The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1854-04-04 00:00:00

THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD, AND GENERAL COMMERCIAL ADVERTISER

of monetary pressure ; but the amount of unem-
ployed capital must now be enormous, far more
than the ordinary requirements of trade, and all
that is needed is confidence in the future, to render
money plentiful. In the last war we had a con-
stant drain from the Continent for all our available
specie, without any extraordinary sources of supply,
whereas now the demand is little, if any more,
than it has been for several months past, while
we have the yet unexhausted gold fields of Australia,
which last year supplied us with above ten millions,
and America has equal advantages in California,
so that there appears no reasonable prospect of any
deficiency in the supply of the precious metals. It
must also be remembered that the expenditure of
a war is not necessarily the parting with so much
money as appears in the national accounts. Much
of it is expended in this country in the purchase of
supplies ; and in this instance especially very little
will be required to be exported, so that the chief
difficulty to be met is the effect of the increase of
taxation in diminishing consumption. The pressure
in this respect will, however, mainly be felt by
fundholders, annuitants, and those of fixed incomes;
but even this will be, in some measure, compen-
sated by the increased demand for military sup-
plies ; so that, on the whole, there is less reason
than appears lately to have prevailed, to apprehend
any serious derangement to monetary and commer-
cial affairs from the demands upon Great Britain,
according to the present aspect of warlike affairs.
Supposing, however, that the struggle should be
protracted beyond what we can at present antici-
pate, and even years elapse before Russia is reduced
to reason, and compelled to confine her operations
within her own limits, there would then be no
ground to entertain any alarm for the future. The
position of Great Britain would be totally altered
from that which she occupied in the last war, the
expenses of which still form so large an item in
the national expenditure, and instead of counting
the cost by many millions, a very few will serve to
maintain our efficiency in the strife, as far, at
least, as money can accomplish it. On the other
hand, with our commerce unimpeded, and our
immense resources, the demand would make but
little appreciable difference in a national point of
view, however it might affect individual comforts.
When these circumstances are fairly and calmly
considered, we may hope to see a restoration of
confidence in commercial security, and our public
securities bear a price approximating more to their
real value than that which has recently prevailed.
The banking-house of Messrs. Leroy de Chabrol
and Co., at Paris, has failed, owing to a run upon
it by the depositors. The capital was about
£480,000.
The Returns of the Board of Trade for the month
ended the sth of March, show a total increase
on the exports of £344,784, as compared with the
corresponding period of last year. The principal
items are a decrease on Cotton Manufactures of
£231,362 ; and an increase on Metals, £201,084 ;
Cotton Yarn, £83,473 ; Woollen Manufactures,
£64,555 ; and Woollen Yarn, £53,339. Imports
show a considerable increase on Wheat, Flour,
Butter, Cheese, Eggs, &c. ; but a falling off on Tea,
Coffee, Sugar, Spirits, Fruit, &c. Of materials for '
manufactures there is a decrease on Cotton, Hemp,
and Flax ; and an increase on Wool, Silk, and
Tallow.

The return from the Bank of England for the
week ending the 25th of March gives the following
results, when compared with the previous week :
Public deposits ... £4,423,827; Increase £745,010
Other deposits ... 11,092,226 Decrease 213,157
Rest ... 3,744,205; Increase 13,328
On the other side of the account—
Government securities £11,792,116, Decrease £52,584
Other securities ... 15,757,604; Increase 1,244,709
Notes unemployed ... 6,633,535; Decrease 645,130
The amount of notes in circulation is £21,240,775,
being a increase of £456,925 ; and the stock of
bullion in both departments is £14,629,282,5h0wing
a decrease of £193,557, when compared with the
preceding return.

ISSUE DEPARTMENT.
Notes issued ... £27,874,310 Governmt. Debt £11,015,100
Other Securities 2,984,900
'Gold coin & bu11'n.13,874,310
Silver bullion ... ...

