The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser. — London, England, 1825-04-26 00:00:00

Ilf ~~ 4 1 , A - <~ .. ~"' OR AND f E NGLISH AND BRISTOL CHANNELS SHIP CANAL. .Th e C o mmittee of Management beg to notify that they have ob tamed the opinion of his Majesty's Attorney-Genersl, of Mr. See_ gent Wilde, and of Mr. Colmes., distinctly stating, that after the anginal Subscribers shall have transferred their Shares purstant to th e Act, they will not be liable for any part of the sums subscribed by them, for which calls may be made subsequently to the time when the Shares shall be so regularly transferred. A similar opt. pion bed been previously procured front two other Learned Counsel, declaring the non-liability of Subscribers after the transfer of C...eir Shares ; and this concurrent testimony will, it is presumed, be con sidered by the Subscribers, and by the Poblie, as an effectual con tradirion to the adverse statements which have erroneously been put forth. The on Opinions may be seen on application to Mean. King and l.ukin, Solicitors to the undertaking, 5, Gray's Inn. square ; and Copies of the same will be deposited with the Contract Deed, which, until further notice, will be left at the Ship Canal Office, No. 16, George-street, Mansion House, from the howls of kleven till Two o'clock; and at Moen. King and Liikin's Office, •fbern Three till Six o'clock every day, at which places parties sub meibing are requested is call as early as possible. and sign the con tract preparatory to the eomminal of the Bill on the 3d of May out, and to the subsequent introduction of the measure into the - Henn of Lords. By Order of the Committee. KING and LUKIN, 5, Gray's Inn-imusre. TNVESTAf ENT BANK, for the Purchase an d Sale a I Life Interests, Policies of Insurance, Contingent and Rever s misty 4nterests, Ground Rents, Improved Rents, and other Property. otairtnao. Sir JOHN PERRING, Bart. and Alderman. DEPUTE-CSI. t 1 'Sir WALTER STIRLING, Bart. F.A.S. A.S. DIRECTORS. Sit Emanuel F. Agar Sir Francis Desanges S. N. Barber, Lsq. John Poingdestre, Esq. Sunni Birch. Esq. Alderman • G. B. Wetherill„ Esq. Samuel James Capper, E.q. %Falter George Stirling, Beq. Acorroas-,Joseph Barber, Eaq. ; Edward Eyton, Esq. ; Henry Noecott % Esq. Ha:cants—Sir John Ferrieg, Bart- Shaw, Barber, and Co.; Sir Walter Stirling. Bart. Stirling, and Hodsoll. 410.1CITOVS—Masses. William B. eethant and Son. At a .Meeting of Directors held at the office of the Contrails Freeman's-court. Combat, April 2, 1826, It wad resolved—That a call of 41. per Share, in addition to the U. deposit already paid, be now made, arid that the Shareholders be required to pay the same into the hands of Sir John Perring, Bart. Shaw, Barber. and Co. Cor.hill, or Sir Walter Stirling, Stilling, and Hodull, Strand, on or before Wednesday, the 27th day of .1 pril instant. That the office do open for business on Monday, the 2d day of May next, and that tenders for the advances of money may be mask in tie mean ti:r.e to the Solicitors of the Company, Freeman's. court, Corn hill. N B.—The Certificates for Shares are now ready, and may had a:application. ALDWICK IMPROVEMENT COSI PA N Y. Capital 390.0000. In Six Thousand Shares of 601. each. CHAIRMAN-8;1'J. BRENTON, Bart. K.C.B. DETUTT C/lAIIIIMADt—The Honourable Wm. FR•SER. DIRECTORS. Capt. Brenton. R.N. I Capt. &meted J. Brenton, Esq. Dr. Reeder T. C. Banks. Esq. C. B. Robinson, Esq. S. Barker. Esq. lE. Stewart, Esq. Lieut.-Colonel Fairrnan C. A. Thistleton, Esq. J. Key, Esq. Alderman 1.1. Webb, Esq. AUDITORS. Colonel J. Comae, D. Magens, Esq. I. Langford, Esq. RANKERS. norrien, Magma. and Co. Messrs. Cockburn and CO. STANDING COUNSEL—W. H. Jones, Esq. Snrretros—Charles Kaye, Eaq. Bognor. where the Company propose to erect their buildings, is delightfully situate on the Coast of Sussex, in a country abounding with rich foliage, and luxuriant vegetation. It combines the beauties of the country with the advantages of a marine residence, aed, haring& hard sandy beach, is peculiarly calculated for Bathing. The climate, even in the winter, is as congenial to the feelings of the valet udinarian, es that of any other part on the Southern Coast. The distance from London is about sixty miles, and by means of a ioad. (for which a Bill is now in Parliament,) Bognor will then lie to the line of the much-admired Southern Tour of the Coast of Kent, Sussex, and Hants. It has been awertained, that dicing several past seasons numer ous visitors of distinction to Bognor were unable to had sufficient accommodation. The Compeny is to purchase from the chief proprietors of ground at Bognor, a large tract of land. As a proof of the advantage of the bargain—the sellers have agreed to take two-thirds of the price in Shares, of the Company ; and only a portion of the remainder is to be paid down. In this put chase is incloded the New Market ho;ise, with particular and important privileges secured under an Act of Parliament. The greater part of the land so to be purchased will be let on keeps for terms of years. in lots, to various builders, at ground rents. The builders will be required to erect these houses accord lag. to the plans and s-eifications of the Company. Che Canital of the Company will be further employed in erecting mansions and private houses, laying out plantations, and in advanc. mg money on mortgage to builders, on the s..eurtty of and in pro portion to the progress made in the works. Thus the that step of the Company is, to procure a rental, and the object sill be to find an advantageous channel for investing the un etteAdoyed Capital. a he Company It'll therefore have a realised property for its bads and security at every step; and as a precaution against loss, (how ever improbable.) they have an option, within three years, to retina any portion of the land unoccupte.l, at the price at which the lots ire:e originally bought. As a defence against competitors, the owners of the adjoining property are bound, under forfeiture of their Shares in the COM racy, not to part with the adjacent ground, until the Company hays had the refusal. No more risk can therefore attend this purchase than would beincurred in ordinary eases. They will call in the first instance for 21. on each Mare - 112,011111 And within Six Months, for IL . - - 30,080 ' £42,000 Until this sum be accounted for, and a balance sheet produced, comparing the expenditure of the Company with the acquired property, and stating every particular of the progress of the under. taking, so as fully to satisfy the Subscribers as to the nature of their prospects, no further sum shall be called for. The accounts shall be regularly 'edited on the first Wedneaday of every month. Applications for Shares to be male to Masts. Call and Co. bankers, Bognor; Messrs. Dorrien, Magens, and Co.; Meatlrs. Cockburn and Co. bankers, in London ; and to Mr. Charles Kaye, Solicittr. Dyer's buildings, Holborn. The Directors of this Company have resolved, that no applica tions for Shares shall be received after Saturday, the 30:h day of April instant. when the ap_rropriation of the Shares will be im mediately made. Hy mks of the Directors, CHARLES KAYE, Solicitor to the Company, Dyer's-buildings, Holborn. BOOKSELLERS. 