FRIEND OF CHINA AND HONGKONG GAZETTE.
There is a report in town, that the Midas brings London papers, or news, to the 24th of February, which announce some important changes in the tariff, but it is doubtful whether the report is a correct one.
Parliament opened on the 4th of Feb. Her Majesty was present and delivered the follow- ing speech ;-
+
EXTRA.
Friday, 16th May, 1845.
from among the great-the beautiful Duchess to this rule, he present and actually vote for or of Nassau, niece of the Emperor of Russia; the against the Secret Service Money Bill in all 230 Now, although Ministers may have a once fashionable Countess Dowager of Ald. members borough; Lady Mary Bagot, niece to the Duke majority in the Chamber, it is doubted that they can bring them all to vote upon the bill iù question. of Wellington; the Murquies of Sligo; the Earl of St Germains; Lord Aston, the last of his In fact, it is not expected that they can muster 220. race; Right. Hon. Sturges Bourne; Sir C. The Opposition propose, therefore, to refrain from Mackenzie of Kilcoy; Sir J. G. Cottrell, Rear-voting for or against the bill, and hope thus to
defeat it, Admiral Sir S. Jackson; and the facetions Sir
Spain seems likely to undergo another political C. F. William, Chief Commissioner in Bank-
change, the struggle for power being between ruptcy. We regret to add, that the Earl of Narvaez and the Queen Mother: Gen. Prim has Mornington is not expected to survive many been pardoned, and is again in favour. Zurbano days; and that the Rev. Siduey Smith is dan. who was taken prisoner in the neighbourhood of
Logrono, was executed a few hours arter his gerously ill.
capture.
In America the House of Representatives is bu sily engaged in discussion of some dozen schemes for the anaczation of Texas, but ns there is no pro-.
bability of all parties uniting in the adoption of any one plan, the present session will most likely pass away without anything specific having been done in, the matter.
The news from Mexico may be considered deci- sive as to the fate of Santa Anna; his power bas. been overthrown by a bloodless revolution, and he himself outlawed by decree of the Congress.
OVERLAND MAIL, FEBRUARY, 7. ton was rather warlike in his comments npon The American Steamer Midas, arrived at France; but there was evidently neither room Macao, brings from Singapore London Monthly nor inclination for an amendment, so that the papers of the 7th of February, in anticipation Addresses, which were proposed and seconded of the mail, which is on board the Regina. As in the Peers by the Marquis of Camden and it is probable that few of our readers are in Lord Glenlyon, and in the Commons by Mr. possession of papers by this vessel, we think it Charteris and Mr. T. Baring, were carried proper to issue an extra with the most interest-withont dissent. If matters go on thus, Sir R. ing items of intelligence. We are again in- Peel will scarcely miss the assistance of Mr. debted to a friend for the paper from which Gladstone, who has retired from the cabinet; He give our extracts. Of matters immediately wherefore does not very clearly appear. connected with China, there is little said that himself says "that he attaches no blame to any requires a comment. Tea, in the London, Li- one. He has not resigned on account of auy verpool and Glasgow markets continues firm; matter connected with that department of pu- holders anticipating a reduced duty.
