The Sun. — London, England, 1849-05-22 00:00:00

B il but the whole country would have congratulated het on her escape, and they might congratull - te hes Majesty on the fact that when it was supposed that she had been in danger it called forth an universal expres filen of desire for vengeance. He thought it was wel to leave this wretched miscreant to the disgraceful anc degrading- punishment he so well merited.---t Cheers.) Lord KENYON thought there ought to be somo re• cord on the journals either by a resolution or an address of the occurrence of this circumstance. Lord BROUGHAM hoped this would go no further, The offender had yet to go to trial, and in the last resort their Lordships might have to decide on his guilt or innocence; therefore he felt rejoiced that they were not called upon to express any opinion as to the attempt which bad been made, and which could only excite eon. tempt and disgust. The Marquis of LANSDOWNE said, that had he Proposed an address it would have related merely to the nature of the offence, and not to the person committing it. But he thought it much better that no further notice should be taken of an attempt which was as contemptible LS it was atrocious. The subject was then dropped. The Earl of FITZHARDINGE presented a pnitini in favour of the repeal of the navigation lavrs. Ho dii not concur in its prayer. The Earl of lIARROWBY presented a petition wit] a similar prayer. ROME. Lord BROUGHAM said that he bad received thi Most solemn assurances from M. Manzoni, that ho hac toyer brought away any or the articles from the public museums in Rome, nor did he believe that any other person had done so. sIMPROVEMENT OF LAND (IIIELAND) BILL. The Marquis of LANSDOWNE moved the second reading of this Bill.—Agreed to. The NOBLE MARQUIS then moved a suspension of the standing orders.—Agreed to. The Bill was then read a third time and passed. NAVIGATION LAWS. The Marquis of LANSDOWNE presented several petitions in favour of a repeal of the navigation-laws. The Noble Marquis, in moving the order of the day for the House going into Committee on the Bill for the re• peal of the navigation-laws; said that he had received a communication from the Noble Earl who usually took the chair of their Committees, stating that he should, through illness, be unable to attend their Lordships' House. He should therefore move that Lord Beaumont take the chair.—Agreed to. Their Lordships then resolved themselves into Com mittee on the Bill for the repeal of the Navigation. laws, Lord Beaumont in the chair. Lord STANLEY then rose to move the amendments of which he h a d g i ven no ti ce , viz.,-To move , a f ter the word " that" in page 1, lice 6, to insert "in case it s h a ll b e ma d e t o a pp ear to h er anaiesta , that any foreign country is willing to con cede the ships of this country the like privileges and advant ages as are enjoyed by or intended to be conferred on the ships of such foreign country, or advantages equivalent thereto, then and in such case it shall be lawful for her Majesty, from time to time, by any order or orders in Council, to be published and re vocable as hereinafter mentioned, to authorise and declare as follows, that is to say, it shall be lawful for her Maje•ity to authorise and declare that the several sorts of goods, being the produce of Europe, and enumerated in an Act made and passed in the session of Parliament holden in the eighth and ninth years of the reign of her Majesty, intituled An Act for the Encouragement of British Shipping and Navigation,' or any of them, may, from and after a day to be named in such order as afore said, be imported from any port or place into the United Kingdom, to be used therein, in the ships of such foreign country, anything in the said Act to the contrary notwithstanding; provided always, that before such order or orders shall be issued, such foreign country shall have either conceded or agreed to concede to the ships of this country the like privileges and advantages as are enjoyed by, or intended to be conferred upon, the ships of such foreign country, with reference to the importation of such goods as aforesaid, into any parts of its own dominion, in such manner as that no British ship shall be either directly or indirectly subject, in such foreign country, to any duties or charges of any sort or kind whatsoever, with reference to the importation of such goods as atoresaio, from which the ships of such foreign country arse or shall be exempt, or shall have conceded or agreed to concede to the ships of this country other privileges and advantages equivalent thereto. Section 2. And be it en acted, that it shall be lawful for her Majesty from time to time, by any order or orders in Council to be published and revocable as hereinafter mentioned, to authorise and declare that goods being the produce of Asia, Africa, and America, other than the several goods hereinafter enumerated, may be imported from any port or place in Europe, Asia, Africa, or America, into the United Kingdom, to be used therein, in British ships, or in ships of the countries of which the goods are the produce, or in ships of the countries for which the goods are imported, anything in the said Act for the encouragement of British shipping and naviga gation to the contrary notwithstanding : provided al ways, that before any such order or orders shall be issued, having reference to any foreign country, it shall be made to appearto her Majesty that such country bath eithercon ceded or agreed to concede to the ships of this country the like privileges and advantages as are enjoyed by or ii tended to be conferred on the ships of such country with reference to the importation of such goods as aforesaid into an y part of its own dominions, so and in such manner as that no British ships shall he either directly or indirectly subject in sach country to any duties or charges of any sort or kind whatsoever with reference to the importation of such goods as aforesaid for which the ships of such country are or shall be exempt; provided also that nothing herein contained shall authorise her Majesty to permit by such order or orders the importation or admission into the United Kingdom, to be used therein, of any of the goods hereinafter mentioned, being the produce of Asia, Atrica, and America; that is to say. except so far as any of such goods may now be legally imported under the pro visions of the said Act, intituled An Act for the Encouragement of British Shipping and Naviga tion." To omit the repealing provisions of Section 11. To insert after clause 6—" And where as it is expedient that her Majesty should be empowered to make regulations for the trade and navigation of Canada, such as the geographical position and peculiar exigencies of that colony may require ; be it enacted, that it shall be lawful for her Ma jesty to enter into engagements with the United States of America, whereby the ships of the said United States may be enabled to import goods, the produce of the said United States or of Canada into the United Kingdom from any port or place on the river St. Lawrence, notwithstanding any pro visions to the contrary contained in the Act of Bth and 9th Victoria, cap. 88, intituled An Act for the Rneouragereent f British Shipping and Navigation ;' provided always, that the privileges and facilities of n avigation and of trade, whether by sea or land, which her Majesty may deem to be equivalent to such con cession, may be secured to the subjects of her Majesty in their trade with the United States of Ame rica; and it shall be lawful for her Majesty to declare, by order in Council, that such engagements, on the foot ing of reciprocal advantage, have been entered into with the said United States, and thereupon to make regula tions for the trade between Canada and tue United Kingdom accordingly, for such time and subject to such conditions for the termination thereof as shall be therein specified." His amendments were consonant with the principle of the Government measure, and only dif fered from that measure in some degree. He was willing to agree in the removal of the restrictions on our com merce imposed by the navigation-laws, but he thought the Government were going too far consistently with safety to the British shipowner, in removing all the re• atrictions at present imposed on the foreigner, especially with regard to our home and colonial trade. Mr. Hus• kisson, in his proposed regulation of those laws, had ab stained f rom t h rowing open those branches of our trade to those who from superior cheapness of bailding and sailing would thus be enabled to meet us in every port and monopolise the whole commerce of the world, and build on our ruin a great preponderating naval power. Be warned them that by assenting to the measure as it now stood they were running a great hazard. In that opinion he was supported by all the leading naval and commercial men—all the shipowners and others con nected with shipping throughout the country, who all agreed in condemning the dangerous measure they were introducing, and entreating them not to incur that great hazard. Her Majesty's Government were acting against the sense of the country, and they knew it.