The Sun.
London, England, 1845-12-05 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, FRI nA y EVENING, DECEMBER 6 184.5.

OPENING OP^ THE ;PORTS.

MEETING ( ,F THE WARD OF FARRINGDON
WITHOUT.—(THIS DAY.)
In consequence of a requisition addressed to Sir James
Duke, M.P., and Alderman of the ward of Farringdon
Without, a crowded meeting of the householders and
rate-payers of the ward was held in the New Court, Old
Bailey, for the purpose of considering the propriety of
passing "resolutions remonstrating with the Right Hon.
Sir R. Peel for not advising her Majesty to re-assemble
Parliament, under the present alarming state of the
country, owing to the failure of the potato crop, and
the deficiency of the wheat harvest, both in weight and
quantity, that the laws which prevent the free importa-
tion of the necessary supply of food to the people may
be repealed, by which alone the threatened famine can
be averted, and the peace, the safety, and the happiness
of the British empire secured."
Sir James Duke presided,
We observed upon the platform, .and in the body of
the Court, Mr. Walker, Mr. Watson, Mr. Prendergast,
Dr. Lynch, Mr. R. Taylor, Mr. Alderman Sydney, Mr.
Wood, Mr. Edkins, Mr. Pontifex, •Mr. Burn, Mr. Wil-
liams, Mr. Buckmaster, Mr. Harding, Mr. Barnard,
Mr. Hackett, Mr. Pearce, Mr. Sharpe, Mr. Gresham,
Mr. (3s oge Baker, Mr. Stone. Mr. Kirke, Mr. Wilkin-
son, Mr. Jones, &c. &e.

The CHAIRMAN then said, that having had a
requisition pretested to him by a numerous and
respectable body of the householders in the ward,
he had felt it his duty,• as under similar cir-
cumstance he ever should, to call this meeting for
the purposes mentioned in the requisition. He said
he felt it his duty to give the ward an opportunity of
recording their sentiments. He trusted that whatever
difference of political opinion might exist among them
their proceedings would be conducted with moderation
and good temper.—(Hear, hear.) Mr. Pontifex would
now read the requisition.
Mr. l'ontifex having done so, a desultory conversation
arose as to the proper course of procedure, which was
terminated by
Mr. WALKER, rising to propose the first resolution.
The resolution he had to propose to them was as follows:
" That the deficiency of the wheat harvest, both in
weight and quantity, and the extensive failure of the
_ _

potato crop, cannot be viewed without fearful ap-
prehensions of public distress to the labouring
class( s during the forthcoming winter." Perhaps some
apoldgy was due from himself for having undertaken his
very prominent position in the proceedings of that day.
He assured the Alderman who presided, and his neigh-
bours who composed the meeting, that it was not from
any disposition to occupy a prominent place among
them, or from any idea that he possessed the necessary
qualifications to enable him to fill that position satisfac-
torily, that he was induced to place himself so promi-
nently forward. It was the conviction on his mind that
the great and overwhelming magnitude of the subject
they were met to consider, and the many considerations
which it involved, demanded that no member of the
ward should refuse the invitation which had been
sent to him or shrink from the fulfilment of what was a
great national duty.—(Hear, hear.) These were the
reasons which induced him to stand so prominently for-
ward on that occasion. He thought it was a fortunate
and happy circumstance for them that they were met
under the direction and superintendence of the respected
Alderman of the ward, inasmuch as it proved that they
recognised,' and were understood to be under the direc-
tion and protection of the law. Without this he apprF-
hended that they should have had some difficulty in
bringing together so many of the most respectable persons
in the neighbourhood. But, seeing that, they were assem-
bled there, and that the question before them was of such
vast importance, he might, perhaps, be allowed
to explain his own views in the best way he could
--(Hear, hear)—and he would endeavour to occupy as
little of their time as possible. They were not met there
with feelings of personal aversion to those who might be
opposed to their views ; they were not there in the posi-
tion of assailants ; they were not assuming the character
of aggressors ; but they came there together fiom mo-
tives of self- defence, and from a regard to the welfare
of that industrious community of which 'they themselves
constituted a portion.—(Hear, hear.) As inhabitants of
a country distinguished in every age for its high
state of civilisation and the many privileges which
were accorded to its people, they regretted
that these advantages were, in a great degree,
neutralised, because their interests by a mistaken policy
were deemed opposed to the interests of those who
formed a majority in the Legislature. The consequence
of this was a long period of what they considered oppres-
sion and injustice, and it could not be expected but that
now, after experiencing the evil of this state of things,
they held these meetings with the view of getting these
grievances remedied. It was not to be wondered at that
they should use their best endeavours to bring about an
important reform by impressing those in power with
the necessity for some great alteration in the laws
which regulated the importation of food into their coun-
try.—(Hear.) They were all aware of the origin and
institution of these laws, and they were now, after many
years' experience of their working, most anxious for
their abrogation. They had been supported by a system
of subterfuge, false reasoning, and self interest,
and the only matter of surprise was, that they
should have continued so long, and that the
people of this country should have submitted
to them. Another year or two would not
elapse however before the universal sentiment would be,
how the people of England could be so blind to their
own interests, so blunted in their moral feelings, and so
disregardful of what was their duty to themselves
and to society, that they should have quietly
submitted to a system so based upon fraud,
and so oppressive in its exactions.—(Hear, hear.)
They had probably observed that a society instituted fur
the purpose of effecting the removal of these obnoxious
laws had been successfully progressing for years past.
He (Mr. Walker) felt it to be his duty at a very early
period to connect himself with that society, not indeed in a
public, but in his private capacity. He had contributed
to it for many years. He had already stated that he
did not charge all these who were opposed to themselves
with being acted solely by motives of self-interest, but
he could not help thinking that it was highly improper
conduct in the Members of their Legislature to
make laws whose only effect was to advance
their own pecuniary interests. They should
have naturally expected that these individuals would
have had too much modesty—(Laughter)—to sit in judg-
ment on what so vitally affected themselves ; they
should rather, he thought, refer that to others. Yet
this law had been allowed to continue, notwithstanding
the efforts which bad been made to enlighten the public
mind ; but now he hoped they were in a position when,
with some chance of success, 'they might calculate
~on
these pernicious taxes upon
,industry being abolished.
He repeated that they had the near'prospect now before
them of seeing that these infamous laws would be removed.
(The meeting had not concluded when our report left.)

