The Sun.
London, England, 1847-05-25 00:00:00

sue,

MAY 2), 1847.

PADDLE-BOX SAFETY- BOATS.
The following is a copy of the reports of Captains
Austin and Caffin, concerning the paddle-box safety
boats (just laid before Parliament) :
" Portsea, March 23, 1847.
" Sza,--rln concluding the dutiesl have been charged
with, that of directing the operations of heaving the
Sphynx off shore, it is my duty to report to you the
great value and security that has been afforded through..
out this service by the paddle-box boats which have
been employed : namely, two of the first Class, such
as were fitted to the Retribution, which has conveyed
more than 8. tons ,dead engine weight through a
moderate roller; two of the second class, sloop size,
employed by the riggers laying out hawsers and other
rough work, as well as conveying
.a large propor
tionate load of dead weight; and two of the Biz.: as
fitted to the Porcupine, which were most handy and
efficient. And had it not been for these boats, the
weighty and valuable parts of the engines could not
have been removed to the vessels in the offing, on ac-
count of the rollers they had to pass; nor could the
hawsers have been laid out, or the communication he
kept up with the security it has been (for not one
accident of any kind has occurred in their use), but
for them.
Their lightness and buoyancy so particularly fits
them for conveying weights over a topping sea, and
taking a beach where there is a surf; and I desire
much to impress upon you, Sir, the efficiency that
would be given to all vessels by having such a
description of boat, either steam or sailing vessels (the
latter, if one could be conveniently placed), in addi-
tion to the established number of beats now carried.
And further, in coast operations with the fleets, I am
fully satisfied that such a description of light buoyant
boat is well adapted to supersede the transport fiat a
the old construction, used and carried for such opera-
tions. I am, &c.
(Signed) HORATIO T, AUSTIN,
Additional Captain William and Mary.
Admiral Sir C. Ogle, Bart., &c., Portsmouth.
rier Majesty's Steam-sloop Scourge, Cove of Cork,

February 13, 1847.

Sir—ln obedience to your letter of the 22d January,
conveying my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty's
directions for me to report upon the paddle-box boats,
their utility, convenience, and applicability to the
late various operations in which I was engaged for
the relief of the Sphynx, or to services of a similar
description, with any other remarks that circum-
stances may enable me to make respecting these boats
—I have the honour to state, for the information of
their Lordships, that in the operations for the
rescue of the Sphynx I found these boats of the
utmost value; indeed, I feel convinced that no other
boats could have done the work of laying out anchors
and cables, under similar circumstances of surf, which
they did.
I went through the surf, shortly after my cutter
was capsized, in one of the Porcupine's paddle-box
boats (which as surf-boats are a most handy size and
build), when the surf was so high that I did not
deem it prudent to allow the other (and much larger)
paddle-box boats with the cables in to venture, and
was obliged to buoy them outside, but which she
floated over most beautifully.
So persuaded am I of their usefulness, that it ap-
pears to me the strangest thing in the world that all
steam-vessels have not got them; and, indeed, I
think they ought not to be limited to steamers, as I

am sure one or more would be a very great acquisi-
tion to any man-of-war.
My unfortunate cutter when she got into the surf,
was served as all such boats must be under similar
circumstances ; the surf broke over her stern, and she
went down stern foremo-t and rolled over. This
cannot (or is not likely to) happen with these boats,
from their build and great buoyancy.
I had once to go through the surf to seaward from
the Sphynx, when it was nearly low water, and each
breaker, after passing, left the boat aground. No
other but such a build of boat could have stood this ;
an ordinary boat would have fallen over on her side
and filled with the next breaker.

From the arrangement of the oars, that is, from
being able to turn and face either end of the boat,
and give way, there is no necessity of winding the
boat, %i hich in a surf is of the first consideration, as
you may either stem the breaker or face about, give
way, and keep the boat on the top of it; thus exer-
cising your judgment for the safety of the boat.
As for the stowage room for anchor and cables, you
get a much greater quantity with a much less draught
of water, as compared with the ordinary ship's launch.
I found some difficulty in getting the Scourge's
bower anchor, hung by Mr. Cow's plan, through the
bottom of the boat, owing to the heavy rolling motion
which we had at the time ; and I would recommend
that all the paddle-box boats be .fitted with a davit
over the stern, as well as the trunks through the
bottom of the boat.

