The Sun.
London, England, 1865-09-28 00:00:00

THE SUB, LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 28, 1866,

LONDON, THURSDAY, SEPT. 28, 1865.

At the Huntingdonshire Agricultural Society,
yesterday, General PEEL made some interesting re-
marks upon the state of our foreign relations in
connection with the army and navy. lie observed
that he had nothing but satisfactory reminiscences
in connection with the only important event that
had taken place since he had addressed his consti-
tuents, and that was the " exchange of hospitalities"
between the French and English fleets. The gallant
General was enabled to speak with authority on the
subject of the improved relations between the two
countries, for he not only remembered Waterloo,
but held a commission at the time. It is, indeed, a
happy and fortunate change that has taken place,
and we may well hope that it will conduce
to the permanent welfare of the two nations. Gen.
PEEL truly remarked that we were generally alter-
nating between hot and cold fits of military and
naval expenditure—the hot fits arising from some
disagreeable panic as to invasion, and the cold ones
from the sudden cessation of such panics. One
great evil arising from these sudden alarms is, that,
in consequence of the hurry in which the prepara-
tions were made, a great deal
.-of
money has been
spent to little or no purpose. More time and atten-
tion would be much more likely to lead
us to a
successful issue ; and, as the chief cause of the hur_
ried calls for warlike preparation was the great
rvialry existing between England and France, it is
not unreasonable to suppose that the future maywit-
ness a striking improvement in this respect. There is
great wisdom in the remarks of General PEEL, to
the effect that we ought to have the best models
and lay out the money to the best advantage. The
Volunteers, he also said, should not relax their
efforts because no present danger was visible. All
experience shows that it is better to be prepared
than to have to begin defences when the momen-
tous occasion arrives.

Lord ROBERT IIIoNTAGu also made some obser-
vations, which were well received, and gave an
animated account of the results of a general elec-
tion. It resembles very much a meet of the
hounds ; • each starts flushed with success, but before
long what casualties occur. A " rasping fence"
a ~vaits them at the outset, and, as the noble lord said,
" it is, indeed, a pleasant thing to find oneself after
all on the right side." Yet, to continue the meta-
phor, when this desideratum is gained other annoy-
ances arise. There is a very hard couiitry to ride
er, so that few can keep up their speed, and fewer

preserve a straight :line. " Some cannot ride at
all, others have no endurance, some have heavy
hobbies, which crush through obstacles, but are
without speed, others sail along quickly, but without

judgment."
With respect to the cattle plague the noble lord
said that we had experience to go upon in relation
to its treatment, and that taught us that the
" strict isolation" of diseased cattle was im-
peratively necessary. This was well said, for we
have heard of late several instances of great losses
occurring through inattention to this most impor-
tant regulation. As the noble lord said, too much
much care cannot be taken to remove predisposing
causes. Fresh air and cleanliness are most essen-
tial, and as necessary in cattle typhus as in human
typhus. The Government, Lord ROBERT thinks,
ought to come forward and pay for the slaughtered
animals, or, at all events, in some measure compen-
sate for the heavy losses sustained. The noble lord
concluded by expressing in forcible terms the neces-
sity that forced upon us to prepare for emergencies.
" The murrain is ravaging our plains, the typhus is
rampant in our cities, the potato disease has ap-
peared in Ireland, the cholera is coming to Eng-
land." Certainly these calamities are enough to
make us do all we can to improve our sanitary con-
dition, and if we neglect to do it at once, we shall,
before long, reap most fatal consequences for our
carelessness and wanton indifference.

