The Sun. — London, England, 1849-07-03 00:00:00

THE BOMBARDMENT OF ROME. The following is an extract of a letter from Father Ventura : " At the moment that I am writing these lines my heart is bowed down with grief. The French soldiers are bombarding Rome, destroying its monuments, and massacring its inhabitants, and blood is flowing in streams on both sides. Fears are enter tained lest when the French enter Rome by as sanit the people should in its rage massacre all the priests and all the nuns. What a fine victory will this be for France What a great restoration of the Pope! History tells us that restorations by force are not durable, and that thrones raised upon dead bodies and in blood are certain to be soon overthrown. Of all the combinations discussed at Gaeta the most fatal has been chosen. But what is still more grievous to every catholic mind is that this re storation, if it takes place, will destroy the autho rity of the Pontiff without establishing the power of the Prince. Each cannon ball that ruins the walls of Rome will destroy by degrees the faith of the Ro mans in the Catholic Religion. The . effect ,pro duced by " confetti di Pio Aim , mandat i a suor fi ght ' (the cannon balls so ticketed and carried through the 'city) is known, but is as nothing compared to the rage against the Church , and the Catholic religion, created by the sight of the French shells. As most of these shells have fallen in the Transtevere, and ruined the houses of the poor people who inhabit it, as well as killed some of them, the Transteverini—that portion of the population, lately so catholic, are those who now curse and blaspheme against the Pope and the clergy, in whose name they see all this carnage and horror. "I am far from believing that Pius the Ninth desires, or even knows all .this; but what I know and believe on this matter is unknown to the Roman people, who only see and feel that they they are suffering. They see that the Austrians, with Monsignor Bedini amongst them, are ravaging the legations, bombarding towns, imposing enormous taxes on peaceable citizens, are prescribing and shooting the most ardent patriots, and re-establishing the clerical absolutism wherever they go. They see that the French are spilling Roman blood in the name of the Pope, who has sent against them four powers, armed with all the means of destruction, against the Roman State, like a p a ck of h oun d s against a wild beast. They feel and know all this, and they rise against the Pope and the Church in the name and interest of which the Pope pro claims that it is his duty to reconquer by force his temporal power. The excesses of Rome have been sur passed by the excesses of Gaeta. Not a word has been said of peace, reconciliation, or pardon; not a promise made to maintain public liberties; and yet this ought to have been done by the Pope. The l as t a ll oca ti on o f t h e Pontiff has been read. How imprudent to have made the Pope praise Austria, and the King of Naples, who have ever been the sworn foes of Italian ind e p en d ence . How much more imprudent still to make him say that, of his own accord, he had appealed to the powers to re-establish him on a throne which he had himself . abandoned. It was conf ess i ng th at h e w i s h e d to d o to his people what be had declared unwilling last year to da against the Croats and Austrians, oppressors of Italy. Even the women feel this reasoning; and now that they see the effects of this brutal war of four great powers against a small state, their husbands and chil dren killed and wounded, you cannot form an idea of the rage of these women, of the energetic sentiments that they utter, and the fury that animates them against the Pope, the cardinals, and the masa of the priesthood. You can conceive, therefore, how it is that churches have been devastated. People will no longer confess them selves, or communicate, or hear mass. There is no longer any preaching at RJme, because no one will listen. Everything that is presented by a priest, or smells of a priest, is shunned. "To me Pius IX. is always the vicar of Jesus Christ, the head of the Church. But can the mass understand this. I know that all the youth of Rome and all those who have instruction, reason as follows : The Pope want.; to reign over us by force. He wants for the Church, or the priests, a sovereignty which only b,longs to the people, and be thinks that it is his duty to act thus, because we are Catho lics, and because Rome is the centre of Catholicism. Well, what is there to prevent U 3 from abandoning Ca tholicism, and becoming Protestants if ne c es sar y ; an d then what political right can he urge again s t us ? F or is it not horrible to think, that because we are Catholics and sons of the Church, we must be kept in leading strings by the Church, abjure all our rights, and expect from the liberality of priests as a concession what is justly due to us, and be condemned to the lot of the most miserable of nations?' " These sentiments are more common than they are supposed to be, and have even penetrated into the minds of women. And thus my labours of twenty years have been lost, and Protestantism is de facto implanted in a portion of the good and religious Roman people, and that too, horrible to relate, by the priesthood itself and the tied policy into which the Pope has been drawn. " Had Pope Pius IX. been left to himself, he would never have left Rome. Had he done so, he would not at any rate have left the Roman states, but would have gone to Bologna, Ancona, or Civita Vecchia, where he would have been received as from heaven. He would not have gone to Gaeta and refused to see the Roman deputations, and he would have.said :-- 6 Let me stay in exile rather than appeal to arms which would perhaps subdue, but would cause the loss of the hearts of my people.' Rome will probably fall, - and the Pope may again enter the Eternal City, but he will never reign over the hearts or the Romans." APPLICATION OF GUN-COTTON TO THE SILVERING OF LOOKING-GLASSES. M. H. Vohl has recently discovered that a solution of gun cotton in a caustic alkaline ley, possesses in a high degree the property of precipitating silver from its solutions in the metallic form. If gun-cotton be placed in contact with a caustic alkaline ley of suffi cient strength, the cotton dissolves in the ley, with the disengagement of considerable heat, and of ammonia, and furnishes a deep brown liquor, sometimes rather thick ; which, on the addition of an acid, gives rise to a brisk effervescence, with disengagement of carbonic acid, and nitrous acid. The manner in which the gun cotton comforts itself in this case shows that this substance is not dissolved as such, but undergoes a decomposition, in which the atoms of the oxygen of the nitric acid com bine with an atom of the carbon of the cotton, and give rise to the carbonic acid ; which, as well as the nitrous acid, combines with a portion of the potash. A new decomposition of the nitrous salt by the potash, in presence of substances containing hydrogen, fur nishes the ammonia. The most remarkable property of this alkaline solution, is the following :—lf a few drops of nitrate of silver be added to the solution, and enough ammonia added, so that the oxyde of silver which is formed, becomes redissolved, and heat gently applied by means of a water bath, a moment arrives when the liquid assumes a dark brown colour, show ing an effervescence, and all the silver is precipitated on the sides of the wood containing the solution, as a polished mirror. The mirror thus obtained sur passes considerably in brilliancy that which is pro duced by etherial oils, or ammoniacal aldehyde ; and its ready production must give it an important place in many useful practical applications. It is not only the gun cotton which possesses this property ; it is found that cane sugar, milk sugar, mannite, gums, and other substances, which become explosive when treated with nitric acid, &c., the same. The picroazotic acid itself produces, under the same circumstances, a bright metallic surface; and it would appear that this reaction takes with all those bodies, which, treated with nitric acid, do not furnish the products of oxidation ; but another series of bodies which admit nitric acid as such into their constitu tion, and at the same time abandon an equivalent of water.—Patent Journal. MELANCHOLY ACCIDENT ON THE RIVER —An accident, by which five persons nearly lost their lives, and one life was lo s t, occurre d upon the river onSatur Satur day afternoon last off th e A rc hbi shop of Canterbury's - palace. It appears th a t fi ve persons, named William ' Fields, Edward Grov es , S amue l Miller, Thomas Barnes, and William Hi gg i ns , a ll i n t h e employment of Messrs. Price, the patent cocoa-nut candle manufacturers, a t Vauxhall, had been to witness a cr i c k et match ptaye d by some of their fellow-workmen at Battersea, and, in order to return home, they hired a four-oared boat, into N$ hich they all got, and had rowed down the river on the Middlesex side as far as the Horseferry-stairs, when they turned the head of the vessel in the direction of Lambeth, and were crossing the water, when the surf caused by a passing steamer :struck the midships of the boat and turned it over, precipitating the five persons into the river. The numerous gersons passing along the Bishop's-walk who witnessed the accident and saw the young men plunging about in the water raised an alarm, when several watermen put off in their boats and suc ceeded, after some time, in getting the four firstuamed out of the water, but Higgins was unfortunately drowned. The deceased was a son of police-constable Higgins, No. 99 L division, residing at No. 4, Catharine street, Vauxhall. The four persons taken out of . the water were i mme di ate l y conveye d t o the Wbite Lion Tavern, where Mr. Jeffrey , surgeon, quickly attended, and by unremitti ng attention the puor fellows were, although at one time thought to be de a d , perfectly re stored by five o'cl oc k, an d were enabled to be removed to their own residences. Th e body of Higgins had not been found at six o'clock last evening . TRADE OF NOTTINGHAM.