The Sun. — London, England, 1846-05-13 00:00:00

~__ p RAILWAY COMMITTEES. (YESTERDAY.) HOUSE OF LORDS. w zg_TE A STEEN ( TITNIIRIDGE - VirsilLLS, ILA-STINGS, AND R.IrE). ommittee met again this day, the Duke of Leinster in the Tho Committee were occupied in hearing evidence on the traffic. Tho witness under examination was cross-examined by Mr. HILD AID at great 1e .11" as totho probable amount of traffic, and the ource from which he furnished his statistics, after which the Com mittee adjourned, at four o'clock, to eleven o'clock to-morrow. tiNOPPCiSED BILLS. The South-Eastern Ashton Stations Enlargement, the Eastern union and Hadleigh Junction, and the London and Brighton and Bast Grimstead Branch Railways came before Lord Shaftesbury, and the preambles having beeen proved, the Bills were declared to brave passed through Committee. HOUSE OF COMMONS. GROUP W. (Continued from our Afternoon Edition of yesterday.) .&DERDEEN, BANPP, AND ELGIN. Itr. Sergeant Mourne accordingly proceeded to open the case for the promoters of this line. He said he should be able to show by evidence that the proposed line between Aberdeen and Nairn was infinitely superior to the Great North of Scotland, while its construc tion would involve the expenditure of a sum considerably less than the estimate for the Great North of Scotland. It would give tare accommodation to the localities and dis tricts through which it passed ; and if he were correctly instructed, as he had no doubt he was, the majority of the inhabitants of the three counties which the line intersected preferred the Aber deen, Banff, and Elgin line to the Great North of Scotland. The Learned Counsel concluded by stating that they had been taken by sillrprise by the decision the Committee had come to in the early part of their sitting, and the consequence was they were net prepared with their witnesses. The Committee ender these circumstances consented to adjourn till to-morrow, when the engineering evidence will be gone into. GROUP XIII. This Committee met to-day at twelve o'clock ; Sir William Clay in tire chair. Members present—Earl Jerlrtyrl, Lord Shelburne, Mr. Ainsworth, and Mr. Cartels. CALLMIDCIVNIATI (EXTENSION ILNII 7132.11NC11E5). The Author evidence in support of the Dumfries branch of the 411aledonian and against the Glasgow Dumfries and Carlisle scheme was resumed on the re-assembling of the Committee. Mr. Adam Anderson, of Sanquhar, examined—said he had consi derable experience of the coal-field of Sanquhar. It was a very troubled field, having several trap rock intrusions. It was also of limited extent. He had a plan before him which showed the various trap rocks that intersected the strata. From the troubled character of the strata there was a necessity to sink a great number of pits in proportion to the area. He had himself sunk eighteen pits to realise but a moderate supply of coal. The coal was of an inferior character. He did not think that - the field would ever be extensively worked to pay. He did not think that Dumfries would be supplied to any great extent, as the inhabitants of that town could be better supplied from Canonbie and Glenbuck, in Ayrshire, both of which points would be traversed by the Caledonian scheme. He:did not think the Sanquhar coal would find a market at Dumfries, as it could not be delivered there under 9s. Id. a ton. Canonbie coal could be supplied at Dumfries for 9s. 2d., and Glenbuck coal at 95.6(.1., but they were 25. elton better. He did not consider there could be, any supply of the gas coal— whieh had been estimated for by the Nithsdale Company—got from the Cumnock fields, as that kind of coal had been nearly ex hausted. He considered also that the Nithsdale Company had overstated the amount of coal traffic on the Canonbie branch. The Caledonian had a similar branch, and they had estimated the traffic of it at 10,000 tons less. The whole amount that should be taken from the tables for all these deductions was 6,6841., leaving them 8.9721., instead of 15,6561., which they estimated. He had found clay at Sanquhar, having sunk sixty feet through it. Bricks had been made there. Clay had also been found near Thornhill. He was satisfied that clay would be found throughout the whole valley of the Nith, with bat few exceptions. He had furnlshed Mr. Smith, of Deanston, with Information about the clay. Cross-examined—He had two pits, and raised about 4,000 tons yearly. It went principally to the district around Thornhill. Very little he believed went tp Dumfries. He struck out all the coal coming from Cumnock southwards to Dumfries. The importation of coal into the pert of Dumfries for the last few years was about 13,000 tons, at an average price per ton of 135. The population of Dumfries was 14,442, and the country around it about one-third more. Re-examined—He thought the west division of the Caledonian Extension line the hest one for the supply of minerals to the south. With regard to gas coal, Lesmahogow supplied the best in Scotland, and it was close to the Caledonian Extension line. Regarding the Crawick branch, the utmost he would allow for its mineral traffic was 3701. Mr. Nicholas Wood, civil and mining engineer, examined—He had had extensive experience in the coal trade, and on dif ferent occasions examined the Scotch coal fields. He had examined both the Cumnock and Sanquhar coal fields. As far as be nub" learn the Sanquhar field was bot limited in extent, and troubled wish faults. The coal was inferior to both Vat of Cumnock and Canonbie. The plan of the strata before the Committee he believed to be an accurate representation of the bed. He had not been down the pits, but the information on the plans he had received from Mr. Anderson. He had gone over the field with severttl other mining engineers, and having heard their explanations, besides noticing the works that rose on each side of the basin, and which underlay the strata, he came to the conclusion that the field was about six miles long and one mile broad. He had examined the traffic-table of the Nithsdale Company, and thought It much too high. He had made out another table of the traffic, which he would hand over. Ile had divided the traffic into three heads—one from Cumnock to Dumfries ; another for the Canonbie branch ; and a third for the Crawick branch. He did not think any Coal would be taken from Sanquhar to Dumfries. lie set down the whole of the mineral traffic of the Nithsdale scheme at 10,2941. The CHAIRMAN called the attention of the counsel for the Cale donian line to the fact of there being considerable discrepancy be tween the estimate of Mr. Anderson and that submitted by the present witness. Mr. Anderson was recalled, and stated that, from some tables which he could produce in a short time, he would be able to explain the difference satisfactorily. Mr. Geddies, of Glasg,p;', examined by Mr. RICKARDS—Iie was a native of Kilmarnock, and had been twenty years a calico printer tkerol He now was engaged in selling dye stuffs for the Kilmar neeklmarket. The principal printing at Kilmarnock was monseline. de-lames. Glasgow was the market from whence the new goods were brought, and the finished goods cons'gned. It would still continue the great mart. The unprinted monseline-de-laines were wove at Manchester, and sent to Glasgow by the Liverpool steamers. All the dye stuffs were sent to Kilmarnock from Glasgow. He did not think if a direct communication was had from Kilmarnock to Eng land, that the line would be used to bring dye stuffs. There were four carpet manufactories at Kilmarnock, and the goods made were /sported. Both the carpet and the bonnet trades were decreasing. The shoes made at Kilmarnock were principally shipped at Glasgow for South America, but it was likewise a declining trade. Cross-examined by Mr. MARTIN—AII the trades were not decreas ing, for the printing trade was increasing very much. That trade he set dawn at about 350,000/. He had collected this from inquiries he had made and conversation he had held with parties who knew the town well. Mr. Robert Sanderson, merchant, of Glasgow, formerly engaged in the carrying trade in the west of Scotland, deposed as to the carry ing trate of Kilmarnock. He knew the trade of Kilmarnock well. The course of trade was almost exclusively with Glasgow. The tonnage at present between Glasgow and Kilmarnock by the Ayr shire Railway, was 20,000. The whole of this that came from or went to ngland wits 2,900, which went principally by water. Out of this 2,900 tons 1,000 tons were seeds, that went by sailing vessels destined for the east of England. If a railway was formed direct with England, he did not think any of the leather or seeds would be sent by it. The utmost that went at present by the steamers was 1,000 tens. Glasgow, at the present time, was the great mart in Scotland for English goods, and was becoming more so every year. He had looked at the Nithsdale Company traffic tables, mad he thought the amount exaggerated. He did not think that all the Ayrehire passengers went to Ardro.ssan for England, as a great number went by the Glasgow steamers. Cross-examined—He had ascertained from the carriers between Glasgow and Kilmarnock that the amount was 20,000 tons. The English wade he ascertained from traders in Kilmarnock. At the desire of Mr. RICKARDS, Mr. Anderson was called, and ex plained that he made a mistake in partly adding up the figures when called on by the Committee to do so, which led to the discrepancy between his evidence and that of Mr. Woods. He now explained this, and begged leave to say that he entirely agreed with the table of Mr. Woods. Mr. Robert Farquharson, merchant and manufacturer, of Paisley, deposed that from his knowledge of the Paisley trade, derived during 40 years' experience, he did not think any other traffic would go by the Nithsdale line. It would either go by the Caledonian line, or by sea. He thought as through lines the Caledonian and the Nithsdale lines could not co-exist, and pay at the same time. If they were both made it must soon end in an amalgamation. From his know ledge, there was but little traffic through by the Nithsdale route. The cross-examination of the witness did not elicit any point of material importauce. The eoglllittee then adjourned till to-morrow at twelve o'clock. GROUP XX. The Committee met to-day at the usual hour ; Mr. Southeren in the chair. V7INDSOM, SLOUGH, AND STAINES AT. DZOSPBERIC The business was commenced with the cross-examination of Mr. Bedborough, the Deputy Chairman of the Company, who was examined on Friday last as to the estimates, &c. V. enginer, was then examined—He proved that the pro poati line woild not increase the floods at Eton College, and that the plans suggested to prevent them would be snceessful for that purpose. The estimates were quite sufficient to complete the under taking. Mr. Braithwaite, e witness. Edward Jesse, inspector of her Majesty's parks and palaces was examined as to the benefits which would be derived by the public generally from the line. He was also of opinion that it would not interfere with the privacy of Eton College, but, on the contrary, would be the means of removing the great omnibus traffic which at present exists on the turnpike road, and interfering very materially with the quietude of that place. • The Committee then adjourned till twelve o'clock to-morrow. neer, corroborated the evidence of las GROUP M.XX, This Committee re-assembled to-day at the usual hour. Present Lord Charles Wellesley (chairman), and the other members. A.YLESEURY AND THAME JUNCTION, AND THE CANIBR.XDGE AND OXFORD. Mr. CALVE - }IT (on the part of the, promoters of the Aylesbury and Thame line) resumed his ,arguments t i i n reply. Ile felt satisfied that the reason that the promoters of opposing line had limited their engineering evidence to Mr. Locke and protegee, Mr. Denton, was that they could not obtain any other ad his r evidence in support of a single line. It W:i9l_Pec"' hat the opi nionengineering • of scientific men was quite hostile to such, . would take the liberty of quoting a few authorities on this matter . .