The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser. — London, England, 1826-04-07 00:00:00

PARLIAMENTARI: INTELLIGENCE. 1101sE OF LORDS, TIII/RIDAY, Aram 6. ford Byron Byron took flit mishit and his sett. GAM k: LAWS. ?he Earl of DERBY presented a petition, eigned ►y the Migb Sheriff and by the Grand Jury of the county of Lancaster, pray ing for a revision of the game laws. ilia Lotdship stated his con currence In the prayer of the petition, and expresaad a hope that some Noble Lord, more competent to the task than himself, would intmduce mnite measure for the purpose of revising the present game laws. SLAVERY. _ _ Ned 11411111 , R.5T presented reports cf the guardians of neva* in the islands of Demerara and Bethke. The Marquis of I,ANSDOWN, in the absence of his noble friend the Earl bt Darlington. presented a petition from the county of Durham, praying for the abolition of negro slavery. Earl GROSVENOR Raid, that in looking over the paper which bad been laid on the table by the Noble Earl at the head of the Colonial Department, he did not perceive that there was aoy re turn or account of the free negroes in the Island of Berbice. His Lordship wished some teperiment might be made, for the purpose of providing for negroes who had obtained their freedom in the ' , denies, and that a return should be given to their Lordships of whatever attempts had been made to ameliorate their condition. Earl BATHURST said that Commissioners hsti been appointed on the purpose of inquiring into the state of the free negron in the Colenies. Those Commissioners had rot as yet made their report, and his Lordship thought it would be premature to tate any step I , until all the information on the subjea shonid be before their Lord. I ships. As soon u the report was prepared it should be laid beforr she House. CORN LAWS. The Earl of MALMgiiiliifilliPresented petitions wgtinst any alteration in the Corn Laws, from the following nlaces:—Win. aiiter, Portsmouth. Newport, Andover. Peer field, Romany, A Iresford, Basingstoke, Leamlngt , m, andllanintry. Karl GROSVENOR presented a petition ham Lancashire against the Corn Laws. The Earl of AIA LMESBUR I* moved for a returnof all grain and floor imported from Canada into the United Kingdom, from the let of itlay, 1823. to the Ist 31areh, 'Bei; and also for a re '-turn of all foreign corn and flour in bond, in the United Kingdom, during the same period.--Ordered. CURRENCY OF SCOTLAND. Lord CAWDOR presented a petition tram Nsirn against any alteration in the present banking system N Scotland. The Earl of LAUDERDALE presented a similar irtition from Psebleshire. The S:nall Tithes Bill was read a third time and passed. Adjourned at half past Fire o'clock. MOUSE OF COM9IONs, TarcanAT, Ariut. 6. LIVERPOOL AND MANCHESTER RAIL-WAY. Shortly after the Speaker took the Chair, Ileneral GASCOY NE rose to move the third reading of this Bill. Ile regretted extremely, he said, the necessity of addressing the House on merely local business ; but the strong Tarty which ' be saw arrayed against the Bill, made it incumbent on him to offer some observations on its merits. The ftst objection made to the Bill was, that it threatened to interfere too much with the enjoy ment of property in that respect the reposed rail-way was not more objectionable than any other public work ; the country through which it was contemplated to construct it was one of the most populous tracts In England, It was completely covered with towns, factories, gardens and villas; and it would be impossible to tainstruct there any road or canal, however desirable, without en. countering the most violent opposition. But that each party might have full indemnification. there was a clause in the Bill which amply provided for the adjustment of terms ; no party. therefore, could lose anything by the rail-way crossing his premises, and it was ridiculous, in a country over-shadowed by factories, six or seven storks high, and tilled with steam engines, to talk of sitting . down in retirement and complain of rail-ways breaking in upon their seclusion. It was denied by some that there was any necessity I.lr such a work for public accommodation; to this objection it would be audiciert to answer, that every commercial company in Liver. pool had subscribed in favour of the Bill; that circumstance was sufficient proof that the scheme did not originate in private mo tives, but in the necessity of anew mode of transit; but, indepen. dent of the benefits which this work would confer on the trade of Liverpool, it would be peculiarly advantageous to Ireland. increas. tog the market of Irish produce as it lowered the cost of its car riage; and he was sure the House would listen favourably to every measure which tended to facilitate our intercourse, and connect us In closer intimacy with that country. The Hon. Member concluded by moving the third reading of the Bill. Mr. 'WI!. PEEL supported the motion. Rail.rnads, he said, were the best possible means of communication, and it was natural to rzsort to them where there was a deficiency of conveyance. The trade of Liverpool, it was known, had been increasing with such ttinidity since 1760, as to double itself every twenty years : it was, e.treime, rtimataos to argue that new and expeditious modeller conveyance were not requisite in that %wailer, nor ought land to ye. main inviolate in the hands of its proprietors, if Midi inviolability compromised, in any degree, the full developmeat of the national resources; but In this case no such interests were Involved • the d.od proprietors were tilled, however, with the most chim erical alarms by the propnetors of canals, slid some individuals were led to believe that the rail-way was to pass even through their dining. rooms. The petitioners in favour of the itill were of the highest respectability, and the only question was, whether parliament would be so far swayed by the representatioris of a few timid or interested individuals as to withhold its sanction from a project of great public utility. Mr. STANLEY said that if it had been proved that any public benefit were to be derived from that Bill, he would not withhold his assent from it, but on the contrary, it appeared to hint to be replete with mischief. public as well as private; it ought to be ee. membered that that Bill had last year undergone an ample discus sion, and after a great deal of evidence, it had been rejected by the Committee. It was true it had undergone come subsequent changes, as had been correctly stated by the gallant tientleman op posite. but it still remained as objectionable AN before on general principles. Considerable pains had been taken to inculcate the notion that great benefits were to accrue to Ireland from the execution of this project; and if that could be proved, it would go far to ob viate any objection which might be brought against it; bat lie was grieved to see the gentlemen of Ireland taking assertions for facts. and going down to vote For the Bill, without any demonstration of its utility: The rail-way-scheme bad been brought forward with the