The Sun.
London, England, 1845-12-02 00:00:00

LITERATURE.

RAILWAY SHARE MARKETS.
LIVERPOOL, DEC. 1.
_

HARBOURS OF REFUGE.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.

POMFRET; or PUBLIC OPINION and PRI.
VATS JUDGMENT. By Henry F. Charley.

STOCK EXCHANGE.—The sale; are—Birkenhead, Lanca-
shire, and Cheshire, 2.14 p.—British and Irish Union, 1,4 D.—
Boston, Newark, and Sheffield, par—Caledonian, 3 p.—Ditto,
Extension, par—Derby and Crewe, 2% p.—Eastern Coun-
ties, 19—Grand Junction, 226—Grand Union, % dis.—Great
Grimsby and Sheffield, Quarter Shares, 2 p.—London and
Birmingham,, 205—Ditto, Quarter Shares, 21% p.—Ditto,
Fifth Shares, 17% p.—Leeds and Thirsk, 2 p.—Manclies-
ter, Ifirminghamf and Bury, 76 p.—Manchester, Sheffield,
and Midland, % p.—Manchester and Leeds, Fifth Shares,
9 p.—North Union (A), 205—Ditto (B), 141—North Staf-
fordshire, 60s. 6d. p.—Oxford, Worcester, and Wolverhamp-
ton, 214 p.—Sheffield and Lincoln, 114 p.—Scottish Central,
p.—Welsh Midland, % dis.—West Riding Union, 25/8 p.
—Dublin and Drogheda, 5 p.—Dutch Rhenish, 1% p.
MANCHESTER, DEC. 1.
STOCK EXCHANGE.—The sales are—Blackburn, Darwen,
and' Bolton, 714—Boston, Newark, and Sheffield,
Caledonian, 13 --Cambridge and Lincoln, 2% c.—Goole, 191-on-
caster, Sheffield, &c., 42s.—Huddersfield' and Manchester
Railway and Canal, 4%—Leeds, Dewsbury, and Manchester,
15—Leicester and Birmingham, 19s. 6d.—Liverpool, Orms-
k irk, and Freston, 5 c.--London and Manchester (Rastrick's),
414—Manchester, Buxton, and Matlock, 77s.—Manchester
and Leeds, Fifths, 10—North Staffordshire, 2—Nottingham
and Mansfield, 234—Nottingham, Erewash, Ambergate. and
Manchester, 2%—Sheffield and Lincolnshire Junction, %
Sheffield and Manchester, Quarters, No. 3, s%—South Mid-
land, 87s.—West Lancashire Coast, 228.—West Riding Union,
51. 2s.—Whitehayen ar d Furness,

• Sizz,-74 real with much pleasure the brief, but excel-
' lent, latter on " Harbours of Refuge," which appeared
in The Sun of the 27th oilman), and signed "R. S." I
hope with your correspondi•nt "that the French Govern-
ment report will have its full ,consideration with our
Government." The very able and lucid document on
this highly important subject by Baron Charles Dupin,
and read by him before the sitting of the Royal Insti-
tute of France on the 17th ult., is of great national inte-
rest both to England and France, and cannot fail to at-
tract the most serious and attentive consideration of the
British Government.. M. Dupin appears to possess a
clear and intimate knowledge of our coast and fortifica-
tions, and his remarks respecting the proposed break-
water in Seaford Bay (as suggested in the report of the
English Commissioners) are very striking, and remark-
ably decisive and corroborative of the importance and
commanding situation of that noble bay. "At Seaford,"
observes Baron C. Dupin, " there is a maanificett
anchorage," " which fortunately is at an equal -distance
from Port mouth to Dover;" and describes the situation
as "Armidabie" and "aggressive," and which " would
thteaten, at the same time, all the French ports com-
prised between Havre and Bouloi'me;" :,rid adds that, by
means of a branch railroad, " there will be no difficulty
in getting from London to Seaford in less than two
hours." The great advantage of the approximate inland
• harbour at Newhaven, so iurar to Seaford, is also ad-
verted to by M. C. Dupin, and which, from its capa-
bilities of improvement, promises to become one of the
most important ports of the English Channel, and, ere
long, a station for steam vessels
,running to and from
France. The recent coast visit of his Grace the Duke
of Wellington must have convinced him of the desirable-
ness of carrying out the recommendations Of the Har-
bour of Refuge Commissioners during his Grace's stay
at Seaford and Newhaven, and whose testimony of the
eligibility of the site, together with that of Baron Dupin,
will have no small weight with the decision of our Mi-
nistry. The French authorities are fully alive to this
national question ; let us hope that England may prove
so too !—some sudden disaster might unfortunately
plunge us in a war with France; but our southern coast
is hi a sad state of defence, and no ihtei meo'iate protec-
tion or refuge for merchant-vessels or war-steamers;—
and where such an immense amount of property and the
safety of thousands of sailors, but, above all, the
honour and security of Great Britain is concerned—
ought not pecuniary considerations to become secondary,
and of inferior moment, when the end sought is of per-
manent consequence, and having for its especial objects
the preservation and security of the lives and property of
our fellow-countrymen, and to repel any attacks which
might at any future period be made upon this favoured
isle ?

