Northern Times. — Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1859-03-09 00:00:00

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. HOUSE OF LORDS. --TUESDAY. - WINDING-VP BILL. The Trading Companies Winding-up Bill was read a second time. THE CHAritts,kr-otiortote. Lo rd W d h o e ouse moved an address to the Crown, praying for the production of certain telegraphic despatches relating to the affair of the Charles-et-Georges. He referred to the circumstances of the dispute between France and Portugal, at,ml accused th e Foreign Minister of having sacrificed, by conduct, the i n t erests of Portugal, and compromised the e t , of England. - "le Earl o f M a l mes b ury o b served t h at t h ere was, o f traecessity, much ambiguity in the wording of diplomatic ? a ges transmitted by the telegraph, because secrecy in h messages was i mpor t an t. R e f err i ng i n d e t a il t o th e !flatten despatches published in the official correspondence, , 0 e showed from them that the legal questions raised by the „,,,,,, rt nuese Govern men t in the contest with that of France, involved in many doubts, which the Ministry of the country was compelled to recognise, and could not take upon .11.ej t iselves to d ec id e mere ex parte ev id ence . H e passe d i n e ,‘lew the c i rcumstances attend i ng the capture of the r a arles- et-fleore•es, and the disputes arising out of that cP t ure• Heidelared that the responsible Ministers of the 4 1 :2wrf did not then, an d did no t even now , p ossess d a t a Fucient to enable them to pronounce an opinion in the abstract on the question of right or wrong between the j 3 Vre lleh and Portuguese. This, it should be remem deerfe', was a matter on which the peace of Europe , ended. He discussed the various issues raised by the all eged that infringements of international law, and maintained at they were not such as could be decided by the ordinary Judicial tribunals, but were essentially subjects for diplo- Ftic actio n . Thi s was t h e v i ew o f t h e case a d opte d b y t h e ench authorities, to which the . British government felt th emselves una bl e t o oppose any decisive reasons by the P r inciple that the matter was one for diplomacy, and the srernment had endeavoured to find an amicable solution to e difficulty. He we n t th r o ug h the se v e ral stages of the n troversy, and contended that the ultimate result had been satisfactory to Europe, and honourable to the British ad ministration. The only difficulty had arisen from the refusal or na , t he French minister at Lisbon to fulfil the ecL 'i t ions into which his principals at Paris were understood to have finally entered. Our gmernment th e throu g h ou t under the alternative of pronouncing e Portuuese Government altogether in the right, and of 1 , °Prorting that opinion in the face of any contingencies, or P do ing what they had done. They had admitted that be •b at in thi s case cou ld c l a i m th e same r i g ht which had l t e ll Conceded to Sardinia in the affair of the Cagliari, and b at the decision could not belong to judicial tribunals, it culusively to international law. The British Govern ment had, l ie contended, acted throughout in a manner at Prudent and p a t r i o ti c . eel l:',arl Granville com pl a i ne d o f th e i m perfect information p, 'allied in th e d espatc h es pu bli s h e d by the Government. • 0 hrs inf e ; what he could gather from those despatches, he must P ort th at the Government had neither dealt fairly with L 0 c,1 40 , 0 r fairly with France. °lle of • Kungsdown said that the question was essentially l ,*national law. In this point of view he did not war r n e , t "at Portugal could establish so clear a case as would eount a r - ,lbe Ministers in adopting the conclusions of that eolli ß "u opposition to that of France, and in risking a i r which might have compromised the general peace. P or : rl ?rey said that the treaties between England and faithfullyt for the suppression of the slave traffic had been lat e „,, observed Portugal ol ally while our conduct in the th e tusPute between and , France was one deserving b d . severest censure. That conduct would lead to the the ele that England was 'ready to desert her friends in it , hour of need, and was ready to repudiate her principles o.,e,never it suited her diplomatic covenience. deiitarl Derby complimented the opposition on their pru tesir in bringing forward this motion in such a shape as rendered an expression of opinion on the part of the House t irsible. The real question at-issue- wa.s not the con t er ation of ancient treaties on the principle of the slave aeration but whether the British ministry, when the matter 4 5 : formally brought under their notice, had acted as t ei l l ne impartial judges and faithful allies of both the con th--;Lag powers. This he contended they had done, as with l if s " i 'mPerfect information in their possession, it was impos t, ` e for them t o h ave interfered as mediators or arbitrators ,;(,°re, e ffectually than they had done. Our good offices ha d I ,;‘, een claimed till a comparatively late period of the dis t & e a ' when we proposed an honourable solution , which t L"' Only through the extraordinary and unexpected obsti- CY of Portugal. He declared that there was nothing in e t ransaction unworthy of the British government. s t Af ter some re mar k s from Lord Cranworth, the Earl of ~vermains and Lord Wensleydale, -t,,413rd Wodehouse withdrew his motion. he house adjourned at a quarter past ten. HOUSE OF COMMONS—TUESDAY .Tike Rouse met at four o'clock. Cir. Gladstone took the oaths and his seat upon his re- L e e in etion for the University of Oxford The right hon. gen sw an Was warmly cheered on advancing to the table to be . 4ha 11 . ,a, and he was engaged for some minutes afterwards in who e lt i tg hands with the numerous members of all parties, agratulated him upon his return from the lonian th i ,J u an s • les He took his accustomed seat, immediately below s.- gangwayon the ministerial side of the house, next to St .