The Sun.
London, England, 1845-12-22 00:00:00

E SUN, LONDON, MONDAY EVENING, DECEIVIBER, 22, 1845

all. Lord Henry Gordon is spoken of as a successor to
CaptiG. Reid, as superintendent of the Mysore Princes,
but there are others more likely; we think to suc-
ceed. Mr. Sinam3s party has been heard of on the *ay
to Burdwann. A commencement has therefore been
made of the survey of the railway line. Apropos of
railways, the increased rapidity of communication will
introduce improvements of every kind from one end of
the country to the other, and the production of European
vegetables in October,.which is now rare in Calcutta,
will become common all over India. There is a rumour
abroad that a movement is about to be made among the
Hindoo community in favour of the remarriage of Hindoo
widows.

Nov. 3.—A very beautiful steamer was launched this
day from Mr. Reeves' yard, for Messrs. Apcar and Co.
The Deputy-Governor is considerably better, but will
go to the Sandheads for a few days, in a steamer,
for change of air. We are sorry to say, however,
that General Pollock's health is so much impaired
that he will proceed, it is said, in the Ellenborough
to the Cape. A short time ago it was brought to the
notice of the Government that a large quantity of bad
beer had been imported from England, and that it was
bought by native dealers: and doctored for sale to poor
people. The Government has ordered that all beer,
reported to be sour and unwholesome by the tasting
coopers, shall not be allowed to pass out of the Custom-
house, but shall be poured out into the drains running
into the river, which consideration may be the saving
of many valvable lives. The price of rice has risen
greatly of late, and fears are entertained of a still greater
rise taking place. Sonalun Coondoo was to have been
tried for forging opium [passes yesterday ; but he was
attacked by cholera, and the trial has been postponed.
The Bombay Express, with English news to the 24th
September, arrived this morning at seven. No steamer
yet. His Danish Majesty's frigate Galatea has arrived
for the purpose of taking home the last Danish Governor
of Serampore.

COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE.
CALCUTTA.
_

(From the Overland Englishman.)
The unprecedented advance in the value of rice at home
has caused increased animation here, but none of good or
even middling quality is procurable at any price, nor can
anything of importance now be done for fully a month.
Business in imports has been completely unsettled by the
constant recurrence of native holidays, and we are in conse-
quence still unable to report a good business, or any general
improvement.

On the 18th ultimo a Government notification was issued
raising their rate for advances to Is. 11d., and but little has
in consequence since been drawn from this source, for
although at one time some advance was submitted to, ex-
change has again fallen to la. 10Id. to Is. Ild., at which
latter rate bills with documents find a ready sale; transac-
tions have not, we believe, been very heavy, as but few of
the principal drawers seem disposed to operate unless
tempted by a favourable offer.
Freights have been very unsettled, the small amount of
dead weight remaining in the bazaar rendering it extremely
difficult to procure a cargo for a vessel without submitting
to a considerable decline on the rates demanded by most
consignees, who, considering the unusually large amount of
available tonnage, are giving way very gradually. The de-
cline during the month has, however, been fully 10s., and the
tendency still decidedly downwards.
Indigo—The accounts lately received from England have
not apparently had any effect on the minds of holders (al-
though anything but satisfactory), and we hear that another
eighth of the PCD (Cossimpore) has been sold at an advance
of 2. 0 rupees on last year's price, being the same terms on
which the first portion of the same 'nark was disposed of in
August, when it was generally expected the crop would not
much exceed 1,10,000 mds. The J A Maldah (about 900
mds.) has also been taken at Co.'s rs. 175 per factory md.,
being an advance of 30 rs. on the price obtained last year.
Since these transactions have transpired holders arc firmer,
and higher rates are demanded for some lots for which par-
ties were previously in treaty.
The rates now generally demanded are an advance of 25
to 30, at which some parcels could still be obtained, but most
owners seem to prefer awaiting the accounts of the October
sale to realising at anything less ; as, however, the letters,
per Bentinck, have not as yet been received, it is impossible
to say what steps will be taken, but it is not supposed much
will be done for another month.