£27,874,310'
BANKING DEPARTMENT.

£27,874,310

Prop. Capital ... £14,553,000V0v. Securities £11,792,116
Rest ... ... 3,744,205 Other Securities 15,757,604
Public Deposits 4,423,827 Notes ... 6,633,635
Other Deposits 11,092,226 Gold & Silver Coin 754,972
7-day & other bills 1,124,969
£34,938,227

£34,938,227

Our SHARE MARKET has fluctuated a good deal
during the week,influenced by the different rumours
current respecting the Eastern war. Prices have
been greatly depressed, to the extent of 3 to 4 per
cent., within the week. London and North-
Western receded as low as 911, with a decline in
about the same proportion throughout the whole
list. We must add, however, that as far as we
can ascertain, after minute inquiry, the sales have
been chiefly speculative, and that stock has not
been sold to any great extent by the public ; on the
contrary, the public have bought largely for invest-
ment, and are still doing so upon every depression
the market shows. The two causes above alluded
to, ntmely. the scarcity of stock and the disposition
to invest, are producin.-; a (Diet steady advance,
which, since Thursday last, has progressed nearly
to the amount of the decline in the week. The
market closes very steady to-day, with an improv-
ing appearance. We annex quotations :—Chester
and Birkenhead, 15 ; Caledonian, 254 2 ; Great
Western, 72 14 ; Lancashire and Yorkshire, 59/ +
14*9 81 I- ; London Stock, 94 484 34 ;
Sheffield Stock, 19 * 19; Midland Stock, 56 1,1 /
6; Dover Stock, 17* 1-16 /- 1-16.
COTTON.—This market has been affected in
common with others, by the alarm which seemed
to paralyse all commercial operations ; but, by
Friday, a firmer tone became perceptible, and
buyers appeared more readily. The total of the
sales for the week up to Friday was only 30,470
bales, of which 1,120 were on speculation and
3,440 for export, and prices gave way about *d.
per lb. TO-DIY the market was steady, with
an evident tendency to improvement : the sales
amounted to about 5,000 bales, of which 500 were
on speculation and for export. The following is a
comparison of present prices with those of the
corresponding period last year
1853. 1854.
New Orleans, middling.
fair .
Uplands, middling... sld. 5 5-16 d.
fair

endingW eek
Year.
SALES.
Mar 31
IMPORTS. STOCK
r..-- , #.---......--_, -...-..
DESCRIPTIONJ raicEs. `A re
endingek Pn ruesvi
yi .
Mar. 31 this yr. Mar. 31 '
——-- -- Sea Island .. 114.'4 36 490 5410
Stained .... 76 10 490 1237571 150484
Boweds .... 4 64 6190, 96410 363710
Mobile ' 4 64 3700; 39910 } 20776 263269
New Orleans. 34 8 12460 220540
Pernams, &c. 6 8 1410 10330 .... 7627 18240
Bahia, &c.
Maranham
Demerara, &c 66 10 80 150 .... 124 150
Egyptian
Com.W.l.Bic 6 1490 100 1107' 3430
Surat
Madras
Bengal — .... 880 .... 840 8550
30470 500030 54418 533886 682090

