The Sun. — London, England, 1845-04-30 00:00:00

LAW INTELLIGENCE. COURT OF EXCHEQUER, April 29. :.TRIAL AT BAR.-THE GREAT DISTILLERY CASE.I THE ATTORNEY GENERAL V. GEORGE SMITH. Mr. KELLY in continuation from our Afternoon Edition of yes. terday ) said—The other hole, which was also discovered in December, 1843, and which Drinkwater also swore did not exist in August of that year, was also made in 1824, as should be proved by the cooper who made the cover, and by the manager under whose superintendence it was made. It was intended to be squared for the admission of the dipping-rod ; but het e again the cooper made a mistake, and the manager ordered the hole to be plugged up. Batten admitted, in his evidence, that from below he could not force the ping out with his finger, so that if it were intended to use the hole for extracting spirits, the plug must be pulled out above by a screw, which would leave a mark, and make the fraud palpable to the eye. The whole suggestion was absurd, but with out relying upon any probability, he (Mr. Kelly) would prove the fact by evidence. With respect to the charge of increasing the drip for the purpose of defrauding the Crown, the jury should re. member that when Drinkwater alleged that he had discovered the increase, it was Mr. Smith himself who insisted that the sur veyor of Excise should come himself and ascertain the fact. He submitted that on the whole of the case there were, at the utmost, only grounds for suspicion, upon which the jury would not confiscate the whole property of these gentlemen, even were it not the fact, as it was, that he (Mr. Kelly) would lay evideuce before them to clear up every suspicion, and to contradict the facts upon which the greatest reliance was laid by the prosecution. For that prosecution there must be either of three motives—the jea. lousy of traders doing less business than the defendants -the anxiety of the officers to obtain their share of the penalties— or the too great readiness of the Excise authorities to give ear to their subordinates. There was only one other point to which he had yet to call their attention. The LORD CHIRP BARON asked if that point would occupy much time ? Mr. KELLY replied—About half an hour. The LORD CHIEF BARON thought the jury might be allowed to retire a few minutes before Mr. Kelly proceeded. Their Lordships and the jury aceordingly retired. 'When the Court resumed, Mr. KELLY said he was sorry to have to occupy the jury longer at this late hour. He would only call their attention to the legal facts in respect to the pipe which formed the gravest of the present charges. It was pretended that the pipe was not properly de. scribed In Mr. Smith's entry of his premises. But the fact was that the pipe and its course were fully described, according to the requirements of the Act of Parliament. It was described in the entry exactly as it traversed his premises ; but the Act of Parlia ment did not require the description to follow the course of the pipe into any other premises. This was not the moment to argue the question as to whether it was legal to have the com. munication between the distillery and the rectifying-house. But he should prove that it was not a clandestine communication—that it had been long known to the Excise—and that Mr. James Smith and Mr. George Smith both at once avowed its existence without disguise, when Cameron and Batten asked them about it. The Excise knew well that the thousands of gallons of water used daily in:the rectifying.house were supplied from the great reservoir in the distillery. In fact, it was done openly, and with the permission of the Excise. He should be able to prove that the pipe never was used for transmitting one gallon of spirits. He would call Mr. James Smith to prove that, and to prove further, that he never knew, and never thought, that spirits could be transmitted by the pipe. The Learned Gentleman proceeded to argue that under the meaning of the Act the pipe was not a " communication capable of conveying spirits." That it was not such a communication was proved by the operations of the Excise officers themselves, who failed in two experiments, after having entirely altered the con struction of the pipe, stopped off all the branches, added new tubes and pumpe, and forced in some thousand gallons of water through the pipe to prepare it for the pur pose. But what did they prove ?—that all the other business of the establishment, large and complicated as it was, must be suspended, to obtain 700 gallons of spirits with a loss of twenty cr thirty gallons. If Mr. Smith had ever once been guilty of the Laud it ain't be known to every workman on his premises, the Excise had proved that the operation could not be per formed without the assistance of persons in every part of the build. ing, and the entire suspension of every other operation. He submitted to the Court, therefore, that the pipe did not come under the meaning of the Act. The Learned Gentleman concluded with an animated appeal against what he characterised as the most extra pdtlinary prosecution ever instituted by a Government against one of Its subjects. At his conclusion there was applause in Court, which was immediately checked. He then proceeded to call wit nesses for the defence. Mr. James Smith examined by Mr. MARTIN, deposed that he was proprietor of the rectifying.house referred to in these proceed. inv The distillery was ninety years established. He commenced to take part in the business in 1813. The evidence of this witness was chiefly directed to show that the " pipe " was laid dow❑ for the supply of water from the distillery to the rectifying.house, in 182 ti, with the knowledge of the solicitor of Excise, and water the eyes of four of the principal surveying officers. The direct Examination had ❑ot concluded when the Court rose. MARKET INTELLIGENCE. (From the London New Price Current of April 29.) SeGAIL—To-day there was a good demand for bright gro cervand strong refining descriptions of West India Sugar, which fetched tully former rates, but inferior and brown qua litirs purchased sparingly. The quantity sold amount 74 to s°o blids, including a public sale of 150 blots of Barbadoes Sugar, went off with spirit at fully previous rates; that is to say, tine yellow at 535 to 56.4, and good 50a to 525, middling 47s to 49s 6d, and low 41s to 44s per cwt. ItEnNED.—To-day there was less business transacted in hoine trade goods, but on the whole we have no variation to note just now ; standard lumps are 695, and brown Limps ,67s to 083. Bonded Crushed Sugar is with difficulty to be pt,..chand under 37s per cwt. ,31AURITITTS.—Prices have suffered a further decline of Is 1 -- ,•4:wt focall qualities, excepting the best yellow and re- which brought the former value, and the lar g e parcel calvred public sale, amounting to 12,280 bags and 10 casks were all ,oisi—tine yellow at 51s to 535, good 48s to 50s, middling am: good middling 43s Oct to 47s Gd, low 401 Gd to 435, common brown 325, middling to fine 36s to 41s, low to middling grey -mss to 465, and good to fine silvery grey 47s to 5!;:i per cwt ; the quantity of brown in the sale was small. E AS T afternoon the market was largely Filpplied with Bengs Sugar; five parcels,. amounting to 8,507 bags, 129 chests, aid 12 casks, were submitted to public competition. The principal part was disposed of at full rates for white and grainy yellow, Lug date and brown kinds went at a decline of is per cwt. Mot.tibsEs.—This afternoon at public sale 55 casks of Bengal Treacle were taken in at 16i; ii r good quality, but 150 casks Madras Molasses sold at 13s fid, and 150 casks of Tamarinds at 123 to 13e 6d. ronEros.—For Brazil, Holders have been unable to obtain further advance. The private operations ,ire a cargo of brown Parabia in bags and barrels at 20s 3d ; 1,200 bags of white ParaV,a at 27s 6d ; 250 chests brown Bahia on the spot at 20s to 225, and 150 chests of white at 24s to 27s per cwt. There are many orders for yellow Havannah, and the late advanced rates are offered, theprivat.: operations are only GOO chests of low yellow at 225, and 350 chests at 23s to 26s for middling to fine quality. In white there has been little passing, for good and tine 35s to 38s being asked, and 30s to 34s per cwt for low and middling. Of Porto Rico 400 hiols have been sold at 20s 9d per cwt, deliverable over the ship's side. RwE.—Bengal is less wanted, former rates are sustained— none has been brought to public sale, and the purchases made privately have been trifling, low white at 108 6d, and mid to fine lls to 12s 6d per cwt. For Foreign East India late rates are maintained. Madras yellow is held for 9s Gd to 10s. Java white lOs 6d to 12s 6d, and yellow Os Gd to lOs Gd per cwt. COFFEE.—This afternoon Mocha Coffee met with little at tention, and 191 bales at public sale were only partly sold ; but the offers made at reduced rates were rejected. TEA.—To-day the market presented a firmer appearance for most descriptions of Tea. In Congou there was a good deal doing, common sound at 9d to 9id, good ord 10d to 10id, and Twankay good common yellow leaf is 2d to Is 3d per lb. SPICE.S.—This afternoon Pimento was less in request, and 50 bags at public sale went rather cheaper, ordinary at 2id, and very low 2td per lb. Item, BRANDY, AND HOLLANDS.—Previous rates are sus. tained for Demerara Rum of strong quality, and a good de mand exists ; 250 puns sold at 2s 7d to 2s 10d for 30 to ~; per cent over proof, but for common kinds there are very few buyers, and Is 11d to 2s 3d is the value of 10 to 20 per cent overproof. The market is dull for Jamaica, and prices still on the decline; 10 to 20 per cent. overproof 2s 5d to ',s 10d, 30 to 40 over 2s lld to 3s Gd, better quality 3s 7d to 4s, and superior 4s 2d to 4s 10d. Calcutta is 4d to Is dd for 300 casks proof, with certificate. In Leeward Island very little business done, and is 8d to is 9d is the value of proof. Brandy met little alteration, and the tendency of prices is still downwards. The market being better supplied with Geneva, prices have given way, and is 8d is the value of common export sort. British Corn Spirits remain at 10s 2d per gallon nett cash. INDIOO.—To-day some parcels of East India Indigo were sold at last sale rates, to a small advance. .SALTPETRE.—To-day there was little demand for Rough for home consumption or exportation, and the parcels offcred at public sale amounting to 1,928 bags of Calcutta were only partly disposed of at rather lower rates. Ou.s.—This afternoon at public sale 16 cannisters Oil of Cassia went at 24s 6d to 25s 6d, and 36 bottles of Oil of Cin namon 5s per oz. T.I LLOW. —There has been a large business transacted in Russian Tallow on the spot; the moderate rates that prevail causing soapmakers and chandlers to get more into stock, but holders are yet free sellers, and have taken 37s 9d to 383 3d for . P. Y. Candle of first quality, and 309 3d to 37s 6d per cwt for other kinds. For forward delivery the transactions are upon a more extended scale, but not at better prices; for the last three months of the year many contracts hare been entered into at 38s to 383 3d per cwt fur P Y Candle of first quality. Town Tallow is 38s to 39s per cwt nett cash, but the supply is on the increase. NOBLE DEFENCE BY CHILDREN.