The Sun. — London, England, 1846-04-07 00:00:00

RAILWAY COMMITTEES. (YESTERDAY.) GROUP VIII. This Committee mat at three o'clock to-day, for the purpose of settling their report on the Edinburgh and Peebles branch, which being done, they adjourned till Wednesday, the 29th instant. GROUP IX. This Committee met to-day at twelve o'clock, Lord Worsley hn the chair. All the members of the Committee were present. WEST OP SCOTLAND /UNCTION. The evidence on behalf of this Bill was then resumed. Mr. Joseph Home, M.P., was recalled and examined, in continua -Zion of his evidence of Friday last—He had not seen the letter in which it was represented the Admiralty did not intend i nterfering with the promoters proving their case before the Committee. He could hardly believe, from what he knew of the sentiments of the Admiralty, that such a letter was a correct representation of their feelings. He would wish to hear the letter read, and the name of the writer. (The letter was then read, which was to the effect that the Admiralty would not interfere with the Bill proceeding before the Committee, and signed by Mr. Law.) The witness said the signature was that of Lord Ellen borough's private secretary. He thought that yet the whole area between Glasgow Bridge and Stockwell Bridge, fifteen acres in ex tent, would be thrown open into a large dock for the accommoda of shipping ; and the Glasgow- Bridge be made of two arches, with a centre arch capable of being opened for the passage of vessels upwards and downwards. He thought that it would be much better to carry a railway over the Clyde, above Rutherglen. If the West of Scotland viaduct was passed, the lot provements he proposed in the river would be at an end. He had presented a petition, signed by 26,000 persons, against the Bill; also a petition from the merchants' house. Cross-examined—No man in his senses would incommode the navigation of the river by creasing it with a bridge, when all the ad vantages of the junction could be obtained by a short detour. The tidal course of a river was a public highway, and ought to be kept clear for their accommodation. Mr. Sprat, a director of the Glasgow and Garnkirk Railway, de posed that the proposed abandonment of the mineral branch on the north side of the river, would be a great inconvenience to the rail way which he represented. The directors of that line had obtained powers to form a union with the junction scheme, which, if the harbour branch was given up, would be rendered nugatory. Mr. Anderson was examined generally as to the proposed viaduct over the river being:an " eye-sore" to the beauty of the river at that place. It would obscure the view altogether of the present handsome bridge. Besides he did not think it could be built without interfering with its foundations. Cross-examined — As a trustee of the Glasgow. bridge he would not object to the proposed viaduct if it did not endanger the present bridge. He believed that the majority of the trustees decided not to oppose the Bill, providing the crossing of the river was effected be low, and not exactly over, the present bridge. He was in the minority on that resolution. To Mr. AacußoLD—He did think it would be of much advantage to take large vessels above the bridges. It would, in his opinion, be best set apart for small vessels. Mr. Charles Atherton, civil engineer, said be had carried on the works of Glasgow-bridge as resident engineer at the time it wall building. In boring for the foundations he found that a great por tion was quicksand, especially on the south side of the river. Mr. Telford considered the building of the bridge a work of great difficulty. The expense of that bridge under water-mark was greater than above it. The piers of the existing bridge were so light, in order to give as much water-way as possible, that If the piers of the proposed viaduct were to be but a continuation of them he could not see how they could stand with such elevated arches. The Committee at the close of this witness's examination ad journed till to-morrow at twelve o'clock. GROUP XIV. SOUTH-EASTERN. The Committee met to-day at twelve o'clock. Present—Mr. Protheroe (chairman), Lord Emlyn, General Lygon, Mr. J. O'Con nell, and Mr. Grogan. Mr. Sergeant WIANGHAM resumed the examination of Mr. George Bidder -The witness stated that there is a road running between the South-Eastern Railway and the Arsenal at Woolwich. That road by the Arsenal is 10 feet above the level of the rails of the proposed South-Eastern Railway. The branch line to the Arsenal would therefore be 10 feet under that road. There is also a road running between the Dockyard wall and the South-Eastern line. That road has various levels, it is in one place from 10 to 12 feet above the level of the railway. The worst gradient on the South-Eastern. between London and Woolwich, is lin 121. The ruling gradient is I in 150. The gradient of lin 121 is a mile and a half long. The worst gra dient on Mr. Vignoles's line, between the same points, is 1 in 118. That is not the ruling gradient. The South-Eastern line to Wool wich is 38 chains longer than the North Kent line. Last year the South-Eastern line was to cross the Croydon Raiiivay upon a level, but it was to be altered. Mr. Vignoles proposed to go under the line. The South-Eastern Company propose to form their line under the Croydon line this year. Mr. Vignolea' line passes from cutting to umbani:ment between Crayford and Erith. A station there would necessarily be on the natural surface of the ground. A station at that point would be most inconvenient and remote from the heavy traffic. Cannot say whether the South-Eastern line, as proposed this year between Dartford and Stone, is the same course of line as the one proposed last year by Mr. Vignoles. Has not seen Mr. Vignoles' plan since last session. Had agreed with the Rochester bridgewardens to make such a bridge as the one proposed by Mr. Vignoles, or, rather the one proposed by the Admiralty. Has not seen any letter from the Admiralty to the bridgewardens, requiring a bridge to be made according to the plan by Mr. Vignoles. The bridge proposed by the South-Eastern this year differs from the one pro posed by them last year, but only in csnsequ , nce of the wish of the bridgewardens that the bridge should be made of stone and more or namental. Cannot say If the South-Eastern crosses the river in the same line as the North Kent, as proposed by Mr. Vignoles. Cannot say what number of level crossings occur en the South-Eastern Com pany. About 52 occur in the length of 53 miles. When the train stops at Canterbury, on the South-Eastern line, it would have to (start up a gradient of 1 in 79. - . - By Mr. Delve°iv (who appeared in support of a petition by Mr. Evelyn big:Mist the pnposed line)—On leaving the Greenwich line the South-Eastern Railway will cross Mr. Evelyn's land on an em bankment. Knows a road called Coney Hall-lane ; that lane need not be lowered. The line will pass over it an elevation of 20 feet. It is succeeded by aerne garden ground, over which the line passes on an embankment. There is also a lane called " Loving Edward's-lane," which will be lowered three feet, and crossed at au elevation of fif teen feet. By Mr. 'ALVERT (who appeared in support of a petition presented by Mr. John Sydney Smith and Mr. Angerstein against the proposed line)—Mr. Smith's land is by Lewisham, near Mordaunt College. The land is passed by a cutting of twenty-five feet in depth. The wall of the residence is also affected, or is within the limit of deviation. There is a tunnel at about one hundred and fifty yards from either property, which is a very pretty ornamental villa and grounds. Mr. Aragersteln'S property is a little further on. It is called Woodlands. Woodland House is about a quarter of a mile from the railway. The like is a tunnel on entering Mr Angerstein's property, and continues 600 yards. It then opens into a cetting 60 feet deep, on emerging from which it proceeds 90 yards on the surface, and again descends into a cutting 180 yards long and 40 feet deep. Does not know how Mr. Angerstein's house and property i, supplied with water. The ground rises from Mr. Angerstein's house. By Mr. Bien (who appeared in support of a petition by the Maid stone and Rochester Navigation Company, against the proposed line) —The river, near 31aidstone-bridge, is to be crossed by a viaduct of 780 yards. There will be five arches over the river, and three or foar piers will be in the water. The viaduct is about 77 yards from the bridge. That distance does not include the limit of deviation. The piers will be formed of brick or stone, and will be six feet in thickness. ine cover dam required would not be more than two feet from the work. Would not attempt to form all the piers at cure, so as to obstruct the river. It is abso lutely necessary that the river should be crossed by the railway. If the Committee were to refuse to allow the South-Eastern line to cress the river, their Mid Kent scheme would still demand the same powers. By Mr. NEREWETREIt (on the part of the promoters) —The line and viaduct will not affect the navigation of the river. The line does not actually cut through the ornamental property of Mr. Angerstein. The field traversed by the line is separated from the ornamental pro perty by a public road. Mr. Sidney Smith holds his property under Earl St. Germans. Ample compensation would be given to them, and ample accommodation would also be given to Mr. Evelyn. With regard to the branch line to the Arsenal, it could be worked by locomorive power, if such should be the wish of the au thorities. '1 here is no road at Woolwich which would be at all in jured by the line. Last year the South-Eastern proposed to cross the Croydon Railroad on a level. The atmospheric pipe has since been laid down to the South-Eastern. Consequently it passes under the line this year. If Mr. Vigneles' line were in the centre of the vil lage of Crayford the approach to it would necessarily be extremely inconvenient. Mr. VL,-noles approaches Rochester-bridge on a curve of 10 chains radius. Any great degree of velocity would be unsafe on such a curve. The approach of the South-Eastern line is under more favourable circumstances. The lines near Chatham run very close to each other as there is only one course fur a railway to pursue in that neighbourhood Re-examined by Mr. AUSTIN—The area of the London-bridge sta tion is four acres, exclusive of the Greenwich station. That includes the approaches. The South-Western station is five acres, but there is an acre and a rood that may be made available in case of enlarge ment. Ills estimate for the metropolitan property to be occupied by the North Kent line is correct. It is impossible to estimate the cost Of acquiring what may appear trumpery property. At the junction of Mr. Vlgnoles' line with the Croydon, there is a gradient of 1 in 74, and also a gradient of 1 in 100 near Woolwich. There are also gradients of 1 in 100, and also of 70 and 80 on Mr. Vignoies' al ternative lines, and witness believes that one of the alternative lines is to be adopted. Witness considers that good gradients or spots where there is heavy traffic are very desirable. Would lay out 100,0001. to secure a good gradient on say spot where heavy traffic is concentrated. The cost of working on the southern loop of the South-Eastern would not be 4 per cent. on the cost of the North Kent expenditure on the Boughton-hill cutting. He (Mr. Bidder) had so adopted his gradients to the localities as to derive a considerable advantage to the mo mentum of the trains on arrival and departure. The South Eastern would, therefore, have a decided advantage over the North Kent. Is decidedly of opinion that the South Eastern could be worked in a manner in every way superior to the North Kent. In the first year of the opening of the Gravesend and Rochester Rail way, the number of passengers carried was 395,000. The weekly returns of this year show an increase of 70 per cent. on that number. The Committee then adjourned until twelve o'clock to-morrow. GL OUP XIX The Committee re-assembled this day at the usual hour. Present, Lord Harry Vane, (chairman), the