Pthatto an 16turnitingo in Vartiournit.

PRINCIPAL BUSINESS or THE WEER, Hoe= oe Loans. Thursday, Feb. 10. Law-Reform ; Bills presented by Lord St. Leonarda—Government Measure.; Lord Derby's Questions.

.Friday, Feb. 11. Six-Mile Bridge; Questions by Lord Cardigan—French ihu- pire ; Lord Clanrkarde to move for Pagers, on Monday.

House OF Cowaoys. Thursday, Feb. 10. New Writ for Forfarshire ; Colonel Mettle, Surveyor-General of the Ordnance—Lord John Russell's Statement of Go- vernment Measures.

Friday, Feb. 11. Metropolitan Coal-dues ; Sir J. Shelley to move for Committee, on Monday—Mr. Disraeli to call attention to Sir C. Wood's speech at Halifax, on Monday.

TIXII- TABLA

The. Lords.

The Cismosens.

Hour of Hour of

Hoar of Hoar of

Meeting. Adjournment.

Meeting. Adjournment.

Thurstlay

5h . 6h 30ra 'Thursday tit .... 6h 151a

Friday

5b 6h 35m Friday 4h 6h Om

Pursuant to ad]'ournment, the Parliament reassembled on Thursday. In the House of Commons there was a pretty strong muster on the Mi- nisterial benches, but a thin attendance of the Opposition. The late Government was represented by Mr. Disraeli, Mr. Walpole, Sir John Pakington, Sir Fitzroy Kelly, and Mr. Forbes Mackenzie. Those of the present Government who have been reelected during the recess were sworn at the table, and took their places. Leave was then asked and obtained to bring in a shoal of private bills ; petitions were presented on various subjects ; and many notices of motion were given. These formal proceedings occupied nearly two hours.

GOVERNMENT MEASURES.

Lord JOHN Ruassim, in the following speech, then described the course which the Government intends to pursue in the selection and order of public business.

"Previous to laying on the table certain papers, it may be convenient to the House that I should state the course which her Majesty's Government think it fit to pursue with respect to those measures which they deem it ne- cessary should be brought forward in the early part of the session. In the first place, however, I may inform the House that it is not my intention, nor is it necessary, to make any statement with regard to the general principles and views of tier Majesty's Government ; a statement of that kind having al- ready been made by my noble friend at the head of her Majesty's Govern- ment m another place, and which statement I consider quite sufficient. What Lnow propose to do is, for the oonvenience of the House, to state the course

Sittings this Week, 2; Time, 3h 5m this Session, 27; — 31k 40m Sittings this Week, 2; Time, 4h 15m — this Session, 35; — 153143m

which the Government mean to pursue with respect to the measures which will form the principal business that will be brought forward for the con- sideration of the House during the present session.

"I. will stater therefore, that- her Majesty's Government intend, as soon as the Estimates can be prepared and delivered to honourable Members, to bring under the consideration of the House the various Estimates for the year. With respect to the Navy Estimates, Lhope on Friday sennight to be able to aak the Rome to resolve itself into a Committee to take those estimates into consideration. The Army and also the Ordnance Estimates will follow in the regular course. With regard to the number of men to be voted for the Army, the Navy, and the Ordnance, I beg to state that there will be no increase beyond the number voted before the Christmas holydays. (Cheers.) With respect to the amount in the various estimates, there will, undoubtedly, be found a considerable increase upon the Estimates of last year ; but when these matters shall be brought forward, such explanations will be given as I trust will prove satisfactory to the House. At all events, they will bring into discussion the reasons upon which those increased Estimates have been made.

