The Sun.
London, England, 1845-06-16 00:00:00

LITERATURE.

THE DISPUTED INHERITANCE.
By Grace Webster. 3 Yds.
In the introduction to this works the authoress ob-
serves, "In the present state of literature, when it has
become for the most part a mere mercantile speculation,
th 4 success of a work, irrespective of its merits, depends
on one of these three concomitants—a. catching title, an
althor's name known in the world of fashionable book-
making, or the author's ability to write for a party, and
ti fram,..:'is work in accordance with the dominant poli-
tical or ii•figious opinions of the times. The following
work is wholly destitute of these distinctions, and, I fear,
possesses no qualities of a higher and more substantial
kind to make up for the deficiency. But all I aim at is
to furnish an innocent hour's amusement to tho ;e whom
it is worth trying to amuse, in the intervals of time not
devoted to the serious business and occupations of life,"
To furnish "an innocent hour's amusement" is the
at o wed object of the uthoress, and in that she has every
chance of succeeding The " Disputed Inheritaace" is
not an historical nor a political novel; it dues not pro-
fess to inform or admonish, neither is it calcu-
lated to interest the romantic: its aim is to tonase—it
may win smiles when the mind is too pre-occupied for
graver thoughts, and will serve to make an idle hour
pass uleasantly. The scene is laid in the " far north,"
and the principal actors are the family of a Scottish
of the old school,
" On hospitable thoughts intent."
The plot is not very intricate, and there is little variety
of inGi tent; the chief attraction of the work consists
iii
its and animated style, which, adorned with many
a hum, rous anecdote, forms a striking contrast to the
tone of sickly sentiment that pervades so many of our
modern novels; and, if at times the expressions seem
wau!ing in dignity and refinement, we must pardon these
slight, tweets for the sake of the amusement rillbrdsal by
the Mingled with the lively discourses, which
forin the principal part of the work, we find many sen-
si idi as and thoughtful reflections. The last chapter
contains some remarks on criticism, and a brief sum-
mary of the great divisions of the " public;" among
ethers the following
The reading public is that portion of the community in
which an author is chiefly interested; but this we fear is a
elass rapidly dis4pearing; for when all the world shall have
authoes;a state to which mankind seems rapidly pro-
gressing. there will be no readers of books.
" In the fifteenth century, when ignorance and barbarism
had reached their height, there was a thorough contempt for
!earning, accompanied by the most blinded prejudices. In
those ages of profound ignorance and superstition, to possess
even the slightest knowledge of Greek or Hebrew, was ac-
connted worse than the sin of heresy, and a scholastic jargon
was in vogue more unintelligible than the bombast of luna-
tics. Society has long since emerged out of that chaos; but
two extremes produce the same effect. Extreme darkness
and extreme light equally blind the vision ; this age of boasted
intelligence, it is also to be feared, is an age of ignorance in
many respects, and may, for anything that we know, be cha-
racterised as such by future historians.
" Men are learned about many things which concern
them not. Literature seems to be on the decline. This is
the era of scrap-learning and cheap reading; classical learn-
ing is beginning to be despised; but like good birth it is
undervalued only by those who do not possess it.
" It is, however, the first symptom of the deterioration of
literature, like religion which begins to decay, and becomes
corrupt when men depart from its standards and funda-
mentals.
Men born in an enlightened age seem to think they will
partake of its enlightenment as a birth-right, without taking
the trouble of acquiring it. As every man born in a tree
country is by right a free man, so every one born in these
intellectual times thinks he is an intellectual person, and
therefore must not hide his talent, but must spread out his
knowledge to public view in legible letter-press which no-
body can mistake, though the inducements to authorship were
never fewer than at the present day. As a money-getting
scheme, it is almost hopeless, and as a means of acquiring
fame it is equally so. In a dull age some may excel or rise
above the general dulness; but in a clever, luminous age of
mediocrity there is no pre-eminence."

