Star.
London, England, 1831-04-22 00:00:00

N°. 13,765.

LOCOMOTIVE ENGINES.

We avail ourselves of the present opportunity (says the
Manchester Herald) to give some account of various im-
provements which have been made in the construction of
the locomotive engines on the railway. It is tolerably well
known that the engines, or locomotive carriages, used at
the opening of the railway, were each propelled by two
separate engines, the cylinders of which were placed on
the outside of the carriage, over the hind wheels, .and the
power was communicated to the fore wheels, by attach-
ing the connecting rod to a crank on the outside of each
wheel. Though the engines constructed in this manner
were found to be very much more effective than any that
had been previously in use, they still laboured under one
obvious defect, by which their power was considerably
im-
paired. As the two engines worked by alternate strokes, and
communicated power to the outsides of the carriage, each
stroke bad a tendency to move that side of the carriage
to which it was applied, at a quicker rate than the oppo-
site side ; and the alternate advancing of the two fore
wheels caused considerable unsteadiness of motion, which
entirely disappeared when the steam was shut off, and
the carriage allowed to proceed by its acquired velocity.
This unsteadiness may be detected by standing before or
behind one the old engines (particularly when it is in-
creasing its speed) and watching the chimney, which will
be seen to vibrate considerably from side to side. The
effect of this unsteady motion, is not only to impair the
durability of the machine, but to diminish its power very
'cupsidenbly, by causing the flinches of the wheels to rub
&Nast the sides of the rails.
In consequence of this defect, Mr. Stephenson, (we be
lieve, at the request of one of the directors) determined to
I try the effect of placing the cylinders beneath the boilers,
land communicating the power to the wheels by means of
two cranks on the axle, by which the tendency to twist the
carriage would be very greatly diminished. This plan was
reduced to practice in the construction of the Planet, and
its consequences were immediately apparent in the steadiness
of motion, and the very great working power of that engine.
We believe that it was estimated that her effective power
was nearly one-third greater than that of other engines of
equal airs, but made on the old principle ;—an increase
which might be partly ascribed to the position cf the cylin-
ders beneath the boiler, where they were much better pro-
tected from the effects of a cold wind, or of rain, by which
the temperature and pressure of the steam in the cylinders
of the old engines was, no doubt, at times considerably re-
duced.

But the improvement, important as it was, proved to be
only the forerunner of another, which will be found to be
still more important, especially on lines of railway, where it
may be found necessary to use inclined planes. It is well
known that the engines generally used on railways were
enabled to draw a load only by the adhesion to the rails
of the two wheels to which the moving power was at-
tached, and that, in particular states of the weather,
and in going up inclined planes at all times, Treat
difficulty was experienced from the slipping of those
wheels. It therefore became desirable that all the
wheels should be coupled together, in order that the ad-
hesion of the whole might be rendered available ; but
this could not bo effected without making them all of,
an equal size ; and that could not be done, so long as
r the cylinders were placed over the hind wheels. By placing'
them under the boiler, however, as in the Planet en-
gine, the difficulty was removed, and Mr. Stephenson deter-
mined to construct two large engines (the Sampson and Go-
, liah) having the fore and hind wheels of the same diameter,
and coupled together by connecting rods. These engines

The expectations which were entertained as to the work-
ing powers of these engines have been not merely
but greatly surpassed, by their performances in the con-
veyance of goods. The Sampson has repeatedly, withwit
any assistance, taken from 50 to 60 tons of goods up the
Hutton inclined plane (an elevation of one in ninety six) at
an average speed of about ten miles an hour—a performance
which was previously supposed to be quite beyond Coo
power of a locomotive engine, of any moderate or manage-
able size. But even these exploits have been complete'iy
thrown into the shade by some of those which have heel,
since performed.
It is perhaps necessary to state, that the Sampson has 14
inch cylinders, and weighs, with water in the boiler, a lifflo
more than eight tons.

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF LORDS. Aram 21.

The LORD CHANCELLOR presented a petition from 7.000 of
the inhabitants of Bethnal-green. in favour of reform ; also ten other
petitions from bombs in Scotland; also, ten others Iron; various places;
also. twenty-four others to the mme effect.
The Duke of tatISSEX presented a similar petition from the non-
resident mum of Redoeter at prescct rtsiding in London ; Oro ors
from the freeholders of Denbigh.
The Archbishop of YORK presented several petitions against negro
blavery.
Lord BERSSFORD promoted a petition from certain of the inha-
bitants of Benriekmn-Terestiepreying they may not be disfranchised.
The Duke of RICHMOND presence d petitions from Sussex for
reform.