" The measures which, besides these Estimates, we propose immediately to bring forward, are, in the first place, a bill to enable the Legislature of Ca- nada to dispose, with a due regard to the interests of the present holders, of the Clergy Reserves in Canada. (Cheers.) This measure had been proposed on the part of the Crown by my noble friend Earl Grey, when Secretary of State for the Colonies, and that proposal the present Government is prepared to carry into effect. The next subject which will be brought under the con- sideration of the House, will be mtroduced by my right honourable friend the President of the Board of Trade; who, in moving for the introduction of a pilotage bill, will state what are the views of her Majesty's Government with regard to the various other matters respecting the shipping interest of this country. (Cheers.) I shall at a very early period ask the House to resolve itself into a Committee of the whole House to take into consideration the removal of those disabilities which are now affecting her Majeoty's Jew- ish subjects. (Cheers.) The neat subject upon which I propose to make certain propositione to the House, but which I shall not do until the Esti- mates I have already alluded to have been oonsidered, is the important sub- ject of Education. I am not prepared to say that I am about to introduce, on the part of her Majesty's Government a very large plan on that subject; but I am about to make a proposal which will tend to great improvement!, and promote the cause of education. throughout the country. Education is now a subject which presses itself more and more upon the minds of all who consider the future destiny of this country, and which in every respect, whatever opinions we may entertain, or whatever plan we may think best, is a subject that must be considered one of the very highest importance. (Great cheering.) After we shall have stated what are the views which her Majesty's Government entertain on the subject of an educational measure for the poorer classes, either then, or shortly afterwards, we propose to state what is the course which her Majesty's Government intend to pursue, and what ie the proposition which they think should be made, with respect to the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, and the Commiesions of Inquiry into the state, discipline, studies, and revenues of therm Universities. An- other subject which has engaged the attention of Government is the state of education in Scotland : I am enabled to state, after conferring with the Lord Advocate of Scotland, that my learned friend will bring in a measure in the course of the present session upon that subject. " There is another question upon which the right honourable gentleman opposite, the late Secretary of State for the Colonies, has this night given notice of a motion—I mean the subject of transportation—which has not escaped the attention of her Majesty's Government. I need not now recur to the very important changes which have taken place in the Australian Co- lonies, and which have already been referred to in former debatete—changes both in respect to the constitution of government in those colonies, and in respect to the great improvements which have been made in them. I will at once say, that it having been decided by the late Government that trans- portation to Australia should cease, the present Government entirely adhere to that decision. It is the intention of her Majesty's Government, and I think wisely so, to adopt a course which has been rendered necessary by the changes I have just noticed. But it is. impossible not to perceive, that in putting an end to the system of transportation to the Australian Colonies, it is necessary to look most seriously to the question of secondary punishments. The late Lord Chancellor (Lord St. Leonardo) has, I believe, intimated his intention of introducing a bill in the other House of Parliament for the consolidation of the law upon the subject. I know not whether that noble and learned Lord intends to persevere with any measure of that description. I have always thought it would be necessary to make seine great change with respect to transportation. I do not, therefore, consider it would be wise or expedient to consolidate the present law in respect to secondary punishments, merely for two or three years, when the whole subject must necessarily come un- der consideration at the period when the question of transportation shall be fi- nally disposed of. I know not, I say again, what is the proposition which Lord St. Leonardo intends to make on this subject ; but I think her Majesty's Government will have a proposal to make with respect to the system of se- condary punishments. I may say, therefore, that the Government have already come to the determiaation to put an end to transportation to the Australian Colonies ; which determination will be carried into effect by the Secretary of State for the Home Department. Hereafter' when those vessels which are already about to sail with convicts shall have left this country, it is not intended to send any more vessels with convicts to Van Diemen's Land, or to any of the Australian Colonies. The determination which her Ma- jesty's Government have come to upon this subject gives additional import- anee to the other great question to which I have already alluded—I mean the education of the people ; because, in proposing measures to supersede the punishment of transportation, and in devising other means to deter men from crime, it becomes, if possible, the more necessary that we should im- plant in their minds motives aufticiehtly strong to induce them to avoid crime altogether. "Immediately after the Easter recess, or as soon as possible after that period, my right honourable friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will propose the financial statement for the year. That of course will be a very important subject, and will, no doubt, lead to a full discussion. I have no need, there- fore, at the present time to say anything with respect to the measures which my right honourable friend inteeds to introduce.

"The Lord Chancellor will state in a few days what are the measures he proposes to bringin for the improvement of the law, and more especially with regard to the tenure of land in Ireland. The whole House will, I am sure, feel that, after the severe distress which Ireland had to undergo a few years ago, and considering the prolongation of that distress, it is desirable that any measure we can introduce which can tend to the improvement of that country, and to the giving employment to its industrial population, should be adopted without hesitation or delay. The House of Commons be- fore Christmas resolved that two bills with regard to the law of landlord and tenant in Ireland should be referred to a Select Committee. It is the intention of the Chief Secretary for Ireland, who will take his seat in this House in a few days, to move the appointment of that Committee ; when he will endeavour so to constitute it that a measure shall be arrived at by which we hope this much- agitated question may be at length brought to a final settlement. Such,

then, are the measures which her Majesty's Government have at the pre- sent time determined to bring under the consideration of Parliament.

