The Sun. — London, England, 1858-07-24 00:00:00

Or God, so far from expressly forbidding these unions, went far to (sanction them, bad been very severely dealt with ; but what would those who attacked say of the right reverend prelate now deceased, who it appsared was the author of the clause in the ex isting law which provided that these marriages should no longer be voidable t He had had the honour to pre sent a number of petitions in favour of this bill, bearing the signatures, amongst others, of 500 clergymen, of a great number of municipal authorities, of men of the highest moral principle, who would never have supported the bill if it contained anything contrary to the law of God ; and it had been repeatedly sent up by large ma. , jorities from the other house, which more immediately represented the feelings of the people. A 3 to the social question, if he consulted his own heart he could not find any instinctive feeling against these unions, and he also felt bound to support the bill; as he believed the exist ing law was producing a large amount of moral evil, and inflicting the grossest injustice on a large class. He also felt bound to say that the language of some right rev. prelates that evening Lad been most injudicious and un- wise. The Bishop of LINCOLN wished to correct an iin• preesion which seemed to prevail as to what took place when the present law passed. It was first proposed to enact that these marriages should be declared valid if not voided within two years. The right rev. prelate now deceased objected to give even such a legislative sanction to these unions ; but when a clause declaring them absolutely void for the future was introduced, be assented to the rest of the bill confirming all past marriages which bad not been voided. He had beard the declaration cf his right rev. friend in favour of these marriages with surprise and sorrow, although he could not but respect his boldness in expressing his opi nions. Frotn his experience he did not think there was much feeling in favour of this bill. It was easy to get up petitions, and even the constant agitation of the question had a tendency to lower the standard of moral feeling. The opinion of the women of England was decidedly against it, and in their name he implored their lordships not to assent to the second reading. Their lordships then divided — Contents Non contents . ~ 22 The bill was consequently lost. 1 The Police (Scotland) Act Amendment Bill and the Lunatics (Scotland) Act Amendment Bill passed through committee. REFORMATORY SCHOOLS (IRELAND) BILL. Lot d MONTEAGLE moved the second reading of this bill, the object of which was to extend to Ireland the provisions as to the establishment of reformatories now in force in this country, with some variation rendered necessary by difference of circumstances. The Earl of CLANCARTY opposed the bill. He ad mitted the importance of these institutions, but consi dered the subject was one which ought to be dealt with by the Government on their own responsibility, if at all. The Earl of DERBY said it was true that this bill had not been introduced into the other house on the re sponsibility of the Government, but by a private member. In adopting it, however, the Government had duly con sidered what was the effect and purport of the measure. His noble friend (the Earl of Clancarty) had admitted that this was a matter of great importance ; but for some special reason, which it was hard to understand, he seemed to think that what was useful for the reform of juvenile offenders in England would be quite the reverse in Ireland. It was said there were excellent schools in Ireland in the workhouses, and that now there would be excellent schools in the reformatories, and that there would be a tendency in the poor to instigate their children to crime for the sake of an education which they could not otherwise obtain. But the fact was that Ireland was exceedingly well provided with schools. It had then been objected that these schools would be vir tually under the control of the Roman Catholic clergy ; but at the same time it was said that 9-10ths of the juve nile offenders were Roman Catholics. The objection, therefore, was that the clergy and the offenders whom they were to teach would be of the same religion. It had also been said that there was no provision for inspec tion, but the fact was that it was provided for by the very first these. He agreed that there might be an ad vantageous alteration made in the clause giving an ap peal, bat that was a matter of detail, whilst all they were now discussing was the propriety of introducing into Ireland a system which had been tound to answer in England and Scotland. Without pledging himself to every detail of the bill he would support the second reading. The Earl of CARLISLE trusted that their lordships would give a favourable reception to this bill. He con sidered that Ireland in reformatory institutions for adult criminals bud much the start of England, but at present it was quite unfurnished with reformatory schools. He trusted that their lordships would remedy that evil. He had witnessed the happy results of reformatories in Eng land and Scotland, and he trusted to see that system ex tended to Ireland. Lord DUNGANNON thought the want of juvenile reformatories was very severely felt in Ireland, but he re gretted that the matter was brought for ward at so late a period of the session. Ho t,bj,cted to some matters of detail, but he should be exceedingly sorry to throw any impedimeLt in the way of this measure. The bill wag then read a second time, RAILWAY CHEAP TRAINS BILL. The Earl of CLANCARTY objected to one clause, in this bill. The Earl of HARDWICKE, however, explained that it was intended to meet an evil wt.ich might arise from railway companies buying up canals, and so becoming masters of the whole water traffic in their district. The bill was read a second GOVERNMENT OF INDIA. BILL. The Earl of DERBY proposed one or two verbal a' terations in this bill, which were agreed to, and the bi was read a third time. Lord WROTTESLEY moved that the 10th clause should be restored to the form in which it stood previ ous to the amendment of the Earl of Shaftesbury, pro• Tiding that the 10 years' residence iu India imposed as a qualification on nine members of the council should be recent. After a short conversation, the amendment was nega tived. The Earl of DERBY moved to insert after clause 62 a proviso enabling a newly-appointed Governor-General to exercise his powers immediately after reaching India and before taking his seat in the council at Calcutta. Agreed to. Some additional amendments, for the most part of a routine character, having been adopted, On the question that the bill do pass, The Archbishop of CANTERBURY said he hoped he might be allowed to say a few words on a subject which formed no part of the bill itself, and to which very little allusion had been made in the various discussions upon it. He was aware that this was a bill, the object of which was to provide the requisite machinery for the go vernment of India, and he had no objection to offer to the principle which had been so often laid down that India must be governed in India, and not from England. At the same time the subject to which he had to allude was one upon which strong conscientious convictions were entertained by a very large part of the community, relating as it did to the anomalous and responsible posi tion in which we were placed as a Christian nation ruling over a vast population of idolaters. It could not be sup posed that those to whom he referred wished for any ac tive interference on the part of the government with the religion of the Hindoos ; that they had the least desire that the government should either overthrow that which they knew to be false, or establish that which they knew to be true. So far from that, they would think that nothing was gained even by the conversion of the whole peninsula if it were brought about by bribery or compulsion. There was, however, a strong opinion prevailing that the course which had hitherto been pur sued might safely and wisely be modified. He would mention two or three particulars in which an alteration was required. In the first place, he considered it most desirable that all distinction s o f caste should cease to be recognised by the Government in the administration of the affairs of India. In the next place, he was of opinion that all the remaining connection betweec. the Government and the rites and cut Mlle of an idolatrous religion should be entirely abolished, even if the object of such connection were simply the preservation of order ; that those lands which had hitherto been employed for idolatr ua purposes, and of which he believed the com pany had been trustees, should be made over entirely to the natives themselves, so that this nation might be altogether released from any participation in things which were detestable in themselves, and scandalous to the reputation of a Christian country. Again, ha would express a hope that in all the schools whiek were under the patronage of the Government the Bible might be read. La , 4tty, he trusted that the natives would in future be admitted to any employments for which they were fitted. If what be bad thus suggested were done, no one could fairly charge the Gsvernment with any active in terference for the propagation of our religion in India. It was possible to observe the greatest toleration for the religion of the natives without eii,her concealing or cam prom'sing our own. In conclusion, he trusted that the blessing of Almighty God would rest upon the efforts which were being made for the benefit of Lad* and that that vast country would not long remain one in which falsehood prevailed over truth. The Earl of DERBY said that whilst of coarse every thing that could be fairly done for the P r imotion of e Christianity ou g ht to h e d one, he must on the other hand say that it was eventialeo the interest, p d the well being of I n di a , if not to Governalen: arcf a to a f ti c l e i n dn d l a ia b , tn_ that the G..veenent should abstain, mostcst stain, from adopting a n y ru l e o f conduct than that of Y an indiscriminate and impartial pr o t ect i on o f all sects, creeds, and religons, for nothing w ou ld b e more iridi" eras t and dangerous than by any op en an d act i ve system of fraud or violence to attempt to convert men from their religion. Gear.) He hoped that lie misunderstood the most rev, pre'ate when he said the Government ought tto Ole d;<tinct:on of ca.ter.. Certainly, if the natives of India, vuiantaiily entered 1.1. c vice, he did not think that the same punctilious defe rence to the prejudices cf caste should be given as had been the case in late ye ars ; but to soy that they should not recognise caste at all was to say that they would not recognise that which was sob onl y i n terwoven with the ear.) prejudices, but with the daily life of the people. (Hear.) There was another subject on which ho was disposed to concur with the most rev. prelate. Wherever property or land was assigned for purposes of worship he thought that, however repugnant to their feelings those pur poses might be, the property should be maintained strictly applicable to those purposes; but he thought it desirable that, as f ar as possible, the Government offi cials should keep themselves separate from any active interference in the management and application of the property. (Hear, hear.) 