The Sun.
London, England, 1846-03-25 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, WEDNESDAY MORNING,
,MARC II 25, its-id.

a •
retell tetreeteene in such a way es would Alleviate the pressure of be thrown out in another place. Had they calculated all the
corneentien. 'Us r. ther j ' cost. of rich an eppoeition ? In the first place, was it com-
Luce nil ON xes amxioss t e.deress a few elate ea. fertabse that she Reuse of Lents and Home of Ceunmone
tions to the House. lie had no intention of following up the sh eld, be opposer. to aien otSer "ten atith a ittbjeht de thl.3?
spirit of the debate in the way in which, it ha l% thttutate I. tilde
opposite were quite prepared to meet the
preferred taking a dinerent 'es:Meant Ai, to the criminations &Acuity by an apheel to the country. Was it so light a
aed reerhhieattona thest lehatelsee place, he left the course taken thing to have an election where they had banded agaitist
lel the GnYiehnilieht to be attacked as it might by their friends, ; each other the agriculturist and the protectionist.—( Hear.)
and defended as it best could by the Government themselves. The question to be considered was one of the gravest cha-
It must cot be forgotten that they had in prospect the total re- : ratter. It was the question of the :supply of food to the
!Jell of the corn-lows, and yet they were cursed with the people—one of the most exciting of all subjects. How wotild
elelintentale fee three sears. The /l en. elemhm for tins pity teeetetete etste of jeelerie hi an it t$ edit eoblitr)
0 Lisittlon hid. in the year le ise pr.' !id: the mete in eatesh Cr fit ii-euld be the arguments used at a general election ?
the corn trade would en, and tesosaitted, that itoustia corn was Oa one side the massufeeturers would say that the labourer was
then at a low priest (61e. 2d. ), bread was not a bit cheaper for deprived of his food by monop sly ; on the other, the agricul.
the eoremiliee. The Hon. Gentleman who had just sat down turists would say that the manuiseturers were seeking the de-
hail tton his error, and he trusted that. he would impress upon struction of the peasantry. Those were not very safe
the Government the necessity of repealing this pernicious sys. argumerilts to etc
,at a general eleethin. Unit*
tern, which had nothing whatever to do with pre:eel-ion. fat Hon. rsaeiuhers opposite were perfectly satisfied of this,
was doubling. the absurdity of the Renner system by rendering they would take upon themselves a heavy responsibility,
it uncertain at 'thee pflee corn could be sold. What they had by throwing the country into confusion. upon such a question
(lout t tcS should have done well, so as to put a stop to that as this. Suppose Hon. Gentlemen opposite were to succeed, and
agitation which had existed, and which was so mischievous in were to get a protectionist Government strong enough to
it, effects. The season was favourable for the adoption of se teiemph over ch atm minority in that Hoene erduld they have no
a measure. The unprecedented accumelation of edit, *go tidal caner smarties to contend with? Let them look to the history
feared by Hon. Gentlemen rt./trestle, was not to be found, and of every administration since the year 1815. From that time
the scarcity of roach and. the peculiar circumstances of the time, , to the present there had been one constant course of relaxation.
would protect the farmer from any sudden increase in the Whether they looked to the administration of Lord Liverpool,
competition in corn, The farmer expected, with the Hon. lor of Mr. Huskisson, or Lent Grey, the whole course of the
Gentleman, that there would be a great increase in corn, but he I policy—the commercial eolicy of this country-nharl had a
believed there would be a great diminution in the cultivation,
I tendency to relaxation, What did he dm* from that? Why,
and at the end of three years the farmer would find himself i that there was a kind of fette-trade iidluenia always raging
unprotected and exp wed to foreign competition. He smile I ill DoeMinaastreet.—(Cheering and counter cheering. )
not discuss all the burdens on land attested he tate. Men. Oren- It was not. as they supposed, a faction arrayed against them,
tlemen opposite. He would feet upon the highway-rates, but it was owing to their cause being averse to reason and jus-
&c. ; but he word*) city 'say, with regard to the poor-rates and lice, that they, tie protectionists, were unable to succeed.
counteettles, the burden was left on real and legitimate pro- Their castle, in fact, was built upon the sand, and not upon
perry. It fell as heavily upon houses as it did upon land. the rocks and nevem tar leter it ttetild fill to the grethid. He
There was. a burden on land which he had not heted teobld root trouble the House with any further remarks, but
alluded to in this debate, althotteh the lion. Member for Lin- should sit down, expressing his cordial assent in the measure of
colnshire had elite-led to it. it was one which put very little the Right Hon. Ba"onet.
money in her Majesty's Treasury, and yet fell very heavily on Mr. SHAW wished to refer to some official documents re-
the lauded proprietors. It was the property duty on the trans- latiog to the famine in Ireland, From, the first he had stated,
fer or mortgage of small estates, and rendered their sale en- that While he Meowed of etieett preciiiion that could be taken
tremely difficult. It fell very heavily en the change leariefer to avert the possibility of a great calamity, or to alleviate the
of large properties. They ha l a tight to demand that there sufferings of a large portion of the Irish people, still
should be a Bill to thaole them to.sell their land in the he thought that the potato failure in Ireland had
dearest end to purchase in the cheapest market. He been exaggerated.—( Hear, hear.) He was aware of the invi-
thought that the law of real property would not only dious statement made in a morning paper, hut at the same time
be found to be a burden on land, but socially and he felt it to be iotetSbent tin hittl to state in till sincerity what
politically mischievous. He denied that the echette that greet lie belieaed to be the real state of the case. He admitted that
and comprehensive which proposed us telleie Scotland from there seat a large portion of the Irish people who depended
the burden caused by the Maltitenance of one large prison, and upon potatoes for subsistence, and any failure in the potato
yet left this telimee grievance untouched. He did not mean to crop must of necessity have the effect of reducing the con-
say that nothing had been done since the report of the Real dition of some of the people of Ireland. A partial failure in
Property Commissioners, but he did think, that according to the the crop he was quite ready to agree had taken place, and he
recommendation of the Commissioners, some Bill should be had therefore given a ready support to all the remedial mea-
brought in to alleviate the present system. A very remark. Wes Which the Government had proposed for affording em-
able proof might be given of the supposed etTect of the law of Ployment to those who were unemployed, and giving:medical
real property on the value of land. In this e•iuntry, where so aid to those who were suffering from sickness. He had been
much social importahce was connected with the possession of charged with &ceasing the Government of hiving wilfelly exag-
land, land was sold at fewer years' purchase than on the g"rated this subject; he could assure the House he had never
