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Important annual business gathered the citizens of London in Common Rail on Saturday and Monday.

The business of Saturday was to swear in the new Sheriffs,—Mr. Wil- liam James Chaplin, citizen and innholder; and Mr. John Laurie, citizen and saddler. Before the ceremony, the two gentlemen entertained a nu- merous company at a dejedner a la fourchette, in Saddlers Hall; and then they repaired to Guildhall. Here proclamation of their names was made in the usual way by the Common Crier; the Sheriffs took the oaths, were robed by the Sword-bearer, and were invested with the chains of office by their predecessors, Alderman Hunter and Alderman Sidney. The Sheriffs having nominated Mr. Francis Thomas Bircham and Mr. David Williams Wire to be their respective Under-Sheriffs, those gentlemen were worn into office; and the Common Hall was dissolved.

The duty of the. Common Hall on Monday was to elect a Lord Mayor for the ensuing year; and a good deal of interest was excited by the con- tinued struggle to place Alderman Thomas Woo& in the chair. The busi- nese of the deg was aintouaced by the Comm Sergeant; the Recorder having beets Maned by e. severe feway- affliction. As the Lord Mayor and Aldermen.. were about to retire, Mk. Alderman Wood stepped forward, and, with an swilogy for speaking sennewbst out of the usual course, ad- dressed the HZ, in order to make areisileortant statement in correction. In doing so, he was much interrupted by cheers and hisses; but the applause preponderated.

A report had been most industriously circulated that morning, to the effect that he was so clothed with writs that no responsibility could attach to him; and that he was therefore unfit to preside over this great city as Chief Magistrate. To that report he could only answer, that a more gross falsehood never was uttered: it was the result of the vilest slander, as no such thing as a writ could be found in existence against him. If that or any other slander of any kind were uttered against him, he was ready to meet and prove it utterly false. He stood befell, his fellow-citizens as a Magistrate, fearless and ready to execute the duties of the office of Lord Mayor, and determined to maintain and support the rights and privileges of the Livery.

The Aldermen having retired, the Common Sergeant called over the names of all the Aldermen below the chair: a great show of hands was held up for Alderman Wood and Alderman John Johnson, the next in ro- tation; and their names were accordingly reported by the Common Ser- geant to the Court of Aldermen. After the lapse of about half-an-hour, the Lord Mayor and Aldermen returned to the hall; and the Common Sergeant declared that the Court of Aldermen had elected Mr. John John- son Lord Mayor for the year ensuing. The announcement was received with very loudly-expressed disapprobation by the numerous body assembled to support Alderman Wood, and with cheers by his opponents. Alderman Johnson returned thanks, in a speech rendered inaudible by the tumult. Alderman Wood also returned thanks to his supporters; and, though occa- sionally hissed, was much better received, and maeaged to make himself heard- " To have received your support is most tifying; and I deeply regret that your expectations have not been realized. t is not for me to divine the reasons why I have been rejected. It is for roe only to deal with the facts as .I find them. I came among my fellow-citizens as a Magistrate, who has sustained fearlessly that rank, and has already by the voice of the Livery filled the important and honourable office of Sheriff. I did net come before them as a rich man, making a boast of my riches as a qualification for the discharge of the important duties which appertain to office, but with a determination to use my abilities in the dis- charge of those duties, with a view to the best interests of my fellow-citizens. They have seen ins in the varied walks of life; and I can appeal to them with confidence as to the manner in which I have discharged all my public duties. But the Livery will be surprised to learn that wealth is now deemed one of the qualifications to serve them, and that one of the grounds of my rejection is that I am not rich enough to support the position I seek to attain. If wealth were to be esteemed and held as the only qualification, men of the brightest integrity, the greatest probity and virtue, and the most distinguished intellect, would be ex- cluded from serving their fellow-subjects in public departments. A more flimsy, wretched objection, never was raised against any man. The adoption of it is se invasion of their privileges, and strikes at the root of the rights of the electors, and annihilates the choice of the Livery. Apart from all these considerations, another and a leading objection to me has been, that unfortunately, some five or six years ago, I had honestly embarked in a speculation which eventually turned out to be bad. Speculation seems now to be the order of the day. No man can take up the ordinary newspapers without seeing schemes and projects announced, in which the names of Magistrates are pat forth in support of them. If the failure of any of these projects were to operate as a disqualification to ablagis trate's filling the highest trust his fellow-citizens can repose in him, what is to be augured as to the fate of many Magistrates whose names are every day to be seen in railroad speculations? (Cheers and hisses.) If such a line of demarcation were to be drawn—if an unsuccessful issue to a speculation be a disgrace to me— what ought to be said of those Magistrates who have taken up schemes which, on the face of them, tell their own tales—schemes taken up solely for the purpose of selling scrip, and for effecting which these names are used as decoys? (aeons and hisses.) If such be the rale by which a man is to be deprived of office, I am quite content with my share. I have received punishment, and I shall watch for the prospective difficulties of those who are to follow me. I have been assailed by reports disseminated by private coteries wholly destitute of truth; but I am determined to maintain the position I have ;aken, and fearlessly to discharge my duties both public and private, so long as I shall have the support of the majority of my fellow-citizens." Deputy Allen proposed a vote of thanks to the late Sheriffs for the splendour and hospitality with which they had maintained the dignity of their high office, and the punctuality and courtesy they had shown to their fellow-citizens. This was seconded by Mr. Obbard, and carried by acclamation. Alderman Hunter and Alderman Sidney severally returned thanks-' and the Hall was dissolved. The following is given as the result of the " scratching" or voting in the Court of Aldermen—

