tlebatest anti Proceetiiiiint in parliament.

THE CLOSE OE THE SESSION.

Both Houses of Parliament met on Saturday about one o'clock. In the House of Commons, Mr. Hume moved for returns relative to Sir Francis Head's grants of land in Upper Canada ; which were or- dered. He then proceeded to address the Speaker as follows.

"Sir, I am extremely unwilling that this House, that Parliament, should separate without offering some few observations to the country, in order that the People may be enabled fully to understand and duly to appreciate the situa- tion in which we now find ourselves placed, by the, I must say, extraordinary proceedings which have taken place in the other House of Parliament. The Reform Bill, it will be recollected, has been carried rather better than two' years; and you all know how many tedious hours have been vainly, I am mom to say, spent by this House in maturing measures to carry the principles of Reform laid down in that bill into effect. The measures of progressive, safe, salutary, and necessary reform, which have from time to time passed this House, have been productive of nothing but satisfaction to the country ; and I have no hesitation in saying, Sir, that when we, the Members of the House of Com- mons, again present ourselves before our constituents, we may with truth assure them, that we did all in our power to insure for them those reforms in the institu- tions of the country which they were led to expect would be conceded, and which they have a right to demand to be carried. Sir, two sessions' have now passed since the Reform Bill became the law of the land ; and I must say, it is most mortifying to me, it is most mortifying also to the country, to think that up to the present hour not one-tenth part of the benefit which the People had a clear and undoubted right to expect, has been granted to them. Sir, when the noble lord the Secretary of State for the Home Department consented to carry Reform, he ought to have been ptepared to obtain for the People the bene.

• Fuer, good Mr. Hume. Time must pass very pleasantly with you, after all !

ficial resulta of that measure ; and he would no doubt have done so, if those in another place "— Loud cries of " Order " interrupted Mr. Hume ; and Sir FREDERICK TRENCH said that Mr. Hume seemed desirous of having the last word, for the purpose of libelling tbe House of Lords. He whiled to know from the Speaker whether Mr. Hume was in order in making a speech to which no reply could be given?-

" I contend, Sir that the honourable Member has no right to take an oppor- tunity like this to attack and libel the House of Lords, when there can be no time for replying to his observations ; and all I have to say in conclusion is, that 1, for one, admire the bold and manly conduct of the House of Lords, and that I firmly believe the country at large approve of the course which the other branch of the Legislature has taken." Mr. HUME said the gallant officer had been a little premature. He should have reserved what be bad to say till his turn came. Knowing the disposition to libel in another place, he came to the conclusion that be (Mr. Hume) was going to do the same, but he merely intended to !Teak the truth.

- Sir FREDERICK TRENCH again appealed to the Speaker.

Mr. HUME confidently affirmed that Sir Frederick had no right to interrupt him. There would be no cause for the Speaker's interfer- ence unless he concluded without making a motion.

Lord Jolts/ RUSSF.I.L submitted that, as there was no motion before the House, it would be hardly fair in Mr. Hume to make a long speech. The SPEAKER not uttering a word,

Mr. HUME proceeded-

" Sir, it is my intention to condo& with a motion. I mean to move that a return be laid on the table of this House of the number of days and hours of

each day whieh this House has sat during the present session ; because I think

it extremely iinportant that the public should have proper infor:nation on the subject before them, in order that they may see and know with reference to what has taken place elsewhere, what has been done by his Majesty's Govern- ment, and tbo-e by whom they are supported in this House. At the commence- ment of the session, Sir, the country was led to hope that much in the way of