'When at the bead of the Colo nial-office be acted on that principle in regard to Cey lon, and he hoped that, as had been the case in that island, so with regard to India, this abstinence from any interference in the management or control of the pre- THE SUN, LONDON, SATURDAY E V ESTING, perty vested for these purposes would be advantageous. The Archbishop of CANTERBURY said he entirely referred to the public servants. The Earl of SHAFTESBURY said he was extremely gratified, and he believed the public would be gratified, with the sentiments which bad just been uttered by his noble friend. (Hear, hear.) They were much in accoil ance with a petition which he presented some time ago, and which was largely signed by the religious bodies of this country. What he wished was to see unbounded religious liberty, and that the professors of all religions should be on an equality. In the selections for the pub lic service a man should not be rejected or selected be cause he was a Hindoo, a Mahemedan, a Parsee, or a Christian ; he should be chosen for his fitness for the duties of the office. Nothing could be more prejudicial to the interests of Christianity than to promote it by active measures. He trusted, however, that they would not be ashamed to avow themeelves a Christian Government, and that they re garded Christianity as the best form of religion and the basis of civilisation. He hoped there was nothing fana tical in that. With regard to another subject he trusted now that they had broken the neck of.the rebellion that the time was come for proclaiming an amnesty,- Nothing was more remarkable in the government of the noble earl opposite (E lenborough) than his unvarying respect f)r and protection to the natives. He regretted to say that a strong feeling of antipathy was growing up be tween the Europeans—especially the young officers—and the natives. In a letter from Baleares w hich he held in his hand, the yonne . officers were said to describe the natives as " vile and detestable imps." Nothing would be more likely to retard the civilisation of the gospel than a continuance of such a state of things, as nothing would be more likely to promote it than by the higher officers of Government showing that thsir lives were in harmony with the principles of the Christian religion. excluded tax collect Orr thiy should exclude solicitors and members of the le gal profession from being agents, for he held that they v sere a much more dangerous class in this respect than tax collectors. He said that in his capacity of a ro,embea• of the legal profession himself. Mr. VA.NSITT. ART sa,'d he should be happy to avail himself of the amendments which had been suggested. The house then divided , on the amended clause, and the numbers were-- For the clause ..- Against it Mal,ority The claw() vras negatived. Mr. D. NIC OLL hoped that after the narrow - escape of defeat whir .:11 the Government had had they would de clare now th at this was simply a continuance bill. He had stood t ,hree sharply contested elections, one of which he lost by only one vote, and he knew therefore the temptations to which poor voters were expos ad. He moved the following clause : " Every ea ndidate at any election for any county, city, or borough, shall be required to make and sign the fol lowing statt story declaration, and present, or cause to be presentec. l , a copy of such declaration to the Election Auditor on ,or before the day appointed for the audit of bills, charges, or claims. "I, (A. B.) a candidate at the electioa o f ( ) to represent the ( in Parliament , do hereby solemnly and sincerely declare that I have no t knowingly made, authorised, or sanc tioned, and that I will not knowingly make, authorise, or sanction any payment, or make any gift of money, or other valuab `e consideration, directly or indirectly, by way of pri'aate gratuity to any solicitor, agent, or canvasser acting for me on account of the said elec tion, otherwise th an is described by the bills, charges, and claims rendered to the e'ecrion auditor, save as excepted and allowed by the Corrupt Practices Preven tion Act, 1354." Mr. WALPOLE objected to the clause. It might be inserted in a permanent bill which could not be delayed beyond next session. The present was nothing more than a continuance bill. Mr. W. WILLIAMS did not think the clause would carry out the object it proposed to have in view. Mr. P. O'BRIEN thought that all legislation in re ference to corrupt practices at Elections woo a dell - nix]. Mr. cium , 'LiiiD opposed the clause. Mr. T. DUNCOMBE asked the Government to with draw the bill. The majority of the House was against it. (gear, hear, and no, no.) Mr. WALPOLE said if the majority of the House were against the bill he would withdraw it and intro duce a continuance bill to-morrow. (near, hear, and Hear.) The Earl of ELLENBOROUGH agreed with the noble earl that in the present circumstances of India nothing was more to be deprecated than the constantly increasing animosity between natives and Europeans, and that animosity, he believed, originated in a g; ea t measure from the extreme severity of the punishments is:II:its:1 ra the retires. He thoreht that no single man ought to have the power of ordering death as a punish ment. (Hear.) And that the conduct of Sir J. Lawrence in Delhi ought to be everywhere followed, that was to say s a commission should be appointed, and that the con currence of three of them should be requisite for pu nishment by death. Restrictions had been imposed on the press of India for the purposes of the Government. He thought that as restrictions had been imposed on the press to prevent libels on the Government, restrictions should also be imposed on it for the purpose of preventing libels on the people of India. (Hear.) If those libels on the people were continued, the young officers arriving in India would have their minds poisoned by the stories they read every day. The practice of Go►ern ment officers attending the "religious" ceremonies of the natives had been discontinued for a long time. Willi regard to the principle of religious toleration, he would read an extract from the last letter on the subject issued by the Court of Directors; they said, "The Govern ment will adhere to its ancient policy of perfect neutra lity in matters affecting religion. We most earnestly caution all those in authority in India not to afford, by their conduct, the least colourable suspicio❑ that the present policy has undergone, orlivill undergo, any change." In that view of the case he concurred. Lord MELVILLE thought that as long as they em ployed a native army it would not be easy to abstain from giving some countenance to the religious ceremo nies of the natives. The Bishop of LONDON said that the result of the Government takir.g the management of the lands ap propriated to the temples into their own hands was that they were in a better state than if they were in the hands of the natives, who would be likely to squander the pro perty. The feelings of the people of this country re quired some charge to be made i❑ this matter, and he held the speech of the noble earl as showing that the Government were disposed to look this matter in the face. They should show Christian forbearance to the heathen, but they should show a disposition also to in culcate Christian justice, and civilisation, and truth. The Bishop of OXFORD thought it was c'ear what th© line of a Christian Government should be in this matter. They should not exercise fens, or fraud, or violence to inculcate Christian truth, but they should show that they were not indifferent to that truth. He heard with some misgiving the extract read by the noble earl, especially with the force and weight which he laid on certain expressions. If by the "neutrality" men tioned in the despatch was meant that there should be no attempt directly or indirectly to interfere with the re ligious belief of their heathen subjects, he did not object to the word, but if it meant that there should be stamped on the whole English Government an aspect of entire indifference as to the value of religion and the superio rity of one over the other he must dissent from it. Earl GRANVILLE heard with the greatest pleasure the declaration of the noble earl, which, he hoped, would have considerable effect in that country. He believed the view he put forward was the most advantageous for the gradual progress of Christianity. (Hear.) With re gard 0 the policy of mercy he felt no distrust in her Majesty's Government or in the feelings of his noble friend the Governor-General. The bill then passed. The Herring