ENGLISH EXTRACTS.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume VIII, Issue 698, 10 April 1852, Page 3

ENGLISH EXTRACTS.

It was reported in political circles that further changes in the constitution of the Russell cabinet were likely to follow the accession of Mr. F. Peel. Sir Janies Graham, the Duke of Leinster, and Mr. Sydney Herbert were spoken of as successors to Sir George Grey, the Marquis of Lansdowne, and Mr. Fox Maule. A considerable number of iticcudiary fires

(eleven in one week) had occurred in the agriculiursl districts. °

At a meeting held in Lambeth, Nov. 25, for the purpose of establishing a bishopric in Borneo, Sir James Brooke made an impressive speech in in favour, in the couise of which he gave the following striking anecdote as illustrative of the native character :—

“ He had no hesitation in saying, that the natives were the most generous people in the world. The better class of them were of the . most truthful and generous character. They would bear no insults from any one. They carried their daggers by their sides, and they were as ready to use them as an Englishman was his fists. W hen any man amongst them was accused of murder or any other crime, be was nut confined, nor was any insult offered to his feelings. Last summer a young man, about 28 years of age, who had been constantly about Ids (Sir J. Brooke’s) house, and at his table, who was, in fact, very well known to him, was accused of murder. He (Sir J. Brooke,) sent for him, toox him into his private room, in company with a native chief, and told him quietly the charge that was made against him. He was told that he knew the customs of the country, that he must take bis trial, and if found guilty, would be put to death, but that he (Sir J. Brooke) would not do him any harm. It was remarked to him that be might inflict injury if he pleased, for be bad a dagger by bis side, whereas the other two were unarmed. The young man took the dagger from bis side, and passing it over the table, said, “ Ob, you take it.” He (Sir J. Brooke) re-’ turned the dagger, saying, “ No ; put it back • yon are a man of respectability, and I know you will submit to the law. Come to the court the day after to-morrow al twelve o’clock, and be tried for your life.” The young man appeared at the court at the appointed time, aud after an an impartial trial was acquitted. The judge and jury rose and shook hands with the prisoner, and they had all been very good friends since (cheers.) There was a degree of simplicity in the administration of justice there which in this country it would be difficult to understand. Notwithstanding that, substantial justice was always administered. Sir James Brooke pioceeded to dwell upon the great benefits the country would derive from the establishment of a bishopric there, and expressed a hope that this scheme would meet with general acceptance throughout England. " The Venerable Archdeacon Robinson, the Rev. E. Hawkins, and several other gentlemen, addressed the meeting in support of resolutions which affirmed the desirableness of founding the bishopric of Borneo, and a liberal subscription was entered into in furtherance of that object.” The Times, of November 27th, contains the prospectus of “ The British Australian Gold Mining Company (established in Sydney,) capital £200,000, in 200,000 shares'of £1 each, to be paid in full, without any further liability.” The following names are aunounced as forming the local “Committee of Management:”— “ Edward Hammond Hargraves, Sydney, the first discoverer of gold in Australia; Richard Fawcett, Esq., George-street, Sydney ; John Orr, Esq., of the firm of Jamieson, Orr, aud Co., Sydney and Melbourne.” The following statistics from the Prussian Stoats Anxieger, November 23, will be interesting to a portion of our readers : — “ A memorial to the Minister of the Home Department relative to the establishment of agricultural chambers throughout the country, states that the export of German wool to England has decreased greatly during the last year, an 1 that England will in a short time be wholly supplied by her own colonies. From Australia England imported in 1825 only 324,000 lb., whereas in 1849 the importation amounted to 35 979,090 lb. F torn the Cape and South America she imported in 1825 only 373,000 lb., and in 1849, 15,575,000 lb. ; total in 1825, on'.y 697,000 lb., and in 1849, 51,451,000 lb. The importation of German wool into England in 1825 was 28,800,000 lb., and in 1849 only 12,750,000 lb., showing a decrease of 16,050,000 lb. The report shows that manufactured wools, on the contrary, have an increased demand, and that lhe Zullvereiu especially affords an extended channel for goods of this kind. The revenue for the export of woollen goods of ail kinds from 1846 to 1849 was according to the Customs lists 13,268,700 dollars ; if from this be deducted the revenue of additional imported goods, 2,708,715 dollars, an annual surplus is gained of 10,559,985 dollars.” Mines of Pure Copper.—We gather from the Lake Superior Journal that the copper mines there yield a produce unequalled in the world. The distinction between these mines and all others is, that the yield is of the pure metal. Every advancing step only demonstrates more clearly that this pure lode is r.ot a chance collection, but is, in fact, increasing in purity as well as quantity as the miners proceed. Masses of 50 tons weight of the unalloyed metal are found together. There is a shaft upwards of 400 feet in depth, and a vein followed several hundred feet at that depth, and throughout the characteristics of the ore are the same. There are several other mines in the neighbourhood—one at the beautiful village of the North American Mining Company, with a shaft of 335 feet, and five levels from 100 to 400 feet long. 165 men working at this mine will ship, it is said, 175 tons of copper this season. The vein is not near so productive as that of the Cliff, but vet the yield is splendi 1, and promises the very best remuneration to the Company. The South Cliff Mine is only just begun, but it is anticipated that the same vein as that of the Cliff itself will here be found, and will yield in equal abundance. This, also, is the property of the North American Mining Company, and is on their grounds. They have already sunk a shaft some 30 feet, and they expect to meet the vein at 30 feet more. The Phoenix, another company, have also commenced operations on a vigorous scale. —They are the owners of the well known Eagle River Mine ; and besides they have begun a new one. They have sunk a shaft and run two levels. They are now commencing the third level. They, too, have been crowned with success ; finally, there is the Eureka Company, who are already actively engaged, and have already found their vein. Three of those companies have already erected their steam engines and the product is likely to be increased one hundred fold. There is a serious drawback on lhe exertions of these companies. It arises entirely from the isolated position of the mines, and the imperfect and inadequate means of conveyance and travel afforded

