The Sun. — London, England, 1867-03-19 00:00:00

Y, 0 IT - 14.1 ARKET AND COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCM., TWELVE O'CLOCK. In the general discount market there is still a' very limited inquiry, and the rates current for the negotiation of short-dated first-class commercial paper still remain at 24 3 per cent. No bullion operations of importance took place at the Bank of England yesterday. In the silver market there has been no change whatever. The failure was announced yesterday afternoon of Messrs. F. Goodyear and Co., warehousemen, of Old Change. 'rho liabilities are upwards of £150,000, and the losses are stated to have arisen principally in connection with Australia. The stoppage was also announced of Messrs. Wilkinson and Co., flax spinners, of Leeds. The liabilities are estimated at £150,000 to £200,000, and the assets are believed to be considerable. Messrs. G. and A. Worm have notified that the coupons of the English series (K) of the 5 per cent. Debentures of the Dutch Mortgage Bank, due Ist April next, will be paid at the rate of £1 ss. each on and after that date, at their office. At a meeting of the Merchant Banking Company, Limited, held to-day, a dividend at the rate of 5 per cent. per annum was declared. The dividend at the rate of 12s. 6d. per share on the first issue, and 6s 2d. per share on the second issue, will be payable on and after the 23d instant. The Committee of the Stock Exchange have appointed Friday, the 22d March, a settling-day in the Obligations of the Dutch Indian Railway Com pany, which are " to be marked." At the extraordinary general meeting held to-day of the Mauritius Land Credit and Agency Company a statement of accounts to the 31st December last was submitted, which showed a balance of £l,BBO available, after deducting rebate of interest (£2,859), setting aside £250 to the credit of the reserve fund, and providing for all current expenses chargeable against the half-year. The dividend recommended was at the rate of 5 per cent. per annum. In the matter of Overend, Gurney, and Co. (Limited), it is stated that a bill has been filed in Chancery, by the Defence Association, against Messrs. H. T. Barclay, S. G. Buxton, and W. Rennie, to establish the right of their constituents to recover the whole of the money which they hays already paid, or may ultimately lose through the misrepresentations to which the five gentlemen in question are alleged to have been parties. The active partners in the old firm of Overend, Gurney, and Co. are also defendants. For Bank and Miscellaneons Shares the inquiries have again been very restricted, and there is little change to report in values. Alliance are marked 151 ; Atlantic Telegraph 8 per Cents., 78 ; Cre dit Foncier of England, 2i 8 ; and National Dis count Company, 13. A remittance has been received, amounting to £584 195., on account of the dividends on the debt of Ecuador. Business in the Foreign and Colonial Produce Markets during the last few days has remained inactive, consequent, in a great measure, upon the unfavourable state of the weather. The operations in tea have been deferred until the public sales, which commence to-day. In sugar the dealings have only been to a moderate extent, but at steady prices, while superior qualities of coffee have main tained full values. In rice, fruit, and spices there has been about an average amount of business en tered into at former rates. For tallow also there has been a fair speculative inquiry, and late rates for both present and forward delivery are well sup ported. Two o'CLocir. The English Funds show rather less firmness. Consols for money have declined 1, to 90k 91, and also for the account to 91 The New Threes and Reduced Annuities are 89i ; ditto New 21 per Cents., 72f ; Annuities (1385), 121 ; Exchequer Bills, 14s. 18s. for March, and 14s. 15s. for June. Bank Stock, 248 ex div. for opening, and India 5 per Cents., 109 4. Business iu the Foreign Stock Market has re mained very quiet. Italian 5 per Cents., however, have advanced 1, to 531 *, and the Russian Loan Scrip *, to 2i s prem. ; while Turkish 5 per Cents. have declined *, to 30 1 ; and the Chilian Loan Scrip *, to 1* I dis. American Securities are in a few instances a shade firmer, Erie Shares having improved 1, to 391 401. United States 5-20 Bonds remain steady at 741 *, and Illinois Shares at 774 78/. Atlantic and Great Western Railway Deben tures have advanced *, to 33i 34i, and the Con solidated Mortgage Bonds remain firm at 24 25/. A firmer tone has prevailed in the Railway Share Market, but the dealings have been confined to a few of the principal undertakings. Caledonian, Great Eastern, and Midland have each advanced About THIRD EDITION. SUN OFFICZ, 7 o'CLocK. THE MUSIC HALL SICK FUND. MEETING THIS DAY. The first general meeting of the members of this fund was held this afternoon, at Weston's Music Hall, High Holborn. Dion Boucicault, Esq., presided. The CHAIRMAN opened the proceedings by call ing upon Mr. Holland, the proprietor of the noble apartment in which they were assembled, to read the heads of the rules of th 3 society, which, since the last meeting, had been certifier by Mr. Tid Pratt. Mr. HOLLAND said, before he did as the respected chairman desired, he would take the liberty of stating that the present meeting was rendered necessary in order that the society might become incorporated in the usual manner. The law directed that theofficers of the society shall be appoint. d at a meeting following the delivery of the certified rules. Addressing the meeting, he said he had great plea sure in doing so, because they were about to take a step which reflected on them as a body the highest credit. They were then about to take upon them selves one of the most sacred of duties, viz., provid ing for themselves in sicknesi, and preventing any of their community becoming a burden on their fellow-citizens. The fund they were about to estab lish would effect its noble object, and the gentlemen to whom they were indebted for taking the initia tive were Mr. Holland, Mr. P. Corfi, Mr. A. Lloyd, and Mr. Nash. There were no less than 240 music halls in England; and, from a careful cal culation, it had been computed that 25,000 persons were dependent upon them for support. Such a body, he was sure, was capable of forming an insti tion worthy of such a profession. To music -halls, personally, he was under a deep debt of gratitude, because no inconsiderable portion of the fortune he had accumulated was owing to the audiences they had sent to him. He was glad they had decided against the proposition for almshouses, because he disapproved of everything th it fixed the livery of charity on or placed the infirm professional in a position where he could be exhibited to the benevo lent public. (Cheers.) He looked upon the society they were about to found merely as a branch, because he fully anticipated that in a short time they would have to meet tolform a Veteran and Education Fund. (Cheers.) The proprietors of the different music halls had been communicated with, and at least two hundred of them had promised to give annually a benefit in aid of the funds of the institution, for which, however, an• income of at least £2,000 might not unreasonably be looked for. He commended the society to the attention of the profession generally, and trusted that it would attain a degree of prosperity rival ling that anticipated by its founders. (Cheers.) He had very great pleasure in presenting 25 guineas to the fund. (Cheers.) A cordial vote of thanks, on the motion of Mr. Holland, was accorded to the chairman, who, in acknowledging the compliment, again congratu lated the founders of the Fund on the success of their noble efforts, and wished them every prosperity for the future. A list of subscriptions, in addition to the dona tion of the chairman, was read, which amounted to over 200 guineas, and that fact would account for the holding of the present meeting. The rules having been read, and the officers ap pointed, the meeting was adjourned. SPORTING INTEL LIGENCE.—This Day. WARWICK RACES.