The Sun. — London, England, 1846-03-28 00:00:00

IA I LIVAY C(JM 311TTEEs. (YESTERDAY.) HOUSE OF LORDS, • Committee Wo. 5. The Committee met this morning, Lord Selkirk eliaiimau. IRISH GREAT WESTERTZ-2VIIDLAND OR:g.IAT WESTERN. Lord Seututx said the Connnittee had decided on reporting to the Mouse that Bills should be passed for the construction of a line Qom Portarlington to Galway, and a line from Mnllingar to Athbne, strongly recommending a junction of the two lines at Athlone. Sergeant WRANGUAN, on the part of the Mullingar Company, re • quested their Lordship's to introduce clauses into both Bills which would secnre the junction they had recommended. Mr. TALBo'r opposed this, if it meant a fusion of the two Com panies; but if it had no other object than to secure the laying down of rails between the two lines he had no business to interfere with the wishes of the ether Company ; he would, however, Wed to being compelled to come to Parliament next session, merely be cause the other, Company wished to construct that junction. Sergeant WaaxonAn said he would submit such a clause as would secure the objects of the Committee in the course of the day. THE "TIMES" RHPORT. Sergeant WRANCILIM then said he felt it necessary to observe before their Lordships, on the inaccuracy of a report of yesterday's pro ceedings in that Committee, by which a Member of the • other Ironic of Parliament felt his character was seriously affected. Their Lordships would recollect that Mr. Blakeney, a solicitor, was examined ,yesterday, and that some of his statements referred to Mr. Blake, M.P. In reference to that, the Times' report had the following paragraph :--- "An important fact came out on the cress-examniation of Mr. Illakeney, a solicitor, who gave strong evidence in support of the Mullingar lin2. Ile said that his name was down for 100,0001. to the deed, but he had not a share in the line, and he merely acted as the agent of Mr. Blake, M.P. for Galway. It was proved yesterday, with a reference to this part of the case, that Mr. Watson was down as a subscriber for 10,0001., and had not paid any deposit money." sow, the facts which came before their Lordships yesterday were these —that Mr. Blake bad sent to his solicitor, Mr. Blakeney, to purehase 10,0001. worth of shares in the Mullingar line, and sent the money ; but Mr. Watson's case, which was very different, was pat by the reporter of the Times In such apposition with Mr. Blake's as to imply a very serious Imputation on his character, and that Ile had been speculating to the amount of 100,0001. It was enough for him (Sergeant Wraugham) to observe upon the mistake 'before their Lordships. Lord SETAIRX said the Committee he the most distinct recollection of the facts put in evidence yesterday, which were as the Learned Sergeant had represented them; but ha (Lord Selkirk) could not wonder at errors being made by the reporters when such a noise was created in the room. his Lordship ought to tave, added "especially as no accommoda tion whatever had been provided for the public press." In fact, the reporter must stand, and stand in a crowd of impatient clients, huddled and jostled about so as to be effectually prevented from writing while the evidence is being given. If he repo rt it must be from memory, and to do that with perfect accuracy, In the case of details, is next to impossible. The Committee adjourned till a late hour in the day, that counsel might have an opportunity of consulting on certain clauses in both Bills, which will then be read and passed, with a view to their being reported to the House to-eight. No. 9 Room. This Committee commenced its sittinge this morning at the cus tomary hour. THE DUBLIN, DOWN, AND CALLANDRA RAILWAY, rITIE INVERNESS AND ELGIN RAILWAY, THE SURREY GRAND JUNCTION RAILWAY, and THE SCOTTISH SOUTHERN TERMINAL RAILWAY, were allowed to Joe proceeded with. The Committee on Tam DUBLIN AND ENNISMILLEN. met to-day in the Rolls' Court The promoters of the Irish North Mi.lland Railway, as a com peting company, opposed the Bill. Mr. Sergeant 3ltaenv appeared for the promoters of the Bill, and briefly stated their case, from which it appeared that the line would be strictly a line frem the city of Dublin to Enniskillen. If their Lordships would look to the map they would find that the line started at Collinsillegis, that it would afford railway accommodation to the important town of Navan, which fact lie submitted was a most prominet feature of recommendation in behalf of this line, in preference to the scheme of the competing companies. It would also connect the town of Trim with the county town of Meath. It'then proceeded to the town or Kells, and went on to a town called lir ginia, and thence to Cavell, till it joined the line of the Dundalk and Enniskillen Railway Company, and front Newry it proceeded 10 the town of Enniskillen. The line of the Irish North Midland COM panics on the other hand started at Kilcock, 22 miles from Dublin, being the point where the Mullinger line started. It then proceeded to the town of Trim, and from. Trim to the town of Kells. It then ran to Virginia, and thence to Cavan. It then deflected a little to the west, and - crossed (as he understood) the waters of Lough Erne three times, until it reached a juncticn with the Newry and Enniskillen Railway, and so proceeded to Enniskillen. Their Lordships would, therefore, see by the frame of the map that the line of this Company was far more direct than the project of the Irish North Midland Company. She Met of there being two compet I g lines showed that some one line was necessary. lie would, there fore, call their Lordships' attention to the prominent feature it) be half of this Company— vlz., that of there being a line of railway already from Dublin to Drogheda, which was thirty .two miles in length, and had been in operation for the last two years. A Bill had been obtained for the purpose of enabling the directors of thst line to continue it so as to connect the important bays of Newry, Dmidalk, and Carlingford. fie was ex ceedingly glad that their Lordships had so far agreed with him as to reject upon discussion the petitions which came from those dif ferent lines which were presented to their Lordships that day; and he also rejoiced at the contest which had taken place between him self and his learned friends, because it nabied him to show their Lordships the animus in which the contest on behalf of the opposing schema was to be carried on. The promoters of the line were about to carry out that kincipte of forming a great central trunk of railway for the north of Ireland, a principle that had an much received the sanction of the Legislature during the last session. He would ask their Lordships whether they could not infer, from the petitions that lay before them against this line, that the ground of the opposition was merely to annoy this Company ? And lie would ask their Lord ships, whether it was not • fair to infer that, even if the Le gislature sanctioned the scheme of the opponents, they would not fail to make their proposed line ? Judging from the nature of the petitions and statements of the North Midland Company, he should say that it would be incompatible with the in terests of the north of Ireland to grant them power to construct their line. The promoters of this Bill proposed to give a direct communi cation to the town of Navan with the City ofDublin, whilst the line of the opponents would be a most circuitous one—being in fact about eleven miles longer than that 'of this Company. They 'also proposed to give a direct communication between all the, important towns of-the north of Ireland. - They had no . engineering difficulties of any extent— they had only a small tunnel - near the town of Cavan ; their gradients were most favourable, in point of fact their deepest grailient was I in 104, and their sharpest curve was 2 furlongs and 2 chains, which. their Lordships would see was by no means a sharp curve. Mr. Winter, a magistrate of the counties of Cavan and Meath, was then called in support of the promoters' case, and stated that the feelings of the inhabitant, of these districts were universally in faveur of the Dublin and Enniskillen, inlireferencO to the project of the Irish North Midland Company. Ile' believed that it would give ample accommodation for the traffic, and passengers having business between Dublin and Enniskillsn.• ' _ _ Mr. John Clayton Morris was next called, and stated that he was a poor-law valuator far the district of Cavan, having superintendence in that respect over 210,000 acres. A vast number a coashea plied between Cavan. and Dublin, and this "line would afford railway ac cenuriodatiod to the counties of Derry, Tyrone, Donnegal, West ;Meath; Cavan, Fermanagh, and Meath, as well as more direct com munication between other districts and the city of Dublin. This Ens *as far more preferable than the competing scheme. -Mr..J..C. Morris, cross-examined by Mr. Bons—The grand jury of Meaih preferred this line to that of the North Midland Company, because it would pass through the heart of that country. This line woukl accommodate 580,000 people. I see the name of Donnybrook included in the list of parishes which it is said this line will accom modate.- Whydo you include it ?—Because there's a great fair there. Yes fcr who has not • heard of Donnybrook fair, but they cannot derive much traffic from that source?—There is a great many horse 7 dealers who attend the fair. What side of Dublin is Donny brook on ?—On the south-east side. And on what side is Clonullagh, the proposed terminus of this railway ?—On the not th-side.—(Laugh ter.) He did not think that Tyrcne was a grazing county. Some of the parishes included in the list were much more distant than five miles front the line. It was not a general rule In Ir . eland that, the produce was sent to the nearest port. The traffic which was carried trout the north of Ireland to Dublin was very great, and would include more than agricultural produce. - • Mr. Joseph Hill was next called on behalf of the promoters. Had been employedify the Poor-law Comniissioners in Ireland as valuator. Was n ell acquainted with the district - through which this line would pass, and believed that it would afford the best communication to the district. Mr. Barnes, a magistrate of the county of Meath, was of opinion that there would not be as much traffic and passengers on the line through which-the North Nidland . would pass" as on that of this Company. •Droglieda,' through which this Company's line would Pass, was an export tovin.to the county of Meath. - • Atter sothe further evidence' In favour of.the line In preference to the opposing scheme, . „ Mr. ALENANDER; Q.C.: on the part of the opposition, applied to their .I.Onithips to have the case • adjoufncd 'until Monday, on the ground that the opponents wished to consult their engineer, and that :Saturday uns the only day on which he was disengaged. If their Lordships decided to proceed with the case to-morrow, it would be a great inconvenience to the North Midland Company. The- CHAIRMAN said that their Lord,hips would have preferred sitting to-morrow, because on Tuesday they were afraid that they would 'lot he able to sit. It was ultimately agreed that the Committee should stand *ad journed until Monday. Mr. John Farrell, another magistrate for the county of Meath, atated that he was possessed cf considerable property near hells, and was well acquainted with Meath. The amount of cattle produced there was very great, and the owners preferred sending them to Dublin for sale and exportation. Seven was a very important town' and as this line passed through it (which the North Midland did no:s he should much prefer it to the opposing scheme. Cross-mtmined—This line would be more advantageous to the people of Trim and Athboy than the opposing line, beeause it WAS Lore direct. Cros3-exarnined by Mr. ALCAPHY (of the Irish bar), who appeared oil behslf of the Belfast Junction Extension Railway Company, who r::tdaplate forming a branch from their main line, which should t!amteet Navatt and Bells, and there join the North Midland. If their Lordships sanction the• Belfast Junction bratich.to ;Cells, would not that afford the" most direct: connection by railway with your nearest port,"viz., Drogheda?—Certainly it would. `_Jr. Lambert Disney, a steward of Lord Farnham's estate, near Athboy, Was next examined in favour of the Dublin and Enniskil len line, which he considered by far the more preferable project. He should oppose the line of the North Midland, inasmuch as it would pass through the estate of Lord Farnham, and compel him to change his residence. The county through which this line would pass was a very important and commercial tract of country. Cross-exaMined—Did not know that there was any particular traffic between Athboy and Dunshoughlan, but he believed that it was only to justify the formation of a branch from the main line of this com pany. He had never sent any cattle to Drogheda. He was more particularly acquainted with the county of Meath, and as regarded that county, he was certain that this line would be more advantage ous to the public than the opposing seems. The evidence of this witness having been concluded, the Committee adjourned until Monday. Their Lordships' Committee on the Dublin, Waterford, Wexford, Wicklow, Sandymount, Enniskerry, and Carlow lines and branches met to-day, at eleven o'clock. Present, Lord Auckland, Chairman ; Lord Kinnaird, Lord Sydney, Lord Rossie, and Lord Colville, The expected business of this morniug was to go into the case of Lord Palmerston in opposition to the Waterford and Dublin line. lint It was understood, that his Lordship's opposition was withdrawn. The opposition of Mr. Reid, witich was to be entertained on Mon. day, has (it is understood) been also withdrawn. The preambles of all the Bills were proved, and their Lordships adjourned to eleven o'clock on Monday. 