The Sun.
London, England, 1845-02-07 00:00:00

44

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try was now prosperous k_n s9ite of t h h
It wits laiving to the intervention of Providence that they
had beets saved from the consequences of the restrictive
system; and this ought to be a lesson to show them that
they could not thwart the ends of Providence. They
had had good harvests lately, but-a system of free tilttle
would enable the people of this country filW4a to enjoy
the blessing n.qtaxtliari'eses. • - • • -
mfr it. PEEL said he did not intend.to be drawn into
a discussion on the subject of.the corn-laws. He had had
no reason to expect.that a discussion. would be entered
into at that period of the session, although there mil tq-
thing irregular in the proceeding- bn the question of an
address to her Majesty. Yet it was usual in matters of
such great importance to give notice to the House.-:--
(liear, hear.) He must say that the Hon. Gentleman
ho had commenced that discussion had been most tem-
perate in his address, and did not appear at all to have
the intention of provoking a discussion on the subject of
the corn lac s. He (Sir R. Peel) had understood him to
say that it was his intention to repeat, in a certain con,
tingency, a motion which in the course of the last year
he had made, but rather than dti it in a hostile manner,
he invited Hon. Friends of his (Sir R. Peel's) on that
(the Ministerial) side of the House, to co-operate in sup-
port of that motion, as the co-operation of the Govern-
ment on that subject would be of very little importance,
because in such case they might overcome the Govern-
ment. The Hon. Gentleman, in perfect fairness, stated
that he did not ask for an immediate decision, and he
said that he would give the House a fortnight to con-
sider of the question, and he (Sir R. Peel) thought his
Hon. Friend the Member for Northamptonshire and 'the
Hon. Mernber for Somersetshire might have taken the
offer of the Hon. Member for Stockport, and availed them-
selves of the fortnight's consideration, rather than at once
commit themselves to the motion of the Hon. Gen 7
tletnan. They had, however, committed themselves to it.
He must say that in point of temper and spirit, the lion.
Gentleman was very fairly met by his (Sir R. Peel's)
Right Hon. Friends on that side of the- House. lie
therefore regretted that the Hon. Member for Durham
should have afterwards addressed those gentlemen in
what might almost be called terms of vituperation.
—(Hear, hear.) He had been asked by the Hon. Mem-
ber for Manchester whether he had given any assurance
to any one that no further alteration should be made in
the corn-laws, and the Hon. Gentleman said that it had
been stated by the Vroteetion Society, and on the implied
authority of that assurance from him—(Hear, and a
laugh)—they had told the farmers that there would be no
farther ebage. • He did not think the Hon. Gentleman
hrid a right, to pia such a question to him without giving
him notice. Ile did not thinkit necessary for'hint to say
that he had had no cotninunicalion with the Agricultural
Protection Society, and that he had given no assurance
inconsistent with the declarations which he had already
made in the House. As to what had been said of agricul:
rural distress, he regretted it must be admitted there was
considerable distress in some parts of the country,
and he felt siucere sympathy with the sufferers. But
he did not believe that it could be asserted that there
was general agricultural distreSa. He believed that in
many parts of the country there was a considerable de-
gree of prosperity. He believed that if they looked. to
all parts, ofErigland;- cotfaiid, 'arid Ireland,-they would
see different degrees of prosperity and adversity. But
in looking for the causes of distress, they should consider
whet arose from mere physical causes. Look at the
failure of the hay crop last year, and other failures.
Look at the extraordinary drought which prevailed
through a part of the year, and which had in some places
caused great distress. They would find that the dis-
tress arose chiefly from those natural causes, and that it
could not be attributed fairly to the changes which had
taken place in the laws regarding the importation of
agricultural produce. Nor did he think that any legis-
lative measures would relieve the distress, or prevent its
occasional recurrence from such natural causes. Ha
thought that the restoration of protection (as it had
been) would be impos,ible, and he thought that if it
were possible, it would not be a remedy for agricultural
distress, which arose from causes which the Legislature
could not control.

Mr. BRIGHT explained, that he had not intended to
apply terms of vituperation to gentlemen opposite, of
whom he had spoken in two capacities—as private gen-
tlemen, and as Members of that House. We under-
stood the Hon. Member to express regret that the
temper and intention with which he had spoken were
misunderstood.

