The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser. — London, England, 1824-02-13 00:00:00

PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE. HOUSE OF LORDS, Tut/Emir, Flu. 12. Their Lordships did not sit this day. HOUSE OF COMMONS, TntasDAY, Fis.l2. Colonel 64/MET presented & petition from the Borough of Truro, against the duty on coals LICENCE.S. Admiral SOUTH WELL preserited a petition from the inn holders and victuallers of Newark, praying for a repeal of tbe duties on licences.—Ordered to lie on the table. WELSH JUIN; ES. My. JONES gave notice. that on Monday he would submit a motion relative to W.:lsh Judges. COA I, DUTY. Alderman SMITH presented a petition from the ward of Cord wainera against the duty on coals. Similar petitions were presented from other wards. QUALIFICATION OF JURORS. Ste E. KNATtIIBULL moved, that an humble Address be presented to his Majesty. jrraying that there may be laid before the House the names of personacin the Home Circuit, liable to KIVC on juries, as might be made out from the Sheriffs' books.—Afire ti to. - . ESTIMATES. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER brought up the Extraordinary Miscellaneous Ea' thrones of the year.--Ordered to be printed. Sir H. HARDING E brought up the estimates of the OMce of the Ordnance.—Ordered to be I tinted. ORDER OF THE DAY. i.l iTI 1 ! _:. ~~ ~ I ~1 11" CUSTOMS PUT) ps, IRISH REVENUE. Mr. HER RI ES bad given notice of two motions on separate Revenue Ada, and that the House should resolve itself into a committee upon them. He now moved that the farther onnsider. a 601 of them should be deferred to Tuesday next. The Honour able Lientleman further moved for an amount of the debt of the Expenditure of Revenue, of the receipts of the money paid for the reduction of the debt, &c.—Ordered, RIGHT OF SEPULTURE. Sir J. NEWPORT postponed the motion, of which he gave notice a few nights ago, to the 19th of February , for the repeal of the Statute of William 111., relative to the right of Sepulture. COUNT F:RVA I LINO DUTIES. Mr. II USK ISSON moved for certain papers, relative to COVl uswailing Duties, between this Country and the West Indies.— Ordered. IMPRESSMENT OF SEAMEN. Mr, HUME gave notice that he would postpone his motion, re lative to the impressment of seainen, front the 19th of February to the 11,1 of March. He was induced to make this pustponenient, from a desire on the pert of certain members now absent to be pre. mut, and who would take a part in the discussion. TREAD-MILL. Sir F. BURDF.TT presented a petition from Miles Stapleton, Esq. a Magistrate of the West Riding of the county of York, against the practice of condemning prisoners to the tread-mill before trial or conviction. The petitioner stated, that he hail often re monstrated with other Magistrates against the practice, and he prayed the House that it might be discontinued. Ile (Sir-E. Burdett) was of opinion that it was unjust and oppressive in the extreme, to condemn any individual to the hardship and ignominy of such a punishment before trial. The subject was one of great importance, and the least important of it was, to determine its legality or illegality. There was an Act of last year, which in his opinion pointedly declared against it; yet Magistrates, up to a very late, and even to the present period, continued to impose this rigorous and severe penalty. The power of Magistrates to inflict this unjust punishment was a power which he believed they exer cised with no right on their part to exercise it. There wax no law to authorize them, as far as he knew; and if there was a law sits. ceptible of such interpretation as would make out the legality of *envie* of such • power on their part, such law ought to be mewled. and a practice so odious put a stop to. Mr. PEEL said that as to the strict right of the Magistrates to exercise the power of sending a person committed to the tread-mill, there could not, he apprehended be any difference of opinion. The legality of Magistrates to do whad been determined by the Court of King's Bench. The expediency of the measure was ad isunct consider ation ; and, upon that point, he agreed with the Honourable Ba ronet. It was certainly unfair that the stigma and disgrace of such a punishment should be inflicted on • person who afterwards might be proved innocent. This was the opinion which he expressed on the subject last Session, when it was introduced. The punishment be was then, and now, of opinion, wss disgraceful and severe, and the practice ought to he prohibited. There was a Bill in prepara tion, which, he apprehended, would meet the objections which had been raised to the practice of committing persons to the tread-mill before trial. Sir F. BURDETT denied the legality of the practice, and de nied that the question had been decided by the Court of King's Bench. The point which the King's Bench decided was, that such prisoners as were unwilling to work should be stinted to a hare sub sistence. They waived • determination on the legality of the prac tice, and left it altogether undecided. The practice was one which he conceived to be an inroad nn the sound principles of the consti tution, and ought to be put a stop to. For his part,. he thought it harsh and severe that a person should at all be imprisoned before trial, but at least his imprisonment should be made to bear lightly upon him, and instead of hardship, every accommodation should be afforded to him. No arbitrary jerisdiction should be exercised in his regard which would render him liable to severer punish ment than might be inflicted upon him, though he were found guilty of the offence with which he stood charged. This hardship, together with the cruelty of cutting off prisoners from their friends, was of itself a penalty which was only due to the commission of some flagrant offence. Under these circumstances, he hoped the petition would receive the utmost attention of the !louse, and that a practice would be discontinued which he believed in be illegal, and which he felt to be unjust and oppressive in the ex. treme. (Hear, hear.) Mr. PEEL - explained. It might be that prisoner% were re quired to work for their support, but it was his opinion that no unconvicted prisoner should be obliged to work without his con sent. (Hear.) Mr. S. WORTLEY bore testimony to the correct conduct of the Magistrates, and stated, that whether the practice was strictly legal or not, they at least acted from a conviction of its legality. Mr. JAMES said that this decision of the Court of King's Bench was equivalent to a condemnation of a prisoner to labour before trial : for they permitted him to be starved to death, which was the same thing as to say that he must work for his exist ence. (Hear, and a laugh.) EXPORTATION OF TIN. - • • - • • • - • Mr. TRE3IAINIIMOved that there be laid before the House an account of the quantity of tin imported and exported into this country during the last year. Cul. DAVIS moved for an account of the Customs Duties of last year, and the charges of their collection ; distinguishing the several port establishments of London, Plymouth lhal, —Ordered. Mr. MARERLY resumed his motion- with a slight amend men:, tur the production of the papers fur which he moved yester day : —An amount of the debt. funded and unfunded, In Ireland, from January ri, to the Union, and from the Union to the consolidation of the Exchequers of the two muntries in 18!!I ; also Ut charge of interest on the !UM!, and the supplies wade out of it, the drawbacks, &c. and the amount of population, in each vest. EMI6II.ITION (11.' A ItTIS.