The Sun. — London, England, 1846-08-14 00:00:00

IMPERIAL PART. LAMEN T. HOUSE OF LORDS, August 13. ROYAL ASSENT. The Royal Assent was given to-day, at a quarter past 'five o'clock, by commission, to the following nineteen Mills : The Consolidated Fund (4,000,0001.) Bill. The Art-Unions Bill. .Airdrie and BathgatP Junction Railway Bill. Eastern Counties Railway and Thames Junction Branches Bill. Rugby, Leamington, and Warwick, Railway Bill, West London Railway Improvement and Extension Bill. London and South-Western (Basingstoke and Salisbury _ Extension) Bill. Monmouthshire Railway (No. 2) Bill. Glasgow, Dumfries' and Carlisle Railway Bill. Andover Canal and Navigation Bill Tramore Embankment Bill. British Guarantee Association Bill. The Bishop of Norwich's (North Lynn Rectory) Estate Bill. Borthwick's Estate Bill. Lowestoft Charity Estate Bill. Pemberton's (or Gervis's) Estate Bill. Clark's Divorce Bill. Matthyssens' Divorce Bill. The Bishop of Jerusalem's Naturalisation Bill. The Commissioners were the Lord Chancellor, Earl Eortescue, and the Earl of Shaftesbury. The LOUD CHANCELLOR retired, and in a few minutes afterwards took his seat on the Woolsack. DEODANDS ABOLITION BILL. Lord CAMPBELL moved the second reading of this Bill, which was agreed to. _ _ _ Lord DENMAN presented re;itions against the Si , pr "Vales Bill. LAW OF ARREST. Lord BROUGHAM presented a petition from a Mr. Ouverard, complaining of a false arrest. He thought the law that led to abuses of this nature should be altered It was a great pity , that judges were not agreed, and some would not allow a man to swear to whatever sum he had until they had inquired into the circumstances of the debt. Now, what would be the case, for instance, if the Noble Lord who was going to Paris in an official capacity, shold be arrested for any alleged debt. Lord CAMPBELL said that, without doubting the statement of the petitioner, he, nevertheless, thought the law was in a very satisfactory state at present. It would be impossible to make a law which would be free from such circumstances. Lord BROUGHAM said what he complained of was, that the judge should:have endorsed for the whole sum, and their Lordships should remember that, it was not a contract which was alleged in the affidavit, but a sum, of money was swornto by the person making the affidavit as the amount which he considered that his services were worth. The LORD CHANCELLOR said that no law could be made which would be just and equitable which would not be open to the same abuses. The judge had nothing to rely upon but the affidavit of the complainant. Messengers from the Commons brought up several Bills, which were read a first time. POOR-LAW COMMISSIONERS. Lord BROUGHAM moved for a return of certain communicatiors made to the Poor-law Commissioners. Ile stated that one of the Commissioners had taken upon himself to desire the secretary to the Commission not to make the return 'moved for in that'llouse. The Commissioners ought to feel that they were bound to comply with the orders of their Lordships. They had neglected their duty in set ting themselves agginst the House by refusing to make the required return. It had been suggested to him that he was very wrong to move for the third time. The first time he moved, the motion was not complied with. Re then moved that the return be made forthwith. He then moved, about a fortnight since, that the return I , e made forthwith. This was the fourth motion ; and he should move to-morrow, if the return was not made by five of the clock, that the Poor-law Commissioners be called before thei:. Lordships. WEST INDIA. COLONIES. Lord ABINGER presented a petition from the island of St. Vincent, in favour of the admission of free labour into the West India colonies. Oa the motion of .the Noble Lord, the petition (which was a very long one) was read by the Clerk at the Table. The Bishop of LONDON presented a petition to the same effect, and a petition from the inhabitants of the town of Winstanley against the proposed Government measure for an alteration of the sugar duties. TREATY WITH DENMARK. The Marquis of LANSDOWNE laid upon the table of the House a copy of the treaty lately concluded be tween her Majesty and the Ring of Denmark upon the subject of the transmission of letters by post. POOR REMOVAL BILL. A NOBLE LORD presented a petition from a place the name of which we could not catch, against the fur ther progress of the Poor-law Removal Bill. The Poor Removal Bill then went through Committee. THE SUGAR DUTIES. On the motion for the second reading of the Sugar Duties Bill, The Bishop of OXFORD said that he could assure their Lordships that it was with feelings of the greatest diffidence that he addressed himself, even for a few moments, to that which, in his eye, was of a character peculiarly sacred.—(Hear, hear.) He felt particular pain in opposing her Majesty's Government on any question, but particularly on this, because the name of the Noble Marquis (Lansdowne) and of the Noble Earl next to him, the second who had borne that title, first became known to him in 1807 as the very advocates of that measure which had given freedom to the slave, and the advantages of which they were now ready to abrogate. Had this been merely a matter of finance, he would have been one of the last to moot it, but looking upon it, as he did, as one deeply affecting the moral character of the country, he felt compelled to waive all private considerations, and act as he trusted he should have credit for acting, simply from the dictates of duty; and he considered that no man would allow but this was a sufficient in ducement for any one to overcome the repugnance of private feelings to oppose those whom he chiefly de sired to support. If he understood right, the matter as it now stood was thus put—first, that there was a ne cessity for increasing the supply of an article which, if not actually necessary, was of great consequence to the people, at least in the way of comfort; secondly, that the passing of this measure would facilitate the ex port of our manufactures. Sir James Hogg had said in the Lower House that there was not enough of sugar in the sugar producing countries to fill the market as it ought to be filled. In order to obtain the increased supply from Cuba and other places, they did not propose to introduce machinery. They must obtain it by downright manual labour they must obtain it by -an increased amount of labour of the slaves. The lash had already done its work; as much sugar was at present produced as could be pro duced, and death already trod hard upon the heels of the unfortunate negro employed in producing sugar. For every additional nineteen hogsheads of sugar they imported into this country an additional negro must be removed from Africa to labour; and this was not all, for it was the long train of cruelty and evil which arose from the iniquitous practice of transferring men by violence from their own shores to work as slaves in the countries of strangers. An argument had lately been used in that House against his proposition. It had been stated by the Noble Earl, that with all the increased' production of sugar, the importation of negroes from the coast of Africa had not increased. A calculation had been made of the number of hogsheads increased in the exports, and showing that the imports of slaves had diminished. There was no means of knowing what quantity of sugar was produced end exported,. nor the number of slaves which had been introduced. Under the present law, it was known that the sugar could not be produced without labour, and that labour could not he produced without slaves. The proposed increase of the production of sugar could not be effected without great alterations in the growing lands and alterations in the houses and manufactories for the preparation of sugar. It did appear to him, as far as the objection went, and on which very great weight was laid by the Noble Lord—as far as that objection went, the original position stood unshaken. Another argument was adduced—the greatest argument of all—and that was that it was not possible for them to object to the measure, because they allowed a large introduction of other articles from the same lands. They received Carolina cotton, and could they raise any objection to the introduction of Cuba sugar? The Noble Marquis would do him the justice not to include him in the number which he classed as disguised protectionists, for he was ready to proclaim himself a free trader as much as the Noble Marquis, himself.% With. regard to the moral view of the case, of using these articles, was it not wrong to use such an argument before a great assembly of men as had been introduced on that point? Was it because he mail I not undo one evil that he, was to consent to do another ? Was it because he could not legalise house breaking that he was to tolerate murder ? Because he could not prevent his people from trading with America in slave grown cotton, that he was to encourage the slave production of other articles i n o th er countries ? Was he to be accused of hypocrisy because, knowing that one evil existed, he did not consent to anotherinflict ? It was also stated that there was a large importation copper from Cuba to this country, and that the of n of that article was allowed. He for one was ready to join her Ma anindtrhoduction of Ma jesty's Government in forbidding copper into this country from Cuba, that if the Noble Lord brought forward suche was e p sure - tion, that he would meet with the most un malifitrA7 su p . osi. port from those around him.--(Hear.) qßesides this country was itself a copper exporting country, and the copper said to be brought from Cuba was only smelted by English manufacturers and again sent out. As to t h e co ffee question, he thought that the encouragement of the importation of coffee into England did not encourage Vie slave trade. The planter in the Brazils did not employ Ind-grown slaves in the plantations for they were strong and he wanted them. It was the labour of women andchil tiren, and the encouragement of that labour would cause the planter to have a homebred race of negroes, and not to tear them away from the coast of Africa. With regard to the third argument which had been adduced, namely, that this country required an increased supply of sugar. They sought to effect that object in the most objection able way. The English people had no right to have any want supplied by injustice, cruelty, and rapine. Tney should facilitate their obtaining from every part of the earth that which they need, if it could be done through the lawful channel of commerce, but not even any of their wants ought to be supplied at the expense of the blood and lives of their fellow- beings.