The Sun.
London, England, 1845-08-02 00:00:00

They did not take one tittle of evidence on the importance of
effecting a communication with the Thames at Blackwall, and
yet the Committee attached the greatest importance to the ter-
minus of the London and York line. When the application

__ .. • -
was made to be heard, the Chairman told the counsel that it

was an extremely proper application, but that the Committee
could not entertain it. Even in the report, as regarded the
London and York scheme, it was clear the Committee had

heard sufficient rebutting evidence to give it clearly and fully.
None of the rebutting evidence of the Direct Northern
and Cambridge and Lincoln lines had been heard,
and this evidence was necessary, in order that the
whole bearing of the entire scheme might be properly sifted
and adjudicated upon, and thus nearly the whole of the im-
portant part of the project was altogether put out. If the
opposing lines had received fair play the traffic evidence of the
London and York Railway would have been materially
altered. This evidence was got up in so absurd and extraor-
dinary a manner that the Noble Lord thought proper to tell the
promoters of the London and York line that the Committee
could not receive their evidence as to the coal traffic as it than

stood. In consequence of this hint the amount expected to by
derived from the coal traffic was reduced from 300,000/. to

170,0001. per annum. lf the competing lines had insi.,ted
at an early period of the case on producing rebutting evi.
dente, it would, perhaps, have been differently decked.
He would appeal to the House whether or not the case of the
Londsu and York line was ripe for decision at the preseht
time. He contended that the Committee had come t,

cision with imperfect data, and with an insufficiency of lac's.
On Lord Lindsay's estate the Peterborough line had already
been sanctioned, which traversed nearly the whole of his pro-
perty, and the Committee had decided that for the space of a
single mile in the same field the London and York line should
cross that railway, and had decided on a line which it was
physically impossible to construct, unless another line, which
had received the Legislative sanction, was altogether abandoned.
He thought that the Committee, by the first paragraph of their
report, showed a diffidence in the decision they had come to.
They said they must coupe to a decision as the session was so
nearly at an end: that might be a great evil, but it was a far
greater one that the facts were net fully and completely in-
quired into. He had a perfect right to ask the House to re-
commit the Bill and suspend proceedings in the case, if
it were only from the fact that important companies
had not been heard before that Committee. They would have
furnished a body of evidence against the project which would
be of the utmost importance, but they were precluded doing
so. When the Landon and York case had closed, an appeal
was made to the chairman that they should be heard by coun-
sel, but the request was not acceded to; and he appealed to any
Hon. Gentleman present, who had been chairman of
a Committee of that House, if that refusal were not
unfair and contrary to precedent. Besides, the Committee had
not been unanimous in their decision, and it was only by the
casting vote of the chairman that the preamble of the Bill
was affirmed. Upon these grounds he asked the House to
suspend further proceedings on this Bill.
Mr. HUTT seconded the motion, and thought the House
had good reason to be dissatisfied with the decision of the Com-
mittee. As to the proceedings of the Committee, he did not
wonder that they felt their physical energies giving way
under the overwhelming mass of business before them ; it was
scarcely to be expected that their strength should keep up
against such accumulating matters, Ind to that circumstance
might be perhaps attributed their unwillingness to adopt a course
more consonant with the regulations of the House. But to what-
ever cause it was to be attached, their proceedings were scarcely
con-istent with the rules of Parliament or the justice of the
case. It was very true that, as yet, they had not concluded
their labours, but virtually and effectually they had concluded
their labours with regard to the present Bill. The House,
when it nominated certain Members to inquire into a ease,
necessarily required that some report should be presented
on each particular Bill, but at the present moment
several Bills had been disposed of without a hearing or the
slightest consideration, as much as if they had never appeared
before the Committee at all. For these reasons he considered
it his duty to support the motion of his Hon. Friend for the re-
committal of the Bill.

come to by the casting vote of the chairman. Now, with but 1
one exception, and that was taken by himself, all the Mem. i
hers took the same view of the question.—( Hear.)
Now with respect to the petitions of the North Eastern Corn-
pany and that of Lurd Lindsay he should direct the attention of I 1
the Elouse to them very shortly. It appeared to the Corn-
mitte e, on retiring and considering the matter, that these parties
should be allowed to oppose and make a second attack out of the
Midland Companies' purse. With respect to the Swinton and
Line oln extension of the Midlands Railway it appeared to the
Committee that it could not be considered a competing line, as
opposed to the London and York, because they entertained the
same objection to it which had weighed with the Board of
Trade—namely, that it passed round by Lincoln and Cambridge,
and could not, therefore, be considered a direct line to York.
They had also decided against the petition of Mr. Hudson on
similar grounds. He begged to say distinctly that if a Corn-
mittt•e had not the power of deciding which competing line
they should adopt, he trusted he would never be placed on a
Corot nittee which had to consider a group of railways. He
firnilv believed that those who had not been heard, if their evi-
dence was worth any consideration, they should still have an
tappet tunity of being heard.
Mr. P. M. STEWART thought that the Committee hid
discharged their duty in accordance with the rules of that House.
If Grc.up X during its long sitting acted aceording to the prin •
ciples upon which this House wished Committees to act,
every•other Committee with which he was acquainted this ses-
sion, and that which he had presided over, had acted perfectly
wron,r. The practice which they ob•erved must be sanctioned
by this, Houk. The House should tell them the dis•ance that
they •should go, and ti.at they should not proceed further.
But, instead of doing this, the Committee had gone on with a
whole mass of projects, and had put them all at loggerheads
together ; and, then, when this difficulty came in the way, they
saw the mistake they had made. The Committee had the
power to re-group their Bills, arid other Committees having
done OP at, the business became easier.
Mr. DARBY made an observation across the table which
was not heard in the gallery.
Mr. STEWART continued by saying, that the Committee
had not heard the different projects separately and distine. ly,
and the result of their mode of proceeding was, that they had
shut out a great deal of rebutting evidence. He had no doubt
but that the Committee believed that they were doing shat
was right, and had adopted the course which they conceived
best ; but, still, if they had re• grouped the Bills as they had
the power to do, and as other Committees had done, much of
the labour and difficulty would have been avoided. He
did not mean to enter upon a discussion of the merits of the
line, for he knew nothing of them ; but he did think that
another course ought to have been adopted in reference to the
mode •of hearing the evidence. He had a great respect for the
Committee, and was aware of the labours they had endured ;
but he should again say that his opinion was that they had
adopted. a wrong course.
Mr. P. SCROPE said he would wish to say a few words in
explanation. The Committee had made the best decision they
could ‘on the Bills given to them to dispose of; but it should
be recollected, that they were involved in great difficulty by
means of the enormous mass of evidence laid before them.—

