The Sun.
London, England, 1850-03-20 00:00:00

To conclude with

MART STUART.
Privets boxes, 2/. 35., 21. I2s. 6d., 21. 2a., 11. 113. 6d., and 1/. la
Stalls, ss. each.
s s. d.
. d.
FIRST PRICE. SECOND PRICE.
Boxes - -4 0 Boxes - -2 0
?it - - - 2 0 Pit - - - 1 0
Lower Gallery - 1 0 Lower Gallery - 0 6
Upper Gallery -0 6 INo Half-price to Upper Gallery,
Box-book-keeper, Mr. J. Povey.

THEATRE ROYAL, HAYMARKET.
Mr: B. Webster, !isle Lessee and Manager, Old BromptOn.
THIS EVENING,
Will be performed MUCti ADO ABOUT NOTHING. Benedick,
Mr. C. Kean; Beatrice, Mrs. C. Kean.
After which THE THREE CUCKOOS.
To conclude with BOX AND COX.
The Box-office Is under the direction of Mr. I. T. Archer.

THEATIth ILO Y AL, ADELPIII.
Crmier the direcdon GI Madame Ceteort4,
THIS EVENING,

Will be performed a new domestic Drama, called THE MOTHER'S
DREAM. Principal characters by Messrs. Hughes, Wright, P. Bad-
fa) d. 0. Smith, Worrell; Madame Celeste, and Miss Woolgar.
After which MY PRECIOUS BETSY. Characters by Messrs.
Wright, Bedford, Worrell; Miss Harding, and Mrs. F. Matthews.
To be followed by GOING TO THE DERBY.
To conclude with THE DANCING BARBER.

ST. JAMES'S THEATRE.
FRENCH PLAYS AND OPERA COMIQUE.
Last Night bat One of the Operatic Performances.
Mr. MITCHELL begs respectfully to announce that the French
Performances at the St. James's Theatre will commence

ms EVENING.
at Half-past Seven, precisely, with
LE DOMINO NOIR.

Lord Blfort, M. Chateaufort; ;Wien°, M. Soler ; Horace, M. Lac ;
(i 1 Perez. M. Bnguet ; Angele, Madlle. Charton ; lirigitte, Madlle,
Coln; Ursule, Madlle. Danhausser ; Jacinthc, Madame Mancini ;
Gertrude, Madlle. Vigny.
To conclude with Nicolo's Opera, entitled
LES RENDEZVOUS BOURGEOIS.

The Box-oftlee- of the Theatre is open daily from Eleven till
live
Boxes and Stalls at Mr. Mltehelrs Royal Library, 33, Old Bond-
street.

• u
(r. .0 . M. Maddox, coIR Loewe and ,•zinagOt_
THIS EVENING.
Will be performed a new comic Opera, entitled THE VALLEY OF
ANDOIIRE.
Atter which THE SPITALFIELDS WEAVER.
To concludo with HOT AND COLD.

ItOTAL LYCEUM THEATRE.
oder the Marnwemeßt et btadamc Ves
Geesee, Mr. Ctar biathe yrs.
TEAS EVENING.
Will bo performed WHY DID YOU DIE?
To he followed by 'I HE ISLAND OF JEWELS.
To conclude with A ritACTIcAL MAN.
e 35 Boxes . opet ; ft!, 2s. ; 4allery, Is.. NO
ball-price to any part of the house.
All applications for Private Boxes must be made to Mr. Allcroft, 15
New Bond-street.

ASTLE - total. Aaa ell
',Norietor, Mr. W. Batty
An entire change in the Scenes of the Arens,
Ne:v Grand Spectacle.
THIS EVENING
The performance will commence at a Quarter to Seven, with a
new Grant Spectacle of THE CORSE DE LEON; or, the Brigand
Of Savoy.
To be tollowed by a brilliant display of Batty's peerless scenes of
the Circle, supported by the accomplished artistes of the establish-
ment.
To oonclude with a favourite Afte,piece.
Boit,,ftiee oue.. trom Lill Four.
`age Manager, Mr. W. West.

~'.a't'AK AT IA)NiI)x.P4
so DAT —Morning, 56 min. after 5 I Eveang, lEt rain. After 6
To-gosiow 42 nun. after 6 I Even ng, 12 min. after 7

Tlll WEATHER.—.SUN OFFICE, MARCH 20.
THEIMOMETER, Lowest, 34. Highest, 39. Noon 4

BAROMETER. 302.
WIND N.N.E.—dull cloudy weather.

, .
th cfr•T
V7-4.7"7‘1
$, ,„.
4. At, : :
,), ;....fiS:.
tti.....::. 1L..44'0_,_,..144i..;:*:.,,,,,,:.:_,,A--..,

to be reduced to a system of mere personal
opinion, of merely individual sentiment. Than this
we cannot imagine anything more calculated to
abase the genius of the Constitution. Believing this,
we protest against the conduct of the ruling Govern-
ment, again and again, with all the earnestness of our
indignation.
That there was a real and imperative necessity for
some such motion as the one brought forward yester-
day by the Hon. Gentleman the Representative
of Gateshead, we take to be clearly and
irrefragably proven by the records of the reconnoiter-
ing squadron along the coasts of Africa during the
last few years of its calamitous and ineffectual
existence. When we observe among those records
nothing but testimonies of the futility of the entire
enterprise—testimonies rendered, doubly melancholy
by their association with the details of
sickness and mortality among the gallant
but unfortunate mariners employed in that
idle attempt at suppressing the slave trade—we re-
quire no further assurances of the folly of the under-
taking. If we could possibly blockade the whole of
the extended shores of the African continent, so as
to render it absolutely impossible for the wretched
children of that land of barbarism to be kidnapped
and expatriated in a state of deplorable
and accursed servitude —if this ineffable ad-
vantage could be secured without laying our
brave sailors under the destroying scourge
of pestilence, and without draining away to no pur-
pose one million of pounds annually from an ex-
hausted Exchequer—then, and then only, we should
regard the motion of Mr. HUTT as cruel and inju-
dicious. But when we see clearly, alas ! too clearly,
that the navy is marred, and the revenue robbed, and
the slave trade as capable of continuance as
ever, under the prevailing system, we regard
the interposition of the Honourable Gentleman
the Member for Gateshead as a noble vindication of
the national prudence, we view the peremptory con-
duct of Lord JOHN Russznr. with the most intense
repugnance, we consider the character of the House
of Commons to be, under his auspices and authority,
very materially jeopardized. So gross, in truth, is
the despotism of the late Ministerial policy, that
the most strenuous vindicator of the Government has
found itself compelled to utter a few brief but
emphatic words of indignation. So extravagant is
the decision arrived at in the Commons, under the
intimidating direction of the First Lord of the Trea-
sury, that the organ most opposed to financial re-
trenchment feels obliged to pronounce its dismay
at this most profligate expenditure. While the nation
is yearning for, at least, some moderate reduction in
the amount of its annual disbursements, it is driven
to the necessity of beholding 1,000,0001. yearly
squandered upon a futile scheme of Quixotic philan-
thropy.