--The turn-out of the wrought cotton hose hands i s b y no m a few exceptions, the adverse parties seems ended; ru ogre with deter mined than ever, whilst in Derby s hi re it assumes serious • aspect; several shops of fram'e s s un i s s a v a e been broken to deter persons from going to - work. The stockingers are decidedly o f op i nion that the houses must eventually give way, for want of goods, but the latter are equally confident as to the result. The drawer, pantaloon, and shirt branch (notwithstanding its extension in the villag(s) is in a l a ir condition, the demand for these articles being very extensive throughout the western world, and even in Asia, though previous to the invention of fleecy hosiery, about 1720, they were not known. Their elasticity as well as strength makes them superior to any other article used as underwear. The cotton glove trade continues in a good condition, but as might be expected at this season, there is a falling off in silk gloves, especially in Derbyshire; the hosiers give out material with a sparing hand to independent frames, not being their own property. The silk knotted branch is in a tolerably fair state, the frames bring !Tett) , well employed. The plain silk ho se b ranc h is in a most de. pressed condition. Politeness is the shadow of civilization. Christianity is the substance,—Eliza Cook's Journal. SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN HADERSLEB EN, JUNE 26.—Everything is appa rently in statu quo at Fredericia, but the general impression is that hostilities will be commenced in the course of a few days. The northern army has now established its head-quarters at Aar huus. The Imperial troops have advanced two leagues and a half further southward, but it seems to be dubious whether or not Randus has yet been occupied by the Prussian corps. It is true that on the 21st they were already confronting the enemy's troops, and a general engagement was ex pected, when orders were suddenly given to halt. The right wing of the Prussians remained standing, the Danes on the right fell back upon the peninsula of Helgenus, while the centre, composed of Bavarians, made a forward movement. Not a shot was fired on either side. Reports of an approaching armistice, and of the amicable solution of the pending negotiations, are in continual circulation, but they are reports only, and nothing definite or decisive appears to be yet determined upon. The large demands made on both sides, not only relative to the - main question—that of the future relation of the Duchies to Denmark, but to the blcckade expenses and the expenses of the war under this long-contested question, are extremely difficult to settle. The appearance of the gross of the Russian fleet will doubtless have some weight; as yet only a few isolated frigates and other Russian vessels have appeared in sight.—Hamburgh Papers. THE INSURRECTION IN BADEN The Grand Duke of Baden was expected at Darm stadt on the 26th ult. The state of siege in which the province of Slarken burg had been placed is removed by order of the Minister, not a single instance having occurred there in which martial law was applied. The Mayence Gazette states the capitulation of Rastadt is certain—but the Cologne Gazette of the 30th says :—" That the steamer which has just arrived from Mayence brought no intelligence of the oc• cupation of that fortress by the Russian troops, but stated that the fortress had been allowed three days to capitulate. Private letters assert that Rastadt has been taken, and that Mieroslawski, fol lowed by the insurgent army, bas retired beyond the Murg. He did not wish to weaken his forces by di viding his army, which he must otherwise necessarily have done, and therefore was obliged to stake the fortress. The .Karlsruhe Journal, of the 28th ult., says no. thing of the surrender of Rastadt. POLYTE During w N e lL ek G , at li rs T e i st T ab U lish T m i e?t, N D . Dr. Bachhoffner has been engaged in delivering a lecture on the various methods of producing artificial ice, which can be employed in cooling wine, &c. The production of cold, artificially, depends in all cases upon one great principle, viz., that when bodies pass from the solid to the fluid, or from the fluid to the gaseous condition, they require an increased amount of heat to enable them to exist in their new form ; to produce cold, then, we merely have to bring together such bodies as can be made to pass rapidly from one state to the other, in so doing they rob surrounding bodies of the heat which they contain, and produce the desired effect if we place those bodies we desire to cool in connexion with them. It will be seen from this that it is necessary to employ vessels adapted to each particular case, and for this purpose the patent arrangements of Mr. Masters stand alone. Many of them were exhi bited on the lecture table, and appeared at once simple, economical, and elegant. It is worthy of remark that by this contrivance a bottle of wine may be iced in a few seconds at a very trifling cost. Amongst the many interesting experi ments by the Learned Doctor during his lecture was an illustration of the extraordinary fact discovered by Doctor Bontyony, viz., that water may be frozen in a red-hot vessel, if we merely follow out the prin ciples before alluded to. The lecture was extremely well attended by a most respectable audience, who appeared highly gratified by the simple and pleasing manner with which the Professor treated his subject. DEPARTURES AND ALTERATIONS OF THE FOREIGN AND COLONIAL MAILS FOR JULY. The following are the dates on which the foreign and colonial mails will be made up at the General Post•office, St. Martin's-le-Grand, during the ensuing month of July, and when the return packets will be due at Southampton, Liverpool, and Falmouth : West Indies, &c.—For the British and foreign colonies in the West Indies (except Honduras, Nassau, Bermuda, and Havannah), Venezuela and Jacmel on the morning of the 2d and 17th, Bermuda, Nassau, New Orleans, Mexico, Honduras, and llavannab, on the morning of the 2d only; Madeira, Grey Town (San Juan de Nica ragua), New Grenada, Chili, and Peru, on the morn ing of the 17th only. The Trent steamer for the mails of the 2d, via Southampton; next packets due on the 7th , and 22d. Madeira, Brazil, and Buenos Ayres, on the evening of the 4th, by her Majesty's brig Penguin, from Falmouth, due; her Majesty's brig Crane (over due); her Ma jesty's brig Linnet, due on the 25th at Falmouth. (From August to January inclusive the packet touches at Pernambuco and Bahia, on her outward pasi.age to Rio Janeiro, and the other six months on her home ward.) United States, &c.—For British North America and the United States on the evening of the 6th, by the Ca ledonia steamer, via Liverpool, Halifax, and Boston; on the evening of the 13th to New York by the Europa steamer; on the evening of the 20th to Boston by the Cambria steamer; and on the evening of the 27tb, to New York by the America steamer. Next packets due at Liverpool—the Europa, on the 4th from Boston; the Cambria on the 12th from New York; the America, on the 18th from Boston, and the Hibernia steamer, on the 26th from New York. (The branch packets for New- ' foundland will be dispatched from Halifax on the arrival at the latter port of the homeward packet from Boston, and the branch packet for Bermuda will be dispatched from Halifax on the arrival at that port of the outward packet for Boston.) Mediterranean, India, &c.—For the Mediterranean, Malta, Egypt, Ceylon, India, Hong-Kong, and China on the evenings of the 7th and 24th (Mauritius on the 24th) by the fortnightly overland closed mails via Marseilles, due on the 23d; Gibraltar, Malta, Greece, the lonian Islands, Egypt, Aden, Ceylon, Mauritius, India, and China on the morning of the 20th, by the Oriental Steam Company's packet from Southampton due on the 28th at Southampton. Peninsula, &c.—Vigo, Oporto, Lisbon, Madeira, via Lisbon, Cadiz, and Gibraltar, oa the mornings of the 7th, 17th, and 27th, by the Peninsular Steam Com pany's packets from Southampton. Next packets due on the sth, 15th,and 25th, at Southampton. Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, Van Diemen's Land, and New Z,aland, by ship fetter-bags, which will be forwarded by vessels sailing from London and other ports of the United Kingdom ; Newspapers to these eo• lorries must be prepaid one penny each, or they will not be forwarded by these bags. France, &c.—Twice daily—morning and evening (Sun days excepted), by her Majesty's mail steam-packets, via Dover and Calais, due daily. Belgium, &c. (and countries through Belgium, Prussia, and Germany, Hamburgh, Turkey, Moldavia, Walla chia, Servia, &c.)—Every evening (except Sunday), by her Majesty's steam packets via Dover and Ostend; due daily. Liamburgh, &c.—Tuesday and Friday evenings; due Tuesdays and Saturdays. Holland, &c.—Wednesday and Saturday mornings; due Mondays and Thursdays, by the General Steam Navigation G'onipany's packets, via the Thames. Sierra Leone, &c.—Mails will be made up on Monday evening, the 2d of July, for Madeira, San Nicholas (Cape Verd Islands), Sierra Leone, and the island of Ascension, to be forwarded by h er Kijesty's ship Ranger, ap pointed to sail from Davonport on the evening of tho 3J. Letters to Madeira and Cape Verd, is. 101 per half ounce; newspapers, 2J. each, which must be prepaid. Sierra Leone and Ascension—Letters, is.; newspapers, i free. THE TOXOPHOLITE BALL.—The annual ball of this long-established archery society, of which the Earl of Aylesford, is president, took place on Friday night, at the Archer's Lodge, Regent's Park. The grounds at tached to that charming little retreat were brilliantly illuminated by thousands of variegated lamps, and the avenues which approach the mansion were lighted by coloured lamps. In front of the lawn, the ordinary prac tice ground, a very superb temporary saloon was erected for dancing, the walls being relieved with coloured dra peries. The archer's hall, which communicated with the ball room, was tastefully lighted by wax candles arranged in semicircles round the apartment, and among the conspicuous objects of attention were the numerous silver trophies belonging to the members of the society. Another temporary saloon had been erected and hand somely decorated, in which refreshments of the choicest description and a sumptuous supper were supplied under the admirable superintendence of Bridgeman, of Wig more-street. Dancing commenced shortly after 11, and was maintained with unabated spirit until after four o'clock on Saturday morning—Jullien's band being en gaged for the fête. Above . 