22 JULY 1854, Page 2

Nimbi auti Vramitiugo iu Varlimutut.

PRINCIPAL BUSINESS OP THE WEER.

HOCSE or Loans. Monday, July 17. Public Revenue and Consolidated Fund Charges Bill; referred to a Select Committee—Bankruptcy Bill read a third time and passed.

Thesday, July 18. Finchley Road Estate Bill passed—Ecclesiastical Courts; Mr. Phillimore's Bill read a third time and passed—Court of Chancery Bill read a second time—Married Women; Mr. Malins's Bill read a second time.

Thursday, July 20. Merchant Shipping Bill reported—Court of Chancery Bill re- ported —Married Women ; Mr. Malins's Bill reported. Friday, July 21. Polish-Russian Subjects ; Lord Harrington's Question—War Credit ; the Queen's Message—Valuation of Lands (Scotland) Bill read a second time—Court of Chancery Bill read a third time and passed Housz Or COMMONS. Monday, July 17. Cork Harbour ; Mr. Maguire's State- ment—Supply; War Ministry Estimates—Bribery Bill in Committee—Poor-law Commission (Ireland) Continuance Bill read a third time and passed—Spirits (Ire- lan(i) Bill read a second time—Real Estate Charges Bill passed—Standard of Gold and Silver Wares Bill reported. Tuesday. July 18. Episcopal and Capitular Estates Management Bill in Com- mittee—Grievances: Cases of Dr. Reid, Mr. Sturgeon, Captain Dickenson, and the Sloop Star—Printing; Mr. J. Greene's Committee—Criminal Justice Bill passed. Wednesday, July 19. Irish Church Temporalities; Mr. Shee's Bill, leave refused —Reformatory Schools (Scotland); Mr. Dunlop's Bill in Committee—Admiralty Court Process ; Sir James Graham's Bill read a first time. Thursday, July 20. Criminal Procedure ; Mr. Aglionby's Bill withdrawn—Bribery Bill reported with amendments—The War Credit ; Question and Answer —Ad- miralty Court Bill read a second time—Spirits (Ireland) Bill reported—Convict Pri- sons (Ireland) Bill passed—Vaccination Act Amendment Bill withdrawn—Reforma- tory Schools (Scotland) Bill committed. Friday, July 21. Admiralty Court Bill committed—War Credit; the Queen's Message—Bribery Bill recommitted—Russian Government Securities ; Lord Dudley Stuart's Bill; debate on going into Committee.

TIME - TABLE.

The Lords.

Hour of Odour of Meeting. Adjournment.

Monday Oh .... 813. 35m

Tuesday 5h . . 713. 20m Wednesday No sitting. Thursday 5h . . 70 35m Friday 5h .... 6b 30m

Sittings this Week, 4; Time. 10h cm Sittings this Week. 8; Time, 47h 30m --. this Session. 135; — 225b 10m — this Session, 119; — 813h 33m

THE WAR DEPARTMENT.

The estimate for the expense of the new War Department, 17,3001., was placed before a Committee of Supply on Monday. Lord JOHN RUSSELL, in moving the vote, made a lengthy explanation of the intentions of Go- vernment, and again went over the reasons for the separation of the War Department from the Colonies. He indicated that the great change that has to be made is one which will "separate the civil from the military departments "; withdraw the Commissariat from the Treasury, and place it under the control of the Minister of War ; make some alteration in the Board of Ordnance, especially with regard to barracks and fortifications, the nature of which alterations Lord John did not state with any dis- tinctness. He asked the House to afford the Government time to effect all the necessary changes, and to have confidence that they will be made. These changes must be made from time to time, as it is impossible to carry them out at the beginning of a war. Incidentally, Lord John re- marked that a part of the sum demanded has already been included in the votes for the Treasury, the Colonial, and the Home Offices. Sir Joni( Paxpiciron. expressed "astonishment and disappointment" that the Government had formed no views, and had established a new officer without making new arrangements, and without deciding what duties he will have to perform. He had confidently expected the fullest details, the most ample explanation ; yet all that had been decided was that the Commissariat should be taken from the Treasury. Sir John elaborately described the constitution of the varidsadepartments managing the Army, and charged the Government with neglect in not having made up their minds on the subject during the last recess. He also charged them with having declared for the old system before Whitsuntide, and with having subsequently modified their views in order to strengthen themselves by the addition of another Cabinet Minister. He especially dwelt on the anomaly that the office of Secretary-at-War should be oc- cupied by a Cabinet Minister contemporaneously with the existence of a War Minister. He indicated a preference for a further postponement till Ministers could produce the entire arrangement in a complete state.

