The National Register. — London, England, 1818-02-15 00:00:00

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. HOUSE OF LORDS. NIONDAY. MANCHESTER PETITION. Lora 11614 A u apologized to the House for having lost a Petition which had beets entrusted to him to present from several respectable persons its Manchester (the petition was similar to tbat presented in the Commons by Mr. Phillips which see.) His Lordship hoped that the Report of the Committee as to the `itote of the Country wonld not be brought up before a new Petition could be prepared. Adjourned. TUESDAY. A person from the East [odic-house presented an account of the Pensions and Giants made by order of the Court of Directors. . _ . person from the Bank presented an account of the sums received and expended during the last year by the Commis• sinners for the reduction of the National Debt. The Irish Grand Jury presentment Snspension Bill was read third time and passed. Adjourned. W ID N FSDAY. Several Petitions for Appeals were presented, and the hear ing of the Appeal, Grant v. Campbell was po.4lllPled to the first Monday after the recess, to ;rive Limo lot the arrival of Scotch Conusel.—Adjourned to Friday. FRIDAY. At one o'clock this day, Lord Sidinouth brought up a bundi" of additional papers reporting the internal state of the roontry, which , lln the Motion ot• the Noble Viscount, were referred to the Secret Connuittee.—Adjonrued to Mon • tla). HOUSE OF COMMONS. MONDAY. CLIMBING BO VS- Mr. TIPNNYTT 'sought in a Rill to prevent the &tater use of climbiug x‘af4 nail a first time. M Nciii•:smi PETITION. Mr. l'itut.iPS presented a Petition from certain individuals residing in lancliester and its neighbourhood; complaining of the ploceedings which had taken place respecting the blankcteers, and the meetings of the 10th of March last. The Petition was then read ; it way signed by several in. habitants of :Manchester and its te.ightioni hood, and prayed that ingniey might be instituted. Ordered to lie oa the table, and to be printed. TREATY WITH SPAIN Lord CASTLEREAGH moved the Order of the Day for the House going into a Committee to consider the Treaties en tered into with Spain, having fur its object the abolition of the Slave Trade. (The Hunk having resolved itself iuto a Committee), the Noble Lord observrd • that in considering the Treitty now before the House, he should have to request Gen• tlemen to look at the address voted to the House to the Crown in the last Session, to the slate of the Slave Trade then and at present; and here he could not but congratulate the House and the country on the progress which had been made in obtaining the great object—the abolition of this traffic within the last few years ; and especially to the great stride which had been made towards the object in the last year. Now there was not a single nation, with the exception of Portugal, which had not given up that branch ut trade ; and Portugal n u de retained it south of the line. Until the present treaty was mitered into it was imposible the trade could be rut an end to, since, through Spain, all other nations North Of the Equator were supplied. Now that Spain bad been in• duced to consent to this Treaty, the four:dation way laid fur doing away the trade altogether, since from the date at which this Treaty was to take place, namely, on the 20th of May, 1:420, no Slave 'frade could exist North of the Line, on any pretence whatever ; and after that period, all which this country would have to do, would be to attend to the trade as carried on by Portugal South of the - Line. The Sov , :reigns at the Congress of Vicuna bad done every thing in the a power to put an end totally to this horrid traffic ; but they had not entirely succeeded. It would lie in vain to attempt to con ceal that there had been up to this time, an illicit Slave Trade carrying on on the Coast of Africa, and perhaps with greater instances of cruelty, though not to such an extent as formerly : with more crucify because the vessels engaged iu it, front the nature of their traffic, were formed rather for Tevistancc of Hight, than for the contort and convenience of the unfortunate Wretches on board of them. He, however. was convinced, that this illicit Trade was nut carried on with the knowledge or sanction of any of the Governments of Eu rope, brit the contrary. France ' in particular, had exerted Lena to prevent it, and called on as for our aid an I assist ance. It was nut now, however, as in the time of war, in our power to prevent the Trade to so great an extent, because in time of war, we had a large extent of dominion under our contrunl. Our interference, or that of other Powers, effectually to pet an end to this traffic, must be bottomed on a mutual confidence, and a consent that each should have the power of exerting her endeavours to attain That object. Whilst any tlag was to be considered as a pro tection, the Trade would still exist. To attain the end in view as far as possible, in the precent Treaty it was agreed, that under certain iegulations the ships of war of each Power skint(' have the power of searching merchant ve.