-.ord A Graham. d _ A. Hervey took his scat on his re-election for Bury !Zids. kill, ' • White gave notice that in committee on the Reform he s h ould move that, instead of disfranchising the k l a , r t ll , l ,en in Ply mon th d oc k yar d, th e i r vo t es should be taken J Vatiot . kr th C ox gave notice of other amendments in committee p a Same bill, to the effect of shortening the duration of shreliament, and preventing their dissolution till this time l u r i d have,.. expired. ne : rkeley asked the Chancellor : of the Exchequer uwhether, in the event of certain conditions being accepted py the Atlantic Telegraph Company, it is intended to confer the a thorn exclusively' a guarantee or subvention, or whether Pant "ule privil ege wi ll no t be extended to any ( they com -eo that may b e the first to establish an efficient line of 11mu nication ac ross the Atlantic. Ithe The Chancello r o f t h e E xc h equ e r replied that it was not on in tention o f governmen t t o con f er exc l us ive privileges any Fortcompany whatsoever. h Bowy er as k ed the U n d er S ecretary o f St a t e f or t , ( l e tga Affairs, whether it is true that military deserters bei r , A , °the r fugitives, subjects of the Emperor of Austria, : are by ; 1 , 6, or have been lately, received and enrolled as soldiers Goner"g Sardinian Government; also, whether her Majesty's that have any information regarding the object of 4110,1„Le ezeolriendenta,hya,nd whether her Majesty's Government and what, advice to the Sardinian Be ° ,, v v e a tunent on the subject, with reference to the pre- Mr the of the peace of Europe. informs • . Fitzgerald said that the Government had received hd.ion on the subject, and had given the most urgent eet ' r le s to the Sardinian Government to abstain from any k r e which might endanger the peace of Europe. wheth e r • Fitzgerald asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, thee ;, a was the intention of the Government to recommend Co3 r i v Niattnent of a third Judge of the Landed Estate's s d eeea ' Irela n d , i n the room of Judge Matley, lately itea t .„ e d , having regard to the return contained in Parlia . L4'4llerktie'tP," No. 83 o f the aas replied that the matter was then under con- In re n ?' Lrd t o Mr. J. D. Fitzgerald, 'eaP ° li t a ss said that an American vessel with sixty-two ther e %, - " a a, refugees had arrived in Cork harbour, and had true th" n ued the men a t th e i r own request. It was not Air. at the refucrees had seized the vessel. respef,..Kinglakeb called attention to the correspondence for des tic e b th e Charles-et-Georges, and moved an address in r e , e i a tches and documents relating thereto. He passed a nd .. 0 7 the various treaties existing between England pr o t ect rtuiial, under which the former was bound : to th e t c the latter. He then entered specially into „averteaties between the two countries relating to the the rade. Passing to recent transactions, he referred to th e 0 1/ n ress ore . put upon Portugal by England and France — the ex urgi ng urging Portugal to permit, and the other to refuse of free negroes from the Mozambique coast. p P r e o r i tugal t the counsels of this country prevailed, and prohibited the practice. Unfortunately the te ,„_„ o . n was systematically evaded, and this led to serious Tile‘ualZications, and to the adoption of more stringent mea- Chad: B es bY Portugal. Under these circumstances the e :et-Georges entered the Mozambique channel, and r ef .u Nv (-'l l ded to take on board a considerable number of negroes th: o nt Some had th e i r h an d s p i n i one d . T he procee di ngs as vessel an were denounced to the Portuguese, authorities of .linfraction of the law. In consequence of the return Charl es - et-Georges, she was boarded by the Portu theguese ; a commission was issued, which reported that was v essel had acted in direct contravention of the law ; it to teaseherefore condemned as a slaver, seized, and brought b is ishia n• The Hon member detailed the claims made e French Government' for the release of the vessel. acclaims were brought to the notice of Lord Malmes no?: as early as March Ist, yet the Foreign Secretary too e k r erawhatever in the matter; he never enquired wheth :_ 'nee was right or wrong, while it was his duty to have ilar,rianneede into t the matter s, to have told the Government tre • we were ' bound to Portugal by ancient adl a .es, and that Portugal acted in the matter under British t,ll2'e• Examining the demands made by France, he urged ;"those demands constituted an interference by force ,th the ordinary course of judicial proceedings. Still SeptMahnesbury did nothing. It was not till the 25th of ember that he began to take steps, and then he only his friendly offices, which promise came to nothing. THE NORTHERN TIMES, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9 13 S 9 On the 28th of September, a direct demand itu Portugal !or the friendly interference of ,this eotint. the purpose of effectinc , an amicable settlement On the 2nd of October, the French Cabinet decided Off'! ' demanding the release of the vessel. That decision might be regarded as conclusive. Thus .it appeared that Lord Malmesbury abstained froM interference so long as it could have been of any use ; but on the 3rd of October he made an offer of arbitrathin which was declined by the French Government. It was, therefore, not without reason that the growth of the dispute could be referred to the negli gence and delays of our foreign Secretary, who did nothing till the time for action , was past. This inaction, which con tinued during seven months; was one of the causes assigned by France herself for the serious turn which the affairs sub sequently took. After this, Lord Malmesbury sent .a small force to the Tagus. Of what use was a small force ? He should have sent a sufficient force or none at all. Such as it was, the force did not leave England till the middle of October. Further efforts were now made by the govern of this country to obtain the submission of the matter to arbitration, which would, he believed,, have been success ful if made at any previous time : but the Imperial decision was made, and it was now too late. Lord Mali-nes bury, throughout, had acted neither with France nor Portugal, but took a course of his own respecting which he called upon the House to pronounce. Referring to the despatches of the Foreign office, he censured the Secretary for sacrificing the honour of England, by suggesting sub terfuges under which Portugal might deliver up the vessel. This he contended was sacrificing the honour of the country. On the other hand the conduct of Portugal was worthy all praise, both in respect of this country and her own dignity. Mr. Buxton seconded the motion. • He blamed the government, not' for refusinc , to support Portugal at all hazards, but because they omitted to urge mediation at the ! earliest possible moment. If the British Government had done its duty, the difficulties which arose out of the case might have been avoided. The Emperor of the French could not have refused mediation if it had been urged at the i proper time. Lord Malmesbury waited till the decision was settled, and then broke out into lively complaints against the French for not submitting to mediation. Mr. S. Fitzgerald said that there was no more delecate international questions than that involved in in the seizure of a vessel belonging to one country, by the government of another. This particular case involved special difficulties upon which the British Government had no right to pronounce—it had done all that was in its power. It had recommended that the despatch should ibe referred to the mediation of a third party. It had been asserted that this ought to have been done earlier ; but at first the affair did not assume the serious aspect which it took subsequently. It was not till - the despatch from Mr. Howard; received on the 24th of September, arrived, that the government became aware of the magnitude of the difficulties, and on the next day an answer was returned, offering the good offices of her Majesty's Government. this was before any demand for assistance was made by Portugal. The papers showed that Lord Cowley was in daily communication with the French Government to bring about an amicable settlement, and yet it was said that we were idle in the affair. The subsequent settlement was mainly due to the exertions of Lord Cowley. 