&Mu nub purtritingo in Varlianant.

PRINCIPAL BUSINESS OF THE WEEK,

House OF Loans. Monday, April 11. Court of Chancery Buildings ; Lord Redes- dale's Question—Irish Mails ; Conversation on—Recreation Grounds Bill read a third time and passed—Indemnity Bill committed.

Tuesday. April 12. Thames Watermen Bill recommitted—Superannuation Bill read a second time—Municipal Electors Bill read a second time—Combination of Workmen Bill read a second time—Indemnity Bill read a third time.

Thursday, April 14. Superannuation Bill committed—Combination of Workmen Bill committed—Municipal Elections Bill committed—Thanks to the Government and Army of India ; Lord Derby's Motion—Appropriation Bill read a first time.

Friday, April 15. Red Sea Telegraph Bill withdrawn—Education in India; the :Duke of Argyll's Motion.

liortsz OF COXXONS. Monday, April 11. The Dissolution ; Lord Falmerston's Question—Railway Tickets Transfer Bill withdrawn—Appropriation Bill read a first time.

Tuesday. April 12. The Admiralty Scandal ; Sir Benjamin Hall's Statement and Sir John Pakington's Explanation—Appropriation Bill read a second time—The Ballot ; Mr. Berkeley's Motion negatived by 102 to 99. Wednesday, April 13. Appropriation Bill committed—Vexatious Indictment Bill withdrawn.

Thursday, Aprz114. Thanks to the Government and Army of India; Lord Stan- ley's Motion—Appropriation Bill read a third time and passed—Admission of the Jews; Mr. Walpole's Standing Order—Consolidation of the Law ; Sir Fitzroy Kelly's Mills read a first time.

Friday, April 15. Dissolution ; Mr. Disraeli's Reply to Lord Palmerston- ' Irish trials ; Mr. Whiteside's Defence—Indian Troops ; General Feel's Answer— Appointment of Magistrates ; Colonel Clifford's Question.

THE DISSOLUTION.

On the bringing up of a Ways and Means report, Lord PAruvriarosi asked whether Mr. Disraeli saw his way more clearly than he did last week as to the time when the dissolution would take place. Will the prorogation and dissolution take place on the same day, or will there be a considerable interval" between them ?

Mr. DISRAELI answered that it is not intended that a " considerable " period should elapsebetween the two events. The prorogation will take place next Tuesday; the dissolution will follow as soon as is consistent with decorum.

Sir GEORGE GREY said this was an enigmatical answer. Would Mr. Illsraeli be more explicit. No doubt his allusion to decorum referred to Good Friday. But if Parliament is prorogued on Tuesday, could it not be dissolved on Wednesday or Thursday. Mr. DISRAELI could see no cause for the rapid (or " rabid ") heat of Sir George Grey. The dissolution will take place, perhaps, in Passion Week, the precise day he would not name. Them will be such an in- terval between the prorogation and dissolution as the Government shall recognize to be a "proper interval."

THE ITALIA.N QUESTION.

Ministers had named Tuesday as the time when they would make, a statement on foreign affairs. Early in the week they postponed the statement until Friday. On Thursday Lord MALKESBURY and Mr. Pisarvir-both stated that it would be conducive to the public service . again to postpone the staternent--thia time until Monday, for which day ' it. is now fixed.

THANKS TO THE GOVERNMEFT AND ARMIES OF INDIA.

Thursday evening was set apart in both Houses of Parliament for the passing of resolutions -giving thanks to the Government and armies of - India. The resolutions, unanimously adopted in both Houses, were as follows-

' " That the thanks of this House be given to the Right Honourable Vis- count Canning, G.C.B. her Majesty's Viceroy and Governor-General of • India ; the Right HonLrable Lord Elphinstone, G.C.R, Governor of the Presidency of Bombay ; Sir John Laird Mair Lawrence. J3art., G.C.13., late Lieutenant-Governor of the Punjaub Sir Robert North Collie Hamilton, Bart. agent to the Governor-General in Central India ; Henry Bartle Ed- . ward Bait., Esq., Commissioner of Scinde ; Robert Montgomery, Esq., late

chief Commissioner in Oude—for the ability with which they have aeve- rally employed the resources at -their disposal for the reestablishment of peace in -her Majesty's Indian dominions.