Scarcely has the public mind recovered from the
shock of the rapid succession of fatal accidents
which a short time since occurred on our railways
than another disaster comes to show us that no
painful experience will teach railway companies the
necessity of ordinary prudence. We suppose that
SIDNEY S3IITH'S famous aphorism about the bishop
will have to be realised, and that railway passen-
gers need not expect any care for their lives and
limbs until two or three directors of one of the
leading companies have experienced some of the
delights of a collision or an overthrow. From the
manner in which the arrangements are often con-
ducted one might suppose that these gentlemen
never travelled on their own lines, for if they did
so, ignorance and negligence would be alike impos-
sible. No one pretends to say that the heads of our
railway lines are to be charged with wilfully ne-
glecting their responsibilities, but it is certain that
the rapid succession of accidents is alike alarming
to the public and unprofitable to themselves. One
such accident as that to the tidal train the other
day must seriously damage the best dividends, be-
sides shaking the confidence of the public, and tend-
ing to discourage that travelling for pleasure which
forms a large part of their business. At one
time the accidents were quite exceptional, and
were remarkable events; now they are so frequent,
that however much attention is excited by one, it
is sure to be quickly superseded by another. The
minor disasters are continually occurring ; it is
almost impossible to take up a newspaper without
finding some reference to an accident of some kind ;
while such is the general feeling of uneasiness
created that in nearly every railway carriage the
chance of a catastrophe becomes the subject of con-
versation. Surely this state of things is unnecessary,
and our skill and science ought to be equal to pro-
viding a better system. We are rapidly approach-
ing the American indifference of life, and shall
soon emulate their recklessness. So many of the
accidents arise from perfectly avoidable causes that
they are the more to be deplored. The excursion
trains offer immense advantages to the hard-worked
citizens of our busy manufacturing towns, to say
nothing of the throngs who pour out from our over-
crowded metropolis, to enjoy the sight of green
fields and hedges, or to gate upon the glorious ex-
panse of the sea, but they are fruitful sources of
mischief. There is no reason why they should be
so, except the apparent determination of the com-
panies to reckon them as nothing in the time-
tables. In their anxiety to oblige the public, or
to increase their own profits, they allow the usual
goods trains, coal trucks, cattle trucks, &c., to be
sent to and fro at the ordinary rate, appearing quite
oblivious of the fact that the excursion train is to
come along the crowded line at a stated hour. So
many accidents have arisen from this negligence
that it is really quite unpardonable that the com-
panies should adopt some new rule. The disastrous
collision which yesterday took place in Lancashire
arose from this cause, and the injuries which were
inflicted on about twenty persons, besides the shock
to the whole of the passengers, and the damage to
property, were all thus quite avoidable. It was
the old story, though with slight variations. The
excursion train from Oldham to Blackfoot was to
arrive at Manchester at 8 a.m., and to leave a few
minutes after. It was an hour behind time, not
leaving Manchester till past nine, and not arriving
at Preston till nearly eleven. Meanwhile a heavy
goods train, from Fleetwood to Manchester, arrived
at Lea-road station, and was shunted on to the up
line to allow the express train from Fleetwood to
Manchester to pass, thus being, of course, on the
very line on which the excursion train was coming
from Preston to Lea. The result might, of course,
have been expected. The engine-driver of the
excursion train, as he rounded a curve in
the road, saw the danger before him, and at
once reversed his engine, but in vain. The excur-
sion train rushed into the goods train, and twenty
persons were more or less seriously injured, besides
the shock and alarm to those unhurt. And all this
misery and suffering, to say nothing of the loss to the
company, might have been avoided by the most ordi-
nary care. Surely it was possible for the excursion
train to keep better time. What was the station-
master at Lea-road dreaming of to allow the goods
train to be shunted on to the up line when he
must have known the excursion was overdue ?
Another cause which contributed greatly to the
catastrophe was the fact that there is no telegraphic
communication between Lea-road and the other
stations, a singular piece of negligence, considering
the immense amount of traffic on the line, The
number of trains which pass Lea-road daily may
be guessed from the fact that during the two
hours which elapsed before the road was clear, the
row of carriages and waggons grew toa mile in length.
Surely, then, a little more care and vigilance should
be exercised on a line of so much importance,
and prompt
communication should be possible with
all the neighbouring stations. Happily the accident
produced no fatal consequences,
which it occurred has, been by meansaccidents
thea linecm
occur
r t on
noe
most unfortunate. But the same
continually on the different lines that it is time that
something was done to arrest the evil. Familiarity
with danger proverbially makes men indifferent, if
not reckless, but in the case of railway travelling
safety
the indifference extends to other people's
f orrom
danger. The very fact of an accident occurring
one particular cause seems, instead of preventing
its repetition, almost to occasion it. The two
catastrophes which cost so many lives a
short
time since both originated in mistakes connected
with the plate-layers. Fines and heavy damages
seem to be really useless. The punishment recoils
upon the shareholders, who have nothing to do with
the rules and regulations of the company, the se-
lection of efficient employes, and the payment of the
salaries, &c. It is, of course, better, than nothing,
and it is chiclfiy satisactory, as Ong borne coin-

pensation to those whose health has perhaps been
injured for life, but the cure is very ineffective. It
would be well to try the effect of making the
directors personally responsible for accidents
arising from gross negligence and rules
framed regariless of danger. We should
then see a little more care exercised in the selection
of station masters and other responsible officials ;
we should have regular telegraphic communication
along all the lines ; we should have something else
thought of than getting the greatest amount of
work done in the shortest possible time. Thanks
partly to their strong Parliamentary interest, and
partly to their public convenience, the railway com-
panies have had every advantage hitherto ; it is
now time that some effort should be made on be-

half of the passengers, if the direction of the railways
is to be left to private enterprise. They have so
completely monopolised the means of communica-
tion that it is absolutely necessary they should be
made to show a little regard for the safety of their
passengers, as well as for their own profits.

Sir STAFFORD NORTIICOTE made some observa-

tions upon Middle-Class Education on Monday, on
the occasion of the certificates being awarded to
the successful candidates in the Oxford Examina-
tion at Exeter-centre. The hon. baronet said that
few took sufficiently comprehensive views on the
object of education, for while one aimed at too much
show, the other neglected immediate results too
much in order to make a general impression on the
mind. This is true in some degree, and may perhaps
account for the apparent inco n sisten cy of the manage-
ment of this important theme. It stands to reason,
then, that the best remedy is to provide for the evils so
constantly arising from the disputes of schoolmasters
and parents in the interpretation of a competent
authority which is competent to judge and can
command respect and attention from all who are
concerned in education. As Sir S. NORTHCOTE said,
Englishmen will not willingly allow the " middle-
class education" of the country to come under Go-
vernment control. The universities present the best
solution of the difficulty in furnishing a body of
men who are of undoubted excellence in proficiency
and experience, and can afford great service to those
who are perplexed and confused as to the best means
of imparting a sound and useful education.
No doubt these examinations have, as the
honourable baronet said, done great good in
enabling the schoolmaster to arrive at a correct
notion of the efficiency of his scholars, which other-
wise he might not be conscious of. We have found
out that education as a system is now improving in
England, and more real work is done instead of a
superficial semblance of it. It is time, indeed, that
a stop should be put to a method which prevailed
in some quarters of teaching Latin without grammar
or dictionary, or reading HORACE and VIRGIL
through teaching the English translations by turns.
Some very good advice was given in this speech on
the evils arising from inattention to particulars, and,
as he said, juniors now-a-days are too apt to neglect

their work. " Accuracy is the foundation of
all good honest work in this world" was justly
observed by the hon. baronet, and it is precisely
in this matter that so much carelessness prevails.
The Earl of DEVON laid great stress upon the good
services rendered to the cause of education by the
exertions of the examiners of the Universities, who
have come forward, as in old times, to advance the
" great work of middle class education in the couu-

try." It is always a satisfaction to find influential
persons thus exerting themselves to do honour to
those whose skill and care have done so much to
advance the progress and render more permanent
the success of a great undertaking, which is most
vital in its consequences, and may be called truly
national in interest.

