The Sun.
London, England, 1846-10-31 00:00:00

,/

No. 16,885. LONDON, SATURDAY EV E S N 7 OCTOBER 31, 1846.

BEARD'S COLOURED PHOTOGRAPHIC
PORTRAITS,
At 34, Parliament-street, Westminster;
85, King William-street, City ;
And the Royal Polytechnic Institution, Regent-street.

who oppose that amalgamation to consider how much it
was to their advantage to enter into it. It was proposed
ou equal terms, and if their was any advantage in the
linexgre3trid Company.ationit He
was thtehesrieafeoreol t
proposed,
leßiringh am and
o
meeting deem it expedient that an
amalgamation of this company with the Birmingham,
npbeeufd‘ conjunctionlWolverhampton,rreemnyh seau Railway
Company,rs
tei
haoc netnodr
fsD o br Birmingham,u
be authorised
a atneouy
Atahßpcopatr
oyl
rlev
Wolverhampton,
andvCt
aseorr
Parliament
aoapmmac
requested,neapnyrt
rtosni.hn,soua tunhe
such
t
amalgamation into effect ; providing in the said Act for
power to lease or sell the two lines when amalgamated,
or any part thereof, to the Great Western Railway Com-
pany ; the directors being requested and authorised at
once to negotiate with that company for some arrange-
ment for that purpose."
MC. BULLER seconded the motion.
Mr. DloseLer rose to oppose the motion. For his
part, at the outset of his remarks, he must acknowledge
that he was ignorant of the advantages which the chair-
man stated the amalgamation would confer on that coin •
pany, because it had not pleased the directors to en-
lighten the shareholders as to the precise nature of
them. He did not wish to cast censure on the Chair-
man, because he was bound, by the instructions which
he received from the directors ; but he must confess he
never listened to more meagre reasons for the adoption
of so important a step as the amalgamation of the com-
pany with another. The only reason of the slightest
importance, and that was not a great one, was the laying
down of the narrow gauge. He wished for more infor-
mation, because it might possibly make him a convert.
The figures were most unsatisfactory. He wished to
know the length of the Birmingham and Oxford line ?
The CHAIRMA.N said the line was 42 miles in length.
Mr. MOSELEY also wished to know the length of the
Birmingham and Dualey ? -
The CHAIRMAN—About 14 miles.
Mr. MOSELEY wished to know the comparative cost o,
the two lines ?
ni at
giswlt directors this
The CHAIRMAN said the cost of the Oxford and Bir-
mingham was 1,000,0001, and the Birmingham, Wolver-
hampton and Dudley, 700,0004
Mr. MoseLEy said, then the matter stood thus:—that
one line cost 1,000,000/., and the other 700,0001., and
that an amalgamation was proposed on equal terms.
They should be satisfied that the advantages which they
proposed to give were equal to that they should receive.
He did not think they were, and therefore he
was strongly opposed to any alliance of the
kind. The Chairman told them, and he re-
gretted to hear it, that there had been no negotiations
with other companies. He wished to know why no ne-
gotiation had taken place. He was surprised at such a
statement, because it was understood that the line was
to be taken up by the Great Western. That was held
out to the proprietors, and clauses were inserted in the
Bill for the purpose of giving legal effect to an amalga-
mation with the Great Western Company; but at the
eleventh hour these clauses were struck out, rendering
amalgamation optional on the part of either company,
and the Oxford and Birmingham Company were thus
thrown prostrate at the feet of the Great Western. He
admitted he was deeply interested in the North-Western
and Oxford and Birmingham Companies. He had
heard, and he believed the information was true, that
there were sufficient proxies in the room to carry the
amalgamation, but the knowledge of this would not
prevent him from expressing his sentiments. Still he
should not object to any offer which seemed likely to be
advantageous to the company, but he would not be a
party to casting away advantages without a commensu-
rate return ; besides, as an independent scheme it would
pay, and could therefore afford to stand by itself. He
contended also that amalgamation at that period was most
uncalled for, because its resources had not been de-
veloped, whereas the other company was opposed by
three companies, and could only yield them an " omni-
bus" traffic, which would have to be worked at their
expense. He must enter his decided negative to the
motion, and should do the utmost of his power to op-
pose a marriage where the entire dowry was on one
side, and no commensurate advantage on the other.
Lord HATHERTON was' very happy at length to make
Mr. Moseley's acquaintance. During the last session,
and when he was Chairman of the Birmingham, Wol-
verhampton, and Dudley, he received several letters
from Mr. Moseley, with respect to the affairs of the
company, but they were so tinged with an inclination
to adverse interests, that he did not take that interest
in them which Mr. Moseley wished. Mr. Moseley was a
proprietor in the North-Western, but he (Lord Hather-
ton) was only interested in the two lines propesed to be
amalgamated. He instituted a comparison between the
cost of the two lines. Supposing the Wolverhampton
line had not passed, and the Birmingham and Oxford
had, did they not think that a line running through
such a dense population would have been cheaply pur-
chased at 700,0000—(Hear, hear, and cheers.) Mr.
Moseley was a respectable gentleman, residing at Birm-
ingham ; whereas he (Lord Hatherton) had passed
his line in that district, but not in the traffic
of shares. lie had tendered his services to this company
because he was sensible of its importance to the public
at large, who ought not to be subject to one gigantic