—(liear, be a r ) h' • - t that the argurn.2. that the W S m.) as required to procure t h e peop le a suffi cie n cy m it • •,.,441 • e common necessaries of life was a fallacy. 4 41. f? ‘, -4 • 44' T E SUN, LONDON, FitIDA Y EVENING, AUGUST 14, 1846. Mr. NEWDEGATE also thought the principle of the Bill a bad one, and thought that, whatever was done with it, it should not be made a permanent measure. Mr. HUME thought they should be careful how they parted with any of the powers of the House, and he would advise the Government to postpone the consideration ohe question. If the colonies were to be placed in a more in dependent position, they should take care that they were placed in such a position as to regulate their own finan cial affairs without interference from any British Acts of Parliament. His opinion was, that the colonies should have the management of their own financial affairs. Lord JOHN RUSSELL said, he differed very much from his Hon. Friend, the Member for Kendal, who had said that we ought not to allow our colonies any con siderable power in regulating their trade according to their wishes, and he also differed from his Right Hon. Friend, the Member for the University of Oxford, who thought that the Legislature ought to pass an imperial Act with regard to these matters. He (Lord John Russell) thought that they would have great difficulty in legislating in that way during the present session. This country had adopted for • them selves generally the principles of free trade, and had determined not to preserve any differential duties for the sake of protection merely—that they would not impose duties upon one country more than on another, or upon foreign productions more than colonial productions, or upon foreign productions more than upon our home productions. But, in applying those prin ciples, they must make some exceptions with regard to the colonies. His Honaurable Friend the Member for Kendal, had, in the course of the present session very warmly and ably supported a differential duty of 15s. upon the articles of timber. He had also supported the 15 per cent. ad valorem duty upon silk, and he (Lord John Russell) thought that the Government had now a right to look to that Hon. Member, consistently with his votes upon those occasions, for his support on this. In his (Lord John Russell's) opinion, the fairest mode of dealing with this question was to allow the colonies to deal with their matters of com merce as they deemed best. The Legislature would still reserve to the Crown the controlling power by which an extensive variety and multiplicity of duties might be avoided, and likewise the power of calling upon the secretary of a colony to require the governor thereof to explain to any other colony what were the general prin ciples which guided his conduct. The House then resolved itself into Committee on the Bill; Mr. GREENE in the chair. On the let clause having been read, Mr. BORTHWICK and Mr. HENLEY deprecated the discussion of so important a matter at so late a period of the session. The powers given to the colonial legisla tures were unheard of. Mr. C. BUGLER said that the Legislature of this country had frequently delegated to Canada and other colonies powers quite as great as those intended to be delegated to our other colonies by this Bill. Mr. GOULBUItN denied that those powers alluded to were as comprehensive as those conferred by the Bill before the House. In answer to Mr. SPOONER, The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said that all that this Bill contemplated was the enabling of our colonies to repeal as many of the additional duties as were now imposed upon foreign goods as they pleased. The clauses were then agreed to, and the Bill reported without amendment. It was ordered to be engrossed, and read a third time on Saturday. The House then resumed. IRON WAR-STEAMERS. Mr WAWN wished to know, from the Secretary of the Admiralty, how many iroa war-steamers were being built ; and also, whether any experiments ha ve b een tried as to the effects of cannon shot upon iron vessels, and if those experiments have been satisfactory or not; and lastly, whether the Government intend to persevere in the building of iron war-steamers? Mr. WARIi said, in reply to the first question of the Hon. Gentleman, that there were 16 iron war steamers at present in commission ; that there were four not in commission, including the Birken head, which was 1,400 tons burden, and 556 horse-power. There were seven more building, in cluding the Sidon, which was 1,953 tons and 780 horse-power. With respect to the second question, he said that one experiment had been made, and it would be highly improper as yet to give any opinion as to what might be its effect for the purposes of war. With respect to the last question, the Board of Admiralty would be ex tremely cautious in giving any new orders for building any more iron war. steamers. They had, however, de cided on nothing definitive as yet. with regard to the mode in which these investi gations were conducted. Nos. 6 and 7 returns he had not any great objzction to, but he could not agree that any returns such as those sought under head 8 should be given. It would lead to the supposition that the death of any Foldier within a twelvemonth after his being !logged, from whatever cause, was to be attributed to that event. As to whether the punishment was inflicted, if in cavalry regiments by the trumpeters or farrier, and if in infantry regiments by the privates or drummers, and with what instrument, he had to state, that in infantry regiments it was customary for the drummers to inflict the punishment, and in cavalry regiments the far. riers. The instrument of punisment was the " cat," any irregularity as to which could be easily remedied. With reference to the copies of the surgeon's minutes of such punishments, and any sub sequent othervations on their consequences, he looked upon them as confidential communications to the com manding officer, any attempt to call for which would be an interference with the discipline of tike army, to which he could not consent. In fine, he "Zrd not consider the whole of the return necessary. He considered that the House had reposed confidence in the Commander in Chief and the Government with regard to this subject, and he was sure that every possible care would be taken that in future the punishment should not go farther than it ought to go, and that all permanent injury to the indi vidual would be avoided. He would conclude by moving as an amendment the omission of all words after the word " sentence " in the third line. Mr. HUME considered that the first four points in the motion would be amply sufficient—the offence, the name of the regiment, the place where the punishment was inflicted, and the number of lashes. He hoped the Honourable Member (Mr. Escott) would be satisfied with returns on these points. He (Mr. H ume ) did not see much necessity for information on the other points. They would then be able to see Whether the sentence of the court-martial had been properly carried out or not. Dr. NICHOLL submitted whether it was necessary to call fur the whole of such an invidious return. Returns specifying the offence, the name of the regiment, the place where the punishment was inflicted, and the sen tence of the court-martial, would, in his estimation, be sufficient to enable the House to judge how that depart ment of the Government was conducted. If the whole return were granted, a stigma would, perhaps, be thrown on officers who might nut have an opportunity of del'end ing themselves. Sir HOWARD DOUGLAS considered that the re turns which the Hon, Gentleman (Mr. F. Nlaule) had agreed to would be sufficient. The others would, pos sibly, cast aspersions on the service. After the expla nations in that Reuse, and after the statements of an illustrious individual elsewhere, he thought that the Hon. Gentleman would nut have persisted in his motion. The House and the country could not fail to see that the practice was growing into disuse, and when the moral character of the soldier was improved it would fall into disuse, without being absolutely abolished. Besides, the measures now being carried out by the proper departments would have the proper effect. He had commanded on foreign stations for a quarter of a century, and could safely say that the punishment was never resorted to except when absolutely necessary, and never without a degree of pain to those whose duty compelled them to resort to it, which ought to prevent the officers from being stigmatised as wanting in humanity. There were several measures of great utility that might be brought forward, and which would, only for the want of finances. For instance, colonial severities might be mitigated. He trusted this explanation would he considered sufficient by the House, and that the Hon. Gentleman would withdraw his motion. Lord JOHN RUSSELL said, that giving the name of the regiment would give rise to invidious com parisons, which, at the same time, would be very unjust, for in one case an army might require punishment, and in another not. A case to this effect was stated by General Taylor. Mr. WAKLEY said that, after having examined, his opinion was unchanged. Their motion was not refused without a motive, for he believed it would be very inconvenient to produce these returns, as they would give facts to show that the brutal and disgusting practice of punishment by flogging ought to be at once and for ever abolished. He inferred, from what had fallen from the Hon. Gen tleman opposite, that in his opinion the practice of flog ging had nearly arrived at its termination. Why, when the number of lashes was reduced from 1,500 to 1,000, the reduction was hailed with delight by the army, but still an opinion prevailed that the number could not be further reduced. The number, however, was subsequently reduced to 200, and then the reduction was admitted to be necessary; but still it was thought in the army that it could not further be reduced. Now the number had been reduced to 50, and the army ap proved of the reduction, but still it was thought the number could not be further reduced. Now, leaving out of the question the physical evils which arose from flogging, leaving out of the question the physical sufferings which it involved, he asked whether it was humane, whether it was just, that even the power of inflicting fifty lashes should exist.