Earl of March, the lion. Francis Scott, Mr. D. Morris, and Mr. Phillip Bennett. BRIDGEV7ATEIL AND MINEHEAD RAIL- WAY AND PIER. The consideration of this proposed line of railway was resumed. Mr. Thomas Morle, Mr. titadowick, and Mr. Buller wore called, and severally examined. These parties are residents, and carrying on business in places through which this line is proposed to run. The testimony of these witnesses was to the effect that the connexion of Minehead with Bridgewater would be advantageous to them selves and to the agricultural community of that part of the country. Mr. James Murray, a civil engineer, had had great experience for the last fifteen years in the erection of piers and bridges, and con sidered that Minehead was the most eligible harbour in the Bristol Channel for the erection of a pier for the accommodation of the public. He thought the estimate which Mr. Harnett, the engineer of this line, had prz,duced, was in every respect sufficient for its con struction. Other witnesst s were produced, who spoke to the amount of traffic existing in that district. The written assent of the Admiralty to the proposed pier was pat 111: This closed the case of the promoters. Mr. TALBOT, Q.C. (who appeared in supp or t o f the inter est of P e regrine Aeland, a:landowner, through wh o s e property thepropogt line would run) proceeded in a speech of considerable length, contending that the present was a scheme got up to serve the ends of private individuals, regardless of the injury to property and the useless expenditure of money. lie contended that the trade at present existing with Bristol and the south of Ireland would not go to Minehead, as endeavoured to be proved by the promoters of this scheme, even if the proposed railway and pier were completed, but that Milford would be eventually the port for the importation of Irish produce. The Learned Counsel concluded his address by call ing on the Committee to decide that the preamble of this Bill had not been proved. Mr. King and Mr. Boyle, the former an agent of Sir P. Aeland, the latter a solicitor, were then examined. It being now four o'clock, the Committee adjourned till twelve o'clock to-morrow (Tuesday). GROUP XXI. LONDON AND OXPOR.D, AND WYCOMBE AND UXBRIDGE (BEANCILES) OP TUE GREAT WESTERN. Th. Committee re-assembled this morning at the naval hour, Present, Mr. Finch Chairman), Capt. Layard, Mr. Lawson, Mr. Wodehouse. and Lord A. Hervey. NORTHERN d SOUTHERN CONNECTING. Mr. Mtfixes, who has not been seen in the Committee room since the commencement of its sittings, said—Sir, I appear here for a com peting line (the Northern and Southern Connecting Railway), which has not been re ferred to, owing to the Committee of Classifica tion having omitted it from the Group which has been referred to you. This statement perfectly astounded the Committee, and Mr. LAWSON, one of its members, said, we cannot take into con- Sideratlon any railway which has not been sent to us by the House. Mr. Ausrus —lf it is a mist ake it must be rectified by the House, not here; but I am glad to hear there is another competing line, because two or three lines are required to supply the wants of the important tract of country which lies between the Great Western and the Birmingham Railway. Mr. Lawsos (to Mr. Miller)—There is no other competing line before us. Mr. Micaaa—The mistake will be rectified in a few hours. You will And that all whi c h you h ave d one w ill h ave to be gone over again.—(Roars of laughter.) The COAttIMAN —Whenever the House sends the line you appear for to us, we shall be bound t o a tt en d to. it, but not before. The subject then dropped. The Committee then proceeded with the first-mentioned line. Mr. W. Cubitt, C.E., was then called and examined rnil by Mr. AUSTIN. He believed the strata, up to the 10th as London clay. Should EA slopes in this clay at 3 to I. Me had estimated the slopes at 3 to I in the London clay, through which was proposed to pass. Considered London and York red that slopes froml t 34 would not stand in this clay. He was well acquainted with wasthoe cut ing in London clay on the Croydon line, at New - cross, originally laid out in slopes of from 2 to 1, but it would not stand, and had been benched, and was now very irregular, the' average being 4 to 1. Slopes of from 4 to 1 would scarcely s t an d in adriy Knew clay in which 5101 es would stand from one t o one an Looking at the gr a di en t s o n the Great Western and the Londoanhaalnfd. Oxford. he considered the same load on the former could be carried with half the power requisite OR the latter ; in short, it would require double the power to wo r t It at Use lame opted—where s -smuts engine was required on the first, two engines would be necessary on the latter. By the CHAIRMAN—The improvements in locomotives enabled them to overcome many bad gradients and difficulties with a single engine which formerly required two engines. By Mr. Autrrin—On the proposed line he found gradients of lin 100, and 1 in 136, meeting together, with half a mile in a level, inter vening. The momemtum obtained by a train in descend ing a steep incline would materially help it up another which immediately followed. But if there was a station at the bottom of the first incline the momemtum would be ;destroyed and the train would have no assistance save its own inherent power in ascending it. Looking at the gradients on the Great Western and the London and Oxford, and taking into consideration their respective length, he was of opinion that a train on the former would reach London sooner than a similar train on the latter, on account of its flatness. Considers that 17,0001. a mile would be insufficient to construct such a line ; 20,0001. was nearer the mark. lie had made estimates for lines with better gradients, and had averaged their construction at 20,0001. tc 21,0001. a mile ; 17,0001. was a very low estimate. The Folkestone viaduct cost between 35,0301. and 37,0001. The witness was cross-examined by Mr HILDTARD, but the only thing elicited of any consequence was, that he estimated the whole cost of the London and York line at 6,300,000 L, and that the go verning gradient was 1 in 200. The line he adopted was nine miles longer than the one recommended by the Board Jot* Trade, but he considered that the line laid down was preferable, as it would accommodate a greater number of im portant towns than the other. Iron had been reduced about 21. per ton dnring the last six weeks, thus 4401. per mile wonld be saved on the estimate of 121. per ton made by Mr. Addison, supposing this reduction to continue. Mr. Gibbs, civil engineer, was called, and examineilly Mr.WELLI. —He said he had examined the whole of the line, INt particularly between London and Wycombe, the soil of which was composed of London clay. Considered that the slopes in the yellow clay should not be less than three to one, and two-and-a-half to one in blue, and one to one in chalk. The first part of the sand or clay, about the Brent Valley, was of a very bad kind. Considers that the line ceuld not be made, according to the returns, for 840,0001. By Mr. HILDYARD—There are a number of " pot holes" or dislo cations in the earth. Some of these holes stand at one to one, but they was where chalk and barns were mixed with the clay. Many engineers considered that chalk cuttings were better perpendicular than in slope. For 17 miles on the London and York, from London, they had slopes of three and a halt. Mr. Miller, civil engineer to the Edinburgh and Glasgow, the Glasgow and Ayr, and the North British, and other railways, was next called and examined by Mr. Vesumxs—Considered that slopes of 1% to 1 in the London clay would not stand. He corrobo rated the evidence of Mr. Cubitt with respect to the advantage which the Great Western line possessed over its opponent on account of its easy gradients. Mr. Hunt, a brickmaker, at Uxbridge—At Horsenden the line passed through a hill which was composed of London clay, and through a pit of the same clay fifty feet deep. Mr. I. K. Brunel, C.E., was then called, and examined by Mr. WELLS—He said, looking at the sections of the two lines there could be no comparison between them as to power and speed, and as to which would be quickest and eheapest. Though the Great Western was eight miles shorter than the Loudon and Oxford, it was the most preferable, both for the speedy transit of passengers and goods. He believed the proposed line, if made, would not be preferred to the Great Western. By Mr. Hamelin—Was the engineer of the Oxford, Worcester, and Wolverhampton Railway, which he estimated to cost 15,3061. per mile,: and on the broad gauge. 2,717 yards of tunnelling were originally proposed, but they were reduced in Committee. He was also the engineer of the Rugby and Oxford, which he estimated at 11,8801. a mile, which was a very easy line. The width of the tun nels the broad gauge lines was 27 to 21 feet, and in the nar row 24. By the CHAIRMAN —These estimates were made when railways were constructed at a cheaper rate than now. When they were made the Oxford line had just been finished, at a cost of 1,2001 a mile. Since that period there had been a great increase in the cost of labour. Mr. linuranis—But you made these estimates last year. Mr. BRUNEL —We were then buying iron at 81., 91., and 101. a ton. I retermore particularly to the price of labour, and to the difficulty of getting contractors. lam sere railways will not be constructed at less than bOl. per cent. more than last year. LONDON AND OXFORD. IMPORTANT DECISION. The CHAIRMAN then intimated that the Committee wished to give their decision on the London and Oxford line. The Committee were unanimously of opinion that the preamble of the Bill had NOT been proved. The room was then cleared In order that the Committee might formally vote on the subject. Parties were admitted in a few minutes, when the decision of the Committee, that " the preamble of the London and Oxford Direct Itailway had not been proved" was announced Mr. HILDYARD said, after the decision of the Committee, he should withdraw all opposition to the branches proposed by the Great Western Company. All other opposition having been withdrawn, the Committee pro ceeded with the WYCOMBE AND MAIDENHEAD (GREAT WESTERN BRANCH). Mr. Robert Wheeler, the deputy chairman, and who had carried on business in Wycem he for 40 years, gave evidence in favour of the line, and testified to the advantages which the trade of the districts through which it was designed to pass would derive from it. Mr. Neale, agent of Lord Carriugton, Mr. Venables, and Mr. Rose gave similar evidence. Mr. Gibbs, C.E., surveyed the branch In 1844, and again surveyed it last year. There were no engineering difficulties. The estimated cost was 134,6.531., with a surplus of 15,0001., making the capital 150,0001. It would be 9 miles and 54 chains in length. 