The Sun.
London, England, 1844-02-16 00:00:00

SPIRIT of the PUBLIC JOURNALS.

of public charges, there would, in fact, have been a reduction
of about 15,0001. The increase chiefly consisted of parochial
rates—an increase, not only enormous in amount, but perfectly
unjustifiable in principle.—( Hear, hear.) There was no
reason why railways, of all commercial enterprises in this
country, should alone be subjected to assessments upon the
profits of their trade.—( Hear, hear.) The grievance was
so unjust and intolerable, that they must endeavour to obtain
redress from the Legislature. The total amount which they
now paid in the form of duties, of parochial rates, and of in-
come-tax, was about 64,000/. From the accounts there
appeared to be 116,820/. applicable to such pur-
poses as the Shareholders might be pleased to di-
rect. The Directors recommended a dividend of three
per cent. for the last half-year, which would require 102,6781.,
and would leave a balance of 14,1421. The Directors con-
sidered that this balance was not more than suffi-
cient to enable them to ensure a dividend of three
per cent. for the next half-year, and, therefore, it
It was that they proposed to retain that sum. He hoped that
the income of the current half-year would exhibit a further in-
crease, but for any material improvement, they must now look
to the completion of the branch lines. The Report of Mr.
Brunell as to the state of the works on these lines would, he
thought, prove highly satisfactory. There could be no doubt
that the Bristol line, as far as Exeter, and their own line as far
as Oxford, would be opened in the early part of the ensuing
year ; and that the line to Cheltenham and Gloucester would be
opened in ample time to fulfil the requirement of the law, which
limited the period to June, 1845. The project for the exten-
sion of the line from Exeter to Plymouth was also advancing
satisfactorily. At the last meeting the Directors were em-
powered to raise 150,000/. towards that undertaking. In order
to secure the passing of the Bill in the present session, it became
necessary that the railway companies interested in its com-
pletion should contribute a larger amount. The Directors had
taken upon themselves the responsibility of raising 475 shares
at 50/. each, and of course they would dispose of those shares as
soon as possible. In Cornwall a very earnest wish had
been manifested for the continuation of the line towards Fal-
mouth. He hoped the period was not remote when the line
would be continued as far as Falmouth. The works at Swin-
don were now completed. There was one subject
connected with that great establishment which he
was sure would be interesting to the Proprietors ;
he referred to the religious instruction of the men and the useful
and moral education of the children.—(Cheers.) In deference
to the religious feelings of a portion of the Proprietors, the
Directors had thought that the best mode of accomplishing
this object was that of private subscription. The amount
which had been received by subscription for the church
was about 4,600/., without taking into account the assistance
which they might expect from those bodies which were in-
corporated for the purpose of promoting church building. The
amount raised for schools exceeded 6,000/. The Directors
still required further aid, however, from the munificence
of the Shareholders. Besides the religious instruction of the
workmen, and the education of their children, the Directors
thought there was no better way of obtaining a sober, industrious,
happy, and contented class of workmen than by giving them
the means of innocent recreation.--( Hear.) A library had been
established by subscription amongst the workmen themselves,
and the Directors felt it to be their duty to encourage this de•
sire in the workmen for their own improvement. The Direc-
tors were in treaty for the purchase of a piece of ground for the
purposes of cricket and other manly spirts.—( Cheers.)
He hoped that those Proprietors who, from conscientious
scruples, were unable to contribute to the building of the
church, would contribute now to this object, against which no
such scruples could be alleged.— ( Hear, hear.) There was one
subject which now excited considerable attention among those
interested in railways—he meant the inquiry in relation to
them which was now pending in the House of Commons. If
he abstained from making any remarks upon this subject, his
silence proceeded only from a sense of the delicacy of his po-
sition as a member of the Committee. He believed that
the Government were disposed to deal with railway interests
in a fair and friendly spirit.—( Cheers.) He should go to the
inquiry deeply impressed with the magnitude of the interests,
and the vital importance of the principles involved in the
investigation—on the one hand, desirous of giving a libe-
ral and just consideration to the claims of the public,
and on the other steadily watching the legitimate interests of
railway proprietors.—( Cheers. ) Several resolutions would
have to be proposed after the Shareholders had resolved them-
selves into a special meeting for the purpose of considering
them.

