The Express. — London, England, 1853-06-03 00:00:00

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT'. HOUSE OF LORDS.—TirtnSDAT, AntF. 2. ROYAL ASSENT. The mid meat was give. by commissice to several bills. The Loan C HANCOLLOS took his seat at 5 o'clock. INVESTMENT OF THE CHANCERY FUNDS. The LORD CHANCELLOR said he had thought it de sirable to billow the precedents, and order the investment in the lowest description of stock. He ascertained the opinion of those best acquainted with the subject, and found that the new Two-and-a-Half per Cents. would be equal to lOW., or nearly so. The funds, however, bad fallen considerably of late, and within a quarter of an hour be had had en in dew on the subject, and learned that the rate of interest had been raised considerably at the Bank. He, therefore, found that the execution of hi. order in the pre.ent state of the funds would be injurious to the suitor. There might, nevertheless, be suitors who would prefer the Two-and-a-Half per Cent. stock, and might abstain from applying in consequence of his order. Having authentic information that the current market interest of the 1101.—the Two-and.a-Half per Cent. stock—would be between 3 and 4 per cent. below the 1001, he had thought there was sufficient warrant for him to revoke the order which he had made, and, consequently, no assent would be signified. Lard ST. LEONARD'S espresseil his approval of the course which Lis noble and le.rnel friend had adopted. INDIA. The Earl of ELLENBOROUGH postponed his notice fur the production of papers with reference to India, from the t,th to the 13th inst. CuI.oNIAL l'osvat.e.—The Earl of DERBY presented a petition in favour of colonial penny restage. POOR REMOVAL BILL. This bill was read a second time. COMMON LODGING-HOUSE BILL. This bill was read a third time and passed. ALTERATION OF OATHS BILL. On the question that the house go into committee on this bill, • The Earl of ELLEN BOROUGH said that if a bill of this sort had been sent up from the Commons, he should consider it with favour, because be should he glad to be re lieved from the mummery which took place at the table on the occasion of every new parliament. He saw, in the confused ant inarticolet• mumbling with which the oaths were delivered, no security to the House of Hanover, neither did he see any such security ie the bill before their lordships, but he saw that some ad vantage might be derived from the bill tif the House of Israel when it was sent to the House of Cantaloup. (Laughter.) The Jewish gentlemen had knocked often enough at their door already, and unless they owed them money they need not come again. (A 1 sugh.) But at the same time be did not suppose that the bill, Haltered in the other house so as to admit the Jews to parliament, and sent up to their lordships house, would pan. There would be no desertion of their duty, although the majority might be less than when the bill was defeated. It bad been said that it would not be right that that house should continually oppose itself to the opinion of the Home of Commons expressed in successive years. If that opinion were expressed on any political question, he thought it would be desirable to reconsider the question ; but he had never looked span this as a pulitical measure, and he thought they could not admit the Jews into parliament without disparaging Christianity. (Hear, bear.) It was that feeling which had induced him to oppose their admis sion and would ever induce him to do so. He should there fore move that the bill be committed that day three months. The Earl of WICKLOW had never heard a speech more in favour of the bill which the noble earl deprecated—(hear, hear)—and there could be no doubt that if the bill under went any changes in the other house with a view to admit the Jews, it would be rejected when it came to their lordships' house. (Hear, hear.) He could not believe, therefore, that their lordships after passing the bill on its second reading would now object to ita going into com mittee. (Hear, hear.) The Earl of DERBY said that it was not so mach with respect to the probability of admission which it gave to the Jewish body as to the abolition of all restraints on Roman catholic consciences, con tained la it s that he felt based to oppose the bill. Naming hew the Home of Comoss was engaged at this period of th e sonise, and forsook* the alterations which would be there made in the bill wiPi the assistance of the government, be eldocted toevesins *sir lordships to the chanty of WIWI sellkds• t Howes of Commons during the pretest melee et perlisoost. But if his noble and lamed friend weld iatrodees his billet the beginning of the sesairo. Pro be bed no hesitation in saying that he should gin • dillersit vote, and would willingly and 411 r •oposes with his noble friend in placing the bill a footing as would oaks it effectual for the strict perms inteaded, while at the same time it preserved rea algal& security for the interests of the church. Let the bill thest be introduced at the commencement of the session either by itself, or as a portion of that measure of reform— radical or esseerretire as it might be—which was to be pro posed by the radical or conservative section of the govern. seat, bet let it be introduced in time so as that there should not be the possibility of • result nit intended by its pro pene. Th. Earl of ABERDEEN said he thought their lord ships mast admit that this was the first time they had ever boa ailed epos le peeled to legislate on snob grounds as tine prepeended by the net& earl. (Hear, bear.) They were grenade whisk be (the led el Aberdeen) would von. tare to say were noithot tespeadall to the House of Com ma., ner ereditable to theordess. Their lordships bad this WI Is e. dm% thq admitted its expediency, and the 'sly etileallose urged IMO precisely those which might easily be reasedlei Poteeittee. Objection there were IMO freillltldid o MY MN or lees important, bat all wee' capable eta die and nay remedy ; and yet they mast decline le semb le mead the bill, because, for sooth, it was peak that the House of Coolness might further mead it la a undo which their lordships did not think proper. Now be said that it was sot respectful to the Hesse of Commons to reject a good meson merely front as appeeheadon that they (the House of Commons) would minim their lawful privilege of amending it air terdiag is *sir own views; am did he think it altogether seediest& to their lordships to reject a measure of whisk they approved for the reasons which had been urged by the noble earl. The hoes. divided— --- Contest Not sestsat B4-15 POOR REMOVAL BILL. Lad BERNER.% I. mods' the mem& reading of this bill, mid that it ermodsed may warsibmg clause, pro viding dist no Junin' el the mom shield hays power to 1411110.11 pupilsoa pleas el asttlamat. 