'ANTED, a steady intelligent SIIOPMAN : he must hare experience in the old at well as general Book Trade, and understand the general AL.nagetnent of a Shop, setting out, Ike. of a Window. Apply to Alf. Clark, 33, Piccadilly. PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE. HOUSE OF LORDS, bloyrDAY, APRIL 26. A person presented a cope of a deed regulating the Loan Bank Company, which, on the motion of the Earl of LAUDERDALE, was otdered to be printed. CATHOLIC CLAIMS. Lord ROLLE presented a petition front the parish of St. Stephens, in the city Exev.r, against the cairns cf the Catholics. —Laid on the table. The Earl of CHICHESTER presented two petitions to the same effect from tiro parishes in Suesys..--Laid on the table. The Bishop of EXETER presented a similar petition from the Protestants of Lewes, and &ruttier frum the parish of St. Mary Major, in the city of Exeter—Laid on the table. The Earl of LIVERPOOL presented a petition of a similar nature from Paisley.—Laid on the table. Lord KENYON presented a similar petition, signed by WO persona, *ai' the Noble Lot t 4 observed was respectfully and properly worded.—Laid on the table. Earl GROSVENOR said, that he had received a petition to the pllAe of as the preceding, ftcm the inhabitants of Chester. Time letter forwarded with it contained a request that he would so port the prayer of the petition. Be need scarcely observe that he was rut inclined so to do. 'due Biatwp of CIIESTER sates. that the petition was agreed to at a public meeting, and Malmo of a body of nearly 5,000 there were but 2,1 dissentient voices. so t1:1111.11'4110111 were the inhabitants of that city on the subject of Catholic Emancipation—Laid on the table. Nhe Duke of RUTI.AND presented petitions to the same effect from the pariah of St. Morgaret's, Leicatter ; from the inhabitants of Grantham • and from the inhabitants of the neighbourhood of Orantbam.—Aid on the table. The Earl of lIAREWOOD presented a similar petition frem Bahfax.—Laid on the tabis. CORN LAWS. The Earl of DERBY pretested a peude from )Manchester, and anutht.: :row Rochdale, against an alteration in the Corn Laws.— l e a,d on the table. The Martinis of CAMDEN presented tea pentinns to the ante effect from certain Landholders in the county of Kent —Laid on the table. The Eati of LAUDERDALE mid, that as he perceived the Noble Earl at the head el his Majesty's Government in his seat. he wished to ask him, if it was des iatention of his Majesty's :Minna,» to propose, daring the prseentiarion, any alteration in the Cam Lawi, and if not, whet it woe *Ash intention so to do P ~~r - , He did net esede it enter Into this subject at the present moment. bet head& mom the Noble Lord, that very great anxiety on this Miltrexited be the naiads the public at large, particularly in y tens web Immt se as this was the cape, peti tions of a 21 seem In these DOW ptesented would flow in, until the table of the House would be covered with them. The Earl of LIVERPOOL said, that he heti no objection to satisfy the Noble Earl on this point, and at the same time he con sidered it his duty, as it was consistent with his feelings, without meaning to trouble the House at any length, to give some explana. lions relative to this important subject. Their Lordships were aware, that the last time it was discussed was in the year 11122; at that period it was not thought fit to continue the system that had been adopted in the year 1815; and an alteration was accordingly made, founded upon the Report of the Committee of the House of Commons, and in consequence of a message from their Lordships. ii he refer red; their Lordshipsto the Report of that Committee, they would find that further alterations in the Corn Laws were at that time contemplated. He would now say that he should have no objection to the introduction of some measure to qualify Owe lees, though with respect to an alteration in the general system, he felt convinced that it would not be expedient to make such general alteration during the present Session, although it was probable that next Session it would be taken up in all its bearings, and set upon its proper basis. There was, however, a great difference of opinion on the subject of the Corn laws; and while he believed that his Noble friend (the Earl of Lauderdale) was perfectly right in apprehending, that if we waited for certainty on the point, or whether there were certainty or not, the table of the House would becovered wittepetitions from a large and respectable portion of the community, against any alteration in those laws, it was equally certain that petitions as numerous and respectable would be pre 'tented in favour of some alteration, since the manufacturing and mercantile interests would be at variance with the interest of the landed proprietors. He had always felt the necessity of directing attention to the subject, as It respected those two great interests, to prevent the prices from sinking too low for the one, and of rising too high for the other. It was therefore an important consideration for their Lordships to do their duty between them. He had heard many doctrines on the eubject in the course of the various discus-' Mons upon it. and it appeared to him to have never been fairly considered. He hoped their Lordships would believe that no one Fes more ready than he was to do away with restrictions upon free trade, or to do sway, as far as possible, with high duties. in order that trade might be put upon a fair footing with regard to manufacturers and consumers. But its this case there was a main and a peculiar difficulty. In all other Casa% when it was felt that a protecting duty was necessary, the only question to be considered was as to what ought to he that duty, and when it ought to be fixed. Not so with the Corn Laws, because if it were admitted that a protecting duty on corn was necessary, it could never be fixed, for there were times when no fixed rule could be adhered to—times of scarcity, when the prices were naturally high, and when, perhaps, that scarcity might be approaching to a famine, when it would; be impossible to say that the consumer should pay a duty. There was not, then, any comparison to be made between corn and wool, or iron, or cotton, or any other article to which the objection could not apply. He had thrown out these observatians merely to show the great diffi culty in the way of considering this question—a difficulty which did not obstruct the consideration of any other commercial subject; but with respect to the situation in which we now stood, he was satisfied to have the present system revised, and to make such alterations as might appear expedient. Their Lordships might not be aware that the price of corn in this country was double what it was on any part of the Continent In 1815, those protecting duties might have been necessary, but no man could say that they were necessary now. He felt that he should not be discharging his duty properly, if he did not give his opinion, that at the present moment those protecting duties