f Lan net 46-maims in Vuliumfut.

PRINCIPAL BUSINESS OF THE WEEK.

}foam or Loans. Monday, June 11. Ecelasiastical Courts and Registers (Ire- land) Bill read a second time—Church Temporalities (Ireland) Acts Amendment Bill read a second time—Refreshment Houses and Wine Licences Bill read a third time and passed—Sir John Barnard's Act Repeal Bill read a third time and passed. Tuesday, June 12. Light Weight Racing Bill withdrawn—Duchy of Cornwall (Limitations of Actions) Bill, committed—Union of Benefices Bill, committed. Thursday, June 14. Royal Assent to the Refreshment Houses and Wine Licences Bill, Sir John Barnard's Act, &c.' Repeal Bill, and the Malicious Injuries to Pro- perty Act Amendment Bill—New Zealand ; the Duke of Newcastle's Statement.

Friday, June 15. Armstrong Guns; Lord Camperdown's Question—Union of Benefices Bill read a third time and passed.

HOUSE or COMMONS. Monday, June 11. The Reform Bill, withdrawn—The Statutes Consolidation Bills read a second time—Tenure and Improvement of Land (Ireland); Mr. Cardwell's_ Bill read a second time—Leasing and Improving Lands (Ireland) Bill read a second time—Masters and Operatives Bill read a third time and passed.

Tuesday, June 12. Annuity-tax (Edinburgh) Abolition Bill, in Committee—The Sicilian Insurrection ; Lord Palmerston's Statement—The Board of Admiralty ; Admiral Duncombe's Motion—The Local Army of India Bill; Motion for leave, debate adjourned. Wednesday, June 13. Mines Regulation and Inspection Bill in Committee. Thursday, June 14. Naval Reserve ; Mr. Lindsay's Motion—Income-tax ; Mr. Whalley's Complaint—Supply ; Naval Estimates. Friday, June 15. Annuity Tax Abolition Bill in Committee—The Westminster Clock ; Mr. Hankey's Question—French Treaty ; Mr. Baines's Question—Prece- dents; Lord Palmerston's Answer to Mr. James—Annexation of Savoy ; Lord John Russell's Statement.

ABANDONMENT OF THE REFORM BILL.

The Government on Monday, withdrew the bill to amend the Repre- sentation of the People ; Lord John Russell making a statement when the order was read for resuming the adjourned debate on the motion for going into Committee.

Lord JOHN RUSSELL first explained that the Government could not agree to Mr. Mackinnon's motion, and expressed a hope that he would

not persist in it. Then Lord John stated, that when 250 Members of the House voted for postponement, the Government were bound to con- sider their position, and their duty to the House and the country. They found they had not got into committee on the 11th of June, that 250 Members had voted for a postponement, and that there were from sixty to seventy amendments to be proposed in Committee. It would be idle, perhaps culpable, to go into Committee for four or five days, and then make the delay which would arise the excuse for abandoning the bill. If the Government could have commanded all the time from the 11th of June to the usual end of the session, then they might have gone on. But they could not. There are supplies to be voted for the war in China ; and there are the propositions that may arise out of the report of the National Defence Commission to be considered. Then it would not be fair to pledge the House to the amount of the borough franchise. If,the bill could have been carried in that House in time to send it to the House of Lords it is not of such urgency as to justify the unusual step of an adjournment instead of a prorogation. Therefore the Government did not intend to proceed with the bill.

Lord John next defended the Government from the charge of deferring the Committee to the 4th of Tune, by stating the important business con-

nected with supply, and the budget measures that had to be transacted ; and then made the following statement respecting the bill and the views of the Government.

" I think it is necessary to state that the Government were persuaded, and are persuaded, that the reduction of the borough franchise is required for the future safety of the State and for the improvement of our represen- tative system. ("Hear, hear !" from several Members below the gangway.) Many years ago, when I bad to consider this question, Mr. Hume, who was

then a Member of this House, and who from the first day that the Reform

Bill passed in 1831 always told me what he intended to do, urged, among various other arguments, that six out of every seven of the male adults of

this country were excluded from the franchise, and that among those who

were so excluded were men whose intelligence and probity would fully en- title them to the enjoyment of that privilege. I will own that his argu- ments on that occasion made a great impression on my mind, and induced

me to set on foot inquiries and to send persons into the country to ascertain the character of those working men who did not possess the franchise. The

result of those inquiries convinced me that there were many of those men whose intelligence and integrity qualified them for the exercise of the right of voting. But if that was the case then, their exclusion, their continued exclusion, their perpetual exclusion must weaken, while their admission cannot fail to strengthen the basis on which our representative institutions rest. I am not speaking now of any particular franchise ; but I am per- suaded more than ever I was before that there are a great number of persons who would exercise that franchise well and worthily, and that if they were admitted the result would be favourable to the maintenance and increased vigour of our institutions. It is, therefore, our intention at the earliest period which may be in our power to introduce a bill containing provisions for the reduction of the franchise." More than once measures of this kind have been postponed and car- ried in the end, and he looked forward with much confidence to the re- newal of a measure carrying the principles of his bill into effect. He hoped Mr. Mackinnon would withdraw his amendment. Mr. Mecimmorr agreed to do so, and, amid much laughter, congratu- lated Lord John on the settlement of the question. He hoped they

would sink all remembrance of differences and put their shoulders to the wheel to promote the business of the country.