'UXBRIDGE BRANCH (GREAT WESTERN) This branch was then proceeded with. Mr. Brunel, who was examined by Mr. TALBOT, said its length would be 2 miles and 47 chains, and the estimate 50,0001. The works were very light, nearly the whole of the line being on the sur face of the ground. There was a short curve at the junction with the Great Western. DECISIONS. The Committee then declared the preamble of both the Bills to have been proved. The Committee then adjourned until to-morrow, when they will take the clauses into consideration. GROUT XXIX. This Committee re-assembled this morning in room No. 19. Present, the Right lion. H. Labonchere (chairman), Sir J. Duck worth, Sir W. Molesworth, Mr. J. A. Smith, aad Colonel Rawdon. RUGBY AND 2117NTINGDON. The evidence as to the traffic expected by this line from Kettering in the event of its being constructed, was resumed by Mr. Warren, counsel for the promoters, calling on Mr. George Gill, au ironmonger and seedsman, living In Ketter ing, who confirmed the evidence as to traffic (which we reported at length on Friday last). Witness confined himself chiefly to the great accommodation it would afford to the inhabitants of Kettering. Mr. Bryan smith, a timber merchant, brickmaker, &c., confirmed the testimony of the last witness. Mr. Douglas, the solicitor to the promoters, In the course of his ex amination, proved the existence of an agreement entered into between the promoters and the Duke of Buccleuch to make certain deviations of the proposed line, for the purpose of making a roarer approach to the town of Kettering, provided the landowners through whose pro perty the proposed deviation would pass would consent, or, if not, that the next Parliament would consent. Mr. AUSTIN here made an application to the Committee for the purpose of moving that the Bill do not proceed further, and pro ceeded to call their attention to a Case where an agreement had been entered into two sessions ago, between the promoters of the Coventry and Nuneaton line. and Mr. Newdegate, Member for South Warwickshire, covenanting that a portion of that line should not be constructed, and which agreement was held by the Committee, by whom the merits of that line were considered, to be fatal to the further progress of that Bill. The present case was an analogous one, and the same objection would apply Mr. MACAULAY and Mr. RAWLINSON followed on the same side, and the former gentleman read a decision given by Lord Denman in the ease of Howden v. Simpson, in confirmation of the views of the case as laid dawn by Mr. Austin. Sergeant WasNonAm, with Mr. IVAttamg, en the part of the pro moters, contended that there was no identity whatever between the two cases ; and the former gentleman adduced the ease of the com petition between the South Western and Great Western Railways the session before last, when an agreement tor a similar deviation, dependent on the assent of the Duke of Wellington, was not con sidered to be fatal to the project of the former Company by the Com mittee of the Lords, to whom the rival fines were submitted. Mr. AUSTIN replied, and contended that no answer had been given to his objection, and that the Committee could not grant powers which might never be exercised, and which required the subsequent assent of landowners on the line, and tailing that a subsequent appli cation to Parliament. The room was then cleared for the deliberation of the Committee. On our re admission, The Cpwasms announced the decision on the point :—" The Committee have determined that the promoters of the Bill do pro ceed with their case." Other witnesses were then examined to show the amount of traffic which the line would give along the towns on the western extremity. Formal evidence was then given as to the stoppages of trains, po pulation returns, &c., when the further consideration of the case was postponed till to-morrow. The postponed clauses as to tolls, Stc., of the RUGBY AND sirAmrona Were then agreed to, and the Committee adjounied till twelve o'clock to-morrow, when the engineering evidence of the Rugy and Hunting don line will be proceeded with. Sub-Committee No. 1. The Committee met to-day at twelve o'clock is room No. 7. Pre sent, Mr. Strutt (chairman), Mr. Brotherton, and Mr. Yorke, and proceeded to the consideration of the FORTH AND CLYDE. To which there was no opposition, and the standing orders were complied with. WEST LANCASHIRE. The object of the Eat is to connect Liverpool with the watering town of t;emthport. The length of the proposed line Is 17 miles ; the cost Is estimated at 200,0001. The engineers are Mr. Bidder and Mr. J. Lowe; Messrs. Parkes, Costes, and Co., are the Parliamentary agents ; and Messrs. Earle and Barry, of Manchester, are the solicitors to the Bill. Mr. Pam' appeared in support of a petition from five persons, con taining the usual allegations as to defects in the plans, sections, and book of reference. _ _ _ Mr. Coe'rEs, for the promoters, opposed the reception of the peti tion, on the ground that four of the petitioners had presented to the House a counter-petition for leave to withdraw their names from that which Mr. Pritt now proposed to press upon the Committee, the filth petitioner, Mr. Johnson, the solicitor to an adverse railway company, not being an owner or occupier of land within the limits of deviation, nor otherwise having any interest which could entitle him to be heard against the hill. After some lengthened discussion the room was cleared, and the Committee deliberated. On the re-admission of the parties, The Cfmtamart announced that the Committee decided to hear the petitioner, and Mr. Pairr proceeded with the allegations. After hearing evidence in support of the petition, the allegatiene were sustained in several instances, and the standing orders were declared not complied with. The Committee then proceeded with the case of the SOUTE DEVON (No. IL) The object of this Bill is to authorise certain alterations in, and extensions of, the South Devon Railway, and the formation of branches therefrom to Tavtstock, Brixham, Kingswear, and several other places. There are in all seven branches of lengths varying from fifteen to twenty miles- The engineer is Mr. Brunel ; the agents are Messrs. Burke, Pritt, Venables, and Co. ; the solicitors are Messrs. Howe and Runt, of Whitehall, London ; Messrs. Whiteford, Hervite, and Tucker, of Plymouth ; and Messrs. Button and Kennaway, Of Exeter. The formal evidence having been gone through, Mr. PAmtks appeared to support the petitions of the Rev. Mr. Searle and Mr. Watts. The allegations were not sustained. In consequence of the absence of witnesses ou the part of the pro moters, the further consideration of the case was postponed till to morrow morning. The ConlinMee then proceeded with the consideration of the DIRECT NORTHERN. The object of this Bill is to form a direct li ne f rom L on d on to York, with branches to Bedford, Huntingdon, Peterborough, New ar k, Lin coln, Sheffield, and Leeds. The length of the line, with the branches, is 263 miles. The cost is estimated at 5,400,0001. John Millar is the engineer. The agents are Messrs. Webster and Co. ; and the solicitors are Messrs. Johnstone, Farquhar, and Leach. The formal evidence having been received, The Committee adjourned at four o'clock till twelve o'clock to morrow. Sub-Committee No. 2. The Committee met to-day at twelve o'clock in room No. G. Pre• sent, Sir J. Yard° Buller, Mr. Kemble, Mr. Brainston, and other lion. 3lembers. They resumed the consideration of the Sub-Committee No. 4. This Committee assembled at twelve precisely, Sir W. Heatheote in the chair, and proceeded with the adjourned ease et the _ 7..ATINCZBTON AND SOUTH DNVON (NO. IX.) It will be remembered that the formal proofs in respect of this Bill were commenced, but not perfected, on Friday last. No evidence was offered of the deposit of plans and sections at the offices of the clerks of the peace for the counties of Cornwall and Devon, through which the line passes; but it was explained by Mr. Burke that plans and sections had been deposited, which, being found to be inaccurate and useless, were abandoned by the promoters of the Bill, and other plans, &c., deposited in lieu of them. These latter were, however, not deposited until the middle of December. It was the intention of the promoters to leave it to the sub-Committee to report that no evidence had been given of the deposit of plans with the clerks of the peace, and then the promoters could put forward the fact of the deposit of plans in December, in their statement to the Standing Orders' Committee, who would, they hoped, admit them as sufficient. The Committee now proceeded to hear the case in support of a petition against the line, being that of two owners and occupiers of land. _ _ -- ----- Mr. &Wm objected to the hearing of this case, as he said he was prepared to show that the petitioners, one of whom was the attorney to the promoters of a competing railway, were not " owners, lessees, and occupiers" of land upon the line; but as he admitted that he could net prove that the attorney to the other line was not a lessee of land, the Committee were of opinion that the petition must be entertained, but only as on the part of one petitioner. Mr. ELLICOMBE, who appeared in support of the petitioner, called the clerk of the peace for Devon to give evidence in support of a number of allegations, to the effect that the plans deposited with him were Incorrect ; that they contained no datum line, that there was no scale, &c. The clerk produced the plans, and proved that they were deposited on the 29th November. Mr. Buaxa said, that it was needless to enter into the allegations of this petition, as it was admitted that the plans a ere generally incorrect, and the promoters did not rely on them. The Committee were of the same opinion, but Mr. ELLICOMBE in sisted on giving evidence in support of all the allegations that were not admitted by Mr. Burke. Having gone through that part of the petition that referred to the plans, and giving several violent " kicks" to the " dead horse," proceeded to allegations re ferring to the books of reference, &c. These allegations having been disposed of, the Committee declared the standing orders not complied with. EAST AND WEST OP ENGLAND ZITECTION. This Bill was called on, and the formal proofs occupied the Com mittee up to the time of their adjournment. The Committee rose at a quarter past three o'clock, and adjourned, as we understood, until after Easter, but did not fix their day of meeting. Sub-Committee, No. 6. This Committee met in room 12, at the usual hour. Captain Jones in the chair. Present also Mr. Deeds', Mr. T. Egerton, and Mr. Phillips. NONTNAMPTON AND BANBURY. This Bill was originally placed on thy list of Sub-Committee No. 5, but as that Committee did not meet this morning the Bill was re ferred to No. 6. _ ......__ _ _ air. CoeTra, on the part of the promoters of the Bill, said he was not prepared to meet the allegations of the petitions against the Bill, as, understanding that all the Bills in the list of Sub- Committee No. 5 were adjourned until the Thursday after Easter, he had not considered it necessary to have his witnesses in attend• an ce. Mr. T. EGERTON said that he was a member in No. 5 at the time, and that although the Committee adjourned till after Eatter, they said nothing about adjourning any Bill except that under consider ation at the time. Indeed the question having been put to Mr. Frere, the clerk to the Committee, whether the ether lines were adjourned, he replied that the Committee had nothing to do with the other lines until they were called on. Mr. COATES said that he was totally unprepared to go on, and hoped the Committee would adjourn the ease. As the petitioner refused to consent to the adjournment, The CHAIRMAN said that the case must be proceeded with ; but after much discussion, the petitioner consented to the adjournment, on condition that the promoters of the Bill should pay the costs in curred by the attendance of the witnesses to-day. The case was ac cordingly **owned. IPSWICH, NORWICH, AND YARMOUTH. This is a Bill to connect Norwich and Yarmouth with Ipswich, at which place it will form a junction with the Ipswich and Bury line. Its length will be seventy miles, and the cost is estimated at 855,0001. The engineer is Mr. Rennie, and the agents arc Messrs. Dorrington. Mr. Coates appeared as agent for several petitions against the line. The first allegation against the Bill was that the point to which the datum line was referred was not sufficiently described. Several wit nesses were called to prove that they could not find the point in question, amongst others, Captain Morrison and Mr. Bruit The point to which the line was referred was " fifty feet beluw the flat stone by the parapet of the bridge over the canal on the Ipswich and London road, and level with the crown of the said bridge." It appeared that there was no other flat stone near the summit of the road-way of the bridge, and the principal point in dispute was, whether the "crown of the bridge" meant the summit of the road way, or whether it applied to the road at the whole length of the tetdgeb The Committee then declared the allegation not proved, and the standing orders complied with, but the Chairman observed that a better datum line might well have been chosen. All the allegations up to the 94th were withdrawn. This allegation, and those following, it, occupied