3 Vols.

In the present state of literature we should hardly be
surprised at any form Which a work of fiction.might as-
sume. Novels are now not merely love stories, as of old—
history, religion, politics, all the topics of the day, are
freely discussed in three volumes in the forin of a
romance. Yet, notwithstaroling this, "Pomfret" is,
even now, a work of rather extraordinary character.
Its object is evidently to promote a spirit of toleration.
Such an intention is praiseworthy, and it is to be hoped
will not be without effect. This is, indeed, an intolerant
age, at least with regard to religion ; for in this instance
Church and State are. at variance ; political feuds are
comparatively at an end ; opinions have modified ; op-
posite sides have combined, and party spirit for a time
has been subdued ; while in religious affairs, feuds and
quarrels between those of different persuasions have
continued with unabated vigour. The Maynooth ques-
tion sufficiently illustrates both cases. The story' of
" Pomfret" is intended to soften the rigour of "public opi-
nion," and to claim a tolerant recognition of " private
judgment." It is entirely free from religious contro-
versy ; we are not asked to' decide between different per,
suasious, but simply to acknowledge the right of indi-
vidual liberty of conscience. For this purpose, Mr.
Chorley has supposed an extreme case. Charles Pom-
fret is a clergyman of the Church of England, greatly
beloved by his flock, but from certain considerations
with which we are not made entirely acquainted, be
finds that his conscience cannot permit him to continue to
officiate. In spite of the sorrow of his family, the regret
2, his parishioners—above all, in defiance of " public
()pinion," he resolves to follow his "private judgment;"
he gives up his ministry, and secedes from the Church.
We are not told the sect that he joins; we are not re-
quired to investigate his reasons; the object is, to decide
whether a clergyman, feeling his conscience at variance
with the rules of the Church, should continue in his
office, or voluntarily withdraw, and if so. how he should
be weighed in the balance of public opinion. In the
case of Mr. Pomfret conscience " is its own reward ;"
he finds no other ; he is universally condemned ; he for-
feits at once his position in society and the countenance
and approval of his friends ; he is compelled to seek a
foreign country, and to endure the greatest mental suf-
fering. • This, as we have said, is an extreme case; men
are naturally disposed to think lightly of those who
change; it is evident they have been wrong once, they
may be so again. We feel more respect for one who
firmly maintains an opinion at variance with our own, than
we should do were he to yield to our persuasions and come
over to our views. Public opinion admires consistency ;
but what is so inconsistent as itself ? Private judgment
is a surer guide; in following it, a man is liable to err—
he is almost certain to be misunderstood ; but, at least,
be will not be hypocritical and dishonest, as are too
many of those whose only aim is to bask in the sun
shine of " popular favour." Such is the moral of this
tale. In spite of its serious import, it contains much to
amuse the general reader. The character of Grace
Pomfret, the heroine, is a beautiful creation, combining
deep feeling and strong self-control—ardent love and
voluntary self-sacrifice ; her story alone would render
the work interesting. The letters of her wandering
lover, Walter Carew, contain many descriptions of Italy
likely to amuse those on travelling thoughts intent, and
the introduction of Peter Gray (the supposed author),
and his well-meaning, free-spoken sister Harriet, gives
an air of reality to the whole, which greatly increases its
attraction. ' The style is free and animated—effective
because it does not strive after effect; and the story will
interest and amuse, even should it fail to make many
converts to the right of " private judgment."

I fear I have trespassed upon your indulgence, but
having frequently read the earnest entreaties, in your
editorial remarks, directing the attention of the Govern-
ment and Legislature on this momentous subject, and
particularly regarding " Seaford Bay," I doubt not you
will, if convenient, grant insertion to this in your
widely-circulated and excellent journal.
I am, Sir, very obediently yours,
Dec. 1, 1845. AN ENGLISHMAN.

HARBOURS OF REFUGE.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE TIMES.

Sin,—The proznulgation of important truths, through
the press to an edocated people, ultimately produces
more benefit than if submittedtothe private considera-

tion of the most enlightened individuals. Under this
impression I now offer through the unbounded circula-
tion of your paper, the following observations, intending
that they shall be considered jointly with the article
which appeared in your paper of the 25th instant, on
the projected "English Harbours of Refuge," by one
of the most distinguished of the talented men of France.
—I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
London, Nov. 29. DITNDONALD.

BRIEF OBSERVATIONS.
Had gunpowder and- its adaptation to artillery been dis-
covered and perfected by an individual, and had its won-
derful power been privately tested, indisputably proved, and
reported to a Government, or to a council of military men,
at the period when the battering rani and cross-bow were
chiefimplements in war, it is probable that the civilians
would have treated the author as a wild visionary, and that
the professional council, true to the esprit de corps, would
have spurned the supposed insult to their superior under-
standing.
Science and the arts, both of peace and war, nevertheless,
in despite of all such retarding causes, have advanced, and
probably will advance, until effects and consequences accrue
which the imagination can scarcely contemplate.
It is not, however, my intention to intrude observations of
an ordinary nature, but to endeavour to rectify an erroneous
opinion which appears to prevail, that consequences disastrous
to this country may be anticipated from the introduction of
steam-ships into maritime warfare. lam desirous of show-
ing that the use of steam-ships of war, though at present
available by rival nations, need not necessarily diminish the
security of our commerce, that still less need it necessarily
endanger our national existence, which appears to be appre-
hended by those who allege the necessity of devoting millions
of money to the defence of our coasts.
I contend that there is nothing in the expected new system
of naval warfare, through the employment of steam-vessels,
that can justify such expensive and derogatory precautions,
because there are equally new (and yet secret means of con-
quest, which no devices hitherto used in maritime warfare
could resist or evade.

STRUGGLES FOR FAME.

A Novel. 3 Vols

By Eliza Maeyard.

No ordinary mind produced this work. It is unequal,
but never weak. The plot is over-intricate for our taste
—sometimes it appears confused—but there is no deny-
ing that the principal characters are marked by strong
individuality, that the dialogue is natural, and that (to
borrow a phrase more usually applied to the drama)
" the situations are admirable."

The story is that of a poor girl, brought up amid the
trying scenes of sins and poverty, yet ever keeping her
soul unsullied: striving, through difficulties which would
crush a less noble spirit, to obtain that fame which is
won by the successful prosecution of letters ; and work-
ing her way, from the depths of obscurity, to a high re-
putation as an author. From the very first we feel
interested in this poor child of genius, Barbara Leaf-
dale. It would appear as if in drawing her, Miss Mete-
yard had resolved to show " how divine a thing a
Woman may be made." And, because they are linked
with her fortunes we are interested, too, in Adam, the
kind old bookseller, in the idiot Jock, in the benevolent
Mr. South, in kind-hearted Justice Tender, in Tom
Pnrland, and his violin, Captain Dogget, and his " great
Tom," and Mr. Brascord, the blind organist. So true is
it that

"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."

