The Sun.
London, England, 1845-03-03 00:00:00

V7OOl. ZWARBI3T.

Only about 1,000 bales of Wool have been imported during the
past week. Although there is only a moderate amount of business
passing in Foreign and Colonial Wools, prices may be considered
about stationary. English Wools are in better request, and, in some
instances, higher rates have been obtained by the holders, arising from
the oomparatively small stocks on hand.

HORRIBLE DISCOVERT.—On Saturday much ex-
citement prevailed at Kensington, in consequence of the
bodies of two newly-born infants having been found within
100 yards of each other, and one of them in the common
sewer. It appears that for some days past the drain in Sad-
broke-place, Notting-hill, having been stopped up,informa-
tion of the fact was conveyed on Friday to the parochial
authorities, who gave orders for the discovery and removal
of the cause. Accordingly some labourers repaired thither,
and after digging to the sewer, r ere horrified at finding the
impediment to be the dead body of a female child, with only
one arin, the missing one having evidently been gnawed
away by rats, which vermin had also frightfully disfigured
other parts of the body. The deceased infant was imme-
diately taken to the workhouse, and shortly afterwards, as a
labouring man, residing at Notting-hill, was passing through
a street leading to Ladbroke-square, he saw something
wrapped up in a white rag, lying in the middle of the road.
In hopes he had found a prize, he took it up, when, on open-
ing the wrapper, he saw the body of a male infant, quite
dead. That was also carried to the workhouse, where both
await an inquest, beforo which taking place, no doubt, it will
be ascertained whether or not either was born alive.
We understand that the situation of Collector of
Customs at Dartmouth, having become vacant by the
death of Mr. Brooking, the office will be filled by Mr.
NtoOdy, now Comptroller Of the Customs at Portsmouth.

MONEY and COMMERCIAL NEWS.
CITY, QUARTER TO THREE.
The Cotton market at Liverpool was very buoyant again
on Saturday. Prices were firm. Sales 11,000 to 12,000
bales, including about 5,000 on speculation.—There was a
firm market for Shares, and the good lines had an upward
tendency. Caledonian, 7% 7 ; Chester and Holyhead, 8 ;
Dublin and Cashel, 12 11% ; Eastern Counties, 17% 18 ;
Edinburgh and Glasgow, 64 ; Lancaster and Carlisle, 313 ;
Liverpool and Manchester, New, 563,!, ; London and Bir-
mingham, 231 ; Ditto and Brighton, 60% 61%; Manchester
and Birmingham, 67% 681/., • Midland Counties, 127 128 ;
Newcastle and Berwick, 14N'% ; Preston and Wyre, 251%;
Sheffield and Manchester, 1041,4 ; Shrewsbury and Grand
Junction, 61% ; South-Eastern, iCew, No. 1, 17% ; Ditto,
No. 2, 1114; Trent Valley, 20% 1,4 ; Lyons and Avignon,
2/. 9s. ; Paris and Rouen, 43% ; Northern of France,
51. 165., 6/. 17s. 6d. There was nothing of interest in the City
to-day as regards news.
The market fbr Stocks has been firm, but rather quiet
to-day. The report of the Paris Bourse shows that there
was a good deal of buoyancy there on Saturday ; and it
would appear that the French Ministry is considered safer.
Consols have been 991,2 to 997 for present transfer, and 100
to 100% for the 17th of April. The Unfunded Debt is
better supported, the premium having been 62a. to 635.
East India Bonds are 725. premium. The New Three-and-
a- Quarter per Cents. obtain 103% to 103%, and the Three
per Cents. 100 to 10014. Bank Stock has been steady at
212 to 213. Long Annuities are 12 1-16.
The Foreign Securities, notwithstanding the limited extent
of the operations entered into, have been all firm. Spanish
Five per Cents. have realised 281/t 1,4, and the Three per
Cents 41 to 41%. Portuguese Converted have been 6114,
Mexican have realised 3614 to 36%, Brazilian 87, and Buenos
Ayres 4314. Dutch Two and-a-Half per Cents. are 6314, and
the Four per Cents. 991,4.
Shares generally are buoyant to-day. Brighton and South-
Eastern are higher, owing to the reported amalgation of the
two, the latter being guaranteed a high rats of interest.
Churnet Valley are not so good. French lines are rising.
ONE CLOSING
PRICES OF BRITISH FUNDS. O'CLOCK. PRICES.
Bank Stock

3 per Cent. Reduced
3 per Cent. Consols ......
New 3% per Cents
Long Annuities to expire Jan. 1860 12 1-16 12%
:Ditto 30 years, Oct. 10, 1859 — ll%
s
Ditto 30 years, Jan. 5, 1860
India Bonds, 1,0001
Ditto under 1,0001.. .. . 72 72
South Sea Stock
- -

Ditto New Annuities
Consols for Account.... ......
Exchequer Bills, 1,000/., 110 62 63 pm. 65
Ditto 5001. .
Ditto Small
Ditto Advertised 6l 62 pm. 62
ONE CLOSING
O'CLOCK. PRICES.

87

PRICES OF FOREIGN FUNDS.
Brazilian Bonds
Ditto, New, 1829 and 1839 87
Buenos Ayres Bonds, 6 per Cent 43M
Mexican, 5 per Cent. 1837 36%
Ditto, Account 36M%
Ditto, Deferred —
Portuguese Bonds, 5 per Cent
' Ditto Converted
Spanish 5 per Cent. 1840.
Ditto, Account 28141/
Ditto, Passive
Ditto, Deferred
Ditto 3 per Cent.
Ditto, Account
Dutch, 2% per Cent
0N414114E O'CLOCK. CLOSING
Ditto, 4 per Cent.,;
ACleDr.tifici.T..
PRICES OF
RAILWAY SHARES PRICES,
Birming. and Gloucesterloo 1331/ 134 135
Bristol and Exeter
Ditto New.... . ......... 2 ...... 51/2
Bristol and Gloucester... 30 ...... 59
Caledonian
Cambridge and Lincoln 1% 3M 31/2
Chester and Holyhoad... 5
Chichester and Brighton 5
Chumet Valley
Cornwall
Direct Northern
Dublin and Belfast June. 2% 5%
Dublin and Galway..... 211/ 3
Dublin and Mullingar... 2% 2
Eastern Counties 141. 165..... 17'7
Eastern Union lO .. ... 19 20
Ditto Extension
Edinburgh and Glasgow 50
Ditto, New Quarters.. 21/ ...... —1 ... ••
Ditto, Quarter Shares 1.2%.•.... 15% 16
Great South. and West.
(Ireland)
Great North of England..loo l-
- New 5
Great Western BO
Ditto % Shares 5O ...... •-•-:
Guildford, Farn'm,Ports 214 ..• ..
Harwich
Hull and Gainsborough 1% 2M%
Hull and Selby 5O
Ditto Quarter Shares 121/2......
Do. Half Shares
Lancaster and Carlisle
London and Birminghm (Stock) 232 ...
London and Blackwall. 16/. 13s 4d 7M%
London and Brighton... 50 65% 64 % 65641/2N
Ditto Consolidated Bth 50
London and Croydon, 131. 15s. 9d. 19M
London and S. Western 41/6310d 79% 90
Do. New consolidated Bths 6 ...... 28
Ditto New 2l
London and York 2% 7
Lynn and Ely 2% s4.
Manchester and Leeds... 73
Ditto % Shares 32 :64
Manchester and Birmin. 40 ...67% 9 814 ...
Ditto Quarters
Midland 100 ......12730
Ditto New 2 .. .. 98% 9%
Midlandßirm and Derby 100
Newcastle and Darling-
ton Junction .. ,24 ....•. 4710 8% 7
Do. New Brandling... 10
Newcastle and Berwick 11
Newark and Sheffield ... 1% 2 ... .....
North British
Ditto, New ......... ..... 1
Rugby, Worstr, & Tring 1
Shrews., Wolverhamp.,
Dudley, and Birm 21,4. .... 4N%
South Eastern & Dover 33l 2s 4d... 4314
south
Ditto,DDitto,i
t io
WalesNNN o.
00..21 8
3.
2
2214 9
51/‘
Trent Valley 2 ...... 20% M
Yarmouth and Norwich. 20
Ditto, New 8
York and North Midland 50
Ditto, Selby
Ditto Extension IM .; .... 151,4 14% 15M-
FRENCH RAILWAYS.
Boulogne and Amiens 2 11(2)10V
Bordeaux and Toulouse 2
Great North. of France.. 4
Lyons and Avignon 2
Orleans and Vierzon ... 2 ...... 17 /2
Orleans and Bordeaux... 2
t'aris and Lyons
Paris and Orleans
Paris and Rouen ..
Paris and Strasbourg ... 2
Rouen and Havre l 4
Strasbourg and Bale ... 14
Tours and Nantes 1
JOINT STOCK BANKS.

