/3 thatto anti frorrtiungo in Is arlinunt.
PRINCIPAL BUSINESS OF THE WEEK.
HOUSE OF LOans. Monday, Feb, 27. Courts of Common Law Amendment Bill ; Lord Chancellor's Statement; Bill read first time—County Courts Extension Act Explanation Bill, read a second time—Russian Naval Movements ; Lord Ellett- borough's Questions. reweday, Feb. 28. Leasing Powers (Ireland) Bill, Landlord and Tenant (Ireland) Bill, Law of Landlord and Tenant (Ireland) Bill, Powers of Leasing (Ireland) Bill, Tenants Improvements Cosnpens,ation (Ireland) bill, Law of Landlord and Tenant Consolidation (Ireland) Bill, Compensation for Tenants Improvement (Ireland)
Bill ; all read a second time, and •referred to Select Committee. •
ThurSday, March 2. County Courts Extension Act Explanation Bill. passed— Militia ; Lord Elleriborougli's Question and Statement—Irish Pau per Removal; Lord Donoughmore's Question. Friday, March 8. Reform Bill; Lord Derby's Question, answered by Lord ,Aber- deen—Reforrnatories ; Petition from Manchester.
House op COatt40103. Monday, Feb. 27. Supply ; Navy and Ordnance Estimates; Mr. MouselPs Statement—Sloane; Sir Bepsy Willoughby's Complaint. Tuesday, Feb. SS. Rtlestans at }Chive; question and Answer—Conventual In- stitutions; 52r. Chambers's Motion for a Committee, carried by 186 to 116. IVednesdaY, March 1. Supply; Navy Estimates Report, Ordnance Eatimates, Toted—Legal Education; Mr. Napier's MAilan, ThursdaY, March 2. Great London Drainage Bill, thrown out—Emigrant Ships; Mr. O'Connell's Motion—Military Administration; Mr. Hume's Motion—Coasting Trade Bill, read second time.
Friday, Idarchl Eeform sod:4)nd readitig postponed to 27th April; Lord Jan Russell's Statement—Committee of SUpply ; Supplemental Army Eatunates—Roman catneue somier.-;,;;;,' asitvr#i 1..eco's Complaiiit--Coasting Trade Hill, reported..
TIME-TABLE.
The Lords.
Hour of Hour of Meeting AdjORTOMellt. Monday 5h Th 15an Tuesday 5h 9h 331a Wednesday No sitting. Thursday 6h Th 15m
Friday 5h .... 6h 35m Sittings this Week, 4; Time, 101, 40m --• this Session. 19; — 46h 2m
WAR ADMINISTRATION.
Mr. Hymn has recalled attention to the report of the Royal Commission of 1837, appointed to consider the practicability and expedieney of con- solidating the different departments connected with the eivit administra- tion of the Army. The recommendations of that Commission, although signed by Lord Howiek, Lord Palmerston, Lord John Russell, and Sir John Hobhouse, have never been adopted. He should not have interfered now but for the military movements going on. Such a complicated sys- tem as that existing might be well enough in a time of peace, but the case is different now. His sole object was to strengthen, not embarrass the Government, le the administration of the Army, and to prevent pecu- niary loss, which for years past has amounted to from 300,0001. to 400,000/. a year. What he proposed was, that the whole of the Army should be under the control of one person, and that one person should bring the whole charge for the maintenance of the Army before Parlia- ment. Under the present system, the 8,000,0001. required is one half proposed by the Secretary at War, and the other by various persons; the demands being made at different times. The system makes it difficult to check the expenditure of the Army. To give a notion of existing ano- malies, waste of work, and delays, Mr. Hume described the duties and practices of the departments. Orders concerning the employment of troops are communicated to the Commander-in-chief and the Master of the Ordnance, by the Colonial Secretary; he also orders troops on foreign service ; all commissions are practically under his authority. With re- gard to supplies of arms, the Commander-in-chief informs the Secretary at War, who informs the Colonial Secretary ; the Colonial Secretary, having obtained the authority of the Queen, sends an order to the Master of the Ordnance, who supplies the arms. When a superior officer is wanted, the Commander-in-chief and the Colonial Secretary determine upon that officer ; and the Secretary at War does not know officially who has been appointed until the officer applies for his passage-money. Then the Commissariat is conducted in a most anomalous manner. For the Army in England, the food is supplied by contract ; but in Ireland—. though he believed the system is about to be altered—by regimental con- tracts. The Guards, too, hi London are supplied by regimental contracts ; in the Militia, the Colonels supply the food as they best can. Why should there be these different modes of supply ? and is there any reason why the whole force should not be supplied by contract? Mr. Hume read the report of the Royal Commission of Isn.
"1. That the grinder part of the antherity, with reference to the Army, which at present belongs to the Secretaries of State, should for the future he vested in the Secretary at War, "2. An alteration should be made in the form of the appointment of the Secretary at War. 1. That he should in future be always a member of the The Commons.
