The Sun.
London, England, 1847-03-15 00:00:00

celebrated counsel c.)uld not find time to reply until
he recidved 2,000/. with his brief:
Mr. Wisuaw, having given way to gentlemen who
had before spoken, was anxi,,lis to say one word upon
the amendment which he had seconded. He was morally
certain that not one influential shareholder in the South-
Eastern Company was in favour of the amalgamation
with the Brighton Company. He particularly referred
to Manchester, Liverpool, and places further north.
Mr. LENT created considerable amusement by forcing
upon the attention of the last speaker letters from large
shareholders in the places mentioned, all in favour of a
union of interests.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.
r The SPEAKER took the Chair at Four o'clock.
SECOND READINGS.
The following Bills were read a second time:—
Colchester Navigation and Improvement.
Edinburgh Markets and Customs.
Glasgow and Shott's Roads.
Glasgow, Paisley, and Greenock Railway (Branches
at Port-Glasgow).
Glasgow, Paisley, aLd Greenock Railway (Branch to
the Caledonian Railway, and Diversion of Canal).
Midland Railway (Mangotsfield to Bath).
Parkgate and Chester and Birkenhead Junction
Railway.
Sunderland Improvement, Markets, and Bridge.
Weymouth and Melcombe Regis Harbour and Bridge
Trusts.
Wolverhampton General Cemetery.
RAJA OF SATTARA.
Dr. BOWRING presented a petition from the inhabi-
tants of the city of London, praying that the House
would take such measures as would allow the Raja of
Sattara to have that privilege which belonged to the
meanest of her Majesty's subjects, namely, an oppor-
tunity of examining the charges against him, and the
evidence adduced thereon.—Ordered to be laid on the
table.

ETON MONTEM.
Mr. JAMES wished to put a question to the Right
Hon. Gentleman the Home S-eretary respecting the
•—• —11, ri 1"!- 7t1,1tras Tej, t.;
which had ri:cently excited considerable interest in the
public mind. The House was aware that the authorities
of Eton College bad expressed their intention of abolish-
ing the practice in consequence of its immoral tendency,
and its effect in relaxing the discipline of the school.
It was evidently clear, and there was no doubt of it, that
the custom observed by the young gentlemen at Eton
Montem was illegal—(Laughter)—and that they were
liable to be committed under the Vagrant Act.--
(Laughter.) The question which he wished to ask was,
whether, in the event of the Pn.vost and Head Master of
Eton agreeing to continue the Montem under the advice of
an illustrious personage, the Right Hon. Baronet intended
to bring in any Bill to legalise the acts, which plainly
subjected those practising them to a charge of highway
robbery ?—(Great laughter.)
Lord J. RUSSELL said that, as he was a more proper
person to answer the question, he might state that when
her Majesty asked his ?pinion as to giving effect to the
measures for the abolition of the Monten, he had stated
that in the advice which he had given to her Majesty he
had thought it his duty to say that he conceived the
Provost and Head Master to be the proper persons to
consider that question, and that it ought to be left in
their hands.

The amendment was then put to the meeting and lost,
and the original resolution was carried.
The fourth resolution, " That the present committee
should have power to add to their number from the
shareholders of either company," was also carried.
The petition founded on the resolutions was then read,
and it received a considerable number of the signatures
of shart holders present.
Thanks having ban voted to the Chairman, the meet-
in,: separated.

IMPERIAL PARLIAM ENT,

(THIS EVENING.)

HOUSE OF LORDS.

Mr. FITZROY presented a petition from the col-
lectors and the assessors of the income- tax, praying for
a remuneration more adequate to their labours.
Mr. REDHEAD YORKE presented a petition from
the parish of St. George's, in York, against the Poor
Removal Bill.

The LORD CHANCELLOR took his seat on the Woo]
sack at Five o'clock.

ANNUAL TAX.
Lord G. BENTINCK wished to, ask a question of
his Noble Friend at the head of the Treasury. On the
20th of July last your, when the sugar duties were made
a permanent tax, instead of an annual tax, his Noble
Friend had statod that before the 5th of July he would
state what great tax he would substitute for those
duties, in order to give the constitutional protection the
voting of a great tax afforded.
Lord J. RUSSELL said that it was not the intention
of the Government to propose that any duties at present
permanent should be made annual. Several representa-
tions had been made to the Government complaining of
the great injury which trade and commerce sustained
by submttting duties annually to the consideration of
the House.

LAW OF SETTLEMENT.
The Earl of STRADBROKE presented a petition from
Bradford against the Law of Settlement as passed last
year.

Sir J. TYRELL presented a petition from the parish of
'Liston, praying that the present criminal code might be
abolished.

- The Lail St. GEIMAINS presented a petition from
the Chairman and Board of Guardians of St. Germans
against the Law of Settlement. They also prayed that
the whsle expense of supporting the poor might not fall
upon St. Germans alone, but that an union setllement
might be established.

POOR LAW IN IRELAND.
Mr. ROEBUCK presented a petition from Wiltshire,
praying the House to grant a permanent pcor-law for
Ireland.

JUVENILE OFFENDERS.
Lord BROUGHAM presented a petition from nine-
teen jastfees of Hull, calling the attention of the House
to the presant state of the law as affecting juvenile
offenders, and praying for a remedy. He would move
that the petition be referred to the Committee on Cri-
minal Law.

DISTRESS IN IRELAND.
Lord LINCOLN presented a petition from the barony
of Farney, in the county of Monaghan, in Ireland,
signed by 1,084 of the cotticrs there, stating that during
the last two years they had experienced great dis-
tress in consequence of the failure of the
potato crop, and praying that the House would devise
some means by which they might be enabled to
emigrate. They calculated that the cost for emigration
would be only 5L per heed for the adults and 3/. for the
younger members of their families. These circum-
stances claimed especial attention in the barony of
Farney, for there no relief had taken place by the intro-
duction of public works. They prayed that their peti-
tion might be taken into consideration, and some mea-
sures taken which would in the mean time give them
mployment.
Lord G. BENTINCIC presented several petitions
from the cottiers of the eastern portion of the barony
of Farney, in the county of Monaghan, signed by 1,490
heads of families, stating that they had suffered severe
distress during the last few years iu consequence of the
failure of the potato crop. They had no means of sub•
siatence but potatoes grown upon the conacre system,
and from the failure of the crops they had reason to
believe that the farmers would no longer let them land.
The farmers could not in any way assist more than one
half of the number of persons who required it, and they
prayed that the House would take such measures as
would enable them to emigrate to the colonies. He also
presented two petitions from the southern division of the
county of Tipperary, praying the House to encourage
the system of emigration, and also to grant a Bill to
stimulate railway enterprise on a large scale in Ireland.
HARBOUR IMPROVEMENTS.
Mr. HUME presented a petition from a number of
shipowners and others of Ghsgow,
praying for a general
Harbour Conservancy Bill, instead of the present mode
of dealing with harbours. He gave notice that to-
morrow he should move that the petition be printed with
the votes.

