The Sun.
London, England, 1850-05-23 00:00:00

AY EVENING, MAY 23, 1850.

wishes and"to the truth, I will immediately remove
your residence, take the child under my
own eye, and superintend the expenditure of
the money for GOD'S glory." In pursuance of the
determination thus expressed, he endeavoured to ob-
tain possession of the infant's person, to remove it from
the roof under which it had been sheltered and pro-
tected when deserted by him. A petition wzs ac-
cordingly presented on behalf of the infant, praying
".that some proper person might be appointed to be the
guardian, and to have the care of the infant during
his minority—that proper directions should be
given for his maintenance and education, and that
the father and his agentsjshonld be restrained from ap-
plying for any writ of habeas corpus for the
purpose of obtaining possession or custody of the
infant, and also from taking forcible or other means
of obtaining possession of, or otherwise interfering
with, him," and an order has been made substantially
in accordance with this prayer.
We have stated that " the principle of interference
has thus been carried further than o❑ any former oc-
casion." According to the common law the father
alone has legal power over his children, which power
he may exercise until they attain the age of 21 years.
He is entitled to their custody and care, and
may retake them if they are removed from him. Ile
can obtain a habeas corpus for their recovery, and
bring actions of tresp ass against parties taking them
away from him.

The Court of Chancery, however, in some degree in-
terfered with this right. In WELLESLEY v. Duke of
BEAuroaT it was held, that where children had pro-
perty within the jurisdiction the Court would interfere
to withhold the custody and education of
his children from a father whose conduct,
as by living in open adultery, had been
grossly criminal. But Lord ELDON declared that
"there was no jurisdiction where the children had
not property for their maintenance." Now, in the
present instance, the petitioner has no property,
neither was there any gross or open immorality even
alleged against Mr. Thomas. His religious opinions, and
more especially his state of spiritual serfdom, was all that
could justify the decision. The 2d and 3d Victoria,
chap. 54, did not apply, for, although the child is
under seven years of age, the mother did not apply,
and the judgment was pronounced on totally dif•
ferent grounds. The judgment has, therefore, over-
ruled all former precedents, although we confess
that we most earnestly desire that it may be affirmed
and maintained to the fullest extent.

