The Sun.
London, England, 1846-04-28 00:00:00

him, presenting a pistol towards him. He was very
much alarmed, and tarred aside, m that the prisoner
passed him, and he immediately heart the pistol go off, and
a man's voice crying out, "I'm shot." The prisoner stag-
gered against him, and then ran awry. He (witness) was
so frightened that he was not able to run after the prisoner,
or to assist the wounded man. A man came up to the spot at
the moment, took the wounded man upon his shoulder, and car-
ried him into a chemist's shop. The wounded man was going the
same way as he ( witness) was, for he had passed him hardly
a moment before. He did not see th( prisoner for more than
a minute after the report. He was so confused that he hardly
noticed anything. He would know the wounded man again.
Charles Baker, policeman F 32, seid that he was on duty
in Drury-lane on Saturday night, and that at about twenty-
five minutes before nine o'clock he was passing by Princes-
street, and heard the report of a pistol. He saw a cloud of
smoke at the door of a cook-shop, et the corner of that street,
and saw the wounded man with his hand to his breast stooping,
and crying out, " 0 dear ! 0 Lord !" He went towards the
spot, and met the prisoner, who was running. He caught
him by the wrist, and asked him what was the matter, or
something to that effect, but he could not say what were the
exact words he used, as he was very much confused
at the time. The prisoner's reply was, that "It was a
pistol that went off by accident." At the same moment a
number of voices exclaimed, " A man has shot himself," and
he then let the prisoner go, not seeing any weapon about him,
or having any reason to suspect him. He then went to the
assistance of the wounded man, who had been carried into a
chemist's shop, and he afterwards saw him conveyed to
King's College Hospital. He afterwards returne Ito Drury-
lane, and met the young woman who was first examined,
who made a communication to him, in consequence of which
he took her to the station-house, where she made the same
statement as she had given this morning. Witness said in
the prisoner's hearing that he had met the prisoner in Drury-
lane, and that he said It was a pistol that went off by acci-
dent. The prisoner said it was purely by accident.
John Fisher, who described himself as a chimney-sweep,
and said that he lived in Rose-street, Drury-lane, deposed
that on Saturday night he was passing up Drury-lane
towards Long-acre, and heard the report of a pistol. The
prisoner immediately afterwards passed him, running, and
he saw him putting
.the pistol into his pocket. Several
people called out " police," and " stop him,' and as no one
was pursuing him, he ran after him himself. The prison;;
ran at a great pace, and witness ran at his greatest pace
to catch him, in consequence of which he fell.
He got up, and again ran after the prisoner. He
followed him to the corner of Little Queen-street, in Great
-Queen-street, where he overtook him, and caught him by
the arm. He asked the prisoner if he knew what he had
done? To which he replied, " Have I harmed any body ?"
Witness said, whether or no he must go back to Drury-lane.
The prisoner begged of him to let him go, which, of course,
he refused to do, and they went towards Drury-lane. The
prisoner was shifting a pistol from one of his pockets, and
witness asked him what he had got there? To which he re-
plied, "only a little pistol, that I just let off in Drury-lane.
I was going to the shooting-gallery in Drury-lane." Wit-
ness thinking the pistol might be loaded, took it from the
prisoner, who said, " You may take that or anything else,
only let me go." He then took him first to the surgeon's
shop, and then to the corner of Bow-street, where they met a
policeman, to whom he gave him in charge.
Policeman Durston, F 83, spoke to taking the prisoner in
charge from the last witness. The prisoner asked if the man
was hurt, and said that it was done by accident. Witness
did not make any reply, or even speak to the prisoner, al-
though the question was repeated several times. On search-
ing him at the station, he found a powder-flask in his left-
hand coat pocket, and five balls in his right. (The witness
produced the articles in question.) The prisoner said at the
station that the occurrence was accidental.

- ---
Edward Mailers, of 129, Drury-lane, a dealer in pawn-
broker's unredeemed pledges, said that about five weeks ago
the prisoner came into his shop, and said he wanted
a percussion gun. He chose one, and said that
he had a gun and pistol which he would exchange for it.
He agreed to give the prisoner the gun he wanted for the
other gun and the pistol, and 133. in money, The bargain
was struck, and the prisoner took the gun away. He after-
wards repurchased the gun and pistol for 1 ls., by which
witness had ls. profit. The pistol was the same now pro-
duced.

Mr. HENRY asked the witness how old he would suppose
the prisoner to be ? To {which he replied, about eighteen.
Mr. Humphreys said the prisoner was fifteen last February.
Mr. HEN/Li said that shopkeepers ought to be more
cautious than to sell pistols to such young persons as the
prisoner. .

The witness said, that since the case of Wicks (who it
will be remembered, had purchased the pistol with which
he committed the murder from this witness) he had been
very unwilling to sell guns or pistols to lads such as the
prisoner, but that he saw no objection in this instance as the
prisoner had already the gun and pistol in his possession
when witness first. dealt with him. . .

Mr. IIE;-;.vil;t1;iiseTilie witnesss Fisher to be recalled,
and said that he considered it necessary to observe, that he
thought his conduct worthy of great commendation, and
that it would not be forgotten.
Tile witness Hathaway was then recalled, and stated that
he had seen the wounded man at the hospital since giving
his evidence, and that he had no doubt of his identity.
Mr. Superintendent Pierce and Mr. Inspector Black, of the
F division, proved that the prisoner said at the station, that
the occurrence was purely accidental. The name of the
wounded man was Blewitt. He was said by the surgeon to
be in a very dangerous state, but he was expected to recover.
Mr. Humphreys declined to make any observations on
the case, and

Mr. lixxxY remanded the prisoner to Saturday next.

RAILWAY COMMITTEES.

(YESTERDAY.)

GROUP VI.
This Committee met to-day at twelve o'clock, Sir J. C. Hobhouse,
chairman.

DUNDEE AND PERTS.