110I.TEM= OF COMM ONS. , GROUP ix. This Committe,e met to-day at twelve o'clock, Lord Worsley in the chair. All the Members of the Committee present. WEST OP SCOTLAND JUNCTXOI7. Mr. Miller, civil engineer, called, and cross-examinedi in continua tion from yesterday. He had an alternatve for c: t Mang the Clyde, if the Admiralty objected to the crossing r., below the present bridge. It was to crises the bridg at an elevation above the footpath, so as not to interfe with _the bridge the general traffic of the bridge. The e e.,, ler tr s a of were quite strong enough to bear the eight, as it was ono of the best structures in Scotland. This alteration would make the crossings of the streets worse, and interferemaol with the street traffic than the other plan. The streets would have to be crossed more in the skew, and the spans would be almost Impracticable in two instances, being 220 feet each. In the tunnel north ofßlythswood Holm there was a gradient of one in ninety, with a curve of thirteen chains radius. The junction with the main tine was to he in tumid, with a gradient of forty-two on the latter. He was satisfied the estimates were quite ample enough. The witness was cross-examined by .111 r. Foasi - nr, on the part of the Glasgow and Greenock Railway, with the object of showing that the Southern portion of the scheme wou'd take away the Greenock line passenger station and the goods depot, and would interfere with the proper working of the'r line. Witness admitted that a portion of tie passenger elation would be gone through and the goods depot touched, but he did not apprehend any inconvenience ; and new acconnnodation would be provided, without much interference with the ordinary traffic. Mr. Sergeant llELLasis briefly cross-examined the witness with the purpose of showing that one of the alternative branches would Interfere at a crossing with the Barrhead and . , Nellston Direct Railway. Mr. Wiesos, irenmaster of Dandyvan, near Glasgow , was next called hi, end was undergoing examination as to the great advan tage the proi:osed junction would confer on the trade of the stir roundiag district, when The CHAIRMAN interfered. He said he hail sent to the Admiralty for Captain Washington, one of the Tidal Harbour Commissioners, to be examined as to the crossing • of the Clyde ; and as that gentleman had arrived, it would be convenient to take his evidence at once. Captain Washington was then examined, and said his attention had been called to the Harbour of Glasgow last year. He gave evi dence then against the proposed crossing of the Clyde, but be had not attended to the present plan. (The plan was here produced and placed before the witness.] Looking at the plan he considered it a ~.1c de l the plan of last year, still he objected to it. rievrOtild.ottititttrferewith the harbour, and rather than the smallest . /;.;1121r - 11011 e tiletklai?e red to the navigation, he would prefer that A r9\ t -:'. -: , e - --.. 1---,: ee':'''' ;' ',I t! a; r- teiri—)Al.-, r . - ....,-4 , - q - -- '-' ~,,„,.,-, ~_ 1,- :PA a 5 the present bridge Le pulled down, and one of two or three spans built in its stead. He would also prefer that it should be built further up the river. • A letter from the Admiralty was here produced, to the effect that the Admiralty would not Interfere with the present plans, but leave the matter to the Committee. Captain Washington, in continuation, said he believed the Admi ralty would not put a veto on the plan, but submit the whole matter to the discretion of the Committee ; still he was certain if the subject was left entirely to theta they would decide against the proposed plan. At the close of the examination the room was cleared. On our return,' The CHAIRMAN said there was one point on which the Committee required special engineering evidence. It was about the proposed junction in the tunnel on the north side of the line. Unless the pre sent impression was removed about the danger of that junction, there would be little use in occupying time with the other parts of the case. Mr. Sergeant ANDREWS said they would be prepared with evidence on that point on Monday morning. The Committee then adjourned till Monday at twelve o'clock. GROUP XI I. GLASGOW AND WEST Or SCOTLAND DISTRICT. The Committee sat at twelve o'clock, in the Court of Common Pleas. Mr. V. Smith chairman. GLASGOW, ILIL ARNOC3Z, AND lIISDROS SAN. Mr. Neil Robson, C.E., cross-examined by Mr. TALBOT, Q.C.— The steepest gradient was 1 in 75, the sharpest curve six furlongs. He had had nothing to do with the Glasgow and Belfast Union, although his name was in the prospeCtes. He proposed to have an assistant power on the gradient of 1 in 75 when the weight of train required it. The Glasgow and Ayr line had more favourable gra dients and curves. The witness was then examined as to the com parative lengths of the Glasgow aed Ayr, and the Glasgow, Kil marnock, and Ardrossan Railways from different points of the dis trict. The result was in favour of the line under consideration. Mr. Errington, civil engineer, thought the line to Kilmaresick judiciously laid out. The gradient of lin 75 was not now an objec tienable one. He considered that it would be a public advantage if some portion of the traffic on the Glasgow and Ayr lines were re moved, as they at present inadequately accommodated the public. Cross-examined by Mr. TALBOT—If a gradient of lin 75 could be avoided it would be advisable to do so. Mr. T. T. Mitchell proved that minerals were taken on much steeper gradients than on this lino! or the . Slamanaan Railway, at the rate of from 15 to 20 miles an hour. Mr. Ferguson corroborated the evidence of Mr. Williamson as to the value of the minerals in the districts. Mr. TALBOT then addressed the Committee against the project. He contended that no necessity had been shown for the construction of thisline. It had been proved to the satisfaction, he trusted, of the Committee, that they had done full justice to the public since the period when they had received their powers from Parliament. They had done more than was required- from them, for they encouraged and constructed branches as much with the view of accommodating the country as of protecting themselves. They presented a most favourable parallel to the London and Birmingham and other rail ways, inasmuch as they gave the same advantages to the poor as to toe rich, running third-class. trains at the same speed as the first and second classes. They were willing still further to construct branches where a necessity could be shown for such ; and, in fact, the Committee would find that they had had a Bill be fore Parliament to accommodate this vemcountry, but unfortunately the non -fulfilment of some technicality hdd thrown it out before the Standing Orders' Committee. But were they to pass this scheme be • cause it was the only one before them, when they were told that a better lino would be brought forward in the next session. He trusted the Committee would defer any decision until they had these lines toge ther. The Learned Counsel then adverted to what were, he con tended, radical errors in the schemes. This schema was to be leased to the Greenock Company, and it was in contemplation to amalga mate the Company with the Caledonian. He hoped the Committee would hesitate before they by any sanction of theirs encouraged a system which could not be otherwise than injurious to the interests of the public. s, The Committee then decided that the preamble of the Bill, TIE GLASGOW, PAISLEY, IEILZYIA.I3,I7OCIE, AND AVM (No. 3—W3E711 DEA.NCITE3 TO LAMPXTS AND IZESIVIAHAGOW), was proved, as also THE GLIISGOW, XXLINZARNOCIE, AND ARDROSSIIN. The Committee Intimated that when the clauses of the latter Bill came to be considered the one which referred to the purchase of the harbour would require to be amended. The clauses of the first named Bill were then agreed to, and the Committee adjourned. GROUP XIV. NORTH 7LENT. The Committee met at twelve o'clock. Mr. BACON, who appeared in support ofa petition presented stains the proposed line by Mr. Hyde, a :landowner residing at„Feversham, called Mr. Wilkes, who "proved the damage that would be done to Mr. Hyde's property. The line would cut off communication from the game preserves, and would also be seen from the house. By Sir W. RIDDEL—Brows the course of the South-Eastern line. That would also affect Mr. Hyde's property, and could be seen from the house. The Learned Counsel having briefly addressed the Committee, Mr. SELWYN proceeded to make some observations in support of a petition presented against the line by Mr. Morhy. He stated that the uetitioner possessed about twelve acres of land at Hatcham. He had invested the whole savings of an industrious life in the purchase of this land, in the hope that by its gradual improvement it would be a provision for himself in his declining years, and also for his large faintly, nearly all of whom, from imbecility of mind, were unable to support themselves. The line would so affect that land, and also all the land in the ricleity, - that it would be a matter of impossibility to let it. Mr. Sergeant WRANGIIAM, on the part of the promoters, said that the present case came upon them rather unexpectedly ; but he was quite ready to agree that the land should be surveyed by any re respectable party, and that without a mere reference to the value of the land, but having regard to the whole of it as a good property, the company should pay• its full value. • • Some discussion then ensued as to whether the whole question 'should be lefeto - the consideration of an arbitrator, Mr. Selwyn de cidod ou proceeding with the case, and called , Mr. Drew, a solicitor, who stated that he was well acquainted with Mr. Morby's p -erty. Advised Mr. Morby to purchase It, as he considered it a most eligible investment. The land is building land. Mr. Minty has had a very large offer for half of the land, but has refused it. The passage of the line on an embankment through the property would be destruction to it. By Mr. Sent. WRANGIUM—The property has not at present any frontage on the road, but a road will be formed by it. His client gave 2,4001. for the land. At the time he purchased it he was the holder et a very baneffcial lease, which would have cost the land lord 7001. or 8001. to have got up. The proposed embankment would reduce the property to one-third of its present value. The effect of the Greenwich sRailway at Bermondsey has been to depreciate the value of the property at the end of Bermondsey-street to ene ball. Re-examined Under any etrcutiostances the line would be an Injury to the property. • • . .Mr. Porter, an architect and surveyor—The land belonging to Mr. Morby is good building land. It is surrounded with roads, and wit ness knows that ,buildings are rafddly increasing in the neighbour hood. The rail Way• would entirely unfit the land for the purpose for which it is intended—viz., for building villas. .• . Mr. Irwin, a surveyor, stated that be is engaged in connexion with the estates adjoining Mr. Morby's land. It is very desirable build ing ground. A railway passing through the laud would destroy its value. By Mr. Sergeant WRANGITAII—There would be a loss to the pro prietor, but that less might be estimated and compensated in money. In the absence of Mr. Austin, he preceecled to address the Com mittee in support of a petition against the proposed line by Messrs, Hall, the proprietors of the gunpowder-mills in Favers ham. He called Mr. Colter, an assistant to a surveyor in Canterbury, who proved the accuracy of the plan of the mills, and the course of the intended line. Mr. William Hart, a superintendent and manager of the business of Messrs. Hall—The mills originally belonged to Government, but Were purchased in 1823 by Messrs. Hall. The mills existed in. the time of Queen Elizabeth. The business is very large, and the average sale is about 500 barrels of powder per week. Is in the 11:.bit of contracting with Government. Within the last fortnight Messrs. Hall have contracted to supply 2,340 barrels of powder. By Mr. Sergeant Wit ANGIIAM—Cannot explain the process as carried on in the different mills. Mr. Wm. Monks, foreman to Messrs. Hall, stated that he had been employed 24 hours. The materials for the powder are prepared in the saltpetre refinery, and are then taken to the other mills. There are six pairs of runners, or millstones at the Osprich Mills, and in the other mills the number varies .from two to ten pair. Af ter the t runner is turned round once or twice on the materials, they are called " mill cake," and is stronger than when It is in a manufactured , state. A two ounce charge of "mill cake" will send a 68-pound ball 20 feet farther than a 2 oz charge of the manufactured powder.. The contents of a barrel is 100Ibs., and there are "charge houses" In all the mills. The charge house of the Osprich Mills contains from 30 to 40 barrels of powder. The mills are 185 yards from the line. - The mills are built of slight materials, tomitigate.as much as possible the effect of any explosion. but the charge houses - are built of very thick masonry, and In ease of an explosion; it would be very violent. Great precautions are taken to avoid accidents. The men enter the mill with list shoes. The, powder is very volatile, and the.roofs of the mills are covered With powder dust,.as also the trees round it. - A force pump is kept at each mill to irash'of that powder: The contents of the magazines are removed by water.. The "Ore Creek" comes close up to the mill. Ity Mr. Sergeant Witallouim —The powder, when in the state called the " green charge," Is as explosive as the manufactured powder. The magazines are built much stronge- than the mills, in order to keep the powder safe. There Is a 9:.eam-engine at work near the Osprich Mills. It II about 15 yards distant, with its boiler, chimney, and furnace. Mr. Hall resides in a cottage about 60 yards front the mills. There is also a gas factory within CO yards of the mills. There is a steam-engine on the premises called the Bennett Mills, which contain from 50 to 70 barrels of powder in the charge house. One of the charge houses abuts on the public road, but the walls of it are built very thick near the road, and very thin on the inside, so 'as to direct the explosion away from the public. Explosions have taken place in nearly every mill, bat no explosion has extended its influence to the distance of 109 yards. At a distance of 50 yards windows have been broken, but that is the extreme distance at which he has known damage to be done. The end 9f the mill facing the magazine or Charge house is made strong, and no explosion has hitherto reached the powder contained in it. About 40 lbs. of powder are placed under the runners at a time. Captain Tulloch, of the Royal Artillery, stated that he is super intendent of the Government powder mills at Waltham Abbey. The green charge is very explosive, but the mill cake is much more so. In 1843 au explosion occurred,which destroyed a counting-house 216 yards distant from the ignited powder. 