The Express.
London, England, 1853-09-21 00:00:00

21, 1853.

bons fa other countries which have failed—to liberties
which hays. flourished for a time, and bace decayed, or with-
out bringing their fruits to maturity. Ent the difference
between those ee, entries and this is, that tbe.•e is here such
a temperate enjoyou'rit of freedom—such • tos.hearinee in
pushing rights to extre.'nity, such a well-considered appre
ciation of the value of liberty, the institutions derive all
their force and all their grandeur from the character of the
people among whom they are introduced. (Loud cheers.)
It is thus that if I at any time have been enabled to add to
the privileges, to add to the power of the people, I have felt
at the moment, and I have been confirmed by experience
since, that I was adding at the same time to the strength
and security of the throne. (Cheers) I am sure, gentlemen,
that such will continue to be the case, and that while you
value and esteem those privileges which you enjoy, and
those privileges which you may hereafter obtain,
you will at the same time consider that it is by the
temperate use of liberty, that all these privileges can be best
maintained to a remote posterity. (Cheers.) Gentlemen,
your provost has alluded to measures which have been under
discussion with regard to the extension of the principle of
representation and measures with regard to the extensicn
of the freedom of commerce. (Loud cheers.) lam happy,
at least, to say, without entering into any argument upon
these subjects, that your address confesses the increase, I
should not say confesses, but rather loudly proclaims the
increase of the prosperity and happiness of the people—
(cheers)—and thereby at the same time proclaims that those
measures were not ill devised, and have not been unsuc-
cessful. (Cheer.) Gentlemen, with regard to the future,
although I may take but fur a short time any farther
part in the deliberations of parliament, I trust that
much that excited party dissension and heated discussion
having passed away, that much which was matter of doubt
having been settled, there will be, with regard to future
measures, if not an absence of party—and I dou't expect
any time when t►ere shall be an absence of party in this
country, or when honest difference of opinion should
not be expressed ; yet I trust there will be that agreement
that the course of legislation may be still farther conducive
to the happiness of the people at large. (Cheers.) And
let me say, however important the questions that we have
discussed in past years, and it would be difficult perhaps to
find • time in the history of any country, when so many
measures of importance have been obtained, without
convulsion and without revolution, as have been obtained
and established in this country since 1833. (Loud cheers.)
I say, while this is the case, there still remains much fur the
consideration not only of all statesmen, but of all men who
are lovers of humanity, of justice, and who have a regard to
the welfare of their countrymen. It is thus with regard to
legislatures as the poet describes it with segard to
the traveller in a mountain country. Although you seem
to have mounted a considerable ascent, there are still farther
ascents before you—
Hills rise on LIMN and Alps on Alps arise.

