The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser. — London, England, 1825-03-16 00:00:00

~.a~a 0,.,,.. t ......~.~ • :! - _ . . . . . . , • • • • • .4 • 1 141./Nimminlimmummensmondh m o o l im done, and due encouragement given to the increase of the populations entered into by the Government with the Companies, it would two of the country by affording proper facilities to emigrants and be but fair that copies of the agreements, if any, should be laid be- settlers, they might be rendered competent to def...od themselves, at fore the House. Ile wished also to know, whether these Conipa• least for some time. But if such measures were not adopted, lie nice were to be incorporated for purposes beyond that of merely would take upon himself to say, ten years will not have passed enabling them to sue and be sued by their secretary or some other with tit effecting a mighty change in the relative situations of the official person. If this were intended to be the ease, he considered two countries. (Hear.) At a ll crews , if we we r e n ot prepared to it to he Int.unabent on that House to watch the provision., of any relinquish our claims upon Canada as a colony, it was but right, Bill that might be introduced for such an object very narrowly. I. and fur mutunl advantage, t h at we s h ou ld strengthen the fouuda- Mr. HORTON replied in a tone almost inaudible, but we un- ' Lions on which it stood, and enable it to proud itstlf. The prin. derstood him to say, that it wsp intended to incorporate the Com- cull,' object of the Bill which the Honourable the Under Secretary panics. fur the Colonial Ikrpartment sought to introduce to the House, asp- The motion was then put, and leaveytiven to bring in the Bill. p... - red to be to creates Company for the mit:ll4omm' of the untie- REGULATION OF BA Nkri IN IRELAND. copied howls of the eulogies. Every thing now-a-days was to be I Mir GEORGE HILL observed, that the measure he hoped to h. a _fitint fitnelr I •nnlrmelv has. the. hnnn....,. L., tr clone, and due encouragement given to the increase of the popula tion of the country by affording proper facilities to emigrants and settlers, they might be rendered competent to defend themselves, at least for some time. But if such measures were not adopted, lie would take upon himself to say, ten years will not have passed witheut effecting a mighty change in the relative situations of the two countries. (Hear.) At all events, if we were not prepared to relinquish our claims upon Canada as • colony, it was but right, and for mutual advantage, that we should strengthen the founda tions on which it stood, and enable it to proud itself. The prin cipal object of the Bill which the Honourable the Under Secretary tee the Colonial Department sought to introduce to the House, ap peared to be to creme& Company for the management of the unoc cupied hoods of the Cenobite Every thing now.a.days was to be mauaged by • Joint Stock Company. Mr. W. HORTON informed the Honourable Member, that other measures of importance to dint part of our colonies were in tended to be embraced by the Bill. The establishment of a Coin paily was merely a collateral object, and in furtherance of other improvements. Mr. A. BARING resumed. How would the improvement of the colony be promoted by the creation an Company which was to begin by advancing 300,000/. to the hands of Government? . Was colimieation to be so promoted ? This Company would look to get back the amount of their advance and interest upon it befiire the settlers could get lands from them. He would ask if this Bill was to grant powers to the Crown to deal with the pra t need Contpany, is what manner colonisation would be for warded by that means ? He was disposed to think it would here a contrary effect; and that being an, it surely ought not to be the object of Government to get 3(00,0001. nut of the hands of the Company, and leave our colonies to shift for themselves. lie was no advocate for giving away lands gratuitously. No ad vantageous object was to be promoted in that way, because people were very much in the habit of undervaluing what was so given away. Such was the case at least wit h which the people ig the country parts of England (he spoke front experience) de spised and neglected in proportion to the facility of procuring it. On those grounds he did no: pretend to recommend a gratuitous disposal of lands. lie was disposed to place the subject in the bands of the local authorities. By so doing, in the present in stance, the best result might be anticipated ; and by placing conti. denee in teem generally, and giving them power to resist that sort of attack which might be expected, the interests of the two countries, would be best consulted and provided for. For hie part he anode see no possible advantage to be gained by such a Compauy as that proposed to be es:relished. The Com. puny would be constituted of persons living ha the country, and perhaps conversant em , igh with the Reyal Ex change. but wholly unacquainted with the localities amid details of the Colony. They could know nothing about the matter, nor originate any measures likely benefit it country or themselves. To be sure they might have a resident agent, to whom the scheme might be advantageous, and who there was little doubt would succeed in picking their pockets. However, if the Bill was to be introduced. lie would suggest to the Hon. Secretary (Mr. Horton) the propriety of inserting a clause providing that all lands not allocated by the Company within a certain number of years should pass from their possession and return back into the hands of G ivermitent. Such a ine.aeure was absolutely ne cessary to neutralise in any degree the mischiefs likely t a arise front the Leander of so many millions of acres, and to leave a chance of any encouragement being &Worded to settlers in that part of the world. Mr. ROBERTSON said. if it was wished to make the Ca ra las independent of the Molter Country this measure would to effect that object; oeithor did lie think it likely to piece the Colonies upon a better footing for internal defence. Under such circumstance', /kinetics would aLvoys have us in her posse, in the event of • war with Europe; and we should find it impracticable to defend the Canadas sg.inst her power. It was the duty of his Majesty's Ministers to give this subject the consideration which its importance demanded. Mr. W. HORTON—The Hon. Me ober opposite (Mr. Peeing) should be aware that there was a quantity of fertile land in the Catiadas capable of absorbing all the population that could be sent front these countries independent of the portion intended to be allo cated to the proposed Company. That Company it would be best to consider in the light of an individual seeking for certain ads an_ tales, and of course