The Express. — London, England, 1853-08-04 00:00:00

THE EXPRESS,' THURSDAY EVENING, AUGUST 4, 1853. IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. ' HOUSE OF COMMONS.--WEDwwspAy, Arc. 3. Toe Segos tit took the chair eta quartet-I)dt 12 o'clock • PRIVATE BUSINESS. The nrder far the second reading of the Barad.% stk.! Cem tell India Itsilway Company Bill was read tan 1 sliac . aarged, on the motion of Mr. Ilmir it duos. PUBLIC BUSINESS. ASSESSED TAXES BILL. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER, In trow:ng the postponeuscat of the committee of supply to V.antlay, said that min'it he the mast convedent oppirtonity for him to give :totter of certain amendol. nts he pr.);•osid ',Snore to-osorrow in the assessed Liles bal. There s re o.su Or two bytats about waich much int o rest had b'en gelding which nut of doors, he hoped to sate the time of the house. By an error, l" compilers which had been struck out in committee in favour rf paupers wh.. k.ut dogs was retained in the hill as it stood. He propos. d to strike out Clot esemption. Anoth.:r point which had b. an tricatior.id to him was with ri mect home. A: erc.tut the pr-ctier was to charge the d it. y upon each and every rtes horse kept during the year ince .1 of u in the eau of other articles liable to daty upon the greatest number kept at any one time during the year. Ile proposed to assimilate the practice in respect of the duty on tact horses t that in naps ct to the duty cm canines and other artiea a, as that if the owner kept but ct.e at any one time bat changed that oac four times during the year, be would be charged for one race horse and not fir four as he was at pr. wd. Another point which boll b:en raised was the liability of farmer's Carts to the tar if on the Sun day thy wet used for the purpose of eonveying the family to church. lie propmed to mutest that liability, sad to allow such cart: to be used for that purpose a iltout ming the t le. Another point was as to hu.bandly hams kept by those who wars not farmers in the erietty legato:Ewe, but gentli men who farmed for their amusement, ond were not farmers by profusion. As the hill ..toul such horses wee.: bade to a tea of 104. 61. sacs—nat was if need at any time for purpose* not stri:t'y confined to busbaulry. It hod teen complained tit' t tt is would give n. 6 to mconecn:enz. - : and annoyance, and h.• proposed that persons harming but not being fanners by profession Mould, by a sMule payment of a guinea c, arty, stand exempt r. vitt to all such horses sad be permitted to use them for the purposes of the mansion, garden, and for ordi nary domestic purposes. (Hed.) Mr. AULIONEY wished to know whether carts used tor agricultural purposes would be liable to the tea if they had • sant filet for the accommodation of the driver He bad especial object of which was to consider the condition of episcopal and capitular revenues, the state of parochial instruction, and to see that the revennea of the church were renderA more useful for church purposes. That cummis• lion was appointed and presented reports, and the questian which his hon. friend said was to newmed the introduction of which had brought so much obloquy on him, was discussed in 18 30 , sod the principle to which his hon. friend said he had hem a martyr was adapted by a majority of the house is those days. He (Lord J. Russel!) was obliged to go further than this, and point out the principles on which the house had proceed'd. He believed it was laid down by ' Hr. Barka that you bad no more right to inquire into the revenues of the bishops, and the Bishop of Durham was mentioned, than into the revenue of any other individual of large 'lntake, and that such inquiry was beyond the province of legislation. That principle, however, was by the course taken in ISId shandened ; and it was admitted that if her revenues could be made more useful to the church, thouoh life interests should be respected, the principle of interference should be adopted. But on the qu. sinus of the application of this ne • principle, the bishops who were members of the com mission felt that there was SADO difficulty in making an ar rangement by which they wou d avoid the appearance of hishoe v s receivie-g salarics of r public oces, and it was thought better that they should still possess their lands and have the management of them, and that whatever parlia ment thought ought to be the eueomes of bishops,they must in a certain d-grce fluctuate, as they would oniy be regulated according to the returns of the produce of the lands. It followed from the adoption of that principle that there must he • c'rtain fluctuation and a varia tion, and uncertainty with regard to the incomes. Ile (Lord J. Russell) was far from aapiag that the principle of the noble lord's bill wasn't such as porliatneut ought to adopt ; but he should be sorry to came to any decision on it now, and he should regret any decision which might appear more adverse Cu the priacipie of the noble lord than it ready Mr. AULIONBY said if the second reading was pressed to a division he should rote for it, and he should be sorry if it was not carried, for he always thought that it was the opinion of the majority of the house that the property of the church was is such a state as t i require legislation. The '.llarquis of BLANDFORD said that out of defer ence to the opini to of the house, their desire that nu deci sion should be taken against the principle of the bill, he would postpone it on the understanding that he heel the permission of the government to brieg the same bill on the table early neat session. The amendment was then withdrawn, and the order fur the second r.ading nischargel _ EXPENSES OF ELECTIONS known &case of a person who WJS surcharged because he • . . r de news On the M;tl , ;:in - r — e — nin — r; inro committee on thin bill, Axed • boil(' to r ere noon at the hack of a stiino cart. I Mr. CRAVEN BERKELEY said that modificatioin had Ihe CHANCELLOR of to. EXCHEQUER heel no he- I been made in it to meet objections which had been offered iitation in eiyiug that not coos as the hon. gentleman de- to it, and it woe now simply a measure to prevent the use of scribed would not he taxable under the bill. I bands, colour., &e , at elections. Mr. CRAVEN BERKELEY wished to know whether Mr. W. COWPER said all the objections were not ye a horse fur which the duty had been once r ,i.l would be moved, and suggested that it would be better et this period liable en a second duty is the same year if it patiod into of the session to give up the bill, the principle of which other heeds? might be included in the government treasure nest session The CIIANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER replied that After a few words from Sir C. Bonhact., the tax was not leol upon the worse, but upon the person, Col. SIBTHORP designated this as a mean, low, dirty and would be eiorged es in the case of carriegee owl other bill—(loughter)—dangerous, idusive—a trap set fur unwary articles upon the largest number kept at any one time dor- rum who by it might be made guilty of what they never in ner( the year. I tended. It was a restriction on the liberty of the subject, EPISCOPAL