The only redeeming feature in the " Brick-dust
Budget," the modification of certain stamp duties on
" transfers, mortgages, and bonds," was brought
forward on Monday night in the House of Commons.
Although the change is undoubtedly a move in the
right direction—although the gross inequality and
injustice of the existing scale have been long made
subjects of complaint on the part of the community—
and although the attention of financial Ministers
has been directed to the matter for the last
fifteen years, the measure of relief is of
the most meagre and paltry description. It
is, indeed, highly characteristic of the littleness and
evasions for which the Whig Ministry have rendered
themselves so remarkable on all fiscal questions.
There is no large or comprehensive view taken on
the question of stamp duties. There is no effort to
correct the gross anomalies by which the stamps on
fire insurances amount to double the premiums paid
for insurance. There is no desire to modify the
enormous duties on marine insurances, the effect
of which is to send business to other coun-
tries, to give to Antwerp, Rotterdam, Amster-
dam, Hamburgh, or the United States, the 'profits
that would otherwise be realised in London or
Liverpool. There is no removal of the taxes on
knowledge—no revision of the advertisement duties
—no reduction of the stamps on attorneys' and solici-
tors' certificates—no change in the stamps or bills of
exchange, that operate so injuriously to small traders.
Nothing of the kind. The gross abuses on all these
points so loudly complained of and universally ac-
knowledged are still suffered to prevail and to flourish in
rank luxuriance. The system is to be continued which
imposes infinitely heavier burdens on the less wealthy
classes than on their more fortunate neighbours.
The proposed alterations only extend to "transfers,
leases, mortgages, and bonds." The change may in
some respects prove beneficial to agriculturists, but it
will scarcely be perceptible to any other class
or section in the community. An addi-
tional evidence is thus afforded, that the
sole end and object of the Chancellor of the Exchequer,
in his new financial scheme, is to conciliate the. Pro-
tectionists, the inveterate opponents of the Govern-
ment of which he is a member, and that he is in-
different to the opinions and wishes of those who
have heretofore lent an honourable and disinterested
support to the Whig Ministry. He may, however,
too late discover that it is easier to disgust and
alienate friends than to win over enemies, and that in
the fruitless attempt to gain Protectionist support he
may deprive his colleagues of the friendly regards of
the Liberal electors throughout the entire country.
Parturiunt montes, nascitur ridiculus 711 US. For
fifteen tedious years the consideration of successive
Chancellors of the Exchequer has been anxiously
directed to the subject. In 1835, the late Earl
SPENCER, then Lord ALTMORP, had actually pre-
pared a scheme, and laid it before the House. That
lamented nobleman did not, however, restrict himself'
to the points that might be pleasing to the bucolic
palate. Although his agricultural tastes and predi-
lections were openly avowed, he did not con-
sider himself justified in legislating for the
benefit of a particular class. He, accord-
ingly, contemplated a general revision of the
entire stamp duties, with a view to an equitable ad-
justment thereof. The same subject attracted the
attention of his successors in office. Under Lord
MELBOURNE and Sir ROBERT PEEL, Sir FRANCIS
BARING and Mr. GOULBURN in turn investigated the
matter, but shrunk from the difficulty of the details.

- -------
The magnitude of the conception astonished their

weak minds. What ! undertake a task that would
take a tolerably skilful accountant two or three days
to master ! The expectation was ridiculous. Besides
there was no great pressure from without, and
the " squeezable" Ministers gladly postponed the
topic until there should be a greater agitation
on the point, when a concessi•n might be regarded as
a boon, and might help to sustain a falling Cabinet.
The end may easily be conceived. Nothing whatso-
ever was done, and an admitted grievance, affecting
the interests of the great body of the people, was
suffered to continue without any attempt at a practi-
cal remedy.

At length the brilliant thought flashed upon the
bewildered mind of our present Minister of Finance,
that he might be enabled to carry out the project by
instalments. We know not whether he rushed through
the precincts of Dowsing-street, shouting like a
second ARCHIIIXDES, " ausxz, suppm-" Some slight
extravagances might certainly be allowed at the
happy solution of the difficulty. We shall not, how-
ever, attempt to speculate upon the ebullitions of joy
to which Sir CHARLES Woon gave expression when
at length relieved from his puzzling doubts ; suffice it
to say, that after the painful throes, continued through
so many years, be was at length happily delivered of
this legislative bantling, amid the cordial felicitations
of his astonished toadies. He proposed, in place of
what he himselfjustiv termed "thepresent exceedingly
unequal and unjust mice, to adopt as nearly as might
be the principle of an ad valorem duty." sot, be it
remembered, on every description of stamps, but
simply on "bonds, mortgages, and transfers." here
was an exertion of genius ! a master-stroke of financial
policy ! ! a discovery that would render the name of

Wool) distingui.hed through all future ages ! ! ! No
wonder that the Whigs stood astonished at the capa-
city of their Minister of Finance, that they congra-
tulated themselves on the services of so transcen-
dent a genius. The very language must be
altered to signalise an achievement so miraculous,
and " Woodhead " or " Blockhead" will hencefor-
ward be regarded as a term of admiration and respect,
in place of being one of reproach and contumely.
Other changes are, it appears, also promised at
some future period. The Right Honourable Gentle-
man declared " that be thought it right to take Pp

the matter piecemeal, to see how much they could
carry out." We cannot, however, recommend the
public to indulge in too delightful anticipations, or to
hope for very speedy ameliorations. A simple
problem may show them at what points
the expected reforms may bbe looked for.
If it takes fifteen years' consideration to bring for-
ward a reform such as we have described, how long
will it require to mature a project for the equitable
adjustment of all the stamp duties? Those who may
take the trouble to work out the above question will
moderate their expectations, and learn how infinitesi-
mal are the chances of obtaining any large or corn-
prehensive measures of fiscal or financial reform at
the hands of the Right Hon. Baronet the Chancellor
of her MAJESTY'S Exchequer.