( Hear.) He would just ask the House to look at the map,
which was more like a spider's web, and say if it did not present
an aznount of difficulty not easily disposed of. However, it
would be seen by the map, that all those other lines were com-
peting lines with the London and York line, and they all had
the benefit of cross-examination ; but there was such a vast
mass of it, that the rebutting evidence was not gone into, and
the Cc.mmittee conceived they had heard quite enough of the
evidence.

Mr.. R. COLLETT thought the Committee should not have
declared the preamble of the Bill proved, but should have sus-
pended the inquiry until next session.
The House then divided, when there appeared—
For the, motion
For the amendment l9
Majority —6o
. .

He had stated that there was no security for life or property
in:any part of the kingdom, bat these depredations had not been
confined to Greece and Greek subjects, but the same system of
rapine had been pursued on toe frontiers, of which the in-
habitants of Turkey were the sufferers. Those who were the
defendants of Greece had a right to say that the Greek Go-
vernment should abstain from these proceedings. He might
be told that these depredations arose from conflicts in Greece
between the Russian, French. and Englishparties in that coun-
try. He took this for certain, that as for an English party
there never had been, there never could be, and there never
would be in Greece, any more than in any either country in
the w orld, an English party. They wanted no party in any
country, and the English party in Greece—that which was
called an English party in Greece—was that which was an
English party.in Spain, and in every other country with which
they had any relation. It was a national party—it was a party
that looked alone to the interest of Greece, and it was only for
the interest of foreign countries that they could have any
motive for supporting or assisting in their relations
with them. What earthly advantage could they ex-
pect or hope to obtain from Greece? The only
interest England could have was, to give such support and
contideoco as they could afford to parties in foreign countries
who were best calculated anti most disposed to promote the wel-
-1 fare, prosperity, and political independence of Greece. It was
j said that there was smite struggle between the parties he had

The report was received, and the Bill was ordered to be en-
grossed.
Mr. S. WORTLEY observed upon the difficulty Commit-
tees had to contend with, from the present want of system and
arrangement in the business which came before them, and sug-
gested that the Board of Trade should, in the interval between
the present session and the next, digest and lay down fur the
consideration of the House, some plan which would facilitate
the progress of railway Bills.
Mr. HUTT presented a petition from New South Wales,
respleting the waste lands in that country.
PROPERTY TAX.