the Committee up to four o'clock. They were, however, of no public interest, rererring chiefly to questions as to whether certain ruads were public or private roads ; and similar points, on some of which the Committee divided for and on others against the promoters of the Bill. Having been occupied the whole day with the evidence and dis cussions on this fill, the Committee adjourned at four o'clock till twelve o'clock to-morrow. STANDING ORDERS' COMMITTEES. HOUSE OF LORDS. Their Lordships met this day at the appointed hour. Present, the Earl of Shaftesbury (in the chair), Lords Redesdale and Hawarden. DUBLIN, DUNDRUM, AND INNISKERRY. This case came before the Committee on second reference, in order that the promoters of the Bill might prove the second lodgment of 5 per cent. In the Accountant-General's hands, and the signature of the directors. The certificates having been proved , the Committee decided that the Bill had passed the standing orders. MIDLAND GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY OF IRELAND (MULLINGAR 'lO GALWAY). This case came also before the Committee on second reference, in order that the promoters of the Bill might have an opportunity of proving compliance with Lord Wharncliffe's standing order, proofs of which having been entered, the Committee decided that the stand ing orders had been complied with. MIDLAND GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY OF IRELAND (LIF FEY BRANCH AND LONGFORD DEVIATION). This case came on for heariug on the same point, and the proper proofs having been put in, the Committee decided that the Bill had passed the standing orders. BRIGHTON, LEWES, AND HASTINGS (EASTBOURNE HAIL SHAM) RAILWAY. This was the next case which came before their Lordships—it was unopposed, and the usual proofs having been gone through, the Com mittee decided that the promoters of the Bill load complied with the standing orders. NEWRY, WARRENPOINT, AND ROSTREVOR RAILWAY. The hearing of this case was adjourned until the 23d instant, for the production of further proofs. TEMPLEMORE AND NENAGII RAILWAY. The deposit of 10 per cent. having been proved to have beenlodged in the Accountant-General's hands, and the other usual proofS having been entered, the Committee decided that the standing orders had been complied with by the promoters of this line. TIIE LONDON AND YORK RAILWAY. This case, which had been so frequently adjourned, came on before their Lordships and occupied their attention for a considerahle por tion of the day. It may be in the recollection of our readers, that we stated a question arose as to whether the money deposited in the Accountant-General's hands, under the original deed of the Company, was available for the Company • who' came before the Committee with a new deed, there being many new names to it, and a portion of the former promoters having declined further connexion with the Company. It was argued that the pre sent Company had no legal claim upon the fund in Court. The Attorney-General and Solicitor-General having given their opinion that the fund was available for the present Company, Lord Suarresause intimated that the Committee coincided in that opinion, and they therefore decided that the standing orders had been complied with. BRIGHTON AND CHICHESTER RAILWAY (STEYNING BRANCH). This case, which was formerly adjourned for want of proof of com pliance with Lord Wharncliffe's order, was decided to have complied also with the standing orders. The Committee adjourned at five o'clock. STAINES AND NENLZY. Further evidence was given in support of the allegations already mentioned. Several allegations were sustained, ewl the further consideration of the case was postponed till twelve o'clock to-morrow. LONDON AND BIRMINGHAM (ST. ALBANS AND LUTON BRANCH). PETITION FOR ADDITIONAL POWERS. The further consideration of this Bill was also postponed, and the Committee adjourned. Sub-Committee No. S. The Committee met to-day at twelve o'clock in room No. 8. Present, Mr. E. Buller (Chairmen). Mr. Broadley, and Mr. Stuart, and proceeded with the consideration of the WORCESTER, liI3REFORD, ROSS, AND GLOUCESTER. The object of the proposed Bill is to connect those towns with the branches of the Great Western Railway. The length of the whole line as originally contemplated would be about seventy miles, but we understand that it is Intended to withdraw part of the project. which would greatly diminish the length of the line, and reduce the estimated cost from 1,500,0001. to 1,000,0001. The engineer is Mr. Brunel, the agents are Messrs. Burke, Pritt, Venal)les and Co. The solicitors are Messrs. Howe and Runt, White ofMessrs of Worcester; Messrs. Hodgman and Evans, Hereford; and . Whitaker and Helps, of Gloucester. The usual formal evidence WAS gone through. The Committee was occupied the remainder of the day in cons!•. Last week there were about 2,000 head of cattle con , Bering the allegations of the petitions against the Bill, some 41 , f whichweremitlateitied, and the s tanding orders to far not COlr4 " „i te d .eyed from this city and Yarmouth by the trains for the London with. • Putrkete.—Xerwiet Merry. • IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. tIOUSE OF LORDS, April 6. The Earl of SHAFTESBURY, in the absence of the Lord Chancellor, took his seat on the Woolsack at Five o'clock. THE RIVER PLATE. LIVERPOOL, Arius, 4.—Accounts from Monte Video to the 31st of January, and from Buenos Ayres to the 28th, have been received by her Majesty's troop-ship Apollo, arrived at Portsmouth. The intelligence is of considerable interest. Oa the 16th of January the mercantile expedition up the Parana had ascended the river to within thirty miles of Santa Fe, under the convoy of five vessels of war, preceded in advance by her Majesty's steam frigate Firebrand, and the French steamer Fulton. On the afternoon of that day, whilst pro ceeding through a narrow pass, the ships were tired upon for several hours from the heights, which had been take 4 possession of by General Mancilla, with eight pieces of artil lery. The shells arid heavy guns from the squadron could not reach them. It does not appear that any of the vessels suffered f►om the cannonade. Some of Riveriqa's officers, with a small force, had been completely annihilated, near Maldonado, by a very superior force, under General Barrios, and in consequence Maldonado had been abandoned, and upwards of 300 of its families had taken refuge in Monte Video. Advices had been received in the River Plate to the 18th of December from Liverpool, by the Columbus, via Pernam buco and Rio. Her Majesty's steamer Alecto had arrived from Portsmouth at Monte Video, and was to proceed im mediately up the Parana. Conjecture was busy as to the object of the mission. From Buenos Ayres there are dates to the 26th January. ReAas was issuing 2,500,000 of paper dollars monthly, to meet the demands upon his treasury. Their sterling value, how ever, is very insignificant, exchange on England being as low as 2d. per dollar. EXTRACT PROM PRIVATE LETTER. " Per Apollo, Monte Video, Jan. 28. "The House of Representatives at Buenos Ayres have passed unanimously a reply to Roses, amounting to an emis sion, monthly, of 2,300,000 dollars during the war, and for three months afterwards. We should be nearer the mark were we to calculate the emission at 5,000,000 dollars monthly. Who dares inquire into it? The result has been, that exchange is down to less than 2d. "In piece goods, nothing doing. Exchange,44id. "In political or military movements, nothing has tran spired worthy of comment. " The exportation of hides from Rio Grande will not be so heavy. "JAN. Bl.—We have this moment received the following important advices from Buenos Ayres, by the Sardinian brig of-war Colombo, which vessel sailed from thence on the 28th inst. :—That the whole of the troops which had hitherto been encamped at Santa Hugares, distant from the capital three leagues, have moved, and proceeded to the Guardia de Hujan, distance 30 leagues. All the artillery and munitions of war have, likewise, been removed from the capital to the said place. The native force of militia, composed of men in all ranks of life, is under orders to proceed to the same quarter. A law has been passed fer the purpose of bleeding all foreigners, in the form of a contribution to support the war. The result of such arbitrary measures all must know; the de sign is, doubtless, to intimidate the Governments of France and England." LLOYD'S SHIPPING. TAWDort APRIL 6.—Wind S.W., light broom and cloudy. There have been heavy falls of rain since 5 A.M. WHITBY.—SId. Ross-shire, Johnson Quebec. BRIDLINGTON.—Acrd. Amelia, Medley, Newcastle, for Faversham, leaky ; Fox, Berwick, Grangemouth, Rouen, with loss of topmast and sails split, &e. The Industry, Brooks, of Sherringham, was towed into this port yesterday, a derelict, with loss of mainmast, foretopmast, &c., having been in contact with a vessel, name unknown. DEAL, APRIL s.—The Somersetshire sustained considerable damage yesterday, from being in contact with the Aneas, as reported last night. RAMSGATE, APRIL s.—The I.anrentia, Grunland, of Calmar, from Arundel to Trieste, got on shore on the Iletnish Bank 3d inst.; master, mate, one man, and a boy drowned. DEAL, APRIL 4.—The /Eneas, Townsend, for Calcutta, has put back to the Downs, with loss of bowsprit, figure-head, and other da mage, having been in contact with the barque Somersetshire off the South Foreland. The Elizabeth, Watson, for Prince Edward's Island, was aground on the Red Sand, Swashway, but makes no water, an 4 will proceed. YARMOUTH, APRIL 4.—The Comet, Salmon, from Shields to Man. ningtree, got on the Barber Sand last nighs, but came off with 6 feet water in her bold, and soon after sunk ; crew saved. The lienriette, Baker, of Exeter, from Newport to Lynn, got on the Seroby Sand last night, and has become a wreck ; crew saved. LIVERPOOL, APRIL 4 and s.—Wind E.S.E., fresh. Arrd. Pa kenhant, Barbadoes ; Mary Jane, Alexandria ; Maid, Sproule, Hong- Kong ; Glenarm, Guy, Calcutta ; Cosmopolitan, Griffiths, Africa ; Bella Portena, Pyott, Arica; Flora,'Langlois, Valparaiso; Columbus, Green, Pernambuco ; Lucia Field, Rich, Cuba; Stain, Nichol, 112t vannali; Henrietta and Mary, Reid, Staten Island ; Howard, Hall, Bostic ; Caledonia steamer, Halifax; Elizabeth, Moses, ditto; Ready. Rhino, Patterson, ditto ; Rebecca, Simpson, Pugwash ; London, Red- Miramichi ; Lady Bagot, Williams, Quebec. Put back, Courier, for st. Petersburgh, with loss of head and cutwater, having been in CO Meet with a flat. MARGATE, Aram s.