363/4
1676

2 8 IA
63/4

407 i
631,‘

-
58%

814
5%

1%

17%
19
43/1
5%

14%

Australasia
London Joint Stock..... 10

791/2
....
12%

9%
96

143/4
3

5%
263/4

60/,
15%
11%

MANCHESTER STOCK EXCHANGE, MARCH I.—We have
had a steady market, and prices close more firmly. A
moderate business has been done at the following quotations :
—Eastern Counties, 17%; London and Brighton, 60% 61,
ex new and ex div. ; Manchester and Leeds, Half Shares, 60 ;
Manchester and Birmingham, 67 ex div. ; Ditto, Quarter
Shares, 1214 if ex div. ; Midland Railway, 40/. Shares, 814;
Preston and Wyre, 251,E 1 ; Sheffield and Manchester,
Quarter Shares, 13 ; Barnsley, Junction, Half Shares, 3%
3-16 ; Birkenhead, Manchester, and Cheshire Junction, 8% ;
Blackburn, Burnley, and Accrington, 5 ; Cambridge and
Lincoln, 3%; Churnet Valley, 7 6%; Great Grimsby and
Sheffield Junction, 234 ; Huddersfield and Manchester Rail-
way and Canal, 5%; Huddersfield and Sheffield Junction,
4 9-16; Leeds and Thirsk, ; Liverpool, Ormskirk, and
Preston, 3% ; London and York, 7% ; Manchester and Bux-
ton, 3% ; Newark and Sheffield, 2%; Manchester Fire and
Life Assurance, 11%.

LLOYD'S SHIPPING.-(THIS DAY.)

LONDON, MAucl3.—Wind S.W., light breeze. It has
rained hard at times since dawn, and continues. _

SOUTHAMPTON, MARCH I.—Arrd. Great Liverpool steamer,
Alexandria. Sld. Medway steamer, West Indies; Duke of
Cornwall, Constantinople.
DEAL, MARCH I.—Wind S. E. by E. to E.S.E., moderate.
—2. N.E. to N.N.E.—Arrd. Active of Bremen, River Plate
for Bremen ; Helena, Last, Porto Cabello, for Hamburgh.
Sld. 2. Kyle, Calcutta; Mary Stuart, Cape of Good Hops;
Brisk, St. Domingo ; City of Rochester, Galveston ; Northum-
berland, New York ; Robert Heddle, Cape Coast Castle.
OFF BEAUTY HEAD, FRB. 27.--Victoria, Dyke, Arica for
Hamburgh.
DOVER, MARCH 2.—Wind E.S.E., fine.—Arrd. Active,
Beckmann, Bathurst for Bremen.
FALMOUTH, MARCH 2.—Sld. Cornwall, Aden. Arrd.
Naiad, London for Cape de Verde; Adolphus Yates, Moore,
Ichaboe, sailed from Madeira 4th ult.; Highland Lad, Yar-
mouth for Bristol, with cargo shifted.
OFF THE WIGHT, FEE. 27.—Washington, Mauritius.
PonTsmomr, MARCH I.—Wind E.S.E. 2. N.N.E.—
Arrd. 1. Napoleon, Bendixen, Rio, for Hamburgh. Sid.
Her Majesty's steamer Dee, ork. 2. Her Majesty's ship
Skylark, Liverpool.
DARTMOUTH, MARCH 2.—Wind N.—Arrd. 1. Agilis, Lon-
don, for Leghorn, loss of bulwarks, &c., having been in con-
tact on the night of the 27th ult. two miles off Dungeness.
SHEERNESS, FEB. 28.—The Apollo, Silley, from Dart-
mouth to London, struck on the Nore Sand to-day and filled ;
she has since burst, and her cargo of potatoes are drifting
out; crew saved.

LIVERPOOL, MARCH I.—Wind S.S.E., fresh. 2. N., light.
—Arrd. Young England, Fretwell, Ichaboe ; Parthenon,
Woodbury, and Scotland, Merryman, New Orleans ; Kate
Thom, Newton, St. John's, New Brunswick. 2. Peru,
Bateson, Madras; United Kingdom, Tuelon, Bombay; Midas
and Stour, Ichaboe ; Franconia, Huron, and Solon, New
Orleans ; Alabama, Apalachicola ; Tartar, Lockwood, and
Susquehannah, Charleston; Emigrant, St. John's, New
Brunswick. Sid. I. Panthea, Calcutta ; Agricola, Bombay ;
Tamerlane, New Orleans ; Crown and Pactolus, Mobile ;
Othello, Charleston. 2. Ceserea, Buenos Ayres ; Pacific,
New York ; Cairo, Boston. A vessel, supposed English, and
which appeared to have been ashore and lightened, was seen
at anchor 26th January, off Gun Key light, with wreckers
alongside. The Huskisson, hence to Africa, has put back,
with loss of rudder, iron, &c., having been ashore off Point
Lynas.

-Plasmic, Fun. 28.—Wind S.S.E.—Arrd. Circassian, Store
Canton.

CORK, FEB. 28.—Wind E.S.E., fresh.-51d. Zephyr, Bar-
badoes ; New City of Cork, Trinidad.
STROMNEB3, FEB. 24.—51e1. Waterloo, Ichaboe.
ABEHDEE,I, FEB. 27.—S1d. Supply, Ichaboe.
SHIELDS, MAncn I.—Arrd. Susan, Cant, Ichaboe; Ro-
sanna, Patrick, with guano, from the Halifax Islands.
"" HULL, MAncif E.S.E.—Arrd. Rolla, Ichaboe.
THE PIRATES IN THE MEDITERRANEAN.
The vessels reported to have been seen (and supposed to
be piratical) by the Spanish vessel " Sorpresa," which put
back to Cadiz a short time since, are reported to be three
Portuguese Revenue cruisers.

TRI4I SUN, LONDON, MONDAY EVENING, MARCH 3, 1845.

FIRST REPORT from the SELECT
COMMITTEE ON RAILWAY BILLS.
MARTIS ll° DIE FEBRUARII, 1845.
Ordered,—That a Select Committee be appointed to inquire into
the best mode of constituting Committees on railway Bills in the
present session of Parliament, and of the most expedient manner
in which Railway Bills, having relation to similar objects, may be
brought under the consideration of the same Committee.
And a Committee was appointed of—
Lord Granville Somerset Mr. Greene
Sir George Grey Mr. Ewart
Mr. Gladstone Mr. Colquhoun
Mr. Wallace Mr. Shaw
Mr. Strutt Mr. Hodgson Hinde
Viscount Howick Mr. Pakington
Lord Harry Vane The O'Conor Don.
Mr. Estcourt
Prdered,—That the Committee have power to send far persons,
papers, and records.
Ordered,—That five be the quorum of the Committee.
TENRRIS, 280 DIE FERUARII, 1845.
Ordered,—That the Committee have power to report their
opinion from time to time to the House.
REPORT.
The Select Committee appointed to inquire into the best mode of
constituting Committees on Railway Bills in the present sea.
Mon of Parliament, and of the most expedient manner in
which railway Bills, having relation to similar objects may be
brought under the consideration of the same Committee; and
who were empowered to report from time to time to the House,
have considered the matters to them referred, and have agreed
to the following resolutions :-
1. That a Committee of five Members be appointed, to be called
the Classification Committee of Railway Bills, and that three be
the quorum of such Committee.
2. That copies of all railway Bills presented to the House, and
a list of all projected railways, of which plans and sections have
been deposited in the Private Bill-office, he laid before the said
Committee, together with all reports and minutes of the Board of
Trade upon such projected railways, which shall have been laid,
or which shall from time to time be laid, before the House.
3. That the Committee of Classification shall farm into groups .
all railway Bills er projects which, in their opinion, it would be ex-
pedient to submit to the same Committee.