%NS. Mr. HUME rose to bring forward th.• motion of which he had given notice, relative to the emigration of artisans, and exportation u: machinery. The subject was one of greater importance, and surrounded with greater difficulties, than any which he had before undertakes. It was his present intention to move tar a committee to inquire into the various laws affecting the manufacturers, a most important class 'lithe vat:milky, and one, he might almost say, amounting to a majority of the Inhabitants of the country. It was tow two years ago since lie presented a petition from the artisans of the Metropolis, to which were affixed fifteen thousand signatures. Resides this, there were many other petitions from other pans of the country, which collectively amounted to the expression of the opinions of a vast !notion of the community. Ile had intended to bring forward the subject last year, but finding that an important branch of thr,vestion had been taken up by another lion. 31 ember, and not finding a suitabla opportunity for the introluction of the measure, he postponed it to the present &salon. Ile could not but regret on the present occasion that he was without the *tyro% id an lion. Friend IMr. Ricardo) on whose assistance he mainly calculated. Versed, as he intimately was, on all subjects, there was none with which he was nitre intimately acquainted than the science of political economy --a science which was not ;wired as highly as it ought to be. because it was ill understood. The !louse would renieniber the candour with which he enforced his own opinions, and the moderation with which he listened to the ob jections of others. (Rear, hear.) Ile steadily adhered to those pnncipks, " through good report, and through evil report," which he conscientiousiy believed tend's' to advance the welfare of the communit Whatever might he the difference foponion which prevailed between his lamented friend and other Members, be was. sun' dist the (lentlemen opposite, as well as aWneat,;ind him. wotdd hear testimony to his value as a Member of this blouse. to the integrity of his views, and to the singleness of his object in aiming to promote the public good. (('hens from the I Ippoattion, re-echoed by the Ministerial benches.) It had even been seen already, that niany of the productions of his Honourable Friend, which some were disposed to treat as wild theories, had since proved to be true. Ile had to apologise for entering on the which his lion. Friend li n t so ably trod before him. The of which besought. were recommended by being , and lie was aware of the difficulty he had to con .arouring to remove prejudices of long standing. rable to ally rartieulnr set of laws. flowerer. sri which he saw manifested on the opposite side Session, he apprehended that this would not be 'location, and that every effort woukl be made f 0 POWS to make 'ten suitable to the circumstances . (Hear, hear.) At present he only sought the .:onimittee; and upon investigation it would be ter the repeal which he proposed was proper or Hoverer, that the circumstance of the present es would tot operate as an obstacle to inquiry. Ile Session. that a hen the Spitaltields Act* were under iretiostance of their existence was the alleged pre.. lishilig them. Although no person, in the present ecommy, would propose such a measure; yet, arietions were laid on, their removal was difficult. he intended to submit to the house, embraced three propositions the emigration of artisans ; Idly, the ex portation of machinery; 3dly, dreCombination haws. In introducing these propositions, his motion assumed a more compythensive shape than that in which at first he intended to present it to the notice of the !louse. At first it was his intention to have submitted the two first propositions only, and not to have included the last; how ever, with the advice and at the suggestion of some friends, he was induced to include it in the consideration of the subject. In re commending the repeal or modification of the laws which affected the emigration of artisans, he was actuated by the principle which gave free agency to the subject—a principle which ought to pervade every law. In his opinion, no law should be enacted in a free country which had a tendency to shackle the free disposition of the subject, arovided the exercise of such freedom on nee part did not intuit the community, or endanger the political existence of the State (Item!, bear.) The property of every man was surely his own, and should be subject to his own disposal. There was en opinion of Adam Smith on this subject which he would recommend to the attention of the House The property of every man (said Dr. Smith) is his own : labour is the foundation of all property ; it results from the exercise of the torengsh of his own hands, and any interference with it is a palpable violation of the most sacred rights of property." ( ear.) Ile would put to the (louse a ease of great hardship, as it bore upon the artisan. Any gentleman or person of property might go abroad ; he might take property with him, and he might draw property from this country whilst abroad., and expend it, and no penalty awaited ion : and yet ifs poor man was uesiruus of going abroad, he was immediately stopped ; nay, if a magistrate be informed of his intention to go abroad, he may send for hint, and oblige him to give security that he will not leave the country. This certainly was a great hardship, and was a denial to the poor man of thosie rights which persons in a more affluent sta tion were permitted to enjoy. (Hear, hear, hear.) There waits thoe when this emigration of artisans was deemed injurious to the country, but by experience it was found otherwise, and it was found that no laws could prevent the emigration, so that it might as well be done openly and with the sanction of the laws as surreptitiously. Besides, it