The Sun.
London, England, 1846-08-07 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON,
_FRIDAY MORNING, A, TT G T.T ST 7, 1846.

After a few words from Mr. WOOD,
The House went into Committee on' the Bill, and the
several clauses were read, and agreed to.
The House resumed, and the report was ordered to
be brought up to-morrow.
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS BILL.
This Bill was read a third time and passed.
. Toe reports of the Copyhold Bill, the Turnpike Act
Bill, the Stock-in-Trade Bill, . the Highway Rates
Bill, and the Loan Societies Bill were read and received,
and the Bills were ordered to be read a third time to-
morrow.
The Forms (Assessed Taxes) Bill was read a second
time, and ordered to be committed to-morrow.
THE SPIRIT LICENSE BILL.
On the motion that this Bill be read a third time,
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said that
he had lately received a deputation from the chemists
in London, and he had desired them to go to the chair-
man of the Board of Excise. Ile had understood that
all objections were removed, and came into the House
with that impression; but since he came into the House
he found that they were not entirely so. He was ready
to make such alterations as might be considered
necessary.
Mr. WAKLEY was by no means satisfied with this
Bill. It would be supported by the wholesale dealers
because it would throw a monopoly into their hands. It
would render it necessary for 3,000 more druggists to
take out licenses under this Bill, or they would not be
safe in having a still or even a retort upon the premises;
besides, the Bill had only been in the House eight days.
He, therefore, wished to ask whether it was just or
equitable that a Bill, affecting in such an extensive way
a large class of persons, ought to be pushed hastily
through the House, without time being allowed for dis-
cussing it? What the persons who would be affected
wanted was, more time, to enable them to become ac-
quainted with its provisions, as the chemists and drug-
gists, whom it would most materially affect, knew no-
thing of its nature.—(Hear, hear.) They considered
that the principle sought to be introduced was altogether
unnecessary with respect to them, as the object of the
Government might he obtained by less objectionable
means; as it required them to take out an annnal license,
at the cost of 2/. 2s. a year. The feeling against the
excise laws was sufficiently strong already, but they
would render those laws more objectionable by placing
3,000 persons under the surveillance of a supervisor. If
a measure was necessary to prevent fraud, it ought not
to be hastily passed, He would not move any amend-
ment, but would press the Right Hon. Gentleman to
postpone the measure until Monday week, in order to
afford time for deliberation. He was authorised to state
that no factious opposition would be offered : on the
contrary, the parties would do their best to promote the
object the Government had in view.
Mr. HUME wished to know if any report had been
presented to the House, relative to the evils which
existed under the existing law? If such a report had
not been presented, and he did not think that it had, he
thought the House ought not to pass a measure which
would affect 3,000 persons. Some case ought to be
made out, yet he had heard nothing of the subject ;
nothing of the frauds on the revenue. No reason had
been assigned by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and
the measure ought to be postponed until they had in-
formation on the subject. He agreed with his Hon.
Friend (Mr. Wakley) that the excise-laws were objec-
tionable enough.
Sir DE LACY EVANS also advocated the postpone-
ment of the measure, on the ground that the Bill had
only been printed since Friday last. Even many Hon.
Members had only been able to obtain copies within the
last hour. He trusted, under all the circumstances, the
Right Hon. Gentleman the Chancellor of the Exchequer
would see the necessity of postponing the third reading
for a week or ten days.
After a few words from Mr. DUNCAN, which did
not reach the gallery,
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said the
Bill was prepared by the late Government in conse-
quence of great frauds which had been committed on
the Excise, and the real object of the Bill was to provide
against a recommittal of such frauds.—(Hear, hear.)
He had, however, no objection to take the third reading
then, and defer its passing till that day week. He
had some amendments to make to the Bill, and
these amendments should be added and the Bill after-
wards reprinted.
Mr. B. ESCOTT presumed that they were to take
the consideration of the Bill on the question that the
Bill do pass.—(Yes, yes.) He thought that some time
should be given for the consideration of the measure.
Mr. WILLIAMS said it was strange, at the close of
the session, for the Government to push forward the
present Bill. He complained that the Excise laws,
already so stringent, should be further extended, and
that new parties were to be brought under their opera-
tion. There was no necessity, in his opinion, for the
measure.

Mr. HENLEY thought the Bill should be recommitted
and printed with the amendments, so that the country
might be aware of the nature of the measure.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER con-
sidered that the course he proposed was a fair one. It
could not be recommitted at that stage. His proposal
would enable the Bill with the amendments to be
printed, and time would be given for their provisions to
be fully considered. The Bill would not bring fresh
parties under the operation of the Excise laws, but
simply under the operation of the officers of the Excise
to the extent proposed in the measure.
Mr.-ESCOTT—What he wished to say was, that he
saw no difference between putting parties not hitherto
subject to them under the Excise laws and under the
Excise, inasmuch as the officers could only act through
the law.