Mr. ANDREWS appeared for the promoters of the Bill, and after
addressing the Committee,
Mr. TALBOT said he appeared for the magistrates and town
council of Perth, to object to the line, inasmuch as it was
h tended by the promoters to have a general termini for all the rail-
ways running into the town at a place called the " Inch." Ilis
clients objected to this ground being interfered with (amore patrex),
as it had been the pro)erty of the public for the last three hundred
years. It was a place mitich the inhabitants held in high veneration.
It was the ground on which " Henry of the Wind" performed
such wonders before one of the Kings of Scotland, and of which Sir
Walter Scott gives so glowing a description. The Learned Counsel
went into the merits of the case at great length, and after some cross-
firing between the Learned Gentlemen engaged on both sides,
The Committee orderec the room to be cleared.
Upon readmission, the Cuatustax said that the Committee had
agreed to hear the opponents by counsel and evidence.
The proceeding's were tien adjourned to twelve o'clock to-morrovi,
when the case will be gon3 into in detail.

GROUP XIV.
SOUTH-EASTERN AND BRANCHES.
(Continued from out Afternoon Edition of yesterday.)
Mr. ALaXANDER said that he intended to call a military officer of
eminence to show that the South-Eastern scheme with reference to
the Dockyard was not only feasible but advisable, but he could not
say that that gentleman was authorised sr commissioned by the Go-
vernment to express any opinion on their part.
Witness (in eontinuation)—Mr. Vignole's plan for entering the
dock-yard was more expensive than the South-Eastern plan. Had
caused different borings to be made on the proposed route sf the
North Kent Railway in the tunnels through Roughton-hill. The
turnings-out showed clay to the depths of 26, 7, 13, and 7 feet
respectively. At the eastern end of the tunnel there is a cutting of
1,402 yards in length. The borings show that the clay sapping of
the other strata varies lu depth from 28 to 9 feet. These borings
were all made within a distance of 350 yards. There is on the
western side of the tunnel a cutting 1,400 yards in length, and the
borings made there gave 28, 6, 12, 8, and 9 feet. Is of opinion
that the Bsughton-hill cutting should never have been
made. The Deal branch and the Union-street branch on the
North Kent branch are perfectly useless. In the event of t!.e forma-
tion of the North Kent line,
Eastern Company would be the result, or else a ruinous competition
must be carried on. an amalgamation with the South-

By the CHAIRMAN—ShouId hare preferred .ontinuing the Green-
wich line through Greenwich Park. Had formed plans for such a
line, but it was opposed by the Admiralty,
The CHAIRMAN said that he should like to see the correspondence
on that subject.

Mr. STEPHENSON said that the line enforced by the Admiralty was
a far inferior one as to expense and accommodation. It would in-
crease the expense 101,000/. The railway would not interfere with
the Instruments at the Royal Observatory in the Park, by any vi-
bration. The Astronomer Royal said that the experiments already
made were not sufficiently conclusive,
some experiments himself. oft
and he proposed instituting

Mr. John Clutton, examined by Mr. MEIREWETIIER—Is a surveyor ,
and had valued the land required for the South-Eastern line. The
cost of the main line in land would be 304,2651., and that of the loup
162,235/. From Canterbury to Dover would be 104,4691., and from
Maidstone to Rochester 111,651/.

Mr. G. Wakley was the next witness examined, after which
The Committee adjourned until to-morrow at twolre o'clock.

GROUP XIX.

BRIDGWATER AND TAUNTON RAILWAY
AND BARBOUR.
(Continued from our Afternoon Edition of yesterday.)
The formal proofs, in accordance with Mr. Duncombe's resolution
last week, were then put in.

Mr. TALBOT, on behalf of the opponents of the Bill, took a preli-
minary objection to the further progress of the Bill, on the ground
that even if the Committee granted the line, the promoters had no
power to raise funds to construct it. The Committee would remem-
ber that the first Act alluded to by his Learned Friend, was an Act
passed in 1811, for making a Railway from Bristol to Taunton,
but that Act was abandoned, and another passed for making a
canal from Bridgwater to Taunton. Now the first Act gave the par-
ties power to raise 420,0001., but on the abandonment of this Act of
course the powers ceased. The other Act gave them power to raise
520,000/., and of that sum they had already used 171,200/.. leaving a
balance whirl' in ramnurtt Willi 50,0001. loco !lawn tho cetiwate for the
construction of the proposed works.
Mr. Sergeant WRANGLIAI4I contended that this was an objec-
tion which ought to have been urged be the Standing Orders' Com-
mittee, and the present Committee had, therefore, no power to deal
Ultimately, after a long
with it.
well-known Dublin and Galway
Mr. TALBOT, relying upon the
Committee on
the Bill.
ccase,
iotnt
et cenldeeftd tthmast tmh eayt
the
ra dt
o; bbeu t thede efiadcetdwbasy theth eStanding Orders'
discussion, it was decided that the Com-
mittee should adjourn till to-morrow at twelve o'clock, and in the
meantime the decision of the standing Orders' Committee was to be
ascertained from the Chairman of the Committee before whom the
matter was discussed.

first time, in room 28 GROUP XXVII.
The Committee, to whom the consideration of the merits of the
lines of this Group Nes.,refeiTed, met to-day at one o'clock, for the
inittee consisted of Sir C. Lemon (West Cornwall), the Chairman,
Coin-
Mr. Marshall Carlisle), Mr. Wawn (South Shields), Mr. Bright
(Durham), Mr. mpden (Great Marlow).
The lines in the Group were the Derby and Crewe Junction, the
in the new Houses of Parliament. The
Leicester and Bedford, the North Staffordshire (Chuniet Valley),
North Staffordshire (Harecastle to Sandbach), North Staffordshire
(Potteries), and the South Midland (Northampton and Bedford).;
Alter the different :petitions presented against the lines were read
over, a discussion ensued as to the order of precedence with regard
to their consideration, when it was ultimately arranged that the
311.1nr....A„u,5.rt
threel Staffordshire tines should be taken first.
fr. TOWNSEND objected to this arrangement, on the ground that
the Amalgamation Committee had as yet made no report, and if the
consideration of the lines be postponed till that report were made,
such a course might save trouble and render any inquiry with re-
gard to them unnecessary.
1113"33 STAFFORDSHIRE (3 LINES.)
of the
line,""ult.l then opened the case on the behalf of the promoters
three s, after WI P. Bidder, civil engineer, was
which Mr, George
examined, wheu ' adjourned until twelve o'clock to-
the Committee
morrow. N 9 pith whom were Mr. Talbot, Mr. Murphy, and Mr.

