The Sun. — London, England, 1846-02-10 00:00:00

Sir R. INGLIS said he was now witnessing a party which were once united, firing into ea ch others vessels.—(Laughter.) He could not help asking himself what would become of the Honourable Gentleman the Member for Durham, or rather the Member for Southport. ` other side d become of all the new c onverts at the other side. of the House, if his Noble Friend %had not come to the rescue.—( Laughter.) He hoped he would not say (for it was not his wish) an unkind word to provoke an angry feeling ; but he could not help thinking what unpleasant feelings must be entertained by those who found that their party was divided. There were three propositions proposed, which would give full and entire satis faction to all political economists, but he begged leave to state that these propositions were not supported by any argument on the part of the Noble Lord (Russell). He stated he would sot raise an angry feeling, and he would apply himself to that part of the question of most importance, and would only occupy their attention for two or three minutes . — ( Hear.) His view of things was this that in trade we should to procure all articles at the most moderate market. Looking at the products of Europe generally, he found that averages could not be made of crops as if they were the products of steam-engines. Much would depend on the state of the wea ther, for the variations in it would create great difference in the averages, and consequently in the price of food. The largest average was 140 per cent., and that was an average extending over a period of twenty-four years. In Prussia the average was 212 ; in Saxony it w.s 269; and in Westphalia it was 340. But as he told them himself in his remarkable speech, the countries which produced potatoes prohibited their export. From Sweden, from Belgium, from Holland, the distress was there so great, you could have hoped for nothing. He also told yon that Turkey and Egypt refused t permit the higher kinds of grain to be exported. But might they not supply the wants of Ireland with an inferior grain.—(Hear, hear. ) He was quite aware that he could from the pages of " Hansard" prove various inconsistencies on the part of those who now advised this measure. But it was needless, as the very authors of it in the strongest terms admitted them. His Noble Friend (the Member for London) had himself made great changes in his opinions on the subject of this very question. He neither taunted him or the members of the Government with what passed. He did not accuse him of having been interested in any such change, and he not only did not accuse the Right Hon. Baronet et having been influenced in his change by im pure motives, from his personal knowledge of him, but from that which was clear to every me, that he had no conceivable motive for those changes, and that he had every conceivable motive from refraining from them. He was at the head of the largest majority that ever sat in that House since 1834. It was a party on whom he might have looked with some satisfaction.—(Loud cheers.) A party who certainly looked apt° him with respect, and only regretted that they were not earlier acquainted with his weaknesses.—( Cheering and great laughter.) He hoped, however, that his Right Hon. Friend would forgive him if he exactly distrusted his powers as a statesman in the same proportion as he had suddenly changed the opinions formerly held by him.—(Hear, hear.) if he were •now a great statesman all his former acts were those of a personinsensible to the wants of the country. In these observe lions be was speaking his cool and deliberate conviction. They could net admit the purity of his motives without impeaching his claim to guide the destinies of a free country. —(Cheering.) His suddenness of change was such, that there might not be another change in another month. With re spect to his Noble Friend the Member for the city of London, if he gave him a pledge that he would support the Irish Church, he knew that he would carry out that pledge to the utmost extent, and nothing could induce him to swerve from his promise, be therefore knew to what he had to trust, and he would much rather trust an open enemy.—(Cheering.) (Here the lion. Gentleman paused for a few moments.) " I stopped," continued the Hon. Baronet, " for my own sake— I will not pursue the subject."—( Immense cheering.) He would not put the Government into the hands of the Gentlemen opposite. With respect to the Noble Lord op posite, he had, however, to observe that his change had been at least four years old. While he deeply deplored the part taken by the Government, he could not help asking at what tune were these measures brought forward? They were brought forward at a time of profound peace. Ireland had not at that time her monster meetings ; England was arrived at a pitch of prosperity almost unexampled, to which she had town under the very system now proposed to be altered. Why then should they, when well, take physic and die? He pleQed himself to the fact that, in every instance, the actual produce was greater last year than the year before. Under these circumstances he, for one, could not see why the Govern ment measure should be supported. Captain FITZNIAURICE, who spoke most inaudibly, said he confessed his view of the question of protection was very different from that of the Right Hon. Baronet. He regarded it as a compensation for the industry of the agriculturist, and as a security against the competition of foreign avicul turists, in consequence of the peculiar burdens which fell to the land of this country. He defended it, therefore, on those grounds—on the ground of the burdens which pressed en the agricultural energy of the country. He defended last year the protection which was given to the West India planters on the same principle. The Right Honouraele Baronet him self, in 1844, had given expression to the same ideas. With regard to the present measure which has been brought before the country, it was stated by the Right Hon. Baronet that he rested it upon the famine, which was apprehended in Ireland. He would ask the Government had they taken that view of the question which other countries had adopted under similar anticipations? Had 'they attempted to prevent exportation. Had they adopted those other expe disate which the necessities of the case seemed to warrant? In Ireland, exportation of corn and provisions had been proceeding to an enormous extent since October last. The Right Honourable Hemet had taken protection off this country when the country had a great impulse from public works—for instance, such as from railways. Let him take the county of Wiltshire; they had no shipping which wild bring about a benefit to that county by importation. Hove, then, could the present measure—how could free trade benefit that part of the country ? Manufactures were carried on there, agricultural pursuits were prosperous there, but free trade, with all its importation, would not be of any advantage to its inhabitants. Now, let there be a railway constructed through that county, and the people would be greatly benefited by such a project. ( Hear, hear.) It was said that the manufacturers of this country would be received by foreign countries in exchange for their corn. Let them take Poland for instance. Now he spoke from information furnished by a gentleman residing in that country, and he would say that the growers of corn there, when the duties would be taken off in this country, would send corn from there at 30s. the quarter. Let them take America. They were told that the growers of corn there would take the manufactures of this country in exchange for their grain, but he had good grounds for saying that they would want gold and not manufactures. It is well known that the American shipping left this country, after getting rid of their corn, in ballast, and, that would be the very way in which they would leave our ports when free trade became a law. What said the Right Hon. Baronet in 1844 ? At that period he complained that the principles of free trade were delusive and visionary. Such was not his opinion now, however. There was one way of remedying the evil of a famine without bringing forward the present measure, and that was to be done by taking the price of corn at the weight, and not by the measure. If this had been done, corn and bread would now be more corresponding in price, and still protection he upheld. Can it be expected that farmers will lay out their money in making improvements, when the law which protects, or rather ought to protect him, is to be changed by the Right Honourable Baronet, who had always led them to believe him their best friend, by his having always spoken in their favour. It was said that " woman's vows were traced in sand." He should like to know what men's vows were traced in. Were they traced in adamant ?—( Laughter.) He should like to know what the Right Honourable Baronet's vows were traced in ?---( Hear, hear.) He (Captain Fitemaurice) thought they were traced in steam.—(Great laughter.) The Honourable Baronet had made vows, but they were all broken ; all the pro mises made bad been abandoned, those who had supported him were not taken into consideration, their opinions, their influ ence, and their interests were alike disregarded. He might well say— " Blow, blow, thou wintry wind, Thou art not so unkind, Nor is thy bi eath so rude As man's ingratitude." The Hon. Member sat down amidst some applause. Mr. SYDNEY HERBERT said that of all the speeches which had been delivered against the present measure of her Majesty's Goverment, he might select the last two speeches as arguments in its favour.