That the 'like prejudice or incredulity which in all proba-
bility would have scouted the invention of gunpowder, if
offered to notice under the circumstances above supposed,
may exist to a considerable extent in the present case, is
extremely likely: yet 1 do not the loss advisedly affirm,
that with this all-powerful' auxiliary invasion may be ren-
dered impossible, and our commerce secure, by the speedy
and effectual destruction of all assemblages of steam ships,
and, if necessary, of all the navies of the whole world, which,
for ever after, might be prevented from inconveniently in-
creasing.

Less to our taste, we confess, are the loves of Mr.
Crumpsure and Miss Snig, and the hates of sundry other
unworthies. We are even grieved that much cleverness
should have been expended on these characters. Still,
the skill must be admired, and others, perhaps, may
better like the Tenier's mode of writing. If intended
as a contrast to the more gentle scenes and persons of
the novel, it has succeeded.
The first volume unquestionably exhibits most power.
Curiously enough, like Dickens with " Oliver Twist,"
the writer of this work has succeeded better in the
early than the later part. The delineation of Oliver's
sufferings as a " parochial" orphan is not superior to
Miss Meteyard's narrative of the sayings and doings of
the Kite family, illustrative of the old system of hiring
out )outhful parish incumbrances to be starved and
beaten, dragged and knocked about at so much per week.
The power and the truth of these scenes are very great.
Life in the metropolis is not so well drawn as adven-
tures in the country, because the darker phases are ex-
hibited. Indeed, we think that Miss Meteyard's forte
lies in the description of country life. Her glances at
rural scenery, by the way, are excellent. If Cuyp had
used a pen instead of a pencil, he would have described
even as this author does. If, as we judge from internal
evidence, this be Miss Meteyard's first published work,
we rejoice in the promise it exhibits. She has the
"faculty divine," out of which come those good works
which " the world will not willingly let die."

Away, then. with the sinister forebodings which have ori-
ginaed the recent devices for protruding through the sterns
of sluggish ships of war additional guns for defence in flight
Away with the projected plans of " protective forts and
ports" of cowardly refuge ! Let the manly resolution be taken,
when occasion shall require, vigorously to attack the enemy,
instead of preparing elaborate means of defence. Fictitious
ports ©n the margin of the Channel cannot be better pro-
tected than those which exist, respecting which I pledge any
professional credit I may possess, that whatever hostile force
might therein be assembled could be destroyed within the
first 24 hours favourable for effective operations, in defiance
of forts and batteries, mounted with the most powerful ord-
nance now in use.

In the capacity of an officer all hope seemed to be pre-
cluded, that in time of peace I could render service to my
country ; a new light, however, has beamed through the
cloud, for in the pursuit of my vocation as an amateur engi-
neer, it has become apparent that a plan, which I deemed
available only in war, may contribute to prevent the naval
department from being paralysed by wasteful perversion of
its legitimate support. Protective harbours (save as screens
from wind and sea) may be likened to nets wherein fishes,
seeking to escape, find themselves inextricably entangled ; or
to the guardian care of a shepherd, who should pen his flock
in a fold to secure it from a marching army.
No effective protection could be afforded in such ports
against a superior naval force equipped for purposes of de-
struction ; whilst their utility as places of refuge from steam
privateers is quite disproportioned to their cost—privateers
could neither tow off merchant vessels from our shore, nor
regain their own, if appropriate measures shall be adopted to
intercept them.
Impressions in favour of so expensive, so despondent, and
so inadequate a scheme, can have no better origin than
specious reports, emanating from delusive opinions derived
from a very limited knowledge of facts. The hasty adoption
of such measures, and the voting away the vita sums re-
quired to carry them into execution, are evils seriously to be
deprecated. It is, therefore, greatly to be desired that those
in power should pause before proceeding further in such a
course. It behoves them to consider in all its bearings, and
in all its consequences, thecontemplated system of stationary
maritime defence, subject, as thatsysiern may become, to the
overwhelming influence of the secret plan which I placed in
their hands, similar to that which I presented in 1812 to his
Royal Highness the Prince Regent, who (as stated last year
in my memorial to the House of Lords) referred its conside-
ration confidentially to Lord Keith, Lord Exmouth, and the
two Congreves, professional and scientific men, by whom it
was pronounced to be infallible, under the circumstances de-
tailed in my explanatory statement.
Thirty-three years is a long time to retain an important
secret, especially as I could have used it with effect in defence
of my character when cruelly assailed (as I have shown at
length in a representation to the Government), and could
have practically employed it on various occasions to my pri-
vate advantage. I have now, however, determined to solicit
its well-merited consideration, in the hope, privately, if pos-
sible, to prove the comparative inexpedience of an expendi-
ture of some 12,000,0001. or 20,000,0001. sterling for the con-
struction of forts and harbours, instead of applying ample
funds at once to remodel and renovate the navy—profes-
sionally known to be susceptible of immense improvement—
including the removal from its swollen bulk of much that is
cumbrous and prejudicial.
However injudicious it might be thought to divulge my
plan, at least until energetically put in execution for an ade-
quate object; yet, if its disclosure is indispensable to enable
a just and general estimate to be formed of the merits of the
mongrel terraqueous scheme of defence now in contemplation,
as compared with the mighty power and protective übiquity
of the floating bulwarks of Britain, I am satisfied that the
balance would be _greatly in favour of publicity. It
would demonstrate that there could be no security in
those defences, and those asylums, on the construction of
which it is proposed to expend so many millions of
the public money ; it might, therefore, have the
effect of preventing such useless expenditure, and
of averting the obviously impending danger of future parsi-
monious naval administration, abandonment of essential
measures of nautical improvement, and the national disgrace
of maritime degradation —all inseparable from an unnatural
hermaphrodite union between a distinguished service (which
'might still further be immeasurably exalted) and the most
extravagant, derogatory, inefficient, and preposterous project
that could be devised for the security and protection of an
insular, widely-extended, colonial and commercial State.

