The Sun.
London, England, 1847-03-30 00:00:00

WINDOW DUTY•

The following is a Return to an Order of the Honourable
the House of Commons (which was published yesterday)
of the Amount of Window Duty assessed for the year 1845,
for the Twelve Towns paying the Largest Amount, with
the Net Amount of Duty received for the same on the sth
day of April, 1846:

Towns.

Amount of
Duty Assessed.

Net Amount of
Duty Received.

S N9 MARCH 30, 1847.

EDINBURGH and PERTH RAILWAY

REPORT from the SELECT COMMITTEE on
STANDING ORDERS on PETITIONS AGAINST
the EDINBURGH and PERTH RAILWAY BILL.
The Select Committee on Standing Orders, to whom
were referred the Petitions against the Edinburgh and
Perth Railway Bill, with Instructions to Report the
Circumstances under which the Plans and Estimates
were prepared and deposited, the Notices given, and
the Applications to Landowners made, and whether
they were such as to b© in violation of the spirit of
the Orders of this House ;—have considered the mat-
ters to them referred, and have agreed to the following
Report:—

That plans for the Edinburgh and Perth Railway,
notices in accordance therewith, arid applications to land-
owners, were prepared by engineers and agents under-
taking this work, at the instance of the provisional com-
mittee of the Edinburgh and Perth Railway Company,
since dissolved, under 9 and 10 Viet., c. 28, and that
the plans were deposited, the notices published, and the
greater part of the applications served, before the disso-
lution of the company.
That in this part of the transaction no circumstances
in violation of the spirit of the standing orders were
alleged before your Committee.
That the objections taken by the petitioners related
to the use subsequently made of the documents so pre-
pared and deposited, or promulgated, and your Com-
mittee have thought it to be within the meaning, it' not
within the strict letter of your instructions, to pursue the
investigation in the direction indicated.

That on the 30th of November, 1846, the Edinburgh
and Perth Railway Company, in which the North British
Railway then possessed a predominating influence, was
dissolved, at a meeting called on a requisition, trans-
mitted by the secretary of the North British Railway
Company, and signed by directors of the same, as share-
holders in the Edinburgh and Perth Railway Company.
That before the thir of this meeting, the committee of
management of the Edinburgh and Perth Company, in
a report dated 23d November, after setting forth the
acquisition in 1845, by purchase in the market, and
without concert with the Edinburgh and Perth Company,
of more than half of their whole stock, by the directors
of the North British Railway Company, followed by an
agreement between the two companies tor amalgamation;
and after announcing the abandonment of the joint un•
dertaking by the North British Railway Company, and
their apparent intention to effect the dissolution of the
Edinburgh and Perth Railway Company, at the meeting
to be held on the 30th, proceeded to urge their share-
holders to persevere in supporting this line, and for that
purpose to reconstruct the company, if its dissolution
should be carried.

That at the meeting on the 30th November the resolu-
tion to dissolve the company was ineffectually resisted
by a minority representing about one-fourth of the shares
in respect of which votes were given, but nearly nine-
teen-twentieths of those on which the full deposits had
been paid up.
That shareholders belonging to that minority pro-
ceeded immediately, in terms of the recommendation of
the managing committee, to reconstruct the company,
and that the subsequent proceedings necessary for appli-
cation to Parliament, including the preparation and de-
posit of estimates and subscription contract, and of the
petition, with Bill annexed, giving powers to execute the
works shown on the deposited plans, &c. (with the ex-
ception of one branch abandoned) were carried under
the control of twelve directors, of whom the greatest
part had been members of the committee in the former
company, and with the whole of the previously employed
staff of secretary, engineers, and agents.
That no charges in respect of expenses incurred for
plans or otherwise, with a view to the present application
to Parliament, have been made against the dissolved
company, by the engineers or agents, while sums on ac-
count of those expenses have been already paid by the
present company, who have undertaken to pay the whole,
under an arrangement, of the legal effect of which, as a
binding agreement, it is not for your Committee to
judge, but approved by parties representing more than
two-thirds of the shares of the old. Company, while the
petitioners, six in number, who appeared as shareholders
complaining of this arrangement, tendered no evidence
to show the nature and extent of their own interest, or
of any injury thereto.
That on this statement of facts, it was urged that an
undertaking, commenced by one party, had been aban-
doned by them, and curried forward by another, and that
the spirit of the standing orders was violated by such
subsequent adoption.
That it appears to your Committee that the spirit or
intention of all the standing orders concerned in this
case manifests itself in very careful provision for the
performance of various acts prescribed for the informa-
tion and protection of the public, or of individuals whose
property is to be affected; but that there is little indica-
tion of solicitude as to the parties by whom those acts
are to be performed; any restrictions as to whom are to
be deduced, it at all, from incidental expressions rather
than direct provision ; and that the circumstances of this
case are not such as to be in violation of the spirit of
the orders of this House.
March 26, 1847.

PRICE SD.

