The Welshman

i THE LOSS OF THE ERCOLANO. I It was in the night from the 24th to the 25th ult., in the waters between Nice and Antibes, that the Sicilia and the Ercolano came into collision, having at the time all their steam up. It was midnight; there was a heavy sea, and the weather was dark and rainy. There was a strong wind. It was a time of indiscribable terror and confusion. In less than ten minutes the Ercolano, in the hull of which the Sicilla had made a large opening, sank. The Sicilia received but slight injury. The four boats of the Sicilia, which were launched immediately, saved as many of those who were swimming as could be heard. Of all the women on board the Ercolano, only one was saved—Maria Ambrusano, a chambermaid. She was upon deck. Sir Robert Peel also escaped by a miracle. His secretary and two servants perished. Among the per- sons who were lost are reckoned 3d passengers and 12 sailors A sailor and a passenger, who had been clinging to one of the fragments of the Ercolano, were picked up in the waters of Nice by a bark. — Corriere Mercantile. An English passenger on board the Ercolano, who has arri- ved at Nice, gives the following account:- After having supped with Sir Robert Peel, I went on deck to smoke a cigar. The night was very dark, and the sea ex- ceedingly rough. I was walking backwards and forwards, and was astonished at not seeing any one at the helm. The cap- tain was in his cabin. I perceived a light at a certain dis- tance, and I informed the helmsman, who made no reply. I repeated my warning with uneasiness, because it appeared to me that the light was coming towards us. All of a sudden a frightful shock was felt. The masts gave way. Two sailors having launched a boat I got into it, and this wasjiow I was saved. I heard piercing cries, aIlG the voices of women. A few minutes afterwards the Ercolano sank with all on board. I several times called Sir Robert Peel by his name, without receiving any answer. The Ercolano had no light.Paria- mento, of Turin.

I THE ROYAL ACADEMY. I The 86th annual exhibition of the Royal Academy of Arts was inaugurated on Saturday by the usual banquet. The rooms were thrown open at 2 o'clock to the guests, and several Cabinet Ministers and personages of high distinction availed themselves of the excellent opportunity thus afforded to inspect at leisure the pictures contained in the exhibi- tion. Mr. Grant's admirable portrait of Lord J. Russell in the east-room attracted universal attention, and his Lord- ship upon his arrival received the congratulations, not only of liis colleagues, but of his political opponents, upon this spirited and characteristic likeness, the merits of which the noble Lord appeared to take a pleasure in acknowledg- ing. Sir Charles Eastlake occupied the chair and among the distinguished guests were the Lord Bishop of St. David's, and Earl Cawdor. In responding to the health of the Army, Viscount Hard- inge said, I never saw so fine a body of men leave these shores as that body of men which has gone out to the East under the command of Lord Raglan. I am confident that my noble and gallant fried will be most proud to cultivate, and that he will successfully cultivate a cordial understanding with our gallant allies the French; and I am also confident that, knowing each others' professional merits, they will meet with a very considerable respect for each other. I trust that this friendty feeling between the two countries and the two armies will long endure, and that the result of their alliance will be a secure and honourable peace. The Earl of Hardwicke in acknowledging the toast for the Navy, referred to the war and said although he knew nothing what was intended to be done, there were certain great principles which he wished the public to understand, and which, if they were duly recognised, were calculated to alleviate their anxiety. In the first place, ships were intend- ed to fight with ships, and ships, which were wood and iron were not intended to fight with stone walls. He advised the public to think of the double danger to which we were ex- posed from every other species of naval warfare except that of ship meeting ship in a fair contest. If the principle were adhered to he had no fear that our naval supremacy would be endangered, and he did not think it was about to be de- parted from, because, if it were, we should no doubt have a large reserve force at home. But if our ships were to engage stone walls, then the public mind ought to be directed to meet disaster and risk, because, although no one would have any apprehensions for the result if ships met ships, yet there was a risk of disaster if anything else were tried, which no power but that of the Almighty could prevent. It might, no doubt, be said that there were too great instances on re- cord—Copenhagen and Algiers-which proved that ships might engage stone walls with success. But he thought an opposite lesson ought to be drawn from those instances. In both cases it was what was called touch and go," and we were on both occasions as nearly beaten as our ships ever were. With regard to the bombardment of Algiers, he be- lieved that if the guns had been in the hands of any but the Algerines very few of our ships would have returned. By negotiation and management that engagement was brought to a successful termination but, as instances of the success with which ships were able to engage stone walls, he had always felt that great risks were run on both occasions, and that the attempt had nearly lost us our fleets. He wished the public to apply the lesson to the Baltic and the Black Sea and, as we had no Teserve force at home, he did not believe that any such risks would now be incurred. Unless, therefore, the Russian force came out of port, the present campaign would probably pass without any serious act of warfare. He had every confidence in the judicious conduct of our commanders, in the zeal and gallantry of our officers, and in the existence of the same honest and determined fighting material on the part of our seamen. Such great operations as those to which he had adverted were not likely to be undertaken without the orders and commands of the Government at home, and great actions of this kind, differing from fair naval- warfare, would, he hoped, be avoided by commanders, intrusted, not only with the safety of their ships and crews, but with the safety and indepence of this happy land. Several other toasts were proposed and responded to, but the speeches contained no passages of sufficient interest to warrant an extract.