Lord JOHN MANNERS said, that although he
was not a member of the Agricultural Protection So-
ciety, still he did not wish the debate to close, without
saying a few words in reply to some observations
which had fallen from Gentlemen on the Opposition
side. In doing so he must apologise to his friends, who
were better acquainted with the agricultural interest
than he was, for undertaking to reply on this occasion.
But there was one observation particularly which he was
not willing to pass unnoticed ; one Hon. Gentleman had
said, that the landlords exposed the peasants at present
to a furious and desperate competition amongst them-
selves. If, then, that competion was furious and des-
perate, how much more so would it become if they
were exposed also, to the competition of all nations ?
—(Hear, hear.) He would not occupy the House fur-
ther than to observe, on a statement made by the
Hon. Member for Durham, that the. Government were
frittering away the interests of the farmers and the
peasants. Now, he would ask the Hon. Member how
far the, proposition of the lion. Member would im-
prove matters, by destroying their interests altogether.
He agreed with an Hon. Friend near him, that in that
House they were all too ready to look upon themselves
as manufacturers or agriculturists—(Hear, hear)—and
too little disposed to, consider the most important of all
questions, as to the relation of rich and peer in this
country,—(Hear.) He further agreed with his Hon.
Friend, that the time was not far distant when it might
be necessary that they should all unite in considering
measures fur promoting the happiness of the working .
classes in this empire.—Hear, hear.)
Mr. BROTHERTON was not about to occupy the
House my length of time, but he wished to make an ob-
servation upon what had fallen from the Noble Lord
ho had just sat (1, a n The Noble Lord spoke of the
competition to which free trade would expose the pea-
sane, and had expressed his interest in the happiness and
welfare of the peasant, but the Noble Lord had forgotten
that there was a population in the country—(Hear,
hear, and laughter)— and that that population must be
fed, and that to be fed it must be employed.--(Hear,
hear.) Agriculture could not employ more than one-
eighth of the population, which was continually in-
creasing, and could only be supported by manufactures.
But manufactures could not be maintained without com-
merce.—(Hear, hear.) If they would take away the re-
strictions upon commerce, all classes would be benefited
—farmers, manufacturers, and peasants.—(Hear, hear.)
The corn-laws were calculated only for the benefit of the
landlords, but were unjust and mischievous to all the rest
of the country.—(Hear, hear.) He earnestly implored
the House to consider whether the restrictions upon
trade were not unjust and injurious to the whole commu-
nity, and if it were satisfied that they were so, to lose so
time in repealing them.—(Hear, hear.)
The motion was then agreed to.

RAILWAYS.
Mr. R. COLLETT presented several petitions in fa-
vour of the branch lines proposed by the Hull and Selby
Railway Company. The Hon. Gentleman presented se-
veral other petitions in favour of the Shrewsbury and
Birmingham Railway.
The House then adjourned at a Quarter to Nine
o'clock.

Fortescue rnsdetrunlst interesting Baroness -and 'Mai
Woo!gar a very Spirited bike. Mr. Cowell, who ap-'
peared as Count Jollivers, the Court poet, was exces-
sively quaint and amusing. He made a great deal of a
very little part. Tip.
.plece,walannounkted for repetition
by .11.1:idsh a6ijsi kne unanimous applause, of a house
crowded to the ceiling.

