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DESTRUCTIVE FIRES IN PORT II O P E . [From the Guido. On Monday evening, about ten minutes past 8 o’clock, the stable in the rear of the Anglo American Hotel was discover- ed to be on fire. Whan the alarm was first given, the fire hud made little head- way, being confined lo the south-eastern corner of the bay loft; hut in a tew min- utes the devouring element had swept over the upper part of the stable, and, bursting through the roof, enveloped the whole of the building in a sheet of flame. The fne engines were soon on the spot, and the several companies set vigorously ut work saving the adjoining property. To the south of the burning building, and within three feet of it, was another stable ; this in a very short space of time was also destroyed. 'ihe driving sheds to the west of the Anglo American stables, were soon a mass of fire, and from this the flames spread south to a wooden building occupied as a paint shop by Mr. Kelcher. This building was torn down by the Ilook and Ladder Com- pany, in time to stay the progress of the fire southward, and thus saved the prem- ises of Mr. James Anderson, whose house was separated from the paint shop by a passage about tight feet in width. As it was, Mr. Anderson’s building was badly scorched, and nothing but the greatest exertion on the part of the fire brigade and the citizens generally, saved it. Had these premises been de6royed, it is certain that the progress of the fire could not have been stayed until every bouse to the south as far as the brick building owned by Mr. Beamish, had fallen a prey to the con- flagration. To the north of the Anglo American stables was a shed, open below, and cov- ered above, leading to the hotel. This structure was on fire in a few seconds alter the flames had burst out of the stable, and, being but a shell, burnt rap- idly. On and on went the destroyer, until the rear of the Anglo American be- gan to grow biown and then black, and then the forked flames seized hold ot tlie clapboards and cornice and roof, and the fate of the hotel, that had opened its hos- pitable doors to the traveller for so many years, was sealed. The progress of the fire from the tront to the rear of the ho- tel was not rapid. The wind was blowing from the north-east, and kept the flames back; and the timbers of the building being heavy and close together, it took some time to consume them. To the east of the hotel was a wooden building, occupied by A. Howell & Co., as a bakery and grocers'. The flames from the hotel communicated with it, and both went down to destruction together. The brick store on Walton street, next to Howell & Co., occupied by Mr. Aiken, dealer in groceries and liquors, was in great danger, but owing to ihe ex- ertions of the firemen and the tin roof and the substantial character of the building, was saved. The brick block on the west side o John street had a narrow escape; and this morning the shutters of the s-hops, and the window sills snd casings of the second and third floors, present a scorched and blackened appearance. Wilson’s Buildings, and Mr. Quinlan’s property, on the north side of Walton street, escaped without damage. For- tunately tor them, as we before said, the little wind that was stirring blew to the northeast. The furniture of the hotel was nearly all removed, but of course, was much damaged by breakage, and exposure to the water and mud ; Messrs. Bottum and Raymond were the lessees of the hotel, and had an insurance on the furniture to the amount of $1,800. The hotel was owned by Messrs. Wm. Bletcher and Wm. S. Marsh, and we regret to say was not insured. The property had been insured, but the policy had expired about a week. The amount of tbs expired policy was $3,600. The loss of Messrs. Bletcher and Marsh will probably reach $6,000. Adam Howell & Co.’s loss will be be- tween $500 and $800. The entire contents of the bake shop and cellar were destroyed. The building occnpied by A. Howell & Co., was owned by Mr. Joseph Newman, and, we understand, was insured for £100. The fire is supposed to have been the work of incendiary. It is said that no person had been in the upper part of the stable for some hours before the flames burst out. The fire commenced in the south-east corner near the railway track A woman living in a house near Randall's planing-mill, went