The Sun.
London, England, 1861-07-26 00:00:00

REPORT OF
ME.

THE TrIA,4fES EMBANK-
NT commissiON,

TO THE QUEEN'S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY.
We, the undersigned members of your Majesty's
Commission,—appointed to examine into plans for
embanking the River Thames within the Metro-
polis, so as to " provide with the greatest efficiency
and economy for the relief of the most crowded
streets, by the establishment of a new and spacious
thoroughfare, for the improvement of the naviga-

tion of the river, and which will afford an oppor-
tunity of making the low level sewer without dis-
turbing the Strand or Fleet-street, and also to
report upon the cost and means of carrying the
same into execution,"—now humbly submit to
your Majesty the conclusions at which we have
arrived, and the recommendations we have agreed
to offer.

2. The nature of the inquiry intrusted to us was
made known to the public by advertisement in the
newspapers, and more than fifty designs were pre-
sented for our consideration. A short description
of each is given in appendix A, and the authors
and other persons interested have had the oppor-
tunity of publicly explaining and illustrating their
respective views upon the subject. The evidence
given by the parties will be found in appendix B.
3. The main features of the majority of the plans
are an embanked roadway on the north side of the
river, and the formation of docks with the view to
retain all the existing wharves; in others, railways
in addition to the roadway and docks have been
proposed ; whilst in a few, a solid embankment and
roadway without either docks or railways have
been suggested. Amongst these latter is a plan
submitted by Mr. Shields, some of whose sugges-
tions appear to us to afford in a greater degree than
any of the other designs the basis upon which an
efficient and economical scheme may be founded.
We desire, however, to express our high apprecia-
tion of the great engineering skill and ability that
has been displayed in many of those designs whith
contemplated the construction of docks and rail-
ways.
4. The wharf property between Westminster-
bridge and the Temple-gardens is for the most part
devoted to the coal trade. We find that great
facilities are now afforded for the distribution of
coal by the new system of unshipping in the docks
into railway waggons, and by various depots on the
railways in and near the metropolis. We are of
opinion that public convenience no longer necessi-
tates the continuance either of the coal or any other
trade in this immediate locality. We, therefore,
think that it would not be expedient to construct
and maintain docks for the sake of preserving the
existing wharves between the points we have men-
tioned ; whilst their removal will simplify the for-
mation of the embankment, and add to the beauty
of the river. The wharf property, however, between
the Temple-gardens and Blackfriars-bridge cannot
in our opinion be so treated ; and that eastward of
Blackfriars-bridge is so important in a commericial
point of view, that we do not recommend any inter-
ference with it.
5. Having regard to these and other considera-
tions, we are of opinion that we shall best fulfil
your Majesty's instructions and provide for the
requirements of the public, by establishing a
spacious thoroughfare between Westminster-bridge
and Blackfriars-bridge, by means of an embank-
ment and roadway; and the new thoroughfare thus
created should be continued on eastward from

Blackftiars-bridge by a new street, according to
the line formerly laid down by Mr. Bunning, the
City's Architect, from the west end of Earl-street
across Cannon-street, to the Mansion House.
Without such a street no relief whatever would be