Hour of Roar at
Meeting. A djourninen Monday 4h .(in) Ik Om Tuesday 4h .(ni) Ili Om Wednesday.. ...... .., 2h .... 55 52111
Thursday th Ilh ilam Friday ..... 4b .... 105 am Siltingsthis Week, 5; Time.35h 37m — this Session. M; — 1311a 37m
Cabinet. 2. That he should be the Minister by whom the advice of the Cabinet, as to the amount of the military establishments, should be laid before the King. 3. That he should be the person to consider and act on aU points with the Commander-in-chief on behalf of the Administration, and to be immediately responsible to Parliament for all the measures of the Govern- ment with reference to the Army. 4. That he should assume all the merely formal duties relating to the subject now performed by the Secretaries of State, such as the preparing and countersigning of military commissions and the issuing of orders for the delivery of arms to the troops. • • • "7. The civil business should be brought under the more direct control of the Secretary at War, by making the Board officers, by whom it is more immediately conducted, subordinate to him instead of the Master-General and Board of Ordnance; so that their separate divisions of the business would become branches of the War Office, and the whole expenditure con- nected therewith would be provided for in the general Army estimates." Mr. Hume said he had waited patiently so many years for these ne- cessary reforms. The impediments which existed are now removed. The changes may be made gradually ; and no time could be better than the present for commencing. He moved,
4, That it is the opinion of this House, in accordance with the report of the said Commission, confirmed by evidence taken before the Committee on the Naval, Military, and Ordnance Expenditure, in the years 1848-'50, that measures should forthwith be taken to consolidate the different branches of the military service and expenditure, and to place the whole under the su- perintendence and control of one efficient and responsible department." Mr. SIDNEY HERBERT agreed much more on many of the opinions ex- pressed by Mr. Hume, than in the motion with which he concluded. At the time the report of 1837 was made, great impediments, extending so far back as 1812, had arisen in consequence of controversies between the different branches of the War Department. Lord Howick had found great difficulty in getting his plans adopted. Those differences, which made the Commission necessary then, do not exist now. In the last few years great changes have been made in the War Office. Mr. Fox Maule changed service for life to service for ten years, and introduced examina- tions previously to holding a commission. Those were vital changes. With regard to the Navy being governed by one head, so far as the dis- position of the forces go, what is the case ? The First Lord of the Ad- miralty takes orders from the Colonial Secretary as to where the forces should be employed on foreign stations ; and sometimes from the Home Secretary, as when ships were sent to supply assistance to Ireland. Mr. Herbert analyzed the proposal that the Secretary at War should have the control of the whole Army ; and showed that if it were so, he would be only a go-between, carrying messages to or from the Colonial and Home Secretaries and the Commander-in-chief. He would still have to be told where forces were wanted. The Secretary of State would still dictate to the Commander-in-chief, not directly, but through the Secretary at War. He believed such a change would create great and endless difficulties, where much simplicity now exists. To confirm his views, Mr. Herbert read a passage from the evidence of Mr. Fox Maule, showing that the Home Secretary is the best judge of the amount of force requisite to maintain the peace.
With regard to the Ordnance, there is no such check upon the Master- General as there is upon the Commander-in-chief. The success of the system at the Horse Guards arose very much from the fact that there is one officer who incurs the expense of the department and another who checks it. That is the reason why, financially, the Army is more economically administered than the Navy ; and he thought the cheek so beneficially applied at the Horse Guards might also be applied to the Ordnance and the Navy. He stated this as his own opinion, without pledging any one. He thought that a further division might be made in the duties of the offices ; although he was aware that there are diffi- culties iu the way, and that there exist objections to it. But still he was of opinion that the Commander-in-chief should have his duties con- fined to all that relates to the personnel of the Army, and that the Master of the Ordnance should have the control of the materiel of the Army. This, he believed, would tend greatly to the efficiency of the military service of the country. With respect to the Commissariat, he could never understand why a Commissariat officer, whose business it is to novide food for the troops, should also be called upon to act as a banker lir the Government ; and he should therefore be glad to see an effective atemtion carried out in this respect.
But the question is, what can best be done at this juncture. Mr. Hume hatiallnded to Lord Grey's evidence before the Committee of inquiry. Pleie Mr. Herbert read (coin the evidence, showing that Lord Grey had not ititered his opinion since 1837 as to the cumbrous nature of the pre- sent esstem, but that he thought it worked tolerably well; that there were inbjects before the public of more pressing importance ; and that it was extiemely difficult to deal with.] In a time of pressure like the pre- sent, gralual improvement is necessary. Whatever changes may be made for the better, we have got a good working system for all practical pur- poses. The labours of the Colonial Secretary are likely to decrease, and he is by position a War Minister. We have just had an opportunity of seeing ItOW the system works under high pressure, inasmuch as Govern- ment have been called upon to send out a force larger than that which the late Duke of Wellington took with him to Waterloo ; and no troops ever left the shores of this country with their wants better provided for, and in such a state of order and discipline as these troops were. Another reason against a sudden change is, that a risk would be run of disturbing that accurate knowledge of routine business which can scarcely be overrated. Disturb this knowledge, and the very men so useful now will be compa- ratively of no worth. Mr. Herbert said he had spoken out frankly, and he trusted Mr. Hume would not press his motion. A brief conversation ensued. Lord SEYMOUR expressed his pleasure at hearing the speech of the Secretary at War, because it showed a wil- lingness to consider improvements. He dwelt on the delays caused by the present system of multiplying correspondence, whereby the troops suffer in health. But he thought the present is not a time for the re- modelling of the large establishments. He suggested the appointment of a military officer to assist the Colonial Secretary. Sir Joust Paxisiorces said that Mr. Sidney Herbert had not been par- ticularly successful in meeting the statements of Mr. Hume. Sir John approved of the report of 1837. The War department should be under one authority. If all the departments are acting in harmony now, they may not be some years hence, and the public service may suffer. When it was a time of peace, they were told that changes must not be placle because it was a time of peace ; and when we are involved in war, it is said that it would be inconvenient to change in time of war ! But
Mr. Herbert had fairly and candidly met the suggestions made, and he hoped Mr. Hume would not divide the House.
Mr. ELLICE also entreated Mr. flume not to divide the House. He spoke warmly in favour of the report of 1837. Lord Jon si RUSSELL, concurring with Mr. Herbert, admitted that there should be a more efficient and direct authority than now exists with reference to military affairs. In explanation why the report of 1837 was not carried out at the time, he said that the Duke of Welling- ton had a strong objection to it, and Lord Melbourne did not like to force a new arrangement in opposition to the views of the Duke. With respect to the suggestion that a Military Under-Secretary should be appointed to assist the Colonial Minister, he thought there was great weight in it; Government had already taken it into consideration, and he thought it necessary there should be some arrangement of the kind.
Mr. Hume withdrew his motion, on the understanding that the Go- vernment will not allow the subject to drop.
WAR HALTER&
In both Houses, on Monday, several questions were put to Ministers relating to matters connected with the impending war.
The Earl of ELLENBOROUGH pointing out that by an order from St. Pe- tersburg twelve Russian frigates and corvettes had been ordered to pre- pare for sea on the breaking up of the ice, asked whether Ministers in- tended to prevent those ships from leaving the Baltic ? They might, un- less prevented, get out of the Cattegat by the 21st of March, sail round the North of Scotland, and capture unsuspecting British merchantmen in the Chops of the Channel or the North of Ireland. There are also eleven Russian men of war on foreign stations : a frigate and brig at Manilla, a 60-gun ship off Australia, a 44-gun frigate at Rio, a schooner at Ma- deira, two heavily armed frigates on their way to the Pacific, round Cape Horn, and three men-of-war in the Adriatic. All these vessels ought to be watched, for the Emperor of Russia is at perfect liberty to give orders that they should pounce upon our trade in different parts of the world.
