The Sun. — London, England, 1850-03-26 00:00:00

LAW INTELLIGENCE. INSOLVENT DEBTOR'S' COURT, March 23. (Before Mr. CommiA.sioner LAW.) IN BE THOMAS WILLIAM GILLETT. This insolvent, a waterman residing at Greenwich, applied under the Protection Act. Mr. Nichols opposed on behalf of the trustees of the Potters Ferry Society ; Mr. Cooke supported. It appeared that the opposing creditors claimed an exclusive right to ferry passengers over the Thames from the Isle of Dogs to Greenw►cb. Tne insolvent was in the habit of conveying to and from their labour the workmen at the large establishments of Messrs. Johnson and \Tr. Cubitt ; but in February, 1849, he was served with a notice to desist, which he did not attend to, and an action at law was then brought, upon the trial of which the plaintiffs proved their exclusive right to the ferry and recovered a verdict of Is. damages. Toe costs were taxed on the Ist of Ilarah at 1971., and on the 2 , 1 of March the insol vent filed his petition in this court. The insol vent stated that Mr. Cottams, the solicitor who de fended the action, had been guaranteed his costs by Messrs. Johnson. Mr. NicHoes submitted that the plaintiff's costs formed a debt contracted without any reasonable ex pectation of payment; and that, therefore, the insol vent's application could not he entertained. Mr. Cooke urged that no Qhjection existed under the Act of Parliament to the insolvent's receiving pro tection, he having only contested what appeared at the time to be a very doubtful right. Mr. Commissioner LAW Stti I, if this were an appli cation under the Ist and 2,1 Victoria, he should dis charge the insolvent when he had been six months in prison. It was quite clear that this was not a case contemplated by the Legislature when it made this indulgent Act of Parliament. lie held that the plain tiffs' costs were a debt contracted without any rea sonable expectation of payment ; and therefore he should name no day for the consideration of the final order. IN RE THE REY. CHARLES WETHERELL. M. Cooke appeared on behalf of the Bishop of Peterborough, and Mr. Pritchard to show cause against a rule obtained by the insolvent for the annul ling of the vesting order and the payment to hiss of a surplus of some 1001. remaining after discharging all the debts. The vesting order was made about four years ago, on a creditor's petition, and the Bishop of Peter borough, the insolvent's diocesan, was ordered to pay the funds arising from a sequestration of the insol vent's living into this court, and from that fund the creditors who have proved have received their claims in full. Mr. Coax]] objected to the surplus fund being handed to the insolvent, against whose estate there were seven sequestrations now in the hands of the B ishop, who stood in the position of a sheriff, who after paying one execution creditor was bound to ap ply any remaining funds to the next execution cre ditor in order. With respect to the annulling of the vesting order, that would probably cause great incon venience to the Bishop, who, if called upon to plead the order of this court in the disposal of the funds, would be unable to prove it if the proceedings were avoided. Mr. NICHOLS, in support of the rule, contended that the insolvent having discharged his debts in this court had a right to the remaining funds, and also to have his estate re-vested in himself. Mr. Commissioner LAW considered the Bishop ex actly as a sheriff, who, having over paid one execu tion creditor, was entitled to a retur❑ of the surplus, to be applied in liquidation of the next execution creditor's claim. With regard to annulling the vest ing order, such an act might cause great difficulties, as a purchaser of property under a vesting order sub sequently avoided might find himself possessed of a doubtful title. At the same time, however, an insol vent having paid his debts in this court Wes entitled to receive back his interests in his remaining estate, and that could be done in this case by the provisional assignee re• assigning to the insolvent the remaining property, which would leave the vesting order still in existence, and yet restore the insolvent to his original rights. ' The matter was orlered to stand over for an affi davit from the insolvent that all his creditors at the period of the vesting order had been satisfied. POLICE INTELLIGENCE. MANSION-HO V Wolter Waits, the lessee of the Olympic and Mary lebone Theatre,. who stands charted with stealing a cheque for 1,4001., the property of the Globe Insurance Comp any, his employers, and appropriating the pro ceeds thereof to his own use, was brought up again, in custody .of D. Forrester, yesttrday on remand. Mr. Alderman Gibbs, who officiated for; the Lord Mayor, and a second Alderman occupied the bench. The court was vary much crowded during the examination, and amongst the persons present were several members of the recently dissolved corps dramatiques of the two theatres of which the prisoner had been the manager, and a few individuals who generally pass for '° men upon town." The case was fixed for twelve o'clock, but it was fully half-past three bef tre the prisoner was placed at the bar. Mr. Clarkson, instructed by the Messrs. Freshfield, appeared for the prosecution, and Mr. Wontner attended on behalf of the prisoner. Mr. Clarkson said he had just left his Learned Friend, Mr. Bodkin, who bad been retained f,r the pri soner, zed he could assure the Court that there was no probability of his being able to attend this day. There were, however, other matters to be inquired into besides the charge which was made out at the previous inquiry, and it would be an advantage to the prisoner that a fur- Sher remand should take place. Since the last investi gation inquiries had been going on into matters affect ing the prisoner of an important and extensive natare, but he was not then in a situa tion to disclose the circumstances, or the result of each individual charge of fraud. By this time next week, however, the whole of the charges would be ripe fur disclosure, and although sufficient had been ess tablished to justify the sending of the prisoner to another tribunal, he proposed to ask for another remand till Tuesday week, in order that the prisoner might k now the specific charges that he would be called upon to answer on his trial. Mr. Wontner said his client, Mr. Watts, was pre pared to answer any charge, and it was tor the Alder man to decide whether another remand should take place or not. Mr. Alderman GIBBS consented to the remand, and the prisoner was accordingly removed in custody. BOW STREET. CIIARGE or MURDER.—A few minutes before the Magistrate left the bench an elderly man named Alexander Moir, described as a baker, carrying on business at 2.5, Bryclgee-street, Strand, was placed at the bar, charged with causing the death of his wife Elizabeth, by violently assaulting her. Mrs. Amelia M-ndes, a married woman, stated that she and her husband occupied the first floor in the prisoner's Lowe, the prisoner's sleeping-room being the shop on the ground floor. On Saturday last, be tween three and four o'clock in the afternoon, she was on the stairs, when her servant girl called her atten tion to a noise in the prisoner's room, which caused her to stand close to the parlour door, when she heard his wife, whose voice she well knew, exclaim several times, " Oh, you will kill me ; you are sure to kill me." To which the prisoner replied, " I will murder you before I have done with you." Witness did not hear the sound of any blows, but there was a dreadful screaming, followed by an exclamation from a boy, the son of the prisoner, " Oh, father, don't kill mother." On Sunday morning she saw her again in the shop, and since heard that she was dead. Alexander George Moir, an intelligent boy, aged thirteen years, was next called, and being sworn, said the prisoner is my father. I was not at home on Saturday afternoon, being sent on a message to Camden-town. On my return, at six o'clock, found my mother lying on her bed apparently in an insensible state. I spoke to her, but she made me no answer, and did not in any way recognise me . When my father came to the bedside, I asked him what was the matter with my mother ? And he re plied that she had fallen Aown in the shop. I noticed that she was much cut about t'ne:head, her left ey e being cut, and a 'great deal of blood flowing. Her ear was also much bruised, as if from severe blows ; and she remained totally insensible, and never spoke, from the time I first saw her, until she died on Mon day morning. In answer to the Magistrate, the witness said that it must have been his younger brother that cried out, " Oh, father, do not kill mother," as stated by the other witness. Elizabeth Fagan stated that she was a charwoman, and that on Saturday last she was employed in that capacity, from nine o'clock in the morning till five o'clock in the afternoon. Between four and five o'clock she heard a screaming, and from the back kitchen saw the prisoner strike his wife a blow on the head with his hand. Witness went into the room and found that the prisoner had gone into the shop, and his wife apparently had dozed off into a sleep ; 4. upon which witness went home. On Sunday morn ing she again went to the house, and found the de - ceased in bed, leeches being appli e d to h er h ea d . Witness examined her person, and found her very much bruised. There was a cut on her left eye, several bruises upon her hi s and the lower part