GROUP xXix.
This Committee assembled to-day, shortly after Twelve o'clock, in
worth
No. 8. Present, Mr. Labouchere, (Chairman), Sir W. Moles-
-4 wereui i
11,
ous,
iSdierrJ.,,lrtMacinkweloaruths , Cionlotileel
iltiiallw. don, Sir J. 11. Smith.
SOUTH Ivry...
The clans."
The CHAIRMAN said he believed the Committee had agreed to the
AND, nIYNTINGD ON .BRANCH.
preamble of this Bill under certain contingencies, and they were now
to
r. MecAULEY, COUlleSsel fur tile Bill, having answered in the
affirmative,
clause 24,
The
CHAIRMAN said that the Committee expected that the same
of tolls should be i
then gone through seriatim, and ou coming to
d as they (the Committee) had agreed
upon in another lull.
inserted
_llr. MAC
Of toll as tcY said, that If they were restricted to the same rate tons as the London and Birmingham they could not proceed. The
rate of tolls here charged
Bills t,y that corn
coming ,0 Clause 39,
It was subsequentilY. that the rate of tolls should be
aPewed Y agreed to
as Put forth by company, coals being charged at the
, was the same as that sanctioned before in
usual rate. , the
On 4
which made this branch dependent upon
the main line,
Mr..MACAULRY said he had to submit on the part of the promoters
that this dependency should not be enforced.

After some short discussion, the room was cleared, and on our re-
admission,
The CHAIRMAN said that the Committee could not comply with the
application, and must adhere to their former determination of making
this Bill contingent upon the other.

BOSTON, STAMFORD, AND BIRMINGRAM

(sTAraronn AND WISBECH).

Application was made, on behalf of the Corporation of Bedford
Levels and Wisbech, to postpone the consideration of this Bill until
the parties outside who were interested should be heard.
The CHAIRMAN said he thought unless all parties were agreed he
could not consent.

Such was not the case, and the Bill was proceeded with.
Mr. DaniELLs (on the part of the promoters of the Bill) said,
he considered it right to state briefly what were the circumstances
of the present Bill. It was of ancient date. In the month of last
April certain gentlemen in Birmingham, who originated the line,
found themselve deficient in communication eastward and westward
from that town. It had a most imperfect commnnication with Leices- ,
ter, and there was an entire absence of seaport communication. It was
evident, therefore, that in this case there was a call for improved
facility of transit, which, as regarded these two places, would be
afforded by the proposed line. Besides, the communication with the
important towns of the district would be greatly facilitated. Ile
would also show from the traffic tables that the trade here was ex-
tremely great, and they would be enabled to perceive from the route
of the line that the Bill must necessarily bo advantageous to the dis-
tricts through which it proposed to pass. There was also a great want
of a more direct communication between the Baltic and Birmingham
than by the present circuitous route. It was well-knowu that
there were large numbers of cattle in Norfolk which suffered severely
from having to be driven from the various places where they were
fed, consequently a railway communication, by affording improved
facility of transit, would be of considerable advantage in
that case. He did not think himself authorised to enter
into any details respecting the advantages of the line.
He must, however, offer a few further observations. The line pass.
sing through a level country there would be no engineering difficul-
ties to be encountered. The great obstacles with which they had
to contend were the fears that were entertained of their disturbing
the range of the country inlaying down their line. But they had suc-
cessfully completed their plans without any detriment in this particular.
The objections in the petitions relating to the liver Neane were net
sastained, and he could not help considering that, as there were
some proposed lines which would also cross the river, that the pre-
sent had been mistaken for one of these, and hence originated
this opposition, The fact was, that they had selected a
crossing, which was the least objectionable of all. He would be
obliged to trouble the Committee with some evidence, which he
would make as brief as possible. - The estimate, 250,0001., had been
subscribed. The works would be executed within the period stated,
and sessional orders had been complied with. He, therefore, trusted
that the Committee would consider the work in the same light in
which it was received in the district through which it was to pass,
namely, as one of considerable public advantage.
A question here arose as to whether parties had a right to inspect
the documents of the promoters lodged under the sessional order of
last Thursday, relating to this subject.
The room was cleared, and on our re-admission,
The CHAIRMAN said, the Committee had considered the question,
and would not object to any parties then inspecting the contents of
these documents ; but would not allow their contents to be contra-
vened, or made matter of argument before them (the Committee).
Some evidence having been heard in support of the Bill,
The Committee then adjourned.

STANDING ORDERS' COMMITTEES.
HOUSE OF LORDS. ,
Their Lordships met this day at the appointed hour. The Noble
Lords present were the Earl of Shaftesbury (in the chair), the Duke
of Richmond, and Lord Ilawarden.
LARNE, BELFAST, AND BALLYMENA RAILWAY.
This case came before the Committee on second reference, and as
many of our readers may not know what the meaning of second
reference is, we will shortly explain it by stating that this Com?any
started into life at a period when a deposit of five per cent. on the pro-
posed capital was all that was required by the Act of Parlian cnt.
But a subsequent order of the House having rendered a deposit of 10
per cent. necessary, the parties came before their Lordships to
prove the additional payment of five per cent. The certificate of the
Accountant-General having been proved, their Lordships decided
that the Bill had passed the standing orders.
BALLYMENA AND BALLYMONEY RAILWAY.
This case came before the Committee on the same point, and
having put hi the necessary proofs, the Committee decided that the
company had complied with the standing orders.
OMAGH, DUNGANNON, AND ARMAGH RAILWAY.
This ease was adjourned until to-morrow, for further proof.
LONDONDERRY AND ENNISKILLEN EXTENSION
RAILWAY.
This case came before the Committee, in order to prove complianm
with Lord Wharricliffe's order. And the necessary proofs having
been entered, their Lordships intimated that the standing orders in
this case had also been complied with.
Their Lordships then adjourned, at five o'clock,