—( Hear, hear.) Those changes had not been forced upon the Government by any choice of their own, but by the advent of circumstances which it was not possible for any human power to foresee. H e wished be could be convinced that the position of Ireland was really not such as had been represented, or that he could be justified in declaring that the contemplated change in the law affecting the price of food would be unnecessary, but they had had too many proofs to the contrary not to be satisfied of the justness and ex pediency of this measure. The Hon. Member had stated in his speech, that there was deficiency of food in Ireland, or rather that there was an average supply, and that therefore the appre hended loss or deficiency need not be apprehended. Sir R. INGLIS said he alluded to the potato crop. Mr. SYDNEY HERBERT continued by saying that the i potato crop was not the exclusive food of the people of that country. It would not be necessary for him now to expatiate upon the miseries end misfortunes of a large mass of people who were accustomed to subsist upon that article of food. They had already heard a great deal as to the state of that portion of the population who were compelled to depend upon this worst kind of subsistence for the greater put of the year. But if the Hon. Members had followed oat his argument by quoting the returns, the state of the crops for several years past, he would have found that in many instances there had been actual deficiencies for the supply required, even where the crop was stated to have been an average one. During the whole of those discussions he should lay, Mat he had heard no arguments or statements which had the effect of lessening the truth of the reports the Government had received from the magistracy and constabulary in Ireland on this subject. The Government had neither lent too willing an ear to the reportethat they had received as to the exaggerated state of the prevailin g distress on the one hand, or of the asser tions with regard to Ireland being a fool's paradise on the other. But, w h i e th w r i er e rd 4 t e o the actual state of the potato crop in Ire- Government had could persuade himself that the reports the nay erroneous or received,e as to the actual deficiency, were of fonts upon which x4 ; g e gated. The melancholy combination pit*, to be disb e li eve d , and Government had ac ted, were too pal sail to avert the erefore some measure was neces sary confined to r apprehen d ed e i la n n t d h e al own t o o f he had ca lam i ty. Nor was this state of ascertained, upon good authority, that England also, where the potato crop was extensively cultivated, it had there failed to as great an extent as any part of Ireland. As had been stated by the ' Noble Lord the Member sfionrguleeLondon, the potato crop crop when a crop was one which presented this it was, in was often pronounced to be an average fact, of so inferior a quality as to be almost - un as fit a Z they looked at the returns of the year 1839, it would be If 1 that the prices had been raised precisely in that same w a y se y en bad occurred in November, 1845 ; but there was a greata-dias-s tinction to be noticed between the causes upon these two occasions. For instance, it would of ten be found that the wheat crop was an average crop, but the quality w as bad, and yet the bread made from it was not; the result was, that bad bread was not made, but that a greater quantity of interior wheat was required to make the same quantity of bread than would have been necessary if the wheat had been good. This had the effect of lessening the price of wheat, while no change whatever took place in the price of bread. No, he would not hesitate on an occasion like this—for he, like many others, had a change of opinion to announce—to declare that his opinion had undergone a change upon this subject, because he had seen that the law of 1842 had most signally failed.—( Hear, hear.) This might have resulted from a combination of circumstances that no Government could have foreseen. But Hon. Members, while they argued in favour of the corn-laws, seemed to forget that those laws were enacted in order to meet the expediency caaasdby atransition from a state of war to a state of peace, and "sw that the time came when they ought to be abolished, for they had seen that other countries had met the circumstance of a scarcity of food by throwing open their ports to all the world. He regretted that the course then being pursued had net been ad " tat rrfoud. u l g io ll° pneeded n ' Gelittnaentn, lied ex OW agbpcwite A Noble expressed it aa his opinion tha t dm moment measere was one whi c h should not have beenro dgeedly the Right Hon. Baro ne t a t t h e h ead of ism M aj esty' snt Government. Now he (the Hon.Meinber)had no • ton in saying that he was strongly of opinion, and bad advocated the ascemoty of its adoption, that the measure should be left in Committee. I'Rk SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 10, 1846. other hands.—( Hear, hear.) He had expected that the Noble Lord (Lord John Russell) at the opposite side, . who had spoke of past differences, regardiog the slng scale, though a convert to free trade principles, only since last November, would have had a better right to bring forward the present measure than had the Right Hon. Baronet.— ( Hear, hear.) He regretted that the Noble Lord had made use of an expression which should convey a slur on the Hon. Members opposed to him, which was to the effect that, had the same support been given him by Members who at pruent tup ported the Right Hon. Baronet, he would have carried a simi - lar measure. Lord JOHN RUSSELL—I alluded to the year 1841. I did not refer to anything that has occurred recently. Mr. HERBERT cont inued—He should admit the sound ness of the Noble Lord's arguments; but at the same time he should say that no support was ever more frankly or freely offered than was theirs.—( Hear, and cheers.) He wished to know, if ruin was to come on the land, through the importation of foreign grain, by reason of the present measure. He wished it would be told what countries the abundance would come from.—( Hear, hear.) If they went to Dantzic they could purchase Polish wheat ; but he doubted if it could be got free on board at as cheap a rate as it could at present be purchased at home.—( Hear, hear.) So far from the corn-laws having produced an unsteadiness in price, if they looked to the last t wen ty years, they would fi nd that fluctuation was less at present than in the year 1815. In Spain, where corn was grown cheaper than in any country in the world, they had to import grain from America ; and he ( Mr. Her bert) should say that he found a great alteration of opinion amongst the public at large, and particularly amongst the agri culturists and tenant farmers on the question of protection.— ( Hear, hear.) It was not long since that a meeting took place in a part of the country called Goatacre. He was not prepared to deny that these working men were not drawn together by their own agencies, but he would say that all the statements they advanced as to the manner in which they lived were per fectly true. He, for one, lived in the midst of a population of considerable extent, and he scarcely knew how they existed, He knew, however, that whether these facts were or were not true, the investigation of them could do no harm to the Go vernment.—( Hear, hear.) He confessed be had heard other arguments more cogent than the extension of commerce, and the advancement of the trade of the country. He saw that the quest i on must be settled, and that this was the time in which it could be best settled with honour.—( Ironical cheers from the Protection benches, and loud cheers from the Op position side of the House.) Honourable Gentlemen might have a different opinion as to what constituted a settle ment of the question, or to the honour of which he was speaking. He was speaking, not of the honour of the Government, nor of personal honour, but of what he con ceived was justifiable and expedient as an honest man.— ( Ironical cheers.) He said, after much inquiry and careful deliberation he, as an honest man, had found good reason for changing his opinion on the corn-laws. He had not lightly abandoned the opinions and convictions he had previously en.. t e rtained, but, despite the threats which had been held out, against the advice of many friends and advisers, and though the terror of his constituents had been employed to intimidate him, he had followed the dictates of his conscience rather than their influence and dictation.—(Hear, hear.) He said that all this would take place, and that it would be the subject of deep mortification to many ; but, at the same time, he knew his duty to them, as well as what he owed his country.—(Hear, hear.) He had, there ; fore, taken his present course, honestly to aot for the public good. So much for personal honour ; but the honour to 1 which he alluded, when interrupted, was the honour of the country gentlemen, who had now the opportunity of conceding the measure without danger. There was no danger in the qui , st:on at present, whatever there might be if it was de layed. They could now allow the question to be settled with honour, which would not be the cue did they succeed in de feating the proposition submitted to the House. They had against them parties of great weight, independent of the agita tion of the Anti-Corn-law League—an association conducted by men of great energy and persev erance , who would not stay their exertions till they succeeded in their object.—( Hear.) He did not however call on the country gentlemen to yield to that agitation, but to the dictates of reason. If they did not yield to reason, they would be obliged to yield to another power—not a power of reason or agitation, but a more material and dangerous force. But he would suggest a stronger motive than any he had done. The public mind was not in the same state it was in 1815. In those days the Government had not the support of the people. In 1841, when the Noble Lord the Member or the City of London brought forward his budget, he (Mr. Sidney Herbert) supported the principle of free trade, but objected to its application, thinking corn an exception to the rule. He had seen reason to alter that opinion, and now the public mind was more enlightened, and men of all political parties and commercial and trading interests joined together to give effect to this measure, They saw that the corn-laws were a tax to benefit one class at the expense of another. Honourable Gentlemen had said that the Parliamentary party of the Go vernment was broken up. Surely they did not mean to say that the great Tory or Conservative party were bound together only by a question of customs or imports—that they placed their existence on a mere political arrangement. The corn-laws were not a part of the constitution, but rather opposed to its spirit. In former times the public mind was so sensitive regarding an import of this kind, that when the duty on corn was but sixpence a quarter, that duty had had to be suspended. He maintained that these laws were contrary to the whole spirit of the constitution. He was not one to make that constitution more democratic than it was, as democracy was in some instances rather more like despotism than what it professed to be. He wished to preserve the aristocratic elements in it, as he con sidered them essential to the proper working of the Constitu tion ; and on these grounds he said to them, do not act in opposition to the measure—do not in any manner interfere so as to occasion its rejection. Let them recollect that great changes had taken place in their manufacturing and social arrangements. These manufacturing arrangements had been increased to an enormous extent. There might be many who doubted the propriety of these extensions—who questioned the morality of numbers congre gating—who doubted where fidelity to the state could exist in such multitudes. But he could assure the House that one of the means of diffusing wealth was the keeping up the springs of society. Their wealth was that which maintained their colonial empire—that which had given them the dominion of the world. Let them remember, too, that if they wished to disseminate their religion, their libertie-, and their faith, they could do it in no surer way than by the very menu faciures that they sent abroad.