—On Wednesday night week, a man entered the house of a farmer, nearLongto o r r i n , in the ab sence o f the occup i er, who h a d not returned tr market, and who had left the house in possession of his several children, the eldest being twelve years old. The stranger was about to examine the center cupboard, when the little band of 111. fantile heroes rose up in arms, and loudly expressed their deter mination to slay the robber on the spot. The mats, bellied in his search for money, was about to enter an inner room, when the girl nimbly stepped before him, and shut the door, setting her slender form against his entrance with the resolution of a gLantt and when the istruder introduced his finger into the hole to lift the latch, the re-solute girl inflicted a severe cut upon it. The pain of the wound made him suddenly withdraw the member, and when the poor girl, unable longer to bear the separation from the children, made her appearance, the cowardly ruffian felled her to the earth with the weapon itt his hand. When the children saw their sister lying bleeding, and, as they supposed, killed outright, they raised such an alarming cry as sent the burglar with the candle in his hand to the door, to reconnoitre the premises. The boy of four years, observing this, ran and shut the door, and In 'ding down the latch, called out to the rest for assistance, who forthwith came and pressed the door fast with a spade, and shut out the robber. The man next went to the back part of the house, and endeavoured to force an entrance by a window. The bold juveniles inside now rushed to defend this new point of attack, and, each armed with a formidable weapon, such as axe, spade, hook, loudly defied the robber to his te e th, w h o, finding himself lolled in every attempt to obtain motley, and feari ng t h e return of the farmer, withdrew.—Provincial Paper. TriE VICTORIA PARK.—Since the commencem en t of the present favourable weather, a considerable numb er of men have been employed in marking out the lines for the several roas, and drives, and in planting young trees on the inten-led Victoria Part;, and also in making preparations for the approaches from the metropolis. The well.known hall, called Bishop Bonner's Hall, has heen completely levelled with the ground, and the several fields adjoining between it and Bethnal-green have been thrown open. A cross the latter, two lines of road, each 50 feet in width, have beenformed in diagonal directions, one leading from Be.thnal. green to enter the l'ark over Bonner's-hall-bridge, and the other to form a continuation of a new road from Catnbridge-hcath-gate. It is also intended to erect terraces on three of the angular divisions of these fields, leaving that portion of them en the Eastern side in front of the new church of St. James the Less open for an orna mental promenade. The road from Bethnal - green to Wick, where the River Lea forms the Eastern boundary of the Park, is last progressing towards completion, and we understand that it is intended to purchase Sir George Duckett's Canal, immediately running cm the south, with a view to lay out a portion of the Park informing ornamental pieces of water, which can amply be sup pleid at all ti, ea of the year from the canal. IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. HOUSE OF LORDS, April 29. Their Lordships met shortly before Five o'clock. The Bishop of LONDON presented twenty-tw petitions, praying the House to discourage the sale of intoxica ing liquors on the Sabbath. The Duke of RICHMOND brought in a Bill o repeal so much of the Turnpike Act of Scotland as pe milted toll keepers to sell spirits and beer. Th eßill was read a first time. MAYNOOTH. Lord STANLEY presented a petition from the High Sheriff of Bedford in favour of the increased grant to Maynootb. The Duke of BUCKINGHAM gave notice that on Tuesday next he would put a question to the Government relating to the power of the chaplain of prisons to keep and conceal from the visiting justices the confession of condemned criminals. CHURCH BUILDINGS ACT AMENDMENT BILL. The Bishop of LONDON moved th 3 second reading of the Bill for amending the Acts relating to the building of churches. Lord CAMPBELL wished to know if the Bill contained any provisions relating to the law of mortmain. The Bishop of LONDON was understood to reply in the negative. The Bill was then read a second time. Lord STANLEY, in the absence of a Noble Friend, brought up the amendments on the Customs (Import Duties) Bill. He trusted that the discussion, if any, would be taken on the mo tion for going into Committee. The Duke of RICHMOND did net wish to embarrass the Government, but he at the same time would enter his protest against the principle of this Bill, and most assuredly oppose the further progress of the measure at a future stage. On the motion of Lord STANLEY the Auction Duties Bill was read a second time. The Earl of CHICHESTER presented several petitions from places in England and Ireland against the grant to May nooth. He did not concur in their prayer. The Marquis of BREADA LBANE presented numerous petitions to the same effect. RAILWAY ENCROACHMENTS. Lord BROUGHAM wished to call the attention of the House to a petition which he was about to present from Perth, setting forth that there was in the neighbourhood of that town a wide apace of ground on the banks of the Tay, which conduced much to the enjoyment, and re creation, and health of the numerous inhabitants. In consequence of the lowness of the grounds, fogs prevailed, and the people attributed the healthfulness of their city to the exercise and fresh air afforded by this beautiful plain. It was called South Inch, and was mentioned w ith admiration by the Roman historians, and we were told that when the Roman veterans came within sight of Perth they were struck with its resemblance to their own eternal city— which, by the by, was in their time an eternal pest.—( A laugh.) He would not say what it was now—the Roman soldiers exclaimed " ecce Tiber, ecce Campus Martius !" That plain, which the Romans likened to their own Campus Martius was the one to which the petition referred. A change was about to come on it—a land change.—( A laugh.) There was a railway company that had taken a liking to one-half of the ground.—( Hear.) It might be supposed that the magistrates would protect the petitioners. But, no, the magistrates were railway speculators, and all the rich people of the town hart shares in the railway, so that the poor inhabitants of Perth looked only to their Lordships for protection. The railway people were sure to succeed far they had the Board of Trade in their favour. However one favourite of the Board was thrown overboard that morning.— ( A laugh.) He hoped their Lordships would prevent this encroachment. He hoped the petitioners would have the protection of the Noile Duke opposite, who, when there was an attempt made to enclose a part of Hyde Park, came down to oppose the project, and it was given up. When Sir Robert Walpole was a•lsed what it would cost to enclose the Parks, he replied " Three Crowns." He hoped the House would extend the principle to the park of the petitioners, which was as valuable to them as Hyde Park to the metropolis. The NOBLE and LEARNED Loan then presented a petition from Devonport, again-t the grant to Maynooth, and from the tailors, shoemakers, butche:s, bakers, and others from Bermond sey, against the Debtors and Creditors Bill ST. ASAPH AND BANGOR. The Bishop of BANGOR presented a number of petitions in favour of Earl Powis' 8.11 against the union c.f those Sees. Lord AIONTEAGLE took that Opportunity of giving no ice that he would, OD a future day, move that the second recommendation of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners should be adopted instead of the third The second recommendation was that the emoluments of the suppre,sed see should b, applied to increas,-, the incom, s of the poor clergy of the diocese. The third recommendation was that they should be applied to augment the ep'scoi:al fund ; but he con sidered such an application of them unnecessary now, as the episcopal fund had increased since the report of the Commis sioner=. he Marquis of CLANRICARDE asked would his Noble Friend bring fore ard the motion upon the second reading of the Noble Earl's (Powis ) 13:11 on Friday ? Lord AIONTEAGLE said that he would take whatever course the Heinle might deem most convenient. The Marquis of LANSDOWNE was understood to suggest that the motion might be brought ler wa.d as an amendment, and to ask the Noble Duke opposite what course he would think most convenient. The Duke of WELLINGTON sail that the first question w ou ld b e , that the 13il1 be read a second time ; and if that was affirmed, that the Bill be committed. Lord AlON'f EAGLE asked, whether he might not move the insertion of his amendment as a clause in the Committee ? Lord STANLEY sail if the 11.11 were affirmed there would he two bishoprics, and the 1 repositioe of his: Noble Friend (Lo: d Alenteagle) would fall to the ground, as there would be no funds to carry it into effect. Lord CAM PBELL hoped the proposition of his Noble Friend would be affirmed, in consequence of the extreme poverty of the Welsh curates. Lord ELL EN BO It 0 LIG H. considered Wales and England all one country, and that we should not deal with the question otherwise than as affecting the whole National Church. Lord POWTS said that it was for the purpose of placing the Welsh Church on the footing of the National Church that he, as a Welshman, had thought it his duty to introduce his Bill. Lord BELHAVEN presented several petitions against the grant to Maynooth. OATHS DISPENSATION BILL. Lord DENMAN moved the second reading of this Bill. He said the Bill was founded on a petition which he had presented to the llou:e on a former occasion, from an individual who had refused to take an oath before the Commissioners of Bankruptcy from conscientious scruples, in ernisequence of se Inch he was imprisoned, and had now been in prison for three years, and might be kept there all his life. The case, therefore, was one which stood en singular and pecu liar grounds. His Noble and Learned Friend en the Wool sack thought it a case deserving of attention, and as he (Lord Denman) had more time to spare after circuit than his Noble and Learned Friend, he undertook to bring in the Bill. The person to whom he alluded was ready to state all he knew, and thee Commissioners and the creditors thought he was acting with perfect good faith, and was ready to make every disclo sure for the satisfaction of the judge and the creditors, but the Commissioners had no power to receive his statement till he came and made them on oath. From this short statement he did not think that their Lordships would have any hesitation in applying a remedy. He intended to give the Commissioners a power of receiving statements without the accompaniment of an oath, when they were satisfied that the refusal to take the oath arose from religious scruples, and not from pretended scruples, for the purpose of concealing the truth. He intended that the same penalty should apply to the person who made a false statement as to the person who was guilty of perjury. The Earl of DEVON suggested that it would be better to make provision for the examination of bankrupts by declaration instead of leaving it to the discretion of the Commissioners to say whether the objection to the taking of an oath of any person were conscientious or not. Lord DENMAN entirely agreed in the suggestion of the Noble Lord. He thought it was highly desirable that the de claration should be substituted for the oath in all bankruptcy and insolvent courts. Lord CAMPBELL expressed his concurrence in the object of the Noble Lord, and he