of her body, apparently caused by violent blows. The pri soner came into the room, but the deceased never spoke, although he addressed her. Witness drew his -attention to the condition of the deceased' , Person, and his reply was that she must have fallen d)wn in a fit. The deceased was attended byMr. Watkins, a medical gentleman, but remained ins:n-:ble, fr. ni the Login ing until her death, vvhic . a took Face at eleve n o'clock on Monday morning. Inspector Dodd, F division, informed the Court that the medical attendant was riot sent for until a short time before the woman died; and when the pri soner was told the nature of the charge at the station be made no reply. The prisoner said he had no questions to ask, and applied to be admitted to bail. Air. HALL said that the evidence was to strong, THE SUN, upon a charge of a very serious nature, he should de cline to accept of any hail. Mr. Mendes, husband of the first witness, came for ward and expressed a hope that the application for bail would be refused, as ho could prove on a future day that on Saturday week last the deceased was so injured she was obliged to wear spectacles in the shop to conceal her eyes, which had been bath blackened evidently from a severe assault. The prisoner was remanded till Thursday. MARYLEBONE. Yesterday, Thomas Williams Bontern, who said that he was until the last few weeks a clerk in the service of Messrs. Pickford and Co., carriers, was charged before Mr. Broughton with the following outrageous conduct : It appeared from the evidence that at two o'clock on Saturday afternoon the prisoner, who was very drunk, created a great disturbance at Johnson's coffee-house, Hsmpton-terrace, Hampstead road. A. young man, named Gibbs, assisted the proprietor in putting the prisoner out, when he (the prisoner) gave him a violent blow and tripped him up. Prisoner then got away, and in about an hour afterwards he interrupted the son of Mr. /scat, an eating-house keeper, in the same neighbourhood, as he was quietly going along an adjacent street with a dinner, which had been ordered by a gentleman. The son returned home crying, and he had not been in doors many mi nutes when Mr. Ascott, upon seeing the prisoner pass the window, went our, and asked him why he had interfered with his son, upon which he struck him with great force in the eye. He was then given into the custody of police-constable 370 S, whom he knocked down three or four times on the way to the station-house. He also attempted to bite him. For the assault upon Gibbs he was fined 10s., and in each of the other cases 205., making 2/. 103. ; in default of payment the term of imprisonment fur all three offences would he no less than ten weeks. TVESTMIIVSTER. LAMENTABLE CASE.—Martha Wright, an intelli• gent-looking girl, apparently not more than sixteen years of age, whose appearance denoted the ravages of disease, was charged with attempting to commit suicide. _ Henry Govers, a journeyman smith, stated that he was crossing Westminster- bridge at about eleven on Friday night, when observing somebody at the bot tom of the steps moving towards the water he went to the spot, and found defendant in the act of taking her shoes off. He told her that he hoped she was not going to commit suicide, when she replied, "That sbe had enough to make her do it." He then remarked that whatever her circumstances were here they would be worse if she committed self-destruction, and re quested her to 'come up the steps with him, which she said she would if he would go first. Observing a police inspector at that moment passing witness left her for a moment to call him, and as he returned the defendant threw herself into the water. He jumped i❑ after her and brought her to the shore immediately, but had considerable difficulty in doing so owing to the depth of the mud. He then assisted the police inspector in conveying her to the Westminster Hos pital, where she remained until brought before the magistrate. Mr. BRODERIP inquired of the defendant, whose pallid countenance indicated the deepest sorrow, whether she wished to say anything ? De..fwndant replied in a low tone of voice, that about seven months ago she went to nurse her sister, who was lying dangerously ill with the cholera, and being herself attacked with it, became an inmate of Beth nal-green workhouse. On leaving there she was told to go to her own parish, which she did, but they refused to receive her, and told her to go back to where t•he came from. She was met by a young man and decoyed away, and having disgraced herself, she was ashamed to return home, and thought if she jumped into the water, her departure from the path of virtue would be unknown. Mr. BRoDERIr asked her if she heartily repented of her wicked attempt to destroy herself? The girl replied that she did most truly. Mr. BRODERIP inquired whether any of her friends were in attendance, and her mother having stood forward, he inquired whether she would take charge of her daughter ? The mother, a very creditable-looking middle aged woman, burst into a flood of tears, and said thlt she could not, in the girl's present shocking condition. It having been intimated that the girl was in a most deplorable state of disease ' Mr. BRODER'? expressed himself at a loss what to do with her. The Chief Usher suggested that there was no doubt Mr. Burryll, who is a subsdriber to the Lock Hospital, would, at his next sitting, on Thursday, give her as order for admission into that institution. Mr. BRoDERIP asked the mother whether she could provide for the girl until then? The poor woman replied that she could not. She had been left with eight children, and had married again, but her hus band was out of work ; and even had she the means of conveying the girl, who was too ill to walk, to her home, mar Bow, she did not think her daughter's stepfather would receive her. Mr. BRODERIP, hiving been told that it was doubt- ful whether she would be received by the parish, de termined upon remanding her until Thursday, as it was impossible in her g state to turn her into the streets ; but the matter having been mentioned to Mr. Collies, one of the relieving officerF, who came to the court in the course of the afternoon, he immediately gave an order fur her admission into S. MargareCs work - house, whither she was conveyed. At the conclusion of the case, Mr. BRODERIP observed that the conduct of the witness Govers had been most praiseworthy, and directed that 10s. reward should be given him out of his (the magistrate's) private fund. C'LERKENWELL. Yesterday Harriet Brian, a well-dressed_ young woman, who was described on the police-sheet as being 19 years of age, needle •woman, was placed at the bar before Mr. Combe, charged with stealing 30 yards of silk, value 41. Bs., the property of Mr. James Leonard Wilson, linen•draper, &c., of 53, St. John's street, Clerkenwell.. It appeared from the evidence of Wm. House, a shopman in the employ of the prosecutor, that yester day morning, between eight and nine o clock, the prisoner entered the shop and requested to be shown some silks for drawn bonnets. lie produced several, which she examined, and she selected four or five pieces, and purchased two, for which she paid ss. 1021., and she requested that the others might be sent to No. 21, West Smithfield. She then requested witness to show her a third piece of silk, and, whilst he was engaged in fetching it, the pri soner was seen to conceal the 30 yards of silk under her mantle and leave the shop. Witness followed her, and requested her to walk back with him. On their return, he asked her for the piece of silk which she had under her cloak ; and, un his putting the cloak on ene side, she dropped the silk on the floor, and said, " Oh ! please let me go ; I do not know how I came by it," or words to that effect. He instantly called in a policeman, and gave her into custody. Henry Williamson, another shopman, confirmed this evidence. Cornelius Farrell, 31 G, said he received the pri sons into his custody when at the station-house; she rtfused to say where she lived. On searching her, a duplicate for two gold rings, pawned for Bs. at a pawnbroker's in Farringdon-street, yesterday morn ing, in the name of A. Smith, Blackfriars•road, and 103., were found in her possession. Mr. CoMis asked her where she lived ? Prisoner—l live in Chelsea near the Spread Eagle. She did not know the name of the street—there was no number to the honse. She had no friends in Lon don. The rings had been given to her by her sister, who lived in Northampton. Sergeant Gann, G, said he had reason to suspect that the prisoner had been formerly convicted ; that her real name was Hawkins, and she was connected with a gang of shoplifters and swindlers. Oct inqui ries at West Smithfield, no such person as the prisoner was known there. The prisoner denied that her name was Hawkins and the statements made by the officer. Mr. coltun said he should commit her to take her trial, and, after the usual caution, asked if she wished to say anything in her defence ? She reserved what she had to say, and she was fully committed for trial. WORSIII P-STREET . A woman, about 30 years o f age, dressed in de cayed mourning, but of ladylike dress and deport ment, and who gave her name as C aro li ne applied to Mr. Arnold for assistance unde r the follow.: ing circumstances : The applicant stated that she was the daughter o f an officer in the army, and upon her father's d eat h was courted by the son of a captain in one