A great many of the invoices from Bengal, have proved
shorter than was calculated on, some to the extent of four,
and some even eight per cent.
The estimates from Tirhoot make it appear probable this
district will send down about 24,000 mds. ; but here also
they say, that as the weather was very favourable, especially
during the second manufacture, it is probable the Indigo
may weigh off light. We cannot say much about the qua-
lity of this year's produce, no remark of note having as yet
reached Calcutta; but we hear that, with the exception of
a few lucky concerns, it will not, generally speaking, prove
better than last year.
Sugar—A few small purchases were made during the
holidays, and on the day after business recommenced at
about the prices quoted in our last, but these gradually ad-
vanced, and during the past fortnight any. white or yellow
descriptions have been readily taken on arrival at a further
advance of fully eight annas per maund, and we think it pro-
bable even higher prices would be paid were the article ob
tainable to any extent, as many parties anxious to purchase
are deterred by the smallness of the only lots offering. We
may now say our bazaar is completely bare of Benares sorts,
and parties write that none are procurable even in the Mo-
fussil, so that shipments henceforward must consist almost
entirely of brown sugars and khaur (in which there is not at
present much doing, owing to the brisk demand for refiners),
or of sugars manufactured under European superintendence,
of which the quantity is daily increasing.
Saltpetre—The decline in freight has again induced exten-
sive operations for homeward shipment, and although at the
date of oar last the market was well supplied, stocks of fine
descriptions have of late been much reduced, and prices have
an upward tendency.
Fur France and America transactions have not been very
heavy of late, but for the latter there is still a fair demand
for low and middling descriptions.
Rice—The] favourable accounts received of this ataple by
the last two mails have caused a very general and animated
demand here, and the value of low and middling table (none
of good quality having been obtainable at'any prices) in the
first instance advanced to 2 10 rs. to 2 14 rs. ; whilst now
prices must be quoted nominal, it ,being impossible to effect
purchases at any price, except of broken and sweepings;
and ;as all the marts in the Mofussil have already been
drained to meet the demand, none can be looked fcr fully a
month, when the new crop may begin to arrive. Ballam
and Moonghy have also been in increased demand, for be-
sides unusually. heavy shipments to Mauritius (147,000 mds.
last month, against 15,046 in Oct., 1843), some parties find-
ing no other description, procurants have of late been pur-
chasing this for the English market.
Raw Silk—ln our last we stated that nearly the whole of
the rainy band had gone forward, and what little remained
has since been firmly held for a considerable advance, so that
we believe there has scarcely been a single sale during the
month. The accounts of the November bund continue very
unfavourable, and it is expected to prove both short and of
inferior qualities, so that looking at the falling off in the
exports, there appears every probability of prices ruling high
for some little time to come.

Shipments to Great Britain last month were only 735 mds.
against 2,195 mds. in October 1843, and for the twelve months
up to date 18,432 mds., against 22,968 mds., daring the same
period of the preceding year.
Silk Piece Goods—During the past month Corahs have
continued rather scarce, and holders of the few parcels on
hand have not manifested any anxiety to realise, so that
but little has been done ; they are, however, now coming
to
hand rather more freely, and as there is a fair inquiry
for good cloths, we think a moderate business will be done
without material alteration on our last quotations, which we
repeat.
Choppas and Bandannas—We still see shipments going
forward to fully their former extent, but are unable to re-
port sales in this market.
Oil Seeds—NotwithC.anding the downward tendency of
freights, we still hear of but few purchases of linseed fir
home shipment, and it is probable the high prices caused by
the extensive demand for America will continue to check
operations ; there has again been some inquiry for France,
but purchases have as yet been on a limited scale. Mustard
seed continues in demand for Great Britain, at fall prices,
and shipments are going forward to about their former extent,
but still principally as broken stowage.
Jute—The new jute is coming to market pretty freely, and
tl'e probability of effecting shipments on moderate terms has
induced several parties to come forward to purchase at for the
usual cleaned fawn 98 to lOrs. per bale. What little old re-
mains is completelyneglected.
Hides, Horns, and Tips—The hide market has of late been
looking up, and prices are firm; first quality fresh slaugh-
tered cow may be quoted at 50 re. per corge, and Calcutta or
second quality at 45 rs. ; dead green at 25 to 30 rs. ; dry ditto
at 18 to 21; and country or inferior at 12 to 15. Buffalo
have confined in demand, and may be quoted as follows :
viz., slaughtered, 40 to 48 rs.; dead green, 38 to 40; and dry
ditto from 27 to 32 per corge. Buffalo horns continue in
some moderate demand, but in deer and tips transactions have for
m time
Cottons—Purchases are we believe made in the ofussil,
buto e
this
mpaasttetrbeceonnotin a
continues
slimqiuteied scale.
and shipments to China M
4
have again fallen off, being in all October only 406 bales or
1,480 mds. ; and from Ist inst. up to date, 25 bales or 128
mds.
Turmeric continues neglected fir the English markets,!but
has been in moderate inquiry for France, and sales of good
picked are reported at 2.8 rs. per Did., not, however, to any
great extent.
Shell Lac and Lac Dye—Our bazaar is still very mode-
rately supplied with fine shell lac, and the P. and E. has
lately brought Company's rs. 138 permd. Lac dye oflow qua-
es, but of the
finelity markshasb eeanstaaleken to 1
lat e xtent for America,
of
E so
Company's rs. 80 per md., is the
only transaction we have heard
of, and in fact none are
at present offering.
Cutch—We have not heard of any transactions lately, but
believe the article is still worth from 6 to 8 rs. per md.
There have been no exports from the Ist instant up to
me
date.
Ginger continues in fair demand for rca, for which
exports arc on the increase ;_but for_ _ Amei
England we have not
heard of any purchases of late. Good Rongpore has brought
5 to 5-8 Co.'s rs. pr. md.
at one time
about 1,450 Co '
caused prices to advance to _ ..srs. per chest for
enares. Since thi
Patna, and 1,365 for B s, however, they
d we now
Opium—The execution of a few small orders
have gradually declined ; au quote the former at
chest. Actual
I d
a limited sca e, an there still
sale, have been on remains
Duna 656 chests af p
I in to ( lou)Pany's Godown Atha and 107 of
1,400 Co.'s rs., and the latter at 1,340 per
I Benares.