I would suggest that all paddle steamers, instead
of having a pinnace amidships, should have a third
paddle-box boat (of the same size exactly as her
others) stowed there ; so in the event of losing one,
or having it stove and finding it necessary to hoist it
in for repairs, the spare one could take its place.
The difficulty of hoisting them out and in seems
to be the objection which most people have to offer
against their usefulness : this ought not to operate
in the least against their general adoption, as it can
be readily shown this difficulty is much less than
with the pinnace amidships. In smooth water it is
little more than lowering a quarter boat, but in a
heavy sea it is doubtless a difficult task lowering or
hoisting them up ; however, under similar circum-
stances of weather, it would be infinitely less difficult
lowering a paddle•box boat than getting the pinnace
from off a steamer's booms into the water.

In heavy rolling motion two spars or boats masts
must be put over, to keep the boat's gunwale from

taking under the spring blip-
On the 14th of April, 1846, after having exer-
cised at a target with the 24- pounder carronades which
the Scourge's boats are fitted with, I was anxious to
see how many men one of them would hold; and
everybody I had on board, amounting to 77 men, I
put into one, the marines and boat's crew being
armed ; and, these, together with the 24-pounder,
left her gunwhale amidships 21i inches out of water.
I embarked in them upwards of 600 soldiers, wo-
men, and children, with about 50 tons of baggage
and four horses, at Guernsey ; and I am sure, in
light marching order, I could land 150 men in each
boat without inconvenience.

I do not think it desirable that these boats should
be too large ; in fact they should be as small as cir-
cumstances will allow them to be.

The last built are a great improvement upon the
original ones, having a better bow and stern ; and if
they could be given more sheer it would improve them
still.

The landing of the meal at Skull was wholly done
by these boats ; and we put into each 100 sacks, or
12f tons, and pulled on shore without inconvenience.
In conclusion, I beg again to say that I feel I can-
not say enough in praise of these boats ; and I would
be permitted to offer one more suggestion—in order
that they should be as buoyant as possible, they
should be built of cedar, and not of teak or other
heavy wood.*

I have, &c.
J. CRAWFORD CAFFIN,
Commander.
Admiral Sir Charles Ogle, Bart., &c.
Portsmouth.

(Signed)

These boats are now generally constructed of ma-
hogany, which is found to answer perfectly, being both
light and durable.—W. A. B. Hamilton.

EXPERIMENTS with GUN COTTON.

(From the Liverpool Courier.)
The following is the result of a series of experi-
ments, made on the 14th instant, under the directions
of Messrs. Ingram and Clarke, of this town, to test
the value and utility of gun cotton in mining opera-
tions, at the works of the Woodhead Tunnel, now
being carried o:i by G. C. Pauling, Esq., of Man-
chester, contractor. There were present to witness
the experiments, Mr. H. C. Campbell, Mr. H. J.
Pauling, Mr. Sharpe, and Mr. S. Smith, of Man-
chester, Mr. John Halstead, the company's super-
intendent, and Mr. John Thornton, of Woodhead,
with a number of foremen and officers connected with
the works.
Experiment No. 1, in No. 1 cross drift, at west end
of tunnel, the hole 3 feet 6 inches deep, in hard mill-
stone grit, with a charge of 10 ounces of cotton, did
more execution than any quantity of powder would
have done under the same circumstances.
Experiment No. 2, in the same place and strata,
the hole 3 fret 3 inches deep, 8 ounces cotton did the
same execution that is generally done with 3 pounds
powder : moved about 2/ tons.
Experiment No. 3, in open face, at west end of
tunnel, in the millstone grit, hole 4 feet 4 inches deep,
4 feet from face, with a charge of 4 pounds powder,
moved 28 tons.
Experiment No. 4, in the same face, with a charge
of 11 ounces of cotton, 4 feet from face, 3 feet 9 in-
ches deep, moved 28 tons, but did not throw it about
in the same manner that powder does.
Experiment No. 5, in the same face, with 8 ounces
ni„,ed a great spleo, hut dil not break it. up.
Charge appeared too small-6 feet from face, and 5
feet deep..
Experiment No. 6, in same face, with a charge of
8 pounds powder, 6 feet. from face and 5 feet deep,

Pitticat SD.

the result was the same as in the former experiment,
and the charge appeared too weak.
Experiment No. 7, in cross drift No. 15, in hard
dark shell, a charge of 8 ounces cotton, 3 feet deep,
did the same execution that is usually done with 3
pounds powder.
Experiment No. 8, in open face, at east entrance
of tunnel, a charge of 8 ounces cotton, 4 feet 6 in-
ches from face, in beds of hard sandstone, rock, and
shell, alternating the charge, placed 5 feet 6 inches
deep, moved about 14 tons.

Experiment No. 2, in the same face, with 10 ounces
cotton, placed at 6 feet from the face, and the hole
drilled 6 feet deep, that by some mismanagement the
cotton was placed at the depth of 3 feet), moved
about 16 tons.

