The Sun.
London, England, 1840-05-18 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, MONDAY, MAY 18, 1840.

LAW INTELLIGENCE.

COURT OF QUEEN'S BENCH, MAY 16.
BREACH OF PROMISE OF MARRIAGE..-JACKSON V.

SH A RPE.
Mr. C. Phillips, Mr. V. Lee, and Mr. Keating, ap-
peared for the plaintiff ; Sir F. Pollock for the defendant.
This was an action to recover compensation in da-
mages for an alleged breach of promise of marriage.
The damages were laid at 1,0001.
It appeared that the plaintiff is a young lady of the
age of twenty-eight, one of five daughters, whose mo-
ther carried on an extensive business at a children't
dress and linen warehouse in Regent-street. All the
daughters were engaged and interested in the concern.
The defendant is thirty-eight years old, and is one of
the largest manufacturers of table cutlery in the metro-
polis, his business being conducted in Gough-square,
Fleet-street. The Misses Jackson were in the habit of
attending St. Bride's church, Fleet-street, on the Sun-
day morning, and in the evening they went to Trinity
church, Gough-square. One Sanday, when the young
ladies were waiting in the porch of the former church,
during a storm of rain, the defendant very politely
offered them the loan of his umbrella. A short time
after the plaintiff was walking with Mrs. Hooper, an
intimate friend of the family, when they were overtaken
by the defendant, who, placing himself between, they
walked some distance together. Soon after this
he called at Mrs. Hooper's, and in the course of
conversation inquired of that lady whether the plain-
tiff had been religiously educated, and whether
she was industriously disposed ? To these queries
Mrs. Hooper replied in the affirmative, and added, that
she had neither father nor brother, that her mother
was in very ill health, and with infirmities daily increas-
ing, and that. the family were without fortune. She
also expressed a hope that if the defendant had an idea
of paying her attention, he would act towards her with
honour and veracity. She further said, that the fa-
mily, by their own exertions, were in the enjoyment of
a comfortable competence, and besought him to weigh
weigh well any steps he might contemplate with regard
to the plaintiff. However, the defendant pressed his
suit, until, in a short time, he was openly received as
the accepted lover of the young lady, who, with her
sisters, constantly dined and supped at his house after
church on the Sunday, whilst he in turn frequently
rook his meals at her mother's. He had also intro-
duced his own family to the plaintiff, and to her nephew
and sisters. In fact, his attentions were unremitting,
whilst his professions of attachment were of the most
honourable character. He took her to church with him
for a considerable time, and she occupied, by his desire,
the scat which had formerly been filled by his first wife.
In the month of July last, Mrs. Jackson was so ill as to
render it necessary that she should go to Norwood.
Thither he accompanied those members of the
family who went with her, and he was so constant in
his visits as to go twice pr thrice every week. It was
during this sojourn in the country by the plaintiff that
the defendant had commenced a series of letters, from
which, if there had been any want of proof of the
position in which the parties stood with regard to each
other, abundant evidence was to be collected, showing
that the defendant was engaged to that lady as her in-
tended husband. (Some of, these letters, which were
read in evidence, we subjoin ) At length, by one of
those letters, that dated the 14th of February is the
present year, the defendant, it appeared, had altered
his mind, and had resolved upon breaking off the con-
nection. Every means was at first used by the plaintiff
and her friends to ascertain how it was that he had
arrived at such a determination, but failing therein Mr.
Hooper called upon him to ask for an explanation. The
defendant, who was much confused, said he had been
taken so much by surprise that it was impossible for
him to enter into the matter at that time. The_fol-
lowing day was then appointed for a second meeting,
but on Mr. Hooper's arrival at home he found that the
defendant had written a letter (given in the evidence)
declining to hold any communication with him in
reference to the subject. Finding all attempts to
obtain explanation from the defendant in vain, the plain-
tiff gave her consent to the institution of the present
proceedings.
Several witnesses were examined in proof of these
statements, among others two sisters of the plaintiff,
and the following.
Richard A. Hooper,examined by Mr. C. PHILLIPS.—
In February this year, I called on the defendant, and
told him that I came at the request of Mrs. Jackson
and her daughter respecting his conduct to Miss Annas
Jackson. He said I had taken him so much by surprise
that he could not talk to me on the subject, and re-
quested that I would name another time to see him with
reference to it. I saw that he was disconcerted and
agitated, and it was ultimately arranged that I should
call on him the next day. The following letter ad-
dressed to me, however, I found on my return home, had
been sent in about ten minutes after I had left his
house. The letter was then put in and read. It was
in the following terms :
‘ 4,Gesoeungths his-sq mp
Gough-square,February.entsto m
l 4r,.1840.
Hooper
" Mr. Sharpe‘ presents
and upon re-considering the appointment for to-morrow
evening, begs to save Mr. H. the trouble of calling, as
he shall not be at home.
" Mr. Sharpe has formed a firm determination upon
the subject, and on a matter of so delicate a nature cer-
tainly does not hold himself responsible to any one, nor
could he allow the interference of a third person, nor
divulge his private feelings and reasons to any but a
member of his oan family.
" To Mr. Hooper."
Hannah Jackson.—l am also a sister of the plaintiff's.
I was at Norwood the whole time with my mother and
sister. The defendant was in the habit of coming down
to see the latter at least twice a week. He was re-
ceived by us all as her suitor.
Cross-examined by Sir F. POLLOCK-4 am the young-
est sister. We have been in Regent-street these three
years, but we have been nine years in the business. We
had a stall at the Sobo Bazaar for seven years.
J. J. Thornhill—l live in New Bond-street. I know
the defendant ; he is a maker of table-knives, and has
the most extensive trade, perhaps, of any man in Lon-
don, and I should say he was a man of considerable pro-
perty.