A young woman named Carr, who was lately
a domestic servant in Lord Strangford's family, has become
possessed of a fortune, estimated at 10,0001. the luck really
happening through the novelises hackneyed incident " the
death of an uncle in India."—Essex Herald.

WHISKY.—In consequence of the increased
prices of grain, the distillers in the neighbourhood of Elgin,
and surrounding districts, have advanced the price of whisky
sixpence per gallon.—Aberdeen Herald.
A train going west on Saturday evening last, after
dark, on the Newcastle and Carlisle Railway, between Hay-
don-bridge and Harlwhistle, ran against a cow, which was
instantly killed. It appears that the animal jumped out of
a truck from a train going east, and had broken its thigh.
The engine, the Rapid, was thrown across the rails, and the
driver, Gallon, into the hedge, but he escaped unhurt, and
no further damage was done.—Newcastle Journal.
OPENING THE PORTS.-011 Monday a public
meeting convened by the Mayor, was held at Nottingham,
to memorialise the Crown for opening the ports immediately.
FOOTPADS.—As Mr. Wells, grocer, of East Berg-
holt, was going from the Ipswich Turnpike Road to East
Bergholt, on Tuesday night last, when nearly opposite to the
lodge there, the residence to Sir R. Hughes, Bart., he was
accosted by two rough fellows, who demanded where he
was going, and what he was after there, and then muttered
something, which Mr. Wells interpreted into a demand of his
money, but at that time a light appeared at Sir R. Hughes's
gate, and Mr. Wells immediately ran towards it, and the men
made off. Mr. Wells was dreadfully alarmed, and reached
the house in great trepidation, but without further molesta
tion.—lpswich Express.
THE ATTEMPTED SUICIDE ON A GRAVESEND
STEAMBOAT.—Mr. H. J. Colebrook, the young man who
fired a pistol at his head on board a Gravesend steamboat, is
now out of danger, and was yesterday delivered into the cus-
tody of his friends, as the mayor of Gravesend did not think
it advisable that he should be proceeded against for attempt-
ing self-destruction.
Mr. Baron Parke and family have been placed in
mourning by the demise of the learned baron's brother, John
Parke, Esq , formerly her Majesty's consul for the Roman
States, at Stretton mall, gtaffordshire, the seat of General
Monckton. .

-----
ROYAL PRESENTS.—SeveraI packages, containing
presents from his Majesty the King of Prussia to her Majesty
Queen Victoria and his Royal Highness the Duke of Cam-
bridge, are expected to arrive by an early steamer from Ham-
burgh, and the Lords of the Treasury have issued the usual
order for their delivery on their arrival to the Prussian Mi-
nister at this Court, for the purpose of being presented to
the royal personages mentioned.
Their Imperial Highnesses the Archdukes Ferdi-
nand d'Este and Stephen of Austria have arrived at Vienna.
Grand preparations are making in the Austrian capital for
the reception of the Emperor of Russia, who, according to
official accounts, is expected to reach Vienna towards the
12th of this month, and remain there for one week. The matri-
monial alliance between the Princess Olga of Russia and the
Archduke Stephen of Austria is generally spoken of, but in
high quarters nothing Lis yet positively known on the sub-
ject.
ATROCIOUS CRUELTY.—A. case of horrid crulty
came before the mayor and magistrates at the Guildhall,
Rochester, on Saturday, in which Mary Ann Vigo, a girl
aged 13, was charged with forcing Sarah Gould, an infant
between three and four years of age, into a quantity of hot
tea, by which she was so dreadfully scalded that the skin fell
from the soles of her feet, and the effect of which cruelty will
be, should the sufferer survive, that the feet will be con-
tracted and she will become a cripple.

DUNDONALD.

* Thus, too, better encouragement might be afforded to meri
torious officers and seamen who have long and faithfully served
their country. Thus, the 300 Captains proposed to be super-
annuated (most of whom were experienced old First Lieutenants,
sufficiently unfortunate in their tardy promotion), might be spared
the aggravation of a parsimonious national reward for the final
painful sacrifice of all the ambitious prospects of their early days.

THE STRIKE OF THE CARMARTHEN WEAVERS.—
Meetings of both masters and men have been held during the
week ; at one of the former, Mr. John Evans, a master
weaver, proposed giving the men an advance of a half.
penny per yard. This was agreed to by the masters, but
the men stood out for a penny per yard extra. After some
demur and delay, most of the Journeymen have returned to
their usual avocations at the advance proposed by the
masters. Numbers of them have, however, taken their de-
parture for Glamorganshire, in hopes to better themselves
either in that county or in England.— Welshman.
OPENING OF THE PORTS.-It will be seen by our
advertising columns that Norwich is joining other leading
cities and towns of the empire in the general movement for
an immediate abolition of the corn-laws. Wednesday, at
twelve o'clock, is the time appointed; and not a word, we
are persuaded, need be said, to rouse the citizens of Norwich
to an effort worthy of the occasion, and worthy of them-
selves.—Norfolk News.
We understand that the indispositiOn under which
Lord Granville Somerset has been labouring arises from an
attack of gout. His Lordship was sufficiently recovered yes-
terday to attend to bis official duties.

