Vrtrutro Vruuttiiugs iu Varliamtut.
PRINCIPAL BUSINESS OF THE WEEK.
MOUSE OF LORDS. Monday, June 16, Chancery Reform ; Petition presented by
Lord Brougham-Public-houses (Scotland) Bill, read a third time and passed. vigrii-,ay, June 17. Navigation-laws ; Petition presented by Lord Stanley.
"odoy Jture19. Registration of Assurances Act committed pro formi-Ar- - 5).
rest of Absconding Debtors Bill passed thmadlieorsolittee-Cape Affairs ; Notice by Lord Stanley of a discussion next Thursday-Adjourned to Monday.
Sousr OF CJIIIIIONs. MAM&F/L, June 16. Beatelltoliges -University Commission Servisellisiles in ftmlire of Sup.; Maynooth Vote for Repairs opposed, but monied bylallim 119-4hetssili Parham* Abbreviation Act Repeal Bill, thrown out le-66 to 12. ..aossday, Aare Aybilhogglillectimr; Mr. dltrutt mnd Mr. Cunningham com- mitted to custony for breach af privilege, repelmanliett, and discharged-St. Albans Election Bill, considered in Comotittee-Navigation-laws ; Mr. Hermes gives notice of an Address to the Queen-Harwich Election ; Motion for liberation of Mr. Henry Edwards, negatived by 133 to 4-Malt-tax ; Motion by Mr. Bass for repeal of half, negatived by 76 to 31-International Reduction of Armaments ; Mr. Cobden's Mo- tion debated and withdrawn-Bible Monopoly ; Motion by Mr. Hume for an address tothe Crown negatived. 'Wednesday, Tune IS. New Writ for Bath-Sunday Trading Prevention Bill, thrown out on the motion to go into Committee, by 77 to 42-Landlord and Tenant Bill. (Mr. klullings's,) considered in Committee. Thursday, June 19. Smithfield Market Dill, considered in Committee-Religious Tests in the Universities, lir.11eywood's Motion debated : the House counted out at half-past seven o'clock. Friday, June 20. Ecelesiastical-Titles Bill, considered in Committee : leave ob- tained to sit again on Monday next-Monday next fixed by Lord Jolmlismaell for ,Mr. Disraeli's Financial Discussion-General Bo rd of Health Bill, passed through Committee-Merchant Seamen's Fund ; leave for a Bill given to Mr.lobouchme.
TIME-TABLE.
The Cosmos&
Hour of Hoar of
Meeting. Adjournment. 'Monday ..............4k • (m) lb Ont Tuesday
Noon .... 3om
Sn .... 12h 4.5m
Wednesday No sitting. Wednesday Noon .... Its 35n, Thursday Sh 611 has Thursday Noon .... 3h 30m Sit 71i 45m Friday No sitting Friday 5 .(irs) its 10.3
Sittings this 'Reek, 3 ; Tune, Ci. 6m Sittings tittoWeek, -7; Time.-43K -Om
— this-Session, 64; - 114h bm — this Fannon, 82 ; — 573h Lim
INTERNATIONAL DISARMAMENT.
Mr. COBDEN this year gave his motion for reducing international arma- ments the shape of a resolution praying the Queen to " enter into com- munication with the Government of France, and endeavour to prevent in future the rivalry of warlike preparations in time of peace, which has hitherto been the policy of the two Governments, and to promote if pos- sible a mutual reduction of armaments."
At the outset, he guarded his proposition from misrepresentation by stating, that by warlike preparations he meant "naval preparations and for- tifications " ; for in speaking of armies-the standing curse of the present generation-the matter is complicated by questions of a purely domestic character. In illustration of his principle that a mutual reduction will not alter the relative strength of the two countries, he quoted the proceedings , and debates of the French Chamber, to show that a mutual increase has not altered the position of either party. In 1845,a Coionnittee of the Chamber of Peers reported thus-
" We have now to announce the execution of a great scheme which the English Government is pursuing with its usual foresight, and which cannot fail to have a vast influence upon the naval policy of other countries. (The report goes on to state, that under the modest pretence of providing steam guard-ships, the British Admiralty was converting eight sailing-vessels into formidable steam-batteries, ca- pable of remaining fifteen dayset sea ; that they would be completed during that year, and that it was expected they would be doubled in the follow Mg year.) Hive com- pare the powers of destruction possessed by the broadsides of thesq floating for- tresses with those of the most formidable batteries ever employed by %n army hpon land for the destruction of fortified places, we shall then know what to think of an armament provided under the modest and defensive guise of steam guard-ships. It is, then, for France an absolute necessity to prepare an armament of a similar cha- racter and of equal force, so that we may have nothing to dread in future in case of a possible misunderstanding with England."
Mr. Ward, our Secretary of the Admiralty, came down to the House of Commons, and told us that these proceedings of France ought to be a lesson to us ; and Government ran the estimate up to 42,000 or 44,000 men. In reply, a report of the _French Assembly, in 1849, said-" This very spring, England has voted 40,000 for the sea service " ; and it made that fact the ground of recommendations to increase the French fleet so as to maintain the proportion of one-third of ours. Then came the speech of our First Lord of the Admiralty in moving the estimates of the present year-
" It was impossible to fix upon what was necessary in their own establishment without looking to the establishments of foreign countries. He might, however, observe that they had had sufficient proof in the course of the last year, that a gallant, active, and intelligent people, not far from themselves, had not by any tneaus neg- lected their naval establishments and naval power."
The First Lord set forth the evolutions at Cherbourg, and described that great fortified place as in.a formidable state of preparation against this coun- try. In 1851, A Commission of the National Assembly immediately called attention to this reference to Cherbourg; directed a jealous eye to the vast works we are executing at Jersey and Alderney, and asked for further grants of money for fortifications and the navy.