Continent. Co the Continent land was worth 45 yeara' pur. said any thing of the sort. He had said that the Govern-
chase in some eases, and in England from twenty-seven to ment had exaggerated the subject, hut he never meant to ac-
thirty years' purchase. In the sale of an estate in Somerset- cuss them, or those from whom he received the information
shire, it hail cost the vendor 4,6001. and the purchaser I,oeoh with doing so intentionally. He had, however, been challenged
The same evils relating to property that existed in Ireland to prove the statement he did make, and he was now prepared,
were to be found in Scotland. In the Highlands of Scotland if the House would allow him. to put in that proof. Now, the
there was found the same want of employment anti the same first document laid before the House upon this subject was the
absence of a middle class and though them evils were not at report of Prefessor Piaetair, and elr. Tilney, who stated
present aggravated with religious contention, that state might in November last, that from their experiments thy had come
soon b e brought abeut by the treatment which the Free to the conclusion that half the potato. crop in Ireland was tie-
Cherch was iikely to receive from the landlords of that cows- stroyed. Now, any practical man at all acquainted with the
my.—( Hear, hear.) Wales, like Ireland and Scotland, was subject, or with Ireland, must have known that this was an
sdso suffering, not from the oppression of the pour-law, or the erroneous conclusion, and a subsequent report proved it to be
operation of the " Bastiles." as they were called, but 'by the so. In January it was ascertained by another Committee ap-
eircurnstanees in which the hold, rs of property were placed. printed by the Government, that instead of there being a de-
t'nless the burdens imposed cm real property were removed, it thiency of one-halt, there was only a deficiency of one-fiah
would be immiesible to get rid of this state of things. It. wa,, A return was moved for by his Honourable Friend,
therefore, absurd to call the measure of the Government * the Member for : Somerset, and it had been since
great and comprehensive one. Ni, measure was entitled to be laid before the Hou e, which gave the highest
called such unless it grappled with this stem of thiegs, and prices of potatoes in the various market-towns in Ire-
ramie a final arid satisfactory settlement of the difficulties that trod in the week ending the 23.1 January, and this document
surrounded personal and real property. The Government afforded him greater demohstrative proof that he was perfeotly
were bound to suggest some plan to meet the evil ; or, if they correct when he stated that. the Government had exaggerated
were not prepared with a plan, then they ought to reappoint upon this subject. From these returns, it would he seen that,
she Real Property Commissioners, to Inquire into the subject, in the week ending the 23d January, the average price of go
and to report to the House, that it might legislate upon it. tatoes in all the market towns throughout Ireland was 4d. per
Mr. le ASHLEIGH said he coule not remain silent on the stone, and under 3s. per cwt. It did uot require a man at all
present occasion after what had been stated. He had no hesi- acquainted with Irehted to know that this was approaching a
tetion to say that if this measure passed it would be only famine price; arid, indeed, he would venture to declare that it
giving a bolos to agitation. He asked the Rlght Honourable was not more titan a remunerating price. Now every body
Baronet how he could consistently support the agitation of the trust admit that price was a fair criterion of the existence or
Anti-Corn-law League —( Laughter from the opposition non•existence of scarcity. These reams then fully proved
benches)--seeing that from his position he was bound to put that there was na scarcity ; and in point of highness of
down agitation ?—(Laughter and ironical cheers from the op- price, the figures in this return could not, for a
position benches.) The Member for Stockort might laugh at single moment, he cempared with the figures of 1817.
what he stated, but he (Mr. Rashleigh) was not to be put He would now refer to the statements that had been made by
down by him and the crew that sat behind him._( Cries of the medical officers of the public institutions in Ireland, of
" Order.") He was astonished at the course the Right Hon. whom he believed there were about 600 or 700. He had
Baronet was now taking, seeing the opinions that he held no analysed those statements, and it appeared that out of
longer than about twenty-one months ago, in July, 1844, in a the 108 who sent in the result of their inquiries, in reply
speech he then delivered. That speech so well expressed his to the circular that had been forwarded to them by the Go-
( 'Mr. Rashleigh's) views, that he would read it. The Hon. vernment, respecting the failure in the potato crop, there were
etember then read the er ram, which was to the effect that only twenty-nine who gave any positive opinion that the fever
it was ihpossibla to carry out the rigid principle of poleical at present raging in Ireland was to be attributed to the blight
economy, and that a repeal of the principle of protection would in the potato crop. There were also seven who said, that
interfere with leases, derange the labour market, and affect the fever, or some other epidemic at present existing in Ire-
established interests in a most injurious manner. He (the land, was not at all attributable to bad food.----( Hear, hear.)
Right Honourable Baronet) was then against any- They said that it was to be attributed to the wetness of the
thing like the repeal of the cornelews. Now he season, insufficiency of clothing, and other similar causes.
( Mr. Rashleigh) would ask that Hon. Gentleman to give the Some of the medical officers certainly recommended the esta-
House the reasons which in such a short time bad produced blishment of fever hospitals in Ireland, and it appeared that
this monstrous tergiversation. He called on him for satis- of the 500 men and women whom the fever had attacked in the
faction on this point. If the present measure was passed in county of Cavan, and other places, there was not one
that House, he hoped the other House would do its slaty, and that WAS net an able-bodied, well-fed individual.—( Hear.)
save the country from the rain that threatened it.—(" Oh. He also held in his hand a letter from a clergyman of the
oh !" from the Opposition benches.) He cared nothing for Established Church of those districts, to prove the fact that
their contempt tie lived far enough from their smoky the epidemic with which the people had been attacked was not
region. He knew both them and it, and he also knew their the result of bad food. He also saw, from the returns which
exact strength in the affections of the operatives. It was well had been made by the medical officers, that one great evil
known that these Leaguers dared not call open meetings in the during the present calamity prevailing in Ireland, was the
manufacturing districts, as they would be sure of defeat from great distance which they had to travel to attend to the cases of
the poor people over which they tyrannised so severely. Some- the sick afflicted, and this naturallyeecommended the establish-
thing was said the ether night of the state of the mining dis- ment of fever hospitals in that country. lie was perfectly
