The Sun.
London, England, 1845-11-22 00:00:00

THAMES.

Samuel Branscombe, master of the Countess of Malmsbury,
appeared to a summons charging him with having broke bulk
of a cargo of coals, on the 21st of October, without paying
City dues.
Mr. Pearson attended on the part of the City, and Mr. Bal-
lantine, a barrister, attended for the defence.
The case was a curious one. The fact of breaking bulk was
admitted; but it was contended that the article upon which
the dues were sought to be collected did not come within the
operation of the Act, being neither cinders, culm, nor coal. A
large square brick-shaped mass was here placed on the table
by Mr. Ballantine, whilst Mr. Pearson produced a smaller
piece of the same substance, ar.d a long discussion ensued, as
to whether it was or was not coal.

Mr. Rose, inspector of the City coal-dues, said the article
produced was no other than coal reduced to powder, and then
by some process of mixture, with drying by heat or other-
wise, moulded to the present form.
Being cross-examined by Mr. Ballantine, the witness ex-
pressed as his opinion that no heat to which the coal could
be subjected would totally disengage the sulphuric acid gas,
which formed one of its inherents.
Mr. Ballantine said his client had been served with three
separate summonses, describing the article in three different
ways, a fact which implied a doubt even on the part of those
who issued them. When dues of this kind were sought to be
exacted, it should be shown affirmatively that the article
came within the meaning'of the Act; but, in this instance,
persons most conversant with coals hesitated to denominate
it by that name. Mr. Rose, though not a practical chemist,
yet having! great experience as to coals, refused to admit
that the sulphuric acid could be wholly evolved from them.
Why did he refuse to make the admission? Because he was
aware that, if sulphuric acid gas were wholly evolved, the
coal, losing one of its elements, would become another sub-
stance, as one of the ingredients which constituted coal would
be absent. It could be shown that the "fuel" (Wyam's
patent), though principally composed of coal in the first, in-
stance, was so changed by the process through which it went
—had been so changed by abstraction of one of the elements
—that it became another substance, to which, if a minera-
logist chanced to alight on it, he must, to preserve scientific
distinctions, assign another designation. From any substance
composed of several elements, extract one of the elements,
and it is no longer the same substance.
Mr. BALtsorrissis (the Magistrate) having viewed the mass
of "fuel," which looked like a block of blackened granite,
and having also examined the lesser piece produced by Mr.
Pearson, said that in his opinion the substance was coal,
and would present all the phenomena of that body to the
mineralogist. Even the chemist, though discovering the ab-
sence of sulphuric acid gas, which was not one of the pri-
mary elements of coal, would call it by the same name.
Mr. Ballantine—Why, you may as well call it wood.
MAGISTRATE—SO I should, if it assumed the appearance
and qualities.—(Laughter.) If we are rightly informed, coal
beds were originally deposits of wood, but being subject to
certain influences, assumed another form.
Mr. Ballantine—That is what I contend for. The coal
here has undergone a change.
The MAGISTRATE —But not to an extent which changes it
as a generic substance. It has not been deprived of an indis-
pensable ingredient. I cannot consider that substance any
other than coal. if you have a power of appeal you can try,
and as to the sulphuric gas, I consider it not a necessary but
an accidental ingredient. You are doing the best for your
case, but all the writers on identity are against you.
Mr. Ballantine--Perhaps so, as to the human being, but
not so as to animals, and much less as to inert matter.
If there were a duty on the importation of sheep, but not
upon mutton, and that circumstances induced parties to kill
sheep at sea, would you, for the duty's sake, on the landing ~
insist on giving the mutton a misnomer.—(Loud laughter.)
If I can show, by scientific men, that this substance is not
coal, surely you'll pause to consider. If one of the gases
were omitted from our atmosphere, it would net be the same
substance.
The MAGISTRATE—It would still be an atmosphere, though
there would be a difference, as there is between the atmo-
sphere of this Court and that of Ilampsteadsheath.
Mr. Pearson—lf you think you have a case, pay the dues
under protest, and try the question by an action. That has
been done in another case, but the action is allowed to stand
over.
Mr. Burnell, of No. 1, Great Winchester-street, who was
acquainted with the process since the commencement,
thought the coal, as a substance, was completely altered by
the process to which it was submitted. The small coals were
subjected to the action of a very high temperature, until the
volatile sulphurous portion was evolved, then bitumen and a

SPICES.—There has not been much doing by auetion in
any article, Pimento has been taken in at 3%cl to 4d pa lb.,
white Pepper has realised 41,2 d to sd, and black 23/4cl to 314 d
per lb. Consumption goes on steadily.
COCOA.—Para has been sold at 30s to Ms per cwt.
RICE.-2,524 bags Bengal were nearly all taken in at 20s
6d to 21s for the sound, but part sold at 21s. The export
orders have diminished.
SALTPETRE.—BengaI albs refraction has been sold at 27s
to 27s 6d per cwt.
TEA. —The market is steady, being perhaps rather flat;
low common sound Congou at 9id, and low yellow leaf
Twankay at Is Id per lb.
TALLow.—P.Y.C. has been in less request at 425, the arri-
vals having ben icreased.