ANT) CAPTTULAR ESTATES BILL. ' and yet was brought in by a professed esteem. liberal. He The Marquis of BLANDFORD having mooed the second moved that the further consideration of the bill be post reading of this bill, pored till that day three months. Mr. 1V10:1AM rose to move, pursuant to notice, that toe Mr. W. BROWN supported the bill. He objected to tell he read A secant time that day three mouth+. Ile owe- I colours, bands, and everything which was calculated to cured is the noble lord's general views, and wse af dsoinois di-truct the sober judgment of those who were about to re to make them e %pithier estates nod revenues hi pruslucbve 1 turn members to that house. as partite. with the view of increasing the e Heir icy orol The house divided— usefulness of the church establishment, as was the noble For going iota committee lord. The alteration in the circumstances of the country Against it end the increase in the value of property hol extended to The house then went into committee. the property of the church, and, seeing that taros town On clause 1. bad grown up where no spiritnel provision was tootle, he Mr. W. COWPER proposed an amendment, to the effect admitted the that want ought to be supplied tent that instead of the employment of music, colours, and bells of that increased value. lie thought, however, •by a candidate making his election void, that such person there were very strong reasons ageOrist moiling s should be subject to a penalty of 1001. this bill a second tills at the present moment. Mr.C. BERKELEY said the effect of the amendment It was evident that the bill could not possibly, at this late would be that a wealthy candidate would pay his 1001. and period of the bowies, go be. and that stage, end he could , have all the nuisances which now existed at elections. sot see what useful purpose was to be pined by the I Mr. MALINS agreed in the principle of the bill, which been committing itself to the principle es hie% the MU I bad been fully established by toe house, but having done involved. He did not wane to commit the heure by that he suggested that the further proceeding with the bill a vote against the principle of the bill ; and if the noble ; should be suspended, sod the object it had in view might bed would consent to withdraw it he would not press his I be included in the permanent hill of next session. amendment; but if net, be mast persevere in moving that Mr. AGLIONIIY thought it too late to stop at this stage the bill he read a second time that day three months. Otto till', and thought at desirable to get the object con (Hear, bend templated by the bill at once without waiting fur the go- S.r R. MOLTS seconded the motion, but c 3411,1 not coo- I vernment bill nest session. cur with the hon. end learned gentleman in any'leino it. no Colonel SIBTHORP said if this bill passed he should gard to the bill, except the motion of his Ruble Mead who consign ban. members to the tender mercies of their cumin brought it forward. teens. He should oppose the bill at every stage, believing, Mr. S. HERBERT thought it would hasdly,be contended ash, did, that it was a d.sgracetul, mean, dirty, and shabby that the preeent system of segulating the lotion i of the bill. (Laughter.) bishops was the best that could be adopted, .iiasaaueli -a Mr. W. BROWN said a few words in support of the bill. it 'spend them to teen;otstiens in dealing with tho epic- Mr. F. SCULLY thought the clause of a most stringent won estates. which could not but give rise to sanded character. If • band of mu si c were engaged ten days M ead render them liable to suspicions, which, he believed , fore or after the election, the candidate was to be unseated. however, to be altogether unjust and unfound. J. He con- sad they knew how easy it was to prove agency. It really marred, therefore, with his noble friend that the existing • was too bad. At the same time it was well knee u that system required the attention of parliament •, but ho I persons were employed to carry flags and banners, and that doubted much whether his bun. friend had bit the precise the payment fur these cervices was a means of corruption. mode by which it ought to be dealt with. His noble So far the bill might be useful, but n the hon. member fir friend was anxious that the bill should be read a secoad Wallingford said it would be much better to postpone time, because perineum:it would thereby be pledged ti its' legislating on the subject till they had the whole matter pniteiple ; and that was csactly his (Mr. S. Herber: a) ; before them nest session. season for sthieeting to the second reading. ' Mr. Vs ALPOLE a.ked the right hon. baronet (Sir J. Mr. VERNON thought it a naisfurtune that the house I Graham) whether in case an aoent were employed gene. bait en means of knowing what were the wishes of the rally to coceluct an election, and Le did anything against church upon this question, end that the church should be ' this clause, the candidate would be unseated. the only corporate body who had no means of espresoing S.r J. GRAHAM said he iii.d not come to the house for their opinion on matters directly affecting their owe the purpose of discussing this b 11, and be thought that the interests. sooner they proceeded to the next order of the day—the The Marquis of BLANDFORD admitted that it woe too bill fur the core and treatment of lunatics—the better. (A late in tee session to ask the house to do more than to laugh.) On the whole he thought it would be better not to affirm the principle of the bill, which was that the lanits go on with the bill at present. He was also of opinion that and property belonging to ecclesiastical persons should be what the bun. member for Tipperary said was tree ; lie be. under the management of laymen, and that the incomes of lined that great abuses did take place is employing men such persons should be fixed, instead of fluctuating, and be to carry flags at en election, and that that was one of the secured to them in • manner more befitting their spiel:nal node• of corrupting electors, but he did 113 t see that any character. The argument that a commission hal been ap- advent ige was to be gaited by prohibiting hands of music, pointed and had not yet reported was by no means new—it On that ground he voted with the minority. His right was the ordinary one br.mght forward to meet relations hon. friend (Mr. Walpole) had raised a point of interest. of this kind, and if it were admitted by the The doctrine of constructive agency was carried very far, house, it would be only necessary to issue a and he should say the principle of agency would apply to commission to defeat any measure however necessary red this clause. Ho dii not see why a local tnumph should not peening. But a commission had already sat and inquired be celebrated by the playing of music and the ringing of onto this ouloect and reported, and a bill had been founded bells. ea their report as to the future management of leaseholds, Mr. LIDDELL regretted exceedingly that being engaged and after being referred to a committee of the llouse of in a committee un-stain, he was not in time to join the lend% WO lost, and another bill which wan subset. minority on