estate had been seized during the war, and was used for camps, cemeteries, and freedmen's barracks. There is a question as to the right of the Government to seize it for General Lee's treason, as it was the property of his wife, and on this the resolution was based. Senator M'Creery very injudiciously, however, indulged in eulogy of General Lee, which provoked the anger of the Republicans, and they attacked him severely, and ended by declining to allow the Senator permission even to introduce his resolution. The House on December 14 debated at length proposition to celebrate the centenary of American Independence, July 4, 1876, by an exhibition on grand scale at Philadelphia of arts, manufactures, and products of the soil and mines, but no conclusion was arrived Reports are current at Washington that the longpending disputes between Secretary Boutwell and the President have resulted in the former tendering his resignation. This fact, however, is denied by friends of the parties, although it is regarded certain that Boutwell will soon be superseded.
The President is determined to rule the Treasury, and especially to sway the Treasury appointments, to suit himself, and he has reversed Boutwell's wishes and made appointments unfriendly to him 80 long that the Secretary will probably stand it but little longer. The Administration, owing to these constant quarrels among the leaders, is growing weaker every day. In North Carolina, Governor Holden was this week impeached, and his trial by the Senate of the North Carolina Legislature will soon begin. One of the first proceedings will be to turn him out of the Governorship, that being the main object the Democrats have in view in prosecuting the impeachment. In New York, at Delmonico'sthis week, there was Protectionist" banquet, at which high tariff speeches were made by Horace Greeley and other advocates of the cause.
The present phase of the war for and against Free Trade seems chiefly to be one of dinners, the Freetraders and Protectionists in New York city attending their dining and speechmaking with exemplary regularity. The dilapidated condition of the Atlantic cables is serious drawback to the transmission of news and business telegrams, and there are fears expressed lest the very high battery power necessary to force signals through the French cable may not ultimately burn it out and suddenly leave us without Transatlantic telegraphic communication at all. It is ominous in this connexion to find that the telegraph people are putting in order the line to Sandy Hook at New York harbour entrance, so as to be ready at any moment, should the French cable give way, to transmit news signals from arriving European steamers. The critical condition of cable affairs is a great stimulant to new cable projects. New York was yesterday visited by a severe wind storm, which, among other damage caused, blew down a large building eight stories high, just erected for a piano factory.
In falling it crushed two small houses, killing four persons who were in them. The present is the era of railway consolidations in America. Negotiations are pending for the most gigantic consolidation of all, being the lease by the Pennsylvania Railroad of the Camden and Amboy and other lines connecting Philadelphia and New York, known as the 4 United Companies of New Jersey," having an aggregate invested capital of $40,000,000. These negotiations are not yet concluded, but the Camden and Amboy people, it cent. is said, demand a guaranteed dividend of 10 per per annum the quid pro quo for the lease.
The necessity of the Pennsylvania Company for getting control of a New York outlet is the prime motive for the proposed lease, The building in which the clerks work who are compiling the United States' Census in Washington showed signs of giving way a few days ago, and caused quite panic. The cause was the accumulation of Census returns, weighing. many tons, and which were too heavy for the walls. Cracks gave timely warning, the clerks all got out in safety, and the prompt removal of the documents relieved the walls sufficiently to prevent the building from falling. The WEST INDIA, PACIFIC, and MEXICAN MAILS.
By the arrival of the Royal Mail Company's screw stoamabip Neva, Captain R. Wool ward, have received our usual despatches and correspondence. This vessel, which left St. Thomas on the 15th arrived at Plymouth at 7 30 a.m. yesterday, and, having landed the mails, left at 9 for Cherbourg and Southampton, Among the pas sengers (35 in all) were President Pyne, of Montserrat, from Jamaica Dr.
Rivers and family, from Trinidad Mr. J. R. France, of the West India and Panama Telegraph Company, from St. Thomas, On freight the Neva has $646,483 in specie, of which $247,055 are gold, and $394,503 silver, and the remainder is jewelry, 1,205 packages of coffee, 100 packages of cocoa, 457 cases of cigars, 2,251 bales of tobacco, 1,550 of indigo, 997 packages of bark, 93 live turtle, and sundries.
There is very little intelligence by the present mail, add none of a political character. From Jamaica we learn that the headquarters of the 20th Regiment, 500 men, under the command of Major H. Wilkie, had left in the transport ship Himalaya, Commander Madden, for Barbadoes, Trinidad, and St. Vincent. These are to be distributed among the islands named.
250 men of the me regiment, under command of Captain Bazcott, remain New Castle. By this movement there will be DO band the regiment in Jamaica, This has been done by the Major-General at Barbadoes, whe is Commander-in-Chief of the Forces in the West Indies, Jamaica being under his orders. The Himalaya after this service takes the 53d Regiment to Bermuda from Barbadoes, and the flat from Bermuda to England. Her Majesty's steamer Tamar, Captain Hickley, was abortly looked for, with companies of the Royal Artillery, to relieve those at present at Port Royal, Lieutenant-Colonel Soady, commanding the Royal Artillery, with his family, arrived in the Himalaya at Port Royal, to await the arrival of the Tamar, The following from Cordova's Mercantile Intelligencer of the 9th inst. The market continues depressed for this season of the year, the recent heavy rains operating in a great measure against traffic, in consequence of the impassable state of many of the roads there fears, therefore, that the customary animation in the market will not be experienced this season.
Codfish is in demand, with a slender supply. Since our last issue, the weather had cleared up, and we have now fine sunshine; this is much required for the canefields that have been inundated and laid, and to dry the canes for sugar-making, which will be commenced upon most estates during this month. The recent heavy rains having done considerable damage to the interior roads, very little produce can be brought to market for some time to come. Consequently sugar, coffee, and dyewords are very scarce at the various shipping ports, and parties having vessels loading, or only partially loaded, bare to pay advanced prices for these articles in order to despatch their vessels within their lay days. The roads, in the logwood districta especially, have been very much washed, and very little more of this export can be got out before next year.
The coffee crop has been very much injured by the heavy rains, and will be very small. There is DO demand for tonnage at present. The health of the island continuesgood, Very little coffee is coming to market, principally owing to the weather daring the last two months having impeded the curing and other processes. 344, to 36m, is being paid for ordinary. The crop was originally expected to be a short one, bat the heavy seasons we have experienced have tended materially to lessen even the small expectations.
Sugar is scaros, We quote sales at 164, 6d. to 17s. for dark, and 20s. to 22. for fair.
Pimento is worth 8. to 8a, 4d, per 100lb. in Kingsten. Rice moves slowly, while the market remains heavily supplied. Exchanges on London, 90 days, 1 per cent.
premium; 60 ditto, 14 ditto 30 ditto, 24 ditto; 7 ditto, sums under 24 There had been a fair run of business at Grenada during the fortnight, Agricultural prospects continued to be cheering, and crops of all kinds promised well. Our advices from Demerara, Barbados, and Trinidad have not come to hand by the Neva. At Colon two more gales of wind were experienced on the 23d and 27th of November. No damage had been done to the shipping there, although a norther had been blowing for Ave or six days, excepting one small coasting schooner, which total wreck. Very heavy rains had been experienced for the fortnight, to the great obstruction of trathc across the rafl way, The total fall in November and since the let of January to the present time (November 30) 137 in.
altogether bare fallen. Some of the heaviest days 3, 4 Glin. November 7, November 8, November 16, 3-51ia. November 17, 2-08in. November 19, 20in.