An earnest appeal having recently been addressed
by the poor-law union surgeons to the public, and
more particularly to that aggregate organ of public
opinion over which we, as one of its members, exer-
cise the responsible functions of journalism, we feel
ourselves impelled to respond at once, however briefly,
from an appreciation of the united influences of
justice, prudence, and humanity. The document to
which we would here direct popular attention, as
affording the exposition of a great grievance to the
community, an enormous cruelty to the destitute,
and a lamentable indifference to the over-toil and
under-remuneration of an important body of medical
practitioners, appeared in our columns as recently as
the 17th instant, and has doubtless also been distri-
buted widely throughout the country, through re-
publication in those of our metropolitan and pro-
vincial contemporaries. This direct reference of the
matter to the consideration of the Press and of the
Population is formally authenticated by the signature
of Dr. Hoposufs, the chairman, and of Mr. LORD, the
zealous and indefatigable secretary, of the Poor- law Me-
dical Convention : and hence the general multitude will
feel itself compelled to place implicit confidence in the
accuracy of statements which must otherwise have
appeared altogether incredible. With ourselves the
melancholy particulars referred to, although suffi-
ciently startling on their reiteration, excited no sur-
prise comparable to that which must inevitably be
experienced on their perusal by the mass of the
community. For those mournful facts have be-
come long since familiarised to our apprehension
in consequence of our previous and sedulous regard to
the revelations made during the course of this very
laudable movement.
According to the state men is signed and counter-
signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Poor-
law Medical Convention, the appeal now addressed to
the public generally has been necessitated in conse-
quence of the practical inattention to the question of
all the administrative and legislative authorities
of the United Kingdom. Petitions to Parliament
have proved unproductive of any improvement,
whatever. Deputations to the Right Honourable the
Secretary for the Home Department have been found
equally ineffectual towards the remedy of the griev-
ances personally complained of to that Administrator.
References of the matter to the Poor-law Board
having turned out not only suite as unsuccessful,
but having been actually followed of late by supple-
mentary orders from that board, tending materially
to enhance the amount of an evil al-
ready sufficiently burdensome, the Society
constituted for the purpose of agitating
for reforms in the distribution of medical relief to
the pauper population, in the supervision of that re-
lief, and in the examination of the officers employed
in affording it, have deemed it requisite to beseech
the consideration of the multitude to an evil con-
templated by the Legislature and disregarded by' the
Government.
A ready cognizance of the exact nature of the
grievances complained of may be obtained from the
simple but touching and comprehensive peti-
tion some time singe submitted by the
medical officers of unions .in England and Wales to
the Commons House of Parliament. From that peti-
tion it will be observed that the defects in the exist-
ing system are thus epitomised. First, in the dif-
ficulty of obtaining orders for medical relief from the
relieving officers in cases of sudden illness, of acci-
dents, or of midwifery—a difficulty which must obvi-
ously tend to increase the mortality, not merely among
the pauper population, but among the poor
and industrious classes indiscriminately. Secondly,
in the frequent refusal and general uncertainties of
remuneration to the medical officer for his attendance
on a poor patient under such circumstances, and the
consequent hardship either to the patient, the medical
officer, or both together—a result deplorable to con-
template, seeing that it must, in many instances, tend
to increase the sufferings of the destitute and to
lessen the exertions of the practitioners. Thirdly,
ft
ehree
nuened u
toe restriction r
eorn
ort
dh
ee r
inmge dtihc
the
I no
eine ce es
sr
a,
ryi n
ali-
of
fthecure
such
neglectm en t fo r
orders
ehriss
whenpatient,
ve n the
a frequent
restric-
tion and a neglect as cruel to the unfortunate
patient as it is unfair to the medical attendant.
fourthly, the want of the requisite inspection
over the working of the system by intelligent
and duly qualified physicians. The introduc-
tion of the last mentioned paragraph in the enu-
meration of the defects of the prevailing sys-
tem appearswn sh;lfi,
h and
ht he
touipsreseto indicate very forcibly
thebody
odt y
has ntg
adisinterestedtatin of h
o t
e medical
philanthropy
out of
emanated. In
a endeavouringposition
mtoor
eplace t t
itnhge
poor-law medical officers in
their character as gentlemen, and more justly appor-
tioned to their labours as alleviators of the ills of
humanity, the Medical Convention is also solicitous
to place them, as they are not now, in a situation of
responsbility. This is but, just, and fair, and
honourable. While the sufferings of the poor must be
more carefully attended to, so as to insure theifdirninu-
tion,: the compensation of the medical officers of the
different unions should be accompanied by a security
for the full and careful performance of their duties.
What is actually desired to be introduced by way of
improvement by these medical officers throughout the
kingdom is very readily particularised. Instead of
their payment being made partially from the
money raised' by way of poor-rates, they are
solicitous that it should be made henceforth
entirely from the Consolidated Fund. Instead
of the remuneration being in the average
23. 7d. per case for the country districts, and Is. 61d.
for the metropolitan districts (ranging from the
maximum at the Pocklington Union of 14s. 4d. per
case, down to the mininaers of 3d. per case at the
sg that
union of Newton Abbott), they would fain see it
fixed at an
eein average in town and country of at least
6s. per case—a sum most undeniably reasonable,
police, 7s. per head is paid for the
and no less than 13s.
for the sick felons in the 7d. per head
bulks and prisons.
Instead of the pre3e
ot Reixittalg mode of *point-

ment and removal, they would see things contrived in
such a manner that the appointment of a medical
officer to a district should be permanent, and subject
only to be rescinded by the President of the Poor-
law Board, or by the director of a board specially
appointed, upon proved charge of neglect of duty,
gross malpractice, legal sentence inferring dishonour
or crime, or other valid cause. Instead of witnessing the
perpetuation of the present scheme of irresponsibility,
they would hare it arranged so that a general board
should be established for the superintendence of the
duties of the medical officers of unions, under a chief
medical director and a sufficient number of medical
inspectors, to protect both the interests of the public
and the profession.
Such are the reasonable claims advanced by the
medical officers of unions throughout England
and Wales ;' and, beholding the treatment
they have hitherto been subjected to, we can
scarcely feel surprised at the indignation with
which the Honourable and Reverend SIDNEY Go-
DOLPHIN ObnouNE, writing upon the old system, ex-
claimed :—"lt is time this farce was played out ;
the public are getting disgusted with it, the medical
profession is degraded by it, it outrages humanity,
it is indefensible on any of the principles that
are usually held to be just." Time enougb, indeed,
is it, that this grim farce should be brought to a con-
clusion. Pray heaven that its close may be effected
in a manner at once rapid and permanent.

THE FRENCH REPUBLIC.