given to the crowded thoroughfares of Ludgate
Hill, St. Paul's Churchyard, and Cheapside.
6. The line of embankment at Westminster
would coincide with the terrace of the Houses of
Parliament, and from thence to Blackfriar's-bridge
would nearly follow the line laid down for the
Corporation of the City of London in 1841 by Mr.
Walker, Capt. Bullock, Mr. Saunders, and Mr.
Leach. The general level of the embankment and
road would be four feet above Trinity high water.
The road would commence at Westminster by an
easy descent opposite the Clock Tower, and be con-
tinued on, 100 feet in width, to the eastern boun-
dary of the Temple-gardens ; from this point the
road would be reduced to 70 feet in width, and carried
on a viaduct supported by piers of masonry, rising
to the level of Biackfriars-bridge, so constructed as
to leave a breadth of water for the convenience of
the City gasworks and the adjoining wharves of
about 70 or 80 feet. The spaces between the piers
under the ascending road would be left available
for barges to lie, and afford easy access to the water
between this structure and the wharves.
7. From Westminster-bridge to the eastern
boundary of the Temple-gardens the embankment
‘-x-nuld be solid in its
whole breadth ; which breadth opposite Itictimond-
terrace would be 220 feet from the existing river
wall. At Hungerford it would be. 320 feet from
the existing wharf ; at Somerset-house about 12)
feet ; and at the Temple about 220 feet. The plan
accompanying this report sets forth the entire
scheme.
8. With respect to the appropriation of the re-
claimed land, we would recommend that so much of
it as shall be in front of the Crown property—
which will be about 120 feet in width in its nar-
rowest part—should be laid out in ornamental gar-
dens for the accommodation of the occupiers of the
houses, and that the portion in front of the Temple-
gardens, also about 120 feet wide, be placed at the
disposal of the Society to be dealt with in a similar
manner. The other portions of the reclaimed land
may either be kept open for the health and recrea-
tion of the public, or be applied to building pur-

poses.
9. We propose that communications should be
made with the intended roadway from Whitehall,
opposite the Horse Guards, and also from some of
the streets in the Strand ;—and that a new street
should be formed passing through the Savoy to
Wellington-street. The frontages on these streets
would offer eligible sites for building, as would also
the inner frontage of the new road, if it should
hereafter be thought fit so to utilize the ground.
We, however, feel it our duty to recommend that
while economy and utility in laying out and dis-
posing of the ground should be kept in view, en-
deavours should be made to invest this new and
conspicuous work with some elements of interest
and beauty.
10. For the improvement of the navigation we
recommend that the existing shoals between
Waterloo and Westminster-bridges should be re-
moved, due regard being had to the foundations of
the former. Also that an uniform low-water channel
of six feet in depth at ordinary spring tides, and
500 feet in width from the embankment wall, be
secured, and thus the stream be more equalised in
velocity. If at any future time any effect should be
produced on the river from the diminution of its
capacity for tidal water by reason of the embank-
ment, arrangements may be made higher up the
river by dredging, or by a tidal reservoir to com-
pensate for the loss. The consideration, however,
of this matter would naturally devolve on the Con-
servators of the River Thames.
11. The embankment and street we have pre-
posed will afford an opportunity of making the low
level sewer without disturbing the Strand or Fleet-
street, and at the same time facilitate the construc-
tion of the sewer eastward of the embankment.
12. We are not prepared to recommend the
construction of an embankment on the Surrey
shore at present, but if hereafter it should be thought
desirable or necessary to embank any portion of it,
the scheme we have proposed for the Middlesex
side will not in any way interfere with it.
13. With regard to that part of our instructions
in which we are commanded by your Majesty to
" report on the costs and means of carrying the
same into execution," we beg to report that we
estimate the cost of the land, making compensa-
tions, constructing the embankment and roadways,
and also acquiring the property in the City for,
and forming the new street to the Mansion House,
at £1,500,000. This amount, however, would be
reduced should it be thought right to dispose of
any of the reclaimed land on the bank of the river
for building purposes.
14. Parliament having appropriated the coal
dues to provide for the outlay necessary for this
great work, it only remains for us to express our
opinion as to the " means of carrying the same into
execution."
15. Looking at the magnitude of the work, the
important and varied interests, both public and
private, which will be affected—and the urgent
necessity for its early completion—we are of opinion,
ta
that the control and management of the ud
iesrs i on-
ing should be entrusted to a special e
ciniensure ,
ul
the
appointed by your Majesty, in order toon
object so
speedy and economical attainment of
so f
much needed by the public, and affording
favour-
able an opportunity for the improvement of the
All which we humbly report t.o tent Majesty,
river and adornment of the metropolis.
this -
Witness onr hands and seals,
second day of July, 1861
(L.s.)
josnuA Jr 88. (L S.)
DOUGLAS
CUBITT.
GALTON.
Evw D. BURSTAL. (L.S.)
misrav A. Hun,
JOHN ROBINSON AI,CL (L S')
EAN. (L.s.)
lIENItI N-INGSCOTE, Secretary,