THE GUY'S BOAT CLUB.
A very excellent four-oarßd race was rowed on Friday
evening by the gentlemen of the Guy's Club, who were
numerously attended by other amateurs. The distance was
from Vauxhall to Putney, and the start took place about
seven o'clock.
Pink—Messrs. Thompson (I), Sealy (2), Lloyd (3),
Gruggen (stroke), Calloway (steerer).
Red—Messrs. Norris (I), Poland (2), .indkins (3), Cooper
(stroke), Forster (steerer).
Yellow—Messrs. Edwards (I), Evans (2), Hewitt (3),
Ainger (stroke), Celguin (steerer).
The Union kindly consented to act as umpire, and started
the crews, who went away very evenly. Red then slightly
led, followed by yellow ; pink, who had a disadvantage in
:station, being third. About the Belgrave Dock yellow went
ahead, and pink began to draw on red and passed them just.
above the Bad House. Yellow was steered into the right en
the Middlesex side, and, fouling Battersea-bridge in their
strenuous endeavours to retrieve their lost way, fouled the
pies and gave up the race. Pink went through Battersea-
bridge half a length in advance, and maintained it the whole
way, winning by half a length, but they were pressed.
throughout very gallantly by red, who decreased the (his-
tame ()fa length and a half, which the leading boat had za
Watubworth Point, most materially.