likely to put those advantages to the best pur- . pose. When the Hon. Member spoke of the necessity of intro. dating a clause to enforce the re:urn of unoccupied lend after a certain period, he must have entertained as had an opinion of the Colones' department as the lion. Member for Aberdeen himself. But the Administration had not been so negligent as that ; for the clause proposed by the Hon. Member already formed a ;nut of the Agreement. (Hear.) Under such circumstances It was wholly out of the power of the Company to establish a monopoly. With re spect to emigration to Canada. for the alleged discouragement of which Government had been blamed, be had to state, that every eracticsble facility had been given to all individuals likely to bene. fit themselves or the community by their becoming eettlere in that cesny. But it was not wish Canada as it was with the United States es America, where there existed a great demand for artir to and the Lamming &RISEN generally. In Canada the great want was a mo. oeyrd population, capable of bringing the resources of the country in o play. He repeated, they stood in need of settlers possessed of capital, and not individual. who, relying upon paean:tat iadustry alone, would find no adequate employment for it, but becomes be/thee to the State in its present circuinster.ces. If it were ad mitted, as he thought it must by every person pmenecing a comp:. tent knewledge of the subject, that it was elesitaels to introduce caritalists into that colony, he did not see what more salutary and effect e mode could be 'tied to effect that purpose than that at present proposed. The ebjest of the Bill which he wished to in. toduce to the notice of the House was, to give power to the Crown to treat with aCumpany for the express purpose of the introduction of capital into Canada ; and he was satisfied that the details of the measure, when submitted to their consideration, were such as would prove satisfactory . The Hon. Member (Mr. Baring) seemed to think this Company partook of the nature of other companies now ex isting in such numbers cal variety. He (Mr. II.) answered it did not either in its objects or the period of its origin, for the establish- stunt of such a Cnnpany had been in contemplation !set year; and • he chosen the measure long called fur the necessity of such th ages in our colonies. Would it be suggested by Gentlemen oupoai e that Government was to blame for originating a measure and establishing a system calculated to relieve that H - use Loin the annual burthen imposed upon it of providing for the Canadts, end at the time benefit the colony ? This was not a grant to a Company for particular purposes, but purely a question or sale ; and the terms entered into bound the Company top oinote colonisation, to make roads, and advance mary other objects of advantage to :he colony. The Company were rot composed of iodivi euals such at the Honourable Member for Taunton (Mr. Baring) tad descr bed. Many of them were persons resident upon the epos, yens:teeing all the local details requisite. and necessarily in terested in the improvement of the colony. It would appear from this that their affairs would not be conducted by mercenary or Ignorant persons, as had been alleged. Looking at the mater in t cis point of vtew, he thought it must be conceded by every suipartial Mil - lei:luta in that House that the pro posed plan was one well calculated to produce good con liege, tees both to the colony and the Mother Country. (Hear.) lie (Ale Haim)) miuld dismiss that part of the sub)eet and advert to another arts ng out of the debates of the evening ; and in so thing hs could nut avoid expressing his astonishment at the unpro voked attack made upon the Noble Earl at the head of the Colonial Department ity the Hon. Gentleman opposite, the filentber tor Montrose. He repeated, the attack was wholly onwa.-ranted by any thing then bettor me House, and the language in which it had been conveyed moat bareh and severe. The Hon. Member had cited the conduct of the Noblemen who was Governor at the Cape M . flood Hope (Lord Charles Seine:set). lie had questioned and vituperated that conduct in the most violent manner, and told the lIJUSC of tyranny and transportation. What was before the House te watrant such a proceeding, and the terms of idle declamation in leech the lion. Gentlemen bad indulged ? What authority had I. to identify Government with the conduct of Lord Charles eernerset ? Mr. HUME—You keep him there. Mr. H(MiTON—The Hon. Gentleman says we keep the On !wen in his situation. We 1, let him make a motion on the sub. jut arid try if we are not able to explain the reasons for doing so. It was a habit with the Hon. Gentleman to indulge in quibbling a Intli.ire expenses, and consider measures separately, without view. ieg their general effects upon the improvement of the colonies. He suile instance the Hon. Member's conduct with regard to New st , i-Vi Wales u a proof of what he had stated. He (51r. Horton) aid a it know, gad he was sure the House was in the same con. esiee, or. what grounds or authority the lion. Gentleman brought heeded his charges. He called upon him to bring forward a specific charge, and it should be met accordingly ; but he r-w no advantage in the Honourable Gentleman continuing :a cavil at the measures of Government, resting all the while upon loose generalities and vague assertions. lie thought the House would concur with hen in thinking that the Colonial Ileeertreent had dor.e its duty to the country, and that the Noble I ord at the held of it deserved their thanks instead of me e tin g wh e vituperation from the Honourable Member for Montrose, as t• did that night. There was nu mystery in the management of tier otlottiol relations—simplification was its only secret. The reablishment of equal laws, the removal of unjust and impolitic ve tricOons from trade, the encouragement of the increase of settlers our colonies—all these objects hail received and would continue !0 receive th e s t tent i on of his Majesey's Ministers. Ile trusted the !Luse would take this lieu their serious consideration, and not Ind themselves to the assertions of the Honourable eleuriber for 3l entrese, who he trusted would in future confine himself to seicitie nmerms, and so give him and his Honourable Friends so opportunity to meet his objxt:ons with& speci fi c reply- Abe Me ME was surprised at the assertion of the Honourable •'!erribee (Mr. Horton). He had brought specific motions before the consideration of the House annually, and almost constantly. ' lied was now told by the Honourably Gentleman that he had on ly indulged in vague generalities and idle declamations. The ques ten was then put, and lesve given to bring in the Bill. VAN ME'S 'hr. W. HORTON rose t o move N for leave t LAND. o