The Express.
London, England, 1864-12-08 00:00:00

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SOCIETY OP ARTS.

Last night, at the weekly meeting of the Society
of Arts, Mr. Bridges Adams read a paper " On the con-
structioo, retardation, safety, and polio. of railway trains;'
Mr. W. P. ANDREW is the chair. The paper which Mr.
Adams read hat night was a continuation of one on the
same subject, lead on a former 000asion, and the following
is • summary of the prop °slams contained in the two
mien Spring tires, for the purpose of preventing blows
and friction and lemming the chances of the wheels
escaping from the rails, a system thoroughly verified in
practice, as quadrupling the durability. 2. Systems of
elastic parliament railway, supporting the rails by oonti-
anon' elastic bearing, preventing disintegration of the rail;
as verified in practice. 3. Improved syagni of fish-joints,
duplicating the strength, with elastic fit of webs and bolts.
4. Radial axle-boxes, to enable locomotives of great length
to page round any sharp curve without friction on their
flanges--in practice. 5. Eight-wheel tank engines for sharp
curves of 99 fret radius, long verified in practice. 6. Eight-
wheel tank engines, for curves of 99 fest radius, all eight-
wheel drivers, both on straight lines and curves, by means
of super-improved friction wheels, all capable of retarda-
tion by steam brakes, making the whole weight of the
engine available for traction or retardation. 7. System
of V dative to spring tires working into V grooves of
rails, to obtain increased bite for amending steep in-
clines, or when starting with heavy trains. 8. System of
long waggons and carriages on eight wheels, radial
axles, and guided by quadrants, with sliding springs,
or long swinging shackles, to roll truly round curves of
from forty to eighty feet radius, and provided with self-
acting brakes to p accidents on steep inclinee—eco-
oomically and easily carrying large loads. 9. Made of con-
structing passenger carriages to give free internal circula-
tion to guard, engine-driver, and managers without inter-
fering with the privacy of firstmlaiw passengers. All these
principles and. *es are applicable to all gauges, from 7 ft.
to 3 ft. GM. light lines.
Mr. DTZE said that when railway collisions took place
the almost invariable result was that the carriages were
raised up and thrown over one soother. in order to pre-
vent this he recommended the adoption of buffers at the
top of the carriages as well as at the base, as exemplified in
the model which he placed on the table. The absence of
uniformity in the railway platforms was a fre-
quent source of accident which might be done away with
by the adoption of uniformity in this reepeet.
Captain HOMY did not think the adoption of buffers at
the top of the carriages would answer the purpose intended.
Mr. TIMLON thought the effect of having a double pair of
buffers at the top of the carriages might be attended with
this result—if anything prevented the lower ones from
acting, that the tops of the carriages would be taken away.
which would be rather inconvenient to the passengen in-
side. (laughter.) The reason of there being no uniformity
in the height or width of the platforms was that the railway
system grew up gradually in this country. Hs did not agree
with Mr. Adams in the opinion that continuous Levelling by
railway war injurious to health. The best proof of that
was that there wee • large increase in the amount of season
tickets issued. Mr. Adams had does good service by the
introduction of the fish-joint, but it appeared that Mr.
Adams could produce something better now. He should
like to see the new invention first tested by experience.
Mr. Davis said that carriages on the plan recommended
by Mr. Adams had been tried on the St. Helen's Railway
with success.

--kr7Ausisa haring replied to the observations which had
been made,
The CHAIRMAN proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Adams
for his excellent papers from which so much information
was to be obtained. which was unanimously adopted, and
the proceedings terminated.

A NOVIS CLAIM FOS COMPIMATION.-1t was
stated by Mr. Msllieb in the course of some proceeding
before the Sheffield Inundation Commissioners cm Tuesday,
. .

that there was one claim for compensation for damage
sustained by the late inundatioa in that town of a novel
and amusing character, and which showed to what an as.
limited extent claims would be made. This claim was
made by a ratcatcher. He said that the rate he used to
catch had been drowned by the flood. Mr. Quain said : His
occupation is gone. Mr. Maoist, mid : They are face notunr.
Mr. Mellish : His oocupatioo was gone, and there were not
rats to catch. But no one would suppose that he could
establish such a claim. It was ridiculous to imagine it.
Why ? Because the rats were not his—he had no property
in them. _ _