should be remembered that the legislature itself, on one occasion, made provisions for etnigra. ton to the Cape and the West Ind ics, of the unemployed portion of i our population. And it was, he contended, only such artisans as were unemployed here, and as could not procure adequate compen sation for their labour, that would have the attachment% of home and seek a maintenance in foreign countries. (Hear, hear.) it was an undeniable tact, that no artisans emigrated unless they were unhappy here, or had the prospect of sonic great advantage in another country, and such artisans had a right to transfer their la bour, which was their property, to any place, and to dispose of it in whatever manner they pleased. But the chief ground on which he rated the repeal of these laws was, that although they existed, they existed only to be violated ; and as they were not respected. they ought to be modified or repealed. More doubt might prevail on the second point to which he directed their attention than on the first ; namely, the removal of the existing restraints on the ex par- , ration of machinery. More evidence might perhaps he required on this point before the House resolved on the repeal of this law. It appeared to him at present that greater advantages would accrue from the removal of the present restraints upon the exportation of machinery than could possibly result from their eontinu- anee. It was notorious that, notwithstanding the present laws, machinery, the manufacture of this country, got abroad, not ' in such quantity, perhaps, as if it were sanctioned by law, yet a great quantity of it was exported from this country. Now, by the encouragement of such exportation by the le- ' gislature, meat increase would take place in the exportation, and thereby a great augmentation made in this branch of the na tional industry. There was r.o article of thigh he knew that yielded larger profit than the manufacture of machinery. The raw mate rial was purchased very cheap, and the profit upon it, in its menu- i factored state, was greater than on any other species of manufacture. Ile begged to direct the attention of the !loose to the circumstance of a patent being taken out for almost every machine manufactured hi this country, so that it was only necessary for a person to come over and purchase a copy of the patent, and manufacture it in his own country; whereas, if the manufacture of it took place in this country, and was permitted to be exported, it would be preferred. Front this and other views of the subject, it would appear, that, by the existing laws upon it, we only shut ourselves out from a large increase of national wealth, which would accrue to us were these laws repealed. On the third part of the subject, namely, the Combination Imes, it was necessary to say only a few words. The great hardship of these laws consisted in not permitting tradesmen who did not get a fair compensation fur thew labour, to consult together in what manner they might best procure it. If they pre loomed to meet on the subject, they were immediately visited with line and imprisonment, whilst their masters might agree to any rate of wages for the tradesmen. Ile had in his possession docu. ' ments to shew that a meeting of master shoemakers was held, at ' which the wages of the journeymen were regulated. It was natu rally calculated to give great dissatisfaction that the masters could 'thus meet, and agree not to give more than a certain price, whilst the working tradesmen were visited with the penalties of the law (the law which wan said to regard rich and poor alike) if they re monstrated and endeavoured to procure fair compeusation. Thai, the masters were protected, and the men not. This would ' naturally create discontent, until it was altered. For his part, he felt justified by experience in saying that the trades- men did not become discontented, unless where they did not receive an adequaw remuneration for their labour, or until ' they were driven to discontent by the extremity of distress. lie ' (Mr. H.) was inferno -1 by a Learned Gentleman, the Member for Peterborongh (Mr. Sea:lett), that if all the statutes relative to the ' combination of tradesmen were removed front the Statute Book, the common law of the land would be sufficient to repress any din. content that might arise amongst the tradesmen. if so, we should consider how long discontent prevailed from the existence of these laws, and how easily it might be removed. as no necessity ex. isted for them—as there was already a sufficient enforcement in pre-existing laws, to check and control any riot or expres sion of unlawful discontent that might manifest itself.— 'l'hat a great tow of prejudice exists as to effecting any change in the existing system, was quite manifest; for it was only the other day that the Spitallields weavers negatived the removal of those restrictions upon trade that most other artisans seem anxious to do away. Ile merely stated this circumstance to show the ignorance as well as the prejudice which prevailed upon the subject. Inquiry, if granted, would open their eyes, and such barguins would be made between master and servant, as to the price sat wages and continu ance of labour, as they could beat manage between them. IVithout entering at this moment into any details, he thought he had %hewn enough to jostify the appointment of a Committee. He hoped all the interests affected by the existing laws would assist their Committee by every possible information in their power to give, and that pro per rigulantres should be entered into. Ile was aware that many difficulties attendtal such an inquiry, but he hoped the Right Hon. Gentleman (Mr. Iluskiwion), who had lately taken so distinguished a lead in uniettering our commerce, would cordially co-operate with him (Mr. Hume), and others; and in such case he had no doubt of their ultimate success. In the present state of knowledge, in this country as well as others, difficulty and prejudice must shrink be fore it. Ile begged pardon for having °erupted so much of their time (hear, hear,) and he should now conclude by moving for the appointment ot' a Select Committee to inquire into the laws rela tive to enticing artificers from this country, or their voluntarily leaving it ; the exportation of machinery ; and the combination of joutneynten to raise their wages. Mr. lICSK ISS(SN said he only felt It necessary to say a few words, as it was not his intention to oppose the motion of the lion. Member for Aberdeen. (If ear, hear.) At the same time that he expressed his concurrence with the object of the motion, he by no means pledged himself to any sweeping measure. Ile held himself perfectly at liberty while in the