(Cheers.) There is no time—l contemplate no time—in
which there will not be much for an enlightened and be-
nevolent legislature to discuss, to arrange, and to esta-
blish. Very unfortunately, the very increase of civili-
sation, the very gatherings together of population, which
are the fruits of industry, of commerce, of nourishing manu-
factures, and increased trade, bring with them their attend-
ant evils; end while we are occupied—while many benevo-
lent men are occupied—in extending into remote regions
the light of Chriatianity, there are too many almost at our
own doors, who, from the imperfection and the deficiency
of education, on the one hand, and from the crowded and
ill.ventilated dwellings which they inhabit, on the other,
are almost as much deprived of the means of obtaining re-
ligious knowledge and instruction us the heathen in the
must distant lands which our devoted missionaries have
visited, and where they have been ready to sacrifice their
lives in the promotion of Divine truth. (Cheers.) Well,
gentlemen, but these questions give rise to numerous and im-
portent matters, upon which men again may differ, but upon
which I hope the c:nclusion to which they arrive may be
conducive to the happiness of our countrymen. (Loud I
cheers.) I will not give any opinion upon these questions,
I will merely glance at their nature. Our very fre.dom
stands in the way of many regulations, which of themselves
are beneficial. While in a foreign country, where despotic
rule prevails, you find that there is an obligation to provide
fur the good ventilation, for the en-del-big and maintenance,
by measures of police, of that which contributes to the
health of the population of a city; our people, naturally—l
must say I find no fault with such jealousy—object to the
interference of any central authority ; and when the mat-
ter is left to their own government, they do not always
provide those measures which it is for the good of our
people they should provide. (Cheer.) What should be the
limit ? Should you interfere ? What should be the mea-
sure of interference ? How far can you limit the freedom
of the people in this respect? How far should legislation Leo
introduced into such matters? These are important ques-
tions which the legislature should consider. Then, in
regard to education, what vast matters are opening, upon
which men of the greatest intellect have already given
their opinion to the world ! Can we rely upon the volun-
tary efforts of individuals in order to provide sound edu-
cation for the people at large ? Should you interfere, as
the government of America has interfered, in order to
provide education ? If you do interfere, how far should
you insist that it should be a religious education? Can
you, on the other hand, provide a secular education, and
leave others, the ministers of religion, to give religious
instruction ? I only glance at these questions in order
to show that there are weighty matters still for the con
sideratian of the legislature and statesmen, and I
only pra to God that they may be resolved in a
manner befitting the intellect, befitting the character,
befitting the spirit of an enlightened and a constant
people. (Loud cheers.) Let use only say, that while
these matters of internal legislation are of the utmost im-
portance, while they must occupy from day to day the
minds and the time of those who are called to represent
you in the Commons House of Parliament—while there
are other questions of internal legislation, likewise
of vast importance, upon which I have already
for my part, given my opinion, that further measures
ought to be adopted, it is also to be considered, and I
trust we shall none of us forget, that this country holds
an important position among the nations of the
world. (Cheers.) It is not once but many times she
has stood forward to retina oppression, to maintain the
independence of weaker nations, to preserve to the,
general family of nations that freedom, that power of go-
verning themselves, of which others have sought to deprive
them. (Loud cheering.) I trust that character will not be
forgotten, will not be abandoned by a nation which is now
stronger in means, which is more populous, more wealthy,
than she has been at any former period. This, then, you
will agree with me, is not a period to abandon any of those
duties towards the world, towards the whole of mankind,
which Great Britain has hitherto performed. Let us per-
form them, if possible, by our moral influence—let us per-
form them, if possible, while we maintain the inestimable
blessings of peace; but while we endeavour to maintain
peace, I certainly should be the last to forget that if that
peace cannot be maintained with honour it is no longer
peace—(applause)—it becomes then but a truce, a preca-
rious truce, to be renounced by others whenever they may
think fit—(cheers)—whenever they think an opportunity
has occurred to enforce by arms their unjust demands
either upon us or upon our allies. (Much cheering.) I
trust, gentlemen, that so long as I can bear any part in the
public councils of this kingdom, such will be my *eel-
nienU, and such will be my conduct. Happy I am to
find that you have done me the honour to signify your
agreement with me in these sentiments. I shall conclade,
therefore, thanking you again for the great honour that
you have done me, by saying that I shall remain attached
to that cause which has been expressed in plain
words—in that which used to be the toast at
oar dinners, wherever Englishmen were met,
namely,—. The cause of Civil and Religions Liberty. over
the world !" (Cheers.) I trust that wh the influ-
ence of Great Britain extends, that cause will be male-
taiued b,y her. 1 feel it is her sacred function; and when
she lets fall that standard from her hands, she will no longer
deserve to bear her pert in the concerns of the world.
(Loud and continued cheering.)
Mr. Dt.thine, M.P., moved a vote of thanks from the in-
habitants to the Provost and Corporation, for having paid
so just a tribute to one so honoured, and so deservedly
honoured, as the noble lord, and for haying permitted the
community to witness the gratifying proceedings.
The proposal was carried by acclamation.
The ',win Painosr having acknowledged tho compli-
ment, the meeting separated.