.COURT
The Queen held a Court yesterday afternoon, at Bucking-
ham Palace, for She .reteption, dt tIW a the Ad-
di'dges from both Houses of Parliament. Soon after two
o'clock the Lord Chancellor arrived at the Palace, attended
by Mr. J. W. Birch, Clerk-Assistant of Parliament, Sir
Augustus Clifford, Bart., Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod,
and 'the Sergeant-at-Arms, and accompanied by the Mar-
quis Camden and Lord Glenlyon, the mover and seconder
of the Address in the House of Lords, and also by the fol-
lowing Peers :—the Duke of St. Albans, the Earl Nelson,
the Earl of Ellenborougb, Earl of Dalhousie, Earl of Hard-
wicke, Viscount Ilawarden, Lord Redeedale, and Lord Col-
chester, 1110 Deputation was conducted up the grand
staircase by Sir William Martins, Gentleman Usher to the
Green Drawing-room.
The Lord Chancellor shortly afterwards conducted the
Peers to the presence of her Majesty on the Throne.
The Lord Chancellor, supported on either side by the mover
and seconder, and followed by the other Peers, advanced to
the foot of the throne, aid read the address from the House
of Lords. His Lordship then advanced, and, kneeling, pre-
sented the address to the Sovereign. Her Majesty having re-
turned a most gracious answer, the Peers retired from the
royal presence with the asual reverences.
At three o'clock the Members of the House of Commons
arrived at the Palace. The Speaker wore his gold State robe,
and was attended by Sir William Gosset, K.C.H., Sergeant-
at-Arms, and his chaplain, and was accompanied by the Hon.
Francis Charteris and Mr. Baring, the mover and seconder of
the address, and also by the following Members of the House
of Commons :—Lord S. Russell, Lieut.-General Sir Howard
Douglas, Mr. T. Greene, Right Hon. J. Nichol!, Right Hon.
Lowry Corry, and Mr. W. H. Bodkin, Mr. Busfeild (Bradford)
Mr. Morris (Carmarthen), Mr. Ewart (Dumfries), Mr. P. S.
Butler (Kilkenny County), Mr. Aldham (Leeds), Mr.
Thornely (Wolverhampton), Mr. Brotherton, Mr. Collett,
Mr. F. Hodgson, ,Mr. Sanderson, Hon. H. Manners Sutton,
Mr. George 'W. Hope, and Mr. J. Young.
The Deputation was ushered to the Green Drawing-room,
and was afterwards conducted to the Throne-room by the
Lord Chamberlain.
The Speaker, having the mover and seconder on either
side, and followed by the other Members, advanced to the
flint- of the Throne. The Right Hon. Gentleman read the
address from the House of Commons, 'and, kneeling, pre-
sented the same to the' Queen. The Secretary of State for
the Home Department, ascending the steps of the Throne,
received the address from the Sovereign, Her Majesty-re-
turned a most gracious answer, and the Speaker and other
memb, rs of the Deputation withdrew.
His Royal Highness Priece Albert stood by the side of her
Majesty during the reception of the addresses. The Ladies
in Waiting, the Countess of Gainsborough and the Viscountess
Canning, were on her Majesty's right.
The Ibllowing Cabinet Ministers were present :—The First
Lord of the Treasury, the Cornmander•iw chief, the Lord
President, the Lord Privy Seal, the 'Secretary of State for
the Home Department, the First Lord of the Admiralty, the
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, and the Chief Com-
missioner of the Woods and Forests.
.The following Great Officers of State attended':-;-The Lord
Steeeird, the Lord 'Chamberlain, 'The Master of the Horse,
and the Groom of the Stole to Prince Albert.
The following also attended the Court :—The Captain of
the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms, the Captain of
the Yeomen Guard, the Marquis of Londonderry, Gold Stick
in Waiting, the Treasurer of the Household, the Vice-
Chamberlain, the Comptroller of the Household, the Marqdis
of Ormonde, Lord, in Waiting; Lord George Lennox, Lord
in Waiting to the Prince ; the Hon. Sir Edward Butler, Lieu-
tenant of the Hon. Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms; Sir Geo.
Philip Lee, Lieutenant of the. Yeomen Guard; Captain the
Hon. Arthur Duncombe, Groom in Waiting; Sir George
Anson, G.C.8., Groom in Waiting to the Prince; Colonel
Buckley, Equerry in Waiting; Colonel Wylde, Equerry in
Waiting to the Prince ; Mr. H. Robinson, Standard-bearer
to the Honourable Corps of, Gentlemen- at- Arms ; Colonel
Reid, Silver Stick in Waiting; Sir Noel Harris and Mr. Des
Voeux, Gentlemen Ushers in Waiting; Mr. J. B. Curling,
Clerk of the Cheque of the Hen. Corps of Gentlemen-at-
Arms; Mr. Ellerthdrp, Adjutant of the Yeomen Guard; Sir
Benjamin Smith, C.S. ; and Messrs. Wilson and Wortley,
Pages of Honour.
The Ministers and Officers of State and the Principal
Officers of the Royal Household stood at the sides of the
Throne .during the reception of the Addresses. The Throne-
room was lined by her Majesty's Honourable Corps of Gen-
tlemen-at-Arms.
The Yeomen of the Guard were on duty in the Grand Hall.
A Guard of Honour of the Foot Guards, with the Band of
the Regiment, was on duty on the Palace Lawn.
Her Majesty gave audience to Sir R. Peel.
His Royal Highness Prince Albert rode out on horseback
yesterday, attended by Colonel Wylde, Equerry in Waiting.
The Queen and Prince Albert, accompanied by the Prince
of Wales, went yesterday afternoon to Cambridge House, to
visit the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and the Hereditary
Grand Duke and Duchess of Mecklenburgh-Strelitz. The
Equerries in Waiting attended.
Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent, attended by
Lady Fanny Howard, arrived in.town in a carriage and four
at half-past twelve o'clock yesterday, from her residence,
Frogmore House, near Windsor. The Royal Duchess visited
the Duchess of Gloucester, at Gloucester House, . and partook
of a dejeund with her Royal Highness. The Duchess of Kent
also visited the Duchess of Cambridge and the Hereditary
Grand Duchess of Mecklenburg Strelitz, at Cambridge House.
Her Royal Highness afterwards proceeded to Buckingham
Palace, to visit the Queen and. Prince Albert.
At half-fast three o'clock the Duchess of Kent, attended
by Lady I anny Howard, left the Palace in a carriage and
four, on her return to Frogmore.
Her Majesty and Prince Albert, attended by the Hon.
Amelia Murray, the Hon. Lucy Kerr, Marquis of Ormonde,
Colonel Buckley, and Colonel Wylde, honoured the St.
James's Theatre with her presence last evening.
The Band of the Grenadier Guards was in attendance at
theß ucdkiirnegehtit.
oml;malt Schott,eonN performed thenesdaryduringfodllionwnienrg, and, under
Pot-pourri, "Lucia. di Lernmermoor"—Donizetti.
Quadrille, "La jolie fille de Ghent."—Musard.
Waltz, " Die Mozartishen"—Lanner.
Polka, " Cerito,"—Ladner.
. Galop' "Parisina"—Kuhner. '
Mr. John Wood, Chairman'of the Excise, had an interview
with the Chancellor of the Exchequer yesterday.
The Ecclesiastical Commissioners for England had a meet-
ing yesterday. There were present the Bishops of London,
Lichfield, and Worcester, and Lord Ashley.
The Earl of Yarborough and Mr. Edward Heneage, ALP•s
transacted business yesterday at the Railway Department of
the Board of Trade, and presented memorials from the town
•Pfr; from the Mtor.wnAY
of Great Grimsby in favour of the Great Grimsby and Shef-
field Railway.
favour of the same.
M.P., and Mr. T. J. Dixon, of
Sir John
JRoh.nAT.
rCohur:spte,opßhaerrt,.,
Holton, presented a memorial from the town of Brigg.
cherett, presented memorialsf os cf o ugh
Louth, B ui n-
Mr. G. T. Heneage, of Hainton, and Mr. Lewis d'Eyncourt
presented a memorial from Market Rasen, in favour of the
same.
Mr. John Angerstein and Mr. George Skipworth presented
a memorial from the town of Kirtow on-Lindsay, in favour
of the same.
The Earl of Arundel and Surrey and Mr. John Parker,
M.P., presented memorials from Sheffield, Blanchester, Eck-
ington, and the neighbourhood, in favour of the Sheffield and
Lincolnshire railway.
yesterday.
Mr. Dean,Chairman of the Castoms, had an interview with
accompanied by Lady A. Paget,
N
visited Captain Siborne's new model of "aterloo, at the
Egyptian Hall, yesterday. Great interest was excited among
T
the visitors by the
theCheha bnicearcilluoirso offtAhnegElexscehy, eq Der
presence of the Noble Marquis, whose
position on the model is so remarkable, having in the impe-
tuous charge nearly ridden through the French Cuirassiers.