Sadler's Wells Theatre.

Miss Marriott has commenced her winter season
at this theatre with great spirit. She bids high for
public favour, and with a continuance of the excel-
lent performances that have been given this week
she will well deserve it. The talented lady has
secured the services of an excellent working com-
pany, and neither pains nor expense is to be spared
to place before the public an entertainment
worthy the most extended patronage. Louis
XI. and Sheridan Knowles's play of " Virginius"
have been performed on alternate nights during the
week, Mr. James Bennett sustaining the principal
parts in each, to the entire satisfaction of the
audience. His performance of the hypocritical Louis
is most praiseworthy, but his Virginius is, to our
liking, much to be preferred. There is such a frank
and open nobleness thrown into the part of the
Roman father that the audience cannot do less
than admire it, and with the recollection many
of them must have in mind of their great
favourite, Mr. Phelps, their applause will be highly
valued by Mr. Bennett. Mr. Edgar, we presume,
is engaged for what is professionally called the
" juvenile" parts; from the taste of his quality he
gave us as IcWius, we can honestly commend him
for both care and judgment. Mr. J. Johnstone, the
stage manager, is also a very excellent performer.
Miss Bellair, we believe, is a new candidate for
metropolitan favour, and, speaking from her per-
formance in the part of Virginia, she will be-
come a great favourite. Miss Marriot announces
several new engagements, amongst which is a tra-
gedian from the provinces, a Mr. Cowper. We
cordially wish the fair directress success in her
arduous undertaking. Her promises, which have
hitherto been most rigidly performed, give evidence
that she had not been idle during the recess, and it
will afford great pleasure to the vast number of the
lovers of the legitimate drama located in Islington
to have a place of amusement in their very
midst, where nothing but what is elevating and
refined will be submitted for their approbation.

A Distressing Case.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE SIJN.

SIB,—I would crave a little of your valuable space for the
opportunity of bespeaking the practical interest of the
wealthy and benevolent in a case of pressing distress,
which, I am persuaded, you will consider worthy of atten-
tion and relief.

flags.

The wife of a gentleman in Ireland, holding a public
office as county surveyor, the duties of which he had
honourably and faithfully fulfilled for a period of 28 years,
has suddenly been left a widow, with three children look-
ing to her for support, and without any means at her dis-
posal. The eldest son is only 17 years of age, and the
youngest child is one year old. The income of the father
during most of the time he held his appointment was £250
a sum which was latterly augmented by a further one of
about £lll per annum. But out of this income nearly
£lOO a-year had to be disbursed for the necessaryexpensee
incidental to his office.

With au income so small and a family so large, and with
impaired and delicate health, it has been impossible for him
to make any provision for his widow and children, and
these have since his death been saved from destitution only
by a very small sum of money in hand, by the inconside-
rable amount realised by the sale of furniture, and by a few
contributions from local friends, who were cognisant of
their claims and circumstances.

who have at theirassistance,
I. would, therefore, through your kindness, intreat in
m.epen
es
dolit•ie,li relieving Nt-,i3n
tgh theo
their behalf the charity of all persons blessed with the
Ono son is which may take the form of
direct pecuniary • generosity
I would earnestly pray those
now elirgible for the school, and a younger
will be
to
gladly furnished
and
weighthe
ecodnunand presentations to Christ's Hos-
pital,i.stress of this large orphan family
brotliar
into the
would be qualified for ad-
mission. in
Inquiryanothe
the case is hopefully invited merits and urgency of
That rector of Isionastenock,
allowed to say,particulars, I am
y which ers
my .A in confidence by
de Alfredau o flliainiliaiiatroen.,
;vitialeral:
,loD.ublin,
as well as the
abanokucho regius,
;Sliaenrcil.arl4l'esKsii•ise.ulLiean Touche, '
Rev.lat II and
i tedr r ruralßilseNtry U
and
sympathy may allot to mitigate the severity of thNeebl
will thankfully receive any sum of moue
under which the widow and fatherless at present lie prrs
trate.—l enclose my card, and arn, sir, your obliged and-
faithful servant, 5. B. M•

LATEST INTELLIGENCE.

(REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.)

THE BRAZILS.
DEFEAT OF THE PARAGUAYANS BY
FLORES.
(By telegraph from Lisbon.)

RIO DE JANEIRO, SEPT. 8.

A battle has taken place at Yantany, on the
Uruguay, in which the allies under Flores were
victorious.

The enemy lost 1,700 prisoners, their cannon and

This defeat is considered to have struck a decisive
blow at the Paraguayar invasion of Brazil.
COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE.
Exchange on Loudon, 23/. Coffee good ; first,
8,500 to 10,000 reis. Shipments since the depar-
ture of the last mail, 98,191 bags, of which 54,658
were for the Channel. Sales of coffee, 90,000 ;
stock, 75,000 bags. Freights, 47/.
BAHIA, SEPT. 13.
Exchange on London, 24i. Cotton, 16,000 to
16,200. Sugar, brown, 2,200 to 2,300 reis.
PERNAMBUCO, SEPT. 16.
Exchange on London, 23. i. Sugar, whites, 4,000
to 4,100 reis ; brown, 2,300 to 2,550 reis. Cotton,
15,600 reis.
The Messageries Imperiales steamer Guienne,
with the French mails for Brazil, arrived here on
the 12th.