trusted the House would give its sanction to the Bill. If the individual who had been alluded to had declared himself to he a Jew, a Separatist, or one of any other sect who objected to oaths, his word must have been taken, and he would have avoided all he had suffered. The Earl of WICKLOW said that lie coult not but express his objection to the principle of this measure. He thought that this Bill, which was but a portion of the larger measure, and it was, if possible, more objectionable than the larger mea sure. The principle was the same, and the more suspicious, as it was put forward to claim what it might not be unwise in itself to grant ; but when that was granted, it would be impossible to resist the larger encroachment. He had no objection to abolish oaths altogether, and they ought not to extend this provision to the Courts of Bankruptcy, and not to other Courts. Why, if the liberty were granted to declare and not to take oaths before the Commissioners in Bankruptcy, on what ground was the same privilege to be re fused in any other Court? He (the Earl of Wicklow) was ready to abolish the custom of taking oaths in all cases where it possibly could be abolished, and not to confine the applica tion of the principle to any particular party or sect, and con ceiving that the principle as it was then advanced was likely to be mischievous, he should resist it. It was only the same principle that the Noble and Learned Lord had brought for ward and supported by the same arguments, session after ses sion, and without taking the sense of the Ifouse upon it, and as he (the Earl of Wicklow) had opposed the principle of the ge neral measure, so he should resist it as it now stood before the House. Lord BROUGHAM could assure his Learned Friend that even the Judges were not prepared to say that even in such a grave matter as the sanctity of an oath there was not that pro tection that. was necessary, even with the terror of a prosecu tion fur perjury in prospect. But they were not now discuss ing the case of a witness, but one of a rather ano malous character, namely, the position of a bank rupt in the Bankruptcy Court, under the present bankruptcy laws, which was the case of a man called upon to give evidence against himself for having committed a certain offence (for bankruptcy was looked upon by the laws as an offence), and he was called upon to account for his property, how much it was, and what had become of it ; therefore it was an anomaly to subject the bankrupt to the form of an oath, although he would still be liable to the consequences of perjury. The Duke of WELLINGTON said that ha wished to sug gest that a general declaration should be sub,tituted instead of the oath, and was desirous that ilia second wading should be postponed for that purpose. According to the suggestion of the Noble Doke, the order of the day was discharged. BAIL IN ERROR BILL. On toe motion of the LORD CHANCELLOR, the Bail in Error Bill was read a second time, and went through Com mittee pro forma. AUCTION DUTIES BILL. Earl DALHOUSIE moved thu second reading of the Auc tion Duties Bill. Upon the question that the Bill be now read a second time being put, Lord BROUGHAM said that this was the only part of the budget that he did not exceedingly approve of. He thought it a very unwise and ill-c3nsidered measure, and that it pro ceeJed upon an erroneous view of the subject. Nobody had objected to the existence of this tax, and nobody felt gratified for its repeal. The Bill required that the auctioneer should always have his licence in his pocket, and any Excise officer might call upon him to produce it, and it lie did not immediately do so or pay 101., and it might so happen that he had rot the 10/. either, he would be liable to be sent to prison for a month. The Bill was still mere objectionable in its provisions relating to distress for rent. The Bill allowed any person to distratn and sell tha goods by auction, provided the rent was under 20/, This remission of the auction duty was one of the re liefs which was the consequence of the property-tax, and he was bound to mention this instance, because it deeply im plicated a certain department which he should not mention. It did not reflect on the Government, but he should hand them the paper which he held in his hand, in order that the Government might take the proper notice of it. He should state the circumstance as a warning to the property tax commissioners in every part of the country, that Parlia ment would visit such gross carelessness as was evinced e wasentin this lile c a i s la n n re diers T s h i e lop e t i o circumstance purchase some t e h a is e : — w a iti ; eritssonhiwgehnetst i'a into d th w a h t en it he w g as ot i f y l r o a lli p e p , ed to u h p is e i x n eee a d p in ie g ce sur oi found p tr r i i fl ie in , g h a e rticle, an THE SUN, LONDON, WEDNESDAY EVENING, APRIL 80, 1845. paper on which was written the signed return and statemen of gross amount and the net income of the trade and profession of a gentleman residing in his own district—a paper which ought to have been sacred from every eye except those of the Commissioners for levying the tax. He (Lord Brougham) conceived this to be an act of such gross careless ness, as to amount to malversation of trust—a degree of care lessness, which, unless he had seen it, he could not have con ceived. With these observations he should hand this paper to the members of the Government.—Here the Noble Lord walked up towards the Lord Chancellor and returned to his place with a paper in his hand, and then, addressing the Noble Lord opposite, sa►d he hoped his Noble Friend would never be guilty of a greater irregularity than handing a paper to the Lord Chancellor, who was the Chairman of the House of Lords, and if he should, he would be visited accordingly.— (Laughter.) But with regard to the question now before their Lordships, he had known an instance of a person who was about to purchase a villa ; but he was told that the owner had returned as nothing to the Income-tax Commissioners, and was about to become bankrupt, and therefore he had better have nothing to do with it. He knew another instance of a friend of his, who had lost many thousands a year of his property by the effects of the war ; but he durst not disclose that, lest he might be ruined by it. Those were facts which he thought it would be well to bear in mind, in the event of the renewal of the income-tax after the expiration of the present period. Lord STANLEY concurred in much that had fallen from his Noble Friend opposite; but the observations of his Noble Friend applied only to one or two particulars of the Bill, and not to its principle. His Noble and Learned Friend thought that it would have a tendency to lower the character of the auctioneer. But that could scarcely be the effect when it raised the licences of the lower class of auctioneers to 101. Certainly, if the amount of licence had anything to do with raising or lowering the character of the auctioneer, the Bill would have the effect of raising the character. His Noble and Learned Friend objected also to the clause requiring the auc tioneer to produce his licence at any auction, if required, or to deposit 10/. Lord BROUGHAM said that he objected to the enforce ment. Lord STANLEY said it could be no more hardship to an auctioneer than to the sportsman to produce his licence. But these were details that could be considered in Committee. The Bill was then read a second time. On the motion of Lord STANLEY the Colonial Passengers Bill was also read a second time. The House then adjourned to Friday. HOUSE OF COMMONS, April 29. There being but twenty nine Members present at Four o'clock, the House adjourned, being the first time this session that there has been " no House." RAILWAY COMMITTEES (YESTERDAY.) Group X. (Continued from our Afternoon Edition of yesterday.) LONDON AND YORK RAILWAY. Mr. Sergeant WRANQMAhI opened the case for the promoters of this line. He entered,into a detail of the course that the line is intended to take. The whole length of the line with branches was between 327 miles and 32.5 miles. The main line from London to York was 155 miles, and the line which was called the loop, from Peterborough to Bawtry, was 86 miles. The Wakefield branch was it), the Sheffield Branch 21 miles, the Stamford Branch 4% miles, and the branch to Bedford, from a place called Potten, north of Biggleswade, 71/8 miles. The space that the proposed railway would accommodate was nearly 4,500 square miles, con taining 2,840,000 acres of the most productive part of the kingdom. The annual amount of produce of this portion of the country was six millions and a half. This was the amount exported, and the amount imported was 4,300,000/. a year, thus making the traffic on both 10,800,000/. The present cost of conveyance was, for exports 440,0001, a year, and imports 720,000/., making together 160,000/. This line would be the means of reducing the 444,0001. to 180,000/., and 720,000/. to 350,000/. This was for goods traffic alone. The amount for passengers paid now was about 435,0001. a year, ani this sum would be reduced by the construction of the present line to 183,0001., being a saving of 250,000/., or a total saving of 880,000/., or equal to a saving of 245, for every man, woman, and child, rich and poor, young and old, residing in the districts. The Learned Counsel was proceeding with his speech when the Speaker was announced to be at prayers, and the Committee adjourned till to-morrow. Group B. LEEDS AND WEST RIDING JUNCTION. (Continued from our Afternoon Edition of yesterday.) Mr. Pawson a cloth manufacturer of Farnley, about four miles from Leeds, gave corroborative testimony. Mr. William Watson Greenwood, a millosvner, at Bank-top, id the township of North Bireley, near to Bradford, stated, that the West Riding line would be a great accommodation to the mill. owners of that district. Mr. W. Cheesebow, a woolstapler, at Bradford, consumed 10,080 sacks of wool annually. The West Riding line would in his opinion facilitate the trade and traffic of the district. Bradford had a population of 80,000, which was rapidly increasing. It was the emporium of worsted, and midit he looked upon as the Man chester of Yorkshire. Mr. W. Walker, another wooldealer of Bradford, gave similar testimony, and said the line would be a saving to Bradford of 20,000/. in coals alone. Mr. C. Kaye gave corroborative testimony, Mr. J. R. Ralph, a magistrate of the West Riding, proved that the proposed station of the Wrst Riding Company in Halifax was infinitely superior and better situated than the one which the West Yorkshire Company intended to erect. Mr. John Waterhouse, and Mr. 'P. Danson, both of Halifax, concurred in the opinion of Mr. Ralph. Mr. Ashton Haben, a mill-owner of Sowerby-bridge, said the West Yorkshire line would not benefit that place ia the least. He was induced to entertain this opinin by the fact that the popu lation already had the advantage of a railway, turnpike-road, and a canal. Mr. S. H. Walker, of Stainland, said the population in the neighbourhood of Copley Bridge amounted to upwards of 15,000, who preferred the West Riding line to the West Yorkshire. Mr. Walter Smith, of Chant, gave corroborative testimony. Mr. Anderton, a worsted-spinner, of Cleckheaton, said the West Riding line would be a great convenience to the district with which he was connected.