greatest pretensions : goods were to be carried at half the ordi. nary expense, and at the rate of 12 miles, which was afterwards reduced to 10 miles per hour; but that boasted speed was now brought down to the very moderate rate of three miles an hour. It might be supposed that these rail-ways were to exhibit a won. derful illustration of the refinements of science. and of the happy application of steam-power ; but that was not the case ; the whole 'business was to be carried on by horse.labour; *circumstance which he believed had escaped the notice of many who had en. gaged to support the Bill. The proposed rail-way would interfem with three great canals ; it was worth while, therefore, to compare it with canals. in impact of accommodation. It was proposed to carry on die railroad ten tons a distance of three miles in one hour, with the labour of one horse. In this computation no allowance was made for stoppages; although experience had shown, on the Llarlir.gton rail-mad, that the delays amounted to no 'eat t han one. 11401 of the time spent 'span the road. The simple fact, how •earr, was, that between Livcrp;ol and Manchester, the conveyance -by the rail-road would occupy ten hours and a half, exclusive of eeoppages ; while the average time on the cans! was twelve hours, tottluding all stoppages. In respect of celerity, therefore, the for mer had no advantage. He was convinced, also, that the rail.way -multi not carry goods at a cheaper rate than the canal. Thema mated freight on the rail-way was tis. Gd. per ton, while that on the canal was 10s. b.yd. ; but this latter sum Included several small ex tra charges, which were calculated -with the greatest accuracy, and which, beidg deducted, left the freight by the canal only !in., while If. fal. was charged by the rsil.way. -But supposing that the rail road should throw out of employment the canal, it then became a question whether the public would be benefited by the change. The tonnage charged by the canals on individuals carrying their ow! goods. was 3s. 4d. ; for coals, Is. Gd. ; for manure, 3s. ; and atfftuhuralprodece was free; while the rail-way was to charge for cotton, 7s. Ud. ; for timber and grain, rm. Gal. ; for MOOe or bekk, t i c 4d . ; and for everything else, Ss. 10d. In these terms it was evident there was no advantage held out ti the public. With re spect to •Ireland, the only benefielikely to result to that country from the intended road was, the reduction in the cost of carriage of a certain description of mil for a distance of 'bow too miles. This was the only fact la favour of the rail road, and yet the saving could amount at farthest to a ;shilling a ton, while at the same time the expense of cartage was incurred. It was incumbent on the supporters of the Bill to show that there was a want of accommodation for the conveyance of goods, but since they had declined it, he was willing to take on himself the om , r proGuedi, and to prove that a new means of transit was quite 'mammary. Boisterous weather had sometimes prevented vessels from ascending the Me but works were in progress which wintld enable vessels of Mona burden to discharge their cargoes 100 miles lower down. Under all these circumstances it appeared to him that Parliament ought to interfere, in order to suppress that sad spirit of speculation; for the project before the House could Pat be &signet.d otherwise than as a mad project. The shares of the Manchester rail-way had once been at 47 premium, but were wow fallen to one per cent. discount. The difference which existed is the opinions of the engineers consulted, fully proved how little credit was to be placed in the estimates of the undertaking. Mr. „Ramie considered the friction of the rail-road era than that of a canal; while Mr. Palmer, supported by Mr. Barlow, thought it greater in the proportion of 67 to 10. The purchase of the ground was estimated at 71,000/. and the cost of construction at WOOO/. Now, in order to pay the ordinary interest of that capital, it would be necessary that eight hundred and firty.seven torts of goods Auld be carried each day between Liverpool and 31anchmter ; but she whole amount of goods daily conveyed by canals between those places was 1.200 tons to Manchester and 2110 hack. Thus, while k was necessary to the maintenance of the rail-road that it should en. ens so large a proportion of the whole business, it was evident that It could not subsist in eohjonetion with the 'canals. The itc cosomodation by these was so shandant, that last year a great 1111111. 'tee of hosts were left without employment. The Hon. Member easeluded by esprensing Isis hope that the House would not sine ties a measom which promised so little public benefit, and which would li2 so productive of signal hardship to individuals, and by moving as an amendment that the Bill should be read that day six sioitha. tit 1. COFFIN sou of opinion that the Bill could be beneficial to moos but tit Noble Lords through whose estates the rail-road VW to pass. Ile would ask sny Hon. Gentleman whether he would like to see a rail-road trade through his garden. tie was con vincal, by diligent inquiry, that no accommodation was omitted, and he should therefore resist the fill. Mr. HUSKISSON commenced by observing, that the Hon. Gentleman (Mr. Stanley) had adopted an unusual course in argu ing the details of the question on the third reading of the Bill, when the general principles alone ought to be discussed, after omit ting the opportunity of examining in the Committee. With re spect to the inconveniencies to individuals which the nil-road might give rise to, they would not be greater than what might attend on the CO6OrtieliClll of anv other road. But if it wen true -that the commerce of Liverpool and Manchester had hicreasell four-fold within this century; if It was a notorious fact that that increase was still progressive, was it not obvious that new means for the carriage of goods between those towns were calculated to promote the public interest ? liesides,s great portion of the sustenance of that popu lous district was drawn from Ireland. Every measure, therethre, which tended to cheapen and facilitate the carriage of produce must prove of the greatest advantage to the district in question. He did not wish to go into details, but as the lion. Gentleman had depre cated any interference with the three canals, he would merely say thatihose canals had made enormous profits. Nor could he con ceive how the Hon. Gentleman could fear that the rail-ways should monopolize the trade, while their charges were stated to be ex &Node,. Arr. STANLEY explained. Mr. 111:SKISSON said he did not intend to follow the Hon. Gentleman through his arguments, but he was sure that if the Rail-way Company charged exorbitantly it could not go on. When he (JD. Huskisson) had been consulted with respect to that Bill, he exposed his wish that the Company should limit their profits to ten per cent. Now he would ask the canal proprietors who opposed the Bill, whether they would submit to the same li. mithtion I' (Hear.) Some of those