(From the London New Price Current of Nov. 21.)
SUGAR.—To-day the business transacted in the West In-
dia Sugar market was extremely limited; although some
merchants were more inclined to sell, only 60 hhds, &c.
were disposed of at a decline of 6d to Is per cwt. The total
sales for the week amount to only 540 hhds and tierces.
REFLNED.—To-day easier rates were again taken for re-
fined goods for home consumption, brown lumps according
to quality, selling at 65s 6d to 655, and standard lumps 66s
per cwt, but at these rates several purchases were made.
Bonded Crushed is again cheaper, 33s 6d to ns 9d per cwt
having been taken for the best. In Loaves there is a good
deal doing.
Mauarntrs.—There has been less disposition manifested
to purchase this description of Sugar, but holders have shown
firmness and obtained previous rates for the small parcels dis-
posed of by private treaty.
EAST Isolit.—This afternoon Bengal Sugar met with little
attention, and at public sale 660 bags went at barely the
former value. Of Penang 594 bags, 24 baskets, and 1 case,
were offered, and went a little cheaper.
FOREIGN. —T h e market has again been scantily supplied
with Foreign Sugar, but exporters and our refiners working
under hond are cautious in their proceedings, but holders
show firmness, and refrain from pressing sales.
BloLassEs.—For West India previous rates are asked, the
supply at market being small, but there has been a consi-
derable falling off in the demand this week, and only small
parcels have been sold. Bengal Treacle is worth 19s to 21s
per cwt, and is wanted. In Honey there has again been a
good deal done, and prices keep on the advance.
SPIOES.—To-day the market was well supplied with Cassia
Lignea, and three parcels amounting to 1,812 chests were
brought to auction; the trade evinced little desire to ope-
rate, and a small part only sold at a decline on the rates of
the last auction of 3s to 4s per cwt. Malabar Pepper met
with little attention. Of Nutmegs 3 chests sold, good brown
at 5s 4d per lb.
Cecoa.—British Plantation has been purchased with cau-
tion by private treaty, and former rates have been barely
supported, Trinidad grey selling at 38s to 435, red 39s to 445,
and superior 45s to 475. None has been offered at auction.
Foreign is little wanted, and prices are on the decline.
COFFEE.—This afternoon Ceylon Coffee was in excellent
request, and at auction 3,305 bags were all sold at an ad-
vance on former rates of is per cwt; good ordinary bold pale
Native bringing 48s 6d to 49s 6d, one lot 50s, and bold Triage
-16 s 6d to 47s per cwt. By private treaty several parcels of
Native and Plantation were disposed of.

TEA.—The market has presented a tranquil appearance for
all descriptions this week, there having been further arrivals,
and the stock of Black and Green being large causing the
trade to be cautious in their proceedings. Congou of all
kinds has been purchased with caution, and the rates taken
have been rather under those previously quoted. Pouchong
is however not offered upon lower terms, but there are
not many buyers at present. For Twankav there are not
many buyers. The cheapness of common taper, however,
has induced the trade to operate with more freedom.
Notwithstanding the low rates at which Hyson is to be
purchased, still the trade operates with caution. Imperial
has been taken with caution. Gunpowder is dull of sale.
Scented Orange Pekoe has been purchased with more free-
dom and prices arc firmer, fine bringing 2e 10d to 3s. Young
Hyson has been sold to a fair extent. The lower sorts of
Congou are a little cheaper than last year, whilst the better
are much the same as at that time. Twankay is a little
cheaper than last season, and Hyson, Imperial, and Gun-
powder are 5d to is per lb lower.
FEEIT. —Since this day week there has been a brisker de-
mand for all descriptions : the public sales have been very
extensive. All bought in, but a great part appears to have
been subsequently sold. By private contract some large
operations are reported to have been made : a par-
cel of new Cephalonia offered at public sale and
bought in at 48s; a portion has been sold pri-
vately below that price. Fine Valentias are in demand
at 435, and are very scarce. Singe this day week 70,000
drums Figs have been offered at public sale, but the greater
part being of inferor quality have been bought in, a few
lots selling from 38s to 645. Imperial French Plums, in car-
tons 100 s to 131 s, halt-cartons 1023 to 1265, quarter cartons
102 s to 1355, eighth cartons 95s to 1325; Prunes, in chests
and half-chests 28s to 30s. A parcel of new Greek Figs, in
cases, were offered and taken in at 325.

Sninivs.—For all descriptions of Jamaica Rum prices rule
very firm, but the supply at market is small, especially of
the good and fine qualities. There has been a falling off in
the home and export demand this week, and the total
sales amount to only 250 puncheons, at 3s 7d to 3s 10d
for 29 to 36 por cent. over proof, and small parcels of
better quality at 4.s to 5s per gallon. Leeward Island is
wanted, but business has been checked by the scanty supply,
and buyers are compelled to pay 2s 2d to 2s 3d proof
strength. In Calcutta sales have been made at 2s 11/2d
to 2s 2.(.1 proof with certificate, and the market is still
scantily supplied. Of common Demerara small parcels
have been sold at full prices, strong kinds are wanted and
fetch 3s 2d to 3s 6d. The stock of all kinds is still on the
decline, and the consumption is going on satisfactorily.
Prices are still under those of last year. Brandy is little
wanted, and the tendency of prices still downwards; the
stock here is a full average one. Of Geneva several parcels
have been taken for exportation. For English Corn Spirits
the demand has been active at 103 9d per gallon nett cash,
and a further advance it is expected will shortly take place.
Malt Spirits, according to quality, is worth 12s 9d to 13s 6d.
Gin has has been extensively dealt in.
Ou.s.—Although there are sellers of Gallipoli Oil upon
rather lower terms, still the home trade operate with caution,
and there are few export orders. Rape Seed Oil is still
wanted, and prices are kept up, the supply being small. For
Palm the demand has fallen off, and a decline in the
value has taken place. Cocoa at present is not
to be had upon lower terms, but it is little
wanted. For Linseed Oil further reduced rates have
been taken, and for forward delivery many contracts
have been entered into at 24s 3d to 24s 6d. Cod has further
declined in value, but in consequence of 281. per ton having
been accepted, the operatics:le have been on I DIM extended