Mr. B. Broadwater—l am clerk to Dixon and Sans,
bankers, in Chancery-lane. The defendant keeps an
account at our house ; he keeps a highly respectable ac-
count.
The following letters were then put in and read.
" My dearest Annas—ln consequence of my father's
alarming state of health, I am sure you'll excuse my
not coming to Norwood this evening. I think that
you so far have confidence in me that you will not for a
moment imagine that lam neglecting you. lam sorry
to say he has taken to his bed again, and I really feel
apprehensive that we shall not have him left io us many
days. I hope you all continue very well, and that my
dear boy is as well as when I left you. All's well in
town except my dear father. Excuse my saying more,
as I wish this to reach you as early as possible. Give
my boy a kiss from me, and believe me, my dearest
girl, to remain, yours affectionately,
" RICHARD SHARPE.
" I hope to see you on Saturday evening. I intend,
please God, to come per railway.
" To Alias Annas Jackson."
" 4, Gough-square, July 26, 1639.
"My dear Annas,—lt was with with great
pleasure I received your delightful letter yesterday ;
really it did me much good. Of course I was anxiously
engaged in taking Tom to school. I left him at Miss
Gatty's last night, and I have no doubt in the world but
that be will be most comfortable there, and receive
every kindness and attention. ik tier I left him I paid
a visit to my father at Peckham Rye I found Lim
still very nervous, and really think that we cannot induce
him to stay more than a week, if we can do that. lam
sorry that my business will prevent me complying with
your kind proposal to come down at five instead
of seven o'clock ; but I have made up my
mind to spend Monday with you, which I hope will be
received as a compensation in your mind for all disap-
pointments. I saw Mary yesterday, and delivered your
message about Miss Pitcher's visit. They are all very
well in Regent-street, and desire their love to you all.
Mary was very cheerful, for she informed me that peo-
ple were pretty ready in paying her their accounts.
Your tales about. little Willy have made me laugh out
so audibly that Miss Murphy heard me ; but, of course,
the cause of my laughter was not told her. The rain
is now coming down in torrents, and I fear you have
bad weather at Norwood. I intend going to Peckham-
rye this evening again to see how my father is, and I
hope to find him more quiet, but I fear the dull day
will operate against him ; his state of health keeps us all
in great suspense and anxiety. We are now very dull
at Gough-square, particularly Miss Murphy, whose face
is twice as long as it usually has been, and that was
long enough, but perhaps she begins to.think that her
occupation is almost gone. Dear Annas, don't you
think I could arrange to leave little Willy with Mrs.
Bates during the month of August ? but don't say any-
thing about it to her at present, till I see you on Satur-
day. I must do something with him during the summer
months, and I really feel greatly obliged to you for your
kindness in taking him. I can never sufficiently repay
you.

- I don't know, dear girl, that I have anything more
to add, only that I am looking forward to Saturday
evening, when I shall again meet you. lam most
happy when lam with you. You are at all times in
my mind ; no one can love you more sincerely than I
do ; and I firmly believe that I am sincerely beloved
in return. lam not at all jealous of you ; I can trust
you at Norwood, or any other wood, amidst squires and
bachelors of all ages and degrees. 'Fill I again meet
you, may God bless you and keep you. Kiss my dear
boy, and believe me to remain your most affectionate

" RICHARD.

" To Miss Aonas Jackson."
" No. 9, Great New-street, Feb. 6, 1839.
" My dear Annas—l find I shall not be able to leave
business before seven o'clock this evening. I am really
very sorry, because it's so fine a day for the gardens ;
but I have several orders in hand that require my per-
sonal attendance to. Let us then fix on Monday next
to give our dear little Willy the treat that we bad in-

tended to-day. I saw and spent the evening with Tom,
and found him quite well and happy. He sends his
lore to you and Miss Betsy, and I have a kiss to give
each of you ; but I will tell you particulars when I see
you at half-past seven. Pray excuse haste, and believe
me your sincere lover, "RICHARD SHARPE.
" To Miss Annas Jackson."

