The Sun. — London, England, 1829-02-18 00:00:00

P. i.th)relitzh, by the FrNhop of Lo:Ir)ov; and from Li.:,l 4 enwth, in Shropshirt•. by Earl Powys. The Earl of DARN . LEY presented petitions for Catlho•- lic Emancipation from Athboy, Kilskcane, and 21 other pl.rces i:► Ireland., Adjourned at Half-past Six o'clock. HOUSE OF COMMON.-(LAST NIGHT.) Colonel POWELL presented twelve petitions from .stveral parishes in Wales, against the Catholic Claims. Mr. BELL prevented a petition from the otficers of a cubi,ty militia, against disbanding the militia. _ _ Sii• C. COOTE presented several petitions from Ireland, again.t the Stib-!rtting and Vestry Acts. WODEHOUSE moved for a return of all the cen victions of Licensed Maltsters in England and Wales, under the late Malt Act, from July, IS'27, to July, 1925. —Ordertd. Mr. CARTWRIGHT presented a petition against any further concessions to the Catholics, from the Archdeacon of Northampton, and Clergy of the Diocese of Peterborough. Mr. Percival brought up the Estimates of the Land and Sea Service, as connected with the Ordnance Department. Mr. SLANEY gave notice that on 'Fuel:lay next L. should move for certain returns relative to the Poor's rates. _ Lord MANDEVILLE presented a petition from Market Hill and ether parishes in the county of Armagh against the Catholic Claims. Admiral HARVEY presented a petition from Saffron Walden against granting any further political power to the Roman Catholics. He did not doubt but if there was sufficient time that many other similar petitions would be brought up. He had always opposed the Catholic Claims, and should still do so. Sir H. PARNELL presented a petition from Ireland ❑ !AVOW' of the Catholic Claims. Mr. TUITE presented several petitions from Ireland in favour of the Catholics. _ Admiral EVANS presented petitions fione Dunmow and Cluyne, county Cork, against the Catholics. PENDARVES moved fur a return of the quantity of copper-ore imported into and exported from Great Britain during the year ending the sth of January, 1529, distinguirhing the places from whence it was imported and those to which it was exported. Also the quantity ex ported from London and Liverpool, during the same period, specifying tl.e places to which it was exported ; au :account of the copper imported into Great Britain, without payment of duty, distinguishing the places from which it war imported, for the same period ; and an account of all tin, lead, lead-ore, and litharge, exported during the same perio I.—Ordered. M.. H. MAXWELL presented peti:ions from several parishes in the county of Tyrone, against the Catholics. Lord SEFTON presented a petition from the congrega tion of the ch ipel of Foxted, in favour of the Catholics. Lord AIORPETH presented three petitions from Castle bar, county Mayo, one against the Sub-letting Act, one against the Vestry Act, and another in favour of the Ca tholic Claims. Colonel PEEL gave notice that on Thursday next, he should present a petition from the city of Norwich, signed by 9,000 persons, against any further concession to the Catholics. JEPLUSON presented a petition from Aghadoe and Killarney in favour of the Catholic Claims. Mr. Secretary PEEL brought up papers received at the Foreign Office from Hayti, pursuant to the orders of the ilsuse.—To be printed. Mr. Secretary PEEL presented several petitions against Catholic Emancipation front the Archbishop and Diocese of Tuam, front the Minister of the Welch Calvinistic .Methodists at Anglesea, from Bayne, Wilts ; from the Associate Presbytery of the Burgh of Stirling ; from the Presbytery of Glasgow, front flarleston, Staf fordshire; from the Calvinistic Methodists of Denbigh, front the Magistrates of a place in Flintshire, from the .Mayor and Bailiffs of Cripdale, from Rochdale, from Cltevil, and front various places in and about the Stafford shire Potteries. CATHOLIC ASSOCIATION. Mr. Secretary PEEL then moved the Order of the Day for the third leading of the Bill for suppressing illegal Associations in Ireland. General GASCOYNE did not rise to object to the third reading of the Bill, but to avail Lime if of that op portunity of putting a question to the Right Hen, Secre tary. The proper period had now arrived, and from a variety of circumstances he was led to believe that, if be let the present slip, he should not have another op pertunity. lie understood that the Right Hon. Secretary had said, when commenting on his Majesty's Bpeucla, that he was aware of the existence of dangers of which the public knew nothing. That assertion had made a strong impression both in and out of doors, and he confessed that, according to the statement subsequently made by the Right Hon, Gentleman, sufficient ground was shown for the measure then before the House, but by no means euffi cieut to justify all Out might be inferred front his speech.—(Hear, hear.)—The statement which the Right Honourable Gen"leman had made, spoke of tumults and outrage:, all of which had been mentioned in the Limerick Journals, and other Journals, and were there fore known to all. As these were by no means sufficient to warrant the statement alluded to, he would now ask whether these were all the dangers which vere really in existence. He thought that the time was now cone, since they were to lose the Right Hon. Gentleman for 3 short period,—no one could expert or wish that it woul4 .be foe a long period,—when the Right Honourable Gel:t eems!' should calm the public mind by telling them something more. The public mind was distracted by fears so various, sad rumours so ridiculous, that some thing was necessary to quiet it. The rumours were as numerous as they were ridiculous. One was believed by many out of doors and in doors also, which was that the Catholics in the army would have telused to have acted if called upon.—(A laugh.)—Let it not he supposed that he believed this absurd rumour. He said that it was a libel on the character and discipline of the army,—(Hear,)—and yet he had heard it from twenty people of that House, who really thought it a rumour to be credited. It was reported, too, that foreign [lowers had interfered and remonstrated with this country-, and that America had secretly supplied Ireland with arms.— (Cries of " hear," and laughter.)