From the above experiments it will be seen that
the results were very satisfactory. and leave na
doubt that, from its superior portability, if the
price can be so regulated as to make the cost
below that of powder, it will entirely supersede it in
many of the operations where powder is at present
required. In long drifts and headings, where the
want of fresh air is severely felt and difficult to be
had, the cotton has a decided superiority over that of
powder, as it creates no smoke or stench, and the men
can return to their work immediately after firing,
whereas with powder they are sometimes detained, a
considerable period before they can return, which in-
volves a great loss of labour.

DIARY OF A RAILWAY WITNESS.
The following is a copy of a diary, to appearance
written very hurriedly and rather indistinctly, in a
pocket-book found a few days sgo on the streets of
Perth. There is no date appended, but from Meant-
befure and after the following entries, it ap-
pears to have been written in London about. May or
June, 1846. The entries will go a great way to
show the manner in which our citizens spend their
precious time when they leave their business at such
sacrifices, and are so very patriotic as to go to London,
and give their evidence pro or con on' particular rail-
way bills,
Monday—Travelled all yesterday. What will my
wife say to this, should it reach her ears? When I left
home on Saturday morning, I had to make a solemn pro-
mise toher that I should remain at someplace on the way
over Sunday. Arrived in town this morning at six.
Went to bed till ten, and breakfasted at eleven. Fine
hotel the Euston. Took a cab, went down to West-
minster. Met nearly all Perth there—amongst the
rest two of our bailies, looking very sleek. We had
a laugh over our 71. 7s. a day ex-expenses—will
make another 21. 2s. No dirty one-pound notes here
plenty of gold. Took a stroll with some dozen
other witnesses, and saw the Life Guards changing
guards at Whitehall. Called down at the com-
mittee-rooms at half past one to see if my evidence
was required. Answer—Not to-day—give us a call
to-morrow at twelve, and we will see. Capital time
of it this; another 71. 7s. snug. Went to Black wall
at five, dined there at six. Heavy bill ! Never
mind, the railway pays it all. Capital wine—claret
particularly good. Poor B— very drunk ; had
some difficulty in getting him up to London. After
we got there had oysters at the " Crown." Plenty
brandy and water. Another heavy bill! All very
much knocked up. Watch stopped; cannot say what
time I went to bed, must have been about two a.m.
Tuesday—Morning after a debauch—aching head !
Confound those oysters and brandy ! One would re-
quire to be well paid to live at this rate. Got out of
bed at ten—only able to take a cup of tea. Down to
the committee-rooms at twelve. Staid three hours.
Not called to-day. Got on the trail of an M.P.;
procured his order for admission to the House to-
night. Was there at seven; told strangers' gallery
full, must wait ; did so for an hour—got in at last—
heard part of a bright speech from Bright. The dull
member asleep in the gallery, which, by the way, puts
me in mind of an old story set down to the credit of
an ex-M.P. of the Fair City. Some of our Perth
worthies were in London some dozen years ago; they
paid a visit to the House of Commons (as I did this
night), and they found their member at his post, but
fast asleep. They wrote down to us Perth bodies an
account of their visit, and referring us to their worthy
M.P., added, "found him asleep, as usual." This
no uncommon thing. No wonder—caught myself
napping repeatedly.
Wednesday—Breakfasted at half-past ten. Walked
down to Westminster by the Mall and the Bird- cage-
walk. Told that it was probable that I would be
examined this day. What a dilemma lam in! what
am I to say ? However, I determined to have
luncheon and some brandy to keep the spirits up.
Waited about the committee-rooms until four—never
called—heard the cry Speaker at prayers," when off
I set. Dined at the Tavistock—borrowed a white
stock from the waiter, and went to the opera; paid
10s. for the pit, and ss. for the loan of an opera glass,
so as to see the dancers better. I was charmed. To
tell the truth, it was not to hear the opera that I went,
but to see thelballet—what glorious dancing—l could
have sat for ever and witnessed the corps de ballet.
Saw Madlle. Taglioni—what figures Home to the
Ship in a cab at one.
Thursday.—Examined to-day in the Committee of
the House of Commons. First question—How much
can a horse draw in Scotland? I answered, about
two tons. The Committee opened their eyes and
stared—this put me very mach out—l suppose it was
given as a feeler, to see what sort of a genius I was.
Second question—How much I was paid a day ?
This was feeler No. 2, with a vengeance. I wished
that the floor had opened at this moment and swal-
lowed me up. They let me off after teasing me for
a few moments - and when leaving the witness-box I
heard the laugh behind me, some words such as
" Scotch dog come to feed upon English beef." Had
a glorious dinner this evening—champagne and
claret in abundance. Left party and went to the
Lyceum—much delighted with Keeley and his wife ;
saw the Marble Maiden, also Tom Thumb in a bur-
lesque—fine dancers here. Left the theatre at eleven,
and returned to our dinner party; sat a long time
until the party got regularly drunk—as bad as the
rest —rose to propose a toast, when • • •
Friday noon—Head like to crack, feel one of my
temples dreadfully sore, as if I had got a severe
knock on it. How or when I got to bed last night I
cannot divine ; must ask the waiter, hs tells me
that my friends carried me to bed—O conscience !
where art thou ? Sweet mornings that I used to
have in Perth return to me. Another glorious din-
ner. Went to the Judge and Jury at the Garrick's
Head this evening. Nearly burst our sides—the
interrogators are very clever, and the witty sayings
are excellent. Saw B— there. What would my
wife say if she knew all this ? However. no fear of
her knowing except B— informs, and he is as bad
as myself. Got to bed at one.
Saturday.—Down the river at Greenwich. Re-
turned to Blackwall in the evening; dined there, but
not on white bait, dinner and sundries 16s. each.
I Farren
and to town at nine. Went and saw
and Webster at the Haymarket. Farren excelled at
Grandfather Whitehead; Miss Julia Bennett wa, I
charming, and I was overpowered.
Sunday.—The bells are tolling for service ; the
busy throng crowd the streets ; the choirs are filled
with the pealing anthems, and—and—here I am in
bed ; lam like a giant requiring refreshment. We
are to have another glorious
Here the diary breaks off most abruptly, and leaves
us to ponder on the hero's sojourn in London, nd
wonder as to how he was able to get out of the messes
he was in. If be wants the pocket-book returned, he
can address his request to X. Y. Z., at the Post-office,
Perth, when, upon identifying his property, it will be
'restored to him.—Perth Conbtitutional.