November 23, 3-40in, SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE Her Majesty's ships Royalist and Aboukir were at Port Royal. The Vestal was at Sanguan, Porto Rico, attending the telegraph ships Dacis and The Mexican, steamer, of Liverpool, arrived at St. Thomas The American gunboat Yantic, from Savannab, sod bound early on the morning of the 15th of December. for Savannah, arrived in St. Thomas's harbour early on the morning of the 15th of December.
The Neva spoke on the 22d the Austrian bark Coolinie, steering to the eastward; on the 11th, outside Port Royal, the British bark Christine, of London, with bound for outward Kingston. The Royal Mail steamship Seine, the mails of November 17, from Southampton, arrived at Jamaica at 10 on the 11th and left the same day for Colon. The Arno was on the Windward Islands route: the Eider, Mersey, Tamar, and Corsica at St. Thomas THE TIMES, THURSDAY, The RAILWAY CALAMITY near HATFIELD. HATFIELD, WEDNESDAY.
This afternoon the inquiry into the cause of the fearful railway accident which happened on Monday night on the Great Northern, about two miles on the London side of this town, held at the school-rooms of Welham, a vil. lage near Marshmoor-gate crossing, where the eight persona who met their deaths in this calamity were killed. The Coroner who conducted the inquiry was Mr. Grove Lowe, of St, Albass, of whose district the village is a liberty. The first duty imposed was the legal identification of the bodies, six being those of passengers killed in the train and two of women who were walking on the line when the train broke down.
Following the numbers given in The Times yesterday, they were identified before the inquest opened in the following order first, that of Mrs. Kershaw, aged 27, wife of Robert Kershaw, grooid, of Liverpool-road, Islington, and sister of Oswia, the Bell Bar signalman; the second, as that of James Pulles, footman to Mrs. Lewis, at Sandy; the third, as that of Mr. Thomas Bransom, ago cattle dealer, of Glatton, near Stilton the fourth, as that of Mr. Blake, a travelling bawker for book society, said to be the British and Foreign Bible Society the fifth, as that of R.
P. Keynolds, a lad, age 12, the son of permanent- inspector of the line, travelling with Blake to Wheathampstead; the sixth, an stated in The Times, yesterday, as that of Mr. G. A. Potter, 77, St.
Clerkenwell, tobacconist, 47 years of age the seventh, that of Harry Rawlings, a lad 18 years of age, travelling to Peterborough, pastryoook's apprentice at Worthing and the eighth that of Mrs. Oswis, 21, the wife of the signalmAn. The passengers were all The Coroner commenced the inquiry shortly after 1 o'clock, after a minute inspection of the line. There no representative of the Board of Trade present, The Great Northern Railway Company represented by Mr. Meadows White, and there were present, Mr.
Johason, the chief engineer, Mr. co*ckahott, the general superintendent of the line, Mr. Asbley, Mr. Thomas Williams, and Mr. Richard Williams, other chief officers of the company.
Many relatives of the deceased persons were also present; and Mr. W. J. Spicer attended for the Accident Insurance Company. John Fuller was the first witness called, and he maid, -I was the driver of the 4 25 passenger train from London on Monday.
It consisted of engine, tender, break van next, then six passenger carriages with break van with the guard in it at the end. felt nothing whatever until I came to Marshmoor-gate at North Mimms, where there is level carriage crossing and a gate-house. Here I felt little jerk which I thought was a mere slipping, and I let some sand on the rails, and I went on about 200 or 300 yards before I found that I was detached from the train, all excopt the tender having broken off. I dared not atop suddenly lest the train should run into me, for I did not know she had left the rails, and I went on about half mile to Redhall box, some distance beyond the crossing. I then sent back the fireman with a light to see if was coming on, and I followed steadily with the engine until I met the guard.
I picked him up soon after starting back, and he told me of the accident and the consequences of it, and I then proceeded on to Hatfield to fetch assistance. A few minutes afterwards I retarded up the up line with Mr. Alexander, the district superintendent, to near where the accident occurred, and pulled up near the coal train, which had been stopped close to the place. I then saw three or four carriages had been amashed to pieces and I saw three dead bodies lying on the eastern bank of the line, about 30 or 40 yards from the gate-house. In reply to Mr.
M. White, the witness said that it was very dark at the time the accident occurred, and the time of the calamity was 10 minutes to 5 o'clock p.m. In answer to the foreman of the jury, the witness said the coupling of his tender, that which was next to the break carriage, was in good order and perfect, and was carried on with the engine. There was no breakage of the tender coupling or damage to it, The train going at the time at from 35 to 40 miles an hour and the train had not stopped after leaving London, but it was timed to stop at Hattield. The following was handed in as the exact composition of the train first, tender second, break carriage (a carriage with break department in the foremost part) third, a third-class carriage fourth, second-class carriage fifth, two firat-class carriages sixth and seventh, a secondclass carriage eighth, a first-class carriage ninth, and a break-van tenth there were thus six carriages for passengors and two breaks.
No one was in the foremost break. Walter Farmer, fireman to the last witness, said every. thing went on right until the engine had reached a spot about half a mile beyond Marshmoor-gate, when the engine and tender were found to be detached. Thomas Richards, the guard of the train, after speaking of the make-up of the train, said, -There were two break vane, and I was in the last, 1 think so one was in the first, I did not notice anything amiss until the train reached the Marshmoor-gate crossing, when I found the train was slackening very fast. I then heard the cracking or break.
ing of carriages, and came to a standstill. I jamped out of the and that the front part bad run off the line. I gave Town, the signalman who came to me, some fog signals to run behind to stop traffic that way, while went forward to put fog signals on the line towards Hatfield, and I so stopped the coal train, then coming on towards London, then went to Hatfield on the engine of my train, and the driver aoted under my orders in going to Hatfield. On returning with assistance to the scene of the accident, which did an quickly an possible, I saw the front break carriage wan 00 the side of the down line (west), close to the metals, The whole of the carriage was off the metals. I saw the fragments of two other carriages on the east side of the up line, both off the line, in a cutting of a few feet wide.
The other carriages were off the metals, with the exception of my break van. The two carriages to my van were undamaged, and though they were off the live they were on the road. When returned from Hatfield I saw several bodies lying on the east bank. I remained at the scene of the accident about four hours, In cross examination, he mid that the last carriages which be had mentioned as being off the line were upright--that is, on their wheels. Questioned by the representative of one of the killed, he said be had looked the couplings before starting from King's and found them all right.
In answer to other questions, he mid, -It was my duty to stop all traffic at once, and I succeeded in stopping the coal train, which was steaming towards London, just in time to prevent an accident. I put the fog siguals down when it was 300 yards off. Juror, -And did you sacceed in stopping the train in less than 300 yarda! The -Well, the engine just touched a broken carriage wheel when it stopped. In answer to other questions he said that the train very light one as regarded passengers that night, and he believed there were DO third-class passengers in the thirdclass carriage. Mr.