this bill. ills great objection to the bill on, wally brought M and passed wholly omitted to deal with that it made sets criminal which had always been consi the question of management. They had already had an doted, and were still recognised, as legal. Connected with ingoiry, and all the information that was necessary was almost every colliety there was a band of music, and when bet ire them ; there was therefore no reason Ow postponing the candidate went into the dietrict, he was met in triumph their uccision on the principle of the bill on the ground by this band. The candidate was not required to pay for that an inquiry was now pending. The noble lord it, bet he received it as a mark of the good will of those concluded by urging the necessity of a measure of this who thus greeted him. Was it to be tolerated, that an kind, deprecating the notion that its tendency was towards %lotion •of this sort was to deprive a man of his seat ? Such the destruction of the church ; and expressing his belief an enactment was perfectly absurd. that in agreeing to the second reading of the bill, the house Mr. MALINS said be was encouraged by what had would only prove that they assented to the principle of its- fallen frum the First Lord of the Admiralty in persevering proving the usefulness of the revenues of the church, and is hie opposition to this bill. He thought it absurd that a that they were willing to adopt measures to relieve the member should lon his seat because a band of music, after church from the obloquy which was cut upon her, and the election, played " See the conquering Hero comes." render her equal to her high and sacred duties. Yet he was one of those who thought elections should be Sir B. HALL said that whatever difference of opinion conducted quietly and without turbulence, and he suggested there might be with regard to the manner in which church whether it would not be desirable that instead of tha sys property was to be dealt witb, every one was agreed that tem of open voting at booths, the rates should be taken at the trim had come when Alms steps should be taken to the houses of the electors. cause that property to be administered in the manner best Mr. 11. BERKELEY remarked that them who sup calculated to contribute to the usefulness of the church. ported the eystem of employing bands of music at elections Feeling that, he was obliged to his noble friend for the care went on the assumption that the risco of the people was to he bad taken in the preparation of this bill, anti the atten- be found in the tone of a trombone, and the constitu tion he had paid to the general subject. Nu one could Goo in the rattling of a drum. He was surprised say that his noble free nil was an enemy to the that, after this bill had passed through so many church, and therefore his object could only be to stages with Ouch large majorities, an attempt, led make the property of the church available for its pnrposes. on by s minister of the crown, should now be and those who lied objected to the precise meant he had made to defeat it. There could be no worse system in the adopted, but agreed in the principle, ought not to object to world than that now carried on at our elections. Music the second reading of the bill. He wished to call attention and flags and banners kept up an excited state of feeling, to the progress which had besea made in the reform of the and the people were led hi fis 'open a colour, and not upon church in the last two or three years. Every one was now a man. This state of things kept op a sort of feudal system reedy to take part in that reform, hut three years ago any in the counties, where it nun° uncommon thing fur tenants member of that house who took such a step woo denounced 1 to be led up to the poll under banners bearing the interio rs" en enemy of the church, and desirous of spoliating her Bon, " The tenants of the noble hone of so and so." Ile revenues. It was on that ground that the hon. and Inroad I had seen it himself. Thus tenants who in olden times rod member fur Cambridge University wished the bill to be re- lowed their landlords in their feuds against others, or in jaded, and he end it was an evil to give fixed ift(AAMMS to predatory excursions, now were led to the poll to vote for the episcopate body. He (Sir B. Hallo honorer thought the candidate of the landlord's choice. He hoped the house that a great desideratum, and if they hail fixed intones, would cot be led to reject this bill by the promise of a re sod ware paid quarterly, and were not mixed up with land form bill, 'think won said to be leoruing in the distance. agency, mods of the obloquy which bad f..lleit upon teem World the right boo. baronet get upend say he would in would have been avoided. The hen. gentlemen said that traduce a clone in that reform bill to do away with these if they wen to receive filed incomes they would be in a nuisances ? He thought the liberal members of the house worse position thin the working clergy who received ream had very little chance of getting such a reform bill as would Ming incomes under the Tithe Commutation Act ; hot he (Ber satisfy them. E.Hall)believedtheclergy would preferbaving fixed incomes. In tho course of a further discussion, Ile hoped that this bill would be allowed to pans the second Sir J. GRAHAM raid he wished to explain why he bad reading, or, at any rats, that the ncble loch (J. Lunen) ' taken a part in this discussion. His avocations had pre would give an saaurance to the house that the matter would vented him from being present at the previous discussions, I be considered by the government. If that aseunum was and his object in being linnet to-day, at some incoa given, it would be for his noble friend to consider whether venience, was to,tako part in the di.cussion on the next bill he would press his bill. All he (Sir B. Hall) could say was, I that was to come before the house. This measure came that in the course he had pursued in these motor. Me only on, and be did not like to leave the house, as it would obiect was to endeavour to make the church a booming to I not have been reseectful, and not agreeing with the mane. the country, and he believed it might be omit so by a ! city, he did not shrink from (*pressing his opinion. So far better distribution of its property. from wishing to take a conspicuous part in the discussion, Lord J. RUSSELL said he was sorry that the terle lord I he should not have risen had not his right boo. friend the hail not yielded to the suggestion of his nein hoc. friend member fur Midhunt called upon him to answer a quer the Szeretary•at-War, and reserved the whole ~ oott o se , lion. His hon, friend opposite (Mr. C. Berkeley) had not for consideration at a how, period. it would, h e ; only ma-le very free wi th the hon. and gallant member for thought, have been better, considering the per I Lincoln, but with himself. lie took with good humour the of the session, sod as this was only the second 1 remarks that applied to himself, but his hon. soil gallant reeling of the bill and it could not become taw, this session, I freed the member for Linc•.l4 resented those which applied he e••utd, he sani,have wished that the made lord