31r. AUSTIN was proceeding to cross-examine this witness, when The announcement was made that the Speaker was at prayers, and Committee adjourned until twelve o'clock on Monday. GROUP XTI. ZPSOM BRANCIL The Committee, including every member as usual, Sir C. Douglas, chairman, Lord Pollingtos, Mr. Lockhart, the Hon. 0. Duncembo, and Mr. Blewitt, assembled at twelve o'clock to-day, when Mr. Stovin, manager of the traffic en the South-Western line was eal!ed to show the traffic, and stated that the returns expected to be derived would be 8,314e1., which, less 40 per cent. for working ex penses, would leave a roust estimate of profit of 5,0001. a-year on the branch. On the cross-examination by Mr. ALEXANDZZ, nothing was elicited to shake the testimony of this witness in this point. On re-examination by Mr. HILDYARD, Mr. Stovin could not affirm that the number of passengers between Croydon and Epsom was 572,663, but it was a large figure, and certainly more than he con sidered to be the passenger traffic between the latter place and London. John Blewltt, a witness, replied that the charge of ”id. per mile was a high one, but Mr. Illidyard, Q.C., showed that the charge was of course in the power of the Company. Mr. Locke, the engineer, stated, on the examination of Mr. Mu., Q. C., that the line began at the 7th milestone of the South-W;stern main line, went through Malden and Ewell, and thence to Epsom. At these places and at both the termini there would.be stations ; but the Company would be quite ready to put stations wherever they were required by the wishes or convenience of the inhabitants. The Epsom station would be 12 miles from Vauxhall and 14U from Waterloo, bridge. The Company had a Bill before Parliament for an extension to London-bridge, which would make the distance to that station something more than 15 miles. Be was not a farmer, hut he was led to believe that this railway, which passed through au agricultufal district, would be certainly instrumental in improving the quality of the land. The direction of the railway would be extremely useful to the public, who could not be served by: the South-Western Railway, and as the Company intended to have a station at Battersea, there would be a great con venience to those who resided about the terminus of the Great Western line. As it was intended to have another station for the west, there would be the accommodation previously alluded to with the Birmingham district. In his belief the advantages offered by this branch to the carriage of live stock and minerals, were far superior in the facilities of the termini. Other advantages were also offered in the easiness of the gradients, the shortness of the line, and the rapidity of the transit.—[Mr. Locke here put in a comparative sec tion of both lines.] The estimate for the works was 90,0001., which included a surplusage for contingencies of 11,3001. That was for a double lino of rail. The smallest radius was thirty-six chains, one being at each end of the line, the rent being nearly stitertll respect lat to minerals , Then , erks might be completed within twelve months, and would pled ,r ge us l i i n is g p e r v o e.s f i es . sional reputation on keeping his promise. w 0 he was convinced that, generally speaking, t a b ss e t y ir c ed ould art not be con ve y e d b y the atmospheric appliance, and he felt atmospheric apparatus nevee r n e. de i t l iv c o o u m r p t e o te g w et it a h t lo t c h o e m t o ni th t . b e , s, th h a i t the pression being that the interest the est expenseol the drato locoomutioatlyvefoporwanera.tmThoast pheric railway would pay was his impression from the first, and he had seen no reason to change the opinion ; on the contrary, he was more confirmed in it. The annual expense of locomotive power was 10d. a mile, which was a gradual reduction of Id. per mile. Two years ago it was Is., alio in mineral districts the expense of locomotive power was as low as Bd. After SOME interruption from Mr. ALEXANDEL who conceived that the examination was here out of the rules of evidence, it was decided that Mr. Locke should proceed. On further question, the witness proceeded to say that, from the teetiaiony of a person who ha d been sent to the Croydon lin e , and from whose information he borrowed, that for wages and fuel alone, ted to 21. 104 per mile which was three times that of the loco on the 5 miles now in operation on the atmospheric principle, the cost motive power. or any other of the incidental expense s. amoan This included nothing for leakage , gre a s e, repairs, At this point the room was cleared, and on the re-admission of the public, Sir C. DOUGLAS stated that the Committee had decided that the principle of atmospheric traction should not be en tered into. To Mr. I,I,ExANDEa's cross-examination, Mr. L o cke replied, that the cost for land of 10,6721. WAS included in the gross estimate. At present the real estimate for the gross returns of the line was 10,4001., the working expenses 4,7001., leaving a profit of 6,0001.; the line was shorter and more direct than the line of 1844, and the in crease of the estimates of returns arose from the increase of traffic. Indeed so had the business opened that the facilities of the South- Western Company for the public were about to be very largely de veloped, so that there were to be four lines of rail laid down to Bungerford, and double accommodation was to be given to the junc tion with the Richmond branch at Battersea. To the CHAIRMAN—Mr. Locke replied, that he believed that if there were no other traffic than that of the race week alone it,would remu • nerate for the outlay required for the construction of the railway, and he thought it was a great hardship that the inhabitants of the district had not sooner had a western terminus. There were no engineering difficulties, tunnels, or other impediment whatever. Mr. Butcher, a surveyor at Ewell, and proprietor of brick-fields in that parish, testified to the non-interference of the line with orna mental property, and to the low value of the land. He made nearly a million of bricks, some of which he had attempted to send to London, but the cost was 11. a thousand, and the carriage beat him. On the railway he could transmit them for less than ss. a thousand, an advantage which he should be very glad to obtain, From his profession lie had much intercourse with the middle and hjgher classes, and he was convinced that their feelings were de cidedly in favour of the South-Western branch. Mr. Steel, a resident of Epsom, stated that there were about 12,000 sheep, 3,000 oxen, and a number of lambs, calves, and other stock which might be sent much mbre advantageously by this line than the other. The posting was also chiefly to the West•end. On the Derby day the namber of persons present on the race course were from 180,000 to 200,000, which were chiefly persons from the London side of the country. He had been to every respectable house in Epsom, and he could say that the feeling was almost unanimous in favour of this line. With respect to the petition against the line he had ascertained that fifty of the petitioners had signed this petition ; fifty had declined to sign, lest they should ap pear foolish, though anxious to do CO ; thirty were on the list of those excused on account of their poverty from paying rates ; fifty were lodgers, paying no rates at all ; and the remainder squatters on the common. All the magistrates had signed in favour of this line, and the only person of respectability who had signed the other was the vicar and Mr. Northey, who was lord of the manors both of Ewell and Cheam ; the latter of these gentlemen, however was decidedly in favour of the South-Western line. Mr. Mason, of the Spring Hotel, at Ewell, testified to the feelings of the jnhabitants, which he had gathered by going round with a petition. The reason why the vicar had not signed was, his having sold a considerable quantity of land to the Croydon Company, and he therefore thought that it would not look well to support their opponents. The petition from Ewell in favour of the Croydon line had been chiefly signed by persons occupying cottages of from 41. to 6/. a year rent. He had been a coach proprietor for the last seven years, and up to that time there were twenty-six coaches which passed his house, twenty of which went to the West-end. The witness spoke also to the value of the land and the feelings of the people. At this point the room was cleared. When the public were re-admitted, the CHAIRMAN declared that the Committee were of opinion that it was unnecessary to offer any opposition, as the preamble of the Bill had not been proved. FARNHAM AND ALTON DRANCH. On inquiry by the CHArRMAN as to whether the parties were ready to proceed, Mr. Goldszeid said he appeared on behalf of the Reigate and Reading Company, to oppose part of this scheme, and Mr. Wordsworth appeared on behalf of several landowners, also in oppo • sition to the line, of which the south-Western Company are the pro moters ; but it being suggested that the inquiry had better be adjourned until Monday, the Committee acceded. GROUP XIX. This Committees assembled this day at twelve o'clock ; present, Lord Harry Vane (chairman), the Earl of Marsh, the Hon. Frances Scott, Mr. David Morris, and Mr. Phillip Bennett. The further consideration of the proposed line of the EX.ETLE, AND EX: MOUTH was proceeded with. Mr. Rowe and Mr. COCKBURN appeared on the part of this Bill, who produced several witnesses, residents in Exeter, Exmouth, and Topsham, all of whom advecated the present line now under consideration, as it afforded more facility and ac commodation to ;the public than the opposite scheme. The principal objections they advanced against the rival Bill were—the passing the canal, and the stations they had selected, more parties arty the one at Topsham, on account of its being so far removed from the quay. Mr. Locke, engineer of the Exeter and Exmouth Railway, did not approve of the application of the atmospheric principle in crossing the canal, and considered that when an equally advantageous corn municatior ,ould be effected without, it ought to be selected in pre fererca. His estimate for the construction of this line was 100,0001. Mr. Winter had been on the Croydon Railway, in order to ascer tain the success of the atmospheric principle on that line. A long discussion ensued relative to the respective merits and advantages of the locomotive and atmospheric principles. This witness was still tinder examination, when at four o'clock the Committee adjourned till twelve o'clock on Monday next. GROUP XXI. LONDON AND ozronn. The Committee re-assembled this morning at the usual hour. The promoters proceeded to call evidence in support of the Bill. Mr. Grace; a large farmer at Wardrobe, and nine miles from Wy combe, on Lord Harry Vane's estate, spoke to the disadvantages under which he and others laboured on account of the expense of tran sit to Uxbridge market, and the want of direct communication to London and Oxford. On account of this expense he was compelled to sell his produce In the Wycombe and Aylesbury markets at consi derable disadvantoge, as Uxbridge was the best corn-market. The railway would greatly reduce the expense of carriage to and from London, would enhance the beech trade, improve the value of the property in the districts through whieh it would pass, and be of general advantage to the inhabitants. In his own case, he should save 7s. per acre ; others ss. per acre, or 25 percent. on