—He really only men tioned these absurdities in order that they might he contra dicted. It was, he confessed, scarcely credible that a national man could entertain them ; and yet many men out of that House,—aye, and in that House too,—(Hear, and laughter,)—did seriously entertain an opinion that the Right Hon. Gentleman would never have given his assent to the measure in contemplation, and have become the executioner of his own principles, if he did not know of something which the public were not permitted to know. These surmises were idle and extravagant, but still they should be put an end to. He trusted by the answee he should he able to elicit, that they would be set at rest fur ever. For his own part, he saw no reason to believe that the Right Hon, Gentleman knew more than he had already stated. He (Gen. Gascoyne) thought he bad explained all that he did know, and he would now ask, whether what be had already stated were the only grounds on whielt he was introducing the measure for affording relief to the Ca tholics. If so, those grounds were by no means setisfec tory to him. Mr. Secretary PEEL—The grounds upon which the present question is put to me, if 1 understand them, are these, My Friend says that within these Law days there lave been a thousand ridiculous reports in c4cnia tion, and therefore, he asks me' to contradict two of those reports, which he himself describes as incredible. Now, sir, I never ears consent to such a principle as this. I cannot consent to contradict one of these reports, for by so doing, it may be surmised that those which I have left tin contradicted are not without foundation. (Hear.) I ii;d state to my Hon. Friends with whom I had formerly coin cided in opinion that they had not that informa tion which I was in possession of, and I gave them specimens of the communications which had Ewen pouring in for the last six months into the office of the Mimic Department. I did also state that if the settienu43 of the question were unavoidable, there never was a period et which England could undertake- it with such perfect honour anti satiety as at the present moment, when her relations with foreign power, were in euch a condition as they had nOtlien before for 400 years. I refe:red to that, IA an answer tn his report about foreign interferenee, J say again, that there were never any circumstances under its settlement could lea so favourably carried into eeaeeution. I also stated my reasons for believing the set tlement at the present period to be necessary. That the condition of society in Ireland required it, for the benefit of Protestant interest. My Hon. Friend says, he was disappointed in my statement, for that Ireland was not in so bed a state as Minietere had assumed it to be. Butt nothing, surely, could be more deplorable than the condition of Ireland, as respected the intercourse be tween man and man, or indeed with reference to theldanger which threatened the public peace. lodised, the state of society was such that it became incumbent on Ministers to consider whether greater advantage would not arise by settling the question, than by doing as they had done fur the last sixteen years, with the two Houses of Parliament opposed to each other on the subject, and the Cabinet itself divided. (Hear, hear.) As to the existence of any (han ger, which could place the House under apprehension there is none; but the existing animosity of the parties, and the continue,l inn:A:nee of that anialosity upon the adenis tration of justice, if it is and must be continued, through the desirable medium of trial l yJury (hear, hear,) are sufficient reasons to induce his Majesty's Government to endeavour to have the question settled. As to fears of any other description than those whick must result to the coun try from such a state of society, I repeat there are none. Mr. G. 3IOORE must say, that he had not heard a single argument advanced by the Right lion. Secretary on the state of Ireland, that ought to induce the House to grant emancipation. It was acknowledged by Ministers that it was the general state of public excitement that existed in that country, that ellied for something to he dune. Now he (Mr. Moore) bad berr intimately acquainted with Ireland for many years, and well knew the general opinion that prevailed there, which NYlki decidedly against emancipa tion ; and so far from it henetitting the state of society, he had no doubt it would involve that country in much greater danger than it had hitherto experienced, and before the measure could be passed into a law, the talde of that House should grout with petitions, against it. The Protestants of Ireland, who were the best judges of the evils under which that county laboured, were de cidedly of opinion that the proposed measure would be highly injurious (hear, hear, hear), and that other means might hays been used for the general p leification. He could only once a;zain call upon Ministers to pause before they brought the Bill for emancipation before the House. The Marquis of CHANDOS rose to ask the Right Hon. Secretary for the Home Department whether the intended Bill, after prohibiting the collection of any fur ther rent, contained any clause directing the disposal of the large fund already collected, and now in the hands of the Association ?—( Hear, hear.) Mr. Secretary PEEL—I have already stated that the Bill prevents any further collection of rent, as well as pro hibiting any future meetings ; but I have no hesitation in informing the . Noble Marquis that the Bill does not in tend to confiscate any fund in band.—(Hear, and cheers. ) I can also assure my Gallant Friend, the Member for Li verpool, that he need not believe any rumours respecting the interference of any Foreign Powers in the settlement of this question, I must solemnly deny any such interference. But if it be necessary that something must be done, if the question must come under the House's consideration, I will again repeat, that such is the present state of our relations with Foreign Powers, that the present time is the most proper that could be selected.—(Hear.) Mr. D. W. HARVEY said, that he rose merely to make an oh-creation upon what had fallen front the Hon. Member for Duhlin. He took it for granted that the Hon. Member, and that other Hon. Members who thought with hint, were not prepared to say that Ireland wa-s to continue in its present state. He believed that it was agreed on all hands that something must be done for tkat country, and that the Hon. Member and those who thought with him differed only as to the remedy which should be applied where very body allowed that a remedy was re quired. The Hon. Member had stated, from his own knowledge of the sentiments of the Protestants in Ireland, that the table would groan with petitions against the mea sure in contemplation ; and the Hon. Member had more over stated, that the Protestants of Ireland were the best judges of what would ameliorate or endanger the condition of society in that . country. Now he did trust that that Hon. Member, and that others who hell the same opi nions, would he prepared to satisfy the minds of those who entertained doubts, or who had not thought or voted at all upon the subject, that the measure in conte oplation would be productive of the evils which the Hun. Member antici pated from it. He did trust that the Hon. Member and his friend would be prepared with moue better mode, which would be no very difficult task, if the mode pro posed was so extremely bad as the Hon. Member had de scribed it to be.