(The Learned, Counsel here read the evidence of several eminent en e ating strongly the principle of single lines.) ilehopecfr e ers haul now ep re shown the Committee that this single line was linpracticable,andtl the Cambridge and Oxford line was deficient in that ity la of t Management which was held out by the line he supported, which the Board of Trade so strongly recommended last year. The Ayles bury and Thame line would be worked by the London and Birming ham Company, to which they had beard Mr. Stephenson state he intended to recommend it. The line also had the advantage of being an almost perfect level, and the radius of the curve, to which such frequent allusion had been made by his Learned Friends en the other glde, was not of that nature as to be a matter of serious objection to the line. Though it had betel said there was an epposition to this Bill from landowners, there was not a shadow of evi dence adduced to prove that any residential injury would be inflicted by this line. The level crossings had been preferred. With respect to popularity, it would appear that the petitioners at Aylesbury in favour of their line (Aylesbury and Thame) were as three to one compared with those in favour of the Cambridge and Oxford line. The Lcarned Counsel concluded by expressing a hope that the Comthittee would reject the Cambridge and Oxford line, and adopt the Aylesbury and Thame line. Mr. Sergeant CLAILKE replied. The Committee then adjourned GROUP XXXV. The Committee met to-day, at twelve o'clock, in room No. 27 (Grand Corridor)—present, Mr. George Bankes (chairman), Sir A. L. Hay, Mr. Bruges, Sir Thos. Winnington, Sir R. W. Bulkeley —and proceeded to consider the EAST COAST FINE. --- Mr. Coox, on the part of the promoters, stated to the Chairman, that since the last sitting of the Committee, he had consulted with hit constituents, and lie found, that in consequence of the evidence of Mr. l'ileher on the last day, several arrangements had heels made with the Commissioners of the Nene outfall, Sir W. Fowkes, and other parties, hitherto opponents of the Bill, by which the objections of those parties were removed. The Learned Gentleman who appeared for the Commissioners of the Nene, the Cothmissioners of the Bedford Level, Sir Thomas rowlirs, and the Corporation of Wisbeach, severally and formally withdrew their oppotition. Sir It. W. Iltaxitteir—Why, this was a very formidable opposition at first, but it has dwindled away to nothing. Mr. COOK wished to know whether his Learned Friend, Mr. Web ster, who appeared for ninety-eight petitioners, of whom twenty-six were designated by their marks—(A laugh) —was instructed to with draw his opposition Mr. WEBairEn said he was not. Rut if the promoters went on so earnestly to work in removing objections by abandoning their line, 118 would soon have nothing to oppose.—(Laughter.) Mr. Coons then called additional witnesses to prove the traffic. One of tha witnesses, Secretary to the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, stated that he and all the people in the neighbourhood in Lincolnshire, being farmers and graziers, were always glad to avail thtmselves of the railway, especially for the transport of fat cattle. Is Lincolnshire they would be greatly benefited by railways, and he thought favourably of the East Coast line. The witnesses were cross-examined by Mr. SANDERS, on behalf of certain petitioners. They were of opinion that the proposed line would be very valuable to an extensive grazing and importing dis trict, and would complete a most important chain of railway com munication with Ilse north and west. Mr. TALBOT was proceeding to cross-examine a witness on the behalf of certain petitioners, when Mr. Cocxstras, for the promoters, submitted that the real oppo nents in this case were the Eastern Counties Railway Company, as appeared on the face of the petition. The CaAmman said that ho would allow the question to be put, Without reference to any other railway, Or it was the duty of the THE SUN, LONDON, VI:EDNESDAy EVENING, MAY 13, 1846: Committee to withhold their sanction from any railway which did not appear to be the best that could be constructed for the public accommodation in its district. Mr. T. Wyng, of Thornley, a magistrate of Cambridge, and agent to the Duke of Bedford, gave evidence in favour of the line, so far as the arrangements for maintaining the drainage were concerned. Mr. Fulton, one of the engineers, was examined as to the merits of the line in his department. There were no engineering difficulties. The cross-examination did not materially affect his direct evidence. The Committee then adjourned. . IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. HOUSE OF LORDS, May 12. Their Lordships assembled at Five o'clock. CHARITABLE TRUSTS BILL. The Earl of_ SHAFTESBURY presented a petition from the authorities of Winchester College praying their Lordships to exempt that institution from the provisions of the Bill. LOCAL BURDENS. The Duke of RICHMOND presented reports which, on his motion, were referred to the Committee on Local Burdens. A BISHOPRIC FOR MANCHESTER. The Duke of RICHMOND presented a petition from the Church Lay Society of Bath, very numerously and respectably signed, praying their Lordships to form a new bishopric for the town of Manchester and the adjacent districts. He thought he need hardly say that he entirely agreed in the prayer of the petition, and could see no argument why their Lordships should not accede to it. Rotherham Gas. FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND. Lord CAMPBELL presented a petition, numerously signed by members of the Free Church of Scotland, praying their Lordships to pass some measure to enable the members of that church to obtain sites for the erection of places of public wor ship. He wished, however, to take that opportunity to say that information had reached him that members of the Free Church of Scotland had behaved unreasonably, and had nut been contented with the sites which had been assigned to them, and which would have answered their purpose, and had insisted upon having other sites assigned to them with no other object than to annoy the members of the Established Church. But if a landowner refused to allow a site for the erection of a place of worship for a considerable number of those OR his property who professed the doctrines of the Free Church, that, in his opinion, would be an abuse of the rights of property, and their Lordships would be per fectly justified in passing a measure to enable those persona to ob tain sites by fairly remunerating the proprietors of the land. The Duke of RICHMOND considered that, where a land owner held the whole of the parish, he should give a central site for the purpose of building churches. He hoped to see the unpleasant differences between the free church and the old church healed. These churches would then make good preach ing stations for the old church. CHARITABLE TRUSTS BILL. Leith Paving. Wesitruther Road. Lord CAMPBELL presented a petition from Barnet against the Charitable Trusts Bill. Lord ItIONTEAGLE also presented a petition from the congregation of York-street Chapel, Walworth, against the Bill. Lord STANLEY presented a petition from the trustees of the Wesleyan Chapel in Birmingham of a similar nature. RAILWAY COMPANIES. Lord MONTEAGLE moved for returns of the amount of capital proposed to be raised by railway companies in the pro sent session. CORN-LAWS. The Earl of HARDWICKE presented a petition from the Corporation of the Bedford Levels, praying their Lordships not to allow the Ministerial measures, with refetence to the importation of corn, to be passed into law. The Noble Lord said there was no part of her Majesty's do minions that had a better right to petition against the repeal of the corn-laws than this Corporation, as the land of the Bedford Level had been reclaimed from the sea at a great expense and was maintained by great care and drainage. Before the em bankment and drainage of this tract of country it was entirely useless, but since the time of Charles 11. it had been reclaimed and now there was no port in the empire that exported more wheat than the port of Lynn. The average rent of land here was 255. per acre, and the expenses were 16s. per acre before a single farthing was forthcoming. The value and preservation of this entirely artificial tract of land would be placed in great peril and jeopardy if the present measure of her Majesty's Government was carried. He thought it right that he should explain this much in presenting the petition to their Lordships. Earl FITZ WILLIA M said that, after the remarks which had been made by his Noble Friend, it might be inferred, if he did not make one or two observations to the House, that he had suffered judgment to go by default. Notwithstanding the prophecy of his Noble Friend, he (Earl Fitzwilliam ) would volunteer a counter-prophecy, and that was, that not withstanding that the Bill which was now about to be brought before their Lordships were passed—a Bill giving perfect free dom of trade in foreign corn—( Hear, hear)—he en tertained not the slightest doubt that the Noble Lord and himself would continue to recaive the rents they had been accustomed to impose within that level, unless, indeed, they had exacted more than their property was worth. He (Lord Fitzwilliam) was sure that it was not so with his Noble Friend, and he could also depose that it was not so with himself. He repeated, that if they had not so raised the rents, there was no danger that the proper rents would not be received. He would venture to prophecy, therefore, that in ten years hence the rents would be as good as those they were receiving at the present moment. Great improvements had no doubt been made by the introduction of an improved system of agriculture, and by the introduction of a mode of managing land superior to that formerly in use. Great im crovernents had also been made in drainage, and par ticularly in these levels, and those improvements would doubtless progress with the growing necessity. He had no doubt that under the new system increased energy would be followed by increased success. Wilsontown, Morningside, and Coltness Railway (Bathgate Branch). Newcastle and Darlington Junction Railway (Thirsk and Mahon Branches). Boston, Stamford, and Birmingham Railway (Stamford to Wisbech). Caledonian and Dumbartonshire Junction Railway. Mallon and Driffield Junction Railway. Great Grimsby and Sheffield Junction Railway Extension (No. 2). North British Railway (No. 1). Ayrshire, Bridge of Weir, and Port Glasgow Junction Rail- way. Stowmarket Navigation. Birkenhea4 Improvement Commissioners. York and North Midland Railway (East Riding Branches, No. 1). York and North Midland Railway (East Riding Branches, No. 2). North-Western Railway. Glasgow, Barrhead, and Neilston Direct Railway (Branches to Paisley). Glasgow, Barrhead, and Neilston Direct Railway (Branches to Thornliebank, Ilousehill, and Hurlet). North Staffordshire Railway (Pottery Line). North Staffordshire Railway (Churnet Valley Line). North Staffordshire Railway (Harecastle to Sandbach). Buckinghamshire Railway (Oxford and Bletchley Junction). Sidmouth Market. Southampton Port and Harbour. Wishaw and Oiliness Railway (Greenhill Branch). Sligo Harbour Improvement. Scottish Central Railway (Alloa Branch). Greenlaw Roads. Port Ellen Harbour. Chard Canal Railway. Yeovil Market and Pairs. Kilmarnock and Troon Railway. GRAND JUNCTION RAILWAY AND THE RIVER ____ MERSEY. Mr MILNER GIBSON begged tollearn from the Noble Lord, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, what course the conservators of the River Mersey proposed to take in refer ence to the new bridge proposed to be erected by the Grand Junction Railway Company over the River Mersey below Warrington. The bridge was to consist of five arches and four piers, and, if erected, would be a considerable impediment to the free navigation of that river. Lord GRANVILLE SOMERSET was understood to say, that the Board of Admiralty and the conservators of the river did not propose to take any steps against its erection, believing that it would not interfere with the navigation. Mr. HUME said, that the application made by the Hon. Member for Manchester was a very proper one ; and, if he un derstood the Noble Lord's answer correctly, he did not understand what were the grounds which induced the Board of Admiralty to acquiesce in such a course. He believed there were no less than 20,000 tons of merchandise daily passing up and down that river, and if these piers and arches were erected, the free course of the river would be impeded, and the free navigation of the river rendered extremely dangerous. He was sorry to see so little regard paid to river navigation, as he believed it con stituted one of the principal sources of the commercial prosperity of the country. He hoped his Hon. Friend would take another opportunity, when seme of the Lords of the Ad miralty were present, of bringing forward the question, in order that it might be considered. Mr. MARK PHILLIPS wished to know of the Noble Lord if the bridge was intended to be a swivel bridge ? He would be extremly sorry to oppose any well-regulated scheme for the purpose of facilitating the transit of traffic either by land or water, but