of the in fantry regiments, to whom she was ultimately mar ried, but her husband some time afterwards became involved in such reduced circumstances that he wes compelled to enlist as a gunner in the East India Company's service. She accompanied her husband to India, and remained with him there for two years, when the climate bad such a destructive effect upon his health that he was invalided and sent home, but declined so rapidly during the passage that on reach ing the Cape he expired, leaving her with an infant, and entirely destitute. Her infant died shortly at er reaching this country, and she (the applicant) had been since charitably sheltered by a poor woman named Collins, in ilelybush-gardens, Bethnal-green, land she had endeavoured to relieve her as much as she could of part of the burden of her support, by work ing at slopwork for tailors ; but that doscription of labour was so badly remunerated and precarious, that she had been obliged, to save herself from starving, to part with all her apparel, till she had nothing left but what she then had on her. She was anxious, if she could, to procure an engagement as attend an t up o n a l a dy going out to India, to which country she was desirous of return ing, and where she had made several friends, who LONDON, would reader her assistance ; but although she had entered her name upon the books kept for that pur pose at the Oriental Club House, it had as yet been without effect, and even if she should be successful she was at a loss to imagine how she should obtain the necessary outfit, as she was utterly friendless and penniless here. In authentication of her statement the applicant produced several letters from Lady Currie, which corroborated the facts she had men tioned, and Rowland, the warrant officer, who was directed to investigate the case, having reported upon his return that the result of his inquiries amongst persons in the neighbourhood where the applicant re sided were of a very favourable character, and left no doubt of the thorough propriety of her conduct since she had lived there, and that she was really involved in the extreme distress she had represented, Mr. ARNOLD expressed his conviction that the ap plicant's unfortunate position was deserving of much commiseration, and regretted that the funds at his disposal were too limited to enable him to assist her further, ordered her to receive a sovereign from the money in the poor-box, which the poor woman grate fully accepted and quitted the court. BRITISH AMERICAN LAND CO NIPANY. The annual General Court of proprietors was held yesterday, at the offices, New Broad -street, City; Alex ander Gillespie, Esq., presiding. The report stated that 3 1.423 acres cf land bad been sold during 1649, for 17,9911. I. 7d., being an increase, as compared with 1848, of 5,502 acres sold, and of money received 2,3031. The average price of land continued as before at I Is. 61. per acre. The total expenditure during the year, as given in the report of the company's commissioner in Canada, amounted to 13,6311. 13s. 2d.; of this 9,1521. 17,. 4d. had been paid on account of the company's railway stocks, and 1,0181. 12s. sd. in advances, which would shortly be repaid. The commissioner did not hold out any promise that he would be able to make remittances sufficient to constitute a divi dend. The directors, however, though the com pletion of the St. Lawrence and Atlantic Rail road, which they now believe to be secured, would he the commencement of a new epoch in the affairs of the company. Active measures had also been taken for the formation of a line of railroad from Quebec to Mel bourne. The conjunction of these important works would, when completed, give to the Eastern Townships of the company all the advantages of a great central position, and open for them:avenues to all the markets. Advices had been received which confirmed the opinion formed by the directors as to the prudence of making the advance to the St. Lawrence and Atlantic Railroad, and s to the sufficiency of the security, on the faith of which it had been made. From the general balance-sheet of the accounts kept in London and Sherbrooke for 1849, it appeared that the receipts were 15,5061. 15s. I Id., end the expanses 13,6081. 6s. I Id. ' leaving a balance of 1,8971.95. The CHAIRMAN said a dispatch had been received two days ago, from which it appeared that the St. Lawrence and Atlantic Railway was proceeding satisfactorily, and expectations were entertained that it would be finished by the close of the present year to within 24 miles of Sher broeke, where this company had so much land. The railway company had succeeded in negotiating a loan of 125,0001. with the corporation of Montreal. Anticipating the benefit which would be conferred upon their property by the railway, the directors intended to alter the system on which they had hitherto sold land. They would divide the land into two classes—the first being that most im mediately affected by the railway, for which they would require ' , apnoea in five or six years; and the next, that more remote from the railway, which might be sold at a lower price, the payments being allowed to extend over a longer period. Mr. SCOTT deprecated making any advances to the railway, which he feared might yet entirely swamp this company, and pressed upon the directors the necessity of sending instructions to their commissioner not to incur any responsibility, either present or prospective, in regard to that undertaking. He had been a proprietor since 1834, and had received no dividend except what had been paid out of capital, and he hoped nothing would be done to still further injure their pro perty. His experience in railways told him that esti mates of engineers were not to be depended upon, and circumstances might happen to involve the company in liabilities in respect of the railway of which they had now no notion. ,The CHAIRMAN said the advance had not been male without a strong conviction that it would benefit their property, and assured the Hon. Proprietor that peremp tory instructions had been sent to their commissioner not to incur further responsibility without the consent of the court. The railway undertaking was almost in a state of bankruptcy when the advance was made, and if this company had not stepped in to its assistance, it would have been altogether abandoned. After some discussion the report ; was received and adopted. The retiring directors were then re-elected, and after a vote of thanks to the chairman, the meeting separated. INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS. On Tuesday, March 19, William Cubitt, Esq., President, in the chair, the discusNion on Mr. W. Fairbairn's paper, " On Tabular Girder Bridges," was renewed, and continued through the evening. The subject was resumed at the point where it was left on the last discussion of March 12th ; and Messrs. Wild, Pole, Rennie, Scott Russell, Eaton 11odgkinson, Walker, Glynn, Bidder, Professor Willis, General Pasley, and Captain Simmons, R.E., examined the question at great length, and under all views, illus trating their position by diagrams and models used in the experiments and in the mathematical inns tigation. It was stated, that after the remarks made at the last meeting, it was merely requisite to describe the experiments alluded to, and before doing so, to briefly describe their object. In the report of the Government Inspector, the limiting strain required for the public safety was de. fined, and the Torksey-bridge had been condemned for not complying with those conditions. A. calcula tion, therefore, had been made to ascertain the actual strain on the bridge. It appeared, however, that it was really less than the limit prescribed by the Govern ment Inspector. The experiments instituted were for the purpose of testing these contrary results. It was also stated, that in the paper there were many objectionable points, but particularly one that was positively dangerous. The author had not only omitted the effect of the continuity of the Torksey girders, but stated that it was safer to do so. Now all writers upon the sub ject, and all who had considered the matter, agreed that in a continuous beam the effect of continuity was most important, and that in a perfectly continuous beam, the strain over the supports was even greater than elsewhere. It was therefore submitted that this was not the part, the consideration of which it could be " safer to omit." The form taken by a continuous beam, when uni formly loaded, was convex over the supports, and concave between the points at which the convexity ended ; at these points of contrary flexure, the hori sontal strains were null, and the beam might then be severed, without altering its condition. The virtual length of the beam, in the Torksey Bridge was determined by the distance between the exterior support and the point of contrary flexure ; and it was to determine this point practically that the experi ments were instituted. It was shown that this point was 21i feet from the centre support, and that bailee the length of the beam was reduced from 130 feet to 108 i feet. The compressive strain upon a girder of this length, loaded as prescribed, was 4i tons per inch, being less than the limit defined. Consequently, it was asserted that the railway company to whom this bridge belonged had been deprived of its use, not in conse quence of any omission on the part of their engineer, but in consequence of the inability of the