WooL.—At our public sales last week, which
closed on Saturday, 14,318 bales were offered,
comprising 5,302 East India, 1,568 Buenos Ayres
and Cordova, 1,770 Chili and Peru, 1,111 Portugal,
2,199 Turkey, Bosnia, Volo, Mogadore, &c., 470
Rosman, ga/ Revptian, 241 Iceland, and 760 sun-
dry other descriptions. At two grof day's sale the
attendance was not numerous, and the biddings
were almost spiritless, holders not feeling inclined
to sacrifice at the low rates ruling. A very consi-
derable portion was withdrawn. The second and
following days brought more of the trade together,
yet this did not influence the biddings, as prices
ruled even a shade under the first day's sale,
buyers not being disposed to act otherwise than
with the prevalent caution ; and altogether the
result of the sales (as was expected) are very dis-
couraging. East India low and medium qualities
must be quoted 11d. below January prices ; but
for the finest descriptions the decline was not so
great. On some sorts no change could be noticed.
Egyptian, Turkey, Russian, Peru, Mogadore, and
Buenos Ayres (which in a more encouraging state
of the market are not very current of sale) were
nearly all withdrawn for a more favourable period.
Imports for the week 2,262 bales.—We give the
following extracts from trade circulars, just pub-
lished :
PRODITCE.—The markets during the week have
partaken of the general dulness, with the excep-
tion of Russian produce and Saltpetre. To-DAY
the transactions in Sugar were chiefly confined to
grocery descriptions, of which 2,700 bags Benar es
have been taken at 38s. to 395. 9d. ; 60 hhds. Porto
Rico, at 365. 6d. to 375.; 30 hhds. Cuba, at
345. 9d. ; and a small parcel of yellow Paraiba,
at 225. per cwt. in bond. Nothing has transpired
in Molasses, Rum, or Coffee, but 100 bags Bahia
Cocoa have brought 245. per cwt. The Tea mar-
ket continues inactive, and prices for common
Congou
are nominal. Samples by the " Foam"

are not yet upon the market. No sales are reported
to-day in Rice. The market for Saltpetre has been
much excited, and a large business transacted, at
a considerable advance, upwards of 2,800 bags
being reported for arrival, at 40s. unrefracted,
besides 500 bags on the spot, at 425. to 455. ;
Nitrate of Soda has also participated in the move-
ment, 2,800 tons on the spot and for arrival
having changed hands at 18s. up to 20s. per cwt.
We have also to report 400 bags Myrabolams, at
10s. 6d. per cwt., and 20 chests Lac Dye, at 9d.
per lb.
Messrs. W. GREAME and Co. say :
" The unfavourable aspect that political affairs have
assumed within the last few days, the extreme uncer-
tainty as to the effects and duration of the war we are now
commencing, coupled with the increasing tightness of
money, has thrown an additional gloom on the market,
and, as might be expected under these circumstances, the
result of our public sales, just closed, is not by any means
satisfactory to importers. There was a very limited attend-
ance of buyers, and the biddings were spirited throughout."
Messrs. Jos. ROBINSON and CO. say :
" The public sales were the chief feature of the month ;
about 11,400 bales of coarse descriptions were offered to a
meagre attendance of the trade ; about 5,000 bales were
East India, 1,800 Buenos Ayres and Cordova, the remainder
principally West Coast and Mediterranean classes. The
competition throughout was dull and inanimate ; in many
instances the prices offered were so low, that a large quan-
tity was withdrawn."

Messrs. ABRAM GAETSIDE and Co. say :--
"At the public sales there were 14,300 bales offered,
amongst which were 5,300 East India, 1,568 River Plate,
856 Portuguese, 1,770 West Coast, and the remainder prin-
cipally Mediterranean. There has been a fair but not
numerous attendance of the trade, some of whom were
affected by the caution now prevalent, but at the reduced
prices there were plenty of buyers for East India, nearly
the whole of which was ultimately taken for immediate
consumption, at a decline of lid. to 2d. per lb. on white,
Id. to d. on yellow, no change in grey, &c., when com-
pared with January rates. The River Plate and Mediter-
ranean were chiefly withdrawn."
Messrs. HUGHES and RONALD say:—
- -