POOR RELIEF (IRELAND) BILL.—ADJOURNED
DEBATE.
On the order of the day fur resuming the adjourned
debate on the Poor Relief (Ireland) Bill being read,
Mr. CAYLEY wished to direct the attention of the
House very briefly to the Drainage of Land Bill,
which stood on the paper for the third reading that
night. He said he understood it to be a Bill to amend
a Bill that had been passed last session, by which a
grant of money for the improvement of land was made
to Great Britain to the amount of 2,000,000L, and to
Ireland to the amount of 1,000,000/. But now it was
intended to make a grant to Ireland itself of 1,500,0001.
And, although there was a grant of 2,000,000/.
to Great Britain, he found there were applications for
3,000,000/, in consequence of which it had been
proposed on the Committee to limit the grants
toindividual applicants to the sum of 10,000i.
But what he thought singular was, that it
was intended to allow 1,500,000/ to Scotland, and only
1,600,000/. to England, although the object of the
grant was to raise the character of agricul-
ture in England to a level with that of Scot-
land, and yet such was the ratio to be established
between the two in the matter of this grant
His olAct in rising was to seek his Noble Friend at the
head of the Woods and Forests, whether some means
could not be devised for a more equal distribution of the
money to be advanced so as to benefit the proprietors of
England as well as those of Scotland. He should be
glad to hear any intimation thrown out upon this
subject.
Sir G. GREY 84,1 that he would not then enter into
the merits of the Bill. He thought that the limitation
which had been made to the sum of 10,0001 removed
the only objection to the Bill. No application what-
ever had as yet been made from England.
• THE CUSTOMS DUTIES.
Lord G. BENTINCI% wished to know when it was
the intention of the Government to bring forward the
Customs Duties Bill, and also to go on with the Rail-
ways Bill ?
The C fl A.NC IsLLOR of the EXCHEQUER said that
with regard to the Customs Duties, it was the intention
of the Government to have brought it forward ,.n Fri-
day, but the length of the debate upon the Irish poor-law
had precluded them from doing so. The Bill would be
brought forward next Monday, and the Railways Bill
would be upon the orders for the same day.
Sir BENJAMIN HALL presented a petition from
the liar) le bone Irt stry.:in favour of the Irish poor-law.
On the motion that the Speaker do leave the Chair,
Sir W. CLAY said that the expediency of adminis-
tering out-door relief to the poor of Ireland was the
question which properly came under their consideration
upon that night; there were other questions, no doubt,
important ones of detail, but the proper place to discuss
them would be in Committee. The opponents of the
measure overlooked cne important consideration—they
regarded it as one which gave an immediate and
positive right to relief to the able-bodied.—(Hear,
hear.) But it did Rot contain any such provision ;
it gave it through the intervention of the Poor-law
Commissioners, and for that purpose it vested 'axle
discretionary powers in that body, powers unex-
ampled in extent, and somewhat unconstitutional.
The House were about to give the Poor-law
Commissioners a right to imposes taxes, and
rates to the amount of some millions upon the people.
The Noble Lord dissented; but he, after a diligent
perusal of the Bills, had come to that opinion. Now, he
' did not think any Government would ask such powers
if they did not believe that an urgent necessity existed
for them. He himself believed that such necessity did
exist, and he accordingly did not blame the Government.
It was no longer doubtful that Ireland must have a real
and efficient poor-law, similar in principle and spirit
to the poor-law in England. The people of this coun-
try were prepared to make every sacrifice to meet
the existing distress, but they still felt that in the
long run. Ireland should support her own power. As
poor of England was supported by the property of Eng-
land—as the poor of Scotland was supported by the
property of Scotland—so ought the poor of Ireland
to . be supported by the property of Ireland.
But was the condition of Ireland anything approaching
to that ? On the contrary, the whole of the population
was in a far different position. For the greater part of
o ot
or -1
theaw into
the year the labourer in Ireland work only for wages
during a part of the year, and only so long as shall
unable 'them to pay their rent. Ife quite agreed
that it' was
Ireland, but i f
they necessary
consented
able-
bodied
pot'', they would be bringing in at the same
tointroduce
t o !il l a
relief
poor-law
time a practice that would be highly
injurious to the
country, and the difficulty would arise as to whether the
law should be introduced so as to work only in one
county, or to be conducted according to the unions. He
firmly believed, while expressing his affirmation, that
the poorelaw as at present proposed would be adminis-
tered mischievously, and that the poor-law of Ireland
must ultimately be assimilated with that of England and
Scotland. He believed that it was most erroneous to sup-
pose that a conviction of the necessity of a poor-law for
Ireland aroie from the fact, that the present distress had
touched the pockets of the people of England.
He felt assured that the conviction was one of
slow, silent, and steady growth. It was matter
of surprise, not that the people of England held
that opinion now, but that they had not thought
or, and acted upon it some years before. In Ireland, to
the eternal disgrace of that countay, it had been possible
for human beings to perish from famine without any i
human law to appeal to, n order to avert the
dread calamity. For many years it had been a matter
of surprise that so many associations should have ex-
isted in Ireland,—the Whiteboy, the Ribandmen,
and numerous others; and various measures had
been adopted from time to time to suppress those
secret societies, but the attempts had been all in vain,
And why bad they failed ? Because the condition of
the Irish peasantry had been most
join
shamefully neglected.
Was it, therefore, to be surprised that they should
together and unite themselves to such associations ?
Ile said they all well knew that Ireland was rich in the
elements of wealth, and they did not need the admir-
able work of Professor Kane to tell them of her mines,
r her tiheries, and the capabilities of her soil, that she
possessed enough to maintain a population double that
which at present existed, and in prosperity. But why, he
asked, was that wealth not developed ? Because there
was no security for life and property in that
country ; and he believed there would be no security
without laws that should be respected by the people,
and that respect for the laws could only be
founded upon a well-confirmed belief that on these
laws depended their own interest. That led him
naturally to a poor-law for Ireland. He was not
one of those who were hostile to Irish landlords. It
was therefore in no hostile spirit to them that he urged
the enactment of a good poor-law, for he considered
that it would ferward the welfare of the people, and
also the prosperity and wealth of the landed proprietors.
An Hon. Member had made a long and detailed com-
parisan between the counties of Norfolk and Mayo,
when discussing the question the other night, but he
(Sir W. Clay) differed from the conclusion to which that
floe. Gentleman had come. That Hon. Gentle
mite ought to have considered that in Norfolk
there was a security for life and property.
After thirteen years experience they had found that out
of the whole sum raised for the relief of the poor in
England and Wales, two-thirds were expended in
Out-door relief; and, in his opinion, it was wisely so ex-
pended. Out-door relief was not only the best mode of
relief, but the most effectual mode in which it could be
administered. In every country in Europe there was to
a greater or less extent a law for the relief of the poor
—hut in no country was it upon so large and liberal a
scale, as it was in this country, and in no country were
they so completely carried out. Mr. Senior in his
interesting
report comparing the amount of wages as
given in the Continental States with those paid in Eng.
land, says that the wages of the agricultural labourer
in England nearly double the average of those
in any of the Continental States, and such,
adds he, is tho result of the English poor law.
He was not prepared to adopt the unmeasured language
whieh he had read in some newspapers with regard to
the conduct of Irish proprietors, nor was he pre.
pared to adopt the sentiments which had fallen
row the Hon. Itember tor Bath; but he must say in
opposition to the articles in the limes and the Tabla,
they might bring forward those of the Nation news-
paper; and against the polished sarcasms of his
friend the member fur Bath, they might array
the violent and Unmeasured language used at Con.
ciliation Hall for a long series of years.—(Hear.)
From what he had said it would be easily understood
that he was desirous that the landlords of Ireland should
be made the instrument for bringing about the social
reformation of the people. Government had praised that
course, and although he had heard a good deal of fault
found with their measures,he must confess that he had seen
no other which were better calcclated to effect the
great object in view. lie was sure Government would

