The Sun.
London, England, 1845-04-29 00:00:00

rbirb 7Stittton

SUN OFFICE, Seven o'Clock,

EXCHEQUER.-(THIS DAY.

TRIAL AT BAR.-THE GREAT DISTILLERY CASE,
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL V. GEORGE SMITH.

Mr. F. KELLY (in continuation from our Afternoon Edition)
said—The other ho e, which was also discovered in December,
I 543, and which Drinkwater also swore did not exist in August of
that year, was also made in 1824, as should be proved by the
cooper who made the cover, and by the manager under whose
superintendence it was made. It was intended to be squared for
the admission of die dipping.rod ; but here again the cooper made
a mistake, and the manager ordered the hole to be plugged up.
Batten admitted, in his evidence, that from below hecould not force
the plug out with his finger, so that if it were intended
to use the hole for extracting spirits, the plug must be pulled out
above by a screw which would leave a mark, and make the fraud
palpable to the eye. The whole suggestion was absurd, but with-
out relying upon any probability, lie (Mr. Kelly) would prove the
fact by evidence. With respect to the charge of increasing the
drip for the purpose of defrauding the Crown, the jury should re-
member that when Drinkwater alleged, that he had discovered
the increase, it was Mr. Smith himself who insisted that the sur-
veyor of Excise should come himself and ascertain the fact.
He submitted that, on the whole of the case there were, at the
utmost, only grounds for suspicion' upon which the jury would
not confiscate the whole property of these gentlemen, even were it
not the fact, as it was ; that he (Mr. Kelly) would lay evidence
before them to clear up every suspicion, and to contradict the facts
upon which the greatest reliance was laid by the prosecution. For
that prosecution there must be either of three motives—the jea-
lousy of traders doing less business than the defendants--
-the anxiety of the officers to obtain their share of the penalties—
or the toe great readiness of the Excise authorities to give ear to
their subordinrtes. Theme was only one other point to which he
had yet to call their attention.

The LORD CHIEF BARON asked if that point would occupy much
time ?
Mr. KELLY replied—About half an hour.
The LORD CHIEF BARON thought the jury might be allowed to
retire a few minutes before Mr. Kelly proceeded.
Their Lordships and the jury aceordingly retired. When the
Court resumed,
Mr. KELLY said he was sorry to have to occupy the jury longer
at this late hour. He could only call their attention to the legal
facts in respect to the pipe which formed the gravest of the present
charges. It was pretended that the pipe was not properly de-
scribed in Mr. Smith's entry of his premises. But the fact was
that the pipe and its course were fully described, according to the
requirements of the Act of Parliament. It was described in the
entry exactly as it traversed his premises ; but the Act of Parlia-
ment did not require the description to follow the course of the
pipe into any other premises. This was not the moment
to argue the question auto whether it was legal to have the corn.
munication between the distillery and the rectifying-house. But
he should prove that it was not a clandestine communication—that
it had been long known to the Excise—and that Mr. James Smith,
and Mr. George Smith, both at once avowed its existence without
disguise, when Cameron and Batten asked them about it. The
Excise knew well that the thousands of gallons of water used daily
in the recti!ying-house were supplied from the great reservoir in
the distillery. In fact, it was done openly, and with the permission
of the Excise. He should be able to prove that the pipe never was
used for transmitting one gallon of spirits. He would call Mr.
James Smith to prove that, and to prove further, that he never
knew, and never thought, that spirits could be transmitted by the
pipe. The Learned Gentleman proceeded to argue that under the
meaning of the Act the pipe was not a " communication capable of
conveying spirits." That it wrs not such a communication
was peeved by the operations of the Excise officers themselves, who
failed in two experiments, after having entirely altered the con.
struction of the pipe, stripped off all the branches, added new
tubes Laud pumps, and forced in some thousand gallons of
water through the pipe to prepare it for the pur.
pose. But what did they prove ? that all the other
business of the establishment, large and complicated as it was,
must be suspended, to obtain 700 gallons of spirits with a loss of
twenty cr thirty gallons. If Mr. Smith had ever once been guilty
of the fraud it must be known to every workman on his premises,
for the excise had proved that the operation could not be per-
formed without the assistance of persons in every part of the build-
ing, and the entire suspensiooof every other operation. He submitted
to the Court, therefore, that the pipe did not come under the
meaning of the Act. The Learned Gentleman concluded with an
animated appeal against what he character ised as the most extra

ordinary prosecution ever instituted by a Government against one
of its subjects. At his conclusion there was applause in Court,
which was immediately checked. He then proceeded to call wit-
nesses for the defence.

Mr. James Smith examined by Mr. MARTIN, deposed that he
was proprietor of the rectifying.house referred to in these proceed.
ings. The distillery was ninety years established. He commenced
to Like part in the business in 1813. The evidence of this witness
was chiefly directed to show that the " pipe " was laid down for
the supply of water from the distillery to the rectifying.house, in
1826, with the knowledge of the Solicitor of Excise, and under
the eyes of four of the principal surveying officers.
The direct examination had not concluded when the Court rose,
at flue o'clock'

RAILWAY COMMITTEES

(THIS DAY.)

THE BERKS AND HANTS RAILWAY.
.. _ _

The Bill for this Railway was taken into consideration in Group
G and G 2. this day at two o'clock, by the Committee, composed of
the Hon. T. H. Liddell, Chairman; Mr. Christopher. Sir E.
Hayes, Mr. Entwisle, and Mr. H. R. Yorke. Mr. Austin, and
Mr. R. Gurney appeared for the Railway. Mr. Whateley op-
posed it on behalf of Mr. Fowke, of Midghaim. The object of the
Bill is to make a railway from the Reading station of the South.
Western Railway to Newbury, and also to, Hungerford, with a
branch, southward from Reading to Basingstoke, the length of the
line being 39 miles, and the estimated cost 400,0001. and the
supposed return 40,000/. a year.
In reply to Mr. GURNEY, Mr. Brunel, who is the engineer of the
line, stated that there were no tunnels, and that the gradients were
easy, and the cost of construction small, while the returns were
sure to be considerable, and the advantages of opening up a better
communication with the port of Southampton very great.
In reply to Mr. WIIATCLEY, Mr. Brunel stated that his reason for
not carrying the railway nearer to the Kennet Canal, as was de-
sired by some of the landed proprietors, was the crookedness and
consequent inconvenience of the line of the canal, but in com-
pliance with the wishes of Mr. Fowke, a large landed proprietor, a
considerable deviation had been made from the original line, in
order to avoid the severance of a portion of his property. The
Company had made as great a deviation to effect this object as they
possibly could, and every case had been taken to provide for the
irrigation and drainage of the meadow land through which the line
passed.