he could not help entertaining a fear that the pre sent plan would be injurious to the free navigation of the river. He would, therefore, like to know whether it was intended to be a swivel bridge? Lord GRANVILLE SOMERSET said that it was not proposed to be a swivel bridge, but the arches would be sufficiently high to admit of vessels passing under them, with their masts standing and he did not think that any obstruction would be caused. Mr. AULIONBY considered that the country was very much indebted to the Hon. Member for Manchester for bring ing the subject before the House. There was an opinion abroad, he was not aware upon what quantity of truth it was founded, but there was an opinion very generally held that the Board of Admiralty had too much to do to attend to these particulars. The immense power which had been lately conferred upon railway companies induced a neglect to the public interests. The Committee had come to the decision that there should be no interference with the n av i ga ti on of the Mersey, unless with the consent of the conservators of the river. They had no knowledge of those persons who were appointed by the Admi ralty, and were changed from time to time. They might be trustworthy, or they might not, and consequently they could not know whether the interests of the public would be pro tected or not. However, if they allowed the papers which the Hon. Gentleman moved for, they would be in a position to know something more of the subject. It was of immenseim portance to the public, and he hoped his Hon. Friend would continue to give his attention to the subject. Mr. MILNER GIBSON wished to ask the Noble Lord ( Granville Somerset) whether clauses were to be -.in troduced into the Bill that the bridge was to be built in a par ticular manner, or would there be a plan submitted to the House so as to enable them to see the exact mode in which it was to be constructed ? He wished also to know, was there not a report made to the Board of Admiralty, by Captain Evans, with regard to the constructing a bridge across the Mersey, upon some former occasion, and if so, would the Government have any objection to lay that report before the Hou,e ? Lord GRANVILLE SOMERSET, who was perfectly in audible in the gallery, was understood to reply that the Govern ment would have no objection to lay the papers on the table of the House. Mr. THORNELY said that the Grand Junction Company crossed the Mersey already by means of a bridge at Warring ton. He had been on a Committee, which sat some years ago, when it was proposed to cross the Mersey by means of a bridge between Warrington and Runcorn. On that occasion it was made out, to the satisfaction of the Committee, that such a bridge might be erected without injury to the navigation. An HON. MEMBER presented several petitions against the branch lines of the London and Birmingham Railroad Com pany. Mr. ESTCOURT presented a petition from the inhabi tants of Warrington in favour of the Roman Catholic Relief Bill. support — (Laughter)—and begging them to lose no time ! in canvassing the county, so as to anticipate those who might I be disposed to vote against him.—( Hear, hear.) He could assure the Noble Lord that this was the first intimation he had of the whole proceeding. He had also been in the county of Nottingham for the last few days, and had seen a gentleman who said that no such canvass had taken place, and that if it had they would have voted for him (Mr. Hildyard), and not for the Noble Lord.— ( Hear, hear.) Now he must say that he hoped he had now refuted the assertions of the Noble Lord to the satisfaction of the House.—(Hear, hear.) Ile must say at the same time that he thought that the charge was most uncalled-for, and most ungenerous on the part of the Nobte Lord, particularly as he (Mr. Hildyard) was absent in the country. The Noble Lord must have known that he (Mr. Hildyard) had, during the whole of the election, done every thing on his part to se cure hi s election. He had not said a singl word which could be construed into a personal hostility. He did not even retaliate the charges, or indulge in the person alities which were then made use of by the Noble Lord. These personalities were regretted by the Noble Lord's enemies, and they were not denied by his friends. He only trusted that his fate, which was so regretted by his Noble Friends, would be the fate of many others at the next general election.—( Cheer. from the protectionists. ) The Earl of LINCOLN said, he regretted taking up the time of the House on anything personally interesting to him self. When he addressed the House on Friday last he was not aware of the lion. Member's absence from his place in Parliament; in fact he thought he was then in the House.— ( Hear, hear.) With regard to the charge which he alluded to on Friday night, what he ( Lord Lincoln) said was, that the Hon. Member had charged him, through his friends, with a lavish expenditure at the election. He did not say that the Hon. Member had charged him with bribery ; what he had said was, that his friends were charged with lavish expendi ture. Now he could assure the Hon. Member, that friends were not so easily to be f oun d rea d y w i t h a lavish expenditure ; and as for himself (Lord Lincoln) he had not expended more than the legal sum for the purposes of the else tion.—( Hear. hear.) If the Honourable Member had stated before what he had stated that evening, he would never have heard a word about the matter in that House. The lion. Member, when applied to about such charges, refused to explain anything about it. He could assure the Hon. Mem ber that he had no ill-will against him. however, as be was unwilling to lay under the charge of having stated a falsehood, he should say a few words more. The Hon. Member had stated that he did not take the county by surpsise, and that it had not been canvassed by him, and that he was not aware that an election was to take place until he had heard of it from him (Lord Lincoln). Now he (Lord Lincoln) was aware that the Noble Lord did not start for the county until the Monday after the Saturday upon which he had got his (Lord Lincoln's) letter ; while he (Lord Lincoln) should say that the county had been canvassed two months before he had vacated his seat, for an unknown candidate, and for a gentleman who it was intended should be his (Lord Lincoln's) opponent, but that he was obliged to be absent. Well, then, upon his (Lord Lincoln's) arrival at Newark, on the Monday morning, he was told it was known that he had been appointed Secretary for Ireland, and he found the whole of the election machinery at full work, by which means he was defeated ; and the only additional expense he was put to in consequence was the employment of an increased number of solicitors. In conclusion, he had only now to say that the Hon. Member was mistaken if he supposed that he ( Lord Lincoln) had the least ill-feeling towards him, and that he (Lord Lincoln) was perfectly satisfied with the explanation he had given.—( Hear, hear.) COMMUNICATION WITH NEW YORK. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said, in answer to a question, that he believed it was intended to have weekly instead of fortnightly communications between Liver pool and New York. On the order of the day being read, Mr. DISRAELI thought that it was but right that the House should be put into possession of the facts on which his Noble Friend (the Noble Lord the Member for Devon) had stated the circumstance on which he had acted. The Noble Lord had not made any specific charge, but the statement which he had made was founded on the fact that the Noble Lord (the Member for the Falkirk Burghs) had engaged every professional agent in the county. ADJOURNED DEBATE. The order of the day was again read. Mr. NEWDEGATE regretted that on thisimportant ques tion he was placed in the prominent position he now occupied ; but it should be borne in recollection that the Noble Lord the Member for the East Riding of Yorkshire was in the posses sion of the House, and made a speech which reminded him of the spirit of the days of Pitt and of Canning, rather than of the spirit that pervaded the debates of the present day. He must take permission to speak to the Noble Lord's arguments, on whose authority, too, he was quite ready to rely, on the state ments of the Right Hon. Baronet the Secretary for the Home Department (Sir J. Graham). That Noble Lord had stated that twenty millions of bushels of corn were grown annually in Prussia, but to this opinion he could not assent. He had been at some pains to collect the prices of wheat at -New Orleans, the outlet of the Western States of America, and during the last three years the average price of wheat was 245. Bd. per quarter; and, according to the best information he could get on the subject, the expense of transit and car riage was 105. per cwt. They might expect, therefore, that wheat would be introduced into this country at an average of 31s. ; and how, 1:e would ask, could the British farmer contend against prices like this?—( Hear, hear.) He would now refer to the statements of the Right Honourable Baronet the Secretary of State for the Home Depart ment, which appeared to him to have been particularly directed to the Members of the protectionist party. For his part he could see no reason for apprehension, but if there was any danger which might have acted upon the appre hensions of her Majesty's Government, it was probably a stagnation of trade.— (Hear, hear.) Now he was much of the same opinion, but he considered that they would have a stagnation of trade, whether these measures were carried or not. He could not help thinking that certain measures, intro duced by the Government in 1 5 , 44, were very much the cause of the depression. When they remembered the speech of the Noble Lord the Member for London, and how he warned them on that side of the House, that unless they yielded in favour of public opinion, when expressed in such combinations as the Anti-Corn-law League, they could not be surprised at the course which had been adopted. The Nohle Lord quoted to them the course of events on the passing of the Reform Bill, of the Catholic Emancipation Bill, when public opinion overcame her Majesty's Government, and even when at a later period the monster meetings and agitation in Con ciliation Hall had again caused the firmness of the Minister to yield.—(Hear, hear.) Ile told them that success was ine vitable. If that were so, the Noble Lord was prepared to yield to another agitation in another country, and its chance of success stood in all respects equal. Upon this subject he would allude to the opinion of the Hon. Member for Cork, whom he did not then see in 1-is place, but he trusted that he might b allowed in his absence to allude to these opinions. The Hon. Member then quoted varir-us extracts from the speeches of Mr. O'Connell, made about the passing of the grant to Maynooth, which augured favourably of the repeal movement, in consequence of the passing of the Maynooth grant, and other measures of a popular character. Were not the present circumstances such as to jnstify the anticipations of the Hon. Member? When the present corn-laws were re pea'ed, what could prevent the Right Hon. Baronet from con ceding to the Hon. Member for Cork what he did not refuse to the Hon. Member for Stockport?—( Hear, hear.) He be lieved the greatest loss which would be sustained by the pass ing of the present measure would be the loss of character and the want of confidence in public men.—(Hear, hear.) He fully coincided with the Hon. Member for Huntingdon that the greatest suffering to which the public were subject in these times was from the dearth of statesmen. The Hon. Secretary for the Home Department had stated that he thought the natur e of the present currency system in consistent with the maintenance of our present state of com merce. Was it unreasonable of him (Mr. Newdegate) to sup pose that an alteration, such as proposed by the Right Hon. Bart., was only the precursor of more serious alterations, which it would be better for the country if they had never been adopted. The Right Hon. Baronet said that he thought that the Hon. Member for Shrewsbury had said something about an exportation of bullion as soon as these measures had passed. In order that he might not mispote the Right Hon. Baronet, he would read what he had said. The Right Hon. Baronet ageeed with the Hen. Member for Shrewsbury, that in the present state of the monetary system an exportation of bullion would be injurious. How did that agree with the opinion of the Right Hon. Baronet at the Head of the Government, who said that he did not care if an exportation of bullion took place, and indeed he rather wished it? But again the Right lion. Baronet had admitted a little more than the Right Hon. Baronet the Secretary of State for the Home Department. He said, that after this panacea of free trade had been enacted, when the time of peculiar emergency and scarcity arrived there must be a large exportation of bullion. Who could doubt that that would be the case ?