THE FRENCH REPUBLIC.

We have received the Paris journals of yesterday.
The Moniteur has officially announced the appoict-
tnent of M. ROYER as Procureur-General of the Re-
public. _

It is said that MM. TIMERS, AIONTALFMDERT, and
Co., have become so exigeant that the PRESIDENT
of the Republic has been compelled to refuse
many of their demands. They desire to reduce
him to a mere non-entity. There is, it
appears, therefore, no probability of the
permanent establishment of au entente cordiale be-
tween the Elysee and the reactionary majority of the
Assembly. Indeed, that majority is splitting up
into fractions, M. ODILON BARROT and several
of his supporters having expressed their disap-
proval of the adoption of such measures
as for instance those proposed for increasing the
caution money to be deposited by journals, as mea-
sures calculated only to irritate, without leading to
any definite result.
It is said that M. VIDAL, who has been elected
both for Paris and for the Lower Rhine, will choose
to sit for Paris.

M. LAMARTINE has written to M. CHARLES LA..
GRANGE, declaring his conviction that the accusation
brought against At. CHARLES LAGRANGE of having
wantonly fired a pistol shot at the troops on the
Boulevard des Capucines, on the 23d Feb., 1848, and
of having thus intentionally produced the collision
which brought about the revolution, is a calumny
totally destitute of foundation. It appears that
no pistol shot at all was fired, and that
the story so long current is a fabrication con-
cocted by the reactionaries for the purpose of endea-
vouring to cast odium on their opponents. The lie
was, we believe, first published in an English reac-
tionary journal as from a correspondent.
The Bourse was agitated, and the price of Go-
vernment securities declined. The Five per Cents.
opened at 92f. 10c., fell to 91f. 65e., and closed at
91f. 80c. ; the Three per Cents. closed at 56f 75c. ;
Orleans Railroad Shares, 762 f. 50c. ; Rouen, 535 f. ;
Havre, 235 f. ; Great Northern, 433 f. 75c. ; Avignon,
195 f. ; Basle, 116 f. 25c.; Bordeaux, 400 f.; Paris and
Strasburgh, 343 f. 75.; Tours and Nantes, 245 f.; the
New Roman Loan at 771.
BUSINESS DONE IN FOREIGN RAILWAYS AT THE
LONDON STOCK-RXCHANGE, MARCH 19,
Northern of France, 131/s—Sambre and Meuse, 2%.

2
6
13
2713

JOINT STOCK BANKS.
London Joint Stock to . 17 l7
Provincial of Ireland ... 25

LLOYD'S SHIPPING—(THIS DAY.)
LONDON, Martell 20.—Wind this day at noon,
liOit airs, and dull, hazy weather.
DEAL, MAncrt 19.—Arid. Eleanor, Hughes, Mauri-
tius. Arrd. from the River and ski., Ceylon, Adelaide,
South Austr,ilia; Planet, Jamaica; Lisbon, Si. John's,
New Brunsw.;.ck ; Jessie, St. John':, Newfoundland.
Sld. Duk• of Manchester, Jamaica. The Pilot, Sun-
derland to Yiarseilless struck on the Galloper Sands,
is leaky.
LIVERPOOL MARCH 19.—Wind N:.N.W.—Arrd. Ann
Budson, Vul.paraitio ; Harriet Dyer, St. John's, New
Brunswick; l .ina. London, with damage, from contact
with I. S. de iVolf, from New Orleans. Sld. Liverpool,
New Orlear,s, aild not for Jamaica as reported yester-
day; Bri.iaunia a Ind Montreal, Montreal. The Lord
Seaton, from Nev r Orleans to this port, which was taken
into Keywest, ;,fier being on shore, has been condemned
AO sold,

THE SUN, LONDON, WEDNESDAY EVENING, MARCH 20, 1850

MONEY and COMMERCIAL NE Wt.%

CITY, QUARTER TO TIII?EE.
• The Cotton Market at Liverpool yesterday was very
heavy, th© sales being only 2,500 bales, including 500
American taken fur rxport. Prices were withoLt
alteration.—ln Railway Shares a fair business was done
at previous quotations.

Accounts from Belgium state tl at the clover crops
were in danger. Late frosts, after many weeks cf mild
temperature, has caused great damage. Many who had
planted early potatoes would lose them entirely.
Even corn might suffer from the rigorous cold and
high winds.

At Amsterdam, on the 17th, Peruvian Active Bonds
were 721 to 73, the Deferred 301 to 5-16, and Spanish
Three per Centi. 281 to 7-16 and animated. Peruvian
Active firmer, and Deterred more offered.
It Ili stated from St. Petersbur,h thqt an ukase of
th:, Senate, dated October 15, 1849, had been ex-
changed against a similar declaration of Prince
Schwarzenberg, according tq which the Russian and
Austrian Governments engage reciproe4lly to surrender
the Jews who may have passed from one country into
the other.

The Frankfort prices on the 16th inst. were SOI.
In the Canadian papers received yesterday afternoon,
there are several allusions to the trade reciprocity plan
with the United States. One party writes:—" We hope
this measure will i ass, not because it will materially be-
nefit Canada, for it will do nothing t f the kii,d, as we
have repeatedly bhown, and are prepared to show
again. But it is a natural state of things to have
as free a commercial intercourse with cur
nearest neighbours as possib!e. It, is most insolently
stated in the Annexation journals, that Canada is a sup-
pliant to Congress for adini,sion to trade with them. This
is without a particle of foundation. The United States
have been far more indebted to the British Provinces
hitherto than they have been to the States. We are the
third largest foreign buyers from the United States, and
have hitherto had a large balance against us, payable in
specie or bills on London. Still we hope that this
Reciprocity Bill is in a fair way of being passed.
Government have an agent at Washington, act-
ing in conjunction with the British Ambassador,
in forwarding the measure. The Honourable Mal-
colm Cameron left Toronto on the same business on
Monday. He is personally much interested in the re-
sult, as an extenive merchant, and in this undertaking
be is backed by several merchants in Toronto, who
desire to see the measure carried through. We are
happy that this active and enterprising gentleman is for
a time to be so well employed. It is mote honourable
to him and more useful to the province than his address
to the Halton electors."

