The Sun.
London, England, 1845-12-24 00:00:00

No. 16,648. NDON, WEDNESDAY EV E ING STT NY DECEMBER 24, 1845,

IAETTERS of CREDIT on INDIA.—The
UNION BANK of LONDON, as Agents for the Oriental
Bank, are authorised to ISSUE LETTERS of CREDIT for any
Moneys paid to them, to be re-paid in rupees at the current rate of
exchange on the day of presentation at the offices of the Oriental
Bank, In Bombay, Calcutta, and Colombo. Similar Letters of Credit
may be obtained at any of the branches of the National Bank of
;,,ct,tland, and of the Provincial Bank of Ireland.
By Order of the Directors,
W. W. SCRIMGEOUR, Manager.
Union of London, No. 2, Princes-street, Mansion House.

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.
ROYAL PoLy'rEcHNIO INSTITUTION,
Lectures for this period of the year, by Dr. Ryan and
Professor Bachoffner in CHEML6TRY and NATURAL PHILO-
•SOPIIY will be illustrated by interesting and brilliant experiments.
A Lecture on the PREVALENT DISEASE in POTATOES will ne
delivered by Dr. Ryan, and also on the ATMOSPHERIC RAIL-
WAY, by Professor Bachoffner, a Working Model of which, car-
rying several persons, is exhibited daily. The additions to the
OPAQUE MICROSCOPE, DISSOLVING VIEWS, and CHROMA-
TROPE are very effective. The PHYSTOSCOPE. Submarine Ex-
periments by means of the DIVER and DIVING BELL. Among
the various additions to the Working Models is Coleman's NEW
AMERICAN LOCOMOTIVE ENGINE, for as: ending and de-
scending Inclined Planes. A magnificent Collection of TROPICAL
FRUITS. Mr. Downe, the celebrated Flute Player, will take part
in the Music, conducted by Dr. Wallis. Open from Eleven to Half-
past Five, and from Seven to Half-past Ten in the Evening.
Admission, One Shilling. Schools, Pla

k) ADETS for INDlA.—Every information con-
nected with OUTFITS for INDIA, particulArs of Passage
by Ship and by the Overland route, detailed Lists or Outfi:s both for
Ladies and Gentlemen, with the necessary variations for officers,
writers, cadets, assistant-surgeons,- and others, nif,, be had on ap-
plication to Messrs. TIIRES'IIEIt GLENNY, -East India and
Colonial Outfitters, 152, Strand, London, where all outfits are sup-
plied at the wholesale prices.

TO COMMERCIAL TRAVELLERS.—Every
description of solid and other LEATHER CASES, for carrying
samples or stock, made, to order. Solid Leather and other Portman-
teaus, Carpet Bags, Hat Cases, &c. &c., in great variety, always in
stock.
John Southgate and Son, manufacturers, 76, Watling-street, London.

STUNT, 57, STRAND, LONDON.-WEL-
LINGTON BOOTS, made to Measure, ONE GUINEA. Su-
perior workmansldp, the finest French leather, very durable, and
pleasant for tender feet.—Cash on delivery.

IJEW STRONG-BUILT SMALL STEAM-
JOT' LE, situ P.II"P ill(M-PREF;SURE EN-
,ll7,j:s
For particulars, inquire of E. M. Clafte, optician, machinist, and
engineer, 425, Strand, London.

LONDON and BIRMINGHAM RAILWAY,
SPECIAL NOTICE. .
DAY TICKETS issued to Passengers on WEDNESDAY, the 24th De.
ember, will be available to FRIDAY, the 26th.
By order,
Euston Station, Dec. 23. R. CREED, Secretary.

REAT WESTERN RAILWAY
CHRISTMAS.
Notice is hereby given, that the usual Return Tickets, at a Reduc-
tion of One-third of the Fares, will be allowed to passengers travel-
ling on this line, reckoning Christmas-day as a Sunday. All the
Daily Trains will, however, run on that day.
By order of the Directors,
C. A. SAUNDERS, Secretary,

OXFORD, 'MAME, HIGH WYCOMBE,
AND ITXI3RIDGE JUNCTION RAILWAY_
Notice is hereby given, that no further application for shares in
this Company will be received after the 27th inst.
By order,
It. MORTON CALEY, Secretary.
43, Moorgate-street, Dec. 17, 1845.

THE OXFORD AND SALISBURY DIRECT
RAILWAY.
The Committee of Management beg to announce that, in compliance
with the applications and suggestions of several gentlemen of expo
rience, they have instructed the several hankers named in their
Letters of Allotment to continue to receive the preliminary deposits
from this time until the 7th of January next, in order that those
parties to whom Shares in this Company have been allotted may con
suit their own convenience, by paying theflrst deposit at the present
time, or paying the whole deposit en or before the 7th of January
next.

Ly order of th• "Board,
Z. lIIIEBERSTT, Seoretary.
Moorgate-chambers, Moor:ate-street, Dee. 19, 1845.

7i.ASTERN COUNTIES RAILWAY.
DEPOSIT ON EASTERN COUNTIES YORK EXTENSION

SHARES.

The Directors beg to give notice, that having ample funds of the
Company at their disposal, it is their intention to pay the necessary
Parliamentary Deposits on the Capital to be subscribed for the Ex.
tension Line from Cambridge to York, and the other undertakings to
be promoted by the Company, in the ensuing session of Parliament ;
and that, instead of a Deposit of 21. per Sham being required as
formerly announced, a deposit of Ten Shillings per Share only will
have to be paid under the allotment letters to be issued. If Acts of
Parliament be not obtained, the deposit of ten shillings will be re-
turned without deduction.

GEORGE HUDSON, Chairman
C. P. RONEY, Secretary.
Offices, Shoreditch Station, Dec. 23, 1845.

EASTERN COUNTIES RAILWAY
COMPANY.
Extensions from CAMBRIDGE to YORK, and from TOTTEN-

lIAM to FATtRINGDON-STREET,

Notice is hereby given, that in accordance with the resolutions
unanimously passed at a special general meeting of the Company,
held on Thursday, Oct. 30, 1845, every person whose name shall
appear as a Registered Shareholder of the Company on the sth of
January next, will receive a Letter of Allotment for York Extension
Shares in the proportion of three such Extension Shares for every
eight shares of 41. I6s. of which he is the proprietor, in the consoli-
dated stock of the Company.
The holders •f Scrip Certificates for the New Shares of 141. 16s.
each, being entitled to Extension Shares in the same proportion,
these Certificates must be sent to the offices of the Company for en-
dorsement, not later than the 9th of January next, accompanied by
a letter from each holder of the subjoined form :
To the Secretary of the Eastern Counties Railway Company.
December, 184 i.

Sir,—llerewith I forward to yen scrip Certificates for
New Shares of 141. 16s. each in the Eastern Counties Railway, in
respect of which I desire to obtain a Letter of Allotment for my
rateable proportion of Shares of 201. each in the York Rxtension
capital.