monopoly, and be shut out from those advantages which
were derived from competition—those advantages not
only consisting in the reduction of fares, but in civility
and attention to the passengers. He had been chair-
man of both companies, and was satisfied that at that
moment great necessity existed for an union of them.
In fact the line ought to be carried on to Wolverhampton,
instead of terminating at Birmingham. The Grand
Junction was laid out in an inconvenient manner, and
did not come near those towns which the Birmingham,
Wolverhampton, and Dudley traversed. The lines of
the two companies ought to have been made general.
The reason was a natural one, and must inevitably take
place. He did not set his opiniors up against those
who had directed much time to the consideration of
railway matters, but he repeated that their interests would
be best promoted by the proposed amalgamation.
Mr.STEV ENS proposed the following amendment, "That
the directors of this company be authorised to proceed to
obtain an Act of Parliament for the amalgamation of
the Birmingham and Oxford Junction Railway with the
Birmingham, Wolverhampton, and Dudley Railway,
on such terms as shall be approved of by the proprietors
of this company; that an agreement be previously entered
into by the directors of this company, to be confirmed
by the shareholders of the Great Western Company, for
leasing or selling to them this undertaking." He stated
in support of his proposition that as the line was origin-
ally intended to be leased or amalgamated with the
Great Western, he was anxious to drive the Great
Western to adopt their own child, and not to send it
abroad to seek paternal attention elsewhere.
Mr. TELFORD seconded the amendment. He consi-
dered, as men of honour, that they could not go to Par-
liament to seek powers to amalgamate with another
company whilst the clause with respect to the Great
Western remained in their Bill. With respect to amal-
gamating with the North Western Company, which
seemed a part of the Hon. Gentleman's proposition.
Mr. MOSELEY—I did not make any such proposition.
Mr. TELFORD apologised for the mistake ; but the
tinge—the colouring—of his speech went to induce the
shareholders to believe that he, a proprietor of the North
Western, was opposed to an amalgamation with the
Great estern Company.
Mr. MOSELEY—Certainly not. You aro mistaken.
Mr. TELFORD—Then you do not object to an amal-
gamation with the Great Western?
Mr. MOSELEY—Certainly not.
Mr. TELFORD—That gives me greater confidence in
seconding the amendment.
Mr. BULLER opposed the motion, and considered that
the directors ought not to be bound to make the areal
gamation of this company with the Birmingham and
Dudley subservient to the consent of the Great Western.
It was true there was a clause in the Act giving the
powers to amalgamate with them if they thought proper,
but if they did not offer fair terms why this company
was at liberty to seek elsewhere for better. The pro-
position was absurd, and he said so with all respect
for the gentlemen from whom it had emanated,
It was said the directors had not furnished the share-
holders with sufficient information. Now he would
recommend the shareholders not to press the directors
to afford them too much information, because if they
might depend upon it they would thereby
open to their opponents, and do them-
selves serious damage. The amalgamation would be
and with cheap trains he doubted
most advantageous,
dlaiyd
themselves
not but it would yield a fair profit to the shareholders.
s opposed the amalgamation, and Mr. PARSON
con-
sidered the proposal absurd. That was not the House of
rompossti(ocn,heeietrbse.
Lords, but a meeting of persons connected with a rail-
seeylves
interests. If the Great Western
their private
them, let
rail-
way, who had met to consider how they might best pro-
motewished to amalgamate with them do so at once
the line ; for he would rather take a
to buy or lease h if they met them fairly, though
the or rent from them,
proposition,
the other company might
M.P., consideredthat there was some
Mr. SPOONER,
on the part of the gentlemen who op-
posedmisapprehension
—let them come forw;arhdtaonfrdermi.laigkiewar
and seemed to • k
think that they
the amalgamation,
must look to their own interests, to the exclusion of any
interests of the
consideration of thepublic. The Noble
Lord used no such argument, but he advised them, in
own interests, not to overlook those of
considering their
That was the view the
the public.—(Hear.)
.Noble
to tl •
Lord took. After all, they came this
districtconclusion:—
The was spread •
over the four-
The whole trade of the.
aham and Dudley teen miles of the Birmingham
.ine, and if
line, the
unite with that extensive trade of
they did not
the district would go up another line—the North
Western. They should not so much reckon upon
the length upon the
tons of goods w
of their line, as
which the alliance would bring to their
line. He did not wonder at the objections of the Hon.
Proprietor (Mr, A °
seleY), because he was a North-
Western proprietor, SAd was only doing all he could to
prevent the traffic gotng
by Oxford. Now, their object
was to get the traffic onthe Oxford line, and they would
have no hindrance, because it was manifest they must
hand Dud
t the Birming am ley line,
i
amalgamate. Withou
he had no hesitation n grig that their line we uld not
blic, or to em, as it would if
be of that service to the pub
B 'd would have
est ,thes hey
an amalgamation took place. th
power to amalgamate with other companies
a greater
when their scheme was complete. Ile suggested the
withdrawal of the amendment.
Mr. big vii (the
Chairman of the Birmingham,
x .
Wolverhamptoupgcrpaillefit 4110 ro„ to e F aln away