Mr. DISRAELI said the Government had taken a wise and not an un- dignified course. It was better to withdraw the bill than to go into Committee, waste more time, and prevent what he thought would now happen—that the Government will be able to carry on the business of the House with great effect and great unanimity on both sides. (Cheers.) Mr. Disraeli gave his version of the cause of the withdrawal of the bill.

" The noblelord in referring—as is his custom on these occasions—to the pedigree of progress, seemed to intimate that on this side of the House there could be no authentic claim to assist in it. But I beg the noble lord and the House to recollect that if this bill is withdrawn it is not from any successful opposition, or from opposition of any kind which has been offered to the bond fide amendment of the representation of the pebple. The bill has not succeeded, because, unfortunately, the Government was encumbered with a great mass of public business of a character that rendered it utterly impossible, with any support, to have carried a bill of this kind through the House. As complaints have been made on both sides of the House of the causes of delay, I may be permitted to observe that the real cause of it is, in fact, that the Government had undertaken other questions of such importance and such magnitude, and encumbered by -such details, that it was physically and morally impossible to have carried the bill it has now wisely withdrawn. In the course of our debates, imputations are sometimes made on both sides of the House without sufficient grounds; but I am satisfied that what I have now said describes the true state of the case. The Government has withdrawn the bill because it is impossible to carry on the urgent business of the country with that measure still under our notice. The delays and impediments to the bill have arisen from the Government having other engagements that rendered progress with the measure im- possible. I do not mean now to discuss the policy of the measure ; it is not the time for going into such a discussion. But the noble lord has referred to the general principle of the Reform Bill ; he has laid down the necessity of the working classes being admitted, to a certain degree, to the repre- sentation. I would remind the noble lord that this has not been the question in controversy; the question has been as to the means and measure of ef- fecting that object. As far as I can read public opinion, and watch the pro- gress of intellectual examination of the question, I think before the House is ever again called on to consider it, more satisfactory modes of effecting the object will be discovered than the coarse and vulgar expedient of the degradation of the franchise. (Cheers.) I would, therefore, state,,on the part of honourable gentlemen on this side of the House, why we receive

i

with perfect approbation—and with no wish to conceal it—the course the Government has taken with regard to the measure. The Government has acted quite honourably towards this House—has been influenced by a sin- cere desire for the public welfare and the public service ; and it will receive from us every assistance and aid in the prosecution of the public business that is now so urgent, and to which the noble lord has sacrificed objects that no doubt were dear, and honourably dear, to him." (Cheers.)

Mr. Disraeli then made an elaborate statement touching his relations with Mr. Lindsay when in office, in order to show that he had not en- tered into any compact with that gentleman respecting the reduction of the borough franchise. Mr. Bnionr who had referred on a previous occasion to Mr. Linds_a_y's statements, said he had only done so to show ho zoissiateinetr. Disraeli had been up to a certain point o -the es on of Reform, and to express his regret that heitachi rthis session pursued the line of conduct he seemed disposed to pursue last. Mr. Bright dissented from Mr. Disraeli's views of the cause of their failure to legislate :—

" The right honourable gentleman who has just spoken wishes, indeed, that we should be oblivious of that which has taken place during the last few weeks, and contends that he andlis friends have offered no opposition to,the passing of this bill. Now, that, it seems to me, is a somewhat daring statement, considering what we have all heard and seen take place within these walls on the subject. The right honourable gentleman and his party have, no doubt, exhibited no small degree of adroitness in the cause which they have pursued with reference to the bill, but-there has been opposition upon their part to it nevertheless I cannot help feeling that he imagines we must have forgotten what has taken place with reference to this question of Reform. He says—' I hold precisely the same views as those entertained brthe noble lord the Member for London as to the expe- diency of extending the franchise to the working classes; but then I do not wish to do it by means of the coarse and vulgar method of lowering the fran- chise to the scale of a 6/. rental. I should propose some other mode of effecting what I admit to be a desirable object. The public, however, will judge whether the right honourable gentleman and his friends are in earnest from the fact that from them, and certainly not from the supporters of the bill, have proceeded those grievous, and unjust, and unfounded charges, which have been made during the progress of these discussions against that portion of the population living in houses whose value is below 101. Notwithstanding, therefore, the right honourable gentleman would have us believe that he stands on a par in regard to this question of Reform with the noble lord the Member for London, we must come to the conclu- sion—a conclusion at which I am sure the public out of doors will also arrive —that there exists a wide gulf between the noble lord, who expresses confi- dence in the working classes, and the right honourable gentleman and his followers, who contend that they represent poverty and passion, and that to hand over power to them would he to subject ourselves to the control of de- bauchery and crime. It will, I am sure, at once be admitted by every im- partial person that it has not been a session barren of results. It must not at the same time be supposed that I am not dissatisfied also with what has taken place this evening. I lament it as much as anybody, for there is I believe, no one in this House who has given so much time of.late years to this question, and I hoped—you may think, if you like, with a too ardent enthusiasm—that something might be done this year towards its settlement. Tonight, therefore, when this hope is blighted, I have a right to say that I deplore as much as any man the adoption of the course which the Govern- ment have deemed it to be their duty to take. And if I do not assail them for having pursued that course, it is simply because I think it would be un- just to make an attack upon them for that for which they are not, in my opinion, entirely responsible, and to denounce them for not having accom- plished an object which any other dozen Members in this House would find it equally difficult to attain. '

