The Sun.
London, England, 1845-07-17 00:00:00

was most desirable that Falmouth should be a packet station

Captain Berkeley had been a Lord of the Admiralty, and was well
acquainted with the ports of Plymouth and Falmouth. The Ha..
moaze was one of the great naval ports of England. A
great deal of traffic had passed up there. Had been given to
understand it was proposed to carry the trains across the Hamoaze
in ferry boats. Thought there would be great inconvenience and
delay in this practice in war times. His objection was, that it
interfered with the transport of ships in ordinary down
to their places in the dock yard. Thought the pro.
posed transit also objectionable as regarded the electric
telegraph, for he believed it would be impossible, in such
case, to convey the telegraph under the water. 7 hought it de-
sirable that, in time of war, there should be the most speedy
communication between the Hamoaze and the metropolis by elec.
tric telegraph. Was also against swivel bridges, for they, too, im-
peded rapid navigation in time of war.
Cross-examined—Opposed the Bill in Parliamemt because he
thought it would be prejudicial to the country, particularly in war
time. Thought a line running near the sea, along the coast,
would be objectionable, because it could be easily destroyed in
time of war.

Sir C. Napier, M.P., examined—l am well acquainted with the
ports of Plymouth and Falmouth. I know that the Hamoaze is
one of the great naval estuaries of England. I heard what has
been said by Captain Berkeley, and I think the passing of railway
trains over a steam-bridge would cause a great deal of delay
occasionally. It ought
cause no delay to ships, for I sup_
pose provision would be made against that by the Admiralty,
but it would certainly occasion delay to the trains in
time of war. I know the Government is now form.
ing a large steam basin at Plymouth. Falmouth is a
most important naval station, a good harbour of refuge, and a good
seat for men-of.war. Formerly it was not much used in conse.
quence of the difficulty in
getting out of it, but the case is now
altered, as there is a steam navy. Lord Cornwallis used
Falmouth, and there were at the time of the war eight sail
of the line there. I am generally opposed to all lines
of railroad running near the coast unless they run so near to it
that it can be fortified with Martello towers and used as a means
of defence ; if they cannot be so used I think the further inland

- -- ---- .
they are the better. ➢ly only reason for opposing this line is a
regard for the interests of the country, for I have no personal
concern in it one way or the other.
The Hen. and Gallant Officer was cross-examined, but his tes.
timony, so far from having been shaken, was rather strengthened by
his answers.

Mr. Thomas, an engineer, was called to prove that the Central
line was superior to the Cornwall line in point of engineering
capability,

Their Lordships adjourned at four o'clock tin to-morrow morning.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.
GROUP A.
LONDON, CROYDON,
MAIDSTONE, AND
ASHFORD LINE,
(Continued from our Afternoon Edition of yesterday.)
The Committee gave no formal resolution on the subject, but
decided on postponing the examination of the Croydon and Maid.
stone, and of the remaining Bills, to next session. They accord-
ingly rose at about three o'clock.