An order should be issued immediately on this subject ; but it will not do to issue instructions to each ship sent out in the course of three or four weeks that they must tell every Russian ship they meet either to go back to her own port or come into one of the ports of England. The sending of such a message would be extremely embarrassing to all the operations of a ship ; for, perhaps, at the time she was sending off a boat she should be firing her guns double-shotted. Indeed, all her movements would be impeded, and "therefore I trust that course will not be adopted. I conclude that it never can be considered possible to act in this matter without notice; and therefore I presume that notice must be given to the Emperor of Russia as to the in- tentions we entertain ; and, as those vessels may be at the mouth of the Cattegat, where we should meet them, in three weeks, not a day, not an. hour should be lost in giving that notice. I have therefore to ask, if her Majesty's Government are prepared to prevent the frigates and corvettes to which I have referred from leaving the Baltic ?"
The Earl of ABERDEEN replied, that Lord Ellenborough, who had been accustomed to conduct great military operations, could scarcely expect him to answer the question. "I think I might hope that my noble friend would give her Majesty's Ministers credit for possessing in some degree the activity and watchfulness which belong to himself. I decline to give any answer to a question the answer to which can only be useful to the power against which it is desired our movements should be directed. And henceforth, I beg to say, I shall consider it to be my duty to answer no question respecting military or naval operations of this description. My noble friend has more or less correctly described the position of the Russian naval force in different parts of the world; but he has made one grievous error in that description in saying that they were unwatched. More than this I do not think it necessary to enter into the subject. I decline to answer the question asked by my noble friend, and I trust the House will see and feel the propriety of the course which I take. " ("Hear, hear ! ") Lord ELLENBOROUGH returned to the charge. He thought he would not be justified in giving Ministers credit for activity and watchfulness. He would give them credit for being able to do all that will be required of them in matters of political economy and finance; but they are not aware of the value of time, which in war is almost as necessary as action. When he saw that they had postponed essential preparations for our coast defence for two or three nights—that they had provided forces utterly inadequate, and were endeavouring to persude the House that this is a little war—he could not give them credit for watchfulness and activity.
The Marquis of LAwsnowse said he could concur in one of the affirma- tions of Lord Ellenborough—that this is not and cannot be a little war. Government have never alleged that the war could for a moment be re- garded as a little war. The evidence of their preparations for a great war is to be seen in the magnificent fleet ready to sail and the admirable army ready to go abroad : all these preparations show the watchfulness, the foresight, the determination of Ministers. But it would take away a great deal from the merit and effect of that watchfulness if the details were made public.
Lord ELLENBOROUGH would say one single word respecting the ex- ample of foresight. The "magnificent fleet" adverted to would consist of eighteen ships, seven only of which had ever been at sea. That fleet will go to sea with the chance of engaging the enemy, with untried ships and crews, within a fortnight after they leave the shores of England.
The Earl of Wrcitsolv could not understand how, after forty years of peace, it is possible to have such discipline and experience as Lord Ellen- borough looked for.
The Earl of ELLENBOROU0/1 moved for a continuation of the returns of the expense of the Militia and the numbers enrolled, with a supplemental column showing the complements of the regiments. In doing so, he offered some suggestions as to the best means of raising the number re- quired. He laid much stress on the exertions of gentlemen of influence in their neighbourhoods; on the employment of the Police—the best of recruiting-officers ; on the suspended threat of the ballot if needed ; and on the making the districts of recruitment conterminous with those of the Union Registrars. He urged upon Ministers to extend the period of training to fifty-six days, and to insure the services of the whole of the Militia. He condemned the sending of an expedition to Turkey. " The true point for us to look at is the Baltic, and not the Black Sea." Sweden and Denmark might call on us for military aid; Sir Charles Na- pier might want to occupy an island : where are our trooped—gone to Turkey. We ought not to depend on France for defending our coast and establishing our predominance at sea. He recommended:4n expedition to the Baltic. The Duke of NEWCASTLE said, the Militia will be trained for twenty- eight days—a longer time than they were out last year. On the let of
January there were 66,280 men enrolled, against 51,560 who assembled last year. It would be making a bad return for the patriotic spirit abroad among the people to compel them by any measure to do that which they already do nobly and voluntarily. Government do not intend at present to embody the whole force permanently. In reply to the observations of Lord Ellenborough respecting the pre- parations for war and the mode of carrying it on, the Duke observed that these discussions prejudice negotiations and operations of a warlike cha- racter. Lord Ellenborough greatly underrated the strength of the fleet about to proceed to the Baltic. With respect to the troops, even without those demanded by the supplemental estimate, the country will not be denuded of troops ; and if such operations as those suggested be needed, there are forces amply sufficient for the purpose.
Lord ELLENBOROUGH rejoined, that he was firmly persuaded Ministers were dealing with an illusion, while he was dealing with stern reality. Nevertheless, Ministers were only acting in accordance with the opinion of the House and the country. The Earl of HARDWICKE made some remarks on the backwardness of our preparations and the difficulty of manning the fleet. The Earl of WLNCHEISEA entered on the general Eastern question, and adopted the views of Lord Grey.
Motion agreed to.
Replying to Captain SCOBELL, Sir JAMES GRAIIAM said that it is true there are three Russian men-of-war in the Adriatic ; but there are also three British men-of-war, and two powerful French vessels. The Russian ships have been hauled up within the inner mole at Trieste, so that our men-of-war cannot get at them.
Questioned by Mr. 11. G. LIDDELL, Sir CHARLES Woon said, he believed that there is no foundation for the report that the Russians have advanced to within a few days' march of Khiva. In an interview between Mr. Stevens, British Consul at Tabriz, and M. Khanikoff, a Russian agent there, the latter denied that any expedition against Khiva had been under- taken. The report that a treaty offensive and defensive had been formed between Russia, Dost Mahomed, and the Khans of Khiva and Bokhara, he believed to be equally unfounded. Indeed, the latest information from Cabul is of a contrary nature.
