21 JUNE 1856, Page 2

iititatto nub Vrortaings in Varlianitut.

PRINCIPAL BUSINESS OF THE WEEK.

HOUSE or Loans. Monday, June 16. Sardinian Loan ; Message from the Queen —Relations with the United States ; Lord Clarendon's Reply to Lord Derby—Joint- Stock Companies Bill read a second time. Tuesday. June 17. Reformatory and Industrial Schools Bill committed—Joint- Stock Companies Bill committed. Thursday, June 19. Oath of Abjuration ; Lord Derby's Bill read a first time— Factories ; Colonel Patten's Bill read a second time—Sardinian Loan ; Address in reply to the Queen's Message—Police (Counties and Boroughs); Sir G. Grey's Bill cominittedSir W. Williams's Annuity Bill read a third time and passed. .Friday, June 20. Accession Day—no sitting.

Horn Or COMMONS. Monday, June 16. Sardinian Loan ; Resolution reported ...,..Relations with the United States ; Lord John Russell's Question, and Lord Pal- merston's Answer—Army Compensations ; Mr. Grogan's Motion—Supply; Army Estimates—St. James's Park Bridge ; Report received. . Tuesday, June 17. Peace Preservation (Ireland) Bill reported—Lunatic Asylums (Ireland) Bill read a second time—Marriage-Law Amendment (Scotland) Bill read a first time—Education (Ireland); Mr. Walpole's Resolution carried. Wednesday, June 18. Nawab of Surat Treaty Bill read a third time—Relations with the United States ; Mr. Baillie's Motion withdrawn—Dwellings for the La- bouring Classes (Ireland) Bill committed—Education (Ireland) ; Mr. Fortescue and Lord Palmerston.

Thursday, June 19. Registration of Voters (Scotland) Bill Committed—Educa- tion (Ireland); Lord Palmerston's Reply to Mr. Walpole—Army Staff Appoint- ments; Captain "Vernon's Motion—Supply.; Army Estimate's—Stock in Trade'Ex-- einption Bill read a third time and passed—Corrupt Practices Prevention Act 1864 Continuance Bill read a first time.

Friday. June 20. Return of the Guards ; Lord PalmerstOn's Answer to Mr. 11. Baring—Relations with the United States ; Mr. Gladstone's Question—Cambridge. "University Bill considered as amended—Lunatic Asylums (Ireland) Bill Com- mitted—Joint-Stock Companies Winding-up Acts Amendment Bill read a second - time—Agricultural Statistics Bill withdrawn—Metropolis Local Management Act Amendment Bill read a first time. TIME-T AS L E.

Sittings thisWeek, 3 ; Time, 6h 35m Sittings this Week, 7 ; Time, 47h lom

—.-- this Session, 67 ; — 1575 15m this Session, 82; — 618h 33m

THE UNITED STATES QUESTION.

In fulfilment of the promise he gave on Friday last week, Lord Rune RUSSELL took advantage of the motion for going into Committee of Sup- ply on Monday, to question the Government as to its course with re- gard to the American questions. He thought that the House ought not to go into Committee on the remaining military estimates of the year without some explanation of our position in relation to the United States. If any negotiations were going forward, it would be inconve- nient to raise a discussion ; but the question was, were there to be any negotiations with the Government of the 'United States, or not ? The despatches received by her Majesty's Government appearto have put an end to the Recruitment question. He would not - n.1r for any explana- tion. If Mr. Baillie brought forward his motion and the House chose to entertain it, then they could express their opinions. With regard to the Central American question, if negotiations were continued it would net be desirable that there should be a discussion until there was some re- sult. But there are two points, independent of the merits of the case, on which the House ought to receive information : would the Govern- ment desire Mr. Dallas to withdraw ? what are its intentions with re- gard to any force that may be stationed on the coast of Costa Rica and Nicaragua? If the Government had reason to believe that Mr. Crampton's dismissal was a wanton and determineil insult, then they could not do otherwise than meet that insult by breaking off communication with the Minister of the+ United States. If they did not think it an insult, it avas desirable that they should enter into negotiations upon points of difference. Lord Jelin oiled three cases in which the United States Government had dismissed two French Ministers, M. Genet in 1793 and M. Poussin in 1860—and one Eng. lish Minister, Mr. Jackson in 1809—without that step being followed by the suspension of diplomatic intercourse. If negotiations are to be mined on with regard to the Central American question, they could not be better carried on than by Mr. Dallas ; and Lord John expressed a hope that Lord Clarendon, who had recently signed the treaty of Paris, would bring these distressing occurrences to a termination. The second point to which he alluded is the present state of Central Ame- rica. An accident might occasion a collision. What would the British Go- vernment do were that "enterprising military chief" [Talker' who hits obtained considerable power in Nicaragua to make an incursion on the Mosquito coast and attack Greytown? Some explanation ought to" be given on this subject, and he wished to know whether Government have takea steps to prevent a collision ?