their rents. Sends 400 head of cattle of all kinds to London, at consider able expense, and with great injury to the animals, which he should be able to avoid if the proposed railway were made. Mr. J, Guy, farmer, at Austin-Rowen, Northington, Oxfordshire, said he was a tenant of Sir ll:Lambert. That he was fourteen miles from the Great Western Railway, and that he had lost 1001. a year since its construction. Tile had to send to Henley-en-Thames, four teen miles distant, for manure. Neither the " spur" of the Great Western from Maidenhead to Wycombe, nor the Uxbridge branch, would be of much advantag3 to him. The proposed line would en able him to attend the London, Oxford, and Uxbridge markets more frequently than he now did; and, besides, it would increase the value of pre/Arty contiguous to it ss. per acre Mr. Wm. Hatton, farmer and carrier, in the parish of Ashton Rowell, 11 miles from High Wycombe, said he carried 700 or 800 tons of goods a year, which he should send by the line if it were made. The line to Wycombe proposed by the Great Western Company would be of no advantage to him as it would be 11 miles from his place of business and was indirect. The station of the London and Brighton offered advantages which the Great Western station did not possess because it was near Newgate and Smithfield markets. _ _ Mr. VENABLES, who appeared on behalf of the landowners who have petitioned against the line, inquired of the promoters of the line if they intended to proceed with the Southall branch ? Mr. CALVIERT said he was not in a position to say that they would not,proceed with this branch. He believed, however, that Parlia ment would adopt such a course as to preclude its construction, on account of the diversity of gauge. Mr. Payne, a farmer,' at Saunderton Lea, six miles from High Wycombe, spoke to the advantages which the line would confer on the inhabitants and trade of the districts through which it was de signed to pass. Mr. Simmonds, chemist and gas manufacturer, at Thame, stated that he used 115 tons of coals a year, which he had from Newcastle, for which he paid 15s. Bd. per ton in the pool. The cost of transits would be materially reduced if the line to Aylesbury were continued to Thame. Mr. Tiploci, a linen-draper at Thame, said he bought his woollen goods in London, as they got them better there. Thinks if they had a line from Thame to the north that they .hould still buy them In London. He now went four times to London yearly ; but if the line were made he should go twelve times in the same period. Mr. R. H. Cowland, carrier, Thame, said he now sent the goods he had to convey, at three tons a week, to Aylesbury, and so on to London by the London and Birmingham line, or by the same line to the nerth. A line from Thame to join the Aylesbury line would be very beneficial. Trade bad greatly fallen off in Thame, owing to the Great Western and Birmingham lines. Mr. I. Stone, also a carrier, ard Mr. PhiHipps, cattle-dealer, Thame, gave evidence in support of the line. Mr. TALBOT inquired if the promoters of the Bill intended to pro ceed with the short branch into Oxford, which is proposed to form a junction with the Great Western? Mr. HILDYARD said, as he stated in opening the case, the branches to the Great Western were proposed in order to obviate the difficulty in which they were placed by the report of the Gauge Commissioners. lle would answer the question of his Learned Friend if he would tell him whether the broad or narrow gauge would be adopted or not on all the lines in the Company. Mr. TALBOT said the question was one which the Prime Minister could not answer. It wa,% important that the question should be then decided, as the construction of the branches would affect the es timates. After a shOrt discussion, Mr. limnyaan undertook, at the request of the Committee, to re reply to the question, if possible, on Monday, The Committee then adjourned until that day. GROUP XXV. . The Select Committee apppointed to consider the merits of this group' re-assembled at the usual hour this morning, in the West minster sessions House, the Hen. M. Lascelles in the chair. HARWICH AND EASTERN UNION. . The business of this morning was commenced by Mr. AUSTIN opening the case on behalf of the promoters of.the Esate6 a Urien . rid Harwich Junction Railway. 6 It was clear, he said, rrom the fair and very creditable evidence of .Mr. , Braithtvaite, that, so far from shortening the distance between Harwich and the metropolis, the advantages of the two lines were about equal ; but between Har wich and Ipswich the Eastern Union line had a great advantage over its rival, in so far as it shortened the distance by six miles. It shortened, in fact, the present distance between Harwich and Ips wich, which was nineteen miles by six miles. It must be remembered too that formerly parties wishing to go from Ilarwich to the midland counties, and the centre of Eng land, had to go round by way of London, but this he hoped would never occur again ; indeed it could not, for there was a line in the course of construction from Ipswich to Bury St. Edmund's, which was now reported to be extended to Norwich and Cambridge, passing by way of Stowmarket and other important towns, and between all these places and llarwich the distance by the line lie was now advocating would be shortened by six miles. It was clear, therefore, that the Eastern Union line was upon broad merits the best of the two ; but some incl. dental opposition had been raised to it, by bringing forward some thing which had taken place with respect to the Admiralty. Now, lie wished to have this point cleared up. He would admit that the Admiralty could stop the construction of this portion of the the project; but the Committee ought to discard this consideration, and look at the two Bills and decide upon either upon its merits, as adduced by evidence. This was the course adopted last session in the case of the Great Western and South Wales Railway, which proposed to cross the Severn a little below Gloucester, by means of a bridge, planned by Mr. Brunel; but the Admiralty, who were extremely jealous of schemes which could be in any way supposed to obstruct the navigation of the Severn, objected to this bridge. The Committee, however, saw that the proposed line would be of great public advantage, and they determined upon reporting to the House in favour of this railway, including the project for the bridge ; but the Admiralty's objection was supported by the Government, and the consequence was that the Bill was ordered to be re committed. Accordingly the Bill was recommitted, and the Committee again reported in favour of the Bill, leaving out the bridge. It was afterwards sanctioned by the Legislature, and now the use was being made without the bridge. Now that was precisely the course which the present Committee ought to adopt. Let them report en the merits of the two Bills, and if they did so, he was sure they would decide in favour of the Eastern Union line. Now with regard to the matter of the Admiralty, ho contended that the Board of Admiralty had given no adverse deci sion in respect of the Eastern Union line, but he would admit that they had declined to receive a deputation from its promoters. But it was said that the Admiralty had sanctioned the rival line, aufa if they had, he could assure the Committee, that if such were the case, it must apply only to the pier at Harwich ; anti if the Com mittee would just look at the plan, they would see that Mr. Locke had so prepared them, that he could snake Mr. Braithwaite's pier within his own limits of deviation. But without wishing to impute anything improper to the Admiralty, he complained that if they had given any opinion at all in favour of the rival line they had arrived at that opinion through ex parte statements and ex parte information. It was just as if the judge had called in the plaintiff and the jury into a private room, and there decided the case in the absence of the defendant, and when the poor defendant applied for permission to urge his defence, instead of obtaining a hearing, the door was slammed in his fate. lie could not help thinking, therefore, that the Board of Ad miralty's opinion in favour of the rival line bad been obtained through the manoeuvring of the promoters ; indeed, the correspodence which had passed between the promoters and the Admiralty bore out this conclusion. The Committee, he trusted, would throw overboard this opinion, and decide upon the merits of the two Bills. If they did so, he was satisfied they could not do otherwise than pass the Eastern Union Bill, because the evidence preponderated in its favour. Evidence of a general character was then adduced in favour of the line. Witnesses from Manningtree, Ipswich, and liarwich, were called to prove that the Eastern Union line would offord more ac commodation to those towns than the Harwich and Eastern Counties Junction line. Mr. Ransom, an extensive ironmonger at Ipswich, who was well acquainted with the trade of the East Anglican districts, preferred the Eastern Union line, because while it gives a direct communi cation with the metropolis, it also shortened the distance between Harwich and Ipswich. At present, the steam-boat communication between those places was extremely uncertain. On cross-examinatiGn, the witness admitted that there was a project before the present Committee, known as the Stour Valley Railway, which would carry that traffic from the midland counties and the north, altogether away from Ipswich, but he thought it would be more advantageous to take the traffic through Ipswich. The Stour Valley line ran to Sudbury. The local authorities of Ipswich had laid out 120,0001. in the improvement of the port, and it was altogether a rival port with Harwich. The Committee adjourned, at four o'clock, until one o'clock on Monday. Sob Coromitto No. 2. This Committee assembled to-day at twelve o'clock ; present, Sir Sir J. Y. Buller (chairman), Mr. Kemble, and Mr. Walker. LEEDS AND THIRSK RAILWAY. The evidence which was mt forthcoming on Wednesday was pro dnced, and the Committee found that the standing orders were com plied with. BRITISH AND IRISH UNION RAILWAY. - - - The consideration of the allegations in the petition against this Bill was resumed. The following (among several other) allegations were admitted — namely, that there was an error in the Dumfries plan at one furlong ; that the furlongs were omitted from the same plan, as well as the furlengs on the Wigtown branch ; that the road 65 was omitted ; that the height and span of the arches at Stranraer were not marked, &c. The Petition then alleged that on the Gretna Extension braneh A public road was set forth on the plans as being 14 feet above the height, whereas on the sections the same was marked 13 feet. This allegation was sustained. An error in the cross sections was next alleged and sustained. Two allegation., the first that there was an omission of the cut ting at the 74th mile Ist furlong, and -the next, that there was a similar omission with respect to an embankment, were sustained. It was alleged that, on the 18th mile, No. 10, in the parish of Crossmichael, where the railway crossed the turnpike, there was an thaecuracy in the plan. Mr. Thompson, an assistant engineer, said that he had levelled the part of the line in question, and found an error on the plan of 12 feet 6 inches. Mr. White, :assistant engineer, corroborated the testimony of the preceding witness. Mr. Baker gave similar evidence. . _ The Committee found that this allegation was sustained. The next class of allegations had reference to discrepancies be tween the plans in the Private Bill-office and those deposited at Dumfries. Several allegations were abandoned, and some were admitted. The next class of allegations was to the effect that the lands, &0., on the line were not numbered on the plans. Some instances of the alleged omission were adduced and sus tained, which concluded the case for the petition. The Committee found that in the case of this Bill the standing orders had not been complied with. GREAT EASTERN AND WESTERN. . . The object of this Bill was to connect the iron district of South Wales with Herefordshire and the maufacturing districts of Stafford shire. The length of the line was about seventy miles, and the amount of capital 1,280,0001. Engineer, Mr. Griffin; Parliamentary agents, Messrs. Burke and Co. • There were two petitions against the Bill. Mr. Bruns said that, with respect to one part of the formal proofs, he had to solicit the indulgence of the Committee. It was that which related to depositing the plans. These plans had unfortunately not been deposited until the Ist of December, in consequence of the illness of the engineer, who broke down through physical debility ; but he was prepared to produce evidence to show that neither money nor labour had been spared to make the deposits as soon as possible. After some deliberation the CHAIRMAN (Mr. E. Yorke) agreed to hear the evidence in question. Evidence was then given that all due diligence had been used by the promoters, who had succeeded in depositing their plansbefore the office hours on the Ist of December. Mr. Shepherd, a surgeon, residing at,Towcester, was also examined — He stated that he attended Mr. Garvatt, at that time engineer of the Company, at Worcester, in October. Mr. Garvatt was labouring under a severe diserkse, calculated to produce nervous irritation, and was quite unfitted to attend to his business. Cross-examined—On