misconception on the part of Mr. Moseley, and other
gentlemen opposed to the amalgamation. That gentle-
man did not appear to see the relative merits of the two
lines. Ile said, as the cost of one was 1,000,0001., and
the other only 700,0001.—0ne-fourth less, that the
contrast was greatly against the smaller pro-
ject. The original estimate was 450,0001., but the
station at Birmingham inereased the amount to 700,0001.
That station of course belonged to the Birmingham and
Dudley Company, but in the event of the amalgama-
tion they would have joint use of it. Then the one line
went through almost an entirely agricultural district,
almost bare :of population, whilst the other ran through
ono of the most densely populated districts,
in any part of England so that no disadvan-
tageous comparison could be drawn between the two
companies. After explaining the position of the lines,
and that the hiatus between Fennycompton and Wol-
verhampton would be filled up by the amalgamation, and
that sooner than rest his connexion with the lines on
the mere possession of shares, without an interest in the
district, he went on to say, the grand object of himself
and Lord Hatherton was the amalgamation of the line
Mr. PARSONS said his interest in the line was fourfold
the interest he held in the London and Birmingham.
Mr. RUSSELL, M.P. (the Chairman of the Great
Western), then rose, and said, Mr. Chairman—l have
waited to this period of the proceedings, because I was
extremely desirous to hear the opinions and views enter-
tained by the proprietors of the Birmingham and Ox-
ford. I feel that I can no longer remain silent, and that I
am bound to express my opinion, as director of that
company ; and, after the taunts which have been
thrown out respecting the silence of the Great
Western, I feel also bound to say a few words
on behalf of that company.—(Hear.) On the ques-
tion of amalgamation, independent of any arrangement
with the Great Western Railway Company, I should be
reluctant to give a strong or decided opinion, although
the opinions I have entertained are in favour of that
amalgamation. This is a question very much influenced
by private considerations, and it is rather surprising
that in the course of the discussion which has just taken
place, all the arguments which have been adduced against
the amalgamation have proceeded from an Hon. Proprie-
tor residing at Liverpool, and from a second Hon. Pro-
prietor residing in London. I think, therefore, we are
justified in assuming that the local opinions are decid-
edly in favour of the amalgamation.—(Cheers.) Sir, all
prima facie arguments are in favour of it. It needs no
great power of argument to show that two lines connected
with each other, and forming one continuous line, aro
almost naturally associated. They come together to the
same station at Birmingham, and are possessed in some
measure by the same proprietors, and they can be worked
as joint lines much more economically than they possi-
bly can do as two separate lines. And I think it must
be obvious to every one that each is calculated to
enrich the other.—(Hear, hear.) On the question
of amalgamation I can entertain no doubt whatever. I
confess, however, that I am rather disposed to concur in
the opinion of the Hon. Proprietor who made the last
proposition, at the other end of the table (Mr. Stevens),
that it was desirable that the two questions—the amal-
gamation of the two companies with the Great Western
should proceed together.—(Cheers.) Gentlemen, there
are many considerations affecting one line which bear
strongly upon the other. It is true that by the Bill of
the Oxford as it now stands we have a right to lease it.
We must be careful, as guardians of the interest of the
Great Western Railway, that we do not permit the
right which we possess by that Bill, but which we do
not possess by the Birmingham, Wolverhampton, and
Dudley line, to fall into abeyance.—(Cheers.) It is pos •
sible the Great Western have made no overtures to the
proprietors of the Birmingham and Oxford. By law
they possess a right of working over that line. The
Hon. Proprietor had said that by that law they have
been laid prostrate at the feet of the Great Western
Railway Company. Sir, I contend that that law was
granted expressly for the purpose, not of laying the
Birmingham and Oxford Company prostrate at the feet
of the Great Western Railway Company, but to enable
themselves to stand against the London and Birmingham
Company. Sir, it is not my intention upon the present
occasion to make any overture on the part of the Great
Western to you. The shareholders and the interests of
the Birmingham and Oxford Railway are well guarded
by the directors whom you have entrusted with the ma-
nagement of your affairs. They are the best judges of the
interests of your company ; but this I will say, that i
they think it right, after taking a view of their interests
to make any proposition to the Great Western, the
Great Western is quite prepared to make and consider
with them such proposition.—(Cheers.) The principle,
however, upon which any negotiations must proceed with
the Great Western Company, must be that of a complete
adherence to the principles upon which this Bill was
granted. The first object that was contemplated
by the Bill was to open a line of communica-
tion between Birmingham, Southampton, and the
southern coast of England. Now it must be
clear, I think, that the Great Western Company
hold a very considerable portion of that line, and that
object will be rather advanced by a connexion with the
Great Western Company than retarded. But perhaps
the most important object contemplated by that Bill
was to open a second, and not only a second, but an in-
dependent line of communication with the metropolis.—
(Cheers.) That a second line was wanted was admitted
even by the opponents of the Bill—that it was to be an
independent line was the very essence of the
purpose of those who first devised it—of
the inhabitants of Birmingham who aided in
carrying it oat, and lastly of the Legislature that
passed the Bill. I must, therefore, contend that no
arrangement can be contemplated by the proprietors of
this company—l frankly and confidently believe
that no arragement will be sanctioned by the Legisla-
ture which does not hold in view that object for which
it was granted—of its being an independent line.—
(Cheers.) Some allusion has been made to the purchase
of this line by the North-Western Railway Company,
and an intimation intelligible enough has been made that
these two companies should be brought into competition
with each other, to which the Great Western will never
consent to be a party.—(Cheers.) If the Oxford and
Birmingham Company can make a more advantageous
bargain with the North-Western Company—if they
think it is consistent with the principles upon
which the line was granted—if they think
they should make such a bargain—if they
think that the Legislature will sanction such a bargain
—(Hear, hear)—let them at once open their negotia-
tions with the London and Birmingham Company; the
Great Western will stand aloof and leave these negotia