—The Committee then adjourned. Group 0. TRENT VA RAILWAY. (Continued from our Afternoon Edition of yesterday.) Mr. COCKBWIN opened the case for the promoters of the Bill. The proposed line was intended to run hum Stoke, the centre r.K the Potteries, to Basstord, a distance of twelve miles and three furlongs. The expense of the line would be 260,000/., and tables of the estimated traffic would be laid before the Committee. It would be proved that the cost of conveying the staple goods of the Potteries to Liverpool would be diminished by thirty-three per cent. There was only one tunnel along the line, and that only of six hundred yards long. The steepest gradient was only 1 in 100, which was not one of a formidable character. The Trent Valley Company had entered into conditions to extend the proposed line by making a line from Stoke to Staf ford. He had no doubt but the Trent Valley Company would per form the conditions they entered into, and when the whole line was constructed it would afford the greatest advantages to the Pottery districts. There would be a traffic on the line which would afford a good remunerative profit to the promoters of it. Evidence wad then adduced confirmatory of the statement made by counsel, after which the Committee adjourned. Group V. HULL AND GAINSBOROUGH, AND GRIMSBY 'AND SHEFFIELD JUNCTION LINES. The Committee on this group sat this day at twelve o'clock, and some preliminary objections having been disposed of, Mr. HOPE said he would now proceed with the statement, for he believed that his having varied preliminary objections was no waiving of his right to state what the merits of his case would be. In laying this statement before the Com mittee he would take care to make as few observations as possible, and to confine himself entirely to facts, and to a description of the evidence he would adduce in support of this project, and then it would be for the opposing parties to refute the evi. dence by evidence to contradict his facts. He begged to observe that if ever there was a case in which counsel need do no more than confine himself to a statement of facts, it was this, for the project proposed to run a line of railways through what he would call a virgin county, and therefore if the Committee should be of opinion that a railway was necessary in that county, he hoped to show that the proposed line would be the most convenient and useful ; but at present there was not one at all in it. The map presented a number of beautiful meanderings of railways which did not exist, for the only line now existing in the north of Lincolnshire was the Hull and Selby line. But so great was the want of the projected line felt by the people in that county that they had often to traverse a distance of from fifteen to thirty miles to get on the Hull line, and after having traversed a circuit of nearly 100 miles, they often found themselves in the same latitude as when they left home; and they had no mode of communication by water. The county was bounded by four rivers; but the interior had no water mode of transit except by one river, which traversed a great circuit, until it eventually got into the Eyre and Caldon Canal, and even that was often interrupted. On these grounds then, he was warranted in saying that this county was at present a virgin county. The diz trict was essentially an agricultural one, and had not only an ahem. dant population, but it provided food for the dense population of ' Sheffield and Wakefield, and therefore Lincolnshire found its markets for its produce of the first necessaries of life in these two great towns. Then, in the north of Lincolnshire there was no coal ; and at the other places touched by the line, namely Brigg and Castor, the present cost of coal was from 16s. to 17s. per ton ; but if the proposed lines be made, that article could be laid down for 98. 7d. per ton at the two parts of the line. He would not go into further details as to the amount of traffic, as they would have it from the witnesses; but he would just say this, that in the month of March last 73,000 quarters of corn had been sold at Brigg. Upon the roads at present in existence the quantity of cattle driven along was enormous, and the beasts were often very much deteriorated by the journey, and thus the Yorkshire feeder would be able to undersell the Lincolnshire. He would now direct at tendon to the line of coast along the Humber, and the east of the county. The vast quantity of fish taken at that coast was sent to the West and to London, and would therefore be of great importance if there was a rapid mode of transit afforded for this articleof food. Then, as to affording facilities for sea-bathing, it would be of great benefit and convenience to a num. ber of persons in the middle classes to have a facility by railroad of getting at a place near Great Grimsby called Claythorp, to which there was no ixode of conveyance now but by coach, which was very expensive. The Humber had a very fine har bour, which was well sheltered, and in which a very large trade was carried on, and, therefore, it would be very important that foreign ships coming into that harbour on the south side should have some quick mode of transit for their cargo into the interior of the country ; and that woull be given by the proposed line. This want was particularly felt at Great Grimsby; but thes.e was now a Bill before Parliament for the improvement of the bar.. hour, and if that Bill should pass, then this project would become the more necessary. If the Committee looked at the map they would see that a place called Gainsboreugh was in the centre of several railways, some of which had been completed, and others were projected. To the south there was a line from Sheffield to Gainsborough ; and to the north there was another, which also terminated at the same place; and the line from Tiverton to Gai.shorough was a projected line. The Learned Counsel then read a passage from the report of the Board of Trade, in which approval was expressed of the line from Swinton to Gainsborough. He then went on to say, that from Gains borough the line would go through the populous village of Caistor, a place in which there were markets and quarter sessions held. Then the line went on to Brigg, a great coal depot, thence to the south, near Castor, and ended at Market Raisin, which was also a market town. The line then took s northern route by New Holland to Hull, by which mute the mails were now sent. Re turning thence from New Hollarhi, it went on to Great Grimsby, thus effecting two great objects, .lamely, a certain junction of line from west to east, and the connexion of the manufacturing with the agricultural districts; and a vast .amount of ace.ommoda tion to five out of six market towns. Thus the Committee would see that this project brought into connexion the east and west and north and south districtsofcountry now without any line of railroad, by doienclg, aanwdabyy w sv i h tb ich th a e n n im ee m es e s n it se saving of o lo f n ti g m d e is w ta o n u ce ld s be no e asnhdemaffoledingth Q most extensive accommodation between Grimsby and y saying that publi c tra velled. The Learned Counsel w of er L e i u nc n o a i n n i , mo a u t landowners in the county , p reside s Report of the Board of little Y arborough, or o o neof f m ee t ings lireemded had , been and held tho i s n e the in meetings n n g t county eluded by say sly wh in ich favo ur damage the w private r a i r v g a e t s e t tional recommendation, that it di d project, which had this addl. property ; that it had no heavy work upon it, and but one tunnel of 1,100 yards. There were a great number of level cross ings, which were unavoidable, but the evidence would show that the roads to be crossed would not be materially injured The line would have a double set of rails as far as Brigg, and the three ether branches would be single; but care would be taken that they should be made double in the event of the traffic re quirirrg it ; and the line through the tunnel would be a double line. The whole length of the line, from Gainsborough to Grimsby, would be tbirty.eight miles; the Market Raisin branch fourteen miles ; and that to New Holland seven miles; and the estimated cost of the whole had been set down at 600,0001. He believed there would be some opposition to the line ; but the pe•itioners opposed it upon some matters of mere petty detail, such as the opposition of the owners of bridge and ferry tors, &c., and also a petition from the Trent Navigation Company. There were also petitions from Lord Scarborough and Mr. Tuttell, whose land would be invaded; and one from the Rev. Mr. Wiliam, whose petition was of a rather amusing character. With those observa tions he would now proceed to call his witnesses, Mr. Christopher was the first witness called. He was a large landed proprietor in Lincolnshire. The general feeling of the people in Great Grimsby was decidedly in favour of the project. Has property in the neighbourhood of Louth. There was a county meeting at Lincoln which was unanimcusly in favour of the project. There were about 15,000 at the meeting, and the petition was signed by the sheritt To the CffAlßMAN—There was no resolution as to the Hull and Gainsborough line proposed at the meeting. Crogs.examined—The meeting was called upon a general re quisition to the Sheriff, to consider the merits of the various projects. _ . . Mr. Dynecourt attended meetings at Castor and Grimsby, which were in favour of the whole project. It would be an unspeakable benefit to the whole district. Mr. George F. Heneage was present at all the public meetings held in favour of this project from Grimsby to Gainsborough. Was also at the county meeting. At the Castor meeting there was considerable difference of opinion as to the exact route of the line. After a great deal of discussion the feeling was unanimous that some line should be made. Lord Yarborough presided at the meetings at Castor and Grimsby. Mr. Edw. Ileneage, M.P. for Great Grimsby, was present at the meetings alluded to; was quite In favour of the project now before the Committee; believes it would be of the greatest ad. vantage to that part of the country. Cross-examined — The population of Grimsby is about 7,000. The object in getting a line to Grimsby is to open a line of com munication with the manufacturing and coal districts ; the former for the purpose of facilitating the exports. The docks now at Grimsby are capable of being used, but are not, by reason of having no mode of internal transit by rail. The prospectus for the improvement of the docks laid down an estimate for 300,000/. Cannot say that the scheme has failed from inability to raise funds ; never heard that the effort to procure the capital had relaxed ; coals could not come down the Humber cheaper than by the proposed line. Mr. Thomas .1. Dixon—ls a large landed proprietor In Lincoln shire. The general feeling is in favour of this project. It would be of great benefit to the farmers. Mr. Thomas Greenwood, accountant at Manchester, gave evi dence as to the traffic for fourteen days in December last, between Grimsby and Sheffield, having stationed parties at different parts along the line ; the remit of his calculations was, that 100,659 foot passengers, 193,732 horse passengers, 24,171 coach passengers, and 96,732 water passengers, were found to be the average number for one year that passed at various distances; the traffic by waggon carts, of various articles, amounted in the gross to 43,462 tons in one year, going various distances ; this included coals, iron, timlaer, fruit, vegetables, &c. The gross estimated income of all