HIGHWAY ROBBERY IN CANTERBURY.--011 Thurs-
day last, a man and woman, giving their names George
Bates. and Sarah Johnson, alias Steele, were had before
our city magistrates on a charge of highway robbery,
committed u-der the following circumstances:—James
Hearn, a small farmer of Harnledown, had occasion :0
comeinto the city on Tuesday evening, and on his re-
turn home, at about half-past nine o'clock, was accosted
by the female prisoner, at the corner of Water-lane, who
asked him for the loan of his umbrella, which he refused,
but offered her shelter under it if she were going his
way. This offer she gladly accepted. and in the course
of her talk said she lived as servant close by, and was
going for some roasted potatoes, she having at the time
a plate and cloth. Previous to parting company, he felt
her take his purse, but before he got hold of her the
male prisoner used a violent expression, and ran against
him, knocking him down. The female took a turn
round Westgate-grove, her companion running the same
way. The prosecutor raised the cry of " stop this f,"
a Itn.beeua.t fel
htalil_t
on which the male prisoner returned and kno, k d h
„.... t, ,En
down again, but he could not say whether by str'k . ,f,
Whitehall-road,
Prosecutoriteha i.r o a
dg,
or simply iunning against him. In the i u'll'
to the
thfeemale
othergot downciear
thoeft
him. He positively identified th
as the parties who had robbede two
prisoners
him. . The Bench decided on committingand assaulted
for trial. The clerk observed . the prisoners
preceded. or followed by violence,that highway robbery,
which could be tried only at the was. a capital offence,
magis-
trates, taking a more lenient
.assizes; but the
the prosecutor might have been view, and assuming that
blows with the fist, but knocked down not
. by
running against hi_
en rather._ by the male. prisoner
trial at the city
sessions, for
highway
t.wronoprirs:,nnerst
.f;..r
cornpauied with violence. 'lt wasgonly )on Satur)day night.
last that a countryman was robbed in a similar way
of a silrer watch, in St. George's-lane.—Canterbury
Journal.