-sels, and to detain them where they were contravening the law. But to prevent vexatious detentions, it was provided that no ship should 1:11 subject to detention, unit•As Slaves were ahsolutely found on board. In inakiitg this arrangement, we did not concede too much; since, he was sorry to say, that a very treat portion of the illicit traffic at present going on, under . •Latcver flag it might be carris d, was,in fiat, British. And s o. ,he law of Abolition was import - tot, the regulation of pre - Was he was persuaded, equally, or even inure so. o.b . iect of this Treaty was, as far as possible to pre d,.yir.cs or unpleasant circumstances arising trout vent .. 1 > ; ~ t the vessels of any Power by us, or our yes the dtic ; and to obtain that objeet, the es leis by an:' • „, iletl tribinad in each country hail been tablislim e nt • 4 •o a • themes ot detentionw. , old come fur de. ti *erection Isefor,. ~t t the pecuniary provisions of this eision. With a e , , h j .,1 t ,N contend, that the Go- Treaty, h e was Ni t, . 4 to the Abolition on terms far cerement had now et. e ked hem offered ot. for more advantag eous th an , .1*• " 1 ,;7, . to d h o a l I v ao.s a have been ee n il d a Ibis iw -oe n us offer mer occasions, w h ere the te.'l6•• 8 .' 1 40 1 01. and a loan of Iti,ohlst‘ 'fills was a wag wade under the sanction of a 'n,•.sCatia the late tie inillstoni al,ont the ssr•Ac of our Uses, 'le .l oasti'll Govern co( ,ahro, and it was K. 1.11 difficulty that I. , In: 'Ai the offer tit ass brought pikantde to any UNDO. ;fit.. THENATTOWAT. REGIS' $ we had before made her. With respect to any rialto-rime nr opinion, if ally should arise, he hoped Gentlemen would not mix the subject of the Slave Trade with that of AMCI ica, and that nothing would be said to embitter the bond of 'ninon on this subjec►. upon which all hands were agreed. It was, kicked, a question embracing such a variety of policy, and so many topics for disenssien, that he should deplore any attempt at disturbing the unanimity which should prevail. The Noble Lord roneladeil with moving, that the committee should take the regalations adopted in consequence of the Treaty entered into with Spain into a consideration with a view afterwards of moving to bring in a Bill to carry these regulations into erect. After which he shonld propose in a Committee of Supply to a vote a sutu of 400,0001 A Reso solutiou to that effect was then read. Sir G. REATIICOTE could not avoid observing, that so large a stun as 400,0001 might, in the present distressed situation of the country, be better applied in relieving nor fellow subjects. At the rate of 251. per family, relief could be afforded to W,OOO families. Mr. Wiraunvouce thought the Honom able Baronet had not fairly stated the question hi respect to the appropriation of the 400,0001. It fealty was u great national one, and he would put it whether the individuals, subjects of this country, would not rather pay at the rate of ltd. or 3d. per man to abodisii Slavery, than to vote for the application of the sum among 16,000 of their fellow subjects. The Hon. Gentleman thought the question of the Slave Trade was one of the great. est importance, and the Noble Lord was entitled to his gra • titude for his very great attention, and for his assiduity and eat nest labours in bringing about the subject, and putting an end to the abominable traffic in slaves. With respect to the gum of 100,0001. it was to be applied to raise a superstruc ture which. in time, might become sot only the glory of Great Britain, but the admiration of time world. Sir 0. Most.E% supported the proposition for emancipa ting Slavery ; but if the trade was to he abolished in eight years. why not let the time run not, rather than pay a sum of 100.0001. for the abolition of Slavery. Lord Casrtettettat observed that he had beers mistaken In having been supposed to say, that Spain had entered into stipulations to pot an end to the *nude within eight years. no such stipulation had been made. bit . . 3. MACKINTosH was disposed to concur with the Hon. Gentleman who supported the proposition in a formal point of view. He was glad to nod from the statemeuts of the Noble Lord,that a guarantee for the performance of the stipulations of the Treaty for abolishing the trade of Slavery, had beets taken. lie rejoiced that our national pride had bent itself to procure redress for the wirings of those who perhaps would not be able to appreciate fully the condescension this country had evinced in that respect, however their gratitude might repay the benefits conferred. Such conduct, much as we prided ourselves upon our national maritime superiority, was highly honourable to our feelings, and would eventually be productive of the greatest beretits to the Country. Ile voted with pleasure liar the Resolution, because it suctioned the maritime right of search and visitation, its order to put as end to the - traffic in Slavery. Mr. C. GRANT supported the Motion. Mr. 11 RN ETT supported the proposition but reminded the. Noble Lord and the House, that though the Ordinance of toe French King abolished the Trade in Slaves, in the French Colonies, yet there was nothing in the Ordinance warier pre vented them from tratiking. He wished to know from the Noble Lord whether any security had been taken at the Congress for the presentiou of the Tunic, because he be lieved it was mere delusion to suppose that Slavery was at an end. Lord GASTLEDE %GI? observed, that it was impossible for him to say what the legal point of view was in which the engagements