could not be conveniently taken off, at least during the present Session. Having stated the difference between corn and all other articles, it was clear to him that a different sys tem with respect to corn must be proceeded upon; and he had stated hie opinion, that from a variety of circumstances we could not adhere to the present system. There were, then, two systems, from which their Lordships were to cheese t—they were either to adhere to the present system, or to change it, and adopt that re commended by the Committee of 1822; or they were to place upon corn a mo.rhrtron beyond which importation would not be allowed, and with it a minimum. below which it would be prohibited. There was a third system which their Lordships might adopt, namely, that of a general protecting duty, and no regulation as to maximum and minimum. But if this were adopted, what would be 'the consequence if a time of scarcity should happen ? It was then left to be decided, whether the present system should be ad hered to, or whether there should be placed upon corn a protecting duty, without nutrintom or minimum, and in this latter case leay. ing to the discretion of Parliament to decide upon the matter if a time of scarcity should occur. He was anxious, through the dif. ferent views of the subject. to see the difficulties that belonged to it, and to give it due consideration; and he would observe, that he did not intend to propose any alteration in the present system dur. ing the present Session. There was another question that bore upon this, but which, so far from throwing any obstacle in its way, tended to assist in the consideration of it. It was the question relative to bonded corn, and it had already undergone seine alters- 1 tion. With respect to the Canada corn, this did not materially, although it did in some degree. affect the question. It did not, however, create any jealousy on the port of the landed proprietors; ' those he had consulted on the subject had expressed themselves rather favourable to it. Considering all that had passed. and the strong feeling that existed to bring the general question under con sideration, he had felt it necessary to allude to the peculiar difficul ties' that stood in the way of it. He was unwilling to consider it, until we had come to a period when that attention could be given to it which so important a question deserved. The Marquis of LA NSI) ONVN said, that he should tn-morrow present a petition on the subject of the Corn Laws, from the mer chants, bankers, and others, of the City of London. With respect to the system as it now stood, be was ready to admit, with the Noble Earl (Liverpool) that the present moment would be most inconvenient to consider it, if it were not impossible to enter upon it with the requisite infotmation in the course of the Session ; but I lie would state, as the result of his serious consideration, that he was convinced it would be utterly impossible to continue the pre. sent system. He had no difficulty in stating his own opinion—it was no new one, but one that he had often declared—and it was for I the principle of a fixed duty. lie had felt the full weight of the observation of the Noble Earl (Liverpool) in objection to that aye. tem—an objection peculiarly attaching itself to the t'om Laws, namely, the difficulty that must arise in a time of scarcity ; but he (the Marquis of Lowdown) still felt confident that if this system were adopted on rational grounds, it would be the most effectual means of preventing that scarcity, and consequently of doing away with the difficulty to which the Noble Earl alluded. The principle of a fixed duty was in his opinion the least liable to objections, but he felt that Parliament was not now in a state to determine what that fixed duty ought to be. Before they were enabled to do so, it would be necessary to decide upon two points. On one of them he believed it would be impossible for their Lordships at ' present to come to any decision, and he thought it would be very doubtful as to the other. They must determine first as to the average mount of the prices of corn in this country—and he did not think they were yet able to go t h us far ;—but he was sure that to the second consideration they were totally unable to go--namely, the average state of productions on the Continent. He was certain that their Lordships were not yet informed on this point, ex the most erroneous statements relative to It had gone forth, and that the average production of the Continent was very little known. To these two questions then the attention of Government and Parlia ment ought to be directed, for the purpose of consulting the inte rmits of all parties, in order to prevent the balance from weighing too mush on one side, and thus producing s reaction on the other. He would say, that detective as he considered the present system, he would rather keep it, with all its defects, than adept any which could not be considered as a permanent system. It was obvious that if the protecting duties were placed too high the manufacturing portion of the cotnintinity would become clamorous , and if they were placed too low we should be inundated by foreign corn, and thus produce a considerable degree of agitation on the part of the landed interests, which would be communicated through them to every interest in the counery. He need not remind their Lordships, that if they had to listen to the clamours of one class because the I duties were too high, they would be obliged to listen to those of an. other class If those protecting duties were too low. He hoped their Lordships would be aware of the difficulties in their way before they came to the consideration of this subject, and to look to such an ultimate revision of the system as would be universally beneti. dal. Ile did not despair that such an arrangement would be even. tually made as would be satisfactory—if not to all, at least to the great bulk of the country The Earl of LAUDERDALE expressed his perfect utisfat. Lion at the observations of the Noble Earl, and for the fair and liberal manner in which he was disposed to treat the subject; we might now some to an arrangement on this irttpastant question with much less reasoriabfr doitif or satisfying ali parties, than we had ' after the pence. Their Lordships would recollect, that the Noble Lords on his (Lord Lauderdale's) side of the Douse, were long ago anxious to have the inquiry into this subject extended, and that it should be placed on a permanent footing. lie agreed that there was an extreme difficulty in the consideration of it, and in coming to any permanent arrangement ; but if information were necessary, and it undoubtedly was, how was that information to be gained, except by an extensive and painful inquiry ? Parliament. then, war bound to prosecute this inquiry, not only so far ex the subject related to this country, but as it related to the state of Europe. He entreated the House to recollect that the pr esent system was the system that (certainly with a variety of m odifications) had existed in this country for nearly a century. We bad seen the kingdom flourishing, and in adopting