bring in a Bill for tee euhivation and improvement of the waste lands in the settle- Teets of Van leeman's Land. This was • Bill similar to lost. He thought In the infancy of a colony, the for seetion of Companies for the improvement of landis might be '"'ended with more advantage than privateadrentere ; always sup -1 sing that due caution was used iti its formation. He believed there was n o part of our Colonies w h ere t he r e was more room for th e operation of such a measure than in Van Diemen's icami ; and be thought the House would agree with him in think ivg the propose~d Bill likely to be highly beneficial to that Colony. Sir. C. PELHAM made a few remarks, which were totally in audible in the gallery. .Ir. A. BARING observed, that if there had been any atipula- reVTW THE BRITISH PRESS; tiona entered into by the Government with the Companies, it woulo be but fair that copies of the agreements, if any, oliould be laid be fore the House. Ile wished also to know, whether these Compa nies were to be incorporated for purposes beyond that of merely enabling them to sue and be sued by their secretary or some other official penman. If this were intended to be the case, he considered it to he Insumbent on that House to watch the provisions of any Bill that might be introduced for such an object very narrowly. Mr. HORTON replied in a tone almost inaudible, but we un derstood him to ray, that it wilt intended to incorporate the Cont. panics. The motion was then put, and leave given to bring in the Bill. REGULATION OF BANKS IN IRELAND. Sir GEORGE HILL observed, that the measure he hoped to have the honour to bring before the House would not at all contra vene any arrangements that might have been mode between the Treasury and the Bank of Ireland. There was much more capital in Ireland than people were apt to suppose. In the course of a short time not less than thirteen millions sterling had been transferred from that country to the Bank of England, and the exports of last year were not much less than fourteen millions sterling ; he there. fore thought that the country required a greater extension of banking establiahmenta to aid the circulation of its capital, anti to of brd the merchant and manufacturer that assistance which an in creased trade necessarily required. The Honourable Baronet then moved, that leave he given :o bring in a Bill to render more effec tual an Act of last Session, entitled " An Act to amend an Act of the 31st of Geo. 11. which empowered persons to form co-partner. ships to are nn the trade of banking in I re l an d." Mr. DA MSON seconded the motion. Ile considered thin mea sure to be essentially necessary to the permanent prosperity of Ire land. It would be in the recollection of the House, that about four years ago the whole of the South of Ireland was ruined by the ex 'menet of private bunks. This was in consequence of those banks being founded on principles inimical to the true spirit of mercantile transactions. So extensively ruinous did these batiks operate, that it was found necessary for this House to step forward, and by ad- vancing large sums of money prevent those Manning consequences ' which would have inevitably ensued but for its interference. This, however, was no argument against such banks when formed upon proper principles. Scotland attintled a striking rostra this. While in Ulu:outer and Ulster there were at this moment but ten banks, in Scotland there were no less than 1211; and lie believed every Gen tleman who bad either written or spoken on the subject had anti_ touted the happy state of that country entirely to the formation of joint stock banking companies. It was chit principle he moat anxiously wished to see introduced into Ireland. Ile totally dis approved of the manner in which private banks were constituted. Their system was pernicious, and its effects invariably ruinous. But the system upon widen joint stock companies were formed afforded a perfect contrast; and its introduction to Ireland would be the certain means of encouraging its manufactusee, and indeed of pro mo:ing the general prosperity of that country. lie was desirous, however, of stating, that, anxious as he was to carry this object into execution, he did not wish to trespass on the chartered rights of the Bank of Ireland. But however much that Bank wis protected by its charter, yet it should be remembered that the Bank of Ireland had a duty to perform to the country, as well as a right to uphold. That estaidishinent must not expect too much. The interests of i Ireland were not to he sacrificed to the interests of the Bank. He knew not what was the disposition of that body with regard to the present measure, but he perfectly remembered, that during a time of great distress in Ireland the Bank of Ireland did not step for ward to render the least assistance. (hear, hear.) Ile thought, therefore, that the Bank hail no right to expect this !louse to con sult its interests in preference to that of the people, but that Par liament ought to give full encouragement to the establishment of provincial banks, which were calculated to have a most autumry effect in promoting those interests. There was another fact which he considered indicative of the great indisposition on the part of the Bank of Ireland to contribute its aid to the prosperity of that coun try. That body did not reduce its discounts until he had given no tice in the last Si ssiun of Parliament of his intention to introduce a Bill to regulate and restrict the exclusive rights claimed by that Bank. Since then, indeed, the Bank had made sonic little reduc tion of its discounts, and there had been a branch or provincial bank established; but he did not think the Bank of Ireland came forward in anyway to support the country efficiently as it ought, and all that it had done was by compulsion. Ile thought that this measure would be realising sante portion of that good to the people of Ireland which was h e ld ou t to th em at t h e t i me o f the Ifnion ; and he sincerely hoped that tlre Right Hon. the Chancellor of the Excheatter would see the importance of it, and give it his full sup port. By that Right Hon. Gentleman carrying it into execution, lie would be extending the benefit of those principles of trade to Ireland which he had w wisely done to all other parts of the world, and would by this menus he preparing the way to a great reduction of taxation oa the people of that country, and thus ensure for them ihe blessings of prosperity, hitherto unknown to them. Sir H. PARNELL conceived that the conduct of the Bank of Ireland was such as not to make any 31entber backward in ex pressing his opinion upon it he considered i: to have been extremely improper and Inconsistent, with regard to the public interests of the country. He them& that if