In the speech of the Governor of Newfoundland upon
the opening of the Legislative A.,seasbly, it is stated—
" You all, I am confident, will unite with one voice in
thanksgiving to Almighty God that he has been so
graciously and mercifully pleased to avert from this
land that grievous pestilence the cholera, with
which other parts of this empire have been so sorely
afflicted.

" It is also a cause of grateful acknowledgment that a
bountiful Providence has, during the past season, vouch-
safed an ample reward to the toils of our hardy fisher-
men, whose prosperity is essential to the welfare of the
colony, and by the successful result of whose labours the
energy of commercial enterprise is promoted.
" lc is further pleasing to me to be able to inform you
that the results of the agriculture of the colony for the
past year have more than realised the anticipations of
those favourable to the experiment ; and the pro-
gress made during that brief period has been such
as to lead to the most encouraging anticipations
for the future. The promotion of this branch of
industry will merit your fostering care and encourage-
ment, whether viewed in the light of a powerful aux-
iliary to the staple trade of the colony, or as a means of
providing some additional subsistence for our rapidly in-
creasing population, for whose support the fisheries
alone are becoming now inadequate. '
The speculators for a fall have been tolerably indus-
trious again, and yesterday afternoon circulated a report
that the Ministers were sure to resign, thus causing
momentarily and after business hours in the
Stock-Exchange a decline to 95 and 95. The values
this morning for Consols have been 951 to for Money,
and 95-i to for Time. The premium on Exchequer-
bills is 595. to 615., and on Indian Bonds, 84s. to 86s.
In the Foreign Market Mexican Bonds have not been
dealt in, and nominally are at 29i- to 294. The remanet
of the dividends will be paid on the sth of April next.
Peruvian Active Stock has been marked 721 4, and the
Deferred 26} to 271. Brazil Bonds are 89. Dutch Two-
and-a-Half per Cents. have been. 55k. Russian Scrip
has been as low as to 1 premium.
Railway Shares continue dull, and the quot ttions
have been barely supported, though we can scarcely
quote any positive alteration.

CLOSING
PRICES.
95%
94%
913 i

ONE
PRIQES OF BRITISH FUNDS O'CLOCK.
3 per Cent. Consols annuities 95%1A%
3 per Cent. Annuities,l726 —
3 per Cent. Annuities, 1751 ... 94%
q. dia. Bonds, 1,000/. —
Ditto under 1,0001.. ......
South Sea Stock 0
Ditto New Annuities ...... ........ 94% 94%
Consols for Account 95% % 95%
-,xchequer Bills. 140. ek 2d
1,0001. June
500/. Jane
Small. June 6l 59 p 59 p
ONE CLOSING
PRICES OF FOREIGN FUNDS. O'CLOCK. PRICES
Omit= bonds B9 89
Ditto, New, 1843
Buenos Ayres Bonds, 6 per Cent —
Ditto, Account 47% 4512 49% 49
Danish Bonds, 1825,3 per Cent.
Ditto 5 or Cent.
Greiada Bonds, 11I' per Cent —
Ditto Deferred
Mexican. 5 per Cent. 1846, with Coupons—
Ditto, Ex Jan. Coupons .....
Ditto, Account ....-...
Peruvian Bonds, 4 per Cent

291,
29%

Ditto, Account
Ditto Deferred
Portuguese 5 per Cents.
Ditto, 4 per Cent.
Ditto. Account
Russian Bonds ......
Ditto Scrip 1 o p 1y„ p
Dividends on the above payable in London.
Dutch 2% per Cent., 12 Guild. .. 55% 55%
PRICES OF PAID, BUSINESS DONE CLO:IN
RAI,WAY SHARES. AT ONE O'CLOCK. PRICE 4
•Inerdeen
Binning'. Wolverh'ton,
and r u iley, calls duly
pd, or with guarantee 15 ..... 2114.. ...
Do.without guarantee 15 ...... .......
Bristol and Exeter 100 ...... 67 67% ...... 67%
Caledonian ...... - 5 O 5O ...... 10%Vh lO%
Ditto, New IC/. Pref... 10 ...... 7 6:j4 63/4
L hester and Holyhead... 50
... _ ... ..... 91/
Ditto, Preference
Eastern Counties........ 20 ...... 714 .. 7%
Do , New Pref.recce,
6 per Cent........... 10 . ..... 11% .. ..... 11%
Cent., No. 1. ...... 6/.135. 4d.... p P
Ditto ditto, No. 2...61. 13s. 4d... % p
Do. North. & Eastern,
6 per Cent. ..... .... 50 '
57
E asEltoD(e.lr:aictttielot
ja.Esnss.jogpunea:r
CsCchleatats.
r.t.5.e.5.A..)..
225055
........ 57
East Lancashire .......••...........25 83,13
East Lincolnshire, guar.
6 per Cent. .. ......... 25 ...... 28
!great Northern ......... 22 ... .. 734 %
Do., % A Deferred 1214...... 2%
Do., 5 per Cent. Pref. 12%. ..... _
...
.....
ireat South. and West
(Ireland)
..
• ..... •••••
Teat North of England.loo ._ ._
Ditto. New, 301........• 30
Great Western ............100 ...... _
.....
Ditto, % Shares ...... 50
Ditto, 54 Shares ...... 25 .• 14 ... l4
Ditto, Fifths ...... ..,-. 20 ...... _
••• •• •• 11%
Lancaster and Carlisle... 50
Lancashire& Yorkshire 100
Ditto, ditto . ......... 100
..••
Do. Quarters ......"' 231'4 7% x.
Do. New, Gua.6 per ct. 10
Do. (W. Riding Union) 114 d
-- 3 !4i x.d.
Leeds and Bradtord ... ... 50
Leeds and Thirsk ...... 50 -
London, Brighten, apd -
South Coast... .....100 .....• 80
London and N Western 100 .....10434 ...., 10434
Ditto, New Quarters 12 •••"' ''• •••« 11:4
Ditto, Fifth: l2 ..... )21/812%
London es S.West9nt lOO ••• • 62% ............... 623/4
Do., New Prefe:en:e. b ...... 7!'i ' 7Yi
Manchester, Sheffield,
and Lincolnshire...loo ...... -«•••.•.......
Do. Quarters (No. 1) 25 . ..... 73/4 x.i.. 7:Y4x.l.
Do. New 101. Pref.._ 10 ••••••• ............... 67
Midland ....... ...... ..R0 ..... . 39 ..... ...... 39
Midland Great Western
Irish - .....»........ 22%
Norfolk .......... ....... ....100 ...... 28
Do. New 201.
...... 1% ............... 1%
North British -...... - 834 9 '
Ditto, Halves .. - .. ....... .. 44
Korth Staffordshire
Reading, Guildford, and
Reigate l5 ....• - 15%
Royston and Hitchin ... 414.. "' 5 ,76 ...... ''' • "" 5%
Scottish Central
Shrewsbury and Bina 134 .....• 83/4 dis•-• -• •• 0% dis
Ditto ditto, Class B 8 ...... 1 .. ••• •• ..... 1
South Eastern
Do., N 0.2.
Do., Registered No. 410 ...... 5% ... .. 554
York, Newcastle, and
Berwick. .... .. ..... ... 25 ...... 1394% x.d...... 13% x.d
Do. Newcastle Eaten. 20 ...••• 8% % x.d...... 8% a. d
Do. G.N.E.Preference S ••• - Ai 34
FOREIGN RAIL WAY 6.
Dutch Rhenish ......... 8 ... .. 2
Namur and Liege ...... 20 ... ..
Northern of France l6 ..... . ••
Orleans and Bordeaux.. 7 . ..... 23/434 .. -

