The Sun. — London, England, 1867-04-12 00:00:00

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT HOUSE OF LORDS.-LAST EVENING. The LORD CHANCELLOR look his seat on the woolsack at five o'clock. PRIVATE BUSINESS. Dundee New Gas and Brighton Improvement Bills were read a second time. PERSONAL EXPLANATION. The DUKE of MARLBORORGH entered into :an ex planation relative to some quotations which he had com mented upon, and which had been made by a noble mar quis (Westmeath) on the Treasury bench. It appeared that he had from misconception erroneously conceived the meaning of the noble marquis, and in consequence of a letter from him he now made this explanation. The Marquis of WESTMEATH stated that most bitter censures had been made upon him in consequence of his having fairly stated what he had now in writing under his own hand. He had been accused of doing an unhand some act, and it was not surprising that he should speak with some degree of warmth. He had not in discussing the question of ritualism in any way attacked a right rev. prelate in that house. The noble marquis concluded by laying upon the table of the house several petitions against ritualistic practices. BILLS. The Marine Mutiny Bill was read a second time and passed. THE CANADA RAILWAY LOAN BILL. The ;Duke of BUCKINGHAM said that in proposing the third reading of this bill he might state that it was intended that a loan of £3,000,000 should be given to Canada for a railway loan, and that the new Confederation should give certainguarantees to thelmperial Government for its repayment and for the consolidation of a sinking fund, and that a railway should also be con structed communicating between the centre of authority in Canada and to the nearest ports. It was more especially necessary that there should not be any restriction by hav ing a railway passing through another country, and the present arrangement would allow the whole line to go through the Confederate Provinces. This present scheme would be precisely in keeping with the system of Cana dian railways. It had been shown that, despite the vicis situdes of climate, there would be in future on American railways very little interruption of the traffic. The present proposal appeared advantageous to Ca nada and to the country. It would in the main greatly facilitate the intimacy between the mother country and the provinces. It was necessary for those who brought forward this motion to prove and be satis fied that the guarantee now to be given to Canada would not involve any expense ultimately to the tax-payers of this country, and taking into consideration the great de velopment that had taken place in Canada in conse quence of the assistance rendered by the mother country that they were perfectly justified in granting this loan, relying upon the security which Canada offered. By the last clause of this act the Canadian Government had proposed to give a preference for the repayment of this loan, even against any debt that might be incurred by the municipal Government of that country. There was an evident desire on the part of the colony to comply with the wish of the Imperial Government to repay the loan. Lord LYVEDEN was opposed to the bill from the fact that it. had not been definitely settled which way the lino was to pass, and it was notorious that every one of the railways which had been promoted in Canada had failed. He thought that by holding out this great warning to the United States that they might be in duced to go to war with us. By fortifying and proceeding as we were doing we were very much more likely to induce a war than by taking a different course. He disputed the advisability of the lino in question. He was not aware what the Canadians had done towards the forti fications of the country, and trusted that the noble duke would explain that to them. Lord RUSSELL took a different view,and fully approved tha bill, observing that the knowledge that England was prepared to defend. Canada against unprincipled invasion must tend greatly to diminish tho probabilities of such an attempt. it would not be wise to remove all our troops from Canada as we had done from New Zealand, because the circumstances were not the same, the latter colony having no extensive land frontier open to attack. While doubting the existence of any desire on the part of the United Statos to invade Canada, and admitting the diffi culty of the task of defending those colonies if they were invaded, he nevertheless thought it would be dishonour able to refuse that protection which the Queen's subjects in America had a right to expect. The Dake of CAMBRIDGE regarded the proposed railway as of the greatest importance for the mili tary defence of Canada, and while expecting that as the colonies advanced in prosperity and increased in population they would contribute more extensively to their own pro tection, ho did not believe it would be possible, consis tently with prudence, to withdraw the Imperial troops, some portion of which must remain to servo as a nucleus fur the united forces of the Confederation. After a few words of explanation from the Duke of BUCKINGHAM, the bill was read a third time and passed. Lord SIIAFTLSBUTY then drew attention to the sys tem of agricultural gangs common in some of the eastern counties, and quoted largely from the report of the Com missioners who had inquired into the subject, to show that the system entailed cruelty, immorality, and disease among the children of the agricultural class in the districts whero it existed. Combating an opinion that had been put forth in the House of Commons, that the evils could not be remedied by Parliamentary enactments, he cited the Fac tory Acts to prove that such interference might be proper and beneficial, and announced his intention of bringing in a bill to prohibit the employment of females under 18 in public gangs, to prevent the employment of children under eight, and females under 11, in any field labour. Lord KIMBERLEY confirmed from his own experience the statements of Lord Shaftesbury asto the great evils of the gang system, and cordially approved some such legis lation as that suggested. Lord BELMORE, on the part of the Government, pro mised that any measure upon the subject should receive careful attention, and stated that the reason why the Home Secretary had not introduced any bill was because he thought some further inquiry was needed. Their Lordships then adjourned. MUSE' OF COMMONS-LAST EVENING. The SPEAKER took the chair at four o'clock. PRIVATE BUSINESS. The tollowin3 bills were read a third time and passed:— Aylesbury Market, Barnoldswick Railway, Bristol and Exeter Railway (Exe Valley Railways), Dundalk and Greenore Railway, Dundee Gas, Great Western Railway, Launceston Roads, Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Gateshead Gas, Poole Roads, Salford Borough, Sheffield Water (Amendment), Sheffield Water (New Works), Stockport Corporation Water, and Waterford and Wexford Railway, and Rosslare Harbour. ENGLAND AND SPAIN. Mr. OSBORNE asked whether the noble lord the Secre tary for Foreign Affairs would give the house any precise information with respect to the position of the Government with Spain. Lord STANLEY said there were, unfortunately, two questions of importance now pending between this country and Spain. The first, with respect to the Tornado ;he had received a communication which he could not look upon as altogether satisfactory, but which he did not take to be final or conclusive. With respect to the other, and more important question, viz., that relating to the Queen Victoria, he had received no reply to his communication to the Spanish Government. LNTERNATIONAL CURRENCY CONFERENCE. In reply to Mr. FOSTER, Lord STANLEY said he had received an invitation from the French Government to send a delegate to the conference, and he had replied that a gentleman would be empowered to attend and take part in the proceedings of the conference, but it was to be clearly understood that he was not in any way to bind the Government to any pro position. THE REFORM BILL. In reply to Mr. HIBBERT, The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said the question of rights of compound householders was a very difficult one. Ho had placed a number of amendments on the paper, and so had other hon. members. He could only say,so long as those amendments were in consonance with the principle of the bill, viz., personal payment of taxes and term of residence, ho should give the most careful con sideration to all propositions from whichever side of the house they should come. Earl GROS VENOR said there was a general feeling on both sides of the house that the question should be settled, and that a bill should be passed this session which would be a lasting one. He believed that there was a general feel ing in the house that the further consideration of the Re form Bill should be postponed until after Easter, especially as they had but one night to devote to the dis cussion before they adjourned for the recess. Hon. members had motions on' the paper for to-morrow which would prevent