—( Hear, hear.) He trusttd that the Hon. Member would excuse hin► ifhe advised hint to turn from the character of an insignificant querist, and to assume that of an intelligent reihrmer on a subject in which, in his own opinion, and in the opinion of the whole House, reform was absolutely necessary. Sir 11. HERON said, that on a former occasion the Right Hon. Gentleman (Mr. Peel) had expressed his firm conviction that after an adjustment of the claims of the Catholics bad been made, the whole of the Protestsnts of the country would be unanimous in upholding the laws, and in resisting all attempts to disturb the public peace. He, going farther than the Right Hon. Gentleman, was at a loss to conceive how the lion. Member for Dublin could say that the adjustment of those claims would increase, in stead of lessen, the dangers to which Ireland ss as now ex po4d, Nut only would the adjustment of those claims have the elect anticipated by the Right Hon. Gentleman, but it would also Insure them the co-operation of the Ca tholics in Ireland, and the assistance of Catholic Le4isla tors in that [louse, to put down any associations, the ob ject or effect of which should be to disturb the peace of Ireland, or to infringe the lints of that country. He must, however, take this opportunity of saying, that he hoped that in no part of a measure which was to restore some political rights, would there be any thing which would destroy other political rights,—(Hear.)—Whatever regulations, if any, might lie thought necessary with re spect to the zh:ietive franchise of Ireland, lie did hope that they would follow, and not be mixed up with, that great measure.—(Cheers.)—He could not help feeling convinced that the state of the elective franchise of that country had, in some measure, contributed to place the question of the Catholic Claims where it was, and he did, therefore, sin cerely hope that it would not be mixed with, or form any part of, the measure in contemplation.—(Hear, He regretted that this measure should be persevered in after the Catholic Association had given the greatest pos aka proof of its desire to meet the wishes of Government by the Association. He could not help feeling come gratitude to the Association, because it was un doubtedly owing to that Association that the proposed measure, so necessary for the peace of Ireland, was to be brought before Parliament, • ;n this was known by his Majesty's Ministers. He. confesaed last felt too much gra titude to the Right Hon. Gentleman for hi;; noble conduct with respect to this question to offev any opposition to the prisms luill, which he thought a necessary accompanitnertt to a ❑teauie war concession. The Bill was tires: geed a third time, and, after a verbal amendment, passed. On the motion of Mr. POll i= M'QUEEN, leave waii granted to bring in a Bill to mead iL law of pare chid! setthements. _ _ . GAME LAWS. Mr. STUART WORTLEY, in asking leave to bring in a Bill to amend the Game Laws, stated that the mea sure he proposed to submit to tee House would be in sub stance the same as the Bill of last year, 3.1 r. LEYCESTER thought the Game Laws were not the cause of poaching ; but that that crime took its origin from other catoft, which ought to be the first attended to. The crime of potehii:g was caused by the defenceless posi sion of the game preserves, Aistress of the tutors, and the propensity of monied men to gprie. He would Liiecefore propose, that for the purpose of do:1,2: away with the o,fgo oaii, the preserves, persons should be pia;:i.iNted from growing articles for the purpose of feeding pheasants, Mr. PEEL observed, that wheat and barley formed the foial of pheasants, and he siigge4p4 to the lion. Member the difficulty of preventing the growth of these articles.— Lapgh ter. ) Sir .1. IVROTTESLEY advised the Hon. Member, if he had any iete4.tion of interfering with the present qualifi cations, as well as os ;,ezaliaing the sale of game, to intro duce two separate Bills, o; measure would share the same fate with every successive hid last four or five e, SYKES thought the best mode of proceeding respect to 4.iame Laws was, by repealing all the statutes respecting game, iiic4 having made the way clear, to enact new provisions. He eec4.az:n;i ,did not agree with an Hon. Member, who thought that perticas s:Jould he prohibited growing articles for the food of pheasants, isailg ypuM be a sv34-iaf7 of Corn Lrws, and not of Game Laws. Mr. it. GQLBORNE thought something must be done to amend the Game I,4rws. Lord J. RUSSELL iic,f.,24 the Hon. Member would frame the Bill according to his G. 4.;;; views of the sulject, he thought amending and coosolidatii :.!;e present law th.e best course to pursue. He was not, however', :":y sanguine that stlch amendment would produce a diminu tion in the crime of poaching, which he thought was generally to he attribut,d to 432 game preserves, and espe cially to the manner of preserving. Leave was they, given to bring in the Bill. INSOLVENT DEBTORS (IRELAND). Lord P. GOWER. moved, that leave be granted to bring in a Bill to consolidate au amend the laws for the relief of Insolvent Debtors is Ireland. 31r. HU\IE hoped the Noble Lord had cc.a.cte I.l.imself acquainted with the facts of the case, before he determin4 to continue the present law in Ireland. He intended to move on Thursday next fur certain returns connected with the Debtors Gmet in Ireland, when be would take the opportunity of shewing the House, that the expense the public was put to, much exceeded the returns which were node. It was notorious in England, that this Court was made use of for the purposes of fraud, and for the en couragement of useless expense. He therefore pressed the Noble Lord to direct his attention to the propriety of putting an end to the practice of arresting for debt alto gether, or at least when the debt was less than 201., as `was th e cas e in England. He was informed that there were at present confined in Ireland 24 person* for a debt, the aggregate amount of which was 4:3P.1., and the years of their imprisonment amounted, on the aggregate to the number of 114. Ile had a return in his hand which stated, that of 6G6 persons confined for debt in Ireland, 350 were for sums under 201., and that there were only 170 who were confined for sums exceeding 1001. Lord F. GOWER suggested the propriety of post poning the discussion on this subject until the Bill was introduced. Leave was granted to bring in the Bill, CALL OF THE HOUSE. The Marquig of CHANDOS moved that the House he called over on Thuri:dav, the sth of March. If on that day he found that the Bill intended to he brought forward by his Majesty's Government, relative to the Roman Ca tholics, was not ready, he shotild postirtme his motion.