POOR REMOVAL ACT'.
The NOBLE LORD presented a petition from Beverley
against the Poor Removal Act ; also, a petition from
Bar bush, in the county of Wilts, to the same effect.
RATING IN IRELAND.
The 7.,-GBLE Lor.D said he wished to call the attention
of the House to a statement whirl] he had received from
the town of Wexford, setting forth the great inequality
of the system of rating there. They had seat a
specimen of the rating in the shape of the official
advertisement of the rate. This notice states' that there
were two districts, one in the town and the in the
county. Now, while the rate for the one was but 2d. in
the pound, the other was Is. 7d. in the pound. He hope d
her Majesty's Government would take this matter in their
serious consideration in their present measure. The
parties to whom he referred also prayed that, if the
rates were paid by the landlords, they should have the
power of appointing the guardians, who would have the
superintendence of the rates.
NATIONAL EDUCATION.
Lord BROUGHAM presented petitions from the
Protestant Dissenters of Birdrush, Wilts, against the
Government scheme of national education. His Lord-
ship said that there was an unfounded prejudice raised
against this measure, which was one of a most tolerant
character to all sects, of whatever religious persuasion.
The Marqu's of LANSDOWNE said that nothing
could be more unfounded than many of the statements
contained in the petitions presented against this scheme.
It was characterised as intolerant, and tram( d with the
intention of exc!uding the dissenters from its benefits.
He should not have been at all surprised at the jealousy
shown by nrsny clawed if half of what was stated in
ihose petitions w ere based oe truth, but the facts were
aneagsther opposed to these statements. It was alleged
that the measure was only intended to give a monopoly
to the Church, but with ail his (Lnrd Lansdowne'e) re-
spect for that veneralsie establ shment, he should be the
last man to give them unlimited powers in the matter of
education.
Lord BROUGHAM coefirrned the remarks made by
the Noble Lord. Ile bed often seen intolerance and
prejudice, but he had never witnessed so much misrepre-
sentation as en this measure. lie remembered that in
1820 he was borne &swoon the Paeish Schools Bill because
he was supported by the Church, and consequently op-
posed by the Dissenters. The result had been, and -would
still be, that education would be lost between them.
FLOGGING IN THE ARMY.
His LODDSHIP presented petitions from Braintree
and Bucking, in Essex, against flogging in the army.
LAW OF PATENTS.
His LORDSHIP presented a petition from Mr. Roscott,
of Edinburgh, praying for an alteration and reform in
the law of patents.
MEDICAL SECRETS.
His LORDSHIP also presented petitions from Mr.
Patrick Maxwell and other members of the medical
profession, praying that the same indulgence might be
granted to them, in the matter of secrets connected with
their profession, that was extended to barristers and
gentlemen in the practice of the law.
THE CASE OF JOHN UOCKHAM.
His LORDSHIP moved for a return of copies of com-
mittal, and the correspondence with the Secretary of
State, in the case of Juhn Hockham, a prisoner cum-
tuitted by one of the Middlesex magistrates.
SALE OF FIRE ARMS IN IRELAND—RAIL-
WAYS—EkIGRATION.
Lord STANLEY said he had three petitions to
present, which, as they referred to most irnpor
rant subjscis, were well worthy the serious con-
sideration of their Lordehips. The first was from
the High Sheriff and the Grand Jury of the
South Riding of the county of Tipperary, agreed to at
the last assizes. They stetsd that they viewed with I
alarm the unprecedented sale of fire-arms in Ireland,
and that Justice Jackson had alluded to the sub-
ject in Ha charge. Many of the arena were
in the possession of persons of bad character.
The head constable of Clonmel had furnished
Kith a report giving the names of 12 persons (whose
names he would not read, but he should be happy to
place the list in the hands of the Noble Marquis), who
were importing large quantities of guns, pistols,
bayonets, &e., which they sold at from 2s. to 30s.
each ; four of them were in the habit of disposing
of them by public auction on the market days. As the
13;rminghatri manufacturers had been unable to meet
the excessive demand, they had obtained them, at a re-
duced price, from the pawn-shops. The arms, they
went on state, were frequently in the possession of ser-
vant-boys, and of persons employed on the public
works, who devoted a portion of their earnings
to their purchase.—(Hear, hear.) He (Lord Stanley)
could state from a private account which he had
received, that at one of these auctions in the Clonmel-
marketplace, the seller endeavoured to induce persons to
buy guns and pistols by such expressions as these—
" Here's a receipt in full for the last November rent,"
and " Warranted to bring down an agent at one
hundred and fifty yards distance."—(Sensation and
laughter.) The petitioners concluded by praying
their Lhrdships to pass a law which would prevent ill-
disposed persons from having fire-anus in their posses
sion, and which would prevent them from having their
lives thus placed in continual jeopardy. He (Lord
Siatiley) would also state that a number of persons
who were employed in the public works recently
assembled in a field in the neighbourhood of Clonmel,
and amused themselves by practising shooting with ball
at a hat, each successful shot being received with loud
cheers. The second petition ass from the same per-
sons, in favour of a general scheme of railways for Ire-
land, us they considered they would not only prove
most beneficial to the people, but provide
lucrative employment for them for many years.
The third, which was also from the same parties, was
in favour of a general scheme of emigration, under the
auspice's of the Government. He knew that there
were great difficulties in the way of carrying out
such a scheme, because great expense would be in-
volved upon the Government, and the colonies would be
deluged with thousands of destitute persons. It was right
thaha mistake which prevailed with respect to the pos-
sessions of the Government, for the purposes of emigra-
tion, should be rectified, as the Government had not an
acre cf land for that purpose in the North American
colonies. It was in the possession of the local legisla-
ture, and they viewed with alarm an increase of emi-
gration.
Lord BROUGHAM expressed his disbelief that any
general depletion of the system such as that referred to
Iry the Noble Lord, with regard to Ireland, was possible.
If there could be any means of ascertaining the number
marriaees that had taken place in that country during
the last six months compared with the corresponding
period last year, some light might be thrown upon this
subject. He was apprehensive that if they took away a
large number of the population as it was proposed to
do, they would in a short time be as swarming as they
were now.