FROM TIIE, EVENING PAPERS OF YESTERDAY.
GLOBE.—:when we said that people would not fight
Va these d:4,75 about points of faith, we did not mean to
iay that they would not squabble about the appropria-
ti.:4l of Church revenues. We should be guided by one
principle, and by one alone, on that subject, in a country
Like Ireland. We need not say, perhaps, that ours is not
the principle of Sir J. Graham—that so-and-so was esta-
blished at the Reformation, and ratified by the Act of
Union. Other things were established soon after the Re-
formation, which have been altered since. The wise King
Jamie, who planted Presbyterians in Ulster, restored
Episcopacy in Scotland. England has not maintained
that Episcopacy—or else that too might have been
" ratified" in the Act of Union with that country.
Suppose it had, and that discontent at our hierarchy
had continued undiminished. Would the date of its
establishment have been any good argument in its
favour ; Would it not rather have been an ai-gu-
ment. against it, as something no time could naturalise ?
01:r principle, then, as to Irish Church mat-
ters, is not thatof Sir James Graham ; or that still more
naively stated the other (lay by the Herald. The
`Herald said that " Peace between the two contending
(ecclesiastical) parties (in Ireland) is morally impos-
sible. Away, then, with all false pretences and delu-
sive hopes of this kind ! Let the question be
reduced to its simplest and only intelligible
form—that the mere majority of the people of any
country, no matter how ignorant or how superstitious,
ought to prescribe what the faith of that country shall
be ; and that to maintain a particular fbrm of religion,
merely because it is true and divine, is an act of bigotry,
and an exhibition of religious intolerance." We are
quite of the Herald's opinion that peace between the
two Church parties in Ireland is impossible ; so long
as either have material objects to defend, or obtain,
which they think worth struggling for. But the He-
rald's idea that the faith of a people is not to be at all
consulted in prescribing the faith of a country, that
people who think differently- are to decide what is
true and divine instead, is precisely the assumption which
(if nothing else) would deter us from turning Roman
Catholics. That the Roman Church makes that as-
sumption is sufficient to keep us out of it—but in Pro-
testants we look upon it as quite preposterous and
suicidal. What, then, is the principle on which we
should proceed in the Irish Church question? It ap-
pears to us a very simple one—that of cutting down
the real matter of contention. Sir James Graham con-
tends for continued preference of the Protestant Church.
To this we say that a Protestant Church is very will
among a Protestant people, It is even very well among
a Catholic people—provided it is not preferred. We
117140.1.(1 not unteach Roman Catholics the lesson that they
cannot expel Protestantism from their country. We
would not knuckle under to their ascendancy. We
should think it worse than the present—worse in all
respects except one—that it would at least express
the popular opinion, and therefore would not remind
the people of conquest and degradation. We do not
wish to attach to this sentiment more weight than really
belongs to it. We do nut believe, and have seen no
proof, that the Protestant clergy are particularly un-
popular, since the conversion of tithe has removed them
from collision with their parishioners. But they are not
the clergy of the bulk of the population ; and there-
fore the avowal of political preference for them is the
avowal of preference for an institution professedly in-
tended for the bulk of the population, and rational pre-
ference for which can only be founded on its fulfilling
that intention. Substitute N for R, and instead of ra-
tional preference you have national preference. But
what has our national preference to do with the Church
of the Irish people ? What has the choice of a Church
for another people to do with political union with that
people ? Sir James Graham says everything. We say
nothing ; and worse than nothing. It is a topic of dis-
union. That churches will not be fought against in
these days we indeed believe ; but will they be fought
for ? The Herald affirms they will ; and that the people
of England are quite ready, if necessary, to do battle in
the cause of the Irish Establishment. But mark the much
less enthusiastic tone of Lord Eliot:—" There were agi-
.tators in Ireland who would not be satisfied with any
measure short of the actual subversion of the Church,
and he did not believe that that House, or any Parlia-
ment that might be summoned in this country, would
consent to a total subversion of the Protestant Church."
Nothing short, then, of the total subversion of the Pro-
testant Church appears to Lord Eliot likely much to stag-
ger the Parliament or the public. Now that. is just our opin-
ion too. And the sort of proposition we should found on
it would be the division of Irish Church revenues among
the three principal communions, Romish, Anglican,
and Presbyterian—and the equal division—as likely
to be attended with least dispute and difficulty. Lord
John Russell indicated the policy of some such set-
tlement ; but it is not upon his, or any other party
anthority, that we throw out the above sugges-
tion. That suggestion is founded on the view which
seems to have prompted former measures—so for as they
went—the view, namely, of diminishing the odium of
the endowed and ascendant Church, by diminishing its
ascendancy, and paring down its endowments. We
would have done with the ascendancy, and the exclusive
endowment altogether ; and when there is no bone of
contention between sects, big enough to be worth wor-
rying one another for, we shall expect them—not, in-
deed, to cease quarrelling. but to cease disturbing the
State with their quarrels.
STANDARD.—The debate on the state of Ireland
was resumed last night in the House of Commons, and
again adjourned. The commencement of the discussion
was unusually heavy, but it improved regularly in in-
terest with the last three speeches—Mr. Young's, Sir
George Grey's, and, above all, Lord Eliot's, which was
really excellent. But, after all, what remains to
be said, upon the state of Ireland, that has not
been said a thousand times ? or what practical
remedy for Irish evils can be proposed that. is not al-
ready in active operation, or the necessary preparations
for which are not earnestly pressed forward by the Go-
vernment ? The Opposition speakers are, therefore,
limited to vague common-places, or to querulous and
very unjust accusations ; but they can propose no-
thing definite, and they can prove nothing wrong.
Their speeches, therefore, necessarily amount to nothing,
and to be obliged to read, or listen to, hours of spoken
nothing, is very wearisome. The Conservatives have a
great advantage in this respect, for though such "special
nothing " is dull in itself, very pleasant commentaries in
verse or prose may be made upon it, as one of
" The poets of Charles's days,
The mob of gentlemen who wrote with ease,"
has sh own, and we doubt whether the verses of the poet
in question upon " the elder brother even to shade," are
better in their way than the speeches of Sir James
Graham and Lord Eliot, in reply to Lord John Russell
and Company. Something must be done for Ire-
land, say the Whigs and the ultra-wise Conservatives.
Softly, gentlemen, we say. Suppose one of your-
selves thrown into a fever by bodily or mental exer-
tion ; what do you think is the first thing that a skilful
physician would order in your case ? Would he physic
you while still rolling in a rumbling diligence over
the paved road of the Continent, or leave the
pen in your hand, and the midnight lamp
before you, while applying cupping-glasses and
blisters ? No ; you are well aware that the first
thing he would order is rest—rest which would probably
work a cure by itself—rest, without which all
other means of' relief would be undoubtedly in-
effectual. Before you prescribe your nostrums
for Ireland, then, would it not be just as
well to try what may be the effiet of that
rest which the Government has won for her, more par-
ticularly as no two of you are agreed upon the proper
nostrum ? how that rest has been won will be seen in
an article which we have copied from the Morning
Herald of this day ; the article is long, but we entreat
that it may be carefully read, not merely as a complete
vindication of the Attorney-General for Ireland, and
of the Government which has the honour of having
selected and supported such an officer, but as a vindi-
cation—of the British Constitution itself. Peace has at
length been won for Ireland. The Repeal Association is
already
.melting away. Mr. O'Connell absents himself'
upon -one false. pretence ; for what business has he
here, .after having sworn that he would not set his
foot in the Saxon Parliament ? The newspaper pro-
prietors withdraw on another false pretence, for it is
not true that their newspapers were made evidence
against the conspiracy because they were implicated;
their "newspapers were made evidence against the con-
spiracy, because the conspirators in a corporate cha-
racter circulated those newspapers at their own charge,
and in that way these newspapers would be evi-
dence, though the name of a single person connected
with them did not appear upon the books of the conspi-
racy. Thus, the monster nuisance has been abated,
and still we are told that nothing has been done ; and
we are stunned with projects, the only possible effect of
urging which, besides disturbing the present peace,
must be to call into existence another like monster
nuisance.

