The Express. — London, England, 1853-07-07 00:00:00

IMPEItIAL PARLIAMENT. HOUSE OF COMMONS.—WEDSESDAT, JULY 6. The SYSAILEit took the chair at 12 o'clock. EXPENSES OF ELECTIONS BILL. On the motion for going into committee on this bill, Col. SHITHORP opposed it, characterising it as a bill fur the degradation of elector., and against the rights and liberties of the subject. He objected to the prohibi tion of all refreshment to voters, who came at great inconvenience so support a candidate. Bands of music were forbidden, and perhaps the town crier's bell or a child's penny whistle might be construed to mean music. Th's was • bill to save election expenses, but he should prefer no one being in that house who could Lot afford to treat end refresh his voters. There were to be no Sags . could they do any harm ? He bed hail flag, and he pail lift f.r them. lie had exercised all these powers of hospitality and kindness to his fellow-creatures, and he said in the, face of the house he would continue to esereise them. It was said to he bribery and corruption to assist a distressed fellow-creature. Ile protested against such iunovations oa the rights of any man who had the means of exercising the feelings of common humanity. He should oppose the bill in every stage, and be should move that the Sp-aker do nut leave the chair till that day three months. (Liughter.) He had no desire to keep the Speaker in the chair so long. but he would move to go into committee that day three moult's. Mr. BARROW *vomited tho amendment. He never saw so absurd a piece of legislation. Mr. MULLINGS regretted that the objections taken now were not taken on the second reading. He believed the measure would be advantaveous; for nothing contri• bested to bribery and corniptiou at elections more than the bands of music. The bandsmen were not voters, and had opportunities of treating voters, and escaping the penalties of treating. At the last election he sent a notice to the agents of the candidates for the borough he represented, 'tali's?. his determination not to have any band or Hag, before, during, or after the election, or to open any public-house, or to pay sixpence beyond the legal expenses, and hoped the other candidates would do the same. He carried this out to the letter ; but on the morning of the election two or three bands preceded the other candidates, and continued for two or three days, and the bill for their expenses at an ion was M., and that not for them alone, but their friends. Then es to flags, banners, and devices ' • at his election there were 17 or 18 of these flogs waved all day in the faces of the opponents of the other candidates. lie protested against this as a means of intimidation. Then a, to expenses of retutning officers and special constables, itte. He was asked to name 20 special eonstables. He declined, saying it was the duty of the re turning officer to keep the peace. That gentleman named 20 constables for him, and he was asked to pay for them at the rate of 10s. a day, and it was made to work as an indirect system of bribery. He received a bill from the returning officer for silty special constables ROL, for stave* IL, and charges for wardsmen and high constable, hustings, &c., the total being 104/. Then there was a charge for returning officer, steward sod bailiff, and other expenses. making a total of 731. The whole charge being some 2201. He resisted most of the charges, and he bad determined to take the first opportunity of bringing forward a bill on the subject. lie hoped the house would go into committee en the bill. Mr. E. DENISON objected to some of the provisions of the bill as going too far. The bill was drawn up in a spirit of great exaggeration. Even the wearing of a laurel leaf fa the button bole of an elector might be construed into a symbol or device; and if the candidate knowingly allowed such a thing and pared by without objecting to it, that man lost his seat and could not sit in that hoses in that parliament. Such exaggerations did harm, and neutralised the very object that was intended to be gained. He could not support the 'mirk la which the bill was drawn, and he believed that public feeling would be turned against such legislation, by such exaggerations. if there was a division, he should vote for the amendment. Mr. ELLIO I' objected to the stringency of the clauses, which intleted penalties for wearing symbols and devices. He also objected to the extreme severity of the prohibitions against bands, which might be, as was the case in his county, or paid and voluntary performers. Unless he had some assurance that the penalties were reduced, he would vote against going into committee. Mr. GREENE suggested that the points which had been now discussed should be postponed for consideration in committee. Mr. H. BERKELEY fully concurred with the bon. gentleman a. to such a discussion going on out of committee. As to the bill, the hen. member who introduced it was en titled to the thanks of the country, and he denied that there was any exaggeration in tho evils arising from symbols and device.. He fully agreed in the principle of the bill. Mr. W. MICHELL concurred in what had been stated by the hon. member for Bristol as to the evils of devices, and he saw it instanced in the last election for the county of Cornwall. lie wished the bill had provided for the pre vention of hired mobs who interfered with the proceedings of elections. The committee then divided — For the clause Against it l7-82 On clause 3, Mr. LABOUC HERE said the how ought well to consi der whet they were doing by this bill. Same of the previ sions were well adapted for the saving of expense, but he thought it too much to inflict penalties W ladivideab for exhibiting fligs or banners. In the place he hid repre sented for twenty•five years, each *as the practice; he had never paid any part of the expense; .lathe knew that the bowers were preserved from election-To election, and were leaked upon by some of the vote* as household gods. (Laughter.) 