DUBLIN IMPROVEMENT BILL.
Mr. GREGORY presented a petiti,n from 3,500
inhabitants of Dublin against the Dublin Improvement
Bill.

COMMITTEE ON RAILWAY REGULATIONS.
Lord GRANVILLE SOMERSET wished to have
some information from the lion. Member for Inverness,
or any other Meml&.r of the Committee that sat on
railways last session, as to the eiteurnstances under which
the report was issued? The evidence had been pub
ii..-hed, and a report founded on it furnished to the [louse,
purporting to be the report of the Committee, though
it would appear to have been only the rerrt of an
individual, the chairman. Such a course, he submitted,
Alas altogether irregular.
Mr. MILNER GIBSON said that he had been a
member of the Committee alluded to by the Noble
L rd. Ile recollected being at the last meeting
but one of the committee, un the 7th of August. On
that occasion a series of resolutions was submitted and
considered and amended. These resolutions were re-
ported to the House accompanied by the evidence.
About a fortnight after, the 25th of August, the Corn
rnittee was summoned to meet, but no one attended
hut the Hon. Member for Inverness, the chairman. '
They ware, therefore, unable to make a quorum, but a
draft of the report was laid on the table, and a minute
qv as made by the clerk of the proceedings. . After-
wards it appeared from the votes, that the draft
report of the lion. Member for Inverness bad been
presented to the House as the report of the Committee.
As far as he could learn, the Committee could have been
no party to the report. Beyond this he could give no
• explanation.
Lord GRANVILLE SOMERSET had seen the
document quoted as the report of the Committee, arid as
Ientitled to authority ; hence he had been induced to
ask the quest'on. It w.is his decided opinion that the
document ought not to have gone forth as the report of
the Committee.
Mr. IIUME said that although he had attended almost
every meeting of the Committee, he had not been present
on the last day, but seeing his name down as one of the
Members who had attended, he felt it his duty to inquire
by what authority the clerk had done so. The clerk
was prepared to say that neither he nor his Hon. Friend
beside him (Mr. Gibson) were present, and he had only
reported them as so by desire of the Chairman, and
therefore the report stood in the records of that House
as their report. He believed that the irregularity arose
altogether from the unacquaintance of the lion. Member
for Inverness with Committee business.
Lord G. SOMERSET suggested that the irregularity
should be rectified as soon as possible.
Mr. M. GIBSON thought that they could not arrive
at the circumstances of this case in the absence of the
Hon. Member for Inverness.
The SPEAKER said the proceedings were irregular,
inasmuch as the draft report was laid by the Chairman
before a Committee, the members of which did not
attend.—(Lauhter.) He should suggest that the Com-
mittee be re-appointed.
Mr. GIBSON moved the re-appointment of the Corn-
mittee.—Agreed to.
POOR-LAW IN IRELAND.
Mr. P. SCROPE presented petitions from Ballyallen,
Castledown, Roche, and other places, in favour of a
poor-law that would give a greater measure of out-door
relief to the destitute poor of Ireland.
GREAT NORTH OF INDIA RAILWAY.
Mr. MACKINNON wished to know from the Right
Hon. the President of the Board of Trade why the
terms offered to two of the railway companies in the
t wo presidencies of Bengal were not also offered to the
Great North of India Railway.
Sir J. C. Ii013HOUSE said that the reason was, that
the terms offered had merely reference to an experi-
mental line, and as these railways supplied the upper
and lower presidencies, which the Great North of India
did not, it was deemed advisable not to extend the terms
to the latter railway.
PRIZE MONEY—GHUZNEE AND KHELAT

Captain LAYARD wished to ask the Right Hon,
Baronet the President of the Board of Control when it
was likely the prize money to which those who were at
the capture of Khelat and Ghuznee were entitled would
be distributed?
Sir J. C. 110BHOUSE said the Khelat prize money
was in course of distribution. Seine difficulty had arisen
with respect to the Ghuznee prize money ; but there was
reason to believe that it was now either in the course of
distribution, or about to be distributed, in accordance
with certain orders issued by the Governor-Geteral of
India about December last.
SINDE PRIZE MONEY.:
Captain BAILEY wished to know when the Sinde
prize money would be distributed.
Sir J. C. HOBLIOUSE replied that some difficulties
had also arisen with respect to the distribution of that
prize money ; and the prize agents, in consequence, had
referred two questions to the decision of the Board of
Control and the directors of the East India House, who
lead given their decision. The questions were now
under the consideration of the Board of Control, but
they would shortly give their decision, when the money
would be distributed.
PUBLIC WORKS (IRELAND).
C4tain HARRIS drew the attention of the House to
a circular recently issued by Captain Clifford, who is con-
nected with the public works in Sdgo, which he read,
and characterised it its extremely valuable. He wished
to know if the circular was intended for general distri-
bution in Ireland ?
Mr. LABOUCHERE considered the circular a very
judicious one. His impression was that the circular was
not intended for general circulation. General instruc-
tions would be shortly issued, which would supersede it.
THE NAVY.
Mr. WARD gave notice that on a future day he
should move for leave to introduce two Bills—the
object of the first being to extend the service of boys
in the Navy, and the second for the erection of
eisons for the confinement of naval offenders.
DUBLIN CORPORATION.