Govern ment authorities to appreciate the strength that had been provided. In reference to the application of formula to the calculation of the strength of the girders, it was con sidered desirable, in such an important case, not merely to form a general approximate notion f the strength of the bridge, but to ascertain, with all possible exactness, the nature and amount of the strains to which the structure was exposed ; and this could only be done by using a comprehensive process of calculation, which should embrace all the elements affecting the strength of the bridge. The effect of the continuity of the girders over the two openings, was carefully considered, and the nature of its effect upon the strain was explained, as deduced from the application of the most modern mathematical investigations, and it was demonstrated that the strength of the beam was thereby augmented above one-third. It was then shown, how the rules for estimating the strength of elastic beams, were rendered applic able to the case of the Torksey bridge, and the results proved that when the bridge was weighted with the load prescribed by the Government authorities as a test for its strength, the strains of compression and extension were only one-half of what competent autho rities bad stated might be safely applied. The diagrams exhibited showed the results of ma thematical calculation, as applied to the Torksey bridge girders, and the remarkable coincidence of these, with experimental results obtained by other investigators in an entirely different manner, was insisted on, as a proof of the correctness of the con clusions arrived at. It was stated, i_ due to nreplyvetoloc), that the result of a it r , emark upon re t s h u ein- c reased deflection the experiments tried by the " Cast-Iron Bridge Commission," proved that " this increase was wholly insignificant in beams of the length and stiffness of those of the Torksey-bridge. The discussion was summed up by its being stated, that, with one exception, all those who had spoken during both evenings, agreed that the formula given in the paper was empirical and not trustworthy ; that the effects of percussion and increased velocity were practically only shadowy visions ; and as it was ad mitted, that in the calculations of the Government Inspector, the effect of continuity was neglected, and as it had he?n proved, that the strain was less on the bridge than that assigned as requisite for the public safety, and that it was, in fact, amply strong, it was .evident, that the public had been wrongfully de- . prived of the use of this bridge, and the company had been prohibited from gaining the just return for the capital invested, in consequence of an incomplete investigation, and the assumption of untenable formulae. The papers announced to be read at the meeting of Tuesday, March 26th, were " Description of the Chapple Viaduct, on the Colchester and Stour Valley Extension of the Eastern Counties Railway," by Mr. Peter Bruff, Assoc. Inst. C. E.; and " On the Ma nufacture of Iron, with Experiments on the Strength of Railway Axles," by Mr. G. B. Thorneycroft, Assoc. Inst. C. E. RAILWAY INTELLIGENCE. CALEDONIAN. The directors have issued the report they intend to present to the half-yearly meeting of shareholders in London, on Thutlday next, to the following effect : " The first step of the present board, on taking office in London, was to require a statement of the bills then felling due, and the cash balance in hand. The return showed a list of bills either overdue, or falling due within a fortnight, of 74,000/., while the treasury was absolutely and literally empty, and there were arrears due fir coke, maintenance of way, rates and taxes. No provision whatever had been made for the accruing interest on debentures, nor the rents or dividends en the leased lines, lon , since de manded, and land claims still remained unsettled, for one of which engines had been seized in execution, a few hours before the change of directors took place. The members of the new board had singly, but unanimously, and upon mature consideration, resolved net to grant or renew any bills without taking the best legal opinion, and though they regretted the inconvenience that would accrue to the holders, they saw that, independently of personal responsibility, it was not by the expedient of perpetual renewals that the difficulties of the company could be wet. The opinion of eminent coun sel, both in England and Scotland, completely justified the resolution come to, and the dir ec t ors , on rece i v i ng that opinion, issued a circular to the creditors, explain. ing that while there was not the slightest intention of disputing the just debts of the company, b u t, on th e con trary, a firm determination to apply a ll th e ava il a bl e f un d s to that purpose, the practice of giving bills, as being both dangerous and detrimental, should not be cote inued. This decision was not, of course, without its difficulties, as it at once brought matters to a crisis; but your directors felt that it was only by some bold and comprehensive scheme, not by little and temporary expedients, that they conld hope to extricate the company from its unparalleled diffi culties. Though pressed by irresistible claims, such as were never perhaps paid out of revenue before, the board passed a minute appropriating a weekly sum especially to debenture interest, and have regularly paid that sum into the Bank of England to ensure its punctual payment. The revenue accruing for the last half year, upon a gross receipt of 159,5021. Os. 2d., or an average of 6,134/. 14m. per week, shows an actual deficiency (after paying interest on debentures and floating debt, but without any pay ment whatever to the leased lines) of i,423/. 14s. 10id. This, however, is partly owing to the improper payment of a dividend on the preference shares, and a sum paid to the Scottish Central Railway, as also to other sums strictly chargeable to the previous half-year ; yet allowing for these irregularities, there would still have remained only 31,6041. to meet 66,381/. of guaranteed or preferential claime. If this were assumed to be a criterion of the com pany's future prospects, it is evident that the guaranteed lines would have little to hope for; but your directors believe that, by the introduction of the strictest economy, and by devoting their whole energies to the develop. ment of traffic, they could pay a very fair, though, of course, a reduced rate of dividend to all. It is but just and reasonable, however, that the Caldonian board should have the inducement of some hope at least of a return upon the ordinary stack of the company ; and your directors feel sure that, when the real state of affairs is known, a re-arrangement of liabilities, in the interest of all parties, and under Parliamentary santion, will be agreed to." As respect the guaranteed lines, the directors state their conclusions as follows: " Upon a careful review of all the circumstances, and considering the fair right of the Caldonian shareholders to some little interest in their own property, while still conceding to the leased lines rates of profit far above what they actually earn, the directors think that a modifica tion of the guarantees, conformably to the ascertained resources of the Caledonian Company, would best con sult the interest of all parties. They believe, however, that the time has not yet arrived when the shareholders in the leased lines will listen to reasonable terms. If such an arrangement be not come to, the completion of the line must be prevented ; and the large amount of goods now lying without suf ficient shelter at Glasgow must centinue exposed to damage, the expense of which would fall upon the guaranteed lines, causing them a loss far greater than the sum required to complete the goods stations, and to enable the Caledonian to sustain the dangerous competi tion which awaits it from the opening of the Nithsdaie line in the autumn. But, further than this. the ruin of the Caledonian Company will draw after it the ruin of those leased lines, which are nearly worthless in themselves, but whose shareholders, grasping at the shadow of an impossible dividend, may sacrifice a fair return on their capital, or rather their capital itself." With regard to Bills in Parliament— " The directors intend to petitio❑ Parliament for an inquiry into the present state of the Cal.ed nion Com pany, with reference to the various Acts affecting it, and imposing liabilities beyond the power of the es,mpany to meet, and the circumstances under which such Acts were obtained; and, further, to pray that such petition be re ferred to a Select Committee of the House, with instructions to report thereon, and that all Bills affecting the Caledonian Company may be deferred until the Committee shall have reported upon the petition, when it shall be lawful for the peti tioners to bring in a Bill i❑ conformity with such report, for amending and explaining the various Acts affecting Vie company. The Caledonian interest is at present without an advocate in Parliament, but any independent Member appealed to by a shareholder would probably promote inquiry upon grounds of public interest and justice." Under the head " Traffic," the report suggests that— " The Caledonian shareholders, as a body, are pro bably not aware that, although the total expenditure on the line has been 21,1651. per mile over and above the 16,50u1. per mile, which Mr. Locke, the engineer, con siders