Committee, to which he trusted that every innirmatien would be brought forward. Ile concurred with much of the reasoning of the Hon. 31entber ; and with respect to the law restraining the artisan from carrying his industry and talent where he ' , levied, he entertained not the slightest doubt of its impolicy. The former policy of our laws inclined otherwise; but whatever the number of these lawn, or the periods of their dur ation, if they now be found unnecessary or wrong, they should no larger remain upon the statute book. In this, however, as in all other cases, the proofs of their propriety or impolicv must rest with those who of irm either pmpototion. If they be found necessary, the necessity, he contended, must grow out of the public interest, and not out of private avrarigements ; in fact it must be a necessity attaching to the whole community which could justify legislative interference. L'pnn principle every man was entitled to carry his intelligence and his acquirements where lie might think proper; and if he found it more conducive to his comforts or the increase of his income to carry them to another country, he should not be pre_ vented doing so, unless they could show some overruling necessity to the contrary. Hence, upon the first branch noticed by the lion. Member, it would be necessary in the Committee, in the first place, to ascertain if any such paramount necessity existed ; and second ly, to see what regulations should be introduced to effectuate the principle on which they were to proceed. For (himself, he firmly believed that the law. as it stood at present, was a source of per jury, and ineffec:.ual as to the prevention of British skill and indits try finding its way to other countries. If the English artisan now went to other countries, he wan balite to heavy penalties; and if lie ventured to return, in many cases he not only lost his property, but his liberty beside. Many a man, speculating on improving his fortune, by removing to another country, would return to thin, if he could do so with safety ; but as the law stood, he was completely proscribed . Ile lar. IL) would rot disguise the fact that several manufactories in France were superintended by Emdislimen, and worked by English artisans, and there was no doubt that many of those persons would gladly return to this coun try, upon not being able to realize their projects, it the law allowed them. Such circumstance% required investigation; they demanded alteration, and it would be for the Committee to say in what man ner the doubts and prejudices which were still entertained, could he most effectually ciaared away. As to the second branch, name ly, the exportation of machinery, opinions were much more divided than on the first he had noticed ; and he therefore doubted whether a general law might not lead to inconvenience, in the event of be neficial discoveries by individuals. Still agreeing, as he fully did, with the principle laid down by the lion. Member for Aberdem, the eaportation of machinery could scarcely be prevented : it the artist went to a foreign country, his skill brought with it every necessary to procure it, either here Or in that country to which he might have journeyed. There again he wished the l'ortimittee to consider what measures would he moat effectual in allowing every freedom to export without inflicting injury on our own coon try. Ile was well aware that the most cumbrous machinery was exported from this country,and it was well worth while to con sider, it the extension of demand growing out of the allowing a free export, would not more than compensate the private benefit which the present law allowed. However, on that part of the subject, as well its on the former, he should reserve entering into any . detailed opinion, until he saw all parties on all sides offering their views, and the facts by which they intended to illustrate and support them. Now, as to the third branch of proper inquiry, the Combination Laws, he felt it to be a question of great perplexity and extent, if it were only from the quantity of industry which must be expended in unravelling them. I 'pun principle, he thought them bad ; and that s bile they were intended to prevent, they had actually not only multiplied combinations (bear, hear, hear), but suggested to the obieets or their vengeance the mode of escaping them, and produced a double sense of the injury to which they were exposed. Those Combination Laws interfered between the employer and employed ; they prejudiced the labourer—they cre ated au inverse state of relationship between master and servant— they produced jealousy, distrust, and discontent, in place 0f effect ing what they ought to do—annfort, confidence. and good will. ((tries of hear, hear, hear.) He therefore maintained, that with a view to relieve themselves from interfering in this manner, and in order to create a more moon:land wholesome state of fevling, they should remove those laws from their statute books which were useless and homer:Wee, because too odiously 0 1,tewlive• hear.) For these IMAM% he thought they were bound to go into the propeatod inquiry. lie was nut prepared (for want of the ne cessary information on the sohjett) to say with the Hon. 3lmtiber, that the common law was enough to settle all disputes between servant and master--althJugh, possibly, he might be right. But this he would say, that when a workman undertook a umk, there I should be wine summary law to punish hint few wilful neglect, or, in other words, to compel hini to its performance. He v:33 aware that if persona conspired to prevent others front working, except at certain rates; the «minion law provided for that. Nothing could be more desirable than that a Con.mittee of the House of Commons should sift and investigate so important a subject. For himself, he felt obliged to the Hon. Member for Aberdeen, for bringing this I question before their notice--for no man was capable of expending more seal and industry upon it. (Hear, hear.) In common with that lion. .Ifember (continued Mr. iluskieson) I have to lament I that his late lion. Friend (Mr. Ilicardo), and I may add, 1 hope, my lion. Friend, is no longer able to give us the benefit of his in estimable assistance. No wan ever brought stronger powers of tea- I mooing, or more acuteness of mind ; to any subject, than lie did. In all his public conduct, his sincerity was conspicuous, his singleness ' of purpose manifest ; his anxiety was always to do what was right; he ever exhibited an inflexible determination to prosecute the best intermits of his country, and he was an honour to this House through the whole of his Parliamentaty career. (Hear, hear, hear.) I lament that we have not the benefit of his valuable assistance. hope that we may be to retain what is useful, clear away what is not, and by so doing promote the interests of domestic and fo reign commerce. As 1 before said, Ido not hold myself pledged to the total repeal of all those laws, but only to such as may be most necessary for the security of our own interests. (Hear, hear.) After a few words fain IllaBIRCII„ which were inaudible, The motion WAS agreed to, and the following Gentlemen /swami as the Committee:—Mr. Hume, Mr. Iluskissan, Mr. C. Grant, Mr. S. Bourne, the Attorney. General, Mr. G. Bennet. Mr. Daw son, Mr. D. Gilbert, Mr. F. Lewes, Sir 11. Pamel, Mr. Phillips, Mr. P. Moore, Mr. [quietist), Mr. S. Wortley, Mr. Egerton, Mr. Pares, Mr. T. Wilton, Si? T. L. Achnd, and Mr. Hobhouse. ~ 1i pa ~. hreh his 11, lew d ... the repeal of , 1 Lime-established i r .end with. in emit which wrie faro. , rs . 