Lord STANLEY wished to know if there was any
truth in the statement that a tax had been lately imposed
upon all emigrants into the states of America.
Earl GREY said that he understood a measure of
that kind had been under consideration in Congress, in
consequence of some abuses that had occurred in con-
nexion with emigration from Getman, not British ports.
These emigrants had been landed on the quays of New
York, end an immense number of them were utterly
unable to labour. He did not think, however, that any
obstruction would be given to the ordinary emigration
from this country. If no means were taken on this side
to stimulate, there would be no attempt on the other side
to check emigration. Before Lord Elgin had left for
Canada.'ne understood from him that every exertion would
be made to facilitate the distribution and absorption of all
labour into that colony, and he was happy to say that
this lid hen attended with the best rea:dts.
Lord ASII B1 INTO:: said that he had faith in the mole
of : eti -f 1 r:Tosed for the n lief of destitution iu Ire land,
proNidcd caution was olh.eived on the arrival of the
el,igr:zrits at the several• pills on the other side
of the Atlantic, he did not think any evil would
arise from the increase of emigration. Mr. Ba-
ev11tian, the agent in Canada, stated that, pro.
aisdtling the einigr.nts were. sent westward as soon
of the PoPulation
,,ik.). et-in,, they would soon be absorbed in the mass
;land, with theesos.v.4bh'i'h
Seeing the deplorable state of Ire-
'nod, a..d the distress prevailed in many paces of
3n whe Uer emigcraaptabo
. ,,e,
ove _ p,si Inv of the same happening this
niiitieeould not be extended
grow,sf000faTe valley of the :Ws-
it_i
t12 dtheme. to look carefully into the clues-
Ur:her. The vast
,graenacler abundance
stssippi were such, as to
Ve.peopleittZould be
than any other portion of the globe"
the griatest humanity to place
could not obtain a maintenance here. He had a pwehti-
lion of a remarkable character to present on this subject
[LEFT SPEAKING.]

Mr. GREGORY moved for a return of all expenses
incurred by deputations of the Dublin Corporation from
,he 1st of November, 1841, to the 31st of December,
1S46, and also returns relating to the admission of free-
men.—Agreed to.
THE WELLINGTON STATUE.
Mr. C. BERKEL!FX wished to ask the First Commis-
' sioncr of Woods and Forests what the final intentions of
her Majesty's Government were respecting the removal
of the Wellington statue ? The statue had remained in
its present position for upwards of six months, and had
been condemned by every person—(" Oh !" and laughter)
—had been condemned by every person.—(" Oh !" ar.d
Laughter.) Ile hoped the Noble Lord would state in a
plain and intelligible manner—(Laughter)—what the
intentions of her Majesty's Government were, and if the
sub committee would take down the scaffolding at their
own expense.
Lord AIORPETI.1 said that it was the intention of
her Majesty's Government that the statue should be
removed, and he had always understood that the sub-
committee were under the same impression as the
Government, that they had a right to take it down at
their own expense. .
Sir DE LACY EVANS said that thero was an on
d it abroad that they would not pay the expense of its
removal.

THE SUN, LONDON, MONDAY EVENINCT, MARCH 15, 1847

practise every economy in earrying, their measures into
tiperation, and he did hope Ireland would do its best to
r,,m00 their s':e,e.s. The soree.;s of the m,:aitire t)ow
i•otore them ,LT,,,H,,1 in a high clegrce the e:n-
duct of gentlemen opposite. ✓

CIIIMINAL LAW.
A message was brought from the Ii :u;ie of Lords,
requesting the attendance of Mr. Law, the Recorder of
London, and Mr. Shaw, the Recorder for Dublin, at a
Committee of their Lordships on the subject of criminal
law.

DEBATE RESUMED.
Captain JONES, in rising to state his opinions upon
this subject, could nut but express his admiration of the
lion. Baronet who had just sat down. He would,
at the same time, express his great admiration
also for the conduct of the English people, as well
as for that of the Government, for without the
energetic proceedings which they had adopted, he
did not hesitate to say, that without them a
large portion of the Irish people would have perished.
It appeared that on the 9:11 of January, 1847, there were
101,189 persons in the mu k house,but the 9th ofJanuar),
1846, the numbers in the workhouse were only 43,764.
Now, it was clear that if .54d. was the charge in 1845,
when there were only 43,764 persons in the
workhouse, it must of course be considerably more
for 101,189 persons. It was a simple rule of
three question, and it would be found that the charge
upon property mounted to I4d., instead of Sid. The
charge for the maintenance of each pauper was
also considerably more in the present year
than in the year 1845, and previous years.
He must say that the existing poor-law had proved
quite sufficient for Ireland up to the end of 1845; in proof
of which he referred the House to the report of the
Commissioners, where he found that in 1846 the
union-houses were not half full. These were capable of
containing 101,000 persons, but they actually contained
no more than 43,000. Allegations, however, had been
made in that House to the effect that some of these unions
had not been opened in sufficient time, and that many
persons had been sent away without relief. He ad-
mitted that there were some cases of the former kind,
but, with a single exception, he did not kupw of any
instances whatever of persons being refused relief.
(LEFT SPEAKING.)

-----
RIOTING IN CAITHNESS AND IN
ROSS-SHIRE.
(From the Inverness courier.)
The presence of the military in Thurso had are effect
anticipated by us last week—the grain was shipped, and
the mob dispersed, happily without any serious collision.
On Monday afternoon, the military detachment, consist-
of 76 men, under the command of Captain Evans Gor-
don, marched into the town. Next day it was resolved
' to proceed with the shipment, when Sheriff Thomson
had a large body of special constables enrolled, and the
whole of the civil power then proceeded to the shore
with several carts laden with corn. A determined mob
had assembled, and barricaded the passage to the picr.
Stones were thrown and other riotous manifestations
adopted, when the Sheriff read the riot act, and the mi-
litary were brought forward. The crowd was forced
back at the point of the bayonet, and the shipping of the
grain was proceeded with without further interruption.
One person was taken prisoner. Next day, shipping
took place at Scrabster Roads, only a small party of
constables being present.
The detachment of the 76th has been relieved in
Wick by a party of the 27th or Enniskillen Foot from
Fort George. No further tendency to riot has been dis-
played in Wick.

