The Sun. — London, England, 1847-05-17 00:00:00

btrlT SUN OFFICE, Seven o' Clock. RAILWAY COMMITTEES. (THIS DAY.) HOUSE OF COMMONS. GROUP VI. The Committee met at the usual hour ; Mr. Deedee, chairman. WII.TS, SOMERSET, AND WEYMOUTH AMENDMENT (No. II.) Mr. Samuel Struchberrey, Fellow of the zoological So ciety and Curator of the Bristol Philosophical Society, exa mined by Mr. ALEXANDER—He had paid particular attention o the formation of the coal measures at Radstock. There were four or five series in this coal-field. The first was at present worked to about the extent of 50 per cent.; there was still, however, upwards of 39,000,000 of tons re maining to be worked out. He had calculated that in the second series the quantity of coal was about 424,000,000 of tons, and that quantity would take, according to the present mode of working, 1,661 years before the yield would be ex hausted. He had also made numerous experiments as to the quality of the Radstock coal, and it was his opinion that they were in no degree inferior to the Welsh coal, and that they exceeded the Newcastle in point of duration. Dr. Lyon Playfair had .made an an and of severaresull speci- of mens of Radstock and NeweaKtle coal, and from the t those experiments, he was led to believe that for household purposes there was little or no difference between the two qualities of coal. Mr. Ashbourne, land and min eral surveyor, residing in the neighbourhood of Radstock, corroborated the evidence of the first witness, as to the extent and yield of the coal-fields in Somersetshire. Capt. Scobell, lessee of a portion of the Radstock collieries, and director of the Wilts and Somerset Railway, and Mr. Fere, mining engineer, gave evidence as to the importance turd extent of the coal fields at Radstock. The Committee then adjourned till twelve to-morrow. GROUP VII. The Committee met this morning at two o'clock in Room 7 ; Lord Claud Hamilton in the chair. XONDON AND SOUTH-WESTERN (ANDO VER TO THE EISHOPSTONE AND SALIS- BITILY BRANCH, &c.) WEYMOUTH AND STELCOIVIBE REGIS HAR BOUR AND BRIDGE TRUSTS. _ _ Mr. ELLico3thE stated that the Bill was unopposed ; that it was promoted by the South-Western Company, and that its object was to construct a line of nineteen miles and three quarters in length, from Andover, on the Basingstoke and Safi' bury line, to a point on the Bishopstoke and Salisbury line near Ketnbridge Mill; and thence from Romsey on the same line to Redbridge on the Dorchester line, and so on, by means of this branch and a small portion of the main line of the South-Western, to Southampton— thus making a considerable portion of the line to be applied for next session by the well-known Manchester and Southampton Company. There is some little difference in the route, but the course traversed is nearly the same, or at least will answer the purpose for which that line was partly designed. A considerable portion of the Andover Canal would be used, an agreement to that effect having been entered into with the proprietors. The capital would be 400.000/. Mr. Kerr, C.E. (Mr. Locke's assistant), detailed the minutia of the line. EXLICI: said he appeared as counsel fo r the Man chMesrte ur and Southampton Railway, which had been thrown out by the Standing Orders' Committee, in support of a petition of the promoters of that line, which, however, he w ould not trouble the Committee with, as it was their inten tion to withdraw it. The CHAIRMAN, and the other Members of the Committee, seemed astonished at any appearance on behalf of a line which had bead rejected by the Standing Orders ;Committee, and which, consequently, was not before them or Parliament. Mr. Wummisit explained that certain clauses had been arranged between the parties, which, as the Manchester an , ' Southampton had been rejected, would not he inserted in the present i Bill, it being under s t oo d th a t t h ey s h ou ld b e in serted n any future Bill to be promoted by the Sonth- Western or by the Manchester and Southampton, in case they should come before Parliament in a subsequent session. He only wished to state those facts in order that they might be placed upon the records of the Committee, and to withdraw his opposition. Mr. Burchell, the solicitor to the South-Western Company, explained that such an arrangement had beencome to. The CHAIRMAN said no doubt the object of the Learned Counsel had been answered by the statement he had made; but it seemed to him that the parties for 'whom he appeared bad no locus standi before them. DECISION. The CHAIRMAN then declared that the preamble of the Bill had been proved ; and the clauses having been agreed to, he intimated that he would report the favourable decision of the Committee to the House. The tolls will be the same as were agreed to in the revised Bill of the South-Western last year. WEYIVIOUTII AND BTEX.COSIBE REGIS BARBOUR AND BRIDGE TRUSTS. The object of this Bill is to improve the harbour of Wey mouth, and to make it a better port of communication with the Channel Islands than at present, by reducing the tolls. It is promoted by the Corporation of Weymouth. The rail way companies there have guaranteed to pay the p resent proprietors of the harbour the interest they at present re ceive. The harbour will b 3 invested in Commissioners. The Bill was unopposed. The CHAIRMAN declared that the preamble had been proved. GROUP XV. The Committee met this morning at twelve o'clock; Mr. Bernal in the chair. EASTERN COUNTIES (ROYSTON TO WARE, &c.) Evidence in favour of this line was concluded this morning. ROYSTCN AND HITCHIN RAILWAY ACT AMENDMENT (EXTENSION TO ROTS. TON AND CAMBRIDGE.) Mr. Sergeant 11 - R.t/1611AM opened the merits of this Bill, and proceeded to call evidence for the promoters. The Committee adjourned till to-morrow. GROUP XVI I. This Committee re-assembled at the usual hour in Room 11; Sir J. Bulwer East in the chair. GREAT NORTHERN (DEVIATIONS BE TWEEN LONDON and GRANTHAM). Mr. Mather, surgeon, of Grgritham, was examined on behalf of the opposition. He was of opinion that Grantham did not require the proposed deviation, and that it would materially injure Mr. Ostler's residence. . . Mr. Itz;strijk, C.E., on behalf of the Ambergate Company. stated that the proposed deviation would greatly injure that line, and would be of no advantage to the public as compared with it. Mr. Sergeant CLARKE replied on behalf of the Ambergatt company, in opposition to the deviations at Grantham, anti recapitulated in his address the various points elicited in the evidence. Mr. WILI MORE replied on behalf of Mr. Ostler, and dwelt upon the great injury which the deviation would cause to that gentleman's residence. The Committee then adjourned till twelve o'clock to• Morrow. GROUP XVIII. GLOUCESTER AND STONEHOUSE JUNG• TION. The Committee on this 'group assembled this morning at twelve; the Earl of Lincoln in the chair, when they took the line from Stonehouse to Gloucester, upon which Mr. liinoytan was retained. lie said that this was an undertaking of the very greatest importance, as it was tilt only means of connecting the port of Bristol with the systen, of narrow gauge lines of from 800 to 1,000 miles in length There was now a power in the possession of the company tc lay down a narrow gauge 'line between Stonehouse and Gloucester, and then to lay down a narrow gauge lin( concurrently with the broad gunge line between Stonehous( and Bristol. For this purpose a line had been laid out it 1813, but the Act contained a clause that the compan' should not interfere with the broad gauge line between tilt two points for which this Bill was sought. The Earl of LINCOLN thought that this Act had better b( produced, in order that the Committee might clearly under stand its provisions. Mr. Ba, 5, the principal agents for Messrs. Pickford, the carriers, was then called, and stated that his principals were the largest carriers in England, and that great inconvenience was felt from the break of gauge. Mr. Saunders, the inspector of the Gloucester and Bir mingham line, was giving evidence of the inconvenience, when The Earl of LiNcowr suggested that perhaps Mr. Stephen son might show some reason of an ergineering character why a different system should be adopted between Gloucester and Stonehouse from that between Cheltenham and Gloucester. Mr. Daniel, on behalf of the Midland Company, said that there were several objections beside the break of gauge. There were the stations, the inconvenience of the number of trains, beside a variety of other evils. Mr. Cripps, on behalf of the Great Western Company, said that there was already an agreement by which, the Midland Company were bound to work over the broad gauge line. Mr. Stephenson was then called. The Earl of LINCOLN inquired what were the peculiar en gineeriag difficulties which prevented the same plan from being adopted between Stonehouse and Gloucester as was adopted between Cheltenham and Gloucester. Mr. Stephenson replied that the saving of the expense was so trifling, compared with the advantage derived from the avoidance of danger and the equal benefit derived from the separation of the stations. If be were the engineer of two independent companies, both adopting the same gauge, whether broad or narrow, he should still advise the formation of two separate lines. To the inquiry as to why the same system of management was not adopted throughout, he said that below Gl oucester th ere wou ld be a necessity for using different engines, a separate staff; and the expense would consequently be very tr eat eat couldTo not`Ji