the debate being resumed that evening. Under all the circumstances he thought it would be the best course to pursue further proceeding with the bill - nail after Easter. If the delay he suggested was agreed' to, no doubt a compromise might be come to by both sides of the house, which would secure the passing of the bill. Mr. AYRTON thought'ihe house ought to proceed with the discussion on the bill without the slightest delay, and the best way to make progress was to have a practical debate en the subject. If any delay took place the people of the country would think the House of Commons had enterod on the matter for the purpose of burking the qv,estion of reform. He thought the house ought not to 'separate until it had expressed its opinion upon the first proposition in the bill. 3.1 r. B. COCHRANE said his motion for to-morrow was an important one with respect to Spain, and he could not consent to its postponement. Mr. GLADSTONE said the noble lord the member for Chester had made a well-intentioned, but a very ill timed, suggestion. There was no rule which could not be set aside which prevented the house sitting up to Easter. They had already been assembled nearly three months, and yet the question of Reform had advanced but very slightly, and he did hope the house would nut consent to postpone the discussion of a measure which had already been too long delayed. (Hear, hear.) Mr. CLAY thought the Bribery Bill ought, at all events, to be settled before a dissolution took place. Rumours were rife of a dissolution, but ho hoped that it would not take place before the bill of the Government was passed. Mr. MILL said, although he attached the highest im portance to his amendment, yet he would postpone it rather than allow it to stand in the way of the progress of the bill. He thought it would be disgraceful if the house delayed, by any means, the progress of the Reform Bill. He did not see why the house could not sit next week. (Hear, hear.) Mr. HENLEY said the right hon. gentleman the mem ber for South Lancashire had so often varied his amend ments that no one knew what he really meant. He did not see why the bill should not be carried forward as speedily as possible. Mr. OSBORNE said the house had become somewhat used to these sudden surprises. (Laughter.) They were constantly springing mines —(hear, hear)—the ground around him was full of mines. (Hear, hear, and laughter.) He did not see why they should pay any attention to the recommendation of the noble lord, the member for Chester, who was in collusion with the other side of the house. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) He hoped the house would not appear in the disgraceful position in which the noble earl wished to place it. The noble earl had done more than any man to cut away Reform—(hear, hear) — and he hoped the house would insist on the subject being carried forward, as it would bring out the sham Re formers and set them plainly before the country. (Hear, hear.) Lord ELCIIO supported the proposal for postpone ment ; and with respect to Reform he was not ashamed to say he was in favour of it. Mr. BRIGHT thought that one night would be quite sufficient to settle the question of the borough franchise. There had been some talk of a compromise, but when they were all gone home who was to do it ? (Hear, hear, and laughter.) Was the noble lord the member for Chester to do it? (Hear, hear, and laughter.) Was he to prepare something new, which would be acceptable to all parties. (Hear, hear, and laughter.) He hoped the house would not consent to postponement until they had at least one point settled, which was the very heart of the bill, which either made it acceptable to the public, or put it beneath contempt. The discussion ought to go on, and he did not see why they could not sit, if it became necessary, all next week. (Hear, hear.) Mr. WHITBREAD hoped the noble earl would with draw his motion, in order that the debate might proceed. (Cries of " Divide, divide.") Sir R. KNIGIITLEY was in favour of postponement, in order that members voting on one particular point in the bill might not appear in a false light before the country until the whole of the provisions of the bill were discussed. Mr. HUBBARD deprecated a discussion about Spain in the midst of a settlement of the question of Reform. Mr. NEWDEGATE thought it would be impossible to settle the great question of Reform in one night. He was not in favour of the whole bill, and at the proper time he should call the attention of the house to that part of it with respect to the distribution of seats, because the bill of the late Government conferred greater advantages on the country than those in the bill with which they were about to proceed. Sir G. GREY asked whether the non. member for lionitou brought forward the subject of Spain with the authority of the Government. Lord STANLEY said he had sought to dissuade the hon. member from doing so. He had laid all the papers on the table, and therefore he had very little to say. For his own part he should have preferred if his hon. friend had postponed his motion. Sir R. x'ALMER said he had studied the papers on Spain, and he felt he could not state fully to the House of Commons his views of the matter in the present position of matters between this country and that of Spain. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER thought the question ought to bo decided by the house, but his own opinion was that it was expedient to proceed with the bill. He denied the assertion of that sincere reformer —(loud laughter)—the member for Notts that the noble lord the member for Chester was in collusion with her Majesty's Government. He also denied that he had stated that he was disinclined to admit of any amendment. On the contrary he stated that he was ready and willing to accept every im provement which was not in opposition to the main prin ciple of the bill. The amendments of the right hon. gentlemen the member for South Lancashire were, iu fact, a suppression of the entire bill, and therefore he could not accept them. It was a mistake altogether to call them amendments. They were, in fact, a counter bill. Earl GROSVENOR then withdrew his motion for the postponement of the debate. REPRESENTATION OF THE PEOPLE BILL. On the question that the preamble be postponed, Mr. D. GRIFFITH called the attention of the committee to the inadequate discussion that the bill had received during its previous stages, and suggested that it wculd be premature to go into the particular clauses of the bill in committee until the principles involved in the preamble had been further considered. On the conclusion of the hon. gentleman's speech there was a rush of members into the house. The preamble was then postponed. Clauses 1 and 2 were then agreed to without remark. On clause 3, which regulates the occupation franchise for voters in boroughs, Mr. GLADSTONE, who rose amidst the cheers of the Opposition, said—As the hon. member for Westminster was good enough to waive discussion on the motion, I do not think it necessary to go through the formality of making a fresh appeal. And, before I state the object of the amendment I have to submit, I wish to observe that there are one or two important questions connected with rating which will not be included in the statement I have to make. The question discussed last year, whether the basis should be the rateable or actual value, is not now before us. Another question of considerable import ance is likewise wholly apart from the right to vote— I mean the question of payment of rates. Whether the voter shall be liable to payment—that is, that he shall have paid them before he is entitled to be put on the register—whether it may be made through the medium of rent to the landlord, or in default by himself, is a question of considerable moment, which I do not propose to raise. My amendments on the third clause do not touch either of these questions. Now, sir, this amend ment is said by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to be tho first of a series, intended to give effect to the views ex pressed when the bill was presented to the House, and ex plained more fully on the second reading. The proposal to relieve the small occupiers is a matter obviously impos sible to deal with in a clause relating to enfranchisement; it would require more than ono clause, drawn with the closest care. My own amendments follow that usual course of proceeding which would appear to be satisfactory to the feeling and would correspond with the widely spread and deeply entertained convictions of this house; but in ask ing the committee to pass any one of these amendments I certainly cannot adopt the lofty language of the Chancel lor of the Exchequer on what he calls the vital question of residence, and when he says that if any one of these amendments be adopted it would be impossible for the Government to proceed with the bill. I have no authority to present the amendments to the house in such a shape. I express my own opinions, and have no power or inclina tion to bind any other person. There had