The Sun.
London, England, 1845-12-10 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, WEDNESDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 10 1845.

Geography, was less satisfactory than that in some
other branches of knowledge. From the inquiries
made, I came to the conclusion that the defect
was owing to the scanty portion of the time which
is, from necessity, afforded to those studies. When
the "Plebs," as the new comers are called, arrive
at the Point, there is a great diversity in their
amount of knowledge. Those from the New England
States are the most forward, and the most easily
managed. Those from the Middle States rank next ;
whilst those from the Southern States are lower down in
the scale. Of course those who enter well prepared
possess manifest advantages, and therefore, amongst the
best, there are always a large number of New Eng•
landers.

Yrutlis from all classes of society are eligible for
admittance into the West Point Academy. I one day
.noticed a file of the new corners. The first young man
was dressed in the plain and well-worn garments of a
hard-working country lad, his entire gaib, something
too scanty, were " seedy," and he must have come from
a very indigent family to have worn su .h garments in
America, where almost everybody is well dressed.
Judging from the fifty-six" Plebs" whom I saw, I should
say there were not one-fourth of them who were from
families of independent property, or of ordinary com-
petency. The " mass" were from the " mass" of those
who laboured hard for bread. When once admitt' d,
they are all clothed and fed alike, and no other distinc-
tion is made than that which arises out of the cornet
deportment and attainments of the individual. Pro-
fessor Bartlett, of the Academy, was a poor drummer-
boy at Fort Eric. He became a cadet at West Point,
and is now one of its instructors. The subjoined table,
taken from Colonel Totter's report for 1844, will show
that the lower classes have even a more than equal par-
ticipation in the benefits of the Institution, and it is a
fair sample of the usual classification in every year:—

Of the 221 cadets at the Point in that year-
-59 were sons of Farmers.
14 " " Mechanics.
27 " " Lawyers.
18 " Merchants.
5 " " Hotel Keepers.
12 " " Physicians.
14 " " Army or Navy Officers.
4 " " Clergymen.
5 " " Officers of State and GeneralGovemments.
15 " " Professors, Editors, Bank Officers, or
Masters of vessels, &c.
26 " without Father.
22 " " " or Mother.
Of the 212 in the Academy in 1843-
156 were the sons of parents ill moderate circumstances.
26 " reduced 66
64 6 66 64 indigent 64
6 44 44 wealthy
18 " unknown

The above statements will, if they serve go other pur-
pose, perhaps amuse, by the contrast it presents to our
own system of military education. At the present junc-
ture, they may convey useful information. If I• have
been at all tedi.us, I will endeavour to make amends in
my next paper, which will treat more of persons than of
places. WHIZ.

COURT OF COMMON CoUNCIL.
Yesterday a Court of Common Council was held (pur-
suant to adjournment from Thursday last) for the dis-
patch of business. It will be remembered that, at the
last meeting of the Court, a discussion arose on the
question of affixing the hospital seals to certain docquets
returned to the Court in the regular course through it e
City:Chamberlain; and the Court was adjourned on that
discussion to this day, in order to afford time for coun-
sel's opinion to be taken on the point at issue. The
Lord Mayor entered the Council Chamber, and took the
chair precisely at one o'clock, when
The Towx CLERK proceeded to read the docquets
in question.
Mr. LOTT rose and claimed the attention of the
Court for a few moments. He begged to state that the
Committee, of v hich he had the honour of being chair-
man, and to which this question has been referred, had
sat and given the closest and most careful consideration
to this most important subject. Time had not allowed
the Committee to prepare a formal report, but he would,
with the permission of the Court, take the liberty of
reading a resolution which had been adopted by the
Committee. It was as follows :—" The Committee re-
commend to the Court that, under the special circum-
stances of the case, the fixing the seals to the docquets in
question be delayed for the present, the Committee not
having yet received a satisfactory legal opinion on the
question." Unaer such circumstances he hoped the sub-
ject would be deferred, and the Court would now pro-
ceed with the other business of the day.
The LORD MAYOR intimated that the sealing could
not, according to the provisions of the Act of Parlia-
ment, be postponed.
The RECORDER expressed a hope that the Court
would forgive him if he reminded them that its inte-
rests might be materially involved, and its cause much
damaged, if a certain course were not pursued in refe-
rence to this very important matter.
Mr. PRENDERGAST rose to order. The Court ha
delegat. d an authority to the Committee to obtain
certain legal opinions, and having:so obtained them, to
make such a report as to them should deem fit. He
(Mr. Prendergast) ibjected to one of the counsel who
might have been consulted, now getting up to state that
Which ought to come from the Committee itself.
Mr. LAMBERT JONES submitted that the last speaker
was himself• out of order. The motion before the Court
was, that the seal be affixed to the documents, and he
begged to ask the Recorder whether he had not been in
consultation with the Attorney and Solicitor-General on
the subject, and whether they did not agree that, under
all the circumstances, the seal ought to be affixed with-
out prejudice to the matter at issue.
The LORD MAYOR said he must prevent Mr. Prender-
gast from entering into an argument upon the question
when speaking to order. As this was a legal matter,
he (the Lord Mayor) should act on the advice given to
him by the Recorder.
Mr. LAWRENCE thought the Chairman of the Com-
mittee should go further than the verbal report he had
just made, and should state to the Court what was the
nature of the legal opinions which the Committee had
received. It aas for the Court, and not for the Com-
mittee to decide, what was or what was not a satisfac-
tory legal opinion.
The LORD MAYOR said he should rather ask the Re-
corder for his opinion on the subject. The Recorder
had been consulted by the Committee, and on his opinion
he (the Lord Mayor) should act.
The RECORDER stated that, under the bye-laws, the
opinions of the Recorder and the Common Sergeant
were ordered to be taken, together with those of other
counsel, on all legal matters relating to the Corporation,
and therefore it was iu his capacity of Recorder, and not
as counsel, that he had been consulted. In consequence
of what passed at the last Court, the City Solicitor had
furnished counsel as well as him (the Recorder) with
further questions on the point which appeared to the
City Solicitor to demand an immediate reply. Those
questions had been considered, and he (the Recorder)
now waited the commands of the Lord Mayor and of
this Court to state the opinions of counsel on the
questions and case which he now held in his hand.
After some further discussion on this point,