The Duke of NORFOLK supported the petitions, sad preset.ted
several others to the same amt.
The Duke of WELLINGTON presented a petition from the
Mayor and others of Cork, against the Reform BilL The noble duke
said, be had heard with surprise and astonishment the Noble and
Learned Lord on the Woolsack say, that the measure of Reform had
restored tranquillity in Ireland. Such was not the true stare of the
public feeling in Ireland. The petition was from certain of the Pro
testant inhabitants of Cork, who were especially anxious that the Ito-
man Catholic 101. voters should not be enfranchised. The noble duke
supported the prtititso. by stating, if these persons were allowed to
vote throughout Ireland, the Established Church could no longer be
deemed in safety.
The Marquis of CLANRICARDE was at a loss to reconcile the
noble duke's present sentiments with those he entertained At the lime of
passing the Catholic Emancipation Bill, three years ago.
Lord FAKNHA ill agreed in every word uttered by the Noble Duke.
He challenged any noble Lord to stand up and prove that the Reform
Bill by giving vote.% to the 101. householders would not increase the
power of the Roman Catholic party. There existed in Ireland a strong
sensation against the continuance to the union, but it had not been mani-
fested lately; the reason was that the Roman Catholic priesthood hod
issued their ordtrs trot to agitate until the Reform Bill passed. 'frt.
mendous responsibility would rest with the Government for not resort.
ing to remedial measures. If the reports which had been circulated
that day were correct, heavy responsibility must result to those who had
given advice to dissolve Parliament without providing for the danger
which must arise. The Noble Lord concluded by observing that
he bad several petitions from Ireland, and that lie should take that
opportunity to present them. They were all against the proposed
measure of reform.

The Marquis of CLANRICARDE explaio4
Lord WHARNCLIFFR, alluding to what had been raid by the
noble lord (Farnham), respecting strange reports, row to ihe noble
earl (Grey) whether there was an intention to dissolve the Ream Per.
Bowen' ? He was desirous of putting the qescmion, br catise it was his
intention to submit a motion in case his 3lajeNty's goccntroesst were re-
solved upon that course of proeriding.
Karl GREY.—The question of the noble lord I fsel to be one 14 an
unusual nature, and it Wont the noble lord can hardly expect I will are.
ewer. Whatever his expectation may he, I shall decline giving any
answer. As to any swam= she outbid lord marra. to adopt it is for
him to act as he pleases.
Lord WH?SKNCLIFFE then gave notie: tint he should move t••
morrow an address to his Majesty, lmmlily beAevehing his ilaje.iy not
to exercise his prerogative of dissolving Parliament.
Sir A. Owe, and several members from the Commons, brought up
the Payment of Wages Bill, and two or three Road Bills.

TIADI TO INDIA.

11tEleittgaiii Of LANSDOWNE presented a petition from Like met-
shale sod oedema of Glasgow, praying for open trade to ladle, aid
the emeldhhenot of British settlers in that empire. The alibis marquis
said the pedals spoke the sentiments of all the commercial Waage of
Glasgow. The Rest India question was one of the highest political im.
Cral. Parliament had not only to legislate fur the press/ail 3.al
ptjiice
iness of this country, but the welfare and happiness of di AIM Of ill
of persons, placed by the hand of Dtvirta Prot, menet under the
guidance of the British nation. The noble marquis could give no opi-
nion at that time on the specific measure r ecessiay, but would recom-
mend the object of the petitioners to the serious consideration of their
lordships.
Lord ELLENBOROUGH said, the slues ion of free trade to Italia
must be treated as a question of finarce. When Prtrident of the Board
of Conuoul, by strict economy and retrenchment, he had saved eight
millions five hundnd thousand pounds annually, and he claimed the
merit of opening the way for free trade. It was only by char economy
that the country could be in a condition to open the trade. He
jured those wbo might have the charge of proposing the great question,
not to think of granting the boon, unless they could grant it without
calling on parliament tor the purpose of assistance. He made that on.
serration because he knew that assistance could not be given by Par-
liament, and that by precipitate measures the safety of that vast enlace
might be endangered.
Lord FARNIIA hi then presented nine or ten petitions front 110..tul
against the Reform Bill.
The Earl of WINCHILSKA, presenting a petition in &rout of.Hc.
form, toot the opportunity of stating, friendly as he was to the tinestion
of reform, that he could not consent to give to Ireland any system of
LI representation dangerous to the protestant establishment. He was
! happy to hear from the noble duke that political power had not been
given by the catholic claims hill to Ireland, still it appeared that he
population had been excited by a great political agitator, who, he had
expected, would have been amenable to the laws of his country.
The Duke of WELLINGTON did not wish to discuss the cathollt
question but be should contend that advantages bad accrual ender that
bill. His Grace had ever deprecated putting political power into die
hinds of the Roman Catholics of Ireland, and the catholic bill had en-
tainly taken that power out of the hands of the lower classes and priests,
who ought not to have political power.
Lord ELLENBOROUGH thought the Noble Bad ( Winchilssa)'
had acted consistently in supporting the principle of the Reform oil',
and rejecting any measure which might injure the church estahlishinest
in Ireknd. He himself, when be voted for Catholic emancipation,
understood that It was to be given as the means of preventing Wilber
encroadurients on the constitution. It was never expected that a mea-
sure would be so soon resorted to far changing the representation of
Ireland.

