The Sun.
London, England, 1848-10-04 00:00:00

THE _ S'UN, LONDON, WEDNESDAY

4-,ho cw her arms around him, apparently with the
of embracing him. Mr. Nu,ley recollects no
more till aroused from a state of stupor by a Mr. Archer,
,vho cc,uceived that he was in a fit. A neighbouring
surgoon gave it as his opini;,n, that Mr. Nutley Lail
tKen subjected to the influence of chloroform, and -wl.ich
is supp-ised to have been administered in a linndkcrel-,iet,
;vliicli Mr. Nutley rem, tubers that the woman pressed
nostrils. S. vc.ral similar robberies have been
ff clod during 012 last wcilc.
ST. MARYLEBONE BATHS AND WASH-HOUSES.—

LAYING THE FOUNDATION-STONE.—The foundation-
stone of this valuable institution was laid yesterday
morning, in the presence of the commissioners, memb, rs
the vestry, and the official parties clnuectPd with the
undertaking. In the absence of tlle Rev. 1)r. Spry, the
rc ctor, the ceremony of laying the stone was performed
by John Frederick Stanford, Esq., of Foley House,
Portland-place (one of the commissioners), the silver
trowel having been furnished for the occasion by Mr.
Best, ore of the members of the St. Meryl( bone vestry.
The building till adjoin the St. Marylebone County
Court, and its architectural character, though extremely
simple, will harmonize with that edifice, which is in the
Italian style. The design, which was selected from
numerous
plans sent in to the commissioners, after a
car, ful investigation of their respective merits, is that of
Mr C. hales, of Chapel. place. Cavendish- square, and is
to be erected, under that gentleman's superintendence, by
Messrs. Haynes and Co., the well-known builders. The
cost fir the building will be 13,0001., to include all the
fittings which are adapted to 126 baths of different
classes, 86 washing-tubs, with all the improved ap-
pliances for drying, ironing, &c., besides a large swim-
ming bath. It will be the largest establishment of the
kind in London, and cannot fail of producing the most
beneficial results in the parish generally, and in the
1 cality particularly, which abounds with the poorer
classes of the industrious population.
We could fill pages concerning the management of
workhouses; we could tell of the horror of the "casual
ward" in the workhouse in our own parish and our im-
mediate neighbourhood; where human beings seeking
shelter were turned into what was infinitely worse than
any straw shed in a " moated grange;" a huge, over-
grown, noisome dungeon, unclean, unventilated, undi-
vided, filled with polluted and contagious air, the walls
hung with mildew and crawling with insect life; the
refreshment a piece of bitter bread and a drink of parish
milk and water; and after a weary night, spent where
impoverished honesty was couched with the drunkard or
tie habitual and unblushing sinner, the rusty bolts were
withdrawn, and the unrefreshed lodgers hunted forth
into the mournful humidity of an autumn, or the shiver-
ing cold of a winter's morning, with a repetition of the
same fire as sustenance against another day's beggary
and disgrace. No wonder that some preferred the
silent and mysterious bed of the dark waters to the
impurities of the "casual ward;" truly have we made
poverty a worse crime than murder, and rendered the
asylum of the aged and the shelter of the infant poor, a
reproach and perpetual scourge, rather than a refuge,
where, though the impoverished could not expect the
comforts of their former homes, they had an honest
English right to unpolluted shelter, and the considera-
tion which the right- thinking and generous will always
accord to the terrible affliction of poverty.—Mrs. S. C.
11011, in the Art Journal.
DESTRUCTION OF THE ROTHER VIADUCT.—BEIGII-
TON, NEAR STAFFORDSHIRE, MONDAY EVENING.—A
oi:ironer's inquest was held this afternoon, at this village,
view of the bodies of the three unfortunate men,
George Beicliffe, Henry Whiteman, and James Mott,
who were killed on Saturday by the falling of the Bother
Viaduct. After evidence had been given, eliciting
nothing in addition to what we have already given, the
jury, after a brief deliberation, returned the following
verdict:—" That the deceased were killed by the falling
of the Bother Viaduct while in the course of construc-
tion, in consequence. it is believed by this jury, of the
insufficiency of the foundation:
PRINT PATTERNS.—An importation having recently
taken place of a parcel of designs or patterns for manu-
facturing purposes, or printed paper patterns of cotton
prints and ribbons, application was made to the revenue
authorities for their admission to enter free of duty, on
account of their being considered to come within the
scope of the orders of the Lords of the Treasury, dated
February, 1812, and August, 1825, directing that sam-
ples and patterns of all goods of foreign manufacture
should be admitted free of duty when of such size as to
be useful for no other purpose than as patterns of the
articles which they represent; and it being considered
that the patterns in question are imported for that pur-
pose only, and can be made use of for no ulterior de-
sign, it has been directed that they be admitted free of
duty in this and future similar importations of such ar-
ticles.