IMPORTS FROM EUROPE'.
tißirvrit; i:thspeCeoitilioitn
tPhieecieorGerooclsb nativee—ed.3Th;sbnleauTcheerdousareno,
holi-
days siiis6 n'iir last have so interfered with business that we
have as yet but little chittig* to notice in any fabrics under
this head. Grey shirtings have been in somewhat more in-
itbut have certainly net itlipro.ved In value since our last ; the
better makes are at present in limited demand, but we think
some improvement may be. looked for in a week or two.
Lt vr bleached jacconeta are. in demand, and could be sold, to
some extent, et good fair prices, but stocks are nearly
cleared off; the medium dnd better makes are also saleable
at abeut last month's rates. . Greys continue neglected.
Lappetil, lappet gaffs; boa ankmull muslins continue dull of
sale, with the exception of the coarser qualities, for which a
demand occasionally springs up.
Coloured and Printed Goods—Prints are at present neg-
lected, and extremely difficult of sale, nor can we see any
immediate prospect of improvement. Turkey red cloths of
stlitable Makes continue to be sought after, notwithstanding
that tile seggfin Is so far advanced.
Woollen This market is still dull, and prices almost no-
minal.
A moderate business has been dons
White Mule Twist—
since our last, and in some instances higher rates were ob-
tained, for Nos. 20 at 50; prices, however, were rather un-
settled' until within the last few days,
liwhen they became
firmer and 50s. ina7 again be quoted a ttle dearer.
lnined Yarn—fhis yarn has not materially altered in
-c•ctions throughout the month have been on

Copper—The native holidays have affected this mqal
equally with almost all articles of import, with regard to the
extent of transactions, the sales of the month having been
lb a very moderate extent, although in most instances at the
rates previously current, and tit these the market closes firmly.
Iron—But little was done in this Meta: throughout the
past month, but. prices were nevertheless maintained, and
since the receipt of the late accounts from home holders have
shown even more firmness, and are now holding out for a
further advance, which has, we believe, been paid for a few
parcels, speculating on the small shipments from England.
Spelter—transactions have been to a most insignificant
extent, importers hai•ing firmly held for an advance, which
purchasers will not submit to.
Lead and Tin Plates—ln tin plates we have not heard of a
single transaction since our last.
Lead has been in moderate inquiry at about last month's
quotations.
Beer at the date of our last continued heavy ; arrivals
had rendered prices completely nominal, but as almost the
whole of the season's supplies had then been received, dealers
have of late come forward with more confidence, and we
have to note a slight advance in the value of lass's and
Allsopp's ; the former may be quoted at about 35 rs., and
the latter at 35 to 37 rs. Superior brands are still neglected.
EXCHANGE.—ShortIy after the Government notification
was issued raising their rate for advances to ls. Ild., some
little business Waa done in good ten months' date bills with
documents at ls. Hid. and la. 1141 per rupee; this rate,
however, was not long maintained owing to the disinclina-
tion to operate manifested by all the large drawers, and a
gradual decline has since been observable • good bills, hav-
ing, of late, been readily taken at la. lld., and in some in-
stances, as low as ls. lOid. per rupee, at which latter rate
the mail closes steadily.
MONEY- MARKET.—We do not hear of any transactions in
Government Securities; the Five per Cents. have in some
instances slightly advanced in value, whilst Fours, on the
other hand, declined. Bank of Bengal Shares are quoted
nearly 100 rs. lower, but the Union. and the Agra Bank main-
tain their value.
Freights_ During the past fortnight, rates have been very
unsettled, in consequence of the firmness shown by con-
signees, who, notwithstanding the number of vessels in the
river, and the unprecedentedly small amount of produce in
the bazaar, show no anxiety to secure cargoes; under these
circumstances we must omit our usual quotations, and can
merely say that dead weight is being shipped at from 3/. 10s.
to 4/. 10s. per ton, to London and Liverpool, the former being
the dearer by about ss. Hides are being shipped at about
4/. to:41. ss. Jute, 31. to 31. 105. ; rum, 5/. ; and shell lac and
lac dye, from 31. 3s. to 31.155. Grain is going forward to
maintain at about 1.8 rs. per bag.