r W possiblyrE hsIES Mr. Stephenson replied, that that be effected, as the engines and the carriages could not po ga igi would have t o be Ychbae accomplished, as the buffe rs of all Mr. DANl ELstated 'g t e lt give the t the Narrow Gauge Company were ready t o u tmost compensation th a t cou ld b e required for the breach of aerrzonptcorlacttiht. Mr. Saunders the secret p e Great Western Company explained that if such a suggested, there would be a far on as that which had been any compensation could recomptvheseatef evil than any which broad gauge traffic over those joint' °r unless there was a southward of Bristol would be abstraT'teters all the business rhe Earl of Lincoln suggested that some Ir. entered if the case were to be adjournel till mraent might m eruing. to-marrow The Committee sat there in a double capacity not onl y t adjudicate fairly between two g reat conten ding parties, b u o t ale ) to save a great expense to the public, an object which in his capacity of a Member of Parliament, he was very desirous to affect. After a long conversation, in which Mr. SAUNDERS stated, en behalf of the Great Western Company, that they had no objection to the laying down of the narrow gauge lines, provided the Midland Company would consent to work a certain number of broad gauge engines between Bristol and Gloucester, Mr. DANIEL said that the Midland Company objected to Vie working of the broad gauge engines, but were willing to allow any compensation which the Committee might deem air. Some farther discussion ensaed, after which it was decided that parties authorised on both sides shculd meet for an agreement, and the Committee adjourned till twelYe to morrow. GROUP SIX. This Committee met to•day at twelve o'clock; Pa.. D en . uistouu iu the chair, all the other Umbers present, OXFORD, BANBURY, AND COVZNTRY (COVENTRY AND SOUTECAIVE BRA.NCE.) On the assembling of the parties the opposition against this Bill was resumed. Mr. R. Adams gave general evidence against the proposed branch. Mr. Robert Stephenson, C.E., was examined at some length against the proposed scheme as unnecessary, and that the district in question would be better supplied by the London and North-Western Company. After some further evidence for the opposition, Mr. FLOOD replied on behalf of the promoters, going over the evidence adduced for the Bill, and contending that no case had been made D ECISION. against it. The room was then cleared for a decision. On the read mission of the parties The Citata.max said the Committee bad decided that the preamble of the Bill was proved. The consideration of the clauses WAS postponed till to morrow. THE SUN, LONDON, MONDAY EVENING, MAY 17, 1847. GROUP XX. This Committee met at the usual hour; Mr. Goulburn in the chair. OXFORD, WORCESTER, AND WOLVER HAMPTON (CHELTENHAM and EVESHAM LINE). The general evidence in favour of this line having been closed, Mr. Brunel described the engineering features of the line. The gradients, he said were easy, and the works could be easily constructed. The junctions were well effected and the line would prove of great public utility. The length of the line would be twenty-seven miles, and the cost 600,0001. The Committee then adjourned. GROUP XXII. The Committee met this day at one o'clock; Sir. Drum mond in the chair. NEWPORT, HEREFORD. AND ABERGA VENNY (EXTENSION TO VALE). Mr. MERRKwai.THEN. applied to be heard on the bringing up of the Railway Commissioners' report. Mr. BOLTON objected to his so doing. It was understood that the case had already closed. The Committee decided that counsel could not be heard, and came to a resolution to pass the preamble of the Bill. The clauses of the Bill were then agreed to. GLOUCESTER AND HEREFORD. The Committee adjourned the hearing of this case until Monday week. The Committee passed the preamble of this Bill. The Committee then adjourned. GROUP XXVI. The Committee on this group met this morning at the usual hour in Room 12; Mr. Blackstone in the chair. DERBYSHIRE, STAMPDXIDSIIIII.E, AND WORCESTERSIIIIZE /UNCTION. Mr. WORDSWORTH opened the case for the promoters of this line, which was eighteen miles long, and was projected to connect the North Staffordshire and South Staffordshire Railways. The Bill was an unopposed one, with the ex ception of a petition from Walsall, but he apprehended the Committee would be of opinion that the petitioners had no locus standi, inasmuch as the line did not go within two miles of them. ➢ir. Rastrick, civil engineer, was then examined, and de posed to the gradients, tunnels, and other engineering works which would be required, none of which possessed any pecu liar difficulties. IVIr. Turner, agent of Lord Bagot, was examined as to the nature of the traft , c, for the conveyance of which the line would give great facilities. In consequence of the Committee not having received the report of the Railway Commissioners on this line, they post poned their decision on its merits. The Committee adjourned till Thursday. GROUP XXVII. EASTERN COUNTIES (WISBEACR TO SPALDING), AND OPPOSING LINES. The Committee appointed to consider this Group met at twelve o'clock, and proceeded to hear the reply of Mr. HOPE for the Eastern Counties Railway, against the Treat Northern Railway (King's Lynn), and the Boston, Stamford, and Birmingham (Wisbeach to Sutton Bridge.) The Committee then ordered the room to be eleared, and )n parties being re-admitted, The CHAIRMAN announced that the preamble of the Eastern Counties (Wisbeach to Spalding) was proved. The Committee then adjourned. GROUP XXI X. GREAT NORTHERN (PURCHASE OP EAST LINCOLNSHIRE AND BOSTON, STAM FORD AND BIRMINGHAM-STAMPORD AND WISBEACH LINE). Mr. Duncan presented a petition on the part of the Eastern Counties Railway against the provisions of the Bill. Mr. COATES was heard in answer, and the Committee de cided that the Eastern Counties had no locus standi, and that they could not be heard. Captain Laws then explained to the Committee the nature the amalgamation. The Committee then prised a resolution declaring that the preamble of the Bill had passed. The clauses of the Bill were then agreed to. GREAT NORTHERN (ERANCH TO HORN- CASTLE). Mr. Sergeant Kr:gm—lKE was heard in favour of the pro. visions of this Bill. The Committee then adjourned. GROUP XXXI. The Committee met at twelve o'clock; the Right Hon. F. Shaw in the chair. 3OtTTH YORKSHIRE (DEVIATION FROM DONCASTER TO GLIINSHOILOUGII). The Committer were occupied during the morning in hear log the evidence of Lord Galway, a landowner, on the course if the proposed deviation against the lines. Mr. WELLS, on the part of the promoters, and Mr. Vs:TA BLES, on the part of the opposition, having been heard, The room was cleared for the decision. On our re-admission, The CHAIItNIAN declared that the preamble of the Lon don and York Deviation from Doncaitur to Kossington was proved. The Committee then proceeded with the clauses of the Bill, and adjourned at four o'clock. G1:0131) XXXIV. ROCHDALE CANAL PURCHASE, &c. The Committee on this group met to-day, at twelve o'clock, in No. 6 Committee-room Mr. Baring in the chair. The Committee, ho►vever, immediately adjourned until half past one o'clock to-morrow, in order that some pro ceedings with respect to the above-mentioned Bill might be completed, and the favourable decision of the Committee on the Bill reported t• the House. GROUP XXXV. The Select Committee appointed to cwisider the merits 01 the Bills comprised in this group re-assembled at the usual hour this morning; the Marquis of Granby in the chair. EAST LANCASHIRE (CLITBEROE, MIT. TON, AND PADIHAM). The whole of the day was occupied with general and engi neering evidence in favour of this scheme, which is opposed by the Fleetwood, Preston, and West Riding Junction Com pany. The Committee adjourned at the usual hour. GROUP XXXVI. The Committee on this Group met to-day for the first time, in Room 14, Mr. Roebuck in the chair. The Bills comprised in this Group are the following:— London and North Western Railway Company (purchase of the Earl cf Ellesmere's interest in the Manchester South Junction and Altrincham). Liverpool, Crosby, and Southport Railway and Branch. Manchester and Southport Railway and Branches. London and North Western (Ormskirk and Rainford Branches, &c. East Lancashire (Southport Branch and Preston Extension). St. ,Helen's Canal and Railway (Warrington and Black brook Branches, &c.). London and North-Western (Lime-street, Liverpool, sta tion, &c.). The first Bill taken was the zavrazpooz, cnosinr, AND SOITTnPOZLT, AND BRANCH. Mr. AUSTIN opened the case for the promoters of this line. Dr. Luncan, of Liverpool, was examined, and deposed to the great sanitory advantages which would be conferred on Liverpool by giving access to the coast, if this lino were laid !town. Mr. Bidder, civil engineer, was examined as to the engi neering works, which were of the usual character, and pre sented no peculiar difficulties. DECISION. The Committee then declared the preamble proved. MANCHESTER AND SOUTHPORT RAIL- WAY AND BRANCHES. Mr. HILDITCIL opened the case for the promoters of this line, when The Committee afterwards adjourned till to-morrow. GROUP XXXIX. •• This Committee met as usual this morning, 'in Room 23; Lord Charles Wellesley in the chair. • YOE= AND zczyrcAtrrim (RAwrimEroos. DOCK AND luau:way PURCHASE). The Committee were engaged the whole of the day in hearing evidence in favour of this Bill. Mr. Rose was heard in opposition to the Bill. The Committee then adjourned, GROUP XLIV. The Committee met this