Lord PALzrens•roN said that it was natural the House should expect aA explanation of the existing relations between the British and American Governments; and had no Member risen to ask for an explanation, be should himself have thought it his duty to give one. The deterntimition. of the United States Government to discontinue their intercourse with Mr. Crampton did not go to the extent of a rupture of diplomatic rela- tions • because at the same time the Government of the United States, expressed a desire to continue diplomatic intercourse on another matter. After considering the subject in all its bearings, her Majesty's Govern- ment have not deemed it their duty to advise her Majesty to suspend diplomatic intercourse with the American Minister at this court, With. regard to the naval force recently sent to the coast of America, there is nothinein the instructions that will tend to a collision between the Bri- tish and American forces.

"We certainly did think it right, considering the uncertain—uncertain as it then undoubtedly was—position of our relations with that great naval power, that our force in those seas should be placed in such a condition. that it might not be liable to any occasional disasters. We thought it right to be- strong; but, being strong, we shall not be the aggressors. Upon that sub- ject also—the question about Central America—I am sure the Hulse willnot at present wish me to into any details. I concur with my noble friend in the opinions which he has so well expressed—to which I also gave expression on a former occasion—that it would be lamentable if two countries width have' so many interests in common should, through the perverseness of any man, be brought into a state of hostility with each other. With regard to. thh conduct of her Majesty's Government, I think I may be permitted to say, that as on the one hand this country was never in a better posttinn to carry on war if war were forced upon us, that very, strength and that Igry prepa- ration of which we may boast is also a reason why we may without derogation from our dignity act with calmness, with moderation, and with due delibera- tion,upon a matter of such great importance as one which bows upon the relations between this empire and any foreign country whatever, more espe•- daily one between which and ourselves there are so many causes of union and so many mutual interests as between Great Britain and the United States of America." (Cheers.) Mr. DISRAELI remarked that Lord Palmerston had touched very lightly on the immediate cause of the retirement of Mr. Crampton from Wash- ington. Although the United States Government has drawn a distinction between the conduct of Mr. Crampton and the conduct of the British Goveamment, he hoped—he was sure—that the House would not, fellow that example. The House would hold the Government responsible, and would not make Mr. Crampton, an officer who attempted to do his duty',

the scapegoat of diplomatic sins. .

What is the cause of these frequently recurring misunderstandings with the United States ?: It is impossible to consider the recruiting question as the real cause. Why is the -United States so prompt and eager to insist on immediate reparation? "It would be wise if England would at last recog • nize that the United States, like all the great countries of Europe, have a ;policy, and that they have a right to have a policy. I observe in the papers ;which have. been laid upon the table of the Rouse, that the American Minis- :ter who is here commenced his communications with her Majesty's Govern- ;Mont by saying that he thought it right to announce that the President had ;adopted the Monroe doctrine as the foundation of his system of gpvernment. Wow, Sir,.. the Monroe doctrine is one which, with great respect to the 'Government of the United States, is not, in my opinion, suited to the age In !which we live. • The increase in the means of communicatiowbetween Eu- rope and America has made one great family of the Governments of the world; and that system of government which, instead of enlarging, would restrict the diplomatic relations between 'those two quarters of the globe, is a

The Lords.

Hour of Hour of Meeting. Adjoarnment.

Monday sh Bs 40m

Tuesday 5h 01,40M

Wednesday No sitting.

Thursday 5h 7h 15m Friday No sitting.

rie Commons.

Hour of Hour of Meeting. Adjournment.

Monday 411 .(m) 21. Om

Pnesday . . Noon .... Sh 30m

61. .(m) lb 15m.

Wednesday Noon .... Sh 50m Thursday Noon .... 3k 5om Ilh .01 lh 30m Friday 4h .(s. lb 15m