M. White said the only tickets found on the deceased were second class. Henry Town said, -I am the signalman at the Bell Bar box, half mile on the London side of the level crossing. I live in cottage on the east side of the level crossing. At the time of the accident I was looking out of the door of my cottage near to the gate across the line.
I saw the carrages strike stack of sleepers OD the west side, then bound across and strike the cottage of a platelayer named Hawkins next to the gate, and so smash up about three of them. I immediately ran on to the line, and saw gentleman, who, I believe, Mr. M' Pariane, crawling out of ditch on' the east side. Then in the six toot part of human body with waistcoat. I then met the guard, who gave me some wignals, and I went to the Bell Bar signal-box, towards London, where I told them of the accident, and requested then to give notice to block the line, and telegraph for medical assistance.
I then went farm close at hand, and through the Welham-green village, to give an alarm and obtain assistance. When I returned I saw Mr. Potter being taken away, and I assisted in getting four bodies out from among the wreck of the carriages, and a man's head and an arm. I believe break carriage and two carriages caly were broken up. The broken break carriage lay on the west side (up line), the others ou the down line, just past the gate.
I bad not seen any one walking on the line viously; but Mrs. Oswin and Mrs. Kershaw, the wife sister of the signalman, were among those I had taken out, Mr. Bransom and the boy Reynolds being the other two, I cannot say whether the man's head I picked up was that of an old man or a young one, for it was in such a condition that it was unrecognizable then. By the CORONER, -I did not see the broken wheel, but I found one piece of tire at 130 yards before the level crossing is reached, and then, and few yards further on, found two other pieces of tire lying on the west side of the down line.
Each piece seemed about 18 inches or 2 feet long apparently from spoke to spoke, The tire then brought into the room in pieces. One piece exactly balf the tire, while the other half was made up of five pieces. The inscription on the wheel Cammell, Shetheld. Cast steel, 2. 1870.
The tire was more than two inches thick at its thinnest five inches broad, and was wrought steel. The tire wa very massive looking, The CORONER, referring to the broken tire, said from the appearance of the fractures he should have thought the tire was wrought work. Mr. Johnson replied that the tire was of wrought steel, for the metal was wrought after casting, and Cammell's the first steel works in the country. Mr.
Richard Johnson, the engineer of way and works on the Great Northern, explained the manufacture of the tire, and he said its. mode of fastening to the wheel was according to what is known as Beattie's Its fixture 00 the wheel was explained as by clip," hammered in after the tire wan in its place. He said there were no loose parts in the wheels, as all the parts were welded together, the outer tire on an inner tire, and this on the spokes. A long conversation followed on the peculiar qualities of iron, and the theories respecting the effects of contraction after heat in the manufacture. On the evidence being resumed, the witness said the tire belonged to the near lealing wheel of the break carriage.
He had carefully examined all the could find no fault or law showing the cause or part of breakage. In reply to further questions, be said -la my judgment, this tire failed, and so caused the accident; but I cannot say how it broke. The CORONER suggested that it was very cold 00 the night of the accident. The witness replied that there were 12 degrees of frost that night at the time of the accident. He went on to that the Cammella were the best manufacturers of steel, and that the means of fastening adopted were the best and safest.
He conid not suggest any other cause for the breakage than the action of the temperature on the steel, This was not the first journey of the tire, to all appearances, and it was broken in the thick metal. The means of fastening the tire in better than the bolt system, for the bolt repestedly, gave way, and this does not. The wheel were not cast in the tire; but the material was cast, and then hammered out. It was called cast-steel to distinguish DECEMBER 29. 1870.
THE UNITED STATES (FROM AN AMERICAN CORRESPONDENT.) DEC. PHILADELPHIA, 16. The Hon. Charles Francis A dams, formerly American Minister at London, delivered an address this week before the New York Historical Society upon American neutral relations, in which he made most signiticant allusion to the Alabama claims negotiations, Mr. Adams, in giving a history of neutrality in America, among other matters spoke at length of American relations with France.
In 1778, during the American. Revolution, the Colonies and France made treaty of alliance. Subsequently, after the French Revolution, there were repeated spoliations of American commerce; demands upon France for payment threatened war, and finally, two treaties with France, one in 1800 and the other in 1803, by which the United States assuined these spoliation claims, amounting to about $10,000,000, and France gave up her claim to the alliance, and also made the well-known cession of Louisiana. Mr. Adams referred to this to show the long delay and final abandonmont of the claims for territorial cession, thus causing a loss of ten millions to private individuals, These spoliation claims neither United States nor France has yet paid, and Mr.
Adams said that for the yielding of the French claim to an alliance the United States consented to abandon the just claims of private citizens for plunder of their property on the high seas, which they had risked upon their confidence that their own Government would protect them from wrongful Then, significantly, Mr. Adams added If there be at this time any unsettled claims on foreign Governments for depredations on private property at of a similar nature, which, under the instigation of political ambition, may be made the pretext of a war costing thousand fold their amount to the country, I take the liberty of respectfully pointing out to the proprietors the dangerous nature of the present example. Let them beof a peace negotiated on the basis of a cession of ter. ritory, North or South, at their expense." General Schenck is said to be preparing for his departure for England, but the date has not been fixed, nor has his nomination as Minister to Lonbeen yet sent to the Senate. His confirmation however, certainty.
His instructions are not framed, but they will differ very little from those of his predecessors. The President having, his Message, recommended the creation of Commission to. ascertain the amounts and the owners of the Alabama claims, naturally desires delay the preparation of instructions until Congress acts on this recommendation, which may affect their character. The subject of amnesty has been the chief one before Congress this week, and it seems to be one upon which the Republican majority are unable to form any party policy. Because the Republicans refuse to grant free pardon to the ex-rebels, they been losing one Southern State after another the elections.
The mere politicians among them, caring nothing for anything beyond party success, consequently anxious to remove the restrictions make the party so unpopular in the South. plan is also advocated by the bolting in Republicans, whose coalitions with the Democrats Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Missouri have caused the political revolutions in those States. the other hand, the mass of the Republican leaders who for the last five years have been punishthe rebels desire to punish them still, and hence the wide differences of opinion on the subject amnesty. Senator Schurs (Republican), of Missouri, and General Butler have been conspicuous in advocatan almost universal amnesty, and the latter has indicated that his plan wan favoured by the President. In Richmond, Virginia, the State Central Committee of the Republican party has adopted resolution praying Congress to pass general Amnesty Bill.
Senator Schurz a few days ago introduced his amnesty measure into the Senate in the of a resolution declaring that the disqualifications and disabilities imposed upon persons lately in rebellion against the United States' Government were dictated by imperative public necessities, and not a spirit of hatred or vindictiveness, and that a such publio necessities cease due regard the cardinal principles of the American Government, as well every consideration of sound statesmanship, demand the removal of those disqualifications and disabilities. General Butler introduced some time ago amnesty measure in the House, and various memthe jealous subject, of the urged the prominence calling he of a aspiring to consider the question of amnesty, and if anything to be done, desired to make it a Republican party measure, instead of allowing the glory so be monopolized by a single man. The caucas" held two sessions this week, but was a failure. The wide differences of opinion already referred to were developed nothing could be agreed upon, and the caucus" finally dissolved without action. The ruling party showed the strange spectacle upon this upon every other question, of being able to agree nothing.