Mr. WAKLEY wished, for the way in which this
Bill would affect London, that the clauses to which he
had formerly alluded should be postponed or amended.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER would
think of it.

The Bill was then read a third time, and ordered to
be engrossed.
Several Bills, brought down from the Lords, were or-
det ed to lie on the table.
GAUGE OF RAILWAY BILL.
On the order of the day being read for going into
committee on this Bill,
Mr. P. M. STEWART opposed the Bill as being of a
very unsatisfactory nature, and did not tend to settle the
point in a proper manner. Uniformity of gauge was
perfectly desirable, and this Bill would only multiply the
evil by adding 500 miles more of the broad gauge than
was at present existing. There were 2,700 miles of the
narrow, and only 300 miles of the broad gauge.
Mr. M. GIBSON said that Parliament was responsi-
ble for this Bill, and it was brought forward simply for
the purpose of carrying out the recommendations of the
Commissioners appointed by both Houses of Parliament.
He did not think the proposed Bill would at all multiply the
evil of the break of gauge. It would have the effect of
preventing an increase in the number of those breaks by
amending certain Bills which had received the sanction
of the Legislature without containing any provision as
to the gauge of the railways. Uniformity was certainly
very desirable, but that uniformity would not be obtained
without the outlay of very large sums of money.
Mr. PROTHEROE said that the broad was much the
best gauge in existence, and the carriages moving upon
the broad gauge lines were much more commodious and
much better ventilated than any others ; and they were
able to travel at a much greater speed. He thought the
inconvenience of the break of gauge was not so much to
be deprecated as the break of management which there
had been in certain cases.
The House then went into Committee on the Bill.
Upon clause 1 being read, a short discussion arose, in
which Mr. Ewart, Mr. Russell, and another Hon. Mem-
ber took part, upon the subject of locking the doors of
the Great Western Railway, which ended in
Mr. RUSSELL saying that the directors of the Great
Western Railway were anxious to afford every possible
convenience for the public ; but he was sure that every
arrangement made would be always attended with some
partial inconvenience.
Mr. P. M. STEWART thought the country. must
soon come to the decision of obtaining uniformity of
gauge, and he thought it would be better to grapple
with the difficulty when there were only 300 miles to be
altered, instead of having, as they shortly would if this
ill were passed, to alter 800 miles.
Clause 1 was then agreed to.
Clauses 2 to 4 were also agreed to.

Upon clause 5 being read,
Mr. SPOONER made some remarks on the necessity
of giving to Birmingham a competing line, on the broad
gauge, to London. This could not be effected by the
provisions of the present Bill, as there would be three
inconvenient breaks of gauge.
After a few words from Mr. M. Gibson, Sir J. Pak-
ington, Mr. Williams, and Sir R. Ferguson, clause 5
was agreed to.
The remaining clauses of the Bill were agreed to.
The Home resumed, and the report was ordered to be
received en Monday next.
NAVAL MEDICAL SUPPLEMENTAL FUND
SOCIETY BILL.

This Bill went through Committee, and the report was
ordered to be received to-morrow.
The Steam Navigation Bill and the Rateable Property
Bill were postponed till Monday. •
DUBLIN WIDE STREETS BILL.
This Bill was read a third time and passed.
FISHERIES (IRELAND) BILL.
On the order of the day for going into Committee on
this Bill,
Captain JONES expressed his dissatisfaction with the
Bill, and after referring to the law relating to the
fisheries, contended that the evidence taken before the
Commission, a report of which he held in his hand. was
entirely opposed to the provision of this Bill. The
whole, of the North and Ireland were opposed to it, and
he was surprised that, under such circumstances, the
measure was proposed to the House.
Mr. LABOUCHERE said the subject was a very com-
plicated one, but having looked carefully into it in all its
bearings he bad come to the conclusion which his pre-
decessor had arrived at, namely, that the Bill was the one
best calculated to do the greatest amount of good.—
(Hear.) It was supported by the majority of the influ-
ential people of Ireland, and he did not think the oppo-
sition of the Hon. and Gallant Member opposite was well
founded.—(Hear.)
Sir R. FERGUSON protested against the system
which the Board of Works pursued towards the fishing
interest of the north of Ireland.
Mr. PIGOTT said the Bill had been introduced at the
suggestion of a number of highly respectable individuals
interested in the trade, and based on their suggestions,
with the recommendation of the Board of Public Works.
Unless the Bill passed this present session, the season of
salmon fishing would expire on the 20th of August, and
the benefit of the extension of the period sought would
thus be lost for the present year.
Mr. P. M. STEWART thought the Government
ought to pause ere they passed such a Bill. A similar
measure had been tried in Scotland and had failed in
t producing any beneficial results.
After a few words from Captain JONES, to the effect

