WE publish the following synopsis of the instructions given to the Royal Commission now inquiring into the condition of the Mercantile Marine of the United Kingdom, the same being given under Her Majesty's sign manual:— VICTORIA E. * * * * WHEREAS—We have deemed it expedient for divers good causes and considerations that a Com- mission should forthwith issue to make Inquiry with regard to the alleged unseaworthiness of British Registered Ships;—whether arising from overloading, deck-loading, defective construction, form, equipment, machinery, age, or improper stowage; and also to Inquire into the present system of Marine Insurance, the state of the Law as to the liability of Shipowners for injury to those whom they employ; and the alleged practice of under manning ships; and also to suggest any amendments in the Law which might remedy or lessen such evils as may be found to have arisen from the matters aforesaid.

* * * * And for the better enabling you to carry our royal intentions into effect. We do by these royal presents authorize and empower you, or any five or more of you, to call before you, or any five or more of you, such persons as you may judge necessary by whom you may be the better in- formed of the matters herein submitted for your consideration, and every matter connected there- with, and to inquire of, and concerning the pre- mises, by all other lawful ways and means what- soever. And also to call for, and examine all such books, documents, papers, or records as you shall judge likely to afford you the fullest information on the subject of this, Our Commission, and to inquire of, and concerning the premises, by all other lawful ways and means whatsoever.

And we do further, by these presents, authorize and empower you, or any five or more of you, to visit and personally inspect such places in our United Kingdom as you may deem expedient for the more effectual carrying out of the purposes aforesaid, and to employ such persons as you may think fit to assist you in conducting any inquiry which you may hold. And we hereby command all, and singular, the justices of the peace, sheriffs, mayors, bailiffs, constables, officers, ministers, and all our loving subjects whatsoever, as well within liberties as without, that they may be as-sistant to you, and each'of you, in the execution of these presents.

And our further will and pleasure is, that you, or any five or more of you, do first report to us under your hands and seals (with as little delay as may be consistent with a due discharge of the duties hereby imposed upon you), with regard to overloading, and in the next place that you, or any five or more of you, do in the like manner report to us with regard to the unseaworthiness of ships, arising from deck-loading, defective con- struction, form, equipment, machinery, age, or improper stowage.

And, lastly, in the like manner, you, or any five or more of you, do report to us upon the other matters referred to you as aforesaid, and that you may have power to certify unto us from time to time your several proceedings in respect of any of the matters aforesaid, if it may seem expedient for you so to do.

And we do further will and command, and by these presents ordain, that this, our Commission, shall continue in full force and virtue, and that you, our said Commissioners, or any five or more of you, shall, and may, from time to time, proceed in the execution thereof, and of every matter and thing therein contained, although the same be not continued from time to time by adjournment.

* * * ' * Given at our Court at St. James's, the 29th day of March, 1873, in the Thirty-sixth year of our Reign. By our Command.

(Signed) H. A. BRUCE.