The Sun.
London, England, 1863-02-12 00:00:00

RAILWAY BILLS.

Yesterday the following railway bills were de-
clared to have complied with the orders of Parlia-
ment :—Great Western, West Midland, and South
Wales—amalgamation and dissolution of the South
Wales Company; Great Western and West Mid-
land—for their amalgamation and dissolution of the
West Midland; Brecon Junction—to incorporate
the company, to make a line to Llandovery, and for
other companies in the district to subscribe (the
standing orders were complied with with one ex-
ception); Dundalk, Csrlingford, and Greenore—for
a railway between those places, with wharves and
landing piers, and power to raise £160,000; Scot-
tish Central—for new branches and additional capi-
tal; Oswestry, Newtown, and other railway com-
panies—for arrangements between the London and
North-Western, Great Western, and other com-
panies.

_
the non-compliances included the Cookstown and
Pomeroy Railway.

Tha Market Harborougla and Melton Mowbray
Railway Bill was withdrawn.

The Earl of Shaftesbury on Soldiers'

Institutes.

Yesterday the Earl of Shaftesbury laid the foundation
stone of a building to be called the Aldershot Mission Hall
and Soldiers' Institute, with the customary formalities, in
the presence of a great concourse of persons, both military
and civil. The undertaking, which is expected to be most
successful in its operations and beneficial in its results, was
originated by Mrs. Daniell, a lady well known as the au-
thoress of the " Village Mission," and whose name is asso-
ciated with other institutions of a similar nature in different
parts of the country. It is now nearly 12 months since
public attention was drawn to the demoralising influences
in existence at Aldershott and their effect upon the large
body of troops at that station. The institute now founded
is designed to remedy this reproach, and to afford the
soldier wholesome means of recreation in the vicinity of
our greatest camp. For this end the building will contain.
a lecture-room capable of accommodating 800 persons, a
library, reading-room, smoking-room, and other offices.
Facilities for chess, draughts,and other games will be pro-
vided, and refreshments of a harmless character retailed at
a moderate rate. The site, which is in rear of the East
Cavalry Barracks, has been given by F. Egger, Esq., a
resident at Aldershott, and who, with Mr. Stapley, Of
Farnham, is the architect of the building.
The proceedings having been opened with prayer,
The Earl of SHAFTESBITRY laid the first stone with the
usual formalities, alter which he briefly addressed the as-
semblage. Having alluded to the benefits expected from this
institution and the debt of gratitude due to the good lady
who had undertaken its construction and management, the
noble earl said—Now, you know that for many years there
has been a growing sentiment in this country on the neces-
sity of establishments such as these for the great mass of
the working people, where they might enjoy honest and
sober recreation, where they might receiveinstruction, where
they might enter into many of those social enjoymentswhich
are necessary and essential to our comfort and our edifi-
cation. lam glad to say that the same thought has entered
into the minds of those to whom is consigned the command
of our army. They are of opinion that there is a necessity
for reading rooms and places of social enjoyment, and that
these should be founded in adequate numbers for the benefit
of the soldier. I believe they will look upon an institution
such as this with favour, although from the peculiar cir-
cumstances in which they are placed it may not be proper
for them to come forward and give it an open and decided
support. I know perfectly well the impediments and hind-
rances which stand in the way of our authorities giving lull
and free support to institutions of this description. I shall
not enter minutely into this subject; but you must know
that our army consists almost in pretty equal divisions of
antagonistic religions, and this further hinders them from
' coming forward in all matters relating to instruction ; for
where there is communication and intercourse, anything
that can bring forward those special differences must be
avoided. They are therefore unable to take that course
which, as private individuals, they have full power to do.
Still we can supplement these deficiencies, which they have
no power to give. At the same time I think it is necessary
to give a word of caution—not I believe necessary
to those who have undertaken the charge of this establish..
ment—and to remind those standing here, in reference to its
I object, that it is for social recreation, for religious instruc-
tion, for the purpose of communicating to every individual
that knowledge which cannot be given on a large scale in
camp . It is to give them access to the fountain of faith, to
. put before them religious books, to give them access to reli-
-1 gious services; but it is n o part of its object whatever—and
most careful will be the conductors of this establishment to
' avoid it—to enter upon controversial teaching. They will
be content to give what is necessary towards promoting the
fundamental principles of religion, but they will strongly
avoid—and wise they are to do so—all controversial matters.
But although it is necessary there should be many trained
to controversy—such as learned men—it is not desirable
1 that the whole mass of the population should be so trained;
and it is sufficient that the truths of the Gospel should be
placed before them in all free sincerity, and that every man
should have the opportunity, as far as can be given him, of
seeking social and religious intercourse, and for receiving
and imparting instruction. And here I must stand most
vigorously upon one basis, from which we must never depart,
and to which we can never make any concession whatsoever

—the inalienable right of every man, whether in the ranks,

or as an officer, put of service, and apart from military duty,
to take every opportunity he can of communicating religious
intelligence, of imp.irting the Word of God, of infusing
Into tLe heart of men the spirit and love of truth ; but this
should be given in a proper manner, and not with too much
eagerness. Military duties, I know, interfere materially ;
but out of these he is free to act as a clergyman or minister
set apart for the sacred duties of his holy calling. After
dwelling at ctnsiderable length upon the advantages of the
institution and the benefits likely to accrue therefrom, his
lordship concluded by saying—l do hope that these good
and gallant men who shall come to this institution to share
in the blessings it is so well calculated to afford will come
with a good and hearty spirit, determined to avail them-
selves of these signal advantages ; that they will turn to
good account the short time they may be enabled to reside
here and participate in all these great benefits, and recog-
nise the hand of God that has touched the hearts of those
good people who founded an institution so essential to their
welfare. (Applause.)

HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE.
Tam DAY.—Morning, 7h. Min.—Afternoon, 7h. 5901
To-moßnow.-Morning, Bh. 35m.—Afternoon, 9h. 20m,