On the question being put from the Chair,
Lord COURTENAY said that as Chairman of the Com-
mittee to which the grouped Bills had been intrusted, he might
perhaps be excused if he stated to the House the course of pro-
ceeding, and as that, and not the peculiar merits of the pro-
jects, had been made the chief subject of comment by the
Hon. Member for Sheffield, he would confine himself as strictly
as possible to meeting that particular question. The report
which had been that morning laid before the Members of the
House mentioned the number of Bills which had beer, referred
to the consideration of the Committee. The Hon. Member
opposite complained of the apologetic tone in which the report
was introduced ; if apology were discernible, he could assure the
Hon. Member that it was not from any misgiving of error or
irregularity, but that impressed with the stupendous charge with
which they were entrusted they wished to evince a sense of that
importance, and also show their respect to the House. They,
therefore, were not content with giving a mere dry and general de-
tail, but explained the circumstances which led to their decision.
He must be permitted now to say that, although upon the merits
of the two Bills the Committee were not unanimous, but
divided in their decision, as respected the course of proceeding
throughout their sitting they were invariably unanimous.
Whether, therefore, right or wrong, regular or irregular, these
proceedings were adopted in accordance with the unanimous deci-
sion of the Committee. —( Hear.) The Hon. Member for Sheffield
had stated that an arrangement had been made, and a resolu-
tion adopted, wherein they stated their intention of including
in one Bill the Sheffield and Lincoln, and Tottenham and Far-
ringdon -street Extension. That was perfectly true; and it
was on this ground that the Bills thus included were considered
as more or less in competition with each other, either
in a direct line north and south, or, laterally,
east and west ; and subsequent to this arrangement, on a spe-
cial application, the Hertford and Biggleswade was added to
the list by sub-grouping. That preliminary matter being
settled, they proceeded to classify the schemes in the order in
which they should be heard. The London and York was that
taken first, because it was the first in point of fact.
Throughout the entire case counsel were let in to cross-examine
every witness, and it would be found, on reference to the
report, that one, two, three, four, and five counsel exercised
this right. If any Member had been present in the Com-
mittee-room, during the seventy or eighty days that the
Committee sat upon the line, he would have seen the course
adopted, and been enabled to bear witness to the accuracy
of his statements. The Hon. Member had also referred
to the resolution adopted by the Committee en the
7th of June, to the effect that the Committee cannot, with a
view of instituting a comparison between the population in the
district within ten miles on either side of the London and York line,
and within a similar distance of the Cambridge and Lincoln line,
admit the population on lines which are not before Parliament.
The Hon. Member stated that that resolution applied to lines
competing with the London and York, whereas the fact was
that the Cambridge and Lincoln line, being the principal corn-
petingscheme, the promoters were informed that if they des
sired to show that a further portion of the country beyond the
ten miles could be secured by the line as then before the Com-
mittee, it might be done on the same principle as that adopted
by the Committee in the previous part of the investigation.
Several Members of the Committee had expressed a desire of
coming to a decision on such parts of the case as would not
inflict injury on other parties who had claims to be heard before
the Committee ; and, as far as the leading lines were con-
cerned, it was sonsidered necessary and desirable to come to
some resolutions on such parts of the scheme as would involve
this arrangement of the business. In pursuance with this
application was made before the case of the London
and York was gone into, and when an objection was
taken to it in respect to certain errors which were alleged
to exist in the plans of that scheme, that the whole case be-
tween the two great lines should be taken, and that the counsel
on behalf of the Direct Northern should state the places at
which they proposed to prove the effect of the errors specified
to be so great as to render the work impracticable—it was
at the same time requested by counsel on the side of the London
and York, that the Committee should come to a decision on the
merits of that scheme, after the termination of the Tottenham
and Farringdon-street case. Himself and his Hon. Colleagues
on the Committee concurred in saying, in answer to
the application, that on the Monday following they would give
their decision separately on those applications. On the
Monday they met, and came to the conclusion that when the
cases of the Direct Northern and Farringdon-street Extension
lines were closed, they would proceed to consider the merits
of the two competing lines before them, for effecting a second
trunk railway communication between London and York, viz.:
that of the London and York Company, and that which con-
sisted of the Cambridge and Lincoln, the Direct Northern,
and the Farringdon Extension lines, in conjunction with the
Eastern Counties Railway, already executed as tar as Cam-
bridge. All were agreed on this resolution. They were guided
by the arguments of the report of the Board of Trade in ex-
cluding that part of the Midland Counties Railway which was
considered to be in competition with the London and York line.
They considered that it would be exceedingly objec-
tionable to extend further the Midland Counties scheme,
considering the circumstances under which that Company
had acted. They took that step with due deliberation,
subject to the responsibility of that House. They felt justified
that the course they took was in conformity with the interests of
all parties concerned. An application was made to them on July
16, on behalf of the Eastern Counties and the York and North
Midland Companies, to be allowed to present rebutting evidence
against the London and York line. The application was
made by Mr. Talbot, and an answer was returned to the
effect that the Committee, in the exercise of its discretion,
considered the London and York, the Cambridge and Lincoln,
the Direct Northern, and the Tottenham and Farringdon
Extension, with the existing Cambridge Railway, were the
only two schemes that competed inter se as it respected a direct
trunk communication from London to York ; and that the
Cambridge and Huntingdon line should be taken next in
order. These resolutions were come to, after a due
examination of evidence and a careful consideration of
the question. The opposition of Lord Lindsey had
been referred to, and on that subject he would say a few words.
Counsel on behalf of that Noble Lord had been heard, witnesses
called and subjected to examination and cross-examination ;
many questions were asked by the members of the Colamittee,
and a map of the place was used to guide them in their inquiry.
In fact, it was not without much care and consideration that
the Committee decided, and then not before the case on behalf
of the Noble Lord had been fully heard. The principle on which
the Committee acted was, at every stage of their business,
to select such Bills as might be considered competing
schemes, and to view them in connexion with each other.
The House had entrusted the Committee with
a certain discretionary power, and it had been
honestly and he trusted impartially exercised.
That was the resolution they had acted upon. He was not
conscious of having omitted any part of his duty as a Member
of the Committee, but thought all of them had acted in ac-
cordance with precedent, and in conformity with the immense
interest involved in the case. He would further say, that
they bad endeavoured to do the best they could, and hoped
the House would consider that they had not acted in anyimproperly. way
Mr. BARING WALL said he felt very strongly that the
attention of the House should be drawn to the manner in which
the London and York Committee had acted—if that Committee
had adopted the same principles as had been acted upon in others,
a great number of the complaints of his Hon. Friend the Mem-
ber for Sheffield would have been unnecessary. Ile would not
now enter into the merits of the case, but thought the
Committee had taken every
.pains to arrive at a proper result.
( The Hon. Member spoke in so low a tone of voice, that one
whole sentence of what he uttered was not audible in the
gallery.) He could not think, looking at the question of com-
munication from London to York, that it could be said the
Committee had done wrong in coming to the decision it had
done. The Committee had given indications of their wish to
hear all theupposing lines, and they would have heard them if
they could have come to a decision before the Parliament was
prorogued. On the whole, he thought the Committee had
exercised a sound judgment, and he trusted, therefore, that the
House would not accede to the motion of the Hon. Member for
Sheffield.
Mr. DARBY said that if the Committee had exercised an
improper diseretion he for one trusted the House would recom-
mit the Bill. He trusted, however, the House would look at
what the system of grouping was, and that they would look at
the effect upon it, if it was to be said that the Committee did
not exercise a sound discretion. The Hon. Member for Shef-
field had totally mistaken the principle upon which the
groups were classed. If the Committee were not to exercise a
discretion each railway would have to be sent to a separate
Committee. He was preparedto maintain that the Committee
had taken not only the right course but the only one it could
take. It was upon a general agreement of counsel that the
Committee had pursued the course which was so much com-
plained of by the Hon. Mernber for Sheffield. The Hon.
Gentleman had said that the decisien of the Committee was