Mr. Saunders, Secretary to the Great Western Railway, stated
that to the best of his belief the whole of the wishes of Mr.:Fowke,
over whose land he had been with Mr. Brunel and that gentleman,
had been complied with. The Bill sought a power to raise
330,0001. of which 300,0001. bad been subscribed for. The deposit
was 15,0001., and the whole of the list of Shareholders had
been properly specified in the schedule. There was but one
shareholder locally interested in the line, and his shares amounted
to 20,0001. There were two other shareholders interested for
similar amounts.

In reply to Mr. PARSES, the solicitor, of Great George-street,
who opposed the line, Mr. Saunders stated that the Great Western
Company never had dropped any portion of their lines, and with
respect to the only portion regarding which such a supposition
could be entertained, viz., the Trowbridge and Blandford line,
the fact was that branch had been suffered to drop in consequence
of the ceetsliar circumstances of the time, but that branch had
been renewed, and not only renewed but extended. Mr. Saunders
said that Mr. Fowke had asserted that if the line was taken
which was now laid out, he would not oppose the line, and he sup.
posed that Mr. Fowke would come these rather as a supporter than
as an opponent of the line.

Mr. AusriN said that was the whole of the case for the Cora.
patsy, and unless the Committee desired it he would offer no further
evidence.

Mr.: WitaTELEv, on behalf of Mr. Fowke, said that that gen-
tleman had had the misfortune to purchase a very beautiful estate
in Berkshire about two years ago, and now, when re had
had time to spend his money and get attached to the place,
the Railway Company came and went right through the
whole of it. On this estate there were some very beauti-
ful water meadows, and also several peat fields, the
former requiring considerable irrigation, for which there were,
under existing circumstances, peculiar advantages, and
the latter requiring a perfect drainage, and for which also there
was every opportunity ; but this railway would entirely destroy all
those advantages. The Learned Counsel then cited several letters
to show that good faith had not been kept with Mr. Fowke in some
partitieulars, and to prove that the engineer had refused to meet
Mr. Fowke and make such arrangements as would save much
of the injury to that gentleman's property, One of the injuries in
consequence of the refusal of the Company to alter their line
was the preclusion of access to part of Mr. Fowke's land,
which was shut in by a piece of ground belonging to Lord Fal.
mouth, and which by this railway would be entirely cut off from
the other property of Mr. Fowke. The protection which the
Company asserted would be given by the 67th clause of the Rail.
way Clauses Consolidation Bill was quite sufficient to meet this
case, as in this instance the water was turned on to the Ind from
the Kennet Canal, and then turned off again through the medium
of a fall of 96 feet, which pervaded Mr. Fowke's land. The
railway quite intercepted the connexion with the canal,
and the clause, though it provided for draining
the water off the land, it made no provision for putting the water
on the land, and he thought that, if the Company desired to act
sincerely, they should give a particular clause to protect Mr.
Fowke.

In reply to an observation by the Chairman, Mr. WHATELEY
stated that the construction of the works necessary fir securing the
advantages now enjoyed by Mr. Fowke would in no way interfere
with the formation of the railway.
Mr. Wm. Gravatt, an engineer, who had had considerable expe-
rience in railway engineering, stated that the proposed line would
run for about two mile► through Mr. Fowke's property. He pro
duced a plan laid down from a large plan of Mr. Fowke's estate,
on which lines were traced to show the plan of the Company, and
the line which he proposed to obviate the injury, or at least a
great portion of it, likely to accrue through the formation of the
line to Mr. Fowke's property, and expressed his opinion that Ins
alteration would in no way disadvantageously affect the works of
the Company. By his plan a space of 68 yards was secured for
communicating with the line of ground which would otherwise be
altogether cut off—of course very injuriously cut off. He stated
that he had made a report to the Company of his plan.
On cross-examination by Mr. AUSTIN, Mr. Gravatt stated
that he was aware that it was a convenience to obtain the consent
of the landowners before be constructed a line. He thought that, if
there was a good bottom, a communication of twelve or fourteen feet
wide would answer every purpose; but he generally gave sixteen
feet, as the engineers were now liberal.

Mr. AUSTIN said that having now ascertained what was a good
communication, what was a sufficient, and what was a liberal
space, he was prepared to say that the Company were ready to give
the sixteen feet.

Mr. WIIATELEY objected that this communication was to be in
the way of easement or right of way over a part of Lord Falmouth's
property. His client had a right to the land itself.
Mr. AUSTIN thought that it would be unjust to take the land
from one party and give it to another.

Mr. WHATELEY conceived that as they had the power to take the
land from Lord Falmouth, and if this communication was only in
the shape of an casement, and not an absolute property, it would
lead to continual broils.

Mr. Gravatt said that his plan would in no way affect the canal.
Mr. Brunel, in reply to the Chairman, stated bat a difficulty
would arise with the Kennet Canal Company if they carried the
line nearer to the canal than fifty yards, and they had agreed to
give clauses to enable the Company to accuse the traffic on their canal.
The room was then cleared, and, after deliberation, the Chair-
man stated that the differences between Mr. Fowke and the Rail-
way Company were so trifling, that the Committee conceived they
might be arranged privately.
A conversation ensued between the Counsel for both sides, and
the preamble was allowed to he proved.
The clauses were gone through to clause 20, when
Mr. WHATELEY proposed a clause, the effect of which was to
preclude the company from forming any small houses or sheds on
part of the line passing through Mr. Fowke's property, but it was
ultiti.ately withdrawn, upon an agreement that no such places
should be built by the company.
Before going to the schedule
Mr. WIWI ELEY proposed a clause for securing the irrigation of
the water meadows.