would be taken in the French Law Courts. He could positively say that the orders to the Colonies were per emptory. The GinvernoroftheColony ofßonrbon wasdisplaeed because he had not taken measures to repress Slavery, in con formity with the ot der' he received. With respect tothe laws of Franee on Slavery, he had a remninnieation with the French Minister uponthesubject,who had reecis ediactructions from his Court, to inform him (Lord C.) that it was the wish of France to assimilate the Slave Laws of that kingdom with those of England, and to completely put the trade down. Mr. GORDON opposed the Resolution. _ . Mr. Nlxititsi AT alluded to the abolition of the Trade in slaves by Franco ; lie knew that instructions were sent out to Martinique, and arrived there six days after the Treaty w as signed ; and the truth was, that no ship had sailed fron► that port after the notification. Sir Vi . BURROWS concurred in the proposition of the Noble Lord, and agreed that great merit was due to him for negoti ating the subject so advantageously for the interests of hu manity. He hoped the Hun. Baronet would withdraw Ins opposition.. The House then divided—Ayes 56 ; Noes 4—Majority 32. Adjourned at Hull past Nine o'Cloek. TI:ESIAY. CITY OF LONDON NEW PRISON. Sir W.CLRTIS moved for leave to tiling in a hill to enlarge the powers given by Act ut Parliament to the city for build ing the new prison in Landon. Mr.HOLME S(MNER and \lr. BE NNETT expressed their intention of apposing the Bill. The conduct at the city was defended by Sir James slum and Mr. Alderman Wood, alter which leave was gluon to bring in the bill. SALT. Mr. CURWF.N presented apetition from farmers and othars at Workington, praying fits some relief to enable avicultur ists to make n more advantageous net• of salt. Ordered to lie ow the talste and to be printel ENIPLOY NI ENT OF CHILDREN IN 111ANUFAC.. oMU IS. Sir R. PEEL presented a petitinu from losbourers above 1( years of age, at Manchester and its neighbourhood, em ployed as spinners, sue. It stated, that they were at au 1 . .41i age of lift enfeebled ley overworking iu places badly venni., led and over Istaied. It 'stayed for a regulation to ri due. the hours of wink to 10 bents and a half put day, and for the improvement of the regulations of Sir Robert Peel s its Mr. Cr:RW EN observed, that tee hail visited several of the manufactories, and must say, he never found children in bet ter health and looks. fle had no concern in 110111111 . 4 C (Mies, *WI could have no interest in expressing Isis opinions. Mr. Crottions: hail quite a cowrie y impression of the evi dence from the Honourable .Member. It seemed impossible to say that labour for It bouts a day, and the steam-engine ceasing fur only 40 minutes, was connected with no iiiliii manity.--(Hear.) It was even slated that debit.a of six years of age were employed at thiac labours. When 3or 100 boys attended Sundry schools, those were oistinguislied by there looks who were employed constantly in the ries.— (Hear.) He thou7ht the House and the country %vete iudebted to the iiououlablt; itarouet for las beaevaLtat tact- :YEB tions. Atter having made a large fortune by the labours of tittle people, it war Manly becoming his characier to !oake diem lite best return. (he ar.) The count y was (toiler obliga. tions to lino for it.—(Hear.) Mr. PHILLIPS stated, that he had on a Sunday, gone round for the purpose of viewing the effects of employment in the manufactories on such children as he could see. and of con trasting their appearance with that of children %Ili° were otherways employed. The appearance of those who had been employed in the manufactories was found to be fully as good as the appearance of others who had not been so employed.— He gave credit to the Honourable Baronet for acting from humane feelines : but the Honourable Baronet's own factories were so ill regulated, as as to call forth the observations of neighbouring MaAistrates. The Hon. Baronet atterwai stated before the Com mittee, that they were not improved in consequence at the examination. Examples of improvements were, however, set in other factories. and those examples were followed. The factories nailer the Honourable Member's own in:iiiaenteat tee' e well regulated, and all employed by him were comfort able. fir It. Peet. had felt no wish to interrupt the Honourable Member, but he conceive that he hail travelled ont of his was' to attack hit character. The petition he presented referred to all the manufactories in question, His own were as faulty as any. On finding the r vile that did prevail, and their pernicious effects, he was so struck, that he n as resolved to bring the subject before Parliament, for he was convinced that nothing but an Act of Parliament could apply a remedy. Mr. W. SMITH rase to show nity the petition should be received. He had seen the persons who came op with it, and who looked ansionsly for the interposition of the house. He had inquired of them, and found that the petition had arisen from the spontaneous desire of those who signed it.— It was agreed b,v . 6,000 persons in the town of Manchester.