On the order of the day for the second reading of the Ex-
chequer Bills Bill.
Mr. C. HULLER had to put a question to the Right Hon.
the Vice President of the Board of Trade, founded on a petition
from an old lady of the name of Keene. She complained that
during*, several years she had been assessed above 150/., when
she ha d not that income, and she added that no redress could
be hall from the Commissioners.

Mr. CARDWELL said that inquiry had been instituted into

the circumstances, and it was foun-d that the petition was
groundless, as was also the general charge against the Corn-
missiotters.

_ .
alluded to. Mavrocorti:to was supposed to be .the represen-
tative of the English party. But he was sere that he would re-
pel with disdain any imputation of that kind. Colletti may also
think that he is promoting the interest of Greece in driving
the Greeks to despair by crewing discontent and dissatisfaction
This state of things would make a man believe that Greece was
unfit for a constitutional Government, and one might be io
dusted to think that an arbitrary power was the only go-
vernment applicable to the state of Greece. Such an opi-
nion was totally unfounded. He could not believe that
the Government of France could rely perfectly on the
views which alone appeased to him an explanation of the
conduct of Colletti. What benefit could France derive in
crushing the interests of Greece, when its position enabled it
to support that country? Greece could never become formid-
able among the powers of Europe : her size, her population,
and her position, prevented her. She never could be any-
thing but a small, a prosperous, and a commercial country,
which she let would be. the French, who attached such a
strong feeling to constitutional liberty, must feel a sympathy
with the people of Greece. He would urge her Majesty's Go-
vernment, therefore, to appeal to the French Government on
this question. It appeared that horrible cruelties were now
going on in Greece, and he would remind them of the obliga-
tions which France, as well as England, contracted with re-
gard to that country. If they could:onlytset aside those little
petty jealousies, and these local vanities, as to whom may be
the Minister in that country, and if they would but unite in a
fixed determination that order shnuld be established in Greece,
and that the Constitution which had been grant-d by:the three
Powers should be firmly supported, he (Lord Palmerston)
could not persuade himself that Prussia would
not also concur with them, and he could not
believe that their joint elicits would be made in
vain. England had a right, nevertheless, to enjoin a strict
adherence to the treaty, and any display of energy on the part
of England could not fail to have a good effect in Greece. In
times of peace England should exercise no political influence,
except that which was used for the benefit of those over whom
it was exercised, He looked on feelings of conquest as ssne of
those distinguished relies of byonne days. Instead of looking
for the glory of military conquest, they should look to those
greater glories which consisted in the cultivation of the arts of
peace. It was in the spirit of the people of this country, and
must always be in the spirit of the Government of this country,
be the Government what it may be, to endeavour, as far as its
political influence may extend, that so far it should be exercised
to protect the weak, to rescue the oppressed, to extend civili-
sation, and to confer, as far as they were able to do, the bless-
ings of peace and independence on all nations over whom
they may have any power. There ought to be no
jealousy with regard to England, either in the mind
of the French or Russian power in Greece. They were
bound in duty to exert all the influence to which their treaties or
their political position entitled them, to secure to Greece that
happiness which was the object of the treaty of 1827 and 1830.
He had no motion to make on the subject ; but he could not
read the statements in the public papers, and permit the ses-
sion to pass over without some remarks upon them. He was
sure that the Government felt the same sympathy for Greece.
and he trusted they would do that which would prove success-
ful, through the assistance of the Greek nation, who owed to
this country the establishment of a free Constitution, and owed
also to this country the further obligation of being secured in
the enjoyment of those constitutional privileges which, with the
concurrence of their own Sovereign, had been conferred upon
them. _ _

UNION WCRKHOUSES.