PROPOSED CLOSING OF TFIE LIVERPOOL GENERAL
POST. OFFICE ON THE SABBATH.—Yesterday(Monday), a
private and preliminary meeting, convened by notice
posted in the Exchange News Room, was held at the
Clarendon Rooms, South John-street, for the purpose of
considering the propriety of adopting immediate
measures with a view to the closing of the Liverpool
General Post-office on Sundays. The Worshipful the
Mayor took the chair, and the meeting was attended by
the Rev. Frederick Barker, the Rev. Thomas Nolan, the
Rev. Mr. Pollock, and other clergymen, and also by se-
veral lay advocates of the observance. of the Sabbath,
and we believe that the result was that a numerous sub-
committee was formed for the purpose of waiting upon
the members of the town council, with a view of inducing
that body to memorialise the Post-office on the subject.
We understand that the Postmaster-General has inti-
mated an opinion that if such memorial is presented no
objection will be made to complying with its prayer.—
Liverpool Standard.
Twenty skulls have been recently discovered on
the north side of the Norman Tower -at Bury St. Ed-
mund's, and the most perfect specimens having been pre-
sented to Professor Owen, of the Royal College of Sur-
geons, for inspection, he has pronounced them to be
those of wolves. They are to be preserved for the
museum of the Archie°logical Association.
STREET CLEANSING.—Within the last few weeks
measures for carrying out the sanitary system of s:rcet-
cleansing have been adopted in St. Martin's and the
neighbouring parishes by the National Philanthropic As-
sociation, in connexion with the Mount Saint Bernard
Hospice. The system adopted is to divide the parish
into districts, and to appoint ono or more persons to
each, whose duty it is to be constantly on their beats be-
tween seven o'clock in the morning and seven in the
evening, thoroughly to cleanse the streets from all kinds
ocmud, dust, and filth. These persons, who are selected
from the able-bodied poor in the workhouse, wear a
kind of uniform, consisting of a blouse and cord trow-
sers, with a black oiled hat, having the words " Street
Orderly, No. —," painted on it in white letters. They
receive 33. per week each, and the whole of their cloth-
ing, board, and lodging, the latter at the Mount Saint
Bernard Hospice. It is gratifying to be able to add that
they have hitherto conducted themselves with great
diligence and propriety, expressing themselves extremely
grateful for the work provided them ; and that the effect
of their labours has been greatly to improve the appear-
ance of the streets, and to add to the comfort of the in-
habitants. At present fifteen districts are placed under
the operation of the new system, and on Monday twenty-
six men were employed, being about a fourth more than
were engaged last week.
THE METROPOLITAN SEWERS COMMISSION AND
THE METROPOLITAN SEWAGE MANURE COMPANY.-