the proceedings of the Bank were to be sifted to thz bottom, it would be found to have been the cause of the reduction of the banks in these parts of Ireland which had been mentioned by the Hon. Member opposite Cllr. Dawson), to the ue.y small number of ten. He trusted, however, that what had occurred in throe provinces —namely, Munster and Ulster—would lead the House to examine for the future more deeply into the policy of giving such a monopoly, not only I to the Bank of Ireland, but to the Bank of England also, and to I see how dangerous it a as to entrust so much of the public interest in the poser of any private individuals, be they who they may. He wished to ask one question which had occurred to him relative to the subject now before the House. lie was desirous to ascertain how far it was expedient to keep the law of Ireland different feoni the law of England in respect of the trade of banking ? He asked to know why the Banking Act of 131.M0. l 1. should continue? He could not understand upon what ground one system should be ob served in Ireland and another pursued in this country. As far as the Banking Act went he never could learn (and he had spoken with many persons well-informed on the subject) that there was any benefit derived from it. He did, therefore, trust that the whole system would, when the Bill which the Honourable Baronet was about to bring in Caine before the House, be taken into em sideration, and the banking trade of Ireland be made to assimilate with that of England. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said, he was as sensible of the importance of the question now before the House as the Hon. Baronet who had introduced it; and he begged to assure that lion. Baronet that lie was es extremely anxious to give his assistance to a fair investigation of the subject as any one, and in this inquiry he should certainly not be influenced by any partiality towards the Bank of Ireland. lie knew not, indeed, why he should, further than this--thet the Bank of Ireland had a Charter which gave it certain rights, and the House ought theretbre to take care that in legislating upon tlei• subject it did not violate those rights, Persons might differ as to what might be a violation of them ; but he thought the principl e at a ll events cluld not be dis- I putcd that the Bank was clearly entitled to have its Charter left untouched by this measure. They might be violated in two ways ; it might be done, first, by a direct, positive, and open violation— done purposely and intentionally ; and, 2dly, it might be violated by giving the Charter such a comoruction as would be inconandent with those rights which it was intended to confer, and for which only it was of value to the incorporated body. With regard to the that mode of violation, it must be admitted to be altogether unjust'_ liable, ae. not to be in any way excused. But with regard to the latter, it might perhaps be argued that the technical construction of the Charter did not give to the Bank those privileges which it had for a series of years enjoyed. They must, however, in construing this instrument, take into consideration what the circumstance. were which endured the Charter to be granted, and whether the contract between the Bank and Government was not such as to embrace those privileges ; and if the Bank should establish this fact, then the question would be whether the Bank had not in equity made outs full Gat to support of that construe tion watch had hitherto been put by them upon the terms of their charter? Ile should certainly feel it him duty to make it an object of his care to see that this question was properly and fully attended to its the progress of oily Bill that might be introduced by the Honourable Baronet. He thought his - Honourable Friend (Mr. Dawson) had spoken rather severely of the Bank of Ireland ; and he (the Chancellor of the Exchequer) should be the more watchful on that account. It might be said that the Bank of Ireland had acted illiberally--that was, that it had acted like all other persons in money matters who preferred their own personal interests to these of their neighbours ; but that was not a reason for attacking its known and acknowledged privileges. If persons should, however, say. that it had not done what it was bound to do— that it had not fulfilled its contract with the country—why then he should reply that it had not performed the stipulations of its charter: but that was clearly a matter of inquiry, and was not to be determined on by the mere statements of Honourable Members. He should always be reedy to speak in favour of any measure really calculated to be beneficial to Ireland, and that w ou ld in a ny way facilitate tea corn menial prosperity ; but lie did hope that it would not be considered right by this Hous e t o grant a beuetit at the expense of justice, and 1 1 to the utter destruction of vested rights. Mr. J. S3IITH spoke in support of the Bill. Mr. S. RICE said, although he could not retrain from expressing hs gratitude to the Right lion. Bart. for introducing this question, yet he should at present abstain from entering into the merits of the question, inasmuch as Ile was anxious to notice some of the observations which had fallen from the Right Hon. the Chancellor of the Exchequer ; because, although he was ready to acknow_ /edge the pleasure he felt at much which that Right Hon. Gentle man had said, yet there was part of his (the Chancellor of the Exchequer's) speech which he (Mr. S. Rice) could not avoid ob serving upon. He agreed most perfectly with the Right Hon. (sent. that the discussion of this su bj ect in the House must be guided by principles ofjustice; so far was he ready to act upon three prin ciples, that if it should be made appear that the fair and legal con struction of the Charter of the Bank of Ireland was such as to pre- vent this Bill from being brought in, then he would readily admit it to be a complete answer to the Right Honourable Baronet, and in support of the negative of the question. But when the Right Honourable Gentleman (the Ch ance ll or o f t h e E xc h equer) spoke'. of an equitable construction of the: Charter. he (31r. S. Rice) could not then help adverting to the language of an Honourable and Learned Friend on a late occasion, and say, that in order . for a party to claim the benefit of such a construction It behoved I to come into Court with clean hands, and show that he had done every thing he fairly and justly could, and had acte d i n cunformity to the very spirit of his contract. Now what had been the conduct of the Bank of Ireland ? ('p to very lately it refused to render any accommodation whatever to any house except it was connected with Dublin ; and therefore those persons in Ireland who sought to promote trade in remote parts of