tads. He represented one of these districts, and he only willing to admit that those medical officers had every right to
asked the Hon. Member for Stockport to come down, and he make those suggestions, because they had to attend in many in-
would find the people comparatively well off, and they had no stances patients who resided at twelve miles' distance. He had
truck system among them. With regard to the mining trade, endeavoured to show, by the very returns which had been made
he would only say, that respecting the duty on copper ore, if to the Government, that the cause of fever in Ireland
the Government proposition was carried out, it would lead to was not the apprehended famine • and if the House would bear
the ruin of that branch of mining industry. He had had seve- with him a little longer, he would show, from the extracts of
ral letters on this subject, and they all gave expression to such several communications which had been addressed to him on
an opinion. The Hon. Member then read extracts from two the present state of Ireland, that the Government were not
letters, wl.ich were strongly condemnatory of the proposed justified in stating that there would be an unprecedented
alteration in the tariff regarding, copper ore. One he stated famine in Ireland during the ensuing summer. The first
was from a party in Cornwall, that employed 3,000 people, witness that he would quote was his Hon. and Learned Friend
Such were the general opinions he believed in that part of the Judge Torrens, a man of considerable experience in the affairs
country, the feeling being decidedly against the policy of her of Ireland. That Gentleman stated that he had passed through
Majesty's Government. It was with great pain that Omagh, in the county of Tyrone, and that he had not beer,
he must vote aeainst the Right Hon. Baronet, but struck by any appearanee of starvation.—( Hear, hear.) He
still he was not to be dragged through the mire with had also passed through Fermanagh, Donnegal, Londonderry,
him, and must act up conscientiously to the principles and other •adjo ning counties, and he must confess that the
upon which he had been returned to Parliament. appearance of the people and the country generally was similar
He was elected in 1511, not as a pledged advocate of the corn- to that of previous years. He had also a written eomniuuica-
laws, but he was expected to advocate the agricultural interests tion, dated the 17th instant, from a gentleman who was a grand
of the country. He could assure the House that he had felt it juror in the country of Kildare, and whose residence
his duty to maintain the fixed principles which that side had was in the county of Wexford, and in that statement
now seemed to abandon, and he was determined, while he re- he said that flue present mount of the distress in Ireland
tamed his seat, that, however others might falsify those grin- had been greatly exaggerated.—( Hear, hear.) Last Saturday
ciplee, he would preserve his own consistency. at Naas he purchased good potatoes at sarl. per stone—( Hear,
Mr. BARING would have bsen much disinclined to have hear )—en on the 18th inst. so pleentul was the supply of good
come forward on this subject, but as it seemed a settled arrange- potatoes at the same market, that they were selling at 3ed.
mint that the question should be debated in a given time, he per stone. The same was the case in Enniscorthy and Wex-
felt some little anxiety that tire debate should not pans over ford. He would now go to the south of Ireland. A gentle-
until he had expressed his cordial suppert. of the measures in- man living in the neighbourhood of Cork had stated, that
treduced by her Majesty's Government. And, although he did never within his memory or experience had he seen less starve-
not mean to deny there were many points in the proposition of tier; in his &strict ; and a clergyman of the Established
the Right Hon. Baronet which might properly lead to discus- Church in that district had stated, in a cominuni-
; yet, looking at the question as a whole—looking at cation to him (Mr. Shaw), thet the question of the
it as giving so much present good, and as combining corn-laws si rand be settled upon its own merits, and
the seeds of so much future benefit, he would that the failure of the potato c, op had been greatly
give the measure his utmost- support. fee exaggerated for the mere purpose, as it would seem, of making
thought that, after !tearing the speech of the Hon. Member for out a case for the repeal of the corn-laws. The potato panic in
Lambeth that. evening, it was quite unnece.sary for him to that part of the country was, according to that gentleman's
notice the observations of lion. elembers on the other side statement, vox et pr tterea nihil, When tile pits were opened
until that specs h had been t reeled to. Nothing new hail been in that district tie. valor.s ere universally found to be very
developed in tee course of the debate, unless, indeed, it might good. A gesialeinan residing in Donnerail made similar state.
be the formation of a third party, diametrically opposed in meats. The last letter a orn which he would quote, was one
their heeling principles to the two great parties which had from another gentleman living in the South of Ireland, dated
been wont to divide the House, and which now stood in a per- the 24th inst., (and he would here remark, that all the letters
teeth, independentposition. But to that party he (Mr. Baring) which he possessed on this subject were volunteered, with the
would he um fined to put the etwttion—what course did they exception of the last-mentioned sm.) He (Mr. Shaw) had
tressed to follow on the present occasion ? lie agreed with written to that gentleman to know what was the actual state of
his lion. Friend the Member for Liskeard. that a great pmes the potato crop in Ireland, and in reply he said,
ought to have some great guiding principle ; and he consi- that it was a most singular fact, that the injury to
dered, further, that that party were bound to express to the that crop appeared to be the most where the greatest care had
House the course they intended to follow. He trusted it was been taken to event it, and that whenever the plans recom-
unnecessary to ashlre Gentlemen opposite that in any remarks mended by the Cernmissioners were adopted, there destruction
he should be obliged to ink. .no personal disrespect was meant was sure to !et it.— ( Hear, hear, and laughter.) But, on the
to any of them. He admired the spirit and the ability which whole, it appeared that the potatoes were in a very good con-
they had evincee under peculiarly difficult circum- dition, and that fasmers would be glad to supply thousands of
stances
him, which might be deemed harsh or ( and, therefore, if any expression should drop stones of potatoes at 3d. per stone in the county of Cork,—
from ;
Hear, hear.) It appeared, then, that the quantity of potatoes
ssvere. he hoped it would not be attributed to any unfriendly in Ireland was muck greater and better than was supposed;
or hostile feeling. It was vele, well to create a resistance to and his correspondenis had stated it to be their firm belief that
the Government measure—very well, indeed, to propose a dif- the present cry of famine in Ireland had been raised for the
ferent course ; but he would remind Hon. Gentlemen that the purpose of aiding the repeal of .the corn-laws —(Hear.)
public
and the country received the proposal of the Government He hoped he had now redeemed the pledge which he had