SPORTING IN TELLIGEN CE.
TATTERSALL'S.--YESTEADAL
cliEsTan
8 to 1 agst Mr. Irwin's Lot.
10 to 1 agst Mr. Jaques's Semiseria—taken freely.
16 to 1 agst Mr. A. Johnstone's Obscurity—taken
22 to 1 agst Mr. A. Johnstone's The Era—t. F.
20 to 1 agst Mr. W. Scott's Cataract—taken
25 to 1 agst Mr. H. Stebbing's Celeste—taken
20 to 1 agst Lord G. Bentinck'a Pug—taken, and
afterwards offered.
30 to 1 agst Mr. 0. Parry's Zanoni
30 to 1 agst Mr. Bell's Winesour—t. and aft. off.
33 to 1 agst Mr. Gully's St. Lawrence—taken
33 to 1 agat Mr. Irwin's Pride of Kildare—taken
50 to 1 agst Mr. Irwin's Foigh-a-ballagh—taken
50 to 1 agst Mr. Plummer's Alice Hawthorn
50 to 1 agst Mr. Isaac Day's Seaport—t. and aft. off.
50 to 1 agat Mr. Parry's Master of the Rolls filly—t.
and aft. off.
50 to 1 agst Mr. J. Day's Portrait—t. and aft. off.
66 to 1 agst Mr. Armstrong's Extravaganza—t. and
aft. off.
We have quoted the market prices of 'all the horses
that were backed, but should add, in explanation, that
not above three or four, were in any demand, viz.—
Semiseria, The Era, St. Lawrence, and the Pride of
Kildare; the first two being decidedly the " lions."
Pug was on the go, and the general betting marvellously
flat and unprofitable.