—(Loud cheers.) At all events, if they despised that warning and those opinions—if they were strongly convinced that the measure was a necessary one—then, as a prudent Government, they ought not to proceed with undue rashness, giving HO opportunity for repentance until too late, but ought to prepare the country, step by step, for such a hazardous experiment. He would beset ch of them, as they valued the possession of the carrying trade to the colonies, and to those countries where their supremacy was undoubted, not to be acting against the le, ling of the country. For, though he did not deny the respeeta • bility of the names attached to the petition presented by the Noble Marquis from Liverpool, he must take the liberty of informing him, that thre petition lay for Some time in the Exchange of Liverpool, where it acquired the signatures of only 143 members. Now, the petition which he (Lord Stanley) had had the honour tof pr esent, was signed by as many as 47,000 persons, w ,tkona 1,470 were members of the Liverpool Stock Tr a n o a b ne, which contained 2,000 members in all. shousd iee . o f the motion which, on this occasion, he c(HiPelear,a h i e ; A ar a t r U .e) r d e to submit, submit, was not to dispute the prito venture their Lordships the other night. shouldbe, whether Therefore, the first question to which he cording to thteheto draw their Lordships' attention would y o Would p roceed in the first instance ae posed to them b was about t o suggest, or accord iwnhgettoher that th of e the chance P Y r would de h a ythe Noble Marti Marquis — whether once repeal those laws and take rat th e y ; m.get afterwards to re:-ena h ct,. or whether, ad e them, they tn er h Crown toagyrareitt°trie) Pwohutith:p rinciple t s e he had on a fo _ !Posed to make foreign Powers di vile es th reciprocict concessions such pri stste of be inconsistent °tan g of . It Was true that her Me e Government 3a as it would now Bill to improve the mtvigest37lBl the law to provid e. of the d t his a try, and that the first steatifu and s hi pping repeal the Act of the Bti le nourd that Purpose would n t to proposed to confine himself 9th Victoria, C. 88 ; but limits of the title of the Bill. 4etrictly within the true law, to impose restriction, Pr oposed to amend the to repeal it altogether. The No.bleaAteA e slid not propose him with withholding too long notietrquis !s ad ch ,r 4 ed his amendments. He did not think ilia; 't'lf eatur e of a just one ; for if her Majesty'; Governs ' at "7 was two whole years to consider what shoui tit ha taken Acts they ousht to propose •; if, be the specific many foreign vowels, they at hr conference with length earn , d Parliament with a measure much aaeled f "" to last from tha t of year, and if at the last moment h tit • it , wit out notice ey Wand necessary towithd raw a larr portion of' the concessions they now proposed to make, and to except from the Bill the whole of the coast ing tradt! ; if, after all that, the Government found that it was a question in detail, it could hardly be charged against him that, taking certain amendments in detail, he had occupied a apace of eight days in -cis cuFsing the question with practical men, as to what these amendments should be. Their Lordships were aware that the navigation-laws of this country made a distinction between articles the produce of Europe and those which were the produce of the other three quarters of the world. He proposed still to adhere to that distinction, but to make such modification in the existing law as should he beneficial to the country in cases where it did not admit of a useful operation. The reason of the distinction was plain, it having been the object of legislation to secure, nut only the communication from British port to British port, but also to obtain for this country the great ad vantage of bringing in British vessels those bulky articles which employed a large quantity of shipping. The law relating to the importation of goods from European ports was less stringent than that applying to the other three quarters of the globe, but as he proposed to relax the one, so also ho proposed to relax the other. No goods the produce of Eu rope could be imported into this country from a European port, except either in British ships, or the ships of the country from which they were directly imported. The amendment he proposed to introduce with regard to goods the produce of Europe was one of considerable importance, as its effect would be to open largely the trade with European countries. He thought it wiser, as well as more statesmanlike, to allow the Government to enter into reciprocal treaties, provided it first obtained from those countries with which it had such relations, a sufficient provision for the interests of the shipping of this country, and by an order in council to grant to suer countries as might be disposed to concede ecirevalects, the right of carrying on that indirect trade from which they had been debarred. In proposing that system, he laid stress upon the fact that the order in council was to be irrevocable. Then, with regard to the trade with Asia, Africa, and America, he thought it necessary, as he had already stated, that the laws should not be repealed which secured to them the most valuable advantage they possessed, the conveyance of the bulky articles of commerce in thy long voyage. By the law, as it stood, no goods could be imported from Asia, Africa, and America, except in British ships, or the ships of the country in which they were produced, or from whence they were imported. Therefore. as the great hulk of the countries iu Asia, Africa, and America had no shipping of their own, the practical effect of that navigation law was to vest in then hands the trade of those countries, almost as exclusively as that of their colonies. Her Majesty's Government were about to surrender the whole of it, and to leave the English shipowner to the competition of foreign rivals. Was he in a conditionao contend with them ? Let them take the United States, and consider how matters would stand when the Government proposition was adopted, of inviting those countries to free competition with them in Asia, Africa, and America, and their colonies, form ing three quarters of the globe, in which their shipping had a practical monopoly. It was also, he should state, a portion of the present law, that no ship, not even a British ship, could import the produce of Asia, Africa, or America, from any port in Europe. The effect of this was to maintain a direct trade from the places of production to the places of consumption, and to obtain the establishment of the great warehousing system. But he freely admitted that that principle, sound as it was, might be pushed too tar. What he suggested was, to maintain the princip.e of the law, and yet to admit of exceptions applying to Asia, Africa, and America, as to Europe, to be included in an enumeration of articles. Those modifications were founded on principles of main taining that which was important to navigation, and of doing away with what might sometimes prove an incon venience to trade. As they were about to surrender this indirect trade, he would call their attention to an im portant paper, presented that morning to Parliament. which showed that in the year 1848 the tonnage which entered the port of Liverpool amounted to 1,320,000 tons, of which 800,000 alone were English vessels. If, therefore, protection were withdrawn, %hat return from toreign countries could they expect, wheo it appeared from the return and from otherS, that those countries had nothing whatever to give?—(Hear.) "1 he United States, it also appeared truer' the returns, were rivals whom, if they entered into direct competition equal terms, they might expect to see acquire a larg. portion or the trade of the kingdom. To those formide able rivals it was that they were ,about to throw open the trade of the world, alai that at a time when no de mand was made upon them, when no reason was 'given' to them, nor any necessity shewn.—(Hear, hear.) At all events they ought to proceed with caution, and to proceed, at first at least, on principles of reciprocity. A, America had been permitted to get the better of them in the direct trade, so also she would obtain a decided sups. riority in the indirect, were this measure enacted. IJ would not now enter more extensively into the discussion of those resolutions which, in a later stage of the Bill, h should feel it his duty to propose, but he thought it right to say, in summing up the views which he entertained upon this question, he proposed to maintain the great prin. ciples of the navigation-laws—the exche-ive- maintenance of their colonial trade—to maintain, a; tar as possible., the advantages of the long-voyage trade and the corn- , munieation %ilia those countries possessing no shippine of their own.—(Hear, hear.) He proposed to maintain the fundamintrd principle of the navigation laws, but h, also proposed iu some cases absolutely, and in others permissively, her Majesty, in Council, sh , uld permit re• laxations to be made in favour of countries willing to outer into reciprocal engagements with themselves for the sake of their mutual advantage. Ho protested against their enforcing principles of retaliation against countries which were not disposed to make conces• sions, which they would, moreover, find difficult in practise. Surely the betty r practice would be to say that the navigation-laws had laid down certain re strictions but that Parliament had enabled them to relax. Ile need hardly argue that they were discussing the policy and the justice of securing advantages to their own shipping interests in the results of the change which they were contemplating. Some, as he had heard, contended that his course of proceeding was not magnanimous; but nations had no business to be mag nanimous. They were to be prudent, and to decide a commercial question on commercial principles. They were to decide whether they would repeal first and re enact afterwards, or whether they would maintain the general principle of the navigation-laws, and authorise her Majesty to dispense with them. in certaiu cases in favour of those countries which might be willing to enter into engagements of reciprocal advantages. That was the question which was now before them, and which would Cully arise upon the amendment he proposed. Earl GREY was at a loss to say whether it was from stupidity or otherwise, but he was unable to understand the amendment of the Noble Lord. He supposed that the words to be inserted were intended as a sub stitute for the repealing provisions of the preceding clause. The Noble Lord had said that his object was not to repeal, hut to make certain modifications in the navigation-laws. But the words introduced by' the Noble Lord would not make sense, unless they omitted the words by which the existing law was repealed. He was desirous to know from the Noble Lord whether he meant, in the event of his amendment being adopted, to allow the remainder of the clause to contiutue in the Bill, and the existing amendments to be repealed, and how he would fill up the blank that would result ? Lord STANLEY explained that it was hiS intention to omit the repealing clauses in the second section. Earl GREY—But the Noble Lord would see that there were none in the second section. Lord STANLEY—It was in the first, then. The House would then c insider those clauses which he had laid upon the table, and when they came to the repealing clauses he would object, upon principle, to the repeal ot those Acts; and he would, in the first instance, take the sense of their Lordship.' House upon the question ot amendment in so wide a shape that it would not bind any person to a particular mode; but when they came to those clauses he would fairly lay upon the table a list of the enumerated articles, and each one of them might, if their Lordships thought fit, be made the subject of dis cussion.