Name in full .. •• •• •••••••• • • ••
Usual Signature.. • • •• ••• ..
Deicript ion • . .. • . ........
Place of Abode •• .. ••-• •• • •
This form mast, in every ease, be filled up in the handwriting of
the applicant.
The receipt of the Scrip Certificates will be immediately acknow-
ledged, and they will be subsequently returned endorsed, together
with a Letter of Allotment for ttie number of Extension Shares to
whilst' the applicant is entitled

By order,

GEORGE HUDSON, Chairman.

Offices, Shoreditch, Dec. 17, 1815

C. P. RONEY, Secretary.

NATIONAL LOAN FUND LIFE ASSUii-
ANCE SOCIETY,
26, CORNHILL, LONDON.
Capital A-500,000.
Empowered by Act of Parliament.
This institution offers inaportar.t and substantial advan-
tages with respect both to Life Assurances and Deferred Annuities.
The assired has, on all occasions, the power to borr,w, without ex-
pense or forfeiture of the Policy, two-thirds of the premium paid,
(see table) ; also the option of selecting benefits, and the conversion
of hi interests to meet ether conveniences or necessity. Assurances
for terms of years are granted on the lowest possible rates.
DIVISION OF P2OFIT:i.
The iaeoess and increasing prosperity of the Society has enabled
the Directors, at the last annual investigation, to declare a third
Bonus, varying from it to 75 'per cent. on the premiums paid on
each Policy elected on the Profit scale.
EXAMPLES.

'A SPLENDID VOLUME FOR A CHRISTMAS PRESENT.
Now ready, royal Bvo., cloth gilt, 285.,
AN ILLUSTRATED EDITION of the POEMS
of HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW.
With the fbllowing beautiful Illustrations from original designs by
D. HUNTINGDON Esq., engraved by American Artists :
Preciosa Wreck of the Hesperus Nuremberg
Landscape Maidenhood An April Day
Portrait of the Author Woods in Winter The Archbishop.
The Old Cathedral Excelsior
Wiley and Putnam, 6, Water]

•pig.

MEPHYSTOPHELES (lavishly Illustrated),
contains :—The Critic on the Art (of Humbug) versus the
Cricket on the Hearth (of Dickens)—Confessions of a Chum—The
New Commander-in-Chief, with his Improvements in Military Cos-
tume—The Direct Exeter, with its Chairman, and loss of 30,0001.—
Ministerial Crisis—Maxims of Mephystopheles—Reports from the
City—Lays of the Lost Whigs—The Prize Duke—The Christmas
Dinner—Political Pantomime—Proposed Change in the Ministry.
Price 3d; Stamped, 4d.
Office, 49, Essex-street, Strand.

Just published,

A GUIDE TO ONE HUNDRED LOAN
13„ SOCIETIES for BORROWING MONEY in any amount
from 51. to 5001., and from three months to ten years, on Personal
Security, containing their various addresses, office-hours, days of
attendance, and all information for borrowers in England, Ireland,
and Scotland, by which many pounds may be saved in the difference
of the charges.

Price is. 6d.; post-free 6d. extra.
London W. Strange, 21, Paternoster-crow; and all Booksellers in

England, Ireland, and Scoiland.

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.
Price 2s. &I. handsomely bound, and Is. 4d. extra per post,
VERY FAMILY'S BOOK of AMUSEMENT.
./LA Comprising all the Games of Skill and Chance, as well as in-
tellectual and athletic Amusements, viz. :—Cribbage, Whist, Ecarte,
Picquet, Speculation, Vingt-et-un, &c.; Chess, Billiards, Draughts,
Backgammon, Tennis, Cricket, Archery, Legerdemain, Riddles, &c.,
with all the rules and necessary instructions for playing each game,
with curious and amusing anecdotes.
W. Strange, 21, Paternoster-row ; and all Booksellers.

THE LATE Mit

;S. lIOFLAND.

NEW EDITIONS of the following Works, by
this esteemed Author, are this day published, illustrated
with Plates, Turkey extra, gilt edges, price ss. each.
Decision Patience
Energy Self-Denial
Fortitude Farewell Tales
Humility Alfred Campbell
Integrity Young Pilgrim
Moderation Young Cadet.
Printed for A. K. Newman and Co., Leadenhall-street, London,
where may be had, by the same Author, half-bound roan, and let-
tered, price 2s, 6d. each,
Affectionate Brothers
Adettide
Alicia and her Aunt
Barbadocs Girl
Blind Farmer
Clergyman's Widow
Daughter-in-Law
Elizabeth

Godmother's Tales
Good Grandmother
Merchant's Widow
Rich Boys
Sisters
William and his Uncle Ben
Young Crusoe
Young Northern Traveller.

The following are now ready :

ITAVERLEY NOVELS, ABBOTSFORD
EDITION, Vol. IX. With Designs by tho late Sir David
Wilkie, R.A., and D. Roberts, R.A.„ of Scenes in the Holy Land;
also nearly 200 wood Engravings. Id. Bs., cloth, gilt.

IV.AVERLEY NOVELS, PEOPLE'S EDITION, Vol. IV. Sewed,
96. ; cloth, gilt, 10s.

LIFE OF SIR WALTER SCOTT. PEOPLE'S EDITION. Com-
plete in one volume. Sewed, 9s. ; cloth, gilt, 10s. ; with Portrait and

------
R. Cade% Edinburgh ; Roulaton and Stoneman, London.

SIR WALTER SCOTT'S POETRY, and
TALES of a GRANDFATHER.
On Ist January, in Weekly Numbers and Monthly Parts,
I. SIR WALTER SCOTT'S POETRY, People's Issue.
And uniform therewith, on Ist March,
11. TALES of a GRANDFATHER,
Being the History of Scotland.
By Sir WALTER SCOTT, Bart.
Both Issues will be completed in November, 1846.
It. Cadell, Edinburgh; Houlston and Stoneman, London; and all
Booksellers.

I i Z Ps 4 ':i. Elegant Pocket Edition, price Is., by post Is. 6d.
co . "4 Bonus Benas in e. 13 'V h._, t.t. DR. CULVERWELL ON MARRIAGE,
cn 0 Premium. e
CD 0 q ' added. Cash. • g*. a &ii g 5 its HINDRANCES and OBLIGATIONS.
a • p, 4 R "Tobe or not to be, that is the question."—Shaksatare.
woo 7 • 0
.w. w' 4 P. Contents :—On Matrimonial Eligibility and Unfitness—Laws of
I
-- -- Paternity—Phenemena of Gestation—On Maternal Influence—On
--
A 1837 £l9l 13 5 LB7 13 5 413 17 1 L 395 n 1 infelicitous and unproductive Unions—Curiosities of Medical Experi-
Z 1 1833 i 65 13 0 74 13 10 11 8 6 346 2 3 ence, Cases, &c. &c.
60 1000 74 3 4 1839 138 13 6 61 14 3 9 210 296 13 4 Also Companion to the same, price Is., by psi• is. Gd.
1640 89 0 0 41 13 4 60 0 247 4 b CHASTITY ; its ABUSES and DISEASES (71: Engravings).
These two interesting little volumes are not intended for idle eta-

T ae division of profits is annual, and the next ►ill be made in Do-
eem ier of the present year.

