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

SEPTEMBER 12, 1848.
•

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 length of the hie
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 wi►l be resumed again on this line. On Nlon-
day last the contractors bean 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.

[PACE SD.

determined in January last, to have all the war-steamers
equippsd in the same manner, and ss•ith this view ap-
pointed Captain Horatio Austin, C. L'., as tho Ciief and
Commander, and James Agnew Stevens, as the second
superintendent of the squadron, in star;ing, the difficult
undertaking. The Blenheim steam guard ship, 56, and
420-horse power, was sleeted as Captain Austin's ship,
and attached to her were• 12 war•steamers, six of the.*❑

to bcl in the first division and prepared-fur sa?e, cumpkt,,
in every department. The cii‘iston c nissts of the Cy-
clops, Birkenhead, Sphynx, Driver, Rattler, end Grower,
these vrssels are stored, coaled, and in e very way made
ready for sea at 8 hours' notice, having nothing but ta-o-
visions and powder to take on board when ordered on
service. In July, it will be recollected that th Cyclops,
Driver, and Birkenhead, did put to sea within these
eight working hours after being ordered fur Ireland.
The second division, composed of six other vi sseis, viz ,
Retribution, Centaur, Phmaix, Salamander, Cormorant,
and Encounter, are not so far advanced, but the first four
could be at sea within that number of days; indeed, if
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
clean and in as 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 50 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-stcamers, stationed
at Devonport; and the La Hogue (same kind of ship to
the two before mentioned), with six at Sheerness; thug,
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 Tedde) 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.
WooLwlcH, SEPT. 11.—Rear-Admiral J. W. D. Dun-
das, C. 8., First Naval Lord of the Admiralty, Captain
Fitzhardinge Berkeley, C. 8., Captain Lord John Hay,
C.B, and Captain Alexander Milne, Lords of the Ad-
miralty ; Captain Sir Baldwin Walker, K.C.8., Sur•
vel 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.11., Lieut. Robertson,
and Flag. Lieutenant G. C. Fowler, Mr. Bellamy,
master-attendant; Mr. Lang, master. shipwright ; Mr.
Mouchett, store-receiver; Mr. Atherton, chief engineer;
and Mr. Peake, assistant to the masterzshicright.
Their Lordships immediately embarke'd in the barge
of the Fisgard, anirverq steered by Flag-Lieutenant
Fowler to the Adder steam-ye4l, at moorings in the
river, and in a few minutes after eight o'clock left for
Gravesend, where their Lordships disembarked at the
Tetitteespier, and proceeded.by the branch of the South-
Eastern Railway to the terminus at. Rochester, where
the Wildfire steam-vessel was in waiting4o convey them
to Chatham.

Their Lordships were received at the landing-place of
Chatham Dockyard by Captain- Superintendent Sir
Thomas Bourchier, K.C.B ; Mr. Alexander Barley,
master attendant; Mr. Laurie, chief engineer; Mr. Mil-
kr, storekeeper; Mr. Baldock, store-receiver; Lieutenant
John Wise, director of the police; the Rev. Edward Pet-
tyman, chaplain; Sergeon W. Warden, M.D.; Assistant-
Surgeon henry Peacock, DI.D.; Cuptoin Tbpmas B.
Mould, 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, 1846, and all the vessels now in course
of construction were also inspected by their Lordships.
After inspecting tho works in the various departments
they visited the now grounds, their inspection occupying
upwards of three hours. Before lea% ing 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, egain em-
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 Lordships
visited the Styx steam .vessel, at present in the east dock,
and at a quarter past six o'clock left for town.
The Vesuvius steam sloop, Commander li. 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
Halifax, 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, ;nd Common Sergeant
are appointed Commissioners ex officio, and the Lord
Mayor for the time being is, if present, to be chairman
of the Commissioners, and of all committees of the Com-
missioners.

A chairman is to be appointed by the Commissioners
when 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 ofsuch 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 iu any
contract, on penalty of 1001.