4. That Committees on railway Bills during the present session
of Parliament shall be composed of a Chairman and four Mem-
bers, to be appointed by the Committee of Selection.
5. That each Member of a Committee on a railway Bill or Bills
shall, before he be entitled to attend and vote on such Committee,
sign a declaration that his constituents have no local interest, and
that he himself has no personal interest for or against any Bill or
project referred to him; and no such Committee shall proceed to
business until the whole of the Members thereof shall have signed
such declaration.
6. That the promoters of a railway Bill shall be prepared to go
into the Committee on the Bill on such a day as the Committee of
Selection shall, subject to the order that there be seven clear days
between the seeond reading of every private Bill and the sitting of
the Committee thereupon, think proper to appoint, provided that
the Classification Committee shall have reported on such Bill.
7. That the Committee of Selection shall not appoint an earlier
day for the first meeting of the Committee on any group of Bills
than the twenty-sixth day after the presentation to the House of
the reports et the Board of Trade en all railway projects included
in such group, unless all the petitions for Bills relating to such
projects shall have been sooner presented.
8. That the Committee of Selection shall give sacs Member net
less than fourteen days' notice of the week in which it will be ne-
cessary for him to be in attendance for the purpose •f serving, if
required, on a Railway Bill Committee.
9. That the Committee of Selection shall nive eaoh Member a
sufficient notice of his appointment as a Member of a Committee en
a railway Bill, and shall transmit to him a copy of the fifth resolu-
tion, and a blank form of the declaratiqi therein required, with a
request that he will forthwith return it to those properly filled up
and signed.

10. That if the Committee of Se!Wien shall not within due time
receive from each such Member the aforesaid declaration, or an
excuse which they shall deem sufficient, they shall report to the
House the name of such defaulting Member.
11. That the Committee of Selection shall have the power of
substituting, at any time before the first meeting of a Committee,
another Member for a Member whom they shall deem it proper to
excuse front serving on that Committee.

12. That power be given to the Committee of Selection to send
for persons, papers, and records, in the execution of the duties im.
posed on them by the foregoing resolutions.
13. That no Member of a Committee shall absent himself from
his duties on such Committee, unless in the case of sickness, or by
leave of the House.

14. That if the Chairman shall be absent from the Committee
the Member next in rotation on the list (who shall be present) shal
act as Chairman.

15. That Committees shall be allowed to proceed so long as
three Members shall be present, but uot with a less nuraber, unless
by special leave of the House.

16. That if on any day within one hour after the time ap.
pointed for the meeting of a Committee three Members shall not be
present, the Committee shall be adjourned to the same hour on
the next day on which the House shall sit which had been fixed
for that day.

17. That in the ea*e of a Member not being present within one
hour after the time appointed for the meeting of the Committee, or
of any Member absenting himself from the duties on such Com-
mittee, such Member shall be reported in the House at its next
sitting.

18. That each Committee shall be appointed to meet on each
day at its sitting, not later than twelve o'clock, unless by the re.
gular vote of the Committee.

10. That parties promoting railway projects which have been
grouped together by the Classification Committee, shall be per-
mitted to appear before the Cemmitte !en a railway Bill belong.
ing to such group, and to offer evidence either against the Bill im-
mediately under the consideration of the Committee, or in sup.
port of their own projects.

20. That in Committees en a Bill or Bills, when such evidence
has been given, it shall be within the competency of a CuminMee
to adjourn their proceedings until the Bill or Bills for such other
projects shall be before them, care being taken by the Committee
of Selection that In all such eases the Bills for the se opposing pro-
jects shall be referred to the Committee by which the first Bill or
Bills had been considered.

21. That as soon as the Committee of Classification shall have
determined what railway Bills or projects are to be grouped toge-
ther, they shall report the same to the House, and all petitions
. .

. .
againct any of the said Ellis or projects shall be presented to the
House three clear days before the meeting of the Committee
thereon.

22. That the Committee on a group of railway Bills or projects
shall hear, so far as may be necessary, parties appearing in support
of stash petitions, so as to receive without interruption the whole
of the evidence on the general merits of the Bills or projects before
them, and also on the details of the Bill or project, or Bills or
projects, which they shall be of opinien ought to be adopted, in

order that if the Committee should consider that a Bill or Bills

not yet read a second time at the time of the inquiry ought to be
preferred, they may be enabled, when that Bill or Bills shall be

formally committed, to dispense with receiving any further evidence,
and to confine their proceeding, to making such amendments in the

clauses as their previous investigation may have shown Si be no.

cessary.

February 28b 1446

SWITZERLAND.

The following dispatch from Lord Aberdeen to Mr. Morier,
Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of her
Britannic Majesty in Switzerland, is given by the Con-
stittfitionnel "Foreign-office, Feb. 11.
" Sir,—Your dispatches respecting the eventa.which have
lately occurred In Switzerland, and which depict the agitated
situation of certain cantons, have attracted the serious atten-
tion of her Majesty's Government. Although the contents of
these dispatches have deeply grieved her Majesty's Govern-
ment, it does not, however, think itself called on to pro-
nounce a judgment on the cause-s that may have brought
about sucn a state of things. Its respect for the inde-
pendent sovereignty of the cantonal Governments would,
in fact, at all times, prevent her Majesty's Government
from offering any counsel or opinion that might per-
mit it to be believed that it had any desire to
interfere in the domestic affairs of Switzerland. At the
same time, her Majesty's Government cannot but feel appre.
hensive that a prolongation of the present agitation may
eventually be the cause of consequences to the Confederation,
the possibility of which is regarded by her Majesty's Go-
vernment with so much the greater solicitude, that they ap-
pear to have escaped attention, or to have been treated as of
little importance by the parties engaged in the unfortunate
dissensions which at present appear to threaten the dissolu-
tion of the federal band. The consequences to which I
allude are those which might affect the international rela-
tions between Switzerland and the rest of Europe, such as
they are defined by general decrees and by the treaties
which have guaranteed to the Swiss confederation, consti-
tuted by the existing federal compact, the advantages of
perpetual neutrality, and of territorial independence. It is
evident that the destruction of this compact, no matter by
what means, or by the fault of what party in Switzerland,
it might be effected, would sooner or later generate the ne-
cessity of re-constituting the Helvetic body under some
other form, which, in order to obtain a legal position in the
general political system in Europe, would require the formal
assent of the Powers which took part in the act of the 20th
of November, 1815, by which it was declared that the neu-
trality and inviolability of Switzerland, and her independence
from all foreign influence, are for the true interests of the policy
of the whole of Europe. So difficult a result as that of the re-
cognition by the rest of Europe of a new Switzerland could
not be obtained but through complications probably preju-
dicial to the dearest interest of the cantons, and which would
necessarily invo:ve the intervention of the foreign Powers.
Her Majesty's Government is not ignorant with what aversion
such an intervention would be viewed by the Swiss of all par-
ties, and it entirely appreciates the patriotic sentiment with
which this manner of regarding the matter inspires them. It
is on this account, and looking at the eventuality of such re-
sults for Switzerland, that her Majesty's Government feels
most anxious that the cantonal Governments, in the examina-
tion of the questions which are at present agitated in their
country, should lay aside all considerations foreign from the
general interests, permanent well-being, and tranquillity of
the confederation, and that, bearing in mind their duty towards
their common country, their federal obligations, and the
grave responsibility which weighs on each of them towards its
respective population, they should. by means of mutual good
will and concession, aid the federal Directory in obtaining a
solution of these questions, in the legal forms prescribed by
the compact, and not by the employment of violent or anar-
chical means. Her Majesty's Government recognises the re-
spect which is due to the free decisions of a sovereign state in
matters regarding exclusively its own well-being and domes-
the policy ; but, whatever advantages it may be hoped to
gather from certain measures, they could scarcely counter-
balance the acknowledged inconveniences of civil commotions
and dissensions, and of a foreign intervention, which would
be the necessary consequence. The sincere and friendly
interest which the Britannic Government has always taken in
the welfare of Switzerland, and the relations which result
from the position of Great Britain with regard to the con-
federation, as one of the parties that took part in the act
which guaranteed the independence of Switzerlfind, at the
same time that they justify the solicitude with which her
Majesty's Government awaits the end of the present agita-
tion, impose on it the duty to endeavour to call the serious
attention of the Swiss, of all parties and all opinions, to the
too probable consequences of a further continuance of such a
state of things. You are, in consequence, authorised to com-
municate this dispatch to the President of the federal
Directory, and to give a copy of it, if you think flt, to his
Excellency. It is also permitted to you to make known the
views of her Majesty's Government wherever you suppose
that the expression of them can be advantageous to the
interests of Switzerland. "ABERDEEN."