11 from the disposi. , •i oi the House last treated as • parry si simtrle:v the lay" , ' i: , if t .e present time. appointment of n t, determined whet hc, not. He hoped, lo p anne, of the law a renwrnhered Iwo Sr &scission, the circ , 1 teat for not choirs' mate of polilitill et` when once the ram 1 TLe points which s ~.. IRELAND, Lord A ',THORP gave nonce that he would, on an early day, move for leave to bring in a Bin to repeal the 26 Geo. 111. which esopowert%l landlords to distraln growing crops for rem. SUPPLY. On the motion of the CH ASTCELLDR of the EXCHEQUER, the !Report of the f'oinmittee of Supply was brought ;up, and he then moved that there be granted to his Majesty the sum of :13,0i3,2001. for Exchequer ISOls ; for extent of Exchequer 'tills, II:21. 1,0.12,0001. ; fur aid of Supply, 1823, 2,800,0001. ; which were agreed to.—The Right lion. Gentleman then gave notice that to-niorrow he would more few a Committee of Ways and .leans, in which he would propose the usual Sugar Duties. ARMY ESTIMATES ........ Lord PA LSIERSTON brought up an Abstract of the Army Eminiatrs for the current year, and proposed to have them taken into consideration on this day week. IRISH SELECT VESTRIES. - • On the motion of Lord PALMERSTON. a return was brought up of the number of applications for Select Vestries held, and these adjourned nice dic, under the recent Act a Geo. IV.—Ordered to be pin ted. The House adjoumed at Six o' •mot. PRICES OF BRITISH Rink Stock 'Ma 4 R 71 3 per Cent Reduced. HIT 2 3 per Cent. Cons. 34 per Cent. 1( 4 per Cent. 1024 New 4 per Cents. 109 Long Annuities. 22 2-16 7.16 Imperial 3 per Cents. Rank for Account Cons. fur Ace. MI 4 I PRICES OF FOREIGN Austrian Sail), ti 6 : 11. 1 Ditto forAcrt. 64 di itol Chilian Bonds, 791 Colomb. Bonds, 7tl 4 1 704 I Do. for Account, 7 I Neapolitan Bonds, 1211 Prussian ILzils, 93 2i Ditto Bonds (1322). 91 801 I Ditto for Account 93 Russian Booda, Y 3 j 2 Ditto fur Acct. 02 j Mex. Scrip, al a 1 4 pr. Anglo Mex. Mines, 09 Umted do. 04 a I 4 dis. par If 04 dia. MAID.% Azairen-1 French. Di r—l Ilamburgh ; I Onttenburg. Bite ritioh WOO. The BRITISH PIITSA commenced publishing yesterday morning at fire o'clock. LONDON, FRIDAY, FEaau•AY 13, 1824. The Paris Papers of Tuesday, with the Etude of Wed nesday, reached our office last night. Great exertions, it appears, are making in the provinces of Spain, to organise Ferdinand's guard: enlistments were taking place at Madrid, and in the capitals of the provinces, for the pur pose. Constant tumults (as the French papers call them), it appears, vet take place, and tranquillity throughout wretched Spain is far from being established. " A slight ' tumult" (the Nositeur says) took place at N'illacagnas, but was put down by the firmness of the Meade. On the 20th of January (this paper adds) the Liberals of Pena sands de Braeamonte acted also in a menacing manner, to which the people replied: a battalion of royal volunteers left Madrid to restore submission. The two Castilcs (the Muailear adds) are the great seat of insurrection: these provinces (it says) were nearer to the focus of the revolu tion; it was in them the revolution had at one time assembled its most faithful satellites, and they have left (the Ministerial Paper states) fatal traces of their power. The news front the frontier provinces, and from those on the east and south (it adds), are highly satis factory. Deep discontent, we know, prevails through every part of Spain, and is it only partially kept down by the soldiers of France, who hold military occupa tion of that miserable country. "It is affirmed," says the Elude (how often has this paper made the same statement!) " that the Decree of Amnesty will be soon published with the modifications prepos..,d by the Council of State and the C mined of ('astile, whom his Majesty consulted on the subject. The distinctions so often mentioned by this bigoted print are then once more alluded to ; but months have passed away, and the amnesty has not yet appeared. The French Cabinet, however, has cer tainly been pressing it ; and M. Marcellus was sent to Ma drid to supersede Talaru, for the purpose. The conces sion of this necessary measure in consequence, it would ap pear, has at length been made by the Spanish Ministry and Ferdinand, and will probably soon appear, filled with at many exclusions as the bigots, from whom it is extorted, can contrive to introduce. It is char that any measure of this sort will be wrung from the fears of the tyt ant and his satellites, and not voluntarily conceded. The Journal des Debuts states the recognition of a debt of thirty-four millions of francs by Spain to France; but that it has not pledged for the payment of this debt any of the sources of its revenue. The acknowledgment, this Paper asserts, is a simple one, without mortgage of any sort—without (the French Paper adds) even any prospect of future discharge. 1% hen all the details of our inter ference in the affairs of Spain (the Journal des Debuts con cludes by saying) arc known, and the convention by which the French troops occupy that country signed and made public, the generosity with which France has acted all through to Spain will be seen and acknowledged. 'f he Constdationne/ asserts that the salt duties of Arragon and the customs at Miranda arc "hypothecated" for the slow discharge of the this ty-four millions. This country (the same Paper says) is also a creditor for twenty-two millions TOCKS YESTERDAY. India Stock, 277 India Bond*, 76 77 pr. India for Account, South Sea Stack. 91} South Sea ()Id Annuities South Sea New Annuities 901 Dilla,l,llool. 42 45 41 44 41 Ditto, 5001. Ditto, Small, 42 43 p►. Lottery Tickets, 191. STOCKS YESTERDAY. Portuguese Scrip V7i Spanish 5 per Ct. Coos. 24i 4 Ditto fir Acct. 24 1 4 I)ittn 170 & 255 Bonds, 243 Ditto A per Ctn. (1823) 171 711 Ditto letiL sn. Bonds Pt. Mentes, 1171. Mk. 97c. 60c. 75c. Mk 10c. Ihi. Ex. 251. 