made at the commencement. From the very important nature
with asclarnation, and he thought that when gentlemen oppo- made at the commencement. From the very important nature
site had taken it upon themselves to form a party—when they of the question, he thought the House would excuse him for
expressed their disapprobation of the policy pursued by the going so much into detail as he had done. For himself be
Right Hon. Baronet—when they stated that he was unworthy could not see
how any thinking man could support the proposed
of further confidence, surely he (Mr. Baring) was entitled to alteration in the corn-laws without consumatmg a contingency
ask, when they thus disapproved of the preseat measure, as fearful as that of which the Right Hon. Baronet appeared
what was the one they themselves were prepared to place before so apprehensive.—( Hear, . , hear from the protectionists.) Ac•
the country? He had listened with considerable attention to corning to the Right Hon. Baronets own showing, his
)
the long debate which had taken place, and he had endeavoured remedy was too late for the disease.—( Hear, hear. He
to fathom the future course of the protec,ionist party if they believed that if these measures were to pass they would be
rejected the present measure. The Hon. Member for Somerset disastrous in their effects to England, and more so to his own
had said that this battle was for all, and that they would accept country. —(Hear.) He could not forget that his country
of nu compensation. He should be glad to learn, if this had exported 3,250,000 quarters of corn to this country
opinion was the opinion of the party ;he should be glad and he could not think how a repeal of the corn-laws woui,
to learn what they proposed to lay before the country still prevent the exportation of that article. He was not, he
if they rejected the proposal brought forwurd by the Right owned, a "political economist," but he fancied he knew
Hon. Baronet. Let them recollect the admission made by the something of common sense.—(Protection cheers.) .He
Right Hon. Gentleman, ashen bringing forward this proposi- thought they might as well tell the baker and the butcher
lion on a former day. He stated that he conceived it neces- that they would be able to live better on the stock which
sary, as early as the month of November, to take precautions might remain on their hands, as to tell the Irish farmer he
to meet the scarcity anticipated in 'he country, by issuing an would be able to live better when he lost his Sot customers.—
Order in Council for the suspension of the corn-laws. It was (Hear, hear.) There was something unaccountable to him
now admitted by all, that the Right Hon. Gentleman ought to in the conduct of the Members of the Government. The
have issued that order. It was objected against him that he Right Hon. Baronet, the Vice-President of the Board of
had not done so, and with that admission before them, he again Trade, had cot even vouchsafed to the House the information
asked Hon. Gentlemen opposite why they delayed any declare- that he had changed his opinions upon the subject. He
lion as to their future intentions? He (Mr. Baring) indeed seemed like a piece of of official mechanism, and he (Mr.
had heard of the British lion, he had heard of native industry, Shaw) thought that if the Right Honourable Baronet at the
and he perfectly admired the spirit of the Isoble Lord, who, head of the Government had not changed his opinion.
speak ng on this question, asked them what measure they they would have heard nothing at all of the opinions of the
were prepared to bring forward—was it the sliding scale Vice-President of the Board of Trade. He wished to suggest
that they were prepared to substitute? Perhaps he might to him that a passage with reference to Caliban might be made
ask what argume,ts they were prepared to bring forward applicable to himself :
in favour of the sliding scale? They were told by some, " Ban I ban! Caliban,
that if they did not give to protection a fixe i duty, there could Get new master, if you can."
be ro reliance placed upon it. They were told that a fixed He, thought he would then he "a much better man."—(Loud
duty was better than any other mode of protection. Hon. I sheers from the protectionists.) He thought it rather hard
Gentlemen opposite were quite ready to meet the distress el that Hon. Members opposite should ask questions, first with
Ireland by a suspension, of the eern-laws.—( Cries of " No, reference to the policy of the Government. He thought it
no.") He would like to know how they screed go to the cenntry was very annoying for Ministers to answer such questions. He
to defend the sliding scale, when they had expressed their readi- remembered an occasion of that sort, and the Right Hon.
ness to support the Right Hon. Gentleman in a snwstension of Baronet, in answer to similar questions, said, "Do not suppose
the corn-laws.--(No, ) Then lee had th
.rounderstood ! that I contemplate keeping myself in power by proposing
them, but it was ,certainly a misunderstanding in which nine- measures of the same kind as yourselves (referring to the
teen-twentieths of the House shared.—( Cheers!) The Hon. Whigs, whom he had then thrown out) ? I tell you
Member for Somersetshire had stated that he would he , frankly I purpose nothing of the sort."— ( Loud cheers.)
ready to support suspenstere and he stated that the fame's He (Mr. Shaw) believed that the lion. Gentlemen who sat
were ready to do so ton. it a fixed duty Hon. Gentlemen around him acted upon one simple principle. They opposed
opposite were prepared to support? He was afraid. that the ' what they thought wrong, they supported what they thought
time was passed tor such a settlement of the.queshon. He right.—(Preteetionist cheers.) lie was persuaded that they
thought that Hon. Ge"l"men were perfectly justified by the had no thought of office. They were not so full of that as the
circumstances in ehanging their ertue tons. He asked them Hon. Gentlemen opposite; they were not so apprehensive of
again, did they believe that they were prepared to go to the an appeal to the country as they were. They would take a
country in the qu. stien of a fixed duty? If they were deter- manly and a shaightfewaverdhourse. They could not see • that
mined to &there to a sliding scree, to what sliding scale did a Minister with only 112 followers 'could long eenthaue in
they propose to attach themselves ? The country had a right ' power.—( Loud cheers from the protectionist*. And if they
to know whether they had settled atoongst themselves the , succeeded in obtaining a majority at the next election, they
scheme which they were prepared to adhere to. He would : would not lung want a leader either in that or in the other
ask the Noble Lord wile hat led the protection party so ably House.—(Clieetts.) He hoped, however, should the Bill pass
(Lord George Feentitick) to state to the country what into law, that his anticipation of the measure would not be
business scheme he was prepared to stand upon, realised. Of this however he was sure, that throughout
and go to the country with ? There could be no this generanon ..it, would leave an indelible stain upon the
doubt that the majority of that House fieriur efsneatentweette.of, Enhigh.d.—a Hear, and cheers.) It could not.
'he measures of her •Mejestvh Goeernraelit• The expects. he said that marentrattirion tiatrVeti‘l,l OW by theentellonters
titne of non. Quaaemea oppoite Wad that the mop would of the Cebioot. OulY three Umbers of the 0104114 of