'ibis was a gristmills Mali Ss ems mind hid hem elsenSibmsil by sammilm smindllsos tbsk Issishige bola sat istidla6 that the petted hies dist otrald hi esidiessil es the peer was the &halides el the law of istdimiat dad remmal. Lwd STANLEY of &MERLE'S!' said this subject was inks w sessideestlea of Um 'ornament. No puma bid blanrinmegisid Ie p. so far as did the soda lord. Mu* to alma* the mum, law woad be to throw a Ymavyltarthin on all the pepsins towns and districts in s ssuatty, and any alteration is the law of settlement snit he sesenspentsd by • sew mods of amemoment. Ile basil the adds lied wield est pats the bill, as it dealt with oily • part id' the quietism The motion was withdraws. AGGRAVATED ASSAULTS BILL. This bill we resd a third time. THE ROCLESIASTICAL COMMISSION. The gatirErtiiiii - a;;;;iitTe•Wsv - rs;lati;iii - ta. emelt hathewsmulreportoftheesoledestlealesmahmiesen Their lords ju ware aware (mid the noble Med) that ease put ope the aulsolisaisal 011111111bienen was empowered to odour urlei portiess of the estates utilises& to them Cease the muds& if partiesesst dig bestowed from QOM Amu% beauty the nem of num for the special pupae of employing it In aid of the usual gusts fee the =apes! busilms. The power wee to be ewer statelidelalle plea; but the dilleeestuseewle had been se Masai op legether that it was alas* lap aalbia to arrive at say pad t result. The period laid fir cari=e a r the eldest yes le years; yet it appeared that in N r e as telmi g se years free bsa take, ha ass sum zesse r meat, no Isas tba mw than ep i tr&I0,0001. a year wWY was to be the limit. la the last two yams the disabilities was 90,00t1. He thee& it ezesedingly dairable that the preeeediags Amid be made saw besiligible ea the fan of the eseesels. This the sale of samoss, whisk was as item that rebated to property, wee mined sp suet iseprimerly with the aceseat ▪ esintal ressipts ugmatti. The awwwats of capital and !YAM NMI muse up is a failawiT that was suet ea espliesehie. Witelher these aceciaats came before the povessmentlis did set Imes, but it they peeved the govern neat audit, be did set think that such an audit would gin much esseelt, to railway sharebelden, for he would vesture t• say ha{ as railway board in existence would go ew ato iMI pw wiliest attempting to show a boluses sheet of their l assist. Tee Earl of CHICHESTER hoped that the noble earl wadi wait WI seat year, whelk the retains would be more catlithetary mad unpins. He theses that the house and Ils• "Ails haws a clearer and feller account of the sad seedres the ecclesiastical commissioner', =lti lle taimaalleas if that board generally, than had hote lmen, hese glees. The Earl of POWIE Dili ke would wait for the natures till the nest annual report, with the exception of the two last Mural, which were granted. INDIA. The Earl of ALBEMARLE prevented a petition from the inhabitants of Bristol, praying for the postponement of permanent legislation with regard to the fates government of ladle till the grievances of which the Christian end native population of India complained had been inquired into. Although Vomiting@ el India had stated numerous yr 0 ,,, and speedo MOM lii phavanses which a ff ected their iatersal tienffinn I there was • mast of evi dence is MIMI support of their complaints, there was Me MO ilbeamest to prove any of the statements Waidk billiatie_ by *petitioners. There w" • statistical 114111MOINSIS Ignegnicall-stmet which cost 3,2161., or 1-211 k, be helievel wee than the simi lar establishment of the 'UM Weida= cost. There was what wee called a hieing of India nadir the East ledia Company emenillmg e'er 4,300 lialie 4 , but there . was sot • single pme meMag to the inter nal eoutiti s r ai r tei r people Willa eetustry. All that bed been Vjewelt avi es siogy. which cos loostruillill-104 OMB la ttall.street, was T 2 a Irs; e tir I = l" ver el tt li tl e : "t " rat '• • - _. 4; --*. ' • • ' / ~.a•tf....--...-,. , d 1 Z. At. were they to place their civilisation only en a par with the barbarians in the north of Asia, as represented by the Mo gul conquerors? Ile believed they could not atTird to be measured even by that low standard ; and he believed that in many respect+ their conduct in India was worse than that of the Mogul conquerors. The lead tag wu higher, he believed—certainly it was more rigorously exacted, and with more violation of the feelings of the people of India, than under the Moguls. (Hear, hear) The salt tax was four tibia what it was under the Moguls. He believed it would lie enough to read the prayer of the petition in order to postpone permanent legislation, unless the government measures, were very different:from what be feared they would turn out to be ; tor, although he admitted the great ability of the present government, ho could not conceive how, during the short time they had been in office, they could be able to give sufficient coesideration to this most important subject. The petition was ordered to be referred to the India com mittee. The house adjourned at a quarter to eight. HOUSE OF COMMONS.—THI:RSDAT, Just 2. The SI" EMMA took the chair at a quarter before four o'clock. NEW MEMBER. Mr. Asr !NALL tbii;e;lieVctetritember for Clitheroe, took the oaths and his seat, PRIVATE _BUSINESS. TIIIIID RzahtWo;.-Black Dog Road; Sidney Sum College Estate; Stafford Shire Hall Bills. PUBLIC BUSINESS. TYNEMOUTH ELECTION. Sir B. lIALVFA;;;;;tre; of a motimfor a new writ tar the borough of Tyaentouth, fur Monday, June 20. DURHAM ELECTION PETITION. The committee appointed to try the merits of the petition unjust the return of the sitting members for the city of Durham were sworn at the table, and will sit to-morrow (this day). INDIAN TERRITORIES A report from the select committee on Indian territories was brought up, and ordered to lie on the table. DISFRANCHISEMENT OF DOCKYARD EMPLOYEES. Mr. M. SMITH begged to ask the noble lord (J. Russell) whether he bad any intention of introducing, during the present session, any measure for the disfranchisement of the electors in her Majesty's dockyards? Lord J. RUSSELL—The notice I gave on the subject of disfranchising persons employed in the dockyards, was Riven in consequence of:he report of the Chatham Election Committee, for it seemed to me unreasonable to withhold the writ fur Chatham, without bringing forward either a prop osition for disfranchising the borough, or a measure for preventing the exercise of undue influence on persons employed in these establishments at future elections. But after I gave the notice, it appeared that that measure, if it did not meet with considerable opposition, would, at all events, cause considerable discussion, therefore I did not think it right to interrupt other public business of great importance for a meuure of this description. When measures for the further reform of the representation of the people are before the house, it can then be considered whether anything can be done to remedy this abuse, or whether it may be necessary to disfranchise the dockyard voters altogether. I do not therefore intend during the present session to introduce any measure on the subject, and I have accordingly withdrawn the notice from the paper. Mr. ROLT had given notice of a question upon the tame subject, but after the answer the noble lord had just given he would not put it. EXCHEQUER BILLS. . . _ Mr. T. SMITH inquired what amount of Exchequer bills had been sent in fur renewal up to this day ? The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQL ER replied that the total amount of Exchequer bills which had been sent in for money for the sth of June Base was 2,360,0001.; in exchange for Exchequer bonds was 237,0001., and for new bills 6,890,000 —the total 8,487,0001.; the automat still remaining outstanding brine 760,0001. INCOME TAX BILL. The house weiTiatocominiiteeO7lthe Income Tex Bill. The clauses of t►e bill were reed and put seriatim by the chairman. On clause 9, /dr. FREWEN proposed an amendment te the effect that justices of peace in counties should be made ex officio cow =Wieners of the income tax as they were of the land sad assessed taxes, in order to obviate an inconvenience which was suffered in large districts from the non•attendance of the commissioner, ander the act. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER objected to the amendment on the ground tost it was an innovation on the principle of the law without being an improvemeat. The amendment was negatived. Oa clause 13, The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER wished to mention an important addition he had made on the sugges tion of the hon. member for Horsham, who had given notice of a clause to the following effect Provided always, whenever any lessor or landlord of lands in Ireland, subject to duty under sehedale A of this act, shall have paid the duty chargeable by this set in respect of any rent not received by him at the time of such payment, and which hes been subsequently lost by reason of the bankruptcy, insol vency, or absconding of the tenant by whom such rent was payable, then end in that case it shall be lawful for the said leaser or landlord to deduct from and set off against the duties payable by him in the year nest following the fall amount of the duties paid by him in respect of the rent so lost." He thought the structure of the clause was defective, and he had prepared a clause which would affect the object contemplated. It provided, in substance, that when any landlord or lessor of any 1 tenement or hereditament in Ireland, assessed under sehe-1 dale D, had paid the tan, and arid prove to the commh shear that the rent due to him, or any port;on of it, was lathy the bankruptcy or insolvency, or absconding, of any tememl, he shield be entitled to be repaid in proportion to the NNW albs tar paid to reepeet of the rent so lost." H. sham term the clause till it could be properly in =he bad mentioned it now. The principle in it was habitually applied in England in re femme le house property. In the car of absconding who bad no effects or had removed them tio that tMlsmiss~eeuld not recover, the Inland Revenue did not emir lb& payment of duty from him. The absconding of tosamis is small holdispof land in Ireland was quite ann. loom le that. He would add, that it was intended, in levying the tax, to par ever the occupier in cases of small lenemenr, and go at once to the landlord or lesser. Ifft. I. BUTT proposed an intendment, to the effect that the ten should be levied on the occupier at once in all sirs where the rating did not exceed 15/., and above that that it should be levied on the landlord or lessor. He complained that the proposition of the After some conversation, the amendment was negatived. Hr. I. BUTT then proposed an amendment, for the pur pose of =Wag the assessment compulsory on tenants above 151. a year. Colonel DUNNE thought if there ought to be any ex emptions, it ought to be in the towns rather than the coun try distri cts. She committee divided— --- jos. th; amendment Against it l7O-109 Mr. CAIRNS then moved the following proviso That any immediate lessoe of any tenements or hereditaments in Ireland, charged with duties under schedule Aof this act, may, within twee, days after aetise ef such ekax er t writing under the band of himself of lie to the dither make seek ehaege. sleet Xtemeeel remote of sulk lesimmle heraditameate mehaM the easesemme mist isimesleD, sad thereupon so MA be Mira moistsash isthestinee*lssair Pr es:pea usib ie autg alleged miler othedob • Ile such mammies se Mosdillemeelm hid the laths shell be &egged on such immeilaie lam miler schedule D, computed ea a sum sot hoe them the immust ostunlly received by such im mediate lesser hi impel of such tememate sad Meats meats, width the per melbg os the peseeibig Mk deg of Apri/, without maths( any of the dodos*** width by the said act of the (Rh sad firth years of Mr 111.1sety, chapter thirty-five, are allowed to be mode upon maw meats under schedule D, bat dadastiag any sum paid by such lessee during the year hi respect of the poor rate for such tatemeues se lereditements." The committee divided— For the amendment 66 Against it. 94-26 The clause was then agreed to. On clause 16, Mr. F. FRENCH objected to power being given to sell the estates of an Irish landlord for the payment of this tax, the ues era ssesne rremed which was given under the poor law. Bo a power ought not to be continued without assegely. A noble lord in the other house had ;said that in t would ever dare to propose such a thing in V a l HERBERT said the landlord's estate might ac tually be sold under the poor law for the debt of another party—that of the absconding tenant. Its wished to know whether power would be taken to sell the property wider this bill. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said the sole object of the clause was to provide an easy remedy. (A load laugh from CAL Dunne.) The gallant colonel (said the right hon. gestlemen) may adopt any mode of proceed lug which be pthems in this house. I have seen quite enough of the larmltlng meaner in width he conducts him self not to be gamed by it. (" Hear, hear," and " No.") I most my I think the loud laugh with which he has re ceived my statement was insulting. (Hear, bear,) The CHAIRMAN—I think the right hon. gentleman will see that this is an expression which he ought not to use. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER— Oh, I I will withdraw it readily; but I must insist ea being pro tected against such a course of proceeding. Col. DUNNE said that his laugh was net directed against the right hon. gentleman, but was in consequence of en observation made to him by an hon. member near him. (Laughter.) The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER—I beg the hon. and gallant member's pardon. The right hon. gentleman proceeded to way that it would be for the com mittee to consider the best course of proceeding. It might be that the remedies provided by the poor law were the I best; but that was a practical question, and one for the committee to consider. Lord NAAS said it was difficult to find out what really were the powers given by this bill ; it referred to another act, in which a third act was cited. He would suggest that the same powers should be given as were given in the original poor law, and would move an amendment to that Sir J. YOUNG said that in England the corpus of the estate coital no: be sold for arrears of poor rate ; in Ireland it was differeat, for, by a process of law, the estate itself might be nachel He did not think the amendment of the noble THE EXPRESS, FRIDAY EVENING, JUNE 3. 1 R 53. lend would give a sufficient remedy, as the original poor law was very defective in this respect. The point might be con sidered before the third reading of the bill, sad some word' introduced to meet the noble lord's view ; for it certainly was nut the intention to sell the estate itself. (Hear.) After a few worts from Mr. N•es ea, Mr. M'MAIION inquired whether the Chancellor of the Exchequer had certain means of exacting the tax fern every acre assessed to it. and of protesting the district from a new assessment in the event of a defalcation on the part of tie collector ? Mr. GROGAN had no doubt means would be found to enforce the tax when it was levied, but he objected to the landlord being called upon to pay on what he did not receive. Colonel DUNNE thought protection should be given against defalcations on the part of the collectors appointed by the government. Mr. M`MAIION intimated that he had prepared an amendment to carry out his view in regard to the defalca tion of collectors. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER suggested that it should be brought up on the report. Mr. Iii'MAIION consented, and Lord NAAS having withdrawn his amendment, the clause was agreed to. The remaining clauses were then agreed to. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said he had now to bring up several new clauses. The first was ono to which be had referred early in the evening, and which was in substitution of the one proposed by the hon. member for Horsham. It entitled landlords in Ireland to claim re payment of the tax paid on rent lost by the bankruptcy, in solvency, or abseending of tenants, and he had added the words "by the land being left waste." (Hear.) The clause was agreed to and added to the bill. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER—The next clause had been suggested by an hon. member. It amended the position of parties with regard to the assessments in schedule A, and referred to England. If on an appeal there was any dispute about the annual value of the land, the commissioners now bad power to order a valuation, and this clause was for the purpose of extending that advantage to the parties appealing, who would be enabled to require a valuation to be made ; which power they did not hitherto have. The clause was agreed to, and added to the bill. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER—The next clause had been suggested by the noble lord the member for Northumberland, and referred to the description of relief given two years ago under the 3rd section of 13 & 14 Viet., c. 12, which allowed tenant farmers who gained their live lihood solely by husbandry to have the power of • half. yearly appeal. It was proposed to extend that relief by making it applicable to tenant farmers who gained their livelihood " principally " by husbandry ; but it was to be confined strictly to tenant farmers and not to persons farm ing their own land. 'I he clause was agreed to, and added to the bill. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER—The next clause had been prepared in consequence of a suggestion of the hon. member for Meath, and enabled clergymen and ministers of every denomination to deduct from their as sessable income charges incurred in the exercise of their professional duty. It did net exempt them as clergymen, but only put them on • tooting of equality with other pro fessions. The clause was agreed to and added to the bill. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER—There was one other clause—on which had been suggested by the hon. member fur Newcastle—and it was intended to enlarge the power of deduction with regard to bad and doubtful debts. At present those debts only were allowed for which were proved to be bad; and although the provisions of the bill might have included such debts as were only partially bad, yet, by a rigid construction of the law, they had been hitherto excluded. After a few words from Mr. GROGAN, expressing a wish that the clause should be extended to Schedule A, The clause was agreed to and added to the bill. Mr. I. BUTT brought up a new clause. By the present Mw, if there were any defalcation it must be made good by •s ~.eat of the district. That provision was just, ia gam" as the collector was in the hands of the local autho- Mee ; but in Ireland the fact was the reverse, and to apply the same enactment would be manifestly unjust. The ob ject of the clause, therefore, was to prevent its application to the sister country. The clause was agreed to and added to the bill. Mr. I. BUTT then proposed a second new clause, the object of which was to 'Mow the Irish landlords to deduct the amount they paid for poor rates from the income to be assessed. There was this difference in the cases of the twe countries : in England the rates wore paid entirely by the tenant, but in Ireland the landlord was compelled by law to pay at least one-half of the rate. Thus, if a man had a farm in England worth 1001. net, on which the rates were 101., the tenant would only give the landlord 1001. and pay the rates himself. In Ireland he would give 1051., so that in the latter case the landlord would have to pay income tax on 51. more than in England upon a property of exactly the same value. Besides, there was so enactment by which an English landlord, if he agreed to pay any portion of the tenant's rates, or, in other words, if be voluntarily placed himself in the position in which an Irish landlord was placed by law, he was allowed to make the deduction. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER desired the hes. gentleman to postpone the clause till the third read ing. Ito its present shape he could not swept it, bemuse from the valuation ' which was the basis of the aeseinment, the poor-rate had already been deducted. (Hear bear.) There might however be cases In which:the valuation was too high and in which the tenant might appeal and prove that nis rent was under the valuation. Some provision might be necessary to meet that case. (Hear, hear.) The clause was postponed accordingly. Mr. I. BUTT moved • a third clause, the necessity for which he admitted had been in great measure removed by alterations already made. Its object was to provide, that wherever the special eommiasionen adopted the option of assessing the tenant, the latter should only be assessed to the amount which he would himself be entitled to deduct from his landlord. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER objected to the proposed enactment. It would afford only an insignifi cant amount of relief, at the expense of a great deal of in convenience and expense. Mr. BUTT would not divide the committee, and with drew the clause. Sir D. NORREYS gave notice that on the third reading he should call attention to the wording of the 13th and 31st clauses,with a view to render their language more intelligible. In answer to a question from Mr. Srooxsz, The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said that the power of distress was indispensable in the case of small holdings, but, the rents being paid at short data, the tenant could reimburse himself. The prantble was then agreed to, and the house resumed. CUSTOMS, &c., ACTS. The house west Into committee on this bill. Mr. I. BUTT presented • petition from the cork-entters of Dublin against portions of the bill. Ms. MITCHELL had a question to ask, the answer to Atka might save some trouble. He had givea nodes of a was OD redoes the duty on foreign raisins to 10e. the =V to the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Perhaps the right hon. gentleman would law whether he intended to accede to that rodeo- IMm. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said that *boa jpeaosiat lest published the resolution, he was Misr ile impromims that raisins would be of great use is =lr thew aeity of currants, and on that ground the was /aped. But after that period the boa. member gave soda to reduce the duty on currants, a pro posal to which be (the Oheagaller of the Exchequer) could not wade. He shield have been delighted to do so had there been the slightest chases of benefit to the consumer, or reavery to the revenue, but the accounts of the supply were such as to put these results entirely out of the ques tion. There was a sort of currant famine, so that the loss on reduction would have been sheer loss without any ems palmation. Menacing accounts of the raisin crop had also ar rived, of frosts and flights of locusts, but better news had seine dna, and it appeared that the frost, instead of destroying the raisins, destroyed the locusts. (A laugh.) Besides that, he understood that there was as immense stock of low quality raisins in bond in this country, which would be available for consumption at a low duty. For these reasons he had determined to accede to the motion of the hon. member for Bridport. (Cheers.) The resolutions remitting the duty on foreign oaks NA cordage being put, Mr. MITCHELL said he did not intend to opens Ibis resolution, but trusted it would be followed Asa year by the remission of the duty oa wood. Lord J. MANNERS said that this duty mewled a branch of domestic manufacture, and its mod um ale called for by any interest. Ho should, thaeft4 gym the remission. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said did the duty, although light, involved heavy customs mob. lions, the operation of which prevented freedom of trade. When goo were entirely free, there was nothing sum, eery but • search to ascertain that they wen what they were described to be, but when a duty was paid there were various stages expensive to the revenue and obstructive to the traffic. The remission of these small duties had pre vented that increase of expense in collection which might have been expected from the vest increase in our commerce. Mr. NEWDEGATE considered it a great waste of re to take off duties on articles when the duties were not oppressive. Lord J. MANNERS said when they remitted an excise duty, they were enabled to dispense with the anion of the collectors, and thus to save the cost of collection, whereas when they repealed Customs duties they could not dispense with the services of Custom House officers, sad consequently could not effect a saving in the cost of collection. With • view of testing the opinion of the committee he should take • division. The committee then divided— For the proposal 69 Against it 194 Majority for the government .... 126 On the article " pictures," on which it was proposed to remit the du, Lord J. M ANNERS said he thought the remission would be absurd, and that maritime constituencies would have great reason to complain if this duty were taken off and the tax on marine insurance retained. As the only effect would be to diminish the revenue of the country, he should take a division on the question. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER could not but express his surpise and regret at this opposition. (Hear, hear.) The greatest danger of the present age was, per haps, utilitarianism, and parliament was expending large sums of money with the view of cultivating the taste of the people. (" Oh, oh," from the opposition.) He was surprised to find that remark received with jeers. (Hear, hear.) The question was not simply whether they should part with two or three thousand pounds a year, but whether it was desirable to make the people familiar with the works of the great matters in art. It was because he believed the culture of the eye to be va luable to a nation that he proposed this remission. Statues were already exempt from duty, and he should hare thought that the noble lord, who had set himself manfully against the utilitarianism of the age, would have been the last man to oppose the placing of pictures on the same level. (Hear, hear.) He was convinced that there never was a proposition more thoroughly in unison with the spirit of the House of Commons. (Cheers.) Mr. NEWDEGATE thought the remission far more likely to benefit the epicure than the lab .uring man. It was the last glimmer of an ivies fatness Lord J. MANNERS said after the eloquent appeal of the right hon. gentlemen some boo. members might be surprised to learn that the groat inducement which he offered to the people of this country to study the winks of the great masters was the removal of a duty of Is. od. on a Correggio, or a Titian and of an additional duty of 8-10ths of a penny per foot. (L aughter.) When ten or eleven thou- sand pounds had been recently offered for a picture for the National Gallery, he would leave the committee to judge what effect this remission was likely to have on the taste of the people. (Hear, hear.) The committee then divided. Forth e item lB6 Against it 46-110 On the article of raw apples, Sir W. JOLLIFFE advocated an equalisation of the duties on all foreign fruits. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said that it would be a very good thing if all these fruits were en tirely free, but there were certain necessities in regard to raising revenue. The principle upon which a •ariable duty had been imposed was this—upon the more perishable fruits the smaller duties were placed. Mr. VANSITTART moved that the Chairman report progress. After a few words from Sir W. lomArrE, The CHAIRMAN put the question, which was negatived without a division. Mr. TOLLEMACHE protested against the alterations proposed to be made in the duty upon cheese. He moved that butter and cheese be excluded from the list of articles to be dealt with. Mr. A. PELLATT thought that the present duty upon butter and cheese would bear alteration better than that upon any other article in the list. Mr. GEORGE observed that since the introduction of free trade, the farmers of Ireland dad turned their atten tion to pasture, and he could not therefore but look upon it as unfortenate that the present time had been selected for reducing the duty on butter by one half. (Rear.) In reply to Mr. Srooaren, The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said that when Sir Robert Peel fixed the duty en butter at its pre sent amount, he apprehended he did so with the intention of its being unfixed at a proper time. (Hear, and laughter.) Mr. SPOONER said that the result of their legieation would be to destroy the whole productive power of the country. I The Marquis of ORANBY hoped that the right hon. gentleman, like Sir Robert Peel, was only unsettling the present duties in order to reimpose them again. He could tell the right hon gentleman that the people of this coun try would not endure to have the revenue raised by excise duties whilst luxuries were admitted free of duty from fo reign countries. (Hear.) After a few words from Sir W. Valises, Sir W. JOLLIFFE said that this measure would affect iejuriously the people of Ireland, and he thought it very ungracious that thin reduction should be proposed at the present moment. Sir A. BROOKE protested against the proposition on the part of his constituent?. He suggested that the duty should be 7s. 6d. instead of 6s. Mr. TOLLEMACHE mid that he would take the divi sion on the omission of butter. The committee divided: For the amendment _ Against it l4l-92 On our re4dmisaion to the gallery, Sir A. BROOKE was protesting ardent proceeding further with the resolutions that night, and said ho should move that the Chairman do report progress. After a conversation the resolution relating to butter was agreed to. On the resolution for reducing the duty on cheese from 6e. to 2a 6d , Mr. COLVILLE moved to omit the resolution. The committee divided— For the amendment Against it 136-95 Another motion for reporting progress having been mode, The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER stated that he should not object to postpone any resolution if hon. members wished it ; but he wished the committee to go through those resolutions that were not opposed. After a conversation, The committee divided on the motion for reporting pro. gross : Ayes Non 125-114 The committee then went through several of the other unopposed items in the tariff, and confirmed the proposed dirties. Oa the article of some preparation of cotton, Mr. HINDLEY objected to any protective duty on any article of cotton. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said there was no protective duty as far as the manufacturers were eoneerned ; the duty was on a half made-up article, which was used by a certain class of artisans, and it wee intended fce their benefit. After ume venation the consideration of that article was postponed. Mr. MITCHELL thosght that the officers of the can ought to be relieved from the necessity of judging of the value of watches. A duty upon all watches of 6s. each would be a better plan than the present. In reply to a question from Mr. Nawoao•vi, The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said that no objection had been made to the proposed duties on watches by the trade. After some further conversation it was agreed that the consideration of watches should be pastpemeL The list of articles having boa gang limangb. The Cnitaucti reported progress, and received leave to sit again. BANKRUPTCY (SCOTLAND) BILL. Upon the motion of the LAND ADVOCATi this bill was read a second time. lURY FOREST BILL. This bill 1;;;;(1111-;;;;ico-osLaii;e7 HACKNEY CARRIAGES (METROPOLIS) BILL. Mr. FITZROY said that as the City was averse to this bill he would not it upon them. Sir J. SHEI.I.IY laid he had very little faith in the City authorities, emil Wore voting ha should like to have the meemmee et nee ems connected with the corporation that the; weak lake seldom steps in the matter. Lott ALKERSTON said that it was well known that a eorandsies was about to issue to inquire into the govern• wit of the CNN and that, therefore, the hon. :amber (Sir J. Shelley) seed mot rem his suggestion. Upon the question that the bill be read a third time, Lord D. STUART said this bill gave powers to the pollee to appoint men to watch every cab rank. He wished know from what fund this body of men were to be peidKr. ? FITZROY said the men would be pail out of the esseaue raised from omnibus end ash • Lord A. VANE moved the Megrims temestmenb : Schedule A, column 3, line 3, after the word "mile" insert "and after the rate of three pence for every half mile or portion of half mile, over and above the first mile otom pitted." Kr. FITZROY opposed the amendments which were con. empseatly withdrawn. The bill was then read a third time and passed. ACCIDENTS IN COAL MINES. Mr. HUTCHINS moved the nomination of the commit tee on accidents in coal mines. - CAYLEY opposed the nomination. Lord PALMERSTON supported the nomination, and pledged himself to bring in a bill during the present mission to remedy the defects In the law. He should propose that penalties be inflicted on owners of mines who should neglect to attend to the suggestions of the inspectors. After a few observations from Mr. HUTCHINS, Mr. CAYLEY withdrew his opposition; and the come mitts. was nominated. _ . _ The hones adjourned at a quarter to 3 o'clock. PLYMOUTH ELECTION. RETURN OF MR. R. PALMER. The official declaration of the poll took place at flee o'clock. Bounden Palmer G. T. Brains Majority for Palmer 6B GOVERNMENT OF INDIA. Cbwhreter Cowper A meeting in reference to the future government of India was held in the Town Hall, at Birmingham, on Wednesday evening, the Maxon in the chair. There was a very large attendance, and the discussion excited a good deal of interest. Mr. Bright, M.P., and Mr. Seymour, M.P., were present: these gentlemen were introduced by Mr. Joseph S•urge. Mr. SZYMOVE and Mr. BRIO/IT addressed the meeting, and Mr. Councillor RATCLIFFE moved, and Mr. Alderman BALDWIN seconded, a petition to parliament for the re form of the Indian government, in furtherance of Mr. Bright's views on the subject, the borough members being requested to support its prayer. The Mayor was requested to sign the petition on behalf of the meeting. GUARDIAN LUPE AND FIRE INSURANCE SOCIETY.— Yesterday the annual general meeting of this society was held at Lombard-street; Thomson Hankey, Esq., jun., in the chair. There was o full attendance of directors and proprietors. A .dividend of 2/. 51. per share, for the year, out of the profits was declared, being equal to 5 per cent. per annum on the paid•up capital. The retiring directors I and auditors were re-elected. PARLIAMENTARY DIVISIONS. - HOUSE OF LORDS.—Juxv: 2. LORD LYN utivusrb ALTERATION OP OATHS I:ILL. MINORITY. Lord Chancellor /4/1111. annoys. lot MAL Gained Compbed Argyll Granville Overbill Bedford Haddington Colborne Steelman Kinn:me Congleton Cleveland Powis Cremorne Leinater Scarborough De Hanley Newcastle Sefton Elphinstone Norfolk S Mara Foley II AIIIII7ZSZIL Spencer Ilatlerton Clanrkards Wicklow Leigh Conyngharn Yarborough LynJhurst Lansdowne Zetland Manners Onamde viscuurrs. Monteagle Sligo Canning Panmtuo WILL Enfield Petre Aberdeen Sydney Poltimore Airlis u:snors. Rivers Albemarle Norwich Stye and Pale Sesoborough Worcester Stanley of Alde::ey Burlingtnn u %RON& Suffield Camperdown Beaumont Carlisle Broughoun Bolton Byron Cassoys PAIRS. Marquis of Exeter Bishop of Bangor Earl Lanerlowough Bishop of Gloucester Marquis of Aotlimey ElAhoy of Dora= Eal Eaeber Earl Vaui In \VrottcPiey Wenluck 1101:SE OF COMMONS.—JuNE 1. lIACKNEY CARRIAOE 9 (METROPOLIS) BILL. Further proceeding on third reading resumed.—Amendment pro- posed, at the cod of clause 2, to add the words "Provided, how ever, that to case of the rettwal or suopenrion of any inch Manse an aforesaid, it shall bo lawful for the proprietor of any ouch stage or hackney carriage, or other persons applying for such licence, or sub jected to moth suopenslon, to appeal from the decision of the com missioners of pollee to the metropolitan police maoriotrate for the time being sitting at the police °lncest llow.streeh"—(air. Pigott.) Question put,"That those words be there added."—The home divided: Ayes 02, Noes 79. AYER. - . Aeland, Sir T. D. Evans, ShITCL. &hole field, W. Arkwright, 0. Forbes, W. Seobell, Captain Barrow, W. H. French, F. Shelley, Sir .1. V. Berkeley, Hon. C. F. Gallwey, Sir W.l'. Stanley. Lord Brady, J. Gibson, Rt. ILL T. AI. Wean, Lord D. Butler, C. S. Greene. J. Thieknesee, R. A. Cavendleh, How 0. hall, Sir B. Turner, C. Chambers H. Hawkins, W. W. Whalley, 0. H. Chaplin, W. J. Kenai dy, T. Wha.man, J. Cubbold, I. C. Longton, 11.0. Whitbread, S. Cowan. C. O. prime,Wilnier, L t. DES. Laelett, W. Williams W. Crook, J. Marshall, W. Wortley, RL lin. J. S. Cubitt, Mr. Aid. Mailings J. R. TILLI2II4 Duey, C. 0. Pigott, F. Duncan, Inglis, Sir E. H. A'Court, C. W. W. Fltererakl. W. It. S. Norreys, Sir D. J. Baines, RL Hon. M.T. Fitzroy, Hon. IL Palmerston, Viscount Barrington, Viscount Forster, Clarks l'arker, It. T. Bass, M. T. Fox, W. J. I'minant, lion. Col. Berkeley, C. L. G. Frrertun, Colonel Percy, Hon. J. W. Blair, Colonel Fuller A. R. Phuin, Thomas Boyle, Han. Colonel Galway, Viscount Pdkington, 'amen Brand, Hon. Henry Goddard, A. L. Ponsisoby, Hon. A. Brothertom Joseph Goderick, Viscount Portman. lion. W. Br' ice, Lord Ernest Granby, Marquis of Ricardo, Osman