CAUTION.—The public ought to be on their guard
against certain parties who are going about collecting sub-
scriptions for what is called " The West of Scotland Em►gra-
tion Society," and to which it is represented that the Rev.
James G. Wood, of the Middle Church, Paisley, is treasurer.
We have the authority of that gentleman for stating that he
distinctly disavows any connexion with the parties alluded
to, who are taking advantage of his name for purposes which
are utterly at variance with those for which his co-operation
was solicitesl.—Renfrewshire .Advertiser.
THE ROYAL SOUTHERN YACHT CLUB.—The mem-
bers of the Royal Southern Yacht Club are about to erect at
Cowes a new Club-house, at a cost of 6,0001., the foundation
stone will be laid in a short time by the Commodore, the
Marquis of Conyngham.
The venerable Lord Ravensworth's health is gra-
dually improving. The remains of the late Lady Ravens-
wo. th were in' erred in Lamesley Church yesterday.
Lady Dover and family intend to winter at
Rome,

THE SUN', LONDON, Till:l.soAV EVENING, DECEMBER 2,1841 S

THE SCOTTISH HOSPITAL.

The.annual general court of the Governors of this charity
was held yesterday, at the Corporation-hall, in Crane-court,
for electing the officers of the ensuing year, and of re-
' ceiving the accounts of the charity. The Chisholm, of
i Chisholm, presided, and amongst those present were Doctors
Dixon and Webster, Professor Donaldson, the Rev. Doctor
Cumming, &c. From the accounts, which showed the grow-
ing prosperity of the charity, it appeared that to fewer than
300 cases had been relieved per month, in addition to pen-
sions to 80 infirm and aged persons, natives of Scotland;
thus expending 2,3001. up to Michaelmas last. His Grace
.the Duke of Richmond was unanimously elected President,
in the room of his Grace the Duke of Sutherland, who has
resigned, and to whom a vote of thanks for his past services
was unanimously awarded. The members, friends, and sup-
porters of the hospital afterwards dined together at the Lon-
don Tavern, to celebrate the festival of " Saint Andrew," ac-
cording to their annual custom. The Chisholm, of Chisholm,
presiding, supported by Dwarkanauth Tagore and the
Meerza Mohun Lal, the distinguished Indian merchants;
the Rev. Mr. Fisher, of Swallow-street, the Rev. Mr. Wil-
son, of River-terrace, and the following gentlemen in the
highland garb :—George Bain, Esq., Secretary to the High-
land Society, Charles Roderick Mackenzie, Esq., James
Murray, Esq., John Grant, Esq., James Cumming, Esq.,
and James Campbell, Esq., and a numerous assem-
bly, testifying the interest that is felt in the welfare
and prosperity of the charity, which, as the public are
aware, is applicable to the poor mechanic and artizan,
natives of Scotland, resident in the metropolis and its neigh-
bourhood. There is further, in connexion with thiS institu•
tion, the charity founded by, late Win. Kinloch,,Esq , who
bequeathed the residue of his estate for the relief of five hun-
dred " poer and disabled Scotchmen in distres,, who may
have lost their legs or arms, eyesight, or otherwise wounded,
in the army or navy, in the service of their country."
The dinner was excellent, being in the first-rate style that
characterises all that take place at this tavern, and the
arrangemen's, under the directions of Messrs. Bathe and
Breach, assisted by the attentive exertions of the stewards,
were complete.
The CHISHOLM proposed the health of the Queen and her
Consort the Prince, and that of the Prince of Wales, Lord of
the Isles, and afterwards " the Army and Navy." These
loyal toasts having been duly and enthusiastically re-
sponded to,
The Citisnotzt proposed the health of the distinguished
foreigners who had favoured them with their presence on that
occasion.—(Cheers).
The BABOO DWARICANAUTH TAGORE returned thanks in

English, and said that he was quite unable adequately to ex-
press the feelings he experienced from the manner in which
his health had been received. When, three years ago, he
was in this country, he had the high honour of having the
freedom of the City of London bestowed upon him. He
was most proud of that honour; and thus, though he was
a stranger to this particular party, he was scarcely so to
this country, nor indeed, he might add to, Scotland and its
people. His connexion with Scotchmen dated from a very
early period of his life. The little instruction he had re-
ceived in English had been at the hands of a Scotchman.
He had mixed largely in business matters with Scotchmen;
all his affairs in India were now entrusted, during his ab-
sence, to Scotchmen, for all his partners were Scotchmen.—
(Cheers.) Great benefits, too, had been derived by the
people of India from Scotchmen. Their subscriptions had
established the college at Calcutta, where 1,500 boys were
yearly educated—( Renewed cheers)—and every one who
called himself an Indian should ever feel grateful to them.
Although this was a Scotch meeting, he should not, however,
deny that India had derived immense advantages from the
entire British nation. It had relieved his country from
Mahomedan: tyranny, dnd now all enjoyed the same pri-
vileges in India that Englishmen- did in this country.
Having been so kindly requested to come there by their
secretary, he had promised to do so, unless he was turned
out of the country by its climate. He was very glad he
had been enabled to perform his promise on the occasion,
as it was one of such a charitable nature.—(Cheds.) He
begged again to thank them for the way in which they had
received his health.

The MEKRZA MonuN LAL likewise returned thanks, and
said he would not :detain them further, after what had
been said by his distinguished friend in acknowledging the
toast.

The CHAIRMAN said that he was sorry to announce that
his Grace Ihe Duke of Sutherland was compelled by uncer-
tain health to resign the office of President of their. Society;
but he had the pleasure of stating the Duke of Richmond had
agreed to succeed him as their President. He, accordingly,
proposed, " The Duke of Richmond and Lennox, President
of the Scottish Hospital."
Mr. MURRAY, in an excellent speech, called on the com-
pany to pledge a bumper to the health of The Chisholm,
their Chairman, for the able manner in which he exercised
those duties. He was sorry that he was not clothed in the
" garb " that he was sure he loved in his heart, as he pos-
sessed the genuine feeling of a " Highland chief," and he
begged that the company would give it with " Highland
h(bnours."