50c. 55c. Do. scrip, 94 Diem fot Account Danish Bonds, Ditto Marks Banco, 92 3 Dutch Bond. 94 Exchange 12 !of francs: the losses sustained by our commerce and our I Ministry (it adds) has demanded the mcrtgage of the customs of Cadiz and Barcelona for the discharge. With out some decided security of this sort for the payment, any debt acknowledged by Spain, in her present circumstances, is utterly valueless. France, we are convinced, looks to i quite another indemnity : Cuba, we are persuaded, was the ol t ject the French Cabinet had in view, and in all probability have not yet parted sight of. It appears clear that things are far from tranquil in Lisbon. Letters from that city, the Etuile states, of the 26th of January, say that Ithe Constitutional party continues to intrigue against " the heroic Charlotte of Bourbon" (Ferdinand of Spain's sister), whom the party (the Etuile adds) abhors, because that courageous Queen was the destruction of that infamous party in Portugal. " They have gone so far as to pretend " that she has covered with her credit and protection, pro " jects too odious to be expressed." This wicked wo man, we have no doubt, has been intriguing against the authority, and perhaps the life, of her weak husband, the vacillating yet well-meaning Don John. She is leagued with her depraved son, the profligate Don Miguel, for that purpose ; and at Lisbon her intrigues and their objects are notorious. That city is now a scene of melancholy despotism and terror. Such a system cannot and will not endure ; it is hated and opposed by too many. Catherine of Bourbon wishes the deposition of I/on John, and the mono poly of all authority in the hands of herself and her son. Ty ranny, for them, even now, is not active enough in Portugal. The French papers announce the death of Aloisia de Stol berg, Countess of Albany, the widow of the unfortunate Charles Edward, the last Pretender to this throne. She died at Florence on the 29th of January. ller latter at tachment to the celebrated Alfieri is well known ; it is asserted they were married. She is said to have been accomplished and agreeable, and in early life very beauti ful. Little happiness existed between her and the un fortunate Charles Edward, whose latter years were disgraced by constant inebriety. The Countess of Albany, in her domestic circle, was treated with the distinction of a Queen, and always used the Royal arms. " Sic transit gliiria 'nautili!" Thus evanescent is the pomp and glory of this world. The Stuart family is now extinct." [ From the dluxitca• of Tuesday, Feb. 10.1 The official part contains only the statement of application made by the .Minister of Justice, to the Keeper of the Seals, to declare the absence, or certify the decease of certain sailors and soldiers. [NON-OFFICIAL TAIT.] BIADRID, JAW. 25. His Majesty hat been slightly indisposed since yesterday, and keeps his room. The rest of the Royal Family are in good health. Great exertions are making to organise the Royal Spanish Guard. At Madrid, and in the capitals of the provinces, men are enlisting for this service. It is said that a Swiss battalion will not go sway at the time first fixed, but will, for a certain period, do duty with the new guard. A slight tumult at Villacagnas was immediately put down by the firmness of the Aleade. On the 20th January the Liberals of Penasanda de Braciunonte acted in a menacing manner, to which the people replied. A battalion of royal volunteers is gone from Madrid to that little town to restore order. It is to be observed, that in general it is only in the two Castile' that the public tranquillity is accidentally disturbed from time to time. The inhabitants, nearer to the focus of the revolution, were the first victims of the Constitutional system, and have suf fered the most. It was in these provinces, too, that the revo lution bad at one time assembled its most faithful satellites ; and they have left fatal traces of their odious power. The news from the frontier provinces, and from those on the east and south, are highly satisfactory. The Moaiteur gives also, in two columns, l a more detailed account of the insurrection at Manille, in the be ginning of June, 1823. I From the Etoik of Feb. 11.] 3IADRID, FEL 2. It is affirmed that the decree of amnesty will soon be published, with the modifications proposed by the Council of State and the Council of Castile, whom his Majesty consulted on this subject. We do not doubt that the wisdom of those respectable bodies will know how to class the individuals concerned with justice and firm ' ncss. We have always said that it was necessary to distinguish the revolutionists who made revolution, from those who were made by the revolution. There is also a distinction to be made in this last class. %Ve know some of these men, who, in their provinces, loudly declared against the insurrection in the Isle of Leon, who, in the municipalities, opposed certain individuals who favoured the revolt (some of these have since slidcd into the ranks of the Royalists) and who did not yield till the Revolutionary Government was established, after the extorted oath of the King. It is affirmed that, by his Majesty's order, the proceedings com menced against persons confined for political misdemeanours, shall be terminated in a fortnight. Letters from Lisbon of the 46th of January say, that the Con stitutional party continues to intrigue against the heroic Charlotte of Bourbon, whom this party abhors because that courageous Queen was the chief cause of the destruction of that infamous party in Portugal. They have gone so far as to pretend, that she covered with her cr dit and protection projects too odious to be even ex. pressed. The 31arquis de Talaru will set out in a few days to re. ,turn to France. PAIIIIS t FEB. 10. Aloisia de Stnlberg, Countess of Albany, widow of Prince Charles Edward (the Pretender), died et Florence on the th of .lanuary. Far NCH Fr NM—PARIS, FEB. 10.