The Sun.
London, England, 1853-06-18 00:00:00

RAIL WA

M COMMON.

Yesterday was the first field-day at the camp. The
troops turned out on " private parade," as it is called,
at nine o'clock, and at ten Lord Seaton appeared on the
ground and took the command. In order that the
manoeuvres which we are about to describe may be
understood it is necessary to give some preliminary
explanations. To the roar of the camp is the Long
Cross-road, and beyond that again a large tract of un-
dulating ground covered with heath and admirably
adapted for setting off military movements to advantage.
The force now assembled on the Common forms a divi-
sion, with three brigades on foot and cavalry and artil-
lery in proportion. The whole turned out yesterday,
and, except of course the necessary guards, the encamp-
ment was deserted. An enemy was supposed to be
advancing from the direction of Guildford, and the divi-
sion manoeuvred in the face of it according to the most
approved rules of military tactics. In actual campaign.
ing evolutions so elaborate rarely took place. In the
Peninsula, Salamanca is perhaps the only example to the
contrary, for war is like everything else that man under-
takes, the theory being considerably in advance of the
,actual practice. It must be understood, however, that
,the operations of yesterday were not those of a sham
,fight, but rather represented a one-sided view of a
contest conducted according to the strict rules .9f mili-
tary science. Further it must be borne in minlLthat,
being the first field-day, and preparatory to the display
of Tuesday—when it is expected that the Queen will be
present—the whole affair was more in the nature of a
relpeagetl-than a deliberate exhibitig of discipline and
professional skill ."iret tliese
not made apologetically, for the men went through their
work admirably, the steadiness and precision of their
movements being, among experienced judges, subjects of
unqualified encomium.!
Each regiment having left its private parade in front
of its encampment the whole division formed in open
columns of companies, the cavalry being in front. The
brigades having first formed into close columns, they
then wheeled into line of contiguous columns on the
Long Cross-road, which, as already stated, lies at the
rear of the camp. Thence they retired to the hollow
ground beyond, where the whole line, by a brilliant
movement, changed position—the left being thrown for-
ward on ithe right. 'The enemy being supposed to be
advancing, the line now retired, covered by the Rifles
as' skirmishers. While these operations were carried
out below the Foot Artillery had taken up their posi-
tion on the heights, and supported the movements
of the division with the fire of their guns. The
cavalry and Horse Artillery—which, when the infantry
advanced, had remained in the roar—now took up a
position on the left of the line, whence they first ad-
vanced, and then retired covered by skirmishers of their
own regiments. The next movement was a very fine
one—each battalion forming a double column of com-
panies on its own centre, after which they retired again.
The Rifle Brigade was now withdrawn, the battalions
deployed into line, and the three brigades formed into
echelon of battalions. The battalions then formed quar-
ter-distance columns right in front, and retired en echelon
—each covered by its foremost company. The cavalry
having advanced, and retired through the intervals, took
up a position in the rear of the line, after which each
brigade formed into battalion squares en echelon, the
kneeling ranks firing a volley. This well known mili-
tary movement was executed in the most perfect manner,
and nothing could well exceed its brilliancy. It should
here be stated that every change of position was accom-
panied with file firing, commenced from the right of
companies. From squares the infantry broke into
columns at quarter-distance, being still en echelon
of battalion. The left of the line was then
thrown back and the brigades formed into columns en
masse, the Guards occupying the foremost position. The
cavalry and artillery now moved to the front, and the
whole division defiled past Lord Seaton and his staff in
open columns of companies in quick time, with the bands
playing. Each regiment then filed off to its private pa-
rade, arriving in camp about two o'clock, well appetised
for dinner by the morning's exercise.
Such, in brief terms, is an outline of what took place
on the first field day at the camp ; but technical phrase-
ology gives a very faint conception of a display which
may be enacted in other countries on a greater scale, but
can nowhere be seen to greater advantage than at Chob-
ham. The character of the ground admirably fits it for
showing off such military spectacles in the best possible
manner. It is not a level plain where little can be seen
except at an inconvenient distance, nor is it smooth enough
to admit of those dashing headlong 411calry charges which
lozk so well and would be so imposing if we could believe
tilittattle fields wervlways as easy to ride over as Hyde
Park. The rough, undulating, and dark surface of the
heath deprived visitors of the pleasure of seeing a
charge, but gave them instead—what, perhaps, was
better—a complete view of every manoeuvre, and an
appreciation of the picturesqueness which, notwith-
standing all our blunders in taste, we have undoubtedly
secured for our army costume. On the first of these
points the experience of yesterday was most satisfactory.
The humblest spectator could see thoroughly all that
took place, and could follow the action of the force,
whether forming line, or consolidated in squares and
columns, or arranged in stately battalions. The cavalry
