The Sun. — London, England, 1830-03-15 00:00:00

EXPRESS EDITION.. IMPERIAL PARLIAM ENT THIS EVENING. HOUSE OF LORDS. Tit* Earl of KINROUL presented a petition from Perth, praying for free trade to China. The EArl of lIARDWICKE preseited five petitions from parishes in Cambridge, praying for relief from tax ation. The Earl of ROSLYN ptesented two petitions from the Cha.mher of Commerce and town of Eirkaldy, praying for free trade to India. Upon the motion of the None Linn the Earl of Jersy was schlerl to the Committee en the Coal Trade. Lord DE DUI S STANVILLE presented a petition from tae Mayor and Cbrporation of Farnham for an alteratkn in the Ctiminal Laws. Lord KING presented a p litiOn from a plai.4ll in Clon resterAire, praying for tilt removal of the monopoly of the Corn Laws, and reduction of taxation. Lord STANHOPE presented a petition from the Trinity Howe or Kingson-npon-Hull against the rettervil or the East India Company's Charter, which WaS referred to the Committee. The Noble Lord atst presented a petition from the same place, praying the House to take into consideration the distret. is of the country and the shipping interests. The Noble Lord took the (wort:mit) , of asking the Noble Duke (Wellington) oppualt ,, , if he should have any objection to the appnintlrient of a Seloct Com mittee, to inquire into the sate of the Shipping interests. The Dnke of WELLINGTON thought the proper twine to be adopted by the Noble Lord would be to make a motion on the subject. As yet he did not think his Noble Friend had put forth any ground for such a measure. 'rho NOBLE DUKE presented a petition from South ampton against the puniehment of death in certain cases. The Marquis of CLANRICARDE presented a petition from Galway, for the removal of the duty on coal im ported into Ireland. The Noble Marquis gave not ice, that on Tteaday next he should submit a motion to the House relative to the affairs of Terceira. The Marquis of BUTE presented a petition front Greenock, against the renewal of the East India Com pany's Charter. The Marquis of LONDONDERRY presented a peti erm from the Coal-whippers of London, on the subject of th Coal Trade. ELLENBOROUGH'S DIVORCE BILL. The Earl of ROSSLYN rose to move the sccond read ing of the bill, but as he understood the Noble Lord oppo site (Radnor) wished it to stand over, he should have no objection to allow it to stand over till Wednesday, which was ordered. The Marquis of LANSDOWNE presented several peti tions. The LORD CHANCELLOR gave notice that on Friday next (the 19th instant) he should move the second reading of the Lunatics' Property end Chancery Contempts Bill. The Noble Lord also took this oppor tunity of stating, that his Majesty bad ordered two Com missions to be issued, appointing, Lord Tenterden Deputy Speaker in the absence of the Chancellor; and also ap pointing Lord Wynforei Dcpnty Speaker, in the al.sence of the I ord Chancellor and Lord Tenterden. The Commis sions, on the motion of the Noble Lord, were read. The Exchequer Bills Bill, and the Transfer:in Aids Bill, were read a second time. • ( Ajourned.) HOUSE OF COMMONS. The gallery of the House was crowded this day before Two o'clock. WEXFORD ELECTION. Mr. CLIVE brought up the report of the Wexford Election Committee, declaring Sir Edward D.'ering duly elected to serve as Member for the borough of Wexford, in the room of Sir Robert Wigram, whose election the Com mittee declared void. On the motion of the lion. Member, the evidence taken before the Committee was ordered to be printed. HUNGERFORD MARKET. llr. J. C. HOMIOUSE brought in a Bill for erecting a New Market, on the sire of the present Hungerford Market, and for incorporating a certain number of persons to carry the same into effect.--Read a first time. Sir CHARLES MORGAN presented a petition from the mines of Monmouthshire against the system of paying wages in goods. Mr. DOLT LNG presented a petition from Soirliamp ton against awarding capital punialtment for various effences. Sir EDWARD COLE presented a petition from Coles worth against the truck system. _ _ Mr. DUNCAN presented a petition from the Ship Owners of Scarborough, complaining of rh.,tress. Colonel TRENCH, supported the prayer of the peti tition. Mr. Alderman WOOD, presented a petition numerously signed from the inhabitants of the Ward of Cripplegate Without, 'praying fur a reduction of taxation of Parlia mentary Reform. Mr. H. DAVIS presented a petition from the inha- Yknts of Bristol, praying for the reduction of the duty t tobacco Mr. JOHN CAMPBELL presented a petition from Dumbartonshire, complaining of agricultural distress. Mr. FERGUSON bore testimony to the very great distress That general existed in Scotland. Mr. BURR ELL presented several petitions from places in the county of Kent, praying for a reduction of the duty on hops. Sir GEORGE MURRAY was happy to say that the largest county in Scotland, which he had the honour to represent, was not in such a state of distress as had been generally represented —(Hear, hear.) Sir GEORGE WARRENDER could assure the House that in some aounties 'not a farthing of rent could be ob tained. After a aboit li.cussion ae petition was ordered to lie upon the table THE BUDGET. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER rose and spoke as follows :—Mr. Speaker, I avail myself of the opportunity now afforded to me to bring before the House the view of hie Majesty's Government with respect to the financial concerns of the country ; and I do so, Sir, not more in deference to the wish that has been ex pressed by the House, than from my own sense of the justice and the propriety of tl:e course which I am now about to pursue. I feel, Sir, that in the regent depression which prevails in the minds, and thege neral anxiety which exists among all classes, as to the mea sures to be adopted by Parliament, that the House of Corn mans have a right to know the views and determination of Government. I feel also, Sir, perfectly assured, that at a time when there is such a general anxiety, when there is on the part of some persons exaggerated expectations, as to the means of relief which Parliament possesses, and on the other hand an anxiety to give credit to Government for every feeling of sympathy or assistance it can afford, that it is tlesirsble on every account to bring measures before Par liament, which will show distinctly how little there is of justification, either for exaggerated expectations or un. fonnded anxiety. Sir, when I last had the honour of ad dressing you upon a similar subject, I adverted to the state of discussion in the country which prevailed in the course of the last year. I then ventured to express a hope that those embarrassments were not of a nature to continue long. I, Sir, am bound to confess that the hope I thee expressed has net been realized.