The Sun. — London, England, 1852-03-16 00:00:00

THE S UN, . . bean made in that code were far greaser than be origi- lif a motion of that kind had been sanctioned by the House natty anticipated. Well, then, what did the Right Hon. of Commons, and if a change of Government had immedi i ately occurred, I admit there would have been some ground Gentleman propose to do now that he was in office? !for the Hon. and Learned Gentleman-whether it was in our The Earl of Darby was no doubt a great man. The power or not to take these steps to which he referred-put- Noble Earl retired from Sir Robert Peel ts Government, 1 ring the question, and that it would have been absolutely fully aware of the circumstances which had induced and the ;whic h nary that I should be called upon to announce the policy that Administration to alter its policy,were prepared to propose.-(Hear, hear.) But I Noble Earl thereafter set about forming his present 1 ask the vi i- 3 1ouse if that was the case?-(Hear.) Way are we party, and many of hie followere, in do t hope that he . sitting on this side of the table to take a d ifferent course of given him their intended to re itore protection, had policy from that which we asserted on the other side of the blind confidence.-(Hear, bear.) The Noble Berl had House? - (Oh, oh, and cheers.) That certainly is not open done ell in his power to cultivate that confidence, and he to us; bat it is our duty here to adhere to the principles wanted to know whether the Nob le Earl wished now to which, after experience and reflection, we bad adopted as nu - like an effert to real:ze the hopes which he had created. the rale of our conduct in this Parliament-that we would not call upon the present Parliament in any Ivey to alter the lin said a man of that sort acted with the greatest re commercial polies , which it had adopted.-(Cheers, and a pp ,neibility in this country. The Noble Earl had rank, laugh.) I put it . with confidence to all candid men if there party obtaining power hal ihrtune, and trent his position he, above all men, ought to be prepared to announes the ceurse -which he is t: not a clear . dheinction between a protective eprofeesien of what we in common parlance intended to follow. Accorditg to the public prints the and finding themselves call a policy Ne . tl.- Earl tatcmed to have likened himself to a general, party who in opposition deprecated discussion of that and he had held out to his followers that the time wculd policy, however they might have felt that the time might come when he should lead them on to victory.-(Hear, come when the , Heim of Commons would be induced to hear.) Now, bad that time arrived? He had a right to adopt a policy contrary to that which in times past it had parsued.-( Hear, hear. ) I ask the House to acknowledge call for an explicit answer to that question.-(Hear.) no more than that which any candid man would say is a The Noble Earl bad openly declared in puldie that perfectly fair poaitimo-(Hear, hear. ) That being the case, when the time arrived there would be no flinching or I e think it is preposterous to suppose that instantly a change hesitation in him, but his cry would be that a hick Wel lington Pted on 'he field of Waterlee, and wbieh 1 1 ,,,ef Government Commons ncl' to announce the measures which we wag, " Up, Guards, and at them."-(Liestr , hear , think should be intro duced. But lam not disposed to take and a laugh, ) W e ll, that was stated in public, advantage of what may be considered a very limited and and he now wanted to know when the mo- partial view of our position, in order to avoid lee fullest dis went was lek-e ) , to arrive when the Noble Lord cuvion of our present circumstances I will answer the and his follemers would be up and at theua,-(11. f, ~ Hon. and Leanie.l Gentleman without any reserve whatever. --(Hear, hear.) The Honourable and Learnea , Gentleman hear, and leughter.) The Government was b iistal says that our not announcing at this moment a statement in to relieve the country frem its present sate ot use use. detail as to the measures which we think necessary occasions -(Haar, hear.) What. in fate, was the condition of n distrust and uncertainty in the country. But surely it does the country at this hour ?-(Hear. hear.) At no 1 j o a t m o e c o e t ato e i f i g reater uncertainty than did our position in Per former period bad there been so much peace and oh 1" There the Opposition benches, contentment as prevailed at the opening of the present and Ministerial cheers .) _was in opposition a powerful year. The history of the country presented no happier party, who felt necessarily and strongly that till t his quo picture. Trade was good; commerce was flourishing; labour tion was put fairly before the country, they never would be found ample employment, while capital never was more satisfied.-(Cries of " Hear, hear.") There was a powerful abundant, or the population of this country never were party in both Houses who said that till a verdict was given more employed or better fed than they were at this mo. at_ a general election they would not be content, and there went. What had produced this happy state of thin g s ? fore the question was still unsettled and uncertain. - (Hear.) There was the same uncertainty, and we may depend upon Why,it was the free-trade policy which they had recently it that in a country like this no settlement of a question adopted. Nor was this flourishing picture peculiar to can be satisfactory . till the vast majority of the population one class alone. It applied to all, even the agricul- are convinced that it is a safe and a sound , one.-(Hear, ' i tural class; for, according to' all accounts , the hear.) I think that what has taken p lace is, in fact, rather farm labourer was never better off, nor tending to decrease the uncert aint y , because it is achange the land in better cultivation, than it was at the which hastens that very verdict to which we all look. If present moment.-(Hear.) Well, then, what was to be we had been in opposition, it might have been postponed for done? What did her Majesty's Government propose to a period much longer than in all probablity it will nog be; de ? Did they propose to reverse the policy s& that argument of the lion. anti Learned Gentleman which had had produced 30 much prosper i ty ? B ut pletely falls to the ground.-(Hear, hear.) But the Hon, prepared l te him whether, in then, again, with ' regard to our marl - :12 tih11.7V riam en Gentleman t,we shall as k s be me ret to propose a c, l e time code, was it prepared to make any duty, according to his own figures, ) of l ss. upo n cr. change in that? In spite of the recent changes oar no.") That is the question, as I understand it.--("No , shipping interest was flourishing, and was still able t o no.") If it is not , I snail be glad to know what the real defy competion.-(Hear, hear.) IVhat, then, was pro- question is. posed to be done here?-(Hear, boar.) Aceerding to ttie ndr. VILLIERS-The question I put was, whether the speeches of some members of the Government some of Government intended to propose any scheme of commercial them were of opinion still that the change had produced or fiscal legislation before the dissolution of Parliament in great evils-(Hear, hear) -but he defied them to prove such a way that should the que.stion o bmitted t f the principle dotprofection or it.-(Hesr, hear.) Next, with y regard to cur colonie dut s, a on corn be suo theite-og meat of the electors.-(Hear, hear.) it appeared to him tha t what the members the present Government found fault with was the The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER-That is a abolition of slavery ; for if he looked to the mere Parliamentary .periphrasis of what I said somewhat returns and papers on the table he found more simply.-(A laugh.) Well, then, I say it is not the that even the colonies under a free-trade policy intention of the ; Government to do anythieg of the kind (Cheers and counter cheers)-I only express my own feeling were improving and not declining, while upon the and that of my colleagues when I say we believe that very . continent since free trade had come into existence great injustice was done to the agricultural and other inte there was a much kindlier feeling felt there towards rests in the changes that toek place in 1846 and afterwards this country than prevailed before.-(Hear, hear.) in 1848 and 1849-(Hear, hear)-and that we are extremely Nell, then , whence came that fear and distrust desirous, for the benefit of all classes of the community, that was felt from one end of the country to that the in j ustice should be redressed.-(Hear.) We think the other? Why, it was a dread that the gentlemen that it would be our duty to consider the condition of the now in power were plaidged to reverse this free-trade agricultural interest-and I take that interest in particular because it is the one most prominently referred to in the Pliny, an the struggle which was coming . upon this subject was anticipated with alarm by all clime, observatirs i m sh ad t e by th e Hon. and Learned Gentleman, not observations to it alone-we The tenant farmers did not require a return to a b l e ai ca nk it would w be o o courndunte myt y o consider the condition of that system of protection, because they had at length arrived Interest, and to p ropose those measures which, in our at the conviction that th e sliding scale was devised for no opinion, are m a s t calculated to redress the grievances other purpose than to keep up ruts.-(Hear/ hear.) under which it suffers.-(Cheers.) But we are not pledged He repeated, then, that the present uncertainty to any measure.-(Laughter from the Opposition benches, would be ruinous to the countrx. Trade and Min isterial cheers.) I think it would be entire ly was coming to a atanchstill, while abroad merchants out of charactet to say, that in a new Parliament we were accepting the change of Ministers as a reversal shou ld he bound to brin g in a certain s p ecific in order to re dress. those grievances, or to propose the measure ludi cf the free-trade policy.-(Hear, hear-) For three cated by the i ?OM and Learned Gentleman-a ss, fixed duty. weeks the country had been reduced to a state of patalysis; it appeared to labour under the dread _(Hear, the . flon l . aaTdnot at all clear, sharing as I do the Learticd Gentleman as to the little of some coming evil and wanted the House opinion it has in raizmgp to strike the blow at deco, and insist that this terrible which is by an y means onelm n av thin ; ; th it "t. at our rs duty tmetaosu rere state of unnertaintY and tear should be put a atop to. commen d.-(Hear, hear.) But - I say frankly to tli r e Hon. He asked him to tell the House distinctly whether he and Learned _Gentleman, that in cousideriut the fiscal ar meditated, under any pretence or reason, to impose a rangements of this country , 1., do not-I will not to gain duty on foreign corn ?-(Cheers.) And he wished also any popularity or to avoid shy blustering, give it as my to ask whether, in the case of a dissolution of Parlia- opinion that a duty such as he describes is one which any ment, Government intended to propose any scheme of Minister under any circumstances ought to propose.- ( Hear, hear, an d a laugh.) I think the Honourable and fiscal or commeaseial legislation which should again raise Learned Gentleman and his friends have so far succeeded by the question of protection, so that the judgment of the their agitation - not their present agitation, which I believe electors may be taken on the`subject?-(Cheers.) He to be very harmless, but by former agitation-to invest the assured the Right Hon. Gentleman that he was actuated proposition with • ' such _ an amount of prejudice that, though I by no factious motive, and that it would be satisfactory may consider such a pr o p os i t i on a good one, 1 may not to him, and gratifying to the country, to hear that there think it expedient to ado pt it.-(Cries of " Hear, bear." ) was not the smallest intention, now or hereafter, of die- I know there is a great desire on the pa rt of gentlemen turbing that policy which had produced such benefits , o pp osite that there should be a propo sition for a fixed or under any pretence of imposing again a duty on corn. duty.-(Hear, and laughter.) I regret, for their sakes, -(Cheers.) Ha did not want, neither did the country that I cannot give a promise to make any proposition of want, a dissolution at present. He wished to avoid any the kind. What I intend to do, with the assistance and consent of my colleagues, is to redress the grievances of the struggle which would interfere with the present prospe- agricultural interest ; and we reserve to ourselves the right of roue and peaceful state of the country; and on that consicering what may be the best means by which that ground they wished the Right Hon. Gentleman to come great object can be attained.