DESTRUCTION BY FIRE OF COOKE'S CIRCUIS AT
GI:ASGOW.—On Monday night, the large building at the
foot of the Saltmarket, belonging to Mr. Cooke, the well-
known equestrian, and occupied by him as a minor theatre,
was destroyed by fire. The flames were first discovered by
two police-substitutes employed to watch the ruins of the
City Theatre, about a quarter past one o'clock. The re-
flection of the light through one of the ventilating apertures
in the roof, near the south-west corner of the building, was
the first thing which attracted their attention, and a
minute's observation afterwards convinced them that the
plate was on fire. An alarm was consequently passed onto
the police-office, and in the shortest possible time Captain
Wilson, the superintendent, appeared at the scene of the con-
flagration, followed immediately by Mr. Robinson and the
fire-engines. Notwithstanding the brief space which had in-
tervened, between the alarm being given and the
arrival of the fire-brigade, it was evident from the first that
any attempt to save the building must be perfectly hopeless.
The Circus, although elegantly and substantially erected, being
entirely composed of wood, and the wind blowing directly
from the point where the fire originated, the extraordinary
rapidity with which the conflagration extended can scarcely
be conceived. The playing of the engines slightly arrested
the progress of the flames towards the portico ; but so inef-
fectual was all the opposition which could be offered to the
devouring element, that in the course of half-an-hour from
the first alarm being given, the only vestiges of the building
left standing were a few burning poles and a small portion
of the doorway. For ten or fifteen minutes, while the work
of destruction was at its height, the appearance of the con-
flagration was awfully grand. The Circus cost for the erec-
tion between 1,1001. and 1,200/., about three years ago. It is
about two years since it was used by Mr. Cooke, but re-
cently it was taken by a Mr. Daniels, and fitted up for a
minor theatre. We have not heard the slightest hint as to

how the fire originated, but the matter, no doubt, will un-
dergo the usual investigation. Mr. Cooke has the building
insured in the Sun-office for 8001., and Mr. Daniels has the
scenery, dresses, and property insured in the same office for
300/. Both the policies were effected about the middle of
last month, at the time when the building was opened as a
theatre by Mr. Daniels.—Glasgow National.

A CHILD BITTEN BY A RAT.—On Thursday
morning, about twelve o'clock, a most serious accident
occurred to Ann Drew, about three years of age, the
daughter of a charwoman, living at Kennet-street, Penton
ville. The poor woman hadi only left the infant, who was ill
in bed with the hooping-cough, a few minutes, when its
screams attracted the attention of a female in the adjoining
room, who, on entering the apartment, discovered the child's
face frightfully mangled, its nose being nearly bitten off.
The woman upon opening the room-door saw the rat escape
from the bed, but she was too much frightened to attempt
its capture.
NAVAL INTELLIGENCE.--PLYMOUTH,. WEDNESDAY.
—ARRIVAL OF THE EXPERIMENTAL FLEET. —The Fleet
arrived in the Sound this morning, between twelve and
one A.M. They must have had severe weather for the last
few days. This afternoon, about three o'clock, the admiral's
ship saluted the Russians; it was duly returned by the
Ingermanland. Yesterday being the anniversary of the
accession to the throne of his Imperial Majesty the Emperor
of Russia, the ships were dressed in flags, and fired a royal
salute. Her Majesty's ship Queen, 110; President 50, and
Caledonian, fired salutes, and hoisted an array of flags,
amongst which was the Russian standard. The officers of
the Ingermanland gave a superb dejeuner to a large party of
British naval and military officers.
NEWCASTLE CORN TRADE.--TUESDAY, DEC. 2.—..
At to-day's market the supply of wheat from the growers was
trifling, and the quality in most instances indifferent. The
demand, however, was lively, and previous rates were fully
sustained. Coast arrivals were large, and fine
_qualities
realised about ls. per quarter' more than on last Tuesday.
The value of both old and bonded wheat may be considered
unaltered. Although the quantity of barley is large, the
demand continues comparatively dull, and holders have been
obliged to submit to a reduction of Is. per quarter. Other
country oats,
sack.have
which
articles present little attention,
. and generally hang heavy on
band,
fetcile dthlaeteonralytese,xcFe
DEPOSITS mum THE BOARD OF T p
RADE...—We are
requested to supply the following omissions to our list of de-
posits with the Board of. Trade:--Chichester and Bognor;
ploturioll is bqeumogtedcoaut
Armagh, Coleraine, and Portrush; Armagh, Coleraine, and
Portrush Extension; Exeter, Dorchester, and Weymouth;
East Dereham and Norwich ; .Reedham and North W alsham ;
Fakenham and Lynn; and the Hull and Sheffield Midland
Direct.
FOREIGN WHEAL—We learn that the first cargo
of foreign wheat, forwarded from Liverpool, from the import
ship, under bond, has just been warehoused in the bonded
warehouses, Salford, an account of Messrs. Buckley and New-
ton, of Stalybridge.—Manchester Guardian.