We have received the Paris Journals of yesterday.
The debate on the Electoral Bill was adjourned,
after speeches from General CAVAIGNAC, M. VICTOR
Hueco, and M. PASCAL DUPRAT, against the measure,
and of M. JULES DE LETSTERIE in favour of it.
The speech of General CATAIGNAC produced a
deep impression ; calm, lucid, and unimpassioned, it
was one of the most logical arguments in support of
universal suffrage that was ever presented. The
General laid it down as a principle that the suffrage
belonged to the person, and not to the domicile, and
on that foundation argued against the justice and the
policy of the proposed restrictions.
Having attacked the right of meeting, the freedom
of the press, and universal suffrage, the Government
has now violated the right of petition. M. Bossu,
Procureur of the Republique at Neufchateau, has, by
order of his superior officers caused a petition to the
Assembly against alteration in the electoral law to be
seized so as to prevent its presentation.
We extract from the Morning Herald of this day the
following admirable expose of the base and nefarious in-
trigues of the reactionary party against the greatness of
England, to which, we are sorry to say, too many of
our own aristocracy have lent and are lending them-
selves, remembering only that they are aristocrats,
and forgetting that they are Englishmen,:--
"The counter-revolutionary journals, to give them
their right designation, have received the mot d'ordre
that Lord Palmerston is about to fall in consequence
of the general indignation of the people of England
on the subject of the Greek question. Let Lord
Palmerston fall, by all means, but let not his fall be
isolated from that of his colleagues. Should the Eng-
lish Cabinet be broken up, let it be done on the ques-
tions of internal policy, for a greater danger could not
happen to England at this moment than would arise
from the defeat of the Whigs on the subject of this
fraudulent rupture, fraudulent in design, as fraudulent
in its execution, which has been attempted rather
than carried by the present French Cabinet, at the
instigation of the counter-revolutionary party.
Take the most honoured of England's Conservative
statesmen—take the great Duke, and he would
find himself, if placed at the Foreign-office, obliged
and necessitated by an imperative sense of high
honour and patriotism, to discountenance and oppose
the notorious designs of this same party, in whose
way Lord Palmerston stands as an obstacle. What
would be the consequence ? Why this ; that the self-
same counter-revolutionary party, checked in its
movements and irritated because checked, would soon
raise the cry that all parties in England, Whig and
Tory, were alike jealous of France, and were equally
opposed to her legitimate ambition they would ex-
cite the passions of the country against Englishmen
of all ranks and classes, and would render war with
England inevitable. Such would be the consequence
of a change of Government in England on the iso-
lated ground of a question between Lord Palmerston
and General Lahitte. Our position at present as
regards French parties is of the best and happiest
kind. The moderate Republican party, the middle
classes, whether they be Republican or Monarchical
in the free constitutional sense, and the people at
large are well disposed towards England. You need
only consult their journals to feel convinced that
such is the case. The feeling has been growing
since February, 1848, because the revolution gave
the country an opportunity of testing the sincerity'
of British principles on the score of non-
intervention in the internal politics of other
countries. That feeling grew stronger as the
British flag was seen to favour constitutional prin-
ciples, even as distinguished from those of a repub-
lican character, while the protection of Turkey in
the Hungarian question raised the fame of Great
Britain in that delightful way which excludes jea-
lousy and envy from the contemplation of glory.
The popularity of England happens to stand now in
the way of the great plot for the destruction of the
Republic, and the object of the counter-revolutionary
party is to destroy List popularity, and convert it
into hatred, because, for the final carrying out of the
great scheme in view, it is England that must be
stricken. It is notorious that the two branches of
the Bourbon family are reconciled. It is notorious
that the throne is destined for Henry V. It is no-
torious that for the sake' of giving popularity to the
restoration, of dazzling the army, and captivating the
people, an aggrandisement of territory will be at..
tempted. The unaccomplished treaty of Charles X.
with the Emperor of Russia will be taken up, with
the aid and alliance of Austria. The great question
of a united Germany will be smothered under the
weight of Russian. Austrian, and French bayonets.
The map of Europe will be new modelled, and England,
driven from the Continent, driven from the Medi-
terranean, invaded in India, invaded at home, will
have to battle fbr her existence. Yes, such would
be the infallible and inevitable consequence of a
forced change in the foreign policy of Great Britain
on the sense of a successor to Lord Palmerston,
coming in on the principle of countenancing for the
smallest fragment of time this Absolutist plot for a
fresh barbarian invasion of the Continent. What
is Lord Palmerston—or what is any man, when re-
garded with reference to the unparalleled crisis in
which Europe is placed at this moment ? how
miserable would mere party tactics seem at such a
time. Let one unsuspected, independent journal, at
all events, allow the truth to be spoken in its co-
lumns at a moment when God knows too great a por-
tion of the influential press of England is under
foreign Inspiration. The task of exposing this plot is
but too easy. It needs only to be stated to carry
conviction to all minds not obfuscated by party, or
lured by the blandishments of expelled and runaway
statesmen bringing their poor baggage of imaginary
state secrets and fanciful hopes to the back offices of
thunderers of the press. It is said that Lord Pal-
merston stands in the way of a counter-
revolution—but only for him all the Cabinets
of aurope would come to a harmonious un-
derstanding for the overthrow of the French
Republic and the restoration of the monarchy.
Taking the question in this simple way, it looks
specious enough, for it presents a desirable object
prevented by one obnoxious man. Allowing, how.
ever, this new holy alliance to be justifiable, exclu-
ding from it all suggestions of conspiracy against the
rights of a particular people to settle their own govern-
ment, yet does any man believe that matters would
rest with the return of Henry V. and the inevitable
reintegration of the old regime, that compound of
foppery, Jesuitism, lazy debauchery, and profound
dissimulation, with only one principle, that of abso-
lute government, in the most antiquated sense of the
word, and only one vigorous passion, that of un-
quenchable hatred of Great Britain. We are cer-
tainly on the alternative of two convulsions. The
schemes and falsehoods of the counter-revolutionary
party have exasperated the country to a degree
that, in our terror of consequences, we should wish
them success, if we did not know that the first con-
sequences of the victory would be a general war,
and war at the expense of England. The cense
might 6e, it is true, to lead to a
quence
poafrtythe overthrow of the counter-revolu-
tionarywar of principles, in which Bogland would have to
play the part of mediator and moderator, but the
restoration beginning in the total destruction of
liberty of every kind would lead to a war of territory.
Such are the alternatives before us. If peace is to be
secured at all it can only be done by England taking
up the most firm and resolute attitude—that horrible
heresy of the Cobdens and Brights, that England
cannot and will riot go to war, will, if not destroyed,
inevitably lead to the most huiniliating or the most
costly results. To such mawkish, peddling trash we
owe already the complications that have sprung up in
the Mediterranean. It has encouraged the insolence
of every petty despot, and lowered the high conside-
ration of England in the eyes of nations. The truth
should be told, that for sake of the honour of Eng-
land, there is not a nobleman or merchant who would
not send his plate to the Mint—that no sacrifices of
persons or property would weigh for a moment with
the British people. Had such language as this been
used by British Members of Parliament we should
not now have to put forth the strong arm of our fleet
to destroy A prejudice of so paltry and dishonouring a