Church dissensions continue to agitate the dio Silk has blic affairs entrusted to his care, or on account
cese of Exeter, and here, as elsewhere, the con. tallen from 10 to 15 per cent., and the market of any affairs relating to the Established Chur- is languid from the large shipmentsknown to be ches of England or Ireland. The fact is, that gregations when brought into collison with their minister have succeeded, almost universally, in on the way from China
Bone years since he took upon himself to state to the world, in a form the most deliberate, the compelling the abolition of the obnoxious innova tions, and the restoration of simple forms uncon. views which he thought most conformable to truth, respecting the relations of a Christiannected with, what is termed, the Puseyite move- ment In the city of Exeter there has been some state with a Christian Church. When he found
disgraceful rioting, and Mr. Courtenare, who per- that a great measure having reference to this sisted in maintaining objectionable observance, was subject might be presumed to be in contempla obliged on two occasions to be guarded by police, tion of the Government, he thought he ought to
in returning from St. Sidwell's Church. This place himself in a position as far as possible in- gentleman has since offered to meet the wishes of dependent, and in which his judgment, in what the comgregation, but they now declare that it is ever way it might ultimately be formed, should too late, and that he must retire from the curacy. be at all events unsuspected. Therefore it was altogether. Mattere have not gone quite so far in that he had disconnected himself from those other places, but this is chiefly owing to a timely friends with whom he had long acted, and concession on the part of the clergy; though there whom he deeply regarded; but he must state are instances in which the conduct of ministers that be was not prepared to take part in any have forced congregations from churches hitherto religous warfare against the measure of his right well attended. The Hebdomadal Board at Oxford hon friend." Sir Robert Peel must now depend indende to persist in the statute for the degradation chiefly upon Sir James Graham-perhaps the of Mr. Ward, but they havo withdrawn the new most unpopular man with all parties to be found theological test; barely, however, in time to pre-known
vent the introduction of new elements of discord. in the House of Commons; and when the com-
If the Tractarians claim a wide latitude of inter mercial policy of the minister comes under dis financial statement, which is to be made on the cussion upon the annunciation of the Premier's 14th, he will stand somewhat in need of the talented ex-President of the Board of Trade, whose successor, by the way, has not yet been appointed. The changes consequent upon the elevation of Lord Eliot, now Earl St. Ger- mains, to the peerage, have been thus filled up, viz, the Hon. S. Herbert to be Secretary at War, Sir T. Fremantle to be Chief Secretary for Ireland, Sir G. Clerk to be Master of the Mint, and the Hon. T. L. Corry to be Secre- tary to the Admiralty.
**My Lords, and Gentlemen, I rejoice that I am enabled, on again meeting you in Parliament, to congratulate you on the improved condition of the country. Increased activity pervades almost every branch of manufacture; trade and commere have been ex- tended at home and abroad; and among all classes of my people there is generally prevalent a epirit of loyalty and theerful obedience to the law. I continue to receive from all foreign Powers and States assurances of their friendly dispo. sition. I have had much satisfaction in receiving at my Court the Sovereigns who, in the course of the last year, visit, ed this country. The journey of the Emperor of Russia,
undertaken at a great eacrifice of private convenience, was a proof of the friendebip of his Imperial Majcsty most accept. able to my feelings. The opportunity of personal intercourse thus afford to me may, I hope, be the means of still further improving those amicable relations which have long existed between Great Britain and Russia. The visit of the King of the French was rendered especially wele me to me, inas. ouch as it had been preceded by discussions which might have impaired the good understanding happily established between the two countries. I regard the maintenance of this good understanding as essential to the best interests of both; aud i rejoiced to witness that the sentimouts so cordially ex pressed by all classes of my subjects on the occasion of bis Majesty's visit were entirely in unison with my own.
"Gentlemen of the House of Commons,
"The estimates for the ensuing year bave been prepared, and will forthwith be laid before you. The progress of steam navigation, and the demands for protection to the extended commerce of the country, will occasion au increase in te estiinates connected with the naval service.
"My Lords, and Gentlemen,
"I have observed with sincere satisfaction that the im.