—(Hear, hear.)—But circumstances have occurred to prolong those difficulties and to increase the pressure on the greater part ts 7 the population. I do not intend, Sir, on this occasion eo enter into a discussion of those particular circumstances which have aggravated the difficulties of the country.— (Hear, hear.)---I am anxious from personal feelings to disembarrass the present statement of every thing which ran at, all obscure it, and as a day has been fixed for en tering into that subject, on every account deserving the utmost attention, I think I shall best consult my own feelings and the wishes of the House, by not en tering into it at length on the present occasion. But Sir, when I take that course, I may be permitted to state on behalf of myself and colleagues that I do it more for the purpose of preventing any misunderstanding upon subject which I am about to enter. I do not, therefore, the put the question of the distress of the country aside, because I do not deeply sympathize in the sufferings of those who are at the present labouring under the heaviest embarrassments. I shall give the beat evidence in my power of feeling for them, in the endeavour which it will be my duty to make to afford them relief. But on the other hand I beg not to be misunder stood when I ray, that whatever may he the difficulties lieh involve particu6r classes of the country, I see in them no cause of despondency or alarm, and no reason to doubt the stability of the resources of the country.— sir, without preface, I propose to enter into the question more immediately the subject of consideration before us. I elitist certainly cannot do so, however, without, in ski& imtmace the &twain of the Howe, to fho '.ate ot the Vieventte and Expenditure of fist year. stn anxious to do so, partly in confOtinity . to the statement which I before submitted t Parliament upon them, an f partly, beca'isse I think the House will hear with ebme eitisfection the state of the revenue and finances in which The country stand.. It will be in the recollection of many present that in estimating the Revenue of 1828, I took it at an amount considerably less than that of the year pre ceding. I made allowances et thet period for what I conceived to be the pmbahle defalcation of the Revenue, I then stated to the House, and I 'expressed a confident expectation that the Revenue of that year would amount to fifty one millioes three hundred and forty thousand pounds. It has turned out, Sir, as will appear by the reference of any gentleman to the pager annually presented to the House, that the pro'4uce of the Revenue so estimated has Wien alecia or the estimate I made by 560,0m5f. And here, Sir, I may be permitted to observe though the defalcation in the estimate appears to be to that amount, part of it arises from a different appropriation of some part of that slim which I had applied to the Revenue of the former year. I mean a sum obtain from the City Canal, of a hundred and thirty thotteetid politids, which has not been applied to the revenue of the service of the year, as I Stated it was my intention to apply it. The real deficiency, therefore, below that at which I made the estimate, must be taken to be 460,0001., and that when the House considers the pertietlar circumsances that have occurred eines I alit addressed the House, they will see no rent dant to blame, as extravagant, the estimate I then formed, or to impute sonsure to me for the deficiency that has occurred--(Cheers.)—that deficiency has occurred on an article over which the state of a harvest unforeseen had powerful influence. I estimated that the Malt Duty of the tart year would fall short of the preceding years, 600,0001. But it has been 800,000/., to which must be added 200,000/. on the article of beer. Sir, It would not be right to conceal from the House that upon other articles also cf the Excise, there has been a deficiency. But I would guard the House against supposing that the deficiency is aloogether attributable to the causes which imply any diminution of censtouptico upon one of the ertiOts at trust, oh which that deficiency arieee. The Right Honourable Gentleman then stated that on Tea there had been a very considerable deficiency of 1:30,000/. But this deficiency had not arisen from a deficiency in the consumption, but from the reduced price of the article, the Tea Duty being an eel velerere duty. In other articles there was a delleithey in the Excise, as compared with the precding years, 1,500,000/. With respect to the Customs, there was a defalcation upon corn, in which a deduction was to be male from the estimat Sir, if we look to the estimate of the revenue for the last year, and look at the productiveness of it, we shall see matter of eoogratulation of no ordinary descriptions During that period the surplus applied in redemption of the debt was 2,490,000/., and that was not an imaginary surplus m , de of surplus on the one side, and none on the other, but an uctual surplus applicable to th redemptioa of the debt, after payment of every sum for which this country was liable. It may here be as Convenient to call the attention of the House to another sulject which obtained the sanction of Partiament— in the year 1828. In that year this House gave a sanc tion to a measure for converting a permanent annuity into one for years or for lives ; and when I submitted that measure to the House, I certainly (lid so on the ground, rather, that it would prove a convenience to the public, than that it would be productive of any advantage to the revenue. But it will certainly be found, upon reverence to the papers, that whilst that measure relieved the country in one year of debt to the amount of 2,400,000/. it actually relieved the country in the course of 30 years of an additional stun of 25700,000/. — (Hear, hear.)—With these observations I propose to enter upon the statement of the Estimates for the ensuing year, and in doing so I must claim the indulgence of this House ; and I am satisfied that, when the House will take it into consideration, the difficulty of making an accurate calculation upon a subject of that kind, and the early period at which my anxiety to lay that statement before the House, compeb me to make the calculation that that indulgence will be liberally extended to me. I can assure the House that I have spared no pains in arising at a just conclusion ; and if I have formed a wrong estimate of the resources of the country, I am sure I shall recivee from the House that consideration which the difficulties I have alluded to entitle me to.— (Cheers.)