Star. — London, England, 1818-05-27 00:00:00

.. . I._ - • r -----"'"'."'""'n' I kr. MANNING said the inform ation was g iven -----__ vor• •• him to think that the Bank had made no serious! in the papers on the table. The Ballt had paid 14 )aratinn nor resuming payment in cath on dc-I of such notes; they found it totally impossible Oa de- ad. •He,lvsos,there ore of opinion that they could tect them altogether. ; &lir Isa•Mlng foil Bill, wnsidering the situation LOAN PROM THE RANK. which Govern•rent had placed the Bank. Mr. JOHN SMITH begged to ask a few quesnons Lord KING c .,uld not consent to have the re- of the Right Honourable Gentleman opposite, which m p t ion of cash payments b y th e Bank of En g land were very i n te r esting to the public in general, at a depead on the operation of foreign Courts ; neither period when every report was resorted to to injure Id he consent to allow this influence of foreign the public credit, by depreciating the prices of the - to exist, on the bare assertion of the First funds. He would therefore ask the Right Hon. of the Treasury, and Chancellor of the &else- Gentleman, whether it was intended, as reported, to The Noble Lord followed in the same course raise any money by loan, or in any other manner, in argument as thsit adopted by Lord Lauderdale ; the current year ; and whether there was any nego -.ve notice that heavould move a clause in the ciaticn on foot for continuing the Loan from the mittee to restrain the Bank from making any Bank of three millions, instead of paying it off? idend of profits whenever the price of gold was The third question was very material, because the we the Mint price. 'public were very much misled by a notion, that if 'Lord LIVERPOOL would not detain the Reese the six millions were paid by Government to the r going again at length into the arguments on this Dank, that the amount of Bank Notes would be so ill. In reply to the question of a Noble Baron much lessened, and the circulating medium in that wille), who had asked whether this continuation proportion decreased ? • Restrictions was indulgence to the Bank, The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER ex. ted at their solicitation ? he had no hesitation in pressed his astonishment that any report of further ••, it was not an indulgence which the Dan k money to be raised, b y loan or otherwise, this year, so licited ; on the contrary, as far as the interests should be in circulation. Indeed, the amount funded Bank were concerned, they were ready to re- lately was so considerable as to render it almost im- I cash payments. The Noble Baron had spoken possible that Government would have any necessity the Bank as if that Body were forcing on the to resort either to funding or a loan at any period 'lc, against its will, a depreciated currency. — during the next year. Bu t, in his situation, he should he (Lord Liverpool) believed he was as well in- not wish to say more on this part of the question. As formed as the Non - le Baron was, of the opinion of to the three millions, a negociation was on foot, and • people at large on this subject ; and he did be- nearly concluded with the Bank, to pay a moderate., e, that a majority of the people preferred the interest, by continuing that sum as a loan on Excite depreciated currency, and did not wish a termination quer Bills. In reply to the last question, he had to r estriction. In that he differed with them ; for say, that Government had arranged with the Bank Iviously desired to see the resumption of cash to make their payments of the six millions at various /milts, because he considered the present system periods most convenient to both parties. No pay productive of false wealth ; and, therefore, he ments of this nature would confine or lessen the mid look on it, if taken as a permanent system, as amount of Bank Notes in circulation. The Bank extremely injurious. Directors have the entire controul over the amount fter a few words from Lord GRENVILLE and the of paper which they may deem it proper to put in .r 1 of LivenPoot., the House went into Committee. circulation. They would no doubt act liberally in Lord LAUDERDALE moved a Clause, limiting this respect, and accommodate their issues to the • duration of the Bill to six weeks after the meeting wants of the country. the next - Session of Parliament. Mr. TIERNEY observed, that it was evident that Upon this amendment a division took place—Con- the Bank never could possibly pay in specie; and he 9—Nun-contents 22—Majority against the supposed this was the intention, if the Government Amendment 13. did not repay the six millions which had been ad- Strangers were not a g ain admitted; but during van ed by the Bank ; and with regard to the three • exclusion the several other Amendments were millions, it was equally evident, that if an immediate and negatived without a division. The Bill went arrangement were not made with the Bank, an inte- Tough a Committee, the Report was received, and rest of 4 per cent. would be payable on that sum. ' Bill ordered to be read a tl ird time to-morrow. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER re- Ajourned at Twelve o'Clock. plied, that by a progressively gradual payment the HOUSE OF COMMONS. six millions would, in due time, be repaid to the :. LAMB presented a Petition from cerLin Proprietors of Bank ; and as he had already stated, there was an .rury-lane Theatre, praying that the Bill now before the House arrangement at this moment in progress between the should not paw into a law. Government and the Bank for taking the three mil- Petitiosis were also presented from Sheffield, and other places, lions on a continued loan, at a low rate of interest. vying that the passing of the Poor Settlement Bill should be postponed for the present. DROITS OF ADMIRALTY. Mr. CALCRAFT brought in a Bill to repeal the present Sir JAMES MACKINTOSH said, he rose to give Duties on Rock Salt, and to impose lower duties in lieu thereof • notice of a motion for Monday, founded on what he 'lead a first, an/ ordered to be read a stood time to-morrow. .:curitics Bill went through a Committee.— had no doubt mast be the general opinion , that due The Negotiable S Report received, and the Bill ordered to be read a third lima respect had not been shewn to the House of Corn 'o -morrow. mons. As long since as the 10th of February, the The London Coals, the Irish Excise License. the Madder House had voted an Address to the Prince Ret(ent, Duties, the Irish Treasury Bills, the Passengers Vessels, and Bills, were passed. requesting that he would be pleased to order infor .lfis,le from the Lords announced that their le.rdMips mation to be communicated concerning the Droits of agreed to the New Churches Building Bill (w.th tome Admiralty. Yet nearly four months had passed amendment.), and some oilier Bills. without any compliance by his Majesty's servants Mr. COURTEN A Y moved for lease to bring in a Bill for •, with t he order of their Sovereign. It was then fore his • establishment of Parochial Benefit Societies; and also fora 'for the further Encouragement and Protection of Friendly intention, if tie accounts were not presented forthwith. Societies.—Leave given. to move that an humble Address be presented to the The Clandestine Marriage Bill was reported. Prince Regmt, apprising him of the neglect with The Scotch Churches and Liana& Forest Bills weft CO.m wh • ' leh his commands had been treated. misted. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER ex- BRADBURY'S PATENT. Mr. P. MOORE moved the second reading of Bradbury's Patent Bill. Mr. MANNING was fearful this invention of Mr. Bradbury's would not be productive of any advan -to the public. Mr. Bradbury was an engraver, had invented a plate for notes and bills, which, was said . by those who supported his claim, could be imitated. Now he had seen persons who had mined Mr. Bradbury's invention, and who were Jpinion they could produce such an imitation of as should deceive a casual observer, n two or tree days. Mr. P. MOORE was surprised at the statement of Hon. Director, who now wished to throw cold water on this invention for the protection of the pub lic had taken much pains to investigate the in :ion of Mr. Bradbury, and was persuaded it would, adopted, at least materially increase the difficulty forgery. FORGERIES OF SANK-NOTES. Sir JAMES MACKINTOSH said, he had received :out many parts of the kingdom a great number of communications for preventing forgeries of Bank tes. He wished to suggest to. the Right Honour .de Gentleman opposite, that it would be very ex pedient to proceed to the nomination of the Commis sioners as suon as possible, and to make their appoint ment generally known, in order that individuals , ight know where to address them. This would :nd to satisfy the great anxiety of the public. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER an swered, that steps had already been taken for the ap ,intment of Commissioners, and he had no doubt fery opportunity would be taken of complying with e Learned Gentleman's suggestion. Sir M. \V. RIDLEY reprehended a particular griev ance on the public with respect to those forgeries. 'he case on which the Grand Jury determined went plained that the delay had unavoidably arisen from the necessity of having communications with several persons. But he hoped they might be presented in time to save the Hon. and Learned Gentleman the trouble of making his motion. LAND TAX ASSESSMENTP. Mr. BROUGHAM wished to learn from the Right Hon. Gentleman opposite, whether any orders had been issued from the Treasury, to the District Sur veyors, respecting the assessments of the Land-tax ? He particularly wished to know what authority had been given for a certain Circular Letter which had been sent from a Surveyor to an Assessu` in a dis tant district (he alluded to the County of Westmor land), and which had been published in the News papers? It was a direction from this officer not to proceed in the Laaci-tax Assessments till further or ders. As the law stood, the Bill on this subject hav ing been lately thrown out, these officers take on themselves, in co::tempt of the privileges of the House, a4cl the rights of Electors, to adopt a measure for disfranchising voters at the eve of a general election ; and if the matter were not satisfactorily accounted for, he should call for the attendance of those officers at the bar. But he should take a shorter mode than moving for the production of that letter by the per sons who received it; for if he were driven to this ne cessity, it was clear, that before his object could be attained, the Parliament would he prorogued, and perhaps dissolved. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said, if any such order had been given, there could be no doubt it must have been a general one. Mr. BROUGHAM was surprised that the Right Hon. Gentleman should stand up in his place and ex press any doubt whether he had issued such an order or not. It was an order that was probably signed by three Lords of the Treasury. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER re plied that he did not believe the Lords of the Trea sury had signed any such order. Mr. LUSHINCiTON added that he did not believe any such order had been issued from the Treasury. Mr. BROUGHAIvI then said he should move— " That there be forthwith laid before the House an Account of any Order issued from the Lords of the Treasury to District Surveyors, within the last three months, regarding the Assessment of the Land Tax." Mr. P. MOORE observed,, that nothing could be more material in the event of a General Election than to see the vote of the Land Tax. If the Land Tax Vote-book were not forthcoming, it put it into the power of the Returning Officer to return whatever Candidate he pleased. He hoped the House would look at this question with the serious attention which belonged to it. Mr. WYNNE suggested that the order in question might have proceeded from the Tax Office, and that Imply at present on a Clerk of the Bank saying that note is forged. On being asked how he knew this, , answer was, that he could give no opinion, as he was sworn to secrecy. Thus, on no other grounds -ere so many of our fellow-creatures brought into a :uation of life or death. The Commissioners ottOt have some power of inquiring into this part of the bject. He wished also to know what was to be the Amber of the Commissioners, and the amount of their salaries ? The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUUR said, the number would be from five to seven; as to the salaries, although he could not say specifically what hey would be, he was sure the House would be of )inion that such Gentlemen could not be expected give their time and labour without remuneration. Mr. BENNET wished to know whether it were .ot a fact which had been asserted, that the Bank iad frequently paid 1/. notes which had turned out be forged ? (............. ced him 1 preparati mand. - I not Ikrys iu which Lord sumpLior to depel , , could he Courts I Lord of I quer. 1 of argot , . and gav Commit ' .