In reply to Sir WILLisst CIA; Lord jolts RUSSELL said, that in No- vember last, certain merchants of Hull asked whether Lord Stratford could obtain from the Turkish Government protection for certain Russian ships then in the Black Sea, laden with cargoes on account of British merchants. Those vessels were allowed to pass into the Mediterranean. In December protection was asked for four more ships similarly situated; and in the event of war British cruisers in the Mediterranean were di- rected to respect vessels allowed to pass by the Sultan. With regard to French men of war, protection from them could not properly be de- manded of the French Government, but the British Government pro- mised to use its good offices to attain that end. But it is desirable that persons interested should send written applications to the Foreign Office. In answer to Mr. MILNER. GIBSON, Lord Jonsr RUSSELL said that the whole question with regard to neutrals was under consideration ; and that before any declaration of war Government will state the principles on which they will act.
SUPPLY.
On the motion for going into Committee of Supply, Sir HENRY Wu- Lorciusy called attention to the affair at Sinope ; arguing that it cast a reflection on the reputation of the British Navy. As early as the 5th of November, Lord Stratford prevented the Turks from sending a fleet into the Black Sea; and therefore the British fleet was bound to protect those anchored at Sinope. On the 8th of October, Lord Clarendon or- dered the British fleet up the Bosphorus, saying that of course, if the fleet of Russia came out of Sebastopol, the British squadron should pass through the Bosphorus and Admiral Dundas was ordered to tell the Admiral at Sebastopol that he had been instructed to protect the Turks from acts of hostility. That order was issued fifty-three days before the affair at Sinope. Why had it not been carried out ? Sir JAMAS GRAHAM replied, that the order of the 8th of October re- ferred only to the Turkish territory ; but after the outrage at Sinope, our fleet was directed to prevent any Russian ships of war whatever from cruising in the Black Sea. The Warning to the Admiral at Sebastopol had been withheld by Lord Stratford, exercising his discretion. The catastrophe at Sinope was solely attributable to the culpable neglect of the Turkish Pasha. In support of this assertion, Sir James Graham read extracts from the despatches of Lord Stratford, showing that the 'Turkish squadron had been warned of their danger; and from Admiral Dundas, showing that the squadron had been ordered to return to the Bosphorus, but its commanders disobeyed the order. Distinct orders have now been given to the French and English Admirals, that no Rus- sian ship of war shall navigate the Black Sea, if the English and French fleets can prevent it. The fleets have now been in every part of the Black Sea, and have seen no Russian ships except three at the entrance of the Sea of Azoff.
A conversation ensued ; in which Admiral WsLcorr,__Mr. FRENCH, Lord DUDLEY STUART, Captain SCOBELL, Lord JOHN MANNERS, Mr. SANDARS, Mr. MURROLTOH, Mr. PHILLIPS, and Lord JOHN RUSSELL, took part. It was almost wholly retrospective. The naval Members, how- ever, protested against the attempt to conduct the fleets from the House of Commons. Even the Admirals on board are to some extent de- pendent on wind and weather. Mr. DRUMMOND made a brief speech, in relation to Admiral Dundas. "If this country is about to engage in a war, I hope that the House will set its face against unprofessional observations on the commanders employed. It seems to me a matter of wonder that any one should have insinuated that Admiral Dundas has in the remotest degree shown a want of energy and de- cision. Thirty years ago, I was sailing in the Mediterranean in the same ship with Admiral Dundas. He said to me, there will be a war ; I shall be commanding here ; and the first thing I shall have to contend with will be the satirical observations of ignorant people at home. He added, when the time arrives, I shall quote you as a witness that I told you this many years ago."
In Committee of Supply, the usual Navy Estimates were taken seriatim. "
On the vote of 50,0001. for the Royal Naval Coast Volunteers, Mr. W. WILLIAMS called attention to several points. There are sixteen admirals
in active service; two of whom are in command of dockyards, four are port admirals, and only ten on board ship. There are 261 admirals, 544 captains, 920 commanders, and 1143 lieutenants, in idleness. This is a monstrous state of things. Under Sir James Graham, the department has been more efficiently_and economically managed, but since the last war fully 25,000,0001. has been spent for which there is very little left to show.
Sir JAMES GI/alum said, there had been an inquiry with reference to the large number of officers on half-pay, and the result had been consider-
able reduction. The number of the lieutenants on the effective list was so reduced that difficulty had been experienced in making up the requisite staff. Savings-banks had not been successful ; but Sir James attributed that to the mode of paying sailors at long intervals. Admitting that the present moment is inopportune, he promised a measure to assimilate the mode of paying the sailor to that of the soldier.
On the vote of 1,142,732/. for naval stores and repairs of ships, Sir JAMES GRAHAM in reply to questions, stated that the muskets and swords
supplied on board the ships are of the best construction; and that in- quiries which had been made afforded proof that iron was a material well adapted for the construction of ships of war.
On the vote of 657,5751. for reserved half-pay, Admiral WeLcorx ar- gued, that more adequate provision should be made for manning the Navy, and that promotion should go by merit alone • and he delivered an appeal in behalf of the officers receiving half-pay an pensions.
Mr. Wu.Lisies thought that Naval officers are treated better than offi- cers of the Army. Commodore Michael Seymour, who had only been in
one action in 1814, four months after he entered the Navy, is now in re- ceipt of a good-service pension for that service ; he had been employed afloat about eighteen years, and since 1851 had been Commodore Super- intendent of Devonport Dockyard. Mr. Williams thought there was ground for complaint that in this case so much had been bestowed. Sir JAMES GR.AHAM said, Mr. Williams was unfortunate in the in- stance he had adduced. The Admiralty had to select a Captain of the
Fleet for the force to be commanded by Sir Charles Napier ; and Sir Charles said that Commodore Seymour, if he would accept the appoint- ment, would be the most efficient person. When Commodore Seymour was told that it would be for the good of the service that he should go on board the Duke of Wellington as Captain of the Fleet, he at once replied, that he was ready te start at forty-eight /Lours' notice ; and he would re- sign his dockyard appointment, and throw his pension to the winds, if he could be of any service in the profession to which his heart was devoted. Sir James would not take him-strictly at his word, but told him that ar- rangements should' be made to keep his dockyard appointment open for him until the Aspecial service" is performed. - In bringing forward the Ordnance Estimates, Mr. MorrsELL gave a short statement of the condition of.the artillery force ; comparing it with the condition of the force when Wellington left England for the Tagus in 1808, and showing the great improvements that have been effected. Proceeding to the votes, Mr. Monsen said, that on the first vote, 19,266
men for the service of the ensuing year, there would be an increase of
102,6511-20,1671. of which is for the recruiting service. On the second vote 557,176/. for Commissariat supplies, there is an increase of 225,2981., caused by the increase of prices. The third vote is for the Ordnance Office, and in that there is a decrease. On the vote of 281,6451. for esta- blishments in the United Kingdom and Colonies, there is a decreer* of
10,0001. The vote for wages is 162,3341., and on that there is an in- crease of upwards of 20,0001. In the vote for stores, 639,5521., there is an increase of 267,8551. In the vote for works and repairs, at home and abroad, 902,2811., 100,000/. is for the purchase of land at Aldershott for a camp, and 80,0001. for a practice-range at Woolwich.