- A gentleman in Invergordon writes us, Monday even-
ing, March 8—" Ail is quiet here, and the shipment of
grain is going on. The same is the case at Fowlis Point,
in the locality of which the people were very excited and
determined a fow days ago, in opposition to any expor-
tation of grain. I really hope all is over. We are not
yet sure of Portmahomack."

THE BUSH PEOPLE FROM
SOUTHERN AFRICA.
These living types of a race, perhaps one of the lowest in the
scale of humanity, and now becoming rapidly extinct, offer a
subject of the greatest interest, alike to tile man of science,
the student in human physiology, and the curious, as being
the first living specimens of this singular variety of the great
human family—the Islimaels of the African continent,
who have ever been induced to visit the abodes of civilised
man, and for descriptions of whom, we have hitherto been
entirely dependent up,,n the testimony of the few travellers
who have visited their desolate and far-off region. To the
student in phrenology, these Bush people offer an especially
interestingstudy,asaffording strong corroborative evidence in
support of the now almost universally-admitted truths of that
science. The heads of this singular group, and a skull
of one of their fellows, in the possession of the gentle-
man who has brought them to this country, exhibit
almost as striking an absence of the intellectual and
higher faculties as is observable in the skull of that
mockery of humanity, the baboon ; while the preponder-
ance of the animal is almost equally great. There is, how-
ever, a marked superiorhy of phrenological development
in the mother of the child born on their passage to this
country, over any of her companions, and she exhibits a
much greater degree of intelligence than either; while we
learn from their guardian that she is a most excellent
mother, kind and affectionate in her disposition, and exceed-
ingly docile ; the others, on the contrary, being very self-
willed and difficult to manage. The kindaess, however, with
which they have been treated since their arrival does not
by any means appear to have been thrown away, as they
seem perfectly happy and contented, and on the receipt of
an orange or other trifle, exhibit the liveliest emotions of
gratitude, by kissing the hand of the donor, and manifesting
other unequivocal signs of pleasure. They were fairly in-
toxicated with delight on the two females being presented
with a necklace each, by one of the company present, com•
posed of round metal buttons, and a smaller one for the
child—the females exhibiting all that passionate love of
adornment which seems inherent in the breast of every
daughter of Eve, whether civilized or savage; and the males
scarcely less so, in the speechless admiration with which,
so decked, they appeared to regard their spouses. We may
mention that they are natives of the country bordering
the great Orange River, in the interior of Africa, 1,200
to 1,400 miles from Cape Town ; and their supposed ages
vary between thirty and fifty, the mother of the child being
the oldest of the group. They have picked up a few words
of English and Dutch ; but their intercourse with their
guardian is chiefly carried on by pantomimic signs. Their
own language appears to be singularly barren, exceed-
ingly harsh and unpleasant to the ear, and used with
much gesticulation. Its most remarkable feature is, that
mingled with the articulate tones, and the gutturals and
nasals, are some inarticulate clicks or clucks, produced by
the tongue being struck against different parts of the mouth,
so us to produce an audible sound not easily described on
paper, but varying in depth with the part of the mouth
from which the tongue is struck. The stature of these
people is another peculiarity; the two couples are considered
as of two quite different tribes, though both speak the same
language; but their is a striking difference in their stature.
The larger couple are about five feet three inches in height;
the smaller not more than four feet, and these suggest the
ideas of the " pigmies" of the ancients. The strange mix-
ture of the Mongolian, Malay, and Negro in their charac-
teristic form and features is very striking; and while they
seem but little elevated in the chain of being above the ba-
boon and the chimpanzee, we learn that the tall and athletic
Kafir flies from one of these diminutive creatures with the
greatest terror—for• their want of physical strength is com-
pensated by their skill in the use of poisoned arrows, a wound
from one of which is almost always mortal. These creatures
are continually smoking the wild hemp of their country—a
plant from which they also obtain the poisonous juice in
which they dip their arrows. They go through a sort of
performance; all four dancing one of their national dances,
which somewhat resembles those of the North American
Indians, especially in its being conducted and regulated by a
double stroke of the hand, as a substitute for a tom-tom or
drum. The two men display their mode of stealing on their
foes, and certainly it must be no pleasant thing to see a man
stealthily prowling in your neighbourh000d with a poisoned
arrow fitted to the string—waiting only till you give him an
opportunity of stealing upon you unperceived, to send the
death-shaft on its flight. As a variety of the race of man
never before seen in England, we recommend a visit to these
Bush people.