-(Hear, hear.) I think that, in forward and say that the Govereeneet had nu intention consequence of the prejudice with which the proposition for a of disturbing the free-trade polinv of the country. - fi xed duty on wheat-such, for example, as the Hon. and (Opposition cheers.) Learned Gentleman has referred to-has beeu invested, it The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER, ,who on would be very unwise for any Minister to make it before the verdict i of the country had been pronounced with reg.rd to it. rising was received with cheers, spoke as follows: -The- Hon. ear.) That verdict will in all probability be speedily and Learned Gentleman who has just addressed the House 7( . giv n. That question will then be decided. Bu t a bee noticed the extraordinary contrast which he fencies lion of a redress o f t h e just g r ie v ances of any interest inqu. hise exists in this country between the condition and feelings of country will not be settled by a verdict of that nature. - the people in January last and in the present month of March. ..fl er e n a m n e h n e t a t r o .) c i . h d at is a great subject, and it is for the Go• The Hon. Gentleman stated-not, indeed, with that definite tiously believeonwsilllenret ath°sett measures which t t hey conscien a. tun the object, they frankly an derail which perhaps might have been expected, yet in lan- nounce it is their intention to accomplish.-(Hear, hear,) 1 guage sufficiently strong, and evidently impressed with the I hope I have answered the inquiry of H ' the ,nourable and conviction of its truth-what he imagines to be the condition Learned Gentleman.-(" No, no, " and laughter from the Op of England at this moment. It is, says the Hon. Member, a position benches.) I understood the Hon. and Learned condition of distrust, apprehension, anxiety, and uncertainty. Gintlemau, when he was so kind as to interrupt me, to say Warming with his subject, the Hon. Gantleman soon found that his main inquiry ot her Majesty's Government was, out teat the feeling ot distrust amounted even to a state of whether it was their intention to propose any fiscal :arrange paralysis -(Hear and laughter.) I must confess I listened ments affecting our commercial system before a dissolution of to this announcement with some applehenston, but more Parliament, so that the opinion ot the country might be surprise.- ( Hear, hear.) No information has yet reached taken on the point. Nothing is further from my wish than me tending to show that the condition of the people or the to misrepresent him. I uncleistood that to be his question. state of public feeling at all corresponds with the description and I thought I had answered very frankly that it was not given by the Hole Mel/then-0; 1 e., of .4 Hear, hear.") I the intention of the G ov ernment to do so. I em to t a ll y at do not find in the commercial transa ctions of this country a loss to understand the derisive cheer of the gentlemen op • any of those symptoms which the Honourable Member Posite.-(Hear, hear.) I went even further, I assumed that • dila t ed on as a consequence of the change of Ad• the Hen. and Learned Gentleman would wish to know the ministration. I, necessarily, have communications with feeling of the Ministry on the question of a moeerate fixed many persons of great eminence in the commercial world- duty ; and if we, either in this or the next Parliament meant men who are the highest authorities in matters of trade and to pr .pose it. I was not bound, if I had adhered strictly to finance. They are persons familiar with scenes of the most the Leafier of .the inquiry, to state the facts I did, but I an active commercial lite, stet neither from their wo r ds nor swered that. I told the Hon. and Learned Gentleman that countenances could I 'have inferred that the ceuntry was in a neither in this er the next Parliament uid her Majesty'. . stafe of parely.ie, or that even feelin g s ot tii,trust, ;ip-ori , .. Ministers consider themselves bound to make any Fucii pre hension, and anxiety were influencing tho'e whose intereets position whatever. have I not frankly answered the que,te ei a they ieweeented.eson the contsery, the juts:tenet' I or ,w -(Cloers, and counter cheere.) I inn totally at ti, lose awn from the representations et these gentlemen it, that tte. pelt- to understand the derisive cheer opposite; but I can plc are in a Mate of coetentineet and prosperity. - (Hear, only explain it in this insnuer, that Ido nut think my tin - hear.) I can find no confirmation of the Hoe. Gentleman's ewer to the inquiry was so agreeable as Hon. Gentlemen op gloomy views in the present price of the public securities.- Posite would have liked it to he.-( A laugh.) I ale tied (Ctesers.) That barometer ot public opinion certainly gives the Hon. and Learned GcnAemau that we did think our nto i n ei ca ti en o f distrust and anxiety. Every circum- selves bound to give ajust redress ot the grievances under sthisance to which I direct my attention impressas me with which the great productive interest of agriculture suffers, I,,l couyiction that the putilic• mind at the present nut- and thet we would consider, it we had the , opportunity, in a n o.le t t i i , ; l . in , s s t a t e o f p ecu li ar t r anguillity,-(Heer, bear.) new Parliament, the means which we thought best calcu and thrt'''' in the Hon. Gentleman's speech sarterieed me, Weed to accomplish the end we deeired.-( Hear, hear.) I v. _ ~o ve was the discovery he bast made. not only that have recapitulated the answers I gave. to the Hon. tied ti Z t..c intrient intends to Propose a fixed duty, but Learned Gentleman, ire order that there should be no "mie eq,c,tvs. Y, ri t e mount of that slut }, and also its certain tnke whatever ire their purport or meaning.-(Heer, hear.) duty, it se e m e , is to be Es., which , will raise lam aware the Government is placed in some difficulties, the r ice t e 0 wheat the Hon. M only 2s. a quarter, and oat that account but they are tl;fficultiee which, as we did not seek , them, so ber we will not shrink from them.-(Cheers.) I am told, though things resul t says, the farmers will not have it. Two absolutely 'ir: this statement. In the first place, it is I know not on what authority, that there has been on the price of im po s siblewheat only that a duty which will enhance the part of the new Government an ad Inisericgrdiam appeal to consaquenees the Il y o 28. a-quarter can produce all the evil the House of Commons. lam not aware of it. I have not if the farmers • will not 1 3. Member has predicted ; and, secondly, sanctioned it. I have not made it, nor have any of my have deceived them it have the duty, they cannot say we colleagues. Let the blow be where or how, we shall do our and laughter.) These we should not propose it.-(Cheers, best to encounter it. What we ask is, not fair play for the are the irresistible conclusions which Government, but fair play for the country.-(Cheers.) It is must be drawn from the m atured argument of the Hon. our in tention to carr y on the affairs of the country, notwitha Member. The Hon. Mem ber says the present Government standing the d ifficulties which we acknowled g e to exist, to are bound to state frankly and f f ully their intentions with the best of our ability. There are, as all g entlemen must re spect to what he calls the foul o stop to notice the Hon. Member's disinge nuous 9lepeople. I will not know, measures of an exigency which cannot be neglected ; perversion of and in my opinion there are some measures not of so formal what I may be permitted to call a pro v incial by me. I never talked of a poor rnan vicial jest perpetrated a character, but not of a less important nature, that I think in a c offee-house; and I really ranee or der ing z mutton-chops ought to be passed. But if Gentlemen opposite suppose that, that, wen we were expecting to hear frorPartet my l surprise so far as we are personally concerned, we have any wish un ix!, a high discourse on sublime political economy , n. men,- necessarily to prolong the present state of affairs, they in omy, he should dul e a very great mistake. g condescend to such a misrepresentation. Dismiss i ng to oth that measures that I think should be introduced without delay matter, however, I feel it my duty to respon d says Hon. not merely those votes for the public service, that all will Member's challenge. The Honourable Member that join in granting us-not merely the Mutiny Bill, which we are bound, words now we are in p ower, to carr y in to effect t he no one, I think-though I have heard some strange opinions we declared in opposit ion, and he quotes some inwhich I rumours-is prepared to oppose-(Cries of "Hear, bear ")- with which I c on cluded a speech o t mine, re- but there are three measures with regard to which, on the dieted that it the then Government refused to listen to the claim of justice thewould ultimately be defeated end _ us_ part of the Government, the greatest efforts will be exerted forte- t o secure their speedy passing. Those three measures I shall tice would be conceded . I cannot think that w ash de em o it mdr o duty earnestly to press on the attention of the nate quotation to make co nsidering ; that the motion I th en mmons. One of them is the disfranchisement brought forward was nOtfo a fixed duty on corn, consider. ot hous e of e, me st ated laugh)-which my Right lion Friend ing that it had nothing to do r with taxing the f o od of the near c,,hiwz rated the other night would be proceeded with. people, but was recommended Cu) the House ae a measure In o o n . with this waiter, I beg to ,ay I ,hall take the of conciliation and compromise , and 83 a probehle a rras st op rueity of expressing, on the part of the Goa means of terminating the fatal controversy between veeemt,P t what e eur intentions are, if supported by the great political interests. As far es regards my . cseduct House, with which, ;hex ca se apeat to the distribution of the four seats on the occasion referred to, my task would indeed th at o . Bill passes, will be at our eieeosal.- be easy. I might take the expression which the Hon. Gen- (Hear, hear. ) M portance, before Parliame nt pinion is that it is of the greatest im tleman quoted, and say 1 am prepared, to the best of my her of seats compi a ete i . amer is diasolved, to have the num ability, to fulfil the spirit of the policy 1 recommended o n (H ear, hear.) The next question, the evening wtien I made that speech. -( Hear, bear.) But one ot very great imp-r I think it. is possible, froca anae, is that of Chancery reform. with the permission of the House I will not narrow mY ob - tion ie placed, that it may the manner in which that ques seryetione to that issue. I wish, without reserve, fairly and reater speed than has generate becarried through with much f -ankly to express the feelings of the Government.-( /lean) kin d . -( Hear, hear.) are ?t a attended measures of that I think that, in the first place, the House should consider the with the 1 , ,b1e of the House position of the Government and the circumstances under the report of a Commission which Gentlemen are which gentlemen sitting on these benches acceded to o ffi ce. familiar. Im .y state -- though ith to give every credit t,, of course I am That is an element ot consideration which must not be ready omitted. Since the repeal of the corn-laws a controversy a desire to act on the reconam ead.ition o s ur f predecessors for that Commission has be e n maintained in the country as to the policy or im- in the same unreserved manner a. ourselves lam still bound policy of that important measure. Various efforts were in to say, that there may be no unfounded - on 'he sal jest , that we have charge of delay effectually male to induce Parliament to mini„ ' its e ff :c - ' I's. a:Yatt,at us ,. found no ßill of the At last 1 ,...,. the question arrived at this pant: -The present Cind by the late - G evernment, and have , therefore, found '""nlellt, which was elected in 1847, when the effects nothing to assist tie in the matter. • Nevertheless , the Lo rd of the drawn up the heads of a Bill, and instructions repeal of the corn-laws lied not been felt by the Chancellor has class' b 'n to frame the Bill itssle ith Most in the measure, appro , ch e • e a stave een give K ill he intro conelunee 1 intereste d the na tural t rmination of its career (Weed into the other 11°----, Progress will be loeined in ' th so( fi , I e i•tence. The Earl of Derby, attet• varioue greatly lacilitaeed, ano, there.ere, hope that, notwith- effort s t o mitigate th e eff e cts o f the law, declared that it was standing what has occurred, a good measure of Chance v necessary an large t appe a l Amid b e made to the community at reform will be carried.