The Sun.
London, England, 1850-04-25 00:00:00

WIT AND PROFESSED WITS.

I wish, after all I have said about wit and humour,
I could satisfy myself of their good effects upon the
(character and disposition ; but I am convinced the
probable tendency of both is, to corrupt the under-
standing and the heart. I am not speaking of wit
where it is kept down by more serious qualities of
mind, and thrown into the background of the pic-
ture; but where it stands out boldly and emphatic-
ally, and is evidently the master quality in any par-
ticular mind. Professed wits, though they are gene-
rally courted for the amusement they afford, are
seldom respected for the qualties they possess. Tne
habit of seeing things in a witty point of view, in-
creases, and makes, incursions from its own proper
regions, upon principles' and opinions which are ever
held sacred by the wise and good. A witty man is a
dramatic performer : in process of time, he can no
mere exist without applause than he can exist w:th-
out air; if his audience be small, or if they are inat-
tentive, orif a new wit defrauds him of any IT tion
of his admiration, it is all over with him—he sickr-r.p,
and is exti,guished. The applau.es of the V eirre
on which he performs are so essentill to him, thit he
must obtain them at the expense of deee-xy,
frier a'-
ship, and good feeling. It must always he probable,
too, that a mere Rit 13 a person of light raid frivolous
understanding. his business is not to discover rel..-
tions of ideas that are useful, and have a real it flu-
ence upon life, hut to discover the more trifling
relations which are only amusing ; ver looks at
things with the Lake(' eye f common sense, but is
always gazing at the world through a Claude Lor-
raine glass—discovering a thousand appearances
which are created only by the instrument of inspec-
tion, and covering every object with factitious and
unnatural colours. In short, the character of a mere
wit it is impossible to consider as very amiable, very
respectable, or very safe. So far the world, in judg-
ing of wit where it has swallowed up all other qua-
lities, judge aright; but I doubt if they are suffi-
ciently indulgent, to this faculty where it exists in a
lesser degree, and as one out of many other ingre •
dients of the understanding. There is an association
in men's minds between dulness and wisdom, amuse-
ment and folly, which has a very powerful influence
in decision upon character, and is not overcome with-
out considerable difficulty. The reason that the
outward signs of a dull man and a wise man are the
same, and so are the outward signs of a frivolous man
and a witty man ; and we are not to expect that the
majority will be disposed to look to much snore than
the outward sign. I believe the fact to be, that wit is
very seldom the only eminent quality which resides
in the mind of any man ; it is commonly accompanied
by marry other talents of every description, and ought
to be considered as a strong evidence of a fertile and
superior understanding. Almost all the great poets,
orators, and statesmen of all times, have been witty.
Cresar, Alexander, Aristotle, Descartes, and Lord
Bacon, were witty men ; so were Cicero, Shakspere,
Demosthenes, Boileau, Pope, Dryden, Fontenelle,
Jonson, Waller, Cowley, Solon, Socrates, Dr. John-
son, and almost every man who has made a distin-
guished figure in the House of Commons. I have
talked of the danger of wit: I do not mean by
that to enter into common-place declamation against
faculties because they are dangerous ;—wit is dan-
gerous, eloquence is dangerous, a talent for observa-
tion is dangerous, every thing is dangerous that has
efficacy and vigour for its characteristics : nothing is
safe but mediocrity. The business is, in conducting
the understanding well, to risk something; to aim at
uniting things that are commonly incompatible. The
meaning of an extraordinary man is, that he is eight
men, not one man ; that he has as much wit as if he
had no sense, and as much sense as if he had no wit ;
that his conduct is as judicious as if he were the
dullest of human beings, and his imagination as bril-
liant as if he were irretrievably ruined. But when
wit is combined with sense and information ; when it
is softened by benevolence and restrained by strong
principle ; when it is in the hands of a man who can
use it and despise it, who can be witty and something
much better than witty, who loves honour, justice,
decency, good-nature, morality, and religion, ten
I thousand times better than wit ;—wit is then a beau-
, tiful and delightful part of our nature. There is no
more interesting spectacle than to see the effects of
wit upon the different characters of men ; than to
observe it expanding caution, relaxing dignity, un-
freezing coldness—teaching age, and care, and pain,
to smile,—extorting reluctant gleams of pleasure from
melancholy, and charming even the pangs ef. grief. It
is pleasant to observe how it penetrates through the
coldness and awkwardness of society, gradually
bringing men nearer together, and, like the combined
force of wine and oil, giving every man a glad heart
and a shining countenance. Genuine and innocent
wit like this, is surely the flavour of tire mind ! Alan
could direct his ways by plain reason, and support
his life by tasteless food; but God has given us wit,
and flavour, and brightness, and laughter, and per-
fume:, to enliven the da3 s of men's pilgrimage, and to
charm his pained steps over the burning marle."—
Sydney Smith.