'He ! repeated that it was not till the despatch of Lord Cowley, received in England on the 4th of October, that the government became fully aware of the serious way in which the matter was viewed in Paris, and nine days later, on the 13th, the whole matter was.put in order, and an amicable settlement provided for. He therefore appealed to the house, whether the indictment had been made out that we had neglected an old ally, and soiled the honour of the country. As for the papers asked for, the telegraph messages. could not be produced without betraying the government cipher, while of the rest, all that were of importance had been already published. LMr. Lowe said, that while it was the conduct of Lord Malmesbury which was arraigned, the Tinder-secretary had defended Lord Cowley. He entered into the merits of the seizure, contending that the vessel was legally condemned, and that we ought to have supported Portugal in her proper course of conduct. He should have been satisfied if the government had • recommended to Portugal any decisive course, but it recommended nothing at all, and did nothing that was not dishonourable. He contended that Lord Malmesbury was fully forewarned of the coming difficulty. Mr. Bovill examined the legal feature of the affair, con tending that the vessel was not condemned as a slaver, but because she had entered interdicted waters. There was, therefore, great uncertainty in the case enough to justify the course taken by her Majesty's Government. It should be remembered that if Portugal was our ally, France was our ally also. Lord John Russell contended that the case was precisely of the kind provided by the protocol of Paris, as one to be settled by a friendly arbitration. If Lord Malmesbury, in stead of giving utterance to abstract phrases, which meant nothing, had offered arbitration in the first instance, he would have saved the difficulty and dishonour which ensued. Instead of this, he showed himself almost indifferent on the business, sug gesting both at Paris and at Lisbon that Portugal must be in the wrong, and manifesting a strong desire to take the part of the strong power against the weak. The conduct of Portugal had been admirable and dignified; he wished he could say as much of our own. Even supposing France to have been in the right,Lshe ought not to have made her demantls•as she had done. If her threats had been en forced, it would have rendered necessary the direct inter ference of this country. He blamed severely the pusillani mous language of the British Minister at Lisbon, which ought to have been reprobated by Lord Malmesbury, instead of which it met with his unqualified approval. The worst feature of the whole case was the disregard shown by France to the Arbitration Clause of the Protocol of Paris. t He asserted that if Lord Malmesbury had protested in time against the violence of France, that country would have I yielded. As it was, we only showed the small influence we - made by `-v, for had over the councils of our ally. The Solicitor-General repeated the argument, that the case was one not belonging to any municipal court, but ap pertaining to international law, and belon g ing to the domain of diplomacy. He cited cases in which we had ourselves enforced a similar doctrine. He contended that all fair, proper, and reasonable means for accommodating matters between France and Portugal had been used by Lord Malmesbury, who was not aware at the outset that any serious interference on the part of this country wonld be required. He blamed the conduct of Portugal in declining the offer of mediation made by the French government for fixing the amount of compensation. He admitted that France might have shewn more forbearance, but he must censure the Government of .Portugal for concealing that offer. He maintained that the British Ministry had done all in its power for the interests of Portugal. On the motion of Sir R. Bethel, the debate was adjourned. POOR RELIEF (IRELAND) ACT. On the motion of Mr. Gregory, the House went into committee to consider the Poor Relief (Ireland) Act, relative to the religion in which deserted children should be regis tered and educated. After a protest from Mr. Vance, a resolution was passed, and leave was given to introduce a bill to amend the act in question. On the motion of Lord Naas, leave was given to intro duce a bill for the registration of births, deaths, and marriages in Ireland. Mr. Bouverie obtained leave to bring in a Bill to amend certain defects in the Oaths Act. The report of the committee of supply was brought up, and agreed to. The Mutiny and Marine Mutiny Bill was read a second time. The House adjourned at ten minutes to one o'clock, LONDON & NORTH WESTERN RAILWAY, AND OTHER RAILWAY COMPANIES (WORKING AND TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS) BILL. THE GREAT NORTHERN ENTRANCE INTO LIVERPOOL. HOUSE OF COMMONS, TUESDAY. The committee sat at eleven o'clock, Mr. Ridley in the chair. Mr. Serjeant Wrangham and Mr. Venison, Q.C., appeared as counsel on behalf of the promoters of the bill. Petitions against the bill were presented from the Mid land, the Lancashire and Yorkshire, and the North Stafford shire Railway Companies. Mr. Alexander, Q.C., Mr. Power, Q.C., Mr. Webster, and Mr. Holloway, appeared in support of the petition. This was a bill promoted by the Great Northern, the Manchester and Sheffield, and the London and North Western railway companies, under which they sought for powers to enable them to enter into an agreement between themselves for making arrangements to secure a mutual interchange of traffic in goods and passengers from one system to another over the whole length of the respective systems of the companies. Under the agreement, the Great Northern Railway Com pany is to have access to the four stations belonging to the London and North Western Railway Company at Liver pool, the Manchester and Sheffield Company having access to the London-road station of the London and North Western Company, at Manchester, through. the Great Northern system. By this arrangement, if sanctioned, it was contended, on behalf of the promoters of the bill, an out lay of nearly a million of money would be saved, which expenditure, under different circumstances, the Great North ern and the Manchester and Sheffield Railway Companies • • s, but I think that the wells - should be placed further . j The Chairman : You have not explained to