A STRANGE FACT IN FRANCE. More and more news daily emanate from the back parlour of the great firm," and the last piece of intelligence has really given us food for pity and reflection. The disappear- ance of the most active partner ever since the announcement of the failure had given rise to all kinds of reports concern- ing him—some of them, as usual, of the most injurious character. He has run away with the caisse." said one. No, with Mdlle. F said another, and her absence has stopped the success of the piece at the Porte St. Martin." He has cut his throat," said one more wise, 11 and the fact will not be known till the liquidation." Pooh, pooh!" cried another, wiser still, the partners of that house drown themselves for appearance sake; but having already been I submerged,' they know how to scramble out a gain." None of these surmises concerning the disappearance of the active partners have, however, been found to be correct; and, as is usually the case, the truth of the matter is much stronger than all the fiction which has been thus gratuitously ex- pended upon it. Many days had passed without tidings of his whereabouts, and, after a while, a letter was received from the Jura, whither he had hastened to dispose of certain estates and mines which belonged to him personally, which had been lately inherited by him and which, by some peculiar disposition of the testator, were unseizable by law. Here he made over all the right in the property to his part- ners in the banking-house, and the papers conveying the welcome intelligence to the creditors were forthwith de- spatched to Paris. He announced his intention to travel for some time, and begged that M. C-would dispose of his interests without consulting any other opinion than his own. Since then until last Monday, no further tidings had been obtained of him, and it was thought that he had accepted the usual fate of all ruined speculators, and had repaired to Baden-Baden or Hombourg, with the vain speculative dream of repairing his fortunes at the gaming-table. It was during the meeting of the Syndicat, on Monday, that a letter was placed in the hands of M. C-. It was dated from La Trappe, and contained the announcement of the writer to retire from the world and devote himself for the remainder of his days to solitude, meditation, and the service of God. I am moved to this step," writes he, by the conviction that all is vanity upon the face of this wide earth. I left Paris in rage, and hate, and arrived at Pontarlier, deter- mined to shelter myself within my own domain, where I still could reign as lord and master, having no account to yield to those who considered themselves duped when they were only disappointed in their hopes of unlawful gain. I retired to rest—but could not sleep: the dreams of ambition so long nursed-the fever of disappointment and despair had stirred my soul too long, and I arose before the dawn and walked out upon the terrace which lays before the window of my chateau. The whole earth lay buried in a cold grey light, more painful than the darkness, and I strode to and fro to combat the piercing effects of the frozen air which, in these elevated regions, is sharp and piercing almost to destruction. While I mused thus, gnashing my teeth in my despair, and already knowing by that instinct so keen in the conscience of commercial men, what insulting surmises must already be afloat concerning my disappearance-and feeling sure, moreover, that not one of my former friends would rise to speak in my defence, a sudden sense of loneliness oppressed me to the very soul, and 1 leaned over the balustrade of the terrace with a kind of yearning towards the deep abyss which lies beneath. I felt as if for me there remained no hope-no consolation in the world-and I listened to the rushing torrent some hundred feet below with an almost irresistible desire to plunge over and forget the world and all its miserable deceptions at once and for ever. Even while this inexplicable desire was yet upon me, my senses were struck with a sudden and glorious burst of light which illuminated the darkness and changed the cold grey tints in which all nature lay steeped-into a transparent flood of molten gold It was the first time I had ever be- held the rising sun, and in these wild regions it is the grandest spectacle ever given to bless the eyes of man. My very soul seemed to bask in the light and glory. It seemed as if myriads of angel voices were calling to me to leave all grovelling cares and rise to Heaven. I remained in ecstasy upon the terrace until the morning was far advanced. I need not say what passed within my soul during those hours of solitude and contemplation. I left the place no longer convinced that I had been betrayed, unfortunate, or guilty but that I had been a very fool to have wasted my previous youth and energies in the vile struggle for the riches and distinctions of this world, when the path to happiness was so easy to follow. I am here, I am satisfied and happy, eternity lies before me, and the past appears like a troubled dream from which, by the grace of God I have awakened, resolving never to fall asleep again." M. L— concludes by some few directions respecting the disposition of several articles of his personal property, and wishing well to the firm in its new efforts, bids his former colleagues think of him with envy, as of one beyond the reach of the cares and turmoils of this world-one who is already nigh to Heaven. I need not tell you that the unexpected denouement has caused the greatest sensation on the Bourse. Those who were so busy in pro- pagating the reports concerning the fugitive's dishonour, now content themselves with declaring him only a little touched, and while some pity him for the rash step, especially as the firm, thanks to the timely succour sent by the Trap- pist, will arise from Its ashes more glorious than ever- others, amongst whom are two of his late colleagues, are said to view the step he has taken with the most intense feeling of envy. Whatever the sentiment inspired, it cannot be denied, however, that it has thrown a little gloom over every circle where the brilliant hero of the tale used so lately to hold high court and sway, and where his absence will be felt for some time to come.—1 tku.

MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE. Lord Stanley, the eldest son of the Earl of Derby, is about to marry Lady Margaret Ann de Burgh, fourth daughter of the Marquis of Clanricarde. Extensive recruiting is going on in the Guards; last week the Grenadiers have received no less than 126 fine young men. 'I he Journal de St. Petersbourgh contradicts the statement that Sir H. Seymour's furniture and effects have been con- fiscated. Lieu.-Col. Maberly, who quits the Post-office; has been appointed one af the commissioners of the Audit Board. Sitiary, £ 2,000. Mr. Rowland Hill succeeds Colonel Maberly as secretary to the Post-office. Dr. Kitto has been afflicted by a paralytic stroke, which has entirely unfitted him for literary labour. An appeal has been made to the public for aid to his family. Like the Dublin Crystal Palace, that at New York has been a failure. The shareholders have lost 170,000 dollars, or £ 34,000 sterling. The total cost of the exhibition was 1,039,000 dollars, or 1207,800 sterling. The persons committed in Ireland during 1853, were 15,498, of whom 8,821 was convicted. A most curious but deplorable instance of the evils of polygamy recently occurred at Salonika. A man exchanged one of his wives, and fur what ?-for a donkey! A royal decree enacts that from the 20th of next month the baggage of persons travelling in the interior of Spain should not be subject to examination by the custom officers. The police of Madrid has just undergone great changes. Instead of so many "Vigilantes" attached to each com- missary, a new corps, under the title of "Salvaguardias de Madrid," has been decreed, to consist of 384 infantry and 40 cavalry, to be under the command of officers of the army, and under the Minister of War, though at the disposition of the Home Department. Belfast alone, of all the towns having above 100,009 inha- bitants, in the United Kingdom, is the only one in which the footways are not flag-paved throughout. Spirit-drinking has begun to prevail to a painful extent among the Turkish troops whilst its consequences are the more injurious from their being unaccustomed to the use of ardent spirits in any shape. Omar Pasha has issued a very strong order of the day upon the subject, in which he appeals to the authority of the Koran in his support, as distinctly prohibiting all such practices. The Turks, however, main- tain that the prohibition given by the Koran, as well as that of the Ramazan, has reference only to the use of spirits in the daytime. The inhabitants of Runcorn have this week refused a church-rate by a majority of 455. The will of Justice Talford has been proved, and the per- sonal property sworn under E16,000, includiug an insurance of £ 6,000. He has also left landed property said to be worth about Y,1,5,000. The steam vessels registered in the United Kingdom, amounted on the 1st of January last, to 1,375, and their ag- gregate tonnage, exclusive of engine room, to 218,623 tons. Dr. Armstrong writes to the daily papers that one hundred and forty-four more adults have renounced Popery in St. Paul's, Bermondsey, since the last published report of the 5th January last. The Hon. and Rev. W. J. Brodrick, the rector of Bath, has announced his intention of resigning his benefice, which he has held for the last 14 years. The Rev. Dr. Carr, late Bishop of Bombay, is to be appointed to the rectory, in the place of Mr. Brodrick. This is the first instance on record of a bishop taking parochial duties again after such high preferment in the Church. < Miss Sarah Matilda George was nominated at a vestry meeting, on the 27th ult., as a fit and proper person to fulfil the duties of overseer of the poor of Missou, Notts, and the Retford magistrates have made the appointment. Miss George subsequently attended a vestry meeting, declared her willingness to fulfil the duties, and received the balance due to the parish from the outgoing overseers. Professor Sowerby has just returned from the Cape of Good Hope, after a most successful tour of inspection. He has procured large specimens of coal, iron, copper, silver, gal- caoa, and other mineral productions of that colony, which are shortly to be brought before the public. A memorial signed by 125 magistrates of Worcestershire having been presented to Sir John Pakington, requesting him to continue his services as chairman of the quarter ses- sions, the right hon. baronet has acceded to the request. A gardener at Otley, having missed some chickens, was watching a few days ago for the thief, when he saw one of his own ducks attempting to swallow a chicken; and on kil- ling the duck he found an entire chicken in its crop. At the annual vestry of the parish of Warrington held on Easter Tuesday, a motion was carried that no church rate be levied, and a poll being demanded, took place on the fol- lowing Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, when there appear- ed—against the rate 723, for it 653, giving a majority of 70 against the rate. On the result being known, notice of dis- charge was giveu to the clerk, bexton, ringers, &c., but it was thought the necessary funds would be raised by a vo- luntary rate. A serious fight took place on Sunday at Winchester be- tween- the Hants militia and about 150 soldiers of the 88th Regiment, occasioned by the latter sneering at the awkward- ness of the militiamen. After a desperate affray with sticks, stones, and belts, the militia, who were by far the most nu- merous, came off victors, and it is feared that several soldiers are mortally wounied. A letter from Messina, of the 12th says;—" No partieular news. The prospects of the harvest thus far are most pro- mising in Sicily. If the weather continues propitious, the crops of grain, beans, &c., will be the most abundant ever known." The Rev. E. W. R. Ingram, rector of Ribbesford, Wor- cestershire, has resigned his benefice, and, being the patron, has conferred it upon his curate. The Bishop of Exeter, whose triennial visitation takes place this spring, has adopted the course of previously print- ing his charge, and, instead of reading it to the clergy, giving a copy of it to each of the rev. gentlemen summoned to attend. He does not intend to invite the clergy to follow the visitation, as he did three years ago, by a diocesan synod. "My reason," he says, is a personal one—con- sideration of my own physical inability to encounter the fatigue of such a meeting. Permitted to reach the advanced age of 76, I must not only be thankful for the measure of strength still vouchsafed to me, but I must also be cautious not to overtask it." Lord Cockburn died at Bonaby, near Colinton, on Wed- nesday morning, at three o'clock, at the age of 75 years. His lordship had returned from the Ayr circuit on Friday, and on Saturday was attacked by the malady (diarrhoea), which terminated fatally. He was the last link which bound the present generation of lawyers to that grand era of the Scotch bar which was adorned by the eloquence, the wit, and the learning of Jeffrey, Moncreiff, Cranstoun, Clerk, Fuller- ton, and Gillies. With him the memories of these men and their ripe learning, and their admirable talent, and the kindly recollections of their very foibles and eccentricities, pass into the region of tradition. CURIOUS LAW.