F. FERGUSON CAMROUX, See.

IMMENSE SALE OF LAMPS AT HALF-PRICE.
CLARK and COMPANY, 447, West Strand,
beg to announce that they intend making extensive alterations
in their establishment, and, in consequence, are compelled to dispose
of a large portion of their immense and excellent stock of lamps.
The stock consists of the New Light, Clark's Patent Cared Oil Lamp
(the best oil lamp ever made), Solar Lamps, and all other oil lamps.
Young's Vesta Spirit Lamp, the Gem Spirit Lamps, Oil and Candle
Chandeliers, Candelabras, and Ormolu Candlesticks, and richly cut
Lustres ; Palmer's Magnum Candle Lamps, and every description of
Palmer's and Clark's Candle Lamps that can be required. In fact,
their immense variety provides a choice for all, and gives all satisfac-
tion. The whole will be sold considerably under the usual charges.
The reduction in prices commence Tuesday, 16th December, and
will only continue one month, or perhaps less.
r lease write down Address, CLARK and Co., 447, WEST STRAND,
the Immense Lamp Depot.

RANDY AND CAPSULES.-Mr. BETTS
-ll' (the late firm of J. T. BETTS and CO.), Patent Brandy
Distiller, 7, Smithfield Bare, feels it due to himself and the public to
state, that the Manufacture of the PATENT BRANDY was not,
and never has been known to any person except to himself and one
of his sons*. And that he was suceeeded in the business of the
tillery, 7, Smithfield Bars, by his sons, J. T. BETTS, un., and CO.,
on his retiring therefrom, in 1843.
Mr. BETTS further states, that he is the sole Patentee, manufac-
turer, and vendor of the Metallic Capsule, (or solid metal covering
for the mouths of bottles), that no other Brandy in England, except
BETTS'S PATENT BRANDY, is thereby protected ; the Patent
Metallie Capsule if, therefore, applied to any otker Brandy, must
have been surreptitiously obtained.
Metallic Capsule Manufactury, 1, Wharf-road, City-road.

BETTS'S PATENT BRAN DY, certified by the
Faculty of England to be the purest spirit, and guaranteed
by the Patent Metallic Capsules, embossed " Betts's Patent Brandy,
7, Smithfield-bars," is sold at 3s. 6d., bottle included, by the most
respectable dealers, lists of whom may lie obtained at the Distillery,
where quantities of not less than two gallons, in bulk or bottles, are
supplied. Address, 7, Smithfield-bars.

CHASTITY ; its ABUSES and DISEASES (71 Engravings).
These two interesting little volumes are not intended for idle eta-
discriminate perusal, but they are earnestly offered to the attentive
consideration of those who may be more legitimately and perhaps
painfully interested.
Sherwood, 23, Pateraoster-row ; Carvalho, 147, Fleet-street
Mann, 39, Cornhill, and all booksellers, or direct from the Author,
21, Arundel-street, Strand. At home daily till 2 ; Evenings, 7 till 9.

FOURTEENTH. EDITION of the SILENT FRIEND on Humus
Frailty, with Coloured Engravings.
Jest published, price 2s. 6J.. free by post (in a scaled envelope) 35.6c1.,
THE SILENT FRIEND ; a Medical Work on
the Infirmities of the System n both sexes ; and on the loss
of the reproductive powers, with means of restoration. The baneful
effects of indulge- ce, &c., are Dilly pointed out. Illustrated by En-
gravings; followed by observations on Marriage.
By R. and L. PERRY and Co. Consulting Surceons, London.
Published by the Authors, and may be had at their residence
19, BERNERS-STREET, OXFORD-STREET.
Sold by Strange, 21, Paternoster-row ; Hannay and Co., 63, Ox-
ford-street; Gordon, 146, Leadenhall-street ; Purkisi, Compton-
street, Soho ; and all Booksellsrs. _ .

"We regiird the work before us, the Silent Friend,' as a wore
embracing most clear and praetical views of a series of complaint,
hitherto little understood, and passed over by a majority of the me-
dical profession, for what reason wo are at a loss to know. We mutt
however confess that a perusal of this work has left such a favourable
impression on our minds, that we not only recommend, but cordi:..lly
wish every one who is the victim of past folly, or suffering from Indis•
cretion, to profit by the advice contained in its pages."—Age ant Argus.
The CORDIAL BALM of SYRIA-CUM is exclusively directed
to the cure of nervous debility, irregularity, weakness, loss of ap-
petite, indigestion, consumptive habits, and debilities arising from
excess, &c. In bottles, price I Is., or the quantity of four in one
bottle for 335., by which I Is. are saved. The five-pound cases may
be had as maid.
The CONCENTRATED DETERSIVE ESSENCE, a remedy
for searching out and purifying the blood from scurvy, blotches
en the head, face, and body, ulcerations, a-3d those painful
affections arising from improper treatment or the eftects of mercury,
removing secondary symptoms, and all eruptions of the skin. Price
lie. and 335. per bottle.
PERRY'S PURIFYING SPECIFIC PILLS, price 25. 9d., 4s. 6d.,
and Ils. per box, are the moat effectual remedy fol Strictures, inflam-
mation, &c., without hindrance to business.
Consultation fee, if by letter, 11. Minute detail of oases necessary.
Mears. R. and L. Perry and Cs.; surgeons, may Ise consulted, aa
usual, at 19, Berners-street, Oxford-greet, Londm, daily, and at
106, Duke-s eat, Liverpool, every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday ;
and at 10, St. John-street, Deansgato, Manche iter, on Mondays,
Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.

YEARLY A CCOUTNS!
The present year is very nearly ended,
And folks begin to count what they've expended.
Yes, ere another year its course commences,
It is a rule to calculate expenses.
Then don't omit, when making up accounts.
And noting down your several amounts,
To number in the year, before it closes,
The many savings you have made by MOSES.
Take pen in hand, and calculate aright,
And put your estimates in black and white;
And doubtless you will find in this event
You've sav'd enough to pay a quarter's rent.
Remember what you've sav'd in Spring attire,
And Summer dresses, too, which all admire ;
Remember, too, your garments for the Autumn,
And don't forget your savings when you bought 'em.
Remember what your Winter dresses cost,
And recollect the sums you would have lost.
Take all these various things into account,
And highly pleas'd you'll be with the amount ;
And you'll determine that, when this year closes,
You'll deal another year with Messrs. MOSES.
LIST OF PRICES.
READY MADE.

iPENCER'S CHINESE LIQUID HAIR DYE
changes in a few minutes, without trouble, red or grey hair,
whiskers, eyebrows, moustaches, &c., to a dark brown or black, by
simply using a comb wetted with the liquid. One application will
produce a pleasing and permanent change. Price 3s. 6d., 65., and
108. per bottle.