The phrase quoted from the First Lord of the Admiralty induced Mr. Cob- den to give notice of his motion this year. In reference to navies, he put all other countries out of the question. The Russian fleet is large, but of such a nature that it wisely stays at home : manned by landsmen, it would be a laughingstock to our sailors. The United States of America sets us a wise example by the moderation of their naval expenditure. The conven- tion between this country and the United States for keeping our mutual armament on the American Lakes at only two or three small vessels is a goode on that station. 'What can be more absurd than the game of seesaw precedent : Mr. Cobden believed that we have now actually no vessel
which England and Prance are playing ? If we make a friendly proposal, doubtless France will be Flad to entertain it Mr. Cobden stipulated for no- thing specific ; he only wished the effort to be made. The time is propitious. "Compare the present state of things with that which existed twenty-five years ago. At that time there were but two posts a week between London and Paris, Tuesdays and Fridays. Down to 1848, thirty-four hours were allowed for transmitting a post to Paris : we now go in eleven hours. Where there used to be thousands passing and repassing, there are now tens Of thousands. Formerly no man could be heard in our smaller towns and vil- lages speaking a foreign language, let it be what language it might, but the rude and vulgar passer-by would call him a Frenchman, and very likely in- sult him. We have changed all that In this the first year of the second half of the nineteenth century we have seen a most important change. We are witnessing now what a few years ago no one could have predicted as pos- sible. 'We see men meeting together from all the countries in the world, more like the gatherings of nations in former times when they came up for a great religious festival ; we find men speaking different languages, and bred in different habits, associating in one common temple erected for their gratification and reception. The Government of the country should put it- self in harmony with the spirit of the age, and should endeavour to do some- thing to follow in the wake of what private enterprise and public opi- nion are achieving. One step taken in that direction would be attended with important consequences, and would redound to the honour and credit of any Foreign Minister, who, casting aside the old and musty maxims of diplomacy, should step out and take in hand the task now humbly submitted to thelikieretary for Foreign Affairs."
Monday TneadsY
The Lords.
Hour of Hour of Sleeting. Adjournment.
Sh Sh 20m Sh .ShiOm
Lord Paisineerox opened his reply in a tone of opposition ; but as he proceeded, professed approval of the principle of the motiou.
Ile first, however, claimed some credit for the results of his own system. "I trust the part it has been my lot to take in administering one department of the affairs of this country has shown that there has been nothing in my conduct in any degree inconsistent with the opinions I am now professing [of warm sympathy with Mr. Cobden's principk]; for' however it may be the fashion with some persons, in that easy, colloquial, jaunty style, in which they discuss public matters, to declaim against modern diplomacy and international intermeddling, yet at least I can appeal to lads. I can appeal to the feet, that during the considerable period for which I have been responsible for the conduct of the foreign relations of this country, -though events have happened in Europe of the most remarkable kind, and attended with great commotions of public feeling, and great agi- tation in the social and political system of the Continent,—although du- ring that period events have happened which have brought the interests of England, I will not say into conflict, but into opposition to the interests of other great and powerful nations, yet, at least, the fact is that we have been at peace ; and that not only has peace been. preserved between this country and other nations, but there has been no International war of magnitude between any of the other great powers of Europe. If, then, on the one hand, we are taunted with perpetually interfering and intermeddling in the re- lations of other countries, we ought at least, on the other head, to have the credit of the fact that that interference and intermeddling have been accom- panied by the continuance of peace." Urging in a lighter manner the general arguments that nations are not philosophic and philanthropic enough to allow us to dispense with the means of self-protection, he seemed to put a firmer reliance on the specific objection to being bound and fettered into a negotiation through which he does not see his practical way. "If the motion should be agreed to, I should certainly feel, in entering upon the negotiations, that there could not be any possible prospect of coming to a practical result. I shall be ready to adopt the motion and speech of the honourable gentleman as the expression of an influential Member of this House, responded to, I hope, by the unanimous feeling of the whole House of Commons, that not only do we hope that the relations between England and France will be, but that we almost think—if common sense actuates those who on both sides have the management of affairs—they must be, as far as human foresight can go, friendly towards each other; that those mutual suspicions and reci- procal jealousies which may from time to time have misled the calculations of those who in each country have bad the management of affairs' will disap- pear, and that mutual confidence will take the place of reciprocal distrust." "I am glad the honourable Member for the West Riding has taken advan- tage of this meeting of the world to declare in his place in Parliament those principles of universal peace which do honour to him and the country in which they are proclaimed. I trust that my honourable friend will be sa- tisfied with the expressions of approbation with which the sentiments he has expressed have been received by the House, and with the expression of the de- termination of her Majesty's Government, who feel as ardently on the sub- ject as any man in this country or in the world can do—that as far as their influence, and power, and persuasion may extend, they will, so long as it may be their lot to have anything to do with the affairs of the country, use every -effort in their power to avert the misery and calamities of war. I trust the honourable gentleman will be content with this, and that be will not press his motion to a division, which may be liable to misconstruction' and in which it may be thought that those who oppose the motion differ with him as to the .
said he seeks to accomplish, instead of merely objecting to the method by which he endeavours to effect it."
Several of Mr. Cobden's friends suggested, that after the speech of Lord Pahuerston, so nearly in the direction which he desired, his object might be better efected by not taking a division. Mr. MILNER GIBSON, Mr. BROTHERTON, Mr. GEA CH, and Mr. PRYCE, were of this view ; and so was Sir ROBERT Nous. Mr. HUME, however, could not see that the motion would fetter Lord Palmerston • and MI". ROEBUCK observed that the means proposed are clear, definite, and easy. Mr. COBDEN was swayed by the earlier counsel Declaring the extreme satisfaction he felt at the tone of the discussion on all sides, he withdrew his motion- -without prejudice, however, to those out of doors who take a deep inte- rest in the question.
Lord PALMERSTON now again observed, that what he objected to was the particular mode recommended of arriving at the result which all de- sired,—namely, the obligation to enter into negotiation with France. He begged therefore not to be understood as undertaking that the Go- vernment would enter into that negotiation : the Government must be considered as perfectly free to use its discretion in all circumstances that may arise. Cuero/se BILL: PROTECTIONIST FINANCE.