system which is not adapted to this age. In maid ng that observation how- ever, I would say, that it would be WIS8 in England not to regard with the extreme jealousy with which she has hitherto looked upon it any extension of the territory of the United States beyond the bounds which were ori- ginally fixed to it. I hold that that is not a good policy which is founded on the idea that we should regard with extreme jealousy the so-called ag- gressive ' spirit of the United States. I am of opinion that the treaty con- cluded by Lord Ashburton was one of the wisest diplomatic acts that has been performed in modern times at least in this country ; that it was the indication of a sound and liberal' policy; and that those who oppose it are the supporters of a policy which is regarded by the Government of the United States as one hostile to the legitimate development of their power. Moreover I AM persuaded that it is tbe belief on the part of the U.nited States that the British Government is animated by such sentiments in their regard which has excited the feeling that has seized upon the enlistment question as a means of expressing their dissatisfaction and distrust. It is through no desire to introduce controversial 9.uestions on the present occa- sion that I venture to offer these remarks, but simply because I wish to remind the House that such is the feeling which prevails in America ; and that, if it is always to be impressed upon England that she is to regard even, expansion of the United States as an act detrimental to her interest and hostile to her power, we shall be pursuing a course which will not prevent that expansion on the part of the States, but which will involve this country in struggles that may prove of the most disastrous character. I remember what extreme jealousy existed a few years ago in this House in consequence of the con- quest of California by the United. States. That was an event which was looked forward to with the gravest alarm, and one from which the most ca- lamitous results were anticipated. Hate any of those gloomy forebodings been realized? I would ask the House how far the balance of power has been injured by the conquest of California by America; and whether there is any event since the discovery of America which has contributed more materially to the wealth, and through the wealth to the power of this coun- try, than the development of the rich resources of California by means of the United States ? These things are worthy of consideration; for, believe me sooner or later we shall have to adopt clear and definite opinions on this subject. It is my opinion that all that America has fairly a right to expect she may obtain, without injury either to Europe in general or to England in particular ; and that it is th.e business Of a statesman to reco nize the necessity of an increase in her power, and at the same time to make her understand that she will most surely accomplish all the objects she pro- poses to herself by recognizing those principles of international law which in civilized communities have always been upheld, and to impress upon her that, instead of vaunting that she will build her greatness on the Monroe doctrine, which is the doctrine of isolation, she should seek to attain it by deferring to the public law of Europe, and by allowing her destiny to be re- gulated by the same high principles of policy which all nations which have great destinies to accomplish have invariably recognized." (Cheers.) Mr. Banasz now placed his amended notice on the paper in this form- " That this House has heard with satisfaction that her Majesty has not found it necessary to suspend diplomatk relations with the United States ; but at the same time feels bound to express its regret that the conduct of her Majesty's late Envoy at Washington, directed and sanctioned by her Majesty's Government, has led to his dismissal by the President of the United States."

On the same evening, Mr. BAXTER placed an amendment on the pa- per, which he verbally altered next day, so that it stood as follows— To leave out all the words after "States" in line 2, in order to insert the following words : "And, approving of the moderate and conciliatory spirit in which the correspondence on the subject of recruiting in that country has been conducted by her Majesty's Mmisters, but without feeling itself called upon in the present posture of affairs to express any opinion as to the difficult and delicate questions which have been under discussion, sin- cerely desires to maintain a good understanding . with the United States of America, and earnestly hopes that her Majesty's Government will be able, with due regard to the rights and dignity of the Crown, to bring the questions pending between the two Governments to a peaceful and satis- factory issue.' At the Wednesday sitting, in reply to a question from Major Henn, Mr. BAILLIE said, that having heard from various quarters that it might be inconvenient to the public service to enter at the present moment up- on any discussion of American affairs, he intended to give up that mo- tion. At the same time, he distinctly stated that he had not changed his opinions, but that, on the contrary, those opinions have been confirmed by the papers laid on the table. He withdrew his motion only because he would not pursue a course that "might be thought to be injurious to the public service."

Mr. G. H. Moo nz expressed his regret at this step. But if his side of the House abdicated the functions of an Opposition, that is no reason why the House should abdicate the functions of Parliament. He for one should not abdicate his privilege, but should take the sense of the House upon the question on the first opportunity that offered, in whatever form he deemed most convenient.

In the House of Lords, on Monday evening, the Earl of DERBY, pre- miaing_that he had waited until the last moment in the expectation that LOrd-Clitrendon would volunteer an explanation of our relations with the United States, asked whether the Government had come to any conclu- sion as to the course they would advise her Majesty to pursue ; and whether they would state what course. - The Earl of CLARENDON said, that he had not taken the initiative in tendering an explanation, because the answers to the papers presented to the American Senate are not yet prepared, and -until they were prepared the whole of the papers could not he laid before their Lordships. But he could not hesitate to inform them that it was not the intention of her Ma-

j s Government to suspend diplomatic relations with the United States.

e Karl of DERRY said, that personally he rejoiced at the announce- ment. Deeply as he regretted the course taken by the Government of the United States, he believed that we could not vindicate the steps taken by our Minister and those under whose authority he acted. The United States Government have a just cause of complaint against us : by acquiescing in the withdrawal of Mr. Crampton and. the Consuls, we have, sanctioned that opinion. "At the present moment, I will not enter into a discussion of the merits of the cause. I rejoice, however, that we have acknowledged our error ; Although, undoubtedly, we have done so by submitting to that which I must say is humiliating on the part of this country to submit to—namely, the removal by the authority of the United States of the Minister of this country."