out to take in some clothes hanging on a line, a few minutes after eight o’clock, when she heard foot- steps coming rapidly down the railway track toward her. She was alarmed and went into the house, and looking out ot the window saw a man get through the fence near the house, and run. across the common toward Queen Street. Scarcely a minute after, the erj of fire was raised, and she saw flames bursting out of the stable. This matter will no doubt be sifted by the proper authorises. FIRES IN HAMILTON. £From tho Spectator.] On Saturday night, about half past nine o’clock, a fire was discoveied in the shop of Messrs. Banks & Co.. tailors, James street. The firemen were quickly on the spot, and in a very few minutes tl.e lire, which was principally in the shelving, was subdued. There are very suspici- ous circumstances connected with this fire, which require to be cleared up. Mr. Banks, with an assistant, cleared the pie- mises and left the place at about ten min- utes to nine o'clock. Everything was then safeâ€"doors and windows were all closed up. When the fire was observed, and the shop broken into, it was discover- ed that a trap door leading to the cellar was open. This, Mr. Banks says, was closed when he left. The fire seems to Ian x CflimnouiwaUI )- RICHMOND IIILL, MAR. 18,1859, have been in three distinct pieces on the shelving, and at some distance from the stove, which appeared to be perfectly safe when the shop was entered. The prob- able loss is about JC700â€"JC400 is cover- ed by a policy in the Western Insuiance Company. We presume some one of the city coroners will take the matter up and investigate it. The engines had scarcely got to their engine houses, when a second alarm was given, and the firemen again turned out in force. This fire was in the tin and stove shop of Mr. Pocock, on John street. It broke out in the rear of the building, near the office, and had evidently been caused by a spaik from the stove. The Fire Brigade deserve the greatest credit for the manner in which they man- aged both these fires, and nothing but their energy and perseveiance prevented the second from being a very serious fire In a very short tine, however, three streams were brought to bear upon it, and the fire was got under it, and tlie fire was got underâ€"being confined to the building in which it commenced. Mi. Pocock, is insured for £300 in the Gore Mutual Insurance Company. This, it is said, will not cover the loss. The building belonged to Alex. Carpenter, Esq., and was insured in the same office for .£300. One engineâ€"No 4, we believeâ€"was for a short lime thrown out of service, by one of the most villanous actions which can possibly be conceived of. Some fellow deliberately took a kn'fe, and cut a gash, about six inches in length, in the hose leading from the fire. He was seen in the act, and some cf the hose men gave chase, but he escaped in the darkness. We hope that our city authorities will take every means in their power to pro- tect the firemen and their apparatus while on service, and that every means will be taken to ferret out the fellow who cut the hose on Saturday night. We are sorry to add, that by an un- fortunate accident at the fire, the Brigade was deprived ot the services of the Chief Engineer. He was accidentally struck with an axe in the forehead, which inflict- ed an ugly, but we are happy to say, not a dangerous wound* His place was ably filled by the first and'second Assistants. New. Advertisements this Week- New Boot and Shoe Storeâ€"Tobias Dolmage To Borrowers ot Books Magistrates Blanksâ€"Ior Sale at tho Post Of- fice. TO CORRESPONDENTS. No Communication of a purely personal character, and having no bearing on the gen- eral interests of the community, will be pub- lished in this paper. Communications, how- ever, on all interesting subjects will be thank- fully received and willingly inserted. To in- sure attention, Correspondents must send their names and write in a legiable hand. Let each communication be as brief as the nature of the ubject will allow. TO THE SUPPORTERS OF THE “ COMMONWEALTH.” After a short connection with this Journal, we beg to announce to our friends that with the present number our proprietorship ceases. Having experienced a considerable share of public patronage, we take this opportunity of returning our sincere acknowledgment lor it. If, during our