The Sun.
London, England, 1846-04-16 00:00:00

THE LATE ACCIDENT ON THE
BRANDLING JUNCTION RAILWAY.
SOITTH SHIELDS, MONDAY NIGHT.--The circum-
stances attending the appalling accident on the Branding
Junction Railway have been fully investigated by the
manager of the line, tut the result does not clearly indi-
cate the immediate cause of the engine running off the
line. It appears the train had just passed over a switch,
which had been locked overnight, the man in charge of ,
it being standing near it when the train passed, and from '
the state in which it was found immediately after the
accident, it clearly could have in no way contributed to '
throw the engine off the line. The engine seems to have
gone off just after taking the curve; and, as soon as the
engineman discovered this he shut off the steam and
reversed the motion of the engine, which ran about 60
yards in the same direction in which the train had been
going, and then turned off down the embankment, which
is skirted by a wall about 15 feet high, a row of pit-houses
running parallel with the wall, a few feet from it, the
tree-fall being about the same height; and over this wall
the engine plunged, toppled over, and descended end-
ways through the roof, the engineman being thrown
some feet into the air, and alighting on that portion of
the roof which remained unbroken, from which he slid to
the ground beside the engine, and was severely scalded
by the steam which escaped. T fireman was also
thrown upon the roof, but escape vith comparatively
trifling injury.
The row of houses is very dens ulated with the
families of pitmen, employed at t. MIA colliery,
but in that into which the engine fill there were but two
elderly women, the nature of whose injuries has been
already,deszribed. 'I he leg of one is broken, but not by
the engine falling upon it, as was at first supposed,
though she was very near it, and had a narrow escape
from being crushed to atoms beneath the ponderous mass.
She is also much scalded. Her leg has, however, been
set, amputation not having been considered necessary,
and she is doing well. The other woman is dreadfully
scalded, brit a manifest impro‘ement has taken place in
her symptoms during the course of the day, and hopes are
now entertained that she will survive. Favourable re-
ports have also been received of the other sufferers. The
man who was riding outside the carriage, and bad his
logs broken, is a stonemason belonging to Sunderland.
It is impossible to arrive at any certain information as to
the extent of injury received by the passengers, but there
is reason to believe that it is trifling, considering the na-
ture of the accident. The train consisted of eight
carriages, five of which were dragged off the line, but not
off the road, the chain between the first carriage and the
tender having, fortunately, broken.
As soon as the accident occurred a horse express was
sent off to Gateshead, and in little more than an hour
the manager and a number of the assistants were on the
spot, having started by a special engine immediately on
receiving the intelligence; and it is but justice to state
that everything humanity could suggest was promptly
done to afford relief to the unfortunate sufferers. The
accident occurred so near to Shields that there was no
necessity to forward the train; and, indeed, most of the
passengers left it as soon as they could, or remained only
to render assistance if it were required. Hundreds of
persons were soon collected. Indeed, the inmates of the
neighbouring houses rushed out in consternation, the
place having been shook as if by an earthquake. There
were not wanting those who hastened to the point of
danger, and by their prompt exertions rescued those
who were in peril ; and every home offered an asylum.
The medical gentlemen of the town were speedily on the
spot, and acted with the greatest coolness, decision, and
promptitude.
The engine still remains where it fell, and it has been
found necessary to pull down two adjoining houses, in
order to effect its removal. Indeed, it cannot be removed
entire, but must be taken to pieces, repaired, and re-
built. The lino has been repaired, and the trains run as
usual.

DEVON AND CORNWALL WRESTLING,
SECOND DAY.
Oa Tuesday afternoon the Devon and Cornwall
wrestling was resumed at the Brecknock Arms Tavern,
Camden-town, and although the weather was far from
favourable, the attendance was numerous and respectable,
in consequence of the " playing off." The ground was
in very bad condition, in consequence of the wet weather
but the play during the day was extremely good.