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 (not Commissioners)
to be appointed by Court of Common Cuuncil ; 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 be 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 flu .h 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 the 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,fo r t
or for supplying any public baths, cisterns,
he
use of the poorer classes, upon remuneration by the
Commiisioners for the same ; and in case o f
dispute,
fixed such remuneration to be by two justices. Penalty
a day,
except through frost, drought, or 1 tees
5'
for the non supply of water as aforesaid,oida
ree
Private drains are to be cleansed and p
unavoidable blacaciirdeeinto.r
owner's or occupier's cost
under Commissioners'. direc-
tions, and whenever required by them so to be cleansed
or repaired; and private drains are not toeestroyed
or obstructed by the Commissioners in any of their works
under penalties.
Persons living ont of the City may drain into the City
sewers with consent of the Commissioners, upon pay..
tuent 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 drain therefrom into the sewer, if the same be
within fifty feet of any put of such house
, underor btii
II
in
on a lower level than such house or building
Com-
missioners' directions; and no house hereafter is to 1,19,
built within the City unless a drain be constructetrtOlhe
satisfaction of the Commissioners.

Persons about to build or to rebuild any house or
building, or to make any drain therefrom into the sewer,

are to give fonrtecn days' notice in writing of such in-
tention to the Commissioners, who are to det rrnine the
level on which such housr, building, or drain is to be
built or made; and any home or building taken down
ithin twelve feet of the ground is to be deemed *a
re-
building. Power is given to the Commissioners to. de.
coolish any hone, building, or drain, erected or made
contrary to their directions, or vtithout such notice being
sent as above. Penalty on making or altering :ewers or
drains without Commissioners' leave, 101.

Commissioners may build so much of the private
drains as lies under the street, Lnd recover the costs
from the owners to make the internal drain..ge of the
house at owner's cost.

All guley holes, gratings, or other openings of !ewers,
re to trapped so as to prevent the (friavia frum.the

sewer exhaling tberefrom; and any one sweeping,
raking, or placing any soil, dirt, &c., into any sewer, or
over a,,y sewer grate, liable to a Th-naly of 51
Counnissieners empowered to enter up'on pretnnses a:4
to iosTh et ley uleir otlic,-n-s, and call tilJ)ii the owners or
ocenpier L.vy bom.e c.r to repair, cleanse, and
put in goaud ord,r cli dra.ins, privies. cut cksspools, and
O cri!Orc? the (1.710 Ltnder the it d,r(ctionA,
timer ; al.,' upon medical eertificatt: or wi.cr
compllitit it: g, to .oimmon off,nders Wore them ;
iii enter op-in ;In noses and emorce the abatement of ilay
niasanc..s hr:sing from the filthy and unwholesome con-
dition of any dwelling louse or other building, or of the
accumulation of any off..nsive matter, refuse, dung, or
offal ; or of any foul or offensive drain, privy, or cess-
pool ; or any insufficient drainage, whereby any nuisance
shall arise ; and to recover the expenses incurred from
the ow ror occupier.

Commissioners to arrange with the Cominis4oners of
Sewers in the county as to any alteration required in
the form or level of existing sewers, or the construction
of new sewers, for the purpose of mutually draining in
the most effective manner ; and if any dispute or dif-
ference arise therefrom, the Lords of the Committee'ef
her Majesty's Privy Council for Trade are to decide and
determine the same ; and in the event of the City Com-
missioner; refusing or neglecting within a reasonab4,
time to do any works so required by the sad Lords, the
County Commissioners may enter and do the same.
Any works which under this Act are required to be
done by owner, or occupier, or other persmas, not being
so done by them may be done by the Commissioners, who
are empowered to recover the costs.
Any gas company permitting or conveying any wash-
ings or foul or offensive refuse of gas to run into any
sewer shall forfeit the sum of 2001 a day.
Commissioners empowered to appoint one or more
legally qualified medical practitioners of atilt and expe-
rience to inspect and report periodically upon the sani-
tary condition of the City, to ascertain the existence of
diseases, more especially epidemics, and to point out the
existence of any nuisance or other causes injuriously af-
fecting health; also as to most efficient modes of venti-
lating churches, chapels, schools, lodging•houses,• and
other public edifices; to be called the 4‘ Officer
of Health," and to pay them such salaries as they
think fit.