—(Hear, hear.) He hoped that this system of flogging in the army was not to last for ever. He felt quite certain that no man could receive fifty lashes from a cat-o-nine tails with out his life being in danger. The lash with such a cat, with nine knots on each thong, was equal to eighty-one strokes.—(Hear, bear.) Whatever might be the skill and judgment of the surgeon, it was impossible for him to say that no danger would arise from fifty lashes. A feeling was prevalent in the House that the names of the regiments should not be specified in the returns, but it was well known there were regiments in which there were little or no flogging, while in others there was a great deal, and they should in• quire into the cause of the difference. He knew of one regiment in which there had not been a case of flogging for twenty years, and it was important they should know the reason why there had been no application for that punishment. With regard to that return which required information, as to whether the party had sur vived tne punishment, he admitted that the mode of putting that return was liable to objection, for if the party did happen to die within the year, it did not follow that there was any connexion between the death and the flogging. But that an individual might die a year after the punishment, and from it, as the remote cause, no medical man could d en y. I n t hi s case , w h en death did ensue, it was from a secondary disease which supervened on the effects of the flogging. It was well known that fifty lashes lacerated the skin very much, and it was known that the blood began to fly even after the infliction of twelve lashes. The injury thus given to the skin might operate fatally to the individual by acting as a remote cause of death. He deprecated, however, the lash under any circumstances. By adopting a system of rewards and punishments dis cipline would be more effectually preserved. A man, when he became a soldier, ought not to cease to be a citizen—he should not be treated as a slave; and, be lieving that the return would be productive of good, be would vote for the return of the Hon. Member for Winchester. Mr. WARBURTON did not deem it necessary to enter now into the question of corporal punishment. ' He considered the subject immediately before them was the returns moved for, and of these returns he thought none of them possessed half the importance of the Bth. Every one who knew anything of moral evidence must be prepared to say, upon looking at persons after flogging, that the average of those who died from its effects actually exceeded the average deaths from other causes in the same regiment.—(Hear, hear.) Let them know the average mortality after flogging, and whether those who had been so punished died in greatr nombers than those who were not. Such information would be most important and useful ; in fact, it was, in his opinion, the most important part of the motion, and the Government must present it to the House in an un objectionable form. Such a return as this would enable them to judge with absolute certainty whether the punishment did or did not affect life or limb, which it professed not to do. Mr. C. BULLER thought it would be utterly im possible for the Government to find information out of which to compile the returns for which the Hon. Mem— ber had moved, as there could be nothing more diffi cult than to obtain information as to the average number of deaths against those who had received corporal punishment. What they objected to was to furnish returns which must, from the difficulty in the way, only mislead the public mind—(Hear, hear)—and lay the officers of the regiments open to severe animadver sion on the part of the public. He would not touch upon the invidious nature of the return, particularly that por tion respecting the number of the regiment. If it should have happened that in one regiment a man bad died after being flogged, in that case the regiment would be run down ; fur in 99 cases out of 100 no ordinary casualty to human life occurred without some invidious comparisons being made —(Hear, hear.) He only men tioned this to show how slight a ground there was for the arguments of his Hon. Friends opposite. The Hon. Member for Kendal sought for a return of the average number of persons who had died after flogging and other causes. If they could attain returns for fifty years re specting an army of 100,000 men, and 10,000 of them had been flogged, they might be able to afford some in formation on the subject. But he considered that, taking a few instances, such as these documents would afford, would lead to numerous erroneous inferences. It should be remembered that those men who were punished were generally of a dissolute class. They would then have to abstract from their inquiry the results of the general habits of those persons alluded to. If this would lead to incontrovertible evidence, there could be no persons more anxious than they were to produce these documents, but they were satisfied that they would have quite an opposite tendency, and only mislead the public mind. With respect to the other question, as to whether the trials were open to the public. Now, it was impossible to say whether or not all these trials were carried on formally or not, for they would have to ask officers, who would not be likely to convict themselves. He did not mean to enter into the abstract principle of the law on this subject, but he could state that courts-martial were open courts. There of w the asanonthoeursep, allude. He ointtowhich heen considered with thftt ptehremr there s s w i o a t: inflicted. t h h a e t ignrsetartuminjenuststiwceitihnwtlhieicrhempuanrkissh weremtheanttwas made was, he understood, regulated by the proper as to authorities, and he understood that there was subject. were ever averse Mr. CRAVEN BERKELEY said the Hon. Member for Finsbury was to sm a a general rule on the h th e e s. army After a few words from Mr. M. GOR E, who said Sir Charles Napier was not altogether ave rse to the usin g of the lash, i s r t e a d k u e e n t i w o n h e b n e l h o e w s 7 0 p 0 o 0 s e l a d s Mr. ''SCOTT replied, from the course the discus sion had taken, he was at a loss to know what portion of the returns the Goyain:Dent was dispoaed to all, w and what to withhold, As far as he could understand the Right Hon. Gentleman (Mr. F. Maule), he was will ing to grant all the returns except Nos. 8 and 10. Lord JOHN RUSSELL said he was willing to accede to Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4, and not the others named. Mr. ESCOTT would then address a few observations on those returns which the Noble Lord refused. He considered it was most important that the 1 üblic should know all about these cases of flogging, the names of the regiments in which they took place, the order for the execution of punishment, whether the courts were open or closed, and all other particulars connected with each case. What was it that had caused the great diminution of the punishment? Why, it was the verdict of a jury, chat a man bad suffered capital punishment where be was only sentenced to be whipped ; and surely it was a most im portant fact, that the public should know how many similar instances had occurred. He was surprised at the reason which had been given for refusing the return, namely, that the communications of the surgeon to the Commander-in-Chief were confidential. He did not con siser that they could refuse these returns, but he should be contented to take what he could get; however, these returns, which were now refused, he would get, and that at no future day. He should get them next session, along with some others which had been denied. He would tell the Government, and that in no unfriendly spirit, that they were destroying the confidence of the House and of the country by some of their proceedings, and he could tell them that they would hear more about it at another time. Captain POLHILL would support the Government. He was aware from personal experience of the great ad vantages which arose to the discipline of the army from the practice of flogging. He, when he was commander of a troop in the service, had a most drunken di: orderly soldier, upon whom he had tried every punishment in vain except flogging, at last he was ordered 300 lashes, and he became positively the cleanliest, and the best soldier in his regiment. Dr. NICHOLL would not press an amendment in consequence of the promise of the Noble Lord. But there was another argument used in favour of the measure to which he must allude. It was said that, in the long run, the free-trade principles of the country would eventually lead to the abolition of slavery and the slave trade, because slave labour was confessedly dearer than free labour. He, however, de • nied this. It was not true that free labour was cheaper than slave labour ; but leaving that argument out of the question, it was said these free-trade principles were airway producing great effects in the country where elaviery existed. Now the wealthy planter might be dis posed to rest upon what he had got already, but the ad venturous planter, who was needy in his circumstances, and had his fortune to make, would have recourse to that labour which he could procure with the least ex pense, and over which he could exercise the greatest amount of control, and this would stimulate the slave trade which was carried on between Africa and the slave states. It would be increased in the same degree that this measure would increase the supply of sugar for this country. Again it was argued that their present plans for putting down the slave trade had proved failures, and therefore an alteration was necessary. It was said that the slave trade at present was four times as great as it was in 1807, when they passed the Abolition Bill. Now he flatly denied that proposition.