Mr. SIDNEY HERBERT remarked that Sir John Pakington usually found himself "astonished" when anything he disliked was proposed. Mr. Herbert denied that he maintained the necessity of keeping up the present system. On the contrary, he had pointed out its deficiencies, and suggested remedies, as in the separation of the civil and military departments of the Board of Ordnance. But the fact that four Administrations which have existed since the Commission of 1837 made its report have not attempted to alter the system, shows that it is not so easy to draw up a plan as Sir John Pakington seemed to think it was. With respect to the office of Secretary-at-War, he might say that he had twice held that office, and he thought it was of some use ; its function being to control and check the expenditure of the Army-. He would retain the Secretary-at-War as a finance officer, and transfer his half-military duties to the Secretary- for-War. Give them time and confidence, and the Government will be able to lay on the table a detailed plan of the changes required. After a few words from Colonel DIneNE and Mr. GEORGE Burr in dis- paragement of Ministers, the vote was agreed to.

THE NEW WAR CREDIT.

Mr. DISRAELI asked, on Thursday, in what manner the Governmenta proposed to take the vote of credit. He particlarly wished to know when the House would have an opportunity of expressing its opinion on the vote.

L;Ord jOseiv,Ritismis. re_plied, that some misapprehension seemed to have existed on the subject. In conformity with the usual practice, a message would be sent do* from her Majesty to that and the other House of ul

Parliament on Pride In pursuance of that message, he would propose on Monday next, aa as usual in time of war, that a vote of credit be granted to the amo of 3,000,0001. He did not think that it would be

The Commons.

Hour of Hour of Meeting. Adjournment. Monday 4h .(m) 211 15m Tuesday Noon .... 4h Out 6h .... Ilh 30m Wednesday Noon .... 5h 65m Thursday Noon ... 1h Om 611 .(m) 311 Om Friday lh Oh 35m 611 .(m) Oh 15m

necessary to lay any estimate on the table; but his proposal would be that a vote of 3,000,000/. be granted for the purposes of the war. With reference to a question which load been put to ,him the other night, he might atate that it would not be necessary to take any vote in Committee of Ways arid Means, the -votes already granted by the House being aaja,. dent for the present.

ELEcroaaa. BRIBERY.

The Commons Committee CH the Bribery Bill sat again on Monday. On clause 26, providing that all persons who pay election-expenses ex. cept to a candidate or an election-officer, shall be guilty of a misdemean- our, and be liable to a penalty of 501. and double the money so paid, !if H. T. LIDDELL opposed the clause, as too severe. Lord Tonal Rummy consented to omit the word "misdemeanour"; and it was omitted, bat still Mr. LLDDELL objected, and on dividing the Committee' he was de. feated by 115 to 26. On clause 29, providing that abstracts of the se. counts shotild be inserted in two newspapers, published or circulating in the place where the election is held, there was much discussion; Mr. HILDYABD, Sir Jonar Pim:Norma, and Lord SEntova, objecting to the clause as nonsense. It was suggested, that "some newspapers, published or circulating within the place or county," should be substituted for "two newspapers," &c. ; and this was agreed to. The opposition still continued : but, after a conversation with the Attorney-General, Lord JOHN RUSSELL said he would not consent to withdraw the clause; and on a division, it was carried by 178 to 94. Lord ADOLPHUS Vous TIGIYIBT moved an amendment to clause 32, enacting that no candidate who had fulfilled the provisions of the act should be liable to have his election questioned by reason of the illegal acts of persons other than his agents unless he had sanctioned those acts. Negatived by 143 to 111.