us why you differ from Mr. Rawlinson's theory. Mr. Bateman explained that Mr. Rawlinson had been tocalL ;ng of the coal strata, whilst he (Mr. Bateman) referred t i‘e saiiprlstone strata. tot y in Rawlinson, re-called, said he did not thank Mr. Bateman for his reference to his (Mr. Rawlinson's) opinion on the coal s. rata. He never referred at all to the coal measure. "If," said Mr. Rawlinson, "you sink a well in the new red sandstone, the voli:vile of water takes the form of an inverted core, and the water it p,2 is Llrawn' 4ses in at different angles from the surface from which but in this particular case the dip would prevent the iL " • w of the water from the . Bir kenhead Commissioners' wells. Professor Binney, of Mancheste* was next called, and stated that in the red sandstone fonna.tion, the construction of one well in the neighbourhood of another, affected the latter. Mr. Hawksley, C.E., was next called, and after stating the results of his experience at the Liverpooi water works, in connection with the red sandstone formation, gave it as his opinion that the proposed well was too near the Birkenhead' wells, and would affect the supply from the latter., His examination had not finished when the committee adjourned. THE WIRRAL WATER WORKS BILL. [FROM OUR OWN REPORTER.] HOUSE OF COMMONS, Tuesday. The Select Committee on this Bill assembled this morn ing ; Mr. Ker Seymer in the chair. Mr. John Cunningham, examined by Mr. Rodwell ; Lam an engineer and an architect, and a Fellow of the Geological society. lam well acquainted with the geological condition of the docks of Liverpool and Birkenhead. I have selected the site at Benton for the well in connection with the pro posed works. In my judgment it is the best. The quantity of water there is so unlimited, that I cannot define it. There is twenty times more than can be required by the population for the next 50 years. I calculate twenty gallons per head per day. At that rate, we should not require more than 300,000 gallons per day, but our proposed works would give 1,000,000 gallons per day. The place consists of a well and pumping _stations, and two engines of sixty horse-power each, and an acqueduct leading from the stations into the reservoir. I propose to construct a reservoir in Oxton, and another at the highest point of Tranmere, with a water tower at each place, which will enable us to supply water to houses on the highest points in the district. The reservoir and water towers are to be excluded from the light and atmosphere. The estimate of the cost of the works is £35,000. Ido not think that the works will at all interfere with the wells of the Birkenhead Commissioners. The confirmation of the district is such that there will be a kind of impehetrable wall between the works and the existing sources of supply. Our works will be separated from those of the Birkenhead Commissioners by a series of faults. Last year Mr. Bate- Man, engiueer to the Birkenhead Commissioners, proposed to sink an additional well for their works under circum stances similar to what we now propose. If our proposed works would affect the Birkenhead wells, ' so would the additional works proposed by Mr. Bateman, because in that case he would be tapping his own wells. Cross-examined by Mr. Webster : lam convinced, from personal, observation, that there is an almost impervious barrier to the circulation of the water between our wells and those of the Birkenhead Commissioners. Mr. Bateman's proposed well was within the district of the commissioners' works. The Birkenhead Commissioners contested the Bir kenhead water company's works last year when the company was before parliament, and on that occasion Mr. Bateman projected the proposed well. The result of the parliamen tary enquiry was, that the Birkenhead Commissioners pur chased the company's works, with the proposed additions, giving bonds for them. I have had considerable experience in the pumping of water from the red sandstone. I recollect Mr. Stephenson stating in reference to the Liverpool Water Works, that wells within one and two miles of each other in the new red sandstone effected each other. Ido not agree with him. If Mr. Stephenson should say so before this committee I should differ with him. I believe that in many cases the faults in the red' sand stone are impervious. If I had thought proper I could have placed the wells, which I propose in connection with the works, a mile further from those of the Birkenhead Commissioners. The nopulation of Birkenhead had largely increased of late years; and there were several ship-building yards and commercial establishments there. By Mr. Theodore Martin, parliamentary agent : I think it would be very injudicious to sink a well in Tranmere for that particular district. The drainage of Tranmere would render the water impure. , Mr. Martin : But would it not be possible to obtain a proper supply within the limits of the township of Tranmere ? Mr. Cunningham : Certainly. At present a well is either sunk, or proposed to be sunk, for Wallesey. Wallasey is governed by a local board, and proposes to supply itself in the same manner as Tranmere proposes to provide its own supply. The inhabitants of Tranmere are generally poor. The population is rapidly increasing. The Tranmere people generally have not supported our bill. I believe there are 1,700 houses in Tranmere, rated at £28,000. Re-examined by Mr. Rodwell : In my opinion, the re spectable portion of the inhabitants of Tranmere are in favour of our bill. I think it much better to have a com prehensive supply in' the different townships like the one proposed, than a separate supply for Traninere. Under one management, the expense would be much less. By the Chairman : The rain-fall of the district is from 34 to 36 inches. I propose to carry the well to a depth of 200 feet, but. I don't think I shall have to go more than 150 feet. Mr. Hall, geological surveyor to the Board of Ordnance, examined by Mr. ltodwell : I was employed in making the ordnance map for this district, and made myself acquainted with the geological condition of the locality. I generally agree with the conclusions at which' Mr. Cunningham has arrived with reference to the sites he has selected being good ones for the supply of water. From a calculation I have made from the observatory at Liverpool, the rain-fall during the last 12 years has averaged 4,000,000 gallons per square mile per year ; and according to the data laid down by Mr. Prescott, in his treatise upon the subject, one-third of that quantity would be allowed to percolate into the strata, while the other two thirds would be carried off by evaporation and drainage. Ido not think that the proposed supply will in terfere with the supply of the Birkenhead Commissioners. Mr. Duncan, engineer to the Liverpool Corporation Water Works, examined by Mr. Rodwell : I have been engaged in the construction of water works for the last fifteen years. I have heard the evidence of