OVEE LAND MAIL

INDIA AND CHINA.

(From the Times.)

We have received by our Fxtraordinary Express, in
anticipation of the Bombay Mail of the Ist of November,
our dispatches to that date.
The affairs of the Punjaub continued in the same dis-
turbed state. The Ranee or Queen-Mother continued
to be the nominal head of the Government ; but she
had since the assassination of her brother expressed her

willingness to retire, and even to take her son, the

boy-king Muleep Singh into obscurity, provided that
a suitable jagheer were secured to them both. Old
Ghoolab Singh continued to reside in his mountain for-
tress of Jainoo, and although the Lahore soldiers wished
him to be Wuzeer, he did not appear desirous of as•
suming that most precarious dignity. The Dusscra had
passed over in quiet at Lahore, for the troops were
masters, and had not wished to make more victims since
the death of Jowahir Singh.
The Raja Lall Singh had taken a part of the power
from the Queen-Mother, but neither of them dared to
demand vengeance on the perpetrators of the frightful
assassination of the late Wuzeer. Of Peshora Singh,
who was nominally a favourite with some of the troops,
little was known ; the report of his being still alive had
died away, and he was believed to have been murdered
at the instigation of Jowahir Singh—a belief which sub-
sequently produced the death of the latter.

The Governor-General, Sir Henry Hardinge, reached
Agra on the morning of the 16th of October, having tra •
yelled with great speed from Calcutta. He was to leave
that station on the 28th, and to proceed to Delhi, where
he would meet the Commander-in-Chief. The decision of
the Government of India with respect to Lahore was not
known—what course could with safety be adopted, unless
by controlling the Siekh soldiery, it was hard to imagine.
They would allow no Government to rule in that country;
for any Wuzeer, or other authority, who attempted to
counteract their will, was speedily sacrificed to their
fury. It was not thought possible for the British Go-
vernment to permit such a lawless soldiery to keep the
frontiers in constant alarm. It was, therefore, considered
highly probable that the Governor-General would pro-
pose some decided arrangements to the Lahore Govern-
ment for the control of those soldiers ; and that the in-
troduction into the Punjaub of the British troops would
become necessary to enforce those arrangements. A
conflict would then ensue, in which discipline and good
order would soon gain the mastery over an insolent and
turbulent military rabble. There was also a sect of
religious fanatics in that country, from whose blood-
thirstiness and hatred of foreigners much evil is to be
apprehended. They are called Akbalees.

The attention of India was attracted towards the pro-
ceedings of the Governor-General, of the Commander-
in-Chief, and of the 'British troops along the Sutlej.
Some treacherous manoeuvring had been discovered at
Ferozepore, where the Lahore Government agent had
given permission for the passage over the river of am-
munition and stores surreptitiously abstracted from the

British magazines.
In Sinde tranquillity prevails. Sir Charles Napier
was at Kurrachee, and had seen the 25th Regiment Bom-
bay Native Infantry take their departure after five yeari'
service in that province. He passed a high eulogium oil
the regiment. The Bth Regiment Bombay Native In-
fantry was also about to proceed to Bombay from
Kurrachee.

An association had been formed in Sinde under the
patronage ,of Sir Charles Napier, for the collection of
statistical and historical information relative to that

province.

In Gwalior the measures adopted by Sir R. Shakes-
peare had produced the best results in the pacification of
the country.
The finances of the Nizani's Government were in the
utmost derangement, and it was feared that disturbances
would arise in that country, which would compel the
British Government to interfere.

The Madras papers mention that some slight opposi-

tion had broken out in the sirkars, for the suppression of
which the 41st Regiment was proceeding by sea to that

district.

The surrender of Serampore was effected by order
of the Danish Government on the 9th of October•
The British flag was hoisted, and the Danish rule then

; Satrrod—Thefts no change to police either- in" price or
demand. ' •

Bottles—Remain without alteration. We hear of sales of
150 gross at 18 annas, and 175 gross at 16 annas per dozen,
The latter were purchased by an European house.
EASTERN PRODUCE.