'I he proposal to fine an old woman for having a lag out of her window was not one that would tend to improve the election law. Such a system of petty annoy ance would produce no good effect whatever. Mr. W. MILES was in favour of the anti-banner legisla tion. There were many individuals who made these de nionstratiens of their own free motion, and this was the only way to stop them. Sir G. GREY thought it almost impossible to carry the clause into effect. How could they sue poor parties for 101. ? At an election dinner, the room was usually decorated with lags and banners, which gave it a very pretty appearance ; was this to be the subj , -et of a penalty ? (Hear, hear.) He thought it too paltry to attempt to fine a person for hanging • coloured pocket handkerchief out of the window. (Hear.) Mr. HENLEY said that the bands and banners at an election were frequently ti e cause of rows, by collecting crowds. He thought it desirable that the clause should be confined to carrying flags and banners in the public thoroughfares. Mr. MULLINGS consented to introduce words to that effect. He was anxious to prevent flags being exhibited from the windows of inns and public-Louses. Ile would introduce the words suggested in the report. Sir 0. PECUELL said that at illrighton the popular candidate was sure to have his flag at the mast head of all the vessels. (Laughter.) How would they deal with that I ease ? (Hear, hear.) Mr. BARROW ask' the penalty proposed by this clause was enormous, looking at the class of persons to whom it weald apply. He was surprised to hear such anxiety on my side the house to put down every demonstration of popular feeling. Colonel SIBTHORP denounced the bill as a " dirty shabby measure," which ought not to be entertained by the house. Mr. HUME said the first thing to look to was to pre serve order, and prevent bribery and treating; and all the provisions of the bill hail that object. Mr. W. PATTEN thought the penalty of 101. wholly unreasonable. Ile moved as an amendment to substitute the words "ten shillings." Mr. PHINN would make the penalty "not exceeding 405.," to be recovered before any two justices of the peace Mr. MULLINGS consented to adopt the latter amend ment, which was inserted in the clause. The clause as amended was agreed to, as was the follow ing clause. On clause 5, Mr HUME contended that no expense whatever ought to fall on candidates ; the whole ought to be borne by the community sending him to parliament. At a future stage of the hill he should move clauses to that effect. The ex penses be referred to would include the fees of sheriffs and other officers. JIG suggested the postponement of the sth clause, which went to legalise some of these expenses. Mr. ELLIOT said it was a common cue for sham candi dates to be put in nomination, and to proceed no further. If their liability for expenses were removed, there would be • poll in every cue, at the expense of the county or borough. Mr. HUME said the hon. gentleman seemed to suppose that nobody but rick men were to be candidates at elec tions. (Laughter.) Mr. PIIINN approved of the suggestion of Mr. Home, and thought a more extended clause necessary. To meet the objection of Mr. Elliot it might be provided that only those who were returned should be exempt from the expenses. Mr. B. DENISON said it was certain that, if this provi- sion were introduced, there 'would be • contest at every election ; in many places there would be as many as tea candidates. (Hear, hear). Mr. MULLINOS said he had had a bill submitted to him for =Of. for expenses connected with his return ; _but, knowing what were the legal charges, he taxed the bill ago eordingly, and only paid a small portion of it. Sir°. GREY thought the clause required more consi deration. It was essential that some legal provision should be made to cheek these exorbitant expenses ; and if return ing officers could legally make no charge at all, it was un wise to legalise such charges, as was done by this clause. He suggested that it should be omitted. Colonel SI BTHORP complained of false economy and the " gagging " mode of proceeding. It would encourage a parrot of fellows, with scarcely a shirt to their back, in going down to boroughs and trying to force themselves into parliament solely by their fine speeches. (Laughter.) He would oppose the bill in every stage ; it was trash, trum pery, and humbug. Mr. HUME moved the postponement of the clause. Mr. MULLINGS consented to its' struck out for The house divided, s being the pvesent, with • view te a fresh clause being introduced. For going into committee Against it After a few words from Colonel Sueruonr expressive with the preservation of the peace, and no charge in that of his intention to oppose the bill in every stage, respect ought to be sanctioned. As the whole subject was Tee house went into committee. to be dealt with next year, he hoped the clause would be On clause 1, struck out. Mr. BARROW moved as an amendment the omission of Mr. HENLEY also objected to the clause. words so as to limit the responsibility to any act done by the After • conversation, candidate himself. Mr. C. BERKELEY charged Sir G. Grey sad other Alter • few words from one or two honourable mem- members on the ministerial side with doing all in their bees, the amendment was adopted, and the words were power to uphold the present state of things, while they struck out. Several other verbal amendments were expressed anxiety to provide a remedy. made in the clause, one of them in reference to the Mr. BUCK contended that some security ought to be period within which the prohibition of the ringing of given to the chief magistrates. church bells and the hiring of bands se the expense of the The clause was then struck out, and, the bill having candidates extends, occasioning some discussion. Ultimately peered through committee, the house resumed. the prohibition was made to apply to the period within the issuing of the writ, and one week after the election. PROBATES OF WILLS AND GRANTS OF Mr. MULLINGS proposed to leave out the word ADMINISTRATION BILL " symbol," as it appeared that a card in a hat or a ribbon Mr. HADFIELD moved that the house go into committee in a button-hole might come within that term. on this bill. Agreed to. Mr. R. J. PHILLIMORE put it to the hon. gentleman Mr. BARROW objected to the candidate being made whether, after the statement made by the government last ineligible to be re elected in the same parliament for any night, he would proceed with this bill. offence under this clause, on the ground that it would Mr. HUME said the object of the bill was that one pro- unduly limit the choice of the constituencies. bate only should be necessary for the whole kingdom. Mr. PHINN thought they ought not to place these minor When the bill was read a second time the Solicitor-General offences on the same footing as bribery in respect to their made one of the best speeches ever made on the subject, disqualifying the member. (Hear, hear.) and said he had a bill ready. It had not been brought in, After a brief conversation, it was aimed that that part of and they ought to know what the impediment was. Every the clause objected to by Mr. Beasow should be struclionnetci year since he had been in the house promises had been made and that the commission of either of the offences revise' that the ecclesiastical courts should be reformed, but they by the bill should void the election but not disqualify the had not been reformed yet. If they could not get the member from being afterwards elected, and Mr. bluentoos whole they wanted let them have put. undertook to make the necessary alteration in the wording Mr. HADFIELD said his simple object was to makisems of the clause for that purpose. probate sufficient for England, with confirmations for Ire- The clause as amended was then agreed to. land and Scotland. He should be glad to be relieved of the On clause 2, which extended the