GENERAL THEATRICAL FUND.
The large room at the London Tavern was crowded
last evening to inconvenience, on the occasion of the
second anniversary dinner of this institution. Mr.
Macready, notwithstanding his recent illness, from
which he was still suffering, was able to take the chair.
The CHAIRMAN, after the preliminary toasts, pro-
posed,'" Those two groat national theatres, that con-
tained so many excellent actors—the two Houses of
Parliament."
The CHAIRMAN then proposed " Success to the In-
stitution." Although this duty should have devolved
on their treasurer, Mr. Buckstone, still, for the sake of
old associations, he trusted he might advance a few
arguments. He regretted the want of that eloquence
which distinguished so many around him, still the facts
he should adduce would speak for themselves. The in-
stitution was calculated in all its arrangements to insure
to actors habits of regular life, economy, stability of cha-
racter, and to elevate the character of the English stage.
Since its infancy, in 1839, the institution had grunted
annuities to four aged performers, rescuing them
from utter want, and had this year been enabled
to add to their comforts by increasing their little
pittance. More than this, the institution pre-
sented the only asylum for the decayed actor. The two
patent theatres were in possession of institutions which
at their foundation answered all the purposes required
by the eminent men who had originated them. But
how were circumstances altered now ! Covent-garden
was lost to the drama, and even at Drury-lane no per-
foymer had a chance of remaining long enough t claim
any benefit from its funds. The door was here shut on
dramatic industry at once, and for drama. Should the
patent theatres ever reinstate the drama on their boards,
would their funds suffice for the needs of the aged and
impoverished actor? No. Constant change of manage-
ment led to constant change eti; performers, and at
Drury-lane the performer must have been for three con-
secutive years on its boards, and for two at Covent-
garden, before he could be admitted to either institution;
and even then the deposit was so large in proportion to
the salary that many were obliged to incur debt in order
to pay it. He knew himself one of the best comic actors
who, from a conscientious dread of debt, declined sub-
scribing to the fund. In the present institution there were
no obstacles to admission ; the fees were on the most
moderate scale ; all ages were admitted, whilst actors
past 40 were excluded under the old arrangements ; and
should a member of the present institution withdraw,
he received back half of the premium which he bad
paid. Could, then, any one deny the superior claims of
an institution which opened its doors to every age and
every position, even to the performers at the larger
theatres, who, without its aid, would be left under the
shadow of their powerful protectors, without hope and
without resource? It was important to call their atten-
tion to another point. In a short time the Drury-lane
and Covent-garden institutions would absolutely be left
without annuitants, for there was no hope that these
theatres would ever again be restored to the drama.
Since 1843 no member had been added to the Covent-
garden Society, nor could be by the laws of the theatre
till 1855. He mentioned these facts, not to discourage
those institutions, but because they ceased to be effec-
tual. Without the present fund, then, where can the
comedian whose buoyant spirit brings laughter to every
cheek—where can the tragedian, whose words draw
tears which it does the heart good to shed—
where can those look for shelter ? The artists
of the Haymarket, Adelphi, Lyceum, whose
talents would insure success on any stage in
the world, would have no refuge for age but the
workhouse, that last baiting-place on the road of
life. The chairman concluded by giving the health of
Mr. Buckstone and the General Theatrical Fund.

Mr. BUCKSTONE said that a speech from him at that
moment would be the farce after the tragedy. He con-
gratulated the company on the assistance they derived
from the presence of their Chairman. The present do-
nations proved that their temple of benevolence was
founded on a rock of ages. The English drama was under
a cloud, but it would yet rear its head above French plays
and Italian operas, the only foreign invasion to which
the English nation would ever submit. They should
trust to the future, and dine where they could. For many
years attempts had been made to form a general institu-
tion like the present, which had all been unsuccessful till
the decline of the patent theatres. The general fund
had, in eight years, invested nearly 4,0001. This fund
would greatly increase, as it would be long before any
annuitant could have a claim upon it. Its advantages
were extended to dancers, pantomimists, and even that
most valuable officer, the prompter, a man whose voice
they had all heard, sometimes too often, even he, when
he had blown his last whistle, might jump on the deck
of comparative independence. He (Mr. Buckstone)
would not attempt to be pathetic. Their Chairman had
nobly fulfilled that part of his duty, but their hearts
were warmed with cheerful conviviality. They saw at
the social board those whom they had seen so often on
public hoards ; and what he saw around him convinced
him that the English stage possessed warm and efficient
friends—that it had within it the essence of immortality,
and would last as long as Shakspere, art, and nature,
should endure.

Mr. DICKENS then rose and delivered a very effective
speech, which was loudly applauded; and be concluded
with a brilliant eulogiuni on Mr. Macready, whose health
he proposed.
Mr. MACREADY said, that were he even in bftter
health he should find great difficulty in acknowledging
their kindness—his experience in public speaking con-
sisting almost altogether in responding to cordial wel-
comes, but he found that practice did not make perfect,
and at each effort his difficulties were increased.
" The Stewards" and " The Ladies" followed, and the
chairman left the room about eleven.
The stewards, Messrs. Saville, Lyon, Hughes, and
Worrell, were very active and attentive to their friends,
and to the ladies in particular, who honoured the fund
festival with their presence.
Among the donations were, 1001. from her Majesty,
10/. from the Duke of Devonshire, and from the Chair-
man; 51. from Lords Fitzhardinge and Ellesmere, and
Messrs. H. Twiss, Farren, Lumley, and Cooke, The sum
total announced amounted to 3691.