Mr. Bright praised the treaty of Paris, eulogized the good faith of the French Government, lauded Mr. Gladstone for his exertions, andpredicted troubles in the winter. "I should like to know whether honourable gentle- men opposite are disposed to consider the occurrence of this evening a tri- umph or not. I do not think it appears to have excited among them much exultation. There are many of them who in all probability would prefer that this bill had been fairly discussed, and its main provisions passed into a law. I believe that-there are very few of them who have been much af-

that between this and next winter the greet majority will have learned to regret that a measure so moderate has not found its way into the statute book. (Cries of Ni', no ! " and cheers.) The bill is, I contend, one of a very moderate and a very reasonable character, and when you who sit on the benches opposite, heard it introduced, you were of the same opinion— (Cries of" No, no ! ")—and have been emboldened in your opposition to it mainly by the conduct of a few honourable Members ou this aide of the House. Now, I am told there are gentlemen sitting on these benches who think the time is come when we ought to have a sound Whig Govern- ment ; that what they regard as the foreign element should be got rid of— meaning, of course, the right honourable gentleman the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and my right honourable friend the President of the Board of Trade. Well, I may perhaps be permitted -to give honourable gentlemen who entertain those views a piece of information, and it is this, that that which they call a sound Whig Government modelled after the old fashion, is just as much a thing of the past as the dodo." (Laughter.) Mr. NEWiEOATE approved of the course taken by the Government ; referred to the distress at Coventry to the French treaty, and taunted Mr. Bright with preparing an elaborate Reform Bill and yet withholding it from Parliament.

Mr. 3-AMT.% complained in a sarcastic tone of the withdrawal of the bill, and declared the Government had taken on themselves a serious res- ponsibility. Mr. GRIFFITH expressed views on Reform in general terms. Lord Fawley condemned the Government for abandoning the bill. Mr. OSBORNE answered Lord Fernley, made merry at the expense of Mr. Mackinnon—" he has an idea that he is the man who killed Cock Rubin" —and took the House to task :- " We have heard something tonight of the dignity and wisdom of the course which has been taken. I think the noble lord has discharged his duty with dignity, but I much question the wisdom of the House in the course they have taken with regard b this bill. What are we doing ? We are doing nothing but offering a premium to out-of-doors' agitation. We say the people are indifferent. I, for one, do not think that is a theme for con- gratulation at all ; because, when the people are indifferent on such a sub- ject, it shows a conviction that they have no sympathy with this House— that this House does not understand their wants and requirements. And what has been the pretext for the postponement of this measure ? The in-. structions to the Committee have been framed for no other purpose than to be obstructions to the passing of the Bill. There has been no open, honest, fair, stand-up fight on this question ; the Bill has been got rid of by a species of Parliamentary assassination, by administering small doses of adjournment and other poisonous ingredients." (Laughter.) By assisting to pass the bill the Conservative party would have given an earnest to the country that they were sincere in desire to amend the representation of the people. Mr. HOUSMAN said that the causes of the withdrawal of the bill were the lateness of the session and the unpopularity of the measure, which was evinced in no small degree by the Liberal side of the House, for of ninety notices of amendment which had been given, seventy came from gentlemen on that side. But he protested against its being asserted that because this bill was rejected there was a real indifference to Parliament. ary Reform. Tracing the history of the last Reform Bills, he attributed their failure to the et that the peopleakw the difference between a real reft-,■rm.and that f„s7..juits denneclafet it w ch was1_,‘:-.10a Ed-m.14for the purposes or those who be eyed it to be the means of retaining Thtza" lc- power. As to the present bill, he elaborately argued that it was .L.t, solely by the general and universal dissatisfaction whirls it had excited. In reference to an indication of Lord John Russell that he would bring in another Reform Bill, be warned him against damaging the only free constitution in Europe by implying that it required to be-amended every twenty years, and to be extended always in a downward:di/elitism. "It is no light thing for the noble lord to promulgate the doctrine that it is a legitimate function of the statesmen of this country once every twenty years to remodel the constitution; to act on the principle of effect- ing a new distribution of political power always in one direction, giving less and less influence to intelligence and property, and more power to mere numbers. It is no light thing to promulgate the fatal principle that such a constitution as that of England can only be expanded in a downward direction. I concur in the opinion expressed by the right honourable gentleman, that this may be the last occasion on which for some time to come we may have an opportunity of discussing the question of Reform, and I cannot help saying, what we are all well aware of, that this Reform Bill did not emanate from the people, that it did not arise from the aspirations of the unenfranchised classes. It arose from official rivalries and Ministerial necessities. (Cheers.) It arose from the political and party _chiefs racing and wrestling for power, endeavouring to outbuy each other in bidding for the support ola political minority that held the balance between the great powers in the State. (Cheers.) And while that political minority, that party, as regards its representation of national opinion, is the least important party in the State, it still has ruled the Cabinet, is has ruled the House of Commons, it has ruled the country, for its support was a political necessity to Ministers, who dreaded reform very much, but dreaded exclusion from office still more." (Cheers.) After some further conversation, the amendment and the motion were withdrawn. Mr. DIGBY SEYMOUR—" Is the order of the day dis- charged ? " The SPEAKEII.—" The amendment is withdrawn, this motion is with- drawn, and the bill is withdrawn." (A laugh.)