The bouts came off as follows:—
IL Ball, of Cornwall, and" The Unknown," were the
first players; and after ten minutes." time" was called
Havey, of Devon, entered the ring, and after several
fouls threw " The Unknown" cleverly.
William Kemp and H. Cryper, both of Devonshire,
were the next contending parties, both men displaying
much science, but neither giving a chance, Kemp throw-
ing his antagonist by the inner lock, and played time
with J. Truscott.
J. Bunt, of Cornwall, and C. Dyer, also a Cornish-
man, entering the ring, the former played time, and the
latter retained the ring, being opposed by T. Bassett,
whom he quickly threw by the fore-hip.
J. Truscott threw R. Dyer (of Cornwall) by the fa-
vourite lock, making himstlF a double player.
J. Bunt threw Cox, and played time; and Edward
Ball also threw two men, also becoming double players.
DOUBLE PLAY.
The double play now commenced with Edward Ball,
of Cornwall, and J. Harvey •, each man played well, but
after half-an-hour's tussel, Harvey was thrown by the
fore-hip amidst cheers.
Joel Teague (Cornwall), and James Truscott (of
Devon), the champion of the light weights, were the
next players. The odds were 2tol on Truscott on his
entering the ring, but he soon found his opponent was
well up in the " science." Both men played safe and
well, neither man throwing away the least chance, but
after one hour's excellent play, Truscott was thrown
amidst tremendous cheers.
Robert Bond, of Norfolk, threw Eason, of Somerset,
by the heaving-toe, after many foils.
J. Dyer and Bunt (of Cornwall) were the next anta-
gonists ; each man being on the alert, Dyer gentlg
throwing his adversary.
W. Kemp forfeits his back. (not answering to his
name) to Bowden.
J. Goodman, having met with an accident, laid down
to Snell. Walters remained the " odd man."
THIRD TIME OVER.—This commenced the treble
play, and each man appeared cautious, Bowden and Bond
first contending ; and, after a long, struggle, Bond was
thrown by the hanging -toe.
J. Walters,
having slightly injured himself, gave his
back to Teague.
Snell and Harvey next entered .the ring, and many
foill took place, Harvey being ultimately thrown by the
hip.
J. Dyer remained odd man.
FOURTH TIME OvEn. Joel Teague and Bowden
(both of Cornwall), came together, two excellent light-
weight players. The science displayed was good on
both sides, each at times trying their native hug; but
Bowden proved the better man, throwing his opponent
by the fore-hip.
Snell and Dyer, two fine heavy-built men, tried their
prowess and science for a considerable time, many foils
taking place, Snell ultimately proving the victor.
Two men of opposite counties opposed each -other,
Bowden of Cornwall and Snell of Devon. They played
together for forty minutes, during which many foils
took place; and Bowden being much the lesser man,
deemed it advisable to give his back, being entitled to
the second prize.
This concluded the wrestling, which, during the after-
noon, was patronised by many gentlemen from the West
of England.
The prizes were awarded as follows:—
First Prize .... William Snell, Devonshire.
Second Prize W. Bowden, Cornwall.
Third Prize
Durinz the two days, many trials at single stick took
place, which were played off yesterday by'Messrs. Stone,
Moore, Giblet, Hobbs,

CHAMPION-
SHIP AND TWO HUNDRED SOVEREIGNS.
exciting foot-race
On Ti. day the long-pending and
GREAT FOOT RACE FOR THE
ofroad for 1001.
