In a field near Romsey, Lord Palmerston has been turning
the first sod of the Andover and Redbridge line, connecting the _great port of Hampshire with the coal-fields of Wales. In many respects the line is opposed to the principles which we have thought best for the distribution of railway property and juris- diction. It dovetails the broad gauge with the narrow, instead of permitting the South-Western district to be thoroughly served ;Jiy its own appropriate gauge. Nevertheless, the connexion is 'useful, and Lord Palmerston knew how to make the best of a hopeful scene with a pleasant and popular speech. Sir Robert Peel figured as the pioneer working man multiplying direct lines ; Lord Palmerston leads in the more modern duties of ex- tensions and connexions. The English people are becoming accustomed to see their Premier handling the spade and wheel- barrow as the head labourer.