—( Cheers.) Let them also recollect that the men who extended these benefits were entitled to some portion of them. His Noble Friend who had opened the debate on the first night had, in a most eloquent address, fully characteristic of himself, stated that the Conservative party were interested in the security, peace, and welfare of the Constitution of this country. How much more then were they dependent, who had all to lose and nothing to gain by any interruption to the peace of the country. Manufacturers had for a long time flourished, not because they were of the customs' growth, but because they were of the same existence with the country. He wished to see the agricultural and manufacturing interests at peace, joined in an inseperable union. He believed that the Government wished to cement that union—and he believe i further that when the agriculturists themselves came properly to appreciate their position, they would be glad of the chance that had offered of thus extricating themselves.— ( Hear.) He believed that they would now pursue their avocation without doubt or apprehension, and he believed also that that prejudice which had before existed between classes would be swept away. The Government now offered them the oppor tunity of repairing the greatest error that was ever committed by any body of men. —(Cheers.) But the landed proprietors of this country had also contributed to the burdens of the State. They had assisted its resources; they had provided its eminent men in every department. But, however, he might affirm this, he was willing to admit that the law of 1815 was a great error.—( Hear, hear, and cheers. ) The Government now wished to repair the error.—( Hear, hear.) Would they accept it ?—(Cheers.) His own mind had been long made up. He hoped he had now done his duty. He believed that the propositions of the Right Hon. Baronet at the head of the Government were not only intended for the benefit of the country, but the agriculturists themselves. He trusted they would throw all prejudices aside—that the 3 would weigh the question aright; and let them be assured of this, that these propositions had been made for the good of the coun try and for that alone.—( Cheers.) The debate was then adjourned. CITATIONS (SCOTLAND) BILL. This Bill was read a second time, and ordered to be com mitted to-morrow. DRAINAGE (IRELAND) BILL. The committal of this Bill was postponed till to-day. GRAND JURIES (IRELAND) BILL. Sir JAMES GRAHAM obtained leave to bring in a Bill to authorise Grand Juries in Ireland, at the Spring Assizes of the present year, to appoint Extraordinary Present men t S e ssions ; to empower such Sessions to make presentment for county works, and to provide funds for the execution of such works by loans of public money. The Right Hon. Baronet subseqently brought in the Bill, which was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time to-day. The remaining orders of the day were then disposed of, and the House adjourned at One o'clock. COURT CIRCULAR. The Queen and Prince Albert took their usual early walk in the garden of Buckingham Palace. Prince Albert after wards rode out on horseback, attended by Colonel Wylde, Equerry in Waiting. Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales, Prince Alfred, the Princess Royal, and the Princess Alice were taken their hecusteaned airings yesterday. Her Majesty and Prince Albert honoured the performance of the French plays with their presence yesterday evening. The royal suite included the Marchioness of Druro, Hon. Miss Kerr, the Earl of Morton, Colonel Arbuthnot, and Colonel Wvlde. Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and 1 Duchess of 'Cambridge also honoured the performance of the French plays last evening with their presence. The Queen and Prince Albert yesterday inspected a hand some salver, presented by the parishioners of Alverstoke, Hants, to their late rector, the Bishop of Oxford, which was submitted by Mr. Payne. The Duke of Cambridge visited her Royal Highness the Duchess of Gloucester yesterday, at Gloucester House. A deputation from the West India body, consisting of Sir J. R. Reid, Bart., Mr. Barkly, M.P., Mr. Colville, Mr. S. Halbert, Mr. Davidson, Mr. Macgregor, and Mr. M'Chlery, had an interview with Sir Robert Peel on Saturday, at his official residence in Downing-street. Prince Castelcicala was present at the debate in the House ofCommons yesterday evening. Mr. Aglionby, M.P., Mr. Charles Buller, M.P., and Mr. Hutt, M.P., had an interview with the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone yesterday at the Colonial-office. The President and Vice President of the Board of Trade had an interview with Sir Robert . Peel yesterday. . . _ Dispatches were received yesterday at the Colonial-office, from the Governor of Sierra Leone. Lord and Lady Augustus Fitzclarence arrived at Farrance'a lintel, Belgrave-street, yesterday, from their seat in Berkshire. Th . " - ittdicial Committee of the Privy Council sat yes terday. The Lords present were the Lord President, the V ice - Chancellor Knight Bruce, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Cornwall, and Dr. Lusbington. Mr. Kindersley, Queen's Counsel, was heard for the ap pe I tnton an app ea l f rom Madras, " Arbuthnot v. Morton." Nlr. Chilton, Qu een ' s Counsel, was heard for the respot.dent. l'he calf. was adjourned. A FREE TRADE 'IN CORN. —Our renders are pro ice bably not aware of thertiloyfadeLtr,eteib;uettre,lN,ireeimtbm,ito. grain, though four vears, from duty having t :et that Sir have no hadtbr fora long perfectly f p e period—the lasted just one day. It will probably ii3etonre thougl; car- Robert Peel's corn .law came into operation ° fore the weekly averages were made up under it t • e a da d bceer tain parties, amongst whom was a house connected town, cleared a large quantity of grain, paying the du t ties is under protest, on the ground that, until the averages had been duly made up, no duty was payable. They subsequently brought an action against the collector of customs, we be lieve at Liverpool, for a restitution of the amount of duties so paid, and a verdict having been given against them, brought the matter by writ of error before the 4udges in the Exchequer Chamber. That writ of error has just been de cided, and the result is, that the Government will have to repay to the parties all the duties which they had received on the day in question. What the total amount is, we are not at present informed.—Nanchester Guardian. DAVIDGE'S ROYAL SURREY THEATRE. Full Houses every Night. Seventh Week of the "Mendicant Soli" and the Pantomime. Last Six Nights of the Pantomime. THIS EVENING Will be performed THE MENDICANT SON ; or, The Jew of iouthwark. Supported by Messrs. Hughes, Johnson, Rogers, swell, Maynard, Lewis, Heslop ; Mesdames H. Vining, Martin, and Daly. After which a new Drama, entitled NORAH CRENA. Cha racters by Messrs, Rogers, Johnson, Lewis; Mdmes. H. Vining and Daly. To conclude with a new Grand Christmas Pantomime, entitled HARLEQUIN AND THE OLD WITCH OF TEDDINGTON ; or, The Golden Days of Good Queen Bess. Harlequin, Mr. Cormack ; lolumbine, Miss Smithyss ; Clown, Mr. Paul Herring ; Pantaloon, Mr. Anderson ; Sprite, Mr. Stilt. The THIRD EDITION of The Sun of last evening contained— The conclusion of the day's proceedings before the va rious Railway Committees of the House of Commons. The state of the Betting at Tattersall's up to Six o'clock. An Account of the alarming Riots at Inverness. Important Intelligence from Mexico. Parliamentary Intelligence of the evening, being Reports of the proceedings in both Houses of Parliament up to a Quarter before Seven o'clock. There was an Express Edition of The Sun published at Half past Eight, containing the conclusion of the evening's Debates in the House of Lords, and a Re port of those in the Commons up to a Quarter after Eight. The whole extending to eleven columns. CORRECTED THROUGHOUT BY THE NOBILITY. Now ready, in one vol. Bvo., with upwards of 1,500 Engravings of Arms, &c., price 385. bound, MR. BURKE'S PEERAGE AND BARONETAGE, • For 1-46. CONTAINING ALL THE NEW CREATIONS, " The most complete, the most convenient, and the cheapest work of the kind ever ofered to the public."—Sun. Henry Colburn, Publisher, 13, Great Marlborough-street. THIRD AND CHEAPER EDITION. Now Ready, complete in 1 vol., with Illustrations, 10s. 6d. bound. THE HISTORY OF MARGARET CATCIIPOLE. A SUFFOLK GIRL By the Rev. It. COBBOLD, of Wortham, Suffolk. " Compressed into the compass of one volume, this biography will probably become a standard work ; for altogether Margaret Catchpole was sufficiently remarkable in character and fortune to take her place among the celebrated personages of times past."—Britanula. Henry Colburn, Publisher, 13, Great Marlborough-street. THE PRINCE'S CLUB-HOUSE, Corner of St. James's-street, in Piccadilly. Notice.