EXPLOSION or G.ts IN A SLWER.—A shocking
accident occurred on Monday in the main sewer beneath
John-street, America-square, Minories, by which the lives
of two men have been placed in imminent peril. It ap-
pears that for the last few days a most noisome effluvium
has been emitted from the gratings of the sewers in the
neighbourhood of the Minories, and two of the subterra-
nean workmen, named Thomas Folley and George Ward
in the employ of the commissioner of sewers, were
sent down to clear away any rubbish that might have
accumulated. It is customary for one of the foremen to
admit the underground workmen and to give them instruc-
tions to proceed to a trapdoor at another point. The fore-
man went to the trap appointed, but the two men not
answering to the call he proceeded to another in Caoper's-
row, Crutchedfriars, where he found the two unfortunate
men in a most exhausted condition and so severely burnt
that it was with much difficulty they were got to the sur-
face. On being questioned as to the nature of the accident
which it was evident had taken place, they stated that they
had proceeded in the direction pointed out, when, on reach-
ing the old sewer beneath Jehn.street, they found the air
in that spot highly impregnated with carburetted hydrogen
gas, and had only time to discern its presence when it ex-
ploded with a terrific report that stunned them, and on their
recovery they found themselves severely burnt and scarcely
able to reach the outlet where they were extricated. They
were immediately removed to St. 13artholumew's Hospital
and admitted to Itahere's ward, but the injuries sustained
are so extensive that no hopes arc held out of their surviv-
ing. It is supposed that they bad incautiously opened their
lanterns, and the naked light coming in contact with some
gas that had escaped trout the main pipes, caused the cis
rbsion.

SIIREWSII.I.-RI AND BIRMINGHAM RAILIVAY.

Yestet day the thareholciers met at 12 o'clock, at
r the purpose of hearing the result
the London Tavern, 1:2
of the poll on the offer, made by the Great Western Corn-
ecial meeting held on the llth.
psny, and discussed at the at.
The chair was taken by Mr. h. ILL.
Mr. SCOTT, one of the serutinee. s. stated that there bad
not becc time to examine the promi. a`4 Waed an ad-
journment to the 30th inst.

Mr. BASER, another scrutineer, confirmel 14:r. Scotra
statement.

A conversation ensued, in the course of which Mr. Scott
intimated that, as far as he cou:d judge, there was a I'M
general assent on the part of the shareholders to the ?rt.-
position made to them.
Mr. SAS NDE us, secretary of the Great Western Company
deprecated delay as tending to prolong the contest; and
asked whether two or three hours would not suffice to
enable the scrutineers to complete their task ?

Mr. SCuTT said he theugtat.t at it the meeting sr, re ad-
journed till 3 o'clock, the scrutisteers would thee be able to
speak more specifically.
. . . .

The meeting was accordingly adjourned till that hour.
At 3 o'clock the shareholders re-assembled, Mr. Hill
again in the chair.
Mr. SCUTT said the scrutineers had nothing posi.ive to
announce. Ile was happy to report, however, that so far
as they had been able to proceed, there appeared to be a
majority in favour of the offer of the Great Western Com,-
' pony ; and he was bound to add that from ccmmunications
he had had with shareholders, he inferred that the real
' majority, as indicated by the general expression of feeling,
wes considerably larger than it appeared on the votes. This
being so, he, for one, had decidedly made up his mind to
adopt the opinion of tke shareholders. (Cheers.) lle was
I not fund of halfmeasures. If he opposed the proposal he
should do so with all his energy; and, in like manner, if Ins
did not oppose it, he would exert himself to carry it out.
(near, hear.) The main object was to withdraw from evils
which had been inflicted upon them by contests; and he
accepted this proposal—end it was, he believed, accepted by
those with whom he acted—as the means of putting an end
to such contentions. (Cheers.) They would be totally
regardless of their own interests, and that of those
with whom they veers connected, if they did not
do all in their power to cause it to be fully
and fairly carried out. Ile wished to express
his entire reliance on the honour and good faith of
the great Western Company ; and he hoped thty would
carry out their proposal in the open and candid monuer in
which it appeared to have been made. Relying upeu this
niece than on anything that was written, be looked leeward
to the future, sanguine that the prosperity of the railway
was from that day secured.
In reply to questions,
Mr. Score stated that the terms of the Great Western
off, r were a guaranteed dividend of .31 per cent. from the
Ist of January, 1851, together with half the eureka pro-
fits ; and that it had been arranged that the •ix iiirectors,
who would, in the ordinary course, retire by rotation at
the rueetin4 on the 30th ino., shoted rot offer themselves
for re-election, bat that others should be chosen in their
stead.