LISBON, SEPT. 27.

The Royal Mail Steam Packet Company's ship
La Plata, from the Brazils, &c., has arrived here,
and leaves for Southampton this evening with 50
adult passengers, £7,824 in specie, 100 bags of
coffee, 24 packages of ipecacuanha, 100 barrels
tapioca, 257 rolls tobacco, and 130 packages of
sundries.

The Oneida, with the outward mails of the 9th
September, was at St. Vincent on the 20th inst.

INDIA AND CHINA MAILS.

The Massilia, which left Malta on the 27th inst.,
may be expected at Southampton on the 6th, instead
of on the 10th October, as previously announced.

FRANCE.

BOURSE, Sept. 27.—Two o'Clock.—Though
prices in some instances are higher the market is
not firm, and Stock is less favoured than Railway
Shares. Threes, for the Account, are without varia-
tion, at 68f. 32/c. Italian Fives are again offered
at 65f. 45c., with a further fall of per cent.
French and Spanish Mobiliers, on the contrary,
have improved, the former being at 836 f. 25c., and
the latter at 505 f. Immobiliere, 530 f. Lombard,
457 f. 50c. Three o'Clock.—The market has con-
tinued flat, and closed at the following quotations:—

41 per. Cents 96 40
Do. end month —
3 per Cents.
Do. end month 6B 25
Credit Mobilier
Do. end month 833 75
Bank Shares 3595
Credit Foncier —
Italian Loan 65 30
Do. and month 65 20
RAIL )1

Ditto Threes —
Roman
Mexican Loan sli
Do. Bonds 338 75
Russian --
Austrian
Spanish Threes
Rome Debt _
Deferred

Orleans
Northern
Lyons and Mediterranean
Southern
Western

Cash. Amt.
845
1087 50
873 75
563 75

Eastorn
Sardinian.
Austrian
Lombard
North of Spain
Saragossa
Ditto to Barcelona
Roman

245 -
408 75
456 25
213 75

221 25

rapidly subsiding, and the charges of his connection
with the alleged Andersonville cruelties are dying
out, as did those of his complicity in the assassina-

tion of President Lincoln. It is said that Mr.
Davis's health is now good, and that he is permitted
to correspond with his relatives and friends by open
letters, and has such books as he asks for placed at
his disposal,
Sir Morton Peto and party, after having visited
the coal and petroleum regions of Pennsylvania, are
now on their way to Chicago.
It is rumoured that army waggons are being ex-
tensively constructed in the neighbourhood of New
York for the Fenian organization. Numerous
meetings and festivals of the Brotherhood are being
held throughout the country.
The Republican State Convention of Massachu-
setts met at Worcester on the 13th inst., and nomi-
nated for Governor and Lieutenant-Governor Col.
Alexander Bullock and the Hon. Willian Claflin.
Resolutions were adopted expressing confidence in
President Johnson, and promising him support in
all efforts to restore order at the South ; that the
South should, however, be dealt with vigorously,
every trace of slavery extirpated, and all authority
withheld from persons who at the South were en-
gaged in the rebellion, and from those who, at the
North, opposed the war for its suppression. It
was further resolved that the Southern States could
not be safely entrusted with self-government until
they had, by constitutional amendment, ratified the
abolishment of slavery. The Hon. Charles Sum-
ner, who was President of the Convention, deli-
vered a lengthy speech of rather a radical character.
He warmly declared himself opposed to those en-
gaged in the rebellion " being voted for, or being
allowed to vote." He declared that the ship of
State is drifting upon a lee shore, and that the pre-
sent policy of the Administration would not meet
the emergency. Neither the rebellion nor slavery
were ended. The rebellion was disarmed only, and
slavery abolished but in name. Slavery would
exist until the black code was abolished, and full
equality before the law established. Mr. Sumner's
speech is thought to indicate that, in the approach-
ing Congress, he will strongly oppose the Admini-
stration policy.

ARRIVAL OF THE CITY OF LONDON.
QUEENSTOWN, Sept. 28.
The Inman steamer City of London, from New
York on the 16th inst., arrived here at 8 a.m. to-
day, with $28,900 in specie and 181 passengers.
She landed 59 passengers, and proceeded at
8.30 a.m.

Disastrous Railway Collision.

PRESTON, Wednesday Evening.