—Fire per Cents. opened at 07f. 40c.; closed at 97f. Alc. Loan of 1823, 91. Bank Stock, 1,705. Neapolitan Rentes, Mi. Spanish Rentes, 25. Exchange on London—one month, 25f lk.; three rnanths, 23f. 35c. Mr. Hume brought forward his motion last night, in the house of Commons, to refer to a Select Committee the existing laws restraining the emigration of artisans, the ex portation of machinery, and the laws so fraught with severity against workmen (commonly called the Combins tion Laws). The Ilonourable Gentleman took occasion, in the course of his speech, to make some well-merited allu sions to the las the !louse and the country bad sustained in the person of Mr. lticattlo, whose extended information and assistance would be so truly valuable on the present °cession. I In despite of all the laws made to r_•strain it, the exportation of machinery, Mr. Hume remarked, every day surrepti tiously took place. If the law, he said, restraining its free disposal was repealed, that branch of the national industry would be greatly increased. On the subject of the Com bination Laws, Mr. Hume dwelt strongly on the injustice of tilos^ enactments, anti the different light in which they regard the rich and the poor. They permitted toasters freely to combine among themselves for high prices ; but denounced, under heavy penalties cf tine and imprison ment here, and even corporal punishment in Ireland, any such associations among the unfortunate workmen. Mr. Ilutne's allusions to Mr. Ricardo, and the sense he expressed of the talents, the worth, and the disinterested services of that enlightened and much-regretted gentleman, were received with the most marked assent and approba tion by both sides of the House. The death of such a man is indeed a national loss, and deeply to be lamented. Mr. flume, while dwelling on the impoliey of the laws that restrain the emigration of the artisan, justly stated, that while the poor artificer was denied the right to quit the country, and pronounced an alien' for remaining absent after a certain period, the man of wealth was wholly unfettered by any law or assessment, and might remove himself or his property, to any country in the Old World, or the New, selected by him as his abode. The principal restraining statutes, the objects of Mr. liume's motion, are the following :—To prevent the trans porting or seducing any British artisans to settle abroad the statute sth Geo. I. c. 97, en ac t s , t h at any i ndividualise ; enticing or seducing them, for that purpose, shall be sub ject, on information and conviction, to a tine of one hun dred pounds for the first offence, and an imprisonment of three months; and shall be subject, for the second offence, on by the Briti s h Anibas to be fined at the discr e tion of th e M ag i strate, and be im prisoned a year ; and th e artificers thems e l ves so depart ing into foreign countri es , and n o t return i ng within six sadmonorthosr a ßrsi fter d( b i e lt ing in so o the co call u tA ntry where they r es id e, s h a ll subsequently be deemed aliens, and forfeit all their lands and goods in Great Britain, with an incapability to inherit any devise, legacy, or gift whatever. By th e statute of the '22d Geo. 11. c. 13, the seducers of any arti sans incur, for the first offence, a forfeiture of SOOl. for each individual so sent abroad, with imprisonment for twelve months; and for the second offence of the same de. scription, they arc rendered liable to a fine of I,ooa an d two years imprisonment; and by the same statute, con nected with the 14th (;eo. 111., c. 71, if any person ex ports any tools, or utensils used in the silk, linen, cotton, or woollen manufactures (excepting only wool-cards to North America), by these statutes and the I,lth Gco. 111. c. 5, be forfeits the sum of 9001. ; and the captain of the vessel, having a knowledge thereof, ff,:feits tool. ; and if any captain of a King's ship, or officer of the customs, knowingly suffers such importation, he loses his employ ment and is for ever rendered incapable of holding any • public office. By a clause in this latter statute, every per. son collecting such tools or utensils, in order to export the same, shall, on conviction, forfeit such implements, and be subject to a fine of 2001. By another restraining statute, the 21st Geo. 111. c. 3, if any person shall put on board any ship not bound to a port in Great Britain or Ireland, or shall have in his custody with intent to export, any engine, tool, or implement used in the woollen, cotton, linen, or silk manufactures, he shall on convi c ti on forfeit V the same, and also the sum of 2001., and be imprisoned twelve months, and till the forfeiture is paid ; and every captain and custom-house officer who shall knowingly receive such an article, or take an entry of it, shall forfeit 2001. By the 2'2d Geo. 111. c. 60, if any person shall entice or encourage any artisan employed in printing call. coca, cottons, inualins, or linens, to leave the kingdom, he shall forfeit SOOl., and be imprisoned one year ; and per. sons who export, or attempt to export, any engines or im plements used in that manufacture, shall forfeit seed. ; captains and custom-house officers conniving at these offences forfeit pool., and become incapable of holding any office under the Crown. By 25th Geo. 111. c. 67, the same penalties attach to enticing artificers in the iron and steel manufactures ; and the 26th Geo. 111. c. 89, renders the party exporting any instruments specified in that statute, by name, liable to a penalty of 2001., and to be imprisoned one year: These are the principal Acts which enforce this unjust and illiberal monopoly; they are discreditable to this age of advanced liberality and le gislation, and ought not to be suffered to blot the Statute Book. The principal Act against the combination of work men was passed on the 19th of July 1600, and is entitled, " An Act to repeal an Act passed in the last Session of Par liament, intituled 'an Act to prevent unlawful combina. " tion of workmen,' and to substitute other provisions in " lieu thereof." This latter Act, however penal and se. irere, is mild in its enactments, when compared with the , preceding Statute, and was a concession made to the poi. tions of numerous bodies of artisans. The Bill in question was brought into the House of Commons by Mr. George Rose, who had been appointed to prepare it with the Chan cellor of the Exchequer (Mr. Pitt), the Attorney and So licitor General, Mr. now Sir Chas. Long, and Mr. Bragge, now Mr. Bragge Bathurst. Strong measures of every sort were then the rage with Ministers ; their object was to put down popular meetings and combinations of every sort. The suspension of cash payments some time before, and other measures, had, during an expensive war, depreciated the paper currency, and produced a rise in the prices of all commodities and necessaries of life ; but wages remaining stationary, artisans felt the pressure heavy on themselves and their families. In I 795 the price of the quartet n loaf Rua 71d., in 1799 90., and in 1800 16d., nearly double. When prices of every sort ruse, the artisans conceived themselves justly entitled to an increase of wages, or as much more of the current money, in return for their labour, as would compensate for the depreciation created in the currency by the Bank Restriction Act and other measures : undo these circumstances, anti the increased