[No date.]
"My Dearest--I received a note from you last night
so kind and endearing that I can't express to you what
good it has done to my wounded feelings. Breathing
such an affectionate spirit as it does, I should indeed be
very unfeeling did I not write you word this morning to
tell you how I am. I feel, and am, I believe, much the
same as yesterday ; I think I never suffered so much
from cold in my life, but surely a few days will set me
right. Do not expect me up this evening ; I shall be,
you know, much engaged in preprring for my dear boy's
return to school ; I purpose to take him to-morrow at
three o'clock. Mr. Nason will accompany me with his
liale William. I shall endeavour to be back in time for
church, but I can't positively say whether I shall be
able or not to do so; if not, 1 shall be back in time for
supper. I presume you will be at St. Bride's, as usua'.
I hope your mother continues to improve, but 1 think
she is very much altered in appearance for the
worst. Thomas Moore has sent me word to say
that he will be ready to accompany us to Peckham to-
morrow. lam really sorry that he intends going, for I
would rather not be troubled with such a trifling, ridi-
culous creature ; of course, I feel indignant at his be-
behaviour to you. But you know that there is one who
loves you above everybody, and who cherishes in his
bosom an affliction which nothing shall extinguish but
death itself. lam sorry you ask me to come up this
evening. Ido hope and trust you'll allow me to re-
main quiet a few nights : you know it is only for your
sake I do come. It will be some time before I can
conic with the easy feelings I have done. I think there
was something very unkind in our not being admitted
at the door in the manner I have been welcomed. lam
sure both the ring you gave and the knocks you gave
were heard, but the friendly hand to open the door was
purposely withheld. But endeavour, as you tell
me to forget it, so we'll say no more upon the subject ;
your loving and truly kind note has done me more rood
than anything I have taken. I have read it over fifty
times, and preserve it carefully; the children enjoyed
themselves very much till ten o'clock last night at Mr.
Batton's. Tom is highly pleased with, his chessmen.
Be kind enough to thank Mr. Rallies for him. They
arc gone with Miss Murphy to dine at Farringdon-
street this day ; an invitation has been sent me, but I
have declined it ; I must dine at New-street, and con:
fine myself entirely to slops and broths, and most parti-
cularly keep within doors. And now, my beloved girl,
I must draw to a conclusion, entreating you to put up
and look over any offence I may have given, and to
make the best apology you can for me whenever the sub-
ject is alluded to by your sister. I can't forgive myself
for my thoughtlessness, but I still remain,
" Your affectionate lover,
"To Miss Annas Jackson." "R. SHARPE."
" Dec. 3, 1839.
" My dear Annas—l find myself so very unwell this
evening that I dare- not venture up to Regent-street.
1 have caught a very severe cold. I hope to h ive the
pleasure of seeing you to-morrow evening. We are in
an unsettled state at New-street in consequence of the
house next door to us being in a dilapidated condition ;
it is to be taken down immediately, and our house re-
quires to be propped up in various directions ; of course
it much alarms my father and mother, and I believe we
shall be under the necessity of taking a house for them
—if so, I shall be obliged to take up my quarters at
New-street, which I do not at all covet. My father
wishes us to take for him the house that Mr. Martin

_ --.....
now occupies in Gough.square : he will leave at Christ-
mas, and I think it the most likely place for him ; of
course we must study to make him as easy in mind as
we possibly can. I can hardly see to write these lines ;
my eyes are as though they were filled with hot water ;
but I know you would feel grieved at my not assigning
any reason for not showing my unworthy countenance
to you this evening. Last night I went to bed early,
taking the usual remedies of warm water, stockings,
pills, gruel, flannel petticoats, tallow, jelly, &c., &c. ;
but I do not feel sufficiently relieved yet, and Nason
tells me that to go out to-night might bring on an in-
flammation, or something worse. I am sure you'll feel
for me, and would feel much pleasure in nursing me.
I am sure I should sooner recover under your treat-
ment than any one's. I hope you are well, and wishing
you, till I see you, every blessing God can give,
" I remain, dearest Annas,
"Your most affectionate and faithful,
" RICHARD, aged 86 years, 11 months, 364 days.
" To Miss Annas Jackson, 164, Regent-street."
"My dearest Annas—l have just tame to write you
a few lines to acquaint you, that in consequence of an
important appointment with my brother John this even-
ing I shall not be able to come up and spend the even-
ing with you, my dearest, but will call, please God, to-
morrow, if I can, for I have an appointment on Thorn-
hill's business at eleven o'clock in the Temple, so that
I may be late before I see you.
" Dear Tom is, I hear, very well ; Young Nason
goes as boarder to Miss Gatty's to-morrow, so that
Tom will have a companion related to him, which I am
very glad of.