November had given any explanation at all. The Right Hon.
Baronet at the head of the Government had rested his

Shrewsbury and Dirmingiiani.
Worcester and Pertlidynllaen.
Guildford, and lteig :te.
Midland (Erewash Valley Branches).
Midland (Ercwash Valley Extensions).
Birtningham; Attavcrbampton, and Dudley.
Buckinghamshire Ch'ing try T'ahalrirry):
Bristol and Birmingham (Gloucester Mid Stdnehottse).
Shrewsbury and Herefordshire.
London and Birmingham (;tirmingham Extension).
MONDAY, stAitCli 30.
Northumberland and Lancashire.

change of opinion mainly upon the ground of the failui e of the
pAatit crop in Ireland. He thodeit, lioirever, thatthe position
would fail him, after having heard the state:aent which he had
just read to the House. It was a remarkable thing that he
shoald have suffered Ws opinions, backed by the experience of
forty years, to be changed by the fears of a few months. It
was so sudden as to spread a consternation thrJughout the
country; but when it came to the smaller fry, their conversion
was realty miraculous.—(Cheers and laughter)—insomuch
ci that; hd4l !tot the tvedion beep an important
one, it would have been sufficient of itself td have

LICENSING MEETING for the CITY.
Yesterday morning a special session for the City of London,
Was held by adjournment at Guildhall, before the Lord Mayor,
Aldermen Laurie, Sir James Duke, Moon, Wilson, Challis,
and Hooper, for the purpose Of granting licenses to new
houses.
There were 12 applications for license•, or extension of li-
censes to public-houses, and 26 applications for licenses for
playing billiard 3.
James Dickens Saltner applied for a license for No. 4, Guild-
hall Chambers, and 33, Basinghall-street. The premises were
formerly the White Bear Inn, and it was intended to carry
on the business without a sign. It was supported by all the
Ward authorities—Granted.
Themes Stephen Taylor applied for the extension of the
license at a }MOSS called the Dark House, Dark House-lane,
to a house, No. 16, Upper Thames-street. It was opposed by
the ward authorities, the Rector, and several inhabitants,
on the ground that there was no necessity fur the extension
by which the license would be brought up in Thames-street,
although there were three other houses in Dark-house-lane.
One of the ALDERMEN said all those houses were City pro-
perty.
Mr. CLARKSON, for the applicant, said this house was the
only one kept open at night for the accommodation of the
market people and persons going by late and early steam-
boats.—License granted.
WM. DUNN, CROWN AND SCEPTRE, 19, OLD CHANGE.
Mr. LAURIE appeared against this application on the part
of the ward authorities, and fifty-five of the inhabitants. i
There are only 220 houses in the ward, and twelve licensed
houses; three others had been shut up within the last twelve
months in consequence of business in the neighbourhood
having fallen off through several inns having been given
up, and the business carried nearer to the different railway
termini.
Mr. Ceantesoer showed that this was formerly a licensed
house, and now kept as a beer shop, the petitioner not having
had the means to take out his license, his house having been
robbed and his cash-box stolen.—Granted.
James 'l'. Cuthbert applied for a license to a house No. 14,
Great Distaff-lane.—Granted.
James Pickworth applied for a license is dining-room Ne.
38, 'Throgmorton-street, exactly opposite the Auction-room
Colfae-house. —Refused.
John Hartley Butterworth applied for a license to houses
No. 39 and 40, King-street, Cheapside.
Mr. LAURIE opposed, and stated that the applicant had
been bankrupt in 1838, obtained his certificate in 1840, and
took the benefit of the Insolvent Act in 1844. Yet he now
stated that he had laid out 3,0001. on it. He (the Learned
Counsel) considered it highly improbable that the money
had been laid out, but that the lease had been mortgaged—
at all events his property was subjected to the claims of his
creditors.
Mr. CLARKSON addressed the Court, and the license was
granted.
George Edward Healey applied for a license to a house,
No 18, Old 'Change ; it was in another ward, but exactly
opposite to the Crown and Sceptre, granted above, and
within three doors of another, licensed house.—The license
was refused.
Messrs. Ring and Bryman applied for a spirit license to
" Birch's," on Cornhill.—lt was granted without opposition.
Joseph May applied for a license to a house at the corner
of New-street, to be called Victoria-street. It was strongly
opposed.
Mr. BODKIN supported the petition, and stated that the
house had been built by Messrs. Calvert and Co., the brewers,
on ground leased to them by the Corporation ; the ground
bad been take❑ with a view of inducing others to purchase
also, as without that being done, the Corporation could not
carry into effect the improvements; they desired to open a
direct road from Farringdon-street to the northward—some
difficulties had existed but were likely to be overcome.—
Granted.
James Ramsden obtained a license to dining-rooms, No. 6,
Clement's-lane.
John Benjamin applied for a license to a house, No: 20,
New street, Gravel-lane, Houndsditch. One house had been
licensed last year near the spot, but that had not been
opened.—Refused.
William Daises, for a house, King's Head and Lamb,
Thames-street, transferred from No. 50 to No. 49.—Granted.
The licenses suspended at the last Riesling were renewed.
The other business was of no interest.

brought ridicule on the question. Then they had the
explanation of one of the greatest of living men, one who had
served for half a century his Sovereign and his country, in such

a manner, as he supposed, no other subject had ever done. He
might think it right tp do that which he had advocated ; he
could add nothing to the fionoiiri which citeady t•rovrded upon
him by the passing of the present measure, and England mriSt
at least be silent upon the subject. They cannot wither the
lani els of Waterloo. One other Member also had declared his

principles, and he had stood by them, and declared his intention
of doing so► By his manly and straightforvrard clurse, he has
(lone much to reAern the hood& of the order to which he be-

louged.—( Hear, hear.) It was not that the conduct of that
Minister had shaken public confidence in public men—it
was not that it bad affected the character of the
country —it was not that it had broken up
parties, and arrayed constituencies against their representa-
tives and representatives against their constituencies, man
against Man, hrdther against brother, father against son and
son against father, but it had confotitided all the relations of
social life.—( Hear, hear.) They must all share in the Oil,
they must all participate in the sorrow, but let this be their
consolation, that they on his side of the House had, at all
events, escaped the degradation.
The CHANCELLQR of the EXCHEQUER and Mr.
Alexander M'Carthy both rose et the sadte time, and there
was a loud cry for the new member, who, however, gave
way to the Right Honourable Gentleman, who said
that he presumed that the cheers which greeted
the speech of the Right Honourable Gentleman were to be
attributed to his peroration, in which he had animadverted
with his accustomed severity, for he could not believe that any
of the Honourable Gentlemen who had given ordinary agent.
tion to the arguments urged during the debate, or to the docu-
ments laid upon the table for the information of this House, as
to what was passing in the different portions of the empire,
could have intended by those cheers to assent or approve of
the statements made with kespett to the scarcity in Ireland.
His Right Honourable Friend commenced his speech by stets
ing that he was prepared to. confirm those statements at which
he h d formerly hinted, namely, that there was not that great
scarcity of food in Ireland, and that the allegations of famine
were made to support the Government; and be referred to the
documents which had been laid upon the table. He heard his
Honourable Friend's statements with considerable surprise,
which was increased the more when he recollected that they
were made by an Irish gentleman, who ought to be acquainted
with the state of his country; and when even gentlemen,
agreeing with him in opinion respecting the measure, ad-
mitted the existence of scarcity. Ile might allude to the Mem-
ber for Somersetshire, who stated that he was deeply impressed
with the distress in Ireland—( Hear, hear.) And what were
the arguments on which he grounded his opposition to
the measure? In the first place, he represented that
nothing more than the ordinary scarcity existed
at the present moment in Ireland. —( Hear. hear.)
And what was his inference, when they had a people suffering
under that degree of scarcity and sickness which was described
in these papers? Why, they were told that that was the or-
dinary state of the people of the country, and he c msidered it
consistent with his duty to object to the measures of
the Government—( Hear, hear)—the object of which was
to introduce food more extensively among a people whose ordi-
nary state was so frightful as had been depicted.—( Hear, hear.)
What was the state of the people at that moment? Let them

