The Sun.
London, England, 1845-01-29 00:00:00

DUNGENESS.

This place is a singular formation of shingle, spread-
ing over a space of several miles, stretching out seawaad
into the fairway of the channel, and having at its termi-
nation deep water close to the beach. It is without build-
ings, except the lighthouse and several batteries, the
barracks of which are occupied by the coast guard.
The point of Dungeness has lengthened out consider-
ably since the present lighthouse was built, in 1792.
There is an inscription within the tower by which it ap-
pears that at the time it was built the sea was at a dis-
tance of 100 yards at low water. We, on our visit to
that place, measured it, and found it to be about 190
yards, showing that it has lengthened out 90 yards in
52 years.
It is to be regretted that no periodical account has
been kept of the lengthening out of the point, which, if
it had been taken every year and registered in the light-
house, would have afforded information of great impor-
tance, and would have shown whether the rate of elon-
gation has been uniform or otherwise. The Commission
consider it very desirable that an accurate record be pre-
served hereafter of all alterations of Dungeness point
and its immediate vicinity; of its annual extension sea-
ward; of the effects of great storms upon it; and gene-
rally of the movement of the shingle. For this purpose
the Commission beg to suggest that the Admiralty, is
conjunction with the Trinity-house, be requested to give
directions on the subject.
Dungeness has ever been remarkable for its good
holding ground. Both bays afford excellent and exten
sive anchorage, according to the state of the wind. It
is in evidence that upwards of 300 sail have been shel•
tered in the East Bay at one time, and that more than
100 vessels were at anchor in the West Bay a few days
before the Commission arrived there. Where nature
presents so much accommodation and shelter, it will al-
ways be a matter for serious consideration whether it
may not be well to be satisfied with what is already
so good, and to give to other places of acknowledged
importance, in point of position, the artificial assistance
they need, iu order to render them available as places of
secure anchorage. Dungeness does not possess the ad-
vantage of an inner harbour, as Dover, Seaford, and
Portland. This, however, takes nothing from its value
as a roadstead for merchantmen and for ships of war.
Having come to the conclusion that it was not expe-
dient to construct a breakwater at Dungeness, we do not
advert in detail to what has appeared in evidence as to
the effects which such a work would be likely to produce
on the lengthening or otherwise of the point; and on the
anchorage in the East and West Bays ; but we refer to
the opinions of several eminent engineers touching the
advantages of this important place.

BEACHY HEAD, EASTBOURNE, AND SEAFORD.
We have now to draw your Lordships' attention to the
bay on the east side of Beachy Head, and westward of
Langley Point, which the Commission of 1840 proposed
as a site for a breakwater.

The shoals called the Royal Sovereign and others as
laid down in the Admiralty chart, first attracted our no-
tice with reference to this work ; it was, therefore,
thought desirable to have a more detailed and extended
examination of the bay by the surveying-vessel placed
at our disposal by the Admiralty.
The result has been the discovery of several other
patches of shoal water, as shown in the accompanying
chart, and our previous impression as to the hazard of
placing a harbour of refuge in such a situation has been
so strengthened that we decided to look for a more
eligible one on the west side of the head. There is no
inner harbour or opening along the coast on the east side
of Beachy Head.
On the west side of Beachy Head the anchorage is
free from the dangers which render the east side h ss
eligible as a place for constructing a harbour of refuge.
The holding ground off Seaford is of the best quality,
and is much resorted to in easterly gales.
The Commission is of opinion that there is no good
position in the neighbourhood of Beachy Head, where a
harbour is as necessary as in any part of the Channel
(being about half way between Dover and Portsmouth),
except in Seaford-road, and the accompanying chart
shows the place where a breakwater may be constructed
with great advantage to the trade, and as a station for
armed vessels.
The Commission is fully aware of tie obciections which

Entertaining the strong opinion we have expressed of
the necessity of providing, without delay, a sheltered
anchorage in Dover Bay, we venture to urge upon your
Lordships' attention the advantage of immediately be-
ginning the work by carrying out that portion which is
to commence at Cheesman's-head.
Whatever may be finally decided upon as to the form
and extent of the works in Dover Bay, the pier from
Cheesman's head, run out into seven fathoms water, ap•
pears to be indispensable as a commencement, and it will
afford both facility and shelter to the works to be subse-
quently carried on for their completion.
This will give sheltered access to the present harbour
during south-west gales, and protect it from the entrance
of shingle from the westward ; it will afford time also
for observation on the movement of the shingle within
the bay, and for further inquiry as to the tendency
which harbours of large area, on this part of the coast,
may have to silt up.
These inquiries the Commission consider to be of
essential importance, and the results will afford the
means of determining on the greater or less width
that should be given to the entrances of the proposed
harbour.

2. We propose that a breakwater be constructed in
Seaford Road, in a depth of about seven fathoms of
water, one mile in extent, and sheltering an area of 300
acres, as shown in plan No. 2.
3. That a breakwater be constructed in Portland
Bay, to extend a mile and a quarter in a north-eastern
direction, from near the northern point of the island, in
about seven fathoms of water, having an opening of 150
feet at a quarter of a mile from the shore, and sheltering
an area of nearly 1,200 acres, as shown in plan No. 3.
If only one work is to be undertaken at a time, we
give the preference to Dover, next to Portland, and
thirdly to Seaford.