THE SURREY NEW PRI3ON. In arranging the
designs for the Surrey new prison, n.,w in course of cen•truc-
'ion at Wandsworth, under the direction of Mr. D. Hill, ar-
chitect, it has been attempted to make them in such a way
as to be uniform and complete for the number at first intended
to be provided for (700), and that the future exteu•ion (to
1,000), should nct interfere with the buildings.crectei nor
destroy their uniformity. The buildings are d signed in the
plainest and most simple style, and of the most substantial
kind. 'I hey are executed in brickwork, with stone dressings,
quoins, pl nths, cornices, window sills, &c., ant are arrang,d
on the principle of Pentonville prison, and with the latest
improvements in the various fittings and details. There are
543 cells provided for male prisoners, and 165 for females,
making a total accommodation for prisoners of 70S cells, not
including punishment and reception cells : the whole will be
thoroughly ve tilated, and fitted up with soil-pan or water
closet, washing basin, with sufficient supply of water (a sepa-
rate cistern being provided for each cell), and a gas light.
Rooms on the ground, first, and second floors, adjoining the
central hall, have been provided for trade instructors. Baths
have been provided both for males and females supplied with
hot and cold water. The cooking kitchen, bakehouse, and
serving rooms are entirely distinct from the main buildings.
The infirmaries, both for males and females, are entirely sepa-
rated from the other parts of the prison, and are provided
with separate airing courts. The chapel will be fitted up
with separate seats or stalls for 391 prisoners, pews for
go'rernor's and chaplain's families, and galleries for the officers.
The prison will be warmed by hot water, similar to the man-
ner adopted at Pentonville. The whole of the cells, both for
males and females, are 13 feet by 7 feet, and 9 feet high to
the crown of the arch.—Builder.

FATAL EFFECTS CAUSED BY A PIN IN THE EAR.—
We think it right to give publicity to the particulars con-
nected with the following fatal occurrence, in order to show
how careful every person ought to be in introducing pins
into either the mouth or ears :—A short time since Miss
Lavinia Ann Maria Downie, nice to Mi. Downie, g irdener,
Traquair House, a most amiable and interesting young lady,
twenty-four years of age, who had suffered from occasional
severe pains in her head and a considerable degree of deafness
ever since her childhood, and whose heakli had been gra •
dually declining for the last three 'years, was seized
with a most painful inflammation in the left car,
accompanied by frequent bleeding also from the ear.
About the Ist of March her case became much aggra-
vated by the increase of the pain and inflammation,
and on the 20th ult. an ordinary-sized metallic pia was ex-
tracted from her left ear, enveloped in a firm substance, with
numerous fibres adhering to it; several hard bodies, resemb-
ling in shape the grains of buck-wheat, but of various
colours, were also taken oat of the right ear. The poor girl
endured the most intense pain, which she bore with Christian
fortitude, till the 4th inst., when death closed the scene.
The pin must have been lodged in the head for nearly twenty
Years, as ;he never recollected having put one into her
ear; but she had a distant remembrance of having, when a
child, had a pin in her mouth, which she thought she had
swallowed. It is the opinion of several eminent medical men,
that in all probability the one extracted was the same pin.
It was found, on examination, to have been frequently bent
and twisted.—Culedonian Mercury.