REINFORCEMENTS OVERLAND
• TO INDIA.
(From the Bombay Times.)
Some of our Calento. contemporaries are, we observe,
speculating on a rumour—a somewhat foolish and im-
probable one, as it seems—which appears to have got
afloat as to the likelihood of reinforcements being sent
out to India from England through Egypt. From the
answer the Pacha is said to have given to an application
reported to have been made to him on the subject, there
does not seem to be any probability of his Highness
throwing obstacles in the way. If any such application
as that referred to has ever in reality been made, Me-
hemet Ali might most probably have discernment
enough to see that he might enjoy all the benefit of a
gracious promise where fulfilment was never likely
to be required at his hands. It shows a sad disre-
gard of all consideration of the delay and difficulty
incident to the details of transport, to dream
of the superior celerity of the transit of ten or even five
thousand men through Egypt, where previous preparation
was impossible, and where everything must be done in
haste or on the spur of the moment, celerity being the
only thing in.view in preferring this to the more, cir-
cuitous route by the Cape. We shall suppose the diffi-
culties of the sea transport overcome, and that the first-
class steamers, with five thousand men, occupy no more
than three weeks from Southampton to Alexandria ;
less we could not allow thorn : it is a very different
matter even when a lightly-laden packet, expected at a
given day, and all well prepared for, arrives at Gibraltar
or at Malta, and gets coaled and watered in ten hours,
from having ten vessels with 5,000 passengers and
about 1,200 of crews to provide for. A month
under these circumstances would be more likely
than twenty-one days to be occupied on the voyage.
The Bombay Government meanwhile must have a
corresponding fleet of steamers—for sailing vessels
would go as soon round the Cape as to and from Suez—
i. e , the whole of the Indian navy, waiting to receive
them in the Red Sea. These two classes of arrangements
we shall, for argument's sake, suppose accomplishable
enough—though on this side particularly we suspect
there would be found not a few obstructions in the way
of their accomplishment. Let ns now inquire how the
distance from Alexandria to Suez is to be traversed. It
must once more be remembered, that in such a case no
previous preparation of any moment could be made—
that the Turks and Bedouins are anything but remark-
able for their activity, and that on such an occasion as
this it would be the interest of all those on whom we sere
entirely dependent for the means of transport, to detain
us as long as possible amongst them. Such a descent of
Englishmen—such deluges of British gold would be a
perfect godsend to them. For landing at Alexandria,
and embarking the first division on the Mahmoudie
canal, three days may safely be allowed. To find boats
on the Nile, for the transport at once of more than
1,500 men with a requisite allowance of baggage, would,
of course, be out of the question ; three trips would, at
least, be necessary; and though steamers ascend the Nile
to Cairo in twenty-four hours, four days is near the ave.
rage for sailing-boats—say seven for the going and re-
turning trip, and one for debarkation at Boulack, another
for the embarkation of the second division at Alexandria.
Some sixty boats must be employed. We shall take no
account of the possibility of accidents. The last division
arrives at Cairo twenty-four days after its debarkation at
Alexandria, and now the desert has to be crossed. The
distance is eighty-five miles, with no shelter, not one
drop of water, and a temperature which put the idea of
marching later than nip in the morning and before three
in the afternoon out of the question. Water, provi-
sions, and camp equipage have been sent on with the
first division, so that from this source of delay those who
follow are exempt. The desert is crossed in five forced
marches, 17 miles each, and the rear guard, 2,000 strong,
arrives at Suez 50 days after its departure from England.
Betwixt the anchorage and landing place at Suez, three
miles of shoals intervene, and the distance is rarely tra-
versed in less than two hours ; 24 hours at least, would be
requisite for embarkation—as much more for bringing
up the baggage and getting it on board. Ten funnel—
we must not, we presume, say sail, of steamers are now on
their way to Bombay and we may safely allow them 20
days for their passage—if even in this it could be accom-
plished ; and the distance is thus traversed in 72 days.
This we should consider a remarkably rapid passage and
journey for troops ; yet a month more only would have
been required for them round the Cape, with 10,000 acci-
dental causesoul d notof
the
themonein
case
the
oth whicher ;
mightte
times
alto-
gether
n
w
the toil and the casualties ; and more than ten times the
expense. A mere handful of men—a regiment or so—if
any conceivable advantage could be derived from it, we
might occasionally bring overland ; the idea of the
transport of a serviceable division is altogether chi-
merical.

India, to be secure from the mischievous consequences
of war by being at any time able at the shortest notice
to meet them, must always maintain a peace establish-
ment of troops in strength much beyond the require-
ments or exigencies of tranquillity. It is our destiny—
the penalty we pay for the maintenance of dominions
where the rulers are, and always must be, strangers—
where, while it is so, all our movements are regarded by
our neighbours with the most intense jealousy and dis-
trust. The guilt of unprovoked aggression in which we
have too often indulged, has besides brought with it its
punishment. Our best-meant measures are misunder-
stood or misrepresented. We never stir but we create
alarm. Those around us are always ready to assail us,
to anticipate or ward otf attack ; and the hour of our
imagined weakness or necessity is taken advantage of
because we have too often employed a giant's strength
with the tyranny of a giant, and it is feared by them we
may always so employ it.

