The Sun.
London, England, 1858-11-09 00:00:00

THE ARMY.

A general court-martial, under the presidency of
Lieut.-Col. C. E. Fairtlough, commanding the 3d
battalion of infantry at Chatham, was ordered to
assemble at that garrison yesterday morning, by
order of the Commander-in-Chief, for the trial of
private Thomas Tole, of the ith Royal Fusiliers, for
having, when serving with his regiment in the
Crimea, in 1854, deserted to the Russian enemy,
along with a companion named Moore, since dead.
The prisoner was apprehended in Manchester a few
months back, and conducted to Chatham barracks,
whre the depot companies of the ist Fusiliers are
stationed, and has since been kept in strict confine-
ment to await his trial. Owing, however, to the
length of time since the desertion took place, and
the difficulties experienced in procuring the neces-
sary evidence to support the charge, his trial has
of necessity been postponed. After the order for the
assembling of the court had been issued, certain
circumstances came to the knowledge of the autho-
rities, on which the Duke of Cambridge counter-
manded the order for the assembling of the court-
martial until further orders, and the trial of the
prisoner has been still further postponed. It is un-
derstood that certain important evidence in support
of the prosecution has been recently obtained by
the authorities.
The whole of the troops stationed in Woolwich
garrison were yesterday drawn up in contiguous co-
lumns on the barrack field fronting the Royal Artil-
lery quarters, anti having been inspected by Col.
Bloomfield, commanding the garrison, they were
ordered to commence the winter regulations in lieu
of field drills, viz.," marching out." Headed by the
commandant and garrison staff, and preceded by the
divisional bands, the battalions of Royal Artillery
and the other infantry regiments, in command of
their respective officers, marched over Blackheath
and returned by the Grenwich and Charlton roads ;
whilst the mounted corps proceeded over Shooter's-
hill, through Wellinr;, and the adjacent villages on
that line of road. The above regulations are or-
dered to be continued until further notice, weather

permitting.
Yesterday morning the 31st company of Royal
Engineers, under the command of Captain A. B.
Fyers and Lieut. W. J. Engledue, left head-quar-
ters, Brampton Baryacks, Chatham, and proceeded
to the Curragh, where they are to be employed
during the winter in camp and barrack repairs and
in engineering operations.
The steam transport Melbourne, Capt. Jolliffe,
arrived at Spithead yesterday, from Gravesend,
with the troops on board already reported, and took
in 3 officers and 50 men of the 49th Foot, after em
barking whom she sailed for Cork, to complete her
military freight, whom she will convey to Barba-
does and Jamaica.

COMPETITIONS FOR THE STAFF
The follow COLLEGE.
ing general order has been issued :
" Horse Guards, S.W , Nov. 8, 1858. Candidates
for admission to the Staff. College for one year only
(under the general order of the 30th Sept., 1858),
will be examined at the college at Sandhurst on the
Ist, 2d, 3d, 4th, 6th, ith, and Bth December next.
Officers desirous of competing for the three existing
vacancies in the junior division of students, on this
occasion, should send their names to the Adjutant-
General, not litter than the 20th instant, for trans-
mission to the Council of Military Education, from
whom_the' candidates will receixe further instruc-
tions.--By order of his Royal Highness the General
Conimanding-in-cLief.—G. A. WETHERALL, Ad-
utant-Gen eral."

MILITIA.
On Wednesday last the Sherwood Foresters, the
regiment of militia now occupying the e
nfantry
barracks, Glasgow, were reviewed on the
green by Mojor-Gen. Viscount Melville, her public
\, Ia
jesty's Inspector of Forces in Scotland. The corp's-
which,Oems to be in excellent training, core
through the most complex field operations in a style
that would have done credit to a regiment of the line.
It is understood that his lordship expressed himself
highly pleased with the appearance of the regiment,
and with the creditable style in which they per-
formed their various evolutzons.
--...••11.1.....M.11•••••••••••

A telegraphic despatch from Caen announces that
at eight o'clock on Friday morning Pascal and Graft, the
murderers of the jeweller Perchard, were executed. Graft
went on foot from the prison to the scaffold, but Pascal was
AO affected that he had to be conveyed to the cart; the for-
mer ascended the scaffold firmly, the latter, completely over-
whelmed, had to be lifted up. Pascal was executed first ;
who was calm to the last, addressed a few words to
the people. A vast crowd, composed chiefly of females,
had assembled to witness the proceedings.-

PARLIAMENTARY REFORM.