— Motion carried. numE gave notice, that he would on Thursday move for a r,!turn of the amount of the expellees attending proceedings in the Insolvent Debtors' Courts; also of the amount of the property received and dividends made, and the number of individu ds confined for debt. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER pre sented petitions against Catholic Emancipation, from the Dean and Chapter of Peterborougls, and from a place in Armagh; also a petition from an individual of the name of John Scott, praying the House to pass a Bill obliging all congregations to offer up prayers fur the King. Lord BECTIVE presented petitions in favour of Ca tholic Emancipation, and against the Sub-letting and Vestry Act, front Dunsany, Clonmellow, Rathcane, Kilbeg, and Old Custle.—Adjourned. FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE. FRENCH PAPERS. (From the Gazette de France of Feb. 1(3.) Rims, FEB. 15.—The councils which prevail in the Russian Cabinet are worthy of a prince who is the successor of the magnanimous Alexander. The Emperor Nicholas seriously desires peace, and the conditions which he requires are so moderate, that we take pleasure in doing them justice. The exe cution of the treaty of Akerman by the Turks will now suffice to bring about peace between Russia and the Porte. All that a journal says to-day respect ing demands of indemnity for the expences of the war, the repairs of the fortresses occupied by the Russians, and on the occupation of the conquered fortresses and provinces, is wholly false. _ _ It is affirmed that the second division of the Por tuguese refugees has landed without obstacle at Ter ceira, while Capt. 'Walpole was accompanying Count Saldanha to Cape Finisterre. The Augsburgb Gazette, after having repeated in another letter from Constantinople all the reports which we have already stated to our readers, affirms that on the presentation of M. Jaubert to the Reis Effendi, the latter caused the protocol and the de claration of the 16th November, which the French agent had delivered to him, to be translated word for word, and replied, with an air of satisfaction, that he would take the orders of the Sultan. "It is to be observed, (adds the Journal) that all the letters from Constantinople speak of the Morea, the Cyclades, and the neighbouring islands, as being destined to form the Greek territory placed by the Powers under their protection, whereas the decla ration, which is known in Europe, mentions only the Morea and the Cyclades." AMERICAN PAPERS. We have been favoured with the following extracts from letters from different sources:— " VERA CRUZ, DEC. IS2B.—We have now a civil war raging in Mexico with all its horrors. On the night of the 30th of November, the militia of that city, to the number of 3,000 men, took possession of the general barracks, which contained all their park of artillery, and fortified themselves in the barracks. They were next day attacked by the Governor's troops, but without success. On the third day the Governor's troops were defeated, and driven out of the city. They then commenced robbing the old Spaniards, and murdering them in their own houses : they also robbed a number of English and German houses, whose names we have not been able to learn. All the foreign Ministers and Consuls, with the ex ception of Mr. Poinsett, have obtained their pass ports, and are on their way to this city. " Yon can easily imagine what an effect this has on the commercial community of this place, and par ticulamly with the old Spaniards, who are expecting to share the same fate as their countrymen in Mexico. Our city remains quiet, although some fears are entertained of a similar revolution here ; we do not believe it. " A number of suspicious persons have been ar rested, and all the militia disarmed, which is a proof they are afraid of them. The United States ship Falmouth is now here, and will wait until things assume a more peaceable aspect. The packet-ship Virginia has just arrived, in 21 days' passage. " EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM AN AMERICAN GENTLE- MAN RESIDING IN THE CITY OF MEXICO, TO HIS COR RESPONDENT IN THIS CITY, DATED DEC. 6. " The city has fallen after an assault which con tinued three days. On its fall it was sacked, first by the lower class of the town, and afterwards by the soldiers. It was principally confined to the Prada and Pmtal de Mercadores, where all the retail shops are. Messrs. Payroll and Willson's store (an Ame rican house) was attacked, but they did not succeed in entering it. The adjoining building was literally stripped of every thing. Tranquillity is now res tored. A proclamation has been issued by the new Government, assuring the foreigners that they will he protected. The amount of plunder is estimated tiv,r6 8,000,000 to 10,000,000 of dollars, in goods and specie. As this is the first day of tranquillity, the plundering having continued till yesterday, it is iwpossiblc to say how stable the GOvernmf-a m",! , be, but I will take the earliest opportunity to in form you. " DE,:.44o4tqt. !O.—Being still in time for the Packet, lam 114ppy :14y that every thing remains quiet, and that all the *rneasuriis that br,ve been adopted by Government are calculated to restore things to rights, though it is the opinion of some that a re-action must take place. Mine is different, iotaf.ed on the very great physical superiority of the present 6 - o;;;;;;plent. All the change that has been made in the ministei is in the Minister of War, General Guerrero being in p ae.e of Pedrazza.” if r.j•p,A,l7l' OF A LETTER. Faom A GENTLEMAN ARRIVEP FROII THIS CITY :- " VERA CRUZ, DE.;). '4,-81)0 persons were killed in the streets of Mexico : foreigne,s wrr flying in every direction. Americans and French are par obnoxious to the rabble. Peace and quiet ness stiil przwa;',.s on the coast. " We have hopes tiltit i..epqts shout the assassi nations in the capital are unfounded, " By the ship Leonidas, Captain Bugnon, rived yesterday from Vera Cruz, we have received ti a rcllpwing intelligence : " received a file of the Vera Cruz Censor, of that place, to th e ?. 27th of December. " The state of Zacatecas made known, by variio official documents, that they are prepared to risk Rv:?;:y thing in the defence of the institutions, laws, peace, itad of the country. The Congress .S.• of that State decreer! 