:eke the most favoured part to begin with, and
.et them hear what was the slate of Ulster. We
read that fever, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, had increased
considerably, and - it was attributable to the use
of unsound potatoes. Take Belturbet, " Diarrhoea and dysen-
tery, and diseases of the alimentary canal, had increased in
consequence of the bad potatoes and the bad food." Let them
go to Clare,—" A large portionof the people there are attacked
with colic and fever, and are ;daily getting worse, from
the unsound food." Let them bear in mind that these
were comparative statements, and were not the effects
of the ordinary famine which the Honourable Gentle-
man considered they ought to pass without heed.—(Hear.l
In the county of Antrim, in January, 1845, the price of
potatoes was 3d. per stone, and at the same time in 1846, the
present sear, the price was stated at 60., thus showing an
increase in the price of the food of the people of more than 100
per cent. His Hon. Friend stated that such a sum was not
excessive, but he did not understand how he could come to
such a conclusion, when he compared the increased nrke with
their ordinary price, Another circumstance perfectly well known
invested the case with additional aggravation, anti that was
when the potatoes were discovered to be unsound there was an
evident desire to dispo-e of the article. In the early part of
the year, those persons that believed their potatoes unsound
rushed into the market and sold them before they became un-
saleable. That increase in the price did not, therefore, repre-
sent the real misery and destitution that prevailed in the coun-
try, as the premature rush into the market con-
tributed to keep down the price, which would
otherwise have been raised to an enormous height. He did
not profess to have an intimate knowledge of agriculture, either
in this country or elsewhere; but, from the paper before him,
he perceived that their ordinary price was 241. and 13/4d. ; and
that at Bush Mills they had risen from 2d. to 3d. per stone ;
at Carrickfergus from 3d. to 6.1. ; and as Cushindale from 2d.
to 41/2. His Hon. Friend stated that tome parts of Ireland
were not deficient in this food. He admitted that
in some parts of the county of Wexford, and other
places, the crop did not suffer so much ; but the fact was,
that the failure had spread over large districts, and that in
many places large pits of potatoes had become so putrid as to
be unfit even for the food of animals; and those which had not
arrived at that state of decay were so generally damaged as to
be totally unfit for use. His Hon. Friend stated, that those
Hon. Gentlemen sent over to Ireland to investigate the state of
the crop had recommended remedies to be applied, which
had not contributed to stay the progress of the disease. The
accounts received from Ireland showed that the people
were not inclined to adopt those remedies, and it was quite
clear that none of the loss was to be attributed to that report.
He would be glad to find that the reports of the condition of
the crops were untrue and exaggerated, but, for his own part,
he received accounts from gentlemen connected with the com-
missariat confirming those reports, and proving that the
decay was universally prevalent. The Honourable Gentleman
had quoted Mr. Justice Torrens to prove that the
! accounts were exaggerated, but that individual, from the hasty
way in which he went from town, could not form a correct
opinion on the subject. This was no ordinary difficulty, and
it behoved the Government to come forward in the way they
had proposed to meet the case, and not to defer dealing with it
on the statements of the Hon. Gentleman. His Hon. Friend
said he could not reconcile to himself the means by
which the Government proposed to meet the emergency, but
he did not consider the consequences. He was not re-
sponsible, and he therefore ought to make allowance for
those who were placed in a different position, and who re-
commended those measures which they thought esstential to
meet the necessities of the case. His Hon. Friend the Member
for Lincolnshire, exsressed a fear that the result would extend
over a series of years, and it became therefore the Honourable
Gentleman (Mr. Shaw) to consider rather what measure should
be adopted to meet tite exigescies of the case than to make
light of it, or to state that the reports connected with
it were exaggerated. He would not detain the House longer,
as he had already spoken on tile question, but he would sup-
port the second reading, believing that every other considera-
tion should give way to the necessity of providing sustenance
for the people
Lord MARCH opposed the motion. He would allude to
the observations made by the Hon. Member fos Hull. He
confessed, when he beard that Gentleman coming down
to the Bills of 182t4, that he considered he was about to pro-
ceed to the law of 1842 ; but, by some coincidence he stopped
short there, and left them to conclude that he was satisfied with
that law. He had heard nothing from the Treasury Benches,
nor from the Opposition, to make him alter his
o;tinione on the corn-law. The Right Hon. Gentleman the
Secretary of State for the Culenies, in seconding the law to
which he now alluded, said that he proposed it because he de-
sired to promote protection. That was the opinion of the
Right lion. Gentleman. When they (the protectionists)
stated therefore that they were apprehensive that the effect of
the coin-law would be to throw laud out of cultivation, they
ought to be entitled to some relief, and more particularly when
it was recollected what opinions were formerly ex-
, pressed on the subject by the gentlemen on the Treasury benches.
Having concluded reading a quotation, he said he would
not weary the House by reading other authorities at that late
hour of the night, though he could do so in support of his ar-
gument. He would contend for it that the real parties to be
injured by this measure were the labourer and tenant-farmer,
who , would be compelled to go abroad to avoid
the poor-rates, and other assersed taxes. The yeomen,
too, a most useful class of men, would be injured by it,
and would discontinue their employment to labourers. The
shopkeepers would suffer much, and would be compelled to
share in the common ruin of all. Therefore, he felt it his duty
to the constituents who had roomed him to this House to save
them from the panic that would be the result, and, prevent it
from triumphing over safe, and sound, and wise legislation.
Mr. FINCH moved that the debate be then adjourned to
Thursday, which was agreed to.
Mr. WYSE presented a B:11 in favour of Art-Unions, which
was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time on
Monday next.
RAILWAY TERMINI IN THE METROPOLIS.
Sir R. PEEL stated that, in reference to the subject of
railway termini in and about the metropolis, her Majesty had
been pleased to assent to a royal Commission, and had com-
manded him to state to the House that she would be prepared
to give directions accordingly.—( Hear, hear. )
The House adjourned at half-past Twelve o'clock.
[d • ' --

RAILWAY COMMITTEES.

(It ES TERD AY.)

HOUSE OF LORDS.
Theft Lordships then formed themselves into a Committee cn
merits

BANDON AND BAWTRY RAILWAY.
In this ease the Committee decided that the preamble had been
proved, but adjourned the case till Thursday for the engineer's report
upon the crossing of levels and amending the schedule of tolls.