the country were obliged to appointer agent in Dublin; the consequence of which was an in crease of expense to a davezunt of 7 per cent instead cat 5. ' He knew the Bank of Ireland had altered its practice of late, but he did not thank the Bank fur that, but his Honourable Friend the Member for Decry (Mr. Dawson). With regard to the real cause of the opposition of the Bank of Ireland to provincial banks, he attributed it entirely to the jealousy entertained on the part of that body to the introduction of English capital. Much as this intro• duction would benefit Ireland, he thought it would not be in point of capital only ; but by these banks being superintended by Eng ' linhmen, they would operate as a inoral correction on the people of Ireland. Ile believed the present was the only question on which the whole of the people of Ireland minus the Bank of Ireland, and the whole of the Members far Ireland minus those connected with the Bank, were united : and he therefore hoped the Right lion. the Chancellor of the Exchequer would give it his support. Mr. I'RA NT spoke a few words on the subject, but we could itot collect the tenor of them. 3lr. U. FITZGERALD expressed his gratitude to the Right Honourable Bart. fur the measure ha was about to introduce, which would so materially benefit the people of Ireland. lie saw no reason why provincial banks should not be. introduced. They could not interfere With the interests of the Bank of Ireland, inasmuch as' that Bank would not discount a single paper unless it were accepted by a person residing in Dublin. It was only by the introduction of a greater quant•ty of specie that the internal trade of Ireland could prosper; and in his opinion it was a matter of the greatest import ince to Introduce some banking establishment in those parts of Ireland where thecirculating inedito» was so deficient. Mr. SNEYD defended the flank of Ireland; during the late dis- ' tresses in Ireland, much ;toed had been done by it,while the country derived not the least ssaistance from the private banks. Mr. ATTWOOD made some observations which were quite inaudible in the gallery. Mr. 'f RA NT explained. Air. M. FITZGERALD explained. Mr. SNEYD explained ; and said he felt himself warranted in repeating hi, former assertion. The question was then put from the Chair, and leave given to bring in the Bill. BUTTER TRADE OF IRELAND. Sir H. PA RNELL rose to move for certain lepees connected with the butter trade of Ireland. He would have contented himself with simply moving for the panels. without making any remarks, bat that the subject was of at ch I resting importance. The House would judge of its importance front the !act that there was annually exported from Ireland butter to she amount of two millions sterling; no other trade in that country was carried to the same extent. ft was principally carried on by small farmers, and sonic. times was the only moors they possessed for paying their rent. In the year 1812 the butter trade Was carried on under very annoying regulations. True it was that there exiated some before that period, such as that the casks containing the butter should be branded; but in 11112 the trade was cramped by the most oppressive and vexations regulations. The principal one was, that every cask of butter should be Kole' in optn market, and that in each market there be men called tasters, whoseolfiee was to taste the butter, and fix the quality of it according to their respective palates. (A laugh.) For instance, if the taster declared the butter to be of the second quality, the price per hundred weight became 10e. less than that fixed for the first quality ; and the price was reduced ss. more when the butter was of the third quality. The Honourable Member thought such a system could not but lead to very ill consequences. (Hear, hear.) The office of taster was of such'a nature that no respectable person would accept of it ; this necessarily threw it into the hands of individuals or a very exceptionable class. As the law then stood no cask could contain more titan eighty tour pounds weight • of these casks there were brought into market seven hundred thou sand annually ; each of these was to be tasted, and its ()make de termines(' according to the discretion of the tester. 16 hether all were actually tasted or not lie (Sir 11. Pa-nell) did not know ; it was certain however that their value was fixed by the tasters, and it was impossible for the House to conceive to Wllat an extent of gross fraud and oppression such a practice led. (Hear, hear.) Under the present system that officer fell entirely under the control of the merchant, arid usually was bribed by hint. As the law then stood the merchant was allowed to make a deduction of 241. per cask ; hehowever contrived, under varions pretences, suckles for beamage, to makes further deduction, so that in general it was 0(1. per cask. The taster was always paid by the merchant, but in reality the fees received by him came from the pocket of the vendor of the butter. The merchant could at any time frighten the taster into a collusion with him merely by threittening to go toe different marke, to which place the butter would of cowrie follow. There was another prac tice to which he would direct the attention of the House: the law provides that each cask should be branded as being of ' a certain size ; that however ought to be done by the sworn weigh master. The weighmaster had been known to leave the brand to the cooper, to be used by him far the purpose of defrauding the public, ar.d for that criminal breach of his duty he of course was liberally bribed. it was also required by the existing law, that all better be weighed at the same scale ; from that regulation great delay usually arose. It was not unfrequent that a poor man, coming to town with his butter, had to wait one day and a-half before he got his business done. To show the House the gross cor ruption engendered by the system of tasting, he would state to them that there were many instances In which butter rated at one market not higher than of the second or third, was, when removed to • different one, sold for the first quality. The Hon. Baronet pro ceeded to say, that he could convince the !louse the grounds of the Bill of 1812 were fallacious, inasmuch as it professed to prevent fraud, when the fact was, that since the introduction of that law frauds had sprung up that were never dreamt of before. All he now asked of the Howie was, to remove the foolishintgulations then imposed, and leave the trade altoger,her to itself—such as it now existed in Westmorland, and in various other pants of Engiand. He was most anxious to know if the President of the Board of Trade meant to introduce any measure on the present subject T lie understood that Right lion. Gentleman to say last year, when the subject was before the House, that he had some measure in con templation. Now that such time had been afforded for considera tion, he trusted the Right Hon. Gentleman would redeem :his pledge. For his :(r.