---
HEAVY RAILWAY COIIPENHATION CLAM—Yes-
terday, at the Sheriffs' Court, lied Lion-square, a remark.
able compensation case " Searby r. the Tottenham and
Hampstead Railway," engaged a special jury under the pre-
sidency of Mr. Under-Sheriff Borchelt, till nearly 6 o'clock.
Mr. Hawkins, t,.C., with Mr. Robinson, was for the claim.
ants, the executors of Mr. Searby, and Mr. Lloyd, with
whom was Mr. Mellor, for the company. The claim was
sooty 16,000/. for laud taken and for the depreciation of the
other portion in the Juection-rod, between Kentish-town
and Holloway. For the land about 3,0001. was asked, and
for the damage to the rest 10,5001. Teo acres had bees
taken of the Corporation of the Sous of the Clergy, and
buildings planned. The railway would interfere with the
plan, and the damage was estimated at upwards of 10,0001.
Oa the part of the company the land wee estimated at about
1,0081., and the damage at 5001. Mr. Fuller, the sur-
veyor to the company, was of opinion that the proposed em-
bankment and station on the estate would enhancetbe value
of the property. Mr. Lioderoheriff Burchell told the jury
that the case was an important cies, and the dittclitinnY In
the evidence such as be had never heard before. value
of the land by the claimants was just under 4,0001, sad by
the company just over 1,0001. But the remarkable circum-
stance was the supposed damage by the railway. On onii
side 10,6004 was claimed, mid os the part of the company it
wee stated that the works would increase the value. 'The
jary retired for some time ; they pre 1,300/. for the land,
and 1,5001. for the damage, together 2,7001.
Foot Ter HArroat-nattnint.—Last night a fire
broke out in Hatton-garden. The premises in which the
&toter nom ended were in the occupation of Mr. Baker,
a cabinetmaker, and Mr. Pahner's (builder's) workshops ware
at the rear sod adjoining. The dames spread with unusual
Tepidity, and in the soar.. of eight or tee minutes the build-
ing was wholly in Barnes, which were not quite•
meattirlied
at 1 o'clock this morn*. The property was

SPORTING INTELLIGENCE.

READING STEEPLECHASES.-Dry'. 7.

The second day of this meeting was not so fortunate in
regard to the weather as the miming day. A cloudy
morning with slight rain threatened a damper to the sport,
bat although cold the wet held off during the racing, The
attendance wes not so large as was expected, but still there
was a good muster. The first race was woo by the favourite,
Othello. Two out of the three which started for the Mili-
tary Steeplechase came to grief, Piggy Wiggq, the winner,
only having to canter in alone. The event of the day, the
Berkshire Steeplechase, brought out twelve runners, but
peoved a disappointment to those who backed the Croydon
winner, who, after lying off till within a quarter of a mile
from harm, joined the leaden and looked all over a winner
at the distance, but swerving at the finish only gained the
empty honours of third place, while the winner, in Ben
Lands stable, was not fancied. The Selling Steeplechase
was in favour of the backers, is the favourite, Bravo, wan
easily ; and the innkeepers' Plate was carried otf by Pre-
mier. Subjoined are details et the running :
Tax Us= Hoar Srarczen on of 5 save. each, with
25 added, for hones that have never won a public steeple-
chase, hurdle or fiat race. Gentlemen riders, professionals
71b extra ; selling allowances. About three miles. (5 auto.)
Mr. W. Blencowe's Othello. aged (1001). 12st 7lb
(Mr.
Mr. R. C. Richard's Bluing Gun. 6 yrs (3 !tondo01). 1
11411s*, '
(Mr. Onion, 2
Mr. F. Butt's Pothunter, aged (501.), list 71b (Mr.Whoods) 3
Ben Lend (who did not arrive on the coarse till the above
three horses were at the starting poet), weighed for Milver-
ton, but not having been officially passed by the clerk of the
scales was not recognised sea starter, though be came in
nomad.

