6 MARCH 1959, Page 18

Thr ipp ertator

MARCH 8, 1834

A suanlar of great public interest and importance— that of impressment of seamen—was discussed on Tuesday. Mr. BUCKINGHAM, in a speech which has been justly characterized as able and persuasive, moved for a Committee to consider of devising some means of manning our ships without having recourse to press- gangs. Public opinion runs strongly against this cruel and impolitic practice of impressment. Ministers dare no longer offer any direct defence of it. Their tone has changed since last session, and the only way in which Sir JAMES GRAHAM ventured to meet Mr. BUCKINGHAM'S motion, was by moving for leave to bring in a bill, the express object of which is to prov.ide seamen for the fleet without having recourse to impressment.