—( Hear, hear.) He would ask the House, knowing the effects of an exportation of bullion remembering the prices of 1825—(Hear, hear)—and the prices of 1839, whether after they had reduced the wages of labour in this country, which he contended they must do, in order to gain the extension of trade which they desired—( Hear, hear)—whether such a com mercial crisis would be felt more or less?—( Hear, hear.) But then the Right lion. Baronet went on to explain how, in the ordinary course of trade, the opening of the ports would pre vent the exportation of bullion. The Right Hon. Baronet had said, " he could not separate the question of the foreign from the home trade, and that as soon as the consumption of our manufactures at home would not be equal to the demand, those goods wou'A be exported to the foreign market, which would soon be glutted, and i n th a t ca se it would be necessary to take payment for those goods in"corn." Well, now, supposing that was the case, all that would be effected, and the manufacturers would have the opportunity of shifting the loss, which would be entailed upon them, by the reduction in the prices conse quent upon the glutted state of the market. There would be a forced importation of corn into the home market, and the manufacturers would relieve themselves from the loss in the first instance, by causing a glut of corn, which they would take in exchange for their goods. But how would that act upon the country? Every one who knew anything of forced ex changes of goods would know that it was quite clear that bullion would be brought back as well as grain. They would then have a forced exportation in payment or the goods they sold in the foreign markets, and they would not be able to recover from that glut, because the remittances would be in csrn, and all their ordinary imports, which did not de pend upon the exclusion of the foreign trade, would be, dur ing the whole time abstracting their bullion. The conse quence of this state of things would be distress to all classes in this country. He believed that when Adam Smith and Ricardo recommended free trade, they contemplated a different system of currency to the present system ; and, in fact, the Right Hon. Baronet had admitted it. He thought this coun try would have bitterly to regret the determination of the Right Honourable Baronet. The Right Honourable Gm- 1 tleman at the head of the Home Departmen t ha p d ro r d al uce. much of the fall of prices in agricultural He would call his attention to the opinionof Malthus, in his letters to the landed interest. lie had abandoned those principles; but were they g ood in 1826 and bad now? Were circumstances changed, or the pressure of the national debt less? Mr. Malthus said that if the price of wheat were to fall to 50s. there could be no doubt the stockholder would be bene fited at the expense of the industrious man, and instead of the interest paid by Government being five per cent., according to the present monetary system, the result would bl that they would in reality pay seven, eight, and nine per cent. The price that was contemplated was not, however, 505., it was 355. He would now turn to the question whether the corn laws were just or unjust. It was a novel position for the Right Hon. Baronet the Secretary of State when he callsd the corn laws unjust. It was in fact a virtual confession that he had been unjust for a period of thirty • ears to the people of this country. He (Mr. Newdegate) felt assured that the effect of these laws would be to drive seven or eight milli' n quarters of grain out of the market. The marketshome i would be in undated with foreign corn. He maintained that this country would never be rendered independent of foreign countries by free trade. He had expressed reasons which induced him to believe that the corn-laws were not unjust. Ile would advert to the statements which had been made by the Noble Lord the Member for London. He had advised the Members of the Upper House of Parliament, as they would per serve their position, to succumb to the popular feeling.—(Hear, hear.) He, however, as an hu m bl e individual would recommend them to convince the people of this country that they had the honesty to act in accordance with the dicates of prudence and wisdom. The Upper House was a court of justice as well as an arena for legislation. Grievous misstatements existed as to whether the population of , this cotwtry were dependent or not on agriculture, lie bad analysed the statements of M. Guizot and had found them inaccurate. He had tested their veracity, and he would bring before the House an analysis which showed the truth. Mr. Spackman must be a gentleman well known to Ilunourable Members on both sides of the House, and be proved, by his account of the census of 1841, that the majority of the popula lation of this country were engaged in agricultural pursuits.— ( Hear, hear.) The same gentleman proved that the census had been taken upon an erroneous data, and this Mr. Speck man contended would be manifest, if the instructions for preparing the census were laid before the world. He (Mr. Newdegate) believed that it would, and it was his inten tion to avail himself of the earliest opportunity of moving for those instructions.—( Hear, hear.) The census, in fact, had grossly misled the public, and he would endeavour to find out how it was, or for what reason so palpable a fraud had been practised upon the would.—(Hear, hear.) Why, in many countries that were purely agricultural, and carried on little or no trade in manufactures, the majority of the population were stated to be engaged in manufactures. He believed, however, if a proper return were obtained, it would be shown that there were 7:1,689 engaged in agriculture over the number engaged in manufactures. The real number, he beleved, would stand thus : —16,949 000 of the inhabitants of this country were en gaged in agriculture, and 9 837,000 in manufactures. This, in his opinion, was sufficiently conclusive against the present policy of the Government, and he therefore would not detain the House further, but, thanking them for their attention, he would sit down, regretting the course Government wt re pur suing, and declaring his intention to vote against the third reading of this Bill.—( Cheers. ) Mr. PALMER said it was only of late that free-trade noi tions and opinions had made any way, either in the House or the Cabinet, and he dared to say, if every Member could put his hand upon his heart and vote conscientiously for this mea sure, two-thirds of the House would he opposed to it.—( Hear, hear.) He could boar out the opinion of the Hon. Member for Warwickshire, that the population, like many other returns bearing upon the subject, could not be relied upon, and he for one had long ago protested against the fallacy of these returns. —( Hear, hear.) They were prepare.) by officers under the thumb of the Government, who well knew the inclinations and opinions of the members of the Executive ; and these returns were prepared, not with a view of putting the public in poss session of correct information upon the subjects upon which they treated, but of pandering to the opinions and inclinations of those who constituted the Government.—( Hear, hear.) He repeated, then, that these returns were falacious, and he hoped, in future, no reliance would be placed upon them, without it could be shown that they had been fairly end cor rectly made.---(Hear, hear.) With regard to the measure it self, he was firmly convinced that it would prove ruinous to the majority of the inhabitants of this country ; and if this House did not throw it out, he trusted the other would. An HoN. MEMBEtt moved that the House be counted. Strangers were ordered to withdraw, but forty Members being present, Mr. PALMER proceeded. He contended that the repeal of the corn-laws would not extend our manufactures, because as the manufactures of other countries increased the less those countries would require from us. In all those articles which they could not do without he thought they ought to depend upon themselves for. Corn could not be done without, and therefore its growth in this country ought to be protected. Those who would first suffer by the measures of the Govern ment would be the small farmers, and from them distress would spread to all classes in the country. Captain POLHILL believed that this measure would very materially affect the interests of the tenant farmers. In deed so strongly was his impression upon that subject that he thought it necessary some time ago to press upon the attention of the House the necessity of introducing into this measure a clause which would enable that class of agriculturists to claim such amounts as they should prove before a Se ect Committee to have lost by the operation of this measure. The Right Honourable Gentleman in the chair had however informed him that it was out of his power to propose any such clause. An article in the Times stated that if such a Committee were appointed, they would have no less than 300,000 applicants for relief. Now, if he were of opinion that so large a portion of his fellowecreatures would be iniured by this measure, he should moat decidedly give his vote against the third reading of the Bill before the House. The progress of this measure had been delayed, to the great injury of the agri cultural, as well as the manufacturing classes ; and he trusted that the Legislature would speedily settle the question either one way or the other. He trusted that, after the passing of this measure, those gentlemen who had firmed the association called " The Anti-Corn•law League," would do everything in their power to dissolve that association, which might in itself be legal, but which at the same time he considered unconstitue tional. This great measure had been introduced as an experi ment, and he sincerely hoped that it might realise the most sanguine expectations of its promoters. He hoped that their cheering prephecies would be fulfilled. He could not sit down without expressing his sincere thanks to the Noble Lord the Member for Lynn ( Lord G. Bentinck), for the very able man ner in which he had advocated the claims of the agriculturists. He had certainly done great credit to himself arid the party which he led. Considering it of the utmost importance to the well-being of the country that this question should be speedily settled, he (Captain Polhill) would give his vote for the third reading of this measure, in order that the excitement which at present prevailed might be allayed.—( Hear, hear.) Mr. BENNETT wished to address himself to a point in which he had for the last fifty years taken the greatest interest, viz., the interests of the labouring classes of this country ; and he wished to know from the members of her Majesty's Govern ment how they could prove that this measure would effect that object ? The Hon. Member proceeded to qu o te f ro m a s p eec h delivered by Mr. Charles Buller, on 7th March, 1844, in which that Hon. Gentleman said that the condition of the manufac turing labourers was far worse than that of the agricultural labourers. It was contended by all that this measure would tend to increase the prosperity of the mane. facturers at the expense of the agriculturists; the labouring poor of this country would consequently be brought more into large towns, where, as had been shown by the Hon. Member for Liskeard (Mr. C. Buller), their lives would be shortened fifty per cent. ; and yet that same Hon. Gentleman now came forward to give his support to this measure. If the wages of the agricultural labourer were low, it was owing to their employers having imitated the example of the manufac turers, by buying in the cheapest market and selling in the dearest.-4 Hear.) 