—The House has been acquainted in the Speech from the Throne of the existence of distress in the agri cultural and manufacturing classes' but if that statement had not been made to the House, the personal knowledge of each individual Member, and the petitions laid before the House, would be sufficient to prove the existence of that distress. Such being the state of things, it became the duty of Ministers to give to the subject such consideration, as would enable them, if they should still feel bound to refuse the prayer of the petitioners, to show that they acted from a sense of the inexpediency or impossibility of granting their prayer, or that they should feel it their duty to grant the concession to show that in do ing so they were not unmindful itf the prayers of the people. (Cheers.) —Those petitions not only state the distress, but did that which was by no means natural, pointed out means of relief from taxation. It therefore became incum bent upon those to whom the affairs of the nation were entrusted to show to what extent relief could be afforded. In doing so there were two modes open for consideration. One was to aff mrd relief to the utmost practical extent to those parties whom the taxes more im mediately affected without imposing any fresh taxes upon the other classes of the community ; and the other way to Make up the deficiency occasioned by the repeal of those taxes, by imposing taxes upon those class& who are not supposed immediately to suffer.—(Hear.) — I need not conceal from the House that among the many plans submitted to the House one was the imposition of a Property Tax, that subject received the fullest considera tion, and the advantages arid disadvantages of the measure with reference to other great measures having been maturely weighed, it was thought more advisable to resort to another mode of affording relief than one which %you'd only take the burthen of the shoulders of one class to trans fer it to the shoulders of another class of the community ; another mode which would afford relief without imposing any additional tax. Sir, in considering what mode of re lief would be most advisable to adopt his Majesty's Go vernment thought that would be most advisable which would give relief to the utmost possible extent to the lower orders of the agricultural and manufacturing classes.— for upon those classes, I do believe, taxation at the present moment most strongly presses.—(Continued cheers.) — In affording that relief we also thought it our duty to con sider what repeal of taxes would afford the greatest relief to the public, and at the same time the least proportionate diminution of revenue. Acting upon those considerations, it appeared to me the tax which fads most heavily upon the lower classes of the people is the tax upon beer.—( Cheers. ) There was, Sir, a period when Beer, instead of being, as it has been of late years, looked upon by the working classes, as time beverage of holidays and feast-days, was looked upon as a necessary of life, which could not be dispensed with at the tables of the peasantry.—(Cheers.) —And I trust that the measure which I shall have the honour of submitting to the consideration of the House, will restore to the people the daily enjoyment of that bever age, anti in doing so will resolve that which is of much more importance, those habits of temperance and sobriety, which have in some measure been destroyed by the sub stitution of other beverages.—fHear.)—Beer is heavily taxed for the purposes of Government; for upon every quart of beer of the strength of London porter, the duty to Government is about three farthings, and when the an nual consumption of that article by each family is taken into consideration it'will appear that the repeal of this tax will operate in a way not 'at all inconsiderably bene ficial to those more immediate classes whose relief is the object of this measure. For more reasons than one, it is desirable that the tax upon beer should be selected as the one to be repealed, for that tax presses unequally in its operation, for while it leaves the rich man, who is able to brew his own beer entirely exempt from it, that duty and the expense of collecting it, which is not inconsiderable when the com plicated mode of collection is taken into considation, fall exelusively upon those classes who may be not im yrOperly called the exclusive consumers of that commodity. Indeed it is impossible to calculate the expense of the col lection ; and when I say, that it is one-third of the duty paid to Government, I cannot think that I am exposing myself to a charge of exaggeration in that respect. such being the fact, it must be clear that although by the repeal of this tax the deficiency of duty to the revenue is only 3,000,000/., yet the relief to the country will be little short of 4,500,000/.—(Cheers.)—ln considering this question it was open fur us to repeal the whole duty upon beer, which is what I propose to do,— (Cheering)—or to repeal the whole duty upon malt— br by way of compromise, to repeal half the duty of each. I say, Sir, that I resolved to adopt the first of these measures, and that I have done it upon the conviction 'that I shall relieve a class whom I am most anxious to relieve, and at the same time that I bene fit those to whom the other mode of proceeding would not be nn acceptable boon, because, by repeal ing the whole duty upon one article, we have got rid of the expeuce of collection, whilst by repealing half th e d u t y on each, we should continue the establiish meats for the collection of both, and very little, if any. reduce the optima of those establishmentam-(Cheets.) tie remission of the duty on beer affords considerable relief to all. Upon the London porter, one million of beer duty affects it to three holes the degree than the duty on malt would ; it stood therefore to sense that the re !novel of such a duty would afford considerable relief. To those who bad opposed the removal of this duty I would say, you are, in fact, by the repeal of this duty securieg to the dealer in malt a much greater consumption of that enmitiodity. this Sir, however, I consider in a greet nieasttre depends upon a free sale of beer.—(Hear, hear, hear.) From every thing that I have seen and heard on the pirocrediiigs of this Com mittee, I ant quite convinced a free sale of that com modity is essential.—(llear, bear.) It might be tArgrd by many that a free trade in this commodity would he unfavourable to the health of the community, that might or might not be so, but it must be remembered that Government had the vigilance of the Excise con stantly on foot, which was a great guard against the adulteration of this article. They take care that those who sell thin commodity do not introduce into that com modity any notions drugs. Sir, I have no doubt, that if Go vernment were to repeal the tax onleer, and retain the moo nopoly, they would do an incalculable injttry to that trade What, therefore, I propose for is, to repeal the whole of the whole of this duty from the 10th of next October.