The Sun.
London, England, 1845-07-31 00:00:00

THE COMMERCIAL MARINE. The Select Com-
mittee appointed to inquire into the condition and state of the
commercial marine of the country, and to take into consideration
and report on the best mode of encouraging and extending the
employment of British shipping, have examined witnesses, and
have agreed to the following very concise report :—" Your Corn.
mittce having been prevented by unforeseen circumstances from
going fully into the inquiry referred to them, submit to the House
the expediency of their being reappointed at an early period of
the next session.—July 28, 1845."
DOVER, JULY 30.—Her Royal Highness the
Duchess of Cambridge, accompanied by Prince George and the
Princess Mary, arrived by special train about three o'clock this
afternoon. They were received at the station by Colonel Jones,
commandant of the garrison, a guard of honour from the 43d
Regiment, and a royal salute from the Western Heights, and im-
mediately proceeded to the Ship Hotel. At six o'clock her Royal
Highness and the Princess Mary embarked on board the Princess
Alice, Commander Smithett, accompanied by Sir John Hamilton,
and proceeded for Calais. It is a squally evening, with rain, and
they will have a disagreeable passage. His Royal Highness Prince
George returned by train to London immediately after the deism,.
ture of the Princess Alice for Calais. A guard of honour attended
at the embarkation, and a second salute from the heights an.
nounced the departure of their Royal Highnesses.
ANOTHER ACCIDENT ON THE LONDON AND BIR-
MINGHAM RAILWAY.—A serious accident took place on the line of
the London and Birmingham Railway on Tuesday. It appears
that the one o'clock up train from Birmingham, and which is due
at three o'clock at the Euston-grove terminus, proceeded at its
usual speed up to the time of its arrival at Leyton. After passing
the Leyton station, and between that place and Chaddington, the
engine got out of "gear," or in some measure otherwise slightly
deranged. The engine driver, Newton, perceiving this was the
case, slackened the speed, and descended for the purpose of reme-
dying the defects, and the engine was again put in motion. On
attempting to ascend the engine whilst in progress, the unfortu-
nate driver's foot slipped off' one of the steps, and his right leg
being caught by one of the wheels, caused him to fall, and the
tender and carriage passed over the nude and lower part of the
calf, crashing it in a shocking manner. The train was stopped,
and the poor fellow was brought with all possible speed to the
London terminus, where it was ascertained that amputation was
necessary, and the operation was at once performed. Last evening
the report was that Newton was progressing favourably.
ACCIDENTS ON THE MIDLAND RAILWAY.—DERBY,
JULY 29.—About seven o'clock last night a fatal accident occurred
at the railway station here. George Redfern, a porter, was assist..
ing to "shunt" a truck, when the catch on the turn-table by
some m, ... did not act, and the consequence was the truck swung
round much further than it ought to have done, and crushed the
poor fellow to death. Much excitement and alarm were also occa-
sioned at the station by the non-arrival of the mail train, which
was due in Derby at twenty minutes to seven, but which did not
make its appearance there till alter eight o'clock. It appeared that
two mineral trains had come into collision at the Claycross tunnel,
and occasioned each other much damage. A stoker, who jumped
off when he saw that a collision was unavoidable, had one of his
legs broken in two places.
DoGGETT'S COAT AND BADGB.—This very old
established contest amongst wetermen whose term of apprentice.
ship has just expired, will take place on Friday next. A con-
siderable number who were eligible were candidates on the present
occasion, but as the race is confined to six competitors, the follow.
ing only obtained a lot :—George White, Custom House ; Robert
W. Thorndyke, Surrey Canal; Joseph Cobb, Greenwich ; Edward
Gillett, Greenwich; Matthew Weed, Bankside ; William R. Pratt,
Waterloo Bridge. The start will take place from the Swan, Lon-
don-bridge, and the race, as usual, extend to the Swan at Chelsea,
the distance being rowed against tide. To the Coat and Badge is
added 71., arising from the interest on South Sea Stock, bequeathed
Isy the late Sir W. Joliffe, of which the second man receives
41. 7s. 6d., and the third 21. 12s. 6d.
THE .NAVY.—THE RhTIREMENT.—The captains of
the navy, with whom we have conversed, seem satis fled with the
very liberal arrangement which has been made by the Admiralty
Board fer their retirement. We have no doubt but the desired
number (300) will be found that will gladly avail themselves of the
opportunity of materially increasing their income. We think, how.
ever, that it would be more desirable, if it could be so arranged, to
allow all the captains on the half-pay of 14s. 6d. per diem, who have
held that rank 39 years and upwards, the option of retiring on the
rear.admiral's half.pay of 255. per diem. This would have the effect of
removing the senior captains off the list, without any apparent
breach of faith. These officers have been all looking forward for
promotion and had aright to expect it, and it may be possible that
many on this grade of half-pay may still look for their flags and de-
cline the proposed retirement of 20s. per diem. All the other
grades will be greatly benefited by the proposed plan; for, not only
will their present income be materially increased, but their widows
will enjoy better pensions. There is not a captain on the half.pay
of 12s. 6d. or 10s. 6d., arrived at the age of fifty.five or
sixty years, who can, under the present system of promotion, ever
expect to get his flag; therefore, the retirement will be a great boon
to him.