DEADY.
11 to 1 agst Mr. Greville's Alarm—take 12 to 1
12 to 1 agst Col. Peel's Cobweb colt—take 13 to 1
15 to 1 agst Colonel Anson's Kedger—taken
18 to 1 agst Lord Chesterfield's Pam—take 20 to 1
30 to 1 agst Lord Chesterfield's Newsmonger—taken
33 to 1 agst Mr. A. Juhnstone's Annandale —no
friends
30 to 1 agst Mr. St. Paul's Mentor
40 to 1 agst Duke of Richmond's Laird co' Cockpen
—taken
40 to 1 agst Mr. A. W. Hill's Ironmaster
40 to 1 agst Mr. Gratwicke's Frederica colt
50 to 1 agst Mr. Coleman's Young Eclipse
66 to 1 agst Mr. Coleman's Fusbos—taken
10u0 to 10 agst Mr. Parry's Adonis—taken
So little was done on the above race, that we shall
make no apology for leaving the quotations to speak for
themselves.

SACRED HARMONIC SOCIETY.—`J he annual ge-
neral meeting of this Society took place at Exeter-hall
on Tuesday evening, when a report of the proceedings
during the past year was read, the Committee reelected,
and other business transacted. It appeared from the
statements contained in the report that twenty concerts
had been given in the year, at ten of which the sub-
scribers had admission, that the number of subscribers
had much increased, the list being almost full, that the
receipts of the year had amounted to nearly 5,000/., and
that in addition to the invested property of the Society,
the balance in the Treasurer's hands had been increased
to nearly 3004 Much gratification was expressed at the
success of the last concert (Judiis Maccabeus) and its
repetiticn announced for Friday next, 14th inst.
WA.tt COLD R
A singular incident pe,irred
luring the fire at the warehouse of Messrs. ISPCrea and
Boord, which took place last week in this town. Amongst
the individuals who laudably gave their assistance on the
occasion, was Mr. John Brier, hairdresser, and landlord of
the Labour-and-Health house, Southgate. For some years
Mr. Brier had laboured under deafness, still more so on catch-
ing cold. On this occasion, whilst actively engaged inside
the burning building, one of the engines played into his ear,
and knocked lam down. On recovering from the stunning
effects of the accident, Mr. Brier found, to his great surprise
and gratificatitn, that his hearing was completely restored,
and finding the. benefit to continue, gave the firemen a treat,
declaring they had done him more good than all the doctors
in the towrt.-atgalffaz Gwardient.