Mr. Mackay, the Queen's piper, and Mr. Macbeth, the
Duke of Sutherland's piper, played a " Gathering," and the
" Reel of Tullochgorum," around the room.
The CmsHorm having briefly. acknowledged the compli-
ment, and apologised for not having appeared in the costume
of his clan,
Various other toasts were drunk, and a large subscription
announced in favour of the charity, including Dwarkanauth
Tagore, 20/. ; Mohun Lal, 101. ; Carmichael, Esq., of Bel-
fast, 10 guineas ; Alexander Grant, Esq , 10 guineas ; James
Grant, Esq., 10 guineas; John Grant, Esq., 10 guineas;
William Grant, Esq., 10 guineas; and David Grant, Esq.,
10 guineas, which were hailed with cheers testifying grati-
tude to the generous donors, after which the assembly broke
up, with a Highland reel, danced by four gentlemen in High.
land costume. _

The musical arrangements, both vocal and instrumental,
were well conducted. The Misses Fraser sung several fa-
vourite national melodies with great energy aul enthusiasm,
and several popular glees and ballads were successfully
executed.

THE APPREHENDED FAMINE.
Last night Mr. Wakley, M.P , attended at the George-Inn
Coffee-house, Holborn, to meet the overseers of the several
metropolitan parishes, whom he had invited by advertise-
ment, to discuss the propriety of calling upon the Govern-
ment to throw open the ports, or repeal the corn-laws, and
thereby prevent the evil of a scarcity of food, and the pesti-
lence which is its result.

The meeting was called for eight o'clock, and after waiting
more than half an hour, there were not more than eight or
ten gentlemen present, representing the parishes of Clerken-
well, St. Andrew's Holborn, St. Giles's, and the Rolls Liberty.
Mr. Weld r, under these circumstances, suggested an
adjournment, in order that the metropolitan parishes should
have fuller notice of the meeting. Considering the very
grave importance of the subject, he was quite astonished
that some effort bad not been already made in the metropolis
to avert a calamity so dreadful as that of a deficiency of
food, which was sure to produce disease. If the gentlemen
present concurred that a borough meeting would have
greater influence. he should do all in his power to promote
one, but his object was to collect the opinions of the over-
seers of the poor as to the expediency of convening meetings
in all the metropolitan parishes for the consideration of that
vitally important subject.
Nearly every one present expressed their concurrence in
Mr. Wakley's suggestion, that an effort should be made to
induce the Government to issue an Order of Council for
opening the ports, or for calling upon the Legislature to re-
peal the corn-law. It was considered that parish meetings
were more appropriate than a borough meeting, which would
probably be regarded as a party movement. However, there
seemed to be a general wish that Mr. Wakley should express
• • .• .•

his sentiments On the question, as it would have the effect of
exciting public attention.
Mr. WAKLEY said, that having been called upon for his
opinion, he bad no hesitation in declaring that, with regard
to the importation of food, he was an advocate for the repeal
of all prohibitory duties. He had no doubt whatever that the
present law operated most injuriously to the working classes,
not only as tending to deprive them of a sufficient quantity
of food, but that disease was generated, and to a most fright.
ful extent, by want of sustenance. The tendency of what
was called the sliding scale had been to serve certain classes,
at the expense of other classes. The repeal of the corn-laws,
even before the publication of Lord John Russell's letter, i
had always been treated as a party question. His opinion
was, that it should never be fettered, or frittered down into
a mere question of party, and in that sense he, for one,
should never engage many such discussion. It could only
be viewed in the light of a great national question,. which
affected the whole mass of the community.—(Cheers.) It
had become now more than ever important that the Legis-
lature should settle that question, for it bad become one of
life or death to thousands. All the accounts received from
the conntry tended to show that the evil extended over the
length and breadth of the land. It was perfectly notorious
that a disease had prevailed for years amongst cattle in fo-
reign countries, and from animal that disease had extended
to vegetable life. It was obvious to every reflecting mind
that some dreadful calamity was impending. There were,
no doubt, differences of opinion as to the remedy, but that
was not the question. He would ask whether they were to
be content with high duties on food, or, on the other hand,
should there be any duties at all, so long as the people
were in want of food? (The Hon. Gentleman then
referred to an article published in the Livetpool
Times, showing that "after Belgium had thrown open
the ports, large quantities of wheat, rice, peas
aad other previsions had beeen imported from England). Thus
it appeared that food had been sent out to other countries at
a time when famine was impending in our own country. The
evil probably might be not now apparent, but who could
predict what would be our situation in three months? It
was frightful to contemplate, and the Goverment was respon-
sibe for the consequence. No:danger was apprehended, simply
because we did not see men dying before us ; but, as a
medical man, and as coroner for a county, he knew that
famine produced pestilence. He rejoiced to find that Lord
John Russell had come forward as an advocate for the un-
conditional repeal of the corn-laws; and, although some dif-
ferences might have existed between the Noblo Lord and his
supporters on that great question, he trusted those differences
would be forgotten. He was certain that the ports, if once
opened, would never be closed again ; but, as Parliament was
not likely to meet before January, if then, he felt that the
people ough to call upon the Government to guard against a
scarcity of food. Sir R. Peel would yield, but not until he felt
the pressure from without.—(Cheers.)
It was ultimately agreed that parish meetings should be
called to petition for the opening of the ports for the admis-
sion of grain duty free, and the meeting separated.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM H.M.S. PENELOPE,
DATED ST. HELENA, OCT. 13.—We left on the 19th Septem-
ber for the coast, and on the 26th a sail was reported ahead,
which was soon made out to be a steamer, and knowing that
none of ours were there, supposed her to be the French Com-
modore (as that was the only one we knew of), were getting
ready to salute, but as we headed her we could not understand
why she did not show her colours. We fired a blank gun,
when we saw her hoist a Brazilian ensign, and throw a parcel
overboard, and we passed papers floating. 'We stopped and put
the cutter to board her, told when the boat left the ship we
saw another parcel of papers, with a weight attached to
it, thrown from the stern; and as soon as the Lieutenant
boarded he hailed " No papers, and completely fitted for the
slave-trade." She proved to be the Cacique, from Campos, in
the Brazils, and cruizing off the coast for a cargo of slaves.
She had been to the mouth of the Congo, but as she could not
get the whole of them she was obliged to leave, and intended
to return in a few days, when there was to have been 1,5C0
slaves ready for her, but as we pinned her we saved her
the trouble. The Cacique is an American-built vessel,
with a high pressure engine on the upper deck, of forty
horse power; all the crew live on the upper deck also, so
that her full length is given to the slave deck. Her crew
consisted of twenty-sit men, and two stokers (Americans).
We sent one lieutenant, two midshipmen, and two engineers
and twenty-eight men to bring her to this place for ecndem,
nation; and on the morning of the 30th, at d
ayighP a a*l
-
was reported, which proved a brigantine called the_ .egain
with no papers, but a slave deck laid. We sent her also to
this place, as they are both Vice-Admiralty Court cases, but
there has been such a prevalence of light winds, we cannot
expect them here yet. We arrived at St. Pauls de Loando
in the evening, and sent two of our boats to cruize for four
days, but they could not get anything, and we left Loando
on the 4th.—Devoyort Telegraph.

