The Sun.
London, England, 1845-01-11 00:00:00

SPIRIT of the PUBLIC JOURNALS.

FROM THE EVENING PAPERS OF YESTERDAY.

GLOBE.—Agitation against the Catholic Charities
Bequests Act continues to disturb the public mind in
Ireland. Unreasonable and hopeless as is the oppo-
sition, the agitators seem determined that " small
blame" shall rest with them if there be not a popular
demonstration against the measure. The Roman
Catholic Prelates, who have consented to lend their
assistanee in carrying out its provisions, by accepting
the office of Commissioners, are denounced with
special virulence, as though it were thought that
without their aid the Act would have been a memorial
of the Government's inability to legislate for Ireland.
The marked jealousy with which the bulk of the
Irish people view the measures of the present Go-
vernment, is one of the results of the iron rule
which successive Tory Administrations were wont to
exercise in that long-misgoverned country. The
mantle of office has fallen upon Sir R. Peel, or was
rather seized b 7 him. He must take the conse-
quences of having undertaken the responsibilities
of office under circumstances of great, if not in-
surmountable " difficulty." The good deeds of
his Government are regarded with suspicion.
The evils perpetrated in Ireland by former
Tory Ministers live after them. The people
—whose memories yet retain a keen sense of the
numerous injuries and insults they received from those
Governments, of which they regard the present Ad-
ministration as the lineal representative—will not be-
lieve that anything really beneficial can emanate from
such a source. They, therefore, readily listea to and
adopt any representation which the wildest declaimer
makes of whatever measure the Government of Sir
Robert Peel may introduce to Parliament, for the
purpose of changing or regulating anything relating
to their country. The Catholic Charities Act is, we think,
a measure calculated to effect much good. By guard-
ing against an abuse of the influence of the priestly
office upon the minds of the laity in the prospect of
death, by which property may be appropriated by
bequest to the Church which would otherwise be be-
queathed to their families, it throws protection around
them against an influence which might be used to
their immense injury. Under the regulations pre-
scribed by the Act, and the superintendence of the
Commissioners nominated to superintend its operation,
no well-founded objection could be raised to its ob-
jects, or the way in which those objects were to be
attained. The most venerable of the Roman Ca-
tholic Prelates have consented to act as Commis-
sioners. This, of itself, would, under ordinary cir-
cumstances, be taken by the laity of any communion
as a pledge that no direct or covert design wa, en-
tertained by the framers of the measure against the
interests of their Church. This confidence would,
doubtless, have been cherished by the Irish people
with reference to this measure, had there not
previously existed a deep prejudice mid inex-
tinguishable hate—which they, as by instinct,
cherish—against a Tory Government. lied this
Act, which is denounced as a combination of all
the elements of evil, been introduced and passed by a
Government in whose administration the Irish people
possessed confidence, from an experience of the fair
and equitable disposition with which the functions of
Government were exercised by it, there would have
been no opposition against its objects worthy of notice.
We shall not readily forget the remark of an Irish
Member of Parliament—who, while he avowed its
existence, deplored the prevalence of the feeling, as a
barrier to the accomplishment of the good which Sir
Robert Peel might be disposed to effect among
them :—" If a Tory Government," said the gentleman
alluded to, " could coin the paving-stones of Dublin
into sovereigns; and having done so were to dis-
tribute them by handfulls among the people, they
would hurl them back in their faces with disdain.
So deep is their hatred of everything, however
good, which bears the name, or comes forth from
the hands of Toryism." We find an exemplifica-
tion of this undying dislike to Sir Robert Peel's
Government generally, and the determination to
reject even good at his hands, which the Irish people
evince by their opposition to the present measure in
the speech of a Mr. T. W. Skelley, at a meeting
consisting of several thousand persons, held near
Drogheda on Sunday last. The sins of the leading
members of Sir Robert Peel's Cabinet, and of their
supporters—their insulting expressions, and their
irritating and injurious acts, are set before the people,
and are appealed to as evidences, showing the utter
improbability of anything calculated to " pacify the
Irish Church, or to protect the laity of its communion."
We adduce the passages we extract from this speech,
not for the purpose of expressing approval of the senti-
ments it enunciates, or the spirit which it breathes, but
of showing that the " difficulties" which the present
Government will experience in carrying out even
remedial measures are partly derived from the con-
duct of their Tory predecessors; but are principally
caused by the dishonest and dangerous means which
they employed to create prejudice against the late
Ministry on account of its Irish policy. In opposition,
they sowed to the wind—in office, they reap the
whirlwind :