to have been expended in the actual formation of the permanent way and the cost of the rails, the line i still; in many essential respects, unfinished, and in a state that absolutely requires further outlay." The directors conclude by a summary of their " future policy and prospects , " The directors, satisfied by their own experience of the work to be done, that frequent board meetings are necessary, have recommended an increase of one direc tor to the present number. In doing so, they have kept in mind the fact, that the ordinary stock being herd chiefly in England, it is desirable to select an English director, and without an increased number it would be difficult to secure attendance. It will, there fore, be for the shareholders to decide on the question of increasing the number of directors, as well es of the choice of a new one. It would be an advantage in refer ence to the attempts made by other companies to extort further guarantees, if the Caledonian board were represented in Parliament, provided a director otherwise qualified could be found. Residence in the North of England would also be a recommendation, but above all it is desirable that the new director shall not be a shareholder in the leased lines. Mr. Potter having lately resigned, the board, in conformity with a promise to the preferential shareholders, have elected Mr. Wheeler, who was put forward by that interest. The directors regret that a combination adverse to the interests of the Caledonian shareholders has forced upon the board the expense of issuing proxies; but it is above all things a duty which they owe to their constituents to prevent, by every po,sible means, the attempt now making to deprive the original shareholders of all interest in their pro perty. To speak, in conclusion, of the future prospects of the company is no pleasing task to your directors, and they can only state that, in the present position of affairs, all depends upon a reduction of the guarantees so recklessly given. If that reduction be made, the di rectors can yet see hope for all parties; if not, thero only remains endless litigation and certain ruin as the necessary result of the former policy and management, which has had no parallel in railway history." As regards the auditing of the accounts, the di rectors append to their report the following note : "From the great increase in the number of returns required, and the interruptions caused by the committee' of investigation, and the change of directors, it has been found impossible to audit the accounts in a proper man ner in time for the directors' report; the auditor will therefore report to the shareholders when he is prepared to do so. " GENERAL BALANCE MEET AT DEC. 31, 1849, To receipts, as per statement......... £4,720,064 9 3 Suspense account, 217/. 56. Bd.; bills payable, 335,432/. 13s. 7d; sun dry debts due by the company, 192,293/. 17s. 7ich; due to bank ers, 168,4951. 16s. 11id.; balance of revenue account (at 30th June, Cr. 14,0141. 6s. Oid.; do., at Dec. 31, Dr., 5,4231. 14s. 104 d.) 8,5901. 118. 2d. 705,030 4 11 £5,425,094 14 2i By expenditure as per statement ... .£5,326,143 11 7i Sundry debts due to the company, 73 736/. 165.5-1-d.; due by bankers, 1,1051. 15s. Id.; amount of store account, 24...041. I Is. Id. X 5.425,091. 14 22 Under the "Loan Capital Account," the sum bor rowed is stated to he, 1,292 2321. 18s. 7d. ANTIDOTE TO ARSENIC.— Last week, rather narrow escape from poisoning occurred at Sibster, near Wick, in the case of two girls who bad partaken largely of a cake baked with arsenic instead of carbonate of soda. The circumstances are these :—One of the girls, named Mary Campbell, a servant in the house of Sibster, had sent to town for soda, in order to have it baked in a cake, and on receiving the same, placed it in a press where a paper containing arsenic had previously been laid. The discovery of the error was only made by the violent vomitings which followed the eating of the poi sonous substance. Dr. Sinclair was speedily called in, when ho administered an antidote named " Hydrated Peroxide of Iron," which he happened to have beside him for the last five years, and now called into use, for the first time in that gentleman's practice. It was corn pletely sucessful, and both girls are recorriug.—Jokri 0' Groat Journal. TUESDAY EVENING, MARCH 26, 18.50 IMPERIAL PARLIAIVIENT. HOUSE OF LORDS, Alirch 25. ROYAL ASSENT. The House met to-day shortly before Four o'clock, in order that the Royal Assent might be given to several Bills. At fire minutes after four Lord Langdale, the Earl of Carlisle, and Lord Eddisbury, robed as Lord Commissioners, took their seats below the Throne, when the Commons having been summoned to the Ear, their Lordships gave the Royal Assent to the Cons didated Fund Bill, the Mutiny Bill, the Marine Mutiny Bill, the Registrar of Metropo litan Public Carriages Bill, and the Turnpike Roads and Bridge Trusts (Ireland) Bill. Their Lordships then adjourn^d during pleasure. Their Lordships re , urned shortly before Five o'clock. The Earl of RODEN presented a petition from seve ral solicitors and others, of Dublin, against a delivery of letters on Sunday. Lord STANLEY presented a petition against the abolition of a Sunday delivery of letters. The Earl of MOUNTC AS El ELL presented a petition from a Presbyterisn congregation in Ireland against the Bill for authorising marriage with a deceased wife's sister. CASE OF MR. NASH. On the motion of the Earl of GRANVILLE, the order IT culling Mr. Nash to the bar was ordered to be discharged. CHANCERY REFORM. Lord BROUGHAM presented a petition from the Equity Committee of the Metropolitan Law Association, praying for a reform in the practice of the Court of Chancery. The Noble and Learned Lord then proceeded to move the second reading of a Bill he had laid upon the table of the House, and which was calculated to carry out to a certain extent the recommendations of the petitioners, he rue sot the Masters Jurisdictions in Equity Bill. This Bill only applied to uncontested cases, cases in which there could be no manner of doubt, but cases in which under the present practice parties were exposed to all the expense of a protracted litigation before the Master, although there might be no mistake whatever. As a proof of the necessity of this measure he could relate to their Lordships cases of the greatest hardship and oppression, occasioned:not by the fault of the Judges, or of the Masters,lor of the clerks, or of the practitioners lin the court, but of the law, and of the law only. Indeed it was wonderful that under the present state of the law any person could be found who would accept the dangerous office of an executor. The Noble and Learned Lord then entered into a detailed statement of the usual steps taken in as amicable Chancery suit, every one of which was attended with enormous expense and great delay, and which, when they came on for hearing, did not occupy one minute each. The Vice Chancellor had disposed of sixty such in en hour, and yet from 2001. to 3001. had been expended in each case before it had come on for hearing. But this was only the vestibule. Well might Vice-Chancellor Shadwell say, in one of these cases, Let the usual decree go for the ruin of the estate, according to law." ,There must be something rotten in the state of things when a Learned Judge was obliged to use such language in pro nouncing his decree. The amount of the costs of these undisputed cases to which he had referred was between 2001. and 3001.; yet, notwithstanding all this expense about cases in which there was nothing to dispute, and nothing to take, the first step had still to be taken, and that was the Master's advertisement for the creditors. The parties were yet only in the jaws of the dragon. Was not that expense enough to wear down any small property? There were thown in his way impediments enough to prevent a poor man from getting io time what perhaps would have kept him alive, and spared much hardship and misery to many who were now driven to madness and ruin by the delay in their cases. " Vestibulum ante ipsum primisque in faucibus Orci, Luctus et ultrices posuero cuhilia Curse: Pallentesque habitant Morbi, tristisque Senectus, Et Metus, et malesuada Fames, et turpis Egestas, Terribiles visu formte: Letuesque, Laborque: Tum consanguineus Leti Sopor, et male rnentis Gaudia . . . . et Discordia dolmens, Vipereum crinem vittis innexa cruentis." He had the means, however, furnished to him of pre venting these mischiefs. There was a wise, judicial, experimental remedy furnished, not by the striking out of any new ides, not by founding any new court, or es tablishing any other jurisdiction, but in the healthy ap plication of an Act which had already been found to work so well, he meant the Winding-up Act. By adopt ing the principle and practice laid down in that measure the expenses of all these cases he - had stated, instead of amounting to between 2001. and 3001., would not be more than ss. In addition to the saving of all the costs, there would also be a large saving in every subsequent stage of the case. He would then proceed to show their Lordships, by a few illustrative cases from the Master's office, how the present spits m worked. In one case the costs had amounted to 7471., and it was three years and a half in the office. Another suit, after four years' de lay, had increased to the sum of 1,7001. costs ; and if what be then recommended was adopted the expense of the case would