Frederick Peel, second son of Sir Robert
Bart., has just entered the Temple as a student.
CRICKET.—THE UNIVERSITY or OXFORD V. Tug
UNITERSATV or CAMBRDICE.—This match was resumed yesterday
at Lord's, by Mr. Moberley and Mr. Yonge appearing at the
wickets. The former gentleman, however, was quickly stumped
by the Hon. F. Grimston, when he had added one only to his score
of the previous day. Mr. Yonge increased his number by three,
and Mr. Ridding contributed twelve in gond style. The whole
innings amounted to ninety-six, thus putting Cambridge in for
fifty-one runs to win. The latter then went in, but lost four
good wickets ere they could be declared the victors, a position they
ultimately took with six wickets to spare.
:ButorrroN, JUNE 13.—The Bishop of Perry and
family, and Couet Louis de Holdy, arrived here by the Menai
steamer this afternoon, from Havre de Grace.
DEATH BY EXPERIMENTAL lIANGrNG.—On Friday
Mr. Baker held an inquest at the Fighting Cocks, St. John-street,
Bethnal green, on the body of George Smith, aged eighteen years
Mr. W. Smith, No. It, Oak.street, Brick-lane, shoemaker, deposed
that deceased was his son. He was in the employ of Mr. Morley,
pork butcher, of Hare-street, Bethnal-green. On Tuesday evening
last, deceased having been missed by his master, the latter sent
his daughter to the stables of a Mr. Cousins, In Hare.marsh,
where he kept his horse, to see if he was there. Deceased was
found suspended to one of the ratters by a leathern strap, or horse's
bellyband. Assistance was procured, and he was taken down, but
was quite dead. Witness had no idea that deceased had con-
templated suicide. Ile had been a schoolfellow and an acquaint.
ance of James Tapping, who was lately hanged at the Old Bailey
for the murder of Emma Whiter. He went to see him executed,
but had never made any allusion to the occurrence. Since that time
he had often amused himself by placing a handkerchief round
the necks of witness's younger children, and told them to make a
noise, "cluck, cluck," as if they were hanging. About a week
since a brother of deceased had discovered him suspended by the
same strap, as if he were trying an experiment. He remonstrated
with him upon his folly, and put the strap away. Witness further
stated that from the position in which he was found, with his feet
close to the ground, induced him to believe that deceased was merely
trying an experiment of the sensation produced by hanging, and
that unfortunately it had terminated fatally. The Jury expressed
themselves of the same opinion, but as there was no positive evi-
dence of the fact, under the direcion of the Coroner they returned
a verdict of " Found dead by hanging, but how or by what means
he became so hanged, there was no evidence to show."
CANNEL COAL.—It is not generally known that
hbbncit
Cannel coal can be employed in the fine arts, and that for the bases
marbleo fsta tu
andes, 0 plinths,ther f oasns
idl
substances
variety of other s
are
tuted at a less cost and with less difficulty in the cutting or
carving. A very elegant vase of this material, something in
u used, d purposes,
tiliirPscises fossil forcan b which
au la
ch
the shape of the well.known Warwick Vase, but flatter, and
partaking more of the Patera shape, has been lately cut out of
a block of Cannel coal, or rather " turned" out of the block
by means of the lathe, and the tools are similar tools to those
employed in the cutting of wood or brass. The artist is a Mr. J.
Dallaway, to whom it would be less than justice not to say that
he has produced a most elegant piece of work. The vase stands
on a fluted column of the same material. It has, we believe, been
shown to his Royal Highness Prince Albert, who has expressed
his satisfaction both with the design and the workmanship of the
artist. The polish, which the material of which it is composed re..
ceives with very little labour, is surprising—it :appears like the
finest Negro arnica. The block came from the estate of the Duke
of Norfolk, near Sheffield.
The Duke and Duchess of Leeds and suite left the
Clarendon Hotel on Friday, to join the distinguished circle about
to assemble on a visit to his Majesty the King of Holland, at the
Loo, in the Netherlands, where the annual sport of falconry will
shortly commence.
The Duke of Leinster has left town on his return
to Carton House, Maynooth, where the Duchess and family have
been residing during the Noble Duke's absence. His Grace came
expressly from Ireland to declare his approbation in the House of
Lords of the Government measure for the endowment of Maynooth.
LONDON PEACE SOCIETY.—Two lectures in expla-
nation and furtherance of the objects of this Society have just been
delivered by Mr. Jefferson, one of the secretaries; the one on.
the 10th inst., in St. John's Chapel, Walworth ; and the other on
the 11th, in Ebenezer Chapel, Old-Street-road. In both these
places a petition was adopted and signed by those present, praying
that such practical measures may be taken as shall insure
the insertion of a clause in all international treaties, binding
the parties to refer all disputes that may arise to arbitration, and to
abide by the decision of the arbitrators, without having any resort
to arms.
The cargo of Trinidad sugars, shipped on board the
Pacha by James Colquohoun, Esq., of London, one of the eiirectors
of the Irish Great Western Railway, consisting of 250 hhds., 90
tierces, and 51 barrels, were on Wednesday last brought under
hammer by Mr. James Fym, broker, at Galway. The attendance
of the trade was numerous, and the several lots, admirably selected,
brought remunerating prices, and the entire cargo was disposed of
in the course of two hours. This was the first importation of
sugars iirect from the West Indies into the port of Galway, the
Paclia having made the passage from Trinidad in the short space
of thirty.P.iree days.
VISITORS BY THE GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY TO
AscoT.—THL Cue DAY.--More passengers by upwards of 3,000
were conveyed from Paddington to Slough, en route to Ascot, on
Thursday last, than upon any former " Cup Day" since the open-
ing of the railway to that station, now some seven or eight years
ago. The first train which started from Paddington was at the
early hour of a quarter past four in the morning, and this conveyed
betweeil 200 arid 300 passengers. The trains continued to run,
only short intervals intervening, from that time until past one
o'clock. Up to twelve o'clock 7,850 passengers had left Paddington.
Baroness Talleyrand is expected to leave Mr. and
and Mrs. John Massey Stanley's in Berkeley-square, at the end of
the ensiling week, f r Paris.
SUSPECTED PARRICIDE.—The Carlisle Journal
sates that Mr. John Graham, an opulent turner, residing at
Kirk Andrew, has been taken into custody on a charge of
poisoning his wife and his father. The bodies have been ea-
hiuncd, and the circumstances attending the death of each ease
are at iresent under investigation before the coroner.

bill/RMAT!ON AGAINST THE POLICIL—The result
of the Government inquiry into the shooting of the poor man near
StrokestOwn is, that informations have been taken against the six
policemen concerned in the transaction ; and they have been held
to bail to stand their trial at our next assizes. The Government
by this act, evince a laudable disposition to punish delinquents, no
matter what situation they fill.—Roscommon Journal.

SALMON FISHING.—The take continues to be very
moderate, although the late rains have deepened the current of the
river, aria in ordinary seasons the salmon would have run up in
numbers from the sea. A very large trout, weighing 111 b., Was
caught on Saturday at the head of Moncrieffe 'lsland. It was a
finely formed fish, and could only have been discerned from a
salmon by experienced fishers.—Perthshire Courier.

RAILWAY COMMITTEES.
(SATURDAY.)

HOUSE OF COMMONS.
GROUP A.
SOUTH EASTERN (DOVER) LINE.