any new system we should be very careful. But the great object would be to make any system a per manent one. He did not at present perceive how, in common justice, the system could be changed without considering the case of those tenants who had made bargains under the existing laws. All he would now say was, that he hoped the inquiry would be extensive and effectual, and conducted with energy and shit!. The Earl of LIVERPOOL said that he had but one obser vation to make in reply to the Noble Earl. Ile agreed with him in conceiving it important that any system which might be adopted should he as permanent as possible. No one was more aware of the truth of the remark than he was, but it was absolutely impos. sable that any system with reference to the Corn Laws could be permanent, because it it were true, as the Noble Earl had stated, that an inquiry should be instituted as to the average state of the produce not only its this country but on the Continent, a moment's consideration must convince the Noble Lords that nothing is mere varyin3 than this produce, and that a tax must be materially influ enced by any important change. The circumstances tinder which they now considered the subject were very different from those under winch it was last considered. A reduction of thirty millions an nually had taken place in the taxes, but if a war were again to occur, of which, however, there was no probability, the amount . .31 mom - -r- ---- THE BRITISH PRESS. would be again raised to seventy millions, and it would be im portant to consider what a material change in those duties must then again take place. Every one knew that it was the poor coon tries that supplied the rich with provisions, but if they grew into civiliration and improvement, as it was to be hoped and expected they would, in the nature of things, a considerable fluctuation in the prices of those provisions must be anticipated. He ohly threw out those observations to show how important it was to consider the subject in all its bearings, although he perfectly agreed in the necessity of a permanent system as far as it was possible to be so. It was certain that It was even more important to have permanent than wise laws, and it was most true as they related to on article of such consequence as corn. He hoped their Lordships would not lose sight of the difficulty to which he hail alluded. Lord KING said, he was glad to perceive that it was the inten tion of the Noble Earl (Liverpool) to undertake some alterations in the present system of the Corn Laws ; and he hoped the Noble Lords would make up their minds to let it be a permanent system. He was afraid, if the present laws continued, the ports would be opened, and a great importation would take place. He hoped their Lordships would prevent an excessive importation. The Earl of ROSSLYN observed, that an effectual and coin ' plete inquiry appeared to him to be most necessary, and that no thing could be done without it. Of all systems he considered that the worst which led to a continual change, but he was aware of the difficulties in the way of permanency. As it regarded the present question. he hoped, nevertheless, that it would be effected. Lord CA LTHORPE observed, that an inquiry was most neces sary, and that it wculd doubtlessly lead to the most beneficial results. The Noble Lord presented a petition from Birmingham, praying for a revision in the Corn Laws.—Laid on the table. Earl DARNLEY said, that the commercial body should be very cautious in interfering with the interests of the agriculturists, as by so doing they might injure their best customers. CATHOLIC CLAIMS. The Duke of YORK rose to present a petition from the Dean and Chapter of St. George's, Windsor, against the Claims of the Roman Catholics. [His Royal Highness stood with his back to the bar, in consequence of which a portion of his words were un avoidably lost; we understood his Royal Highness, however, to speak as follows :—] I feel myself called upon to address a few words to your Lordship on a subject of very high importance. Although I am not in the frequent habit of so doing, I feel that there are occasions when it would be criminal in any honest man to remain silent. I know that in addressing you I shall expose myself to some degree of censure, but I should not conceive that I had dis charged my duty to your Lordships and the country, if I did not do 50. It is in contemplation to aim a dangerous blow at the con stitution of the realm, by the removal of these laws which have so long preserved this country from Popish domination, and I there fore feel it incumbent upon me to declare, that I will, to the utmost, oppose the progress of this serious and alarming evil, and to assure your Lordships that I have never for a moment questioned the propriety or the decision I long ago made. The subject was formerly brought forward by the violent partisan, of the measure when this country was at war, and it was then rejected as inadmis sible; they now once more rush forward with it, and I hope it will be again rejected. There is no greater advocate for toleration than myself; but I consider that there is a great difference between toleration and the giving up of the principles of the Established religion. All other churches manage their own affairs, but the Church of England is altogether under the control of Parliament, and its clergy have no share in the government of that Church independent of the power of Parliament. Will you then place that Church in a worse situation than any other Church—in a worse situation even than the Dissenters? Another thing it is important for your Lordships to take into your consideration—it is the oath that is taken by the Sovereign at his coronation. His Royal Highness then read the Coronation Oath, and proceeded.] Thus the King swears to maintain the Protestant religion of the Church of England - , and the Government thereof. Have your Lordships then considered this oath, and have you recollected that it is made without mental reservation ? And can your Lordships believe, that after taking it the King can give his fiat for breaking down the foundations of the Established Church, byrisking the domination cf any spiritual state over it? It is certainly in the power of the Parliament to alter that Coronation Oath ; but so long as it remains unaltered, can the Sovereign agree to give the Catholics that power for which they seek ? In conclusion I must observe, that I have for the last 25 years considered this subject with attention, and every year has convinced me mare and more strongly, that nothing has occurred to induce me to change the opinion I have formed ; and which opinion, in whatever situation I may be placed, I will never alter, so help me God. The petition was then rend and laid on the table. The Bishop of LINCOLN presented a petition of a similar na ture from the Dean and Clergy of Newport.Pagnel, and several other petitions to the same effect.