Cotton—Purchases have been made since our last to a
moderate-extent, chiefly for exportation to England. The
only change of value is in the price of Compta, which has
advanced 21,6 to 31/2 rupees per candy. The other descrip-
tions remain as before, and the market for all is firm. Thera
are reports of a serious deficiency in the crops in Guzerat.
The subjoined purchases have been reported to us :-
1,000 bales Broach and Surat, at 87 rs., at 89 per candy.
300 bales Dollerah ... 33
100 bales Compta ... 73
1,000 candies, ditto 77 at 78
Coffee—Mocha has slightly advanced iu price, and may
now be quoted at 914 to 91/2 rupees per maund. The price of
Malabar is stationary.

Elephants' Teeth) Large and middling-sized teeth have
improved in value, the former having attained the rate of
95 rs., and the latter 75 to 85 per maund. Small teeth exhibit
no alteration.

Carlamonis have still further advanced, the price of short
being now 51 to 52 rupees per maund. •
Wool—This has been arriving freely, and purchases have
been readily made at our quotations. The diminution in the
value of the Khorassan and Mekrau varieties arises from the
careless way in which they are got up, and from their being
much adulterated. The wool of Cutch and Marwar, on the
other hand, is greatly improved, and consequently fetches a
better price.

Opitim is without change, the price asked last month
11s. 1,430 per chest, being still current.

FREIGHTS.

Freight to Great Britain has hem on the decline since the
departure of the last mail, and a vessel of some burden was
not long ago let for Liverpool at 3/. per ton. 3/. 2s. 6d. at
31.55., however, is obtainable for small parcels, both for London
and Liverpool. The rate to China may be quoted at Rs. 16i
per candy.

T ''THE 'HOTTENTOTS OF AGRA
PEQUINA, &c.
(From the African Guano Tiade.)
The Hottentots are a race of small people, seldom ex-
ceeding five feet three or four inches. They are thin
and attenuated, their skin, even in the younger ones,
being shrivelled and rough. They have square counte-
nances, high cheek bones, a flat nose, deeply sunk within
the facial line, small eyes, not at all prominent, a large,
wide mouth, with the under lip generally thick. Their
teeth are dark, often decayed, and irregular. Thu it
heads are not at all intellectual. Their feet and hands,
however, are small, and beautifully formed.
When first met on the coast they evidently had been
in the habit of occasionally communicating with ships.
They invariably possessed a steel, although they had no
foreign weapons.
On first visiting them on shore they received us with
looks of the greatest apathy and indifference, evidently
waiting for the first advances to be made; they were in a
sitting posture; the weight of the thighs resting- on the
legs above the heel. It is somewhat singular that this is
the manner and attitude in which a New Zealander inva-
riably receives strangers, considering it a mark of re-
spect towards them. On approaching and shaking hands
with them they soon seemed at ease, quickly asking for
water and tobacco. They had no weapons with them,
having, as was afterwards discovered, hid them amongst
the rocks: they always have a great number of dogs.
Their women never appeared, and, during all our inter-
ccurse with them, they were rarely seen. Whether this
proceeded from a natural timidity, or arose from former
ill-treatment, it was difficult to determine. It is, how-
ever, believed to have been from the latter cause. They
seem to be capable of taking in at once a week's pro-
vision. When first met with, two of them were brought
to the vessel, and it certainly seemed as if it was impos-
sible to sati,fy them with food; and the complacency
with which they patted their stomachs, extendtd in a
most extraordinary manner, showed how much they
seemed to enjoy their feed. They were very fond of
smoking, and often asked for tobacco. When first met
with they used a wiry sort of grass, but invariably pre-
ferred tobacco.

Having one day, when two of the men were on board,
observed some others amongst the rocks at a distance in-
_ _

land, and supposing them— to be women, who, at this
time, had not been seen, the men were accompanied on
shore, from which they did not seem inclined to start.
On walking about, however, the recent foot-print of a
child was discovered, which, when pointed out to them,
seemed to agitate them considerably. Determined, if
possible, to see their dwelling, the foot-prints were fol-
lowed, the natives also coming, but evidently displeased.
About one mile from the beach two rude huts were seen,
with all their weapons and property. The women and
children, however, were gone, which seemed as much to
astonish the natives as to disappoint us. One of them
ran at once to the place where the fire had been, pushed
his hand amongst the ashes, and, feeling no heat, seemed
at once overwhelmed by passion and disappointment.
After many apparent violent expressions and gestures
he quietly sat down, filled his pipe with a wiry-looking
dried grass from a skin bag suspended from his neck,
and, smoking a few seconds, became quite excited, pre-
senting exactly the same appearance as an opium-
smoker. After the excitement his eyes, at first rolling
about like those of a maniac, became fixed, and he
tumbled over on the ground, lying for some time as if
dead.