Mr. T. DUNCONIBE asked a question in reference to a
practice that prevailed•in the Mansfield Union Workhouse, of
.putting• persons who sought shelter and food for the night on to
a wheel in the yard four hours in the morning, previous to
receiving any breakfast. If there was only one person to put
onto the wheel, then it was customary for the governor of the
workhouse to put more weight on the wheel in order to make
it heavy—this was contrary to the spirit of the New Poor-
law, and he would ask the Right Hon. Gentleman, the Se-
cretary for the Home Department, as he had referred to it
before, if any inquiry had been made into the matter, and what
steps had been taken ?
Sir JAMES GRAHAM was decidedly of opinion that the
practice referred to was opposed to the letter and spirit of the
New Poor-law. He had represented the matter to the Poor-
law Commissioners, and if such a practice prevailed they would
order the discontinuance of the practice.
Captain OSBORNE said that considerable objections had
been taken to the practice of bone grinding in workhouses by
the Right Hon. Gentleman, when the subject was brought
before the House on a former occasion ; he (Captain Osborne )
expected it would have been put an end to ; but he was in-
formed it was still continued in many of these establishments,
owing to the increased demand for guano for agricultural
purposes.
Sir JAMES GRAHAM replied that the practice which
the Hon. Gentleman (Capt. Osborne) referred to was clearly
contrary to law, and required interference ; the present case
was one in wbich he bad no power to interfere.
Captain OSBORNE hoped there would be some legislation
ou the matter.

Mr. B. COCHRANE wished to remind the House tha'
King Otho accepted the throne of Greece on condition tha
the stipulations respecting the existence of the new-formed
Constitution should be fully carried out. In 1843, that Sovereign
wielded the sceptre under very different circumstances from
those now existing in his realm. At present the intrigues of
an unprincipled and incompetent Minister harassed and dis-
graced him ; for though the maxim, " that the King can do no
wrong," applied to the, sovereign power of Greece, yet the
misconduct of a Minister brotight'odinm alike on the Govern-
ment and the Monarch. M. Colletti's conduct was such as to
entail ruin on the State, and stagnation to the commerce of the
country with which he was associated. He not only actively
sowed the seeds of anarchy among the subjects, but sedulously
went about to the Foreign Ministers complaining severely of
the others' conduct. But when Mavrocordato could not make
up a Government collectively of all whom he desired, rather
than injure his country by indecision, or the adoption of a
Ministry solely composed of members opposed to him, he com-
promised successfully, and formed a Government comprehend-
ing the united elements of both parties. What was the feelirg
which M. Piscatori entertained of the character of M.
Colletti? Why, he publicly declared at Athens that that Mi-
nister's interference had brought about all the calamities which
now threatened the country ; for this reason, he could not re-
gret that the subject had been started, as it gave the British
Government an opportunity of expressing its opinion of the
conduct of Ministers abroad. He paid a willing tribute to the
admirable course pursued by General Church, hut that officer
had himself complained of the vacillation and negligence of the
Government at home.
Sir It. PEEL said he readily admitted that this country
had a special interest in the prosperity of Greece. They stood
in the character of public creditors, and the debt incurred by
Greece had net yet been paid, although she had contracted
obligations which she was unable and unwilling to discharge.
England, therefore, had a special right to interfere and see that
the conditions were fulfilled, at the same time that it guarded
the maintenance of self-government—the safeguard of the inte-
grity and independence of the country. No one was happier
than himself and her Majesty's Government, when despotic
rule was terminated, and a popular Constitution was established
in Greece. England had insisted on the satisfactory fulfilment
of engagements, and complained of the delay; while Greece was
told she could remain passive no longer. At the same time the
Government was unwilling to press too eagerly on Greece for
the fulfilment of these claims. He fully agreed with the Noble
Lord that they had the power to enforce the payment of the
debt; that Greece ought to bear that in mind, and moreover
that they had the right even to take a portion of the revenue
to repay themselves. But.theyftssis,Wnot resort to this extre-
mity at present, without
,inelaittering the peace of that coun-
try, and changing the popular forth of government which
now so happily existed there. He felt he had not the same
opportunity as the Noble Lord opposite ( Palmerston), nor
the Hon. Member near him (Mr. B. Cochrane), of discussing
the conduct of certain Ministers, although he was free to en-
tertain his own private opinion on the subject. As a Minister
of this country, it would ill suit him to criticise publicly the
character of M. Colletti, or the Foreign Ministers with whom
he acted. Such a discussion once commenced would roaali to
limits it were difficult either to anticipate or prevent, and he
therefore thought it would be very unadvisable to enter at all
on so delicate a question. He abstained from expressing any
opinion on these transactions. It had been the subject of represen-
tation from this Government- But he would decline, under pre-
sent circumstances, the expression of any opinion on them.
He concurred in the encomium which had been passed on that
distinguished man, General Church. His character stood too
high to be affected in the slightest degree by any statements
of a derogatory character that had been made respecting him.
As he stated before, those were subjects which he would not
now enter upon. They were matters of representation and
remonstrance from this Government, and of course it could not
be expected that he would follow the Noble Lord into these de-
tails. The Noble Lord had explained very fairly what should
be the conduct of Eugland towards other nations—that it
should do justice to all, and be above those petty interferences
which marked the conduct of other countries. He fully
concurred will him, that we should not dictase to
them how they should manage their internal affairs. —( Hear,
hear.) Let this country continue to exhibit that character
and he would never despair of England acquiring that influence
in other nations to which she was justly entitled, and which she
had a great right to claim. Other countries might pursue a
different course, and if any former Government had by its in-
termeddling interference departed from that dignified position,
their course was very clear, and he had no hesitation in saying
that it would conduce far more than any other to the per-
manent benefit of the country. Those countries who had in-
terfered had alleged, as their reason for doing so, their desire
that the best and most patriotic man should be selected as Minis-
ter. But if that. principle were to be admitted, where was the
proceeding to end? Every country, no matter how opposed
in interest, might claim the same privilege. He was, there-
fore, afraid that the principles contended for by the Noble
Lord were not exactly such as became the dignity of this
country. He did not wish for any English party.
He only wished fur such influence as this
country had a legitimate right to acquire. The
Noble Lord said that there never was a period when England
possessed less influence abroad. If the Noble Lord meant an
influence based on an intermeddling and active interference—
if he meant an influence acquired by an officious intrusion into
the internal management of the affairs of other nations, he
admitted at once that England had not that influence. But if
he meant that influence which England had a just right to ex-
pect, and which her exalted position among the nations of the
earth legitimately entitled her to have, he offered to the Noble
Lord a denial as distinct as his asseveration; and he would fol-
low the Noble Lord's example, and would allege no reasons
for that opinion.---( Laughter.) He would hold himself relieved,
therefore, from going into the subject further, and he would
now conclude by placing his asseveration against that of the
Noble Lord—( Loud laughter)—as he had produced no facts in
support of his statements.
The subject then dropped.
The House then went into Committee, and a vote of
20,0001. was agreed to for the sufferers by the late fire
at Quebec.
On the motion that the order of the day be read for bring-
ing up the report on the Joint-Stock Bank (Ireland and Scot-
land) Bill,
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER explained
that it was not his intention to proceed with the Bill, but he
was anxious to give this public notice, that he would 11.,1d him..
self at liberty to apply the principles of the Bill to any joint-
stock banks that might be established between the end of the
present session and the beginning of next session. He gave
this public notice, to prevent any injury that might be sus-
tai Ted by the ignorance of parties with regard to his intention.
He wished it, therefore, to be understood, that he reserved to
the Government the right to apply to any banks that might be
established any regulations that the Government might, in the
interim, consider necessary.
The further consideration of the report was then adjourned
till that day three months.
The reporton the Fees (Criminal Pr reee‘lings) Bill was then
brought ep and received.
The Real Property (No. I) Bill was read a third time and
passed, aid also the Assignment of Terms Bill.
The Silk Weavers Bill was read a second time.
The Naval Medical Supplemental Fund Society Bill was
read a third time and passed.
The House then adjourned, at Eight o'clock.

