The Sun.
London, England, 1847-04-24 00:00:00

LONDON, SATURDAY EVENING SU Ny APRIL 24, 1847.

COLOURED PHOTOGRAPHIC POR-
TRAITS, by Mr. BEARD, sole patentee.
55, King William-street, City; •
34, Parliament •street. Westminster; and
The Royal Polytechnic Institution, Regent-street.
" A picture is now speedily produced far, very far superior to say
obtained by former experiments."—Art-Union.
.` The resulting tableau will bear comparison with the best minia-
ture:"—Morning Chrontcle.

RAILWAY COMMI'T'TEES.
HOUSE OF COMMONS.—(YESTERDAY).
GROUP I.
The Select Committee appointed to consider the merits of
the schemes comprised in this group re-assembled, at the usual
hour this morning in Room 30; Mr. W. 0. Stanley in the
chair.

THE BRIGHTON MID KENT SCHEME.
Mr. Hawkshaw, the engineer of the Manchester and Leeds
Railway Company, was called to confirm the evidence of Mr.
Sherrad. lie preferred the Brighton line, notwithstanding
the gradients were not so good as on the South-Eastern line,
because the Brighton fine was more direct than the South-
Easton.
Mr. Cubitt, the engineer in chief of the Brighton Mid-
Kent line, confirmed the testimony of Mr. Hawksbaw and
Mr. Sherrad. The gradients on the Brighton line were not
so good as that of the South-Eastern, but the Brighton line
was shorter than the South- Eastern, and that saving would
more than counterbalance the bad gradients.
This closed the case for the Brighton Company.
The landholders' opposition was then gone into.
The Committee then adjourned till twelve o'clock on Mon-
day.

GROUP V.
The Committee met at twelve; present, Lord Harry Vane,
Chairman ; Hon. M. Gore, Hon. J. Sutton, Mr. Rice, and
Sir E. Filmer.

WINDSOR., STAINES, AND SOUTH-WES.
TERN (RICHMOND TO WINDSOR.).

WINDSOR. ST EiZNEs, AND SOUTH-V.IES.

TERN (STAINES TO ASCOT, 6.c.)

The case for the promoters having been closed,
Mr. KENNEDY proceeded to address the Committee on be-
half of proprietors opposing the Richmond and Windsor line.
Mr. GURNEY, Q.C., then proceeded with the case of the
road surveyors of Isleworth, against the proposed lines, and
called witnesses to show that the roads at certain points
would be disadvantageously affected by alterations on ac-
count of the railway.
A number of witnesses were called and examined by Mi.
Gurney, Q.C., and Mr. Burke, on the part of opposing land•
owners along the line, and these closed the case for the op•
ponents.
The Committee, as thiGreat Western were not prepared
to go on with their Bills to-day, adjourned till Monday, at
twelve.

also be considerable shipments of stone, he had no doubt, both
at Sutton and Lynn. The Ambergate line, he asserted, was
to be a single line; but
Mr. Sergeant CLARK stated that this was a mistake, as the
hne was to be a double one, and all the contracts were already
made.

Mr. West, a landed gentleman, residing at Lincoln, stated
that he was intimately acquainted with the district and the
property around Sleaford. He also attended the Wakefield
market, and could say that a great part of the produce from
that portion of Lincolnshire went there for sale. Of Lynn he
could not say much ; but ho was intimate with both Boston
and Spalding; and he had no hesitation in saying, that
taking a circle, of which the radius was seven miles from
Slaaford, the chief mart is that town, and if the branches
were constructed the land would be rendered much more
valuable. About 50,000 quarters of corn are now annually
sold in Sleaford market, and the area from which it is drawn
is about 98,000 acres, of which about 65,000 are at present
under the plough. The corn sold consisted of wheat, barley,
oats, and beans.