-rt part, he would content himself with moving for the papers, and leave the House to deal with the subject as they thought fit. The lion. Baronet then moved for copies of all memorials and documents presented to the Board of Trade since the first of January 1824. Mr. C. GRANT conceived the restrictions under which the hotter trade laboured to be only of a piece with those impolitic re strictions on trade which lately esisted all through the kingdom; it was a strong ground for altering the butter laws that their object had not been obtained. LHcar, hear.) Instead of putting an end to fraud their effect was creating collusion between the merchant and the officer, at the expense of the seller. The restrictions were also of • piece with the branding of linen, and whatever objections were raised as to their continuance with respart to butter, applied equally to linen. Kith reference to what had been said as to a promise of his Right Hon. Friend (Mr. Iluslisson), he begged to state that that Right lion. Gentleman had no measure at pre sent in contemplation on the subject; he was sure the question could not be in better hands than those of the Honourable Ba ronet. . 31E wished to say one word as to linen. Ile wished to state the great benefit that was felt from the removal of the cramp. ing laws in Scotland. lie was sure the manutacturers in the North of Ireland would be much ple.ssed at a corresponding alter ation in the Irish laws. 31r. SPRING RICE, thought that if the Prdsident of the Board of Trade had even not promised to originate a measure on the present subject, still it was of sufficient importance to claim his siltation now.. Mr. DA WSON said there was certainly a strong case made out with regard to butter, but he deprecated any interference with the linen lawn. The linen trade was going on well, and tile practice of branding gave satisfaction to all parties. Mr. J. GRATTAN hoped the House would not hastily adopt any measure. but give all parties a fair trial. Mr. T. WILSON was much more inclined to think the subject before the House as one for inquiry before a Committee, than one to be settled by a Bill without any previous inquiry. Mr. C. GRANT explained. Mr. M. FITZGERALD did not think the House ought to le gislate too flippantly on the question without irquiry. lie begged to state accordingly a regulation to which the Member for London (Mr. T. Wilson) was an advising party : all the butter-firkins used in the south of Ireland were to be made in Cork. Sir G. HILL made a few observations. Sir H. PARNELL was quite satisfied with having brought the subject before the House, and would leave all the responsibility on the President of the Board of Trade. The Hon. Member said it was not fair to take the opinions of the cities of Cork or Dublin as to the existing laws—they were interested in their continuance, an they were the source of great inennics to them. He thought his Ma jesty's Al inisten were bound to take up the question now, as the law of 1812, which created all the mischief, was brought into Par liament by the then Chief Secretary for Ireland. From that law sprung the present gross system of corruption he would therefore leave them to remedy their own law. The papers were then ordered. IMPOUNDING DISTRESSES IN IRELAND. On the motion of Mr. S. COOPER, this Bill was read a second time, and ordered to hems:omitted on Thursday next. RECOVERY OF SMALL DEBTS IN SCOTLAND. The Bill for regulating the recovery of small debts in Scotland was read a second time, and ordered to be committed on Friday brit. JURIES. The House resolved itself into a Committee on the Julies Bill ; the Report was onlered to he Mmighi ti to-morrow. GAME LAVI The House resolved itself into a Committee on the Game Laws Bill, and to-morrow was fixed for bringing up the Report. ASSESSED TAXES. I'pon the motion for the third reading of the Assessed Taxes Bill, The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER brought up a clause for repealing the tax upon one dog, kept by persons hot pay ing the assessed taxes on windows. Mr. HUME inquired if it was not the intention to repeal the tax on shepherds' dogs in Scotland ? The CHANCELIA►R of the EXCHEQUER said. the Hon. Gentleman was probably not aware that, by an Act of last session, the tax on shepherds' dogs kept on lanni of a certain size had been repealed. Mr. HUME thought that a vexatious tax of a few thousand pounds might be repealed altogether. The clause was then added as a elder to the Bill. WINDOW TAX. The CHANCELIAM of the EXCHEQUER moved • clause exempting interior windows from charge. Mr. HUM E having received any answer, begged leave to impress upon the Chancellor the propriety of repealing the Shep herds' Dog Tax. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQU KR said, the cone qucnce of such a measure w.itAti be, that everyone would claim ex. • . _7. -- - - _ -_._r emptlen upon the ground of hie dog being a shepherd's dog, anti the Government thus be chested out of What he thought one of the lea,t objectionable of the As/eased Taxes. 3lr. Alderman WOOD and Mt. H. Dituatmosrl made a few obaervat ma. Mr. HUME then said, he had lately received a letter from the Mayor of Yarmouth, in which it was stated that on the last appeal. day there had been upwards of 700 cases from one district. This was one of the lamentahleeffects of this oppressive tax. lie thought if the Surveyor was lined in a small sum when lie failed to make good his complaint that it would operate to check this vexatious litigation. But he would again press upon the Chancellor of the Exchequer the necessity of repealing these taxes altogether. Mr. Alderman WOOD thought, that if the Chancellor of the Exchequer would consent to sit in his place for a few consecutive days as a Commissioner in Southwark, he would perhaps see good reason for the repeal of all these taxes. The clause was then added ass rider to the Bill. POT BOYS. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER brought up a clause exempting publicans from any charge for pot-boys under the age of 15. Mr. Alderman WOOD said—" Then at the age of 13 they most be discharged." Mr. HERMES said they might be retained, but they were then liable ton charge. The clause was then added to the MI. The Bill with its riders . was then read a third time, and passed. WINE DUTIES. On the second reading of the Wine Duties Bill— Mr. 1/1:51E :caked if there was any intention to make an allow ance to those wine-merchants who had embarked large capitals in Cape wines ? A reduction having taken place upon French and Portugal wines, these merchants would be ruined if, in violation of the faith of Parliament solemnly pledged, they wean to continue paving the same duty on a much inferior article. The same re lative proportion he contended should still be observed. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER denied that Par liament was pledged to continue the reduction. About three years ago the duty had been reduced as an encouragement to the trade of the Colony, but they were not in any manner bound to the reduc tion longer than might seem expedient. The question wan however under consideration; and although he believed every one knew what became of a very large proportion of wines of that description, he would not at present pronounce any opinion as to their claims. They had other grounds than the faith of Parliament ; that was not to be maintained. Alderman WOOD inquired what was the quantity of wine upon which the Government meant to give a reduction as stock on hand—if only a tun, or how much less than a tun ? Mr. HERMES said, that in laying on the duties they had not taken any higher quantity than a tun ; but in repealing them lie bdievetl they would take a smaller quantity—not less, however, than ten or twenty gallons. Mr. Ald. AVOOD said, that as they had reduced their wines already, it was important they should be inforined upon the subject. The other order. of the day were then disposed of, and the House Adjourned at liaLf-p.tsT TtrEtws. The information of EOLIVAICS triumph in Peru has produced a wonderful sensation on the Continent, where the false reports, spread by the shackled press under the in fluence of the lioly AllianO, had altnait piepaied the people for the reconquest of South America by the ibithful troops of the beIovedPERDINA?i,. iiy the toristliu tionalists the independence of the late•Snanish Colohlca is hailed with unbounded pleasure ; while the partnaryi.of Absolute Monaichy openly express their lainetiationg over a result which they consider to be in the highest diver disastrous.to the principles of legitimaCy. It is easy to foresee that this event will produce in Europe political cat sequences of the most important eliaracter. The victory of St:Ck . E di :1 not decide the freedom ofsouth America only. The liberties of Spain were also achieved on the pleins of Gussuangs. Fi:nmN NI , must call togethet a Carted of some sort, or he must abdicate the C`own ; for the Peninsula is reduced to that condition, in which it cannot even supply the expenses of his establishment, unless he attack the clergy in earnest—a measure which he dare 4 not for a single moment to contemplate. The news frost: Constantinople in the Etude of Monday represents the Turkish Empire as vergiiig rapidly to con fusion and decay. The oppression of the exactions to carry on Elie war against the Greeks his reduced the people to the lowest state of misery. Instead of preparing to open a new campaign, the SULTAN is fortifying Maisel' . against the refractory Janissaries, who menace hint with dethronement. Executions for unknown offences take place daily, and fresh disorders succeed in spite of the ities practised upon the criminals of the day before- We advise our readers, especially those who are interested is Greek affairs, to peruse the whole article from the Elate with attention. It is evident to demonstratibit that the independence of the Greeks is absolutely achieved. We do not see how it will be pessible that a distracted Government like that of the Porte can make another effort against them. The next cant paign of the Turks 1111 be defensive. Bat what defence can this wretched nation make? What defence will ti;;-- or ought they to be disposed to Crake? " All branch.: of the State," say the accouitts, " are perishing from want and misery. Seventy-two thousand purses have been levied by the ST.'LTAN for the extraordinary expenses of the present year. The distress in Asia is so great that a father prosecuted fot debts has been obliged (a thing unheard-of among the Mussultnans) to glee Al, daughter in pawn ! " The only parallel in the world to the cendition of the subjects of the GRAND SULTAN is that of the ettually miserable and more pitiable inhabitants of Spain, where it appears, by all the advises, that murder is regularly organised as an amusement for the predominant party. In another column we give an account of the proceedings of the American Congress on the election of the President of the United States. The result of this contest seems to have called forth an unusual amount of electioneetite7 abuse. Because General Jitcxsorr had more of the votes of the electors than Mr. ADAMS, the partisans of the former absurdly and scurrilously charge fhe House of Re presentatives with corruption for preferring the latter. Where no one candid, te has a majority of electoral votes, the Constitution wisely reserves the choice of President to the snore polmlous branch of the Congress, limiting its selection to the three candidates who have obtained the greatest number of suffrages. Undee these circumstances to call upon the House of tispresenia - tires to cheore the candidate wise emds at the head of d i e list, would be to require that body to deprive itscii of a discretion clearly belonging to it, and which the interest of the country imperatively in st►ch case; demands it to exercise. The Democratic Papers abound in the coarsest invectives against the Congress for disappointing them by refusing to concur is the elevation of their " hero." The opinion of the z;eueral Govertmen: and Legislature appears, as we observed yesterday, to have been decidedly in favour of the new PRESIDENT. A Morning Paper talks of the "difficulty" of Mr. ADA74; . - election, and speaks disparagingly of " the means by whirl. his success has been achieved." It adds; "He must have been defeated but for the timely junction of Mr. CLAY'S party Mr. CLAY having retired front tro contest." Never was a statement snore nnfounded than this in every part. There was sw " difficulty" in the election. No undue " means" (for that must be meant, if any thing be meant) were 14'1 to . achieve the suceera. True ; the defeated eLmmerats " charge - corruption upon their adversaries, but not even a pretence is advanced that this charge can be pr re.). As to " Mr. CLAY having retired from the contest," in order, as it is insinuated, to strengthen Mr. ADAMS—the fact is, that Mr. ('L AY was excluded from the ballot in the Ifouir of Representatives, because only the three candidate.: who receive the highest number of suffrages are tenanted for the final choice of the Congress. It is singular enough that the Journal, which should thus enlarge on the "diffi culty " experienced by Mr. Miami is climbing So his pre , . sent eminence, should have concluded its article with Mk extract flew a Batton paper, respecting the last election by the House of Representatives, when Jerrritsow anti Been were the candidates. On that occasion, the snuggle lasted for a week. and there were thirty-six balletings before the requisite ma;Lnity could be obtained. On the late con- HOUSE OF COMMONS THIS DAY. NOTICE OF MOTION. Mr. Portman--Bill to amend the several Acts relating to the making and sale of Bread in places where no Assize is set. PRICES OF BRITISH 3 per (ent. Cons. 91 Ditto Acct. 93a 4 New I per Cent. 10S 106 194 India lkwadN OS 24 put India for Acet. 281 STOCKS YESTEIIDA Y. Long. Ann. Ex.Dilli,litl. 1,000/. 