In order to show the necessity for this clause, Thomas Cooper,
he waterman of the bl:dgbant estate, who stated that he had

been Waterman on the property more than tie), years, end that
they took the water from the canal whenever they thought proper,
the custom being to dam up the water and turn it over upon the
--- •

carriages.

Mr. GURNEY alleged that this right had Leen disputed, and the
Company were unwilling to give a greater right than had been
previously enjoyed, and which they might not be able to secure.
Mr. Frankum, of Wolverhampton, had known this estate ever
since he could recollect, and he believed that the peat, which wa:, a
very valuable property, could not be got at without a drain, and the
drain on Mr. Fowke's: property ought to be eleven feet deep to be
sufficiently serviceable.
Mr. Gravatt stated that if the peat was fifteen feet deep, the
drain ought to be equally deep, and there was no alternative be-
twc en that and steam power to lift the water. The drain ought to
be made before the railway was formed, as otherwise the drain ,
would be likely to lower the rail on the side on which it was made,
and he conceived that an injunction might be obtained agains-t it.
Mr. WIIATELEY then proposed a clause to accomplish this ob-
ject.

Mr. GURNEY objected that Mr. Fowke was in no different posi.
tion to any other landowner, and was entitled to no especial pro-
tection. There was already a dispute about the rights of irrigation,
and the rights claimed by him of forming the works under his own
engineer were unreasonable. The Railway Clauses Consolidation
Act had already met the difficulty by providing that when any
dispute arose about drains it should be decided by two neighbour.
ing justices. With respect to the drainage, the Company were
willing to give as good drainage as that now possessed.

After considerable discussion between the Counsel, a clause was
adopted to secure a sufficient drainage for the estate.
Mr. WHATELEY then sought a clause for the purpose of com-
pelling the Company to make drains after five years, the time
allowed for the formation of the railway; but there being consi.
derable difference of opinion,
The CHAIRMAN suggested that the Counsel should prepare a
clause, and submit it for the decision of the Committee at the
next meeting.

A Gentleman intimated that he appeared for the Paving Com.
missioners of the borough of Reading for the preservation of certain
footways, the discussion of which was deferred.
The Committee then atij,urned the consideration of the Berks
and Hants Railway till Thursday, and the Chairman intimated that
they would take the Wilts and Somerset Bill to-morrow.

Group V.

HULL AND GAINSBOROUGH, AND GRIMSBY AND
SHEFFIELD JUNCTION LINES.

The Committee on this group sat this day at twelve o'clock, and
some preliminary objections having been disposed of,
Mr. HOPE said he would now proceed with the statement,
fur he believed that his having varied preliminary objections
was no waiving of his right to state what the merits
of his case would be. In laying this statement before the Com-
mittee he would take care to make as few observations as possible,
and to confine himself entirely to facts, and to a description of
the evidence he would adduce in support of this project, and
then it would be for the opposing parties to refute the evi.
deuce by evidence to contradict his facts. He begged to
observe that if ever there was a case in which counsel need do no
more than confine himself to a statement of facts, It was this, for
the project proposed to run a line of railways through what he
would call a virgin county, and therefore if the Committee should
be of opinion that a railway was necessary in that county, he
hoped to show that the proposed line would be the most
convenient and useful ; but at present there was not one at all in
it. The map presented a number of beautiful meanderings of
railways which did not exist, for the only line now existing in the
north of Lincolnshire was the Hull and Selby line. But so great
was the want of the projected line felt by the people in that coui.ty
that they had often to traverse a distance of from fifteen to thirty
miles to get on the Hut line, and after having traversed a
circuit of nearly 100 miles, they often found themselves in the
same latitude as when they left home; and they had no mode of
communication by water. The county was bounded by four
risers; but the interior had no water mode of transit except by
one river, which traversed a great circuit, until it eventually got
into the Eyre and Caldon Canal, and even that was often
interrupted. On these grounds then, he was warranted in
saying that this county was at present a virgin county. The dis-
trict was essentially an agricultural one, and had not an abundant
population ; but it provided food for the dense population of
Sheffield and Wakefield, and therefore Lincolnshire found its
markets for its produce of the first necessaries of life in these
two great towns. Then, in the north of Lincolnshire there was
no coal; and at the other places touched by the line,
namely Brigg and Castor, the present cost of coal was from Ills. to
17s. per ton ; but if the proposed lines be made, that article could
be laid down for Os. 7d. per toss at the two parts of the line. He
would not go into further details as to the amount of traffic, as they
would have it from the witnesses; but he would just say this, that
in the month of March last 73,000 quarters of corn had been sold at
Brigg. Upon the roads at present in existence the quantity of cattle
driven along was enormous, and the beasts were often very much
deteriorated by the journey, and thus the Yorkshire feeder would
be able to undersell the Lincolnshire. He would now direct at-
:ention to the line of coast along the Humber, and the east of the
county. The vast quantity of fish taken at that coast was sent to
the West and to London, and would therefore be of great
importance if there was a rapid mode of transit
afforded for this article of food. Then, as to affording facilities for
sea.bathiog, it would be of great benefit and convenience to a num.
ber of persons its the middle classes to have a facility by railroad of
getting at a place near Great Grimsby called Claythorp, to which
there was no ;rode of conveyance now but by coach, which
was very expensive. The Humber had a very fine har-
bour, which was well sheltered, and in which a very
large trade was carried on, and, therefore, it would be very
into
transit
theirrbo u theaorngo int south
side importantshould
t haveha that fosroemigengsuhiicrks
modem
interior of the country ; and that would be given by the proposed
co coming
gfinto he
line. This want was particularly felt at Great Grimsby; but there
was now a Bill before Parliament for the improvement of the Isar.
hour, and if that Bill should pass, then this project would become
the more necessary. If the Committee looked at the map they
would see that a place called Gainsboreugh was in the centre of
several railways, some of which had been completed, and others
were projected. To the south there was a line from Sheffield to
Gainsborough ; and to the north there was another,
which also terminated at the same place ; and the line
from Tiverton to Gainsborough was a projected line. The
_ _