RESIGNATION OF MR. HIGGS, DEFUTY-CORONER
FOR WEsnimszEn.—ln the course of an inquiry that took
place on Saturday, which was of no public importance, Mr.
Higgs stated that, after fulfilling the duties of Deputy-Co-
roner for the city and liberties of Westminster for a period
of twenty-eight years, his health now compelled him to re-
sign that office ; and, although be should still continue to
hold the Crown coronership for the Duchy of Lancaster, the
inquisitions for Westminster would, in future, be taken by
Mr. Bedford, of the firm of Vincent and Bedford, whom Mr.
Gill had selected to succeed him.
A chimney-sweep, eight years old, was suffocated
at Bridgenorth, on Friday last, whilst ascending a chimney.
He bad not got up more than two yards before he com-
plained and wanted to come down, but had not the power.
A young man, named John Piper, who accompanied the
boy and sent him up the chimney, has been committed by
the coroner frrmaaglaughtvr.

CHESTER AND HOLYHEAD
RAILWAY.

MONTHLY SUMMARY OF THE
MONEY MARKET.

The usual half-yearly General Meeting of the Share-
holders in the Chester and Holyhead Railway, was held
on "Wednesday, at the Office in Moorgate-street ; Mr. W.
R. Collett, M.P., Chairman of the Board of Directors, in
the Chair.
The minutes of the last half-yearly meeting having
been read and confirmed,
The CITAIRMAN said he would pursue the plan which
had been generally adopted at most railway meetings
of introducing the report with a few preparatory re-
marks. The report which would be read to them was
of so explicit a nature that it would render it unneces-
sary for him to detain the meeting for more than a few
minutes. A rumour had got abroad, but from what
source it proceeded he knew not, that the Directors
had applied to Government for 80,0001., as a re-
muneration for carrying the Irish mails. Now,
as one of the persons who conducted this
negotiation, he could stata positively that no such a sum
as 80,000/. was ever mentioned—at all events, if it had,
the amount would have included the expense of conveying
the mails by steam-packet from Holyhead to Dublin.
The sum, however, which they asked was 40,000/., and
the Government had determined upon giving them
30,0001. for five years, and at the expiration of
that time the same sum would be continued upon
certain contingencies for a further period of seven years.
Tb is arrangement the Directors thought extremely liberal,
and they trusted it would prove satisfactory to the Pro-
prietors generally.—(Hear, hear.) He could refer with
no less satisfaction to another rumour which had gone
abroad, namely, the surmises respecting their share re-
gistry. The registry was now complete in every parti-
cular, and the meeting would remember that the whole
of their shares had been allotted with the aid of
a single advertisement, so firm was the confidence of the
public in the feasibility of the undertaking.—(Applause.)
It had been said that the Directors had unnecessarily
declined opening their line, but when they looked at
the difficulty of the works, could the Shareholders blame
them for adopting more than ordinary caution in this
instance ?—(Hear, hear.) Some of these difficulties had,
however, been overcome, and two contracts had been ac-
cepted—one, for contracting eight miles of the line out of
Chester; the other, for making the Penmaen Bach Tunnel.
It had been currently reported that their bridge across
the Menai Straits could not possibly be accomplished
under five years, and at a cost of half a million. Now
he could state, on the authority of their engineer, that it
would not take more than three-fourths of this expense;
indeed, it was estimated that the cost would not exceed
350,000/., and the works would be completed in some-
thing less than three years.—(Hear, hear.) The ex-
penditure had fallen far short of whit had been
originally estimated. The expenditure attending the
formation of the Company, which was stated at the last
meeting to be upwards of 20,0001. had not exceeded
19,0001., while the expense of the Mould Junction only
amounted to 23,199/ Iss. 2d., leaving a balance in hand
of 250,000l.—(Hear, hear.) Reference had lately been
made to the purchase of the Chester and Birkenhead
Railway. Some there were who doubted whether this
agreement would be carried out, but he was
in a position to state that the Bill 'WO
s
now before Parliament, and the Chester and
Birkenhead Company were determined to carry the
arrangement through.—(Hear, hear.) The Irish Rail-
ways were likely to bring the traffic from the south and
south-western parts of that country to Dublin, and
then it would have to pass over their line. Ho had,
therefore, thought it advisable to connect himself with
some of these undertakings, because there were some
people who desired that the traffic should be brought
to Wexford, and transported into the interior of
England by means of a railway intended to cross
the river Severn ; but, as there were more difficulties in
the way of a bridge being thrown across the Severn than
the Menai Straits, he thought their line would have the
advantage.—(Hear, hear.) A new railway had
lately come under the notice of the Directors,
called the North Wales Railway, and as it would
command a large slate traffic over their line, they
were inclined to regard it favourably, as one of their own
branches. They were no doubt all aware of the inten-
tions of the Government to make Holyhead a packet-
station and a harbour of refuge. Ho believed within the
present year a sum of money would be voted for the
purpose. Holyhead would be immediately converted
into a packet-station, and in the course of five years no
doubt it would become a harbour of refuge, capable of
containing the American packets, and all vessels that
enter the port of Liverpool.—(Applause.)
The SECRETARY then read the report. It stated that
" the Proprietors were aware that, at the desire of her
Majesty's Government, the Bangor portion of the line
approaching the Menai Straits, and the passage over the
Straits, have been omitted from the Company's Act of
last session, in order that further consideration might be
bestowed on the important points connected therewith.
Two routes had at that time been surveyed,—one,
by the Company's engineer, laid down with the greatest
regard to economy in construction, but objected to by
the Bishop of Bangor, on account of its proximity to his
palace—and by her Majesty's Government on public
grounds, as taking too circuitous a course for a lino of
so great national importance. The Directors considered
the latter route as absolutely inadmissible, on account
of the formidable nature of the works, involving a very
heavy amount of expenditure and great loss of time
in construction. The intermediate line which has been

(From the Bankers' Circvlar,j)
LONDON, Fin. 26, 1845.
The state of the English funds during the past month has
afforded a very interesting subject for inquiry, to those who
are fond of investigating the causes which, at various times,
so curiously affed this delicate barometer of the money mar-
ket, and of political changes. The value of money for dis-
count of commercial paper has hardly changed during the
past, month, and yet the funds have been heavy and declin-
ing during nearly the whole time. Towards the close they
have somewhat improved ; but it is difficult to fix on the
exact cause which has occasioned such a decided depression in
value. The railway speculation has probably had considerable
influence in the matter; and it is asserted that the Scotch
banks have been converting the stock held by them into
money, in anticipation of the measures regarding the
currency of the country which may be proposed by Sir
Robert Peel. The settlement of the railway halt-
monthly account is at this time enormously heavy,
from the great amount of speculation going on in
this now favourite species of investment ; and the
demand for money on short loans, by those who have to pro-
vide for their engagements, is proportionably great. The
rate of interest paid by many of the brokers for advances on-
shares, shows that they experience the same difficulty -
in effecting their settlements that we noticed last
month. As much as from 20 to 30 per cent., and
even more, has been paid by brokers of very respectable
standing, in order to obtain the necessary funds to meet
their engagements : We again repeat that, notwithstanding
the hope of many well-informed men to the contrary, this
state of the market must bring on a crisis. Those who ex-
plain the depression of the funds, by reference to this rail-
way speculation, say that capitalists find these short
loans to the brokers, &c., so very much more
profitable than the Hinds, that all their floating
capital goes into the share market, instead of being invested
in exchequer-bills and the public securities. As regards the
sale of stock by the Scotch bankers, we believe the amount
has been ridiculously exaggerated ; and that the Minister's
threatened interference with the currency, has certainly not
frightened them into the course imputed to them. Some
heavy sales by English bankers are attributed to their being
now called upon to pay into the Bank of England the deposits
which have been lodged with them on the shares of various
new companies.
The alteration of the tariff by the Premier is looked upon
approvingly in the City; and by increasing the activity of
various branches of trade, as well as giving an impetus to
commercial dealings generally, it is thought that it will very
probably, in a short time, increase the value of money.
While, however, we are threatened with a crisis, from the
absurd speculation and gambling which is now carried on in
railway shares, we can hardly look forward with confidence
to any satisfactory change in the Money Market at present.
The French Government have adopted very stringent
regulations, for the purpose, it is supposed, of sup-
pressing the gambling in Railway Shares. A deposit
of twenty per cent. is to be paid by every proposed
Company, before it is to be allowed to enter into
any arrangements for the lease of a line, according to
the French practice with regard to railways; and only one
month is to be allowed for collecting subscriptions, previous
to the determination being made on the proposals. These,
regulations have depressed the shares of all the new French
lines. The French Funds have been kept down by the un-
certain position of the ministry, the strong and continued
attacks of the Opposition rendering it very doubtful whether
the present Ministry can continue in power, without A disso-
lution of the Chambers.
The Foreign Funds generally have suffered from the der
pression of the public securities, but have somewhat rallied at.
the close of the month. The St. Domingo loan does not ap-
pear to be progressing very satisfactorily, although some few
bargains have been done in it, at from 12 to 1 premium. The
Mexican bondholders have had the value of their secu-
rities enhanced during the month ; the probability of any im-
mediate act of hostility on the part of the United States,
with reference to the annexation of Texas, appearing to be;
more remote than formerly. The arrival of the Ameri-
can packet was earnestly looked for by the holders of
Pennsylvania stock, as it was hoped the flourishing con-
dition of that State might induce the Governor to urge
the liquidation of the just claims upon it. We regret to find,
however, that these claims are postponed for a future conside-
ration, and the States' creditors are still to be defied.