been so much said, and upon so many occasions, with regard to our posi tion on this subject, that I will briefly state in this house what I take it to be. What is the paramount object before us, and what are the secondary but still important objects? The paramount object is to pass a good Reform Bill. (Cheers.) The secondary, but still important objects, are to pass a good Reform Bill during the present year, and to pass it, if we can, by the aid of the present Government. (Hear.) lam not prepared to sacrifice that paramount ob ject to the secondary. (Hear, hear.) We should, in my opinion, commit a fatal mistake if, because we have been laggard in former years with our work, we proceed now, I will not say hastily, but with insufficient care, to piece to gether clauses of a Reform Bill, and so send forth to the country as a settlement of the question that which could only lead to a renewal of agitation. There is no sacrifice of time and feeling, there is no sacrifice of opinion com patible with the highest principle, which we ought not fairly to render, in order to dispose at once of this question. (Cheers.) Up to Saturday last I had no reason to suppose that the innocent amendments—(a laugh)--which I have proposed would be received in the manner they have been received by the Government. On the second reading of the bill this subject of personal rating was certainly not blinked. I expressed my opinion with regard to it, and the right hon. gentleman the member for Richmond (Sir R. Palmer) honoured me with a speech of which I cannot say anything higher than that it was worthy of his name, his character, and his talents. (Hear, hear.) It presented the subject in the clearest light. Did the Chancellor cf the Exchequer that nig4t lead us to believe he would use the imperious language which he has Low adopted? His reply was in live words : "Let us get out of nisi prius." The right hon. gentleman produced an impression that ho was ready to deal with us, from the terms he used—terms of little value, except when construed in a liberal spirit— in a spirit of conciliation. (Hear, hear.) If we cannot have the co-operation of the Government in this matter of personal rating, I deeply regret it. But you cannot alter the paramount duty of the house ; for if we send forth a bill with safeguards and limits, we are resonsible for the safety and soundness of those safeguards ; and to send forth a bill with safeguards that are unsafe, flimsy, and untrue, is unworthy of the House of Commons. The cha racteristics of tie plan of the Government are an extreme narrowness of immediate onfranchisement—(hear, hear) — and the setting of certain barriers, to which barriers we are invited to trust for excluding great masses of house holders below .£lO. (Hear.) These are the two paramount features of the plan. It would appear that the number of direct ratepayers included in the bill is 246,000 ; and I think I understood that, according to the conception of TEE SUN, LONDON, FRIDAY EVENING-, APRIL 12, 1867. the Governmhnt, 50 per cent. of these might be 'expected to get on the register, or about 123,000. I believe that de duction of 50 per cent. is not an unwise deduction. With regard to compound householders, the figures would show that the 476,000 in the bill would yield about 238,000 voters. But these figures are not correct, by no fault of the Government or those engaged in preparing them, but because there is a considerable number of persons in large towns who are not compound householders, but who make arrangements with the parish officers for the payment of their rates. In Liverpool I stated last year the number was 7,000 or 8,000, and it is no doubt more. In Ashton and many other towns the same thing prevails. Conse quently the numbers stated would be considerably reduced, and as regards those householders below £lO there would be little more than 100,000 placed on the register. I con fess I cannot accept a plan that would enfranchise that number of persons as being a plan that would be accepted by those who have pledged themselves to reform, or with the slightest satisfaction to the country. (Hear.) Looking at that enfranchisement, I would almost turn to my right lion. friend the member for Caine (Mr. Lowe), as almost the stoutest opponent of reform, and ask him, if we are to deal with this question at all, are we to deal with so small a portion of enfranchisement as is proposed by her Ma jesty's Government? I presume he would say, if it is to of the Government was to inflict on the compound house holder below the limit of £lO a fine before he could qualify as an elector. This is the principle upon which the right hon. gentleman proposes to stand. The right hon. gentle man cannot endure any portion of the amendments pro posed by me. He finds then intolerable, one and all. They must stop the bill, and entail all those public calamities and disasters which have been so skilfully drawn in vague outline by the Chancellor of the Exchequer and his satel lites, and which have been employed to act upon the public mind. He, however, is ready to entertain the proposal of my hon. friend the member for Oldham, and endeavour to mako some conciliatory arrangement. But the meaning of the hon. member for Oldham cannot be mistaken. His meaning with regard to the personal pay ment of rates is precisely the same as mine. (Hear, hear.) He wishes to place the compound householder on the same footing forevery practical purpose as the rate-paying house- holder. Ho does not intend to allow arbitrary barriers and inequalities made by Parliament to stand between the man whom Parliament declares to be qualified for the franchise and the enjoyment of his rights, and he is not the man to be put off with fair words. His object is the same as mine, which the Chancellor of the Exchequer has declared—l hope not irrevocably declared—to be wholly inconsistent with the viows of duty of the Government. I object alto- gether to the clause proposed by the right hon. gentleman. I admit it gets rid of certain difficulties, because it may be more difficult to employ a registration agent for the pur pose of creating a mass of compounders into ratepaying householders than it would be to employ him for qualify- be dealt with at all, it should be dealt with in a manner that will last. It will not last. It would merely be an incen tive for what is to come, and would not last. As to personal payment of rates, it is neither more nor less than a ques tion whether the rating is to be laid upon the man him self, and we are told that personal rating is the principle of this bill so far as it relates to the borough franchise. We are told this is the leading constitutional principle of English representation. If it were, I might go back to find a number of other usages which prevailed in former times, and which have been completely superseded in con sequence of improved machinery of government. In the forty-eight scot-and-lot boroughs that system prevailed, but the freeman was not a ratepayer. In some eases he was non-resident; and as to half the boroughs in the country, it is not the fact that ratepaying was originally, or at any period, known as a basis of the franchise. I ad mit that in many boroughs it was, but modern usages have shown it was necessary to introduce change in the law. Within the last 50 years there has been a great change in the law. So difficult was it found to collect the rates in small sums from small occupiers, that a change took place by the best of all methods, spontaneously and locally, by which the landlord pays the rates, and charges them in the rent. Now will it be denied that the compound householder as truly pays the rates as that man who pays directly ? (Hear, hear.) Do not lot us flinch from treating this ques tion.lt o isf thedisp uted rate is up by economists the onom tenantistswh oreth h e t rt e w h o eu n it e i r. ultimate incidence I hold it to be a principle of political economy that the ulti mate incidence is precisely the same, whether the owner or the tenant pays it. The new method was devised for the convenience of owners and parish officers. It comes out in the bill of the right hon. gentleman as something approach ing to a show of moral inferiority. (Hear, hear.) Was there man n r t such ell me a that pal• whenadox invented i n Parliament a town Tenements Act, and a town not unde r the Small Tenements Will Small at r i under ?th V any Act, you can draw line between them? That in one virtue prevails, and every one is a good ch aracter ; and that in the other there is vice, men cheat their creditors, and men get drunk. The compound householder goes, as we all do, where his occupation calls him, and ho has no choice in the matter. (Hear, hear, and a laugh.) Do you think a father of a family would perform his duty to his wife and his children if, instead of going to the town where the market for labour was best, and where he could best minis ter to their necessities, he were to inquire if it were a town where compound householders prevailed? The Small Tenements Act is adopted by the vestry, and the com