demand for work men and labourers, arising from the war and the consump tion of life it brought with it, together with our naval mono poly and the many recent improvements that had then taken place, the artisans throughout the country associated to obtain an increase of wages and prevent their em ployers having their labour at the same remuneration as in former years; these wages being, in fact, no longer the same, but in reality much below what they were. But the Legislature, on the representations of the master worit men, thought differe ; and the Act of 1799, repealed by that of 1800, was passed, arming Justices of the Peace with extraordinary powers to suppress every thing wearing the semblance of combination among workmen for the purpose of enhancing wages or controlling their employers. Bat above fifty Acts of Parliament, from the earliest days, pre viously existed, regulating wages and contracts between masters and workmen, and conceived in the same spirit as the Act of 1800: the earliest of these Acts was passed 1304, the 331 year of King Edward 1. ; the last was in 1818, the Stith of the late reign. In the early part of King Edsvanni reign, there was a pestilence in England, and a scarcity of wor!tinen followed ; the first general statute was passed in consequence, to regulate wages : ant law, in fact, declared that they should be contented with the same wages as before the pestilence. In a subsequent reign—that of Henry was made felony for MOOS to combine, to defeat the provisions of that Act. From the reign of Edward down to the present day, successive Acts of the came description have passed the Parliament, ana l almost with the same objects. "In all such questions, Adam Smith states, " the counsellors of the Legislature " have been the masters." And Malthus remarks, " that " statutes or r^gulations to fix the price of labour has " generally had for their object to prevent wages rune. It is now probable that the greater part of these statutes against the emigration of artisans, the exportation of ma chinery, and the combination of workmen, will, in a great degree, be repealed, and replaced by enactments snore worthy of an enlightened age of legislation. Mr. Huskisson, with a liberality that now distinguishes Ministers, far from of pes : ing Mr. liume's motion, declared his perfect concurrence in its principles. lie agreed (the Right lion. Gentleman said) that the artisan and mechanic should be free to (*WY his industry where lie could. We know, ourselves, that s number of English workmen are at present in France a nd America, who, from the employment and increased wages here, would gladly return, did the y . not know thrnist,Slvt. proscribed by the existing laws . against their etnigra the exportation of machinery is not prevented by te' statutes; on sated and em Hume's moth are glad to sa, it named ; an if thkisson, 3 Frankland Le Mr. Peter Ma land, and othe is a must Mope in their hands tercets and pr labouring else result. The followin Address of both missioners' Spet Answer was del to the Common' the Exchequer, " I thank you f " Nothing can cordial panieipatio to my heart as to oti promote the Telfan The King's Si Speech," because Answer it undo his Majesty. BRIGHTON, F yesterday, being were .present the Hervey, the Km Munster, General Sir Abraham flu' Rope, joined the of the King's re inquiries at the usual instruetions altogether discosit complete, al thoug weakness, such as the gout. We Brighton to-morn travel direct, wit! have reason to feat ere his Alajesty's r visits Windsor for where he can be trot that the dal the frequent floods unfavourable to hi Yesterday morni town from Bushy 1 We are informed Duke of Bedford hi last two months. Yesterday, Mr. S the Foreign Office. Wednesday nigh senger, left town w Secretary for the Cc to those received a choly tidings of the Sir Thomas Maitlan • *loner of the lonian Prince Louis of leans : he has been the western wilds in ascended the Mississ hardship and fatigue t natural history of this said to be very num( lightened view which young and vigorous II Two of the most it death of the late Sir T The Marquis of Haiti and Sir Frederick Ada lonian Island..—Sta r . Baron Gifford has as the family appends obscure village, where and where they posses RATE OF INTXRE3 as held yesterday, ai the Merchants of would reduce per annum, w•as NEW COLOMBIAN Goldsraid posted Eachange yester `a+n. F. and A. . the lientlenten of a confidential agent i the purpme of r otry, and that th. ieutleinen who a mill please to send 'ew Greek Lo: as was general] '• These Gentle countenance, an, el much pleast actively employ raised in the Pii meat to the memory o 'eneral Sir Thomas Pic Capt. A. D. Y. Arhut wing, 18, from the the crew of the la —int sword and commander. The superbly embroiders LIMA, SUPT. 10.—( f ` see by the Gsvttes entered La Paz, a it 'pendence was prod joined by General Salta and Tacuman. in Arequipa. It :z were in or near C rar arrived from Gt try, and leaving tro men. He has to-d and a very hands carry on the war wit as he deserves, with festivities and rej...: are always hung w is not the man to Le it the balls, dinners, &c do not expect him to he will act against th ieve little business hi oonsequencT of a re Mayor has appoin city, on Friday nc: -it for the nieliorl in his Nlajesty : is said that accounts of a late date, whirl restored to traminilli Smith, the 3lissinnar: nse Or Lot:llS.—.l for hearing an Chancellor took The hearing of Thrre w?re pr Walsinghnm, tho to the new l':%vtll the causes and et attracted many oi hcr •, and remaimd • s7st great as on :it kept constair Cratutoun, an( ir. 1 1 !onaieli* uo tbrir Lordship this ytar tin re bags of Cotton Were at this time !ast 'reported that itit'asul Jut a chain sugpensimi one at Brighton. —.11 D.ATE 0 .- was held of the Ale England u ; ant. per a (i New C ir• 1. L. Gel.' 1 . :tack Eat} "L Mesas. t inform the 4tand a confi boa, foe the t country, hone Genii sewed will p patrible." The Neu Raring, as nesday. T much coun success. feel is now acti already raise meat to the General Sir Capt. A. Redwing, It day, the cre' • lagnificent to comma] • It superb!) LIMA, Si ill see by tl entered 1 ep..rulence joined 1 , Salta and as in Areq aldez wini• 'livar arrive valry, and 000 men. ants, and a carry on t re as he des t festivities is are aluu is not the the balls, y do not es y he will at here little conseque. y Alayot this city, or liament foe lation in 1 t is said th of a late ly restored t Smith), th nuaa OP day for Lord ('ha 1. The Th and IVa!sii nt to th, ty of the ca attracted • t, and rei about as gt rangers" rey, Air. Cr: • Mr. A! rioting di( 'ready this 'her of b ags e were at th; is reported out a chait 'e one st 11,4