T ELECTIONS IN CANADA.---The Hon. Maurice
B. Portman, son of Lord Portman, has been elected for tho
East aiding of the county of Middlesex, Canada West, de-
?, tiug Anti-British candidate by a large majorityl,

LAW IA TELLT9ENCE.—(This Day. )

COURT OF BANKRUPTCY.
(Before Mr. Commissioner Fane.)
FIRST CLASS CERTIFICATE.-IN RE G. B. MATIIER.
This bankrupt was described as of Newbury, Berks, tea
dealer, &c., and applied for his certificate. The accounts,
by G. Butler, shows—Debtor, £1,461 ; asset, good debt
£217; property realised, £176; and the losses during a
course of trading had fallen heavily.
His Honour granted an immediate certificate of the first
class.

IN ICE TUCKER.

This bankrupt was a lamp manufacturer and oil dealer,
King William-street, Strand, and elsewhere, and this was
a meeting for the last examination. The debts were stated
by Mr. J. F. Cannings at £22,591, and the assets at £8,752.
The balance sheet, however, not being perfected, an ad-
journment was taken.

SHERIFFS' COURT.
(Before Mr, Kerr.)
RAILWAY COMPANIES AND THE PUBLIC.-NOVEL POINT.

LONDON AND NORTH WESTERN RAILWAY COMPANY

T. JACOBS.

This was an action to recover balance of carriage, de-
fendant having pleaded a set-off of damage to the goods.
Mr. Beard, for the company, urged that the set-off would
not hold water. If defendant had suffered any damage he
must bring an action.
Defendant said that the goods carried by plaintiffs were
perishable goods, and through mismanagement they were
seriously damaged.
His Honour was not aware that defendant had pleaded a
set-off, and said the defence was a good one, but upon "find'
ing that a set-off had been pleaded, said that there was one
subject upon which railway companies deserved praise.--
they always employed good lawyers, and these
lawyers took advantage of every technical point
against the public. In this case the defendant
could not set-off damage against carriage, and the
verdict would be for the plaintiff, but time would be given
sufficient to allow defendant to bring his action.
Mr. Beard said he could call witnesses to contradict
defendant.
Verdict for plaintiffs.
HARMER V. REYNOLDS—A CURIOUS POINT.
In this case Mr. Bramwell, for the defendant, objected
that plaintiff was suing in his own name for the debt of
another.
Mr. Beard said the fact was that, when Mr. Harman?
sen.,died his widow was appointed administratrix, and when.
the widow died, plaintiff (the son) was appointed adminis-
trator. Under all the circumstances, perhaps, his Honour
would grant an adjournment to amend, plaintiff having
acted in ignorance.
Mr. Bramwell urged that if the case were adjourned cob;
should be allowed.
His Honour consented to adjourn to enable plaintiff 0
amend.

LADIES' BOOTS AND THE PRICE-SAMUEL V. MANNING.
This was an action to recover a sum for several pairs of
ladies' boots, sold and delivered to defendant.
In answer to Mr. Buchanan, for defendant, plaintiff said
that the price charged was ls. 6d. per pair.
His Honour—That is very much cheaper than the suni
charged for a pair of ladies' boots on Wednesday. In that
case 20s. 6d. was claimed.
Mr. Buchanan—Those must have been very much better
in quality.
The defence was that the goods were not equal to tll6
quality ordered, and defendant in his evidence alluded 0
French boots or "imitation" French boots •
His Honour said—lf a man buys boots at ls. 6d. per
pair he must not expect a first-rate article, and defendant
having broken bulk he must pay.
Verdict for plaintiff.

POLICE INTELLIGE'NC'E,—(This Day.)

MARLBOROUGH-STREET.

SERIOUS CHARGE AGAINST A SOLICITOR.—Richard
Austwick Westbrook, solicitor, of 3, New Cavendish-street,
was charged before Mr. Tyrwhitt with causing the death
of Jane Janette Cathrey, on the 24th instant, at 3, New
Cavendish-street, Portland-place, by wounding her in the
abdomen with a table knife.