advancing or retiring through the intervals of the foot,
and the artillery thundering from the heights, reminded
one so forcibly of 'the details with which historians
describe the great battles of the last war, that, even
if such mimic scenes presented no other interest,
that would be sufficient. Whatever Peace Societies
may say to the contrary, the precise movements and
the self-contained force of military power convey
impressions which, apart from the mere pageantry, touch
every heart. Here is a machinery upon which the
enthusiasm, the chivalry, the most earnest thought,
and the best blood of all ages, down to our own, have
been expended, and yet, while so complicated, it is per-
fectly simple, and, while directly aimed at what it seeks
to accomplish, it is carried out by blind obedience to
'orders on the part of thousands of armed men. When,
however, to all this is added the splendid variety of mili-
tary garb and equipment which we possess, it seems
only wonderful that a love for soldiering does not run
away with the minds of a far larger number of our coun-
trymen. Yesterday this was strikingly brought out
when the troops defiled, the advance of each regiment
up the hill, led on by it band, being singularly imposing,
Both then and during the previous evolutions, as they
moved from point to point, or wheeled and formed
into new positions, the favourable disposition of the
ground, and the changing effects of sunlight upon cui-
rass and helmet, bayonet and fluttering lance, was
always altering and improving the general aspect of the
field. Now it was the Horse Guards, with their superb
accoutrements and coal black chargers, that claimed
attention ; then the long train of artillery came rum-
bling after them, the gunners looking as if they must be
shaken to pieces by the jolting of the carriages. The
Foot Guards, with their white trousers, red jackets,
and towering shakos, figured prominently in this closing
scene, as did the stern old "Black Watch" (the gallant
42d), and 93d Highlanders, with their pipers sending
forth a storm of warlike music in the van. These two
last-named were decidedly the most precise and rapid in
their evolutions of any corps on the field, and their dis-
cipline excited the unqualified admiration of those who
were well entitled to pronounce an opinion on the sub-
ject. An amusing incident occurred during the course of
the evolutions, which gave a good idea of the strict dis-
cipline and hardy training of these sons of the north.
When all the infantry were marching in column to form
squares, one of those stagnant marshes, which we have
mentioned as existing at the end of the common, lay
right in the path of the household troops, who appeared
to be not a little taken aback at the novel and uncom-
fortable adversary with which they had to contend.
They hesitated, wavered, and at length altered their
marching order from column, and formed four deep to
pass round the edge of the pool. The Highlanders,
who were immediately after them, never altered the
position of a single man, but, merely raising their philae
begs, splashed through the marsh up to their knees,
scattering the mud and water in all directions. The
whole thing excited much laughter, and many were the
severe remarks we heard made upon the fastidious cha-
racter of the corps which would not, even on duty, risk
sullying the purity of their spotless " whites."
The weather yesterday was highly favourable, and
the troops are not only reconciled to, but quite enjoy
their new life in the " tented field." Their health has
not suffered in the slightest degree from the unwonted
exposure, and within their lines they enjoy themselves
as much as possible. They joke and sing and raise an
occasional cheer as the work of pipe claying and clean-
ing accoutrements goes on, and in the evening some even
have the spirit to dance, where music can be obtained to
set their feet in motion. Two or three of the cavalry
horses have been either rendered useless or killed out-
right from accidents arising out of the want of separa-
tion between them, but the Duke of Cambridge has
taken steps to avoid a recurrence of such casualties. It
is also stated that one of the men died suddenly from
drinking some impure water, which contained an asp.
The camp, as a whole, makes no unusual call upon the
exertions of the medical staff in attendance, and yester-
day's parade especially passed off without the slightest
casualty.
The South-Western Company have made extensive
arrangements to meet the immense traffic from the me-
tropolis which is expected during the next few weeks to
set in towards Chertsey. Thence to the common a great
abundance of conveyances has been provided, and the
public, who have so few opportunities of seeing military
spectacles worthy of the name, cannot be too strongly
recommended, if they have any curiosity in such matters,
to go for the gratification thereof on any field-day to the
Camp at Chobham.
Since Tuesday the order, conveniences, and discipline
of this canvass town have been vastly improved. Each
regimental camp is distinctly laid out, its entrances de-
fined, a street through its centre, and sentinels all round
in rough sentry-boxes of thatch protecting its lines. The
whole position is seen to greatly increased advantage in
fine weather. Drains have been roughly cut to carry
away stagnant water, and the ground seems as dry as
need be where the tenth have been pitched. There was
no great muster of people on the heath yesterday, for it
was not known that there was to be any unusual dis-
play, and it is such a quiet out-of-the-way place, that a
great battle might be fought there without attracting
much observation—during its progress.