morning at twelve o'clock. Mr. B. Denison in the chair. SCOTTISH MIDLAND 317NCTION (DRAnCH TO LAIIRANCEL KIRK.) Evidence was continued for the promoters of the Bill. Mr. TALBOT then called evidence for the Aberdeen Com pany opposing, and Mr. ANDREWS was about to address the Committee against the Bill, when this privilege was abandoned by both sides. The COMMITTEE could g►ve no decision on the preamble till they had the report of the Commissioners. ABERDEEN (BtEcurra . BRANCH). Mr. WEBSTIR stated that the object of this Bill was to deviate slightly from the line sanctioned last year, where it approached the town of Brechan. It was unopposed. The Comtnitte, without formally deciding the :preamble, went through the clauses, which were agreed to. The Committee adjourned till to-morrow. GROUP X [NHL This Committee met to-day at twelve o'clock; Lord Courte nay in the chair. GLASGOW, AIRDRIE, AND MONKLANDS (COWLAIRS AND CENTRAL JUNCTION evidence behalf of this Bill was resumed. IT l reral lessee, Paterson,ZlTlf.ne:ea. advantages bringing the minerals n o e f ar th G e la c s e g: tr w a , l g j a u v n e c te o n n er i a a l i ( ) ) o f u t r liz f A cr lo la n p k g l o a w nd and Coatbridge dis tricts down to the h Mr. Christie corroboratedarexarathineepdreviouswwointnldesss.urr think the Gre as en to the crossing of the Mr. Sheriff Bell was d le id th n e ot hhei n its progress would take Lr away b the a c G r r o e s e s n it;g, H w e hi the cor considerable amount of inferior propert given for the alleged encroachment Zro.ulTlhee compensation potation to make important improvements elawbiheere. The viaduct would be a highly ornamental object. Mr. Sheriff Alison ,generally corroborated the evidenc e a of the previous witness. He did not think t he crossing would in the least degree injure the Green, else he would not sup port it. Mr. Binuie , builder, ga ve similar evidence. The pro perty to be taken was in value 30,7001. Mr. Adie, C. E., gave evidence as to the engineering fea tures. The central junction was about a mile and a hrlf long. The estimate was 105,0001., in addition to the 10,750!. for the Caplaw-hill branch. The scheme passed through the green in eight hours, twenty-four feet high on the average, and around the Clyde by a stone bridge. He did not think the scheme would interfere with the green, while it would be a great public accommodation to the through traffic. The committee adjourned till to-morrow at twelve o'clock. GROUP XLIX. The Committee on this group, Mr. Cripps (chairman), met this morning, at twelve o'clock. and proceeded to take the EDINBURGH AND GLASGOW (LEASES). Mr. BIGGS ANDREWS, Q. C., explained the object of the promoters. The promoters sought to obtain powers to lease the Glasgow, Airdrie, and Monklands Railway ; and the Edin burgh and Bathgate line, which with the Airdrie and Batbgate (the central of the three lines, and the only one at present in their own hands) iormed a continuous and almost direct line from Glasgow to Edinburgh, a little south of the present Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway. They sought these powers as a matter of secety fo themselves, as a benefit to the general public, and also because it met with the appro bation of the parties interested in these local lines, and the proprietors and influential residents upon them. Evidence was then called for the promoters. Mr. HorE was heard for the Scottish Central, whose locus standi was disputed. The Commiitee decided that the Company had a claim to be heard in opposition. Nothing of general importance was elicited, and the Com mittee adjourned at four o'clock. GROUP LI. The Chairman (Sir J. Y. Buller), and the other members of the Committee met at twelve o'clock, for the purpose of considering and arranging the clauses of TICE CALEDONIAN (CANONBIE, BRA.NCII). Mr. COCKBURN, for the Caledonian Railway Company, brought forward a clause making it binding on the pro moters to allow the Glasgow and Dumfries Railway to run their traffic free over that part of their opponents line, from Springfield to Carlisle, and in the event of any unnecessary obstruction being offered, it should be in the power of the Railway Commissioners to make such regulations as should remove such unnecessary obstruction. Mr. AUSTIN objected that the carriages should not go free, and also that this clause, as at present framed, would give the promoters power to throw every sort of impediment in the way of the Glasgow, Dumfries, and Carlisle Railway traffic. The room was ordered to be cleared, and on parties being re- admitted, The CHAIRMAN announced that the Committee had agreed to accept Mr. Cockburn's clause, with certain amendments. The clause, as passed, furnished the Railway Commissioners with power to interfere between the Caledonian and Glasgow and Dumfries Companies in a representation from one or both of them, provided always that no limit, or alteration, or restriction, .should be placed on the rates or tolls of the Caledonian Company, as granted by their Act of 1845; and further, that the engines of the Dumfries Company should not be permitted to pass over or along the Caledonian line. The other clauses were passed, and the Chairman was ordered to report the Bill (as we understood) on Tuesday. COMMITTEE on PRIVATE BILLS (THIS DAY.) LIVERPOOL WATERWORKS. The Committee assembled this morning at twelve o'clock; Sir J. Johnstone in the chair, when the Committee declared the preamble of the Bill to be proved ; and they then went through the clauses, which were agreed to with a tew amendments. AYR. ROADS BILL. This Committee met to-day at twelve o'clock, in Room 38; Sir John Hanmer in the chair. Immediately on the assembling of the Committee, the pre amble of the Bill was deClared proved, there being no ap pearances on the petitionf, and the clauses were agreed to. METROPOLITAN SEWAGE BILL The clauses of this Bill were this morning arranged, and the Chairman instructed to report the Bill to the House. LIVERPOOL. GUARDIAN GAS COMPANY. The Committee was occupied during the whole of the day in hearing evidence in favour of this Bill. Adjourned until to-morrow. TATTERSALL'S-THIS EVENING O'CLOCK. DEItaY. 5 to 1 agat Cossack—taken 11 to 2 agst Couyngliam—taken 8 to 1 agst Van Tromp 12 to 1 agst Mirmillo 18 to 1 agst Planet 18 to 1 agst Oxonian 20 to 1 agst War Eagle 20 to 1 agst Wauota 20 to 1 agst Montpensier 20 to 1 agst Glentilt—taken 28 to 1 agst lied Hart 50 to 1 agst Mr. Martin 66 to 1 agst Deloraine 66 to 1 agst Old Port 100 to 1 agat Bellerophon OAKS. 9 to 2 aget Clementina 7 to 1 agst Ellerdal© 15 to 1 agst Lady List 13 to 1 agst Miami EMPERINL PA RLIAMENT (THIS E VENIZG.) HOUSE OF LORDS. The LORD CHANCELLOR took his scat on the Woolsack at the usual hour. FACTORIES BILL. The Bishop of LONDON presented several peti tions from various districts in favour of the Factories Bill. Lord WIIARNCLIFFE presented a petition from th• inhabitants of Huddersfield with 5,000 signatures; a similar petition from Blackburn with 4,520 signatures, and a similar petition from Boness, Lancashire. Lord FE VERSHAM presented a petition from the in habitants of Ashton-under- Lyne, signed by 2,301 persons; also 100 similar petitions from various manufactories in Oldham and its neighbourhood; also thirteen petitions from various other places in Lancashire. The Bishop of CHESTER presented similar petitions from the clergy of Bolton, Rochdale, and Burnley, signed by 60; from the clergy of Manchester, signed by 35; another petition from the medical men of Man chester, Bolton, and Rochdale, signed by 141; a petition from the clergy, medical men, manufacturers, and in habitants of Londley, in Yorkshire, signed by 760, also tor a similar purpose. The Bishop of LONDON presented a petition from the inhabitants of Warrington and other places, signal by 1,688 persons, also in favour of the Factories Bill. PREVENTION OF PROSTITUTION AND SE DUCTION. The Bishop of EXETER presented petitions from the county of Middlesex and the county of Norfolk, praying their Lordships to adopt measures for the pre vention of prostitution. BILLS FROM TIIE COMMONS. _ _ Messengers brought up Bills from the House of Com. MODS. FACTORIES BILL. The Earl of St. Germans, Lords Eversham and Wharneliffe, the Bishop of London, and Earl Grey pre sented petitions in favour of the Factories Bill. TOWNSIIEND PEERAGE BILL The House then went into Committee on this Bill. The Bill passed through Committee. PUBLIC GRANARIES. The Earl of WINCHILSEA rose to bring forward the motion of which he had given notice, of the expo diency of establishing public granaries. The Noble Lord, who was very imperfectly heard, was under stood to say, that had the Government established such depOts; at the beginning of this scarcity it would have: done much' to have prevented the present state of things. It would have prevented the supplies from being hoarded in a few hands. lie however sug ge sled that for the future the Government should take up the matter and provide for the accumulation of grain in order to supply the working population at re duced rates. Earl GREY said that the question opened by the Noble Earl was of too much importance to be disposed of by any incidental discussion, and he therefore ab stained from commenting upon it, not because he agreed with him in his opinions, but from the deep sense which he entertained of the present state of the country. the subject then dropped. POOR-LAW IRELAND. Earl FITZWILLIAM moved for certain returns con nected with the rateable districts in Ireland. After a few