Learned Counsel then read a passage from the report of the Board
.. . . .. .

of Trade, in which approval was expressed of the line from Swinton
to Gainsborough. He then went on to say, that from Gains.
borough the 11.. e would go through the populous village of Caistor,
a place in which there were markets and quarter sessions
held. Then the line went on to Brigg, a great coal depot, thence
to the south, near Castor, and ended at Market Raisin; which was
also a market town. The line then took a northern route by New
Holland to Hull, by which route the mails were now sent. Re.
turning thence from New Holland, it went on to Great Grimsby,
thus effecting two great objects, namely, a certain junction of
line from west to east, and the connexion of the manufacturing
with the agricultural districts; and a vast amount of eccommoda.
tion to five out of six market towns. Thus the Committee would
see that this project brought into connexion the east and west and
north and south districts of country now without any line of railroad,
and affording themost extensive accommodation between Grimsby and
Sheffield, and by which an immense saving of time would be effected
by doing away with the necessity of the long distances new tra-
velled. The Learned Counsel then read another passage from the
Report of the Board of Trade in favour of the project, and con.
eluded by saying that public meetings had been held In the county
of Lincoln, at which Lord Yarborough, one of the largest
landowners in the county, presided, and those meetings
were unanimously in favour of the project, which had this addi.
tional recommendation, that it did little or no damage to private
property; that it had no heavy work upon it, and but one tunnel of
1.100 yards. There were a great number of level cross-
ings, which were unavoidable, but the evidence would show
that the roads to be crossed would not be materially injured
The line would have a double set of rails as far as Brigg, and the
three ether branches would be single; but care would be taken
that they should be made double in the event of the traffic re.
quiring it ; and the line through the tunnel would be a double line.
The whole length of the line, from Gainsborough to Grimsby,
would be thirty.eight miles; the Market Raisin branch fourteen
miles ; and that to New Holland seven miles; and the estimated
cost of the whole had been set down at 600,0001.
He believed there would be the same opposition to the line ; but
the peitions opposed upon some mat-airs of mere petty detail, such
as the opposition of the owners of bridge and ferry tops, &c., and
also a petition from the Trent Navigation Company. There were
also petitions from Lord Scarborough and Mr. Tuttell, whose land
would be invaded; and one f om the Rev. Mr. William, whose
petition was of a rather amusing character. With those observa.
tions lie would now proceed to call his witnesses.

Mr. Christopher was the first witness called. He was a large
landed proprietor in Lincolnshire. The general feeling of the
people in Great Grimsby was decidedly in favour of the project.
Has property in the neighbourhood of Louth. There was a county
meeting at Lincoln which was unanimously in favour of the project.
There were about 15,000 at the meeting, and the petition was
signed by the sheriff:

To the CHAIRMAN—There was no resolution as to the Hull and
Gainsborough line proposed at the meeting.

Cross-examined—The meeting was called, upon a general re-
quisition to the Sheriff, to consider the merits of the various
projects.

Mr. Dynecourt attended meetings at Carster and Grimsby, which
were in favour of the whole project. It would be an unspeakable
benefit to the whole district.

Mr. George F. Hennage was present at all the public meetings
held in favour of this project from Grimsby to Gainsborough. Was
also at the county meeting. At the Carster meeting there was
considerable difference of opinion as to the exact route of the line.
After a great deal of discussion the feeling was unanimous that
some line should be made. Lord Yarborough presided at the
meetings at Caister and Grimsby.

Mr- G. F. Hennage, M.P. for Great Grimsby, was present at
the meetings al uded to; was quite in favour of the project now
before the Committee; believes it would be of the greatest ad-
vantage to that part of the country.
Cross-examined--The population of Grimsby is about 7,000.
The object in getting a line to Grimsby is to open a line of com-
munication with the manufacturing and coal districts. The former
for the purpose of facilitating the exports. The docks now at
Grimsby are capable of being used, but are not, by reason
of having no mode of internal transit by rail. The
prospectus for the improvement of the docks laid down an estimate
for 300,0001. Cannot say that the scheme has failed from inability
to raise funds ; never heard that the effort to procure the capital
had relaxed ; coals could not come down the Humber cheaper than
by the proposed line.

Mr. HENNEI)Y, in his en ss.examination of the witness, tried to
elicit from Lim that th s line would render inconvenience to the
greater number of warehouses in Newcastle, but failed.
Mr. Ralph Parke Phi ipson was then examined, and corrobo.
rated the statements made by the former witnesses. He st.ted,
that when the proposition was considered by the town council
of Newcastle, not one member out of 54 were in favour of the op-
position line, the Northumberland Atmospheric Railway.
After heating a few more witnesses in favour of the line the
Committee adjourned.

• Group 0.
TRENT VALLEY RAILWAY.
(Coutinded from our Afternoon Edition.)
Mr. COCKBURN opened the case for the promoters of the Bill.
The proposed line was intended to run from Stoke, the centre of
the Potteries, to Basslord, a distance of twelve miles and three
furlongs. The expense of the line would be 260,0001., and tables
of the estimated traffic would be laid before the Committee. It
would be proved that the cost of conveying the staple goods of the
Potteries to Liverpool would be diminished by thirty-three
per cent. There was only one tunnel along the line,
and that only of six hundred yards long. The steepest
gradient was only 1 in 100, which was not one of a formidable
character. The Trent Valley Company had entered into conditions
to extend the proposed line by making a line from Stoke to Staf-
ford. He had no doubt but the Trent Valley Company would per-
form the conditions they entered into, and when the whole line was
constructed it would afford the greatest advantages to the Pottery
districts. There would be a traffic on the line which would afford
a good remunerative profit to the promoters of it.
Evidence was then adduced confirmatory of the statement made
by counsel, after which the Committee adjourned.