provement which is manifest in other parts of the country has extended to Ireland. The political agitation and excite. Dent which I have had beretofore occasion to lament, appear to have gradually abated, and, as a natural result, private capital has been more freely applied to useful public enter. prises, underinken through the friendly co-operation of in- dividuals interested in the welfare of Ireland. I have carried into effect, in the spirit in which it was conceived; the act for the more effectual application of Charitable Donations and Bequests. I recommend to your favourable consideration the policy of improving and extending the opportunities for aca. demical education in Ireland. The report of the commission appointed to inquire into the lay and practice in respect to the occupation of land is nearly prepared, and shall be com- municated to you immediately after its presentation. The state of the law in regard to the privileges of the Bank of Ireland, and to other banking establishments in that country, and in Scotland, will no doubt occupy your attention. The in this part of the United Kingdom has been the subject of recent inquiry before a commission, the report of which shall be immediately laid before you. It will be highly gratifying to me if the information and suggestion contained in that re- port shall enable you to devise the means of promoting the health and confort of the poorer classes of my subjects, congratulate you on the success of the measures which three years since were adopted by Parliament for the purpose of supplying the deficiency in the public revenue, and arresting the accumulation of debt in the time of peace. The act
health of the inhabitants of large towne and populous districts
which was passed at that time for imposing a tax upon in. come will shortly expire. it will be for you, in your wisdom, to determine whether it may not be expedient to continue its operation for a further period, and thus to obtain the means of adequately providing for the public service, and at the ever may be the result of your deliberations in this respect,
samo time of making a reduction in other taxation
What
feel assured that it will be your determination to maintain an amount of revenue amply sufficient to meet the necessary expenditure of the country, and firuly to uphold that public credit which is indispensable to the national welfare The prospect of continued pence, and the general state of do inestic prosperity and tranquillity, afford à favourable oppor tunity for the consideration of the important matters to which I have directed your attention; and I commit them to your deliberation, with the earnest prayer that you may be enabled under the superintending care and protection of Divine Providence, to strengthen the feelings of mutual confidence and good-will between different classes of my sujects, and
to improve the condition of muy people."
|
Pretation while subscribing to the church, and by neither can they be received "according to the sense of those by whom they were originally pro mulgated." Mr. Ward is prepared to justify his "Ideal of a Christian Church," and Cannon Wood- house, of Norfolk, cannot sanction the Athanasian Creed, nor the form of absolution used in the office for the visitation of the sick; and between these extreme points of difference there are all shades of opinions, even among the bishops themselves. Un- der such circumstances, it is quite clear that a Confae tion could do nothing, and that the only safe course is to agree to disagree." Time and good sense may do much towards reconciling con- flicting opinions, and should these fail, neither episcopal nor legislative interference can avert the inevitable result.
We have to record another instancee of the regard in which the public interests are held by those who are charged with Post-office ar-
Several new churches connected-with the arc. rangements. At the period of our last pub-cession were recently opened in Scotland. The lication, there was no intimation of a supple-churches of the Gray Friars in Edinburgh have mental mail by way of France; but on the 22d, been completely destroyed by fire. notice was given that letters and papers for Aden, Ceylon, Madras, Calcutta and China, would be forwarded via Marseilles, on 24th Jan. At such short notice but few were able to take advantage of this opportunity, and it is somewhat doubtful if these dispatches will reach Egypt in time for transmission by the
Hindostan.
The announcement in the Queen's Speech that the state of the law in regard to the privileges of the Bank of Ireland an.I to other Banking Esta blishments in that country and in Scotlal," is to eqme under consideration of Parliament this session, has excited much interest, as doubts have been en tectained whether the Minister would proceed to carry out in respect of those countries the princip- The necessity for a better system of comes which govern the English Currency Bill of last munication through Egypt is becoming more and year; indeed, it was positively asserted in some ot ere long, in sasures will be taken for improved on of this subject,, and much good argument was more urgent, and we are not without hope that, the daily papers that Sir R. Peel had announced his intention of postponing the farther considerati arrangements connected with this portion of the throwu away to prove that such change purpose route to India. The idea of a canal has been could only have arisen from altered views respect again revived, probably by those who advocate ing the policy of that important measure. Much French interests. bat the Pacha himself de divertisity of opinion still exists in mercantile cir- clares that he, has decided, on the advice of cles as to the effects of the Currency Bill, benefi- Lieut. Waghorn, upon a railway across the cial or otherwise. now' practically developed, as
desert to Suez.
