POSTSCRIPT.
SATURDAY.
In both Houses of Parliament, last night, business or information re- lating to the war came foremost.
In the House of Lords, replying to questions from the Marquis of CLANRI. CARDE, the Earl of CL.ARENDON stated that the treaty lately concluded be- tween Austria and Prussia was kept a profound secret while under negotia- tion, and only communicated to the British Government when ratified. On the 23d instant it was communicated to the Conference at Vienna, at the same time with the convention between England and France; and a "proto- col annexing the two conventions together was signed the same day." As soon as it is received it will be presented to the House. With respect to Greece, Lord Clarendon promises the fullest information on the subject, within a week, when it will be seen "that there have been ample grounds for that measure of coercion which has been reluctantly adopted towards Greece by her Majesty's Government in concert with the Government of France." As regards the intelligence from India, Lord Clarendon had no reason to believe that any treaty has been concluded between Russia and Persia, or between Russia and Bokhara and Khiva. Indeed, Persia has made a declaration of neutrality ; and is so determined not to vex Turkey in her war with Russia, that she has suspended her claims on Turkey, some of them just. The "Manning the Navy Bill" passed through Committee in the Lords. The Duke of NEWCASTLE explained, that notwithstanding the title, retained from usage, the bill is only to regulate the distribution of prizes. He pointed out amendments in the present measure as compared with former bills,—omission of rules for privateers, no longer allowed the new rules relating to prize-agency, restraining the agents' power Of deducting ex- penses, preventing waste of prize, and checking loss to the recipients; sub- sfitution of public auction for _private sale of prize-ships, &c. The Earl of ELLYsnronoron, the Earl of HARDWICKE, and Lord CoLorraran took de- tailed exceptions to the bill; and Lord Hardwicke announced probable amendments for the third reading.
In the Commons, questions were put by Admiral WALeorr, Mr. S. Frrz- GERALD, Mr. READLAM, Sir GEORGE PECHELL, Mr. MILNER GIESO.W, and Lord DITDLEY STUART; and answered by Sir JANES GRAHAM and Lord JGRN RUSSELL.
No official information respecting the loss of the Tiger has been received; but Ministers believe the report to be substantially true. Eight or ten gun-boats are fitting out for the Baltic, each to carry 36 men, and to be employed only in conjunction with larger forces : it is impossible to appoint medical officers to these boats. There is a rigorous blockade of the Russian coasts both in the Baltic and the Black Sea : there is reason to believe that Riga is included. A blockade de facto is operative in its immediate neighbourhood : notification from the seat of government renders it effectual against all neutrals. It is not intended to blockade Archangel, or any port in the White Sea. No treaty has been entered into between England and the Sultan as to the joint capture of Russian vessels.
The House of Commons pushed forward the measures comprised in the War Budget. In Committee of Ways and Means' Mr. Wilson carried resolutions equalizing the duties on spirits distilled from malt and from grain. In the course of the brief conversation, Mr. HUME said that he thought the Government should raise the duty on spirits to the highest poeaible point that might be safe without leading to illicit distillation or smuggling. In Committee on the Excise-duties Bill, Mr. J. D. Errs- ermietn moved an amendment, that the duty should be levied "from and alter" not "on and after" the 8th May : negatived by 146 to 40. On the Income-tax Bill there was brief discussion on the "inequalities" ; but no opposition.
Some time was spent in Committee on the Oxford University Bill, and the Committee got down to the 25th clause. The points upon which discussion was raised were the powers of the Congregation to suggest and discuss amendments ; the use of the English language in Congregation and Convocation ; and the oaths. Ministers readily consented to some verbal amendments here and there, and to one making it imperative on the Hebdomadal Council to consider the amendments suggested by mem- bers of the Congregation ; but no other substantial change was effected in the bill.
The motion for going into Committee on the Railway and Canal Traffic Regulation Bill raised a discussion in the House of Lords. Complaining of the defective nature of the measure, especially in omitting to deal with railway accidents, Post-office facilities, and the inadequacy of what re- lates to amalgamation, Earl GREY suggested, Lord LYNDHURST formally moved, and the House agreed, that the bill be referred to a Select Com- mittee.
On the third reading of the Landlord and Tenant (Ireland) Bill, the Earl of CLAxcanry renewed the attempt to strike out the compensation- clause but he was defeated by 41 to 10; and the bill passed. On the third reading of the Leasing Powers (Ireland) Bill, Lord MONTRAOLB carried, by 20 to 17, an amendment to substitute the period of twenty- one for the period of thirty-one years in respect of leases to be granted under the provisions of the bill.
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