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL V. Gil:MS.—PARISH OF
Sr. STEPHEN, WALDROOE. — In the Vice-Chancellor's
Court, on Friday, before Knight Bruce, the cult instituted
in November, 1843, against Mr. Alderman Gibbs and the
select vestry of the parish of St. Stephen, Walbrook, for an
account of the receipts, by Mr. Gibbs, of certain charity
moneys in respect of the parish, was heard. The
report of the Master had found that Mr. Gibbs was
a creditor to the extent of 5001., though he claimed
1,8001. to be due to him. This sum of 500/, had
not in any portion, under the decree, been paid into the
banking-house of Messrs. Willis, Percival, and Co. The
Vice-Chancellor said—My present impression in the par-
ticular circumstances of this case is, that the defendants
should be allowed to speak on Thursday morning next ; and
I think that the only decree that can be made is tbis :—
Let the Master inquire whether any and what sum or sums
of money has or have, under or in pursuance of the
direction in that respect contained in the decree,
been paid to the joint account of Mr. Gibbs and
Mr. Whitaker, or the churchwardens and overseers for
the time being of the said parish with the banking-house ef
Messrs. Willis, Percival, and Co., Lombard-street; and if he
shall find no such payment has been made, let the Master
state why and under what circumstances it has happened
that no such payment has been made; let the Master in any
event continue the accounts directed by the decree from the
foot of the report : continue the reservation of further direc-
tions and costs. Mr. K. Parker suggested the appointment
of a receiver, but the Vice•Chancellor said that he could not
do this upon the present state of the pleadings.
REDUCTION IN THE PRICE OF BREAD.—On Friday
morning a reduction of one halfpenny in the price of the 41b.
loaf was made by the bakers generally. The price varies in
the several parts of the metropolis. On the Surrey side, and
at the east-end, inferior bread is selling at 7d., good house-
hold ditto 71/yd, seconds ditto 85/.d., and the best bread 9%cl.,
per 41b. loaf. In Oxford-street, brury-lane, Clare and New-
port Markets, the prices obtained are generally one halfpenny,
more than these quoted—country and brown bread (un-
weighed), selling at 6d. per loaf; flour (best) 91,0., seconds
8d., and inferior 7d. per quartern.
THE LIGHTING •OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.—
The complaint, which was made some time since by an Hon.
Member, of the inefficient lighting of the House of Commons,
write in appears to have been wholly disregarded by the persons en-
trusted with the management of this department. Generallyfnitospeaking, the light is so defective as to render it p..1.1
iinastthneigghatl,learly3d; thefnarndsoinnle
found
was diminished to such an extent that reportersthed.,s.
great difficulty in taking notes of the proceedings.
inhabitant
AN AMERICAN VETERAN.
18 days. He fought
Shepherd, aged 118 years 9 months and,.
iantown Rate, and
in the battles of Brandywine and Gem Flats, and
,
received a pension .
tincl time coarse of
e3nit ly,Ut hr-leneg lightr)'s
was wounded at the former. He never
because he
denied him that boon, _cause
An ungrateful Congress
died at Akron, Ohio, on the 3d —inelt.11eIfis name was John
a fire which con-
sumed his dwelling.
had the misfortune to lose his papers in
His children provided for him COM-
fortahlv in his old age.—New
fYorkn,,rSaul
Sun.
the unfortunate
_lhe Carlsruhe Gazette
A VETERAN MINISTER.
Von Reizenstein c
Baden statesmen, Baron Sigismonl,d.as
in
his
8._
ki
year.,Minister
since the year 1809. The Baron
On the 4th instant the u
tion of the Grand Ducal Theatre was
victims of the destruction of the 6th inst. announces the death of the Nestor of th
solemnized at Carlsrhue. An immense crowd of the inhab:e
line to the cemetery gates. The ashes
of the victims were enclosed in eight coffins, which were laid
tants formed a double
in two tombs.

GOVERNMENT SCHEME OF
EDUCATION.
A public treetine- we, heat ne inme aiee- f,!!0, ITO el"
Commerce, Ternet(matiieeeret eeneeeett hyt r rentrel
committee appointed to too in Opposing the measure of
education developed in the minutes of the committee of
the Privy Council.
D. Wenn, &I., took the chair, and in opening the
business of the evening, he avoeed that the object of
dime who had called it together was to oppose by all
legitimate and constitutional means the plan of educa-
tion which had been put forth by the Government,
which he considered to be fraught with imminent peril
to the civil and religious liherties of the people. It was
a plan by which it was proposed to levy a tax of not
less that 100,0001. a yt ar by the most unconstitu-
tional means. The Government, through the
agency of the Privy Council, were about to usurp
the prerogative of Parliement, and if the scheme were
fully carried out it would ultimately create pensioners
on the bouty of' the State to no less a number than
80,000 individuals, at an annual expense of 1,750,0001.
It was nothing more than a scheme to enslave the peo-
ple, and bind them over hand and foot to the State.
lie did not object to any constitutional measure
that might strengthen the Church; but his objec-
tion was to the State coming to the aid of the
Church, by establishing schools all over the coun-
try, that would have the effect of destroying the
free expression of religious sentiment, by giving a tone
and colour to the opinions of those who were to be the
teachers in such schools. The supporters of the volun-
tary principle, without possessing either the revenues or
the power of Government, had done three times as much
for the promotion of education as the most strenuous
supporters of State interference, who had hung back
until they were shamed into exertion by the laudable
example which the Dissenters had set, before them in
establishing schools throughout the land. The learned
Gentleman concluded by expressing a hope that a fair
hearing would be given to all who might be disposed to
address the meeting.
The Rev. J. IL HINTON moved the first resolution as
follows:—" That this meeting, deeply concerned for the
welfare of the working classes, and especially for the
sound instruction of the younge have with impartial at-
tention examined the minutes of the Committee of the
Privy Council on Education of August and December,
1846 ; and feel themselves constrained earnestly to
deprecate the adoption of the measures therein de-
scribed, is emanating from an authority not war-
ranted by the constitution, as proceeding upon a
fallacious and exaggerated view of the educational
necessities of the country, as adverse to civil anti
religious liberty, as calculated injuriously to increase
the power, influence, and wealth of the established
church, as imposing new grievances and disabilities
upon dissenters, as involving a vast outlay of money,
and as extending the sphere of government patronage
in a mariner so highly detrimental to the pablic in-
terests." The rev, gentleman said that, after a lull of
three years, it seemed they were to have another educa-
tion battle. Lord John gave note of preparation in hi;
address to the electors of the city of London, on his re-
sumption of office, but people looked in vain to her
Majesty' speech at the opening of Parliament fir the
announcement of any proposed legislative measure
upon the subject, and whether the subject would be
brought forward at all during the session it was hard
to say. This state of uncertainty- was, however, tenni-
. nated by Lord Lansdowne introducing something on the
subject in the shape of certain minutes of the committee
of the Privy Council of Education, the most important
of which declared that their lordships recommended the
grant of money to all schools which would submit them-
selves to the inspection of a government inspector. This
recommendation was soon acted upon and 20,000/. was
granted for the building of schools. The management
of this money was intrusted to the council, which con-
sisted of a certain number of the ministers for the time
being, the only fixture being Mr. Shuttleworth, the sec-
retary. To think that the great question of populer
education should be confided to such hands wasin itself
absurtj, and to the people of England insulting. If such
a power was to exist it should he vested in a man re-
sponsible
for his deeds, for even supposing the measure to
be a good one, it not to seduce them into the acknow-
ledgement of an unconstitutional principle. It was a
step towards de, potism, and one which ought to be re-
traced. For the advancement of education the plan was
unnecessary, and would be found ultimately impracti-
cable, for it government undt rtoole to support schools
partially, few years would elapse before they would be
obliged to support them wholly ; and this would call for
an expenditure of upwards of 2,000,000/. a year. 'There
would be 60,000 state officers, and it was no exeg,gerutien
to say that this little matter would reduce half a million
of people to be slavish dependents of Government. It
was a scheme for extending clerical domination. The
Bishop of Exeter had proposed to make all the seind-
masters deacons of the Church. Now Sheffield would
be divided into twenty-five districts, each having a
schoolmaster ; thus there would be no less than twenty-
five newly ordained clergymen in that parish alone.—
Xneers.) Looking at the subject in all its aspects, he
contended that the measure should be resisted, the
Council of Education abolished, and that no minister of
public instruction should be suffered to exist.—(Cheers.)
I'he Times complained of the phrase " Government in
terference," and said that the expression ought to be
" Government aid and encouragement ;" but the aid or
the Government was an interference, and the terms were
synon) mous. The Reverend Gentleman concluded by
suggesting that, as a general election was approaching,
a letter should be addressed to the electors of the city of
London and to Lord J.Rtn,sell, telling him that they would
not give him their vote if he persisted in the maintenance
of this most unconstitutional measure.
J. CONDOR, E-q., seconded the resolution. He con-
ceived that the working man bad an equal right with
the rich man to superintend the education of his children;
'at if the argument were sound that education was a
matter of government, then the education of the rich
as well as the poor ought to be under the Government,
and he contended that it was entirely the business of
the parents. They had heard much cant about igno-
rance and crime being associated together ; but
the blue books showed that there was a
closer connexion between crime and poverty than be-
tween crime and ignorance. One thing was kept entirely
in the back ground—he meant the large endowments of
grammar-schools and trust-funds, which had been esti-
mated by Lord Brougham to be not less than a million
and a half a year. These endowments had been enor-
mously abused. Originally intended for the benefit of
the poor, they had been appropriated exclusively to the
uses of the rich. Supposing this Government scheme to
be good, still those who apprehended mischief from it
were entitled to previous discussion and inquiry. It
ought net to be forced upon the country by the uncon-
stitutional mode of an Act of the Privy Council instead
of that of the Legislature.
A person of the name of EDWARDS, who described
himself to be a working man, here proposed an amend-
ment, the object of which was to declare that it was the
duty of the Government to prevent crime and immoral-
ity by a general diffusion of industrial and nesecturian
education. Living as he had done for many years in
the haunts of the poor, he could testify to the horrors
of ignorance, and to the long, train of vices which it
engendered, and to eradicate that ignorance he con-
sidered was a work to which the voluntary principle
was inadequate. He continued addressing the meeting
for a considerable time amidst much interruption.
Mr. CAUST seconded the amendment,
Dr. CARLYLE having spoken in opposition to it, it was
rejected, and the original resolution was carried, amids
loud cheers.

