The Sun.
London, England, 1848-09-12 00:00:00

S lET Ny SEPTEMBER 12, 1848. [PRICE SD.

SOUTH DEVON RAILWAY.—The working of this line
by the atmospheric system will be brought to a conclu-
sion on Sunday next, when the whole Ivngth of the Fine
will be worked for the first time by locomotive power.
The atmospheric system, in the language of the di-
rectors, is to be suspended ; but it is very doubtful
whether it will be resumed again on this line. ()a M )n-
-day last the contractors began to lay the rails for the
permanent line towards Plymouth, and the work+ in
that part are being carried out with great vigour. The
terminus at Plymouth was commenced on Wednesday
last.

determined in January last, to have all the war-steamers
equipped in the same manner, and with this view ap-
pointed Captain Horatio Austin, C. 8., as the Chief and
Commander, and James Agnew Stevens, as the second
superintendent of the squadron, in starting the difficult
undertaking,. The Blenheim steam guard ship, 56, and
420-horse power, was selected as Captain Austin's ship,
and attached to her were 12 war• steamers, six of them
to be in the first division and prepared for sea, complete
in every department. The division consists of the Cy-
clops, Birkenhead, Sphynx, Driver, Rattler, and Growler,
these vessels are stored, coaled, and in every way made
ready for sea at 8 hours' notice, having nothing but pro-
visions and powder to take on board when ordered on
service. In July, it will be recollected that the Cyclops,
Driver, and Birkenhead, did put to sea within these
eight working hours after being ordered for Ireland.
The second division, composed of six other vessels, viz ,
Retribution, Centaur, Phceaix, Salamander, Cormorant,
and Encounter, are not so far advanced, but the first four
could be at sea within that number of days; indeed, it
the case was very urgent, in forty-eight hours. Besides
the above twelve, the same officers have charge of the
Dauntless frigate, 300-horse auxiliary power; the Ter-
magant screw-frigate, of 620-horse power; the Jackal,
Otter, Sprightly, and Dwarf, small vessels. In each of
the ships of the first division sixteen persons are kept;
in the second division, ten, taken from the crew of the
Blenheim. So many detachments naturally require
constant vigilance on the part of Captain Austin and
Stevens, but though six of the vessels are, as above-
stated, and have been for many months, fully stored,
no loss, even of the smallest article, has been expe-
rienced. The vessels and their machinery are kept as
cloan and in us good order as though they were in com-
mission; and, in fact, the country has the protection
so large a steam force affords at the sole expense
of the pay and provision of the Blenheim's crew of 265
officers and men, with. the addition of 60 supernumerary
stokers. Added to this, the vessels are all fitted by the
same officers on one uniform plan, and when commis-
sioned the captain has nothing to do but to take his ship
to sea when manned and ordered, being furnished with a
list showing where every article of his stores and equip-
ment is placed. It is believed the Admiralty intend
having the Ajax, a similar ship to the Blenheim (now
fitting here for trial), and eight war-steamers, stationed
at Devonport; and the La Hogue (same kind of ship to
the two before mentioned), with six at Sheerness; thus,
three screw-propelled line•of-battle, carrying each 56
guns, and of 450 horse power individually, and 26 war•
steamers, will be available when wanted. This is a
cheap and efficient guard against a war. The Admiralty,
it should be mentioned, appointed all the officers of the
Blenheim to her solely on account of their knowledge of
steam- vessels.

The Cyclops being commissioned, and the Devasta-
tion returned home, the latter will most probably take
the place of the Cyclops in the advanced squadron when
repaired.
The Adventure, naval-transport, Master Commander
Wellington, was towed into harbour this morning to dis-
charge stores. _ _

Her Majesty's brigantine Dolphin, the Hon. Robert
Boyle Lieutenant-Commanding, captured on the 14th of
June, off Lagos, the Brazilian brig Pensamento (for-
merly the Swedish schooner Teddej with 500 slaves.
The Brazilian led her a chase of twelve hours, and stood
57 shot, 40 of which hit her.

The Dolphin's people were healthy.
WooLwlca, SEPT. 11.—Rear-Admiral J. W. D. Dun-
das, C. 8., First Naval Lord of the Admiralty, Captain
Fitzhardinge Berkeley, 0.13., Captain Lard John Hay,
C. 8., and Captain Alexander Milne, Lords of the Ad-
miralty ; Captain Sir Bildwin Walker, K.C.8., Sur-
ve) or of the Navy; Captain Ellice, Controller of Steam
Machinery; Captain Eden, Private Secretary to the First.
Lord of the Admiralty; and Lieut.• Colonel Irvine, C. 8.,
Director of Engineering and Architectural Works,
arrived at Woolwich Dockyard at eight o'clock A.M. to-
day, and were received by Commodore Superintendent
Sir Gordon Bremer, K.C.8., K.C.H., Lieut. Robertson,
and Flag Lieutenant G. C. Fowler, Mr. Bellamy,
master-attendant; Mr. Lang, master•ahipwright ; Mr.
Mouchett, store-receiver; Mr. Atherton, chief engineer;
and Mr. Peak°, assistant to the master•shipwright.
Their Lordships immediately embarked in the barge
of the Fisgard, and were steered by Flag-Lieutenant
Fowler to the Adder steam-vessel, at moorings in the
river, and in a few minutes after eight o'clock left for
Gravesend, where their Lordships disembarked at the
Terrace-pier, and proceeded by the branch of the South-
Eastern Railway to the terminus at Rochester, where
the Wildfire steam-vessel was in waiting to convey them
to Chatham.