-(Cheer..) I believ eit •u n r neces- o settle a that the L ui w ile go unreservedly Upon sufficientl controversy which in Parliament had been vary for me to say Y Prolonged It perhaps will not be thought ar- the recommendations of the Commissi on.--t Hear a e , -ear.) rogant on my n • Member, to rethart, after the allusions made by the Hon. There is a third measure which we feel it our duty to bring than two yeararato what I have done on the subject. More forward on the earliest possible day public business will concerned, after the House I said that as far as protection was allow, and that is a measure for the internal defence of the House h a d b y l arg e majorities nega• i country.-(Cheers.) These are the three measuees which, tivei the motions from our sid e , I w o uld no longer raise the whatever may be their fate in Parliemont, will be speedily question, but woul d c onfine mself to introducing measures and immediately submitted to its consideration ; and I which were totally n independentthrough.- of trust we shall the abstract principle of _ I be permitted to carry them protection. I also stated that I have t i on of protection, as my opinion that the was (Hear.) should now sit down, did I not feel abstract question; was one a duty to perform to her Majesty's Ministers. The Opposi which could no longp r an considered in this House, tion has very frankly inquired what are the principles upon e but must be settle hay an appeal • a appeal to the country . The which the Administration is formed. There is a subject question being in state , is there suddenly and un- • scarcely: second to that in iin ert in this country, and expectedly a change of G overn - the principle P "ea ent. If the Government ; that IS is oat which her Majesty's . , had. been changed by an expression of the opinion ot 'Parlia- , Opposition formed.- (Great cheering) I hope, .., meat upon - the condition of the agricultural • ' therefore , I may be Permitted bad been upon Imotion easertin _mterest-d: it . . to take this opportu g the exp ediency of imme- pity of that in -(Cheers.) diately returning to the priacipie. of . ty __, r _quu I have been some a protective policy. what eurPringe mug& vrat L inn informed USA WWI-, LONDON, tative statement, that the Noble Lord the Member for Lon don, within a fortnight of resigning the Government of the country from an avowed inability to carry it on—within a fortnight of having communicated to the House of Commons the solemn and mature opinion of his Cabinet that the dis solution of Parliament was not expedient—within a fortnight of having communicated to our Gracious Sovereign that her Majesty should send for the Nobleman now at the head of affairs-1 am surprised to learn that that Noble Lord (Lord J. Russell) has felt, it to be an imperative duty to construct a new Opposition, the object of which, so far as I can collect it from the authoritative statement, is to force Lord Derby to do that which the Noble Lord himself would not venture to attempt—(Cheer , ) —that which be aenounced as the opinion of his Cabinet to he inexpedient.—(Hear, hear.) No doubt the Noble Lord arrived at that conclusion with a due regard to all the important circumstances which in this country 4:moot but enter into the consideration of an indi vidual responsible for the government of the country.— ( Hear, hear.) No doubt the 'Noble Lord thought that in the present state of affairs, in the present state-of Europe and of England, a diseolutien of Parliament was highly inexpe dient. IL was with this conviction and this general determi nation the Noble Lord resigned the reins of power,and re commended a successor who surely the Noble ord might have felt tnuet be equally conscious of the responsibility of advising his Sovereign to such a step.—(Cheers.) But if I am to trust the authoritative statement, as I have a right to do, the more especially when I have myself been challenged on the part of the Government, surely I sin entitled to in quire what are the principled on which this new Opposition finned—(Hear, hear)—an Opposition which the Noble Lnd has constructed under the inspire, ion and with the aid and assistance of the Right Hon. Gentleman the Member for Ripon—(Cheers)—and the Hon. Gentleman the Member for the West Riding.--(Cheers.) Such unbounded confidence exists between three such eminent men—l wish to know on what. prirciple this new Opposition is founded—this new Opposition headed by a Noble Lord acknowledged by all of us to be an able and fitting leader, w ith such experienced vice-lieutenants as the Right Hon. Gentleman the Member for Ripon and the Hon. Gentleman the Member for the `Vest Ri ding.—(Hear.) What, I again ask, is the principle on which the new Opposition is founded? Is it the principle of Papal supremacy or Protestant ascendancy ? (Cheers.) 13 it the principle of national defences or of perpetual peace? (Cheers and laughter.) Is it the principle of household suf frage or of the electoral groups?—(Laughter.) Is it the opinion of the new Opposition, along with the Hon. Member for the West Riding, that free trade is a panacea far all the evils of States? Or is it the opinion of the new Opposition, in deference to the opinion of the Noble Lord the Member for London, that free trade is a great exaggeration ? (Cheers.) These are questions I think it legitimate to ask, and I think they ought to be as frankly answered as the question which has been addressed to her Majesty's Minis ters.—(Hear, hear.) I know that the prospects we as a Mi nistry may have in the present Parliament very much de pend on our knowledge of those why are oar opponents. Con sidering the circumstances under which we acceeed to office, I certainly did not expect within a fortnight of his resigna tion to fled in the prime mover of difficulties against the Go vernment the Noble Lord the Member for London.—(Hear, hear.) But, great as may be the obstacles we may have to encounter, I confesi for myself I do not despair. I have con fidence in the good sense and good temper even of the exist ing Parliament. If I have miscalculated those qualities I shall still hold my trust in the sympathy and support of the country—(Hear, hear)—convinced that it will support the present Government in their attempt to do their duty to their Sovereign, and in their resolution to baffle the manoeuvres of faction.—(Loud cheers.) Lord J. RUSSELL—Sir, when, some three weeks ago, I quitted office, I stated the fact of our resignation to this House in very few words, but at the same time indicating the reason why we resigned, and the future course which 1 intended to pursue.—(Hear, hear.) But, Sir, that course has been so misrepresented in the speeches that have been made and in the addresses that have been printed and dissemi nated amongst the electors, that 1 feel myself bound on this occasion to enter somewhat more fully into a statement of the cause as to the reasons why we resigned, as also of the course which we pursued as a Government.—(Hear, hear.) Ncr will I refuse to the Right Hon. Gentleman the Chancellor of the Exchequer—if my previous declarations have been in sufficient—an explicit statement of the course which I mean to pursue as a member of the Opposition. (Hear, hear.) In the first place I must say that the plea now put forward by the Right Hon. Gentleman has been also put forward by the Earl of Derby; more moderately certainly, but it has finally been exaggerated into a most wonderful and extraordinary statement, at which I am not a little surprised. Sir, that plea and that statement is, that the present Government have only accepted office lest her Majesty should be with out a Gcvernment, and lest the country should be without servants to conduct its business.— (Hear, hear.) Now, the notorious fact is, that, they have been endeavouring for years to supplant the late Ministry; that they were not very scrupulous as to the means—(Cries of " Oh, oh," from the• Ministerial benches, and Hear, hear," from the Opp , - sition)—and also that they omitted no opportunity by which they could place themselves in the sitnetinn they now hold.—(Renewed cries of " Oh, oh," and " Hear, bear.") Let it be remembered, that they did sot satisfy themselves with making direct motions in this House by members of their own party, by which they could obtain the sense of the House on great public questions—such, in the first place, as whether the Act which establiahed free trade was wise and politic, or whether that Act did not operate cruelly and unjustly ; and far be it from me, Sir, to dispute the right of any Hon. Gentleman to oppose her Majesty's Government on those grounds ; but they further took advantage of every opportunity and occasion, when any Member differed from the Government, to come in and swell the ranks of the Opposition.—(Opposition cheers.) It was in this way that, without agreeing with the Hon. Member for Montrose on the question of the income-tax, but quite the contrary, that they came down to support him and inflict a blow on the Government of the day.—(Hear.) What was their course of proceeding at the commencement of the present session ? Did they retrain from attack on the Government ? Did they aniline these attacks to the use of legitimate means of debate—or rather did they not wing poisoned arrows against the Noble Earl the late Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland.—( Hear: hear). Had they not for the totlowing week a motion of want of confidence in the existing Government? And after all that, can ;bey pretend to say that they were surprised to be called to take office, and on any other ground but because they were successful against the Government ? (Hear, beer.) Oa the ,late eccasion when the Noble Lord the Member for Tiverton (Lord Palmerston) refused permission to the Government to bring in a ill regulating the militia enrolment—that was another occasion similar to that on the Hon. Member for Montrose's motion, when Hon. Gentlemen ePleosite came down, and without regard to the m lion or respect to the eubjec•—( Ministerial cries of " Oh, tea")—l repeat myself—(Oh, ob)— Hon. Gentlemen opposite took the unusual course of rousing the Minister permieeion to bring in a Bill.—(Opposition sheers.) Therefore, Sir, I am surprised at the allegation of Hon. Gentlemen opposite that they took office because her Majesty stood in need of a Mi nistry to conduct the affairs of the country.—(Hear.) Their off its were unceasing and notorious to accomplish the defeat of the late Administration. Sir, what I felt at such a state of things and such a line of opposition I will briefly explain. It is the duty of the Prime Minister of this country to super intend the whole of the important questions that relate to the foreign, the colonial, and the domestic affairs of this country, which, I need not say, is a duty of great im portance. But I felt it would be impossible for me in such a state of things, with these frequent attacks and occa sional deteats—l felt it would be impossible for me to give that due attention to those subjects of such deep concern to the public which it was my decided duty to give; and I further felt that, if not driven out, of office, I should be worried out of i:.—(Hear, hear.') And now, Sir, Hon. Gentlemen opposite come forward and assert that they accented office entirely because of their sense of duty to the Severeign.—(flear, hear.) It appears to me that such a false pretence was unnecessary, because their Parliamentary position was perfectly fconstitutional. They might have said to her Majesty's late Mieisters, " Your policy is injurious to the general interests of thsi country, and we are therefore anxious to reverse or reform it."—( Hear, hear.) For my own pert I would have no objection, because I recognise in the Right lion Gentleman (the Chancellor of the Exchequer) that talent and that intellect which so well qualify him for the position he holds in this House; and because I conceive he has displayed both capacity and eminent ability in heretofore conducting the affairs of this House.