There is also included in this vote the sum of 138,0001. for the im- provement of the machinery of the Royal Carriage Department and the Royal Laboratory. In these establishriients, the enormous stun of 75,0001. per annum is expended in wages alone. The arrangements are insuffi- cient, and considered as manufaotories: they are in a primitive condition. By the proposed new napchinery, at lest a saving Of 37,001. in wages can be made. Then it is proposed to erect a gun-factory at Woolwich, at the cost of 100,0001.. There is new an establishment at Birmingham, costing 50941., and one at Enfield, costing 78831.; and these will be sold for what they will fetch. The Board of Ordnance have but one thing ts consider, and that is to get the best arm at the cheapest rate. has been found that the system which has ,prevailed up to this tine has not worked well. When the Board was called upon to 110- duce Minie rifles for the whole army, they foynd that maebinei7 did not exist to produce them; that efficient guomakers could net be procured ; and it was nearly two years before an. order was sup- plied. At the beginning of last year, 20,000 11Ibaie rifles were onlered ;
tenders were issued, but the answers were unsatisfactory ; fresh tenders were issued; and Sir, .Thomas Hastings went down to Birmingham in October last and made ,better terms. Since that time, various reasons,
such as a strike and:miscalculations, had been alleged for the non-com-' pletion of the order. Then the Board had to consider the price : at fire- sent it is 31. for a Minie rifle, while in the United States the Government
factories can turn out 500- rifle muskets a day at 37s. each. They are made in parts, and with such nicety that they can be put together any- where. We require 485,000 muskets ; which at 3/. would cost 1,455,0001.; but on the American machinery muskets can be produced at 308.—a saving of 727,5001.; and bayonets at is. 6d. instead of 7s. 6d.—a saving of
145,6001. All this would be accomplished with an outlay of 150,0001. Mr. Monsen remarked that the gun-trade of England is languishing ; and argued that the introduction of the American machinery to the notice of the British gunmakers would have a good effect upon the trade. He pointed out the instance of Colonel Colt, who had introduced this system of machinery among us, by which the demand for our pistols had been largely increased, and 'the gun-trade benefited. Mr. Monsell concluded by moving the vote for men.
A debate arose on the preposed gun-factory. kr. Minim, Mr. NNW- DEGATE, and Mr, GRAM', argued the question from a Birmingham pmt
of view ; contending that it was ridiculous to suppose that Birmingham, which so largely supplies France and the United States, cannot supply guns enough for England; that the fault had hitherto been with the
Ordnance ; that the manufacturers 'should have meseeutive orders ; that private enterprise is sure to succeed in England, while Govenimm; keeping no profit and loss account, is sure to fail. Lord Saxmocra held that Government manufactories are not desirable; that no man in the House believes they are cheap; that if the factory were erected and the machinery not kept going, it would be a loss, and if kept going, would make an immense stock for which there would be no use. It was sug- gested that the vote should be postponed for two months. Mr. Gi.sns•roitit stated generally the grounds on which the Government made the proposition ; reinforcing Mr. Monsen. He could not have be- lieved without investigation that in so small a matter a saving of 800,000/. or 900,0001. could be effected. What is wanted is a power of sudden expansion. There can be no such thing as a continuous and equal demand for arms. Must the Government undertake to keep up a war- supply of arms in time of peace, in order to enable a private firm to fulfil a contract ? With machinery, instead of maintaining 90 per cent of skilled workmen and 10 per cent of unskilled workmen, they would have 10 per cent of skilled workmen maintained at all times, and 90 per cent of unskilled workmen, obtained when wanted. Mr. Gladstone hoped the House would back the Government in the performance of this duty. He would consent to the postponement of the vote for four weeks, provided the House Would grant a Committee to investigate the subject ; but at the same time Government would not relax its preliminary preparations.
Mr. Mnarrz objected, that the case of the gunmakers could not be proved even in two months; but he would agree to Mr. Gladstone's pro- position. He moved, but shortly afterwards withdrew a motion, to reduce the vote by 100,000/. The 'vote, however, was agreed to, minus 100,000/. subject to the arrangement proposed by Mr. Gladstone.
LORD BROUGHAM ON THE EAST.
'When moving the third reading of the County Courts Extension Ex- planatory Act, Lord Bnouoitam took the opportunity of expressing his opinions on the Eastern question, because he had found that his silence had been misconstrued. He had long struggled against the belief that the peace of Europe could be disturbed by war. Ile could not conceive it possible that they—he purposely used the vague term "they "—who had hitherto stood foremost as the friends of order, should become all at once the disturbers of peace, the abettors of widespread insurrection and confusion—and if it was not widespread,, it was owing to the happy alli- ance of the Western Powers, and to the wise and firm conduct, as he hoped it would prove, of the German Powers, who even more than the rest of the world have an interest in staying that great calamity. He must also say that the delay which has taken place was not only justi- fiable but 'praiseworthy; for the reluctance of Ministers to believe in ap- parent impossibilities had produced the happiest results.
LAW REFORM.