brief lenure of the editorial department, we have of- fended, we have to express our regret, and crave a generous for- giveness. In taking leave of our friends, we heartily recommend our successor, Mr. Malcolm McLeod, under whose manage- ment, we doubt not, the paper will faithfully and fearlessly advocate those measures calculated to ad- vance the prosperity and position of 1 his great country. LECTURE. On Monday evening last, the 15th inst., a lecture was delivered (in connection with the Richmond Hill Mechanics’ Institute,) in the Gram- mar School-house, by the Rev. II. Wilkinson, on “ the Duty and Ad- vantages cf Punctuality in the Pay- ment of Debts.” Geo. P. Dickson, Esq Vice-President of the Institute, in the chair, who briefly introduced the lecturer. Rev. II. Wilkinson commenoed by stating : Cities, towns and vil- lages constitute so many centres of moral power and send forth either a healthful or destructive influence over surrounding communities, It was this feeling that irr.pelled him to acceed to the wishes of the com- mittee, and address them upon the important subject which had been already announced. There was one debt which we had need be ever paying, lhat was the debt of “ Love,” for we are told “ to owe no man anything save to love one another. ’ The lecturer then stated : That a proper regard for our vera- city, expressed or implied, should secure strict punctuality in the pay- ment of debts. The contraction of a debt always implied a promise of payment, and the exact time when such payments should be made ; therefore, a man’s character for veracity was confessedly at stakeâ€"it mattered not whether the debt was a few dollars or a hun- dred poundsâ€"lie pledged his word 1o pay it, and if he failed lo meet his engagements in good faith, his character for truthfulness was gone. No matter what the fashion was, a right was violated and the breach of promise lay at the debtor’s door. The cases to which this principle may be applied are various : say you take a newspaper, you pledge your word to pay for such paper ac- cording to the terms, and in the event of neglecting so to pay for it, until it is so paid for you stand con- victed of withholding from another his due, you have forfeited your word and your veracity is sullied. That to prevent a ruinous waste of precious time our just debts should be punctually liquidated. Much time is lost in collecting or attempting to collect debts, especi- ally small debts ; and the loss in this case falls exactly in the wrong placeâ€"upon the creditor and not upon the debtor, upon the the injur- ed and not upon the offending party. It. not unfrequently happens that small debts cost more for collecting than thc;y are worth ; in all such cases the debtor actually robs the creditor of his time and money. These losses might be effectually prevented by the almost obselete virtue, punctuality in the payment ol debts. A practice that would save centuries of invaluble time, untold sums of money, and would prevent many a scene of bankruptcy and contribute vastly to the personal and domestic felicity of general society. That it is for every man’s own interest to pay his debts punctually. The man who is punctual in his payments avoids that eating moth made so familiar to us now-a-days, known by the phrase oi u heavy in- terest.” Many an individual has been ruined by the devouring lep- rosy of interest. View this sub- ject in any aspect,â€"it beautifully combines our own good wTith the welfare of our neighbor. That the good of the creditor requires, and urges the duty of punctuality in paying debts. It is painfully true that many persons are deprived of the common com- forts of life, and become involved in debt, because ihey cannot get their lawful rights. This is down- right injustice and oppression. An eminent waiter observes :â€"“ No thing can be more unjust or cruel than a wrant of punctuality in pecu niary transactions ” It is unkind through our delay to keep a cook storming over a dinner, spoiling in ihe kitchen ; but to defeat the ex- pectation of a tradesman, or of any one dependent, perhaps for a settle- ment important to his credit upon our punctuality, is a species of cruelly perfectly inhuman. That the formation of confidence between man and man presents a powerful motive for punctuality in pecuniary matters. What is it lhat binds together the social