—A proposition has been brought before the American Legislasure to make it a penal offence for a boy to go into a theatre or a circus. SLAVES IN RUSSIA.—Of the fifty-three and a-half millions of people which Russia contained in 1842, not less than 42,000,000 were slaves and of these, 15,000,0000 were slaves of the:crown, or the Emperor. DECIMAL SYSTEM.—The Sweedish Government has just presented to the Diet a bill for the adoption of the decimal system in money, weights, and measures. This has given great satisfaction to all persons engaged in commerce. PLAIN JOHN.—In the debate on Scottish grievances Lord Campbell said-" I know for myself, that I have no reason to complain of the English." BIBLES PROHIBITED. The Archbishop of Mexico has addressed to all his clergy a circular, in which he recom- mends to them the greatest vigilance in preventing the cir- culation and reading of Protestant bibles, which are being introduced from the United States in Tamaulipas, across the Texan frontier. MURDER ON THE HIGH SEAS.—LIVERPOOL.—The cap- tain and first mate of the Mangosten have been committed to the assizes, charged with the wilful murder of Valparaiso, Pedro, and Foster, three sailors, on a voyage from Singapore to Liverpool. BLASTING IN COLLIERIES.—The two great explosions at the Ince Hall Colliery, near Wigan, by which, within a period of twelve months, nearly 150 lives have been sacrificed, have led the owners to forbid the firing of shots (or blasting) in the mine. The jury, it will be recollected, expressed an opinion that such a course was dangerous. Of course a higher price has to be paid (4d. per ton) for getting coals by the wedging system; but the colliers are so prejudiced in favour of blasting, by which more coals and higher wages are secured, that nothing like a full complement of workmen can be got into the mine on the new system. Colliers have been heard to express great readiness to go to work at Inee Hall if they might be allowed to fire shots but less wages, though accompanied with greater security to life and limb, are insuperable objections to the majority. STRONG-MINDED LADTES. -Mrs. Swisholm, the lady editor of the Pittsburgh Saturday Visitor, in her last issue, says, with her characteristic candour and simplicity:—" Indisposi- tion, which kept us in our room, prevented our seeing or hearing Miss Brown while she was in Pittsburgh; and a sudden influx of domestic cares prevented our doing the usual amount of editorial work last week." AN OLD BACHELOR.—An eccentric old bachelor died near Hull a few days ago, possessed of considerable property. From early manhood, this individual exhibited symptoms of a most unamiable feeling against wedded life and this un- happy disposition so much increased with his years, that, at the close of his miser"able career the old Malthusian be. queathed his wealth to an only male relative, upon condition that he never contracts matrimony. CHURCH-RATE REFUSED IN LIVERPOOL.—After a contest of unexampled duration, the parishioners of Liverpool have refused to vote a church-rate of three farthings in the pound. The poll closed with the following results-the majority against the rate being 537 persons, and 412 votes. The churchwardens state that in consequence of this decision, two clerks, seven sextons, two organists, 10 singers, and 31 bell-ringers, must at once be discharged from their con- nexion with the parish churches, and that no sacramental bread and wine and other expenses-such as insurance, washing, cleansing, &c., can be allowed to four other churches. The result of the polling was received with loud cheers. WOOLLEY'S PECTORAL CANDY for the cure of Astbma, Coughs, Colds, Shortness of Breath, Loss of voice, and all Pectoral Affections; commands a weekly sale of from fifteen hundred to two thousand boxes; this is a proof (were such needed), of the unrivalled efficacy of the medicine, which has saved hundreds from premature graves, and restored tens of thousands of sufferers to health and happiness. See advertisement in our advertising columns. HOLLOWAY'S OINTMENT AND PILLS HAVE EFFECTED AN ASTONISHING CURE OF AN ABSCESS THAT THE FACULTY PRO- NOUNCED INCURABLE.—Robert Parlett, mariner, ofWolsoken, near Wisbeach, was afflicted with a dreadful abscess in the arm. He had been two years in a hospital abroad, and for a considerable time in one at home, without receiving the least benefit, and at last was given up by the faculty, who pro- nounced him to be incurable; but after using Holloway's Ointment and Pills for a short time the wound was completely healed, and his health permanently restored. This can be attested by Mr. Abraham Catiin, and other respectable inha- bitants of the parish of Wolsoken. DIPLOMATIC LANGUAGE.—The Morning Clironick says that the conventional language of diplomatic communica- tions is ill adapted for publicity not is it desirable that, in England at least, the national taste should accustom itself to a style which is both morally and logically vicious. The practice of enveloping a minimum of truth in the largest possible means of insincere verbiage, however generally adopted by statesmen, is beneficial only to the party who may happen to be in the wiong for, when just suspicion assumes the tone of credulity, it is easy to express purposes of violence and wrong in terms of affected moderation. The time will, perhaps, come when courts will be" able to speak with resolute simplicity, without infringing the rules of courtesy." COLLECTIONS FOR THE FAMILIES OF SOLDIERS AND SAILORS.