society which he felt was calcu-
lated to do a great amount of good. The society
had three objects in view. First, the formation of a
fund to assist the disabled and infirm, their
widows and orphans; secondly, the erec-
tion of an asylum for the aged and feeble ;
Thirdly, the establishment of a school for the child-
ren of members, and to adopt some measures by
which the members might be enabled to improve
themselves mentally, morally, and religiously. There
was also a fourth, or a subsidiary object, which was
not mentioned in the prospectus—that of exercising a
control, individually and collectively, over the whole
body of omnibus conductors and drivers. It was not
quite a year since the society was established, but
during the short time it had been in existence, he was
happy to say, that a very large body of omnibus
conductors and drivers bad responded to the call which
bad been made upon them by the promoters.—
(Cheers.)
They had at present more than 5001. in

hand, and though they had no balance-sheet to ley

before them that evening, the day was not far distant
when, he had no doubt, a very detailed and a very
satisfactory statement of the society's accounts
would be presented to the members.—(lear.)
This was one of those societies which sprang
up out of the peculiar habits and feelings of
Englishmen, and in speaking of its advantages he
would say to the class he was addressing, as was often
said to nations in a helpless condition, " If you wish
Heaven to help you, you must first help yourselves."
—(Cheers.) The society would bring out all the
batter feelings of their common nature, elevate their
condition, and by and bye afford assistance and sup-
port in time of infirmities, sickness, and old age.
When first started it did not receive that countenance
and support from proprietors of omnibuses which it
deserved, but he was happy to say now that a very
large portion of them had tendered their support.—
(Cheers.) In that large city—the greatest in the

Civilized world—every one was acquainted with the
convenience cif our public carriages, but very few
knew the difficulties and hardships to which those
who drove and conducted them were exposed. At
the present time there were nearly 2,000 omnibuses in
the metropolis, and each of them travelled about 60
miles daily. Taking the average number of passen-
gers carried a-day at 250, that would give a total of
nearly half a million for the year; but, in fact, there
was more than half a million, because in that rough
computation he had not included the Sunday passen-
gers, which he knew made a very large proportion of
the whole. In round numbers there was nearly a
million of passengers travelling in London every year
by omnibuses ; and it was extremely gratifying to
know that within the last two or three years, but
especially within the last year, there had been not
only an improvement in the character of the persons
who managed them, but they bad shown an amount of
civility and attention, and industry and perseverance,
which it could not be said belonged to any other pro-
fession of the kind in this or any other country.
—(Cheers.) It had been his lot to visit the
city of New York, where there were public carriages
something like our own omnibuses, but he saw no-
thing like the civility, care, and attention which was
manifested here. • There was a very able publication
which greatly delighted them by its great wit and
by its careful exclusion of anything of an immoral
tendency from its pages, and which supplied them
weekly with a large amount of amusement. He
alluded to Punch. That serial gave some curious
sketches of scenes iu the life of an unprotected female,
but if any of the accidents and annoyances which
were encountered by that unfortunate person really
did have any existence—and he must say he thought
some of them were fabulous, and written only to excite
a laugh—they had not arisen, he was sure, with
any members of this association.—(Loud cheers.)
Ever since it had been established there had been a
spirit of emulation among the men to deserve praise
fur their good conduct, and if the public but knew
how much they,bad improved the attendance of visitors
at that meeting would have been much larger.—
(Hear.) Bat tneir object was not so much to call
the attention of the public to the society, as to obtain
the co-operation of those who were more particularly
concerned in its welfare. No pursuit was attended
with such a loss of health as the driving of omnibuses.
The men were exposed to all weathers; they had
no regular periods of rest. Sunday, when nearly
every other person recruited his wasted ener-
gies, was perhaps the busiest of their days,
and thus they were compelled, from Saturday
night to Saturday night, without any
stated intervals for meals, to pursue their occupation
for the benefit of the public. The average life of
drivers of public vehicles in the old stage-coach time
was not 42 years ; and he might say, in spite of in-
creased temperance and unproved habits, there was
not a higher average of life among the drivers of om-
nibuses. How necessary, then, was it to make some
provident provision for illness or old age. This so-
sciety intended to offer such a provision, and the
laudable purpose was to be accomplished by appeal-
ing to those engaged in this particular occupation,
and to the public at large. Since the last meeting
he had had the pleasure of an interview with Sir
George Grey and Mr. Cornewall Lewis, and ho then
stated that in spite of all their endeavours to make
omnibus conductors and drivers a respectable body,
the law, as it existed, prevented a proper control over
the granting of licences, because a man had only to
obtain a letter from a person to say he had employed
him, and the licence was granted immediately. The
consequence was that a large proportion of very bad
characters, had been infused into the rank, who were
unfitted to the discharge of their duties. That griev-
ance had now been very much remedied by an Act
passed a few days ago, which placed the granting of
licences in the hands of the Commissioners of Police.
The worthy manager of the society and himself
waited on Commissioner Mayne, with the view of
stating the evils which previously existed, and sug-
gesting their remedy. Mr. Mayne told them that it
was the intention of the Commissioners to exercise a
very stringent control over the granting of licences.
He (the Chairman) further observed, that it would be
impossible to provide for the public security and
safety unless some inquiry was made into the cha-
racter and good habits of the men, and Mr. Mayne
said it was his intention to apply all the information
possessed by the police in a way which he hoped