Shortly before noon to-day a most alarming col-
lision took place at Lea-road Station, on the Pres-
ton and Wyre Railway, a few miles from this town,
the consequence being the destruction of a con-
siderable amount of property, and injury, in some
cases serious, to about 20 persons.
This morning an excursion train left Oldham,
calling at intermediate stations up to Wigan, for
Blackpool.. The train was timed to arrive atMan-
chester about 8 o'clock, and to start from there in a
few minutes afterwards. It did not, however, leave
Ordsal Station, Manchester, until a quarter past 9,
and it was, therefore, behind time all along the line.
The train consisted of about 20 carriages, and on
leaving the last station it had no " take up," as the
passengers would number about 700. It arrived at
Preston about a quarter to 11 o'clock, and after-
wards branched upon the Preston and Wyre line,
and soon got upon a speed equal to about 35 or 40
miles an hour. While on its way between Preston
and Lea-road a rather heavily-laden goods train
from Fleetwood to Manchester arrived at Lea, and
in order to allow the express leaving Fleetwood for
Manchester at 10.10 to pass, it was shunted on the
up-line, that on which the excursion train was ap-
proaching. Shortly before the express came up the
excursion-train rounded the curve on the Preston
side of Lea-road station at a rapid speed. The
engine driver of the excusion train, perceiving the
position he was in, and the impossibility of the
goods train being got out of the way, shut off the
steam and reversed his engine at once ; but the dis-
tance between the two trains was too short to- pre-
vent a collision, and he and the stoker accordingly
jumped off the engine, which by this time was run-
ning at about 10 miles an hour. The driver and
stoker of the luggage, which was standing upon the
line, also jumped on one side. In a few seconds
afterwards a violent collision ensued. A scene of
indescribable confusion and alarm succeeded. Pas-
sengers were shouting and screaming out of the
windows, and numbers were thrown about in the
carriages in all directions. Some were upon the
floors, other were thrown against and upon each
other, and altogether the situation of affairs was
most alarming. Those who could get out of the
carriages did so, while others had to be removed to
the station, a very small and most inconvenient
place. It was soon found that a large number
had been injured, but for a time nobody seemed
to know what to do, and as there is
no telegraphic communication between Lea-
road and the other stations, full assistance could not
for a considerable time be obtained.
The stationmaster, Mr. Wm. Brown, was most
assiduous in affording whatever aid he could give,
and he also procured stimulants for the injured pas-
sengers from some of the gentlemen's houses in the
neighbourhood. Dr. Monks, of Wigan, happened
to be in the excursion train, and not being in any
way injured, he at once attended to the injured ex-
cursionists in a most energetic manner.
Twenty persons were altogether injured, and every
one of the 700 passengers were severely shaken.
The follo wing are among the injured : Mrs. Turner,
Grosvenor-street, Manchester, severe cut and bruised
on the head and face ; Mr. Birchall, Butter-street,
Manchester, bruised leg ; Mr. Roberts, Hope-street,
Salford, forehead cut ; Mr. Risk, Broughton-road,
Manchester, face injured ; Mr. Pattison, Moss-side,
Hulme, face cut ; Mr. G. Hartland, Goston-brok,
Manchester, face cut ; Mr. J. Squire, Moss-lane,
Manchester, cut face ; Mr. G. Scott, Lord-street,
Hulme, face cut ; Mr. R. Charles, Greenhalgh-
grove, Manchester, hurt about face ; Jane White-
lock, Tamworth-street, Manchester, face cut ;
Emily Howarth, Oxford-street, Charlton-on-Med-
lock, broken nose and cut face ; Mr. G. Ratcliffe,
Tyldesley, cut hand and finger ; Mr. G. Butter-
worth, Tonnan-street, Manchester, cut face ; Mrs.
Pendlehury, Church-street, Bolton, cut face andlip;
Miss Mary Hurst, Bradshaw-gate, Bolton, severely
shaken.

Six other persons, whose names have not yet
transpired, have also been hurt. Many persons had
their hats smashed, and several of them presented a
most extraordinary appearance on leaving the car-
riages. _ _

The engine of the excursion train and that of the
goods trains were crushed considerably. Two or three
waggons were also thrown off the line and damaged.
About two hours elapsed before the road was clear.
While the trains which had come into collision were
standing on the line a number of trains came up on
both sides, and at one time there was a row of car-
riages and waggons belonging to the trains which
had been brought to a stand fully a mile, if not
more, in length. _

The passengers who had received the worst inju-
ries were removed to their homes early this after-
noon, others not so bad went on to Blackpool.
The danger signals were, it is said by the station-
master at Lea-road, turned fully on when the ex-
cursion train made its appearance.

A few years ago an accident, brought about partly
in the same way, but considerably more lamentable
in its consequences, took place at Lea-road station.
Reports received to-night speak favourably of the
condition of those injured.

FIRE IN LONG-ACRE.--Between nine and ten
o'clock last night a fire, which at one time threatened the
most serious consequences, broke out in the upper portion
of Messrs. Kesterton's coach manufactory, situate at the
corner of Eudell-street, Long-acre, immediately adjoining
St. Martin's Hall. The engines from the Chandos-street
station were promptly in attendance, and by dint of great
exertions succeeded in extinguishing the flames before they
had extended to the main body of the premises, the roof
only of the buildings being destroyed. These premises
have been burnt down to the ground on two previous
9C045i011f3 within the last few years.

Naval and Military Intelligence.