words from Lord ELLENI3OROUGII, Earl GREY said that, the returns asked for were already upon the table in another shape; and to place them in a new one would require so much trouble that he would desire his Noble Friend to postpone his motion in consequence of the present pressure et' business. The Lnrl of FITZWILLIAIII denied that they were in possession of the returns which be asked for. At the same lime he would be most willing to oblige his Noble Friend. The Earl of WICKLOW said he would press his mo tion for the returns. After some conversation, The NOBLE EARL postponed his motion till to-morrow. FACTORIES BILL. The Earl of ELLESMERE presented a number of petitions in favour of the Factories Bill, and then pro ceeded to move the second reading of the Bill. Ile said that this subject of so great importanca had been so little of late before their Lordships, that it might be in • trodnced perhaps with some apprehension, and the more that the second reading was not moved by an authority to whom their Lordships were accustomed, but at the request of many most anxious that the Bill should pass into a law, he had consented to move it before their Lordships. Comparatively novel as the subject might be to their Lordships, he was still relieved from the difficulties that existed in introducing a new principle to their Lord ships. The present Bill was supported by many classes of the community. (LEFT SPEAKING.) HOUSE OF . COMMONS. The SPEAKER took the Chair shortly before Four o'clock. REPORTS. The reports on the following Bills were brought up:— Bridge House Estates Debt. Commercial Gas-light and Coke Company. Dublin and Belfast Junction and Navan Branch Railway. Dublin and Drogheda Railway' (Purchase of Navan _ _ . . Branch, &c.) _ Dundalk and Enniskillen Railway. Dunfermline Waterworks. Eastern Counties Railway (Maldon, Witham, and Braintree Railway Purchase). Eastern Counties Railway Extension (Cambridge to Bedford, &c.) East Lincolnshire Railway (Deviation at Boston, and Branch to Great Grimsby and Sheffield Junction Rail way at Gri ms b y). - , Edinburgh and n " ' Glasgow, bionkland and liirkinlillOch, . • Ballochney and Slamannan Railways Amalgamation, Sale or Lease. Enfield or Edmonton Railway Extension. Falmouth Waterworks. Glasgow, Barrhead, and Neilston Direct Railway. Glasgow, Dumfries, and Carlisle Railway, and Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock, and Ayr Railway (No. 1). Glasgow, Kilmarrock, and Ardrossan Railway (Amend ment, Deviatiors, and Branches). Glasgow, Paisley, and Greenock Railway (Branches at Port Glasgow). Glasgow, Paisley, and Greenock Railway (Amendment and Branches to the Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock, and Ayr, the Glasgow, Barrhead, and Neilston, and the Glasgow, St-athaven, and Lesmahagow Railways, and to Haugh fits). Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock, and Ayr Railway (No 2), Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock, and Ayr Railway, and Ayrshire and Bridge of Weir Railway (No. 3). Great Indian Peninsula Railway, Great Southern aue. Western Railway Extension (Port arlington to Tullarnore). Lowestoft Railway and Harbour (Alteration near Reed- ham). Manchester and Birmingham and North Staffordshire _ Junction Railway. Norfolk Railway (Yarmouth Extension). Norfolk Railway (Branch from Wymondham to the Norwich Extension of the Ipswich and Bury St. Ed mund's Railway, and the proposed Thetford and Reedham Railway aear Diss.) Paisley and Renfrew Railway (Sale and Improvement). Paisley, Barrhead, and Rudd Railway. Payne's Patents Assignment. Plymouth and Tavistock Road (No. 2). Ross, Cromarty, and Part of Nairn District Roads. Runcorn Gas. _ Saffron Walden Rates. Swansea and Amman Junction Railway. Wakefield Market. Warrington Gas. Waterford and Limerick Railway. Waterford Road. Wexford Free Bridge. York Improvement, Lendal Bridge and Approaches. REPORTS OF RAILWAY COMMITTEES. The Reports on the following Bills were further con sidered and agreed to: — Belfast Port and Harbour. Dublin Consumers Gas. Duffryn Llynvi and Porth Cawl and Lynvi Valley Railways Amalgamation. Glasgow, Dumfries, and Carlisle Railway, and Glas gow, Paisley, Kilmarnock, and Ayr Railway (No. 4). London Sewage Chemical Manure Mil:feed's (llaiiceith Glebe) Estate. Ryde Improvement. . _ Sheffield Markets (Amendments to be proposed). THIRD READINGS: The following Bills were read a third time and passed : Birkenhead Dock Company and Herculaneum Dock Company Amalgamation. British Commercial Insurance Company (No. 2). Caledonian Railway (Glasgow, darLkirk, and Coat bridge Railway, Branch to Glasgow Station). Cork and Bandon Railway. Cork, Blackrock, and Passage Railway. Dunfermline and Cupar Court Houses. Eastern Union and Ipswich and Bury St. Edmund's Railways Amalgamation. Southampton and Dorchester Railway (Weymouth Branch). Mr. FITZROY moved that it is expedient to suspend for the remainder of this session the standing order which precludes Committees on Rails ay Groups from making their reports to the House until the reports on the several lines comprised in the Group have been laid before them by the Railway Commissioners. Mr. STRUTT said that it was not possible that the reports of the Railway Commissioners could be more ably made out; no expense nor trouble was spared, and their authority was very great, and he therefore could not think that they were valueless. They had prevented a great many evils from occurring, and, especially, they had prevented railway companies from increasing their capital to an unlimited amount. Mr. SHAW said that he was not about to deny that these reports were valuable ; it was to the working of the system that he objected. The Committee were obliged to hear everything, and then read the Commis sioners' report, for which they were often obliged to wait for a long time, and thus occasion an enormous expense to the parties. After a few words from Mr. CRIPPS, which did not reach the gallery, Sir E. ELLIS said that no person lamented more than he did the difficulty which had been experienced in carrying out the resolutions which he had ventured to propose, and he must again say, in his own defence, that this matter of difficulty should not have been allowed to remain in the hands of an individual Member of that House. What had fallen from his Right Hon. Friend the Chief Commissioner of the Railway Board fully bore out his statement, in which he recommended the House to come to this decision. He would not repeat what his Ri g ht lion. Friend had said, but there were in many of the Bats which had been prepared during the present session. So many conflicting propositions with respect to the powers for raising capital and for raising loans, and for amalgamating and uniting compa nies ; many of which had been so preposterous, that upon the first attempt at examination before the Board, the parties themselves had been ashamed of their own propositions, and had withdrawn them. Many of them had, quite contrary to all principle, and in defiance of the standing orders of the House, had gone before different Committees of the House to ask for powers which they knew could not be granted. Us certainly thought this was not a fit state of things to continue, and something, in his opinion, ought to be done to effect an amendment. The whole question of railways was one which Parliament ought to take up, in order to provide a remedy for the evils which were complained of in the debate of last Friday. He Should recommend his Hon. Friend to put up with the inconvenience, in order to have the examinations which had been taken in that Committee, which the Government had declared was necessary for the public safety. Mr. HUDSON said that the Committee might have waited very long before they would have got the Rail way Commissioners reports, and had the original inten tion been carried out, not one of the Committees now sitting would have got on with their business. He said, therefore, that this investigation should take place clause by clause; but there would, according to his impression, be a very injurious delay,—which had been accompanied by an enormous expense. The proposition of his Hon. Friend was, he thought, ex tremely simple, and he hop' that the Noble Lord at the head of the Government would make an explicit statement. for the want of it had been attended with very consider able inconvenience. He s ncerely trusted that the pro position which his Hon. Friend had sugges.ed, whatever might take place, would, by the et.,nsent of the Govern ment, be put before the House. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said that it was a u niversally agreed proposition by the House, that no Committee should come to a decision before they received the • report of the Railway Commissioners. This was the unanimous opinion of the House. Nothing had been found to affect the character of the rep rett o ho r ef t pt o hr f eea t mi h ib e cl ne R . b al e l if w eo u a r le y b te C hr eo was n i t s o ededetct,tihhsaieotnorbeij.opeort. There had b een no thi ng t bsm o irojit i nn m tgeere p ass e b a rao c en h ucdte t ia h y. e report of the Railway Commissioner; he did not see any reason for the alteration. Ile had in tended to give notice, in compli ance w i t h t h e reasons which had been adduced that he should move for the appointment of a Select Committee, and he did accord ingly give that notice now. Art( r a few words from Mr. HODGSON and Mr. W BATON, who supported the motion, Mr. BAILEY said the resolution was not only an in convenience to the Members of that House, but to all parties who came before the Committees, and it ought, therefore to be rescinded. Mr. F. BARING hinted that the House would not abandon the resolution which it had passed at a former period of the session. The object of that resolution was to draw the attention of the committees to a matter of very great importance. It was true there had been some inconvenience resulting from the operation of this reso lution, but then the business of the House was to make good and perfect laws. If every resolution were to set aside, on the ground of delay, the House would find that none of its salutary resolutions would be attended to. And it would be found that some of the companies, which were exceedingly fearful and alive to everything affect ing their interests, would postpone sending in their finan cial returns, in order to make out a case of grievance, such as that complained of in the first instance. In fact it had been stated that the delay of completing some of the reports had arisen from some of the companies not having sent in their return. He should most certainly oppose the resolution. After a few words from Mr. SIIAW, Mr. EDWARD ELLICE, jun., thought that a part of the diffieulty might be obviated, if an understanding were come to between the chairman of Select Committees and the chairman of the Commissioners of Railways. Mr. FITZROY said that the feeling of those who were opposed to his motion might be got over if he in serted the words " Committees now sitting." His im pression was that his motion was necessary, and as he had heard no objection to it to warrant him to withdraw it, he would press it to a division. Strangers were then ordered to withdraw, when the numbers were-- For the motion Against it Di tjority -32 Mr. GREENE said it would be in the recollection of the House that a short time ago the Police Clauses Con solidation Bill was referred to a select committee. Since then several Police Bills bad been referred to Committees, and he wished to know from Government whether those Committees ought to proceed with their labours till the report of the Select Committee on the Police Clauses Consolidation Bill was before the House. Sir G. GREY thought that it was exceeding l y de sirous —that suc h a suggestion was valuable, and desirable that the Committee should be instituted. Mr. GREEN brought up sever al reports, the titles of of which, owi ng t o the confusion and talk in the House, were inaudible. HEALTH OF TOWNS BILL. Lord DUNCAN gave notice that upon the motion for going into Committee on the Health of Towns he should move that it was inexpedient to proceed with the further consid erat i on of t h at me asure until full con sideration had been given to the unequal p ressure of the window tax on the dwellings of the poor. CONSU2IPTION OF FLOUR IN COTTON W ORBS. Mr. FERRAND gave notice that to-morrow he should ask s question of the Noble Lord at the head of the Government, upon a most important subject ; it appeared Oat 10,120,000 pounds,yeight of best flour were used for the • purpose of dressing warps to be woven into cloth ; and, also, in daubing cotton with flour paste, with the intention of defrauding the public. The question which he wished to put was, whether it was the intention of the Govern ment to bring in a Bill to prevent the use of flour to such purposes. RAILWAY FINANCE. The CHANCELLOIIoet;EXCIIEQUER gave notice that, to morrow, he should move for the appoint ment of a Special Select Committee, to inquire into the financial position of the various railways in the country, and the various points touched upon in the debate of this evening, with relation to railways. QUARANTINE LAWS. Dr BOWRING wished to ask a question of the Right Hon. Gentleman below him, the Vice-President of the Board of Trade. It was reported that a considerable change was to take place with regard to the quarantine laws. He wished, therefore, to know if any new regu• lations were contemplated, an d what they were. Mr. MILNER GIBSON said that, with regard to vessels from Egypt and Syria, they were to be put under the same regulations as were applicable to vessels from Turkey, and they were to be admitted under free pra ague, provided they had clean bi!ls of health, and were not laden with susceptible articles. There were further regulations under consideration. BERINGTON'S KNAPSACK AND GIRDLE. Mr. WAKLEY wished to ask the Right Hon. Gen tleman the Secretary at War, %that steps have been taken to investigate the merits of the knapsack and girdle invented by Mr. Berington. Mr. FOX MAULE recollected that the subject was brought under the consideration of the House when the army estimates were brought in last year, but he did not recollect that he had said anything which could induce the Hon. Gentleman to suppose that he would subject the knapsack to any inquiry. He himself, however, had looked at the knapsack; and he had no he sitation in saying that he did not think it deserved the encomiums which had been passed upon it. It was considered most inconvenient, and in the next place was thirteen ounces heavier than the knapsack at present in use ; which was eight pounds in weight (as we understood). (" Hear," from Mr. Wakley.) He bad therefore not thought it advisable to advise the use of the knapsack of Mr. Borrington. RIOTS AT TAUNTON. Mr. B. ESCOTT wished to ask a question of the Right Hon. Baronet the Secretary of State for the Home Department, which had reference to the preservation of the peace of the country. He perceived by the newspapers of :this mornit , that considerable public violence had taken place in the west of England, particularly in 'Milton, in consequence of the dealers in corn affixing what prices they chose to their commodities; he therefore wished to know whether the Right Hon. Gentleman was able to state whether the reports were founded in truth or not; whether there was reason to fear that the alarm which prevailed in the west of England would extend itself to other parts ; and whether he had received any information on the subject, which, consistently with his dnty, he thought proper to lay on the table of the House? Sir G. GREY said he had received information from the civil authorities of Exeter, stating that disturbances had taken place on Friday and Saturday in the west of Cornwall and Exeter, and in one or two other places i❑ consequence of the high price of provisions; but al though he had seen accounts in the news papers of disturbances which had taken place from this cause in Taunton, he had not received any official information on the subject ; but in consequence of the prompt measures taken by the local authorities, order had been restored in those parts of the country to which he had referred, and he hoped there was no cause for alarm.—(Cheers.) (LEFT SITTING.) LAW INTELLIGENCE. COURT OF EXCHEQUER, May 15. IMPORTANT CASE.-CHILTON V THE LONDON AND CROYDON RAILWAY COMPANY. This was an action for assault and false imprisonment. Sir F. Thesiger. Mr. Sergeant Channel!, and Mr. Peacock, appeared for the plaintiff; and Mr. Kennedy for the defendants. Sir F. THESIGEIt stated that Mr. Chilton, who is one of her Majesty's counsel, on the evening of the 15th of October, 1845, took a ticket to proceed from Sydenham, where his family resided, to London, by the Croydon Railway, in a first-class carriage. He was very well known to the officers, and there was no difficulty in iden tifying him. Mr. Chilton lost his ticket, and stated the fact upon his arrival at the London terminus to Smith, an officer of the company. Ile offered to pay one shilling, which is the fare from Sydenham to London, but Smith insisted upon having Is. 3d., being the whole fare from Croydon to London, which Mr. Chilton refused to pay, whereupon Smith gave him into the custody of a police officer. Mr. Chilton refused to go without being forced to do so, whereupon the constable laid his hands upon him, and Mr. Chilton said that was sufficient. and he would go with the officer, and he accordingly went to the station-house. Mr. Chilton, fearing that his family might be alarmed at his absence, offered to pay the is. 3d., which Smith refused to re ceive, and insisted on the charge being taken. The charge was entered, "For having rode in a railway carriage without paying his fare." It happened that a Mr. Roberts, a solicitor, was passing by, who, knowing Mr. Chilton, offered to become bail, which was accepted. Mr. Chilton having been detained about half an hour. The next morning Mr. Chilton attended be fore a magistrate, who made an order fur the payment of Is. 3d., but afterwards rescinded it, feeling that he had not the power to make such an order. On the 17th of October Mr. Chilton wrote to the company, com plaining of Smith's conduct in the matter, and request ing that the by-law, which was supposed to give such power to the company, should be abrogated. This, however, was refused. Much correspondence followed, and ultimately Mr. Chilton brought his action. The defendants pleaded, first, not guilty ; arid, secondly, justification under the by-laws. To this last plea the plaintiff demurred, and the Court, upon argument held the plea to be bad. This state of facts came out in evidence before the Court yesterday. The CHIEF BARON suggested to the defendants to apologise. Mr. KENNEDY, however, declined to do this, and ad dressed the jury, observing that the arrest was made by the defendants' officer, upon the belief that the by-laws of the company gave him that power, and the company always conceived