—(Hear, hear.) lie denied that at this moment there was a greater num ber of slaves exported from Africa than there were in 1807. It was said that the trade had increased to the extent of from 15,000 to 20,000 slaves annually ; but what had occasioned that increase but an extension of the sugar market ? In spite of all the difficulties they had raised against the slave trade, the extension of the sugar market had added to the number of slaves an nually exported from Africa—(Hear, hear)—and yet, even with this statement, which came from the other side before them, they were asked to pass a Bill which would extend the market still further. A Noble and Learned Lord opposite had told them, and truly, too, that the Brazils were approaching that period when they would join this country in putting down the slave trade. They had been almost reduced to do so, the Noble Lord said, because they were excluded from the British market; and yet they were about to put an end to the exclusion, on the ground that it had proved a failure.—(Hear, hear.) Just let the House remark the injustice of this. Had the exclusion continued, they would shortly have been in a position, with the aid of France, and other nations, so to blockade the African coast, hat it would have been utterly impossible for a single slaver to elude the vigilance of the guard, while, on the other hand, a wholesome system of commerce would be opened up between the chiefs of that country and different parts of the world. —(Hear, hear.) Let them pass that measure, and they would be re-opening the slave trade just at the very moment when there was a most reasonable expectation of their getting repaid for all the life, energy, and prin ciple they had sacrificed in the cause of justice and humanity. But what were they doing ? Why they were doing that which would render it impossible for them to ask other nations to assist them in suppressing a detestable traffic, and publishing to the whole of Europe the fact, that they were sacrificing a great prin ciple for the sake of expediency. Their passed plans he would contend, then, had been no failure, and he pro tested against that measure because it was averse to the feelings of the great body of the people of this country. When slavery was abolished in their own West India Islands, they were told that it would be useless to do so, because the Dutch would take advantage of their Act, but it was urged then, and he urged it now, that this was no reason why this country should either directly or indirectly be a party to a great political crime. It was not fair that, laecause they wanted cheaper sugar, they should do an act which had a direct ten.lency to encourage slavery and the slave trade ; and, believing this would be the effect of the present measure, he would conclude with moving, as an amendment, that the Bill be read a second time that day three months.—(Hear.) The Bishop of LONDON said he was not aware that the discussion upon this Bill would have been taken upon the first reading, but he was glad it was so, be ' cause it had given him an opprtunity of carefully con ' sidering the opinions of those who supported the mea sure. The conclusion he had come to, after carefully reading the debate of Monday night was, that if he sanctioned this measure, he ehould be encouraging the ' slave-trade, the abolition of which was, in his °pi: l ion, ' the highest feature in the history of the country, and one which he considered might well be brought against the offences which this country had some time ago, for a long period of years, committed against the cause of humanity.—(Hear, hear.) If they must have a large supply of sugar they must clearly encourage an increase in the traffic. Into Brazil and Cuba there were no less than 150,000 slaves imported annually, and if they wished to have an increased supply of sugar of 30,000 or 40,000 tons, they must also have an increase of 30,000 or 40,000 slaves imported to enable this quantity to be produced. If, then, it was true, and it could not be doubted, that for every one slave brought across the Atlantic two perished, let them look to the immense loss of life which the measure before the House would necessarily cause. He did not look at the question in the light of protection, but as a question of mortality, and believing that it would have the effect of inflicting such incalculable evils on those unfortunate creatures, be would, however unwillingly, enter his protest against the measure. That great statesman, Mr. Pitt, called it the greatest practical evil that was ever inflicted on man kind, and fully concurring in that opinion, and feeling that any thing said more would weaken the effect made upon their Lordships by the speech of his Right Rev. Friend, he would conclude by supporting his , amendment. The Marquis of LANSD3WNE considered that one of the Right Rev. Prelates who had just addressed them, had peculiar claims on their attention with regard to this question, inasmuch as he bore the name of one whose name was imperish able with regard to the accursed slave-traffic.— (Hear, hear.) Great, however, as had been his eloquence, he thought that if they did not adopt the question before the House they would be guilty of a piece of incon sistency which no language could adequately describe. If the Right Rev. Prelate had heard an opinion ex pressed that the great question of the abolition of the slave-trade was a failure, it was not from him, nor any of his Noble Friends, such an opinion ever came. When his Right Rev. Friend made use of the name of a Noble Friend of his, to the effect that every energy would be taxed to put down the slave-trade, he trusted that he would also give weight to the opinion of that Noble Friend, who also stated that to open a free trade with Brazil was one of the most effectual means for the suppression of the slave trade. He, therefore, again indulged the hope that by the adoption of this more generous and liberal policy—by the medium of commerce— this measure would lead to the propagation and esta blishment of greater moral and religious principles; and knowing the moral and religious feelings, and the noble principles of the people of this country, he could under take to state they considered this a measure which met their approval, as the presentation of only six petitions against it amply proved, for had it been otherwise, their Lordships' table would have been covered with denun ciations against it. Considering how much the subject had been discussed already, he would not detain their Lordships at greater length, but conclude by calling upon them to snimort the BR The LORD CHANCELLOR having put the amend ment, and no Noble Lord having risen to address the House, strangers were ordered to withdraw, and their Lordships divided, when the numbers were— . Content Not c0ntent........ Majority in favour of the Bill — 18 The Bill was then read a second time, and ordered to be committed to-morrow. COURT OF COMMON PLEAS BILL. On the motion of the LORD CHANCELLOR, this Bill was read a second time. TITHE AMENDMENT BILL. ... 28 This Bill was reported with the amendments, and or dered to be engrossed. The Citation (Scotland) Bill was also reported with amendments, and ordered to be read a third time to morrow. The Stock in Trade Bill, the Highway Rates Bill, the Turnpike Acts Continuance Bill, and the Copyhold Commission Bill, went severally through Committee. The Militia Pay Bill was read a second time. The Prisons (Ireland) Bill was read a third time and passed, as were also the Grand Jury Cess Bill, and the Books and Engravings Bill. Several other Bills were forwarded a stage, and the House adjourned. HOUSE OF COMMONS, August 13. (Coatinued from our Afternoon Edition of yesterday.) BRITISH POSSESSIONS BILL. On the order of the day for going into Committee on this Bill being read, Mr. GOULBURN said he wished to offer a few ob servations. The policy hitherto pursued by the Govern ment in relation to the colonies was to regulate their commercial proceedings by Act of Parliament; but in the present Bill a departure from that course was pro posed, and the colonies were to be left to regulate their own commercial affairs—thus takinfr, away an authority which the British Legislature had invariably exercised, and placing it in the hands of the colonial legislatures. He should like to hear some good reasons for this new as fro h m is impression policy befortehathtegßreilaltwieaseoaelvloewneiedeetoe p w a e ss t . ild l a t ris w e leaving these matters" to the colonieosi what h wa co s lony would act according to its own views which ex pedient, and thus there would be a wantof w t es hat se har-mony and uniformity of principle de sirable in colonial affairs. • He considered it would have been much wiser for the Government to have introduced a general Bill into the House, fixing on a general prin ciple the rate o f d u ti es w hi c h s h ou ld b e i m posed on the commerce of all the colonies. Should they depart from the principle on which they had hitherto acted in the present instance; the next step would be for the colonies to take the regulation of the navigation laws also into their own hands. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER be lieved it would have been better for the British Legisla ture to regulate on a general principle the duties im posed on the commerce of the colonies ; but, as no time had been afforded for consulting with the colonies on the subject before the end of the session, the Government thought it would be better, rather than that the colonies should be without the means of raising supplies, that the present Bill should be introduced. By another session the whole subject might be fully considered, and such steps taken in regard to a general measure as might be thought most expedient. Mr. WARBURTON thought the principle of the present measure dangerous, and likely to prove in the colonies subversive of free trade. Though the Right llon. Cirentleman who last spoke said the I oo qu l est k io i r n i g might u: fully nonsifirreil another sessi on , n the Bill he found it was to be a pe rmanent measure. to Mr. HENLEY briefly expressed himself against the principle of the measure. PAVILION AT BRIGHTON. Captain PECHELL, having observed by the supple mentary estimates that it was proposed to sell this palace, wished to know from the Chancellor of the Ex chequer whether it was intended to do so by Act of Parliament, or by virtue of the powers vested in the Woods and Forests? The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER would answer the question to-morrow. BOROUGH OF ST. ALBAN'S. Mr. WARBURTON presented a petition from the Earl of Listowel, complaining of the return of Mr. Bond Cabbell for the borough of St. Alban's. The reports on the Turnpike Roads (Ireland) Bill and on the Ejectment, &c., (Ireland) Bill were received. LUNATIC ASYLUMS (IRELAND) BILL. The Committee on this Bill was postponed till Moil day. The House then adjourned till Five o'clock. The House resumed at Five o'clock. SMALL DEBTS. Mr. BROTHERTON presented a petition from Sa. ford in favour of this Bill. MEDICAL REGISTRATION BILL. Mr. WAKLEY presented a petition from several members of the Colleges of Surgeons of England and Ireland in favour of this Bill, and praying that it might be passed in the present session. __ LUNATIC ASYLUMS. Mr. WAKLEY presented a petition from a Mr. Mildyard (as we understood), stating that the present lunacy laws were not framed so as to enable the Com missioners of Lunacy to judge whether some lunatic asylums were better managed than others, of the treat ment of the lunatics, and whether they were treated properly or not, and praying that these laws might be altered as speedily as p ' THE MILITIA. Mr. WAKLEY presented a petition from the inhabi tants of Stoke Newington and Islington, praying that the militia might not be called out. FLOGGING IN THE ARMY AND NAVY. Mr. WAKLEY presented petitions from Twicken ham, Hendon, Hammersmith, Reading, and from mem bers of the National Association, signed in the aggregate by 544 persons, praying the House to abolish flogging in the army and navy. The petitioners agreed in stat ing that the practice of flogging was disgraceful to a Christian country, and that it ought to be immediately abolished. SUNDAY TRADING. Mr. WAKLEY also presented a petition fr, m the church wardens, overseers, and guardian. of the poor of St. Luke's parish, praying the House to introduce a measure to prevent Sunday trading. Mr. FIUME presented a petition from the Tower Hamlets, praying that that district might not be included in the operation of the Small Debts Bill. Also a petition from a merchant of Liverpool, complaining of being harshly treated by the Trinity House authorities, and praying the House to substitute inquiries into the powers and management of the trustees of that charity. Also a petition from a parish in the county of Norfolk complaining of the enormous amount of poor rates levied on them (15s. 6d. in the pound), and stating that the neighbouring parishes were supplied with labour from their parish. They prayed that a general rate might be limited in all parishes, instead of the rates being limited to particular parishes. The IION. MEMBER also presented a petition from the inhabitants of Brentford praying for the abolition of corporal punishment in the army as soon as it could possibly be done, and any other made of discipline sub stituted. The Yeoman Usher of the Black Rod here attended to summon the Commons before the Upper House to hear the Royal Assent given by Commission to several Bills. Mr. HUME presented a petition from James Sedge wick, Esq., a barrister-at-law, stating that after a long service in the Excise and Board of Stamps, he had been removed from that office, and placed on a retiring allowance of 3001. per annum. The petitioner prayed for a Select Committee to in quire into the allegations made against him, and prayed that until such inquiry were made the retiring allow ance might be withdrawn, and that in case of such alle gations being discovered to be without foundation, that ho might be reinstated in his office. The Hon. Member gave notice, that to-morrow he would move that the pe tition be printed with the votes. Lord MARCUS HILL presented a petition in favour of the Small Debts Bill. _ FLOGGING IN THE ARMY. Mr. ESCOTT said he had a motion on the paper on the subject of flogging in the army but he under stood that the Right Hon. Gentleman the Secretary-at- War objected to make the returns required. He did not know what the Right Hon. Gentleman's objections were, and in the absence of any intimation from the Right Hon. Gentleman upon the subject, he still re mained of opinion that the returns were necessary to supply the House with am pl e an d accurate informa tion with regard to the extent and amount of corporal punishment which had recently tisken place in the army. The Hon. Gentleman concluded by moving for a r e t urn of persons flogged in the army in Great Britain and Ireland, in the years 1845 and 1846, to the end of July ; specifying, I. The offence. 2. The regiment, the place of station, the time. 3. The sentence. 4. The order for its execution. 5. Whether the trials were open to the public, or only open to the regiment, or with closed doors. 6. The number of lashes inflicted, and the day. 7. [low soon after punishment the man was able to return to his duty, and at what place he was then quartered. 8. Whether death has followed within twelve months of the flogging, and the date of such death. 9. Whether the punishment was inflicted, if in cavalry re giments, by the trumpeter or farriers ; if in infantry re giments, by privates or drummers, and with what instru ment. 10. Copies of the surgeon's minutes of all such punishments, and any subsequent observations on their cmsequences. Mr. FOX MAULE had hoped that after the recent discussion on this painful subject, and after the deter mination et the Commander-in-Chief on the subject, the matter would have been left at rest for the pre sent. With respect to the returns sought, he had no objection to give them for the last year—noting the number of cases of flogging, the offence, the regiment, the pla?,*4 of station, th e and the svntence. He did not see much tt,e in g iv i ng the order for in execution, though be would have no objection to that. With regard to the tri , :.ls, the custom u ie,ll ) war, to conduct c I.irzs-inartiz.tl with open doors, and he had never heard any complaints SUNDAY TRADING. Mr. HINDLEY moved the first reading of the Bill to amend the laws relative to Sunday Trading. Mr. CRAVEN BERKELEY said he would not op pose the first reading of the Bill, providzd the Hon. Gentleman would not press it further during the present session. Mr. HINDLEY consented to the arrangement. Captain PECHELL withdrew his motion for a copy of a report presented to the Board of Trade, relating to the state of the law affecting Wreck and Salvage, and the practices relating to the same, in different parts of the kingdom.. The House then adjourned at Seven o'clock. HA ILWA Y COMMITTEES. (I ESTERDAY) HOUSE OF LORDS. Room B. BATTLE OF THE GAUGES. Ibis Committee commenced its sittings this morning at eleven u'cicck. The Noble Lords who constitute this Com mittee are—Lord Scarborough (chairman), Lord Calthorpe, Lord Churchill, Lord Forester, Lord Silchester, commonly known as Lord Longford. The schemes referred to the consideration of their Lord ships are— Grand Junction Railway, Showhill and Portobello Branch, and the Taff Vale Railway upon re-commitment. Their Lordships decided upon proceeding first with the GRAND a - uracTiora RAILWAY, (sHowlixr.,L AND P0RT013.11X.7.0 33LANC K). Mr. TALBOT, Q.C., opened the case on behalf of the pro moters of the Bill. The object of the proposed line was to construct a branch, on the narrow gauge, from the Grand Junction line, of about three miles in length, to afford the means of a better communication with the town of Wolver hampton, and also to give to that town the benefit of a com munication with the South Staffordshire Railway. His Learned Friend Mr. Austin appeared for the Oxford, Worcester, and Wolverhampton Railway. The object of his opposition was to prevent the construction of this narrow gauge branch, and thereby to shut out the Grand Junction line from the central station at Wolverhampton. The Learned Counsel appeared on the part of the promoters of the line to give the Oxford, Wor cester, and Wolverhampton Railway access to the central station at Wolverhampton, or to refer the question to the arbitration of the Board of Trade, as to whether the line should be laid out between Showhill and Portobello in such a manner as to accommodate both gauges. Mr. Locke, C.E., engineer to the line, was then called and examined by Mr. Hopi.