—Noblemen and Gentlemen are rebpectfully informed this establishment is now prepared for their reception, with aug-. mented arrangements and increased accommodation. rrinces' Club, St. James's-street. Entrance in Piccadilly, No. 162. THEATRE ROYAL, DRURY-LANE. THIS EVENING Will be performed an original Opera, entitled DON QUIXOTE. Don Quixote, Mr. Weiss ; Sancho Panza, Mr. Stretton ; Camacho, Mr. King ; Reredos, Mr. Jones ; Basillus, Mr. Allen ; Quiteria, M les It ai n for th . At the end of the Opera Professor RISLEY and his SONS will go through a Series of their Classical and Popular Exercises. To be followed by the Divertissement of LA BAYADERE. To conclude with a new grand Christmas comic Eantomine, called HARLEQUIN GULLIVER ; or, Giants and Dwarfs. Harlequin, Mr. Wieland ; Clown, Mr. T. Matthews ; rantaloon, Mr. Howell ; COlumbines, Miss Hicks and Miss Mott. THEATRE ROYAL, HAYMARKET. THIS EVENING Will be repeated THE CRICKET ON THE HEARTH. A Fairy rale of Home. John Peerybingle, Mr. Stuart; Tackleton, Mr. Tilbury; Caleb Plummer, Mr. W. Farren ; Stranger, Mr. 11. Holl ; Jot, Miss Fortescue ; Bertha, Mrs. Seymour ; May Fielding, Miss relbin; Tilly Slowboy, Mr. Buckstone. Between the acts of the Drama the Band will perform the " La IC ntarina, Cellarius Waltz," the Overture " Fine du Verger," and " Polka,Cricket on the Hearth." After which an original Comedy, entitled THE OLD SCHOOL. Principal characters by Messrs. Farren, Holl, Brindal, Mrs. Clifford, and Mrs. Yarnold. . To conclude with a Grand New Extravaganza, entitled THE BEE AND THE ORANGE TREE; or, The Four Wishes. Principal Characters by Mr. Hudson, Mr. James Bland, Mr. Caulfield, Mr. , 3lark, Miss P. Horton, Miss Julia Bennett, Mrs. Caulfield, and Mrs. Stanley. THEATRE ROYAL, ADELPHI. THIS EVENING Will be performed the Drama of LEOLINIC : or, Life's Trials. Principal characters by Messrs. 0. Smith and Wright, Mrs. Yates, and Miss Woolgar. To be followed by a New Farce, entitled THE PHANTOM BREAKFAST. Supported by Mr. Paul Bedford, Mr. Wright, Miss Woolgar, &c. To conclude with a Burletta, called POWDER AND BALL ; or, St. Tibbs's Eve. Principal characters by Messrs. Selby, Wright, Munyard, Sanders; Mrs. Frank Matthews and Miss Woolgar. THEATRE ROYAL, LYCEUM. UNDER THE MANAGEMENT OF MRS. KEELEY. The Cricket on the Hearth," and " The Enchanted Horse" every Evening until further notice THIS EVENING WILL BE PERFORMED THE CRICKET ON THE HEARTH: A FAIRY TALE OF HOME. The Principal Characters by Mr. and Mrs. Keeley, Mr. Emery, Mr. F. Mr. Meadows, and Miss Grove. To be followed by the original REDOWA WALTZ, music Com posed by M. Jullien, by Miss Frampton and Master Forrest. After which will be repeated a New Grand Romantic extravaganza, entitled THE ENCHANTED HORSE • or, Prince Firouz Schell of Persia and the Princess of Bengal. Principal Characters by Messrs. Keeley, Wigan, F. Matthews, Collier, Turner, Kinloch, &e. ; Mes lames Keeley, Villars, Hodson, Dawson, Howard, Arden, &c.• Stalls, ss. ; Boxes, 4s. ; Pit, Is. ; Gallery, Gd. PRINCESS'S THEATRE, OXFORD-STREET. THIS EVENING Will be performed a New Drama, entitled THE VIOLET. Andre, Mr. Wallack ; Trinquet, Mr. Granby ; Armand, Mr. Murray ; Mar chioness D'Orville, Mrs. Fosbroke ; Blanche, Miss Stanley ; Blan chette, Mrs. Stirling. To be followed by a DIVERTISSEMENT, in which Mr. Gilbert, Mr. Marshall, M. Adrlen, Miss Bailin, Miss Marshall, and Mdlle. Duval will appear. After which, a New Farce, called TOO MANY COOKS SPOIL THE BROTIL Gregory Granite, Mr. Compton; George, Mr. Oxberry ; Fanny, Miss E. Stanley. To conclude with the New Christmas Pantomime, entitled THE KEY OF TIIE KINGDOM; or, HAR I,EQUIN AND THE FAIRY BLUE BELL. Harlequin, Mr. W. H. Harvey ; Columbine, Miss Millen ; Clown, Mr. Flexmore ; Pantaloon, Mr. T. Hill. ROYAL OLYMPIC THEATRE. Lessee, Miss Kate Howard. THIS EVENING Will be performed the Domestic Drama, called OUR VILLAGE. In which Messrs. Waldron, C. Boyce, Romer, Cockrill, G. Wild, Miss Hamilton, Miss Bromley, and Mrs. Leclercq will appear. After which will be repeated THE CRICKET ON OUR OWN HEARTH. Dot, Miss Kate Howard. To be followed by ANGELS AND LUCIFERS. In which Mr. Wild will appear. And concluding with the new Pantomime, unapproachable for glee and g randeur, called FORTUNATUS ; or, THE MAGIC CAP. Fortunatus, iiss Hamilton ; Prince Megrim, Mr. Cockrill ; Fairy „lueen, Miss Bromley ; Harlequin, Mr. Snaythers ; Pantaloon, Mr. 7.'harles ; Clown, Mr. Jefferiiii; Columbine, Miss Laidlaw. NEW STRAND THEATRE. TWO MORNING PERFORMANCES DURING THE WEEK. M. PHILLIPPE will (by desire), and in consequence of the im mense overflows which have attended his Morning Performances, give i;rand Juvenile Entertainments every Wednesday and Sa turday Mornings, commencing st Two o'clock. M. Phillippe's most Popular Deceptions and Peculiar Experiments will be repeated every Evening, varied by the Amusing Per formances of the Chiarini Family, and the astounding Feat, of the American Brothers.—Doors open at a quarter past Seven, to cem !pence at a quarter before Eight. Stalls, 3e. ; Boxes, 2s. ; Pit, Is. ; Gallery, 6d. ; Private Boxes, if. Is., and if. l Is. 6d. ASTLEY'S ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE OF ARTS. The most extraordinary Novelty ever produced.—The New Grand Oriental Spectacle, which has been playing in Paris with repeated success. THIS EVENING Will be performed a New Drama, entitled THE RAJAH OF NAGPORE ; or, the Sacred Elephants of the Pagoda. In which will be introduced the performing Colossal Elephants and Camels, whose recent arrival caused unprecedented sensation in the metropolis. New Scenes of the Circle, combining the talent of the French and English Artistes. To conclude with a favourite A fterpiece. ROYAL VICTORIA THEATRE, To surpass to much Novelty and Attraction is i‘npossible. Second Week of the New Grand Romance of " The Prisoners of the Seventeenth Century." First Week of " The Cook at Kenning ton." Third Week of " The Ruined House at Millbank." THIS EVENING. Will he performed a new Drama, entitled, THE MARCHIONESS Dr BRINVILLIERS ; or, the Poisoners of the Seventeenth Cen tury. Principal characters by Messrs. Saville, Fredericks, Dale, and Miss Vincent. To be followed by TIIE COOK AT KENNINGTON ; or, No Followers Allowed." Characters by Messrs. James, Ilerbert, Searle ; Miss Terry, Mrs. Lee, &c. To conclude with THE RUINED HOUSE AT MILBANK. :upperted by Messrs. Saville, Fredericks, Dale, Higgie, Searle, Herbert, Misses Vincent, Terry Richardson, &e. THE WEATHER.--SUN OFFICE, FEB. 10. THERMOMETER, Lowest, 30; Highest, 40; Noon, 36 BAROMETER, 30.46.—W1ND E., frosty. MGM WATER AT LONDON-BRIDGE THIS DAY. Morning .. 45 minutes after 1. I Evening 55 minutes after I 4 V ' 1 5. 1•111t4 ), I*. ti . .1. _LLr I''• 4; A , * * t ?• t6;-' ' ri.t ,tip t i o :?' ~ rT W 'z:-.;,,::. , ~. -,- 0 , • \ -.,..-'' '' ...: -,.... SECOND EDITION. mks Ok nt , n ; , -7 4 i itm, LONDON, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1846. Their Lordships commenced business shortly after Fire o'clock. Lord STANLEY presented a petition from the county of Lancaster, bigned by 12,339 persons in favour of protec tion :o agriculture. Several petitions were presented by Lord BEAUMONT and the Earl of REDESDALE. Lord BEAUMONT gave notice, for the Duke of Riot- MOND, of his intention, on Thursday next, to move for certain returns regarding local taxation. He also moved that their Lordships should be summoned for that day. Ishrl GREY presented a petition from the tenant farmers of Forfar in favour of the Ministerial plan for the reduction of duties on the various articles of food The petition, however, deprecated the delay of three years, considering it injurious to their interests. The Noble Earl trusted that the opinion of the petitioners would have weight with her Majesty's Ministers. Earl ST. GERMANS moved the second reading of the Public Works (Ireland) Bill. He thought that the measure would be found most beneficial in developing the resources of Ireland. The Bill would bring home to the peasantry of Ireland employment at their own doors. Lord MONTEAGLE supported the Bill, and deprecated the conduct of the Government in withholding from the consideration of Parliament the whole of the reports they bad received relative to the probable condition of Ireland in consequence of the failure of the potato crop. The Duke of WELLINGTON assured the Noble Lord that the consideration he had suggested to him on Fri day last had been fully looked into, and every attention would be given by the Government to the wants of Ireland. Measures would be introduced in the course of the present session for that put - pose. Lord STOURTON supported the Bill. The Earl of DEVON supported the Bill, and trusted the Government would be liberal in their grants, not only to improve public works in Ireland, but the con dition of the agricultural labourers in It elanO. The Earl of RoDEN supported the second reading of the Bill, but there were some clauses in it which he hoped to see improved and altered in Committee. He hoped the condition of Ireland, in consequence of the failure of the potato crop, would not turn out to be so serious as was anticipated. The Marquis of LANSDOWNE concurred in the prin. cirle of the Bill as far as it went. Lord COTTENBAM agreed to the principle of the Bill, but he considered that its details would require altera tion in Committee. The Earl of MouNTcleuEL was assured that ere long there would not only be famine, but disturbances, in Ireland. He trusted, therefore, that every facility would be given, and that without loss of time, to the employment of the poor of Ireland. After some observations from Lord CAMPBELL, the Bill was read a second time, and ordered to be committed on Friday next. The Earl of WILTON presented a petition from Man Chester in favour of free trade. 'Their Lordships then adjourned. The SPEAKER took the Chair at Four o'clock. Lord MORPETH took the oaths and his seat for the West Riding of Yorkshire. The Noble Lord was intro duced by Mr. BYNG, the Member for Middlusex, and Lurd JOHN RUSSELL, and was most enthusiastically cheered. Mr. M'CauTuv, for Cork, took the oaths and his seat. The Hon. Gentleman was introduced by Mr.O'CONNELL. Leave wa3 given to bring in several railway Bills. The Edinburgh Waterworks Bill was brought in, read a first, and ordered to be read a second time. Mr. KENBLE brought in the London and South- Western Railway Bill. The report of the Sub-Committee on the Ayrshire and Galloway Railway Bill, reporting that the standing orders had not been complied with, was ordered to be referred back to the Committee, after a short discussion. Sir 11. lIALFORD presented a petition from Liverpool, signed by 2,000 persons, against any alteration in the corn-laws. The Earl of MARCH presented a similar petition from Sussex, signed by 9,000 persons. Mr. LEADER presented a petition from Westminster, in favour of a total repeal of the corn. laws, signed by 73,000 persons. Several other petitions having been presented on the subject of the proposed alterations in the commercial policy of the country, among which were 103 by Lord Mont. Elm (who was received with enthusiastic cheer• ing), from various places in the West Riding of York shire in favour of the Ministerial measures generally, with the exception of that part which related to the corn-laws, of which laws they prayed the total and im mediate repeal, Mr. FERRAND asked if the signatures to those peti ti,ns were affixed to them with the free and unbiassed wills of the parties signing, because he was prepared to prove that many of the workmen had been forced ? The SPEAKER—The Hon. Member may ask a ques tion on the presmtation of a petition, but he cannot make a speech. The Ilex. MEMBER repeated his question, to which Lord MORPETH replied that, to the best of his belief and the entireness of his conviction, the signatures had been affixed by the free and unbiassed will of the parties signing. 