"There is one subject upon which I have no doubt .I am expected to say something,—I allude to the important subject of the amendment of the re- presentation of the people in Parliament. (Cries of "Haar!") ") My noble friend at the head of the Government has already stated that the amend- ment of the representation was a part of the measures which were in his contemplation. T beg the attention of the House while I say a few words with respect to this Question. In the years 1819 and 1850 and 1851 the Government over which r had the honour to preside considered this question, and hoped to be able to introduce &bill ou the subject. But the Government over which I presided shortly after dissolved. It was then reported that I had said I would introduce a more comprehensive measure than had been hitherto contemplated. That statement was utterly unfounded. I neither stated that I would bring in a more comprehensive measure, nor thatI would bring in any measure at all; What I stated was, that I was quite ready to consider the subject. Now, the question to be considered by the present Government was, whether it was their duty to propose that the subject of amending the representation should be thrown.aaide for the present session, in order that other pressing matters might. be legislated upon, or whether they should endeavour to effect a-renewal of" the Income-tar for the present year without any observation or. discussion whatever, in order that they might devote the whole of their time to that one. subject of Parliamentary Reform ? I need not say that it is impoasible to appoint. a time for the in- troduction of a Reform M. The subjectreQuires considerable preparation, if it be really intended to pass a measure that shall prevent for many years to come the necessity of again legislating upon it. Considering, therefore, the deliberations thatwould be necessary—considering the inquiries that would be requisite to perfect any measure that should have a permanent effect, her Majesty's Governmentare of opinion that the subject of amending the representation ought'not to be introduced in the present session of Par- liament. By acting in accordance with that opinion, I believe they are con- sulting both the public interest andthe ultimate success of the measure itself. I believe that if we were to give up the consideration of all other measures for the sake of devoting ourselves exclusively to this one subject of Reform, we should neither be consulting-the interest of the public nor the com- pleteness of the measure we are seeking to accomplish. I believe it would be far better that we should have further information and further deliberation on this important question ; that it would be advantageous to postpone settling it, even for a considerable time, rather than legis- late upon it prematurely and without sufficient preparation. I think, however, that immediately after the commencement of the next ses- sion of Parliament, it will be the imperative duty of" the Government to introduce a measure upon this important subject. (Cheers.) There is one thing further I will say before I resume my seat, and that is with respect to the comments which I am sorry to be compelled to admit have been too justly made in regard to the acts of bribery and corruption which prevailed at the last election. There are no means of Parliamentary representation however partial and limited—no defect in the distribution of the franchise, however unjust, which is so destructive of public virtue, or of the credit of our representative system, as these acts of bribery and corruption. (Loud cheering.) We are by Select Committees, with respect to many of these cases of alleged bribery and corruption, investigating the truth of the charges. I think it better, therefore, until those investigations shall have been made, and the Committees shall have reported to the House the extent of the evil, to defer giving an opinion as to whether any further measures may be ne- cessary to check bribery and corruption. Twill only say,. therefore, without pledging myself to any positive measure, that in my opinion the subject is one of the highest importance, and that if 'any, measure should be considered

necessary to cure the evil no e i ffort-shall be wanting on my part to effect it." (Cheers.)

Lord' John Russell then laid on the table the papera he alludedte.a1 the commencement of his speech.

Just when the House of Lords was about to adjourn, on the motion of the Earl of ABERDEEN, and when some of the Peers had left their seats, the Earl of DERBY rose to "put a question, or rather to make aremark," to the Premier. This "remark" occupies a good half-column of the Times report.

Although they were not commencing a session, he said, the circumstances of the occasion were such as rendered a statement of the intentions of the new Government expedient He did not propose to put any question in a hostile spirit, or to require a minute exposition of the Ministerial policy. Lord Aberdeen had indeed given what, " it might be presumed, was an ex- planation of his principles, just after he acceded to office" ; but that did not throw " any very clear light" on the subject, or enable those who heard it to form "any very probable conjecture" of the line of policy, which was to com- bine in joint action the members of a Government of whom heretofore seve- ral had entertained opinions so various the one from the other. Doubtless, measures are a more practical test than any "vague statements" made by a First Minister-of the Crown to Parliament ; but he would have been glad to hear from Lord Aberdeen—and still more glad had the question been ren- dered unnecessary—what are the particulartneasures which, this session, may most usefully be submitted to Parliament. [Here Lord Derby made a digres- sion on the subject of Law Reform; heartily hopingthat it "would not suffer from the transfer of the great seal to other hands."] He understood that a statement would be made in the other House, similar to what he wished to hear; "so that, by the breach of the privileges of the House, in permanent operation," they would tomorrow learn the intentions of the Government. "through the usual channels of information." But it would be "far more consistent with the practice of Parliament, and with what is due to their Lordships," that recourse to those channels should be rendered unnecessary. It was, besides, peculiarly important, because the early part of the session in the other House would be occupied with business not within the functions of their Lordships' House. Easter falls unusually early, and Ministers will command but few days before Easter for bringing forward any measures be- yond financial arrangements. On the other hand, their Lordships, in the valuable time at the earlier portion of the session' would be absolutely doing nothing. It was therefore highly important that statement should be laid before the Lords, in order that they might " at once judge practically as to the degree of confidence they might be enabled to place in the Government," and in order " to satisfy the country, not of the talent of the Cabinet—of that there is no doubt, for seldom has a Cabinet been formed with a larger amount of talent in its composition "—but that the talent will be usefully directed, and that Ministers, "whatever their previous differences of opinion," can now act together for the general good. If they bring forward measures which he and his friends can conscientiously approve, Ministers will not only meet with no opposition from them, but a cordial cooperation.

