The Sun. — London, England, 1846-05-05 00:00:00

,AILWAY COMMITTEES. (YESTERDAY.) HOUSE OF LORDS. TUX LIMERICK, ENNIS, AND ILIZZALOE JUNCTION, THE GREAT MINSTER, AND THE TEMPLEMORE AND NENAGH. The Committee appointed by the House of Lords to investigate the merits of these recommitted Bills commenced its sittings at twelve o'clock ; Lord Kenyon, chairman. It will be remembered that these BIN were at a former period brought before the same Committee, and there having been no op pailtios, they were all three passed and reported as such by the Ifeble Chairman. Subsequently, however, they were ordered to to recommitted for the purpose of selecting such of the lines as were most calculated to benefit the district through which they proposed to run, the whole three partly competing. Mr. Austin, Mr. Talbot, Mr. Cockburn, and Mr. Murphy, appeared for the promoters of the Great Munster Railway. The Committee then decided to take the longest line as the first into their consideration, and accordingly the first case opened was the GREAT EffI7NSTILII. Mr. MUM said he would open the case for his clients by calling witnesses. Mr. D. Leahy, civil engineer, was called and examined. The wit ness, who stated that he was engineer for the Great Munster Rail way, RIM examined at some length, and the whole bearing of his evidence was that this line of railway was one which would be of the greatest benefit to the districts proposed to be accommodated. The witness was cross-examined at great length by Mr. Woor.- RIDGE., on behalf of the promoters of the Nenagh line, but his evi dence in chief was not shaken. Mr. Pierce Maliony was examined by Mr. MraPriV—ls a solicitor of extensive practice; is also a large landed proprietor, and had been trustee to the late Lord Portarlington. The Great Minister line of railway was one of the best lines proposed for the county requiring railway accommodation, Was of opinion that the Nenagh line was one of the worst which could be devised. Inasmuch as it served no public interest, accommodated no population of importance, and would never pay the outlay. He was in no manner connected with the Great Munster Company. Was certain that this Was a line of railway'which would be made at some time or the other, even if it were abandoned now through anything like a p anic in the money market. Was so certain of the inutility of the Nenagh line, that if it could be constructed for one 0 /- , he would not supply the capital. The Great Munster line was one that must pay, for it o an pe d n u ot p h a er corn- supplied a most important line of country, d munication from Dublin to I.•Tenagh and an w Limerick, d im portant towns and sea-ports, which must be the means of giving a great paying traffic. The witness was • at some length. Mr. Powell, M.P. for Limerick, was next called. In his examina tion he stated that he knew all the principal towns through which the proposed line would pass, and he thought that both the goods and passengers traffic would be benefited by the construction of the line in question. Cross-examined —l do not know the Nenagh and Templemore line. Re-examined—There is a general feeling In Lifnerlck In favour of this railway. . • I;fr..lanies then gave evidence as to the traffic returns. The pro bable amount received from passengers' traffic by land and water was 26,5001. 4s. Bd. ; the income from traffic, including merchandise, minerals, agricnitural produce, conveyance of mails, Icc., would be 51,6771. 19s. sd. The charges of working the proposed line would be 18,0871. 155.9 d., leaving a balance in favour of the Company of 32,5901. 13s. 5d., which would give about 5% per cent. to the share holders. Mr. Armstrong gave general evidence in favour of the line. The formal proofs having been disposed of, Their Lordships announced that they would take the case of the Templemore and Nenagh line before they came to any decision on the merits of the railway then before them. TEE TEMPLEATORE .49.373) MTENAGEL Mr. Wootalnus, in the absence of Mr. Hope, opened the pro- Niedings in this case, and called \lr. Langley, the engineer to the line, who stated that the gradients were of a favourable nature, and that the line was one which would open up a large universal traffic, The Committee then adjourned, at four o'clock, till twelve o'clock to-morrow. HOUSE OF COMMONS. GROUP IV. The Select Committee appointed to consider the merits of the' Bills comprised in this group re-assembled at the usual hour this morning, Mr. C. Hope in the chair. TH astmaT NORTH 01' SCOTLAND. Th. cross-examination of Mr. Gibbs was continued, but nothing of imnortance was elicited which has not already been published. The next witness called was Mr. Cubitt, who corroborated the tes timony of Mr. Gibbs In nearly every respect. He said he had mi nutely examined the country through which the proposed line would run, and he was fully convinced, after giving the subject his most attentive consideration, that it was the best line Which could be ob tained for accommodating both the local and the through traffic. It followed the natural channels of the traffic, and passed through a rich and fertile country, thickly populated, and capable of still greater Improvement. Ile had gone generally into Mr. Gibbs's estiniate, and was of opinion that it was more than amply sufficient tar the works. The prices were large, and he had no doubt whatever there would be plenty of contractors ready to undertake the words far the tstimates. The witness was cross• examined at some length by the different counsel who appeared for the promoters of the Aberdeen, Banff, and Elgin and Aberdeen and Inverness line. The cross-examination took the same course as the cross-examination of Mr. Gibbs, namely, to point out deficiencies in the estimates. Tke CIIAIRMAN said the Ccinnilttee were satisfied that there was sufficient traffic to justify the construction of a railway in this dis trict, and they were therefore anxious to know what course counsel intended to pursue now. Mr. TALBOT, who appeared for the promoters of the Great North of Scotland Bill, replied, , that the Com mittee, being satisfied that there was sufficient traffic to justify their sanctioning one of the schemes, he proposed to call witnesses with tke view of showing that the great bulk of the traffic passed along the route of the Great North line ; but p rhaps it was the intention to decide simply upon the engineering evidence. If so, would it not be better that his Learned Friends who appearel on the other side, should pat in their engineering evidence at once ? 11r. Sergeant WRANGIIAX objected to this course in tot'o. It was unusual, and his Leaned Friend ought to finish his own case before he called fur their witnesses. Mr. TALBOT said, then, he would call the witnesses he had just mentioned to the Committee. These witnesses were Col. Gordon, Lord Lieutenant of the ciatrity of Banff; Mr. Bromley, a gentleman in a large way of business in many parts of the district: and Mr. Griffiths, a factor. They three gave decided opinions in favour of the Great North of Wit. land line, declaring that it was the best line, both for through arid local traffic. Before the Committee rose the question of going into the engineer ing evidence of the other side was again mooted, Mr. TALBOT wished to resume allfurt her evidence relating to traffic till after the engineers of the competing !hies had been called. Mr. Sergeant WitANGILAM. however, stil objected to this, and it was ultimately arranged that the Great North of Scotland promoters should bring their case to a close, before that of the competing, lines was gone Into. The Committee adjourned shortly after four o'clock. GROUP V. This Committee met to-day for the first time, Colonel Fos in the chair. The Bills referred to this group are the Caledonian and Lanobar tonshire JunLtion, Scottish Grand Junction, Caledonian Not tLern Direct, Dumblane, Dowse, and Callendar. The first Bill proceeded with was the CAL:EDONI.AN AND DITIVIIIARTONSIIIRE JUNCTION, A line from the Caledonian Railway, through Dumbartonshire, to the margin of Loch Lomond. Mr. TALBOT opened the case on behalf of the scheme, which is opposed by the Forth and Clyde Navigation. Mr. Gibson Nott, of /Sallock Castle, Dumbartonshire, was arst called, and deposed, at some length, as to the advantages the line would confer on the district. The leading proprietors of the county were in its favour, as were also the leading manufacturers and bleachers in the valley of the Leven. Several other witnesses were examined as to the eligibility of the line, and to the fact of there being no engineerfng difficulties, when, after a short consultation, Tho'CosnairrEE declared the preamble of the Bill to be proved. The Committee then adjourned till to-morrow, when the clauses of the Bill will be proceeded with. GROUP VII. The Members assembled at twelve o'clock in Room No. 24 (New Houses of Parliament)—present, Mr. Palmer (chairman), and the same lion. Members as on Friday. They proceeded to hear evidence in favour of the EDINBURGH AND NORTHERN (DUN.- FZILAZZINE . BRANCH). Mr. Drysdale, a yarn and flax merchant of Dunfermline, Mr. Burrel, a magistrate at the same place, and Mr. Wilson, also a resident there, gave evidence which went to show that there was no regular conveyance either for goods or passengers from Dundee to Dunfermline, although it was very much wanted. If there were a regular conveyance there would be a great traffic. The flax trade was very much deteriorated by the absence of any efficient cora munication. A vast number of the people of Dunfermline and its neighbourhood were engaged in flax-spinning. There was a general feeling in favour of the line throughout that neighbourhood. Mr. WALEna, who appeared for several petitioners against the Bill, cross-examined the witnesses, with a view to show that the reason no conveyance had been established between Dunfermline and Dundee was, that the traffic was insufficient to support even a carrier or stage coach. On the conclusion of the evidence as to the necessity for a line similar to the one proposed, the probable traffic, and the general feeling in favour of this line, Mr. Grainger, the engineer to the line, was examined, and gave the usual formal evidence on engineering points. The length of the line was 14 miles 7 furlongs, and for 10 miles of its length it passed through an extensive coalfield. There was no tunnelling. There were so serious engineering difficulties, the gradients being all mo derate, and the works light. The estimated cost is 187,0001. Mr. WAT-.2a cress-examined the witness as to certain arches, which were stated on the plans to be of six feet span, whereas it was admitted that they must be made with a span, in each case, of twenty-eight feet, for which span Mr. Grainger stated the estimate to have been made. Mr. CLAiut ebjected to this point being raised, on the ground that it was a standing order objection, and ought to have been raised be fore the Sub-Committee on the Standing Orders. Mr. WALKER replied that the standing orders only required that the height and span of each arch should be marked, and if the span were marked 3 feet 6 inches, that would be a perfect compliance with the standing orders ; but in this case the objection was completely one on the merits, and could be taken before the Committee, as it was —not as to whether the height and span were marked, but whether the height and span marked were sufficient, The Committee were of opinion that they ought to entertain the objection, and Mr. Walker was about to proceed with the crois examination of Mr. Grainger, when The Speaker being announced to be at prayers, the Committee adjourned. UP VIII. Hawes, chairman. rn GR The Committee asmembled t O his morning at the usual ho ur ; Mr. NORTH BRITISH iLaixAtrair. The several clauses in this Bill were read over, and the report to the House agreed to. EDINBURGH AND LEITH ATMOSPHER IC. On this Bill being called, it appeared that the competing Bill, Edinburgh, Leith, and Granton, had not received the permission the House to be heard to-day. The Committee detertnined to pro ceed with the consideration of the Atmospheric Line, hi the ho pe that leave would be obtained to-night. Mr. ATTOWN raised an objection with respect to the resolutions of fir. Buncombe not being complied with ; the Committee, therefore, could not proceed with the consideration of this Bill until both parties were in a position to thrnish the same. This objection, however, the Committee overruled, and at once proceeded to hear the merits of this Bill. Mr. Forbes was examined in conformity with those resolutions. Mr. Sergeant BELLASIS opened the case on behalf of the promoters of this scheme. He pointed out the advantages which would accrue by the proposed line, uniting as it did, two of the largest and most po pulous towns in Scotland, and affording the means of a quick and rapid communication. The population of these two places amounted to not less than 201,00) inhabitants. The estimated cost of carrying out this scheme Was 160,0001., 42,0001. of which would be expended for land, houses, anti compensation. Mr. Blythe, civil engineer, was (hen called and examined, who spote to the engineering character of the line as being the best adapted for the purpose that could be selected between these two places. It being now four o'clock, the Committee adjourned until twelve I O'clock to.morrow ( Tuesday ). GROUP XI. This Committee met to-day at twelve o'clock, Mr. Henley in the chair. Members present, the Hon. Mr. 0. Stanley, Viscount East nor, and Lord Alford. vonsaaw AND COLTNESS (GR.MENRILI. 