A public meeting was held yesterday evening in
the Vestry-hall of the Maryleborte Court-house, to
consider the question of Parliamentary Reform, be-
ing convened by thoMarylebone Political Reform
League, the object of which, as sta E d by itself, is
" To procure the enactment of residential suffrage,
short parliaments, vote by ballot, and equitable elec-
toral districts, in the forthcoming Reform Bill, and
to act in concert with the Political Reform League."
The CHAIRMAN (Mr. J. A. Nicholay) said the
question they had met to discuss was one of im-
mense moment at the present time, and in his
opinion meetings ought to be held throughout the
country to assert the privileges and insist on the
rights of the people. (Cheers.) There was another
association in the parish, the members of which con-
sidered the League premature in convening that
meeting. Differing on that point from those to
whom he alluded, he hailed their declaration that
they intended shortly to convene a meeting them-
selves ; there could not be too many meetings on
that subject, and if they agreed in the main, he
should wish them all " God speed." They were pro-
mised a reform. By whom ? By the men from
whom they would least have expected such a pro-
mise—the Conservatives. Mr. Bright said recently
at Birmingham, " Let us have a real bill, a good
bill, or no bill at all." He believed that sentiment
would be responded to throughout the length and
breadth of the land. The great manufacturing
towns of Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, and
Huddersfield had taken the lead in this movement,
and ha thought that great metropolitan parish
would be wanting in its duty to the country, if it
did not follow their example. Let the present Go-
vernment be judged not as men but by their mea-
sures. (Cheers.) They had too long had foisted
upon them the family clique, and it would be a dis-
grace to the country if it ever permitted that clique
to resume the reins of government or to lord it again
as despotically as it had done. (Hear, hear.) They
had had enough of whigs—they had had enough of
tories—(no, no ; keep them in)—but he should be
happy to see them remain in if they would do what
they ought to do. (Hear.)
Mr. PHILIPPS, a working man, moved the first
resolution—" That the people of England are not
fairly represented in the Commons House of Par-
liament ; that class representation has led to class
legislation, to unequal taxation, and to the bestowal
of office and emolument upon privilege rather than
merit ; and that these evils would be best remedied
by the impartial representation of all who contri-
bute to the national wealth upon the principle of
registered manhood suffrage.' He said it was a
disgrace to the country that so many men had no
voice in making laws which they were bound to
obey, and he quoted at some length from "Cobbett's
Register" in support of this view.
Mr. W. SIBLEY, another working man, in
seconding the resolution, said the working class,
who formed the most numerous class of all, was the
sole class not represented in the House of Commons.
The aristocracy were represented, and the middle-
classes were represented.; but was there one man
in the House of Commons whom working men could
point to as their representative ? (Cries of "Nu, not
one ;" responded to by shouts of " Cox," and
" Berkeley.") Past changes in the representation had
benefited others, but they had not benefited them. He
was one of those who thought that the producers of
wealth ought to be the sole enjoyers of the wealth
they produced. If the working classes were admitted
into the pale of the constitution they would send
members to Parliament who would endeavour to solve
one very great mystery, namely, how it was that
men who were willing and able to work could not
get work. (Hear.) That was a question of vital
importance to the working classes.
Mr. W. T. SWAN, secretary to the League, sup-
ported the resolution. He said the real question at
issue was what kind of measure would be a satis-
factory. settlement of the reform question, so that
after it was passed they would be left at liberty to
turn their attention to agitate questions of a social
or religious nature. Mr. Bright's measure included
household suffrage, vote by ballot, and electoral
districts. He thought most persons would prefer
manhood suffrage to household, because it was the
most just in itself and would be most likely to prove
a final settlement. It was not householders alone
who paid taxes. If a bachelor wanted an ounce of
tea, or a glass of ale, he could not have it without
a tax ; why, then, should he have no voice in the
representation ? (Hear.) It was supposed that
household suffrage would be more conservative than
a registered manhood suffrage—that it would intro-
duce more of the democratic element into the con-
stituencies. He was of a different opinion. They
all knew that working men generally became house-
holders earlier in life than men of the middle classes,
marrying between the ages of 18 and 25 ; and he
believed the operation of household suffrage would
be to exclude far more of the latter than of the for-
mer. He could not understand why the Guildhall
Reform Committee had selected Mr. Bright to in-
-I:roduce a reform bill, seeing that he was in favour
of adopting the municipal and parochial franchise,
while the committee in their programme proposed
to give votes to all who occupied apartments. He
was certain that a bill which was based on any
existing franchise would be unsatisfactory to the
people.• (Cheers.)
Mr. 1117,ALEY, of Islington, supported the resolu-
tion.

Mr. JAIRY hoped the meeting would take a prac-
tical view of the question. What was the use of
going for manhood suffrage ? Would they be able
to ge such a suffrage ? (Loud cries of " Yes, yes,"
mingled with one or two faint "Noes.")
Mr. ELT, of Islington, believed that if a liberal
construction were put on the working of the pro-
gramme of the Guildhall Reform League, it would
not be found to differ very materially from that of
the Political Reform League. The latter was based
on the representation of the man, whereas the
former was based on the representations of the rate-
payer. Manhood suffrage would give five million
votes, and the municipal franchise four millions.
He believed, however, that it was better to settle
such a question on principle than on expediency;
and, being infavour of manhood suffrage, he should
support the resolution.
The resolution was carried with one dissentient.
Mr. ERNEST JONES, who came forward at the
call of the chairman, said that he regarded that
meeting as an augury of union between the middle
and the working classes. It was the duty of both
to go for the best measure that could be obtained.
In his opinion, the measure of the Guildhall Reform
League was far inferior to that of the Political Re-
form League. (Cheers.) The Guildhall Reform
League were in favour of a £lO county franchise,
which would, in reality, extend the powers of the
aristocracy. (Hear, hear.) Manhood suffrage
was especially needed in the rural dis-
tricts ; and with a rating franchise the great bulk
of the working classes would still be disfranchised.
(Hear, hear.) The working classes were, willing
to leave the reform movement in the hands of the
middle classes provided their measure embraced. re-
gistered manhood suffrage. If the middle classes
would endorse a measure embracing manhood suf-
frage, the ballot, and triennial Parliaments the
working classes would. be with them to a man ; if
the middle classes went only for a ratepaying fran-
chise or household suffrage, they would never be
able to rally the amount f power which would
enable them to carry any measure whatever. The
Chartists had waved their demand for payment of
members and annual Parliaments, and it was for
the middle classes now to meet them ; the working
men of this country certainly should not be deluded
by the cry, " Take an instalment." (Cheers.) He
did not believe every step was a step in the right
direction ; it might have the effect of swamping the
working classes still more than they were swamped
already. He concluded by moving the following
resolution :—" That a more equal arrangement of
the electoral districts is highly desirable, and must
be one of the distinctive principles of any new Re-
form Bill."
Mr. SAVAGE seconded the resolution, which was
put and carried. unanimously.
Mr. E. C. WHITEHuitsT, vice-president of the
Ballot Society, moved, and Mr. BRINSMEAD se-
conded, the following resolution :—" That this
meeting desires to record its conviction, that no
extension of the suffrage will be satisfactory, unless
accompanied by the vote by ballot."
Mr. VERY, a licensed victualler, contended that
the ballot would in the end be subversive of public
liberty, and refered to Grecian and Roman history,
and to the operation of the ballot in the United
States in support of his argument, which was re.
ceived with great impatience by the meeting. He
concluded by moving the following amendment :
" That this meeting, deeply deploring the extent to
which bribery and intimidation exist,are of opinion
that the only preventative is the establishment of
apitiader:ant-right ; that the ballot would be no pre-
ventative—that it is alien to the British character,
a
iiifaininentit'odzouldianto the election of members of
seriously endanger their
liberties."

Themr. resolutionviiiTEnu havingits,r been seconded,
acydlied, and on the question
being put, about half- hands were held up
resolution was
for the amendment, and originaltteil
L, seconded
carried by an immense majority.
On the motion of Mr. R. M.lto
by Mr. J. HOPPEY, it was further wits " That
this meeting approves of the determination of the
general council of the Political Reform Lea
prepare a bill, based upon registered manhooe
suf-
frage, vote by ballot, triennial Parliaments, and a
more equal arrangement of electoral districts, and

pledges itself to support 13 y petition the introduc-
tion of the bill in the House 3 of Commons."
A vote of thanks to the .: hairman terminated the
proceedings."

STEAM POSTAL CO gIMUNICATION

WITH AUS TRALIA.

(From the Melbourne !rgus of Sept. 15.)

In our last summary we briefly acknowledged

the receipt of the intellirie ice that the European
and Australian Company ?aad become bankrupt,
and that the service ha.d been temporarily
undertaken by the Royal Mail Company.
It may be interesting to our English readers
to know what has been done in the colonies
in consequence of that event. Previous to the
arrival of the mail the Syd ney legislature had taken
action in the matter. Tlae Assembly had declarcd
in favour of the Panama route, and had resolved,
by a large majority, that they would not become a
party to any fresh contract to be made by the
British government unlers the same was previously
submitted to the colony for approval: After the
arrival of the mail conveying the intelligence of
the failure of the contractors, an additional impetus
, was of course given to the movement in favour of
' the Panama route. This movement was all the more
active as the opinion of the Governor-General and
the Executive was strongly in accordance with the
popular feeling. The Governor-General appears to
have taken a warm personal interest in the matter,
and to have, in fact, devised the scheme to which

the colony now stands pledged. Immediately after
the adoption of the resolution by the Assembly in
favour of the Panama route, the Governor-General
prepared an elaborate and very able minute, em-
bodying a scheme of steam communication, which
was afterwards submttted to the Executive
Council of New South Wales. The principal
points of the minute are the following—The Go-
vernor-General states that the Government of New
South Wales never contemplated the establishment
of a separate. and distinct line all the way from
. England to Australia—a plan which he evidently
considers impracticable. He is of opinion that the
line to Suez is too long for one steamer ; and he is
by no means certain that the work could be done
with regularity were the vessels to.sail from Suez
and Sydney independently of each other. The
voyage of each would then be from 44 to 46 days,
which is longer than a steamer can be fairly ex-
pected to work without a thorough inspection of
her machinery. His suggestion, therefore, is that
Ceylon should be the termination S of the direct
v=oyage from these colonies, in place of Suez, and
that the vessels employed should be in good order
and thoroughly competent for their work. Then,
with reference to the general scheme which should
be adopted by the colonies in the new arrange-
ment, he sets out with the axiom, that the advan-
tages of a rapid, frequent, and regular communica-
tion with Europe, Asia, and America, are enough
to justify the payment by the colony of a much
larger sum than the amount of postage, He ob-
jects to Governments at both ends of a line of
12,000 miles being parties to the contracts, and
thinks that the work would be much more satisfac-
torily performed by a more simple arrangement.
He is of opinion that the object of a frequent and
regular communication would be best attained by
maintaining a line to Ceylon, and from thence to
England and India, on the one hand ; and another
to Panama, and from thence to England and North
and South America on the other. To avoid the
multiplication of parties to the contracts, he pro-
poses that the Imperial Government, in considera-
tion of the receipt of the postage paid in England,
should engage to deliver the Australian letters at
Point de Galle on the first line, and at Panama on
the second line. This, the Governor-General ob-
serves, would add in a very trifling degree to the
amount of the subsidies already paid by the
Home Government, under existing contracts with
the Peninsular and Oriental Company and the Royal
West India Mail Company, and would, on the other
hand, effect a saving of the share of the subsidy,
paid under the contract with the European and
Australian Mail Compano. On the other hand, the
Governor-General proposes that the Australian
colonies should meet the expense of conveying the
mails between Australia and Point de Galle and
Panama respectively, each colony receiving as at
present the postage on its letters, and contributing
in proportion to the number sent from each ; the
contract for the line via Ceylon to be made by Vic-
toria, and that via Panama to be made by New
South Wales, each charging a fair share of expense
to the other colonies that may wish to send mails ;
the communication on each line to be monthly, with
an interval of 14 days between the starting of the
mails. As the temporary arrangement with the
ltoyal Mail Company terminates in six months
from the Ist of July, the Governor-General recom-
mends that no time should be lost in endeavouring
to effect an agreement on the subject with the
various colonies, and suggests that New South
Wales should despatch a special envoy to Victoria
—and, if successful here, that the envoy should pro-
ceed to Tasmania, while Victoria might communi-
cate in a similar way with South Australia, for the
purpose of obtaining the concurrence of those colo-
nies. The executive council at once adopted the
minute of the Governor-General, and embodied his
proposals in a series of resolutions, which were
passed ; and it was resolved that a sum not exceed-
ing £50,000 a year, for seven or ten years, should
be placed on the estimates, for the purpose of car-
rying out that of the service allotted to New South
Wales. The council likewise advised that, in order
to secure the co-operation of the imperial govern-
ment, his -Excellency should transmit to the Secre-
tary of State an explanatory despatch, with a copy
of the bill for appropriating the subsidy. Finally,
it was resolved that tenders should at once be called
by public advertisement, for performance of the
Panama service, and that copies of the advertise-
ment should be forwarded to the Secretary of State,
with a request that, if her Majesty's government
were prepared to co-operate with the colonies in the
matter, they would publish the advertisement ex-
tensively in England and America.
This scheme, it will be observed, did not provide
the colonies with a through line to Great Britain.
Consequently, at the termini at Ceylon and Panama
passengers would have to take their chance in re-
gard to passage by the steamers of the companies
that convey the mails to England. The scheme was
proposed, and was adopted by the executive council
on the principle that the grand object to be attained
was the conveyance of mails.
The next public movement was by the Melbourne
Chamber of Commerce, of which body a meeting
was called, and was held on the 3d inst. By that
meeting the subject was remitted for consideration
to a special committee, consisting of those members
of the chamber who were supposed to be best ac-
quainted with the overland route and with the ques-
tion of steam communication. On the 10th instant
another general meeting was held, at which the re-
port of the committee was read and unanimously
adopted. That report embodied a totally different
principle from the scheme of the Governor-General.
The committee evidently considered that the con-
veyance of passengers is of great impottance, and
they insisted on the necessity of having a through
line. They, in fact, altogether ignored the proposal
of the Sydney government, and did not in any way
allude to a route via Panama. One of their conclu-
sions was to the effect that the colonies are not in a
position to undertake the conveyance of the mails
either for the whole or a part of the distance to
England. But, on the other hand, they think the
colony of Victoria ought to undertake the responsi-
bility of providing half the amount of the subsidy.
They agree with the Governor-General in the pro-
priety of dividing the voyage, and recommend that
a separate steamer should be employed to convey
the mails between Galle and Suez. Finally, they
propose that a longer interval should be allowed
between the time of arrival of the steamer in the
colonies and the departure of the homeward mail
ship, in order to give more time to answer the in-
ward correspondence.
It will at once be seen that each of the above
schemes has its advantages. Those who con-
sider it of vital importance to provide com-
fortable accommodation for passengers overland
will agree with the Melbourne Chamber of
Commerce. On the other hand, the scheme of the
alarneaed expense
Governor-General provides a rapid and regular
conveyance of mails fortnightly,
eineseeurirneda
very trifling degree abovetha at
that
for the existing through line. This plan seems to
be the most advantageous to the interests of the
Australian colonies, and would, in all probability,
be most generally acceptable.
In South Australia, the eyes of the colonists have
been turned towards the Island of Mauritius, but
no definite proposition has been brought forward.
These separate movements indicate the intense
feeling felt by the colonists on this important sub-
ject,.upon which the decision of the British Go-
vernment is anxiously looked for.

EXPLORATION BY BALLOONS.—It is grwely pro-
posed by a correspondent of the Melbourne Aiyus to explore
the interior of the vast continent of Australia by means of
balloons.
[ADYERTISEMENT.]—BiIious Disorders, Headache, In-
digestion, Low Spirits, and Nervous Debility.—ln an arti-
ficial state of life these complaints are peculiarly common.
They do not affect the labouring classes, with their plain
food and exercise in the open air, half so much as the
higher orders, who patronise French cooki, and turn their
a daYe'rBeit'tille'r,
nights into days. Some of Mr. Holloway's best customers
are amongst the idle and luxurious of the upper ranks, who
have discovered that his pills save them from many of the
secretow pains and penalties of a fashionable life. Thus Hol-
sthough a favourite medicine of the poor fer
the
palaces of the wealthy and the high born.

ROYAL COMMISSION ON AR MY
STORES AND CLOTHING.

Yesterday, at 12 o'clock, the Commissioners
appointed by, the Crown to inquire into the state
of ,the principal depots for military stores awl
clothing assembled again at the Arsenal, Woolwich,
and continued the investigation. For an hour
afterwards they were occupied in inspecting the
more interesting operations in the laboratory,
which were shown to them and explained by Mr
Oram, the principal clerk in the department. Mr
Turner also paid a visit to the gun factory. This
over, they repaired to an apartment at the head-
quarters of the military storekeeper—now Mr.
Gordon, who has within the last few days been
transferred thither in the capacity of principal
from Weedon—and proceeded to take additional
evidence, Mr. Selfe presiding as chairman.
Mr. Howell, the Director-General of Contracts at
the War-office, attended before the Commissioners
specially to make a reply to a statement which he
said had been made by Captain Clerk, assistant-
superintendent of the Royal Carriage Department,
in his examination on Friday last, to the effect
that certain timber offered by Messrs. Bolt and
Co. to the War-office for use in the carriage depart-
ment at 85s. a-load, and recommended for purchase
by the officers of the department, was refused
by, the authorities at the War-office, and subse-
quently bought by them at 955. a-load. The circum-
stances he (Mr. Howell) said were these :—On the
3d of April last Rolt and Co. offered a parcel of fir
timber (150 loads) at 85s. per load. On the 6th of
April that offer was referred to Col. Tulloh. On
the 7th of April Col. Tulloh said he should require
100 loads by the middle of May, and recommended
that the quantity should be taken if found accord-
ing to specification and the usual conditions of the
department. There being then no special demand
for timber of that kind, and no requisition, a letter
was written to Gol. Tulloh on the 14th April, in-
forming him that it was not deemed expedient to
accept the offer of Bolt and Co. for the supply of
Dantsic fir. OR the 16th of April Col. Tulloh re-
turned the letter, stating that if a supply of fir
timber was not made immediately the construction
of platforms must cease, and he requested that steps
might be immediately taken to obtain a supply.
On the 6th of April Col. Tulloh wrote to the Under-
Secretary of State requesting that 100 loads of fir
timber might be bought out of the 300 loads esti-
mated for in the year's supply. This letter was
received on the 22d of April, and on the 24th of
April instructions were given to Churchill and Sim
to buy the 100 loads of fir, referring them to Mr.
Bolt's proposal, communicating to them the price
at which it was offered, and suggesting also to them
that it might possibly be obtained upon more rea-
sonable terms. On the 28th of April witness called
the attention of Churchill and Sim to a cargo by
the Harriet, which he understood contained timber
of the quality required. On the 30th of April
Churchill and Sim reported proceedings as follows:
—" That on the previous day Mr. Jones, the timber
master in the carriage department, had been with
them to the docks to survey the following parcels,
from which they thought the quantity required
could be obtained, the timber offered by Rolt and
Co. not having arrived in London. The cargo by
the Harriet contained a large proportion of smaller
dimensions than the service could receive. The
importers offered to sell any floats selected by the
officers at 80s. per load, but it was thought that
only 40 or 50 loads could be obtained of proper size.
Memel Crown timber of superior stock was sur-
veyed, but pronounced too small for the required
purposes, being from 12 to 13 inches square. The
cargo of the George Link was surveyed. That por-
tion offered at 85s. was found to be of the required
dimensions, but only,lB pieces were pronounced by
Mr. Jones to be of the required quality. The other
portion of this cargo viz., the Crown quality of
350 loads—was surveyed and found to be of the re-
quired quality and dimensions. The importers
offered the parcel at 925. 6d. per load as lying in the
docks ; or 100 to 120 loads, to be selected in floats,
at 958. ; or they would sell 120 loads, to be marked
by Mr. Jones, at 675. 6d., subject to the rejection of
a quantity not exceeding 2*sads. On the 3d of
May Churchill and Sim 's letter was referred to Col.
Tulloch for his reeommendatirn as to the timber
which was best suited for the service. On the sth
May Col. Tulloh recommended" that 120 loads, at
975. 6d., shoulz be bought, subject to the rejection
of not more than 20 loads upon its arrival in the
Royal Arsenal. which he considered a safe arrange-
ment. On the 7th May he (Mr. Howell) telegraphed
to Col. Tulloh to know if the 50 or 60 loads of best
timber offered at 80s. were suitable for the depart-
ment; he replied, that it was not so suitable for the
service as that recommended in his minute of the
sth of May. On the same day witness directed
Churchill and Sim to be written to, to make the
purchase as recommended by Col. Tulloh, but that
they should endeavour to arrange for the supply at
or under 955. per load, as he understood there was
a cargo expected shortly which could be bought at
955. On the 10th of May Churchill and Sim re-
ported they had bought the timber required at 955.
The CHAIRMAN said, what they wanted to know
was whether the timber offered by Bolt at 85s. a
load was timber which Churchill and Sim afterwards
purchased for the Government at 955. The impres-
sion produced upon his mind certainly, and that
which had gone forth to the public, by the evidence
of Capt. Clerk was, that a certain number of loads
of timber had been offered by Bolt and Co. to the
Government, that the Government declined to pur-
chase it, and afterwards bought that identical tim-
ber at a higher price through the intervention of
their brokers.
Mr. TURNER said that was his impression also ;
and he wanted to know whether Bolt's offer at 85s.
a load was for timber actually accessible at that
time ? The letter of Messrs. Bolt implied that the
timber was in port and ready for inspection.
Mr. Howell thought if Capt. Clerk had known
the whole circumstances of the case, as he (Mr.
Howell) had just related them, his evidence would
have_ a created a different impression on the minds
of the Commissioners and the public.
Mr. John Sim said, in reply to Mr. Turner's
question, that the timber offered by Bolt and Co.
to the War-office in April was not in this country
at that time, and that it did not arrive until some
time after the actual delivery of the timber in the
Royal carriage department, which he (Mr. Sim) had
received instructions to buy, and which was stated
in his instructions to be imperatively wanted there
for the public service. He found that the timber
Messrs. Bolt and Co. offered was a cargo they ex-
pected to receive by a ship which was then on her
voyage to Lonelon.
INlr. Turner said the fact appeared to be that
Bolt's timber, not having arrived, was not available
for the pressing service for which it was wanted in
the department at that particular time.
Mr. Sim said that was so, and had it arrived
when the pressing demand existed for timber of
that kind, it would have been inspected by. him
(Mr. Sim) and his partner in the interests of the
Government. He added that his attention was
particularly called to Mr. Bolt's cargo, when it did
arrive, as he (Mr. Sim) had by that time received a
second order from the Government to buy fir tim-
ber suitable for the arsenal. He was, therefore,
scrupulously careful to look at Mr. Bolt's timber,
and he found that its dimensions were not suffi-
ciently large for the requirements of the service.
The Chairman said, besides the evidence given
by Capt. Clerk, Col. Tulloh, the head of the carriage
department, had stated in his letter to the Commis.
sioners that " instances had, indeed, occurred where
parties had offered timber at a less price, which,
although recommended, had been afterwards ordered
through a broker at an advanced price, with
charges for brokerage and lighterage in addition—
as in the-case of Messrs. Bolt's fir (April 7, 1858),
offered at £4 55., which cost £4 155., through a
broker, exclusive of charges." Surely (said the
chairman), no man who read the English language
could have come to any other conclusion than that
the fir timber which the Government bought
through their brokers at £4 15s. a load on that
occasion was the identical timber which had been
previously offered to them at £4 ss. and refused.
Mr. Sim said he was glad to have the opportunity
of entirely contradicting the statement. The truth
was, that in April Messrs. Rolt's timber, so far from
its being then in this country, was in posse and not
in esse. If it had been ever so suitable the Govern-
ment could not have got it.
Mr. Turner said he wanted to ask a question
affecting the commercial class especially. Was it
proper of a man offering timber for sale to say he
hadit on hand and invite aninspectionlof it, when in
point of fact it had not then actually arrived in this
country ?
Mr. Sim said it would certainly have been much
better if it had been stated clearly, when the offer
was made, whether it had arrived or not,
Mr. Turner—Was it, in fact, a false statement
for a merchant to say that he had in hand, and
invited inspection of, a cargo which did not actually
arrive until a month afterwards ?
Mr. Sim said Messrs. Rolt's letter clearly con-
veyed the impression that the timber was in Lon-
don at the time, but he was sure a firm so respect-
able would not wish to throw dust in the eyes of
the public ; and the officers in the carriage depart-
ment might have been under the impression that
the timber had actually arrived.
Mr. Turner—Military men make a point of stand-
ing upon their honour ; I am happy to say there a• e
commercial men who stand as much upon their
honour ; and I think that is not a correct statement
of anything they had to propound to the depart-
ment.
Mr. Sim said he was not a censor niorum.
Mr. Turner—You say you are not a censor
morunz ; but it is one of the incorrect statement,