Mr. Alderman HUGHES submitted, that as counsel's
opinion had been taken, it was too much to say that it
should be withheld from the Court. He therefore re-
peated his amendment that the opinions be now read.
Mr. LAWRENCE seconded the amendment.

Mr. LOTT requested the case submitted to counsel
might be read, as well as the opinions founded upon it.
The LORD MAYOR said most certainly. Both ought
to be read.

The RECORDER said the Court would, perhaps, permit
him to observe, that although he was aware that it was
ready and willing to give the utmost publicity to its pro-
ceedings, still it would be somewhat too much to ex-
pect that they should promulgate the opinions of their
counsel in the presence of their antagonists. He there-
fore submitted for the consideration of the Court,
whether, as a matter of prudence, the Court ought not
to be cleared ?

Mr. HARRISON—I observe strangers present.
On this strangers were ordered to withdraw, and the
Court remained in discussion with closed doors for up-
wards of an hour and a quarter. We understand that
after reading the opinion of Counsel, which was to the
effect that the question at issue believed the Corporation
and Christ's Hospital would not be prejudiced by the
affixing the ;seals to the documents already before the
Court, a motion was made that " the seals be now
affixed." On this motion a division took place, when
the numbers appeared—For the motion, 57 ; against it,
26. Majority, 31. The Court was then re-opened to
the public.

UNLICENSED CARMEN.

The CHAMBERLAIN said a circumstance had recently
occurred which he had mentioned to the Lord Mayor,
and which his Lordship thought that he (the Chamber-
lain) ought to bring under the notice of the Court. It
appeared that an action had been brought in the Lord
Mayor's Court in his (the Chamberlain's) name against
a carman, to recover a penalty of 51. for pursuing his
calling within tife City without being duly licensed. He
(the Chamberlain) had investigated the case, and had
found that no blame whatever was attached to any per-
son in that particular transaction, for that a custom
prevailed in the Lord Mayor's Court by which any com-
mon informer could sue for penalties in the name of the
Chamberlain, without his leave, license, or authority.
It had occurred to him that such a state of things, if
they were not put a stop to, ought at least to be in-
quired into, and with deference, he would suggest, that
this, his communication, should be referred to the Com-
mittee for General Purposes, for theca to inquire into
and report upon the same, and thereby relieve him of a
very great responsibility.—(Hear, hear.)
On the motion of Mr. D. W. WIRE, seconded by Mr.
R. TAYLOR, the motion was referred to the Committee
for General Purposes.

CITY ALTERATIONS.—CLERK OF THE WORKS.
Mr. R. TAYLOR drew the attention of the Court to the
resolution passed in 1837, requiring the Clerk of the
Works to report to the first Court held after the 25th of
March to 29th of September, in each year, the return, if
any, of works performed at the Mansion-house, Guildhall,
the City Prison, with the expenses thereof ; and, se-
condly, that no alterations or repairs the undertaken by
the Clerk of the Works, until an estimate of the ex-
penses thereof had been reported to, and sanctioned by,
this Court. Notwithstanding these orders, certain alte-
rations were now proceeding, at a cost, he understood,
of between 3,000/. and 4,0001., on the Giltspur-street
Compter, without any estimate having been reported to,
or sanctioned by, the Court of Common Council. The
outlay was the more surprising, because the Court of
Aldermen had already reported that the Giltspur-street
Compter was unfit for a correctional prison. Under
these circumstances, he now moved that the Clerk of the
Works be called up and interrogated as to the authority
under which he was proceeding.
Mr. HARRISON seconded the motion, and after some
conversation the Clerk of the Works appeared at the
table, and in answer to questions put by Mr. Taylor,
and other members of the Court, stated that he had pro.
ceeded with the works at the Compter under the autho-
rity of the Court of Aldermen, and that the expenditure
thereon would be reported to the Court in his annual
reports.
After some further conversation, Mr. R. Taylor ex-
pressed his intention to bring the subject under the con-
sideration of the next Court, and the matter dropped for
the present.
QUALIFICATION OF MENDERS OF THE COURT.
Mr. EDKINS brought up the report of a Committee to
whom had been referred the consideration of the resolu-
tion of the Court passed the 14th of January, 1716, as
to the qualification of members of the Court, and to re-
port in what way the resolution could be altered and
amended. The report stated that the resolution in
question provided that no person should be capable of
filling the office of Common Councilman who at the time
of his election was not a householder within the ward for
which he was chosen. The charter of Edward 111. em-
powered the Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty, to pro-
vide a remedy for every custom or usage of the City that
might in practice be found to be defective. The report
went on to state: that no doubt existed as to the true de-
finition of the term " householder." The Committee
were of opinion that a declaratory Bill removing such
doubts, and stating that by the laws, usages, and customs
of the City, every freeman occupying a house, summon-
able on juries, and paying scot and bearing lot, should
be eligible to the office of Common Councilman, be
brought in to this Court. Mr. Edkins concluded by
moving, " That the Court do agree with the Committee
in their report."
Mr. ANDERTON hoped that the Bill would be brought
in without delay, and come in force before next St.
Thomas'-day.
Mr. R. TAYLOR suggested that it would be better to
refer the matter back to the Committee, with instructions
to prepare and bring in the Bill.
Mr. DE JERSEY said the subject was too important
to be hurried over in a post-haste manner. The report
ought to be printed, and its further consideration ad-
journed.
Mr. EDKINS said, as it would be impossible to pre-
pare the Bill before St. Thomas'-day, he would acquiesce
in Mr. De Jersey's suggestion.
The report was accordingly ordered to be printed and
sent to every -member of the Court, and its further con-
sideration was adjourned.
The election of an under-beadle for the coal-market
was proceeded with. For the office there were three
candidates, but the choice fell on Mr. Joseph Stacey by
a large majority.
Some routine business was then dispcsed of, and the
Court adjourned.