pound householder himself has nothing to do with it. It is preposterous, therefore, to introduce a distinction be tween him and other persons of the same class. The Small Tenements Act has been adopted in 5,000 parishes, and will it be said that these are to be refused the franchise on the ground that their inhabitants are compound house holders ? Ludicrous inequalities would be made between town and town. In Brighton, where there are 100,000 persons, 14 would be qualified by the bill of the Chancel lor of the Exchequer. Iu another town a single unit woull be admitted, but as the unit is the gross number qualified, I leave to the house what the nett number may be. (A laugh.) That is in different towns; but equal confusion would occur in the same town. The bill of the right hon. gentleman is this : it takes from those parishes which have a majority of population who have the power of determining elections where they are under the Small Tenements Act, and it hands over that power to the mino rity of the population of the town. It is a dry matter of arithmetic. Is that the way in which we are to seek a solid and permanent settlement of reform? Let me give three or four instances. Here is the great city of Bristol, in which 76,000, or almost half the population, live in open parishes, while 78,000 are under the Small Tenements Act. The 78,000 yield only 5,943 persons qualified to become voters ; while the 76,000 living in open parishes yield 10,431 persons so qualified. So that half the population, divided by parishes, is to be invested with electoral power just double of that possessed by the other. Is that the way to give content to the people. (Hear.) is there not some thing strange, even something almost ridiculous, in calling tisis legislation, in sending au Act of Parliament like this into towns, to establish inequalities which are entirely new and perfectly capricious, and then expect these inequalities to be accepted by the people of this country? In Grantham the open parishes, with a population of 3,986, qualify 773 persons to vote ; but the close parishes under the Small Tenements Act, with a population of 7,195, qualify only 688 persons to vote ; or one-third of the population qualifies half the elec tors of the town. In Leeds the population of the open parishes numbers 35,561, and they qualify 7,358 persons to vote. The population of the parishes under the Small Tenements Act is 171,601, and they only qualify 9,200 to vote ; or one-sixth of the population of Leeds has four ninths of the voting power in that town. I don't know how the hon. member for Pontefract likes the new distri bution of electorals ; but I find that in Pontefract 5,486 persons living in open parishes qualify 1,273 electors, while 6,250 in the close parishes qualify only 417 electors. In that borough the minority of the population has three quarters of the voting power. Something written on a piece of paper or parchment we may choose to call law ; but it cannot attract the reepect due to law when its operation is arbitrary and capricious to such an extent. But these are to be the securities of the constitution, the guarantees against democracy—the firm, solid, well-built walls which are to dash back the tide of agitation—these strange concoc tions of some ingenious mind, fanciful as if they were in tended to be displayed upon a stage, but wholly alien to the spirit and history of British legislation, and without any thing which approaches to a precedent in the records of this house. Then there is Shoreham, where a population of 13,346 in open parishes qualifies 2,244 to vote, while a population of 19,276 persons in close parishes qualifies only 1,451 persons. Perhaps the Solicitor-General will say, let these parishes cure the evil by throwing out the Small Tenements Act, and the others cure the evil by bringing it in ; but I object to making our political measures the means of interfering with the social and economic arrange ments of the country. (Hear, hear.) Whether there shall be the Small Tenements Act in a parish or not ought to be settled by the considerations of local convenience, and not by the ideas of political partisans who may wish to attract more influence to the borough in which they reside. Independently of more seriou s o bj ec ti ons, th e l eg i s lation of the right hon. gentleman will make the constituencies all over the country depend upon the will of local authori ties assemLl,:d iu their vestries and corporations, and not upon the will of the Imperial Parliament. 1 wish it were in my power to more adequately explain to tho house the real social working of these changes. In certain open parishes I am not prepared to deny that readiness to pay rates may not be a bad test of a man's character in other respects; but in the towns were these arrangements for compound houses are adopted to come down upon parishes and visit them with exclusion from the franchise by the erection of barriers, which it is in our power to remove, is, in my opinion, a principle founded neither in policy nor in justice. Many people think it degrades a workman to become a compound householder; but there are many good and solid reasons which tend powerfully to make the work man wish to become a compound householder in preference to a rate-paying householder, and make the skilled work man of high character desire to become a lodger rather than either. It simplifies his transactions to pay all the charges connected with his house in one payment. Then there is the necessity incumbent on the workman to follow his work, which entails on him the necessity of frequently changing his abode. These requirements make a compound house better suited to hispurpose than a rate-paying;house. In the metropolis, this great home and hive of lodgers, the working man must as a rule become either a lodger or a lodging-house keeper. Being reluctant as a rule to hamper himself by becoming a lodging-house keeper, he becomes a lodger. Having mentioned the case of the lodger, I will make an appeal to the right hon gentleman. Every one has stated without contradiction for the last three weeks that the right hon. gentleman is prepared to concede a a lodger franchise. If he is, what becomes of the personal payment of rates ? (Cheers.) The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER—I never said I had conceded it. I said I would consider any fair proposition for a lodger franchise. (Hear, and laughter.) Mr. GLADSTONE—When the right hon. gentleman proceeded in his speech to deal with the lodger franchise, he became heroic in his style, and said, "Suspect me of in difference or hostility to the lodger franchise ! why, I am the father of it." (Cheers and laughter.) Now, we shall see what kind of paternal tenderness the right hon. gentleman feels towards his offspring. (Laughter.) What I wish to know is, is it conceded, or is it not ? (Hear, hear.) If it is conceded, I rejoice ; but then what becomes of the principle of the personal payment of rates ? If you give a lodger franchise, will it be possible, in London, to separate the rateable value of every house over each floor? 1 think not. If so, the lodger cannot be personally sated, but must come in by some other tenure. If so, what becomes of personal rating as the principle of the borough franchise ? The im portance of this cannot be overstated, because in the con struction of this bill the principle has been pitched very high. As was stated by my right hon. friend (Sir B. Palmer) and myself in the former debate, the proposition ing them as compounders, by paying the difference of the rate. The Chaucellor of the Exchequer says to the com pound householders, "I have no spite towards you what ever. I am perfectly willing you should vote ; but, in order to vote, you must cease to be a compound householder." But three-fourths of the population under £lO have come into the condition of compound householders from social and economical considerations. Is that the way in which we are to legislate ? Are we really to punish these occu piers preliminary to their getting the franchise ? How should we ourselves endure such a process? (Hear, hear.) Has the Chancellor of the Exchequer any idea of what an aspect this will carry, if passed, of class legislation ? Impos ing a fine, and, where not a fine, imposing difficulty, labour, loss of time—which is loss of money —upon our humbler fellow-subjects, which we ourselves would not endure ; and why is this punishment? I say, if Parliament wishes to pass a limited- suffiage, let us limit it manfully and openly, and let the people know what we mean. (Cheers.) Do not Let us send forth to the country a two-faced bill, with a face for Toryism and a faco for democracy, and vainly hope and expect we can induce one set of beholders to worship the image from one point of the compass, and another set to worship with equal fidelity from another point of the compass. (Hear.) Tho worthier course will be for the Government to amend their proposal while there is yet time ; but whether they amend it or not, it is not a course worthy of Parliament to