COLLISION--ON- THE GREAT WES-
TERN • RAILWAY.
In the course of Saturday night, and up to a late hour on
Sunday evening, no less than ten express down trains left
Paddington, and three up expess trains arrived at that
station, conveying parties connected with projected lines of
railway, charged with the nece7sary plans to be deposited at
the office of the Board of Trade, Whitehall. One of these
express trains, consisting of only the engine, tender, and a
first-class carriage (in the latter were two or or three gentle-
men proceeding to Exeter with railway plans, &c., to be de-
posited with the clerk of the peace for the county of Devon)
left Paddington on Sunday afternoon at twenty minutes past
five o'clock. As it passed by Slough, Mr. Howell, the
superintendent at that station, observed the burning coke fall-
ing cut, apparently through the bars of the furnace in con-
siderable quantities, leading him to suppose that some
of the bars bad become displaced. Within ten minutes
after this train had passed, another express train
consisting, in addition to the engine and tender,
of one first and one second-class carriage, was
observed approaching Slough from Paddington. Mr. Howell
immediately made the usual signals for this train to stop,
fearing, from what he had witnessed of the former one, that.
it would not be enabled to proceed farbefore it carnet° a dead
stop for the want of fuel. In this train were three or four
gentlemen engaged upon a similar errand to those on the
former one. Mr. Howell having informed the engine-driver
and guard of the circumstances he had observed connected
with the first train, and giving them strict instructions to ex-
ercise the greatest care, suffered them to proceed, after delay-
ing the train for a nearly quarter of an hour. The first train,
having a disabled engipe (it having been found that several
of the bars of the furnace had dropped out), was only enabled
to proceed about a mile beyond the Maidenhead station, a
short distance over the bridge which crosses the Thames. At
this time it was quite dark. The guard was then sent back
towards Slough, for the purpose of signalising any train which
might be proceeding down the line to stop. Observing the
train, which had been detair.:,l a short time at Slough, by
Mr. Howell, proceeding towards him, and being unprovided
with a light, an unaccountable omission, he pulled off his
jacket, in the hope that his white shirt sleeves might attract
the attention of the driver, and made the usual signal, by
holding both his hands up above his head for the train to
stop. The distance between the two trains at this time was
nearly a mile. The engine-driver, however, passed the man
unheeded, and in less than two minutes afterwards a most
fearful collision took place. The last train ran into the one
which was stationary with a dreadful crash, shivering the
only first-class carriage which was attached to it literally
into a thousand pieces, scattering the fragments over the
line. Fortunately, the engine-driver, stoker, and guard, and
the two or three passengers bad left the train, and were
standing by the side of the bank when the crash occurred.
Had the latter remained in the carriage, their lives could not
have been saved. As it was, however, they providentially
escaped, as well as those who were with the other train, with
the exception of some slight bruises of but little importance.
The engine which ran into the carriage sustained no injury,
except to one of the buffers. The whole of the parties who
were travelling by both the special trains then proceeded
with the sound engine (which, after some delay, was shifted
by the moveable rails on to the other line, as soon as it was
cleared of the wreck) to their places of destination. It is
stated that the engine attached to the first train was without
a single light, and that it was theintention of those entrusted
with it to !provide themselves with lamps upon their arrival
at the Reading station.
It was not until nearly midnight that the down line was
cleared of all obstruction, and open for traffic. Several of
the trains, both up and down, were considerably delayed in
consequence of the accident.
The Oxford train, which started from Paddington at seven
o'clock, did not reach that city until nearly an hour beyond
its usual time; and the last up-train, instead of reaching
Paddington at half-past ten o'clock, did not arrive till nearly
midnight,.

The- accident is solely attributed (independently of the
neglected state of the bars of the furnace) to the guard pro-
ceeding up the line to endeavour to cause the down-train to
stop, without being provided, on a dark night, with a lamp
of any kind whatever.

THE IRON AGE.
(From the Railway Express.)
The golden age—the Age of gold!
Poets have sung, and historians told
Of the metal, which cast into mortal mould
Singular patterns produces ;
But alas ! for that very auriferous time,
No more is it subject for story or rhyme ;
For by "Rail" up Fame's temple-crowned gradient we
climb,

And Iron's the theme of the Muses.
Parnassus is tunnelled ; and Castaly's fount,
Is bridged. Even Helicon's turned to account ;
All the Muses have shares, and they glide (but not mount)
On a prosy detestable level.
Their lines are worth nothing at all, for 'tis seen
That Chalybeate water's their false Hippocrene,
And Robert Montgomery shows us, I ween,
That Epics are gone to the Devil.
Iron—lron, and nothing beside !
We sit on it—live on it—walk on it—ride ;
Pen treaties of peace with it—or by our side
We wear it for purpose of fighting ;
OM England had " Ironsides" once for a King :
Napoleon was crowned with Milan's Iron ring ; _
And sulphate of Iron's the principal thing
In the fluid with which I am writing.
'Tis Iron that binds with its terrible chain k
O'er Iron, in freedom we skim the broad plain ;
And if love should afflict with an ache or a pain
A remedy Iron discovers.
For a wild Iron horse gets a poke in his sides,
And with raging hot ribs off to Gretna he glides,
And distance uniteth, instead of divides,
A couple of runaway lovers.
Iron, they say, may be found in the blood ;
And Iron, we know, often spills life's red flood,
And cold Iron will lop off a man in his bud ;
Even " into the soul" it enters.
Words are iron-ic, and were one to ask
Where 'tis not ?—to reply were as difficult task
As to find out the man in the strange Iron mask,
And who were his mystic tormentors.