"Who are the proposers of this Bill ? They are the
men who hold the reins of power—they are the men
to whom the Government of this country is unfortu-
nately committed. And how did they obtain that
power ? Was it not by creating and fostering an
anti-Irish and an anti-Catholic feeling in England ?
Was it not by pouring out the most foul, filthy,
and profligate abuse against the ministers of our
religion, and by making a mockery of its most sacred
ceremonies ?—(Cries of "Hear, hear.") Oh ! yes, the
adorable sacrifice of the mass was then an 'ldola-
trous mummery,' and the men whom they have lately
been pleased to recognise under the titles of the Arch-
bishops," Bishops,' and Priests' of Ireland, were then
designated by our charitable rulers as 'surpliced ruf-
fians,' a demon priesthood,' and other such complimen-
tary appellations—whilst the people were denominated
as a filthy and felonious rabble,' and as aliens ii blood,
in language, and in religion,' by him who occupies the
highest official situation in the empire—the Lord Chan-
cellorship of England.—(Groans.)"
The speaker had touched a chord in the hearts of his
audience to which their memories responded. Their
cheers, and other audible demonstrations of sympathy,
showed how completely they entered into the argu-
ment and its proofs. lie proceeded :
" I ask you, do you think for a moment that the pre-
sent Government would introduce any measure having
for its object the purification of the Catholic; Church and
the protection of its laity ? Do you consider that they
who have ever been the professed enemies of your creed
and country, care one jot for the welfare of your reli-
gion, or are at all anxious concerning your charitable in •
terests ?—(Shouts of No, no.') Ah ! believe me, it
requires no great gift of political foresight to see what
their object really is. They want to divide the priest-
hood from the people; and shall they succeed in doing
so ?—(Cries of Never.')"

The agitation against the Charitable Bequests Act
is but a new demonstration of an old dislike to
Toryism, however it may change and modify itself to
meet the changed circumstances and milder spirit of
the age. Repeal is the same spirit working under
another form. 'We offer no suggestion as to the way
in which Sir Robert Peel can best deal with this
" difficulty." It exists. It is for him to surmount
it, or retire, acknowledging his inability to conquer
it, as he may be influenced by a love of office which
induces him to retain the government at all hazards;
or by an elevated patriotism, which sacrifices self to
promote and secure the peace of one's country.

MARKET INTELLIGENCE.
(From the London New Price Current of Jan. 10.)
SUGAR.—lmporters of Colonial :Sugar have been in-
clined to realise this week, and the market has been well
supplied with nearly all descriptions. To-day there was
only a small amount of business transacted in any kind
of West India Sugar, the quantity sold amounting to only
350 hhds, making the total quantity for the week 1680
hhds and trcs, and the decline in prices 64 to is per
cwt. A large public sale of 5000 bags of Madras in
bond is declared for Tuesday. To-day the home trade
came forward more freely, and many parcels were dis-
posed of—brown lump at 72s to 72s 6d, and standard
735 6d to 745. Bonded crushed is held firmly at 31s to
31s 6d per cwt.
REFINED.—There has been less demand from the
home trade for Refined Sugar, and the market baring
been better supplied with goods, the rates accepted are
rather under those previously quoted ; brown lumps
selling 72s to 72s 6d, standard lumps 73s to 73s 6d.
Tittlers low to mid 72s to 735, good 74s 6d to 765, fine
and very fine 77s to 83s, Ifamburgh loaves 73s to 82s,
double do 838 to 90s, and wet lumps 70s to 71s per cwt;
bastards 38s to 395, middling 40s to 415, good 43s to
475, and fine 48s to 533 per cwt. In pieces there has
boen a good business transacted, fine has been selling at
67s to 695, good 64s to G6s, mid 611 to 635, and law
56s to 60s. Treacle has been in excellent request at
firm rat( s, and the supply is small. Boiled front West
India Molasses has been selling at 21s 64 to 225, Patent
22s 6d to 235, and Golden Syrup 248 to 275 per cwt.
FdP bonded crushed Sugar there are numerous pur-
chasers. Of Loaves large parcels have been disposed of.