The Committee having met this morning at the hour agreed
on (twelve o'clock), the discussion on the subject of the admissi-
bility of evidence against the atmospheric principle, was resumed.
Mr. AUSTIN objected to this kind of evidence at great length.
Mr. LA.NGHAM, on the part of the North Kent line, objected to
the evidence on the ground that it would occupy more time than
was necessary. It was the intention of the South-Eastern Com-
pany to make every possible delay, in order to keep the Committee
engaged on this subject until Parliament should have adjourned,
and to bring their project forward next year as a Bill.
Mr. COCKBURN insisted on his right to enter Into the evidence.
After a discussion on this and other points, 4

The CHAIRMAN said that the Committee would not make any
resolution at present, but that Mr. Cockburn would proceed with the
examination of Mr. Bidders on the application of the principle.
Mr. AUSTIN—Then we shall be here till the Tower guns are
fired.—(A laugh.) _

. _ .
Mr. CocKnuaN said that he would not abuse the permission that
21 ad been granted him by the Committee.

Mr. Bidders then proceeded to state that he had examined the
line proposed by the London and Croydon Company, and had also
read the answers given by them to the questions asked by Mr.
Merrewether on the part of the South-Eastern line. It was his
opinion, founded on his own observations and on the statements of
the Company, that the proposed line was impracticable. The wit-
ness then proceeded to point out his reasons for this assertion, and
to describe several causes of retardation.

This part of the evidence depended entirely on mechanical
points connected with the atmospheric principle. The witness
also showed several reasons why sufficient speed could not be
obtained by the Croydon Company. He al,o stated that the danger
of collision on the proposed line would be much greater than the
danger on an ordinary railway, having a double tramway, as on the
latter a collision could only occur from one engine overtaking
.another, in which case the force of the collision Is only the predo-
minance of the speed of one engine over that of the other, while
the force of the collision of two engines meeting, which might
occur on a single line, would be equal to the united force of the
wo engines.

Mr. COCKBURN here observed, that he was treating this line as
an entire project, but that the Croydon Company had several
Bills, one for each part of their line.
Mr. Bidders then proceeded with evidence of a similar nature to
rChat already given, and also to several points connected with the
expense of the proposed London and Croydon line.
'

Mr. AUSTIN then cross-examined the witness at some length as
to a proposition and series of experiments made by him with
respect to the atmospheric railway some time ago.
The Committee were occupied with the evidence of Mr. Bidders
up to half-past three o'clock, at which hour they adjourned to
Monday at one o'clock.

GROUP K.
WYNDHAM AND DEREHAM LINE.

The Committee on the lines for accommodating these districts
resumed this morning at eleven, Viscount Sandon is the chair.
William Colman, examined by Mr. CALVERT—Is proprietor of
mills, both paper and flour, situate at Marlingford, about six or
seven miles from Norwich. Generally purchases his corn at Dere-
ham, grown by farmers in the neighbourhood, though he procures
large amounts of grain from other contiguous parishes. If the line
to Dereham were constructed, he should send his flour by it, both to
Norwich and Dereham ; the direct line would, therefore, be of the
ery greates t advantage to him and the other mills or factories in
its route, but the diverging line through Wyndham would be com-
paratively useless. His mills yield about 2,000 sacks of flour
weekly, though they are capable of manufacturing upwards of 3,000.
Cross-examined by Mr. ANDREWS, Q. C.—There are eight sacks
to a ton, and it generally costs about Bs. for the traction of a ton of
flour from the mills at Marlingford to Norwich ; the average price
of conveyance is, therefore, about Is. per sack.
Isaac Everett, examined by Mr. JAMES—Is owner of a farm a
few miles from Fakenham, and about eighteen miles from Norwich.
His farm comprises about 1,000 acres, and he grazes fifty or sixty
head of cattle. After the cattle are grazed they are sent to
London by water. There is a considerable traffic between Dere_
ham and Norwich, all of which would go upon the direct line to
Norwich, if constructed ; but the difference of distance on the cir-
cuitous route by Wyndham would deter many from sending their
goods by it, and he doubts whether the people of Fakenham would
ever make use of it at all.