EXAMINATION AND COMMITTAL OF THOMAS
SMEETON FOR EMBEZZLEMENT AT Irswacli.—This indi-
vidual, who has recently been secretary to several building
societies in Ipswich and its vicinity, was fully committed for
trial on Monday last, on three separate charges. First, for
obtaining money under false pretences on behalf of the East
Anglian Building and Investment Society; second, for em-
bezzling money belonging to the Suffolk Improved Building
and Improvement Company; the third charge being for a
similar offence against the same company. The Ipswich Ex-
press states :—" Since these cases were heard, we understand
that the prosecutors had originally intended to confine their
proceedings to four cases—two in each society. Some
threats, however, have reached the ears of the directors to
the effect that if Smeeton be not dealt mildly' with, he
will endeavour to implicate some of the gentlemen who have
been intimately connected with the societies. The effect of
this has been to induce the prosecutors to carry the entire
case still further against the prisoner, in order that the value
of such threats may be tested, and the character of the direc-
tors vindicated in the eyes of the public."
ACCIDENT RELIEF SOCIETY.—The annual festival
of this institution was celebrated yesterday evening, at the
Albion Tavern, Aldersgate-street. In the absence of Mr. 0.
Thompson, M.P., who was prevented by indisposition from
attending, the chair was taken by the Rev. H. Cole, the
honorary chaplain. After the routine toasts had been dis-
posed of, the Rev. Chairman proposed "Prosperity to the
Society," which he characterised as one of the most purely
charitable institutions in this country. Ile stated that during
the past year three hundred and sixty families had been re-
lieved, and two hundred and ninety-eight pounds distributed
amongst them, and in she course of his observations he oh-
by giving orders
useprlo-dettaliiiiietattnheen pforarcithicee osat
papffoyrd(i)fng relief
food having lid to abuse,
and being evidently objectionable, the committee had for
in money, and that this
proved most beneficial. Several donations
had
dst distributed relief only
saa(l:ltmde reaa
nttiiiolinuneal subscriptions were announced.
THE ROYAL ADELAIDE 'TEAM-PACKET.—The stern
frame, with the vessel's name," Roval Adelaide, llublia,"
with the sternpost and upper part of rudder-post with iron
tiller, all attached together, also the greater part of the atter
deck, and the whole side of a boat, were picked up on the
Essex coast, and taken to Burnham. Very little cargo hes
been saved. The divers have been at work whenever the
weather would allow of their operations; and there has been
a revenue cutter on the spot to prevent plunder as much as
possible.

TIIE GREAT EXHIBITION OF 1851.—A numerous
meeting of the inhabitants of Chelsea was held at the Com-
mercial Ilall,King's-road, yestcrdr.y,Mr. Fielder, the church-
warden, in the chair. The Hon. A. Liddell, Rey. C. Dris.
cull, Mr. G. Downey, Mr. Griffiths, Mr. Ryder, and others 4:
addressed the the meeti. g. Resolutions were passed in fiiyoar
of the proposed exhibition, and a committee was nominated
for the purpose cf assisting the Royal Commissioners in
carrying it into effect. Messrs. Fielder, .Challacombe, and
Murray were appointed treasurers; and the Rev. E. Rudge,
curate of St. Luke's, was elected hon. secretary to the local
‘ committee.