We allude with unfeigned regret, but without at pre-
sent expressing any opinion on the merits of the case,
to soa e recent proceedings of the Metropolitan Com-
mission of Sewers. Our readers are probably aware
that for some time past negotiations have been going on
between that body and the Metropolitan Sewage Manure
Company. That company claims a right under its Acts
of Parliament to the waters of certain Sewers, which
claim the commission is understood to resist. But the
company also claim a distinct right, as freeholders on the
banks of the Kensington Canal, to open a communication
with the waters of that canal. This right they have pro-
ceeded to exercise, giving due notice to the Commis-
si,,ners of their intention ; but the Commissioners, after
suffering the works to proceed nearly to a completion,
have forcibly removed the communicating pipe and
wide good the bank. They have also imposed a fine of
500/. upon the company for executing the work without
th( it consent, which consent the company contends that
it is ni:t bound to ask. A further fine of 501. has been
imposed on the contractor. This is, of course, but an
outline of one part of the transactions which has taken
place between the commission and the company. Though
e pass no opinion at present on the merits of the ques-
tion at issue, we must express our sincere regret that the
Metropolitan Commissioners of Sewers should have
deemed such a strong course either necessary or expe-
dient. Unless the company have committed some graver
offence than
,the mistaken assertion of a right, the
punishment certainly smacks of undue severity, if not of
tyranny. For the sake of the cause which both parties
have at heart, we trust that this untoward dispute may
be amicably arranged ; but in the meantime it is right
that both parties should feel that the eye of the public
is upon them.

MELANCHOLY OCCURRENCE.—On Wednesday after-
soon, as several women were engaged in some agricul-
tural operations in a field at Barnton, some cattle which
were feeding near the place began to run at them, when
they precipitately retreated to the pailing, and attempted
to climb over it. The women succeeded in making their
escape, with the exception of an old woman, about 75
years of age, of the name of Agnes Gay or Meikle, a
widow, who was overtaken before she could effect her
escape, by a bull, which tossed her into the air, and, on
her reaching the ground from the fall, again threw her
up with his horns, when a carter, named Alexander
Mitchell, boldly came to the rescue of the unfortunate
woman, and drove away the animal. She was imme-
diately conveyed to her house at Davidson's Mains, and
Dr. Balfour sent for, upon whose arrival it was found
that she had sustained injuries of a very serious character.
Death put an end to her sufferings on Thursday night.—
Caledonian Mercury.
ROYAL MILITARY ACADEMY.—We regret. to state
that scarlet fever has broken out amongst the gentle-
men cadets in the Royal Military Academy at Wool-
wich, and that one of their number, Mr. William 11.
Persac, has fallen a victim to the disease. The Master-
General of the Ordnance, acting under the advice of the
director of the medical department, Sir John Webb,
immediately ordered all the cadets to quit the establish.
meat for a period of six weeks, until all danger of con-
tagion is removed. It is understood, however, in order
that the studies of the cadets may not be retarded, that
no vacation will take place at Christmas. The disease
has not shown itself in the practical class of the Royal
Arsenal, but should it do so, the same course will be
immediately adopted. The disease, which has now
extended itself to the academy, has been prevelant in the
town of Woolwich fur the last two months, and has
caused great mortality, especially amongst children.
Although it originated in close and undrained localities,
it has spread to some of the open and healthy parts of the
town.

RAILWAY INTELLIGENCE

LIVERPOOL, MA NC El ESTER, AND NEW-
CASTLE.

The adjourned half-yearly meeting of this
was held yesterday, at the London Tavern; Mr.
T. R. Wilson France, in the chair.
The SECRETARY read the schedule of disburse-
ments for the half-year ending the 30th June last.,
from which it appeared that 7,282/. had been ex-
pended, including 3,528/. half-yearly interest to
shareholders and sums unpaid from preceding half-
years; that 2,850/. had been- advanced to solicitors
on account of general business—application for ex-
tension of time, opposition to Northern Counties
Utiion Bill, opposition to Dissolution Bill to the 3d
of June; Parliamentary agents' bills, and on account
of promoting the Dissolution fill since the 31 of
June. The details of some of the items in the ac-
counts were also read in accordance with the request
of Mr. Parsons.
Mr. FISHER said he had not given his assent to the
Dissolution Bill, and he would protest against allow-
ing any of the expenses for its promotion.
The CHAIRMAN stated that the proxy of Mr. Fisher
was presented at the meeting in Manchester in favour
of the Dissolution Bill.
Mr. FISHER said he had not given it for that pur-
pose.