they had that power, until the Cburt upon the decision respecting the demurrer, declared that they had Rot. The power, however, was necessary, not only for the benefit of the company, but fcr the security of the public, and the Company would go to Parliament to get the power. The CHIEF BARON, in summing up, :expressed his belief that Parliament never would grant the power in question, as it was one which no body of men oeght to possess over the subjects of this realm. The jury returned to consider their verdict, and after a lengthened consultation, same into Court, and returned a verdict for the plaintiff —Damages 500/. QUEEN'S BENCH, May 15. WALLINGTON V. LAMBERT. This was an action to recover a sum of money from the defendant, Sir 11. Lambert, of Oxfordshire, as a director of the Great Welsh Junction Railway Company, in respect for maps prepared for that railway by the plaintiff. The delend'int's liability was not established, as he was only a director' conditionally, and the jury returned a verdict for the defendant. MURDER OF A WOMAN BY HER HUSBAND AT BIRMINGHAM. On Friday evening an inquest was held at the Grand Turk, on Ludgate-hill, on the body of Margaret Leonard, about 40 years of age, wife of a man named Peter Leonard, a paper hawker, and residing in Tanter-street, who died in consequence of injuries received from being thrown down stairs by her husband, on the morning of Saturday last. They had for a long time past been in the habit of having quarrels, which often resulted in blows, one or both b e i ng generally in a state of intoxication •, and from the evidence ' it will be seen that this was unhappily the cause of the quarrel in the present instance, which resulted in the death ' of the woman. The husband himself was present in custody, and cross-examined ene or two of the witnesses. He did not appear much concerned as to the result of the investi gation; but when any portion of the evidence was parti cularly against him he became agitated, and trembled very much. The excitement created by the event became very great in the neighbourhood of Tenter-street, when it was known that the death of the woman had taken place; and towards the close of the investigation the room was crowded by persons anxious to hear the pro ceeding. The first witness called was Mary May, wife of James May, comb-maker, and residing nearly oppo site the house of deceased in Tenter- street. She knew the deceased, Margaret Leonard, who, she believed, was quite well on the morning of Saturday last. About half past seven o'clock that morning witness saw deceased and her husband come home together, and go into the house, both of them appearing to be intoxicated, as might be inferred from their staggering walk. On going in they shut the door after them. Witness heard loud talking between them, the husband cursing the wife, calling her bad names, and order ing her to get up from the floor, where she was lying, to fetch some coal and make him breakfast. She answered, " I will, Peter." After this, witness went on w i th her employ ment, and did not hear any more, until the husband himself came over to her door, about ten minutes past eight, when be said, " Will you come over to my house, and help to g e t Mar garet out of the cellar? for I' ve shoved her down there ; but passion is the devil " Witness went over immediately, along with a neighbour, Mrs. Forty, who had also been asked. On looking towards the cellar, down the stairs of which the man said his wife had fallen, they found the door shut; but having got a light, they discovered the unfortunate woman lying with her legs and feet on the two lower steps, and her body stretched outwards, with the head doubled up under the right shoulder. Her face was covered all over with clotted blood, and there were also two pools of blood on the cellar floor. Leonard himself was asked to help her up stairs, but he said, " No, let the dirty - lie and die ;" but witness, with the assistance of Mrs. Forty and another neighbour who came in, had the deceased removed up stairs, where they laid her down by the fire-place, and washed her, being all this time in an insensible state and speechless, but groaning heavily, and making a noise; blood was streaming, also, from both ears. Witness and the other neighbour wished to put the deceased into bed, but her husband said ho would not allow her to go into a bed of his, and when they wanted to put the pillow below her head he refused, using words equally indecent with the above. He was still drunk, but soberer than when he went into the house. Other evidence proved the determined purpose with which apparently the prisoner had sought to murder the unfortunate woman, and his heartless indifference to her agonies. The jury, after a consultation of about ten mi nutes, returned with a verdict finding Peter Leonard Guilty of " Wilful murder." - _ NORTH DURHAM.-Mr. Robert Duncomb© Shafto, of Whitworth, has issued an address to the electors, and has become a candidate on the Whig and Lambton interest. NORTH CHESHIRE.—The only names as yet men tioned as likely to go to the poll are E. D. Davenport, Esq., of Capesthorn, and J. Cheetham, Esq., of s ta l y . bridge, Inth Liberals.—,Manchester Express. MR. COBDEN, M.P., at FLORENCE Free-trade principles are gradually gaining ground in every part of Europe. The particulars of Mr. Cobden's triumphant march through France and Spain have I already been amply recorded in the pages of this journal. From Spain the Hon. Member for Stockport proceeded to the other great peninsula of the south of Europe, where he has won the same golden opinions and been honoured with the same grand receptions. He has shaken hands with the Pope, and held familiar conver sations on his favourite topic with many of the savans litterati of Italy. Florence, the seat :of the fine arts from time immemorial, and of free-trade for the last century, has not been backward in rendering homage to the representative of the enlightened principles of com mercial intercourse which bid fair soon to become the basis of all the fiscal codes of the continent. We have received from the 'Tuscan capital the particulars of a grand banquet in honour of the English free-trader, which, took place Jhere on the 29th ult. As many as 110 persons assembled in the magnificent gallery of the Borghese Palace, where the feast was prepared. The presidential chair was occupied by the Chevalier Vincenzo Peruzzi Gonfaloniere, of the city of Florence, and the select circle around him included many persons distinguished by name, by talents, and by fortune. The guests having done justice to the delicious viands and exquisite wines which overspread the table, the Pre sident rose and proposed the health of " the Grand Duke Leopold of Tuscany, the Sovereign of the State." The Vice-President, Signor Emanuelle Fensi, then ad dressed Mr. Cobden in Italian, as follows: " To the fervid and sincere prayers for a long and prosperous life, to the aprlause which you have received in other parts of Italy, and especially in the Eternal City, we are rejoiced to-day to be able to add those of our own Florence—Florence, in which letters, together with the arts and sciences, first revived after the dark ness of the middle ages, and which heard freedom of trade proclaimed in its bosom sixty-six years ago, thus giving a great example, by which, when it is developed and adopted by all nations, the misery of many millions of men will be relieved, and the most powerful obstacle that is opposed to the fraternity of nations—diversity of interests—removed.' Florence honours and admires in you, Sir, the head of that League' which, with imper turbable constancy, with immense sacrifices, and van quishing obstacles which appeared insuperable, effected in your country one of the greatest, and at the same time the most peaceful of revolutions, thus affording to the whole world the spectacle of the irresistible force with which an idea is developed when armed by science and the force of persuasion alone, and when with inde fatigable activity it is peacefully and legally sustained by worthy men. Continue your labours, U Richard! gather other laurels so much the more to be desired, because they are not stained with blood, but are covered with the benedictions of the human race. We shall continue to admire and to applaud you—we who—thanks to an enlightened prince, courageous in his endeavours to vanquish the prejudices of his age, and to put in practice the liberal doctrines with which he was imbued—have experienced for three generations the efficacy of free trade in alimentary substances, which has averted from our country the scourge of famine; as the same freedom in trade, not excluding that of instruction, and the free interchange of immovable property produced by the abolition of fiefs, has banished distress fro m ou r land, or restricted it to its least painful limits, if the generous idea of the free interchange of produce and articles of commerce generally has become law in the great country to which you belong, the great example must be fol lowed by other nations. We offer, in the mean time, fervent prayers for your felicity and your glory, which is our own, and we cry with one voice—Long live Richard Cobden !' " After the toast had been duly drunk, and the applause in a degree subsided, Mr. COBDEN rose and spoke as follows:—" Gentle men, I should feel much embarrassed if I believed that this splendid demonstration was intended as a personal compliment to myself; for, whatever may be thought of my merits in other