— Wear, hear, hear. )—Perhaps the House may consider that 1 should state some rrason for fixing that date. It will not be possible to bring that measure into bring that measure into operation till the period when the licenses are granted. If Government were to repeal that tax at the present moment, in what situation would they place those who were not apprehensive of any such reduc tion—those who have paid their duties on large stocks ? Hear.)—We Cannot give them relief withaut paying to them an enormous amount of their stocks. By the reduc tion of this duty there will no doubt be an increased demand in the commodity. Among the other advantages that would attend the repeal of this commodity, there is one that will be considered by all as important in a great degree, namely, the removal of the tax on Cyder, a tax sir, whitth amounts to no less than bessveen 25 and 30 thousand pounds, a tax collected under circum4tances of difficulty and oppression. There was also another thing which the remission of taxation would be most importantly felt. That was the tax on leather.—(Hear, hear.)—The taxation on leather was to a great amount. The reduc tion of that tax would affect in no immaterial degree the interests of the agriculturist well as all classes of men. There has long existed a comp! iint with many Mem hers s of this House, that duties were repealed on articles that gave no direct assistance to those most in need of it. I have also been often met by an objection that it was useless to repel half an existing duty, as the expense of collecting still remained the same, and the public were not benefitted. I, therefore, Sir, propose, in order to guard against a similar objection to repeal the whole of the Leather Tax.--( Hear, hear, and loud cheers.)—ln the steps which it is my intention to pursue, I hope the existiner Government will not be charged with apathy to the interests of the country. It is my intention that the existing tax on leather should cease from the fifth of July of the present year. lam aware that the decrease in the revenue from the proposed reductions I intend to make will cause a de crease in the revenue of 3,4oo,oool—(Hear, hear.) — But this will not be the only relief to the country, as the estimates are prepared to show a reduction of five millions. In making these reducti-'us in the Estimates, Government has been actuated by a desire to relieve the agricultu rists and the manufacturing population, which are in the most distressed state.—( Hear, hear.)—We have taken into account the loss of revenue by the reduction of these taxes, and prepared the estimates of the present year accordingly. And, Sir, I can assure the House, that what has already been done, and, fur ther, Sir, what I shall now propose to do, for the relief of the public burdens, is only an earnest of what the intentions of Ministers are.—(Great cheer ing. )--The Right Honourable Gentleman then went into a minute calculation of the precise decrease that he anticpated by the reductions of the duties on leather, beer, cyder, and malt, and to show in what manner he intended to lower the expences to meet the de creased revenue. I will begin—the Right Honourable Gentleman went on to say—by supposing that the Reve nue of the present year will be equal to that of the past. In the Customs, I do not expect that there will be any in crease, when I consider the large stocks that all tradesman and manufacturers have in hand, and there being no probability th it the consumption is likely sensibly to alter. It is next my intention, Sir, to advert to the duty upon stamps, and I estimate that these will amount to the same suns as those of last year. I have calculated them at last. year's estimate, which was calculated within 1,000/. of that of the preceding year, and as there has been no appearance of defalcation, I think I am justifi din taking it at that. I come now, Sir, to the Assessed Taxes, which for two successive years have increased in amount. The amount of the articles of luxury consumed have also increased, notwithstanding the difficulties of the country, so that I think I am justified in taking these jointly at the sum of 4,500,0001., which is within four thousand pounds of last year's estimate. In the Post-office I calculate there will be an increase of 20,000/. more than the esti mate of last year. I calculate these receipts not from any increase in that department, but because there has been a diminution in the charges which will increase the net receipts to that amount. In the small branches of revenue there has been so little variation, that I take the amount at that of last year at 2,000,000/. The miscel laneous estimates, including the unclaimed divi dends, must be taken at a less amount than that of last year, because last year a payment was made from the Consolidated Fund of Ireland which had been pounded in the Exchequer, and which increased it beyond its fair proportion. I ought to say, however, that independ ently of the payment of this sum, these branches of revenue, surpass in amount those of antecedent years. I will, however, take it at the amount of last year, which was 2,801000/. The total estimate then for the present year, utnounts to 50, 480:000/. Hav ing now, Sir, stated what the estimatated income is, the next point I come to is the : expenditure, The first then I come to is the debt. The interest and management of which come to 2,567,100/. Gentlemen may he struck by the little difference between the two amounts, the interest of this and last y ear ; but it will be recollected that last Session an addition was made to the debt by the funding of Ezche uer Bills. The next subject I come to, is ;hat of the permanent annuities, which amount to 2,220,000/. The neXt item is the iuterest on Exchequer Bills which mounts to 715,000/. The total charge of the interest of the debt upon all these is 29,000,00 0 /. Tha next is the civil list and pensions, which are lees than these of last year, by the reductions which have taken place to the extent of 2150000/. Wish respect lo the other branches of expenditure as I have already stated them, it is less necessary to particularize the items, or enter into an explanation upon what ground the reductions were made. These charges I estimate at 16580000/. I therefose take the charges for the Army, Navy, Civil List, &c. ; taeether with the interest of the debt at 47,812,0001., leaving a clear annual surplus of 2,667,0001. — (Hear, hear.)