com- pact, but mutual confidence ? Now the regular payment of what we owe, has a most happy effect upon society in this one of its highest in- terests. Were such payments of debts the uniform practice, pro mises to pay would be implicitly received, and a word would mor- ally be clothed with the authority of a bond, and credit would, under such circumstances, be established upon a sure basis. That the honor and consistency of our Christian character is deeply concerned in the punctual dis- charge of the debts we contract. The eagle eye of society is upon Christians, and for obvious reasons they are more closely observed in their business transactions than in their religious exercises. If they contract debts without a probabil ity of paying them, or neglect to pay them when due, they become a burden and a reproach to the Chris- tian name The only remedy for remisgnessin ne payment of debts ih., punctuality in business matters must be placed on its true basis. The basisof moral obligation. Were this done, many of our small debts would be remembered, and paid before the sitting of to-mor- row’s sun, or the hour of evening prayer. The Rev. lecturer on concluding was warmly applauded; and we think that the public are indebted to him lor lecturing on this ve important subject. After a vote of thanks had been passed the meeting separated. We regret to see an article in our respected contemporary, the Era, bearing on the new appoint- ments in very unmeasured terms. We greatly fear that on this occa- sion our friend has allowed his extreme political bias lo warp his usual judgment We unhesitat- ingly pronounce his observations to be as incorrect as they are unmer- ited ; and that the language so freely invoked to convey his disgust an<7 indignation, has been called up by some other secret motive. We have very carefully analyzed the names on the new list of Ma- gistrates, which we publish below, and give the Government this time our unqualified approval for their wise and excellent selection, the greater number of these are per-1 sonally known to ourselves, more particularly in the North Riding of York, and although by no means sanctioning the usual distribution of such honors, no more than we can unconditionally ap- prove of the acts of the present Government; neverthless on this occasion we give them all creditâ€" “ Honor to whom honor is due.”â€" We are somewhat tickled by the “ N. B.” at the bottom of the Era’s list. We give our contem- porary credit for having an eye to business. We should mention for the in- formation of our readers, that the gentlemen whose names are on the old list, still of course retain their commissionsâ€"the new list merely furnishing an additional number of new Magistrates. MUNICIPAL COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF VAUGHAN. ALBION. T. Mills T. Swamaston CALEDON. R. Allan J. Lemon William Hanna John Evans George Evans John Richardson Isaiah Falkoner G. Dodds GORE OF TORONTO. G. Jackson Robert Hart R, Bell J. P. JDelahay J. M. Chaffer TORONTO TOWNSHIP. C. Dougherty M. Parker John Griffith J. Street J. C. Hyde N. Crawford H. Rutledge J. Graham J. Magratli J. B. Phillips J. Miller CHINGUACOUST. S. Patterson E. Crawford Andrew Starrat Robert Smith W. Lindsay R. McCalluin J Scott, M.D. M. Perdue TORONTO CITY. Hon.Wm. B.Robinson G.A . Phillpotts G. 11. Rutherford Joseph Ridout Lewis Moffatt F. Widrer Win. B. Jarvis F. Perkins John Harrington J. Good Samuel flati A. Dallas C. G. Gzowski W. Hawkins Wm. Cavvthra J. Foster A. McK. Clark, M,D. R. H. Brott D L. McPherson Samuel Thompson Hon. R. Spence Thomas Brunskill J. Carr William S'rachan J. Worthington Robert Stanton J Smith F. H. Medcalf N. C. Gowan F. H. Hownrd D. 11. Freeland Wm. 11. Boulton W. Dougherty P. Foy Hon. J. C. Morrison D. K. Feehan Jas. J. McDonnell N. Pearson ETOBICOKE. Andrew Ward Henry J. Boulton, jun Edward Musson Wm. Bourchier T. Sibbald, R.N. R. G. Hail John Bojd GEORGINA. Samuel Park Angus Ego W. Howard SCARBORO’. James Humphreys Wm. Mclllmurray Win. Patterson Wm. Thompson J. Tabor Wm, Rolph Iaul Sheppard A. McLean J. Secor W. II. Norris EAST GWII-I.IMBURY. E. Morion, M.D. It. T. Willson J. C. Haggaboom J. H Willson It. Culverwell Jno. Dawson J. Rvan C. Boyer T. Brothers J. Aylward C. Travis T. Wayling J. Bowman W. Miller J. Selby T. G. Dunham VV. Selby Wm. Smith Wm. Moseley Henry Fry J. 11. Eston