TO be had of the rroprietors, 29, Nottingham-place, Fieldgate-
street, Whitechapel-road, London ; also of Mr. Johnstone, 68, Corn-
hill ; Butler, 4, Cheapside ; Prout, 229, Strand ; Sanger, 150, Oxford-
street ; Barclay, Farringdon-street ; Atkinson, 24, Old Bond-
street; Hooper, 43, King William-street, London-,bridge; Finnigin,
Milsom-street, Bath ; Elmore, Bull-street, Birmingham ; and of most
Per :timers and Medicine Vendors in town and country. Sent to
aay part of the kingdom by receiving a remittance, post-paid.
Please to ask for " Spencer and Co.'s Chinese Liquid Hair Dye."
Observe, the Proprietor's address is on the wrapper.

FOGS AND DAMP AIR.
BARCLAY'S ASTHMATIC CANDY has, for
many years, been proved an effectual preservative from the
ill effects of the fogs and damp air which, in the winter season, are
so prevalent in this climate. Its effects are to expel wield, to pre-
serve the stomach from the admission of damps, and to relieve those
who suffer from difficulty of breathing.
Prepared only by Barclay and Sons, 95, Farringdon-street, Lon-
don ; and sold retail, by their appointment, by Sanger, 150, Oxford-
street; Gifford, 104, and H. Burfield , 180, Strand; Johnston, 68,
Cornhill ; Hallows, druggist, 2, High-street, Islington; Heudebourck,
druggist, Church-street, Hackney ; and all respectable Medicine
Venders in town and country.
Observe—None can be genuine unless the names of "Barclay and
Sons" are on the stamp affixed to each box.

A s. d.
eaver Taglionis ....... 0 8 6
fYom
,3
Cheste:fl3lds or Cedringtons .• • • OlO 0
D'Orsays, Attols, i embroke, and every description of
Winter Coats • ..... • • ...... ••••••• • . • .• .
Bcys' Winter Ceats in every style .. •• • • ........ from 0 8 6
Winter trousers, lined .... •.• • • .......... .
Doeskin, oLtte..... ••• • • ......... ....... 0 10 6
Dress Coats, edged .......... ....... ....... 10 I
Frock, ditto ' 0
Roll Collar Vest.... •••••• • • • • • • ............
Double-breasted •• • • .. ................... 02 6
Boys' Hussar and Tunic 5uit5............ • • .......... 0 18 6
Ditto, Winter f rousers.... ••••.. . • • • 0 3 0
Ditto, ditto Vests .. •. • •
MADE TO MEASURE.
Winter Coats, in every style and shape, handsomely
trimmed ••• • • ........... ..... ........... 1 5 0
Milled cloth Great Coats, velvet collar and cuffs
Tweed 'Wrappers ..
Ditto Trousers .. •• • •••••••••••••• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 0 8 6
Winter Trousers, in all the new patterns • • ... •
Rest quality, or dress de...........................1 1
6 0
Dress Coats • • • • • • • • •• • •
Ditto, best quality made ..... ........• • ••••• • 2 15 0
15 0
Frock Coats.. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • . • • •
Ditto, best quality made •••• • • • ......... •••••• •. • • • • 3 3 0
Cashmere Vests...... •••• • • • • ............... 0 8 6
Satin do., plain or fancy ..
Boys' Hussar and Tunie 5uit5.............. .......... 1 6 0
Great Coats •••••.• • • • • • • ...........
The New Work, entitled the " Monarch Mart," with full directions
or self-measurement, may be had, on application, " Post Free."
IMPORTANT.—Any article purchased or ordered, if not approved if
exchanged, or the money returned.
Observe—E. MOSES and SON, Tailors, Wholesale and Retail
Woollen Drapers, Outfitters, and General Warehousemen, 154, Mino-
ries, and 86, Aldgate, City, opposite the Church.
N.B. No business transacted at this Establishment from sunset on
Friday till sunset on Saturday, when business is resumed at twelve
o clock.
CAUTION.—E. Moses and Son are obliged to guard the public
against imposition, having learned that the untradesmanlike false-
hood of being connected with them, or its the same concern, has
been resorted to in many instances, and for obvious reasons. They
have no connexion whatever ulth any other establishment, in or out
of London, and those who desire genuine Cheap Clothing should (to
prevent disappointrnent, &a.) call or send to 154, Mlaories, or 80,
Olga" opposite tho Church.

ON THE VALUE OF THE SHARES
OF THE RAILWAYS IN FRANCE AT THE
LONDON EXCHANGE.
The shares of the railways in France have, for some
time past, commanded a high price in the London
market. Important business has been transacted at the
Exchange ; on the Northern, Lyons, and Strasbourg
lines, and at a high price.
The line of rail from Strasbourg to Basle is now occu-
pying the attention of our speculators ; for some time
previously no business had been transacted in the market
on this line, but within the last few days the prices ap-
pear named in the share list varying from 9/. ss. to 91.
10s., and 10/., which evidently indicates a demand for,
and eager purchase of, shares.
The announcement that a station will soon be opened
in the city of Basle itself, affording great accommoda-
tion to travellers, and presenting a means of economising
to the company ; the facility of detaching the coupons
from the newly-issued shares, which avoids the risk
formerly incurred of sending the shares to France in
order to obtain the annual dividend; in fine, thecertainty
of an increased :dividend for this year—all these com-
bined causes have contributed to attract attention to this
line of rail, which will become of still greater import..
ance when the railroad from Paris to Strasbourg shall be
opened.