—We are glad to learn that the attention of Government has been directed to the expediency of making some arrangement for the safe and beneficial application, under proper supervision, of the funds which have been sub- scribed for the wives and children of soldiers and sailors serving in the war, and also, in some cases, for the purpose of providing for men who may be invalided in the course of the military and naval operations. Very considerable sums of money have been collected for these objects in different parts of the country, particularly on the day recent- ly set apart for a public fast and general humiliation and as there is likely to be a want of concert in the application of these funds, if they are to be administered by local com- mittees and other private bodies, as well as a deficiency in the necessary information, we are glad to learn that a course of proceeding will, without delay, be suggested by authority, with the view of obviating these evils. It is evident that the Government have better means than any local or private society can possess of ascertaining the merits and the neces- sities of individual claimants on the fund in question, and of preventing any misapplication of the resources which public liberality has so generously supplied and we cannot doubt that the same patriotic and charitable feelings which have stimulated contributions for this purpose will induce the donors gladly to accept the aid of competent authorities, in order that their benefactions may be carefully and judi- ciously distributed. PREVALENCE OF EDUCATION IN AMERICA. It rarely happens that a workman in the United States who possesses peculiar skill in his craft is disqualified from taking the responsible position of superintendent by the want of educa- tion and general knowledge, as is frequently the case in this country. In every State in the Union, and particularly in the north, education is, by means of the common schools, placed with the reach of each individual, and all classes avail themselves of the opportunities afforded. The desire of knowledge, so early implanted, is greatly increased, while the facilities for diffusing it are amply provided, through the instrumentality of an almost universal press. No taxation of any kind has been suffered to interfere with the free de- velopment of this powerful agent for promoting the intelli- gence of the people, and the consequence is, that where the humblest labourer can indulge in the luxury of his daily paper everybody reads, and thought and intelligence pene- trate through the lowest grades of society. The benefits which thus result from a liberal system of education and a cheap press to the working classes of the United States can hardly be over-estimated in a national point of view but it is to the co-operation of both that they must, undoubtedly, be ascribed. For if, selecting a proof from among the European States, the condition of Prussia be considered, it will be found that the people ot that country, as a body, have not made that progress which, from the great attention paid to the education of all classes, might have been anticipated and this must certainly be ascribed to the restrictions laid upon the press, which have so materially impeded the gene- ral advancement of the people. Wherever education and an unrestricted press are allowed full scope to exercise their united influence, progress and improvement are the certain results, and among the many benefits which arise from the joint co-operation may be ranked most prominently the value which they teach men to place upon intelligent con- trivance, the readiness with which they cause new improve- ments to be received, and the impulse which they thus un- avoidably give to that inventive spirit which is gradually emancipating man from the rude forms of labour, and mak- ing what were regarded as the luxuries of one age to be looked upon in the next as the ordinary and necessary con- ditions of human e-,istence.-Aiiacrica)t Times. CHURCH OF ENGLAND SUNDAY SCHOOL INSTITUTION On Thursday evening the annual meeting of the friends and supporters of the above institution was helu in the large room, Exeter-hall, Mr. R. C. L. Bevan in the chair. The Secretary read the report which commenced by stating that according to the last census there were nearly 2,500,000 children, amongst whose ranks were enrolled 300,000 tea- chers, which fact was considered sufficient to place Sunday schools foremost in the rank of our educational institutions. It was to create a unity between these teachers that this society was formed, for, united, they had only one object in view and as these schools were scattered all over the king- dom, a central source of authority was required to control the efforts made in different places and under various cir- cumstances. With regard to the last year's operations of the Institute, the report stated that the winter course of lec- tures had been well attended, and had done much good. The quarterly devotional meetings and the conversational meetings had been maintained, but the committee could wish to see them better atuaded. Training classes for the purposes of giving specimens of teaching had been upheld by the committee with satisfactory results. The influence of the society had been extended by appointing corresponding members in provincial towns, and also agents for the sale of the Institute's publications. The financial state of the insti- tution was in a most favourable condition but the annual subscriptions had been found to have been small. The financial statement showed that the receipts had amounted to £1,880 (including a previous balance of L220) and the expenditure had been £1,800 lis. 5d., thus leaving a balance of L79 8a. 7d. in hand. Wi regard to the relief fund, after the expenses for that object had been met, a balance of JE1 10s. remained. COLT'S REVOLVER ANTICIPATED A CENTURY AGO.