—The Spanish brig San Franclso, laden with Mock-fish, is supposed to have sunk on the Long Sand ; a small part of cargo, four anchors, and some stores saved. INDEMNITY BILL. On the motion of Earl ST. GERMANS, the Indem nity Bill was read a third time. THE MIDLAND AND GREAT WESTERN (IRE LAND) AND THE CORK AND WATERFORD RAILWAYS. _ . . Lord MONTEAGLE, in rising to present two peti tions from shareholders in certain railways, said that they both illustrated a mistake under which the public laboured with respect to the power and right of share holders in railways generally. These were both petitions from shareholders who objected to the further progress of Bills in which they themselves were interested ; and the misapprehension that he alluded to was, the common mistake that shareholders could not petition against Bills to which they had given a previous assent ; so that it was perfectly competent, and, in fact, was in the power of the shareholders of a railway, if they sub sequently saw reason to alter the favourable opinion which they had formerly expressed with respect to it, to take steps to prevent its receiving the assent of the Legislature. He could not bring himself to believe that the allegations contained in these petitions were un true, because they appeared to be supported by good grounds. The first petition was from a num ber of shareholders in the Midland and Great Western Railway of Ireland, and was signed (as we understood) by one of the Members of the city of London, and set forth that a great number of those who had signed the contract deed were not persons in a condition to do so, as immediately before depositing the list several persons subscribed their names for very large sums in which the shareholders admitted no deposit was paid by them, and that it was their belief that they had no intention to subscribe the amount of the capital which they had so engaged to pay. If this were true, and he could not doubt it, the Company, in the event of obtain ing their Bill, would be left without the means of completing their works. He therefore trusted the Noble Lords to whom the Bill bad been re ferred would take the trouble to read the petition in order that they might ascertain whether it contained any just grounds for impeding the progress of the Bill. The other petition was from the city of Cork, against the amalgamation of the line with the Limerick and Waterford. The petitions were ordered to be referred to the Committees on the Bills. LONDON AND YORK (EASTERN COUNTIES). The Earl of lIARDWICKE presented a petition against this line, and praying, in the event of its passing, that proper clauses would be inserted in the Bill tor the protection of the proprty of those through which it would puss. SCOTTISH GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY. The Marquis of BREADALBANE presented a pe• tition from Glasgow, in favour of this line of railway, He also presented a petition from the Presbytery of the Free Church of Biggar, in Lanarkshire, complaining of the proceedings of the labourers employed on railways in that neighbourhood, and the desecration of the Sab bath. The petitioners prayed for an investigation. LIMERICK HARBOUR. The Earl of CLARE presented a petition from the Bridge Commissioners of the city of Limerick, in favour of the deepening and improving of the harbour of that city. The Noble Lord, in doing so, called the attention of the House to a report of the Tidal Commissioners, setting forth the great necessity for the alterations and improve ments prayed for. 85,0001. had been expended on the harbour of Cork, and about half a, million on the upper estuary of the Shannon ; therefore, he thought some thing ought to be alone for the harbour of Limerick. Lord ELLENBOROUGH said he was not prepared then to give an opinion. He believed that gross abuses had hitherto prevailed in the management of that har bour, but if a Bill was introduced to effect a change, or tarry out an improvement of it, it w-uid receive every attention from the Board of Admiralty. The Noble Lord then presented a petition from the corporation of Newry against the Newry and Roscommon Railway. He was only made acquainted on Saturday night that the Bill was before Parliament, and he was informed (and he believed correctly so) that it would be read a third time to-day. He was at the same time informed that the consent of the Admiralty had in the usual way been given to the passing of the Bill, but that a report had appeared directly adverse by the Tidal Commission ers. Ile (Lord Ellenborough) had requested the en gineer to make a report en the subject ; that re port had been presented, and it was favourable, and as the consent of the Admiralty had been given to the Bill, perhaps the best course would be to allow the Bill, which has gone so far in that House, to pass, and when it had been sent down to the House of Commons, inquiries could be made during the recess into the true merits of the Bill, and such amendments could be need° as might be found advisable. Lord MONTEAGLE thought it was not consistent with the wisdom or decorum of their Lordships' pro ceedings, to allow Bills to pass a third time, which would have to be amended in the other House. He hoped that this Bill would be postponed until the Admiralty should be put in possession of the reports and plans on this subject. He thought that a wise and wholesome control on the part of the Admiralty was necessary to secure the interests of the public. He knew from his own knowledge that many mischief's had arisen from the inefficiency of public works with re spect to tidal harbours. Their Lordships sometimes passed Bills, leaving out certain parts to be under the control of the Admiralty and the Board of Public Works for the time being. Now, although), he (Lord Monteagle) had every respect for these Com mittees, although he had every cuutidence in the mode !n which they exercised their functions, yet he thought that every Bill which passed that House ' should be perfectly cemplete, and that no public office should have it in their power to alter or amend it. The Earl of ELLEN BOROUGH said that he would have no objection to adopt the course reconatnentled. The Board of Admiralty had then before it the report of their own engineer, in favour of the railway. An other report had been presented to himself personally. by a gentleman against the Bill, and, under these circumstances, it would hardly be fair for the Admiralty to decide either one way or another without further investigation. He might state for the satisfac tion of his Noble Friend, that an officer had been ap pointed for the purpose of examining into these matters; he reported afterwards to the Board of Admiralty, who decided on a full consideration of the case submitted to them. The Earl of ROSEBERY said that, -as Chairman of the Committee before which this Bill had been inves t tgated, he might say that they had given it their ut most consideration, and no Committee of their Lord ships, he was sure, could have taken greater pains to com pare the evidence with the view of arriving at the truth. :aptain Washington had been examined by the Com mittee previously to the Committee having come to a decision. He thought it necessary to say these few words upon the subject. Lord ELLENBOROUGH understood that Captain Washington was present when Mr. Walter was ex amined before the Committe ; he, however, dissenting from the opinions of that gentleman, had volunteered his evidence upon the occasion. The Earl of ROSEBERY had no recollection of the circumstances alluded to by the Noble Lord. The Marquis of LANSDOWNE thought it was a case calling for the interference of Parliament. The motion was then agreed to. THE LATE VICTORIES IN INDIA. The Marquis of LANSDOWNE rose, pursuant to the notice he had given, to ask a question of the Govern ment upon the subject of the great and glorious events which have recently taken place in India. Before he put that question, he would however perhaps be per mitted to express personally the regret which he felt at not having been present upon the former occasion. It was perfectly impossible for him to attend upon that oc casion. He thought the motion had been brought on without sufficient notice, owing to the circumstance of their Lordships not sitting upon Wednesday. It would have been impossible for him or any other person to add anything to the valuable testimony which had been borne upon that occasion to those great and glorious services by the Noble Duke connected with her Majesty's Govern ment. The Noble. Duke (the Duke of Wellington), who had been on the scene, and had won those victories which added honour to his name, hoped he had lived to see the maintenance of our territory on the banks of the Sutlej brought to a final consummation by the gallant victories which had crowned the exertions of Sir Henry Hardinge and Sir Hugh Gough.—(Hear.) Know.. ing this, and confirmed in it by the expressions of his Noble Friend (the Earl of Auckland) who sat behind him, who, from his acquaintance with India was well able to estimate the difficulties of that service, and who, on the occasion of passing a vote of thanks to the army, confirmed, in a most clear and satisfactory manner, the statements then made. Having ventured to say this, in excuse for himself , he be gg ed to ask a question, whether ' any communications on the subject would be produced, or that they might have some additional information to that supplied in the newspapers ? Was it the intention of her Majesty's Government to produce all the papers re lating to those military transactions ? But he was par ticularly desirous to know whether the proclamation of Sir H. Hardinge, the Governor-General of India, after the last and decisive battle and the treaty which it was stated he had concluded with the Seikhs, after the battle of the 17th of February. would be laid on the table of the House ? He did not ask that question with any idea that those papers could be made the foundation of anything objectionable to the policy of the Government in that quarter of the world.— (" Hear, hear," from the Duke of Wellington.) On the contrary, if ho felt any anxiety to see those papers produced, it was because they contained the proclama tion to which he had referred, which was issued by the Governor-General on entering the Seikh territory, and because he felt his policy would be found satisfactory to the Parliament and to the country.—(Cheers.) He felt satisfied that this great conflict was not produced by any invasion on the part of the B r itish.—(Cheers.) It had always been the safety of the Indian Govern ment to depend on the satisfaction and protection which they gave to the natives of that quarter of the world, the prosperity given to their trade and commerce, and the improvement effected in their social existence. (Hear, hear.) Next to that should stand the fact that all the nations of Asia should under stand that the Indian Government were not desirous of conquest, but security ; and that it was not with them a question beyond this, whether those Go vernments were perfect or imperfect, Mahometan or Hindoo ; their only desire being to recognise them as allies, and to treat them as equals.—(Hear, hear.) He felt, therefore, peculiar satisfaction when he saw those principles laid down in the procl irnation alluded to. — (Hear.) No doubt in doing so the Governor-General had but acceded to the views of her Majesty's Government ; and in doing so they (as aGovernment) might challenge the world for an example to such a course.—(Loud cheers.) So much it was his duty to state on the present occasion ; they would see that security and not conquest was the motive that led to the late great and glorious results. He was aware that the reports had reached Government, and he was consequently surprised that no mention had been made respecting rewards to be conferred upon the several officers engaged in these operations. Ile hoped that some such communication as that to which he had alluded might be made in that matter as to set every one at rest with regard to the intention of Government , and that no long time would elapse before her Ma jesty's most gracious intentions were communicated to the House. He wished that the unusual course which had been pursued in this business, of making a communi cation to this House without laying the requisite papers on the table, had not been adopted. The Earl of RIPON said that it was impossible to express his regret at having been unable to enjoy the benefits of his Noble Lord's attendance when the vote of thanks to the officers of the Indian army was so unanimously and satisfactorily carried through the House. The facts were that he had asked this question on Tuesday evening, at which time the official accounts had not reached her Majesty's Government, and when no answer could be given. Those accounts were received on Wednesday morning, and, as the House of Commons were sitting on that day, it was thought better to give notice in that House, and so to depart from the usual course. He was not at that time aware that his Noble Friend was out of town, and he bad addressed a letter to him accordingly, but, on discovering that fact, he had added another communication to his Noble Friend, who was confined to his bed by the gout. That was the reason why sufficient notice had not been given to his Noble Friend (the Marquis of Lansdowne) of the motion for Thursday evening. He was truly rejoiced to find that the conduct of the Governor- General, and that of the several officers associated with him, had met, as it deserved to meet, with the full approval of his Noble Friend. With respect to the question which his Noble Friend had put, he might say that, in point of fact, all that had been received up to the present time was that which had been already pub• lished in the Gazette. All the arrangements however with regard to the remainder of the intelligence had not been reduced to proper form, but as soon as they were care would be taken that they should be immediately laid before their Lordships. Until those documents were ready, it would be impossible for him to lay any further intelligence before them. With respect to what his Noble Friend had asked as to whether any communication had been re ceived from her Majesty with regard to the honours to be conferred upon those great men who had achieved those great victories, he could only say that at the present moment he was not authorised to make any statement upon that subject, but this he could say, that no sooner had her Majesty become aware of the events which had occured, and the services which those two individuals had rendered. then she gave her commands for the patent of Sir Henry Hardinge and Sir Hugh Gough—(Cheers)—a proceeding which would confer honour not only upon those two individuals, who had so richly deserved it, but on the country for which they had fought.