useful reform would be effected before its termination ; but now the session is

about to close, and what is the result ? Why, that the high expectations which the people have been induced to entertain have all proved abortive. Who then, I ask, Sir, are the parties who have been guilty of thus disappointing the just anticipations of the country, and preventing the people from obtaining those reforms or improvements in the institutions of this country which the people have a right to loaf: for and demand ? Are they the Members of the House of Commons? I know, Sir, that studs a charge has been made against us else- where, by a party whose conduct I do not think it necessary to characterize as it deserves ; but I not only deny the justice of the charge, but in behalf of this House—( Cries of" No, no ! ' from the Opposition benches)—well, of the majority of this House, because I am free to admit that our exertions were con- stantly opposed by the minority—a decreasing minority—I unhesitatingly appeal to those who are our judges, the constituency and the public generally, whether it was not a gross libel on us to say that we (I mean the majority of the House) had been negligent of our duty, or forgetful of the interests of those whom we represent. That, Sir, is clearly the object of the return for which a noble and learned lord moved in nnother place; and I should be wanting in that which I think is due to the Liberal portion of this House, if I allowed this session to close without calling for a return which will show what we have done. There has not, I think it will he admitted, been for inany years so laborious a session as the present—at least I do not remember one during the twenty years I have had the honour of a seat in Parliament. We have been at our posts early and late ; and for one I will say, that I was anxious to see those improvements carried into effect which the country called for. But why do we of the House of Commons feel called upon to defend ourselves? For this reason, that very little has been done. Awl who has been the cause ?—The House of Lords ; to whose arbitrary and factious proceedings the Commons have been compelled to submit. Sir, I have no hesitation in saying, that the mea- sures of reform proposed by his Majesty's Government were calculated to give satisfaction to the country, and to promote the welfare of the King's subjects."

He referred to the bills passed by the Commons for reforming the Church and the Municipal Corporations of Ireland. which, he con- tended, were well calculated to remedy in a great measure the evils of those institutions. The conduct of the Commons had been consistent with the principles laid down in that resolution by which they had turned the Tories out of office—by which they would abide, and again turn the Tories out, should they ever again get into office. On the principles of that resolution, the Liberal majority took their stand- " This was the bond of union on which we acted, and shall resolutely continue to act, notwithstanding any differences that exist between us with respect to minor points. I hope that no man who at present supports his Majesty's Government, will be either so weak or so vain as to abandon his duty to the country, and join the ranks of those who oppose every measure of efficient reform that is brought forward. It is not alone the progress of measures con- nected with Ireland that has been disturbed ; it is not alone amelioration to the people of Ireland that has been prevented by the House of Lords' for, if we look at the measures relating to this country, we shall find that the Registration of Voters Bill was managed in the same way, and met the same fate. Here then, Sir, is an instance in which the Lords have refused to carry into effect an im- provement that was required of them, and which the people of England had called for. I say, that on this occasion also the Commons did their duty. It was the wish of the Ministers of the Crown to make some concessions to the Lords with respect to the amendments insisted on by them in the Registration of Voters Bill; but the attempt failed ; and the result must prove a useful lesson to the Government, by teaching them the folly of ever again thinking of bring- ing forward half-and-half measures, or measures which they were not deter- mined to carry through. I hope, however, that his Majesty's Ministers will profit by the experience which they have had, and not in future allow themselves to be cajoled, in the expectation of conciliating their enemies,—men who cannot be conciliated, who are opposed to them on every essential proposition, and determined to stop all reforms either for England or Ireland. A measure relating to Scotland had also been rejected ; and upon no other ground than to show Lord Melbourne that his Government could not carry reform. But are we, I ask, Sir, to be stopped and interrupted in this way, without opposing the power by which all our exertions in the cause of Reform are rendered nugatory? Can we, I should like to know, suffer this determined opposition to go on much longer, without raising the question, How long shall such ai ower continue?' 'We have actually lost the whole of this session. IA Metinber, we believe Lord AsIdey, on the opposite benches, laughed.) The noble lord opposite laughs ; but I charge him as being one of the minority who by his opposition endeavoured to waste the time of the House. The noble lord did all in his power to contribute to that end ; but I can only say that the House of Lords it was that put a stop to Reform, and that a noble lord who charged us with hav- ing one so was himself the most culpable party. It would be much better at once to declare, I Thus far you shall go and no further ;' but I cannot help thinking it a most lamentable thing that so many high-minded noblemen of England should suffer themselves to be led away from truth and reason by such a man. Sir, I could have no anticipation that so melancholy a result could have ensued ; and this I believe is the first time that the I.ords ever acted under such a leader. Again, the Post-office Bill has been defeated ; but the Commons are clearly absolved from all blame in that instance, and the Lords alone stand accused. Sir, it may be asked what remedy there is for this evil ? The King, undoubtedly, has power to apply a remedy, but he will not exercise it ; and then comes the consideration, what is to be done ? If his Majesty will not exercise the prerogative of the Crown, the only means left is to stop the Supplies. This is a measure which I should be most unwilling to see adopted ; but, cer- tainly, if no other course be left—unless the People will send to this House a larger number of real Reformers than there is in it at present—I shall feel it my imperative duty to take that course, however disagreeable it may be. Such a proceeding, however, would be found to produce a good moral effect cn noble lords elsewhere."

