The Sun. — London, England, 1858-07-27 00:00:00

which you desire to obtain ; and the moment you ask for an e xamination of the papers, the moment you ask a single question the visit becomes a search—in other words you are xsrcising the droid de visite. But sup • pose a party visits only in the strict sense of the word — what right, I ask, has any person to go on board a ves sel to visit it without the consent cf the master 2 The Same principle applies that I have just laid down. Treaties have been entered into with toreign countries giving the right of visit ; but why enter in to such trearies if the right of %i-icing is a eationalright founded on internati , nat law. W i What took place n the year 1315 after the Tree' yof Vienna! Lord Castlereagh ap plied to the French Govern ment to establish some system by which cruisers o uld visit the vessels of either country, but the Duo de Richelieu replied, .that France never would consent to a maritime police being established over her own subjects exce p t by persons beto nging to her own country. I think I have gone fer enough to establish the poeition with which I started—that there is, in truth, no such thing as the right of visit. Whatever arrange. me nt may have been made with the American Govern ment, we have renounced no right that we ever pea raised. It would be material, if possible, to adopt sem° plan by mutual understanding for verifying the fl al e ar,hear.) lam told tnat some negotiation and some correspondence is going OR for that end. It is a difficult question, and I hope it may be brought to a f a vourable termination. I cenclude with what 1 stated at the be• ginning, that the G .verathent were wise, prudent, and net in the course which they have pursued. To pro secute a claim which you cannot enforce consietertly well law, or to make an attempt to enforce it which must lead to resistance, and which may afterwards lead to war, would b 3 a most unwise and impru dent mode of prooeecneg. kilear, hear.) No war is so deplorable as a war fetiede I on injustice. Before siting down I moat, in justice to the hon. gentleman to whose statement I referred before, read to your lordships the concludicg words of his speech, because it is in complete accordance with the high character which he has always b rae both in America and in this country, where he acts as her representative. The hon. gentleman said : " While I am able to announce to you this. gratifying fact, I think it. should be accompanied also by the assur ance that the termination of that for which we have strugged for nearly half a century has been brought about with a degree of honourable candour and fair dealing on the part of the British Government deserving of every acknowledgment on our part." That statement is in perfect unison with the excellent el aranter of the honourable gentleman to whom I have referred. (Hear, hear.) My lords, I thought it my duty to make these observations, and to bring this Matter clearly before you, accompanied by the quotations which I have read—with which, no doubt, many of your lord hips are perfectly familiar—in order to afford an opportunity to any noble lord to refute the position , which I have laid down if they are c,pable of refu ation. The question which I wish to put to the Foreign Secretary is this,—whether he is prepared to lay on the table of the hou e the correspondence with the American Government with respect to the right of visi- It ation The Earl of MALMESISURY—I am very glad, my lords, that my noble and learned friend hae made an ep portunity—it I may so say—for giving us his opinion on this very important matter. (Hear, hear.) That opinion must be of immense importance in Europe and America. I must say that it must finally settle this dispute, and, if it be ever again mooted, my noble and learned friend's opinion will be quoted, as he himself has quoted the opinion of his great predecessor, Lord Stowell. It is a pleasure to me to hear that he concurs entirely in the opinion of the law officers of the Crown, which we took before replying to the note of General Case. They as serted unanimously that the international law was exactly as it has been described by my noble and learned friend. Upon that opinion her Majesty's Government acted, and at once frankly confessed that, having no title to make the assumption which had hitherto been made to a general right of visit and search, they abandoned bath those claims. At the same time we placed before the American Government the paramount necessity of draw ing up some instructions perfectly identical in character, which might be placed in the hands of the naval officers of the two countries, and, if possible, of all maritime nations, so that, all acting in the same manner, commerce may no longer be obstructed, and we may never again run the risks of those quarrels which have been caused by former assertions of a greater right. Negotiations have gone as far as this—that we have given up the as sumption which we have so long made to a right of visit and search ; and the American Government, on the other band, have stated that they are ready to listen and consider any suggestions which we may make with a view to the verification of the lag. We have made the same suggestion to the Government of France ; and that G ivernment, appreciating the great importance of the epiestion, have agreed to consider any proposition that we may make, and on their part to suggest any proposi tion which may appear likely to be of service. But there can be no doubt that, although we all agree that the dignity of our several nations would be compromised by allowing a right of visit and search, it is inevitably necessary that some security shon!d be taken against a fraudulent use of the national flsg. (Hear) Further than that negotiations have not proceeded, and although it is not usual to produce papers under these circum et ances, yet h r Majesty's Government have no objection to place on yourlordships' table the correspondence which has taken place as far as it goes. Your 1 irdships will un deretand that it goe3 no fur-her than that we have aban doned the right of search and visit, and that the Ameri can Government have agreed to entertain and consider in a fair ep rit any suggestions we may make in order to obtain soreie security against the fraudulent adoption of the American lag. The French Govern ment have also been communicated with, and they are ready and even aezions, to assist ns in attaining that otjsct. (Hear, hear.) The Earl of ABERDEEN said, —lt has happened to me, when former'y at the Foreign-office, to have to write a great many despatches upon this subject, more I hope than will ever fall to the I of the noble earl (Earl of Malmesbury). But the correspondence which then took place left the question completely settled, and, there fore, it was with great astonishment I heard of anything which could give rise t complaint on the part of the American Government. It was in the years 1842 and 1843 that a long correspondence took place between the American Minister and myself, and Mr. Webster declared over and over again to the late Lird Ashbur ton that the mater was perfectly and satisfactorily settled. The noble earl talks of referring to the law officers of the Cream as if it were a new question. The instructions under which our officers acted, and I sup pose they are the same instructions now, were drawn op under the supervis i on of Dr. Lushington, Sir G. Cockburn, and the Admiralty. They were communicated to Mr. Everett, the American Minister, and I never heard a word intimated egeiust them. I was astonished to hear my noble and learned friend (Lord Lyedhurst) quota toe statement of the highly ra pected American Minister who is now in this coun`ry, to the effect that we had given up frankly and fivally the right of visit and search. Te'erety years age we repudiated the aeserien of any such right, and ih,rtfere what the noble earl the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs can have given up I am at a loss to understand. Any such right was given up then as frankly and finally as it possibly can Le given up at this moment. After my noble and learned kind's costing the high authority of Lord Stowell, it may ap pear ludicrous in me to quote myself. At the same time, in crd'.r to show how. the matter stood, I will just quo e a note of my own. Though an bumble antbority, still I wet speaking the language of the British Government, aid that language was received bylaw American Govern ment with acquiescence and satisfaction. My words were these : "The undersigned resigns all pretensions on the part el the British Government to visit and search American vessels in time of peace ; nor is it as American vessels that ouch vesselsare ever visited. But it has been the invariable practice of the British nary, and the undersigned believes of all navies in the world, to ascertain by visit the rtal nationality of merctaaot vessels met on the high seas, it there were good reason to apprehend their illegal cha ter. In certain latitudes, and for particular 0- jects, vessels are visited not as American, but either as British vessels engaged in an unlawful traffic and assuming the American flag for criminal purposes, or as belonging to States which have by treaty conceded to Great Britai n the right of search, and which right itis at tempted to defeat by fraudulently bearing protective flag of the Union ; o r , fi na lly , th e y are visited as piratical Dula we having not the least title to any flag or any nationality whatever." - Minder those three categories we have exercised the right to visit vessels so acoected. Bat if our officers knew that an Anaerioan ye set was full of slaves, they would have no right whatever to visit or arrest her unless they had good ground to suspect that she was no t an American vessel. No d ou bt th e fl ag i s prima fade evidence of nationality ; but the flag alone is not suffi cient evidence, and is not sufficient to outweigh informs . tion to the contrary received from a n y quarter, or any o th er grounds of reasonable suspicion. No doubt our cruisers may commit a mistake