"We are all pretty well. God bless you, and ao
cept of the sincere assurance of my truest affection.
" Remaining yours more than ever,
" Te Miss Annas Jackson." " R. S."
"4, Gough-square, Jan. 25, 1840.
" My dear Annas,—ln reply to your note before me,
I hope you'll not entertain the impression for a moment
in your mind that I do retain the least degree of ani-
mosity or ill-feeling ; k is impossible that I should; but
I do, and shall always, I am sure, maintain the most
friendly regard for you above any one ; but I really,
under present circumstances and sufferings in mind and
body, feel I cannot call at Regent-street, and my deter-
mination to remain in my present state as widower is
unshaken. I know the high responsibility under
which you would be bound, as the wife and as the
mother of my children ; the cares and troubles of
a wedded life, and the highmindedness and the ir-
ritability of disposition which you have so mani-
festly shown to me, particularly since Christmas day,
would so clash, that I dare not, I dare not, entertain the
idea of becoming united to you. My prayers shall
always be for your welfare and happiness. As long as I
live I shall ever regard your name with feelings of deep
interest, but I believe now that our union would not be a
happy one. I know my own weakness and bad temper,
and I feel and lament my own infirmities. But you speak
of an enemy in my house. You have no enemy here ;
I am certain you have not one ; no one dare to make
the slightest allusion in disparagement of3ou. I would
not have suffered that person to have stood before me
that I could have supposed to be one. All who know
you love and respect you. May you be happy, happy
for ever—think that this occurred for your good. Do
not indulge the thought of my altering my resolution ;
my home—my children— require me to act faithfully
and sincerely. Good night, and may God bless you
and keep you for ever and ever is the sincerest prayer
of, my dear Annas, yours truly,

~ RICHARD SHARPE

" Miss Annas Jackson."
This was the plaintiff's case.
Sir F. POLLOC K, in addressing the Jury for the de-
fendant, urged as a ground for the course he had pur-
sued, the irritability of temper of the plaintiff, and di-
rected the attention of the Jury to the fact of the
matter being broken off on the 14th, and the com-
mencement of the action on the 19th, only five days
afterwards, a circumstance which he submitted did not
show much grief on her part.
Lord D2NMA N said there was no doubt of the defen-
dant having broken his promise in this case, and of his
having done so without the least apparent ground. The
plaintiff, therefore, was entitled to full justice. at the
hands of the Jury.
The Jury returned a verdict for the plaintiff-
Damages, 225/. ; costs, 40s.

brought inneto of
was stated
lIOVINCIALrou ESTABLISHMENT.—At a din-
ner given last week at Bristol to the proprietors of the cotton
works b
opthereatin p
and his co-partners on stamps and cottons amounted to 4.6001.
per annum, and the parochial rates to 5201. average of
prooraitet thators thatcitytbneotta veryxe3
paid
dg
by agob, im i t
rt he wages to the workmen would, when the establishment was
in full operation, be 35,000/. a-year; the expense of flour to
stiffen the materials was 3,000/. a-year, and the annual con-
gumption of coals not loss than 10,000 tons. There were 609
girls employed of the ages of 13 and 14 years, and their average
earnings were 6s. per week; 113 boys received ss. 6d. ; 117
men from 130. to 503. ; and 119 women Bs. There are em-
ployed in the factory 920 persons, which, with 110 masons en-
gaged upon the building, make a total of 1,030. It is also
expected that the establishment will pay about 9,000/. a-year to
the shipping trade.
We are enabled to state that the Dolphin, a
three-gun brigantine, commanded by Lieutenant Littlehales,
will start in the course of two or three days for St. Helena, and
that she will be the hearer of instructions to General Middle-
more, the commander of that islands to take the necessary
measures for delivering up to the French Government the
mortal remains of Napoleon Lonaparte.
APPALLING DESTITUTION.—A farmer in the
parish of Perranzabuloe, having very recently had a pig in
course of feeding for a considerable time, which continued in
a very lean condition notwithstanding the most nutritious food
was given it in profusion, the whole of which it was supposed
to have eaten, suspicion was at length excited that the pig had
some intruders at meal times, and the farmer, in consequence,
determined to watch. The result was, immediately after the
meat was carried into the stye, a man was seen to enter it, car-
rying a basket; in a few seconds he came out, and made to-
wards his home, the farmer following at a distance. After
halting a few minutes at the window, the farmer opened till
ot afk
seuncho uat i
ttohre, sat ys e fi
go rhthe
vfea m
beenily' se rxeppeacstte
very
door, and walked in, when he found the wife preparing what
m
ehnatdrabneceen
much disconcerted the family ; but when the farmer, who is a
very humane individual, witnessed their distressing case, he
very soon quieted their fears, by assuring them that he com-
miserated their condition, and would do all that he could to
alleviate their distress. The next day he sent them provisions
to serve them at least a month, which were received with un-
feigned gratitude. It appears that the poor man had regularly
worked in one of the neighbouring mines, and had to receive a
,4 good pay-day " in a few days after the above occurrence ;
but not having any " stand by," was obliged to resort to the
above means to support life. After receiving his money, he
carried the whole of it to the farmer who had so opportunely
relieved him, but who would not receive the least compensation
for what he had done.— Cornwall Advertiser.

SPIRIT of the PUBLIC JOURNALS.