ROMANTIC ADVENTURE —A few days ago the ship
Young England arrived in the St. Katharine's Dock from the Cape
of Good Hope, under the command of Mr. Adams, whoaswmaszve a wrecked
a few years age on the coast of New Zealand.
soner by the natives, who treated him with ile
barbarousandwcrueulgtyh,terof
would have put him to death but for the intercession of a daughter
adopttheir
one of the chiefs. He was tattooed an over,
caonnidpcaonmyptehlleemd toon
the same mode of life as the natives,
and accompany
food was fish and the
fishing and hunting capeditions.
His
flesh of the wild animals he killed. tie cunderwent a variety of ad-
ventures, and repeatedly attempted to make his escape, but was so
closely
watched by the natives that he was unable to do so until lie
hadbeen among them three years, when lie succeeded in eluding
their vigilance, and made his escape in a canoe. After a good deal
of suffering he was picked up by a ship bound to the Cape, where lie
was appointed commander of the Young England. His wife, who
had long given him up for lost, and had worn widow's weeds, was
quite overjoyed on his being restored to her, and the meeting, after so
oug an absence, was most affecting.
ATTEMPTED SUICIDE. —On Sunday afternoon a
respectable-looking man, considerably advanced in years, was
brought to the Denmark-street station, charged with the intention
of committing suicide. Ile passed the charge-room in a state of great
excitement, exclaiming at intervals, Oh, why did I not do it
effectually 1" A cabman, who accompanied him, stated that being
at the Irongate-stairs, near the Tower, he heard the prisoner ask a
lad, who had charge of a boat, what would be the fare of ferryage
across the river, as he had particular business over the water. The
cabman observing something very peculiar in his demeanour, stopped
to see the issue, and the lad's father, who was also present, observ-
ing that there was something bulky in the prisoner's pockets, Girt
perceiving that they were heavy stones, suspected his purpose, and
refused to let his son have anything to do with the fare. The old
gentleman, finding he was observed, walked away in great confusion,
followed by the cabman, who with praiseworthy humanity kept hint '
in view until they met a constable near the Mint, when he was given I
into custody. On searching him four large stones were found in his
coat pockets, deposited there, in all probability, to secureitiheerivceerr-
tainty of his sinking, should he succeed in plunging into t
He refused to give any account of himself, but a paper addressed to,
W. Black, Esq., 27, Mark lane, was found on him. Inspector
Donegan, who was on duty, sent the prisoner, under the care of Ser-
geant Eves, to Mark-lane, when it was ascertained that he resided
at Lansdowne's-cottages, Lower-road, Islington, where he was taken,'
and the attendance of Mr. Dawson procured, the family physician,
who took.charge of Mr. Black, promising to hold an immediate con:
saltation with his friends as to the best mode of proceeding.

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.
HOUSE OF LOR PS, April 27.
EMPLOYMENT OF DISCHARGED PRISONERS.
The Duke of WELLINGTON presented a petition, signed
by a large number of the inhabitants of Winchester, praying
their Lordships to take into consideration the state of dis-
charged prisoners, and provide some means for their employ-
ment
Messengers from the Commons brought up certsin Bills.
SEES OF ST. ASAPH AND BANGOR.
Earl POWIS presented a number of petitions against the
union of the sees of St. Asaph and Bangor.
CORN-LAWS.
The Marquis of SALISBURY presented a number of pe-
titions against any alteration in the corn-laws.
SUNDAY TRADING.
Lord CAMPBELL presented several petitions from different
parts of Wales, praying their Lordships to adopt some mea-
sure for the prevention of the sale of spirituous liquors on
Sundays.
Earl FITZWILLIAM presented a petition from Halifax
against the sale of spirituous liquors on the Sabbath.
The Bishop of St. DAVID'S presented a similar petition
from Lanroost.
THE IRISH GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY.
The Marquis of CLANRICARDE moved the third reading
of this Bill.
The Duke of RICHMOND thought the Bill ought to be
postponed, as a petition had been presented from shareholders
representing 800,0001. of the capital, praying that the Bill
might be withdrawn.
The Marquis of CLANRICARDE said there could be no
objection to postponing the Bill. He had moved the third
reading, because he believed that those Bills which had arrived
at a third reading would not come under the regulation re-
specting Railway Bills which had lately been established by the
H ouse.
The Bill was then postponed to Friday next.
THE CORN-LAWS.
Lord BROUGHAM wished to call the attention of their
Lordships to five returns to which he was about to move, con-
nected with the importation of foreign flour, and the importa-
tion of corn from Ireland. The production of these papers
could net be objected to, because they had already been laid
before the ether House of Parliament. It would naturally
suggest itself to their Lordships that he was rather premature
in moving for these returns, which affected the discussion of a
question which he was going to say they were about to enter
upon, but which he did not think they would enter upon at
present. This important matter, he perceived by the votes,
had at various times, and in different manners, occupied the
attention of the other House of Parliament for many weeks in
the present session. He perceived by the same votes that no
considerable progress had been made in this question during
the last three or four weeks, partly from the intermission of alt
business during the recess—partly from the intermission of
actual business since the recess. The situation in which the
business of the country had been brought, according to the
votes, which was the only record he had access to, was such as
to excite grave doubts in the capital from which he had lately
returned, respecting expediency. Many persons there, with
whose political opinions lie did not agree, quoting, as they were
wont to, that great author Tacitus, who said of a Government
composed of King, Lords, and Commons, Regis, primores, et
populus. The measure was easily commended, but feared
more. He had endeavoured vainly to explain to them that
what they looked upon as a radical evil in our system was
merely of a passive and accidental nature, only to be accounted
for by the various caprices of fortune which placed certain men
in certain positions, of which they availed themselves, affect-
ing to be for measures which in their hearts they hated, and
affecting to be against measures which in their hearts they
loved, and which they only complained of because they did not
go far enough, but using the opposition to the measures they
loved for the purpose of postponing measures which they hated.
He had given this theory to his French friends, but they had
said in return, " Effects are against you—you don't get on—
your business is stopped—week after week passes away—you
do nothing there is an incapacity to carry on the business
of your country. How long that is to last, anti what is to
happen if such a state continues, who can tell ?" His answer to
this was—there is that in the nature of the British constitution,
that when there shall happen to arise any temporary injury
from accidents in the machinery, or a resitance to the medium
in that machine, there is in that system of our great political
engine the perfection of human policy, as I believe it is, which
will regulate the constitution. A power acting by means of a
well-represented system ; there is a power within itself of self-
adjustment, self-correction, and self-education to the nature
of the evil which has given rise to this temporary obstruction,
and to restore harmony to the working of the great machine;
and accordingly their Lordships possessed the power of
applying a corrective and administering effectual relief,
and if any person should entertain the desperate
hope that they could have the power of frustrating
the intentions of Parliament and of the country by
endless vexations and delay, and that they could postpone the
arrival of that great and, in my conscience, most salutary mea-
sure, till it should be too late to discuss the question—which
God forbid, should be passed without —their Lordships had then
the power of anticipating the discussion, and coming to a well
considered and deliberate opinion. That was the reason for
his moving for those returns, and, if in the course of a fortnight,
or thereabouts, he should perceive the same obstruction to this
and to all other business, he should then feel it his bounden
duty—as their Lordships had an unquestionable right to discuss
the question without waiting for the Bill—to give their Lord-
ships an opportunity of discussing so great and important a
measure. When they had discussed it, he hoped, and he believed,
he might venture to foretell that the passing of the measure
would very soon follow. It was for this reason that he felt him-
self bound to bring the measure thus briefly before their Lord-
ships that evening.
The Duke of RICHMOND presented a petition from the
Synod of Aberdeen against the Bill for the abolition of tests.
HIGH CONSTABLES BILL.
The Duke of RICHMOND reported this Bill with amend-
ments.