ADELAIDE GALLERY.—Yesterday the Indian
Prince Dwarkanauth Tagore, attended by Sir Robert and Lady
Burton, paid a visit to this establishment to witness in operation
the model of Pilbrow's Atmospheric Railway. His Highness
inspected the model with the utmo4 minuteness, and expressed
himself highly gratified with the ingenious invention of Mr.
Piihrow, who was himself present,
and explained to the illus..
trious visitor the nature of the mechanical construction of the
mode). The Prince visited also the other parts of the esta-
blishment, witnessing the various exhibitions going forward
at the time.

Mr. Murphy, the Mexican Minister, an] the Duke de
Sotomayor, Spanish Minister transacted business yes-
terday at the Foreign-office.

THE SUN, LONDON, SATURDAY EVENING, AUGUST 2, 1845.

GRAND JUNCTION RAILWAY.
THE ANNUAL MEETING.
(FROM OUR OWN REPORTER.)
LIVERPOOL, FRIDAY AFTERNOON.
This afternoon the annual general meeting of the Proprietors
of the above Company was held at the Cotton Sales-room in the
Exchange, in this town.
John Moss, Esti , Chairman of the Directors, took the chair.
The Secretary (Copt. IlufsH) then read the advertisement
by which the meeting had been ct.nvened ; after which he read
the report, from which it appeared that the income had been as
follows :
Coaching, carriages, horses, parcels, and
mails, including proportion of traffic from
the Manchester and Birmingham Com-
pany £151,199 6 10
Goods, including live stock, toll on coals, and
proportion of Manchester and Birmingham
traffic ...
Rents and interest

72,927 7 1
2,199 10 5

£22-3,326 4 4
That the Company hare conveyed 90,500 passengers and
25,090 tons of goods more than in the first six months of 1814:
That the es itense of conducting the traffic has been
96,6361. 15s. 101, leaving a net profit of 129,6891. Bs. 6d. on
the half-year, being 18,5681. 19s. 91 more than at the same

period last year:—
That fr•-,m the net i r.,fit of the half-year the Directors recom-
mend that the usual dividend of 5/. per share (21. 10s. having
already been paid f r the first quarter) be now declared, and
that the surplus of 15.7961. Is. 6d. he carried forward to the
Reserved Fund, or " Rest," which will thin amount to 45,473/.
Gs. 3d., and added to the Depreciation Fund, present a total

balance of 64,008/. tis. 101. :
That the company's working stock of every kind is in the
highest state of efficiency, and that they have been enabled to
meet the increased demands upon them without difficulty, or i❑
any degree impairing their character for spied and punctuality.
They have to report that they have entered into a contract with
the Lancaster and Carlisle Company to supply them with en-
gineA, carriages and waggons for a period of years, and they
consider that much benefit may arise to both companies front
this arrangement. In order to fulfil their engagements, it has
become necessary to make sovne additions (not of a very ex-
tensive character) to their naanutaetory at Crewe.

