'Oar ilirobintts.

The nomination of candidates for the representation of Derby, vacant by the succession of Lord Duncannon to the Peerage, took place on Wednesday. The only candidates were theHonourable Frederick Leveson Gower, brother of Lord Granville, and Mr. M'Grath, a Chartist from London.

Mr. Gower, addressing the electors from the hustings, avowed himself a friend to civil and religions liberty. He detested bigotry, whether as displayed by Roman Catholics abroad, or by" No-Popery" Protestants at home. No one should be taxed for the support of another's religion. Although a member of the Church of England, he was opposed to the payment of church-rates by Dissenters. Be would oppose the payment of the Roman Catholic clergy out of national funds. He was a Free-trader, and would support the repeal of all taxes on articles of common necessity. He advocated shorter Parliaments, and the ballot. He could not go so far as universal suffrage: no doubt, many fit persons were denied the privilege of the franchise, but he considered that a certain degree of know- ledge was indispensable. Therefore he would enlighten the people. While sup- porting the Government plan of education, as the best that circumstances would admit, he would have preferred a purely- secular system.

Mr. M`Gmth also addressed the electors. He was especially bitter against the Whigs, who had given them the New Poor-law; and if returned, he would do all in his power to get rid of "that atrocious and accursed enactment." The five points of the Charter were then enlarged upon, with much vehemence and some ability. The show of hands was in favour of Mr. Gower; and a poll was de- manded for Mr. M'Grath; but as a certain necessary sum of 23E 108. foe fees was not forthcoming, the Mayor declared that no poll had been dia• mended, and that Mr. Gower, was duly elected.

Mr. Disraeli has made another long speech to the electors of Bucking- hamshire. On Saturday he attended a meeting at the Town-hall; the chair being occupied by Mr. P. Be; Chairman of the Buckingham Pro, tection Society; who introduced Mt. Disraeli in terms of eulogy. Mr. Disraeli retrod much of his former ground; but the novelty of his address lay in the Anti-Popery part of it. National Education brought him to the National Church, and from the National Church he passed to the ROD21131 Catholic Church— His name had been mixed up with a "No-Popery" placard without his sanc- tion. He repudiated the "No-Popery" cry, if merely used as a means of gaining the election; though he joined in it to the extent of refusing, "without reserve or equivocation, the public recognition or establishment of the Roman Catholic: Church." To prove his sincerity, he referred to the "infancy" of the present Parliament: "years ago," when he had no prejudices to flatter, he opposed a "too powerful Minister" by voting against an increased grant to Maynooth. He might have given a silent vote, and then have referred to the authentic divisions lists to show the sincerity of his professions; or he might have supported the in- crease, and got over the matter by a speech full of dexterous plausibilities which would have satisfied his constituents; and he could'haVe made a "triumphant speech." But, knowing that no Minister, "not evenicinwso full in the bloom of a false prosperity" as Sir Robert Peel, would have ventured to make so delicate a proposition without "some sinister ulterior designs," Mr. Disraeli came forward at a critical period of the debate, and placed the question before the House in its true light—" in a light as clear as foil sunlight.'" It could not be said that he had fashioned his opinions to gain their votes: My opinions are the consequence of the usual cultivation of my mind; and the political expressions which I use now are the political expressions of which I have ever availed myself" Under these circumstances, he could not believe other than that the electors-would sup- port him. A resolution of confidence in Mr. Disraeli was subsequently passed: On the same day, the Honourable C. C. Cavendish, the Liberal candi- date, dined with a large party of his supporters at Aylesbury. Mr. Caven dish made no avowal of his political opinions; contenting himself with briefly returning thanks. The other speeches were highly Whiggish; and the health of Lord John Russell awl her Majesty's Ministers was drunk with "unbounded applause."

Lord Brackley has issued a letter to the electoss of South Lancashire, withdrawing his claims to their support at the next election. "I do note" he says, "feel thyself justified in endeavouring to maintain, against the de- clared wishes and opinions of a considerable body of the constituency, pretensions which I cannot ground upon past service or personal ability."