GLOBE HOTEL, PLYMOUTH.
REPORTS being most industriously circulated, evidently
emanating from interested parties, that the greater portion of the
lied rooms are temporarily destroyed by the alterations making in
the above hotel.

W. RADMORE deems it necessary to inform his Friends and the
Public that such is not the case, and he has so arranged that the
whole improvements will be carried out without in the least degree
interfering with the comfort of his guests.
Plymouth, Oct, 15, 184 G.

they
tthink
k ob-
tainedi t
they
proceed
ensor to e proceed.therconsistentß Bill
lw
thattlhf , otshnuec thh ne principlesotherego tiati
oh
on
nsn dw ,hti
which
shouldh
with the Great Western Company—though I must
be distinctly understood as not being empowered to
make any proposition of that kind on the part of the
Great Western Company—thus much I will take upon
myself to say, that we shall be quite prepared to treat for
)upport the line as an in-
dependent
line.
Mr. CROSSTHWAITE advised an adjournment.
Mr. SAUNDERS (the secretary of the Great Western)
having listened to both sides, trusted he might be able
to bring the matter to an issue. He considered the
amalgamation of the two companies desirable ; and the
Hon. Gentleman who moved the amendment did not
seem anxious to throw any difficulty in the way of effect-
ing this.
Mr. CROSSTHWAITE---" No, no."
Mr. SAUNDERS—He was sure the Great Western had
no wish to do so. It, therefore, came to this issue,
that amalgamation was desirable and ought to
be carried out.—(Hear.) But it was stated that the
Great Western had no power to lease the other line,
and that unless there was some stipulation to confer the
same power of lease or purchase on the Great Western
with respect to the Birmingham and Dudley, that the
Birmingham and Oxford would be placed in a disadvan-
tageous position; as, for instance, if it passed into the
hands of another company. Now the introduction of a
few words into the amendment by the solicitor would no
doubt have the effect of destroying any ambiguity—
that when the amalgamation of the two companies should
take place that their position with regard to amalgama-
tion should be assimilated.
Lord HATHERTON objected to fixing down the direc-
tors to the Great Western, and warned that company
that they were not without a powerful rival, and that
as shares changed hands, those who were willing to deal
with them then, might be succeeded by others, who, two
years hence, would exact high terms when the Great
Western were less able to accept them.
Mr. CROSSTHWAITE then proposed, "That as this meet-
ing deem it expedient that an amalgamation of this com-
pany with the Birmingham, Wolverhampton, and Dud-
ley Junction Railway should be formed, and that the
directors be authorised and requested, in conjunction
with the directors of the Birmingham and Dudley line, to
apply to Parliament in the ensuing session for an
Act or Acts to carry such amalgamation into
effect, providing in the said Act power to lease or
sell the two lines when amalgamated, or any part
thereof to the Great Western Company, the directors
being requested and authorised at once to negotiate
with that company for some arrangement for that pur-
pose."
This motion having been seconded, was, with the ori-
ginal motion of the Chairman, submitted to the meeting,
and both were carried, but two hands, those of Mr.
Moreley and Mr. Parsons, being held up against either.
The motion of Mr. Stevens was superseded by the
amendment of Mr. Crossthwaite.

Lord Hatherton, having taken the chair, a vote of
thanks was awarded to Mr. Muntz, who briefly returned
thanks, and the meeting gave way to that of the

BIRMINGHAM, WOLVERHAMPTON AND
DUDLEY COMPANY,
which was held in the same room.
Mr. MATTHEWS, the Chairman of the Company, pre-
sided, who briefly addressed the meeting, and concluded
by reading the report, which stated--
" The Act of Incorporation received the royal assent
on the 3d of August last.
" There was a balance of 59,4211. 17s. 10d., of which
50,000/. is placed to a deposit account, bearing interest.
"The directors, in pursuance of the powers of the
Act, had determined to allow 4 per cent. interest on calls
after a per share has been paid ; and shareholders wish-
ing to anticipate their calls, will be allowed the same
rate of interest upon all sums paid in advance.
"Since the Act was passed, a careful re•survey of tho

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PRICE SD.