Amnesty anally was brought into the debates of the House by General Butler, who had waited in vain for "caucus" to decide anything, on December 14 insisting upon the House considering his Bill. This measure proposed a general amnesty and oblivion all persons who engaged in the rebellion, excepting certain classes. These exceptions included persons who had been educated at West Point the Annapolis Naval Academy all United States' Cabinet Ministers, Congressmen, Diplomats, Judges who engaged in the rebellion; members the State, Conventions that adopted Secession ordinances Confederate State Governors Confederate officials who treated Union prisoners with cruelty persons who joined the rebellion when United States' officials, and who did not or have since accounted for public moneys in their hands, or who wrongfully withheld Government property deserters from the United States' army nary, and bounty The Bill further provides that Congress may still, as now, specially remove the disabilities of any person in any of these excepted classes, General Butler was asked how many, persons the would relieve, and answered it would reevery one in the South who was under legal trouble or vexation; every man who had been postmaster or sheriff Or constable before the and had taken the oath to support the Constitution of the United States. As to the excepted classes, all they had to do was to come to Congress bereafter and petition for the removal of their disabilities. The Bill had been objected to because it not a general amnesty.
General Butler said he not the most forgiving of men, and he trusted was not the most vindictive. He could remain unforgiving an long as his neighbours, and he could forgive an honourable opponent quite as easily neighbours; but when he did forgive he forgave over, and when he did not forgive he remembered all over. Mr. Beck (Democrat), of Kentucky, thought the did not grant a sufficiently general amnesty, consequently he offered a substitute, making fewer exceptions to the pardon. Mr.
Farnsworth (Republican), of Illinois, wanted pardon without exception, and his substitute offered declaring every one's disabilities removed. Mr. Bingham (Republican), of Ohio, also offered a substitute making fewer exceptions than General ButBill. The debate continued that day and yesterday, December 15, and it was curious to find the Republicans differed as to the extent of pardon to be granted. As a general rule, the Southern favoured the most sweeping amnesty, while several from the North- West also supported Farns worth's proposition.
The opponents pardon had little to chiefly attaoking the defective in form. Bouse unable to upon anything, however, and at the close of debate yesterday, without any vote upon any subject being taken, the further debate was postponed until the 20th of December. The Senate has not yet taken vote upon the measure authorizing the President, an a retaliatory movement upon the Canadians for their interferwith American fishermen, to suspend intercourse with the Dominion and to deny Canadian vessels access to American ports, but it has been reported favourably from the Committes of Commeres, and will, no doubt, pass. Upon this fishery dispute General Butler has presented in the House petitions from 9,000 citizens of Glocester, Marischusetta, complaining of the unfriendly conduct of Canadians, and praying for relief. Senator from Kentuoky, presented resolution this week restoring the Arlington estate to.
Mrs. Robert E. Lee. This it frem Bessemer steel, but was really wronghs metal of the best quality. Mr.
co*cksbott, the general superintendent of the line, then gave evidence to show that all the wheels of all the trains were properly tested before being used, and that they were always so tested and examined before every journey. He also stated that the Government Department of the Board of Trade had been informed that the inquest would be held that day, and the information was specially forwarded as soon as it was known. In answer to a question from one of the relatives, Mr. Johnson was recalled and said he had no hesitation in saying that the metal of the tire was of the very best description which could be proeured. Mr.
Osbaldiston, a medical gentleman, of Hatfield, and Mr. Liviagaton, of New Barnet, another medical gentle. man, then gave evidence of the injuries received by some of the deceased persons. In aaswer to the CORONER, it was stated that there was no certainty an to the carriages in which the seven persona were riding, bat it was believed they were all in one. The CORONER summed up by saying that the calamity clearly occurred from the breaking of a tire, and that breakage was to be attributed to the friction of the metal when the temperature was very low.
Metal subject to this failure in such temperature, and this was a danger against which he thought it was impossible to guard. Mr. White desired that it should be known that the Coroner had visited the live and found it in good order. The CORONER said it was so, and he found the line in perfect order. Mr.
White stated that the officers of the company wished to express their deep thanks to the inhabitants about the scene of the accident, from the Marquis of Salisbury down to the humblest villager, for the endeavours which ail made in combination with the passengers to alleviate the misery caused by the disaster. The jury then retired to 1 a corner of the room, and, after a short consultation, returned the verdict-" That the male persons lost their lives through the breakage of a steel tire, but we express no opinion as to the cause of that The CORONER said, -Then we mast take it that the women were killed by the overturning of the train! The jury concurred, and the proceedings then termiDated after about a six hours' sitting. RAILWAY ACCIDENTS. TO THE EDITOR OF THE TIMES. -Public attention has been so painfully attracted by the rail way accidents of the last few weeks to the insceurity of life under the present system of conducting the traffic on most of our lines throughout the country, that I venture 1 to a letter recalling what-has been attempted and what might be done to remedy the evil may claim to occupy small space even in your valuable journal.
For the last two Sessions I have endeavoured in the House of Commons to onll the attention of the Government and of the public to the frequency of these collisions (as shown by the Reports of the Inspectors of the Board of Trade); to the fact that they arise in nine cases out of ten from causes over which control might, and therefore ought to be exercised and that the adoption. by rail way directors throughout the country of known and constantly. recommended aystems of regulating the traffic would, though, perhaps, at a certain cost, materially diminish, if not entirely prevent, their occurrence. I have endeavoured to show that, arising (as I believe most of these accidents do) from trains of different rates of speed being crowded together without proper intervals of space, they might be almost entirely avoided by the adoption of the system known as the absolute block, that continuous break power and the interlocking of signals and points, if made compulsory, would each of them in their separate way greatly add to the travelling safety of the public, and that the saving to the companies themselves in compensation for accidents alone would go far to cover any outlay to which at first by adopting them they might be pat. Aod in last Session I was able to get those three points recommended to Boards of Directors, in the Report of the Cominittee which ant to examine into the Law of Compensation for Accidents as applied to rail way companies a Committee, by the way, which had been moved for by railway directors themselves in the hope of getting rid of this last check upon their carelessness.
But since the Session has closed one horrible tragedy has succeeded another with startling rapidity, and directors seem still so unwilling to risk an outlay of money in adopting any of the systems for insuring safety which have been recommended, that we may fairly ask if enough lives bave not been morificed, and if the time has not come at last when, instead of leaving it merely as a recommendstion, the Government should step in and enforce the adoption of such improvements in the traffic working of the lines as not only bear the test of common-sense, but bare been now for some time constantly recommended alike by the experienced and impartial engineer officers of the Board of Trade and by the juries who have examined into the causes of the different accidents that have occurred. Even as recently an in the verdiot of the jury who tried the accident the other day at Harrow 1 we have another recommendation for the adoption of the absolute as distinct from the permissive block system, while Colonel Hutchinson, the Government Inspector, stated that had the train been supplied with continuous breaks it was quite possible that the worst consequences of the collision might have been avoided. What I want, therefore, to see, and what I think we have a right to ask, is that power should be taken by the Government to enable them te compel the adoption of provements such as these, which experience proves are for the safety of the public, without leaving us as we are DOW, at the mercy of a Board of Directors, dreading too often the adoption of anything which may lead to expense. When this power is given, and not till then, can directors fairly claim to have the present system of compensation for aceidenta, of which they complain so bitterly, reconsidered; till that time, though very imperfect ope, it is the only protection which we possess I could wish that abler pens than mine would take this subject up. Surely, there must be many members of the House of Commons who are neither directors themselves nor pledged support them, and now that the man who openly laughed at the dread of these accidents, and asserted that life and limbs were never so safe as in rail way carriage, has to guide the decisions of the Board of Trade, if those who do feel the danger, and do think that Boards of Directors are bound to take every precaution to insure the safety of those who are forced to trust themselves to their protection, would act together and insist upon the taking the subject up, something might at last be done.