operation of the bill to responsibility of the carriage of the bill, and he thought acts done by agents and others, government ought to undertake it. The bill had been Lord SE MOOR moved to strike out the words " any . rovedp by the Lord Advocate for Scotland, and the hon. other person," so as to leave the clause applicable to acts :ifember fo r Ennis for Ireland ; and also by the hon. and committed by " agents only." Mr. V. SMITH thought under the clause as it stood the learned member for Wallingford, than whom no one knew more of the matter. If a satisfactory assurance were ringing of bells on the occasion of a marriage or the hiring i of music fora theatre, if at the period of an election, might gven that they should have the relief his object would be be brought under the penalties of this bill. obtatned. Mr. MULLINGS held that the words clearly applied to Mr. HENLEY thought this bill would make the eon the purposes of the election. fusion so intolerable that the whole country would be in a Mr. I, . SMITH rejoined that he should be satisfied if the blase about it. The provisions of the bill, especially ss re words o for the ohjecu of such election " were introduced. girded administration, were monstrous, though he admitted Lord GALWAY thought the clause ought to be struck that the present system required improvement. This sub out altogether. jest had occupied the attention of the house for 20 years, Mr. VANCE urged that before the passed this clause and bills much more extensive than this had been intro they should de fi ne what an " agent ' ; was. In election clued, but they had not passed into law. To remedy that committees they carried the meaning of the word " agency" state of things the late government extended the powers of a great deal too far, and made it applicable to persons who, the Chancery Commissioa to look into this particular quer in common law, could not he held to be agents. lieu. That committee had been constantly oceupied with An Hon. 1116XliZa asked what was the meaning of the the subject. It would be not only improper but idle to words "badge or distinction " in the clause ? speculate on the result of their labours, but they had given Mr. MULLINGS admitted that the wording of that part their anxious attention to the subject. It was very of the bill might require lame alteration to cease it to the easy to lay down general principles, but in car object he bad in view, viz., to put down prosenions, with rying out the details, there was Malik dill bands of music, banners, and all their &teatime evils. culty. The house was aware that the Solicitor-General Mr. B. DENISON believed the clause welt be inopen. announced some two or three months back that he had • live. If a perms detired to have a brad sad • procession measure prepared. He was not present to answer for him he might have them, but he would have to pay a penalty self; and Ile could not answer for him. But with regard to of 501. this measure, it would arks a temporary and small alters- Colonel SIBTHORP said that under this clause a person tion of the laye, and as • more extensive bill would be prey waving • flag out of a window might he made liable to the dread next Off, he thought it would not be well to proceed penalty of 601. with this bill now. Mr. HENLEY observed that the object being to put down Mr. F. CROSSLEY said, as none of the law officers of processions, the moat effectual course of proceeding was to the Grown were present, he would move that the debate he maks the penalty apply to thus who took part in them. adjourned for a week. Lord GALWAY concurred with the view taken by the The motion was put and agreed to. hon. member for the West Riding (Mr. Denison) In think ing that a penalty of 501. would not out down processions SIMONY LAW AMENDMENT BILL. when the/ might he thought desirable. Mr. R. J. PHILLIMORE , in moving the second read- Mr. IlnilE suggested that the penalty Should be in- lag of this bill, said the evil which he hoped to be creased to 501. a day. the instrument of diminishing, if not of removing, wee Mr. HENLEY remarked that in • subsequent dense of the gravest character. That evil was allowing the trust every person who took part in the procession Ma made of the cute of souls to be, as it was too often, • matter of liable to a penalty of 101. commercial speculation. Simony was one of the tares Mr. ML'LLINGS having stated, in answer to • question, which the enemy had sown in the church of Christ. It that he proposed to insert the words "et any other parson," grew up soon otter the church was endowed. The question Sir G. GREY thought it would be monstrous to make arose how the evil was to be met. In this eenntry it any person who, within ten deffis et an election, might hire was left partly to ecclesiastical and partly to civil • band, liable to • penalty of At. law. He need not state that the sale of a beadles for the Lord GALWAY thought it deeksbile that they should cure of souls was illegal. The scandal to whieb the sale of know precisely what wesiMbe the beagles sad effect of the next presentations led, the injury it did to the IMO* was clause, and moved that it bs familiar to every one. Noonecould take up the newmpagem in Mr. V. SMITH held that effect the clause, as pre- which were advertisements for the sale of next presells posed to he mounded, would be to stop all amusements of tons, without feeling shocked. lie held in his hag a every Mist**, so steeds% or withis ten days of it. He number of thew advertisements, and no intimation was to Boogie it dmirshie that the peemoters should agree to the be found in any one of them that the patron required a hire of the SIMMS belies deep were ealled upon to affirm it, person who was fit in a spiritual point of view, but the sad erespeeled fist Mattel& he postpmed fee that purpose. tempwal advantage was put disgustingly forward. In one After mem farther esseseistisa, the emassittee divided of these it was announced, among other things, that " the upon the geese , " that the weeds " the egoist of any such service fa single"—that was, one service—" house comfort candidate, or any ether psalm" stand part of the clause. able or may be easily made to, and a trout stream near will For the wade Against them The words were aseardingly Meek out. ad isaweram. He would merely say, in reference to them After a eneversation, all, that temporal advantages were put prominently fee ble. MULLINOS adopted some of the suggestions that ward; but the paramount, if not the spiritual, fitness was were mode s and -mended the clause. mentioned at all. One of the great objections, he be- Mr. B. DENISON captained his opinion that • higher hayed, to this bill was, that it was said to interfere with the penaleyehan 50/ i ugo tto he inflicted. rights di property. Talk of the rights of property! Was Mt. HUME would make it 50?. for each day. that considered in the Reform Bill ? What was the value Mr. MCLLING3 inih nook to eonsider the suggestion, of Ciakm sod