—(bear, hear, from Earl Grey.) But he did not intend that those clauses should be laid upon the table before their Lordships came to a decision ou the principle. - Earl GREY e ished distinctly to know from the Noble Lord whether, in that list of enu merated e articles, tea, coffee; would b sugar, tobacco, and cotton, in cluded'? Lord STAN LEY—Every one of them. Earl GREY —That is most satisfacto ry.—(Hear, t ry.— (Hear, hear.) The N o bl e Lord had told th em on Friday even ing last, that it was his i n te n ti on en going into Com teittee on this Bill, to propose such an alteration in it as would go to its root.—(Heam, hear.) The Noble Lord now tyrl them thit the question w as nu t one o f pr i n . ciple, but 01 degree; but he (Earl Grey) would say that the questi on was one of principle, and of principle only. The introduction of the words o f the Noble L or d wou ld not make sense. According to a ll Parliameutary usage, %%hen wor d s were to be introduced , it was eu,t )mary to move the omission of cert ain words for the purpose of inserting those words . Th e Noble Lord had alluded to their carrying trade icorn, i but the Noble Lord would be Called upon to exp lain coral could only be im phrted in a British ship, and wh y , when ground into flour, it might be imported in The Noble 'Lord ' should explain those anoma lie s . ship. The Lord would dispense with the principle of . th e did li n in certain enumerated articles. He (Lord Gre y) think that the present was quite the time or discus e sin whole of this great question, or of entering ve ry g m th i • nutely into a consideration of the question of " recipro city." Wit h regard to British ships, the fact was that they did not possess any monopoly whatever, and if they wanted to bring corn from Dauzic, it was a Prussian ship they had most to fear from. Either it was desirable to open that trade or not; and if it was desirable, then they ought at once to remove all restrictions in the ray of at —they should remove those restrictions which fettered the trade of their merchants. The Noble Lord had d 7 luded to their indirect trade and warehousing system, but the Noble Lord should take care that by main taining our restrictions he did not jeopardy our interests in those branches of our trade. He should take care that by maintaining our re strictions we should not provoke Russia, the Hanse Towns, and other countries, to retaliate against us; for should they, then would our great carrying trade be endangered, and this great country and the 'whole civi lized world would be the losers. The Noble Lord should not forget the fable of " The Dog and the Sha dow ;" and he should recollect that the dog, in trying to grasp at an itnagiasry substance, lost the actual sub stance he was in possessiuu of. The Noble Lord should take care that the course which he would impel this country upon would not lead to a similar result. The Noble Lord had also alluded to the trade of the British merchants with America, but he (Earl Grey) would show by a return which he held in his hand That the ad vatitag , s were all against us in our trade with the United States, by the maintenance of our restrictions. Looking at these fact, he would say that if the English were placed on the same footing as the Americans, we should be able to compete with theere successfully. He now came ..to the quetinn of the celvnies, and, first, with re spect to Canada. There was no doubt (iit Ida hail strong claims upon our sympathy, but what would be the effect of the Noble Lord's amendment ? Why, to give pro tection to America, to the prejudice of European coon tries with whom we were on friendly terms, and all this was done to favour the trade of the River St. Lawrence. But the only way to do this truly was by throwing open the trade of the River St. Lawrence, and getting rid of all the restrictions which existed on the trade of that part of the world. They ought to do all in their power to assist the colonies, the produce of which had now to compete with the productions of other countries under great disadvantages. The only way to do this effec tively was by getting rid of the navigation laws. The Noble Earl then proceeded to contend that the Reci procity Act did not produce any good to this country, while it tended materially to injure our colonies, as was proved by the benefit which Martinique obtained by French and Spanish ships being obliged, under existing circumstances, to trade there instead of going in the first instance direct to Trinidad. No one knew the injury of restriction until it had been removed.—(Hear.) This was proved by the article of Indian rubber. Many years ago this substance was only used by artists, and for very ordinary purposes by the public. Now, since the duty on the article has been withdrawn, it was adapted to a hundred uses with great advantage to the public.—(Hear.) Ile dissented from the statement of the Noble Lord, that the feeling of the public was against the measure. He, on the contrary, believed that the feeling of the country was in its favour, notwithstanding the efforts made to get up an artificial excitement against the measure. He trusted their Lordships would not re ecind the vote they had given in favour of the Bill on its second reading.—(Hear.) Lord WHARNCLIFFE said that he felt it to be his duty to oppose the amendment proposed by his Noble Friend. The Bill proposed to throw open the trade of the colonies, but the amendments of his Noble Friend would close up the trade of all the colonies, with the exception of one. The perplexity of the existing navi gation laws would be increased by the amendments. The Earl of HARROWBY said he thought the true question was, whether they 'should not first secure reci procity, before they admitted foreign countries to privi leges from which they were now debarred. And as there was nothing of value which they could expect in return for their generous relaxation, he thought their Lordships would have no difficulty in affirming the propositions submitted by his Noble Friend near him (Lord Stanley). Earl GRANVILLE said he believed, that though the amendment which the Noble Lord on the cross-benches (Lord Wharncliffe) had placed upon the paper was in terior to the proposition of the Government, still he be lieved it to be superior to that of the Noble Lord oppo site. In his own opinion, it was exceedingly unwise to act upon reciprocity treaties; and with regard to those countries with which they were not on terms of reci procity, he would ask whether it was wise to throw the whole weight of their navigation law restrictions into the scale against them, notwithstanding the power they at present possessed of exercising a re taliatory line of policy. After illustrating his arguments by referring briefly to the trading clauses with respect to Belgium, France, and Spain, the Noble Earl said he was of opinion, upon consideration of these retaliation principles, that it was impolitic to enter into the interminable special pleading which the proposition of the Noble Lord opposite would neces sarily involve them in. That, at least, was one reason why such a proposition should be rejected. With regard to the 200,000 seamen who constituted the marine of Great Britain, from what source, he would ask, were ' hey to be supplied, should this Bill be carried into a law? Was it from Norway or Denmark ? Surely not ; nor could it be from the United States, who were obliged to compose their own crews of three-fourths Englishmen.— (Hear, hear.) It had been asserted that the statistics ity which it was sought to support this question had been blown out of the waters by the speech of he Noble Lord opposite (Lord Stanley), and that the speech of the Noble Lord had produced a very powerful impression on their Lordships' minds. This last assertion was not all disiposed o question ; but he could not admit that the Noble Lore had blown out of the waters the case of the dvucates of this measure, or that he had uttered one word which weakened its statistical position.—(Hear, :,ear.) He (Earl Granville) was prepared to show that ..he-more the figures were knocked about the more in contestibly did they prove the strength and value of the arguments relied upon by the advocates of this Bill. With respeet to Mr. Porter, to whom frequent allusion had been made in the course of this debate, he (Earl Gran vibe) felr he would'not be justified were he not to make -rime brief allusion. Tne Noble Earl opposite (Earl flarrowby) had accused that gentleman of fencing with the question of foreign tonnage, when he was under grounde vpa,oi nlPorter ti)eoexaminationruhraafsdargh),isavudteochnfhoa occasion c h aea e hr socei nado re trimthgdoem, Committee,ioot not T e l e hi akl N oNer gut o othle w hba seel t eb h oenvrn e Edi(ws:a ( aehr E lsoe e a tetr must oeen G nf sl r tex i e a Gran e e de fendedaim io connexionM r . Porte r with nst tonnagethe etno t e w sr a a ty s n, toathlnlatougrhelta against ting to this subject. Lori COLCHESTER,nnt understood ahl who to competitionsa almostinaudible the pr ev rsei tn i h n t r i l n hn h i ee e nt i rut gellery, moment we w w e a r s e voyagested eStates,arri carried because e the the vessels o quantity f of f those h British ships did. The Marquis of CLANRICARDE said that i a f S , n a td‘ c st c e o tsh rd ain - t accord ing to the Noble Lord, the present law operated so in juriously, and if the system was so bad, why should they no so Clamorous for the continuance of it? The amend ments of the Noble Lord (Stanley), involved an infrac tion of treaties which t hey had made with ether coun ries. It was absurd to say that the present system might be relaxed in the case of one or two colonies that might require it ; but if it was just to grant concessions :o one colony, why not grant them to all? The fact was, that a general and comprehensive measure was re quired to deal with the whole subject, and this was that Measure. Lord BROUGHAM would make a short statement to justify the vote which he intended to give in favour of the amendmer a The Noble Earl (Granville) depre cated malting speeches en this stage of the Bill, and) et the Noble Lord himself made a long speech, not upon the amendment, but upon the whole question involved in the measure before the House. He contended that the use made