1317.tANC8.) This Bill was proceeded with. Mr. Sergeant BELLASIS said, in respect to the arrangement , pro posed on Friday l as t respecting the withdrawal of Sir Thomas Coch rane's evidence, that no arrangement had been come to. Mr. Christie, of the Calder ironworks, in Lincohishire,was then ex amined as to the advantages the proposed branch would confer en the district. :Not only the works at Calder, but the other mineral and iron works in the neighbeurbexd would be greatly benefited. He had examined the district along with Mr. Wright, the. mineral ma nager of the Duke of r.ucciench, and they concluded the branch would be of great advantage in conveying lime-stone and coal from the upper part of Lanarkshire to the iron -works in thole:weer part. Mr. Wright was examined and gave exactly similar evidence. Mr. M'Kenzie, C.E., said that the Proposed line had no er gineering difficulties of any importance. There was only one tunnel. 700 yards long. The gradients were good, the worst being lin 70, and the ruling gradients being I in 100. The estimated construction wag 75,000 L Mr. Sergeant BELLASIS entered an objection to the Passing of this preamble, on the ground that t'ae line on which ev i dence was given . was not the same with that represented as to be submitted for the consideration of the Committee, because it so happened that the ori ginal scheme was curtailed of its fair proportions to the extent of at least seven miles ; and surely out of a line ofonly nine miles originally the Committee would not thfitlC of sanctioning such a meagre traction. The room was then cleared, and on the public being re admitted. The CuAia3LAN announced that the line might be altered in the way desired by the promoters if no considerable Injury could be shown by the opponents. ;, AND CAR. LISLE E.arzwair. This was the first Bill taken up. Counsel for the Bill, Mr. Talbot, Mr. Austin, Mr. Andrews, Mr. Martin, and Sir Thomas Phillips. The principal opposition to the Bill is the Caledonian Railway, which has several competing branches to this in the group, and were represented ;by 'Mr. Sergeant Wrangbam, Mr. Hope, Mr. Pickering, and Mr. Richards. Evidence was then briefly taken as to the conformity with Mr. T. Duncombe's resolutions and tables on the several points required, put in and received. Mr. Sergeant ANDREWS then proceeded to open the case on behalf of the Bill. The line for which powers were sought was proposed to be constructed from the Glasgow, Kilmarnock and Ayr Railway, near to Old Cunmock, te a point on the Caledonian Railway near to the crossing of the river Sark. This was called the Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway with branches. One of these branches was from Sanquhar to a point on the Caledonian Railway, and the other branch was from a point near to the York to a place called Canoabie. There was also a little branch from the main line to Annan. The latter, however, was not very material, but the other two branches were. Having stated the line and branches proposed to be constructed, he would call attention, in the first place, to,the main line, which was the most important. He appeared before the Committee on the necessity of such a line being formed to connect the northern part of Ayrshire and nen tewshire with the north of England and England generally. He would not trouble the Committee with evidence from Lanarkshire or Glas gow, as he was persuaded he could show that the traffic of the other parts imperatively demanded such a line of railway. The present railway accommodation towards the south item Ayrshire, stopped at Cumnock, and that from England towards that quarter of Scot land stopped short at Carlisle, so that there was a complete gap to fill up. As the Bills at present sanctioned stood, goods for the south I u as g p t o h w s , fsoerntthefr south. h Ay . s h h l e r p e r o w ,n o o ul t e d r. h of a y u l e p t r o , e n g t • B il r s u n o u d g h t bo re fi ll G gap. In dealing with the subject he would take Kilmarnock as the centre of the district that wanted the accommodation most urgently, and when he spoke of Kilmarnock, the Committee would understand that he meant the district of Kilmarnock—a district, the worth and importance of which he could not exaggerate. At present, with the lines made, and those for which Bills were obtained, Kilmar nock would be connected in the most direct manner with Glasgow and Paisley, as well as with the principal towns in the county of Ayr Anlrossan, Irvine, Ayr, Kilwining , Kilburnie, and Strathaven. The town of Kilmarnock Vas the trading centre of this district, which comprised a population of 320,000, and was rapidly increasing. To show the rapid increase—the development of mineral and mar ufac taring traffic in this district, he would call their attention to the progressive increase of the goods' traffic on the Glasgow and Ayr Railway. To 1840, the year in wl.ich the line opened, he would not refer, but he would take the following years. From July 1, 1840, to June 30, 1841, the receipts for ods were 4,4301. In 1841-2, 14,000/, ; 1842-3, 18,0001. ; 1843-4, 24,0001. ; and on the 31st July, 1845 , the receipts were 34,0001. From preterit appearances the traffic fully justified that the estimate for the present year would be 50,431/. In 1843, the tonnage of good, was 50,431 tons ; in 1844, 104,000 tons ; and in the year 1845, 180,000 tons. Kilmarnock had a population of 22,000, an d had doubled itself within thirty years. The goods manufactured here annually was about half a million sterling, and it had a connexion with the principal manufacturing districts of England:an 1 Scotland. To show the im portance of Ayrshire, he need only state that it had eleven iron furnaces in blast, fourte' n constructing, and nine proposed; the whole of which, when in operation, could make 176,800 tons of iron yearly. The Duke efPortland alone exported annually 100,600 tons of coal. The Hon. Gentleman then proceeded to follow the route of the line, showing that it would accommodate, independentl3 of the large mineral and manufacturing traffic of Ayrshire, the largo lead mines at Lead-hills, the coal and lime-stene beds of Closebuni and the important ports of Dumfries and Ai.nan, both rising towns. The main lino was sixty-four miles long, and the capital was 120,0001. There were no engineering difficulties, and It toold eas ly be made within the estimates. The Sanquhar branch was sixteen miles in length. The Southern branch from Gretna to Ca- nonbie was seven miles in length, and would acc ,mmodate large coal fields there belonging to the Duke or Bnccleueh and Sir J. Graham. Having stated so much about the nature and objects of this schemo, he would now refer to the oppt,nents of the Bill. The Caledonian Company. That Company had a branch from the North to Dum fries almost parallel to the southern portion of the scheme for which he appeared. They had also a blanch north from Lockerbie, and one from Lockholm, which was almost identical with 0220 of the branches of the Glasgow, Dumfries, :and Carlisle—they had likewise what was called the Caledonian Extension which was to connect Peaks with Ayr Now he was prepare to show that the Caledonian Company only partially supplied that accommodation which his clients did completely.. lie would also show that what they proposed to do was not so effective as the Glasgow, Dumfries, andßile, and, tiler; fore, that the latter should be allowed to make the whole. Tte scheme for which he appeared would alone connect, in an efficient manner, the whole of Ayrshire with the south. Ills opponents were seeking to do in a roundabout and im perfect manner that which his scheme should do in the fullest and most direct way. Ile had no Coubt he would Chow, from the evidence he would adduce, that his scheme was infinitely preferable to the rival projects. Under the Caledonian plan, a persm going from Kilinaniock to Dumfries would have to travel 82 miles, 6 fur longs, whereas by the Dumfries line the distance would be only 59 mile 6 furlongs ; showing a difference in his favour of 23 miles But the difference was not alone in distance. The gradients on the Caledonian !Me were much worse than on the Dumfries line, the gradients being lin 75, lin 82, and lin 100 respectively. B es id es Passengers travelling, independent of the great loss of time, would have to change three or four times. Again, taking Kilmarnock anti-' Carlisle by, the Calesionian the distance was 100 miles, 51 chains; by the Dumfries line 91 miles 12 chains ; giving a difference in ta _„ . vour of the latter of 9 miles, 39 chtiiii . s, besides much more favourable gradients. As well as these great differences, the Caledjulan scheme only gave accommodation be tween Carlisle and Dumfries, leaving out altogether the _ gap between Dumfries and Old Cumnock. Seeing, therefore, that this was lett out of consideration, he considered he could prove a ease tor not only granting his clients the Cumitocit and Dumfries Nrtion, but also that between Dumfries and Carlisle. In conclusion, ue would say that while the line would confer the greatest benefit on the district, all the landowners along the line were favourable to it ; as were also the inhabitants generally. He would now proceed to call the wit esses on behalf of his scheme. Mr. IV. Cranford was the first witness examined. He lived near Kilmarnock, and was as justice of the peace for the county of Ayr. The trade of Kilmarnock was very largely on the increase. There were eight print-works in Kilmarnock, employing 2,000 hands. and paying 69,0001. in wages annually. The annual value of the goods produced was 437,0001. There were carpet factories, employ ing 800 workmen, and producing annually goods worth 120,0001. Nearly the whole were sent to England. The manufitture of iron was greatly on the increase in the neighbourhood of Kilmarnock, principally on the Duke of Portland's estates. There were also large coal works on that nobleman's estate. The Duke of Portland ex ported about 100,000 tons of coal, and Mr. Fennie about the same quantity. The general trade of the whole county was fast advancing. The staple manufactures of Kilmarnock are carpets, shawls, gown printing, leather tanning, &e., grass and other seeds are grown in the neighbourhood. Immense quantities of goods of all descriptions are sent to the south of England. The Committee then adjo - urned till to-morrow at twelve o'clock. GROUP XIV. NORTH RENT DISTRICT, SOUTH-EASTE 72 N LINE. The Committee on the railways projected through this district met to-day at twelve o'clock. Present, Mr. Protheroe (chairman), Lord Emlyn, Mr. J. O'Cennell, and. Mr. Grogan. Mr. AtrsTlN, on the part of the South-Eastern Company, pro ceeded to address the Committee. He stated that he was happy to say, that without doing injustice to his client, he would be able to address the Committee at much less length than he originally intended, but still he must entreat their patience, as his address must necessa rily be very long. He would not so much trouble the Committee with any detailed remarks on the enormous mass of engineering evi dence that had been adduced, but should direct his attention to the comparative public utility of the lines, and to the accommodation they would give to the districts through which they passed. He gbould at first address the Committee on the evidence in support of parts of the line, and afterwards he should speak to the whole of the line ; And he should take the course of the two lines from London to Dover, and compare them with each other in their more impertmait features and points. Mr. Vignoles had laid some tress ore the fact that his line was of an integral cha - sracter. and in doing so had decidedly been in error, for his prin• cipal station at Union-street by no means deserved that definition. His proposed embankment of 2% miles in the City of London and through the borough of Southwark would be an exceedingly incon venient erection, and would assuredly prevent any efficient commu nication between so much of the Borough and City as was on one side of the embankment and so much as was on the other. The sta tion was 4 acres In extent, was 30 feet above the level of the street, and it would require a raised approach of 300 yards. That approach would sccupy 1% acres of their ground, leaving 2U acres for the purposes of their station, and it had been hs'ard in evidence that, from some defect in the ground or plan, one qua-rter of an acre would be lost—thus leaving only two acres for their' station. The metropolitan stations of other lines occapicd a censic'erably larger space, and some of them were even then incon veniemly small. The Union-street station was to accommodate 100 trains pe T diem—those trains, including all the West-end traffic as well as tbic City traffic. The estimate for the station and the em bankment, as calculated by the North Kent, was 696,0001., but Mr. Bldd!o.r had proved that the cost of the line would b e i,100,0 , ,x4:., and, for a reason which he would afterwards give, the cost would be likely to arrive at the sum of 1,200,0001. The value of this Wad alone was 550,0001., and consequently a very in adequate earn would be left for the formation of the station and em bankment. Didependently of these points, it would be impossible for Mr. Vignoles to form his junction