Sarum the year before the Reform Bill passed and hit/educe some wards on the bringing up of the report. andW du after. He looked upon the right of presenta- Sir J. WAPISLEY said that great expense was in- lion as a so lemn trust for the highest of purposes, the cure corred at elections .o the hire ot vehicles for bringing of i mmor t a l s ou ls, which ought not to be made the instru voters op to the poll. He thought it desirable to introduce scent of sordid gUn. For these reasons, and for others some provision on that subject. • which he could state, if the shortness of the period allotted Oa the motion dist the dose do stand part of the bill, to him would have per sifted him to state, he conite c tli Colonel 511)TBOILP expressed his intention to divide hoped and trusted the hotels would allow this hill a sagest it. reading, and that it shoed go into committee. He had easefully guarded that it should have a prospective and not a retrospective effect. Mr. BOUVERIE said it was impossible with a bill of that kind to come to • conclusion now, and, as there war ether business to be brought on o he moved the postpone meet of the debate. Ilit erpregifs. TO CORRESPONDENTS! Sirß. mous said his hon. Mend should hail moved that before the speech win made. Mr. BOUVERIE said it was impossible to more the edjoisrament of the debate before. the debate began. Mr. O.IIUTT said the hon. gentleman was right in form, but wrong in substance. He might have proposed that the matter should not be brought forward. Hie hon. friend (Mr. Phillimore) assumed that selling the next pre sentation was simony, as he could not then sell the next presentation to any one else. In that case 15,0001. was paid for the next presentation. They might as well pass a law to prevent a person granting an estate in fee after the ee -1 piration of a lease. He thought the debate ought to be adjourned. Mr. WILSON (looking at the clock) suggested that the debate should be forthwith adjourned, as there was import ant business to come on, and it was near six o'clock. . - . • 4•Ciad Edition of " The Eames,' oestararaer the ease eveedree Gentle." iv pubibited every Tweedy aad kriday might, is Uwe ter past• aVerueemeareinteaded for '• The &prom," Laredo% Welling yew, ewer be at the Oahe, Bouverie•erreat, by Two Velook ea tile bay of pablibstios. HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE. Tay DAT—lgaretßg. 2b. 37m. Aftemboce. 28 38m. T.Nmourw—aterelac. St. 14 . Afaramm. it. 33m. LONDON, THURSDAY, JULY 7. LITTLE doubt can any longer be entertained of the passage of the Pruth. The frontier stream is stated to have been crossed on the same day at different points by two detachments of the Russian army — namely, at Skonliani, which is situated but a few hours' march from Jassy, the capital of Moldavia; and at Leave, a small town lower down the river, by which tho invading force has been ordered to enter Wallachia. The first blow has probably thus been struck by oppressive Absolutism against the peace and liberty of Europe ; and the great conflict of principles long since foreseen and foretold by the Exile of Saint Helena may be deemed to have at length begun. - - Mr. MALINS concurred in the observations of Mr. Butt Ile thought the debate ought to be adjourned, but it should be to a time when those who were conversant with the matter could be present. He did not think a matter of this kind should be got rid of by a side wind. Mr. BANKES, who rose at the same moment with Mr. Wilson, said he was entitled to address the house, and be should do so. It had always been understood that Wednes day was a day for independent members, and not for govern ment. An effective speech bad been made, and then with out giving an opportunity for reply, a member of the go vernment rose to move an adjournment. Mr. BOUV ERIE remarked that he was not a member of the government. Mr. BANKES said, then if the hon. member acted for both sides of the house, he was the last member who ought to have made this motion. Mr. Bankes then proceeded to urge that there ought to be an adjournment to a time when it would be convenient for the members of the legal pro fession to be present ; it was unfair to snake speeches to which there was no opportunity of reply. The bill was of great importance, and he was disposed to waive all courtesy in this matter. (Ironical cheers.) After a few further ohservations the hon. member sat down, it being within ball a minute of six o'clock. The question of the ►djournment of the debate was then put and agreed to, and the house immediately adjourned till 12 o'cloek this day. The question naturally uppermost in every thinking mind at such a moment is,—What will the Great Powers do ? Will they act together and in concert for the common safety; or will they sever in their courses, and one or all act as seemeth good in their own eyes? The policy of France and England is sufficiently plain; and the honourable, straightforward, and consistent tone observed from the outset by the Government of Louis NAPOLEON, renders the position to be assumed by that of Queen VicromA easier and clearer than under any other circumstances it could possibly have been. France and England united can, if they will, not only save an ancient and peaceful ally from the robber last of the Barbarian, but by a prompt and steadfast course they may secure for Tur key better guarantees for its future independence and security than it has enjoyed during the present century. The wanton rupture of the present peaceful relations between the SULTAN and the CZAR mani festly rends all the treaties now subsisting whereby those relations were defined. It will be for the Western Powers to determine how the integrity of the weaker states in their alliance may henceforth be better assured and more solid PAIRS ON Mn. KEATING'S Mom:v.—Mr. Lemon Gower for, with Mr. Masten Smith, against; Mr. Fadden fur, Mr. Dna against ; Mr. rhinn for, with Mr. Robert son against ; Sir G. Grey for, with Lord Ossulston against. 'ARY COMMITTEES. KILKENNY AND GREAT SOUTRERN AND WESTERN RAlLWAY.—Yesterday the select committee of the House of Lords, the Earl of Derby in the chair, declared that the preamble of the bill for constructing this proposed line was not proved to their satisfaction, and that the committee hut arrived at this decision solely on consideration of the financial position of the company, but the committee con sidered the extension of railway communication in a north western direction from Waterford to Kilkenny in itself hig_hly desirable." KASE KENT Ratt.way.—The committee of the House of Lords on this company's bill, Earl of Vernlam in the chair, have declared the preamble proved, inserting clauses to the effect that the South Eastern Railway Company shall make a station at Strood to suit both their own and the East Kent line, and that if the South Eastern Company make the por tion of the line between the Medway and the tunnel, the East Kent Company need not do so. SOCTE EASTERN RAlLWAY.