co:MK, MACROOM, AND KILLARNEY.
The Committee came to a like decision in this case, and adjourned
it tiff the want of the same evidence.
BALLYMENA AND BALLYMONEY.
This Bill passed through the Committee, and will be reported to
the House and set down for a third reading.
The Committee then adjourned.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.
GROUP VI.
EDINBURGH AND NORTHERN.
The Committee who have charge of Group No. 6 sat at twelve
o'clock, in the Court of Queen's ?tench, Sir John Hobson chairman.
The objects of the line are to make branches to the harbour of Perth
and Pettycar, and to pass close to the town of Dysart by means of a
deviation. The line came before a Committee last session, and
a Bill was procured, but the line was prohibited to be made
until the parties should procure the permission of the
town council of Perth, as the branehes proposed to pass
through certain property, called the Inches, belonging to the Corpora-
tion of Perth. This approval the Company had now procured, and
Proposed to insert a clause in their Bill to that effect. A short time
after the general case had been opened, the Court was cleared, and
on there-admission of the parties,
The ("UAIRMAN said, that as it appeared to the Committee that the
parties were not in a fit state of preparation they would adjourn
until Thursday.
Mr. Sergeant BELLasis said he was prepared to go on with the
branches, and that he understood there would be no competition.
The Committee agreed to hear the case, and the Learned Sergeant
proceeded to state it. He placed a map before the Committee, by
which lie said it appeared that the branch to Perth did touch a corner
of one of the Inches, which gave the Perth authorities a locus standi
before the Committee.
Mr. Granger, engineer, was then examined—He deposed that the
proposed line of last year was objected to by Lord Rosslyn in con-
sequence of its too close proximity to Dysart House ; but in the pre-
sent plan the line was altered so as to remove that objection ; it
would be of great importance to all the lines to have the branch to
Perth harbour made, and it was proposed to work it by horse power.
The Scottish Central Company proposed to make the line from the
harbour to the mouth of the tunnel ; this Company proposed to make
the same line last year, but both were abandoned in consequence of
its proximity to the Penitentiary. The Central Company had re-
:Awed their proposal this year.
Mr. PICKERING said he appeared on behalf of the Central Soottish
Company to oppose this branch.
'air. Sergeant BELLASIS said that no opposition could be entertained
unless It came before the Committee either as a petition or a com-
peting line ; but the Scottish Central did not appear in either capacity.
Mr. PICKERING said that the Edinburgh and Northern Company
had not, either by their Bill of last year or this, taken power to
build their south-eastern station in the place indicated by the
mar.
Mr. Sergeant BELLASIC said that he would withdraw the branch
to the harbour, as he now understood there was a competing line ;
but with respect to the other two branches there was no opposition.
Mr. PICKERING suggested a postponement of the other branches for
the present, as another Bill would come before the Committee which
would materially affect the proposed position of the Perth termini
and stations.
Mr. Sergeant 'lmams said his Learned Friend did not appear in
any capacity against the other two branches, and therefore he would
suggest that the Committee should dispose of them.
The Committee then declared the preamble of the Bill proved, and
agreed, at the request of Mr. Sergeant Bellasis, to postpone the con-
sideration of the clauses until to-morrow morning.
Mr. 'timeline° said he would oppose some of the clauses.
PERTH AND eniErr MINE.
A protracted discussion took place upon the question vs to whether
this Bill should he proceeded with to-day.
The object of this line Is to make a branch from the Scottish Cen-
tral Line to Illockford ; the length, 13 miles ; the branch 7 miles ;
and the estimated cost 300,0001.
The Committee finally agreed to adjourn the case till to-morrow.

GROUP IX.
•
This Committee met to-day at twelve o'clock, Lord Worsley in the
chair.
Tile CLIATEMAN said he had made the motion last night for the
Grand Junction Terminus to proceed iu Committee, but it had been
objected by several members of the Committee of Selection that
the course was irregular, and might interfere with the presentation of
petitions against the Bill. On that ground he suggested that the pro-
moters should proceed and give evidence, the Committee reserving
th jr. decision till the proper time had expired.
♦ll the cognise] on the other side absenting to this course, the
consideration et the Bill was proceeded with.

GRAND JITIOTCTION 8A118017.12. TII3II.IWINITS.
Mr. Hill and Mr. Sergeant BeHeels appeared for tare
Mr. Elope for the Clyde River Trust; and Mr. Sergeant alurpbv for
Mr. John Maxwell, who petitioned against the Bill.
31r. Hsu opened the cue on behalf of the 111.1. He started with a
review of the evidence adduced on behalf of the two other schemes.
as compared with the merits of the Grand Junction scheme. A
great deal had been said on behalf of the Harbour Mineral scheme,
and that It was necessary for the east mineral traffic that was
springing up. Now he had doubts of the great traffic expected,
and especially he did not think there would be in Glasgow any exten-
sive exclusive mineral traffic. A great number of the ships that
came to Glasgow shipped coal as ballast, and also mixed it with
general cargo ; and hence there was a necessity for a terminus that
would accommodate those two traffics at once. The Harbour Mineral
would be of no use for such an object, while the Grand Junction
was in the best situation for that purpose. He believed the
mere collier trade of the west of Scotland would hereafter
be mainly confined to other ports —to Greenock, Ardrossan,
and Troon, while in Glasgow coal would be generally mixed
up as part of general cargoes. It a great mineral traffic
sprung up lu Glasgow, then both the Mineral Harbour and
the Grand Junction would be required ; but if it was as he repre-
sented, then the Grand Junction alone would be quite sufficient for
all purposes. As for the general terminus, it was neither one thing
Ister•the other. It professed to separate the mineral from the general
traffic, yet it intertembln that respect quite as much as the Grand
Junction, while it did not accommodate the shipping in the harbour
near so well. Then let them compare the estimate of the Grand
Junction with the other two. • The Grand Junction was to cost but
60,0001., while the others were•to be do: ble the sum, and to be twice
as long. The Learned Gentleman having dilated on these points,
and dwelt on the advantages, engineering and otherwise, of the line
for which he appeared, concluded by calling his witnesses.
The CHAIRMAN said that before the witnesses for the Grand Junc-
tion scheme were called, he wished to examine the Glasgow Har-
bour-master, respecting the three lines, as he understood he was in
the room.
Mr. William Johnstone was then called and examined by the
CHAIRMAN—HO had been harbour-master for 17 years. Witness's
evidence was in substance to the effect, that the general terminus,
was decidedly superior to the other two. The general terminus
would possess all the advantages without the disadvantages of the
others. The Grand Junction was too high and the Harbour
Mineral too low. The general terminus was 1,200 feet below the
present quay on the south side.
In cross•examination the witness admitted that last year he had
been one to a report decidedly objecting to rails being laid along the
quays, and also to coals being shipped at the Name place wills the
general trade. He thought, however, that the general terminus
was not liable to the objection contained in that report, as the latter
referred to the crowcid parts of the north side of the river.
The evidence on behalf 4,.-4 the Grand Junction was then proceeded
with. was called, and briefly
&
Mr. Dinnie, land surveyor and builds., {t down at about
examined as to the value of the land. ire se;.
1, and hence
33,700!., but 14,000/. of it would be available to be
the real cost would be but 19,709/. This estimate includes
l the land
for the depot, and also covered all damages done to prOpefty.
No point of material importance was elicited by the croteeexemie

nation.
Mr. Broome, contractor, was next examined. He agreed with Mr.
Binnie's estimate of land. Witness had valued the works and set
them down at 32,5001., exclusive of rails, sleepers, or chains.
Mr. J. :11'Culloeh, was called, and examined simply as to the cor-
rectness of the previous evidence, which he corroborated.
Mr. Gale, civil engineer, examined.—He said the present line was
one of the best he could devise. It did not much interfere with the
buildings in the neighbourhood, and those were buildings of an infe-
rior character. The gradients on the banks that approached the har-
bour were lin 110 each respectively. The gradient at the connexion
with the Pollock and Govau Railway was ene in 77 ; and that
in connexion with the Barrhead and Neilston line,
was one in 63 ; the other gradients were very easy.
The sharpest curve on the forks was a radius of five chains, and on
the main. line a radius of seven attains. These were not engineering
difficulties in a mineral line. His estimate of cost was 61,6811., that
would meet all expenses.
In cross -examination witness said there would be no danger on
such curves or gradients, as they would be worked slow. They
might go safely at the rate of ten miles an hour. Horse power was
proposed for traction along the quays.
The Committee then adjourned at half-past four o'clock, till half-
past twelve o'clock to-morrow. •

GROUP Xi!.
GMII3 GOVI AND WEST OT SCOTLAND
DISTEXCT.