It was now late, and a cry arose for " Brotherton " : accordingly, on the motion of Mr. BBOTHERTON, the Chairman reported progress.

The consideration of the bill in Committee was again taken at a morn- ing and evening sitting on Thursday, and all the clauses were gone through. The main discussion in the morning had reference to the de- claration to be made by a candidate, and by a Member on taking his seat, contained in clause 33. Much opposition, principally expresses' by Mr. HENLEY, Mr. Lanoucoaav, and Mr. VERNON Salmi, was made to making any declaration at all. It was argued, that an oath to be taken by a man of honour should not admit of two constructions; and the proposed declaration was so ambiguous that scrupulous men would be kept out of the House and unscrupulous men let in. On the opposite side, it was insisted by Lord Joni( Rosana. and others, that the clause and the declaration were essential to the bill. Lord John said, he had been for many years opposed to the introduction of such oaths or de- clarations but he was now convinced that to make the bill "effective" the declaration was needed. Several abortive amendments were proposed upon a form of declaration moved by Sir Frrznov KELLY; and Mr. HILL/YARD proposed an amendment making the candidate declare that he had given no place or employment to any voter or other person in con- sideration for his having voted or having abstained from voting. Upon this the opinion of the House was taken and the amendment was nega-

tived by 128 to 120. The declaration finally stood thus-

" I do solemnly and sincerely declare, that I have not knowingly made, authorized, or sanctioned, and that I will not knowingly make authorize, or sanction, any payment on account of my election, otherwise than through the election-officer, save as excepted and allowed by the Corrupt Practices Prevention Act, 1854 ; nor have knowingly done, or will hereafter do, any act contrary to the provisions contained in sections 2 and 4 of this act."

The clause was carried by 138 to 119. In the evening, there was a long conversation respecting travelling- expenses and refreshment-tickets. The general opinion seemed to be in favour of allowing reasonable travelling-expenses, but against permitting the distribution of refreshment-tickets.

Before the Committee entered on the subject, however, an amendment moved by Sir Frrzaoy KELLY on clause 34, providing that the "reason- able expenses" of the election-officer should be "election expenses," WM carried by 88 to 56; and the whole clause was carried by 103 to 47. Lord ROBERT GROSVENOR moved the addition of a clause inflicting a penalty of 501. upon any person paying the expenses of the conveyance of any voter to the poll, or of the refreshment of any voter. Negatived by 190 to 86. Mr. STANHOPE moved the addition of a clause permitting the election- officer, with the consent of the candidates, to issue to voters on the poll- ing-day refreshment-tickets not exceeding in value 2e. Negatived, with- out debate, by 142 to 126. Lord JOHN RUSSELL suggested that the bill should be reported; inti- mating that other clauses might be moved on the bringing up of the re- port. Mr. KNIORTLEY objected, and moved that the Chairman should report progress. But he was not supported, and withdrew his motion.

The House resumed, and the bill as amended was ordered to be re- ported.

THE PUBLIC REVENUE Thai,.

On the third reading of the Public Revenue and Consolidated Fund Charges Bill, in the House of Lords, Earl Griaa-vu.Lia, remarking that Lord Monteagle had given notice that he should propose to refer this bill to a Select Committee, made a statement of the objects of the measure, and urged the House to pass the bill at once. It was not usual for the Lords to refer to a Select Committee a bill which they could not alter without interfering with the privileges of the Commons. It would better to reject the bill at once than to have it hereafter rejected on a question of privilege. All the great judicial officers have been excepted from the operations of the bill ; and only the Commissioners of Lunacy, the Police Magistrates, and the Revising Barristers, will be subject to an annual vote in the House of Commons.