—(Cheers from both sides of the House.) Sir, with respect to the position in which I now stand, I might say the position in which I did stand a short time since, has been entirely altered by the tone of the speech siil to have been delivered on the 27th February by Lord Derby. I have in my possession a pamphlet which pretends to be the speech of the Noble Earl. In what position does that speech place the Government? The Noble Earl declares he cannot propose measures to the present Parliament, because he would be sure to be in a minority. That is not an unusual position. But Ministers so circumstanced have said that, as it was impossible for them to propose, with any chance of success, measures in an existing Parliament, they would advise with a new Parliament. But the proposition of Lord Derby, as also of the Right Hon. Gentleman the Chancellor of the Exchequer, is this, "we are in a minority; not• withstanding we mean to conduct the busieess of the country as a minority.—( Opposition cheers.) We mean to go through the session, and when it is over we mean to act on our own discretion, and dissolve Parliament or not, as we shall think fit."—.(Renewed Opposition cheers.) The present Parliament may be dissolved in December; and I ask, was it unconsti tutional in us, having as uncertain majority, to hold offioe, seeing that Hon. Gentlemen opposite are determined to bold it even with a certain minority?—(Opposition cheers.) It appears to me that there is no constitutional precedent for such conduct as this; and yet all matters of party, or of a controversial nature, are to be postponed.— ( Hear, hear.) We are to have the St. Albans affair, introduced by the late Home Secretary, and continued by the present Right Hon. Gentleman. We are to discuss Chancery reform. on which the late Government adopted a report of a Com mission, and directed a competent gentleman to frame a measure to be laid before Parliament. But that great and important question, in which the country is so deeply and so naturally interested—thr• question submitted by my Hun. Friend the Member for Wolverhampton — the question af what is to be the price of food, ani whether there is to be a tax laid on corn, five-sixths of which would be paid to the owners of land and one-sixth to the Exchequer —(Opposition che_rs)—we are told that next February we may be informed in reference to that; but at present the months of her Majesty's Ministers are sealed.—(Renewed Opposition cheers.) The deductions of the most able and scientific men are opposed to any such re-imposition. — (Hear, hear.) Then, again, the colonial interests, the navigation-laws, and the laws affecting our shipping and commerce, all these are to be suspended until next February. —(Hear, bear.) The Right Hun. ,Gentleman the Chan cellor of Exchequer repeated three or four times that he meant frankly and freely to answer the question put to him by the Hon. Member. for Wolverhampton; and having thus raised the anxiety of the House, he as often disap pointed it by giving no answer whatever.—(llear, hear, and " Oh, oh.") How different was the speech of the Right lieu. Gentleman that night from his speech :n Buckingham shire a few days since. when he informed the agriculturists that i„ was the intention of her Majesty's Ministers to re store a fixe,l duty. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER here made an observation across the table, which did not reach the gallery. Lord J. RUSSELL— The Right Hon. Gentleman on that occasion quoted, to suit his own purpose, from M'Culloch's i e e s u l e t h u a r book ;st in b r u ef t e h re e ,.c e e nt t i n rely omitted to quote certain portions of that book which were unfavourable to' his position —(Hear, hear. with " o, no," from the Chancellor of the Exche quer.) I read the speech in three or four different papers, and they were agreed as to what the Right Hon. Gentlemen reg e is a t g r r i It now appears, however, that the whole matter is to cer te involved in its present mystery. —(Hear, ' ' al ear.) burdens. It dafe.scarefully conned mode of redressing . .. But in December next, when the conned over, then Par liament will b e Z.: go to his con s tituents and t . evel ?: Protection, sup port me and y ou will have may, 1 am h town Member will say ee' and every protective duties" ; „ constituents, "T he teovern ment have given .up protecti: wristi new Parlia .igricafltrural Member will Parlia ment is assembled they will not mind their old friends, but ; and . when the WO Will aid that Ministers pill be .goctd Free-tradore!".- (Laughter, and hear.) x \ k:‘,l this, Sir, is put upon as under pretence of csnstitutionala t government. I believe there never was such a delusion a tempted ro be practised upon any people, particularly on people possessing the intelligence of Englishmen.—( Hear.) Sir, t, us is a question now understood by every one. At the period of the dissolution of 1841 it was not an understood questii n. But now the whole people cf the country understand it, and know that it means an ad dition of a halfpenny, a pen ,y, or it may be more on their loaf; and which addition is .o go into the pockets of the landlords of the country.—( ,apposition cheers.) It requires no talent to understand th 1, and therefore the community at large require to know if i : be the plan or policy of the Go vernment to re-impose or abandon that tax.— (Hear.) To that plain question we can ;bet no answer, but are to be left in the dark. The Right Ilc.n. Gentleman the Chancellor of the Exchequer has assert office; that my views and opinions now are different from what they were on resigning and he wishes to know why we diet not then dissolve Parliament. Now, Sir, under the circumstances had we dissolved Parlia- ment we would have been liable to the objection raised by Sir Robert Peel in 1846—namely, that it would be using the prerogative of the Crown to keep a party in power.—( Hear. ) In the next place it wo ,Id be dissolving Parliament before 1 the supplies for the .. a`' tenance of the army and navy were disposed of, whit . t would be an unwise step.—(Hear, bear.) Even now, after the Mutiny Bill shall have been passed, a dissolution of Parliament is only a choice of difficulties. It is a choice of evils.—( Hear, hear.) But if lion. Gentlemen were anxious that the public business should be; proceeded with, that St. Albans and Chancery reform should be conducted to an issue, why did they not leave the late Government unmolested ? (Laughter and hear, hear.) There are other matters I must speak of, because the whole policy of the late Government—its commercial and financial policy—has been assailed by member after member of the present Administration. —( Hear, hear.) The policy initiated by the late Sir Robert Peel, and successfully carried out by him, we have followed up; and in our hands the beneficial results to the country have been most important. lam obliged to refer to some papers which will show the House that, with regard to the country, we have obtained most. important and satisfactory results. In the first place, when We left office, there was a surplus of revenue of 2,7 00 , 0001 . , and the sum app li e d , b es id es t h a t, as a s i n ki ng f un d, in the course of last year, amounted to about 2,800,0001. The state of publi c credit was unusually high. The taxes which have been reduced during our government amount to some 4,000,000/. ; whilst the general revenue of the country has not been diminished.--(Hear, hear.) The taxes, in particu lar, with regard to one branch of the Excise have increased so much that, after the abolition by Sir Robert Peel of the glass duty, followed by our removal of the duty on bricks, there was an increase in the Excise of last year over that of 1844 of 1,080,0001. 'lie Excise duty of 1844 amounted to 14,450,0001., whilst that of 1851 reached 14,779.000L — (Hear,) There are three subjects in particular, which, U. pursuance of the policy adopted by Sir R. Peel, we proposed alteration s in the laws regarding them. The duties on sugar were reduced, and the increase of consumption has been So great that, whereas in 1845, the sugar admitted amounted to 244,000 tons, in 1851 the quantity admitted reached 329,000 tons. 'The - colonial sugar, which, according to the Right Hon. Gentleman the Colonial Secretary, should have fallen, admitted in 1845 was 2 44 , 000 tons , in 1851 reached 281,000 t ons . —(H ear , hear.) As regards timber, the altera tion caused this difference, that whereas in 1845 the quan tity admitted reached 1,317,000 loads, whilst in 1851 it reached 2,037,000 loads.— (Hear , bear.) As re g ards the navigation-laws we find a great increase, both in quantity and number of British ships, since these laws have been re• Pealed. In 1848 the tonnage of British vessels amounted to 4,052,000 t ons , w hilst in the last year it reached 4,200,000 tods. Now let us see if any da n g ers have resu lted from that alteration. I conceive that mischief could arise only in two ways—namely, by the diminution of British shipping, or by the increase of foreign shipping in such a manner and to such an extent as to make the nation to which such shipping belonged a dangerous rival to this country. But this is not the case, for the shipping of the United King dom numerically exceeds, in a large degree, that of France or the United States, as does also the number of seamen.— (Hear, hear,) But whilst there has been an increase in the tonnage of British ships, there has also been a greater in crease in that of foreign ships. But that, so far from being a disadvantage, proves an increase in trade. It proves that the persons who import articles of raw materials for manu facture, and articles of food, get them now at a cheaper rate and with greater facility than previous to the repeal of the navigation-laws.—( Hear, hear.) Now, what were these navigation-laws to which so much importance has been at tached, and which Adam Smith defended as the least ob jectionable portion of our fiscal policy ?._(Hear, hear.) It any person will take the trouble to examine, he will find they were an act of vengeance against Holland, an act of political rivalry to prevent that country having the greatest carrying power in the world, and guater than England.— (Hear, hear.) Therefore, of late years, where no such object was required, it was fit to repeal those laws; and by thst repeal we have not incurred that danger which Cromwell anticipated. The Honourable Member for Wolver:lamptori has said that under these measures the country has flou rished to a degree heretofore unknown.—(Hear.) Nut only has there been an immense increase in our manu factures, but the number of our snips has also increased. The quantity of articles of food consumed is such as no man expected; and all these things prove that the people are in a state of comfort and welfare never before attaine t by them.—(Hear, hear.) It seems to he the purpose of the present Government to reverse that state of things.—(Hear, hear.) It has been stated in the speeches of the Members of the Cabinet obscurely and mysteriously; whilst the Right Hon. Gentleman the Chancellor for the Duchy of Lancaster has plainly stated that it is the desire of Lord - Derby to re verse that financial policy which has been, according to him. so injurious to the country.—(Hear, hear.) Now, my belief is the reverse; and, therefore, I am desirous to maintain that policy which has been so beneficial to native industry and native talent.—(Hear, hear.) I will not, therefore, Sir, cloak my meaning when I say I mean to oppose any attempt to re-impose a duty on corn, whether for the pur pose of protection or revenue.--(Opposition cheers.) Sir, that is a plain declaration; and on that point, with the present Ministry in power, it behoves us to obtain a clear decision on the subject. —(Hear, hear.) I conceive that the Right Hon. Chancellor of the Exchequer is not justified in delaying the elution of that question to next February.-... (Hear, hear.). It must be the interest of all parties engaged in trade and commerce to obtain a solution of the question. I also think it is the interest of the agricultural community. I said long ago —and the Right Hon. Gentle man the Member for Stamford declared his surprise at my declaration—that protection was the bane of agriculture. I did not assert that protection was injurious to particulai classes, but that agriculture in general was injured by it.— (Hear, hear.) Since its abolition we have seen treater ad vancement and improvement in the condition of the agricul. tural interest than previously.— (Hear, bear.) My opinion, therefore, is, that there never was a system introduced capa ble of doing more for the welfore of the people than the corn which, since 1842, has been placed on the book. — ione of all scientific men on this point, as also 01 (Hear, hear.) There is a perfect agreement are anxious to see a perfect and unfettered inter coursemongst the nations of the world.