would not only prove beneficial to the publi e, but be
creditable to the body of omnibus conductors and
drivers. Mr. Wyld concluded by expressing his
anxious , desire that, through such superviiien, the
rank might be weeded of all improper characters,
and his confident expectation that the society. would
go on and prosper.—(Cheers.)
Mr. PROCTOR having read several letters from
gentlemen who had been invited to attend tbes meet-
ing, but who had found themselves unable to do so,
whilst they expressed their sympathy in the (muse.,
Mr. Scows, the secretary, said althoigh this
society had commenced in the very humblest...manner,
.its friends and supporters had already, within one
year from its commencement, subscribed upwards of
5001. to promote its objects. He hoped the proprie-
tors of omnibuses would come forward and aid in
carrying out the objects of the institution; seeing
that they were scarcely in a smaller degree interested
in its prosperity than their servants, for whose benefit
it was primarily set on foot. Though the'su.pport
which the proprietors gave to the society might be
trifling, yet it would show that they countenanced it,
and it would result in promoting the undertaking in
another way ; for men were ever ready to 'follow a
good example set them by their employers.--(Hey..)
The Rev. Dr. BURNS of Paddington, then moved
the first resolutiion, which was, that this meeting, gra-
tified by the success which has already attended the
efforts of the society, and encouraged by its steadily
advancing progress, desires most anxiously the ex-
tension of its instrumentality, and to this end pledges
itself in every possible way to aid in the enlarge..
ment of its funds. He was glad, that not only omni-
bus drivers and conductors were embraced in the ob.
jects of the society, but that those employed in the
stables connected with the running of omnibuses were
eligible for it. Tais latter class, hetesitated not to
say, were in infinitely worse condition than were the
slaves in the western states of America, and he re-
joiced that there was now an institution in existence
which had in view their improvement. He was glad
to see from the public papers that delinquencies
on the part of omnibus conductors and drivers
were not nearly so frequent as they were three or
four years ago. But, in fact, he always considered
these cases as too highly coloured, for having travelled
by all the omnibuses in and round London, and
throughout the country, a great deal during the last
20 years, he never in the course of that time, with
three exceptions, met with the slightest incivility
from omnibus servants; but he must say that on some
of those occasions be had seen those men so insulted
and abused by people calling themselves gentlemen,
that he did not wonder at their resisting such treat-
ment.—(Hear, hear.)
Mr. A. GARVEY seconded the resolution, which
was supported by Mr. JOSEPH PAYNE in a bUMOYOES
speech, and having been put to the meeting by the
CHAIRMAN, was cordially agreed to.
Mr. FRANCIS GELL, from Cambridge, next moved
that Mr. Hoare, the banker, be appointed treasurer of
the society; and that Mr. Proctor, omnibus
pro-
prietor,
be elected secretary to the society.
Mr. CHARLES COCHRANE, in seconding the resolu-
tion, congratulated the meeting on the success which
had attended the socioty since its commencement, and
trusted it would gain strength as it proceeded. When
it was borne in mind how much they were indebted
to the class of omnibus servants, he thought it was a
duty incumbent on them to come forward and aid
them in this effort to benefit themselves. Much had
been said about the incivility of this class, but al-
though he had travelled much by omnibuses, he had
never met with such incivility; and he could with
sincerity say that, had it happened he had been in the