11Ir. W. 0. STANLEY gave notice of an amendment in the Committee on the Customs' Act, t) the effect that wheat should be subject to a fixed duty of as., barley of 3s. 6d., and oats of 25., in piace of the Ministerial proposition. Mr. M. MILNES gave notice of a❑ ameadment to omit in the resolution with regard to corn all words referring to the duties payable after 1849. Several unopposed returns having been agreed to, The Members constituting the Committee on Parlia mentary Electiun Petitions were then sworn at the table. I❑ answer to Dr. BowRING, Mr. CARDWELL explained the measures which had been adopted for the purpose of carrying out the rccom mendations of the Committee on Colonial Accounts. Mr. BRIGHT wished to ask if it was not the intention that the sums levied as fines on factory owners should be fairly divided among all schools, and not as they had hitherto been, distributed at the rate of 1001. to schools c ,nnected with the Established Church to 301. to schools connected with Dissenters. Sir J. GRAHAM said that the sums were to be fairly distributed, but that he understood that few applications had been made for Dissenting or Catholic schools. Sir It 'Nous wished to know whether it was intended that an equal sum should be given to Church and Dis senting schools, or a proportionate sum ? Sir J. GRAHAM said that it was intended that the sum should be apportioned to the wants of the school. Mr. LIDDELL asked if the Government was prepared to take any steps fur tLe improvement of the juvenile population of the metropolis ? Sir J. GRAHAM explained the steps which had been already taken for the improvement and reformation of juvenile offenders in the metropolis; and stated, if it were the pleasure of the House to vote the necessary quids, he would feel it his duty to propose further mea sares for the reformation of juvenile offenders. Sir R. PEEL explained, in relation to his reply to the Noble Lord's question the other night as to his answer on the subject of the reduction of the corn duties, that he could find no precedent fur the Treasury sanctioning the reduction of the duty on the receipt of the report, and that, therefore, he could not consent to any reduction on the corn duties until the proposed alteration should become law, but so convinced was he of the necessity of proceeding with the alteration in the corn-laws at once that he proposed to proceed with the measure for the alteration of the corn-laws, in preference to any other public measure, and to every other alteration in the tariff until it should become law. In reply to Mr. M. PIILIPS, Sir R. PEEL said that if the debate should be ad jonrned over Tuesday, there would be no alternative but to resume the debate on Wednesday at twelve and finish it at six. The Right Hon. Baronet also explained that necessarily there must be an interval between the first and sk cond reading of the Corn Bill, during which he might bring forward other articles in the tariff, but that be would proceed with the Corn Bill with all the speed that the forms of the House would permit. On the motion that the order of the day for the House resolving itself into. Committee being read, a host of petitions on the subject of the corn-laws were presented. After the presentation of the petitions, which lasted until after six o'clock, Mr. Paiute MILES rose to move the amendment of which he had given notice, viz., that the Howse should resolve into Committee this day six months. The pro posed change in our commercial policy was a charge even greater than that proposed by the Reform Bill, and on a question involving such vital interests, the constituen cies of the country might to be consulted, more especi ally when it was considered that this Parliament had been elected upon protectionist principles. He ad mitted the failure of the potato crop in Ireland, but the Oat crop and the wheat crop in that country was above the average. There was no fear of a famine. He could well understand that the Right Hon. Baronet might feel alarm at the state of things in Ireland, but if he had watched the state of the markets he would see there was no cause of alarm. • He would say' if there was danger of a famine, open your ports, but he contended that there was no danger whatever ef famine, and, looking at the course pursued by the Right Honourable Baronet, he could not but icnomtheetßo the ht c u o nu e hc Baronet'ss ino that mindt h been cause of long protection doomed.He thought the agricultural interests of the country was entitled to moderate protection. He recollected the talent with which the Right Hon. Baronet had upheld the doctrines of protection, and he could foresee the ability with which he would control them, but he feared not because he felt that he had a large minority in that House, and a large party out of it. Three months ago the Member on the Treasury Bench supported the doc- trine of protection, and if his opinions had undergone such a change, he should have felt bound to follow the example of the Noble Lord the Member for Dorsetshire. He could not see where these changes were to end, and if these were agreed to, greater still must follow ; changes which would shake the public credit. The lion. Gentleman then proceeded to take a review of the history of our commercial policy since the accession of Sir H. PEEL to office, and contended that the pros perity of the industrious classes had been owing, not to the free trade measures of the Government, but to the immense increase of our railway system, which had created a demand for labour, and in consequence of which the prices of iron h a d risen enormously—to the cessation of war i❑ India—and to the succession of good harvests ; and he believed that much of that prosperity would have taken place if the Noble Lord opposite had been in power. He denied that the amount of exports afforded a fair indication of commercial prosperity. Foreign markets were glutted with our goods. It was the home trade which afforded - the finest ele ments for the calculation of the amount of our commercial prosperity. With regard to the corn-hm s, the law of 1842 had worked well ; it had secured steadiness of price, and he could not con sent to its alteration. The Right Honourable Baronet had said in 1842 that 565. was a fair price for the farmer. He would like to know what he considered a fair price now ? The Right Hononurable Baronet said that his proposed measure would not lower the price of wheat, what then became of the argument of the cheap loaf? There was a vast difference between cheapness produced by a good harvest and cheapness produced by importation. Mr. Huskisson had said that cheapness produced by importation was the sure forerunner of a scarcity. He considered that a free trade in corn would lead to greater fluctuetion in price than had ever been known ; that it wound be of greater teivenei; - 4e te foreigners than to ourseives ; that it v+oldti agricultural distress, and lower wages. If the mea sure passed, ull other protective duties mwt be repealed; navigation laws and reciprocity treaties, must be all swept away. Would the League dissolve if this measure passed ? or if they should, would not others rise up in their place to agitate other questions ? The manufacturers would find it exceedingly difficult to compete with foreigners unless they reduced their wages. In every other item except wages, the manufacturers of this country were in every raspect equal to the foreigners. The manufacturer could do without protection better ihan the agriculturist, because his position was better. He could keep a closer superintendence over his work men than the agriculturist. He was not de pendent upon the weather. He could secure his twelve hours' work, while the agriculturist could not, he thought they ought not to be subjected to the same laws. The manufacturer was less burdened than the agriculturist. On a factory paying 30,0001. per annum wages, the burdens were only 500/. a year. The burdens on agriculture were greater in proportion, and the compensation propo.:ed really amounted to nothing. The agriculturists would have been better pleased if the Right Hon. Baronet had offered them nothing at all.. Then with regard to sugar —scarcely had the free-labour sugar been admitted, than they were told the colonists could stand a little more competition. Would not the same course be pursued with regard to the farmers? With regard to the colonies, he would say treat thane as integral parts of the empire; extend free trade to them, and do not let the manufacturers enjoy the mono poly of the colonial market. He considered that the manufacturing interest had been stimulated too much. The progress of our manufactures was really alarming, and he considered that he was best promoting the interests of the country by maintaining the present system of pro- tection. Sir W. HEATHCOTE seconded the amendment. He con sidered the measure visionary and delusive, but he did not join with those who accused the Minister of acting dis honestly, although he could not but think that the shock given to faith in public men by the conduct of the Go vernment was much to be regretted. The scheme, even if impartial, would not have met with his approval, and he considered the free-trade legislation of the las t 20 years had produced most disastrous effects, which had only been remedied by the increase of our colonial trade. But the scheme was not impartial, inasmuch