SCOTTISH CENTRAL RAILWAY.—Group D D.
(Continued from our Afternoon Edition.)
Mr. CRAWFORD, who appeared to support a petitition against
the preamble of the proposed line, on behalf of several land pro-
prietors and road trustees, was about to csoss.examine the last wit.
ness, when he was interrupted by
Mr. COCK evRN, who contended that the road trustees and others,
whose names were appended to the petition had no right to be
heard before the Csmmittee in their individual capacity, as land
owners, but only in the aggregate in their official character of
trustees. Many of the noblemen and gentlemen who had signed
the petition were, in fact, extensive shareholders, and even directors
in the very brie they now sought to oppose. Lord Abercrombie
was a Director of the Company, and yet his name appeared the first
on the opposing petition. It would also be recollected that a Bill
had been passed during the present session, having special refer.
ence to Scottish railways, in which several clauses having regard
to compensation for turnpike-roads, had been introduced. On
these grounds he maintaintd that the petitioners could have no
locus standi before the Committee. The object of the individuals
who had signed the petition, was to endeavour to drive the pro-
moters of the line into a compromise, at the expense of time and
money, and he therefore trusted the Committee would not allow
his Learned Friend to proceed in his opposition.
Mr. CRAWFORD having replied in general terms,
The CHAIRMAN said the Committee were clearly of opinion that
they could not entertain tha petition, which had been signed by
several noblemen and gentlemen, except in their aggregate capacity
as trustees of the roads; and as it appeared no petition of that
nature had been presented, the Committee considered that Mr.
Crawford was not competent to be heard in opposition to the
preamble.
The cross-examination of Mr. Geddes was then proceeded with by
Str Thoinas Phillips, who appeared to oppose the Bill on behalf
of the Edidburgh and Glasgow Railwaw, with a branch to Ster-
ling; and the Dumfries and Carlisle Branch; but nothing of
public int:rest was elicited.
This witness was also subjected to cross.examination by Mr.
Tytler and Mr. Hope, but the result was precisely similar to the
statements that have already appeared in Mr. Mitchell's exam
nation.

Mr. Cameron, carrier, was then called and examined by Mr.
HOPE, in proof of the estimates of the goods and traffic expected
along the line. He said he could confirm Mr. Mitchell's evidence
in every parsicular; but in his statements he had omitted to men-
tion a good deal of traffic in first-class goods, which, thuugh it was
not conve •ed at present along the direct road, would, in his opi-
nion., almost certainly be carried by the railway if it were made.
Mr. M'Neil, Mr. Clark, Mr. Crawford, and Mr. Hope, generally
cross.examined the last witness: whose evidence merely tended to
corroborate the atonements of previous witnesses.
Mr. TALBOT then called Mr. Wallace, coach proprietor and
builder of Perth. He considered that Mr. Mitchell's tables with
regard to the traffice olong the proposed line were not exaggerated,
but had been calculated on fair and sound principles. He had
heard them read in evidence, and was satisfied they were correct.
Mr. CLARK cross.exatnined this witness witness at some length
on behalf of the inhabitants of Perth, as to the eligibility of erect-
ing a station on the South Inch. Jn his opinion, there was no ob-
jection to the station being removed to some other spot, if one
equally convenient could be found. The close approximation of
the river to the proposed station, rendered it particularly suitable for
the purposes of the railway.
Mr. TPoms, hanker, was examined by Mr. TALBOT, as to the
present means for the transmission of goods from Dundee to
Perth, Stirling, and eventually to Liverpool. He considered
that a continuous communication between those places would be
highly acivantageous, even at the sacrafice of a moderate extra
charge for conveyance; and was further decidedly of opinion that
the establishment of a line of railway, inasmuch as it would faci-
litate the conveyance of traffic, ann would tend in a considerable
degree to increase the trade and commercial enterprise of Dumfries
and the surrounding towns.
• This witness was cross-examined at somq length, but the main
featui es of this evidence were not al ered.
Mr. Nelson, flesher, at Glasgow, was examined as to the traffic
in cattle. He considered that the traffic, as represented in Mr.
Mitchell's tables, had been greatly understated, and a railway
would convey cattle in better condition, and at less expense, than
any of the present modes of transmission.
At the close of the proceedings, Mr. HILDVARD made an applica-
tion to the Committee to know if they could give'him some intima.
tion of the course they intended to pursue with regard to the order
in which they would take bills before them. There were nume-
rous witnesses now in town who were living at great expense, and
it would be a great relief to ;he several companies if they could be
dismissed as speedily as possible.
The CAAIRMAN said that the Bills would be taken in the order
in which they were at present arranged. Any future alteration,
that might suggest itself to the Committee would not be entertained
until after the expiration of the Whitson holidays, during which
period the Committee would not sit.
A messenger then announced that the Speaker was at prayers
when the Committee was adjourned till Twelve to-morrow.

Sub-Committee (No.
(Continued from our Afternoon Edition.)
HARWICH AND EASTERN COUNTIES RAILWAY (No. 9).
The parties in this case having been called,
Mr. HAYWARD, for the opponents, said he had to request that
the inquiry should be adjourned to Friday, as the nature of the
petitions for which he had the honour to appear contained a large
number of allegation, which would be much better to have opened
at an earlier hour of the day, it being then near three o'clock.
The CHAIRMAN said that the krmal notices could be gone into
to.day, after which the day for further hearing of the case could be
named.

This order of proceeding Was adopted.
Mr. Venables, and Mr. John Dunoan, of London-street, appeared
for the promoters of the Bill.

Mr. Thomas J. Dixon—ls a large landad proprietor in Lincoln.
third. The general feeling is in favour of this project. It would
be of great benefit to the farmers.
i„-, Mr. Thomas Greenwood, accountant at Manchester, gave evi.
deuce as to the traffic for fourteen days in December last, between
Grimsby and Sheffield, stationed parties at different parts along
the line; the result of his calculations was, thot 100,459 foot
rssengers, 193,732 horse passengers, 24,171 coach passengers,
and 06,732 water passengers, were found to be the average
ndrnber for one year that passed at various distances;
the traffic by waggon carts, of various articles, amounted
in the gross to 43,462 tons in one year, going various distances,
this included coals, iron, timber, fruit, vegetables, &c.. The gross
estimated income of all this traffic for passengers was about 31,0001.,
and for commercial articles, cattle, and general merchandise, &c.,
over 43,0001., giving about seven per cent. on the estimated
capital of the proposed line which were 60 ),000/.
After the witness had undergone a long cross-examination, the
Committee adjourned.