Mr. Richard Doggitt—ls a resident of South Picken-
ham, and thinks Swaffham would be the nearest point
for him by which to reach any line connecting Dere.
ham and Norwich. At Lynn a discount of 5 per cent., with a
month's credit, is required for all grain sent for sale there. In the
neighbourhood of Swaffham flour is nearly 3d. a stone higher than
at Norwich, although the wheat is dearer, the absence of mills, and
the want of direct land carriage, creating the difference in the
price of flour. The construction of a line which would give a
ready and economical means of transit through Swaffham to Dere.
ham on the one hand, or Norwich on the other, would tend to
equalise the prices of flour in the districts between those towns.
Cross.examined by Mr. ANDREWS, Q.C.—The great difficulty
at present preventing the farmers about Swaffham from sending
their produce to Norwich, is the great expense and distance. Farms
about 700 acres of kindly land.
Mr. Wells and Mr. Arthur Morse, the former an extensive
farmer, and the latter a brewer, resident at Swaffham, gave similar
evidence as to their preference for the direct line ; but all their
testimony was but a bare repetition of that given by the several
vreceding witnesses, and was wholly divested of significance or
interest.

Mr. Samuel Locke and Mr. Spin&ld, residents of Norwich,
proved the feeling of that city to be in favour of the direct line.

Mr. Maine, examined by Mr. CALVERT—About 30,000 sheep
and 29,000 pigs pass between East Norfolk and Norwich annu-
ally. Has taken, in estimating the cost of the direct line, 164
a cres for 15 miles.

Mr. Wilde, examined by Mr. Awnazws—Has valued the da-
mage for severance and tenants' right on the principle of doubling
the value of the land, estimating the price at 355. per acre,
and calculating the cost for the occupation of fee-
simple property at something less than thirty shillings per acre
for thirty years' purchase. The land traversed by the line was
computed at 148 acres, besides 16 acres for termini, the whole 164
acres requiring a sum of 54,6001., or an average of 951. for com-
pensation.

The Committee at three o'clock adjourned till Monday neat.

GROUP Sz.i.

The Committee met this day at twelve o'clock, in room No. 13.
Members present—Lord Harry Vane, Chairman ; the Earl of
Listawel, the Earl of March, Mr. Hutt, and Mr. Briscoe. The
Committee proceeded with the opposed cl-uses in the
EREWASH VALLEY IZAILWAY.

The Committee were occupied for about two hours in discussing
the propriety of crossing the Erewash Canal by the means of bridges.
Mr. MACAULAY argued against the Committee's right to em.
power the railway company to cross the canal ; it would be
placing the canal company on a different footing from the other
landowners across the canal, who were required to be consenting
liarties to railways interfering with their property, whereas, by
empowering the promoters to construct bridges, was making the
lensent of the canal proprietors compulsory.
The CHAIRMAN thought the Committee had the right to give
sueh powers, inasmuch as the branches of the line would not be
of advantage to the Company, without being allowed to crosa
the canal.

The further consideraticn of the clause was postponed, and the
Ceramittee proceeded to consider the elevation of the bridges across
the canal from the trunk line.

The Committee, after agreeing that the bridges from the trunk
Jine should be at such a height as not to obstruct the navigation of
he canal, agreed to recommit the Bill, so as to adapt the preamble
to the case as it now stands, on the grounds relative to the branches,
which are disallOwed.

The Committee then adjourned till twelve o'clock on Monday.

GROUP X.