LONDON' AIN-it:l4lth
• HTON
WAY COMPANY.
Yesterday afternoon the half-yearly general meeting
of the bondon and Brighton Railway Company was held
at ihe LondOn;:bfidgb
R.N., Chairman of the Board of Directors, presiding.
The CHAIRMAN, in introducing the immediate busi-
ness of ' the meeting, said he hoped the increase of
traffic in the last half-year, shown in the report, as com-
pared
h i
h 1843,
the
wouwould
fullyrith manifestthecorrespondingDirectors had displayed in promoting the interests of the
periodt td eit dor
t of
othe s
year
which
Company. The very small increase of a half per cent.
in the working, expenses, by which the same increase
had been realised, would evince the vigilance with which
they watched over the expenditure. The increase in the
cost of locomotive carriages, &c., amounted to the sum
of 2,4801., which left the small sum of 450/. to cover
the expenses occasioned by an increase of traffic amounting
to 11,244/. He had further satisfaction in telling them
that this progressive increase was still going on, the first
five weeks of the present half-year showing an increase
over the last of ten per cent. While they had been par-
taking in this benefit the public had not been without
their share of advantage. The increase in the number
of passengers had attained 211- per cent., while the re-
ceipts for the same had only amounted to 14,
owing to the reduction which had been made
in the fares. The Board of Trade having given
notice of their intention to report to Parliament against
two of the branches projected by the Company, the
Directors deemed it injurious to proceed further with
them. No notice, however, had been taken in the re-
port of the branch from the Three Bridges to Horsham,
and in order that no advantage might be taken by the
other competing Companies, the Direct3rs were desirous
that they should be armed with the pokers set forth in
the report, and a resolution for this purpose would be
submitted to the meeting. The last and most pleasing
subject upon which he had to touch was the dividend.
After payment of 30s. per share, there would remain
a balance of 894 E The dividends which had been paid
since the opening of the line were as follow:—In 1842,
305., equal to 31. per cent.; in 1843, 205., equal to 21 per
cent.; and in the last year, 425. per share, equal to
41. 4s. per cent.; and they anticipated, when their traffic
reached its maximum, each year would show a progres-
sive increase. He believed he had now touched upon
every point worthy of notice; but before he sat down, he
would take that opportunity of stating that this was the
last time he should have the honour of addressing them
as their chairman. He had that morning placed
in the hands of the Directors his resignation.
Since he had had the honour of being a
member of their administration, some good, he thought,
had been done. When he first entered upon office, their
shares were at 32/. ; yesterday, he believed, in the mar-
ket they were 55/. and a half, and their dividend had in-
creased from 21. per cent. to 41. 4s. He thought that
fact alone would show them that he had rendered the
Company some good serviee since he had had the honour
of being a member of their administration.
The report stated that the Directors had much satis-
faction in reporting the progressive state of the improve-
ment, in their affairs—the present half-year presenting
the following result, as compared with the corresponding
period of 1843 :
Receipts for Passengers, 14 per cent, more . £14,450
„ Goods, &c., 9 per cent. more

Increased Receipt 15,873
Expenses of Working, If per cent. more £415
„ Tolls, more 1,150
„ Government duty, rates, &c

more 2,078
•1 Property-tax, Bc., more
Increased Expenditure - 4,629

The difference, being net increase on the half-

year, is
fo which, adding the deficit brought into the
last Christmas account
As well as the reserve from Midsummer last, of