and overhaul an Ameri can vessel, believing her to be a Spaniard or a pirate. But it has been found over and over again that instant and ample re paration has been offered for such an inv e . lantary et ror, and that is all that cars be expect e d be tween two nations acti n g in g ood faith with each other. I saw, some t i me a r, an extract from a despatch of General Cass, which appeare d to Ine to s tate the case with perfect fairness—(bear, bear) —and they are the very words which I used myself. As I have said already, I have written more ppon this subject than . I hope it will ever be necessary for the noble ea rl to wr ite, ' and the result of that writing has been perfect content sod tear quittity for 16 or 18 years until this year, when we hear tor the first time of British outrages. I believe it has arisen from the zeal of our cruisers. The addition o f a squadron on the coast of C3l3a,TM:tead of operations being confined to the coast of Africa, has led to a more fregneitt Exercise of the r;gl3t of and I am the - z-!al of our cruistra has converted into n rule that which was only intended to be an exception• `Without any ground of suspicion, the American flag is THE SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY EVENING, JULY 27, 1858. sufficient evidence of nationality, and it is only when there are grounds of suspicion that the British cruiser is entitled to see whether the suspected vessel is American or not. That is all that ever was asserted by us, and when j the American Minister declares her Majesty's Govern ment have given up, frankly and &ally, the right of visit —a declaration which is received with great enthusiasm by his countrymen—l am at a loss to understand what is given up. 20 years ago we repudiated the idea cf such a right. We never made assertion of any such right, and therefore we cannot give it up. But the noble earl the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs added, that it is important some mode should be taken to verify the na tionality of any vessel on the ocean, without which we can have no security whatever. (Hear, hear.) The in erections to which I have referred were framed in the most careful and cautious manner, and we had the advan tage of the assiitanc3 of the noble earl now at the bead of the Government. If the noble earl the Secretary of State can make any regulations, or issue any instructions which shall be more effectually and more carefully guarded, I shall ba very glad to see them ; but, notwithstanding the desirableness of the object, I doubt whether be will find it practicable. (Hear.) I do not complain of the noble earl, because the subject was probably new to him, but those who advised him ought to have recollected that, this subject occupi.d, during many months, a great deal of care and attention. At the time to which I allude the question was at its height. It excited muoh more inte re4 than it does now, and assumed a much mere serious character. I will not follow this subject further, but I will read an extract from the last de-patch I wrote on ibis matter : " I have no intention to renew the discussion, and it is the less necessary because my last note has remained for more than four years without an answer, and the Secretes y of State has declared to the British Plenipotentiary at Washington, that the explanations given were entirely sa tisfactory. The President is assured and believes that Great Britain will always respect the just claims of the United States. We have no pretensions to interfere in any manner, either by detention, visitation, or search, with vessels of the United States, know , : or believed to be such. But we still maintain and will exercise the right and necessity of ascertaining the genuineness of any flag that suspected vessels may carry. If, in the exercise of this right, any involuntary error should be made; if, in spite of every precaution, any loss or injury should be sustained prompt reparation will be afforded ; but that we should abandon the right itself is quite impossible." That is the footing of common sense and common justice on which the question stands at this moment, and I was much pleased to see from the despatch of General Cass that be adopted the same opinion, and that he made the same statement and used the words which I myself em ployed. The (xsrei4e of our right, if it be cautiously and prudently asserted, as it has been for the last 16 or 18 years, will not leave us in a very bad position it no change is made. If, however, the noble earl can improve the system a hich 'has prevailed during that time I can have no olsjF clon. Earl GRANVILLE —I never beard the state of the law as laid down by my noble and learned friend quee tinned, nor am I awa:e that any complaint was made against the late Government for the instructions issued by them. No alteration in these instructions was made by the late Government, and I wish to know whether it is the intention of the noble earl to abide by the instructions which have heretofore been acted upon until the communications with the American Government on this subject have been concluded. The Earl of MALNIESBURY—The noble earl who spoke last omitted to mention one very irep)rtant matter. No doubt the noble earl and the Ministry with which he was connected assumed that the law was such as it has been laid down by my noble and learned friend. But he did not say that the American Government hr variably went further, and asserted that they had a right to maintain their own police, and that whatever might be on board a vessel, if the American flag were flying, we had no right to visit it. They said that they constantly carried out a visitation by their own police, and that they would not be meddled with by any other country. Then came the question of discretion. I admit that lately, I know not by whose orders, there has appeared to be an increased activity exhibited by our cruisers in searching American vessels. There can be no doubt that the accounts given to the American Government have been immensely exaggerated, and I may state that after a careful examination I have no', found any instance in which our cruisers have behaved even with incivility to the officers of any American vessel which they have boarded ; but at the same time I must admit that in the exercise of that dis cretion which is given to them under the orders of the noble earl there has been a want of judgment in some cases, and that our officers have visited- vessels which there was no fair reason to suppose were engaged in the slave trade. The noble earl has asked me whether I have altered those instructions. I have not done so. They remain precisely as they were. But Ido not think they are so safely worded as they might be, and I think they might be improved 89 as not to expose our officers to the risk of making mistakes which amount to an infraction of international law, and which place them in an unfair position such as no officers, and especially young officers, ought to occupy. Pending the arrangement which I have sketched out, that English cruisers should search suspected English vessels, that Americans should search suspected American vessels, and that French cruisers should search suspected French vessels, without actually altering the instructions beret( fore acted upon, we have thought it right to suspend them until the negotiations have proceeded further. We bare also oederei our cruisers on that coast to respect the American flag under any circumstances. Toe Americans, on their part, have added a considerable number of cruisers on the coast, and have promised, during this period of in activity on our part, which, I trust, may be but sher., to use all the activity they can in order that the Ameri can sag, which I fear has been several times used by slavers, may not be prostituted to the purposes of the slave trade. (Hear.) The conversation then dropped. REGISTRATION OF DESIGNS. Lord LYNDHURST presented a petition from the Society of Arts and the Royal Institution of British Artists, praying for an extension of the registration of designs and an amendment in the present law. The noble and learned lord proceeded to detail the hardship to which artists were now rnbjected, in consequence of having no copyright in their pictures, and by the pract ce which existed of having copies of original paintings made by inferior artists, and sold as originals, Extensive frauds were thus commit ted by the sale of these spurious copies. He mentioned a cage where a lady of f rtuoe purchased a most valu able picture on the especial condition that no copy of it should be taken, yet what was her surprise on going to the Manchester Exhibition, to see one among that col lection. By means of employing inferior artists, several copies were often taken of one picture, a-.4:1 sold as originals either by private sale or at auctions, especially in such large provincial towns as Liverpool and Man chester. He knew nothing could he done during the present session, but he wou!d now move the appaint meat of a select committee, and name its members, in order to afford them an opportunity of considering the subject during the recess. The Earl of DONOUG HM0R14.3 had no objection to the committee, but, on the contrary, thought it would be very beneficial to the public. The motion was agreed to. THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND SPECIAL SERVICE BILL. The Earl of WICKLOW wished to be informed why it was that the Church of England Special Services Bill, which passed that House on the 22nd of March, was nut persevered with, He complained of the I conduct of the Bishop of London in sanctioning these irregular services at Exeter Hall, and in leaving Mr. Edouart to contest the matter alone, and he described such conduct as unjust and unfair. The Bishop of LONDON thought that, before the noble earl applied to his conduct such terms as "unjust and unfair," he should be extremely sure of the facts of h i s case . (Hear, hear.) • The only fact: which bore any any particular reference to his (the Bishop of London's) conduct in this matter was, the assert on that the ser vices at Exeter Hall