—Yesterday, the SEM select committee also passed this company's bill for a line between Strood and Maidstone, and for dissolving the Can ' terbury and Whitstable Railway. EAST LONDON WATERWORICS.—Yesterday, the com mittee of which Lord Kinoaird is chairman passed this company's measure for constructing new reservoirs at Wal thamstow, for the supply of Enfield, Waltham, and the surrounding districts, with pure water. The supply will be pumped from the River Lea into the reservoirs at Wal• thamstow, and be supplied by gravitation to the surrounding districts. defences raised against tho recurrence here- 1 after of Scythian aggression. Meantime, how ever, it is of serious interest to consider what part the German monarchies of the first class are likely to take in the coming struggle. Upon which side will the once ambitious Sovereign of PRUSSIA be found? And, what is of still more importance, what will Austria do? It is tolerably evident that Austria is now bitterly conscious of the folly of her late proceedings with regard to Turkey. The mission of Count LIININGEN to Constantinople last winter served as a species of rehearsal for that of Prince :HCHIKOFF a few months later ; and the overbearing and menac ing line of conduct pursued by the Cabinet of Vienna, in the affair of Montenegro, and the unconcealed dis position treacherously to stimulate the fanati cism of the discontented subjects of the Porte, is now imitated on a more perilous scale by the reckless and rapacious advisers of the CZAR. The Austrian Government perceives too late that the only colourable precedent furnished to the insolent and domineering spirit of Russia is that which her own sinister and shortsighted course thus affords. Her own obligations to the Northern Dictator are moreover too recent and too weighty to be easily forgotten. Austria is indeed politically grateful for the services rendered her by Russia in 1850, because she knows not when she may stand in need of them again. The Emperor FRANCIS JOSEPII can hardly bo expected willingly to take a part in the humiliation which awaits the Curt; and there are sympathies of personal position, pride, and passion, which bind him perhaps more closely to NICUOLAS than to any other of his royal contemporaries. On the other hand, the danger to the Austrian Empire of allow ing Russia to possess herself of the whole line of the Danube, from Widdin to the Black Sea, and the certainty that such an encroachment southward would render her next stride to the shores of the Bosphorus easy and imminent, is too plain to be disguised. Great uneasiness on this head is known to prevail among the wisest and most experienced counsellors of the House of HAPSBURG. The aged METTER?iICH is de scribed as being animated by the liveliest emotions on this subject; and as depicting with prophe tic eloquence the degradation and peril which the farther aggrandisement of Russia in southern Europe must permanently entail upon the Empire whose destinies he long swayed. In the Cabinet of Vienna, as now consti tuted, however, there is said to be but one man of PARLIAMENTARY DIVISION. HOUSE OF COMMONS.-JULY 6. DOCKYARD PROMOTIONS. Matkm mole, s;iiio7stioiiiit the report of dr Meet °Nominee n Protootknis, and the evidence . :rx Oesaded, dik le d that eosin the of the Ire lord d A i y, the rego of doMped restarette, and the Whom of Se Ael. were and Ma inmmYM ler podded pumas. be we merit awl fa a maim mmfwWM M mar diem dlt rpm tbet digertmert et the Oreerreekarl be kir& lbmf • t W redo e Debate Erb. drdstrellea pet. "That the debate be now MIRPOINISV' a.llol4—arli. 79; Noes, 95. AM Aeiand, Rir T. D. Oralthlte J. Pilklngto J. Adair, H. E. Or 0.10 WINN Itt. H.. K.T. Grasse, Ricardo, 0.. Baring, Sir F. T. HAI , Sir B. Rice, E. R. Beckett, Wm. Thistle, Alesawder Robartcs, T. J. A. Berkeley, Adm. Hattie, Archibald Barrie. C. B. 0. Berkeley, C. F. Herbert, ,sidney &obeli. Captain Berkeley, C. L. a. Hotharu, Lord Seymour, Toed Moshe% J. F. B. Howard, C. W. 0. Sheller, Sir J. V. Han. Goe Lutists, Robert Smollett, A. Doyle, Coll Jones, Capt. Btrutt, Rt. lion. E. Brarde., T. W. Keating, H. S. Kurt, Lord D. =t. H. Kershaw, Ju. Thompson. O. t, John Labouchere, 1L Thonnely, T. g i i7z , H. A. Lee, Wan. Townshend, Captain Hoek C.C. Louden, P. Walcott, Admiral C.,Har, R. P. Lowe, R. Whatman, J. ompess. H. C. Marshall, W. Wickham, H. W. Cowpsr, Ben. W.F. Milner, W. M. E. Wilkinson. W. A. Ovedlol, IL U. J. llostyn, Hos. E.M.L. Wilson, J. DruasselA Henry Murrough, J. P. Winnington, Mr T. o.UNIZa. Osborne, R. Wyrdl, M. A. Palmerston, Vlsennt Young, Sir J. Elliot. Ms. J. E. Peelle% Sir G. B. Fitzgerald, W. R. P. Peel, F. TSLI/111. Poi, W. 3. Pellatt, A. llayter, W. 0. Ciodsrlsb, Viscount Phillimore, J. G. Mulgrare,.Earl of Osodmem. Sir G. Pigott, F. Arial, Captain M. Egerton7i7C . . Mika Wilms =t 3. T. Evelyn, W. J. Michell, William 1 11. J. Forester, Rt. He. Co/. Idowbray, J. R. Ball, ward Franklyn, 0. W. Mulling, J. R. Bahlodt, E. H. Fuller, A. E. Naas, Lord Bank's, Rt. Hon. 0. Galway, Viscount Kamer, Rt. Hon. J. Barrington, Vlecowit Grogan, Edward Newark, Vise. Barrow, W. H. Hairilton, Lade. N ort h, 001. Salmon, Thomas Hamilton, G. A. Oakes, J. H. P. Benuock, Lord H. Hamilton, J. H. Pakin g tos, BUJ. Bentinek, 0. W. P. Hawkins, W. W. Pennant, Hon. Col. PllfirlOrlio Rt. Hn.W. Motley, IR. Lin. J. W. Percy, Hum. J. W. 13erkeley, Sir George Herbert, H. A. Portal, Melville Blair, Colonel Heibert, Sir name Bander,. George Bolder*, Colonel Iliklyard, R. C. Foott, Sm. F. Booker, T. W. 11111, Lord A. E. Smikk, Mr W. Wilco, M. Jollier, Sir W. O. H. Somerset, Capt. Bruce, C. L. C. Jones, David Stanley, Lard Silks, Sir J. Y. King, J. K. Stuart, li= ei Butt, 0. M. Knatchboll, W. F. Sullivan, Comae, gir l. IL Knight, F. W. Trollops, Sir J. Christopher, R. A. Knightbry, R. Tyler, Br 0. Clinton, Lord C. P. Knox, lion. W. B. Vamettart. 0. IL Clive, Hoe. R. H. Leon. Sir E. Vernon, 1.. V. Clive, Robert Liddell, H. 0. Vyse, Capt. H. Cobbold, J. C. Loaner, Lori Walls* Hon. B. 11. Codringtme, Sir W. Locus, Frederick Whitson, Henry Cosolly, Thomas llacartney. G. WiWams, T. P. Cubit., Mr. Alderman Maguire. J. F. Woodd,R. T. Disraeli, Rt. Hon.B. Hellos, Richard Wormer; Marq. or Dundee, George Mennen*, Lord J. Mine. Dunne, Colooel Mardi, Earl of Taylor, OA. Lot, Sir J. B. Maus, Sir H. Urabides. Vise. vigorous understanding who entertains these views, namely, M. Baca, the Minister of Finance. The remainder are said to be disposed to keep on terms of amity at any cost with the Court of St. Peters burg ; while they profess their anxiety that the good offices of Austria should be made the means of settling the dispute. It is clear enough, however, that no mediation offered and known to be offered in such a spirit can be of any value. Turkey had better succumb at once to the arbitrary will of her potent enemy, and throwing herself at his feet sue for lenient terms, than confide the arbi trement of her righteous cause to such a mediator as