Fizhery (Scotland) Bill was read a second time. The Copyhold Acts Amendment Bill and the Joint stock Banking Companies' Bill were reported with amendments. The Titles to Land (Scotland) Bill was read a third time and passed. The Sale and Transfer of Land (Ireland) Bill was read a third time and passed, with some amendments introduced by Lord Oran worth. Toe reports of amendments on the 'Medical Practi tioners and the Public Health Bills were received. The house adjourned at a quarter to 12 o'clock. no, no.) After some remarks from Mr. ROEBUCK, The House divided. The numbers were— For the clause Against it Majority Tue clause was therefore negatived. Mr. GREER moved the addition of a clause for in , creasing the number of polling places, and for altering the polling districts in Ireland. Lord NAAS opposed the clause. In the first place it was out of place, it was out of order on the considera tion of this bill ; and, secondly, the law at present per mitted the extension of polling places i❑ Ireland. Mr. WHI CE supported the clause to protract the debate, and with a desire to prevent the bill being carried. He informed her Majesty's Government there were a certain number of members who intended to oppose the bill on every point other than as a continuance bill. The bill was wrongly named. It should be called the Corrupt Practices Protection Bill. (Laughter.) Mr. P. O'BRIEN opposed the clause. Mr. BRADY supported the clause. Mr. J. D. FITZGERALD opposed the clause. Mr. COX opposed the bill. He looked upon it as a bill to legalise bribery, and increase the expenses of candidates at elections. He had no objection to the bill as a continuance bill, but he had great objection to it as a permanent bill. After some further discussion, The house divided. The numbers were — For the clause Against it Maj ority The clause was therefore negatived. Mr. GRIFFITHS moved the following clause : "The admission and payment, on behalf of. any candi date at an election, of any claim or demand in respect to such election, by the election auditor, in accordance with the provisions of the 17th and 18th Viet., chap. 102, shall be a sufficient protection to such candidate against any action or suit at law in respect to the legality of any such payment ; and it shall be the duty of the election auditor to refuse to pay any claim or demand on behalf of such candidate which is not in accordance with the pro visions of the above-mentioned act of the 17th and 18th Vic., c. 102." The motion was negatived without a division. Mr. STAPLETON moved to insert in clause 1, line 17, after "voter," " within such voter's county or borough, and seven miles from the boundary thereof." The house divided. The numbers were— For the amendment 75 Against it 7B Majority. —3 The amendment was consequently lost. On the motion that the clause as amended stand part of the bill, Mr. ROEBUCK moved its omission from the bill. Tho moment they rendered the expenses of conveying voters to the poll legal, it became imperative, and aided the rich man against the poor man. He regretted the proposition for paying travelling ixpenses emanated from his side of the house, for it would be found to be productive of more bribery and corruption than ever before existed. Mr. BRADY supported the amendment Mr. V. SMITH reminded the Home Secretary that be some days since suggested thb bill should be a con tinuance bill, and ho thought if his suggestion had been adopted, much time would have been saved, for it must come to a continuance bill after all—(hear)—and that was to be done by cutting out this clause. If they were to legislate on this subject ❑ext year, he believed it would be better to make this merely a continuance bill. (Hear, hear.) This bill involved two principles— one was that voters had no interest in going to the poll themselves ; and the other, that no man but a rickman, who could squander 3,0001. or 4,000/. in an election, could stand for counties. Mr. WALPOLE contended he was justified in bring ing in this bill, and persevering with it, and referred to the majorities on divisions in support of that assertion. He intended to bring in a permanent bill next session to get rid of bribery and treating at elections. He should persist with this bill. Theseexpenseshad always been paid by candidates, and the returns showed it was a consider able item in contested elections for counties and boroughs. Without conveyances were provided many voters would not take the trouble to go to the poll. It was, there fore, better to legalise it than leave it in uncertainty as at present. General THOMPSON wished to know what security the candidate had under this bill if a voter went to the poll in his carriage, and voted for another candidate. He contended the payment of the expenses of convey. ance of voters to the poll was as clear and simple bribery as any other that could be invented. After some remarks from Mr. S. WARREN, Mr. T. DUNCOMBE characterised this as a bill to serve the purdoses of the Conservatives in the election to take place in the spring of next year. Candidates then would be able to bribe to any extent, and the man with the longest purse would be the successful candidate. The hon. member was proceeding to show the effect of the bill in connection with the Conservative or Freehold Land Society, when by the forms of the house the debate was adjourned to the evening sitting. The Deputy Usher of the Black Rod appeared at the bar of the house, and summoned the members to the House of Peeve to hear the royal assent given to several bit's, (for which see Lords' report). The other orders were then disposed of, and the house suspended its sittings. The House resumed at 6 o'clock. THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKRUPTCY, MANCHESTER. 52 83 ~ -31 26 112 ~----86 HOUSE OF COMMONS—(YESTERDAY.) The SPEAKER took the chair at 12 o'clock. PRIVATE BUSINESS. _ _ The Lords' amendments to the following bills were considered and agreed to :—iliddlesborough Improve ment, Plymouth Great Western Docks, Tees Conser vancy, and Worcester and Hereford Railway. The folio wing bills were read a third time and passed : —Davidson's Estate, and Glasgow Colloge Estate. CORRUPT PRACTICES PREVENTION ACT CONTINUANCE BILL. The adjourned debate on the clause proposed by Mr. VANSITTART was renewed. The clause was "That it shall not be lawful fur the collector of rates and taxes of any borough, county, or city, or his partner, or agent, to act as agent, clerk, or canvasser for, or to be employed on behalf of, any candidate for such borough, county, or city, and any such person who shall offend shall for his said offence be liable to forfeit the sum of 501. to any person who shall sue for the same, together with full costs of suit." Mr. BASS spoke in opposition, and to the bill generally. Mr. P. O'BRIEN thought that nothing could be more objectionable than the practice of a tax collector, with his rate book in his hand, walking into a voter's house to solicit his vote in aid of any particular candi date. He hoped the hon. member for Windsor (Hr. Vansittart) would press his motion. Mr. WALPOLE thought this clause would raise ques tion upon question as to persons qualified to act as agents. He should be happy to consider the question as applicable to general law, but he thought the principle ought not to be affirmed in the present bid. Sir F. SMITH thought the clause would be a trap for the honest man, and that it would servo no other pur pose. Mr. ROEBUCK said the Home Secretary seemed to think that this was not a proper time f•a- the revision of the electoral lam. He (Mr. Roebuck) admitted that, and hoped the Home Secretary would apply that remark te lie own bill. Mr. WARREN opposed the clause. Mr. GREED said that collectors of rates and taxes had a great influence in reference to the registration of voters ; and in Belfast that influnce had been exercised in a moat extraordinary degree. In any district the collectors of taxes might abstain from calling upon voters for their taxes until after the time when they should be paid to enable them to vote, and thus persons really solvent, and wiling to pay their rates when asked for them, found themselves disf.anchised when the revi ieg barrister came round. Mr. JOHN LOCKE said the clause singled out one particular class of persons, but tax collectors were not the only persons who had an undue influence over electors. Let them take, for example, the steward of a nobleman who had a large estate, and who could knock off 10 cr 15 per cent. if it would in any way suit his employer's purpose. The tax collector was a public servant, and any candidate might avail himself of his services. The tax collector could not rem it taxes, and it was not to his interest to remit them, but the steward of an estate could remit any amount his employer might choose to allow. The clause aimed at one partioular class of individuals, while they knew that there were hundreds of others who were equally open to obj'ction. He objected to legislation of this piece meal kind being introduced into the bill, which he con sidered should be merely a continuance bill. Mr. MiCANN objected to the tax gatherers being agents. They had great influence over the register of votes, and had not failed to ex-raise it very extensively in Irelani. He knew many persons who had been dis franchised by the tricks and chicaneries of these men. Mr. BAINES thought extraneous matter should not be introduced, although he admitted he was favourable to the principle of the clause. This was a well-defined and understood species of influence upon which eventu ally they might legislate, but be thought this should be a continuance bill. If the clause were passed at ail, he thought it should be amende( l , so as to include ell " eery b &"., instead s'of " any borough, &e. Mr. B. CARTER opposed t'le clause, on the ground that the bill s h ou l d b e a mere continuance Mr. BYNG considered that the clause contained a very sound prin&pl?, to the amend men t of tahn i ho e r riht s h h O duld ngevnottleemfoarnitt ,b the ul subject eui b e for to uu Leeds aG ( E Mr ss . () D N A Baines). Mr. not like homcespatbie doses of esiferm, and opposed the clause. e Mr. CRAUFURD th oug h t i t abl that a e 'bill of this kind should have been introduceduurason at this t late period of the session, and that th e y were was in 'discussing it. He should vote against th e elausegbime because he desired that the bill shou l d be merely a continuance' bill. He wished they would take an example from Soot lane, where there was no such absurd regulation that a man !should pay his taxes before he was qua ifisd to vote. (Hear, hear, and laughter.) He objected to the clause for another reason, that they ought not in such a case to pick out one of society more than another. If they Mr. TURNER presented a petition from certain par tics in Manchester, containing allegations, charging Mr. Gennett, Commissioner cf the Bankruptcy Court in that city, with irregularity in his proceedings as a judge, in borrowing money from the practitioners of the court, and praying that the charges might be investigated. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL complained that due notice had not been given of the presentation of this pe• -tition. He could not but think that the petition which the hen. gentleman presented ought to have been com munica•ed to Mr. G-ennet`. He would now merely say that he had received a communication from that gentle man, stating that he was most anxious to come forward and meet the charges and imputations against him ; and if the hon. gentleman should have an opportunity of bringing the matter forward in the present session, Mr. Gennett had authorised him to state, that ha was pre pared and most. anxious to come forward and meet the charges. CONTEMPLATED GREAT BLOW AGAINST THE REBELS IN INDIA. M r . BWART was desirous to ask the President 61 the Board of Control what reinforcements had been sent out to India. He had also a question on the paper relating to the government of India ; but he would confine him self on the present occasion to the first question.‘ Lord STANLEY, in reply, said that from the end of January up to the 17th July, the number of troops sent out to India amounted to 17,000. He might take that opportunity of stating to the house that the Goverarnent saw the importance of strikin g a gra', final, and d ue l sire bloc.: against the rebels in the approaching cold sea son. (Hear.) D. EBERio'OSIE(AwiOshYeSdTt,E) aßskFtlhSeHriEghßtlhEoSi; Sir G . gentle man the President of the Board of Trade what progress he had made in the inquiry he bad instituted te , pecting the complaintii made by the parties interested in the deep sea oyster fisheries of the operation of the act 18 and 19 whiph ccry irj u taeir and which they considered were not contem p lated by the convention with the Government of France, of August, 18'9. Mr. HENLEY, in reply, said some progress had been made in the inquiries respecting the deep sea oyster fisheries, and the inquiries were still going on. He was most anxious on the sabject, which was beset with some difficu;ti,a, and he would not fail to continue to give his attention to it. THE SLAVE TRADE. On the motion that the house, at its rising, do adjourn t 3 Monday, The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER rose, and having adverted to a question which Mr. C. For tescue had on the paper in reference to the slave trade, said he would venture before the hon. gentleman put his question to ask him whether he had really considered that the question which he had given notice of bring ing forward could be fairly brought forward at that moment ; and seeing that the discussion of such ti qUeS! 3 ULY 24, tion, even under ordinary circumstances, would require the objects of the military commission appointed to in a whole evening, and, irrespective of that consideration, quire into the organisation of our Indian army. The looking at the language in which the hon, gentleman had i hon. and gallant member proceeded at some length to ex given notice of his question, namely, "to call the atten- plain his views on various points, but in so low a tone tion of the house to the present position of the question' of voice as to render it utterly impossible to hear him. of the right of searching ships suspected of being en- We understood him to advocate the sending out of large gaged in slave trading, and to ask what course the Go- reinforcements to India by the overland route, so as to amen:fest were prepared to take on the subject." N 077, insure their getting to India in the shortest possible he thought it advisable that the hon. gentleman should period, to replace the heavy losses wo have endured dur net at that moment persevere in pressing the suject ing the hot season campaign. With respect to our position upon the consideration of the house ; and the more par- in Oude, wo did not hold a foot of ground except that ticularly, as there were negotiations at that moment occupied by our troops, and the hon. and gallant mem go ng on between her Majesty's Government and the Go- ber read the following letter, to show that the rebellion vernment of the United States on the question. He was not merely a revolt of sepoys :—" You will under would, therefore, really put it to the hon. gentleman if stand that, although the great events of the war are at it did rot appear to firn that questiens of such magnitude an end, the difficulties of it are by no means so. We are and jet rest coul I hardly be fairly discussed at the present committed to a very long contest, of which I suspect we moment. (Hear, hear.) He also saw that there was have as yet only seen the beginning. I trust I may be another question to be introduced that evening by an in error. The insurgents are very easily dispersed ; but boa. friend of his own, which would in like manner then, on the other hand, they gather together as easily. take up a whole evening in discussion, namely, the lam very desirous to see the Government step forward transport of troops to India. Now, those were questions and lend a hand to us by judicious pro c l a m a tions of am of seer importance and magnitude, that each of them nesty. There has been too much blood already, and by would require the most deliberate consideration, and denying mercy altogether, as we do now, to the vast they were questions th It could not be expected to result mutinous masses, we perpetuate the civil war, and by satisfactorily unless they were fairly discussed. He our own act retain a large army for the insurgent nobles would put it, then, to the hon. gentleman whether he of the various provinces. Until an effort is made to de could at present fairly bring the question forward. tech these two interests from one another, the struggle,will Mr. C. FORTESCUE said, is putting the question grow in intensity. As soon as we succeed in dissolving 03 the paper, he thought he had acted ferny. He thought the alliance it will die out, bat not till shen. This might efore the session broke up it was debt to pat such a have been done some time ago ; now it would not be so question to her Majesty's Government. The intentions of easy. At any rate, in considering the subject, we must the Government seemed not to have been clearly indi- always look at the Sepoy mutiny as a great national in cated to the house on the subject, and thinking it hiehly surrection, and I think, for freedom." desirable that the county should he informed what their STAMPED LETTER PAPER. intentions were, he had put his cieestion on the paper. Mr. MAGUIRE raid it had been his intention to He was prepared to make a very short statement to the occupy the attention of the house for some time to a house. A portion cf the question seemed to him not to question he had put on the paper, but looking at the have received all the attention from her Majesty's state of the public business he should confine himself Government which it deserved ; and it appeared to him to asking the Secretary of the Treasury how the matter desirable that their policy should be clearly and distinctly now stood with respect to the issue of stamped letter explained on the subj ct. (Hear.) His intention was paper, and the convenience that would arise from a large to state to the house the position in which the question and speedy issue. It was not his desire to see a compul was found by the Government, and to ask the Govern- sory use of such paper, but the inconvenience in legal meat whether or no they intended to adhere to or depart and other procperiinrfq from tt•P rlepan.tion cf fr I: y on L . ,,a and their envelopes, and the difficulty of proving that the slave trade. The st rte of the question was this :—lt had envelopes themselves had ever conveyed the letters they , been stated by no less an authority than that of the Am- were supposed to do, rendered it a matter of public ins ba,ssador of the United States —Mr. Dallas—that the portance that stamped letter paper should be freely policy respecting the right of search had been changed. issued. If so, third was no doubt it would be freely used Now, that was a policy that had been long established, by the public. and he therefore thought it fair to ask her Majesty's Mr. G. A. HAMILTON said the Commissioners of Government if the rumour was true. (Hear.) The Inland Revenue gave every facility for the issue of right boa. gentleman had told diem t' at these were nego tiations and cotnmun eatlons being carried on on the sub ject of the right of ,earthing ship, between her Majesty's Govarnment and that of the United States. What be stamped letter paper. They were quite ready to stamp every sheet of paper sent in to them by any party for the purpose. ROYAL COMMISSION ON THE ARMY. wished now more particularly to ask the Government wag, without his making any statement, whether, i❑ dc fau!t of any such convention with the United States, or Colonel KNOX inquired when the report of the Royal Commission to inquire into the state of the army would be presented ? any other power, they were prepared to adhere to, or der