THE CALEDONIAN RAILWAY.
BEATTOCK TQ 'CUE
UE SUMIT.
1 The works throughout the 'whole of this ardnono part
of the undertaking are proeevdt'ng very satisfactorily, and
lin many places have a very flinished appearance. At in-
tervals, upwards of three kii'feis of permanent rails have
been laid, and other two mike 3 in astafe of forwardness
to admit of the plates and sl oepers being immediately
and embankments the batters-
put down. Along the slopes d, f some of the firth, cuttings
with grass seeds, the tenet, have been trimmed and
sown 'ng and side walls nearly
completed, and altogether in such ts state as to admit of
the transit of locomotives, were it
.rrot that they are iso-
lated by intervening portions of the ',yolks- in progress.
At Beattock, the walls of the statioda,nd engine-houses
are rising rapidly over their foundations '; and onwards,
as far as Harthope, on the Evan, all the, viaducts, 'ac-
commodation arches, conduits, and cattle Creeps, are
completed, and no ob.itacle to stay the progress' of cutting
and embarking, Saving the inherent obstinda:y ct the
supsrstratum and rock, which is being
subdutid by the
potency of the money power in a vast expen.ditu.re of
gunpowder, human labour, and even life. Abt 'tut two-
thirds of the heavy cutting at Greskin has been accoa2-
'dished, and the retaining wail of the force or batik-
ment is now coesido-cd.kufnUif.nt to shield the superin-
cumbent mat"rial aeainst the predatory encroac.hzuents
of the Evan when in wrath. Everywhere on the ki,anks
of the river the works are in a state of advancemesa t to
admit of soeedy eonipletion. The piers and abutersenta
of the various vi..docis an bridges over Evan wetter And
the Glasgow road at Harthope anti Hell's Cauldron, tire
nearly at the level, unit will soon admit of the covers.,
whether of stone, metal, ur wood, with which they are
to be joiiied, beirig thrown over. Ti.o satatint,toir--ana
here the hercue4u labours of :-.,tephens,tin anti
Co. centre—is beginning to own ti•:. wi;:i•t that slu;nbers
in a "navey's"a:m; and ere six ciorti.s eLpSe }'r ?sett
a less formidable front to the
iy the gian is of
,team, of these mcnntain bolitw,,S, where erst the
:genius of retirement hell undn itt )11772.
>ries Couritr.

- HAMBURG-II MAIL.
HAMBUEGH, MAY 21.---In consequence of tom* in*
creased prices of wheat.. in England they also 7tose
here. On the other hand they have fallen pretty-A m-
siderably in Holland. AccorditiFly the tenci,nc3r Io
rise was consider:ll4 eneeked,- and wheat;..diii nobt
show any improvemert in to,d.ty's market. Thr
supplies or rye are not it.ere tni.tu ruffigient for 0117
daily demand, therefore the prices have not ...Lunn re-
ceded; but purchases ft): delivery in from eight:t.s:
fourteen days may be made- for 10 to 15 dollars
cheaper than for immediate delivery. The supplies
of barley are large, and prices have fallen 4
dollars, so that the demand dull; it is lees it
demand, and may be purchased some {:ollars
DANZIC, MAY 17.-0..1- market )A..1", ;,,g4in very-
brisk last week, for anal y a tnousand lasts of whear
changed hands at list Monday's prices, namely, 700
lasts from on hoard, and 300 lasts from the ware-
houses. The highest price paid was from 800 to 865
florins.

The accounti received to-day from England, spirt
caused some excitement, and our met chants went to
market with some anxiety. For the best wheat
900 fl. were asked, but only 850 were given. As the
whole 270 lasts were dispo-ed of at 840f1., and 128,
good coloured for 815 to 810 fl. There was not much
rye at mat kt.t to-day an 1 prices were high.
ST. PETERSBURG, MAY 11.—After enjoying three
days of the inostlively spring weather, during which
we bad a temperatut e of 19 deg. R. in the shade, the
change of wind to the east has brought in very colti
weather to-day. The Isaac's bridge was replaced a
week since, an.l it is at this moment standing, as
there was no app-arance of ice in the Ladoga. We
learn from official reports that on the 9th the sea was
clear from ice to the distance of only about ten wersts
from the shore.

HAMBURG LI, MAY 19. We learn, from good
authority, that a law respecting the German press,
which has been so much talked of; will be decided in
a few weeks in tne German Diet. The press itself
has become rather quiet respecting the law in the•
press, though this should seem to be the moment to
direct public attention more than ever to the subject.
Those who looked with so much impatience for the
new law on the press, h:.ve •udc!enty become very
still. We never pirtieipr.ted in the exaggerated hopes
that were entertained of the nr.w 14w, and expressed
ourselves to th..t effect a month ago.
FRONTIERS OF G.ALIC lA, MAY 10.—The rumina-
tion of the Archduke Albrecht to the po't of Viceroy
of Galicia, with Cracow for his residence, is stiii
spoken of, and the splendour of so itnperill court
the ancient capital on the Vistula would undoubtedly
be a powerful bond to attach the Polish nobility to
the imperial family, especially the death of the
Archduke Charles the youthful Prince comes into
the posse-ssion of great wealth, god therefore the prof-
fered assistance on the port of the King of Bavaria
may be dispensed with.--franbLrjh papers, M.ay 21,_