DUBLIN, asec. 22
.—The was heldeh IRELAND.
_REPEAL ASSOCIATION.
Mr. O 2..—rhe weekly meeting of the Asso-
O'Neill, en the position
this day, Edward Clements, Esq. (bar-
rister), in the air.
'C°Nl`rEat. commenced the business of the day
by reading tile .
following letter from Mr. John August us
to a ot the Repeal Association with
regard Whig Administration :
" My dear " Williams Park, Dec. 22, 1845.
mySir,—You are aware that influenza prevents
C
""`".`
tion “"ce at the Mansion-house Committee, and at
y
invalid, to s
oncilia
-hall ; I claim, therefore, the privilege of an
dun at the übmit my sentiments to the Repeal Associa-
certain wh
sbuopurnodretnduta-
present crisis, and whilst it is still quite un-
o Both at Ministry may be formed.
with evWhigs a I T 'es h declared against repeal
re aye
measures al vigour, but there are many most valuable
could grant, for this country which an anti-repeal Cabinet
and it seems to me the only course and
of Irishmen of all classes to welcome and
whatever Government will do most for Ireland,
no matter what name may be given to it.
"In several newspapers there is an unwarrantable in-
ference drawn from Mr. O'Connell hiving declared that
he would support Lord J. Russell in a repeal of corn-law
and other popular measures. I cannot see how, with
common consistency he could have avoided saying this.
I repeat this expression, and protest against the infe-
rence that supporting a Government in certain good
measures is an abandonment of the principle that Ire-
land has a right to demand the restoration of her Parlia-
ment.
" To press this demand- was the principle, but not the
sole object, for which I considered the Assnciation
to haverom promote
(in been embodied.
practicabledried.llookedwuapy without compro-
mise it as est tblished
to p
raise of a great principle) the interests of this nation. I
entertain the opinion that the more prosperous a country
becomes the better able she will be to assert her own
rights, and I would without the least hesitation withdraw
from the Repeal Association, if being a member of it gave
an implied pledge that I should not join in seeking for
my ill-fated country any of the many practical measures
by which all classes would be benefited, and, above all,
measures which would secure food to, and provide
employment for, two millions and a half of my country-
men, declared in official records to be in a state of desti-
tution.
"This evidence has long since been laiehefore Sir
Robert Peel's Government ; and not a single step did
that Ministry take to alleviate the safferiegs of this im-
mense body of their fellow-subjects.
" The Association will recollect that I have spoken
favourably of what I believed to be the good intentions
of Sir Robert Peel, but in my work on Ireland, published
two years ago, I said that he himself had made Ireland
his difficulty by calling to his councils men whose feelings
were notoriously anti-Irish, and on the downfal of such
I shall congratulate my countrymen.
"After having given the corn-law question deep atten-
tion, I some years ago was enrolled as a member of the
Anti-Corn-law League, by my esteemed acquaintance,
its resneeted leader, the Hon. C. P. Villiers. At the
same time the worthy Joseph Sturge enrolled me in the
Universal Suffrage Society, and I hope the day will
never arrive when a repealer will fear to say that he
will give his cordial support to any Ministry—Whig,
Tory, or Radical—which will introduce such measures,
and evince a sympathy with the people.
" I regret Sir Robert Peel's failure. for obstinacy was
not amongst his faults; but I shall rejoice in the discom-
fiture of his administration, if it excludes from return to
office the anti-Irish, anti-popular portion of his cabinet,
and cordially do I desire to see such men replaced by
statesmen like Lord J. Russell and Lord Morpeth, though
I fear they will not go far enough.
" Will you do me the favour to read this letter at an
early period of this day's business, and to believe me,
with esteem, very truly yours, " J. A. O'NEILL.
" To T. M. Ray, Esq., &c. &c."
In moving the insertion of the letter on the minutes, he
observed that the sentiments it contained were those
which would pervade the mind of every rational re-
pealer, had Lord John Russell been so fortunate as to
he able to form a Government. He then read a report
of his mission to Waterford, for the purpose of recon-
ciling the differences which existed amongst the re-
peelers in that town ; and stated that his success had
been unrestricted, unlimited, and complete. In future
no person would have any chance of representing the
constituency of Waterford but a real " Conciliation-ball"
repealer; and as a proof of their devotion to nationality,
they had that day forwarded the sum of 40/. to the funds
of the Association. Sir Winston Barron and Mr. Wyse
should yield at the next election to the better claims of
Sir Benjamin Morris Wall and Mr. Meagher, unflinch-
ing advocates of domestic legislation. In conclusion, he
read a letter from Dr. M.Hale, Archbishop of Tuaw,
which abounded, as usual, with abuse, and denounced
the Bequests Act and the infidel Colleges Act.
There was not (continued Mr. O'Connell) a sentiment in
that letter which would not be echoed by every Irish-
man. They were for Ireland, no matter what party was
in power—no matter what section of statesmen was in
office—they were for Ireland.—(Cheers.)
Mr. .1. O'CoNiveae read the following letter from the
Hon. Pierce Butler, M.P.:—
" Imperial Hotel, Sackville-street, Dec. 21, 1845.
" My dear O'Connell,—l inclose you my renewed sub-
scription to the Loyal Nation Repeal Association. I had ,
hoped it would have been in my power to have attended
your meeting to-morrow ; but letters from the country
demand my immediate presence in the county of Kil-
kenny. I regret much, and I know you will join me in
that regret, that the number of misguided wretches
ready at a moment's warning, and for a small bribe, to
take the lives of their fellow-countrymen, is increasing.
If the Government be not strong enough, or wise enough,
to prevent this mischief, and this stain upon Ireland, I
think the Association should at once take the business in
hand, and put down such a disgraceful system of oppres-
sion. The Roman Catholic clergy are doing their duty,
by denouncing the murders ; but they stand in need of
the vigorous and prompt co-operation of a firm Govern-
ment, or of the Association.
" This is a painful subject,
but it is one that demands
immediate attention.
" If Lord John Russell succeed in forming an Admi-
nistration, I trust that Ireland will show firmness, pru-
dence, and generosity, without any compromise of her
avowed principles. Lord John Russell must restore the
magistrates, Orangemen and repealers. He must give
a powerful but judicious support to our railway specula-
tions in Ireland, so as thoroughly to employ our labour-
ing population. He must impose a tax, a reasonable
tax, upon the absentees, for charitable purposes in Ire-
land. In fine, he must make Ireland what she ought to
be. As for the late Ministry, I have no feelings but
g
those of contempt and indignation, when I think of their
incalculable follies in re and to Ireland.
" They remind me uf the well-known lines of the
ancient dramatist,' in reference to the uninformed and
aboriginal inhabitants of this terrestrial globe :
They saw, indeed, and heard. But what to them availed
Or sight, or sense, or hearing? all things rolling,
Like the unreal imagery of dreams,
in wild confusion
tossed.'
" With best wishes to your father, whose health I am
happy to hear is as firm as ever, believe me, my dear
O'Connell, very faithfully yours,
" PIERCE SOMERSET BUTLER.
" John O'Connell, Esq., 311"."
Having moved the insertion of the letter on the minutes,
he observed that it was horrible to think of the dreadful
assassinations alluded to in the letter he had just read,
which were of daily occurrence in various parts of the
country. He had no hesitation in saying that Divine
Providence would continue to afflict the people of this
country and perpetuate their miseries in just punishment
of these atrocious crimes. It was the duty of that As-
sociation to cry out against the perpetrators of these
horrible crimes : they had done so frequently ; there
was not, in fact, an engine in their hands that was not
put in motion to prevent these atrocities, and it was,
therefore, rather unjust in his honourable friend to make
the charges he had preferred against them. On no sub-
ject had the Association exerted itself more than in en-
deavouring to repress crime ; and, if the Hon. Gentle-
man had attended its meetings, he would have seen that
such was the fact. He was sure Mr. Butler had no in•
tention of harking-in with the cry of the magistrates of
Tipperary and Westmeath, who called out for a Coercion
Act because of the crimes of a few individuals. He
was happy to say these magistrates had received
a very decided slap in the face even from the late
Government,
the
e gentleman sent down to inquire
into the special commissions (prayed for in
necessity
a s
of
their memorial), had asserted that there was no such
necessity. It would in his (Mr. O'Connell's) opinion
tend materially to the preservation of the peace if the
dismissed magistrates, in whom the people had such im-
plicit confidence, were restored to their commissions.
If Lord John Russell had been able to carry on the Go-
vernment of the country there could be no doubt but he
would have done so.
THE CRISIS.
Mr. O'CoNNBLL having moved the adoption of the
report said he was anxious to address a few words to the
meeting on the subject of the crisis at which they bar,
arrived. They were in a strange state of puzzle. Sir
Robert Peel was. Minister ten days ago—Lord' John
Russell had become Minister in the interval, and
he believed he was correct in saying that
there was no Minister at that moment. That was
the state of England. He did not consider that
the Tories would, in all probability, be able to form
an Administration. They could assuredly have no con-
fidence in Sir Robert Peel—they had declared that fact
loudly and bitterly—they could have no reliance on him.
It should likewise be remembered that they (the Irish)
could have no confidence in him. Last week he was a
Leaguer, this week he may be a Protectionist, next week
he may be for something modified ; and lie was so much
attached to a sliding scale, that lie might get on a
sliding scale himself, and slip through their fingers.—
(Laughter.) They were placed in a curious position.
They had no Government, and no person could precisely
tell why. They could not tell why the Whigs did not
form an Administration—they could not tell why the
Tories ceased to be a Government.—(Laughter.) All
they knew was that both Whigs and Tories had
quarrelled amongst themselves, and that they agreed
upon nothing but to differ.—(Laughter.) There was
only one point on which they were perfectly unanimous,
and that was to differ among themselves.—(Laughter.)
What was all that to Ireland? that was the real question
to consider. The present crisis was most beneficial to