For Wood—Aldermen Kelly, .Sir Chapman Marshall, Humphrey, Challis, W. Hunter, Wood himself.

For Johnson—the Lord Mayor, Aldermen Sir C. S. Hunter, Sir John Key, Sir Peter Laurie, Farebrother, Copeland, Wilson, Sir John Pirie, Sir William Mammy, Sir George Carroll, Sir James Duke, Musgrave, Hughes, Sidney, and Johnson

SS

Aldermen Lucas and Hooper arrived too late to vote for Alderman Wood. Alderman Moon, who intended to vote for Alderman Wood, was absent; as was Alderman Thompson, who intended to vote for Alderman Johnson. After the Common Hall, a Court of Aldermen was held for the despatch of business. The Lord Mayor made a statement similar to that which he made to the Court of Common Connell relative to the conduct of the Governors of Christ's Hospital in denying upon St. Matthew's Day, as well as upon former occasions, that the Lord Mayor was head of that institution. On the motion of Sir Peter Laurie, seconded by Alderman Wood, and sup- ported by several other members, the Lord Mayor's statement was referred to a Committee of the whole Court. The new Sheriffs were presented to the Cursitor Baron, in the Court of Exchequer at Westminster, on Tuesday; and in the customary form they received from his month the Sovereign's approbation of the choice made by the citizens. In the absence of the Recorder, the Common Sergeant in- troduced the Sheriffs, in a highly complimentary speech. The usual ceremony of counting horse-shoes and hob-nails and cutting sticks was performed by the senior Alderman who has not passed the civic chair; and the members of the Corporation returned to Guildhall. In the evening the new Sheriffs gave their inauguration-dinner at the London Tavern, with all the sumptuous luxury of such occasions.

The proposed division of the Metropolis into extensive Asylum districts: astir noes to be opposed by many of the leading parishes. Among those that have been active this week, are the parishes of St. Marylebone, St. George the Martyr South- wark, St. Luke Chelsea, and St. Paul Depdord.

The Commissioners of Woods and Forests have issued notices for the erection of the houses in the new line of street leading from the London Docks to Spitalfields Church; the entire length consisting of about three thousand feet, divided into thirty-two lots. The width of the new street will be about fifty-four feet. The lots, severally, are to be let on lease for a term of eighty years from Christmas-day 184.5. The new sheet, North of High Street, White chapel, to be called Commercial Street; that leading out of East Smithfield, Dock Street; and East Smithfield will be named St. George Street. In Commer- cial Street a new church is in progress, to be called the Church of St. Jude; and in Dock Street a church will be built for the Sailor's Home in Wells Street. A new street is also proposed to be formed in the continuation of the Commercial Road, to High Street, Whitechapel.

We are informed that the delay in the first delivery of letters from the Post- office on Monday morning was occasioned by the great influx of letters brought by the mails from America, India and China, and other foreign parts. In the Thland-office 260,000 letters had to be sorted; and though every precaution was taken and the greatest exertions were made, the letter-carriers were not des- inched from the office until twenty minutes past ten o'clock. We understand that measures are in progress both for the enlargement of the office and increase of the force, by which it hoped that the present unavoidable delays in the delivery of the letters will shortly be remedied.—Tinies.

