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

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 ago on the streets of
Perth. There is no date appended, but from memo-
randa before 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 to her that I should remain at some place 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 V. 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
added, " found him asleep, as usual." This is
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
skamined 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
stack from the waiter, and went to the opera; paid
los. 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 much 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.
Returned to town at nine. Went and saw Farren
and Webster at the Haymarket. Fairen excelled as
Grandfather Whitehead ; Miss Julia Bennett was
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 anthem., 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, and
wonder as to how he was able to get out of the messes
he was in. If he 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 Constitutional.

PUBLIC EXAMINATION AT
SANDHURST.
The usual half-yearly public examination of the
officers and gentlemen cadets studying at the Royal Mili-
tary College took place on Tuesday, Wednesday, and
Thursday, the 18th, 19th, and 20th inst., before a colle-
giate board, at which were present Field 'Marshal his
Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge, Lieutenant-
General Sir G. Scovell, K.C.8., the Governor, Ma-
jor-General George Brown, C.B. and K.H., the
Deputy-Adjutant-General of the Forces, Major-Ge-
neral T.. W. Taylor, C. 8., the Lieutenant-Governor.
and Lieutenant-Colonel G. W. Prosser, Superintendent
of Studies. At the close of the examination the follow-
ing officers were presented with the usual certificates o'
qualification
Captain H. T. Butler, 55th Regiment.
Lieutenant J. E. Addison, 70th Regiment.

In consequence of the superior talents and acquirements
displayed by Lieutenant Addison in the highest branches
of mathematical science, a special honorary addition was
made to his certificate; and the high qualifications in
military surveying of both officers were also particularly
noticed. The following gentlemen cadets, who had com-
pleted their qualifications for commissions, were recom-
mended to his Grace the Commander-in-Chief for ap-
pointment to ensigncies in the line without purchase:—
J. H. H. Parkes. H. C. Strickland.
V. H. Close. Edmund Young.
H. J. P. Booth. Francis J.Harrisson.
J. L. Maclean. John Gordon.
W. T. F. Wallace. Gilbert A. Amor.
T. M. Moore. John T. N. O'Brien.
H. 11'. Drummond.
By the result of the examination, about 50 other
young gentlemen were declared to have made various
steps towards qualifying themselves for commissions in
those branches of the mathematics which are applicable
to military purposes; in permanent and field fortification,
and the attack and defence of fortresses) in Latin and
general history; and in the modern languages. And 17
had also, during the half-year, completed the course of
professional education in military surveying, and 23 in
the actual construction of intrenchments and saps in the
field, pontooning, &c.

SALMON FISHINGS ON THE CONON, &c.—The fish-
ings on the Conon, which have throughout the season
been rather unproductive, is now, we are glad to learn,
rapidly improving, upwards of forty excellent fish having
been taken during the last eight days. From the-nu-
merous spawn that have during the last six weeks been
daily seen passing downwards to the sea,—far m )re
numerous than the oldest fisherman on the station has
ever observed before—it is confidently expected that by
the next high tide, the fishing will begin to get very
flourishing. The same may be said with regard to tt e
Beauly and Chanonry Point stations, which are also still
backward. We trust these anticipations may be realiz,-d
to make up for the deficiency experienced during the
earlier part of the season.—Rosshire Advsrtiser.
REPRESENTATION OF THE WESTERN DIVISION OF
CORNWALL.—We are happy to learn that there is no
probability of a vacancy occurring in the representation
of this division at the approaching dissolution of Parlia-
ment. Both our respected Members were in the Hou-4.
on Tuesday last, in anticipation of a discussion on .% r.
Muntz's motion touching the Copper Ore Duties, whieh
was postponed ; and although Mr. Pendarves is about
to visit Cornwall during the Whitsuntide recess, it is on 1
private business, and the electors will have great satin
faction in learning that thehealth of their long-tried re.
presentative is so much restored as to afford them the
fullest assurance that the county will not be deprived of
TIEWeSstABNDActoInLI, ISLANDS TO THE
hisAvalHuslbslTe sreariroimeesT.
CbyoßthPeOßGAoTvieorrinoOrFofLpoaNhpuo,N.
on h proclamation was issued
states that complaints had been
e 23d November, which
wild cattle through the streeeetns
dangerous practice is mofadlonfoltuhieu,leaadnidngthciist
slaughtering the animals att .11 A
was forbidden for the
in violation ofthis ri ate.. to the custom of
on or near the wharfs. This
future, and " all beef slau:,htered
prohibition shall, on proof of tht
same, be forfeited, one-fourth to the benefit of the in-
lorm3nt, and three-fourths to the Government, for the
support of the police of Honolulu."