position of One of these men, he would not so quietly
have put up with the treatment he had seen them
receive on some occasions as they seemed to do.—
(Hear, hear.) He therefore warmly recommended
the objects of the society, which be was certain
would be of the greatest advantage both to master and
servant.—(Hear, hear.)
The resolution was then put from the chair, and
unanimously agreed to.
A cordial vote of thanks was then passed to the
Chairman, who having acknowledged the same, the
proceedings terminated.

COURT CIRCULAR.
WINDSOR, THURSDAY.
The Queen and Prince Albert walked this morning
in the grounds adjacent to the Castle.
The Royal Family took their usual walking and
pony exercise.

His Royal Highness Prince Albert rode out on
horseback this forenoon, attended by Colonel Bouverie.
There was no addition to the royal dinner party this
evening.

SPORTING INTELLIGENCE.
TA rTERSALL'S.—YESTERDAY.
Owing to the absence of a considerable number of the
subscribers at the Frith Manor Steeplechase, the busi-
ness tran,axted this afternoon was very moderate; it was
anti:Table, however, for the high favour in which Os-
terley, Mounseer, Mahratta. Belus (who, it is now said,
has never been amiss or l,st a day's work), Prestige,
Buckhound, and Beehunter stoo 1, the quotations in al-
most every instance showing a tearkon improvement.
We have rt turned the highest laying prices on the Ches-
ter Cup ; we question, however, it any amount could
have been got on Peep• o'-day B.ry.
THE NORTHAMPTONSHIRE STAKES.
3 to 1 agst Mr. H.ll's Osturley, 4 yrs, 7st—taken
6 to 1 agst Major Pitt's Mounseer, 4 yrs, Est 131 u—t
9 to 1 figs' Duke of Bedford's Mahratta, 4 yrs, sst
111 b—taken
10 to 1 agst Mr. Jaques's Chantrey, 4 yrs, Est 131 b
12 to 1 agst Lord Eglinton's Belus, 4 yrs, ist slb
16 to 1 agst Mr. Irvvin's Ballinafad, 6 yrs, 7st 71b
18 to 1 agst Duke of Richmond's Halo, 6 yrs, Bst 21b
30 to 1 agst Lord Clifden's Wanota, 6 yrs, Bst 71b
A.LTHORP PARK STAKES.
5 to 2 agst Mr. Howard's Prestige—taken
5 to 2 agst Duke of Richmond's Buckhound—taken
METROPOLITAN STAKES.
2 to 1 agat Mr. Gratwicke's Cheerful, 4 yrs, 6st
TWO THOUSAND GUINEAS STAKES.
6 to 4 agst Lord H. Lennox's Beehunter—taken
CHESTER CUP.
12 to 1 agst Mr. Payne's Glauca, 4 yrs, 7st 51b
15 to 1 agat Mr. Merry's Miss Ann, 4 yrs, 7st—taken
16 to 1 apt Mr. Pedley's Cossack, 6 yrs, 9st 21b
18 to 1 agst Lord Howth's Peep•o'-day Boy, 6 yrs,
9st
20 to 1 agst Mr. Meiklam's Roland, 4 yrs, sst 81b
25 to 1 agst Mr. Osbaldeston's Fogleman, 5 yrs, 74
—taken