canals were dividing no less titan 150 per cent., although their Shares were originally at 100 disecunt. If similar success were to attend the rail-ways, hp was den/mined that the public should have part of the profit. Upon the principle that the easy transmission of produce aided the deve lopment of industry, Ise considered that design as likely to be at. tended with the most beneficial result, ' • the xdvantages from it to ItUand were obvious, and the dintinutlon in the price of manufac tured goods carried to Liverpool would still farther promote the export trade of that town. He knew nothing, and cared nothing, about the speculations of the Railroad Company, but he knew that if they ever monopolised the whole carrying business, they must still iimit their profits to 10 per cent, lie would therefore support the Bill. Air. PHILIPS said that, although a shareholder in canals, he should neverthelers feel it a violation of his duty if he were to re fuse to submit to any sacrifice which public utility seemed to re. quire ; but that project appeared to him calculated not to produce any public benefit, but a great deal of private inconvenience; with that conviction he should oppose the Bill. Sir J. NEWPORT supported the Bill ; it would materially promote the interest of Ireland, and he of general use by raising up competition in the domestic carrying trade. (Cries of question.) Captain BRADSHAW thtl.ght that the rail-way was not likely to attain the ends proposed by the Bill. lia entirely eon. coned in all that had been said by the Hon. Member fur Stock. bridge (Mr. Stanley). The Douse then divided. Fur the third reading . It I Against it - 41 Majority in favour of the )till . • 48. Lord STANLEY then mewled that a clause be added, by way of rider, to the Bill, for the purpose of supplying the deficiencies of the land-tax. After a few words from Mr. HUSKISSON, the clause was agreed to, and the 11111 was :hen passed. BERKS AND lIANTS CANAL. Sir T. LETHBRIDGE moved that the Report of the Berk. shire and Hampshire Canal be brought Jp. Mr. BA NKES said that a cm of greater or more unjustifiable invasion or private property had never been brought before the House. In one instance a grntleman's house was actually divided from the remainder of his estate, thus rendering the whole almost useless; therefore he eould not support the Bill. Mr. C. DUNDAS expressed his intention to support the Bill. Mr. CA LERAFT said that it was one of the most cruel cases of encroachment upon ptirate property which ever came before the House, and one which it would be actually unjust to support, there being no public advantage to justify it. Mr. BRIGHT contended that it would facilitate the intereourie between Bristol and London. Mr. MA BERlA•contended that there was no public benefit possible to be derived from the me sure, which could justify such an invasion of private property. Mr. Alderman WOOD contended that there was no sort of ne. eessity for the measure; anti therefore moved, as an aineiidruent, that the Report be received that day six months. Mr. T. IVILSON seconded the amendment. Sir 'P. LETHBRIDGE replied. After a few words from Mr. Al ILDMAY and Mr. Alderman THOM NON, The Douse divided, when there appeared. For the original motion . Against it - . . 48 Majority in favour of the amendment, 10 'Abe Bill ass consequently lost. SI9.KIFF OF DURHAM. Upon our return to the gallery we found Mr. Secretary PEEL upon his legs, moving for leave to bring in a Bill fur the purpose of remedying the inconvenience arising to the administration of justice from the vacancy in the Sec of Dur ham, anti to prevent the like in future. It was impossible, he said, that the office of Sheriff could remain on its present footing. The Sheriff was hitherto chosen by the Bishop of Durham, and for the lifetime of that prelate, and therefore, upon the decease nfeach Bishop, there was a vacancy in the office of Sheriff until the ap. polotment of his successor. The consequence was that no jurifs could be summoned, nor indeed could any business connected with the Courts of Law be carried on during the intervening time. For his own part he could not see why the gentlemen of the place should not he called upon to omtribute their share of exertion towards the administration of justice. lie could not see why the office should not be annually filled as in other places. Still some immediate measure was necessary, and he believed there would be to objectit n to passing the Bill he was about to submit through all its stages that night. The Right Hon. Dentlemen then moved for leave to bring in the Bill. Afters few words from Mr. firenfell and Mr. Ellice, Mr. HUME said that the revenues of the Bishopric of Durham were much ton large—(great laughter)—much too large for any one person. He thought the present a good opportunity of regu lating the salary which ought to be attached to the Bishopric, and be wished to give the Right Hon. Gentleman all the credit of the reformation. ( Laughter.) Leave was then given to bring in the bill. Mr. Secretary PEEL then brought in the hill, the object of which was, to continue the Sheriff who might hold the office for six months after the decease of the Bishop by whom he had been appointed. The Dill was then read a first and second time, and committed, and was ordered to be read a third time when engrossed. CIVIL MS T. . . The House having resolved itself into a Committee of the whole House upon the,Civil List, The C H A NC ELLOR of the EXCHEQUER rose, and said that he believed there could be but one opinion as to the situation which he had then to bring under the cognizance of the ilmise—that of the President of' the Board of Trade. Every individual who heard him, he thought, would agree that it was one of the most important official situations under the Crown, and that if was in- compatible with its importance to leave it any longer upon its pre scut footing. Prior to the year 17110 this branch of the public bu sinew was regulated by a Board composed by a number of persons, all receiving salaries for their trouble. Considering the amazing, extent of the commerce of this country, it might be well doubted how far a Board an constituted could ensure a proper discharge of ' the duties which devolved upon it. It was a fact, at all events, that there were many more menibers than were requisite attrthed to that Board, That Board. however, dial, or he should rather say, was violently put to death—tor it fell under the lash cf Mr. Burkett ridicule—in the year 1782. It was subsequently found that it was quite impossible to carry on the commerce of the country— ennunerce as complicated end as intricate as it was extensive— I without some supttintendance, and in the year 1784 a plan was devised, by which it was conducted by a Committee formed from the Privy Council. It was deemed only just that duties so labo rious as those of the President and Viee.Preaident of the Board of 'Trade should be adequately remunerated, and as Parliament had abolished the salaries attached to those offiees, the situations were usually given to