had assented i to him. He could only e•y of the hon merulier f.r Clad to whet had bees proposed, and withdrawn or postponed 1 tenham, " Ile loves not music as thou dost, Anthony." the bid. He wished this the more, because, if the clestion Mr. HORSFALL said he wished to protest, in the was pressed to a division and he was compelled to vote, he , strongest terms which he privileges of the house would should son og linst the second reeding, and would thereby permit him to do, 'mains: the observations of the hon. onnvey, unit,' he explained his intention, a flew impreseion m ember ( Mr. C. Berkeley ) with "'deed to the election fur of his views. For he was by no means certain that the biverp oo4 • principle of the noble lord was not such as patdemarnt Mr. LIDDELL also protested against the observations might adopt. He would rather not give on monies se to which had been mule wrih regard to the Liverpool election whether parli anent ought to adopt that wine:rle at any being received as havlcie tht eliehtest authority. future period ; best it the noble lord divide lon the second Mr. °EACH remarked that there was a large elves of the readmit ho should be obliged to sate against to He was community whom they would no; admit to the haat Ilile, compelled to go further into this matter than Oe should but they had a right to express their opinion+, cool what otherwise have wished its censequenee of the speech of bi t allies had they except he assembling in procession, of Min. friend the member for Meryleh ne. if Noe hon. eh ,e,eg their s)enpatlry for owe ceiodidete or the mine ? friend bed paid much attention to wh .t bed weer - red in Tue committee then divided on the question, that the former years, ho would hardly have said that any choler."' leave the chair: one who stated two or three years ago that there were Ayes 47 shuns in the church would have ben subjected to obloquy. Noes 1; 1-37 The fact was, that twenty years ago a commission was apt The committee then proceeded with the clauses. pointed by S.: RAW ran, then the dust mineter, the Mr. W. COWPER, moved the omission of the words, providing that if music or banners be need the eandllate shall forfeit the seat, and that in lien thereof a penalty of 1001. be levied. The committee divided on the question that the wonls be omitted— For the motion Against it . _ _ 73-21 Oa the question that the words imposing the penalty of lOW. be added to the cl , .use, Mr. LIDDELL moved that shillings be substituted for pounds. Mr. BARROW eoncratulsted the house that they had adopted the principle of punishing the casulidate, instead of the constituency ' • but locking at the bill in its present shape, which wou ld have the ellect. of preventing any candi dates coming forward, except those to whom accumulated ;smithies of lOW. was no object, he put it to the house whe ther they should go on with it. Mr. AGLIONBY said proposing such an amendment as this was playing with the house, Mr. JAMES MACOREOOR submitted whether the bill would be effective. lie had seen a big loaf, a locomotive engine, a beer barrel, and a jolly full bottle, carried at an election. Were they to prevent such things ? and yet, if they put down flags, why not put down other emblems ? What member had not heard the voice of the multitude louder than any music, and were they to put down that ? Ile admitted that this amendment was playing with the house, but introducing such a bill at all was playing with the house. Sir J. I'AKINGTON reminded the house, that while they were tdktng about tl Igs end banners they were, in fact, probLging the session, and postponing business of great importance. He hoped the amendment of the Lon. member fur Hertford would be lost, and that the hon. and gallant member for Cheltenham would then with traw the bill. _ _ Mr. HALMS suggested whether they had not better, at once, make the clause read thus—" Whereas, it is ezceed ingly dangerous aid expensive to be a candidate it an elec tion, be it enacted that the penalties will be so large and so numerous, that any gentleman becoming a candidate shall be regarded as having lust his reason." (Laughter.) The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said the question whe ther the candidate would be liable fir the acts of his lignite was a very wide one. His own impression was that he would. (Cheers.) Mr. P II INN said that it struck him that the Attorney- General had given an opinion wrier a misapprehension. (Laughter.) A modification had been intr. (laced into the clause since it had been Hest drawn, and now the paint would have to be decided by the rules of common law, and not by those of parliamentary committees, which were somewhat different. It was impoasitee for any lawyer to say what the decision of a committee might be, for different committee had over and over again decided important points in a diffaust manner in the very same way. He thought, therefore, that the clause would tend to the salety of individual members. He hoped, however, that sume steps would be taken to reduce the lase of election commit tees to somethirm like order. (Hear, hear.) - The ATTORNEY-GENERAL bad given his opinion upon the clause as it onginally stood. It appeared that it had since been altered, and ha agreed with his hon. and learned friend. _ . . ..... Mr. BARROW sapported the idea that the candidate would be liable. Mr. GEACIL mid that the bill would not prevent the use of music and figs, and that the only sfict of the mea sure would be to promote litigation, which might he a pros pect pleasant enough to some bun. and learned members. (A laugh.) Mr. E. BALL was sore that music and fl.gs could always continue to be used ; soil therefore, as he was a poor man, and as he would be liable to answer fur the acts of his supporters, he should prefer the penalty of 1130 s. to that of 100/. Besides, what was muss 1 (A laugh.) Some peiple contended that the finest musical instrument was the human voice. (near, hear.) Besides, in his part of the country the farmers had a peculiar way of whistling ; and for anything he knew, they might choose to escort him to the plearof election with a chorus of that description. He supposed that he should then be charged with having been accompanied to the bust rigs by • band of music. (Laughter.) He trusted—and now he was serious (a laugh)—that the matter would be postponed till the gene ral measure of reform promised by the government should be brought in. (Hear, hear.) Mr. W. PATTEN suggested that as this was almost the last Wednesday they would have this session, they had better not wane any more time upon a bill this nature, (Hear, hear.) There was a bill of the right hon. gentle man, the member fur blidhurst, in which the country took ten times as much interest. (Cheers.) Mr. W. F. HUME moved that the chairman report pro gress, and ask leave to sit again this day month. The committee thereupon divided— Ayes 66 Noes 45-21 Colonel SIBTRORP—I rue to congratulate the country on its good riddance from such trash. (Laughter.) The CHAIRMAN then reported progress. LUNATICS' CARE AND TREATMENT DILL. The house went into committee on this bill. The clauses up to II were agreed to. The Chairman, on the motion of Sir J. Graham, rtportcd progress. NAVAL COAST VOLUNTEERS BILL. This bill am read a third time and pas..ed. SOUTH SEA AND OTHER ANNUITIES PROVI SION FOR PAYMENT, ke , BILL. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (at ten minutes to ses) moved the second reading of this bill. Sir H. WILLOUGHBY mast resit) , object to proceeding with it at Chit hoer. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER must press the second readicg. There would be plenty of space fur discussion upon the motion for going into committee and upon the second reading; and—it was the 3rd of August. (Hear, hear.) Sir H. WILLOUGHBY must persist in Ids objection ; end accordingly the bon. baronet pulled out a large number of papers and prepared for a long speech. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER would not, of course, resist any further, tur ho was quite at the bon, baronet's mercy; but he meat say it war a proceeding which had very much surprised him. (Hear, hear.) The second reading was therefore lilted for this day at t se:ye o'clock. THE MILITIA. The SECIIETARYatWAKot;t;;ed leave to bring in bills to suspend the ballot ; and to defray the charge of pay, clothing, and contingent and other expenses of the disem bodied Militia in Cheat Britain and Ireland. The house then rose at five minutes to six. Mr. Hiodley has paired off with Mr. Briscoe fur the re mainder of the session. ELECTION OF LIVERPOOL DOCK COM MITTEEJLEN. LIVERPOOL, WEDNESDAY.—This is the day ap pointed by the act of parliament for the annual election of eight member* of the deck committee, who go out by rota tion. loon- of these arc chosen by the town council and four by the dock ratepayers—the merchants of the port. The dock committee consists, therefore, of half of the mem bers chosen by the municipal council, and the other half by the commercial body. This arrangement has only been a year or two in operation, and has been found to work satisfactorily. On the present occasion, a political bias was infused into the contest by the can didature of Mr. Thomas Bold, an active partisan in the conservative interest, and who has recently made himself conspicuous by hie proposition to change the name of one of the docks, called after Mr. Bromley Moore, one of the gentlemen who was defeated last month at the election which ended in the return to parliament of Messrs. Liddell and llorsfall. The merchants of Liverpool have marked their disapprobation of conduct which connected an electioneering dispute with the management of an estate like the Liverpool Docks, hitherto free from party in fluences, by the rejection of Mr. Bold. The numbers stood at the close of the voting—Rountlrvaite, 652 ; Steele, 602 ; Healing, 575; Smith, 66.5; Bold, 152; thus showing a difference of 200 votes between Mr. Rounthwaites why represents the stemmpacket interest, and the indiscreet political partisan. LONDON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL. Yesterday the annual distribution of prizes amongst the pupils of University Collcge School took place in the theatre of the college, Mr. Lt V. 1111), M.P., pre- siding. There was a very numerous attendance of pupils, their parents, and friends. Mr. Grote, and other old friends of the college, were also preseut. Professor Key, the head muter, opened the proceedings by a stunt ad tress, in which he expreesed his satisfaction with the conduct of the pupils generally. After the distribution of prizes had been completed, The C11.1110(AN addressed some words of encouragement to the pu?il•, and expressed his utisfaction at the result of the gratifying scene which they had just witnessed. After the many difficulties which the founders of the institution had to contend with, it must be highly gratifying to them to sea it ['laced in the high position it then occupied. After referring to the fact that souse of the highest names in the country had assisted in the foundation of University College, ice!uding, amongst others, Lord Brougham, and his friend beside him, Mr. Grote, and that some of the students of the school bed maintained it. repu tation in the old universities of the kingdom, he lock occa sion to lenient that the department of the fine arts bad bet it hitherto so much neglected in the e.,ely education of young persons in this country. He hoped that this would soon be remede d, because the study of the fine arts brought not only pleasure to the mind, but teud,,l to refine and elevate it. (lfear, hear) Mr. GIWTE moved a vote of thanks to the chairman, which was seconded by Mr. T.tehon, and carried unani mously. Mr. Porn then moved a ♦ote of thanks to the Head Slaver, Professor Key, sad the other musters, for the at tention and rare which they bestowed on the intellectual and moral culture of the pupils. Mr. seconded the motion, which was carried with acclimation. _ _ 'the lieau filAsTtit having rettur.til thanks, the aa sentbiy aeparat,d. Anxtattr., Aron ST 3. —APPOINTM EN TA.—As sistant-Surgetnis G. T. Watkins to Agamemnon; and W. Richardson, to Antelope; Second-Meter 0. P. Berney, to ClurenJ/nrui. ghe erorti4o. TO CORRESPONDENTS, A 'Wood Edith:a " The Ispreie," ervainir the sewn evcnieter " tiosette..9.4 pu...:4Sed every luswLy and ftiday AW, In time for poet. lvertowsnerto in:ended i, r " The Ezrrees,"Lon.;na Evening paper, snit 'ye at the Orn,e. IJ, EMATericu.treet. Two o'ekel on the day of rablioadon. DIOR WATER AT LONDON BRIDOR. tT—Mort,iw. lb. ilea. I,,Terma. 2h. Vis. —3dominz. 2b. 2;1 2b. 41a, LONDON, THURSDAY, AUGUST 4. VIENNA having been made the scene of diplomatic negotiations about Russian aggression, the eyes of Europe will be turned there for some time to come. I The plea for this Vienna aogement is twofold. The 1 Czan refuses to treat save through the intervention of ! Austria—and, geographically, the situation of Vienna I affords greater facilities for simultaneous reference to the capitals of the West and the metropolis of the East. And if a speedier solution of the European difficulty—for such it hat threatens to become—could be secured by this new arrangement, nobody would be disposed to complain. As the days of summer pass away, it is felt upon all hands that cele- I rity in the conclusion of the affair by the, intervention of the allies is more than ever demanded by the general interest, and by international honour. A few weeks more wasted in solemn trifling, and the result, as far as Turkey is concerned, will probably become irreparable. It is a grave responsibility for those who have permitted four months to elapse with out doing any act sufficient to convince the invader that there was any serious intention of intercepting him in his path of encroachment and aggrandisement. His assurances were trusted by Kings and Ministers, while they were received with doubt and derision by the clearer sense of the people. And his acts of violence and perfidy have hitherto been tolerated by Courts and Cabinets long after they have evoked reproach and denunciation from the free intellect and free hearts of every western public. It is high time that diplomacy, if it would not be branded with the ma'k of self-stultification, should wake from its idle dream, and prove, ere it be too late, that