Dr. Cox moved, and the Rev. B. WOODYARD seconded,
the two following resolutions:—" That this attempt to
carry into effect so extensive a measure, by virtue of the
royal prerogative and without the intervention of the
L'gislature, considered in connexion with the character
of the measure itself and with the liberal professions of
the Administration from which it emanates, has a strong
tendency to confirm the prevailing opinion, that the edu-
cation of the people is a matter in which the Government
can neither rightfully nor usefully interfere. That, there-
fbre, this meeting hail with satisfaction the manifest
tokens of a general opposition to this unconstitutional and
dangerous measure, rejoice in the formation of the cen-
tral committee appointed to aid in its defeat, and pledge
themselves to promote that object by every means
in their power ; and that, for this end, the
foregoing resolutions be embodied in the form of a peti-
tion to the House of Commons, praying that honourable
House, by express vote, to withhold its sanction from
the said minute, and to address the Crown, beseeching
her Majesty to revoke the order in council in virtue of
which the Committee of Council on Education has
assumed so unconstitutional an authority."
These were unanimously adopted, and the meeting
separated.

RISII ELI EP.—R 0n Sunday morning., the 28th ult.,
population—the
rtWh,iilnliatinheBcoruidngtymaonf
Nottingham—a parish with but about
Queen' letter;
f was collected in accordance with the s
sum of 871.
251. 7e was contributed at the Ranby
and in the afternoon -.
aftersi{np as
Simpson,
e, xa ctetlhl een
pt a
rsiesrimi
churchon b the eBande,
Bedworth,
0.450
School-room
-place—namely,
parish.
ha. most disgraceful
n
wife by a man living at Barrow.
COAL-PIT EXPLOSION. — BARNSLEY, THURSDAY,
MARCH 11.—After the inquest on Monday, Mr. Marshall,
the clerk of the magistrates at Barnsley, forwarded to the
Home Secretary all the particulars connected with the me-
lancholy occurrence, with a request that the Government
would send dowu an inspector to ascertain whether the pit
was in good working condition at the time of the deplorable
catastrophe, and to see if proper means had been taken for
the purpose of keeping the pit well ventilated. In acc:ird-
ance with the above request, Sir George Grey immediately
dispatched Sir Henry de la Beebe, Bart., and Mr. Smyth,
who arrived here yesterday, and proceeded forthwith to ex-
amine the pit, and to inquire into the cause of the accident;
but as the same witnesses will be examined as were ques-
tioned before the Coroner, it of course will only be a repeti-
tion of the evidence. From all that can be ascertained, it is
pretty evident the cause of the accident is to be attributed
to the carelessness of William Mathews and Abraham Wal-
ton, two of the unfortunate sufferers, as it is clearly proved
that the explosion must have commenced at the holes where
they were working. No safety lamps had been discovered in
any part of the pit. On the most careful inquiry it has been
fbund that 95 persons were in the pit at the time of the ex-
ploqion ; 66 of whom have already been brought up dead,
and it is calculated that out of the whole number in the pit
only ten have escaped unhurt, as several lie dangerously ill
at the present time, many of whom have not the slightest
chance of recovery. An explosion took place in the same
pit in July, 1845, upon which occasion three lives were lost.
There are only two sufferers whose bodies have not yet lieu
recovered.

LOCAL RAnwArs.—The Portsmouth Extension of
the Chichester and Brighton Railway is progressing very
speedily. We understand the directors contemplate opening
the entire line on the first day of May. The works on the
Fareham Branch of the South-Western Railway were com-
menced on Friday last, the object of the directors of the coin•
pany being to get the branch completed by the middle of the
present year. We can only repeat what we have before said,
that, with the accommodation afforded by the several lines,
Portsmouth will be better provided with railways than any
town in the kingdom.—Hampshire independent.