were with his authority, which the noble earl would see was not the case if he would only consult the printed correspondence which he (the Earl of Wicklow) bead in his hand, and had quoted. In one of his (the Bishop of London's) letters contained in that correspondence, the noble earl would find these words : —" These services are not with my sanction." (Hear, hear.) Before, therefore, the noble earl accused him of conduct which was "unjust and unfair, it would have been only just and fair for the noble earl to have read his (the Bishop of London's) statement. (Hear, hear.) The noble earl thought that he ought to have made him self a party to this affair ; tut in cases of disputed law he could not interfere privately—the question could be settled in the Bishop's Court. Some gentlemen thought that the bill was unnecessary, and had written to him to say that they thought they could accomplish in another way that which the act was to enable them to accomplish in a particular way, and that they intended to reopen the services. He also received intimations from certain other gentlemen that they entertained opposite opinions. This was a case of disputed law, and it could be speedily settled in the Bishop's Court. Their lordships bad already decided by a large majority that these services were needed ; any interference of his would only have done harm ; but if it should t urn ou t th a t t h ese serv i ces were legal, he for one should not be sorry. (Hear, hear.) In reply to a farther question, The Bishop of LONDON said he had nothing to do with the Westminster Abbey servioss, which were managed by the Dean and Chapter. But he did not be lieve it was ever intended to protract the Abbey services later than July, so that the re-opening of the Exeter Hall services had nothing to do with the termination of those at the Abbey. (Hear ) The then dropped. WILLS, b eeci , OF BRITISH SUBJECTS ABROAD Ft COTbOuehUi FOUR COUNTY BILL. This bill was read a second time. PROPERTY o CONVEYANCE BILL. This bill passed through committee and was ordered D r a : Uotzwßi third FI timeN A.aNn EXTENSION Dd s Bpassed.lßlLL. I. BILL. bp COURTSTII Y r l N t w e c d as t oor emsa This till was read a third time and passed. LEGITIMACY DECLARATION BILL. The report of amendments on this bill was agreed to. Tl - e Sheert, dye, Contagious Diseases Prevention Bill, the Turnpike Acts Continuance Bill, and the Taccination (Ireland) B V, mere also read a third time and passed. GOVERNMENT OF NEW CALEDONIA. BILL. The Earl of CARNARVON, in asking their lordships to give a second reading to this bill, stated that those wbo happened to he familiar with the very graphic ac counts which bad appeared in the newspapers wi h re gard to the discovery of gold in the north-western pars f British America, would feel, probably, that little os. tifieation was required for the introduction of the present measure. A complete revolution had recently taken place in that country which was bounded on the wee. by the Pacific, on the east by the Rocky Mountains, on the south by the territory of the United States, and on the north by a chain of hills, lakes, and rivers, and which embraced an extent of about 400,000 square miles. That district, but a short time since tenanted only by will beasts and still wilder savages, with here and there a hunter, bad suddenly become the scene of gold dis coveries, and was already the theatre of action, enter prise, and adventure. It was late in July, 1856, that in formation first reached this country of there being a sus picion of gold in thoss parts. At long interval., and by occasional mails, some confirmation of that suspicion was brouglt, from time to tiine ; but it was not till March of this year that fuller and stronger confirmation arrived. We then learned for the first time that emigrants were departing in crowds from the gold mines of San Fran cisco, and were proceeding to this new El Dorado in the British territory. The account of that immigration was only to be compared to that which had taken place in former years to San Francisco itself. The hardy adven turers sailed up hundreds of miles by sea, they pierced the frontier, they found roads for themselves along the valleys, they launched their frail canoes upon the river, which was full of hidden rocks and not less dangerous ecldies and currents ; and though many lost their lives, were dro coned in the river, cr wandered from the road, or died from des'itution, the great znaj uity at length reached the scene of action—the haven of their ambi tion. It was to e' able us to establish something like law and order, to frame something like a n ucleus of c vilisation round which future laws and institutions might gather themselves, that be asked their lordships to give this bill a second reading. It might be perhaps argued that the Government had been rather precipitate in entering upon this step ; but any one who was ac quainted with Lbe history of the gold colony of Califor nia admit that in such a case it was far better to anticipate than to find ourselves in the rear. There were, moreover, certain circumstances which gave peculiar embarrassment and anxiety to this question, and which at the same time appeared to call fer immediate action on the part of the Government. In the first place, it pellet be borne in mind that the whole of this territory was at present in the main, though not actually, subject to au exclusive license to trade with the Indians which the Hudson's Bay Company had for many years en j eyed. It was true that that license expired next year. It was also true that the Government bad no intention of renewing that license, and that it would, therefore, in point of law become entirely inoperative ; yet the effects which it would Lave behind it and the influ ences which it had sown would exist, and they might easily lead to complications and to serious embar rassments unless provision were at once made for some effectual machinery of government. It must also be borne in mind that we had not to deal with an exclu sively white population. There was a populeticia of native Indians there, considerably outnumbering the whites, and those savages naturally looked with distaste and aversion upon those who, as all experience taught them, must in the end deprive them of their inheritance. These were some of the elements of difficulty and danger which it was necessary to provide against, and the bill wlich',was introduced for that purpose Was very simple. It first proposed to give power to the Crown to make laws and ordinances for the new colony. It then assigned a limit of four years' duration to the operation of the bill itself. It then proposed to establish a governor, who should hold the reins of office provisionally for that period, but who should be entrusted with very full and absolute powers. At the same time, it provided that the Crown, whenever it saw fit, should establish a freer Government and a more liberal system of institutions. And, finally, power was given to the Crown at any time, upon the joint address of the two Houses of Assembly of Vancouver's Island, to annex that island to the new colony. It had been said in some quartersthat we were by this bill establishing a governor with absolute and arbitrary power, that we were departing from the path of free institutions, and adopting a narrow and retro grade policy ; and it had been argued that we ought either to give complete freedom and independence to the new colony, or to prescribe in the first instance the par ticular form of government which we wished to see esta blished, and to appoint a provisional governor, holding the reins of power simply until the new system could be introduced. The advantage of giving free institutions to our colonies was undeniable, but in this case there were at present no materials for carrying them into operation, and it must be borne in mind that the settlers who re sorted to the colony were not likely at first to be per manent. Objections had been taken to the name of New Caledonia, though it seemed to be the first title given in the old maps, and it was the name used by Humboldt when speaking of the territory. Her Majesty, however, had been graciously pleased to signify her pleasure that henceforth the colony should be known by the name of British Columbia. The noble earl concluded by moving the second reading of the bill. The Duke of NEWCASTLE said that, though no opposition had been offered to the principles of the bill in the other house, considerable doubts were entertained out of doors by persons well acquainted with colonial matters as to the propriety of creating a Government for this territory at this particular time. It was thought that, considering that Vancouver's Island vuas about to lapse to the Crown next year, and that the licence of the Hudson"- Bay Company would also expire very soon, it would have been better to await the course of events. He did not share, however, in those doubts. Tue Go vernment, he thought, bad adopted the right course in endeavouring to establish a Government of some kind for this territory. No one had advocated responsible government for the colonies more strenuously than lie; but such Governments were only applicable to colonists of the English race. In this colony there were but few English settlers, except here and there a trapper of the Hudson's Bay Company, and what was wanted chiefly was a strong executive G.ivernment. He had some doubts as to the propriety of the 3d clause, which gave power to the Queen to confer free institutions on the colony by charter whenever she might see fit. He ques tioned whether her Majesty had not already that power; but, considering that in one clause of the bitl this particular Government was only to last four years, it would have been better on the whole to omit this clause, and not to hold out anticipations which might not ba realised. He rose principally for the purpose of making two or three suggestions to her Majesty's Government. It was impossible not to see that there would be extreme difficulty in introducing a settled form of government into the celony under the peculiar circumstances