Mr. KENNEDY wished to know whether, in case the
Gnat Western Company failed to obtain a bill in the next
session, it would renew the applicatisn in succeeding ses-
sion•, until one had been obtained.

One or two other proprietors bating asked fur informa-
tion on this point,
The CAII llt ,lAN said the iharcholders bad the guarantee
of the Great Western Company, which would continue till
the bill was obtained.

A PRoratfron. believed the company would not be
able to obtain the 3} per cent. until the bill was passed.
(licar.) It could not legally be paid.
The CHAIRMAN then moved that the offer made by tho
Groat Western Company of 31 per cent. and half the sur-
plus profits be accepted, and toot power be given to the
directors to take steps for carrying it into ell'eet.
This motion was seconded by Mr. MALIN,, and passed
unanimously.
The CHAIRMAN observed that the warfare was now
, ended, and he hoped the proceedings of the company would
I in future be marked by peace and gaud will.
Thu meeting then separated.
It ought to be mentioned that no numbers were an-
nounced and none could be obtained. All that could be
ascertained on the subject was that there was a conriderable
majority in favour of tho offer of the Great Western Com-
pany.

LONDONDERRY AND COLERAINE RAILWA

The half-yearly meeting of the proprietors of this
railway wee held yesterday at their others,leman•strect-
buildings ; Capt. WARREN, R.N., the chairman of the
board of directors, in the chair.