500 members and f r i e nd s were present on the occasion. A reviewedß D . Spanish p el s a S a t e t P d: is a ro T o r a t P h e E t a a t AND th when e TEt standardh e T P:o f N p De Castile, according to an old cu s t om i n t h e S pan i s h ar my, was laid pen at the feet of hi s H o li ness, who, i gnorant o f w h a t was required of him in return, asked the Bishop of Caerc what he was do. That prelate replied that the Sovereign King of kings , rtehaeabuanponnerith,aidit with been Pontiff being considered God's Vicar on earth, or as the that he might in going through this cs,remony, and s After order. the ti oop-, the Bishop of Cuencl knelt, 'and made"g ing petition most Holy Father, let himee worthy of receiving a boon from you, which n *s °l) t I am that you give me the shoes you wear, becauie, after which the standard of Castile, they cannot touch tang.upbon Spanish ground." Another pair of shoes, providedl ) 1 ) 1 ; the bishop, were then brought, and Pius presented his to that dignitary, who doubtless has thus secured to himself a cardinal's hat. We gain as much in avoiding the failings of others, as we do in imitating that in which they excel.—Eliza Cook's Journal. Dispatches were sent off yesterday evening from the Colonial-office, for the Governor of the Mauritius. IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT, HOUSE OF LORDS, July 2. Their Lordships assembled at Five o'clock. The Marquis of LONDONDERRY presented a peti tion from Newcastle against any alteration in the Afar• riage Act. THE SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY EVENING-, JULY 3, 1849. altering them from time to time and adopting them to their own wants, subject to this limitation, that such alterations should be approved of by her Majesty, after having been laid before the Imperial Parliament. Thus, any reform in the Constitution of the colonies was virtually to be effected by the colonies themselves. He thought it a principle of great importance, and one the adoption of which should be delayed as little as possible. As to the objection to two Chambers. In point of fact the ground ol'objection in the papers was not what the Noble Lord had stated. The great objection was to the interference of Parliament at all. When once a Constitution had been granted, the colonists depre cated all further Parliamentary interference; so that it would be seen that all was in accordance with the feelings of the colonists, as expressed in these papers. The Bill further proposed to divide the district of Victoria from the other parts of New South Wales, and it gave to the colo nies with constitutions thus formed the power of forming, if they thought fit, a Central Constitutional Assembly, to dispose of matters of common interest. But such a Central Assembly could not come into operation except it was de manded by the legislations composed as he had described. It was intended to omit the clauses creating a common tariff among the provinces. The arrangement could not be made without supplying a number of details which it would be objectionable to supply here. With that alteration, it was his anxious desire the measure should pass this year, in compliance with the request of the colonists themselves. The present state of things was most inconvenient and un just to Port Philip. If the measure were postponed now, he would not be sanguine that they could entertain a better period for discussing it next session, pressure of business affecting questions of domestic interest. Such was the course the Government intended to take; and from commu nications which he had with persons connected with the co lony, he was sure that any postponement of the Bill would be much regretted. He might add, however, that if serious opposition were offered to the measure, he feared it might not become the law of the land. Lord LITTLETON, without going into the merits of the proposed scheme, supported the proposition of his Noble Friend on the cross benches. The Bill, however, fell short of what it ought to be, by not giving statutable security to the colony of having their local affairs administered by local legislation. He saw no indication of such a principle in,the Bill. Lord STANLEY ridiculed the idea of discussing at so late a period of the session a measure containing principles of such magnitude, and details of so great importance. If the Noble Lord attempted to carry through any portion of this important Bill during the present session he would unques tionably fail, for strenuous opposition would be offered to it both in that and the other House of Parliament. Earl GREY saw great difficulty in separating what the Noble Lord opposite had termed the "comprehensive" from the "simple" portions of the Bill. The petition was laid upon the table, and the conversation ended. The Marquis of LANSDOWNE presented the fourth re port of the Commissioners of Charitable Donations, and in presenting some returns connected with the amount of bu siness before the Court of Chancery, he expressed a hope that his Noble Friend (the Lord Chancellor) would almost imme diately be able to resume his duties. AUDIT OF RAILWAY ACCOUNTS BILL. Lord MONTE AGLE moved the second reading of the Audit of Railway Accounts Bill. Lord LONSDALE disapproved of the measure, which he regarded as an unjust interference with private speculation, without any prospect of benefit accruing. When those searching inquiries were not made by Government into other companies, he did not see why such interference should be caused in the case of railway companies. He then moved that it be read a second time that day three months. Lord MONTEAGLE said that as the Bill had been so fully discussed and approved of last session, he did not see why there should be any necessity for dividing on it now. The Earl of YARBOROUGH said that he did not think that the railway companies were dealt fairly with, because they had no opportunity of knowing this Bill, as it had been printed on Saturday, and proposed to be read a second time on this day (Monday). He should therefore support the motion of his Noble Friend (Lord Lonsdale). Their Lordships then divided, when there appeared— Contents ... ... 10 Non-contents ... 5 Majority ... ... —5 The Bill was then read a second time, and their Lordships adjourned. HOUSE OF GO.UMONS, July 2. The SPEAKER took the Chair at Five Minutes before Four o'clock. PRIVATE BILLS. The Lords' amendments to the following Bills were considered and agreed to:— Charing-cross Bridge (Amendment of Acts, Powers to alter authorised Approaches. &c). East Anglian Rsilways (Ely and Huntingdon Rail way. Extension of Time). The following Bills were read a third time and passed Lanarkshire (East and West Line) and Glasgow and Shotta Turnpike Roads (Amendment of Acts, &c.) Shrewsbury and Birmingham Railway Acts Amend ment, Branches, and Deviations. The report on the General Land Drainage and Im provement Company (Incorporation and Conferring of Powers) Bill was considered and agreed to. PROTECTION OF WOMEN. Mr. DUNCAN presented nine petitions from South Shields and other places in the county of Durham, in favour of the Bill for the better protection of women. Mr. CHRISTOPHER presented a similar petition from Lincoln. Mr. WILLIAMS presented a similar petition from Macclesfield. BEER HOUSES. Mr. BROTHERTON presented a petition from Gravesend and other places against the spread of beer houses. THE CHARTER. Mr. HENRY presented a petition from Lancashire in favour of the People's Charter. Mr. CLAY presented a similar petition from Hull. AGIIICULTURAL DISTRESS. Mr. 0. DUNCOMBE presented a petition from York shire complaining of agricultural distress. Lord BROOKE presented a similar petition from Warwickshire, agreed to at a meeting of 7,000 persons, presided over by the High Sheriff of the county. BANKRUPTCY LAWS. Mr. BASS presented a petition from Derby in favour of the Bankruptcy Consolidation Bill. Sir GEORGE STRICKLAND presented a similar petition SANITARY froIstn STATE OF DUBLIN.. Mr. FRENVEN presented a petition from Dublin, praying for a sanitary measure for that city. COUNTY COURTS. Mr. HILDYARD presented a petition from White haven, praying for an extension of the jurisdiction of the county courts. MARRIAGE (SCOTLAND) BILL. Mr. COWAN presented a petition from Edinburgh against this Bill. PARLIAMENTARY REFORM. Captain PECHELL presented a petition from Brighton, praying for Parliamentary reform. AGRICULTURAL DISTRESS. The Earl of MARCH presented several petitions from Surrey and Sussex, complaining of agricultural distress. Major BERESFORD presented a similar petition from the county of Essex. SCOTCH AND IRISH PACKETS. The Marquis of LONDONDERRY moved that there be laid before this House copies of all communications that have taken place between the Postmaster-General and the parties who have contracted for carrying the mails from Greenock to Belfast ; also copies of any contracts that have been made, stating the period for which they have been made; and also any statements to show the eco nomy and saving proposed by any new arrangements. After the paper should have been laid upon the table, he intended to move that after the large sums expended in improving the harbours o f Port Patrick and Do naghadee, it was inexpedient that the packets should be removed from that station. The Marquis of CLANRICARDE, so far from ob jecting to laying the papers before their Lordships would move, as an amendment, that the whole of the correspondence connected with the subject should be laid before the House. The motion as amended was agreed to after a few ob servations from the Earl of ELLENBOROUGH. PETITIONS. Lord STANLEY presented a petition from certain persons connected with the landed interest, praying for a re-enactment of the corn-laws. ITALY. The Marquis of LANSUOWNE laid on the table the communication from the Austrian Go vernment on the subject of the entrance of Austrian troops into Tuscany. This communication had been made subsequent to the time that question had been first mooted in the House. After a few words from the Earl of ABERDEEN, The Marquis of LANSDOWNE said that no formal communication had been made from Austria at the time the communication was made from Turin. The Earl of ABERDEEN said that if the Noble Marquis had said no written communication had been made from the Austrian Government he would have been correct, but although not written the communica tion was formal. HUNGARY: Lord BROUGHAiilisked if any step had been taken to recognise Kossuth's Government of Hungary? The Marquis of LANSDO WNE was understood to reply in the negative. Lord BROUGHAM had understood that an emissary of Kossuth had been received at the Foreign-office. The Marquis of LANSDOWNE said no accredited emissary from Hungary had been recognized in this country. PETITIONS. The Duke of RICHMOND presented a petition numerously signed by landowners and farmers in Der byshire, praying for a re-enactment of the corn-laws. The Noble Duke thought their Lordships were trying the loyalty of the petitioners too far in refusing to do any thing for them. Earl FORTESCUE presented petitions in favour of an alteration in the terms of the educational grant. IRISH POOR-LAWS. Earl FORTESCUE presented the report of the Com , mittee on the Irish poor laws. ENTAILED ESTATES. The Duke of RICHMOND presented the report of the Committee on entailed estates, and moved that the report be received.