DIE NEW FIELD MARSHALS.—Saturday must
have been a proud day for the Marquis of Anglesey and
Field Marshal Grosvenor, when the Duke of Wellington,
attended by the Head Quarter Staff, presented to those two
veteran officers the batons so deservedly bestowed upon them
by their Sovereign in the last brevet. Only one feeling of
regret associated with this gratifying event—the absence
of Field Marshal Sir George Nugent, whose advanced age
and indisposition prevented his attendance to receive a simi-
lar reward for his past meritorious services. We sincirely
trust, however, that he will soon be sufficiently recovered
to come to town for that purpose, and we are certain that the
Commander-in-Chief participates in our wish.— United Ser-
vice Gazette.

TRADE WITH CHINA.--Among the most remarkable
shipments to foreign countries which have recently taken
place may be mentioned one of a considerable quantity of
opera-glasses, actually so called, and of habit-gloves.
SERIOUS ACCIDENT AT THE NEW CROSS RAILWAY
STAnON.—Yesterday an accident, attended with very serious
consequences, occurred on the line of the Croydon Railway.
to a man named William Jenner, aged 21 years, residing at
No. 3, Martha-place, Henry-street, Deptford. It seems that
the unfortunate man was a stoker in the service of the com-
pany, and was engaged on one of the locomotive engines.
He has latterly been employed in working an engine between
the Surrey Canal and the New Cross station at Deptford,
which conveyed large quantities of coal, &c., from the barges
for the use of the various engines on the line, and, whilst
they were going up an inclined plane, he got down from his
berth to arrange some deficiency in the coupling-irons, when
his right arm was drawn in between the machinery, and,
before he could be extricated, his arm was most seriously in-
jured. He was taken to a surgeon's, and subsequently put
in one of the carriages fur London-bridge, from which place
he was taken to the accident ward of Guy's Hospital, where
it was ascertained that he had fractured the limb in two
places. He is not in immediate danger.
EXTRAORDINARY CASE.—" SPRING-HEELED JACK."
—Teignmeuth was greatly excited on Monday, in consequence
of a "Spring-heeled Jack" investigation before the magis-
trates. A delinquent of this genus eccupied himself during
the winter in frightening and annoying defenceless women,
sonic of whom were rather roughly handled. The police
having been on the alert for some time, suspicion fell on a
Captain Finch, of Shaldon—a man of alleged ill-health, and
apparently sixty years of age, about the last person that
could have been suspected. He was summoned before the
magistrates. Mr. Tucker, in opening the case for the com-
plainant, said it was not only diflieult but most painful to
him; his client belonged to the humblest rank, and the de-
fendant, Captain Finch, had been considered highly respect-
able. Should he not succeed in establishing the charge, the
effect of the girl's evidence might prejudice her through life ;
should he succeed, the moral character of one who had
hitherto moved as a gentleman would be blasted. He had
two charges of assault to prefer. His client, the servant of
Miss Morgan, a lady living in Macfarlen's-row, Bitton-road,
had been twice assaulted in January, between nine and ten
at night, by a man disguised in a skin coat having the ap-
pearance of a bullock's hide, skull cap, horns, and mask, and
the alarm bad produced serious fits. Evidence having been
given in support of the charges, the Bench expressed pain at
finding an old soldier guilty of such an assault, but there
was no material refutation to complainant's evidence. He
was fined 17s. for each assault. Defendant thanked the
magistrate for their impartiality. The case lasted from one
to half-past seven in the evening.
MELANCHOLY FALL FROM A WlNDOW.—Yester-
day afternoon, between one and two, an accident of a most
melancholy nature occurrred to a painter named Hingham,
aged 59, residing at No. 4, M`Dougall-terrace, Chelsea. It
appears that the unfortunate man was engaged at the house
No. 36, Edward-street, Hampstead-road, painting the first
floor window, when he by some means fell therefrom, and was
conveyed to the University College Hospital, where it was
ascertained that he had sustained a compound fracture of the
left thigh, a dislocation of the collar-bone, besides a fracture
of the right clavicle, and some, severe contusions of the head,
with other injuries, so as to preclude the slightest hope of his
recovery.
FEVER IN CORK.—We regret to say that fever is
increasing rapidly, and becoming each day more malig-
nant in its character, and more fatal in its consequences.
Since our last, we have heard of many cases among the
wealthier classes of our fellow-citizens, who have been
suddenly stricken down, and whose disease has assumed
the most malignant character.—Cork Examiner.
DEATH OF A VETERAN.—Died, on the 2d of March,
in Carlow, at the age of 95 years. Charles MLEIroy. He
was present at the battle of Bunker's-hill, at the commence-
ment of the American revolutionary war, was afterwards
engaged in the English expedition in aid of the French
royalists, in 1792, in which he was made prisoner, but
effected his escape to Italy. The last scenes of his military
career were laid in Ireland, during Olt troublesome time, of
179 e.