CrAnkbroori—" The noble Earl has stated that it would be proms.- tare to enter into any discussion. He has not entered into any discussion Upon the merits of the subject, but he has pronounced a most positive judg-

ment on the course pursued by her Majesty's Government. I can only ap- peal to your Lordships, and through your Lordships to the country, not to join- the noble Earl in prejudging the question." (Cheers.) Lord DERBY.--" In answer to the noble Earl, I beg to state that I have termed my judgment from the papers that have been published and laid on the table of this House." ("Hear, hear !") Nemoirm. EDUCATION IN Ia.mairn.

Mr. W.u.romi brought under the notice of the House of Commons the grievances of the supporters of the Irish Church Education Society ; and claimed for them a share in the funds devoted to education. The House has agreed that we should work by private benevolence and pub- lic grants ; that the grants from the public funds should be dispensed with an even hand; and that the education given should be based cm. re- ligion. But in Ireland there is a religious body excluded from the bene- fit of the grants—the Church Education Society ; and excluded solely because-they require that the Scriptures shall be read in their schools. It is said that if grants were made to the Church Education Society, it would destroy the combined system of education : but that combined

stem does not exist. To meet the objections of the Presbyterians, the Scriptures have been admitted into their schools ; to meet their objec- tions, neither the joint application nor the joint management of Protest- ant and Catholic for grants is any longer insisted on ; and their schools- are allowed to be non-vested, that is non-vested in the National Board. Out of 5000 schools only 1600 are vested ; out of 4800 schools only 48

are uadea joint management. What then has become of the combined system ? ,joint

all other denominations have got their schools, and the

Church only asks to educate its children to its own views. In those schools combined education exists, whereas it does not in the National schools. Mr. Walpole quoted the evidence of Archdeacon Stopford and others, to show that mixed education is carried out more successfully by the Church Education Society than by the Board of Education. The changes he should propose are identical with those proposed by Lord Derby to the Committee of the House of Lords. Lord Granville had also proposed resolutions similar in principle,—Lord Derby contemplating a salary to the teacher in addition to books and apparatus ; Lord Gran- ville proposing the latter only. Mr. Walpole moved this resolution— - "That a humble address be presented to her Majesty, praying that her Majesty will be graciously, pleased to direct that such modification may be made in the rules of the National system of Education in Ireland as will ex- tend the advantages now enjoyed by non-vested schools to any other than vested schools now existing, or hereafter to be established, whatever their regulations may be as to the mode of religious instruction ; provided that no children shall be compelled to learn any catechism, creed, or formulary, to which any. parent or guardian may object ; and provided that the patrons shall be willing to place such schools in connexion with the Board, to per- mit the Board's control over books to be used in general instruction, and to receive officially the visits of the Government Inspectors." Sir WILLIAM HEATHCOTE, trusting it would not be opposed, seconded the motion.

Mr. KENNEDY said that the motion would impair the only boon Ireland has ever received from England. The operation of the schools is uniform and progressive : if the motion were carried, it would revive all those bickerings and jealousies which the present system was framed to pre- vent, and, would, by introducing a proselytizing influence drive away three-fourths of the attendants from the National schools. To meet the case of one-eighth of the population, it was proposed to inflict an injus- tice on seven-eighths. He had intended to move an amendment, but he withdrew it, as many Members thought it preferable to meet the motion by a direct negative. Mr: Honsmeir said he must disappoint the hopes of Sir William', Heathcote and oppose the motion. The difference between the Govern- ment and Mr. Walpole was such that they could not assent to his pro- posal. Tracing the origin of the present system, Mn: Horsman showed that it is based on religion ; that the principle of noninterference with the religious tenets of any sect or denomination has- been sanctioned by- the Commissions of 1806 and 1824, and the Committees of 1828 and 1830; and that to adopt the motion of Mr. Walpole would be to declare that it is right and advisable to interfere with the religions 'persuasions- of the people. If a comparison were drawn between the Kildare Place Society and the Church Education Society, it would be in favour of the- former.

The Kildare Place Society gave a pledge that they Would not interfere with the religious tenets of the children who came to their schools : no such pledge, however, has been given, nor would it be given, by the Church Education Society. The Kildare Place Society asked no questions as to the religion of the teachers : in the Church Education Society all the teachers must be of the Established Church. The Kildare Place Society allowed the Scriptures to be read either in the Douay version or the authorized version without note or comment : the Church Education Soddy only-allowed one version of the Scriptures to be used. The Kildare Place Society did not allow the Catechism or Formularies of the Established Church : the Church Education Society did. Notwithstanding, then, that of the two plans the. Kildare Place Society was the more likely to be acceptable to the Roman Catholics, it was given up ; and instead of it, the Government, acting upon the recommendation of the Commission, determined to institute the system which was established in.1833.