persons holding other situations from which thOy derived a considerable ernolement. Nothing could be more absurd than paying a salary forduties so important, in so indirect a manner as that of conferring, together with that office, another of less im portance, to which a salary was attached. (Hear, hear.) It ap peared to him to be lit and proper to apply the same principle to the office of President as land been applied to that of Vice. President some tire years back, when he (the Chancellor of the Exchequer) had the honour to fill the situation, however inadequately he might have done so. Upon that occasion 2.000 f. per annum was deemed a proper salary for the Vice-President, and the salary which it was his intention to propose to be attached to the situation of President was 110001 per annum, This. Ire thought but a fair remuneration, considering the immense labour of body and mind requisite for the proper discharge of its ditties, lie *lt persuaded there was no office whatever, connected with ihe adminis traion se the affairs of the country, which rquired such absolute and constant attention as that of the President of the Board of Trade. He could not conclude without saying a word or tvo in reference to the individual in possession of the office. it would be in bad taste to pass a flourishiog panegyric on his conduct, for It was toil. vernally admitted that greater zeal, integrity, and intelligence, and a more firm and resolute determination to discharge the duties of Ida office, had never before been manifest. It was most gratifying to hint to have thbropportunity affOrded him for an acknowledge. !Dent of his Right lion. Friend's merits. it was a source of satis faction to all, that the office had fallen into the hands of one so competent to the discharge of its duties. ( H ear.) I kb Use motion being put by the Speaker, Mr. H UM E said he always observed on the other side of the House a manifestation of readiness to attend to one suggestion for the increase of expenditure, but the case was far different when any reduction was proposed. This was almost invariably the case. lie could scarcely recollect en instance when a reduction of even 100411. was effected without much opposition and repeated divisions. No one entertained a higher opinion of the swifts of the individual referrel to than himself, and he haul no objection to give to him the salary proposed, aware as he was that there could not be more ini. portant duties to perhirm than his. He wished, however, to ask the Hight lion. fientleinan if the individual possessed any other offices P Whether be did mot receive 210'ONI. u Paymaster of the Nary ? And whether the Right lion. Gentleman (the Chancellor of the Exchequer) did not mein to reduce the salaries of the Pay muter and of th:! Treasurer of the Navy ? lie thought the lat. ter might be reduced to 10001. or 11.00/. a year, It being well known that the duty attached to the latter was so triflirg as to render it comparatively • sinecure. lie wished the Hight Ilen. Gentleman had looked more particularly to the Act Ole '22d Geo. 111. e. 112.). to which he had referred, for it would be found that would be quite in accordance with the spirit of that Act to do what he (Mnlltune) desired—appoint a Committee to inquire if many of these offices had not fallen into disuse, and as sineoures ought not to be abo. lished. lie had before said that he did not object to the present in crease of salary. but he thought it ought to be supplied by the reduction of other offices whose duties had decreased. lie thought particularly there might be a reduction in the salary of the Treasurer. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER Raid, in enswer to the Hon. Member's question, that the individual in question held no other office. He was :or a time agent to Ceylon, but he gave it up on his present appointment. As regarded the office of Treasurer of the Navy, he did not think the salary was more than it deserved, supposing its duties discharged by an individual fully qualified. In one point, however, there would for the future be a reduction. This officer possessed at present a house at the public expense. Now, it did not appear to htni that there was any reason why this should be continued, the nature of these duties being very different from others which rendered such.an accommodation abets lutely necessary. These apartments, in Somerset House, would henceforward he applicable to other purposes, which wax a matter worthy of consideration, considering how they were pressed for room. When the Hon. Member said there was every disposition to increase, and none to reduce, the expenditure ; he was mistaken in point of fact, and never more mistaken than on the present oc. tension, because this office, when put into his (the Chancellor of the Exchequer's) hands in 1600, had its salary reduced from 4000/. to 30001. a year. lle could not admit it wax a sinecure, consider. able responsibility being attached to it. The Treasurer was a pub. lie accountant; immense sums of money passed through his hands. and he could make no settlement of his property, because the Crown had a prior lien on it. The Hon. Member fur Montrose seemed to think certain offices should be reduced that this might obtain a fair remuneration : but really he (the Chancellor of the Exchequer) did not know where those offices were. They could not cut down those that were efficient, and he knew of note that were not efficient. The !lon. Member might wish to sot up all the offices to a sort of Dutch auction, or he was welcome to take a part of his, if he desired it, but he thought that it was a bad principle which the Hon. Member would establish, when he said lie would not give an adequate salary to a man who had it not, unless he could find some other office the salary of which he could reduce. Mr. CA LCRA FT said no man valued the services of the indi vidual who occupied the situation of President of the Board of Trade higher than himself. He should have no objection to his enjoying 50001. a year, but he objected to the way in which it was to be obtained. He would have him receive 30001. a year an Treasurer, and 20:t0/. as President of the Board of Trade. It would be answered that then two offices were not compatible; but his reply to this was, that the individual possessing them had ex ecuted them for some time, and he did not say when offered them that they were incompatible. He contended that 2000/. ought to he looked at. when the immense expenditure and pressure were considered, when they recollected that their expenditure amounted to between 50 and 60.000,000!. a year. When they considered, too, that the arrangement proposed would create another office,' which Ministers wculd have at their disposal,—for there would be the office of Treasurer to 611 up, there was another reason opposed to it. The influence of the Crown, though reduced by the war having ceased, wasetill frightfully large. lle had said nothing against giving the Right Hon. Gentleman 5,000/. a year ; and he could go further—he could point out, at this moment