of Mr. Porter's figures by the Noble Earl (Granville) was not a correct one—for instance, the Noble Earl arrived at the conclusion that a particular vessel had carried a larger tonnage by multiplying the number of voyages which she had taken. The Noble Lord then referred to a meeting held at Liverpool to support this Bill, and read a resolution which declared that this Bill was only the precursor of other measures which were to sweep away all restrictions, Here was an avowal' of the charism( r of this measure, which war ranted him in opposing it. Lord Melbourne on one occa sion said that the man who thought there ought to be no restrictions, was fitter for a place in Bedlam than for a seat in that House. Hull did not sympathise with Liverpool, as was shown by the tact, that the Member for Hull himself, an officer of the Crown, voted against the Bill now before their Lordships' House. There was net a commercial man of consideration in the City of London with whom he was acquainted, that was in faveur of the measure ; and the Lord Mayor of London —as good a Whig as the Noble Marquis opposite—had not supported the Bill in its stages in the House of Com !noes. He denied also that the majority in the House of Commons respecting this measure, was of such a cha racter as to warrant their Lordships in supporting it. The proposition of the Government being to throw open the whole trade of the country, except the coasting trade, but to give the power of exercising retaliation towards any country which might be found unfairly transferring the trade, and that of the Noble Lord on the cross-benches being to maintain the system under which their mercantile marine had flourished, and their navy having been created, and afterwards to apply a particular system of reciprocity, it became necessary to see whether they were sure of obtaining a return of their concessions atter they were made. [The Noble Lord was here much interrupted by the somewhat loud talk ing which proceeded from a group of Members of the other House standing around the throne, and addressed them thus :—" if th'oae Gentlemen who were talking so loud onl3 knew the inconvenience of having to speak above them, they would at once remove to a place more convenient for themselves, and infinitely more convenient tor me." j Ou that point they had sufficient proof that whilst, on the one hand, they would be allowing the Americans to enjoy as much of the trade with the colo nies and the other countries of the world as they could acquire, there was no echo: Late return to which they could look forward with any prospect of success.— (Cries of " Hear, hi ale") He had no question of the superiority of the plan proposed by his Noble Friend near him (Lord Stanley), and although it was said that the only difference between that plan and the one pro pised by the Noble Lord on the cross benches was a difference as to the modus operandi, still, he apprehended the House would be of opinion that that difference in the rnodus operandi would lead to an immense difference in the general result to the consumers and the community at large. He was prepared, the rofore, to support the amendment aallobleisnot spatetdthe hhit o Lords ee h t t ad he Noble would proposition approaching nse es nu division Lo mot hft summoned that t the etne though o a ofu r him, nt Government. nthmh astarb absentees and nt edt vote o t sn o neAca:orauntl but ny d sgesaih decide the House, they could not decide the Com- Inittee.—(llear, hear.) There did not appear to be any pressing necessity for the measure which was thus pre cipitately urged upon the House, but yet the Government were obviously determined on pushing it, although the advantages, its success on the navigation system, its utility, and above all, its claim to general admiration as having given birth to their navy, had been acknowledged by some of the most distinguished men which the countrywhich been had produc e d. H e wou l d ask the House, therefore, de liberately, w h at great cause it was that should impel justlyit l h i e t s m i t ip o (r)o t al l n t ? r e o d y lßt t h i t i i h j s , e s y h y i persisted system, of o f o * would do irreparable injury to the shipping interest of t h e country, and cut at the roots the only available means by which their navy could be recruited. Fur those reasons he should give his vote against the measure submitted by her Majesty's Government. Earl FITZ WILLIAM complained that the Noble and Learned Lord who had just spoken had not sufficiently confined himself to the question before the House, which was far more restricted in its limits than the Noble and Learned Lord appeared to suppose. A large part of his Noble and Learned Friend's speech had not been ad dressed to the subject immediately before their Lord ships. As to the wisdom of our ancestors shown in these laws, he thought that the argument drawn from their existence for two centuries was no proof (if their adaptation to our present circumstances. We had outgrown the age at which such laws could be use ful. But even taking his Noble and Learned Friend's own argument as to defence, he would ask, where was TINE RUN, LinNinol 4 l, TUESDAY RVENING, MAY U, 1.84§. our naval power at the time of-the;-Spanish armada? Was the def ea t o f th at arm ad a owing to the navigation laws? There were many other facts in our history which went to prove that these laws had not had so much to do with our naval power as was generally assumed on the opposite side. Looking at the position of our two islands as compared with the Continent, he might ask, if that power was not more owing to their physical confor mation end position than to any legislation. Believing, as he did, that the naval power of England was not ascribable to the Navigation Act, to the extent assumed by its supporters, he had no hesitation in cordially giving his support to the measure of her Majesty's Go vernment. He looked to the time when by its means we should not only get rid of the restrictions on our com merce, but also provide more efficiently for our national defence. The Earl of ELLENBOROUGH said that the ques tion before the Committee was, whether it should adopt the very liberal proposals of her Majesty's Government, or the more enlightened and equi'.able amendment pro posed by his Noble Friend. The Government proposed to repeal certain Acts and partF, of Acts, but they were by no means to be confined within the four corners of these Acts; they might at their own caprice—n sy, to carry out their p they vi ould be obliged to import and incorporate the laws of foreign countries with refe rence to shipping, so that with reference to that subject the law would not be found in a distinct Act of Parlia ment, but in a series of orders in Council. This would cause great confusion, and there would be no end of the variety which would be introduced into our legislation as respects foreign states. He thought there were very se sious objt ctious to doing that by erders in Council which earet careful of of might as well h e d one by Act of Parliament. It wes an innovation modern sanctioni ng , times except which in theyex extreme e t to be very cases. His Noble Friend was very careful in that respect. The only discretion he left to her Majesty in Council was to decide upon granting relaxations when the nations to whom they were granted were prepared to concede equivalent advantages, and thus to establish a perfect reciprocity in eac h case. It was quite incorrect to sly that th e i r L ordships were called upon to decide against the measur e o f her Majesty'svi Government, but they were asked to s a y w h et her,bang decided that the naviga• tion•laws should b e altered, that alteration Should be made in a waywhich - would secure to this country equivalent adv antages in our future relations with foreign states. A ccor di ng to the plan of his Noble Iwo codes of laws—the ex all nations which refused to Friend, there would b e only ex isting code, applicabl e t o deal with us on equal and r eciprocal terms, and the new code which would arise fro m our new relations with the states which agree to such re l ations.—(Hear.) Oa that ground he gave it his support, and hoped that it would receive that of their Lordship s . except as mode e of tthey adjuesnti endeavoured o4red The Marquis of LANSDO WNE said the Noble Earl had stated that there was no difference between them ian to of the he best Gvemn in reciprocity. Ho utterly d en i ed that it was so.—(Hear.) Bythe p re move all the restrictions th ey possibly could, and they kept none but what they we re a b solutely compelled to keep; while by the plan of th e N o b le Lord he kept all Is differences of the restrictions he could, and gave no relaxations which he could possibly avoid.—(Cheers.) That was the dif ference between the two plans. The Noble Earl who spoke last seemed to apprehend that after this Bill was passed it would be in the power of foreign nations to hamper and destroy our trade by imposing new restric tions upon shipping when in their ports. Whatever might be the imperfections of the Bill, it was certainly not lia ble to the charge of having overlooked that contingency, and he could scarcely suppose that the Noble Earl had read the Bill itself; or he would have found such a state of things distinctly and specifically provided for. (The Noble Marquis read the clause.) It would be seen, therefore, that there was an effectual safeguard in that clause against the danger apprehended by :the Noble Earl. There was a great difference between the Bill brought forward by her Majesty's Government and that suggested by the Noble Lord. The Government Bill laid down the broad principle of freedom, which they believed was the best foundation upon which our com mercial system could be built, and which they also be lieved would be most effectual in promoting the pros perity and strength of our own navy. On the other band, after having listened with great attention to the plans of the Noble Lord, and the arguments by which he supported these plans, he must tarty that he eculd not help feeling surprised that the Noble Lord, after laying proposed, and a f ter ' even sacri ficing as it were, certain polar stars to gbide him in should have ended' by propos ingihphilecehs' would be utt er l y i nceus i stent making k i a n r g rhai t aa h go e ewm c thigapan!rt principles, with the objects ho had in view.• Take Canada, for in stance.