Commissioners empowered to appoint scavengers to
cleanse and water the streets, and to collect refuse from
the houses, and to cleanse and empty privies and cess-
pools when required, who are to do such works under
penalty; all such refuse being vested in the Commis-
sioners, exception being made of " the refuse of any
trade, manufacture, or business, or any building mate-
rials," which the scavengers are to remove if required
by owner or occupier of any house or land, upon pay-
ment by the owner or occupier; and iu case of refusal
or neglect to pay, the justice to award the amount,
which may be distrained for.

Dung not to be allowed to remain on any premises
more than fourteen days, or more than seven days after
a quantity exceeding one cubic yard is collected, on pain
of becoming the property of the Commissioners after
twenty-four hours' notice to remove the same; excepting
stable dung in a stable-yard, in a pit or keep properly
prepared for the purpose.
Stagnant water in cellars, yards, &c., or soil running
over privies, cesspools, &c., penalty on owner or occupier
a day; the Commissioners empowered to abate the
same, and recover costs in a summary way.
Commissioners empowered to appoint one or more in-
spector of nuisances, to inquire into and report all cases
of nuisances, negl(ct of scavengers, &c., TS hose duties ale
for the preservation of due order and cleanliness. Com-
missioners also authorised to provide, if they think fit,
pace for the deceased poor previous to their interment,
and to regulate, on report of the medical officer of health,
all c...mmon lodging-houses.
All existini, slaughter-houses are to be registered and
regulated under direction of the Commissioners, and no
new slaughter-houses or knackers to be allowed in the
City.

Pull power given to the Commissioners and their
officers to enter any land, house, or premises to carry
into execution the purposes of this Act; and to cause I'
the erection of privies, water-closets, Cisterns for water,
ash-pits, &c. &c. in any premises, under penalties; and
to regulate offensive trades, as candle he uses, soap
.housks,4ea. • .N.4k.
' No graveliereaftei to be used in the City for inter-
mentlvliichUall not kb° fivelkelt clear of soil above
the coffin; and any sexton offending, to' be suspended
from hie office, and made liable to a penalty of 201. Pri-
vate vaults and catacombs excepted under certain limi-
tations.

Persons causing offensive smells, or carrying offensive
matter in the streets, made liable to certain penalties.
Commissioners empowered to light the public streets,
and all public lamps vested in them; and persons da-
maging them made liable to certain penalties, or to make
...i.taction for taA same.
P..vements and other materials vested in the Com-
missioner:, and power given them to pave the streets
and alter their levels, and alter the mains and pipes as
they shell think best, excepting courts, &e., of which
the freehold is vested in the owner of the adjoining pro-
perty, in which case such owner is to pave and repair
them.

No waste surface water fr.m houses to be allowed to
flow over the foot-pavement; but the owner or occupier
to make underground drains to carry the same into the
channels.

No vaults cr cellars under the streets to be made with-
out consent of the Coamlssioners.

New streets to be paved by the Commissioners, upon
payment of one -third the cost by the owner.
Persons damaging the pavements made liable to
penalties.

Pavements not to be taken up without consent of the
Commissioners, on penalty ot 40s. a square foot; and
three months' notice in writing to be given to the Com-
missioners of any line of main or pipes intended to be
laid, or altered, under c(r:ain penalties, and Commis-
siuncrs to superintend all such works, and justices em-
powered to settle all disputes therein.
Commissioners empowered to alter and fix the names
of streets, to order the numberiug of houses, &c , with
penalties on persons obliterating or alteting the same.
Also to water the streets, dig wells, and erect pumps,
as they shall see fit, and affix public dust bins and
cleanse footways,
Commissioners are also empowered to prevent build-
ings proj(c:ing over the line of street from being rebuilt
in such Ii to ; to set back and remove various exist-
ing projections and obstructions, upon compensation
being made ; and to cause all ruinous and dangerous
houses, &c., to be repaired.
The licensing and regulating of hoards hereafter
placed under the power ot the Commissioners.
Existing officers receiving fees from boards to be com-
pensated tor the loss by the Court of Common Council,
from whos: decision an appeal is allowed to the Quarter
Sessions.
Other officers sustaining damage under this Act, by
loss ot office, &c., to bo compensated by Commissioners,
owith
slitin Act,daapopeal t 5.
arbitrationlB4 under the Land Clauses Con-
solidation