OPENING of the SPANISH CORTES.
SPEECH OF THE QUEEN OF SPAIN.
MADRID, DEC. 15.
Gentlemen, Senators, and Deputies—
During the short scilce of time that has elapsed since
the termination of the 1;!t session of the Cortes no
remarkable alteration has taken place in the relations of
my kingdom with the ether Powers.
The negotiations pending with the holy See continue.
During that interval the ratifkatim2S of the treaty
concluded with the Emperor of Aioseeeso have been
exchanged, as well as those of the treaty oe ,reconcilia-
tion, peace, and friendship with the Republic of Chili.
An unexpected accident has prevented the conch,ion of
the same formality with respect to the treaty receiltlY
agreed upon with the Republic of Venezuela. Th.'
many bonds which unite Spain with those States cannot
but contribute to the establishment of intimate relations
between the two countries.
I desire to protect by all means our navigation and
commerce. By giving life and animation to agriculture
and industry, a new stimulus will be given to the pro• 1
gress of our navy, which will insure recovery from the
state of prostration into which it had fallen, and which
will not confer less benefit and advantage upon our
foreign provinces, so worthy of all our iaterest for
the fidelity they have always displayed under all cir-
cumstances.
At home, in the Peninsula, order and respect of the
laws have been maintained, so that every attempt at
treason had been defeated by the vigilance and the
firmness of the authorities, as well as by the fidelity of
the army, the subordination and discipline of which
might serve as a model for the world; and, in fine, by
the excellent spirit of the people—tired and worn out by
revolt, and anxious to enjoy fully the benefit of peace,
under the shade of the Throne, and under the protec-
tion of our national institutions.
In order to consolidate the possession of advantages
so precious, we have, by virtue of the authority which
you gave to my Government, established organic laws.
I have to congratulate you on the fact that these mea•
sures have fully justified our expectations. The nation
now finds itself endowed with laws, the want of which
had been felt during so many years, and the establish-
ment of which has been effected without suggesting any
difficulty ; on the contrary, the establishment of those
laws is beginning already to produce their fruits in the
good order and government of the State.
Independently of those reforms—so important and
urgent—others of less magnitude have been effected, as
well in the department of public instruction, as in the
administration of justice, and in various other branches
of Government.
My Government has likewise devoted itself to the
carrying into execution the plan of finance voted in the
last Legislature, and to the removal of all the obstacles
which impeded total reform in matters of taxation. 1
can assure you with satisfaction that that plan has bee❑
carried into effect in most of its provisions.
In the estimates, which will be immediately submitted
to you for examination, you will find all the ameliora-
tions and improvements of which they were susceptible.
Time and experience will lead us to discover defects
which it is indispensable to correct, which it would have
been impossilbe in so short a space of time to have re-
moved, and which ever accompany the establishment of
a new system.
Some of the evils and injuries arising out of the law of
Aranceles, passed in the year 1841, being obvious, the
Government proposes at a convenient opportunity to
submit to you measures for their remedy. My Govern-
ment propose also to submit to you measures calculated
to increase the public wealth and to strengthen the cre-
dit of the nation.
My Government will also present to you a project of
law with the important object of endowing, in a perma-
nent and solid manner, public worship and the clergy.
Such, Gentlemen, Senators, and Deputies, are the prin-
cipal matters to be submitted to your consideration,
relying, as I do, upon your zeal and goodwill, of which
I have received so many and such unequivocal proofs.
The greatest and most difficult portions of this work
being accomplished, it now remains only to conclude
and place it on a solid basis. During the last session
you introduced into the Constitution the reforms indis-
pensable for placing in harmony the prerogatives of the
Crown and the rights of the nation. You authorised
my Government to promulgate those organic laws, by
means of which the political machine received freedom
of action and movement. Yoe decreed, in fine, a new
plan of finance, calculated to put an end to the disorder
which consumed the resources of the State. At present
it devolves on you to examine the results of your former
resolutions, and to introduce such further improvements
and reforms as shall appear to you called for and neces-
sary—a task, which though less brilliant, is not the less
useful and glorious. Your zeal and perseverance will be
necessary to aid my Government in the laudable task
Of regulating the finances and administration of the
!tate, which necessarily felt the effects of previous great
4,nd fatal disorder.
'-i I feel convinced that this task, if undertaken, will not
be found greater than your capacity. This I hope for at
least, confiding in the protection of Divine Providence,
and with an ardent desire to add this new service to the
many which you have already conferred on the throne
and the country.