—(Hear.) If, there fore,u maintain that policy you will do well. It is not ea n inti t ai e tt r wh ci ethy a eo l do: a question that can be constantly suspended. Last year her Majesty's Ministers, after repealing the window-tax, had but a s mall surplus left them ; and yet, proceeding on the free trade policy, we repealed the differential duties as well this year, the question will arise how will that surplus be :s isp th os e ed duty of?_ 7 coffee. N ow , if t h e r e s hould be a surplus 11 ear, hear.) It will be said that it should be applied to give further extent to those principles that have been found so beneficial. Then Right lion. Gentlemet , opposite will doubtless state, " We are not Ministers for tha t purpose. With finan ce and commerce we are incompetent to deal, e d,,Y must accordingly remain suspended for an other country to hav e no decision? i s it not t h e i n terest 01 e an r. th l e ask is this to be?—(Opposition cheers.) Is tie every individual that, either in the le esent o • in the future s t : a o r g li t ain he c e l v it i ' la tt n ie o r w e f e :sional, the tra i li ng, s s u h ff o e u r l e d d b b e y in th tr e ‘ y d a u r c i Ll u m i e t a i t s e u r r e e s s tu fo — r th r e ed p r r e t s , i the colonial, and the agricultural in of the RL.ht Hon. Chancellor of the Exchequer. I in terests? -I h4v", si r, b een grea tly surprised by the declara tionbelieve no Minsster of the Crown ever stood in the same po sition that he doek,—(Hear.) The Right Hon. Gentlem an's position is this —.11e :r yet, " I have great mea - ores in con templation that w ill relieve the agricultural interest from injury, the coloni a l from ruin, and the shipping interests from the competition under which they are sulking. But 1 will not submit those measures. I will contrive to govern in a minority, relying that the House will, not only have for bearance with us, b ut that it will further be ready to improve the country for us." - Hear , hear.) The course pursued by the present Ministry, ( whilst most convenient to themselves , is most inconveni en t to t h e coun t r y.— (Hear, hear.) \ If, therefore, they get f rom this to Fe b ruary , without professing -- any principle, but merely endeavouring to get together a majority for the next Parliament, that will be a great ad vantage to them, th ough in the mean t i me , that is until the spring of next year, th e country i s to be sunk in uncer tainty.—(Hear, h ear. . ) No merchant or manufacturer can, in the interim, know that be will have a market for his pro duce; no farmer or man of business will understand his po sition ; and all this that the private interests of her Majesty's Ministers may be promoted, even at the sacrifice of all the great and important interests of this country.— (Cheers.) Mr. HERRIES said that the first question which the de bate would naturally occasion was, for what purpose it had Shortly after the late Government htd dis solved, an ostent a ti ous announcemen t wa s made of some re solution t bindingu up, the House to adhere to a line of policy which the Ro n . G entleman opposite, by. had been originated, bad been quite instrumental in bring , ing about. He would ask that Hon. Gentleman why he in tended to make such a motion, and if he did intend it, why did he not try the House of Commons upon that issue? They now Caine, however, to that very question, and he would defy any man, looking back upon what had already taken place, to doubt for a moment that any other answer could be given thee that which his Right lion. Friend had so clearly and so distinctly given. His Right Hon. Friend had, in turn, asked the Noble Lord opposite, the Member for London, upon what principles he intended to conduct his opposition,_ and what had the Noble Lord said?—(Hear. h ear.) He had informed them of what should be the conduct he should pursue in opposition, but he (Mr. Berries) had learned nothing from what he had said but this —that he would continue to oppose, as he had always opposed, the re-imposition of those duties, the taking off of which he called " free trade." So that the whole extent of his opposition reduded itself to the matter upon which the opinion of the country was to be taken. They l earned from him at the same time, however,, that the effect produced by this change in our financial policy had been not inconsiderasle in the association of parties in Parliament, who, heretofore, had existed apart from one another. But the fact was, that the public business of the country had been conducted by an administration of parties with whom these were manifestly, and on principle, at variance. From that cause, too, th y were but imperfectly principles supported on certain great questions, and the Noble Lord had substantialiy admitted this, when he spoke of, having been " worried" from office. Judging by appearances. he already felt the force of an old Parliamentary aphorism Which he had often heard—" Wait till the Whigs are gil" " office, and then you will know what faction is. (Laughter.) But universal suffrage, the ballot, and Me t na- e bers paid for their services in Parliament—these were tep _ e b . to conduct the opposition, which it was right the . 1 1 - us risen but ples apparently upon which the Noble Lord in _ .o d d e should know. He (Mr. Herries) should not have risen question, for the circumstance that he had been repeatedly called first by the Hon. Gentleman who had asked t he made in and also by the Noble Lord, as to some statementeeffect of the re othneotuornnage another place, at his election, touching e laws, and the LI to that challenge Deal of the navigation laws, and in answermallest possible com he would put his observations into the s He. would now, to Pass. merely giving results in figures. exhibit the result of the change St our com mercial that itariiish and foreign Ai ' • give the figures exhibiting its e ff ect on navigation code, l e upn thelast of the nevi shipping respectively, between the year 1849, of the ga ion year would take the imports and the _ exports, and he would show 1851, the second inwards in the s yscomparativet c o f th e n l e e w lB la 4 w 9 of British shipping inwards was 4,390,000 tons, and in 1851 significant, was only 4,388,000 tons, being a. slight, bet . k -till a 1849 was 1,681,000 in 1851 , 2 tons, ,and W h ile then had been no WENN ill British fillippin inwards e o e p e e ra t i t ) --'nutcatit, diminution. The foreign tonnage between these periods, the foreign shipping inwaris , bite lan iecrrase of 54 pe. cent- The drirish ehippipg out ward-, in 1849, amounted to 3,762,000 tons, and in 1851 to 4,147,000 tons, being an increase of 385,0'0 tons, or about 10 per cent. The foreign tonnage outwards increased from 1,600,000 tons in 1849 to 2,33'3,000 in 1851, being an augmentation of 51 per cent. Taking the British and fo reign together, the British imports and exports in 1819 amounted to 8,152,000 tons, and in 1851 to 8035,000, being an increase at the rate of only 4% per cent.; whereas the toreigu imports and exports, estimated in a similar manner, showed an increase of 47 per cent. He would now ask whe ther it was possible, with this slight comparative increase :of British shipping to maintain a competiti , n with our neighbours. What figures showed to be injurious as a result, every day's experience showed them to be actually at work against them. America always had a large quantity of shipping loading in the ports of China, which formerly was not the case ; .and British ships which formerly could obtain freights of 61. and 71. per ton, were now offered no more than 30s.—( Hear, hear.) No one knew better than the Noble Lord opposite that the French had made an ungrateful return for the voluntary re laxation in favour of foreign shipping, and that other con tinental nations were disposed to follow her example. Among other things it was said that the new policy had produced a vast deal of export trade. He would remind the House on that subject that Hon. Gentlemen had no right to use the fact of an augmentation of our exports as a proof that our commercial system worked well; as the years 1826 , nd 1827 and 1837 and 1839 were years in which, with large exports, there was great commercial pressure. At the same time he knew per:ectly well that the labouring classes of this country were much more contented, and much better employed than they had been, but still he Would say that large exports were not a satisfactory proof of sound com mercial system. That protection must, in some shape, be a benefit, was, in his opinion, completely illustrated in the case of the states of the Z Averein. He had stated this much with reference to one particular point of the debate, and he should not have risen had it not undergone some amount of discussion, being fully convinced that his Right Hon. Friend had fairly, fully, and completely answered the questions put to him.—(Hear, hear.) Sir J. GRAHAM-1 should not have risen to follow the Right Hon. Gentleman who had just sat down, if I had in tended to go at length into those fiscal questions he has raised in respect to the navigation-laws, and to the extent of increase or decrease which may be found in our imports or exports. But I rise in consequence of the challenge which has been thrown out by the Right Hon. Gentleman, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with respect to the Opposi tion which he anticipates lam about to offer to her Ma jesty's tovernment. And before I answer that challenge, I must be permitted to draw the attention of the House and the country to certain large admissions which have just been made by the Right Hon. the President of the Board of Con trol. That Right Hon. Gentleman admits that the country is in a state of unexampled prosperity, and that, the working classes are satisfied, contented, and well employed ; and al hough he does not attribute that contentment and employ ment to our financial or commercial policy, he yet admits he facts broadly and frankly —(Cheers.) ant now about to explain to the frankly the view which I venture to take in the present position of public . affairs. lam not disposed to enter into any factieus 1 opposition to her Majesty's Government, because I think that in the present state of the country it dues be- I come the House, without the slightest tinge of party, fully and dispassionately to consider the amount of force which ought to be provided for national defence by sea and land, to enter into their discussion in Commi . tee of Supply, and to proceed, having agreed on the amount of force, also to pass the Mutiny Act. But, Sir, I do not think the ques tion which is now at issue at all so infinitesimal as the Right Hon. Gentleman was pleased to call it.—( Hear.) It is on the contrary, in my opinion, as important a question as ever was rained in a deliberative assembly, and one which un doubtedly affects the happiness and well-being of the great body of the people. (Loud cheers.) It is not a question of a ss. or a 7s. duty upon corn ; the question really at issue is, will you reverse your entire policy ?—(Loud cheers)—a policy the results of which, try them by what test y•er. may, have far exceeded tae most sanguine expectations of its authors and supporters.—(Hear, hear.) The Right Hon. he Chancellor of the Exchequer asked what was the bond of the opposition he saw around him. I certainly was iiet prepared for that Gentleman's being particu iarly chary as to the weapons of opposition he used, ( r the nature of the combinations into which he might enter, to resist what he bad termed an organised hy. pocrisy, and it is necessary therefore that we should come to a clear understanding as to what is intended by her Majesty's present Ministers. Now, although I think my Hon. Friend the Member for Wolverhampton was quite justified in put ting the question be did, and in the menner in which be put it, yet for my part I am bound to say that I have no .'•• übt whatever as to the iiiten tie/is of Government with re pea to this poicy. if they cad. accomplish - their intentions. --(Cheers.) Whether they shall suceeed depe. ds upon this ilouse and upon the country; but as to what their purpesi s are, I hare no more doubt than that I have the h.‘ntiur of eddre-sing you, Sir, at this m imeree—(Hear, hear.) It is not from the Right Hon. Gentleman who represents the Go vernment in this House that I Ask for explanation. I said so last year, when the Right Hon. Gentleman stated his views in mystified and hardly perspicuous language, and I was forced to go to the other House, when I said the Peers would be far more explicit than the Members of this House, who were in party combinati -n with them. Then the purpose was frankly avowed, and it was first to change the Administration, next to dissolve the Parliament, and then to impose fresh duties upon imports, among others to re-impose the corn •laws.