—Laid on the table. Petitions of a similar nature were presented, By the Earl of FAL3IOI;TH, from three parishes in Cornwall. By the Bishop of BATH and WELLS, from the parish of St. Mary's, Reading • and from the Archdeacon and Clergy of the Arehdesconry of B erkshire By the Duke of BEAUFORT. from the parishes of St. James and St. Paul's, in the city of Bristol ; and from several other pa rishes in the counties of Sontemt and Gloucester. And by the Bishop of CHESTER, from the Clergy, Magis trates, and Inhabitants of the hundred of Stowe, in the comity of Sufliilk, and another from the Clergy of the town of Lancaster. The Right Rev. Prelate observed, that the former petition was signed by almost all the respectable landholders and inhabitants in the neighbourhood of Stowe.—The petitions were laid on the table. The Earl of HARROW BY presented a petition from the Ro man Catholics of the midland counties, in favour of Catholic Emancipation.—Read and laid on the table. Mr. Mansfield and other Members from the House of Commons brought up several Road Bills, which were read a first time. The House then adjourned. HOUSE OF COMMONS, MONDAY, Arm U. HULL DOCKS Mr. S. WORTLEI' presented several petitions fmtn T 31401111 inhabitants in the vicinity of Hull, against the Hull Docks Bill. —Referred to the Canniittee on the Bill. CATHOLIC CLAIMS. Mr. LA 3IBTON presented petitions from Appleby, from Bur ton Kendal, the Deanery of Copeland, and the Clew of Rich ' mond, against further concessions to the Roman Catholics. ' Mr. ASSIIURST presented a petition from the Clergy anti In habitants of • pariah in Oxford, against the Catholic Claims. LOW on the table. lilt. H. MAXWELL presented a petition from the Freeholders of Mallagh, County of Cavan , against further concession to the Roman Catholics.—Ordered to be printed. Mr. CARTWRIGHT presented a petition from the In habitants of the Borough of Daventree, against the Catholic Claims. —Laid on the table. CO3IBINATION LAWS. Mr. HOBHOUSE presented a petition from the Woollen Weavers of Rochdale, praying to be heard before the Committee on the Combination Laws. The Honourable Member expressed his opinion of the impropriety of repealing the alteration in the Com bination Laws adopted in the last Session. Sufficient time had not yet been grained for a fair trial of that alteration.—Refer.ed to the Committee. Lord STANLEY presented a petition from the operative woollen manufacturers of Rochdale, in the County Palatinate of Lancaster, against the re-enactment of the Combination bawl. Mr. SYKES supported the prayer of the petition. Sir 111. W. RIDLEY said, the Committee had been appointed to inquire into the effect of the repeal of the Combination Laws. They did not meet to re-enact the old law, but to cunaider what alterations, might be necessary in the existing laws. Referred to the Committee. IRISH ELECTIVE FRANCHPai.: BILL. Mr. LITTLETON said, he was desirtam of introducing some alterations into the Irish Elective Franchise Bill, which, he thought, would go to remove many objections, and render it more universally acceptable. With that view he should now move the order of the day for its second reading, for the purpose of post. paling it till to-morrow, when he hoped Hon. Gentlemen, whose motions stood for that day, would express no unwillingness to grant it precedmey. Mr. PLUNKETT saw no objection to the course adopted by the Hon. Member for Staffordshire, and expressed his hope that the alterations contemplated would remove the objections known to exist against the measure. At the same time, though he enter tained no desire to give any opposition to the Hon. Member's pro position, he would certainly, as soon as the postponement was agreed to, press upon the Hon. Baronet opposite (Sir F. Burdett)! the propriety of his consenting to let the Committee on his Bit stand over till to-morrow. The three Bills, namely—the Relief Bill, the Disfranchisement Bill, and that for making a provision fo the ()ethane Clergy, were all oonaected, sod the tint had, no doubt; received the support of many Hon. Members, on the ground of its, being to be followed up by the enactment of the two latter. Under those circumstances he put it to the lion. Baronet whether it would not be better to postpone the committal of his Bill tiU to morrow. After a few words from Mr. DAWSON, Mr. GRATTAN. and Mr. LITTLETON, the second reading of the Irish Elective Fran chise Bill was postponed till to-morrow. Sir F. BURDETT concurred in the suggestion that fell from the Right Hon. and Learned Gentleman (Mr. Plunkett), and con cluded with moving the order of the day for the committal of the Catholic Relief Bill, for the purpose of postponing it till to morrow.—lt was accordingly postponed. CORN LAWS. Lord STANLEY prerenetiapetition from the inhabitants of Rochdale, praying an alteration in the existing Corn Lawa.-.Laid on the table. _____ _ Sir P. MUSGRAVE presented a petition from Carlisle, pray. ing an alteration in the Corn Laws, and a repeal of the duties on the importation of Foreign Corn to a certain amount. Mr. JAMES supported the prayer of the petition. Ordered to he printed. Mr. PARKER presented a petition from the inhabitants of Oakingham, in Berkshire, against any alteration in the Corn Laws.—Laid on the table. Lord STANLEY presented a petition from the Chamber of C,urnmerce, Manchester, praying an alteration in the Corn Laws.— Ordered to be printed. Sir R. KERRISON presented a petition from the inhabitants of Hythe. for an alteration in the Corn Laws.—lAlti on the table. Mr. PAULETT presented a petition from Durham against any alteration in the Corn Laws.—Laid on the table. Mr. DCGDA LE presented a petition from the Chamber of Com merce, Birmingham, for a revision of the Corn Laws.—Ordered to be printed. Colonel LYGON presented a petition from the tr.armfactners of f pt o ir r tai a any irevision revision h e o f m t h er c eohcrtnht the the borough of Kidderm Laws. ind hl s r ili T pow . Ni n ' en lLS of ON the rose cit to y Corn Laws and the admission of foreign gram at a specific duty. The lion. Member stated that the present petition bore nthe signs in ste o l: f :e" Lo prn n aty do ain n g 7 tures of 6,000 individuals, and comprehended the mo respect able portion of the commercial interests of the City of London. The present system was one that enc . ouraged fraud ; laying a fixed duty on foreign corn was the best, if not the only way. in which a fair trade could be carried on. It woultlmore s an tea d i h i e ly u a i d sh v ed anc i e t trade than the hitherto rapid changes admitted of; he considered that the most mischievous effects followed the present manner of to tak t g gen th er e aalvlererown,litehawt "themercantile interest state, interest by no means entertained different views from the agricultural ; for his own part, no one was more inclined to treat the subject with delicacy and feel. ing for those who were most intimately connected ; and it the ques tion was put to him, what the protecting duty should be, he would rather err in giving too much than too little. (Hear, hear.) There was one subject to which he would allude, which embarrassed the present question very much ; it was that there were laid on the table of the House, returns from the different British Consuls at foreign stating the price to be extremely