FROM THE MORNING PAPERS OF THIS DAY.
(From the Morning Post.)
The utmost exertions of Mr. O'Connell and of his de-
pendents in office will be directed this evening to defeat
Lord Stanley's Bill on the motion for going into Commit-
tee. Every Member of the House of Commons who at-
taches the least value to the constitutional principles of re-
presentation—every member who is unwilling that the le-
gitimate constituency of Ireland should continue to he
swamped, as it now is, by a rabble of unqualified voters,
who one their place on the registry to perjury or fraud—
every member who does not cnxiously desire to maintain
the supreme and despotic authority of Mr. O'Connell
over all the affairs of the British empire, will be
present to assist in frustrating the daring and pro-
fligate attempt. The assembly which, influenced by the
considerations to which we have adverted, adopted the
I principle of Lord Stanley's Bill, when it decided by a
majerity of sixteen in favour of the second reading, would
stultify and disgrace itself should it now, at the instigation
of Mr. O'Connell, refuse to attempt to give effect to that
principle. Every motive which existed to vote for the se-
cond reading must equally operate in favour of the ques-
tion for going into committee, and these motives are now
reinfore, d by that of maintaining before the people of Eng-
land a character for consistency and good sense.
( From the Morning Chronicle.)
The Irish Constituencies Disfi.anchisement Bill comes
before the House of Commons again to•ni, ht, when it
will afford the best possible test for distinguishing the true
Reformer from the false, and the friends of the Union
from its enemies. Ne true Reformer will countenance a
measure whic!,, even were it horn stly designed as a remedy
for abuse, is so contrived and framed as to inflict an injury
on the public interests, beyond all calculation more grie-
vous and alarming than the very worst evils alleged to
exist at present. But when it is kept in mind that a Bill,
so mischievous in its provisions, is characterised further by
an hypocrisy the most disgusting, we can imagine nothing
wanting to unite every man of honour and common pro-
bity in the determination to destroy it. With such a tissue
of malignity and treachery, what course is there to take
but to tear it piecemeal, and scatter it to all the winds?
(From the Morning Herald.)
In another column will be found the letter of a corres-
pondent, signed " S. S." expressing surprise, indignation,
and disc,ust, at reading " the monosyllabic reply of the
Prime Minister of England to the question put to him by
the Marqeis of Westmeath, on the subject of the atrocities
committed on the Jews at Damascus." We share in the
disgust and indignation of our correspondent, but not in his
surprise. We have long ceased to be astonished at any
neglect of duty or violation of good faith on the part of any,
or of all the men, in whose incompetent hands an inscru-
table Providence has for some wise ends placed the poli-
tical destinies of the British empire. The simple " no" of
Viscount Melbourne is a strange pendant to the positive
promise of Viscount Palmerston to transmit orders to the
British Representatives at Alexandria and Constantinople
to make every exertion that British remonstrance and in-
fluence could make, to put an end to the atrocious persecu-
tion of the Jews, at present, and obtain them some protec-
tion for the future.

(From the Times.)
The Romish priest, operating upon uneducated num-
bers, can, under a representative government, move the
political world at his will. Wi,hin the space a twenty-
one short years he has made himself lord and master of
one-third of the United Kingdom. It is from this monster
power that Lord Stanley strives to save " the people of
Ireland" and the Imperial Crown. He offers a real
constituency of independent and authorized electors, in-
stead of a sham one of priestridden puppets. He
offers an accountable and responsible body of voters, in-
stead of that which has no rightful vote, and no free
agency for the exercise of a lawful franchise, if they had
one. The present electors are actual paupers—are slaves
in the disguise of usurpers. The priests direct their votes,
and name their representatives. The Pope from the
Vatican rules his vicarious functionaries of Armagh, Dub-
lin, Cashel, Tuam, and the rest of them. A foreign priest,
therefore, with a foreign council, sitting in the centre of
the Papal continent, returns the majority of Irish Members
of Parliament,and administers the affairs of this Protestant
empire through the instrumentality of the most unprin-
cipled Cabinet that the nation ever saw. To this enormity
Lord St,inley's Bill presents one definite, appropriate, and
powerful engine of broad and durable resistance.
( From the Morning Advertiser.)
Both Cambridge and Ludlow require some time and
process to sweeten their corruption. It will be observed
that the Tory Member for Cambridge was unseated by a
decision of the Committee, on the ground of bribery and
treating by his agents. This is the second case of bribery
which has been exposed in the course of the present Ses-
sion, the former case being that of Ludlow. These expo-
sures give rise to serious reflections on the demoralised
state of the English constituencies. Under the former
system of election, bribery was sufficiently notorious ; and
one great argument in favour of the Reform Bill was,
that it would put an end to such disgraceful practices ;
that even if the old corrupt burgesses were retained, they
would be shamed into honesty by the sound moral sense of
the middle classes. But it now appears that the taint has
gone too deep for eradication, and that it is even infecting
those who were supposed to be beyond its influence. The
system of treating is even more gross and shameful than
that of bribery.

