DIRECT LONDON AND PORTSMOUTH (ATMOSPHERIC) RAILWAY

     On Monday Mr. Talbot opened the case for the promoters of the Atmospheric Railway. The course of the proposed line, in the continuation of Croydon and Epsom railway, was through Leatherhead and the valley of the Mole to Dorking, and thence to Godalming, Haslemere, Petersfield, and Havant to Portsmouth. The learned counsel adverted to the grounds on which the inhabitants of Portsmouth and Portsea had opposed the Atmospheric Line; and stated that the South-Western Company has only come forward with their Guildford and Chichester scheme in self-defence. While speaking of the atmospheric principle the learned counsel was informed by the Chairman (Mr B. Denison) that the Committee admitted the practicability of that system, and that the question therefore would be its applicability to the line under consideration. Mr Talbot then proceeded to complain of the unfair mode adopted by the Board of Trade with regard to this line; and having concluded his address, he commenced the examination of witnesses in favour of the project.

     On Tuesday, Vice-Admiral Sir John Ommanney, Major Webb (Mayor of Portsmouth), and a variety of other influential persons, principally engaged in mercantile pursuits, gave evidence in favour of the Atmospheric Line.