the Nth of October and 2d of November Mr. Garvatt was able to go to London and to attend business, and during his attendance he found him with maps and other documents before him, and surrounded by clerks. The CHAIRMAN said, that as far as the fact went they must find that the standing orders had net been complied with, with reference to their non-deposits of the plans in the proper time. The mitigating circunoslances might be stated above stairs. The other formal proofs were then proceeded with and concluded. One of the petitions had relation to the non-deposit of the plans, and was therefore not pressed. hi r. BAXTER, solicitor, appeared for the next petition, from John Colburn, which stated that he was one of the subscribers to the Company. The first allegat:on was that the plan originally proposed to go from Yarmouth to Swansea, whereas it now proposed to effect a junction with the Vale of Neath Railway, and, therefore, that the petitioner was exonerated from all liability. The Committee decided that in this case the standing orders had been complied with. An allegation with reference to an error in the supplemental con tract was sustained. The Committee then adjourned. Sub-Committee No 4. This Committee met to-day at twelve o'clock in Room No. 11 I present Sir William Heathcote (chairman), Mr. Legh, and Mr. Hope Johnstone, and resumed the consideration of the WHITEHAVEN AND FURNESS JUNCTION RAILWAY BILL. Mr. THOhfAS, for the promoters, put in a letter from Mr. Thomas Scott, of Hokeham, a petitioner against the line, which the Learned Gentleman submitted was in fact a revocation of the petition. After hearing Mr. Pam, who contended that the latter was not a sufficient revocation, The Committee decided to proceed with the allegations of the petitioner. The drat allegation, that the property of the petitioner being within the limits of deviation was not set forth in the book of refer ence, was sustained. . . Other allegations of a similar nature were sustainer]. In the case of another petition, the CHAIRMAN expressed a doubt that the petitioner was entitled to he heard unless he had a direct or indirect interest in property within the limits of deviation. Mr. PRITT submitted that In other Committees in bad been ruled that any person could petition on behalf the public. The point was ultimately reserved, and the Committee adjourned. Sub• Committee No. 5. This Committee re-assembled at the usual hour, when the follow ing Members were present:—Mr. Home Drummond (chairman), Mr. Packe, Mr. Egerton, and Mr. Mackenzie. THETFORD, BURY ST. EDMUNDS, AND NEWMARKET. A petition, that of several owners and occupiers [of land on the line, the allegations of which were more numerous than interesting to the public, was disposed of in about an hour. The next petition taken was that of John Biker and others, owners, occupiers, and lessees of land which would bo taken by the proposed line. One of the allegations was, that two fields marked as No. 1 and No. 5, in the parish of Ingham, were in fact in the parish of Tim worth, adjoining the parish of Ingham. A witness was called to prove that the fields in question were In the parish of Timworth. The allegation was partly answered by the agent for the promoters pointing out the fact that the figure 5 was not a mark applying to the field, but that it was part of the mileage, and represented "five flirlongs." A witness was then called to prove that the ether field was pro perly marked. The Committee decided that the allegation was proved in reference to the field marked No. 1. It was next alleged that the boundary between the parish of Ingham and the adjoining parish of Cowford was incorrectly marked. The owner of some property in the parishes of Ingham and Cow ford, one of the petitioners, was called to prove the inaccuracy of the boundary as marked in the plans. A surveyor was called on the part of the promoters of the Bill to prove that he applied to the last witness for information as to the boundary of the two parishes, which he refused to give. He had also applied to the parish clerk and to several other persons, but re ceiving no answer from any of them, was obliged to rely on the in formation given him by the labourers in the fields. The Committee declared the allegation proved and the standing orders not complied with. The next allegation was that no notice had been served on the surveyor of highways in respect of a certain road which would be crossed by the line. The surveyor himself was called to prove that he had received no notice, and the Committee declared the allegation proved, no evidence being given on the other side. The remaining allegation of this petition were utterly uninteresting to the public. The petition of David Barty and others was next taken. It de pended chiefly on discrepancies in the gradients, &c. Several of the allegations were dismissed, as not being properly worded, and several were declared to be proved. The Committee refused to admit several objections as to minute discrepancies in the plans. It appeared in the course of the day that the petitioner, Mr. Barty, was the secretary of a rival railway company. Only one allegation of the next petition, that of a Mr. Benion, was entered into, the others being identical with those of Mr. Barty's petition. This allegation was that the junction of the proposed tine with the Norfolk Railway was differently narked in the plans and sections. its distance from the principal station not being the same. This allega tion was delared proved. After disposing of several other points, the Committee gave their decision that the standing orders were not complied with. They then rose at four o'clock, and adjourned to Monday at twelve. STANDING ORDEttS' COMMITTEES. HOUSE OF LORDS. Their Lordships resumed their lab Ours at the usual hour. Present, the Earl of Shaftesbury (in the chair), and Lords Itedesdale, Hood, and Ilawarden. BANT)ON AND BANTItY. In this case their Lordships decided that the preamble of the Bill had been proved, and that they would report it to the Rouse and act it down for a third reading. • MALLOW AND FERMOY. • This is a line to join the Great Southern and Western at Mallow, connecting Fermoy with ➢lallow. The length of the line is nineteen miles, and the estimated cost is 150,0001. Solicitors to the line, Sir Mathew Barrington, Son, and Co. ; engineer, Mr. W. Tracey ; Parliamentary agents, Messrs. Burke and Co. The Committee decided that the preamble of the Bill had been proved, and that they would report it to the House, and set it down for a third reading. MOUNTMELLICK JUNCTION RAILWAY. This lino is an extension of the Great Southern and Western to Mountinellick, a town which is very important from the quantity of traffic passing through it. The length of the line is only three miles and three quarters, and the capital of the Company is 22,5001. En gineer, Mr. Hogan ; solicitors;. Sir Mathew Barrington, Son, and Co. The Committee decided that in this case also the preamble of the Bill had been proved, and that it should be reported to the House, nd set down for a third readily. CLONMEL AND THURLES RAILWAY. This case was adjourned for the want of one witness, who was not in attendance. The length of this important line is 38% stillest including a branch to St. Civardagh Colliery. The capital of the Company is 400,0001, Sollcitors to the lire, Sir Matthew Barrington, Son, and Company. GREAT SOUTHERN AND WESTERN EXTENSION AT CORK. The formal proofs having been entered in this case, the Committee adjourned it until Monday next, in order to give themselves time to consider what quantity of land they should allow for the building of a station at Cork. The promoters sought for fifty acres, and it was urged that thirty would be Sufficient. The following lines were then adjourned to give time for the ex amination of certain clauses in their respective Bills: - MALLOW AND KILLARNEY ; OMAGH, DUNGANNON, AND PORTSDOWN ; AND THE DUBLIN, BELFAST, AND COLE- RAINS RAILWAY. In the case of the London and York Railway, their Lordships inti mated that they would further adjourn their decision until Tuesday next. Their Lordships adjourned until Monday next. HOUSE OF COMMONS. Sub-Committee, No. 3. This Committee re-assembled this morning at the usual hour. Pre sent—Mr. Aglionby (Chairman), Mr. Edward Bulwer, Mr. Aldam, Mr. Broadley, and Mr. Thornely. WILTS, SOMERSET, AND WEYMOUTH RAILWAY. The consideration of the allegations of a petition, which was part gone into on Wednesday last, was resumed this morning. After dis posing of the omissions, &c., which were of no interest, they pro ceeded to consider the allegation of an error of three feet and a de cimal of •66 in describing the height of the proposed line above a canal. It appeared that the height mentioned in the plans was 149, whereas it should have been 152 and a decimal •66. Mr. VENABLES said that the promoters ware prepared to meet the error. The Committee accordingly reported non-compliance. THE LESMAHAGOW, DALSEBF, AND COATBRIDGE RAILWAY was allowed to be proceeded with. NEWPORT, ABERGAVENNY, AND HEREFORD RAILWAY was also allowed to be proceeded with. BIRMINGHAM, LICHFIELD, AND MANCHESTER was also allowed to be proceeded with. BEDFORD AND CAMBRIDGE RAILWAY woe not allowed to be proceeded with. The Committee then adjourned till Tuesday next. Sub-Committee, No. 3. (Continued from our Afternoon Edition.) MIDLAND (CLAYCROSS TO NEWARK) RAILWAY. The object of this line is to construct a branch from Use Midland Railway at Claycross to the Nottingham and Mansfield Railway at Newark. Estimated cost, 580,0001. ; Parliamentary agents, Messrs, Burke and Co. ; ungineeers, Messrs. Stephenson and Swanwich. The formal proofs having been given by Mr. Grubb. The Committee postponed the further consideration of the case till Tuesday to hear the advice of Mr. Cramp and Mr. Charles Lee. The case will be the first taken on Tuesday. MIDLAND (NOTTINGHAM TO MANSFIELD) RAILWAY. The projectors of this line propose by it to connect Nottingham and Mansfield—the distance being 16 miles. Estimated cost, 275,0001. ; Parliamentary agents, Messrs. Burke and Co.; engineers, Messrs. Stephenson and Swanwlch. Messrs._ The formal proofs having been given, a question arose as to the publication of the required notices for three successive weeks in the months of October and November last, and as to the delivery of the notice at the office of the Gazette two clear days previous to the time that would allow of these three successive publications. It appeared that in this case one publication took place in December. Mr. VENABLES contended that, although tile last notice did not appear till December, he was prepared to prove that the notice was delivered in sufficient time to allow of the three successive publi cations. ^ T The Committee did not think this a satisfactory answer, and re ported that it amounted to a non-compliance. WEST CORNWALL RAILWAY. The objeet of this line is to connect Yenwyn, in the county of Cornwall, with Penzance, a distance of 45 miles. Estimated cost, 500,0001. ; Parliamentary agents, Messrs. Burke and Co. ; engineer, Mr. W. Johnson. '1 be formal proofs having been riven, the further consideration of the case was postponed till Tuesday. The Committee adjourned at four o'clock. The Marquis and Marchioness of Londonderry had a dinner party on Wednesday, after which the Marchioness had a clan-tante at Holdernesse House. • The circle invited was very limited. NATIONAL LAND AND BUILDING ASSOCIATION.— Wednesday a public meeting was held in the National Hall, Holborn, T. Wakley, Esq., M. the chair, for the purpose of forming an association having for iti 1 objects a "National Land Association," and a "National Buildi ng Association." The Chairman described the physical, political, n tore], and social benefits that would accrue to the working classes b. r acquiring, through associations similar to the one proposed that ev ening, land and a home for themselves and families. Messrs. It. Moore, Hill, Bainbridge, Ireland, and other gentlemen, explained tint objects of the Association ; and resolutions favourable to those objects and the formation of the Society having been carried, thanks we re voted to the Chairman, and the meeting •arated. SOUTH SEA COMPANY.