that uniformity of season could not be obtained in the
manner sought. _ . _

Mr. PIGOTT explained that, according to the 3d
clause of the Bill, the Board of Public Works were
bound to exercise their powers, and to say yea or nay
whenever it was called to their attention that the season
was such as to render its extension expedient.
The several clauses were then read and agreed to, itnd
the report was ordered to be brought up to-morrow.
The House resumed.
BATHS AND WASIIHOITSF,S (IRELAND) BILL.
This Bill was read a tbird time and passed.
Mr. HAWES intimated, in answer to an Hon. Mem•
ber, that it was intended to extend the provisions of the
Bill to Scotland.
STEAM NAVIGATION BILL.

The House went into Committee on this Bill.
Mr. P. M. STEWART wished to know whether the
Bill had been altered from its original form.
Mr. M. GIBSON said it remaine.l almost as it stood
at first. It was intended, however, to compel paddle-
wheel steamers to carry paddle-box boats, unless in par-
ticular circumstances, in which case the Board of Trade,
if it thought proper, might license them to sail with only
the common description of boat. As to the mail
steamers, they would be subjected to another super-
vision than that appoiot..ll by the present Bill.
Mr. P. M. STEWART said the Oriental Steam Com-
pany had bet-a in correspondence with the Admiralty ;
trial had been made of the paddle box boats, and it
ended in the Admiralty being of the Company's opinion
that the attempt was a failure, and the expense was
useless.

The whole of the clauses having been agreed to, the
House resumed, and the Bill was ordered to be reported
to-morrow, (this day.)
Mr. BROTHERTON, in the absence of Mr. Hutt,
who had previously given notice of the motion, moved
for a return of all the appointments made by the Se-
cretary of State for the Colonies, since the Ist day of
September, 1841, to public offices in any of the colonies
or dependencies of the British Crown ; stating the
name and previous employment (as far as it is known)
of each individual so appointed, the date and nature of
his appointment, and the salary attached to it.
Mr. LABOUCHERE obtained leave to bring in a
Bill to provide for removing the charge of the consta-
bulary force in Ireland from the counties, and enlarg-
ing the reserve force ; and to make further provision
for the regulation and disposition of the said constabu-
lary force. _

The Bill was brought in and read a first time.
The remaining orders of the day were then disposed
of, and the House adjourned at a Quarter to Ten
o'clock.

RAILWAY COMMITTEES.

(YESTERDAY)

HOUSE OF LORDS.
Room C.

HUDDERSFIELD AND MANCHESTER.
RAILWAY AND CANAL (OLDHAM
BRANCH).

OLDHAM,

IVIANCnESTER, LIVERPOOL,

AND 11Iii:MENHEAD 3UNCTXON.
The Committee on these Bills, consisting of the Earl of Radnor
(chairman), the Earl of Wicklow, Lord Lyttelton, ,Lord Montfort,
and Lord Strangford, met to-day at eleven o'clock.
HUDDERSFIELD AND MANCHESTER
RAILWAY AND CANAL (OLDHAM
BRANCH).
This Bill was opposed by several petitioners, and, amongst the rest,
by the Manchester and Leeds Company.
r. Sergeant WRANGOAM, who opened the case for the promoters,
said that the Bill in support of which he appeared was for obtain•
inn• a railway which branched off from the Huddersfield
and Manchester line, which Bill had been sanctioned last
session. The line proposed to be constructed would branch
off at a point on the Manchester and Huddersfield
line near Lidgate, and then proposed to proceed to Oldham. The
length of the proposed line was between three and four miles. The
object was to afford a shorter route between the eastern and
western parts of Yorkshire. The town of Oldham was important,
and the chief manufactures were the spinning and the weaving of cot-
ton, and the making of machinery. The neighbourhood was rich in
minerals and there was a large coal trade carried on in the neigh-
bourhood. The preamble of this Bill had been proved before the
other House without_any evidence being heard, the Committee, from
their local knowledge, being satisfied of its importance. There was
no injury inflicted by the railway which could not come under the
head of compensation.
The Learned Counsel then called evidence.