ABOLITION OF THE LOCAL INDIAN ARMY.

Sir CHA.RLES Woon moved for leave to introduce a bill repealing the powers possessed by the Secretary of State for India, to raise men in this country for local service in India. The bill consists of one clause for the purpose of testing the opinion of the House. The Council of India do not concur in the plan, but if adopted have pledged themselves to carry it out.. Having described the character of the armies in India, Sir Charles said the question is, shall we maintain a separate European force for local service in India, or shall the European troops in India form part of the Queen's general army ? Last session Ministers were prepared to maintain a local army, but events have occurred since which have made them change their opinions. They were desirous to main- tain the local army ; they were considering Lord Canning's plan of con- stituting that army two-thirds of the whole force in India, when the news of the mutiny arrived. When the Company governed Italia, reasons might be advanced for having a Company's army, but now tbeso reasons tell the other way. Sir Charles quoted Lord Elphinstoncrand others in favour of amalgamation. Then he dwelt at great 'eolith on the inferior discipline of the Local Europeans, quoted severe remarks on their insubordination from the pens of Lord Clyde, Sir William Mans- Sid, Sir John Lawrence, Sir James Outran], Sir Hugh Rose, and Lord

Ephinstone, dwelling at great length on the dangers of combination among these men, on the jealousies between the two armies, and in- ferring that there could be neither political nor military safety so long as the Local Europeans were maintained. He decried the argument that if India were held by one army, that army in times of imperial danger would be withdrawn to the peril of India ; and he contended that the small difference of coat in favour of the local troops was outweighed by the efficiency of the troops that cost a few thousands more. What he said of the union of the local and general army does not imply any change in the Native Army. In the course of his subsequent remarks, Sir Charles proposed to put an end to the practice of taking away officers from their regiments and placing them on staff employ, by forming an unattached staff corps, se- lected from among the young men serving with the regiments in India. He also said, that it has been agreed that the Native Army shall be or- ganized on what is called the irregular system :-

" Every officer of the Indian Army will, if he chooses, have the power of exchanging into the line, and will be eligible for command in any part of the world. Thus the general plan will be, that the European regiments will form part of the Queen's Army, the existing officers retaining their po- sitions, rising by seniority, as they do now ; that officers will be eligible for general service, rising by seniority to the rank of captain, and afterwards by selection to the rank of major and lieutenant-colonel ; that the existing officers of the Indian Army will be employed either as they are now in the regular regiments, or in various situations on the staff; and that ultimately vacancies in the staff corps will be filled up by candidates selected from the Queen's general army. That is an outline of the scheme for the regulation of the Indian Army. I must deny that this is exclusively an Indian ques- tion ; and I maintain that both on Indian and on Imperial grounds the course to pursue is that upon which the Government has resolved. It is quite true that the mutiny of the Sepoys is over, and that tranquillity is restored ; but I confess that there are still some grounds for solicitude. The confidence which once prevailed is shaken, and, what is still more alarming, I am afraid that there is considerable estrangement between the races. Therefore, it is essential, in the first place, to put on a footing which cannot be shaken by our military superiority. The rebellion was put down by the unparalleled bravery of our forces, and we have vindicated and es- tablished our superiority ; but I hold that that must be maintained so po- tent and evident that none shall question the efficiency of our arms. I am far from meaning that we should not endeavour to make use of conciliatory means. We are bound to show the Natives that we are their friends and benefactors, and that they would lose by a change. I believe that such a course of proceeding is essential to the maintenance of our power in India. I am anxious, however, not to place everything upon mere force, or upon the authority of the Government, but to depend likewise upon measures of improvement and upon the influence of reason. Still, to be able to act in this way they must feel, and we must feel, that we are not to be shaken in our military ascendancy. It must be felt that our rule is fixed, so that we may be enabled to extend those blessings to India which I believe it is our destiny to confer." Mr. D. SEYMOUR and Lord STANLEY rose to move the adjournment of the debate. Sir CHARLES WOOD begged hard for leave to introduce his bill, but did not succeed in obtaining it ; and the debate was adjourned Assosatrashropt - tits-•-•-•

bearin en the protection to be afforded to British subjects in Sicily and the Board. the relations of the Government to the King of Naples. Lord CLARENCE PAGET opposed the motion, although he was not pre- - Lord PAL3LERSION said :— pared to say that the constitution of the Board of Admiralty was as