—(Hear, hear.) The Noble Lord proposed to make a concession to Canada, but did any one who had past legislation, and the grow i ng dpeaimdaantdtesnotifonthteo our C anadian people, imagine they would rest satisfied with that concession? — (Hear. hear.) By the recent alterations in our laws we had given the Canadians a taste of the benefits to be derived from the tree navigation of the St. Lawrence, and they would not now rest satisfied till they bad achieved complete free dom for ships of all nations on that river. —(Hear, hear.) How was that to be done? Why the Noble Lord said they ought not to favour the United States, but his own plan was all - in favour of the United States. Every Noble Lord must see that it was the country of all others which would most immediately benefit by the adoption of the plan of the Noble Lord.—(Near, hear.) While the Noble Lord's amendment invites vessels of Catsada and the United States it repels vessels of other colonies, equally attached to the mother country, which ought nut to be debarred from the advantages and privi leges intended to be conferred by- the Bill. The Noble Lord said that Canada was dissatisfied, but his amend -went left Canada dissatisfied, and rendered it impossible jhat the treaties with the countries which he excluded could be renovated. He thought the system recom mended by the Bill much better than that proposed by the Noble Lord opposite. But any system would fall short of the object in view if it were not calculated to increase the warehousing system of the country, which ought to be one of the great desires of a legis lature. It was said that the Bill had not . the general assent of the masses of the people of the country. No measure that had been adopted by Parliament could be said to have the assent of the masses of the people if it were to be gathered from public demonstration and public petitions. The Noble Marquis referred to the petitions presented from Liverpool, and quoted a para graph from a newspaper in the Protectionist interest, to show that great indifference was manifested in Glasgow, where a public meeting. was convened to consider the propriety of petitioning in favour of reciprocity, and not more than 100 persons attended, including twelve re porters, and m an y o f those on the platform were uncon nected with the shipping or mercantile interests. He adjured their L or d s hi ps, in conclusion, ' to preserve the spirit and pri nc i p l e laid down in the ' Bill. - Re laxation was the rule, and restriction the exception, of the Government measure, while the amendhnentsof the Noble Lord directly attacked that principle: It was the object of the Bill to increase the commerce of the country, which, when promoted, could not ail to main tain the general prosperity of the country. He hoped that whatever other amendments their Lordships adopted, they would reject the amendment of the Noble Lurd now submitted for consideration, which in conjunction with his other proposition, narrowed, in stead of extended, the advantages of trade, while it as sailed the principle sought to be established. The mea sure was necessary for the welfare of the country and the colonies., and to prevent a recurrence trom year to year of new demands. Their Lordships then divided, when there appeared— Contents—For the amendment ••• •'•• 103 Non-Content s —A gainst it 116 Majority aga i nst the amendment and for the Lord STANLEY said that the principle) Governme n t ••• , on which he ••• 13 ••• ••• had bas e d his amendment was to amend t he navigation - laws; the pri nc i p l e of the Government Bill was to repeal the law. Thei r Lordships, by a majority, bad affirmed the latter. S o far, therefore, as he w as chncerned, he should not offer further obj ec tion to the provisions which repealed Bth an d 9 t h o f Vi ctor i a, ca p. 82. The House then resume d. The CHAIRMAN reported p r ogress and obt a i ne d leave to sit again this day. Their Lordships adjourn e d at a Quarter to One. OPERA COMIQ UE , ST. "JAMES s THEATRE.— Herr Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent honoured the performance at this theatre last evening with her pre sence. Her Royal Highness was attt-nded by Lady Augusta Bruce, Lady Maria Dawson, Bon. Miss Daw son, Baroness do Speth, and Lord James Murray. There were also present—the Marquis and Marchioness Douglas, the Marquis of Douro, the lvtarchioness of Downshire, the Earl and Countess of Chesterfield, Hon. Mr. Austen, the Marquis Dazilio, Count de la Feldt, Ludy Cecilia de la Feint, Lord Cranborne, Lally Quin tin, Sir George and Miss Talbot, Sir Henry Webb, Sir John Lyster Ks)e, Lady and Miss Macdonald, Bsrou. Eugene de Gerlache, Hun. G. Barrington, Lord Man deville, &c. TUE " GYAINETRUS NORTIIU MBRICtiS."—A very curious specimen of a genus of fish, little known, and of which few specimens have been exhibited, was yesterday submitted to the inspection of a number of gentlemen connected with the science of natural history, and to those who feel interested in the more abstruse wonders of nature, at the Cosmorama, Re gent -street. The spe cimen is one of the finest ever exhibited, and is, indeed, unique, both from the manner in which it is preserved, and from the fact of its recent capture. It is about ten f widest part of the girth. It has a sort o f c rest upon t h e three feet in the h feet ri inresembling length a and feathers, measuresand two nearl y long narrow fins, or rather antennce, beneath the lower jaw. Tb describe this rate fish technically would be rather a difficult task, and such a desciiption would hardly be understood by any but professed naturalists. It will therefore be sufficient to direct the public attention to it, and to let persons judge for themselves of its nature. EADvEnTIsEmEivT.3—A Bruised root Cured, and Amputation of the Toes Prevented, by Holloway's Ointment and Pills.--Mr. Oliver Smith Jenkins, Falkirk, when super intending the erection of a railway bridge, had his foot severely p bruised by th e f a lli ng o f a heavy stone. A pprehending that serious consequences wou ld result from it,hzconsultedsome that atth teoeffect most a eminenteuret surgeons i s n toes Edinburgh, mus tbe am utated; ho informed him re fusing to submit t o thi s he returned to Falkirk, and comreeneed using Holloway's Ointment and Pills, and, miraculous as is may appear, these invaluable medicines healed his foot, and in three weeks he was .enabled to resume his employment. Sold by all Druggists; and at Professor Holloway's Establishment, 244, Strand, London. MuItDER of A POLICEMAN AT BRISTOL.—On making inquiries at the central station yesterday (Mon day) at tornoon, we were intormed that Inspector Bosworth had not vet returne d f rom London, b u t t h at the two sol diers, Andrew D a ly and John .MTarlanr, who stand charged on the coroner's inquisition w i t h t h e w ilf u l murder of John Pym, a police-const a bl e , sa il e d w i t h their regiment for India on the 9th inst. INTERNATIONAL VISITS BE TWEEN ENGLAND AND FRANCEX Much has h,-•fr'n lately said respecting the excursion parties advertised for the ensuing summer between the two countries, owing to the pleasing and unexpected turn given to the late party, whose reception in Boulogne, Paris, and Amiens was so cordial. Agreeing, as we heartily do with the Boulogne Gazette, which devoted leight entire columns to an historical recital of the visit, we say with it Honour to Mr. Lloyd for this adroit and seasonable conversion of an excursion party into an impromptu embassy of international friendship ; and success attend Mr. Crisp, the originator and contractor for their expedition, in those he may hereafter plan for the amusement of his countrymen." Allusion was made to the visit and its consequences at the anniversary dinner of the West London Literary and Scientific Institution a few days since, the gentle man being present whose preliminary communication with the French authorities gave the impulse to the ge nerous sympathies of our neighbours. The noble room at the Commercial Hall, King's-road, Chelsea, was handsomely decorated for the occasion, and the gallery was filled with elegantly dressed ladies. G. Tuomesole, Esq., M.P:, ably filled the chair. This gentleman is one of the earliest and most zealous sup porters of the institution, both by liberal donations and by delivering lectures which have always filled the hall to oierflowing.' Ile stated how much he owed to the opportunities for instruction and acquisition of useful and valuable information afforded by similar institutions, and spoke for nearly an hour moat eloquently amid the re peated cheers of the company. In proposing the health of their vice. president, Mr. Lloyd, of Beaufort Lodge, Chelsea, he called attention to the important results from that gentleman's management of the late Paris excursion party, by making it the means of eliciting a demonstration of feeling in France towards this country, the value of which it was impossible to overrate. He highly complimented Mr. Lloyd on the tact and judg ment with which he was allowed by all to have conducted the "(embassy of friendship. It was a delicate and difficult office that he took upon himself, but his good sense and activity in seizing every means of putting the English character in an advantageous light before Frenchmen had been crowned with entire success. They were fortunate in a 'gentleman of his position as a magistrate, and ac quaintance with the language of France. But one opinion had been expressed on his proceedings, during the week when he was thus in a proud position, at the head of five huudred of his countrymen in the French capital. In the House of Lords the previous night was mentioned by Lord Stanley the extraordinary and un precedented incident of French goodwill being warmed even to playing " Rule Britannia," at a grand entertain ment given to Mr. Lloyd and his party. He hoped the good feeling now evoked in France would encourage other excursions, for nothing would promote 'more the objects of institutions like these—the universal cultiva tion of science and literature apart from all national pre judices. He coupled with - Mr. Lloyd's health, " a continuance of the good feeling now existing between England and France." This toast having been drank with all honours, Mr. LLOYD replied that what the Chairman had said about the important results likely to arise from the late visit to Paris was perfectly true. They cannot help being made invaluable, and it should be our care that these good results be not transient. We must