DISCOVERY OF IRON IN WESTMORELAND.-A seam
of iron ore, about seven yards in thickness, has been dis-
covered, by an influential company in Newcastle, at Stain-
more Fells, Westmoreland. The deep rocky channel in
which it was found, extends along a ridge of mountains east-
ward for some m 1-s. The quality of the ore has been tested,
and proved to be of the most ductile description. A stratum
of h:.rd limestone rock, nearly five feet thick, lays between
the soil and the ore. The projected York and Carlisle and
Lancaster and Newcastle lines both pass within a very short
distance.-Carlisle Journal.

TUESDAY NIGHT'S GAZETTE.

In pursuance of the directions of an Act, passed in the
twenty fourth year of the reign of his late Majesty King
George the Third, intituled "An Act to repeal so much of
two Acts, made in the tenth and fifteenth years of his pre-
sent Majesty, as authorises the Speaker of the House of
Commons to issue his warrant to the Clerk of the Crown
fur making out writs for the election of Members
to serve inParlirment, in the manner therein mentioned,
and for substituting other provisions for the like
purposes :" I do hereby give notice, that it bath been certi-
fied to me in writing, under the hands of two Members
serving in this present Parliament, that the Hon. James
Walter Grimston, commonly called Lord Grimston, late a
Member serving in this present Parliament for the county
of Hertford, is become a Peer of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland, and to whom a writ of summons bath
been issued under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom to
summon him to Parliament, anti that I shall issue my warrant
to the Clerk of the Crown to make out a new writ for
the electing of a Member to serve in this present Parliament
for the said county, in the room of the said Honourable James
Walter Grimston, commonly called Lord Grimston, now a
Peer of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
and to whom a writ of summons bath been issued as afore-
said, at the end of fourteen days after the insertion of this
notice in the London Gazette.

Given under my hand the 6th day of December, 1845.
CHARLES SHAW LEFEYRE, Speaker.

WHITEHALL, DEC. 6, 1845.
The Queen has been pleased to present the Rev. William
Mungall Simpson to the church and parish of Stranraer, in
the presbytery of Stranraer and county of Wigtown, vacant
by the death of the Rev. David Wilson.
WHITEHALL, DEC. 8.
The Queen has been pleased to appoint Henry Francis
Lord Polwarth to be Lieutenant and Sheriff Principal of the
shire of Selkirk, in the room of Henry James Lord Mon-
tagu, deceased,
WHITEHALL, DEC. 9.
The Queen has been pleased to grant unto the Rev. Charles
Thynne, Clerk, M.A. (commonly called Lord Charles Thynne),
the place and dignity of a Canon of the metropolitical church
of Canterbury, void by the cession of the Rev. John Peel,
late Canon thereof.

WAR-OFFICE, DEC. 9.
10th Regiment of Foot—R. H. Travers, Gent. to be En-
sign, by purchase, vice Curry, who retires, Dec. 9.
41st Foot—Ensign J. G. Igginton, from the 45th Foot, to
be Lieutenant, by purchase, vice Arkwright, who retiree,
Dec, 9.
45th Foot—A. Smyth, Gent., to be Fnsign, by purchase,
vice Egginton, promoted in the 41st Foot, Dec. 9.
65th Foot—Lieut. H. P. Turner, from the Cape Mounted
Riflemen, to be Lieutenant, vice Nicolls, appointed Pay-
master of the 2d Foot; Gentleman Cadet E. B. Hart, from
the Royal Military College, to be Ensign, without purchase,
vice Turner, promoted in the Cape Mounted Riflemen, Dec. 9.
90th Foot—Lieutenant P. O'Gorman, from the Ceylon
Rifle Regiment, to be Lieutenant, vice Evatt, who exchanges,
Dec. 9.

_
Ist West India Regiment—Lieutenant G. C. Urmston, from
half-pay 3d Foot, to be Lieutenant, vice Suckling, appointed
to the Ceylon Rifle Regiment; Ensign H. L. Cafe to be
Lieutenant, by purchase, vice Urmston, who retires ; W. N.
Watts, Gent., to be Ensign, by purchase, vice Cafe, Dec. 9.
Ceylon Rifle Regiment—Lieutenant H. A. Evatt, from the
90th Foot, to be Lieutenant, vice O'Gorman, who exchanges,
Dec. 9.