The Favourite, 10, iron-cased screw corvette, Capt.
Francis H. Shortt, having made a most satisfactory
preliminary run on Monday last, was on Tuesday
taken to the measured mile off Maplin Sands for
the trial of her engines, previous to their being
passed over to the Admiralty by the contractors.
The vessel was in charge of Captain George G.
Randolph, of the Sheerness Steam Reserve, the other
officials on board being Mr. George Tucker, inspec-
tor of machinery afloat, Mr. George Blaxlaud, chief
engineer, Sheerness dockyard, Mr. F. Martin, acting
master shipwright, and other officials belonging to
the shipwright department of the dockyard. The
designer of the vessel, Mr. E. J. Reed, Chief Con-
structor of the Navy, was also on board. The Fa-
vourite is fitted with a pair of horizontal direct-acting
engines, 64in. cylinder, 32in. stroke, of the usual
kind supplied by the firm of Messrs. Humphreys and
Tennant to the Admiralty. Mr. Humphreys repre-
sented the firm. Previous to starting for the trial,
experiments were made with Messrs. Brown and
Harfield's patent wrought-iron capstans for working
the cable. After arranging the moveable stops in
the cable, the chain was taken to the capstan and
hove in, in accordance with instructions previously
given by the Admiralty. The whole operation of
getting in the anchors was performed in a very short
time, to the entire satisfaction of the officials, under
the superintendence of Mr. S. Baxter, who repre-
sented the patentees. The following were the re-
sults :—First run, 4min, 23sec., speed 13.688 knots,
pressure of steam 201 b., vacuum 251, revolutions 67;
second run, smin. 43sec., speed 10.345 knots, pres-
sure 191 b., vacuum 25,1, revolutions 67 ; third run,
4min. 48sec., speed 13.432 knots, pressure of steam
191 b., vacuum 261, revolutions 65} ; fourth run,
smin. 48sec., speed 10.345 knots, pressure of steam
201 b., vacuum 261, revolution 651 ; fifth run, 4min.
37sec., speed 12.996 knots, pressure of steam 191 b.,
vacuum 26, revolutions 661 ; sixth run, Gmin. 6sec.,
speed 9.836 knots, pressure of steam 191 b., vacuum
26k, revolutions 63. The average speed was thus
11.82 knots per hour. The circle was turned at
full speed with helm to port in smin. lOsec., the
diameter of the circle being 253 yards, and with
helm to starboard in smin. 16sec., the diameter of
the circle being also 253 yards, with four men at
the wheel. Two runs were also made with half
boiler power, giving an average speed of 8.906
knots per hour. At the close of the runs the engines
were stopped when working at full speed in 7sec. ;
they were started from " stop" to " full speed
ahead" in 2sec. ; and to " full speed astern" in 4sec.
The sea was smooth during the trial, and there was
a force of wind of from 3to 4. The dimensions
and stowage of the Favourite are as follows : length
between the perpendiculars, 225 ft. ; extreme breadth,
46f t. 9in. ; tonnage, 2,091 tons ; displacement in
tons, 3,092 ; height of midship port, 9ft. ; horse
power of engines, 400. The Favourite was origin-
ally designed as a wooden corvette, and was intended
to carry a number of light guns on an open upper
deck. When Mr. Reed's system was adopted by
the Admiralty, however, she was selected as one of
the smaller class of ships to be completed after his
plans. The conversion was a work of no ordinary
difficulty, owing to the lightness of scantling with
which the ship had originally been framed, and
which was peculiarly unsuited to support the weight
and strain of armour plating and heavy guns. Mr.
Reed, however, by taking down part of the frame
timbers, flattening the floor, improving the bow,
and strengthening the hull generally, prepared the
vessel for receiving no less than 600 tons of iron
armour, including the iron deck plating over the
battery. The armament was altered to 10 guns, of
which eight, in the central battery, were to have
been 110 pounders. The central armament has,
however, since been increased to eight 6+ ton guns,
firing 100 pounder round shot, with 251 b. charges. It
was to be expected such a ship would fall short in
speed, compared with others of her class which are
not plated. In this respect, however, the Favourite
has given remarkable results. Her displacement on
the trial yesterday, with a draught of water 17ft.
sin. forward and 19ft. 9in. aft, was 2,622 tons, and
her midship section 685 square feet, and she was
found to steam nearly 12 knota per hour. In fact,
the mean of the first two runs exceeded 12 knots ;
but, owing to the foulness of water drawn from the
basin at Sheerness, the boilers primed in the latter
runs, and the speed was considerably reduced. The
true mean speed of the whole of the runs, however,
exceeded considerably the speed attained with even
a less displacement and section by the unplated
wooden ships of her class. This result is partly due
to the excellence of the engines with which she has
been furnished, and partly to the highly satisfactory
action of the Mangin screw propeller, which is fitted
experimentally to the vessel, and in which Mr. Reed
has been more fortunate than in the four-bladed
screw with which the Bellerophon was tried last
week. No doubt much of the success is also due to
the form of the Favourite below water since her
alteration on Mr. Wood's plan, which form has been
greatly admired by those who have seen the ship in
dock. At the close of the trial the Favourite re-
turned to her moorings in Sheerness harbour.
The -War Department transport Petrel left'Chat-
ham yesterday for the purpose of shipping the pow-
der, filled shells, and other ammunition on board
the Basilisk, 6, 1,031 tons, 400-horse power, pad-
dle-wheel steamer, Capt. W. N. W. Hewett, V.C.
The Basilisk has been docked for the customary
overhaul of her valves and bottom before proceed-
ing to sea, and, according to an announcement at
Chatham yesterday, will leave the Nore on Monday
next, her destination being the East India and China
station.

It is reported at Plymouth that the screw steam
frigates Liverpool, Octavia, and Arethusa are wait-
ing the arrival of the steam frigate Constance, when
they will proceed in company to Madeira for an ex-
perimental cruise. They will afterwards be sent to
their several stations—viz., the Arethusa, to the
Mediterranean ; the Octavia, to the East Indies ;
the Constance, to the West Indies ; and the Liver-
pool, to join the Channel spadron.
A naval court-martial assembled yesterday morn-
ing on board her Majesty's ship Victory, at Ports-
mouth, composed of Capt. J. Seccombe, her
Majesty's ship Duke of Wellington, president;
Capt. Hugh Burgoyne, V.C., her Majesty's ship
Wivern ; Commanders Shears (her Majesty's ship
Victory), Greville (her Majesty's ship St. Vincent),
and Brett (her Majesty's ship Asia), for the trial of
Mr. W. M'Dermott, assist.-surgeon of the Royal
Naval Hospital,Haslar, on a charge of being intoxi-
cated at Haslar on the 19th inst. The Court sen-
tenced Mr. M'Dermott to be placed at the bottom
of the list of assist.-surgeons and to be severely
reprimanded.
Two officers, two sergeants, and 77 men of the
4th Depot Battalion, and 27 men of the 4th and Bth
Depot Battalions have been withdrawn from Land-
guard Fort Harwich ; and a detachment of casuals,
consisting of 4 officers, 1 sergeant, and 45 privates,
has proceeded there to undergo a course of musketry
instruction. Capt. Southey, R.E., now doing duty
at Pembroke Dock, is ordered to proceed to Col-
chester to relieve Capt. Grain, R.E., who is to pro-
ceed to Chatham for duty. Capt. Swinford, of the
98th, is held in readiness to proceed from the depot
at Colchester to join the service companies in India.
The half-yearly inspection of the .ompanies of
Royal Engineers has taken place at head-quarters,
Chatham. It was made by Lieutenant-Colonel T.
T. Collinson, who has the command of the Royal
Engineers during the temporary absence on leave
of Colonel J. L. A. Simmons, C. 8., the newly-
appointed director. The inspection yesterday was
confined to that of the depot companies now at
headquarters.