--- -
Members present, Mr. V. Smith (chairman), Mr. T. D'Eync,onrf,
Mr. Langstou, Mr. W. Hamilton, and tiles lion. IV. fitiMaUriCk.
TEM GLASS-0 W, PAISLEY, /CILIVIAZNOCK,
AND AYR ENTENSION.
Mr. Winans!, Q.O , called John klinnilton, the tenant on a farm
belonging to Mr. Guthrie. the opponent to the scheme, to show the
injury which would be done to the farm of Capering Stone. The line
laid down was the viry worst that could he adopted for the purpose
of ruining the farm. He had formerly paid NO/. per annum, but by
his late lease he agreed to pay b7Ol. Ho had lately expended a con-
siderable stun upon the f.rm-house, which would be so much lost, as
the proposd line would come so close ae to deetrey, in a great mea-
sure, the house !WV.
Mr. Moffat, engineer and manager of the irdrossat Railway, was
acquainted with the line proposed to be carries! to Mr. Macready's
collieries. Ile did not see that there existed any difficulty in carry-
ing out the lines of deviation. Which Would certainly be much less
injurious to Mr. 011thrie'S property. bilr. Macready bad entered into
an agreement to send two-thirds t7if his produce by the Ardrossan
Haan* ; the rainatalng third was reae:ved for `o nme consua m
mpount
tion.
Ills output was front 16,000 to 10,000 tons— he the
ch
reached 25,000 25,000 Its could send the surelus."!lielas •
yrsose. he be_
ai-eem nt was to last doling the period of Ms 1 c,
lieved was twenty-five years.
A Plat the contract referred
use rendered
WI/AILEY
the Mr. construction of this branch unnecessary, beca, eto
ven thettalt
made, Mr. Macready could not send coals otherwise than by the
Ardrossan Company.
Mr. Christie, mineral surveyor, was examined by Sir TROPIAI
?imams, to show that with increased facilities to the market of
Inane, the "output " instead of being as at present 30,000 tons,
would be at least 72,000 from Mr. Macready's pits.
The Cite lEXAN would wish to hear another witness as to the pro-
duce of the collieries, as such a discrepancy existed, between those
already examined.
William Anderson was called. The quantities of coals that hail
passed in the month of October, between Preston +vineries and the
port of Irvine, was above 2,000 tens, or above 36,000 tons per
annum.
Cross-examined by Mr. Wasansr—He had given. the usual
directions to the person he had stationed there.
Mr. Witaanor then addressed the Committee against the branch.
He contended that there was not &tittle of evidence to show that any
public advantage could be derived front the construetion of this branc4
ICILDIAEN OC It, AND
lII.A.SGO IV, PAISLEY',
AYE:, No. 111. (LAMPITS .1).1":1) LESMAIIA.•
GOV.T ZRAIJ CZIES).
Mr. Hope and Sir Thomas Phillips were for the promoters ; Mr.
Austin and Mr. Gregg for the opponents.
Sir T. Putman objected to Mr. Austin, as having no locus slandi,
his line not being a competing one.
Mr. AUSTIN replied, and the Committee decided that the lines should
be beard together.
Sir Thomas Phillips then described the course of the line from
Kilmarnock to Strathaven. The length was seventeen miles, nine
miles of which was through a rich mineral country. The estimated
cost was 230,0001., and by it a connexion would be formed between
the eastern and southern districts of Scotland, and the important
ports en the west.
Mr. John Hamilton, of Braehead, factor to his Grace the Duke of
Portland, proved his Grace's assent to Vie formation of this line,
s‘hich was greatly calculated to develop the resources of the mineral
couutry around Galiston and others of his Grace's manors. Time country
was a very rich agricultural one, and studded with populous vil-
lages, which would be greatly benefited by this line. Fur want of
such accommodation, the goods from Gaiston, and other towns in
Ayrshire, were obliged to be carted to Glasgow.
Mr. Charles Brown, coach proprietor, Kiltnarriock, said that four
coaches left that town for the towns of Newmilus, Darvel, and Cal
ston, and he calculated the passengers at about 30,000 a year. The
passengers travelling by cars he supposed about from 9,000 to 10,000.
There was also a large trade in agricultural produce.
Mr. AV. HENDERSONI, residing in Hamilton,
per week
2,400 cattle
were sent annually to Rutherglen
, and 60
There were lime fields in the district week to Glasgow.
much used for agricultural pur-
poses. _ _

Mr. CHRISTIE proved that the minerals in the district through
which the line was proposed to pass were of the most valuable
character. He estimated the traffic in minerals alone at above
6,0001.. which he conceived would be trebled in 10 years.
Nir. William Inderso,t, tratilc-taker, proved the returns of traffic
between Strathaven and Kilmarnock. The total revenue in passen-
gers, goods, minerals, and parcels, was 16,3141. 185. Bd.
This closed the traffic evidence.
Mr. James Home estimated the value of land and intersectional
damage at 22,7001.
Mr. Miller, C.E., said that the length of the line was eighteen
miles. The estimated expense, including land, was 230,000/. The
heaviest gradient on the li,,e was one in forty-seven; and he
had but one level crossing, at a point where it was intended to place
a station. it was intended to have the use of an assistant engine
to propel heavy trains. The expense of working this line he calcu-
lated at 33)i per cent. lie was certain that no better line could be
laid out.
The table of assents and (117-sects was then put in.
The Committee then adjourned.

GROUP X 11".
NOE.TH ILEN'r
The Committee to 'will, It this hie is referred met to-flay et twelve
o'clock, Mr. Protheroe in the chair.
Mr. TALBOT proceeded to re-exiirilhe
Mr. Tite, who stated that he had keen in the habit of examining
all. kinds of property for railway cotnpautea. /las .6Xatulard .the pro.
Fly ve Otorazi. it if it Z1P416114 tOMatill eg Pnrai