DIRECT RAILWAY TO PORTSMOUTH.—A very large public meeting was held the Beneficial Society’s-hall, Portsmouth, on Wednesday evening, for the purpose of considering the propriety of supporting the newly projected line of railway between Portsmouth and Guildford (33 miles in length), by which the distance between Portsmouth and London will be reduced from 96 miles to 72. The Mayor (J. C. Stigant, Esq.) presided, and on the platform were—J. B. Carter, Esq., M. P. for Winchester, G. Gillman, Esq., J. F. Pratt, Esq., T. E. Owen, Esq., and J. S. Sayers, Esq., justices of the peace; Captain Sir James Stirling, R.N., Francis Mowatt, Esq., Trotton-house, Petersfield, and many other gentlemen interested in Portsmouth and the district through which the proposed line is to run. In several able speeches which were made, the necessity of the proposed line was shown, both as regarded the interests and accommodation of the inhabitants of Portsmouth and the Isle ol Wight, and those of the rural district now quite devoid of all railway accommodation. It was also stated how materially important the line would be in national point of view, inasmuch as it will lessen very considerably the cost to the country for the conveyance of troops to Portsmouth for service In the garrison there, or for embarkation for foreign service; whilst in the event of war the saving of about an hour in the transmission of troops, seamen, stores, &c., from London to that important naval and military station, might prove of the greatest moment to the very stability the British empire. The various speakers gave explanations of the details of the project, and resolutions heartily approving of the line, and pledging the meeting to support every means in its power, were unanimously passed; a resolutions into effect, by carry these in favour of the line, and in any other mode that might be practicable. The town council of the borough of Portsmouth have also appointed a committee to support establishment of the line.