While we are on this subject we cannot but re-
, mark, as a curious coincidence, that while the re.'
actionary Times of yesterday publishes from its Paris
correspondent what purports to be the substance of
the last notes of Count NESSELRODE and Lord PAL-
MERSTON, the reactionary Journal des Debats of yes-
terday publishes in Paris, as from its correspondent
in London, the very same article. This is a curious
coincidence, and would tend to prove that the rumour
which ascribes to the greater part of the foreign
correspondence of both the French and the English
reactionary journals a common origin is not alto-
gether without foundation. Railway accounts are
not the only documents " cooked" by persons in
authority in order " to make things pleasant."
A letter from Toulon of the 18th inst. announces
the departure from that port of the iron steam-boat the
Narval, with dispatches for Vice-Admiral PARSEvAL
DRSCHENES, Commander-in-Chief of the French fleet
in the Mediterranean.
The Moniteur publishes a report from the Minister
of Marine to the PRESIDENT of the Republic, an-
nouncing the result of an expedition against pirates on
the coast of Senegal by a French steamer and two
B ritisb ships of war. The expedition was eminently
successful.
It appears certain, notwithstanding what has been
stated to the contrary, that the levy of seamen con-
tinues very actively. The Journal de l' Arrondisse-
ment du Havre of the 21st states so positively :
"Nevertheless," adds that paper, in "consequence of
the decision transmitted by telegraph, and since con-
firmed, the Minister of Marine, taking into conside-
ration the remonstrances of the Chamber of Com-
merce, the seamen borne on the ship's list are allowed
to remain in the merchant vessels ; but the privilege
is not extended to the vessels whose crews are in course
of completion at:this moment."
It is rumoured that a change is about to be made
in the French Ministry, which will remove General
DE LAHITTE from the Foreign-office to the War-
office in the room of General D'HAUTPOUL, who goes
to Algeria. M. DROUYN DE L'llurs will, it is said,
be the new Minister for Foreign Affairs.
A dispatch has been received from Lord PALMER..
STOW, and the Marquis of NORMANBY had had an in-
terview with General DE,LAIIITTE, but nothing had
been arranged. Indeed, acting in concert with the
crowned conspirators of Legitimacy, it is scarcely
probable that General DE LAHITTE would consent to
any arrangement which should at all interfere with
his avowed purpose of trampling the, liberties of
Europe beneath the armed heel of the Cossacks.
The debate on the Electoral- Law was resumed yes-
terday, and M. DR MONTALEMBERT was speaking in
favour of the measure when the post left.
PARIS BOURSE, MAY 22.—Latest Prices—Five per
Cents., 89f. 50c. • Three per Cents., 55f. 80c.; Bank
of France, 2,100 f:
BUSINESS DONE IN FOREIGN RAILWAYS-AT THE
LONDON STOCK-Is:ICI:JAN(4E, MAY 22.
Dutch Rhenish, 1 s —East Indian, s%—Northern of France,
12%—Paris and Rouen, 19%—Paris and Strasbourg, 5;.i—
Sambre and Meuse, 21,x.