A meeting of gentlemen connected with railways was held at the London Tavern on Wednesday; at which Sir George William Prescott, Bart., presided ; and amongst those present were the Honourable Mr. Gore, Messrs. Meteyard, T. Arnold, and W. J. Arnold. The chairman explained, that the object of the meeting (which was of preliminary character) was to adopt measures for the formation of a club to be composed of railway directors and parties interested in railways, for the interchange and record of valuable information connected with them. The proposition had already the approbation by letter of upwards of 150 noblemen and gentlemen, directors of railways. Mr. Owen, solicitor, and other gentlemen, addressed the meeting, and urged that the proposed plan would have the effect of diffusing railway intelligence generally, particularly as respects the geological i

state of the country, and the improvements of locomotive engines, &c.; and a resolution in conformity with the objects of the meeting was adopted. It was suggested to the Committee which was appointed, that professors of geology, &e. be appointed to give occasional lectures; and another gentleman observed that a new Bourse should be established, to be devoted exclusively to railways.—Morning Chronicle.

A company is about to be formed to purchase the Regent's Canal and convert it into a railway. The devisers of the scheme propose topay the owners of the eend one million sterling; one-half on the passing of a bill for the purpose, and the remainder in three yearly instalments, each bearing 4 per cent interest A sum of 5,0001. is to be paid down at once as a deposit, which will be forfeited if the company be not formed. The Canal Company met on Monday, and the pro- position was submitted to them with a legal agreement After a good deal of ac. ussion, it was resolved almost unanimously to accept the proposal of the rail- way-projectors. The canal begins at Paddington and extends to Blackwell; and if converted into a railway, it would connect the Great Western, the Birmingham, and Eastern Counties lines.

A great seizure of cameos, mosaic buckles, and other articles of jewellery, has been made this week by three Customhouse-officers. Intimation was received that quantities of these articles had been smuggled; and the officers seized nearly 2,000/. worth at the house of a man named David, in the City Road; seventy-three cameos at a house near Golden Square, the residence of a man who was a frequent voyager to Boulogne; another lot at one Creutzer's in Clerkenwell, valued at 1,86U. including duty; and a number of cameos set in gold at a jeweller's in Cunha More discoveries are expected.

Daniel Garrett, the man charged with committing robberies at the termini of the London railways, was reexamined, at Guildhall Police-office, on Tuesday. It was proved that he had been closely connected with Maynard, the person com- mitted for trial on a charge of negotiating the return of stolen property. Dr. Danielle, of Bath, identified the prisoner as having carried off a black leather trunk belonging to him from the Paddington station of the Great Western Rail- way, in August last. The contents of the portmanteau were found at Garrett's lodging; and the trunk itself had been sold, the prisoner telling the purchaser a this of his being a great traveller, and wishing to get rid of some luggage. The inquiry was adjourned at a late hour, till the next day.

On Wednesday, five cases of robbery were investigated. In every case the pro- perty was found at the prisoner's lodging, or proved to have been sold by bier to divers persons. One of the robberies bad been committed on the Great Western Railway, one on the South-western, and three on the Birmingham. The evidence was very conclusive; but as the Brighton Company had a charge to make against Garrett, he was again remanded till next Friday.

Mach of the property found at this man's house is yet unowned, and more articles have been recently discovered. A reward has been offered to detect the writer of several threatening letters addressed to Mr. Nash, the solicitor who con- ducts the prosecution against Garrett. One is as follows—" So, you thought to break us up: but you're too late; and take care, for yourerance will do you no good now and no one helps yen. Buehe are cpue ; and it is only for you to do as they have done, for you are the only obstacle left. And it shall be worth something to you to halt, for you have no helpers: but if you persevere, Fennell and Co. are ready with more writs; and there are more pistols than yours; so beware." This letter is written inred ink, signed with a enffin, death's- head, and cross-bones, and sealed with black wax.

The Lord Chamberlain, (Earl Delawarr,) has addressed a letter to Mr. Henry the Magistrate of Lambeth Police-office, respecting the Reverend James West, who was last week held to bail on a charge of illegally pawning goods from a fur- nished lodging. His Lordship says—" The Times newspaper of the 25th in- stant, under the head of Lambeth Police-office,' reports that a person calling himself the Reverend James West' was on the preceding day brought up on a charge of pawning his landlord's goods; that the prisoner represented himself as being most respectably connected; and that a gentleman' present corroborated his assertion; adding, that the prisoner is the nephew of a nobleman holding a high office in the Queen's Household.' As it can scarcely be doubted, from the similarity of the name—real or assumed—of the prisoner, that I am the nobleman alluded to by the gentleman,' [Lord Delawarr's family-name is West,] I take this the earliest opportunity of declaring, that the whole of the statement re- specting the family connexions of the prisoner, as far at least as I am concerned, is a gross fabrication. I never heard of the existence of such a person as the Reverend James West, until I read the charge against him in the newspaper."