Mr. Cunning ham, and I generally agree with him. It would be difficult to say positively that the sinking of the proposed well would not interfere with the Birkenhead Commissioners' wells, but my own impression is that it would not; bi.t even should that be, I am of opinion that the strata of the district would provide far more than sufficient for both Birkenhead and the districts included in the proposed works. --- Mr. Robert Rawlinson, C.E., examined by Mr. Rodwell - - - - - I have had considerable experience in the construction of water works, and am now engaged in constructing works for Wallasey for the Wallasey Commissioners. I have no doubt Mr. Cunningham will obtain far more water than he requires in the district where he proposes to sink the well. I do not think that the Birkenhead wells will be affected by the proposed wells. My reason for this opinion is that the dips go towards the Birkenhead wells, instead of from it, and therefore I think that as regards the well proposed by Mr. Bateman for the Birkenhead Commissioners, the boot is on the other leg. I think Mr. Bateman's well would be more likely to rob Mr. Cunningham's. Cross-examined by Mr. Calvert : The Wallasey people were obliged to introduce water works . of their own, because no one would give them works. By Mr. Webster : I do not agree in the conclusions of Mr. Stephenson, as to the proposed well abstracting water from the wells of the Birkenhead Commissioners, beeauie those conclusions do not agree in themselves, but in fact, from the nature of the strata, I do not think it possible for the one well to affect the other. This was the case on the part of the promoters of the bill. Mr. Webster then addressed the committee, in opposition to the bill, on behalf of the Birkenhead Commissioners, who considered that their works would be affected by the sinking of the proposed well. The learned counsel entered into a lengthened explanation of the circumstances under which the Birkenhead Commissioners became possessed of the Birkenhead works last year, paying for them in bonds, and guaranteeing to the inhabitants an ample supply of water, the surplus income to go in reduction of rates. After adverting to the increasing population of Birkenhead, he contendthat the Birkenhead Commissioners should have the means placed at their disposal for providingwater for a far greater population than their works at present supplied, and urged that the proposed well would undoubtedly interfere with the Birkenhead supply. Notwithstanding what had been stated by Mr. Rawlinson, and the other gentlemen who had been called, he would call Mr. Hawksley and Mr. Bateman, and those gentlemen would tell the committee that, from the experience they had had of the new red sandstone strata in Liverpool, which was exactly the same as that on the Cheshire side, it was permeative, and that one well will materially affect another, unless the wells were at least two miles distant from each other. Mr. Cunningham, according to his own statement, might have gone at least a mile further from the Birkenhead well, and not having done so, he ran the risk of drawing frem the Birkenhead supply. • Mr. Bateman, C.E,, was then called, and examined by ------ - 1 . Mr. Webster. His testimony was entirely confined to the effect the proposed well wouldhave on the Birkenhead sup ply: He was connected with the enquiry at Liverpool which Mr. Stephenson made as to the supply of water from the wells there, and on that occa sion it was distinctly proved that one well affected the supply . of another, especially the • Green lane well, which was shown to effect other wells even at three miles' distance. He believes that the proposed well would affect the Birkenhead wells. He did not see why Mr. Cunningham could not have gone further with the pro posed well. Cross-examined by Mr. Rodwell : I altogether disagree in the theory of Mr. Rawlinson and Mr. Hall. I think them wrong. I don't deny that there is amply sufficient ' water in the area for both Birkenhead and the districts which it is proposed to supply, but in the red sandstone formation one well does affect another, as they are per meable, and I therefore think the proposed well is too near the Birkenhead well. There is a bare possibility of Mr. Cunningham's well not affecting ours, but I think it Toy improbable. I quite agree with Mr. Duncan, that there is sufficient water in the peninsula of Wirrall for both sup shouldincur to construct indepen dent stations for their own use. It was provided with a view to guard against the possibility of misconduct on the part of the railway companies, that the agreement before being put in force must receive the sanction of the Board of Trade. There was a clause in the agreement which gave power to the Board of Trade to determine the conditions of the ag,reement, and also pro vided for a revision of the terms of agreement at the expiration of every ten years. At the end of this period it would be at the option of the Board of Trade tosanction a renewal of the agreement. It was contended. by Mr. Sergeant Wranghani, in opening the case of the promoters of the bill, that the proposed arrangements were solely pro moted with a view to the benefit of the public upon the most economical terms, and also to save these companies from the ruinous consequences of engaging in competition, which, without conferring a benefit upon the public; was destructive to the companies themselves. Evidence having been given in support of the bill, the 1 committee adjourned until to-morrow. LATEST TELEGRAMS. AUSTRIA. VIENNA, Tuesday, March 8. The evening edition of the official Vienna Gazette publishes a long article, stating, by several reasons founded on international law, that Austria will insist upon the complete maintenance of its special treaties with the Italian States. The only additional article to the treaty with Naples, in which the conformity of their principles of Government is stated merely as an existing fact, could he suppressed if both parties should agree upon it. RUSSIA. ST. PETERSBURGH, March B.—The Gazette of the Senate, of this day, publishes the treaty of commerce and navigation completed between Russia and England, which was ratified by the Emperor on the 10th January last. THE FRENCH FUNDS. PARIS, Tuesday, 11.50 a.m. Rentes commenced on the Boulevards at 69 55, rose to 69 75, and are now 69 65. 1.25 p.m.—Rentes opened on the Bourse at 69 45, and have since fallen to 69 35, little business doing. 2.21 p.m.—lt is reported Prince Napoleon will be appointed Grand Admiral. Rentes have fallen 40 centimes since opening, and are quoted 69 5, with a tendency to a further decline. 