§ Order of the Day for the House to be put into Committee, read.
§ LORD REDESDALEsaid, that one of the provisions in reference to the purchase of the telegraphs sanctioned the payment of any sums voted by the shareholders as a recognition of special services; and it had been suggested that as directors could generally command the votes of a large number of the shareholders, they might by that provision secure to themselves the payment of sums voted under the head of special services. He thought the share- 1814 holders required some protection against abuse in this matter.
§ THE DUKE OF SOMERSETsaid, that the railway companies were only to be allowed under the Bill to use the telegraphic wires on the railway lines in connection with the working of their trains; but great inconvenience might arise if a person, on arriving at a railway station, found that his luggage had been left behind, and was not permitted to employ the telegraphic apparatus at the station to give directions for its transmission. He thought that the use of the railway lines ought to be permitted in some cases; for instance, where the Post Office telegraph was not near the station.
THE DUKE OF MONTROSEthought there would be no difficulty in carrying out the object desired by the noble Duke.
§ House in Committee; Bill reported, without Amendment; and to be read 3a To-morrow.