Cape Mounted Riflemen—Ensign 11. F. Turner, from the
65th Foot, to be Lieutenant without purchase, vice C. 13.
Crause, cashiered by the sentence of a General Court-mar-
tial, Dec. 8.
HoscrrAL STAFF.—To be Assistant-Surgeons to the
Forces—J. A. Wishart, M.D.; G. F. Bone, M.D.; A. G.
Montgomery, Gent.., Dec. 9
ADMIRALTY,_DEc._B._

•
With reference to the Gazette of the 28th ultimo, the fol-
lowing Naval Promotions have taken place :
Acting Captain Henry Lyster, her Majesty's ship Agincourt,

to be confirmed.
Commander Edward Gennys Fanshawe, her Majesty's sloop
Cruizer, to be Captain.
Lieutenant George Morritt, her Majesty's ship 'Vestal, to be

Commander.
Acting Lieutenant Marcus Lowther, her Majesty's ship
Agincourt, to be confirmed.
Charles Nolloth, Mate, her Majesty's ship Daedalus, to be

Lieutenant.
Philip William May, Mate, her Majesty's ship Agincourt, to
be Lieutenant.
Commission by the Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland.
Northumberland Militia—Captain Frampton (late of the
Rifle Brigade) to be Adjutant, Nov. 25.
COMMISSIONERS IN LUNACY.
Office, 12, Abingdon-street.
The Lord Chancellor was pleased, on :the 26th ultimo, to
appoint William George Campbell, of the Inner Temple,
Esq., Barrister- at-Law, one of the Commissioners in Lunacy,
under the Act Bth and 9th Victoria, cap. 100, in the place of
John Hancock Hall, Esq., deceased.

By order,
R. W. S. LUTWIDGE, Secretary.

BANKRUPTCY SUPERSEDED.
Samuel Thomas, bullion merchant, Cornhill.
BANKRUPTS. _

Robert Watson Sheppard, innkeeper, Ensham, Oxfordshire,
to surrender Dec. 19 and Jan. 16, at half. past twelve, at the
Court of Bankruptcy. Follett, official assignee, Sambrook-
court, Basinghall-street ; Pownall and Cross, Staple Inn ;
Walsh, Oxford.
Charles Kendal Luce, tailor, Southampton, Dec. 19, at
half-past twelve, and Jan. 20, at twelve, at the Court of
Bankruptcy. Pennell, official assignee ; Combe, Staple Inn.
Henry Gamble, grocer, Grimstone, Norfolk, Dec. 12, at
two, and Jan. 20, at half-past twelve, at the Court of
Bankruptcy. Belcher, official assignee ; Hill and Matthews,
St. Mary-Axe.
Thomas Ratnett, tailor, Cambridge, Dec. 17, at two, and
Jan. 24, at twelve, at the Court of Bankruptcy. Follett,
official assignee, Sambrook-court, I3asinghall-street Wilkin,
Furnival's Inn ; Hunt, Cambridge.
John Poulton, jun., straw hat manufacturer, Luton, Bed-
fordshire, Dec. 17, at twelve, and Jan. 16, at twelve, at the
Court of Bankruptcy. Green, official assignee, Alderman-
bury; Dynes, Lincolns Inn-fields; Warring, Luton.
Arthur Southcombe Tucker and George Muriel Bidwell,
grocers, Melcombe Regis, Dorsetshire, Dec. 17 and Jan. 31,
at eleven, at the Court of Bankruptcy. Green, official as-
signee, Alderm tnbury ; Knight, Basinghall- street ; Cook
and Sanders, New Inn, Strand.
John Dyer Williams, blacking manufacturer, Newcastle-
street, Farringdon-street, Dec. 19, at two, and Jan. 20, at
twelve, at the Court of Bankruptcy. Edwards, official as-
signee, Frederick's-place, Old Jewry; Austin, St. Swithin's-
lane.

Thomas Mortimer, victualler, East-lane, Walworth, Dec.
16, at eleven, and Jan. 16, at twelve, at the Court of Bank-
official assignee, Coleman street ; Harpur,
Bank-
ruptcy.
Kennington-cross.
nt
nc
n.
Thomas Mager, poulterer, Holborn-hill, Dec. 17 and Jan.
14, at two, at the Court of Bankruptcy. Bell, official assignee,
Coleman-street ; Kiss and Son, Fenchurch• street.
g Johnson,ton-cros
Robert George Spedding, zinc-manufacturer, Queen-street,
Cheapside, Dec. 16, at twelve, and Jan. 13, at eleven, at the
Court of Bankruptcy. Turquand, official assignee, Old
Jewry-chambers ; Taylor, North-buildings, Finsbury-circus.
William Lewis, tobacconist, Barnsley, Yorkshire, Dec. 22
and Jan. 22, at eleven, at the Leeds District Court. Hope,
official assignee, Leeds; Sudlow and Co., Chancery-lane,
London ; Middleton, Leeds.
_ _

Frederick Samford, linendraper, Manchester. Dec. 23 and
Jan. 14, at twelve, at the Manchester District Court. Pott,
official assignee, Manchester; Reid, Bread-street, Cheapside,
London; Sale, Worthington, and Shipman, Manchester.
Charles Iles, grocer, Bristol, Dec 23 and Jan. 20, at eleven,
at the Bristol District Court. Official assignee, Bristol ;
Hudson, Bloomsbury-square, London ; Hopkins, Bristol.
John Pope, lime-burner, Ashley-down, Gloucestershire,
Dec. 23, at twelve, and Jan. 20, at eleven, at the Bristol Dis-
trict Court. Official assignee, Bristol; Hudson, Bloomsbury-
square, London ; Hopkins, Bristol.
William Ockleston, hide merchant, Liverpool, Dec. 19 and
Jan. 13, at eleven, at the Liverpool District Court. Turner,
official assignee, Liverpool
; Norris Allen, and Simpson,
Bartlett's-buildings, Holborn ; Norris, Liverpool.
Theodore Friedlanskey, chandler, Birmingham, Dec. 23
and Jan. 16, at eleven, at the Birmingham District Court.
,
Christie, official assignee, Birmingham ; Corser, Birmingham.