with the South Western under circumstances as favourable as those proposed by him ; levels,wtho utmoachdebeviyationedn I f o or ththe coarse at jiunetio o n f tb co e nld lin n e o , t an b d e i f n orm ito ed that whi nit the Act of Parliament would permit of. The junction with the Croydon line, as proposed by Mr. Vignolles, was to be made under circumstances which Mr. Stephenson had properly described as unparalleled in engineering. He was to join the famous, or rather infamous Croydon gradient of 1 in 100, and his own line was to join at a gradient of lin 71. There was a clay cutting of 44 feet deep at the point of junction, and the junction in volved the severance of the atmospheric pipe within 35 yards l o e ct g l t i h e at e rn f , station.xep;i3heyriaerasof pipe Mr. h Stephenson v ,onm had toldnot be them sufficientthatina Dower obtate.ea to enable the train to cross t e he to bre t ak in the pipe, or the e l in I n Und er these d d o l o tta b c t ulti t e h s e ln alin th o l i t en l i features of sufficient impetus on its re-entering the pi c"ring the in ert . up an incline snlticiency of - the estimates, he submitted that Mr.. certainty—of Arid tj th nd e available metropolitan station at all. lie would then proceedgnos had no the metrop, flit an portion of the South Eastern line as contrasted with with the very peculiar circumstances of the North Kent line. Til South-East u - ii Company had the advantage of having already a sta tion at Lot don-bridge. That station was devoted to the Brighton Company 1 int were tenants-at-will, and WEIS only for the eastern traffic of the Company. The western traffic would be accommodated by a very cot. t.venient junction with the South-Western line, with a terminus at "..Tlungerford or Waterloo-bridge. Mr. Vignoles would have his tra ill c involved in a troublesome manner amongst the quarter-of-an. In rur trains on the Greenwich Railway, while the South- Eastern trite le would have the accommodation Of being divided between two l line's. The South-Eastern Company availed th emselves as m u c h as pc SSFPIe of existing lines and alre• capital aof dy expended. It would be ( tr ay the passenger trains which would hav e t o nse the Greenwi,.ol terminus, for the goods trailic would be taken to tl le Bricklayers' junction with Arms station. Their with the Scut tz - • ~ entern line was so contrived as to save half a m il e while Mr. Vignoles's line went two and a half n• ty, for of house prop' ,„_ k and Its neighbourhood, the South-Eastern miles through :S o u , .. ee and a quarter mile. He could sum up the would hare , is ' I Y 0 — b saying that Mr. Vignoles's Union-street metropolitan ot ations Y tot to be perm , . tted because it was not sufficient for station ought . on. Neither ought he to be . • the traffic, or 1 ix r the purposes of a stati allowed to brie sg his traffic to the L on d o n-bridge station by the y. His interference with in convenient rc nt eof the Green wich Rallway. his Interference wtih property woulS -grea tly exd that o reen f ßailwa the South-Eastern, which had property would :,grea tly e lines for the Bripc searationklayers'of their also the adve r ed s at of having to I Arms, t one of their w stat ons, the bailie, and in id a ample accome 3e dation for the stowage of goods, The Learned of the Committee for indulgence Counsel here nquested the i a few minutes. bt tug rather fatigued. On again rising he proceeded the two , but as to detail the other points of comparison between repetition is lines anneees most of them. hat 'die: been elicited in evidence, a awry. The Commit ice :adjourned at four o'clock. [Considerabl nvenlence w..s canned in this room by the knock ing of the woe (men over head, and also by the continued buzz of conversation, c aused strangers at the other end of the room. The latter annoyan T was S o serious that the Chairman, after repeated attempts to to sin sil ence, was compelled to threaten to clear the room ] - - - Mr. Sergeant BELLASIS admitted that he could not do so, as the line (as now altered) stopped short of his client's property. The Committee then decided that the preamble of the Bill was proved, and the clauses were afterwards agreed to. SLAIKANNAN (11ATFIGATE AND JAW - CRAIG BEANcrtra). This Bill was unopposed. The thrmal proots having been given in, the Committee passed the preamble. The object of the Bill was to give additional accommodation to the minerals of the district. The Jawcraig branch was already com pleted, and the Bathgate (four miles three ihriongs) was proposed to be made at an estimated cost of 60,0001. The clauses were passed with some verbal alterations. The Committee then adjourned. GROUP XIII. This Committee met for the first time to-day in room 3in the new Houses of Parliament. The following are the Members of this Committee :—Sir W. Clay (chairman), Earl Jermyn, Mr. P. Ainsworth, Mr. Curteis, and Lord Shelburne. The following Bills have been referred to this group :—Caledonian Railway Extension, Glasgow, Dumfries, and Carlisle, North Britis h (Carlisle Extension), Caledonian (Dumfries Branch), Ayrshire and Galloway, Glasgow and Belfast Union, Scottish Southern, North British (Gretna Branch), Caledonian (Langholm Branch). The list of Bills was read over by the clerk, with the petitions against the Bills and the agents and counsel that appeared respec tively for each. The Scottish Southern is off, it having been petitioned against by the majority of the scripholders, in agreement with the provisions of the resolutions recently agreed to by Parliament. At this moment the pressure became so great that the Committee agreed to adjourn to a larger room, in order to acciatunodate the par ties present. The Committee re-assembled in Room 32. TICE G LAS 001117,_ GROIN' XVI. READINS,, GUISD7 017,D, AND REIGATE ZRANCNZS. The Comm?ttcs nmimed tile inquiry this morning; present, Sir C. Th ' u glas (chaff rmxn), Mr. Blewitt, the lion. 0. Duncombe, and Mr. Lockhart. Noyes.' was recalled, and cross-exurnlned by Mr. MIL, Q.C., in o h r ad der to ase.rt am whether the terms of Mr. Duneombe's resolutions three bees coatilied with. It appeared that there had been originally order trleP"oirg - which had afterwards been a mal g amated. In es y with these resolutions, the names of the se veral allotte atn been given in the register, but not the Ofileers, because these ceased to be officers prior to the project coming before Parliament. The several solicitors and other parties engaged had bet e l paid on the same principle. To Mr. HOPE, Mr. Noyes replied that he had received notice of Mr. Duncombe's resolutions on the Thursday, had attended a l ong board on Friday, the returns were all ready by Saturday night, and made to the Company on Monday morning. He then went thro ug h the whole routine of the facts, showing that he had made all the re turns of the present Company, whether financial or otherwise, but had omitted those matters which referred to the p roceedings prior to the amalgamation, because he considered them to be non-ext.nents, and not consequently required by the Committee. Mr. Rogers, called by Mr. HOPE, one of the joint solicitors of the pre sent line, stated that he had been a solicitor for the Reading and Gu ad t otherit wasunss an ford line. and that the original capital had b een 6 0 0 ,0001. In 30,000 originally da contempl a t e d to amalga mate certain number of shares had been reserved, in consequence of communication with the Great Westesn and the South West ern C ompanies. They had issued shares of of 2 lineol 'each. some 23,000 shares, of which 19,000 had been paid upon, the deposits paid which amounted to about 39,0001. The application for shares amounted to a request of 150,000 shares. He confirmed further, the evidence of Mr. Noyes respecting the amalgation especially with respect to th e b a l ance of 21,0001., handed over from ' the Reading and Reigate Company to the Reading, Guildford, and Reigate Company, the present promoters. There was a deed of amalgamation prepared, but there was not time to sign it previously to the deposit of the documents. To Mr. HOPE, on re - examination, Mr. Rogers stated that the rue collets were made out with a view to winding up, the usual course being to leave the settlement of the engineers and solicitors' accounts until the rejection or passing of the Bill. After some conversation, Mr. HOPE proposed to call Mr. Burke, the Parliamentary agent, but that gentleman not being able to attend, the Learned Counsel proceeded to sum up the evidence to the committee, and said there appeared to have been three Companies, the London and Brighton Company having projected a line between Reigate and Dorking. This had also been done by the South-Eastern Company. Between this Company and the present promoters there had been an amalgamation. The two points relied upon by the opponents were, that in the first place the directors had, contrary to the usual plan, refrained from taking so large a share of the plunder as they were entitled to ; and, secondly, that the names of the several parties had not been put in, as required by Mr. Duncombe's resolutions and the Joint-stock Act. There had been but one Com pany from the first, and his only regret was that the full circumstances had not been stated to the Committee, in the first instance, for two days' examination might thus have been saved, and the Company would have stood in a bet ter position that it did now. The Learned Gentleman then went through the facts alluded to in the several reports which have ap peared In The Sun. It appeared the almost invariable practice in the two companies to put clauses in their deeds, giving powers of amalgamation, which is most cases were acted upon. The points to be considered were, that the original capital should be 800,0001., with power to increase the amount to 1,208,0001., with authority to raise any inferior amount of capital. Thus they might fix the number of shares and raise the capi tal; and then increase the slumber of the one, and raise the amount of the other. Then there was the power to enter into arrangements either with landowners or with parties engaged in other Companies, either temporarily or in perpetuity, and subject to such conditions as they thought fit. Under those powers he held the authority to be perfectly clear to amalgamate, and merge, and engage with other companies. This was the custom in all railway companies. They had again the right to admit other shareholders into their company, and under these powers they had entered into arrangements with the Reading and Reigate Company, to admit the share holders and allottees into their body. This was the admission of the proprietors in a dissolving or dissolved company, Such was the case with the present promoters. Then with respect to the Reading and Reigate Company, these were, under clauses three and four, corresponding powers given to the provisional directors of that Company. Then under clause 24 power was given to the directors to enter into any arrangement with other Companies for the sale, lease, or amalgamation of the line. The powers were correspondent between the two companies, and these powers ap peared to have been made to meet the objections that might be raised on the amalgamation with 'other companies. Then there was power to vary or abandon the undertaking. Under clause 28 there was the power to pay the clerks, and all other subordinates, whether of their own company, or of any company with which they might amalgamate. Ile dwelt on this because his Learned Friend (Mr. Hill) had dwelt on this as being altogether a fictitious power; but he (Mr. Hope) must positively declare that there was every right between partnerships to unit: under the provisions of the several Acts. And if his Learned Friend denied this right, he must trouble him to cite the Act and the case on which he relied. It should be observed that, after the amalgamation, there had been a general meeting of the share holders held, in which the terms were clearly and definitively ap proved. The whole of the affair had been managed so as to make it lite rally and legally correct. The question, therefore, was one which re spected either the strict law of the case, or the bona fides of the partcs. Before the Standing Orders Committee the rule was one of strict law. In either view the promoters contended that they were correct and justified. Then as regarded the trusteeship, they had never any in tention of concealing from Parliament that the signatures of the directors were trust signatures. Dad they been otherwise, there would have been an appearance of fraud, Inasmuch as it would have seemed that the directors were signing for parties who had no right whatever to the scrip, and that therefore those directors had been acting simply upon selfish motives. Then as to the possession of a larger sum than was actually necessary to meet the exigencies of the case, he thought that this was one of the last objections which Mr. Duncombe himself would make. The next point was the question respecting the authority to act under the directors of the amalgamated company, and upon this point he might observe that the company appear in this matter to have anticipated the resolutions of the Housetespect ing the disaohition or the amalgamation of companies, and had ob tained the authority of bath shies for the confirmation of their pro ceedings. It was unquestionable that the majority of the acting par ties were persons interested in the country through which the line was to pass, and of undoubted wealth and respectability. As to the difference between the large and the smaller scheme, it was one of name only. With no exact rules to shape the evidence before Mr. Duncombe's resolutions came out, it was impossible to tally the lisis of the allottees and the shareholders. But this had, in fact, been done, and all the necessary officers had been specified. Atter reprobating the opposition as vexatious, unless a case of Prat! had been alleged, or could be alleged, against his clients, the Learned Gentleman concluded his observations, and was followed by Ma. Hine, Q.C., who said that the real question was, whether the rules of the Standing Orders' Committe had been complied with. it was not for speculators to judge whether this or that fact should be adduced, but it was their duty to comply with all their direc tions, and then it was for the judgment of Parliament to consider whether the Bill should pass. lie would not retract what he had said with respect to Mr. Noyes on Friday, but notwithstaeding the ingenuity of his Honourable Friend, he still asserted that it would be impossible to discover from the returns on the table of the Committee that there was any such company as the Reading and Reigate Company in existence. 