Lord MONTEADLE, in stating the grounds on which he rested the pro- posal for sending the bill before a Select Committee, described it as con- taining a principle of injustice and sanctioning an act of unparalleled spoliation. Offices held under good behaviour are to be transferred te the annual votes, and other offices held at the pleasure of the Govern- ment are to depend for their salaries on the votes. The Commissioners of Lunacy, who exercise judicial functions of no ordinary character—the Revising Barristers who were placed upon the Consolidated Fund in 1843—the Clerk of Crown, the Clerk of Patents, the Scotch officers-- are all to be subjected to an annual vote in Committee of Supply. The public complain that Parliament but imperfectly performs its duties' the result of this bill will be to double the time occupied by the miscel- hemons votes in Committee Of Supply, and to delay bills coming down from the other House. Lord Baotrousia concurred in these views, and eapported the motion ; chiefly on the ground that the bill included a great class of judicial or quasi-judicial officers. The Duke of ARGYLL replied to Lord Brougham. The Marl of DERBY explained, that the late Govern- ment intended to bring only the gross receipts under control of the House of Commons, to enable them to fix the charge of collection. Had this bill done no more, he would have gladly supported it; but the schedule in- cluded many offices which ought to be exempted from the control of the House of Commons. He thought that the bill should be referred to a Se- lect Committee, not for the purpose of defeating its principle, but to as- certain whether justice did not require the exclusion of many officers from the schedule. Lord CAMPBELL read a letter from Mr. Jardine, arguing that Police Magistrates, as judicial officers, should be exempt. Lord Giasrvus,z, in deference to the feeling of the House, consented to refer the bill to a Select Committee ; on the understanding that the principle of the measure should not be destroyed in that Committee.

MERCHANT SHIPPING BILL.

In Committee on this bill, Lord CAMPBELL objected to clause 181, which provides that wages are not to be dependent on freight : he argued, that if the old maxim that "freight is the mother of wages" were not adhered to, sailors would not exert themselves to save freight in the case of a wreck. Lord STANLEY of Alderley observed, that the practice of most countries differed so much from the maxim that it is no longer ap- plicable to wages. Under the present law, a sailor can recover his wages even if no freight be earned ; and the clause only enacts that a sailor has the right to recover if it be proved that he has not misconducted himself. Lord ST. Lzoismins, the LORD CHANCELLOR, and the Earl of Haan- vacate., also supported the clause; and it was carried, on a division, by 56 to 5.

On the motion of the Earl of ELLENBOROUGH, words were inserted in clause 219, enabling seamen to make complaints, should they consider a ship not to be seaworthy. In clause 251, on the motion of Lord COL- CHESTER, an amendment was made, enabling "one or more" seamen to join in a complaint, instead of "one-third of the crew," as the clause originally stood. The clauses and the schedules were agreed to, and the bill was reported to the House.

CHURCH Paormurz.

In Committee on the Episcopal and Capitular Estates Management Bill, on Tuesday morning, after the clauses had been agreed to, Mr. INGHAM moved the addition of a new clause, providing that in every case where a treaty shall have been entered into for the sale, purchase, or exchange of an episcopal or capitular estate in England, it shall be law- ful to refer to arbitration the finding of the annual value and the value of the fee simple ; each party to appoint an arbitrator, and the arbitra- tors to appoint an umpire ; the proceeding to be conducted in the same manner as upon a reference made by consent upon a rule of Court or Judge's order. Lord JOHN RUSSELL thought the clause would tend to produce a just settlement of the question ; but he proposed to insert after the word "treaty," the words "with the approbation of the Church Estates Commissioners," and after the words "in every such case one ar- bitrator shall be appointed," to omit " by each of the parties," and insert instead "by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, and the other by the lessee or the intending purchaser." Appealed to by Lord John Russell, Mr. GOULBURN expressed doubts as to whether the clause would expedite proceedings, as there would be a greater reserve in entering into nego- tiations with lessees. The amendment was, however, adopted ; and the clause, as amended, ordered to be added to the bill.

