The Sun.
London, England, 1860-12-27 00:00:00

RAILWAYS IN FRANCE.

The Miuister of Public Works has just addressed
the following circular to the eugiuetrt, iu clikf
charged with the control of the railways, calling
their attention to different measures calculated to
secure passengers against such dangers as that of
which M. Poinsot was lately the victim.
" Sir,—The act committed on the 6th inst. on
the Eastern Railway has caused the most painful
and the most legitimate emotion. The public has
seen in this frightful event the revelation of a
danger, the existence of which appears to have
been never suspected. Doubtless, if we reflect on
the criminal audacity required t I accomplish such
a crime, and if we think on the co-operation of cir-
cumstances, which could alone allow the murderer
to escape the surveillance of the agents on the line,
and the very dangers of that attempt, we shall be
led to see in this deplorable event only one of those
exceptionable facts which are beyond all calculation
Nevertheless it toiffices for such a crime to have
been committed, for it to be the duty of the admini-
stration to scrupulously seek, with the co-operation
of the railway companies, for the proper means of
preventing its recurrence, and of tranquilizing the
public feeling. Among these measures, that which
first presents itself to the mind, and which in fact
appears the most effectual, would consist in organiz-
ing the control of the train in a permanent manner
by means of the circulation of agents on the foot-
boards of the carriages, properly arranged for that
purpose: This system which has already been in
practice on the Northern and Southern lines,
is, I am aware, not much approved by the
public, who complain of the frequent derange-
ments which it occasions. Considerations
of general security must, however, evidently give
way to simple questions of convenience. This con-
trol of agents of the trains, effected at any period
during their journey, appears to be a serious gua-
rantee which ought not to be neglected. It would
be well to examine whether, in order to complete
this control, it would not be possible to place at the
disposal of the passengers in every compartment a
visual signal, which could be hoisted above the car-
riage, and which would call the guard placed in the
front part of the train. This signal might be lighted
at night by means of a reflector placed above the
lamps. There has been also suggested as a useful
measure, the establishment in the carriages of glazed
pannels, forming acommunication between each com-
partment; this system also merits examination.
Lastly, as a malefactor could not escape from the train
except when its speed had somewhat slackened,
either on coming near stations or crossings, it
is important that a special surveillance should be
exercised at those points. I call your particular
attention, sir, to the different measures which I
have just pointed out. Be kind enough to examine
them, in concert with the company the control of
which is confided to you, and let me know as soon
as possible the result of that examination.
ROUHER."

FAREWELL TO THE 8R177811 LEGION.

Garibaldi's British Legion has finally left Naples:
We read in a letter dated Dee. 18 :
The Melazzo, as I mentioned in my last, left on
Friday evening at nine o'clock, with 250 men of
the British Legion. The following are some details
which I have collected since. An official report
says :

" The men left perfectly contented, and in good
spirits. The rule is that, in transports, more than
two-thirds are never below at once. The vessel way
well found in everything—fresh meat, coffee, cho-
colate, &c. The Glasgow Committee had sent out
a gentleman, a Mr. M'Adam, who furnished and
distributed a large quantity of Guernsey frocks,
comforters, and socks. All the men were paid by
Mr. Turner's clerks."

Other reports speak of there baing shakes-down
made for only one-hundred and fifty men. The
British Legion, like everything else, however,
has been made a party question, and I must
caution the public against listening exclusively to
the statements of either side: I have endeavoured
to give a fair view of things, and have sent the evi-
dence which I have c3llected from both parties.
Before leaving this country, but unfortunately
after the division had left Salerno, the inhabitants
of that city presented an address to the Legion,
which I translate and send to you. with the 53d
Regiment established there and the inhabitants our
countrymen have lived in harmony, and have lent
their services in putting down the banditti in the
neighbourhood.—