--This DAY. BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH. MATCH. Tho match between Mr. F. Rowland's Tho Guide and Mr. F. Wombwoll's Katinka is off. RACING STAKES. Mr. Godding's Rebecca colt (Butler) 1 Captain Machell's Pocket Hercules • • 2 Mr. Ten Broeck's Dinah 3 Betting—Even Pocket Hercules, 5 to 4 agst Rebecca colt. Won by a neck ; bad third. TRIAL STAKES. Mr. Carew's Saccharometer Mr. G. Jones's Huntsman Lord St. Vincent's Redan Betting-6 to 4 each apt Saccharometor and Redan, 5 to 2 agst Huntsman. Won by a length ; bad third. Snow falling heavily. Racing postponed until to morrow. MINING MARKET. TUESDAY, Two o'Clock. In the Mining Market business has remained very quiet. Annexed are the current quotations : Bryn Gwiog, —; Chiverton Moor, 81 j ; Chou tales Gold, 2 21; Clifford Amalgamate, 6fr 7 ; Cooks' I (itchen, 11 12 ; Drakewells, —s —s; East Basset, 20 21; East Caradon, ; East Cara Brea., 21 21; East Lovell, —; East Russell, 31 ; East Wheal Grenville, 2/ 21; Groat Laxey, 16/ 171; Great North Downs, ; Great Retallack, ; Great South Tolgus, —s —d —5 ; Great Wheal Vor, 20 21 ; Marko Valley, 44/ ; North Crofty, 5/ I; North Roskear, ——; North Treskerby, 2 1 ; Prince of Wales, 52s Od 54s Od ; Prosper United, al 1 ; Providence Mines, 32 84; Rosewall Hill and Ransoms * United, Od —s Od• South Condurrow, —s —s; South Grenville, s —d ; South Herodsfoot, —— ; Tincroft, 14 1 151; West Caradon, ; West Chiverton, 59 61; West Beton, ——; West Drakewells, ; Wheal basset, ; Wheal Buller, ; Wheal Chiverton, 77 1 ; Wheal Grenville, 20s 22s 6d ; Wheal Seton, 102} 103. BRITISH FUNDS—CLOSING PRICES. GOVERNMENT FUNDS. 0 Der Cent. Consols Do. Account, April 10 9l} B ‘ ,Per Cent. Reduced B9l 1 New 3 per Pent B9i i i I mew 21 per Cont. Jan. 1894 74 Do. 5 per Cent. Jan. 1873 — Annuities, 30 yrs, expire sth Jan., 1880 Do. for 30 yrs, expire sth April,lBBs l2l Do (Rod Sea Telegraph), Aug., 1908 — 3 V Ct., March. I 4 11l Ct., June, exchequer Bills, £l,OOO, 4 per 01. I 18 pm Do £5OO „1418 pm 11 15 pm Do £lOO &£2 100 „1418 pm 14'15 pm Bank of England Stock, 61 per Cent ... 248 xd for op'ng, INDIAN GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. India n Stock, 101 per Cent., April 1874 Do. Account Do. 5 per Cent. July, 1880 Do. 4 p e r Cent., Oct. 1883 Do. Certificates — Do. Enfaced Paper 4 per Cent Do. 5 per Cent., Jan. 1872 Do. 51 per Cent., May 1879 — Do. Deb., 5 per Cent., Aug. 1873 Do. Bonds, 5 per Cent., £l,OOO Do. under £l,000 FOREIGN FUNDS—CLOSING PRICES. t irgentine Republic, 6 per Cent — Austrian Bonds, 5 per Cent, 1859 Brazilian 5 per Cent — Do. 41 per Cent., 1852-58-60 Do. 1863 Do. 5 per Cent., 1865 bo Account 73 2} „ Do. £lOO Bonds 73i nuenos Ayres 6 per Cent DJ 2 per Cent. (Deferred 3 per Cent ) uian 6 per Cent — Do. 41 per Cent — Do. 6 per Cent A — Do. B o 71 Do. 1867 Do. ~ Scrip, £2O paid li dis C ° lo mbian, 6 per Cent. e 1, b i l'Al B toer Cent. ..... — a .„ l 'i B l(3 Per Cent., 1825 — o Cent., 1864 _ - I , 4 uubian Principalities, 7 per Cent luador New Consolidated, 1 per Cent — -Do. ' Provisional Land Warrant — Do Deferzed ~ ' gYptian 7 per Cent — . 1 . 0 . Second Issue vo. 4100 Bonds &Jo. Do. 1861 B3l 4 O. £ lOO B on d s B4 i a Do Government Railway Debentures Bl r .,,eek 5 per Cents., 1824-.5, ex Coupons .„,"0. Account ..."-!u. Coupons r , -D i 0. Account i-T atetuala 5 per Cent .. — Ili au 5 per Cert 1865 Do, Account ~ — D,:,k )) . • Maremmana Railway — .Dear. 3 per Cent _ La THREE O'CLQQ all 7 sols, Mane D , - - - • 'O. Account 9 ln VICTORIA CLUB BETTING.—Tins DAT. But a scanty attendance and very little doing to-day. There was a disposition to back The Rake for the Derby. The Mayonaise filly was so fre quently inquired after for the City and Suburban, that she advanced to 14 to 1, while Dalby made an onward move in the quotations for the Chester Cup. CITY AND SUBITXtBAN. 100 to 8 agst Wild Agnes (offered) 14 to 1 agst Mayonaise filly (taken) 100 to 6 eget Longdown (offered) 25 to 1 agst Thalia (offered, take 33 to 1) 25 to 1 agst Ostregoi (taken) METROPOLITAN ISTA.ILES. 7to 1 agst Dnnsany (offered, take Bto 1) 100 to 7 bar one (offered) CHESTER CCP. 100 to 8 agst Dolby (offered, take 100 to 7) 300 to 10 agst Moulsey (taken) TWO THOUSAND. 200 to 60 agst Plaudit (taken) 10 to 1 agst Hermit (taken) 200 to 6 agst Jasper (taken) DERBY. 100 to 12. agst Tho Rake (taken) SALE BY MESSRS. TATTERSALL AT ALBERT GATE. MONDAY, MARCH 18. The following have been hunted:— Gs Prince Edward, gr c, 3 yrs (Mr. H02z)... ~. ... 10 Order, b c, 3 yrs, by Gemmel di Vergy—Needlo (Mr. Bilham) 20 Lilly Hoo, b f, 5 yrs, by Prime Minister—Merry Peal (Mr. Slipper) 10i Pikno, b f, 5 yrs, by Fandango—Aspasia (Mr Barnett) 12 Escort, bf, 3 yrs, by Van Dieman—Remnant (Mr. C. Wanderer (late St. Alexis) b g, by Stockwell—Men dicant (Mr. Wilson) ... 22 Bay Filly, 3 yrs, by Bon Cossack—Bianca (Mr. Hi 11)... 10 Chestnut Mare, 6 yrs, by Hobby Noble, unbroko (Mr. Shirley) ... ' 8 THE SOILED DOVE CASE. The following correspondence between Mr. Chaplin and Admiral Rous will be read with interest : TO THE COMMITTEE OF TATTERSALL'S SUBSCRIPTION ROOM. 9, Dover-street, Piccadilly, W., March 15, 1867. Gentlemen, —As it appears from the notice at Tatter sall's on Monday last that the question in reference to the bets in the Soiled Dove case was settled by three members of the committee only, whereas Rule VIII. of Tattersall's provides that the quorum shall be five, I beg to submit to the members of the committee that in justice to the backers of Soiled Dove, the case should at least be heard and decided by the recognised tribunal constituted accord ing to the rules, and by such tribunal only.—l remain, gentlemen, your obedient servant, HENRY CHAPLIN. (C opy.) 13, Berkeley-street, March 18, 1867. Dear Chaplin,—ln answer to your letter objecting to the legality of a quorum of three members, in violation of Rule 8 published in the original publications, I beg to inform you that the committee resolved, in July, 1865, to reduce the quorum from five to three, owing to the difficulty of scouring five members for ten months in the year. At that time 1 informed Messrs. Tattersall and the clerks that in future three members would form a quorum, and I desired Mr. Thomas to substitute three for five in the Bth Rule. The Huntingdon case, in '65, which was of great importance, was decided by a quorum of three. Mr. Bevil objected in similar terms to your letter as to the incompetency of the tribunal. The committee then agreed unanimously that, without again entering into the merits of the case, the award should be confirmed. We can make no distinction between Mr. Bevill and yourself. With respect to the Soiled Dove case, which has been postponed from the 22d of November to the 11th of March, owing to the inability of collecting a quorum of three members, the sooner the accounts are settled the better it will be for all parties—l am, very truly yours, 11. J. Roue, Chairman. To Henry Chaplin, Esq. NOTICE.—CHANGE Or ADDRESS.—TONY SITRIt, late of Beaufort Buildings, Strand, returns his best thanks for the patronage he has received during the past year, and begs to inform his friends that he has removed to 25, Wel lington-street, Strand, London, where commissions will be executed to any amount. Price Lists as usual. T. and G. LEE, of the Wheatsheaf, Worship-street, Shoreditch; at Three King-court, Lombard-street; and at One Swan-yard, Bishopsgate-street. W. HOPKIRS und JOSIN AMBROSE (member of Tattersall's, Victoria, and other Clubs) Execute Commissions on all races throughout the year. Address-33, ()MENDEN STREET, HATMARRET. JOHN PERCIVAL, Oxford Cigar Stores ? 3, Panton-titreq, Haymarket, W. 'THE SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY EVENING, MARCH 19, 1867. Mr. GEORGE WEBB, Commission Agent, 125, Queen's crescent, Ha'rerstock-hill. Commissions executed from 10s. upwards. Post-office Orders to be made payable at the HaYerstock-hill Branch. Price Lists sent on receipt of a stamped enyelope. Mr. W. has Lists posted daily at the Arches, near Farringdon-street, and in George-yard ; also tll4-ough his Agents, Mr. F. Butler, near Meex's Brewery ; and at Mr. Roberts', Tobacconist, 19, Seymour-street, Euston-square. Evenings after 7 at Mr. C. Durham's, Freemasons' Arms, Long-acre, near Drury-lane ; and at Mr ;Roberts' as above. TICKETS NOW READY for HARRY WILSON'S CITY AND SUBURBAN HANDICAP SWEEP. Drawn MONDAY, March 25, 1867. 10,000 members, at is. each ; and 3,0U0 members, at 2s. 61. each. Adlress, with two stamped directed envelops, to HarrylWilstm, Twf Herald Oflic •, Hull. Commissions execut.ed from s. on all raves, Price Lists daily. ThIPERIAL PARLIAMENT HOUSE, OF LOltliS.—Tins EVENING. The ',ono CnAxcELLon took his seat on the woolsack at five o'clock. PETITIONS. Lord IlArtnixoE presented a petition from South Molton against the opening of beer shops on the Sunday. Lord DENMAN presented a petition from the inhabitants of Denbigh against the sale of spirituous liquors on the Sunday. Lord DERBY presented a petition against the sale of in toxicating liquors on the Sunday. _ _ . shared the fate of every private member who brought forward a motion for the reduction of taxation. It was always considered an inopportune time by every succes sive Chancellor of the Exchequer whenever a question of the nature now under discussion was brought forward. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said he could not consent to the resolution of the hon. member for Dudley, and he hoped that the house would not give its assent to it. [ LEFT SITTING: LONDON GAZETTE—This Evening. -4- CROWN OFFICE, MARCH 15. MEMBERS RETURNED TO SERVE IN THE PRESENT PARLIAMENT. Borough of Droitwich.—'Clio Bight Honourable Sir John Somerset Pakiogton, Bart., one 01 her Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State. MABCII la Borough of Boston.—Thontas Parry, of Slenford, in the county of Lincoln, Esq., iu the room of Meaburu Stani land, Esq., who has accepted the office of Steward of her Majesty's Manor of Northstead, in the county of York. MARCH 19. County of Devon.—Northern Dig Lion. - The Bight Honourable Sir Stafford Henry Nurthcote, Bart., ono 01 ller Majesty's Principal &el-eta' les of State. ADMIRALTY, MAncn 15. Georg-5 Birnie Hill, Esq., has this day been promoted to the rank of Staff Surgeon in Her Majesty's Fleet, with seniority of '27th December, 1866. Mr. Joshua Thomas Staines Flynn has this day been promoted to the rank of First Class Assistant Engineer in her Majesty's Fleet, with seniority of Bth March, 1867. MARcit 16. Sub-Lieutenant John Loftus Wilson to be Lieutenant in her Majesty's Fleet, with seniority from the llth inst. COURSE OF EXCHANGE.- This Evening. Amsterdam Short. 11 17 11 17i Ditto 3 Months. 11 19 11 194 Rotterdam Antwerp — 25 35 25 40 Brussels — 25 35 _ 25 40 _ . Hamburg — 13 8 13 9i Paris . Short 25 12k 25 20 Ditto 3 Months. `25. 30 25 371 Marseilles Frankfort on the Maine —119 i Vienna — 13 10 13 20 Trieste — 13 10 13 20 Petersburg u - • 31 311- Berlin Madrid. 48 48k ... Cadiz Leghorn 26 87i 26 921 Milan - 26 87* 26 92* Genoa — 26 87* 26 924 26 874 26 92* __ - - Naples Palermo Messina METROPOLITAN POOR BILL. The Earl of DEVON said that in introducing this bill for a second reading he might mention that it was a most imp emit one with regard to the poor in the metro polis. The bill bad a threefold purpose—first, to pro vide for the sick and miserable; secondly, for the proper care of the poor as regarded the workhouses; and, lastly, for a general revision of the whole conduct towards the metropolitan poor. When it was taken into consideration how much difference there was between the poor in the country and the metropolis, the necessity for this bill would be thoroughly appreciated. In the country workhouses there were only 14 per cent., while in the metropolis there were 37 per cent. Of late years care had been taken to investigate into the position of the sick poor, and one of the most impor tant questions to be considered was the amount of accom modation that could be given to them in the various work houses of the metropolis. It was considered necessary that for 500 persons there should be 1,200 cubic feet of space. but in no workhouse was there more than 850 feet. To guide. them in the matter they lied had the cases of Timothy Daly, who died in the Holborn Workhouse in December, 1864, and of Richard Gibson, who died at the St. George's Workhcuse ; and, under these circumstances, inspectors had been appointed, who had pronounced that the sick-wards were inadequate and insufficient, and that in addition to these reports, among other circumstances, proclaimed the same thing. From tins° circumstances, he (the noble earl) should, without hesitation, contend that there were just grounds for the Poor Law Board to take ample steps in the matter. That house and the country at large mustbe indebted to the exertions of that noble lady (Miss Nightingale) who had exhibited such sympathetic and loving attention all matters connected with the sick and poor, and bad shown how much by judicious ma nagement might be done to alleviate the miseries of disease. Tho noble earl then reviewed the precise terms of the bill which would be adapted to the necessities of the poor and sick, but would not in any degree interfere with the action of the Poor-law Board. That would be for the creation of fresh districts, where the poorshould be relieved the foundation of dispensaries, the appointment :of paid nurses, the compensation to medical officers, the establish ment of extended accommodation for pauper lunatics, and the just relief of all distressed persons. He therefore, in full confidence, well knowing that it was almost unani mously agreed to in the other house, moved the reading of the bill a second time. Lord KIMBERLEY said that ho considered that the bill reflected great credit upon those who framed it, but he could not help commenting upon a remark made by the noble earl opposite, that the present bill did not reflect upon the local guardians ; but he (the noble eral) considered that it did se ; but in that respect, he must say that ho thought that the Poor-law Board should be free from that system of jeal ousy which had been exhibited towards it. These boards should undoubtedly have the power to enforce what they considered locally necessary without being obliged only to take evidence in the matter by affidavits in a court of justice. He cordially,approved of the clauses in the bill. The bill was then read a second time. (LEFT SITTING.) HOUSE OF COMMONS.—Tms EVENING. The SPEAKER took the chair at four o'clock. NEW MEMBER. Sir S. NORTECOTE took the oath and his seat for North Devon. THE REFORM BILL. Mr. MILL gave notice that in committee he should move that clauses 74-5-6 the word " man " bo omitted and the word "person" inserted ; and also that clauses 8 to 16 be omitted, and that certain words embodying personal re presentation be inserted. BRIBERY. _ _ Lard 11. THYNNE asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether ho proposed to call the at tention of the Lord Chancellor to those magistrates who had been reported on by t he commissioners who lately sat on the corrupt boroughs, as being privy and assenting to corrupt practices, with a view of their being struck of the save ral commissions of the pace to which they may belong. Mr. WALPOLE said he did not know enough of the facts of the case tt. give Ititir an answer. THE REPORTERS', GALLERY. Dr. BRADY asked the First Commissioner of Works why it happened that, while accommodation was provided for the London press in the Reporters' Gallery, the repre sentatives of the Irish and Scotch journals were excluded from all facilities for reporting the proceedings of the house ? Lord J. MANNERS said the control of the Reporters' Gallery was confided to the Sergeant-at-Arms, and ar rangements had been made, as far as possible, to accom modate the representatives of the press. The facilities of the electric telegraph wore largely adopted by the provin cial press, but notwithstanding that assistance the accom modation afforded for reporting the proceedings of that house was not made simply for the metropolitan press. He could not hold out any hope of an enlargement of the gal lery. BRIBERY AT ELECTIONS. Mr. BENTINCK asked the hon. member for Leicester whether he would enlarge his motiotfor an address to the Crown to remove Mr. Churchward from the commission of the peace so as to include all magistrates who had been found guilty of, or consenting or privy to, corrupt prac tices by bribery commissions ? Mr. TAYLOR said he thought the hon. member was hardly serious in asking the question. He had given notice of a specific case, with the facts of which he had made himself acquainted, and he was now asked to extend it to persons of whom he knew nothing. jlear, hear.) Ho could not accede to the request of the hon. member. Mr. BENTINCK gave notice that he should move an amendment to the motion when it was brought forward to the effect be had stated. Sir R. KNIGHTLEY asked the Chancellor of the Ex chequer on what day ho proposed to introduce his bill for the better prevention of bribery and corruption at elections, which he had promised he would introduce at the same tune that he brought forward the reform bill, and which promise ho had not redeemed ? The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said he would certainly lay the bill on the tale before the holi days, but he could not then state the exact date. It would not, however, be before the second reading of the reform bill. DUALITY OF VOTING. Mr. BRIGHT wished to ask the right hon. gentleman a question, the answer to which would doubtless influence the course that would bo adopted by many members on his side of the house. The question was, Whether, after the expression of opinion that was expressed last night, he intended to adhere to that part of the bill which re- lated to duality of voting as essential to the measure ? The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said the second reading of the bill would be the proper time to answer such questions. It would not he • right at that period to give answers to questions that might lead to false impressions. Mr. GLADSTONE said he had a series of questions to ask the right hon. gentleman with respect to certain provisions of his bill, which he might perhaps feel disposed to answer without placing the questions on the paper. The questions related to the condition of the borough voters, and also as to the number of voters that would be enfran chised supposing the proposals of the Government were assented to by the house. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said it was impossible to answer the questions off hand, therefore he would wish the that the right hon. gentleman would place his questions in print, and he would give him an answer to-morrow. Mr. B. JOHNSTONE said he wished to ask a question of the right hon. gentleman the Chancellor of the Exche quer. The lion. member for Birmingham had put a question to elicit whether the dual system of vot ing was essential to the measure ; now, he wished to know whether the late Government had not persistently refused to answer quessions as to what they intended to do with respect to certain provision in the bill they brought forward. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said the proper time to answer these questions was when the bill was under discussion, when the Government would have an opportunity of meeting the whole of the objections in legitimate debate, and then have an oppor tunity of clearly expressing their views on the whole of the matters brought forward by hon. members. -6.- 111 E BRIBERY baSI.IIIS,SION, In reply to Mr. BADGE, The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said the question was difficult to answer, because there was a fear of mistaken identity. (Laughter.) The names, however, bore a grdat similarity to those mentioned in the reports —(laughter)—but he thought that a select committee would be a better mode of eliciting the information he re. quired, rather than by any information it was in his power to give the house. Mr. WATKIN said he.had sent a communication to the Lord Chancellor stating that under the circumstances he should refrain from acting in his magisterial capacity nu ll he had expressed his opinion on the matter. FIRE INSURANCE. Mr. 11. B. SHERIDAN moved the following resolution: —" That, in the opinion of this house a further reduction of the duty on fire insurances would have a tendency to bring within the protection of insurance a large amount of the present uninsured property of the country, and that a further reduction of the duty should therefore be made at the earliest opportunity." Mr. B. COCHRANE opposed the motion. Mr. HUBBARD hoped that the hon. member would not on that occasion persevere with the resolution, but that he would withdraw it in preference to its being negatived. Mr. GLADSTONE said he could not give his assent to the resolution of the hon. member for Dudley, not be cause he was in love with the tax, but because he objected to fetter the discrection of Parliament. Under proper time, and under proper circumstances he abould not object to give the proposition all the consideration to which it was entitled, but he did not consider the present movement en opportune one for bringing forward such. a subject. Mr. HA DFIELD thought the tax an unjust one, and the sooner it was equitably adjusted the better. Mr. 11AlcliEY said the hon. member for Dudley only SPORTING INTELLIGEE—This Day. CROYDON RACES.—THis DAY. SURREY OPEN STEEPLECHASE. Doctor Accident 2 Harold Won by 20 lengths. SELLING STEEPLECHASE. Monitor Salamis MATCH. Tally Ho beat Bonnie Kate. HURDLE RACE. Balham Risk Won in a canter. SELLING HANDICAP. Monitor St. Maximum Won in a canter. HUNTERS' STAKES. Aggravatoe, Salamis Quicksilver Won by ten lenzths LAW INTELLIGENCE. DIVORCE' COURT. (Before Sir J. P. Wilde.) PEATY V. PEATY. In this case Dr. Spinks, Q.C., asked that judg ment might be postponed. Sir James Wilde said that he did not intend to make a decree, but to express an opinion, and then said—This is a suit instituted for a nullity of mar riage, on the ground that, the wife is and was at the time of the marriage of unsound mind. Before her marriage she had displayed traits of insanity, and on the 19th August, when she was married, she was insane. The learned judge then reviewed all the evidence which was adduced at the trial, and said that it was impossible for the Court to doubt that this lady was of unsound mind. It was not to be attributed to eccentricity. It had begun before marriage, and had exhibited itself immediately after it. After the latter event she had displayed the mania again, and had left her husband, and was with difficulty brought back by his father. After making the amount of allowance for the painful disease under which the lady was suffering; there could be no doubt that there was every evidence of insanity. It had been laid down by Lord Stowell that mar riage was a contract as well as a religious ceremony, and must be regarded as a contract. It must betaken into consideration that the friends of Mrs. Peaty had allowed the husband, though a man of moderate means, to support her for three years, which he had done with a rare and disinterested fidelity. He had known her many years before marriage, and her friends had stood by when he married her. Taking, however, all the circumstances of the marriage . into consideration ; that it was contracted when the wife was in an unsound state of mind, he (the learned Judge) should not make any decree, but allow Mr. Peaty, as it was asserted that his wife was now in a sound state of mind, to try that question if he pleased. MARKETS.—This day. HAY. SMITITFITILD. -11 eadow hay, £2 15s to £4 53; clover, £4 Os to £5 lOs ; and straw, £2 Os to £2 6s per load. Trade quiet. __ _ CumßEltLAND.—lltiadow hay, £2 15s to £4 106 ; clover, £4 Os to £.5 106 0(1; and straw, £2 Or to £2 6s per lOad Demand limited. Whl'rE•J:te'EL. — Meadow hay, £2 15s to £4 5s ; clover, £4 Oa to X 5 lOs 01; and straw, £2 Os to £2 6s per load Trade slow. COLONIAL. TEA.—There has been very little business transacted, the trade having deferred their purchases until the public sales of China, which commence to-day, when about 18,090 packages, of which 16,000 aro without reserve, will be offered. _ _ . SUGAR.—The demand for West India descriptions has not been very active, but good brown qualities have fully maintained former values. The stocks on hand in, the United Kingdom, compared with those of the correspond ing period of last year, show a dnrease of about 12,000 tons. COFFEE.—A fair inquiry has Prevailed for superior descriptions of Plantation Ceylon, and late rates have been well maintained. RlCE.—There has been a moderate enquiry, and prices have slightly tended upwards. TALLOW.—There has b3en a fair business transacted during the week in the Tallow-market, but almost entirely by speculators, to close former sales. The trade has dons but little, and for the moment there are no export orders. The advance here has had' a corresponding effect on prices at St. Petersburg, and 47f roubles, with hand-money, have been paid for delivery for August. The exchange was 3l 1546. To-day the market is firm at 44s on the spot, 435 9d to 44s April to Juno only, and 44s 6d October to Decem ber. Australian beef fetches 43s to 435 6d. Town tallow 43s net cash. Lady Stanley of Alderley has cards out for an assembly for to-morrow evening, at the family residence in Dover-street, Piccadilly. _ . - Sir Edward and Lady Rokewode Gage have lei town for their seat, Heograve Hall, Suffolk. The Right Hon. R. Nisbet and Lady Mary ton and Miss Hamilton hava arrivod in town for the season from their seat in Scotland. TREASURE TROVE.—An extensive and extra ordinary discovery of treasure trove (Spanish pillar dollars) has been made on the sea beach, midway between West Hartlepool and Seaton Curer, opposite to a farm known as Carr House. The recent severe weather and heavy sea has been the cause of all the surface sand being washed from the beach at this locality, and for upwards of a mile along the shore layers of peat and pebbles alone form the surface of the coast, and it is in the midst of the peat that the singular discovery has been made. LOSS OF A STEAMER AND SCHOONER NEAR DUB LIN.