—(Hear, hear.) That was my solution last year of the kints that were given to me elsewhere. I adhere to that definition of their inten tions now, and I call upon them to deny it.—(Hear, hear.) They have succeeded to power, have displaced the last Go vernment, and I now avow my belief ;hat they intend to dissolve Parliament, for the purpose of imposing import -Julies—among others, 'a duty on corn.—( Hear, hear.) I trust the House will bear with me while I read a few pas sages from the speeches of a Noble Earl in another place. — (Cheers.) I shall first refer to the statement made by the Earl of Derby on the 28th February, 1851, when he had tailed in his endeavour to form an administration. It was on an occasion of great importance, he having to state to the House of Lords and the country the cause of his failure, and he completed that statement with a frank avowal of the policy he would have adopted had he sue. ceeded in forming a Government. I will now read the principal passages in that speech, and point out the policy which he would have adopted, The Noble Earl said— " It would be impossible for me, even if my convictions were less strong than they are, it would be impossible fer me as an honest man to take office without a full deter ;nination to deal with agricultural distress, and to endeavour to apply, as minister, effectual measures of relief."—(Protectionist cheers.) Wait. The Noble Earl was perfectly explicit. and I congratulate gentlemen opposite, who have so long laboured for what they term some remnne• ration for the unequal burdens upon land, on the prospects which they now have with the Earl of Derby at the head of the Government, and the Right Hon. Gentleman opposite in the Cabinet, of their success in that object which for six years they have so unceasingly laboured to accomplish. The Noble Earl goes on :—" I will take this opportunity of explaining to your Lordships what are my views and inten tions on the subject of agricultural distress. I say, that by imposing a moderate duty on the importation of foreign corn you might raise a considerable revenue for the country, while you need not materially raise the existing prices to the consumer, while you might, by the acquisition of an idditional revenue of one and a half or two millions annu ally, enable the Government to effect an object which would be of great value to the community at large, namely, the extinction of the ineoine-tax." N ow , o b ser ve the Noble Earl expects one and a half or two millions from a duty on c orn. The Right Hon. Gentleman opposite said he would scorn a ss. duty. I now understand his contempt. Five shillings would not raise one and a halt or two millions; it must be a much heavier duty. —( Loud cries of " Hear. near, and cheers ) The Noble Earl then says. " not hesitate to say, that if I found it impracticable effect such a commutation of our system of taxation (rather a severe c o me i ent on the plea of the present Chan eellor of the Exchequer) as should place all classes on a perfect level, then, according to the best free-trade authori ties, it is not adverse to the principles of free trade to impose in favour of the class which is subjected to is undue share of burdens countervailing duties to an mnount sufficient to meet those burdens, and I believe that by the imeosition of a moderate duty upon the import of corn and provisions you might raise such an amount of taxation as, at the end of the year after this, would enable the country altogether, and I trust for ever, to abolish the income-tax. I express my frank opinion that the question of protection-- or, if you chose, the ques tion of the unrestricted import of provisions—is one whi di must be settled by the couetry once and for ever.—(Cheers.) The Hon. Baronet the Member for Essex cheers that. I say there is nothing more clear than the course of the Govern ment, as expressed by the Earl of Derby. He asks for im port duties, including a duty on corn (Hear, hear)—and the means by which he proposes to effect his purposes are, a dissolution of Parliament. Nothing can be more plain. The Noble Earl goes oa, " But until I see that expression of the feeling of the country—when I find that the present system is working an amount of evil far greater than was anticipated by its opponents - certainly greater than I an ticipated myself—l cannot, as an honest man, abandon the attempt to relieve the existing distress." How? By re tracing the false step that had been taken—" by the im position of a moderate import duty upon corn. That was the statement made early last year, and his Lordship concluded by saying, " I trust your Lordships will think that I have n •.t trespassed unduly on your time in making a full and frank declaration of the course of policy which, it' 1 had been called to office, I should have ventured to recommend." What, then, is the use of inquiry further, when we have this statement from the head of the Government? Tut may t l a lTa b y e e ti said that since then he has changed his here a statement which he made on the eiesvtdwes; i ref ro th es e o p s treo sent session, and as I know that the Noble Eri t have a doubt carry out every word be utters, I cannot as to his present intentions. On year, Lord Derby says, th e t w o h o f e a F t, eiborru the last belief 18 now, four years has perpetually Tfahleleup,rice m " hat as it was four years ago, t be not made to the mu diminish if some alterati may be inconvenient, th:n(cultivyation of wheat law; aye, even to an extent which e __ Are. ot we loo s k hou o l n d if not dangerous to its real w our am this matter as one of indifference ,- draw continually a na me l ly, do tha n t great principal articles of food tr illocrereigasningcoasnutprpielys. of f I the principal portion of our supply, convinced that the rep of the corn-laws will make us more dependant for _ ona state of things pregnant with and that is in my opinion a I have not alt e r ed the opinion danger to this country, © acs ago, that both for purp revenu e sa d of r in t e which I expres sed s a d for the protection industry it of our native •is e ne r i a u t d se e d d . 4n T t h h e e should b desirable that agr i cu ltu h r i a c l n p a ro r l e u v c e e nu sh e ould be i go beyond corn, to cat le, and articles of import on w Noble Earl would t all those n _ hich m y amen e ' friend, Sir Robert Peel, provisio s struggled so eernestiy fie., in order that all the food of the should be relieved from taxation. But snore than people this I see bel ow the gangway of my Right lionoua Friend the Member for the University o f O x f or d , and rbitheree i s no disclosure of a secret in what lem going to state, be- ! cause the Earl of Derby mentioned it in the House of Lords. Ilis whole arrangements were kept suspended until my Right Honourable Friend had returned from abroad, and when he returned, and when the Earl of Derby made his-; proposal, what wles the preliminary point raised by my Right Honourable Friend? fie asked Lord Derby what he in tended to do with the corn-laws, and Lord Derby at once said, "My opinion h as been pronounced. ' I thin import duties must be again imposed, and I am not prepared to say that grain must be an exception." My Right Honourable Friend, t rue to the principles he had invariably advo cated, replied, "Thi s preliminary objection is fatal, I cannot ! join the Administration."—(Cheers.) So earnest was the ' Earl of Derby in adhering to his faith and principles, and so sincerely was he of opinion that reversal was indispensable, that although he had made his whole arrangements turn an sorer, the arrival of my Right Hon. Friend, w hen he got th at that my Right Hon. Friend would not b e a petty r n t o restoring the corn- laws, he abandoned the idea of an Administration. I am sorry Ido net see the Noble Lord the Member for Tiverton in his place, bat unl ess I am g_reatly deceived, Lord Derby had also an interview with that leloble formed, and pro - Lord when the present Administration was the Mod to him to take part in I l ia AsiugOtrottou. Bri t lobe rye tbers• same question that was put last year bv the Right Hen. was given that when the urgent necessity shall have P wners el . Member for Oxterd Uraversity was put this year by the away, a united attempt shonld be made to re-IroP ' , l a nd Noble Viscount the Member for Tiverton, and the same an- Now, lam satisfied that amongst the largest o of bis cult. swer was gi ve n with the same results. It was impossnsle for in the United Kingdom, considering the area .e.. larges t, the Exe to 20 backw a rd s . The corn-laws must not be re- 1 vated land, the Duke of Buccleuch is amongst ta u reed with stored, and the Noble Lord would not be a party to any ! Lord Derby knows-and I speak from my attempt in th a t direction. I think I have now gone ! --that in the year 1846 the Duke of Bucclench eg el the was l , far enough to show the intention of the Government, for I him, but that his Grace stated last year that he b e t be e/ 1 " the House may rely implicitly on the honour of the Earl of receipt of as mach rent as he bad ever enjoyed that who a herb, Weer once he hes a 'flounced any intention. He gave in the receipt of as much rent as he desired _ ho was a practical proof of it last year by his speech on the first that he had no tenant whom he wished to keeen " op i n tour day of the session ; and this ear he again gave a frank ex- not ready to pay him that rent-and that, in I"' to be dee rs* planation in the conference witla the Noble Lord the Mem- any attempt to re-impose the corn-laws was chew.) ber for Tiverton. Even within the last fortnight he has . cated by the landowners as most injurious. a (LOUT v ia, to given the most direct and practical proof of his firm and I have talked of dukes and great nun ; but now ed wi ll ' t" tbe i• -• unaltered intention to review our commercial policy, es e- call your attention to two or three points connect to f 2 daily that which relates to the corn-laws. hut I can have poorer classes. I will only call your attention . .. utbee ric recourse to other evidence. There is no man of strie•er ho- tistics of Glasgow, which I have here in a, ms® :sys shot own knowledge flour than the sight Hon. Gentleman the Chancellor of the form, in Dr. Strong's "Social Statisti alu ts bresd fer Duchy of Lancaster, a mail who would not palter with any there has been a gradual substitution of whea o te, e „ i n een question for a moment. In his speech to his constituents oatmeal. Within the six years, from 1840 t ri t e °'`6 l.is etne. he said that he stood firm to the doctrines of protection, sive, the average annual quantity imported 1 ele , 184 0 and that he gave his support to Lord' Derby. because was 13e.,000 quarters, and of flour 107,''00 sacks. From h at has ri l l he relied on the assurances of his chief. But then let to 1850 the average annual quantity of we e e s r i s en a us go to Lincolnshire, and we shall find that the truth to 199,000 uaiters, and that of flour nal Bsl. The is not hidden there, but that the most explicit ex- 211,000 sacks-(Cheers.) Take the single r Yeaooo quarters, planations have been given. Now, I, who have fora lone quantity of wheat imported ainountet. to 38 8, , et e t la time been relegated to the back benches, need not say that ; and the flour to 333,000 sacks. -(Hear.) In . ' ll ° was shear I am rejoiced when I see country gentlemen of my own sta- I quar ern loaves were baked in the city 'ob i ` i n the Yf Lion and standing coming into official nee lam sure that albs. per head, the popuiation being )40,0 00 . cen tre 0 whatever they say may be relied on. and therefore quote i 852 the population was 600,000, and that great, nt eactil e . them confidently. The Hon. Baronet, the President of the manufacturing and mining industry is naturaelg,na. le! Poor-law Board said at his election, " I repeat to you the of the poor inhabitants of ,the islands and oflreland bread words of Lord Derby, and what his futurepolicy will be you they have arrived at an a v e ra g e consumption ,ue be ers ) cu • d may gather from them. The question does not rest with amounting to Slbs. for every individual.-(Lcala 'is t he has la cr" r him, or with the Administration, we can do nothing But now do they spend their money without Inc $ e unless backed by the constituencies."-,,Hear.) Certainly, merely in eatables? The consumption of tea that o f s ues. so say I. Let the case be fairly put before the country. Let in the short space of two years 325,331 lbs., ee.o. ) p e el the country know what it has to decide on. lam then 5,610 tons, and thst of molasses 913 tons."