were matched to walk twenty:five miles
off near the White Hart Inn, at Hayes, in
aside, came
the presence of a vast concourse
between Benjamin Butler and Charles Westhall, who
have acquired great celebrity as pedestrians, and have
defeated some first-rates, and the present match was
_,
made to decide their claims to the championship. In
the betting Butler was the favourite. The preliminaries
were arranged, and they started at a clipping pace, keep-
ing the horsemen riding alongside in a full trot. West-
hall first turned the mile, and maintained his lead
seemed r
e. c fullo records
d s of
of a
twenty-five-miles'
confidence, waiting
close
The men accomplished seven
though
upon
miles in 58} minutes, fair toe and heel, a feat quite
unprecedented Butl
e in the
contest. At this stage of the contest, Westhall still led,
and to all appearance was winning, certain, keeping up
him. r
the steam at extraordinary speed. However, at the
flag,
fourteenth mile, he began to when Butler made
play, pressing his opponent severely. Westhall perse-
vered till the eighteenth mile, when nature became ex-
hausted, and he was compelled to relinquish the struggle.
Butler then went over the remaining distance at his ease,
and finally performed the twenty-five miles under four
cuniary accomp
hours, winninganiment
the pedestrian championship,
and its pe-
.
FOOT RACE AGAINST TIME.
On Monday last, Thomas Hick, of Leedq, better
known as " The West End__ Shadow," undertook- for a
subscription purse to run fifty miles in seven hours and
a quarter, ha.
if a mile out and half a mile in • , starting
Woodhouse-
from the Queen Inn, moor, to the watering-
trough in Headingly-lane, near Leeds. This arduous
task he completed eight minutes within the given time,
not at all fatigued by his exertions. He was delayed some
few minutes owing to the inclemency of the weather.

left 5,000/. stock, the interest
iEdesdci"Ownhtobe first month after Easter day,
married couples from each parish of St.
NE-WS FOR NEwLy-KARitIED CouPLEs.---There is am
at Westminster, and
endowment at Westminster, founded in 1781, by the will of
of Acton. The distribution es place with the approbation
John the Evangelist,
ollEdwardtaw7hgeiaeche
tn tt,Dickenson,hso,re three
n St.desi
cv
of the Bishop of London, and petitions are taken into consi-
deration by the trustees on the Wednesday in Easter week,
when they decide on the nine couples to receive the bountf
which consists of 15/. each.
A North Carolina Judge has decided that speaking
or bowing three times to a girl is equivalent to an engage-
ment, and enough to SUStaillita action for breach of promise.

The . following is an extract from a recently-issued
and massive Blue-Book (of some 1,500 pages!) on the
Commercial Tariffs'and Regulations, &c., of the United
States of America, compiled and arranged by Mr. J. Mac-
gregor:—

When we reflect upon the wonderfully increased inter-
course between the United Kingdom and the United
States—and when we estimate the comparatively speak-
ing limitation of the distance, by calculating the time
required now with that occupied formerly, in passing to
and fro between both countries—it would be rash and
hazardous to give an absolute opinion on the future
elements, rapidity and extension of navigable power. It
was but late in the world's history, when a Dutch ship
performed the voyage, by leaving Rotterdam or Am-
sterdam in the spring of one year, sailing only during
the day, and furling her sails and laying-to during the
night; and on reaching New York, then called New
Amsterdam, this ship was discharged, unrigged, and laid
up for the winter. On the following spring, this ship
was rigged, her condition examined and repaired, then
laden with wood, fish, or fars, and then made her home-
ward voyage during the summer, as slowly as her out-
ward voyage was performed the preceding year.
The voyage was afterwards performed out and home
the same year. English ships then made two voyages
during the year; and, growing bolder, three voyages to
and from America were made annually by the same
ship. Those splendid vessels, the Liverpool and New
York line of sailing-packets, were then established, and
the intercourse between Europe and America astonished
the world. Steam ships were now seemingly about sup-
planting these sailing-ships, at least in the carriage of
passengers.
The space between the old and new world ceases to be
calculated by miles and leagues; days and hours measure
the distance. Liverpool and Halifax are bisiueht within
ten days, and Liverpool and Boston within "twelve-days
of each other.