—By telegraph we learn that during a heavy snow storm on Sunday a steamer was lost at Salt Hill, and a schooner at liowth, within a few miles of Dublin. FOURTH EDITION. SUN OFFICE, HALF-PAST 7 O'CLOCK. IMPERIAL PARMA 1) ( 1: fNT .... """- LIOUSE OF LORDS-- - LAST EVENING. .. The Low) CHANCELLOR took his seat on tho woolsack at five o'clock. PETITIONS. Viscount LIFFORD presented a petition from the in habitants of Dunmore, in the county Derry, in Ireland, against the sale of spirituous liquors on Sunday. The Archbishop of CANTERBURY presented a peti tion from the inhabitants of Chipping Norton, in Essex, against the sale of intoxicating liquors on Sunday. PEI ''ATE BUSINESS. The following bids were read a third time :—The Fieliertou, Anger, and Bemerton Water, and the Barking Gas. TnE ALIMONY ARREARS BILL. This bill was read a third time. THE DUTY ON DOGS BILL. On the motion of the Earl of BELMORE, this bill was read a second time. The house then adjourned. HOUSE OF COMMONS-LAST EVENING. Tile SPEAKER took the chair at four o'clock. The galleries devoted to the members of the House of Peers were very fully attended this evening. Tile Strangers' Gallery, of course, was crowded. At twenty-five minutes past four the Chancellor of the Exchequer entered the house and took his seat without the slightest manifestation of feeling either from the Go vernment or Opposition side of the house. At this hour not a single seat in the house was unoccupied. FLOGGING IN TIIE ARMY. Sir J. PAK IIiGTON said the Government could nut consider the vote come to the other evening with respect to the abolition of this punishment in the army as con clusive, and therefore the usual clause would be intro duced in the Mutiny Act. The motion could, therefore, be again raised by moving that the clause be struck out of the bill. THE REFORM BILL. Tho CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER rose at 20 minutes to 5 o'clock. The right hon. gentleman, who was received with rather subdued cheers from the Ministerial benches, said—l rise, sir, to ask for leave to introduce a bill further to amend the laws for regulating the principles of the representation of the people in Parliament. Sir, the principles of political representation, and especially as ap plied to the circumstances of this country, have been of late years so profoundly and extensively discussed and inves tigated, that it is really not necessary on this occasion that I should advert to them. (Hear, hear.) I propose, there fore, to confine my observations to two points. I will en deavour, first, to convey clearly to the house the object of the Government in the bill I am asking leave to introduce; and secondly, I will detail the means by which, in their opinion, that purpose can be accomplished. It will be for the houseto consider whether that object is desirable, and then, if desirable, whether the means we propose aro ade quate. That is the issue. Therefore, in the first place, I will say that our object is not only to maintain but to strengthen the characterand functions of this house. They are peculiar in any popular assembly. Perhaps they are not only rare, but unexampled in any other representative system. The House of Commons has combined national representation with the duties of a senate. That peculiar union has, in our opinion, been owing to the variety of the elements of which it is formed. That variety of character has given it its deliberative powers, and it owes to its deli berative power its general authority. Sir, we wish not only to maintain but to strengthen that character ; and we be lieve that in the present age, and under the existing cir cumstances of the country, the beat way to maintain and to strengthen that characterand those functions is to estab lish them on a broad, popular basis. (Hear, hear.) I know there are some in whom the epithet may create a feeling of distrust ; but, sir, I attribute that sentiment of alarm which is connected with that word rather to a misapprehension of its meaning and to a perplexity of ideas, which too often confound popular privileges with democratic rights. They are not the same; they are not similar. More than that, they are contrary. (Hear, hear, from the Opposition.) Popular privileges are consistent with a state of society in which there is great inequality of condition. Democratic rights, on the contrary, demand that there shall be equality of condition as the fundamental basis of that society which they found and create. Sir, I are apt to believe this a distinction which ought to be borne in mind by the house in considering the propositions and provisions of the bill lam asking leave to introduce. If this measure be a pro posal that her Majesty shall be able to concede to her sub jects, with the advice and concurrence of her Parliament, a large measure of popular privileges, then there may be many provisions in this bill which may appear prudent, wise, and essentially constitutional. But the other ham), it is looked upon as a bill to co'L!Jr c.letic rights, then I admit much that may be prop-s:1 in , ty be lookt•d upon as indefensible and unjust. But, sir, '1) not live, under a democracy. I trust it will never bzt ttl-3 ' of tliis leers—) country to live under a democracy. (Cons‘ , rv, Certainly the propositions I am going to have no tendency in that direction. (Lang!:', speaking, I would say that, looking at whet ; since the Reform Act of 1832—looking at the iilereese of population, at the spread of industry, at the spread of knowledge, and at the ingenuity which has generally pre vailed in the arts of this country, we are of opinion that numbers and thoughts and feelings have been created since that time which it is desirable should be admitted within the circle of the constitution, and we wish that admis sion should take place in the spirit of our existing in stitutions and with deference to the provisions of our ancient line. (Hear, hear.) Sir, in considering the question of the distribution of power in the State, which is really the one before us, I would at first call the at tention of the house to that portion which is perhaps the most important, certainly the most interesting—that is, the possession of the electorial franchise ; and I would ask the consideration of hon. members in the first instance to that part which has most engaged attention of late years, and which may be fairly described as that which most commands the interest and attention of the public at pre sent—that is, the franchise which should prevail in boroughs. I would at once ask the house to consider the principles upon which the occupation franchise ought to rest, and upon what principles it is expedient to found it. Now, sir, in 1832, the borough franchise was founded upon the principle of value. Those who lived in £lO houses—tbose who paid £lO for the house in which they lived—subject to certain regulations as regarded rates and residence, bad the borough franchise conferred upon them. Sir, I believe that franchise might fairly be considered as having been an efficient and satisfactory franchise, and that in its generation it operated to the advantage of the country. My opinion and has always been from the commencement, that the seed sown in the arrangement of the borough franchise would in the course of timelead to some disturbance. That may be a question of controversy—it is a question of con troversy, and I will not indulge in any controversy. Nevertheless, it is an historical fact that 20 years, and only 20 years, after the passing of the great measure of 1832, the principal, or at least one of the principal, authors of that measure announced in this house that the arrange ments with respect to boroughs wore no longer satisfac tory, and called upon the house to consider a new arrange ment, which might bring about a more general assent. It is a fact which cannot be denied. The proposition which was then made by the statesman who individually bad taken the most prominent part in the ,Act of 1832 in this house—the proposition which he made to allay the dis content, and to meet the requirements of the time—was a diminution of the value on which that franchise was esta blished. That proposition was received with no satisfac tion; and from that time until the present—now, I think, some 15 years —the subject has more or less engaged public attention, and he been considered by public men, who have propoied various schemes for the so:ution of the diffi cult question. All have been unsatisfaci - ....;:y, all have been unsucessful, and all have been distin,jais!lA by the one characteristic that the only remedy wnizli they proposed was the diminution in some form or in