•

THE NATIONAL REFORM CON-
FERENCE.—(TIIIS DAY.)
The conference resumed this moiling at 10 o'clock;
Sir Joshua Wahnsley, in the chair.
Letters were read from Sir James Duke, M.P.; Mr. J.
O'Donnell, M.P.; and Mr. Gavin Duffy,:of Dublin, apolo-
gising for their unavoidable absence.
In answer to a question from a delegate, the secretary
stated 216 delegates had attended the conference.
The debate on the third resolution was then resumed.
After a short discussion, in which Mr. Tillet, Mr.
Grossman, Mr. Thwaites, and Mr. Charles Gilpin, took
part, the resolution was carried with only seven dissen-
tient voices.
Mr. CASSEL suggested that during the remainder of
the sitting the first object should be to get through the
resolutions as soon as possible, and afterwards to give
an opportunity to delegates from the country to offer
any suggestions to the conference which they might think
useful fur practical purposes.
The following resolutions, proposed by Mr. THWAITES
and seconded by Mr. CHARLES GILPIN, were then put
and carried:—
" That this conference believes that the Members of
the House of Commons will be more influenced by a
sense of their constituents were they to institute and
preserve a constant communication with them, stating
thelr views on the important questions introduced be-
fore the Legislature, and requesting their attendance
aril support whenever Parliamentary and Financial
Reform measures are introduced.
That this conference is of opinion that every means
ought to be employed to enlarge the present county and
borough constituencies to the utmost extent, and that it
is desirable to form in the several localities committees,
with a permanent machinery, to watch and superintend
the registration; and that it ba hereby recommended to
the Reform Associations throughout the country, par-
ticularly where established in districts not satis-
feet )rily represented at the present time in Parliament,
the urgent importance of being prepared, whenever any i
vacancy occurs n the representation of any boroughs or
divisions of counties with which such associations are
connected, to nominate thorough Reformers, and thus in-
crea-e the number of Reform Members in the House of
Commons ; or, at all events, aid the development of
public opinion in support if the principles of this asso-