—lt must certainly be borne in mind that in estimating the surpluses of the former years, the payments of the annuities was included, but but they are not so in the present instance, for I now regard this as a clear surplus revenue after papingeall expenses. It is also the inten tion of Government to cause the Stamp Duties revised, consolidated, and assimilated, leaving the management with the Stamp-office in London, making the stamps of the three kingdoms, of the same denomination anti value. The resolution which I put into your hands, Sir, relate to another branch of our trade, which witl - prodnce a consi derable increase to the revenue, I mean spirits It is my intention to add a small additional on spirits. The House will bear in mind that the motive for reducing the'duty on these articles was to overcome smuggling. The House felt at the same time that the low-prices of ;spirits might corrupt the morals of the people, and that therefore it was better that the rate should be so low .as to reduce the practice, and to prevent its recurrence again. It is not my intention at present to lay on a heavy duty. 1 therefore only propose to lay on spirits manufac tured in Ireland and Scotland a slight increase—from 2s. 10d, to 3s. per gallon. This will prevent illicit dis tillation, and is those countries give an additional revenue. With regard to England I propose an addition of Is. per gal. I:calculate by the addititional sum which this will pro duce to have 3,001,7001- I propose then, Sir, a reduction on beer, leather, and cyder, leaving a sum disposable of 2,000,0001. for casualties, such as bad harvests, &c., anti to cover the fluctuations which may take place in the revenue, and to prevent that which is decidedly the greatest of all evils—the borrowing of money in time of peace, which we should have to pay perhaps in time of war and difficulty. The Right Hon. Gent. then went on to expatiate on the probable benefits liksly to arise from these various reductions. (LEFT srzAxiNc.) Irish Newspapers, that a wretched woman, a low prostitute in Dublin, at the instigation of a man :tow on his travels, we believe, to another liemiyhere, caused to be arrested a merchant in Dublin, who did not owe him a farthing, for 60,0001., who was forced to find bail for a sum that would have in stantly destroyed the credit of a man whor,e re sources were not so well known. In all max fides cases, therefore, matters are just where they were. There is no country but England where a man can be thrown into prison without being heard, on - the mere responsibility of a pretended creditor, which responsibility may not be worth one farthing.— Morning Chrouide. LAW INTELLIGENCE. COURT OF CHANCERY, MARcia 13. GREIG V. SOMERVILLE. The LORD CHANCELLOR gave judgment in this case, which was reported on a former day, and re lated to a claim made by the Emperor of Russia against the estate of the !we Admiral Greig, for a balance alleged to be due from him to the Govern ment of that country, in which he held a high naval appointment. His Lordship was of opinion, that from the situation of Admiral Greig, and his employment as a public officer, there had been sufficient opportunity for bringing forward the claim in question at the time when the whole fund, which was liable for payment of it, was in Court. That fund had now been reduced to 5-9ths of its original amount, by the payment to the widow of Admiral Greig of her share of his estate. What remained in Court, therefore, could only be liable to a propor tion of the claim when it should be established. His Lordship therefore directed that Prince Lieven, who represented the Emperor, should carry in his cl iim before the Master, and then prove it, if he could, against what remained of the personal estate, subject, however, to the same objections as might have been made to it if a bill had been filed. If the debt should be proved, the fund in Court would be liable to sati,fy 5-9ths of it, but not more. It ap peared that Lord Eldon, who heard the case, had decided it, and his decision was the same as that which his Lordship had now pronounced, but the matter stood over to give that Judge time to draw up the minutes of the order he had made. INSOLVENT DEBTORS' COURT, MARCH 13. Hairy Ibbotson, late master and owner of the brig Shaniroch, was opposed by Mr. BARRY on behalf of eeveral creditors. After hearing evidence at some length, The COURT decided that no effective opposition had been substantiated, and ordered the insolvent to be discharged. SPRING ASSIZE INTELLIGENCE. HUNTINGDON, MARCH 13. Thomas Hollingshead, aged 33, was indicted for feloniously breaking and entering the counting-house of William Foster and Son, at St. Neot's, on the 9th day of July last, and stealing therein one 5001. Bank of England note, 200 101. Bank -notes, 2,000 country bank -notes, 2,000 sovereigns, and other monies, to the amount of more than 8,0001., be longing to Messrs. E. and C. F. Foster, of Cam bridge. Mr. ANDREWS stated the facts of this extraor dinary case to the jury :—Tbe robbery of which the prisoner was accused • was one of the most daring and extensive he had ever known, during his experience in courts of justice. Messrs. Foster, the well-known and eminent bankers at Cambridge, have a branch-bank at St. Neot's, conducted by their brother, Mr. William Foster. The clerks in the St. Neot's bank are in the habit of going to take tea at the house of William Foster, two doors from the bank, and are usually absent for half an hour. On the day in question, the clerks left the bank at from five to half-past five o'clock, locking the outer and inner doors, and leaving the property, which formed the subject of the present inquiry, on the counter and in the drawers. On their return in half an hour, they found that the bank had been opened by means of a false key, and the whole of the property swept away. The prisoner was an entire stranger in the county, and the evidence against him was wholly circumstantial, consisting of proof of his most suspicious conduct before and at the time of the robbery. He should prove that the prisoner arrived at Eaton, about a mile and a quarter from St. Neot's, at half-past two o'clock by the Stamford roach, and from the coach be went to a little public-house at Eaton, where he remained till five o'clock, when he took the private and by-path to St. Neot's; and about 20 minutes past five he and another person would be proved to have gone up the steps of Mr. Foster's bank, which is situated in the Market-place. The other man unlocked the door, and went into the bank, the prisoner remain ing on the steps, with his face turned anxiously in the direction of Mr. W. Foster's dwelling-house, watching, in order to give an alarm if necessary. At a quarter to seven, the prisoner was again at the public-house at Eaton, where lie took his great-coat and umbrella ; and then he would be traced, pro ceeding by a private and nearly unfrequented walk, into the Little Barford-road, from whence he could get, by a circuitous route, into the London-road. This was the case against the prisoner. Evidence was adduced to corroborate the state ments of the Learned Counsel; after