some degree of the principle of value upon which the franchise was at that time held. The house will easily call to its recollection the numerous combinations and figures wlylch have been sub mitted to Parliament. Rating and rental, £7 in every form, £6, and now we hear of other figures= but no pro position has given any satisfaction, because flit) country, and the house, reflecting the feeling of the country, have only recognised that changes were proposed, but that set tlement was not insured. (Cheers and counter cheers.) Now, sir, last year a bill was brought forward with the same object as the ono which I am to propose to-night, namely, to amend the laws with regard to the represents tion of the people in Parliament. That measure avowedly was not founded upon principle. (Murmurs.) It was avowedly founded, as I understood, upon expediency. The right hon. gentleman who so powerfully and eloquently brought the question before the house, if I understood the course of his argument, laid down as a principle that it was necessary there should be an admission of the work s ing classes into the constituencies, and, at a certain figure which he fixed, he calculated a certain number would be admitted, and at another he fixed upon a different number, which he thought would be excessive, would be admitted, and therefore he considered the first figure suffich'nt. I mean no offence to the right hon. gentleman, bat the at-- ranger - neat which be esteemed a proper arrangement has not been an expedient arrangement. The house knows what took place during the long discussions last `ear. (Ironical cheers and counter cheers long continued.) The house knows—and, as I infer from that cheer, 1 he house recogbises—the truth of what I say. (A laugh.) On both sides there was a very general feeling that the propositions made by the Government afforded no prospect of a settle ' merit. (Cheers.) I believe there will be no question of that, and a very considerable period of time was employed in an' unsatisfactory manner, until at last the house took the mat ' ter in its own hands - (oh, oh)—and in a debate, followed by one of the largest divisions that ever took place, the House of Commons then did, with regard to the borough franchise, assert a principle, and it was carried.by a majo rity. That principle was that the borough franchise should be founded upon rating. (Cheers and counter cheers.) Hon. 1 gentlemen seem to agree that that statement is fair and ample. No one doubts for a moment, the Government did not doubt, the importance of that decision. That was a. de cision entirely opposed to the whole policy which the Go vernmentduring thatsession had recommended. Of course had they not acknowledged the importance of that deter mination, they would not have retired from the possession of power. • But they felt that that decision of the House of Commons, arrived at in a very full house, was one entirely opposed to the whole policy which during that session they had advocated. I do not say that every gentleman on either side of the house-and gentlemen on both sides of the house largely contributed to the majority-I do not say that every gentleman in a division which numbered, I be lieve, above GOO members, bad thoroughly inv..stigated and pursued to its last consequences all that must result from the assertion and adoption of that principle. But there happeneu, what happens in all popular assemblies, a great and important decision was arrived at by the unerring instinct of the House of Cemmons. (Oh, laughter, and Ministerial cheers.). They felt that, fur fifteen years, this question of the borough franchise had not been Meted in a satisfactory manner by any who had attempted to deal with it, and that the time had come when some principle ought to be laid down for the guidance of those who might have to offer propositions to the house on the subject; and they did that in a distinct mid decided manner. Now, sir, I take it for granted that if ever there was a decision of the House of Commons which was not a trifling decision, but a decision which meant something, it was that decision which decided the fate of a Ministry, and which the Ministry of the day understood to mean something ; and if anything has added to the character and reality of this house of late years, it was the vote at which the house arrived on that occasion. I assume and cannot doubt that the house meant by the vote which they arrived at on that occasion thin-that a person who was entrusted with a vote to elect members of Parliament should be ono who for the regularity of his life and the general trustworthiness of his conduct some qualifications and security should be given, and they thought theta man who was rated to the relief of the poor, and who paid his rates, gave that fair assurance which the State had a right to require. (Hear.) I take it that the house meant this, if you are going to invest men with the exercise of public rights lot us accompany that groat trust with with the ex ercise of public duties. (Hear.) They said that, iu their opinion, being rated to the poor, and paying the rate; was a fair assurance that the man who performed this office was one who for the regularity of whose life and the general trustworthiness of whose conduct there was a pro per guarantee. That was a principle they thought ought not to bo lost sight of, but ought to be a sine qua non in the settlement of the borough franchise. In having to consider this question we accept to guide us that decision of the house, upon which we have placed what we believe to be the real interpretation. We believe that the House of Com mons has resolved and wishes that the borough suffrage shall be bound up and united with the duty of paying rates to the maintenance of the poor, and paying them really. That rating franchise is what the house intended by the resolution, Well, sir, having accepted the decision of the house with that interpretation to guide us, we had to consider how far we could unite that with the principle of value which hitherto had been and which still is the law of the country with re gard to this franchise, and which almost, without an ex ception, has been adopted by Parliament in all its discus sions upon the question during the last fifteen years. Well, sir, but in this attempt .the result was not satisfactory. The moment we accepted the real, genuine, and authoitic principle of rating to guide us, we found disturbing ele ments which promised no prospect of solution, and which gave no chance of permanent settlement, and therefore under these circumstances the course of consideration we proposed to ourselves was to examine the whole question of occupation in boroughs, and to see what would be the effect of the application of the principle of genuine rating without reference to value. Now, let me call the attention of the house to these figures, which I take from a return which will be immediately in the hands of members, but in a much more detailed form than that which I now hold before me. There are in the boroughs of England and Wales 1,367,000 male householders, of which there are at present qualified 644,000. There would remain therefore unqualified to vote 723,000. Now, in dealing with these 723,000 and applying the principle which we are for the moment considering, of a franchise founded upon being rated to the poor and paying the rates, we find that out of these 723,000, now under the existiug law disqualified, or rather not qualified for voting, we should have at once to take away 237,000; that is to say, that beneath the LlO line which now prevails there are 237,000 persons who are rated to the poor and who • pay their rates, and who if the law were altered so that value was not an clement of it, would then be qualified to vote for members of Par liament. Now, if we add these 237,000 poisons who are rated to the poor and pay their rates to the 644,000 who aro at present qualified, you will find then 831,000 per sons who would then fulfil those conditions ; that is to say, almost exactly two-thirds of the whole of the house holders in the boroughs of England and Wales. There would then still remain 486,000 householders, who would not be qualified under these circumstances because they do not pay rates personally. No doubt f rom the 486,000 persons great deductions must be made for the migratory character of a large portion of them. But there would then remain a great proportion of those 480,000 persons who have nut the opportunity of being rated to the poor, because by certain acts of Peril:uncut, some of a gene nil character and some of a local character, the owners