'the Learned Counsel then went through the different points of Mr. Hope's speech, especially dweilling upon the fact that the deed of amalgamation had not been completed, and the character of the trusteeship under which the Provisional directors had signed the deeds. The Learned Counsel then went at considerable length into these points, urging that the discrepancy between the returns and the evidenee must in validate the claims of the promoters. Ile then read the clause of the Reading and Reigate deed to prove - that the promoters were pre vented front amalgamating with other companies, except the Lon don and Croydon Company, and others also, and contended on that ground that the directors had no general power of amalgamation with other companies. _.—. After proceeding at considerable length, it was announced that the Speaker was at prayers, and the Committee adjourned till to morrow at twelve. • GI:OUP XVIII. The following Bills arc comprised in this group : Wilts, Somerset, and Weymouth. Loudon, Newbury, and Bath. London and Salisbury and Yeovil Junction (two Exeter, Yeovil, and Dorchester. Exeter Great Western. London and South-Western (Basingstoke to Salisbury). Some: setshire Midland. The Committee to whom they had been referred met this after noon in Committee-room No. 35, present Mr. B. Dennison (in the chair). General Evans, Mr. Redhead Yorke, Mr. Hamilton, Hon. G. Fitzwilliam. . SOMEESETSHIR.E MIDLAND. The formal proofs were gives► with respect to this Bill, but the flirther hearing of it.was adjourned until to-morrow. GROUP XXVII. This Committee re -assembled this morning at the usual hour; Sir Charles Lemon in the chair. NOR.TII STAFFORDSHIRE (THREE LINES). The several clauses of this Bill were then gone into seriatim. Mr. IVaaaLN, on the part of the trustees of the Burslem and New castle Turnpike Road, opposed the clause by which it was proposed that the railway should cross that road on the level. After hearing evidence on the point, the Committee decided that a clause should be introduced, compelling the Company to erect a foot bridge over the railway. The remainder of the day was occupied in going through the other clauses of the Bill, which, with some alterations and amendments, were eventually agreed to. The Committee then adjourned. GROUP .X. - XX. This Committee assembled at the usual hour; present, Lora C. Wellesley (chairman) and the other Members. CAMBRIDGE AND OXFORD. It was stated by Counsel that the opposition to this Bill was with drawn on the part of Trinity College, Cambridge, and that the only opposition now remaining was on the part of the Duke of Bucking ham and the competing line. Mr. Denton, surveyor, was cross-examined by Mr. WILLS, on the part of the Aylesbury and Thame Railway—Did not know the depth of soil for the spoil. Made an estimate for the spoil of 1001. per acre. No one assisted him in laying out the line, except Mr. Locke. Did not make any agreement with landowners on behalf of the Company in any case for more than 2501. an acre. Did not know that any parties were holding out up to last Friday for 5001. an acre. Mr. J. Washford examined—Valued the land along the line from Oxford to Luton. The line did not inflict any injury on property in the neighbourhood. Cross-examined by Mr. CALCILAFT—The average he made of the property was 2001. an acre. Had nothing to do with the spoil. A rather lengthened discussion ensued between the Counsel, as to whether witnesses to traffic should be produced and cross-examined, which ended in the room being cleared. The (Automat.; (on our re - admission) said, the Committee ending that they had full discretionary powers given them by Parliament in this matter, had come to the determination of hearing the examina tion, cross-examination, and re - examination of Mr. Pilcher on this question. They would then consider whether they should take fur ther evidence with reference to this point. The Committee having heard the evidence of Mr. Beard, steward to the AtMe of Buckingham, who stated that the proposed railway would be injurious to that nobleman's property, adjourned till to morrow to give time for the production of the necessary witnesses as to traffic who were not in attendance. GROUP XXXIV. The Committee to whom the Bills in this group are referred met this morning, at twelve o'clock. The members composing this Committee were, the Honourable Mr. Cowper, Lord Duncan, Montague Gore, Esq., D. Davies, Esq., S. Walpole, Esq. The CHAIRMAN announced, at the commencement of the business that the Committee were of opinion that the preamble of the Great, Grimsby and Sheffield Extension Railway was proved, and further stated that it was their intention to hear evidence as to the Hall and Lincoln limo proposing to cross the Humber at Market Raisin, as the Committee considered it advisable to grant two lines for the accommodation of the district in question. This suggestion having been agreed to, witnesses were called to give evidence upon this point. Mr. Pryine, late M.P. for Cambridge, was the first witness called, who had been in the habit of staying for a period of three or four weeks in the year at Hull, and said this line was one of great im portance, and was supported by sonao of the most wealthy and influen tial inhabitants of Hull. HULL AND LINCOLN DIRECT. Several other witnesses were called, who all agreed that the line of railway would open up a portion of the country rich in mineral and other produce. The Committee adjourned at 4 o'clock to 12 o'clock to-morrow. UP XXXV w The Committee met this GROUP day at telve ll. o'clock, In Room 21 ; pre sent, Lord Seymour (chairman), Mr. F. French, Lord Edwin 11111, Sir J. Lopez, and Lord Ebrington. They resumed the consideration of the SHEFFIELD, ROTHERHAM, BARNSLEY. I.V.S.RE,PIELD, HUDDERSFIELD, AND GOOLE. Captain Lawes, who was examined on Friday In favour of the Bill, was now cross-examined by Mr. PICKERING, on the part of the opponents. Mr. Leman, the solicitor to the Company, was examined at con siderable length, by Mr. TALBOT, in relation to an agreement en tered Into by this Company with the South Yorkshire Company, for the construction of the line south of Banisley, that is to say, from the latter town to Sheffield. In cross-examination, by Mr. PICKERING, the witness said that the Duke of Norfolk, Earl Fitzwilliam, Lord Wharneliffe, Lord Effing ham, Mr. Bennet Martin, and other landed proprietors in the southern half of the district had petitioned Parliament against the Bill. But the agreement with the South Yorkshire Company was the conse quence of that petition. The only landed proprietors on that part of the line who continued in opposition to the Bill, were the Duke of Norfolk and Mr. Bennet Martin, the latter, as a director of the South which w o uld ,vas e h ie ! Yorkshire line, being in pa r t b ound by the agreement to support this n of eri th ts e V Bill in every stag,e. The agree ment bears date of this day, May 4,18 46, Some ffurromthethregenproeporelsedevlldinereicbeyasthte potehomebee kshaw was called to give th e usual engineering evidence, which occupied the Committee up to four o ' c l ock, at which hour they adjourned. t d ered erived into, and Mr. Haw THE SUN, LONDON, TU'ESDAy ETENING, MAY 5, 1846. GROUP XL, This Committee re-assembled, this morning; present, Mr. A ~„„, us Stafford O'Brien (in the chair), Mr. Boyd, Lord Norreys, --- , Ir. W. Dugdale, and Mr. H. J. Vivian. The evidence In the partly-heard case of the YOEIE ABID NOR.Tif IVITDLAND (LEE33B E.XTEItTSZON) was resumed. Mr. Birkenshaw, the engineer of the' line, whose evidence was given on Friday last, was this morning cross-examined la Mr. Ser geant WILKINS, on behalf of the Leeds, York, and Midland Junction. The worst gradient on the line under the consideration of the Com mittee is 1 in 133. The estimate per mile is 21,0001., and the por tion of the line nearest to Leeds, consisted of an embankment, the greatest height of which is 33 feet, and the length of the embank ment one mile and a half. The cost of the bridge over the Ayr will be 12,000!., aid of that over the wharf 6,000/. Although the pro moters of this Bill had stated that the line would not inflict any resi dential injury en any party, the line was proposed to pass in front of the mansion of the Rev. Mr. Armitage, at a distance of seven chains, and on an embankment of 33 feet. It had been arranged, however, to pass over that estate by means of a viaduct, which would cost 18,0001. This line would also pass in front of Mr. Mande's house, at a distance of about a quarter of a mile, and en an embankment. Both these gentlemen were, however, assenting parties to the construction of this line. This line had not a summit about twelve feet lower than the Leeds, York, and Midland Junction. There would be a point of detention to the trains passing the Balm-lane station. He did not think that it would be safe for any train leaving Leeds to move at full speed until it was two miles distant from that town. There would be a gradient of 1 in 187 between York and Tadcaster for a mile and a half, whilst the Midland Junction line would be practically horizontal. This line would travel round Tad caster at a radius of seventeen chains. The Leeds, York, and Mid land Junction line would pass much nearer to the town. The plan exhibited on the wall of the Committee-room, however, represented the contrary to be the fact. Witness's assistants had made the plan. This line ran nearer to Hazlewood (Sir E. Vavaseur's property) than the Midland Junction line; it would also pass over it on a high embankment. The plan exhibited to the Committee by the promoters of this line was also similarly erroneous in this respect. After that they got into a 40 feet cutting. The gradients of the Leeds, York, and Midland Junction line, between Tadcaster and York, were decidedly easier than those of the line under the consideration of the Committee. The survey of this portion of the line was begun in August last, but the bulk of it was done in the months of October and November. from the Preston Auxiliary Religious Tract Society. He was ready to support the Bill, because he thought it very de sirable for the more effectual government of trusts, an d espe cially the auditing of their funds. But those from whom the Petition emanated were the representatives of a charity sup.. ported by voluntary contributions, who expended their own money as they thought fit, and in the management of which charity they received no assistance from the State. They con sidered the publication of their accounts to be unnect.ssary and uncalled for. They went further, and gave expression to an apprehension which appeared to him to be well-founded, namely, that the publie ordeal with which they were threat.. ened would have the effect of materiall7 diminishing the amount of subscriptions.—( Hear, hear.) The funds were at present administered gratuitously by persons who were sub scribers to the society, who took a great interest in its pros perity. They made very great exertions for the purpose of increasing its funds. They, therefore, en reasonable grounds, prayed their Lordships to be freed from the operations of this Act.—( Hear. ) The LORD CHANCELLOR said he had been repeatedly applied to by societies similar to that from which the Noble Lord had presented the petition, and he had uniformly stated that he would take into consideration the representations which they had made to him. When he should move the second reading of this Bill he would state to their Lordships the course which he meant to pursue with respect to societies of this de scription, and with respect to other societies, concerning which similar representations had been made. In justification of the , course he had pursued, he begged leave to remind their Lordships that when this Bill was laid on the table of the House, during the last session of Parliament, it was referred to a Committee of their Lordships, who sat in deliberation, and the result was that their Lordships had recommended the Bill to be laid on the table in its present shape. Lord COTTENHAM entirely concurred in the observa tions of the Noble Lord. Ile had himself presented several petitions from similar societies, -vho stated that they were actual trustees, and often under liabilities to the amount of 40,0001., and they considered it a very great grievance if they would be compelled to publish their accounts. He hoped, therefore, that their Lordships would take their case into con sideration.