as it did not equally depriv all parties of protection. That branch of labour to which manual labour entered most largely was entirely deprived of protection, which protection was continued to industry connected with machinery, which did least require it. The English farmer, living in a country where taxation was heavy, and the money-price of articles very high, was not in a position to compete with the foreigner; and the position cf the English farm r rendered it diffi cult to award to him any sufficient compensation. He could not be insensible to the danger of depending upon foreigners for a supply of food, nor could he forget that the farmers now fed a populaion three times the amount of that fed fifty years ago, or that at this moment England was the only European country possessing a full supply of food. He would have supported a measure for facili tating the introt7uction of colonial corn, but the pre sent measure was essentially anti-colonial. He would not go into the question of compensation, or any particular ques tion, for so convinced was he of the impolicy of the mea sure, that he should oppose it generally. He was not indifferent to the fate of the Ministry ; he would not transfer his support to the Noble Lord and his friends, for he differed with them even more than he did with the Right lion. Baronet. The Right Hon. Baronet was bound to consult his sup porters as to his measures, and if, because they differed from him, he chose to throw up the Government, on him, and not on them, rested the responsibility. Mr. W. LACCELLES had watched with jealous care the course which the Government had pursued since they first came into office, and he denied that this change had been a sudden or an unexpected one. The alteration in the Tariff involved the whole principle of free trade, and when the Right Hon. Baronet had been asked if he intended to alter the corn-laws, he had stated that he did not then intend to propose any altera tion, but that he would not bind himself to their main tenance under all circumstances. In every instance in which the principles of free trade had been adopted prosperity had been the result, and their experience had confirmed the theory of free trade. He, therefore, should feel it his duty to support the Government measure, however painful it might be to him to differ from many of his friends. Lord NORREYS regretted that he was obliged, not only to oppose the Government on this question, but to withdraw his confidence altogether from the Right Honourable Baronet. He had refused to pledge himself to oppose the Government measure until he knew what it was. He considered the conduct of the Cen tral Protection Society unconstitutional, and had re fused to give any pledges, but having heard the Right Hon. Baronet statement he felt bound to offer him every opposition in his power. He thought the Right Hon. Baronet ought not to have returned to power until he had opened the eyes of the agriculturists, by telling a Noble Duke, who had taken a great interest in these questions, to endeavour to form an ad ministration, and the Right Honourable Baronet would have found less difficulty in carrying his measure. But he could scare •ly have expected that the Right Hon. Baronet, who in 1840 had objected to an Bs. duty, should now propose a 4s. duty, to end in total repeal He did not tax the Right Honourable Baronet with dishonesty but with want of political foresight. if the question were carried, it would be only because the House preferred having the question by the Right lion . Baronet, to having it settled by the Noble Lerd al thoagh, for his part he doubted whether they would not be better off in the hands of the Noble Lord than in those of the Right lion. Baronet. Whatever might be the confusion resulting from this measure the Right Hon Baronet must be responsible for it. Mr. BAILLIE COCHRANE went through the history of the corn-laws from the time of Henry VI. up to the pre sent time. He could not see in all this acy question of principle, and he thought a corn-law admitted of every variety of enactments Neither did:he consider that, even upon a question of principle, it were requisite to appeal to the people, and quoted the autho rity of Mr. PITT in support of his opinions. lie denied that the House of Commons was a mere assembly of dole. gates, it was a deliberative and a legislative assembly, and Members had a right to change their opinions. The question of the corn-law was one of great difficulty. It was impossible to propose an unalterable law on the subject ; indeed, whoever imagined an unalterable law was an unalterable fool. Looking to the social changes which had taken place in the last sixteen years—to the increase of our population and of our manufactures, he could not contend for an unalterable corn-law. It was necessary to alter our commercial policy in consequence of these changes, and of the changes introduced by the Reform Bill, so as to make it in accordance with the feelings and interests of the people. The country had confidence in the present Government, and he should support the commercial alterations which they had pro pOsed. He believed that there had been a great change in the feelings of the farmers of late with regard to the repeal of the corn-laws, espe cially in Scotland. The Right Honourable Baronet was neither a god nor a tyrant, but he believed him to be a man anxious to do good for his country. lie voted for this mea sure because he had confidence in her MeeesTv's Ministers, and because he was anxious for the welfare and happiness of the poorer classes of his fellow subjects. Mr. DEEDES could not support the proposition of her MAJESTY'S Government with respect to the corn-laws, believing that that proposition would shake public confidence, revised a ar a ni n , de d d t .e, r ol i rh v r e the The measure eted En in g l l English 2t agriculturists ,by ita()m corn Parliament. had ()of Englishth b e ee been re and it was astonishing that the very men who then pro• posed that revision and correction were now declaring that it was wrong. In early life he had looked up to the Right Hon. Baronet at the head of the Government as his political leader ; but he could consider him in that light no longer. He considered that the agriculturists of this country, under the existing law, had not had more protection than they were entitled to. He believed that the proposition of the Government was only an experiment upon the native industry of the country. He felt convinced, that if those propositions were to become law, the country would lee placed at the mercy of foreigners for the necessaries of life. On that ground alone, be should feel himself bound to op pose the measures of the Government. The House was then addressed by Sir J. WALSH and Mr. B. HOPE, against the Ministerial proposition. le Lord SANDON, although he did not approve altogether cussions and the numerous amendments made_deuercinhgfrot4ol of doing away with all protection, would yet, consider- period often days on the Address in reply to t he S ing the circumstances of the case, vote in favour of the defeated Ministerial proposition. the Throne, and naturally expresses great satisfaction p at the result. In every division the Opposition bad been _ u , Lord J. RUSSELL, although he would have preferred the to ics ur ed we erall those of a popular charecterh by much larger majorities than were anticipated, altho a measure for the total and immediate repeal_ of the corn such a p s the g ir eht of g s e e n arch, y the policy with regard to t e . laws, would yet vote in favour of the Ministerial prepo differences bet ween 6 England and America, and the entente sition. The Noble Lord, in a very caustic manner' cordiale. I pn the entire of the Address contrasted the conduct which the Whigs were pursuing, was larger - than any gained by in giving their support to the Conservative Ministry to since the accession of M. Guraer carry Liberal measures, with the factious opposition journals are quite silent on these subjects, but : v.., irriis'u which was offered to the Whig Ministry by Sir H. PEEL them make an undeserved attack upon M. PE tho ,° Thetht e e 0 P 3'in e P i v ia: e i r ij a st , ti ition t and the Conservative opposition. for honestly expressing his sentiments in oppos, Sir R. leceis and Captain FITZMAURICE spoke of TIMERS, Lurie, and other Deputies of that elee' • , 600 / against the Ministerial proposition. LAMARTINE had written to the Constitutionnel ano f the Mr. S. HERBERT supported the measure, and defended to state that, by mistake in the division on the fa it I sar the course that had been pursued by the Government, Address, he had put his ball into the wrong l o ir the °PP °5i• and the change that had taken place in their opinions his intention to vote against the amendmenetecourege .ear' Lion, on the ground that they tended to fa o ur t he with respect to the corn. laws. lie derided the notion of rice in her territorial ageressions and also to le _,„ ct be the corn-laws being part of the constitution of the cone- ' ' opposed' "'" 9 slave trade. To both these he is dec i dedly try, because they were contrary to it. He believed that declares so in 'strong language. On Saturday eveu ll3 ,7 o the the proposal of the Government was calculated to P&LILIPPK received at the Tuileries a deputation Jr res a by cement the interests of the agriculturists and the whole o. Chamber of Deputies with the Atidress, which wo os lest manufacturers, and gave an opportunity of repairing the President, and returned the following reply' _7 l one of the greatest errors that was ever committed by JELTY appears to have been greatly delighted with the roe the 'Legislature of this country. He was confident of of the discussions on the Address:—• the success of the measure in that House. Gentlemen,-I receive this add r ess with very g re • lt - s a la: tisfaction. lam happy to find in it so striking a uuth ne a n d The debate was then adjourned to to-mot row. t i en c f t h e support whic h you lend to my G over nmente__i, The other Orders of the Day were then disposed cf, of that loyal and steadfast concord which is at once the_u_tlic and the House adjourned at One o'Clock- of its strength, and the guarantee of all our liberties.,o'wthe _see- 4 w opinion is every day more convinced that it i 3 wel/ the P° Much interest, it appears, had been excited in various Otis the p s ro t g at r e ess t a h n a d t the perfect concord of all the, higU, d