"That the thanks of this House be given to General the Right Honour- able Lord Clyde, G.C.B. Commander-in-Chief in India; Lieutenant-Gene- ral Sir James Outram, Bait., G.C.B. • Major-General Sir Hugh Henry Rose, • ; Major-General Henry Gee itoberts ; Major-General George Cornish Whitlock; Major-General Sir Archdale Wilson, Bart. K.C.B. Major-

General Sir James Hope Grant, K.C.B. Major-General Sir William Rose Mansfield, K.C.B.; Major-General Sir 'Thomas Harts Franks, K.C.B.; 'Major-General Sir Edward Lugard, K.C.B. ,• Major General Sir John Michel, ; Brigadier-General Robert Walpole 0.13.; Brigadier-General Sir Robert Napier, K.C.B.,—for the eminent ACM, courage, and perseverance displayed by them during the military operations by which the late insur- rection in India has been effectually suppressed."

"That the thanks of this House be given to the other gallant officers of her Majesty's army and navy ; and also of her Majesty's Indian forces, for the intrepidity, zeal, and endurance evinced by them in the arduous operations of the late Ilsn campaign.

"That this House doth highly approve and acknowledge the valour, self- devotion, and brilliant services of the non-commissioned officers and private soldiers, both European and native, and of the seamen and marines, who • have taken part in the suppression of the recent disturbances in India ; and that the same be signified to them by the commanders of their several corps, who are desired to thank them for their gallant behaviour."

Ill the House of Lords, the Earl of DEnitir moved and Earl Gitravvrus seconded the resolutions. They were moved in the House of Commons

by Lord STANLEY and seoonded by Lord PAIMBESTON. The speeches were evidently concerted, and were substantially the same ; but Lord Derby's language and manlier were more hearty-than those of his son. One summary will do for both. The revolt has been suppressed. Lord Clyde has said, " In my expe- rience, I have never known India to be more quiet than it is now.' Lord Derby had delayed proposing these I/IRA'S until he had certain in- formation that the war was at an end. Lord Clyde has felt himself war- ranted in retiring to Simla to recruit his strength. Starting from this basis, "the Ministers took the names as they appear in the resolution, giv- ing the highest praise to Lord Canning, who is to be made an Earl, Lord Elphinstone, who is to be made an English Peer, Sir John Lawrence, Mr. Bartle Frere, and Mr. Robert Montgomery, who are to be Knights Commanders of the Bath, and Sir Robert Hamilton, who kept Central India in hand. In like manner he dealt with Lord Clyde and the other illustrious officers whose names are in the resolution, dwelling particu- larly on the services of the Commander-in-chief; Sir William Mansfield, to whom Lord Clyde owes so much ; Sir Hope Grant, whose name has been oftener in despatches than any other Sir Hugh Rose, who says of his troops that they "marched 1084 miles, took upwards of 160 pieces of artillery, took one intrenched camp, one fortified city, one partly in. trenched town fought sixteen successful actions captured twenty forts, and never sudained a check" ; Sir James Out4tm, whose name is per- fectly well known' Sir Thomas Franks, who succeeded in surpassing Native troops in that in which they are preeminent--rapidity and secrecy of movement, and who won three combats in three days; Sir Robert Napier' "a name that has an hereditary claim on the honours, not only on this country but on India " ; and Sir John Michell, [whose marches, as the Duke of CAMBRIDGE said, are not to be reckoned by hundreds but thousands of miles.]