Before Lord Aberdeen could reply, Earl. FrrzwiLLIAer, sitting on the- cross-benches interposed ; saying, that under the circumstances, Lord Aberdeen might not only very pmdently, but very properly, postpone the satisfaction of Lord Derby's curiosity.

Lord ABERDEEN said, on the last day that Parliament met, he had stated the principles of the-Government, and given an outline of the sub- kids on which they would legislate ; and on the greater portion legisla- tion will take place without delay. Most of the measures determined on will originate in another place, and "it is not the practice to announce in this House measures which are to be brought forward in the House of Commons." As to Law Reform, the Lord Chancellor will state the in- tended measures on Monday ; and he will satisfy the House that "it is our purpose to apply ourselves earnestly to the work." If Lord Derby, "considering impartially and fairly the measures we shall propose, sees fit to give them his support, undoubtedly the labour will be materially facilitated. More than that I do not, of course, expect from the noble Earl."

Lord DERBY said that he had hoped for a more satisfactory reply. Bu4 limiting his question, he would ask Lord Aberdeen, what measures he intended to submit' to the House of Lords in the course of the session ?

After a brief pause, and obtaining no answer, Lord' DERBY continued --" Does silence mean no measures ?"

Lord ABERDEEN bowed, and made some short reply, which was not heard in the gallery. Limiting his question still further, Lord DERBY asked what measures would be introduced" in that HOuse ? But he still received no an- swer; and the House adjourned.

LAW RRPORM.

This aubject occupied a prominent and practical position in the first sitting of the House of Lords.

The LORD CHANCELLOR briefly gave notice, that on Monday next he will state the intentions of Government in respect of Legal Reform.

Lord Sr. LEONARDS subsequently presented several bills ; which were all read a first time. They all had reference to the subjects on which he addressed the House in November last : a Suitors in Chancery Relief Bill, intended to effect an improvement in the management of the funds under the care of the Accountant-General ; three bills on the subject of Lunacy, to lessen the expense of inquiries, to consolidate the laws re- lating to asylums, and to provide for the care and treatment of lunatics ; a Bankruptcy bill ; and the first of a series of bills for the Codification of the Criminal Law.

In reference to the Suitors Relief Bill, the LORD Csuaremzezt con- fessed that he had not yet mastered its details; and he hoped it would be allowed to lie on the table for some time, and be well considered. Lord CAMPBELL hailed with great satisfaction the first measure towards a digest of the Criminal Law; but it ought not to come into operation until the whole code be completed. Lord ST. LBONARDS announced his intention of moving for a Select Committee to consider all his bills.

Earlier in the evening, Lord CAMPBELL presented the rules and regu- lations which have been drawn up for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of the Common Law Procedure Act. Incidentally, he stated that the act had worked admirably, and had greatly improved the prac- tice of the superior. courts.

MISCELLANEOUS.

Various questions were put in the House of Commons to Lord John Russell and Lord Palmerston. We gather from the replies, that Govern- ment has no intention of bringing in a bill to abolish the Grand Jury system ; that Lord Palmerston has• been unable to frame a practical mea- sure for repressing the evils attending' the• betting-house system ; and that as soon as the report of the Commission has been put in, Govern- ment intend to make a " proposal" with respect to the Bec:lesiastical Courts.

Colonel Smvnoae, in his usual style of questioning, moved the House to laughter by asking whether Government intended to "proceed fur- ther' with the Ecclesiastical Titles Bill ? Lord JOHN RUSSELL observed that he did not understand the question. Colonel SIBTHORP repeated it, almost less intelligibly than before. Lord Jelin RUSSELL said—" There is no intention to make any proposition with respect to that bill." Co- lonel fhwrimire said, he should, on a future day, call attention to Lord John's "forfeited promises."