art from, the long-eaablishe'd policy, or whether they were prepared to adhere to the system of inspecting vessels hoisting foreign flagie or to depart from that system, and from the right of search altogether, and to lay down that all such ships should be held sacred I New, if that be so, the next thing which the Govern ment should do would be to withdraw the equadron from the waters of Cuba, and also from the waters of the coast of Africa. (Hear, hear.) Mr. S. FITZGERALD was sure that the house ec titio t u h e i s mt n o , enter into any long reply to the wobservationsouldnottoe expect of the hon. gentleman. (Hear, hear.) In reference he believed there was a general feeling in the house and throughout the country, that it was one to be approached with much caution, and cer ainly the occurrences which had taken place within a very short period on the other side of the Atlantic—he meant in the Cuban waters—were not such as to render it desirable now to enter into any discussion. (Hear, hear.) He had stated on a former occ teion that hia noble friend had received the assurance of the United S ates Government that they would con sider any suggestions we might make to them not only with care, but with the desire to do them every justice. These propositions had not yet been made. They were still under the consideration of her Majesty's Govern ment. It was impossible, therefore, fer him to give any further information, and he thought the hon. gentleman could hardly be serious in asking the Government to state what their policy would be in the event of certain communications which bad not yet been mede being unfavourably received by the United S.ates Government. He entertained every hope that this matter would be brought to a satisfactory termination, and the language of the United States Government, as well as that of the mini ter, was such as was entirely to confirm the Govern ment in that impression. ASSAULTS UPON WOMEN AND CHILDREN. Mr. DILLWYN called the attention of the Secretary of State for the Home Depar talent to the prevalence-of aggravated assaults upon women and children, and urged upon his consideration the necessity of making some alteration in the law relating to such offences. In many instances where the husband was heavily fined Gr imprisoned, the penalty fell with more intense severity on the victim of the crime which it was sought to punish, than on the perpretator. He was an advocate for cor poral punishment, but seeing that crime of this descrip tion was on the increase, he hoped that the right hon. gentleman would, during the recess, turn his attention to the subject, and see if the law could not be amended. Mr. J. D. FITZGERALD wished, before the right hen. gentleman answered the question, to ask him whether he had any objection to lay upon the table of the house Dr. Corrigan's report, as a member of the Irish Lunacy Commission, who differed from the report adopted by his brother commissioners. Mr. WALPOLE, in reply to the question of Mr. J. D. Fitzgerald, said he really wished that when cam missiors were issues the commissioners would agree upon their report. It aces not fair to the majority, who concurred in a report that some individual commissioner should afterwards send in a separate report, which his colleagues perhaps had no opportunity of seeing. Ile bad received the report of Dr. Carrigan, and the ques tion it involved was eo important that he would under take to lay it on the table of the house. The statement made was quite correct. In answer to Mr. Dillwyn, the hon. geetleemn said :—Toe aggravated as, , aults of which he had made mention were lea numerous this year than they were in 1854-5, but somewhat more numerous than in 1856, but it was desirable to analyse these offences before drawing asy general conclusion. A great many of them were assaults not upon women, but upon children ; and an immense number cf them were assaults by women. (Laughter.) Another circumstance to be borne in mind was, that in many districts, even in the last year, for which he had returns, there was a great diminution of those offences in some districts, while in others there was an increase. So far as he had been able to form an opinion from the information with which he had been furnished, he had reason to think that the present act, which he believed wee introduced by the noble viscount opposite, had worked well ; and if it required any addition, he would be prepared, after inquiry, to state in what respect he thought it should be amended. In the meantime, however, his attention would be strict'y turned to the subject, but he should not like, unless constrained to do so by th e strongest reasons, to have recourse to corporal punishment. (Hear.) TRANSPORT OF TROOPS TO INDIA. Sir J. ELPHINSTONE said, after the appeal which bad been made to him by the Chancellor of the Exche quer, he would not now go into the large question with regard to the resolutions of the committee on the transport of troops to India, but he trusted he would have an opportunity of discussing it next year. Ho wi-hed to state, however, that he, and those who acted with him, were .of opinion that it was the duty of the Government to avail themselves of every means in their power to perfect the overland route to India for the conveyance of our troops to that country. He was quite certnn,ifrom the infor mation which be had obtained, that their conveyance could be effected cheaper and with greater advantage to this cenntry by the overland route than by the Cape. Sir E. COLEBROOKE said he rejoi_od that the hon. member intended to bring the subject 13.-.-fore the house en a future occasion. STATE OF INDIA. Mr. V. SMITH wished to ask a question of the noble lard the President of the India Board with regard to the condition of our affairs in India. It line been the Cue tom f ir three or four years for the Government to make a statement at the close of the session on the state of Indian affairs, He would not ask the noble lord to give the houes what was called the "Indian Budget,"because last year he (Hr. Smith) off-red an excuse to the house for not presenting anything like a budget on the ground of the derangement of accounts. But, he hoped the noble lord would, before they separated, make a state ment of the exact position in which they stood with re gard to India. Ile also wished to know whether the Queen's troops there, e n it , i o o o n O to tr t o h o e ps e w st h a i b e i h is h h a rn d en be t e o n f t s h e e ntto India were in ad or whether they were merely to fi 1 up casualties. He further desired to know with what object t're mili tary commission was to be sent to India. Perhaps the noble lord would say whether, when the bill for the Government of India was passel, the Government ia teAed to issue a proclamation, announcing that the Government of the country wuull be carried ca in the Queen's name, and whether another would be issued to the eff!ct that the religion of the natives would be re spected. Ile put these questions with no wish to em• bar rass the G )vernment or the public service. As La as he was concerned, he had the grewest confidence in the noble lord, who had perhaps ehown more judg ment and vigour than any person of his age at present in Parliament. (Bear.) Lord STANLEY thanked the right hon. gentleman them present that fir the courteous manner in which he had put hie series of questions, but at the same time , i n the absen ce of no a 'j t c ; " el , couldh at e ingto the otfifnualniyciarle condition of affairs, any statement he c ould make lief ire the &lois of the session wo uld not represent the actual ns p t l a y t e t o em any nt of Ia th except condition of the Indian finances. and tilereferc hn rl rl net ne, w „e n , , se tee Lee,. a stets meet on that subject-. With regal .1 to the military opera tions going on in India, the right hoe, gentleman, in common wide every other member of the house, had ample opportunity of obtaining all the information that could be desired on the 51,1i?,.1% As to the question of Preeleitnin,g the Qiieen's aethority when the Govern tnent of India was tra•.sferred from the East India Com pany to the Crown, that was a matter which required some time to consider ; but as the act would not come into operation for thirty days after it received the Royal assent there would be full time for considering it, He repeated that ho did not intend, before the close cf the session, to make any general statement on the affairs of India, but if there were any special paint on which any hon. member reqnired information, he would, so far as was consistent with the requirements of the service, be happy to answer the questions put to him. Sir DE LACY EVANS thotight they should have fell information with regard to the 17,000 troops recently sent out to India, and a specific statement respecting General PEEL replied that the report had been sent to her Majesty for approval, and as soon as he received her Majesty's orders it would be laid upon the table of the house. WELLINGTON MONUMEN r. Mr. J. S. WORTLEY asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he could give him a portion of Monday, either at the morning sitting or in the evening, to call at. tention to the suject rf the Wellington monument? PUBLIC AFFAIRS. Lord PALMERSTON—Before the right hon. gentle man answers the question which has been put to him, I should wish, in the first place, to say a few words as to vi hat fell from my hon. and gallant friend the member for Westminster, concerning the transport of troops to India. In my opinion, if you send anything more than a small number cf men, I think it is far better to send them by sea than by the overland route across Egypt. It is not a matter of sound policy that this country should make her military communication with India through a territory belonging to another. It is far better to keep such things in your own hands—(hear, hem )—and to send troops when you like and as you like. It has been stated by the noble lord that a commission has been appointed to consider