The Lean Crramontman presented to the Peers, on Tuesday, a bill for the farther amendment of the proceedings in the Courts of Common Law. In his 'explanatory statement lie referred to the exertions of the Commis, *ion issued in 1.850 by Lord Cottenham. In their first report they had drawn attention to what is called special-pleading, against which an un- founded prejudice exists in the public mind. Special-pleading, when not abused, is the very beat means of rendering proceedings simple and inex- pensive; it forces parties in litigation to bring the facts in dispute to a -decided issue, and furthers the administration of justice. In proof of that, he said that in 'Scotland there is nothieg like special-pleading; yet, while .there are now only four appeals to the House of Lords from Ire- lancLavith its population of smarm millions, and only eleven from England with its population of fourteen millions, there are thirty-eight from Scot- land with its populatima of three millions. The Commissioners did not recommend, he was happy to say, the abolition of special-pleading, but they suggested amendments which were embodied in a bill that was passed; and that bill had worked admirably., • A • The bill before the Meuse is founded on the reennmendations of the se- cond report of the Commissioners made in April Aaet; ,and , some of the re- commendations of the Commissioners he proposed to ;adopt. The first was one that would, no doubt, startle many persons, butone to which he was to a great extent a convert. The . Commissioners did ,netipr pae to get rid of
I
juries, but they recommended that whenever both,parhes ish the matter of fact to -be tried by the judge without a jury, it shall 'be 64 Potent to have it SO decided. 'lie was not prepared to go. to that extent. 'Re propeeed that whenewse: the, parties are agreed that the mafte'should be tried :by the judge, if he thought fit he might soidecide any pailicular eases or ease that came within a eertain class, if a general anent:teatime Were tired Upon. He did not think that they ought to begurby,fikingl upon the judge the trying of certain cases. Aotiona of a personal nature, as, where &husband brought an aettee for an injury respeetingthis,,domestic hs(PPinesa-rwhere■a father broug'ht an action for the sc4nction çf„ is child. he .4 „not think that the judge4it to be pIacedin the invens pentipn, came ' the proposed alteration W ;Veen filed; found td be niere'etuestions of account-book; Which'
ti
were incurred, We're 'referred to an arbitAtdr: To.
atingito decide such eadnanyetsys were
riff() this d redit-
' the epenses
able' precodure- the Commissioners proposed- that c fa itieS should be given *Wei parties in these questions of-accoutitalamkti Might -kV to some referee without ebming before the court, .and so save” silithe expenimi'thrown away iii the present proceedings. , aft was suggested: that theikomatters should be refenwl to per selected .either, hy the :partieautlientselees or .by an officer of the court, or, what would be very usefal ta4ead, to the County Court judge, to make a report on the gullet n, on alltiAtlirreoutts might act. It is also proposed that the quall8 iens pacysi,0004 be somewhat raised, and that there 'shall one panel. c. V4en the jury is as- sembled, a different -Mode ef proceeding has beeitrehmtnended. In order to ere the, plaintiff's counsel an opportunity 'Sr' replying, it is -pro- Peed, that at the close of the plaintifra ease; the defendant's counsel should ante whether he meant 'to tall, witnesseia;Vad if he did not, then the plaintiffs counsel, at the elate of the exatainatnn of his own witnesette, might again address the court. Anoth'er, provision fgives the judge power to order refreshments for juries; - and if at the end of (say) twelve hours, jury is not unanimous, they shall be liberated, and a new trial take place. , It is also proposed to permit persona prevented by con- scientious scruples from taking an oath to give evidence' after the judge, on examination, is satisfied that the objections are true and honest. At present they are placed in this position : they would not listento what a man had to say, although so strong mid conscientious was his feeling that he ought to discharge his duty honestly that he would go to prison rather than utter a single word against his conscience. The oath will rennin as it now is; but the exception in favour of Moravians, Quakers, and Separatists, will be ex- tended to all persons who have conscientious. scruples against taking an Besides- these, the Lord Chancellor stated other provisions,—to enable the Plaintiff to demand answers to interrogatories, instead of the special plea of "not guilty," - to give the Common Law Courts power to grant injunctions restraining further offences, as well as give damages in such cases as the in- fringement of a patent ; In extend the principle of foreign attachment ; and to erovide that an equitable defence may be pleaded in bar to an action. Lord CAMPBELL and Lord BROUGHAM spoke briefly in approval of the measure. The bill was read a first time. After a second reading, it will be referred to a Select Committee.
LEGAL EDUCATION.
Mr. Narrnifs motion on this subject was- " That a humble address be presented to her Majesty, praying her Ma- jesty to be graciously pleased to issue a commission to inquire into the ar- rangements in the Inns of Court for promoting the study of law and juris- prudence, the revenues properly applicable and the means most likely to se- cure a systematic and sound education for students of law, and provide a satisfactory test of fitness for admission to the bar." In the course of a long speech, Mr. Napier insisted on the necessity of providing the means of giving a sound legal education to the students at law. For that purpose, existing institutions should be brought up to the requirements of the times. Commissions had inquired into the condi- tion of the Universities ; " the Inns of Court ought now to undergo the same process of purification." Our actual resources for legal education should be applied to their proper purpose. Mr. Napier also insisted that students should undergo an examination, not voluntary, but compulsory ; and their education should be systematic. He showed that the Inns of Court are a trust for the profession and the public and charged them with not having fulfilled that trust. What is wanted is, that the greatest fa- cilities should be given, and the amplest provision made, whereby intelli- gence and industry may acquire social reward.
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL gave his ready assent to the motion ; but at the same time, all that has been done of late years to place legal educa- tion on a sound basis must not be overlooked. The governing bodies of the Inns of Court desire to put it on a satisfactory footing ; the matter is in admirable hands ' • studentships and professorships have been founded, and much has been done. But Mr. Napier says there must be a commis- sion. Be it so. He was authorized to say that the governing bodies of the Inns of Court would give every assistance to the commission. Mr. FRENCH seconded, and Mr. R. Piiimamons supported the motion. The SOLICITOR-GENERAL expressed that gratitude which the whole profession must feel to Mr. Napier for bringing the question forward. He
differed from the opinion of the Attorney-General that the subject should be left entirely to the Inns of Court. For a long time the Universities and the Inns of Court have been neglectful of their great duty to extend as much as possible the legal education of the people. He wanted to see
the Inns of Court erected into one great legal university—cooperating with the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge, and London, for the public
good. He hoped to see the day when a degree would be granted as the reward of study and genius. A large class would resort to a school of law if placed on the proper basis. What is now wanted is compulsory examination.
Mr. Bow ijea, Mr. HADFIELD, and Mr. CILAUFVIU), also expressed their approval of the motion; and it was agreed to.
LANDLORD AND TENANT.