—Agreed• to. The NOBLE EARL then brought in a Bill to carry out the recommendations of the Committee. The object of the Bill was to enable owners of entailed estates to borrow money for the purposes of drainage. The Committee thought it was of great import ance that this Bill should pass during the present session, and he sholud like in the next session to have the Committee re-appointed, in order to carry the investigation of the subject still further He should not be able to move the second reading of the Bill next week, because he should be obliged to attend his duties at quarter ses3ions, and he hoped the Noble Earl at the head of the Woods and Forests would take charge of it, and give it the support of the Government, as, unless the Government took it up, there was no chance of the Bill passing during this session. The Earl of WICKLOW hoped the measure would be extended to Ireland. The Duke of RICMMOND had no objection t) ex tend the measure to Ireland, but he had been long enough in Parliament to know that any question con nected with Ireland gave rise to lengthened debates, and he was exceedingly anxious that this measure ehould pass during this session. The Earl of CARLISLE cordially approved of the objects of this Bill, and although he would not undertake to state that no alteration would be found necessary, yet with that proviso he would be happy to give to the Bill every support in his power. Lord BEAUMONT said that no Drainage Bill would be effectual until they had a law for regulating the out lets of drainage. He hoped Government would intro duce a measure authorising two-thirds of the landowners of a district to erect engines for drainage, and to levy rates for the purpose of defraying the expense of such engines. The Bill was then read a first time. ' SOUTH AUSTRALIA. Lord MONTEAGLE presented a petition from certain in habitants of New South Wales, stating objections to the amount required to give the franchise to the colonists under the present constitution. In corotequeuee of the great alter ation in the value of property, it was found that it had the effect of greatly limiting the electoral body. That was a prayer which of course would require to be very maturely considered by their Lordships. He would, however, take advantage of the presentation of the petition to ask hi s Noble Friend the Secretary for the Colonies the question of which he had given notice—namely, whether it was the intention to proceed in the present session of Parliament with the Bill for altering the constitution of the Australian colonies? It . . might be said that it was irregular in him to allude to a Bill which was not now 19efore their Lordships ; but he thought, under the circumstances, he was justified in doing so, because the Bill was yet in the other House ofParliament, and in the month of August their Lordships might be called upon to pass it.—(Hear, hear.) They had already had examples of the mischievous effects of such hasty and ill considered legislation. It was only necessary to refer to the case of New Zealand, in which, after their Lordships had passed a constitutional Bill, which, when it went over, had to be suspended, because it was altogether impracticable. They had another pertinent example in the case of New South Wales, to which they gave municipal or district councils. That Bill was passed without adequate inquiry, and, when it got into the colony, it was found so unsuited to the case and to the times that the Legislative Council applied to Sir George Gipps, the governor, to sanc tion them in suspending the law, and in acting contrary to it.—( Hear, hear.) Sir G. Gipps saw the necessity of the case, and was compelled to give the local legislature the power of suspending an imperial Act. For two years this was the case. For two years the local legislature was al lowed to override the Imperial Government and Legislature. That was a state of things which he thought so dangerous, ' so fraught with evil consequences, that he thought he was justified in calling upon the Government to give them time for mutually considering any future constitutional Bill.— (Hear, hear.) He was still farther supported in this view by the papers on their Lordships' table. He found that Sir Charles Fitzroy, the present Governor of New South Wales, had expressed his opinion that persistence in the proposed Bill would throw the colony into confusion and cause great dissatisfaction. But there was one ground on which he specially objected to the course which had been adopted with reference to this measure. The Secretary of State, in intro ducing a Bill for the constitutional regulation of the colonies, referred it in the first instance to the Board of Trade and Plantations. He objected to this course on constitutional grounds : he objected to it because it gave rise to a divided responsibility. He contended that the Secretary of State fur the Colonies was bound to give his advice to her Majesty on colonial affairs on his own responsibility, and ought not to be allowed to shift it upon others, or refer such matters to the Board of Trade. Lord BROUGHAM—Board of Trade and Plantations. Lord MONTEAGLE—True ; at one time it had control over the plantations or colonies, but we now had a Secretary of State, specially charged with the functions of Colonial Minister, and he must repeat his objection on constitutional grounds, that that Minister should refer so important a question to the Board of Trade. In the papers on the table he found there were the strongest objections stated by the colonists to two Chambers, but on looking carefully at the language of these objections, it would be found that they objected to having two Chambers, if they were to be com posed as the one was, mainly of nominees of the Crown. Looking at the important and various considerations involved in this subject, and remembering that they were now in the month of July, he could only say that he thought their Lord ships would lower their own character, and the authority of the Imperial Parliament, if they proceeded with so important a 'TIMM.% without opportunity for more mature deliberation. —(Hear, bear.) He might, indeed, appeal to the Noble Lord in a twofold capacity. He was present, not only in his capacity of Colonial Minister, but as the sole representative of the city of Melbourne in Port Philip. They were em powered to send six representatives, but they had declined to exercise the privilege, and had selected his Noble Friend as their only representative.—(A laugh.) The question had been laid before the law officers of the Crown, who had de cided that the people of Melbourne were not restrieted by the laws of the colony as to their choice of representatives, and might, therefore, if they so pleased, elect a Peer of the realm, and the consequence was, that his Noble Friend sat there holding an office, the duties of which, with all his abilities, it was impossible he could discharge, and an example of the evils arising from the hasty, ill-considered, and crude legislation which he now called upon the Government to delay. Ile hoped, that at all events, their Lordships would be allowed till next year to consider so important a measure. Earl GREY said it was certainly irregular to make a speech in presenting a petition, upon a measure not before their Lordships. At the same time there were reasons which occasionally justified a departure from the usual rules of the House, and he would avail himself of the op portunity of giving a short explanation of the nature of the Bill which had been alluded to by his Noble Friend. But before doing so he must be allowed to trouble their Lord ships with a few remarks as to the charge of unconstitu tional reference to the Board of Trade. He must re mind their Lordships that from the earliest times it had been the practice to consider all important ques tions referring to the colonies to a Committee of the Privy Council. In the lapse of time it was found that these affairs were too multitudinous to be well managed by a Board, and for that reason a Secretary of State was appointed, who was charged with conducting the correspondence with the colonies, but it was still the practice to refer all important questions to Committees. In reality there was no shifting or division of respon sibilities. The whole Cabinet were responsible for its acts as a Government.—(Hear, hear.) But practically it was impossible to f r et the consideration of the Cabinet to all questions, and therefore he availed himself of the advice of the Board of Trade and Plantations. In point of fact these measures came before him in the shape of a re• o p f o r t t n f a r t o i c n o t n h i n a l t i t ß t e o e a rndf, the an d r. r h i v e , y acs Council Minister, m a d e a a n d rn i a n u m t e e mbr upon e such reports. There was, therefore, nothing either irregular sNucuhblae Com mittee owrhiTicso e n c a r t e i t t ini t r i y o l o i a f s i t teh, himp r s a e c l f t i h c e n , d a s n a d t t o h n e mittee with him (Earl Grey) when he was Secretary at War in a former Government, on the state of the currency in Jamaica. With respect to the Bill now before the other House of Parliament, its intention might ho briefly stated. Its main principle was to leave the Constitution of these pcoolsosnibielesoabsultveatfotuhne sadthmeetm them, and t too give cha them the power littlengethemas o as f THE CHARTER. Mr. COBDEN presented a petition from a place in Yorkshire in favour of the adoption of the People's Charter. PROTECTION OF WOMEN. Mr. SCULLY presented a petition from Tipperary, in favour of the Bill for giving protection to women. AGRICULTURAL DISTRESS. Mr. NEWDEGATE presented petitions from North Warwickshire and other places, complaining of the operation of free.trade legislation and of agricultural distress. GOVERNMENT OF KINGSTON, JAMAICA. Mr. HENRY BAILLIE presented a petition from the House of Assembly in Kingston, Jamaica, praying that the Government of that colony might be assimi lated to that of our North American colonies. SUPERANNUATION TO POOR-LAW OFFICERS. Mr. THORNELY wished to put a question to the President of the Poor-law B )ard in consequence of the numerous petitions which had been presented to the House on the subject. The question was —whether it was the intention of the Government to bring in any Bill to establish a superannuation fund for the officers of poor-law unions; e.nd if a Bill were to be brought in, whether it was proposed that the funds should be provided by a rate or by a reduction of the salaries of the officers? Mr. BAINES said the subject of a superannuation fund had been for some time under the consideration of the poor-law board, and he hoped ver y s h ort l y to be ableto lay a Bill on the table of the Hou ie . The details of the measure were, however, not sufficiently matured to war alit the hope that it would be int ro d uce d d ur i ng the r present session. With regard to the ftrad, he begged to state distinctly that he for one would be no party to in any other fund of troducing any system of co mpensat i on w ! n i c h was paya b le either out of the po or - ra t es or out of the country.