THE IRISH CHURCH.

The adjourned debate on the Church Temporalities (Ireland) Bill was resumed and concluded on Wednesday. Mr. KENNEDY stated, that he had only moved the adjournment in order to give Mr. Sergeant Shea an op- portunity of replying. Mr. Sergeant SHEE accordingly repeated the statement of the object of the measure which he made when he moved for leave to bring it in. He also replied to the speeches of Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Napier; vindicating the accuracy of his own statistics, derived, as he asserted, from Archdeacon Stopford's book and the returns of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. The difference between his statements and those of his opponents mainly consisted in the deductions allowed or disallowed on either side. On a division, the motion for leave was nega- tived by 117 to 31.

ECCLESIASTICAL COVEYS Bu.r.,.

The object of this bill, it will remembered, is to extend to all the Ec- clesiastical Courts the power, conferred on the Admiralty Court in 1840, of examining witnesses viva voce. In moving the third reading of the bill, Lord BROUGHAM said, that this mode of examination has worked so well in the Admiralty Court, especially in salvage cases, which bear much resemblance to cases in the Court of Chancery, as to form a strong argu- ment for its application to that Court, and he hoped very soon to see this eat reform accomplished. The LORD CnsxcEmon said, there are dif- culties in the way of adopting a pure and simple system of viva voce examination in the Court of Chancery ; but it will be matter for congra- tulation if, during the recess, some means can be devised of getting rid of the present enormously expensive system. To have witnesses brought up to town, and to keep them waiting until the cases are brought on, would increase instead of diminish the expense. The subject should have his earnest consideration.

The bill was read a third time, and passed.

MASTERS' OFFICES.

In moving the second reading of the Court of Chancery Bill, the Loan CHANCELLOR stated that its object is to dispose of the business remaining in the Masters' Offices. In two years the Masters have disposed of 1053 cases; but there remain 893. The bill will give the Masters power to call in an accountant, and enable the Lord Chancellor to appoint a clerk to assist them. The bill also provides that the Masters may submit a case for the opinion of the Court. Lord Baouoitur approved of the measure ; and the bill was read a second time.

ADMIRALTY COURT PROCESS. On the motion of Sir JAMES Gssusst, a bill to amend certain pro- visions which regulate the process of the High Court of Admiralty, was brought in and read a first time. The bill enables the Court of Ad- miralty to appoint Commissioners in the country to take affidavits, in the same way that the Commissioners of the Court of Chancery take them. That provision is required by reason of a doubt having been expressed in • a court of law as to the efficacy of an affidavit taken by a Commissioner of the Court of Chancery in a matter cognizable by the High Court Of Admiralty. The second provision legalizes affidavits taken before our Consuls and other authorities in foreign countries ; the third allows suits to be instituted without the arrest of the ships,—a provision intended for the benefit of commerce ; and the fourth substitutes stamps for fees.

SCOTCH REFORMATORY SCHOOLS.

Mr. Dunlop has a bill before the House of Commons for establishing Reformatory Schools in Scotland. It reached the second reading, un- opposed, except by the Irish Members, who look upon it as an attempt to proselytize the Scotch Roman Catholic children. On Wednesday, tbs. House went into Committee on the bill. On clause 1, enacting that the Sheriff or Magistrate may send vagrant children to school, unless security be found for their good behaviour, Mr. Alm:mins, supported b7 Mr. M‘Manoz, Mr. LUCAS, and Mr. VINCENT SCULLY, renewed the opposition ; and showed a determination not to accept the disclaimers of the Loup- ADVOCATE, Colonel Brain, and Mr. DUNLOP, that it was not a proselytiz- ing measure. Mr. Sergeant SHEE aided the measure. To meet the views of Mr. Lucas, Mr. DUNLOP said he would add a proviso, to the effect that where there are two schools, a Protestant and a Catholic, the parents of a child shall have a choice of the schools. But the opposition continued until the clock put an end to the debate. Late on Thursday night, however, it passed through Committee.