—( Hear, hear. ) The LORD CHANCELLOR remarked that the Bill re ferred to two subjects. The one the administration of charitable funds, and the other the inspection of their accounts. The question of the Hon. and Learned Lord referred to the latter point. Lord BROUGHAM said that so far from this interference being anything new, it had been proposed by the Commissions that were issued in past years to inquire into the subject—in 1818, and in 1819, and again after he became a Member of that House in 1831. Every Commission that had been issued had been instructed to inquire into all charities with certain exceptions. In the course of these investigations 40,000 charities had been inquired into. He admitted that voluntary funds raised by parties were not fit subjects for their inquiry, for if people chose to allow themselves to be deceived it was their own affair. It was different where the funds were invested in trustees, for there the savings became public charity, and came within the scope of the present 13111. After a few words from Lord COTTENHAM, RAILWAY DISSOLUTIONS BILL. The Earl of DALHOUSIE brought up the report of the Committee on this Bill with two amendments, which, in agree ment with the suggestions of several ,Noble Lords, he intended to submit. The first, recommended by the Noble Lord oppo site, referred to the right of pre-emption in the property of a company, in the event of a majority agreeing to dissolve it. To that he had no objection, though he did not apprehend it would be of much use, as the parties who might want to get up the company again, could easily get the particulars they wanted at the Parliamentary or Private Bill offices. The Noble Lord then read the clause he intended to propose, which was to the effect that the minority of a company should have the right to purchase the plans, sections, and other property of the dissolved company, at a fair valuation. The Bishop of LONDON said there were exceptions in cer tain cases, such as all charitable societies supported by volun• tary contributions alone. The Earl of ELDON presented a petition from the iron mongers of the city of London against the Bill. Lord BROUGHAM presented a petition from Lord Meadowbank, as the representative of the property of a gallant officer, now in the service of his country in China, against a railroad which was p ro p ose d t o run through a part o f that pro perty, which would destroy some of the most beautiful parts of it. Examined by Mr. Krrowias (vhe appeared far certain land owners)—Sir Edward Vavasour had given preference to this line, although it Would pass over his estate. This line would be no injury to Lord llancks's property. The gradients of this line were, on the whole, not very difficult. The difference of the gradients between this line and the Leeds, York, and Midland Junction, would be amply com pensated by the advantages which this possessed over that line. This line would go sufficiently near to Tadcaster to afford ample accom modation to the inhabitants, and the station there would bo the same as that of the Churchfenton line, which would be a great advantage. The gradients of the Leeds, York, and Midland Junction line, near Leeds, would be 1 in sh. Mr. Sergeant Winans—That portion of the line is only for goods. Examination continued—Such a gradient is a very dangerous one. There would also be a very sharp curve on that line near Leeds. The proposed junction of this line with other companies' lines, had the assent of those companies. Mr. Maude was an assenting party to the construction of this line. Mr. Sergeant WILK'Ne—He hasbien settled with like the other as senting landowners. _ The - Cnatamax—lt seems to the Committee that sufficient engi , neering evidence has been given. Mr.HILDrARD—I will call Mr. Frederick Swanwick, if the Com mittee please, as I think he will state two Important facts. Mr. Frederick Swanwick, engineer, was accordingly called, and some years ago. Fi nding the difficulties whick stated that he had carefully surveyed th e district over whieh this he was cert a i n l y of opinion, that an indepen dent eweohutlrdy prea s sented, dent company could not receive sufficient remuneration from a line passing over that district ; such a line should be constructed by some railway company who were already the owners of a line in that district. This line would certainly be a better one than its two rivals. There would also be a unity of management in favour of this line. Cross-examined by Mr. Sergeant WILKINs.--Had not generally been employed by Mr. Hudson, to give evidence In favour of his schemes. It did not occur to him, that he had given evidence in favour of any ether line than the Wakefield, Pontefract, and Goole. Mr. Fox, land-agent, raid, that it would take 38,3001. to purchase the land necessary for the constructlou of this line. There would be two acres allotted for stations. Title completed the case for the York and North Midland (Leeds Extension.) LEEDS AND YORIC. Mr. BAINES, Q.C., then proceeded to open the case for this, one of the rival lines. The Learned Counsel went at some length Into the history and accommodation of railways in the district between Leeds and York, and said that no one could deny that it was absolutely necessary to improve the railway accommodation between York and Leeds, but It would be better for the public to put up with the pre sent state of things than be compelled to take the accommodation proposed by Mr. Hudson, whose line would be full of dangerous junc tions, and Mr. Stephenson whom they had talked of calling, would have no doubt, on cross-examination, admitted that the risks at junctions to life and property were absolutely dreadful to contem plate. Mr. Hudson's line 'involved the necessity of seven junctions and would be composed of bits of old and new lines, whereas the Leeds and York would be au entirely new line. Parliament had over and over again given its direct preference to such lines as that which he had the honour of representing, over such as Mr. Hudson's. They had lately done so in the case of the line between Leeds and Manchester. A few weeks after the promulgation of this line, that represented by his Learned Friend, Mr. Sergeant Wilkins, sprung into existence, and subsequently to that came out the scheme of Mr. Hudson. If this line were sanctioned, the public would have a direct communication from Liverpool to Manchester, Huddersfield, Dewsbury, Leeds, and then, without a single break, to the city of York ; no such accommoda tion was afforded by either of the other two rival lines. The advantage of inch a communication between Liverpool and York was, to use the very expression of 31r. Hudson himself, " incalcu lable " The Learned Counsel then proceeded to describe very mi nutely the route of this line, cor.trasting it favourably with the routes of the other lines, RAILWAY BILLS. Lord BROUGHAM said that he was now about to lay be fore their Lordships a series of resolutions with regard to rail way Bills, and finding that a large measure was at present proposed with regard to thin subject he felt it to be his duty to take the earliest opportunity of bringing the subject under consideration. The Noble and Learned Lord then read the resolutions which he proposed to submit to the House, and which were extremely voluminous. They were to the effect that, in order to legislate property in private, but especially railway Bills, it was expedient to form a Court, apart and in dependent of the High Court of Parliament, except as regarded the removal of its members, whom he proposed to remove, if necessary, by the Crown, or the address of both Houses of Parliament. This court or board should consist of five members, who should he appointed by the Crown; and so paid for their services that the most respectable members of the legal profession might be obtained to constitute such board. That ontil it could he seen how far that num:.er of Commis missioners would suffice, it was expedient, in the first instance, either to appoint Commissioners of Bankruptcy, or Masters in Chancery, to fill the offices, but without additional pay. That the Houses of Parliament, on receiving a Bill, should, before reading it a first time, refer it to this tribunal, which should have the power of swearing and summoning witnesses, and the power of deciding on all questions, always, however, subj ec t to the opinion of one o f t h e f our courts ofWestminst er Hall, if rendered necessary. The Noble and Learned Lord con cluded by moving, that the resolutions (twenty-three in num ber) be printed. The motion was unanimously agreed to. DEATH BY ACCIDENTS COMPENSATION BILL. On the motion of Lord CAMPBELL, the report on this Bill was brought up and agreed to. RAILWAY DEPOSITS BILL. This Bill, on the motion of Lord MONTEAGLE, went through Committee. THE LIVERPOOL DOCKS BILL. The Earl of WILTON presented several petitions, numer ously signed, against this Bill, from different parties, including one from Chester, another from New Brighton, another from the inhabitants of Liverpool, and another from the Chester and Birkenhead Railway Company. If the effect of this clause would be to give parties power to reconstruct a line, still he would be inclined to press its insertion. Another point upon which he would wish to say a few words. A clause had been suggested by which to compel parties to give an affirmation, when voting, that they had been the bouri fide possessors of scrip upon the 31st of March, He had given that subject a great deal of consideration, and had consulted others upon it, when he had come to the conclusion that it would not be ex pedien t to insert such a clause, inasmuch as that the affirma tion would not affect the object, while it would operate unjustly to others. It would be carried to so great an extent, before it could affect the object, that it would be scarcely possible to do it, at least to do it in such a way as to affect a really good undertaking to any extent. For these reasons, he submitted that the plans proposed to meet the difficulty, would not have the effect contemplated. Earl GREY said the statement of the Noble Earl confirmed him in the belief that the Bill would work very great injustice indeed to many persons who were highly deserving the con ssideration of the House, namely, persons of influence and capital, in order to meet the wishes of persons who had over speculated, and now wished to withdraw from the undertakings with which they had connected themselves. Let their Lord ships consider the position in which some of these parties would be placed if the Bill became law. Many had taken shares in companies whose demands they were unable to comply with, but if the Bill were passed, many bon,2 fide projects, which would afford communication to districts now suffering from the inefficient means of transit, would be abandoned—not because Mr. R. Baker was then examined by Mr, HARDY, after which the Committee adjourned till to-morrow. STANDING ORDERS' COMMITTEES. HOUSE OF LORDS. Their Lordships met this day at the usual hour, but owing to the non-attendance of agents and witnesses, a considerable time elapsed before any business was transacted. Then' Lordships present were, the Earl of Shaftesbury, in the chair; the Duke of Richmond, Lords Hawarden and Ilchester. EXETER AND EXMOUTH RAILWAY. This case came before the Committee on second reference, in order to prove the compliance with Lo d Wharticliffe's order— the deposit of 10 per cent. upon the capital required by the Act of Parliament and the proper signatures to the Bill. Tee agents to the Bill intimated to the Chairman that it was their desire that the case should stand over till Thursday next. The Committee agreed to the adjournment. Parliamentary agents, Messrs. Dor rington and Co. WATERFORD, WEXFORD, WICKLOW, AND Dunux RAILWAY. This case came also before the Committee on second reference. The deposit of 10 percent. upon the capital having to be prove:!, as well as the proper notices in the Gazette, at the instance of Mr. Burke, who appeared on the part of the agents, tie further hearing of the case was adjourned until Monday next. Parliamentary agents, Messrs. Bark, MI, and Co. NEWRY, WARRENPOINT, AND ROSTREVOIt RAILWAY. This case, which has been adjourned two or three times already, was further adjourned until this day (Monday) fortnight. It was un derstood that there are some parties anxious to wind up the concern, and these repeated adjournments aro for the purpose of giving time to have sense of the shareholders expressed oy public meetings or .otherwise. Parliamentary agents, Bryden and Co. DUBLIN AND SANDY3IOUNT ATMOSPHERIC RAILWAY. This case also came before the Committee on second reference. The necessary proofs having been given of the payment of the tan per cent. upon the capital, and the certificate of the Accountant-Ge neral of the Court of Chancery having been preyed, Lord Suarrnsausa intimated that the BM had passed the standing orders. Parliamentary agent, Mr. Waddy. Their Lordships rose at five o'clock. LAW INTELLICiEN CE, COURT OF QUEEN'S BENCH, May 4. The Court sat this morning at 10 o'clock, and gave