— They were all acquainted with its contents hefore they signed it, and their petition was therefore entitled to attention. Mr. Su Aw rose to belt testimony in consequence of his own personal observation about two years ago in Manchester, that he never did see any persons more healthy, contented, anti better satisfied, than in the manufactories of the Honourable Gentleman (Mr. Phillips) who spoke on the opposite side of time House. • The Petition way then brought "nand laid on the table. STATE TRIALS IN SCOTLAND. _ _ _ Lord A. HAMILTON rose to submit to the }f osse a motion of which he hail given notice on the first day of the aesstosi.— The charge he had to bring forward involved in it somethitig, very near subornation of perjury, ---(hear, Lear.) The ca se he was to submit to the house :nose limn the trial of M`Kinlay. He scketed this case because it was the strongest that had occurred, and because the part which be had to animadvert upon involved no legal technicalities. His complaint was, that the trial was neither fair, just, nor impartial. At the switch time he disclaimed any concern with the inuocenee or thin guilt of the persons accused. The most guilty were entitled to a fair, just, and impartial trial.• —(mar, hear.) The Learned Lord's exaggerated statement had precluded the possibility of juries lacing unprejudiced. Public and convivial societies on political subjects, in the places were disaffeetiou was said to exist, were, in the Noble Lord's judgment, productive of hicalcnlahle mischief in that part of the kingdom. Rut the ground of his complaint was, that the ollicius of the Crown, instead of confining themselves to the line prescribed to them. had committed what really amounted to, but what he hesitated to call, subornation of perjury. The Noble Lord proceeded to detail the particulars of the trial alluded to,:and concluded by moving for "a copy of such parts of the journals of the High Court ofJosticiary in Scotland, as cold:titled the libels, evidence, and proceedings in the case of Andrew APliinlay, tried July 19, 1817." The LORD-ADVOCATE of SCOTLAND said, he should endea vour to show himself innocent as to the charge which lied been made upon him, of having practised upau die good sense of the House last session of Parliament by making a statement which was overcharged, or which bail not been shire fully sustained. What lie had laid before the House at that time was precisely what the Noble Lord had stated it to be.-- He had stated, that there had been an oath requiring the takers to commit high treason, administered to inaily people in Glasgow and its vicinity, and the terms of that oath lie had had the honour to read to the House. The Noble Lord had said, that that was uncalled for: now, on that point, lie u as . at issue with the Noble Lord. He might app:ail to the House if the production of that was not required, when they were 'then considering the report of the Committee, in which were statements of transactions that had occurred at Glasgow , avid if, such being the case, any one would take upon M ai to de clare that he had made the statement which he bad matte, un tweessartly or uncalled for. lit his own mind he would have been guilty, if he knew he had such a statement to make, and had withheld it at the time. He was nut going to enter upon the evithatee that had been produced on the trial, ner Hoe the tie posit tom of those who hail been examined, nor into the whole of w hat had been said by the party accused but he should bristly state what was the charge, toad what hail been the issue of the trial. The indictment was, that the panel had been guilty of administerine an illegal oath to a great autuber, to many hundreds of persons, in time neighbourhood of Glasgow anti it particillatized tne names of numbers to to villeins that hail been administered. The result of the trial had been a verdict by the jury of tint proven. That was the verdict, cud lie spoke in the hearing orpersiais who &hew the distinction whit it was daily made between verdicts iii scot land, which verdicts sat re frequently heard by theta ; and there were gentlemen who were behind him who were in the habit of being acquainted with such verdicts.--t Hear, hear.) He was, therefore, open to contradiction if ennui„ when l:e inviitioned the distinction to be this :—When the jury were satisfied of the corpus delicti and il; .Were being 'evidence to Iced them to the understanding that the prisoner had Leen in the guilt with which he was charged, there should min be legal evidence, such as would lead to a conviction, thu n Aliey brought in a verdict of nut proven ; but when they were convinced that ther.c was no carpus delicti, that the ge rat charge was 1101 proved, there coital of course, be no protic, if the °lleum: was not established, and then the verdict would be found, not guilty. What. then, was the result of the trial iu the present instancer It was, that the accessed had a ver dict from b,3 country not of not guilty, bunt of.not pi oven.— And the deduction 110111 that verdict was, and lie would state it without tear of contradiction, that the people had been abound to commit high treasmi, and that an illegal oath bad been administered to many people in the neighbourhood of Glasgow.--(11e..r, heat.) 'the Learned Lord entered into iung and initiate statements of the whole proceedings, and cited various authorities to prove that the course which had been adopted Wes COIIbOUEUt to the practice of the Scotch Courts. Mr. J. P. GRANT, (one of the Counsel on the trial) catera V I 1 1 •