by the shipping on the lake. Owing to this fact the Journal says that thousands upon thousands who would visit the mines are prevented from doing so. It describes the navigation on the Jake as utterly inadequate, and suggests a ship canal around the rapids as indispensable to the success of the mines and general inter-commu-nication with that part oi the country. This canal must be constructed.

Tremendous Fire in Denmark. —A tremendous fire took place on the night of the 2nd instant, in the Chateau of Birkendeegaard, in Denmark, belonging to the Chamberlain Count de Lerche, which completely destroyed the building, with all the outhouses belonging to it. Three thousand barrels of wheat, which were in the granary, 1 800 sheep of a very superior breed, 120 horses, 18 cows, and a great number of other domestic animals, fell a prey to the flames. From the fire making its appearance in several parts of the buildings at the same moment, it is supposed to have been the work of an incendiary. Several persons have been arrested on suspicion. Bell's Messenger, Nov. 17.

The Arctic Expedition.—A letter from Mr. Rae, dated Prousin-station, Kendal River, June 10th, 1851, addressed to Sir George Simpson, Governor-in-Chief of the Hudson’s Bay Company’s Territories, has been forwarded to the editor of the Times, by Mr. A. Barclay, the secretary. It appears that the doctor’s journey, which is preparatory to his boat expedition, extended from East Bear Lake to the Arctic coast, and thence over the ice to Woollaston Sound, the southern shore of which he examined from the 119th to the 117th degree of west longitude. Dr. Rae found no strait or passage leading to the north, and did not discover any traces or learn any intelligence from the Esquimaux whom they met of Sir John Franklin’s expedition. Several islands and capes which were discovered the doctor named after parties connected with the Hudson's Bay Company and the Admiralty. They had several interviews with the Esquimaux, all of whom were friendly. At one of the tents two of the women made their appearance, and were not in the least degree timid. Geese, hares, and partridges were very plentiful throughout, ' and herds of deer were seen at intervals. Lemmings were so numerous that the dogs, as they trotted on, killed as many as supported them without any other food. These little animals were very fat, and when roasted before the fire between two stones are fine eating. The total distance travelled was 942 English miles. It is stated that a Iresh effort is about to be made in a region hitherto untried. — Liverpool Albion, Nov. 17.

Falkirk Cattle Tryst.—lt is calculated that half a million sterling changed hands at the last Falkirk cattle tryst. This is equal to the whole amount drawn at the Crystal Palace—including subscriptions, season-tickets, and all. Large, therefore, as was the sum which flowed into the hands of the Royal Commisioners, how trifling must it be, after all, compared with the amounts turned over in the ordinary transactions of trade ?— Bell’s Messenger. Troops eor the Cape.—The Cabinet Council lately held was to take into consideration the state ol affairs at the Cape of Good Hope, when it was resolved that two general officers, with five regiments, and a competent staff, should be sent out without delay to that colony, but the final adjustment of it was deferred.— United Service Gazette.

We announced (says the Journal de Constantinople), a few months since, that the President of the French Republic had sent to the Sultan a magnificent service of Sevres porcelain. His Highness is now about to send, in his turn, to Louis Napoleon six thorough-bred Arab horses, with two housit'gs of the richest kind ; the one is red, embroidered in silver, and ornamented with diamonds and turquoises ; the other is blue, embroidered in gold, and ornamented with diamonds and rubies. They are estimated at 150,000 piastres (about 40,000 f.) each. The bits and the stirrups are in gold. The horses were delivered, some days since, at the French embassy, and will be soon shipped for France.

Origin of Banks.—Banks, now so useful, were of Venetian invention, and the first was contrived about 1150, to assist in the transactions of a loan, and called “ The Chamber of Loans.” It soon became the celebrated bank of Venice, and conducted all money transactions. The plan was carried into foreign countries, and the projectors being called Lombards, the great banking street in London is to this day culled Lom-bard-street. Its celebrity led to the establishment of similar public banks at Barcelona, in 1401 : at Genoa, 1407 ; at Amsterdam, in 1609; in London, 1694; at Edinburgh, 1690; and at Paris in 1716. The Bank ot England is managed by a governor, deputy, and twenty-four directors, with about 1,000 clerks.

A LiteßAry Mag dalen. —Daily, about noon, the loungers under the “ Linden” at Berlin are startled by the extraordinary appearance of a tall lanky woman, whose thin limbs are wrapped up in a long black robe of coarse cloth. An old crumpled bonnet covers her head, which continually moving turns restlessly in all directions. Her hollow cheeks are flushed with a morbid coppery glow ; one of her eyes is immoveable for one is of glass, but her other eye shines with a feverish brilliancy, and a strange and almost awful smile hovers constantly about her thin lips. This woman moves with an unsteady quick step and whenever her black mantilla is flung back by the violence of her movements, a small rope of hair with a crucifix at the end is plainly seen to bind her waist. Ibis black ungainly woman is the quondam authoress, Countess Ida HahnHahn, who has turned a Catholic, and is now preparing for a pilgrimage to Rome to crave the Pope’s absolution for her literary tresspasses. Weser Zeitung. The Electric Light.—This light is at length to be brought into practical operation. The Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company intend almost immediately to illuminate the several tunnels along their line by this powerful and now practical system of illumination. The adoption of the electric light at these points is not for experimental purposes, but for permanent use all the difficulties which have hitherto beset the subject having been entirely surmounted.—Mining Journal. The Egyptian Railway. — The intelligence from Constantinople that the Sublime Porte bad removed all opposition to the construction of a railway in Egypt has been confirmed, and, by a steamer which arrived on the

4th, the Viceroy received a firman from the Sultan signifying his approval cf the contract his Highness had made with Mr. Robert Stephenson for that purpose. The engineers are all at present at Cairo, taking the surveys and preliminary measures to commence their work in earnest. The Alexandria detachment is expected down here to-morrow, and on the arrival of Mr. Stephenson from Marseilles, the precise line the railway is to take through the country will be decided upon.—(Letter from Alexaudria.)

