The Sun.
London, England, 1845-07-26 00:00:00

V EVENING

MIDLAND RAILWAY COMPANY.
THE HALF-YEARLY GENERAL MEETING.
DERBY, FRIDAY EVENING.
Thi; afternoon, at two o'clock, the half yearly keneral meeting
of the proprietors of the Midland Railway ComFany was held at
the station, Derby.

George Hudson, Esq., the Chairman of the Board of Directors,
took the chair.

The Secretary (Mr. Bell) having read the advertisement by
which the meeting bad been convened, read the following re
port :

" The Directors have again the satisfaction cf recommending
that a dividend be paid of 31 upon each 100/. of the consolidated
stock, 31. upon each 1001. of the perpetual stock, and 21. Os. Bd.
upon each 1001. of the Birmingham and Derby consolidated
stock. The receipts, including those from the Sheffield and
Rotherham Railway, have exceeded those of the three compa.
tries in the corresponding half of last year 65,1151. Ss. Gd., arising
from the following sources :_passengers, 33,8931.; parcels and
mails, 2,302/. ; cattle, 2,414/. ; merchandise and minerals, 26,506/.
`• So large and increase in the receipts could not be expected
without a corresponding addition to the working expenditure; and
when it was recollected that a considerable extra accommodation
has been aflbrded, and the speed of the trains accelerated, that in-
crease will not appear disproportionate.
" The carriage, waggon, and engine stock is in a very improved
state, and in a very good working condition.
" The increase in the merchandise and mineral departments
fully equals the expectations of the Directors, being after the rate
of 27i per cent. upon the corresponding half-year.
" Since the last general half-yearly meeting the Directors have
arranged for the lease and ultimate junction of the Birmingham
and Gloucester, and Bristol and Gloucester Railways, and of the
Leicester and Swannington Railway, the Ashby Canal, the Oak-
ham Canal, the Erewash Valley Railway, and jointly with the New-
castle and Darlington and the 'York and North Midland Railways,
of the Great North of England Railway.
" The agreements fur the Birmingham and Gloucester and Bristol
and Gloucester Railways, the Erewash Railway, and the Great
North of England Railway, have been confirmed by
special general
meetings.