—This Company held their usual half yearly meeting y.ssterday, at the South Sea House, Thread needle-street, in complianite with the charter ; but the proceedings did not last more than a few minutes, and were not of the lent public IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. fIOUSE OF LORDS, March 27. Their Lordships met at Five o'clock. SELLING SPIRITS ON SUNDAY. A petition was presented at the bar from the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council of the city of London, against the sale of spirituous liquors on Sunday. LONDON AND YORK RAILWAY. Lord BROUGHAM presented a petition from a person near Barnet against this line of railway, on the ground of the great damage it would do to his property. Also, a petition from a place in Lincolnshire to the same effect. CONVEYANCE OF REAL PROPERTY. Lord BROUGHAM held in his hand a Bill, the first read ing of which he should now move, the object of which was to I redeem the pledge which he had last year given of extending the wholesome and salutary provisions of two Acts passed last session for simplifying the conveyance of landed property by sale and lease. Those Bills gave certain formula, and shortened the conveyance, and was a great comfort to those who had property to convey, although it was a discomfort to the coun sel and practitioners. But he did not care for that, he looked only to the client and his interests. The Bill also extended to town leases, to mortgages, to settlements, and sales ; and exchanges of all sorts, and to wills and farm leases. The ex. pence of conveyance was one of the greatest evils ander which the landed interest laboured. They had a body of evidence upon the subject which was frightful. They found that the price of land in other countries, where the expense of con veyancing was little or nothing, was thirty-five and thirty-six years' purchase in one country, thirty-eight in another ; and another, where the expense of conveyance very small, it was forty-eight years' purchase. There was a reluetance in the profession to use the forms prescribed in these Bills, and they could not be compelled to do so, but he had inserted in this Bill a provision, giving taxing masters power to disallow the expense of a long conveyance when the short one could be used. Lord CAMPBELL heartily concurred in the Bill brought forward by the Noble Lord. He was glad to see that the Noble Lord had become a convert to the principles which he (Lord Campbell) had long since advocated on the same quese tion. It was, therefore, a source of satisfaction to him that the Noble and Learned Lord now supported a system which he formerly opposed. He was quite sure that it would be supported also by the legal profession. Lord BROUGHAM intimated that the most eminent bar risters were advocates of the plan now proposed. Lord BEAUMONT congratulated all interested in the sub ject that it was now taken up by such able hands as the Noble Lord, who had brought it forward. He could state, that owing to the difficulties which surrounded the conveyance of property by the existing law, a large amount of capital, which would find its way to investments of this nature, was diverted into another channel. He merely rose for the purpose of congratu lating all interested in the matter, that a Bill was at length brought forward for doing away with those difficulties, and fa cilitating tlre conveyance. The Bill was then read a first time. MUTINY FULL The Duke of WELLINGTON moved the second reading of the Mutiny Bill. The Bill was then read a second time, and ordered to be committed. CASE OF T. S. DUNCOAIBE, ESQ., M.P. Lord BEAUMONT said he had to present a petition from a Member of the other House of Parliament, complaining of having had great injustice done him by certain allegations which had been introduced by petitioners in an appeal case in allusion to him. The petitioner was Thomas Slingsby Dun cembe, Esq., and the petition further stated, that that gen tleman was in no way interested in the appeal case mentioned, and it prayed that their Lordships would immediately adopt such means as would allow the petitioner to disprove, on oath, the grossly injurious slanders which were aimed at his cha racter. The Earl of CHARLEVILLE said the petition had beers presented by the Earl and Countess of Glengall in an appeal case. Extracts were subsequently taken from it, and it was designated as a gross perversion of the truth. The petition was presented in the usual way, and when it was brought under the consideration of the House it was referred to the Appeal Committee. 'This was on the 27th of February. The Lord Chancellor would then have received any petition with the object of showing that the Earl of Glengall's petition was incorrect, and contained irrelevant matter, and the solicitor who appeared on behalf of the Hon. Member who now addressed the House had had every opportunity of objecting altogether to the allega tions it contained. The Earl of Glengall's petition did not allude to any individual in particular; but as to the appellant acting under the influence of a certain individual, that was a sufficient ground for going before the Appeal Committee and having the case adjudicated on. Every allegation in the Earl of Glengall's petition was founded on affidavits, and the case was proceeding in the Vice-Chancellor's Court, where the fullest opportunity was afforded for the Hon. Members to meet those allegations, instead of petitioning that House. Lord BROUGHAM said there was one circumstance to which he would refer. It was quite a mistake to suppose that a breach of privilege was committed in presenting these peti tions. The petition of the Earl of Glengall was presented, not in his capacity as a Member of that House, but as a private in dividual. In that capacity he came before the House and pre ferred certain charges against the Hon. Member (Mr. T. Dun combs), and it was perfectly competent for the latter Bon. Member to deny these charges. This was no breach of pri vilege, as each had a perfect right to prefer charges in their individual capacity. But he by no means agreed with the prayer of the petition presented that night. The Appeal Committee agreed that it was not a matter for the conside ration of the House, but for the Court below. He (Lord Brougham) considered that the Hon. Members ought to seek redress from the court below. Still he did not complain of th presentation of the petition under the circumstances. The Earl of CLARE quite agreed with the Noble and Learned Lord. Mr. Duncombe had filed an affidavit in the Vice-Chancellor's Court, and he would have an opportunity of meeting the charges there without coming as a petitioner to that House. The LORD CHANCELLO7 said that at the presentation of the Earl of Glengall's petition, it was considered that it was referred to the Committee, and that therefore the House had no jurisdiction in the matter. The Appeal Committee was of opinion that the proper course was to refer it to the Court below, and decided accordingly. Certainly the petition reflected on the Hon. Member, but the proper course for him swas to seek redress in the Court below ; and if he was not atisfied with the decision, then it was competent in him to bring the matter before their Lordships in the form of an appeal against the judgment. afe agreed with the .Noble and Learned Lord , ougham) that any allegations that the petition of th 6lengall might contain could not be looked upon as a breach of privilege. Lord BEAUMONT said that after what had fallen from the Noble and Learned Lord he had not another word to say. He must say, however, that they had nothing to du with the proceedings of the Court below. The Marquis of CLANRICARDE thought they had some thing to do with the Court below in this matter. Lord Glengall was accused of having brought this accusation against Mr. Duncombe, and of publishing it for the first time. Now the fact was that the accusation was first embodied in a petition presented to the Court of Chancery by the solicitor of Lady Byng. It was the letter of Mr. Kensett, embodied in an affidavit, which gave rise to this matter. A copy of that therefore could have been obtained from the Court below. After a few words from the Earl of CLARE, the subject dropped. NEWRY, ROSSTREVOR, AND WARRENPOINT RAILWAY. The Earl of ROSEBERRY reported from the Committee on this Bill that they had passed the preamble. Lord MELBOURNE presented a petition, signed by the chairman of the board of the Glastonbury poor-law union, on behalf of that board, praying that the present system of levying poor-rates may be abolished, and a national rate substituted. The Earl of HARDWICKE presented a petition from the county of Cambridge, which was adopted by a meeting held in the open air against free trade, and praying that all measures having a tendency to reduce the protection on Briti,h industry may be rejected. The Earl of DENBIGH presented a petition from the Trustees of the Rugby Charity, against the Chatitable Trust Bill. The Marquis of SALISBURY said he had to present a petition of a similar nature, from the Mercers' Company. He did not know whether he ought to move that they be heard by counsel at the bar of the House, or that they be heard in the Committee. Lord BROUGHAM said they had the Bill before them last year, and never was a Bill more fully heard. There were one or two of the details which he would wish to have amended. He considered, however, that the petitioners ought to have presented their petition before, in order to allow them to be heard against the Bill. He was himself a great friend to the Bill, and for that reason he thought that a few amendments introduced into it would save all opposition. The Earl of ELDON said, that when the petition was pre sented to him, he pointed out to his Friend the difficulty under which they laboured. He hoped the Noble and Learned Lord would make such alterations in the Bill as would prevent op position, either on the second or third reading. Should no alteration be made in the Bill, he should certainly oppose it in all st ages. The LORD CHANCELLOR said the Bill was precisely similar to the Bill of last session. That Bill was sent to a Select Committee, was supported by the Right Reverend Bench, was passed without opposition, and was sent down to the other House, where it was only prevented passing by the lateness of the session. He had no objection to refer this Bill again to a Select Committe. There was one clause different from the last Bill, and that was with respect to the persons trom whom the selection of the tribunal was to be made. After a few words from Lord Ennost and the LORD CHAN CELLOR, Lord COTTENHAM said, that if the Bill should assume the same shape as the last one, he should find it to be his duty to reject it altogether. Lord CAMPBELL said that as this was a proposal to put of the Bill till after Easter, to afford more time for its considera • tion, he could not oppose it. The Noble Lord, however, had the whole of the long vacation to consider its provisions, since it was formerly before their Lordships, and he (Lord Camp bell) considered it strange, if, at the suggestion of the Noble Lord, who sometimes sat there (pointing to Lord Brougham's seat), but who was now sitting on the Woolsack—( Great laughter)—he should now postpone it till after the Easter holi days. He would like that the Noble Lord should confine it to charities of small amount, so as to keep them out of the Court of Chancery. The expenses there would entirely eat up small charities. The object should be also to simplify the proceed ings as much as possible in that Court. He would most heartily support the motion, but not with the machinery sought to be introduced. Lord BROUGHAM considered that his Noble Friend must have grievously mistaken his intensions when he stated that his proceeding was quite irregular. He had merely wished that the consideration of the Hill should be put off for the pur pose of making certain changes, which would make the 13i11 pass—he would not say unanimously—but certainly with less opposition in their Lordships' House. He had not had an op portunity of conferring with his Noble Friend, in consequence of their many engagements. His Noble Friend would leave town at the end of the week, and he should not have an oppor tunity of conferring with him unless the Bill was put off for a few days. The present Bill was confined to small charities-- Lord CAMPBELL—No, no. Lord BROUGHAM—If his Noble Friend would allow him—he had read the Bill. The object in extending the pro visions of the Bill to all charities was not to interfere in their management, or the disposal of their funds, but simply to in quire into their accounts. Nobody had objected to his two Charity Bills. He believed that there were Companies, having large funds at their disposal, who " dreaded the light," he would not say " because their deeds were evil ;" he believed them, on the contrary, to be very goood. They were in the habit of very hospitably entertaining their friends. Ho had himself partaken of their honitality, They had great funds at their disposal, and they did not like to have them inquired into. He knew of one roan who had 6001. a year at his disposal, and it surely was not too much to ask for power to have such interests inquired after. He would recommend that the further consideration of the matter should be postponed for a week at the latest. The LORD CHANCELLOR—The principle of the Bill was to administer small charities. That was themain part of the Bill. It was to call for an annual account of their receipts and expenditure, and it would afford an opportunity. This would be for the benefit of all. If the trustees of charities thought proper to let out their property, why should they not? He should be ready to make any personal sacrifice to pass this measure. Lord COTTNEHAM would remind his Noble and Learned Friend, that he, by this Dill, gave a power to the trustees, which the Crown and the Court of Chancery did not possess. It gave the trustees the power of selling the property. This power the Court-of Chancery never ha i, and never claimed to have. The jurisdiction was limited in respect to small charities, but with regard to large municipal charities it would lead to the swamping of the existing charities. He hoped that when the time came for the consideration and dis cussion of the Bill, these matters would be explained. The LORD CHANCELLOR said it was necessary some thing should be done to meet e xisting difficulties. He had often, when applications had been made to him to fill lip vacancies, felt their force, and he never listened to their appli cations till such time as the number% were so reduced as to im peratively require the filling up of the vacancies, the costs were