SPAIN.
Madrid journals of the 17th have arrived.
Their contents are unimportant.
MADRID BOLSA, MAY 17.—Three per Cents., 32
1-16; Five per Cents., 13 1-16, both paper.Ex-
change.on London, 50 25.

GERMANY.
General BuLow has returned from Copenhagen to
Berlin, and has had an interview with the King of
PRUSSIA.

The articles on the German Question which have
appeared in the Paris Napolion have caused a great
sensation in the political circles of the Prussian capital,
as they are in direct contradiction to the represen-
tations which were made to the Prussian Court by
M. DE PERSIGNY.

The mysterious journey of Count Oar.orr through
Germany occasions some alarm. Count ORLOFF is
the jackal' to the Russian bear, and always precedes
the advent of the Cossack.

The .Lithographic Correspondence says, at the last
deliberations of the Congress of Sovereigns the KING
was a good deal opposed, and that the Bund cannot
reckon on Electoral Hesse, Lippe, and Mecklenburg
Strelitz. In the Congress on the tariff of the Zollve-
rein the friends of protection have obtained a majority
for all their propositions. The duties on cotton thread
have been raised to four thalers.

The Frankfort Journal of the 14th states that the
Frankfort Congress have resolved to keep open the
protocol for those German Governments who have
not yet taken part in the Congress, but may yet be
desirous of doing so.
The German papers publish the financial budget
of the Austrian empire for the year from the Ist of
November, 1848, to the 31st of October, 1849. They
give the fullowing list of income and expenditure .
INCOME. Florins.
... 55,194,791
71,692,036
582.000
7,145,766
2,022,129
5,377,036

Direct taxes
Indirect taxes
State manufactures and sale of Crown lands
Consolidated Fund ••• ••• •••
Sardinian indemnification
Various sums ••• •••

----
144,013,758

EXPENDITURE..
Interest on the ptfblie debt ...
To the consolidated fund ... ...
Paying off of capital ••• .60
Court budget ••• ••• •••
Cabinet Council ... ... •••
Foreign Affairs ... ... ...
Home Affairs ... ••• •••
War-office ... .
Finance department ••• ..•
Justice
Public worship ... ••• •••
Commerce ... •••
Agriculture ••• ••• .••

..• 41,375,102
..• 9,630,837
... 3,964 891
... 4,796 389
••• 93,926
••• 1,565,235

... 14,306,873
... 157,887,369
... 18,528,359

... 4,985,259
... 2,630,791
... 21,974,366
... 1,953,315

Total
leaving a deficit of 94,450,916 florins.

... 238,864,674

ITALY.
The day on which the election of Euunrin Sun be-
came known at Rome, the Black party was seised
with a panic terror. The panic was at its height in
the Vatican, and Pius IX. had determined, let what
would be the consequence, again to fly from Rome.
Information was conveyed by their partisans to the
French authorities. They immediately repaired to
the Vatican, and insisted, although the night was far
advanced, on being at once admitted into the presence
of the PONTIFF. They reasoned with his HOLINESS
on the absurdity of his attempted flight, and at length
he resigned himself to his fate, and expressed his wil-
lingness to remain. For greater safety, however, a
French officer has been ever since stationed in the
ante-chamber of the PorE, and he never stirs out ex-
cept .in his carriage, which is always immediately
preceded and followed by French troops. The POPE'S
own Guarda Mobile forming the advanced guard and
the rear. The POPE, acting under the advice of
Cardinal ANTONELLI, intended, it is said, to fly
to Bologna, and place himself under Austrian pro-
tection.
The :Osaervaiore Romano, the organ of the Cardi-
nals, lauds the Archbishop of Timm for rebelling
against his SOVEREIGN, and endeavours to stir up an
insurrection in Piedmont.