He contended that the Peers were constituted hereditary legislators for the good of the People, not for their own personal advantage-

" If they, therefore, stand in the way of Reform, is it not very probable that the question may arise Ought they to continue, except for the purpose of utility alone? ' The Corporations were all, or at all events the major part of them, older than the Peers ; and if the Corporations of Ireland were to be swept away, I can see no reason why the Peers should be allowed to escape, particularly as I shall be enabled to prove that they are unfit for what the constitution assigned them. Sir, I do not think that the other House can reject a proposition coming from this for reforming themselves, when they were not only willing to sweep away Corporations altogether in Ireland, but had assented to the Reform of this House. When we meet again, Sir, (which I trust will be in November, be • cause I think the Government should call the House together as soon as possible,) I hope Ids Majesty's Ministers will send up their measures as fast as possible to the Lords, and let the other House of Parliament do with them what they please. It is only by such means that we can obtain for the People what they de- sire, and what the Reform Bill intended to give them ; and should the Lc): di per- severe in the course they have pursued, it may speedily become a question, Of what use are the Peers? ' Are we, Sir, to be told, when we know that a change has taken place in the Monarchy, after a change has been effected in the constitution of this House, that no change should take place in the House of Lords, even though it will not allow the business of the country to be carried an in a constitutional and proper way, and sets itself in opposition to all popular rights, and above all popular control ? Sir, the contest which is going on is, whether the Aristocracy or Democracy shall have the ascendancy—whether the the Peers or the Government of the People of England shall prevail. The business of the country ought to be carried on by the Representatives of the People ; but the House of Lords denied this, arid therefore arrayed themselves in opposition to all good measures, and put a stop to all improvements. Al- though our object is to strengthen and purify the constitution, and render it exactly what it should be, the noble lord the Secretary for the Home Depart- ment has declared that he could not agree to any organic change. The con- duct pursued elsewhere may, however, induce him and others who think as he does, to believe that the conclusion to which he had come was too hasty a one, and that even a change—an organic change—will be necessary. The change which the country wants is nothing more than a good add cheap government."

Mr. Hume referred to Post-office and other Bills calculated to lessen the burden of taxation and the cost of justice, but which the Peers had nevertheless rejected. Whether he looked at England, Ire- land, or Scotland, he found that reform had been denied by the House of Lords. But the day of reform was sure to arrive.

Here Mr. Hume was interrupted by the Usher of the Black Rod, who summoned the Commons to attend his Majesty in the House of Peers. The Speaker and the Members present accordingly went to the House of Peers. Mr. ABERCROMBY delivered the usual address, detailing the measures of the session. The Royal assent was given to several bills ; and then The KING read the following Speech ; laying particular emphasis on that part of it which related to the state of Ireland.