The Secretary then read the Report.
Mr. Wistiaw, in moving the adoption of the Report, com-
plained of the inefficient accommodation for third-class pas-
sengers, and suggested that a day train should be established
for that class of persons.
Mr. NicnoLsoN seconded the resolution. With reference
to the subject referred to by the Hon. Proprietor who had just
spoken, he begged to say that, in consequence of the complaints
which had been made, he had himself travelled by a third-class
carriage on this line, and he found no reason whatever to com-
plain of any inconvenience.—(Hear, hear. )
Mr. WILLIAMS, M.P., concurred with the mover of the
resolution in the view which he had taken of this subject;
and stated that, if the Directors did not make some alteration
in the present arrangements, he should himself make a pro-
posal upon the subject.
Mr. VOUSLEY deprecated any interference with the Direc-
tors as regarded this matter. The poor were in a better con-
dition now than under the old coach system ; and if the Share-
holders interfered the result would probably be that they
would, by-and-bye, have to complain of low dividends.
Several other Proprietors expressed their opinions on the
same subject.
The CHAIRMAN, in reply, contrasted the accommodation
now afforded for third-class passengers with the most expen-
sive and luxurious mode of travelling formerly known to
them, namely, the outside of a stage coach, where they were
exposed to all the inclemency of the weather ; while by far the
greater number were either compelled to walk, or jolted along the
road, at the rate of two or three miles an hour.--( Hear, hear.)
At all events, he hoped the Proprietors would not interfere
until after the inquiry before the Committee of the House of
Commons had been completed, and the evidence had been laid
before the public.—( Hear, hear.)
After a short conversation, the motion for the adoption of
the Report was put and carried.
Mr. WILLIAMS, M.P., moved the following resolution :
" That it is the opinion of this meeting that a statement of the
receipts and expenditure of this Company should be sent to
each Proprietor four days previously to each half-yearly
meeting."
Mr. WisnAw seconded the resolution.
After some discussion the resolution was withdrawn.
A resolution was then passed declaring a dividend of 3 per
cent. upon the profits of the last half year.