The Bill for the extension of the line from Nottingham to
Leicester, and from Syston to Peterborough, and for the amal-
gamation of the Sheffield and Rotherham Railway with the Shcf.
field and Manchester Railway, have received the royal assent.
" Since the last meeting, Mr. Youle has resigned, and Sir Isaac
Morley has been elected a Director in his place."
The CHAlRMAN—Gentlemen, you have just heard the report
read. It is short, but I trust that it contains such a satisfactory
statement of facts as will induce you to give it your approbation.
In one of the paragraphs of the report, reference is made to the
increased exrense of working the line. It must be remembered
that the expenses of the Sheffield and Rotherham line are now In-
cluded in those of the Midland line. We are now working six
engines on the Sheffield and Rotherham line, which will in some
measure account for the increased expenditure in the locomotive
department. But there is another reason for that increase, and
that has been the demand of the public for an increase of accommo.
dation and increased speed of the trains. Every one who has
lately travelled on the Midland line roust have seen the good
effects of the exertions of our superintendent, than whom a better
servant in any company cannot be found. To the carriage depart.
ment the directors have turned their serious attention. We have had
new carriages, and extensively repaired the old ones; but we may
reasonably hope that in this branch of the expenses there will be
a diminution. We have had an increase in the coach department,
as we have redeemed the pledge which this company gave when
they effected a considerable reduction in the incomes of the differ-
ent persons employed by us. Ido not mean to say that the amount
is very large, but it is something added to the expenses of that
department. We should have felt ashamed of ourselves if we had
not taken the very earliest opportunity which the affairs of the
company would allow of placing those who are being employed
around us in a comfortable position. I need hardly refer to that
paragraph in the report which alludes to the leasing of the lines
which have been taken by this company. They have all been sub-
mitted to you at the special meetings, when the reasons were given
to you for the course which the directors have thought it advis-
able to recommend you to pursue. We have, as you are aware, in-
troduced to Parliament a Bill for a line from Swinton to Lincoln,
and also a Bill for a line from Lincoln to Ely, but we have hitherto
been prevented from giving any evidence respecting them. I should
be unworthy of the position which I hold, and also unworthy
of your confidence, if I were now to shrink from honestly
and plainly stating to you the position in which we have been
placed by the House of Commons' Committee in reference to those
two Bills. No person entertains a higher respect for the rules and
regulations of Parliament than Ido myself. lam not about to
make any observations upon that subject. lam about to detail
to you facts. On the conclusion of the case of the London and
York, the Direct Northern, and the Cambridge and Lincoln Rail-
way, we appealed to the Committee to permit a line which was con-
sidered to be in a great measure a competing line with the Lon-
don and York—to permit the counsel for this line to be heard.
This, however, was refused. They refused us a hearing, and
would not allow us to state our case—a right never denied in any
English court.—(Cries of "Shame, shame.") After the decision
had been given yesterday morning by the Committee, we thought
it was a fitting opportunity to test—l will not say the fairness, be.
cause that would be casting something like an imputation on the
Committee—we thought it a fair opportunity, then, to test the
principle, if principle it could be called, upon which the
Committee acted in coming to their decision. We had pro.
moted a line from Milford to Doncaster, and a Bill for that
line we believed was an unopposed Bill. We therefore
proposed to the Committee to take this Bill, being an unopposed
one first. As soon as we made the application, up got the counsel
for the London and York line, and said, " We oppose this Bill."
Mr. Austin, who appeared for us, said, " How can you oppose it,
as the Committee will not allow us to oppose you P You run pa-
rallel with the York and North Midland for twelve miles, and you
refuse to hear us; hew then can you claim to oppose us when we
come before the Committee ?" One member of the Committee
immediately said, " But the Bill is not before us." We were all of
us, of course, excessively surprised at this, and we immediately
produced the reference from the House, and we of course found
that the Bill had been referred to the Committee ; so that, in fact,
the Committee have come to a decision without knowing what had
been referred to them. There is no exaggeration in this —it is
really and truly the case. The Committee, of course, felt the
position in which we were placed, and retired to consider it.
After being away some time they returned into the Committee-
room. And what was the reason the gentlemen, the members
of the Committee, gave for not proceeding with our Bill,
and for giving the London and York Company an oppor-
tunity of being heard against us? Why, they said that ours was a
competing line with the branch of the London and York line from
Doncaster to Wakefield. Could any set of men conceive such a
reason P But such were the expedients which these gentlemen had
recourse to. Under these circumstances we felt that the most dig-
nified course for us to pursue would be to withdraw at once from
the Committee altogether. We determined not to interfere in the
passing of the clauses, although it must be known that the manner
in which the London and York line will come into the station at
York will endanger the safety of the public. We felt that we had
no chance of being heard before such a Committee, and we there-
fore directed Mr. Austin to protest, on behalf of the York and
North Midland: Company, and the Eastern Counties Company,
against the course the Committee had taken. He was not,
however, allowed to do so. No one who has ever seen Mr. Austin
before Committees of the House of Commons will say that he treats
those Committees with anything like disrespect. The Committee
would not allow him to open his mouth. He did manage to get
the words " I protest" out, and then the Committee bolted from the
room.—(Laughter.) On their return they said they could not hear
Mr. Austin. Surely no precedent in the annals of Parliament
can be found for such proceedings as these. We are a company
representing thirty millions of capital, and I trust that the House
of Commons will see that justice is done to us. I trust that they
will fairly meet the appeal which we intend to make to them. I have
endeavoured to state everything that is true, and I will restrain
the feelings which rise in my breast. I have stated everything
fairly, and I leave you to judge whether the decision of the London
and York Company is worth a rap.—(Cheers). I am quite satis-
fied that those Hon. Gentlemen who promote the London and
York line will be the first to vote, when the question comes be-
fore Parliament, that a hearing be given to the opposing parties.
We could have shown the Committee that our line would have
saved a million and a half of money in its construction. But the
real fact is, the Committee gave us no opportunity of being
heard. They were in the most breathless haste to pass the
preamble of the London and York Bill, and they were in
breathless haste to report the Bill to the House. I, however,
firmly believe that the House will send them back again, in
order that the opposing parties may be heard. All we want
is justice; we wish to have an opportunity of stating our case
to the Committee, and if this be refused, it will be a moat cruel
inflictimi. Flow can such a decision as that on the London and
York Bill ever stand, given in the way it has been ? It was, in
',obit of fact, only come to by two of the Committee. One gen-
tleman refnsed to vote at all, and the other voted against the de-
cision. This great question was therefore decided by—( A voice
in the meeting—" By nobody.")—(Laughter.) I know that
it is very difficult to meet the decision of a Committee. I
have heard that it is perfectly hopeless to contend against a
decision; but I think it would be unbecoming in the House
of Commons to sanction. such a principle as that which is
involved in this decision. The House kill never do so; but
if they should, their decision will not carry with it public
feeling or public opinion. I will say nothing more of the
London and York line now. I have often given my opinion
upon it, and the opinion which I gave six or eight months
ago has been confirmed by the evidence which has been taken be.
fore the Committee. We shall take our stand in support of the
position which we now occuPY. It is the most anxious wish of
myself and colleagues that during the time that must elapse before
Parliament re-assembles for us to use every means to fortify our
position.—(Cheers.) I am not an alarmist, but always ready to
meet any difficulty that may arise. Our Company now occupies a
very high position, and I do believe that nothing will destroy or
injure its power of usefulness to the public. These are the obser-
vations which I have to offer to you. I may have spoken warmly
and strongly, but I feel that we have suffered a great grievance,
and that we have not been fairly treated. I now beg to move that
the report of the Directors be received and adopted, and I beg to
say that I shall be happy to give any farther information that may
be required of me. The Hon. Gentleman sat down amidst loud
cheers.