Bruce, U. A. Gregron, Simnel Rice, F. R. Rya", Hon. 0.11. C. Herbert, Killion. S. Russell, F. C. H. Cavendish, Hon. C. C. Hervey, Lo-d Allred Soule, C. R. G. Charted/, Hon. F. Heyworth, Lawrence Sheridan, It. R. Cockburn, Sir A. J. E. liindley, Charles Strutt, RL lion. E. Culsile, C. R. Jolliffe, Sir W. G. 3 ownelev, Charles Conte, Sir C. U. Kendall, Nicholas Trollops, Sir John Cowper, Hon. W. F. Keogh, William Vane, Lora A. Cranford, E. H.J. Lowden, Pryso Villiars, Rt. lIJII. C. Dalrymple, Viscount Lowe, Robert Vivian, J. H. Davie. Sir H. It. P. MacGregor James Wickham, fl. W. Drundanrig, Viscount Michell, William Wilkinson, W. A. Duckworth. flirJ.T.B. Houck, Viscount Wyndham, William Duacombe, Hon. A. Hornell, William Young, Sir John Ellice, Edward Morgan, Charles TILLER; Elliot, lion. J. E. Murphy, F. 8. Hayter, W. G. Erase, William Napier, Rt. Hon. J. Mulgrave, Earl of Yellows% Edward REDUCTION OF THE DUTY ON RAISINS. It will be seen by our parliamentary report that the Chancellor of the Exchequer has candidly and wisely adopted the view urged in these columns, and resolved to adhere to the original plan for a reduced duty on raisins. By this decision the working people of this country will be able to get good and cheap dried grapes —or, in other words, will find themselves in the deserved enjoyment of a few extra " plums in their pudding." THE 00' SCHEME FOR LNDIA. Gossip says that the government scheme for India will this morning be placed confidentially before the Court of Directors, to be discussed by them ;—any opinion they may come to on the subject of the plan to be communicated to Sir C. Wood before the hour at which he makes his statement this evening in the House of Commons. The scheme, it is rumoured, is likely to involve the establishment of a new Council for India, to be formed partly of nominees of the Crown, and partly of members of the Court of Directors who have seen service in India. One or more members of this council may probably have charge of each department of Indian administration ; and some of the body, if it be formed, are expected to be members of parliament, and thus open to interroga tion in the House. A portion of tho Indian patronage, it is rumoured, is likely to fall to the lot of a few of the national educational institutions. Of course these rumours can only be taken for what they may be worth, as, until Sir Charles Wood has really made his explanation, the Cabinet scheme must be considered to be an official secret. MR. VANDERBILT'S STEAM YACHT. The gigantic American steam yacht the North Star, which arrived at Southampton on Wednesday, now lies along the North Quay of Southampton-dock. Mr. Vanderbilt, the owner, with his family, lauded, and pro ceeded to London, yesterday morning. The yacht has ex cited the greatest interest amongst the shipbuilders, en gineers, and the commanders and officers of the steam pac kets at the above named town. Large numbers of persons visited her yesterday, and crowds will visit her to-day, who are to be admitted on board by tickets issued front the American consulate. The appearance of the North Star, both inside aid out, is of the most singular character, for she possesses all the characteristics of an American river and ocean steamer. She looks as big as the monster steamers of the West India Company. The edge of her bow forms a vertical line, and the sides of the latter are perfectly wedge-shaped. She is steered forward, the wheel is situated in • comfortable apartment, and com municates with the rudder by ropes and rods. The steers men are thus close to the look-out man, and there is at tached to the wheel a bell which communicates with the engine -room by means of which signals can be communi cated to that department. The upper deck is flushed, the centre portion of which is covered, the covering forms a sort of spar deck, and above this deck some portion of the steam machinery extents. The spar deck, as it may be called, is level with the top of the paddle-box. Handsome flights of stairs lead to the saloon, which is larger and more magnificent than the saloon of any ocean steamer afloat, and even surpasses in splendour the Queen's yacht the Victoria and Albert. The carpets and furniture are superb. Ranged round the saloon are capacious and beautifully furnished cabins, the doors and panels of which are of wild bird's-eye maple and rosewood. Mirrors extending from the ceiling to the floor are fixed in the cabins. The dining saloon is also a very' splendid apartment, the wails of which appear of polished and variegated marble and malachite. This substance is, however, formed of a conglomerate of stone, marble, and glass, and is a recent American invention. It is fixed on wood peculiarly seasoned, and bears an exquisite polish. Fixed on iron, it forms handsome table and chimney slabs and tops of chiffonaiezes, specimens of which are seen in the saloons. The walls of the dining saloon composed of this material appear warmer, and look far more beautiful than if they were of marble. The ma lachite and marble colours relieve one the other, and panels and gilt mouldier prevent, also, anything like an appear- ace of monotony. Beneath the saloons there is another fine deck, extending the whole length of the ship. Its gloominess being lit chiefly by port-boles, its immense extent and rows of massive pillars as supports, makes it appear like the vault of some cathedral. This immense and seemingly under ground saloon is beautifully clean, and the floor is painted oak. It would form, and no doubt has formed, a magnificent ocean ball-room. No one can have an idea of the immense space contained in very large ships, unless they see the in terior of such a vessel as the North Star, unencumbered es she is with passengers, berths and holds for cargo. The North Star stows away about 600 tons of coal, and her con sumption of fuel during the voyage was about 60 tons a day. She is slenderly rigged, just like all American steamers. She cost about 600,000 dollars building. The expense of beeping such a yacht is about 3001. a week. Mr. Vander kilt is immensely rich. He was at one time proprietor of a large number of the gigantic American river steamers, and at the present time owns a large number of the packets which ply between New York and San Francisco. In this magnificent trip to England by Mr. Vanderbilt, brother Jonathan has certainly gone a head of himself, and has, at lea.t, surpassed everything of the kind hitherto done by millionaire Englishmen. WATERLOO BRIDGE CONlPANT.—Yesterday the half-yearly general assembly of proprietors of this com pany was held at the Freemasons' Tavern, Groat Queen street, Lincoln's-inn-fields ; Mr. Joseph Smith in the chair. The tolls received from 23rd August, 1852,t0 23rd February, 1853, amounted to 8,7701.9 e. ; and those for corresponding period of preceding year to 9,513/. lls. 7d. After paying l eurrent charges, expenses, providing for the interest of tke company's bonds, and making a dividend of 3s 61. in the • pound for the annuitants in February last, there re mained a balance of 3,5101. 16s. Ild. The roads and bridgo were in a very satisfactory state. The report and auditors' account wore adopted. ghe era3roA. TO CORRESPON r , econd Edition ef " 1 tie knerces," coot, won ante elven " Genetic," in publithed every Tuesday tut Friday eight, la u m , Nor roe le•T tisenteittp intended for " The Enrollee," London Evening pi m p otilet l• lay of at tublication.he Office. 