1;;; th e resources should be placed at the disposition off' the and that a close connexion shall be formed with other ~.tates disposed to co-operate. The militia is also to be o:!t on an emergency. " Accounts froro .:41;7t, to December 22, repre sent the country as continually tirc.s-,:gil y b an d s o f robbers, so that travelling had become extreinay hazardous, even in large companies. Considerable escorts haa failed to secure travellers from being plundered. Nine coaghes had arrived the day be fore, which had lost every thing, i.ithougli attended by 30 men. On the 29th a great m:tny riWile car, riages came in which had been treated in a similar . manner, having been attacked by above 50 men, with visas for Guerrero. " The accounts from the capital are of the most unpleasant nature. It appears Oita tli city ma the scene of a popular commotion for several days at the beginning of the month, and that the individuals at the head of the Government had been taken pi sioners, or overawed in such a manner that the Go vernment was considered no longer free and uncon strained, and the States of Puebla and Vera Cruz had refused to obey its authority until released from such control. General Calderon had issued a pro clamation at Oajaca, in a similar tone, Ilenacing the partisans of Guerrero; and his army and that of Santa Ana were preparing to match for Mexico, or any other point necessary. " General Cortazar witea from Guanajuato, that he was in the field with 6,000 or 8,000 men, pre pared to defend the freedom of elections. There was so great a scarcity in the metropolis, that it was forbidden, under penalty, to sell bread or bread stuffs at prices higher than were current there on the 30th of November. This order was published by Tomei], who had assumed the government of that district, and is accused in the papers of committing, pillage on the rich inhabitants. Many of the citi zens had removed their families, the shops were shut, and when the President went one evening to the theatre, it is said that he found there only a dozen leperos. There are no troops of the line in the Federal army. " Among other acts of lawless violence said to have been committed at Mexico, is that the mob trampled down the British tlag at the Consulate. A great number of English, French, 'and German houses are said to have been robbed, 40 Spaniards, and 400 Mexicans. The Federal army have signed a declaration, adhering to their cause, and expressing a hope that Spaniards may be expelled. " The troops of Santa Ana mentioned above wore to co-operate with those of Calderon. as the former had surrendered at discretion to the latter, at Oajaca, on the 14th. " It was on account of the apprehension of the storm at Mexico, that the Congress determined to leave the capital. They left the Ministers in the exercise of sufficient powers, and the faction had obliged them to appoint such office's as they pleased. " We hare been favoured with the following ex tracts from letters : " VERA CRUZ, DEC. 27.—Our advices from the capital are to the 20th. Every thing remained quiet. Some fears were entertained here, but we believe the tranquillity will not be interrupted—that our state, and perhaps we should say every state, will join in the new order of things. There are many anticipate that matters will soon be brought to a close. " Another letter of the same date says—The affairs of the country are in a most deplorable state. Mexico has been pillaged to a very large amount, and the whole country is in a state of rebellion. The conducta, which left Mexico in November has been stopped in Puebla. The accounts from there to-day lead every one to believe that Puebla, with the conducts, will share the same fate as Mexico. And, in fact, Vera Cruz, which heretofore has been perfectly quiet, is in a state of revolt against the General Government." (ANOTHER.) " DEC. 28.—Since mine of yesterday, there has been a (Everson both of the army and citizens of Vera Cruz in favour of Guerrero, and it is now be lieved that things will be quiet for a while, and a revival of business will take place. " Captain Bugrion, of the Leonidas, states that the day he sailed, 28th December, on leaving the harbour he observed large volumes of smoke rising from the city, from which he infers that an attack had been made upon the city. F4O M the tenor, however, of the above letters, the smoke may have arisen from some other cause. " Captain Bugnon also states that the troops un der the partisans of St. Ana and Guerrero had been encamped within five miles of the city for eight or ten days : they amounted to SOO men, while the soldiers at Veru Cruz were only 500 strong. That Mexico was in possession of St. Ana and Guerrero, and that Alvarado and most of the small towns had declared in their favour. " IMPORTANT FROM VERA CRUZ. " We learn from Capt. Bugnon, of the Leonidas, arrived yesterday from Vera Cruz, that an army of 800 men, under the command of the partisans of Guerrero and St. Ana, had encamped eight or ten days, within about five miles of that city, and the inhabitants expected an attack daily. There were only about 500 soldiers at Vera Cruz. The day that Captain Mignon sailed (28th December) the officers were consulting on the expediency of sur rendering the city and joining with their invaders. Their principal object would be to prevent the city from being plundered, although it was feared such would inevitably be the issue, pursue what course they should. As Captain Bugnon was coining out of the harbour, he observed large volumes of smoke rising from the city, from which circumstance h e h a d no doubt that the destruction had commenced." A stall in Durham Cathedral is vacant by the death of the Earl of Bridgewater. MEMORIAL OF SILK MANUFACTURERS.-- A memorial, signed, we understand, by nearly all the lead ing manufacturers of silk goods in this town, has been sent to the Baard of Trade,—requesting, in substance, that the present regulations relative to the silk trade may be con tinued, until sufficient time has elapsed fully to develope their effects; and praying that no reduction may be made in the duties on foreign manufactured silks without a due consideration of the difference in the cost of the necessaries of life in this country, as compared with the continent of Europe and the East Ingies.—Mwochester Mercury. DUTY versus GRATITUDE.—A few days ago, a constable at Coventry had occasion to go down to the canal-wharf, in discharge of his duty, and in attempt ing to go on board a vessel, fell into the water, where he was in great danger of being drowned. lie was, however, rescued from his perilous situation by the exertions of an individual who happened to be in the neighbourhood, and who, not content with getting him opt of the water, took hint to his house and furnished him with refreshment and dry clothes. When the officer came a little to himself, and ascertained the n mine of his preserver, he discovered, no Ipulit to his mortification, that his life had b een save d b y the 7cry map o f whom he was in search ; and that the first return he could make for the tiblgation, was, to aerie his belviictor with a sunqowq.