— There has just been printed, under the direction of Mr. Bennet Woodcroft, superintendent of the commissioners' office of patents, the specification of James Puckle, of Lon- don, gentleman, for a portable gun, the date of the patent being May 15th, 1718, 4th George II., 136 years ago. The grant of the patent describes the gun as one that dis- charges soe often and soe many bullets, and can be soe quickly loaden as renders it next to impossible to carry any ship by boarding." Appended to the specification is an en- graved copy of the original drawing, which represents a gun- barrel, mounted on a tripod stand, with a crane," gradua- ted, by which the gun can be elevated or depressed to any practicable level, and can also be turned round on the tri- pod and the apparatus of 6, 8, 10, or 12 barrels, or cham- bers, at the stock end, which at a glance are seen to be very similar to those of Colonel Colt's revolvers. It appears from a collection of specifications of English patents, edited by Mr. Bennet Woodcroft, that the American reaping ma- chines were long subsequent to English and Irish inventions fully equal, if not superior, in merit. The above shows that Colt's revolvers have at least no novelty of principle and that Mr. Puckle had, more than a century before, not only invented the principle, but even carried it to the extent of providing two seta of chambers for alternate use. AN EMIGRANT SHIP RUN DOWN.—A telegraphic message was received at Lloyd's late on Saturday afternoon, from Portsmouth, communicating the fact that Capt. Hoffman, first mate. and four men of the barque Favoritem, with 184 passengers, had been landed at that port, their ship having been in collision in the Channel, off the Start, on Friday morning, between two and three, with the American barque Vesper. The Favoritem left Bremen in the course of the last week for Baltimore. She was making her way down Channel with the stiff north-easterly wind which has been prevailing, when, from some nnfortunate circumstances as yet not correctly ascertained, she came in contact with the Vesper, which was bound up Channel fiom Charleston to Antwerp. The shock is described to have been of a very severe character. The Favoritem was discovered to be fast filling with water, and no time was lost in putting the emigrants on board of the Vesper, which she brought on, with the captain and several of the hands to Portsmouth. The remainder of the crew, however' are not accounted for, and it is feared that they have perished, unless they have been picked up by any cruisers in the Channel. The Fa- voritem is supposed to have sunk shortly after the Vesper left her. The consul at Portsmouth has directed the neces- sary relief to be furnished to the unfortunate emigrants, many of whom have lost their all, and are in a very destitute state. MORE RUSSIAN PRIZES. PORTSMOUTH, Saturday.—The revenue cutter Active, Lieutenant John J. C. H. Tracey, R.N., commanding, brought into Spithead at noon to-day as a prize the Russian barque Fyra Broder (Four Brothers) of 400 tons, and 14 men, bound from Hiernes for Nystad, laden with salt. She sailed on the 25th of March, and was boarded and cap- tured at 1 p.m. on the 27th instant, Hastings bearing S.W. 15 miles. She was taken this evening to the Thames%v her captors.-DovER, Sunday Evening.—Another Russian prize was brought into Dover harbour yesterday afternoon by the Lion revenue cruiser, Captain Wm. Pearn. It is a schooner, the Johannes, Captain Szoman, of Burgo, lalen with salt on Russian account. The capture was made off Folkestone. Positive intelligence had been received that one, if not two Russian ships, are hovering about in the Channel. Great exertions are consequently being made to effect a capture of one or both of these vessels. RUSSIAN SAILORS VOLUNTEERS FOR THE BRITISH NAVY. —Two Russian sailors at Waterford refused to work under the direction of their captain, as the ship was sold to a British merchant, and they declared they were free and would fight for England." The Russian captain took them before the magistrates, when they were imprisoned for two days only, after which the whole of the crew were paid off, and left in the steamer for London. DREADFUL Loss OF LIFE AND GREAT DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY.—On Sunday morning shortly before three o'clock, a fire was discovered in Colchester-street, Whitechapel, London, in the house of Mr. Brossette, beer shop keeper and lodging house proprietor. By dint of great exertions, several persons escaped through the windows by means of the fire escape, and one man jumped out. Notwitstanding the energy of the fire men, the premises were entirely destroyed, and five persons burnt to death. The previous night forty Germans slept in the house. LETTER FROM THE BALTIC FLEIRT.-The following letter from an officer on board the ship Valorous, one of the Baltic fleet, appeared in the Liverpool Mercury of Tuesday last:- "April 7th, H.M.S. Valorous, Baltic Fleet. PREPARATION.—We are all in hurry and bustle here, as Sir Charles Napier has made us (the Valorous) his despatch boat. He has been on board of us, and we went with him to Copenhagen all people ashore both love and fear him. His name is a terror all along as we go. TRIM OF SIR CHARLES.-He walks: on board of us in shabby trowsers, and a pair of old pursers's shoes, his coat very plain, and no affectation whatsoever about him, but enters freely into conversation with the blue jackcts. HIS PERSONAL APPEARANCE.—He is a man aboufor less than the middle size, whiskers combed back, and eyes full, large, and in perpetual [motion. But, then, what an eye Nothing can escape it. THE RECONNOITRE.—We are going with him up to Revel, Gulf of Finland, to reconnoitre. We expect to be in it in a week or so. Our captain, a brave fellow, addressed us upon the subject, and said he would bring us into it, but that we should depend upon God and ourselves for the re- sult, yet hoped for a happy one. MAKING READY.^—I am at drill every day; at small arms drill. I am served out with 30 rounds of ball cartridge, a boarding pike, musket, and bayonet, for instant service; so, despite the new city of Cork, there is service in me yet, and no mistake, as I hope to show, being told off as one of the landing pty.