countries, I can have no title to pre eminence as a free trader in an assembly of Tuscans. But, no; we meet here as brethren in a common faith, myself a younger brother, to unite our vows in favour of that commercial liberty which Tuscany, of all the nations of the earth, was the first to put in practice upon sound politico-economical principles. o,her people, as for instance the Dutch and the Swiss, owing to the acci dentals of their geographical position, may have always enjoyed peculiar exemptions from commercial restric dens, but to Tuscany is undoubtedly due the glory of having preceded by half a century the rest of the world in the application of the theories of economical science to its legislation. Here political economy was first erected into a commercial code. Let us render a solemn homage to the memories of those men who gave to the world so great a lesson in statesmanship. Honour to Bandini, who a century ago discovered the truth—of which more than half the civilised world is still igno rant—that liberty of commerce is the only safeguard of nations against the evils of scarcity, and their surest guide to agricultural and commercial prosperity ! Honour, immortal honour, to Leopold, who taking the torch of science from the hand of Bandini, entered upon the then dark and untrodden path of free trade, and guided only by its pure light, proceeded onwards with an unfaltering step, undeterred by the obstacles which ignorance, prejudice, and self-interest threw in his way! llonour to Ncri, John Fabbroni, Fossombroni, and the rest who have preserved his great work from the attacks of sophistry in our day! These are the real benefactors of mankind, to whom we ought to decree honours and monuments, whose peaceful triumphs will shed blessings upon myriads yet unborn, long after the causes and con sequences of blood-stained victories are lost in oblivion and nothingness. Gentlemen, I am not in the habit of addressing my hearers in terms of flattery, and I should like it to be understood that the few words I have to add are ititsnsled for those who may chance to read my remarks in other countries rather than as complimentary phrases offcad to a Tuscan audience. Upon this my first visit to Italy, I have felt naturally curious to wit ness the efftcts of free trade, particularly in corn, upon the myral condition of a people. I must confess that I entered Tuscany with feelings of en thusiasm, such as a devotee experiences in visiting the shrine of his faith. But I have endeavoured to cast an impartial eye upon all that I have seen, and if what I state as the result of my observation be erroneous, it will be open to correction by others. During the last eight months I have been travelling in nearly all the countries of southern Europe, and I am bound to state, without wishing to disparage other nations, that I find the condition of the population of Tuscany superior to that of any other people I have visited. The surface of the country resembles that of a well cultivated garden; the people are everywhere well-dressed; I have seen no beggars excepting a few lame or blind; and in this season of the general scarcity there is less of suffering from want of food here, with a perfect freedom of ex port and import of corn, than in probably any other country in Europe. I find such industries as are natural to Tuscany carried on with success, and that, in par ticular, of its indigenous straw ma nu f ac t ure h as atta i ne d a development which has surprised me. But I do not confine my observations to the material condition of the people. Where a country had enjoyed for fifty years the advantages of commercial liberty, I expected to find the spirit of free trade entering into the character of its people, abating their national prejudices, destroying the spirit of egotism, and imparting to them a sentiment of brotherhood towards other nations. And in this respect I have not been disappointed in the inhabitants of Tuscany. I am only repeating the opinion of every traveller when I say that they are eminently courteous and mild towards strangers. Foreigners make this country their favourite abode, not merely because here there is no impediment to a cheap and abundant supply of luxuries and comforts from every part of the globe, but because they find a charm in the amiable cordiality of the Tuscan people. Such is the description of the only country in southern Europe which enjoys the ad vantages of free trade, and I will not add a word of comment, but leave the facts I have stated for the in struction of other nations. Gentlemen, I thank you heartily for this cordial reception of a fellow•labourer in our good cause. The remembrance of this happy evening will always be a source of the highest gratifica tion to me. I conclude by drinking to the rapid exten sion of free-trade principles all over the world." A number of speeches in Italian were afterwards de livered, for which we cannot find room. The whole affair passed off most satisfactorily, and the gallant Italians vied with each other in paying every attention to the fair lady of the illustrious free trader, who accom panied her husband to the banquet by special invitation. POISONING OF A FAMILY AT BURY. On Saturday afternoon last the inhabitants of East gate-street and the neighbourhood were thrown into a state of great consternation, by a report being circulated that a whole family had been poisoned. Inquiry - was instantly set on foot to ascertain the truth of the rumour, and it was soon discovered to be too true. The family of Mr. William Rouse, agricultural implement maker, of 56, Eastgate-street, consisting of the wife and four children, sat down to dinner about one o'clock on Saturday afternoon, som e dumplings , pr e pared from s ome dough which had been left after making the bread in the morning, forming part a the meal. About ten minutes after dinner, all who had partaken of the repast were seized with severe pains and viol ent vomiting, and, of course, from the fact of their all being attacked in , the same manner, suspicion was aroused. Mr. Image was im mediately sent • for, and arriving with the utmost expe dition, soon ascertained that poison had been adminis tered, and immed iatel y resorted to those rem edies usual o n such occasions. B y the skilful tre atment adopted the sufferers wer e soon recovered, so far as to be be. yond the reach of immediate dan g er . Mr. Rouse ' himself, having been duri ng engaged ,of i n n eav b e u r i n i h n en e li s le s ssp,t h e io o u f sly a, .a . r sae t r dduinmnpelringtirnafet,e r w only d s partook but wa s bread ; made and o theref a piece was some e d o t i t a l i o g u h t r left not affected. We have already stated ru 7ere poisoned the d fr u o na m p 1 i t n b g e s Ilannathherßouse used. Both bread and dumplings inquiriestli the but the made, suspicion T i n daughter, aged about 21, and from what transpired, it investigation this wa s considered proper to t a k e h,ser intooffi custody. Sh e wa s brought up at Mr. Win,„ (Tu e s took day) m orning, and a prolonged privateo o. place, the magistrates considering known the evidence t a k en at it injudi cious to make Mr. Image and several other witnesses preliminary inquiry. and two letters were produced' nesses were examined, woman named Sargeant, living addressed to a young at Mr. Quant's, in Abbe t servant, we understand, ex presses her regret at something3a:-street, wherein she scurely glances at self-destruction. she has done, and ob. she has been led into th lt is believed that filching, and feels c • e commission of some petty onscince-s • inquiry before the magistratestricken at her guilt. The being remanded till Monday resulted in the prisoner under go another exanain t* .. 4 1 944,-13u next, when she will ry Horald. FOOD RIOTS AT EXETER• (From the Western Times.) FRIDAY NoosT.—Whilst preparing for the press, row and clamour in the street below drew us out to see what it was ; we found an elderly man pale, confused and anxious, mobbed by women, rushing past our office door. His pale face aad anxious visage were truly pitiable to behold. He was not apprehensive without reason, for the wild cries and savage manners were far more fearful than would have been the noisier manifes tations of men. Lascelles the policeman endeavoured to psoteet him, but they brushed him off instantly, and the old man was spun round and his coat half off in a trice. He hurried onward and escaped, for they fastened upon Mr. Buckland the baker, who happened to be standing at bis door, and commenced mobbing him. The first one was a potato dealer. He had been detected in St. Thomas's watching the country people coming into town, intercepting On purchasing their stocks of potatoes. The women in formed us that it was old Whitfield of the Island, who was charging half-a-crown a score for his 'tatoes, and with foul reproaches they loaded his forestalling sam e ' He had to thank his lucky stars that neighbour Back land appeared in sight, for he, though enjoying the re putation of a cheap baker, has been advancing with the market, and was supposed to have a great stock in ban d ' Mr. Buckland stood at his door, and the mob, working itself up into a pitch of fury, assailed him first with groans, then with stones broke his windows, and when he repelled the assailants they beat him violently till b e was drawn into the shop; all this was passing in vie w 64 ` , our own window. The poor people are terribly famished no doubt, und the women are maddening with rage at being unable 10 find food enough for their