low—(hear, hear)—So reTtileed as to excite the apprehensions of the agriculturists. It was not, however, to be argued, that because the price was now bat 204. it may not be up to 40s. if our market was thrown open. The question, he was sure, would he treated in fairness and moderation. He was most anxious to assure the House, that the merchants of London entertained no feeling hostile to the agriculturists ; they merely wished that a system replete with fraud should undergo re vision and consideration. Mr. 000 CH thought that if there was any subject that ought to be less tampered with than another, it was the one then before the House. (lieu, hear.) Before the Hon. s:ember for Bridge north (Me. Whitmore) gave notice of his motion, not a single pe tition was presented on the subject of the Corn Laws; not a mur mur was heard ; all classes of the people enjoyed a content not known for many years. In the Speech from the Throne, too, it was stated that all was now tranquillity, and indeed he expected that a stronger case ought to be wade out than he had yet heard, for a revision of the Corn Laws. The agriculturists had endured much distress, and it was but just that they should get a remune rating price for their corn. The tradesmen of London had no ground whatever of complaint; they were paid high wages, and stuffed themselves every day with roast beef and plumb pudding. (Much laughter.) It was mere humbugs they never had more money In their pockets (a laugh), and yet they called on the House to do that which must inevitably reduce the agriculturists again to that lamentable state of distress in which they were a few years ago. If ever there was an occasion that called on the agriculturists to exert themselves, it was the present ; if ever there was an occa sion on which they ought to shake off their apathy, it was the one that now pressed on them ; if they did not rouse themselves they must be Duller than the fat weed That rots itself in ease on Lathe's wharf." Mr. HCSRISSON said, if he were asked whether his Majesty's Government meant to propose a revision of the Corn Laws, his answer would be, that they had no intention of bringing forward any measure on the subject this Session. (Hear, hear.) However, he regretted a subject of such magnitude was introduced at so late a period of the Session. He would not now enter into a discussion of the question, but wait until it was regularly before the House. It was his intention at an early period of the next Session to suggest to the House the propriety of taking the entire subject into its con. sideration. (Hear, hear.) In the mean time he would state, that it was his intention shortly to make a proposal that the corn, which has been under lock for several years, be admitted into the market. He was sure no jealousy should exist among the agriculturists at a measure of this nature. Mr. HEATHCOTE thought it would be very wise to postpone the consideration of the Corn Laws for the present. The question was agitating the country, and produced a strong ferment. It was extraordinary that the question should now be pressed on the House, for no other reason than that they should next year have to go over it all again. Alr. WHITtIORE was persuaded considerable advantage must result from discussion ; feeling and looking confidently to the next Session, when the question will be brought forward by his Ma jesty's Ministers, he was convinced that this statement would rather have a tendency to allay agitation than to excite alarm. With re gard to the charge brought against him (Mr. Whitmore) by Mr. Huskisson, for bringing the question forward at so late a period of the Session before the House, he had to answer that he gave early notice of his motion, but it so happened that on the two nights for which it was fixe d, the Catholic question interposed, and caused its postponement. He was sure the House would now come to the discussion fairly, and give it that degree of attention which its importance required. Mr. CURWEN said, that though he might differ from the Hon. Member on the subject of the protecting duties, still there was one view of it that disposed him to wish for discussion: it was because he thought there was not sufficient corn in the country from the last harvest to support the population until the next, unless the corn now in bond were opened to consumption. Mr. Alderman THOMPSON did not think it fair, that whilst the duties on foreign manufactures were every day lowered, In some instances from 40 or 50 per cent. to 10 or 15, that so high a protecting duty should continue on corn. Mr. A. BARING thought something ought to be done to allay the agitation that now prevailed. A very serious grievance result. ing from the unsettled state in which the question stood was, that the value of landed property was net and could not be fixed. What landlord could state what his property was worth? AU de pended on the protection afforded against the importation of corn. flow could the landed proprietor venture on making any family settlements whilst the value of his property depended on what Parliament should do to regulate the price of corn ? If the Presi. dent of the Board of Trade did not take some steps to allay the agitation, because of the late period of the Session that it has come under consideration, he will serve to keep alive a clashing and opposition of interests. The Hon. Gentleman, after some further observations, said it did not become them to ivmsin satisfied whilst the law continued in Its present unsettled state. He thought the question of great importance; something should be done to set it at test, for nothing could be more unwise or impolitic than every year to be tampering with the Corn Laws. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Alderman N't GOD thought that as so much had hitherto been dune to remove the bunliens which pressed most heavily on the agricultural interests, something ought now to be done for the commercial. Sir E. KNATCHBI'LL was anxious that the Hon. Member (Mr. Whitmore) should put off the question. Perhaps it was the answer of the l'resident of the Board of Trade that induced him not to do so. He (Sir E. Knatchbull) did not wish to offer a de cided opinion on the subject, in the total ignorance of it he then was. Even if the Hon. Member (Mr. Whitmore) succeeded in having a a Committee appointed, with what security could they proceed when they must know that the entire subject was to be gone over again next Session ? Lord MILTON said, there were before the House two classes of petitioner--the landed and the mercantile ; the former prayed that there might be no alteration in the mode of regulating the admission of foreign cern—the latter made an opposite request. The landed just recovered from great distress, the mercantile interest claimed a participation of the advantages attending the removal of restric tions on trade. They say, the agriculturists have been materially served in being allowed to export their wool ; and we, as an act of justice, claim to have the importation of foreign corn allowed. He was not about to enter into a discussion now ; but, he must say, he