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER AND
DUNOON PIER DUES.—On Monday afternoon Mr.
Gladstone and party arrived at Dunoon pier, per steamer
Undine, on their way to Inverary, to pay a visit to the
Duke of Argyll, when two carriages were in waiting to
carry them thither. On Mr. Gladstone s luggage being
conveyed to the carriages he asked what was to pay, when
the porter answered is. Cd.-6d• for duos and ls. for por-
terage. Mr. Gladstone thought the charge exorbitant, and
requested to see the bill of charges. When this document
had been searched through, it was found that an overcharge
had been made. Air. Gladstone remarked that it was not
for the sake of the money, but a love of fairness and justice
which had caused him to act as he had done. The Chan-
cellor then paid what he thought was right, and moved
away, leaving the Dunoon officials in astonishment at the
conduct of one who keeps the nation's purse and was yet
50 careful of lilts own.—gasgow Evening (Vixen.

,
ginr,t
LEUTZE
„,. '

HEIL MAJESTY.

BALMORAL, Sept. 26.

The Queen, accompanied by their Royal High-
nesses the Princess of Wales, Princess Louis of
Hesse, and Princess Louise, drove to the Lynn of
Quoich, and returned by Mar Lodge to the Castle.
Princess Helena went out driving with Princess
Hilda of Anhalt, Baroness de Schenck, and the
Hon. Mrs. William Grey.
The Royal Family in the Highlands.

Her Majesty on Monday* last drove from Bal-
moral Castle to her favourite resort, the Falls of
Quoich. Guides and ponies were in readiness, and
the royal cortege rode up the crest of the mountain
overlooking the winding and picturesque vale of the
Quoich. In view of the magnificent scenery on the
sunny slope of the mountain, the royal party held a
pic-nic among the heather. About 7 p.m. her
Majesty returned via Braemar to her Highland
residence, Balmoral. The weather was delightful.
The Princess Helena and Princess Beatrice, &c.,
drove, via Braemar, to Loch Callater on Monday
evening.

On Friday the Prince of Wales and Prince Louis
of Hesse, accompanied by Colonel Marshall, from
Invercauld, and Colonel Keppel, equerry in attend-
ance on his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales,
went to the Gairnsheil Moors grouse shouting, and,
notwithstanding the wildness of the birds, bagged
20 brace grouse, 4i brace black game, and 5 hares.
On Saturday the Prince of Wales, accompanied by
Prince Louis, &c., went deer-stalking to the woods
of Knocks, but killed nothing.

Accouchement of Her Royal Highness the

Countess de Paris•

H.R.H. the Countess de Paris was safely delivered
of a princess at nine minutes past seven o'clock this
morning at York House, Twickenham. The event
took place in the presence of their Royal High-
nesses the Count de Paris, the Duke and Duchess
de Chartres, the Duke d'Alencon, the Prince and
Princess de Joinville, the Duke and Duchess
d'Aumale, the Prince de Cond6, the Duke and
Duchess de Montpensicr, and the ladies and gentle-
men in waiting on their Royal Highnesses. Dr.
Priestley, Dr. Gueneau de Mussy, and Dr. Serrano
(medical attendant on H.R.H. the Duke de Mont-
pensier), were the physicians in attendance. Her
Royal Highness and the infant princess are doing
well. The names selected for the royal infant, who,
we believe, will bo christened to-day, are Marie
Amelia Louise Heene.

The Duke and Duchess of Wellington are staying
at Strathfieldsaye, Hampshire.
The Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch are enter-
taining a succession of visitors at Drumlanrig Castle,
Dumfriesshire.

The Marquis of Kildare arrived in town yesterday
from his seat in county Kildare, Ireland.

The Marquis of liartingtou will leave Holkar
Hall in a day or two for Dunrobin Castle, on a visit to the
Duke and Duchess of Sutherland.

The Countess of Clonmell and the Ladies Scott
have left Farrance's Hotel for Packington Hall, near
Coventry.
Countess Poulett has arrived at her house in
Hanover-square, from visiting the Marquis and Marchioness
of Winchester at Amport House, near Andover.

The Dowager Countess of Jersey has left town
for St. Leonard's-on-Sea, where her ladyship intends to
remain until the end of October.

The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., will
leave town on Saturday, in order to relieve the Right Hon.
Sir Chas. Wood in attendance on her Majesty tit Balmoral.

Mr. Hastings Russell, M.P., and Lady Elizabeth
Russell will entertain a succession of guests at Woburn
Abbey for the next fortnight.