several offices underpaid, and which he could wish to ace better remune rated ; but under the present circumstances of the country, he felt fie ought not to indulge in this way. They might talk of the in compatibility of the situations, but fie remembered when a former Secretary of State (Mr. Dundee) held the office of Treasurer of the Navy, and also when it was possessed by a Speaker of the House of Commons. A Hon. Member had referred to the battles they had to fight toobtain the most minute reductions. But this did not surprise him, when lie recollected how they must he perplexed by the application of individuals to fill the different situations. If this was the case, however, it was the duty of the Ilouse of Com mons to step in between tne applicants anti Ministers, and enable the latter to say their wishes could not be complied with, because these situations were not in existence. lir. ROBERTSON thought there was something suspicious in the support which Members on the other side of the House gave to the present proposition. The Hon. Member then proceeded to ad vert to the Silk Company, of which Mr. A. Baring had become Director and Trustee; and to infer, from his having obtained a charter for the Company about the period when he supported an increase of salary to the President of the Board of Trade, that there was some improper understanding; and that Mr. A. Baring was to receive certain benefit from the establishment of his Corn. pang. Mr. BARING raid, in reference to the Silk Company, that it was set on foot last year for the purpose of doing great service, as it was said, to Ireland. With this view he was induced to put his name to it. It was a sort of experiment from which he never ex. peeled any great benefit to be derived by the country. The whole amount of his contribution was 2001. (hear, hear); anti not only was this given without any expectation of profit, hut with a con viction that none could result. (Hear, hear.) He could not recount for the Hon. Gentleman supposing that there was something mysterious lurking behind ; and he might be induced to enter into a more detailed explanation of his conduct, if he could suppose the statement was entertained seriously by the House, but he could not. (Hear, hear.) lie trusted there would be no opposition to the motion. He objected to sinecures, but the Right Hon. Gentle. man was entitled to full and ample remuneration for his services. The Chancellor of the Exchequer said the office of Treasurer was an efficient office; but if it were so, how could it be performed by the person who filled it at present. That was a mistaken notion which ?opposed a high salary should be given because it was a si. Malian of great responsibility. The private fortune of an indivi dual was nothing compared to the millions that must pass through his hands; and their only security, therefore, was in his integrity, and in their frequently auditing the accounts. The CHANCELLOR of the ENT!' F:QUER said, if the lu. dicrous charges which had been made were to be confined to the walls of the House they wonld he hardly worth noticing. The Hon. Member alluded to might have lent his name to this Com pany, but he did so without a particle of interest. If it were to attract all the Indies he could derive no profit from it. Then was it possible that the profits attached to 20(1/. could induce him to propose an increase of salary to the President of the Board of ! Trade ? If this required any answer, he would refer to the smile which was apparent when the charge was made. (Hear, hear.) The Presidcnry of the Board of Trade was a most important office, and should possess the undivided attention of an individual. He did not think it right to distract it by a consciousness of his re. aponaibility. During the last eight or ten years quite enough had transpired to disturb his tranquillity. The question now was, was 5,0001. a year too great a salary for the services rendered ? If it was not too much, it ought to be awi'rded. The question as to the salary of- the Treasurer was for after consideration. After a few words from Mr. MARERLY, Mr. BERNAL, and Mr. G. Plinio's. 111 r. CALCRAFP said, that there would be much dissatis faction created—not by the amount proposed—but by the principles which it endeavoured to establish. By the present arrangement there would be a new office of 5,0001. a year. Unless the prop°. sitions were modified as he purposed he must oppose it. The heavy responsibility had been alluded to; but did they know of any per son refusing the office on that account ? er did they know of any person resigning it ? He had no objection to the deficiency of the Right Hon. Gentleman's salary being made up front the office of Treasurer of the Navy ; but lie objected to becoming a party to the becoming a party to •he placing of 5,0001. a year niece at the dis. pesal of Ministers. In his opinion, as the duties of the Treasurer. ship were trifling, 'they might be very well executed by the Pay master. Mr. ROBERTSON replied. After which, Mr. LOCKHART mile a few observations. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said If the duties of Treasurer were given to the office of Paymaster, the latter must become a much more important office than at present, and 1.0001. a-year would be found to be an inadequate remuneration. If the duties of the situation were transferred to another, • new office would be established. Though Parliament had voted a salary of 3000 f. per annum, it was competent for the House to re duce that sum afterwards. Any decision on the question which might be come to at present could not be irrevocable and final. When the Estimates were under the consideration of the House, a reduction might be made; but if the salary was reduced because the office was a useless one, the House, in coming to such a de claim upon such grounds, would be doing a great disservice to the country. Mr. 0. PHILIPS said a few words, which were inaudible. Mr. T. WILSON said no one was more anxious than he to do justice to the talents and the services of the Right Hon. the President of the Bosrd of Trade. He tlid not, liowevtx, feel it his duty to ac quiesce in the vote. All seemed agreed in the propriety of grant. ing the salary of froool. ; the only difference of opinion which ex. hated was as to the mode of bestowing that intreased salary. lie thought, as the question was suffered to pass last year, when the affairs of the country were in a prosperous situation, and when cir eintisranees were mach noire favourable for making such a demand than in the present state of depression, he could not concur in the vote which was proposed for adoption. Mr. CA LCRA FT thought the Chancellor of the Exchequer had left the question in the condition it was before, unless he conceded the point that no new office would be established. There was a great and material diff e rence between increasing the salary of one officer anti crtating a new office. in granting the salary of WOOL to the President of the Board of Trade, he went as far as he possi. bly could v. He would gn so far, but