,f. In answer to my honourable Mend, I have to state that my noble friend satisfactory as he could desire to see it. There were already no fewer at the head of the Foreign Department has requested the Admiralty to ata- than four inquiries in progress with relation to various branches of the lion one ship of war at Marsala, one at Messina, and one at Palermo, and department, all of which had received the approbation of the Board—a four ships are to be stationed in the Bay of Naples, all for the purpose of proof that there was no desire to avoid inquiry. affording shelter to the British subjects who may require it. I hope that Mr. OSBORNE supported the motion, and observed that the charges distribution may be sufficient and satisfactory. With regard to the second which Lord Clarence Paget had himself brought against the Admiralty question, we understand that the Government of Naples has sent an anent had done much to engender that distrust which now existed in the public to Paris and London, who may very shortly—within two days—be expected mind with regard to the administration of that department. to arrive here, for the purpose of making certain communications to the two Governments of France and England. I trust the House will not for a mo-

ment doubt that in our communications to that envoy we shall express to suggestions of Admiral Duncombe ; at the same time he thought it more him those feelings which her Majesty's Government, in common with every- desirable that whatever inquiry should be made s'hould be conducted, body in this country, entertain with regard to the barbarities which have not by a Committee of the House, but by a Royal Commission.

been perpetrated at Palermo—barbarities really disgraceful to the present Sir CHARLES NAPIER and Mr. LINDSAY warmly supported the motion. age and civilization. (Cheers.) With regard to any expectations that such Appealed to by Mr. BENTiNcE., Sir CHARLES WOOD defended the course a representation may have any beneficial effect on the future conduct of the he took in hauling up the gunboats at Hasler, a course which the naval Government of Naples, I cannot venture to lead the House to entertain any lords approved. He expressed a strong opinion, to the effect that a large very sanguine hope. That Government is far more likely to do that which proportion of the business of the Admiralty does not require any naval

happened at the sack and massacre of Perugia, where the officer who committed those atrocities received promotion at the hands of the Papal Government. It is more likely that the naval and military in making appointments, and ended by this emphatic compliment to the officers who conducted the operations at Palermo, instead of reprimand constitution of the Board : —

and punishment, will receive tokens of reward from the Royal Government " I was five years Secretary of the Admiralty, and three First Lord. I have of Naples. With regard to the last question we know that the Government been at the Treasury, at the Board of Control, and now at the India Office, of Naples has applied for assistance to its foreign allies—assistance in the and I can conscientiously say that the transaction of business at the Ad- shape of a guarantee to the King of Naples of the possession of the Two miralty is more rapid and satisfactory than at any other Board of which I Similes. Austria has peremptorily and positively refused to interfere in have had experience." the affairs of Naples. We have every reason to believe that the determina- After some further discussion, the House growing impatient, the lion of the Government of France is similar to that of Austria, and I need motion was withdrawn ; Admiral DUNCOMBE reserving his right to re- not say what is the feeling of the British Government upon a matter of that new it early. next session.

kind. It is the fault and fortune of Governments like those of Rome and A discussion on naval affairs in general arose on Thursday, on the Naples, when, by the cruelties and atrocities committed under their au- motion for going into Committee of Supply on the Naval Estimates. thority, their subjects have been driven to desperation and have revolted, Mr. LINDSAY moved that, "with a view to greater efficiency in war, and that they appeal to all friendly Powers for assistance to remove the men less expenditure in peace, more prompt and effective measures should be who are the authors and instigators of the revolution. Those Governments forget that they themselves are the real and original authors and insti- gators of those revolutionary movements, and if their prayer were granted, Navy." Mr. Lindsay seemed to think that if we had a proper reserve, and steps taken to accomplish the object they desired, unless, which is very we should not be obliged to keep such a number of ships in commission unlikely, they were prepared to alter their own courses, the first, most ef- in order to keep the crews together. He recommended that honorary fectual, and only necessary step would be their own removal." rank should be given to officers of the merchant service, a measure which

In L'ISURRECIION IN NEW ZEALAND. In answer to a question from the Earl of CARNAnyoN, the Duke of Lord CLARENCE PAGET could not consent to the resolution. The NEWCASTLE said he could not assert the incorrectness of the accounts in Admiralty have determined to obtain only first-class men, and consider- the newspapers respecting the insurrection in New Zealand, because the ing that fact, and the brief lime that has elapsed, fair progress has been mail via Southampton had not arrived. A despatch via Marseilles cor- made in raising the reserve. There are 9000 bus in the fleet) the roborated the accounts in the newspapers. greater part of whom will make first-rate seamen. The whole number of He could not suffer the opportunity to pass without expressing the admi- the reserves, including Coast Guard, Naval Brigade, Royal Naval Coast

ration he felt at the conduct of the volunteers in these colonies. This

newly-formed force, which was extending as widely in our colonies as in Volunteers, and Marines on shore, was 23,831, including officers. If the this country, had offered to embark for New Zealand, and leave their homes and families,. if called upon, to put down the insurrection. (Cheers.) In on a satisfactory footing. No exertion should be spared to get up the

all our colonies, in North America, Australia, and elsewhere, a desire for , reserves to the required number as soon as possible. The Duke of

e3giktgbIZY' 1*t _

Mr. H. B. SHERIDAN asked Lord Palmerston a variety of questions Lord, and that the Comptroller-Gene the Navy should be added to u on the country. With this view he suggested that the

been perpetrated at Palermo—barbarities really disgraceful to the present Sir CHARLES NAPIER and Mr. LINDSAY warmly supported the motion. age and civilization. (Cheers.) With regard to any expectations that such Appealed to by Mr. BENTiNcE., Sir CHARLES WOOD defended the course a representation may have any beneficial effect on the future conduct of the he took in hauling up the gunboats at Hasler, a course which the naval Government of Naples, I cannot venture to lead the House to entertain any lords approved. He expressed a strong opinion, to the effect that a large very sanguine hope. That Government is far more likely to do that which proportion of the business of the Admiralty does not require any naval