On the requisition of the Chairman,
Mr. West produced a copy of the estimates on which his
evidence was given, and from it he stated that the extent of
land actually under tillage is 63,640 acres, leaving 4,120
acres in fallow. For these acres, on the usual calculation of
12 bushels per acre, there would be required for them 253,440
bushels, or 4,424 tons. This, of course, is beyond the amount
made in the district itself. In addition to this manure, there
would be a large quantity of oil cake brought into
the district. At present the price of wheat at Sleaford is two
or three shillings a quarter lower than it is at Newark, and
if these branches were made, the produce would not only in-
crease the amount of the produce, but enhance the price, and
give facilities for carrying it to distant markets. Lynn is at
present a large import place, but the linseed cake domes
chiefly from Hull and Gainsborougb. Many of the crushing
mills are on the banks of the Trent. At present it comes by
a circuitous route, and costs 12s. a ton for carriage; while by
the proposed railway of the Direct Northern Company the
distance would not be more than 40 miles, and the expense
not more than five or six shillings.
After the conclusion of Mr. Sergeant Wrangham's exami-
nation in chief,
Mr. Sergeant CLARK inquired whether the witness was not
a traffic taker for the London and York Company, to which
he replied that he was not so, but had been engaged to esti-
mate the agricultural produce of some of the districts through
which their line was to pass. There are at the present mo-
ment several crushing mills at Nottingham, bat the bone
manure he believed to come from Newton and the Gainsbo-
rough district. After much further cross-examination as to
the probably increased value of the land from the ictended
line, to which Mr. West replied that he believed the Direct
Northern to be the best line, Mr. James ascertained that
the line would pass for three or four miles through the Mar-
quis of Bristol's property. In the witness's opinion. the district
north of a line, drawn west to east from Sleaford to Newark,
was much more productive than that south of it, and this
communication would give the facility for getting north-
wards. The distance between Gainsborough is about 45
miles, and this line will shorten it by about two miles. Bos-
ton is of no use for the supply of seed cake, as it never came
there. Much further cross-examination ensued on the several
capabilities of Lincolnshire for agricultural produce, and the
opportunities which the respective lines of the Direct Nor-
thern and the Ambergate Companies would give for its trans-
mission.
After some further evidence the Committee adjourned till
Monday.

DRURY-LANE THEATRICAL
FUND DINNER.
This annual festival took place at the Freemason's Tavern
last evening. His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge
was in the chair. His Royal Highness was supported by the
Conde de Montemolin, the Marquis of Villafranca, the Duke
de Medina Sidonia, Col. Don Francisco Antonio Merry (in
the suite of the Conde de Montemolin), his Grace the Duke
of Beaufort, K.G.,the Marquis of Downshire, the Earl of
Charleville, the arl of Munster, General Viscount Comber-
mere, G.C.8., Lord Tenterden, Lord Muskerry, Lord John
Manners, M.P., General Sir Andrew Barnard, G.C.8., Sir W.
de Bathe, Bart., Sir Thomas Howe, Bart., Sir Paul Jodvell,
Bart., Mr. Sheriff Kennard, Captain Chappell, R.N., Captain
C. Cooke, Quentin Dick, Esq., M.P., W. Collett, Esq., M
J. F. Elphinstone, Esq., M. Gore, Esq., M.P.,T. Hussev, Esq.,
M.P., C. J. Roberts, M.D., A. Bunn, Esq., J. Strutt, L‘q , G.
Whateley, Esq., and several other noblemen and gentlemen.
The musical arrangements were under the direction of Mr.
J. L. Hatten, assisted: by the following ladies and gentle-.
men :—Miss Rainforth, Miss Poole, Miss Sarah Flower, Mrs.
Weiss, the Misses Williams, Miss Messent, Miss Rebecca
Isaacs, and Miss Bassano ; Mr. W. Harrison, Mr. Travers,
Mr. Burdini, Mr. Borrani, Mr. Bodda, Mr. Weiss, Mr. Binge,
Mr. Rafter, Mr. D. W. King, Mr. J. W. Roe, Mr. Stretton,
Mr. Paul Bedford, Mr. S. Nelson, Mr. Hobbs, Mr. Machin,
Mr. Hill, Mr. C. E. Horn, Mr. Kerridge, Mr. Bradbury, Mr.
Genge, and Mr. Kench.
The stewards were Mr. B. Webster, Mr. Cooper, Mr. Will-
mott, Mr. J. Vining, Mr. P. Bedford, Mr. J. Bland, Mr. G.
Wieland, Mr. Howell, Mr. G. Ellis, Mr. Cathie, Mr. S.
Jones, Mr. Honner, Mr. C. Selby, Mr. Hudson, Mr. Brindal,
Mr. 0. Smith, Mr. W. West.

A six o'clock upwards of 200 gentlemen sat down to din-
ner. The gallery and several seats at the back of the room
were occupied by ladies.
The usual loyal and national toasts having been given
(Lord Combermere; responded to the toast the " Army
and Navy"),
The Duke of BEAUFORT proposed the " Health of the
Chairman," which was drunk with three times three.