The resolution having been seconded, was carried unanimously.
The CHAIRMAN said there was another subject which he wished
to bring before the meeting. They were aware that formerley they
had a gentleman in their service who acted as manager of the line,
but who left them at a time when his doing so inflicted con.
siderable inconvenience upon them. Himself and his colleagues
had duly considered how this vacancy should be filled up, and
they had come to the determination that instead of having one
general manager it was better to have two heads of the carrying
and coaching department, and having tried this plan for the last
tour months, they had found that it had worked most ad-
mirably. Those two gentlemen had very properly required that
some two or three of his colleagues should snake a point of
attending in Derby once in every week, and act as a committee of
management, taking upon themselves most of the respon-
sibility which originally attached to the manager. Now, he
thought they were indebted to these gentlemen for the very
efficient manner in Which the business of the line had been carried
on, He, therefore, wished the meeting to authorise the Directors
to set aside annually the sum of 500/. for remunerating these
gentlemen ; and he might here state that the gentlemen who had
acted on this committee were his friends, Mr. Hutchinson, Mr.
Blorgatroyd, and Mr. Lewis.
The proposition was seconded by Mr. Joax Ews, the deputy
chairman. The resolution was then unanimously adopted by the
meeting.
TESTIMONIAL TO AIR. GEORGE STEPHENSON.
The CHAIRMAN said at the last meeting he intimated his mien-
tion ro bring forward on the present occasion a proposition, which
was received with the utmost kindness, relating to a testimonial to
Mr. George Stephenson. He was now prepared to name the
sum which he thought it necessary to ask them to vote towards
the testimonial.—(Hear, hear.) Ile would read the resolution
he intended to move, and then make one or two remarks
upon it. It was to the effect that this company do concert with
the York and North Midland, the Newcastle and Darlington, and
the Newcastle and Berwick Companies, in contributing towards
the erection of a statue to George Stephenson, Esq., on the proposed
bridge over the Tyne at Newcastle, and the presenting of a service
of plate to that gentlemen, in testimony of the deep obligation
which the above companies, in connexion with time whole country,
were under to that eminent person, and that the Directors be au.
sed to subscribe the sum of 2,000/, on behalf of this coin.
thori
pang towards the abulogium ove purpose. The Hen. Gentleman having
passed a high
on the character of Ale. Stephenson, con-
cluded by saying, c
he hoped that this testimonial would be the
means of stimulating young men engaged in the same profession as
Mr. George Stephenson to attempt similar undertakings. Had
Mr. Stephenson been connected with France, or had France claimed
him as a son, he would have been covered with all the honours
which the Government of that country could have thrown upon
him ; but Mr. George Stephenson had been allowed to proceed along
his unvarying course without the Government of this country giving
him any mark of their approbation. Let them, then, teach the Go-
vernment that if they did not know how to appreciate the talents of

.1 UL V 26, 18;5.

this ge❑tleman, they I,new how to offer him a grateful testimonial
for the services be had conferred upon them and mankind at
lzrge.—(Cheers. )

Mr. JOHN ELLIS seconded the motion.
The proposition was strongly supported by several Hon. Proprie-
tors, and subsequently carried unanimously.
TESTIMONIAL TO MR. GEORGE HUDSON.