CABINET COUNCIL (THIS DAY).—The Cabinet Mi-
ni sters assembled in Council this afternoon, at two
oclock, at the Foreign-office. There were present
Lord John Russell (who came to town this morning
from Pembroke Lodge), the Marquis of Lansdowne,
Earl Grey, the Earl of Carlisle, the Earl of Minto,
the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Viscount Palmer-
ston, Sir Francis T. Baring, Sir John C. Hobhouse,
the Right Hon. Fox Mettle, and the Right Hon. H.
Labouchere. The Council was not expected to break
up until four o'clock.

ORTHONEDIC SOCIETY.—We are given to under-
stand that the dinner held yesterday evening at the
Freemasons' Tavern, in aid of the funds of this excellent as-
sociation, went of in a manner highly satisfactory to all in-
lerestecl in its success. Among the vocalists who contributed
to the amusements of the evening, Mdlle. Lauriette, an artiste
of great promise and ability, deserves to be especially par-
ticularised.

ALARMING FIRE AT ST. GEORGE'S HOSPITAL.—
This morning the patients and every person in the estab-
lishment were alarmed by the outbreak of a fire, which was
attended with great damage. It originated in what was
called the " drying-room," where a large quantity of linen
had been left on lines. Messengers were sent for the firemen
and engines, and speedily Mr. Staples, of the brigade West-
end establishment, with the engines, arrived, when with the
assistance afforded by the domestics and police the fire was
extinguished, but not until the property of the drying•roem
had been consumed. It was found necessary to remove the
patients from Oxford Ward to another part of the building.
DEATH OF LORD JEFFREY'S WIDOW.—Our obi-

tuary of to-day records the demise of Mrs. Jeffrey, the widow
of one whose death was so recently the cause of an almost
universal sorrow. Shortly after Lord Jeffrey's decease, his
widow, affected in a more than ordinary degree by the sad
event, up her establishment in Moray-place, and took
up her abode with Mr. and Mrs. Empson, her son-in-law and
daughter, at Hailebury, Hertford. Though naturally cheer-
ful, her spirits never recovered the shock she sustained by the
death of her distinguished partner, whom she has not sur.
vived four months. Mrs. Jeffrey was born in America, and
was the grandniece of the celebrated John Wilkes, and second
wife of the late Lord Jeffrey, to whom she was married in
1813. Scottish Press of Wednesday.
REGISTERED LETTERS.—On and from the let of
June next registered letters will be forwarded through
London on Sundays. At present they cannot be forwarded
from country post-offices on Saturday nights, because the
registration lee is prepaid in money, and not by stamps.
After the Ist of June next the registration fee must still
be prepaid in money by the public, but postmasters
will be compelled to affix stamps of the value of
the fee to each registered letter. In all other cases post-
masters are strictly prohibited from affixing stamps to let-
ters for the public.

A LAUNCH AT TonLoN.—The 90-gun ship, the
Vingt-quatre Fevrier, has just been launched at Toulon, in
presence of a vast assemblage of spectators. The members
of the Committee of Inquiry, belonging to the Legislative
Assembly, were present, as was the Bishop of Frejus and his
clergy. The Bishop blessed the veisel,.which then, the sup.
ports being 4eckeci Way, glided sAfe)yjat9 Pal yrAter:

MONEY and COMMERCIAL NEWS
CITY, TW O O'CLOCK.
The sales of Cotton at Liverpool yesterday were es-
Crnated at 7,000 bales, of which 1,000 American were
taken for export. The market closed firmly, at full
prices.—In Railway Shares a fair business was done, at
higher quotations.
Acting in a manner which impartiality seemed to
dictate, we gave, a month or two since, the conflict-
ing opinions of different persons in the trade concerning
the prospects of Coffee; and those who perused the same
must do Messrs. Franks and Millard the justice to admit
that their prognostication of an important decline from
the then current rates was correct. The reaction in the
article has, however, been so severe, that speculators
and moneyed men may begin to look to it as offering a
fair chance of profit, and as in all cases of overdone
operations, prices are unduly depressed. We hold our-
selves in no way responsible for the opinions of corre-
spondents, and claim ever the right to exercise a proper
discretion, but as the members of the grocery trade form
the most important and intelligent body connected with
the colonial and foreign imports, they are quite capable
of discriminating►, and of judging or facts or opinions.
With this remark we feel no hesitation in giving the
following extracts from a communication by Messrs.
Franks and Millard;—