'Who could blame them ? It was human nature. Even if this measure would increase the wealth and greatness of this country, he wished to know whether the hap piness of the communi , y at large would increase with the in crease of wealth and greatness ? And if it did not (which was his firm opinion), he contended that no sufficient case had been made out for the adoption of this measure. He contended the Government had not acted with sufficient foresight in thus proposing a measure the result of which they did not know. Mr. PLUMPTRE also considered the experiment about to be made by her Majesty's Ministers was a very rash one. They had thrown every thing into confusion, and divided a great party, and destroyed the confidence of a large party, and, how matters would finally be settled he really could not tell ; and he thought the effect of these measures on the question of tithes had not been sufficiently considered ; and he maintained that it was necessary that the price of corn in this country should be kept up to 51s. per quarter, in order to enable the corn-growers of this country to cope with the foreign producer. The injury which would be caused by the passing of this measure, would be one which would extend to all classes of the community, and poverty. ruin, and misery would spread far and wide ; and he hoped the evils he anticipated from the passing of this measure, would not take place, and that the good providence of God would con tinue to watch over the country, and preserve it from thest evils. He had no selfish feelings in the matter, and it was with regret that he felt himself bound in his conscience to give his vote against the third reading of the Bill. Mr. HASTIE thought it would be desirable to know the proportion of the rental of the United Kingdom which was received from corn. Sir JOHN WALSH said that the Right Hon. Gentleman the Secretary for the Home Department, when discussing the subject on the previous night, passed over the arguments of the Honourable Member for Somersetshire with the same careless. ness as he threw aside his own previous opinions—( Hear, hear) --but he did not consider that his Hon. Friend had made out an unanswerable case that the free importation of corn would be most disadvantageous to the country, and to the agricultural interests in particular. He would ask, was it not an admitted fact that corn could be grown and transported from the northern parts of Europe at a less cost than it could be produced by the English farmer, and it could not be too generally known that that corn was about five shillings a quarter better than that ordinarily grown by the British farmer.—( Hear, hear.) It was well said that there was no royal road to learn mathematics, but let them d e pe n d u p on it th ere was no cheap way to improve land.—( Hear, bear.) Another branch o f t h e su bj ect to w hi c h h e would allude, and which was lost sight of entirely during this debate, was the operation of these laws on the price of wages. The Right. Hon. Baronet (the Secretary for the Home Department) said that the price of the food had no connexion with the price of wages. That might apply to such a country as America. In Jamaica also the theory might be applicable, but the case of England was totally different. This country was densely populated, and there was a rapid increase in the population constantly going on. The Right Hon. Gentleman has referred to the experience of the last three years to justify the proposed measures, but he (Sir J. Walsh) feared that such a space of time was not a proper criterion to form- a correct judg ment on this point. There might be many circumstances to operate so as apparently to justify the conclusion come to, but he did not believe that the theory would hold good i' applied to a longer period. The Right lion. Gentleman ( Sir R. Peel) said that he was actuated by the most disinterested and purest motives. It was not necessary for him to make such a declaration to him (Sir J. Walsh), for he avowed his implicit confidence in the purity and integrity of the Right Hon. Baronet's intentions.—( Hear, hear.) But while he gave him credit for disinterestedness of purpose, he could not avoid stating that the course which he now proposed to pursue was an enormous error—an error which shipwrecked statesmen and shipwrecked states.— (Hear, hear.) What he said he said with the utmost respect to the Right Hon. Baronet, could he deeply regretted the course he had taken, though ho cu not help expressing his belief in the integrity of the motives by which he was actuated.—( Hear, hear.) Hon. Gentleman who had just sat down, causing a fall in the price of agricult ural a produce,heargument sto of the theu was ne b a a ‘ s e r ± t e upon a fallacy. He wished to r em ind the Hon. Gentleman, and those who held t h a t opinion, that the effect o f that argument would operate in two w a y s . I f a fall in agricultural prod uce , t h at it r caused reduction w ould go to the benefit of the labourer. He would, therefore, i m press upon them, that such an argu men t wou l d go to strengthen the imputation, that this was a landlord's ques ti on , and not one in which the labourer was concerned. If the prices fell, the labouring classes would be proportionably benefited He would, therefore, impress upon the Hon. Gentleman not to place his argument on such a foundation. The Hon. Gentle man also referred to the question of capital, but he would ask were not the labouring classes the origin of all the wealth and prosperity of the, country ? The Hon. Gentleman also re ferred to the prices of wages bearing a relative proportion to the price of food, lie denied that such was the case, for it had been over and over again proved that there was no such dep en d ence , and it had been sho wn that the labourer was much better off when food was cheap, and his wages were proportionably higher than when it was dear.—( Hear, hear.) The principle reason why he rose was to allude to the arguments which had been made use of with respect to the condition of Ireland. It had been said there was no distress in that country. This was an erro neous statement. The markets did not furnish a sufficient criterion whereby to form an accurate judgment on this point. In some parts of Ireland potatoes were not extremely high in price ; but if an argument was found from that circumstance in favour of the condition of the people, it was an erroneous one, for the reason why the food was cheap was because the people were not in a condition to purchase it. Where the people we re i n a condition to purchasefood, it h i ad . risen to a very alarming extent. Corn had risen, and oX ia s had risen beyond the means o f the people to purchase' and good proof th a t di stress really did exist to a most ' lamentable degreee. Fro m th e causes which he had stated, the markets had not show n th e di stress in its real bearing. He maintained* that it was for the interest of the aristocracy to give to all classes of the people food at the very cheapest rate. The people could not be contented without such a state of things were brought about. He might be told that reducing the price of food would also bring deem the rents of the landlords. He did not care for that as as Irish landowner—as an English representative he felt bound, to meet so great a change when it was demanded for the good o' the people. He would bear his share of the injury ; as it was his duty and every landowner's duty when the wants of the cotultry reqqireclit,,(Hear, hear ! ) Fox pich KCAPM he fo4 bound to vote for this measure, and to give it every support his power.—(Cries of " Divide, divide.") Mr. F. SCOTT had waited in expectation of hearing some better reasons than had been adduced in favour of thi mea , ure by the Hon. Gentleman who sat on the opposite side o f the House. The reasons and arguments adduced in the present debates had been used over and over again by the Hon. Members long before the Right Hon. Baronet had taken the measure up, and if that was the fact, why did he not conform to this policy before.—( Hear, hear.) 'Why did he for thirty-six months delay adopting- the - present course? It had been said that the landlords' acres did not accumulate with the population of this country. This was too true, but it could not be denied that our foreign possessions would more than meet the wants of the country, It could not be denied that Canada had corn to send in when that should be required. He had ever studied the wants of the working-classes, and on that side of the House were not their interests always advocated? When those with whom he had acted advocated the interests of the poorer classes, who opposed their endeavours? Who was it that threw impediments in the way but those who now were so loud in the advocacy of them?— (" Hear, hear," from the protection benches.) This measure was, beyond all doubt, one which would be also detrimental to Ireland, and that fact had already been proved by the arguments that had been ad duced. The Hon. 'Member then referred to the exports of this country to China, in the articles of silk, woollen, and cotton. He would then say th at a ll t h at E ng l an d wante d was even justice, and if the Government were going to do justice to the manufacturers, why would they not also deal evenhanded jus tice to the agriculturists ?—( Hear, hear.) It could not be denied that the agriculturists were as willing to bear their share of the burdens of the country as any other portion of the public. ( Hear, hear.) He would ask why would not the Government propose reductions upon other necessaries of life as well as corn sent in here, on which the duty was now 250 per cent. ? Mr. Pitt got up the colonial system, and had he lived to the present time he (Mr. Scott) would engage to say he would have regarded the system in the same manner as the eider Mr. Pitt. The elder Mr. Pitt, in speaking of the colonies, said that we bound the colonies by our laws, regulations, and re strictions in trade, navigation and manufacture, and that the protection which we extended to them, whether the protection of a military force, or protection in those every day transac tions between them and other countries, called commerce, should not be withdrawn. They had encouraged where they ought to have prohibited, and prohibited where they ought to have encouraged. We had so extensive a colonial trade that it amounted to one-fourth of all our produce ex ported, and, therefore, it was madness, by a measure like this, to sever the connexion between them and the mother country. Look at the feeling which had been expressed in Canada. They said that we imposed rules on them, quartered troops on them, and confined them with our regulations and laws ; and when they asked to send ail --they could send to us, their wheat and their timber, we replied that the Baltic was nearer to us, and that we had rather take it from them. Because they were submissive and patient, and the others were irritated, we would rather deal with them. The West Indies, in the same manner, op posed the remarks of the Right Hon. Baronet, when he said that he could not consent to tax the necessaries of life when they came from a foreign country, but he would do so when it came from the colonies. He felt he had already occupied the House too much, and he should now no longer trespass on their attention, but would conclude by thanking the House for the indulgence it had afforded him. Lord BROOKE said he rose on this occasion to make a few observations relative to the measures then before the House. He could assure the House that, after having spoken on a former occasion, he would not trespass on them again so soon, especially after the kind indulgence afforded him on the former occasion, if the measure were not of sufficient importance to induce him to do so. He assured the House he was un willing to allow this opportunity to pass, without en deavouring to justify the course which he on a former occasion took, in giving his vote against the measure of the Right Hon. Baronet. He was not about to enter on this subject, for which he very well knew he was not qualified, but he -must contend that on the fir.t introduction of this measure, and the principles it involved, and the results likely to accrue from it, he would, like other Members of the House, give his decided opposition to it. They were told, three months ago, to wait and see how the distress of the people would be in creased. The corn-laws had been preserved for many years by the wisdom and judgment of several successive statesmen. The propose& measure was not one that would warrrant the people in placing any confidence in its promoters. The Noble Lord then entered into an elabee ate comparison of the prices of corn from the year 1770 to the present period, showing .that there had been very little variation in prices. He should be glad to see agriculture and commercego hand-in-hand together without either being depreciated to aggrandise the other, or one having an undue advantage over the other. Captain VYSE would not have addressed the House on the present occasion had lie not felt it to be his duty to his consti tuents. No man ought to give a silent vote on so important a question as the