Colonel BLAIN then rose to propose a plan for getting up a testi-
monial to Mr. George Hudson, but he was Interrupted by
The Hon. CHAIRMAN, who expressed a wish that the motion
should be made in his absence. He accordingly retired, and Mr.
John Ellis, the Deputy-Chairman, supplied his place as President.
Colonel BLAIN then passed a very warm eulogium upon the talents
and exertions of Mr. Hudson, in behalf of the Company, and moved
that a subscription be immediately opened for presenting that gen-
tleman with a testimonial.

Mr. BAXTER reiterated the eulogium passed by the Gallant Colonel
on Mr. Hudson, but suggested that instead of adopting the Gallant
Colonel's motion, the meeting should recommend the Directors of
the Company to put themselves in communication with the Boards
of the various other Companies over which Mr. Hudson presided,
with the view of z.scertaining the best mode of giving him a proper
and suitable testimonial.

The amendment was unanimously agreed to, and a vote of thanks
hating been carried to the Chairman, the meeting, which occupied
about two hours, separated.

NORTH KENT RAILWAY.

Yesterday a special meeting of the shareholders in the above
projected Railway Company was held at the London Tavern, for
the purpose of having submitted to them the report of the Direc-
tors Sir I. L. Goldsmid was in the chair.
Atter a few preliminary observations from the Chairman,

The SECRETARY (Mr. Partington) read the report, which stated
that the Company intend to prosecute their scheme in the next
session of Parliament, and that it will embrace a direct line of
railway to Dover, commencing near the Waterloo and Hungerforl-
bridges, and proceeding by Blackheath, Woolwich, Gravesend,
Rochester, Chatham, Sittinghourne, and Canterbury, terminating
at Dover, and by Sheerness, Faversham Quays, and Cl,ilham, and
also uniting by its communications at Canterbury, with the line
already authorised to Ramsgate and Margate. To complete this
scheme a capital of 3,300,0001. would be provided. It is pro-
posed to divide this into 66,000 shares, of 501. each, and it is
intended that the same shall be issued on a deposit of 21. 10s.
per share, upon the conditions of the forthcoming prospectus, which
states that—

" It is proposed that the owners of scrip certificates in the ori-
ginal scheme shall have the option of receiving an equal number
of shares in the new project upon surrendering their present scrip,
and paying 10s. 6d. per share, which, with the amount remaining
to be returned upon such scrip, will make up the required deposit
of 2/. 10s. per share, and they will thereupon be entitled to a pre-
ference it) the allotment •f the remaining shares to the extent of
three new shares fur every two original shares so exchanged, pay.
ing on the additional scrip the deposit of 21. 10s. per share, as
above mentioned. Any scripholuer desirous of retiring will be
entitled, on surrendering his present scrip, to have the deposit
returned to him less 15s. 6d. per share towards the expenses in-
curred."

A statement of the preliminary expenses was also laid before
the meeting, from which it appeared that the law charges, engi-
neers', surveyors', &c., costs amounted in gross to 15,9431. 16s.
The report was unanimously adopted, and the thanks of the
meeting having been given to the Chairman and Directors for the
zeal and ability with which they had conducted the affairs of the
Compaany, the meeting broke up.