The report then proneeds—
The session of Parliament now closing has been one of un-

usual interest to all parties connected with railway undertakings.
The various projects affecting the Grand Junction Railway, re-
quired the unceasing attention of the Directors, and their
anxiety was increased by the adverse decisions of the Board of
Trade. It is with regret that the Directors refer to the
failure of their negotiations with the London and Birming-
ham Company ; they had not ceased to anticipate a
favourable issue, until all hope of adjustment was finally
dissipated by the unexpected union, in February last,
between the London and Birmingham, the Manchester and
Birmingham, the Trent Valley, and Churnet Valley Compa-
nies. With the Directors of iae Manchester and Birmingham
Company the Board was, at the time, on the most friendly
terms; they had no intimation of any intended change, nor of
the slightest dissatisfaction with their mutual arrangement ; an
arrangement which for eighteen months has had the effect of
transferring to the Manchester and Birmingham Company,
from the proceeds of the Grand Junction Line, a net annual sum
of from 12,0(101. to 15,0001., and investing that Board with the
entire control ark management of their own traffic over the
Grand Junction Line. The Direct ors offer no remarks on the
course adopted by the Manchester and Birmingham Board in
thus abruptly dis,oleing their friendly relations with the Grand
Junction. They thought then, and still think, that the agree-
ment was a most favourable one for the Manchester and Bir-
mingham Company; but as that Company entered into con-
tracts with other parties, altogether inconsistent with their
egreement, it only remained for the Directors to give them no-
tice that it would cease on the Ist of May last ; and acting
under advice. they are now taking the necessary legal measures
to establish their claim to their full mileage share of the traffic.
In the mean time, and till the question is decided, the differ-
ence, amounting to about 300/. a week, is not included in the
published statement of receipts.
In the Trent Valley Railway (now leased to the London
Company, at a dividend equal to that paid to their own Share-
holders), the Grand Junction Company holds stock to the
amount of 277,780/., and the Directors' attention was limited
to obtaining a clause in the Bill to secure to themselves the
power of using the line on reasonable terms. In this they suc-
ceeded. The Churn& Valley project Ares lost, Numerous
schemes have since made their appearance to supply its place;
whether any one of them may ultimately succeed is sot so se-
rious a question to the Grand Junction Company as might be
supposed. The trade between Manchester and the South has
always been greatly overestimated ; and in order to relieve
the minds of any proprietors who may have apprehensions on
the subject, it may be mentioned, that the total sum received
by the Grand Junction Company during the last half-year, for
traffic of all descriptions passing between any part of the Man-
chester and Birmingham line and London and Birmingham
line, including London and Manchester, falls short of 17,000/.,
or less than 8 per cent. of the income.
In order, however, to protect thernselyesaas far ,as possible
againstibe threatened attack on the East, it became necessary
for the Directors to seek an alliance in the South ; and the Com-
mittee of the House of Commons in their report on the Oxford,
Rugby, and Wolverhampton Railways, distinctly alludes to the
neces,ity of affording to the Grand Junction Company a fresh
inlet to London, and securing them against any forced abstrac-
tion of their traffic.
Upon the whole, therefore, on contrasting the position of
the Company at the commencement of the session with its pre-
sent prospects, the Directors consider that there is cause for
congratulation.
Having thus briefly reviewed the past, the Directors must
• now allude to their future intentions, so far as they are already
determined on. . _