judgment in the following cases. litOLYultD V. DAILY. In this case the defendant was charged with having broken into a fishery belonging to the plaintiff in the river Usk. The Court ware of opinion that there had been a trespass as laid in the declaration, contrary to long establiulied rule ; but as the de claratiou had not set out the allegation in terms sufficiently technical as related to a several fishery, the Court considered itself boun.l to ari est the judgment. THE QUEEN AT TIIE PROSECUTION OF TIIE REV. MR. MOLESWORTH, VICAR OF ROCHDALE, V. JESSE RALE . In this case there had been au application for a rule for a criminal Information against the defendant tor certain alleged libels published by him, which were stated to have been calculated to injure the character and position of the plaintiff in the estimation of his parishioners. The defence set up was, that the plain tiff had brought those attacks upon himself by reason of certain pamphlets, which lie had published, and which contained charges against some of his parishioners which were not seemly or deserved. The Court were of opinion that some interference was necessary to put a stop to this unpleasant state of things between those parties, but they did think it right to discharge the rule without costs, for they wanted to avoid giving a triumph to either party against the other, but they should state at the same time that if there should be any renewal of those attacks in future, the parties should clearly unde rstand that the Court wou ld not, by this jud gmen t , cons ider their hands by any means tied up. ROOMER V. BtiTTERWORTY. This case originated in an action taken by the plaintiff against the defendant for certain alleged infringement of a patent taken out by the plaintiff for improvements in a machine for carding wool by which great facility was glean to the operation by what was called " surface motion." The jury found for the defendant, and the Court could see no grounds for disturbing that verdict, for it did not appear by the evidence that the invention was a novel one, or that there had been any infringement of a patent. :hey were bad in themselves, but because a majority of those BARNES V. 8110 RE, This was a ease In which the defendant was charged with disobe dience to the ecclesiastical authorities by reason of his having officiated In an unconsecrated Dissenting chapel, at Exeter, he being a priest in holy orders of the Eastablliihed Church. The Court were of opinion that this was not a ease for this Court, as it was a ques tion of clerical disobedience, and one coming within the jurisdiction of the ecclesiastical authorities. who were vested with the power of rejection had - not the means of meeting their calls.'and, therefore, they desired an early sacri fice. But then the prudent men, who had joined carefully in a project, and who were willing fully to carry it out, would be sacrificed. But when the companies were projected, no inti mation was given that such a Bill would be brought forward ; and, besides, in each deed there was an engagement binding those who engaged in the project to prosecute the Bill in Parliament. But they turned round upon a man and said to him " This was the state of the law when you entered into your specula tion, though you have invested the fruits of a long life of in dustry, and though now, if the undertaking, were carried on, the investment would be a good one, we will, in spite of all this propose a law which will enable a bare majority of those associated with you in this speculation, whether you like it or dislike it, to wind up this concern, and all the money you have spent will be wasted." Yes, all the money would be as completely wasted as if it were thrown into the sea. The man would then have to receive back what trifle remained of his deposits, after deducting all the enormous expenses of sur veying, and the machinery which attended the getting up of a railway Bill. But these people, by the legislation and the whole conduct of Parliament for several years, had been encouraged to enter into such speculations as were now con demned.—( Hear, hear.) They depended for safety, whilst they invested their money in these undertakings, on the law as it then existed ;' and if the measure of the Noble Earl opposite were adopted by Parliament, it would be an ex post facto law. It would inflict as much injustice on honest speculators as any measure that had been adopted by Parlia ment within his memory. He was sorry to have to acknow ledge that the objection which had been raised by the Noble Earl, that it was almost impossible to trace the scrip, was in a great measure true. But then that objection would lie met by compelling shareholders to make an affirmation as to the source whence they obtained their scrip, and he could net believe that many of the holders would be found who would make a false affirmation.—( Hear, hear.) A penalty of some thing like 5/. would be imposed, to deter those who might be disposed to make false affirmations. And, really, if this mea• sure were passed, powerful railway companies would purchase scrip, in such inchoate railways as might be their rivals, for the mere purpose of being enabled to vote for their dissolution. —( Hear, hear.) With respect to the right of purchasing plans, what he wanted was, to give the minority who wanted to go on with the plans some small degree ofadvantage for themon eY they had expended; an d th ere f ore he proposed that these persons might, by,filling up their ranks, come before Parliament in the succeeding session. He thought that the intent of these persons should be kept up despite the interest of the majority. Lord REDESD ALE th oug ht t h e N oble Lord decidedly wrong. in his argument when he h e ld th at the minority in a scheme which had once failed should be allowed to come again before Parliament with an accession of new partners. Surely it might he allowed other parties to take a new line on the same dis trict that the former line had pretended to serve. The Noble Lord looked at the matter as if the whole of the schemes before the public were perfectly sound, whereas, on the contrary, the Legislature had to consider how to get the shareholders, now partly embarked, out of a great difficulty. He believed that the effect of the Bill would be unmitigated good, for the evil done would be very trifling in comparison. Lord KINNAIRD considered that if this B illwere passed it would entail a great evil on th e p ar ti es connected because, with such if such a companies as the present London and York, company were dissolved, then the Eastern Counties might come in, not for the purpose of occupying the same ground, but for the very purpose of keeping the rival company out. He could not see that unmitigated good would follow from the THR ()VEEN V. PELHAM. In this ease there was a motion In arrest of judgment. The facts have already been before the public several times. They were briefly these :—that defendant was allowed a certain sum for the support of her illegitimate son, whom she kept in a very improper state, and that he was a lunatic. There were two counts on which the de fendant had been convicted; one was that the acts charged had been done when the unfortunate lunatic was under the control of the defendant. In the ether coent there was no averment to show that he was then under her control, and therefore the jud• merit should be arrested. The Court then proceeded with the new trial paper. IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT, HOUSE OF LORD S, \rvesnytd several Alay Their Lordships assembled at the usual hour. petitions 4. from GLASGOW, KILMARNOCK, AND ARDROSSAN The Earl of EGLINT R O A N IL p parties residing in Kilmarnock, in favour of the above railway. SUNDAY SPIRIT TRADING. The Bishop of CHESTER presented a petition in favour of closing public-houses on Sundays. The Bishop DURHAM d simil petitions. EXCLUSIVE TRADING p IN resente SMALLar BOROUGHS IN SCOTLAND. The Duke of BUCCLEUCH presented a petition from a Freemen Association of Edinburgh in favour of the Bill lately introduced to abolish exclusive trading in small bodies in Scotland. The Earl of CHARLF:VILLE brought up the report of the Select Committee on Railways, of which he is chairman ; after which he presented a petition from the borough of Bridge.. attentionwater, in the of county tho of Houset o the Devon. H p He b r e a g y te r d l o e f a v e this eal petition,the which was, th a t t h e i r L or d s hi ps wou l d he gracio usly pleased to appoint a select committee to inquire how far the Aet of 10 Geo. IV., entitled, the Catholic Relief Bill, and the tenets pro fessed by Ro man C athol i cs were consistent wit h the British constitution. Several Bills were brought from 'the House of Commons. EXCLUSIVE DEALING. Lord CAMPBELL presented a petition from the inhabitants of Glasgow, pr ay i ng for some measure by which to prevent exclusive dealin g in that city. PUBLIC WORKS IN IRELAND. Earl of WICKL OW presented a petition from the in habitants of C or k, praying that the recommendation of the Committee of P u bli c Works, who sat in 1835, might be carried out in that c it y . The Bish op o f ST. DAVID'S presented a petition from the Society fo r Promoting Christianity among the Jews against the Charitable Trusts Bill. The Bishop of LONDON presented several petitions to the same effect. The Bishop of EXETER presented a petition from the inha bitants of R e tf ord in favour of the Charitable Trusts Bill ; also a petition from the Archdeaconry of Exeter against the union of the sees of St. Asaph and Banger. RELIGIOUS OPINIONS RELIEF BILL. The Bishop of EXETER gave notice that he would move to-morrow that this Bill be submitted to the julgeF , , Kith the view of ha v i ng t h e i r opinion on the propriety of passing it into law. CHARITABLE TRUSTS BILL. Lord NORNIANBY presented a p e ti t i on from Kingston upon. Hull against this 13ill, signed by the Chairman of the Charitable Trusts of the borough. RELIGIOUS OPINIONS RELIEF BILL. The Bi s h op o f EX ETER said, at the request of his Noble and Learned Friend (the Lord Chancellor), he wished to alter the moti.m of which he had given notice with respect to this Bill. Ile should postpone it until Friday next, in order that the que,tions might be printed and placed in the hands of their Lordships before that day. ST. ARAPII AND BANGOR. The Bishop of OXFORD presented a petition from the Deanery of Newbury against the division of these sees. REGISTRATION OF DEEDS' BILL. Lord STANLEY presented a petition from Liverpool against this Bill. passing of this measure. Lord DALHOUSIE reminded their Lordships that but very few of the schemes before Parliament would be affected by this measure ; for, though there were 400 Bills before the Legis liture, their Lordships must remember, that not less than 1,200 were registered under the Joint Companies' Act. The public were concerned, and if they allowed a company, with no means of completing the works, to get their Bill, it would be a decided injustice to the public, because this decision of theirs would prevent other parties, able and willing to carry out these works to completion, from doing so. After a few words from Lord RADNOR, the report, with amendments, was agreed to. COMMONS ENCLOSURE BILL. This Bill was read a third time and passed. Their Lordihipi then adjourned. sail CHARITABLE h T ad ßU an S o T th S er ß p l e L ti L ti . on to THE NORI C .E HOUSE OF COMMONS, May 4. IThe SPEAKER took the Chair at Four o'clock. SECOND READINGS. The followingßills were read a second time and ordered to to which he begged to call their Lordships, the attention of be committed, viz : and the Noble and Learned Lord on the WoJlsack, praying Taw Vale Railway Extens'on. exemptions from the provision s t • It petition Railway of win Bill. was a k:astern Counties Railway (Stations Enlargement). present, -e, Eastern Counties and Thames Junction Railway Branches. toile, and at Nevili es , w h ere h e was again severely wounded• North G r a vesen d R a il way. During the period of European peace he has had opporttr Eastern Counties Railway( Tottenham:and Farringdon-street). mities of signalising himself in the service of his country. Thames Haven Dock and Railway. He was at the capture of Canton ; and during the late Morayshire Railway. . operations in India he commanded the right wing of the Manchester, Bolton, and Bury Canal Navigation and Railway. British army. He fought at the battle of Maharajapore. Oxford, Coventry, and Burton-on -Trent Railway. Sir, It would be presumptuous in me to attempt to do justice to Portbury Pier and Railway (No. 2.) his merits. I believe he is known to the British army as a Edinburgh and Leith Waterworks. man of the most heroic character, while his valour and his Trent Valley Midlands and Grand Junction Railway. skill inspires confidence in all those whom lie may happen to REPORTS. have under his command. I will not attempt to do justice to The following reports were brought up, the amendments and his skill, to his valour, or his talents as a soldier, for those who alterations agreed to, and the Bills ordered' to be engrossed, are acquainted with the history of the Peninsular war viz.:— must know hi s hi g h reputat i on in this respect. But I must Burnley Improvements an d W a t erwor k s, Leicester Improvement. take th e o p portun i ty of placing upon record an instance of his St. Austell Small D e bts, devotion t o th e serv