ENTERTAINMENT at the MANSION-

HOUSE TO SIR HENRY POTTINGER

The Lord Mayor gave on Thursday last a splendid enter-
tainment in commemoration of the recent enrolment of Sir
Henry Pottinger amongst the citizens of London. The party,
which exceeded fifty in number, consisted of the Right Hon.
Sir Henry and Lady Pottinger, the Earl of Auckland (late
Governor-General of India), Sir H. Willock, chairman, and
Mr. W. .J. Hogg, deputy-chairman of the East India Company ;
Major-General Sir James Law LUshiugton, G.C. B. ; Mr. J.
Masterman, M.P., and Mr. W. H. C. Plowden, East India
Directors ; Major-General Pasley, Royal Engineers ; Mr. J.
A. Smith, M.P. ; Sir G. Larpent, Bart., chairman, and Mr.
S. Gregson, deputy-chairman, of the London India and China
Association ; Mr. Wilberforce Bird, late Deputy-Governor of
Bengal ; Mr. J. Farish, Mr. J. Bas, and Mr. James de Vitre,
late of the Hon. East India Company's Civil Service ; Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Malcolm, Captain Eastwick, Mr. J. Catley,
the chairman, and Mr. W. King, deputy-chairman, of the
London Dock Company ; Mr. R. L. Jones, the mover, and
Mr. John Dixon, the seconder, in the Court of Common
Council of the proposition to confer the City freedom on Sir
Henry Pottinger ' • Dwarkanautk Tagore ; Aldermen Sir C.
S. Hunter, Sir Peter Laurie, Sir G. Carroll, Wood, Johnson,
Hooper, Sir James Duke, M.P., &c.
After due honours were paid to the usual loyal and constitu-
tional toasts, that of the army and navy having been eloquently
responded to by Major-General Pasley,
The LORD MAYOR rose to propose the health of Sir
Henry Pottinger. His Lordship alluded to the gratification
he felt in seeing around him so many gentlemen interested in
the increasing commerce between this country and India.
They were well aware of the estimation in which the ser-
vices of the Right Hon. Gentleman were held by his, he
might now say, fellow- citizens, and by the whole country.—
( Cheers.) After many years' service in India, the Right
Hon. Gentleman returned to this country to recruit his shat-
tered health. Circumstances, however, of peculiar difficulty
occurring in another part of the East, requiring the imme-
diate exertions of a diplomatist of no ordinary skill and ex-
perience, her Majesty's Government at once called upon tho
Right Hon. Gentlemnn, who, though infirm in body, yet
strong and vigorous in mind, at once obeyed his country's
summons. And ably and effectually did Sir Henry Pottinger
carry out those measures which finally led to a treaty of peace
and commerce with China, affording an opening for amicable
intercourse with that immense country, the extent of the ad-
vantageous consequences of which no one at the present time
could pretend to foresee.—( Loud cheers. )
Sir HENRY POTTINGER rose, amidst loud cheers, to return
thanks. He assured the Company that none of the rewards
(and the rewards had been many) which had been bestowed
upon him by his countrymen, were more highly appreciated
by him than that of being enrolled by vote of its corporation a
citizen of London.—(Cheers.) He had always imagined that
a treaty with China would be of the greatest importance to the
commercial interests of this country, but he felt bound to con-
fess, that the results which had already been experienced had
by far exceeded his most sanguine expectations. In speaking
of the results of the treaty he must be understood to refer to
the benefits it conferred upon China, no less than upon his own
country. —( Loud cheers.) In negotiating that treaty he felt
the importance of a reciprocity of advantages in order to se-
cure its permanence. He was happy to say that his private
letters confirmed the public intelligence that the Chinese them-
selves were already appreciating the benefits of the treaty,
and were zealously improving their trade with other nations.—
( Cheers.) Respecting the edict issued by the Emperor, per-
mitting the introduction of the Scriptures into that vast em-
pire, he took the present occasion of observing that that per-
mission was more limited than was at first imagined, it being
in fact restricted to the five ports named in the treaty. He
mentioned that fact to show the necessity of the observance of
the most strict caution upon the part of England in availing
herself of the opening now for the first time allowed for intro-
ducing Christianity amongst that people.—(Loud cheers).
He begged to assure the company that he felt most deeply the
honour which so splendid and hospitable an acknowledgment
of his services as the Lord Mayor hati been pleased to give that
day conferred upon him.—( Cheers.)
The LORD MAYOR next proposed the " Health of the Earl
of Auckland," and referred to the essential services rendered
by his Lordship whilst filling the distinguished office of Go-
vernor-General of India, in extending education, and placing
it upon a permanent basis.
Lord AUCKLAND returned thanks in a speech in which he
expressed his anxious hope for the permanency of the good un •
derstanding between India and China, and for the continuance
of the prosperity of the British Government in India.
The LORD MAYOR said the next toast he should have the
honour of proposing would be the " Health of the Chairman and
the Deputy-Chairman of the East India Company, and of those
Directors who had honoured him on the present occasion."
Sir H. 111LLOCK, the Chairman of the East India Company,
in returning thanks, enumerated the various services performed
by Sir Henry Pottinger in the service of the Company, and ob-
served, in allusion to Sir Henry Pottinger, Lord Metcalfe, and
Sir John Davis, &c., that it was a source of pride and gratifi-
cation to the Directors, that the Company's servants were, in
consequence of their distinguished talents and eminent services,
selected by the Government of the country to fill some of its
first appointments.—(Cheers )
The " Health of the Chairman of the London, East India,
and China Association," having been drank,
The Loan MAYOR then introduced to the company the
health of his distinguished Oriental visitor Dwarkanauth Tagore.
That eminent individual, after having made himself acquainted
With the many advantages to be derived through means of the
institutions with which England abounded, had arrived, ac-
companied by several youths whom he had brought with him,
for the express purpose of having them instructed in the me-
dical schools, so as to qualify them for imparting to their coun-
trymen the vast benefits of medical science.—( Cheers. )
DWARKANAUTH TAGORE expressed himself, in returning
thanks, in terms which showed a thorough acquaintance with
the English language. He said that there were no fewer than
20,000 youths in Calcutta receiving education. He trustsd
the Government of this country and the East India Company
would energetically carry out the plans of Lord William Ben-
tinck and Lord Auckland for the extension and improvement
of education. It was by such proceedings they would best
prove themselves the benefactors of India, and secure the
esteem and affection of its people. The seed had already been
sown, and he trusted that not many years would elapse before
its fruits would be extensively visible. Already the " school-
master was abroad," through whom prejudice would be dm.
persed, knowledge diffused, and the harmony of all parties be
permanently secured.—( Loud cheers.)
Sir HENRY POTTINGER proposed the health of the Lord
Mayor. He took the liberty, in consequence of the position
he held as a citizen of London, recently elected, tinder such
honourable circumstances, to call the attention of the com-
pany to the toast of " The Chief Magistrate of the City of
London."