3.28 p.m. —The Bourse closed very flat. Rentes 69 10 for money, and 68 85 for account ; being a fall of 1 per cent from the highest price to-day, and nearly 4- per cent. since yesterday. Railway Shares have also declined 5 to 7fr. FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE. INDIA. THE BOMBAY MAIL, We have received letters and newspapers from Bombay to the 9th of February. We subjoin the 'principal items of news : OUDE. The following important telegraphie intelligence has been received by a contemporary of the advance of our troops into Nepaul, to join the forces of that Power in attacking the rebels : We learn by telegraph from Lucknow of the 4th inst., that Jung Bahadoor, of Nepaul, having applied to Lord Clyde for the aid of British troops to assist in reducing the rebels now refugees in his territory, Lord Clyde ordered Brigadier Horsford to advance into Nepaul. Brigadier Horsford accordingly has crosseed the Raptee for the purpose of joining the Ghoorka army. The rebels under Beni Mando, Nana Sahib, and others, were at no great distance from Bankee in Nepaul. Jung Bahadoor is stated to have issued a procla mation to the effect that all rebels taken in arms in the Nepaul territory, will be made over to the British government, and that the insurgent bodies now within its frontiers will be dealt with as enemies. The capture of the miscreant of Bithoor would be a welcome close to this long and costly struggle. BERAR. We learn from Ahmednuggur, that Sir Hugh Rose is making extensive preparations for the final reduction of the Rohillas in the Nizam's territories. There are several fortresses in the possession of these men, in the neighbourhood of Jaulnah, and the reduction of these strongholds is believed to be the object of the campaign about to be opened, There are nine or ten brigades now in the vicinity of Jaulnah none of which it is believed will be broken up until the work on hand is completed. The 'return of Sir Hugh Rose to Ahmednuggur for three or four days, which he passed in reviewing the troops, seems to have been for the purpose of organising resources for the work we - have named. Artillery has been ordered up from Poonah by bullock dak, and troops and ammunition for siege guns are daily sent on from Ahmednuggur towards the field force. TANTIA TOPEE. The English reader must be out of all patience, we imagine, with the constant recurrence of this man's name in our journal. Tantia Topee, we fear it must be admitted, has for the present escaped us altogether. According to our north-west contem poraries he has fled to the Bickaneer territories, after an unsuccessful attempt upon Ulwur. A local contemporary describes the movements of the re bels as follows :—" Feroze. Shah in vain pinned a proclamation on the gates of Ulwur, declaring himself sole heir to the dignities and titles of the descendants of Timour. The Ulwur Con tingent, not believed to be particularly loyal, gave him no assistance, and he was forced to sheer off with his colleagues to the northwards towards Rewaree. It would have been a pleasant thing for them to have plundered that city and collected some of the treasure of its wealthy bankers. But the Delhi column under Major Redmond arrived there before them from Delhi, whilst some of Van Cort landt's Punjaub Cavalry converged on the same place from Kanoud. The Delhi column, indeed, left Rewaree for Ulwur almost at the same moment that the rebels left Ulwur for Rewaree ; both forces gained intelligence of each other. The rebels gave up the idea of proceeding to Rewaree, and turned towards Nanool to the westward. The Delhi column followed them in that direction, and reached Shahjehanpore, midway between Nanool and Rewaree, on the 17th. The rebels, pressed by this advance, as well as by the pursuit of Holmes's bri gade from the southward, went by Nanool, and made for a pass across the hills into the Shekawattee district, by Oodeypore, and from thence proceeded north-westward to Ramghur, with the intention of plundering it. On the 21st they were again very nearly caught by Brigadier Holmes, from whose column we have letters to the 21st. This force, after marching two hundred and nine-four miles in twelve days, and fifty-two miles in forty-eight hours, came up with Tantia on the morning of the 21st of January. Unfortunately, too, a long halt was made in the vicinity of the enemy, who heard of Holmes's approach before Ow cavalry (200 Sikhs and new levies) went, to, tkle -lulge in such a reflection as the exigency it is surmised --Id to the extreme +he federal -^w front, The Artillery was also seni up tardily, and had only eight parting shots at Tantia as he fled. The Cavalry also cut up forty or fifty of the rebels but ultimately they escaped to the westward. In the Bikaneer territories the in.'urgents will come under Sir John Lawrence's hands, to whom not improbably will now fall the task of capturing or deAroying the remnant that has escaped the columns which have traversed all Bajpootana in their pursuit. public Pitied:lle see. fotlowieg ee - that "iii tin. ilitii the Presideiiiiir - iil law to re - .:. - .. Measure Of a general, cleaking, out - Of . en .._. offices, from- the Cabinet flown, and institute a 2... order of things, and, tioredver, will ask of the iielf Congress, at the extra session whiels scants none inevitable, to institute a rigid examination into the' accounts of all the federal officers throughout the: country for twenty years past, in order to,get at the' bottom of the corruption whieh is believed to exist extensively in all departments- of the gOvernmene;" adding, with cutting sarcasm, that "if Mr. Buchanan' has the pluck to adopt this course, he .will be' effecting the most wholesome revolution which Iras - . taken place since the foundation of the _government,''' since it is evident that such a near re, • vig•orously carried out, would pu ” rify the whole political 'atmos phere of the country. Without reference at all to the subject orthe fore going remarks, though of a very kindred character, is a matter which the New York Timeo,lia§ taken up,' in a very spirited manner--a matter of distinct and most shameful bribery and corruption orealte•part of a member of one of the Houses of Congress. " Our Washington correspondent," says the respectable ' journal in question, " has once more laisli hise hand upon a series of grave delinquencies, involving, so • long. as they remain unexplained, unsiftd, and unapplied, owl to its special author, the dignitY, the • honesty, and; therefore; the usefulness of the whole representative, body. Ile charges distinctly upon a particular member of one of the Committees -of the : House of Representativea, not only that he catered into a corrupt agreement with a particular claimant upon the public purse, in virtue of which that claimant- demand—on being passed and paid—was • to render him, the said member of the Irouee, • a specific per tentage of commission, but also-that he used such influences with other functionaries-of the Government as prevented the claimant, after - his • demand had really- been passed with modifications, from obtaining his money f& a considerable length ' of time. This charge, it is alleged, can be substan tiated in full and in detail. Here is an issue distinctly made, which imposes