Austria. It will be in vain for M. DE BRUCK, the special envoy sent on this diplomatic errand to Con stantinople, to endeavour to persuade the Ministers of the StaxAx, or the Ambassadors of France and England, that he ought to be allowed to negotiate terms of accommodation, while the invader remains unmo lested in tho occupation of the Danubian Provinces. Any concession mado by the Porte under such circumstances must surely be regarded by her own subjects, as well as by those who thirst foe her territory, as an abject yielding to fear what she has hitherto refused to argument. winds may be many or few in so short a time. A better criterion is the imports for the five months and in that period the only articles of any conse quence which have fallen off are cocoa, coffee, fruits, guano, spirits, sugar, tallow, and tea. Of several o f time, as cocoa, coffee, spirits, the consumption has bitireased, though the imports have declined, and we shall look for a moment at the consumption of a few articles in the five months as a confirmation of the revenue returns. In the five months of 1833, there was consumed more than in the corresponding five months of 1632 ; of cocoa, 1,240,6151b5. ; of coffee, 1,863,3821b5.; of grain of different kinds and flour reduced to grain, 1,410,770 qrs.,—yielding of itself, at Is. per quarter, an addition to the revenue, in the five months, of upwards of 70,0001.;—of spirits, 145,975 gallons; of sugar, 71,177 cwts.; of tobacco, 273,257 lbs.; of wine, 222,113 gallons. All these articles contribute largely to the revenue, and the only one which so contributes, and which has de clined, is tea. This arose from the expected alteration of the duties, which made dealers decline to take any more into stock than they could avoid. But the defi ciency is now rapidly being supplied, duty having been paid in the month on 9,253,298 lbs., against 4,797,535 lbs. in the corresponding month of 1832. In these few iteths we have specimens of that greatly increased consumption which shows itself in an increase of Customs rennue for the quarter of 411,173/. In the exports, however, we find still stronger evidence—if stronger can be obtained—of the grow ing resources and prosperity of the people. Again, the exports in declared value exceed those of the corresponding month of 1852, and by no less a sum than 1,187,558 L, the totals being DECLARED VALVE OF THE EXPORTS. Month ended June 5, 1853 £7,123,191 PI „ 186' .. 6,936,633 £1,187,548 Again, too, this great and continual increase is pretty equally spread over all the branches of our industry. A few items by way of illustration may be quoted: DECLARED VALVE OF EXPORTS. Month ended June 5. 1852. 1853. Beer and ale Cotton manufactures en tered by the yard 1,918,025 .. 2,065,668 Earthenware 97,134 .. 107,979 Haberdashery Hardware and cutlery Sadlery Linen manufactures entered by the yard Iron bars Silks of all kinds Stationery 28,342 .. 47,499 Woollen manufactures en- tend by piecc Woollen manufactures en tered by yard 197,807 .. 305,559 Of most articles there is a considerable increase in the quantity as well as in the value, but generally the value has increased something more than the quantity, and in some the value has increased though the quantity has decreased, from which we may infer that the exchange has become more favourable, or the trade generally has improved in quality while it has increased in quantity. We need not add, as we have recorded a similar increase every month of the year, that the increase in the five months is very large, though for the information of our readers we may state it: DEOLARILD VALUE OF EXPORTS. Five months ended June 5, 1853 It /I 1852 Increase, 1853 £7,313,628 It is necessary to remind our readers that these monthly tables only give the principal articles of export, and that consequently the annual tables, which include all the articles exported, always ex ceed in amount the sum of all the monthly tables ; —another specimen of needless discrepancies in the national accounts, which much require to be reduced to order by some clover statistician. We must notice, for the peculiar satisfaction of our Tory friends, that the little comparative decline we formerly had to mention of British shipping in the four months is fast being remedied. Thus the increase of British tonnage clearing inwards and outwards in the month was 41,432 as compared to the corresponding month of 1832, and the total Bri tish tonnage entering inwards and outwards in the five months is now only 16,348 less than in the five months of 1852. The total increase of shipping both in the month and the five months, corresponds to the increase of trade, and was as follows : TOTAL TONNAGE ENTERED INWARDS AND OUTWARDS. In the Month. In the Five Menthe. 1852 1,131,448 4 774,888 1853 1,310,036 5,254,674 479,786 THE EXPRESS, THURSDAY EVENING, JULY 7, 1853. THE INTERMENT OF THE DEAD. Sir W. Molesworth, who has charge of the Burial Grounds Bill, received a deputation from the committee of the Anti. State Church Association on Tuesday last, when the following members of parliament were present :—Mr. Hadfield, Mr. Hershtw, Mr. Miall, Mr. Crossley, Mr. Fol lett, Mr. Hayworth. and Mr. Bell. Mr. J. Carvell Wil liams, the secretary, presented a statement of objections to the ecclesiastical provisions of the measure, which embraced the extraordinary power given to the bishops to prevent the opening of grounds until they are Attisfied with the ar rangements, the invidious distinctions intended to be made between consecrated and unconsecrated grounds, and the ...massacre manifested to secure to tire estaillehment, in grounds having no connexion with &arches, all the 'rights and advantages they now possess in parochial alsurchyards, the wishes and feelings of dissenters being altogether disregarded. It was insisted that diamaten should be enabled to bury their dead, and to have their own ministers in any part of the ground, consecrated or unconsecrated as is the case in the parochial churchyar.l in Ireland and Scotland, and that they should in all respects he placed on the same tooting es members of the establishment. The members of the deputation strongly urged the impolicy of perpetuating under a new system all the offensive regula tions which have long been considered as grievances, and expressed an opinion that if the government would deal with the matter in an enlarged and liberal spirit, and resolutely set themselves against the extortionate demands of the bishops and elergy, they would he sustained by the country. Sir William Molesworth expressed his concur /ESP in most of the sentiments which had been advanced, and his desire to give full effect to the principles of religious equality, though he feared that members of the establish. meat would feel that their conscientious feelings were not respected, if a portion of the burial grounds were not con secrated to the exclusive use of the Church of England As Lord Palmerston was about to bring forward a general measure, he should not at present proceed beyond the second reading of the bill, to the principle of which he un derstood the deputation did not object. After a lengthened interview the deputation withdrew, thanking Sir William for the opportunity afforded them of putting hint in pos session of their view.. THE FIRE AND Loss of LIFE IN HATTON GARDEN. —Yesterday, Mr. T. Wakley, assisted by Mr. Brent, re sumed at the Holborn Union, Gray's-inn-lane, the ad journed inquest on the respective bodies of Andrew Stephens and Emily Curtis, who perished in the fire which occurred on the premises numbered 107, Hatton-garden, on the 25th of June last. When several witneues had been (maligned, and the coroner had summed up the evideuse, I t h e jury 7returned a verdict to the effect that the two di ,' ceased were burned to death in the fire, but bow the AAA ire occurred there was no evidence to prove. Increase, 1853 .. 