Their language is exactly similar in sound to the Chi-
nese, being produced by the same clacking sound of the
tongue against the roof of the mouth. They, in their con.
stant intercourse with the crews of the vessels, during
two years, did not make much progress in acquiring
English. One rather intelligent fellow, who went by the
English cognomen of Pease -soup, was most easily under-
stood by words, signs, and expression; but they are cer-
tainly as much behind the South-Sea Islanders in mental
as in physical qualifications. The same Pease-Soup was
the musician of the party, having an instrument com-
posed of a piece of wood about three feet long, a piece
of hinew string, going from one end to the other, having
near one end a piece of nicely-scraped sinew, about a
quarter of an inch broad. This string being tightened
to the proper tension, he applied his lips to the piece of
sinew, and apparently with considerable exertion pro-
duced a few notes similar to the low notes of the French
horn. When listening to the music on board he seemed
much delighted, and, on one of the sailors commencing
to dance a hornpipe, he immediately joined and kept
most excellent time.

Their clothing consists simply of a skin mantel, com-
posed of the skins of various wild animals: it is tied
around the neck, and hangs loosely over the shoulders.
They have invariably a piece of skin about a foot square
suspended by a string tied around their loins. They
generally had a sort of skull-cap of skin on their heads,
which have only a little woolly hair. At times, when
prepared for a journey, they have a sort of mocassin or
skin boot.

Their weapons are bows and arrows and spears. The
bow is made of wood, about four feet in length. The
arrow is of bamboo, feathered at the inner end. At the
outer end a piece of sharpened Eon• fits into the bamboo,
one end of the bone being clear, the other poisoned with
a black, pitchy-looking substance. Their quiver gene-
rally contained about forty to fifty arrows. Their spear
is about seven feet long; the handle is made of wood, the
head invariably of steel, of native workmanship. They
possess considerable dexterity in the use of these wea-
pons. When asked where they get them they invari-
ably replied a long way off, where there were plenty
of people. They carry their supply of water in ostrich
eggs, having a small hole in one end. They had also
a supply of red ochre•looking substance, with which
and grease they occasionally smeared their bodies.
They are extremely filthy in their persons, never
washing their bodies. They seem to trust on the coast
entirely to supplies derived from it, young seals, birds,
and shell fish being the only fool they seemed to use.
They are, no doubt, induced to live on the coast from the
chance of meeting with vessels. However often they
were clothed from the vessels, they always appeared the
following day in the kaross, and must have hid the
clothes away, perhaps for the purpose of carrying with
them when they rejoin their tribe. Three or four of
them went away to the interior, travelling to the south-
eastward, and returned after an absence of about four
months. They had then with them a few roots, the
remaiLs of what they appeared to have subsisted on on
their journey, somewhat similar in appearance to the
mandioca root.

The Hottentots do not appear to have any religion, at
least, no observances of any were ever noticed among
them. Their ideas on the subject could not be ascer-
tained, from a want of the requisite knowledge of their
language.
They are extremely quiet and respectful in their de-
meanour, never attempting to touch or take anything
not given to them. No instance of dishonesty was
known on the part of any of them, and when hungry
and thirsty they have never made the least attempt to
assist themselves, until asked, although the table was
covered with food before them. On showing Pease-
soup over the steamer Thunderbolt, he seemed highly
delighted with everything, particularly the pictures,
looking•glasses, and various native weapons in Captain
Brake's cabin. On being taken to the engine-room,
however, the sight seemed completely to astonish him;
he gave a long peculiar whistle, gazing on the machinery
some time without speaking.

Earl Spencer, it is understood, will resign his ap-
pointment as Equerry to her Royal Highness the Duchess
of Kent, on account of his Lordship's accession to the peer-
age. The Noble Earl and family will shortly remove from
Alfreston to the splendid family seat, Althorp Park.
The Lord Chancellor, we are gratified to learn,
continues to improve in health and strength daily. The
Noble and Learned Lord has, however, not yet sufficiently
recovered to resume his official duties.

MILITARY OUTRAGE.— A most atrocious outrage
was perpetrated by an officer on the person of a respectable
farmer, living at Ballinc,ollig—Mr. Jeremiah Dorgan. Mr.
Dorgan observed a person on horseback to dash over the
ditch of one of his fields, and from that into a second field,
lately sown with corn—scattering about the new-sown seed
and earth, as he Spurted his horse violently through the
field. The astonished farmer pursued the daring trespasser,
and demanded his name, which was imperiously refused ; and
on Dorgan persisting to hold the bridle of the horse till its
rider consented to state his name, he was furiously struck on
the head by the officer (for such he was), who said, " Do you
want more of it?" as he again raised the whip to strike the
unoffending man. Dorgan instantly complained of the out-
rage to the commanding officer at Ballincollig on the same
day, Friday. The general was at Ballincollig, together
with Colonel Beresford, on Saturday; and the latter having
heard the fact from Dorgan oh his return to Cork, seemed
surprised 'at not having heard of it in Ballincollig. Thus it
would seem that a formal report had not been made of this
infamous outrage by the officer in command to the general.
Dorgan has placed his case in the hands of an able solicitor,
Mr. J. J. O'Brien of this city ; and we trust that this piece
of wanton brutality and military rampancy it will meet with
its due reward at the hands of twelve honest men and an
upright judge. Will there not be a court-martial held to
inquire into this ungentlemanly and most shameful conduct?
We shall see.—Cork Examiner.