well
of
as its ultimate consequences; - capitalists naturally look with a jealous eye upon any system that tends to keep the rate of interest low; and that such effect has been produced by the greater free-
Proceedings of a criminal nature which have been instituted against Mr. Rober Forbes, jun., ship and insurance broker, of Broad-street have brought to light a series of malicious libels, m fron responsibility, as to the issues, of the Bink Directory, can hardly be doubted when we directed against the credit of a highly respec- & ad that amid speculations to an unprecedented table mercantile firm, and the private character
amount in railway and other enterprises, the of one of its members. As the accusation heaviest day in the commercial year for billo fal- brought against Mr. Forbes is of a most serious ling due, the 4th inst., his pissed over without nature, it is right at once to say, that he denies any pressure on the markets as to advance the all knowledge of the letters in which the libels rates of necamn ditou. It is, besides, admitted in question were conveyed. Two witnesses by private banks an I bill brokers that, but for the have sworn them to be his handwriting; but it infltenes the example and large capital of the must, of course, remain for a jury to determine Bank of England now exercises over th: money. how far these gentlemen have the means of market, the current rate of cisc wont would not be forming a correct judgment in a matter upon less than 3 to 4 per cent, upon first class paper, (From the London Mail, Feby. 7.) which very opposite opinions may possibly be instead of 24 to 24, as at present-a difference of
GENERAL REMARKS,
entertained. We, therefore, ustice the case as. vital importance to our manufacturing and ship. An intelligen French writer, al- Her Majesty opened Parliment on the 4th at present, one merely of suspicion, considering png interests. Feby., with a Speech from the Throne, in the guilt or innocence of the accused to depend uding to the notice of the Bank of England to which some subjects of general interest were upon further evidence. From the preliminary to discount at 24 per cent, remarks on the rate of interest taken by the Bank of France:When, briefly noticed; but like every previous docu. investigation before the Lord Mayor, it appears, on all sides of us, public and private credit is ex ment of the same kind, it was just sufficiently that at post hour on the evening for forward tending and becoming stronger, the directors of explicit to indicate the general policy by which ing the Marseilles mail of 6th May last, a letter the Bank of France will not comprehend that it is Ministers will be guided, withuot pledging the was dispatched to Messrs Carr, Tagore, & Coat the same time their interest and their duty to Since the Bank of France Government upon any question likely to be purporting to be from Messrs Trueman and join in this move:nent discussed during the present session. It com- Cook, announcing that Messrs Rickards, Little. has been in existence, the rate of its discounts has menced with a congratulatory allusion to the & Co. of London, had been compelled to sus not varied. Why so? Why, when from all sides improved condition of the country, the increas-pend payments that afternoon; and going on commerce and in lustry call for new facilities, his position ed activity which pervades almost every branch to state, among other matters. that Mr. William not the Bank of France placed itself in of manufacture, and the extension of trade and Little had requested them to desire the Calcut-to procure them! Let it be well considered that commerce; especially contending the spirit ta house to use its own discretion about accept of cheerful obedience to the laws exhibited by ❘ing the numerous drafts upon them. A more all classes of the people. Her Majesty next diabolical attempt was never made to destroy touched upon the state of our foreign relations, commercial credit: but it is a curious fact, that the visits to this country of the Emperor of the business like and systematic inanner in Russia and Louis-Philippe, and declare 1 the which the intelligence was conveyed, though latter event to have been especially welcome, in any other instance it might possibly have as it had been preceded by discussions which secured belief, in this was sure to discover (al, might have impaired the good understanding sehood, The statemeent, of course, found no subsisting with France. Satisfaction was then credence; and the letter, having been ultima. expressed at the abatement of political agitately remitted to this country, the writing was tion in Ireland ; and the extension of the means found to be similar to that of a other letter which
Our foreign news is interesting. The French of academical education, in other words a li- were given in evidence. These were also aworn ministry has experienced another reverse, "their beral grant to Maynooth and the establishment to be in the handwriting of Mr. Forbes, and to majority of twenty-eight, on the first paragraph of of other Colleges, was favourably recommend- have been received by the parents of a young the Address, having dwindled to eight on the ed. An increase of the Navy estimates was lady to whom Mr. Rate, one of the partners of Tahiti question. An influential section of the said to be necessery and an intimation was Messrs Rickards, has been paying his addresses. Conservative body has requested them to retain given that there was no escaping a further con- They are evidently the production of a vulgar office, and the issue must now depend on the sup tinuance of the Income-tax. The attention of as well as a malicious mind, and contain not port they receive on the Secret Service Bill. Their Parliament was invited to the laws afecting only insinuations as to the solvency of Mr Rate's favour with the King is somewhat doubtful. It is said that whether defeated or victorious, their Banking, both in Scotland and Ireland, and to house, but absolutely charge him with the com- measures for improving the health of cities, and mission of an offence which would render him resolve is the same-to hurry over the session, and disolve the Chambers. La Presses states, that promoting the comfort of the poorer classes. liable to transportaion. Mr. Forbes has been the Opposition have resolved on a new line of tactics. This was the sum and substance of the speech, held to bail, and the case is to be tried during The rules of the Chamber require that one more which was so worded as almost to preclude the present sessions at the Central Criminal than a clear moiety of its members be present and opposition. The Marquis of Lansdowne took Court.