178,638 That is a fair representation of the increase of car riage in the month, and in the five months, by sea, and if a larger proportion of the increase have fallen to foreign ships than to our ships, the plain and pal pable reason is that our ships could not be increased fast enough to supply the want of carriage. From almost every part of the empire, from almost every colony, from almost every part with which we carry on trade, there comes the same kind of complaint, " Vessels are wanted, treights are rising, and trade is impeded for want of carriage." If our own shipping and our own seamen were not fully employed there might bo some reason to lament and complain of the increase of foreign shipping, but as they only come in to help our shipping and card the additional goods which these would bo totally inadequate to carry, we can only rejoice and exult that other nations and other shipping share in our great and glorions prosperity. Month after month and year after year, without interruption, has this same story been told since the repeal of the Corn Laws and the repeal of the Navigation Laws. There has been one endless song of rejoicing and gladness. Trade has continually augmented, our shipping have continually increased, and the revenue has grown with trade. Such wonderful prosperity as the nation has enjoyed since the heavy and terrible hand of Protection was removed from industry is unknown in the annals of the world. Happily, too— unless the madness of Despotism should plunge Europe into war—prosperity, great as it is, seems only now beginning. The world is well aware that ono industrious man, or the produce of one industrious man, is the market for another, and as there seems no end to the increase of people,—as they are now only beginning to fill many of the rude places of the earth—so as they are multiplied, must prosperity and wealth increase. For the practical manifestation of this great truth. we are indebted to Free Trade, and as we ponder over the great effects, we can only deplore that blind ness and obstinacy which so long and pertinaciously kept these blessings from England and the world. 'Nit Board of Trade tables for the month c appropriately to confirm what the revenue returns yesterday stated. They bear their testimony to the increased and increasing prosperity of the people, and enable us to point out some of the articles which contributed to tho increase in the revenue. There is again in the periods ending June 5, as in the month ending May 5, compared to the correspond ing periods of the previous year, an increased import of most kinds of animals, of cocoa, of most kinds of grain and meal; of flax, hemp, hides, leather, some kinds of provisions, several IaIIILD-DROPPLNG IN CHURCllES.—Yesterday in kinds of metals, of silk, brandy, gin, wine, and wool. formation was received at the Lambeth police-st7ition, There is, however, a decrease in coffee, in the t l i : n we i f a ltree t 4 e t`a t t h o e nll attendantson eevfenfill,BaLterenthjec&neffreegae. cotton manufactures, in some dye stuffs, in fruits, in thedral, St. re George's fields, had their attention attracted by glass, in guano, in jute, in some kinds of metals, in the cries of an infant, and on looking round found a male in oils,rf a e nmtO aboutre moved to og weeks t. eweg George's , abandoned weh9e by p f a e r w e nt a It was in some kinds of provibions, in saltpetre, in most kinds of seeds, in some silk manufactures, in most another child was lett in the Catholic Chapel, Claarlesndaogno square, Somers-tewn, and is now iu St. Pancras vises, in sugar, and in cotton. But of several of the work house. articles, such as rum, of which the importation has LARGE IMPORTATION OF OPIFM --Yesterday the declined in the month, the consumption has increased. mopthly accounts showed a large import ation . of opium. In The mere importation, however, of one month the month ended the sth ult. there were 9,699 lbs. ira ported, and in the five months ended the same day no less emnpared to another ie not a fair criterion of our than 65,354 lbs., being the largest quantity for a consider trade, as the arrival" of ships from fair or foul able period. RUSSIA AND TURKEY. Later telegraphic despatches of authentic chance, ter, in addition to that which we published yesterther. i state that the Russians were n the act of cr oss i ng the river on the 2nd. We give credit to this intelligence. and have less difficulty in doing so as we leant that; contrary to the assertion of the yon deur,. and the re. tractation of the Assent Me Nutumale, the order to ad. vance was expedited from St. Petersburg on the '2sth ult., and not on the 27th. Skuleni, the town ah which, according to our latest ordinary advises, the Russian forces were concentrated is 12 Smiles north of Jassy, and opposite the point at which the highroad to the Moldavian capital strikes the river; th e Russians would, therefore, doubtless enter Jassy au the day of crossing , . They would encounter no armed opposition. The modern Darians are not the warlike race which successfully combated the armies of Darius and Alexander the Great. l'rince Gregor, Ghika, the Hospodar of Moldavia, is a man o f high character, and, unlike Prince Stirbey, the llospoda s of Wallachia, not the willing tool of Russia. Bat the regular army of Moldavia numbers only 2,280, while that of Wallachia does not exceed 4,600 men. The wolf which has undertaken the care of the fold has purposely removed the watch-dogs. lly the treaty of Adrianople it was provided that Turkey should not maintain military forces in the Priucipah. tics, and thus the wily diplomacy of Russia has placed the Sultan in the anomalous position of owing pro. tection to a state where he has neither soldiers nor fortresses. From Leova, where the corps 'rami e destined to occupy Wallachia was to cross the rive? to Bucharest, the distance is 200 miles. The probe, bility is that this corps d'armcr would cross, not at Leova, but at Ljeka, opposite to which it would find the high road to Byrlat and Fokachani. The