Mr. PARSONS expressed himself dissatisfied with the
amount of the expenditure 9711. for travelling and
tavern expenses he thought was excessive. He was
startled to see such an enormous expenditure-4,000/.
for tle Dissolution Bill. Ile contended that this
was the period when the directors ought to have de-
cided among themselves who was to go out of the
direction by rotation.
The CHAIRMAN said it was not the time, and they
would act according to law. They were not there to
discuss Mr. Leeman's motion.
It was then agreed to adjourn the half-yearly
meeting until after the extraordinary meeting, in
order to consider the proposition for returning to
each shareholder a proportionate amount per share of
paid-up capital until required for the railway.
Mr. LEEMAN estimated the available assets of the
company at 60,0001., and he was informed that the
liabilities amounted to about 8,6001. He stated that
about three years ago they subscribed 175,0001. for
the prosecution of the scheme, of which sum they
had now only 71,000/. left, a considerable portion
having been invested in Consols, it would be reduced
to 63,000/. by the present market price. The com-
pany had spent 6,0001. or 7,0001. in a fruitless endea-
vour to obtain a Bill for dissolving the company, and
they were after all in a worse condition than before.
Considering that the railway directors all over the
country were contracting their outlay, it was not the
time for them to commence operations, but the period
might come when the undertaking could be usefully
carried out. The time for the purchase of land had
been extended to three years from the present time,
and for the completion of works to five years.
It being injudicious at present to proceed, he
thought the proprietors might become their own
bankers, and thus hold a rateable proportion of
their money in hand. He held proxies of 24,000
shares in support of the motion he had to pro-
pose, which was in accordance with the views
of a large and respectable portion of the proprie-
tors. Leaving 10,000/. to meet the liabilities of the
company, and returning 13s. 4d. per share to the
shareholders, there would remain in the bands of the
directors 7,0001. to meet contingencies. He then
proposed that 13s. 4d. per share be returned to tie
shareholders until it should be required that no en-
gagement entered into, nor any call be made without
the consent of the proprietors. The object being
to defer the construction of the works until a more
favourable period.
Mr. COURTNEY seconded the motion.
BURCHELL did not propose to oppose the
motion, but he would not be one to carry it out.
It would not relieve the shareholders from any risks
or calls. He would not concur in the responsibility
of the directors to carry it out, but he would not
object to any gentleman taking his place at the
board. If Mr. Leeman would take it, and undertake
his (Mr.l3urchell's) liabilities in respect to his shares
he would let that gentleman have them at 10s. each.
Mr. LEEMAN said he would accept a transfer o
the shares at that price, and on receiving the 14s
per share, would undertake to pay the 10s. per share,
and the responsibilities attached to holding the shares.
After some observations, a resolution was passed,
authorising the repayment of 14s. per share on the Ist
of November, including the interest now due on paid-
up capital to the shareholders.

The adjourned half-yearly meeting was then re-
sumed. It was stated that the directors would not
pledge themselves to carry out the resolution for the
return of the 14s. unless they could do so legally; if
not, they would retire, and appoint other directors in
their places.

The meeting was then adjourned to the 24th
instant, to enable the directors to consider what course
they would pursue ; convening for that day a special
meeting to be held immediately afterwards for re-
ducing the number of the directors to six, with full
power to elect others in the places of those who resign.
Thanks were voted to the Chairman, and the meet-
ing separated.