MONEY MARKET and CITY NEWS

(SATURDAY EVENING )
TIME S.—. The result of the debates of last night on
the budget is the all-engrossing topic of discussion in the
city. While some complain of the addition of 10/. per
cent to the asseised taxes, and the new survey for the ievy
of the window rate, as faking particularly heavy on the
middle classes—and it is pretty generally believed that
the measure will make the Ministers extremely unpopular
—some are of opinion that direct taxation is better than
any other method, and that, as money is to be raised, this
plan is the most feasible. It must be understood that ap-
provals of this kind are merely on the principle that ore-
sent difficulties must be got out of some way or other,
and by no means extend to an excuse for the mismanage-
ment by which those difficulties were created. The addi-
tion of five per cent. to the Customs is regarded with a
different feeling by various parties connected with the
celonies. Some consider an increase of duty as decidedly
hostile to their interests, as tending to a diminution in
the consumption. Others, with quite a eontrary view,
consider that on articles which are both of colonial and
foreign produce, the increase will, in some cases, ope-
rate favourably for the coloniste. This would be par-
ticularly so in the cases of Canadian and Baltic tim-
ber, and East and West India produce, when the in-
crease of five per cent, being levied on the duty already
paid, would necessarily fall lighter on those paying a
low than a high duty, and thus the foreigner would be
further removed than ever from a competition with
the colonist. At all event?, whatever has been the feel-
ing with respect to the principle of taxation, the manner
in which it has been applied has caused the greatest sur-
prise in the commercial world. The demand of the col-
lector of 5 per cent. on the existing custorn-house duties
was made this morning in consequence of the resolution of
the House of Commons, and by the suddenness of this de-
mand parties were put to the greatest inconvenience,
and considerable losses ensued, inasmuch as many had
sold their goods already, under the expectation of paying
the usual duties, and of course had to make up the dif-
ference to their own detriment. The suddenness of
this change is wholly unprecedented, duties being
hitherto, with scarcely an exception, levied by Act of
Parliament, and not by a mere resolution of the house,
and have. always commenced at the quarter or half-quarter
day, so that parties were fully prepared to meet any varia-
tion. It is said that petitions are under a course of signa-
ture by merchants and other persons, to be presented to
Parliament in a day or two, praying a postponement of
the measure till an Act shall be passed. Such an un-
business-like and oppressive proceeding is in every way
worthy of the present Ministry.
The effect of the resolution in the English stock-
market has naturally been a rise in the price of Consols,
and a great activity in purchasing, now there is no longer
a notion of cre.ating new stock.
This has been a day of great excitement in the share-
market The knowledge that there will be no immediate
call for money in the shape of a loan, the removal of the
idea that some new tax might he levied on railroads, and
the easiness of money, have all led to extensive purchases
in shares, and some of the oldest jobbers predict from the
present state of things, a period of " wild specuLtion."
Great Western opened at 264 to 71 premium, at which
price they closed, after a temporary decline of 1/. Bir.
rningham are 83 to 5 ; Brighton, 4A to 4 discount; Black.
wall, 2 to a premium.

POST.—The financial statement of Mr. Baring being
calculated to dissipate all fear of a further loan for the pre-
sent, there 'A as a material advance at the Stock Exchange,

HERALD.—The certainty now acquired, from the
presentation of the Budget, that no loan would be re-
quired or new stock created, had the natural effect of im-
provirg the market for English stocks, and Consols at one
time were one per cent. higher than the closing prices of
y:sterdc

Miss White, housekeeper at Windsor Castle,
expired at ono o'clock yesterday morning, at Windsor Castle,
after a short illness, in her 68th year. Miss White was ap-
pointed, in the first instance, housekeeper to the Pavillion, at
Brighton, and was highly arid deservedly respected by the
Royal household, during the long period of 25 years in the ser-
vice of their late Majesties George IV. and William IV., and
of her present Majissty.
WOOD PA VEMENT.—Oxford-street is all at-
traction. Crowds are daily assembling to witness the pieces
of wood pavement near Berners-street, just completed on the
principle of that laid down at Whitehall. The comfort it
affotds to foot passengers, on account of its being free from
noise, mud, and dust, ensures its general adoption, and must
eventually snake the thoroughfares of our metropolis the pro-
menades of rank and fashion.
ROTA I. WIVES IN THE EA ST.—His four
wives, all very handsome, burnt themselves with his body,
as did five of his Cachemirian slave girls, one of whom,
who was called the Lotus, or Lily, I often saw last year
in my first visit to Lahore. Everything was done to pre-
vent it, but in vain. They were guaranteed in their
rank and in all their possessions, but they insisted upon
it; and the account from the European officers who were
present describes as the most horrible sight. The
four wives seated themselves on the pile with Runjeet
head on their laps ; and his principal wife desired Kurruek
Sing, Runjeet's son and heir, and Dheean Sing, the late prime
minister, to come to her upon the pile, and made the former
take the Maharajah's dead hand in his own, and swear
to protect and favour Dheean Sing as Runjeet Sing
had done ; and she made the latter swear to bear the same true
true allegia ice to the son which he had faithfrlly borne to his
father. She then set fire to the pile with her own hands, and
they are dead—nine living beings having perished together
without a shriek or a groan. Dheean Sing threw himself
twice on the pile, and said he could not survive his master, but
was dragged away by main force.— Osborne's Court and Camp
e/ Runjeet Sing.
A few days ago, on opening the box placed in
the hospital of the Hotel Dieu, at Lyons, for receiving alms,
there were found in it nine bank notes of 250 f. each, tied up in
a bundle.