Unauthorised persons entering the sewers, or wilfully
injuring and disarranging any gully, trap, &c., liable to
a penalty of 40s.
Commissioners empowered to issue their precept to
the Alderman or his deputy, and the major part of the
Common Councilmen o each ward, to make a sewer
rate, not to exceed 4d. in the pound, and a consolidated
rate not to excecd Is. 6d. in the pound, in the year.
The local authorities to make this rate within fourteen
days from the date of the order. (These rates are to be
made and collected in much the same way as the police
rate; but of this the directions in detitil will in duo
course be sent to the local authorities.)
Commissioners
rate livat i o u
of the lender, 84c.se
provisionsmp reowe(t f
ot borrow
for repayment
m aonndeyseconurtihile
The jurisdiction of this Act includes all
precincts, and places within the city o
f
Liberties thereof. the°
nl
di tear tai en sa,

" JOSEPH DAW,
"Sewers-office, Guildhall, September, 1848."

,iiii-...--...............""'-.-_
IN THE LAST DAYS tl' THE MONARCHY.-It is said
MILDRED VERNON ; A TALE OF PARISIAN LIFE
that this new work displays such a picture of society in
Franco as will astonish no less than amuse the reader.
Its delineations of character, however, are not, we under-
stand, confined to the French people. English visitors
and residents in Paris form a most conspicuous feature in
BOW-ST the story ; and what is sure to add to the piquancy of
evening, TliE
the details, is the circumstance that all the principal
characters, from the monarch downwards, are:reported to
nPseLaltCurEdaylN Paper
be drawn from existing personages.—Evening
Pow-street
Police-station was changed into a banquetting-hall the
guests being the constnules of the F division '
STDATIINONNEHROUTSOE. THE
On
larger sum than necessary had been Collected*A. much
entertainment given to the special for the
constables
parish of St. Paul's, Covent-garden, and it of the
been considered that the surplus had lately
applied than in providing adinnercould not be better
division, in acknowledgment of for the police of the
ex-
cessive toil which the forcethe extra duty and
within the last few
of the most substantial months undergone. The feast was
ad libitum M kind, roast beef and plum-
puddingpublicans, su , Messrs. I,rost and Denison, two local
PPlying ale
churchwardens and brandy gratuitously. The
and Mr. Beare; several of. the other local authorities,
present. , the superintendent of the division, were

LYDNEY.
_
--GOVERNMENT SURVEY OF THE SEVERN.
—Doubts having been entertained how far the important
survey which is now being carried on by the Lords Com-
missioners of the Admiralty, on the river Severn, may
extend upwards, a letter has been addressed by the chair-
man of the Severn and Wye Railway fCompany, from
Lydney, to the Secretary, 11. G. Ward, Esq., M.P., who
has replied thereto in a very satisfactory manner, as fol-
lows:—" Admiralty, August 20, 1848.—Six, in reply to
your letter of the 4th inst., requesting that the survey of
the British ChAnnel, now ~in progress, may be extended
as far as Lydnef, famoimmendt d by my Lords Com-
missi.:;vivs. off' qiib Admiralty to. acquaint you that the
18161vrrri must eventually be surveyed as fa- as Gloucester,
end L) dr.ey will then be oNe of the :first ports taken in
hand. I am, sir, your most obedient servant, 11. G.
WARD.—Joseph Cookson, Esq, Lydiley."'—Hereford
Times.