the best means of reorganising the native army of India. That course I do not presume to criticise. I do condemn the reasons which led the present Government to ap point such a commission in England, but the late Go vernment were of opinion that such an inquiry could be best conducted in India by military men who had recent experience, and who could on the one hand value the danger to be overcome, and on the other know the com ponent forces of which such an army should be corn. posed. It may be that the disturbances in India may have led to tbe dispersion of officers whose judgment would be of importance on such an inquiry, men whom 'it would be difficult to assemble at present, or even at an early 1 eriod ; but this, at all events, must be clear to the house, that if the commission consisted of men in this country, not even the new members of the Indian Coun ell could be Equally competent to give sound opinions as to the best method of composing and re-organising the Indian local and naive army, as those persons who had been mixed up in recent transactions—(tear, hear)—who knew the tendencies of the army, the difference of races, and the influence of caste, arid in what manner with the greatest safety to the public interest in future such an army could be composed. The - noble lord has said that be did not intend to make any general statement this session on Indian [Affairs, but that he was willing to an swer any question on particular points. The noble 1 rd forgot to notice two or three points to which my right hon. friend directed his attention. My right hon. friend asked him, regarding the Indian loan, whether the amount which had been authorised by Parliament would be sufficient fur the services of the Indian Government until the beg'naing of next year. Without entering into any general statt:ment of Indian affairp, perhaps the noble lord will answer that question on Monday next. I must say that the statement made by the boo. gentleman, the Under Secretary fur Foreign Affair', with regard to the quosticn put to him by the bon. member fir Louth, was to me anything but satisfactory. I think my hon. friend was perfectly justified, in the present state of things, in not allowing the session to close without asking for definite information on the point to which he had directed the attention er the house. I wish the house to remember the actual state of this matter. Unfortunately there have been differences between this Government and the Government of the United States, with regard to transactions in the waters of Cuba. Tlee Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs told us two months ago that cer tain cincessions had been made by the British Govern meet. The public had since then been informed by the Minister for the United States, who stated with great wide, and in a manner which was received by his as sembled countrymen with shouts of triumph, that this Government had made great concessions to the Govern ment of the United States. That this Government bad abandoned some rights or pretended rights for which preceding Governments bad always contended. Of course I am ready to admit that it is inexpedient to make in quiries pending negotiations, and, therefore, my honour able friend was right in saying that he did not ask what the convention was that was proposed by the United States. I think, from what fall from the Secretary of State on a former occasion, we might justly have in ferred that some arrangement had been made, but now it appears that no arrangements have yet been made. But though he was quite right in abstaining from asking for information, the house had a right to be informed as to the facts ; for, from the statement of the Minister of the United Sates, it would appear that there are some incomplete transactions with regard to our maritime rights ; and it is desirable to know whether these trans actions have reference to matters which former Go vernments have never assented. Now, what I wish the right hon. gentleman to state is, whether we have given up pretensions which we never made, and which former Governments in this country never had asserted ? Is that the nature of the transaction which has takee place ; or is it that we have abandoned a right which former Governments have claimed and insisted upon ? If so, I ask him to state clearly what is the pretended right given up which we have never insisted upon. On the other hand, if a right which we have claimed and in sisted upon, has been abandoned, I wish to know what that right is ? That question is a plain one. It has no reference to anything at present under negotia tion, for the statement of the American Minister was, that the matter was complete. As no doubt, accord ing to their system of government, tbe people of the United States have by this time been made filly aware of what the transaction is, I think this house and the people of this country—intereete,d as they na turally are in the question—have a right to be put upon an equal footing as to information upon the subject with the people of the United Stater.. I therefore hope that .we shall hear an expli n tion what the pretended right, or right we had claimed and abandoned, is. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said. it is not for me to inform the house what were the righ's contended for by the late Government. (Laughter.) All I can say is, that when the misunderstadding between the two Governments occurred in consequence of the disturbances in the Cuban waters, several controverted points arose, upon which we consulted the law officers of the Crown, and upon their opinion as to the legality or the illegality of our conduct we acted, Tue result was that at present matters are in abeyance, and the claims are unsettled ; but during the interval that has taken place the Government of the United States have made a friendly overture to us, requesting us to prepare or adopt a plan which we think wail accomplish the ob jects which both Gover n m en t s h ave i n v i ew , name ly, th e suppression or the discouragement of the slave trade, without producing those misunderstandings which have previously occurred, and which it is so desirable to avoid. Her Majsaty's Government have that sugges tion under consideration, and hope te be able to propose a plan which will be satisfactory to both countrie', and at the same time obtain the object which the Govern- meete of both countries so sincerely desire—the dis couragement of the slave bade. Teat plan will shortly' be submitted to the Gevernment of the United Sta'es. With reference to the question of the right hon. member for l3ute (Ir. J. S. Wortley), I am afraid that so much bu,ineis is set down f2r Monday that i , will 1)1 !-• - 3 nut prul,a ,:y oa or the f_ll)wing day, au opporunity will be given to in troduce the question rsferred to. 0 a the motion for surest:eat being ogein put, Mr. G. A. HAMILTON said he baud discovered that it would -be necc. nary to sit to-morrow (iaturliy), at twelve o'clock, for the purpese, of is), warding ass era! bills a stage. The motion was therefore withJrassr. CIVIL BILLS •te. (IRELAND) ACT AMEND . MENT BILL. Ou the order o the day for the third reading of this bill, Mr. J. D. FITZGERALD said the bill was so obnox ious in principle that, without detaining the house by any observations, he should simply meet the question with a direct negative, and divide the house upon it. The house divided For the third reading .. B3 54 Against it Majority The bill was then read a third time, and passed. 1858, METROPOLIS LOCAL MANAGEMENT BILL. r On the motion that this bid as amended, be considered, Lord J. MANNERS moved, that no works upon the ' bed or shores of the said river Thames below high-water I mark shall at any time be commenced or executed, under the provisions of this act, without the same having been previously approved of by the Lord High Admiral, or 1 the Commissioners for executing the office of Lord High I Admiral; su c h a pp rova l t o b e f rom ti me t o ti me s p ec ifi e d in writing, under the hand of the Secretary to the Admiralty. Mr. AYRTON suggested that after the words " high-water mark" there should be inserted, " which shall interfere with the navigation of the river." Lord J. MANNERS said he had no objection, and the clause, as amended, was agreed to. Lord J. MANNERS then moved, that it may be lawful for the Secretary of State for the Home De partment, at his discretion, on representation or com plaint made to him of any nuisance committed in the execution of any works, or in deodorising any sewage, or in disposing of any sewage or refuse from sewers, or in any other manner under this act, to cause in quiry to be made into the matter represented or complained of to him, and to direct such prosecution or prosecutions, or to take such other proceedings as he may think fit, in order to ensure the prevention or abatement of such nuisance as aforesaid. Agreed to. On clause 1, Mr. PULLER moved the insertion of the words, "or from being brought within the boundaries of the metro- I polis by the action of the tide." Lord J. MANNERS said that the Government had determined not to interfere with the points of outfall or the plans. The oth clause would be sufficient to pre vent any nuisance such as that contemplated by the hon. gentleman. He therefore hoped the hoe. member would not press his amendment. The amendment was negatived without a division. The report was then received, and the bill was ordered to be read a third time to-morrow (this day). DRAFTS ON BANKERS 'LAW AMENDMENT LILL. On the motion that the report on this bill be con sidered, Mr. HANKEY said he was absent when the measure passed through its previous stage, as he had no idea that it would be brought forward at a late hour. He al-o said that he thought the bill might have been made more simple than it was. Mr. MALINS deprecated the custom of proceeding with important bills like that under consideration at a late hour at night. (Hear, hear.) The question was one of the greatest importance, and it was of the utmost con sequeece to trading and mercantile interests that it should be settled. He had been in communication with a gentleman who suggested a very simple plan for c 1.