this traffic for passengers was about 31,0001., and for commercial articles, cattle, and general merchandise, &c., over 43,0001 , giving about seven per cent. on the estimated capital of the proposed line, which was 601,000/. After the witness had undergone a long cross-examination, the Committee adjourned. Group E. NEWCASTLE AND BERWICK RAILWAYS. The case of the Newcastle and — Berwick Line of Radw . ay was opened by Mr. Kilwurd. He argued that a direct communication would be formed thereby between London and Scotland, that it WB3 unopposed by the whole of the landholders, and would open new coal-fields. The first witness called was Christian Aldows, a merchant in Newcastle, whose evidence went to prove the advantages which the trade of Newcastle would derive from it. Mr. KENNEDY, who appeared in opposition to the proposed line, and in favour of the proposed Northumberland Atmo spheric line of railway, cross-examined the witness, for the purpose of showing the great disadvantages which would accrue from the line passing on a viaduct through the town of Newcastle, and that Its existence would prove perni. cious to the trade at North Shields. John Shiel was then examined, and said that the traffic from London to Carlisle would be greatly increased by the formation of this line to the quay at Newcastle. The trouble and expense attending the conveyance of goods would be greatly lightened, and consequently the town of Newcastle would derive enormous advan tages. Mr. KENNEDY, in his cross-examination of the witness, tried to elicit from him that this line would render inconvenience to the greater number of warehouses ill Newcastle, but failed. Mr. Ralph Parke Philipson was then examined, and corrobo. rated the statements made by the former witnesses. He st.ted, that when the proposition was considered by the town council of Newcastle, not one member out of 54 were in favour of the op position line, the Northumberland Atmospheric Railway. After hearing a few more witnesses in favour of the line the Committee adjourned. THE BERKS AND HANTS RAILWAY. The Bill for tin.; Railway was taken into consideration in Group G and G 9.. this day at two o'clock, by the Committee, composed of the Hon. T. H. Lidd.,ll, Chairman ; Mr. Christopher, Sir E. Hayes, Mr. Entwisle, and Mr. H. R. Yorke. Mr. Austin, and Mr. R. Gurney appeared for the Railway. Mr. Whateley op_ posed it on behalf of Mr. Fowke, of Midghaim. The object of the Bill is to make a railway from the Reading station of the South- Western Railway to Newbury, and also to Hungerford, with a branch, southward from Reading to Basingstoke, the length of the line being •';',9 miles, and the estimated cost 400,001111. and the supposed return 40,0001. a year. In reply to Mr. GURNEY, Mr. Brunei, who is the engineer of the line, stated that there were rie tunnels, and th.it the gradients were easy, and the cost of construction small, while the returns were sure to be considerable, and the advantages of opening up a better comm inic.ition with the port of Southampton very great. In reply to Mr. WIIATELEY, Mr. Brunel stated that his reason for not carrying the railway nearer to the Kennet Canal, as was de. sired by some of the landed proprietors, was the crookedness and consequent inconvenience of the line of the canal, but in corn. pliawe with the wishes of Mr. Fowke, a large landed proprietor, a considerable deviation had been made from the original line, in order to avoid the severance of a portion of his property. The Company had made as great a deviation to effect this object as they possibly could, and every care had been taken to provide for the irrigation and drainage of the meadow land through which the line passed. Mr. Saunders, Secretary to the Great. Western Railway, stated that to the best of his belief the whole of the wishes of Mr. Fowke, over whose land he had been with Mr. Brunel anti that gentleman, had been complied with. The Bill sought a power to raise 330,000 E of which 300,000!. had been subscribed for. The deposit was 15,000/., and the whole of the list of Shareholders had been properly specified in the schedule. There was but one shareholder locally interested in the line, and his shares amounted to 0 0,000/. There were two other shareholders interested for similar amounts. In reply to Mr. PARKES, the solicitor, of Great George street, who opposed the line, Mr. Saunders stated that the Great Western Company never had dropped any portion of their lines, and with respect to the only portion regarding w hi ch such a supposition could be entertained, via., the Trowbridge and Blandford line, the fact was that branch had been su ffered to drop in conse q ue nce ' of the peculiar circumstances of the ti me, but that branch had been renewed, and not only renewed but extended. Mr. Saunders said that Mr. Fowke had asserted that if the line was taken which was now laid out, he would not oppose the line, and he sup. posed that Mr. Fowke would come there rather as a supporter than as an opponent of the line. Mr. AUSTIN said that was the whole of the case for the Com. parry, and unless the Committee desired it he would offer no further evidence. Mr. , WHATELEV, on behalf of Mr. Fowke, said that that gen tleman had had the misfortune to purchase a very beautiful estate in Berkshire about two years ago, and now, when he had hail time to spend hi s money and get attached to the place, the Railway Company came and went right through the whole of it. On this estate there were some very beauti ful water meadows, and .. irrigation, sev era l peat-fields, the former requiring considerable.rrigation, for whi c h th ere were, under existing circum stanc e s, p eculi ar advantages, and the latter requiring a per f e ct drainage, a n d f or which also there was every o pportunity ; but t his railwa y would entirely destroy all those advantages. The L e arned Counsel th en c i ted several letters to show that good faith had not been kept with Mr. Fowke in some partiticulars, and to prove that the engineer had refused to meet Mr. Fowke and make such arrangements as would save much of the injury to that gentleman's property, One of the injuries in consequence of the refusal of the Com p an y to alter their line was the preclusion of acces s to p art of Mr. Fowke's land, which was shut ix by a piece of ground belon g i ng t o L or d F a i_ mouth, and which by this railway would be entirely cut off from the other property of Mr. Fowke. The protection which the Company asserted wou ld b e given by the 67th clause of the Rail. way Clauses Consolidation Bill was quite sufficient to meet this case, as in this instance the water was turned on to the land from the Kennet Canal, and then turned off again through the medium of a fall of .6 feet, which pervaded Mr. Fowke's land. The rail Way quite intercepted the connexion with the canal, and the clause, though it provided for draining the water off the land, it made no provision for putting the water on the land, and he thought that, if the Company desired to act sincerely, they should give a particular clause to protect Mr. Fowke. In reply to an observation by the Chairman, Mr. WUaTELEY stated that the construction of the works necessary f w securing the advantages now enjoyed by Mr. Fowke would in no way interfere with the formation of the railway. Mr. Wm. Gravatt, an engineer, who had had considerable expe rience in railway engineering, t,,..tcti that the proposed line would run for about two miles through Mr. Fowke's property. He pro. duced a plan laid down from a large plan of Mr. Fowke's estate, on which lines were traced to show the plan of the Company, and the line which he proposed to obviate the injury, or at least a great portion of it, likely to accrue through the formation of the that hihnaeet Company.ht oN h l a r d . m Fowke's ad eßy hisrpe r p o op p rl e at r nt t o y a , tsahpneadeceix:pfpr Company 6 s n s sy e expressed fahrdi hiss wl aaits. opinion that his alteration would in no way disadvantageously affect the works of secured for communicating with the line of ground which would otherwise be altogether cut off—of course very injuriously cut off. He stated On cross-examination by Mr. AUSTIN, Mr. Gravatt stated that he was aware that it was a convenience to obtain the consent of the landowners before he constructed a line. He thought that, if there was a good b o tt om, a communication of twe lve or fourteen feet wide would answer every purpose • but lie generally gave sixteen feet, as the en g i neers were now liberal. Mr. AUSTIN said that having now ascertained what was a good communication, what was a sufficient, and what was a liberal space, lie was prepared to say that the Company were ready to give the sixteen feet. Mr, WIIATELEY objected that this communication was to be in the way cf easement or right of way over a part of Lord Falmouth's property, His client had a right to the land itself. Mr. AUSTIN' thought that it would be unjust to take the land from one party a 'id give it to another. Mr. • conceived that as they had the power to take the land from Lord Fah.nouth, and if this communication was only in the shape of an casen.lent, and not an absolute property, it would lead to continual broils. Mr. Gravatt said that his plan would in no way affect the canal. Mr. Brunel, in reply to the Chairman, stated that a difficulty would arise with the Kennet Canal Company if Gm carried the line nearer to the canal ,than Bitty yards, and they had agreed to giveclauses to enable the Cou.oan y to secure the traffic on their canal. The room was then cleared, said, after deliberation, the Chair man stated that the differences I ietween Mr. Fowke and the Rail way CGrnpany were so trifling, th at the Committee conceived they might be arranged privately. A conversation ensued betwee sa the Counsel for both sides, and the preamble was allowed to be proved. The clauses were gone throu gh to clause 20, when Mr. WHATELEY proposed a clause, the effect of which was to preclude the Company from for truing any small houses or sheds en part of the line passing throng h Mr. Fowke's property, but it was ultimately withdrawn, upon z m agreement that no such places .1110111 d be built by the Company*. Before going to the schedule - - f.Jr. WHATELEY proposed a c Wise for securing the irrigation of the water meadows. In order to show the necessity for this clause, Thomas Cooper, the waterman of the Midgham vstate, who slated that he had been waterman on the property more than forty years, and that they took the water from the canal whenever they thought proper, the custom being to dam up the water and turn it over upon the carriages. Mr. GURNEY alleged that this right had been disputed, and the Company were unwilling to give a greater right than had been previously enjoyed, and which they might not be able to secure. Mr. Frankum, of Wolverhampton, had known this estate ever since he could recollect, and he believed that the peat, which was a very valuable property, could not be got at without a drain, and the drain on Mr. Fowke's property ought to be eleven feet deep to be sufficiently serviceable. Mr. Gravatt stated that if the peat was fifteen feet deep, the drain ought to be equally deep, and there was no alternative be. tween that and steam power to lift the water. The drain ought to be made before the railway was formed, as otherwise the drain would be likely to lower the rail on the side on which it was made, and he conceived that an injunction might be obtained against it. Mr. WHATELEY then proposed a