Mr. Herman sheeted that Lord Stanley had adopted the principle of non- interference as the basis of hissystem ; that Sir Robert Peel and the Duke of Wellington recanted their views on the subject; that Lord Derby him- self (when in office) and Lord Eglinton refused to -alter the existing sys- tem,. on the ground that the alteration demanded in 1852 would result in driving all the Roman Catholics from the schools. The.present system Vas.. progressed in spite of all difficulties. It began in 1833 with 789 schools and 107,000 pupils ; in 1854 there were 5178 schools and 551,120 pupils. No fewer than 2,500,000 children have gone through those schools, and not one single case of proselytism has been alleged. Mr. Horsman regretted 04 present position of the clergy of the Irish Church. Every concession, short of sacrificing the principle of the system, ought to be made to obtain their cooperation : but in vindicating that principle, the House ought not te abate one jot or atom. Mr. ILtitairoar said that the proposition of Mr. Walpole, adopted by Lord Derby after inquiry, ought to come before the House with peculiar force. That proposition was not intended as a substitute for the present system, but as an addition to it. What they wanted to OD was to edu- cate the children in the fundamental truths of Christianity. The Bible ought to be held out to the children as the revealed word of God. Mr. NAPIER took a similar view. On the other side, the Speakers were Mr. DEASY and Mr. HuonEs.

Mr. DE-VERE moved the adjournment of the debate. Mr. Dts

said there would be no prospect of coming to a decision if the debate were adjourned. The adjournment was not insisted on : but a division was taken on Mr. Walpole's motion ; which was carried by 113 to 103—giving a majority of 10 against the Government.

On Wednesday, Mr. FORTESCUE, remarking that the vote of Tuesday was one of the most unfortunate decisions at which the House ever ar- rived, and that the majority was accidental, said that another opportu- nity should be given for reconsidering the question. Would Govern- ment give him an early day for that purpose?

- Lord PatmEasrorr agreed that the question ought to be reconsidered- " I believe the decision of last night does not represent the real sentiments

of the House of Commons • and therefore, in a matter of such vital concern- ment to the people at large, no unnecessary delay should be allowed to take place in enabling this assembly to express its true convictions regarding it. Under these circumstances, I shall be ready to give my honourable friend Monday next for the introduction of his motion.

On Thursday, Mr. WsLeoLE wanted to know what course the Govern- ment would take in regard to National Education in Ireland. Lord Paramesrox said, that the Government had given up Monday for the reconsideration of the mischievous decision of Tuesday night on Mr. Wal- pole's motion. Mr. WALPOLB remarked that this was no answer: what would the Government do in regard to Mr. Fortescue's motion ? Lord Pararmrsrox replied, that the Government would support that or any motion, properly framed, tending to reverse the decision of Tuesday.

MAJOR THOMPSON.

On the third reading of Sir William Williams's Annuity Bill, the Earl of MALVESBURY called attention to the death of Major 'Thompson; who after serving with distinction in the Burmese war, and rendering material aid in the defence of Kars, died within four days of his arrival in London, in his mother's arms. He had never heard of a more afflict- ing misfortune than that which had befallen Mrs. Thompson; • who, no doubt, would have preferred that her son should have died on the battle- field. He had also learnt with great concern that she is not possemsd of means to secure her those comforts she should enjoy. To explain how the matter stands, he read an extract from a letter from an intimate friend of the family to himself. [It is quoted among our Topics of the Day, at page 666.] Lord Malmesbury was not authorized to appeal to the Government for assistance; he did not know whether such a thing would be acceptable ; but he could not refrain from apprizing the Go- vernment of the circumstances in which this unfortunate lady is placed.

The Marquis of LANSDOWNE said he was exceedingly sorry that he could not give an immediate response to a statement made with a feeling so just and honourable. Neither he nor the Government were aware of the position of the lady; and he could only undertake that the circum- stances should be made known in the proper quarter.

ARMY ESTIMATES.

• The bulk of the Army Estimates were voted early in the session ; but, to give the House an opportunity of discussing the reductions consequent on the peace, it was arranged that additional sums of 10& in the main item should be moved for in Committee of Supply. The House accord- ingly went into Committee on Monday, when a vote of 101. in addition to 7,000,0001. already voted was submitted to the Committee. Mr. WIL- LIAMS, Mr. DISRAELI, and Sir DE LACY EVANS, complained of the =sa- tisfactory mode of presenting the estimates, lumped in twenty large items ; and asked for explanations. Sir DE LACY Evans also complained, that while the Militia regiments were sent home with fourteen shillings in their pockets, the Foreign soldiers were to be sent home with a year's pay, or established in the Colonies.