—(hear, hear.) The only principle which he should think ad v i sa bl e was that adopted in the Metro politan Police Act, ei g ht y ears ago, and in the Borough Police Act last year, of providing a fv.nd out of reduc tions from officers' salaries.—(Hear, hers r.) NEW SOUTH WALS- Mr. SCOTT put the following question to the Go vernment :—Her Majesty's Government having intro duced into Pa r li ament the Australian Colonies (No. 2) Bill, continuin g i n N ew South Wales single Chamber of Legislature, on the ground, as statf,cl in the papers, presented to both Houses on the 25th day of May, that public opinion in the colony is opposed to a doublecham ber, and these papers recording the det;it,ion of the present Governor of New South Wales, and, of the legislative c mncil, and containing petitions from the most populous and influential portions of the colony in favour of a second Chamber, is it the intention of her Majesty's Government to proceed with the Bill in its present shape; also, was any communication on the same subject re ceived from the late Governor Sir G eorge Gipps, and if so, is there any objection to its being laid on the table before proceeding with the Bill? Mr. HAWES stated that Bill No. 2 was an exact copy of the first Bill, and that it was the intention of the Government to proceed with it. The Honourable Gentleman was also understood to say that no such dis patch existed as that referred to by the Hon. Gentleman, from Sir George Gipps. AFFAIRS OF CHIKA. Mr. H. BAILLIE wished to put at question to the Noble Lord at the head of the Foreign Department with reference to the affairs of China. By the last accounts which had arrived from that country it appeared that the Emperor had caused an additional communication to be made to her Majesty's Pleniputuntiary, that he did not intend to observe the first article of the Treaty, signed by the Imperial Commassioners and Sir J. Davis, which was to the effect, tl-Itt at a fixed pe riod of next year the city of Canton should he opened to British subjects. By the same ace ounts it appeared that one of the principal articles in the Nankin Treaty had been violated. That article provides that British merchants should not, as they had hitherto been compelled to sell their commodities through certain Chinese guilds, but that they should emll them through whom and to whom they liked. It seemed, however, that an exception had been taken to this article, and a r. , spectable man who had been in the habit or dealing with British merchants, who were considered as foreigners, had been pat to death for so doing, while others had been obliged to fly to avoid a similar fate. The question, therefore, he wished to ask was, whether it was the intention of Government to compel the per formance of those treaties with China, and whether the Noble Lord had any objection to lay on the table of the House the communications and instructions which had passed on the subject. Lord PALMERSTON said considerable anxiety had been felt on this subject amongst the comm erc i a l community, but he wa s g l a d to say that such anxiety did not rest upon any solid foundation. It was true, as stated by the Hon. Gentle man, that a communication had passed between the Government of China and her Majesty's Government, on the subject of the treaty relating to Canton. It was also true that the Government of China had demurred to the engagement conferring privileges on British subjects in reference to trading in Canton, but it was on the ground that they were not able to prevent outrages and insults being offered to British subjects by the natives, which might tend to disturb the friendly relations which existed between the two countries. Her Majesty's Government had not yielded the rights which the treaty con ferred upon them ; on the contrary, they claimed to continue them, but, in preference to enforcing those rights by force of arms, Govern ment might think it necessary to delay taking posses sion of Canton till the Chinese authoritiea were in a position to repress outrage and insult on British sub jects.— (Loud cries of " Hear, hear.") With regard to the second question of the Hon. Gentleman, relating to the treaty of Nankin, it was true that some agitation had occurred in China on the subject, and the act referred to by the Hon. Gentleman ; but he was informed that it was the act of an individual and not of the Chinese Government. Still, however that might be, he had no hesitation in stating that it was the intention of her Majesty's Government to exact from the Government of China a full and faithful performance of those treaties which had been made for the interest of this country.—(Hear, hear.) Representations had been made on the subject, and from all that he had heard he was led to believe that these representations would be attended with success. UNION OF KILRUSIL Mr. CRAWFORD then rose, pursuant to notice, to call the attention of her Majesty's Government to the statements of continued evictions in the Union of Kil rush, contained in Captain Kennedy's last reports, and to ask, whether it was the intention of the Government to propose any measure to Parliament for the better protection of the lives of evicted tenants. Lord JOHN RUSSELL said that the Government bad received reports on the subject to which the Hon. Member had alluded, but be did not know that the Government could add anything to the measures they had already brought forward on the subject. The Go vernment had no measures at present in contemplation to prevent the invasion of the Act. . NAVIGATION-LAWS. Lord PALMERSTON, in answer to a question from Mr. Cornwall Legh, said that it would not be till the end of the year. Corresponding laws would be made re lative to the navigation laws in America. PUBLIC BUSINESS. _ _ On the question that the orders of the day should be now read, Lord JOHN RUSSELL said that he would take that opportunity of stating the course the Government intended to pursue with respect to the different mea sures . now before the House. The first notice that stood on the paper of that evening was the Poor Relief (Ireland) Bill. That Bill having gone through Committee, and the greater portion of the clauses having been gone through, he would propose that the House should sit at twelve o'ch,ck to morrow (Tuesday), and if they got through the Committee and the report, he would suggest that the third reading should take place on Monday next, as it was desirable that the attention of the House of Lords should be called to the subject as speedily as possible. On Friday, as he had already stated to the House, the Government proposed to take the Scotch Marriage and Registration Bill before any miler business. After the consideration of these Bills the Chancellor of the Ex chequer would propose the advance for Irish railways and distress in that country. Oa Monday, as he had before said, the Government proposed to go on with the third reading of the Poor Relief Ireland Bill. On Thursday and Friday next week the Government pro posed to take the Ordnance estimates and the remaining estimates in Committee of Supply. He had stated on a former occasion that they might have to postpone the opening of the Irish Colleges till next year. He (Lord John Russell) had, however, had a communication from Ireland, which had induced him to thick that great disappointment would be felt if such a course was pursued, and he should propose, therefore, to open those during the present year, and such being his intention, it would be necessary to ask for a sum of money in a Committee of Supply. There was another Bill with respect to which much inquiry had been made as to when it would be proceeded with, he alluded to the Australian Colony Bill; the Govern ment proposed to take the second reading of that Bill on Monday the 16th; and it might be as well that he should state that it was the intention of the Government to propose some very important changes in that Bill. The first alteration was with regard to the tariff. They proposed to give the General Assembly the power of making a general tariff for the whole of the colonies. The next was with regard to the price of land, which was now fixed by Act of Parliament. Now, the Go vernment proposed that the General Assembly sould have the power of altering the price of land, when it should think proper and necessary.