line has been made, and the engineer, Mr. McClean,
had reported that no deviation is required beyond the
limits authorised by Parliament.
" The property plans of a great portion of the line
are in the hands of the valuers ; some portions of the
property had been purchased ; the first contract is ad-
vertised, and preparations are being made for proceed-
ing with the execution of the works with the necessary
vigour.
" The importance of obtaining over this railway al
the traffic which can be influenced by making it a e,m•
tinuous line, in connexion with the liirmingham and
Oxford, and the Great Western Railways, on the one
hand; and the Oxford, Worcester, and Wolverhampton
on the other, without the interruption of any break of
gauge between Wolverhampton and London, pointed
out the urgency of applying to Parliament, in the next
session, for power to lay down broad gauge rails, in
addition to those of the narrow gauge; and the directors
proposed to take proper measures for that purpose.
" They proposed to apply to Parliament for a line of
railway in connexion with the Oxford, Worcester, and
Wolverhampton Company, from Viestbromwich to
Stourbridge, through the lialesewen and Netherton dis
triet."

The report concluded by recommending the amalga-
mation of the company with the Oxford and Birmingham.
The report was received and adopted ; Mr. Aston and
Mr. Scott were elected auditors ; and the amalgamation
was carried without the slightest opposition.
A vote of thanks was passed to the Chairman, and the
meeting separated shortly after five o'clock.

DERBYSHIRE, STAFFORDSHIRE,
AND WORCESTERSHIRE JUNCTION, AND
DIRECT EAST AND WEST JUNCTION RAIL-
WAYS.

A public meeting of the scripholders of these two
companies was held yer:ezday, at the Railway Protector-
office, 11, Bncklersbary. The meeting was presided
over by Mr. Davis.
An irregular discussion took place at the commence-
, ment, as to whether certain resolutions, agreed to at a
private meeting of the scripholders, should be read. It
resulted in their being read by Mr. Clark, and their
substance was, that the affairs of the two companies
were in such a state as to imperatively require the most
thorough investigation, and that a public meeting should
be called, at which to determine on ulterior proceedings.
The present meeting had, in consequence, been called.
Mr. CLARK then proceeded to explain the circum-
stances of the two companies. The first company to
which he would refer was the Derbyshire, Stafford-
shire, and Worcestershire Junction. It was origi-
nally brought out with a capital of 800,0001., the shares
being fixed at 32,000, of 25/. each. It was subsequently
altered to 40,000 shares, of 201. each. The promoter
was Mr. M'Gregor, of Suffolk-street. In respect to the
second arrangement, no regular registration took place,
the prospectus and provisional directors only being regis-
tered. About 17,000 were issued, and 8,212 were paid
upon, the deposit being 2/. 2s. Of the Direct East and
West Junction, the originator was a Mr. Arnold, of
Uttoxeter, a solicitor there, who subsequently appeared
to have assumed the name of Bainbridge.
Dr. MACKENZIE—He took that name, in consequence
of acquiring some property.
Mr. CLARK—It might be so. The capital of this
company was 600,0001., being made up of 30,000 shares
of 2/. 2s. each. The number of shares was 12,195;
while, from information obtained from the registrar,
there was a blank against the number paid upon.
Dr. MACKENZIE—That is not accurate.
Some altercation arose on this point, which ended in
Dr. MACKENZIE explaining that the certificate of the
registrar was incorrectly filled up, and that upwards of
17,000 shares were issued, while above 12,000 were paid
upon. They had then the fact before them that in the
first company, of 40,000 shares, but 17,000 were allotted,
while in the latter, of 30,000 shares, according to Dr.
Mackenzie, but 17,000 or 18.000 were issued. This was
a great source of complaint among the shareholders, as
they,had been led to believe the shares had all been issued.
It therefore appeared there was not sufficient to go to Par-
liament with. It was a remarkable fact, the directors of the
one company were exactly the same as those of the other.
Finding that the capital was not sufficient for Parlia-
mentary purposes, the directors, without consulting the
scripholders, or calling a meeting, agreed to amalgamate
the two, transferring the capital of the larger to the lesser
scheme, the Derbyshire, Staffordshire, and Worcester-
shire. Though the directors advertised that exchange
scrip would be supplied to all who applied tor it, he be-
lieved none was supplied.
Dr. MACKENZIE—That is not so; every one who ap-
plied for it received it.
Mr. CLARK said he was prepared to prove what he
said. The result of all these proceedings was, that see-
ing the directors in both schemes had but issued 17,000
shares each out of 40,000 and 30,000 shares respectively,
the law gave the scripholders a right to recover their full
deposits. He now left the matter in their hands, and
would conclude by advising them to follow up the pre-
seat meeting with such measures as would recover the
money of the shareholders with whom faith had thus
been broken.
A SHAREHOLDER hoped that some of the gentlemen
present who knew the affairs of the company would
answer what had been stated by Mr. Clark. Perhaps
Dr. Mackenzie or Mr. Matthew, who were both present,
would do so.
Mr. MATTHEW said he was at present Chairman of
the Derbyshire, Staffordshire, and Worcestershire Junc-
tion, and he had only been called on to be so since the
amalgamation. The line proposed now to go on with
was much required by the district through which it would
pass. The inhabitants were generally in its favour, and
Lords Hatherton and Anglesey were its warm
supporters. What had been done was for the bene-
fit of the shareholders. The directors had no
object in view but the good of all, in fact,
the carrying out of the scheme was the only way
of getting out of the wood. He had no doubt, were the
Bill obtained, but that good terms would be obtained
from some of the existing companies, as it formed a
junction with both the North and South Staffordshire
lines. The Hon. Gentleman, after explaining the pro-
ceedings of last session in regard to the line, said that
sufficient arrangements had been made in regard to de-
posits to go to Parliament, without calling on the share-
holders, and they had every prospect ofobtaining the Bill.
Mr. CLARK was glad to hear that the affairs of the
company were so promising. In that case, perhaps, the
directors would be in a position to pay back the deposits
to those that did agree to the amalgamation.
Mr. MATTHEW said what had been done was under
the deeds of settlement of the two companies, and such
a return could not be made.
Mr. BROWN intimated that he held 1,000 shares, and
he thought the proposed line an excellent scheme. If
the Bill was obtained he would be glad to buy 1,000
shares more at par, as the line would have to fall into
the hands of some of the great companies.
Dr. MACKENZIE explained at some length the cha-
racter and route of the line now laid out by Mr. Ras-
trick. It had been much improved in its engineering
peculiarities since last year. It started from the North
Staffordshire line at the Uttoxeter station, and terminated
at the Walsall station of the South Staffordshire.
Mr. CLARK thought if the directors meant well they
ought to publish a statement of their accounts.
In answer to a question put by Mr. Brown,
Dr. MACKENZIE complained that there was no oppo-
sition last year in the Lords, but they had strong oppo-
sition in the Commons from the Birmingham Canal
Company and Lord Anglesey. This opposition would
be withdrawn this year. The line was locally very pow-
erfully supported.
After some further discussion, a resolution was una-
nimously agreed to, appointing a committee of five
shareholders to communicate with the directors, so as
to obtain all necessary information respecting the affairs
of the companies, such to be submitted afterwards to
the shareholders, in order that they might determine
what course to pursue. The meeting then broke up.