vote upon any bill ere it be pronounced passed. a fling at the Income-tax, and Lord Palmers- Since our last publication, death has claimed | There being 459 deputies, there must, according
this is a most grave question for the national riches and power. I, when the English manufactures and merchants can procure money at per cent., ours are obliged to pay 4 per cent, and more, how is it possible for thein to sustain the competition ? tAre not the other clements of superiority, which hey possess, and which we do not, already enough. without abandoning to them also that which we can have in commun with them? What prevents M. Lacave-Laplagne from diminishing the enorm ous charges which weigh on French industry, and procuring capital at less than 4 per cent. ?"
COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE. **The announcement of Ministers that the Commercial plans of Government, as well as the Financial measures to be pro posed, shall be developed on the 14th, has given much satis. faction in the city, the short period intervening and uncer. tainty as to the details, prevented any wild speculations, whilst the expectation of reduced, duties on sugar and tea has given more life the former market, which had been
drooping under the heavy quantities of Mauritius brought forward from week to week, and the anticipated large at
rivals from India, and has induced the impovers of common Congous to hold off from making prices until the result is
---
A reduction of duty on Ten is strougly advocated by the East India and China Association, as a means of enabling the Chinese to meet the increased shipments of manufac tured goods from this country, as well as the large exports of raw cotton and opin from Bengal and Bombay.
The returns of shipping to the port of London with fo- reign cargoes show an increase in 1831 of 714 ships and 49,196 tons.
The amount of bills drawn by the East India Company upon India, between the 6th of January, 1814, and the oth of January, 1845, is, according to the nine report, as follows:
Calcutia Madras Bombay
£1,731,151 11 6 163,750 11 9 26.054 10 5
£1,990,262 13
SK-Sales very limited, the trade having been de terred by fear of large imports from China; a few parcely have changed bands at a decline of 10 to 15 per cent. ·În Bengal no alteration-deliveries large, but stuck increasing. Stock--Bengal, sold 6300, unsold 2,428; Ching 720, unsold 967; deliveries in January, Bengal 1941, China 312.-Picen Gouds."-Corabs--The deliveries large, and a good business done at previous rates. There is a larger proportion of stu- ined, mildewed, and damaged, attributed to the use of un- usually large quantities of vegetable substances in dressing the goods. The vessels which arrived during January, brought a very large supply, bat only a part are included in the present stock, as thuse by, the 'Seindian' and some other vessels, amounting to about 31,000 pieces, are not yet ware- housed; the quantity shipped from Calcutta to the 11th No. vember, and not taken into the present stock, is 170,000 picces. The average cousumption in the months of Feby... March, and April, during the last four years, was 35,277 pieces, and in the sime month of 1844, it was 44,863 pieces pe. mouth. Bandanaoes-No inquiry for chocolate or can. ary. Bandannoes anco the sales in December; the stock of both colours is large at present; the principal demand is always for canary, Choppahs scarce, there is a continued inquiry for them; all imitation of English printing, as far as regards colours' should be avoided: the standard colours, red, black, and yellow, most saleable, and rather small pat terns, with bold well defined borders, preferred. Tussure Silk Cloth-The stock continues to increase, and there ap. pears to be but little disposition to purchase at present. White Longcloths.-None in the market Blue Sallampores. -As nearly the whole of the present stock is in the hands of shippers, there will probably be a good demand for auy that may arrive in the course of the present year, more particular for the 8-call sort, of tair quality. Madras Handkerchiefs- No transactions. Ventapillau Handkerchiefs-There 19 some inquiry for dark chocalate and white styles, but there are none to be obtained at present. Yellow Nankerns-- There is little demand. Blue Nankcens- Without alteration. Pongee Silks and 'Pongee Handkerchiefs are still ruther scarce, but there is no change in prices to be noticed.