Mr. Vickery, a solicitor, the " gentleman" who vouched for West's high con- nexions and great distress at thePolice-office last week, attended before the Ma- gistrate on Wedneeley, to announce that he had been completely duped by the reverend offender. West had represented himself to Mr. Vickery as the nephew of Lord Delawarr; had written notes to that nobleman in his presenc; beginning " My dear uncle"; and had ordered a Mr. Holder to execute the arms of his " uncle" in stained glass, for presentation to the Lord Chamberlain. So con- vinced of the man's respectability had the solicitor been, that he had actually got discounted for him a bill for 401. which he had himself to take up. An officer of the Mend/city Society averred that West was a notorious begging-letter im- peder. He had also been convicted in June last of illegally pawning. 111r. Vickery declared, however, that he was perfectly satisfied the father and brother of the prisoner were respectable persons; he had in his hand a letter from his mother, declining to do anything for him; and stating that for some considerable time his father and brother had ceased even to open his letters to them. He much regretted the erroneous statement he had innocently uttered last week. The Magistrate expressed himself satisfied with Mr. Vickery's expla- nation.

It is supposed that the writer of the anonymous letters conveying threats or poison to various persons in the parish of St. George's has been detected: Kellerby, a painter's apprentice, seventeen years of age, has been charged' at Southwark Police-office as the writer. He lives opposite to one of the persons who have been annoyed, and his handwriting resembles that of the letters. He was remanded for the production of farther evidence.

An unfortunate quarrel occurred in Hounslow Barracks on Sunday night Con- tradictory accounts of the matter have appeared, and the mystery in which it is wrapped seems to have been intentionaL This is one version of the affair. Near midnight, during an entertainment given to the officers of the Fourth Regiment of Light Dragoons, by Lieutenant-Colonel Masters, to celebrate his recent pm motion, some words arose between Lieutenant Kaman and another officer; and Lieutenant Kerwan left the room in a great passion, declaring that he would cross swords with the officer who had offended him. Quartermaster Tarleton fol- lowed him to his room, and endeavoured to prevent his leaving it with a drawn sword in his hand; and by some means the Quartermaster was stabbed. Lieu. tenant' Kerwan was much intoxicated at the time, and had, during some wrest- ling which took place after dinner' been thrown twice with great violence on his head. Another account says that the disaster happened while the two officers were fencing together. Lieutenant Kerwan, however, has been committed, by the Magistrates sitting in Petty Sessions at New Brentford, to Tothillfields prison, until the fate of Quartermaster Tarleton can be ascertained. The proceedings before the Magistrates are said to have been huddled through with great rapidity. The wound inflicted on Mr. Tarleton seems to have been a serious one.

It is said that the dispute originated in a difference between Lieutenant Ker- wan and Captain Fane. One rumour is that when Mr. Kerwan found that Mr. Tarleton would not allow him to leave his apartment with the naked sword in his hand, he shut the door, and, pointing to another sword which was hanging up in the room, told him to defend himself; but, before Mr. Tarleton could do so, he was wounded by the Lieutenant. Quartermaster Tarleton is a married man, with three children.

A person named Hill has been placed in custody, and committed for trial, on a Coroner's warrant, for the murder of an infant in Air Street, Hatton Garden. This man married a 'young woman a few weeks after she had given birth to an illegitimate child: he promised to be kind to it, but was constantly ill-using both mother and infant. The other day, on the woman's returning home after a short absence, she found the child dying: there was a large lump on the head; and the prisoner had been left alone with the baby, which was quite well when the mother went out

The arrival of the Liverpool mail for London was delayed on Saturday morning by an accident to a down luggage-train on the Birmingham Railway. That train left Camden Town at the usual hour. On arriving within about a mile and a half of the Harrow station, the engine-driver was astonished to find his a greatly increase; on looking round he discovered that part of the train had become detached, and that he was only proceeding with half the number of car- riages he had set out with. He instantly shut off the steam and put down his break; and the result was, that the detached portion of the train, which still had great impetus on it, ran into the waggons preceding with sufficient violence to throw them over on to the up-line. It occupied an hour to dear the line.

A man was killed on the Croydon Railway, near New Cross, on Tuesday, by attempting to get upon an engine while it was in motion: he slipped down, and the engine passed over both legs. He died in a few hours.

The Board of Ordnance have granted a pension of 50/. a year to the daughter of Mr. John Crake, the late rocket-master, who was for upwards of half a century employed at the Woolwich Arsenal, and who lost his life by the explosion in the Laboratory department. A pension of 12s. a week has also been granted to each of the widows and orphans of the other men who were killed. This, with the liberal subscription going on, will place the unfortunate families in compa- rative independence for life.