—Cheers.) THE POLISH INSURRECTION. Lord BEAUMONT said that he had given notice to the Noble Earl the Secretary for Foreign Affairs that it was his intention to put a question to him to-day, and he understood from him that he had no objection to his doing so. The question that he intended to put to the Noble Earl regarded recent events in the provinces of the Austrian empire. In putting that question, he should not apologise to their Lordships for bringing it before them, nor should he pause to ask them to reflect avhether there was combination, any treaty, or any international custom which gave him the privilege of bringing the subject before them in that place. He claimed the privilege and the right to do so on far higher grounds ; he claimed it on the ground that he believed that all European states had entered into a tacit compact to advance civilization, and to arrest the continuation of any barbarous custom or law, which had hitherto existed in Europe. A re volution had recently occurred in some of the Aus trian provinces, which all must deplore.—(Hear.) The subject he did refer to was the practice they had there established of creating a kind of servile war, by the authorities encouraging the peasantry to rise against their masters. A series of wholesale slaughter against their lords and masters had been the consequence, and he found that in the province of Galicia, at the instigation of the Prefect of Tarnow, the peasantry, and even the very serfs, had advanced against thssir lords, and in the expectation of a reward for every head, they had committed murders by wholesale, and castles had been wasted. Now he might be required to give his authority for those statements. At the present moment he confessed they were founded on private letters, and on the public statements contained in twenty or thirty of the continental journals. But there existed no doubt on the minds of any person who had at tended to the subject, that the cases thus put forward had not been exaggerated, and with their Lordships' permission he would read a short extract from one of those letters. It was published in the Journal des Debats, a journal which he scarcely need remind their Lordships, admitted no statement of this character until it had taken measures to ascertain whether it were correct or not. It stated that in the third circle, one of the most dense in the whole province, there was scarcely a single landed proprietor to be found—their lives had been taken, or they had been compelled to flee, leaving their houses to be pillaged. The writer thee went on to mention the names of those who suf fered. He proceeded subsequently to state, that in some places the peasantry had proceeded with certain farms, which seemed to show that they had been tutored for the purpose. When they presented themselves before the chateau of —, they told the proprietor to come out ; and when he, who had been a father to the district, did so, they told him to prepare to die. He asked time to fullll the duties of a Christian, to which they assented, and after he had confessed to the priest, they killed him with blows from pikes and poniards. They then assailed the chateau of the Countess —, and murdered her brother, ber mother-in-law, and other relations. She darkened her children's faces with soot, dressed them in mean clothes, and concealed them in a loft. She managed to escape, anti g hid herself in a wine-shop. They forced her thence, and then committed on this young and fair woman, the most infa mous of all offences. They afterwards, when she was insensible threw her into a ditch, where she was found by an Austrian offi cer. He has found similar scenes repeated in different journals, he could not, therefore, consider that they were altogether un founded. He had looked in several papers on the other side, to see if there had been any instance of the parties being punished, or whether the Government had disapproved of this conduct or no. He had found instead a proclamation encou raging this state of things, and he did not think that such language, as had been used in these proclamations should be addressed to troops who had acted in that manner. He would ask if they had received any information as to the truth of what had taken place in Austria; and if so, whether they have taken any means to let them know the pain and disap proval with which these things have been viewed by this country. The Earl of ABERDEEN would be happy to give the Noble Lord the information be might require upon this or any other subject. In the present case, the multitude of asser tions, and the contradictory statements were such that it was very difficult precisely to state what was the truth or falsehood. The subject was one in which this country was not directly concerned, neither were British subjects or British interests effected by the events, whether true or false. With re ference to the accusation, that the Austrian authorities had excited the peasantry of Galicia against the propietors of land. He had the happiness for a great many years to live on terms of intimacy and friendship with the eminent person by whom the Administration was represented in this country, and he could only say that he felt certain that policy of that kind was as impossible for the Government to adopt as any of your Lord ships. It was undoubtedly true that the Austrian Government in Galicia had always been the friend of the peasantry ; to them the peasantry had always looked for protection. It was now seventy or eighty years since the province of Galicia came under the Austrian dominions, and he believed that during that time the condition of the peasantry had been improved by the reforms introduced by the Austrian Government. During the time of Joseph 11., and his predecessor, their con dition was greatly improved compared with their condition in life when they ascended the throne, and, therefore, it was na tural that they should apreeiate all the advantages of their form of Government—that they should enjoy everything that was liberal, humane, and considerate which prevailed under their sway. Was it not natural, then, that they should feel that loyalty and attachment to the Government to which the Noble Lord had referred in his address? He (the Earl of Aberdeen) had, however, very . little information on the subject beyond that possessed by their Lordships. Besides, he did not think it was incumbent on him—he did not think it was the duty of this country to interfere in the administration of states, situated as Austria was at the present mom ent. A revolt h ad broken out, and her Majesty's Charge de Affaires in that country had, from time to time, no doubt, sent him ac counts of the transactions which had taken place ; but the statements which they contained were very different indeed from those which the Noble Lord had referred to as having recently taken place. He would read extracts from two or three of the statements contained in the communication which he had received. Mr. Maginus, writing, Feb. 28th, said, " The peasantry of Galacia have shown themselves most opposed to the revolutionary movement, and have resisted the threats of the proprietors and their followers to join them ; and al though unsupported by military forces, have in many places opposed the insurgents with force of arms, and have made pri soners of many of them who wished to use them to acts of vio lence, and have denounced their proceedings." Again, on March 3, he said, after speaking of the revolt at Cracow, " The peasantry continue to assist the soldiers and the Govern. ment to arrest the leaders of the insurgents, and the number of prisoners is so great as to cause serious embarrassments to the Government ; and if they did not remain in captivity, al though they had many opportunities of escaping, they would be massacred by the peasantry, thus increasing the embarrass ment to a much greater extent." The last accounts which he had received from Limberg, the capital of Galicia, were very satisfactory. " The peasantry continue to evince the best disposition in support of the Government, and in arresting the instigators to the revolt." In many places the peasantry established *uards to protect the property of parties, thus showing their disinterested conduct. There was nothing in these letters to show that the Austrian Government deserved the stigma of the Noble Lord. The peasantry had proved themselves faithf ul during th e revo l t, there , an d In doing that they may have taken awa y some lif e, b ut was nothing in their efforts to warrant such condemnation as had been made against them . Having said so much, he was not prepared to say what amount of the reports circulated were true, and what were false. What he said was on the faith of the information he had received from the party alluded to. Lord KINNAIRD thanked the Noble Lord for what he had stated in reference to the matter, and agreed with him that the accounts were very conflicting. He was forced to state that the peasantry of Galicia had been peculiarly well treated by the Austrian Government; different from what had been the case in the provinces under the other Governments. But that the Governor of Galicia had issued a proclamation, offering a reward for bringing in the nobles, dead or alive, could not be denied. In doing so he believed the Governor was acting en the authority of the statute law of Austria. There was one statute law which declared that all deserters should be brought in dead or alive, and another law, declaring that all rebels should be treated as deserters. Still he hoped, fur the sake of the character of Austria, that the Government never sanctioned so barbarous a proclamation. Ile was also glad that the matter had been brought under consideration, as it would be shown that the feeling of this country abhorred such barbarous proceedings. Lord BEAUMONT thought that the reason assigned by the Noble Lord was anything but sufficient to account for or to jus' ify the outrage that had been committed ; for it was his firm belief that the Noble Lord would have preferred remain. ing in captivity to being subject to such violence as they had endured. If such were the state of the law, he trusted that it would soon be assimilated with the law of Turkey. INTERFERBNCE WITH PRIVATE PROPERTY. I Lord DENMAN presented a petition from a gentleman of the name of Smith, which purported that on the 19th of I December last his private house had been invaded by three persons of the Excise department, who stated that they eame in search of a private still. The offence was aggravated by the fact that the gentleman whose premises had been intruded upon was a special pleader. There was nothing to justify this offeace, for it had been committed under the authority of an anonymous letter. Now, this gentleman was aware that he had no redress by an action at law, for the authorities seemed to think that it was not contrary to the law, and he was there fore aware that be could obtain no damages. Such being the case