Mr. Pm explained, that as great part of the army is still in the Cri- mea, he could not accurately state what the new establishments would be. There is a saving of 4,000,000/. upon the original estimate. That arises in this way. The number of men originally voted was 246,/16 of all arms and ranks : the fifty regiments whose head-quarters are in the Crimea have a total strength of 16 companies, or 2000 rank and file. It is proposed to reduce them to 12 companies or 1000 rank and file. There are eighty-three regiments of the Line, or .83,000 rank and file; and these, plus 12,000 officers and non- commissioned officers, make a total of 95,000 men. Allowing a margin of 10,000, that would make 105,000—or about 50,000 less than the original vote of 154,000 men for the Infantry. The Guards will be re- duced to 7000; the Horse and Foot Artillery, from 23,000 to 21,000 or 20,000. The Army will be divided into seven divisions or fourteen bri- gades each division and brigade having its own staff-officers. In the Cavalry, there will in future be maintained more men than horses in the proportion of 4 to 3. There will be a saving of a million and a half in the Infantry branch of the service, half a million in the other arm of the service, and about 300,000/. in the Transport Corps. There would be 1,700,000/. to account for. The sum voted for the Turkish Contingent was 300,0001.; there would be a saving of about 100,000/. There would be a saving upon the field-allowances of about 600,0001., the sum voted having been 818,0001,; and there would also be a saving in the sum voted for the purchase of horses of about the same sum, namely 600,000/. Upon the sum voted for the levy of recruits, namely 350,0001., there would be a saving of about 200,0001.; making together the four millions. Mr. DISRAELI, remarking that this statement was "not tiltogether un- satisfactory," wondered why Mr. Monsell was not there to make it, as his name was on the paper. But the two gentlemen must settle the eti- quette between them. On Friday, the First Lord of the Admiralty, glorying in the deeds of the transport service, said there was not a regi- ment in the Crimea—every man was afloat : how Mr. Peel said there were fifty regiments in the Crimea—where is our army? "When the First Lord of the Admiralty made his statement, I believe the honourable gentleman was not in his place; and now when the honour- able gentleman makes his statement, the First Lord of the Admiralty is not in his place. I would draw this conclusion for the instruction of the mem- bers of the Government—that when the statements are made, the heads of departments should be present to listen to each other, so that they may be informed as to what statements are made, and the Committee may be fa- voured with the same tale." ("Hear!" and laughter.) Lord PALMERSTON said that Mr. Disraeli could not have been in hia place the other night, for Sir Charles Wood distinctly stated that the bulk of the army was in the Crimea, but that they would probably be removed by the end of My. Mr. Disraeli set up some phantom, and thendis- played.his bravery by knocking it down. Mr. STAFFORD repeated the

charge of Mr. Disraeli, that the statements of the two Ministers were contrary. Whereupon Sir CHARLES NAPIER said that Mr. Stafford must have been either asleep or absent" when Sir Charles Wood spoke on Friday ; for he said that all the troops would not have left the Crimea until the end of July. Ultimately, the votes were agreed to.

The Committee sat again on Thursday.

On the nominal vote of 101. on account of wages to artisans at Wool- wich Arsenal, several Members raised questions as to the cost of the re- cent display of fireworks. Mr. MONSELL said that 6000/. would cover all the expenses outside Woolwich Arsenal : he did not know that there are any means of discovering the total outlay. Mr. MONTAGUE CHAM- BERS said that the 60001. was a mere drop in the sea of expense. Lord HOTHAM said, if anybody inquired the probable expense at the Arsenal, he would be told 30,0001. Mr. WittrAms said, the cost would never be known; and it was all nonsense to attempt the solution of the mystery. Mr. Mons= said, the accounts, on the contrary, had been distinctly kept, so that there will be no difficulty of laying them before the House. —Vote agreed to. On the vote of 45,0001. in addition to 1,794,069/. already voted to de- fray the expense of works and buildings at home and abroad, a discussion arose with respect to barrack accommodation. The 40,000/. is taken to improve existing barracks. Colonel LINDSAY and Sir JOSEPH Pearon recommended, that instead of appropriating a certain sum annually, a sum should be given outright sufficient to make barracks a comfortable home for the soldier. Sir DE Leer Evans complained of the slowness of the Government in carrying out these reforms. 'What would be the use of 40,000/. spread over the United Kingdom ? The object seemed to be to frame the estimates in a niggardly spirit. Some people seemed to think that the greater the hardships a soldier endured in time of peace, the more fit he would be for war. He entertained a contrary opinion : the best mode of fitting soldiers for war is to provide for their health and comfort during peace. Mr. STAFFORD took the gallant General to task for finding fault, and eulogized the measures of the Government for the improvement of the condition of the soldier. Sir DE LACY replied, that very new military reformers like Mr. Stafford must make some allowance for old reformers like himself; who have been struggling for a quarter of a century to improve the condition of the soldier.