regretted the course his Majesty's Alinisters were taking on the question. If the country were agitated, surely they ought to conic to some decision on it. Until it was settled, there would be a con. stand state of ferment. Ile thought it better by far to decide on it now, when all was content and tranquillity—when no one class was distressed, and making claims on the other. Ile hoped that the House would come to a derision on it calmly, without reference to any particular interest, but consult the general welfare of the country. Mr. NVODEIIOUSE said a few words, which were inaudible in the Gallery. Mr. F. LEWIS said, that it was impossible a question of such importance as that of the Corn Laws could continue at rest. The law was placed on a bad foundation. (Hear.) The Legislature was wrong, in the first instance, as to the principle of this protect ing duties, as they were founded on a depreciated currency, aad it was absolutely wrong as to the mode of establishing them. This he asserted, although he voted for the Corn Laws ; it was a vote which he had since much regretted. One great disadvantage arising from the Corn Laws was, that they alternately produced high and low prices. He thought it preposterous to think that the President of the Board of Trade could take the question into his hands ; he already was engaged about subjects of too important a nature; nor did he think it one that any individual should undertake ; it was too mighty for the grasp of a single person • it ought to be settled in another way ; it was one that ought to be deelded by the collective wisdom of the Government. The Honourable Gentle man, after some further observations, said that it was meet that the people generally should know the question was likely to be settled. Mr. CA LCRA FT complained that his Majesty's Ministeri did not before this evening give notice et' their intention to do nothing this Session about the Corn Laws. He thought they were bound to give notice to the House and the country of their determination. It was no good excuse now to say, that it was too late a period of the Session. If the Session was too short, it ought to be made long enough for so important a question. He thought the protecting duties too high, and the mode of determining the averages led to an immensity of fraud. He repeated, his Majesty's Ministers should have apprised the country of their intention not to bring the question forward immediately, that the people might have time, by their exertions, to force a consideration of it on them. Sir T. LETHBRIDGE was certainly of opinion that the present state of public feeling on this subject would not be allayed until the question was set at rest. Whatever might be the scale of duties he hoped they would be determinate, and he was glad to perceive that the doctrine of open ports and fixed duties was acknowledged to be sound. He did not wish to see prices higher, nor indeed so high as they had been. The only question was, what the scale of duties was to be / But whatever might be the scale, he hoped it would not be fixed too low, but rather too high • as they would, if it were found necessary, be very well able to r educe them ; whilst % if once fixed ate low rate, it might not be found so easy to ra.se them. Mr. HUSHISSON said, that it had been made a matter of corn. plaint by the llonourable Member for Wareham, that notice had not been given by the Ministry of their not intending to bring for. ward some measure on the Corn Laws. But he would put it to the House to say whether it was customary for the Government to an nounce what they did not intend to do. There was no intimation in his Majesty's Speech from the Tluone of such a measure being inn the a io h n e ; m a a ir i ff ie w n h , i;n os h i e ter llls. i n t, unsoktibsizg) thewas Government to bring tot wrld such a measure this Sessio n 1e Hon. Member for Somersetshire would remembaohat in titer subject, el n Terence on the subject he (3lr. Huskisson) distinctly stated Ministry did not intend to moot the question this 5e 3 3100, might all remember that in the Committees of 1821 sod was understood, and indeed declared, to be only a ternp ota 7, rangement till something could be determined on. The t i t a• in which he was placed wu one of extreme difficulty, Vi e ' threw himself on the indulgence of the House not to all upo n on this t e h sien , i o n ubj gf e o c r t h d is uri re n atro g n t s he for pre def en lin t inz s to sio en n. gag o e Idan , T.t h lb would submit the conside rat i o ns which influenced him to tha w 4 nion of the House. At present he hoped the House would err him, as he had merely heard the latter part of the discussion s w had arisen upon a simple petition. In answer to the Hon. oye,';', 2e for London, he begged to assure him that he should pene,, m the system of abolishing the proh ibitor y duties, and I.lopeaq,a next Session he should convince the Ho use of the prop riety of line of policy. Mr. CA LCRAFT explained. The petition was then brought up and read. On the question being put whether it should be printed, 3lr. T. \WILSON expressed his satisfaction that the Ri ot lion. the President of the Board of Trade intended to Takeo, matter into his own hands next Session. The petition was then ordered to be printed. Mr. S. WORTLEY presented petitions from York, and other towns in Yorkshire, against (as we underst oo d ) any alteration in the Corn Laws. He also presented ore from as, !lax, praying for their revision Mr. CURWEN presented a similar petition from Workingto n . GAME LAWS. Mr. S. IVORTLEY postponed the third reading of the Gu n , Laws Bill till Friday next. MR. GOLTRL.IY. Mr. HUME presented a petition from the friends and relatives of Mr. Gourley, at Forfar, complaining of the injuries he had ser a . mined, and praying that a deputation might be appointed to insp. tigatt his situation—that he might be restored to his property. Mr. PEEL begged to explain a misapprehension which he thought existed relative to 31r. Gourley. That gentleman wa s nut detained at the instance of Government. but by the common cook of the law. If any individual could be found who would be reeve. Bible for the peaceable conduct of Mr. Gourlay. he would be Ifs e . rated instantly. lie (Mr. Peel) had, in the moan time, gives 1. rectlons that he should be treated with every possible kindness e st nature of his situation would admit of. Mr. BROUGHAM perfectly agreed wilt the Right lir. s e . creotry, that it was not at the instance of Government tio:11 t , Gourley was confined. He also agreed that that unfortuna t e. demon had beets ill used in Canada; that ill usage may ;no some measure deranged his mind. It might be reinemberoike he had been confined for a breach of privilege. It had been !I'S2:l' imagined that he (Mr. Brougham) had some hand in that mix. ment. The fact was, that Mr. Gourley thought that he 111 r. a) had not paid sufficient attention to a petition put into his hat that gentleman. That petition was concerning the alumina a poor, but Mr. Gourley wished his own business to be intreclosi s : the same time. He (Mr. II.) did, in consideration of the