no farther; his mind was so fully made up on that point, that rather than suffer the question to go in fts present form, he would vote against the proposed in crease. Alr. HUME could not epee in the aentimenta of the lion. Member who had last addressed the House. lie could not consent to have the public money vottsl away, in the present distressed con dition of the country. Various epinions were delivered on the duties of the Treasurer of the Navy ; he was disposed to agree to the increase of salary, but the Resolution should be so modelled as to prevent the country from bring burdened with any additional expense. lie would therefore move, as an amendment. that the sum of :AWL should be granted to the Right lion. the President of the Hoard of Trade. but that an inquiry should be instituted, whether any other dikes might not be abolished or so modified as that the salaries now paid to persons filling such offices might he applied to mate up the deficiency in the solar; of the President of the Board of Trade, so that no additional burden might be imposed on the public. Sir F. 03IMANEY thought the question for the House to consider was whether both o ffi ces should be kept distim:t. Mr. BA RINI: thought the present way of coating to the ques. tion by no meAns satisfactory. lippontion had been made to the creation of a new office ; he would therefore suggest that the vote should be withdrawn fcr the present, when Gentlemen opposite would have an opportunity of conferring among themselves as to the manner in which they would bring forward the question on a future occasion. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said, he dould not consent to the course prouosed by the Hon. Member (Mr. Hume). If the sum of 50001. was granted, he (Mr. Hume) wished hint to admit that the sum should be taken from some other guar. ter. That was an arrangement he could not agree to. If there were any useless offices they ought to be abolished, but that was a question quite distinct fmtn the present consideration. if the mat ter dud not meet the views of the House they could act as they did In the Appropriation Act, they might strike out the vote altoge ther : or it was competent to propose another sum in the estimates. It was not an unprecedented or uncommon circumstance for one Oentleman to hold two situations. The Noble Lord (Bexley) who had preceded him in office, had held two situations. il'hat was chiefly objected to last year was, that an individual should be paid for an inefficient office out of an another office. Mr. ELLICE said he never rose under more painful feelings than at that moment. He came down to the House prepared to vote for the increased sum, as a remuneration for the services of the Right Honourable Gentleman. No one had ever filled the situation with more credit: but though he highly appreciated the services of the President of the Board of Trade, he could not consent to the vote unless he obtained e pledge from the Right Honourable the Chancellor of the Exchequer that there should be a reduction in some other offices. He was sure Mr. Hume would point out some department where such a redaction could be made with advantage. Mr. R. SMITH had no objection to vote fur the amendment of the Hon. Member (Mr. Hume), if the latter natives not an gene ral in its operation. Hit was confined to an inquiry relativefto the department of the Presidency of the Board of Trade, he could have no objection to the amendment ; and if it was competent for hint to move an amendment on an amendment, he would move that the inquiry should be limited to that department. After a few words from Mr. MABERLY and Mr. SMITH, on the point f order. Mr. BRtjGI)EN said that it was not competent for the Hon Member to move his amendment until the original motion was dis posed of. Mr. lII'ME said that he wished to make tip the deficiency from useless offices : he wool° not take a part of slut deficiency, but the whole. Mr. Secretary PEEL said, that the increase of sahry cf one office should not depend on the abolition of uselessoffices ; that was a prin. ciple which should not regulate their conduct in the present instance; they would hare, however, an opportunity of discussing the ques tion on a future occasion. Mr. HUME said, he had no objection to give 5,0001. as a re muneration to the President of the Board of Trade ; out he wished to obtain some remuneration for that grant from some other offices. It was true the question could be discussed at a future period ; it was competent for members of that House at all times to eiIiCIISS such questions, and to neglect such discussions would be a dere liction of duty. Mr. Secretary PEEL said, the Hon. Member (Mr. Ilume) mis understood hint. The principle which his amendment coatained would apply to 40,0011/. as weil es to 5,015)/. AA he understood his Right lion. Friend, it was his intention that both offices should be distinct, ind left the amount of salary to the Treasurer of the Navy open to luture discussion. Mr. R. SMITH explained. Mr. ELLICE paid he would recommend that the motion should he withdrawn ; he had no objection to the grant of .5,000/. to the President of the Board of Trade as a salary, provided an inquiry was instituted as to the expediency of abolishing other offices. Mr. HUME said, that when the first question was disposed of, then it would be time enough to consider of withdrawing his motion. Mr. BARING thought a question like the present should be discussed in a full House. The creation of a new office was a subject worth the consideration of the House. Be could not con. sent to establish a rambling inquiry to find out the 5,000/. pro. posed. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCIIF.QUF.R said he thought the Committee had nothing to do with any other specific office. If it W F:3 the wish of the House that the question should be post poned to to-morrow, he had no objection. Ile could not see why the office of the Treasurer of the Navy was so closely joined to the Board of Trade that they could not vote any thing relative to the one distinct from the other. With respect to the reduction of offices, various opitiions would prevail ; one Member would be for reducing one, and another Member for reducing some other. Those who preceded him in office had held the situation of Trea surer of the Navy at a higher salary. After a lea , words from Mr. H. SMITH, permission was given to report progress, with leave to sit again. The further discussion of the question stands for to-morrow. STAMP DUTIES ACTS. On the motion of Mr. HERRIES, the House resolved itself into a Committee on the Stamp Duties Acts. Mr. HUM E said that be had received several statements front Ireland. complaining of the grossest oppression with regard to the stamp duties. He objected to the Committee, until he had in formation of what statutes it was intended to have re-enacied. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said that it would have been better to have stated what the Acts in question were, by which means the House would know what the Acts were which it was proposed to repeal. It was an omission which In fu ture should be avoided anti he hoped, with that explanation, the Hon Member would not persevere in his opposition. Various resolutions were then proposed and agreed to, and the Ilous: resumed. ANNUAL. DUTIES BILL. The Annual Duties Bill was read a third time and passed. EXCISE DUTIES COLLECTION ACTS. Mr. HERR lES having proposed to postpone his motion relative to the Excise Duties Collection Acts, Mr. HUME asked if he intended to bring forward the Bill for Consolidating all the Laws respecting the Excise to which be stood pledged. Mr. BERRIES replied that he could not bring forward that Bill this session. He hoped, however, the postponement would be advantageous, as next session he would bring forward that Bill in a more perfect form than he could have done at present. The motion was then postponed to Monday next. On the motion of the ArfOItNEICOENERAL, the Insolvent Debtors• Bills was recommitted. After ■ few observations from 111 r. LOCKHART, the several amendments were agreed to, and the Report ordered to be brought up to-morrow. (this day). The other Orders of the Day were then disposed of, and the !louse adjourned at half -past 10 o'clock. THE BRITISH PRESS. DISTRESSED STATE of the SILK-WEAVERS. TO THE EDITOR OF THE BRITISH PRESS. Sr n,—lt is an old and true adage, that " No one knows so well where the shoe pinches as he who wears it," and, upon the same prin ciple of reasoning, no person can be so well acquainted with the mi. serably distressed and actually starving condition of thousands of our fellow -creatures, both in Spitalfields anti in other manufacturing districts, as one who is living in the middle of them and daily be holding their sufferings and orivations. In drawing your attention, and, through the medium of your widely and extensively circulated Journal, the attention of the public, to a subject which, in my humble opinion. is one of vast and vital importance, I am actuated by only one motive and one feel ing —and that is the melioration of the distressed condition of the journeymen silk-weavers. Vou cannot but be aware of the extreme distress which has for a long time past been felt by the mechaaical part of the community, arising from that depression in trade which has been so prevalent in all trades throughout the kingdom, but more especially by those employed in the manufacture of ltritish silks, who have been in consequence unable to obtain for their fa. milks even the common necessaries of life. This distress, I fear, instead of being alleviated by the introduction of 'dime foreign manufacture into this country, will be increased tenfold. Although I am disposed to give full credit to his Majesty's Ministers for any measure which, upon mature deliberation, they have thought pro. per to adopt, yet, after the step they have taken relative to the im portation of foreign silks into this country, upon the expediency of which so many conflicting opinions are afloat, I feel it to be the duty of every well-wisher to his country's interest to appeal to the charitable feelings of his fair countrywomen ( which are ever alive in the cause of benevolence), and to impress upon their minds the great importance of their attempting to prevent such a measure trout becoming so fatally injurious to the interests of the working classes of the community as otherwise it inevitably will be. I would beg of them, whilst enjoying their comforts and luxu ries, to go into the streets and lanes and alleys in the environs of Landon, and see the misery which many a worthy family sustains for want of the common necessaries of life. It has come within my province to know and to hear of many. I could tell them of whole families'who know not where to seek for a livelihood, and some of them yet too proud, from a remembrance of their former exertions, to ask parochial relief. I could place before their eyes scenes of' misery and woe with which they are but ►ittle ac quainted—all of which may be traced to the want of employment, arising front the trifling demand for the English articles of dress. I. met with • case but a short tittle since, where the wife of an industrious weaver assured me that her husband, herself, aid their children, had existed for a fortnight on two quartern loaves of bread! This is not a solitary instance of the distress at this moment In existence amongst this industrious and hard-working class of so ciety, but one, I may say, of at least ten thousand. As an advo cate in the cause of the starving and miserably wretched silk. weavers, I would entreat those distinguisted individuals—the female Nobility of Oreat Britain—to lend their powerful aid in al leviating these distresses to which I have just alluded. A great portion of the evil which the Spitaltields and other Be nevolent Societies in vain endeavour to counteract, and much of the good which those societies fall short in being able to effect, may be remedied by means in their power—the full employment of the wearers and mechanics by the general use of British manufactures. Let them act and co-operate together in this praiseworthy and chatitable determination, and they will effect more real service and essential benefit, than subscribing their thousands to preserve the industrious and willing mechanic from that state of almost absolute starvation which now stares hint in the face. In the earnest hope of their unanimous concurrence, I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient Servant, A REAT. FAIX:ID TO TRAWL PRICES OP BRITISH Rank Stock 74/24 S per tent. Red. 784 111 t per Cent. Cunt. 781 794 798! 4 Irltto Acct. 79f 794 79 f f 34 per Cent. 114 ner Cont. Red. S 6 PHLCP:M OF FUREION Brazilian Bonds .55, Ditto Acct. b 6 Gj Chillan Bond• 46' Colombian Bundi Ditto Honda (1624; 53; 2; 12 2I e 50 4 Ditto Acet. 5.3 e 3 #2i112.1 2 1 2 4 101 1 faii Danish Bonds (1625; Ditto Acct. 57e Wrench Rentes 3 per Cent.6sf. 25c. itzcliatige 224.60 e. STOCKS YESTERDAY. — New 4 per Cent. PR 4 4 India Bonds 6 S pm Es. Billy 10801. 7 d 6 7 pui Ditto 6001. 68 pm Ditto Small 68 pm Lottery Tickets 2ll. I is. i'l.o..ThiCS YESI --- W ----- •'''••U Greek Bonds 171tto Bonds r PM) 17 161 Ditto Acct. 17 161 Mexican Bonds Ditto Bonds 1022; 661 1 64 g Ditto Acct. 661 7 61 6 1 7 a Peruvian Bonds 80 1 29 ' Ditto Acct. 30 211 1 itussian Bonds 791 1 60i Ditto Acct. 79/ Spanish Bonds 10 Ditto Bonds (1823) PRICES UP *RAMBO YESTERDAY. 111111111/1. Mare. Pal& Rentlllan Colombian lOO 7j 4 di. General Alining Association Pasco-Peruvian PaSuet, La Pat, and Peruvian Annetaloa Real del Monte 4OO 400 40 di. rialpuxahua 490 49 21, pro United Mexican Ditto New... ... ...... .: ........ . 111:: ..:: 40 15 gi di. MAIO SSSSS CAMPANIA'. AJl.ance Briikh and Forelgo ......... 