It is by means of this powerful agency—of this rapid,
mighty, and certain intercourse, that all possible good
may be extended from, or all possible evil inflicted by,
one country to, or upon, the other. The era of the suc-
cessful establishment of steam navigation has been the
most important to trade, intercourse, and, consequently,
of extending knowledge and civilisation, that has occurred
since the discovery of America, and, since the first
voyage was accomplished by sea from Europe to India.
Knowledge and civilisation have advanced or retro-
graded, according to the extent to which the intercourse
between individuals and nations has been rendered either
easy, quick,.and frequent—or difficult, tardy, and of rare
occurrence. That means, which shall bring nations,
and kindred, and people into the nearest social inter-
course, will be the sure and irresistible power destined to
civilise the universe; by the facility with which intelli-
gence, and consequently instruction, will be conveyed,
by sea and by land, over every part of the world, and by
the rapidity and ease with which individuals of one na-
tion may be made acquainted with those of all others.
Steam-vessels now ply along the coasts of Africa, in
the Chinese seas, and along the shores and rivers of
New Holland.
The steam-ships now employed between London and
Scotland are of enormous power and magnitude. So are
those which run between the Mersey and Clyde, and be-
tween the two later rivers and the several ports of Ire-
land.
The fleet of the General Steam Navigation Company
maintains a constant intercourse with the ports of France,
Holland, and Germany, as well as in the coasting trade
of the British channel.
The states of continental Europe are also advancing in
the acquisition of steam power. France, Austria, and
Russia are the foremost in the number of their steam-
ships. Austria excels all the states of the continent in
merchant steam-ships. France and Russia in steam-
ships of war. The Italian states, especially Naples and
Tuscany, possess several well-built and well-navigated
steam-ships. Prussia and Holland, on the Rhine, con-
tribute greatly to the facility of intercourse. Belgium
has made attempts, at great expense, to establish a trans-
atlantic line of, steam-packets. The attempt has failed.
The Hanse Towns, Denmark, and Sweden, also possess
steam-ships, but only on a comparatively small scale.
Greece and Turkey are far behind other countries in the
possession of steam-vessels. The Greeks were their
country and commerce in a flourishing condition, would,
no doubt, manage steam ships as ably as they certainly
have their sailing vessels. The Turks have been clumsy
mariners, and their few steam-vessels are wretchedly
managed. Of all Orientalists, the ruler of Egypt has
made an extraordinary advance in the acquisition of
powerful steam-ships.
In 1814, there was but one steam-boat belonging to
the British empire. During thirty years the number
has increased to about 1,000 British steam-boats, which
are now navigating all parts of the world. _
In 1846, the British Government employs a magnifi-
cent fleet of steam-ships, managed by, and belonging
to, a private association, which sail, semi-monthly for
eight, and monthly for four, months in the year, be-
tween Liverpool, Halifax, and Boston. From Boston, the
great means of intercourse, by steam-boats and rail-
roads, diverges to all parts of North America—extend-
ing to the furthermost of the great lakes, and up and
down the navigable rivers, flowing from the Rocky
Mountains. Iron is made to swim, in the form of a
ship (the Great Britain) exceeding 3,600 tons burden,
impelled forward from Liverpool to. New York, against
the currents, raging storms, and seas of the Atlantic, by
an invisible power, moved by the resistless force of fire
causing the expansion of water.
Another splendid fleet of steam-ships, belonging also
to a private company, are employed by the Govern-
ment to maintain a monthly intercourse between the
United Kingdom, by Southampton, and all the islands
of the West Indies and the states of Mexico and South
America.
A third and mighty fleet, belong to a great company,
and employed by the Government, sails monthly from
Southampton to the European Peninsula, and by way of
Gibraltar to Malta and Alexandria, with a branch to
the Levant and Constantinople. The same company
conveys the Government mails and passengers by three
of the most powerful steam-ships in the world, from
Suez, down the Red Sea to Ceylon, Madras, and Cal-
cutta ; and that company has contracted to extend the
established chain between Southampton and India to
Singapore and the Chinese empire, by the employment
of several powerful steam-ships, nearly all constructed.