CITY STEAMBOAT COMPANY.—A DPW fleet of
Thames steamers commenced plying ul on the river yesterday, and
the occasion was celebrated by a dinner at the Tivoli-gardens,
Battersea, at which the Directors and principal Shareholders in
the,Company were present ; C. L. Francis, Esq., chairman of the
Directors, presided. About 100 gentlemen wete present. Upon
the removal of the cloth the usual loyal and patriotic toasts were
given and duly honoured. The principal toast of the evening,
" Prosperity to the Citizen Steamers," was then given, and in
doing so the Chairman intimated that it was their intention to
build twelve boats to represent the twelve City companies ; how-
ever, six only were at present completed. The toast was drunk
with all the honours. The Chairman's health was then drunk,
followed by that of the Lord Mayor and Corporation of London.
After passing an evening of great conviviality, the company
separated.

TIIE ROYAL SEA. BATHING INFIRMARY.—A jubi-
lee anniversary of this Institution, which was first established in
1796, was held yesterday at the London Coffee-house, Ludgate..
hill, where a party of 70 gentlemen sat down to an excellent din.
ner. The chair was taken by the Lord Mayor, who has been
connected with this charity during a period of 45 years; lie was
supported by Mr. Alderman Kelly, Rev. Dr. Russell, Mr. Ben-
jamin B. Cabbell, and others. On the removal of the cloth
the chairman proposed the usual loyal and patriotic toasts;
and then proceeded to advocate the claims of the Royal
Sea. bathing Infirmary to the support of the public. The aid of
kind and benevolent friends had extended the benefits of this
charity so far that there was now accommodation for 230 persons,
and the future object would be to effect a reduction in the expense
incurred for the board of patients under the establishment. Mr.

Paul, the secretary, then read a long list of subscriptions, of which
the whole amount considerably exceeded 6001. The health of the
Chairman, who has been a stedfast friend and liberal contributor
to the funds of the ilnfirrnary, was proposed by Mr. Alderman
Kelly, and most cordially received. The proceedings of the
evening were agreeably enlivened by the professional aid of Messrs.
T. Cooke, C. Taylor, Young, Bennett, and Sketch; and all passed
off with entire satisfaction to the party assembled.
CORONER'S INQUEST.-DEATH FROM VIOLENCE-
Last night Mr. Baker held an inquest at the White Bear, Bartho.
loinew-square, Old-street, St. Luke's, on view of the body of John
Ginger, aged thirty-eight years, a waiter, who died under the fol-
lowing mysterious circumstances. Mary Ann Ginger, widow of
deceased, stated that on Monday morning, at eight o'clock, the de-
ceased left his home to act as waiter at the Highbury Barn Tavern.
He did not return home until five o'clock on the following
(Tuesday) morning. He complained of his head, but was unable
to explain the cause. He lay down on the fluor, and con-
tinuing to get worse, witness sent for a medical man. He never
rallied, and died at half-past seven o'clock the same evening.
She had been unable to ascertain what had become of deceased
after he had left the Highbury-barn Tavern. He had been
paid at eight o'c:ock in the evening. The skirts of his coat
were torn off when he came home. Mr. James Bruce, sur-
geon, deposed he was called to deceased on Tuesday afternoon.
Found him apparently suffering from violence. He became
insensible, and died in that condition the same evening. De_
ceased never spoke. Witness had made a post ',torten: examina-
tion of the body. There were no external marks of violence.
On opening the head he found six ounces of blood between the dura
mater and the brain, on the right side of the head, corresponding
with a mark under the hair, visible beneath the scalp internally.
A blow or a fall would cause it. There was also a corresponding
mark of a dent at that part of his hat, on which was some dirt.
His clothes were dirty and torn. The appearances witness bad
described were sufficient to cause death. The coroner said it was
a r.:ost mysterious case ; it was quite evident the deceased had
died from violence, but as there was no evidence to show by whom
it was inflicted, he thought that further inquiries should be made,
and for that purpose he should adjourn the case. The jury coin.
ceding, the investigation was postponed until Friday next. _ _ _

HLvit•:w IN HYDE PARK.---ll is intended, should
the weather prove favourable, to have a grand review of all the
troop., in the London district, in H de Park, on Saturday next,
the 2d of August, in the presence of his Majesty the King of the
Netherlands.