so enormous in:the filling up of these charitable trusts. He might instance, that the filling of a trust in Hereford cost 700/. ; in Shrewsbury, 400/. • and in Exeter, f ro m 600:. to 700/. It was to rectify this &grant abust that he wished to engraft this part of the Bill which he had prepared, on the other portions of the Bill. In answer to Lord COTTENHAM, . The • LORD CHANCELLOR said, that the filling up of a trust in the city of Norwich had cost the enormous sum of 5,000'. The further consideration of the Bill was then adjourned. Lord ELDON presented a petition from the Merchant Tailors of the City of London against the Charitable Trust, Bid; also one to the same effect, from the Incorporated So ciety of Coopers, of the same city. Their Lordships then adjourned. HOUSE OF COMMONS, March 27. The SPEAKER took the Chair at Four o'clock. SECOND READINGS. The following Bills were read a second time and ordered to be committed, viz.:— Bristol and Birmingham and Midland Railways. St. Alban's, Luton, and Dunstable Railway. York Improvement. Harrogate Waterworks. Midland, Barnsley, Sheffield, Dewsbury, Leeds, and Bradford Railway. North of Norfolk Railway. East Dereham and Norwich Railway. Glasgow, Paisley, and Johnstone Canal Sale. Warrington Warterworks. Shrewsbury and Herefordshire Railway. Bristol and Birmingham Railway (Gloucester and Stouehouse Junction). Buckinghamshire Railway (Tying to Banbury). Birmingham, Wol►erhampton. and Dudley Railway. Midland Railway ( Erewash Valley Extension). Midland Railway (Erewash Valley Branches). Reading, Guildford, and Reigate Railway. Worcester and Portlidynllaen Railway. `hrewsbury and Birmingham Railway. West London Railway Improvement and Extensions. Glasgow Union Arcade. St. Austell Small Debts. London and Birmingham Railway (Birmingham Extension.) Bristol and Gloucester, and Birmingham and Gloucester Railways. The following reports were brought up, and ordered to be laid on the table, viz.:— Sunderland Gal. Sundei land Waterworks. Bromsgrove Improvement and Small Tenements. Burnley Improvement and Waterworks. Mallon, Witham, and Braintree Railway. Eastern Union and Haileigh Junction Railway. Brighton and Chichester Railway (Bognor and Littlehampton granches). South-Eastern Railway (Godstone Station to East Grinstead). Mr. LAW moved that the Administration of Justice Bill be read a first time. It was ordered to be read a second time on Wednesday next. Petitions were presented from the Chamber of Commerce at Edinburgh, in favour of the Teri hour Factory Bill, and for the aboliticn of the duties on Timber. INTERMENT IN TOWNS. Mr. M'KINNON presented a petition from Wolverhamp ton in favour of the Bill for the prevention of interments in towns. GOVERNMENT MEASURES. Sir R. PEEL said he had to present a petition from the merchants, bankers, and other persons at Bristol, who stated that the stagnation of trade was great, and that it was to be remedied by the measures proposed by her Majesty's Minis ters, and they therefore prayed the House to pass them into a law. The petition was signed by over two hundred of the largest and most respectable houses. The petition was ordered to lie on the table. BRISTOL WATER-WORKS. This Bill was read a first time. ADJOURNMENT OF THE HOUSE. Mr. CARDWELL moved the adjournment of the House, at its rising, until Monday.— Agreed to. WINDOW DUTIES. Lord DUNCAN, according to representations which had been made to him by his constituents, owing to the delays which had taken place in the discussion of the corn-laws and the commercial duties introduced by the Government, deemed it expedient to postpone his motion on the subject of the window duties until after Easter. THE GOVERNMENT MEASURES. Mr. NEWDEGATE wished to ask/her Majesty's Govern ment when it was 'their intention to introduce the Bills for affording facilities for the draining of estates, for the consolida tion of highways, for the payment of schoolmaiters in union workhouses, and the Bill respecting the payment of the Irish constabulary force, which were referred to in the speech of the First Lord of the Treasury when announcing the Government measures ? Sir R. PEEL said—With respect to the last two questions —namely, what steps the Government had made for intro clueing Bills for the payment of schoolmasters in union work houses, and for supporting the constabulary force in Ireland at the public charge —he begged to inform the Honourable Member that provision could not be made for these objects until the next Committee of Supply. With respect to the Bills for improving the drainage of estates, and consolidating the highway rates, the lion. Gentleman was, no doubt aware, that since the announcement of these measures, there had been an extreme pressure on the time of the Government. Their announcement brought a great number of suggestions, which required much time for consideration.—( Hear.) They had, however, lost no time in doing so, and he hoped on this day week to be in a condition to lay them on the table of the House. METROPOLITAN IMPROVE 'VENTS. Sir R. 11. INGLIS inquired when the Bills.for improving the metropolis, and for making a park at Battersea, like the one at the east end of Lond.m, would be laid on the table. The Right Hon. Baronet observ. d, that his only rbject was that thi Bill should be laid on the table of the House. Sir ROBERT PEEL said that the Bills were already pre pared, and the dt afts had been Ifni -lied. His Noble Friend had gone t, Ireland; and, as he took such great trouble in pre paring them, he wi , ,hed the di afts to be sent after him for his revision. LOANS TO LANDED PROPRIETORS FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF PROPERTY. Mr. ESCOTT wished to ask the First Lord of the Trea sury whether be was prepared to lay on the table of the nous that portion of his scheme for the improvement of land, where by it was intended to give loans to landed proprietors un proper security ? Sir R. PEEL said that the Government had been exces sively occupied, but he hoped by this day ( Friday) week that he would be able to lay that Bill upon the !able of the House. -- -- INFORMERS' (IRELAND.) Mr. S. O'BRIEN said he would move for a return of the total amount of money which had been paid for services, by the Government, to a man named Robert Reilly, alias Robert Alexander, alias William Roberts, alias Hugh O'Neil, who had been sentenced to transportation at the last Tyrone ass;zes. He would also move, on Tuesday next, a resolution to the effect that several royal commissions had been instituted with a view to the improvement of Ireland, and that these commis sions had laid before the Government a variety of sugges tions, not one of which had been acted upon. PRIVATE BILLS. Mr. HUME gave notice of his intention to call the atten tion of the House on Wednesday next to the adoption of means by sthich the private business of the House might be lessened. ADJOURNED DEBATE.-CORN-LAWS On the question being put that the order of the day be now read, Mr. COBDEN rose to present a petition from 114 tenants on the Right lion. Baronet's (the Secretary of State for the Home Department) estate of Nethe: by, in Cum berland. The petitioners stated that they viewed with satisfaction the measure of the Government, but they would rather that the repeal had been total r.r.d immediate.-- ( Hear, bear.) The petition was signed by twenty-seven names, and he found that the rentals placed opposite these names amounted in the aggregate to B,oooe He might state, that on a former occasion, the Noble Lord, the Member for Lynn, had presented a petition, which he said emanated from 3,000 of the Netherby tenants. He (Mr. Cobden) congratulated the Right Hon. Baronet on the fact, that some of his tenantry entertained more rational opinions upon this great question. Sir JAMES GRAHAM then rose and said—l can assure you, Sir, that I am very unwilling to prtstract to any fur ther length this debate, which the country generally, I be lieve, are as anxious to see brought to a termination as I am by a decision in some way or other, be that what it may.—( Hear, hear.) But not hav ing been able to secure an opportunity of addressing you last evening until an hour so late that I could not then think of trespassing upon the time of the House, while I was at the same time extremely desirous that this discussion should not terminate until I had made some reference to the discus. sions and arguments that have been used by some Hon Members on this side of the House, I will now take this opportunity of addressing the House.—( Hear, hear.) And I can assure the House that in respect to what has fallen from one Hon. Mem ber upon a subject somewhat personal to myself, that I was not cognisant of the occurrence he has stated with regard to my tenantry. I can, however, assure the Hon. Member and the House, that I have never, either directly or indirectly, in terfered with the expression of the opinions of my tenantry upon this question—( Hear, hear ) but on the contrary, I have invariably left them to the full and free exer cise of their own opinions and judgment upon a question in which I conceive they hal as deep an interest as myself.— ( Hear.) With thi •orief exp!anation upon this point, I shall now proceed, wlth the permission of this House, to make s :me allusion to the speech of the Noble Lord the Member for Lynn. I shall first dispose of his peroration, and which I must say was, like many of the other speeches delivered by Hon. Members in opposition to her Majesty's Ministers from this side the House, characterised almost entirely by a continual outpouring of personal invective.—( Hear, hear.) I shall mot, in the course of my observations, indulge in a like strain of severity upon the language in which their opinions were, I believe, sincerely and honestly made. Neither shall I say— for I could not say so with truth—that I do not appreciate the grounds upon which other lion. Members on this side of the House differ from the Government, for amongst them are several Hon. Members upon whom I have many times relied, and sever relied in vain.---( Hear, hear.) In considering the public necessity which I, as a Minister of the Crown, conceived existed for this measure, I do say it was with pain I felt that necessity urged upon the Government. Sir, I was prepared, and I am prepared, on public grounds, regardless of all taunts and obloquy that may be attempted to be heaped on me--I repeat, I aria prepared, from a sense of public duty, to meet the present emergency by the main tenance of this measure, which, in my conscience, I be lieve to be necessary.—(Cheers.) Although, Sir, I may be taunted with inconsistency, yet steadily, firmly and fearlessly, I hope to he able to discharge my duty ; and in persevering in that course, I am consoled by this single reflection, that the time is not far distant when the country gentlemen of England will be satisfied that her Majesty's Minis ters now in office have not betrayed their interests, but that, on the contrary, they e ill be reconciled to the fact, that the interests of the great body of the community, whose prosperity is more immediately the object of this measure, will be materially benefited by this House diving its sanction to the measure.—(Cheers.) I hope, Sir, to be allowed to advert to some of the arguments of the Noble Lord the Member for Lynn. The arguments adduced by the Noble Lord were the most stringent and unanswerable of those urged by the opponents of the sliding scale ; and I will, Sir, with the permission of the House, advert to the first position taken upbyTothhie eNLod ob r le , Lord. Speculating on the price of wheat, the of th t r h o e ug p h ric a es m o o f ,t wh o e x a . t with a view of forming an estimat o e t in this country and France , we traordinary process of argument.—(Cries of " Hen., hear.'') Now, Sir, it appears to me that tie great argument in favour • f of the free importation of corn is, that in the present etro stances of this country it will supply a large number "i`vio population, who would otherwise find a difficulty in (N a t o from the land an adequat e su pply, es p ec i a lly a s their lin e6 l is increasing. The effect of the measure will be to 1 0 " e c e e prim in this country, and to raise the price; on the tinent of Europe ; and it will therefore equalise th e .P both here and abroad We sh a ll th en obtain the tiff desirable ; for the people of Engla n d will have a re ea the uncertain and extravagant rise of prices , ...r. ob e commercial interest will not only have free trade• b u odit es will have an opportunity of an interchange of cola° sisl The prices of corn will ri s e i n E uro p e , and the t a t o of prices is no l e s s an o bj ec t t o t he rean g4c os than an increased p r i ce f or hi s own P ro t ee The Noble Lord, on proce e di ng t o a r gue w ith referenc e it ; steadiness of prices, produced a t a bl e , which illustr ates more clear maoner than any oth er t a bl e I have hither to S a fact ehisth the enemies of the sliding scale r7t: s as inherent in our present system of 6)11. 