This steam line between England and China is now
complete, by which we have received an English news-
paper, printed at Hong-Kong, only fifty-six days before
our having read it in London.
A British company has for some years established a
line of steamers along the southern shores of South
America ; and the Hudson Bay Company have a steam-
ship on the western coast of North America. The East
India Company employs one steam-ship in conveying
mails between Suez and Bombay ; and several steam-
vessels are employed in India, and others in the Eastern
or Chinese seas, by the British Government, as vessels
of war.
France has projected four great lines of transatlantic
steam ships —when they will, or whether they will, be
established, we have neither the power nor the temerity
to decide. We cannot discover any obstacle in regard
to France and America, to prevent French transatlantic
ships competing with those of England; but, according
to our mere instinctive judgment, we are inclined to be-
lieve that the great connecting line of intercourse be-
tween Europe and America will continue to be main-
tained direct between ports of the United Kingdom, and
ports in America; and that such intercourse will be con-
ducted either by British subjects or by American citi-
zens, or, as is most likely, by both, jointly or separately.
The progress and great extension of steam navigation
along the coasts and rivers of the United States, and of
the river St. Lawrence, and the great lakes of North
America, we have described under a previous head.
The sailing ships belonging to the United States,
which sail regularly from New York, Boston, Philadel-
phia, and several other ports, to the ports of the United
Kingdom, to Havre, Bordeaux, to ports in the Mediter-
ranean—and to the ports of Holland and the north of
Europe, are equipped in a style of extraordinary per-
fection and beauty, and navigated with the utmost nem
tical skill. Those which sail between New York and
Liverpool, and New York and London, are truly magni-
ficent, and their accommodations, though gorgeous, com-
bine for passengers all the luxuries and comforts of
splendid hotels.
The following appeared as the programme of the pro.
jected line of French steam-ships:—
First great line—From Havre to New York. Four
steam-ships are to be placed on this line; the departures
are to take place once a fortnight. Fifteen days are
allowed for each pass3ge, and ten days at New York—
in all, forty days. Twenty days are to be allowed to
each vessel at Cherbourg, between every voyage, to rest
the crew, and repair the vessel and engines.
Second great line—From Bordeaux to Martinique.
Three steamers are to be placed on this line ; the depar-
tures are to take place once a month. Two days are al-
lowed for the passage from Bordeaux to Corunna, and
ten hours' stay there; five days twelve hours for the pas.
sage from Corunna to the Azores, and one day's stay
there; twelve days sixteen hours fur the passage from
the Azores to Martinique, the steamers to remain ten
days at Martinique. Twenty days allowed for the re-
turn passage from Martinique to Bordeaux—in all,
forty days' sailing, and eleven days and a half stoppages.
Thirty-seven days are allowed between every voyage, at
•Rochefort or Bordeaux, for repairs and stoppages.
Third great line—From Marseilles to Martinique.
Three steamers are to be placed -on this line ; the de-
partures are to take place once a month. From Mar-
seilles to Barcelona,-one day, and four hours' stay; from
Barcelona to Cadiz, three days, and twenty-four hours'
stay; from Cadiz to Madeira, three days, and twenty•
faux hours' stay ; from Madeira to Martinique, fourteen
days. The steamer is to remain ten days at Martinique.
Twenty-one days are allowed for the return voyage
from Martinique to Marseilles, in all, forty days' sailing,
and fourteen and a half days' stoppages. Thirty-three
days are to be allowed at Toulon or Marseilles, between
every voyage, for repairs and repose. R.
Fourth great line—From St. Nazai▪
rie to Janeiro.
Four steamers are to be placed on this▪ line ; the depar-
tures are to take place once a month. From St. Nazaire
to Lisbon, three days and a half, twenty-four hours'
stay; from Lisbon to.Goree, eight days.
. _