THE DUKE AND THE PROVERB.—The Italians say
" Evet y medal has its reverse.'' The Iron Duke seems resolved to
illustrate the truth of the proverb. Her.ce, the Waterloo fighters
have " the medal," and the Peninsular veterans " the reverse."—
Panch.

The defendant was accordingly discharged.
At the close of the inquiry Mr. Cubitt complained of the con_
duct of several of the passengers, and the manner in which he had
been attacked in the public prints, asserting almost to the extent
that he was the party that had caused the calamity, and even
while using every means to alleviate the sufferers, many of the
offico-s were collared and roughly used, while he was similarly
treated, and designated a murderer.

DUNSTABLE RAILWAY COMPANY.—A meeting of
this Company was summoned for yesterday, at the London and
Birmingham station at Euston.square, at one o'clock; but the
number necessary to constitute a meeting not having attended
up to two o'clock, the meeting was adjourned to the 29th
August.
THE METROPOLITAN FREE HOSPITAL.—The annual
festival, in aid of the funds by which this hospital is supported,
took place yesterday, at the Albion Tavern, Aldersgate-street,
when nearly eighty gentlemen were regaled by the excellent fare
provided by Mr. Staples, the proprietor. Messrs. Hobbs, Francis,
Machin, and Bradbury contributed the aid of their vocal talents to
enliven the company, and sang some excellent songs and glees.
Upon the removal of the table-cloths, the healths of her Majesty,
of Prince Albert, and the rest of the Royal Family were drank in the
usual manner. The chairman, Mr. Gurney Hoare, then proposed
the toast of the evening, "Success to the Hespital," which was
responded to in a way which showed those assembled were fully
sensible of the merits and claims of the Institution, Upwards of
4001. were announced by the secretary as the amount of the sub-
scriptions of the evening. It appeared from the report, that the
hospital has been most efficacious in the cure and in the preven-
tion of the spreading of disorders. From April, 1844, to April
in the present year, 9,872 patients have been cured or relieved of
various diseases ; and since the original foundation of it upwards
of 611,000 persons hare met with cure or relief. The company
kept up the commemoration of the establ;shment of the charity till
a late hour.

STATE OF TRADE.—The demand for yarn both for
export and for home consumption continues exceedingly good,
with very firm prices ; and the shippers appear generally desirous
to extend their contracts. In goods there is a fair steady business,
but without animation, except in domestics, which are rather
higher, in consequence of the advance in the description of yarn
used in their manufacture. ROCHDALE FLANNEL MARKET,
JULY .28.—We have had a very brisk market ; pieces hove been
eagerly bought up, at better prices. There is little change in the
wool market ; prices are slowly upon the advance.—Manchester
Guardian.
PIGEON-SHOOTING MATCH.—Yesterday a match to
shoot at 25 pigeons (double guns), between Creasy and Radcliffe,
two crack shots, came off at Whetstone, near Finchley. The
stakes were 101. a-side. Atter some very excebent and long shots
Creasy won by two pigeons, he having killed 20 and his oppo.
nent IS.
FIVE PERSONS DRowNED.—Yesterday morning,
at about a quarter before 5 o'clock, a melancholy accident occurred
on the river between Millbank and the new House of Lords, by
which fire persons lost their lives. It appears that a boat, con-
taining a number of men and women, was returning from the fair
held in Battersea-fields. On arriving off Millbank some of the
passengers were changing seats, for the purpose of taking the oars
to row, when the boat was upset, and all were immersed in the
water. The scene was heartrending•. An alarm was raised, and
boats with assistance put off as quickly as possible. Some were
saved ; but, unfortunately, three men and two women were
drowned. The drags were procured, but none of the bodies are as
yet discovered. It is unknown who they are.
We understand that Lord Mahon will succeed Mr.
Emerson Tennent as one of the Secretaries to the Board of Control.
Mr. Emerson Tennent will visit Egypt on his way to Ceylon,
in the hope of being able to conclude with the Pacha the
postal treaty, in respect to which Mr. Bourne has so lamentably
failed.