—ln examination he stated that there would be no station at Showhill, the point of junction on the Grand Junction line, and there would not, therefore, be any accommodation for the traffic of the Ox ford, Worcester, and Wolverhampton line, supposing such traffic to be carried in that direction through Wolverhamp ton. The station at Wolverhampton was laid out with a view of giving accommodation to five different companies, and he considered that these five companies on the narrow gauge would be sufficiently complex without having the additional difficulty to contend with of laying down a line upon the broad gauge. Mr. Jordan, chairman of the South Staffordshire line, was the next witness called, who stated that he considered the proposed branch would be of great public importance. The central station at Wolverhampton was purchased by the South Staffordshire line; subsequently the four other Com panies alluded to by Mr. Locke, including the Oxford, Wor cester, and Wolverhampton Railway, were allowed to run into the station, and it was only till lat ly that he had heard of the proposition of the Broad Gauge Company to extend their line to Showhill. Mr. Lane, C.E., engineer of the South Staffordshire line, gave evidence of a similar nature. Mr. Swift, solicitor to the Grand Junction Railway, was examined by Mr. HOPE on the subject of an agreement made between the Grand Junction Company and the Oxford, Wor cester, and Wolverhampton Company, by the terms of which the Broad Gauge Company bound themselves not to go be yond the central station at Wolverhampton towards the north. This concluded the case on behalf of the promoters of the Bill. Mr. AUSTIN, Q.C., then addressed the Committee in oppo sition to the Bill, and contended that if this branch were made it should be made in such a manner as to afford the greatest possible convenience to the public, with a due regard to the proprietors of the Oxford, Worcester, and Wolverhampton Railway, and also in such a manner as to avoid the proposed level - crossing over the Oxford, Worcester, and Wolverhampton Railway near the central station, which would be used by the different companies referred to by Mr. Locke and the other witnesses c, lied by his Learned Friend in support of their case. The Learned Counsel, concluded his address by calling the attention of their Lordships to three clauses which he proposed to insert in the Bill, making it compulsory upon the promoters of the line to afford suitable accommodation between Wolverhampton and Showhill for the Oxford, Wor cester, and Wolverhampton Railway. The Learned Counsel then called Mr. W. Mathews, director of the South Staffordshire and ether railways, who stated that in consequence of the late ar rangements which had been come to by the Grand Junction Railway with the London and Birmingham Railway, and their fusion into the Great North-Western scheme, the directors of the South Staffordshire line had thought it inexpedient to leave this branch entirely in the hands of the Grand Junction Railway. The witness also went at considerable length into the details of the disagreement which had taken place between the various companies in consequence of this amalgamation of interests. In the course of the witness's examination by Mr. HOPE, he admitted that he could net say what interest the Grand Junction Company could have in carrying the traffic away from Wolverhampton, rather than through the central station of that town. Mr. Brunel, C.E., engineer to the Oxford, Worcester, and Wolverhampton Railway, was then examined, and stated that he had always thought that the line up to Showhill was to be used by the broad gauge line as well as the narrow gauge line; and be had stated his opinion to that effect to the directors of the Oxford, Wor tester, and Wolverhampton Railway, when spoken to by them upon the subject. If the broad gauge trains were allowed to run on this line in continuation with the Oxford, Worcester, and Wolverhampton, they would then be able to compete upon fair grounds with the Grand Junction and other existing companies. Lord CHURCHILL said that the real difficulty which he thought the Committee had to deal with was the question of the level crossing proposed to be made by this railway near the station at Wolverhampton. Mr. HOPE said that he did not think any difficulty existed upon that point, as the crossing being so close to the station, the trains would consequently be in a state of quietus. Lord CHURCHILL said that unless the parties could come to some arrangement between themselves he was afraid that the Committee would be compelled to refuse their sanction to the line, upon the ground of this level crossing; and further intimated their opinion that evidence upon this point was desirable. Mr. HOPE then called Mr. Brunel, _who said that the line would cross the line of the Oxford, Worcester, and Wolver hampton Railway in a very injurious manner, as it would interfere with the various forks and switches belonging to the station. Mr. HOPE then proceeded to address their Lordships, but was interrupted by Lord CHURCHILL, who stated that the Committee had made up their minds on the subject, and the only question which they wished to hear the Learned Counsel on was the level crossings, and he thought the better course would be for the parties to come to some arrangement. A clause was then submitted, on the part of the promoters, by Mr. HOPE, regulating the number of trains which should pass through Wolverhampton from the Grand Junction Railway, or submitting the same to the decision of the Board of Trade. Mr. AUSTIN. Q.C., could not accept of it, and would come to no terms whatever upon such grounds. Mr. HOPE said that he would take the opinion of the Com mittee, as to the level crossings, and proceeded accordingly to address the Committee upon this point, and contended that no danger could possibly arise from this level crossing, because it was near to the station, at which point the trains would be comparatively quiet. Level crossings were not at all unusual; upon the London and York Railway there were several of them, and with the slightest care and diligence on the part of the officials of the Company, no difficulty or danger could possibly arise. The room was then ordered to be cleared; upon our re admission, The CHAIRMAN announced that the Cm ready to pass the. Bill, if the clauses postponed oppo nents were inserted in it, and h e hoped the partie s wog 1 intimation he Learned of Counsel come to some arrangement. o itte b e y w t e h r e e quite Mr. HOPE said, that with suc h clauses he could not accept the the Committee that he should confine his remarks exclusively to the question of the level cross in g s, h e h a d purposely ab stained from going into the subject of these clauses. They the Bill, alsoa n d stated, t at. m o u d s , t t h thereforea that io withdrawcons e que n ce f it. The part of the pro. were money clauses, and could not be entertained by their Lordships. The parties having deliberated for some time, Mr. HOPE stated that the difference between the parties fi to m t a he m ß o i n l ien h t e t m hi u n s was so great, that he did not think they could prepare any clause at all likely to give satisfaction to the parties, and as thing: b o e f g re le c a e v iv e in to g to the proposed clauses he must say, on the them. If their Lordships, therefore, were of opinion that such clauses t were be necessa ry could n withdraw it. The Bill was accordingly withdrawn. The result of the contest, therefore, is similar to celebrated battle of the Kilkenny cats, for neither the broad nor the narrow gauge remain in possession of the field, and and it may be said that the conduct of the promoters in the fight has been similar to that pursued by parties who, in order to prevent their treasures falling into the grasp of the enemy, deliberately set fue to o; otherwise destroy them. TAIT VALE RAILWAY. (On re-commitment.) Mr. Sergeant WRANGHAM then opened the case for the promoters of this scheme. This Bill has been referred back to the Committee, in consequence of some technical error. Considerable discussion arose as to whether Mr. Calvert, who appeared for the Glamorganshire Canal, in opposition to the Bill, had or had not a locus standi before the Com mittee. The CHAIRMAN at length decided that Mr. Calvert had not proved, to the satisfaction of the Committee, sufficient grounds to enable him to have a locus standi before their Lordships. Mr. Reighton, the engineer to the line, was then called, and asked a' ew formal questions ; After which their Lordships declared the preamble of the Bill to be proved. NORFOLK RAILWAY COMPANY. The half-yearly general meeting of this Company was held at their offices, Guildhall-buildings, yesterday, at one o'clock. Adam Dui; Esq., took the chair. The SECRETARY having read the advertisement of the meeting, then read the report of the directors for the past six months. It stated that the accounts for the half-year, ending the 30th of June last, showed a gross amount of revenue of 37,936/. 14s. Bd., making the total income, for the eleven months during which the line had been opened throughout, 62,979/. 14s. 11d., a result considered by the directors to be as favourable as could be ex pected in the first year of a new line; that out of this the directors recommended a dividend to be declared at the rate of six per cent. upon the capital paid up ; that the branch to East` Dereham would be opened by the Ist of Oc tober, and the branch to Lowestoft about the same time; that the directors had been successful in obtaining Bills for the East Dereham branch to Fakenham, Wells, and Blakeney, and for carrying out the arrangement for vesting the Lowe stoft railway and harbour in the Company; and that during the eleven months ending the 30th June, there were 393,068 passengers conveyed upon the• Norfolk Railway, out of which 28,254 were booked between Norwich and London, or about one-thirteenth of the whole, and that these passengers gave a gross revenue of 9,3031.105. 6d., being less than 300/. a mile for the whole year. The CHAIRMAN then said, that the report which had been drawn up at some length would make it unnecessary for him to say much. The first subject alluded to in it was the re venue, and on that head it was a subject of congratulation to the directors that the line bore out all their expectations. It had never been the custom of the directors to exaggerate the prospects of the Company ; they had always promised them a line at a small cost, with a remunerating traffic, and their words were completely fulfilled. The work ing expenses had, as usual, been calculated and set down at 40 per cent. That was the best arrangement at the present which they could make, but when the line was in full work , ing a more detailed estimate would be given. However, it was for the shareholders to recollect that when the Ely and Peterborough line was opened it would be wrought with their own staff, without any other addition than that of some station clerks. He said he had no great fear of the London traffic being diverted from the line; but, be said, their great salvation was the small cost of their line, being not much above 15,000/. a mile, including their Plant and stations. As for the Eastern Union Railway, if they succeeded at first in materially damaging them, that Company would bitterly re pent it themselves. He concluded by moving that the re port read be received, printed, and circulated among the shareholders. _ Captain TINDAL seconded the resolution, which was carried unanimously. The CHAIRMAN moved that a dividend be declared at the rate of six per cent. upon the capital paid up, on the respec tive shares as follows : 12s. per share on 7,500 Yarmouth and Norwich shares. I ls. 10d. ... on 1,875 New Yarmouth and Norwich shares. 