of the country ; but it offered some facilities for a better system of colonisation than the mere eruption of gold diggers. It was not, like other gold-bearing districts, barren and rocky. It was a singularly fine country for all the purposes of colonisation, apart from the gold discoveries in it. It possessed a fertile soil, magnificent woods of the finest timber fur shipbuilding purposes, abundant and excellent fisheries, and coal in large quantities, of a nature to generate steam. It con tamed all the elements of a prosperous colony, and he could not help thinking that some of the difficulties at tending its first settlement would be obviated if an at tempt were made to lay out a town, to allot land in con nection with it, or in some way to attract persons to set tle there permanently instead of merely going to search for &old. They n.ight introduce at onto by those means halite of civilisation, instead of only establishing a go vernment with sufficient force to coerce the population into decency and order. (Hear.) Another point which the Government ought to consider was with regard to the warlike and somewhat savage tribes of Indians lo cated about the spot where the gold was at present dis covered. It was an undoubted fact that while they were no means unfriendly to the English—owing, perhaps, to communications with the Hudson's Bay Company—they bad a great dread of the Americans. In the earlier pe riod of settling the colony the Americans from California would fleck to these parts, and it would be the first duty of the Government to int , rfere for the protection efne aborigines. He did not wish to sentimentalise upon the subject. He knew that it was the decree of God, which it was impossible for humanity to prevent, that where the white man appeared the red man should perish, but it was, nevertheless, the duty of the Government, if pos sible, to prevent a recurrence of those horrors and cruel ties which had been witnessed in the western portions of the United States. (Hear.) The third and last sugges tion was as to the protecting force. If they sent soldiers accommodation and provisions must be found for them, which would entail some difficulty at such a distance. But whether they sent an organised body of the British army or some other organised]force, he wished the Go vernment to consider and guard against the possibility of a mili - ary disgrace being inflicted upon us, in the event of a war breaking out, before means could be found for the colony's defence. It would probably not be thought desirable to maintain so expensive an establish mentr as at Gibraltar, Malta, or C or f u , b u t it m ust be r borne New in Zealand, mind that a i this remotecolony from great was Powersn not like as Australia it.om o England—it was near to great Powers, but remote from us. (Hear, hear.) In conclusion, the noble duke referred to his efforts in the House of Commons to give Van couver's Island a constitution, when it was proposed to band it over to the Hudson's Bay Company, and ex pressed a hope that now, when that event was about to take place, the Government would, in all their arrange ments, look upon it as certain tint the people of Van couver's Island would avail themselves of the provisions of this bill, and at an early date declare in favour of a junction with the new colony. (Hear, bear.) After a few words from Lord WODEHOUSE, The bill was read a second time. The Chelsea Bridge Act Amendment Bill, the Returns to Secretary of Suite Bill, and the Detached Parts of Counties Bill went through committee. WRECK OF THE CANDACE. Lord STANLEY of ALDERLEY asked the Vice- President of the Board of Trade whether it was the in tention of the Board of Trade to institute an inquiry under the provisions of the 4323 section of the Merchant Shipping Act, into the citcuunstences attending the lose of this vessel. She wa s on a return voyage from the coast of Africa, with a large cargo and seven passen gers, and in consequence of coming into collision with a Duch vessel, she went down, when her cargo and seve ral passengers were lost. It was most desirable that in every case of this kind an inq uir y should take place, and certainly, when he was in o ffice, ho directed that the most searching investigation should take place, both as t ) the competency of the masters, and to ascertain if e provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act were com plied with in every particular. The Earl of DONOUGHMORE observed that before this vessel went out on her voyage, she was extueined by , Captain Stuart, and everything done which the law re quired. The accident was one of those unfortunate things tney - all dep'or.'l, but from having read the evidence carefully, he had no doubt whatever that no blame boron, whatowould n r tto institute b e could be attach e d to the crew of the Candace, and that the los s wes ow i ng to the negligence of the Dutch. T he o 7 11 , 0 lord askedgod h effected h n by , h doing b s c o t i :0 They had satisfied themse Ives on the two main point.; which they had to inquire, and if they had gone further they wcuid only have furnished Mr. Smith with the means of bringing an action against the company. In cases of colli4on, it was dangerous for the Board of Trade to interfere, unless there had been great loss of life, or gross negligence on the part of the officers. The proceedings of the Board of Trade should generally, he thought, be supplemental to the ordinary litigation be- tween the parties. In this case he hoped he had shown that they had exercised a sound discretion. Lord STANLEY of ALDERLEY, in reply, said that if this was ❑ot a case for inquiry, such a case could not occur. The prima facie case wa., that neither the master nor the mate, nor any officer with a certificate entiting him to take charge of the vessel, was upon deck at the time of the collision. It was desirable that in these cases there should be a strict investigation wherever loss of life bad occurred. POLICE (SCOTLAND) Au AMENDMENT BILL. This bi'l was read a third time and passed. LUNATICS (SCOTLAND) ACT AMENDMENT BILL. The report of amendments on this hill was received. REFORMATORY SCHOOLS (IRELAND) BILL. This bill passed throuA committee. HERRING FISHERIES (SCOTLAND) BILL. This bill pas-cd through committee. MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS BILL This bill was read a third time. after undergoing some amendment at the hands of the Earl of Carnarvon and Lord Ebury. PUBLIC HEA.LTa BILL. This bill waR re ‘d a third time and pa , sed. CLERK OF PETTY SESSIONS (IRELAND) BILL. The Earl of DERBY, who said there was no objet tinn to this bill, as it was merely a bill to pay the clerks of petty sessions in Ireland by salary instead of by fees, moved that it be read a soconl time. Too Earl of CLONCURRY expressed his thanks to her Majesty's Government for introducing so useful a measure. It would be a great public benefit. Lord DUNGANNON said this bill was a great boon, although there were sone of its details which were oh j actionable. After a few words from Lord MONTBA.GLE and the Earl of DONOUGHMORE, The bill was then read a second time. BISHOPS' TRUSTS SUBSTITUTION BILL. The Commons' amendments on this bil , were agreed to. A number of bills from the Commons, including the Metropolis Local Management Act, and a variety of con tinuance bills, were read a first time, and their lordships adj , urned at nine o'clock. HOUSE OF COMMONS—(YESTERDAY.) The SPEAKER took the chair at 12 o'clock. SEATING OF BARON ROTHSCHILD. laron Rothschild attended this morning to take his seat. He was introduced by Lord John Rus sell and Mr. J. A. Smith, and advanced to the tabie to take the oaths amid 4 loud cheers. Mr. S. WARREN said—Mr. Speaker, I rise to order. The SPEAKER said the question of an hon. member taking his seat was a matter of privilege and ought not to be interrupted. (Rear, hear.) The Clerk then proceeded to administer the usual oath, but he was interrupted by Boron Rothschild, and the clerk advancing to the chair said "The hon. member says he entertians conscientious objections to taking the oaths in the form prescribed." The SPEAKER said the hon. member will please to withdraw. Baron Rothschild then withdrew to the space below the bar. Lord J. RUSSELL moved the following resolu tion :—" That it appears to the house that Baron Lionel de Rothschild, a person professing the Jewish religion, being otherwise entitled to sit and vote in this house, is prevented from so sitting and voting by his conscientious objection to take the oath which, by an Act of Perlin meet, has been substituted for the oath of allegiance, supremacy, and abjuration in the form therein pre scribed." Mr. J. A. SMITH seconded the motion. Mr. WARREN objected to the resolution, and said he should take the sense of the house upon it. Mr. Secretary WALPOLE said the resolution was simply the affirmation of a matter of feet, and he thought it would be a waste of time to divide upon it. No hon. member could controvert the truth of the resolution. The resolutien was then put and carried ROM. con. Lord J. RUSSELL then moved another resolution, empowering the house, in accordance with the act just passed, to omit from the oath the words "on the true faith of a Christian." Mr. WARREN opposed the resolution, and oonsi sidered the Act of Parliament upon which it was founded as inconsistent and discreditable to a Christian Legislature. He still believed that no one professing the Jeeish persuasion ought to be suffered to sit in Par liament, and having thus protested against the reso lotion, ho begged to say that he should divide the house upon it. Lord HOTHAM said he was not previously aware that the question was to be brought forward to-day, but being present in anticipation of other business, he felt be had no alternative but to vote against the resolution. Mr. WALPOLE said he considered this to be a religious rather than a political question, and with the opinions he held he could not be an assenting party to the resolution, At the same time he gave Baron Rothschild the highest credit, inasmuch as he had never made any attempt to violate