17 AUGUST 1839, Page 12

There was "no House" of Commons last night, as only

3-1 Mem- . bers had mustered at fine o'clock.

In the House of Lords—

The Poor-rates Collection Bill went through the Committee.

The Metropolis Courts Bill was read a third time, and passed.

Time Rogue-money Bill was " committed." [The object of this Inca- . sure, which is passing through Parliament almost without remark, is to enlarge the powers given by an act passed in the 11th year of George the Third, to assess property in Scotch counties for the expenses of the capture of criminals. Under that act, rates are levied on the old, or "valued rents ;" and the new bill will authorize the assessment on the real rents as ascertained by the valuation under the Prisons Bill. With the increased amount thus obtained, it is proposed to establish an efficient Police in the Scotch counties.] The Portuguese Slave-trade Suppression Bill was "committed." On the motion that the preamble be postponed, Lord IANDIIIIRST said he should propose an amendment to the second clause, confining the Ope- ration of the bill to Portuguese and piratical vessels engaged in the slave-trade, having no national character, and therefore not entitled to claim the protection of any flag of any state or nation.

Lord Bnouonam said, if this amendment were agreed to, a Portu- guese slaver or pirate might hoist the French flag and sail in safety. If the second clause were omitted—if the bill itself were burned—the Crown could give orders to carry into effect the objects of this bill ; but the masters and captains of cruisers would. be without security or indemnity should they seize a wrong vessel, supposing it to be a slaver carrying a neutral flag.

Lord LYNDHURST replied, that by the bill as it stood, not only Por- tuguese vessels, but the vessels of all nations, were subject to seizure and search ; and this search, as regarded other nations, was in contra- vention of treaties ; and it was not correct in that House to declare the search lawful.

Lord ELLENDOROUGII cited the judgment given by Sir William Scott in 1807, which condemned the right of search in time of peace, lath, name of that great Judge, he called upon the House not to legalize ti;

right of search in time of peace, because it. would excite the jealousyof other maritime powers, and not confer the slightest advantage Si

those whom they proposed to benefit.

Lord Chancellor COTTENHAM said, that Sir William Scott's jus„, meat did not touch the case before the House ; as it was not isasnird to search vessels of nations with which this country had no treaty as thorizing the right of search.

The Earl of Wier: ow and the Earl of DEVON objected to the lads finite right of search which the bill would give.

Lord Bnouon.sx did not place much reliance on Sir William Scott's judgment, as cited by Lord Ellenborough ; for Sir William vas opposed to the abolition of slavery, and his feelings influenced his judgment.

The proposed amendment was not pressed to a division. All the clauses, with the preamble, were agreed to ; and the bill was "re. ported."

The Birmingham Police Bill went through the Committee ; and their Lordships adjourned at eight o'clock.

Both Houses meet this day, at twelve.