• • dividend i, above 61 Lord by gohil i• Bill. It (Grenvil . , ) of the granted saving, j ha d soli of the li some ca of the ' 1 Public, Now he formed the peo. lieve, ti tlepreci; of the r t he anri , ) t payrnc , ) • as prod should one eat After ) Earl of Lord the dur of the 1 tent Upo 1 ,' s f Arnett% ii our ex , put, at throw, the Bi . Atli Mr. ] Drury-I ' should r Petit • pr: ing postpon Mr. 1 Duties •lii I 1 - Read a The Report to-mon The Duties, other f A M had ag amendr Mr. the esta BM for Soder', The The sewed. Mr. Bradh Mr. Bradt tage t 1 and h it was not b 4 exami .. of opi it as , three Mr the } water lic. . ventic if adc of for I Sir from i coma i Notes able pedie, siouet :rent 1, migh tend I 4 i , Th swere ) ' point I , +l every 1 the L Sit ance i . The ~:rnp a no' 0 * his a was I were skin to h subj nun their I " T . . t the t salat they opir / 1 1 td g , 1 ) t not had 4 t to b i . ~. , A , • ~., . . ...‘ 'O, \ the motion would be more Complete by the addition; of the words—'' or the Commissioners of Tans." I Mr. BROUGHAM said he should avail himself of the suggestion of hit Honourable Friend, and this would spew on whom thf blame rested. It was re- 1 markable - that they had delayed this operation till the last moment, that the mischief might he without remedy. But next week he should take some step to secure to voters the power of exercising their elec tive franchise. If the country were placed in such a predicament, Parliament must surely have a remedy in its own hands. PROTECTION OF WITNESSFA. Mr. B.,BATHURST, after a few observations on the necessity of the House protecting its witnesses, short-hand writers, and clerk,, from being examined on subjects prejudicial to themselves, moved the fol lowing Resolutions:--- 4 4 That all witnesses examined before this House, or any of its Committees, be en• tided to the protection of the I louse, in respect to any thing that may be said by them in their evidence." Also, 4 4 That no Clerk or Officer of tllk House, or Short-hand Writer, do give evi,lence elsewhere, in respect to the evidence he may hay.: given at the Bar of this House, or in its Contrrk.zel, without special leave of the House." After a few words from Mr.WYNNE, in approba tion of the Resolutions, and expressive of the thanks of the House to the Right Honourable Gentleman for bringing the important subject before it, the Resolu tions were agreed to, nem. rlis. NORTHERN CIRCUITS. Mr. M. A. TAYLOR called the attention of the House to the Report of the Committee on this su6- jec t. Most Gentlemen were aware of the circum stances under which the Northern Circuits laboured, and must be of opinion that an appeal to the justice of the Country was necessary. He requested that the Report might be read, which being done, he said his object was to propose an Address to the Prince Regent, to the effect "That this House, having taken into consideration the Report of the Select Commit. tee, humbly request that his Royal Highness would be pleased to adopt such measures as would give to the Counties of Westmoreland, Northumberland, Durham, Lancashire,Yorkshire, and Newcastle-npon- Tyne, the benefit of a General Jail Delivery twice in each year." The Hon. Gentleman then proceeded to state, that his object was to afford Government an opportunity of redressing this most serious evil. He entered at considerable length into the nature of the evil complained of, from which it appeared that the business of the Northern Circuit exceeded three fold every other Circuit in the kingdom. The %Vest ern Circuit, which was the next largest,'had only an average of 180 er '2OO cases, while tilt Northern had 427, while the Calendar of Lancashire alone often exceeded 100 prisoners; thus -.l:e prisoners were forced to lie in jail, if committed soon after the Cir cuit had terminated, for eleven months. This was most disgraceful to the administration of justice, and was not the case in any other country in Europe.— The reliever were a purer set of men than our Judges; but they had not the power of doing justice, and he had the authority of Baron Wood for saying, that he had often quitted York when he did not think half the business was done. The Judges were obliged to sit from twelve to fourteen hours a day ; and yet the 'Special Jury cases were frequently set aside. The Honourable Gentleman quoted several instances in proof of this feat, one o which was, that of a Plain tiff having to go twice with his w messes to York, where the venue was laid. The debt was tiny 241. and the law er i eases by these removals were 2001. The inhabitants of those Counties had certainly a right to expect the same course of justice as those of the other parts of the kingdom ; but instead of ame liorating the ccndition of the