The Sun.
London, England, 1834-10-14 00:00:00

various resolutions, addressed the Meeting ; but want of
space prevents us from detailing their observations. Suf-
fice it to say that at this meeting, as well as that held at
Bristol, the explanations given by the deputation relative
to the practicability and importance of the undertaking
were considered to be highly satisfactory ; and, from the
manner in which the subject was received by the meeting,
we have not the slightest doubt that the measure will re-
ceive the fullest support from the inhabitants of Chippen-
ham and its vicinity. A vote of thanks to Mr. Neeld, for
his judicious conduct in the chair, was acknowledged, by
that gentleman in suitable terms ; and after hearty cheers
had been given for the Chairman, and for the success of the
Great Western Railway, the meeting broke up.—Bath
Guardian.

BODMIN AND WADEBRIDGE RAILWAY,

in our last week's paper we furnished our readers with
an account of the opening of this railway, and of the din-
ner in celebration thereof, both of which took place on the
30th September ult., and agreeably to the promise we then
made, we now proceed to give some of the particulars rela-
tive to the execution of this undertaking :
PARTICULARS OF THE FORMATION OF THE COMPANY.
—The person who first moved in this matter was John
Hooper, Esq., of Penhargate, near Bodmin. He first ap-
plied to Mr. Thomas Woollcombe, the solicitor, and Messrs.
Hopkins and Sons, the engineers, on the subject, and is
therefore entitled to the thanks of the public. The first
report was, however, made at the expense of Sir William
Molesworth, Bart., M.P , who felt an earnest desire, as far
as in him lay, to relieve the burdens under which the agri-
culturists on the banks of the Camel river laboured. The
object of the formation of the railway was for the purpose
of supplying, at a cheaper rate, the interior of the county
of Cornwall with sea sand, which is the sole article of ma-
nure in the district through which the railway passes. In
'lB3l the present company was formed for this purpose.
In that year Sir William Molesworth, at his own expense
employed Messrs. Hopkins and Sons, of Plymouth, civil
engineers, to report on the best line for a railway, and to
estimate the cost of execution, and prepare a statement
of the probable returns. These were accordingly prepared,
and on the 25th October, 1831, were laid before a
public meeting, Sir William Molesworth being in the chair.
Resolutions were then passed to carry the objects of the
meeting into effect. Pursuant thereto, a prospectus was
prepare and circulated, subscriptions solicited, and the ne-
cessary course taken to obtain an Act to incorporate the
Company. The Act was obtained in the 2d William the
Fourth. The estimate of the expense of the whole line of
railway, exclusive of surveys, Act of Parliament, wharfs,
and the engine, waggons, &c., was 21,882/. 9s. 4d., but the
amount of capital proposed then to be raised according to
the provisions of the Act was 22,500/., in shares of 25/.
each. Power to raise a further sum of 8,000/., for the
purpose of constructing the wharfs, dock, and such other
work as might appear expedient, and to purchase the ne-
cessary engines, waggons, &c., was included in the Act.
The estimate of the amount of the returns was stated in the
report, calculating only on the then consumption of sand and
.other articles at 4,165/. Os. 1 d., and the expenses at
1,121/. 18s. 4d., leaving a net expected income of
3,0431. Is. 9d. being nearly 10 per cent. on the whole of
the intended capital of 30,500/.
PARTICULARS OF THE FORMATION OF THE RAILWAY.
—As we have before stated, the whole of the line of rail-
way was estimated by the engineers, Messrs. Hopkins and
Sons, in 1832, to cost 21,882/. 9s. 4d. ; on the 16th March,
1834, the works were let by tender, in various lots, to dif-
ferent persons. The main line from Wadebridge to Win-
ford-bridge is 12 miles in length, and the Bodmin Branch
nearly lf miles. During the progress of the works it ap-
peared advisable to make an additional branch railway to
Ruthern-bridge, a distance of upwards of one mile. This
was accordingly done. The main line of railway is formed
nearly in the direction of the Camel River, and some parts
through very difficult places—some of the cuttings are 23
feet deep, and some of the embankments are 27 feet high.
THE BRIDGES.—There are eight at different parts of the
line besides several culverts of various sizes. The prin-
cipal bridge is erected at the junction of the Bodmin Branch
with the main line, near Dunmeer, and consists of one
stupendous arch of 33 feet span. The height from the bed
of the river to the top of the parapet is about 40 feet. We
have never seen a bridge of stone built in such an oblique
angle across a river as this. We understand it was so built for
the purpose of preserving the direction of the line of rail-
way without any awkward curve. Seven of the bridges are
erected across the Camel River, and one across the Lank
River, near Key Bridge.
THE RAILWAY.—The railway is made of wrought iron
rails of 15 to 18 feet in length, and each rail weighing
401bs. per yard. The chairs or pedestals are of cast iron,
averaging 1 lilbs. each, and are laid on stone blocks, weigh-
_ing_•_3A cwt. each. There are seven wharfs on which stages
are erected, anu urantl, ir.ado for the_,Durpose of
discharging sand through the stag-ea 1.,7 trap doors in the
waggons, which empty instantly. At Wadebridge a dock
is now constructing for the purpose of discharging vessels
laden with goods. The dock and quay connected with it
will admit of five vessels discharging at the same time.
Another dock for the reception of sand barges has been
erected at the sole expense of Sir William Molesworth.
The whole of the works connected with this undertaking
are expected to be completed by about Christmas next,
until when the engineers' services will be still required.
They are, however, now so far completed that the traffic
may and will be carried on from this time on the railway.
THE STEAM-ENGINE.—The engine was constructed by
the Neath Abbey Iron Company, according to a plan laid
down by the engineers : it is called " The Camel," and cost
upwards of 7001. It is mounted on six wheels, three feet
nine inches diameter : its weight is 11 tons. The cylinders
are 10i inches diameter, and the length of stroke two feet.
The working pressure of the steam is 501bs, on the square
inch. The weight intended to be drawn by the engine up-
wards on every part is 50 tuns each trip, exclusive of the
carriages and tender. The rate of travelling decided on is
6 miles an hour ascending, and 8 descending. The engine
has travelled at the rate of 25 miles an hour.
PROPOSED RAILWAYS `-We understand it is proposed
to continue the railway on by Camelford to Launceston,
and thence to Caistock, a town on the Tamar, which is
washed by the sea flowing through Plymouth Sound and
Hamoaze, thus effecting a complete railroad communica-
tion from the northern to the southern shores of the
county : there are likewise plans laid down for bringing
these lines of road in conjunction with the Bideford and
Oakhampton, and thereby with the Exeter and Crediton
railroad, and from the success of the able engineers, Messrs.
Hopkins and Sons, patronized as they are by the noblemen
and gentlemen, proprietors of the soil through which the
line extends, there is no doubt but that, in a comparatively
short period, the whole of these lines and their collateral
branches will be perfected. It is with pleasure we are
enabled to inform our readers, that in the instance of the
undertaking, which is the subject of this account, the whole
of the works have been executed as originally proposed for
the same sum as the engineers, Messrs. Hopkins and Sons,
estimated them to cost, previous to the formation of the
Icompany.—Devonport Telegraph.