„..iiwiches4r SOMNAMBULISM.—A youog lady, who lives within a short distance of Manchester, awoke the other morning, but found her attempts to rise front her bed very much impeded by a sensation of tightness around her, and to her very groat surprise, on taking oil the night dress to which she had arrayed berstif the precedinir, eYetl, lug, she was underneath fully dressed as fqr an afternoon party ; am) what more added to her astonishment we;;, one part of her dress which she had heretofore found. herself quite unable t;, pp on withont assistance WAS now in perfect arrangement. There were also appearapees in the chamber of the lady's toilette having been regularly performed, so that there is little doubt that she must have ; , : u. l l:inetl herself about to meet some company, but had not the 5 ;gLei - 4; repqectiota pf eyer Laying risen from her bed.—Manchester BANK OF FRANCE. —The accounts of the Bank of France are regularly mash publi c ever y h a lf y ea r, when the dividend is paid. The information given by the 174i;ept•;r1t, of the estabUslameut on this state of its affairs is the most complete and "slOS'esrl,2,tl. They not pnly state the amount of their issues of piper, but the extent of their discounts to merchants, the amount of their profits, and the state of their reserve fund. The balance-sheet, con taining the result of their operations last year, is published in i,n 2 4, ! ,-.. F;f r. The amount of their discounts for the year was 40?,2!.16,3nt ft imc,3, w;411 y;e!del an interest or only 2,519,492 Francs, or about 100,000/. sterling. There hail been a decrease of more than 40,000/. in the last year as compared with the year 1827. The loans made on the advance of bullion produced about 4,000/. The Bank Laa zoi4E4, since 1820, about 5,00,000/. sterling. The maximum of bank-n Otes o.:t at 0; . .4 tii - v,e wag 210,p00,009 of francs, or nearly 8,500,0001. sterling. The bullion or coin in the coffers of the establishment exceeded this amount, being 240,000,000 of francs, or more than 11,r0,0001. sterling. This excess of trea‘nre proves Unfortunately 11.) w;:1!, the 2eneral stagnation of business. Th e capital of the Bank in circulation i 3 divided into 69,000 actions or shares, originally of 1,000 franca each, but worth at present 1,810 francs, thus forming an aggre gate of stock of ahout 2,700,000/. sterling. The number of shareholders on the Ist of January, 1827, was 3,536. The reserve fund amounts at present to 8,480,598 francs. It is divided, under certain conditions, ;among the share holders, or employed to make up deficiencies of interest. MEETING AT SHEFFIELD. SHEFFIELD, FEB. 16.—Since the sentiments of his Grace the Duke of Wellington and Mr. Peel, as regards Catholic Emancipation, were declared, this town and county has been much agitated by party feeling. The walls in the town, and villages surrounding, are covered with inflammatory placards en both sides of the questien.— Lord Milton's :old Earl Fitz william's conduct i , i their visit ing the Irish Agitator (Mr. O'Connell) is the subject of conversation in all circles,—the former is Member for the county of York, and the latter a very near resident to the town of Sheffield. This morning bills were posted calling upon the inhabit ants to meet at the town-hall on Wednesday next, in order to petition his Majesty to prevent the Roman Catholics being admitted into legislative and political power. The requisition is signed by 49 respectable householders out of a population of 55,000 souls. It is generally expected that much opposition will be met with, as there are many influential Catholics and Liber.ils in the town and its vicinity. The placards convening the meeting were scarcely posted throughout the town before the following opposition paper appeared : " FRIENDS OF CIVIL AND RELIGIOUS LIBERTY! "A public meetingof.the inhabitants of Sheffield and its vicinity is about to be called by the advocates of intolerance and the supporters of church-rates, to oppose the granting of freedom to the Catholics—to prevent the reconciliation of disturbed Ireland,—and thus to perpetuate the heavy burden on the people of a large military establishment to keep down insurrection in that part of the kingdom.— Look at the names of the requisitionists, and see if you find one friend of freedom amongst them. View the ge neral political conduct of the promoters of the meeting, and say if you will trust yourselves to their guidance.— View the question calmly; use your reason, and trust not to clerical cant or priestly invocation. Attend the meet ing—oppose these illiberal exertions to crush time dawn of Civil and Religious Liberty—and vindicate the town from the stigma these attempts would cast 'you it." The Earl of Winchilsea's Address to the Protestants of Great Britain is posted up in large characters in Sheffield, Leeds, Nottingham, and most populous towns in the kingdom. MR. O'CONNELL. (From the Dublin Morning Register of Friday.) The following letter has been received by Mr. Dwyer, from Nfr. O'Connell : Batt's Hotel, Dover-street, Feb. 12, 1329. My Dear Friend,—Every thing that I see and hear has the effect of convincing me that there are some bright days in store fin• Ireland—and that the people will at length he deemed entitled to the protection and encouragement of the Legislature. What would signify all that we have done if the people were not to derive substantial benefits from our success? I think they must, and it is for them that I should desire principally, if not exclusively, to labour. I Lope the day is approaching when the Government will cease to be taunted with this disgraceful fact—that Ire land possesses the greatest quantity of natural wealth its its capacity of productiveness, accompanied with the existence of the greatest distress and poverty amongst its people. It is my very pleasing duty to congratulate the Irish Catholics on the fact which is now beyond any doubt, that the determination of the Ministry to bring in the Bill for the relief of the Catholics, was principally produced by the Protestant meeting at the Rotunda. It is delightful to know that we owe this debt of gratitude to so excellent a class of men as the Protestant Noblemen and Gentlemen who met on that occasion. With respect to the voluntary dissolution of the Associa tion, it will have been decided before this letter reaches you ; if it be not, let my humble but earnest advice have some effect to create at least additional deliberation. My advice is, nst to dissolve until the new law conies into force, and then to dissolve at once in obedience to the law. A voluntary dissolution before the mandate of the new law shall require it, would, in my opinion, be pleading guilty to the false charges