-YOUlI, &c., P. B. THE PRESTON STRIKE. The Manchester Guardian of Wednesday states that so extensively have the workmen in Preston and the neighbourhood resorted to the mills of the associated masters for employment, that the system of pro- moting the immigration of workpeople from a distance has been diaamtinued as no longer necessary. The number of operatives already at work in Preston amounts to nearly half the number employed previous to the strike, so that it is ap- prehended if the strike were to terminate now, according to the lists of unemployed said to be relieved by the delegates, that 5,000 would be unable to find employment. The Preston Chronicle calk attention to the fact, that the strike of 1848 led to the invention of the self-acting machine, which re- quires far less hands than the hand mule, and that the pre- sent contest is leading to its very general adoption by the Preston mastaro. A meeting of the power loom weavers was held at Preston, on Saturday last, but was not numerously attended. No statement of the amount received is now published, and one of the latest II(,' <.>? d. legates was to pub- lish an appeal to the Womeu of Enzland" in which as- sistance is earnestly implored in tuis trying season." It is to be feared that all round London the < f the gardener have been destroyed by a sudden and most severe frost on the night of the 24th ult. From the 18th to the 20th the weather was excessively hot for the period of the season, the thermometer indicating 77 deg. in the shade on the 19th and as high as 95 deg. in the sun on the 21st. A strong gale commenced from north-east on the night of the 22d, and continued on the 23d, on the nitfht of which there was I deg. of frost; but the blossoms were safe. On the evening of the 24th there was 1 deg. of frost at 10 p.m.: but but during the night the thermometer fell to 18 deg.-or 14 deg. below freezing, notwithstanding the heat arising from the ground. Where this heat was prevented from affecting the thermometer by a radiator, the temperature of the air was as low as 12 deg. The frost was what is termed a black frost, of the most pervading description. Apple, Pear, Plum, and Cherry blossoms are everywhere killed. There may be a few from later blossoms, and a few naturally late-blooming Apples, but all the most valuable are com- pletely destroyed. Peaches and Nectarines on a good south wall have suffered, but such of the young fruit as were lean- ing against the warm wall are supposed to be safe. The shoots of Walnuts are hanging wet, black, and soft, as if parboiled. There is no record of the thermometer having been thus low in April, near London, in the present century at least.-Gardeners Chronicle. A NICE DISTINCTION IX LAW.—REGINA V. HARRIS.—-In this case the prisoner was indicted, as the servant of the in- habitants of the county of Worcester, and also ,ts the servant of the clerk of the peace of the same county, for embezzling the money of his master. It appeared that the prisoner was the miller of the county jail of Worcestershire, and was ap- pointment by the magistrates, and paid by the governor of the jail out of money paid to him for that purpose. The jail has a fleur mill attached, which is worked by the prisoners, and it was the custom for them to grind grain to defray part of the expenses of the establishment. The mode in which this was carried out was, that anv one who brought grain to the mill to be ground got a ticket of the quantity at the lodge, and then took it to the prisoner, who ground the grain, and received payment for so doing. He accounted to the governor for the money so reeeived. He had no business to grind any corn unless a ticket of the quantity was brought to him. He, how- ever, did on several occasions grind without such a ticket, and received the money for which he had not accounted. At the trial he was found guilty, and sentenced to twelve months imprisonment. Judgment was however, respited. The chief Baron said there was evidence of his intention to do some- thing wrong, but it did not amount to embezzlement. The reasonable conclusion from his grinding the corn without a ticket was that he intended to use the mill for his own benefit, and that the money was not received on account of his master. The conviction, therefore, must be reversed. EXTENSION OT EDUCATION.- Whilst emigration is in pro- gress from all quarters, greatly increased facilities for educa- tion are provided. The Banner of Lister announces that three new educational institutions are about to be established at Belfast—an extensive model school, a maritime school, for the education and training of children intended for a seafaring life; and an agricultural school, with a farm of 100 acres. All these schools are to be in connection with the National Board of Education. CHURCH OF ENGLAND METROPOLITAN TRAINING IN- STTTUTIO.N.-The annual meeting of the friends and sub- scribers of this institution was held on Friday at the College, at Highbury. In the absence of the President, the Earl of Shaftesbury, Mr. A. Kinnarid, M.P., was called to the chair, Mr. Kinnaird remarked that, the model school in connexion with the college had been eminently successful; and. al- though it was originally intended for only 120, he was iiuppy to tell them that the number of pupils in the last year was 208, that the amount received in fees during the last quarter was £ 90., and that the number of applicants for admission at present was 30. In the training department, it had been found necessary to afford increased accomodation for the students, and a larger room was now in course of erection the expense ( £ 2,000.) of which would be defrayed by a special effort on the part of the committee, without trenching upon the ordinary subscriptions, and he was happy to say that that sum had been subscribed. The report which was most satisfactory, was then read and adopted. It showed a balance, after payment of all demands, of J68. that from 70 to 80 students were deemed sufficient to properly superintend at Highbury College at one time; that several kindred institutions had sprung up in the country; and that many who had left the institution had obtained Queen's Scholar- ships. THE GREAT RECEIVER OF STOLEN GOODS. — Moses, the eminent "receiver," after his examination on Friday, was removed to Newgate. The prisoner has three or four young children, and the cash deposited at his bankers' is stated to be but little short of £ 2 ),000. In the course of the multifarious inquiries instituted bv the police, they have discovered that an inqnised gang of cabmen exists, ready, upon all occasions, to assist in the successful plundering of London warehouses at midnight. In many instances, the vigilance of the police has been frustrated by their carrying sliding plates, bearing dif- ferent numbers, and substituting one plate for another, in order to prevent their being traced from place to place. Moses, at present, stands committed on four distinct charges. It has been ascertained that several vessels, laden with stolen goods, are now on the high seas for Australia and measures have been adopted to secure the booty. DISCOVERY OF GOLD AND SILVER IN DERBYSHIRE.