SUGAR - Mauritius continuing to be brought forward in large quantities during the roonth has declined from 28 to 3s; at the sales last week the middling sorts brought steady rates,- but the fine at 608 to 61s were about is cheaper. This week the market has been affected by the Minister's announce ment, and prices have in some degree rallied, it being the custom to sell sugars duty paid, allowing for the rate. Buyers seem disposed to speculate upon a reduction al- fecting their bonded stock.
E. SUGAR. The demand has beeg very dull for Bengal and Madras Sugar during the whole of the month, and prices have declined Is to 2s for fine, and 3s on mid descriptions, the deliveries large; quotations--white, 66, to 658; yellow, 51s to 65s; brown, 10% to Sus.
SPICES-Fiat, with a general decline, in prices. Of Cassi Lignea 400 chests were suld, in sume justances rather chapers --viz., from 561 for coarse to 609 63 per ewt for good mid. Pepper fida a fair request. At auction 336 bags Malabar Black realized steady prices: from 3ąd to 3źd per
The sound portion of 13300 bags Penang was Laken in 2580. 80 bags Sumatra were principally taken in at z 3180 per 15 for fhir quality, 25 cks Nutmegs limed, in fenior, brought 2s 3d to 28 6d. The Cinnamon, sales consist. ing of 3,521 bales and 350 cheats have concluded, only 1,500 packages finding buyers, at 4 to 6d per to reduction on tiet quality, par to bid on 2nd, and 3d to id on 3rd quality. Ginger dull. Mace and Nutmegs rather lower. Cloves, little big siness doing, but prices fign. Seeds-124 pockets Lin scend sold at fös in bond, "Shellac-730 chests have been brought to sale during the month; more dispostion was shown by the importers to sell ; the prices have consequently given way, particularly in fine and good oranges ; fine beings the t 8s; red orange 28 to 35; garnet 24; thick dark ruby or bur. tun 7s to 8a per eat lower.
TEA.-Market very firm; the expectation of reduced du ties makes holders unwilling to fix prices for common Con...
OUS.
ENGLISH SHIPPING. ARRIVALS January 1st. William Prowse, from China in the Downs; Fortesque, from Manila at Portsmouth; 20th Lady Amherst, from China at Liverpool; 29th H. M. S. Dido, from Singapore: February 1st Bahamian, from China at Liverpool. 3rd Carshalton Park, from Manila at Gravesend.
SAILED. From the Downs, Jan. 31st Airone, Singapore and China; from Portinouth, February 2nd Mauritius, Hongkong and Shanghai; from Liverpool January 16th Aan Bridson, Hongkong 31-t William Mitchell, Hongkong from the Downs February 1st William Shend, Hongkong,
LOADING-AL London, Helen Stewart, Mary Bannatyne and City of Berry for China; Santa Libonda, for Manila.At Liverpool, Marmion. Earl of Chester, Larpent, Alice Brooka, Lady Bute, Victoria, Lacingston, Druid. Syria, Saghalien, Pandora, Edward Bousted. Decon, Culder, Sander- son, Currency, all for thongkong,
REPORTS.
The Edward Robinson, Leyland (late Doig) from China to London, at Sheerness with much damage, having been ashore on the Flats.
Edited. Printed and Published by Jó ■s Casa, At The Friend of Chi¤
and Einging Gazette Office, Chine's 's Bond, Hongkong 1945,