Gn reading the order of the day for the second reading of the Customs Bill, Mr. Dissama rose to make a statement of the course which he should propose to take with regard to the finaneial measures of the Go- vernment
After that most important decision of the House by which they agreed to renew the Income-tea for only one year, he felt that the financial proposi- tions of the Government, which had been introduced under such different eircumstances, have assumed a very different position. The propositions of the Government may now lead to very different consequences from those originally anticipated. The financial arrangements of this country by that important vote became essentially provieional • and being provisional, it has become a question whether it is just and justifiable, prudent and politic, with a due regard to the maintenance of public credit, to agree to the diminution ef any permanent source of the national income. Mr. Disraeli had been ex- tremely anxious to take no precipitate step, but after painful and anxious consideration, he could not incur the responsibility of allowing the financial policy which her Majesty's Government seem resolved notwithstanding that vote of the House to persevere in, to peas unchallenged. "Under these circum- stances," he continued, "I shall certainly deem it my duty,—unless, indeed, I can induce, as I hope I may be enabled to do, my honourable friend the Member for Stamford to undertake that offiee,—Ishalldeem itmy duty to ask the House to reconsider these measures which were introducW to our no- tice under circumstances so different from those under which we are now called upon to decide as to their merits. What I wish the House to do * to have a calm, unimpassioned, and strictly financial discussion. I have already, on more than one occasion, intimated to her Majesty's Government what was passing in my own mind upon this question; and I might perhaps have been justified in asking the opinion of the House on this occasion upon this ques- tion. But I am, of course, at all times extremely loath to take a course which has an air of .surprise ; and therefore I would rather on this occasion permit. these measures to pass the stage, that the course of public business may not be interrupted, and on a subsequent stage call upon the House for their opinion upon the general financial policy which is expressed in these two bills that are now upon the table. I should under these circumstances he obliged, probably necessitated, to ask the opinion of the House on the Cus- toms Bill ; and I hope the House will permit me to take this opportunity of saying, that I am most anxious that no commercial considerations should enter into the discussion, which should be strietly confined to the financial -position and policy of the country. Perhaps the noble Lard would find it net inconvenient if we agreed to allow these two bills to pas, wider our proteet, but without any opposition, tonight—perhaps he would agree to going into Committee on Monday night, and that then we should take this discussion? In that case, if agreeable to Government, I would undertake in the coulee of the week, to lay on the table of the Rouse a resolution which we shall pro- pose as an amendment to the motion of the Government" Lord JOHN RUSSELL stated that it would be inconvenient to take Mon- day, as when he fixed that day for the Ecclesiastical Titles Bill 'he hoped to go on with it for some days ; and when that niitht [last MontlaY.] was fixed for the Customs Bill, it was done with a view that Mr. Disraeli should then take the course he thought proper. It was inconvenient that he should now wish another day which would suit him better.
Mr. Diseama said, he was indifferent as to what day : lie would meet Lord John on any day. After some conversation the bill was read a second time and the Committee was fixed for Monday, with an intimation from the ' CHANCEL - non of the EXCHEQUER that some other day will be named when it van be determined on.
NAVIGATION-LAWS.
A discussion on the Navigation-laws was raised by Lord STANLEY, on presenting a petition to the House of Peers.
The petition was from the Liverpool Shipping Association : it stated that the petitioners are owners of a large tonnage of shipping, and that they find all the anticipations of evil effects whioh they mgedagainet the last alteration of the Navigation-laws have been realized in practice ; and it complained of a number of disadvantages which the British shipowner labours under, espe- cially from the want of reciprocity by foreign nations in refusing us that par- ticipation in their shipping trade which we .,yield to them. In reference to the burdens and disabilities which are doe to our own legislation,—such as the heavy amount of duties on marine ineuranoe, the extraordinary fees charged by British consuls abroad on British shipping, the practice peculiar to this country of giving salvage rewards to officers of the Royal Navy, the encouragement given to the seduction of seamen from the mercantile into the Royal Navy, and the restrictions in reference to the em- ployment of British seamen and apprentices,—Lord Stanley argued generally, that before the repeal of the Navigation-laws these burdens were cheerfully borne by the shipping interest, because they were necessary to support the military navy and prosperity of England ; but when the shipping interest were deprived of the advantages they obtained under the Navigation- laws, the least they expected was to be freed from burdens and restrictions to which foreign shipowners are not subject. The illiberality of foreign nations, in refusing us reciprocity, he illustrated by. the examples of France and Spain, with their high prohibitive import-tanffs, making a difference against British shipping of cent per cent in favour of the home shipping; ; and of the United States of America, who declare the California trade to be a coasting trade' which they wiil not open to foreign ships, though the voyage from New York to California is a voyage round the world. Ile adduced some statistics, not toshow that our trade has been diminished by the repeal of the Navigation-laws, but to support the point which shipowners advance, that that measure has so reduced the amount of freight by unfair and unequal competition that it is almost unremunenitive, especially on the long voyage ; and that though there has been an increase in the foreign trade the foreigners have reaped the advantage, and not the British owners. In 1849 the total tonnage inwards was 5,579,461, in 1850 it was 6,071,269, in 1851 it was '6,113,696; the increase last year was 42,427. But the British share of that tonnage in each year was 4,020,415, 4,390,375, and 4,078,544; showing a decrease, last year, of 311,831. And in the same periods the Foreign share was 1,559,046, 1,680,994, 2,035,152; showing an mareelte- larger than our decrease—of 354,258. In the clearances outwards the increase on the total shipping, beyond last /ear, is 477,070: but of this increase foreign
shipping gets 278,4M i, and English only 198,582. The disproportion is still greater for the last four months than for the last year. Arguing on these general facts, Lord Stanley concluded with the question_, Do her Ma- jesty's Government mean to counteract this state of things by the exercise of the retaliatory power placed in their hands by Parliament?
The Earl of GILANVILLE laid before the House a series of facts to show that the repeal of the Navigation-laws has not been injurious to the mer- cantile or shipping interests.
