The Sun.
London, England, 1845-11-26 00:00:00

THE ROYAL ACADEMY.

A portion of our readers, unacquainted with the con-
stitution of the Royal Academy, may not be aware, that
at the end of every year, on the 31st of December, the
President lays down his golden chain and badge, and
submits himself to re-election by his brethren. Refer-
ring to the ill health and already preferred resignation
of Sir gartin A. Shee, the approaching anniversary
is looked forward to with more than usual interest.
Will the president persevere in his determination ? and if
so, who is likely to become his successor ? Her Majesty,
as we recently noticed, granted a pension of 200/ per annuz
on Lady Shee; and the Academy, have, we understand,
secured to Sir Martin, by an a priori resolution, the
3001. a year, bequeathed to the president for the time
he holds the office, by Sir Francis Chantrey, but which
will not fall in till the death of his widow, Lady Chan-
trey. Tnese look like preparations for a change.
Of academicians eligible for the vacated chair, several
are mentioned. Mr. Eastlake is spoken of in the fore-
ground ; but, it is asked, will he give up his app)int-
ments in the Commission of Fine Arts, the British
Institution, &c., which produce a revenue, for the
unprofitable station of president, which entails much
expense, and is only valuable as it may bring com-
missions to the holder? Sir Robert Westmacott. of
so high standing in every way, as an artist and in
private character, is also named ; but the majority would
seem to desire a painter, and not a sculptor. The same
remark applies to Mr. Cockerel]. Mr. Pickersgill occu-
pies an eminent position, and is one of the oldest mem-
bers of the body ; but we cannot tell whether he is po-
pular enough, especially where there has of late years
been so copious an infusion of young blood. Others are
also mentioned ; but there is much embarrassment in
the choice ; and it would be difficult, if not impossible,
at this era, to find an individual combining so many qua-
lifications> for the office as were united in Sir Martin
Shee.—Literary Gazette.

THE PORTS OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.—A bill declar-
ing Port Adelaide a free port, by abolishing dues and fees of
every description heretofore payable by vessels visiting or
frequenting our harbours, passed the Council on Thuisday,
July 3, and takes effect from that day. Its operation is not
restricted to vessels of any nation, but applies equally to all
ships, from whatever part of the globe they may have taken
their departure. Doubtless the captains in command of the
first arrivals will be as much surprised to hear that they
have no tonnage dues, landing dues, entrance dues, clearance
dues, light dues, harbour dues, pilotage dues, or Custom-
house fees to pay, as were our Hon. Members of Council, and
the colonists generally, at this spontaneous act of liberality
on the pert of Isis Excellency the Governor.—South Austra-
lian Register.
TRADE.--A considerable im-
provement has taken place during the last two weeks in our
importations. The docks have not been so crowded with ship-
ping for a long time ; vessels have been lying ten abreast in
the Wet Docks, while the out harbours have been well filled.
The chief import has been grain, and that in very large
quantities, from Germany, Sweden, and Denmark. The
local trade of the port also stands good:—Scotsman.