AfAußrurrs. There has been a much better demand
for this description of Sugar, and although the market
has been well supplied, still previous rates are main-
tained ; indeed in some cases 6d per cwt advance
has been obtained for the better kinds. At public
sale, 8,010 bags 278 casks were readily disposed
of upon the following terms, viz.:—very low dark
brown at 36s 6d to 40s, fine 51s, low yellow 52s to 535,
middling 53s 6d to 565, good middling 56s 6d to 58s Gd,
good 59s to 60s, tine 62s to 635, very fine 65s ; the casks
went at from 51s 6d to 65s per cwt. Privately, some
parcels have been sold upon similar terms.
EAST INDIA.—The brown and yellow descriptions of
Bergal Sugar are plentiful, and a further decline in
plices of 6d to Is per cwt has taken place ; but upon
thoso terms buyers have been induced to pur-
chase freely. This afternoon Bengal Sugar met
with less attention, and at auction 1,915 bags were only
partly disposed of, at rather lower rates, viz., low yellow
at 518 to 525, middling 52s 6d to .555, good middling 575,
damp and washed 49s to 565, middling sound white 625,
damp 61s 6d to 625, tainted by sulphur, mid strong
greyish yellow 50s to 52s 6d, damp 495 to 505, low
washed white very sulphury 48s per cwt.
MoLAssEs.—For West India a good demand has been
experienced, and the improved rates previously esta-
blished 6,e fully supported; Antigua has been fetching

COAX.

COURSE OF EXCHAI
Amsterdam ...... CF 12 8
Ditto, at sight l2 6
Rotterdam 2U. 12 8i
Antwerp
flamburgh M.B. 13 14
Altoßa l3 14
Paris, 3 days' sight 25 70
Ditto, 3 months 25 95
Marseillso
Bourdeaux 26 0
Frankfort on Mains 122

Petersburgh, 3Us 37
Berlin 7
Vienna, effec. fl. 3 M 958
Trieste, ditto
Madrid 36*

Cadiz
Bilbao 36
Barcelona 36

Seville —

Aurtsz.,.l •c•

..: L <

23s 6d per cwt, indeed at present prices some' of the
merchants will not sell, and the stock is diminishing.
East India is in request, but there is at present not much
in the market, and 14s to 17s is the value.

FOREIGN.—This afternoon at public sale .5,926 bags of
Manilla, 385 boxes of Havannah, and 92 bags of Babe
were offered. Manilla of sound quality was_ taken in
above the value ; good yellow at 20s to 20s 6d ; a few
lots of damaged were sold at 18s 6d to 19s, one lot
shifted 15s 6d. The Havannah was all washed, and
fetched stiff rates—good 21a 6d, middling 20a 6d to 21s,
and ordinary 18s to 19s 61 The Bahia was taken in at
18s 6d for sound brown, and 18s per cwt for washed,
being more than it was worth.
COFFEE.—There has been less inquiry for West India
this week, but importers have shown firmness, and refuse
to take lower rates ; by private contract there has been
little business transacted, and of 304 casks 21 bags 10
hhds offered at public sale, a small part only found
purchasers at the previous currency—Berbice, mid colory
went at 75s to 80s, low mid 73s to 73s 6d, fine fine ord 70s
to 71s 6d, fine ord 54s to 625, good ord 50s 6(1 to 53s 6d,
triage 40s; Jamaica, good mid 104 s to 1185, mid 82s to
90s, low mid 725, fine ord 54s to 635, good ord 50s to
525; Dominica, fine ord 56s to 585, and good ord 52s te
54s per cwt. With East India Coffee the market has
been better supplied, and shippers and the home trade
have come forward with freedom. This afternoon at pub-
lic sale 25 casks 119 brls 21 bags Berbice were offered,
nearly the whole of which sold at low rates, the quality
being unclean—low mid went at 635, fine ord 45s to
46s 6d, good ord 40s to 40s 6d, inferior 31s to 355, and
triage 25s to 355; 316 bags of fine Batavia fetched 42s
to 435, sea damaged Ist class 37s to 37s 6d, 2d class
32s 6d, 3d class 27s 6d, sea damaged and repacked 265.
The value of good ord Ceylon is 52s to 53s per cwt.
TEA.—lmporters still manifest firmness, and have re-
frained from offering any at public sale. Congou has
fully sustained previous rates, and buyers have purchased
freely,aying lid to 110 for common, and geod com-
mon 1 lid to is lid per lb ; the supply is small of all
qualities. Pouchong 7d to 11d, and superior at is
to is 2d per lb. Twankay is at is 3d to Is 31d
for common, is 4d to is 9d for brightish leaf,
and Is 9d to 23 5d for Hysbn kind. There are many
orders for Hyson, common has been fetching 2s 7d to
2s Bd, mid to good 2s 9d to 3s, and fine 3s 2d to 4s 6d
per lb. Young Hyson is rather dearer, and much in
request. For Hyson Skin prices are advancing. Scented
Orange Pekoe is 3s 4d to 35 5d per lb, and the demand
continues. An increased desire has been manifested
to purchase Gunpowder, and the rates given
are rather above those previously quoted, Canton,
selling at 2s 8d to 2s I Id, other sorts 3s to 4s 6d, Im-
perial 2s 6d to 25 9d, and other sorts 2s 10d to 3s 6d
per lb. Souchong sells more freely upon former terms.
For Caper holders are obtaining prices they could not
previously get. Flowery and black leaf Pekoe are more
in request. The Tea market is in a sound state, and
like so to continue for some time.