Mr. Fielding, corn dealer, was examined, and stated that the greater
portion of the provisions of the town of Oldham were imported,

the land about that town being very sterile. The proposed railway
would, in his opinion, be very desirable to Oldham, in consequence of
the increase it would occasion in the import of corn, and at a
considerably cheaper cost than it was brought there at present.
The proposed line was shorter by sixteen miles to Wakefield than
the line of the Manchester and Leeds Railway, and Wakefield was
the chief corn-market. Great delay occurred at the station of the
latter railway at Leeds, owing to its over-crowded state. This de-
lay seriously affected the transit of corn.
Cross-examined by Mr. TALBOT—The value of this branch was, in
his opinion, dependent on the main line being opened.
Several other witnesses were called in support of the Bill from the
neighbourhood of Oldham, and the Committee were of opinion that
they had heard sufficient evidence as to traffic, being of opinion that
the receipts of the line were proved, and that the only question.lor
the Committee to decide upon was, as to which company shoull be
permitted to construct it.
Mr. Gee, engineer of the line, was then called, and deposed that
the gradients and curves were favourable, the gradients being
1 in 100, and that the whole expense, according to
the estimate, was 158,000/. The time required for completing the
branch was two years. There was one tunnel on the line of 1,320
yards in length. The saving of distance by this line would be about
19 miles between Oldham and Leeds, and between Oldham and Hud-
dersfield 21 miles.
This closed the case for the Bill.
Mr. Hawkshaw was then called, and stated that he considered that
the Mumps line would meet all the requirements of the neighbour-
hood, and that the present branch was uncalled tor.
Mr. Vignoles corroborated this testimony.
The Committee then adjourned.

where the officers and crew of a large vessel bad all signed
the pledge.
- - •

Some discusion ensued on the question of spirits as a
medicine, which ended in the reservation with regard to the
" medicine chest" being excluded from the resolution, which
was then carried.

The meeting adjourned until ten o'clock on Thursday.

DUTCH AND FLANDERS MAIL.

BRUSSELS, Arm 3. WeTlav e been able this morning
to give our readers the first example of the rapidity with
which news will henceforth be transmitted between
Belgium and France. Yesterday evening, August
2, we received, at nine o'clock, a letter written
at Paris on the morning of the same day. This
lettvr, which was brought us by the railway, gave us
news not only from Paris but from Nismes, Bordeaux,
and Toulouse, all dated the Ist. The news from these
last cities had come to Paris by the Telegraph. This
morning, the 3d of August, our subscribers at Brussels.
and the provincial towns in the country, received a sup-
plement which acquainted them with the result of the
first day of the election in some of the principal towns of
France.

On the Ist of August, while the eentrigade ther-
mometer at the Royal Observatory at Brussels was at
33 deg. 7-16ths, that at Paris was at 36 deg. 15-16ths in
the shade ; in the sun, 44 deg. 3-19ths at the Louvre.
This is probably the highest degree of temperature at
Paris, as well as Brussels. The heat has lost some of its
intensity ; from the Ist to the 2nd of August, a• noon, the
maximum at the Royal Obierratory was 30 deg. 9-16ths,
and the minimum 18 deg. 8-10ths ; from the 2nd to the
3rd of August, at noon, the maximum was only 27 deg.
8 10ths, the minimum, 16 deg. 8 Bths. _

Mr. P. J. Tyens, at Brussels, requests us to inform
the public that he has obtained a patent for an invention
which is intended to prevent accidents on the railways.
This invention consists in a means to stop a train al-
most instantaneously at any part of its course. He also
affirms that by Vie facility of arriving at the stations
without the slackening of the speed, now necessary, by
this invention much time would be saved ; for instance
between Paris and Brussels to the amount of two hours.
THE HAGUE, AUG. 4.—We are assured that her
Majesty the Queen will set out about the middle of this
month for Italy, that she will remain abroad for some
months, and return to the Hague about the month of
November.

UTRECHT, Atm 4.—The mint of Utrecht has coined,
from the Ist of July, 1845, to the middle of June, 1846,
11,790,0001. in new silver coin ; the mint is now able to
furnish 500,0001. of large silver coin in a week.
AMSTERDAM, MTG. 4.—Yesterday afternoon the King
set out on his journey to Luxemburg. He arrived here
by special train from the Hague, at a quarter past five
o'clock, and immediately proceeded with his suite by a
special train on the Rhenish Railway to Arnheim, and
thence to Luxemburg.
The thermometer, which at nine o'clock this morning
was 75 deg., had risen at three o'clock in the afternoon
to 85 deg.