the law. After some further discussion the house divided. For the resolution Against Majority The announcement was received with loud cheers, Lord John Russell and Mr. J. Smith then left the house, and the inner doors being thrown open, escorted Baron Rothschild to the bar of the house amidst lou 1 cheers. The hon. member was then conducted by them to the table of the house, and on the Clerk proceeding to swear him, be interrupted him, when the Clerk ad varced to the chair and said,—" The hon. member wishes to be sworn on tie Old Testament, as roost binding on his conscience." The SPEAKER—Let the hon. member be so sworn. The Clerk then handed to the hon. member the Old Testament, and administered the oath to him, Baro❑ Rothschild repeating the words in an audible voice, and with his hat off, till he came to the words "so help my Jehovah," when he pat his bat on. The bon. member then signed the parliamentary roll, and was introduced by the Clerk to the Speaker, who shook hands very cordially with him amidst loud cheers. Mr. Disraeli also shook hands with the hen. member as ho passed the right hon. gentleman on his way to his seat on the front Opposit►on bench below the gangway, and a fee. seats from Lord John Russell. Sir W. Hayter, and other hon, members, immediately went to the hon. member and congratulated him on his having taken his seat. CORRUPT PRACTICES PREVENTION ACT CONTINUANCE BILL. On the motion for the third reading of this bill, Mr. H. BERKELEY moved the third readi"g of this i,iil Vois day s X weeks. (Hear, hear) He ridi culed the provisions of the bill, and said that instead of putting down corruption it would pre-erve it. The bill had been introduced without due consideration, and was no other than waste paper. The honourable member quoted from authorities, e•pecially that of Mr. Ul.b?rt, Parl . ainentary agent, to show that the Currant Practices Act had failed in Fitting down bribery and corrupt practices. (Hear, hear.) He believed that under this bi!l, when a general election came, the real contest between Lord Doodle and Sir Thomas Noodle would be sovereigns and beer. Mr. A. SMITH opposed the bill. Mr. WHITESIDE supported the bill. Lord A. CECIL considered the provisions of the bill would unnecessarily increase to a great extent the ex penses of elec , ions. Mr. T. DUNCOMBE regretted the Lords bad not rejected this bill. Had they done so they would have greatly promoted purity of election. He considered the effect of the bill would he to retard the ballot for many years to come After some further discussion, Lord I. RUSSELL regretted the course that had been taken with reference to this measure. If the bill bad been referred to a select_ committee, some means might have been devised by which the question as to the cost of conveyance might have been satisfactorily settled. Mr. Roil:mum and Mr. REID opposed the bill on the grcund that it legalised corruption. Mr. WALPOLE said he had omitted clause 4 of the bill that the measure might be simply a continuance one. The object of this bill was to settle the disputed points —especially that in the case of Cooper v. Slade—relative to the conveyance of voters to and from the poll. The Government wished to settlethat point, and they would early next session prepare a measure of a permanent character. (Hear, bear.) Mr. STAPLETON opposed the bill. The house divided, For the third reading For the amendment 6O Majority Tho bill WWI then read a third time. Mr.B. OSBORNE explained that the rea;on why the opposition threw out the clause from Lord s .T. Russell's bill of 1854 f, , r legalising travelling expenses was that it was opposed to the opinion of all the great legal autho rities of the Lords. Lord Mansfield had ruled that the payment of travelling expenses was bribery, and that ruling had never been contravened. He could not understand why the bill had been brought forward in its present shape. He began by opposing the present Government, and he ended by giving them a cordial support. He gave great credit to the right bon• gentle man the leader of the house for t he ab 6 and judicious manner in which he had conduo ed the business, and the very important reforms he bad originated, and be believed it was only that his time bad been too much occupied that he had allowed this bill to be brought for ward with this first clause in it. He hoped the Govern. went would pause before they cemented to it even now, at this last stage. The result would be that every voter would demand to be conveyed to the poll, ex penses would be enornsou-ly increased, and they would soon come back to the old system of bribery and cor ruption which tkey had laboured so hard and so long to put an end to. He ehoull take a division against the pas,ing of the bill. Lord H. VANE supported the bill, and urged that unle s travelling expenses were allowed they would, in effect, disfra nc hi se the poor voters. He bad voted, 1 1 . m . istake, in the last division with his bon. friends near him—(a lAugh)—ha should novv have the opportunity of repairir.g big by voting apint them. Sir J. TRELAAVNY remarked that_thi y could not have a better test of the qualifications of the voter than his going up to the poll without assistance. He 'Tom- mended the consideration of this point to the Govern ment in their promised R form Bill. Mr. BASS thought that if the bill bad not been brought in at so late a period of the sts-ion it would not have passed so readily. The Secretary of State had given an incoutestible argument ag,ainsi. the bill when he ad mitted that the measure was incomplete, and that he intended nest session to deal with the whole question. On the question that the bill do pass, the house di vided—the numbers were— For the motion 92 Against it 59 Majority The bill was then passed. INDIA BILL. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said it was his intention to proczed this evenieg with this bill, and he understood that the bill would be reprinted and in the hands of members by 9 o'clock this evening. If, however, it was the wish of the house he would not proceed with the amendments to-night. After some remarks from Lord J. Russell, Mr. V. Smith, and Lord Palmerston, The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER poste paned the consideration of the Lords' amendments till to-morrow morning. a sensible bill, and he should vote that it be restored to 7' its ori'iral integrity. (Cheers.) Lord PALMERSTON said the qnestien had been con sidered and debated by the bouPe, and the clause struck cut by the Lords had been re-affirmed by the Commons, and he thought the house should adhere to its decision. The amendments were then severally negatived with out a division, and a committee was appointed to draw up reasons for rejecting the Lords' amendments, The Judgments (Ireland) Act Amendment Bill was read a third time and passed. The Lords' amendments to the following bills were then severally considered and agreed to :—Stipendiary Magistrates, &c.; Titles of Land (Scotland) ; and Sale and Transfer of Lands (Ireland) Bills. The Endowed Schools Law Amendment Bill was with drawn. The Trustees, Mortgagees, &c., Bill we; read a second time. LAW OF PROPERTY AMENDMENT BILL. Oo tie motion that this bill, as amended, be considered, Mr. ROLT objected to the bill, and hoped it would be withdrawn. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said he assented to the request made to him with regret, because the mea sure before the house was a good one ; but as be could not pass it this session he would withdraw it. PROBATES AND LETTERS OF ADMINISTRA- The hill was accordingly withdrawn. TION ACT AMENDMENT BILL. The following bide were read a second time :—lnter- The amendments to this bill were considered and national Patent Right ; Administration of Oaths by agreed to. Committees ; and Leases and Sales of Settled Estates DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL CAUSES ACT Act Amendment Bills. AMENDMENT BILL. The following bills were read a third time :—New The amendments to this bill were considered and Writs : Probate and Letters of Administration Act agreed to. Amendment ' • and Divorce and Matrimonial Causes Act The house suspended its sittings at 3 o ' cloc' c . Amendment Bills. The house resumed at 6 o'clock. HARBOURS OF REFUGE. CORRUPT PRACTICES BILL. Mr. WILSON, in rising to call attention to the ro In reply to a question from Mr. CROSS, port of the Select Committee on this subject, said the Mr. WALPOLE said he had alteady expressed his late Government bad been deeply impressed by the re intention to propose early next session a genera l measure presentations made to them respecting the deficient on this subject, the details of which might be referred to accommodation for shipping on parts of our coast, and a select committee, but he thought it was desirable that early in 1857 a committee had been appointed which a distinction should be maintained between the law appli- had investigated the subject during that and a portion of cable to Parliamentary and municipal elections , the present session. The enormous losses of life and property which took place every year on our coast THE WAR DEPARTMENT. would fully justify any Government in taking some de- Colonel FRENCH asked whet her Mr. Ramsay was still superintendent of clothing and stores in the War Department, and retained his full salary and title. Also, whether Mr. Webster, who was sent to Rencoi as ac- TlB4 resulted in wrectas or total loss ,and 2 944 in are there were 5,128 casualties on our coast, of which tided step on a matter of such importance. In five ye 2 damages of smaller or greater degree. During the same countant to the hospital there, but who was sent back by period 4,148 persons lost their lives, or an average of the doctor, there not being anything for him to do, was 830 every year. Moreover, the mere money value of still retained at a salary of 3001. a Sear? these losses amounted to an average of 1,500,000/. per General PEEL said that Mr. Ramsay never held the annum. (Hear.) These two facts alone, he though', office of superintendent of clothing and stores, but he had s h ou ld b