reciprocate good offices, and show Frenchmen that we fully appreciate the value of their alliance. The late excursion party to France, which had excited so much attention, had, as the Chairman ob served, been made use of by him for eliciting and test ing the sincerity of the professions made lately by Frenchmen towards England. It was perfectly true he had done so, and the results were beyond his expecta tion. He had, from being in Paris in January and Fe bruary, a good opportunity of remarking the present state of men's minds on the late disastrous political changes on the Continent, and the felicitous immunity our beloved country enjoyed from the miseries they en tailed. He could perceive that there was conviction in the minds of all —even the Red Republicans, as they were called—that there must be something infinitely superior in the British Constitution to what continental Govern ments possessed. No man now attempted to disguise his real opinions that this was so. He never felt so proud of being an Englishman as since the 24th Fe bruary, 1848. The British constitutional monarchy had been borne unscathed through the wild tempest that swept away many a strong political edifice, hither to considered impregnable. The present univer sal feeling of respectful admiration • towards Eng land was a glorious homage to our institu tions. His object in takitig the part he did on the late occasion was also to show Frenchmen how little sym pathy our countryhad.with their republican anarchists, who had been the objects of adulation, by restless dema gogues in England and Ireland, and that his party were very different sort of persons to that body who went over to Paris a year ago to compliment the visionary de structives on the mischief and ruin with which they were overwhelming society. When he (Mr. Lloyd) found that France had returned to her senses, and that she had, by a vigorous effort, got rid of those desperate men who had usurped all power, law, and order, and that she had now every prospect of a firm Government, he determined to show his approbation, at least for one of her wise resolutions. As to the present form of the French Government, he, as a lover of monarchical institutions, might, it must be supposed, have objections; that, however, was no business of any one's but Frenchmen. But, as to the spirit of the pre sent Government, he knew it w.ts as excellent as it was popular amongst all respectable classes. Trade was reviving, prices were going up of all manufactured arti cles, the funds were firm and daily rising. This was the time for Englishmen who enjoyed the advantages of being unsaduced from a right track, to some forward and offer the right hand of congratulation to France at her progress in retracing her steps. France appreciated the value of the moral support of the thinking, substantial, middle classes of Britain. It was, therefore, right that Englishmen should show their approval of the spirit that now animates Frenchmen. He wished to see many more such excursion parties; for, depend upon it, lasting tranquillity (to secure which is the professed object of war) was more likely to be preserved by a little band, accoutred with carpet-bags and umbrellas, than by one a thousand times as numerous glittering in cuirass and armed to the teeth with sword, musket, bayonet, and lance. Mr. Lloyd gave a description of their un precendented reception at Boulogne, where he and his party landed, under a triumphal arch erected for the oc casion, and a royal salute of twenty-one guns—an honour never paid to any before in France but the Sovereign. He described the fate and ball at Boulogne, and ad dresses from the prefects and mayors of Paris, Boulogne, and Amiens, and other places—a grand entertainment given them by the Prefect (the Lord Mayor) of Paris, where the Prime Minister, the Commander-in-.thief, great officers of state, judges, magistrates of the corpora tion, generals and colonels of the army and National Guard, and more than a hundred members of the Na- tional Assembly—in all two thousand guests—attended. on purpose, as they personally assured him, to show the value they sot upon maintaining a good feeling with England. He (Mr. Lloyd), as the organ of his countrymen, had, in addresses to constituted bodies, and in conversation with the many distinguished personages to whom he had the honour of being intro duced every day of their visit, endeavoured to show how greatly England desired the well being and tran quillity of France. He was very careful and anxious to explain that his party laid no claim to be considered an organized body, like the National Guards who came over to England last year; his party had no prestige whatever, no official station or specific character, they were simply what in France would be called Association de bons En- fans. This be on all occasions did, as he was fearful, from seeing himself styled every day in the French papers " President de Cornitie des Anglais," " President de /a Deputation Anglais," that an erroneous impression had been made. He had made a point in undeceiving the mayor and authorities at Boulogne in his reply to their.noble address, and to all the authorities, civil and military, he had said the same. The good feeling towards England at this moment is altogether wonderful. If he had only the satisfaction of having carried up that ad dress to the Prefect of the Seine, which resulted in the splendid entertainment given them at the Hotel de Ville, when eleven grand apartments, lighted and furnished in brilliancy and richness not to be surpassed at Buckingham Palace, were thrown open lor their reception and that of the dis tinguished personages he:had alluded to, invited to meet his party, and where their English ears were delighted and surprised by bearing "Rule Britannia" and " God save the Queen," played by Republicans, and listened to graciously by Republicanr, he ehould feel amply re wardedorm N orman f b o y r aol our fr the hm a a e bt x a h i s e se t a y i dr n and l to a n b re o a u rt r ol Lif had dd w spi e ga e nl . ficer L ds t o oh r ni d s, approbation o who had also very handsomely expressed to him his en tire satisfaction at the issue of his undertaking. M. Guizot had expressed to him the pleasure he felt at read ing the accounts of the interchange of kind feelings on the occasion. He (Mr. Lloyd) had invited M. Gtrzot, as a Brompton resident, to give them the pl easure o f his counte nance and presence this day; but M. Guizot was obliged to decline from a pre ssure of occup a ti on , ow i ng, as he told him, to his intention of being in France again in ten days, which every one must be delighted to hear. Mr. Lloyd's account appeared much to please the com pany, who repeatedly cheered him. He finished in re commending all who would avail themselves of the present favourable inclinations of Frenchmen towards English men, to join Mr. Crisp's excursion at Whitsuntide, which he saw advertised, for a better caterer and manager of an excursion party he never met with; besides which, Mr. Crisp enjoyed privileges others did not. The meeting was subsequently addressed by the Rev. Dr. Wilson, Rev. J. Jorns, Rev. Edward Rudge, and other gentlemen, and separated at a late hour. OPENING OF THE SHROPSHIRE UNION AND SHREWSBURY AND BIRMINGHAM RAILWAYS —The opening of these important lines, which will be the means of furnishing direct railway communication with the metropolis and the north to a large portion of the population and mineral produce of Shropshire, hitherto without these facilities, is fixed for the Ist of June. The Shropshire Union runs from Stafford to Shrewsbury, thirty miles in length, through a rich agricultural dis trict, at a cost of 500,0001. 'she opening of the Shrews bury and Birmingham line, being its first section, is from Shrewsbury to Oltengate. THE CHAILEY MURDER. —Our readers will re member that at the last Sussex Assizes Hannah Sandles was convicted of the murder of her infant child by throw ing it into a well at Chailey, near Lewes, the jury ac companying their verdict of guilty by a recommendation to mercy on the ground of the destitution of the prisoner at the time she committed the act. Shortly afterwards she was respited during her Majesty's pleasure; and the governor of Lewes Gaol has just received from the H o me-office an official notification that the sentence had b ee n commuted to two years' imprison men t with hard labour, followed by transportation for life. DOVER BAY AN]) BREAKWATER. TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN. Sin,—A sense of public duty impels me to reply to a notice of my remarks on the above subject by Colonel Williams, of Ramsgate, in The Sun of'Mouday last. I regret that he should give himself the slightest trou ble as to individuality in a subject where principles are involved of such vital importance. He asserts that he is "at no loss to discover the author," and having duly chronicled this important result of his imaginings, pro ceeds forthwith to make a personal attack on mistaken identity. The Colonel gives in a very general adherence to the principles and causes adduced by me as being in conti nual operation on the south coast of England ; he does not even dispute that it may be a hundred years before the shingle rounds a pier extending 800 feet from the shore—his words are that it will and must " ultimately" reach the end of the pier. Agreeing with one another so nearly, I am rather surprised that he should be so wroth with me. It must be that he takes me for the gentleman at the Admiralty, who lately gave him such a rap liver the knuckles for his meddling interference with works against which he was raising a factious op position. lie also feels very ill at ease because I wrote anonymously. Now, Sir, us I have no personal vanity to gratify—no petty pampa lets to puff—nor no desire for undue notoriety, I have therefore adopted the more customary course of modestly retiireing my real name; but as my pen is and has always been employed pro bona public°. If I thought that the public would be bene fited by removing the veil of incognito, I should at once do so. The Colonel further makes sundry insinuations as to my being a hired scribbler, which, although ex• tremely lame and impotent, must still be repelled. I beg him and your numerous readers to understand, that I am entirely unconnecte d w i t h any G overnment establishment, have no interest whateter in the port of Dover, or the works at present going on there ; have never solicited, never obtained Court patronage or Go vernment place or pay; I have no affix to append to my name at my country's expense. My bureau is not adorned with an official inkstand, from which to " spirtle ink ex cathedra." Being thus f ree f rom party . b i as, local jealousy, disappointed hopes, or tha t prejudice which is blind to truth, I humbly conceive myself in a favourable position for making your readers acquainted how matters stand, and that with strict impartiality. It is sad to see Colonel Williams evidently suppress. ing or perverting the knowledge he possesses on this subject, and whether he does so to damage Dover or re store Ramsgate, I cm quite at a loss to discover; certain it is that he conceals the truth, so that he may have a kick at a body of men of whom I know but little, viz., the Commissioners of Dover Harbour; but were he in possession of one tithe of the knowledge to which he so unblushingly lays claim, had he taken the trouble to compare the present operations with his own ideas of protection of shipping from the north west gales, he would have been prepared for the " startling announce meat" contained in my last letter, as , to the separate, distinct usefulness and independence of the present works. The great national object of the Refuge Harbour at Dover is in plan exceedingly simple. A strong sea-wall running out at right angles from the mainland, close to the entrance of the harbour forms the west side; above a mile to the eastward of Dover a similar wall is to be erected. Jutting out from the south foreland near to the Coruhill Coast Guard Station, at the outer extremities of these walls, wide navigable entrances will be made for the free ingress and egress of shipping of every tonnage; whilst beyond these openings, much filmier to sea, runs a third massive stone wall in deep water, running nearly parallel to the shore, and extending from pier to pier, thereby covering in the whole of Dover Harbour and Bay, some knowledge of the extent of which may be formed when it is known that these walls will enclose an area of upwards of 600 acres; and the outer wall or breakwater is to be upon the upright wall principle, and not at all like the negligent, haphazard plan adopted in Plymouth Sound, where a most irregular mass of stone was allowed to find its own bed, and yet so much ad mired by the Colonel. The western wall or angle of this great work is that which now so excites the ire and calls forth the letters of Colonel Williams, and this por tion though most assuredly forming a prominent part of the gigantic undertaking, is at present known as the " New Dover Landing-pier;" and certainly the country is indebted to the genius of their engineers (not royal) when the several parts of a great work are brought to bear upon public comfort and convenience, just the same as we find directors opening the portions of their rail ways as they become ready for traffic, without waiting for the completion of the whole. Most nobly do the works proceed on this western angle. Standing within a window niche of the Folke stone Hotel lately, my attention was arrested to observe the robust head of this massive piece of masonry pres sing sternly out to sea beyond the lofty face of Shirks pere's Cliff; standing forth in bold relief from the line of. coast, it seemed to bid defiance to the angry lashing of the winter's storm, a grand monument of the triumph of engineering skill, guided by that Almighty power which wieldeth all the destinies and deliberations of men. Tne Engineer-Colonel thinks that " a harbour of re fuge in Dover Bay is imperatively called for;" then why does he rail out against the first step to his thoughts and wishes? It' the aspirations of his soul and his pamphlet are about to be realised, then why does he turn round and denounce a very successful commencement of what he deems imperative, spitefully maliuguing it as for a mere " temporary purpose"—a clutch fur a deserted seaport? With Plymouth Sound, Spithead, Beachy Bead, Dun geness, the ;South Foreland, the Downs, and the Dore, all protectors, within a few hours' sail of each other, and j being an ardent financial reformer, I have some doubts whether it is so very loudly called fur to have a refuge harbour at Dover; but if I did consider it necessary, I certainly would hail with delight the successful coin ' mencement of such a work. I have stood upon the works several times, with gentlemen great by birth and great by talent; I have conversed amid the diving-bells and machinery employed with the most scientific men of the present day, including engineers, civil, military, and practical, and have seen and heard umningled satisfac tion as to the works and their ultimate benefit; and yet we find an obscure individual calling it a " job," which ho . beheves "will be - dearly purchased at twopence halfpenny." Sic transit fioria mundi. It is, however, one consolation to know from the Gallant Colonel that, although it is a "job," it will, nevertheless, be an important " local benefit—a great prize" for the port of Dover. How is it that Colonel Williams has " applied to every Member of the House of Commons who takes an interest is questions of finance, and received no encouragemens for inquiry into that grave job?' " He tells the public that he has appealed to the press, and then he appeals to the public themselves; yet no one lends an ear. lie then tries threats—he "demands to be heard," and repeats " that nothing will or shall put this matter to rest but inquiry." The House of Commons he implores to take a fine sieve, and ":have the matter sifted." Hear you this further— ye Gentlemen Commoners and ye Noble Lords—Colonel Williams has discovered "strong ground" for your in tervention. The restoration of the prize is a secondary consideration—only rentettre the Gallant Colonel. • In my last letter, which you did me the honour to in sert, I endeavoured to show your readers that so great was the magnitude of the scheme which the Refuge Har bour Commission decided upon, that to future genera tions would be left the honour of completing the task; whereat the Colonel jumps to the conclusion that all is abandoned but the pier, and that the country is doing what private or corporate funds should have accom plished long ago. Nuw, I certainly knew that the cor porate funds of Dover, whilst they have been applied with care, have been expended with liberality to improve the harbour; within the last few years they have constructed additional harbour accommodation. The deepening of the harbour has been decided upon, and been commenced; and not only these, but whilst on a visit of health a few weeks back, the obliging master of the works there kindly pointed out to me the centre line for a splendid double ship slip, which is to be commenced forthwith, in plan and principles superior to that at Ramsgate, and which must prove a vast acquisition to the port, for not only is the situation for the slip conve nient, but it actually touches upon the only two ship builders' yards of this port. Considering the extent of these works, and taking these three undertakings toge there, we should find but small reason to stigmatise " those in charge of Dover Harbour." I trust you will, Sir, accept an earnest apology for the unexpected length to which these remarks have run, and an assurance that I have no other interest or motive to serve in this matter than solely and entirely the information of your readers, and to put the public in possession of the true merits of the case. I am, Sir, &c., London, May 19, 1849. ALPHA. A LOYAL SCENE.—The tide of loyalty rever, perhaps, flowed higher than it did on Saturday evening, ashen the whole population of the metropolis were in the streets viewing the illuminations in honour of the birth day of our beloved Sovereign. It seemed as if the people had by electric agency received the intelligence of the diabolical attempt upon the Queen's life, and, at the same time, the cheering news that she had provi dentially escaped unscathed. So profound was the emotion excited in the minds of the pepulace strong was the affection elicited from e s tl er ;e to give i t la s populace, and so es that every opportunity was seized that would expression. This was particularly exemplified in large assemblage collected during the whole of theevethe even ing opposite the Paletot Warer ooms b in elo i n i g eg in e g ht- t s o tr t e h e e t Messrs. Nicoll, whose severalhouses presented perhaps the most tasteful and brilliant illumi nation ever seen in London: one e portion consisted of the words . (.Tod of the device , save the Queen" in gi• gantic letters of gas; this, it would seem, suggested to the spectators the idea of singing the National Anthem, and though it may not be considered as having b een accomplished in a very artistic manner, yet was it most pleasing to hear from the heartiness with which it was given; and few that witnessed the scene will forget the fine expression displayed upon so many loyal and en thusiastic faces during that evening. The effect was much assisted by the blaze of light which almost seemed to turn the night into day.