DIVIDENDS DECLARED.
J. C. Petrie, miller, Bedlington—third div. of sd. in the
pound (in addition to Is. 2d. previously declared), any Sa-
turday, at the office of Mr. Baker, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
J and E. Fisher, wine dealers, Maghull—first div. of 38.
10d. in the pound, any Monday, at the office of Mr. Bird,
Liverpool.

DIVIDEND.
J. Bryan, chemist, Bristol, Jan. 2, at eleven, at the Bris-
tol District Court.

the
CERTIFICATES to be granted, unless cause be shown to
J. Breakenridge, tailor, Liverpool, Dec. 30—T.: Hodgson,
brick maker, Thornton, Yorkshire, Jan. B—S. Davies, coal
merchant, Somerset-wharf, Bankside, Dec 30.
contrary, on the day herein mentioned.

PARTNERSHIPS DISSOLVED.
J. Perch-all and A. Clarke, accountants, Birmingham—J.
Potter and G. Harrison, sharebrokers, Leeds—H. Hickman
and W. Croft, joiners, Rock-ferry, Cheshire—D. Dudman and
J. Kemp, licensed victuallers, Red Lion-street, Holborn—
W. Taunton and J. Adams, appraisers, Coventry—W. H. P.
Blackburn and J. Lee, stockbrokers, Leeds—J. Brown, T.
Brown, W. Brown J. Whitehead, and J. Craven, flax-spin-
ners, Holbeck, Yorkshire—E. Jeffery, R. Jeffery. and T.
Jeffery, Puckington (so far as regaris.T. Jeffery)—T. Holtby
and J. Barnes, horse-breakers, York—W. Prichard, sen., and
L. Williams, wharfingdrs, Cardiff—B. Jones and J. Brown,
bonded-store merchants, Cardiff.
SCOTCH SEQUESTRATION.
James and William White and Company, cotton-yarn mer-
chants, Glasgow, Dec. 12 and Jan. 2, at one, at the office of
Messrs. Knox and Finlay, Glasgow.

slightly declinedi n value, and the trade have operated with 4
caution at 4d te-5d for common, and at 6d to 9d for middling
to good. Twankay is little wanted, and easier rates are
taken. ilyson has been purchased with caution, although
there are sellers upon low terms.
SPICES.—This afternoon Cassia Lignea met with little
attention, and 100 boxes at auction went is to 2s per cwt
cheaper, fine middling thin quill selling at 67s 6d, middling
60s, good ordinary coarse 555, mouldy 55s 6d, stained by cock-
roaches 549 6d, loose and broken 555, sea damaged 51s. 111
cases of Bengal Ginger were taken in at 28s for rather small
scraped; and four packages Jamaica at 65s for middling
quality.
SiquiTs.— To-day importers of Leeward Island Rum were
inclined to realise, and submitted to the reduced rates of 2s
to 2s 01Ad for proof; but upon these terms a fair business
was transacted. Calcutta has declined to 2s, proof with cer-
tificate, and at which there are not many buyers. Holders
of Jamaica show less firmness, and there are few buyers to be
met with ; prices rule from 3s 4d to ss, according to quality
and strength.
Cocon.—The limited business transacted in British Plan-
tation privately has been at rather lower rates. Foreign is
little wanted—and 444 bags Para at auction were all taken
in at 34s for good middling quality, being rather under
former rates.

HOPS.—The purchases made have been trifling, although
there are sellers upon rather lower terms, and th market is
better supplied. d At the Worcester market, fine new Hops
met with a free"sale at stiffer rates, and the supply is small,
but yearlings and old hops have been purchased with caution,
and rather lower prices are accepted.
SALTPETRE.—The market presented a dull appearance for
Rough, and the limited business transacted privately was at
rather lower rates; low Calcutta selling at 25s to 25s 6d, and
middling to fine 26s to 28s. For English Refined 30s 611 to
31s per cwt are the rates asked; but the demand has fallen
off. Nitrate of Soda is dull of sale at 14s to 14s 6d per cwt.
Ou.s.—lmporters of Cod Oil are still desirous to realise,
and accepted further reduced rates. Seal has further declined
in value, and buyers have been tempted to take several par-
cels. Southern met with more attention, and the small supply at
market has compelled buyers to pay stiffer rates. Sperm
is offered at lower rates, still few buyers are to be met with.
Cocoa Nut is not much wanted, and easier rates are taken.
Palm is not much in demand, but fine is held for 31s, and
other sorts at 27s to 30s. Rape Seed Oil has been purchased
here with caution, and quotations are not so firm. Olive has
been only in limited request. Linseed Oil is attracting atten-
tion, and prices rule firm. _ _

TALLow.—A reduction on previous rates of 3d to Gd per
cwt having been submitted to for Russian on the spot, caused
the trade to come forward with increased freedom, and they
have purchased extensively. For January, February, and
March prices have fallen to 42s to 42s 6d, but upon these
terms several contracts are entered into. Home made has
been in excellent request at 42s to 42s 6d nett cash, and the
supply does not accumulate.