Iron newspapers to chronicle crimes—
Books made of Iron—rare " Tracts for the Times ;"
Iron to sound out the gay birthday chimes:
And, when we're Mortality doffing,
Death's Iron hand to au Iron couch sends us,
Ferruginous mixtures are made up to mend us,
And when cold as Iron—still Iron attends us
In the shape of a safe Iron coffin.
Iron, and Iron wherever we go !
'Tis before us—behind us—above and below;
Plutus' tears were of Iron—but rhyme cannot show
The varieties or the amount of it ;
Dr. Irons should hunt for that book underground,
Iron clasped (vide Scott), and by Iron, too, bound,
That of this iron age, ages hence, may be found
On its pages some written account of it.

COURT CIRCULAR.

The Queen and Prince Albert walked in the pleasure-
grounds of Osborne House on Sunday afternoon.
There was no addition to the royal dinner party in
the evening.
The wet and boisterous state of the weather yesterday
morning prevented her Majesty and her Royal Consort
taking their accustomed early walk ; and their Royal
Highnesses the Prince of Wales, the Princess Royal,
and the Princess Alice, were also prevented being taken
their morning airing on the sea beach.
His Excellency Baron Dedel, who had been obliged
to postpone his departure for Holland, is about to set off
for the Hague at the end of this week, accompanied by
his daughter. _

A deputation of nineteen gentlemen, including repre-
sentatives from all the railway companies connected
with British colonies, had a long conference with Lord
Stanley, her Majesty's principal Secretary of State for
the Colonies yesterday, at the Colonial-office.

FRENCH PLAYS.-ST. JAMES'S

THEATRE.

M. Theaulon's amusing vaudeville, La Mere au Sal et
la Fille ala _liaison, was produced here last evening. It
is an admirably constructed and smartly written play,
and, unlike many of the French vaudevilles, is not calcu-
lated merely to amuse—it teaches a great moral lesson.
The Countess de Mirval (Mademoiselle Martelleur), is a
widow with one child, a grown-up daughter, Ernestine
(Mademoiselle St. Marc). The Countess, however, is
still young—still fond of admiration, and anxious to form
another alliance; but although she loves her daughter,
she fears her as a rival, and will not introduce her into
society lest Ernestine should, by forming an alliance,
reduce her mother at once into the rank of chaperons.
As the blunt straightforward Baron de Noris (Lemadre),
her brother, tells her, it is an annoyance to her to be
thought a mother, it would be death to be a grandmother.
To this family M. Alfred de Soligny (M. Lafont),
"a young man about town, is introduced.
He pays the most unremitting attention to
the mother, and is. in act regularly installed as her
cavalier, but he is also smitten with the charms of the
daughter, and, as he himself expresses it, " stands like
summer midway between spring and autumn." He has
not, however, ventured to make any declaration to Er-
nestine, who seems rather to favour the suit of Amede
de St. Almon (M. Ulric), ap; &egg of the Baron's. The
Princess Owinska (Mademoiselle Leroux) gives a grand
bal masque, to which the De Mirvals are invited. The
Countess accepts the invitation for herself, but declines
it fur Ernestine, much to the annoyance of the latter, and
also that of her uncle, the Baron, who directs Juliette, her
femme de chanibre, to dress Ernestine for the ball as soon
as the Countess shall have departed. The Countess enters
dressed for the ball, and is joined by Alfred and his
friend, the Chevalier de Wilberg (M. Pagenier), a Dane,
who cannot speak a word of French. The lady's shawl
is handed to Wilberg, and her fan to Alfred, and they
escort her to the carriage. Alfred, however, has pur-
posely left her fan on the table, and this gives him
an opportunity of handing the Countess over to. the
care of Wilberg, while he, under pretence of fetching
the fan, has an opportunity of gaining an interview with
Ernestine while her mother is at the ball. In this,.Le
however, he is disappointed. Juliette, is
room, politely hands him the fan, and
Ernestine is asleep. He, however, hears
absence
boudoir, and takes advantage of the
tmomentaryne enters dressed
of Juliette to conceal himself. E herfella
uvoihcol in her
hairt,haengdl arses..
for the ball,
,and practises herdrodar
sun
Fatigued with dancing, she
Pto seize the
into t o before
a c
view when a loud ringing at the
moment for an inter
poses for a moment. Alfred is about favour-
able
to the ball. This bell forces him to regain his retreat, and the Baron
enters and conducts his niece
situa-
tion ends the first act. The scene of the second act is
at the Princess's—an ante-room adjoining the ball-room.
The Countess, distracted with jealousy, is expecting the
return of Alfred. She is joined by her brother, who
reprdaches her with her love of admiration and her
envy of her daughter, and proposes an alliance between
Ernestine and his protege ; to which at length she re-
luctantly consents, on condition that the newly-married
couple shall immediately remove to Brest, and thus rid
her of that rival whom she dreads. The Baron quits
her, and she is joined by Alfred, to whom she commu-
nicates the plan to which she has consented. lie dis-
suades her from it, and insinuates that the world will
attribute her proceedings to envy and fear, and will
in consequence magnify the charms of her daughter and
taunt her. The Baron and Amede now join
them, and she withdraws that consent which
a moment before she had given. The Baron
is left alone with Alfred, and the blunt old fellow
immediately accuses him of having prevented the match,