present. The only reason they had for passing this measure was the alleged distress in Ireland, but that dis tress had been contradicted by unanswerable proofs—proofs which had never been answered by the Ministers of the Crown. It was very easy to raise the cry of cheap bread, but was it so easy to allay it? They were called on now to pass a measure which was without precedent, and to please whom? To please the agitators of the country—to please the Hon. Member for Stockport, and his brother agitators, who had carried their measures thus far. He would oppose this measure to his utmost. Mr. SEYMER said that a mistake had been made by the Right Hon. Baronet, when he stated that the Dorsetshire la bourers were only paid seven shilling a week, and that rent, &c., was to be deducted from that sum. He could assure the Right Hon. Baronet, that the wages of the labourers in that county were at least seven shillings, and, in addition to this sum they had free cottages, besides other advantages. He would wish to ask a question rom the Right Hon. Baronet. Would he have supported this measure if it had been proposed by the Noble Lord the Member for London ? He could not see how they could answer the question. The only difference hitherto between the Noble Lord and the Right Hon. Baronet was in political opinion. But when the Right Hon. Baronet came round to support the same political principles as the Noble Lord, he could not see upon what grounds they could support the one in preferency to the other. There was a great uncertainty in agricultural operations which did not belong to manufactures, and he could not see how any increase in pro duction would make up for a reduction in price. This uncertainty in the operations of agriculture appeared to him a justification of the sliding-scale, which was now proposed to be abandoned. Under the present circumstances of the country he considered the sliding. scale more applicable than any other. The present course of policy in the House was paying court to the doctrines of political economy, which he was persuaded were losing its hold upon the feelings of the country, as shown in the proceedings taken in mining and factory operations, and which he trusted would even be shown by Hon. Members to morrow. They had heard a great deal of what wages would he under free trade, and the Right Hon. Baronet had told them that wages were not regulated by the price of food. To that he would say that the continual cry of the free-traders had been to increase the demand for produce, and that demand could only be created by reducing the price of the articles, which would involve a reduction in the rate of wages.—( Hear, hear. ) When they said they were not independent of foreigners, he thought they forgot their colonies. The colonies, properly conducted, would prevent anything like a dependance upon foreigners. He could not understand the rise of the colonies under a system of free-trade. Ho would turn for a moment to the subject of the failure of the potato crop. He had never understood that failure. He believed that the Rsght Hon. Baronet would have been perfectly justified in opening the ports in November last. If that were the case, what could be said of his colleagues who out-voted him on that occasion. They must then have been violent protectionists—much more violent than he would have been under similar circumstances. Now they were violent free-traders. He would not impute motives, but he would say, that he did not understand their conduct. The Right Hon. Baronet had first introduced his measure upon consideration of policy, but finding it so violently op. posed, it became a question of justice. When it was taken to another place, where he had no doubt it would be still more violently opposed, no doubt it would be considered by the reverend en ators at Covent Garden Theatre, a religioos ques tion. He said, then, that the manufacturing interest were far from unanimous upon the question, or rather those who were engaged in the operative department of manufacture. They were decidedly in favour of a Ten Hours Bill, but con sidered that the protectionists had sacrificed that measure and rescinded their votes in its favour, because they wished to keep in a protectionist Minister. They argued, therefore, that if the corn-laws were to stand in the way of the passing of a ten hours' 11111 the sooner they were abolished the better. It was this feeling which had induced the manufacturing operative to become a supporter of this Bill, and not from a conviction that free trade would immediately benefit him or his country.— (Cheers.) He was asked, or rather the protectionist party was asked, why or wherefore was the price of land kept up so high ? He would tell them why. It was because of the advantages which were attached to the possession of land.— ( Hear, hear.) A millionnaire could pass down Cheapside with out anybody knowing or noticing him. He might be run over by an omnibus and killed, and although the accident might occur within one hundred yards of his own house no one would recognise him unless he had his card-ease in his pocket.—( Hear, hear.) On the other hand, the millionnaire might go down into the country and pur chase a large estate. He then assumed the advantageous posi tion of a magistrate, became a deputy Lord-Lieutenant, and highly preserved his game.—( Cheers.) It was these things that kept up the price of land, and while these advantages were attached to the possession of land, its price would continue high.—( Hear, hear.) Before he concluded, he wished to ad dress an observation to the Hon. Member for Stockport. That Hon. Gentleman had said that the farmers were with him, but wouldof his i e t r r b o e r n ; c e l s f s aey w t o e r t e o , s s he h i w m a i s n p a e r b s 0 1 a n n ,, k n e y t tanegconvince withitim many strong-armed yeoman who were perfectly ready and wil ling to do so.—( Hear, hear, and laughter.) He would conclude by observing, that the protectionists had every just reason for vigorously opposing the progress of this measure. The Hon. Gentleman resumed his seat amidst loud and continued cheering from the protectionists. Mr. COLQUHOUN moved that the debate be adjourned, which was agreed to, on the understanding that the division on the third reading should take place on Thursday evening. RAILWAY COMPANIES DISSOLUTION BILL. This Bill was then read a second time on the motion of Sir GEORGE CLERK. ----- The other orders of the day were then disposed of, and the House adjourned at Half-put Twelve o'clock. PARLIAMENTARY BUSINESS. (From the Votes and Proceedings of the House of Commons.) TUESDAY, MAY 12. The following Petitions for Railway's were reported, and the Bills ordered to be brought in by the undernamed lion. Member,::— Midland (Birmingham and Gloucester Branches)—Mr. Hudson and Mr. Phillpotts. West Biding Union (No. 2)—Vlscount Morpeth, Mr. 13. Denison, M r. C. Wood, and Mr. Entwisle. STANDING ORDERS' COMMITTEE. The f ollowing resolutions were reported from this Committee: — I. That, in the case of the Poole Harbour petition, fin• leave to present the Bill, the sessional order ought not to be dispensed with. : 2. That, in the case of the Wilts, Somerset, and Southampton Railway petition, the standing orders ought not to be dispensed with. 3. That, in the case of tha Warwick and Worcester Railway petition, the standing orders ought not to be dispensed with. 4. That, in the case of the London and Birmingham Railway (Newport Pagnel Branch) petition, for additional provision, the standing orders ought not to be dispensed with. 5. That, in the case of the Portsmouth Harbour Pier petition for additional provision, the standing orders ought to be dispensed with:—That the parties be permitted to introduce such additional provision, on proving before the Committee on the Bill the assents of all the owners, lessees, and occupiers of the property affected by the proposed alteration. And that the Committee on the BM do exa mine in the first place how far such order has been complied with, and do report the same to the House on the report of the MIL 6. That, in the case of the Bideford and Tavistock Railway peti iioia, the standing orders ought not to be dispensed with. 7. That, in the case of the West Biding Union Railway petition (No. 2), the standing orders ought to be dispensed with :—That the parties be permitted to proceed with their Bill. 8. That, in the case of the Bain's Patents Assignment petition for I, ave to present a petition for a Bill, the standing order ought to be dispensed with : —That the parties be permitted to present a petitioa accordingly. 9. That, in the ;can of the Midland Railway (Birmingham and FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE NEWS, &c., SEE THE SUPPLEMENT TO "THE SUN" OF THIS DAY. London: Printed and Published by AITTBDO YOUNG-, Of NO: 112, of s 1 Strand,"Printer. at The Sun Office, N 0.112, Strand. in the Precinct the sayob iai the County of =Wei? WeitettclAY• MAY 1 , 0 i 0! i I GROUP XX.-XVII. The Committee met this morning at the usual hour, Lord Seymour in the chair. The Committee then proceeded to hear evidence with respect to the MIDLAND, BARNSLEY, SIIErrIELD, DEWSBURY, AND LEEDS AND BRADFORD. Mr. Scott, the engineer to the line, was called and examined at considerable length by the counsel for the South Yorkshire Coal and Canal Company, who opposed the line. The railway passed within half a mile of the town of Barnsley. It ran for the distance of ten miles within half a mile of the canal;:and for the distance of seven or e'ght miles within three-quarters of a mile ef another railway. The slopes were one to one, and the embankments one and a half to one. There were two tunnels with shafts in them, and three viaducts. The witness was then examined at some length relative to the various items in the estimate. The line ran through Lord Scarborough's property at Thornhill for three-quarters cf a mile. There were no level crossings on his Lordship's property. Mr. S. Russell, an engineer, was examined by the promoters to show the practicability of the line. He possessed practical expe rience in the working of railways ; and having examined the sec uponiasedte,thanatd the h t e line tions of this line, it was his opinion that it could be worked rapidly n a t cic ed so fe n r , t a he ra s i am lwa s y sta co t n ed tra in ctr, o de the and economically, and was preferable to the line that opposed it. coul M d r. b T e h c o o m ns as tru j willing himself to undertake the contract. The Counsel for the promoters intimated that his case was then closed. The Committee then proceeded to consider the HUDDERSFIELD AND SHEFFIELD (DAR- • rxExa) Mr. BAINES briefly stated the case for the promoters. The line from Sheffield to Barfield would accommodate an extensive and populous district, containing a population of between 70,000 and 100,00). It would open up a direct communication for the convey ance of coals from the extensive mines in the district; and would thus offer facilities to supply them at a much cheaper rate. It would also form a trunk communication between the manufac turing districts and the metropolis. The country pos sessed singular engineerng difficulties, but the cost of the line per mile would not be more than 20,0001. The Barnsley branch, which opposed it, would cost no less than 30,090/. This line also possessed an advantage over the Barnsley branch in this respect—that whilst it followed the course of the valley and accommodated itself to the winning point of the coals from the mines, and thus facilitated their conveyance, the Barnsley branch ran a level with the tops of the hills, and which was open to objection. He submitted that no line could possibly have a stronger claim on the attention of Parliament. _ _ Mr. John Sutcliffe, a wool merchant, residing at Huddersfield, was then called--lie consldered that it was a very desirable line, and likely to promote the welfare of the country, and if it were carried out he would be able to obtain coal at a much cheaper rate. Other witnesses were called by the promoters to prove the amount of traffic, and the general advantages to be derived ftom the line. The Committee adjourned at four o'clock. GROUP XL. LEEDS, TORN, AND MIDLAND JUNCTION. The Committee on this group sat as usual—Mr. Stafford O'Brien (chairman), and the rest of the members being present. Mr. Wilkes, jun., was called by the Counsel for the line ; and, after some evidence regarding traffic had been gone into, Mr. Sergeant WiLxiass requested the Hon. Chairman would ask permission of the House to-night for certain petitioners in favour of this line to be heard by counsel. Mr. STAFFORD O'BRIEN said it appeared to be a