knowledge at all. He denied that political motives had influened him Papal Government. It is more likely that the naval and military in making appointments, and ended by this emphatic compliment to the

and punishment, will receive tokens of reward from the Royal Government " I was five years Secretary of the Admiralty, and three First Lord. I have of Naples. With regard to the last question we know that the Government been at the Treasury, at the Board of Control, and now at the India Office, of Naples has applied for assistance to its foreign allies—assistance in the and I can conscientiously say that the transaction of business at the Ad- shape of a guarantee to the King of Naples of the possession of the Two miralty is more rapid and satisfactory than at any other Board of which I Similes. Austria has peremptorily and positively refused to interfere in have had experience." the affairs of Naples. We have every reason to believe that the determina- After some further discussion, the House growing impatient, the lion of the Government of France is similar to that of Austria, and I need motion was withdrawn ; Admiral DUNCOMBE reserving his right to re- not say what is the feeling of the British Government upon a matter of that new it early. next session.

kind. It is the fault and fortune of Governments like those of Rome and A discussion on naval affairs in general arose on Thursday, on the Naples, when, by the cruelties and atrocities committed under their au- motion for going into Committee of Supply on the Naval Estimates. thority, their subjects have been driven to desperation and have revolted, Mr. LINDSAY moved that, "with a view to greater efficiency in war, and that they appeal to all friendly Powers for assistance to remove the men less expenditure in peace, more prompt and effective measures should be adopted to complete the reserves of Marines and seamen for her Majesty's gators of those revolutionary movements, and if their prayer were granted, Navy." Mr. Lindsay seemed to think that if we had a proper reserve, and steps taken to accomplish the object they desired, unless, which is very we should not be obliged to keep such a number of ships in commission unlikely, they were prepared to alter their own courses, the first, most ef- in order to keep the crews together. He recommended that honorary fectual, and only necessary step would be their own removal." rank should be given to officers of the merchant service, a measure which would cause them to induce men to join the Naval Reserve. The ar- tides of war, too, are severe 'and deter men from joining the Navy.

In answer to a question from the Earl of CARNAnyoN, the Duke of Lord CLARENCE PAGET could not consent to the resolution. The NEWCASTLE said he could not assert the incorrectness of the accounts in Admiralty have determined to obtain only first-class men, and consider- the newspapers respecting the insurrection in New Zealand, because the ing that fact, and the brief lime that has elapsed, fair progress has been mail via Southampton had not arrived. A despatch via Marseilles cor- made in raising the reserve. There are 9000 bus in the fleet) the roborated the accounts in the newspapers. greater part of whom will make first-rate seamen. The whole number of He could not suffer the opportunity to pass without expressing the admi- the reserves, including Coast Guard, Naval Brigade, Royal Naval Coast newly-formed force, which was extending as widely in our colonies as in Volunteers, and Marines on shore, was 23,831, including officers. If the public, he observed, would only wait patiently, they would find the Navy and families,. if called upon, to put down the insurrection. (Cheers.) In on a satisfactory footing. No exertion should be spared to get up the

THE INCOME-TAX.

On the motion for going into Committee of Supply on Thursday, Mr. WHA.LLEY brought under notice the present mode of assessing the In- come and Property-Tax, and complained that year after year was per- mitted to elapse without any effort being made to remove its manifold inequalities and injustice.

Sir F. GOLDSMTD expressed his hope that the subject would not escape the serious attention of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, so that when he brought forward his budget next year some steps might be taken to eliminate the more serious objections to the tax. Mr. POLLARD-ITR- QUHART and Mr. WESTREAD also made representations as to the hard- ship inflicted on individuals by the present mode of assessing the tax.

Mr. GLADSTONE said he was quite ready to admit that there were many inequalities in the Income-tax—some incidental to all taxes, and others peculiar to itself. It should, however, be remembered that if re- lief were given to one class, it could only be done by placing the burden upon another. When last he filled the office of Chancellor of the Ex- chequer the subject underwent careful consideration by the Government, with a view to effecting a readjustment of the impost, but the conclusion to which they arrived was that no readjustment could be made of the distinction between permanent and precarious incomes without inflicting greater injustice than that of whichtomplaint was now made. He wished it, however, to be understood, that if any honourable Member more for- tunate than himself were ingenious enough to devise some system which would meet the difficulty, he would be very- happy to assist in carrying it out.

Sir HENRY WILLOUGHBY agreed with the Chancellor of the Ex- chequer that it would be impossible to impose the tax in such a manner as to do justice to all classes. Under these circumstances, he thought the less we had of the tax the better.

NAVAL AFFAIRS.

Admiral DUNCOMBE moved for a Select Committee to inquire into the constitution of the Board of Admiralty, and the various duties devolving thereon. Disclaiming any desire to throw blame upon any particular Administration, he said the only object which he had in view was to improve the sufficiency of the service, and to render its operation less self-defence and to act as Englishmen were now doing was manifested. Standing there as Secretary of State for the Colonies, he was bound to bear testimony to the zeal and alacrity with which the volunteers had come for- ward in this distant part of the globe, and their readiness to act locally in the only instance in which their services had yet been wanted.