(%"` arl d ear of ready to go to trial, and then God defend the right. The have, again, my neighbours lost their fregaL. nu mber,/ Hon. Baronet continues, Having recited the speech of the habits? Take the saving banks. In 1841 tee, o 34 4,41e• t i Noble Earl, "Lord Derby refers the matter to the electors depositors was 16,100, and the funds arnountee_', i e nresl i of the empire, and it must be determined by them." When? In the year 1851 the number of depositors had le 1e . ,, I say speedily-without a moment's delay. -- (Cheers.) The 1,898, and the sums deposited amounted to 60,beua i n lee' s Hon. Baronet says-" It is evident the esent Pattie- there was one depositor to 21 of the inhabitants'tii avert; ment cannot last long, and I think you will agree with me there was one to 12. In 1841, 12s. 6d• was the all'urr that the sooner it is dispersed the better." There was no amount for each inhabitant; in 1851, the ay te 0• to be' proposition for these measures there.-(A laugh.) No was 11. Bs. 9d.-(Loud cheers.) You ma y at ' e n code on Militia Bill, no Disfranchisement of St. Albans, no four seats verse this policy, but I tremble for the conl a i s uce t u re t to be given away in a manner that has not yet been ex- cause there is something more trembling in the we eneP tie plained. That would not be dissolving Paliament rapidly. whether there shall be a corn-law or no corn" ,bat'i coo . •.' his evident that the question must be solved, and I trust duties or no import duties.-(Cheers) 1 fe e ar e seistieg _ O l ' it will be set at rest for ever." So say I. "We cannot result of your dissolution should be, with fin the re d r i to dto be always in collision with our fellow subjects "- stituencies, to return a majority in favour °t eats , anw (Cheers.) Then comes a most useful and salutary piece of of that policy in which the comforts, the intet ne uP , ' se e advice to the owners of th e soil. Th e H on . B aro n e t tells his feelings of the great body of the people are ° Li ner reps rd it constituents," You must either have protection or learn to will turn, not against mr your policy, but agains t Y e n - I beanee live without in"- (Loud laughter.) I would say to Hon. tative system. Gentlemen opposite, altering a little word of the President stated hatthislcannot expreee not Goivtehrnamreegnrtet was ~ .. 3 , , b r e o a li re sY twto li formed , anu of the Poor-law Beard, " You car.% have protection, arid not in much, t but still with sufficient, detail t hat 0• you must learn to live without it."-(Continued cheering.) flounced that a system was to be inaug Then the Hon. Gentleman goes on to show how they "may produce" Peace on earth and goodwill anl e r r g de of the live without it. I know that we shall have to turn our Solemn words! Awful and holy words! N° e , s ,tlio ea it attention to the improvement of our estates, for where is Harbinger of those glad tidings of every b l es sing c o c a ;;1. the landlord who could say that more might not be done with healing on his wings to men 1.-(Cheere:)o that with his property. Here is no artifice, no guile, I had truly be said that this policy is of a descripty?ll to e' er for lusted st o r b. almost said here are Disraelites in whom there is no guile. cute , ed to bring peace upon earth and go H o ,, WM% the -(Loud cheers, and laughter.) There is another point (Cheers.) I confess, as was noticed by tne La° ,l l ;nce w it s the to which I must call the attention of the House. The Noble Wolverhampton, that it was exactly in a ccor 0 co urss na g Earl at the head of the Government has admitted that he '• Up, Guards, and at 'em."-(Cheers.) It la It wili t h ee ta was in a minority in the House of Commons.-(Mr. Dis- effects of which will not be to bring Pea c t io sity Tee air raeli-No, no.) The Right Home. Gentleman the Chancellor such heartburnings, dissatisfaction, and a e rial - eo n e" c i de' of the Exchequer denied this, but I had the advantage of class and class, as years will not efface. - 0 - '" e co ts, e a OP hearing my Noble Friend's speech; and he said, I know I cretary at War lately addressed his constitteke F e seS, 0 0 am in an undoubted minority in the House of Com- claimed on the tax upon corn importation• crow d crle t "ent mono and I appeal-to what ?-to the forbearance of the mers were delighted, but some voice in the country. - (Laughter.) Now, Sir, I deny absolutely that in " Cheap bread." What reception did the Sec e. farm. I the Parliamentary history of the country, s u ch an admission give to him ? He said, ~ lam speaking to Ease • A.b, " os sif was ever made by a Minister, or that such an appeal was away with that Braintree rabble."- c retari P ne! (Chetre .) fo ots , i aver made to elan forbearance of the country,-(Cheers.) I am afraid that at future electione, whatever the e cbsers• i ise a ill challeng y gentleman who may do me the honour to say, that cry will be turned against ttlerne il l e n thet follow me in this debate, to point out in our Parliamentary am asked what is the bond between us? 1 will t om' of history when there was such an admission, or any such re- Gentleman. I have entered into no unvlor t ' n ' a int• ene e - eble quest.-(Hear, hear.) I say that homage to the represen- I have but one single object, and that is, the .• my balle be tative system is at variance with any such request. I say that policy to which I have contributed Iseii s h ee t that our representative system would be brought into disre- aid; and,' in the maintenance of that polIcY1:0 will 7 • • pate if we prolong this state of things an hour more than is glad to co-operate with every gentleman , : d a a sole al e ri serr, 'necessary to provide for the safety of the State and for its in maintaining it.-( Loud cheers.) 1 " a tha t ''' °' defences. Take the ease of Mr. Pitt in the great struggle of faction. I remember the last conversation the e v e ir e 1784 between him and his great rival. Mr. Pitt only asked had with the late Sir Robert Peel. It. erae a re, P cy, ie W e b er the House to pass the Mutiny Bill, and the struggle that great discussion with respect to foreign P°" h nt Go• rs - de was whether even the Mutiny Bill should be passed. - we found it our painful duty to vote against Ibisthat frert the (Cheers.) He said only give me that and I will at once ment which, on account of its maintenance of nes . at _„,, eissolve, for the confidence of the House of Commons is policy, we generally supported. We were 101'0"jgbtro indispensable for my Administ retion.-( 1- lear, hear.) What consequences of that vote. I pointe ' out that,' iie l3el iotl was the course pursued still more recently? In 1831, my sibly be overthrown, and what might succeea. comp Noble Friend (Lied J. Russell) w.is in office. an d I 1 ,.. d. then me, "I know that in this couetry without Pal i, and l ege the honour of being his colleague. The Retoriti Nil Was no man can govern ;my party ties are dissolve is, t her% e t, under discussion and the point in dispute was an exceed- not prepared to renew • hem ; power in my hand s e e tervl r ee ingiy unimp •rtant one, but General Gascoigue beat us. impossible, but, come what may, of this 1 a la i , tbs t s ite Eigetsand-tarty hours did not elapse before our resignation that there is no effort I will net mike to Insinta r tee ea s e was placed in the hand' of the Kines unless power was given trade policy which I believe to be indispensabl tieing' of 'ls us instantly to dissolve.-(Hear, hear.) If the Noble Lord financ of the peace, happiness, and well, poss e ldr (Lord J. Russell) will pardon me, instance w h e r , ,, I was unfortunately opposed to him. In the lea y st . degree the abilities of my departed fries 'I 01'0 I will give another country."-- e.. (Loud cheers.) Now, Sir, Ido no. d. bet .0 ; 1841, a vote of want of confidence propoeed by my late share his determination. There is no effort whic." 0 0 0 00 . Right Honourable Friend (Sir Robert Peel) was carried. prepared to make - there is no sacrifice I will noa, t ny e c. e that was on a Friday night, and my till Monday to consider. He came down to the House and science, I believe to be indispensable for the Inol l e a y. fell' moved the estimates. The army, navy, and ordnance es- piness, Noble F r i e nd asked to uphold that policy which, in my heart and 1 " be v,',:;r and the well-being of the great body 0 ' "" ev e timates had indeed been passed, and so had the Mutiny subjects.-(Loud and long-continued cheers.) _ ja 141 '..e, Bill ; but the commissariat, the civil contingencies, and the Mr. WALPOLE noticed the peculiar miscellaneous estimates had yet t o be voted. 'My Noble they were placed. No' question was really beforp", 00 ei to F s , Friend proposed to take a vote for six months, but Sir and, as was always the case when there Waa,r ea : T eri ' 1 ,; 0 01 Robert Peel went through all the similar cases which had tion under discussion, evey subject on which bad o po sitio e “,, e 00 11 ._,, arisen in the history of this House. He said the proposal Gentleman desired to express bis opine that a ar o , to take a vote for six months is t oo l o ng ; you will by that brought into the debate. The real fact was Lea rned g ees course bring the session to its usual termination, and 1 have question was put to the Government by the T hat ee e t 'bret r f i re ezi e d .t a ra to d to r e lid no security that you will call a new Parliament imme- tleman the Member for Wolverhampton. eeequ er afo re diately. Sir Robert Peel, who we all know had the most was answered by the Chancellor of the E!`i e l, iv aeb be en scrupulous regard to constitutional authority made a long hours ago, and the only topic of discussion which ha d not oi • i te speech in which he distinctly said, unless you pledge your- the House was whether that question had f ie s peed ; c aws° selves with the least possible delay to dissolve this Perlis- properly answered. He referred to the u a f the cerre e I ° 4 merit, and also in the shortest possible time to call the new Right Hon. Member for Ripon as a proof,o observa t° TO Parliament together, I shall propose that the vote Shall be of what he said. His Right Hon. de lo licY• sfe lle taken only for three months.- (Cheers.) Now, what is the been directed against the reversal oFf course proposed to be adopted ? And this brings me to the was scarcely fair, for the Ministers did e n e ° g l ee -trade !r a sa speech of the Right Hon. the President of the Board of free trade, but they thought Control, who has promised to propose a committee of in- should be so altered and so quirt' , into Indian affairs, and to renew the East India Com- on no class. It; therefore, the question tin thei r , eoei pane's charter,-(A laugh.) What a melancholy state of country on a true issue, let that issue beiyouar, bear. , re eer e , things.-(Hear, hear). There is the Right Honourable and not in those of their oprionent s --(that it waste it ;be/ Gentleman the Secretary f or th e C o l on i es , w ho tells us Derby had said, both last year and this , en der we rip ti p t p f that t,l he ha s th e strongest poss i ble f ears un less the the agricultural interest from the burden:es, enjoYe e "' t r eir a w o e policy of the sugar duties is changed Thee is suffered, while the protection wh i c h t bs . t how bat two was Press t g fi e° r t ri b o r , da.cending scale of prices, and' on the sth of July there 1-46, had been taken from the rn i tdhifia a te n ddtat e s non a f l . lll c::' inters; Rightsisanoher down w a r d step; and we have the evidence of the ionlely to be given must ' deeen u "" a n the nto I Hon. Gentleman's colleague that when once such a step is taken it cannot be retraced.-(H ear,hear) Yet he of the countryand that amongst t " , a ecess ar J tide s is contented to remain in office without making one effort might be necessary-probably would be II I , all arn e laffle at of the - eiscal ar-ranements affecthinoteso aron„, g ,... en t ie o ro s o i f to counteract the evil which he says exists -(Cheers.) Let alder the propriety of putting on duties 0 nion e 2c- beer' to us mark their arguments as they h ave President ofof food ,- 4 , un t to .0 • the Board of Control has gone into the navi- necessarily articles a duty upon .. , fie me ant n° d o ing 91 1 gation-laws, and I am prepared to follow him at a proper t .n im w e ar ; d but the Hon. Gentleman knows that the tonnage both import, except raw materials-not in his °P e Hear, t to and cheers from the Opposition.) He w es not A n . A D the question unfairly, and believed he Th u m: 1 ' if '",e and outward' has increased grea tly sa l oon that of (Hear, hear.) The House should reM bate d, tha t a Pe ' the two antecedent years; and that with the exceptisn of Derby had also said, and constantly reP ag ainst ... es one year, which was the largest ever known, the tonnage well.expressed opinion of the petiole, has been larger ~ e „ s . ,,, ,than it has ever been before.