question of prece dent, and the other members of the Committee expressed an opinion that no such precedent existed, which was also the opinion of Mr. Hardy, who appeared for the Leeds_and York. Mr. Sergeant Wirauris said he was in error; the application was simply that the petitions should appear before the Committee. Mr. SHERIDAN inquired whether they had been duly presented, to which the Learned Sergeant answered in the affirmative. Other evidence was then gone into respecting the navigation of the river Cock up to Tadcaster, which went to prove that there were not more than two obstructions in dry weather, which might easily be removed, and that vessels drawing six or seven feet of water could at all times get up. These facts were elicited by questions put by Mr. Stafford O'Brien and by Lord Norreys to Mr. Coles. Mr. Benjamin Thomson, solicitor, of Tadcaster, gave evidence in favour of the proposed line. Mr. J. Fowler, civil engineer, stated that the Leeds and York line was the longest, the most expensive, had the heaviest earthworks in contemplation, as well as the highest gradients, and passed through a thinly populated district. Mr. Leather's line was also superior to Mr. Hudson's line in every respect, and although he was ready to concede all capability to Mr. Birkenshaw, yet he thought he had not had sufficient time allowed him for fixing the most eligible route. He thought the mode in which Mr. Birkenshaw proposed to cross the Midlands Railway, near Leeds, very objectionable, as likely to cause frequent detentions to both companies, there being considerable traffic. Mr. KNOWLE3 asked witness whether the same thing did not occur at Methley, to whom the reply was that this case only agreed in passing from York to Leeds, but not in passing from Leeds to York, and that the trains were obliged to pass very slowly, though not actually obliged to stop. Mr. irignoles, C.E., gave precise'y similar evidence, which was not shaken by the cross examination to which he was subjected by Mr. Ilildyard. Mr. Michael Machiroed stated 70,0871. 9s. 614c1. to be the gross re venue from traffic, and atter all deductions, leaving a net revenue of 32,0001., or better than 9 in a third per cent., or 340,000/. ; the capital proposed to be invested for the formation of the Leeds, York, and Midland Junction Railway. To Mr. HARDY, witness said that nothing was included in the traffic table going less than eight miles. 46,0001. was the amount of passenger traffic. Between Leeds and York the amount is about 11,000/. ; the remainder is derivable from the traffic from interme diate points. He calculated 5 per cent. on mails and parcels. This witness then explained to the Committee his method of taking the passenger traffic, when At r. Green was called by Mr. Sergeant WILKINS merely to prove the correctness of the popu•• lation tables. Mr. RoaiNsoN having called Mr. John Garland, bniider and valuer, to testify as to the correctness of the valuations the Company had made, Mr. Sergeant Wiiicias stated that his case was now virtually closed The Committee then adjourned till Thursday. GROUP XLIII LEEDS AND TT/18SE (NOILT7I-ELLSTEIZN EXTENSION). The Committee re-assembled at twelve o'clock this morning, and immediately after the room was ordered to be cleared. On our re admission, The CHAIRMAN said the Committee wished to have some evidence as to the particular necessity for the construction of a line between Northallerton and Yarn, especially as railway communication al ready existed between those places. Mr. Bainbridge, of Yarn, was then called, who deposed that the existing line between Northallerton and Yarn was very circuitous, and owing to the high charges for carriage, the goods were usually con veyed to Northallerton by the manufacturers' own waggons. He was in the habit of transmitting goods to Hull, Selby, Birmingham, Sheffield, and Leeds, all of which were conveyed by waggons in pre ference to the existing railway. Ifthe proposed line were made, the communication would be more direct, and the cost of conveyance would be considerably diminished. Mr. Mothersdale, under-steward to Lord Ilarewood, and a resident of Wellbury, was the ncxt witness examined. Me was well ac quainted with the agricultural produce of the district, and if the line between Northallerton and Yarn were opened, it would afford great facilities fox the conveyance of the produce to Leeds. The line would also afford great facilities for the transmission of lime, coal, cattle, and manure. The price of coals, In particular, would be cheapened 4s. per ton. _ _ Mr. Grainger, a civil engineer, was next called, and deposed as to the course which the proposed line would take, and its general working. The length of the main line was 20 miles 3 furlongs and I chain. The total length of the three small branches was 1 mile 3 furlongs and I chain. The steepest gradient on the line would be lin 10. There were two curves of less than a mile radius. One curve consisted of 1 in 5 furlongs 4 chains, and another curve was lin 5 furlongs. The total amount of the estimated expense of the railway was 375,0001., and, in his judgment, that sum was quite suffi cient for the entire completion of the line. The value of land was taken at 58,087/. There were no engineering difficulties of any con sequence to contend against. No tunnel at all was required, and he considered the gradients and curves on the line very favourable. The witness was cross-examined at some length, but the main features of his evidence remained unshaken. Mr. Cubitt was next examined, and proved that the line was gene rally well laid out. He also corroborated the testimony of the pre vious witness with respect to the estimates of the railway. discussion then ensued as to whether the counsel for the op ponents to the line were in a position to be heard against the pre amble. The Committee ultimately decided that they could not be heard against the preamble, but they could be heard upon the clauses. The preamble was then declared to have been proved. A lengthy conversation next took place between the com mittee and counsel for the various parties who were inte rested, which resulted in a permission from the Committee to insert a clause to the following effeet ; viz. That the Leeds and Thirsk Railway Company, before proceeding to make the line from Northallerton to the junction with the Stockton and Hartlepool Railway, should give six mouths notice of their intention to the Great North of England Company, in order that the latter Company might have the option of making the line conjointly with the Leeds and Thirsk Company; but, in the event of the Great North of England Company not signifying their intention, within one month after receiving notice, to the Leeds and Thirsk Company, that Com pany is to have liberty to proceed by itself with the construction of the line. Some routine business was then gone through, and the Committee adjourned till twelve o'clock on Thursday. GROUP XLIV. The members of this Committee met at the usual hour (in Room No. 25, New Houses of Parliament), and proceeded with the ad journed case of the CLITHEROE JUNCTION. Mr. Coates, the Parliamentary agent, gave evidence as to com pliance with the resolutions of the Hon. Member for Finsbury. Mr. Cawley, the engineer of the line, was called, and gave the usual engineering evidence. He described the course of the line, which com mences at Accrington, and proceeds by Whalley, Clither2e, and Long Prestonr to Settle, where will be its northern extremity. At two wiles and three quarters from Accrington it sends off a branch to Black burn, and at about four miles from Accrington another Branch by Padiham to Burnley. Accrington is about 22 miles from Manchester. Mr. Cawley gave the usual details as to the amount of population in the districts through which the line passes: the total amount may be taken at 100,000 persons. The proposed line • was the most direct that could be made through the district, and would afford the best communication through the district. The gradients were favourable. The cost of the line would be about 700,0001., being 103,0001. less than the Blackburn, Clitheroe, and North-Western Junction, the competing line, would cost. Mr. Merrivale, on the part of Mr. Taylor, a petitioner Blackburn, Clitheroe , C gr l e it a h t er l oe en , gth an . against the line, and Mr. Baines, on the part of the N a o p r pea th-Lest t e h r a n i thcreessli-neesawmoinuledd passthe d it fur three-quarters of a mile through Mr . land. The witness referred to a large model Taylor's park and farm which had been put in by the petitioner, andbyof Mr. Taylor's park explained the manner in which the line interfered 311ri which he His evidence on this point could only b e understood by 'property* the model. reference to The cross-examination of Mr. Crawley occupied the Committee for more than two hours. Mr. Jeremiah Garnett, a cotton-spinner at Clitheroo, a magistrate, and adirector of this line, leave evidence as to the coal and cotton traffic which might be expected by the promoters of the Bill, the advantages to the inhabitants of the country through which the line would pass, and other general matters. This witness's evidence occupied the Committee up to four o'clock, and Mr. Baines was just rising to cross examineyilm, when the Speaker was announced at prayers. As the LearnedTounsel said that he had but very few questions to put to the witness, he was allowed to go on with his cross-examination, which being completed, the Committee roso and adjourned till to morrow. STANDING ORDERS' COMMITTEES. HOUSE OF LORDS. (Continued from our Afternoon Edition of yesterday.) THE EXETER AND EXMOUTH. The consideration of this Bill by the Standing Orders' Committee was postponed to Monday nest. HOUSE OF COMMONS. MIDLAND (BIRMINGHAM AND GLOUCESTER). Allowed to proceed. LONDON AND BIRMINGHAM EXTENSION. This was the next case called on, but the promoters of it were nol in attendance. WORCESTER, HEREFORD, ROCHESTER, AND GLOUCESTER. Net allowed to proceed. BERMS AND lIANTS. A similar decision was given in this case. NORTH DEVON. And in this also. LONDON AND BIRMINGHAM EXTENSION (NORTHAMPTON, DAVENTRY, LEAMINGTON, AND WARWICK.) The promoters not belt]; prepared in this case, it was ordered to stand over till Friday next. The Committee then adjourned. [ADVERTISEMENT.] —BOTANIC WATER AND BEAR'S GREASE.—When the hair is becoming thin, and falling off, the only effectual remedy, besides shaving the head, is the use of the two above-named articles, applied alternately—the bo tanic water to cleanse the roots from scurf and as a stimulant, and the bear's grease as a nourisher. If any further evidence was required of the virtues of bear's greaso for renovating and preserving the hair, Mr. Catlin's account of the quantity used, and the length of hair obtained by some of the North Ame rican Indians, would be a sufficient answe r. Ross and Sons, 119, and 120, Bishopsgate-street, who first introduced the use of bear's grease in this country, and who fat and kill the ani .mals, recommend the public to purchase none other but with their names and address printed on the pot, or the chances are their obtaining a spurious article. All vegetable oils applied to the hair are worse than useless, ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH COMPANY. This Bill was brought up from the Commons, and read a first time. CIVIL DISABILITIES BILL, The LORD CHANCELLOR gave notice that on Friday next he would move that the House go into Committee on the Civil Disabilities Bill. STANDING ORDERS ON RAILWAYS. The Earl of DEVON presented a petition, praying for an alteration in the standing orders on railways requiring petitions to be presented on the merits of the case not later than the 28th March, and before the second reading of this Bill. Lord BROUGHAM said he must oppose the reception of such a petition as this, as he himself was about to meve for the abrogation of those orders, on the ground of the great in justice which it occasioned to many individuals. He was the more induced to do this, because the individual for whom he spoke had been cast into prison, by not complying with the order. He should present that petition on Friday. THE STAFFORD GAS BILL. This Bill was brought up and read a first time. CONTINGENT REMAINDERS. Lord BROUGHAM moved the second reading of this Bill, and after some conversation with the Lord Chancellor, it passed that stage. PROTECTION TO PUBLIC OFFICERS. Lord BROUGHAM begged to lay on their Lordships' table a Bill which was of the utmost importance for the due en forcement of the law; its object being to protect magis trates, revenue, and naval and military officers, from the prosecutions to