THE CORN-LAWS.
The following address has been issued to the inhabi-
tants of Taunton and its vic!nity:—
Fellow- townsmen and neighbours,—A long interval has
elapsed since I addressed you on the subject of the corn-laws.
The reason is obvious. It is not that I have felt less forcibly
the necessity of their entire repeal, it is because an interlude
of abundant harvests had for a time mitigated the mischiefs
of these laws, and neutralised your energies. Any attempt
to arouse public feeling, during such a period of careless
though evanescent repose would have availed little. I then
" have bided my time" fur a renewal of those humble efforts
which I have the consolation to believe have not been with-
out their influence. That time is now come, and I feel I
should be culpable were I any longer to remain inactive
and silent. A bounteous Providence, whose merciful de-
signs our insane laws have outraged, has given yet ano-
their reproof warning. One great means of sustenance
has greatly and mysteriously failed, another is deficient. Our
corn-laws have thrown us on our own resources, and the cer-
tain and oft-told consequences have already begun, commerce
languishes, short-time-working has commenced in the ma-
nufacturing districts, the money market is deranged, war
threatens where peace would have prevailed. Ireland already
calls for more food, want of employment, and other the sad
consequences of dear food produced by artificial scarcity are
impending over us; in short, bad times appear to be coming.
Let us not deceive ourselves by the moderate price of po-
tatoes. Growers are anxious to sell because their potatoes
will not keep. Instead of husbanding our food against a day
of need we are compelled to verify the reckless and impro •
vident saying, " Let us eat and drink for to-morrow we die."
I shall take an early opportunity of enabling you to ex-
press your reprobation of these impolitic laws, by sending a
requisition to the Bailiffs to convene a public meeting, and
I now publish my intention that people may have time to
think. I appeal to you for support; indeed, I anticipate a
larger amount of it than ever, for the Whig leader (Lord J.
Russell) has at last discovered and declared his error, in
having clung to" fixed duty." We know that the perceptive
powers and declarations of certain political leaders have a
miraculous influence in sharpening the wits of their followers.
Again, the Conservative Premier himself, the farmers' friend,
is apparently anxious to hear the country call aloud, " Away,
and forever, with these oppressive and inhuman laws which
restrict the supply of food in the face of an increasing popu-
lation." More than all, a merciful Creator seems to say in
unmistakeable language, "Tempt me no longer by wickedly
continuing to war against my bounty." The time is favour-
able for an expression of opinion—Government is vacillating
and inconsistent. Let us rally, then, round the standard of
justice and right. Let us demand open ports and the un-
conditional and immediate extinction of a tax which is
suicidal of the best interests of its infatuated supporters, and
cruelly oppressive to the great body of the people. Let us
have the satisfaction of feeling that we have done oueduty,
come what may. Your faithful servant,
W. BEADON.
Dated No. 1, Crescent, Taunton, Nov. 29, 1845.

' See Lord John Russell's letter in the Chronicle of the 26th

The following address has also been circulated to the
bailiffs of the borough of Taunton:—

Came House, Dec. 5, 1845.

Gentlemen,-÷I understand that it is intended to invite you
to call a public meeting of the inhabitants of Taunton, to con-
sider the subject of the corn• law, and as I am afraid that it
will not be in my power to attend it, I address you for the
purpose of conveying my opinions to my constituents.
For many years, both in office and as an independent Mem-
ber of Parliament, I have opposed the laws which have regu-
lated the admission of foreign corn into this country. It ap-
peared to me that the principle of the sliding-scale on which
they were founded was fraught with delusion to the landed
interest which it professed to favour, while from its anti-com-
mercial character it was most injurious to the community at
large. If a trade which is indispensable to the subsistence
of the people is rendered by legislation expensive, h azardous,ai d
uncertain, it is clear that all this additional peril and vexa-
tion must on the long run be paid for by the people them-
selves. But we were assured that the scale had at last been
so skilfully censtructed that it could never exclude the
adequate supply, of foreign corn when it was really want( d.
The circumstances of the present season furnish an addi-
tional proof of the futility and mischief of all these contri-
vances to supersede the steady and equable provision for our
wants which commerce when left to her own free action can
alone suitably afford to us. Wheat of a good quality is
selling at Mark-lane at above 70 shillings aquarter. Scarcity
is apprehended. Foreign nations are drawing their supplies
from our warehouses. But the operation of the averages
has been such that bonded grain is excluded from our markets
by a prohibitory duty.
In desiring the repeal of the existing law, I wished that a
moderate fixed duty should be substituted for it, as the sys-
tem upon which, under all the circumstances, I thought it
expedient that the corn trade should for some time be con-
ducted. I will-not trouble you with all the arguments which
induced me to:Prefer this course. It seemed to me to be
most in accordahce with that prudence and circumspection
which become statesmen and Parliaments when dealing with
questions which affect the gravest interests and excite the
strongest passions of multitudes. It was certainly recom-
mended by the writers whose names carry with them the
greatest weight of authority. I believe that it was adopted
by most mercantile men, as distinguished from manufac-
turers, who for the most part desired that all duty should at
once cease ; and also by a very respectable minority among
those connected with the landed interest itself. I thought I
saw in all this the materials for a fair and stable compromise.
But the progress of events has rapidly diminished, and at
last extinguished, all chance of any such arrangement. It
was strenuously opposed by the great body of the agricultu-
rists and by the Ministers of the Crown whom they had
placed in office:. Indeed the latter used every means in their
power to discredit it, and to prevent any choice being offered
to the country, except between a law like the present one
and total repeal, and their efforts have been attended with
success.