7V,/s
271 i

33%
33

SKIBBEREEN, MARCH 17.—Tho Affecto, Vienna to
Queenstown, has been towed into Baltimore to-day,
totally dismasted, laving been in contact with an Ame-
rican liner bound out, off Castle Townsend.
WICK, MARCH 18.— The Exporter, of and from Leith
for St. John's, New Brunswick, was in contact wish the
Moselle, of and from Leith, and went on the rocks at the
back of Cantag Head, and is likely to become a wreck in
consequence. Tl.e latter has put back.
LOWESTOFT, MARCH U.—The flarmonie, Bremen,
to London, has been brought i❑ here, after laving been
on the Corton Sand during a gale, but makes little water.
CLYDE, MARCH 18.—Arrd. Henry Woolly, Winde,
Mauritius. Sid. Harmonica, New York; Adam Carr,
ditto; Mary Morris, ditto; Courier, Matanzas.
GUERNSEY, MARCH 18.—The Experiment, hence for
Alderney, was wrecked on the Small Russell on the night
of the 16th inst. Martcr, eight of the crew and pas-
sengers drowned; fourteen staved.

754
2LAe
10%

further destruction of property took place, although the
main body of flame e,ftotinued to rage for hours. Even
at ten o'clock this fo-enoon the fire was f:r from being
wholly extinguished, although all clanger of ttny further
extension was over.

How the misfortune occurred could not be learned.
The loss is very heavy, and the offices which will suffer
by the catastrophe are the Imperial, Scottish Union,
Phoenix, Liverpool and London, end the Sun.

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

(THIS DAY.)

HOUSE OF COMMONS.
The SPEAKER took the Chair at Twelve o'el.,,ek.
PRIVATE BILLS.
Mr. BERNAL brought up Ile report on th-.:
Gas and C ke Guu-pany's Bill and several ltd, rs.
Mr. WILSON PATTEN moved ttfat the e.rder of
the House of the 19th day of February last, rtli-rit.g
the. Chippenham Water-:corks Bill to the Cenainitt..e
of Selection, be read, that the said order be discharged,
and that the said Bill be witbdr.twn.
PETITIONS.

Mr. GREENE presentei a petition from the tiustL es
of certain municipal charities in Lillca:stcr cum; luting
that by a late decision in the courts of law the
legal estate in those charities was not vested in the— us
they conceived it ought to be.
Mr. CHRISTOPHER, preset ttd a petition signed by
almost all the male inhabitants in the market 10%in if
Alford, in the county of Lincoln, occult:cis of land, and
agricultural labourers, cumplainirg or agricultural dis-
tress.

Mr. W. BROWN presented a petition from Bradford,
in Lanea,hire, in favour of the estahlisbment of county
financial boards.
Mr. SHAFT° ADAIR presented a petition from the
Parliamentary and Financial Reform Asauciatiun of
Cambridge, praying for the repeal of the taxes on know-
ledge.

Mr. G. BERKELEY presented a petition from Glou-
cester against the slave trade.
Sir R. INGLIS presented a petition from the clergy-
men and other inhabitants of Camelford against
legalising marriage with a deceased wife's sister.
Mr. SPOONER presented a petition trom Sutton
Colefield in Warwickshire in favour of the Small Tene-
ments Bill.
Mr. BAINES presented a petition from a place in the
county of Chester complaining of the present law
of settlement, and praying fur the establiskment of
union rating.
Mr. HUTT presented a petition from the owners of
property in Australia praying that no reduction in the
price of land may take place in that colony.
Mr. E. B. DENISON presented a petition from
Sower by and other places in Yorkshire, praying for the
cessation of labour in the Post-office on Sundays.
Mr. SIMEON presented similar petitions from places
in the Isle of Wight.
Mr. G. BERKELEY gave notice that, early after
Easter, he would move, in a Committee of the whole
House, the exclusion from our markets of all slave-
grown produce, which was contrary to the true interests
of religion and morality. He also gave notice that, soon
after Easter, he would move, in a Committee of the
whole House, that an Bs. duty shall be re-imposed on all
foreign corn imported into this country after a certain
date, and that the revenue from that source shall be ap-
propriated by the Government to the general reduction
of taxation.
Mr. HAMILTON gave notice that he would call the
attention of the House on an early day to the position in
which the clergymen of the Established Church in Ire-
land stood with respect to the Education Board in
Dublin.

