POSTSCRIPT.
SATURDAY NIGHT.
The principal discussion in the House of Commons last night related to a "Scotch Kirk" measure; which elicited the usual ebullition of sectarian temper. The LORD ADVOCATE moved that the Speaker do leave the chair, in order to the Committee on the Parishes (Scotland) Bill ; the object of which he, almost inaudibly, explained to be, to authorize the division of parishes, and the formation of separate endowments, churches, burying-grounds, and manses. Mr. Fox Massan fiercely assailed the measure, as totally unnecessary : within a year 800,000 persons have seceded from the Church of Scotland, and 500 new places of worship have been built by the Free Church ; and the bill would only create alarm as seeming to give right of possession to what are called guoad sacra parishes. Mr. P. M. STEWART de- nounced the measure, as flagrantly out of time ; said that it was only meant to restore an estimable man, distinguished for his political ardour, to his status as a minister ; and proposed to name it " A bill to shut the stable-door when the steed was stolen, and to make Dr. M‘Leod a parish- minister." Sir JAMES GRAHAM persisted that the bill was really " A bill to facilitate the joining or dividing of extensive or populous parishes and the erecting of new parishes in Scotland," for it was only permis- sive; and, with some cutting allusions to Mr. Fox Maule's objection to subscription in Scotch Universities and opposition to nonsubscrip- lion in the case of the Chapels Bill, he contended for the right of the " remnant" Church to the facilities proffered. The motion was car- ried by 113 to 59; and the House went into Committee. Some amend- ments were moved, and negatived by majorities of about three to one ; the several clauses were affirmed, and the House resumed ; the bill to be reported on Monday. The chief business in the other House was the passing of the Education of the Poor Bill through Committee ; the chief discussion, on the LORD CHANCELLOR'S request to Lord Monteagle to postpone his motion on Import-duties, that noble Lords might "pay their respects to her Ma- jesty "—in other words, go to the party at Buckingham Palace last night. Lord MONTEAGLE reluctantly postponed the motion till Thurs- day next.
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