Ireland—it raised their expectations—it gave them the
certainty of success, if they were true to themselves
and to their country.—(Cheers.) What cared they for
Whigs or Tories ?—(Cheers.) Their cause was the
cause of Ireland—they were on a majestic march to na-
tionality, and the changes and shiftings of Administra-
tions only exhibited the throes and struggles of that
species of political tyranny that would debase them, di-
viding and separating them from each other. The pre-
sent was the time to rally together—every man should
be a repealer now—(Cheers.) On that day week he had
expressed his concurrence in the sentiments expressed
in the letter of Mr. Smith O'Brien. That patriotic gen-
tleman called emphatically for a " shout for repeal, and
Ino compromise." And he (Mr. O'Connell) re-
peated his words, and added to them " repeal and
no compromise"—(Cheers.) No matter who was Mi-
nister, nothing should ever be able to divert them from
the pursuit of their object. Last week he had expressed
his intention of supporting Lord John Russell on the
subject of the corn-laws ; he had promised to attend
constantly during the debates on the corn question, and
that he would use his influence with the Irish Mem-
bers to attend likewise—that he would vote, and
that, he would induce his friends to vote in every
division with Mr. Cobden and Mr. Bright—(Loud
cheers.) He had no great liking . for Sir Robert
Peel ; he knew what kind of a trickster he was,
but still he would he equally ready to support him if he
would imdertake to make food plentiful and give cheep
bread to the people.—(Cheers.) But, while he said that
he would not hesitate to do ample justice to Lord John
Russell. That Noble Lord had placed himself in a per-
manent station of the highest order.—(Hear, and cheers.)
Whatever his conduct as a Whig might have been, it
was impossible to contemplate his conduct and mode of
acting with regard to the corn-laws without feeling a
veneration for his person and concurrence in his
opinions.—(Cheers.) Lord John Russell had behaved
admirably on that occasion, and he would go with him
so far as he behaved himself, and not one inch further.
He (Lord J. Russell) had pledged himself to a fixed
duty and against a total repeal of the corn-laws; but he
found that famine was approaching in England, that
distress was increasing in the agricultural districts: he
saw at once that the amount of wages paid in the manu-
facturing districts would diminish; he beheld great want
in England, and he perceived that in Ireland we were
approaching to a famine, and consequently, pestilence;
he did not allow the fear of being taunted with incon-
sistency to retard him in his career—he abandoned, and
manfully threw up his former opinions when he arrived
at the conclusion that they were wrong, and adopted
opinions favourable to the health and prosperity of the
people of both countries.--(Loud cheers.)
A VoioE—More power to him.—(Cheers.)
_

Mr. O'CONNELL—More power to him.—(Loud cheers.)
But he wished it to be understood that he was not justi-
fying any other act of his. He was not justifying the con-
duct of the Whigs, or speaking in their praise as a party;
but he apoke in honest commendation of their leader. He
was vindicating the ancient fame of his family, which had
given many martyrs to liberty, and produced many friends
to the constitutional freedom of this country.—(Loud
cheers.) He therefore loudly and distinctly applauded the
recent conduct of Lord John Russell, but he would not
the less vote with Sir Robert Peel, if Sir Robert Peel
declared in favour of the abolition of the corn-laws. The
lion. Gentleman, having proceeded at considerable length
to point out the means by which he considered the repeal
cause might be advanced, then observed that this plan at
present was to get rid of the corn-laws, and by that
means put a stop to the famine and consequent destruc-
tion of the Irish people. He would give no preference
to Whig over Tory, or Tory over Whig —if ever he
had given a party vote he would never do so again, nor
would he ever vote for any measure except that hich
he considered beneficial to his country. In conclusion,
he gave notice that he would, on the next day of meeting,
call upon the repeal members to assemble together, and
determine upon what line of conduct they ought to
pursue under existing circumstances. In his opinion
there would be further changes before an Administration
would be formed.

Mr. GRATTAN, M.P., having addressed the meeting,
the rent for the week was announced to be 2181. 18s. 2d.
The meeting then adjourned.

ATTEMPT TO MURDER GEORGE READE, ESQ.
The Carlow Sentinel contains the following :—" We
learn from a respectable correspondent, that a desperate
attempt was made on Monday night last, about nine
o'clock, to assassinate George Reade, Esq., of
D u nees hal, near Carnew, county Wicklow, or
rather on the bounds of that and the connty Wex-
ford. The particulars of this dreadful attempt
to assassinate a respectable gentleman as com-
municated to us upon unquestionable authority, are as
follows :—Mr. Reade had dined with a friend who re-
sides in his immediate neighbourhood, Mr. Sawn, of
Tombrain, and on his return home at the above hour, he
stopped midway between Tombrain and his own resi-
dence, at a stream which crossed the road, to water his
horse, when a man leaped over the ditch, presented a
pistol within a yard of his person and fired, but without
effect. The villain then stood to see whether his in-
tended victim had fallen, and while in that position, Mr.
Reade had full opportunity of identifying him as a work-
man and tenant of his own, named Ronayne, who, find-
ing the shot had not succeeded, turned round and fled
through a fox cover. Mr. Reade returned back to Mr.
Swan's and rode without delay into Carnew, and calling
out the constabulary, they proceeded in pursuit of
Ronayne, whom they arrested in his bed. His shoes
were fitted to the tracks found on the spot by the police,
and were found to correspond precisely. Being fully
identified by Mr. Reade, who was thus providentially
spared to his family, Ronayne was committed to Wex-
ford gaol on Tuesday, to abide bis trial at the ensuing
assizes."