THE NETHERLANDS LEGATION.—His Excellency
Baron Bentinck, the Minister for the Netherlands, has re-
moved from Lowndes-square to 2G, Eaton-square, which
for the future will be the seat of the Netherlands Legation
at the British Court.
VISIT OF EARL RUSSELL. TO IRELAND.—It is ex-
pected that Earl Russell will visit the Dublin Exhibition
on Tuesday next, on the occasion of the announcement of
the awards of the several juries. His Excellency the Lord
Lieutenant has intimated his intention of being present,
and the Duke of Leinster will preside on the occasion.

JOHN FREDERIC HERRING.—The death of Mr.
John Frederic Herring, the well-known animal-
painter, has to bo recorded. He was of Dutch extraction,
and entirely self-taught. At the age of 19 he visited the
St. Leger, and took the fancy to paint the scene. He painted
the winner at Doncaster for 33 years with marked success.
For four years he was a coachman, and drove the " York
and London Highflyer," until Mr. Frank Hawksworth in-
vited him to leave the business, promising him a year's
employment as a painter of horses and hounds. Every one
knows Mr. Herring's subsequent success—his " Returning
from Epsom," his " Derby Day," his " Market Day," his
" Horse Fair," &c. Ho painted eight horses for the Queen,
and was a prominent member of the British Association.
Mr. Herring was 70 years old, and died at his seat, Meophain
Park, near Tonbridge.
CONSERVATIVE DEMONSTRATION AT CIIELTEN-
HAM.—A festivity of unusual character to the town
of Cheltenham took place yesterday, when 1,200 Conser-
vatives dined together, to celebrate the return of Mr.
Schreiber, M.P., to represent Cheltenham at the last gene-
ral election. Mr. Lingwood, lord of the manor of Chel-
tenham, took the chair ; and there wore present, besides
Mr. Schreiber, M.P., Lady Schreiber, Sir Geo. Jenkinson,
Lady Jenkinson, Mr. Dowdeswell, M.P., &c. The dinner
took place in a great tent. After several usual toasts the
health of Mr. Schreiber, M.P., was proposed and drunk
with much cheering. Mr. Schreiber replied at great length,
reviewing the general election, and notably the polling at
Cheltenham. Mr. Dowdeswell responded to the toast of
the county and borough members. Mr. Schreiber subse-
quently proposed the 1,157 Conservative members of Chel-
tenham, and other toasts followed. The fete at night con-
sisted of dancing, music, and fireworks.
IMPROVEMENTS IN lIYDE-PARK.—The Commis'
sioners of Woods and Forests aro employing a very consi-
derable number of labourers in carrying out extensive im-
provements in Hyde-park, by filling up with earth all the
uneven parts, and sowing them with grass seed, for the
purpose of producing a level green sward. The footpath
extending from Hyde-park-corner to Cumberland-gate,
and others from the Albert and Victoria gates, aro being
widened ; each gravel walk will be 24 feet wide.
GREAT DESTRUCTION OF FAR3IING FROPERTY.---
Early yesterday morning intelligence was forwarded
to Chatham of a destructive fire which had broken out in the
isle of Sheppey on Home Place Farm, in the occupation of
Mr. Vincent, and which resulted in the complete destruction
of a large amount of farming produce. Immediately on the
flames being perceived the engines from her Majesty's Doel"
yard, together with that from the garrison, manned by a botil
of police and Royal Artillery, hastened to the spot to render
assistance, but owing to the limited supply of waterathal3a
all attempts to check the progress of the fire were unslic:
cessful, the flames consuming the whole of the farm tatilu-
ings, including two granaries, out-buildings, stables, boll
and farming implements, together with nearly 200 qrs. 0
wheat stored in the granaries. The fire was caused by 000
of the labourers returning home in a state of intoxication
at an early hour in the morning and setting fire to the 1111
in which ho slept, while at the same time he narrow la
escaped with his life. The value of the property destrol°
is estimated at between £2,000 and £3,000, but the 100 10
covered by policies of insurance in the Norwich Union
Fire-office.
A LONDON SATURDAY NIGHT.--It was one
those streets in which itinerant vendors of veget3l;
bles, fried fish, periwinkles, and other necessaries of t f
poor man's life, have constituted to themselvesthe riio;
establishing their stalls in a long line on the edge cf t
footway, with a distinct intention of of rivalling their 0
potitors in the shops, at whose very door they have plant °
sible
their barrows, and underselling them as far as it is pos
in so cheap a neighbourhood. There seem to be, hesvelie„r;
customers enough for both. On a Saturday night the
on either side of the way, and the two lines of stalls facing
the the shops, have both of them plenty of customers
appear both to be doing a brisk business, if a cheap.
,r,l-,_eir
lisps the stalls get, on the whole, the most custom.
0'1..1100
owners make so much noise, are so confident in the go
rd:by,
of their own wares, are so importunate with the palsir,,ul
have such an insinuating way of thrusting a handful tiug
onions or a bunch of greens under the noses. of
without at least falling a victim to the exoteons,t
• bewildering
tuces or a bundle of turnips. It is a etllivithpaper, which
housewives, that it is almost impossible to resistofth:fire,wy
scene, and the flare of the candles, screened
eta, with no screens
belong to the itinerants, and of the gas-
ejn shops, make the
at all, which blaze and roar in the
the costermonger°
to say a good deal lighter.
place quite as light as it is in the
bull:hors in front of their house!,
roil: to you as you pass, the
most emphatic terms, and the bi"
soricit your patronage an(
tinio°Ne-P:mber) daylight, not
roar'
notes to swell the general up
lad-singer, with the
contributes his dismal groinopof children and the watchful ill'
Dickens's " 411 the Year Round."
4