MORE MISCONDUCT 01' GENTLEMEN CADETS AT
THE ROYAL MILLITARY ACADEMY, WOOLWICH.—An
extraordinary sensation has been caused at the Royal
Military Academy, Woolwich, at the disgraceful conduct
of three more gentlemen cadets, named Peel (nephew of
Sir Robert Peel), Braybrook, and Birchall, and the
severe punishment the two last have received. The
charge was intoxication, &c., which was fully investi-
gated by the Lieutenant-Governor, Colonel Sir B.
Parker, C. 8., who, after the case had been fully proved
against them, sentenced Braybrook and Burchall to be
confined in the blackhole forty-eight hours, eight days'
confinement to their room, one month's extra drill, and
to be restrained from leave and passing the gates for
the ensuing half-year. The sentence on Mr. Peel
(son of Colonel Jonathan Peel) has not yet been
promillgated.

DEFALCATION OF A CLERK UPON THE PROPERTY
OF LORD HOWDEN.—On Thursday morning information
was forwarded to the police that a clerk employed tt
Wingate Grange Colliery, near Hartlepool, had ab-
sconded, taking with him upwards of 6801., the pro-
perty of Lord Howden. He is described as being about
twenty years of age, rather short and stout, light sandy
hair, walks upright, and generally with a quick step.
He is a native of Northumberland, and has a northern
accent.

BOOKBINDERS' PROVIDENT ASYLUM SOCIETY.—
The annual general meeting of this society was held in
the Mechanics' Institution, Southampton-buildings,
Chancery-lane, on Tuesday evening, for the election of
officers for the ensuing year, and the transaction of other
business, Luke James Hansard, Esq., in the chair. The
report having been read, the Secretary proceeded to read
the balance-sheet, showing that after all that had been
done there was still a balance of upwards of 1201,, and
further stating he had received that day the sum of 151.,
out of which was the munificent donation of 10/. 10s,
from the chairman, who had also consented to become
an annual subscriber of 11. ls., until such time as the
asylum is fully completed. A vote of thanks to the
chairman terminated the proceedings,
Joseph Hume is now 70 years old, Sir William
Molesworth 36, Lord Morpeth 44, Daniel O'Connell 72,
Sir Robert Peel 58, Lord Stanley 46, Colonel T. p,
Thompson 63, Dr. Bowring 54, Sir James Graham b 4,
Earl Grey 44, Lord Brougham 67, the Dttito o:%Ddehvurtt
shire 56, Earl Fitzwilliam 60, Lord I
74, Lord George Bontinck 44, the.s Diike of Rich-
-
mond 53, the Duke of Rutland GS
lingtou 77. -I 441' DIAQ of Wel-

~" --~ --r--~~:

RTZA3Liitorttit xvpritunt4i
A HMS- UNDTIRIZNI 400Vr.1294 Thursday moral
ing, a few minutes before six o'clock, i town will
s
thrown into the greatest alarm, in consequence of the
explosion of a steam-boiter at the
cotton-mill of Messrs.
Bayley and Dewhurst, Charlestown, which destroyed the
whole of the adjoining property, and caused the less of
three lives. So far as we have been able to ascertain,
amidst the general confusion which this melancholy
event has created, the following appears to be the facts :
—The mill where this sad catastrophe has oecured,
has, for a considerable length of time, been unoccupied.
but was taken some months ago by Messrs. Bayley and
Dewhurst, when considerable alterations were made,
and the mill was put into thorough repair. In addition
to this was erected a strong fire-proof building, three
stories high, which had been filled by macLieery,
and under which was the boiler which has feused
:such devastation. It seems that about five minutes
to .ix o'clock, just as the engineer was on his way
to start the engine, the boiler collapsed in that part
which is over the fire, and entised an explo,ion which
knocked down the entire building before referrid to,
and also partially destroyed several cottages 11, at the
back and front of the factory. Such was the hared, that
the boiler, which is 26 feet 10n,7, and about 7 feet in dia-
meter, was completely capsized, being turned upon its
end, and falling the contrary way to its previous p
Lion. Across the street opposite to where the boiler
originally was, where a number of cottages which had
been made into warehousing, for the purpose of storing
the cotton, &c.; the windows in front of these buildings
were forced in, and the embers from the fire-place being
blown through, ignited the Cotton and set
fire to the
buildings. The' two fire-engines belonging to the town,
were quickly on the spot, and by dint of great ext-rtion
the fire was extinguished. In the mean Lime a number
of men commenced to remove the fallen materials out of
the street, when they found, opposite to whew the boiler-
house stood, the dead bodies of a man named Abraham
Fitton, a spinner, 42 years of age, and his daughter: Emi-
line Fitton, a piecer, 13 years of age. These unfortunate
creatures w ere passing in front of the boiler at the time
the explosion took place, and were going to their work,
being employed at the mill of Messrs. Knotts, which is
in another part of the town. The bodies were dtvd-
fully crushed and scorched, the skin from the hands
and arms hanging in tatters. They were taken to the
Nelson tavern, a public-house close by. On fudfter
search being made, the body of a female, named Mar-
garet Fitzgerald, eighteen years of age, who was mar-
ried three months ago, was found in the same wad
plight, being quite dead. This woman was empi..!! dat
the mill where the accident took place, and was oeiit to
enter the staircase when she was so suddenly degived
of life. The whole of the bodies presented a most
shocking spectacle when taken out of the ruins. A re-
port was prevalent that there were several other persons
missing, but after a careful search during the whole of
the day, no other bodies were found. The hair-breadth
escapes are innumerable. We may, however, mention one
or two cases. The first is that of a married woman, named
Milki Truin ; she had just got into the second room,
over the boilr, and when about to pull off her clothing
to make ready for commencing work, the whole of tire
building was lifted by the boiler and fell in with a tre-
mendous crash, the report being heard at the extreme
ends of the town. Notwithstanding that this female felt
along with the ponderous mass, and was buried for
near an hour in the ruins, she was got out, having merely
received a few bruises on her left side. The enginetr,
who was on his way to the engine-house at the time of
the occurrence, was partially screened from the falling
materials by a portion of one of the floors having fell in
a slanting direction under which he was. The cottages
which surround this portion of the mill, to the ntraiber
of four, were knocked down, and although in two of
them the inmates were in bed, they escaped with but a
few bruises, while the whole of their furniture, &c., was
completely destroyed. In reference to the cause of this
accident there are many opinions, but in the absence of
any scientific investigation, we forbear giving any defi-
nite statement. Such was the feeling created when the
report became known through the town that thousands
of persons congregated, and it was found necessary to
send for the military to guard the approaches to the
place. The inquiry is fixed for Monday next, in order
to give time foj a scientific investigation of the whole
affair.

A Goon DAY'S IVORIE.—A correspondent of the
Hartford Courant gives an account of a weddirg which
he attended in Alabama, the bridegroom of which had
done his courting, found the 'Squire, invited the com-
pany, rode 42 miles for the license, was married, afrd
/ode 15 miles for the whisky in 12 hours.—American
Paper.