Mr. BANKES presented a petition from Norfolk
complaining of the operation of the present law of settle-
ment; also several petitions from factory workers in
Glasgow and other places complaining of the relay sys-
tem in factories.
Mr. CARDWELL presented, several petitions from
Liverpool against the Small Tenement,' Rating Bill.
SMALL TENEMENTS RATING BILL.

On the motion for going into Committee on this
Bill,

Mr. P. SCROPE took occasion to protest against the
House going into Committee on this Bill, on the groucd
that it was an ea* post facto Bill, and would greatly tend
to add to the air( ady sufficiently heavy rentals of the
dwellings of the poor. The theory of the opponents of
such measures was that the population would be checked
by want of house room, anu he was surprised the Right
Hon. Secretary of State, having read all the reports on
this subject, should set his face against this measure.
As he was aware of the feeling opposed to him, he should
not attempt to divide the House at present.
Mr. ROBERT PALMER agreed with much that
had fallen from the Hon. Member. As it was quite
evident that a large u-iajority of the House were in fa-
. ..

your of this measure he should not oppose the Bill going
into Committer, but he should reserve to himself the
right of proposing any modification of it when he was in
Committee.

Mr. E. DENISON said he thought it was perfectly
understood that all rates were paid by real property.
The Hon. Gentlema❑ who had just spoken seemed to
have forgotten this. The provision was a most
wholesome one, and he should decidedly give it his
support.
Sir GEORGE GREY said he could not see any in •
justice or hardship in making a landowner liable for the
rates of houses under 61. He was now responsible for
rates of houses between 61. and 201., and if he were to build
two houses under 61. insteal of one at 121. or 201., he
would no: be plactd in a worse position. The House
had already decided in favour of the principle, arid he
hoped they would go into Committee upon the Bill.
Sir J. PAKINGTON said, although he eeteriainei
an objection to some part of the Bill, ho did not wish to
move any amendment, lest the progress of it might be
endangered, be cause he thought it was a measure which
ought to pass. The Hon. Member for Stroud had said
he opposed the Bill on behalf of the poor, but he (Sir J.
Pakington) supported it for the same reason.—(Hear.)
He was sure it would be of the greatest possible benefit
to the poorer classes.
Mr. BERNAL said a variety of Bills of a similar
nature had passed through his hands, and in all of them
the power given for making the rate was compulsory,
and no discretion was left to the vestry.—(Hear, hear.)
Ile thought the measure, if properly administered, would
redound greatly to the benefit of the poor.—(Hear )
After an observation from Mr. HALSEY, the amend-
ment was withdrawn, and the House went into Com-
mittee.

Upon the first clause being moved,
Mr. HALSEY moved the in:ortion of words requiring
that two thirds of the votes of persons present at a ye, try
meeting should be necessary to make their proceedings
legal.
Mr. P. SCROPE objected to the alteration.
Mr. LAW moved that this words, " and are hereby
required," be added to the clause. Ile made this motion
because he thought this Bill ought to be compulsory and
not permissive.
Mr. CHRISTOPHER thought it better to leave the
clause as it stood. _ _

Sir G. GREY said notice ought to have been given o
this important alteration in the Bill; but as no such no
tice had been Olen, he hoped the amendment would no
be persevered in.

iar. LAW did not wish to press it if threw any obstacle
in the way of the Bill.

Mr. B. DENISON said there ought to be no room
left for jobbing; the Bill, therefore, ought not to be op-
tional, but compulsory.
Mr. BAINES also entertained the same opinion; but
he was anxious to get the greatest amount of goud from
the Bill that he could. An am, ndment introduced at
this stage, however, might prove fatal to the Bill, and he
would suggest that the Hon. and Learned Recorder
should propose a clause on the bringing up of the
report.

Captain HARRIS did not think the House vras taken
by surprise by the proposal of the amendment, and as
the Biil, if it paised in its present shape, would load to
considerable political animosity, he trusted the amend-
ment would be persevered ir... _

Mr.: SOTHEaRON deprecated any revival of a dis-
cuskion on the principle of the Bill. The object of the
lion. and Learned Recorder would be better accom-
plished by proposing his amendment cn bringing up the
report.

'Mr. COMPTON was ready to support the amend•
ment if it would not impede the progress of the Bill.
Mr. P. SCROPE should prefer the Bill being made
compulsory now that the House had decided that it
should pass.
Mr. W. PATTEN did not think the Bill ought to be
compulsory, end the majority of the vestries he thought
would agree with him.

Mr. JOHN WALTER supported the amendment.
Mr. W. MILES thought it was the duty of the Hon.
Gentleman the President of the Poor-law Board (Mr.
Baines) to have brought in this Bill himself. He hoped
the Hon. Gentleman would not endanger this Bill by
persisting in introducing a compulsory clause, and tbw,
the House would pass the Bill in its present shape.
Mr. PHILIP HOWARD thought, if the Bill was
rendered compulsory, the House would be assailed with
more opposition than at present existed out of doors. He
trusted the Hon. Gentleman the President of the Poor-
law Board would not insist on the compulsory principle.
Captain HOWARD supported the Bill in its pi eient
shape on the ground that a compulsory clause would in-
crease the obstacles in collecting the rates, and press
with great hardship upon the poorer classes.
Mr. B. DENISON could not understand why the
compulsory principle should be objected to ; he, him-
self, thought it would be most salutary in its operation;
at alt events, when the discussion was published out of
doors it would be known who was for and who against
the clause.
Mr. SLANEY supported the compulsory clause.
After a few words from Mr. CAREW and Sir GEORGE
GREY,
The amendment was negatived without a division.
Mr. WALTER wished to know if the power of ex-
emption, which was given to magistrates, would be con-
tinued or not.

Mr. BAINES said that that power would remain
unaltered

Mr. HENLEY wi!licd to guard himself from being
committed to the compulsory pat of this Bill.
(LEFT SITTING.)