clause to accomplish this ob ject. Mr. GURNEY objected that Mr. Fowke was in no different posi. tion to any other landowner, and was entitled to no especial pro tection. There was already a dispute about the rights of irrigation, and the rights claimed by him of forming the works under his own engineer were unreasonable. The Railway Clauses Consolidation Act had already met the difficulty by providing that when any dispute arose about drains it should be decided by two neighbour ing justices. With respect to the drainage, the Company were willing to give as good drainage as that now possessed. After considerable discussion between the Counsel, a clause was adopted to secure a sufficient drainage for the estate. Mr. WHATELEY then sought a clause for the purpose of corn pelting the Company to make drains after five years, the time allowed for the formation of the railway; but there being consi. derable difference of opinion, The CfIAIRNIAN suggested that the Counsel should prepare a clause, and submit it for the decision of the Committee at the next meeting. A Gentleman intimated that he appeared on behalf of the Paving Commissioners of the borough of Reading for the preservation of certain footways, the discussion of which was deferred. The Committee then adjourned the consideration of the Berks and Hants Railway till Thursday, and the Chairman intimated that they would take the Wilts and Somerset Bill to-morrow. SCOTTISH CENTRAL RAILWAY. Group DD. (Continued horn our Afternoon Edition of yesterday.) Mr. CRAWFORD, who appeared to support a petition against the preamble of the proposed line, on behalf of several land pro. prietors and road trustees, was about to cross.examlne the last wit ness, when he was interrupted by Mr. Cocitatiax, who contended that the road trustees and others, whose names were appended to the petition had no right to be heard before the Committee in their individual capacity, as land owners, but only in the aggregate in their official character of trustees. Many of the noblemen and gentlemen who had signed the petition were, in fact, extensive shareholders, and even directors in the very line they now sought to oppose. Lord Abercrombie was a director of the Company, and yet his name appeared the first on the opposing petition. It would also be recollected that a Bill had been passed during the present session having special refer ence to Scottish railways, in which several clauses having regard to compensation for turnpike-roads, had been introduced. On these grounds he maintained that the petitioners could have no "locus standi" before the Committee. The object of the individuals who had signed the petition, was to endeavour to drive the pro moters of the line into a co.npromise, at the expense of time and money, and he therefore trusted the Committee would not allow his Learned Friend to proceed in his opposition. Mr. CRAWFORD having replied in general terms, The CHAIRMAN said the Committee were clearly of opinion that they could not entertain the petition, which had been signed by several noblemen and gentlemen, except in their aggregate capacity as trustees of the roads ; and as it appeared no petition of that nature had been presented, the Committee considered that Mr. Crawford was not competent to be heard in opposition to the preamble. The cross-examination of Mr. Geddes was then proceeded with by Sir THOMAS PIIILLIPS, who appeared to oppose the Bill on behalf of the Edidburgh and Glasgow Railway, with a branch to Sterling, and the Dumfries and Carlisle Branch; but nothing of public interest was elicited. This witness was also subjected to cross-examination by Mr. Tytler and Mr. Hope, but the result was precisely similar to the statements that have already appeared in Mr. Mitchell's exami nation. Mr. Cameron, carrier, was then called and examined by Mr. HOPE, in proof of the estimates of the goods and traffic expected along the line. He said he could confirm Mr. Mitchell's evidence in every particular; but in his statements he had omitted to men tion a good deal of traffic in first-class goods, which, though it was not conveyed at present along the direct road, would, in his opi.. nion, almost certainly be carried by the railway if it were made. Mr. M`Neil, Mr. Clark, Mr. Crawford, and Mr. Hope, generally cross-examined the last witness, whose evidence merely tended to corroborate the statements of previous witnesses. Mr. TALBOT then called Mr. Wallace, coach proprietor and builder, of Perth. He considered that Mr. Mitchell's tables with regard to the traffic along the proposed line were not exaggerated, but had been calculated on fair and sound principles. He had heard them read in evidence, and was satisfied they were correct. Mr. CLARK cross-examined this witness at some length on behalf of the inhabitants of Perth, as to the eligibility of erect. ing a station on the South Inch. In his opinim, there was no oh. jection to the station being removed to some other spot, if one equally convenient could be found. The close approximation of the river to the proposed station rendered it particularly suitable for the purposes of the railway. Mr. Thorns, tanker, was examined by Mr. TALBOT as to the present means for the transmission of goods from Dundee to Perth, Stirling, and eventually to Liverpool. He considered that a continuous communication between those places would be highly advantageous, even at the sacrifice of a moderate extra charge for conveyance; and was further decidedly of opinion that the establishment of a line of railway, inasmuch as it would faci litate the conveyance of traffic, and would tend in a considerable degree to increase the trade and commercial enterprise of Dumfries and the surrounding towns. This witness was cross-examined at some length, but the main features of his evidence were not al ered. Mr. Nelson, flesher, at Glasgow, was examined as to the traffic in cattle. lie considered that the traffic, as represented in Mr. Mitchell's tables, had been greatly understated, and a railway would convey cattle in better condition, and at less expense, than any of the present modes of transmission. At the close of the proceedings, Mr. llstnvknn made an applica tion to the Committee to know if they could give him some intima tion of the course they intended to pursue with regard to the order in which they would take the Bills before them. There were nume rous witnesses now in town who were living at great expense, and it would be a great relief to the several companies if they could be dismissed as speedily as possible. The CHAIRMAN said that the Bills would be taken in the order in which they were at present arranged. Any future alteration, that might suggest itself to the Committee would not be entertained until after the expiration of the Whitsun holidays, during which period the Committee would not sit, A messenger then announced that the Speaker was at prayers ; when the Committee was adjourned till twelve to-morrow. (Sub-Committee, No. 3.) I(Continued from our Afternoon Edition of yesterday.) HARWICH AND EASTERN COUNTIES RAILWAY (No. 2). The parties in this case having been called, Mr. HAYWARD, for the opponents, said he had to request that the inquiry should be adjourned to Friday, as the nature of the petitions for which he had the honour to appear contained a large number of allegations, which it would Pe much better to have opened at an earlier hour of the day, it being then near three o'clock. The CHAIRMAN said that the formal notices could be gone into to-day, after which the day for the further hearing of the case could be named. This order of proceeding was adopted. Mr. Venables, and Mr. John Duncan, of Lombard-street, appeared For the promoters of the Bill. Mr. 'Hayward appeared on behalf of the owners and occupiers of land on the line, and also on behalf of Mr. Frederick Clarke against the Bill. There was a petition presented, signed Mr. Henry Mess, for which no appearance was entered, and it consequently falls to the ground. Mr. VENIBLES briefly stated the objects of the Bill. It was to give power to the promoters to construct a line of railway, from the Eastern Counties Railway terminus at Colchester to Harwich. The line was to be fifteen miles in length, and would end at Harwich, where would be constructed a pier in deep water. The cost of construction was estimated at 210,0001., and the engineer of the works was Mr. John Braithwaite_ The formal notices were then put in and proved, and The CHAIRMAN said that the further hearing of the case would stand adjourned to twelve o'clock on Friday. The Committee rose at half past three o'clock. The disposal of the allegations against this scheme will occupy at least two days, STANDING ORDERS COMNITTTEE. IMPORTANT DECISIONS.-BILLS THROWN OUT. The following important decisions were given to-day in the Standing Orders Committee:— THE DIRECT NORTHERN RAILWAY, The standing orders not to be dispensed with. Bill thrown out for this session. This scheme was most favourably re ported by the Board of Trade, and it is impossible to describe the consternation of the parties interested, who crowded the passages to the Committee-room. The decision was contrary to general expectation, and the Bill was set down to be argued in Group X Committee which Is now sitting. WELLS AND DEREHAM RAILWAY. The standing orders in this case are not to be dispensed with.-•s Bill thrown out for this session. DUBLIN AND GALWAY RAILWAY. The standing orders not to be dispensed with, and Bill thrown out for this session. BILLS PASSED-STANDING ORDERS. LONDONDERRY AND ENNISKILLEN RAILWAY. The Committee decided that in this case the standing orders would be dispensed with. Bill to be reported, and go into Com- rnittee. TOTTENHAM AND FARRINGDON-STREET EXTENSION RAILWAY. The standing orders to bedispensed with. The Bill to be allowed to proceed. LONDONDERRY AND COLERAINE RAILWAY. The standing orders in this case are also to be dispensed with, and the Committee will report, after which it will be committed as a Bill before a Committee. It is expected that an appeal on behalf of the cases thrown out will be made to the House; but those best acquainted with such a proceeding are not over sanguine as to the result. COURSE OP EXCHA Amsterdam CF. 12 8 Ditto, at sight l2 6i Rotterdam 2U. 12 9 Antwerp Elamburgh M.B. 14 0 Altona Paris, 3 days' sight 25 90 Ditto, 3 months 26 10 Marseilles Bourdeaux 26 15 Frankfort on Maine 123 Petersburgh, 3Us — Berlin Vienna, effee. fl. 3 M lO 2 Trieste, ditto Madrid 36i Cadiz Bilbao Barcelona NGE.—(YESTERDAY.) Gibraltar... . Leghorn ..., 3l Genoa ..... ...... 26 10 Milan Venice................. Naples .. . Palernso, oz ll9 ' Lisbon s2i Oporto ~ . 53 Rio Janeiro .. . 23 Bahia • • • • Buenos NewYorft.:.:2dyssight Philad& [41;4 „ RULLION, PER oz. Foreign 4 ;1 , 2, bars.£3 17 9 Portu , a' Gold Coin 3 17 5 New Poubbons .... 0 0 0 New D(,l.lals 0 4 9i Silver 4 ) tiara . 