Private members, if backed by public opinion, may, I know, do much, bat in a case involving as this does such vast interests, no real remedy will, I fear, be applied till Goverument see that having by law given companies monopoly of the carrying trade throughout the country, they are bound to maintain ever them a more active super- I am, Sir, faithfully yours, HENRY Harlow, Essex, Dec. 27. NATIVE OFFICIALS IN INDIA. Your obedient servant, Dee. 27.
S. TO THE EDITOR OF THE TIMES. -In year article of yesterday regarding the effect in India of the rumours of war between England and Russia, you remark that the young educated natives desire a share in the goverument of India, and that there is no wish to exclude them from that privilege. The facts seem to me to contradict that view. Nominally, it is true, the covenanted Civil Service is thrown open to natives, without much result an yet; but in the departments that are not worked by that service, and for many of which natives might be supposed well fitted, the tendency of late years has been to exclude them.
They are virtually excluded from the Medical Department, and from most, if not all, of the Topographical and Revenue Surveys. Candidates for employment in the Telegraphs and Forests are selected in England, and now a Civil Engineering Collego is to be started in this country and not in India, Few natives, if any, hold responsible offices in the administration of our Indian rail ways. Any one who has watched the manner in which the numerous miscellaneous offices, such as Sea Customs, Police, Registration, ko, have been Alled up, must have noticed how the Karopean element predominates. do not discuss the policy or wisdom of this course; but merely draw cation to the facts as bearing on the wish stated by you to exist, that natives should not be excinded from the privilege of governing India. FROZEN TO DEATH.
-Dr. Lankester held an inquest yesterday at the Nottingham Arms, Marylebone, COncerning the death of Dennis Turner, tailor, aged 61. It appeared from the evidence of Sophia Turner, Grove-cottages, that her deceased husband had been in bad health for months past, and rarely able to leave home. On Sunday they be dined at the house of a friend, and her husband appeared to much worse, They left to return home about 7 alock. He assisted by two friends along several streeta, when he beaume much worse, and had to be veyed home in a cab.
The wrong address was given to the cabman, and 00 reaching Little James -street deceased was lifted out of the cab and laid down in the street. He then appeared to be dead, and on the azrival of medical man was carried into shop. Mr. Thomas Kirby, who deceased, said he just dead. Un making a post-mortan examination he found all the organs, was with the exception of the heart, healthy.
The night intensely cold, and deceased being allowed to lie on the pavement had been frozen to death. Bren bad deceased been a stronger man it was probable that he would have died from the exposure. The cause of death heart disease, sovelerated by axposure to cold. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony. ANOTHER RAILWAY -A railway collision oceurred on the Cheshire Midland line on Tuesday, by which several persons were seriously injured, The train left Manchester at 6 45, and ran into a coal train at Altrincham which was in the act of shunting.
Some carriages were much damaged, and several passengers were so much shaken and injured as to be unable to proceed on their journey. of CHARITABLE ROYAL ALBERT ORPHAN ASTLOM FOR DESTITUTE CHILDREN, Collingwood Court, Bagshot. Mr. Charles A. Walker, secretary (office, 98, London, E.C.), begs very gratefully to acknowledge receipt of the following contributions W.
H. Dobell, 2. 2.: P. W. 54.
Mr. J. Colmer, 17. Rev. F.
H. Jorce, Mrs. Charles Harvey (annual), 108. Mrs. Courtenay, 17, Mr.
J. Clark (annual), 14, M. 11. J. 17.
Mr. H. Lambtoo, Miss Field (annual), 11.14.; F. T. 17.
J. 52. 54; Mrs. Hollis, Mr. A.
H. Rison, 14. Mr. Charles Musgrove, 14, 14 M. G.
1s Mr. W. Long (annual), 17. A. W.H.M., 6d.
Mrs. Goring, 61. F. 17. 1s.
R. 54. Major Turbervill, Mesars, Rorstman and Co, of (annual), 17, Mr. C. Ware (annual), 17, la; E.
Martip, 17, Mr. J. T. Gabriel, 17. Mrs.
Webber, 10s. R. L. Mr. G.
S. Benham, 17. 14. Mr. R.
L. Fenn (annual), 24. 2. Mrs, R. L.
Fenn (annual), R. W. 34. 1 Miss Miles, 6d. Mr.
L. Seaton (annual), 17. Mr. R. Salmon, 17.
Miss H. H. Croft, 1s. Miss Dewar, Mr. Thomas Allen, 10s.
6d. Mr. T. N. Debenbam, 54.
Colonel Smith, C.B., 11. 1s. Further contributions greatly needed, and will be thankfully acknowledged. THE DUDLEY STUART HOME FOR THE HOUSELES. Subscriptions received -Mra.
Taylor, Mrs, Starback, Miss Walhouse, Mr. G. Gatch, 17, Sir F. Rogers, General and Mrs. Simpson, Miss Schneider, in 11.
1s; Mrs. Fullerton, Mrs. and M. R. Archer, 27.
Mr. Williamson, 17. Mr. J. T.
Wood, 17, Mrs. Collinson, Mins Barrow, Mr. J. Tapson, 17, Mr. J.
Davidson, 17, Miss Gray, 14; Mr. J. D. Frampton, 17, Mr. 0.
Roberta, the Misses Pearson, Miss Mocatta, 34, Miss J. Mocatta, 37. Mr. J. Pugh, Me.
H. Cotton, 14, 1a. Mr. F. D.
Mocatta, 37, 36. Mrs. Walford, Rev. G. Danby, 17.
1s. Mrs. Colonel Irving, Dr. Madden, 21. 24 Miss Reid, 34, 3.
Mr. Feraie, Mr. Parrott, Major Q. Vivian, 17. Mrs.
Lloyd, Lloyd, Mr. J. B. E. Baillie, 17.
Major Barron, 17, Mr. D. Burton, Mr. D. F.
Watson, 17: Mr. G. Baker Mr. A. Reed, Mr.
R. Robinson, 17. 1s; Mrs. Spender, 17. A Lady, per Mrs.
Nudd, A Friend, per offertory at St. Michael's 17, la; Mr. A. S. Hamaod, Mr.
Hugh A. Seymour, 31, Mrs. P. Fitzgerald, 54; Miss E. Ridley, Lieutenant-General Stewart, Mr.
Bush, Lady Daft Gordon, Sir A. D. Gordon, Alfred Evans, Mr. Francis Cobb, Lady Moore, 21, Mr. C.