Now, gentlemen, as I belive this to be the actual condi-
tion of this question, my choice cannot be doubtful. I see no
reason to regret the course which I have pursued. nor have
I altered any opinion which I have hitherto entertained ; but
I am sure that it is now my duty to vote for the absolute re-
Real of the corn-law. I will add that the circumstances of

the season are very favourable to such a change, which
would confer great and speedy benefit on the country gene-
rally, while it could hardly excite the fear of present mis-
chief among the agriculturists.
Gentlemen, I beg that you and all my constituents will
have the goodness to excuse this long letter. It will probably
save you from the obligation of hearing a longer speech,
which, however, would, I know, have been received by you
with your accustomed indulgence.
I am, gentlemen, your very faithful servant,
H. LABOUCHERE.

LONDON MECHANICS INSTITUTION.—The twenty-
second anniversary of tbisexcellent institution was celebrated
yesterday evening by a grand concert in the theatre of the
institution. The proceeds of the concert were announced to
be devoted to the purchase of books for the library of the in-
stitution, the funds applicable for the purpose being, we
regret to say, unequal to the demands upon them. The
theatre was crowded to excess long before the commence-
ment of the concert. The principal performers were Mrs.
Alfred Shaw, Miss Sabilla Novello, Mrs. Weiss (late Miss
Barratt), and:-Messrs. Allen, Weiss, Phillips, Lazarus, E
Roberts, J. T. Cooper, and the inimitable John Parry. We
need not say that their performances were excellent—the
list of names is a sufficient guarantee. The encores were
numerous; indeed, too much so, and although the concert'
was in consequence prolonged till a very late hour, no
symptoms of weariness or displeasure were manifested by the
audience. We hope that the proceeds will be found to be
adequate to the demand upon the funds of the institution.
'IRE DRATH OF A LAUDANUM TAKFR.—OH Tues-
day morning a great deal of excitement was caused in the
neighbourhood of Orchard-street, Westminster, by the dis-
covery of a man named William Wren, a carpenter, living at
6, Union-court, in such an insensible state as to leave no
doubt that death was fast approaching, and that some poison
was the cause of it, as he had been in his usual health on the
previous evening. The circumstan'es, as far as they were
stated at the Westminster Hospital, were as follow :—The
deceased was in the habit of taking nightly a pennyworth
of laudanum for the purpose of obtaining sleep, and on Mi
day evening his brother brought him the usual quantity
when he went to bed. The next morning (Tuesday) he did
not get up at his usual time, and when he was called at the
hour of six, he was discovered apparently dead. The moat
prompt means were instantly taken to convey him to the
Westminster Hospital, where he died in an hour and a half
after his admission.
RARE OCCURRENCE.—Mr. D. Britton, of York
House, Brewer's-green, Westminster, has now two canaries
in his possession of last year's breed, which hatched a
nest of five young ones a fortnight ago. The birds are now .
building agaik, What is more extraordinary, both birds are
in deep moult.
THE PLEASURES OF IMAGINATION.—Mr.
residing in the neighbourhood of --, called on the con-
stable of,police at the Douglas station, a few mornings since,
to say that
a
at hiese coach-house
ofnew
ar
nh
easds,been i brokenoh cost Fnne n
87.
stolennigh t
before,
therefrom. The constable with one of his men instantly re•
paired to the spot, found the coach-house open (but without
apparent violence), and the harness not there; but on further
inspection discovered the poor horse quietly grazing on the
lawn, fully harnessed as he was taken from the vehicle the
night before.t cork Reporter.

MONEY MARKET and CITY NEWS.
CITY, TUESDAY EVENING.

TIMES.—A rumour was very current on 'Change

this afternoon that a reduction Will shortly take place in
the rate of discounts by the Bank directors. The de-
termination on the part of these authorities to such a
step is said to be the result of a recent interview with
the officials at the Treasury. Whether this is to case
the money-market consequent upon the anticipated
pressure by the railway movement has not transpired.
We only give it as a rumour, without in the least de-
siring to vouch its authenticity. As the time approaches
for the meeting of Parliament, to be followed shortly
after by the lodgment with the Accountant• General of
the railway deposits, the subject seems to be viewed ‘1 it 11