Some names are omitted from the votes. Those of the illustrious dead, because there is no precedent for mentioning them. Those of Lord Har- ris and Sir Patrick Grant, because although they did their duty, they did no more having no opportunity for display. Due praise was given to Sir John. Jacob, Sir William Peel and Major Hodson, but they have died for their country and find no place in Parliamentary records. Reference was also made to the great services of Brigadier John Jones, conspicuous at Delhi and in Roldlcund ; and in subsequent remarks the Duke of Cambridge added the names of Brigadier Showers, Brigadier Barker, Brigadier Horsford, and Sir Sidney Cotton. Ministers in conclusion said that their duty would be to restore, esta- blish, and confirm the blessings of good government in India.

In the House of Lords Earl GRANVILLE added his praises to those of Lord Derby, emphatically marking the recognition of Lord Canning by the Government. The Duke of CAMBRIDGE joined in the general eulo- gium—making also this apt observation that the [latest] Indian campaign is remarkable not so much for hard fighting as for great combinations. In making them Sir William Mansfield gave such great assistance as Chief of the Staff. The Earl of ELLENBOROUGH complained that there had not been separate votes for Lord Canning and Lord Clyde. He also called attention to the merits of the troops ; and made these indiscreet allusions-

" There is nothing in ancient or modern history so astonishing as that

• -which has been effected by that army during the last eighteen months. Thank God we have swill an army. When the several military Powers of Europe are bringing together their forces, I fear for the purpose of measur- ing their strength upon the field of -battle, it is satisfactory for us to know that We have the materials for forming an army which can face any of theirs with the actual certainty of success. (Cheaters.) Would to God one-half of the army now in India were encamped at Aldershott ! It would make the work of my noble friend the Secretary for Foreign Affairs at the Congress easy to do.' Lord GOUGH and the Earl of Airasz2WART,P spoke warmly in favour of Lord Clyde the latter recalling to mind his services in the Peninsula and other pieta of the world. In the House of Commons Lord Prtmansrox congratulates his Go- vernment upon having selected Lord Canning, Lord Clyde and Sir 1111111h Row- Lord JouN RoakinL-pointed out an omission—Lord Stan- Jay had said nothing about the.fidelity of Holkar, the .Nizam and other Native Princes. Mr. VERNON SMITH and Colonel NORTH thought that the name of Sir Patrick Grant should have been included in the reso- lution. Mr. VA.NSITTART was of opinion that mention should have been made.of the services of the Pasha of Egypt. General CODRUCGTON said a few words on behalf of Major General Johnstone' and General Windham, two of our unfortunate couunstriders. Colonel Sykes, as an old See0Y officer, claimed some praise for the Native regimen* of Bombay and Ma- dras, as engaged in suppressing the mutiny.

Tux RESIGNATIONS AT THE ADMIRALTY.

On the motion for the second reading of the Appropriation Bill, Sir -BENJAMIN Hem, asked Sir John Pakington if he would state why Cap- tain Carnegie had resigned his seat as a Lord of the Admiralty, and -whether Sir Richard Dundas, another Lord, had resigned. This ques- tion had reference to current stories respecting transactions at the Ad- miralty which had furnished food for scandal. Sir Benjamin stated the

• facts as reported. Sir. Richard Dundas was sent for and asked to stand forDover, he declined, and being pressed, tendered his resignation. • Captain darnegie was next sent for. Ile too was asked to stand for Dover, but hearing that he would have little chance, he tendered his re-

signation solely in consequence of a difference of opinion with Sir John Pakington as to the place he could hope to represent. Sir John sent for Sir William Hoste and paraded Dover before him, but he declined to stand for that place, and so he is not a Lord of the Admiralty. Admiral Mundy was sent for, but he would notgo to Dover at any price. Sir Henry Leeke was sent for, and sent to Devonport where he had near connexions among them one of the largest contractors in the country. But Sir Henry was disappointed. He heard that the dockyard labourers would not vote for a Government which had proposed to disfranchise them all. But Sir Benjamin Hall wished to know whether, on Saturday last, Sir Henry Locke had not promised the outfitters at Devonport that, if he were elected, "Devonport should have a share of the cadets, and other perquisites now monopolized by Portsmouth." From Devonport Sir Henry was sent down to Dover as a Lord of the Admiralty.