have been comparatively trifling. Another hostile suit—that of Digby—had been 15 years pend ing, and was still under judgment. He wished now to allude to the effects of the Winding-up Act, in order to show the inducement that existed for extending its provisions to such cases as he had mentioned. No less a sum than 270,000/. had been paid off under that Act in six months from the time the order was sent to the Master's office. In fourteen months debts amounting to 348,0001. out of 522,000/., and affecting no less than 600 parties, had been adjudicated upon. Since Christmas one-half of the remainder of these debts had been dis posed of, and in all probability the other half would be adjudicated upon before the end of Trinity Term. In fact, the change produced in the mode of proceeding by the Winding-up Act had been incalculably beneficial. Under the old system the adjudication on the enormous sum of 5(10,0001., to which he had just referred, would have lasted for the best part of a century. lie might mention another instance of the effect of the Winding-up Act. The proceedings commenced on the Bth Jaatiary, 1850. the debt had been already ascertained to be 110,0001., and there was not the least doubt that within a few months the case would be settled. That was the case of " Walcot v. Hope," re garding which a suit had been instituted so long as 1840. It was heard before the Chancellor, but it was found impossible to wind it up, and recourse was therefore had to a private Act to enable the court to appoint a receiver, who from some cause had neither the power to make an order nor to distribute the assets. An order was made on the Bth of January, 1850, with refer ence to this very case, which had been found so imprac ticable. The proceedings were conduoted under the Winding-up Act. The debt of 110,0001. had been as certained, and there was no doubt that before the end of Trinity Term the matter would be settled. He thought he had made out an irresistible case for the extension of the provisions of so beneficial an Act as the Winding alp Act. One part of the present system was most vicious— he meant the mode in which solicitors were paid. A man who brought talents, skill, industry to the service of his employer, and whose education bad been of an expensive kind, ought to be well paid. At present solicitors were compolled often to take steps, not only wholly unnecessary, but often dangerous to their clients. They were not allowed to charge for that for which they ought to charge, and they charged for proceedings that might well be spared. They were not allowed to charge for their labour in getting up evidence, and they were not allowed, on taxing costs, to charge for consultations, though, as respected both these points, be believed there had been seme alteration. They were obliged to draw up a long statement of many pages to the great damage of their clients, instead of a short one. Counsel had therefore to read a long statement instead of a short one, and had to be paid in proportion, and there was, alio, the charge for the engrossing clerk. He should not wonder if one branch of the profession gained, not at the expense of another, but at the expense of the client. Such was the way in which clients were fleeced by the law. As the law now stood it was the interest of the solicitor to protract the proceedings, while it was the interest of the client that they should be shortened, for the greater the delay the larger the bill. He thought the best way would be to pay the solicitor a reasonable sum for doing the work, and not make it his interest to protract the proceedings. A great improvement had no doubt been made on this head two years ago, when the Master, instead of taxing costs, in certain cases awarded a sum according to the amount and nature of the business done. That was the case in the Leases Bill, and he thought the rule might bo extended. The question of how much should be done by order and how much by bill would be better considered after the delay which he proposed. He was clearly of opinion that it would be necessary to have an Act of Parliament to make any considerable alteration in that respect. A more respectable body of men did not exist than the bulk of solicitors and attorneys, but how often did the Court see, and how much more did the Masters see, that the suit went on by the malpractices of the solicitors, and that but for these malpractices it would have been shortened long before? At present there was no power of mulcting the wrong-doer. He should pro pose to give a power to the Court, subject, of course, to the greatest guards against abuse, of throwing the bur den of the costs that ought never to have been incurred on the wrong-doer whose malpractices had created them. In conclusion, ho had only to state that he should be t o glad this t Bill, o receive the suggestions s econd reading of which he now begged to move. from any quarter with respect Lord LANGDALE would not oppose the second resding . of the Bill if it was understood that he did not thereby commit himself to all its details.—("Hear,"from Lord Brougham). If the principle of the Bill was that the expense and delay of proceedings in Chancery should be lessened so far as was consistent with justice being done to the parties, he should give it a hearty support. He agreed with the Noble and Learned Lord that the shortening the delay in the Masters' office was the first step. He could not agree in all the details of the Bill, but would reserve stating his objections for a future oc casion. With regard to the proceedings under the Wind ing-up Act, the Noble and Learned Lord should lave recollected that there was not so much occasion for con sultations in the matters to which it related as in ques tions of estate and title before the Court of Chancery. He believed, however, that some of the provisions of that Act might very properly be extended. The mode in which solicitors were paid was the root of the evil. They were often paid for services of no value, and for many important services they were not paid at all. Ho was very glad that the Noble and Learned Lord had called their Lordships' attention to the subject, and should be glad to support some plan which would remove the evils of the present system. After a few words from Lord BROUGHAM, expres sive of his satisfaction at the course taken by his Noble and Learned Friend, the Bill was read a second time. DEVONPORT HARBOUR. The Earl o GERMANS rose to move for certai❑ returns relative to the works in Devonport dockyard. His Lordship stated, that in 1833 it was found necessary thoroughly to repair the boat-basin at Devonport. In 1835 Mr. Hawker, master shipwright in the dockyard, laid before the Admiralty a statement of the defie.ei o•• of accommodation then and previously experienced, and suggested a comprehensive plan for the enlargement of the basin and the erection of additional docks. His suggestions were adopted, the works were commenced, and for ten years they were proceeded with at an ex pense of 90,0001. In 1848, however, it was proposed to abandon this magnificent undertaking, and to substitute an open basin for the basin planned by Mr. Haakes. The Admiralty so far entertained this proposition as to suspend the works, and to send down Mr. Rendell, a civil engineer of great eminence, to make inquiry and report. That gentleman, he believed, recommended that the original plan should be carried into execution; but the Admiralty were net satisfied with the opinion of Mr. Rendell, and still suspended the works. They thee sent down three commissioners, viz, Mr. Walker, Mr. Cubitt, and Mr. Rendell, who, he untlerst md, pro posed a third plan, different from the other two. That was the state of things at this moment, and he was anxious that full information should be laid before their Lordships on the subject. He did not im pute any blame t the Adroira'ty in connexion with this matter; but he wished, by obtaining the papers, to enable the House to understand the exact nature of the case. The Noble Earl then moved f,r copies of all the reports made t) the Admiralty on the subject from 1833 downward. The Marquis of LANSDOWNE had endeavoured to make himself acquainted with this matter by applying to his Hon. Friend at the head of the Admiralty. Con siderable variety of opinion, it appeared, had been ex pressed on this question by professional persons, includ ing some of the most eminent engineers in the country; and his Hon. Friend at the head of the Admiralty had therefore thought it right to refer the mutter to other professional persons, and persons connected with the office of the Admiralty, who were to report on the sub ject. In those circumstances he hoped the Noble Earl would consent to withdraw his motion till a complete view of the subject could be obtained, which would not be the case unless the report of the parties to whom he bad referred was laid on the table along with those moved for by the Noble Earl. The Eart of ST. GERMANS consented to this ar rangement, and withdraw his motion accordingly. The Marquis of LANSDOWNE moved that the House do adjourn to Thursday, the 11th of April. The motion was carried, and their Lordships ad journed accordingly. HOUSE OF COMMONS, March 25. The SPEAKER took the Chair a few minutes before Four. NEW WRIT. Mr. TUFNELL moved that a new writ be issued fur the borough of Tomes, in the room of Lord Sep mour, who has accepted the office of Chief Commissioner of Woods and Forests. The SPEAKER