Milson, Mr. W. J. Morrison, 17, Rev, M. J.
Finch, J. T. 10. Right Rev. Bishop Trower, Mr.
J. A. Arbuthnot, Right Hon. the Earl of Harrewby, Mr. G.
B. Scott, Y. 2. CRIPPLED BOTs NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL HOME, Honorary Secretary begs to acknowledge, with grateful thanks, the following contributions received Mr. J.
Harrison, Mrs, J. Whitehead, Miss Barnes, Rev. E. D. Ward, Mr.
W. Townsend, Hoo. Mias H. Waklegrave, Mrs. Salt, 24, Mri, Moir, Mrs.
Reddie, Mrs. Sampson, Mr. G. W. Owen, A Lady Priend (York), Mrs.
Potter, Mrs. Butterworth, 14 la; Mr. C. Trollope, Mr. Bodmer, land, 17.
1a; Mr. R. C. Dudley, Sirs. Hall, Mrs.
Mayo, 2, 64.: Mrs. Wright, Mrs. Pulley, Mr. P. Graham, Miss H.
D. Trotter, Mr. T. Card well, 17, Lieutenant-General Sir Hope Grant, 24; Mins Legrew, 17. Mrs.
Johnson. Miss A. W. Shaw, Mr. T.
Sharpus, Mr. F. H. Dangar, Mr. H.
Armstrong, Miss Bancroft, 14, Mrs. Jaason, Mra, Ellery, Mrs. Nelson, Mr, G. M. Hicks, 17.
Miss Rougemont, Mrs. H. Burdon, Min Seward, Mr. S. W.
Presser, Captain Ingram, R.N., Mrs. Bradshaw, 17, Mr. A. Mackintosh, Mrs. Egieton, 17.
Messes, D. B. Johnston, Miss Griffin, Mr. F. Davis, 17, Mr.
T. A. H. Dixon, Mrs. Murray, Mr.
W. Jackson, M.P., 14, Mrs. Madon, 21, Mrs. Stewart, Mr. G.
E. Strut, 24. Mr.J. Painter, Miss Reece, Mr. R.
W. Mackay, Mrs. Thompson, 54. Mrs. Bonhote, 54, Mr.
0. 0. Nelson, 17. E. Shand, Mr.
J. Braith waite, Mr. J. Fergusson, Mr. B.
Oliversen, Mr. N. W. Karslake, Mr. A.
W. Surtees, Miss E. Plumer, Mra, Sparkes, Mr. J. North, 10s.
Mrs. General Clarke, Mr. W. R. Alexander, Mrs.
F. Ricardo, Captain F. Conter, Mrs. Rennalls (the late), Miss Creighton, Mrs. Sharpe, 3a Lady Sturt, Mr.
J. Brown, W. Da Boulay, Captain co*ckles, Lady Sosme, Major-General Groggan, R.A., Mr. E. Perigal, 17.
Mrs. Tucker, Mrs. J. Brown, Mr. George Boyer, Mr.
N. W. Williams, Major-General Smith, Master Magee, Mr. G.O. Taylor, General Sir P.
Montgomerie, Mr. W. Caird, Miss 0. Sebright, 144, Miss Westmoreland, 6d. Mr.
H. H. Walford, 34. Mrs, Jones, 17, Wray, Mrs. Baird, 17.
Miss Baird, 3s. Mrs. 'Williams, 2, 61. Dr. Calhane, Colonel Forbes, 17.
Jane Grey, Lady C. Barrington, Mr. W. Thwaites, W. Captain Hay, R.N., 17.
1s; Mr. C. G. Barclay, Mr. Webb, Mr.
J. Rae, Duke of Argyll, Mr. J. F. Fortescue, 17, Mrs.
Gordon, L. Gillot, Mrs. Chadwick, 17. Miss Reeve, 2. Mr.
J. N. Miers, Rev. A. Holden, Mrs.
Wilson, Colonel Collyer, Miss Mayer, Miss Sheppard, 17. Mrs. Jones, AND REFUGE UNION, 24, New-street, Spring-gardens, S. -The Hon. Baron Pigott begs to acknowledge the following contributions of Grafton, 54; Mr.
W. E. Hubbard, 1004; Dowager Lady Buxton, Dowager Lady Hood, Mrs. Durie, it. la; Rev.
W. Bilton, J. H. Miss M. Bennett, Mrs.
Anderdon, Mr. G. Atkinson, Sir G. Barrow, Mr. G.
A. Western, Admiral Sir J. Cochrane, Mr. R. Sawyer, Dr.
Fotherby, Master Fotherby, Mr. G. Gouldsmith, 14 1a; Mr. and Mrs. J.
H. Fordham, Mr. J. Marshal, 54; Hon, Mr. Justice Keating, Mr.
T. Dawes, Mr. C. P. Christie, P.
F. Mr. P. B. Pepys, Mr.
E. Wingfield, J. Weston, Mr. T. Campbell Poster, 17, Mr.
and W. J. 27, Mr. W. S.
Edgar, J. Mr. D. Brown, 17, la. A Friend, 17.
Mr. H. Gough, 14; C. L. D.
Messrs. H. Low, and 21.24; Mr. C. 8.
Parker, M. 21, Mr. A. Eliott, Colonel Roden, M.P., 11. 1s.
Mr. J. Hall, Mr. T. C.
Cowper, Right Rev. Bishop Trower, Lady Albemarle, Lord Harris, G. 0. S. Mr.
G. Somerset, Q. Right Hon. H. A.
Bruce, M.P., Mr. J. Currey, 24; Mr. T. L.
Longueville, 14; Rev. A. G. Barker, 27. Mr.
Brownsten Stone, Sir W. Guise, 17. Meners, F. Huth and Sir J. Hesketh Lethbridge, 17.
1a; Mr. G. A. Crowder, 52. Waiter Mr.
Powell, H. Woollams, Mr. G. H. Cooper, Mr.
M.P., Vice-Admiral Sir J. B. Mr. R. G.
M. Sumner, 34, L. 8, Rev. W. Wakefield, General Sir H.
Bentiack, Lord Chief Justice Rev. C. Hariland, Mr. W. E.
Mr. Waring, REFUGES FOR HOMELESS AND DESTITUTE CHILDREN AND CHICHESTER TRAINING SHIP, 8, Great Queen-street, Holborn, and 19, Broad-street, Bloomsbury. -The follow. ing contributions were received by the Secretary, Mr. William Williams, December.
28 Chapel; training ship, Mr. James Bastoo, 54. Mr, Hunter, Mrs. F. N.
Edmonstone, 2. Mr. W. W. Lyndall, 10s.
Huth Messrs. Bettson sod Bryan (annual), 27. Messrs. and Mr. J.
L. Innes, Miss C. Kent, Mr. E. P.
Loftas Brock, 17, Sirs. Groom, 17.: Miss Drake (weekly dinners), Mrs. Iredell, Boys' Refuse, M. Captain H. Toynbee, ship (annual), 17.
Miss Mildred, ship, 27, Mins Emily Gunning, Mr. James Morris, Boys' Refuge, Rev. H. A. Coles, Mrs.