54 46 pin Ditto. 500 t. 64 67 pm I MUD , Small 54 67 pm 1 Lotter/ Tickets, IW. 19s. rtticEs FOREIGN Austrian Bonds 97 Braztliaa Bonds 8 • Ditto Scrip (1 225) ti /pm Ditto Acct. 2/ pm Buenos Ayres Bonds 91/ Colombian Bonds 91/ Ditto Bonds (1824) 99/ 1 9O: Ditto Acct. 91 French !lentos 195 f. 50c. 1061. Exchange tit Ilk. Ditto Bank Shares 2070 Exchange 23f 10c. Greek Bonds b 9 49/ 51 Ditto Acct. 50/ 1 Ditto Scrip (1825) 64 6 5/ ft din 4 TOCKS Y ESTE It IPA . Ditto Acct. 64 6 64 64 54 6 .54 6 dis Mexican Bonds 801 4 4 I 8 5 4 I Ditto Aect. 804 1 Ditto Scrip (1826) 24 134 24 3 pm Ditto Acct. 24 4 3 4 4 pm Peruvian 80n051174 Portuguese Bonds 904 Russian Bonds (1W22) 344 5 44 Ditto Acct. 96 44 Spanish Cons. 244 3 44 Ditto Acct. 244 b Ditto Cons. (1823) 194 4 4 4 Ditto Acct. COURSE OF EXCH. Amsterdam C. F. 12 2 Ditto at sight II 19 Rotterdam ....2 U. 12 3 Antwerp 12 3 Hamburgh "1 U. 36 10 Altana "1 U. 36 11 Paris, 3 days'aight 9 5 IS Ditto 9 U. 25 43 Rottrileaux 25 45 Berlin 7 1 Frank. on Main Ex. M. 1311 Peterxburgh, rble. 3 Us. 9 Vienna, effective ft. 2M. 10 0 Trieste ditto 10 0 Madrid 161 Catlis Bilbao 361 Rarealona. • 35 Saville 36 Gibraltar .31 LNGL YESTERDAY. Leghorn 49 I;enoa 4$ Venice 21 Malta Naples Palermo pa os. 119 Lisbon " $1 Oporto 51i Rib Janeiro 16 Bahia SU Dublin 9 Cork 9 MULLION, Pia Oa. s. d. Portugal Gold in coin 0 0 0 Foreign Gold in bars 3 17 V New Doubloons 3 17 6 New Dollars 0 4 11 Silver in bars, stand 0 0 PRICES OF SHARES YESTERDAY. NINES. &bare. Paid. Anglo-Mexican lOU Li Anglo-ehilian 100 ia Brazilian 100 6 Chilian 100 5 Colombian 100 5 General Mining Almada/inn lOU 6 Hibernian 5O 4 Pasco Peruvian lOU 3 Royal Irish Real del Monte 400 120 Rio de la Plata 100 6 Tlalpnzahua 4OO 10 United Mexican 4O 20 llitto New 4O 5 Welch Iron and Coal --... 25 a i Pri c e ft : 4 : 4 S I a:: : 103 100 1075 112,5 124 4 4 13 20 4 194 20 4 184 IV A 40 39 40 42 154 144 IS 16 155 2.1 26 , 294 30 294 314 170 175 125 1324 34 91 33 37 gi i i 9 MISITIANCL COMPANII Alliance Brit. and Far ..... —...X 100 10 Ditto 31aritie 100 5 IRON RAILWAVIS. London aad ..losthern ...—. ...... 100 1 MISCELLANEOUS. Atlantic and Pacific lOU 10 British Iron Company lOU 5 Bristol Ship Cana , Canada Company leo It) ChiLan and Peruvian Company Colombian Agricul. Company lOU 5 Equitable Loan Bank 54.1 I General Steam Navigation lOU 5 Gold Coast Association lOU Great M'estminster Dairy 25 2 Hibernian Joint Stock Company Mexican Company 1W 10 Metropolitan Fish Company 25 I Pearl Fishery (Yellow) 25 2 Ditto (White Provincial Bank of Ireland 100 5 Patent Bricks 5O 2 Patent Steam Carriage • 24 Royal Statutory 9 10j A 11 1 1 10i I 41 32 10 9i 10 20 I . t , a a a 01 7 2 311 4 4 :11 , pm 17 16 4 17 164 24 1 204 21 17 12 114 4124 12 64 4 3 4 4 i I - - THEATRE IiOYAL, DRURY-LAKE. To-morrow Evening, THlYMlnt4yOgaregi IY, vitt be performed Hamlet, Yr. Kean. OpbeHA (Ant OEIO, Miss Griddon. After which, HARLEQUIN AND THE TALKING BIRD, THE SINCING TREES, AND (JOLDEN WATERS. ....... .....___. II arleguln, Mr. Howell ; l'ltntaloon. Mr. T. Hlanehnrct; Clown, Mr. Kirby. Columbine, Mlse Harnett. THEATUE ROYAL. COVRArr-GARDF:II - . To Itiorruw E;enble. 'EH lIRMDAV. March 17..111 be performed 1 ROLAND FOR AN OLI% ER. Sir Marl ('Rase. Mr. Fawcett: Alfred Hipthtlyer, Mr. Junes: Fixture Itayitri. Maria OurWigton, Miss tout*. After which, (NAM: Or, nit: MAID OF MILAN. The Duke Vivald.. Mr. I. P. (!nuke: Rnlnnio. Mr. raireett. t.i.ss ►I. Free; Tiepins. M 1 Lowe. Foeuncitide with ATADDIN.. Or. THY, %VONDERFUL Alsddlu, Mrs. Visaing; Mamma'. Mr. Eariey. THEATRE ROYAL, ENGLISH OPERA 1101'SE STRAND. MR. M HOOF. TO-MORROW EVENING. March 17. and on &gorier'. Mondays, and Thurada)s, MR. MlTREilis' IIIEbtORANDUM-110(1K of Peculiarities. Cbalactera, and Manuers. collected during Ms carious Sweat...." Memoranda in Confusion"—.' Night Coach"- "Ruhlitee,' a rapilial uld and New Tiiiies.-•• Public Office. Buw.vtrect. Peer Vonopolylogue, to be called MK CROWN INN MANGER. pe,.ce open at Seven: the Performance to entssuiretee at light. Places to b• taken: of 14r. Stet eueom at the iloz-odiee. Strand Entranee. from Ten t1:1 Is a. Caortoe.--The nee' Entertainment will not be printed ; and ali awoke pereteeelng to contain any parte of It are VIVO Impositions and frauds au the !Mune. I'IIEATRE ROYAL, E.VGLISH OPFRA Hoexa, STRAND. Opposite Waterlo.i Bridge. LasT NIGHTS. I ECTURE ON ASTRONOMY Argi the PHENOMENA of the HEAVENS :Ind or the EARTH. To be delivered by Mr. B kRTLRY. on the % EDNE&I /A and Intl- DA YN diming LENT. Th• Theatre will be Constantly warmed by large Stoves Mt serious partite thi House. Tickets of Admission for Farnints to be had no sn dvate Terms at Ine Box.offise. Doors to be opened at hal' .r 11111: II a.. Li,/ bnni.it Sergi, :s. Ifii 84 li I ryiPz. TO CORRESPONDENTS. Pn ILE MOl.OOl - .—We are obliged by the preatnire of Parliarrentar, matter to defer till to.tnorrow our notice of the Lecture deliverrd by Dr. Seolzttstra last nieht on the Saienee of Phrenology. gilt akeos. . • riltss coning-reed publishing ingettliq troti.P.if at five o'clock: , WEDNESDAY, Mailed U, ises: . . The Paris papers of Sunday tontain no inuiligenee, either foreign or domestic, of the least general iriterest. After receiving a Report on the Sinking Fund, on which a squabble took piece between the Pr tstot ter and M. CA simile PE Rica, the discussiod of the Law of Indemnity was continued on Saturday in the ("bombe+ of Peputiev. The whole dAy's proceedings were relative to twitters of minute detail. The eighteenth article Was adopted, when the a`ijciurnment took place. There remain only tie more artielea to be considered, and they ccnu.ist of general dis positions. But the Chamber will have afterwards to deli berate on several additional prdpositions for extendinglise provisions of the law. • Some thiposition his been already, noticed in th4liin, of PIIIIKSIA to detach himself from the policy of the holy Alliance with respect to South America. It appeart by the advice: from Stockholm that the Assembly of the Pomeranian States have been allowed to express their wish that treaties of comtnerec may be concluded with the set Republics. • _ ')7 'V ' 4 • i/ v I I • • i i , t , i, t i L i ,• i\ 1~