entertain it. It is our duty in this eleventh hour of the reform question to deal can didly and straightforwa r dly w ith the people of England. _ _ . _ If we think it expedient to limit the suffrage, let it be done, and let us say so, leaving the people to judge can- didly of our acts; but do not 1;t us adopt provisions the effect of which is to convert oven a boon into en offence from the nature of the c on diti on s with which it is accoml panied. They inflict a wrong upon a portion of the com munity, which wrong will inevitably avenge upon itself the community at large in the shape of trouble, strife, and con troversy, by renewed, continued agitation—agitation to be begun from the day when such a law takes its place upon the statute book, never to cease till the last vestige of such senseless legislation becomes au idle remnant of the past. (Cheers.) The right hon. gentleman concluded by moving, in page 2, lino 3, to insert " whether he or his landlord be rated to the relief of the poor." The SOLICITOR-GENERAL, declining to follow Mr. Gladstone through his discursive speech, addressed, he in sinuated, more to the country than to the house, and con fining himself to the amendment before the house, pointed out that personal rating was already a necessary condition of the suffrage under the Reform Act, and argued that the Compound Householders Act never contemplated an inter ference with the francl.ise, and had, in fact, nothing what ever to do with it. The difficulties of those acts could easily be got over. The test of stability and respectability the bill proposed was based on an old principle, was strongly recommended by Lord Grey's committee, and had been sanctioned by Mr. Gladstone himself in 1852, 1851, and 1860. Sir E. BULLER maintained that the principle of the bill was household suffrage, tempered by certain limita tions, and expressed his disappointment that Mr. Disraeli, after his professions of conciliation, should insist on one kind of limitation rather than another, at all risks. He strongly condemned the principle of personal rating, urging that it would open the door to endless corruption. The O'DONOGHT3E reflected with some acrimony on the conduct of the Tories in regard to Reform, insisting that they were still the enemies of th© enfranchisement of the people, as was proved by this bill. The personal pay ment of rates was a barrier which few could over get over, and the bill altogether was an evasion of the popular de mand. SPORTING INTELLIGENCE. NEWMARKET CRAVEN MEETING.—TIIURSDAY. The weather to-day was more favourable, for although the morning had a very forbidding aspect, towards noon the black clouds cleared off, and had it not been for the 1 strong wind which prevailed the afternoon would have been really pleasant. Before proceeding to the course • there was a meeting in front of the subscription rooms, for the purpose of settling, after which somo speculation took place upon future events, details of which will be found appended to the running. Racing commenced at half-past twelve o'clock with the Claret Stakes, which produced a couple of runners—the Maid of Mashain colt and Auguste —the absentee from the throe coloured being Lord Stam ford's Esca. Odds of 6to 4 were laid on the French colt, and, as will be seen from the appended return, the " talent" landed the odds, and the race for the second time in suc cession fell to the popular colours of Count Lagrange. It will be remembered that last year Gladiateur walked over for this race, and the " donkey-eater," Archimedes, saved his stake. The Biennial Stakes brought out a field of five runners, against eleven last year. Ischia was elected favourite, 7 to 4 being freely taken, while Westwick, the reported trial-horse of Tarabau, was backed at 2to 1. The winner however turned up in The Peer, and it was quite ref reshiug to see the popular "blue and geld belt" of that thorough sportsman, Lord Stamford, borne in the van. Considering his lordship's recent run of ill-luck it is not surprising that so few stood his representative, or that the horse was quoted at 20 to 1. There was a rumour of an objection on the ground of foul riding, but nothing came of it. The Abingdon Stakes, which was looked upon as a good thing for Nelly Rose —a filly by Newminster out of Birdhill's dam—resulted in favour of Ninny, who was not so much fancied as Witchcraft. The followers of public form who stood the Duke of Newcastle's filly landed their money, and despite her penalty, she was backed for flat, produced good deal at s to 1. The Handica p Plate, a cross the we ek, being the largest field of the day, indeed of the b e i ng contested by no fewer than 17 runners, a the eissue b e ing in favour of Kenyon and Roquefort who was good last year Guinivero, who won this identical race year with slbs. less than she carried to-day , was never l o oking formidable. T b The result showed "talent" to have been singularly fortunate in their selection, as Python, the second favourite, was only defeated a head , uit Butler and Kenyon having a gallant set-to. The n ette of two year-olds entered for the Sweepstakes over the Rowley Mile west to the post, Speculum, the property of the Duke of Newcastle, whose stable has been in rare f or m during the week, had most friends, and was warmmadea favou rite at 7to 4. Again were the talent correct in their reckonings, for Arthur Edwards landed the colt an easy winner by a length. The Sweepstakes of 100 sovs over the Ditch Mile followed, the absentee of the four coloured being Vauban, who was struck out at 2.5w1t0-adnay. extraordinary Ta b n, who it was reported last week had on trial, and had advanced into a mor e prominent position in the Derby quotations, accordingly was chosen as the champion of the backers, the betting opening at 2 to 1, to 1 closing at 6 to 4 on him, while 2 was taken about Whirligig, and 100 to 30 about Sihnkea• laid well up until about a qua r t er The favourite ' of amile from home, when Carroll called upon him, but ho was dead beaten and rolled all over the course like a shim by a storm. The Aske P r oduce Stake, was walked over for P Sceur de Cha was rite, and the Subscription Plate won by thecoltby Leaming ton out of Annie Laurie, who claimed by Mr. Wood, whose representative, Rose,b betting on the Two e ran second. The other races require no comment Thousand was not ve r y 'T extensive on the course, but at the rooms at the conl us i on of the races Plaudit was made the medium of another " sensation. a One large speculator loudly offer sto 1 against him, but there were plenty o f takers , e and about £ 7OO was , invested upon the Richm on d colt. l`he same ‘, operator, also laid £3,000 to £2OO against him, f t and fourteen " fifties" wore afterwards taken. T ara b an , ex hibition, went to any price -1,000 after tao3bellinfag inglorious nominal s ival quotation. Below will b e f ound all the transactions which occurred upon future events : Mr. KENDALL, though regretting that the Govern ment had decided to deal with Reform at all, had made up his mind to support the bill and to go down to household suffrage if necessary, and hinted broadly that much of the opposition from the other side was prompted by a fear that the bill would admit a large body of sensible Conservative working men. Sir W. HEATHCOTE discussed the amendment as pre senting an alternative between household suffrage, with the limitation of personal rating, and a £5 rating franchise, and expressed his preference for the latter as containing more of the element eminent] a permanent settlement. The Government Bill was y unsatisfactory ; it was at once niggardly and slavish, timid, and rash, and he re gretted that the Government had unnecessarily pinned its existence on this particular provision of personal pay ment of the Solicitor -General and the Chancellor of the Exchequer; ho concluded by expressing a hope that the house Would pass the amendment and the Government would accept it. Mr. HENLEY said the true way to meet the arguments of the Chancellor of the Exchequer was not to taunt him and those who sit with him, as the hon. and learned mem ber for Exeter (Mr. Coleridge) did. That may be a ready way to hcax people outside, but not the House. ud (Cheers te .) It is said the amendment presents a clear a defini issue, but if ever there definite was au amendmen t than another less definite and less capable o f being treated as , it is this. The hon. member for the University of Oxford (Sir W. Ileathcote) says he will take it because something else is to follow —a limit to the franchise. The hon. and learned member for Exeter says, " I want an extension an d lowering of the franchise, and this bill won't give me that ;" and he supports the amendment because without it the bill would not extend or lower the franchise enough. They support it for exactly contrary reasons. (Cheers.) We ought to have had before us the question whether the franchise is to be limited by a hard and fast line, or open to all who will qualify themselves to exercise it. (Cheers.) But that is not raised by the amendment. We are there