little ones. But the leading assailants of Mr. Buckland were the idle and disorderly, who seize any opening for a row. The majority Of t he mob were, however, middle-aged women, who would not have been found in the streets clamouring against prom vision-mongers had there not been dreadful Yawl at home. Mr. Buckland is a kind-hearted man, and has always kept down the price of bread; and it is worthy of rs• mark that the mob was headed by three women, w al k . ing arm in arm, to their attack on his house. THE CORN MARKET. As soon as Mr. Buckland's shop was closed, the mob proceeded to the corn market, where they made a savage and clamorous attack upon the farriers. They pa ssed in at the upper door with a roar and a yell, and many agriculturists escaped out of the lower door. N_ women began the riot in each case, and the men Itor' lowed. One farmer had his head cut with a stick, a n other was felled by a blow in front. The farmers re treated rapidly, but the dealers kept to their stalls; but they were soon compelled to retreat. We saw a o r " dealer's hat in the hands of the mob with the crown out" and tossed about with savage imprecations. Getting into the thick of it, we endeavoured top er ' suede a young woman, .with a child of about eighteen months old in her arms, to go home. "Go homer eh e exclaimed, with fierce invective—" go home to k_ starved! Better bide here to be killed at °nee, than home to starve!" There was something terrific in time wild frenzy of the women. If a farmer gets a punch in the head from a civilian of the town, he knows how ud tg return it, but a woman's fist wringing in his face, her shrill tongue ringing in his ear, baffles him ou, " a. right. Mr. Stone defnded many of the farmers wlt great courage—his shop was safe enough—be sel ls s drugs and physics, and laboured under no apprehension as to an attack at home; all the doctors shops are sere. The butchers quickly packed up their meat, 50d tbe several dealers cleared their stalls. We overheard butcher swearing that " the women had taken it into their heads all together." The mob having cleared the corn market, then die' persed, breaking upon stray farmers, and aho sin n i f itself with a hunt of this description. We saw b ()- a d venerable man, whose appearance showed that he not made much wealth in growing food for an u n fi t far people, coming down Fore-street-hill at a P "e 'ble beyond his years, fleeing in vain from t he , h e re terrt women. Another was hunted into King-streets b. he stood at bay, his tormentors clamouring and woe ing at him, as if he had stored corn all his days was a cool and imperturbable man. He steadily de- clared that he came into the town neither to sell nor.to_. buy. As his quiet, calm manner gave no salient pow' for their savage fancies, they left him. s tbe After leaving the corn market and bun ti n g o f farmers, a general cry arose to proceed to the store Messrs. Sercombe, the corn-merchants on the quaptil. shower of stones soon broke the windows, and the ° an d ing-house windows were quickly smashed. BeY,sarirt women were the chief actors. The latter deal wildly that they had children at home crying for br: sr : The tales of these poor women were too tru e They They_ W be e en ried conviction to the mind of the spectator impatient of remonstrance, and rebuke would u havere, 01 as imprudent as useless. But amongst them, r course, the usual proportion of dissolute and P energynently dtoegrtaakdeedn, up the h a a e d tiv n e ei p t a h r e t r n t f h t e he ex w cu o s r e k they clamoured loudly they had no childre n -7. no domestic ties. Having finished in the place of bust• ness, they next proceeded to Colleton-crescent, where they attacked the residence of Mr. J. C. Sercombe, and smashed his windows. They then proceeded to Mr. Kenwood, the baker's in nor the South-street, he threw out his loaves, and they smashed his windows. In the mean time his Worship the Mayor had ar rived by the express train. The magistrates had pre viously sworn in special constables, and his Worship at once proceeded at the head of a party of police, amour. panied by the town-clerk. lie found the people rioting at Theatre-street, and breaking the windows. Ilia Worship apprehended two of the ringleaders with his own hands. Proceeding down Fore-street, he found a mob before Mr. Jones's house, and the panic-struck baker, pitching out loaves of bread. The Mayor here dispersed the mob, and apprehended others of the rioters.' ill- Mr. Shore, the miller, of Exwick, was exceedingly used by the mob in the corn market. lie is reported to be very much injured, we regret to say. Mr. Beedell, baker, West-street, had his windows smashed. Mr. Salter, baker , Butcher-row, emptied his shop of bread, and saved his windows. The women carried o t the bread in their ap rons. Mr. J. E. Kin g don was eX ce edingly active in h is endeavours to a pp ease the mob. All the windows in the houses of Mr. Strong, miller and his brother, in the Bonhay, have been broken. THREE O'CLOCK. —rho town is becoming quiet. Special constables and police are out ; the magistracy are in attendance at the Guildhall. much they suffer, breaking w indows will not multiply We hope that the peo ple will reflect that, howev er bread, nor will riotous con duct feed their hungry children. FOUR O'CLOCK.—The Yeomanry Cavalry will muster this evening, at the Topsham barracks. The Pensioners are assembling at the Cavalry-bar racks, and arc to be placed under the autho rit y of the magistrates. t bag' A public meeting will be held this evening, a past six, on the state of the town. The majority of the respectable inhabita nts have been sworn in as special constables. The following circular has just been issued by the authorities to the several parishes : " Guildhall, May 1847._ 0 " Sir—l am directed by the magistrates of th is city f ° re you will call an immediate meeting of rur parishioners this afternoon, in vestry, to take immediate steps for the preservation of the peace o f this city, in connexion with the magistrates. " JOHN HARRIS, Deputy Mayo r ' The excited state of the town must not be abandoned. shows that precautioo Ersou RACES.—The influence of the wind, 5013 : 1 inconvenience n d l u , e s n t e o n n e e t theseo persons occasions, o f i s delicate frequently c o p ar e u x r i c o e i jw !tf eeri° l2 Ladles should ever be provided with Rowland's Kalydor, which be found gratefully refreshing to the complexion, din / LH* , the cloud of languor and relaxation, allaying all irrita two and heat, and immediately affording the pleasing sa t h e attendant on restored elasticity and healthful state of d , s skin. As a protector and preserver of the hair, Rorit i vin Macassar Oil will be found alike efficacious, guarding it the injurious operation of the sun and dust. Beware of bp% w ord rious Imitations. The only genuine articles have th e " Rowland's" preceding the name of the article on th e wrapper of each." A 11 ,, T A IST: ist Zi y l l t j ay . and plenty at the end we may expect cheapness — an l d f athheotodldunep,roverb hold good' far as May has yet goneis sent dearness and scarcity ; for so the afternoon of Saturday Brings cheap meal and harvest soon," has been misty enough. But , on last May drew her mantle of mist very closely around her - that even on the highest hei g hts, in this neigh rounirluiocohdsl it w as impossible to recognise a person at the dies tance of thirty yards.—Bradjbrd Observer. ANOTHER TRANS-ATLANTIC STRAM-Slllr.—The British and North American Royal Mail Steam-ship Coin' pany's new steamer the America, the first of the Royal - mot steam-ships for the New York line, was launched on Thursday? last, the 13th inst., from the yard of Messrs. R. Steele and Co., Greenock. She is unquestionably the finest steamer afloat. The Niagara and Europa will also be lauched shortlY —Liverpool Albion. BIRTHS. On the 10th inst., at Hillhead House, Pollockshavrap M rs Alexander Broadfoot, of a son, who survived only two days. On the 10th inst., at Park-hill, Frome, the lady of Thornsa E. Marsh, Esq., of a son. On the 11th inst., at Maida-vale, Paddington, Mrs. Georg° Flint, of a son. On the 13th inst., at Sutton-place, Hackney, the lady of George Biaxial - 1, Esq., of a son. On the 13th inst., in Bryanston-strset, Portman-gluare' the wife of J. Humpage, Esq., of a son. On the 13th inst., in Norfolk-street, Stratu Mrs. Law' rence Levy, of a daughter. On the 13th inst., in Mancheste;7square, Mrs. W. Hak es ' of a son. tha 11.43' On the 13th inst., at Compton Castle, Somerset, of George Singer, Esq., of a daughter. • MARRIED. 4 On the 13th inst., at Dartford, llenry, son of Mr. Willi. Hubble, Nortlitleet, to Barbara Kettlewell, second daughter of the late Mr. James llards Dartford. ar. On the 13th inst., at St. George's, Hanover-square , . T. Wood, of Drury-lane, to Martha, younge** (laughter 0 Mr. Thomas Coggan, of Fulham. DIED. On the 17th of March, at the Cape of Good Hope, on board‘ the Gloriana, Martha Eliza Coster, the wife of Lieutenant, Coster, 14th Light Dragoons, aged 23. Cor- On the 12th inst., Ann, daughter of the late Bryan coran, of Mark-lane, aged 65. On the 12th inst., at Herne - hill , Mrs. Simpson, relict of the late T. Simpson, Esq., aged 86. On the 12th inst., at Brighton, Mary, relict of the late W Manning, Esq., M.P. On the 13th inst., at Totnes, Devon, J. Blower, London: Printed and Publhed by hfURDO YOUN, of l`To•_,. v i Strand, Printer, at The S ue W 0.112 Strand, in the Prn i . of the fiiiTC7, t ll the C 011.14 of ki1441160, IttoadaYr Xs" t