—(Hear, hear.) He trusted that the Bill was of such a nature as to obtain the assent of the House, since it was important for the future government of Australia, and in accord ance with the feeling for some time generaly expressed in that House. With respect to some other of the Bills, he did not propose at present to give anyi of them up, by discharging the orders in re spect of them. The most important Bill was one with regard to the Ecclesiastical Commission. That Bill was founded upon one which was introduced into that House three sessions ago. Great objections were made by the late Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishops connected with the Ecclesias tical Commission, and upon the representations that were made he gave up the Bill, preferring to refer it to Select Committee, which made a r e p or t genera ll y in favour of the Bill that had been originally proposed, and he had every reason to anticipate the approval of the House to the Bill; but it had been re presented to him from various quarters that, whilst a Commission was pending with regard to Church leases— moved for by a Noble Friend—it was thought not de sirable to proceed with the Bill during the present session. On the other hand, they had to anticipate great oppo sition from the House of Lords. Seeing the difficulties in the way, he thought that Bill would stand a better chance of coming to a consummation by postponing it to another session. With regard to the Charitable Trusts Bill, he had consulted the Lord Chancellor upon the sub ject, and the result was that he did not intend to proceed with that 13111 this session. There were, however, one or two other subjects of very great im portance, with respect to which it was neces sary they should bring measures before the House, and as to the grounds for which they were introduced; it was necessary to explain to the House also the reasons why they should be passed during the present session. The most important of these related to the question of lights and pilotage. His Right Hon. Friend would state to the House his general views on this subject, without, however, proposing to legislate for the present purpose with respect to the mercantile marine. He pro posed that the House should sit on Tuesday to proceed with this Bill. Ile proposed on Monday next that the House should take into consideration the amendments to the Encumbered Estates Bill. They had been printed, and required, especially one of them, the deliberate conside ration of the House. He did not think it was necessary to state anything further. He trusted there would be no objection to their taking the third read ing of Bills to which there was not any opposition; but he should not proceed with any that would interfere with the promise he had made to the Hon. Gentleman opposite, that nothing should interfere with his motion for to-night. The Noble Lord concluded by moving that the House should sit to-morrow at twelve. BANKRUPTCY BILL. Mr. B, OSBORNE said there was one Bill of can siderablo importance. namely, the Bankruptcy Bill. Lord J. RUSSELL replied that the Bill was under the consideration of a Select Committee, and he believed there was a general assent in the Committee to the Bill, and he hoped that nothing would prevent its pro ceeding this session, for he held it to be an important measure. SCOTCH BILLS.-PUBLIC HEALTH BILL. asid ,, , he did hope that some Bill on the sublect would be hid on the tab e b: fare the am.° broke up, as though little progrev; could at present I,e made, the future furtherance of the measure w..tuld be greatly fAcilitatetl. Lord JOHN RUSSELL could give no pozitiv e answef to the question of 01+, Right Hon. Gentleman, or pledge himself to anything which he was.nut sure of ac complishing. THE NAVIGATION. LAWS. Mr. HERRIES wished to put a question to the Noble Lord at the Head of the Foreign Department respecting the l rubabtllty that existed of any rt.laxation being made in the navigation•lawA of the United States, in reply to the relaxation which had been made in our own laws, and if so when such concession was likely to be made. Lord PALMERSTON said that the Constitution of the United States required the President to grant relaxations in the laws which regulated the c,nnmorce of that country in porta in the Pacific, not ports belonging to the United States, equal to those granted by the Powers holding any other pos sessions in that ocean, but he had no expectation that any relaxation of the American tariff would at present bo made. ECCLESIASTICAL PLURALITIES. Mr. HUME complained that the returns of pluralities which were ordered to be given four months ago had not been produced. He thought that if the officials in the several offices from which they were to emanate were overburthened with work, that the best thing that could be done would be to dismiss them._. (Laughter.) If there was any hope of the returns being made he should be glad to hear when they were likely to be made. Lord J. RUSSELL said that the returns were very weighty, buc would appear as soon as they could be made. THIRD READINGS. The following Bills were read a third time:— Irish Turnpike. Marriages in Foreign Countries. Sewers Act Amendment. _ ECCLESIASTICAL COMMISSION. In answer to a question from Mr. E. DENISON, Lord J. RUSSELL said that he believed that the Ecclesiastical Commission would report during the recess. Ax Hox. MEMBER referred to the Scotch Marriages and Registration Bill. He understood they were not to be proceeded with. What did the Noble Lord propose doing with the Publ;c Health Bill and the Towns Im provement Bill ? Lord JOHN RUSSELL said there were all important Bills, and he should be glad to have the opinion of the House whether they should be proceeded with or not. The Scotch Members had certainly expressed a strong disinclination to the Scotch Bills. JUVENILE OFFENDERS. Mr. ROEBUCK wished to ask the Attorney-General a question with respect to a Bill which, though it had not excited much attention, was, nevertheless, to his mind, one of the utmost importance—the Juvenile Offenders Bill.—(Hear, hear.) As the Members con nected with quarter sessions would be absent next week, he hoped he would not then bring it on, but he trusted it'would be proceeded with this session. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL intended to proceed with the Bill this session, but should not bring it for ward whilst the Gentlemen referred to were absent. Mr. HUME sincerely trusted that as the private Members had given up the Thursdays, that the Government would not now press for the Tuesdays, for if they did, how was it possible at the hour on which such questions might come on as a difference of the Irish Church.—(Loud laughter.) It was quite evident that the Noble Lord had no conscience. —(Renewed laughter.) He did hope thr n that the Government would not deprive private _ _ Members of the only advantage that they possessed. MERCHANT SEAMEN'S FUND. Mr. GLADSTONE wished to ask a question respect in..; the intention of the Government concerning the interest of the mercantile marine. He had hoped that some Bill would have been introduced, and until lately he had hoped that a Bill would have been passed this session for the regulation of the Merchant Seamen's Fund. No matter was of more importance to the commercial in terez ta of the country; and if it were much longer delayed it must of necessity become much more costly than it would be now. Yet, although all expectation of passing such a Bill during the present session ;mist 9f course be laid .....,,,,........,,...... ....11 of this House in 1811, - Alen Mr. Tierne'y made .a similar motion, though no doubt the Member fin I\loetruse then vteed agani4 that motion. Doubtless if I had framed my motion differently I might have fished for a stray vote here or I might Lave aught one there—.(Hear, hear)—but that was not toy object ; 1 wished to bring the state of the country fully and openly before the House, and to state frankly—as is my duty to my constituents and to myself—the reasons why I cannot give my confidence to the present Adininistra tion.cuairlrl i e t e d ll o t n h u e p i o l i o l ursieg right t i a p t r i t n h c e i pl G e,, o , v(br u n t m n e o n t t b o y f this I do n o t over l oo k the fact that there may be found co many his° right men, but my (OM nis this—that if England is to be governed on Whig principles, I prefer that it should be go verned by Whigs. (Hear, hear.) Considering, then, that the system of government pursued by the present Ministry tends to the decay of the country, 1 give them a frank—l hope not an ungene: ous, but certainly an uncompromising opposition, and I take this opportunity of laying before the House the reasons why ue are in opposition. I want to been know why the con di t i on of the people of England should thus deterioratinguAformlatbiys q r u es it i e m t n r s u i t e il t e h f a u t r the al l pre sentthe Government are measures in operati o n d ur i ng the year 1846—the alteration have of the tariff, for example; but I apprehend they will not shrink front that retponsibility.—(•• Hear, hear," from the Treasury bench.) They supported and accepted those mea sures, alai from the statement which the Noble Lord made on the subject, we have every reason to believe that his not being then in office was merely owing to an accident, and that but for that accident he wou ld have been the Minister to open the Parliament of 1846, and himself have pro posed similar measures. One cause of this distress is that, not withstanding the continental convulsions, the goods ex potted are equal to the great years of 1845 and 1846, yet the declared value of goods in those years averaged 59,500,0001., but in 1848 it was only 53,000,0004 so that our working people for that same quantity of goods received 6,500,000/. less in 1848 than in 1845. The first reason, and perhaps the principal reason, that will be assigned for this decline and decay in the condition of the country, will be the famine in Ireland, of course, the investments in railway undertakings naturally, the operations of commercial specu lation for several Vass, and the continental c- nvulsions for the purpose of completing the climax.—(Cheers.) The famine in Ireland, no doubt, was a great calamity, but it has its limits—it was • not sufficient to disturb the peace of Europe—not to place our colonies in their present position— not to destroy our formerly flourishing foreign trade—not to depress our agriculture or exhaust our finances; all that we suffer is not to be attributed to that cause. I enter my pro- STATE OF THE NATION. ( test against all these being imput e d t o t h e Irish famine. I I have not heard much of speculation in foreign trade, Mr. DISRAELI rose to b ring forward his motion— considerable stress has been laid on railway investments. but I " That this Hous e w ill reso l ve i tself into a Committee of presume I need scarcely remind the !Luse that railw a y un the whole Hou se , t o t a k e i nto consideration the dertakings have been going on for a very long time, an d no expected from them any other than beneficial results; state of the nation." He said—l rise, Sir, to make but now those who approved of them (like all par a statement to the House on the motion of which ties engaged in unsuccessful speculations) turn round and I have given a notice. I do so, because in . r abteeeians on to the ab effecteachuseof such investments otlier.l e l s o tm se e , n t t o s aro,we themiddleho ss the la revails class, lost my opinion great and genera l distress p that only class said to be competent to the government of in this country—(Hear, hear)—and because I be• this country—they turn round on the railway investments, d impute to theta, as a c ause , lieve that this great and general distr es s h a s be e n and not been the mo v i ng principle. n have certainly i evils of which they it S ple. On the contrary, L progressive since the formation of the present m y full persuasion that we do not suffer from any want of Government. The Noble Lord and his colleagues capital, because it is at this moment notorious that any man have possessed the government of this country for three with good security can get as much money as he wants. I years, uncontrolled an d unscrut i n i ze d . —(L aug ht er .) repeat, then, it is not want of capit a l th a t h as diminished the They have passed all th e i r measures—t h ey h ave not commerce of England ; but th en , we s h a ll h ave t h e Chan cellor of the Exchequer accounti ng f or it a ll upon hi s fa had to encount er an or di nary oppos i tion.