fore placed in a difficulty. If a limit is not fixed, the amendment is of no consequence; but if it fixes a limit, it would be fatal to the bill. This amendment has been framed ev idently to catch votes. (Cheers.) Those who want fixed limits, and those wh o want household suffrage, p ure and s imple, will vote for i t alike. The hon. member for Exeter, who says he is for h ousehold suffrage, p ure and sim p le, gives it as his opinion—a Liberal opinion —that the per sons we want to enfranchise will never seek the franchise for themselves. We are told everybody wants it. (Laugh ter and cheers.) And he says if they get it the landlord or the candidate will have to pay for it. (Cheers.) The lion. and learned gentleman said payment of rates was never the ancient practice of this country. Scot and lot did not de pend on acts of Parliament, but the people were rated and paid their rates. In 1832 a class of gentlemen called Re foplerg made it more definite, and the principle has been recognised uninterruptedly till last year, when the right hon. gentleman the member for South Lancashire omitted the matter of rating in his bill. (Cheers.) A great deal has been said about evasion. The issue presented by the amendment is not free from evasion, and the right honourable gentleman on the front bench (Mr. t G wo l o a hu d ol s dl t y o n n mo e ta, ) n , eyv i dw b i oe l d e ul h t d h e eb go questionov n e a t hf the formidable i t h d e o a - b b w l o e omk a nraaynydmo might howht figures gneit a no a yu s if they liked. (Cheers.) But that is the question. The only figure named is £5. The Small Tenements Act touches .£6. The only numbers who will be " floating"—who will be able to choose whether they will come in or not—will be those between £5 and £6. If you fix the hard limit of £5, you absolutely shut out all below. Liberal gentlemen should attend to this. (Loud laughter and cheers.) And these aro the persons who swell the great number the right hon. gentleman spoke of. (Laughter.) The member for the University of Oxford argues as he does beeauso he does not want au extension of the franchise, but it is difficult to understand how he and the Liberal gentlemen are agree ing together—(cheers)—and all those numbers and figures are thrown like pieces of dirt into water—to muddle it. We aro told that the rating principle is unfair, because it will confer great power on the local authorities. But why won't your ..t5 hard line do the same ? (Hear, hear.) It is likely to confer more power in consequence of the provi sions of the Small Tenements Act. What is the Local Tenements Act which the right hon. gentleman praises as a great social and economical arrangement ? It is nothing else but a device of Old Nick to oppress the poor. (Laugh ter.) Formerly, those who were too poor to pay rates were exempted, but now, however poor and helpless they may be, they are compelled to pay rates through the landlord, and just in proportion as an unfortunate man is poor the landlord demands a higher rent, and screws it out of him. (Hear, hear.) If it were swept away, it would be a great benefit to the poor. The hon. and learned gentleman oppo site objects that under this principle pranks will be played in arranging the rating to enfranchise some and disfran chise others. But it will bo more easy to play pranks of that kind against a definite line than against a few isolated people. (Hear.) When you have one line to go against, you may do a good stroke of business. (Laughter.) You may put a lot below that line. (Hear, hear.) The right honourable gentleman the member for South Lan cashire taunts the Chancellor of the Exchequer by asking, The Claret Stakes, a subscription of 200 sovs each, h ft, for four year olds; colts Bst 101 b, fillies Bst 51b; the second to save his stake : D.I. ; 5 subs. Count Lagrange's Auguste, by Monarquo—Etoile du Nord, by The Baron, Bst 101 b (Ilibberd) 1 Lord Glasgow's c by Young Melbourne, dam by Ted dington—Maid of Masham, Bst 101 b (Aldcroft) 2 Betting-6 to 4on Auguste. The Eighth Newmarket Biennial Stales of 10 sovs each, with 100 added by the Jockey Club, for four year olds ; colts Bst 101 b, fillies Bst 61b; starters for this race in 1866, and not being placed first or second, to be allowed 41b in 1867, and in 1867 maidens before starting allowed 101 b, if they have never received 50 sovs as second horse; tho winner of the Derby or Doncaster St. Loger 71b extra; the second to receive a sum equal to 10 per cent. on the whole stake, and the third a sum equal to 5 per cent. 58 subs. D.I. Lord Stamford's The Peer, by Newminster Main brace, Bst 61b (Morris) 1 Mr. Bowes's Westwick, Bst 61b (Carroll) 2 Duke of Beaufort's Ischia, Bst 61b (Fordham) 3 " What becomes of the principle of rating if you are going Mr. Padwick's Witchcraft, Bst 51b (Cannon) 2 to let in a lodger clause ?" Ho assumes the fact, and then Capt. Hawksley's Eau de Vie, Bst 7th (Fordham) 3 argues upon it. (Hear, hear.) But there is an enormous Two others also ran. difference between the two. The right hon. gentleman in Betting-7 to 4 agst Speculum, sto 2 agst Eau de Vie, his bill last year admitted tenants at £7 and lodgers at £lO. and sto 1 agst North Marston. You might as well object that a man who has money in A Sweepstakes of 100 sovs each, h ft, for three year olds ; the savings bank may not be rated. (Hear, hear.) It is a colts Bst 161 b, fillies Bst 61b ; D.M. ; 4 subs. large and open question whether there should be a lodger Mr. E. Brayley's Whirligig, by St. Albans—Maypole, Bst 101 b franchise, which he (Mr. Henley) would be glad to have Lord Stamford's Siiankos, Bst 101 b (Morris) 2 argued. But if you want it, it is not the likeliest way to Mr. Bowes' Taraban, Bst 101 b (Carroll) 3 get it to say we cannot admit it without overthrowing Vauban was struck out at 2.51 on the day of the race. every principle of the bill. The hon. member for Tralee Betting opened at 2tol on but closed at 6t04 on Tara (The O'Donoghue) has used strong language ; but the au- ban, 3to 1 agst Whirligig, and 100 to 30 agst Siiankos. swer to that was given last year by the right hon. gentle- Tho Aske Produce Stakes of 50 sovs each, h ft, for three man the member for South Lancashire, when he said that, year olds ; colts Bst 101 b, fillies Bst 71b; untrieds allowed with regard to this question of reform, neither side of the 31b ; D.M. house had said much to the other. When a Liberal Go- • Mr. Pryor's Scour de Charit,S, by Newminster—Lady varnment, a powerful majority, sat in this house, the hon. Tatton, Bst 71b (Fordham) w.o. member never raised his voice to compel them to deal with A Subscription Plate of 50 sovs ; three year olds 7st 51b, the question. (Hear, hear.) Tho members on that side of four Bst 121 b, five and upwards 9st 41b; the winner to the house were all reformers at the hustings —(laughter)— be sold for 300 sovs if demanded, &c.; if entered for 150 but that was not the case ou this side of the house. (Hear, sovs allowed 71b ; D.M. hear.) He (Mr Henley) held it to be right that there should Mr. J. Dawson's cby Leamington—Annie Laurie (£150) be an enlargement of the franchise, and he would not have 3 yrs, 6st 121 b (H. Covey) 1 • opposed the bill of last year if he had not thought it a Mr. J. Wood's Rose (Z 150), 6 yrs, Bst 101 b (Boggis) 2 bad bill, and had not held a strong opinion . that this Mr. H. Savile's Claverhouso (£150), 4 yrs, Bst 51b question cannot be settled by a fixed arbitrary line. (Fordham) 3 (Cheers.) Tho right hon. gentleman has not explained why a man rented at £4 is fit for the franchise, while a man rented at £1 is not fit. If you cannot get an answer you must go on step by step, until what is called the re siduum is admitted without restriction. The right hon. gentleman, speaking of the admission of 200,000 persons, . said, " They won't hurt you." That is a curious way of reckoning such things. (A laugh.) If they are good, admit them all; but if they are not, admit none. (Hear, hear.) Tho fair test of fitness and unfitness is bearing the burdens of citizenship. if a man wants to exercise the pri vileges, let him bear the burdens of citizenship. (Cheers.) The people will fairly understand this principle. (Hear.) It may be that there will be a greater wish to obtain the privileges of civilisation in some places than in others. If that be so in some places, a greater number will avail them selves of the facility for obtaining them ; but it is no proof that the offer is not a fair one. (Cheers.) The question of the length of residence was fairly open to discussion, but he could not venture to think that it ought to be altogether done away with. (Cheers.) Lord CRANBORNE commenced by expressing his re gret that the moderate bill of last year had not been accepted, for, though he would have been sitting on a different side, the prospects of the British Constitution would be brighter. Without reverting to the argument, he urged last year as to the change in the balance of power, he objected to this bill because it would not allay agitation or secure repose, which ought to be the first object