Betting : 5 to 4 art Othello, and 5 to 2 each agst Spring
Gun and Foxhunter. Foxhunter made play, and was
joined by Othello at the brook, which the two look
together. Shortly afterwards Spring Gan, who had been
acting al whipper in, went to the front, but soon gave
way again to koxhunter, who with Othello alternately led
for two miles, when Foahunter gave place to Spring Gun,
who owned on the running over the brook, but at the
stand Foxhunter appeared in front. The pace at this point
was increased by Spring Gun and Othello, who soon placing
a long distance between themselves and Po:hunter, the
latter, who broke • blood-vessel, pulled up immediately
after passing the Stand, from which point an interesting
race maimed with Othello and Spring Gun rach alternately
lending to the brook, where Othello obtained an advantage,
and won • capital race by three lengths. The winner wee
not sold.

MILITARY STIRYLMCBARZ of 5 SOUL each,
with Madded, for horses to be nominated and ridden by
officers in the army ; winner extra. About two miles and
a half. (4 subs.)
Mr. Shaw names Plug %tom aged 18st . (Captain ,haw) 1
Ibe following also rau : Antelope and Dubious
Betting : 6 to 4 on Antelope, and 3 to 1 eget PiegyWiggy.
Antelope made play for • mile, when Dubious took up the
running at the brook, sod held it for • quarter of • mile,
when Antelope resumed the lead, but fell after going two
miles, sad Dubious falling over him left Piggy Wiggy to
canter in alone.

Ttu rftagiiiisz Om STEEPLECHASE of 10 rova snob,
with 100 added • winners extra. About three miles and
half. (18 robe.)
Mr. 13. Lands I ronstdes, 6 yrs, list (J. Land) 1
Mr. .1. Anderson's Bulks Eye, II yrs, lost
Mr. Camden. Spatchoock, a yrs, lOst 10Ib . onshan) 3
The following lio ran.:-Lincoln. Deceiver. 'alto 1;al. The
Regue .Late The Orphan„ Vivandlere, Woodford, Tally Ho,
Retest., Princess of Wake (late Annie Lurie).
Flyfisber was scratched at 1.30 on the day of the race.
Betting : sto 2 apt Bpatchoock, 9 to 2 apt Yeller Gal,
8 to 1 apt Deceiver, 100 to 12 apt Woodford, 9 to 1 apt
The Rogue, 10 to 1 each apt Linooln and loonaides, and
100 to 8 apt Bull's Eye.
A HAADICAP BALLOW SII2PLICHAS3 of 3 SOU. each.
with 20 added ; the winner to be sold for 40 son. About
two mike and a half. (11 mho.)
Mr. Geo. Reynold's Bravo, aged, Ilst 101 b . 'J. Navies) 1
Mr. Pickett a Piggy Wtggy Tate De Ituyterl, aged, 123 t 6113

_
,owner) 2
Mr. Wllllames Odds or EVCI" aged. 10111 alb (Mr. klli.on, 3
The following also ran: The Don, Caricature. Dundon, Never
too Late to Mead, Milvertou, The Idea. and Leah.
Betting :2 to 1 agat Bravo, 5 to 1 apt Dunstan, 6 to 1
each apt Caricature and Piggy Wigp, 7 to 1 eget The
1)ou, end 10 to 1 apt any other. Bravo made nearly all
the running, adwoe ready by three lengths ; and Odd. or
Even, ridden the last rude with one stirrup iron, was n bad
third. Dunstan and Caricature feU at the second fume, and
The Idea shortly afterwards ; Leah also fell. The winner
WY bought in for 150 guinea.
Ten LiNKIZPV.Ite PLAT! (Hand= of a 0 ova, winners
7lb extra About two miles and a .
Mr. Berviried Premier. aged, lilt Idb (J. Knott) 1
Mr. B. Bud's Light of Other Dap, sod, 11a$ etb
(.7 laud)

roll, Hopkins and Lady Coburg also ran.
Betting: Even on Premier. Premier made the running,
followed by Light of Other Days, Lady Coburg nett, and
Polly Hoplana last. After poising the fa•oe Mat the stand,
Polly Hopkins went to the fore, but fell heavily at the next
jamp, Mr. Ellison being severely shaken ; the others went
on, with Premier in advance, but after paining the stand •
second time Lady Coburg fell. Premier was never after-
wards headed, although J. Land, alter cleanng the brook,
joined Lana, but via hasten cleverly by half • length.