which they were liable in the discharge of their duty. As the law now stands, an action must be brought within six months, with one month's notice This was the only protection they possessed against actions for proceedings which they were compelled to take. He concluded by moving that the Bill be now read a first time and printed, which was agreed to. RELIGIOUS OPINIONS RELIEF BILL. Lord CAMPBELL wished to know when the Noble and Learned Lord on the Woolsack would lay the amended Bill, bearing this title, on the table of the House. The subject was an extremely important one, and as much time had been suffered unnecessarily to elapse he was anxious that it should be in the possession of their Lord ships at the earliest possible moment. The subject was referred to the Criminal Law Commissioners, who more than twelve months ago presented their first report, various Acts of Par liament, and the particular clauses in them which had reference to the subject. Besides, the Bill itself was presented to the Noble and Learned Lord in the month of November last. The only part of the scheme as yet introduced was that relat ing to penalties. It was his decided impression that the measures relating to the other part should be introduced at once, so that the two Bills might go in concurrently. Perhaps the objections of the Right Rev. Prelate would be admitted, if the whole scheme was before their Lordships. He trusted that the present session would not pass over till the other portion of the scheme was introduced, No person had been prosecuted for treason in consequence of declaring the supremacy of the Pope, for the last 300 years. He hoped that the remaining portion of the Bill would be forth coming on Friday night, as it would be Impossible for them to give any opinion upon the measure until the whole measure was before them. The LORD CHANCELLOR—In answer to the Noble Lord, I beg to state that I will not introduce the other portion of the Bill until the present Bill is disposed of. The Noble Lord has been pleased to denounce my pursuing this course o conduct. Having denounced me by anticipation, I beg to tell him that I shall be quite prepared in the future stages of the Bill to bear the whole weight of this denunciation. After a few words from Lords CAMPBELL and BROUGHAM, The Bishop of EXETER said, I can assure your Lordships that it gave me great pleasure when I heard the Noble Lord express his determination to oppose the Bill going into Com mittee. Lord CAMPBELL-1 do not consider that your Lordships nor the country have been used well in this matter. The subject then dropped, and their Lordships adjourned. HOUSE OF COMMONS, May 12. The SPEAKER took the Chair at Four o'clock. COLCHESTER, STOUR VALLEY, SUDBURY, AND HALSTEAD RAILWAY. Mr. TUFNELL moved, that the Colchester, Stour Valley, Sudbury, and Halstead Railway Bill be read a third time, not withstanding the advertisement calling the meeting, required by the Order of this House of the 27th day of April last, was only in the London Gazette once prior to the meeting. Mr. BARNARD objected to the motion, as he wanted to give the inhabitants of Halstead, who were to meet next week, an opportunity of expressing their opinion. It was proposed to cross no less than fifteen public roads on a level, and this was acting very much in contrariety with the good old custom that formerly prevailed in the town, of never allowing any railway Bill to pass which contemplated the crossing of any public road on the level. Ile did net oppose the motion on account of any hostility to the progress of the Bill, but merely to give time for arrangements to be made to prevent the crossing of the Colchester line on the level. A conversation then ensued, which resulted in Mr. TUFNELL consenting to withdraw his motion. The motion was withdrawn accordingly. IRISH GREAT WESTERN BILL. On the second reading of this Bill being moved, Mr. WARBURTON presented a petition from the share holders, praying the House not to allow the second reading. Mr. B ROTHE RTON presented a petition to a similar effect. Mr. FINCH, the Chairman of the Committee, stated, that the petition had been got up by a broker on the Stock Ex change, and there was no proof whatever, that the parties who had signed the petition were bond fide shareholders. He con sidered it perfectly irregular to oppose the Bill on the second Lth a e Billf v reading, and h o p e d t h e House would allow it to be proceeded vi w a e s r r d e s a f d ro a m sec Co on l d on t e it l ue C , o a N n o d r o .t ; with. After r T and t ‘ o I b r e . C c o m y' -- mitted. ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH COMPANY. This Bill was read a time third and passed. NORTH-WESTERN RAILWAY. On the motion f or th e consideration of the report from the Committee on this Bill being read, Mr. S. O'BRIEN moved that it be re-committed to the former Committee, with leave to sit and proceed on Wednes day, and to report on Thursday. —Agreed to. SOUTH-EASTERN RAILWAY. Mr. GRIMSDITCH moved that it be an instruction to the Committee on the South. Eastern Railway Bill to hear the vicar, churchwardens, and landowners of the parish of Green wich, by their counsel, agents, and witnesses, against the Bill, notwithstanding their petitions were not presented to the House of three clear days prior to the sittingthe Committee. Agreed to. COLCHESTER, STOUR VALLEY, SUDBURY, AND HALSTEAD RAILWAY. This Bill was read a third time and passed. HARWICH AND EASTERN COUNTS JUNCTION RAILWAY AND PIERS.IE This Bill was also read a third time and passed. REPORTS OF RAILWAY BILLS. The following reports of railway Bills were considered and agreed to : Rugby and Stamford Railway. Wilsontown, Morningside, and Coltness Railway (Caledonian Junction ) . Wilsontown, Morningside, and Coltness Railway (Improve ment and Branches). Slamannan and Borroviotonnesa Railway, SUGAR DUTIES. Mr. HUMS gave notice, that on that day fortnight, he should move a resolution to be adopted with regard to the produce of our West India Colonies, viz., that the duty on all sugars used there for the purposes of manufacture and distilla tion be removed. . ..._ _ ......_ ._. Mr. SPOONER gave notice that, on that day fortnight, he should move for leave to bring in a Bill for the more effectual suppression of prostitution and the better protection of females. BRIDPORT ELECTION. Mr. G. BANKES moved that the petition which he pre sented the previous evening, with reference to the case of Wm. Rocket, be printed, and in case of the House acceding to that motion, he should give notice that on Thursday neat he should move that Vim. Rocket have leave to state his ease at the bar of the House. POOR-LAWS. Mr. P. BORTHWICK said he had a motion on the paper for a Select Committee to inquire into the state and operation of the laws which relate to the administration of relief to the poor in England and Wales, and he wished to know whether the Right Hon. Baronet would grant him the Committee without his saying one word upon the subject? Sir R. PEEL said he could not accede to so important a motion without any previous discussion taking place upon it. He put it, however, to the good feeling of the Hon. Gentleman not to interpose his motion in the way of the adjourned debate. Mr. P. BORTHWICK said he had tried to get his motion placed first on the list that day fortnight, but unsuccessfully. Yet he put it to the House whether they would not give him the same position on Thursday fortnight as he held last night. He hoped the Government would, as he had yielded so much to them by enabling them to resume the adjourned debate, as sist him in this matter. . _ ...,.. ...... ... Sir R... PEEL said he was scrry he could not give the Hon. Gentleman the assistance he desired. Mr. BORT H WICK said he was very sorry to be placed in the position which he then held ; but the House would agree with him that the question was not second in importance even to the corn-law itself—it was a question of the most vital importance to the country. He would, however, leave it to the fate of the ballot, trust ing that when the time would come for its discussion, her Majesty's Government would not forget the sacrifices which he had made. _ _ Mr. HUME moved for a copy of all reports to the Admiralty of trials made at Woolwich, Portsmouth, and on board the fleet, of Mr. Rettie's signals for the prevention of the collision signals of distress than thirty-six a o t f n v g s s b e t l . s a t H s e a a b ; a l a d n i t n i also his b o a n n i a s b p s r t o afa poseda lesssi g - - vessels run down in the Channel, from the want of some proper regulation upon the subject.—The motion was agreed to. Mr. HUME moved for leave to bring in a Bill to relieve the rapemakers of the United Kingdom from the operations of the Factory Act.—Agreed to. The Hoax. MEMBER then moved for a return of the total amount of costs and law expenses incurred and paid during each of the ten years prior to the Ist day of January, 1844, by the four following trusts, viz.—the town council of Glasgow, the trustees for managing the river Clyde and harbour of Glas gow, the trustees for managing the bridges over the river Clyde, at Glasgow, and the trustees for managing the markets of Glasgow, in preparing, promoting, opposing, and also the expenses of deputations in any way relating to Bills before Parliament, and for all other Parliamentary and law proceed ings connected wills each of these trusts, in prosecuting, de fending, or in any way relating to judicial and Parliamentary proceedings ; distinguishing the amount incurred and ex pended in each year for each such trust ; stating the particular business or proceeding in which such costs or expenses were incurred; and the persons by whom they were conducted, and the parsons to whom these moneys were paid in each year for each trust ; and also the aggregate of law and Parliamentary expenses for each trust, in the ten years up to January, 1846. His object was to show the immense expenses which were in curred by legal proceedings, with a view to some remedy being applied to prevent their recurrence in future. LORD LINCOLN AND MR. HILDYARD. On the order of the day for resuming the adjourned debate, Mr. HILDYARD rose and said that he wished to take the first opportunity of replying to a charge which had been made against him by the Noble Lord the Member for the Falkirk Burghs. The Noble Lord was reported to h;,ve said that he (Mr. Hildyard) had imputed bribery to the Noble Lord. Now, in ti.e strongest language which the rules of that House would permit, he begged to deny that he ever did so. He was perfectly aware that this was only the assertion of one man against the asser tion of another, but he thought when he referred to the news papers published at that time that they would bear him out in his assertion. He would not trouble the House by reading his own speech, but it could not be considered as hostile to the Noble Lord. He would, however, read a portion of the speech of the Noble Lord which had reference to himself. The Noble Lord had represented him as stating that, notwithstanding the lavish expenditure of the other side, they would be enabled to gain the victory. He certainly had stated at the election that bribery had been Practised for the purpose of securing the return of the Noble Lord, and he maintained the same opinion now. But he did not then believe that that bribery had been practised by the Noble Lord himself.—( Hear, hear ) He really could not per ceive h ow t h e N o b le L or d cou ld ma k e t h e s tatement which he had.—(ll ear , h ear.) But lie (lid impute bribery to the Free Trade C omm i tlce at Nottingham, and he wou ld now s t a t e t o e nffe r t e 21a d the Ho use w h y he did so. At one of the poll i ng-p l aces d ur i ng the electi on , two men were pointed out to him by some re spectable peop l e, living in the town, as having received 21, a piec e f or t h e i r votes. He went to those two men and they repeatedanother h d e same 3 thing n to man i b ng pla ce , an d a man went up to him and said that he had o had th e same offer. Hewaisep went t ed to then went to another polling-booth, and he stat e d w h at he hadheard. He was perfectly willing to admit that he ought not to have made the charge of bribery against the free-trade body, and he was now perfectly willing to retract it.—( Hear, hear.) The Noble Lord had stated that the county was canvassed before he vacated his seat. Now, he (Mr. Hildyard) could assure the Noble Lord that he had been strangely misinformed upon the subject. The first intimation that he (Mr. Hildyard) heard of the election taking place was a letter from the Noble Lord himself, asking for his 1111 ~. I I ■ e