upon the House of Representatives the dirty of immediately facing the matter, and probing it to the bottom. This duty the House cannot evade." Certainly this is a distinct, as it is a very grave accusation; most circumstantially set forth. It remains to be seen how the Govern ment, or rather how Congress will deal with it. Tustly does the virtuous journalist remark, that "our Republican polity lives and has its being solely on the condition of a stern and un compromising independence of private gain, and pri vate temptations on the part of those to whom the nation confides, the keeping of its interests and its honour. It is sadly easy, we know, for the delegates of the people, when convened at a centre of action out of the reach of' their immediate constituencies, and in very vortex of a myriad conflicting passions, to forget that they are indeed responsible in the highest sense for all they do,. and that their personal integrity is the guarantee of a nation's liberties. But the Press incarnates the public mind, and swifter far than any possible action of any possible consti tuency, can reach every member of either House, of whatever party,. and from whatever section, who . swerves from his strict accountability, and makes his high office subservient to the paltry instincts of indi vidual profit." The worst of it is, that the Press itself is not always proof against corrupting, or, at any • rate, warping influences. But the denouncer of this alleged offence truly adds, that " the reputation of the United States, already impaired by the freedom with which the blackest charges have been bandied. to and fro at the capital, and by the accusations, yet unrefuted, of the most shameless plots framed in the highest quarters, for carrying out national measures by the most corrupt machinery, demands the settle ment of this affair in such a way as shall satisfy the country, not only of the innocence or the guilt of the member accused, but also of the actual temper of the House in regard to these matters." It is on every account, therefore, to be hoped that it will be so settled. While corruption. is thus rampant at the seat of the federal legislature and government, it is found. to prevail also at that of the State of New York—in how many other States, likewise, it is impossible to say. A " Senate Lobby Investigation Committee" has had to be appointed at Albany, and for prose- CONGRESS : No TARIFF BILL ; RE-ISSUE OF TREA- outing the inquiry into another case of bribery of SURY NOTES; MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT TO members for their votes in particular hills, for the CONGRESS. THE CONTEST FOR THE NEXT PRESI- purpose of serving local or private interests. Agents DENCY : CEASELESS ELECTIONEERING EXCITE- are stationed in the lobby of the House, who nego- MENT AND SCHEMING ; NEGLECT OF OFFICIAL ei h at e e : it seems, with members as they pass through. DUTIES IN CONSEQUENCE. FRESH CHARGES OF T Albany, d us q ou practice efn t exposures has BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION AGAINST MEMBERS OF been attempted. Of prove,befOre CONGRESS ; DEMAND FOR AN INVESTIGATION. circumstantially and ir r de e ta l it is particular difficult ha It c 'oe a CHARGE OF BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION IN THE as STATE LEGISLATURE OF NEW YORK ; A "SENATE this would generally require the parties, o s n es 'one LOBBY INVESTIGATION COMMITTEE " APPOINTED. side or the other, to criminate themselves. One COMPENSATION TO THE GOVERNOR OF NEW YORK very striking piece of evidence, it appears, in the FOR HIS MILITARY EXPENDITURE AT STATEN present investigation, is that of a retired officer of ISLAND. ATTEMPT TO ASSASSINATE AN EDITOR. the House, a highly respectable man, who testifies 'THE FAREWELL BALLS TO LORD AND LADY on oath that he heard a former member of the Legis- NAPIER. lature say he had not got all the pay that had been The revenue question has been brought to naught promised him by the Albany Bridge folks, meaning for this session. The House has determined that those who were promoting the passing of a bill for no Tariff Bill be reported, but that Treasury Notes be erecting a bridge across the Hudson, at Albany. re-issued. This decision was come to on the 22nd. The matter assumed so serious an aspect that the On the day before, Mr. Phillips, of Pa., (Dem.) made Senate instructed the committee to allow parties to an effort to introduce a Loan Bill, coupled with an appear with counsel. amendment "to regulate the duties on imports," but Another strange affair has been before .the New the House refused to suspend the rules, by a vote of York State Legislature. You, of course, remember 122 to 91. The Pennsylvania Democracy voted in the rebellion at Staten Island last Autumn, in. a body for the motion, together with twelve of the opposition to the Quarantine Station being there. same political party, representing other sections. The Governor of the State had to send troops to The negative vote was made up of free trade Demo- suppress the outbreak, and to protect the property— crats, together with four Republicans and two or, at least, as much as the rioters left of it un- Americans. The conclusions of the committee of destroyed—at the station; and it has been. necessary Ways and Means having also been dead against any to obtain a special Act of the State Legislature to revision of the Tariff, the result was almost a matter repay him for the necessary outlay. The subject of course. The President, however, was likely to was eagerly, not to say excitedly, taken up in Com appoint an extra session, to make another effort to mittee of the Whole, when a long debate ensued carry his point. As it is, it is just persisting in upon the question to strike out the section providing the policy of increasing the national debt, without that nothing in this act shalll exempt the people of providing the means to pay it off as it falls due. Richmond County from liability for any damages,— The President has shewn great anxiety to be it actually having been sought to exempt the very provided with the means of defending American participators in, and abbettors of the outrages, from. citizens. and their property in the Isthmus, by having all charge for the expenses of their own unlawful the power of employing the army and navy for the and most atrocious conduct! purpose ; and he sent a Message to the Senate When such examples of lawless v iolence are set calling upon Congress to confer upon him that b y p ersons in the high, etrh walks of society, and even making and administer authority. " The brief period , " he said t o t hem, p ersons connected wit.l. civilized state at acts of even like that of N ew great urgency and importance of leg islative action York, one cannot be cl before its termination for the protection of American personal outrage in so raw, and comparatively un citizens and their property whilst in transit across tamed a cominunity as that of Kansas. A