4 10i Seville ~ A highly influential deputation of the salt trade of Cheshire and Worcestershire, consisting of Mr. Worth ington, Chairman, Mr. Cheshire, Mr. Ashton, Mr. John son (Runcorn), Mr. Falk, Mr. Fardon, Mr. Lea, and Mr. Granshields, attended by the Right Hon, E. J. Stanley, Mr. Gsorge Wilbraham, Mr. Tatton Egerton, M.P., Mr. G. C. Legh, M.P., Mr. Tollemache, M.P., Mr. Ireland Blackburne, M.P., Sir Howard Douglas, Bart., M.P., &c. &c., had a lengthened interview with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the East India Company, at the India House, yesterday, on the subject of the extension and introduction of British manufac tured salt into India. RAIL WAY INTELLIGENCE. REPORT OF THE RAILWAY DEPARTMENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE ON SCHEMES FOR EXTENDING RAILWAY COMMUNICA TION IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS. (Concluded from our Paper of April 23.) SOUTH DEVON AMENDMENT AND TAVIS- T CX RAILWAY. This line partakes of the character of the Launceston and South Devon Railway last described, and with which it is intended to form a junction : its length is 13 miles and 35 chains. Leaving the main line of the South Devon Railway at three miles eight chains from its terminus at Stonehouse it takes a northerly course to Tavistock, which is cir cuitous, and makes the distance between Plymouth and Tavistock greater by three miles than it would be if a more direct course were adopted. The curves are, some of them, severe. Of the whole 35 there are -5 of 15 chains radius. 2of 16 „ 16 of 20 „ IP 3of 25 „ 3of 30 „ The gradients also are severe, being at an inclination of 1 in 30 for 1 mile 3 chains, following 1 in 45 for 60 chains ; 1 in 41 for 1 mile 30 c h a i ns ; 13 in 42 for 60 chains ; altogether more than one-half of the line is steeper than lin 100. There are three tunnels of 1,342 yards aggregate length, and a viaduct of 110 yards, and 58 feet high. There are, besides, cuttings of from 32 to 81 feet in extreme depth, and embankments of from 36 to 80 feet in extreme height. On the same grounds that are set forth with respect to the Launceston Railway, and with the like hope of some means being found for lessening the disadvantages of the scheme as now proposed, we must express our opinion that it is desirable, on public grounds, to postpone the consideration of this scheme also in the present session. There are five short branches of the South Devon Railway included in the plans, the aggregate length of which is 4 miles 49 chains, which partake of the character of the Tavistock branch as respects their gradients, and we consider that the delay recommended in the case of that branch may be desirable as regards these also:— Darfield to Worsbrough, Ditto to Elsecar, Chevet to Horbury, Oakenshaw to Wakefield, Ambergate to Crich. The first-named of these branches is five miles six chains in length. It commences near the Darfield sta tion of the North Midland Railway, and at the first mile approaches the Dearne and Dove Canal, the course of which it follows to Worsbrough-bridge after once crossing the canal. The branch from Darfield to Elsecar is the same as the former branch for the first half-mile, but then bend ing southward it follows the south branch of the Else car branch of the Dove and Pearce Canal. Its length is three miles thirty-five chains. The branch from Chevet to Horbury, three miles thirty-nine chains in length, betins in the North Mid land Railway, near Walton, and terminates at the Man chester and Leeds Railway, near Horbury. The branch from Oakenshaw to Wakefield, one mile and fifty chains long, connects the North Midland with the Manchester and Leeds Railway, at the stations re spectively named of the two lines. In the event of the projected Wakefield, Pontefract, and Goole Railway re ceiving Parliamentary sanction, this branch, which is identical with the Wakefield end of that undertaking, will be of course. unnecessary. The Ambergate and Crich branch, 2 miles and 25 chains, appears to be intended for mineral traffic only, the severity of the gradients being such as to unfit it for locomotive traction. It will form an extension of an existing tramway, having gradients of 1 in 6, 1 in si-, lin 4, and lin 31. The proposed branch has gradients of lin 27, and lin 13. The object appears to be the connexion of some ]imekilns with the limestone quarries. Its course is northerly. We are of opinion that, with the exception of the contingency affecting the Wakefield and Oakenshaw branch, as before stated, there are not any public rea sons which should lead us to recommend to Parliament to withhold its sanction from these five short branches of an existing and important railway. NE WC ASTLE-UPON-TYNE and NORTII SHIELDS RAILWAY—EXTENSION TO TYNEMOUTII— BRANCH TO QUAY AT NEWCASTLE. The first of these is a scheme for prolonging the New castle and North Shields Railway through the present terminus at North Shields, and under a part of that town, to a new terminus at the bathing-village of Tyne mouth. To effect this object a tunnel, 761 yards in length, must be constructed under circumstances attended with some difficulty ; as the line of rails will be only from 17 feet to 20 feet 6 inches under the streets of North Shields. There is also a ravine, 60 feet deep to be filled up. The length of the extension is one mile. Involving works such as have been described, the propriety of the scheme would be very doubtful if it had been projected by an independent company ; but proposed as it is by the managers of an existing railway, upon which 800,000 persons are conveyed during the year, it may be pre sumed that they are adequate judges of the case, and that they would not propose the outlay of a considerable sum of money but with the hope of a profitable return. The branch to the quay at Newcastle has for its object the connexion of the shipping in the River Tyne at New castle, with the Newcastle and Carlisle, and the New castle and Darlington Railways, as well as with the line to the north now before Parliament. This object can only be accomplished by the construction of a railway which shall connect the North Shields line with the railways running to the south and west, as a part of the project for carrying a line from Newcastle, northward, to join the North British Railway at Berwick; the ex pensive nature of the work being such that it could not be justifiably undertaken, except as a part of a more con siderable undertaking. The sanction of this branch must consequently be dependent upon the sanction of the pro ject for traversing the town of Newcastle, and connecting the other existing railways with the North Shields line, with a view to proceeding thence to Berwick. The length of the proposed branch is only 36 chains, more than one half of which (443 yards) consists of a tunnel, constructed in a gradient of 1 in 14 for nearly the whole of its length, for which reason it must be worked by means of a stationary engine. It is proposed that the car goes o f vessels at the quay of Newcastle shall be at once discharged into the railway waggons, and again that goods from these waggons may be put directly into the ships ; which would doubtless be pro ductive of economy and convenience. The work will necessarily be expensive ; but the promoters state their conviction that the revenue will furnish an adequate re turn for the outlay. We have to express our opinion that there are not any public grounds for withholding Parliamentary sanction from these projects. NORTH UNION RAILWAY—BRANCH TO THE 1 of 35 chains radius. 2of 40 „ 91 2of 64 ~ f 9 1 of 65 „ 9) Midland Railway branches VICTORIA QUAYS ON DIE RIVER RIBBLK — This branch, which is of 64 chains in length, proceeds out of the North Union Railway, near the station in the town of Preston. There do not appear to be any public grounds of objection to the construction of this branch. SHEFFIELD •AND ROTHERHAM RAILWAY— BRANCH TO CONNECT THAT LINE WITH THE SHEFFIELD AND MANCHESTER RAIL WAY. This connecting branch, 32 chains long, consists in part of a tunnel 363 yards in length, under the town of Sheffield. It is a work of evident utility, and there are not, in our opinion, any public grounds of objection to the sanctioning of its construction. WEST LONDON RAILWAY—THAMES EXTEN SION—KNIGHTSBRIDGE EXTENSION. The first-named of these extensions, one mile forty three chains in length, proceeding out of the terminus of the West London Railway, near the head of the basin of the Kensington Canal, anal passing 'along the eastern side of the London and Westminster Cemetery, termi nates on the bank of the Thames, a short distance above Battersea-bridge. This railway has passed into the hands of the London and Birmingham Railway Company, and the proposed branch would in various ways be useful to that Company. There are not any public reasons which, in our opinion, should lead to the rejection of this project. With regard to the proposed Knightsbridge Extension, the case is altogether different. It could only be carried out at an enormous expense, and without offering any general benefit as a compensation for this evil. These reasons are, in our opinion, sufficient to justify us, on public grounds, in recommending that the Knightsbridge branch of the West London Railway should not receive Parliamentary sanction. YORK AND SCARBOROUGH DEVIATION, NEAR THE CITY OF YORK. The line as sanctioned by Parliament proposed, after crossing the Ouse River, to terminate in a. curve of 15 chains radius; which, after crossing the coal branch of the Great North of England Railway, was to be united with the main line of that railway, and to enter with it the passenger station common to all the present York railways. The proposed deviation, which is three miles five chains in length, is to cross the river Ouse, at York, about a quarter of a mile south of the spot selected for the crossing originally. It will then proceed in nearly a straight line across both the coal branch and the main trunk of the Great North of England Railway —both crossings being on a level—and will join the York and North Midland Railway about 27 chains distant from the before-mentioned passenger station. The Directors of the Great North of England Railway object to the proposal now made of crossing their line and branch, on the ground of the interruption which would thus be occasioned to their traffic. If the York and Scarborough line were carried over the Great North of England Railway, which might be done by incurrinz additional expense, all difficulty would of course be thereby avoided ; but the crossing ou a level having been proposed by both companies, who only differ as to the mode of effecting this object, it is therefore neces sary to examine the matter in order to determine which of the two methods p ro p ose d would be attended by the least amount of i nconven i ence, delay, and da nger to the traffic of the companies interested. According to the showing of the York and North Midland Company, the point of crossing the main line of the (Teeat North of England Railway is where trains eomi,ag from the north always stop in order to collect tee passengers' tickets. The point of crossing their coal branch is distant about a quarter of a mile from the coal dny epots, a space coal which is ne ver lik ely to be Occupied by a train of waggons when at rest. It does not, therefore, appear likely that, with the use of ordinary caution, any danger or inconvenience could result from the adoption of the proposed deviation. The proposal of the Great North of England Com pany is, that trains coming from Scarborough shall enter the coal branch, and proceed along it to the junc tion with the main line, when they shall back along the latter (till it joins the York and North Midland line) by the portion of railway common to both, and leading into their joint station. This plan would require, either that an extra engine should be always awaiting the arrival of the trains from Scarborough, or that the trains should be pushed from behind, between the coa l b r anch and the station —a pro ceeding which would occupy more time, and cause nin h ve e obstruction to th