Mr. MoEsELE explained, that there are barracks in England for 30,000 men ; in Ireland for 18,000; in Scotland for 3000. If they were brought up to the standard required by Colonel Lindsay, the cost Would be at least 600,000/. It is necessary, under the new organization of the Army, to consider what can be improved, and except for defensive pur- poses to maintain none that will not bead 1000 men. With regard to married soldiers Government are prepared to give them sufficient accom- modation in all barracks; but that will take time.—Yote agreed to. On the vote of 38,404/. in addition to 200,0001. already-wseed for educa- tional and scientific purposes, Mr. EDWARD ELLICE asked for explanation respecting the item of 50,000/. for the Ordnance Survey of Scotland; and moved to reduce the vote by 8000/. He objected to the 25-inch scale, on account of the expense, and suggested the 1-inch scale. Mr. STE- rummer( supported the plan of a 1-inch scale. Maps an a 25-inch, a 12-llich, or a 6-inch scale, are worse than useless to the engineer. What is wanted is a uniform map on a scale of one inch. "4 Lord Duncan- warmly supported the 25-inch scale : it has been successfully adopted in France, Bavaria, and Austria, and almost every other country except Great Britain. In Bavaria, a 25-inch map has abolished conveyancing. We do not want a geographical map, but one that will be useful to the permanent residents in the country. Lord Er.crio and Lord PALMER- sTorr supported the vote. Mr. ELLICE quoted Sir Roderick Murchison to show that "no great European country has published a general en- graved map upon so large a scale as the 1-inch map of Great Britain." On a division, the amendment was negatived by 160 to 69; and the vote was agreed IA. STAFF APronezionres.

On the motion for going into Committee of Supply, Captain VERNON moved a resolution to the effect that it would be of great advantage to the service to employ General Officers from the Scientific Corps on the Staff of the Army. He desired that officers of this corps should have the same chance of distinguishing themselves in the English as in the French service ; and to support their claims he recalled several eminent names—Vauban, Napoleon, Marmont, Burgoyne, Cavaignae, Valliant, Chesney, Williams of Kars, Teesdale—all officers of artillery or en- gineers.

Mr. Pm admitted the principle of the resolution. Under the warrant of 1854, Government is at liberty to promote and employ any Colonel on the Staff. Hitherto the officers of the Scientific Corps have not been so frequently employed because they belong to seniority corps, and because the Horse Guards would not employ officers under the control of the Ord- nance Department. Henceforward, however, Government will selett merit for promotion wherever it is found.

The resolution was negatived without a divison.

ARMY COMPENSATIONS.

On a motion for going into Committee of Supply, Mr. 0=0/LN—in- tending to conclude with a motion for a Committee of the whole House for the purpose of addressing the Queen to alter the rules of the military service so that the regulation-value of all commissions of officers who have died of disease or on active service should be paid to their repre- sentatives—accused the Government of failing to carry out their pro- mises made last year with regard to this matter. Out of 179 officers who had fallen in the late war, only 16 bad come within the.scope of the Royal warrant. Mr. Grogan was about to submit his motion, when he was told by the SPEAKER that it would be irregular to do so. The debate was continued, however, by Sir DE Lace Evans, Colonel DUNNE, and other officers, who concurred with Kr. Grogan; tind Colonel KNOX, *unwilling that there should be no division, moved the insertion of the words ‘..‘ tomorrow " in the resolution. Mr. PEEL, Lord PaLarmarros, and Lord Hornam opposed the resolution ; the two former contending that there had been no breach of faith, as the case of officers who died by disease had been expressly excepted at the time the understanding between the Government and Mr. Heafflam was come to. Mr. PEEL said, that besides the compensation awarded to 16 families mentioned by -Mr. Grogan, 70 widows had received pensions. , On a division, the amendment was negatived by 81 to 39. THE Sr. JAMES'S PARR BRIDGE.