Alr. Hayward appeared on behalf of the owners and occupiers of
land on the line, and also on behalf of Mr. Frederick Clarke against
the Bill.

There was a petition presented, signed Mr. Henry Mess, for
which no appearance was entered, end it consequentlY
falls to the
ground.

VENEBLES briefly stated the objects of the Bill. It was to
give power to the promoters to construct a line of railway,
from the Eastern Counties Railway terminus at Colchester to
Harwich. The line was co be fifteen miles in length, and
would end at Harwich, where would be constructed a pier in
deep water. The cast of construction was estimated at 210,0001.,
and the engineer of the works was Mr. John Braithwaite-
The formal notices were then put in and proved, and
The CHAIRMAN said that the further hearing of the case would
stand adjourned to twelve o'clock on Friday.
The Committee rose at half past three o'clock.
The disposal of the allegations against this scheme will occupy
at least two days,

Group X.
(Continued from our Afternoon Edition.)
LONDON AND YORK RAILWAY.

(Group B.)
LEEDS AND WEST RIDING JUNCTION.
(Continued from our Afternoon Edition.)

Mr. Pawson a ckith.rnanuiacturer of Faruley, about four mile,
from Leeds, gave corroborative testimony.

Mr. William Watson Greenwood, a millowner, t Bank-top, i❑
the township of North Bincley, near to Bradford, stated, that the
West Biding line would be a great accommodation to the mill.
owner of this district.

Mr. W. Cheesebow, a woolstapler, at Bradford, consumed
10,000 sacks of wool annually. The West Riding line would in
his opinion facilitate the trade and traffic of the district. Bradford
had a population of 80,000, which was rapidly increasing. It was
the emporium of worsted, and might be looked upon as the Man.
chester of Yorkshire.

Mr. W. Walker, another wooldealer of Bradford, gave similar
testimony, and said the line would be a saving to Bradford of
20,000/ in coals alone.

Mr. Sergeant WRANGIIAM opened the case for the promoters of
this line. He entered into a detail of the course that the line is
intended to take. The whole length of the line with branches was
between 327 miles and 3;iB miles. The main line from London to
York was 1851 miles, and the line which was called the loop, from
Peterborough to Bawtry, was 86 miles. The Wakefield branch
was i 9, the Sheffield Branch 21 miles, the Stamford Branch 414
miles, and the branch to Bedford, from a place called Potten. north
of Biggleswade, 71/.2' miles. The space that the proposed railway
would accommodate was nearly 4,500 square miles con-
taining 2,840,000 acres of the most productive part
of the kingdom. The annual amount of produce of
this portion of the country was six millions and a half.
This was the amount exported, and the amount imported
was 4,300,000/. a year, thus making the traffic on both 10,800,000/.
The present cost of conveyance was for exports 440,000/. a year,
and imports 720,000/., making together 160,000/. This line
would be the means of reducing the 444,0001. to 180,000/., and
20 g
, aO s C
s 0
e/n. to
r 3so
paid,oo now w Phisa about
wasfor goods traffic alone. The amount
for 435,000/. a-year, and this sum
7pe 50L
would be reduced by the construction of the present liue to
185,000/., being a saving of 250,000/., or a total saving of
880,000/., or equal to a saving of 245, for every man, woman,
and child, rich and poor, young and old, residing in the districts.
The Learned Counsel was proceeding with his speech when his
speech when the Speaker was announced at prayers, and the Coin.
mittee adjourned till tomorrow,

Mr. C. Kaye gave corroborative testimony,
Mr. J. It. Ralph, a magistrate of the West Riding, proved that
the proposed station of the West Riding Comyany in Halifax was
infinitely spperior, and better situated than the one which the West
Yorkshire Cympany intended to erect.
Mr. John Waterhouse, and Mr. T. Denson, both of Halifax,
concurred in the opinion of Mr. Ralph.
Mr. Ashton Babel), a mill owner of Sowerby-kridge, said the
West Yorkshire line would not benefit that place Li the least.
He was induced to entertain this opinin by the faet that the popu-
lation already had the advantage of a railway, turnpike-road, and
a canal.

Mr. S. H. Walker, of Stainland, said the population in the
neighbourhood of Copley Bridge, amounted to upwards of 15,080,
who preferred the West Riding line to the West Yorkshire.
Mr. Walter Smith, of Chand, gave corroborative testimony.
Mr. Anderton, a worsted spinner, of Cleckbeaton, said the West
Riding line would be a great convenience to the district with which
he was connected,--The Committee then adjourned.

STANDING ORDERS COMNIITTEE.
MPORTANT DECISIONS.-BILLS THROWN OUT.

The following important decisions were given to-day in the
Standing Orders Committee::—

IHE DIRECF NORTHERN RAILWAY.

The standing orders not to be dispensed with. Bill thrown
out for this session. This scheme was most favourably re-
ported by the Board of Trade, and it is impossible to
describe the consternation of the parties interested'
who crowded the passages co the Cornmjttee- room'
The decision was contrary to general expectation, and the Butt
was set down to be argued in Group X Committee which is now
sitting.

WELLS AND DEREHAI' RAILWAY.

The standing orders in this case are not to be dispensed with.—

Bill thrown out for this session.
TOTI'ENIIAM AND FA RIZINGDON-STREET EXTENSION

RAILWAY.

The standing orders not complied with, and 13111 lost for this

session,

DUBLIN AND GALWAY RAILWAY.
The standing orders not to be dispensed with, and Bill thrown
out for this session.