deed of the Isthmus between our Atlantic and Pacific violence, amounting to an attempted assasination, possessions, render it my duty again to recall this has just been committed at Leavenworth, upon the t t u h rn e , b h all is subject to your notice!' And he concluded by editor of one of the newspapers. He was •in the e he is victim, eeuld earnestly recommending Congress, on whom the office, sitting at his desk, with ige h h i r s eh b gi a iso ck rlieo t f O tf w tahr a me rd i. s ie t au h r ; , responsibility exclusively rests, to pass a law before door, when a brother editor of a local paper entered', their adjournment, conferring on the President the and without a word or in k tim f at b ien of his design, power to protect the lives and property of American instantly fired at tl s s bb e e i udatd b te a bh c eirnfootur o i citizens in the cases indicated, under such restrictions sasiti:rrdiaknginglognthoeiiose.silsioottufe.ledpte,as and conditions as they may deem advisable. tshheot-ass,sasosni: u 1 t ak ti i ra ng e It is only two years since Mr. Buchanan entered . left hand. lie discoverede his effect as above stated, upon his high office of President of the United assailant had fired three States, and two more have still to elapse ere , one passing through the Presidential term expires. And yet is the whole 'left hand. country already more or less excited on the subject . to avoid the fourth shot, which was aimed directly soon as he could reach his pistol, her are returned the fire, but being weak and dire, ' from the several months past. it is stated that so usy of the next Presidency -and has been, indeed, b for at his head. As 1 effect of his even the place-holders, as well as the place-seekers, He then wounds, he failed to hit his antagonist. that the President has lately been almost abandoned fired three more shots, and hastily left the th in e room. His wounds were found to be very serious. o s, that But country. The complaint is, in so manyd. in his efforts to carry h on av t e he an the law will doubtless fail to obtain for the suf " all the politicians who l. govern ment ireet w ord interestf ferer or his family any redress—save, perhaps, the the Presidency o f 1860 are engaged that ques- gratifi cat i on of t h e i r w ild an d bl oo d y revenge ;on tion, and thos e who are too sma ll upon tofly at that th e b ar b arous pr i nc i p l e o f " an e y e f or a n eye, and a. game are either preparing to feather their own nest s t oot h f or a tooth. " n with the spoils under the new admir stratio n, or are Th e f arewe ll b a ll t o Lo r d and Lady Napier, at bargaining for the sale of their , 1 iotes and influence Washington, was, as it was expected to be, a very to Presidential aspirants." This is certainly a brilliant affair. As ninny as twelve hundred persons sad state of things. Had this devotion to election- were •pi esent, including, of course, the 'inembers of eering.been displayed but for a few weeks before the administration, the diplomatic body, and a large the election, it would have been b a d enough, if interfered with the discharge of official duties. But and Madame Van Limburg, the wife of the Nether here we have it going on for two years before the lands Minister, opened the ball. Lady Nel"e • r had event to which it has reference _ Cass, who takes placel And for her partner the veteran General con not only is the business of the government thus run ducted her into the ball-room. It now remains for away from and neglected, but the New York to rival this splendid assemblv, which it in which the officials are engaged, dthe d- b *e 11 preparing to do, and which, no out, i. will! is an u nscru- .. lous means pu . they employ, and the personal objects succeed in doing. The. TI Opera House (miscalled the they seek, are such as must have a most demoralising Academy of Music) will, in the first place, afford effect upon them, and be alto ether very detrimental accommodations superior to any thing in Washington to the public service. With g but much and there is expected to be a much more magnificent. too reason, tb.erefore 1 do es one of the more influential of the Display of 4. beauty and fashion," THE RESIGNATION OF PRINCE NAPOLEON. PARIS, Tuesday.—The Maniteur of this 'morning contains the following decree : " Our well beloved cousin Prince Napoleon ceases, at his own request, to be entrusted with the port folio of Minister for Algeria and the Colonies." Prince Napoleon had already, on Saturday last, tendered his resignation in the Council as Minister of Algeria and the Colonies, which, however, was then rejected by the Emperor. The Plince yester day repeated his. request, and the Emperor acceded. Both the Prince and Emperor are, holy - ever, on the best footing towards each other ; and the Emperor is stated to have said that he understands and honomrs the scruples of the Prince. Count Prosper de Chaaselage Haubat, deputy and manager of the Western Railway has been appointed successor to the Prince, on the Prince's own proposition. According to the Paris correspondent of the Herald, this event would seem to indicate- that public opinion had carried the day, and. the Emperor has abandoned the war policy he. had pursued since the commencement of the year, but as yet the belief of this alteration in the Imperial Councils rests only on rumour. , THE POLICY OF THE FRENCH GOVERNMENT. PARIS, Tuesday.—The Constitutionne/ publishes an article signed by its political director, A. Renee, on the recent article of the 111oniteur. It explains that the publication of the Monii tear's article must not be regarded as a retro grade movement caused by the crusade which an active propaganda had succeeded in raising against the Emperor in Germany, as some persons have asserted. The artiele proceeds thus : " Government has loyally submitted to European diplomacy the charge of discovering a• means to solve the different political difficulties of the day. The Emperor has expressed his hope that the solution will be peaceful ; and when such a declaration is made by a Government which is well. assured of its own power, it ought to be believed, and not regarded with suspicion, as an instance of reticence or weakness." GERMANY HANOVER, March 7.—The Minister of Finance has published a decree prohibiting, in pursuance of the treaty with the Zollverin, the exportation of horses from the kingdom of those countries lying on the Zollverin frontiers. ITALY. VENICE, March 6.—A demonstration of no importance against the visitors to the bal masque has taken place here. THE lONIAN ISLANDS. CORFU, karch 2.—The ordinary Parliamentary season for the buSiness of the Budget has been opened. The Lord High Commissioner has announced to the Deputies his intention of making a journey of inspection throughout the Islands. AMERICAN AFFAIRS. FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT. of t he t ;10° Le , o te: orell'" 11 13 on° I(s r tea f ',lit , Circer hilt or .0t eal • car a