RAILWAY INTELLIGENCE.—We understand that the
largest transactions,in scrip are at present confined to the
marine store-dealers, who have lately taken up this branch
of commerce with some alacrity. The placards in their win-
dows now announce, that the best price is given for Capel-
court stuff, as well as kitchen stuff. Instead of calling upon
people to look up their old rags and waste paper, they are
requested to look up their old letters of allotment and useless
scrip, for which a liberal amount will be given.—Punch.
GLASGOW PIG IRON TRADE.—DEC. 2.—This has
been a very dull week. The money pressure entirely
regulates pricesand it not only continues but increases—
the consequence will be a further depression. Several
thousand tons were offered to-day at 725. 6d. cash (say ten
days), and 1,000 tons sold at that price. Accounts from
America are more favouralbe ; and but for the distrust occa-
sioned by reported failures in this city, the above might have
been considered as a fair rate. We quote the prices to-day
at 70s. to 725. 6d. cash.— Glasgow National.
THE FORCE OF EXAMPLE.—The late forgery case,
which has lately engaged public attention at Merthyr, has
found imitators; nor are we certain, clever as the original
undoubtedly was, that the imitation is not the superior of
the two. Two well-dressed ladies, in the course of the pre-
sent week, accosted a Carmarthern carrier, who had some
dead pigs in the Crown-yard, and asked the price of this coin-
psed was
to
moditv. After a little haggling, the price of thepppeig
agreed upon, each lady agreeing to take one. Just as
the terms had been arranged, two poor women ha
come into the yard; and one of these benevolent ladies re-
marked to the dealer in swine, "That woman
Pea
be very poor. cut off the pig's head and give it to her;i I
shall notbe much the poorer." The second lady followed this
th to
up with some very humane remarks upon the badness of
the times, and the chitrity in
kindly feelings between the various
classes
ofsopcireotym,otainngd
concluded by biddinrgecetihveesiffinierchant to cut off her pig's
the ladies 'took their leave
head also. having e thanks of the poor women,
the servant," would bring informing the man that "John,
downand
settle
efocar
when they vould.return minutes,took
ittheinpigasfasavithe3,
them away. Our f •
of the cart- nen& waited long to hear the sound
wheels, alternated with the chinl • iing of the
blunt; but John had not
yet brought the cart, nor has the
owner of the headless k .
porers ever since seen the faces of
his humane customers, who, we hear, were "Chinese!"—
Cambrian, •

DREADFUL FIRE, and SUPPOSED

LOSS OF LIFE.
This morning, between twelve and one, a fire, atteuded
with a serious destruction of property, and; it is feared, fatal
consequences, to an aged female, broke out upon the pre-
mises belonging to Messrs. Cooper and Willard, boot and
shoe manufacturers, at No. 9, Bedford-place, Commercial-
road East. At the time of the outbreak there was nearly a
dozen persons in the building, the majority of them being in
their beds asleep. One of the lodgers first discovered the
lire. His attention was arrested by hearing a noise resem-
bling the fall of some heavy substance in the lower part
of the premises. lie endeavoured to extinguish the flames,
but he soon found that lie was unable, and he hastened to
the tipper part of the dwelling to arouse his wife and the
rest of the inmates. Scarcely had he got into the
apartment that he had but a few seconds before quitted
than flames and smoke shot up the staircase with such
rapidity as to cut off escape by the regular means. He suc-
ceeded in procuring a rope, which ha fastened round the waist
of his wife, and managed to lower her out of one of the
upper windows. Several of the other parties living in the
place were not so fortunate, and to escape being burnt they
were forced to resort to numerous expedients. One of the
females threw her infant out of the window, and pitching
upon the window blind the canvas gave way, and the child
fell through, but was fortunately caught in the arms of a
spectator, and received no personal injury. Several other
parties effected their escape by leaping from the upper
casements just as the flames were breaking through the
front window-shutters and extending nearly half across
the carriage -road. Tile light thus thrown out caused the
fire to be perceived from the various metropolitan bridges.
Several engines were soon on the spot, and succeeded in pre-
venting the fire fromtextending to the contiguous buildings,
and by a quarter-past two o'clock the conflagration was sub-
dued. At that time, the whole of the stock in trade be-
longing to Messrs. Cooper and Co. was destroyed, and the
furniture of the lodgers consumed. For a considerable time
it was feared that a bedridden female, eighty years of age,
named Lea, had perished, she having been in bed at the
time of the outbreak, on the first floor. After much inquiry,
(our reporter having seen most of the parties upon the pre-
mises, who were at the period lodged in the building), it
appeared too likely that the poor woman had perished, as not
the slightest tidings could be heard of her. As to the origin
of tLe disaster, or whether or not any of the sufferers were
insured, we were unable to learn during the excitement which -
',revelled.