On the repeal of the law, her Majesty's Government communicated the fact to Sweden, Holland, Belgium' France, Spain, Portugal, and the United States. Sweden at once announced her intention to remove all restrictions. Holland has displayed a liberal spirit, and after negotiation resolved to give us equality both in her foreign and colonial trade. If Belgian restrictions remain against us, there are greater British restrictions against Belgium; our duties are the more exclusive. Negotiations with France have produce large and liberal concessions; and the Government is still negotiating, in hopes of terms yet nearer to what we think fair. The negotiations with Portugal promise speedy and satisfactory results. Spain holds out ; but her policy will plainly injure herself more than us. To the generosity, of the United States we made an appeal in reference to the indirect trade with California ; but there isnot much to be obtained from the generosity of nations. However, we have entered beneficially into the direct trade hence to Califor- nia; and if the Government of the United States still excludes us from the indirect trade, there is reason to believe that that trade will itself suffer, and that a larger direct trade in European commodities hence to California will spring up, in which we shall secure a full share. It is no doubt true that the high freights which American ships get to California are a great assist- ance in making the long voyage round the world ; but we ourselves reap much advantage from the ability we now enjoy to take freight from New York and the Atlantic cities of the United States to Chinii,and the East Indies—a similar link in the long voyage for us to that round to California for the Americans. It may be true that foreign ships have reaped large advantages from entering on the rivalry with us in our direct trade ; but there is reason to believe that we in our turn are entering into the rivalr.0 of the direct trade of those foreign nations in even a.grester degree. Re- turns made by the United States Government show an increase of foreign shipping there in their direct trade, greater than the increase of foreign shipping here of which we complain at home. In the first six months of 1E50, nearly 70,000 tons of British shipping entered the ports of the United States with freights from third foreign ports, whence they could not have brought freights at all under the old law: 10,000 tons of British shipping left New York alone for China, the first voyages to that country that British ships ever made from United States ports.
Though our American rivals have no doubt contended stoutly for the Indian trade our tonnage in that trade increases : the tonnage outwards has been, in 18'48, 453,128 ; in 1850, 522,056; in 1851, 562,495. Mr. Lindsay has
launched nine new ships in the past year' of from 800 to 1200 tons burden ; he has had them built lit- contract as the Americans do and has for the first time made his captains' partners in the concern. M;. Duncan of Dunbar,
who feared utter ruin to his 15,000 tons of shipping, is now the enviable holder of 30,000 tons. Mr. Wigrarn, instead of being driven abroad from the Thames with all his capital and skill, has established a new building- yard at Southampton, and is building at a greater rate than ever.Ship- wrights are full of work ; and it is impossible to find a shipbuilder w1 o will bind himself to supply a ship at any certain time. Every class must be allowed its prescriptive right to grumble. Very likely, old and second-rate ships find less patronage ; but men would hardly be pushing to a gigantic development a trade that is only leading them to ruin. Lord Granville expressed himself gratified that not one word had fallen from Lord Stanley which could delude the shipowners into the fallacious notion that there is the slightest hope of a return to the system from which the country has departed. In reference to the conversion of other countries to our more liberal policy, that event cannot be expected with such rapidity while a great party, with a great leader at its head, is constantly insisting that our new policy is ruining the country ; but for us, patience will be the best. Retaliatory measures might in some instances do ourselves injury; though it may become the duty of Government to consider whether at some self-sacrifice it ought not to use the coercive powers intrusted to it by Parlia- ment.
The Earl of HARDWICEE bewailed, as most uneneouraging to the droop- ing spirits of the shipowners, the speech of Lord Granville, able and ad- mirable as it was : it is plain that Government will not exercise their retaliatory powers. Earl GREY at considerable length followed up the arguments and de- tails of Lord Granville.
The petition was ordered to lie on the table.
The same evening, Mr. HERMES gave notice of a motion for an address to the Queen by the House of Commons on the subject, for next Monday.
MALT-TAX REPEAL.
Mr. Bess endeavoured on Tuesday to obtain a partial reversal of the vote by which the House of Commons some time since refused to Mr. Cayley a total repeal of the Malt-tax : he moved that half the tax be re- pealed on the 10th October 1852. He stated that he had been a supporter of Ministers, and does not wish to i embarrass them or to change the financial plan; but Lord John Russell has said that the House, or any private Member of it, is at liberty to take up any question of taxation, though the Executive Government cannot without loss of dignity abandon any particular scheme of taxation it has proposed. The reasons urged for this the present motion were generally the same as those advanced for the total repeal; and the gist of them is, that former reductions have not been sufficiently large to allow a proportionate distribution over the small portions in which the retail vendor deals, but a repeal of the whole or of half would be instantly seen in a reduction of price. There is no doubt that the repeal of half the tax would greatly increase the demand for malt, and benefit the farmer. To show that this is not at all a brewer's question, Mr. Bass asserted that he stands almost alone in the trade in advocating the measure he proposes.
Mr. CAMPBELL quoted the opinion of the late Sir Robert Peel, that no tax produces a large revenue at so moderate a cost as the Malt-tax : so thought Adam Smith too, and the fact is more than ever true now. There are far more important questions than any of a mere fiscal character now awaiting decision, and he would prefer a tax of two shillings on corn to
• a mutilation of the Malt-tax.
Mr. FREWEN had a motion for abolishing the tax by three-halfpence a bushel every quarter of a year : he asked Mr. Bass if his motion were a stepping-stone to the total repeal? and receiving an affirmative reply, he stated that he should in that case not bring forward his own proposition. Mr. ALcoex. supported Mr. Bass, and thought him entitled to the gra- titude of the farmer. Sir W. Jouree subscribed to Mr. Aleock's grati- tude, the more that Mr. Bass is the only large brewer who would have advocated repeal of the tax. But Sir William suggested another mode of relief to the farmer: the Peruvian Government monopolizes the supply of guano, and doubles the natural price—let Government threaten to put on a duty of 10/. per ton, and then, as the interest on the Peruvian debt, which is guaranteed by the guano-duty, would be jeopardized, Peru would be frightened into charging a juster and more moderate price. Mr. Lew- amses HEYwoirrn thought a tax of 10/. on guano would scarcely relieve the farmers. Mr. FRESHFIELD said that the Malt-tax is doomed ; but he saw no financial substitute, and therefore cannot support immediate re- peal. Mr. Serweits doubted whether any one would gain by the repeal of half the tax, but the brewers and maltsters.
The CILANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER opposed the half repeal on the same grounds as the total repeal; and added the special objections, that the half repeal would leave untouched all the evils of the excise ma- chinery; and that only the preceding night Mr. Disraeli, the leader of the great party opposite, had informed the House of his intention to take its sense whether under the existing state of finances any further re- mission of taxation can take place. If the Malt-tax be repealed, it would be impossible to abolish the Income-tax. Mr. NEWDEGATE opposed the motion, as unlikely to produce advantage to the agricultural classes. Mr. Baormswrox was against any encouragement to the consumption of ale or spirits. Mr. DRUMMOND maintained the merits of ale at the expense of whisky—they are as oats compared with whipcord to the jaded horse : he would be glad to see the whole excise machinery abolished in respect to beer. Mr. Hume rejoiced to hear the gentlemen opposite so opposed to the Excise ; but he did not approve of a piecemeal reduction which would not give to the consumer what it got from the revenue. A partial repeal would only create mischief; so he hoped Mr. Bass would with- draw his motion. Mr. BASS replied especially to the financial difficulty : he believed that his motion would increase rather than lessen the Chan- cellor of the Exchequer's income.
On a division, the motion was negatived by 76 to 31.
CHANCERY REFORM.
When the Peers assembled after the Whitsuntide recess, on Monday, Lord Bitotionem called their attention to the reconsidered measure introduced by Lord John Russell into the House of Commons for reform- ing the Court of Chancery.
Lord Brougham approved of the proposition to increase the judicial force of the Court of Chancery, but was not prepared to say that the measure goes far enough. No doubt, the improvement of the structure of the Court of Chancery is a matter of great importance, but there is also a functional improvement which ought to be made in the Court by improving the mode and form of the procedures before it. He now presented a petition from a party interested, which would show how much room there is for improve- ment in the functions of the Court as they are carried out in the practice of referring guestions to the Master to be inquired into in the Masters' Offices. "The petitioner, in the year 1840, became the purchaser of a share in a vessel. A dispute arose between him and his coshareholder. He filed a bill in the Court of Chancery for the purpose of establishing his title. It was heard before one of the Vice-Chancellors—who is not at present a Vice- Chancellor—on the 7th of March 1842; and his Honour directed certain in- quiries to be made, and certain accounts to be taken by the Master. The blaster made his report in 1845 ; to which exceptions were taken by both parties ; and those exceptions were heard before the Vice-Chancellor in the month of November 1845; when he allowed some and dissallowed others of them, and referred the case back to the Master. The Master made further inquiry, and reported again in July 1846. The ease was again heard in March 1847, and was again referred back to the Master to make further inquiry. In June 1847, a petition of appeal was presented against several orders and decrees of the Vice-Chancellor. The appeal was heard before the Lord Chancellor ; who' in April 1848, referred the question back again to the Master. This was the fifth reference to the Master; and the object of it was, that the Master should state what was the value of the ship which was the matter in dispute. Very well. Then, in August 1849, the Master again made his report under the order of the Lord Chancellor ; whereupon exceptions were filed to the report, and the exceptions were heard by the Vice-Chancellor; and his Honour, by an order of May 1850—after the cause had been now ten years before him—directed an action to be brought in order to ascertain what was the value of the ship in 1840. All these pro- ceedings ended in the Court directing that there should be no inquiry at all on its part, and by its framing an issue to be tried by a .jury as to the value of the ship in 1840. But there was also an appeal agamst the order direct- ing this issue ; and that appeal is now before the Lord Chancellor. It was, when it was first brought before him, No. 69 in his list; it is now advanced to No. 48 or No. 50 on the paper ; and the calculation of the party is that in two years time the decision of the Lord Chancellor, if he live so long, will be given on the point whether the issue as to the value of the ship will be tried or not. A reference will then be made back to the Master ; which will make the seventh reference to that office in this particular case."
Lord Brougham backed the case of this petitioner by recounting another case, the particulars of which were given him by one of the Judges. "A bill was filed ; a question was raised before the Court on a will ; the con- struction of it was doubtful. Reference was made to the Master to ascertain who were the next of kin, before any decision was had on the construction of the will. An interval of two years and a half elapsed, in a tedious, need- less, and expensive inquiry as to the next of kin. Then the case came be- fore the Court, which examined the question ; and then the Court put a construction on the will which had no reference whatever to the next of kin, for it gave every farthing of the property to be distributed under it to the legatees. So that all the expense of the inquiry as to the next of kin was entirely thrown away, because the next of kin had nothing in the world to do with the will."
Such cases as this of course do not happen every day, but something very like theni does. The Master, under the Judge's order, may examine wit- nesses orally, and may come to his conclusions upon sight of their gestures, countenance, and demeanour, while under examination ; but the Vice-Chan- cellor, or Master of the Rolls, or Lord Chancellor, never sees or knows any- thing of the mode in which the witnesses give their evidence. A worse course never was invented by the wit of man : it is monstrous to think, that after a man of learning and ability has deliberately formed his report on the evidence of witnesses whom he has himself examined, then that judges who have not seen the witness, nor heard a tittle of the evidence, should be called on to make a report on the same matter. There must be a new arrange. ment of the Court of Chancery, so that the Judges may work out thpir own decrees, and send nothing to the Masters' Offices, where all these evils and delays arise.
REGISTRATION OF ASSURANCES.
The Registration of Assurances Bill stood for Committee in the House of Peers on Thursday ; but Lord LYNDHURST stated that he had got the amended bill only an hour ago, and had not been able to make himself master of the alterations. Lord Briononem recommended to those who want to make themselves master of the bill, and of the whole subject, to get Mr. Haz- litt's accurate and luminously perspicuous book, The Registration of _Deeds in England, its Past Progress and Present Position. The Lorin CHANCEL- Lon presented a petition against the bill from certain attornies and soli- citors. It was agreed to go through Committee pro forma, and to go into Committee again on Monday.
RzLioions TESTS IN Therveasrrres.