A meeting of the committee recently formed for securing the return of Mr. Charles Villiers, was held on Monday, at Manchester. The com- mittee resolved to secure the return of Mr. Brown and Mr. Villiers; but, in consequence of Lord Brackley's retirement, to suspend their projected canvass for the present.

The Honourable Galthorpe Gough, heir-presumptive to. Loa Calthorple , and a Protectionist, has issued an address to the electors of North Staf- fordshire, in opposition to Mr. Edward Beller, the Liberal Member. Mr. George Cornewall Lewis, the Poor-law Commissioner, has addressed the electors of Hertfordshire, as a supporter of the Russell Administration, and of "progressive amelioration of our institutions." Ile regards the law of settlement and poor--removal as requiring immediate revision.

The Hampshire Independent contains a paragraph stating that the requi- sition to Lord Palmerston to stand for South Hampshire is receiving signa- tures from all classes of county voters, and that there is no doubt of his being returned without opposition.

The illness with which Mr. Saville Cline,' was seized at the Colchester meeting, this day fortnight, has resulted in his retirement from the field. Major Beresford has come forward to supply his place.

A portion of the Liberal electors have denounced Mr. Rebow as a Con- servative in disguise; declaring that they will abstain from voting unless some real Reformer should offer himself.

The Committee of the Bridgewater Branch Protestant Alliance have not allowed Mr. Bouverie to escape unchallenged. They repeat their question as to the endowment of the Roman Catholic clergy in Ireland. Mr. Bouverie answers, that as it would be worse than idle, under existing circumstances, to propose to Parliament any such endowment, he should now oppose such a proposition; but he declines to pledge himself under all circumstances to oppose a measure which some may call endowment; though he will pledge himself to do nothing that in his estimation is inju- rious to the Established Church. The Committee, not satisfied with this answer, next inquire whether or not Mr. Bouverie is opposed "on principle" to any such proposition which may be submitted to Parliament "at any peciod." Thus pressed, Mr. Bouverie declines to pledge himself that under some circumstances his decision may not be different from what it now is.

The previous replies from Mr. Acland and Mr. Dickinson have led to the adoption of the following resolutions by the committee- " That this committee deeply lament the sentiments avowed by Mr. Dickinson. "That while the committee acknowledge the courtesy of Mr. Acland's reply, they cannot conscientiously depart from the principles avowed by them in their printed objects."

At the invitation of "a considerable portion of the Senate" of Cambridge University, supporters of the Church of England, especially against the "corruption and usurpation" of the Romish Church, Lord Fielding has come forward as a candidate. He is strictly a "Conservative," and objects to Corn-law repeal; but above all things it is his "stern determination to act, by the help of God, solely and unflinchingly upon religious principles, rejecting all doctrine of expediency."

Sir Thomas Bernard Birch has issued an address to the electors of Liver- pool, as the Liberal candidate. He promises to strive for the completion of the work of free trade; and for the establishment of a system of moral, in- tellectual, and religious education.

Mr. Spooner's friends are up and stirring at Birmingham. His general committee has been organized; and it is understood that they propose to -" split" their votes, giving Mr. Mtuatz support. Mr. Mnntz still refuses to coalesce with Mr. Scholefield, who will thus have to fight the Conservative Member single-handed: It is said that a large party of the Liberal electors are unwilling to disturb Mr. Spooner at present, both because of his assi- duity as a Member, and because of its being, by reason of his advanced years, the last time that he will tender his services in Parliament. In answer to a requisition from Huddersfield, Mr. George Wilson, of Manchester, has stated that it is not his intention to go into Parliament at present.

Friends of Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton continue to canvass Lincoln city in his behalf.

Rolt, Q.C., a Liberal, has come forward as an " independent " can- didate for Stamford; opposing the Marquis of Exeter, and supporting the interest of a local railway project.

Mr. Benjamin Smith having retired from Norwich, Mr. S. M. Pete has issued his address to the electors as a candidate on Free-trade principles.