occupation of the Danubian principalities bag already received full discussion in Its relation to in. temational law and to treaties. It is now on all hands admitted that the autonomic privileges which the Moldo-Wallachian provinces enjoy do not dens gate from the sovereignty of the Sultan ; while, on ' the other hand, the position of guarantee which Itlls9la occupies in relation to these privileges gives her no right to interfere when these are not in quell. tion. There is really nothing in the peen. liar relation which Nloldo-Wallachia sustains to Russia to give the latter power the legal right to enter upon that territory more than upon any other part of the Sultan's dotuinious. According to the maxims of European public law, the Czar is Dot tually at war, his peaceful professions notwithstand. ing. In the words of the ./Earl.., hitherto the ape logist of Russia, " The passage of the Pruth is the employment of force without real grounds, it is the violation of treaties, it is a breach of the interne. tional law of Europe." But the passage of the Pruth has become a fact, and as such we have now to look it in the face and judge of its probable consequences. If these depend much upon the councils which sway the governments of France and England, they depend much more upon the judgment of the Divan. The ministers of the Sultan have hitherto evinced exalted patriotism, but their wisdom and noble moderation have been no less coi.spicuoust They will then probably, judge in the new sitnation of their country that their strength is in their right, understood and supported by the unanimous opinion of Europe. The Czar has declared that he crosses the Pruth not to make war. It is not likely that the Porte will cross the Danube to farce war upon him. Neither on the other hand will she for a mo ment recognise the legality of the occupation. We may expect that the l'orte will officially proclaim her situation to the powers which signed the treaties of 1841, to the great states which are the guardians of the public law of Europe, and those powers will then have formal cognisance of the question, and negotiations will commence under their auspices, if not with their direct aid. Another and a different means of peace is indeed suggested in the despatch from Bucharest, which we give above. "N. Ozeroff proceeds to Constant'. nople to commence fresh negotiations." This late'. ligence, we learn, finds favour on the Exchanges of Paris and London, having been the concealed cause of the advance of the funds in the former capital on Tuesday last. We have neither the means nor the desire of contradicting the announce ment. True, it comes from the Danube in stead of the Neva, but if as is possible, the information of the telegraphist was derived from the Wallacbian government, it may very well , express the communicated intentions of the Czar. But this is .all. M. Ozeroff was at Constantinople conducting the affairs of the Czar there, until he was removed by Prince Menchikoff, at the departure of the latter from Turkey. His nomination to the office of negotiator would truly have been a sign of peace prior to the crossing of the Pruth ; but now that this wrong has been perpetrated, can even the moderate and peace-loving ministers of the Sultan consent to undertake, single handed, negotiations with Russia, as if nothing had happened ? The Ozeroff mission is what we might sooner expect the Czar to propose, than Turkey advised by her allies to accept, unless buses of negotiation more favourable than we have reason to look for were offered. CONSTANTINOPLE, I:NE 2. Advice. of the 20th inst., from the Danubian pro vinces, announce their occupation by the Russians as imminent. Menchikoff, since his departure, has never quitted Sebastopol. General Luders, with his division, is to occupy Wallachia, and General d'Aram berg Moldavia. The Russian reserve forces are at present in the environs of Moscow, and are to advance and encamp in the plains of Bessarabia. The Hos. podars are to be confirmed in their dignity—com merce and industry not to he molested—purchases of whatever description to be paid without delay, in ready money. Russia, if only allowed to have and to hold the provinces, will take possession, with all the propriety and decorum that can be desired. Above all things, the Czar, like every other burglar, desires that there should be no resistance ; he would prefer that his felony should be regarded as an amicable act. Two officers of the Retribution, and two of the Chaptal, have been ordered to inspect and report on the fortifications of the Bosphorus. The greatest enthusiasm prevails, and, as before mentioned, every Zilussufman, if required, is ready for a general rising. Arrivals from Syria, by a decision of the Council of Health of the lath inst., are henceforward to be admitted here in free pratique. This measure had been long since contemplated and proposed to the (government by the Board of Health, and only waited eta execution in the general sanitary reorganization, conformably with the convention ratified by the Porte. One ship of the line, ta•o frigates, and 25,000 men, are daily expected from Egypt. FRANCE. PARIS, WEDNitSDAY EVENING Another plot has been 'discovered in Paris, and which was to have been put in execution last night. It was known that the Emperor and Empress were to visit the Opera Comique, which is on the Boulevatds Italiens, nearly opposite the rue Laffitte. From an early hour a crowd collected on both sides of the Boulevards, and the carriages were so numerous, not only there, but in the adjacent streets—as the visit was one of ceremony—that omnibuses were not allowed to pass after 10 o'clock. Since the heat bet in, the bide paths of the Boulevards are thronged with prome naders in the cooler part of the evening, or with persons seated under awnings, in front of the o: rs and restaurants, eating ices. The throng R as the greatest when the Imperial carriages arrived, and eye-witnesses assure me that the demonstration Arai of the most favourable kind, and that from the moment the carriages appeared near the Madelia till they reached the doors of the Opera Comique. the cries of "Vivo l'Emperor " and Vivo l'lmperatrice r were most frequent and lout One account states, that about a dozen or sixteen men, who were near the entrance of the theatre when the carte* drew up, attracted the attention of the sergens de vine by the energy of their erica; I and suspicion was excited by their manner. Onto of I these men, when waving his bat, exposed a part of his bosom by the opening of his coat, and the handle and point of a dagger were visible. The man was at I once arrested, and as the police were removing him, some one cried out to arrest the group of whul he was the centre. They were arrested to the number of 12, as they were making an effort to get off. Another account states that the first arrests took place in the body of the theatre, and o:ree men, on whom poniards and pistols were f und, 1