SPICES.—The market has a firm appearance for black
Pepper. By private contract several purchases have been
made ; Penang at 214 d to 2id ; Sumatra good light ltd,
and Malabar lid to bid per lb. Some parcels have arrived
still the stock is much less, and prices are lower than
at that time last season. White is more in request.
Pimento is held with firmness, but the demand has been
only for small parcels at 31d to 40 per lb. The mar-
ket is firm for cloves. Importers of Mocha are not in-
clined to press sales at present low rates. East and
West India Ginger is firm in price, and the business
transacted has been upon a most extended scale. Nut-
megs are wanted, and the rates paid are rather above
those of the last auctions. We quote brown at 3s to 3s
7d, good mid and good 3s Sel to 3s lld and fine 4s to
4s 6d per lb. This afternoon at pnblic sale 55 bags of
white Pepper were sold at 41d to 4id for middling,
and 4id for good middling, being id lower.
RuM, BRANDY, AND HOLLANDS.—lmporters of Ja-
maica Rum submitting to rather lower rates, buyers
have been induced to come forward more freely, and 25•
puns sold—fair quality, 28 to 33 per cent, over proof;
at 3s 6d to 3s Bd, and good, 33 to 35 per cent over, at 4s.
In consequence of holders of Calcutta submitting to a
further reduction in prices, buyers have been induced to
operate more freely, and the large quantity of 500 hhds
200 puns was disposed of by one firm at 2s 2d proof with
certificate, but subject to an allowance of 2d in con-
sequence of the Rum being of old importation, and de-
ficient of strength. so that the actual price is 2s per
gallon proof with certificate. Leewards, 200 puns
have been sold at 2s 2id to 2s 3d proo
strength. For Demerara there has been a brisker
demand, and prices have made a stand : 100
puns, 32 to 33 per cent over proof, sold at
3s 3d per gallon. There are further arrivals of East and
West India Rum. An increased desire has been shown
to purchase the best descriptions of Brandy, and many
parcels have been disposed of at Id per gallon. We
quote Cognac best brands of the vintage of 1838, }Ards
5s 3d, puns 5s Id ; ditto, 1839, hhds ss, puns 4s 10d ;
ditto, 1841, hhds 4s I ld, puns 4s 9d ; ditto, 1842, hhds
4s Bd, puns 4s 6d ,• ditto, 1843, hhds 4s 6d, puns
4d 4d ; common 2s 8d to 1 ld ; mid to good mid 3s to 3s
10d ; and Bordeaux com, 2s 6d to 25 8d per gallon.
Geneva, shipping sort is 10d to is I Id, and fine 2s 4d
to 3s 6d. English Corn Spirits are wanted ; indeed, the
supply is not sufficient for the demand, and lOs 2d per
gallon cash is readily obtained, and 10s 3d for small
quantities.
Cocos.—West India has /net with less attention, but
merchants are firm, and insist upon full rates ; of 459
bags Trinidad at public sale, a part only found per-
chasers at the former currency, vis., good red at 48s to
50s, mid 44s to 46s 6d, ord 42s 6d to 43s 6d, grey 42s to
435, and inferior 41s. For Foreign buyers are, however,
compelled to give stiffer rates, and at public sale 80 bags
of Bahia fetched 37s to 39s per cwt for good red.
FRUIT.—In Currants there has been considerable busi-
ness done yesterday and to-day, in Cephalonia46s to 475.
In ratras some sales have been made at 48s to 50s ; Va-
lentias at 50s; the demand dull, and several fresh arrivals.
Of Chesme and Red Smyrna Raisins there is a good
supply ; prices unaltered; the latter are in demand at 465.
For Muscatels in layers, of fine quality, which are very
scarce, there is a good demand. Of Sultana Raisins the
large quantity of 3,000 drums sold at 61s to 625, and 65s
is now asked.
RlCE.—Bengal is not to be purchased upon lower
terms, the market being still scantily supplied; but little
business has been transacted by private treaty, and at
auction 1,200 bags were taken in at Its 6d to 12s per
cwt for mid white, being above the value. In Java there
has been very little busines done in the private market.
Yellow Madras has been sold at 8s 9d per cwt for Con-
stantinople. Cleaned Rice is wanted, Patna at 14s to
18s, and Carolina 23s to 27s per cwt. This afternoon at
public sale 631 pockets of Bengal were sold at lOs to I is
for rather broken, being a little cheaper.
SALTPETRE.—This afternoon an increased desire was
shown to purchase rough, but business was checked by
the stiff rates asked, and 350 bags of Calcutta at public
sale were taken in 6d to is per cwt above the value—
that is to say, 10} per cent middling grey at 25s 6d to
265, and 7f per cent ditto 26s per cwt.
INDmo.—ln the value`of East India no alteration has
taken place since this day week. For the 21st, 7,455
chests are declared.