" Coffee will be a speculative article during this year,
and it will require very great judgment and tact to kuow
the best time when to lay in a stock. We have seen
good ordinary Ceylon sell freely at 645. to 65%, and
middling colony 755. We protested at the time against
these unnatural prices, and called them perfectly artifi-
cial, and entreated all connected with us not to buy
until good ordinary Ceylons receded to 455. We have
reason to know that many took our advice, and worked
out their old stock, but we also know that others did not,
and the consequence has been what we predicted. Those
who bought at the high prices seem to be more fright-
ened at present rates than when quotations were at their
extreme point, and are selling, depending on lower
prices.

" We think this not a sound way to finish up a bad
speculation. We should say, hold on a little longer, or
buy at present prices, which would make a good average,
and should an advance take place, they would bo able to
sell without a heavy loss, for we are pretty well satisfied
that speculation
_will send Coffees up again, and that
prices will vary—perhaps a few shillings lower, up to ss.
to 20s. higher.

" The trade are, however, now very bare of stocks,
and are waiting to come in when they think prices are at
the lowest. We calculate there are 10,000 grocers who
will all want during the next three months an average
of five bags each. This would create a demand for
50,000 bags. Let this take place, and what can be ex-
ceded but an advance of from ss. to 103. per cwt., par-
ticularly on colory Coffee, which is now selling at 48s. to
525. This Coffee never was cheaper, and we feel satis-
fied that moneyed men will soon be turning attention to
it, and invest largely. We feel assured that it would be a
good investment.
" The cry of the importers is that Coffee has decreased
in consumption considerably during the past few months.
We believe this to be a mistake. The trade during that
time held duty-paid stocks sufficient to last them from
four to six months, and the apparent falling off during
this period is in consequence of using their home stock.
Nothing shows this so much as the immense clearances
at the present time, which we have no doubt will con-
tinue, and we are confident that in a few months it will
be proved that there has been no material decrease in
the consumption."
As to any interference by Government with the
Chicory adulteration, it is impossible to say whether that
will take place, but some of the present large holders
seem to expect it.
The Clyde steamer brings accounts of rather unfa-
vourable weather in some of the West India islands, rain
being wanted.
We have received the following information of the re-
mittance by the Clyde, from the Committee of Mexican
Bondholders:—