THE WINE LICENCE BILL.

On the motion for the third reading of the Refreshment Houses and Wine Licences Bill. Lord DENMAN moved and the Earl of DONOUGH- MORE seconded an amendment that the bill should be read a second time that day six months. The objection of the mover was the bill was an unwise measure ; the objection of the seconder, that it was informal. On a division, the amendment was negatived by 36 to 2. Lord Donough- more did not vote ; the "tellers," Lord Denman and Lord Harrington, had no one to tell. The bill was read a third time and passed.

OVERN3IENT OF APLES. Board should consis aval officers, with the exception of the first Mr. H. B. SHERIDAN asked Lord Palmerston a variety of questions Lord, and that the Comptroller-Gene the Navy should be added to

Somerset intends to bring in a bill modifying the Articles of War. Sir CHABLEs NAPLEB. and Mr. BENTDICH urged upon the Government the necessity of manning the Navy, and raising the reserve at all costs, and denounced the scheme of fortification recommended by the Defence Com- mission as useless.

Ultimately, the motion was negatived without a division.

In Committee of Supply on the Naval Estimates, Lord CLARENCE PAGET explained a scheme of retiring allowances and promotions, in moving a vote to carry it out. They proposed that captains who had arrived at the age of sixty, and who had never served in their present rank, if they were now receiving 10s. 6d. a day, should be advanced to 188. ; if 12s. 6d. or 14s. 6d., to 208.' and should assume the rank of seniority by the time their seniority would have entitled them to it had they remained on the active list. Then, as to commanders, they proposed that this class, at the age of sixty, should retire with the rank of captain, receiving half-pay according to their length of sea-service. They proposed that the half-pay should increase according to the length of sea- service, and this was a totally new feature in the payment of the navy. Up to the present time half-pay was irrespective of service, so that an officer living at home at his ease would receive the same as an officer who had spent all his years at sea. All commanders who had not reached the age of sixty, but who had not been employed within fifteen years, would be placed on the retired list, on pay proportioned to the amount of their sea-service. Commanders of under nine years sea-service would receive the halfpay they got on retiring; above nine years and under twelve, 10s. 6d., that was an increase of two shillings; above twelve years and under fifteen, 12s. 64. ; above fifteen and under twenty, 148. 6d. ; above twenty years, 168.6d. Ser- vie() in coast-guard, mail or transport service, would count years for one. Then they bad to deal with the lieutenants. Like the commanders they would retire at sixty, with the rank of commanders, and have pay according to sea-service. Under six years they would have half-pay the seine as at the time of retirement; above six and less than nine years, 78. ; nine and under twelve, 88. 6d.; above twelve and under fifteen, 10s.; above fifteen, lls. 6d. They proposed that no further addition from the active list should made to the retired list of commanders, but they proposed to im- prove also the half-pay of the active list. There were plenty of commanders seeking employment ; the difficulty was as regarded lieutenants on the active list. The lieutenants were constantly on service, and doing good service, but many who had served for years were without the slightest prospect of promotion, and when on shore they got no more half-pay than those who had not served at all. They proposed, then, as an encouragement for ser- vice on the active list, that there should be an increase of half-pay according to length of sea-service.

Sir JOHN PAKI.NOTON, Mr. HENLEY, Sir CHARLES NArIER, Sir MICHAEL SEYMOUR, and others took exception to the scheme, on the ground that it was not sufficiently comprehensive, and did not include flag-officers, and ultimately the debate was adjourned, and the Chairman reported progress.

LIGHT WEIGHT RACING.

Lord REDESDALE moved the second reading of the Light Weight Racing Bill on Monday ; Lord DERBY having presented a petition from the Jockey Club against it when the order was read. Lord REDESDALE proposed to fix the minimum weight to be carried by racehorses at six stone. It is now the practice to run horses of all ages together, and to weight them by the process called handicapping. The consequence is that the lightest weight is as low as four stone four pounds. The horses are run very young, their jockeys are mere boys. These handicap races are great gambling speculations, and Lord Redesdale thought he should protect the boys, prevent gambling, and improve the breed of horses, which, he contends, has been deteriorated by the practice. Thinking that the Jockey Club would not act, he brought in this bill.

The Duke of BEAUFORT moved that the bill should be read a second time that day three months, on the ground that it would not effect the objects proposed, and was not in itself a fit subject for legislation. The Earl of WINCIIELSEA spoke against the bill. The Marquis of CLANRI- CAREE supported it, feeling strongly the call of humanity. Factory children arc protected, why not small jockeys ? Earl GRANVILLE, in an amusing speech, shcwed that there was no ground of comparison between factory children and jockeys ; that the bill would not put down mal- practices ' - and that it is an unprecedented act of legislation. It had better be left to the Jockey. Club :- " An old maxim, De minimis non curat lex,' which I think may fairly be translated, Do not legislate for feather weights.' " (Laughter and cheers.)

In his opinion the breed of horses has not deteriorated. This is one of the complaints which is constantly made and never substantiated.

