12 FEBRUARY 1876, Page 2

Mr. Disraeli's reply was explicit and effective. In relation to

the first Fugitive-Slave Circular, he admitted his responsibility, although he had never seen it, but he was "not there to defend it for a moment." "The country has condoned the error, and I need not dwell upon it." The second Circular was prepared very care- fully, under the immediate superintendence of the Lord Chancellor, and represents the exact state of the law, so far as it is possible to embody it in such instructions. The necessity for a Circular arose out of the personal liability of our commanders for pecu- niary damages in the Courts of slave-holding countries where they have ventured to protect the slave against the master who had a proprietary interest in his services. A Commission would be useful to find out the state of the law in other countries on this subject, and to carry on or suggest negotiations for its modification. Also, the inquiry of an impartial Commission would satisfy the popular mind on a subject on which it is imperfectly informed, and not a little suspicious and excited.