was then summoned to the House of Lords to hear the Royal Assent given by Commission to several Bills (for which see Lords' report). At the time of private business, Mr. LABOUCHERE moved that in every railway Bill by which it is proposed to authorise the company to grant any preference or priority in the payment ot inte rests or dividends on any shares or stock, there be in-. serted a clause providing that the granting of such preference or priority shall not prejudice or affect any preference or priority of interest or dividend which shall have been granted by the company by or in pursuance of any previous Act; unless the Committee on the Bill shall report that such provi sion ought not to be required, with the reasons on which their opinion is founded. That no railway company shall be authorised to alter the terms of any preference or priority of interest or dividend which snail have been granted by such company under any previous Act, un less the Committee on the Bill report that such alteration ought to be allowed, with the reasons on which their opinion is founded. Mr. COWAN seconded the motion. Colonel SIBTHORP would have wished to have seen some resolution brought forward to prohibit any railway company from increasing its fares, as he under stood it was the intention of some railway companies speedily to do. Mr. LABOUCHERE reminded the Hon. and Gallant Member that the Commissioners ot Railways had made a report on the subject, which was now under con sideration. Mr. B. DENISON supported the resolution. Mr. GLADSTONE merely objected to the power of granting exceptions being confined to a Committee, without some manifestations of the opinion of the whole House on the subject. There were many cases in which a Committee could not decide without the aid of Par liament. He should recommend that the Right Hon. Gentleman should frame some resolution, which would give some guide to Committees of the real opinion of the railway companies themselves on points which were to be legislated upon. Mr. LABOUCHERE said the suggestions of the Right Hon. Gentleman involved questions of such an in tricate character that it would be impossible to lay down any strict or any unvarying rule on the subject. Lord HARRY VANE thought it would be desirable to indicate to Committees what course they ought to pursue; at the same time he agreed with the Right Hon. Gentleman (Yin Labouchere), that the circum stances were so intricate as to make it impossible to ap ply one uniform rule. Mr. LABOUCHERE observed that two Bills had al ready passed Committees involving the quostion of pre ference, and it was his intention to move that they, as well as the Bills which were now bk-fore Committees, should be subject t , , his motion. The motion was then agreed to. PETITIONS. _ Mr. THORNELY presented a petition from Worces ter in favour of the County Rates and Expenditure Bill. Mr. G. DUNCAN presented a petition from Dundee, against the Marriage Affinity Bill; also a petition from Kilmarnock against Post-office labour on Sundays. Mr. BROTHERTON presented petitions from Man chester and Saliurd against the Rating of Tenements Bill. Mr. LUSHINGTON presented a petition from the ratepayers of Sr. Ann's, Westminster, in vestry assem bled, complaining of the inequality of the present land• tax ; also a petition from the Strand Union praying for an equalisation of the poor rate ; also petitions trom mem6ers of trades' unions praying for the establishment of local boards of trade, and the establishment and sup port of home colonies. Sir JAMES GRAHAM said he had a petition from two Peers—Lord Cloncarty and Lord Bradford—com plaining that one of them being entitled to a seat in the House of Lords, and the other being an elective Peer of Irelaad,ithey were both debarred from raking their seats in the House by the terms of the oath of su premacy.—(Hear, hear.) The petition stated farther that they entertain no doubt of the supremacy of her Majesty in all matters, ecclesiastical and civil, but conceiving that the terms t f an Act lately liaised, entitled the Charitable Donations and Be quests Bill, entirely contrarlicted the terms of this oath, by recognizing a new ecclesiastical supremacy in these realms, the petitioners, therefore, could no longer conscientiously subscribe to the terms of this oath, and they entreated the House to frame such relief as in its wisdom it might think fit.—(Cheers.) FACTORY BILL. Colonel THOMPSON presented a petition from Bradford in favour of the Ten Hours' Bill. Lord G. MANNERS presented eight petitions of a similar nature from the manufacturing districts. CHURCH-RATES - . Mr. KERSHAW presented a petition in favour of the abolition of church rates AGRICULTURAL DISTRESS. _ Mr. Collspresented a petition from a parish near Southampton complaining of agricultural distress, and praying for relief. SMALL TENEMENTS RATING BILL. Captain PELHAM presented a petition praying that the Small Tenements Rating Bill be made compulsory. Mr. COBDEN presented petitions in favour of the Marriage Bill, in favour of county financial boards, in favour of a system of secular education, against church rates, in favour of the extension of county courts, arid in favour of an effectual Ten Hours' Factory Bill. Mr. FORBES presented a petition against Sunday labour in the Post-office. Sir R. PEEL presented two petitions from Tamworth, one against Sunday labour in the Post-office, and the other in favour of county financial boards. Mr. AGLIONBY presented a petition in favour of the Factory Bill. Mr. F. O'CONNOR presented petitions from Glas gow Henley in Staffordshire, and other places, pray in g for the abolition of the Excise duty on paper, the adver tisement duty, and the penny stamp on newspapers. He also presented a petition from some subscribers to the National Land Scheme, praying the House not to inter fere in the affairs of that company, and stating that they had much more confidence in him (Mr. O'Connor) than in her Majesty's Ministers.—(Laughter.) Mr. P. WOOD presented a petition from Oxford against the Real Property Conveyance Bill; also w peti tion from Dorking in favour of the Affirmation Bill. Mr. BRIGHT presented a petition from Henley-on- Thames in favour of international arbitration; a l so a petition from Halifax in favo ur of app lying the funds in possession of the Established Church to national purposes. Sir DE LACY EVANS presented a petition from Westminster against the window tax. Mr. COWAN presented a petition from Dumfries against the Marriage Bill. Mr. W. J. FOX presented four petitions in favour of an efficient Ten Hours' Bill; also petitions from Derby, Wolverhampton, Amersham, and other places, in favour of a system of secular education. AUSTRALIAN COLONIES BILL. Sir W. MOLESWORTEI gave notice that, in Com mittee on the Australian Colonies Bill, he should move, as an amendment to clause 1, that the Governments o f Van Diemen's Land and New South Wales should con sist of two Legislative Houses, both Houses to be elective. Perhaps, at the same time, he might be allowed to ask the Noble Lord at the head of the Go vernment how soo n a f ter E aster he proposed to bring on the Bill ? Lord J. RUSSELL proposed to fix the same day which the Irish Registration Bill stood for. INSURANCE DUTIES. Colonel SIBTLIORP moved for an account of all sums paid into the Stamp-office i❑ Great Britain and Ireland on insurances from fire, for the quarters ending severally the 25th day of March, the 24th day of June, the 29th day of September, and the 25th day of December, 1849; distinguishing amount of allowance made to each office for collecting the same, in the country, London, Edin burgh, and Dublin, respectively, with the dates of such payments; and returns of sums insured by each ofnne on farming stock, for the name period (in continuation of Parliamentary Paper, No. 302, of Session 1849). Agreed to. BRICK DUTIES BILL. Lord R. GROSVENOR reminded the House, that on Friday, in consequence of his Right Honourable Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer not being then able to attend in his place. he asked the Noble Lord at the head of the Government to postpone the Brick Duties Bill until such time as he bad given the public to understand what the intentions of Government were with regard to the drawback. Seeing his Right Hon. Friend the Chancellor now in his place, he wished to ask him what he had determined in the matter? Perhaps at the same time the Right Hon. Gentleman would have the goodness to state when the bensfit of the repeal of the duty would come into opera tion, because at present there was great stagnation in the trade, the manufacturers fearing that if they entered upon any new bricks they would be still subject to the claws of the lion.—(A laugh.) There was another question which it was important the Right Honourable Gentleman should answer, and that was whether a clause would be introduced into the Bill to meet the case of contracts that had been entered into on the understand ing that there would be no change in the duty.