zoo. tunes which that unfortunate gentleman had undergone, imam the subject, but not sufficiently,ss it seemed,to satisfy Mr.Gonii and they all knew the consequences. With regard to Mr. Gotaii sanity, he really thought that an individual who had read TT .eass in the public papers might very well entertain doubts on the m !" jest. 31r. Gourley asked why he was not attended to, and us, " let the dead bury the dead." alluding to the case of :..Mlllll3 missionary, which he (Mr. B.) had taken up. These and vs i:pr facts were well known to the public. Ile (Mr. B.) might 3 , 1 thought of pursuing the matter farther, had he not received tht vice of Counsel, who informed hint that it was not necesszo• hint to interfere, and that he had nothing more to do in the hot Mr. PEEL repeated that Gourlay had been committed r. usual manner for a breach of the privileges of that House. had been afterwards detained from opinions respecting the in.:. his mind, and the inability or unwillingness of his friends to s come security for his future conduct ; that such a precaution .a necessary would appear from his own jnstification of his con:.- towards the Hon. Member for Winchelsea, " that he had :.: upon the highest Authority, by scourging sinners in the Temp!..." (.A laugh.) Mr. Gourley had, in fast, been treated like any tax individual. Mr. WILLIAMS said he held in his hand a petition fano/ same individual, which he would presently . take leave to promo the House. In it he complained of the injury his health satire by confinement, and the bad quality of the bread supplied foto use. The petition was very properly worded ; and he (Mr. IN. llama) should infer from it, that the complaints were, in solaces. sure, well founded. After a few words from Mr. PEEL, the petition wee ordered to be printed. Mr. J. WILLIAMS then presented the petition from Rehm Gourley.—Laid on the table. CATHOLIC RELIEF BILL. Mr. HUME presented a petition from Naas, in the coeno ti Kildare, praying the removal of the Catholic disabilities. Lord BELORAVE presented a petition from certain genfonot of Chester, praying that no farther concessions be made to the Roman Catholics. The Noble Lord took occasion to observe, that although he must acknowledge the petitioners were gtruleme great respectability, yet he did not regret that he differed from upon this question. He was pained, however, tozee thellsey not make proper allowance for the alteration In the - state silo country, and the opinions of the Catholics themselves. (Hem. The petition was ordered to be printed. CORN LAWS. Lord SIILTON presented petitions from the merchants and et. nufacturers of Leeds ; from the cloth hall of Leeds ; and from eo merchants and _manufacturers of IVakefield, p raying for a rr. vision of the Corn Laws. The Noble Lord also prewated TT titions from the owners and occupiers of land in Easingsp:ii :a Yorkshire ; from the parishes of Auld and Coitheld; and aria the owners and occupiers of Selby, praying that there mzy lye* revision of the Corn Laws.—These petitions were ordered tat: printed. Colonel BAILLIE presented a petition from the owner srd cupiers of land in Holderny, against a revision of the Corn Lyn. Sir 0. CLERK presented a petition from the county of Lair burgh, against a revision of the Corn Laws. Mr. ODE HOI TS E presented ma similar petitions km Soch Greenhall, and the Hundred of Freslshuld in Norfolk. Sir E. KNATCII BULL presented similar petitions frets the county of Kent—from Rochester, and from several parishes in that county.--Ordered to be printed. DUTIES ON BLUBBER. Lord MILTON presented a petition from the ship-neer. of Leeds, engaged in the G►eenland trade, praying for a reveal of te duties on blubber.—Laid on the table. TEES RAILWAY. Lord MILTON presented a petition from Yard, in this Railway.—Laid on the table. DISSENTERS' MARRIAGE ACT. Sir E. KNATCHBULL presented a petition from sme re. spectable clergymen of Maidstone against 'his Act. TRANSFER OF LAND BILL. _ . Mr. F. PALMER moved the second nailing of the Ccrt/ Transfer of Land Bill. Mr. Senetary PEEL suggested to the Honourable Mem whether it would not be better to postpone the further in this Bill until the House was cubit d to make some kcal ra quiries as to the disposal of these quilletn. By next Serial would be in a situation to legislate upon much more ample in. formation. The SOLICITOR-GENERAL urged the appointroent of Committee, composed of one :11crnba from every county interested In this measure. Such a body would he mote capable of settling' local interests than the Magistrates named in the Bon. Member's Bill. _ . I he Ilill was then read a second time, and ordered to be um witted on that day fortnight. SETTLE:III:NT OF POOR BILL. Mr. S. BOURNE postponed the cons.deration of th!t Rid act; Aloaday next. PUNISHMENT OF CONVICTS. Dlr. Secretary PEEL gave 'twice of his intention to bri-g Bill for the more effectual punishment of convicts in our cote; possessions. The Irish Chancery and the Irish Exchequer Courts Bilh serc read &second COURT OF CHANCERY. Mr. IVILLIANIS inquired when the Report of die Parlinnee• tary Commisasioners on tile state of the Court of Clunceir coot likely to be laid before the House. Two months ago he Maher informed that it would be speedily produced. Mr. Secretary PEEL was unable to gi•:. the information te • squired by the Hon. Member t but he dated to say that the Hs& Member for Exeter (Mr. Courtenav) could say when it sat re bable the Commissioners might mike a report. dlr. BROUGHAM asked whether the Learned Gentleman (die Selicitor-General) who had intimated before that they were boll to make a partial report, could rct give some information on the subject ? The SOLICITOR-GEM:IUL made some reply, which we could not bear. _ . Mr. W. COURTENAY was iiroble to say when the Reyort would be produced, although 110 c , uld state that the Comrniii.iorws had not been idle in the great tisk which l:ad been committed them. The Commissioners had uo wish to create any unrerew-rf delay ; but he was sure, when the !louse considered the grow portance of the subject, and the extent of an inquiry, which go to affect the practice or onc of our most ancient courts, thst'ller would not think any time bad been wasted unnecessarily. Mr. WILLIAMS here mid—will the Report be presented 1.46 Session ? Mr. COURTENAV thotlfe.t it certainly would; but the Hate should recollect that the Contrvii!ee was composed of ten or twelve persons, and that they would be obliged to make extensive re searches and examine a multitude of evidcr.ce upon a question of such importance, before they could venture to suggest any she' ations. --- On the motion of Mr. W. HORTON, the Canada Comp'lf . 6 Bilitruread a second time The Can Diemen's Land Bill, on the motion of the same Hoi• Member, was also read a scoot time. and committed. On the motion of Lord A. HAMILTON, the House resolved itself into a Committee of the whole House, on the Small Dees (Scotland) Recovery Bill. After a short discussion. the several clauses and amendments were agreed to. The House resumed, and the other orders of the day b;irg dis posed of, the House adjourned. . _ IFkk II -.Nu