Wm. Roe WHITCHURCH. Wm. Stephens Richard Matchell Samuel Trent R, Al'eyno R. Pearson W. Henry Beresford N. Pearson Henry Q,, St. George W. W. Baldwin NORTH GWILLIMBURY. S. Gines C. Henderson F, Anderson R. Sheppard A, Wyudham D. T, Willson Hiram Moore T. Evans YORK TOWNSHIP. Ii. E. Playter J. McCormack J. P. Ball W. Jackson J. C. Vannostrand Wm. Marsh J. A. Donaldson E. C. Scarlet J. Heigh R. B. Denison R, Clark Wm. Duncan J. Henderson J. Beacball G- Cooper B. Bull J. C. 7’. Cochrane Peter Hu tty A Patterson R. James J. McDonnell John S. Dennis KING M. Lepper T, Lloyd A. Webb J. Allen C Hamblv J. Culverwell Thomas Cosford Report of the proceedings at the Council Board on the 7th March, 1859â€"the Reeve (II. S. Howland, Esq.) in the chair.â€"Present, H. S. Howland, (Reeve) A. Jeffrey (Deputy Reeve) Col. Bridglord, D. Smellie, and John Brown, Councilrnen. The report of the Auditors, upon the accounts of the past year, was laid before the Council, with de- tailed statements of the accounts as kept by the late and the present Treasurers. Also, statements of the Assets and Liabilities, with an abstract of the Receipts and Ex- penditure. Mr. Bridgford proposed, second- ed by M. Smellie, that the report be received and adopted.â€"Carried. Mr. Bridgford proposed, second- ed by Mr. Brown, that the Audit- ors’ Report, with the detailed state- ment of the accounts, the Assets and Liabilities, with the abstract of the Receipts and Expenditure, be forthwith printed for distribution.â€" Carried. • A petition from Mr. Rumble was laid before the Council, accom- panied by a plan, complainiag that the side-line between lots 20 and 21, in the 2nd concession, was in the wrong place, whereby he was deprived of about five acres of land, and praying io have the same set right. Petition not entertained. A memorial from the Grand Division of the Ordei of the Sons of Temperance was presented, pray- ing the Council to petition the Le- gislalure for a Prohibitory Liquor Law. Memorial not enlertatned. An application was made to the Council on l;ebalf of the Trustees of a Separate School, for a portion of the interest arising from the Clergy Reserve Fund. A desultory conversation follow- ed, which eventuated in the refusal of the Council to entertain the application. Tlie Council then adjourned to the 1st Monday in April. On Tuesday ever.ing next there will be a debate at half-past 7â€"the Rev. J. Dich in the chair. Subject: Do capital punishments answer the end held in view by them? or is there any other way by which the ends of justice could better be promoted ? Tickets to be had gratis on application to any mem- ber of the Debating Society. Arthur Armstrong Norman T. McLeod S. Tyrwhytt N. A. Gamble Anthony Eastwood James C, Thompson James Burns John Ireland MARKHAM. John Duncumb, M.D.James Bowman J. N. Reid, M.D, J. Marr TV. J Mitchell Thomas C. Milnie Benjamin Bowman George Millor Thomas Armstrong Robert Marsh Chailes M, Keller Alex. H. Fenwick N. Button Benjamin Milligan VAUGHAN. Col. D Bridgford Alex C. Lawrence Robt. J. Arnold William Grey John K. Falconbridge William Devlin RICHMOND HI L L M ECU ANICS’ INSTITUTE. We regret to observe, by the fol- lowing communication, which has been forwarded to us through the kindness of G. P. Dickson, Esq., that the grant to i he above Institution has been withheld,â€"on 'principles of retrenchment. We believe the Government have withdrawn the grants to those Literary Institutions. House of Assembly, Toronto, March 10. G. P. Dickson, Esqâ€"Sir : I have to acknowledge the receipt of cer- tain documents connected with the Richmond Hill Mechanics Institute. I may also inform you that the Government on principles ot re- trenchment, have conc uded to withhold the usual grants to those institutions. Yours respectfully, AMOS WRIGHT. Since our last issue the great business, namely : the “ Budget"’ has been the theme cf universal discussion, not only amongst politicians, but all classes. Mr. Galt made a long speech explanatory of his financial statement, and defending the course pursued. The debate si ill con- tinues. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Thursday, March 10. Hon. Mr. Patton introduced a Bill to amend the law relating to Mariied Wo- men, for the conveyance of real estate in Upper Canada. II on. Mr. DeBalquiere moved that his Excellency lay befo.e the house a return of all expenses incurred in the various re- movals of the Seats of Government dur- ing the system of alternate Parliaments. and that the Government would carry ou*' the vote ot the House in regard to Otta- wa, steps having already been taken to se- cure plans and to make other arrange- ments. He then entered into a long statement of the result of the changes in the tariff. lie advocated the ad valorem systemâ€"contended that it would not be injurious to Upper Canadaâ€"that Great Britain had no light to object to high duties, that Canada would not endure any interference on her part, and the United States could not com plain of a heavy tariff on her manufactured goods, for hers was heavy also. He tried to make it appear by some ingenious combination of figures, that the rale of duty on tea and sugar was not raised by the new tariff, but utterly failed, in the estimation of those in the House who understood the subject. When he had concluded, the House adjourned. Friday, March 11. lion. Mr. Alexander moved for the consideration of the amendment proposed by the select committee on the bill to re- strain tbe issuing of Munic pal Deben- tures. The bill provided that no city, town or village councils should pass a by- law for contracting a debt whereby the liabilities of such council should exceed one-half of the assessed yearly value of the rateable property within the limits, as the average of value at the rate of six per cent, on the actual value ol such property, otherwise Fuch contract would be void Also that county and township councils should be restricted in borrowing money and issuing debentures wh;reby the lia- bility would be made to exceed three per cent, on the assessed actual value of the rateable property within its limits on pain of such debentures or notes being declared void. The bill further provided that, nothing in it should be constructed to ef- fect debentures or other securities issued before the passing of this act. Some ob- jection was made on the ground that a re- trograde step in legislation would be taken by its adoption, but the bill was finally left for a third reading. Monday, March 14th. The debate on the budget was resumed by the Hon. Mr. Cayley, who condemned it, after which Mr. Buchanan moved se- conded by Mr. John Cameron, that the Speaker do not leave the chair ; but that it be resolved that the proposed Tariff is subversive of the best interests of Canada as increasing the taxes on necessaries and lowering them on luxuries, in a mistaken view that this will produce more revenue â€"that the sliding scale proposed on tea, coffee, sugar and molasses is injurious to the trade of the community and to the ob- taining that stability in commercial mat- ters, which ought to be desiredâ€"-that the customs’ duties on tea. sugar and mobiles, should be placed on the ad valorem duty equivalent to the specific duly as at pre- sent, and, ultimately, be removed altogeth- er, so as to enable the industrious classes of Canada to enjoy these articles at as low a price as on the other side of the line â€"and that the customs’ duties on brand}', wines, and liquors ought not to be reduced as proposed ; but ou^ht to be fixed as on ad valorem duties equivalent to the pre- sent duties on those articles. NEW POSTAL ARIIANGEMNTS. LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY. Thursday, March 11. Mr. Mowat’s bill allowing verdicts on trials by jury in civil causes to be returned by a majorityâ€"nine to threeâ€"alter six hours’ deliberation, was read a second time and referred to a committee. Friday, March 11. Mr. Galt spoke for four hours on his Budget. Reductions are to be made in Educa- tion, in Police, in Literary and Scientific Institutions, in the Militia, and jn the grants to Agricultural Societies, but in the salaries of officers of the revenue and of the departments there is to be no change whatever. He stated that a sum would be put in the supplementary estimates to defray the expense of removal to Quebec, We give below an extract from a circu- lar lately issued by the Post Office De- partment : PREPAYMENT OF LETTERS FOR THE ENGLISH MAILS. Commencing on and from the 1st April, 1859, letters addressed to the United Kingdom’ and generally all letters posted in Canada for the English Mads, including letters for British Colonies and Possessions beyond sea, and Foreign Countries sent through