—(llear.) The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said it would be for the public convenience if he should state at once what his intentions were with respect to the remis sion of the duty on bricks. First, with regard to the drawback. He saw a deputation on that subject three or four days ago. He had tried to ascertain what had been the practice of Governments with respect to a drawback on the repeal of taxes, and he found that in two cases alone had there been any drawback. Generally speaking, in such cases, drawbacks had not been made; and in no case whatever had a full drawback been allowed. Therefore, the brick-makers, with stocks in hand, would not be prejudiced to the full extent of the reduced price of bricks paying no duty. When he saw the deputation on Thursday last, some of them said it would not be reasonable to expect any great amount of drawback; and it was suggested that he should give time to the Ist of June, in order to enable parties to dispose of their stock, and then to give them a drawback on what remained. He (the Chancellor of the Exchequer) had come to the conclusion that the extension of time was most undesirable. He thought it was desirable to do at once whatever he meant to do.— (Hear, hear.) He proposed therefor* to allow at once a drawback of 50 per cent. on stock in band ; and he proposed that with respect to a ll b r i c k s to be made henceforward the repeal of the duty should be immediate. He had caused a survey to be made of all the brick-yards in the kingdom, to ascertain the quantity of stock in hand, which was being carried on with the greatest ac tivity. Amongst other applications he had received some from parties who bad just recently built houses with taxed bricks.—(Laughter)—claiming to have the repeal of the duty extended to the bricks of which they bad built their houses. He was afraid it was out of his power to relieve those parties. With respect to parties who had entered into contracts for the supply of bricks at duty paid price just before the announcement of the repeal of the duty, he would propose such a drawback as he thought would meet the justice of the case. Lord DUNCAN begged to ask the Right Hon. Baronet (the Chancellor of the Exchequer) whether he would have any objection to remit the window-tax to the same extent as that of the duty on bricks ? The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER thought the repeal of the duty on bricks of more importance. Mr. CARD WELL wished to ask the Right Hon. Gen tleman whether it was his intention to bring in any mea sure regarding the duty on coffee and chicory ? Inc CIiANUELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said that he did not entertain any idea of the sort. GREEN PARK—BRIDGEWATER HOUSE. Lord DUNCAN wished to know what steps had been taken by the Treasury with regard to the building of the wall round the garden of Bridgewater House, about witch a discussion had taken place some time ago. Since that time not only had the wall not been pulled down, but a large embankment had been raised, which was entirely inconsistent with the terms of the lease. Mr. C. LUSEIINGTON said that before the Secre tary fur the Treasury answered that question he wished to state that the wall was a great grievance to his con stituents, who would gladly see it removed. Mr. HAYTER said that after the discussion which t already taken place on the subject, he had directed the architect of the Treasury to make a report on the subject, which had not yet been presented. He could, however, state that not only had the wall not been pro ceeded with, but a great portion of it had been pulled down. With regard to the embankment, which was stated co be inconsistent with the terms of the lease, he could only say that great detriment would accrue to the public unless the terms of that lease were greatly mo dified. Lord DUNCAN gave notice that h• should move for a copy of all the documents on the subject. PUBLIC SALARIES. In answer to a question from Colonel SIIITHORP, Lord JOHN RUSSELL said that Lord Seymour had t4kea ti is office of Chief Commissioner of Woods and Forests at the same salary as it had been before held at, viz., 2,0001.; but he took this opportunity of giving no tice, that on an early day after Easter, he should move for a Select Committee to inqure into the salaries of Mem bers of Parliament, of public Judges, and of the expenses of the diplomatic establishments.—(Loud cheers.) NATIONAL GALLERY AND THE VERNON COLLECTION. Mr. EWART inquired of the First Lord of the Trea• an•y whetter it was tutendel t place the collection of paintings 'Eft to the country by the late Mr. Vernon in any part of the building called. the National Gallery? Also, whether her Mwjesty's Government adhered to the intimation made by the Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Spring Rice) to the House in the year 1834, that the part of the National Gallery now occupied by the Royal Academy was only to be retained by that body so long as it was not required for the extension of the national col lection of works of art? Lord J. RUSSELL said an arrangement had for some time been in contemplation by the Government, which he hoped they would be able to effect, though at present in a totally incomplete state; but, for the satis faction of the Hon. Gentleman and the House, he would state what the intentions of her Majesty's Government were. It was their wish that the National Gallery should be devoted to the collection of national works of art, in cluding those left by the late Mr. Vernon, as well as those left by the bequests of other persons ; at the same time, it was impossible Rot to see that, having given the Roy al Academy privileges with the view of founding a national school of art, it was not only due to the Royal Academy, but also to the country, that they should have the means of maintaining that school. Th 9 Government, therefore, thought it right to ask the 'Royal Academy to give up their part of the building, and then to propose a grant for the purpose of enabling them to find some other erection. The Go vernment also intended to bring in a Bill in the course, of the present session. The House was aware that Marlborough House had, since the death of the Quecn Dowager, reverted to the Crown, and her Majesty had been graciously pleased to declare , that for the present, and for a few years to come, that mansion might be used for the exhibition of the Vernon collection, together with other pictures which might be in a similar situation.—(Hear.) THE ELIZABETH HASTINGS VESSEL. Mr. CARDWELL said a vessel called the Elias beth Hastiegs, had recently left the port of Liverpool under very peculiar circumstance+ and the other evening the President of the Board cf Trade had made certain statements in the House respecting it, which be had been informed were entirely.without foundation. He was de. , irous, therefore, to know whether the Right Hon. Gen- , tleman would satisfy the House and the public before the holidays that the question was not yet settled against either party. Mr. LABOUCHERE replied that he directed the ne cessary inquiries to be made as to the accuracy of the, accounts which he had received on the subject, and if it should turn out that he had said anything unjust or in correct he would retraPt it. LAND SCHEME. In reply to Mr. HENLEY, Mr. U'i3ONNOR said he would avail himself of the earliest opportunity to bring in a Bill on tho National Land Scheme. Mr. HENLEY said, the Hon. Gentleman bad not an swered the question whether the Bill would be a private or a public Bill. He had only said that the Bill would be well drawn. Mr. F. O'CONNOR bad been told that it must depend upon the advice he should receive whether it would be a public or a private Bill. REDUCTION OF SALARIES. Mr. CHRISTOPHER wished to ask the Noble Lord opposite whether he intended to persevere with the Bill for the reduction of the salaries of the Judges of the Qt1031:1'8 Bench and Common Plcal, or whether it was proposed to refer it to the Committee which the Noble Lord llad given notice of. Lord JOHN RUSSELL said it would be necessary to go on with the Bill, as Lord Denman for some time past had been receiving 2,0004 a year less than his legal salary. Mr. CHRISTOPHER had understood the. Noble Lord to say that the Committee would be to inquire into the salaries of the judges, diplomatic officers, and of the offices held by Members of the House. Now, would the Committee have power to suggest reductions ? Lord J. RUSSELL said the Committee would be authorised•to name redactions, but of course the mine" tions would be prospective. COAL PIT EXPLOSION. Mr. WYLD wished to ask the Right Hon. Baronet the Secretary for the Home Department, whether it was his intention to select an inspector to investigate the circumstances attending the recent explosion, which destroyed thirteen lives. Sir G. GREY said an application had been made to him by the parties to nominate an inspector. EXTRAMURAL BURIALS.: Lord DUDLEY STUART wished to ask the Right Honourable Gentleman when he intended to introduce his measure relating to extramurisl burials. Sir G. GREY replied as early after Easter as possible. CRIMINAL RETURNS. Mr. STANFORD wished to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether instructions to the statistical department of the Board of Trade might not be given so as to insure more eomplete crimi nal returns for the United Kingdom. Mr. LA BOUCHERE admitted that the returns did not contain all the information the public ought to have on the subject, but the question of extending the returns was now under consideration. THE GOLD COAST. Mr. COBDEN understood that the extension of Bri tish territories on the Gold Coast of Africa bad been recently negotiated, and he wished to know whether an opportunity would be afforded the House of discussing the policy of that extension of territory. Lord JOHN RUSSELL was understood to gay ghat