- rectiog and putting a stop to the abuses and frauds which were for some time back in operation in relation to " crossed" cheques. His plan had been sub-nitted to numerous bankers, and was admitted by them to be an effectual safeguard against fraud. It was to write the cheque, and on the counterfoil of the cheque, the words " crossed cheque," and no one was to be at liberty to pay the cheque but the banker upon whom it was drawn. The foil upon which the words " crossed cheque" were written, was to be torn off, and held as a cheque against any fraudulent negotiation of the instru ment. The ATTORNEY-GENERA L greatly regretted that there was much misapprehension about the character and probable operation of the bill. It was well known to every London banker and drawer of cheques that " crossing" cheques had been hitherto the best and most effectual protection against carelessness or disho nesty, in the event of the cheque being stolen or lost. That safeguard, however, became inoperative, and Mr. Apsley Pellatt brought in a bill to remedy the defect. It was, however, found that the bill thus brought in was entirely ineffectual ; and he (the Attorney-General) at the request of some of the most eminent mercantile men, amounting in number to 1,300, brought in the present bill. The object of the bill was to make it obligatory on parties to cross cheques, and that when crossed the party attempting fraudulently to convert them would be severely punishable by law. Mr. ROEBUCK said crossed cheques were certainly of great importance as a protection against fraud. He, however, much regretted that in the framing of cheques a change had been made in the bill, doing away with the necessity of having them written upon ruled paper. Mr. INGRAM was of opinion that writing the words " crossed cheque" across the water mark, would be a great protection against fraud. The report of the amendments was agreed to, and the bill was ordered to be read a third time tomorrow. PROBATE AND LETTERS OF ADMINISTRA TION AMENDMENT ACT. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL, in moving the second reading of this bill, said his object in introducing it was principally with a view of correcting some errors which had crept into the former bill. The present bill would enable the judge of ono of the newly-appointed courts to sit occasionally in the Court Of Probate, by way of assisting and relieving the judge of the latter, who would also be empowered by the bill to sit in chambers. lie should therefore propose that the bill be now read a second time, and that it be committed to-morrow (this day.) Mr. MALINS hoped his hon. and learned friend would not persevere in his motion to commit the bill to-morrow, and that he would postpone the going into committee until Monday. He assured his hon. and learned friend that his object was not to gain time that ' he might oppose the bill. ' Lord HOT HAM complained that the effect of the pro viso of the bill would be to interfere with and obstruct ' country practitioners in the pursuit of their profession ; and be hoped his hon. and learned friend would not per severe in maintaining that proviso in the bill. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL begged to suggest to his noble friend that the consideration of the question would be more proper for the committee ; and if the bill should, on passing through committee, appear defective, it could, in a future session, be amended, when they would have more experience of its working, Lord HOTHAM—It was all very well for his hon. and learned friend to say, " wait until we go into com mittee." The question was important and ought not to be thrown over. Mr. WARREN said he had given notice already of his intention to move an amendment in committee, "That the Court of Probate be thrown open to the members of the bar generally to practise in ;" and he should also take the opportunity of moving in committee that all members of the bar, and all attorneys, should be at liberty to practise in the Admiralty Court. He would now give notice to his hon. and learned friend that it was his intention to persevere in those amend ments. (Hear, bear.) Mr. HADFIELD begged to remind the house that last session, when the Probate 13111 was before them, it was agreed to give compensation to those who were to be deprived by the provisions of the bill of theadvantages which they exclusively possessed in the exercise and prac , tlce of their profession under the old system, provided the monopoly which those persons possessed were broken down, and that the court was to be thrown open to all practitioners. (Hear.) The bill passed that house, the clause being , retained, and the measure was sent up in that state to the other house. There, the part of the clause relating to compensation was retained ; but the part giving power to all barristers and members of the prcfeaUon to practise in the court was struck out by some influence. He therefore proposed that the whole monopoly be thrown open to the profession in the Court of Probate, and also in the Court of Admiralty. (Hear.) He wished to know whether his hon. and learned friend the Attorney-General would introduce a clause in the bill to that effect - . (Hear.) Mr. WARREN hoped such a clause would be intro duced in both bills, in that of the Court of Probate, and also in that of the Court of Admiralty. (Hear.) He hoped his hun. and learned friend would reprint the bill, which would give them an opportunity were its provisions. of seeing what The bill was then read a second time, and ordered to be committed this day. ENCUMBERED ESTATES (WEST INDIES) ACT AMENDMENT BILL. Ei mle amendments proposed by the ATTORNEY GENE NERAL having been considered, they were ordered to be read a third time to-morrow. DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL CAUSES ACT AMENDMENT BILL. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL, in moving the second reading of this bill, briefly explained its provisions, and stated that it was not his intention to retain clause 5, which had reference to parties residing abroad. After a few words from Mr. HADFIELD and Mr. LIGON, the bill was read a second time. COPYRIGHT OF DESIGNS BILL. The Lords' amendments to this bill were considered and agreed to. CORRUPT PRACTICES PREVENTION ACT CONTINUANCE BILL. On the order of the day being read for resuming the adjourned debate in committee on the first clause of this bill, Mr. DUNCOMBE hoped the Home Secretary's proposition for passing this bid merely as a continn anee measure would he accepted by the house. Let a good bill be prepared during the recess and referred next session, if necessary, to a select committee. He should support t b le e e r m fo o r tisonsef fi of el t d he hon. and learned foromitiingthefir g st en c tlem laus a e n , t w h h e ic m h e w m ould, in effect, make the bill a continuance bill only. Lord PALMERSTON said he thought the law should not be allowed to remain in its present unsettled state, and therefore he would vote for the clause. Ms. B. OSBORNE differed from the noble lord. The bill was an attempt to legalise bribery and corruption, and as such he would decidedly oppose it. Mr. GREER said it was e c arn , :h; -p ra ., ,f,:,; CL;ii. ns eon, .....a cu,--ravre he wouki vote against it. (Divide.) Mr. BRADY opposed the clause. Mr. AYRTON sand he had suggested the clau e, and h a l l Ted the house wound adopt it, as it would remove esasting doubts as to the legality of candidates prying for conveyances. Mr. CRAWFORD objected to the cause, amidst con tinued cries of " Oh, oh," and "Divide." Mr. HOLLAND supported the clause: The house then divided— For the clause 94 Agaitn t it 6O Majority, The clause was t h en agree d to. On clause 3 havin g b e en proposed, —2B Mr. HUGESSEN moved an amendment to leave out the word " election" the offset of which would be to make the clause read "and all persons nominated." Mr. WALPOLE said the amendment, if agreed to, would materially alter the character of the bill. The only amenchneat which he (Mr. Wapole) introduced in. the bill was, that which would define who the midi. dates were. Mr. WARREN moved as an amendment, to add, at the end of the clause, the words "provided that not withstanding anything contained herein, no candidate, who shall be put in nomination in his absence, a nd without his consent, shall be liable for a share of the expenses. The amendment was agreed to without a division, and the clause, as amended, was ordered to stand part of the bill. On clause 4 being proposed, Mr. WALPOLE said it was his intention to make the bill a declaratory and continuance bill; but as he in tended to introduce a more comprehensive bill on the subject in the next session, he should now propose that the 4th clause be omitted. The clause was withdrawn. Mr. WALPOLE then moved that the bill be read third time on Monday. Mr. ROEBUCK moved ag an amendment, that the bill be re-committe lon Monday next. (Hear, hear.) The house divided, and the numbers were— For the amendment 46 Against Majority The amendment having been lost, the bill, after some discussion was ordered to be read a third time on Mon day n• xt, at twelve o'clock. The Ecclesiastical Commission Bill was postponed until Tuesday next. The Militia Pay B ll was rea ! a third time and l ass d• The Militia (Services Abroad) and Continuance Bid was read a third time and passed. The Mil tin Act Continuance (No. 2) Bill was read a third time and passed. . The hcuse adjourned at ten minutes to 12 o'clock. Country Markets. TXPRRPOOTi, JULY 23. The market to-day had a slender attendance. Wheat declined hi to 2d per bushel, but flour was only nominally lower. All spring sown corn and pulse fully sustained late rates. WAKEFIELD—JULY 23. The approach of the harvest has bad an influence on the market to-day, and the wheat trade was quiet at a decline of is per qr., but it was not very readily acquiesced in. Grinding barley firm, and in fair demand. Beans again rather dearer. Oats and shelling about the same as last week. AVRRAGES FOR TUB WHIM ENDING JULY 19, 1858. Wheat 3047 quarters, at 47s 41 Oats —s Oa Barley 3G „ 303 I*l Peas Beans EXETER—JULY 23. CORN.