since proposed, the Directors were happy to state, in no
way interfered with the Bishop of Bangor, and it was
trusted that it would also meet the views of her Ma-

jesty's Government. The Bill for powers to make it
was now before Parliament, and it was expected would
be passed without opposition from any quarter.
" The description of bridge and site at the Britannia
Rocks, as proposed by the Company's engineer, for
crossing the Menai Straits, had undergone the most
rigid scrutiny of the Lords of the Admiralty, and with
th modifications proposed would, it was hoped, re•
ceive, before the Bill was in Committee, their final
concurrence and approval. The first eight miles out
of Chester, of which the works for the first portion
were peculiarly heavy, had been contracted for, as also
the tunnel through the Headland of Penmaen Bach, near
Conway, with the adjoining embankments. A further
length of twenty-two miles, in continuation from Ches-
ter, would be contracted for next week, the remainder
of the line towards Bangor, as far as the Parliamentary
powers extend, in the month of April—and the Angle-
sey portion immediately afterwards. Your Directors
are also endeavouring to make arrangements to proceed
at once with the line at Bangor and the bridge across
the Menai, pending the progress of the Bill—so that
they had full confidence that in their next half-yearly
report they would be in a condition to state that the
works of the railway, from one end to the other, were
in active operation.
"Your Directors, after mature consideration, have
come to the conclusion that it will be the moat judicious
course to so make their arrangements that the whole
line shall be completed and opened simultaneously.
" The expenditure hitherto has been very small. But,
as the works would henceforward proceed rapidly, the
Directors purpose making a call of 51. per share, payable
on the 21st of April next.
" The Directors, knowing from experience the damage
inflicted on property adjacent to the line—the annoy-
ance experienced by the resident gentry—the delay in
the progress of the works—and the loss sustained by the
contractors—from the loose and unsettled habits of the

description of men engaged in railway works—had felt
it to be their duty to hold out inducements to constant
and steady industry, and to promote among them the
growth of moral habits. They had„therefore,made pro-
vision in the contracts entered into.-1. For proper ac-
commodation being secured to them, where the villages
and towns contiguous to the line might not afford it, by
the erection of huts, and having regard in fixing the site
of the same to their being available when the line was
completed. 2. For the duo payment of their wages on
stated days and in money.
" In addition to these precautions, the Directors be-
lieved that very many and great benefits would arise to
the Company, no less than the men themselves, if some
suitable moans were adopted, under due authority and
supervision, for enabling and inducing the men to attend
divine worship on Sundays. It was obvious that the
existing places of worship, oven where accessible to
them, and the service in their own language, would not
be sufficient for the numbers about to b© thus suddenly
brought into the country, in addition to the present
population. But there would be erections on the works
which might be made use of for the purpose, if a
minister were found to officiate. After full consideration

of the subject, the Directors begged to recommend that
a sum not exceeding 3001. for the current year be placed
at their disposal to promote this object.
" The Directors recommended the construction of a

line of railway to Mold, that district abounding in
minerals, coal, iron, and limestone, which weuld form a

PARLIAMENTARY PAPERS.
TRADE AND NAVIGATION.

most important addition to the estimated traffic. The
line, as laid out, was proposed to join the Chester and
Holyhead line about 21 miles from Chester, and was
9i miles in length, making the entire distance from
Chester to Mold l2i miles."
The report having been adopted, a resolution voting
300/. for the purposes named in the report, was agreed to.
Thanks were then voted to the Directors and the
Chairman, and the meeting separated.

Accounts relating to Trade and Navigation; Customs'
Duties and Tonnage of Vessels: presented by her Ma-
jesty's command and ordered to be printed, February 12.
These very interesting accounts may be be said to be
the basis of the new intended " Blue Book," showing
the Customs' duties received on 823 articles, and the
effect of these duties on the two years preceding, and the
two years following, the imposition of the last tariff, which
was issued immediately prior to the Premier's financial
statement, or Budget, of the 14th inst. The first of the
accounts now before us, entitled, " Imports into the
United Kingdom," regards " the principal articles of
foreign and colonial merchandize, of the consumption
of such articles, and of the Customs' duties received
thereon, in the year ended sth of January, 1845, com-
pared with the imports, consumption, and receipts of
the preceding year." The account is made up for the years
1843 and 1844. In 1843, the total amount of coffee im-
ported was, from British possessions, 18,277,553 lbs. ; from
foreign ditto, 20,664,916. Of this total of 38,942,469 lbs.,
there were entered for home consumption, 30,031,422
lbs., and the gross amount of duty received on the
whole was 697,983/ In 1544, the total imports of coffee
were 46,521,2431b5., whereof there were entered for
home consumption 31,394,2251b5. ; gross amount of
duty received, 682,218/. Of cheese there were (in
1843) 179,389 cwt. ; in 1844 there were 215,460 cwt. ;
and the gross duties for each year were respectively
thereon, 91,7521, and 117,2721 Duties on butter im-
ported were, in the same years, 151,9071, and 186,667/.
Of the next important article, corn (wheat, barley, oats,
rye, peas, beans, maize or Indian corn, wheatmeal
or flour, and oatmeal), the total imports were, in 1843,
1,747,949 quarters ; in 1844, 3,745,879 quarters ;
whereof the proportions of wheat and flour were, in the
former year, wheat 940,120 quarters, and flour
436,878 quarters, respectively ; in the latter year, wheat
1,100,305 quarters, and flour 985,852 quarters. The
total of all imported corn entered for home consumption,
in 1843, was 1,670,283 qrs .; in 1844, 3,251,549 qrs.
Gross duties received in each of the two years, 763,0421.
and 1,107,8171. Gross duties on fruits in 1843, 382,5871;
in 1844, 349,755/. In addition to this sum, raisins
yielded of duties, 186,873/. and 159,4864 ; spirits,
2,183,687/., and 2,211,2431. The account of sugars is as
follows :—Total imported in 1843, 5,020,5691b5.; in 1844,
4,874,1081b5. Of these quantities there were retained for
home consumptions,4,o37,92 llbs., and4,l39,994lbs.respec-
tively. The gross duties received in this commodity were,
in 1843, 5,086,036/. and 5,216,569/. The other principal
articles were—tallow-duties on the two years respectively
195,095/. and 172,6021.; tea, 4,408,195/ and 4,524,6131;
staves, 422,193/. and 538,771/. ; foreign timbers,
180,1171, and 265,2911; tobacco, 3,729,7291. and
3,980,037/.; wine, 1,765,9511 and 1,991,0961.; cotton
wool 743,920/ and 682,923/. Total of all Customs for
1843, 22,636,6591.; for 1844, 24,019,054/. No. 2,
is an account of exports of foreign and colonial
merchandise from the United Kingdom, distinguishing
the qualities. No. 3. Of the exports of British produce
and manufactures from the United Kingdom. The total
of the declared value of these exported articles—coals
and culm, cotton manufa,ctures and yarn, earthenware,
glass, hardware, and cutlery, linen manufactures and
yam. Metals (as iron and steel, copper and brass,
lead, tin in bars and tin plates), salt, silk manu-
factures, sugar refined, wool, sheep's or lamb's, wool-
len yarn, woollen manufactures for 1843,
44,812,020 Z ; for 1844, 50,615,265/. Of the other
tables wo have so recently given an abstract in noticing
the Blue Book, that we do not repeat them here. They COM-
prise the produce of Customs' duties of the United
Kingdom ; vessels employed in the foreign trade of
the United Kingdom ; vessels employed in the coasting
trade of the United Kngdom.