CHARITABLE TRUSTS BILL.
The Earl of ELDON presented a petition from Marlborough
College, praying tobe exempted from the operations of this Bill.
RAILWAYS.
, The Earl of DALHOUSIE then rose to propose the new
sessional orders of which he had given notice with respect to
railways. Since he had given notice, similar resolutions had
been adopted by the other House of Parliament, in which cer-
tain alterations had been made; and as it was desirable the re-
solutions of each House should be similar, he had made the
same alterations which had been made in the resolutions of the
other House in the resolutions which he had now to propose.
The Noble Lord then proceeded to state the nature of a num-
ber of alterations to the resolutions, which have already been
published, namely, when they came before the House of Com-
mons, and concluded by moving their adoption.
Lord MONTEAGLE thought that the sessional orders
should not be altered upon any essential principle without pre-
vious notice. He thought it was not right that their Lordships
should be taken by surprise upon the Noble Lord's proposition.
The meetings where the parties would consider their interests
was the proper place to consider the question. He was op-
posed to relaxing the rule in favour of some Bills, and enforc-
ing it in others. The steps they had taken were neither wise
nor manly, as they were throwing responsibility from them-
selves to ether parties. Their duty was to see that those
railway Bills which ought to pass were adopted, and to reject
those which were unworthy of being passed. This was the
course they ought to have taken at an earlier period. Ile
certainly thought the proposed resolutions would do good as far
as they went, but something further was required. Another
thing he complained of was, that, under the present system, a
railroad Bill that was unopposed passed almost as a matter of
course, and nothing could be more absurd than this ; for it
very often happened that a line of great public utility was
sacrificed for a line of secondary consideration. This would
always be the case until some one was appointed to represent
the Executive Government in those Committees, or until the
Legislature took upon themselves more general power, and
considered these matters in an impartial light. It would be
improper for him to speak now of the best remedy for this
evil, but he was sure that every Noble Lord who had listened
with the least attention must be convinced that their present
system was deficient, and could not possibly be defended.
The object sought by the Government bad been frustrated;
their intention was to release shareholders from difficulties in
which they were placed ; the resolutions of the House should
not have been postponed till the present time. By this un-
necessary delay a director who had, say 1,000 shares, and who
had reserved 500 of them, would be enabled to issue out in
small parts those 500 shares which they had reserved, and 500
independent shareholders, who might wish the Bill to be sus-
pended, would be out-voted by the 500 shares of the directors.
It gave the power of making what was called in Election Com-
mittees the creation of occasional votes. There never was a
greater mistake made than by the introduction of such a mea-
sure as the present. He perfectly agreed with the Noble
Lord in the object which he had in view, but still lie thought
that that object ought to he accomplished by some other means
than those which he had proposed, and that if they intended
to stop those projects before they came to their third read-
ing, they ought to have some plan by which to save
expense to the projectors. They should recollect
the expenses and the vexations to which those several pro-
jectors had been subjected. If his Lordship and the Govern-
ment had taken this view of the case, they should also recollect
that they were, at the same time, putting a stop to those great
public works of which the country appeared to be in want, and
the principle of which they had already adopted—of those great
works of which the country was in need. If these works were
to be stopped, why not stop them at once? The Noble Lord
had said, that they must go back to the House of Commons,
but if they were to go back they should recollect that an enor-
mous expense would be incurred, and he did not see any
reason why it should not be saved to the projectors and the
country. He remembered that in the last three years a great
effort had been made to give effect to railway enterprise in
Ireland, and he knew that within the last two years this had
been successfully carried out; but he deeply regretted that
the Act had not been so constructed as to avoid the Irish lines.
No one was more impressed than himself with theeaatt
tn-
dustry, diligence, and and great merit of the Noble Lordith the the
head of the Board of Trade—(Cheers)—gandhu
exer-
tions which he had made in order t.o.ehttri.n these
he
deeplya ters into
something like a manageable mnl
regret the decision of the
re-
gretted at the decision to which theie
reßoard over which he presided
had arrived. Still more did
theyconsidered and obtained their view of
Committee, for if
t* means to accomplish the projects
the case, from the w
which had been laidabnetforoe Parliament, he conceived that the
Irish lines might have been left out, and that the view which
had blsee
The taken was erroneous on that point.
Duke of RICHMOND felt that great credit was due
to the Noble Lord at the head of the Board of Trade, for the
manner in which he had conducted the business of his office
daring the early part of the last session of Parliament, and if
the speech of the First Lord of the Treasury had not been
made with regard to railways, he felt assured that the recom-
mendations of the Board, over which the Noble Lcrd pre-
sided, would have had their full effect with Parliament
and
the country. But after the speech of Sir R. Peel, the several
railway companies thought it better to take the chances of the
chapter of accidents rather than submit to the decisions of the
Board of Trade. It was upon this that the chief objections
were founded to doing away with the Irish Bills before the
third reading. He could not say that he knew anything of
the lines, but this he must assert, that unless a rider
were
added to the Bill, he thought they would be unjustly dealt by. He said that under the circumstances of the case the Bill
would be anything but justice without the rider attached.
Suppose the House of Commons were to say, you shall go on
with your Bill, because we believe that there are valid grounds
for its passing; but it should be recollected that the mere in-
troduction of the clause which was of moment to the Bill,
would entail exceeding expense, and he thought the Govern-
ment'
ought to have made a provision for that purpose in the
Act. If he understood the thing right, the purchase of the
land was to be laid open for five
years, which was a greater
advantage than the companies desired. He thought it would
have been better to have made a temporary arrangement.
Lord ASHBURTON gave great credit to the Noble Lord
for his exertions and industry in his official duties, and he
thought that the resolutions which had been propounded were
at this moment exceedingly important, and entitled to the sup-
port of the House and her Majesty's Government, inasmuch
as they made a provision for the exigencies of the case at the
present moment. It was certainly true that the promoters of
all the plans never considered the consequences that were
likely to arise from them, except in so far as they affected their
own interests. They had no relation whatever to the exi-
gencies or means of the country, still less did they care for the
classification of the Government; and certainly it would seem
with this impression they could not by any means become par-
ties to the resolutions which the Noble Lord had read. With
respect to Scotland and Ireland, he thought that the Govern-