Adventures of a Diamond.—ln “ Pictures from St. Petersburg!!,” recently published by Mr. Jerrmann, the German tragedian, we find the history of one of the splendid jewels of the regalia of Russia. The particulars are narrated on the authority of the Pope or Papa in the Greek Church, with whom Jerrmann fell in during a journey. The conversation respecting the great diamond commenced as follows “Have you been to the Hermitage?” inquired my fellow-traveller.- -I.replied in the affirmative. —“Then you saw the Imperial jewels ?—I saw the crown, the sceptre, and globe ; and I confess I was amazed at their magnificence. One of the diamonds in the sceptre especially riveted my attention. For size and brilliancy it appeared to me incomparable.”—“ That diamond,” rejoined the priest, “ is called ‘Moon of the Mountain.’ In size it is perhaps surpassed ; but I doubt whether it is eclipsed in brilliancy by any other diamond now in Europe. Its history, too, may, in the estimation of the curious, tend somewhat to enhance its value.” Who was the first possessor of that rare jewel is not known ; but an ancient Indian manuscript records that it once served for an eye to the statue of the Grand Lama. That, however, is a tradition which may possibly admit of metaphorical interpretation ; for it may be taken merely as indicative of the exquisite radiance and pure water of the diamond. The facts of its more recent history are, however, well authenticated, and I will briefly relate them : the celebrated Thomas-Kuli-Kban, who, from the lowly condition of a shepherd’s son, ascended the throne of Persia (taking the title of Nadyr Shah), enr ched his treasury by a collection of diamonds of marvellous beauty and value. Two of these jewels were believed to be the rarest in the known world ; one was called “ Sun of the Sea,” and the other “ Moon of the Mountain.” Towards the close of a reign glorified by many deeds of heroism, the tyranny of Nadyr Shah excited bis subjects to rebellion. To subdne the outbreak, he raised a numerous force, and placed it under the command of his nephew, Ali-Kuli-Khan. But his nephew turned against him, raised the standard of independence, and challenged his uncle to open battle. Nadyr then marched in person to encounter the rebels ; but, before departing from his capital, be collected his vast treasures, and sent them, together with his young princes, his sons, under the escort of Nasralla Mirza, to the strong fortress of Kelat —a place deemed impregnable. This was in the year 1757 (1160 of the Hegira). Nadyr’s impending doom was sealed. He had pitched his camp at Khabushan ; and during the night, whilst he was sleeping, bis nephew and three assassins stole into his tent and murdered him. The head, at whose nod all Asia so lately trembled, was now severed from the body, and exhibited in triumph to the insurgent soldiery. The rebels were victorious, and most of the strongholds which had belonged to the late Shah, either surrendered or were taken by storm. Kelat, the amazing strength of whose fortifications caused it to be regarded as one of the world’s wonders, long held out against the attacks of its assailants ; but, finally, accident effected what force might never have accomplished. A soldier, sent to procure water, descended from one of the towers by a ladder, which he afterwards neglected to remove. This did not escape the observation of some scouts who were on the watch. Information of the circumstance was communicated to the besiegers, who, having gained access to the tower, soon made themselves masters of the fortress, within whose walls a frightful massacre ensued. The young princes fled, were pursued, and taken. All were put to death save the youngest, a boy of fourteen, who, under the title of Ali Shah, subsequently ascended the throne of Khorassan. The jewels and money which Nadyr had placed in security at Kelat, now belonged, by right of inheritance, to Ali Shah, who ordered them to be removed to his capital. On examination, it was discovered that many of the valuables had been abstracted by pillage, and among the missing jewels was "the Moon of the Mountain.” Indefatigable search was made, and large rewards offered for its recovery, but in vain ! It was given up for lost. At that time there dwelt in Bassora a rich merchant, named Shafrat, such, at least, was his real name, but, on account of his vast wealth, he was usually distinguished by an appellation synonymous with the term “ Millionaire.” One day this merchant was visited by an Affghan chief, who offered to sell him some costly jewels. Among them was the lost “ Moon of the Mountain.” The price demanded for it, though great, was far below its value. Nevertheless the cautious Shafrat was unwilling to disburse so large a sum without due consideration. He requested to be allowed time to think the matter over. At this proposition the Affghan appeared uneasy and suspicious ; but after some hesitation he acceded to the delay. The merchant having maturely weighed the expediency of the purchase, cameto the determination of possessing himself of the diamond, and he went in quest of the stranger. Great was his astonishment on learning that the Affghan chief had left Bassora, and that no one knew, with any certainty, whither he had gone. Mortified at his disappointment, Shafrat made diligent search for the holder of the diamond, and after very great difficulty, he traced him to Bagdad. The bargain was now struck, without further delay, and the diamond became the property of the wealthy merchant of Bassora. There arose a new difficulty. How was Shafrat to dispose of this jewel? He prudently resolved to conceal it for a time, or to keep his transaction with the Affghan chief a profound secret. He continued to live quietly at Bassora, being afraid to stir out of the city, for ever so short a time, lest his absence should create suspicion. At length, after the lapse of twelve years, Shafrat ventured on a journey into Europe. He visited Amsterdam, and there offered his jewel for sale. An agent from the Coutt of England had nearly concluded an arrangement for the purchase, when on offer made by Count Gregory Orloff, on the part of the Crown of Russia, was too tempting to be resisted. Four hundred thousand rubles

together with letters of nobility, were the price paid for the jewel. The merchant, well satisfied with his augmented wealth, removed from Bassora, and settled in Bagdad, where bis descendants yet live ; and “ t.he Moon of the Mountain,” after its many adventurous journeys, was conveyed to St. Petersburg!), and found a resting place in the sceptre of the Empress Elizabeth. — Dickens' Household Words.