10 , lioltuene..totet, by Iwo 0. 01001 pa AZ p /UGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE. Ttu D.*—Moralsr. N b. Om. Afternoon. ob. Gm. T.roaarw—iitormag. 00. 30a AltCrlloo73. 04. 41,ay LONDON, FRIDAY; JUNE 3. WHEN friends of free and constitutional govern ment express doubts of the ability of Austria to crush the liberties of Switzerland, we agree with them. But when they go on to argue from this concession that in existing circumstances—at the present moment—Austria will not make the attempt, we may call in question the soundness of their rea soning. Despotistn is quite as liable to be blinded by passionate desire as popular feeling ; and though Austria may—must fall short of the conquest of Swiss liberties, yet it may do a world of by the attempt. To that attempt Austria will be encouraged by the assurance of the active sympathy and support of the posse Contitabis of Ger man and Italian despots. We hear much in these days of popular conspiracies, but much less than we ought to do of the plots of despotism against nations. This is owing to the same cause to which Amy Slum long ago attributed the fact that while combi nations of workmen were everywhere clamoured against, nobody seemed to imagine that there were such things as combinations of masters. The few can combine effectively and quietly ; the many ar e unavoidably loud and demonstrative ; the few can glide to the attainment of their objects silent andun, observed as serpents; the mere multitude of the many is an inevitable cause of noise. Yet even the few can at times betray, by lack of circumspection, the movements they would keep secret,—as in the case of the present conspiracy of crowned heads against Switzerland. Not a step has been taken by Austria in its recent quarrels with the Swiss Cantons, but a parallel movement has been made at the same time by other anti-liberal Governments. No sooner was the brawl raised by Austria on account of an alleged complicity of Ticino with the Milanese insurgents, than the King of Pnusst.► hastened to notify that when he resumed the government of Neufchatel, be would not hold himself bound by any railway contracts of the actual rulers. As the mire understanding between Switzerland and Austria be. came more threatening, Wurtemberg and Bavaria— the satellites of Austria—and Baden, the Govern. ment of which has been re-established by Prussian , arms, and is at this moment claimed for the expenses of the war—proffered their mediation, each in turn prefacing its offer by a declaration that Austria was in the right. And now that the Austrian Minister has been withdrawn from Switzerland, those three honest mediators begin to talk of a frontier blockade. The King of Paussta has been prating at Vienna about the likelihood of the Prussian and Austrian armies being called upon to fight side by side in some holy cause. And, lastly, while Austrie has been driving shoals of industrious labourers from its Italian dominions to starve in a small Swiss canton, in the hope that their sufferings might pro• duce discontent and disturbances, the old conspiracy of the Sonderbund—whose leaders experienced cone. tenance and protection in Austria—has actually risen again in arms in Fribourg. The symptoms of despotic conspiracy against Switzerland are too plain to be mistaken. The hatred entertained by the despots of Europe towards Switzerland is too well known to admit of astonish• meat being excited by this. Austria, indeed, has a private and pressing reason for wishing to sweep the independent State of Helvetia from its path. We do not mean that theHouseof HAPSBURG BO persists in regarding the Cantons as rebellious subjects, of whom it is bound in honour to attempt the re-conquest,-- though the memory of dynasties in such matters is as tenacious as that of the Moors in North Africa, who are said still to keep possession of the keys of the houses in tho Spanish towns from which they were driven. Bat apart from this : the darling object of Austrian ambition is to confirm and extend its territorial ac quisitions in Italy. Since the growth of the Pros sign power Austria has lost all hope of subjecting Germany, and aims at compensation in a sunnier land. 'Whoever takes the trouble to consult the journals and correspondence of the first Lord MALMESBURY will find that this aspiration was frankly confessed both by MARIA TUEREnk and her eon Josorn IL And whoever consults the history of the French Revolution will find that FRANCIS, when he abdicated the throne of the Holy Roman Empire, on the formation of the Confederation of the Rhine, and changed his title from Emperor of GERMANY to Emperor of AUsTRIA, retained pos session not only of such Italian territories as were fiefs of Austria, but of those which appertain to the Empire, and ought to have been surrendered by him when he ceased to be its Sovereign. It is ro. necessary to insist upon the shameless greed with which Austria subsequently accumulated other par cels and portions of Italian territory, now as the accomplice of NAPOLEON, now of the allied Sovereigns, or upon its obvious eagerness to enrich itself in the present day at the expense either of tho States of the Church or of Sardinia, as may seem for the moment most expedient. Enough : the eager, hereditary, wolf-like hunger of Austria for wider lands in Italy is transparent. It must be clear that far a government which has its heart set upon such dishonest acquisition, a free neutral State like Switzerland, in immediate proximity, and upon its flank, is an awkward neighbour. Austria hungers and thirsts for the extinction of Swiss nationality, in order that it may with greater security push its nefarious projects in Italy. The cause of the hatred entertained by the crowned co-conspirators of Austria for Switzerland is pal pablo to the dullest understanding. The vicinity of a free Government is in their eyes a permanent bad lesson to the serfs whom they call subjects. The existence of a free neutral territory in their neighbourhood is a great nuisance in their eyes whenever they make a battue of Liberals. Switzer land was spared with reluctance in 1815, when Rolland and Venice were extinguished. Opportu nities to assail it have been sought for with cat-like watch ever since. And now an attempt appears to be on the evo of being made to carry BYRON'S pro' phecy into fulfilment : The name of Commonwealth is crushed and gone O'er the three fractions of the groaning globe ; Venice is crushed ; and Holland deigns to own A sceptre, and endures the purple robe ; If the free Switzer yet bestrides alone, His chainless mountains, 'tie but for a time ; For Tyranny of ►ate is cunning grown, And in her own goad season tramples down The sparkles of our ashes. The conviction that we arc on the eve of such an attempt increases the regret with which every true Englishman remarks the subservient tone adopted of late by his own Government towards the despots of the continent. The KOSSUTH niece's-nest is ono symptom of this; a worse is the missionary expcdt tion of the King of ilkUal:Nl to organise an Orleans league among the German princes, and the at' tempt their . IT ltusmar Tilts us wha of India abroad perman Englan also tl themse one qul instant said --v itoustE munica so as I certain Pireeto Indian some E Bred of the i n Pat I)%nto conic of Indi give it licly, of corrcsp take P Cannot and thi confide that th on gerous on the the llc