The vacancy at Lichfield, caused by the retirement of Mr. Mostyn, who stands for Flintshire, is expected to be supplied by Lord Anson, private Secretary to Lord Palmerston.

A new candidate has made his appearance at Aylesbury, in the person of Mr. J. P. Deering, of the Lee, near Wendover.

Lord. Charles Fitzroy has quite unexpectedly announced his retirement from-Bury St. Edmund's. Mr. E. H. Bunbury, son of Sir Henry, is in the field as a supporter of the present Ministry.

Disqualified for Idarylebone, Mr. David Salomans reverts to Maidstone. He tells the electors in his address, that he is opposed to religious endow- ments, and is favourable to free trade, a poor-law for Ireland, and the edu- cation of all classes.

The veteran Mr. Philpotts again comes forward for Gloucester. His ad- dress announces that he retains the same attachment to the cause of the people," and "to civil and religious liberty to the fullest extent."

Captain A'Coart has declared his intention of not coming forward to claim the second seat for Tamworth. Ile has no chance, it would appear, against Mr. William Yates Peel; who will probably be elected without op- position.

The representation of Stroud is sought by Mr. Samuel Baker. He is warmly attached to the Established Church, but would extend toleration in the widest form: he cannot, however' conform to the policy of granting national funds for the support of Maynooth College. He advocates ex- tension of education to all classes, but "not without the Bible." On "po- litical economy and commercial laws" he declines to commit himself: the recent changes have not been tested by experience.

Mr. Hearty Smith, who was killed by the collision at Wolverton station, was the weaver of the North Lancashire Steam Navigation Company, of Fleetwood.

The ructoest was resumed on Friday. The engine-driver, stoker, and the two guards of the train, described the journey to. Wolverton, and the disaster which occurred its the siding. They knew when the train left the main line for the siding, by the jerk winch occurred in mooing the points. The speed of the train had been reduced, so that it could have been pulled up at the station; but, from the wet state of the weather it was impossible to retard the motion sufficiently to prevent the collision in the aiding. The chief guard was asked, what would be the effect of. having six guards with breaks on a train? He replied, "It would be wonderfully great" stop,ping a train. Mr. Smith, Inspector of the Police of that district of railway, was on the spots few minutes after the accident He asked Policeman Fossey how it was he had turned the train into the siding? After a pause, Fossey said, " I don't know, Sir"; presently adding, "My watch deceived me." He asked the Inspector if any one was killed; and on Mr. Smith saying he did not know, Fossey exclaimed, " Well, if no lives are lost, you may transport me as soon as you like: send me out of the country at cure—that is just what I want." Some time after, he mid, "I thought it had been a goods-train; for the lights deceived me."The man's watch was found to be four minutes too slow: he had said it was fifteen minutes wrong. When Foamy made the excla- mations, he was much agitated, and apparently reckless. lie had turned another train into the siding very recently. On the 31st of May, at night, an excursion- tram was returning to Birmingham; Fossey changed the points, and the train entered the siding: but the night being light, a man stationed at the middle points perceived the error, and turned the train on to the main line again. On that occasion, the policeman said he had forgotten that an excursion-train was due, though he had received instructions respecting it.. For this negligence he was ordered to be fined a shilling and severely reprimanded. On the night of the 5th there was no luggage-train due or expected; and witness had never known an instance of a luggage-train and a mail-train arriving at the station within half an hour, or even within three quarters of an hour of each other. The prisoner, ORM he had been on the line, had been "an attentive, sober, diligent, and good man."

After other witnesses had been examined, the Station-master at Wolverton pat in a return proving that for the last month no luggage-trains or " empties" had arrived within three quarters of an hour of the mail-train.

The Coroner asked Captain Symonds, who attended from the Railway Board, whether he could throw out any suggestion by which a similar accident might be avoided in future? Captain Symonds bore testimony to the generally admirable management of the North-western line. After adverting to the immediate CAM of the accident, the alteration of the points, he urged the adoption of a number of breaks proportioned to the weight of the train; and stated, that in his report to the Commissioners of Railways he should be prepared to make a recommendation on the subject. He had been informed, that of the 6,000 persons employed by the company, 4,000 had a control more or less great over the lives of the public.; and he thought the very few accidents which had occurred on that line evinced the care with which they had been selected.