e a sufficient inducement for this house ears- i been assistaet director of stores' and clothing. In con fully to coneirter the subject and try t ) remedy the cry- ' sequence of some changes which had recently taken ing evils which resulted from the present condition of place, Mr. Ramsay had for a time been removed from the our coast. These losses were contingent to a great de department, but he still maintained the office of assistant- gree on the crowded state of our waters, arising from 1 director, at the same salary. With regard to Mr. Web- the great increase which had of late taken place in our stir, be underetood that on his return ha was employed ehipping. In 1843 the amount of tonnage of British in examining certain accounts which were in arrest ; cleared from ports orharbours shipping which entered or that he was still so employed, and that whatever he oftiethr w ee kingdoms was 7,180,000, and of foreign might have had to do at R ncoi, there was work enough tonnage 2,643,000 —making altogether 9,824,000 tons in the office in which he was now engaged. of shipping. That was 15 years ago, while last year the MEDICAL OFFICERS IN THE ARMY. amount of British tonnage wasl3 694,000, and of foreign Mr. SEYMOUR asked the Secretary of State for 9,484,000 making a total of 23 178 000 tons. Thus the War when the warrant a ugmenting the pay of the medi- increase within 15 years had been more than 130 per cal officers of the army would be promulgated. cent., and this increase had not been caused by any suds Gen. PEEL replied that the subject was under the den or momentary impulse ; it bad been gradual and consideration of the Treasury, and as soon as it received steady, and even in 1857 was equal to that of any pre. the sanction of their lordships it would be promulgated. ceding year. There Wa q , therefore, every reason to SIR JOHN LAWRENCE. suppose that this great development would proceed at the Mr. KINNAIRD inquired whether it was the in' en- same rapid rate as before, and if the crowded state of our tion of her Majesty's Government to recommend to her waters now led to such enormous loss of property and lite Majesty the conferring of some signal mark of favour on it was reasonable to expect that that loss would increase Sir John Lawrence, in recognition of his long and die- proportionately with the increase in our trade unless tinguished services in India, and the more so after his means were taken to afford greater facilities to shipping successful administration of the provinces under his upon our coast. Another proof of the rapid growth of care, and the effectual aid which, by his instrumentality, our shipping was that in 1843 the amount of tonnage was given to the capture of Delhi. built in this country was 83,000, while last year it was Lord STANLEY said, the house were probably aware 260,000 tons. What, then, under such circumstances was that in November last the distinction of the Grand Cross the duty of the Government and of this house ? A a a of the Bath was conferred upon Sir J. Lawrence, and general rule the committee over which he presided had that he also received the thanks of Parliament in recoge confined their attention chiefly to the question of bar nition of his services. Since that time despatches had hours of refuge, strictly so called, and they had exa been sent out to India by the Board of Directors, in mined upwards of 60 witnesses, among whom were Capt. which they desired that the salary of Sir J. Lawrence, Washington and Capt. Veit* of the Admiralty, Capt. which was a' present 7, 2001 . a - year as Chief Commis. Sutherland, of the Board of Trade, professional gentle sioner, should be increased to the salary of a Lieutenant- men of great eminence, and local engineers and practical Governor-10,0001 , a-year. the increase to date from men who navigated our coast. The labours of the corn• the let of January last. (Hear, hear.) The distinguished mittee, be thought, entitled their report to consider .tion and invaluable services of Sir J. Lawrence had not been from the house, and that report was, he trusted, a fair overlooked by her Majesty's Government, who were statement of the facts and summary of the evidence ad now considering whether any further reward should be dated. They found that various parts of our coast were Ibestowed upon him. (Hear, hear.) well studded with natural harbours. The attention of the BRITISH TROOPS IN THE WEST INDIES. committee, however, bad been concentrated upon a few Mr. HANKEY asked the Secretary of State for the important points. The part of the coast which had come Colonies whether it were true that orders had been sent specially under notice was that lying between Pentland out to the West Indies, or whether transports had been Frith and the Frith of Forth in Sc tland, and in the case taken up in this country, for the removal of the British of that line of coact they had indicated the localities with troops which were now remaining in those colonies. out naming the precise spot at which, as it contained no Toe CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER replied large natural harbours, harbours of refuge should be that it was not the intention of her Majesty's Govern- erected. The part of the coast which had come nex under went to remove any of the British troops in the West their consideration was that stretching from St. Abb's to Indian colonies. Flamborough Head in Yorkshire, between' which points ST. JAMES'S PARK, it appeared there was no secure retreat for shipping. Mr. GRIFFITH asked the Secretary to the Trea- In that case also the committee had recommended that entry whether, in any arrangement that might have been no precise locality should be fixed upon, but that the ad made for the sale or lease of Berkeley-house to the Me- vantages which any portion of the coast possessed for tropolitan Board of Works, care had been taken that the construction there of a harbour of refu g e might sufficient space was reserved out of the premises to allow form the subject of inquiry. With respect to the east of a carriage entrance being made from Cockspur-street, coast of England the c mmittee h.d come to the con into the roadway surrounaing St. James's Park ? elusion that, inasmuch as it was furnished with such Mr. G. A. HAMILTON said that he was not aware places of refuge as the Wash, the Humber, Yarmouth that there was any intention of constructing a carriage roads, and the Thames, it was amply well supplied in road from Cockspur street to St. James's park, and no that particular, while the existence of the harbour of Dover thou net ha woe read todmit arrangement had been made on that subject with the , gh , y a, so Metropolitan Beard of Works. The arrangements which much a harbour of refuge as of defence—of the new her bad been made would admit of the footpath being boar at Portland, which when finished would be one of widened to the extent of 22 feet, and if in future it the most magnificent paces of refuge in the world, and should be thought desirable to construct a carriage road of the natural harbours of Falmouth and Plymouth upon into St. James's-park, it could be effected by widening the south coaat, rendered it in the eyes of the committee inexpedient that any expenditure of public money should Cock-pus-street on the east side, which was the pro perty of the Crown. be incurred in that quarter. Directing their attention, LAND TRANSPORT CORPS. howeve -, to the line of coast which lay between the Lerd A. V. TEMPEST asked the Secretary of State Land's-end and the Bristol Channel, the committee had found that there was in that direction a great want e. f for War, if the report of the committee on the Land harbours of refuge, and had become strongly impressed Transport Corps had come under the consideration of with the expediency of erecting a harbour at Bristol, her Majesty's Government; and, if so, whether her owing to the rapid extension of the trade with New Majesty's Government were prepared to carry out the South Wales in iron and coal. With those exceptions, recomtnenda . ion of the committee, and to grant the offs there was no point on the coast of Great - Britain at which curs of the Land Transport Corps the usual rate of half the committee had deemed it necessary that expenditure pay cf the ranks they held at the period of the disband should be incurred, especially when they took into ac tnent of the coma. count that a magnificent harbour at Holyhead was now General PEEL begged to acquaint the noble lord rapioly progressin g t o wards completion. Turning to that the report was under the consid eration of t h e Go - Ireland, they had ascertained that there were three vernmert. If its recommendations were adopted, it points at which it was desirable that something eh )old would itivolve an expenditure which had not been pro be done with the view of affording greater etcuri y to 'sided for iu his estimate, anti which it would theref re shipping. One of these was Carlingford- bay, which be necessary to submit to the Treasnre y for their a p• simply required that a large sandbank at its entrance prove.l, but he might add that ho was the last person to should be removed, in order to render it capable of ad keep any class of men out of that to which they were nutting the largest class of vessels. Then there was entitled. Waterford-bay, to which a precisely similar obtervation Lord A. V. TEMPEST said that if the matter were applied ; and lastly, Portrush, on the north coast of Ire not satisfactorily settled by next session, he should move land, which, by means of natural rocks called the &der an address to the Crown on the subject. ECCLESIASTICAL COMMISSION BILL. rice, formed an almost natural harbour, bat which, Mr. WALPOLE moved that the order cf the day for owing to the fact that the interstices between those rocks, did not admit a sufficient amount of water to considering this bill in committee to-morrow at the float large veesels, would require that a sum of about, ear ly sitting should be discharged. ( Hear, hear. ) The 100.000/. should be leid out upon it b e f o re it cou ld b e bill had been so much discussed, and so many objections had been taken to its princ i p al clauses, that at this late made thoroughly available as a harbour of re f uge . Th o s e period of the session he did not think he could usefully to which he had adverted were the only points along the press its consideration on the attention of the house. coasts of these islands which the committee had recona Mr. INGRAM regretted that a n y aecessit y existed mended as the sites of puttlic works ; but in making for withdrawing the meature. that etaaernent he was by no means pre tette d to contend Ater a few words from Mr. Flom= and :Nita that the commission which was about to he appointed migh - , not extend beyond them the scope of its inquiry. KNATCIEIBULL-EIIIGESSEN, Lord A. V. 