Mr. HEYWOOD was brief in the reasons by which he supported his mo- tion for a Committee of the whole House "to consider the religious tests originally imposed, either by the authority of the Crown or by act of Parliament, as a qualification for any civil corporate privilege in the Uni- versities of Oxford, Cambridge, and Dublin." These tests retain the members of the Church of England in swaddling- clothes; and on their account, as well as on behalf of the Roman Catholics and Dissenters generally, he moved for the Committee. Indeed, how irra- tional and unjust it is to demand from every youth, as rudiments, the aig,na- ture of thirty-nine most abstruse articles, the result of the subtilt4and pains of scholastic theologians ? Why require the administration of t commu- nion four times a year ? and why insist on the wearing of surplices ; when in Trinity College Cambridge, for instance, the divinity students are but one- third of the whole number of students ? The regulations press most harshly on gentlemen of the Jewish persuasion. Some years ago, a Jewish gentle- man, Mr. Rothschild, entered at Trinity College Cambridge, and was obliged to attend the service of the Church of England in the College Chapel; and Mr. Heywood is informed that the attendance of that gentleman gave great pain to one of the College authorities who was acquainted with his religious views. Another Jewish gentleman, [Mr. Sylvester,] who entered at another college, was excused in his third year from attendance at chapel, and that gentleman attained the distinguished post of second wrangler. It is only just that the community at large should have the same opportunity with others of their fellow-subjects of obtaining those honours which are in the gift of the Universities. Oxford and Cambridge are the only Universities in the world in which admission is not given to all properly-qualified persons who choose to avail themselves of the education they afford. Mr. EWART seconded the motion, as one that promised benefit to the Universities themselves.
Mr. CAMPBELL said, that there might with advantage be an alteration made in the tests and subscriptions, but the reform can be better made from within than without ; and the question is modified by the existence of the Commission, which Mr. Heywood himself originated, for inquiring into the state of the Universities ; for the very general inquiries of that body will have a tendency to elucidate this question of religious tests, and the Legislature had better not assume the responsibility of legislating without the additional light that may be expected from that source. As Mr. Campbell took his seat there were cries for a division, but Lord JOHN RUSSELL rose to state shortly the view he took of the motion.
The question occasioned a good deal of interest some years ago when a number of distinguished professors of Cambridge presented, by Lord Mont- eagle, a petition for further advantages in that University to Dissenters. Mr. G. W. Wood then proposed a bill by which persons dissenting from the Es- tablished Church, either Protestant Dissenters or Roman Catholic Dissenters from the Church of England, should be admitted to both the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge to proceed with their studies in those Universities, and be admitted to a degree, if otherwise qualified, always excepting a theo- logical degree, without taking any religious tests. Lord John supported that proposition; which seemed to him to be founded upon right principles, and to be only giving the Dissenters that which is the proper distinction and reward of studies in which they have acquired a right to such reward. Lord Stanley also supported the bill in a very able speech. But he took a distinction which Lord John both then thought, and now thinks, sound : he would admit Dissenters to the full benefit of a university education—" to the full benefit of the civil privileges which
may attend and accompany the attainment of a i university degree"; ; but he would sedulously guard those institutions from the admission of Dissenters as part of the governing body of the University. Lord John Russell would do the same : he thought it a misfortune that the author of Credibility of the Gospel History, Dr. Lardner, could not receive a degree in Cambridge or Oxford; but the admission of such persons to honours is a very different thing from admitting them to the government of the University ; and this last concession would, he feared, lead only to confusion in discipline. The motion seemed to go to this point ; and therefore Lord John, though he would cordially consent to such a bill as Mr. Wood introduced and Lord Stanley supported, could not consent to the motion.
Though he would give his cordial assent to such a proposition, this would not be a peculiarly fit time to introduce such a measure : he would give his vote for it, but certainly could not be an active party in bringing forward the question at such a time. Mr. HEYWOOD uttered some words not heard by the reporters. Mr. MILNEs Gmisom commenced a speech on the general question; but had not got far when notice was taken that fewer than forty Members were present. The SPEAKER could count but thirty-eight, and therefore ad- journed the House. UNIVERSITY COILMISSIOS.
Mr. Seim STUART having inquired whether Government intends that the proceedings under the University Commission shall be suspended till a decision has been pronounced on the prayer to the Queen in Council for the recall of that commission on the ground of its illegality, Lord Joirx RUSSELL answered in the negative.
MACHINERY AND RAILWAY ACCIDENTS.
In reply to Lord NAAS, Mr. LABOUCHERE stated that Government is not prepared in the present session to bring forward any measure for giving them powers of supervision not now possessed over machinery in factories. In reference to the security of life on railways, the Govern- ment thinks that more harm than good may be done by any measure of a general description, or by diminishing the responsibility of the directors: it would be wrong to give Government power to superintend the details of arrangements upon which the security of the public must depend.
SUNDAY TRADING IN LONDON.
The adjourned debate, before going into Committee on the Sunday Tra- ding Prevention Bill, was resumed on Wednesday. Mr. ROEBUCK dis- sected the bill, to show that as it stood it was simply so much waste paper ; the clauses were most sweeping, and then the exceptions were so numer- ous, and withal so funnily various and incomprehensible, that the mea- sure would do little towards its pretended object. Mr. SPOONER was favourable to the principle of the bill, but thought its exceptions objec- tionable. Sir WILLIAM CLAY complained, that many of the provisions had been foisted in by adverse Members to make the bill ridiculous. Mr. W. J. Fox and Sir BENJAMIN HALL warmly opposed it. Sir GEORGE GREY repeated the suggestion that it be withdrawn : the difficulties of legislating on the subject are inherent. Lord ROBERT GROSVENOR also thought the bill must be withdrawn ; but, in deference to the enormous number of petitioners, it ought to be introduced again next session. Mr. DUNCOMBE thought that Mr. Wakley and Mr. Williams have changed their views ; for at a public meeting against this absurd bill, Mr. Wakley allowel he had "not been aware until then of the bearings of the case";
; and Mr. Williams said, "You throw a new light on the subject; it is clear I do not understand the bill." Mr. WILLIAMS denied the truth of this version. Mr. DUNCOMBE resumed—" The bill is founded on cant, and the farce still goes on : there are certain Members who always vote for going into Committee, and then as regularly beseech the mover to withdraw the bill." On a division, the bill was thrown out, by 77 to 42.