England, are to be prepaid. Letters addressed to th^ United King- dom, it posted unpaid, are to be fowarded by Postmasters, but will be subject to an addition to the oidinnry Postage, on de- livery to the person addressed. Letters for British Colonies and Poss- essions beyond sea, and for Foreign Coun- tries intended for the English Mails, il posted without prepayment, are lo be put under cover to the Postmaster General by first Post, m.n ked, “Postage not paid.” REGISTRATION OF LETTERS FOR ENGLISH MAILS. From the 1st of April next, the sum of Is. 3d. will be charged for the Registra- tion of letters for British Colonies or Poss- essions, sent bv tne way ot England. GENERAL REGISTRATION. On letters registered for any place in Canada or British North America, the Registration Fee will continue to be one penny. On letters registered for the United States, the Registration charge is 3d., in addition to tin- Postage, and is with the Postage invariably to be prepaid, and if prepaid in money, both the Registration charge and the Postage rate are to be brought to account in the Letter Bill. When a letter is posted for Registra- tion, the Postmaster seoukl always give the person posting the same a Certificate that the letter has been received for Reg- istration. Postmasters at Forward Offices when receiving from the Offices from which they have bee < posted, Registered Let- ters for the. English JYlail.s, or for the United States, will be careful to see that the Postage and Registration charge have been duly prepaid, and if in money, thot the full amount of both Fee and Postage is accounted for in the Letter Bill, and if there has been any omission in this respect, the amount deficient is to be added to the Letter Bill, as a charge against the negligent Postmaster. Postmasters are warned that any neg- lect touching Registered Letters, which may involve the miscarriage of a Regis- tered Letter, will render the party in de- fault, liable to be called upon to make good any loss which may ensue in conse- quence. PARCEL POST. An extension is authorized of the weight limit of a Parcel sent by Parcel Post, from 2 lbs. to 3 lbs., the scale of charge will therefore be : 1 weighing less than 1 lb - - Is 3d. More than 1 lb and not exceeding 2, 2s 6d. More than 2 lbs and not exceeding 3, 3s 9d. In all cases to be prepaid by Stamps. BOOKS AND PRINTED MATTER FOR THE UNITED STATES. Books, Transient Newspaprs, and all other descriptions of printed matter in tended for the United States, posted in Canada, cannot be forwarded unless pre paid to the Province Line, at the ordi- nary Book, Transient Newspaper, and printed matter rates,â€"this pre-payment must be made by Stamps. Books, or j Newspapers, (whether tran- sient or coming to regular subscribers), and all other descriptions of printed mat- ter, received from the United States, are liable on delivery in Canada, to the Cana- dian rates of charge, without exception of any kind. Such articles coming from the United States frequently bear the impress of a paid stamp, but this is an American Post Office mark, and means nothing more than that the American postage to the Canada line has been paid by the person posting, as in all cases it ought to be. HALF-YEARLY SCHOOL RETURNS. The Half-yearly School Returns made by School Trustees to the Local Super- intendents of Schools, may, though the printed form be partly filled up with the names of the Pupils and days of attendance, in writing, be transmitted by Post in Ca- nada as printed papers at one half-penny each, to be prepaid by stamp. MELANCHOLY ACCIDENT. Yesterday afternoon two men, a wo- wan and child, were drowned in the lake, a short distance from Bowrnanville, nnder the following circumstances: It appears that they left Port Hope early yesterday morning in a small sailboat for Whitby. Towards the middle of the day a strong south-east wind rose, and before they had passed Port Darlington, which was about 2 p. m , the gale was truly terrific. In passing the high point known as the Darlington Point, about two miles west ot the harbor of Bowrnan- ville the boat was swamped, and three of the unfortunate party were at once buried beneath the waves. One of the men still clung to the bottom of the boat and it was hoped for a time that the wind might drive il ashore, while he was yet clinging to it, but unfortunatJy his weight upon one