I increasing anxiety in the City. Owing to the very large
amount of these deposits, rendered evident by the im-
mense number of plans deposited, under the standing
order, with the Board of Trade, the payment of the
money in the manner prescribed by the Act of Parlia-
ment has become a matter of extreme difficulty, or, to
speak more correctly, an titter impossibility. Fortu-
nately it is one which will be fully comprehended by
the present Chancellor of the Exchequer, whose
experience in financial affairs is among the most
matured in the country, and his ready co-operation in
any safe plan that may be devised cannot be doubted,
though it is right at the same time to mention that
some of the best heads in the City are at fault in the
consideration of some practicable mode by which the
crisis is to be met. The mode of dealing in the first in-
stance with their deposits by the various railway com-
panies has been either to place the money for temporary
investment in stock, or in Exchequer-bills, or, in a much
greater proportion than either, to lend it "at call,"
which means at a lower rate of interest than is currently
paid, in order to retain the power of claiming repay •
ment, when wanted, at a few days' notice only. The
bankers and dealers in money who accept in the manner
last described the loan of these deposits, must of neces-
sity lend it out again to secure any profit by the trans-
action, and as they also must curtail the periods of lend-
ing as much as possible, a period is near at hand when
so much cash or bank notes will be in requisition that
the whole of the Bank circulation cannot supply them,
and the ordinary transactions of the country must for a
short time be suspended. The whole difficulty arises, of
course, as already intimated, from the magnitude of the
payments, for, as the law now stands, the Accountant-
, General has no option but to require payment in money,
and though by a subsequent application of the parties it
may be invested in any way they may desire, an in-
terval must unavoidably occur, during which the money
would he entirely out of circulation, and a sort of com-
mercial paralysis become the inevitable consequence.
Hence the remedy whatever it may be must be essen-
tially one which contrives to spread these payments over
such. a period of time as to prevent this strain on the cir-
culation, which is looked at with such general alarm in
the City; and yet it might be so contrived also as to pre-
vent railway companies of doubtful character from de-
feating that beneficial provision of the Legislature which
prescribes the deposit of a certain portion of the capital
as one main test of respectability and solidity. The con-
tinge/ley is one of so extraordinary a kind as only to be
met by measures out of the ordinary course. The Bank
directors, it is understood, have received applications for
their advice and assistance in the matter, and have had
some long deliberations respecting it, but the law is so
precise by which the payments to the Accountant-
General are regulated, that, as it is also understood, they
have been unable to devise any plan which will avoid
that abstraction of the circulation which is the great evil
now to be contended with. There seems nothing left,
therefore, but to take measures, immediately
on the assembling of Parliament, for suspend-
ing the operation of that law by the intro-
, duction of a new Bill for the regulation of railway
payments. This enactment might simply provide that,
instead of making :he whole of the railway deposits, as
at present required, within one fortnight after the meet-
ing of Parliament, the parties should be required only to
do so on a report from the Board of Trade that in all other
respects they were qualified to go before Parliament:
and as only a few of the companies could be in this posi-
tion at the same time, the deposits would be regularly
made in succession, and invested without the least dis-
turbance to the circulation. The chief objection to such
a course is obviously this—that it would enable such of
the companies as were in reality not provided with the
means of making the payments as directed by the Act
to maintain a respectable appearance to their share-
holders and the public for a longer time than could
otherwise be permitted; but this difficulty might be met
by requiring them at the outset of the examinations to
put in the certificates of the bankers and others with
whom their deposits had been placed, stating the re-
spective amounts so held, which could be accomplished
at a moderate cost of time and trouble, and effectu-
ally prevent any undue keeping up of false pretences.
By the various lists which have appeared of railway
companies whose plans were, in compliance with
the standing order, lodged at the Board of Trade on the
30th ult., they are not less than 700 in number, probably
much more. Now, taking the deposit of each at
50,0001.—a very low average indeed—the total would
extend to 35,000,0001., of which the spare circulation
held disposable by the Bank of England, according to
the last return, would not furnish one-fifth part. Thus
a necessity for some action on the part of the Govern-
ment could not be more clearly demonstrable. The
mode above pointed out may not be exactly that to
satisfy the official scruples of a Chancellor of the Ex-
chequer, but the alternative is one which he ought not
to contemplate without dismay. It follows, then, that
he must do something, and that he ought not to lose a
moment in quieting the apprehensions of the monetary
interest on this momentous question, by intimating to
them the measures which he proposes to adopt or to re-
commend for adoption. Since the above was written we
have been informed, on good authority, that the Speaker
of the House of Commons has, after consulting with
the Attorney-General, resolved to grant orders for the
payment of the sum required from railway companies by
the standing orders of the House, by three, four, or five
instalment:, as the parties applying may wish. This
the Speaker will do by specifying in the order the
number of instalments.

CHRONICLE.—Some of the railway companies who
were unable to deposit their plans, sections, and books
of reference with the Board of Trade and the clerks of
the peace on the 30th of November, have made demands
upon allottees to pay 25., others 2s. 6d. per share, with
an intimation that the demand is made for the purpose
of defraying the expenses incurred, and that on pay-
ment of the sums asked the parties concerned will be
released from all further claim on the part of the com-
pany. This seems fair enough, and is in accordance
with the course we have urged upon the provisional
committees of projects so circumstanced. But the
question arises whether the promoters of these schemes
have intimated to those who have paid their deposits,
their readiness to return the amounts paid under de-
duction of the costs incurred? This is a material point
for the consideration of those concerned. The pro-
moters of bond fide schemes stopped by the panic will, no
doubt, return the deposits paid, less the actual expenses
incurred, and claim an adequate payment from those
allottees who failed to pay their deposits. By adopting
that mode of procedure, and stating their determination
clearly, much evil might be avoided. But some com-
panies have refused to return the deposits paid, or to
issue scrip, or allow the subscribers' contract to be
signed. They avow that they do not intend to proce( d
with the intended projects, and at the same time appear
resolved to keep the money. This shameful conduct has
been exposed by some of their victims at the Mansion-
house, and calls for general animadversion. We trust
that it will induce the numerous names of undoubted
character, connected with abortive projects, to use their
utmost endeavours to get their accounts wound up, and
a proper balance-sheet submitted to the shareholders.
It is not enough, as we have previously observed, for the
promoters of unsuccessful schemes to claim a given
amount for expenses. They ought to deal openly and
candidly with the 4hareholden ; show them how much
was paid, and what portion of it was expended. They
should make a clean breast of it. They should show
distinctly what they have done with the money com-
mitted to their hands, as well as the use which they
intend to make of any further payments that may be
asked by them.