C. G. Barclay's household, dinners, Countess of Belmore, Boys' Refuge and ship, Mr. W. Elliott, 27, 2u.
Mr. H. L. Lee, ship, Hev. J.
N. Davidson, Mr. Harrison Hayter, Governors of the duch*ess London of Manchester, Assurance 77. the 107. the Dowager Misses Drake, dinners, Miss Hutton, Mrs.
Mayer's children, collection, 11s. Mrs. Dingley and Miss E. Thomson, Miss H. A.
Hastings, dioners, D. Misa A. Tatton, 37.: Miss W. Leadman and pupils, 2. Miss 2.
James, Mri, Bevan, Mrs. Skipworth, Boys' Refuge, Mr. James Orry, 24, Mrs. Perkins, dinners, 54, Miss Parker (annual), Mr. B.
Parker, Major Legh Thursby, Mr. Henry Cazenove, 101. Mrs. 17, Chestertou, Girls' Refuge, Mr. Herbert Sawyer (annual), Miss St.
Leger. Mr. W. Matiock, collection, Mr. Charles H.
Gatty, dinners, Mrs. Stuckey Wood, Boys' Refuge (annual), the Misses Harris, Sirs. 17. William Mr. G.
Gilbert Scott, 57. D. ship, W. Farley, 44. Knights' Clab, per Mr.
B. Cathie, 17, 1s; Mrs. Scanes, M. C. Mrs.
C. Malden, R. Major H. Miss Poosouby, Captain Oldield, K. and children, Rev.
W. P. Bails, Captain B. Dense Nares, ship, 5s. Lord Aveland, Staunton 26l.
the Misses Falwaser, 17, 10s. Major-General Mr. Richard Pennington, 54. Mr. W.
H. Two Bathurst, Ladies, 14 Mr. B. Venables, 14. A Thank-ofering, Bath, 6s.
J.S.M., 26. B. 14, Pixie, dinner, A Friend, A Well wisher, 6d. A Servant, A. Trifle, 2.
W. refuges, 21. ditto, A. ship, 24. Mrs.
Edward Claad Neame, Mr. Bigell, ship, 10a. Colonel Beurchier (annual), W. 2. Miss W.
collection, Myddieton 17. (annual), 10 E. E. Mrs. Phillips, Mrs.
Barley, 124. 6d. Mrs. H. G.
Morris, G. Mr, Clarke, Mr. M. N. Buttanshaw, will 54.
5s. Further contributions are earnestly solicited, and be thankfully received by the London and West. minster Bank, 214, Holbore, and the Secretary, Mr. William Boys' Refuge, 8, Great Queenstreet, Holborn, W.C. LONDON PHILANTHROPIC SOCIETY, Mr.
J. H. Heeps begs to acknowledge the fallowing S. and 54; General Mrs. Buckley, Mr.
S. Wright, 14. Is; Miss Dearie, 17. Sewell, 14. 16; Miss Herbert, 24.
Tyler, Mr. F. Harvey, 17, Mr. J. E.
Pember, 17. 1s. Mr. W. Sprague, 17.
1s Mr. 0. Goldschmidt, 5s. Me. T.
F. Baubury, Mr. D. R. Still, 15s.
Mr. S. Figgis, 10. 6d. Mr.
M. Olirer, 101. Miss Thornton, Mr. Mr. W.
2. 17. 1s. Mrs. C.
F. Taylor, 2. K. 14. Mr.
T. P. Warren, 17. Mrs. Bouza, SOUP KITCHEN, 14, street, St.
George Hatton, sums treasurer, would. gratefully acknowledge the following 20s. 5s, Colonei Henning, 100. Miss Wormaki, Mr. El.
H. Kennedy, 24. C. 8., 5a. E.
GREAT ARTHUR-STREET MISSION. Reuben May, 15, Prince's street, Barbican, E.0., returns thanks for the following additional cootribations received by him for the Great Arthur-street Mission (Golden-lane) expenses, Christmas dinners, soup kitchen, Koxbargh, Mrs. Henderson, 10s. Miss M. Curling, 54, the Bompas, 6d.
la, Helen Biggs, Halstead, 2a. Leeds, 24, Mr. Gilbert Lutt, 24. Farther aid in needed sod will be gratefully acknowledged, NATIONAL SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF YOUNG GIRLS, 21, Now Broad-street, -The following benevolent donors have helped us to provide food, clothing, and education for 72 young girls, prevented from entering upon an immoral and who are trained for domestic service. The committee thank them, and earnestly appeal, not only on behalf of those now under their care, but for not less time than for 20 other poor girls who are waiting at the sent admission.
There are 20 spare beds, Who prewill help to All them The committes only wast the funds, and those 20 young girls might be at once saved from and miserable future, and, with God's blentag, Mrs. respected Thomson, Mrs. Mr. J. Milner, Betterfield, Mr.
W. A. Mr. Anderson, 17, Miss Oldny, 1a; W. Bail H.
J. Badoock, Mr. J. Ford, Mr. 104; W.
Mr. Bre, 14; Mr. Mr. T. Dawes, Southby, S.
P. W. quet, L. 27. Bathurst, Major General Sir L.
Mr. Simmons, E. 102. Bowley, 10; If. Mr.
A Friend, 11, 1a; REFUGE FOR FALLEN -The St. James's Rectory, Piccadilly, acknowledges the Rev. J. E. ing, 'Marshall, with 54.
many the thanks Rev, Mr. W. J. H. Money, 14.
follow. Ashton, 54. Mr. Right Watson, Bishop Trower, 5, Mr. Mias N.
E. 5. Mr. A. Joseph Bright, 2.
27. 2. Sir W. Eden, C. 54 Steward, 54.
Mr. T. Turner, B. j. Colonel R.
O. H. Mr. R. Wallace, W.
50. WESTMINSTER received FEMALE REFUGE. -Second List of mab. Barra, seriptions 254. Mr.
R. -Lord Howard, Overstone, Mr. Mr. J. 5.
104. Mr. G. Scott, M. Mr.
Heasieigh G. C. Pearson, 50. Aide, N. E.
34. Hon. Lady Grey, 34. Mr. 21.
Mr. W. A. Greesdon, Rev. B.
Hamilton J. Pluakett, 2. Golding, DISTRESSING CASE. -Mr. James Stanton, 24, ster-street, Regent's Park, N.W..
begs to receipt poor of tailor," the following Charles Williams, for the benefit of the S. Willis, (stamps), 2a. A Well- Servant, wisher, 24, 6d. P. c.
and his family 1s. F. Baker, 2s. 6d. T.
A. Phillips, Anon (stamps), 2. 62. Stamps, 1s. No Name, 1a.
6d. 2 Two Orphans, the the the sea ware don is, yet in to have at are that This On ing of ing form by soon for bers, on was upon the for all or or of not or Bill Neve war, was was he his all Bill and any ler's how the of Bills agree long ence the AN URGENT CRY FOR HELP. TO THE EDITOR OF THE TIMES. Sir, -Stern necessity again compels me to tell our sorrow through The Times, Our sources are exhausted. ward, recently opened, is unable to be Gilled with beds, and poor patients are eagerly seeking relief.