it is not utterly ineffectual and rlfete. Few, however, who are at all acquainted with the temperature of the political atmosphere at Vienna will argue sanguinely of the result of the change we have noticed. Instead of the vigour and ability of Lord STRATFORD, the initiative in the consultations'! that aro now taking place will, as far as England, is concerned, devolve on the inert and incompetent Peer who has for some time so lamentably ill represented Great Britain at the court of the Emperor FRANCIS JOSEPH. Lord WESTMORELAND may be fit to direct an orchestra, but he is assuredly ill qualified to lead • congress. He neither pos sesses his own confidence, nor that of his employees, in the degree necessary for so difficult and delicate a task. And his sympathies arc too well known to be devoted to the cause of Absolutism to enable him to command that salutary respect as the impersonation of hie country's spirit, u Bich it were desirable that Russia should be made to feel on such an occasion. If anything be left to the discretion of such a man we may be sure that the opportunity will be thrown away of making anything l:ke adequate terms of compensation or redress to the insulted and out , raged Porte. Happily Vienna is now near Paris and London, and we may therefore conclude that ample and constant instruction will front day to day be transmitted to the French and English am bassadors there from their respective courts. As for any influence of an independent kind to be exercised by Austria or Prussia in defence of the SCLTAN the notion no longer finds credence anywhere, save in the columns of official, journalism,—and even there seems to be uttered with faltering and misgiving. There are but two Powers in Europe capable of curb ing the dishonesty of the common enemy, and the closer they draw towards each other, and the more entirely they learn to rely upon each other in the great quarrels of the world, as well as in its more peaceful affairs, the better it will be for both. But it is abject delusion or miserable ecception to tell the people of France or England that they may rely upon Austria or Prussia in any league that may be formed for the defence of European freedom. Nei ther the Government of Berlin nor Vienna desire, perhaps, to see any change in the territorial settle ' ment of the continent. Still less have they any motive for wishing for further aggrandisement of their imperious patron. They will, therefore, assent sincerely enough to propositions calculated to soothe the ruffled vanity of the CZAR, and to appease the I rage of plunder and conquest which ho has so reck lessly kindled among his uncivilised subjects. Prussia can have no motive in desiring to see Russia stretch forth her arms further to wards the west ; and Austria is as little anxious to see a new flag planted south of the Danube. But no intelligent man, whether at Stockholm or Stamboul, feels that any reliance can be placed in a day of exigency on the firmness or fidelity of the German absolutist powers. Russia overlooks and overbears their every thought and purpose ; and confident in their virtual vassalage, she thinks only of how she may have 'to reckon with England and with France. It seems to be now understood that the discussion so long postponed by the fears of Ministers in the two Houses of Parliament will be no further depre cated by them, and we have reason to think that in the course of the ensuing week steps will be taken for bringing the whole subject of the Eastern question before both Chambers of the Legislature. The views of parties and of statesmen may thus at last be fully elicited. Nothing but disappointment and detriment seem to have followed the obsequious silence of Par liament on a question which emphatically deserved and required an expression of the national will. Dest potistu has seen its advantage, and has taken it, by pushing the outposts of invasion further and further every day, and maturing new schemes of distraction and embarrassment in the regions whose possession it covets. And now we hear of an army of observa tion formed in Finland, and of active preparations making in the naval arsenals of the Baltic. No doubt Russia will instruct her representa tives in London and Paris to declare that there is nothing she desires more than the integrity of Sweden, and the independ ence of Denmark. But the undiplomatic world cannot be mesmerised into forgetting that Sweden has already been mutilated by the voracity of Russia, and that the succession to the Danish Crown has by a recent treaty been brought within no distant view of her insatiable ambition. If France and England aro not prepared by this time to speak plainly and to act promptly, the Baltic as well as the Eueinc is destined to become a Muscovite lake. On the other hand, it is cheering to b;hold the daily increasing symarrieby and good will of the two great nations of the West. The days are gone when either w li endure the revival of schemes ef seve rance and hostili , y to gratify dynastic or oligarchic prejudices. The French arc uur nearcet fawn's, as we are their best neighbours; and if it be true, as it is rumoured, that the French ships of war now lying at rest at Cherbo.arg ara ready to join our squadron at Spithcad, whenever the signal shall be given to do Sc, the people of this country will hail such a demonstration with combined strength and wisdom as one of the happiest omens of the time. THE idea of opening a Crystal Palace in Sutton Park, for the benefit of the people of Birmingham and the surrounding district, has received hi arty approval. At a meeting of the chief citizens of Bir mingham, on the 26th ult.—before noticed in these columns—the particulars of the plan were stated by Mr. BEALE, with whom it appears to have originated, and his staternt nt seems to have aflbrded entire satisfaction to his hearers. Birmingham is less urgently in need of an airing-ground, and also of means of recreation, than most of our manufacturing towns; and the movement is the more gragying, be- cause it shows that the taste for fresh air and inno cent recreation " grows by what it feeds on." If that industrious population were sunk in filth and disease, drowning care at the pothouse, and knowing nothing of life beyond its dreary and feverish drudgery,—as life is in some places,—we doubt very much whether such a scheme as the present would have been proposed to them. it is much other wise. Birmingham has its fmlts, like other places; but it is notorious that it has some evident advert , tages, owing to the civic wisdom of successive gene rations of employers and workmen. In .1832 the rest of the kingdom.heard with amazement that there had not been a single case of cholera in Birmingham. i The position of the town explained something of the wonder,—the place being built on undulating ground, which affords unusual facility for drainage. flow it may be now we know not, but twenty years ago it was said that there was not a street in the town from which the country could not be seen at the one or the other end. Since that the inhabitants have got their fine botanic garden ; and their town-hail, with its great organ, and its threepenny concerts in