—(Hear.) seller ground—the continental convulsions. Now, I should No body of men have enjoyed the government of this . like to see the data, the facts which justify that cool assump country heretofore under circumstances so favourable tion. I say that they ought to be investigated, and I have as those possessed by the Noble Lord and his col- no doubt that, if they were, it would be seen that the differ leagues. That being the case, one is inclined to contrast ence between our condition in 1846 and that which we cc the situation of England at the present moment with copy in 1848, is owing to other causes than the continental what it was at the period when the Noble Lord and his convulsions; and what I want is, that those causes should colleagues assumed the reins of power. I need not recal be laid bare before the House in full detail. At present, to the recollection of Hon. Gentlemen the state and condi. we have theta l not, and in this day of rapid pro tion of England at the commencement, I would say, of the s gee o s u s ld l cannot help h l e a n e expressing pl . e B s 4 s 9 i n g ly itbou considerable suffi. surprise that we year 1846. In all its relations profound tranquillity pre- n t point nfuNtieiwnfodruntriintiona as to our condition in a commercial veiled throughout Europe, and it any of those crib- period which elapsed between this and 1846. lam persuaded cal conjunctions that will always be occasionally occur- there would be no difficulty whatever in giving us these de ring in the complicated transactions of great states tails at a much earlier period; and I hope the President of did ever arise, so great was th e infl uence o f E ng l an d , an d , the Board of Trade, who, I am bound to say, is always ready so justly great, that the kindly mediation of to attend to any suggestions of advantage to public business, our country uniformly resulted in the amicable will give his attention to the subject. I have, however, a settlement of those questions at issue. tat that return of the total exports of cotton goods in 1848. We hear moment also our colonies, alter suffering great vicissi- or continental convulsions which have caused a diminution of our exports ; but it a p pears t h at i n 1848, notwithstanding :odes—l will not s t o p h ere to say v i cissitudes which were the continental convulsions, there was au immesse increase the cons, quences of our inconsistent legislation,— but in the export of cotton goods.—(Hear, near.) Remember after enduring great vicissitudes, our colonies had re that cote n gco's fo in one-half the entie ( f our exports; conciled themselves to the new position in which tin 1848 the: e was an increme in our of they were pl a c e d ; an d great, as some thought, goods of 88,000,0e0 yards o v export er the export o f the precedin cotton g insuperable as were the difficulties with which they had year. There is another reason why I doubt whether to contend, there had existed in our colonies a quality there has been a diminution of our exports. I which I fear no one can pretend exists at tee present atn indebted to the courtesy of the President of moment—hope.—(Hear, hear.) At that period, the Board of Trade for a return which has only just been corn the commencement of 1846, our export trade had reached pleted of the entire imports and exports during the years an amount which never before had been achieved 1847 and 1848. I find from this return that on contrasting by the people of this country. At that period those the much maligned year of 1818— the year of continental various classes that form what is popularly called the convulsions - ul n si o ons . -i- m with ti t o h n e i g n re tai, t years 1845 and 1816, there has .e uantities of oods ex orted.— agricultural interest were prospering, not so much by the b d . q g P . . (Hear, hear.) The official value of goods denotes their enjoyment of what is called high prices, but by being en- quantity. The average official value of the exports of 1845 abled to produce from the soil a greater quantity of produce and 1846 was 133,000,0t0/. The total value of the exports than they had for many years, and being sure of a in the year 1848, in consequence of continental convulsions, market where that produce would be disposed of. was 132,904,000/. ; nearly the same amount. But mark At that period the state of Ireland, if not en- the significant fact—the average of 1845 and 1846, in de tirely satisfactory to those who were its re a l dared value, was 59,500,000/., but the declared value of friends—if still it were the victim of political empiricism, 1848 was only 53,000,0001.—(Hear, hear.) That is a most and the only cure for its evils was still to be important consequence, full of instruction, and I recommend Hon. Gentlemen—and especially the advocates offree trade considered —if still it were to be sent Me 3. care,ully to consider that result, and if they can, satisfac sages of peace was, nevertheless, compared torily to explain it. We have it here upon the records of the with its present state, one only of comparative Government that the working classes of this country received happiness.— (Hear, hear.) And, finally, in her in 1848, 6,500,0001. less than they obtained in 1845 and 1846 Maiesty's Exchequer there existed a surplus for the same quantity of goods exported.—(Hear, hear.) revenue between 3,000,0001. and 4,000,000/. sterling. Now, Sir, it may perhaps he said that in fixing upon th e The Hon. Gentleman then proceeded to draw a still fur- commercial year concluding at the beginning of 1846, and ther comparison between the state of the country and contrasting it with the commercial year ending in 1849, I its state when Lord John Russell came last into power. am taking an advantage of the Government, because we Notwithstanding all the sacrifices that have been made have the tables of of the Board of Trade, which give us returns by the colonies—sacrifices which no body of men ever of se t t he commerce an %t ith e c i ountry for four months of the pre yet before endured and met with equal spirit—they exports. year,n can assure w s th lo e s'ra Right considerableilon Gentleman l i e nc a re n ase hat in l our a were told that they had to make still far from wishing him to lose he advantage' of these tables; m greater exertions. Not satisfied with possess- but lam bound to say that in this evidence that has been in an ample surplus revenue, and discreetly offered us of the revival of trade, and the more satisfactory administering it, we were told that the tea duty must be condition of our workmen, I find consequences exactly the taken off immediately.—(fiear,) Notwithstanding we , reverse, and reasons to make me view the future condition of possessed the greatest influence in our external relations, the working classes of this country with increased gloom. and mainly secured the tranquillity of Europe, that There are, I think, 65 articles of export: enumerated in the did not satisfy us. What we wanted to pos . tables of the Board of Trade; . and of these I find that 41 ex sess was ncthing else but perpetual peace andgreat depreciation in value. I find that a larger hibit a this . of goods was exported from country in the cosmopolitan t r anquillity. —(Laughter and cheers.) Well, quantitytonr months ionths of 1842 than in the first four months of 1848 ; Sir, what has been the consequences of these aspirations? but that those goods have been exported at a much di- Three years and a half have elapsed and we have upon minished price. In nine of these articles it appears this table the most elaborate and most authentic evidence there has been a slight appreciation. There are fifteen of the condition of the people. I appreh en d that lion. articles where the gross value alone is given, and not the Gentlemen will agree with me that the best test quantity; and therefore it is not calculable what may be the of national prosperity is the employment of the great appreciation or the depreciation. Upon the 41 articles de - mass of the working classes—(Loud cries of " Hear, Preciated, which were sold to foreigners in the first four hear")—of the working population at a fair rate of pro- months of this year, for (in round numbers) 13,000,000/., fitable wages.—(Hear, hear.) I mean, by profitable there would have been received, at the prices obtained last wages, wages that will leave a profit to the em- year, 14,685,000'. On the nine articles appreciated there ployer; otherwise the wages enjoyed by the wreassulatnisintchraerine ota)areicefirtaottheamountof 44,0001. But the employed would have very little prospect of lasting. were told exhibited such satisfactory four months evidenceof 1 8 04? ,t which i r ch . we l (tiear, hear.) The rise and fall of pauperism, especially of trade, there is positively a net depreciation of price revival when there are great fluctuations, are the best test of the amount of 1 ,738,0001.—(Hear, hear.) I will mention two or state of the body politic, and especially when three of the great items upon which this depreciation takes we consider the condition of the able-bodied : place. There is a depreciation on cotton oods , poor. (Hear, h ear .) N ow, w h en the House ()silvered with the p r i ce o f 1 848, of 64 g 6,000/. ; exported upon is employed in considering political systems, all sup- woollen goods exported in 1849, as compared with 1848, of ported by great ability, and when there is such rivalry 295,000 .; upon linen goods, of upwards of 100 a 00/. ; and of economi c th eor i es, we are very apt to paused upon metals, of upwards of 400,0001. h yo d w are you to ex andpl ou a s ation ?Yd take gen era l v i ews o f affairs, we are very may tell this? me the raw materia ec l is cheaper t epi-e ci his year than o it apt the changeslast.