elation. - -
" That it be rtfared to the business committee to
trepare and issue to the public a report embodying the
results of the conference.'
Mr. Wneuesore, treasurer of the National Associa-
tion, wished to make a few remarks on the subject of
funds. Ile could assure the conference without some
arrangement or (ffort being made in this department
they would not be able to meet their expenses. He
should call upon the provincial delegates to state what
airy could promiqs to the conference in this respect.
The CHAIR3IAN here begged leave to introduce to the
conference a gent!eman who had just appeared on the
platform, whom he characterised as the Joseph flume
of Hungary—Eugene Biosby, who was received with loud
cheering.
Mr. 13eccs, of Norwich, then stated that, on the part'
of that town, he could promise the association an imme-
diate subscription of 100/.
Mr. HARDY, of Wcrceater, announced a similar con-
tribution.
Mr. JACKSON, of Yarmenth, stated that in that town
the Reformers had already raised large sums, which had
been expended in local efforts, such as giving lectures
and distributing tracts, but that they were determined
to contribute something to the general fund.
Mr. 6311T11, of Norwich, reported that the association
to which he belonge I in that town had already spent
2001. in leeal efforts, but that it would fief it as a privi-
lege to contribute as much as possible to the expenses of
the London Council.
Mr. FLaTCISER, of Norwich, corifirmei the statement
of Mr. Smith. Ho sugge•ted that funds might be raised
by the instremeieality SOireeS•H•ohoped that when
the delegates returrese home they would turn their at-
t., talon to this subject. Ile thought that in this manner
much good, moral, political, and financial might be done.
'They had a good exereple in Norwich of this merit of
opera's ie.
Mr. Hay wood, of Belton ; Mr. Hughee, of Den-
bighshire; Mr. Clarke, of Southampton; Mr. Bean, of
Nottiugham; Mr. Langley, of Lancaster; Rev. Mr.
Worral, of Bethnal-greee; and Mr. Millwood, of Sy-
denharn, all spoke on the same subject, expressing their
confidence in the efforts of the local association to raise
funds to carry on the simultaneous operations of the na-
tional body.
Mr. W. J. Fox, M.P., said that he saw a long,
laborious work before the association, and the minutest
details which bore upon the great objects they had in
view were worthy of attention. lie did not anticipate
that great and wealthy capitalists would come fur-
ward in this agitation as they had done in
the corn-law agitation, because it did not offer as many
advantages to that class as to the working classes. In
fact, the objects of this association were rather
disadvantageous to the capitalists, as it would put
en end to the present boroughmongering sys-
tem, which to him. was even more disgusting
than the system before the Reform Bill. The people,
thin, must depend more upon their own efforts for carry-
ing out the great objects which were to benefit them-
selves. He thought there could not be too much re-
fleece placed upon individual and small sub-
scriptions ; it would be a good thing if
each dell ate were to institute a club in their several
districts, with enrolled members, and subscriptions even
to the smallest amount—one part payable to the local
eepsneess o' the socit ty, and another transferable to the
head society in L effen. These clubs would do much
good in other re: pests, moral as well as financial, would
do much to shame men out of marl of the
yid sus pia eie2s which do more to obstruct the
progress t f popular reform than anything else.
Such societies would make not only sound politicians,
but s'eady, honest, and industrious men. They would
secure cheap elections, which he considered the
preiple's power, would check that tide cf
corruption which at present flooded the Legis-
-14.11T0. Ile was sure the character of their
President ea; a guarantee—(the mention of the Presi-
dent was received wit's loud and continued cheering)—
to all the friends of reform of the stability and
continuity of the aperations of the association.
Ir taey a 1 continued firm anclein!ted he could prophecy
that at no long dis'ance or time this country would be a
happy, free, Beal selfsgoverned country.—(Cheers.)
Mr. G. Dewsoe moved the hut resolution—
' That this conference, in the name of thousands of
earnest Reformers throughout the kingdom, most cor-
dially gives to the Fresiden',:treasurer, secretary and
c )thrash of the Nationsl Reform Assoc'ation its warmest
thanks for the energy and zeal with which they have hi-
ther o sustained the Reform movements."
lie a as sure that no better officers could be chosen than
those the y possemsed already, and he hoped that the
conference would join with him in giving a cordial sup-
port to the resolution.
Mr. HALL, of Iloxton, in seconding the resolution,
suggested to the delegates the propriety of forming
cunt* men's a-seciations throughout the country to
train up a future generation of reformers.
Sir Josutsa, WALMSLY said he deeply appreciated
the compliae nt which the conference had paid to
him ; the objects of the association would aiways
have his earnest and undivided efforts. On the
part of the Cou. cif he thanked them, because
he knew that their industry and exertions deserved
such approval. Ile also thanked them for the manner
in which they had conducted the proceedings of the
nfereece; they had gone forth to the world as the
deliberations of wise, patriotic, and unprejudiced indivi-
duals. This conies ence would be the meaus of drawing
Closer the bonds or union between the provincial and me-
tropolitan members. Whatever differences of opinion
there were, he was sure that these would not operate to
the destruction of the unanimay of their proceedings.
After a vote of thanks to he business committee, the
Cuainmasr enniamc d that the cenrerence was at an
end for all hiLiness purposes, and the Me,:ates then
separated.

Office, & c.

five department ..
Superintendent (London
Division)
Chief accountant .
Chief registrar in charge
of capital accouuts
Manager of works at
Swindon ..
Superintendent ( Bristol
Division) ...
Chief Storekeeper
Charge of estate, &c
blinuting or secretary's
clerk .

GREAT -WESTERN RAILWAY.
(THIS DAY.)
A special general meeting of this company was held
at the Paddington S'ation this day, at one o'clock, for
the purpoio ..f considering and determining the mode of
raising- the capital requisite for tha completion of certain
under ti.kings belonging t or purchased by this company,
and for the general purposes of the company. The
meeting uas also made special to receive, consider,
and determine upon any maters contained in a report
re quired by a resolution of the last half-yearly general
meeting of Proprietors, to be made by the directors, with
r:spt et to the several recommendations contained in the
report of the consultation committee, which was sub-
rnAted to the said half-yearly general meeting on the
14th February last.
Thn attendance of shareholders was very numerous.
chairman of the company, pre-
Mr. George Russell,
sided.
The SECRETARY having read the notice convening the
meeting,
The CHAInMAN rose and said,
reaid,mtahrakts atw btohlelytopresent the
required
mcmcnt he would confine
bi
subject of finance. Theyui three-and-a-half nail-
t o years.
nbe
lirs of money, which must heraised within
now that was to be accomplished the report four
aboutur
sot:roiled to the meeting would
expenses of the explain. Two millions
would be required to pay the
Wolver-
hampton line six months after it was completed, which
The other mil-
could not be before the middle of 180—
lien arid a half would be required to settle the debts in-
cidental on the two northern lines. Before proceeding
to call upon the secretary to read the report, he a ould
ju,:t sate that it had been mentioned to the com-
mittee that there were several moue) ed men who would
lend upon a fixed and regular rate of interest. It was.
therefore, proposed that not more than 1,000,000/. should
ba b rrowed at a fixed rate of 41. per cent. per annum.
The SECRETARY then proce eted to lay before the
meeting the general report, asfollows:—
The directors beg to inform the proprietors that it
is intended to propose, to the special general meeting,
resoktions for cleating additional capital not exceeding
3.500,000/., to be applied to the completion of the rail-
ways referred to in the report of the consultation corn-
mimeo, end to tie purchase of the Birmingham and
Oxford, and Birmingham, Wolverhampton, and Dudley
as well as to pay off and discharge a portion
of the existing s:curitics of the Great Western Potilway
Company.
'MEWS 1.,1TU:,‘
.he additional capital, or so much thereof as may be
..ary, is proposed to be issued from time to time
equisite, and to bear a fixed dividend of 4} per
o'an're er annum, subject to the following conditions:
-4., The holders to be entitled to an option within
1_ % •
V
~-;-?;.')-•'1Ittairears from the 25th April, 1850, to excht,nge the
/,l
•

-V 4;