Ma. Borst ON TUE STAGE.--.The oftener we hear
this interesting dramatic monologue the more we are
pleased with the intellectual treat, the variety of highly
amusing anecdotes interspersed, and the judicious :elec-
tion ( f some of the most beautiful passages from the
peerless poet, acted to p rfection by Mr. Bunn.
TITLES OF RELIGIOUS CONGREGATIONS.-41 Bill,
presented by Mr. Pete, has been printed, the purpose of
which is to secure to the successors of trustees holding
property for the use of religious congregations or educa-
tional societies, a sufficient title in ttiat property without
further 0911143)7%1NQ Q assignment,

COURT CIRCULAR.
The Queen and Prince Albert, attended by the
Viscountess Jocelyn, Hon. Matilda Paget, Hon.
Flora Macdonald, the Earl cf Morley, Lord Alfred
Paget, and Colonel Bouveri,-, honoured her Majesty, 6
heatre with their presence yesterday evening.
His Royal Highness Prince Albert, attended by
Colonel Bouverie, rode out on horseback yesterday.
Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales,
Pcince Alfred, the Princess Royal, the Princess Alice,
the Princess Helena, and the Princess Louisa, took
their usual exercise yesterday in the garden of Buck-
ingham Palace.
The Earl of Morley has relieved Lord Dufferin in
his duties as Lord in Waiting to the Queen. Mr.
R. Ormsby G-:)re has relieved Sir Edward Bowater 111
Lis duties as Guam in Waiting io her M%j,sty.
Her Royal Higlin:ss the Duchess of K.':,t, ac-
companied by his S.-rune Highness Prince Edward
of Saxe Weimar, and attended by Lady Fanny
Howard and Sir George Cniper, honoured the
Royal Italian Opera House with her presence last
evening.
About one hundred and fifty Members of the
House of Commons assembled at twelve o'clock yes-
terday, at the official residence of Lord John Russell
in Downing-street, and were received by Lord Jo"
Russell, who was cccompanied by the following
Members of his Cabinet, having seats in the Lower
House of Parliament, viz., Viscount Palmerston, Sir
George Grey, Sir John Hobhouse, Sir Francis Baring,
and the Right Hon. H. Labouchere.
The conference with the Minister lasted one hour.
Viscount de Moncorvo, the 'Portuguese Minister,
had an interview with the Right Hon. H. Labouchera
yesterday, at the office of the Board of Trade.
A deputation, consisting of Messrs. APLachlano
Edmund Gore Dolgetty, W. Jackson, J. A. Jackson,
Donaldson, Henty, J. Montefiore, and Levick, had.
an interview with Earl Grey yesterday at the Colo,-
nial-office.

Mr. Bright, M.P., and Mr. Brown, M P., had an
interview with the Chancellor of the Exchequer Yes'
terday, at his official residence in Downing-streett
upon the subject of bonding at Manchester. A derv'
tation upon the same subject attended at the Trea-
sury, consisting of Sir Elkanah Armitage, Mr. Alder'
man Kershaw, M.P., Mr. Alderman Watkins, Div'
William Gibb, and the Town-clerk of Manchester;
Mr. James Atherton (on behalf of the Manchester
Commercial Ast.ociation), the Mayor of Salford, ae"
companied by the Right Hon. T. Milner Gibson,
M.P., and Mr. Brotherton, M.P.
A deputation from the London, Brighton, an
a
South Coast Railway Company, consisting of Mr.
Laing, Mr. Wix, Mr. Sutton, and Mr. Hood, had 00
interview with the Commissioners of Railways yea-
terday, at their office in the Board of Trade.
The Earl of Kenmore and Mr. Herbert had a°
interview with Sir George Grey yesterday at the
Home-office.
Mr. Shepard had an interview with Earl Grey
yesterday. Mr. Piesse also had an interview with
his Lordship yesterday.
The Finance Committee of the Commission for
the Exhibition of 1851, consisting of Earl Granville,
Lord OverstonP, Sir Alexander Spearman, and gir'
T. F. Gibson, met yesterday at the Board of Trade.
Colonel Reid, Chairman of the Executive Committee,
was also present. Tne Committee on Machinerit
consisting of Mr. W. Cubitt, Mr. Pusey, M P., rr°:
fessor Willis, and Sir John Rennie, met yesterday at
the New Palace of Westminster. Mr. S. Russel,"
"
secretary of the Commission, was in attendance'
The Committee on the Vegetable Kingdom, censiet-
ing of Mr. Pusey, M.P., Professor Royle, Professor
Lindley, Professor Solly, Mr. Humphrey Brandretil•
and Mr. Fisher Hobbs, met yesterday at the New
Palace of Westminster. Mr. Dilke was present 00
the part of the Executive Committee.
Dispatches were received yesterday at the Colonial"
office from the Governors of the North American Cv
onies.

EXHIBITION
OF ANCIENT AND DIEDLEVAL ART, SOCIETY

OF ARTS, ADELPHL

Yesterday a remarkable exhibition of the above'
mentioned character was opened to our inspection, at
the rooms of the Society of Arts, John-street, Adelphi'
On visiting the collection we found it under the process
of examination, by a very numerous and inquisitive.
swarm of private visitors—insomuch so that a careful
scrutiny of the different objects on view was rendered
altogether impracticable. From what we were enable°
to recognise, however, it was evident that the eatr
mates of the number of articles (9,0G0), and of theft
reported value (100,0001.), striking as they are, hid
not been to any material extent exaggerated. Al"
though on a general and superficial glance at the ea.-
hibition the prevailing tone of its appearance 1s
i
sombre and somewhat unattractive, on closer nsl:lec.
tion it proves to be both costly and instructive.
Tapestry, both B-lgian and Venetian ; armour, boat
chain and plate, engraved and embossed; enamels,
rosary, remonstrances, volumes curiously bound and
jewelled, Majolica-ware, and Raffaelle- ware, 511601
salt-cellars and challices, cups, candlesticks, a"
tszzas, Florentine gems of art and Etruscan rases
are all grouped together in " most admired disorder',
and present a spectacle altogether eminently entitlea
to contemplation. In one direction we have a desiga
by Rubens, and in another by Palissy ; here we
have a painting by Raffaelle, and here
an enamel by Limousin. A visit to this singular
and most valuable exhibition will be admirabil,
preparative for the grand International Exposition e`
Industry, destined to render 1851 memorable during
many subsequent generations.

SPORTING INTEL LIGENCE•
BETTING AT MANCHESTER.—Timmti•
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE STAKES,.
8 to 1 agst Belus—taken
12 to 1 aga Cbantrey—taken
100 to 5 agst Flatcatcber—taken '
Nothing else backed, nearly all the subscribers bell
at Warwick.