ment had come to a wise judgment, and that it had appeared in
the course of the discussion that nothing had been more foreign
in the compilation of the Act than the want of foresight. It
should be recollected that at the commencement of the last
session the Board of Trade had declared that, under the
circumstances, certain classes should be recommended
as objectionable., that others should be delayed, and
that others again should be recommended for ap-
proval ; but to this the Committee had turned a
deaf ear, and a now classification had been adopted. There
were, first, those lines which had obtained a certain standing
in Parliament during last year. There were, secondly, those
which were proposed by the existing companies. Thirdly,
those which were promoted with a view to the coast defences of
the country ; and, lastly, those which proposed to shorten the
distances between places on the existing lines. With regard to
some of those lines it was stated, as in regard to the Great
Western and the approaches to Exeter, that they went thirty
miles round. There was no doubt but that it was highly de-
sirable to shorten these distances to the public, whenever that
object could be accomplished with safety and economy.
The Earl of ICKLOW hoped that an alteration would be
made in the resolutions, requiring the meeting to be held be-
fore the committee on the Bill, instead of before the third
reading. Parties would then be saved the great expense of
bringing up witnesses and obtaining evidence.
Lord REDESDALE said that many alterations might be
made in Committee, which would alter the character of the Bill
altogether, and therefore it was essential that the meetings
should be held after the Committees had disposed of the Bills.
Ile would just say, that in his opinion railway companies ought
to be allowed to borrow money ; they ought to call up all their
shares.

The Earl of RADNOR objected to the resolutions alto-
gether. He did not see why parties who in a gambling spirit
had got themselves into difficulties, were to be relieved by Par-
liamentary interference. Parliament was stultifying itself by
such a resolution as this. They had rules, and to those rules
they ought rigidly to adhere. He looked upon these resolu-
tions as holding out an encouragemelit for a revival of the
system which they had just passed through. He believed the
resolutions were altogether unnecessary.
Earl FITZ WILLIAM did not object to the resolutions, but
he must say that the state of things which had called them forth
was a rather disgraceful feature in the conduct of the Govern-
ment. They were by this side-wind going to get rid of the
difficulty in which they found themselves, which might have
been prevented had proper steps been taken at the proper
period. He approved of the resolutions, because they were a
loophole by which the present difficulty could be
avoided. But after all, they were trust tug to the
chapter of accidents, for they had no security tlat the good
lines would be adopted and the bad ones rejected. He thought
that a board for the control of these matters should be ap-
pointed ; and he only regretted that more confidence had not
been plac'd in the Railway Department of the Board of Trade
when it was in existence; but he trusted the Government
would remodel it, giving it an efficient staff of engineers to
work with.

The Earl of DALHOUSIE replied, he did not believe
that such a traffic in scrip would take place as to influence the
meetings that were to be called. He had consulted those who
were practically acquainted with the subject, and their opinion
was that nothing of the sort could take place. As to another
objection, that of scrip being surreptitiously issued by pro-
visional committees, it must be recollected that no scrip could
be available at the proposed meetings that had not been issued
prior to the 31 st of Alai-eh last. With respect to the Bills
which had reached the third reading being allowed to pass the
House, it must be borne in mind that a resolution precisely
similar to the one he now proposed had passed the other House
of Parliament, and therefore any Bill which passed the third
reading in the House of Lords would be subjected to the reso-
lutions of the other House of Parliament.

The resolutions were then agreed to, and the House ad-
journed.

HOUSE OF (01111110 AS, April 27.
The SPEAKER took the Chair at Four o'clock.
BRIDPORT ELECTION.
Mr. C. WOOD reported to the House that the Committee
appointed to inquire into the merits of the Bridport election
had decided that Mr. Baillie Cochrane had not been duly
elected to represent the borough of Bridport, and that Mr.
Romilly had been duly elected to serve in Parliament for that
borough, and ought to have been returned. The Clerk of the
Crown was ordered to attend to-morrow to amend the ieport.
GENERAL TERMINUS AND GLASGOW HAR-

BOUR RAILWAY BILL.
On the further consideration of the report on this Bill, Mr.
HumE was about to make a motion, for the purpose of having
the further evidence laid on the table, when the Hon. Member
was interrupted by
The SPEAKER, who said that it would not be in order to
make such a motion until the second reading of the Bill. The
report was then arced to.

I%lr. E SCO`re moved that Mr. Smith O'Brien be ordered
to attend on the Committee, of which he was appointed a
member.

Mr. SMITH O'BRIEN observed that he was there to re-
present his Irish constituents, and not to serve on the Com-
mittees of English railways. He should, therefore, refuse to
attend.

The result of the motion was that Mr. Smith O'Brien was
ordered to attend.

SECOND READINGS.