His Royal Highness, the CMAIR3I" in returning thanks,
said that the institution had been originally founded by
David Garrick in the year 1766, that for a time it had
flourished, but that at last it had fallen into the sere and

yellow leaf. In 1814 an effort was made to revive it. His
late brother, the Duke of York, had presided at that festival,
and from that time the institution had gone on prosperously.
So long as the Duke of York lived, he had presided at their
annual festival. The Duke of Sussex had then presided, and
he (the Duke of Cambridge)had at first presidea as the sub-
stitute for his late beloved brother, who had been prevented
by illness from attending their festival Since his brother's
death, he had presided over them, and so long as his life
should be spared, he would continue to do so.—(Cheers.)
They' had' never hitherto met without having a Member of the
Royal Family as their chairman. His Royal Highness having
explained the nature of the institution and having passed
a high eulogium on the manner in .which the affairs of the
Institution were conducted. concluded by proposing the
health of their illustrious visitor, the Conde de Blontemolin,
and thanks to him for haying honoured them with his pre-
sence.—(Loud cheers.)
The toast having been drunk with three times three,
The CONDE DE MONTEMOLIN rose to return thanks. His
Royal Highness, who spoke in English, was very indistinctly
heard in that part of the Hall in which we were located. We
understood his Highness to say, that he thanked the com-
pany for the kindness with which they had received the
toast, and that he felt highly gratified at the opportunity
which was thus afforded him of assuring them of the admira-
tion which he entertained of the English drama.—(Cheers.)
He had, in studyingthe English language, paid great attention
to the works of the immortal Shakspere, and of the English
dramatists, and he entertained an ardent admiration for
them. He had by those studies learned to appreciate the
innate nobility of the mind of Shaltspere—(Cheers)—and to
entertain a respect for those who devoted their talents to the
illustration of his works.—(Cheers.) He cordially thanked
them for the manner in which they had received his health.
The following song, written expressly, by J. W. Roe, Esq.,
for this occasion, and adapted to a Spanish national melody,
by Mr. Hatten, was then sung by Miss M. Williams, and
rapturously encored :
Tho gorgeous the splendour that twineth
Round the state of the monarch, I trow,
Yet a far purer influence refineth
The scene that we gaze upon now;
For the fair gem of charity shineth
Bright, unclouded on royalty's brow.
Welcome, welcome, royal stranger;
Welcome to our feast to-day.
Tho' darkness and gloom may be hiding
The splendour that once shone so bright,
And the clouds that above us are riding,
May turn the fair day into night,
Yet, let charity still be abiding,
We need seek for no holier light.
Welcome, welcome, &e.
The CHAIRMAN then proposed" The health of the Master
and Treasurer, Mr. Harley." Drunk with three times three.
Mr. HARLEY then rose, and spoke as follows.;—
" May it please your Royal Highness, my Lords, and
Gentlemen—Upon these anniversaries, though necessarily
involving details of privation and sorrow, I have been accus-
tomed to meet you with congratulations and smiles ; indeed,
I have only to look around this assembly to see that charity,
like her kindred virtues, is as cheerful as the day. It has
been facetiously said that, with Englishmen, one good work
is generally preluded by another; to wit, a good dinner.—
(Laughter.) And why not? The enjoyment of a blessing
(and a most substantial blessing is a good dinner!), while it
warms the grateful heart of its recipient, brings into forcible
and sympathetic contrast the object of its privation. These
festivals have invariably been turned to the account of benevo-
lence; every feast has proved a merry prologue to what, as
regards my indigent brethren, might, I fear, have otherwise
been a fast.—( Applause.) It is not my intention to recapi-
tulate the history of the Drury-lane Theatrical Fund.
Your Royal Highness. thanks to your long-continued pre-
sidency and munificent', knows full well that it originated
in the purest philanthropy; that it has been patronised with
a liberality and a zeal every way worthy of its high deserts ;
and 1 believe I may add, that its resources have been de-
voted to those salutary purposes contemplated by its im-
mortal founder. And very many of you, my Lords and
Gentlemen, whose bounty has replenished its coffers, and
whose presence has gladdened this social board, need not be
reminded of its importance and usefulness. Yet I should be
wanting in respect to the new patrons that I have the
honour and happiness to see assembled here this day, i
I did not, with all possible brevity, select a few prominentf
points, in order that I might satisfy their judgments
while I appealed to their benevolence. It was hard,
thought David Garrick, that while other liberal pur-
suits had their asylums for decayed members, the his-
trionic art should stand insulated in its destitution.
Experience had taught him the difficulty and uncer •
tainty of his profession' that where one, like himself, should
start into immediate and brilliant popularity, the great ma-
jority must be content with moderate success, which success
was still only to be attained by incessant labour and study;
that sudden and uncontrollable contingencies might cast the