SMITHFIELD MARKET REMOVAL.
The morning sitting of Thursday was consumed in Committee on the Government bill for removing Smithfield Market. A preliminary contest was, waged on the question of going into Committee. Sir JAMBS DUKE was astonished that Government should persist in a bill approved in Com- mittee only by the casting-vote of the Chairman ; and he complained of surprise : within the hour the Government had issued a new schedule of tolls, higher than those sanctioned by the Select Committee, Mr. HUME thought the new schedule should go back to the Select Committee : why does Government persist in such mystery about the new site ? Sir GEORGE GREY said, that there had seemed to be some sort of sus- picion on the second reading that Government had fixed on the site.
He had then stated that there was no approximation to a settlement of that point ; and he now begged to repeat the statement, and to add his sur- prise that there should be such a suspicion. He quite agreed with the sug- gestion of the Committee that the management should be given to the Cor- poration; he still hoped they will accept the Government offer in that re- spect; and for that reason, besides the reason of preventing the manoeuvres of speculators, it is quite impossible that Government should have either de- termined on any persons for Commissioners or on any site for the market. After a desultory conversation, in which supporters and opponents of the measure mingled various arguments on each side, the step of going into Committee was carried by 64 votes to 26. On the first clause, relative to the appointment of Commissioners, the efforts to extract the names of the persons intended for Commissioners was vigorously renewed. Mr. CARDWELL repeated the Government rea- sons for not naming the Commissioners—it is still hoped that the Cor- poration may name Commissioners themselves : he moved an exten- sion of the time allowed to the Corporation for exercising their liberty of choice. This amendment was adopted ; and the clause as amended by "Mr. Cardwell was carried by 54 to 17. The clauses for closing Smithfield on the completion of the new market, and for prohibiting any other market within a circle of seven miles, were then contested. They were carried in three divisions, by 48 to 21, by 47 to 20, and by 46 to 18. In the pre-
ceding discussions, Sir JA_mms DUKE and other Members had declared that the Corporation will not accept the offer of managing a market beyond their walls—it would give them neither profit nor honour ; but on clause 16, re- quiring payment of the market-receipts into the Bank of England, Sir JA?dES DUKE asked whether, in the event of the Corporation undertaking the bill, the money might not go into the City Exchequer ? Mr. CORNEWALL LEWIS said it might ; and he offered that the clauses should he modified with that object, as soon as a positive assurance of undertaking the market is given by the Corporation : the Government has also no desire to adhere to the new schedule of fees, and is willing to postpone that. Subsequently, a pro- viso effecting the object referred to by Sir James Duke was moved by Mr. CARDWELL, and adopted. The preamble was then agreed to, and the schedule was postponed.
CIVIL SERVICE VOTES.
The Civil Service votes, on Monday, gave rise to a long series of mis- cellaneous remarks ; Mr. HUME taking the lead in a general strain of ob- jection other Members fixing on particular items. Colonel SALWEY de- nounced those sculptured monstrosities representing the lion and the unicorn now placed in front of Buckingham Palace. Mr. VERNON SMITH wondered at the cost of alterations in the Palm-house at Kew. Colonel SAL-WRY animadverted on the robbery of the Military Knights of Windsor by the Dean and Chapter of Windsor ; a robbery assisted by voting to the Knights an equivalent for the spoliation. Other Members criticized the cost of moving the Marble Arch, of ventilating the House, S:e. From the miscellaneous discussions, some points of popular interest may be gleaned. Lord JOHN RUSSELL stated that the accommodation to the pub- lic at Kew has been so increased that the visitors have increased from only 9174 in 1841 to 179,000 in 1850. Lord DUNCAN allowed as a creditable feature, that the expenses of the Woods and Forests, which now come under the cognizance of Parliament for the first time, are less by 18 per cent than those of last year, and by 30 per cent than those of 1848. Lord SEYMOUR stated, that the vote of last year (40001.) for removing the Marble Arch has covered the entire expense of taking down the arch, re- moving it, and putting it up again : whereupon Mr. Hume said, he con- sidered Lord Seymour is entitled to the highest credit for his manage- ment of the removal of the arch.
Mr. BRIGHT drew attention to an item of 840/. for the repair, &c. of the British Ambassador's house at Paris.
In the Committee on Official Salaries, it was proposed to reduce the salary of the Ambassador from 10,000/. to 5000!.; but it was said that the house was so large and costly that this reduction could not be effected. This house cost 40,0001. to buy it about thirty-five years ago, and, with the money that had since been laid out upon it, must have cost the country altogether 120,000/. The house is larger than necessary : would it not be, better to sell it for a very large price, and obtain a smaller residence ? Lord PALMERSTON said, the Government has not been able to concur with the Committee on Salaries in their recommendations that the embas- sy at Paris should be reduced to a mission ; but they have reduced the allowance to the Ambassador from 10,000/. a year to 80001.
It has been proposed at various times to lessen the expense of the embassy by selling the Ambassador's house and purchasing or hiring another : byt it would not answer any good purpose to sell the present house. At prdtent houses of that class sell at Paris for almost nothing, and houses of a smaller kind sell at a comparatively high rate. The present residence of our Am- bassador is not at all larger or better than that of many other foreign repre- sentatives. If Members think that in consequence of the change M the form of government the expenses or the style of living in Paris are diminished, they labour under a great mistake. Lord Palmerston has been assured by French gentlemen who have come over to this country recently to visit the Exhibition, that there never was a winter in which the style of living was more expensive than the last ; and, so far from the establishment of a repub- lic having brought about a change in the habits of social life, there never was a time when what the French called "luxe" was more prevalent.