DERBY.
6 to 1 agst Mr. W. Edwards naßolingbroke—taken
15 to 1 agst Lord Zetland'a Voltigeur—taken to 1001.
16 to 1 agst Mr. Meiklam's The Italian—taken to 501.
16 to 1 agst Lord Airlie's Clincher
22 to 1 agst Lord Eglinton's Mavors-25 to 1 takes
25 to 1 agst Mr. J. Scott's Cyprus
50 to 1 agst Mr. Gannon'a Deicoon
No others mentioned.
1,500 to 300 on Bolingbroke agst Deicoon
• 9uo to 300 on Clincher agst Deicoon
The Cheltenham Steeplechases are postponed to Sa-
turday and Monday next, in cow•equenee of the frost.
THE FRITH JIIANOR STEELPLE CHASES.
THURSDAY.—The Steeple Chase Free Handicap of 10
sovs. each, with 100 added; the second to receive 201.,
and the winner to be sold by auction for 2501. Rathet
more than three miles. (17 Subs.)
Mr. Anson's Johnny Oaks, Ost 131 b (Oliver) 1
Mr. Tollett'a Spangle, lOst 41b .(S. Darling) 2
Mr. Mytton's Mind-your-own-business, lOst 41b 3
The following also started, but were not placed :—Mr.
Glensou's Agitation, list 101 b (carried list I.2lb—H.
Elmore); Captain Gambier's The Thrush, llst .11b (J,
Mason); Captain Knight's Leo, llst llb (carried llat
710—Mr. Green); Mr. Carew's Lausquenet, lOst 101 b
(Butler); Mr. Henderson's Little Fanny, lOst 91b
(Fowler); Mr. Farrance's Surprise, lost Sib (Archer);
Mr. Smith's Clodhopper, lOst 61b (Frisby); Mr. George's
Bayonet, 10st 41b (ltackley); Mr. Clarke's Cerberus, 9st
Illb (Higgins); Mr. Seaman's Petition, 9st Illb
(Nullosti); and Mr.Ritehie's Altreda, 9st 81b(Wycherley.)
Betting-3 to 1 agst Little Fanny, 7to 2 agst the
Thrush, 6 to 1 agst, Spangle, 6 to 1 agst Alfred*, 7 to 1
agst Johnny Oaks, 8 to 1 agst Agitation, and 8 to I
agst Lansquenet.
Won by two lengths; Mind-your-own-business a bad
third.

Sweepstakes of 5 sous. each, with 25 added; 12st each,
&e. About three miles. (8 Subs.)
Mr. Die we's Recruit .... (Reed)
Mr. Mytton's Unlucky-one (Rackley)
Mr. Tste's Botanist - - - - - -(`T' Y*4°o

The following also ran:—Mr. Hunt's Matilda (Owner
Mr. Clark's The Stranger (Higgins), Mr. Harbridge's
Kate Kearney (Catterns), and Mr. Elmore's Grey Friar
(Hewitt).

Betting-3 to 1 each against Recruit and Botanist,
and 4 to 1 agst Unlucky-one. Recruit made all the
running, and won by a length and a half.
Sweepstakes cf 3 sots. each, with 15 added. A.hont
three miler. (11 Subs.)
Mr. Tate's Outcast, llst (J. Mason) 1
Mr. Clark's Cerberur, 9st 71b
Mr. Niel4ol's Egremont, 9:4 71b (J. Sadler) 3
The following also started: —Mr. Scott's. British
Hero, llst 71b (Searle)—Mr. Pileher's Ragman, lOst 71b
(Reed)—Mr. M%rson's The Cob, lOst 101. b (Land)—
Mr. Drewe's Renard, lOst (Hackett)—Mr. Mytton's
Miss Jesse, 10st (Jesse)—and Mr. G. Clark's Emma
Carey, lOst (Irwin).
Betting-5 to 4 agat Outcast, 4to 1 agst Miss Jesse,
aed 6to 1 agst any Wier. Won easy by a length.
The laces came off on Mr. C. Lilley's farm near Hen-
don, over a fine grass country, with light fcrice.;, the
horses being in view of the spectators from the start to
the finish. The management was highly creditable to
the promoters of the meeting, the weather fine, the
ground in first-r.ite condition, and the sport excellent.
From the success which has attended the meeting (a
maiden one), we have no doubt it will be added perma-
nently to the steeple chase "Home Circuit."
BETTING ON THE COURSE.
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE STAKES.-7 to 2 agst Oaterley
(t), 5 to 1 agst Mounseer, and 10 to 1 agat Bolus.

COLLINS'S CHEAP EXCURSION TO CAMBRIDGE...-.
We perceive by an advertisement in another column that
Mr. H. 11. Collins has undertaken the management of an
excursion, by the Eastern ,Counties Railway, to Cambridge
on Easter Monday. The train starts from the Shoreditch
station at half-past seven A.M., and front the experience
which Mr. Collins has had iu conducting excursions of this
nature, and the great satisfaction Its bas girm, we anticipate
A Tory pleasant brig.