The Earl of CA RNARVON presented a petition horn New-
ret, in Wales, praying they may not be disfranchised The
, Noble Earl took the opportunity of pointing out what he con.
'Meted the defects of the Reform bill. It was in fact a jobbing
bill, to prowl some boroughs at the expenas of others. For
the rejection of such a bill it was said the Ministers intended to MGM.
mend the dissolution of Parliament, bat his hope was, that parliameat
would exist twenty-four hours longer. My noble friend shakes his
head (said the noble earl); but I cannot think his Majesty's ministers
would give that advice, fur in the present state of Ireland, be who would
dare to give that advice to his Sovereign, must have a fool's head on hie
@booklets, and a perverted heart in his bosom. My lords, in my opi-
nion it would be tantamnmt to advising the King to abdicate iiis
throne.

Burl
Grey rose imaisodiaiely Vert*. Noble Earn eaneirdliay sea-
lents, and led l the House.

TH Z TIMES JOII.IIWAL
On rite motion of Lord JUNO the order of the day for taking into
consideration the petition of :11e. Lawson, the hinter of the t Min
newsrat tr. sas then read by the clerk at the table.
Lord lit NO then rose and observed, that in consequence of the very
roper petition which had been presented to their lordships by tlr.
Lawnwo, he was of opinion there could be little difficulty in complying
with its prayer. He Crustal their lordships would not consider the pas
titioner contumacious in Taming to answer those questions put to hint
by the House when be was first placed at their lordships' bar ; for had
the person its custody answered those questions, be (Lord Burg) cools)
not help thiliktil that their lordships would have forted a still worse
opinion of the individual i t question. He therefore hoped that Ms.
LIMOS would be discharged without heavier punishing* Whig in.
Aland open hint. The oubk lord Men moved, that Jags Joseph gay,.
suit she rioter of the Thass, be brought to their laeaships' bat, Tati-
ana discharged, on payment of she natal feem
The I art of IL DON rose and addressed the beset, het (Molt the
confusion which prevailed et the time, and the yet y indiethicA mesa..
in which the noble earl quit, not a sentence was hood below do be;
by the esporten.

I
. I

114

rll.

The LORD CHANCELLOR rose and made a remark, to the
effect that one of the least enviable circumstances attached to the
Woolsack was, the close impri•nnment which attended the honour and
dignity of a stilt upon it; for his part, happy should he be if he could
occarienally go below the har even for a momentary relief.
The Marquis of LONDONDERRY hoped as strangers were al-
lowtd to be present yesterday during the debate, the same privilege
would be continued on the present occasion.
On the motion of the Earl of MANSFIELD strangers were or-
.;• rs d to withdraw, and their lordships remained in debate for upwards
I* ,•t hour and a half with closed doer*.
tto the re-admission of strangers, Mr. PULMANt the Yeoman
Usi.* r of the Mack Roil, appeared at the bar, having in his custody
Mr. Lawson. who was immediately placed at the bar.
The LORD CHANCELLOR then put on his bat, and said—
John Jost ph Lawson, the paragraph of which you have acknow.
tedged yourself to be the publisher, by the unanimous voice of this
thiose. has been declared to be a gross and scandalous libel on Ed-
tt,•:^d
Henry, Earl of Limerick, and also a gross breach of the pri-
r:l.•Ecs of the orders if this House, provided and recognised by the
country at large, and possessed by the house, not for the benefit or
aggrandisement of individual members, but for the better exe-
cution of the laws of the country : a strange thing indeed would
it be if the powers possessed by the other legislative house, and by every
court of record in the realm, should not also be possessed by the illus-
trious assembly which has the hi4hest judicial functions in the r:alm
to perform. No one who has read the scandalous publication of which
you have acknowledged yeutrelf to he the printer, but must agree that
it merits punishment--to the end that you do not commit any repetition
of it, and to the end that other persons be prevented in like manner:—
but the house mingling mercy with justice, and anxious to take into
consideration the circumstance of your having frankly confessed your-
self faulty as the printer of the paper in question, and having expressed
contrition for the offence, and considering also the apology you have
made to the noble lord, the subject of the attack, and to the house—
and that you have suffaed —though nut a long yet a close confinement
—the house is willing to temper judgment with mercy, and to be satis-
fied with reprimanding you as you are hereby reprimanded, for ycur
offence, and ordered to be discharged out of custody on payment of the
usual fees.
Mr. Lawson then bowed and retired, and the reprimand was ordered to
he entered on the journals of the house.