The Express.
London, England, 1868-05-12 00:00:00

THE IRISH RAIL WA Y 0./MN/SS/ON.

This morning was published a blue book con-
taining the report of the commissioners appointed to
inspect the accounts and examine the works of railways in
Ireland made to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury.
The commission was composed of Sir A. Y. Spearman,
Bart., Mr. J. kfulholland, Mr. J. Fowler, C.E., Mr. Sey-
mour Clark, and Mr. C. Johnston : Mr. W. N. Hancock
officiating as secretary.

Speaking generally of Irish railways, these gentlemen
say that the rolling stock on the average has been well
maintained, and is now in a fair state of efficiency, but that
the permanent way is, on the average, somewhat below
that condition. The authorised capital of the 50 railways
carrying traffic over 2,124 tuna; at the tiros these inquiries
were made, was 31,999,459/. The last published
accounts show that the ordinary and preference capital
actually rallied amounted to 20,071,4421., and the borrowed
money, including floating liabilities, less floating assets, to
8,348,647/. The capital necessary to complete the works,
including rolling stock, was 782,3441., making a total of
29,202,413/. The estimated net corrected annual revenue
was 897,502/.

The commissioners find it difficult to say whether the
rate of increase in the gross earnings of :19 railways
completed be more or less than what may be
attributed to the natural growth of traffic, although
from the facts of the case they seem to think it fair to
assume that the future net revenue will be materially
augmented. If, however, these conditions should become
changed by the economy and greater efficiency which will
result from concentration of management and more har-
monious working of the whole system, and by the adoption
of much lower fares and rates of carriage, it is
probable that considerable impetus might be given to
the traffic without permanent loss; but in the present
state of their credit and nuances, the companies could not
afford to run the risk of a period of diminished profit for
the chance of any ultimate advantage.
With respect to railway extension to districts not
hitherto accommodated, it seems to the commissioners
clear that the limit of unaided undertakings has been
reached, if not passed, except in a few trifling eases- It
may be desirable to repress the irregular "financing " of
the past, but the necessity will still remain for dealing
with districts of country in which railways would be of
great local benefit, but which cannot be carried out with-
out extraneous aid. The best means by which
such assistance eau be afforded in, of course, a
subject that will require careful consideration ;
but the commissioners do not believe that in a matter of
such recognised necessity much difficulty would be found
in maturing some plan for the purpose ; and they feel the
question to be too important to be left altogether un-
noticed in their report.

I Bound up with the report areavariety of tableecompiled
by the oom missionen, and various documents relating to rail-
ways, and to canals, which also came within the
scope of their inquiry. The subject is further
elucidated by a welLexecuted map, showing each railway
and canal authorised, in progress, or completed.

LAY I NI: THE For N DATION STONE OF Sr.
THOMAS'S HOSPITAL. —To prevent the possibility
of disappointment, we are requested to state, in
confirmation of the printed instructions already
issued, that the large cards are only invitations,
and do not admit to the pavilion to-morrow (Wed-
nesday). The small tickets of various colours
alone admit.

It will be seen that last night the Lord chan-
cellor formally withdrew hie Bankruptcy BU!, with its
subsidiary measures, on account of the state of public
bitable...

Admiral Erskine intends to move on Navy Esti-
mates that the vote for the Royal Naval Reserve be re-
duced by 20,0002.

Mr. Darby Griffith un an " early day" is to
" call attention to the manner in which the exercise of the
prerogative of the crown in the granting of titles and dig.
nities has come to be considered to be part of the ordinary
patronage of the Prime Minister, and to the extent to
which Ste *sondes of that power for political purposes
may affect the independence of the House of Commons.*
Mr. OtWay cii.Friday will ask the Secretary a
State far Wu • question relating to the audit .of the
accounts of the war department, and to eertain defalca-
tions which have occurred in those account/.

On reading the order of the day for going into
oommittee on Representation of the People fSeatlead)
Six itainald Knightley 11311 move, as imam. named to Mr.
finite,'" AnYuctiozMitqfliffl "Or* tilf Tyd, after
" power," and insert "to take ene seat from berabght in
Ragland hawing, by the miles returns of IS6I, lest thew
12,000 inhabitants."

' The Daily News thinks that Mr. Disraeli in
notninetiug Dr. Ailey to see red Dr. Hampden ism mode
• really good choice. Dr. Ailey bpi doubtless boa made
a bishop on amount of the seems with wh'oli or the
hart rune years he has administered the large sod an-
portant parish of Leeds.