'FE lIPEST expressed a hope that the He was at the saute time of opinion that the Govern- Government would next session exert themselves to meat shoal be extremely careful wi , h respect to allow carry a similar measure to that which he now learned ing an extension of the limits of the inquiry, because the with regret they were about to withdraw. result might be that tbe whole question would again be Mr. WALPOLE said that he would do the best he raised, aid that works of urgent importance would not could. in the meantime be constructed. with that expedition UNIVERSITIES (SCOTLAND) BILL. which was desirable. (Hear.) He had state d t h a t the The order of the day for considering the Lords' probable cost of the proposed works would be two mil amendments having been read, lions and a half, which was the subtraction of so much Mr. DUNLOP moved teat the house disagree with from the aggregate capital of the country, while th e l o „ the Lords' amendment, which omitted the 3rd clause, of life amounted annually to 800 ptrsone. The evil w The clause bad been carried against the Government in which the house was called upon to remedy was not one of a merely speculative character , but one which either that house by a considerable majority, and the omission lof the clause by the other House of Parliament he had as involving considerations of humanity, or of pounds, ; not seen justified by any sound or reasonable arguments. shillings, and pence, demanded the most serious atten- Mr. BLACKBURN said be thought that the bon. tion. Of-the expenditure which it would be necessary to incur in order to obviate that evil it had been cog thismember for Greenock was not well advised iu raisin, Bested that the shipping interest ought to bear a pertion. question. There was not one word in the bill In that view be had concurred, because he thought the which prescribed the oaths to be taken by the principals, - advocates of the establishment of harbours of refrog or the duties they would have to perform. That was would come to that house with a better chance of success entirely left to the university commission, of which the if they could state that tbe classes more immediately in hon. gentleman himself was a member. That commis- terested in the question were prepared to contribute to sion would have the matter entirely under its control, the. attainment of the object which they sought to ac and he was afraid that by raising tots question, the hon. complish. There were others, he was aware, who held a gentleman ran great risk of losing a measure which contrary opinion, and he, for one, should offer no oppm would, in other respects, be a most valuable one. (Hear.) by ' sition to the payment of the whole of the expenditure Mr. EWING said he hoped the house,its vote, out of the public money , should that course be deemed would defeat the attempt t o f e tter and restrict the' the one which it was most expedient to adopt, (Hear ) choice of the universities.. (Hear, hear.) He did not, however, think that it would be wise to Lord ELCHO said that, having taken some part in discuss that question at presen t, deeming it more advis the discussion of the act of 1853, he was bound to say able that it should be left for the future consideration of that the bill was looked upon in the light of a compro- the Gove d rnment. T h h a e d inexhaustible beenh resources of our wise, which was not in future to be disturbed. By that the professional chairs were thrown open with the t o r r a e d as e e a o n f commerce oure x by the immense in allorts, but our shores sawa were lt limited in ex exception of the principal's chair. As far as he could tent and our ports limi.ed in number was, therefore, see his way at that moment, be thought it was unwise our duty to provide as much accommodation and security to re-open the question, and be should therefore feel in- for the ships which frequented ourforships coasts as ingenuity thanked the Government dined to vote against the motion of the hon. member, and capital could provide. Mr. WALPOLE concurred in the view taken by the for the readiness withwhich they had met his proposal noble' lord as to the effect of the act of 1853, by which for the appointment of a commission, and hoped that an alteration was made in the tests to be taken on ad- its labours would result to the advantage of the mission to the professional chairs in Scotland. The ' country. (Hear, bear.) The bon gentleman conclud e d change then made was, in fact, a compromise by w hich b y moving for address for ththe appointment of a R o y a l En the terms recon a ,it was settled that the principal should continue to be a Commission orderin no to the inquiry member of the Church of Scotland while the othe r chairs mended in the report of the Select n Committee upon were thrown open. Upon one p tint referred to by the Harbours of Refuge. Mr : LINDSAY seconded the motion and observed hon. member for Greenock, he did not like to place his thatheh i a n d io never read arep . ort which contained more opinion against that of the hon. member, but if he was valuable • . rmation. He rejoiced that the Government rightly informed, the principals of two of the universities at this moment were the theological teachers. For his assented to the appointment of the commission, but own part, he frankly confessed that he saw no great harm or difficulty that could arise from having a laymite hed that the inquiries of the commissioners would be in the office of principal—(hear) —but on the other hand, limited to the evidence that was adduced before the corn when a settlement of the question had been effected in mittee, otherwise there would be a constant competition 1853, he thought it was undesirable to disturb that of corporations ,as to the best sites for harbcurs of re eettlemeht, and he should therefo re vote against the fuge. He recommended that the commissioners should have a steam er placed at their disposal, a competent and motion. Sir J. GRAHAM said that, as S ecretar y of State for unprejudiced engineer, that they should be furnished the Home Department of the Governme nt of Sir R. with the report o f the s e l e ct committee, with the evi - Peel in 1846, it became his duty to resist the repeal of dente given before it, and all other necessary documents, theca tests altogether. He did his dut y to the best of and thus it was p rov id e d, that they should visit the va his ability, and bad such men as Lori Macaulay and Mr. I rious plan s indicated in that evidence, and if necessary, , Ruteerford to contend against. He was bound to add, i take any additioealnvidence up: n the spo t , the capabili that his arguments did not prevail—(a laugh)—and the ties of which they could examine for themselves. The consequence wa s the compromise of 1853 e which, was report pointed nut that the main difficulty was the ques tion Lt.; i.:lng at tho tion of how the means were to be ra ised, and he w as glad carried when he was in the G overnment of Lerd Aber ,,hoi„ q „ st i o ,, h e di ! ! not F ,, to 6 ,:t tb•“ ;It -> 1ic.1,. ; , ..i . t.tti it -, tna (Mr. Vt 7 ' l, tto) did not ,: upon what greunds tney could any longer maintain that object to the expense being defrayed from the Consoli theseated Fund. It was quite certain that there could he no d tests should be applied t o p rinci p als alone. He ; thought the bill as sent up to the Lords was a right and recurrence to passing tolls, which had been all but unanim - ;usly condemned in the house, and therefore he hopsd the Government would feel that, ad a great mari time people, it was our duty to provide for the security not only of the lives and properties of our fellow-subjects but also those of foreigners who visited our coasts for the purpose of commerce. (Elear.) Lord A. V. TEMPEST bore his cordial testimony to the ability and fairness with which the chairman of the committee bad presided over its pr :ceedings and entered into details to show that the north-eastern coast had a more especial claim to consideration than any other par t o f the coast mentioned in the report of the cora mittee. He also urged upon the First Lord of the Admiralty the great necessity there was that the corn- Luis ion about to be appointed should be impartially con stituted, and especial 'y that the ergineers connected with it should 13 , , men free from all local prejudice. Sir J. PAKINGTON said, having already stated, in answer to a question put to him the other evening by the hen, member for Devonport, that it was the intention of the Government to grant this commission, it was unne cessary that he should attempt. to follow the speakers who had taken part in this debate. But he could not help saying that be quite agreed with the hon. gentle men oppesite (Mr. Wilson) in the opinion that the cent" inittee had done full ju-tics to this important subject' (Hear, hear.) He had read with great interest their able report, which he thought fully justified her Majes ty's Government in conceding the commiesion. It would he the wish of the Government, in the constitution of that commission, to provide as far as they possibly could for its strict impartiality ; and he hoped, on the part ef the house, there would be no indisposition to provide the necessary funds fo' carrying out objects so extremely iniportent for the protection of shipping, which had in' creased and was still increasing with such astonishing rapidity, and