the wiater,—an admirable amusement (the music being really good), and much relished by the artisan audience which fills the hall. They have a good school of design. The early closing movement was carried on very zealously at Birming ham, and the claim for the Saturday afternoons; and the temper and reason of employers and men were highly creditable throughout the controversy, and in the final arrangement. In the present critical times, when capital and labour aro falling out, from the changed condition of the labour market, the people of Birmingham are experiencing the advantage of the enlightenment afforded, for half a century past, to the working class, by means of superior and abundant schooling (in comparison with most towns), and a wise encouragement of intelligence afterwards. The men discovered, long ago, the advantage of piecework, where the nature of the business admits of that sort of agreement. Much of the work done iu Birmingham can be so paid for; and the inclina tion of artisans for it has remarkably cased such op position as there has been on questions of time and wages. For many months, while strikes have been going on in some places, and painful disputes in many more, Birmingham appears to have been free from trouble of that kind though so busy that work has gone on through many a nigkt, along whole streets. The men are aware that Birmingham employers seldom grow very rich,—that the business of their town is one of great activity and mass, with small profits. Partly through this knowledge, partly from their sensible willing semi to be paid by the piece, and partly from the ge neral enlightenment which places Birmingham artisans high in their class, they are not throwing away their time, temper, and future prospects in strikes, but taking care of their interests in a better way, and, as seems to be understood, prospering to their own satisfaction and that of everybody else. But their numbers have so increased that new wants aro arising. It appears that they once had gardens which have been taken for town purposes: and some new open space for recreation has been talked about, and looked for, for years. But the value of land in the neighbourhood of such a town seemed to render any project of the kind utterly hopeless. It was a case for railway solution ; and Mr. BEALE. now announces that the solution has been found. The Sutton people have a vast park, wild and charming, with its ancient thorns and ponds, and its breezy common surrounding its old-fashioned woods. Such a park the Sutton people have; and they have long sorely wanted a railway to the town. The Bir mingham people sorely need a park, and are the people of all others to make the least difficulty about a rail way. So the nerds end the powers being brought together, it seems probable that every body will be gratified. Sutton will yield up a portion of its park, at a nominal rent, for dr., longest term of lease. Birmingham will use its cower with the Midland Railway Board to obtain the few easy miles of rail way required: it will engage to build some sort of Palace of the Arts, and to supply it as such places are supplied in our day ;—so attractively as to be certain to remunerate the railway board for convey ing passengers at the lowest fares. There seems to be little doubt that the thing will be done. The great interest to observers will be in watching the filling of the building when it is erected. The artisans of the town have a far greater knowledge of art and familiarity with the best specimens of it than, probably, the working class of any other 'I English town. Their department in the Great Ex hibition afforded evidence of such training. Whether, on this great opportunity, their inclination w ill tend to beauty of nature or of art, or to which most, it will be interesting to observe. The workman who works with a flower in water before him or an open volume of dried ferns will probably wish fur a winter garden at Sutton, or lose himself in the weedy re- cesses of the park, looking for trailing plants or I flowering reeds that he may transfer to steel or em boss in silver ; while another may ask for all the statues that have ever enchanted the world ; and another may seek suggestion from all the grotesque products that can be brought from barbaric lands. Whatever their tastes, there will, no doubt, be plenty for them to learn and please themselves with. Such at least is the evident intention of the scheme. Ono thing to be earnestly hoped and early looked to is that there shall be no Sabbatarian oppression in this case. Any one who should interdict the use of this privilege on Sundays cannot know what he is doing. Aud yet he ought to know, for it is no secret what the public houses are in all our great towns every Sunday ; and the Birmingham practice of 31unthiyiny is only too celebrated. For mercy's sake, let the Birmingham artisan speed away from nil public-houses—away to the airy common, and the intellectual feast which will be in the midst of it. We suspect that one of the very first results of the new scheme will be sober Sunday nights and industrious Mondays. CALVIN was wont to play bowls on Sundays after church. We wish his disciples would honour him in this as in other things. Instead of' this, see what they do in teaching Sabbatarianism to their very children, to i t whom they give anything but a Sabbath temper ;—as when the little fellow who came home tired from a long service, took his recreation in the form of holy anger against the flies in the window, and pulled their legs off, t' because they were walking on a Sunday." See what they have done in Virginia, in preventing the negroes from dancing. No negro of their converts dances ; and all go solemnly and sadly to worship ; but then—what happens then why, they are plunged into the wildest madness of gambling. If dancing is a sort of heaven to the negro, the fierce passions that attend gaming are as suredly his hell. Our artisans, however, are neither children nor negroes. They are men who have a per feet right to spend their Sundays as they please. We 1 should say that the Birmingham men have a right to Sutton l'ark on Sunday, if on any day ; and we hope that both the principle and the policy of opening it to them will be lift unquestioned. It is as an ex. ample to other towns that this Birmingham move meat is especially interesting. We hope every `centre of manufacturing industry will dilicover that there is some park within reach, by railway or other wise ; and that every such town has a Mr. Bral.t: among its citizens, to conceive, ponder, and mature the plan. RUSSIA AND TURKEY. The Presse of Vienna announces that the project of arrangement was sent off from Constantinople to Vienna on the 20th ult.; and adds that it stipulates that the Emperor of Russia shall have an express and formal right. to make representations, through his ambassador at Constantinople, ou bell& of Christians in 'Tur key. The principal intelligence which reached London yesterday, respecting eastern attain:, has for the mast part been anticipalcd, in the parliamentary explana tions given by Lord John Russell and the Earl of Clarendon on Tuesday evening. The interest of the Russo-Turkish