100 10 Ditto Marine . lOO GAS LICIT AND cow C ..... United Ueneral ..... .. MISCILLMOUS. West India Company bo - —IS s ds, I " i 24 di. - 74fitt llt,rftish DRURY-LANE THEATRE. This Evening, FRIDAY, April 7, will be performed the new n _pent, Play of ..... BENYGWiK Y. Beayowsky, Mr. Bennett ; Horatio, Mr. Horn ; Stephanoff, Mr. way laak ; Tristram Stark, Mr. Harley. Athanasia, Mica Foote; Phado, Miss Cubitt • Christine, Mies Povey. After which the new Grand Romantic Fairy Tak of OBERON ; or, THE CHARMED HORN. Paries--Oberon, Mina Vincent; Titania, Miss Macdonald. French —The Emperor Charlemagne, Mr. 0. Smith ; Sir Noon of Guyenne, Mr. Ben. not Sherasmin, Mr. Browne; Sir Aubert, Mr.T. Blanchard. Maidens— The Co iiph of flagristi, Mr. Pope ; the Prince Babekon, Mr. Rowell ; Ssdat Mr. Wetmer ; (Mier, Mr. Mercer. The Princess Amanda, Miss Smith. svo ; nano!, Mrs. C. Jones. Tunisians—The Sultan of Timis, Mr. Esaunge ; Kall.„m, Mr. W. Bennett; Fisherman, Mr. O. Smith, _ - COVENT-GARDEN THEATRE. This Evening, FRIDAY, April 7, will be performed the Comedy et THE GOOD-NATURED MAN. Mr. lloneywood, Mr. Ward. Croaker, Mr. W. Parra.; ',mi.* . Jooea ; sir NVilliam Honeywood, Mr. Bartley; T.eontine, Mr. Cape Jarvis., Mr. Blaor•hard. Miss Richland, Mrs. Chatterley ; Min A. Jones; Mrs. Croaker. Mrs. Glover. After which the Operatic Piece of -- 'TWAS I. The principal Characters by Mests - rs.l;Uru . set, Keeley, Evans, and Battik 31Iss Jones, Madame Vestrl., and Mrs. Glover. To conclude with the Piece of VIE IRISH TUTOR; or, NEW LIGHTS. Terry O'Rourke, Mr. Connor ; Dr. Flail, Mr. Blanchard, Mary, Mts; Jones. Tito BRITISH Paces commenced publishing yeetarday mortieg at five o'clock. LONDON, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7, 1826. We have received the French papers of Tuesday, and the Etoile of Wednesday,but their contents are unimportant. [From the EtoUc dated Wednesday, April 5.1 WARSAW. MARCH '!Y. Every thing seems tranquil at St. Petersbargh, though th e horizon is not yet free from clouds. The inquiry into the revolt of December 2fi, is nearly terminated. It is said that there have been discovered thirteen principal chiefs eon Acted of projects against the Emperor's life, and 2441 conspirators convicted of revolutionary rad anarchical plans. How many noble and ancient families, who have filled for ages the highest offices in the State, will cover their ea. cutcheona with crape, when they see some 101 their members cated in such criminal plots ! A Count Michael Orloff, a man of distinguished understanding and knowledge ; a Sergi Volkonsky a Bistucheff ! Evety body waits, with anxiety, the decisicn of the Emperor. The Emperor Nicholas will probably embrace the affecting occasion of the funeral of the late Emperor Alexander to publish a great act of clemency. _ 3larmlD, Maleattl. The late quarrel between some Swiss and Spanish soldiers has had no bad consequences, and has not interrupted for a moment the good understanding between the inhabitants of 3latirid and tl e Swiss Regiments, whose discipline and excellent conduct cannot be too highly praised. The long proceedings against Cape* have just been termt. nated, to the satisfaction of that officer ; of the seventeen members who composed the Court, three voted for the penalty of death, etc fur imprisonment in a fortress, and the other eight unanimously declared that General Capape was innocent, and that the Fount. tion against him could not hurt his reputation, or hinder hid pro. motion. The last opinion prevailed in the Court, which sill doubtless soon order him to be set at liberty. Colonel Cerberg, who was concerned in the affatr of General fa Pezuelo, was the defender of Capapi, and mainly contributed to his acquittal by his eloquence and energy. • VITNNA, 3fAncrt A courier from Lisbon arrived yesterday at the Foreign-office, with the news of the illness of the King of Portugal, and was soon followed by another with the news of his death. Prince Metternich immediately caused the intelligence to be communicated to the In. fent Don 31 ichael. This Prince lives in a very retired manner; be has no establishment, and, as it seems, will remain here for the present. PARIS, Aram 4. The Count de Cayla died yesterday morning at his hotel, aged nearly 80 years. FRENCH Ft:WM.-PARTS, APRIL 4 —Five per Cents., rx ; Three per Cents., 65f. 60c. ; Bank Stock, 2,015 f.; Rentes de Naples, 74f.; Royal Spanish Loan, 483 f; Basin Loan, 7651. Court Authentipie, April 4. A Dutch Mail has been received. The dispute about the navigation of the Rhine does not yet appear to be de cided. HAGUE, Arun. 2. We find the following article in a Netherlands' paper : . . " The reasons have not transpired which induced our Govern• ment to protest against the giving up of the roman of Lulea. burgh to the troops of the German Confederation; it is not doubted that the conduct of our Sovereign on this, as well as on other occasions, is worthy of himself and of the nation. Ire have lately seen in the German Papers that Austria and Prussia are et variance with the Government of the Netherlands on the Vest question of the navigation of the Rhine. Nt'e long ego proved that our claims are founded on the Law of Nations; we hare said that no dubious article of a treaty authorizes the pretensions of Germany in this respect; we will add, that if the German Canfe derati.in had adopted domestic arrangements respecting the natl. gstion of that river, these regulations could not bind us, swept so far as the Rhine flowed through the Grand Duchy of Luxendnirg, and so far only ; but as the Rhine does not touch the Grand Duch! in any point, it is manifestly unjust to pretend that the possession of that Province should oblige the rest of the kingdom to treed under foot its dearest and most legitimate interests. Hitherto cur Government has shewn a noble and patriotic firmness, and the nation expects that it will not yield to the opposition made to it." ROTTERDAM, MARCIA 31. The great steam-boat for the East Indies (the Atlas) was at length launched yesterday, wi.h entire success. AMSTERDAM, APRIL 4.—Exchange on London, 4 0 . Ws two mouths 40. 4. nAN1111:11011, Maacn 31. Accounts from St. Petersborgh of the 18111 March say that the Emperor has addressed a rescript to CountWittgenstein,Cutumande r of the second army, thanking him for the sentiments which he has expressed, as Well in his own name as in that of his whole army. _ Letters from Stockholm say there is a frequent exchange of couriers with Russia. The King has reduced the export Chltle4 on fish and train oil in Norway one-half, that on timber ore-half, and that on the produce of the mines one-fourth. A respectable Evening Paper giVes the following account of the fail of Nfiasolonghi:— "OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF THE FALL OF XISSOLONOHL " Wc are extremely sorry to announce the fall of the Greek fortress of AI issolonghi, alter a defence which has attracted the attention of all Europe. It has been taken by storm, and &lithe brave garrison pat to the sword. The intelligence was received by the steam-boat from Corfu, at Marseilles, and from thence transmitted by are" CO London. The date of the capture Is not given, but the accoutts . are official, and confined to the very important and dreadful facts of 11l issolonglii taken by storm, and the girrison put to the sword.... • This intelligence, if there were grounds for believing ti I