actor from the proudest eminence, or incapacitate him in a
humbler sphere ; what then would be his fate in the wreck of
his means and the winter of his days?—(Hear.) Opulent
beyond the possibility of a reverse, in fortune and in fame,
that great master of the human passions devoted the influence
of his high position, and most liberally the ample resources
cf his purse, to the endowment of this fund ; and from the
illy this long-desired opportunity was afforded the actor
of making a gradual and economical provision for the
future, the profession has risen in public estimation. That
the drama, like other national institutions, has its reverses,
many of its professors can too painfully testify. Yet the
cloud
,that pattially obscures it, I confidently expect, will
pass away, and that a splendid revival of its ancient glories
will greet every admirer of impassioned eloquence and
classic taste.—(Loud applause.) It cannot fail to be pecu-
liarly gratifying to the patrons of this institution that
Drury-lane -Theatre, the honoured temple of Garrick's
fame, has never ceased to solicit and to receive public
patronage. During recent seasons many members have
been admitted as subscribers to this fund. Every ap-
plication that can be fairly entertained is respectfully
welcomed. As the almoners of an important trust, we are
bound to maintain in all its integrity that which is confined
to our care; and if ever we have been induced to deviate
from the strict letter of prescribed rules, our apology must
be the imperative and unforseen misfortune whose appeal
for temporary relief it was found impossible to resist.—(Ap-
plause.) I stand not here to take any credit for my brethren
and myself for having honestly done that, which our duty
commanded us honestly to d 0„,,, But at these, I may be
allowed to say, annual audits, saen you reasonably expect
some account of our stewardship, it would be wrong to
withhold from you the pleasing truth that this fund still
continues to fulfil all the benevolent intentions of its founder,
that many of your old favourites are the grateful objects of
its delicate and unostentatious bounty, and that a large
number of subscribers would, at this moment, be entitled to
its benefits, should necessity compel them to have recourse
to that last trying necessity.—(Great applause.) That two
institutions, devoted to similar objects of benevolence, should
for along series of years maintain a friendly and most praise-
worthy rivalry in doing good is alike honourable to both.
The Drury-lane and Covent-garden Theatrical Funds
have pursued their charitable course in perfect amity
and with mutual good wishes. A third, animated
by a kindred spirit, has recently put in its claim
to public patronage. Far from regarding this new
institution with jealous apprehension, we hail it with
hearty and cordial commendations.—(Applause.) Her
Majesty has been graciously pleased to transmit for the use
of this fund a donation of fifty pounds.—(Loud cheering).
We hail this noble gift, not only as an important addition to
our means, but as a proof of her approbation and sympathy.
With united prayers for her health, and that of her august
consort and family, we most gratefully receive the munifi-
cence of' our Sovereign.—(Cheers.) Honeyed phrases of flat-
tery would ,ill express our feelings for your Royal Highness.
You have done this institution good service and great honour.
You have advocated its cause, contributed to its resources,
and
by your presence sanctioned the generous enthAsestasm, the
well-tempered hilarty of its festive anniversa
plause.) This devotion of high rank and princely opulence
to the sacred duties of philanthropy is the true touchstone
of exalted virtue, the sure indication of a right spirit spiritanda
noble mind. This, Sir, is your well-merited eulogium.
Take it, with every blessing that gratitude can invoke
(Loud and continued applause). Not only are our veterans
—and here I would respectfully remark that by economy and
prudence having fairly entitled themselves to the benefits of
this fund, they are too poor not to avail themselves of its
resources; too proud to desire that their necessities should be
published to gratify heartless curiosity ; not only are they
moderately provided for during the brief remnant of their
sojourn here, but when lite's curtain has dropped, their
widows receive a yearly stipend more consistent with our
often too limited means than with their actual requirements,
and their children that support and protection of which the
orphan stands so much in need. This, your Royal highness,
my lords, and gentlemen, is my case. Let not, I , pray you,
the interests of my clients suffer from the inability of their
pleader.—(Great applause.)
The health of the Vice-Presidents was then drunk.
The Earl of CHARLEVILLE returned thanks.
The TREASURER then read the first list of subscriptions,
amounting to 647/.los including her Majesty the Queen;so/. ;
his Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge, 251. ; the Conde
de Montemolin, 10/. ; the Marquis of Villafranca, 5L
Col. Don Francisco Antonio Merry, Si. ; the Duke of
Beaufort, 20/. ; Lord Saltoun 51. • Lord Tenterden, 5 guineas;
Lord Ernest Bruce, 51.; Sir 'P. joddell, 5/. ; the Earl of Car-
digan, 10/. ; M. Gore, Esq., M.P., 5/. ; Sir W. de Bath, a.;
Miss Burdett Coutts, 20/. ; J. W. Roberts, Esq., 51311!neas
Alfred Bunn, Esq., 10 guineas ; J. Strutt, Esq , 10 guineas;
P. Borthwick, Esq., KT., 5 guineas biz Sheriff Xennard,