Sir Benjamin Hell wished also to be informed whether Admiral Mar-

tin, another naval Lord, had not resigned, and whether .Admiral Dundee and Admiral Martin had not been induced to remain ? Sir Benjamin made the most of the political aspect of the case, and dwelt strongly on these transactions at a time when, perhaps, we are.on the eve of a war.

Sir Jorot PAHINGTON, questioning the propriety of the course taken by Sir Benjamin Hall, waived that point and gave an explanation. He

pictured himself as suffering from great inconvenience in nothaving a fessional Lord of the Admiralty at his elbow in that House, to assist iit,e0orpooieg with Lord Clarence Paget and Sir Charles Napier. • All Sir John's predecessors have had naval assistants in that House ; he alone laboured under the disadvantage of their absence. When Captain Carnegie was appointed, he undertook to enter Parliament when required • to do 'so for any fairly eligible seat. When the Government advised a• dissolution, Captain Carnegie was reminded of his undertaking ; he hesitated, took time to consider, broke his engagement, and resigned at • the eleventh hour—a course that did not compensate for the breach of an honourable undertaking. Sir John would not say to what officers he hadeftred the vacant seat. He next asked Admiral Dundee to enter Parliament, bat he declined, and tendered his resignation, admitting, at the same time, that it was desirable Sir John•should'he assisted in Par- liament by a naval Lord. He was desirous to accept the handsome offer of Admiral Dundee, but circumstances occurred a few days ago which made it desirable that the services of Admiral Dandies should not be dispensed with, and he still remains a Lord of the Admiraity. Sir John ,admitted that Captain Carnegie's seat has been filledby Sir Horny Leeke. Sir John knew nothing of the " cadets " and "perquisites" promisectto - the Devonport ont-litters. If Sir Henry Leeke used the language attri- buted to him he did so without authority. Neither had Sir Jehn any knowledge why Sir Henry Leeke had left Devonport and gone to Dover. As to the third Lord, Admiral Martin, Sir John had had no conversation with him- on Parliamentary matters.

Mr. OSBORNE asked Sir John what reason he had to suppose that Dover is a Government borough. Sir John-had forced Captain Macilwain, in- spector of packets, to retire, and had appointed the brother of a Devonport election agent,. inspector. [Sir John denied that he had forced Captain Macilwain to retire.] Mr. Osborne said-Sir John had a aingularly short memory at this period of election. "The right honourable gentleman has affected not to know what was the ' telegram which came from Devonport relating-to the promises held out by Sir Henry Leeke. Let me instruct the House upon a point which the First - Lord should know. What is this monopoly of cadets, which he affects not - to understand?—and I believe him. (laughter.) He has told us that so ignorant lake of the details of the Admualtythat he has been wanting a dry nurse in the shape of a Naval Lord to help him in this House ever since he has been in office. (Cheers and cries of "Oh 1") It so happens -that when Sir Henry Itarke went to canvass Davenport, where he has a son-in-law a contractor in the dockyard,—and let the House remember that we don'tknow what-the contract with Sir -Henry Locke was—he held out to the outfitters there that if they would bring about his return for Devonport he would use his influence with the First Lord to get the examinations for naval cadets, which are now held at Portsmoth, and which bring a good deal of trade to that town,ao be carried on exclusively at Devonport. That is the explanation of the telegram ;. and however the right honourable gentleman may affect ignorance there IS no man in Devonport who does not understand what is the meaning of it. But it seems now that -Sir Henry Leeke has left Devonport and gone to Dover. (Laughter.) Well, I don't think he will thank the First Lord for giving him this roving commission, but as to that gallant officer himself the country has some right to complain. That gallant officer had not served his time as an active officer, but what did the right honourable gentleman do when he wanted an electioneering agent in the shape of an Admiral ? Why, he put him upon the active list. ("Hear, hear 1" and" Oh, oh 1") Well, has he served his time ? I appeal ' to every one whether it is not an unexampled circumstance for an officer like Sir. Henry'Leeke to be put upon the active list at-the age-of seventy. Why is he-put upon the active list a Is it that he may go to Devonport and Do- ver, or for what other service?" Mr. Osborne said the Admiralty could not remain as it is, and he should vote for an-inquiry into the constitution of the 'Board.