question at the present moment turns upon the receptimi which the at rangenient agreed to by France, England, Austria, and Prussia, may meet from the Czar; and further, upon the explana tions which that potentate nifty give to Sir Hamilton Seymour respecting the orders given to the liospudars for Lidding the payment of the legal and customary tribute to the Porte. Of the latter nothing can be known for at least a tortnight to come, Lut the answer of the Czar to the note de spatched by the English government on the 21;th ult., and which clearly lays down the terms upon which this country will alone consent to an arrange ment of the question is expected to arrive about the loth or 12th. It is stated that with regard to the immediate and unconditional evacuation of the Prin cipalities, the Emperor must be decisive. If he be not so in terms, he will, nevertheless, be so in fact-- for any hesitation or postponement -will be construed as a direct ictimal. Upon the adoption of this course, it is further said, the French and English governments are unanimous. Our correspondent nt Constantinople writes: CONSTANTINOPLE, Jetv 21. The Hospodars have announced officially the in terruption of their relations with the Porte ; and moreover, that they arc unable to remit the five mil- lions due at this date, in consequence of orders to that effect. This, then, is the inauguration of Russia's sovereignty in the Sultan's dominions, and which will endure most probably od ralendas Graras, if we may judge from the Czar's utter contempt of the law and public opinion of all Rut ope. Prince Vogorides, the Moldavian cliargC• d'affaires, has been also deprived of his cilia:- and emoluments. This venerable old patriot is now in his calm retreat at Arnaut-koi, and enjoying, it is to be hoped, the pleasures of literature in the midst of hi, family circle. The wrath of tho Czar will jot riKet him much. Logotheli, the Wallachian charge ' if report says true, is now at St. Petersburg, and being thus in a position to plead his ONVII cause will be uo sot. ferer, it is presumed, in consequence of the new arrangements. FRANCE. PARIS, WEDNESDAY EVENING. The following lines published by the Muniteitr, to-day, at the head of its non-official part, have ex cited public curiosity to an extraordinary extent, and constituted almost the exclusive theme of conversa tion and conjecture at the opening of the Bourse : The London journals of August 1 all speak of a Cabinet Council held on Saturday last. All the ministers were present. The sitting was much longer than is customary ; it lasted four hours." It was the general opinion, an opinion encouraged by the gravity of the news of the last two or three days. that some energetic resolution must have been taken at this Cublnet Council, and the rento and all descriptions of securities opened very heavily. Tele graphic despatches arriving subsequently with the news of a considerable fall is Consols, and accounts of Lord Clanricarde's interpellations in tho House of Lords, a more decided downward movement took place than has occurred for many days past. But fur the abundance of money, which occasioned purchases to be frequently made as quotations became lower, the depression would have been much greater. Not only the renter but all the railway shares, experienced the effect of the movement; the best lines more than the others, for the reason that in them the largest amount of busi ness has been done since the last settlement. The Grand Central came out under the most unfavour able auspices. It fell from 532.50, the maiden quo tation, to 320. The Credit Mobilier sustained a rude shock, falling 27fr. to 800. Even Bank of France, which have so long becil ^ ii,;2l . morted, fell 10fr. From information that has reachea me, Etna is tai I believe may be depended upon, it was decided in the Cabinet Council of Saturday last, that without waiting for the dilatory and doubtful support of Austria and Prussia, Russia should be called upon by - France and England immediately to accept the ar rangement proposed by them, and at once to evacuate the Principalittes. It was intimated with as much distinctness as diplomatic lauguuge allows, that any evasive answer would be considered as a refusal to treat, and would provoke an order to the fleets to cuter the Dardanelles. Th? Debuts says, that although the state of the wheat crops is not yet exactly known, enough in formation has been received to enable an opinion to be formed whether the harvest will or will not be abun dant, above or below the average. In some localities it will be good, but in the greater number the rains of the first weeks of July have done considerable mischief. Beyond all question, corn will be dear next winter. The price of the best wheat in Paris is now 27fr. the hectolitre, and that of the most in ferior quality, 22fr. 2,5 e. These prices are consider ably below those to which corn rose in 1547, but that disastrous rise might have been checked, if in the Autumn of 1846, government had taken those mea sures of precaution which the Debuts hopes it will not now neglect. The Debuts urges as a measure of the commonest prudence the immediate suspension of the sliding scale, and the admission of corn without distinction of origin, frontier, or flag, at a fixed nominal duty. What inconvenience, it asks, could result from such a measure? Would it make corn cheap? Verily, nothing but the most robust optimism could antici pate such a misfortune at such a moment when wheat is rising everywhere, in the markets of New York, as well as in those of Odessa and the Baltic, in Germany and Italy, as well as in Loudon and Marie. No; whatever means may be taken to coun teract the upward tendency, French agriculturists are certain to obtain amply remunerating prices, which wilt indemnify them for the low rates of past years. It is tearid that the shipping interest may be injured. It is notorious that freights are now every where exorbitant. The only reason that can be given against opening the ports in the present emergency, is the fear of making a breach in the principle of the sliding scale. The De/sits ad mits that if the sliding scale be nowabandoned, it may very probably be found impossible ever to set it up again. It, however, earnestly entreats the govern ment not to hesitate to take precautionary measures against the fatal consequences of a scarcity, for the sake of a principle uow condemned by the most varied and general experience in other countries, anti unanimously renounced by all traders in corn in every French port. Prince Jerome Napoleon continues to keep up his relations with his old republican friends. Ile habi tually holds his political boiri'es at the house of Mademoiselle Rachel, where MM. l'roudhon, Bixio, Ducoux, Emile de Girardin, &c., con tinually meet in conclave. The Emperor is much displeased, or at least affects displeasure, at the notoriety of these re-unions. I am told that he lately forbade l'rince Napoleon to neeive Emile de Girardin at the l'ulais Royal, and received for answer from his cousin that he would rather quit the Paluis ltoval himself then renounce his friend. It is to be observed, however, that all the republicans and