be e quarters by the first night's debate on the corn-laws F r a nce lyh has it attained lightful to ine t t e l bs f gree of prosperity upon in the Commons. The House was thronged last evening able to congratulate you. Yes, gentlemen, it is with I nr i. at an early hour, and numerous groups were col- I express my confidence in the prospects of our C, e ve jot lected i n the streets, as if in anticipation of some TiAis confidence is fortified by the sentiments you o n i ons epos momentous disclosure, or splendid oratorical displays from uttered. b I see in them a presage that this harm tine to i t : u a t t l t i o r n e , ge e n c e c r im at i i n or g is e a ver g y re d a a t e: r ri ce o v re elo coa m ip en le t te o , f s t h ha ll t c w " en be/ leading Members on both sides of the House. But never was disappointment greater; —for, taking the discussion altogether, (Lien etre) at present so much develop m ent by all wish it was from beginning to end the mo s t h e a v y, d u ll, contempti- society. S u ch, f or a l ong ti me , h as b een the v i " - e st ' ble Parliamentary exhibition that could well be imagined. Ob- heart and the object of my efforts. For myself, WY b ;it I" lightful recompense will be found in the reflection t solete opinions raked up, old tales repeated, Tory abuse of safely hope that my government shall have contreee the Tory leader, lamentation over the downfal of the ensure such benefits to my country." strong Ministry, speeches without argument, and Very little business was done in the Funds on Sund a y' quotations from old songs, and of the most corn- the quotations were nearly the same as on Saturday 5 11$ mon-place and even ridiculous character, occupied BUSINESS DONE IN FOREI, IN RAILWAYS l a the popular branch of the Legislature for some LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE, FEB. 9 * e n, 17 ' six or seven hours. Even the speech of Lord Joni; RUSSELL Bo tt e i a lognelt o n , c a l o Am use ienz ,:d ll%- t -B or d eaux and Meditefrf ( "Espe i l possessed the smallest possible interest. He had nothing 24--Dutch Rhenish, 7%— E ast Ce % 2 tre n nt i t ielpe new to tell, he had no arguments to answer; not one of the sut i r, xizi - b La r maicANt a n dr i i i d idland, 14-Louvain a nd .!'f ild 1 r d ß ,.. e le n n a ti n a a speakers on the other side advanced any charge against him 3%-orleans ftnd Bordeaux, - enure, 2 or his party, and the same scene will be repeated for at least three or four nights more. On no occasion in the history of Parliament was there ever such a lack of even third-rate speakers (for those of the first and second class do not exist), as are to be found among that party who regard themselves as the pillars of the State, the guardians of England's rights, and the only real friends of the poor, helplesslabourer, the oppressed farmer, and even the operative manufacturer. It is unfortunate, as well as singular, that sach a good cause should be so destitute of defenders, and that all the able men of both parties should be so blind to the best interests of their country as to forget even their 'poli tical animosities . and unite in ruining these pa triots amid philanthropists. A fatality has, seized our statesmen. PEEL and RUSSELL, and O'Cost- NELL and HUME, have formed a most unholy and dangerous alliance, the very Coart has lent its aid to carry out their mischievous schemes, and there are few to resist their machinations except such men as Mien and FITZMAURICE, and BUCKINGHAM and RICHMOND, backed by the Spitalfields' weavers. What the result may be our readers can easily divine, Mind must prevail over matter, and statesmen of long expe rience —men, too, who have no interest in changing their opinions, except for the welfare of their common country, who, for this, have sacrificed political ties, personal friend ship, and renounced long-cherished principles from the fullest conviction-must in the end obtain the victory and carry their plans into effect. In the meantime, however, their task is very irksome. They are compelled to listen to the most vapid and incoherent harangues, and nothing is advanced by their opponents except what excites ridicule or contempt. Mr. HOPE compares PEEL to WOLSEY, tells why the LORD CHANCELLOR sits on a sack of wool, and laments that the commercial system of centuries is to be put an end to, like " a mere flea-bite." Captain FITZMAURICE showed that it came to the same thing, whether a man was killed by one thrust of a sword or by inserting into his body ten thousand needles ; that Sir ROBERT PEEL'S views were traced in steam, and after lamenting the protracted agonies of British farmers, said they might well sing " Blow ye wintry winds." These are fair specimens of the orations made by the protectionists last evening, and we fear also of those yet to come. The public, however, will bear with them patiently, for they are of good omen. They announce that monopoly will be destroyed without further agitation, and that the most important commercial reforms that ever distinguished and blessed a nation will be carried by the most peaceable means. It is strongly rumoured in political circles that ~e number of Conservative Pee r s h ave d e t erm ined not to O P , ' Sir ROBERT PEEL'S Cern Bill on th e se cond re a l sa going into Committe e ; b u t i n C omm ittee to suPPiidisc amendment for making Sir R. P EEL ' S propose d s es ° scale for the next three years pe rmanen t. It need o° ` b t er io l that the carrying of such a measure will be a ;at, to embarrassment to the Minister, as it is impossible t;lke the Bill so amended returning t o th e H ou se of Conitil°' Liberal party could agree to the amendment. , A rumour was in circulation ye s t er d a y that Lora ."-ver was to succeed Lord LINCOLN a s First Coratai as , i i° , O ef the Woods and Forests, and to b e r a ised to t he ' l, i Ll i tft t Lords. We have good reasons for believing tha t t ' e part of the report is without foundation. 41) HOUSE OF LORDS.—(THI. -- • s c TIM CORPORATION OF GLOUCESTER V. OSBORN Al lv ore ,k The House sat to-day, at ten o'clock, for OOP s pri fi ', hearing the further arguments in the part heard l e eisit i t e o respect to the will of Mr. James W oo d, the 13 `"yier' banker of Gloucester. The Peers in attendarl ce he il. Lord Chancellor, Lord Cottenham, an d L o rd Ca 031 :; l oro — ' The arguments occupied their Lordships the wil ° '" DA f ‘ti PRIVY COUNCIL.—(T HIS ' - 10 . The Judicial Committee of the P r ivy Colin° tot bt f li4 at the Council Chamber, Whitehall. Tte Lords P r ; r e oui the Lord President (the Duke of Buccleuch), Lord gor of ' o f the Vice-Chancellor Knight Bru c e, the Chal 3c h e e JO + 0 e Duchy of Cornwall (Mr. Pemberton Leigh), , ; - ,,oafi the Admiralty Court (the Right Hon. Dr. Lush A. East, and Sir Edward Ryan. V. . r 54 In this appeal from ARBUTHNOT NORTON Madras their LordsloP9 rece judgment of the Court below. tbeif COlonial appeals of no general interest occupied ships the remainder of the morning. 1; 41.1 QUEEN'S BENCH.—(THIS ) 14 4 (Before Mr. Justice WicarrmAN., c$ f At the sitting of the Court this day, a csse which is not likely to conclude before the ''bet o ',,,br Court. It is an actio n ar i s i ng ou t o f a di s pute o t POO Frenchmen, one of whom (th e pl a i n tiff) alleg ed a 00 eart P. invented a filter, for which he was to receive 3 „ from his partner (the d e f en d an t), w h o d e nied the case is of no interest to the public. rlA f. COMMON PLEAS—(THJ GAMBLE V. KURTZ. r ; i° This part-heard case was resumed this morniog'olO, ral witnesses were examin e d on th e part of the d e nt .how that his apparatus was not an infring a oeS t vo• plaintiff's patent, and was not constructed in ag ree pr• o pi the specifications. Among the. witnesses we re „ 1 0 Playfair, Dr. Pratt, of Liverpool, And several 0 18 " the . lefi d (The case was going forward wh en our report A l t,) jj CLERK EN WELL.— crais Pi-cocco, John Walden,, a stout fellow, was placed at theiuk e by Mr. Howara, builder, of Charles-street , St" stealing 801bs. of leaden pipe. of th e • pole The accounts from Ireland of the progress of famine and of its attendant pestilence are really fearful. We have re ceived from Mr. SYmiorr, the Secretary of the Dublin Man sion-house Committee on the Potato Disease, the recently published report of the Committee on the subject, which gives us returns from every part of Ireland up to the 22d of January, 1846, being nearly two months later than the accounts which have been laid on the table of the House of Commons. On the Bth of November the Com mittee sent circulars to the ministers of religion of every denomination throughout Ireland, to the deputy lieutenants, justices of the peace, and landedproprietors, and to all the Poor-law Boards, containing, among others, thefol lowing queries " Ist—Whether the crop of potatoes was in point of quan tity an average crop? 2d—What proportion of the crop has been already lost by decomposition, or otherwise? " 3d—What is your opinion as to the probability of the re maining portion continuing sound during the year ?" It appeared ir. evidence that, on the night about eleven o'clock, the prisoner was seen, aL;vieeo4/ stable Edwards, 32 C, in St. John-street, !herb riDa rying the property. On questioning him as W oe , °ll° sion of it, he said he had brought it a long di St obl e. 110 request of a man, who was to pay him for his tr. „ea oni tokh ' took the prisoner into custody, on which he / ,4 0 .13% (the constable) up, and endeavoured to thrno,,t t e upon him. Witness succeeded in again seizinci the prisoner commenced a violent attack upon h e he v, as so severely injured that he had been e 2. p revve up unfit for duty. Inquiries were made, and DP m Mr. Howard were traced to have been plunder foreman to Mr. Howard, identified the proPa rt • V A' be The prisoner said nothing in his defence, e a '" committed for trial. 