IRISH POOR-LAW BOARD.

On the third reading of the Poor-law Commission Continuance (Ire- land) Bill, there were no fewer than three divisions. The motion was made late on Monday night ; and " Brotherton " was appealed to, but did not appear. Mr. Isaac Burr, however, first moved the adjournment of the debate : negatived by 83 to 36. Next, Mr. 'Variorums. moved the adjournment of the House : negatived by 97 to 21. Thirdly, Colonel DUNNE moved that the bill should continue for two years, instead of five: negatived by 82 to 37. The bill then passed.

CORK HARBOUR.

Mr. Maouirtz called attention to the necessity of forming a floating hospital in Cork Harbour. Emigrant-vessels, finding it convenient, seek refuge there when under stress of weather or having disease on board. But there is no provision for dealing with such cases, nor for fumigating the vessels. In November 1853, five vessels put into the harbour 'with infectious diseases on board. The Admiralty, when applied to offered a hulk ; but there were no means of fitting it up, and nothing had been done. This year—this month, indeed—the Dingo entered the harbour with the cholera on board; three men lay dead, and there were seventeen cases of confirmed cholera ; but as there was no hospital accommodation, the ship had to put back to Liverpool, and when it arrived in that port there were fifty dead on board. Unless Government did something, they would incur a great responsibility.

Sir Joust YOUNG said, the people of Cork, who reap the benefits of the commerce of the port, are the persons who are responsible. The Ad- miralty could not furnish the funds for fitting up a hulk, neither could it be charged to the poor-rate. Surely the people of Cork, like the people of Belfast, ought to make provision for the sick. Colonel Duzzis, Mr. J. Rau., Mr. H. T. LIDDELL, and Mr. Lucas thought "something should be done" to meet cases of this kind. Sir GEORGE GREY said, that if a hulk were granted it would not go far towards accomplishing the object in view ; the medical authorities being adverse to such an employment of hulks. Government will consider the question. As Lord dears Rumex!. said he could not pledge himself to any specific measure, Mr. 3kfaomaz announced that he should submit a motion on the subject.

PRINTING.

Mr. 3. ,GREENE moved for the appointment of "a Select Committee to consider the cheapegt, best, most expeditious, and most efficient mode of providing for the printing required for the Houses of Parliament." If the printing were under the control of the House, 40,000/. annually might be saved. He described himself as interested in a plan by which the cost of printing might be reduced from is. to id. ; and a " galley " of 5000 letters, now costing 3s. 10d. for composition, might be set up for 71d. Mr. GLADSTONE admitted that the cost of printing for the Parliament might be reduced, and promised to consider the subject during the recess. The present is not a proper time to investigate the matter. Next session, he would be happy to see the House appoint a Com- mittee. But Mr. Greene said he was interested in a plan where- by a saving might be effected : was that a fit subject for the House to investigate, and to determine upon the comparative excellence, efficiency, and cheapness of different mechanical contrivances applicable to the art of printing, especially when any of its own Members were interested in the result ? It would be contrary to "the principles of common sense" for the House to try questions of this kind. Some discussion arose on the subject ; Mr. OTWAY, MT. PELLATT, Mr. J. FITZGERALD, Mr. HADFIELD, Lord NAAS, and Mr. LUCAS supporting, while Mr. VERNON SMITH and Lord SEYMOUR opposed the motion. On a division, it was carried by 56 to 32.

GRIEVANCES.