which, the Jury returned a verdict of guilty. The Learned BARON immediately passed sentence upon him. These wholesale robberies of country banks must be put a stop to; and, under the cir cumstances of the case, and with the hope that his punishment would operate as an examp4, the Court did order and adjudge that he be transported beyond the seas for the term of his natural life. [ l'his accomplished scoundrel is a man possessing considerable property, landed as well as pet sonal, and is rather a gentlemanly-looking man. This is by no menns the first hank robbery in which he has been an active agent, though he has hitherto had the good fortune to escape conviction. The trial excited unusual interest in the county, and the result is hailed with unqualified satisfaction. LANCASTER, MARCH 11. Thomas Miller, a rough-looking Irishman, was placed at the bar, charged with breaking:into the house of Thomas Walker, at Fazakerley, near Liver pool. Moses Wood, a labouring man in the employ of the prosecutor, knew the prisoner, who had worked for his master. Witness was present when the party entered the house; they had clubs in their hands. The outer door was open, but. the kitchen door shut : some of them broke it open, and rushed in. His master was sitting by the fire, nursing one of his children. They then proceeded to make an attack upon the inmates. Witness seized one of the men by his neckerchief, from whom he received a violent blow on the head, from the effects of which he fell on the' floor insensible. As soon as he reco vered he got out of the house and rart . for assistance. He had to go about a quarter of a mile, and was de termined to have his wounds washed. On his return the men had left the house. lie found,a hat in the. kitchen, which he had seen Miller wear when in the employ of his master. Elizabeth Hughes, another servant of prosecutor's, quite a girl, said one of the men, as soon as they en tered, got hold of her, struck her with a stick across the nose, knocked her down, and jumped upon her; she got away and hid herself, till she found an op portunity,.and then ran. for assistance. The prisoner declined saying any thing in his de fence. The learned JUDGE summed up, and the Jury im mediately pronounced the prisoner guilty. His LORDSHIP then proceeded. to pass the awful sentence of death, and the prisoner was removed from the bar. Patrick O'Neil and William 0' Ncil, brothers, were charged with a burglary .in having.stolen a quantity of jewellery from the house of Mr. James Mellor, at Liverpool. . The Jury found the prisoners Guilty. Sentence of death was recorded against Patrick O'tied, and the other was sentenced to 14 years' transportation. William Case wag indicted for killing and slaying Richard Welton, at Everson. The facts of the case were simply these :—The parties had been drinking together, a quarrel ensued, and the deceased challenged the prisoner to fight. A fight took place, the deceased was knocked down, and from a violent blow on the stomach died shortly afterwards. The Learned JUDGE, in summing up, intim ut d to the Jury that a case for conviction was cleArly made out. The Jury 'were consulting together, when his Lordship interrupted them, by saying there cJuld be no question as to his guilt. Clerk of the Arraigns.—Gentlemen, have you agreed upon your verdict ? The Jury again consulted together, and were con sulting, when his Lordship commenced sentencing the prisoner, but was interrupted by the Clet k. The JUDGE.-1 thought they had delivered their verdict. Clerk.—No, my Lord ; I asked them if they were agreed, but received no answer. The JUDGE (to the Jury).—Gentlemen, I am bound to tell you, unless you find him guilty .you will violate your oaths. (To the Clerk.)—ltecord the verdict. The Jury then pronounced the prisoner Guilty, and he was sentenced to pay a fine of Is. NOTTINGHAM, MARCH 12. The Judges arrived here this afternoon about two o'clock, and Mr. Baron GARROW immediately pro ceeded to open the commission. The calendar con• tains the names of 16 prisoners for the county, and five for the town. 'With the exception of the case of Win. Hillary, charged with the murder of Eneas . Simmons, most of the offences with which the pri soners are charged are of an ordinary description. On the civil side there are 14 causes entered for trial in the county, and three in the town. Henry Briarley, a clerk to Mr. Greasley, an at torney of this town, was indicted for stealing 68/. in promissory notes, the property of his master, in the dwelling-house of William Watts. The prisoner pleaded guilty. The Learned JUDGE ordered sentence of death to be recorded, but intimated his intent;on of re commending it to his Majesty to commute the sen tence for three months' imprisonment. Lawrence Wetherell was found guilty of stealing a watch, the property of Joseph Fox. The prisoner said that one of the witnesses, on whose testimony another person, named 'Hynes, had been on a former occasion convicted of aiding him in t:te commission of this offence, had sworn falsely; for he had not been there, and was as innocent as the babe unborn. Mr. Baron GARROW—Yes, yes; and no doubt, if Mr. Hynes were here, he would render you the same courtesy, and say you knew no more about it than that same babe. I have been accustomed to these vouchers for a great many years—for 40 years. The trial of Hillary, against whom the Grand Jury have returned a true bill, stands over to some day next week. TURNER V. HEALLD. The plaintiff in this case is a farmer, and the de fendant a chymist and druggist, residing at Mans field. In November last the plaintiff purchased some sheep ointment of the defendant, with which he had his sheep, 48 in number, dressed by a shepherd. The ointment, however, instead of mollifying the skin, had the effect of cauterizing it, arid in some of the poor animals, separated not only the skin, but the flesh, from the bones. Upon having the ointment analyzed, a quantity of arsenic was found in it, to which this effect was attributed. Nearly one half the sheep died. The Jury returned a verdict for the plaintiff— Damages 35/. Robert Fish, John Wilson, and William Smith, were indicted for robbing Samuel Dalby, on the King's highway. The Jury found them Guilty, and sentence of death was recorded against them. DORCHESTER, MARCH 13. The Judges opened the commission for this county yesterday, and attended divine service, and the business commenced this morning at nine o'clock, when Mr. Jus►ice GASELEE took his seat in the Nisi Prius Court, and Mr. Justice BOSANQUET opened the Crown Court at ten o'clock. There were between 4.0 and 50 prisoners for trial, and the cause list contained 12 causes, five of which have been determined this day, but were of no public interest; but or► Monday there are two special jury cases of