—Wheat, 5s 9d to 6s ; barley, 3s 6d to • 49 6d ; grinding do., Os Od to Os Od. Oats, 3s Od to 3s 61 , Beans, Os Od to 0 Od. Peas, —s Od to —s Od. PLC:alt.—Fine, 43s Od to —s Oa; seconds, 41s Od to Od per sack. CATTLE. —There was a fair supply of bullocks. Best beef, from Os Od to 10s Od per score ; inferior, 7s to 8s per score ; fat calves, 5d to 50 per lb ; barrenners, 6s 6cl to 7: 6d. per score ; cows and calves, 11/. to 161. vs ; butchers calves, Od to 7d per lb., rearing calves —s to s each; sheep, ewes and lambs, 21. 5s to 21. 15s per couple; ewes, 5 1 to std ; wethers, std 6d; lambs, bid to 7d per lb. Pigs , large size, —s to —s; second size, —s to —s; slips, -- -41 to —s ; suckers, —s to s. Rough fat, 4d per lb. Pork carcases from 9s Od to Os 6d per score. BRISTOL SUGAR—JULY 23. Notwithstanding the improved, tone in London this week, we are still unable to• notice any c )rresponding movement in this market, which continues extremely dull, especially for landed parcels, and for which there is scaroAy any inquiry, so that prices are merely nominal. Floating cargoes, however, continue to be saleable to moderate extent, and two of yellow Havannahs, together 6,500 boxes, No s . 113 an d 12 , h ave b een disposed of at 26a 9d to 27s , floating terms, which are about previous rates. Refiners' produce is saleable at former rates, and, With the exception of the l ower d escr i p ti ons, such as treacle; the refiners are enabled to keep clear of stock. Rum very dull, and prices have further declined ld per gallon. COAL MARK Prices of Goals per ton al s d. Babside W. Hartley 14 9 Howard's West Hartley Netherton 14 9, North Percy Hartley _l4 0 Taufield Moor l4 9 Walker Primrose .. l2 t Wantland, &a. Go sforth l4 C Ben son West Hartley l4 C Hilda l4 C Eden Main l5 Ships at market COURSE OF EXCHANGE.-YESTERAT. Amsterdam .•..• • • • ••.• 11 1 Gibraltar s•• •• •• Ditto, three months .. 11 17% L eg h orn 29 7 7 7 g Rotterdam 11 18 Genoa ....••• PO •• 25 45 Antwerp •• •••• •• DIP •• •• 25 40 ;Milan ••••••••.• •• •• •• Brussels •• •• •• •• •• •• 25 41 Venice ••••••• . • • namburgh 13 7 Naples •• •• ..... ••• Altona .• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• • • Palermo .... •• •• •••• •• •• Paris .. : ..... • • 25 1254 Messina 124% Do. three months •• •• 25 37 V; Lisbon ..........•• .... 52 5 , tlarseillea ............ 25 37% Oporto 52 Rourdaaux ...• .. Rio Janeiro ••••• ••••••• Frankfort-on-Maine •• .. 118% Buenos Ayres ..... Berlin ................ _•• New York,6o days'sight Vienna..........•• 10 30 Philadelphia .• .• •• •..... 10 31 niers OF BULLION, FEB oz: Petersburg ............ 35% Foreign cold In Bars £3 17 9 Madrid •••••.••••c .• •• 494 Portugal Gold Coin ..• 0 0 0 Cadiz ••••••• •• ••• • • 4 9 % ' Mexican Donau 0 0 0 Barcelona ...• •• •• •..• • • New Dollars •• •• •• 0 0 0 Saville... .. Silver in bars ...... 0 5 I ' l THE ELECTRIC AND INTERNATIONAL TELEGRAPH Co3P PANY.—The directors of this company, at the half-yeolf meeting to be held on Saturday, th e 31 s t i ns t., in tend to recommend a dividend of 31. 10s. per cent. for the half year, carrying to the reserve fund a s um of 5,985/. 6s. sd. [ADVERTISEMENT].—HoIIoway's Ointment and Pills have, effected another cure of bad legs.—Mr. Mason, chemist, of Hastings, states in a letter to Professor Holloway, that are' lation of his residing in Goodwin-street; Bloomsbury, 1 3 p mingharu, was for several years afflicted with bad legs. la ° applied a variety of remedies, but to no purpose, as the wounds increased to an alarming extent ; however, at last be tried Holloway's Ointment and Pills, and by the use of these never failing medicines, the virulence of the disease wa g quickly subdued, and by persevering with them for a time , they effected a sound and permanent cure.—Sold by all yen' dors of medicine, awl at Professor Holloway's establishment, 244, Strand, London. EADVEctTISENDINT.,I SIGHT AND HEARING SPECTACLES"' POWERPI7I4 Tmatscorzs OPERA, RACE, AND PERSPEOTaI GLASSES. —S. and B. Solomons, opticians, 39, Albemarle' street, Piccadilly. Observe—opposite the York Hotel, W' By her Majesty's Royal Letters Patent for valuable and el: traordinary improvements in the most powerful and brilliarP Telescopes, Camp, Race-course, Opera, and Perspectiv e Glasses, to know the distances. These Telescopes possess such extraordinary power that some, three and a-half inches/ ' with an extra eye-piece will show distinctly Jupiter 'S moons' Saturn's ring, and the double stars ; with the same telescop e can be seen a person's countenance three-and-a-half mile s distant and an object from 16 to 20 miles. For the waist' coat-pocket, and are of larger, and all sizes, with increasing powers accordingly. •The Royal Exhibition, 1851. —A vale: able, newly-invented, very small, powerful, Waistcoat-pocke t Glass, the size of a walnut, by which a person can be seen and known ono and a-half mile distant. They answer every pu" pose on the Race-course and at the Opera-houses. GountrY scenery and ships are clearly seen at 12 to 14 miles. Thai are invaluable for shooting, dee r - s t a lki ng, yac hti ng , tO sportsmen, gentlemen, gamekeepers, and tourists. Opera; Camp, Perspective, and Race-course Glasses, with wonderful powers. - Invaluable preserving Spectacle Lenses of the greatest transparent power. The great advantage derived from this invoution is, that vision impaired becomes PO, served and strengthen e d an d ver y age d persons are ena ble d to employ their sight at the most minute occupation—can Bel with thole lenses of a much less magnifying power—en' they do not require the frequent changes to the day'. germ's effects of further powerful assistance. Person‘ can be suited at the most remote part of the world by sent ix , * one of the glasses out of their spectacles i n a l e tt e r, an?. stating the diet ,uce from the eye they ca n rea d sma ll prink with it, and those who have not made use of spectacles hi stating their age. Deafness.—New Discovery.—The Ozguni! Vibrator, an extraordinarily powerful, small, newly'-invented instrument for deafness, entirely different from all ot be* surpassing anything of the kind that has been, or probabli can be produced. Being of the same colour as the skin, lo not perceptible. It enables deaf persons to hear distinct Iyat. church and at public assemblies ; the unpleasant sensation o f singing not see in the ears is entirely removed, and it after& all the assistance that possibly could be desired.-39, Alba" marle-street, Piccadilly—Opposite the York Hotel. W. BIRTHS. CLow— On the 20th inst., at 20, Russell-place, Fitzroy' square, Mrs. Leonard Clow, of twin sons. Douvrox- On the 20th inst., at Manor-house, Dulwich" common, Mrs. Frederic Doulton, of a daughter. ROUND —On the 22d inst., at 19, Richmond -terrace, West' bonnie-grove, the wife of 0. S. Round, Esq., of Lin' cola's-inn, of a daughter. LEE— On the 19th inst., at H amp t on - cour t , th g w if e of Captain Lee, 15th (Kin g ' s ) Hus ars, of a son. MARRIAGES, D'ARRAS —LECHIf ERE—On the 17th inst., at the Bavarian Chapel, Warwick -street, Lambert Louis Count d'Arrss, of St. Valerie, Pica,r-ly, to Louisa Augusta, younge r daughter of the late Sir E. H. Lechmere, Bart., of the Rhydd Court, Worcestershire. IVALKI—SOMERSET—On the 20th inst., at St. George% Hanover-square, Arthur Walsh, Esq., eldest son of Sir John Walsb, Bart., M.P., and Lady Jane Walsh, to the Lady Emily Somerset, daughter of the late, and sister of the present, Duke of Beaufort. L E A T ti S. ANDERSON -On the 22d inst., at Folkestone, Lieutenant' General John Anderson, Madras Army. CAIRNS—On the 22d inst., at 29, Eaton-place, the infant son of the Solicitor-General and. Lady Cairns, aged two days. Monnr_--On the 221 inst., at the Birches, Mitcham, Se t ` belt William, eldest son of Mr. Williash Morris, of the Stock Exchange, aged 17. OvANs —On the 19th inst., at his house, 3), Glooester' place, Major-General Charles Ovans, Bombay Arleft aged 65. RIVINGTON—On the 19th inst., George Rivington, late of St. Paul's-churchyard. TOWNSEND—On the 6th ult., at Sarampore, near Caleutt% of Bengal fever, Isabella, wife of Meredith Townson Esq., and daughter of-- John Collingwood, Esq ° Brighton. t4O DONS Printed and Published by MURDO YOUN G ' . of No. 112, Strand, Printer, at The Sul Office, It; 112, Strand, in the Precinct of the Savoy, the_ o4 : 4ln.j o f hilaaloses, Saturday, July 24 a 1.808, M.-JULY 23. the close of the market Walleend, &a. s fl„. Belmont 14 7, Hetton .17 u 3raddyll l6 0 [Ceiper Graingo l6 3 „ itowait's 17 v a . -2 assop 16 v lengn Hall 15 6 Vilitworth l4 ° Brown's Moor High Akain 14 Nizon's Dußryn. 21 0 , 7 , 1 4-+-gold 42. it * E: of Illustratio every evenin Ad mission at the toys Cramer, Rea LET during letter Only, 1 ST.. M. DEEM -It ornremor Lost," comp Evening, till Weekly. Stalls (nui Unreserved Old Bond-st C R:2II —Sa snllet—M on the CrYsl I Fishmonger Fireworks n THURSI; BIM PSON'i CHRI TIII TAIRMEN Sittuday 2 Stills. 32.: Positivel3 THIS D. , Tyrol ean vc GRE' INI CHINA.--] Vance of th and 8 o'cloc L I UCKN( The WAI the PeJim I Indin. Chin Whole Nil d from 10 aa .141 A 'I Pll portant 831 market), a DR. KA If ARRIAC receipt of t ALIT. Arrange i Original Palace, L short seast CIRCU S c Unrivalled ISPLENDI day Enterl Private : rit, o fees for • Ite-appe, TOSS THI The Boy incent Bo 41 • 11 3 , 26. I N ( AS An Ell Rllbehl 6th of Aug rnendatiou English al Power the them deer Place, Lori ° ,1,4 8 cm a P 4 —m ired b eing dedt IN Ot wiled 1 43 . hat b een Poll des of annu al pr the death Of gra,:: r i lli iltuPowe, The r kaY, Pettey tak en •ut in Wm. E t gitmue F.R.John I Mean 1 83% 1811 1846 1818 1851 .-___ Th, 1 %Ili on , the Tn• e !lye y ILS , , Its ) on , The Aix Sin ( of thn tat!: Atli out Cot, 1 11 an th , del