Their Lordships were received at the landing-place of
Chatham Dockyard by Captain• Superintendent Sir
Thomas Buurchier, K.C.8.; Mr. Alexander Barley,
master attendant; Mr. Laurie, chief engineer; Mr. Mil-
ler, storekeeper; Mr. Baldock, store-receiver; Lieutenant
John \Vise, director of the police; the Rev. Edward Pet-
tyman, chaplain; Surgeon W. Warden, M.D.; Assistant.-
Surgeon Henry Peacock, M.D.; Captain Thomas R.
Nlould, officer of Royal Engineers in charge of works;
and Mr. Lang, jun., assistant to the master-shipwright.
Captain Lord John Hay, Captain Sir Baldwin Walker,
and Captain Eden went on board the Crescy, 84 guns,
now in an advanced state of building, having been com-
menced in April, 18-16, and all the vessels now in course
of construction were also inspected by their Lordships.
After inspecting the works in the various departments
they visited the new grounds, their inspection occupyieg
upwards of three hours. Before leasing the dockyard
their Lordships partook of a dejeuner at the residence of
the Gallant Captain Superintendent, and afterwards pro-
ceeded in the Wildfire steam-vessel from Chatham to
the terminus of the Rochester Railway, and, again cm-
barking at the Terrace-pier in the Adder steam-vessel,
arrived at Woolwich at six o'clock, P.M. During the
time the carriages were getting ready their Lnrdships
visited the Styx steam.vessel, at present in the east dock,
and at a quarter past Biz o'clock left for town.
The Vesuvius steam sloop, Commander if. G. Austen,
arrived at Woolwich on Friday evening last, to be paid
off at this port. She brought home a number of in-
valids of the Royal Artillery and line regiments from
llalifax, Nova Scotia, and Bermuda. in the West Indies.

ABSTRACT FROM THE CITY OF
LONDON SEWERS' ACT, 1848.
The Act, which is to come into operation on the Ist of
January, 1849, and to continue in force two years and a
session, repeals the various Acts under which the Com-
missioners of Sewers of the City of London are at pre-
sent empowered, viz.,
18 and 19 Charles 11., 11 Geo. 111., 3 Geo. IV.; but
provide that at the expiration of this Act the above-
named acts shall be again renewed and come in force.
It continues as at present the powers of constructing,
cleansing, and repairing sewers, and of paving, lighting.
cleansing, and improving the streets of the City in Com-
missioners to be appointed under the common seal of
the City by the Court of Common Council.
The Lord Mayor, Recorder, and Common Sergeant
are appointed Commissioners ex officio, and the Lord
Mayor for the time being is, if present, to be chairmen
of the Commissioners, and of all committees of the Com-
missioners.
A chairman is to be appointed by the Commissioners
wben the commission is issued, who is to continue the
chairman until a new commission is sealed. Power is
given to the Commissioners to buy land for the purpose
of building, or to hire suitable offices. Daily attendance
to be given at the offices.
The Commissioners are to hold special meetings when
called for, and the busines of such meetings is to be limited,
and no business agreed to at one meeting can be revoked
or altered at a subsequent meeting, except under certain
regulations.
Commissioners are empowered to appoint and to re-
move officers, and to take surety for them.
Also to enter into contracts upon due notice, and after
estimates have been made of the probable cost.
No Commissioner, or member of Court of Aldermen,
or of Court of Common Council, to be concerned in any
contract, on penalty of 100/.
Accounts of receipts and disbursements are to be kept,
and to be examined and settled annually; and to be au-
dited and settled by three auditors (nut Commissioners)
to be appointed by Court of Common Council ; and an
abstract statement of such accounts to be sent to the
town clerk, and to be open to the inspection of the public.
A map of the City to bo provided on which all sewers
are to be marked, and all water and gas mains to be set
down thereon ; the map to be altered as necessary from
time to time.
Sewers are vested in the Commissioners, who are em-
powered to construct new sewers, discontinue and
stop up or alter old sewers, and to ventilate, cleanse,
and flush such sewers as may be needed ; and for this
purpose to build, carry, and continue the same through
any land, building, or other place, which is not a public
way,' upon making full compensation. They are also
empowered to make such new openings into the Thames
as they may think necessary, or otherwise to collect the
refuse for the purpose of manure, but so that no nuisance
be thereby caused.
The water companies having mains within tho City.
are required to supply the Commissioners with water (if
they can do so without injury to the regular supply of
water for domestic purposes), for flushing the sewers,
and for watering or cleansing the streets and pavements,
or for supplying any public baths, cisterns, ,SS. c., for, the
use of the poorer classes, upon remuneration
.hy theie
Commissioners for the same ; and in case of dispute,
such remuneration to be fixed by two justices. Penalty
fur the non supply of water as afores.atd,
except through frost, drought, or unavoidable accident.
irdaeednt:.;
Private drains are to be cleansed sepal,
owner's or occupier's cost under Commistsetobn:rledainrseecd-
tions, and whenever required by
or repaired; and private drains atrhee.mnnoatsnoto be destroyed
underor obstructedpenal
penalties.
Persons the Commissioners
tayi,
aeorifsr:ttholel
pitrohne workspcaiy.
aellr'eerrssonwsitlhivienegnsout
t.oefithteheCietyornm.may;s
ment of a remuneration for the use of such sewers.
Commissioners may call upon the owners of any house
or building not already drained Into the sewer, to con-
struct a therefrom into the sewer, if the same be
within fifty feet of any part of such house or building,
on a
lower level than such house or building, under Com-
missioners' directions; and no house hereafter is to be
built within the City unless a drain be constructed to the
satisfaction of the Commissioners.
Persons about to build or to rebuild any house or
building, or to make any drain therefrom into the sower,