" My Lords and Gentlemen—The state of the public business enables me at length to relieve you from further attendance in Parliament ; and in termivating your labours,

I have again to acknowledge the zeal with which you have applied ourselves to the public business. amid the attention which you have bestowed upon time important sub- jects which I brought under your consideration at the opening of the Session. " The assurances of friendly dispositions which I receive from all Foreign Powers enable me to congratulate you upon the prospect that peace will continue nudist urbed

" I lament deeply that the internal state of Spain still renders that country the only exception* to the general tranquillity which prevails in the rest of Europe: and I regret that the hopes which have been entertained of the termination of the civil war have not hitherto been realized. In fulfilment of the engagements which I contracted by the treaty of Quadruple Alliance, I have lifforded the Queen of Spain the cooperation or a part of my naval force; and I continue to look with unabated solicitude to the restoration of that internal peace in Spain, which was one of the main objects of the Quadruple Treaty, aud which is so essential to the interests of all Europe. " I am happy to be able to inform you, that my endeavours to remove the misunder- standing which bad arisen between France and the United States have been crowned w Rh complete success. The good offices which for that purpose I tendered to the two Governments, were accepted by both in the most frank and conciliatory spirit ; and the relations of friendship have been reestablished between them in a manner satisfactory and honourable to both parties. I trust that this circumstance will tend to draw still closer the ties which connect this country with two great and friendly nations, with which they hare so many, important relations in common.* " I have regarded with interest your deliberations upon the Report of the Commis- sion appointed to consider the state of the Dioceses in England and Vales; and I live cheerfully given my assent to the measures which have been presented to me for carrying into effect some of these most important recommendations.

" It is with no ordinary satisfaction I have learned that you have, with much labour, brought to maturity enactments upon the difficult subject of Tithes in England and Wales, which will. I trust, prove in their operation equitable to all the districts con- cerned, and generally beneficial in their results. " The passing of the acts for Civil Registration and for Marriages in England, has afforded much satisfaction. Their provisions have been framed upon those large prin. ciples of religious freedom which, with a due regard to the welfare of the Established Church in this country, I have always been desirous of maintaining and promoting ; and they will also conduce to the greater certainty of titles and to the stability of pro- perty.

•• It has been to me a source of the most lively gratification, to observe the tran- quillity which has prevailed, and the diminution of crimes a hich has lately taken place in Ireland. I trust that perseverance in a just and impartial system of Government will encourage this good disposition, and enable that country to develop her great national resources. " Gentlemen of the House of Commons—I thank you fin the liberality with which you have voted, not only the ordinary Supplies of the year, but the additional sums re- quired to provide for an increase in my Naval force. I am also gratified to perceive that you have made provision for the full amount of compensation awarded to the • The copy of the Speech as it appeared in the Ministerial journals of Saturday, from which it was copied into our second impression last week, contained the words printed above in Italics ; but on Monday a corrected version was put forth, "an excep- V00 " being substituted for "the only exception ;" and the words "with which they have so many important relations in common" being omitted. owners of slares in my Colonial posses,ion.. and that the obligations ent2rett into by the Legislature have thus been :At jetty moiled.

'The incorased product flumess of the public revenue has enabled you to meet those

charges, tool, at ihr same tune, to repeal tor reduce taxes, or some um. injurious ill their effects upou my people. awl others unequal in their pre,sure upon t ariuus parts of my d ,,,,, MMus abroad. "The present condition of mittinfact it ant commerce affords a Allitii•et of congt atm provileil the Relit it y 0 Web met ails be grade.' IS that cdution and prudence which experience has provol to be iter,o,a ry to stable prosperity. " My Lorols awl 1:ent 6411.qt-111e alt ind it the ear, anti flip length or tin, during which you base been employod ih piddle affairs, most lender y on liesi1011s of returning to your respective (mood io. You a ill there leS1111111, lilt.• &dies %%11101 are in imnort once interior only to your legislat itilletilMS: Mid )(PIA' i1111,14.111, eli111 eX•101111u.

will greatly conduce to the maintemonee of tranicallit encour.ogement of industry.

awl the sonfIrmation of those 'lomat :Ind religious habits awl pi Melt, Is tt Inch are essentbit to the wellbeing or every coninattoity " The Loan CHANCELLOR then announced that Parliament was pro- rogued to Thursday the 20th of October. The King left the House of Lords ; and the Commons retired to their own chamber, where the SPEAKER read a copy of the King's Speech; after which the Members separated.