SECOND ATTEMPT AT SUICIDE BY CAPT. LO MAX,
R.A.—Within the last few days the family and friends of
Captain Lomax, R.A., have been thrown into a state of
great mental suffering, in consequence of Captain Lomax
having, for the second time, attempted self-destruction, by
cutting his throat with a razor. On this, as on the former
lamentable occasion, Captain Lomax was prevented from
carrying his purpose fully into effect by the opportune arrival
of his wife, who finding that he did not make his appearance
at the treakfast- table, and knowing that he had again lately
exhibited symptoms of aberration of intellect, proceeded to
his bed-room, when she was horrified at discovering him in
the act of cutting his throat. An alarm was immediately
made, and medical aid having been obtained, the effusion of
blood was stopped, and he was subsequently conveyed to St.
George's Hospital, where ho received every attention which
that excellent institution at all times affords ; and on inquir-
ingoe yesterday, his bodily health was reported to be going on
favourably. His mental faculties are, however, evidently
greatly on the decline ; and it is said that an inquiry into the
real state of his mind will be forthwith instituted,
btutoed,puin order
that
uponr
r
that some restraint (if found necessary) m
him. The unfortunate gentleman, wno is 33 years of age, re-
sided with his wife at No. 2, Ilishop's-place, Fulham-road.

FOOT-RACE ON WATERLOO-BRIDGE.—This morn-
ing the race between Warwick (known as the Epsom Stag),
and Tilling (who bears the cognomen of the St. James's
Pet), came off. The distance contested was the whole length
of Waterloo-bridge, about 420 yards. The race drew a large
assemblage of spectators; the stakes, which were 5/. a side,
having been duly posted, the competitors came to the start-
ing mark, and at the signal, bounded away at locomotive
speed. Tilling soon showed in front, which he continued for
100 yards, when he relaxed, and his opponent came Up.
Tilling made a fresh effort, the.distance was strenuously con-
tested till within 20 yards of the goal, when Tilling went in
a winner by l yards, his adversary failing from exhaustion,
10 yards short of the distance. The race was a quick run
one, and much money was won and lost.
FUNERAL OF THE EARL OF MORNINGTON.—The
mortal remains of the late Earl of Mornington were removed
this morning, from the family mansion, Grosvenor.squafe,
for interment in Grosvenor Chapel, South Audley-street.
The remains of the deceased, which have lain in state since
Saturday, are enclosed in three coffins, the inner one, contain-
ing the body, is of lead, lined throughout with white satin ;
the outer or state coffin is manufactured of the best Spanish
mahogany, covered with rich Genoa velvet, thickly
studded with gilt nails and ornaments; on either
side the armorial bearings of the house of Wel-
lesley on richly chased plates, gilt handles; on the lid,
the inscription-plate, on which is engraved the deceased's
titles, and the dates of his birth and death. About twenty
minutes before eleven, the Duke of Wellington, Lord Fitzroy
Somerset, the Earl of Mornington, Viscount Wellesley, Sec„
sairornivedset ;oannt.d aAt
tahqaulia_rptasertpeasletveenlevthene,ptrhoceemssioounrnfaul prnyrodoceas-
t
the chapel, when the funeral service was read by the Rector,
and the body was deposited
(inthteheßesavm.
eMNr..alnlltoww-ohrtehre,
j3th.pe.r)e'mains of his mother, the late
Countess of Mornington, repose.
THE MENDICITY SOCIETY.--The proceedings of
beenthis
advertised, benevolent institutionan d at
oncef o r
showthe firstits
efficiency quarter oof
andlB4tsh
the
have
in which it is held by the poor. The statistics show
that a large amount of relief has been granted, and a strong
case for the support of the public is made out.
servicet Wednesday
India
DEATH OF VICE-ADMIRAL SIR THOMAS BARER,
K.C.B.—We have to announce the demise of Vice-Admiral
Sir Thomas Baker,esreapappointed
eni .)tCenee.daßay.
navy
no
w the
eo expired
of hon e
Ea
last at his residence, the Shrubbery, Walmer, Kent. The
otnhethNeem 23
Nemesis,
of
anAdugii in 1803
8031781.
In 1799 he
deceased, aftereta having
Company,h d
e w entered
obtained the command of the Phoenix. In 1805 he captured
La Didon, French frigate, after a most determined resistance,
and served in the same vessel in Sir Richard Strachan's
action off Ferrol. Sir Thomas was in the receipt of one of
the " good service pensions."
We understand the late Marquis of Westminster
has left his valuable racing stud to his grandson, the present
Earl Grosvenor, who is a patron of the sports of the turf.
FRACAS BETWEEN BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS.—
On Saturday a fracas took place in the Bankruptcy Court,
between Mr. Cooke, the barrister, and Mr. Laurence, a so-
licitor, on the right of the latter gentleman to address the
Court ; Mr. Cooke claiming precedence. Mr. Laurence con-
tended that, until lately, the business of the Court was
wholly conducted by solicitors, or their clerks. The bar had
latterly made their appearance in these Courts, and had suc-
ceeded in preventing clerks transacting the business of their
principals, to the great inconvenience of the profession. In
an angry discussion, Mr. Laurence said an attemptwas being
made to drive solicitors from the Courts ; but the bar might
rely upon it they would never accomplish that object, as he
was well assured of the assistance of his brother solicitors in
mintaei rfn teirinie ,n agn dt h
thee l.
HEREFORD MEETING, FEB. 27.—The Sweepstakes of
r n pa otbt-
matter
tri odnr.oppliTeldr.. Commissioner Goulburn
3/. 10s. each, with a Cup added (76 Subs.), were won by Mr.
Nott's Nettle; Mr. C. Randell's Ruby ran up, and received
Ti, 10c

DISCOVERY OF THE BODY OF A CHILD IN A
PICKLE JAR.—On Friday afternoon, while some dredgemen
were engaged in cleansing the West India Export-dock,
they brought up a good-sized pickling jar, the bung well
secured, and evidently containing some heavy substance.
They immediately commenced opening it to share the spoil,
when, on removing the bung, they were greatly astounded
in beholding the body of a large sized infant apparently pre-
served in spirit, devoid of any clothing. It appeared to have
been a six or eight months' child, and on the forehead was
a cut, as if from a blow by some sharp instrument. Mr.
Bain, a surgeon of Poplar, examined the wound, and did not
think that it had caused death; the skull was not fractured.
A coroner's inquest was held on Saturday, and a verdict of
":Irouncl did" returned.

Iv.
FINANCIAL REVISION.

The net amount of land, and other assessed
taxes, for 1844, was
The net amount of land, and other assessed

-

COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL
LEGISLA rioN.
(Continued from The Sun of Feb. 18.)
111.
TAXES UPON CONSUMPTION.
The Governments of nearly all countries have, pro-
bably as far back as their foundation, exacted tribute, or
tolls, on the importation or exportation of commodities.
The department of Government established to levy those
taxes was variously named. It was originally neither
more nor less than a tollhouse erected at inland passes,
or at landing-places, for collecting a tribute to be paid to
the king or prince. In progress of time it grew up to
be one of the most formidable departments of state, by
the sea-coast, by straits, by rivers, and by land. In Ger-
many the mane is still Zed, or toll ; in France, Douane ;
in Italy, Dogana.
Commodities produced in one country and imported
into another country, to be used therein, can only enter
extensively into consumption when the price is as low as,
or lower than, that at which similar commodities can be
produced at home.
The natural advantages or disadvantages of soil,
climate, minerals, raw materials, geographical position,
population, and the state of the arts and sciences, vary so
greatly in one country from those of another, that some
countries caa produce some commodities which others
cannot at equally low prices.
Commodities which a country does not produce at all,
or only at high prices, can be consumed by the non-pro-
ducing or dear producing country with more advantage
and in greater quantity, if those articles are purchased
at and brought from the places where they are to be
found at the cheapest cost.
There is no country, with ordinary advantages, that
does not produce some commodities so cheaply as to find
a market for what it produces, over its own consump-
tion, in some other country, and from which a different
kind of article may be brought with profit in return.
This interchange constitutes international trade.
The more numerous or burdensome are the restric
tions the more limited will this commerce be.
The fewer and lighter are the restrictions the more
extended will it prove.
All experience form evidence of these facts.
If a nation were in a condition that its administration
and security could be maintained without exacting that
tax upon the value of commodities, which constitutes,
not the whole national income, but, as usually levied,
what is termed the indirect public revenue, then no duty
whatever should be levied, either upon articles pro-
duced at home, or upon those imported from foreign
countries.
A public revenue being indispensable to defray the
necessary public expenditure, property, whether in land,
or iu commodities produced at home, or imported from
abroad, ought to be taxed, or made to yield up annually
a jest proportion of its rent or profit equal to the amount
of the annual legitimate claims upon the nation. This
proportion of th annual rent, or profit, of property,
would then form the whole amount of equitable taxa-
tion, levied upon all that could equitably constitute the
whole national income.
II commodities which enter into home consumption
are to be taxed, the equitable scale of levying this tax
would be, to levy exactly the same duty upon an ar-
ticle produced at home as upon a similar article imported
from abroad.
There can be no other equitable scale of toxing com-
modities, whether produced at home, or imported from
abroad for domestic consumption.
The producer never pays the tax upon the article he
produces ; he mast add, to make any profit by it, the
duty or tax, as well as his profit, to the cost of produc-
tion, and then the consumer pays the whole, including
the tax.