A resolution was then proposed for the purpose of procuring
an amicable settlement of the differences of this Company with
the Birmingham and Gloucester Companies.
A resolution was also passed for the construction of a branch
line between Twyford and Basingstoke.
The four retiring Directors were then re-elected.
The meeting then resolved itself into a special meeting,
fur the purpose of considering the propriety of applying to Par-
liament for a Bill for making a railway from the Great
Western Railway at Pangbourne to the town of Newbury ;
and a resolution in accordance with that object, and generally
with the other objects stated in the notice paper, was passed,
after some discussion.

A vote of thanks was then given to the Directors, after
which the meeting separated.

GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY
COMPANY.

The half-yearly general meeting of the Proprietors of this
Company, was held at the Paddington Station yesterday, at one
o'clock, Mr. C. Russell, M.P., in the chair. The meeting, as
stated in the notice, was made special, &c., for the purpose of
considering and authorisingi the Directors to make application
to Parliament, in the present session, to alter and enlarge
-the powers of any Act or Acts relating to this Company, or to
the Cheltenham-and Great Western Union Railway Company,
•or to the Oxford Railway Company, as well as the propriety of
.joining or becoming parties with any other person or persons in
*applying to Parliament for a Bill for making a railway from the
treat Western Railway at Pangbourne to the town of New-
burParliament
of agreeing with any person or persons who shall apply
40.0tir liament for such Bill, as to the expenses of such orapplica-
of the construction of such railway, or for taking on
lease or use of such railway when made, upon such terms and
.conditions as may seem proper.
The CHAIRMAN said, the
Directors would perceive by the
'accounts that the receipts for
othe last half-year amounted to
:377,7971., whilst those
to
359,h37e6i corresponding half-year
fin 1842 amounted only
During that interval
their line had been extended eight miles and three quarters.
r The increase in the receipts, therefore,
iewasie rmore than propor-
tionate to the increase of distance.—
ill Gad been effected in that portion of the
TsA reduction
expenditure over
expenditure
!ftwhich the Directors had control.
For the last half-year of 1842 was P 9,417/.he
!the last half-year of 1843, 129,436/. thatat first
flight would show no reduction of expenditure ; but itt
tolust be borne in mind, first, that in the latter period they had
'been working nine miles more than in the preceding one, and
tsecondly, that there was a portion of the expenditure
hover which they could exercise no control. The
ltduty, rates, and taxes, for the last half-year of 1842,
!amounted to 19,223/., those for the corresponding period in
1843 to 26,6291., showing an increase in those charges
aef 7,4001. The expenditure being equal, it followed
that the decrease in the charges of the establish-
ment, over which the Directors had control, was as
',surly as possible proportionate to the increase in
those which were beyond their power, or about 7,500/.
7When the Directors undertook a revision of the expenditure,
last year, they led the Proprietors to think that they would be
Ikble toeffect i redaction of about 11,000/. But for this increase 1

THE SUN, LONDON, FRIDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 16: 1844,

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF COMMONS, Feb. 15.
The SPEAKER took the chair at Four o'Clock.
NEW MEMBERS.

Mr. SOTHERON, for North Wiltshire, and Mr. MAHER, for
Tipperary, took the oaths and their seats. The Hon. Members
were introduced by Mr. M. J. O'Connell and Mr. Estcourt.
Mr. WATSON presented a petition from a number of soli-
citors in the metropolis, complaining of the high amount of
compensation given to the six clerks, whose offices, in the
Court of Chancery, were abolished under the late Act, and
praying the House to take the subject into its consideration.