i ce of the country, which he probably little York and North Midland R a il wa y (East RidingParlia. ment, and w h ic h I t hi n k i s equal, if not superior, to any of his York and North Midland R a il wa y (E as t Ridi ng B ranches other brillia n t ac ti ons. At the termination of the war with No. 2). China, Lord G oug h was appointed to the command of the Horburforces i n M a d ras. It was thought however expedient, at a North Wy estern Rail Bridge and Caldery. Railway. period su b sequent to hisnomination, that the military and civi wa command of that state should be united in one person, London and South-Western Railway (Farnham and Alton.) Lord Tweedale was selceted to take upon him- Glasgow, Barrhead, and Neilston Direct Railway (Branches to self the duties of this joint office, and to supersede Thorneliebank, Househill, and Hurlet). Lord Gough in the command of the forces. One would have Wilsontown, Morningside, a n d C o lt ness R a ilw a y (Bathgate thought that a man who had been so often victorious in battle Branch). would have felt himself humiliated at being superseded in this Wilaontown, Morningside, a n d C o lt ness Railway (Caledonian way ; but what was the answer Lord Gough returned to the Junction). Commander-in-Chief on its being intimated to him that the Ayreshire, Bridge of Weir, and Port Glasgow Junction Railway. public service required that the two commands should be con- Newcastle and Darlington Juncti on R a il wa y (Thirsk and Mal- fined in one officer? I consider this answer to be as ton Branches). honourable to General Gough as brilliant Slamannan and B orrows t ouness R ailway. achievements, and it sets any of his other example Wilsontown, Morningside, an d C o l tness R a il way (I mprove - of what the duty of a a striking e British soldier is merit and Bran c h es ). under circumstances like those to which I have referred. I Buckinghamshire Railway (Oxford and Bletchley Junction). am determined to present the letter to the House. The Electric Telegraph Company. letter was dated head-quarters sth June, 1845, and was ad- CORN-LAWS. dressed to Lord Hill. It was as follows :—" My Lord,—l have Mr. SHARMAN DaCRAWFOR resened petitions from the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship' s letter the neighbourhood of Rochd a l e , p ry i ng f or th e immediate of the 30th April, and however mortifyin g it may be f or me t o repeal of all dutie s on corn. find myself deprived of an appointment to which my Sovereign Mr. ALLIX presented a petition frown the guardians of the so graciously appointed me, I beg to assure your Lordship that Wisbeach Union, in the counties cii' Cambridge an d Norfolk. I shall always freely sacrifice my private interest, should my praying that all tenements under 61. be rated to the owner and doing so be considered beneficial to the interests of my country. not the occupier, for the poor and highway rates. 1 have been successful in reaching the higher walks of a pro- Mr. HUME presented a petition from the magistrates and fession which I entered while yet a child, but nevertheless I inhabitants of Montrose, stating that that town, in common trust that you Lordship will always find me ready to sacrifice with other places in the kingdom, was sufferin g very much any private interest of my own whenever the public exigencies. from the stagnation in trade, arising from the delay and un- demand it, or whenever your Lordship considers it would tend to certainty attending the proceedings with regard to the Corn th e publi c good. My gracious Sovereign was pleased to no- Bill, at present before the House, and praying that no time minate me to the command of the army of Madras, and I re mignt be lest in passing it into law. ceived the appointment with profound and grateful feeling; but MR. SMITH O'BRIEN. when called upon to give it up for the public good, I do not Mr. O'CONNELL said that he had given notice of motion feel justified in feeling any humiliation, for it would ill become for the discharge of Jlfr. Smith O'B r i en , an d h e w i s h e d to me to let my private interest interfere with the public good. I state that it was not his intention to proceed with that motion, am, therefore, still not less grateful to my Sovereign for her at the peremptory request of Mr. O'Brien himself. gracious confidence nor less sinc ere an d warm l y t h an kf ul to MALTESE GRIEVANCES. your Lordship for this renewed instance of your Lordship's kind. Dr. BOWRING gave notice, that on Thursday, he should ness towards me. And, in conclusion, I beg to expres. a h o p e move for a continuatio n of th e corres p on d ence w hi c h bad taken that the union of the civil and military command of Madras place on the subject of Maltese grievances. m Sz ay & be productive o f p u bli c good.— I have th e h onour to be, PRIVATE BILLS. .c. c. UGH UGH.'' The HON. M EMBER . a l so w i s h e d to put a queston to the Right I t hi n k , Si r, that this is a proof that ` h H e is worthy GO of a higher Hon. Baronet, with respect to the private business of that trust ; and Ido hope that this instance of a temporary sa cr ifi ce House. The House would be aware, that a 'Committee was for the advancement of the interests of the military service, appointed to look into the cases of Private Bills in order that will meet with its just reward, and though Lord Gough might care should be taken that the passing of arty private Bill never have expected that this circumstance would lead to his should not interfere with the public interest. Now, a great appointment as Commander-in-Chief in India, still it will many Bills had lately passed the House, and the parties had be only followed by that reward to which it is so justly entitled. got possession of ground, and, in many cases, they had posses- Sir, having thus, although very briefly I admit, attempted to sion of water-courses, and unless the progress of these Bills recapitulate the services rendered by those distinguished men, was stopped, much damage would result to the public interest. services which, combined, are more than enough to justify the He begged to ask the Right Hon. Baronet, if the Government proposition which I am about to submit to the House, a pro had turned its attention to this subject? position which would be amply justified by the recent services Sir JAMES GRAHAM said the matter was under the rendered to their country. I will now state the course which consideration of her Majesty's Government. I have this evening to take. It is our proposal, and Ido feel Mr. HUME wished to know from the Right Hon. Baronet, that that proposal is one which will meet with the wheth er the rope-makers were to be e xc l u d e d f rom t h e Bill unanimous consent of the House. lam certainly aware that known as Lord Ashley's Bill ? H e had presented a petition it will be more grateful to Lord Hardinge, and that other from the rope-makers of Glasgow on the subj ect a few days officer, whom I have not the honour of yet knowing—it will ago, and hoped her Majesty's Ministers would consider the b e more satisfactory to them if the Minister of the Crown subject. should make that p ro p osa l w hi c h would command a ready wou Sir JAMES in GRAHAM said th at if t h e Hon. a Bill to exc l u d e t h e rope-m;thers f M rom the ember assent, rather than one whi c h wou ld i nvo l ve an opposition from duce any portion of the House. I shall propose, therefore, provisions of the measure complained of, he would support it. that the annual sum of 3,0001. be granted RAILWAY CALLS. to her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund Sir H. W. BARRON stated that he wishec:l to know the for the benefit of Lord Hardinge, and the two succeeding heirs course the Government intended to pursue witle reference to male of his body ; and I propose also—and here lam afraid that the exigencies of certain railways whi c h were now• i n th e course I must follow the precedents which are Ind down in reference of formation in Ireland. I n several parts of Irieland to which to the rewards of military services—l propose that 2,000/. a these railways were about to run, or were in the course of year shall be given to Lord Gough, and the two next heirs male construction, app ications had been made to the. Government of his body. Now, Sir, I have reason to believe for advances of money, because the Acts of these companies that the Honourable the East India Company wish, did not allow them to call on their shareholdtirs for money an d w i s h most properly, in my opinion, to mark except at certain periods. In anticipation of these of their sense of the services of Lords Hardinge and Gough calls the companies in the di s t resse d destri c t s had by making some provision within the powers of that Company. pressed on her Majesty's Government the necessity of The East India Company is not in the habit of making any advancing a portion of their capital not yet caned in, that provision or allowance to the heirs of one who has rendered advance being made on proper security being given, and bear- brilliant operations in India. But I have reason to believe ing interest in the usual rate. He wi s hed to ask her ,Majesty's that the East India Company is most desirous of Government, whethe r th e y were prepare d to make any such making a liberal provision both to Lord Hardinge and advances to companies passing th roug h t h e distressed districts Lord Gough during their lives. The present be ac- in Ireland, in orde r t o a ff or d them the means of giving employ- cor di ng t o usua l precedent, namely, that prov vot is e ion will shall be ment to the poor? made, from the 28th April, for Lord Hardinge and Lord Sir R. PEEL said, that he was not prepared to give any Gough, and the two next heirs to the title.--( Hear.) ttgeneral es. answer There respecting Board in, which which, I think, will be the most beco m i ng i n t h em by the n ame o f t h e E xchequer-bill Loan Commissioner and and which would be consistent with that liberality which they that Board had the power of maki ng a d vances f or th e mecution of have always evinced in rewarding the services of those who public works on due security being given ; so that any rendered services in India—l think in that ease it would be railway company should address itself to that Board for the but proper that provision for life should be made by the East purpose of asking a loan, at the same time specifying the na- India Company, and not by the House (as we understood). Now, tore of the security that they could give. The Board being as I said before, I have been most anxious that the proposition satisfied with the security, had the power of making advances which I have to make shall he so moderate as to com et its own discretion. For his own part, he would sny that mand the unanimous approbation of the House. I think, after he had great difficulty in giving a general assurance in respect the explanation which I have given of the proposal I have of the encouragement of all railway companies. The Right made, that I may, with perfect confidence, submit it to the Hon. Baronet said that the shareholders of th ese companies decision of the House of Commons. were not prepared to entertain the calls made on them. On the motion being put from the Chair, - Sir H. WINSTON BARRON said that th e Right Hon. Lord EGERTON said that he had hitherto contented him- Baronet was under a misapprehensio n of what he (Sir H. W. self with taking a silent share of approval of the various pro- Barron) had stated. He had said th a t the companies positions which the Government had submitted with respect to could not call on their shareholder s except at stated the recent victories in India, feeling that any expression of his intervals, generally once in every three months, and then only would only weaken the effect of the propositions themselves. in certain proportions. All the calls that had been hitherto Although he h a d rece i ve d many and great returns for the made had been paid. ser wh he dd, yet sl h was aware Sir R. PEEL sa id t h at the difficulty that existed in respect that vices the hic greatest had and ren the ere brightest reward e that h e could of those calls was one which p reva il e d i n thi s country, viz., receive was the approbation of that great master that such large number s o f th ose specu l at i ons h a d materially in the art of war under whom he had first learned deranged the railway ma r k e t. Th ey were f requent l y passin g to use his abiliti es w ith suc h good account. He was also aware resolutions, an ing ford were its now object to give facili com ty for es theat tion of extraneo us ma t ters o f this sort might be productive winding up th e a ff a i rs o f unprofitable pani of embarrassment in making such a motion as this. Yet, the discretion of the parties connected with them. In the case notwithstandi n g that s what he had to say might, of a company which had completed a certain portion of its line, i n some degree, interfere on this occasion with that company had given evidence of its solvency, and of the the object cf the present motion he could rot help attemptin g concern being a profitable one, and in those cases he appre- to express his impression that other distinguished officers should hended that security might be given, but this sort of company, also be included in the vote before the House, and his purpo se themselves, suffered much from the number of railways lately now was to include