consequence. Mr. Justice Bo sanquct, in delivei ing his charge to the Grand Jury, regretted the unusually large number of prisoners, which he believed was to be ascribed to the dis tressed state of the country. . His Lordship afterwards tried several prisoners, and at six o'clock both Courts adjourned, a circum stance which has rarely recurred on the present circuit, as, generally speaking, their Lordships have sat late. POLICE INTELLICENCE. GUILDHALL. Susannah Harwood, a young woman who resided with her mother at Highgate, was brought up on suspicion of being an accessary after the fact in a system of depredation which has been carried on by her sister, a servant in the employ of Messrs. Pa'lister, Wilkinson, and Pearce, it is believed ever since they eng iged her, about two years ago The prisoner was remanded till Tuesday. The prosecutors are warehousemen in St. Paul's Church yard, and it is estimated the goods stolen were worth from 600/. to 9001. BOW-STREET. On Saturday Mrs. Martha Ann TVoodgate, a fashion ably-dressed female, about 35 years of age, and rather well-looking, appeared before Mr. BALLS upon a charge of having by false pretences obtained the sum of 3851. from Mr. David Holcomb, a wine-merchant, residing in Cha pel-street, May-fair. On Saturday Mr. Alley stated the ease, by which it appeared, that some time ago the defendant kept a lodg ing-house in Arundel-street, Strand, and subsequently one at Putney, where Mr. Holcomb became her lodger. The defendant represented herself as a widow, and told the . complainant that the house and furniture were her own property. She then represented that she had been disap pointed in a remittance she expected from the West Indies, arid upon the faith of these and similar representations, she borrowed from his (Mr. Alley's) client the sum of 3851. Subsequently Mr. Holcomb discovered that the hupb Ind of Mrs. Woodgate was still living, and residing in Kings ton, Jamaica, and he .was soon after arrested at the suit of the husband, for the sum of 751., alleged to be due 'for board and lodging, although he had never received a single farthing of the sum which he had advanced to the defen dant upon the credit of her statement, nor• had the debt or any portion of it bees discharged to the present hour. Upon these grounds Mr. Alley contended that the de fendant had been guilty of a gross fraud. Mr. Holcomb deposed to the facts detailed above, and distinctly stated that he lent the defendant the money upon the faitlrof her representation that she was a widow. Mr. llsma, upon referring to the dates of the bills and other documents producmd by Mr. Holcomb, observed that, according to that gentleman's own admission, the greater part of the money alleged to be due to him by the de fendant had been advanced to her after he was aware that she was a married woman. There was; however, the sum of 171., which it appeared had been lent previously to May, 1829, and that was the only part of tho transaction upon which a charge of false pretence could be grounded. Mr. Alley said it was not the desire of his client to press the charge for the sum of 17/. Mr. HALLS said, that as Mr. Alley's client declined to prosecute, he should not detain the defendant, who was accordingly discharged. In her passage through the office she was recognized by several gentlemen who, it was alleged, had similar charges to prefer against her. On Thursday, at the instance of Craig, one of the offi cers to the Society against Cruelty, Patrick Flanagan, driver of the cart 189,441, was fined in costs for cruelty to the horses. A more favourable season for sowing Lent corn than the last fortnight has afforded, can scarcely be re membered; the young wheats are looking remarkably healthy. lIERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY MEETING. PUBLIC DISTRESS, On Saturday afternoon, a very numerous reeti ig of the Nobility, Gentry, the Owners and Occupiers • f L•nd, in the alive County, was held at the Shire-Hal, H•rfr 6icd. The Meeting was convened by the High Sheriff , W. Hale. Esq., in pursuance of a requisition for.varded to him some days since. The town presented abu t'ing a r pearance at an early hour, and crowds 411 pero ty lon4 lief,re the arrival of the hour appointed for the Meeting, had collected round the Shire-Hall, in which the Meeting was to have been held. Soon after twelve o'clock, William Hale, Esq., took the C.•nir —There were present, the Marquis of Stlishnoc Lord Vertilam, Daniels, Esq. the Recorder, Lord Alelboorne, Sir J. Sebright, Mr. Dunoombe, M.P., and Mr. Cs'vert, M.P. Lord SALISBURY remarked, that owing to the vec numerons attendance, them being hundreds cntsde the door unable to gain admittance, he moved thatan adjourn ment take place to a more open apace. There being many persons of opinion that they should adjourn to a more convenient plane-- The SHERIFF put the question, and it was carried in the negative. 1, 0 ,1 SkLISBURY again addressed the Meeting, and said, that if further oppo ition were offered to his motion, he should conceive that the Shire-hall had been taken posses sion of by a particular party. Lord Vireucast—Can the Shire-hell afford ac7omtno (fallen for the whole of the county of Hertford? The cries for adjournment were lend and incessant. Mr. DUNCOMBE, M.P., declared they would h.ve no hole-and .corner work, and only wa n t e d fair play to have the prepared Resolutions carried. The HIGH SHERIFF stated, that in pursuance of a Re quisition which referred to subjects of the deepest moment, lie had convened the present meeting, and he hoped that every person would be allowed a patient hearing.—(Tre mendous cries of " Adjourn.")—He trusted that the pro ceedings of the assembly would have their due weight with the Houses of Parliament.—(" Adjourn, adjourn.") A letter was read from an old friend of the county (Mr. Giles), who excused his absence on account of ill health. —(Tremendous uproar, and cries for "Adjourn.") The HIGH SHERIFF—The question has been fairly puts and decided that no adjournment shall take place. Lord SA LISBU declare that I consider this a hole and-corner Meeting if.an adjournment does net take place- (Immense uproar.)—l call upon the High Sheriff to in sure a full and proper consideration of the objects of the Meeting. I will withdraw from this Meeting, and trouble you no further. I again denounce this as a hole-and corner Meeting. Lord MELBOURNE—It is quite impossible for the High Sheriff to adjourn this Meeting, the question having been decided before. The question of adjournment can be pet again.—(Tremendous uproar, and cries for " adjourn.") Lord Sams/war-4 again declare that this is a hole and-corner Meeting.