The following additional particulars are given by the
Wexford Independent :—" We are informed that the
cause of this horrid attempt was, that Mr. Reade had, on
Monday, refused to give stang or quarter land to the
man in question, as he was giving it to other men in his
employment. The reason he assigned for his refusal
was, that the man had an improvident family, and he had
found it requisite, a few months before, to forgive him
ten or twelve pounds. At that time he decided on paying
his wages weekly, and did so thenceforward. such were
the reasons which Mr. Reade himself assigned to the
man for refusing to give him the quarter land. As the
unhappy individual is now in custody, we forbear from
further observation. We have reason to hope, however,
and indeed to believe, that there was not a second person
in any manner concerned in the dreadful design, nor
aware of it. Mr. Reade has nearly fifty persons in his
employment, as be occupies about seven hundred acres
of land, a great part of which is under tillage. It would
be a severe loss to the several poor families thus sup-
plied with the means of supporting themselves, that the
life of their employer should be madly or wickedly taken
away. We are sincerely rejoiced that he has escaped
without injury ; and, next to this, we feel pleasure in
believing that no other individual in his employment, or
residing in his neighbourhood, had any part in the nefa-
rious intention to terminate his existence."

RAILWAY SHARE MARKETS.
LIVERPOOL, Dxc. 23.
STOCK EXCHANGE.—The salee are—Bolton, Wigan, and
Liverpool, New Shares, 2 p.—Derby and Crewe, 2% p.—
Grand Junction, 242—Ditto, New Quarter Shares, 3314 p.
—Goole and Doncaster, 2s. dis.—Liverpool and Leeds Direct,
20s. dis. —Manchester and Leeds, Fifth Shares, 10% p.—
North Staffordshire, 23% p.—North Wales Mineral, New
Shares, 31,'!—Sheffield and Manchester, Quarter Shares, WI.
p.—Somersetshire Midland, 1% dis.—South-Eastern and
Dover, Consolidated Thirds, 2% p.—Ditto, Half Shares,
12s. 6d. p.—Tean and Dove Valley, 7s. 6d. dis.—Dutch
Rhenish, 2%.
MANCHESTER, Die. 23.
STOCK EXCHANGE. —The sales are—Clitheroe Junction,
23'--Coventry and Leicester, I%—Eastern Counties, New,
12/.l6s.—East Lancashire, No. 2, 834—Huddersfield, Hali-
fax, aid Bradford, 5/. 12s. c.—Lancashire and North York-
shire, 43s.—Leicester and Bedford, 22s.—Liverpool and Leeds
Direct, 1% Liverpool, Ormskirk, and Preston, 33/4—Man-
chester and Birmingham, Quarters, 11—Ditto, ditto, 9
Manchester and Birmingham Continuation and Welsh Junc-
tion, 78-Manchester and Leeds, Fifths, 111%—Manchester
and Southampton 2 %—North Staffordshire, 5/. Os. 9d.—
Shropshire Union Railway and Canal, 37s.—South-Eastern
and Dover, Consolidated No. 3, Halves, 3—West Riding
Union, 5/. 14s. 6d.—Nottingham, Erewash, Ambergate, and
Manchester, 2—Sheffield and Manchester, Quarter Shares,
No. 2,434.
HULL, DEC. 23.
STOCK EXCHANGE. —The news this morning from the Lon-
don market has rather tended to revive the drooping spirits
of holders here, and consequently there is rather less disposi-
tion to sell. Reports about the irregular deposit of plans,
&c., as also the incorrectness of many deposited, render tran-
sactions in scrip of projected lines not only difficult but dan-
gerous. The sales are—North British (Carlisle), VA--
Grand Union, par—South and Midland Junction, 255.
YORK, DEC. 23.
STOCK Excnaxon—The sales are—York and North Mid-
land Extension, 27—Newcastle and Berwick, 113/4—London
and York, 33/4—Grand Union, 1X—Welsh Midland, 13/4.
BRISTOL, 132 c. 23.
STOCK EXCITANGE.—The only sale was—Bristol and Exeter.
New, 7%.

THE MINISTERIAL. CRISIS.
(From the Times.)
Sir Robert Peel is Minister again, and the nation is
re-assured. The funds at least rise, and manufacturers
feel a little more encouragement to add to their stocks.
The test may be vulgar, but there is no other. unhappily
for the sublimer class of politicians, there exists no scala
by which we can measure the aggregate fluctuations of
the moral susceptibilities. Were it possible for people to
lend their consistency at 3,;- per cent., and realise their
romance in Exchequer-bills—were there a consoli-
dated st ck for all the virtues, and a suitable secu-
rity for good taste—we might then, perhaps, have to
record a decided depression in this branch of the
funds at the present conclusion of the " Ministerial
crisis." In the absence of such a standard, we have no
alternative but to enter the money market and feel the
pulse of the capitalist. Last week that pulse was low,
weak, and irregular, denoting a general collapse of the
vital powers, a congestion of blood to the vital organs,
end consequent desertion of the extremities. Sir Ro-
bert Peel returns, and a reaction ensues. He braces the
system like a tonic—like other tonics, rather bitter and
not very nice—port wine seasoned with bark, perhaps,
such as certain commissioners have recommended for
pauper ague. There certainly is an universal impres-
sion that Sir Robert Peel is the man to carry this mea-
sore. No other man can do it so easily and so inoffen-
sively. No other statesman can boast so strong a posi-
tion. He is the Hercules who alone can force the gates
of trade, and open ti our commercial navy the wealth
of Fortunate islands and Atlantic shores. The manifold
anomalies that are centred in his person, give him the
key to many classes and influences, which no other man
can command. He is the very type of our mixed and
motley state. By birth and inward sympathies a manu-
facturer, by education and connexion an aristocrat, he
wanders through many phases of change, but attains a
sort of unity of returning to the creed of his fathers and
his native soil. The text of free trade was among the
first that he heard, and through his whole life it has rung
in his ears, though ever so stifled by the clamours of
party and the whispers, perhaps, of privsteembition.
" Quo setae' est imbuta recens, servabit odorem