CAMBRIDGE AND LINCOLN RAILWAY.
The Committee having assembled this day at the usual hour,
Mr. Peacock was called, and deposed as to the general advan-
tages to be derived to the line of country through Which the Cam-
bridge and Lincoln line would pass, in conjunction with the
Witham and Forsdyke Navigation ; and therefore he conceived it
would be injurious that those,two water communications should
become incorporated with the London and York Railway scheme.
Mr. Reid Calthorp—ls a landowner at Swanshead Abbey, in Lin.
canshire, and also one of the Witham- Navigation Commissioners
for the second district, which occupies 22,000 acres, and also one
of the Block Sluice Commissioners, a navigation which occupies
44,000 acres; does not hold shares in either. There was a meeting
of the Commissioners of the former, at which the Cambridge and
Lincoln line was approved of; the Witham empties
itself into Boston through what was called the Grand Sluice. Was
decidedly of opinion that it would not be advantageous to have the
Navigation Commissioners to be connected with any railway com-
pany. Has had some trouble already by reason of such a junction
'with other railway companies, in deciding which it was had a right
to make certain repairs. The population of the parish of Swans-
bead was about 2,300, and that of the three other adjacent parishes
about 7,000 altogether. Always understood that it was a favourite
object with the Boston people to have a communication with Not-
tingham.
Mr. Edward Clementson, waggoner, of St. Ives, deposed that he
carried on a very large traffic to St. Ives, and through the imme-
diate surrounding districts, from London, of general merchandise ;
the projected Cambridge and Lincoln line by St. Ives would very
.much increase the traffic.
Mr. Harris deposed that he had a very extensive trade in bricks
at St. Ives, and consumed a. great quantity of coals. Could effect
a great saving in his manufacture, and increase his traffic very
much if the line were made. A material called " turf" was now
conveyed from St. Ives to London. The carriage now cost 6/. to
per 1,060. If the railway were made it would be sold at 7s. or
Bs. per 1,000
Mr. DARBY would be glad to know how the witness could account
for such a difference.
The witness said that at present the persons who conveyed
turf to London occupied about six or seven days in the journey,
and then had but a very precarious mode of disposing of it.
Here some specimens of the turf were produced, which created
some laughter.

Mr. Stevens, gardener, of Si. Ives, deposed that there were
from 1,500 to 1,000 acres of the country in the neighbourhood of
that town under cultivation as gardens, for the produce of vegetables
and fruit of all sorts, which he sent to London for sale. His trade
would be materially increased, and the expense of carriage lessened, if
• the proposed line were made. He produced a description of summer
pear, which was of a very perishable nature, and had often lost
- great quantities of them by the delay on the road. If they could
•be sent in one night this loss could not take place. The same ob-
• servations applied to other fruits and vegetables of an equally
.perishable nature.
Mr. B. Lyons, dealer in wool at St. Ives—Buys about 80 tons of
wool yearly, which he sends to Yorkshire; would send it by the
railway if it were made, and would save about 11. 14s. per ton in
the carriage by that mode of conveyance.
, Mr. T. Barlow, Director of the Bank of England at Ramsey—
His sons were in business also in that town ; the roads new leading
to it were not very good; the population was about 4,000.
"The proposed railway would very much facilitate the transit of the
gt ods in which his sons traded, as well as lessen the expense end
distance of conveyance.
Mr. James Thompson, farmer and cattle-salesman at Ramsey—
About 400 sheep and 40 beasts went, weekly from Ramsey to St.
Ives and London, half of which number witness himself sent. The
present cost of sending a beast to London from Ramsey was from
10s. to Is., and the journey occupiea from six to seven days.
',Mere was an additional expense of 3s. 6d. per head for selling.
Steep occupied ten days, and the cost was Is. 6d. per head.
Wittorme, corn merchant and farmer at Rams, y The
district about that town was remarkable for its agricultural produce.
f Lynn,great
The roads from that to tn, north and south, were very bad at
present. A railway between these two
pointstwhemtOdwna o be
of
advantage for tho transitof corn, particularly to
Wisbeach, and Cambridge. The journey from Ramsey to
Cambridge now occupied from three to four days. Often sustained
eat injury on the road, during winter, by reast a Of bad roads.
To the CHAIRMAN—.
was by a
The roads from the east g 0 Ramsey were
also very bad. From Ramsey to March the journey
narrow high way across the Fens.
Mr. Stafford, landowner at Ramsey—There is a great deal more
corn grown in the neighbourhood than is consumed there. There
are about 2,000 acres of wheat grown there in the year. The
,present modes of conveyance were very bad and inconvenient both
by land and water. The nearest way was by St. lees.
3dr. James Jones, land agent to Lord Hardwick,
Sir Henry
Vinton, and several others, represents between 30,000 and
4 14.000 acres in the neighbourhood of Ramsey. Had
be, .engaged as valuator under the Tithe Commutation
Act The proposed railroad would pass through a very
'e district, by which a great quantity of land would be
brow, .11.4. into an improved state of cultivation by drainage, &c.

June 7
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