00 He has demosistrat d very clearly in the tot i o e which he has prod uc ed that th e great tle ct et et of prices on the c o nti nen t d e p en d e d ma i n ly on the oel from England. He adduced the table of fluctuations ate shows that the rise or fall of prices on the continent is i° fed proportion to the demand from England. It would aPP ea g r o or that document that the plac e s mos t a ff ec ted by 111 ° g a s es' tions, are Hamb urg h, A ms t er d am , D an t e i c , and u in fact. from thos e pl aces f rom w hi c h we are accuse/Ord draw most l arge ly. Th e N o bl e L or d a l so d ec lares t eee l l 0 0 trade from Bo r d eaux an d f rom N ew Y or k i s i n ferior , u e lef the distance is con-iderable, and the parties to es held corn we re li a bl e to ser i ous i nterrup ti ons in thei r osi This had a material effect upon the foreign market; 11° ,0 had we done? So far as our present experience goes, ! te e been, in fact, preventing the production of those croes;ei which are nece ssar y f or th e k eep i ng up o f a cons tant and el supply ; and the effect is, that we are Leading t° of vert these corn-growing countries not only into 00 mercial rivals, but into ac t ua l enem i es . ' M is t e r ) 1)4 but act in preventing our obtaining those supplies w"t e err . , necessary to preserve an equality in the corn-market' ef t sequence of the uncertainty whi c h p reva il s a mong the turists abroad, they never know at what rate their core sell in the British market, and the su ppli es therefore dl certain and irregular. On the whole the conclusion is that they can place no reliance whatever on the sl i i s e British market, and they therefore impese higher rates e . t etil our manufactures in order to realise the advantages c al ysle ought to reap from their corn trade, and thus desell'iof ever obtaining the advantage to which I allude, lh e y es la. i ! to measures which have the effect of depressioe, the " t i e lf i terests of the country. This then is one of the rea e ,se n b i indicate the cause of those fluctuations to which the "'•° ;el l/ has alluded, and which have rendered the British n'g r ie fri° uncertain that the supplies have been irregular, and; gP i to #, other coesiderations, offers me one of the grea t es t reas g , es the corn-laws should be altered. The Noble Lord tic; e 0 and has laid great stress upon the point, that there I I ! ieS great evenness of ;'rice since the alteration of the la w In e l4, Why 1 have said repeatedly in this House, that I b ase ., considered that evenness a n d s t ea di ness o f p r ice neit he y nor less than a nuis a n ce , we e so it is c ons idered by the e e ers abroad. The Noble Lord considers that this evel i e" , ,, been a benefit, but what have bee n th e rea l effects? It -tie known, and I appeal to the oldest farmer for a confirmati" P e et!, opinion that during the present year there has been " 9 effect created. I believe that during the present price of the best wheat in the home !na rk 1 0 varied from 58s. to 725. a quarter, and th as o o state of things is a constant stress upon the and a continued nuisance, and it is on accou nt e„ief imperfection in a portion of the sliding-scale that l u'_ I ! I' ought to be altered. Then the Noble Lord has &n ote jection which he says is occa'ioned by the imP r eit, of foreign corn, in forei gn i ns t ea d of Britis h Why, it is this very uncertainty of the sliding scaie eS" 00 01 prevented the merchants and the foreign growers from erriel what the condition of the market would be on t he t the cargo, and shat the price would b g _ moment of its import which lost to British ships t heir e c age. The Noble Lord had stated that the corn trecf_ef, lie rendered as certain as possible, in order that 01,1 importation does take place, the British sh i P s tt eiele bring the foreign corn. The circumstance s have stated are the very reasons why f°,7 l , gu frost t obtain the cargoes, instead of British ships•—( l°- ils t e But, Sir, the Noble Lord then proceeded to state oteed farmers Inked with dread and consternation at th iS Aler 4 The pete:on presented by the Hun. Gentleman the o , for Stockport (Mr. Cobden) clearly shows that all tb e ip ee l r , do not entertain such a dread. But the Hen. 3:le ei efa Huntingdon said that if this protective law were r e l at ', great deal of land must be thrown out of cultivation , al l . ler Gentleman, the Member for Cambridgeshire, saidt eet stood, that the panic in Cambridgeshire is so erea' - was su:pended, and that agricultural improvement bad _gesi, ceased. Now, Sir, I must beg to observe, that to tbe for - , my knowledge, the panic to which the Hon. Membe r o efl r ,i bridge has referred, prevails much more within lbe,g 4 c s dP amongst the farmers of this country. Sly lead me to believe that either the landlords or the t e ". 1°:.0 r this v are not ilexposed to the dangerous atmosphere 0 . , e ieties are affected by the panic to which those Hon. Gen t ,, - 0 referred —( Hear, hear.) Now, I think that i ' - e itte Gentleman stated in the course of this ue b b i s te . ) a certain landlord in SoMersetshire had offered to of ti ' to release them from their engagements, and sig",eoitel tenants had refused that offer. Now, Sir, lat orice.7,o:o that refusal on the part of the tenants is no sure V' te/ they are satisfied with the present measure—( : s o p] it e cheers)—because the tenants having a large j e cie : ii ii , ° fti barked in the land—( Hear, hear)--cannot so lo , 01 draw that capital without an immense o°l os/ having made that admission, I must c onten c •is other hand, that at the present moment we have ee sive evidence to show that the farmers generally. a to ' st iet er d fled with this measure. Now, Sir, perhaps as th is t estibof great importance, and as I am sincerely of opinion f t ee , " • no ground for the alarm entertained by anY ° t it "W' , Gentlemen on this side of the House; ech ° to ee,' the gangway, the House will allow rat kne elp some facts that have come within my own 0109 I allude, Sir, to the farmers of East Lothian, in S ine 0 l have a letter in my hands from a Noble Friend of f c! Glenelg). The letter is dated February . 21. I °, be loo, have had an opportauity of learning the opinions of 1 _ 0 1.) of East Lothian and Berwickshire to a considerable el th er)S of the factors to a large proprietor in this neig n , to p , tells me that there is not a farm in the country ne bsel, t il but for which there are more and higher offers 'ho d been made, and that too by men of capital t eeil Joked them (he says) how they accounted for thacotei stance. His answer was that the corn question is n°,, e ers r if to be settled, and that the prospects held out by ~„‘-'- e 50 1,;i1 of getting their lands drained by a grant from the l i. se ces e d stead of having themselves to advance the m oney, b!„ e etir, general feelingof confidence throeghout the country. Aa.., ,, 10 1 .) who is a trucee of some property in the neighbourhooiebotei, • informed rue that off, rs have been made for some 0 0,9, ten per cent. above the prices for which they at P at e r o e These are he continues) facts which are sc, than all the arguments r o dduced in favour of d e i lion of the corn-laws, coming as they. pa rt 01 one of the greatest corn growers in th is je ts tfie country." Now, Sir, allusion has bee n rcle oPehoe county cf Gloucestershire. I will inform the 1 ",:s Ode, ference to the prevailing opinion upon the subj ect g ot) ,f laws, that Mr. Charteris has every chance of being an s lte r f o Member for that county upon the principle of ° in the corn-laws. Then, Sir, I witl allue to the tb° in Cambridgeshire. It has been said d that f laws are repealed, the land will be t ;te itil e of cultivation, and the fens will revert to their P r ' yeti ness. Now, Sir. I hold in my hand a letter from l ° fel propeietor of land in that county, dated the first we i ; 0 00 1 V The letter scat. d that the writer had received a 0 , ki teg o if d from his agent at the Isle of Ely,stating that he hat a l irp le e s p ` i to two intelligtent men, a father and son, with .e stc e at an increased rent of 126/. per annum. The i lepser g been entered into since the introduction of Sir -beg sure, and he expres.ed his epinion, that facts 11 °, e , te e , f e f werth more than figures, Now, ;•••"ir, that relates 01 11, 901 1 e ~et of land, but what has been its effect on the te' p roe g sc i ; of land. On the introduction of the measur e °I, eee .e r oS e i am told that several of the most eminent land's "elierreir, opposed to the ahem ion, but they have siriceb; see r : . et r o opinion, and have expressed their surprise at thaa effect the settlement of the corn question has e sl ie 'teet value of landed property. There is, for instaoci eet t ee f in Essex. with which lam acquainted—and se i g ' se le 14) „7e e t Noble Lord opposite—which has been offered fo r t he pr o time past at thirty years' purchase. The rent t",' fo r fr o rt was 6301, but for three years no offer was 1• 02 ,." e wa l e to e l e perty— ( Hear,)—while in the last three wee ° ; e es ° vile s t, offer had been made for the property which had 0 0 . 0 1'0 value. This showed the effect the measure ha° "-• el ess simple value of land, and yet it is said that the elos f ' o fie, have a tendency to throw land out of cultivation; oa rs to , " respect to this alarm, are Honourable Alernber eiet(aege., desire which exists for inclosing land with,sfor:4l,r,, future cultivation. Last year we gave fault 'e' er of P e r isr o f closing of lands, and let me just read the MO; l ets r o ott A e tions which have been received for leave to Inc'?" sil s o s 0; h 0 In the month of September applications •to ' o ber r t e 3,298 had been received. In October the nu O. dee which were sought -extreme e enclosed was 0 0 05 was under protection protection- -a h 00°,0 I was no expectation in the public mind that th e t 10 4 '‘ ol ;etended to propose any alteration with scar e it ( Hear, hear.) But in the month of November', orePt°,:to:e known to ehe public that her Majesty' s Minisr o pt ( 110: ; alteration of tense laws. The applications in Lrec,B4l."7,Pi, Commissioners were 4,578; in November, teereo4, hear, and loud cheers.) In December th e Yeeoa ci er e 00 in January, 5,600 ; and in reeruary, 3.59 5 , - 7,e th e iics e t :o l tion cheers)—but in the first week in "•t s et aßbe 1,500 applications; and within the last fortniert p le d have come in from Yorkshire, each by permist_ ° f el yoe°,;, missioners, to inclose a common of inferior 10%w.) f o r F ii '¢ land—to the extent of 14,000 acres.—( near' hey.,) 0 14 application has also come in trom the sa il ' w ithin / 0114 mission to inclose 2,500 acres—that is to say t he ise . '„ei fortnight; two applications have come t°o,,eoneepa;e Commissioners to inclose 16,520 acres Of , 1 t ee a t re elg i s ti (Cheers.) Now, Sir, I must be permitted to cat itiii for, o ces z the House to a Bill now in progress. It is alto eerlitieg'iet ing and inclosing land from the sea—to ree ls ' at re l ief of land which f orm part of the grea t estu ar t r e o of t set . , (Cheers and laughter.) This is no t a el an d, b u se ci`,l lands—it is not a question of inclosing ss'ast,e e De tcb: lo the question of following the example of t n u s of tf i et rying out the principle of scooping counties C sevine thi c 1 ,0 4 —( Hear, hear)—a most laudable and p ea k of to of 0 0 4 taking. But what name is on the b ell i s til e ,ec, The first name I find on the back of the P' George Bentinck.—( Loud cheers, berg f" tole name that of Mr. Bagg, one of the Mer sa e e the st This Palen originated in 1846, when the Plan s hes r.) se tee ment were well known to all parties.—(l4earees FA' el Lord G. BEN TINCK—,No, no. It vra td t° o llb November. • Or it'; r • invested is P ,'lV e ,t Sir J. GRAHAM—The capital inve boo ° 1,500,0004 ; 200 0001. was proposed to 4 ,dig _ if CP po g among the subscribers, the first name which 16 sfil eti e George Frederick Cavendish 13entinc _ fr , ,A and laughter) riot o e rick Cavendish Bentinck," co _ te tio ;11 the directors et George orsthe ßentinck"—(R oars :n o ,l c y c William' e b t t i • e r !` (jj-f- ' e t : e rr e “gl el U; a et f ;r , ' Bentinck." That measure was contempla d te so Cr r o s w o n. f Parliament, r e l s i . a m bt negotiation en lish however. le is o a i u t n p s d o c n l i a n i a b i n s t wutecoehnactehriottasweinapsirrtiethriheestic,eee teriboethri:Pelit;ii4l, use of Works, which neeotiation had not, is o C a f r eae:vnaets:yaUi remarkable4)n' a dmission lut of the itnthhdee Bid . r s It i b o s e f t f tLe e t Gro wt i h n e tut ;T r e b o:il e p t : a rd:3 l o o l o l ; ,ta t S ir' Crown ; thus, on the large outlay of 500, 0) •' Nowt w!', 0 1 1 of such an immense outlay one per cent. shoi ' as sta Bill, at least 5,0001. will revert to the Crown• eues ti v e . fee. / House will, perhaps, permit me to venture.,a,..l7, 00 has been often put by the Noble Lord to niY o n i ,le ; Lo rd 0 .110. 0 g at the head of the Government. If the N .. .bO 4 O ( m L e a , ug l h w t ' eilrl)—askinwthhaet ei;enhtisofestthiemGatoelvsoef,r;treiliseer_noraPintrao'rettteeersrasjor,:poi, passed ?—( Continued Laughter.) chance that this speculation will repay its r erhaP s ' s eSe itt le l' s a matter of chance, the Noble Lord wil ; P r i ce of . , t e e me to ask him, what is his estimate of tne P ta kieg art he has been induced to be a party to this under„rt's e F s ot i li t , l ' Sir, I will refer to the greater and 11 301 !„ at 0 ne,,, h t,., Noble Lord's s tate of d the House, n' a ` rd l a thr that I allude to the state of Ireland...ll l ' he 1010 L ord, very great surprise, the o',Aten3ent his opi state o 1 Lord a paime c Noble fait es; no prey to exp! toes ea Irela n d ?tope i! and they them in in the m came an bearing stated th the c oun Would be Would co should b Rill now tober last urgency letter 1 h to the FL I p, 1, ha` A. G "tat tai