Testa diu."
It is just thirty years since old Sir Robert Peel de-
nounced with the most enlightened sagacity and the
deepest indignation the fatal measure of 1815, foretelling
its blighting effects on the trade, the labour, and the
wealth of the country, and on the landowner himself not
the least of all. A generation passed, and his son happily
lives to follow up the tradition of his father. His mea-
sure once resolved on, Sir Robert Peel needs all the de-
termination he can muster, and all the support he can
receive. 'We know now both our measure and our man,
and it is a very dilatory and superfluous wisdom to occupy
oneself in retrospective meditations on the course of the
present actual promoter. A hundred converging causes
make Sir Robert Peel a free trade Minister. Fit or
unfit, there is now no help for it. We must swallow our
congruities, bow to necessity, and give our allegiance to
the de facto repealer of the corn-laws. A task of incal-
culable difficulty lies upon him. He has to overcome in
one way or another—we had almost said by fair means
or by foul—the inveterate prejudice of the ignorant, the
dogged pride of the exclusive, and the desperate selfish-
ness of those who imegine themselves the interested
classes; and for this arduous task he demands, and very
reasonably claims thus far, the assistance of every man
who affects to wish well to his present cause. In fact,
it is a very rough piece of work that is to be done,
and whoever undertakes it must put into it all his
strength. He must be prepared for trials and sacrifices,
without which nothing really great ever was, or ever
will be, accomplisheed. Even the lesser changes of the
last twenty years have not been without frightful strug-
gles. Putting out of question their wisdom or necessity,
they are not to be compared with that now in progress
for the magnitude and extent of their operation. The
Roman Catholic Relief Bill brought into Parliament a
few dozen noblemen and gentlemen of that communion.
The Reform Bill disfranchised a few hundreds, and en-
franchised as many thousands. The other chief mea-
sures of the period were of still less compass and signi-
ficance. The repeal of the corn-laws affects every one
that eats and every one that produces bread, and every
one who can do either of these things—in other words,
the whole human race. It promises, and will most as-
suredly give to every civilised man increased facilities of
employment and subsistence. It will put a nation which
is the wealthiest, the most mercantile, the most in-
genious, the most adventurous, and the most philan-
thropical in the whole world, into immediate, free, and
open communication with every race that is civilised
enough to till the ground for food. It will bring all na-
tions to the best customer and the best producer of them
all. It will make the ports of Britain the ports of the
world. Is it, then, according to the analogy of human
affairs that so mighty and universal a development
should be so easily achieved? We are almost afraid to
ask whether it is according to that analogy that it should
be achieved by ordinary statesmen. The aristocracy
evidently betray a misgiving that it is not to be so
achieved. It. was neither any assignable doubt of the
measure, nor any definite want of confidence in their
political powers, which broke up the late Whig junta.
They were altogether out of heart. They felt no call.
They could not embrace the occasion. A personal an-
tipathy, a pique, a jealousy, began the flaw, which
spread like lightning through the whole fragile combina-
tion, and with the loss of one member, the whole fell to
pieces. It is impossible not to suspect a zeal which
allows itself to be so easily baffled. The Whigs are,
after all, recent converts; are they sincere? Something
unexplained hampers the movements of men who were
once free as air and bold as lions. Is it a lingering fear
that the risk of the measure is their own? The men
who helped to cancel theological test, and scheduled
away rotten boroughs ; who made corporations popular,
and alms-houses gaols, are staggered at a change which
embraces the world in its benevolence. It was pos-
sible to corrupt or to threaten the British aristocracy
into the degradation of the Church, the disappointment
of a few boroughmongers, the ousting of mayors and
aldermen, and the insult and persecution of the poor.
Touch their rents, or seem to do so, and it is a more diffi-
cult affair. The change comes home. We must expect
that such of the landowners as cannot understand or feel
sure of the beneficial results to flow from the change
will feel themselves under a tremendous necessity to re-
sist it almost unto death. Self-preservation, not mere
interest, will goad them on. A large portion of our
landowners are only the nominal proprietors of their
estates. Extravagance, either their own or their pre-
decessors', or perhaps the absurd ambition of increas-
ing their rent-roll at the expense of their income, presses
them to the earth with mortgages, the interest of
which is barely covered by the rental. What they
can truly call their own is only the little surplus that
remains n hen the money lender has been satisfied. Their
actual rent, therefore, consists in the difference between
a high and low-pitched rental. Should, for example, the
gross rent be reduced by a third or a quarter, their own
differential rent is utterly destroyed. They are there-
fore in the position of a rash and needy speculator, who
makes a time bargain far beyond his means in the
confidence of corn maintaining its price. Settling day
comes. Corn has fallen only a few shillings a quar-
ter, but the speculator, whose stake consisted in that
difference, is ruined. Too many of the landowners imagine
they foresee a settling-day in the abolition of the corn-
laws ; their actual rent being, as they imagine, a certain
artificial excess over a more natural rent. Repeal the
corn laws, and this margin disappears, and with it all
their income. They who are in this anxious position,
with mental faculties in keeping with it, will fight as for
life itself against a repeal. It will present itself to their
imaginations as a risk so horrible as to overpower the
judgment. Some already talk of throwing up their es-
tates altogether, and renouncing the British soil. They
have reason for that threat. Reduce rents but a little,
and their estates are no longer their own. They have
less than nothing. It is not surprising that they
should be incapable of a rational inquiry,
and should immediately prepare for the most des-
perate resistance. But this is not the only stumbling-
block to aristocratical enthusiasm. The rough work
which the people have cut out for them demands rough
and ready instruments. Could it be done by paper and
red tape—might it descend from Heaven, or spring out
of the ground—were it simply a matter for speeches and
divisions, with perhaps a few gentle ebullitions of popu-
lar triumph when the work was fairly out of hand—the
most fastidious taste would not quarrel with it. It is
found, however, to be a far severer task than suits the
declining energies, the sobered enthusiasm, and, per-
haps, the satisfied ambition, of statesmen who are long
in their standing, old in their ways, and formed in the
views, with much to lose, and nothing to gain. It can-
not be done without turmoil and, perhaps, immediate
expense ; nor can it be done without some rather dis-
tasteful additions to the old staff. The monopoly of
Government and the monopoly of trade are perilled to-
gether. Adopt the principles, and you admit the per-
sons of the new system. Mere shame, apart from the
obvious necessities of the case, will not allow a handful
of late, and perhaps not very cordial, converts taking to
themselves the work of other and truer men. Such are
the difficulties, and such possibly the scruples, felt by
some of those in whose hands this arduous task is now
left. We can only recommend them, if they entertain
the smallest doubt as to their own determination or
power, to give place as soon as possible to those who
may be found more able and willing.

BEXLEY AND CRAYFORD SOCIETY FOR THE PRO-
MOTION OF USEFUL KNOWLEDGE.-On Tuesday evening
last a lecture was delivered to the members and friends of
this society, at the Infant's National School-room, Bexley-
heath, by Mr. Charles Mackie, "On the Five Senses." The
Subjects were treated of in a most interesting manner, and
afforded much instruction and the highest satisfaction to a
numerous and highly-respectable audience. At the conclu-
sion of the lecture the Rev. A. C. Langdale moved a vote of
thanks to the lecturer, and also to Mr. Henry Davids, the
respected secretary to the society, which were severally and
unanimously responded to. Mr. Mackie then said, that in
consequence of the very flattering reception he had met with
from the officers of the institution, he should be most happy
to deliver a lecture gratuitously to the members of the
society at such time as would suit their convenience. The
announcement was received with much approbation. A
lecture will be delivered early in January by the Rev. A. C.
Langdale, on electricity.—Kentish Independent.
The season for grouse shooting terminated on
Wednesday. Birds have been very plentiful with the game
dealers, and at lower prices than usual, but the weather has
generally been unfavourable for the majority of sportsmen
on the moors.—Durham Advertiser.