One of the most important is the shortening of distance be-
tween Liverpool and Birmingham. Arrangements are com-
pleted with the Duke of Bridgewater's trustees, the Admi-
ralty, and the Conservators of the River, for crossing the
Mersey at Runcorn. A branch from this new line will pro-
ceed to Warrington, ao as to place that town on the direct hue
to Liverpool. A junction will also be made with the St.
Helen's Railway. In connexion with this extension, the
Directors have agreed to become interested in the formation of
a railway from Warrington to Stockport. It appeared to them
that these important towns were entitled to railway communi-
cation, and that the through traffic could be more efficiently
worked by means of a friendly alliance with the Grand Junc-
tion Company, than with any other party.
The proprietors are aware that the Potteries Branch Bill was
thrown out after passing the ordeal of the Committee of the
House of Commons. It is not the intention of the Directors to
renew the application, because the line, on a more extended
scale, has been merged in that of the Derby and Crewe Com-
pany. This scheme appears in every respect most eligible for
the district, and the Directors finding it warmly supported by
local influence, did not hesitate to contribute a portion of the
capital.
The " South Staffordshire " project, extending from a point
on the Midland Line, near Alrewas, passing through Lichfield,
crossing the Grand Junction Railway at Walsall, and proceed-
ing thence to Dudley, has recently been brought forward, sup-
ported by...an unusually strong local interest. It will open new
sources Lbf traffic to the Grand JunctjtontVitlaeut4lashing with
its interests; and having been invife& to johi-it, the Directors
have agreed to embark in it to the extent of one-fourth of the
proposed capital.
The aggregate of the above engagements is 600,000/.
With respect to the Shrewsbury and Grand Junction Rail-
way, the Directors are not at the present moment in a position
to speak ; but a communication will be made on the subject
shortly.
The Directors have observed with pleasure the rapid progress
made in the works of the Lancaster and Carlisle Railway, and
the probability of its being opened for traffic in the summer of
next year. By virtue of their interest in this Company, the
Grand Junction Company became entitled to an allotment of
2,500 shares in the York and Carlisle Company, and sander the
circumstances deemed it their duty to accept the sane.
They are also happy to remark, that the Caledonian Rail-
way, in which, as the Proprietors may. remember, the Grand
Junction Company holds 2,000 shares, has obtained a Bill.
The opening of this line, together with its various extensions
towards the north of Scotland, cannot fail to be productive of
essential benefit to the through traffic of the Grand Junction line.
It was intended to have proposed at the present meeting na
issue of new quarter shares ; but the terms of creation of the
stock cannot be determined upon until the Amalgamation Bill
is decided. Under these circumstances, a special meeting will
be called for the purpose, so soon as the session is over.
h e Proprietors have to elect three Directors, to supply the
places of Mesars. Gladstone and Sandbach, who retire by ro-
tation, and Mr. Rce,kell. who has resigned.
A vacancy having occurred during the half-year, by the re-
signation of Mr. John Cropper, it has been filled by the elec-
tion of Mr. P. M. Stewart, M.P. for Renfrewshire.
The CHAIRMAN then addressed the Proprietors, and said,
the report of the Grand Junction Directors, which has just
been read, places you so fully in possession of what has passed
during the last six months, so eventful to railway interests,
that on the present occasion I shall forbear troubling you with
further detail. This is the more desirable, because each suc-
ceeding month makes such extraordinary changes, that I feel
our Directors should be left freely to watch the interests com-
mitted to their charge, so as to be enabled to take such mea-
sures from time to time as the necessity of the case in their
judgment demands. If any Proprietor calls for information,
I will, as I have always done, endeavour to satisfy him. It
now becomes a duty I owe to you to inform you, that with
the close of the proceedings of this day, when my office of
Chairman of this Company ceases, I propose retiring
from that most honourable and important posi-
tion. The state of my health has compelled me
to announce to my colleagues. that I can no longer sustain
the mental and bodily exertion which the office of your chair-
man demands. I wished to have retired earlier, but remained
until now at their request. It is not my intention to vacate
my seat at the Board ; and after having received so many acts
of kindness from my colleagues on trying occasions, whoever
succeeds me may rely upon my desire to support him.—
( Cheers.) As a matter of record, I beg to state that we have
expended the sum of 2,600,00:3/., including calls on the rail-
ways, we leave shares in our property valued at the market
price of the day's worth ; 13,889 shares in the Trent Valley,
250,000/. ; 5,000 shares in the Lancaster and Carlisle Com-
pany, 275,000/. ; 2,0',.0 shares in the Caledonian, 10,0001.
Our land, works, and machinery at Crewe, have cost 130,3401. ;
our surplus capital, undivided, is 64,0001. ; our stock of
engines, carriages, and waggons, is worth 50,0001.,2 leaving
for stations, and a road of 104 miles, unincumbered with debts,
1,620,6601.—(Cheer5.) We were able to place 34,000/. the
last year to increase our reserved fund. Ido not shrink from
a comparison with any other railway. Your confidence has
always been most gratifying to me. The post of work-
ing Director must now, as it ought to do, devolve upon a
younger man ; but no one, I assure you, can be mors sincerely
or more anxiously alive to whatever promotes the interests of
our Grand Junction Railway. The Hon. Gentleman sat down
amidst loud cheers.
The report was then received and adopted, and a dividend
declared.
Messrs. Gilbert Winter, Charles Turner, and" Charles Law-
rence, were elected Directors.
Mr. L. MoseLv then, in a very feeling speech, proposed a
vote of thanks to the chairman, who briefly replied, and the
meeting separated.

In our arivertlsing columns it will Tn' seen Mr.
George Robins is about to transmogrify Brandeston Hall (near to
Woodbridiee) into its original state—that is, to renovate and
restore its original beauty in the st)le of our Queen Elizabeth,
and thus render this mansion what it claimed to be in days of
yore—meaning thereby to render it worthy the occupation of the
M.P. fur the county, or for the town of This is to he
done by tender, and, as Mr. It 's name is " ready money," there
will be no lack of applicants to have the first preference. It is to
be got ready so that a tenant may partake, in September, of the
advantag's of the manors, which are very extensive, lots of game
strictly preserved, and fie right of fishing in the river Deben,
which extends two miles through Mr. Robins's estate. Mr. Adair's
park and woods are in close alliance with the park of Brandeston
Hall,—lpswieh Express.

The Directors of the Bank of England have con-
tributed 100!. to the testimonial to Mr. Rowland Hill.

YOUNG ENGLAND.—Lor,I John Matint.rs and the
members of this qdrited. and well-intending party will be de-
lighted to find their views carried out by the liberal proprietor
of the Surrey Zool,,tzical Gardens, who. we see, propows to
give fetes oti the 4th and oth of August, illustrative of old
English games and spot ts, when the rising gen:ration will have
an oppoitnnity of witnessing many of those pastimes which
procured for this country the title of " Alerrie England."