—(Loud disapprobation.) The noise here became tremendous, and the parties in the Hall seemed desirous to adje urn at once. The High Sheriff then consented to adjourn the Meeting to the out" side of the Hall. Carts and waggons were prepared, and there were from 5,000 to 6,000 persons present, compris ing most of the principal farmers, &e. in the county. The Ilictt SHERIFF having taken his place in a waggon , the requisition for convening the Meeting was read. It state.' that the unexampled state of distress to which the occupiers of land was reduced by the alarming increase of the poor rates, and the oppressive amount of the Govern ment taxes, greatly augmented by a precipitate return to a metallic currency, without a previous corresponding re duction in the taxes and other fixed payments, called for the adoption of some effectual measures to relieve the public distress; and that it was expedient to have a meeting of the county to petition both Houses of Parlia ment on the subject, and for the repeal of the duties on Malt and Beer. Mr. FORDIIAM came forward to propose the RegOlatiore • He took a review of the expenditure of the country to 1792, and compared it with that of the present day ; an d he felt assured that in the fifteen years of peace the esta blishments of the country should have been .reduced. Ne alluded to the expensive grants for the 'army, r e t r y, and the civil service, the colonies, &c., and called upon the people to press their claims for a reduction of taxation—a repeal of the malt, hop, and beer duties, &e. He alluded to the tithes and the clergy.'—(A Freeholder " That is not in the Requisition," hisses.)—He (Mr. Fordham) rm. only about to say, that the Clergy ought not to .receive money from the people in the shape of taxes as well as in tithes,—(Hear, hear, and elieers.)—He then Inoved the Resolutions—they stated the distress of the peoples and called for a repeal of taxes—the malt, hops , •and beer duties. The denial of general distress l a his Majesty's Speech had excited a feeling of great die-• satisfaction throughout the country—then the throwing Open the trade in Beer would prevent the too frequent use of ardent spirits--that the meeting felt a want of confi dence in the House of Parliament, &c. The Hon. 'Gen- Vernon continued his observations by stating that Govern ment might repeal ten millions of taxes without incurring any loss, and • frequently alluded to Sir H. Parnell's Patnplilet on Finance, in support of his arguments. The Hon. Gentleman read a letter from Lord bacre, regretting his inability to attend. Mr. Dowcomno seconded the Resolutions in a powerful speech. Lord SALISBURY spoke front the window of a house opposite the Shire•-hill. He was understood to give it ato his opinion, that Parliamentary Reform would not give the relief supposed. Lord Met.notroNE, Mr. G. PRICE, and several other persons. addressed the meeting at some length. The Resolutions were ultimately passed, as well as at petition to Parliament, founded upon them.—Thanks were voted to the High Sheriff, and the meeting adjourned. COUNTRY CORN MARKETS. DURING LAST WEEK. Wheat. Barley. Oats. Beans. Ter Quarter. s. to s. s. to s. a. to a. a. to 8, Catlisle — 59 30 fi Carmarthen 55 31 14 36 —** Hexham*—.. 52 72 33 41 22 29 50 52 Morpeth Penrith 60 I 31 -- 23 Sheffield 73 29 41 Winchester 42 63 21 33 21 25 42 46 Per Bushel. s. d. s. d. 6. d. r. d. a. d. s. d. s. d. s. Coventry -- 70 90 48 54 36 4058 6 6 Newcastle (Staff) 90 96 46 56 34 40 59 6u, Northallerton .-- 7 0 9 3 3 6 4 6 3 3 4 0 5 9 6 n " Sunni --....—...... 90 94 59 62 36 40 72 B`4 Swansea 69 70 44 48 2 2 6 00 0 Warwick 90 100 46 3 3 3 40 73 1 6 Per 8011. Barnardeastle 14 0 18 0 8 6 9 0 56 '6 4 9'6 12 6 Durham 126 166 80 90 49. 64 96 10 6 Richmond 12 0 160 00 10 6 70 86 11 0 J? Stockton 12 6 11 6 8 0 9 0 4 8 7 6 00 • 0 CORNWALL MARKETS. Tnuao.—Wheat (average) 23s.fa1.—.Barley. 12s.—Oats, 12a. 1. MARKETS. fal.—Barley, 14e.-Oats, 129. S e .Barley, 119. 0. to 4s.—Barley, Ile. to 124.—0 at" CORNWA Ta 17ao.—W eat (average Ilto..vrox—Wheat, 225. & ST. A U5T131.1.-•••W h 225. 9,. to lOs. Od. Boom! N—Wheat (average) 235. Ml.—Barley, 1114—Oats, 9s. GI LAUNCESTON—Wheat (average) 245. Od.—B arley, Bs. , otl.—Beef, 50.—Mutton, sd. PENZANCE—Wheat, 225. to 235.--Batley, —s. to 12..-chitSt Bi. to los. Od.—Beef and Mutton, 4d. to 51d.—Pork, 30. to Bd..'" Butter, 12(1. per lb. Lis I? A o—Wheat, 235. al. to 26s.—Barley; 13s. id.-. Oats, lam' to I Is. Od. CoLtota—Wheat, 2 Is. to YU—Marley, 10s.: to 11sod.8ee 4 and Mutton, bd. to Sid.—Veal and Lamb, Od to Od. MINING INTELLIGENCE. Ton& Clot Quantity of Copper Ore sold at Redruth last Thursday 2,277 Average Produce...... '7% " Quantityt of fine Copper 176 Amount of Sale, 12,6.501. 2s.:o‘l.—Average Standard: 1061. 7e. BIRTHS. On the 11th inst. in New-street, flpring-gard ent y the loiy,of E. P. Bastard, Esq. M.P., c? a eon. On the lath inst. at Southampton, the l;dy.pf W. 1 1 ' Vow, Esq , of Quebec, of a son. On the 12th inst. at Binfield-cottage, B e a s , th e ) a dy of B. J. Angell, Esq., of a son'and heir. On the 12th inst. at Claphant-common, Om lady of 1111 Sprat, E•q , of Riddell, Roxburghshire, of A sm. On the 11th inst. Mrs. Richard Lloyd, of Holborn-bOlO of a son. MARRIED. . . On the 9th inst. at Greenwich, M. R ut h, E N . o f Royal Engineers. to Margaret, third daughter of Abe lot: 1. Fu of 'Weston Lodge, in th , At St. George'd, Bloomsbury, F. Willitt,Esq.,lLD• t° H e nrietta, daughter of W. Lowe, Esq. Mr. Henry Ward to Miss Bitmead, both:ourojade ,t o y r , t ti e f s c s r, im r tq t. ., formerly street, Woodcot, Oxon, after a tedious. courtship ivreof .years. DIED. On the 12th inst. in Pall-mall. East, the. Hon. Denglto Kinnaird. On .the 12th inst. at his residence, in iklilford.tas* Mr. John Bovill. On. the 11th inst. Mr. H. W. Fowlers Re! Lion: 601 " -P Clerkenwell. On the 12th inst. the wife of Mr. .1. Laytoo t .of i alf" don-square, aged SO. Pitt?rtlED AND PUSLISDND DT MURDO YOUNG; ruz SUN Orrice, I 12, taiss*Rni Utifir4“. A N° cies f Te - anti ] • islau edford Berke (in tow n ford) Rocks emobridi ing 4 exvoli Cheater Cornwall u tirnh '°r aby ` :c oon . Dors e t Durh am Holy res . j•s x . Tabu? And 1 " *len Tti 116 l ikent,a, be 13 edford rk Buekennek Carnbrid , aceter e marnwall Cumber] Derby Devon bor get Durham oncesl in: Bi Oats, Arta' • Coax Berke Cortrwei Devon Ess e x Essex Rants (I lele of • That day o f °Ps auk( ceired a of Mari o'clock Prop lilaud, I Wales,. 1 Wise till the ,eve inset ha filled up came bt in the y Contra( on •a words continu by virtu Central tractor, Parti acconiii 4pplieat Few ; Gnerao be seen V , Prin ready ti March. his late said E aionthu he shal been ex riage, custom meat, 4 entitled Ti ARTI! Fire A' en3nin , 11111.4 b n the after vi The in the Acadel --__ This th e C. ORES Jam --___ Under rt' 43n l Th e O ne v 4%. Th 6d ....,.. SPj La br o 4 tenti c h Ham Iren e that with' expo, on a sospi do in tlerni a ver 1111117