e b us i ness o f both railways than t f simple mode propo se d o f cr o s sing the Great North ;.t L t a England Railway a n d it s b ranc h at, or nearly at, ri g a° angles ; and the same difficulties and delay would place in respect to t ra i ns l eav i n g the station at York for Scarborough. For these reasons, we consider that the proposed devia: t h a t tion is an improve m e n t u p on th e original plan , and it is safer and more convenient than the mode of to and leaving the s tati on a t Y or k which is suggested 11 the Great North of England Company. any We are therefore of opinion that there are not public grounds f or withholding the sanction of Pa r° ment f this proosed deviation. In conclusi rom on, we would draw attention to the passage in the fifth report of the Select Committee on railcar t of 1844, in which it is s t a t e d, w hil e recommend in g t eat reports should be made to Parliament by this departm upon railway schemes— . That no such report should be held toprejudice the claims of private persons, the examination of WhiF should be altogether reserved to the houses of the Leggy, lature." In submitting to Parliament, in conformity with th s a t recommendations of that Committee, the results.,o which we have ar r i ve d, with a view to the infornietelunt and assistance of P ar li amen t i n forming a indgillort upon the schemes i n ques ti on , i n so far as our rep . t may be available for that purpose, we are anxious i t v n e a d it should be distin c tly understood that we ha ve arr " st these results solely upon public grounds , and t° . be exclusion of all consid e r a ti ons how far such 1.07. might require to be mo difi e d by a due regard for p vate rights and interests. DALHOUSIE. poRTV L G. W. PASLEY. G. IL - - D. O'BRIEN. AMERICAN NEWS• TEXAS The following intelligence from that quarter, recen' at New Orleans, is dated Galveston. March 2 9 : -- e t •ah "Just before the New York left Galveston, "*ai e . sloop-of •war, the El ec t r i c , en t ere d th a t port, bearing do, patches to Captain Elliott, British Envoy, from, t o ot vernment. It was said that this vessel had a vest of money on board, a n d th a t th e dispatches contatettLe instructions to Captain Elliott to offer to guarantee al i e n national independence of Texas, provided the a nnex resolutions are rejected. It was further rep ortee ' s oe the French Gover nmen t h a d a l so offered the se guarantee on the same conditions. Private a dvices coo sure us, that when these pr o p os itions were made keing, in Galveston, the people snapped their finger s, s a i t o ut • The foreigners were too late.' Captain Ellio tt se hes • for the capital immediately aft e r receiving his d is Pate M. Salieny, the French Charge, was already the t its letter from Galv e sto n says, that rumours were efle4/reat to the purport of th e dispatches, to the effect thatlexas, Britain offers to guarantee the independence et' shop and to make a loan to the Republic of five millions ling, at a low rate of interest, for no other consideraftwhe than some commercial advantages. Immedia tel y receipt of the passage of th e Annexation Bill 11 1,4, gress, a meeting of the citizens of Galveston wa" t esen- General Memuan Hunt presiding, at which the la s c resolutions in favour of the thu iasti• adopted. The various public men of the United te' s a who have urged it are highly eulogized by P ar" ' the President of 'Texas • etcall • ecial sas s 0 . sis urge to a special le of Congress, to ascertain the will of the eecP - °I -ea cerning the nroposal. The resolutions were Pa ss unanimously." CANADA. 9th measure_ et: The Provincial Parliament wasprorogued on the 2 ;, of March, by Lord Metcalf in pers p on. The folio eing hie Lordship's speech on the occasion : " Honourabie Gentlemen of the Legislative Council, anti Gentlemen of thn Leeislative Assemble', the "I thank you for your indefatigable attention t iug laborious dutie s which you have had to perform &bier, this unusually long session. I trust that the act' wince, have been passed will prove beneficial to the provu,..t. and I consider myself justified in especially.congra.torTef ing you on those for improving the administrati tioun justice in Upper Canada, and those relating to edi t o f and municipal institutions in Lower Canad a ) tier which are of the highest value, and promise to re t the essential service to the community. I regret , ! gor es same time, to notice that several important meleot have been unavoidably postponed. On this account your am reluctant to part with you, for I am loth to ic se i l t be assistance while anything remains to be done Se ns iblew c good of the country requires. Nevertheless I an' po and that your presence is much required at your es, and that it would be unreasonable to expect your le n b - b e en tendance at the present period. Whatever out next r se left incomplete will I hope be accomplished at -u meeting. her " I have had the satisfaction of assenting bou Majesty's name to nearly all th e enac tments %chic f her have passed, and the few reserved for the un der Majesty's Government have been so dealt With - or other circumstances which, from positive instructions t est wise, have rendered it imperative on me to pursue, t]ie course. as The Act to amend the Ordnance Act l t session of the late Parliament comes neceSsTib l ' e under that description, as it affects the property n` Crown. " I have received authentic information of the P es i si • n efe of an Act by the Legislature of the UniteddeeSistleis°°l - t h h i : may seriously affect the commercial interests province. I will not fail to submit the subject for the of her Majesty's Government, and I 55( sure that it will receive the most earnest consideration . " Gentlemen of the Legislative Assembly, liberality " I return you m y hearty thanks for the lih e- fet with which y ou have provided the requisite means Sly the due admini s t ra ti on o f our a ff a i rs. I s hall ae 2 " °- co. operate with you in every measure of economy It is sistent with the efficient of the public service. o f satisfactory to observe that the prosperous conddituicetinoo our revenue enables us, after providing for a re - , o ftt of the public debt by commencing the establishmenu l o an, sinking fund for the redemption of the guaranteed lurk, to apply a considerable sum to additional public l c° czt ll lc o u l l l a n t n e r d ab to le p :G ro n d n u t c le e in g e r n ea n t f a t d h veanttea g g i e s s la . five cotweil, and _ Gentlemen of the Legislative Assemble', roe to resn " Yeu are about to return to your home s Aio etr those occupations which in most cases are nw ee ,, lo sable for the support of your families, and which w`, -.„,„ to avoidably interrupted with some degree of jA.l i ll e "aes. yourselves r by your attendance on Parliamentary u - to e d l n e r a ta n k cstly hope that, you may be successful in 3 1° 0 00 1 eons ti t i u n e g n s Cie u s tili the l b as eg sura assurances that her ale s „ince, you n to convey lil t° y . on ty r, s .4 Go , vernment ardently desires the welfare of this P l.- ee . h•• and is anxious that . the whole of theinhabitanta' out distinction and with perfect equality, m a y a Pe a.ll the rights and privileges of a free people, e e n e -- n e e ' x eca s which the prosperity, contentment, and 'er' 1 t ry, are naturally derived from unfettered in clus prudent enterprise, good fellowship, aniNcllburoteerlylav:, may he partakers in these lessings, I And now, gentlemen, with the h tf It wish tha t ' e ll b ear e _ eere e until we meet again. I cannot, however, co nelYll6l.l; e lvi n t r fr out expressing my warmest thanks for the aid !_ n y s erl l 7 port which you have afforded to her Majesty's went by your loyal, zealous, and patriotic labours' _. CURIOUS EFFECT PRODUC ED RIN RINGING --- Lt SOr 1010 PEAL OF BELL S IN YORK MINSTER. — A n that o b r e e t r i i te pr w od h u is c p ed eri w n h g if g h ai w ie a r s yno more anticipated ti t nIY terial of ringing hardness, in bf being 'se° thq tv of forth a sound which. at night is heard over the c a l 'lO l course particularly in the direction of the 1 " 4- t c l'eg which is dreary the extreme, and to those resi fre l 1 ! I in the vicinity of Minster Yard must ba 0 11 proceed from enlivening ; the seems to e m l a n c s h o o m l ye imprisoned th —the spirit of the departed chimes, perhaps, 9 ' n : v of e storm drives more furiously through the berh-nla cage, raises his voice to a howl which is beard a w - te rieg With a view to obviate this, a piece of stout q ui/ % o ieg , has been fixed upright in the middle of each l og res, notched so a s t o h a l ve the inner bearing of the O ci s od since whi c h t h e ghostly music has been less !ft boy/ . frequent, although not altogether put down ; t'„Thed."" ever, it is c on fid ent l y expected, will be accon3P'-- The Builder. I1 49 ; d1 DEATH OF L IEUT .-G EM IRAL R. N. 11-rg oro. One of the oldest field officers in the Mar died o n satul at his ho use i n Gloucester-place, at the advanced age of 8 M ei He formerly serv e d i n th e 3 2d Foot, and his commtssion lorchr as follows :—Ensign, Ist Sept. 1773; lieutenant, Ot h t 119 S a 1778 ; captain, 12th Nov. 1778; major, 12th Au/ill:" pisJor" lieut.-colonel, Sth Nov. 1793; colonel, 28th Jan., 179' ;1g0!• general, 25th Sept.. 1803 ; and lieut.-general, 25t1_22.e:: BIRTH. S. o f J. Ilt. On the 23d of April, at Gosport, Hants, the lady P. Graham, Esq., of Hull, of a dauhter. ' The lady °f On the 25th of April, at Frognal, Hampstead, Edward Watson, Esq., of a daughter. 3 .‘„, fore ° On the 27th of Ap r il, a t Th e C edars, PutneY, P-• - • , Cowie, of a daught er. A li Cherrill, On the 27th o f A pr il , at Bl ac k heath, the l a dy of A l Cherrill, Esq., of a son. Aire. N ., On the 27th of A pr il , at W ell-street, HackneY , - Davies On the 27th of Ap r il, a t South grove, Hampste ad, t of Captain T . H . J ohnston, of a ;on. ~,- n t-retl d ' On thot 28th of April, at Mortimer-place, Old rk-e Mrs. G. R. Herron, of a daughter. d-P lge ' On the 28th of April, in Devonsif e •street, Portlan ir • the lady of H. R. Freshfield, Esq., of a soni______-------- MARRIED. , n Acland' On the 24th of April, at Brighton, the Rev. P• 14. ' - i i e jalu ill of Killerton, Devon, to Julia, daughter of the Rev' n -3/,,,j0r Barker, Rector of Shipdhatn, Northlk. Do ver,. to On the 26th of April, at St. James's Church, q VICBI , er . eno t. Edward Messiter, Hon. East India CompanY' s Mary Josepha, eldest daughter of the late Liesu,4ervice Colonel Gilbert Cooper, Hon. East India C0n1i1_2.1.,1, MED. COle il l On the 22d of April, at Castle Townsend, C or k ' coloOe" John Townsend, A.D.C. to the Queoli, and Lieutenan-- ~.. .. commanding the 14th Light Dro ns On the 22d of April, at Ge r* °° street,. Edinburgh, Lady Sinclair, widow of . ° " e • Bolin Sinchur toe Right Hon. Sir of Ulbster, Bart. D a vies, On the 24th of April, Mr. William Edmunds Craven- street. of Graft°ll - the 25th of April, Thomas Butts, E 9 q . ' -- street, Fitzroy-square. sqlla re ' On the 26th of April, at Gloucester-place, Portman' 0 32d Lieutenant-Generai Richard Northey HoP kins ' lat Regiment, aged 89. On the 27th of April, at Blvborough Hall, Lincoid Big. Maria Jane, third daughter of t harles Bourryau !A ar ' the ki._°,o"i ot L° S Al Nn t 4o i r d : dirlcticie.-I,32:;:nrlsntlytthielnd,pan4nreocsdapialy':bAli:hrieldwb:lB4Als7l)o OL;., 112► r n i e n t te o r f , t a h t a T s ia a e vo B;:a 14. 01fi th e: , o is : gio of Y soi lt, a tq 1