The Sun.
London, England, 1849-09-20 00:00:00

RAILWAY INTELLIGENCE.
EDINBURGH' AND GLASGOW.
The ordinary half-yearly general meeting of the
shareholders in this company was held in the Star
Hotel, Glasgow, on Tuesday, the 18th inst. ; Peter
Blackburn, Esq., in the chair.
The report stated that, although there is an increase
in the receipts for passengers, there is a very con-
siderable decrease in the number carried. This de-
crease is, doubtless, partly attributable to the opening
of other lines, giving tourists or travellers for plea-
sure a choice of route. The working expenses are
30,419/. 2s. 81, showing a diminution of 9401. as
compared with the corresponding period of 1848.
In accordance with the intimation given at the last
meeting, the capital account is now closed, and every
further expenditure beyond the sum now stated shall
be met from revenue, no further sum being called
from the shareholders or borrowed from the public.
The CHAIRMAN, in moving the adoption of the re-
port, stated that he had little further to add to what
the report contained. He would, however, be willing
to give any explanations, and answer any questions
which might be put to him. Since the report was
issued several letters had been addressed to him by
shareholders, complaining that it did not contain a
statement of the liabilities of the company, in reference
to other lines. Such a statement was made in the
last report, and since, no alteration had taken place.
He might state, however, that the construction of the
Edinburgh and Bathgate line would cost 200,0001.,
and they were bolmd to pay 4 per cent. during its
formation ; but it was proposed to amalgamate with
this line, which would enable them to do away with
the expenses of the double direction. In the Stir-
lingahire Midland they had expended 75,1351.,
and it would require a further sum of 713,4051. to
cemplete it, thus making a total of 151,540/. This
stock bore 5 per cent. interest till 1852, and after
that si. They paid 8 per cent. cea 140,0001. in the
Wilsontown, but they bad the option to bay up the
line at '751. per share, which would amount to
210,0001. ; 60,0001. would still be required to open
the line to Bathgate, snaking a total of 270,0001.
They were also interested in the Stirling and .Don-
fermline, but as that company had failed to obtain
power to make the line to Stirling, the directors of
this company were in consequence advised that they
had no further liability in connexion with it.
Mr. It DUNLOP seconded the resolution, which was
agreed to.
Mr. M'CLELLAND, at the instance of Mr. Cox and
other gentlemen in Edinburgh, gave notice of motion
; for next half-yearly meeting, that the company should
run morning and evening trains from each terminus
on Sundays, the accommodation to he given by first,
second, and third-class carriages being attached to the
mail trains.
The meeting then separated.

WINDSOR RAILWAYS.—The Great Western Com-
pany, are working day and night to complete their
line into Windsor, where the passenger station is
nearly erected. It is expected that the line, which
will give a direct communication between London
and Windsor, will be opened on the Ist of October.
CHARLEROI AND ERQUILINES RAILWAY.—The
ironmasters of the Sambre district have made an
offer to assist in the execution of the line from
Erquilines to Haumont, as regards a considerable
portion of the material required for its completion,
and taking to the extent of one .half of the shares.
ANGLO-ITALIAN RAILWAY.—This company have
received the decree of the Grand Duke of Tuscany,
granting a guarantee of four per cent. upon the
capital stock of the Maria Antonio Company, who
are constructing the line from Florence to Prato and

Pistoj a.
NEW GAUGE OF RAIL FOR. BRANCH LINES.—A
new plan has just been proposed by Sir John Mac-
neill, the engineer, for working branch railways in
districts where the traffic would not warrant a more
extensive system, by a gauge of 3 feet 10 inches, in-
steed of the present gauge of 4 feet 8 inches, with
locomotive engines and plant to correspond.

DESTRUCTION OF THE PACKET-
SIIIP HENRY CLAY BY FIRE,
NEW YORK, SEPT. 5.—1 have just returned from
a melancholy scene—the destruction of the New
York and Liverpool liner, Henry Clay, 1,400 tons
burden, and her outward-bound cargo on board, by
fire.
The Henry Clay was moored at the foot of Maiden-
lane, in the East River, and about two o'clock this
morning flames burst forth from between-decks and
up the main hatchway. The alarm was instantly
given, but such was the combustible nature of her
cargo—chiefly turpentine, resin, flour, and cotton
(250 bales)—that although the fire companies and
their engines were on the pier alongside in the course
of a few minutes, yet it was impossible to save the
noble ship. In about an hour the flames enveloped
the rigging in their destructive folds, mounting mast
high with a thousand tongues of roaring fury, throw-
ing their red and lurid glare with a fearful reflection
over the city, Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, and a
perfect forest of masts, whilst in Broadway it ap-
peared as if the deep and roseate twilight of dawn
illumined the eastern heavens. The confusion and
sublimity of the scene were appalling, especially as
the bale-fires flashed upon busy groups of men and
boats hauling out the neighbouring ships, which were
exposed to the utmost danger. Soon after four o'clock
the main and mizen masts fell, each with a tremen-
dous crash, and amid °rips and shouts of " Clear
away I Fur God's sake stand from under 1" One man
only was injured, so far as yet known, by the falling
spars; but it is feared that his wounds are mortal.
The foremast did not go by the board until nearly
seven o'clock ; and at that hour the ship had heeled
over against the pier ; sheets of fire, and dense rolling
volumes of black smoke bursting through her entire
deck, and many holes on her larboard side—the last
sad scene in the conflagration of the Henry Clay.
The Henry Clay was one of the finest vessels of
the line of Grinnell, Minturn, and Co., and was worth
100,000 dollars. The cause of the fire is not known,
neither can I learn with certainty how the ship and
her cargo were insured. The packet Waterloo, and
another very large vessel, bad a narrow escape. Much
credit is due to the New York firemen for their
prompt and well-directed exertions—for they alone
saved a whole fleet from the destroying element.
ELEVEN O'CLOCK.—But a few timbers of the
Henry Clay now remained. The loss may as well be
called total. The ship was insured by Messrs. Grin-
nell and Minturn by the year. The cargo, if owned
by English merchants, is probably insured.

COURT CIRCULAR.
BALMORAL, SEPT. 17.

Her Maji.sty and the Prince, attended by the Mar-
chioness of Douro, went to the "Hat" at Loch Muick
this morning, and will pass the night there.
The Prince of Wales, attended by Mr. Birch, rode
out on horseback.

Dispatches from the Governor of South Australia
were received yesterday at the Colonial-office.
The Earl of Minto has left town for Scotland.
The Earl of Lichfield has joined the Countess and
family at Shuckborough, from the Continent.