. 4

IGENCE.

EoFthEisßNcOmpany was held
GREATralmeeting W
A special gene
on Thursday, at the Paddington terminus, for the pur-
pose of submitting to the consideration of the proprie-
tors the copies of six bills, now pending in Parliament,
authorising certain extensions and alterations of the
works of this company. There was a full room of pro-
prietors, and a large number of directors present.
CHARLES RUSSELL, Esq., the chairman of the com-
pany, took the chair at half-past one o'clock.
After the Secretary had read the notice convening the
meeting,
The CHAIRMAN said that the meeting had been called
for the purpose of obtaining the formal sanction of the
proprietors to the bills which the directors had intro-
duced into Parliament, the advisability of which had
been submitted to the proprietors at the half-yearly
meeting in February last. The first of these bills re-
ferred almost entirely to that district which lies between
London and Oxford. As long ago as 1846 the question
was raised, whether it wag more expedient to supply that
district by a line directly through it, or by branch lines
from the Great Western. The legislature then decided
in favour of the latter mode. In the last session this
question was re-opened, and the same decision was again
come to. In the present session a bill had been intro-
duced into Parliament in accordance with these deci-
sions ; and again, for the third, and he trusted the last
time, the same decision had been come to. Its princi-
pal provisions were for making the Henley line and ex-
tending the time for its completion. It gave powers
alsolasymaking a short line ,of two .miles to Tjxbridge.
There were also several' minor previstons. 14In the last
session of Parliament a bill was introduced for making
the North and South-Western Junction Railway, which
crosses the Great Western Railway at Acton. The present
bill gate power to make a station and junction at Acton,
for the purpose of interchanging traffic. At Chippenham
a road passed through the station, and power was given
to divert that road and make other alterations necessary
on the diversion. At Reading the station accommo-
dation was very inadequate, and this bill enabled
the company to increase it. The directors had also
availed themselves of the opportunity to make an altera-
tion in financial affairs. The debentures were in general
granted for three, five, or six years, at the end of which
period the money was repayable. It was proposed to
take powers to convert the whole, or a portion of these
debentures into perpetual mortgage stock bearing four
per cent. interest.
The SECRETARY read the preamble of the bill, and the
marginal notes of the various clauses, when it was re-
solved that it be approved, subject to such alterations as
might be made by Parliament or by the directors, and
the directors were authorised to make or agree to such
alterations as they thought advisable.
The CHAIRMAN said that the second bill referred to

the Birmingham line. It enables the Great Western
Company to increase their station accommodation at
Birmingham, for the purpose of connecting their traffic
with that of the Warwick Canal. It next gave power
to run over a small portion of the South Staffordshire
Railway. It also referred to the joint station at Wol-
verhampton. This station had been constructed at the
joint expense of the Great Western, the Oxford and Wor-
cester, and the Birmingham, Wolverhampton, and Dud-
ley Companies, and this bill enforced a joint traffic com-
mittee for the purpose of giving effect to the arrange-
ments Which had been made between the companies. The
last provision referred to the payment of the securities
on this line. Many of the shareholders had requested
that the time for the payment of their securities should
be extended, and as this would be a convenience to them
and no inconvenience to the company, this was pro-
vided for.
The bill having been read, the same resolution was
passei as upon the first bill.
The CHAIRMAN said that the third bill was in reference
to the Shrewsbury alliance, and the fourth referred to the
Devon and Dorset line, which was to be constructed by
the Bristol and Exeter Company and the Great Western
Company. The purpose of this bill was laid before the
proprietors and approved, at the special meeting held in
December last.

Resolutions approving of the bills proposed by the di-
rectors having been agreed to,
The CHAIRMAN said, that as the two first bills had
passed through committee, the resolutions of the meet-
ing respecting them were therefore final ; but that as to
the others, it would be necessary to provide for laying
them before the proprietors again, in case any alteration
should be made in them in committee. For this pur-
Tose, he adjourned the meeting to Thursday, the 30th
instant, and declared the business of the meeting con-
cluded.

After a vote of thanks to the Chairman, to which he
briefly responded, the meeting broke up. All the reso-
lutions were passed without a dissentient.

EAST AND WEST INDIA DOCK AND
BIRMINGHAM JUNCTION.
A special meeting of this company was held yesterday
at the offices at the Euston station, to consider a bill now
before Parliament ; Mr. R. Creed in the chair.
The solicitor read the preamble and heads of the
bill, from which it appeared that powers were sought
to raise an additional sum of 250,0001. on shares and
83,0001. on loan to meet liabilities already incurred, to
procure suitable plant of engines and carriages, with the
necessary workshops and other conveniences to accom-
modate the increasing traffic on the line. Powers
were also inserted to enable the company to purchase
pieces of land in certain localities, and to convert the
debenture debt of the company into a debenture stock
bearing interest not exceeding 4 per cent. per annum ;
the new capital to be raised by the issue of 25,000 shares
of 101. each, and the name of the company to be changed
to the North-London Railway.
The CHAIRMAN moved a resolution approving of the
bill.

Mr. THOMAS seconded the motion.
The resolution approving of the bill was then carried
unanimously.
The proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks to
the chairman.