Over 61,000 applications from out-patienta and 300 indoor patients were attended to last year, and had it not been for generous unknown friend, who so kindly sent and two legacies from others, we sbould have been restrained in our mission of mercy to the sick poor." The hospital placed in the centre of a district possessing population of half a which is rapidly increasing, I contains large manes of the labouring poor, numerous and important factories, gas works, railway works Cattle (of Market, three This separate given the railways), hospital and a the claim stations to Metropolitan support. It in open day and nighs for the relief of socidents and urgent cases of disease, and in perfectly i free, without "letters of General aympathy has been lavishly expended in charity." Now that home charity in absolutely nesded in urgently required for this hard- worked and saefal has. pital, which has no endowment whatever, an earnest appeal is made at this inclement season for the sick and Claims of this character are ever recogaized by the gener. ous and and humane. The bankers- Messrs, Ransom, Bouveria, Pall-mail, or Messrs.
Barnett, Hoare, and Op, Lombard thankfully receive so becriptions, help will be gratefully acknowledged by, Sir, your obedient servant, S. REID, Secretary. The Great Northern Hospital, Caledonian-road, Dec. 28, LATYMER ROAD SOUP KITOHEN, NOTTING HILL. TO THE EDITOR OF THE TIMES have again to request your kind intervention enable to bring ander the notice of our frienda and the public the destitution of the respectable poor in the Latymer-road district.
Work is very scarce, and many wha would willingly labour for the support of their families are obliged to witness at home the distress of wives obildren suffering for want of food. The weather has become very severe, and are anxion to keep open our soup kitchen, so as to supply at least one meal in the enable the destitute and their children to ward off the sad effects of' starvation, which are often a fatal in their consequences. By the aid of sympathizing friends, supplemented by our own contribations, we have, in past years, been enabled to relieve and chest many sad homes, which otherwise must have been scenes of woe. The committee entertain the hope that many whe enjoy the beneficence of a bountiful Providence may be induced to spare something for their less fareared fellow-creatures, and they make this appeal with the expression of grateful thanks for past kindnesses. Donations will be NELSON gratefully received and acknowledged by Palace-garden-terrace, HOUGHTON, W.
Hon, See. 76, Kensington, THE SICK AND WOUNDED AT PAU. TO THE EDITOR OF THE TIMES Sir, -As the letter which appeared in The Time of the 12th signed A Resident at Pan," is calculated to give the publio the impression that the German sick and wounded in this town are not properly cared for, I beg leave to say that whatever may bare, been the case for the firat day or two after their arrival here, owing to the difficulty of finding accommolation and proper attendance for upwards of 200 sick and wounded men arriving at midnight without previous notice, the exertions of the prefect, aided by private individnals to whom he kindly granted authority to establish ambulances, soon pat matters into a proper state. Since then the Germans have had, and continue to re cive, both in the public and private ambulances, the same care and attention are given to the French wounded, of whom there are Dow a considerable number in this place. I cannot bat hope that the unfortunate French prisoners now in Germany are treated with equal consideration.
Trusting you will give this letter a place in your infeential journal, I have the hopour to be, Sir, your most obedient servant, JOHN CHURCH, British Vice-Coaml British Vice-Consulate, Pan, Dec. 22. P.S. Since the above was written a numerously attended meeting of British and American residents at Pan, pre sided over by Sir Alexander Taylor, wan held at the Club, at which a resolution was unanimously passed expressing deep regret at the publication of the letter in The Tina above alluded to, as calculated to predace false impression as to the treatment of the German prisoners in this town. THE CAPTAIN RELIEF FUND.
-Yesterday a meeting of the City Committee of this fund beid at the Mansion-house, Sir John Heron Maxwell presiding, Among those present were Admiral King Hall, C. Captain Bidilecombe, C.B., Mr. J. Kemp Welch, Mr. N.
Griffiths, and Mr. Joseph Gibbs and Lieutenant Sebastian Gassiot, R.N, the hon. secretaries. It was reported that up to that DOOD the committee hail received 4,207 of which hail been paid at the Mansion-house, and at the London and Westminster Bank. Since the last meeting, a fortuight ago, had come in, but this showed a falling off of about compared with the previous fortnight.
The Portsmouth Committee had received in all and, an a whole, the fund would now amount to 46,0004 check for 1007, had been handed to the committee by Mr. Chatterton, the lessee of Drury-lane Theatre, being the proceeds of a morning performance there about. a fortnight since, and this amount had lately been increased by a dona: tion of 200. from Miss Burdett Coatts, through Mr. Chatterton, in her capacity as owner of a private box in the theatre.
Mr. Gibbs stated that particulars had Lees re ceived from Captain Peile, R.N., of the ages of the widows and orphans of the petty officers, seatuen, and marines lost in the Captain, preparatory to their being laid before an actuary to ascertaio the sum required to secure the annuities according to the scale laid down by the City Committee. Captain Peile also meationed that, of the total amouat received, had been contributed by officers and crews of Her Majesty's vessels atloat and by naval establishments, 2,6244, in addition 5,4197, had been collected by officers in the by naval officers, and by the Coastguard force; while sary, and paid to the credit of the Portsmouth Committee. Assuming the accuracy of the committee's estimate of the provision necessary for the destitate people- between and 15,0004, had yet to be received to enable the scheine to be carried out. The committee Jesterday authorized the secretaries to communicate the United with King the mayors of the most important towns in dom, and to bring the state of the fond before them, with the view of enlisting their co-operation and sympathy, and, if possible, of organizing local committees in the various districta.
Only seven mayors -those of Oxford, Carlisle, church-had, stated, made collections in aid of the Portsmouth, Dorchester, Wilton, Maidatope, and Christit was fund, and their efforts bad brought in considerable Sir John Mazwell expressed much disappointment at the meagre result of the public appeal for assistance, and said, as a sailor, he was grieved to find that hoose-to-house collectious and absolute begging had to be resorted to for of the relief of the widows and orphans of some the finest men in the British Navy. There ought, be added, to be a grant from Her Majesty's vernment. Mr. Gibbs said a year's pay having been allotted to the relatives, a considerable time tutst elapse before a distribution of the fund would be necessary, and farther subscriptioos woul1 no' doubt come in. Cape tain Biddlecom be said at Sheffield, a town which bad, beneSited more than any other by the construction of the Capclass of ships, there was a growing impression shat if tain was the duty of the Government, and of the that public, feelnot to relieve the suffering caused by the disaster, and ing would no doubt operate against the fund.
Gassiot, in reply to Admiral Hall, said the Portsmouth had spent 700, in relieving temporarily the Committee most distressing cases, and that the cost of advertising alone was, likely to be upwards of 3 per cent. Sir Johs Maxwell remarked that all those matters would most probably be discussed at a general meeting of the committee to be held at Portsmouth on the first Thursday in February next. A vote of thanks to the chairman closed the pre AMERICAN A tontine association formed at New York in 1790 and completed in 1792 There vere 203 subscribers, and the payment made was $200 each. The persons nominated as menbers were then children, to a certain extent these would be selected lives, The income of the property purchased has bees anpually divided, The 303 shareholders have, at the close of 1870, been hundred by thousand to dollars, is now, by the property, terma the deed, duced death seven, and the worth several divisible among the lucky seven..