which was so closely' connected with the wealth and prosperity of the country. (Hear, hear.) Mr. DODSON complained that the wreck chart apt pended to the report indicated only the number of vessels lost, and not the comparative value of the pro petty or the number of lives; and he contended that if the value of the shipping wrecked and the number of the lives lost were taken as the test, the southern west would have an equal, if not greater, claim for considers' tion Thin the coast between Flamborough Head and Sr' Aeb's Head, which had been described as the most dot' • gerous. It appeared that in the five years from 1852 to 1856 inclusive 763 vessels were wrecked between Fleas' borough Head and St. Abb's, while between Portsmout h and Dover only 177 vessels were wrecked in the same-, • period. But be found, on referring to the registers kept at the Admiralty and the Board of Trade, that, the 763 vessels wrecked between Flamborough Be " end St. Abb's involved the lose of 260 lives, while tb° 177 vessels wrecked between Portsmouth and Dove r involved the loss of as many as 218 lives. The hoe. member for Teignmouth had spoken as if the co mmittee had come to a decision with reference to the mode 0` paying the expenses that might be incurred, but th e committee had made no distinct recommendation o n the subject. Sir F. SMITH thanked the Government for having once consented to appoint a commission, and though' the question of the expense might be deferred till future occasion. ot Mr. CLAY was glad to find that the Government had so readily conseoted to grant a commission. f r'l erection of harbours of refuge was a national duty, the advantage derived from them would not be.c°,a: fined to the shipping interest alone. He hoped le; Government would not, in this case, fall into the e rr which had so much prevailed of late years, that per': cular classes of the community ought to pay for V o ‘ .. . were great national works. (H ea r, hear.) When t''" commission reported it would be time to consider th: best mode of paying the expenses, but he hoped theft° would not be lost sleht of, that these harbours of rail would be for the benefit of the whole community, a e not of the shipping interest only. Mr. M'CANN moved, in addition to Mr. Wila°, a motion, that the commissioners be instructed to to the harbour of Skerries, in the county of Dublin, a o report upon its capabilities and circumstances as a Is' for a barbour of refuge. Mr. INGHAM had no doubt that, wider the terra! 0 their commission, the cominisioners would have, ifl o , power to institute the inquiry suggested by his 0 friend. He hoped, however, that the whole body of t o commissioners would not be expected to inquire Or the four divisi •ns of 'be qsestien which bad b een c-ommended for consideration, but that the work vreao e ts be distribet d among them in such a manner that t i s r y , it quiriss might be brought to a simultaneous conclolo Mr. YOUNG observed that only one hoe. mee 3 connected with the ports on the eastern coast had oihe placed upon the committee ; but as representing s-,a bit mouth, he might statethat his constituents regardedllo, n ;jeot with c ineiderable interest. 1 he harbour accons° o dation at Yarmouth was amply pufficient for the t r ue { of the port, but the place was in time of war a ea iof station of great importance, and an immense am0 0 e"00 shipping passed through the roads every year. to . thought, th , refore, that the attention of the coeles sieners ought to be special y directed t that part of 0 coast. As many as 2,000 ships bad been known to P * o Yarmouth Roads in a day ; there were frequently filo, 1,000 to 1,400 vessels of various sizes at anchor ie. roans ; and there was scarcely ever a gale, espeolo,o from N.N.E., or S.S.W e in which loss of life didies occur. Efficient shelter for shipping might be preeltes by c; imperatively small expenditure, and he hoped t o attention of the commissioners would be directed to su , tea. Mr. RIDLEY expressed his satisfaction at the skis:merit of the bon, member for Devonpo r t, an d his oel l it l t e tion that if the commissioners followed the course of ~" quiry suggested by the committee the result of to investigation would be most adVantageous, not 01 " J. of the maritime:interests of Great Britain, but to t hDa " the whole world, ei Mr. DUFF said, the committee did not receive b et tidal as to the desirableness of constructing ether tidal harbours of refuge. He wished to know vrb Lec e there would be any opportunity of laying such e vt "," of before the commission. (Hear, hear.) Many Par'i-oga the coast of Scotland required small harbours of o 'oo and it was owing to the want of such that 42 se sot. lost their lives some months ago on the Banffsbire o ' o l Mr. HAMILTON did not know why no evidenc e 6 0 0 taken with reference to Skerriet'. It was not tbeinteveote of his hon, friend, be believed, to exclude from o °,o sideration of the commission any particular lee' tt ei They would exercise their judgment with referenCe W o e. locality that might seem to require a harbour of re 00t (Hear.) But the main object of this commission 00 he understood, to direct attention to such great bar b ot ei of refuge as were necessary for the protection of li f° ol 4 property. His hon. friend the member for Dev°::biell was entitled to great praise for the ability and reel Nd be he had bestowed upon this subjec`, and there cerpid be no doubt tbst the labours of the commission sv o° „' n its_ attended with most beneficial results. He was `te‘leoe sure that her Majesty's Government would plat ) "' e ri' the commission gentiemed in whose talents a nd elr ence the publ c would have the greatest confidence' t to Mr. PHILIPPS thought it would be inexPed ie gtte name any lecality in the resolution, and appro ve a st o remarks of the hon. gentleman opposite (Mr. El° , the construction of small tidal harbours of refug e. c ol d Mr. HATCHELL hoped that the commission vr direct their attention to the coast cf Wexford. hot' Lord H. VANE was glad that the GovernneeD"f life assented to the issue of a commission. The loss ° eis e and property along our coasts had, owing to th e in hid' of ciimmerce, greatly increased of late years. tie an gated most gratifying results from the commission. 04 Admiral WALCOTT thought that g r e at prais e w oll i due to the committee for the ability and judgolleD‘t;no which they had fulfilled their task. The fornss"sor; these harbours would u n q ues ti ona bly effect a gre a "„t ol' iog of life and property, and that was the dot,' Governments. (H ear , h ear ) He knew from °See * experience That to avoid the payment of harbou r ee ships had been wrecked and lives lost and there fD n r itoe trusted that the commission would direct their ette"eille to those dues. He was confident that when the 021-orlo mien made their report the house would not be Digg in the performance of its duty. yoQ e Mr. WILSON briefly replied, and expressed ° * that the boo , gentleman the member for Dr(,)ght would not press his amendment, because he rnig, for satisfied, after what had been said by the Secre te "„ige d ' the Treasury, that the subject would not buoveri°' After a few words trom Mr. J. H. HAMILTON/ Sir J. ELPHINSTONE said that the benefi t ., t eef anticipated from harbours of refuge would be lost 1,41er were not freely open to every flag. He would boor) consent to laying a passing toll upon ships for ha t c o' of refuge, but he would readily concur in voting a l , siderable sum of money to avert the scandal arising, 0 0f the great loss of life which occurred every year OP ° chores. Captain MANGLES raid that unless the consi:D if4 ,lee l which was about to be appointed exercised a gre e te d of caution a large amount of money would be wave 0' very little purpose. The idea of harbours of refea:boe t remarkably popular with shore going men, and Wit et 1 ; members who represented seaports—end no d e , - th,", looked very pretty upon paper—but until 10 1 ' 0 0, foreign and the coasting trade should be carried Ow, more generally than it was at present by steerD o ,ol Ss harbours of refuge world b e r e a lly vain and tl , O ll things. An experienced s eam an navigating " 0 °Y o e vessel always avoided the shore when a gale 0a c osh" and he did not think, theref ire, that the a d va O v ,d ' which kind and philanthropic people were ap t ';' t frfr e bute to harbours of refuge were likely to row e l 1' their more general establishment. He cauti e _ rop e r Government to be careful bow they listened s u e por; sentations from the county of Wexford and distaD' o the inhabitants of which were all anxious to 100' 10; boors, and not to be led away by the idea that tb e r deg Of the ante upon vessels which had to pass harbour' s e so t o would be lessened in consequence. He poll:Awe fiog l e hardship imposed upon London shipowners in ha it 05 pay duties f .r passing Ramsgate harbour, val e % ta t o notorious that ships of a certain burden could 'r t . ihe dt it, and ir stead:of mult'p l ying the occasion' ifloiei imposts he called upon the Government to Di those which already existed. Mr. M'CANN withdraw his amendment, an The motion was agreed to. eceo ew " The house adjourned at a quarter before 1 0 se e +boo TEE LIFE GUARDS.—On the occasion of on e v- ei liv a dt , i , inguished regiments being orckrutt act' ve te b ed e ,l Lhe otuer d ay to Aleershot, a wealthy capt a ' n Gene 9l his resig n ati on , which his Royal Highnivs th is % col c :0 Commanding-in-Chief declined to accept, an d " t i o - ret l3 ,lo leis sleet) prevailed upon the gallant ciptain r i o d in the regiment, and undergo for a short P,e,cere vicissitudes of camp life. particularly as nn °Tootoll' now b ) o , )•ained flr the ILusehold Btiga de rn'ted &nice Gazette, _trip ted bli &lied by icF ;nth ,60 P re ; of No. 112, Strand,' Printer, at Tie " c;O s ' 112, gtrand, the Precinct of the Savoy , in to of Blidtileriex, Tuns lay, July 27, 1858, Palm shor unri SPL day of lilt *very Admi at th C earn LET letter MEN Morn Area, I IPOE Ball( on th Fishi Fire' TI: AIM] _G Cut 'anc and the Indio Who] from port: roar: MA: race