made against the Association, and would also be an adoptio❑ by us of this now penal statute. All will submit to it when it is enacted ; but let us not be parties to it by any voluntary act of our own. It is the most unconstitutional law that was ever thought of. I al ways said that they could not put down the Catholic Asso ciation without first trampling under foot the ptinciples of Constitutional Liberty. Accordingly the new act creates a perfect and undisguised despotism. It vests that.Aespots ism in the Lord Lieutenant for the time being. Let not the Catholic Association, which has struggled so long, so gloriously, and so successfully for liberty, tarnish its last hours by becoming or assenting freely to a statute so unconstitutional—so destructive of every public and popular privilege. We have obtained because we deserve the sympathy of every genuine friend of religian and liberty i❑ Europe, and in universal rind libe rated America. Let us act the part of men Beset ving such a sympathy. lam bound in fairness to add, that all our friends in both Houses advise a contrary course—they are unanimous in advising the Catholic Association to dissolve itself, their advice is entitled to infinitely more attention than mine ; but none of them can have the honour and in terests of the people. of Ireland so deeply throbbing in his breast as I have. If you are not satisfied with my teasong, listen to their advice. If it be a choice of influence, let their influence outweigh mine, as it ought to do. But above all things, consult your own reason and judgment, and let us increase constitutional liberty by our efforts, not sanction its diminution in any one particular. On this subject I shall say no more. I have discharged my conscience, and rest in that satisfaction which the per formance of a duty, however painful in itself, always leaves behind. ..... More last words-Remember that, if the Catholics sliew any unnecessary facility of disposition, it will be likely to create a hope, that it certainly will excite an ex pectation of equal facility on the terrific question of the elective franchise. Let not the Association dissolve without at least a reso lution, that emancipation, which, in itself, is so calculated to confer blessings on Ireland, would be a source of addi tional dissention if it shad be acemnpanied by any species of attack on the forty-shilling freeholdets. This is a pure measure of precaution, because, as far as I can learn, there is not any intention whatever of embarrassing the Emanci pation Bill with either wing. This lam assured of by all our friends. However, it is our duty to be eiyilant—we were in our times already deceived. Let us not be over mafident. An address expressive of heartfelt gratitude to the Pro testants, who have supported us in the struggle —an dress of cordial conciliation to the Protestants, who have opposed us--a declaration of total oblivion of past injuries, and even of past insult—an t:zrnest exhortation to the people to obey the laws, preserve the peace, and to join in grateful loyalty to the throne of that gracious Monarch, under whose auspicious influence this great measure of Ii hill liberty is to be achieved. These documents should, in my opinion, lip prepared and circulated by the Association be fore its dissolution. I will write to you to-morrow my views of the appli cation of the accumulated Catholic Rent fund—let me beg of gentlemen to recollect that there still may be forty shilling freeholders, who voted at the late i,liecticm awl who may want prot;lctinn. I car tot cot lode without expressing my very decided conviction that both the Pnkc of Wellington and Mr. P ee l are perfectly sincere in their determinatirn to carry the Relief NIL Indeed their conduct has been, as you tnust have observed front the debate, perfectly candid, straight forward, anti manly. I augur very favourably front this cireinuptance.—lt was, however, the Catholic Association that created the necepity of nettling this question. Th e present Ministers have bad the wisdom to see that nece:;- sity, and the firmness to adopt the means of meeting it— rathulic faithfully t'our's, PANTEL CPCONNELL. Air. Brougham paid a visit to the Duke of Devonshil e, on Tuesday morning, yi etvicul one and two o'clock sattirk, a - man applied at one of the Scotch sailing vessels, opposite the North Wall, and offered a large parcel directed fur Greenock. He stated that the parcel was a set of hooks, but the foul smell proceeding from it excited suspicion, a nd it was opened by the mate of the vessel, who found ce , a ;,i ne d a d e ad bqcly, 1 - p-qv:A and over that a thin matting, the entire contained in a bag. The body was that of a boy, apparently about thirteen years of age, very tightly corded, and doubled up. Th e bones of the leg• and arms were brokers, and blood was flowing fruits the mouth and nose. This gave rise to a suspicion amoirot a large crowd 4s.9embled that the boy had met a violent death. Many persons exclaimed, thi s is Burkisna," " seize the villain," &c. ; and such was the excitation of the multitude. that it was Only by the inter vention of some of the police, who happened to be present, that the fellow whoa bromtlit the parcel was saved from destruction. Both he and the body was taken to Lleury street Police-office, where the latter remains for inquest, and the former in custody, to abide the result of the in quiry. Several of the faculty examined the body yes terday, and have given their opinion that death was caused by disease, the legs being dlopiical.—Dubil n Morning Reyister, THE COMMON LAW COMMISSION. (From a Correspondent.) The Comrtasioners for the reform of the cool' mon law have sent to some of the most eminent practitioners in that department the following que ties on the regulations of the Courts and the des patch of business. The publication of these queries will tend to elicit additional information from suited as well as from practitioners, and will illustrate- the scope and direction of the views of the Coaimis' sioners on most of the topics. 1. Are there are any causes of a permanent - kind, and connected with the general constitution of the common Law Courts of Westminster-hall, which tend to a disproportion among them in the division of such business as it is in the option of the suitors to carry on in which Court they please. 2. In a general point of view, how far de you thilik that the state of public or professional opinion as to the comparative competency of the Judges of the bar in the respective Courts at any given period , has a tendency to effect the proportion of the bnsi• ' ness among them ? 3. Does any disproportion of business actuullY exist among them ? How long within your obier vation has it existed, and in what manner and de' gree, and has it of late years and in what proportion increased ? 