—A singular discovery has just been made that a mine at Over Haddon. near Bakewell, produces both gold and silver metal in small quantities. Some of the proprietors being struck with the colour of the ore, caused it to be assayed, and were agreeably surprised to find that it produced about L6 10s. worth of silver to the ton of the ore. A further assay has given the presence of gold. THE AUSTRAIN ARMY.—The effective force of the Aus- trian army on the 2.jth of October 1852, was—Infantry, 379 594 men; cavalry 50,460 men, and 46,620 horses; artillery and engineers, 15,013 men and 8,000 horses gen- darmerie, 16,000 men. Grand total, 477,065 men and 64,620 horses. During the year 1852 the force was increased to 539,761 men and 59,604 horses. The reserve at the pre- sent moment amounts to 120,000 men. Arrangements on a very grand and imposing scale are in preparation for the Synod of Drogheda, which is to open on the 10th of May next, by a private session, at the residence of the primate. The first public session will be celebrated in the church of St. Peter, and will commence with a proces- sion through the area in front of the church. After en- tering by the front door, the bishops will take their seats on thrones prepared for them opposite the high altar. Near them the theologians and other officers of the synod will occupy their proper places during the solemn service. ECCLESIASTICAL ARCHITECTURE.—The transition in what is called the Gothic style from the warlike to the religious epoch, is thus eloquently described by Ruskin, in the sccond volume of his" Stones, of Venice: Gothic architecture arose in massy and mountainous strength, axe-hewn and iron-bound, block heaved upon block by the monk s enthusi- asm and the soldier's force; and cramped, and ,tanchioiied into such weight of grisly wall, as might bury the anchorite in darkness, and beat back the utmost storm of battle, suf- fering but by the same narrow crosslett the passing of the sunbeam, or of the arrow. Gradually, as that monkish enthusiasm became more thoughtful, and as the sound of war became more intermittent beyond the gates of the con- vent or the keep, the strong pillar grew slender and the vaulted roof grew light, till they had wreathed themselves into the semblance of the summer woods at their fairest, and of the dead field flowers, long trodden down in blood, sweet monumental statues were set to blooin for ever, beneath the porch of the temple, or on the canopy of the tomb." Whilst millions of our fellow-beings groan in absolute despair under the various and contradictory treatments" of which nauseous drugs, and every description of harassing and torturing appliances form the principal ingredients, it is delightful to have to record the continuous progress, in -g4neW confidence, of a preparation which, we are justified in saying, has done more to prevent human misery and un- timely death than any or all the agents which science had previously brought to light. We here allude to Messrs. DU tpirmeveli?y. usIT S c elebrated HEVALENTA ARABICA FOOD, which, besides being a delicious article of general diet, effects speedy and perfect restoration to health in cases where long and expensive courses of medicine have previously been tned in vain. Amongst the maladies in which it effects a com- plete and speedy cure, are dyspepsia (indigestion), constipa- tion functional irregularity, obstructions, acidity, cramps, spasms fits, heartburn, diarrhoea, nervousness, biuousness, affections of the liver and kidneys, flatulency, distention, palpitation of the heart, nervous headache, deafness, noises in the head and ears, giddiness, pains between the shoulders, and in almost eveiy part of the body, chronic inflammation and ulceration of the stomach, eruptions on the skin, scurvy, fever, scrofula, impurities, poverty of blood, consumption (if not beyond human aid), dropsy, rheumatism, gout, influenza, grippe, nausea and vomiting, after eating, or at sea, low spirits, spleen, general debility, paralysis, cough, asthma, tightness across the chest, phlegm, inquietude, sleeplessness, involuntary blushing, tremors, dislike to society, unfitness for study, delusions, loss of memory, vertigo, blood to the head, exhaustion, melancholy, groundless fear, indecision, wretchedness, thoughts of self-destruction, &c. When up- wards of FIFTY THOUSAND respectable individuals, any one of whom can be personally referred to, have come for- ward to express their gratitude to Messrs. Du Barry, it would be fruitless to attempt to give an idea of the variety of the symptoms and circumstances in which relief has been afforded. But we shall take an instance or two at random. Mrs. Maria Jolly, of Wortham, Ling, Norfolk, writes For fifty years I had suffered indescribable agony from dyspepsia, nervousness, asthma, cough, flatulency, spasms, sickness at the stomach, and copious vomitings." She was crippled through weakness and infirmity, and she adds, "Mysuner- ings were so awful (from flatulency, &c.), that I have many a time prayed for death as a happy deliverance." This sufferer, to the astonishment of all her friends," was re- storedjto health and sound sleep by the use of the food; and she states that since her recovery she had tried it with similar happy effects upon a little girl of seven years of age, who had been suffering fearfully with an eruption of the skin, large white lumps, itching dreadfully, and making her cry from pain." Miss Elizabeth Yeoman, of Gateacre, near Liverpool, testifies to a similar cure of ten years' dyspepsia and nervous irritability, which had rendered life a perfect burden to her," and for which she had vainly tried the best medical advice, bleeding and blistering, and an astonishing amount of drugs." In infancy, as in maturity and old age, the same unvarying and unfailing effect is produced, and it is but fair to acknowledge, that by the introduction of this Food, Messrs. Du Barry have conferred a substantial boon upon mankind. For further particulars we refer our readers to Messrs. Da Barry's advertisement in our to-day s co- lumns.