-( Hear.) being put on articles of food, partly moo ell) se w e he Right Hen. Gentleman seems to bun, with jealousy, that partly for revenue, he should not attempt to „ ew e e s ; wi ror ' P s re nt . e s c b ti e °P4 6, our own tonnage has increased, that of other coon- fion a ' 'l'be Noble Lord to e ste I t o ; gain. - (Cheers.) , Wu' o tries has also been e i overn s 'se augmented. Why, when we opened brought a grave charge against the , ea ,..) , r5 l I our imports, and consequently our exports, we ex takin • t (H ar, '` l l unu e eor g an unconstitutional par .- that the tonnage b ,th o t our own and other nations would eon in the H iuse or out of it more thorougu / but be en 0 11 4 be affected. - (He ar , bean) Here i s a Mi n i s t e r of great constitutional questions than the Noble L° of 4 0107 0 0 1 0 experience ne who talks of appealing to the forbearance of the to convince him that the Government, instead _tu they tiff, country. When he says th a t these measures are erroneous, unconstitutional part, were taking the only P a ', ote le P e We' let him and his colleagues take at once the bold step of take under the circumstances, and were curare 0 11 .0' bringing in the measures they consider right; and it the by precedent. (Hear, hear.) 'How had they, 741 House think differently, then l et t h em give advice to her power? Not by raising a particular questiono..„, c al .. , ;D i Majest to dissolv e p ar li ame( L ou d cheers.) I stated te the dissolution of the late Government n 1" 1 )0% 0 11 that ih re was a diecussion in 1841 upon a constitutional the House, by a definite vote, to overturn- e „ nee s r et. question, and that the Government, being in a minority, late Government had pursued in order to stibst" w " cr 14sa i hesitated not to di sso l ve or res i gn . Now I have here a of their own. They had been brought into P se the oc er speech which was made on this occasion, which you will reasons, and two reasons only. First. .beell:_ eo ode of, allow me to read. T ue e o hi e L o rd (Lord Johu Russell), Lord, by his own admission, had so tar lost th e .c` b lio , 0 1 speaking of the financial measures of the Government, said his supporters that he could not carry on according to ---,• I admit that we do not sufficiently possess the confidence ness of the country in his own WaYt e r°e" c or the couotrYl44 of the Hous t to enable us to carry our measures." Was he believed, for the general interest er _ . „ b et* ~d v i there ever such an admission made by a Government before? secondly, b eca use there was no other b l ttte ll en i t u l v e " nio y e e i o c ; -( Heir, hear.) Suppose t hat at any other time my Right of Parliament sufficiently st enable them t take tn a r o alt to Hon. Friend had brought forward this proposition, and this confidence of the country to That was a totally miffs fit te e d alone-the first branch, observe, of his present motion-that power.--(Hear' be d a e r nis that had been cited agal,r ie g liee, e 'el the Government do not sufficiently possess the confidence of from all the prectiihronet (Sir James Graham) 11 11 ,° "je s ' itt the House of Commons to enable the o to carry their melt- loathes.Te ig e l" ldents-those of 1831, 1841, and 17 8 * . oe" sures through the House - just pause for a moment and con- s -those reform was the issue distinct,f -Le Sider what must be the position of a Government who to that tke queetioon ofbetween the Goverr mand tbein °P` be: i i i , single proposition is bound to reply," %Vs admit your allege- that d ecided on s against the ent , ea r, Government—tee wes,-011 lion; we are unable to dispute it." Why, in ;try other time, and 41.' a vote of want of confidence waley e mild not such an admission have been regarded as a con- In 18 against the Ministers. that a gij elusive proof that the Government was unworthy to conduct rigid , the case e aMinistry the affairs of the county?-(Hear, hear, and cheer.) to ' called Commons, convened by Government' isl e 0' the late c i t eo ne e But that it was necessary the Minister says, "Although into power brought because the late MinistrY a t set Do' we have not the confidence of the House, it is not unable e they were to carrynine° ord 011 incumbent upon us to retire. We have Yet It dues cheers from the Ministerial on the Gover e to y chances to try-we have yet some turns to take. r that able to carr othe side.) Had the ?` - his P o den not necessarily follow, because we are without Iptoewne), The a more exteyndsnd business by intendre-construFtinedee t 00 t, we must also be without office."-( Loud pang_ hetdOuse to talk if any other 4 basis, as rumour said he li d, speaker goes on and says-" It is note or t I tion, for as the busnse party was suffi c iently strong ~,,,„istere b o i l eo t Ss o - of a dissolution or of abstaining from isso u within our own ri ‘ht f the Go. ernment, the pfesent V" da y or r etaet House of Commons we have the mea ll s m I refer is the A I to sit on those benches for a singl e a teor e in r . o l hands." (Cheers.) The speaker 'o The cwonsequence of all this they eers ) Placed as the country was without. e ba d 1, 00 0, Earl of Derby.-- (Loud cheers.)Melbourne) disselved the ey would indeed have neglected their datY . ._ , bar l e stas was, that the Noble Lord (Lord done at least their best to carry on the necesse be Ot is et was summoned, House of Commons, a new parliament. and, the countr • until the sense of the country condo" toy 0 0 1 10 3 , , came into power.-(Hear.) absit omen, a new Government .certain grave questions, and, among othe doo ce ° e r jit'i question lam very unwilling, since theree o s n a o direct b efore the gravest of all-whether they enjoyed its Con et bad ;ere House that is Wisely to terminate i motion which Both the Noble Lord and Right Hon. Ba ron w ith e icl e e I think practical issue, it is can be brought to a .unnecessary undervalued the importance of going ' 3ll t c °- 'le I have to vindicate the o pinionformed. But there en be are two 1 measures before a dissolution of Parlialn r t l e or three points in reference to the conctition of the landowner entirely sed over woe hoe and of those connected with the land, to which, advised. They had Pas' i n ess e t s i s I should like very much to permission, with your that the whole of the private bus , e re. ea allude. - • • - that hest'' l 'ell fr sNow, is it entirely put an end to- (Hear, hear) . the fact as stated by Lord if 2 ETV, thatcurr) DO ' produce ef the country is greatly di • ' men the agricultural would be occasioned, and great expense ne . , _ Heel' , Lot s t i, 'shed ?-( Hear.) would be completely thrown awe). ( w e eor 1 will not weary you with man • 'had e•P ea! • e statistics • but Iwill • rectal to your mind the circumstance, 5,203,000/. of the public mon matance, that, since 1846, cellor from whom the country might reastre .e ' P: 0 0 11 ,e landed interests for the pur money has been borrowed by the most beneficial law reforms.-( Hear, 1 1 eat; e' et ii s in of that money has been pos .of draining. Every farthing Lord seemed also to have forgotten.whate: et ie an o a e that has also been laid expended, and much more than fortnight ago-that a dissolution of Petit n e s " en s n' se el al , out. Aa admirable Bill has been sent state of the country and of the contirienel•o"o,6cseapprse passed by the Duke of Richmond to enable tenants in tail to which he, as a responsible Minister of the 'Jea n ,. vs o P i t s J o e borrow money, and I know that immense ee lee l eo- h oe' sums have been vise. -(Hear, hear.) Let knot be said tha l ' ' A d borrowed b tion y them under the ofthat Act. In addi- in to the forbearance of the House -he anl )- the Wan powers to all this, a comany was established last year by the tics; and contended that it would be unta s e l e ts bed authority of Parliament t bes .6. .{ for a similar purpese. Now, Ido not to have a dissolution at this time, when tir es of le ~r , ,et believe the', in the present state of agricultural knowledge tions had to be decided. As to the preceda te e by P et lee:o and practice-which is rapidly gaining ground under the ' lieved that a dissolution was never adverted 1 00 , G eo ', sin pressure of this very system-I will not believe that these ' till near the end of that struggle. The nigh!, „nor° dee r of /10, sums have been expended in vain.-(Hear.) It the House then, a'ter comparing' the conduct of . s- 1 ° ee r ol oso will appeal to any gentleman acquainted with arable land, he ' that of Mr. Pitt, under circumstances which . love !l eis 0 be, a d et l 1 will at once reply that, upon the same surface, an increase of ; similar, warned Lord John Russell how OA d produce must have taken place which it is very difficult in- , constitution, allied himself with democrats' e blidl' ,et 0 deed to estimate.-(Cheers.) Well, but now, is that all? 'by an earnest vindication of the course the OP ts e sr , 00 e r t ie You have drained your land, but has the demand for artifi- , taking. time "'" ila d e cial and stimulating manures increased ?- (Hear.) You Mr. GLADSTONE said this was no .. e so bes,,f, have imtorted-this ruined landed interest - you imp, rted in ' the length of a debate, the circumstances_belenoew te,..e./Iran. 1849, from Peru and most disant par sof the earth, guano Ever effort which man could make ouglat e f i i s su .be rd es . to the extent of 85,000 tons. In 185') you imported at least to bring the ques. ion of free-trade to a euZ t v of 'S r og s se n e t 114,000 toils • and in 1851 that immense amount was nearly hear.) tele would consider two points- he " t_ „e s , 't ee ev e s, doubled-in '18)1 you imported 214,00 e tons.- (Cheers.) as regarded the Government, and its higher ele il lg te sl nal ;;ale pie i° • Well, but you say, this is land perhaps of a superior quality, the question of protection.-(Hear.) _ „, co , e i . o c r which has been drained, and to which stimulating manures Lord Aberdeen had taken upon the subje!eV e d recob,,itt.'o of had been applied. But I would point. in answer to the re- Mr. Walpole, in his able speech, had we° r a s the I go markable desire which has been shown for inclosing ntate the fact that there was something irregular o f the . . It o '' el lands, which were never inclosed du ing the high prices of of a Government which was in a m inori h t) a ' d telte v dic t l e ill the war, and which was not touched under the comparative Commons. Arguing that Mr. WalPol e e r e . 11 14 '000 of monopoly of the sliding scale,-(Loud cheers.) Tee report ueous view of the precedents afforded by. n' t as con .ri ese, a s Inclosure of the Commissioners shows that 355,000 acres re carded not merely as dry precedents, DU. , to be ° ‘ ' .e dO.l/ have been inclosed in England alone; and in the year 19-1 f 6 Igreat principle that a Governmeni mon s : o s beel i o. Dot re p he " I T theofbeTue° the There less than 50,000 acrea were inclos(Loud cheers.) useful, must have a majority in t dto een 'IC There is another important fact h' h I tff d - 1 'that the present 'Ministry ha . r ree wic canno aor to pass comp am to hrlt'g to e r e l by, although I need dwell not upon it. Since 1846 you have their having done so promised _ tit l e d e fl r is remitted 4 ,200,0001. o f t • The House was co t hat. aa 0 connecteddir taxation upon food, and uon articles to an issue. ass s ho ul d b ° oh' s o l ectly with the c t'andcomforts of G t for a distinct as , n sho e to e s the people, and have onsump ion you received into your Exchequer not- dispatch sn: necessary business, the f the 11" on the ci, ' l '( , withstanding, and the preset duty 0 , eig ht . an be o t the the sum of pearl 4 800 000/ d *' 1' whole amount of y „ . over MI above tochsso Ne. in . the taxes} (He h' ) This speaks that assurance plain terms. H e tn o a ring , e 0 to • be Id 1 " dal l ' ' 3.- Hear hear.) i e a volumes- L icheers.) ' Lord Derby( ote lt hail been stated that, in 1845, question Government were ~,_ eons !, e re.. ., ae a _ er eee stood alone in th e C a binet in reiistin the re real t 11-lt on the St Albans Bill i•ulete sea foCI uvecbanev e ne , " of the corn-laws. That is not correct. The Duke of a dd b delay But the dispos: ir y, n or was cet tete." c- fen e Y . • cleuch supported the Noble Earl d h b h f d wi t hin the category of n et s-0141bia l an tey ot re use to come i et gill • mama to the atopeueleh of the- corn-lawo, wilco A pledge Perm A (1400tiOn for the ..01,0 TUESDAY E VENING, MARCh 16, 1852