4. Is any of the three courts at the present pe riod without sufficient and adequate employment, and is any of them overcharged with business, and to what extent ? 5. Have you any information to give with respect to the present state of the arrears in the Court of King's Bench, or in any of the courts, whether i'i Lane° or at Nisi Prins? and in what particular kinds or branches of business do those arrears principally exist, and to what causes are they attributable ? 6. In proportion to the pressure on the Court of King's Bench, have increased efforts been made by its Judges for the despatch of business ? and what new arrangements have been made of late years for that purpose, and with what effect ? Since the in troduction of those arrangements, have the arrears of business diminished or increased ? and, in parti- ' cular, what is your opinion of the present method of disposing of the arrears of term business by three Judges out of term, and of nisi Arius business by extra sittings ? 7. Would any arrangemeNt that should require the Court of King's Bench still further to extend its periods of labour, be consistent, in your opinion, with the degree of leisure and repose which ought to be allowed to its Judges and practitioners? 8. Do you think that any arrangements whatever would effectually enable that Court to discharge its business free from arrear, unless some means were devised by which an increased proportion of the business of the country should hereafter be carried to the other Courts ? 9. Do you think that if by any means the efficiency of the other Courts were increased, the three Courts, with their present number of Judges, and without an unreasonable degree of exertion, would be ade quate to the satisfactory despatch of the business of the country ? 10. What means can you suggest for bringing an increased proportion of the general business of the country to the Common Pleas and to the Ex chequer, or for the dispatch of business in the King's Bench ? 11. What, in your opinion, would be the effect of taking away fro►u the suitor the option of his Court, and distributing the business equally, according to a certain ratio, among the Courts; and in what practical mode could that principle be conveniently carried into effect. 12. Do you think it desirable that barristers, vet having the degree of sergeants, should be allowed to practise in the Common Pleas, before the Judges in &Inc°, and with any and what qualifications ? And that attorneys in general should be admissible to the practice of the Exchequer; or that either of these alterations should take place ? And what reasons can you suggest for, or against, either al' teration ? 13. Do you think it desirable that the process and practice of the three courts should be all respects on the same footing/ and what would that have on the distribution and despatch of bw.iness ? 14. Supposing that the Welch and Palatinate jurisdictions, or either of them, should be abolished, that a correspondent accession of business should accrue to the Courts at Westminster, and that u new circuit should be appointed, would it not be necessary in that case to add two Judges at least to the existing number ? 15. Are you not of opinion that, on the same sup position, and supposing also effectual means to be taken for making the Courts of Common Pleas and Exchequer discharge a due proportion of the general business of the country, it would be expedient, for the sake of preserving au entire uniformity and equality among the Courts, to appoint, in addition to the present number of Judges, another Judge to each of the Courts; taking into account the advan tage that might be derived from a fifteenth Judge, while his brethren were engaged on the circuits ? 16. Would not the necessity of a fifteenth Judge be clear, if a change of practice were introduced, by which process would be returnable, and pleadings should follow thereon in term and vacation without distinction ; and would not the constant attendance of a Judge in town in such case be required ? 17. Supposing this augmentation in the number of Judges, do you think it desirable that one Puisne Judge of each Court should be exempted in rotation from attendaLce in bunco during the whole term, for the purpose of attending to chamber business, 110 any other business of a kind that requires tim 4tteadr ance of a single Judge ? 18, On the same supposition, do you think it de sirable that the sittings of the Court in Banco should continue from day to day throughout the term, out. interruption from sitting at -Friisi or herr ing arguments in course of error or elsewhere, with the exception of the House of Lords ? 19. On the same supposition would it be desir able that one Puisne Judge should be appointed to sit during term for the trial of all issues arising in any of the Courts which are set down for trial iii London and Middlesex ? 20, Do you see any objection to authorizing every Judge, to whatever Court he may belong, to trans net Chamber Cosiness, and sit for trial of issues arising in any of the Common Law Courts of West minster-hall ? 21. Do you think it desirable to transfer to thq Court of Exchequer cases reserved by thf Cpurtl4 of General Quarter Sessions; and to confine infor mations for offences agginst the revenue and revenue ellie;!rs, and qui trim actins 3 to that Court ? 22. Po you thi:ik it desirable to allow judgment to be given at the sittings or assizes, in cases of mis demeanour; and what exceptions (if any), and whas provisions would you suggest on that subject ? 23, Do you think it desirable to trmisfer ail juris diction over insolvent dubtors to the Insolvent Debtors' Court ? Do you think it desirable that the terms should be fixed, and to what period ; or that they should he of equal and what length; and should any and what regulations be made with respect to the periods and durations of the F . ;ittipv aftiir term, regard being had to tie spring and summer assizes ? 25. Do you think it would be expedient that the Court of Error front each of the Courts should con• sist of the Judges of the other two Courts, who should sit in error out of term ? 26. Have you any suggestion to nuilzii foe the more satisfactory dispatch of busintna, besides what is contained in your answers to the precAling questions RICHARD PERRY, LATE GROOM TO Ruin. GRANT, ESQ., M.P.-We arc glad to state, from autho rity, that the offence (a trilling one) of which this unl)t tu nate man, shortly before his death accused himself to his master, turns out to have had no existence, except in hi,' diseased imagination. The circumstance only affords fresh proof both of his honesty, and of the alienation of min I to which the Coroner's Jury rightly ascribed the rash act that terminated his life. 1