pay the rates, and compound for the rates of tenants and occu piers, who in consequence of that arrangement are called compound householders. Most of these are under the ope ration of en act with which doubtless every gentleman in the house is familiar, viz., the Small 'reneinentsAct. There are in Eugland 53 boroughs which are entirely under the operation of the Small Tenements Act, and 96 boroughsin which there aro parishes under the operation of that act, so that they are partially under the operation of the small Tenements Act. Now, sir, in considering the settlement of the franchise for boroughs, and considering the possibility of attempting to establish it, not upon a fluctuating prin ciple of value, which is only a question of degree, and which may vary, and which you may be called on to change from year to year, it is impossible not to consider the question of the peculiar position of the compound householders. A question had arisen whether compound householders should have a vote. Well, sir, in our opinion, and assuming that the house is of the same opinion, the foundation of the franchise should be rating-the payment of rates ; and that that is adopted by the house, not as a check, as some may say, but, on the contrary, as a qualification-(hear, hear) -and because it is the best evidence of the trustworthiness of the individual. We have no hesitation in saying our selves that we do think the compound householders, as a compound householder, ought to have a vote. (Hear, hear.) But, sir, we are far from saying that any person who is a compound householder-from the influence of acts which have been passed for the convenience of vestries -should be deprived of the opportunity of obtaining and enjoying those rights which persons in the same sphere may have had granted to them, and which, fur aught we know, these compound householders may be equally competent to enjoy and fulfil. Therefore, we shall have to con sider whether it would not be possible to concede to all these compound householders who are deprived fur the moment, by the rating acts to which I have referred, either of a general or a local character-whether it might not bo pos sible to give theta the right of accepting a public duty and enjoying in consequence the public right which others in the same sphere of life, and influenced in their conduct by the seine condition of existence, might possess. And taking this general view of the question, seeing the impossibility of settling this question upon any principle connected with value, and that it is only by taking the rating principle in its completeness and authenticity that you can get a principle on which you can rest, and upon which there is a perfect settlement-our opinion is- and we shall make that proposition to the house-to establish the franchise in boroughs upon this principle : that any 111%:1 who has occupied a house for two years and been rated to the relief of the poor, and has paid his rates-that every householder under these conditions should enjoy the borough franchise. (Cheers.) By that means the 237,000 persons Who are now rated and pay their rates would be, of course, at once qualified to enter; but with regard to the compound householders, we propose that every facility shall bo given to them-that they shall be allowed to enter their names upon the rate book, and to fulfil the constitu tional conditions to which we have adverted ; and then they can o f cour se accede to theconstitutional right I have mentioned. (Cheers.) Now, sir, by that, it we pursue that Course, you have your borough franchise fixed upon a prin ciple. (Hear, hear.) Yon know where that the power of elect in g members of y r o a u rl a i r a e m . e n Y t ou mustkn know exorcism:l.l , y men who by their position in life have shown that they aro q ualified for the trust. And meeting the dif ficulty of the compound householder by the provisiors which are in the bill, which will give every facility toclaini the exercise of the same right, on condition of fulfilling the same duty, the whole of the 723,000 householders in the g land that are at present not qualified to veto for of E'l members m of Parliaeut will be qualified by th e boroughsbill I propose and ant asking leave to introduce. Nur will there be a man among them who, if ho deserves the frau chiee, may not have it. (Cheers.) Now, sir, I have heard many observations on this question of the corn pound householders. They are not arguments-they are plausible statements. They really do amount to this- that those who wish that the compound householder should n qualify himself for a vote by the constitu tional COI 6 7 we propose as a means by which the suffrae? sholi - id be obtained, really, in fact, make ono as surnlAion upon which all their remarks are founded; and it is this, that the working classes of this country are really so little ieterested in the possession and exercise of the suffrage that they won't take the slightest trouble in order to avail themselves of it and to possess it. (Hear, hear.) Well, that may be the opinion of those who make these observations, but it is not the opinion of her Ma jesty's Ministers. Wo believe that the feeling of the great body of the people on this great subject is very gene ral, and that it is a feeling very likely to increase in this country- (hear, hear)-and that the conditions which we have laid down as those • which should qualify a house holder in a borough for a vote are consistent with the security of society, end are at the same time conditions which would be agreeable to the mind of every industrious man of integrity. (Hear, hoar.) Now I will just recapitulate to the house for a moment tho figures we have to deal with, because such vague assertions aro made, in the absence of accurate statistics on the subjects of voting and house holders, that it is well for the house to bear iu mind what these figures are : There are 1,367,000 male householders in the boroughs of Eugland; and, at the present moment, there are 644,000 of them qualified to vote. Mr. BRIGHT—May I ask if only houses are counted, or whether the figures include warehouses, shops, and other buildings ? The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER —These ans houses. Mr. BRlGllT—llouses only? The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEsZUER- AI-sa ws dwelling-houses. (Hear, hear.) The male occusders of dwaiegehouses. Of the 723,ter0, if the house accedes to the building which I gin asking leave to introduce, 237,000 now rated to the poor, and paying their rate; would ir e , mediately be qualified to vote; aed to the 436,000 who re main, cud who are compound householders, facilities will be afforded, so that if they chose to chum their vote—that is to cry, to pay their rates, insert their:names in the rate- book—they will also, as a twitter of course, attain to the enjoyment of the fietechise. Well, sir, that appears to us to be the only solid foundation upon which you can settle this (pie thou of the borough franchise, and I have heard nothing which gives me any hope that any other plan can be offered which involves at the same time a permanent settlement. The State has a right to ask that a person who exercises the suffrage is not a migratory pauper. And as regards settlement, I can see no satisfactory settlement unless you lay down the principle that every householder who fulfils the constitutional conditions to which I have adverted, trio! which prove him to be fitted for the exer cise of such a trust—unless you take that course, I can see no chance but that this question will be for ever agitated. (Hear, hear.) Now, air, there is a plan which I anftold at this moment is popular among certain persons —some of them, no doubt, members of this house. There are a great many plans, both as regards the suffrage and the distribu-' tion cf seats and other matters, which I have no doubt will come under the consideration of the house; and when they • do it will be very much to the advantage of those who in troduce them to our notice; for I believe that no subject can ever be better understood than after a discussion in •the House of Commons. (Hear.) But there is a plan I ana. told which is popular with certain person; and which is held forth as a more satisfactory settlement of this question than the one I have proposed; and that is what is called the £5 rating—the suffrage to be established On a£s rating. Now, sir, I must say, having had very much to consider this question, I know no Serbonian bog deeper than this £5 rating would involve us in. In the present state of the law, as I have told the house, if the interpre