—Morning Post. THE DANISH BLOCKADE OF TUE GERMAN PORTS. —We understand that her Majesty's steam-sloop Sphynx, Commander Hewlett, has been sent to the Elbe with dispatches from the Foreign office, in consequence of some representations from some merchants that two British ships were not allowed to come out. These vessels —viz., a steamer with a very valuable cargo, and the other a brig, in consequence of the inefficiency of the blockade by the Danes, had made the port for which they were destined without being warned off, and the owners now contend that they have a right to return, unmo lested, to this country; for the blockade, to be duly re spected, must not be a mere paper blockade, but must be effectively kept up by the actual presence of a aqua dron of cruisers, to prevent neutrals from breaking through. The Sphynx was at Cuxhaven on the 18th instant. • • • . .l ("3:-Y ifir(o4 O,P , • ._--c LIVERPOOL, .I.IIoNDAT, AlinNicarr. We have received our dispatches from the United States by the royal mail steam-ship Cambria, Captain Shannon. The Hibernia reached Halifax on the 10th, in 11 days. Affairs i❑ Canada were comparatively quiet. The following are the latest telegraphic accounts : "MONTREAL, MAT 8, 6 PM. " The Parliament was not in session to-day; it will convene on Monday next, and hold its sessions in the new building owned by Mr. Hayes, called the Freema son's-hsill, but it is said that the seat of Government is to alternate tour years at Quebt:candToronto. "A y oung man engaged in the Custom-house has bin arrest& d, and is in custody, for disturbing the peace, or, it is probable, to he detained fur a witne,s. " The agitation still continues in the eastern townships. All is quiet in Montreal." MAY 8, 7 P.M. " The Government has taken possession of the new building belonging to Mr. Hayes, and both Houses of Parliament will meet there on Monday. " A person named Stone was arrested to-day, but the charge against him is not known. ••• Some of the late prisoners are about to start on a tour of agitation to the eastern townships." " MAY 7, P.M. " There was nothing of importance done in Parliament to-day. The beads assembled in Bonsecours market, a nd to-morrow will assemble in the Freemasons'•hall. Both Houses adjourned to remove their furniture to their new place of meeting. " Everything remains quiet. "Quebec partook of the general excitement ineidental upon the Rebellion Losses Bill having been sanctioned. The Governor-General was burnt in effigy on Friday evening last. Resistance was made by a section of the Irish party who professed ultra Repeal doctrines, and a fight ensued, which was finally quelled by the police. The military were in attendance, but were not required. One man was wounded, but not seriously. On Saturday an attempt was made to burn Sir A . M‘Nab in effigy, but the mode rate of the Irish party prevented it. On Sunday a mass meeting of the French Canadians was held, aided by the same Repeal followers, and a deputation sanctioned to proceed to the seat of Government to present an address to the Governor-General, offering defence and condo lence. " On Monday large parties again assembled, but all passed off quietly. `• There is a talk of arming on both sides, and the papers in the Canadian interest talk most loudly." " SiAY 4. " News from all over the country stills continues to pour in, both by telegraph and mail, of the monster meeting got up to- protest against the Indemnity Bill, and to get up petitions to the Queen to recal the Go vernor. " We have just received words from Toronto of an immense meeting held there for the above-named object, and the appointment of Sir Alan M‘Nab as a delegate to England. " There was a fierce debate in the Assembly yester day evening upon a motion of adjournment—bitter ertminations and recriminations passed between both parties. " Mr. Pspineau, the old leader of the rebellion made a furious attack on the Ministry, charging them with in capacity, and being the cause of all the disturbances. "Mr. Solicitor-General Drummond replied by charg ing him with the desire of annexation to the United States, and of being the first Governor of the new State. " Sir Alan M'Nab raked up recollections of murder and outrage cotnmitted during the rebellions of 1837 and 1838. The Ministry deprecated the cause of the argu ment as being got up for, mere party purposes, and said that at a proper time they were prepared to justify the whole of that proceeding. The President of the Council likewise said that one of the causes of the excitement was the do sire of annexation, which he deprecated. There were no new disturbances in the city yester day, but there doubtless would have been if the House had not adjourned at an early hour. Large placards were posted all over the city, unanimously signed by the influential inhabitants, urging the necessity of maintain ing peace and order. The excitement is great, and there are rumours that Upper Canada will rise. A few days will show if it be true." TRURSDAY Noon, MAY 3. " The most trifling circumstances show the state of bad feeling which exists among parties in the provinces at present. The fact of the Governor General returning an answer of half a dozen lines in length to a couple of ad dresses from French Canadians was yesterday made the subjf ct of bitter animadversion and invidious compari sons both in and out of the Parliament, which is this morning re-echoed in most of the city journals. " There has been no fault found with the addresses or answers, it was only that his Exeellencv replied to them at length, and that length was only half-a•dusren lines while to the more numerous petitions that were poured upon him against the Indemnity Bill, he only replied that he would give the allegations they contained his full consideration. There has been no more disturb ances in the city, nor has the news of any arrived from other parts of the country. It seems improbable that there should be any more for the present, as the people seemed disposed to wait for an intimation of the course the English Government will pursue. The appointment of Sir Alan M'Nab by the city of Torun' o is being good deal canvassed, and is causing some excitement. On the decision of the English Ministry rests the ques tion if this colony is Lo be plunged in a civil war. •' The Governor replied to an address as follows:-- " Gentlemen,—l received with gratitude your loyal and dutiful at3dress. I lament the outrages of which this city has been the theatre, and more especially the destruction of the building occupied by the Houses of Parliament, with the valuable library of which the pro• vinces had good reason to be proud. My confidence in the good sense, moderation, and loyalty of the body of the people is, however, in no degree shaken by what has occurred. It is satisfactory to me to receive the assur ances that the cour.•e of justice and impartiality which I have followed in the discharge of the functions of my high office meets your approval. That course is pre scribed to me by my duty to my Sovereign, and to the inhabitants of the provinces. "' A free people can hardly fail to discover in the faithful observance of all constitutional guarantees the best security for the preservation of their rights and liberties. " • No efforts will be wanting on my part to secure the preservation of the peace of the city, and I sin cerely trust that by the exertions of the Legislature and the Executive authorities and the co-operation of all f► iends of order this object may be accomplished.' " "Mir 7. " Perfect tranquillity continues here. "L')yal addresses from all parts of Upper Canada are pouring in to the Governor-General. Both Houses of Parliament are quietly proceeding with business. "Domestic affairs in the United States present no features of note. Politics were tranquil. Government had determined to send two ships in search of Sir James Franklin's expedition, ono to go round east by Labra• dor and Davis's Straits ; the other round west by Bela ring's Straits, in search of the lost navigators." The money-market was easier. Discount for fa• vourite signatures were quoted 7 to 9 per cent., on call 5 to 6 per cent. The banks here were well supplied, and a still further improvement was expected. United States Sixes of 1856 were 1061 to 7. SteAing exchange was again higher—namely, 107 to 1071, and 108 f. The latter being the quotation of the great drawers bills. The amount of business transacted for this steamer was limited. sf. 26k, sf. 26. A good deal of shipping to Havre. The cotton accounts state that the reports from the north evinced some previous exaggeration of damages. SOCIETY FOR THE PROPAGATION OP THE GOSPEL IN FOREIGN PARTS.—Yesterday the 148th anniversary meeting of the members of this society took place, with the usual solemnities, in St. Paul's Cathedral. The clergy and other friends of the society were requested, by public announcement, to meet in the nave of the Cathedral, at three o'clock, to receive his Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury, the president, and the civic authorities. Shortly after that hour a large number of arrivals took place, and a procession having been form ed, it moved into the choir, where service was performed. There were present his Grace the Archbishop of Can terbury, the Bishops of London, Salisbury, Llandaff, Worcester, Oxford, Bangor, Peterborough, Ripon, Man chester, and Lichfield; Archdeacons Hale and Robinson; Lord M Prebendary Mayor anodf hie the H on. , k e H. 8.1).,t u e e b e V nd i l a l r i e y r s, of M St.AP.II; u the rs; Rev. Ernest Paul's an the Rev. d C ß h e a c r t le o a r o ß f . L D am al b to e i tb , ; M th A e . chaplain ' (the Rev. J. R. Cattley); Aldermen Sir George Carroll, Farncombe, Moon, and Hunter; Sheriffs Finnic and Goodhart; Mr. Chamberlain Brown, and upwards of one hundred other clergymen in full canoni cals. Full choral service was performed, the gen tlemen of her Majesty's Chapel Royal, under the direction of the Rev. Thomas Helmore, being engaged to assist the choristers of St. Paul's. The sermon was preached by the Bishop of Lichfield, who remarked that during the last twenty years the Society bad doubled the number of its missionaries, and with doubly in creasing success. Upwards of 100 additional missiona ries were required for Canada, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia, There were only two missionaries on the western coast of Newfoundland, and not one on the coast of Labrador. Many additional missionaries were re quired in Australia, whither the tide of emigration was rapidly setting in. The Right Reverend Prelate referred with much satisfaction to the fact that, during the last eight years eleven colonial bishoprics had been founded, and that two other colonial bishops (Victoria and Rupert's Land) would be consecrated in the course of the present month. Ili* Lordship concluded with an eloquent appeal on behalf of the society. The mission ariesjmaintained, in whole or in part, by the society, aro 350, in addition to whom upwards of 300 divinity stu dents, catechists, and schoolmasters are also supported by this venerable incorporation; but the required expan• diture of the society cannot be kept up unless a perma nent addition be made to the annual income. _ Dunnem CATHEDRAL. — We have heard that it is intended speedily to appoint a new minor canon in this cathedral ; and it will gratify every lover of our cathe dral services to learn, that no candidate who does not possess considerable power of voice, and a thorough knowledge of music, is likely to be a successful appli• cant.— Durham Chronicle. The Marquis of Normanby left Paris yesterday morning, and arrived in town by the South Eastern Rail way in time for the debate last evening. ~.;. t .!:)4Z N4irgc,k -\741" THE UNITED STAT.'. AND CANADA. *Navas',