Mr. DISRAELI endeavoured to pour oil on the-waters -of strife. The Board of Admiralty should be professionally represented in that House, . so should all the departments. The Government had long suffered from the want of a naval representative, and had long considered how-to find a remedy. As to Captain. Carnegie he had told Mr. Disraeli. that he looked forward to the time when he could assist him in the House. He - took office on -the understanding that he should: enter Parliament. Mr. Disraeli entreated the House not to be led by party feelings to sanction • the principle,. that it is not expedient that the public service.of the Ad- miralty should be represented in this House by professional gentlemen. ' Mr. Osborne asks why Dover is considered a Government borough.

Well, it is a port, and gentlemen connected with the Admiralty have a chance there. It has electeda Secretary of the Adinimity,.and a fortiori it.may elect a Lord of the Admiralty. "Now, I am. not personally acquainted with Sir Henry Lecke; but I

have always-heard him spoken of as a very distinguished man who had gaped laurels in the Persian Sea. I once saw him, and he did not give me the idea of a gentleman of seventy. One thing must be admitted ; he has shown great activity in his present capacity. (Laughter.) A gentle- man who has been at Devonport, and on the same day finds himself at Dover, does not, it appears to me betoken any great degree of decrepitude. (Renewed laughter and cheers.) 'All I can say, is that if Sir H. Leeke re- present Dover in the next Parliament, and the honourable gentleman the present Member do not, I sincerely hope, the honourable gentleman will find another seat."

Sir GEORGE GREY hoped Sir John Pakington would withdraw the in- sinuation he had made against Captain Carnegie. Admiral NAPIEa re- gretted that seats at the Board should be jobbed on the eve of a war. Sir ERSKINE PERRY said that the promises made by Sir Henry Leeke to the electors of Devonport showed the desperate game which the Govern- ment were playing, andhe had no hesitation in saying that the explana- tion of the First Lord would entirely fail to satisfy the country. Mr. DUNCOKBE said that that House was instituted for the purpose of repre-

senting the people but now they were deliberately told by the First Lord of the Admiralty that it was necessary that the Board of Admiralty should.be represented there. This lively conversation dropped, and the Appropriation Bill WEE read a second time.

THE BALLOT.

The annual ballot debate in the House of Commons took place on Tuesday. In substance, as a matter of course, it was vastly like the

1 I

ballot debates of the last ten years ; but it brought out two prominent speakers and confirmed their positions before the public.

Mr. BERKELEY moved, as usual, for leave to bring in a bill to cause the votes of Parliamentary electors to be taken by way of ballot The motion was seconded by Sir TORN SHELLEY. MT. SOTHERON ESTOUDRT, who answered for the Government, taunted Lord John Russell, and Sir James Graham with having shown that they are not insensible to the arguments in favour of the ballot; defined Mr. Berkeley's speech as con- sisting rather of squibs and crackers than of arguments ; and declining to enter on a full discussion, called on the House to reject the motion. Sir RICHARD BETHELL made an argumentative speech, showing that while secret voting is not unconstitutional, the law does set forth that an elector should give his vote " freely " and "indifferently." The elector, how- ever, is intimidated, and the ballot would give effect to the constitutional principle, and enable him to vote freely. Sir Richard also contended that the vote is not st trust, and that therefore the non-electors have no right to call the electors to account, or to know how they vote. In-an- swer to this Lord Joan R-usszaa showed that publicity, not secrecy, is the usual rule and practice of this free Government. But while he admitted that publicity pervades the state, and that it is desirable to preserve it, he also admitted that he had modified his opinion respecting the working of the ballot, and that he does not now believe it would lead to those mis- chievous consequences which he formerly thought must flow from its adoption. Such is the character of the English people that the ballot would make little inroad upon their free and open habits. Our freedom depends upon the feeling of independence.