A batch of Irish bills relating to the law of landlord and tenant were read a second time by the Lords on Tuesday. The Earl of DONOUGHMORE, in moving the second reading of the Leas- ing Powers and Landlord and Tenant (Ireland) Bills, made a statement of some of the provisions of his Tenant Compensation and Leasing Powers Bills, in so far as they differed from those introduced by the Duke of Newcastle. The third clause provided that the relation of landlord and tenant should rest upon contract and not upon tenure ; and further, that the landlord's right to distrain should be independent of any reversion re- maining in him. That will get rid of a host of difficulties, which the old feudal rules throw in the way of holding land. To get rid of the difficulty of determining at what period of the year tenancies at will commence, it is provided that, in the absence of proof to the contrary, the tenancy should be held to have commenced on the 1st of November. Where ii tenant by lease continues to hold property after the expiration of his term, • he is to be taken to hold under the same covenants and conditions as were contained in the lease. With respect to fixtures, it is proposed that, at the end of his term, the tenant should have a right to remove fixtures, but if the landlord thought they were advantageous to the property, he might purchase them at a price settled by arbitration. To mitigate some of the evils attending cottier tenancies, it is provided that a tenancy may, by mutual agreement, be from month to month, tenninable by a month's no- tice. The Leasing Powers Bill is founded upon the recommendations of the Devon Commission. It gives to tenants for life, and to corporations, powers of leasing not nowpossessed by them ; and it provides a machinery for securing*e ompensation to tenante, only where improvements have been made by the Mutual agreement of the landlord and tenant. He might be told that there is uo necessity for these bills, and that all is going on well; but, having perionally managed his own property for many years, he had found himself met acerery turn in his attempt to improve his estate and the condition of the occupiers, by the faulty state of the law; and that
had induced him to attempt a reform. ,
Lord MONTEAGLE strongly condemned the bill, as a violation of the rights of property, and as addi4 to that network of legislation which frustrated Lord Donoughmore's attempts to improve the condition of his tenantry. He argued, that as Ireland has now merged into a progressive state, the bills would only interfere with that progress. You might as well talk of the Doomsday Book as of the Devon Commission. At the time when the report of that Commission was bond, the miserable cottier tenancy made improvement almost impossible. That system has to
a great extent passed away. In 1844 gs the number of holdings of from one to five acres was 310,000 at present it s 88,000 ; while the number of hold-
in of from five to fifteen i
en acres has been reduced from 252,000 to 191,000.
The remedial measures which might be suited for the state of things which existed at that time would not snit the state of things which now existed in Ireland. The condition of the population is no longer what it was. At the time of that report, out of 1,100,000 labourers there were 660,000 who were, it was stated, out of employment for thirty weeks in the year. That is no longer the case.
Lord Monteagle, however, had no objection to the bills going before a Committee up-stairs, as some of the impediments to a fair and open con- tract, he thought, might be removed.
The Duke of NEWCASTLE said, if he entertained such strong objections to the bills as Lord Monteagle did, he could hardly have agreed to send them before a Select Committee. With respect to leaving the contracting parties to decide for themselves, that would be the better course. But the
principle does not exist in that simple state.. It has been violated for centuries, and there are on the statute-book no fewer than 200 statutes affecting the relations of landlord and tenant. He thought that some of the amendments might be improvements ; but unless the question of retrospective compensation were dealt with, the measure would not be satisfactory, especially in the North of Ireland. The discussion was continued with much diversity of view by Lord CAMPBELL, the Earl of GLANCARTY, Lord DUFFERIN ; who were not totally unfavourable, but saw special objections. The Earl of DESART was hostile to the proposed legislation, on the ground that it is inopportune. The Law of Landlord and Tenant Bill, the Powers of Leasing Bill, the Tenants' Improvements Compensation Bill, the Law of Landlord and Tenant Consolidation Bill, and the Compensation of Tenants' Improve- ments Bill, were severally read the second time, and also referred to the Committee.
COUNTY COURTS.
The bill of which Lord BROUGHAM moved the third reading was in- tended to correct an error in the County Courts Act. When the "optional clause" was inserted in the act of 1850, the corresponding change was not made in the appeal clause. The present bill remedies that error.— Bill read a third time and passed.
THE CONVENT QUF-STION.
Mr. THOMAS CHAMBERS renewed his motion for a Select Committee "to inquire into the number and rate of increase of conventual and monastic establishments in the United Kingdom, and the relation in which they stand to the existing law ; and to consider whether any, and, if any, what further legislation is required on the subject." Ho disclaimed all intention of exciting strong feelings among the Roman Catholic Members. Indeed, the question is a civil, social, and political ques- tion, and not a religious one. He supported his motion by a repetition of his statements in previous years, showing that convents have increased at the rate of 400 per cent since 1843. In that year there were 56 convents in England and Ireland ; in 1853 there were 223 and 17 nunneries of the Anglo- Catholic Church. He estimated that there were 60 monasteries in Ireland in 1843; in 1853 there were 72. Citing the provisions of the Roman Catholic Relief Act, he contended that monastic institutions exist in open violation of the law, but that convents stand in no relation to the law. Ile asserted that there is good ground for believing that children are taken into convents against their wills; and he related the case of two girls at Preston who had declared themselves Protestants, but were taken by their father to a convent. Then, nuns are prevented from returning to the world ; and he insisted that the obstacles should be removed.
Mr. Manes supported the motion, on the ground that the nuns sought to exclude themselves from British law. Their personal freedom is not protected, nor can they dispose of their personal property freely.
Mr. JOHN BALL had given notice of an amendment declaring the in- justice and inexpediency of the inquiry ; but he withdrew it. He con- tended that these conventual institutions are devoted to the relief of the poor and the sick, to education and the reformation of sinners ; that in- quiry is not needed for legislation ; and that it would be offensive'to Ro- man Catholics.
Mr. R. PHILLIMORE supported the motion, but dissented from the statements of Mr. Chambers. There is great anomaly in the state of these institutions; and he thought on that ground there should be inquiry Into their public but not into their private affairs. He thought also that inquiry would put an end to slanders, and prevent the renewal of these debates by which the character of the House suffers so much. Mr. FA- GAN, Idr. Rocus, Mr. KEnnzne, Mr. J. G. PHILLIMORE, Mn TON supported the Mr. F. ilusstiL opposed, and Lord CLAmm HAMIT
the motion.