MODE OF CONSTRUCTION.
Various plans for constructing breakwaters have been
laid before us by highly intelligent individuals, whose
projects are noted in the appendix, and fully explained
in the evidence.
We are directed by your Lordships to report on the
expense to be incurred by the completion of the works
which we recommend ; but, as no approximate estimate
of this can be made without determining the general
principles and modes of construction, we have examined
the engineers who have come before us and other autho-
rities upon these important points.
The various opinions have been considered by the
Commission, who prefer for the construction of break-
waters, and for the security of the works of defence
upon them, the erection of walls of masonry.
The Commission do not offer any opinion as to the
profile or degree of slope necessary to insure to the
structure the requisite stability. They consider that
this will be best decided by the Government, under pro-
fessional advice, when the works shall be finally deter-
mined on.
The cost of either mode of construction having been
stated to be nearly the same, whether it be maso
Plymouth
oli;
a long slope of rough stone similar to that of Plymouth
breakwater, the Commission beg to
Lordships an approximate estimate of theay before your
works at the
several places, viz.:—
Dover
nom.
Seaford
Portland
Harwich
MILITARY DEFENCES.
The military members of the Commission are of opi-
nion that there will be no difficulty in providing for the
defence of the proposed harbours.
They recommend that casemated batteries be con
strutted on the breakwaters themselves, and that these
should be supported by works and defences on the shore,
flanking the approach to them and to the entrance to
the harbours.
At Dover and Seaford there already exist works
of defence contiguous to the site of the proposed break-
waters, capable of being adapted to this object.
The islard of Portland possesses great natural ad-
vantages for defence, and for the formation of a naval
and military depot, during war, to any extent that may
be required.
The military officers are further of opinion, that the
position and construction of the works necessary for the
defence of the proposed harbours cannot be decided on
until the exact site and relation of the latter to the shore
shall have been finally determine&

£2,500,000
1,250,000
500,000
50,000

By our latest intelligence we are induced to hope 1131).1
' peace prevails throughout India. I need not say it Is
our anxious desire that it should be preserved. You,
Sir, well know how great are the evils of war, and we
feel confident that, whilst ever ready to maintain unim-
paired the honour of our country and the supremacy of
our arms, your policy will be essentially pacific.
To the native states which still retain independence,
you will extend the shield of British protection. It has
hitherto been considered a wise and just policy to uphold
and support those which are in alliance with us; and in
dealing with those which are more immediately dependent
upon our Government, we have, with a view to soothe
the feelings, and conciliate the attachment, of both chiefs
and people, permitted the former to retain the recognised
emblems of authority, their titles and other insignia of
rank and station.

Peace, apart from its other advantages, is desirable
with a view to the prosperity of our finances, and the,
development of the resources of the country. From a.
natural desire on the part of our Government to render
the public service as efficient as possible, there is always
a tendency to an increase of establishments. A steady
and vigilant attention will be, therefore, necessary to
enforce the strictest economy consistent with the effi-
ciency of the service. This duty is rendered the more
urgent by the existing state of the finances of India
but it is at all times necessary, from the difficulty expe-
rienced in that country in devising new sources of
revenue, or rendering those already existing more pro-
ductive, and more commensurate with the exigencies of
the State. I feel assured, therefore, that your early and
anxious attention will be directed to the best means for
averting financial embarrassment, and for placing the
public finances on a sound and satisfactory footing.
It has long been the desire of the Court to encourage
education among the people of India, with a view of cul-
tivating and enlarging their minds, of raising them in
their own and our estimation, and of qualifying thew for
the more responsible offices under our Government. It
is, however, necessary, with reference to the subject of
education, to exercise great prudence and caution, in
order to avoid even the appearance of any interference
with their religious feelings and prejudices, and to main-
tain on such points the strictest neutrality.
protection.cour
totirletethoasrs
that the government of the East India Company should
India and its whlio'ilreiablodly,ySoifr
tlhleenpreyo.pllewoofußldrict•iasrhnestrecommend ty the
always
depen-
dencies
bteoeyniotuhre peaarrenr, nsat
id
ecsairree oafntdh e
be eminently just, moderate, and conciliatory. The su-
premacy of our power must be maintained, when neces-
sary, by the irresistible force of our arms ; but the ern-
pi re of India cannot be upheld by the sword alone. Tie
attachment of the people, their confidence in our sense of
justice and in our desire to maintain the obligations of
good faith, must ever be essential elements of our
strength. I beseech you, therefore, to keep these sacred
principles habitually and permanently in view. The
Court has selected you for the high office of Governor-
General with reference, not less to the confidence they
entertain in your character for justice, moderation, end
benevolence, than to your firm and undoubted posses-
sion of a sound practical judgment and indomitab:e.
spirit. You are already in possession of the highest re-
nown as a soldier, and we feel assured that you will now
rest your happiness and your fame on the furtherance of
measures tending to promote the welfare and best inte-
rests of the Government and of the people committed tr:o
your care ; and it is our earnest prayer that, after an
extended carter of useful and valuable service, you n ay-
return to your native country, bearing with you, as the
best and most gratifying reward of your labours, the
thanks and blessings of the people of India.

DEAL.—SUICIDE OF ♦ NAVAL OFFICER.—It is our
painful duty to record a very tragical affair which took
place here on the 17th instant. It appears that on the
morning of that day, about ten o'clock, the family of
Captain Brockman, R.N., were alarmed by hearing a
groan, and on Miss Brockman proceeding to the cham-
ber of the Captain, she beheld her father stretched life-
less on the ground, having, in a moment of mental aber-
ration, committed suicide by severing his windpipe with
a razor. The deceased was a retired master and com-
mander,by allwho
k
andwanse highly
him. He
respectedha d nbeary blyisb attainedo ther
hisofficers,
and
year. Verdict—" Temporary inanity. '--Cuatetbury
.fournal