"These views will incline me to oppose this motion ; but if at any time , hereafter it should be carried I shall not believe that any very great public injury will flow from it, because I think that in this country declaration of opinion is so much our habit, and our public liberties are so established, that no mechanical contrivance of this sort can seriously injure them. I have.never heard of any example of a country where the ballot , did good, and I am afraid that in this country the balance of advantages would be against it."

Lord PALMERWTON described Sir Richard Bethell's speech as "a tissue of refined fallacies." The statutes he quoted referred to a different state of things, and the use he made of the word " trust " was only in it Chancery meaning. Thus he disposed of the speech of his honourable and learned friend. Lord Palmerston then declared that secret voting if compulsory would be tyranny; if not compulsory it would be useless ; that it would promote fraud and corruption instead of purity ; and false- hood instead of truth. A Ballot Act would be a delusion; a measure that withdraws political feelings from public expression is inconsistent with the fundamental principles of the constitution and not worthy of the support of the House.

Mr. Minis opposed, and Mr. Cosnsionsm supported the motion, and 'Mr. BERKELEY replied, mainly by an attack on Lord Palmerston. On a division the mo#on was negatived by 102 to 99.

LAW REFORM.

The Arroasiev-Gasnmar. obtained leave on Thursday to introduce a Bill to consolidate and amend the statute law of England and Ireland relating to offences against the person. The Bill which he now pro- duced was one of a series which, if sanctioned by Parliament, would accomplish a complete consolidation of the entire statute law of the United Kingdom. The present Bill and six,others -which he brought in, would consolidate and to a considerable extent amend the criminal law both of England. Ireland.

ADMISSION OF THE JEWS. The statute under which Jews are admitted to the House of Commons presents many difficulties. At present, Jewish Members are admitted by a resolution. To make that operative in the new Parliament, it should be converted into a standing order. But the act says nothing about a standing order. Every Member may take his seat as soon

as he pleases ; but a Jew can do so only by resolution. Until such resolu i - tion s passed he may be excluded. To meet this difficulty, the House, on the motion of Mr. WALPOLE, have passed a standing order, to the effect that °nth° fourth day after the meeting of a new Parliament, the chat of the period of swearing Members, the House shall decide whether it will ad- mit Jews. This will enable them to be present when business commences.

Tan CHANaBEY COURTS. Lord REDESDALE moved for a copy of the plan of the ground which the Society of Lincoln's Inn are about to set apart for the site of the new Chancery Courts. The Lone CHANCELLOR objected that the plan is the private property of the Society, and therefore not produ- cible. In the course of a conversation on the general subject, the Lord Chancellor stated that the Government is about to HMO a Commission to in- quire into the expediency of concentrating the law courts and the means whereby it may be effected.

limn Mans. Lord MONTEAGLE complained that the Government had made a contract, involving 100,0001., and intended to accelerate the Irish mails, which breaks the law. Lord DERBY showed in reply that the con- tract was made under an act of Parliament, and that it was a copy of one entered into by the preceding Government. A conversation on the subject of these contracts ensued, which elicited the fact that the whole question of postal contracts is in a bad state, demanding inquiry and amendment. Parliament has little or no control over the expenditure ; hence there is ex- travagance.

RAILWAY Tamar TRANSFER BILL. In Committee on this bill a host of Members .pointed out that its provisions were so vague that any one might be imprisoned under them ; and that the bill clothed not only the officers of the railway companies but "any other persons" with most extraordinary powers of arrest. It. was admitted that the companies are to some extent defrauded by the transfer of tickets, but it seemed to be thought that the extent of the fraud would certainly not justify the passing of a measure so loosely drawn up as this bill. It was, therefore, withdrawn.

THE THAMES WATERMEN. The bill is before Parliament abolishing the privileges of the Thames Watermen and Lightermen. It was referred to a Select Committee in order that its opponents might be heard by counsel. The Committee sat twice and hastily determined that the preamble of the bill was proved. On Tuesday a motion was made to refer the bill back to the same Committee but this proposal-a-as set aside, and it was ordered that the bill should be referred to a new Committee.