THE BANKING ALMANAC, DIRECTORY,
AND BANKER'S YEAR BOOK FOR 1846.
In addition to the Calendar, and the usual intelligence
c( ntained :in almanacs, this Directory contains a Digest
of Banking and Commercial Law ; a list of new rail-
ways passed during the session of 184 i, with estimates
of cost, the capital stock, the amount authorised to be
borrowed, and the length of each line ; a Banking Di-
rectory, of a comprehensive description, extending to 72
pages; a classification of the fundholders, savings' banks,
and a great variety of information connected with com-
mercial enterprise. It gives also lists of the Members
of the two Houses of Parliament, P•rth their addresses ;
lists of London and provincial stockbrokers, and of Life
Assurance Offices, date of establishment, rates of pre-
mium, &c., and altogether will be found a most useful
book of reference to persons engaged in business.

BODY OF A CHILD FOUND IN THE RlVER.—Yester-
day forenoon Mr. W. Baker held an inquest at the Town of
Ramsgate, Wapping, on the body of a new-born female child,
which was found dead in the river, near Execution Dock
Stairs, on Monday morning last. It was wrapped up in a
piece of black merino, and appeared to have been in the
water only a few hours. It was brought ashore to Mr. Rees,
a surgeon, who examined it, and who gave it as his opinion
that it had been born alive, There were no marks of external
violence, and he was unable to say what was the cause of
death. Verdict—" Found dead in the river."
PARISH OF ST. MARY, ISLINGTON.--LaSt night a
numerous vestry meeting of the parish of Islington was held
in the church, for the purpose of making a rate for two
quarters of a year, from Michaelmas to Lady-day next, for
the maintenance of the poor, for payment of the annuities
granted for raising moneys to build the chapel of ease, &c.,
&c. The sum required was about 18,1401, including
3,1991. ss. 9d. police-rate, 1,5001. county and lunatic asylum,
3,5001. for the highway, &c. The account having been pre-
sented, the Various rates were made upon the rental of
223,9511., amounting to Is. 4d. in the pound.
A London engineer, who visited Taunton last
week, publicly offered 300/. for the services of a surveyor ac-
quainted with the locality, for ten day!.
An experimental iron carriage is now running on
one of the Belgian lines, and it is believed that eventually
it will be found better and cheaper than wood.
FIRE AT BROXSTOWE.HALL, NEAR NOTTINGHAM.
.—NOTTINGHAM, THURSDAY, 3 p.m.—A fire broke out to
day, at half- past twelve o'clock at noon, in the midst of the
stack-yard at Broxstowe-hall, three miles from the town of
Nottingham, which, owing to an early discovery after the
flames had made their appearance, was prevented doing
extensive damage. It Is supposed to be the work of an in-
cendiary.

CITY OF LONDON GENERAL rENSION
On Thursday a spec;al general meeting of the subscribers to
this Institution was held at the offices of the Society, 65,
Coleman-street, to take into consideration the alteration of
the 31st rule of the Society, which requires that the whole
of the life subscriptions and donations should be invested in
the Funds, the effect of such rule, as it then stood, being
found to prevent the Directors from granting to poor, ne-
cessitous, and deserving pensioners the full amount to which
it had been the understood and desired intention of the
Society they should receive, as also to increase the number
of feniale pensioners to the same at the male; Luke James
Hansard, Esq., in the chair. Mr. John Bedford moved a
resolution, which was seconded by Mr. Borne, to the effect
that one-half only of the life subscriptions and donations
should be invested in the Funds, which was carried unani-
mously. Mr. Smith moved a resolution, seconded by Mr.
Cutler, to the effect that the Society should be enabled to
grant pensions to the same number of females as males, in-
stead of half, as the laws then stood. The resolution was
carried. Thanks having been voted to the Chairman, the
meeting separated.

A variety of rumours have been current in political
circles with respect to the movements and intentions of the
Ministry. It is confidently said that at the Cabinet Council
on Wednesday, Sir Robert Peel intimated that if his col-
leagues refused to support a proposition for the total and im-
mediate repeal of the corn-laws, he should feel it necessary to
resign office. This intimation is said to have overcome the
opposition of the Duke of Wellington, who, at length, gave
his reluctant assent to the Premier's proposition. It is said
that the resolution of the majority of the Cabinet is likely to
lead to the resignation of at least three of its members--
Lords Wharnclitre, Stanley, and Ripon. The name of Lord
lladdington has also been mentioned as one of the probable
seceders. It has been remarked that the first intimation
which her Majesty will receive of the intentions of her
Ministers will be through the columns of an Opposition news-
paper. This is highly respectful.—Chronicle.
The Acadia steam-ship left Liverpool for Halifax
and Boston yesterday afternoon. She takes out the mails
fur Canada and the United States, and a large number of
passengers. _ _