The toast was drunk with enthusiasm, as was that of " The
Lady Mayoress," for whom and for himself his Lordship re-
turned thanks.

The evening was spent with the utmost conviviality.

KING'S COLLEGE.-ANN UAL DISTRIBUTION OF
Prtizes.—Yesterday the annual distribution of prizes to the stu-
dents of King's College took place in the spacious theatre, in the
presence of a numerous assemblage, Sir It. 11. Inglis, M.l'., in the
chair. The prizes consisted of gold and silver medals, beautifully
bound Looks in the Latin, Greek. and English Classics. The pro-
ceedings of the day commenced by the delivery of speeches in
Latin, Greek, French, German, and English, the authors selected
being Herodotus, Moliere, Aristophancs, Terence, Schiller, Taci-
tus, Shakspere, Campbell, Rogers, and Euripides. On the con-
clusion of the speeches, the Honourable Chairman congratulated
Dr. Jelf, the principal of the College, en the proficiency the
young gentlemen had exhibited in the various languages. The
prizes, for which there were nearly 200 recipients, were then
awarded. In addition to prizes being awarded to the young gen-
tlemen educated i❑ the College, sonic additional prizes were be-
stowed upon some of the young gentlemen receiving their educa-
tion at the eleven district schools in connexion with the parent
institution. A vote of thanks having been passed to the Chair.
man, the meeting seperated.

MELANCHOLY OCCURRENCE.—LIVERPOOL, JULY
25.—A sad occurrence, and which has been the great matter
of conversation on 'Change to-day, took place here last night :
it is the death by his own hand of a gentleman named Ed-
wards, a partner in the highly respectable firm of Bibby and Co.,
iron merchants. It is understood that the unfortunate gentleman
has been speculating to a large extent in railway shares, and is a
defaulter to a very large amount, in consequence of having sold
stock which he was unable to deliver. He was found near the
sand hills, at New Brighton, on the Cheshire shore of the Mer-
sey, his brains blown out, a discharged pistol found at his side,
and another also loaded lying by him. He was on Liverpool Ex-
change at four o'clock yesterday afternoon. The body was found
by a labouring man about half-past two o'clock last night. We
hardly need say that this melancholy affair has thrown a general
gloom over the business proceedings of the day. The deceased
gentleman was about 35 years of age, and leaves a young widow,
but no children. He was a young man of considerable ability,
and had only recently been admitted into the firm as a partner,
having for some years been a confidential clerk in the same house.
The director of the Theatre Franc:His has decided
on instituting a suit against Mdlle. Plessy, for her breach of con.
tract with the company, and the first process has been issued. The
damages are laid at 200,000 f.