in the vote which had just been submitt e d proposed, for they made the shareholders reluctant to to them the name of the conqueror of Aliwal. He could pay up their calls. E xce pt un d er spec i a l c i rcumstances, he not help, while this question was before the House, alluding could not make any general assurance, and he must refer those to the observations of the greatest master of the art of war companies, who wished for an ad v a nce o f mone y, t o the I' ache- which any country had produced, anti express his sentiments for quer- bill Loan Commissioners, who would reserve to the trea- a moment on the series of brilliant strategy which had led to surer the right of determining the amount of assistance that th e victory of Alwali—he qualities which had been exhi should be allowed on each individual case. bited in the battle of Moodkee, in keeping up the communi. VISCOUNT HARDINGE AND LORD GOUGH, cation with Loodianah, and w hi c h u l t i mately led to the The order of th e d ay was t h en read for resolving into a Corn- brilliant achievement of Al wa il. H e could not help cone mittee of th e w h o l e H ouse, for considering the Message of her templating the advantage wh ic h must h ave been derived in Majesty f or ma ki ng good the provision to Viscount Hardinge invigorating th e mora l courage of our insecure allies, as well and Lord Gough for their services in India, when as the disc o u ragement o f our b ar b arous foes ; while the rear of Sir R. PEEL rose and sa i d,—Sir, it has occurred so re- the cannon of Sir henry Smith's victorious troops was borne a r r i i g : i i t o impression onfamtheeosef cently to me on two occasions to attempt to do justice to the down the streams c of r t i li . e t . river taid i .he encampment of the Com services and the merits of the distinguished officers who cumstances that he though a t it but cr it. - are the subjects of this Message, and not only to do !justice to Henry Smith should be included in the vote before the House. nutoshtohuelddisncoutssiloianveif at attention but also to all the officers and men, both European and But it was not for this portion of Sir Henry Smith's services a h lone, important as they had been in the recent struggle, that native, who served under their command during the late cam paign in India, that I conceive it now unnecessary to call the tempted e wished o have t o pledgei n t introduced the u ee d thisii House. a se * topic H i attention of the House at any length to the services of those dis- had had any personal acquaintance with the distinguished' tinguishcd officers during the recent campaign on the Sutlej. officer of whom he spoke, or the slightest knowledge of the And on those occasions the House and the country were so features of his countenance, except through those illustrations unanimous in doing justice to those officers that I might be of the deeds and acts of those individuals by whom the battles deemed guilty of impertinence if I were to attempt to recapitu- and sieges of the war of the Peninsula, and of South and late what was then stated. But, Sir, her Majesty's North America, had been carried on. But he thought i was but right i n bringing under thei r consideration the sue t Message not only a ll u d es to t h e services to which that dis- ful iul not battes and in cussion referred, but a l so th e serv i ces that have bees rendered the takin serv g o ees—services f towns, but in success the f only carrying out in those l cornbina by those distinguished officers during a long career, that lam dons which had procured for him all the honours of his profes compelled agai n t o appeal to the feelings of the House in sion. But he fea re d th a t t h e di st i nguished individual of order to do them justice for those other services for which the whom he spoke was richer in honours than in wealth. He had melted do wn no Ch urc h p l ate in order to make ornaments as well country is ind e bt e d to them, as to those in for his home, and he feared that the only specimens of plate the recent campaign on the Sutlej. It appears by thi s which he possessed from his military career were the numerous Message that her Majesty has been pleased to con- medals he had received in token of his ervices, some of which for on Visc oun t H ard i nge and Lord Gough the great had been l os t i n t h e capture of the baggage at Loodian a h . honour of th e B r i tish peerage for their distin wished On these groun d s h e wou ld not trouble the Hou se f urt h er, g but he had to express higret that it shoul turn out at services on th e l a t e occas i on, and it is therefore my duty not Sir Henry Smith should be re excluded from some particular th de only to allude to the great and brilliant services of these distin- monstration of the sense of the House of the gallantry of his guished officers, but also the series of long and brilliant ser- conduct. He was disposed to think that the House would vices which tho se officers h ave rend e red during their career in consider that its own views of generosity and liberality had the army. It i s n o w forty-eight years since Viscount been satisfied. On the question of rewards being given to our Hardinge fi rs t en t ere d i n t o th e service of his country, officers in India—now the subject of discussion—h e should feel and during the course of that long military service it has been it improper to aay one word, and in conclusion he should only the good fortune of my Gallant Friend to be present in the say that he hoped those two deserving men night live long to Peninsula, and to serve under the command of that most gal- wear and enjoy the rewards which they had received from the lant and lamented officer Sir John Moore.—( Hear, hear.) At Crown of England. the retreat from Corunna, Captain Harding° was near Lord J. RUSSELL said that on a former occasion he had Sir John Moore at the time of his death, and of him it cordially seconded the Right Hon. Gentleman, when he pro. was said by the eloquent historian, that when he attempted posed to give the thanks of the House to the distinguished men to take the sword from the wound of Sir John Moore, lest the whose services were at present under consideration, and he buckle might incommode it and give him pain, that la- should now scarcely say a word in hesitation, were it not for mented officer stopped him with these words, "Itis as well as what had fallen from the Noble Lord, who had just t a t down, it it is. I had rather the sword should go out of the field." And which made it incumbent on him to say a few words 7 distinguished man re in that manner, so becoming a soldier, he was borne from ference to the case then under discussion w u a ss s io a nintheliouse of the field, refusing to part with his sword.—(Hear, hear.) Commons. No doubt Sir H. S I oseservices which the Right Hon. Gentlem an After the battle of Corunna, Sir Henry Hardinge was and he had performed , man y distinguished m services, but let the present at the passing of the Douro, at the House look to ge and Sir Hugh Gough, and the distinguished services ' Ne- H battle of Busaco, at the battle of Albuera, at the seige of had detailedHardinge t t o o t the House that evening —the services of Sir Cuidad Rodrigo, Vittoria, Salamanca, Pampeluna, the 1 conquered. and sonic of them fallen in the ser i a l t n i , iy other men—such as Sir l'hornas ton, who had their f country after the most gallant and devoted serv.cesv.icellott; villes, and the Pyrenees. The House well remembers his dis- o o f u a g m r lll:ainertyo there. Still tinguished services at the Pyrenees, and that h_e_ a w to a r s ioo on h l y y prevented from being present at the batd a e d of W received at did not think it desirable that the House of Common, e the reason of a severe wound which he h guished be the originator of such a measure as the pres ent s " o u'lo - one --eir., be im- hear.) Had it not been for the last victo ' ' ' ---, the took at the battle of Albuera; ant i - be placed services which the Right Hon. Gentleman hadndia, all the part he of Ligny. The House cannot o i rge t t m th a e y di n st o i t n what confidence can (fetal d probable that it was there he saw Hardin, ' e ' as severein hislateoverwhelmn- Gough, would have passed unmarked the any and Sir Hugh they would which may have induced l him top in the constancy and desperate h va e our du o r f i n th , v e al l o l u ri r t o is f h ß i r n it f i ar sh ir o y i_ ; o h f av in in o g ne b y ee o n r a p n er y fo a r n m n e u t i i ty by to S b ir e y any vote for any sum on t e en i., ing difficulties, and to re y .. fthe 1 f h b di •tingu•sh d who s ,eaks o batt e o eve een s i e men, an The same Gallant historian i . d no man in this country would diers. feel h • . 1 variety of circumstances ot erwist t ian grateful to th ' that there were a vari Albuera, says, ' officer of the army fields of the Albuera em, when he thought of the which might have made the most . gallant and Barossa. He attack which was made upon the French course the House could persue • e considered the best despair," alluding to an . was, in the firstplace, to leave g position, . which occupied an eminence. He goes on to say, to the Crown the dispensation of iTheband of the Fusilier Guards, struck by the iron tern- naval service, and when the Crow rewards far military and reeled and staggered like sinking ships. Then was seen House, properly called o . n was, in the opinion of that pest, n to confer an with what strength and majesty the British soldier could only could bestew and if this h honour which the Crown conduct himself. In vain did &atilt endeavour, by peerage enabling the man h honour should consist of the voice and gesture, toe animate his battalion,. Nothing sit in the House of Peers w o first distinguished himself to could stop that stonishing charge. No sudden Crown asked the flous ', and then, when the Minister of the burst of undisciplined valour —no earnest enthusiasm those persons to sit i - e to consent to vote a grant to enable could withstand the stability and order of that determined ; business to stand bPlohi t the honour of the peerage, it was their band. In vain did the French reserve join with the scrag- w as in the first daye t e Crown. —( Hear, hear.) The Crown sling multitude, and endeavour to stem their progress— tinguish those I e the fountain of honour, and should ds their efforts only increased the irremediable confusion n persona who had sin hemselves in the • aval and milit ary se • . e The mighty mass giving , vvai like a loosened cliff, went name, the serv• - . rvices, and who were, in effect as well as in headlong down the ascent.' This is a description worthy of forget that if servants of the Crown. The House must not the scene, which could only have been written by a man and that privatet iese honours should be improperly conferred, of great eloquence and great experience ;—" The rain exercised in favour or any other undue motive should be flowed after in streams discoloured with blood, and 1,500 old f the granting of them, the House of Commons unwounded men, the remnant of 6,000 uncon uerabl c u re use at once to carry at the wish (4 . the Minister of the British soldiers, stood triumphant on the fatal I hil e Crown any vote of a grant in such a case. He stated that as (Loud cheers.) It was the recollection of such ee I't a general reasoning, because in the present instance no man and the experience of such desperate valour, which I P°la ' ' could doubt, that the conferring of the honour of a Viscount no doubt, induced Viscount Hardin d have on Sir 11. Hardinge, and the honour of being a Baron of the ge an Lord Gou li U't '• never to despond, whatever might be the d' ' g ni ed kingdom on Sir Hugh Gough ws a 'of the 1 a n exercise numbers, or the skill and valour of their isparity of prerogative of the Crown which did honour to the Ministers and with the energy of the British infantry which opponents; of the Cro asti.—( Hear, hear.) The pr sent case was, there under their charge they felt assured of the . they hail fore, one in which he was most willing to concur in the vote ultimate successof their endeavours. So much for the ' Friend. As I said before, he has now c services of my Gallant having heard the proposition before, he thought it was more tart' service. Sir, the careerof completed 45 years of mili- proper at once to concur in it than afterwards to question it. the whom her Majesty helevated . other Gallant Officer, He wool i only sae that he supposed that it had been considered as to the British peerage, i s not l ess b y the Right Hon. Gentleman at the head of the Government brilliant. 52 years has Lord, Gough served in the British army, and he must say that he had heard nothing from him which and no one would have supposed , from the vigour and energy would induce him to think that he should hereafter have any_ of his conduct, that 5 9 years of active warfare could have thing to object to the proposition. .It would be better to say passed over him, Lord Gough was at the capture of the Cape that at once than to say immediately after that the Right of Good Hope, and he was at Surinam. During the Penin- Hon. G e ntl e ma n had exercised an improper discretion with solar war he commanded the bith Regiment; he was at regard t o the amount to be given. When the Noble Lord Talaveravwhere he was wounded, lie was at Barossa, at Vit- inked further that there should be other votes for other distiA-, t