Low.—This afternoon at public sale 244 casks of
New South o
Wales were sold at 37s 6d to 41s 6d; 50
casks P.Y.C. 38s 3d to 39s 3d; 171 casks of St. Peters-
burgh Soap Tallow 38s ; 30 casks of- Archangel
38s 3d; 570 packages of South American 33s to 38 9d;
40 casks of East India 40s 6d to 40s 9d ; 100 casks of
Odessa sheep, 39s 6d ; and 15 casks of Beef Tallow, 375.
Ou.s.—Prices have further given way for all descrip-
tions of common Fish Oils; there are very few shipping
orders, and the home trade have purchased with caution—
this is surprising that they should continue so to do, as
they are scantily supplied, and stocks in merchants'
hands are light. Cod Oil has been selling at 30/ to
straw 3
iss,
1 pale Seal 331 lOs to 331 15s, yellow 301 to 314
lOs to 321 lOs, and southern 281 to 331;
dark ;brown Seal is however wanted, and parcels
have been disposed of at 281 to 291 per tun ;
Holders of Sperm manifest firmness, and a good demand
ae exists--fine i3s6t ss— t
o fi3n6es British at 881
brown
to a
t 9305/
sp etor
3tun s ;6dßpaeprec Oil,wt pale
Lin-
seed Oil, 23s 6d to 23s 9d, and for delivery in February,
March, April, May, and June, many contracts have
been entered into at 24s 3d to 24s 6d: for Spring deli-
very on the Continent sales made at 245. Olive has met
with more attention, and an advance of fully 20s per
tun has taken place in prices, Gallipoli at 42/ to 43/,
Spanish 41/ to 411 10s. Barbary 391 to 40/, and Sicily
41/per ton. In Palm Oil there has been more business
transacted, fine quality is worth 25s to 26s per cwt.
There are few purchasers'of Cocoa Nut; Ceylon is worth
278 to 28s, and Sydney from 25s to 27s per cwt.

Prices per ton at the close of the market :—Adair's
Main, 20s ; Carr's Hartley, 20s ; Hasting's Hartley,
19s 6d ; Holywell Main, 21s ; Morrison's. 18s ; Old
Pontop, 19s 6d ; Ord's Redheugh, 19s ; Ravensworth
West Hartley, 19s 6d ; Tanfield Moor, 21s ; Townley,
19s 6d ; West Hartley, 19s fid ; Wylam, 20s 6d ; W. E.,
Acorn Close, 21s 6d ; W. E., Clennell, 20s 6d ; Elm
Park, 211 3d ; Gosforth, 22s ; New march, 21s ; North
Durham, 20s 9d ; Belmont, 23s ; Braddyll's Hetton,
24s ; Haswell, 248 ; Hetton, 243 ; Hylton, 223 ; Lamb-
ton, 24s ; Lawson's Hylton, 18s 6d ; Caradoc, 23s 6d ;
Harvey, 20s 3d ; iieselden, 21s 6d ; Adelaide, 23s 3d ;
Brown's Deanery, 22s ; South Durham, 22s 3d ; Tees,
23s ; Lewiss Merthyr, 21s ; Llaugeneeh, 22s 6d ; Welch
Channel, 35s 6d ; West Hartley Netherton, 20s.—Ships
arrived, 62.