GREAT NOiti II OF ENGLAND
REG urA.
( From the Tyne Mercury,)
This important meeting, as Meta has excited so much interest
among the lovers of aquatic ,port, both he; e awl elsewhere, on
account of the high character of several of the competitors,
commenced on Monday afternoon, on the Tine, above the
King's meadows, and terminated on Tuesday. The weather,
on Monday, was not of the most favourable description, the day
being throughout dull and threatening rain. Fortunately. how-
ever, no rain fell, and there being little wind, the river was
smooth, and the temperature agreeably cool for the rowers.
The attendance of spectators was exceedingly numerous, far
surpassin,q that of the previous year.
About half-past four o'clock the immense fleet of boats was
arranged on each side of the river, and the course, after con-
siderable difficulty, was cleared. The Little Western steamer,
on board of which the Commodore, John Currie, Esq., and
ti e Stewards were stationed, was moored on the south side, as
was also the steamer with the Committee and the Trinity
House barge, all of which were tastefully decorated with flags,
&c. Alsout twenty minutes b, fore five o'clock the signal for
the first race was hoisted from the Commodore's beat, and the
competitors, after a good deal of manoeuvring, came alcng-side
and were arranged. The match, as entered in the official
list, was

A Four-oared Racc (by Amateurs). A Set of Silver Cups or
Tankards, with a Medal for the Coxswain (value 251.); the
second boat a set of Silver Mrdals. Heats.
FIRST HEAT.

Durham Club—J. Shields, F. Greenwell, W. Cunningham,
J. W. Trotter, C. D. Trotter (coxswain) ... 1
Mohawk Club—Geo. Blackett, Wm. Blackett, J. J. Harri-
son, Ge.. Thompson, Fred. Myers (coxswain)... 2
Shiel s Club—Henry Anderson, James Downie, Thomas
Cockburn, G. S. Barras, G. T. Cockburn (coxswain) 3
In starting, the Shield, I.Gat took the lead, and maintained
it until near the turn. boat, where the three boats fouled, and
the Shields boat was thrown out and slightly damaged. The
race was won cleverly by fully two boat lengths.

SECOND HEAT.
Dunston Club—Jacob Burnett, 111a:thew Penman, John
Burnett, Jon. Burnett, Geo. Fenwick (coxswain) . 1
Sunderland Club —A. Taylor, J. Scott, D. W. Turner, and
a Gentleman Friend, (coxswain)
Northumberland Club—T. E. Crawham, Jos. Cravrhall,
S. A. Cail, G. T. Tinn, Robert Stafford (coxswain) 3
_

The Northumberland Club rowed the boat built by Harry
Clasper, named the " Five Brothers," which is well known as
the boat rowed by the Claspers previous to the latenew " Lord
Rave:L.:worth" being built. The Dunstan Club's boat was also
built loy Harry Clasper. The Suuderland Club put in a protest
of foul play after the race, on the allegation that the Dunstan
Club had crossed their course. After a stormy debate, these
two crews rowed over again, when the Dunstan Club came in a
winner by about eight lengths. The first boats in each heat
contend fur the prize on Tuesday.
A Four-cared Race (by Watermen) for 3C/. ; first boat 251. ;
second ditto, Si. Heats.
Derwent Haugh Crew—Henry Clasper, W. Clasper, E.
Hawks, Robert Clasper. Richard Clasper (coxswain) . I
First Bell's Close Crew—Thomas Bruce, Henry Thack-
wray, John Briggs, Thomas Thackwray. Thomas
Wilson (coxswain)
Second Blaydon Crew—William Douglass, Joseph Arm-
strong, John Wilkinson. George Sayers (coxswain) 3
The interest on the issue of this race was intense, owing
to the celebrity of the Claspers, who have been very great
favourites since the Thames Regatta, where they defeated the
London watermen, and owing to their rowing against what are
called the " Five Fules," acknowledged to be a first-class set
of Tyne-side lads, who had a crack boat, built expressly for
them by Mr. Andersow of Shields. The superior skill and
science of the Claspers, however, proved too much for the
physical strength and manhood of their adversaries, and they
came in first by about eight lengths, running the distance, three
miles, in 14 minutes.