people, he was afraid Gentlemen we: e too much inclined to act on the prin ciple of " sufficient for the day is the evil thereot." He alluded to Scotland as a proof thra alterations in the Courts and adMinistration of justice had proved beneficial to the people, and argued on the necessity of an alteration in England, on the ground that the Court of King's Bench had not been able to hear the new trials that were to be moved from the last Snm mer Circuit. The Judges were not able to get through their business during Term, and were obliged to hear cases at Serjeant's Inn, and then, in the next Term, to say they had heard and should determine, thus acting on a fiction. The Honourable Gentle man then observed, that though a Serjeant might try criminal cases, it would not give such satisfaction to the country, as if they were tried by the actual Judges, independent of the Crown. The Judges, as he was informed, never quitted the Old Bailey till the capital causes were disposed of. But besides this, the Judges had a vast deal of business at their Cham bers, and were very often troubled with affairs from the Tax Office, which .pressed heavily on them. He would suppose that the Cursitor Baron might be clothed with authority to assist in the Circuits, or he might take the Old Bailey, and the addition of ex pense would not be worth mentioning. On the whole he did not think that any solid objection could be made to his motion. Lord CASTLEREAGH said he clidnot wish to oppose the general principle of the Address ; but he hoped the Hon. Member would consent to set aside his motion for the present. Ministers were as ardently desirous as the I lon. Member to afford a remedy tier the evil complained of ; and he (Lord Castlereagh) had availed himself of the interval since the lion. l Gentleman had given his notice, to draw the atten tion of individuals to the best practical mode that could be adopted ; yet from the variety of the avo cations of the Learned Judges, it had not been in his power to obtain from them such information as was necessary to effect a remedy. lie thonght the House owed it to the Crown to see in a certain degree through the difficulties and embarrassments that would be encountered. This proposition could not be confined to the live northern counties, as the Com mittee were of opinion that nothing would be satis factory which did not go to effect a change in the whole system of the Circuits ; for the Committee would not admit the notion that any person should be employed unless a Judge, who was in the constant habit of trying causes in Westminster Hall, and exer cising all the functions of the judicial character. On the whole it would appear that such a proposition as that of the Hon. Gentleman would go to the new modelling of the Courts of Westminster Hall ; while the Judges, with their hands so full of business, would not he able to form a proper judgrent of the best mode to be adopted. If the Hon. Gentleman would withdraw his motion on dsc present occeui nn ,h,2l 4 , losty's Government would charge themselves kill, an inquiry into the suhjecT, and he hoped he sho u id le enabled to submit to the cor.siderat inn of the Ibmedling more digested Cian could arse out , f 114 proposed Address. or m lf ( r: s ra in t, g h t e h s c l i li. ‘ l : f ( z!}, q i zi , ;o s itu ,. der the necessity Mr. RROUGHttivi joined with the N-,tile. Lem the great expediency oi . \vitiate:win g the 134.. t., ,, tion, although he was far from g;vinf: against the plan of his licr.ourable Fri,: ,l, 2., objection was, that it this plan were cenlbed to the Northern Counties ahnte, it would take ;vv . : than could be one into at this L it e slots. For if the Crown were a,t, , Commission, it would lw apprehended that tilt. Ili'ce w. that w!tere a change wat; to be ms. operations of the country, it woul•' should originate in the other iloite ' Supreme Court of Judicature. Buth.i jecuon was the want of tine; fn. ....ail could not be carried into effect ; very wide change in the admi-A-,tration Westminster Hall, and such an v.itcrr.lor to be undertaken at this late pr.: ill ryi: th e Mr. M. A. TAYLOR renlied.