of passing a Reform Bill. Another objection was that the composition of the constituencies would be intrusted to the caprice of the local authorities—they would be con tinually varying, subject to be increased at the changing will of a vestry, or by the corrupt expenditure of rich candidates or active political societies, and these great flooclings of the constituencies would always take place at seasons of political excitement. Taken as a whole, he preferred Mr. Gladstone's to Mr. Disraeli's scheme, and should therefore support the amendment. Mr. ROEBUCK moved the adjournment of the debate, and after some caustic remarks from Mr. Erie apropos of the threatened dissolution, and a short conversation on the propriety of postponing the motion for adjourning over the Easter recess until it was apparent whether the debate would conclude to-night, the Chairman was ordered to re port progress. Some other orders were forwarded a stage, and the house adjourned at 10 minutes past 1 o'clock. Water Lily colt also ran. Betting— 6 to 5 on the Annie Laurie colt, 3 to 1 agst Claverhouse, and 7 to 1 agst Rose. Sweepstakes of 10 sovs each, for 2 and 3-yr-olds ; certain allowances; winner to be sold for 200 sovs. Last half of Rowley mile. (4 subs.) Mr. Ten Broeck's Claymore, by Drogheda— Queen of Egypt, 3 yrs, Bst 111 b (Fordharn) 1 Mr. Pryor's Haymarkot, 2 yrs, Gst Illb (carried Gst 121 b) (ff. Covoy) 2 Mr. Ten Broeck's Fashion, 2 yrs, Gst 111 b (Barlow) 3 Betting-3 to lon Claymore, and 100 to 30 agst Hay market. March, 100, h ft. First half of tho Abingdon mile. Mr. Savile's Maid Maria; by Skirmisher—Middleton Maid, 3 yrs, Bst 51b • (Fordham) 1 Lord Westmorland's f Lawbton—lVingsof a Dove, 2 yrs, 7st 51b (Kenyon) 2 Betting-6 to son Maid Marian. Match, 100, 25 ft. Last half of Abingdon mile. Lord Conyngham's Dr. Syntax,.4 yrs, Bst 1011.1... rec. forfeit. Lord Westmorland's Offington, 3 yrs, Bst I.olb...paid forfeit TIIIRSK SPRING MEETING-THURSDAY. The Sowerby Plato of 25 sovs (Handicap); winners of any handicap after March 27 (at six p.m.) 31b, twice 71b extra. T.Y.C. Mr. Davison's Lion, by Windhonnd—Lioness, 5 yrs, Bst 121 b (Sellars) 1 Mr. F. Grosz's Wentworth, 4 yrs, 7st 1 Olb ...(Whiteley) 2 Mr. H. Bragg's Minna, 3 yrs, 6st 31b (Walker) 3 Six others also ran. Betting-7 to 4 agst Paleface, 6to 1 agst Verdi, Went worth, and Fandango gelding, 7 to I agst Minna, 8 to 1 agst Lion and Mite. The Mowbray Stakes of 10 sous each, h ft, with 50 added for two-year-olds ; colts Bst I.olb, fillies and geldings Bst 71b ; winners once 41b, twice 81b extra ; starters twice without winning allowed 31b, thrice Sib ; the second to save his stake. T.Y.C. 10 subs. 3lr. T. Hampton's Affection, by Lifeboat—Rose d'Amour, Bst 71b (J. Snowden) 1 Mr. J. P. Craven's Scoteliman's Pride, Bst 101 b (I'Anson) 2 Mr. G. Pawson's Queen of York, Bst 71b (Sellars) 3 Six others also ran. Betting -5 to 2 agst Affection, 9to 2 agst Scotchman's Pride, 7 to 1 each agst Mother Neasharn and Queen of York. The Hunt Cup of 60 sovs in specie ; the winner to receive 50 sovs, second 10 ; four year olds lOst 101 b, five list 71b, six and aged 12st 31b ; once a winner of any race or steeplechase 71b, twice 101 b, thrice 141 b, four times 211 b extra; starters three times in hunters' stakes and never won allowed 51b, five times 71b ; penalties and allow ances not accumulative; gentlemen riders only; about two miles and a half. Mr. H. Johnstone's Lord Fauconberg, dam by Professor Buck, 4 yrs, lOst 1016 (Mr. Boyton) 1 Sir George Cholmley's Adonis, aged, 12st 101 b (Mr. G. S. Thompson) Mr. J. Simp son ' s Helen (sis. to Volunteer), 5 yrs, llst 71b 2 (Mr. Walker) 3 Six others also ran. Betting- 5 to 4 agst Lord Fauconberg colt, 3 to 1 agst The Miller, 6 to 1 agst Helen, 7 to 1 agst Barrister, 10 to 1 agst others. The Members' Plate of 25 sous, added to a Selling Stakes of 3 sovs each ; 3 yr olds Bst, 4 9st 41b, 5 9st 101 b, 6 and aged lOst ; the winner to be sold for 150 sovs ; if entered for 100 sovs allowed 51b, 80 101 b, 50 141 b, 40 211 b, 20 281 b ; about one mile. To close and name on Wednes day evening. Dusty Miller, by Knight of Avenel—Lady Paramount, 4 yrs, 9st 41b (Cameron) 1 Captain llogg (Walker) 2 Fair Maid of Perth, 4 yrs, 9st 41b .....(rAnson) 3 Tye on also ran. The Hambledon Plato of 100 sous (Handicap); winners o; any handicap after March 27 (at six p.m) 41b, twice 71b extra. One mile. Mr. W. Cowen's Moldavia, by Hospodar—Tibiphone, 5 yrs, 7st 111 b (inc. 71b ox) (L awrence ) 1 Mr. ohnstone's Czar, 4 yrs, 7st 61b Mr. Masterman's Honesty, 4 yrs, Bst 41b (Marson) 3 Fourteen others also ran. Betting-3 to 1 agst Czar, 4to 1 agst East Lynn, 7to 1 agst Moldavia and El Cid, 10 to 1 agst Honesty and Fair Wind, 100 to 1 agst Esmeralda. RAILWAY INTELLIGENCE ---+--- NORTH LONDON. A Wharncliffe meeting of this company was held yesterday at the offices, Euston station ; Mr. J. Bancroft in the chair. The Solicitor read the heads of a bill now before Parliament for enabling the North London Railway Company to widen further portions of their rail way, and for granting various additional powers to the company. The CHAIRMAN, in moving a resolution approving the bill, stated that it authorised the raising of £300,000 additional capital, of which £40,000 was for the construction of a loop line to the Tilbury and Southend Railway, which would be beneficial to both companies, and facilitate the interchange of traffic. It was intended to widen the North London line from the Dalston Junction to Camden-road by means of a double line, the company having powers already to widen it for a single line, but from the great in crease of traffic the London and North-Western Company, who were shareholders in the line, were satisfied that the widening by a double line was ab solutely requisite, and that the proposed additional capital would be remunerative. They also intended to construct convenient workshops for the repair of the rolling stock, and to make other improvements on the line for accommodating and facilitating the traffic. The bill also contained the usual borrowing powers. A formal resolution approving the bill was carried unanimously, and a vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the proceedings. BAHIA AND SAN FRANCISCO (LIMITED). The half-yearly general meeting of this company was held yesterday at the London Tavern ; Mr. T. M. Weguelin, M.P., in the chair. for the adoption of the report, which was carried unanimously. A dividend of 12s. per share, being equal to 3 per cent., for the half year ending 31st December last, was declared payable forthwith. Sir H. Rich and Mr. Neave, the retiring direc tors, were unanimously re-elected, and also Mr. Franklin, the retiring auditor. The mover of a resolution at the last meeting in reference to the engineer-in-chief now expressed his regret for having moved that resolution ; and the proceedings concluded with thanks to the chairman and directors, and also to the secretary, for their attention to the interes:s of the company. Mr. W. CLAY, the secretary having read the notice convening the meeting, the report, an abstract of which has appeared in The Sun, was taken as read. The CHAIRMAN, in moving the adoption of the report, said he had only a few remarks to make. The dividend had been fairly earned, although the traffic was not so good as in the same half of the preceding year. The expenses having been something less en abled them to propose the same dividend, 3 per cent., as in the corresponding half-year. The traffic had suffered from a falling off in the produce of the district, and although it was stated in the report that they looked forward to the dividends increasing from the present time, recent accounts as to the probable produce for the next year were not so good as expected. He hoped that efforts would continue to be made to attract the traffic to the railway, and that great economy at Bahia would be adopted with a view to improve the dividend. One source of increase was expected from the cattle traffic. They were told that the Government in tended to divert the cattle traffic from the present route to the railway at Alagoinhas, and to open communications from the railway to the producing districts. He was sorry to say that the energetic Governor of the province had been transferred to Rio, but lie trusted that he would be succeeded by a Governor who would carry out his policy, and that the necessary roads would be constructed as soon as possible to facilitate the conveyance of pro duce to the railway. With regard to the repairing of the damages caused by the floods, the works were going on very satisfactorily, and the money that had been appropriated at the last meeting for that pur pose would be an ample provision. The damage to the tunnel was not so great as they feared, but it was thought advisable to do all the repairs in the most substantial manner, and for that purpose they were sending out bricks and cement from this coun try. They had no doubt that the estimated cost of those repairs would not be exceeded, and that they would be executed in the most substantial manner