The following Bills were read a second time, and ordered to
be committed, viz. :
Holme Reservoirs.
Cambridge Improvement.
Forth and Clyde Junction Railway.
Scottish Central and Caledonian Junction Railway.
Glasgow Municipal, Police and Statute Labour.
Oldham, Manchester, Liverpool, and Birkenhead Junction
Railway.
Alliance Gas Company.
Portbury Pier and Railway.
Sheffield, Ashton-under-Lyne, and Manchester (Whaley-
bridge and Hayfield Branches).
Ipswich and Bury St. Edmund's Railway (Extension to Ely,
with a Brach therefrom).
London and Birmingham Railway (Weedon and Northamp-
ton).
West Cornwall Railway.
Oxford, Worcester, and Wolverhampton Railway.
Wilts, Somerset, and Weymouth Railway.
South Devon Railway (No. 2—Amendment and Branches).
Midland Railway (Clay Cross to Newark).
T.
REPORTS.
_ .

The following reports were brought up, the amendments
and alterations agreed to, and the Bills ordered to be engrossed,
viz.:--
Electric Telegrah Company (further proceeding on considers,.
tiln of report).
Perth and Crieff Direct Railway.
East Lothian Central and Tyne Valley Railway.
Helensburgh Extension and Police.
Helensburgh Harbour.
Glasgow Union Arcade.
Glasgow Harbour Mineral Railway.
Colchester Navigation Improvement.
Leicester Improvement.
Great Western and Wycombe Railway.
Great Western and Uxbridge Railway.
Saint Austell Small Debts.
Burnley Improvement and Waterworks.
West of Scotland Junction Railway.
Stafford New Gas.
Eastern Union and Harwich Railway and Pier.
Ashburton, Newton, and South Devon Railway.
London and Brighton Railway (Wandsworth Branch).
Rugby and Stamford Railway.
THIRD READINGS.
The following Bills were read a third time and passed, viz.:—
Scottish Midland Junction Railway Branches.
Glasgow, Kilmarnock, and Ardrossan Railway.
Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway Amendment and Branch es
Clyde Dock and Harbour.
South-Eastern Railway (No. 11)—(Rye to Rye Harbour).
South-Eastern Railway (No. 7)—(Extension of Stations se
Ashford).
Exeter and Exmouth Railway.
Midland Railway (Syston to Peterborough Deviation and
Branches).
Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock, and Ayr Railway—No. I.
Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock, and Ayr Railway—No. '2.
Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock, and Ayr Railway—No. 3.
Weston-super. Mare Pier.
Brighton and Chichester Railway:(Bognor and Littlehamptorl
Branch).
London and Brighton Railway (East Midland Branch).
REFUSAL TO SERVE ON COMMITTEES.
Mr. SMITH O'BRIEN—Sir, I understood you to put
a question from the Chair, to the effect that
I should be ordered to attend a Committee of
this House to-morrow. I stated at the time that it was InY
intention to attend this House as the representative of my con-
stituents. I deny the authority of the House to compel me to
attend the Committees; and I beg leave respectfully to state
that it is my intention not to attend the Committee to-
morrow.
Mr. HUME presented a petition against the proposed
amalgamation of the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway with
the Forth and Clyde Canal Navigation Company.
Mr. GRAINGER presented a petition from Durham in
favour of the Roman Catholic Relief Bill.
Sir HO WARD DOUGLAS presented a petition from Essex
against the union of the sees of St. Asaph and Bangor.
Mr. DUNCOMBE presented a petition from Norwich
against the Irish Coercion Bill.

Thir. ESTCOURT brought up the report of the Standing
Orders' Committee.

Lord G. BEN TINCK presented a petition in favour of the
Erewash Valley Railway.
IRISH FISHERIES.

Colonel CONOliii;;;;Eee that he would on to-
IrSelll:nd, IN
plrßesEenLte AdNDe
few
morrow present a petition against the Salmon Fisheries (Ire-
land) Bill, praying for a repealof
ofthe same.
Mr. POWER moved thatsae.
leave e be given to Cols
WAesitre.nr
jao.—HANgroe,ecdotoN.
NELL moved that the returns withregard to clime iCnR Ireland,
days ago, be
presented.—Ordered.
THE MARQUIS OF WATERFORD'S PROPERTY
EVICTION OF TENANTS.
On the order of the day for the adjourned debate being read'
Major BERESFORD rose and said, that having been
temporarily absent from the House, he took the present oppors ,
tunity of referring to a transaction that happened the other
night, when illusion was made to the Marquis of Waterford' 0
property. Before, however, entering into that matter, 1i
must protest against the doctrine, (though no landlord 115
more honestly discharged the duty than the Noble Marquis
that every individual shoulsl be made subject to Parliamentar ,21
inquiry and comment on mere prima facia evidence bas:
on newspaper reports.—( Loud cries of " Hear, hear. 0
In such cases as these it was necessary that the person r
friends and relations of the parties accused should come fe
ward in order to protect them against these accusation fl
Having presumed so much he wished to state that he had of
complaint to make against the Hon Member for Kilken
for bringing this case forward. The Hon. Member h, te,
found a statement fnrnished with the most circumstantial re de
tions, and considering that the report was correct, had lea arl
use of it in the course of argument. The only remark he b
to make was that he was a little astonished that the Ho to
ourable Member should be so ready to give credence
a report furnished from that source from which (if his mew! ad.
served him rightly), not a long time since some reports ,r
issued with regard to his Learned and Hon. father. I
Hon. Member for Kilkenny was the individual, who
public address, declared the statement to be fa Is
and who published a letter declaring that
source from which the information was obtained was
incorrect one. Under these cirumstances, he wished that
it
Hon. Gentleman would have had some degree of caution led
making his statements affecting the property of other peel Sr,
With the permission of the House, he would read the sta sa
ment. The Hon. Member here read from a newspaper, 4;:i
article, stating that a village on the estate of Lord Wilt
ford, containing 150 families, or 277 persons,
been rased to the ground, and the families turned out destau.
Now he would state the exact truth of the case. It seen r,
that about thirty or forty years ago there were a number. ;sr.
small tenements let to a number of persons; these occupy'
tenants permitted a great number of cabins to be built
froth
;
the property ; a great number of these persons came
distance, and were not reared upon the property as al
was stated When the lease expired, the agent vin„r tl
to Kilmaetemas, and offered to each of them a sum of
for pulling down their own wretched houses; the offer
thankfully accepted, and with their own hands they Pull',
down the cabins; the agent then went away, an
d