GLASGOW, AIRDRIE, AND MONKLANDS

JUNCTION.
On Friday the half-yearly general meeting of this
company was held at Glasgow; Mr. John Sligo in the
chair.
The report stated that the directors regretted that
the Bill was lost for power to make a railway across
the Clyde, and form a junction of the lines of railway
on the north and south sides of the river. The
committee did not feel themselves warranted in
ap
na
dr t
there
e their p
pme
aa
ri ne d innoe
co
hf a
nr an iel wnpaf ya
thes. h ab
College
innbl
gleeegenev e
authorizing this company to make the works, as no
landsinr agd net,
through which the line was to
by this company. From the College authorities
not fulfilling their part of the agreement with
this company, the company have been unsuc-
cessful in the last two sessions of Parliament, or, at
least, this has been the principal cause of their want
of success. It has also prevented the company from
proceeding with the formation of the main line of
railway, and has been a source of great loss and in-
jury to the interests of the company. The directors,
under all the circumstances, intimated to the law
agents of the College that, in consequence of the
failure of the College agreement, the company are
entirely relieved of any obligation that they may at
any time have been liable under that Act and agree-
ment. In consequence of the non-payment of the
second call made on theshareholders, except to a very
limited extent, the directors were compelled to nego-
tiate for a loan of 25,0001. This sum will enable the
directors in a great measure to discharge the pressing
obligations of the company. The directors have also
to state that several of them have interposed their per-
sonal security for payment of the interest on part of
the above loan.

The report was adopted ; and it was agreed to re•
scind the call of 2/. 10s. per share, and to make one of
ss, per share in lieu thereof.

Thanks being voted to the Chairman, the meeting
separated.

ULSTER.

The half-yearly meeting of this company was held
on Thursday at Belfast ; Mr. J. Goddard in the chair.
The report stated that 327,625 passengers were car-
ried on the line during the half-year ending 31st of
August, and the receipts were 13,715/. ; for the
carriage of goods and parcels, 8,024/. ; total, 21,739/. ;
cost of working the line, 9,216/. ; leaving a balance of
12,523/.; for the payment of interest on loans, 4,7611;
and for payment of a dividend, 7,7611. Of this sum
the directors recommended a dividend of 13s. per
share, and that the balance, 1,0131., be added
to the reserve fund. The directors regret
that the gross receipts do not equal those
of the corresponding period of last year.
They had anticipated that the opening of the ex-
tended line to Armagh would have to a considerable
extent counterbalanced the falling off which had
shown itself last winter, in consequence of the gene-
ral depression ; but in this expectation they had been
disappointed. The increase in the working expenses
over the corresponding period of last year, excluding
the item of rates and taxes, amounted only to 5631.,
notwithstanding the increase in the quantity of work
done, eleven miles having been added to the length of
the line. The expenditure on capital was drawing to
a conclusion; the accounts cannot, however, be closed
fur acme time longer, as a few matters remain to be
completed, in order to have the whole concern in effi-
cient working order.
The engineer's report stated that the whole of the
works on the line were substantially and well exe-
cuted; that the permanent way and working stock
were in excellent order.

The CHAIRMAN moved the adoption of the report.
It was stated that about 21. or 21. 10s. per share
would be'called up before the capital account could be
closed ; that 40,0001. would clear off all the debts of
the company. The engineer's salary had been re-
duced from 7001. to 4001. per annum. About 5,000/.
was due on calls, and the parties in arrear were pay-
ing interest at the rate of 6 per cent. per annum. It
was ascertained that the company had lost 1/. per day
since the fares were raised; but it was thought that
in time this loss would disappear. It was decided to
discontinue the third-class carriages, and give slow
trains covered, in connexion with the goods trains, at
stated hours.

Resolutions were passed adopting the report; that
directors be not allowed to travel on the line without
paying their fares ; approving of the dividend of 13s.
per share ; allowing the directors and auditor 397/.
for their services during the year; and electing seven
directors.

Another for the discontinuance of Sabbath trains
was negatived. After a vote of thanks to the chair-
man, the meeting separated.