The sitting of the Commons on Tuesday evening was almost entirely devoted to the consideration of grievances. Mr. G. DUNDAS brought for- ward the ease of Dr. Reid, in moving for papers connected with his dis- missal. Dr. Reid had abandoned a lucrative profession at Edinburgh ; and when dismissed he received only a portion of his deserts. Sir Wn..- LIAM MOLESWORTH resisted the motion. He said that Dr. Reid had re- ceived 3250/. after mature deliberation by the arbitrators, in full settle- ment of his claim. The evidence occupied 5000 folio pages, and would cost 1000/. to print. But if Mr. Dundee wished to read it, he could do so at full leisure in Sir William's office. The motion was negatived without a division.

Mr. BOWYER moved for a Select Committee to inquire into the claims of Mr. Edwardes, representative of William Sturgeon, a British subject, whose property was confiscated and destroyed at Rouen in 1793. Mr. Sturgeon had put in a claim before the Commission appointed to dis- tribute the sum allotted for compensations, for 43,0001.; but the Com- mission only awarded 50001. An appeal was allowed in 1833, after other claims had been satisfied ; but Mr. Sturgeon had received no notice ; and when in 1842, he applied to the Treasury, he was told there were no funds in hand to meet the claim. Mr. Wirsosi said that the Commis- sioners had maturely considered Mr. Sturgeon's claim: they did not admit the whole of it, as he could not furnish proof of his loss; bat,

looking to all the circumstances, they had awarded him 5000/. Mr. Bowtza divided the House; but his motion was negatived by 40 to 39. Admiral W/acorr moved for a Select Committee to inquire into the claims of Captain Dickenson, RN., on behalf of himself and the crews of the Queen's vessels engaged in the salvage of tho wreck oilier Majesty's ship Thetis, and the recovery of treasure, off Cape Frio, on the coast of Brazil. After enormous labour for eighteen months, Captain Dick- enson succeeded in saving 750,000 dollars, and 20001. worth of Govern- ment stores. As salvage, 54,0001. was awarded ; but the Admiralty de- ductions reduced this to 28,2001. It was of this he complained. Sir JAMES GRAHAM said that the subject was not a new one. The Thetis, laden with treasure belonging to merchants, was wrecked in 1830, under circumstances of considerable if not culpable neglect. If anybody had a claim to the amount demanded, it was not Captain Dickenson but the merehants. The Board of Admiralty did not fix the amount of salvage, but the Court of Admiralty. Investigations had already taken place, and suits had been instituted, in which the decision was against the claim. Sir GEORGE PzeisEss, Admiral TYLER, and Captain SCOBELL supported the motion : but it was negatived by 41 to 40,—a second majority of one for the Government.

Mr. Wrisasms moved for a series of returns of the number of seamen and petty officers who had been flogged, and the number of petty officers disrated on board her Majesty's sloop Star, while under the command of Commander Warren. He entered at some length into the 'subject, to show that great mismanagement had taken place on board that ship, and asked for information. Sir Loins GRAHAM, correcting errors in the state- ment of Mr. Williams, said that the case of the Star had been fully in- vestigated, and the Admiralty had come to the conclusion that there had been misconduct and mismanagement on the part of the Commander, but not sufficient to justify a court-martial. The crew had been insubordi- nate, and had otherwise miscondueted themselves. Commander Warren had not been dismissed, but had retired in consequence of ill health. He trusted the House would not constitute itself a tribunal of appeal in the matter of discipline.—Motion withdrawn. PUBLIC BUSINESS.

Lord j01111 Russets, on Wednesday, asked the Commons to postpone consideration of the Lords' amendments on the Oxford University Bill till the 270. In making the motion for this purpose, Lord John referred to the resolution of the Lords, that no bill coming from the House of Commons, except bills of Supply, should be read after the 25th July, unless they are measures of peculiar urgency. There is not much to complain of in that resolution ; but at the same time, there will be some difficulty in making the business of the House accord with it. Lord

• John further stated, that he had so arranged the business of the House, that the measures which can be sent to the other House shall be sent up by Monday next—especially the Bribery Bill. Motion agreed to.