tation that we have placed upon the great vote of last year be a sound one, and if really the House of Commons means the principle of rating to bo the foundation of the suffrage—the rating to be bona fide and authentic eating— then. there is no such thing. Taking what is nominally a £5 rating as your foundation, you get a very numerous and in discriminate number of persons let in to the enjoyment of ' rights without the preliminary performance of duties; and, who when let in, will leave a great many behind them who, because others are let in, immediately cry to be ad mitted. If, in the present state of the law, there is no no minal £5 rating which does not practically admit a multi tude of compound householders, then where is your settle ment ? Because there is no more reason why a£s rating should give a vote than a £4. Then lam told this great difficulty is to be overcome by these means—there is to be a violent change in the law of England. Nominally £5 . raters are to be turned into bona fide £5 raters by the ope ration of the law, and the law is to provide that after this change takes place, and men who were nominally rated at £5 are really rated at £5, no Englishman with that fran chise is to enjoy the privilege of voting, and that all under that are in fact to be taken out of the sphere of self-go vernment, and deprived of the opportunity which the humblest now possesses, and would possess under the plan, we propose, of performing a public duty and consequently obtaining public rights. (Cheers.) I can imagine no scheme more injurious, I may say more fatal, than a pro position of that kind. It seems to me that if we were to . adopt it, manhood suffrage would be the logical and neces sary consequence ; and every man who finds that ho is in a position in which he may nut be permitted to fulfil a con stitutional condition which may give him a constitutional right, would naturally fall back into the arms of the lowest ague . • and feel that his only chance of everattaining the tore , rights of citizenship would be by a process which hitherto has not been recognised by any authorities in this country. (Hear, hear.) I have now expressed to the house, so far as the occupation in boroughs is concerned, on what principle we recommend the borough franchise to be founded. It is one which would make at once 237,000 persons qualified for the suffrage, and would allow all who were not rated before to avail themselves of the right, and so, if they choose, to become electors. (Hear, hear.) But it is said, and it has been said by a very high authority, one for whom I have a great personal regard and respect—though, considering what a high authority he is, I teduk he some times, especially with regard to his opponents, makes very reckless remarks—(laughter)—that the plau of the Govern ment, with which at the time that great authority was un newt:tinted, and for which lie really might have waited— (laughter)—was an insult on the rights and power of the middle classes. That certainly is not the iutention of her Majesty's Government. Her Majesty's Government ate anxious that, on the one hand, the aristocracy, and, on tho other, the working classes, should have their full share in the parliamentary constitution of the country; but they tecognise with sincerity the extreme expediency that the influence of the middle class of the country should not be diminished. They look to the steady virtues of that class to exercise a right bias ou the constitution of this country, and they believe that the influence and authority which they obtained to a great degree in 1832 has bees exercised wisely, worthily, and to the advantage of this country. (Cheers.) But if there is, by the proposition which I have to make, a chance of such a result as that which has been intimated by this great authority, why I think that we meet it by a proposition to institute a franchise founded on a most popular principle, and one in which the middle class must largely partake, that is, the franchise founded on the payment of direct taxation. (Hear, hear.) We pro pose that every person in England who pays 20s. a year direct taxation shall possess a vote. (Llear, hear.) Mr. GLADSTONE—Whether he be a compound house holder or not ? The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER—Whoever pays 20s. annual direct taxation shall have a vote, and thus we can build up the co ns tit uenc i es w hi c h would establish the franchise in the boroughs upon two great priuciplas, the payment of direct taxation, and the pay ment of rates. (Cheers.) But it has been urged that the enjoyment of this franchise, founded upon the payment of direct taxation, is one that would not be enjoyed as in tended in a great degree by the class whose influence it is said our proposition may assail. That is to say, that most of them are householders, and, therefore, they would not enjoy this franchise. We meet that objection by propos ing that a person who pays 20s. direct taxation, and who enjoys the franchise, which depends upon the payment of direct taxation, if he is also a hous eholder and pays bus rates, may exercise his suffrage in respect of both qualifi cations. (" Oh, oh !" from the Opp osition, and Ministerial cheers.) Mr. GL ADSTONE here put a question to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, but was received with cries of " order." The Chancellor of the Exchequer having resumed his seat, Mr. Gladstone said—l wish to put a question which is very material to the subject. I wish to ask whether a com pound householder, not paying his own rates, but paying direct faxes to the amount mentioned, would have a vote in respect of paying direct taxation ? The CHAN CELLOR of the EXCIIEQUER-11e would, of course, have a vote in respect of the franchise ho enjoys as a payer of direct taxation, and if he'chose to pay his rates in addition ho would have two votes. (hear, hear.) Before 1 give to the house a general summary of this re sult of this upon the borough constituency, there are yet s ome other franchises with which the house is familiar, but which I wish to recotn‘wend to their consideration. Mr. ROEBUCK—WiII the right hon. gentleman state what he means by direct taxation ? (hear, hear.) The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER—I mean the payment of income tax and assessed taxes ; but I wish to observe that that would not include the qualification which was so huniorouslyreforred to by an hon. gentleman opposite, because it would not include anything paid under licences of any description. (Laughter and cheers.) But there;are other franchises which we propose, and though they are not of vast importance, still they are founded on right principles, and I hope the house will candidly consider them. The rote which wo wish to found upon the pos session of .£5O property in the funds and £3O property in the sayings banks constitute property qualifications of this character. We will give to small holders of personal pro perty the same privilege which the small holders of real property have ; and as a man with a freehold of 40s. has a vote, we think that a person whohas au equivalent property of a persoaal character should also have a vote. (Hear.) And they ars votes which we believe would be entrusted to a class connected in a great degree with the working classes, and which would be very advantageously exer cised. (Hear, hear.) Then, again, there is the educational franchise. It has been said that if you introduce a suffrage founded on the payment of direct taxation, it would sup ply means for exercising a vote to thost persons who would otherwise figure nutlet the hex I of educational franchise. This is to a certain degree no doubt true ; but after inves tigating what would be the op.lration of such a franchise I lied there are many persons in whose condition the house would be deeply interested, who, especially in the country, would not have the opportunity, either as householders or of exercisiug the suffrage. Yet payers of direct taxation , they aro people peculiarly qualified for such a trust, and amongst others the position of ministers of religion is remarkable. (Hear, hear.) I speak of ministers of all sects, and I find that these men devote their lives to the solace and the elevation of their sense of ex istence, and would admirably exercise to a certain degree a political influence; but either as householders or as payers of taxes, especially to the amount of 205., they would c.ortaluly be debarred from voting. Therefore I trust that the house will allow these three suffrages to pass. Now the general result of this would be —I speak Mill ' l l r