From Vera Cruz
From Tampico

Together ... dolls. 71,033 37c.
There were pending for account of the bondholders on
the 13th—l‘th ult—
In Vera Cruz
In Tampico dolls. 105,764 2 „
The Mexican intelligence in the London papers of the
16th and 17th inst. is confirmed.
To this Colonel Facio adds that the total amount in
the Bank of England, including the above remittance, is
662,587 dolls., available for the payment of future divi-
dends.
Mr. W. P. Robertson, in reference to the same matter,
tells us that he has received further letters from
various influential parties there, not only confirmatory of
those he has already published, but all pressing on his
earnest attention the immediate adoption, by the bond.
holders, of the new arrangement proposed by Congress,
and which he is assured will meet with the immediate
and unanimous sanction of the Mexican Legislature.
One correspondent, in transmitting to Mr. Robertson
the projet de loi, has the following note at foot :
" This arrangement is one which with absolute secu-
rity can and will be fulfilled in all its parts. It has
already been presented to the Chamber, and without
any doubt whatever will obtain its approbation."
The Committee of Spanish American Bondholders
have received a latter from Mr. Lord, the agent of the
Venezuelan Bondholders, dated La Guayra, the 22d ult.,
stating that he has not yet been able to make any ar.
rangement with the Government at Caraccas in respect
to the overdue coupons.
There is an arrival with dates of March 15 from the
Cape of Good Hope, but we find nothing of importance
in the papers.
The Funds are very steady. Consols have ruled at
95; to 96 for Transfer, and 911 to. 96 for Account,
scarcely any effect having been produced by the
rise of 1 per cent. at Paris. The New Three-
and-a-Quarter per Cents. have been marked
96; to 96k, and the Three per Cents. 941 to 95. Bank
Stock has been at 207 to 2071. India Stock has been
quoted 2671. Exchequer-bills have realised 675. to 708.
and India Bonds 87s. to 90s. premium.
In the Foreign Market the transactions have been of
moderate extent. Spanish Five per Cents. have been
quoted, 171, and Portuguese Four per Cents. 334.
Mexican Bonds are 31 to 31+, and Grenada, 16f.
Danish Scrip is at 8 premium, and Russian at 2; pre-
mium. Dutch Two-and-a-Half per Cents. are 454.
Railway Shares are more active, and prices are de-
cidedly buoyant, and in several cases higher.
The last week's Railway receipts, ascertained up to
this day, are in round figures as under:-
1850. 1849
Great Western
North-Western
South-Western
Brighton
Midland 22,637 20,814
South-Eastern
Scottish Central
Aberdeen
Caledonian 6,114 4,944
QUAR TER TO THREE.
.. ... 95; 1
95; I
ONE CLOSING
PRICES OF BRITISH FUNDS O'CLOCK. PRICES.
Bank Stock
• Pet Cent. Reduced Anna ... 94%195 7""'"", 94%
3 per Cent. Consols Annuities........ 9534 96 9.534 95%
:4,1w VA per Cent. Arms.- 96%3/4 j 96%
Long Anns. to expire Jan.lB6o -16 8% 84
India Stock 267% " 267%
India Bonds. 1,000/. i
Ditto under LOON. • 9O 87 p 87 p
Consols for Account 96 95% 953/
, =homier Bills. I%d.:ee 2d
1,000/. June 67 70 p , 70 p
5001. June ... .. ..... -.. 67 70 p , 40 p
Small. June
ONE , CLOSING
PRICES OF FOREIGN FUNDS. O'CLOCK. , PRICES.
Brazilian lion& —
Ditto, Small
Buenos Ayres Bonds, 6 per Cent —
. _
Ditto, Account . 51%
Danish 80nd5,1825,3 per Cent.
....
Ditto 5 per Cent.
Ditto, Scrip. 8 p 8 p
Equador Bonds 334 L:... 3%
Grenada Beads, 1% per Cent 16% 1111
Mexican, 5 per Cent.lB46, with Coupons—
Ditto, Ex Jan. Coupons ..- —
Ditto, Account 31% 31 3114 31
Ditto, Small
Peruvian Bonds, 4% per Cent —
Ditto, Account
Ditto Deferred
Portuguese 5 per. Cents.
Ditto, 4 per Cent.
Russian Bonds ...... ---
Ditto, 4% par Cent
Ditto Scrip 234 p
Spanish 5 por Cont. 1840 17% 17%
Dividends on the above payable in London.
O'CLOCK.pE or.t.ts:l6NElAso.
Dutch 2% per Cent., 12 Guildl.7-•sorNiasEsB
PRICES OF PAID.
RAIr,WAY SHARES.
Aberdeen
Do. Preference ... 8i - dia. ' 2% dis.
Amber. Nott., Boston, i
and Eastern Junction 8 -_
kyrshire and Galloway.. 7%
..,
Belfast & County Down 30 l, ....
Berks & Rants Extens.
(Gt. West. Per.s perct.) 6 - ..... ••• .0....• --
Birmingham and Oxe
ford Junct., calls duly
paid, or withaguaran. 20
Do, without guarantee 20
Birming, Wolverh'ton,
and rudley, calls duly ,
pd, or with guarantee 16
Do.without guarantee 15
Birming.,Wolverh'pton,
and Stour Valley. ,131. 145 ...

Consols
Ditto, Account, June 12 ...

Birkenhead, Lancitshire,
and Cheshire Junc.... 23 -• -•
Bristol and Exeter 100
Ditto, Thirds
Ruckinghamshire
Caledoni en
Do. New 101. Pref..... 10
Ditto,Clydesdale June 50
Cl' ester and Holyhead... 50
Ditto, Preference l5 ...... 83%
Clarence
Direct London & Ports-
mouth
Dublin and Belfast Junc. 42 % •••
Dundalk& Enniskillen 30
Fast Anglian, 251., L. &
E. and L. and D...... 25

-
8%

Do. 18/.. E. & 11.... 18 —
Do., 31. 10s., Pref... 3114 — •••
Ditto, 71. 175., 7 per
Cent., Preference... 2
Eastern Coueties...
Do., New Preference, , ~,,
la 6 per Cent..........
10 •••••• Li . ***** .. i••••• 12
DittOrEitel3lll9NsPer i