__.,..
A CHEATER CHEATED.—A rather neat exemplifica-
tion of the " biter bit " occurred at Glasgow a few days
ago. On Wednesday last, a young Irish woman, neared
Judy Doherty, proceeded to the hiring market in Gra-
ham- square, Glasgow, for the purpose of offering herself
as a farm or domestic servant. She was unsuccessful in
getting " fad," however, and on leaving the market a
little down in spirit, she was accosted by a plausible-
looking girl, who learned from her the cause of her dis-
appointment, and also that she was a Roman Catholic.
" In that case," said the other, "if you want to raise the
wind, you have only to go down to his reverence in the
street before you, pretend you are hard up, and want to
go back to Ireland, and you are sure to get a few shil-
lings." Judy thought the hint a good one, and resolved
to act upon it, and the pair accordingly set out to wait
upon the highly respectable Catholic clergyman who
resides in Abercromby-street. As they approached
the door, the Irish girl handed her bundle, contain-
ing some good wearing apparel, to the woman who
had taken such an interest in her welfare ; and, at the
same time, the latter considerately Muted that Judy
wore far too good a gown to make a poor mouth in be-
fore the priest. They accordingly retired to an entry,
were the gown was doffed, and placed in keeping of the
friend who had charge of the bundle; and a tattered
handkerchief being thrown over Miss Doherty's shoul-
ders, she was pronounced to wear a very decided air of
destitution, and quite appropriate to the occasion. Judy accordingly went forward, but, after some delay, ascer-
tained that the reverend gentleman was not to be seen
at that time; and as she was getting rather afraid, abd
ashamed of the object in view at any rate, she thought
it best to retire and resume possession of her gown and
bundle. The friend, however, had in the meantime
bolted with the Irish servant's gear, and, in fact, has not
been heard of since. Judy came to the police-office to
make her complaint, where the above particulars were
Gelicited, and has to admit she herself was very properly
lasgow Herald done" for having attempted to " do" the priest.-.-.
UNITED SERVICE MEDICAL INSTITUTION.---Wtcl.
nesday afternoon a meeting of medical officers in the royal
navy was held at the British Hotel, Cockspur-street, to
consider the propriety of forming an association of mem-
bers of the profession. Mr. Drummond took the chair,
and said that the object of the society they were about
to form was the advancement of medical science, the in-
vestigation of the modifications of endemic and epidemic
diseases in different climates, and the maintenance of the
honour of the profession generally. On the motion of
Dr. Evans, deputy medical inspector, seconded by Mr.
Algernon, it was resolved that the society should be
established, and that a proposal should be made to the
council of the United Service Institution to form a union
with that body. Dr. Lindsay then moved that medical
officers in the sister services—the army and the East
India service—should be eligible for admission, and that
the association should be called the 'United Service Me-
dical Institution. This resolution was also carried unani-
mously, and a committee was appointed to confer witti
the United Service Institution on the subject.
COMMON LAW COURTS.—On Saturday on the ter-
mination of the long vacation, the officers of the several
common law courts, resumed business, when the lists of
the arrears, appointed for the ensuing Michaelmas term,
commencing on Monday next, were exhibited. The lists
are greatly improved in appearance. The arrears are
trifling to what they were some few years back, and
the Court of Queen's Bench, which for a long time
showed a considerable arrear, has now a healthy
appearance, so that by the exertions of the Learned
Judges, the customary observation, that to get a rule
nisi was to tie up an action for eighteen months or Savo
years, will be shortly inapplicable. From the lists of the
Court of Queen's Bench for Michaelmas term, it appears
that there are 76 rules in the new trial paper for argu-
ment, and that the earliest was moved for in Easter
Term, 1845, and eleven rules standing for the judgment
of the court. In the special case and demurrer paper
for the court, there are five for judgment, and thirty-
eight for argument. There are in the Court of Comm:de
Pleas, four enlarged rules, three for new trials moved
1 for in Trinity Term last, and sixteen rules waiting the
decision of the court. Four days have been appointed
for demurrers, and on the first day, the 6th of November,
sixteen are entered for argument. In the Court of
Exchequer there are three cases in the peremptory paper.
and eight for judgment in the special paper, and thirty-
one for argument. In the new trial paper there are
four for judgment and five for argument, the earliest of
which was applied for in Easter Term last. The
Courts will witness some changes since Trinity Term.
A new Judge in the Court of Queen's Bench, in the
place of the late Sir John Williams ; and in the Com-
mon Pleas a new Chief Justice, and the Court thrown
open to barristers generally "to have audience in terra
time." It seems that the Court of Queen's Bench_. issued
96,373 writs Cii• summons in six months, ending on th,
• d •
10th May last ; the Court of Common Pleas 14,873 In
di; same period , and the Court of Exchequer as man
as 30,763 in the time. y
CHURCH PASTORAL AID SOClETY,—Wednesday, t
Pis
a meeting of the managing committee of the Church
Pas.- toral Aid Society, it was stated that a contribution, of
200 guineas had been anonimously sent for the purposes
of the society through Messrs. Hoare and Co, The donor
merely gave the initials of "C. C." The society have
selected 25 cases as being most fit to l!a provided for out
of the 2,000/. appropriated from Mr. Scott's bequest, and
which are therefore called the Scott Grants." In ad-
dition to these grants the society now provides 311 in-
cumbents with the means of supporting 299 curates, and,
t6hBenlaoyf a2s,siita,not2s7itoaltabthoourcoasmto(nwghaenn aggregate gtrheeggatreanptsop.ualapi
be in operation) of 32,343/. As several of the
a c turs; expenditurei ble-
g" b
ate- ar
at present unoccupied, the incumbents not be'lirr4 the
procure suitable fellow labourers, the
of the society this year will probably, it was stated, not
ECULATT'oNs
exceed 27,000/.
Lord Mayor, in the course of —Yesterday the
Mansion House, relative tr., the sloattile
STOCK EXCHANGE SP
einc:iounivryersinattioontht
et_
defend ts,,
nexpre.,,sed
"instances Of the e"se in which Messrs. Roches were
a hope that the Committee of the
" -E4xen'..ege would adopt some measures upon the
subject;
It is currently reported that an immediate in-.
v"stigation will take place into the particuilirs a the
dealings referred to in the report. A similar charge
against another broker is, we understand, to be laid
before the next Court of Record. Alderman Copeland,
who has given notice of it, has expressed his determiner-
ti9ll to prosecute i; figorouslT,
1

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