cc We scarcely ever remember any public sales to have
gone off so flatly. Our market is at present pretty libe-
rally supplied, but the great bulk consists of uncurrent
kinds, and prices are lower with us than in any other
country. The actual state of war must undoubtedly cut
off considerable supplies, both from the Baltic and the
Black Sea, and also of the different kinds of Turkey
Wools brought from the countries bordering on the prin-
cipalities. It seems also evident that there must be con-
siderable requirements for army clothing, both in this
country, and particularly all over the continent, where
already a very active demand is reported."
TIMBER.—We give the following extracts from
Messrs. HOLME, SLATER, and Co.'s monthly cir-
cular :
" The arrivals from British North America into the
docks of the Mersey during the month are—eight vessels,
8,819 tons, against seven vessels, 7,428 tons, for the cor-
responding period last year. The consumptive demand is
as good as can be expected under the present circum-
stances, and it will no doubt increase considerably, espe-
cially in the article of Spruce Deals, which are far cheaper
than anything in the shape of logs. Of Baltic Timber
the arrivals during the month are ten vessels, 3,906
tons, against four vessels, 524 tons, for the corresponding
period last year. This wood is on the advance, and consi-
derable excitement manifested regarding it. Three cargoes
of fair quality Memel have been sold at 2s. 6d. per foot ;
2,756 pieces small Skien Red Fir sold by auction at from
ls. 4id. to Is. sd. per foot."
MET.u.s.—The iron-masters' quarterly meetings
have proved highly satisfactory. Owinc, to the
great demand for iron and the high rates of' wages,
&c., which have recently prevailed, some masters
were for asking an advance ; but, taking into
account the pressure on the money market, it was
agreed to make no alteration. The trade is con-
sidered in a very healthy state.

DECLARATION OF WAR.

(From the Supplement to the London Gazelle of Tuesday,
March 28.)
DECLARATION :

It is with deep regret that Her Majesty announces the
failure of her anxious and protracted endeavours to pre-
serve for her people and for Europe the blessings of peace.
The unprovoked aggression of the Emperor of Russia
against the Sublime Porte has been persisted in with such
disregard of consequences, that after the rejection by the
Emperor of Russia of terms which the Emperor of Austria,
the Emperor of the French, and the King of Prussia, as
well as Her Majesty, considered just and equitable, Her
Majesty is compelled by a sense of what is due to the
honour of her crown, to the interests of her people, and
to the independence of the States of Europe, to come
forward in defence of an ally whose territory is invaded,
and whose dignity and independence are assailed.
Her Majesty, in justification of the course she is about
to pursue, refers to the transactions in which Her Ma-
jesty has been engaged.
The Emperor of Russia had some cause of complaint
against the Sultan, with reference to the settlement,
which his highness had sanctioned, of the conflicting
claims of the Greek and Latin, Churches to a portion of
the Holy Places of Jerusalem and its neighbourhood. 'To
the complaint of the Emperor of Russia, on this head,
justice was done ; and Her Majesty's ambassador at Con-
stantinople had the satisfaction of promoting an arrange-
ment to which no exception was taken by the Russian
government.
But while the Russian government repeatedly assured
the government of Her Majesty that the mission of Prince
Menchikoff to Constantinople was exclusively directed to
the settlement of the question of the Holy Places at Jeru-
salem, Prince Menchikoff himself pressed upon the Porte
other demands of a far more serious and important cha-
racter, the nature of which he in the first instance en-
deavoured, as far as possible, to conceal from Her Ma-
jesty's ambassador. And these demands, thus studiously
concealed, affected not the privileges of the Greek Church
at Jerusalem, but the position of many millions of Turkish
subjects in their relations to their Sovereign the Sultan.
These demands wore rejected by the spontaneous deci-
sion of the Sublime Porte.

Two assurances had been, given to Her Majesty one,
that the mission of Prince Menchikoff only regarded the
Holy Places ; the other, that his mission would be of a
conciliatory character.

In both respects Her Majesty's just expectations. were
disappointed.
Demands were made which, in the opinion of the Sultan,
extended to the substitution of the Emperor of Russia's
authority for his own, over a large portion of his subjects ;
and those demands were enforced by threat ; and, when
Her Majesty learnt that, on announcing the termination
of his mission, Prince Menchikoff declared that the refusal
of his demands would impose upon the imperial govern-
ment the necessity of seeking a guarantee by its own
power, Her Majesty thought proper that her fleet should
leave Malta, and, in co-operation with that of His Ma-
jesty the Emperor of the French, take up ita station in
the neighbourhood of the Dardanelles.
So long as the negotiation bore an amicable character
Her Majesty refrained from any demonstration of force.
But when, in addition to the assemblage of large military
forces on the frontier of Turkey, the ambassador of
Russia intimated that serious consequences would ensue
from the refusal of the Sultan to comply with unwarrant-
able demands, Her Majesty deemed it right, in conjunc-
tion with the Emperor of the French, to give an unques-
tionable proof of her determination to support the
sovereign rights of the Sultan.
The Russian government has maintained that the
determination of the Emperor to occupy the principalities
was taken in consequence of the advance of the fleets of
England and France. But the menace of invasion of the
Turkish territory was conveyed in Count Nesselrode's
note to Redchid Pasha, of the 19th (31st) May, and re-
stated in his despatch to Baron Brunnow, of the 20th
May (Ist June), which announced the determination of
the Emperor of Russia to order his troops to occupy the
principalities, if the Porte did not within a week comply
with the demands of Russia. _ _

The despatch to Her Majesty's ambassador at Constan-
tinople, authorising him in certain specified contingencies
to send for the British fleet, was dated the 31st May, and
the order sent direct from England to Her Majesty's
admiral, to proceed to the neighbourhood of the Darda-
nelles, was dated the 2nd of June.
The determination to occupy the principalities was
therefore taken before the orders for the advance of the
combined squadrons were given.
The Sultan's minister was informed that unless he
signed within a week, and without the change of a word,
the note proposed to the Porte by Prince Menchikoff, on
the eve of his departure from Constantinople, the princi-
palities of Moldavia and Wallachia would be occupied by
Russian troops. The Sultan could not accede to so in-
sulting a demand; but when the actual occupation of the
principalities took place the Sultan did not, as he might
have done in the exercise of his undoubted right, declare
war, but addressed a protest to his allies.
Her Majesty, in conjunction with the sovereigns of
Austria, Prance, and Prussia, has made various attempts
to meet any just demands of the Emperor of Russia with-
out affecting the dignity and independence of the Sultan ;
and had it been the sole object of Russia to obtain security
for the enjoyment of the Christian subjects of the Porte
of their privileges and immunities, she would have found
it in the offers that have been made by the Sultan. But
as that security was not offered, in the shape of a special
and separate stipulation with Russia, it was rejected.,
Twice has this offer been made by the Sultan, and recom-
mended by the four powers, once by a note originally pre-
pared at Vienna, and subsequently modified by the Porte,
once by the proposal of basis of negotiation agreed upon
at Constantinople on the 31st of December, and approved
at Vienna on the 13th of January, as offering to the two
parties the means of arriving at an understanding in a
becoming and honourable manner.
It is thus manifest that a right for Russia to interfere
in the ordinary relations of Turkish subjects to their
sovereign, and not the happiness of Christian communi-
ties in Turkey, was the object sought for by the Russian
government ; to such a demand the Sultan would not
submit, and his highness, in self-defence, declared war
upon Russia ; but Her Majesty, nevertheless, in conjunc-
tion with her allies, has not ceased her endeavours to
restore peace between the contending parties.
The time has, however, arrived when the advice and re-
' monstrances of the four powers having proved wholly in-
effectual, and the military preparations of Russia becoming
daily more extended, it is but too obvious that the Emperor
of Russia has entered upon a course of policy which, if un-
checked, must lead to the destruction of the Ottoman
empire.
In this conjuncture Her Majesty feels called upon,
by regard for an ally, the integrity and independence of
whose empire have been recognised as essential to the
peace of Europe, by the sympathies of her people with right
against wrong, by a desire to advert from her dominions
most injurious consequences, and to save Europe from a
preponderance of a power which has violated the faith of

treaties, and defies the opinion of the civilised world, to
take up arms, in conjunction with the Emperor of tho
French, for the defence of the Sultan.
Her Majesty is persuaded that in so acting she will have
the cordial support of her people • and that the pretext for
zeal for the Christian religion will be used in vain to cover
an aggression undertaken in disregard of its holy precepts,
and of its pure and beneficient spirit.
Her Majesty humbly trusts that her efforts may he suc-
cessful, and that, by the blessing of Providence, peace
may be re-established on safe and solid foundations.
Westminster, March 28, 1854.
DECLARATION.

Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland, having been compelled to take up
arms in support of an ally, is desirous of rendering the war
as little onerous as possible to the powers with whom she
remains at peace.
To preserve the Commerce of Neutrals from all unneces-
sary obstruction Her Majesty is willing, for the present, to
waive a part of the belligerent rights appertaining to her
by the Law of Nations.
It is impossible for Her Majesty to forego the exercise of
her right of seizing articles contraband of war, and of pre-
venting neutrals from bearing the enemy's despatches, and
she must maintain the right of a belligerent to prevent
neutrals from breaking any effective blockade which may
be established with an adequate force against the enemy's
forts, harbours, or coasts.
But Her Majesty will waive the right of seizing enemy's
property laiden on board a neutral vessel, unless it be con-
traband of war.

It is not Her Majesty's intention to claim the confisca-
tion of neutral property, not being contraband of war,
found on board enemy's ships ; and Her Majesty further
declares that, being anxious to lessen, as much as possible
the evils of war, and to restrict its operations to the re-
gularly organised forces of the country, it is not her present
intention to issue letters of marque for the commissioning
of privateers.
Westminster, March 28, 1854.

CONDUCT OF THE WAR.
(From the Second Supplement to the London Gazette
of Tuesday, March 28.)

At the Court at Buckingham Palace, the 28th day of
March, 1851. Present, the Queen's Most Excellent Ma-
jesty in Council.
Her Majesty having determined to afford active assist-
ance to her ally, His Highness the Sultan of the Ottoman
Empire, for the protection of his dominions against the
encroachments and unprovoked aggression of His Im-
perial Majesty, the Emperor of All the Russias, Her
Majesty, therefore, is pleased, by and with the advice of
Her Privy Council, to order, and it is hereby ordered,
that general reprisals be granted against the ships, vessels,
and goods of the Emperor of All the Russias, and of his
subjects of others inhabiting within any of his countries,
territories, or dominions, so that Her Majesty's fleets and
ships shall and may lawfully seize all ships, vessels, and
goods belonging to the Emperor of All the Russias, or
his subjects, or others inhabiting within any of his coun-
tries, territories, or dominions, and bring the same to
judgment in such Courts of Admiralty within Her Ma-
jesty's dominions, possessions, or colonies, as shall be
duly commissionated to take cognizance thereof. And to
that end Her Majesty's Advocate-General, with the Advo-
cate of Her Majesty in Her Office of Admiralty, are forth-
with to prepare the draught of a commission, and present
the same to Her Majesty at this Board, authorising the
Commissioners for executing the Office of Lord High
Admiral to will and require the High Court of Admiralty
of England, and the Lieutenant - and Judge of the said
Court, his Surrogate or Surrogates, as also the several
Courts of Admiralty within Her Majesty's dominions,
which shall be duly commissionated to take cognizance of,
and judicially proceed upon, all and all manner of cap-
tures, seizures, prizes, and reprisals of all ships, vessels,
and goods, that are or shall be taken, and to hear and
determine the same; and, according to the course of
Admiralty and the law of nations, to adjudge and con-
demn all such ships, vessels and goods, as shall belong to
the Emperor of All the Russias or his subjects, or to any
others inhabiting within any of his countries, territories,
or dominions ; and they are likewise to prepare and lay
before Her Majesty, at this Board, a draught of such in-
structions as may be proper to be sent to the said several
Courts of Admiralty in Her Majesty's dominions, posses-
sions, and colonies, for their guidance herein.
From the Court at Buckingham Palace, this 29th day
of March, 1854.
CRA.NWORTH, C. DRUMLANRIG,
GRANVILLE, P. MIILGRAVE,