11s. ld. ... on 19,000 Norwich and Brandon shares. 2s. 81 ... on 22,000 101. shares. Os. Bd. ... on 39,375 21. shares. Mr. HARVEY seconded the resolution, which was carried unanimously. _ _ The CHAIRMAN moved that, pursuant to the power con tained in the Company's Act of the present session, an ad ditional capital of 300,0001. be raised in 15,000 shares of 201. each, and that upon such shares there shall be granted a dividend at the rate of 51. per cent. per annum, in preference to and before any dividend shall be paid upon the other stock and shares of the Company, and shall not be entitled to any further proportion of the profits of the undertaking or any future creations of capital. This resolution was seconded and carried. The CHAIRMAN moved that the 9,375 shares of 20/. each of the late Yarmouth and Norwich Company and the 1,900 shares of 21. each in the late Norwich and Brandon, and the 39,375 shares of 21. each in the same company, be consolidated into a general capital stock, and divided amongst the shareholders, according to their respective inte rests and shares. This resolution being seconded, was put and carried una nimously. The CII AIRMAN moved that such shares be appropriated among the subscribers to the extension stock, in proportion of one share for every three subscribed for, and that until such shares be paid upon fully, interest at rate of 5 per cent. be allowed upon the advanced calls from the time of payment upon these shares respectively. The resolution was put and carried nem. con. The CHAIRMAN moved that the directors be authorised to raise 100,0001. upon loan, under the powers of the Act. Mr. PARSONS seconded the resolution, which was put and carried. Before the meeting was dissolved, _ _ The Rev. Mr. HERRING, of the parish of Thorpe, represented to the meeting the lack of church ac commodation in that parish, on which the Com pany had lately built a considerable hamlet, and located a large number of their servants. He said that it was proposed to rebuild the parish church, which at present was too small, and that from 1,700/. to 1,800/. had already been raised for the purpose. He hoped that the Company, in consideration of their servants, would give 3001. for this object. Some discussion ensued between Dissenters and Church men, the former of whom gave way, on hearing that the directors had handsomely given ground for a site on which to erect a school connected with the British and Foreign School Society. A resolution voting 3001. for this purpose was moved and seconded, and carried unanimously. A vote of thanks to the Chairman and the directors having been passed, the meeting adjourned. CHARING-CROSS-BRIDGE COM- PANY. The general half yearly meeting of the shareholders in this Company took place yesterday, at No. 9, Villiers-street Strand; William Hawes, Esq., in the chair. The following r port was read by the Secretary, and unanimously adopted:— " Your directors have to report that the tolls of the past half-year will justify a dividend of 12s. 6d. per share, being at the rate of five per cent. on the capital stock of the Com pany, the payment of which they recommend accordingly to the meeting. Your directors have not yet obtained the Act of Parliament to enable them to convey the bridge to Messrs. Jackson and others: they think it due to the proprietary to state that the report of the Commissioners appointed to ex. amine the plans for the proposed railway termini in and near the metropolis, has retarded the progress of the Bill in Par liament. Your directors very much regret to be again obliged to refer to the differences existing between the Hun gertord-market Company and this board. After the strongly expressed opinion of the last general meeting against law proceedings, your directors submitted plans for the arrange ment. of the steam-boat passenger traffic to the directors of the Hungerford-market, so advantageous to that Company that nothing but a disinclination on their part to co-operate in obviating the difficulties incidental to a strict construction of the agreement, can account for their refusing. All attempts, therefore, to arrange the difference between the companies having failed, and the market directors still refusing to refer the subject to the consideration of some competent authority for decision, your directors have no other alternative, to avoid law proceedings with which they are threatened, than to en deavour to carry out the provisions of an agreement, a slight modification of which would afford to the public ample accommodation, and without which confusion and delay must arise to all frequenting the pier and bridge, to the injury cf both companies. The correspondence between the companies is printed, for the use of the shareholders. A statement of the accounts of the Company is annexed. Three of your directors and one auditor retire from office, in accordance with the 68th section of the Company's Act of incorporation, but being eligible for re-election, offer them selves accordingly." The following gentlemen were then re-elected as di rectors :—Mr. Hobbes, Mr. Millar, and Mr. Sutton. A vote of thanks was then passed to the Chairman, and the meeting separated. It was stated that the bridge had cost above 119,000/. PROTEST AGAINST THE SECOND READING OF THE SUGAR DUTIES BILL. DISSENTIENT. 1. Because the importation into the United Kingdom of sugar, which is produced by the labour of slaves, tends to promote the slave trade with all its atrocities, and is quite inconsistent with the principle upon which this country- has so long acted, and for which it has made, and still continues to make, enormous sacrifices. 2. Because there is no reason to apprehend a deficiency in the supply of sugar from other sources, as the quantity which is produced in the East Indies, and in 'other British posses sions is rapidly increasing, which would also be the case with the British colonies in the West Indies, if they received due protection and encouragement. 3. Because the proposed measure would be most unjust to those colonies, and would be ruinous to their interests, which have already been grievously injured by reducing; the price of their produce without a corresponding reduction of the taxation to which it is subject, and by the want of sufficient labourers for their cultivation. _ _ 4. Because the consequences of the proposed measure might be very calamitous, and might occasion such distress and discontent as would ultimately lead to the separation of those very important colonies, which, when deprived of the protection that is justly due to them, might lose also their allegiance. STANHOPE, LGOAVGEEL. L and HOLLAND, DENMAN, for the first reason, S. OXFORD, for the first reason. DUTCH AND FLANDERS MAILS. THE liAorrE, Atm. 9.—His Majesty the King arrived at Coblentz on the sth instant, on board the lideeuco steamer. He there met with his Royal Highness Prince Frederick of Prussia, late:y appointed military governor of Luxemburg, with whom hi, Majesty had an inter view. On the same day his Majesty left Coblentz, tc proceed by land to Luxemburg. His Royal Highness Prince Albert of Prussia is ex pected here in a few days. TUE HAGUE, A.UG. 10.—Her Majesty the Queen, and her Royal Highness Prince Alexander, are to set out for Italy on the 24th; while her Majesty passes some time in Upper Italy,' the Prince will visit Rome, Naples, and other great cities. His Majesty the King (who is ex pected to return from Luxemberg on the 15th) will set, out on the same day for Silesia, and accompany the Queen and his son for some part of the way. RHENENT, AUG. 7.—This afternoon, about four o'clock, a dread'ul thunder-storm burst on this town and en , F "irons. I ncessant flashes of lightning, and loud claps thunder, were accompanied by a torrent of hail, which, as it fell, resembled pieces of ice. At five o'clock the violence of the storm Waf; allayed. Happily no lives were lost, but the destruction of property was very great. The fields which a few moments before looked so promising, seemed as if they had been mowed. The fairest prospects of the in dustrious husbandmen were destroyed at one blow. The l buck wheat end ,ta toea sevetely, but the tobacco, whielys resource of the labouring classes , was totally annihilated. The damage is 0,010,,0cl at o,oup fiorms. The Dutch papers are chiefly filled with the treaty with Belgium, and which is taken from the Belgian papers. BRUSSELS, AUG. 10'.—The Chamber, as we have already announced, is to meet to morrow, at 2 o'clock. The King and Queen, with their suite, are expected on Wednesday at Ostend, on their return from England. They were to embark to-day at Woolwich. M. Nothomb is coming from Berlin to Belgium. We are assured that he will appear as a witness in the case of Messrs. de Bidder and Borquet. M. Henri de Broucheri is appointed reporter of the central section, which is to examine the treaty between Belgium and France. It is still hoped that M. Henri de Broucher i s report may be brought up to-morrow, on the public sit ting of the Chamber. The 17th list of strangers who have visited Spa since the commencement of the season gives the number of 2,900. We receive from several towns accounts of violent thunder-storms, which have done considerable damage. BELGIAN FUNDS.—BRUSSELS, Aug. 11. Actual Debt, 2% per Cent • • • • • • Rothschild's Loan, Five per Cent • ....... Loan of Thirty Millions, Four per Cent- •• • Ditto Three per Cent ••••• • • • • • ........ Ditto Thirty-seven Millions, ditto ...... Ditto, ditto, 1840 • • • . • • . • .. Ditto, ditto, 1842 ••••••• • • • • • • • Ditto, 1844. • Ditto, 1836... ••....••.•• • • • • • • • ...... 90 Ditto, 1838 • • .. • • • • • • • • • • 74 Ditto of the City, 1832 101 Ditto, 1843 ....... ...... ............. 100% Bank ofßelgium ••.. • . ..... • ..• ••• • • • 937 —Brussels Papers. Aug. 11. AUSTRIAN FUNDS.—VIENNA, Atm. 5. b per Cent. Meta11ique5.......... ........ 111 7-16 4 per Cent. ditto • ..................... • . loou, 3 per Cent, ditto.... •• • ............ ..... 74 Loan, 1834 Ditto, 1839 ...... .. Bank Shares ..... ••••• • • • • • ••• • " •• • • 1565 Esterhazy's Loan ........ . •••••• •• THE POTATO CROP in SCOTLAND From every quarter accounts confirming the extensil existence of the potato disease have been received, an d all agree in stating that the crop this year may be looh g ' on as almost an entire failure. The following extract./ will show the state of the plant in various localities:- - ROXIIURGHSIIIRE.—We have received the most dis: estrous account of the potato crop from all parts of th e district. We are sorry to say that there is no den whatever that the disease has spread in all directioo4 and that with a degree of virulence which threatens to de • stroy the greater portion of the crop . Th e di sease has only shownitself much earlier this than it did last year, n'; it already prevails to a far greater extent; so much so th e y the most serious apprehensions are entertained for the coo; sequences. Nor does the scourge appear to be confined to any particular district ; from all parts of the kinfr dom the same disheartening accounts are received ; short, it is but too truly looked upon as a great nations," calamity, to mitigate the sufferings certain to arise foa l which the most active measures cannot be too sn e , e commenced. In many fields th e p o t a t oes h ave already become so putrid as to give out a most offensive odour; and the most healthy and luxuriant crops, in the coars e , of thirty or forty hours, become as bl ac k i n the shal l ' as if they had experienced an intense frost. The greatest dismay prevails, and the remedies sug g ested II numerous, but we very much doubt the efficacy of anf them. Some people are drawing out the shaws, wh t very easily separate from the potatoes ; others are et l a ting over the shaws as close as possible to the group with the scythe. COLDSTREAN.—The appearance of the disease in 5; toes this year again, and particlularly at an eal,4 period of the season, has occasioned much alarm. " to beyond all doubt that the evil was communicate d the ground last year, and that it still lurks ther e equally certain. Its attack, therefore, need he wonder. DIINSE.—The potatoe crop in this neighbourhood 1 1, to the latter end of July, h a d a very healthy aPP es- s s ante, and promised an abundant crop; but about I ts time the rot began to make its app earanc e, and iii week almost every field in this quarter is tainted W itil oa Wid.rowse—Potatoes are, to all appearance lost; ,„,§ stem in most places is withered and hl ac k ; the pots S, small, much tainted, and many of th em so ft, and rot P°"" nearly consumed them. slo t WIIITIIORN.—We regret to say that the potato t t he in this district is all but universal, a n d th e a spect of crop is such as to justify the most serious alarm. c o DUMFRIES-SHlRE.—Potatoes, until within the la st i_ to days, looked particularly well, but we regret to st ye that disease has already made its appearance. At or beginning of last week, indications of disease wer e t o parent, but at this date it is not confined to one oy., fields, but may be traced to hundreds. Some indivtan:s have begun to cut off the shaws. Where the tubers . 1 : 6 nearly ready for raising, this method is a good one;_ l3 4. where tubers are scarcely formed, it is certainly.ris cious, and more especially so as cutting off the shawl not an entire preventative of the disease. BERWICH.—Reports from all the surroundingi general confirm our fears that this destructive p lague either and severe. severe. The early sorts, which ia.stY affected, are partially tirely escaped or were only very already quite diseased. said (says the Perth disease.—Ju l y Ysdistriete PERTHSHIRE.—Much has been sat for July) by vege Courier, in its Agricultural Report commen d physiologists about the potato disease cons dig' theory we are led to doubt, by observing that many _ ing in the leaf and descending to the tuber; but of the eased tubers have the rootlets that attach them to tn . ; stem quite sound and fresh, while the embryo potato at it, point is a bloated mese; but whatever the cause iii be, the disease is this season of a general and deadly nature—many fields which a few weeks ago would WI brought 16/. to 20/. an acre, cannot no w b e so ld at If, however, our theory is correct, those fields, or e ven parts of fields, that still retain fresh foliage and son!, tubers, should the weather throughout this month ( 14- l' et gust) and next continue ordinarily dry, many maY"l e if escape un ,ffected, and potatoes may yet be thi's cultivated in future years. We would conclude _is part of our report just by asking, when, in the WI, of meteorology, 104- inches of rain fell before inning short space of 31 days, while potatoes were in a re pike state ; and what was the result ? A disease in some Po amongst cattle has also produced an uncertainty in ea , oc ie markets. Dealers pref er p urc h as i ng f rom healthy 0 ' at pasture. cs l e s FORFARSHIRE.—The disease made its apeesrel/ e ns mon th ' situations about th e m iddl e o f l a st ",ell the since the n it h as b een gra d ua ll y exten di ng both ' r oe gardens and fields, and t o a ll a pp earance a large PLO / of the crop will be lost. Th e kid ne y s were first an's'ais. and in many cases are literally destroyed ; but th e . at ieS ease does not seem confined to them, as other va. r i t t o are sharing the same fate. It is reported to pre eet hs vee l considerable extent in the neighbou r h oo d o f Stonem 80. 1 Fettercairn, Laurencekirk, .Arbuthnot, Auchinbl ee 'bs' Some fields have been or are i mme di a t e l y to be Ple_ t c'tbe up. It appea rs t o a ff ec t t h e crop very rapidly, as get most healthy looking cro p s h ave b een o b ser ve" into a sickly state in a few days. e mir DusrnnE.—lt is now but too certain that the gr ope covered foe which spread h avoc among t h e potato 0 0 ,, of last year ha s a ga i n commence d i ts ravages'is 01°,1 visitation is earlier this y ear th an f ormer ly ! i t ,. heSr evident that it is far more extensi ve . W e Ont;"hes m" already not merely of fields, but of entire pal l be i which it is scarcely anticipated th a t there W, l - the, single sound potato. Another p ecu li a rity I ,P o ther whereas it was stated by Professo r J o h ns ton an 001 that last year the disease was n o t f oun d farther 0 0 than Montrose, it has now made its way heY eP s ohil e ; latitude, and is ravaging the fields of Aberdee': ao tina In some extreme cases we are told that the corr t 7,oo l shaws emit an offensive and unwholesome eit s • On ce which taints the atmosphere at a considerable .7 from the field t er 1 00 ARBROATH.—The potatoes in this district Jl l % s ; field r -I P.- fearfull- affected with disease—every fiet - 9 of •... to its destruction, according to the forwardne I, der', crop. Early planting has only tended sooner . , bee, lope it, which, with those planted in March taw opt for ning of April, or previous to winter, began 9 ,b iog, o o second or third week in July. The latest P lll % t e git, f t e those planted about the end of May, are jlt' „ 0 / 11 1 , - o t show the disease ; and in one or two install, l e ar t'd vigorous, are barely yet affected. It would allvaidoo no kind is exempt either from itself, or front a° otato soil or manuring. t be P de that • s tent A BERDEEN.—We are sorry to learn tha t bas e ote at disease, hitherto unknown in Aberdeensh i ti re c it a ll i , e d on its appearance in various places, and to e T e en arks is as to excite very general alarm. It vif* s ., t he P a ' _ i eld Dee Aide last week. It is now to be seen 1 is os bete' of of Udny, Tarves, Auchterless, Fyvie, and e,__ lor aca ;,., cO ll3- t itshi this val ravages valuable l s e e er root.—Aberdeen t t . Lb; b u e t r t d e e r e ll janouclmarai.pidly au, ties in the south of Se - re d in sorr y to_ learn that, ' - nt i a ad , MoRAYSHIRE.—We are partially ai?P' s , s s hre• symptoms of inurra n ion with the other in c b7v n o at last the potato from the scourge, the utmost il l- in th the future condition of the ell ) r10-' 1 / 4 : ' d ' a li nais oiwt ti h rn i ea ico rt t , g ttlioc t f :V ree h cr e o re - disease has appeared, the forl, e red 5 ; riant blossoms have assumed a blanched and " 1 00 e '", - . pect—the flower changing into a blackish bo b e. e. 4 , te rio r e e d ro t :ts, no disease is apparent 00 an iines de °ll of the potato ; but, by cutting it, dark bro ba.b g ar-- rings are clearly discernible. In some ca ses ' ant• and field pr o d uce are affected,—Elgin C° llr- ....--•"="- -- On the sth i ns t., at B B e l ve ff le r r B y ~ the lady of r -4 " rard rr. Or Hutton, Esq., of a daughter.i On the 9th inst., at Struan House, h-1 Haverstock- 1 ' il stead- road, Mrs. Richard Madigan, of a son. Gotali s On the 10th inst., at Newcastle-on -Tyne' ors. Coulson, of a daughter. o wilef ' On the 11th inst., in Regent-square, Mrs. John vv ' 11 " of a daughter.the 1 0 - On the 11th inst., in Brunswick-square, Brigh ton, of the Rev. Dr. Morris of a d ght f 11 1;- • On the 111th inst., at ' WestbaouurneTerrace, the wi-e a Hussey, Esq., of a daughter. Joh° MARRIE Isle ef W i g ht ' ter ° I On the 11th inst., at Freshwa t er , Duke Coleridge, Esq., to Jane Fortescue, third daugth. the Rev. G. T. Seymour, of Farringford, Isle of Wig li . c . dw ara On the 11th inst., at Tunst 11, -Kent, the Rev' .' f tba Kaye Burney, M.A., to Emily Duicihella , late Rev. G. Moore, Canon of Canterbury- daug,Liter 0 Oa the 28th ult. DIED. daug hter of William Murphy, Esq.. M.D , South. man, Cork• ssq• On the , Caroline Carden, the youngest Bth inst., at Ensham *Oxfordshire, J. SWonri' late ....r thj e t n he nth ine,t., at Bognor, Elizabeth, relict of the N.,,- 13 tinck Cavendish Dole, Knight, Captain R.. '~' On the 10th inst., Marywife of ~ 1 r • John Scott, Film, , square, aged 63. ria , On the 11th inst. at Yea House, Hants, Charlotte Di lat e eldest daughter of Lieutenant-Colonel Gordon Cameron, 14 - Gi , - - - - - Grenadier Guards, aged 17. -- Put" by munDo You=" ra ' -: ;:re c.,,jlAct ------- a • , atl7. ,6" , un l,l-incl Office, N 0.112, strand. in OW rlAv 01114 A Of th e sa 14 , 1846. Tob In the County o f ZiLiddlooon, Fri rH;.: