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

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT: HOUSE OF LORDS. August 13. ROYAL ASSENT. The Royal Assent was given tctolay, at a quarter past 'five o'clock, by commission, to the foliowing o:netein Bills : The Consolidated Fund Bill. The Art-Unions Bill. Airdri e and Bathgatt Junction Railway Bill. Eas tern Counties Railway and Thames Junction Branches Bill. Itegbv and Leamington Railway Bill. L e at ondon ay Improvement and Extension Bill. °P .den and South-Wastern (Basingstoke and SAis'oury Extension) Ae nnacuthshire Railway (No. 2) Bill. `Glasgovv, Dumfries, and Carlisle Railway Bill. , i ldeirt.r Canal Navigation Bill. tratnore Etutiankui,nt Bill. Bo:]Bishop Guarantee Association Bill. 'ne Bishop of Norwich's (North Lynn Rectory) Estate Bill. BTorthwick's Estate Bill. owestoq Charity Est,ite Bill. e7 l 'lwricn's (or Gervis's) Estate Bill. " 0 . es Divorce Bill. "ttb vss oil s D i vorce Bill. doe Bishop of Jerusalem's Naturalisation Bill. The Commissioners were the Lord Chancellor, Earl l'ortescue, and the Eirl. of bhaftesbury. The LORD CHANCELLOR retired, and in a few minutes afterwards took his seat on the Woolsack. DEODANDS ABOLITION BILL. Lord CAM PBELL moved the second reading of 'ais Bill, which was agreed to. "Lord DENMAN presented istitions against the .t . Bill. LAW OF ARREST. Lord BROUGHAM presented a petition from a Mr. ledpg of a false arrest. He thought the pv that to abuses of this nature should be altered It was a great pity that judges were not *greed, and some would not allow a man to ~Swear to whatever sum he had until they ;',„ad inquired into the circum s tances of the d e b t . 4ovv, what would be th e case , f or i ns t ance , if t h e N o bl e Lord who was going to Paris in an official capacity, 51101 d be arrested for any alleged debt. Lord CAMPBELL said that, without doubting the the of th e p e ti t i oner, h e, nevertheless, thought 7 i Ter. was in a very satisfactory state at present. It f.r,i:sdba be In c i P rct b s t i e a n t e o e m e. ake a law which would be fr•ei B ROUGHAM said what he complained of was, the Judg e s h ou ld:h ave en d orse d f or the whole sum, aand t heir Lord s hi ps s h ou ld remem b er th a t, it was no t oretaoaotract which was alleged in the affidavit, but a sum, asth: e Y was s worn t ) b y the person making the affidavit Worte, ani eunt which he considered that his services were , Th e „ be m ad ""it.D CHANCELLOR said that no law could 11% n e I "ka would be just and equitable which would to ee l; "Pea to the same abuses. The judge had nothing Af t 4 Ir er)11 but the affidavit of the e.mainant. tin s e 'eogers from th e C om mons brought ! up several s Which were read a first time. POOR-LAW COMMISSIONERS. tOrd BROUGHAM moved for a return of certain e be rn naunicatioes made to the Poor-law Commissioners. t .l stated that one of the Commissioners had n• take Upon himself to desire the secretary 1 ,," the Commission not to make the return f'"Ed for in that House. The Commissioners o ug ht t o e lthey that were bound to comply with th e or d ers o f th • heir Lordships. ;eir Lord s hip s . Th ey h a d neg l ecte d the i r duty i n sets berequired themselves aga i nst t h e H ouse b y refus i ng to ma k e be required return. It had been suggested to him that r_was very wrong to move f or t h e t hi r d t i me . Th e i f: time he m ove d, t h e mot i on was not comp li i d w i t h. then t hen moved th at t h e return b e ma d e f ort h w i t h. H e a moved, about a fortn ig ht since, that the return be 4 e forthvvith. This was the fourth motion ; and he 4 hOnl fi v ., d l'aove to-morrow, if the return was not made by cf the clock, that the Poor-law Commissioners be 4 ued bef ore their Lordships. WEST INDIA COLONIES. Lord of s ABINGER presented a petition from the island i n t• Vincent, in favour of the admission of free labour A tt/ b , the West I n d ia co l onies . O n t h e mo tion of the ° 'e Lord, the petition (which was a 'very long oue) tread by the Clerk at the Table. T he Bishop of LONDON presented a petition to the N uns eff ect. fr o he Bish op of LONDON a l so presente d a p e titio n th e u „ t he inhabitants of the town of Winstanley against the rre N r sed Government measure for an alteration of s uga duties. TREATY WITH DENMARK. of l te Marquis of LANSDOVi NE laid upon the table tw ee t " flouee a copy of the treaty lately concluded be enbill her Majesty and the King of Denmark upon the e t of the transmission of letters by post. A POOR REMOVAL BILL. th e U ULE LORD presented a petition from a place Aber ' 4 " of which we could not catch, against the fur- The of the Poor-law Removal Bill. Il ear Removal Bill then went through Committee. On th THE SUGAR DUTIES. Duties 13711M0tion for the second reading of the Sugar The thei r xi Bishop of OXFORD said that he could assure difve ordships that it was with feelings of the greatest few u enati n c ae e rtnaec t nt h et a sr t , he addressed himself, even for a to that which, in his eye, was Zit a peculiarly sacred.—(Hear, hear) He Particular pain in opposing her G ov ernment Majesty's L on any question, but particularly on this , and the name of the Noble Marquis (Lansdowne) of the Noble Earl next to him, the second who had . t borne that title, first became known to him in 1807 as ‘o very a dvocates 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 h e un d ers t oo d r i g h t , t h e matter as it now stood was thus put—first, that there was a ne ssity for increasing the supply of an article which, I not actually nec essar y, was o f grea t consequence to sttleatptehlele, at least in the way of comfort; secondly, tort r o! passing of this measure would facilitate the ex our manufactures. Sir James Hogg had said in h lli e j'uw‘r House that there was not enough of sugar in nu sugar producing countries to fill the market as it ght to be filled. In order to obtain the increased le ti o P t PlY ,„. from Cuba and other places, they did obtabf' e Paie to introduce machinery. They must must " I t by downright manual labour they th e s ),"tain it by an increased amount of labour of mu c h -- ",, ve s• The lash had already done its work; as duo ' e gar was at present produced as could be pro the death already trod hard upon the heels of F Unf ortunate negro employed iu producing sugar. or every additional e n° , additional ninetmen hogsheads of sugar they imported into this country an additional negro must be t it ereeved from Africa to labour; and this was not all, for Os the lon g train of cruelty and evil which arose „; i e el the iniquitous practice of transferring men by olence from their own shores to work as slaves in the eeuntries of strangers. A n argumen t h a d lately been Used in that H ouse aga i ns t hi s p r oposition. It had been aced by the Noble Earl, that with all the increased odection of sugar, the importation of negroes from e coast o f Af r i ca h a d not i ncrease d. A calculation h ; _l•td bee n made of the number of hog - hea d s i ncrease d ' l ' the exports, showing that the imports of .__ and e ves had di m i n i s h e d. Th ere was n o m e ans of k nowing what quantity of sugar was produced d export e d, nor the number of sl aves w hi c h h a d be en introduced. Under the present law, it was k nown that the sugar could not be produced without labour, and that labour could not be produced without Slaves. The proposed increase of the production ateratis i n af Sugar could not be eff,cted without great on th e grow i ng lands and alterations in the houses manufactories for the preparation of sugar. It d 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 c: uld they raise any objection to the introduction of Cuba sugar? The Noble Marquis W ould do hiol the justice not to include him in the n umber whi c h h e c l asse d as disguised rotectionists, r L he was ready to proclaim himself of ree trader as h -e u as the Noble Marquis himself. With regard to it e m oral view of the case, of using these articles, was aeLt, wrong to use such an argument before a great iV ""'IY of men as had been introduced on that point? , „ ne. „, - v because be coull not undo one evil that be n ,:a B to consent to do another ? Was it Wa s he could not legalise house breaking that he hi s M tolerate murder ? Because he could not prevent cot t P n e ePle from trading with America in slave grown eth - n, that he was to encourage the slave production of ot , er articles in other countries ? Was he to be . accused dipnocrisy because, knowing that one evil existed, he to eonsent to inflict another ? It was also stated a at there was a large importation of copper from . this onuntr3 and that the consumption of that article ias allowed. : 11e for one was ready to join her Ala 4ces4's Government in forbidding the introduction of ti e i PPer into this country from Cuba, and he was sure ti 4t hate Noble Lord brought forward such a . pr d o en, he would meet with the most unqualifie sup cost from those around him.—(Hear.) Besidensdt the e co untry was itself a copper exporting country, a l t t d tar fs er said to be brought from Cuba was ou s t. s edtiglish manufacturers and again sent out. _ th e e ; ee ffee question, he thought that the encouragement of th al iportation of coffee into England did not encourage foil sl ave trade. Th e p l anter i n t h e B raz il s did not employ an gro we slaves in th e plantations for they were strong t` he wanted th em . I t was t h e l a b our o f women and chil h2, and the encouragement of that labour would cause to - , P l anter to ha ve a home-bred raceur negroes, and not t _ Lear th em away from the coast o f Africa. With regar d Ji l l the third argument which had been adduced, namely, 'e l n t t his Country required an increased supply of sugar. e h h ;Y sought to effect that object in the most objection way- The English people had no right to have 411 4 want supplied by injustice, cruelty, and rapine. Y should facilitate their obtaining from every part of ea rth that which they need, if it could be done ne 'le- tee l e ea e t: . e enie ,rce, be r. evf=n of their wants ought to be supplied at the expense the blood and lives of their fellow-beings.—(Hear, -‘vg..) Therefore, said, that tte argument that the measure was required to procure the people a sufficiency of one of the common necessaries of life was a fallacy. 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 evantually lead to the abolition of slavery and the slave trade, because slave labour was confessedly dearer than free labour. He, however, de • 'lied 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 already producing great effects in the country where slavery 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 areued 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 ho flatly denied that proposition.—(Hear, hear.) He 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 Aft ica—(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, hoar.) 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, that 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, because they wanted cheaper sugar, they should do an act which had a direct tendency 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 bad given him an opportunity 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 Thursday night was, that if he sanctioned this measure, he should be encouraging the slave-trade, the abolition of which was, in his opinion, 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 hurnanity.—(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 li!e 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, he would, however unwillingly, enter his protest against the me asure. 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 LANSDOWNE 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 stipnort the Bill. The LQHD 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— Gintent Not content 2B Majority in favour of the Bill — 18 The Bill was then read a second time, and ordered to be committed to-morrow. COUR l' OF COMMON PLEAS BILL. On the motion of the LORD CHANCELLOR, this Bill was read a second time. TITHE AMENDMENT BILL. 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. The SPEAKER took the Chair at Twelve o'clock. The following reports were brought up and agreed to : —Booth's Charities (or Clowes') Estate Bill ; Duke of Cleveland's (Bathwick and Wrington) Estate Bill ; Duke of Cleveland's (Hardwick Hart, &c.) Estate Bill ; Horne's (Ferguson's) Estate Bill ; Lord Kenyon's (Congreve's) Estate Bill ; Scott's Estate Bill. AL. SOULS' COLLEGE ESTATE. This Bill was read a third time and passed. FARQUARSON'S DIVORCE. This Bill was read a second time. CORK AND WATERFORD RAILWAY. Mr. T. S. DUNCOMBE presented a petition from Waterford against the Bill for this line, and stated that the Member for Kerry had presented a petition from the shareholders in favour of the Bill, which was to be referred to the Committee which meets to-morrow. That petition complained of the allegation that the cer tificate was invalid. Now he held in his hand a scrip certificate numbered 48,600, while the whole of the shares in the company, according to the company's regulations, were only 41,000, so that on the very face of it there was sufficient to justify the assertion, that the certificate of the company was falsified. He thorefore moved that the petition of subscribers and holders of scrip in the Cork and Waterford Railway Company, against the validity of the sessional meeting held on the 25th day of May, and the certificate of the chairman grounded thereon, presented August 12, be referred to the Committee on the Bill, together with said certificate, with liberty for the petitioners to be heard, pursuant to the prayer of the petition, and for the Committee to re port specially thereon. CORRESPONDING SOCIETY. Mr. WARBURTON presented a petition from a per son named Lemaitre, who had been a member of the Corresponding Society, and complaining that be had been the victim of conspiracy. The petition stated that in 1794 he was, when in his eighteenth year, living with his parents, his father being a watchmaker. That while a member of the Corresponding Society he had sub scribed to the fund for the defence of John Horne Tooke, Thelwall, and Hardy. These funds were partly naid into the braids of a person named Upton, vti no kept u ship in Bell yard, whom it Was discovered had been • prosecuted by the Phenix Assurance Office for setting fire to his Own hcotee. Oa Eluding shis out, oD She inotioa of THE SUN, LONDON, FRIDAY MORNING,' AUGUST 14, 1846. 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. GOULBURN 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 foreigtigoods 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 iron war-steamers were being built ; and also, whether any experiments have been tried as to the eff, cts 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. WARD said, in reply to the first question of the lion. 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 14,000 tons burden, and 556 horse-power. There were seven more building, in cluding the Sirnoon, 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. .qpinion 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 bad, however, de cided on nothing definitive es yet. PAVILION AT BRIGHTON. Captain PECHELL, haviug'observed by the supple mentary estimates that it was proposed to sell this palace, wished to know froni the Chancellor of the Ex chequer whether it was ended to. do so by Act of Parliament, or by virtue of he powers vested in the Woods and Forests? The CHANCELLOR of -the EXCHEQUER would answer the question to-m o BOROUGH O Mr. WARBURTON Earl of Listowel, comply Bond Cabbell for the born ALBAN'S. ited a petition from the of the return of Mr. CSL.AIiMes. ke itoads (Ireland) Bill The reports on the Ti and on the Ejectment. &e., LUNATIC ASYLUJ The Committee ou.this I day. The House then adjourn l) Bill were received. , d till Mon- [I Five o'clock. The House resumed at A*#l - O'clock. SINIALUX*BTS. Mr. BROTHERTON pft'tii)ued a petition from Sal ord 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 Billotud 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 spas 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 pray* that these laws might be altered as speedily as p)ssible. THE MILITIA. Mr. WAKLEY presented a petition from the inhabi tants of Stoke Newington and Islington, praying that he 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 'louse 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 from the churchwardens, overseers, and guardians of the poor of St. Luke's parish, praying the House to introduce a measure to prevent Sunday trading. Mr. HUME 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 HON. MEMBER also presented a petition from the inhabitants of Brentford praying fur 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 300/. 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. WAiiLBY 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 e 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. 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-sine 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, hear.) 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 the 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 deny. In this case, when 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, he 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. Stich 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 had died after being flogged, in that case the regiment would be run down ; for 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 was another point to which he should, with permission of the House, allude. He considered that there was great injustice in the remarks that were made as to the instruments with which punishment was inflicted. That was, he understood, regulated by the proper authorities, and he understood that there was a general rule on the subject. Mr. CRAVEN BERKELEY said the Hon. Member for Finsbury was mistaken when he supposed the army were ever averse to a reduction below 1,000 lashes. After a few words from Mr. M. GORE, who said Sir Charles Napier was not altogether averse to the using of the lash, Mr. ESCOTT replied, from the course the discus sion had taken, he was at a loss to know what portion of the returns the Government was disposed to and what to withhold. As far as he could understand the Right Hon. Gentleman (Mr. F. Manic), 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 public 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, that a man had suffered capital punishment where he 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 disorderly 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. 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 ample and accurate informa tion with regard to the extent and amount of corporal punishment which had recently token place in the army. The Hon. Gentleman concluded by moving for a return of persons flogged in the army in Great Britain and Ireland, in the years 1845 and 1846, to the end of July ; specifying, 1. 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. How 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 consequences. Mr. FOX MAULE had hoped that after the recent discussion on this painful subject, and after the deter mination of 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 place of station, the time, and the sentence. He did not see much use in giving the order for its execution, though he would have no objection to that. With regard to the trials, the custom usually was to conduct courts-martial with open doors, and he had never heard any complaints with regard to the mode in which these investi gations were conducted. Nos. 6 and 7 returns he had not any great objection 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 soldier within a twelvemonth after his being flogged, 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, Mid if in infantry regiments by the privates or drummers, and with what instrument, he had to state,lthat 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 observations 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 the army, to which ho could not consent. In fine, he did 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 cafe 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 ent, the place where the puni s h men t the motion would be amply sufficient--the offence, the name of the regiel was inflicted, and the number of lashes. He hoped the Honourable Membe r (Mr. Escott) would be satisfied with returns on these points. H e (M r . 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. NICHOL", 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 puuishment 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 sti g m a would, perhaps, be thrown on officers who might not have an opport un i ty o f defend ing themselves. Sir HOWARD DOUGLAS considered that the re turns which the Hon. Gentleman (Mr. F. Maule) had agreed to would be sufficient. The others would, pos sibly, cast aspersions on the service. After the expla liatinin that House, elter the stetetheute of an 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, provided 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 Mouse then adjourned at Seven o'clock. EXECUTION AT YORK.—On Saturday John Rolly suffered the extreme penalty of the law at York Castle, for nawdor iAftat it Uipt9p, is crarm, illustrious individual elsewhere, he thought that the , PARLIAMENTARY BUSINESS. Hon. Gentleman would not have persisted in his motion.. 1 (From the Votes and Proceedings of the House of Commons.) The House and the country could not fail to see that the ITEDNISDAY, AUG. 12. practice was growing into disuse, and when the Messengers from the Lords brought up the following Bills, to wl t i , ich their Lordships had agreed : moral character of the soldier was improved it would n d u , r Lecture E Rooms Bill--Cormlidated fall into disuse, without being absolutely abolished. Fund 'crr e( l l,o l l,otl. r eßill i s T a r a n tlibankment Rill—South titaf- Besides, the measures now being carried out by the fordshlre Junction Railway with Branches (No. 1) Bill —Leeds and I, l , l s r ai ll , tl (a l ii : ,: l iri l Li l i a eh i l lway (Junction Line at Bradford) Bill—Midland Rail proper departments would have the proper effect. He had commanded on foreign stations for a quarter of il. Leicester i E ta x i t l e , u , s ,3,, Extension) oze b T r r 3 3:, I N v t , t a n v e e a r t i o . n r , , B t i o r i u l i i .i n ri g t - i century, and could safely say that the punishment was,3 , South Staffordshire Junction Railway (No. 1) Bill—Monmouthshire never resorted to except when absolutely necessary, i Railway (No. 2) Bill—Sheffield New Streets Bill—Amendments to and never without a degree of pain to those whose duty , ein v h , e n r s t , oibta iv ( o o re r C e e r r i T l is'l lis t i : i s o tat o e f J B e il r l ii —C s,l 'la u r i k ,s 's ,c D at i•ror7e Billi—rMlat ti iz a t compelled them to resort to it, which ought to prevent t s l , l3 „ l ,o, :N 's Estate Bill— Sligo p and Shannon Railway ir Bill, lo i l vit ' l l io l— ut the officers from being stigmatised as wanting in humanity. amendmen..--Huddersfield and Manchester Railway and Canal There were several measures of great utility that might (Oldham Brans'') Bill—Norfolk Estuary Bill—Wexford harbour Improvement Bib, with .wi t h .a . m i e , i n tcl n ia m te e n i t , s d — me ß n r t ighouse Sewering, Drain be brought forward, and which would, only for the Lighting , 11: :: want of finances. For inst a nc e , co lonial sev e rities age, and 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. . PARLIAM._I?..NTARY DIVISI°1" (From the Votes and Procet2dings of the House of Commons. AUG. 12. wEro'Esnin.; - (1.1 , 1 THE COMMITTEE.) RELIGIOUS OPINIONS BILL.— Acts I Eliz. c. 1, and 2 First Clause (repealing certainparts ~'s,' lchnent contained shall Eliz. C. 1 : Proviso, that rothing Di this el \ or persons to affirm, authorise or render it lawful for an Persoi hold, stand with, set forth, maintain, Dr def - i any such foreign r shall the same power, pre-eminence, Jurisdiction, or authC.ritY, extend further than to the repeal of the pailicuLlC penalties and punishments herein referred to, but in all other respeCtS,the law shall continue the same as if this enactment had not b. .en made) : Amendment proposed in page 3, line 26, after the word, . " referred to," to insert the words " or consequent thereon :"—Qne, .t.iPn put, " That those words be there inserted." The Committee divia,.\::— Arundel, Earl of lirldgeman, 11. Browne, IV. Collett, John Duncan, George MINORITY-AYES, 10. O'Connell, M. J. Yorke, Henry R. Pechell, Captain Wakley, T. Williams, W. TELLERS. Escott, Itickhain Strutt, Edward MAJORITY-NOES, 53. Anson, Colonel Gladstone, Captain Pigot, David Baine, Walter Gore, Robert Rich, Henry Bellew, R. M. Grey, Sir G. Russell, Lord J. Blackburne, J. I. Hatton, Captain Shaw, Rt. lion. F. Bodkin, William 11. Hawes, B. Shell, R. L. Brocklehurst, John liayter, W. G. Sheridan, R. B. Brown, W. Henley, J. W. Somerville, Sir W. Byng, G. S. Jones, Captain Spooner, Richard Collins, 'William Labouchere, llenry Thornely, T. Cowper, W. F. Layard, Captain Troubridge, Sir E. Craig, W. G. Macaulay, T. B. Turner,,Edmund Cripps, W. Morpeth, Viscount Walpole, S. H. Douglas, Sir 11. Muntz, 0 F. Wawn, J T. Duncannon, Lord Newdegatc, C. N. Wilshere, T. W. Dundas, David Nicholl, John Wyse, Thomas Ebrington, Viscount Owen, Sir John Estcourt, T. 0. Palmer, G. Fuller, A. E. Parker, John Gibson, T. M. Philips, Mark TELLERS. Hill, Lord M. Tufnell, 11. GAUGE OF RAILWAYS BILL, Read a third time ; Clause (nothing in the Act contained shall pre vent the construction of the Birmingham and Oxford Junction Rail way, the Birmingham Extension Railway, and the Birmingham, 'Wolverhampton, and Dudley Railway, including the line between Wednesbury and Dudley, on the same gauge or gauges according to which the Oxford and Rugby, and the Oxford, Worcester, and Wol verhampton Railways may be constructed), brought up, and read a first time ; Motion made, and Question put, " That the said Clause be now read a second time." The House divided MINORITY— AYES, 15. Bernal, Ralph Harcourt, G. Thornely, T. Bridgeman, Hewitt Ilayter, W. G. Wawii, J. T. Crawford, W. S. Henley, J. W. Williams, W. Cripps, William Layanl, Captain TELLERS. Duncan, George Nicholl, J. Muntz, G. F. Ferguson, Sir R. Rolleston, Colonel Spooner, Richard MAJORITY-NOES, 46. Arundel, Earl of Escott, Bickham Rich, Henry Bateson, Thomas Etwall, Ralph Rumbold, C. E. Beresford, Major Gibson, Thomas 31. Scott, Francis Berkeley, Captain Gore, 31ontaguo Seymour, Sir 11. B. Berkeley, H. F. Grey, Sir G. Somerville, Sir W Blackburne, J. I. Hawes, Benj. Stewart, P. M Bodkin, W. H. Hobhouse, Sir J. Troubridge, Sir E Brocklehurst, J. Howard, P. 11. Turner, Edmund Brotherton, Joseph Mangles, H. D. Ward, 11. G. Brown, W. Mastennan, John Wilshere, W. Buller, Charles Morpeth, Viscount Wood, Charles Byng, G. S. O'Conor, Don Wyse, Thomas Cowper, W. F. Palmer, G. Douglas, Sir H. Parker, John Duneannon, Lord Philips, Mark Dundas, Admiral Pigot, David librington, Viscount Plumridge, Captain TELLERS. Tufnell. H. ._ Craig, W. G. RAILWAY COMMITTEES, (YESTERDAY) HOUSE OF LORDS. Room B. BATTLE OF THE GAUGES. Ibis Committee commenced its sittings this morning at eleven o'clock. The Noble Lords who constitute this Com mittee are—Lord Scarborough (chairman), Lord Calthorpe, Lord Churchill, Lord Forester, Lord Si'chaster, 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 gUNCTION,RAILWAY, (SHOWHXLL AND PORTOBELLO BRANCH). 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. Hom—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 lately that he had beard 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. liorE 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 eJled 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 other 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. IforE, he admitted that he could net say what interest the 1 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 he had stated his opinion to that effect to the directors of the Oxford, Wor caster, 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 Cllunciiir.r. said that the real difficulty which be 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 estate of quietus. Lord Cituactirra , 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. 'lora 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. HOI'E then proceeded to address their Lordships, but was interrupted by Lord Cituncitira., 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. Hora 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, i The CHAIRMAN announced that the Committee were quite ready t 9 pan thci Dill, if the clawm pg§trmed by the oppo nents were inserted in it, and he hoped the parties won/ come to some arrangement. Mr. Horn said, that with such clauses he could not accept the Bill, and must therefore withdraw it. The Learned Counsel also stated, that in consequence of the intimation of the Committee that he should confine his i 'marks exclusively to the question of the level crossings, he had purposely ab stained from going into the subject of these clauses. They were money clauses, and could not be entertained by their Lordships. The parties having deliberated for some time, Mr. Horn stated that the difference between the parties was so great, that he did not think they could prepare any clause at all likely to give satisfaction to the parties, and as to the proposed clauses he must say, on the part of the pro moters, that they could not for a moment think of receiving them. If their Lordships, therefore, were of opinion that such clauses were necessary to the Bill, he must beg leave ti) withdraw it. The Bill was accordingly withdrawn. The result of the contest, therefore, is similar to that of the 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 fire to or otherwise destroy them. Lemaitre, this man Upton was expelled from the society. Upton declared that he would be revenged, and soon found an opportunity for his resentment. This was in August, 1794, and in that very month he made a com munication to the Privy Council accusing himself, with Lemaitre and another, of a conspiracy to shoot the King with a poisoned arrow from a frame which he had himself seen that morning. On this charge he was apprehended and com mitted to Newgate, where he was confined for nine months, without any connexion or communication what ever with his friends. At the end of this period he was released on his own recognizances. Upton went over to France, from which place he returned on an exchange of prisoners of war, and on his arrival again renewed his charges. Upon these Mr Lemaitre surren tiered himself, and was brought to trial. On the morning of the trial the wife of Upton appeared in widow's weeds, and took oath that her husband was dead. It was in vain that a testimony was tendered that Upton had been seen alive at his own house that morning. The trial was interrupted, and Mr. Lemaitre was remanded to prison where he remained for five months. He was released at the end of that term, and abstained from any connexion with the Corresponding Society. But then came the time of the Irish reb.11i0n,1797, and he was applied to to give his adhe sion to thatmovement through the Corresponding Society. In an evil moment he consented to attend the meeting of the Society, to give his advice against any such connexion. He went there, having had nothing whatever to do with public affairs since his last imprisonment. The Bow street officers, rushed in, and all the party were appre hended. He was committed to Newgate, and, at the end of a twelvemonth, his health failing, he was removed to Reading gaol, where he passed two years more. He was then released, and again after a faw months apprehended and confined in Tothill-fields Prison. His attorney had ap plied for a writ of habeas corpus, but in vain, Lord Kenyon refusing it, as he said, on his own responsibility. After another twelvemonth Mr. Lemaitre was released, and thus had suffered, between 1818 and 1826, an imprisonment of not less than six years without trial. He had applied repeatedly to the several Whig Governments for redress, but had been constantly refused, till at last Mr. Canning promised to do something for him, and through the in tercession of Lord Grey, Mr. Lemaitre was appointed a protector of slaves in Demarara. Ile set sail in 1829, but his usual ill-luck attended him, for, shortly after leaving the coast, the vessel was wrecked, and all his effects were lost. He had hardly time to recover himself before the Government passed the Act for the abolition of slavery, and thus his salary of 8001. a year was entirely lost. This was a fair subject for consideration and compensation, and with a hope that now, as the injury bad been suffered for more than fifty years, it would be properly entertained by the Government, he would move that the petition be printed with the votes. IRISH ARMS BILL. RUSSELL stated reply to Mr. T. Dancombe, Lord J. RUSSELL stated that it was the intention of Government to pro- ceed with the Bill in Committee, pro forma on Monday, and to tak' the discussion on the following evening. Mr LABOUCHERE stated that the amendments of the Government would be printed, and placed in the hands of Members before the discussion came on. CORPORAL PUNISHMENT IN THE ARMY. Mr. T. DUNCOMBE wished to know whether the Noble Lord at the head of the Treasury had any objec tion to lay the new regulations for corporal punishment in the army on the table? Lord JOHN RUSSELL said that there were no nevi regulations, but that flogging would hereafter be in flicted according to the provisions of the Bill which had already been introduced. CONTAGIOUS DISEASES PREVENTION BILL. This Bill went through Committee, and was ordered to be reported to-morrow. LUNATIC ASYLUMS AND PAUPER LUNATICS BILL. This Bill also went through Committee, and the re- port was ordered to be brought up. DRAINAGE OF LANDS BILL. This Bill was read a third time and passed. SMALL DEBTS (SALARIES AND COMPEN SATIONS) BILL. This Bill went through Committee, and the report was ordered to be brought up on Monday. WRECK AND SALVAGE BILL. The further consideration of the third reading of this Bill was resumed, and after the introduction of several amendments, was read a third time and passed, after considerable opposition on the part of Slr. HENLEY, who protested against the insertion of amendments on the third reading which materially altered the nature of the measure. RELIGIOUS OPINIONS BILL. On the motion of Lord J. RUSSELL, this Bill was read a third time. COUNTY I - V - oiiKS PRESENTMENT (IRELAND) BILL. The House then went ir2to Committee on this Bill. The clauses were all agreed to, and Mr. GREENE having reported progress, the House resumed, and the Bill was ordered to be read a third time to-morrow. The Committee on the Naval and Military Depart ments Bill was postponed until to-morrow at twelve. THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSIONERS (IRE LAND) BILL. The House then went into Committee on this Bill. The clauses having been agreed to The CHAIRMAN reported progress, and the House re sumed, and the Bill was ordered to be read a third time to-morrow. The Report of the Public Works and Fisheries Bill was then read and received, and the Bill was ordered to be engrossed. PUBLIC WORKS, FISHERIES, &c., BILL. The House then went into Committee on this Bill. The several clauses of the Bill were agreed to, and the report was ordered to be received to-morrow. PUBLIC WORKS (IRELAND, No 3) BILL. The House next resolved itself into Committee on this Bill. The clauses were read and agreed to, and the report ordered to be brought up to-morrow. 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 taking 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 policy before the Bill was allowed to pass. It was his impression that great inconvenience would arise from leaving these matters to the colonies. Each colony would act according to its own views of what was ex pedient, and thus there would be a want of that har mony and uniformity of principle which was so 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 of duties which should be imposed 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 he 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 bad 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 Hon. Gentleman who last spoke said the question might be fully considered in another session, in looking into the Bill he found it was to be a permanent measure. Mr. HENLEY briefly expressed himself against the principle of the measure. 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 of the 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 dif f e red 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 Honourable 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 lion. 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 r eso l ve d it s elf into Committee on th e Bill; Mr. GREENE in the chair. On the Ist 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- Wel were uuheor4 of. TArr VALE ILE.ILWAY. (On re-commitment.) Mr. Sergeant WltAmomot then opened the can 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, 'bo ::opmred for the Glamorganshire Canal, in opposition to i!lel.'l4 had or had not a locus standi before the Com mittee. The CHAR. nIAN atlength decided that Mr. Calvert had not proved, to the satisfaction of the Committee, sufficient grounds to enab.le him to have a locus standi before their Lordships. Mr. Heighton, th "!, engineer and asked a few form to the line, was then called. After which their L, el questlons ; , rdships declared the preamble of the Bill to be proved. PROTEST AGAIYST THE SECOND READING 6F THE SI:GAR DUTIES BILL. DISSENTIE Or. of slaves, tends to 1. Because the importation into the United Kin g d om of sugar, which is produced by the laboklt . promote the slave trade with all its atrot:ities, and is quite inconsistent with the principle upon which this ceuntry has so long acted, and for which it has made, an,d 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 qualitity which is produced in the East Indies, and in !other British posses ! sinus is rapidly increasing, which would also be the case -with the British colonies in the West Indies, if they received protection and encouragement. 3. Because the propo - sed nie:asure would be most unjust to those colonies, and would be riiii:ou3 to their interes ts, 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 kr the want of sufficient labourers for their cultivation. 4. Because the consequences of the proposed measure might be very calamitous, and might occa.'sion such distress and discontent as would ultimately lead to be separation of those very important colonies, which, when dc:nrived of the protection that is justly due to them, might luse also their allegiance. STA - SHOPE, LOVELL and HOLLANgf GAGE, DENMAN, for the first reason.. S. OXFORD, for the first reason. NORFOLK RAILWAY COMPANY. The half-yearly general meeting of this Company was held at their offices, Guildhall-buildings, yesterday, at one o'clock. Adam Duff; 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/. I.ls. Bd., making the total income, for the eleven months during which the line had beee.l opened throughout, 62,9791. 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 DLii the directors recommended a dividend to be declared at tha rate of six per cent. upon the capital paid up; that the branch to East Dereham would be opened by the let of Oc tober, and the branch to Lowestoft about the same time; that the directors had been successful in obtaining Bills for the East Dereh am 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 093, 06 8 passengers conveyed upon the Norfolk Railway, out of which 28,254 were booked between Norwich and London, or alJout one-thirteenth of the whole, and that these passengers gave a gross revenue of 9,303/. 10s. 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 bead 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, he 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 is 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- ive shares as follows :-- .2s. per share on 7,500 Yarmouth and Norwich shares. Is. 10d. ... on 1,875 New Yarmouth and Norwich shares. Is. Id. ... on 19,000 Norwich and Brandon shares. 2s. Bd. ... on 22,000101. shares. Os. Bd. ... on 39,375 2/. 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 5/. 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 2/. each in the late Norwich and Brandon, and the 39,375 shares of 2/. 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 CHAIRMAN 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 the 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 MM. con. The CHAIRMAN moved that the directors be authorised to raise 100,000/. 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 1,8001. 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. the was dire directors having A resolution z v rr o k t si i e n td g ou 3 t nh oo ae n / C . for niao ur Chairman pose a n n r d p seconded,A vote oafn thanks been passed, the Inciting adjonmed. 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; llawes, Esq., in the chair. The following report 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 gerford-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. Ilobbes, 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 119,0001. The Ford Abbey estate, which was sold by Mr. George Robins a few weeks since to the Rev. Laurence Gwvnne, of Teignmouth for 52,000 guineas, is, we perceive , again in the market. The advertisement explains Why, and the auctioneer will try his eloquence withthe the Catholic 13od ryy, and tell them it is, beyond all doubt, finest monaste throughout England, and, with its splendid demesne, was estimated the other a pproach t 70,000 guineas, so that the possi bility is, that, at the a ing sale (which must be a pc.. reuiptory oxie), it Will sell higher than to Dlr. Gwynn. aid )X' set ;he 00f And ril Sid.