ARGYLL, C.P.S. J. RUSSELL,
NEWCASTLE, ERNEST BRUCE,
BRERDALBANE, SIDNEY HERBERT,
LANSDOWNE, J. R. G. GRAHAM,
ABERCORN, STEPHEN LIISHINGTON,
ABERDEEN, W. E. GLADSTONE,
___

CLIRENDON ,

WILLIAM MOLESW ORTIL

At the Court at Buckingham Palace, the 29th day of
March, 1854. Present, the Queen's Most Excellent Majesty
in Council.

It is this day ordered by Her Majesty, by and with the
advice of Her Privy Council, that no ships or vessels
belonging to any of Her Mkjesty's subjects be permitted
to enter and clear out for any of the ports of Russia, until
further order ; and Her Majesty is further pleased to order
that a general embargo or stop be made of all Russian ships
and vessels whatsoever, now within or which shall here-
after come into any of the ports, harbours, or roads,within
any of Her Majesty's dominions, together with all persons
and effects on board the said ships or vessels ; provided
always, that nothing herein contained shall extend to any
ships or vessels specified or comprised in a certain order of
Her Majesty in Council, dated this 29th day of March,
for- exempting from capture or detention Russian, vessels
under special circumstances ; and Her Majesty is pleased
further to order, and it is hereby ordered, that the-utmost
care be taken for the preservation of all and every part of
the-cargoes on board any of the said ships or vessels, so
that no damage or embezzlement whatever be sustained :
and the Right Hon. the Lords Commissioners of Her
Majesty's Treasury, the Lords Commissioners of the Admi-
ralty, and the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports are to
give the necessary directions herein as to them may
respectively appertain. C. C. GREVILLE.

At the Court at Buckingham Palace, the 29th day of
March, 1854. Present, the Queen's Most Excellent Majesty
in Council.

Her Majesty, being compelled to declare war against
His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of All the Russias, and
being desirous to lessen as much as possible the evils
thereof, is pleased, by and with the advice of- Her Privy
Council, to order, and it is hereby ordered, that Russian
merchant vessels, in any ports or places within Her
Majesty's dominions, shall be allowed until the 10th day of
May next, six weeks from the date hereof, for loading
their cargoes and departing from such ports, or places ; and
that such Russian merchant vessels, if met at sea by any
of Her Majesty's ships, shall be permitted to continue their
voyage if, on examination of their papers, it shall appear
that their cargoes were taken on board before the expira-
tion of the above term. Provided; that nothing herein
contained shall extend, or be taken to extend, to Russian
vessels having on board any officer in the military or
naval service of the enemy, or, any article prohibited or
contraband of war, or any despatch of or to the Russian
Government.

And it is hereby further ordered by Her Majesty, by
and with the advice of her Privy Council as aforesaid, that
any Russian merchant vessel which, prior to the date of
this order, shall have sailed from any foreign port bound
for any port or place in Her Majesty's dominions, shall be
permitted to enter such port or place, and to discharge her
cargo, and afterwards forthwith to depart without moles-
tation, and that any such vessel, if met at sea by any of
Her Majesty's ships, shall be permitted to continue her
voyage to any port not blockaded.

Arid the 'tight Hon. the Lords Commissioners of Her
Majesty's Treasury, the Lords Commissioners of the Admi-
ralty, and the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports are to
give the necessary directions herein as to them may
respectively appertain. C. C. GEBVTIr.T.R.