Mr. MLALL contended that the motion, being unsupported by any state- ment of facts to call for it, was simply mischievous. He judged it as if it were applied to his religious denomination. If he knew that there -were no grounds for such an inquiry, he should resist it, not from fear, but from a sense of what is due to religious liberty. Lord JOHN RUSSELL gave a decided negative to the motion- Either the inquiry was, as stated in the resolution, to inquire into the number of these institutions and their relation to the law, or else into the ques- tion whether parties are kept in a state of religious imprisonment. The
• former inquiry is superfluous, for the numbers have been stated on both sides; the latter would be an offensive inquiry.
With respect to the general case, Lord John emphatically repeated., that he could not believe it—he could not believe that Roman Catholic gentle- men in the United Kingdom would allow their daughters to be ilk-used in those convents. Ile could not conceive how it was that none be.t Protest- ants should care for the liberty and security of Roman Catholic ladies. It is an insult to suppose that the Roman Catholic parents of this couway are ineen_ Bible to this grievance. Not a single fact has been stated. tr. justify the sus- picion that these abuses exist. It is not lack of liberty,. 'out the obligations of conscience, that prevent ladies from breaking their ‘-,ows. Mr. Chambers seemed to wish to put an end to education in CAITY'ents : Lord John could not go along with him. He exhorted the House not to eye way to the un- just feeling that there are parties confined in convents against their will. If inquiry were granted, it would not stop 'there, but a demand would be made for the abolition of these establbiaments altogether. It has been asked, why can we not establish the siv.ao law in regard to these institutions that prevails in Bavaria ? Because ta Bavaria the Roman Catholic religion is the religion of the state, wherwas in England the Protestant faith is re-
cognized. We cannot give prot„eotion and revenue to the Protestant Church, and at the same time eaten?, those penalties to the Roman Cathaica that prevail in countries where that religion is the religion of the state.
Mn WALL:aux doubt,
.ed whether, having permitted monasteries to exist for so many Years wale* the passing of the Relief Act, we could now sup- press them ; but at all events, we could inquire into their nature and character, if it were true that they had been used for purposes of aggres- sion. Left to himself, Mr. Walpole would not have mooted this inquiry ; but, called on to consider whether it is reasonably asked for, he could not shirk -the difficulties of the question. It was a part of the ancient policy of this mountry, that persons who had entered these establishments should have no power over the disposition of property, they being regarded as no longer free agents. What is wanted in this case was that freedom of action, freedom of thought, freedom of will, which is the inherent birthright of every British subject—and if it could be shown that this freedom is not left to the inmates of convents, it would ill become Parliament not to interfere.
The debate was kept up by Mr. J. D. FITZGERALD and Lord EDWARD Hewitt?), in opposition to the motion; by Mr. NEWDEGATE and Mr. Pam in its support. Mr. Ciasmaras replied ; and the House divided— For the motion, 186; against it, 119; majority for the motion, 07: are- suit that was announced with loud cheering,
IRISH PAUPERS.
The Earl of Dor/ma:unions called attention to the hardships and injtus. lice inflicted on the Irish ratepayers by the present law of settlement and removal. Paupers could be removed from England to their parish in Ire- land, but practically they were only removed to the seaport towns ; and the authorities of Dublin, for example, have no power of removing a pauper' sent from England, to his native place. According to the pro- ject of Government, a native of York who should become chargeable ort a London parish could not be removed; while a native of Dublin might be removed to his parish. Why should there be that distinction between a native of Dublin and of York? He asked whether Government intend to repeal the act authorizing the removal of Irish paupers from England to Ireland ?
The Earl of ABERDEEN admitted that the law was very imperfect, but it would be impossible to repeal it at present. Correspondence on the subject had been called for in the House of Commons, and would be laid upon the table of that House. He thought that information was neces- sary before proceeding to legislate, and perhaps it would be expedient to refer the subject to a Select Committee. The Earl of Wiermow, the Earl of DERBY, and Lord MonrEAGLE, ex- pressed an opinion that inquiry ought to precede legislation. In reply to a question, Lord ABERDEEN said that the bill for altering the law of settlement in England will be proceeded with before the inquiry in the Irish law of removal shall have been prosecuted.
CONDMON OP EMIGRANT SHIPS.
Mr. Jour; O'Connell, has obtained a Select Committee, "to inquire into the recent cases of extensive loss of life on board emigrant-ships, whether by sickness, wreck, or other causes ; and, generally, into the sufficiency or otherwise of the existing regulations for the health and protection of emigrants from the United 'Kingdom." Mr. O'Connell sup. supported his motion with details of the loss of life, and the wretched accommodation, leading to frightful immorality, on board emigrant-ships ; referring especially to four vessels bound to Australia : in one' 52 perished out of 887; in the second, 48 out of 758; in the third, i0 out of 800; in the fourth, 84 out of 754. He also referred to the great loss of life by death on the voyage and by wreck in the ships from England to New York.
Mr. FREDEEICE PEEL met the motion by asserting that the Passenger?! Act had been carried out by the officers in a most satisfactory manner. There had been the fullest inquiry as late as 1851; the recommendations of the Committee were embodied in an set in 18s2, they had been in operation eighteen months, and that meastne had been found adequate for the purpose for which it was designed. It is true that the mortality was 4 per cent in 1852, but in 1853 it was only one-half or one-quarter per cent ; and the causes of that mortality were beyond legislative con- trol. He was quite ready to assent- to an inquiry such as might tend to prevent disasters at sea such as have recently occurred.
This limitation of the inquiry was. objected to by Mr. H. LIDDELL, Mr. HENLEY, Mr. FAGAN, and other Members; and filially the motion was agreed to in the terns s moved ny Mr: O'Connell.
ELECTION Cosascrzwe.
A Select Committee appointed to inquire into a petition from Mr. J. P. Somers, alleging that attempts had been made on the part of Mr. Sadleir to bribe the sureties to the election petition of Mr. Some to withdraw their recognizances, met on Wednesday. Evidence was adduced to show that a man named Simpson and a solicitor named Gethen had offered 501. or 100/. to the sureties to withdraw their recognisanees. The defence was, that neither Walker, the election-agent of Mr. Sadleir, nor Mr. Sad- leir himself, were cognizant of these attempts; but they were not denied.
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