THlri SUN, LONDONL____TrzsnAr EVENING, APRIL at, 11146.

oleo

Grc,up E. t DILLS PASArD STANDINO OrtnnnA,
NEWCASTLE AND BERWICK RAILWAYS. I LONDONDERRY AND ENNISKILLEN RAILWAY.
The case of the Newcastle and Berwick Line of Hallway was
The Committee decided that in this case the standing orders
opened by Mr, Kitwurd. He argued that a direct communication '
would be formed thereby between London and Scotland, that it was would be dispensed with. Bill to be reported, and go into Com-
unopposed by the whole of the landholders, and would open new mittee.
coal fields.
LONDONDERRY AND COLERAINE RAILWAY.
The first witness called was Christian Aldows, a merchant in The standing orders in this case are also to be dispensed with, and
Newcastle, whose evidence went to prove the rdvaatages which the the Committee will report, after which it will be committed as a
trade of Newcastle would derive from it.
Mr. KLNNEDV, Who appeared in opposition to the proposed Bill Wore a Committee.
line, and in favour of the proposed Northumberland Atmo. It is expected that an appeal on behalf of ae cases thrown out
spheric Line of railway, cross.examined the witness, for will be made to the House; but those best acquainted with such a
the purp,e of showing the great disadvantages which proceet:ing arc not over sanguine as to the result,
would accrue from the line passing on a viaduct through
co.
thietotwonthoef
tNre4dwecaasttlNe,oratnhdsthhiaetldis.ts. existence would prove perni-
John Shiel was then examined, and said ihat the traffic :trent
London to Carlisle would be greatly increased by the formation of
this line to the quay at Newcastle. The trouble and expense
attending the conveyance of goods would be greatly lightened, and
consequently the town of Newcastle would derive enormous advan.
tages.

COURSE OF EXCH.
Amsterdam CF. 12 N
Ditto, at sight l2 6i
Rotterdam 2U. 12 9
Antwerp
H.ambargh M.B. 14 0
Altona

Paris, 3 days' sight 25 90
Ditto, 3 months 26 10
Marseilles ... 26 10
Bourdeaus
Frankfort on Maine 123
Petersburgh, 3Us —
Berlin

Vienna, et:fee. it 3 M lO 2
Trieste, ditto
Madrid 36*
Cadiz
klilbao —

Barcelona .

Sevilla ~

ANGE--(TUIS DAY.)
Gibraltar.....
Leghorn ... ....... 31
Genoa ..... . ...... 26 10
Milan . •
Venice ..... •• •
Naples ........ .....
Palermo, oz ll9
Lisbon 52/
Oporto ........
Rio Jane':,...
Bahia
Buenos es
PRIVY,: :17 BULLION, PER Oz..
Foreig.! .11, bars. £3 17 9
ild Coin 3 :7 5
New l'oubl 0 0 0
New
Silver :u Lars :1 4 10i,

MARKET INTELLIGENCE.
(From the London New Price Current of April 29.)
SA-GAIL—To-day there was a good demand for bright gro-
cery and strong refining descriptions of IVest India Sugar,
which fetched fully former rates, but inferior and brown qua-
lities were purchased sparingly. The quantity sold amount
to 520 hhds, including a public sale of 150 hhds of Barbadoes
Sugar, went off with spirit at fully previous rates; that is to
say, tine yellow at 53s to 565, and good 50s to 525, middling
47s to 49s Gd, and low 41s to 44s per cwt.
REFINED.—To-day there was less business transacted in
home trade goods, but on the whole we have no variation to
note just now ; standard lumps are 695, and brown limps
67s to 6Ss. Bonded Crushed Sugar is with difficulty to be
purchased under 37s per cwt.
MAultrrit7s—Prices have suffered a further decline of is
per cwt for all qualities, excepting the best yellow and re-
fining, which brought the former value, and the large parcel
offered.at public sale, amounting to 12,280 bags and 10 casks
were all sold—fine yellow at 51s to 535, good 48s to 50s,
middling and good middling 43s 6d to 47s 6d, low 40s 6d
to 435, common brown :325, middling to fine 36s to 41s, low to
middling grey 40s to 465, and good to fine silvery grey 47s to
50s per cwt; the quantity of brown in the sale was small.
EAsr INDIA.—This afternoon the market was largely
supplied with Bengal Sugar; five parcels, amounting to
8,567 bags, 129 chests, and 12 casks, were submitted to public
competition. The principal part was disposed of at full rates
for white and grainy yellow, but date and brown kinds went
at a decline of is per cwt.
IMOLAS.SES.—This afternoon at public sale 55 casks of
Bengal Treacle were taken in at 16s for good quality, but
150 casks Madras Molasses sold at 13s 6d, and 150 casks of
Tamarinda at 12s to 13s 6d.
lircE.—Bengal is less wanted, former rates are sustained—

none has been brought to public sale, and the purchases made
privately have been trifling, low white at 103 6d, and mid
to fine 11s to 12s 6d per cwt. For Foreign East India late
rates are maintained. Madras yellow is held for 9s 6d to
10s. Java white 108 6d to 12s 6d, and yellow 9s 6d to lOs 6d
per cwt.

COFFEE.—This afternoon Mocha Coffee met with little at-
tention, and 191 bales at-public sale were only partly sold;
but the offers made at reduced rates were rejected.
TEA.—To-day the market presented a firmer appearance
for most descriptions of Tea. In Congou there was a good
deal doing, common sound at 9d to 9d, good ord 10d to
10i(I, and Twankay good common yellow leaf is 2d to is 3d
per lb.

SPICES.—This afternoon Pimento was less in request, and
50 bags at public sale went rather cheaper, ordinary at 28d,
and very low 2/d per lb.
RUM, BRANDY, AND HOLLANDS.—Previous rates are sus •
tained for Demerara Rum of strong quality, and a good de-
mand exists ; 250 puns sold at 2s 7d to 2s 10d for 30 to
36 per cent over proof, but for common kinds there are very
few buyers, and is lld to 2s 3d is the value of 10 to 20
per cent overproof. The market is dull for Jamaica, and
prices still on the decline; 10 to 20 per cent, overproof 2s 5d
to 2s 10d, 30 to 40 over 2s 11d to 3s 6d, better quality 3s 7d
to 4s, and superior 4s 2d to 4s 10d. Calcutta is 4d to
Is Gd for 300 casks proof, with certificate. In Leeward
Island very little business done, and is 8d to Is 9d
is the value of proof. Brandy met little alteration, and the
tendency of prices is still downwards. The market being
better supplied with Geneva, prices have given way, and
Is 8d is the value of common export sort. British Corn
Spirits remain at lOs 2d per gallon nett cash.
IsniGo.--To-day some parcels of East India Indigo were
sold at last sales rates, to a small advance.
SALTPETRE.—To-day there was little demand for Rough
for home consumption or exportation, and the parcels offered
at public sale amounting to 1,928 bags of Calcutta were only
partly disposed of at rather lower rates.

Oits.—:This afternoon at public sale 16 cannisters Oil of
Cassia went at 24s 6d to 25s 6d, and 36 bottles of Oil of Cin-
namon 5s per oz.

. TALLOW ;.—There has been a large business transacted in
Russian Tallow on the spot; the moderate rates that prevail
causing soapmakers and chandlers to get more into
stock, but holders are yet free sellers and have taken 37s 9d
to 383 3d for P. Y. Candle of first quality, and
30s 3d to 37s Gd per cwt for other kinds. For forward
delivery the transactions are upon a more extended scale,
but not at better prices; for the last three months of the
year many contracts have been entered into at 38s to 38s 3d
per cwt fur P Y Candle of first quality. Town Tallow is 38s
to 39s per cwt nett cash, but the supply is on the increase.

NEWMARKET RACES.
(THIS DAY-BY EXPRESS.)

THE TWO THOUSAND GUINEAS STAKES
of 100 soya. each, h ft, for three yrs old, colts, Bst 71b;
fillies, Bst 41b. R.M.
Lord Stradbroke's b c Idas (Nat) 1
Mr. Wreford's br e Worthless (J. Day) 2
Mr. Wreford's b c Winchilsea (Howlett) 3
Lord Exeter's c Wood Pigeon
Duke of Rutland's Paultons (G. Edwards) 5
Ides won in a canter
6 to 5 on Idas.

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT,
(THIS EVENING.)

HOUSE OF COMMONS.

There being but twenty nine Members present at
Four o'clock, the House adjourned, being the first time
this session that there has been " no House."

HOUSE OF LORDS.

Their Lordships met shortly before Five o'clock.
The Bishop of LONDON presented twenty-two petitions,
praying the House to discourage the sale of intoxicating liquors
on the Sabbath.

The Duke of RICHMOND brought in a Bill to repeal so
much of the Turnpike Act of Scotland so far as it permitted
toll-keepers to sell spirits and beer.
Ths Bill was read a first time.

MAYNOOTH.
Lord STANLEY presented a petition from the High
Sheriff of Bedford in favour of the increased grant to Maynooth.
The Duke of BUCKINGHAM gave notice that on 'I uesclay
next he would put a question to the Government relating to
the power of the chaplain of prisons to keep and conceal hom
the visiting justices the confession of condemned criminals.
CHURCH BUILDINGS AC AMENDMENT BILL.
The Bishop of LONDON moved the second reading of the
Bill for amending the Acts relating to the building of churches.
Lord CAMPBELL wished to know if the Bill contained any
provisions relating to the law of mortmain.
The Bishop of LONDON was understood to reply in the
negative.
The Bill was then read a second time.
Lord STANLEY, in the absence of a Noble Friend, moved
the seeond reading of the Customs (Import Duties) Bill. He
trusted that the discussion, if any, would be taken on the mo-
tion for going into Committee.
The Duke of RICHMOND did not wish to embarrass the
Government, but he at the same time would enter his protest
against the principle of this Bill, and most assuredly oppose the
urther progress of the measure at a future stage.
The Bill was then read a second time.
On the motion of Lord STANLEY the Auction Duties
Bill was read a second time.

The Earl of CHICHESTER presented several petitions
from places in England and Ireland against the grant to May-
nooth. He did not concur in their prayer.
The Marquis of BREADALBANE presented numerous
petitions to the same effect.

RAILWAY ENCROACHMENT.
Lord BROUGHAM wished to call the attention of the
House to a petition which he was about to present from Perth,
setting forth that there was in the neighbourhood of that
town a wide space of ground on the banks of the
Tay, which conduced much to the enjoyment, and re-
creation, and health of the numerous inhabitants. In
consequence of the lowness of the grounds, fogs prevailed, and
the people attributed the healthfulness of their city to the
exercise and fresh air afforded by this beautiful plain.
It was called South Inch, and was mentioned with
admiration by the Roman historians, and we were told that
when the Roman veterans came within sight of Perth they
were struck with its resemblance to their own eternal city—
which, by the by, was in their time an eternal pest.—(A
laugh.) He would sot say what it was now—the Roman
soldiers exclaimed " ecce Tiber, ecce Campus Martius !"
That plain, which the Romans likened to their own Campus
Martius, was the one to which the petition referred. A change
was about to come on it—a land change.—( A laugh.)
There was a railway company that had taken a liking
to one-half of the ground.—( Hear.) It might
be supposed that the magistrates would protect the petitioner.
But, no, the magistrates were railway speculators, and all the
rich people of the town had shares in the railway,
so that the poor inhabitants of Perth looked only
to their Lordships for protection. The railway
people were sure to succeed for they had the Board of Trade
in their favour. However one favourite of the Board was
thrown overboard this morning.—( A laugh.) He hoped
their Lordships would prevent this encroachment. He hoped the
petitioners would have the protection of the Noisle Duke opposite,
who, when there was an attempt made to enclose. a part of
Hyde Park, came down to oppose the project, and it was given
up. When Sir Robert Walpole was asked what it would
cost to enclose the Parks, he replied " Three Crowns."
He hoped the House would extend the principle to
the park of the !petitioners, w Inch was as valuable to them
as Hyde Park to the metropolis.
The NOBLE and LEARFED LORD then presented a petition
from Devunport, against the grant to Maynooth, and from the
tailors, shoemakers, butchers, and bakers, from Bermondsey,
against the Debtors and Creditors Bill.
ST. ASAPH AND BANGOR.

The Bishop of BANGOR presented a number of petitions
in favour of Earl Powis' Bill against the union of those sees.
Lord MONTEAGLE took that opportunity of giving
rio!ice that he would, on a future day, move that the second
recommendation of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners should be
adopted instead of the third. The second recommendation
was that the emoluments of the suppressed see should
be applied to increase the incomes of the poor clergy,
of the diocese. The third recommendation was that they
should be applied to augment the episcopal fund ; but he con.
sidered such an application of them unnecessrry now, as the