—( which are o ccurr i ng hourly 'serial is dearer than it. was lastyear. I will take the article upon beneath us, and about us, and the alteration is not drawn which the greatest depreciation takes place —that of cotton. to these resul ts unt il th e y are realises'. It we lo o k to the The average price of the fair quality of cotton for the first state of the able-bodied poor in England at the corn- four months of 184 was 4-/ t ol. and one third, and i n 1849 it l mencement of 1846, and the condition of the abbodied was Pearly 4 1 / 2 cl Now, a farthing poor in England, up to the last period is no light appreciation of value ; yet th e English workman when we have authentic information on the has been obliged to receive for his labour 646,000/ . l ess than subject, we find a startling result—Bear, hear)— he did last year. I think, S i r, thi s proves that which I have I am not bringing before the House any factitious state taken occasion frequently to imp ress upon the consideration meats, nor any an .nymous letters—no corresp on d ence , hots, of the House—namely, that yo u h ave ma d e a mistake as to ever credible, excepting that which is officially authenticated the principles of protitsble interch ange b etween nations.— to the House. I avail my se lf o f no ill eg i t i ma t e mo d e o f (Hear, hear.) Ido not believe it i s con ti nental convulsion, bringing forward or supporti ng th e s t a t emen t w hi c h I have 1I or railway investment, or comme rc i a l specu l ation, or the to make, and I t rus t I s h a ll not b e me t b y any d a t a or i n - Irish famine, that has caused this d ec li ne i n the exchange formation resting on slighter g ro un d s th an th ose on w hi c h I able value of the English workman' s l a b our. I t is the hos tile tariffs of foreign ii stag's— (Hear, be ar )— w hi c h you have House at pres en t h as b e f ore it t h e repor t o f t h e E pg l he my own prop os iti ons an d conc l us i ons are f oun d e d. T to encounter, which no policy of your s h as yet modified, and - ish which the system you ar e p ursu i ng aggravates in their con- Poor-law C omm i ss i oners, w hi c h ver y pl a i n ly s h ows th e state and condition of thi s coun t r y at this time and in th e y ear sequences.—(Hear, hear.) I h ave o f ten ta k en occasion to e stat the principles upon which I thi n k th e t h eory of reel paupers has b een 74 p er cen t., a nd the in c r ease o f paupers 1846. Withi n th at t i me t h e i ncrease o f t h e a bl e- b od i ed procity in commerce depends ; but hith er t o I h ave d one so generally, taking a ll c l asses , was not less th a n 41 p er cen t . with all the disadvantages whi c h, i n an assem bl y like this, The report of th e C omm i ss i oners s h ows w ithi n th a t ti me an , any one must endure who a pp ea l s on l y to a b stract reason.-„,. w o, however, we have pra c tical resu lt s b e f o e us— i n the increase in the e x p enses o f th e p oor a m o u n ti ng t o no t less '" than 25 per cen t., an d t h e report f ur th er s h ows th at t h e the sufferings, unfortunat e ly, o f th e p eop l e o f t h is country, number of abl e -b o di e d poor rel i eve d i n t h e quarter en di ng and in the decline of o ur w ea lth— w hi c h il lustrate the Lady -day, 1846, was 382,417,wh i 1e t h e num b er o f a bl e- b odied theory. It has been said, inde e d, th a t th e pr i nciples upon poor relieved in th e quarter en di ng L a d y -d ay , 1848 , was which the reciprocity system of commerce i s based are 666,338, whil e th e num b er of all classes rel i eved i n the quarter incontrovertible as far as th e y go , b ut that they ending Lady-day, 1646, was 1,33 only apply to direct trade between n a ti ons; an d i nasmuch 2,0 9, and tha : , t in the quarter ending Lady-day, 1848, was 1,867,541. F rom tl sesame aue h en- as the transactions of the world are carr i e d on very little con tic statements it appears that the expenditure f or the re l ie f o f by direct trade, they are in f ac t o f no i n fl uence in the m duct of affairs. But I think the cr iti cs who are so prompt the poor for the year endi ng L a dy-d a y, 1846, was 4,954 , 20 4 1 ., and that for the year end ing L a d y -d a y, 1848, appears to b e to make these observations are littl e acqua i nted with the 6,180,761/. I ventu re t o thi n k th a t, w ith suc h f acts as these theory of commercial recipr oc ity. I n my opinion we can before encounter the ho s t i l e commerc i a l tariffs of foreign before me, I was excusable— na y, f u lly j us tified—in bringingonly such a motion as this bef o re th e H ouse . —(Ch eers .) Wh en countries by counterv a ili ng d ut i es, an d I think such a sys we find that within the sh or t p er i o d o f th ree years th e i n- tem occasions not scarc ity an d d earness, b ut cheapness and crease of the able-bodied poor h as a r i sen t o th e h e i g ht o f 74 abundance. I say that one o f th e pr i nc i pa l causes of the per cent.,l say that the state of the country does demand au distress of the people of En g l an d i s , t h at you have estab inquiry y this House of Parliament.—(Hear, hear.) I fished a new comme rc ial sy s t em , w hi c h m i sta k es the prin ciples upon which a profitable exc h ange can ta k e place be know that very many ready reasons may be given f o r th ese deplorable results, and I have not forgotten that the Com m i s - tween nations; that the conseq uence o f your a d opting this sioners have given some reasons on this subject ; b u t a ll !system is to render British l a b our o f a less exchangeable value ; that its result must be diminution of profits and de these evils may be accounted for without altering the result pression of wages; and that if you persist in your system, —the stern facts remain unchanged. I am aware that the instead of finding means for ameliorating the condition of great extent of manufacturing depression is said to account ; the people, and increasing the resources of the country by for what has taken place, that the immigration, from Ireland i 1 the foreign commerce upon which you rely, you will only into England has greatly contributed to it; but I take upon e secure further depression and further diminution, till you myself to say that the House will fall into a very rent reduce the labourer, not to what is popularly mistake if it supposes that manufacturing depression is have la- called the continental level, but below the continental cient to account for such extraordinary results. I) a e level— (Hear, hear)—for the whole scope and spirit of now before me papers supplied by the Poor-law u . m out- your system is to ren:'er the labour of this country tributary missioners setting forth the condition of twelve agric 1 to the labour of other countries. This is the great result of tural counties and twelve manufacturing counties h during 03 1 contending against hostile tariffs by free imports. It is the period from 1846 to 1848; yet, thou, in unnecessary for me to say that, holding these opinions -have been county the manufacturing depression trust this country opinions, as I think, justified by the stern facts with which much felt, and the immigration from Ireland yi , to account we have to deal—l take a g l oomy v i ew of the state of our chiefly endured, yet th ose resu l ts sec ret sufficient imputed too foreign commerce; and I cannot look to our exports, stimu for all, nor anything like all, that has ha be r e a n t ea in the 12 1 lated on a system which does not increase, but which those causes. The average increase of 3 t 9 diminishes the profits of the labouring classes and the per cent., while manufacturing counties appears to be Itl6 l , and the capitalists, as a source of the renovation of this country. that of the agricultural distrie! was a all classes of the poor Hitherto, in Engl a nd, w h en our f ore i gn commerce has been increase of th e expense o f m aintaining suffering from depression, the industry in our manufacturing throughout England was something under per . 25cent. (NI). , districts has been suet tined by what is popularly called the county, the increase was In Hereford, a purely agricultural ._ t t it home market. Now, Sir, I have observed that great con -21 per cent., while in Buckinghamshire, 1 . regre_ Ty, uf fusion subsists with regard to that phrase. It is one of very is 22 per cent. Considering, then, that this is ths _ate common use, and I have heard Hon. Gentlemen in this the country,this Hoes , I conceive it to be the first duty of , . r .,. lamof o i- " to eider upon an examination of the subject, and . p ouse use it, on the same night, and in the same de s :'ate, and attribute to it very different nion that this is the right form in which to bring it uncle. lags. The lion. Member for the West Riding, in r, mean the notice of the House.—(Cheers.) I perceive that my Hon. Friend the 111embs i dilating upon the v a l ue o f t h e h ome mar k et, has always s r for Montrose has given notice of an i motion ; that Honourable Gentlemen formed his estimate of it by the quantity of articles of rf e o n n d d m or t iv t i o ng m n y otice of amendments, which is somewhat I foreign imports which are consumed by the various classes ' • giving b . does not generally succeed in carrying his i surprising, for L. that constitute what is called the agricultural interest ; and amendments. Mr. Fox has been beard to say, that there 1 he has said that the consumption of a million of peasants, was at play not only the pleasure of winning but the plea• surel and 200,000 „ of losing also. Now, the latter source of satisfaction is I ever gre..t might be their consumption of articles of foreign one that my lion. Friend has very often enjoyed; and, on import, could not be compared with the demands of all the the present occasion, he was so intent upon securing it that nations of the world. Now, that is not my idea of what is he gave notice of his amendment before he even heard the I meant by the home market. I do not undervalue the terms of nay moiion.—(Hear, bear.) From some chance ob- , power of co nsum pti oit of th e var i ous c l asses forming the nervations, 1 imagine that he objects to it on the ground of agricultural intere.,t, but this is not my idea of the home its not being sufficiently definite—on the ground that I have market. I think it is of great importance that we should not laid before the House a set of resslutions ; but I think have correct ideas on this sulject, and I will put before the almost every Hon. Member must agree with me, that the Reuse what I conceive to be the nature of the home mar course which I sin taking is the regular and constitutional ket, and the influence which it exercises upon this country. course, that it is intelligible, and cannot be mistaken. lie- ; I will put it before the House on a great authority—oue Wes; if I recollect right, the Ron. Gentleman was a Member With which Hon. Gentlemen opposite will 119 t quarrel —the