end kept the other end up so as to catch the wind, and prevented his be- ing driven ashore ; and alter two hours struggling, the poor fellow sank to rise no more. The moment the boat was unem- cuinbered it came on shore. Ther were a great many persons on the beach at tiie time, but it was impossible to render the least assistance to the drowning men. There was no boat near at the time, and even if they had procured one it could not have lived in such a sea. The names ot the parlies, as far as we can learn, are flic hard Crocker, and a man named Terry, with his wife and child. The bodies have not yet b“en recovered. V\ lien the last man sunk he was about 30 rods from the shore. Excessive Drinking.â€"A man nam- ed H. McCalluin was committed to prison,, by the Police Magistrate, on Saturday,, under a warrant, as ‘ Drunk and disorder- ly and dangerous to be at large.’ When admitted to the Jail, he was apparently in delirium tremens, and as such, the Govern- or sent him to the hospital ward. Here he became so noisy that his removal to a cell became necessary, lie was accordingly placed in one, under the care of two per- sons, who were directed to take proper care of him during the night. Cordials were administered to him, and drink and lights were left for his comfort. He was sleepless and delirious till about one o’clock on Sunday morning, about which hour one of the parties offered him some drink, which he swallowed, and almost im- m* diately sank on his knees, muttering in- coherently. He then fell prostrate on the floor, when the attendant placed him on his pallet, and called to his brother-watcli- man that McCalium was dead. A keep- er of the Jail was immediately summoned, who with the Governor at once attended. Bur. McCalium was found to have breathed his la-st. The Governor of the Jail hav- ing notified Dr. Scott ofthe circumstance, an inquest was held on Sunday, when a verdict was returned, that the deceased died from the effects of the excessive use of ardent spirits.â€"Leader. Manufactures at Collingwood.â€" A bill has been introduced into the House to incorporate a cotton manufacturing com- pany in the town of Collingwood. Last vear cotton passed through Collingwood on its way from Memphis, Tennessee, to Lowell, so that there will be no difficulty about getting the raw material as cheap as the Americans. Something more is required, however, to make the manufac- ture of cotton profitable, and we trust that, the people of Collingwood will be able to supply all that is needed, A very large tannery is about to be commenced in the place by Messrs. Paul, of Toronto. They wiil have every facility for carrying on the businessâ€"hides from the West can be laid down very cheaply, and there is an abundant supply of bark in the neigh- bourhood.â€" Globe. A Child Eaten tjy Dogs.â€"Orv Sunday last information was given at the Police Office that a child had been eaten by dogs on the premises of a Mr. Miller on Spadina Avenue. From what we can learn, Mr. Miller saw the child in his back garden about 2 o’clock in the afternoon, with its feet eaten off. He did not re- port the matter to the police until after 9 o’clock, and then the child had bepn all eaten up. Its clothes only had been left. Yesterday afternoon two females were ar- rested, as it was supposed that they had deposited the infant in the garden j but after being examined they were dis- charged.â€"Leader. French Preparations for War. â€"The casting of cannon is conducted at Vincennes with the greatest secrecy, as if there was a desire to open a campaign with the new improvements before the se- cret should transpire lo the world. A highly distinguished officer of the Belgian Artillery, the director of one of the great foundries in that country, lately tried in vain to obtain permission to witness the process of casting the guns. He was shown politely all else, but was peremp- torily refused what he only cared about seeing. Visit of Mr. Richard Cobden.â€" Mr. Richard Cobden made a flying visit to Toronto, on Monday, on his way to the Western States. He arrived at twelve o’clock, and left, at four, after pay- ing a short visit to the House of Assembly. We believe it is his intention to return here after his Western trip, but desired to, see the House in session.â€"Globe. A brother of Orsini has arrived from America and taken service in the Pied- montese army.