4GE.—(YESTERI)AI.)
Gibraltar... .
Legkorn
Genoa
Milan . ........... _
' Venice
Naples 39t
Palortno, pc.‘ 0z...., 119
Lisbon .. 53
Oporto .
Rio 3anoinm
Bahia ••• • .
iluenos
NewYork.b.:'dysmight
ruler: CF nu LLION, O.
Foreigt 4:,,kl,barm £3 17 9
Porte 6a' (old (loin 3 17 5
New ;00r18 0 0
New :);.•':a.im 3 4 Ira
Silver 1 4

PaolilE.—FlßE.—On Sunday morning last, about
two o'clock, a most destructive fire broke out in the
clothing factory belonging to Messrs. Rossiter, of this
town, situate in a lonely valley between Corsley and
Frotne, and before assistance to any extent could be
rendered, the whole of the premises were entirely
consumed, together with the valuable stock of broad-
cloth, machinery, wool, Sze., amounting in value to
several thousand pounds. The property was only par-
tially insured ; and by this sad event malsy persons are
entirely thrown out of employment. Some doubts have
existed as to its having been the act of an incendiary,
but the real cause of the calamity has not, up to the pre-
eontt date, been aseerteined,—Sherberse Journal.. .

PRICES or SHARES
t,ANALS, RAILWAYS, BANKS, ASSIMANCIt
AND OTHER COMPANIES' STOCK.

Dividend
per
Annum.

LONDON, FRIDAY, JAN. 10.

frames of Com-
panies.

Amount

Paid. Pl-itt-.

share.

THE CASE OF MISS MARTINEAU,

Mr. Greenhow, of Newcastle, the medical gentle-
man who attended Miss Martineau throughout her
illness, which commenced as far back as 1839,- has,
with the entire concurrence of his patient, published
a medical report of her case. From this it would
appear that, as far back as April last, Miss Martineau
was convalescent, and that she continued improving
up to July, when she was first subjected to the ope-
ration of mesmerism. The report is admirably
drawn up. The following are the conclusions at
which Mr. Greenhow arrives, after a careful exami-
nation of the facts of the case t--
" always believed that a time would arrive when my
patient would be relieved from most of her distressing
symptoms, and released from her long-continued confine-
ment ; though she never willingly listened to my sug-
gestions of the probability of such prospective events,
and seemed always best satisfied with anything approach-
ing to an admission that she must ever remain a secluded
invalid. This state of mind, perhaps, may be considered
as an additional symptom of the morbid influence over
the nervous system, of the class of diseases in which this
case may be included.
" During the last year or two, in common with many
of the friends of Miss M., I had frequent opportunities
of observing the increased ease and freedom with which
she moved about her sittincre'.room ; and my conviction
became confirmed, that the time was approaching when
she would resume her habits of exercise in the open air.
Oftener than once I have made use of the somewhat
strong expression that, some day, probably before long,
Miss M. would take up her bed and walk.'
" In the history of this case it is probable that the
advocates of mesmerism will find reasons and arguments
in support of their opinions. But the experienced prac-
titioner, carefully distinguishing the post hoc from the
propter hoc, will have little difficulty in bringing the
whole into harmony with the well-established laws of
human physiology.'
And he adds—