he:thought that his only remedy was to petition that HOuse, and he busted their Lordships would entertain its prayer with a view to an amendment of the grievance of which ihi; gentle man complained. If the law were permitted to be enforced in its present shape, no man's property would be safe. He would on a future day bring forward a Bill to amend this law as it stood at present. The Earl of DALHOUSIE said, that if this petition had been received merely on the statement that bad been made that night, nothing would have been further from his thoughts than to make any reply to it, further than to answer the question put by the Noble and Learned Lord ; but the petition which had been read by the Clerk at the table was, in point of fact, a direct attack on one of the public departments of the coun try, which, if any of the departments were so, was well and effi ciently executed—he meant the Excise ; and when the Noble and Learned Lord the other night very kindly informed him that he intended to present this petition, and draw the attention of the House to the statements contained in it, he (Lord Dal housie) took care to inform himself as to the whole of the sub ject. He found that the person whose name was affixed to this petition had had another presented to the Commons House of Parliament, very similar in substance. He found, however, that the petition that night presented to their Lordships was, as compared with the other, greatly modified in its language sad siittatMotate. With respect to the facts on which the peti tion itself was founded, namely, that the petitioner's house was entered by an Excise officer, armed with a search warrant, that fact was undoubtedly true. He was quite ready to say so much with respect to that ; and with respect, also, to the con duct of the officer in obtainining the warrant, he did not wish to advance ore word of defence. The conduct of the officer was blameable in the eyes of his superiors, and they punished him. But the allegations in this petition did not merely attri bute blame to the officer—they inculpated his superior officer also. The petitioner, in the first place, stated that the man, in executing what he called his duty, had effected a forcible entrance into his house, and when his warrant was demanded, he refused to produce it; that these proceedings alarmed and dismayed the persons in the house, and that the health of the inmates was then, and was still, placed in jeo pardy. To each and all these statements, he ( Lord Dalhousie) gave an unqualified contradiction. How stood the facts ? An anonymous letter was received by the Commissioners of Excise ; but no measures were taken, no instructions were issued on that letter. On the contrary, it was remitted to the officer of the district, with instructions to carefully inquire and report upon it. The officer did not report but from the cir cumstances connected with the letter itself, he fancied that there existed sufficient grounds for suspicion. He, therefore, proceeded to the nearest magistrate, to make, as the law re quired, a deposition. That magistrate was from home, and he then proceeded to the next, and procured a warrant, after making the oaths required by law. He proceeded with this warrant to the petitioner's door, which was not forcibly entered. The officer knocked, as he would in any other case, when it was opened. He inquired for the master, who did not happen that day to be at his chambers, and when be came, no warrant was asked for, because it was at once shown. They afterwards proceeded to look over the house. The Noble and Learned Lord said that any inquiry on the officer's part in the district would at once have proved that no suspicion could attach to this gentleman's house, but he (Lord Dalhousie) could inform the Noble Lord that this would be, in every case, very insufficient ground to go upon. He could tell the Noble and Learned Lord that in another house—a house of better appearance than this, and more like a gentleman's seat—a small still was found in full operation in the drawing-room. The officer, after proceeding through several of the rooms, did perceive that there was no cuse for suspicion, and be left. The family did not once see him. The gentleman happened to be at dinner, and when he offered to open the door of the dining-room, the officer said it was unnecessary, he apologised for the trouble that had been given, and then departed. This happened on a Thursday, and on the Friday Mr. Smith, the petitioner, addressed a letter to the Commissioners of Excise, complaining that no re dress had been given him—that no apology had been tendered, although the Commissioners must have been in pos session of the report of their affair. No such report had been made by the officer. The gentleman added that he desired an investigation into the proceeding. He said that if he did receive from them a specific assurance before three o'c'ock on the next day that their officer would be reprimanded, he should take no proceedings; but otherwise he would place the matter in the hands of his attorney, and have public opinion on the subject. Now although it was perfectly necessary and proper that this subject should be brought before the Commis sioners, still it was equally necessary that 'the" conduct of the officer charged should be inquired into, lest he might have been improperly impugned. To the petitioner's demand the Com missioners made answer on the same day. They stated that before pronouncing judgment on the conduct of the officer, they would call on him for an explanation, after which they would com municate with Mr. Smith without delay. The Commissioners of Excise, he considered, were right in their proceeding, be cause they did not wish to sanction proceedings of an unjust and arbitrary character. Nothing, surely, could he more rea sonable than that statement. Until they had ascertained the facts of the case they could not with propriety tender an apology. Why no person would flog his hound until he had reason to believe that his hound had committed a fault, and surely they could not be expected to render less justice to a fellow man than they would to a dog. Ou the same day the Commissioners received a reply from the gentleman who peti tioned the House that night. He said that the reply the Com missioners had sent to his letter could not be received by him. The outrage perpetrated by their officer on a private gentleman had been one for which, as gentlemen, they were hound to make every satisfaction. He required, most distinctly, an ample apology from them ; and further, he would require 101. before two o'clock to-morrow, to cover the cost of counsel, and other contingent expenses. Now he would ask what these expenses had been? This was written on the 19th, and on thellBth, the day before, the very transact ion which had given rise to the correspondence had taken place. Now he asked again, what expenses had been incurred? The letters to the Commissioners of Excise had been written from the gentle man's own chambers. He had not even to pay sixpence to the messenger, because, in his former letter, he said that his clerk would wait the reply. Where, then, were the expenses ? He (Lord Dalhousie) understood that lawyers had even a sort of charitable regard for one another, and that they prescribed for other's ailments in the same way that medical men did not charge those of their craft for attendance on their bodily ailments. Lord CAMPBELL seemed to express dissent. The Earl of DALHOUSIE said the Commissioners wrote Mr. Smith again, that his demand of an apology and 101., was inadmissible ; and on the same day be, in a letter, charged them with having eommitted and sanctioned a gross act of tyranny. He (Lord Dalhousie) thought that it might have crossed the imagination of this Mr. Smith, of Hare court, Temple, (for he was anxious that he should be de scribed thus in his petition), that plain-spoken person, on reading his letters, might have called his demands an attempt at extortion, but he could not press this opinion upon their Lordships.. AII this happened upon the Friday. The Commissioners wrote again upon the Monday, stating that the officer had been sevei ely censured, and regretting the annoyance to which the petitioner had been subjected. He might inform their Lordships that the officer was a most re spectable man, who had served in The department for thirty or forty years; and he might further add, that the term " censure," carried in the Excise a much weightier meaning than their Lordships probably attached to it. It meant suspension from promotion for three years, and no re wards for any meritorious conduct. But this gentleman, on the 12th of January, changed his tactics, and taking up the cause or the officer whom ^he had formerly been in such a passion with, he char g ed the Commissioners with the offence against him. He said that he did not Wish the officer censured, because he had no doubt that he had, under the circumstances, acted with the view of pleasing them ; and on the idea that his conduct would be altogether ascribed to seal. But would their Lord ships believe, that immediately afterwards, this gentleman commenced attacking the excise-officer himself, that he de manded from him that he should sign an ample apology, and, in addition pay him a sum of 251. On those conditions only were the actions to be stopped. Now, this officer had been thirty-two years in the excise, he had then a salary of 2001., out of which he paid his travelling expenses, so that his salary at the utmost only amounted to 1501., and yet this man demanded a sixth of his salary, and an abject apology. It was dated January 17th, yet an action was commenced on the 16th. Had this gentleman not gibbeted himself, he (Lord Dalhousie), would not have drawn him further before the House and before the country. The 25/. were not paid, the money was inde«.4 tendered but not paid. The officer refused to sign the apology, and the gentleman wrote a letter saying that he had quibbled and endeavoured to defer the settlement from time to time. Now he would read the apology required, and the quibble as the petitioner termed it. and he would put it to the House to say whether Peter Mann,the excise officer, with 1501. a year was not the honester and the better man than Mr. Smith, in his house, Weodlane, Highgate. He had never heard of any charge against an officer of excise, and he questioned if any of their Lordships had. He would give the Noble. Lords the assurance he asked, that the department of the excise would not act upon any anonymous information ; they had not done so in times past , they had not done so than. These were the facts of the case, and he would leave their Lordships to draw their awn conclusions from them. Lord DENMAN said that he had known nothing of the sub ject matter contained in the petition, further than as he bad been informed by some of the gentlemen connected with the Excise, who had called upon him yesterday. He should still, however, have felt it necessary to present the petition, if he had been asked to do so. He did not believe that the gentleman in tended to place the amount of money he had demanded in his pocket ;he intended to give it to some charity. !ri conclusion he earnestly hoped that the Noble Lord woul d limit the powers entrusted to inferior officers. IRELAND. Lord GREAT RE D Es DWESTERNALEpresented RAILWAY a petitio OFn fr,om R E in D. par tiesthe e Great Western the Grand Cana l of Ireland, praying that Bill n b . e re-committed. Their Lordships R s then adjourned. djoured HOUSE OF COMMOIVS, April G. The SPEAJCER took the Chair at Four o'clock. SECOND READINGS. The following Bills were read a second time, and or dered to be committed, viz.:— Inverness and Elgin Junction Railway. Dunblane, Doune, and Callander Railway. Tramore Embankment. Sidmouth Market. Severn Navigation. Manchester Markets. Caledonian, Insurance Company, Carshalton Rates. Hull and Lincoln Direct Railway. Westruther Roads. Port Ellen Harbour. Edinburgh Paving. Leith Paving. Airdrie Police. Greenlaw Roads. Sligo Ship Canal. Halesworth and Norwich Railway. Sheffield, Buxton, Leek, Potteries, and Crewe Railway. East and West India Docks and Birmingham Junction Railway (by order). London and Windsor Railway (by order). ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH "COMPANY .BILL Mr. HAWES moved the consideration of the report of the above Bill, when Mr. ROEBUCK objected that this was not a strictly Private Bill, and therefore he should oppose the con sideration of the report: The SPEAKER . said that the Bill, in his opinion, was strictly a Private Bill, although it gave extended power to the Company promoting it. Mr. ROEBUCK contended that notice ought to hafe been given to each Member of that House who repro- rented a borough of the provisions of this Bill. What had been the effect in London ? The Corporation London had carried a clause to be inserted which ex empted them from the operation of this measure. He thought that similar justice ought to have been done to Bath and other cities. Lord MORPETH observed that he had been re quested to interfere with the progress of this Bill, s o far to ask that the evidence upon it be printed. Ho would ask that some Hon. Member who bad been on the Committee should state whether . he thought, that in justice to other parties who might be interested, this ought not to be done. Mr. HAWES said, if the Mouse thought that the powers were too large, he, on the part of those interested in the Bill, would consent to any proper limitation of them, but he asserted that no public inconvenience would result from the passing of this measure, as several Acts were already in existence which gave similar extensive powers. _ Mr. ROEBUCK contended that as this Act gate powers to enter into contracts with all railway compa nies, it was decidedly a first or second, and not a third class Bill. He could instance a case in point, where the same objection was entertained by the Standing Orders' Committee of the House. The Railway Guarantee Incorporated Company was introduced into the House as a third class Bill, but as it gate powers to treat with all railway companies, it was held to be a first, and was therefore thrown out as a third class Bill. This Act, in a similar manner, gave the Company power to contract with the railways in the kingdom._ The SPEAKER said, that in his opinion, the Bill was strictly a third class Bill. After a few words from Lord G. SOMERSET, which were not audible in the gallery, Mr. HAW ES said he should have been better able to discuss the technical objections of his Hon. and Learned Friend, if he had given him notice on Saturday, that it was his intention to wake them. But after what had fallen from the Noble Lord and the Speaker, he should postpone the further consideration of the subject until after Easter. Lord MORPETH also postponed his motion for the printing of the evidence adduced before the Committee until the same period. NORTH KENT RAILWAY. Mr. HUME said he had a petition to present from Sir Isaac Lyon Goldsmid, the chairman of the North Kent Railway, which was of a peculiar nature, but be fore he presented it he wished to ask a question. It stated that a petition had been presented by the Hon. Member for Southwark (Sir W. Molesworth) against the Bill, and expressing a wish that it might be takes from group 14. and referred to the Com mittee to be appointed in the City of London. He believed the line was not intended to cross the Thames, but to run to Camberwell, about two miles from the river, and was to have a terminus in Union-street, Southwark. He wished, therefore, to ask whether, when the Bill had been classified with another, which proposed to make a line from Union-street to Southwark-bridge, it was competent for the House to take it from the Com• mittee and to refer it to the Commission to which he had referred ? The SPEAKER was understood to say that it was competent for the House to order a Bill to be so referred. WIGAN ELECTION COMMITTEE. The following Members, appointed to serve on this Election Committee, appeared at the table of the House, and were sworn:—Sir W. Heathcote, and Messrs. E. Denison,Trotter, Botfield, and Lambton LONDON AND NEW WINDSOR RAILWAY. Sir DE LACY EVANS presented a petition from certain inhabitants of the city of Westminster, in favour of this line of railway; also one from the parish of Sr. Mary Abbot's, to the same effect. THIRD READINGS. The following Bills were read a third time : Eastern Union and Hadleigh Junction Railway. Maldon, Witham, and Braintree Railway. London and Brighton Rail way (East Grinstead Branch). Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway. Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock, and Ayr Railway Amendment and Branches (No. 1). Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock, and Ayr Raile Amendment and branches (No. 2). South Eastern Railway (No. 7) (Extension of statioes at Ashford). Brighton and Chichester Railway (Bognor and Little , hampton branches). Scottish Grand Junction Railway. The Manchester Markets Bill was read a second time , on the motion of Mr. MARK PHILIPS. The third Reading of the London and Brighton (E tEt Grinstead Branch) and Brighton and Chiche;:te f Branches Bills were postponed till to-morrow. ST. GEORGE-THE-MARTYR RECTORY BILL , Mr. KEMBLE moved that the second reading of S&• George the Martyr (Southwark) Rectory Bill be post' poned until Monday, the 27th day of April. N o one regretted more than he did that there should be a n}' rause of division between the rector of St. Georg' !: Southwark, and so respectable a body of people as 11 , 1 7, parishioners. If the postponement of the Bill wou ld tend to have a good elect, as he apprehended it wou l(1 he hoped the House would concur in his motion. Sir W. MOLESWORTH opposed the postponerorn t ' some valid grounds ought to have been stated for such 5 course, and as that had not been done he did not S ee why they should violate the standing order of the Hous e ' that there should not be more than 21 days bettyee ll the first and the se c o n d rea di ng o f any pr i vate Bill" This Bill was to exempt the rector of the parish fron l the payment of rates. To show the excitement whi ci j the Bill had produced he (Sir W. Molesworth) ha o received a petition from the ratepayers, signed by 2,t h : out of the 2,500 ratepayers composing the entire pariso against the Bill. i'he petition was also signed by & 1 ,1 churchwardens, with a ll th e p ar i s h o ff icers . H e shout therefore oppose the motion by the Hon Member. Mr. ANTROBUS supported the motion. a Mr. HAWES considered, that as no valid reason ha l been assigned for the postpon emen t, th e H ouse s hould not depart from its own standing orders. Sir DE LACY EVANS was of a similar opinion. Mr. KEMBLE thought that the House was not el bably aware of the precise effects of the motion vihi e d he had made. He would ask whether he was not boah to present a petition which had been signed by the th a i i jority of his constituents ? The rector hits t e had not th e s li g h test appre h ens i on t h a t t e " second reading of thi s Bill wou ld b e broug" on before Easter. As regarded the sessional 00' 1 1, 5 ; he would remi n d th e H ouse th at they had several tim e been set aside; and in this case of this Bill h e ought ",.,f observe that it was only introduced on the 19th :„ February, and he thought, therefore, that the would not refuse what appeared to him se reasonabl e request as its delay. Mr. HUME thought that no reasonable grounds hi 0 been made out for the delay. If an Hon. Member ha' l4o duty to perform to his constituents, he had 9 ,: at a duty to perform i n ob e ying the orders of 1 ,7 1 1 House. The rector came before that House with a it to serve his personal interests, and as was allovve(h_ e . was quite opposed to the feeling of his parishioee , ' ir What reason was there, therefore, for the suspensimi as the standing orders ? If the business of that H o use l ie to be satisfactorily conducted the susp ens i on of t , orders was not to be lightly made, and h e h o p e d ther c d , fore that the object of this motion would not be grah te b t Mr. SPOONER thought the orders in this case mig4 be very well dispensed with, and th ere was sonietl'„ of a claim for that request, as although the rector,%; peered as a single party, yet there were several otli ; ; individuals of influence who were anxious respec ting t h d There was sufficient reason for the suspension 0 1 ,. 0 0 standing orders i n th e f act t h at . acce di ng to t hi s mo a 0 ; would allay m uc h angry f ee li ng , an d l ea d to no i n jarl° results. se us e Mr. WARBURTON su b m itt e d th a t if the ee ° o l e assented to the validity of the reasons assigned K e e Hon. Member for bringing in this Bill, Hon. Meun o g would be in a worse position now than before the Pa a '„ o , of the standing order that existed against such a loril sition.—(Hear.) By the order being strictly seth e oti e to, Hon. Members were aware that it' it were not 049 plied with there was an end of every Bill in the 9 ,% r e predicament; but if the rule be departed from t" wo Mr. uld be an end to all certainty. j ae, J. COLLETT, amidst loud cries of " divide," said he would oppose this Bill upon its h le ;. 0 0 for he considered it nothing more nor less than a g__, o 4 attempt at jobbing, and if any additional instance ,e wanted, this would supply it, of the grasping and g et christian spirit of the clergy, who now sought t ° ,. s themselves exempted from any liability to the supr'oold the poor.—(Hear, hear.) On these grounds, he w give the Bill his most determined opposition. 4 141 Alderman HUMPH ERY hoped his Hon. Friend 1 0 0 withdraw the Bill, as it was quite clear that it would 5t pass the House even after Easter, and he h a d not h` t bo any one say a word in favour of it, whil e it ap p e are d all the parishioners were against it. 0: 1 Mr. WILSON P A.TTEN, amidst loud cries of e ,„if vide," was understood t o say h e hoped his Hon. • would bring the question before the House at onc e ' ( al" - vi.) Mr. LAIIOUCIIEIZE hoped that the House not for one moment listen to the proposition of the 'tier Member opposite, but adhere to the sessional ordoi What were they asked to do ? Why they wer e ‘ , ll to postpone th e secon d reading of a Bill, not 4; 4 tb" merits, but becau se o f it s demerits. He hoped , '''oo l ' sake of maintaining the dignity of the House, r Members would not sanction such a proposal, be ts, Mr. GREENE suggested that the motion Inw he be withd rawn , an d not l et t h e H ouse b e p u t to t necessary trouble of a division. golig e of Mr. KEMBLE w as th e l as t man to put the ~iO O l O unnecessary trouble, and, after the strong exPr e 'ot opinion on both sides of the H ouse w ith real" the Bill, he should withdraw his motion. The motion was accordingly withdrawn. p g th Mr. HUME under s t oo d t h at , i n w ithdravil motion, the Bill dropped. to o- 1 Mr. KEMBLE said hi s mo ti on was f o r Po s fi l ot h e the second reading o f th e Bill till t h e 2 7 t h inst"', course it would be competent f or hi m no w 0 : 1 :fit; second reading within the tw en ty- one d a ys. o e no o hended, however, that the promoters, acting ll ' of own advice, would withdraw the Bill altogether:, p iti ce , Viscount SANDON embraced that opport;: t ioeype asking the question, of which he had give ll 4, ? lative to the manner of treating railway "" ;_ ( 1 1 3 i0 occasion which the Hon. Member for for - .00 ; presented was a fitting oppportunitT pr e° fig to do so. He would now therefore, 011fe a petition from merchants, bankers, ,a;',AtO.er of Liverpool, praying that Parliament would to 000 be for postponing the passing of any considerable so , t 0 of railway Bills this session ; and, in ( I ° l ;par e foe would ask Sir Robert Peel, whether he was Le,. 0 0 advise any course which should have that e n „ or e petitioners stated that they had heard tha great depression in all branches of coreiner, e , e i i, vor'-fot Truman and Cooke, brokers, stated t hat t he branches of commerce were severely dep t ' b a t 1 %10" only had there been a great fall in prices , [ le , _;, 0 11 1 "ddmand for goods in the Indian and Chin tr o 0 0 0" principal cauao a this, they said, W 1414 THE SUN, LONDON, TU'ESD 7, 1946.