983 letters, from all parts of Ireland, were received in answer, between the 12th November and the 6th December, 1845, and from these it appears that in 415 cases the crop was above the average ; that in 409 in_ stances there was an average crop; and that in 117 cases the crop was below the average; that the proportion of the crop lost by disease, up to 6th December, 1845, was in 292 cases under one-third; in 291 cases fully one-third; in 242 cases one-half ; and in 81 cases more than a half . Then, with regard to the chances of saving the remainder, 428 of the respondents declared themselves unable to form an opinion, 185 thought the remainder might be saved, and 262 were of opinion that it could not be saved. Be it remem bered, that during the whole of this time, and in the very face of these facts, the monopolist party in England and Ireland were loudly denying the existence of any failure of the potato crop, and when at length compelled reluctantly to admit that a disease had existed, they as loudly proclaimed that it had ceased, and that the supply of sound potatoes was still ample. Now let us test those assertions by facts. On the 10th of December the Mansion-house Committee ad dressed the following queries to their former corre spondents : " Ist—ls there any change, and especially is there any favourable change, in the potato crop in your vicinity since the date of your last letter? " 2d—Do you see any reason to alter or add to the opinions given by you in that letter? If so, be so good as to state the same. TO THE EDITOR OF THE te f 0 L i the Third Edition of your paper 0 „ yo I find it stated that: the " Liverpool, Ornis' i t r yeori, e ton Railway" was thrown out on its merits l as w ill slogs this not being the case, I shall be glad if Y°l l .o 3 l4 d e t , enough to correct it in your Country Edition pre r g", , , as I fear the report is calculated to prejudice the o r de.oti , fact is, that it was thrown out on " Standing,' 0p; , 41 0 5 ' year, and not on the Bill.—Yours very trulY fal jAC ROBERT Saturday Morning, Feb. 7. r 4, _ ... i 4,4 The Earl of Harrowby, Visco unt a nd 'ro (119 1 Sandou and family have arrived i n G r o sven or-sgaese 6, Hall, Staffordshire, for the seaso n . Th e N o ble ens iS" is in the enjoyment of excellent health. i.iff's _ ,o l ,, CABINET DINNER.—Sir Robert Peel ,ree ' is; Cabinet dinner this season to-morrow, at his Pr'' 5 ,1011' Whitehall-gardens. Wed ° ' f Lord Eilenborough has appointed '. of tile ' , ~ i' ' 4th of March, to preside at the anniversary din ner _r;0 1) , Hospital Society, at the London Tavern. i n fitv e # O f ': Sir Robert and Lady Peel have issued ~o , 11 7 1,4 a grand entertainment on Saturday next, to w1,,e1,,,;;0141'd Foreign Ministers are invited. Lieutenant NV% sif.,,' tliV has been on the West India station, under Admit. on w.. , ~ mour, arrived at the family mansion last evening i: e gael . 0, having landed there from one of the West India s' ea t.„..tol, the bearer of important dispatches for the Governo l oj rp., 1, The grand dinner party at Buckitigh 3 ,jeg t i 0 r l' i f) evening is in celebration of the anniversary of he . rinse Consort's marriage. 11 1 1 904 THE METROPOLITAN PETITIONS F° - cil.,, Ore) REPEAL OF THE CORN-LAWS.—On Monday the Coto v. i . c o l `?o/ .eceived at the office, Fleet-street, the total eir b aeS Cl /011`0.ef• from the various boroughs in which petitions had I;'ef,, l i ify. the total and immediate repeal of the corn-100;, fro' s " e ff.(,' , the amount of the signatures as separately colle ct ` j ; of / o f ~,.'lil4 and borough :—The city of London, 64,u66; the. 41.40. Df.'lo ,;/ 71,406 ; the borough of Lambeth, 67,680 ; thr, bo,„,'". tlPO6;',ll , 43,720; the borough of the Tower Hamlets,, 83, 4 w c 'res. 0 er d r Southwark, above 40,000 ; the parish c,f St. Wifi : o 'o' c, oarish of 31arylebone and Paddington, `t5,000 ; ti e 0 , 0 o f 1 8,735.—T0ta1, 470,773. i f° Hoe„ P r r''' ‘' THE PRINTING OF RAILWAY BILLs. -- cne- e.pc;iii i i pondent.)—Owing to the short period allowed bY ,fot 01 e IV' mons for the presentation of Private Bills this F;gts w e., o o o / trade during the last week or two has bees W . dee fined r t i ID, i'' Many clerks and agents of lines took up their o° o oo ol po o., ing offices during the whole of List week, a O3 LititiO the 4f; of fatigue truly astonishing, never gutting the ir „,, 0 11 ,',/tv e ;i l :l, s . livery of the Bills on Friday night. Six o'c-'7„of " in e ,plJ , pointed for that purpose ; as late as five o'clock , ';'•', Di ~ ',.. tf', lion contracts, &c., were in progress of correc t lotio c to ,c ,t 0 , t i !,l after which they were printed off, and, in one e ses ao ° ,`o 'V stitched by clerks while riding rapidly i g ,,,,. Ast ie ' A ,' :1 Stephen's, which they reached as the SPen - g g f e pref i tur;o,/ his seat, and fortunately succeeded in Pl 3c ia tD,persdolo it hands of the Member engaged to introduce it- o f r ',010.,10 .0 0 ) the documents there was an utter recklessness t , °n or Pr',4l , railway honour was sorely tried, many of the eg e , l lo 0; j ie l , c er , gratuities to the managers of offices to accei e l: 0.0 to / prejudice of their opponents. Many promotel:„ter , ,i their Bills, owing to the inability of the P" __,/ 0 0 the work. ________------ tS e ____ BIRTHB - dipA llAte' * On the 7th inst., in Wimpole-street, Cavell (POP Arthur Phillott, Esq., of a son. .... 0 0 ' lite el l'0 1) 1 On the 7th inst., Mrs. John G. Perkins, 0 , 1 . I v. P:iast ' itv On the 7th inst., at Tube-hill, Brixton, Inii: in ' SOP' ,V, 1 On the sth inst., at Exeter, the lady of Carl' sat t or / Guards, of a daughter. - rrs-en.lLE,,ao°' It On the sth inst., Mrs. John Clark, of Pott o 'n e ger r ,S On the 6th inst., at the Royal Military or, 10 as° i. Paton, of Grandhome, of a dghter. , , - a /le On the 7th inst., Mrs. Samuel Woods, Ju '' C l l l O/i P ton-grove, near Liverpool: , eo t , • MARRIED- valy 1, el' , On the 7th inst., at the Church of fifes, to vi '0 W. Place, Esq. of Delhi, in the East In _0 Esq., of Upper Clapto_ et, SO ' 4 ' s El i% 01 , DIED. ~,a 5.1 )0r0 A es, d On the 26th ult., at Winterbourue •A-" 7 uth iO,l e , P of Henry Sherrill, jun., Esq. _ _.., so eo .._,,sf , On the let inst. at the Grove, Llansteph!;',. y . ' , ; - „a 1' to and NT? __ L as Emily Annie, he daughter of Captain o f ISe" 01' I{P ‘ I! 'e On the sth inst., John Graham, Esq' _Os _ i f y nington-road, aged 54. • • /t ic" 0 4ju Ro of* e j 0 0 , l it' On the sth lust., at Woodford, Georgians of Richard Heatley, Esq. Lee ' ,0 ato ,g On the 6th inst., at Cornwall-terrace, j ,,41.1-4, 0 e, o v'i aged 8 3 . late Captain Anthony Ludlam, Onn t t h h e e 6 6 t t h h i t n n s s t t .., , aattßTohuilrozgaliesucer:Moiedr,iier,rasr:e' t:tpcollite.!:l;, Thomas Tatlock, Esq. f K ing -S ro f of r 1 On the 7th inst , Mr. David youngestLegget,o ._.,,, a te r i ,l ' a... _l i te . On the 7th inst., Eliza, the t pa ,g 0 of v niel Cowles, Esq. CO Fill - ism '•f lf On the Sth.inst., Lucy, the w ife lirig too. fr Ol' of Ba O y n he t , h e e f B Bt e h te i l ipisht-lane. Elizabeth, the e iti i ° s ecx, 04.9 " .- lfse l ' House, Maidenhead, Berks. wat, Ift le t, 13 alit' r On the Bth inst., Mr. George ut . ids . e ..stree 0 On the Bth Inst., in New '" ... plfo ol ' 75 . . •') Charlton, Esq., aged 90. 11-P l ' 4 °' we ag' l fi On the Bth inst., at Stockw e . L ae, _ 4 ,,0 . • , , :ii Gtay, Esq. ._,,,, 3ir. , _,G, u l l' 00 f' -.-----"••-•-••••••"------ m ot,. 400 1 , . oi , On the Bth inst., at Blackheath -nu' -.41 , t pc..tf ~,I st a.d bY 112, - Dres a • London : Printed and ru-",,,ri0 . 00 , 0f Strand,the Savoy, Printer, i n at t b l e 7te c SZ t 3, 4 9 0 f 3 0 01 10, 1846. "3d—What, according to your judgment, is the present prospect of there being a sufficiency of potato food for the people in your locality for the coming sea.som ? "4th—What quantity of the potato crop in your neigh bourhood do you consider to have become unfit for human food ?" They had received 523 letters in reply up to the 22d of January, 1846. In ninety instances it was stated that there was a prospect of a sufficiency of potato food during the en suing season—in 364 instances the supply of potato food was insufficient. Then, with regard to the quantity of the po tato crop unfit for human food, in 11l cases it was under one third, in 110 cases it was one-third, in 148 cases it was one half, and in 84 cases it was more than one-half. Already have the people of Ireland suffered severely from an insufficient supply of food—already has fever, the conse quence of famine, made its appearance in the south of Ire land. Its ravages at Dungarvan have been fearful. If, within the next two months, something is not done to secure to the poor Irish a sufficient supply of cheap and nutritive food, they will be dying by hundreds of actaal starvation, and a famine and a pestilence, more horrible and more ex terminating than ever before afflicted this unhappy country, will rage throughout the length and breadth of the land. And yet Mr. PHILIP MILES, last evening, with all that cool ness which is so characteristic of the rashness of Ignorance, declared in the House of Commons that notwithstanding the failure of the pototo crop, there was no danger of a famine in Ireland, because there had been an ample crop of barley and oats. ♦s well might he have said that there had been an ample crop of pine-apples. " The Irish agricultural labourers and their families," says my Lord - DEVON, in a report which Mr. Pamir MILES should have carefully studied before he ven tured to give an opinion as to the probability of the recurrence of a famine in Ireland—" the Irish agricultural labourers and their families are calculated to amount to more than four millions of human beings, whose only food is the potato, whose only drink is water, whose houses are pervious to the rain, to whom a bed or blanket is a luxury almost unknuwn, and who are more ►retched than any other people in Europe." How are these unfortunate persons to purchase barley and oats at monopolists' prices. Admit foreign grain and maize, and they may become purchasers, because by increasing the supply the price of food in Ireland would be decreased, and that, and that alone, could place corn food within the reach of those who have hitherto depended entirely on the potato for subsistence. The Government has proposed to , the Legislature a measure, which, by throwing open the ports, will go far to wards increasing the supply and decreasing the price of food in Ireland. On those who, for their own selfish and avari cious purposes, shall obstruct the progress of that measure will rest the responsibility of whatever may occur in Ireland, in consequence of such obstruction, as on those who, in November, thwarted in the Cabinet the wise and beneficent measures proposed by the Premier rests the responsibility of whatever has occurred there up to the present time. The Paris papers contain no news of importance. The Journal des Debats has a long article on the protracted dis- h a----~ ~~'''