The SECRETARY read the report as follows :—" Your
directors have to report that your railway was opened
throughout, from Londonderry to Coleraine, oe Monday,
the llith of July last. The main line bring 33 mile', and
the breach to Newtown•Limavady 3 miles, giving a total
length of 36 miles. The stations are, as yet, but tem-
porary, and the sheds fur goods incomplete ; but measures
are being taken for putting the latter into a state suitable
for accommodating the trade of the coming season. The
1 passenger traffic has already given very satisfactory results,
I while from the character of the line, presenting, as it does,
scenery perhaps unsurpassed by any railway in the United
Kingdom, and from the fact of that great natural curiosity,
' the Giant's Causeway, being within nine miles of Cole-
' raine, your directors confidently anticipate that, inde-
pendent of the ordinary passenger trade for business pur-
, poses, there will annually be a large receipt from pleasuro
and tourist traffic. Partly from the want of accommoda-
tion, reported in a preceding paragraph, hut chiefly from
the time of year at which the opening to Coleraine took
place, there his yet been little merchandise or agricultnral
produce brought on the line, but as the flax and grain
markets and the general autumn trade are now about to
commence, your directors look to the goods traffic as a source
from which must arise a large addition to the weekly receipts.
The re venue statement appended hereto shows the working
only from Londonderry to Newton-Limavady, the opening
to Coleraine having taken place subsequent to the date to
which the accounts are made up. You will perceive that
this natant has not been charged with the expense of
management and office salaries, the object being merely to
show the receipts and the strict working expenditure. It is
at the same time satisfactory. to observe, that even tipOit
this partial opening there is a balance of profit on the
working. :Your directors have to report that the bill for tho
extension line from Coleraine to Castle-Dawson, as approved
Ly the proprietors at the special general meeting on the 20th
of May last, has passed into law. Anxious for the early
development of the traffic from the entirely new country
which will be opened up by this line, having regard to the
movements of other parties, and to the future position and
prospects of the line, your directors, after full deliberation,
came to the conclusion that the interests of the proprietors
required them to take immediate steps for commencing the
construction of the Castle-Dawson extension. The worship-
ful the Ironmongers' Company, of London, the owners of
• considerable length of property upon the extension,
having agreed to give their land upon terms most
liberal on their part and highly advantageous to this
company ; and having, in other respects, practically shown
their desire to further the success of the undertaking, your
directors, subject to your approval, have made all accessary
arrangements for at once proceeding with the first section
of the line—namely, from Coleraine to Agivey-bridge, •
length of 71 miles, having in the meantime taken upon
themselves the responsibility of the purchase of land. Your
directors, in their last half-yearly report, and at the specie!
meeting, laid before you their views of the importance of
the Castle Dawson extension as giving, by means of the
Cookstown extension of the Belfast and Ballymena, a
through communication between Londonderry soil Pelfast,
securing a future direct outlet from Coleraine to Dublin,
and opening up the Valley of the Bann and almost the entire
length of the county to the port and city of Londonderry.
Further examination has satisfied them that this extension
will be profitable in itself and bring a valuable additional
traffic over the present line. The question of bringing upon
your line the traffic of an important portion of the county
of Donegal was alluded to by your directors in their last
report. They propose to effect this object by means of a
branch line, three miles in length, from your al agalligan
station to the point of laud at the entrance of Lough
Foyle. Sir H. Remy Bruce, Bart., the owner of the
property through which this brunch passes, having given the
necessary land upon liberal terms, the works have been
commenced; and, being of an extremely light and inex-
pensive character, a very short time will euttice tor their
completion. By menus of this branch a largo teethe, not
previously calculated upon, may reasonably be anticipated
train the immense, and now almost unapproachable district
of Innishowen. The eligible sites for watering places
afforded by your railway, both on the main line and on the
Donegal shore, in connexion with the Magilligan branch,
have attracted attention to the subject in such manner as
cannit fail, ere long, to ensure front this source a new item.
of profit, while the inexhaustible deep-sea fisheries along
this portion of the coast may, in addition to the large sal-
mon fisheries of the Foyle and the Bann, be made a valu-
able accessory to your traffic. Na agreement has yet been
come to with the Post-office authorities respecting the con-
veyance of the mails, but negotiations are now pending
which your directors hope will be productive of results pro-
fitable to this compauy, affording inc:easect postal
accommodation to Coleraine and the other localities
served bs your line, and securing suitable coach
communication between your terminus at Cole-
raine and the Belfast and 1104-men& Railway.
I Front the several sources above specified, as well os from.
the steadily progressive extension and certain early com-
rallecintiTleinme,avrabiaseht
ol;u:hnrcadiliktrtriators feel that a
and would beg you
I be given to promote that object, and to procure fur you a
fair return upon the .capital invested in the undertaking.
I to ireline:soisttntiuraC:sft ilotuhei irteeehmdrMeeatdyhiLdabl:fntdybi nd:enaui districts
tiessrretafr Yraci illrcwotyuraosyud: raoyni bur,
eunceasing 'trot ta will
The accounts showed a total receipt on account of capital of
465,1211., and a balance in hand of :40441. 2s. Gil. The
revenue account showed 'a total receipt of 1,8861.3e.11.,
and an expenditure of 1,501/. 14s. 3d., leaving a balance hie
hand of 3841. Bs. 10d." . _

The rcprrt was unanimously agreed to.
Messrs. Warren, Tyrell. and Gil:more were :Ilan re-
elected directors, and Mr. Fuller auditor.

ALEXANDER TON HUMBOLDT accomplighed his
81th year on the 13th init. The great traveller is in the
full enjoyment of health and vigour.