within that estimate. (Hear, hear.) Mr. J. MORGAN, a director, seconded the motion Two others also ran. Betting 7 to 4 agst Ischia, 2 to 1 agst Westwick, 4 to 1 agst Dalesnaan, 8 to 1 agst Mount Palatine, and 20 to 1 agst The Peer. The Abingdon Stakes of 50 sovs each, h ft, for two year old fillies ; Bst 71b each ; uutrieds allowed 31b ; winners 51b extra; last half of Ab. M. 15 subs. Duke of Newcastle's Ninny, by St. Albans—Nina, Bst 121 b (iu. 51b extra) (A. Edwards) 1 Prince Soltykoff's Pyrenees, Bst 121 b (iuc. 51b extra) (J. Mann) 2 Mr. Padwick's Witchcraft, Bst 71b (Cannon) 3 Five others also ran. Betting -5 to 2 agst Nelly Rose, 100 to 30 agst Witch craft, 5 to 1 agst Ninny, and 8 to 1 each agst Dulcet and Pyrenees. A Plate of 50 sovs (Handicap), for three year olds and up wards; A.F. _ _ Mr. Savile's Roquefort, by Parmesan—Cincinnati, 3 yrs, Gst (Kenyon) 1 Mr. G. Angell's Python, 3 yrs, sst I.olb (Butler) 2 Mr. Godding's f by Fazzoletto—Queen of the East, 4 yrs, 6st 131 b (Wilson) 3 Fourteen others also ran. Betting-5 to 2 agst Roquefort, 4to 1 agst Python, 10 to 1 agst Cheltenham, 100 to 8 agst Mazurka, and 15 to 1 agst any other. A Sweepstakes of 25 sovs each, for two year olds; colts Bst 71b, fillies Bst 51b; last half of R.M. ; 9 subs. Duke of Newcastle's Speculum, by Vedette—Domlice, Bst 71b Edwards) 1 GRAND TRUNK OF CANADA. The traffic receipts on this company's line for the week ending March 23 amounted, for passengers, to £7,742 ; for mails, to £1,079 ; and for freight and live stock, to £15,264 ; total, £2-1,485, against £25,505 for the corresponding week of last year , showing a decrease of £1,02u. The total receipts from the Ist of Janaary to the above date amounted to £273,766, and for the same period last year to £281,586, showing a decrease of £6,820. RAILWAY BILLS. Yesterday, in Lord Redesdale Committee, the Bodmin Bill was passed with amendments ; the Garstang and Knotend Bill was passed without amendment; and the Hope Bill was passed with with special amendments. In the House of Commons, in Group No. 1, the Great Northern (re-committed) Bill was passed with amendments. In Group 3, the Ilfracombe, the Devon and Somerset, and Somerset and Bristol, and Exeter, the Devon and Somerset, and the Devon and Somerset (Extension) were again pro ceeded with and adjourned. IMPERIAL GAS. The half-yearly general meeting of this company was held yesterday at the offices, John-street, Bed ford-row; Mr. E. V. Richards, governor in the chair. The CHAIRMAN, in moving the adoption of the report, an abstract of which has appeared in The Sun, said that, owing to the increased value of coals and wages, the company were unable to pay the usual 10 per cent. without having recourse to the reserve fund. The new shares had been well taken up, but there remained a few which the directors in the present depressed state of gas property had not taken extraordinary means to place. Ther e was, however, no doubt that they would ulti mately be applied for. lie then reviewed the Parliamentary gas legislation from 1847, issuing in what was known as the " districtng " in 186 6 , which secured to the metropolitan companies 5 dividend of 10 per cent. so long as they faiithfullY performed the duties imposed upon them. Those duties, it was well known, had been rigorously ful filled. However, the present Government had thought proper to introduce a bill which was absolutely un precedented in its character, because it was proposed 14-candle gas should be supplied at the rate of as. 6d , per 1,000 feet of gas, whereas the company now charging 4s. per 1,000 feet for 12-candle gas could only earn a dividend of 9 per cent. No less than 3,000 petitions had been presented against the bill , many from water companies ; and the railway com panies were ready to come forward, because it AV° felt that every species of property was menaced. He had no desire to say a word against the gentle men who drew the bill, but speaking in racing phra seology, it seemed to him to be got by a pleader out of an analytical chemist—(a laugh) —and was alto gether inaprauticable. Then certain tests as to the amount of sulphur were proposed, but these were se unsatisfactory that it might result in penalties hav ing to be paid to the extent of £lO,OOO or £12,0 00 during the half-year, because they all knew he vi astute chemists might be to detect the sulphur. Thou at the end there came a clause enabling their muc h respected friends, the Metropolitan Board of Works laugh)—to buy them at a reduced rate. (Irea r ' hear.) He had no desire to say anything disrespect ful concerning Sir S. Northcote, whose courtesy °° all occasions he acknowledged ; but he hoped tha . t when the bill was brought forward after Easter I t would be found that the British House of Conin l os o respected the rights of property. (Cheers.) lie c °11 ; ' eluded by moving the a d o pti on o f th e re p or ts all' accounts. A PROPRIETOR said he understood the bill V s withdrawn. The CHAIRMAN replied that that was not the cas e ' Dr. BEATTIE inquired who was to pay the charg es of the inspectors. The CHAIRMAN said that one of the many adinir able features of the bill was that the companies wer e to pay for the broom out of which the birch I Y 3° made, and the pickle, too. (A laugh.) • The resolution for the adoption of the report and accounts then passed unanimously, as also did motion for the payment of a dividend as reconl" mended by the Board. Sa id The CHAIRMAN, in answer to a proprietor, 0 he did not know whether anything had been d° l3 ,„ to form a Shareholders' Defence Association , suggested by the Surrey Consumers Gas Company The retiring directors and auditor having VT re-elected, a cordial vote of thanks to the 80 1. and also to the secretary, brought the proceedia to a close. COUNTRY MARKETS. MAN C HE S TER—THURSDAY. At our market this morning English IN heat met a 13 1 °,4 1 ; rate demand at the currency of this day se'nnight, / foreign was held for ld to 2d per 1 00 1 b. over that daYe. rates. Flour 9d to is per sack lower. Beans no clit u * Indian corn is Gd per qr. dearer. IRING. At this day's market there HAM—THURSDAY was a short supply of Vljg r : lish wheat, alai good red realised an advance of is per _ 4 Foreign unaltered. Barley is per qr. lower. Oat and De, '" maintained their value. BURY ST. EDMUNDS—WEDNESDAY. a g The quantity of wheat offering at our market to-uk o a tS not large, and a reduction of is per qr. took place. 0,0 a shade cheaper. Beans and peas remained abou t same. EDINBURGH-WEDNESDAY• Wheat on the top, Os 6d down average, Os ld 1 1 P• Barley on the top, is Od up average, Os 3d1 1 1':„ 0 , Oats on the top, 4s Od down... average, Os .4d d°",n, Beans on the top, 5s 6d down :...average, Os 4d dcss Total supply and sales. Wheat Barley 1071 qrs sold 8 3 ° Oats 1783 qrs sold 848' Beans 206 qrs sold 131 Average prices. Wheat, 58s 3d Oats, 31s 5d Barl 39s l Bean ... 423, 9d *4 O Town-made ey, flour sells as d follows s :—White, 53s ; superfine, 51s Od ; superfine, 49s Od ; fine, 475 Od. GLASGOW—WEDNESDAY. To-day's market was moderately attended. A , ° 1 0 1 p and Scotch wheat firm at an advance on last week. 13;11 dull. • Foreign Mail Packet List. AILS DUE. Australia and New Zea M land, via Southampton APr— li 39 1. Ditto, via Marseilles April • Brazil and Cape Verde, by British packet, May' 6 , ` ' Ditto, by F April rench packet ,I 0 Cape of Good Hope, Ascension, and St. Helena. ...APr.• 19, Uhina, Penang, and Singapore, via Soulhampton..Apra 1 3 .... April Ditto, via Marseilles eaiklauti Islands ApIL , 13. iiibraltar, via bouttiampton Birhs. _ BORTIMICK —On the 11thin t st., at 42, Ladbrolco-P`Aore, the wife of George Borthwiek, Esq., of a son. f i O r. Mansit—On the 13ill inst., at Poplar, the wife o f _ _ Marsh, Esq., of a son. _ Marriages. - f•tr tj ILLAM —LAMBERT —On the 9th inst., at St. Olave s, street, City, Thomas Killam, jun., Esq., of Yarn N.S., to Jaue, eldest daughter of T. Lambert, J-- 1, America-square. PRIOR—BRYANT— On the 10th inst., at the parish ,cu," liedgrave, Suffolk, Edward Prior, late of Japan, to Emily, oldest daughter of, John Bryant: The Grove, Redgrave, Suffolk. Deaths. n is ALIsoN— On the 10th inst., at Elm - row, Hampstead, ,11' Alison, Esq. Boys—On the 3d inst., at St. Alban's, Edward Boys, aged 68. KENIBLE—On the 9th inst., at Twickenham, 310.ry 1-e 1 " u1)1ci aged 82. voik otell ° ' SALMON— On the 10th inst., at 2 , Alma - terr ace, James Salmon, Esq., aged 80. „TZ ENO, London: Printed and Published by WILLIAM A.l-I,—; of No. O Stand, Printer, at TUN SUN ffice , of Strand, 112 in , the r Precinct of the Savoy, in the Co tu ”' Middlesex.—Friday, April 12, 1867. A l3Bl County CI ( fncl sive AS TO 'J Balance I Arrears Ozt Rate may Arrears 1847 .. A Inc CRI~iL`; Fro•n on >ic.. cation Ditto, Con Pris Seri Peri BY Sat Diu ( °tuns a,PPI Lena k , Ornpi tain, Forainr Pnr bolt: For 11 Dair trial Pile( 8 y F orty Brat Por 11 Por E BY Sa Dill To w , nile Pecs Ponca rtchit and Anus Cite] '1 of ml l'ri Sou (-1 e Iri Pri An Aou Ge Pri COu GO It' Pr l'a e o rll bi , A - ( ' 2 Clc w n Th e lot Ref( Prc Ar.