The medical gentleman and other witnesses bad
been kept waiting a most unreasonable time from some uU
explained cause on the part of the police, but said to be
because the beadle had gone away with the knife.
On the accused, a gentlemanly-looking man of about 4G,
being placed at the bar, it was observable that he had 6,
black eye.

Thos. Maclean Cathrey, son of the deceased, and v;11°
seemed much affected said—We had all been to the Opera
and, on our return, there was some discussion. It was on
Tuesday night a little before 12. We returned in a cab.
There was an angry altercation after supper. It was be-
tween my mother (the deceased) and the prisoner It
lasted some time, and I saw some knives thrown
across the table. I think it was by accident. The knife
came from Mr. Westbrook. About five minutes after I
discovered that my mother was wounded. She said at first
thst she was not wounded. Sho then went upstairs, and it
turned out that she was wounded. Tne knife fell upon the
table. I went for a surgeon directly. When I saw the
knife pass I rushed forward, and I believe I struck him and
marked him. My mother told the prisoner afterwards that
she was wounded, and prisoner was much agitated, and
said, " Go for a surgeon," and I did so.

•
Prisoner—He has given his evidence very fairly, but I
wish you to state whether you did see the knife come from
my hand.

Witness—l saw you make a movement and the knife
pass, in fact, I could hardly say it was a knife. He (Pri"
soner) made a contradictory remark to his mother, the
word "not" or something. My mother did not believe
she was wounded till she felt the blood trickling down'
On my mother finding it out he begged me to go for
doctor. They had been reproaching each other.
(The case was going on when we went to press.)

ATTEMPTED FRAUD ON THE MASTER OF LovA.T.-""
Donald Fraser, a shabby-looking fellow, calling himself
clerk, and who gave the address 4, Queen's Arms-court,
Ground-street, Blackfriars, was charged before Mr. Tyr-
whitt with endeavouring, by means of a begging letter, to
obtain money from the Master of Lovat, the Hon. SiDlOll
Fraser.

The Master of Lovat said—The Pisoner came to me orl,
Tuesday, and said he was out of employment, and came
from my part of Scotland (Inverness-shire), and that hio
wife was ill, and he wanted to get her into the country
He also said he had been in the Ordnance Department. I
told him if he had anything to say to me he had better put
it in writing, with any certificate he might have. The
next morning he brought a letter (the letter stated that hie
wife was ill), and a certificate (the certificate, dated Mal►
1861, bore on the top Miller's Rivet and Screw Works?
Glasgow, and the Adelphi, and gave the prisoner an excel-
lent character, and was signed J. B. Maxton). I went to
the address in the Adelphi, and found that nothing had
been seen of Mr. Maxton for two years, and that the Po'
soner was not known there. I communicated with the
Mendicity Society, and on the prifoner coming to 1:9
lodgings in Bury-street yesterday, their officer took WO
into custody.

Prisoner—l never received any money from you.
The Master of Levat—No.
Prisoner—You desired me to write the letter and to call
again.

Thomas Turner, Mendicity officer, said—At 12 yeeterdaY
the prosecutor brought the letter and certificate to the officer
and I accompanied him to his lodgings in Bury-street, and
after the gentleman had questioned prisoner, and he admitted
he wrote the letter, I stepped out and put a few questions
to him. He said "Don't question me, Turner; don t
make it worse than it is, Turner." I then took him into
custody, and found he was the worse for liquor. I went to
the address in Ground-street, and found it was false
also found that Mr. Marton had been employed by the
War-office, but pensioned two years ago. No persona the
name of Fraser was known there.

Prisoner—l don't know that I have done anything wrong.
Mr. Tyrwhitt—You might easily have taken the paper
from the Rivet Company's letter-box.
Prisoner—l'd rather have the case settled at once.
Mr. Tyrwhitt—l have no doubt you would, but I will
remand you.
Remanded.