" As regards the relief from the distressing nervous
symptoms, the time had arrived when a new and power-
ful stimulus only was required, to enable the enthusiastic
mind of my patient to shake them off."
In his preface Mr. Greenhow makes the following
very just observations on the subject of mesmerism:—
" How tar the relief from the sympathetic nervous
distress, attendant on this case, is to be attributed to the
direct agency of mesmerism—whether it has acted by a
power sui generis, or by supplying a powerful and well-
timed stimulus to the mind, and thus acting through the
imagination and the will, is a question which every one
must be left to answer for himself, after a careful con-
sideration of the facts related in the following pages and
in the communications to the Athenceum, lately supplied
by the patient herself.
" The numerous and striking claims in favour of
mesmerism, emanating from so many sources, have, at
length, rendered it a subject of serious and philosophical
inquiry, which can no longer be resisted by the mem-
bers of the medical profession. It is by them only that
its pretensions can be properly weighed—and it certainly
behoves them to enter on the inquiry with candid and
unprejudiced minds.
" If there be such a power, careful investigation will,
doubtless, enable them to detect it beyond dispute ; and
they will presently be prepared by the accumulation of
facts, if not to determine its precise nature, at any rate
to ascertain its modes of operation and to define its ca-
pabilities and proper limits.
" It is in this spirit of calm and dispassionate inquiry,
that I have myself entered on the investigation, though I
must admit that my efforts have not yet been attended
with any results confirmatory of the powers of mes-
merism ; but I shall proceed circumspectly in my ex-
periments, till repeated failures shall either confirm my
doubts, or positive practical results remove them ; in
which case, I shall not fail to make such results known
to the profession."
We are glad that the investigation of the powers of
mesmerism as a therapeutic agent, has fallen into the
hands of so astute and judicious an inquirer as
Mr. Greenhow, and we look forward with great in-
terest to the publication of the results of his experi-
ments.

EDUCATION OF COAL MINERS.
We cannot but express a hope that some step may be
taken, without delay, with a view to afford a better edu-
cation to the persons engaged in working in collieries.
When attending the late inquest (at Haswell), we were
much struck with the fact, that more than half of the
pitmen who gave evidence, some of them persons of great
intelligence, and one master wasteman, were unable to
write, or even to sign their names as witnesses. The
best conducted and well informed from amongst the pit-
men, are occasionally promoted to some of the subordi•
nate offices of charge in the mines; and it would be in
the highest degree useful, if greater facilities were given
to the underviewers, overmen, wastemen, and deputies,
to learn the elementary knowledge more immediately-
bearing upon their business. They might be taught, for
example, such simple parts of chemistry and pneumatics
as relate to the nature of gases or air, and the first prin-
ciples of hydrostatics, and of geology as far as concerns
the position and dislocation of strata, the intrusion of
trappesn, or volcanic rocks, and other points. In coun-
tries such as France and Germany, where a far less
amount of capital is embarked in mining enterprises,
there are large schools of mines and scientific establish-
ments, in which professional men, of different grades, are
carefully instructed in those branches of knowledge
which are closely connected with the art of mining.
We are aware that, notwithstanding the want of such
institutions, viewers in this country combine a large
amount of scientific information, with great practical ex-
perience. But such qualifications are enjoyed by a com-
paratively small proportion of those engaged in the su-
perintendence of coal pits, especially of that class to whom
the subordinate offices are entrusted. If peculiar diffi-
culties attend the organisation of schools for the mining
population, owing to its migratory habits, and because
the workpeople are often congregated suddenly at places
far distant from towns and villages, and do not remain
permanently resident at fixed points, it is the more ne-
cessary to endeavour to overcome these obstacles; and
provision might, perhaps, be made for appointing
teachers, whose duty it should be to visit, in succession,
the different localities where the large pits are opened,
from time to time. Among the many thousands whose
thoughts are now continually engaged in the coal mines,
there will be always some individuals of strong na-
tural powers, who, if they had mastered the elements of
the sciences above enumerated, might be enabled to
invent new methods, or at all events would be far more
'capable than persons unconnected with the business, to
appreciate the dangers to which they are exposed, and
to judge correctly of the adaptation of philosophical
principles to practice. We believe, therefore, that if the
education of the miners generally, and especially of
those set over them, can be materially raised, it will con-
duce to the security of the lives of the men, and the per-
fecting of the art of mining, more effectually
than any system of Parliamentary inspection which
could be devised. There is no reason to fear but that
the owners, and all the auth•Thies, high and low, would
combine with the men in enforCing regulations for the
application of scientific principles to practice, if their
minds were prepared by instruction to estimate the
true value of the new methods proposed, and if by that
instruction those prejudices were removed which disin-
cline the ignorant to every change of system. There
are here no conflicting interests to contend with, for the
proprietors are always anxious to prevent explosions and
accidents, not only by their own feelings of humanity,
but by a regard to the property they have at stake ;
while the viewers, underviewers, and other officers, are
continually risking their own lives, and share in every
danger with the men.—Report to Sir James Graham by
Michael Faraday end Charles Lyell.