THIRD REPORT FROM THE SE-
LECT COMMITTEE ON RAILWAY COMMU-
NICATION; TOGETHER WITH THE PRO.
CEEDINGS OF THE COMMITTEE.

-
The Select Committee appointed to inquire into the State
of Communication by Railways, to whom several Peti-
tions were referred. and who were empowered to report
their Observations, together with the Minutes of Evi-
dence taken before them from time to time, to the
House, have further considered She matters to them re-
ferred, and have to report--
That they have now proceeded with an important branch
of their inquiry, which the Committee of the last Session
felt to be still incomplete, namely, "the power which has
been given by the Legislature to Railway Companies, and
the probable effect which the exercise of this power will
have upon the intercourse of the country and the general
convenience of the public."
The investigation of this subject demonstrates beyond
all doubt that Parliament was anxious to prevent Railway
Companies from obtaining at, exclusive control over the
conveyance of Passengers and Goods along their respec-
tive lines ; and by a reference to Railway Acts, it will be
seen that provisions have been carefully inserted in all cf
them, for the purpose of protecting the public against the
establishment of a monopoly, the evils of which Perlis-
merit appears to have apprehended.
At the time, however, when the first Acts by which the
sanction of Parliament was given to any extensive lines of
Railway comniunication, the subject was very imperfectly
understood ; powers were consequently conceded to these
Companies, which counteracted and rendered of no avail
the evident purposes of the Legislature, whilst on the
other hand conditions were imposed on them which tended
seriously to endanger the safety of the public, and to im-
pair the efficiency of this new means of intercourse. The
original error consisted in a total misapprehension of the
best means of providing locomotive power on Railways :
Parliament at first considered that this might be safely left
to be supplied by public competition ; and its measures
were accordingly framed with the view of affording a free
scope to all persons who might be willing to engage in
such an undertaking. The general impression in Pa,-
liament appears to have been, that there existed a close
analogy between the principles which govern the means of
conveyance by Railway and by Canal, and this indeed ap-
pears to have been the opinion of the Railway Proprietors
themselves. Parties soliciting Railway Bills have fre
quently doclared that they required no monopoly; that
they considered themselves to be merely toll proprietors,
and that it was neither their desire nor for their interest,
to undertake the conveyance of passengers and goods over
the lines of road which they proposed to construct.
The Legislature, in its anxiety to prevent a monopoly
which was not sought even by the promoters of the Bills,
enacted that any person might place and run his own en.
gines, carriages, and waggons on a Railway, subject to the
payment of certain tolls, but under such regulations as
might be made by the Company. With the same view it
was provided that die owners and occupiers of adjoining
lands should have free access to the Railway, and alight
make Branch Lines to join the Company's Line, in which
case the Company should be bound to make an opening
for the Branch Line, charging the cost cf this work to the
parties requiring the accommodation. Rights were also
given to Lords of Manors and other owners of contiguous
land to erect wharfs, and they were further empowered to
use the Railway as far as their own land extended, without
being liable to any payment of toll (a pi ivilege obviously
useless, except under the supposition that such land-
owners need not apply to the Company for locomotive
power); while the beneficial use which they might make
of Railways, in the cheap conveyance of their produce to
a distant market, and in bringing manure and materials for
their lands and buildings, was frequently stated to be the
chief inducement for allowing their property to be inter-
sected, and their lands purchased.
Parliament, in pursuance of the same erroneous view,
considered that it had sufficiently provided for the inte-
rests of the public, when it had limited the amount of
tolls, and enacted that these should be regularly published,
by being affixed in conspicuous parts of the toll-houses;
rates for the carriage of various articles, such as lime-
stone, coal, manure, timber, corn, cotton, &c., were evi-
dently limited with the same intention of guarding the pub-
lic against an arbitrary charge. It is obvious that all these
restrictions and limitations were useless, except under the
supposition that there should be a free competition among
the parties supplying the locomotive power.
In the first instance, undoubtedly, many Railway Pro-
prietors believed that they were to derive their profits and
the return for the outlay of their capital from tolls only,
and that it was not for their interest to he engaged in the
carriage of passengers or goods. Great difficulty, how-
ever, was found in adhering to this principle, since
parties unconnected with the Railway were not willing
to embark their capital in an establishment of engines and
carriages under such regulations as were deemed neces-
sary by the Companies. Further experience also taught
Railway Directors that they could not, with due regard to
the efficiency of their Railway, and to the convenience
and safety of the public, allow rival parties to place arid
run engines and carriages on the same lines. It was
eventually acknowledged that these lines of communica
Lion must be placed under one undivided control and
authority, and that any departure from this principle would
be attended with the greatest injury to their property and
inconvenience to the public, if not with more calamitous
results. The Committee of last Sessien directed their
attention to this point, and after a careful and lengthened
inquiry, they recorded their deliberate opinion, " That it
is indispensable, both for the safety and convenience of
passengers and the public, to prohibit, as far as locomotive
power is concerned, the rivalry of competing partici on
the same line of Railway, although such prohibition in-
volves the continuance of the monopoly."
It is unnecessary here to repeat the grounds on which this