11,244

4,549
169

A larger available Balance is yielded for divi-
dend, by the sum of £15,962
The Directors called the attention of the Proprietors
to these figures, which showed that, whilst their work-
ing expenses, compared with a period when reductions
had already. commenced, had been increased only in the
small ratio of 11 per cent., their receipts had aug-
mented at the rate of 14 and 9 per cent. The Directors
had to regret thattheamalgamation of the locomotive and
carriage establishment of the South-Eastern and Croydon
Companies, in which they united on the Ist of March
last, and from which they anticipated important advan•
tages to the three Companies, was -to be broken up at
the end of the present year, a notice having been given
to that effect, according to the deed of agreement, by
the South-Eastern Company ; both the Croydon and
their own Board of Dii ectors concur in opinion that
the step was unfortunately precipitate, and they be-
lieved that a little more experience would have realised
the anticipated advantages. Under these circumstances,
a serious expense would have to be incurred by this
Company in erecting workshops for The -repairs of their
locomotive engines, but the Proprietors might rest as-
sured that every principle of economy would be adopted
for that purpose. In consequence of the great increase
in the traffic, a further supply of engines and carriages
would be required before the return of the summer
season, for which purchase the Directors had availed
themselves of the late advance in the price of their
Shares, and had sold' the whole of th, se remaining un-
issued and forfeited, at an average price of 51
including the dividend, the proceeds of which sale
they hoped would meet the expense thus to be incurred.
With a view to the public convenience, the Directors
tad increased the speed of one of the trains, accom-
plishing the distance between London and Brighton in
one hour and a half, an improvement which they had
reason to believe had given much satisfaction. The ex-
cursion trains, commenced last summer with a view to
afford to the humbler classes a healthful recreation at a

small expense, have proved and continue to be, a source
of profit to the Company. Since the last half-yearly
meeting, the utmost efforts bad been used to bring about
a settlement of their claims on the South-Eastern Com-
pany; several conferences had been held between the
two boards for that purpose, and these conferences had
been followed by a long correspondence, calling on the
South-Eastern board either to admit and settle the ac-
count rendered, or to furnish their objections thereto ;
both of which they decline doing, declaring that their
objections to the account could only be submitted to ar•
bitrators, as pointed out by the Act of Parliament.
Nothing therefore remained but to proceed in the course
pointe I out by the Act of Parliament, and a letter was
accordingly written on the 20th ultimo, to she
South-Eastern Board of Directors, calling on them to
appoint an arbitrator within 14 days, pursuant to the Act.
It would have been seen, that the Committee of the
Board of Trade for railways published in the Gazette
of the 14th ultimo, a notification of their intention to
report to Parliament against the London and Brighton
Wandsworth branch, and to recommend the postpone-
ment of all the lines to Dorking.. They also notified, in
the Gazette of the same date, their intention of reporting
London
ed anden
aed Chichester,
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outh with a branch
to Shoreham-bridge—in the two latter cases manifesting
a disposition to protect the interests of the Brighton
Company. In none of these reports had any notice been
taken of the projected branch from Three Bridges to
Horsham. Under these altered circumstances, the
Directors had come to the determination to recommend
to the Proprietors, as they could not anticipate what
course might be taken by the opposing companies, to
invest them with powers to exercise their discretion
whether to proceed with any, or all of the branch lines.
They further recommend that, in the event of no Act
being obtained, the expenses already incurred, or which
might arise in reference to these branches, be paid out
of-the general funds of the Company: for this purpose,
it would be necessary to rescind the latter part of the
sixth clause of the second resolution, passed at the
special general meeting held on the 9th of January last.
The Directors concluded their .report with the gratifying
announcement that they had to propose a dividend of
thirty shillings per share, amounting to 52,7341.
The CnsraraArr moved the adoption of the report,
which was seconded by Mr. J. SMITH, and subsequently
carried unanimously.
Captain Lews drew a comparison between the ex-
penses of the Brighton and the Leeds and Manchester
lines, and said he thought, as the latter had nearly
double the traffic of the other, and was more than 76
miles in extent, while the Brighton was only 56, there
must be some want of good management in their Com-
pany, when the expenses of working the Leeds and
Manchester only exceeded by 1,0001. that of the
Brighton. This was owing, he thought, to the want of
a general and responsible superintendent on the line,
and he would therefore suggest Whether it would not be
advisable for the Directors to take into consideration the
propriety of appointing some talented and experienced
gentleman capable of undertaking the duties of such an
office ?

The CHAIRMAN concurred in this suggestion, and
eventually premised that it should be acted upon.
Subsequently a resolution, declaring a dividend of
305., payable on the 14th instant, was agreed to, and
the powers recommended in the report given to the
Board of Directors.
Mr. C. P. Grenfell was elected a Director in the room
of Mr. Nash, and Sir John Simpson and Mr. Edward
Crowley having been re-elected Directors, a vote of
thanks was carried to the Chairman, and the meeting
separated, after a sitting of nearly three hours.