On the bringing up of the report of the vote of 35001. for a bridge over the ornamental water in St. James's Park, Lord &ono opposed the :re- ception of the report; the House should not sanction the project until competent persons had given their advice. Mr. TrrE and Sir JOSEPH PAXTON joined in the opposition; is the bridge necessary ? Mr. HEN- LEY suggested a larger ferry-boat to convey the poor gratis across the water. Sir BENJAMIN HALL defended the proposed plan, and objected to a ferry-boat. Mr. DISRAELI said he had in the Committee voted against all Sir Benjamin's plans, with "pride and satisfaction" : the bridge is not wanted, and it will outrage every idea of taste. Lord PAranntsrosr remarked, that notwithstanding the rule "de gustibus non eat disputan- dum" they had all been disputing a matter of taste. lie thought a bridge—a suspension-bridge, for instance, showing the admired cate- nary curve—is a beautiful object ; whereas nothing could be worse than a big ugly ferry-boat. The bridge is wanted for poor pedestrians, who have now to walk all the way round.

On a division, the report was carried by 119 to 93.

REGISTRATION OF SCOTCH VOTERS.

On the motion for going into Committee on the Registration of Voters (Scotland) Bill, Mr. GEORGE 'Junius took several objections to the mea- sure and moved that the House should go into Committee that day six menials. Negatived by 102 to 49. In Committee, the LORD ADVOCATE, deferring to suggestions as to the difficulty of carrying the bill into im- mediate operation in counties as well as boroughs, proposed to strike out all that related to counties. This suggestion was adopted, and the clauses, as thus amended, were agreed to.

THE OATH OF ABJURATION.

On Thursday, the Earl of DERBY laid on the table a bill to amend the

Oath Of Abjuration, by striking out the words which refer to the de- scendants of James the Second. He stated that he would not proceed with his bill until the result of the debate on Mr. Milner Gibson's bill— fixed for Monday—is known. If the House adopt Mr. Gibson's bill, Lord Derby will withdraw his ; if not, he will take a second reading on an early day.

ListrrEn LIABILITY

The motion for the second reading of Mr. LOWe's Joint-Stock Com-

panies Bill, in the House of Peers, gave occasion for a renewed debate on the question of limited nobility.' Before it came on, Lord OVERSTONE presented several petitions—not ordinary and matter-of-course petitions, but petitions from the Chambers of' Commerce at Manchester and Glas- gow, and the Trade Protection Society of Bristol--pointing out that the measure is most unwise and dangerous, and that it will, if adopted, sub- vert the best interests of the country. These petitions came from men of.great knowledge and experience, perfectly competent to form a sound judgment on the subject : Lord WYNFOR.D taunted Lord Overstone with doing nothing to oppose these measures except tk make Feeeehee and present petitions : if he would carry•his opposition further, he would receive support. Lord thERSTONE rejoined, that he had acted with the full concurrence of those for whose interests he was contending.

When this prelhninsry was ended, Lord STANLEY of Alderley moved the second reading of the bill, and explained and supported the measure. Lord MONTEAGLE opposed the motion • describingthe bill as a legisla- .tive monster, that would establish gambling-shops and mushroom companies at the 'cornet of every street, and injure the credit of the country. The of ARGYLL replied to the arguments Of Lord Monteagle. The LORD fitestems,00 asked whether it wee reasonable to oppose the second read- ing of a bill containing one hundred and sixteen clauses, because ob- jections are entertained to one portion ?

On a division, the second reading was canried.by 18 to 5.

••- Tans NAWAB OF SURAT'S BELL.

On the motion fug the further considenttion of the •Nawab of Surat Treaty Bill, Sir WILLIAM -SOMERVILLE moved that the further consi- deration be postponed. Sir FITZROY KELLY, repeating his argument of

last week, moved the third-reading:: •

Mr. 'VEnNoir SMITII explained ,the view-of the -Government, and 'vin- dicated the conduct of the Court of Directors,. Who have no interest in the question.. He looked uponthe mode of prodeeding by. private bill as very objectionable. It is the usual course to make private business a -matter of canvass ; the Indian Princes think everything can be done by canvass; and the Rouse ought to discourage the practice. If persona of- fended' by the acts of the Indian ,Governnieut are to :come over here and -prosecute-their claima.by canvass and private bills, it.would be one of the most objectionable systems they could. possibly countenance: If -Sir Fitzroy Kelly would witlohnw the bill, he wbuld undertake that the xvhole of the pension claimed should be distributed among the Parties for „life, but notin perpetuity.. • - • . TrisotaT KRLLT said that he had undertaken the matter as an in- :dependent Memberm. corivinced.cif the justice 'of-the,claim, and he could not aceedgrto 'Mr: Smith's proposal. Mr. O.tanwELL explained the ground on which the Committee•of whieh he was Chairman had adopted the bill ; and Mr. NAPIER, inother Member of the Committee, expressed his concurrence. On the...other hand, Mr.. ?ANGLES disputed the claim ; and„Mr..Winoam objected to the mode of _proceeding, Mr. GEORGE Burr ictid—Ahat the bill was drawn in o. Manner, that left allthe questions ..open for andicial investigation.

The bill was read a. third time. „