The inquiry was then adjourned to Tuesday.

On that day some more witnesses were examined; but their evidence did not throw any new light on the matter. The Jury deliberated for three hours, and then returned a verdict of "Manslaughter against Barnard Fossey"; attaching to it the following remarks—" The Jury feel it their duty to express, that the Company ought to be more particular in the selection of officers for a post of such importance to the safety of the public as the one lately occupied by Barnard Fossey: that Barnard Fossey, having turned a train into the same siding OR Monday the 31st of May contrary to the rules, ought to hare been dismissed im- mediately: and lastly, that every train should have a number of breaks and guards proportioned to the size and weight of the train; it appearing quite evident to the Jury, that had that precaution been taken, the tram might have been stopped, and the recent fatal and melancholy catastrophe avoided."

The inquiry respecting the fall of the railway bridge over the Dee at Chester was resumed on Wednesday. The evidence produced was adverse to the view of Mr. Stephenson, that a lateral blow had broken the iron girder. Mr. Temkin, son, a passenger, thought, from the sensations at the moment of the accident, that it did not result from a lateral blow, but from the breaking of the girder in con- sequence of the weight on it: he had heard no bumping to show that the tender was off the line. hi`Gregor, a man employed in the engineer's department , who was in the luggage-van, was positive that no vehicle was off the rails: he could see the whole length of the train just before the accident. Clayton, the engine-driver, was recalled; and he declared that if the tender had been off the rails he must have seen it. Thomas Jones, a Chester publican, said—" I was on the Grosvenor Bridge when I paw the train approach. On its passing over the bridge, near the Salteney side, I perceived a crack in the girder. It opened from the bottom. The engine had passed, and the tender was immediately over it. The engine went on, and I saw the tender jump up, and the carriages fell backwards through the bridge. The last carriage in the train caine first, and then the others fell." Mr. Tyrell thought the witness had a tolerable good sight: the Grosvenor Bridge was a quarter of a mile from the spot. Some of the Jury said it was not. The CO* roner, at the request of the Jury, ordered the distance to be measured. Other evidence tended to the same conclusion. Mr. H. Robertson, the engineer of the Shrewsbury and Chester Railway, considered that the bridge had broken from the weight of the train and the ballast laid on it. Though engineer to the line, he had no power to survey this bridge: a person sent by him had been prevented from inspecting the structure before the opening of-the railway. He had not been alarmed for its safety, though he did not approve of the principle of its construction.

At a subsequent period of the day, it was announced that the distance from the railway bridge to the Grosvenor Bridge was 690 yards. A very long report was then handed in by Captain Symonds and Mr. Walker, the Government officers, It did not give a decided opinion on the cause of the accident, though it presumed that the east-iron girder and the wrought-iron tension-rods, if not acting toge- ther, would be of insufficient strength to bear the weight of the bridge itself, the ballast, and the passing train. For perfect safety, the girders alone should have been of more than sufficient strength to resist the pressure to which the bridge was liable. The abutments were good, and did not contribute to the disaster. It was probable that it was caused by a lateral blow on the beam; the different probabilities are to be weighed against each other. Though not an agreeable task, the reporters had been compelled to regard the construction of the bridge as too weak.

After an hour's deliberation, the Jury returned a verdict equivalent to "Acci- dental death" with respect to the sufferers; but added remarks to this effect—. " We are unanimously of opinion, that the girder did not break from any lateral blow, or from any defect in the masonry, but from its being made of a strength insufficient to bear the pressure of quick trains passing over it. We feel that the

eleven remaining girders, having been cast from the same patters and of the same strength, are equally weak, and equally dangerous for quick passenger-trains." No girder bridge of so brittle and treacherous a metal as cast iron alone is safe for quirk or passenger-trains. There are, however, more than a hundred such bridges in MO on various railways: these appear to be unsafe. The Jury, there,. fare call on Government to institute an inquiry into the safety of such bridges.