The Earl of DERBY followed in the same strain, interspersing his bocular remarks with some interesting information. Showing that the ill would not prevent rascality on the turf, he admitted that horses are now brought out to race at a much earlier period than they were thirty years ago. In 1829 out of 528 winning horses only fifty-five were two year olds. In 1859 out of 1666 horses started for different races, 588 were two year olds. "When my. noble friend says that horses that cannot carry 6st. ought not to be kept in training, and are good for nothing, I assure him he is quite mistaken, for I could mention horses that with six stone on their backs can't live at a racing pace for three minutes, but yet are competent to carry my noble friend over a cross country for hours, and to keep up with the hounds. You cannot, in all cases, have lasting qualities accompanied by the enormous effort and great speed of racing, but it does not follow because a horse cannot carry six stone in a mile and a half race and live, that he belongs to an inferior class of animals, and is incapable of being made use- ful for hunting purposes. My noble friend says it is more difficult to get good hunters now than it used to be ; but I must remind him that hunting is a very different thing now from what it formerly was. Perhaps my noble friend would like to turn out at six in the morning, go on a long, slow drag before he found his fox, and then ride after it at six or seven miles an hour for the remainder of the day. If he wants a class of horses suited for that kind of work, I admit he would not find them in handicaps. But if he inquires how horses can best combine bone, blood, speed, and endurance, I believe that the character of English horses never stood higher, and tilt in these qualities they are unmatched by any country in the world. (Cheers) I do not deny that there are evils inseparable from bendi- caps. I regret their prevalence, but they do not depend either on the light- ness or the heaviness of the weights, but on the character of the horses themselves. That which is really the cause of a great deal of the evil and the deterioration in the breed of horses is the way in which the animals are forced forward, owing to the vast preponderance of two year old races. The consequence is that young horses are called upon for exertions far beyond their strength, and great numbers of horses are broken down, while others are entered without reference to their carrying light weights, or to their competency to stand the work, because being brought out as two year olds, they may, over a long course, have an advantage and answer the purpose of gambling, and winning the large stakes which are attached to these two year old races. I do not wish to put down all two year old races by legisla- tion, but I should like to induce members of the turf, in the interest of the turf and of the breeders of horses, to see if some intervention and regulation are not possible. If not, your lordships would do much better absolutely to prohibit all two year old races than to raise the weights of the jockeys." (Cheers.) Lord Derby stated.that the Jockey Club have the subject under consideration with a view to raise the minimum weights.

The bill was withdrawn.

THE CENSUS BILL. Sir CHARLES DOUGLAS inquired whether the Go- vernment intended to withdraw the clause in the Census Bill relating to the collection of statistics with regard to the religious opinions of the people ? Sir GEORGE LEWIS said that the penalty clause would be withdrawn, so that it would be optional with the public to state, not their religious " opinions," but their professions.

UNION OF BENEFICES. In Committee on this bill, the Bishop of Oxford moved the insertion of words in clause 15, prohibiting the sale of ground which should have been consecrated for the burial of the dead. On a divi- sion the amendment was negatived by 31 to 10.

ANNUITY-TAX. The Committee on the Edinburgh Annuity-tax Bill was taken at a morning sitting on Tuesday. Several amendments were proposed, but few succeeded. On clause 5, Mr. BLACKBURN moved the insertion of words to the effect that the property of the churches should be transferred from the Town Council to the Commissioners, who are to administer their affairs. Negatived by 78 to 40. Mr. LOCKHART carried an amendment without a division, setting apart a tenth of the sittings as free sittings. On clause 8, Mr. BLACKBURN proposed that the sum to be raised should be fixed at 4500/. instead of 4200/. Negatived by 89 to 58. On clause 10, Mr. MORE proposed an amendment throwing the tax on the proprietors. Negatived by 85 to 53.

At clause 11, the chairman reported progress. Further progress was made on Friday.

FOREIGN WINES. In reply to some remarks from Lord Mox-rnAnLE, who had a notice of motion on the subject of wines, which he postponed,Earl GRAN- VILLE said that with regard to l'ortugal there existed certain fiscal restric- tions in respect to the wines of that country, the abolition of which would be of the greatest importance to the trade, and the Portuguese Government had agreed to effect that abolition, for which purpose they had brought in a bill. With regard to Spain, the Government had not entered yet into official communications on the subject, but he believed that that country was not actuated by any inimical feeling.

MINES AND MINERS. The House went into Committee on the Mines Regulation and Inspection Bill at the Wednesday sitting, and occupied nearly the whole of the time in debating two clauses. On clause 1, .pro- viding that no boy under twelve years of age should be employed in mines, Mr. PAGET moved an amendment, fixing the age at thirteen, He is a con- vert to the ten hours' legislation, and desires to extend to children employed in mines the benefits conferred on faetnry children. Mr. CLIME opposed the:mendreeot as h. deprivz ale coal-owners qr.. 7.7* valuable la- - Me. LIDDELL opposea Luc amendment on behalf of the'toirlsowners va- :in he represents. Mr. ADDERLEY desired to postpone all having in view a comprehensive statute affecting, all children. The debate was continued on these various grounds ; but on a division,- tresifeendment was negatived by 178 to 71. Mr. KINN-111e then moved the. boys under the age of ten should not be kept at work longer than eight hours a dig,. Negatived by 180 to 91. The clause was agreed to. On rlause 2, Mr. BINNA/1111 renewed his amendment. It was negatived by 146.: tg 77. - The Chairman then reported progress.