GALLOPING MATCII AGAINST TlMM—Yesterday
afternoon a galloping match against time, for a stake of one
hundred pounds, came off on Sunbury-common; Mr. Can-
non, a farmer of Maidenhead, having backed his horse, nine
years old, and a little more than fifteen hands high, to gallop
twenty miles within , the hour. Time was backed by Mr.
Poulton, meat salesman, of Smithfield. An immense number
of persons were present to witness the match ; and some very
heavy bets were depending on the issue of the event. The
distance gone over was five miles out and five miles in. The
first ten miles were run in a shade over half an hour, which
appeared to the knowing ones (and those supposed to be in
the secret) to be anything but winning. The result was that
the horse lost by a minute and thirty-five seconds. The
horse, throughout the twenty miles, and up to the finish, ap-
peared to be not in the least distressed, in fact the jockey was
far more distressed than the nag. It is supposed that the
horse, with a lighter weight:upon its back, and under more
favourable circumstances, would have gained a comparatively
easy victory. A gentleman of Windsor, well known in the
sporting circle, has offered to back the horse to the amount of
one hundred pounds, to perform the same distance within the
hour, provided he has the horse in his possession for a certain
time before the match comes off.
CURIOUS ROBBERY BY ONE OF THE CREW OF THE
TORY.—On Wednesday evening, during the inquiry into the
case of Captain Johnstone, late master of the Tory, a curious
robbery was committed under somewhat singular circum-
stances. Amongst the witnesses examined on Wednesday
was a woman named Blewitt. It seems that Blewitt, though
a married woman, with a husband still living, had contracted
an intimacy with Dunn during the voyage, and determined
to make him her " second" in despite of the laws against
bigamy. Having to appear with her as a witness on Wed-
nesday's inquiry, she resolved that her intended should show
to the greatest advantage, and to that end she rigged, him
out in " spick and span new" toggery, and they went arm-
and-arm to the Court. On the way she handed him the key
of her apartment, of the contents of which he was, no doubt,
well aware, for better security, fearing she should be flurried
whilst giving her evidence. With the natural curiosity of
her sex, Mrs. Blewitt, conceiving that she was the heroine
of the; piece, stood out the whole performance, but Dunn,
as soon as he quitted the witness-box, hastened to Mrs.
Blewitt's apartment, and abstracted as much from her desk
as will, when apprehended, qualify him for a prominent ap-
pearance in the dock. Mrs. Blewitt, on missing her gallant
escort, whom she expected to find in the opposite public-
house, had sundry misgivings. and hastening to her lodgings,
discovered that her faithless swain had anticipated her visit,
forced her desk, abstracted 20/., and bolted. She gave instant
information at the Denmark-street station-house, when it
was ascertained Dunn had set sail for Liverpool.
THE EDINBURGH MEETlNG.—Edinburgh, though
rather tardy, has done its duty to, the cause of corn-law re-
peal in capital style. The meeting yesterday, of which we
have given a very full report, was in numbers, respectability,
able
there and
was excellent
none
and enthusiasm, everything that the most zealous repealer
couklfr. Rutherford,desireu. The speeches, especially those of Mr. Macaulay
and Rutherford, told with immense effect, and were
perhaps many
ne cheered red
who to
werethe echo.enthe
Amploantgfornithe,
whose appearance there so much gratified the audience
that of Sir Charles Napier. The burst of applause
saluted him before he had uttered a which
word, told how much the
inhabitants of Edinburgh were delighted
to see their distin-
guished townsman, whose chivalrous valour
with his fame, taking his placehas filled Europe
among the champions of free-
trade and cheap bread. The capital of
Scotland has thus
joined the other great towns of the empire—Birmingham,
Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield,
Nottingham, Stockport, Brad-
ford, Bolton, Preston, Newcastle, Liverpool, and Glasgow, and
many smaller burghs—in denouncing the corn-laws as " the
blight of commerce, the bent of agriculture,-the source of
Litter divisions among 'classe.
the cause of penury, fever,
mortality, and crime among the_people.'!--Scetsman.
CALEDONIAN ASYLUM.—The Quarterly General
Court of this Corporation was held yesterday, at the hall of
the Scottish Hospital, Crane-court, Fleet-street, for the tran-
saction of business. The 'Chisholm took the chair, supported
by General Sir Fitzroy M'Lean, George Lindsay, Esq., Alex-
ander Gillespie, jun., Esq., Captain Charles Forbes, and other
old friends of the institution. The proceedings of the Direc-
tors, in reference to the management of the asylum for the
last six months, with a single exception, were confirmed. It
appeared that the examination of the children had been con-
ducted by the two presbyteries of the Scottish Church con-
jointly—the presbytery in connexion with the Established
Church, and that belonging to the Free Church. They had
separately furnished reports of the educational progress of
the children. These documents were read. They were both
extremely favourable, and concluded by commending the
charity to public consideration. A vote of thanks had been
passed to I'. M. Stewart, Esq., M.P., for making over to the
funds, in the name of the Ladies Patronesses of the Caledo-
donian Ball, the whole proceeds of that re-union, amounting
to about 7001. The resignation of Sir Augustus D'Este, from
increasing infirmities, was mentioned and deeply regretted.
Fourteen children were elected, and there remained sixteen
strong cases on the paper unprovided for. Vacancies were
announced for six boys and four girls at the next half-yearly
election.