opinion is founded; but your Committee beg to state to
the House that they entirely agree with the conclusion
come to by the Committee of last Session, and that fur.
thcr investigation has only strengthened the reasoning and
confirmed the correctness of the opinion above recorded.
If, then, it is acknowledged that Railway Companies
must be confirmed in the possession of an exclusive autho-
rity and management over their own line, and that they arc to
be allowed an entire monopoly in providing and regulating
the locomotive power, it becomes obvious that die inten-
tions of the Legislature, and the provisions inserted in ail
the Railway Acts for the purpose of counteracting mono-
poly, have been unavailing ; and that, so far from now en-
forcing those intentions by any additional legislation, Par-
liament should abandon a course which could only render
these groat lines of communication, inefficient and unsafe.
While your Committee recommend that such addi-
tional and extensive powers should be sanctioned and se-
cured to Railway Companies, they would call the im-
mediate attention of the House to the considera-
tion of such measures as may, with due regard to tire
interest of the Companies, best protect the public, and
afFord .to the community some guarantee of equivalent
advantage, in return for the private rights which have been
interfered with. In explaining their views on this subject,
your Committee will, for the sake of clearness, divide the
question into two branches ; first, as regards the convey-
ance of passengers; and, secondly, as regards the car-
riage of cattle and goods by Railway.
THE CONVEYANCE OF PASSENGERS BY RAILWAY,
When Parliament limited the tolls to be charged for
passengers on Railways, it was obviously with the intention
of securing to the public the means of rapid conveyance on
reasonable terms ; and it is equally clear, that if the Com-
panies are to remain the monopolists of the locomotive
porter, aid are unlimited in their charge, the passengers
may be subjected to any amount of fares which the Rail-
way Directors may think fit to impose. On the London and Birmingham, and several other Railways, this is not
the case, since it appears that clauses have been introduced
into their Acts, limiting the total amount of charge for a
passenger to the sum of 3.W. a mile.
Several witnesses have endeav ,urcd to maintain, that
the fear of exorbitant charges on the part of Railway Com-
panins is imaginary ; for that the real interests of these
great establishments must always be identical with those
of the public ; and that there is no danger that the Com-
panies should ever neglect the convenience of the passen-
gers, from whose favour and custom their pans are
chiefly derived.
Your Committee are in no way inclined to underrate the
spirit of enlightened liberality and enterprise by which
the Directors of these establishments have been usually
animated ; but it must be observed, that when Parliament
carefully fixed the maximum rate of tolls, and enacted that
these should be regularly published, this step was taken
with the manifest intention of guarding the public against
any arbitrary charge ; and under the present acknow-
ledged monopoly of Railway Proprietors, it become,
equally incumbent on the Legislature to secure the public
against the possibility of any unreasonable exaction.
The most obvious method of securing this object would
be, to limit by law the charge for locomotive power, and
to provide against unreasonable demands on the part of
Railway Companies for the carriage of luggage, and the
accommodation afforded at the stations. The Com-
mittee of last Session accord:ngly directed their attention
to ascertain the cost of locomotive power. Mr. Bury, who
contracted to supply the London and Birmingham Rail-
way with locomotive power, stated his opinion that it
might on that line be done at the rate of a farthing per
mile per passenger, and that this would leave a fair profit
to the contractor. It appears that he had himself con-
tracted with the Directors of the London and Birmingham
on these terms ; but that the conditions of the contract had
never been carried into effect.
A due regard, however, to the interests of the public,
and justice to Railway Proprietors, require that no hasty
decision should be adopted on this important subject, and
yonr Committee feel that they have not sufficient informa-
tion to justify them in pronouncing, an opinion applicable
to all the Railways throughout the country. In order to
arrive at a fair estimate of the expense of the locomotive
power requisite for the conveyance of passengers, it is
necessary to be accurately acquainted with a variety of de-
tails upon which there exist as yet great differences of
opinion among those wino have had practical experience
of these undertakings. The cost of locomotive power de-
pends in great measure upon the construction of the en-
gine, the price of fuel, the gradients of the line, and a
variety of other points in which experience has led to
very diffarent conclusions from those which were first
adopted. The number of enginea necessary for the con-
veyance of pusengers ,in order to ensure regularity, and
to diminish the chance of accidental delays, which are fre-
quently attended with danger, can only be known by con-
turned practice, and any legislative interference in this
particular might hazard the efficiency of the Railway.
Any attempt to fix the charge for locomotive power must
necessarily include the speed of travelling on the Railway,
otherwise, since Companies would be induced to use as
few engines as possible, and those of cheap construction,
the convenience of the passengers might be materially
diminished. It is well known that increased speed adds
considerably to the expenses of the Rai:way Companies;
for
locomotive consequently, under a limitation of the charge
locomotive power, they might seek to augment their pro-
fits by reducing their rate of travelling. These
oa
are
some
among among the reasons which have prevented your Committee
from recommending to the House any interfer:
Railway with the
charge for locomotive
power imposed by ) Com-
panics ; but while they p
leave to these
some
authority
per-
fect monopoly in this respect, they feel that me Companiesa
should be established for the purpose of watching over the