Whoever produces the article consumed, or wherever
it is produced, the consumer pays, not the cost of pro-
ducing it, but the whole market value of the article, in-
cluding every tax upon it. The producer is, however,
limited in his sales by the article he produces being
highly taxed, whether at home or abroad, and his profits
are also diminished by taxes, either at home or abroad,
upon the article which he produces, as well as by the
taxes upon every article which he consumes.
If the market value of the home-produced article be
higher than the cost of a similar article produced and
imported from abroad, that difference of value arises from
a restriction upon the admission for consumption of the
cheaper article, either by actual prohibition or by high
duties forming practical prohibition, er by duties so high
that the foreign article can only be imported and used at
prices equal to the amount both of its natural market
value and also of the tax added, either for revenue or to
protect the article produced at home.
The difference between the natural price of an article
imported from abroad, and the higher price of a similar
article produoed at home, is a tax imposed upon the
whole community, in order to put the amount of that dif-
ference into the pocket of the producer of the home-
made article ; it is also a far greater burden upon the
nation, which is further taxed to the value of so much of
the labour, production, trade, and navigation, which the
protective tax restricts.
If taxation upon articles of consumption be indispen-
sable to meet the claims upon the public revenue, then,
if a quarter of wheat imported from Prussia, Odessa, or
elsewhere, pay a duty of Bs., or 45., when entered
for consumption in the United Kingdom ; in like
manner, every quarter of wheat produced at home
ought, on sound principle, to pay a duty of Bs. or
4s. ; or, W 1121 b. of sugar imported from Jamaica
pay a duty of 245. when entered for consumption,
there should be no distinction made to the consumer,
when he pays a tax on the sugar he uses, whether it has
been produced in Bengal, Brazil, Cuba, Jamaica, Java,
or elsewhere ; or if a gallon of distilled spirits produced
and consumed at home be taxed 10s., in that case agallon
of distilled spirits, whether imported from France, Hol-
land, the West Indies, or elsewhere, ought to pay no
more, when consumed In the United Kingdom, than a
tax of 10s.
In accordance, therefore, with the foregoing princi-
ples, that country which possesses average advantages
from nature, and whose population possesses the greatest
industry, ingenaity, and intelligence, will, if unfettered
from legislative restriction, become, in proportion to its
extent, resources, and advantages, the most flourishing
country in the world; or at lea“ as prosperous as any
other country with equal natural and moral advantages,
and legislating upon equally liberal principles.
We believe that the United Kingdom possesses all the
requisite advantages to become that which nothing but
false legislation prevents, viz., far more independent,
prosperous, aid tar more rich and powerful, and with
the whole populatien far less poor, far better employed,
more fairly paid for their labour, better sheltered, clad,
and fed, and more comfortable than that, at the present
time, of any other country in the world.
The agriculture, the manufactures, the shipping, the
foreign and colonial trade, and the power of the United
Kingdom might, in their present stage, be viewed as
only in their infancy, instead of being considered as
having before now attained manhood, if those sound
principles of fiscal and commercial legislation which we
have attempted to elucidate, but which are not new, were
boldly taken up, in order to be carried by the Imperial
Parliament.

1. REVISION OF THE ASSESSED AND INCOME TAXES.

The most convenient adjustment of the present as-
sessed taxes would be to abolish them altogether,
and substitute a direct tax upon the profits of all
realised property. A revenue of from 10,000,000/. to
12,000.000/. might be raised by this simple and
tist method of direct taxation ; and we are con-
fident, from what we have observed in France, Austria,
Prussia, and some other States, that its collection would
in a short period be found less grievous to the inhabi-
tants of Great Britain than the existing vexatious and
inquisitorial assessed taxes. But we are not blind to
the Parliamentary obstacles opposed to such an equi-
table tax in substitution of the existing assessed and in-
come taxes, and to provide for other taxes which we
propose to abolish.
One obstacle to our plan is the Land Tax Redemption
Act of 1789—certainly the greatest financial blunder
ever committed by a British statesman. The rotten-
ness of on measure of expediency will ever be found
to give birth to some other unsound expedient, to
pslliate for the time what is only curable by a
bold and sound remedy: Temporary expediencies,
without any certain provision for future exigencies,
occasioned the financial difficulties that called forth
the Bank Restriction Act. The embarrassments in
which this Act involved the then Chancellor of the
Exchequer made him seize upon the most available
expedient:: that was, to offer up for sale the fixed
revenues of Great Britain. The history of this mea-
sure, as far as it has been carried into effect,
may be usefully instructive in showing how little
advantage had been gained to the Treasury, not only in
proportion to the amount of revenue lost, but especially
as regards the obstacle which the Land Tax Redemption
Act has formed to a sound adjustment of the taxation
of Great Britain. Ilad the land-tax been completely,
instead of partially redeemed, this difficulty in the way
of financial legislation would have been greatly dimi-
nished; but, as it is, it has formed a plea for not im-
posing any further tax upon land. But to this plea we
are honestly bound to demur.
Another difficulty opposed to an equitable adjustment
of the assessed taxes is the circumstance of there
being no such taxes levied in Ireland. The justice,
again, of this exemption in one, and of liability in
the other two, of the three United Kingdoms, would
he a task requiring powers of more than ordinary
ability to defend. The justice of the exemption we
deny. Taking the assessed taxes of Great Britain as
we now find them, and considering them to be not only
inquisitorial and grievous in the collection, but exceed-
Pl 7, 4Y bkjurious in their application, being detrimental to
industry and to the employment of artisans and the la-
bouring classes, we consider the following revision as the
moat equitable, which may be adopted with the least
o pction in practice, and with the greatest safety to the
Exchequer.

Net amount of :assessed taxes, exclusive of
land-taxes
The net amount of land-tax
Taxes, for 1844
h• not amount of land-tax

Net amount of assessed taxes, exclusive of
land-tax
All those taxes we propose to abolish, for the follow.
ing reasons :-
1. The window-tax, which yielded for
the year 1839
Reasons for Abolition.—Being inquisitorial and vex-
atious in the assessment and collection ; injurious to the
health of the population ; being objectionable as regards
arckiteeture, cleanliness, and restricting the employment
in glass manufactures of joiners who make window
fraTes, of glaziers and painters; and being a tax unequal
in its assessment, as large houses do not require the

same number of windows in proportion to rents as small
and middle-sized houses. In the latter respect, the
window-tax is particularly grievous.
2. Servants, yielding in revenue £201,482
Reasons.—Being a tax which limits the giving em-
ployment to servants, and, by their not being employed,
the occupation of others is limited, as cloth manufac-
tureri, tailors, hatters, shoemakers, &c., for their
clothing, &c. Every limitation of employment, whether
of servants or others, limits industry, and increases
the poor-rates.