--11e c that when he bad brought f'or.vard. -" fore, he hail been told to m'- Now that he had done so had decided in his favour, aa:l I.e ca. the facts, lie was told to walt fn• a ; opportunity. If the nor :f7 Lord had given a pledge that the subject taken up by Ministers, he should hare no Glx:ecti , ,a to withdraw his motion. Ile, hoe:ceer, be distinctly understood, that he could rof any arrangement that did not lose Circuit the benefit of an Assize of .wished to know if the Noble I.Lci ( , 2 give any pledge on this subject Lord CASTLEREAGH said the sehicrt retie, Le taken into consideration; but he c--" himself to say what conclusion w. After a few further observations from . DAUNT, Mr. W. fixtrru, and Mr. il.utvwc, tion was withdrawn. (4 the 4:1. -H t At.”(l ~'~•:.~ an.! .2 (..:4 .111171;r2e, Oat the A - 414cl i: :O `: rvrn '1 P.-:j'. 11; spni . ::.e nil It:41 T t 0:e tr,-..a 'uld be inlet e Mo. LOTTERY B!!.!.. The CHANCELLOR of the ExcEEQ:al moved the third reading cf this Bill. Mr. LYTTELTON said, that undo: want of success which his opposition to tr s MCaSlre had experienced, he now rot to state, that his ft. jections to it, as a measure equally immo. - I.zad; politic, remained wholly unchanged. He Iva: of it in every respect; it was a most shale : honourable plan far the the people oat of !"-.^:! ' money. Ile was real: y sirs p.;/,esl. when he o - na. dered the acts in whifn the llit.hst tleman opposite (the Chancellor of tie was often engaged, that be should not Lily support to, but insist on the std o pri,sa of 2 s'.a •.) base and disgraceful. What.! could :he ii.:- nourable Gentleman, who on one slay was lie be 113!: of churches ; on another, was a friend to the ell::.- tion of the poor; on a third, recommended the ay tribution of Bibles and, on a fourth, suppcstelt!te plan of Savings Banks could he be the p.stren el a system which went to undenniue the morals et - the people? He (Mr. Lytteltim) lamented to that this was the fact. But if the Right Honotu-al,l•2‘.7rez. Haman was disposed to sacrifice public morals for the ' paltry gain of 200,0001. he (Mr. LytteltoM was. :at inclined to agree with him. He abhorred ar.3 tested such dishonourable and fraudulent pranice, and he would continue to oppose them as lon7 as 'cr had a seat in that Houe. With that view - Lc now move, " That the Lill be read a thiri day three months." Mr. PARNELL said, that nothing had givrt`ita so much pain during thy! short time he Lad sat .a that House, as to see bow much great quest morality and policy had been sacrif ced to yr - - (hear.)—Future ages, recording faiths - .l:y thee... as of the present daT, would place sus .:1 actmes is proper light. When the Hight Hmt. yielding to the fate that awaits us all, alseul.l into the silent tomb, this epitaph, if r.ct eagrasv his monument, would form a ine.t. scription for it:—" Here lies the Nicholas Vansittart, once Chance:ior quer : the Patron Gt . Bible Scs:ietes ; Churches: a Friend to the Pre: au Encourager of Savings 11.1;11.ss ey Lotteries! ! 1—(Lowl 4 ;.,1 Mr. MORLANB expirtsest a sir tion of the measure. If his that we should be slow ia t of the country, his answer was 'red b. tl-.4 aa:d ;tic ,i)rn - Cpria:e Cr . licuCUL64! Ltina al e.•.‘ atryert:l!:, - not tamper with the mora:s AIr.LOCKHART wi%hed to kno.v that House could enact capitA they were passing laws which invi.od petrate crimes ?—(hear, hear.F-11A C cu f d to this mcastne on any gronnils of tcaenne Considering the abominable e! to was calculAted to trodece, Le was ..1:: was no impost that could h: inn people_ of England would not pre / Mr. Alderman WOO!) war fault could be found with the ces. Many haads and practised, and great and eltensise the system of insurances. • the latter deiciii:tioa and the books taken ! inspection, that cl:•rks 4-, 1, the customs, anJ i.c L.' entered their nan;e• exposiliesuch tate to mention i.anics. he alluded was sliscovcrAz another in L'.4,vent-Garden, svh found all that he had acted. a Gentleman who laid a hi:,,•!l room in the Cusioni-lieusr. Olt the insurances. The lonontahl. , with saying, that he hoped the . 'man would at last find that well an itiner. as this would not he tolerated by tlt: reopk. Mr. LYTTELTON, after what had fal...a the worthy Alderman. lief . zr.l. t, rctifoie with a very few I'. orris. spoken in praise of the licenseu Lotto Office He (Mr. Lyttelton) must now say a word in tb. praise. In doing so, lac acted favm the ve:y be: ti 1 • I ot c iet to ICI 1' c to taai will cff, . •ata Hot • illetei X i bt oor of fc..or i+l3:3, nine^ in dic im7 f.er an u it :v!tr.liNfr CI 1,1 !Vett 'fort. ::erl:t if an reopy. ik nth. 1.1 talim f. 11 ronbia retir , L. 10 Ito :Office- -1 word is thzi: m the ve:F kii - • y~iri:y, ;)410. (•. ;~. we sni Ti bra c•} he C. ve 1. DE do to , r MI olor 'U