WARWICK SPRING MEETING.—TuEspAir•
Ma!eb, 100, h fc ; 12st each. Hunt Steeplechase
Course.
Mr. Robertson's The Ace of Trumps (Car. Broadley)
Lord Lurgan's Sobriety (Capt. Little)
6t05 on Ace! of Trump,. Won by two lengths. s
The Scurry Stakes of 5 sots. each, and 20 added, 126

each. Gentlemen riders. (4 Subs.)
Mr. Barnard's Jack-of-all-Trades ... (Mr. Caldwell)
Mr. Wilson's Venture, 5 yrs (Capt. Little) ,
Mr. William's Syrup, 4 yrs (Mr. Brookes)
Mr. A. Robertson's Catch-me-who-can ...(BroadleY) •
Even on Venture, and sto 2 agst Syrup. Won Pt
head; a length between second and third.
The Trial Stakes of 10 soya. each, and 50 added. - 'h°
Mile Course. (13 Subs.) 1
Mr. W. Moseley's Alonz 3 yrs, Est 121 b (W. Sharp)
Mr. T. Das son na Mark l'apley, 3 yrs, Tat (Arnold)
Mr. Stevens's Knight ( f Gwynne, 3 yrs, 7st (Sabin)Mr.
The following also started, but were not placed
Scott's Warrick, 3 yrs, 6st 12Ib (H. Evans)--Alr'tfr,
Lucas's Eye-the-Boys, 3 yrs, Est 121 b (G. Evans)--If.
B. Green's Osbuldestir, 3 yrs, 7st (Basharn)—lgr'or,
'l'. Sadler's Woodsprite, 3 yrs, 6st 121 b (G. Sharp) rd
Merry's Brennus, 3 yrs, 6:: 121 b (G. Oates)—and -tay"
Clifden's Torpor, 3 3 rs, 6st 12Ib (Gooch).
shit
Betting-5 to 2 agst Mark Tapley-3 to 1 gig
Knight of Gwynne-7 to 2 apt Torpor—and Bto l'gta-t
A10nz...:. Won by a head; Mark Tapley beating gnig
of Gwynne by half a length. Run in 1 min. 49 sees'
an
The Willoughby Handicap of 15 SOY:. each, 10 ft, II;
only sif declared, with 30 added. Gentlemen riders'
Two miles. (12 Subs., sof whom declared.) 1
Mr. Stafford's Fugitive, aged, lOst 91b (Capt. Littit) g
Lord Strathmore's Rat trap, list 71b (Cap,. Brooke) 3
Mr. Carew na Andalusian, lOst 71b (Mr. Osbaldeston) 4
Mr. Lucas's Yard-arm, lOst 1 Ilb ...(Mr. Davenportkt.
Betting-7 to 4 agst Fugitive—and sto 2 apt
trap. Won by a length. s
add
The Free Handicap of 10 sous. each, 5 ft, and 25 ad
One mile. (9 Subs.)
Mr. Mason's Doubt, 'fat 81b (51b extra)...(W. Sharp) g
Mr. Jones's Docility, 4 3 rs, 6st 91b .. (Thick) 3
Mr. Fowler's Cos, chin, 5 yrs,Bst 716 (G. Whitehouse)
'lle following also ran:—Lord Chtden's Rath°V
6 yrs, Bst Illb (Pearl)—Mr. J. Day's New Forest
-aged, 7st 131 b (Waketield)—and Mr. Lawson's Form"
3 yrs, Est Ilb.
Betting-3 to 1 each` agst Doubt and Ratinniaes
to 1 agst Docility—and sto 1 agst Eunuch. Won by
head; a neck between the second ar.d third. a for
The Farmers' Plate of 50/., with 101. for the seconuo,
bunters, ridden by farmers; four years, list; ile
Ilst 71b; six and aged, 12st, &c. Heats, the Two-J 3)
Course. 1 1
Mr. Gulliver's Fazeley, aged, 12st ...(Mr. Wood)
Mr. W. Cowper's Jerry, aged, 12st (Owner) ' 3
Mr. F. Robbins's ch g by Redshank, 4 yrs, 110 2 0
Mr. H. Oldham's Shepherdess, 5 yrs, Ilst 71b 0
Mr. H. Ball's Little Jenny, 6 yrs, 12st 716 6 0
Mr. J. Boddirgton's The Cricket, 4 yrs, llst „ 0
Mr. Austin's Woodland Mary, 5 yrs, list 71b...:0,00.

BIRTHS. ~0 Or °f
On the 14th inst., at Raheen-park, Tipperary, '"'" la
• at °f a
Captain T. F. H. Alms, late of the 70th Regime '
daOnugh ,„. lads of
the 14th inst., at Grove House, near Leeds, I."'.
J. Middleton, Esq., of a son. t ad the
On the lfith inst., at Sackville College, East Gritls-e '
wife of the Rev. J. M. Neale, of a daughter. n sens,
On the 17th inst., at Hyde-park-gate South, Mrs. ‘,o°
of twins, son and daughter. Tli T.
On the t7th inst., at Enfield, Middlesex, Mrs. 00.'n
Hunter. of a daughter. _ _---------.

On the 17th inst., the Countess of Scarborough, aged 85. t
On the 2d inst., Conte hlul.ey, Esq., D.L., Oak-Par
Ro:common, Ireland.
On the I t•li iLst., Bilston, Dorothy Ann, eldest d3ugh-
ter of Mr. E. Peikins, of Northampton.:
On the 14th inst , at her Majesty's Exchequer, Whitehall-
yard, Mr. Thomas Peal:, aged 5'3.
On the 14th ult., at \Voodcote, Hants, Anne,
Colonel Coles, aged s'.
On the sth inst., at Lenton, aged 41, Caroline, daub
of the late M. Needham, Esq., of Lenton, Notts.
On the 16th inst., at liilliogdon• end, Uxbridge, Mrs.
Elizabeth Grainge, aged 94.
On the iSth inst., aged 62, Anne, the wife of James Field,
Esq., of Mon'ague-street, Russell-square the wife of

London: Printed and Published by MURDO YOUNG, of
No. 112, Strand, Printer, at The Buva Otiice, Ilttf
Strand, in the Precinct et the Savor. m the coluity
KiddWM; Weduodayi Biarch 20, 1850.