3. Carriages £447,467
Reasons.—This tax is grievous, as it limits to a most
injurious extent the employment of artisans and work-
men, the great proportion of the value of carriages, of
whatever description, and their appurtenances, being the
labour and skill of coach-builders, coach-spring makers,
coach-smiths, curriers, cloth manufacturers, coach-paint-
ers and glaziers, harness makers, saddlers, &c. The em-
ployment of carriages creates also employment for
coachmen, servants, and horses, &c.
4. Horses for riding. &c., and other
horses and mules

Reasons.—By the assessed taxes restricting the em-
ployment of horses for riding, and other horses and
mules, &c., it is easy to prove that this tax does,
to an immense amount, limit employment ; exercise
for health and recreation is also greatly restricted
by its expense. It is especially grievous as a tax
on horses by the day. Countless thousands, who cannot
afford to keep horses on account of the expense of
feeding and taking care of them, would hire horses fre-
quently by the hour or day, were it not for the high
duty on each time a horse is let. It is also injurious to
curriers, sadlers, harness-makers, horse-cloth-makers,
blacksmiths, stable-keepers, sellers of fodder and oats,
grooms, &c.
Horsedealers £12,739
Reasons.—Tax unjust. Why not tax other dealers?
Dogs
Reasons.—Chiefly that of abolishing the assessed
taxes, and as the substitution to be proposed will justify
the abolition of this tax. It is also inquisitorial, and an
often-evaded tax.
Hair Powder
Armorial Bearings £64,100
Reasons—The same as those for abolishing the dog-
tax.

Game Duties Z 1 50,504
Reasons—The same as those for abolishing the taxes
on dogs.
Now, the amount of the assessed taxes proposed to be
abolished is about one-fourth of a million less than three
millions. _

We believe, if all the grievances and inconvenienoes
of the assessed taxes which we propose to abolish, and
the convenience in collection of the tax we propose to
substitute, and the far less inquisitorial nature of rating
the rents or profits of realised property, were but clearly
understood by Members of Parliament and their con-
stituents, that this great financial reform, which may
appear to little men a bold measure, would be carried
in the House of Commons without a division. In order
to extend the direct tax upon property, we should, in
equity, extend it to Ireland ; and we could show that the
people of Ireland would not be treated unjustly by
such taxation upon the rents and profits of realised pro-
perty, but that it would even be made beneficial to the
improvement of that country, and to the condition of the
inhabitants.

STAMP DUTIES.
This tax yields the Treasury—
From Great Britain, about 46,750,000
From Ireland, about

Total
_£7 22 03,487

The delay and restriction imposed by stamps upon
trade and commerce would appear to justify the abolition
of this tax altogether, but its amount is too important,
in the existing financial condition of the United King-
dom, to permit such a measure of convenience as well
as relief to the population. In some respects, it can-
not be highly objectionable ; deeds, and other acts and
documents of great importance, owing much of their
security against fraud and forgery to the stamp, may be
made reasonably to bear an expense for this security.
But, knowing that the stamp duty acts oppressively
in many respects, we cannot pass it over without pro-
posing some alterations.
The stamp duty upon fire insurances is annually about
double the amount charged for insuring property; this
high duty not only greatly prevents the insuring of pro-
perty, but property not insured is frequently exposed to
danger by the firemen with their engines not exerting
themselves to extinguish uninsured property, as they are
directed by the companies who pay them to take care,
in the first place, to preserve the property insured.
On marine insurances the stamp duty is so heavy and
pernicious, that a great part of the insurances which
would be effected in England are made at Antwerp,
Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and Hamburgh.
The stamps, therefore, on fire and marine insurances
now yielding about a million and a quarter, should be
abolished.

Licensing stage-carriages and hackney-coaches ap-
pears a duty which ought to be abolished; it produces
something about half a million for Great Britain.
Ireland is exempt from this duty on hackney-coaches
and state-carriages. The licence-duty on them in Eng-
land is, however, not severely felt, nor very restrictive
upon occupation ; while it forms to some extent a gua-
rantee for the faithful performance of the obligations of
the proprietors of carriages and their servants.
The probate and legacy duty yields about tvto millions
sterling annually for Great Britain, and for Ireland only
66,0321.

It is a duty that may be evaded, by giving during life
that which is bequeathed by the giver, only after his
death, to the person who is to receive the legacy. The
mistrust of the possessor, however, or the power that it
gives him, while in life, does not often allow him to sur-
render his property until he is in a state unable any
longer to meddle with it. So that while men continue
to possess wealth, the treasury will receive a considerable
revenue from the stamp duty on probates and legacies.
But we cannot defend the principle of making personal
estate liable to, and exempting real estate from this
duty. This requires an equitable adjustment.
The duties on hawkers' and pedlers' licences are
grievous impositions upon itinerant dealers ; nor do we
believe that those licences are of any advantage in pre-
venting fraud.
The stamp duty on gold and silver plate is less objec-
tionable than many others. It is, however, considered
inquisitorial, and may not be a security as to the purity
of the metals, for the stamp may verily easily be forged.
It yields about 100,0001., of which about 2,0001. only is
paid in Ireland.
Taking, therefore, into consideration the exigencies of
the Treasury, we cannot well propose any diminution or
aWition of the stamp duties, except upon,
Fire and marine insurances, which would leave an
annual revenue from stamps of at least
All the stamp duties, however, require as equitable
adjustment.
VIP
POST-OFFICE.

I We have, long before the late change was made in the
Post- office charges, been of opinion that, as the Govern-
ment should never possess a monopoly of trade, the
Post-office charges should be regulated, not with a view
to revenue, but to the purposes of covering all the ex-
penses required to convey letters and intelligence with
security and with rapidity.
The tax imposed upon the public by the late Post-
office reform is so very moderate, that while it still yields
a considerable revenue, which we believe confidently will
increase, no one can desire any alteration in the rate of
postage.
Many of the recent arrangements of the Government
for conveying the mails have been so extremely bene-
ficial, that great credit is due to the late and present
Administration. There are, however, many places to
which we would recommend morning mails to be
dispatched. This world be beneficial, and would
add no expense to the Post-office. The line of steam-
packets established by the Govenment contract with
Mr. Cunard, for carrying the mails twice a month
across the Atlantic, between Liverpool, Halifax, and
Boston, has not only already more than repaid the outlay
made by the Government, but leaves every prospect of
an increasing surplus of revenue. The fiscal considera-
tion would be effectually secured,lif such powerful steam-
boats as those of the Liverpool, Halifax, and Boston
line were to be dispatched from Liverpool once a week
during the eight spring, summer, and autumnal months,
and once a fortnight auring the months of November,
December, January, and February.
The Post•office would not only gain in revenue from
this arrangement, but this frequent intercourse would
form a great and rapid line of communication be-
tween the whole of Europe and all North America,
including all the countries from the Gulf of Mexico
to Lake Superior. It would, in practical effect,
be connecting Europe and America in com-
mon interests, by convenient rapid communication
forming, in truth, a great broad way of intelligence
and civilization, and, with freedom of trade, the
best means of increasing the commerce and prosperity
reciprocally of, and maintaining peace and good
faith between, the countries most interested. Under
the old packet system between Falmouth and Halifax,
by the gun-brigs, exclusive of the deplorable loss by
foundering of nearly all those dangerous vessels, with
all their crews and passengers, and expense to Govern-
ment, was about 40,0001. annually more than the re-
ceipts of postage. By the recent line of steam-ships, a
large balance will, we believe, at the end of one year
after the first packet steam-ship sailed from Liverpool,
appear to the credit side of the Atlantic mails.
Many other arrangements for carrying the mails by
steam have been made by the Treasury and Admiralty.
Traversing the world, from England to the Gulf of
Mexico, and then overland, to meet other steam-ships,
on the west of the Isthmus of Panama, to com-
municate over the Pacific to New Zealand and New Holland, meeting other lines communicating
with India, the Red Sea ; and by crossing ever the
Isthmus of Suez, meeting the British mail steam-packets
for England at Alexandria, we believe to be far from
an impracticable delusion. The practicable and not
unprofitable establishment of all this is not far
distant ; especially when we all know how very
lately the practicability of running steam-ships
across the Atlantic was questioned, doubted, and de-
nied. The recent contracts for multiplying the steam
communication with India, and by a branch line from
Ceylon to China, will be found of immense advantage.
The steam communication recently extended to the
Levaat is also important.
There is another great consideration, one of economy,
too, in the end, in regard to large, strongly built,
and powerful steam-ships—that is, the readiness
with which mail steam -ships of great strength
and power may be turned into steam-ships of
war ; and that they may be de facto considered as such
on the
.North American, West Indian, and Mediter-
ranean lines. Now, if that mail steam navigation were
to belong to foreign countries, British capital no doubt
would, we believe, be that chiefly invested in them ;
yet in the event of war, they 7914 Mt 9111 Y net be

available to England, but they would in all the likelihood
of probabilities, be turned against us. This, in the change
which steam power must create in naval tactics, is a
most serious consideration for the British Government
and for the British public.
We would therefore recommend that any surplus re-
venue from the Post-office should be applied to increas-
ing the number of mail steam-ships.