The St. Petersburgh journals give the following
description of the Emperor Alexander's monument :—" It
consists of a granite Doric column, rising from a pedestal
placed on a base formed of several steps. The capital is of
bronze, surmounted by a demi-sphere on which is an angel
raising the right hand towards heaven, while with the left
hand armed with the cross it is crushing a serpent. The four
sides of the pedestal are bordered with trophies, enclosing alle-
gorical figures representing the Niemen, the Vistula, Glory,
Peace, Justice, Clemency, Wisdom, and Abundance; between
these subjects on three sides of the pedestal are inscribed the
years 1812, 1813, and 1814, and on the fourth, which faces the
Winter Palace, is an inscription to this effect i-4 Dedicated
to Alexander 1., by the gratitude of Russia.' The pedestal is
truly colossal. It stands even higher than the immense rock
which serves as a pedestal to the statue of Peter the Great."
VIENNA, SEPT. 30.—Since the dreadful fire at
Wiemer Neustadt the bodies of forty-three persons, who were
either burned or suffocated, have been taken from the cellars
and the vaults of the warehouses. The archives and the poor's
fund are saved. Collections have been made here to the
amount of several hundred thousand florins and whole cargoes
of clothes, linen, &c., are daily sent thither by the canal.
Balls, concerts, and theatrical representations are given for the
10,000 sufferers. The Emperor has given orders to the Cadets
to quit their school (the Imperial Palace) at Weimer Neustadt,
and to pass the winter at Luxemburgh, where his Majesty's
summer residence will be given up to them. As many as pos-
sible of the sufferers who have been wholly burned out are to
be lodged in the Palace at Neustadt.

STEAM-BOAT ACCIDENT.— Sunday evening, at
haf-past eight o'clock, as the Emerald steam-boat, from Graves-
end, was passing the tier of vessels moored immediately off
the Tower, she came in violent collision with the- outermost
one, a north-country brig, and although the steamer was not
proceeding at very quick speed, the concussion was sufficient
to carry away her chimney, and seriously injured her paddle-
boxes. It being a clear fine night, no anxiety had previously
been felt by any of the passengers, consequently when the
Emerald struck an universal panic seized the majority of the
company on board, which must have amounted to at least six
hundred persons, some jumping into the small boats which
were sculling alongside, and others making the best of their
way into the vessel with which the steamer was in contact.
The crashing of the vessel, mingled with the screams of the
female passengers, and the vociferation of the crews was most
terrific, and the adjoining shores were soon crowded with
people in a fearful state of anxiety as to the extent of the ac-
cident, and reports of serious disaster spread themselves
abroad ; but we are happy to say, upon the arrival of the
steamer at Fresh Wharf, it was found that the damage to the
vessel above mentioned was the extent of the mischief, and
that the whole of the passengers and crew had escaped all in-
jury, except such as may arise from the extreme of fright
under which very many of-the females were suffering.