:mew tt 0 fixed 44 per cent. capital for rateable stock of the same
amount.
1.4 Nt,
4" "2 d . The company to have the right, during seven
SU V OFFICE, Seven o' Clock. years from and after the 25th April, 1557. ,to redeem and
pay off any of the fixed 41 per cent. capital at par, upon
giving one year's previous notice to the holders thereof.
" It will be proposed to authorise the conversion of
paid-up shares in the Birmingham and Oxford and Bir-
mingham, Wolverhampton, and Dudley Railway Com-
panies' or a portion thereof, into the said new
capital, to the extent of 2,000,000/., as and when the
holders thereof may elect, at the rate of 301. ss.
for each of the said shares, and upon such condi-
tions as may be agreed with them respectively, either
before or after the opening of the said lines; and
further, to authorise the issue, from time to time, of
portions. of the additional capital, either upon condition
of present payment in full, or of instalments at fixed
periods, as may be agreed upon with the directors ; the
option being given to the proprietors of shares in the
Great Western Railway and in the Wilts, Somerset, and
Weymouth Railway Companies to the extent of
1,500,000/. of the said additional capital, in rateable prc-
portion to their respective shares in the said two com-
panies, or either of them.
The purchase of the Wilts, Somerset, and Wey-
mouth Railway, for the reasons recommended by the
committee, has been completed, and the undertaking
and property transferred by deeds exchanged between
the two companies.
" The works are proceeding at present only between
Westbury and the towns of Frome and Warminster. It
appears, however, to your board vital for the success of
the railway already finished, and no loss important also
for the Great Western main line, that the short branch
of seven miles between Frome and Radstock should
he constructed. It will ensure a very con-
siderable traffic to the railways of this com-
pany, between the Somersetshire coal fields and the
manufacturing as well as agricultural population of the
districts to which those coals are even now transported
at a comparatively high charge, and in which they a: e
nevertheless extensively consumed. The time at which
the work for that branch should be undertaken, must de.
pend in some degree upon facilities to be given by the
land and mine owners, but if they are willing to afford
them, it is the opinion of the board that the coal traffic
ought to be secured to the railway, with as little delay
as is consistent with the economical prosecution of the
line.
" For the present, the directors quite concur in post-
poning the completion cf any other portion of the Wilts,
Somerset, and Weymouth Railway.
"The position of the Oxford, Worcester, and Wol-
verhampton Company is unaltered since the committee
of consultation, and your directors respectively commu-
nicated their opinions to the last meeting of proprietors,
and they see no reason at present to make further allu-
sion to that subject, beyond expressing a hope that some
means may be devised by that company to complete a
portion at least of their line, and to render it productive
to the shareholders.
" Since the meeting in February the South Wales
Company have been in amicable communication with the
Board, to carry out the plan of working their line be-
tween Chepstow and Swansea, according is the mutual
interests and former intentions of both parties.
" It is with much regret the board feels bound by their
duty to the proprietors to represent that the short cx-
perience of a few months has realised those apprehen-
sions which they had relative to their position after the
reduction in the salaries bad taken place. Since the re-
duction was notified the whole establishment has become
unsettled—the officers and principal clerks, with few
exceptions, have been seeking other employment, some
valuable servants have quitted, and others are about to
leave the service. Nor has the effect of the reduction
been confined Exclusively to those whose salaries were
reduced; for several others, iu despair ef improving
the it position in the present service, have also resigned
to obtain more lucrative employment elsewhere.
" The directors have thus had practical proof that
serious prejudice to the company has arisen, and they
apprehend that still more must ensue, unless steps be
now taken to give some assurance of an established
scale of salary and pay upon which your officers and ser-
vants can rely. If length of service with great expel i-
ence and proved ability are essentials in managing affairs,
towards the prosperity and welfare of any important
undertaking, success is not likely to bo attained by the
discouragement of those upon whom so much depends,
nor can a reduction of reasonable salaries be expeetA
to counteract pecuniary depression in times of difficulty.
These considerations, under any circumstances, but
especially while making arrangements for additional
duties, in consequence of the South Wales opening, and
the business of the Wilts, Somerset, and Weymouth
Railway devolving entirely upon the officers of the
Great Western Company, have forced the directors to
deliberate upon the means which can be most prudently
devised to remedy the evil. They are convinced
that the wisest course will be to determine at
once a fixed scale for every officer or class of ap-
pointment, fair and equitable according to the
respective duties, responsibility, and length of service,
so that each individual may, for the future, know what
he is to depend upon, so long as he shall conduct him: elf
to the entire satisfaction of his employers. That scale
can, of conrse, be made subject to future modifications, if
circumstances render it reasonable and just.
" It this plan be resorted to, the directors recommend
the adoption of a new scale of salaries and wages, which
they have prepared with great care, and made subject to
certain general regulations and conditions attached to it,
as appended to this report, and the directors will report
from time to time the operation of that scale, by a state-
ment of the amount of expenditure in consequence of
the future increase or decrease of salaries, in the manner
recommended by the committee of consultation.
"If any instance should hereafter arise in which it
may seem desirable to modify the scale, the directors
would propose to submit it for the approval of the pro-
priet irs before it is acted upon, and they trust that these
measures may restore and maintain that energy and at-
tachment to the service, which had hicherta characte-
rised the establishment employed by this company."
The following was the table by which the salaries
were to bs fixed:—

After Maximum
Oa
Appointment 10 Years after 12
Service. Years Service,
£1,4(0 ... .£1,506
Secretary ...
General Superintendent
of Traffic
If the above two ap-
pointments are com-
bined ... ..... 1,400 ...
Superintendent locomo-

900 - 1,200 ... 1,1(0

1,8:0 ... 2,000

700 ...

900 ... 1,000

700 ... 750
500 ... 5,0

450 ...

400
400
400 ...