Mr. Rama rejoined, that he believed all the services rendered by our Ambassador at Paris might have been had for half the sum they had coat. The vote of 1263/. for the repairs of Maynooth College was opposed by Mr. SPOONER ; who moved its rejection, for the reasons which Members of his views have urged in former sessions,—that the annual grant of these sums is an abandonment of Protestant principles, and a great national sin, which will call down on the country great national judgments. Sir ROBERT INGLIS supported the resistance to a system fraught with evil to the religious principles of the country. On the same side were the op- ponents of endowment to any religious opinion. Mr. ANSTEY thought the time has come when all these exceptional sectarian votes of public money should cease : he announced his intention hereafter to vote against the Regium Donum, the vote for refugee clergymen, and all similar grants ; and he would begin with voting against a grant for which he saw no solid reason in favour of his own church. Mr. W. J. Fox would neither per- secute the Roman Catholics nor pay them. On the other side, Mr. HENRY DRUMMOND thought it absurd to assent to the annual grant to Maynooth and refuse a grant for mathematical instruments and repairs. Mr. MowArr thought it monstrous to oppose the grant now for the first time because the Roman Catholics have not lately been sufficiently humble. Sir WIL- LIAM SOMERVILLE, Mr. TRELAWNY, and Colonel RAWDON, deprecated the renewal of old controversies on the subject. On a division, the vote was but barely carried : for it there were 121 votes ; against it, 119; majority, 2.
THE SCOTCH JUDGES NOT TO BE REDUCED.
Mr. BRIGHT, referring to the vacancy which has occurred on the Scotch judicial bench by the death of Lord Dundrennan, inquired whether any attention was to be paid to the recommendation of the Committee on Official Salaries' that the number of Judges on the Scotch bench should be reduced ? Lord JOHN RUSSELL stated, that when he was Home Secre- tary, a Committee on the subject recommended unanimously that no re- duction should take place. No doubt, the Committee of last session ex- pressed a different opinion ; but it is difficult to refer to the evidence on which that opinion was founded. He had inquired of competent persons, and they were all adverse to any reduction in the number.
SCOTCH PUBLIC-HOUSE BILL.
The third reading of the Public-houses (Scotland) Bill was opposed by the Earl of MINTO, on the ground that it would enable the Justices of Peace to exercise an undue influence over the licensing of public-houses, for political purposes. The Duke of ARGYLL maintained that political reasons would actuate the Justices much less under the system proposed than under the system in force at present : the bill is an improvement. Lord KINNAIRD and the Earl of EOLINTOUN supported the measure :
there is a peat cry for it. in Scotland. The bill was read a third time and passed
REPRESENTATIVE PEERAOR OF SCOTLAND.
The delay in issuing a proclamation for the election of a Representa- tive Peer of Scotland, to fill up a vacancy caused by a recent death, WM remarked upon by thwEarl of Eohnrrousr on Monday. Last session a similar case Immured ; and it was then stated that there it no fixed-period for giving such notice, but that such delay should not occur in &time. Surely it is tlus-duty of Government to frame a notice forthwith. The Marquis of LateenOWNII explained, that no unnecessary delay will take place, and that the delay which has occurred was unavoidable.
Sr. Amine Ersionme.
Mr. Sroornen moved that Mr. Edwards be discharged from the custody of the Sergeant-at-Arms. Edwards now came before the House with a full, complete, and unequi- vocal confession of his guilt;. pleading no extenuation, but throwing hint- self on the generosity of the House„ on account of his sufferings, the illness of his wife, and the ruin of his affairs. He has been in prison nine weeks. Mr. Spooner, knowing nothing of Edwards, presented the petition at the re- quest of a solicitor of the highest respectability ; who authorized him to stirM, that Ms'. Edwards will, if liberated, appear before any tribunal the House may appoint, and give an account of all he knows about the transac- tions in which he has been concerned. He has no control over the absent witnesses.
Immediately before the motion by Mr. Spooner, Mr. WODZHOUSE had presented a petition from an elector of St. Albans, stating that Edwards has been so intimately mixed up with the system of bribery and corrup- tion which has involved the borough in disgrace that the ends of justice will not be consulted if he ie. allowed to remove himself from the jurisdic- tion of the House before full inquiry be made into such bribery and cor- ruption; and therefore praying that he be detained in custody. Mr. ROME, the Asnourniv-Gusarmah, and Sir Gamma GREY, opposed the libe- ration of Edwards; Sir George pointing out the suspicious circumstance that the absconded witnesses are living in France with a person named Edwards. On a &vision, the motion for the liberation of Edwards was negatived by 134 to 4.
AYLESBURY Etecrross On the motion of the ArromsEY-GENERSL, Mr. John Strutt and Mr. Charles Cunningham, solicitors, were committed to the custody of the Sergeantsat-Arms, for their conduct in causing the name of Thomas Brad- ford to be signed to.a petition against the return of Mr. Bethell as Mem- ber for Aylesbury.. Bradford is an elector of Aylesbury, and he was used in an unwarrantable manner as the instrument for demanding a
judicial Committee on the Aylesbury election on the e of bribery, &c. On the order of the House, Mr. Shutt and Mr.Cunninghrun were severely reprimanded by the Sri. sorer ; but they were told that they would be discharged on payment of their fees.
VALEDICTORY PRAISE OF LORD ASHLEY.
In moving the issue of a new writ for Bath, Sir ROBERT Inoue ven- tured into the unusual course of expressing his admiration of the late Member, Lord Ashley, now elevated to the Peerage in the place of his deceased father, the Earl-of Shaftesbury. Sir Robert was about to des- cant warmly on the theme of Lord Ashley's philanthropic labours, when Mr. FORSTER stopped him with a call to order : notice should have been given of those observations. The Betaken did not confirm the call to order. Sir ROBERT INGLIS resumed the observations ; but was again stopped by the remonstrance of Mr. Wthisoms : the House had assembled to proceed with some bills, and Sir Robert was occupyine* their attention with praises of Lord Ashley, whom nobody blamed. Sir ROBERT Inatrs again gently disregarded the interruption : he had hoped that no Member of the House -would regret the appropriation of a few moments to a parting expression of regret and respect for the friend of the friendless, Lord Ash- ley. At the end of his eulogium, Mr. BROTHERT'ON added the humble tribute of his respect to Lord Ashley-; and Sir GEORGE GREY concurred in expressing admiration of his private virtues and his philanthropic devo- tion of time and talent to the advantage of de poorer countrymen.
Previous page
