The Sun. — London, England, 1845-02-14 00:00:00

N\ et trb Utittion SUN OFFICE * ;Woven o'Clock. IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. (THIS EVENING.) HOUSE OF LORDS. The LORD CHANCELLOR took his seat on the Wooi sack at Five o'Clock. HEALTH OF TOWNS. . The Marquis of NORMANBY said that he wished to present a petition, of which he had given notice, agreed to at a most respectable _meeting in Exeter-hall, in the - month of December last. The subject of the health of towns was one of the most im portant that could be brought before their Lordships, and the association, from whom the petition emanated, would be most happy to co-operate with the Government in any effort to benefit the people of Ehsgland in this particular. Ile had looked over the report laid bef o r e t h at H ouse by the Health of Towns Commission, and had extracted a considerable degree of his information from the documents thereto appended. The Noble Marquis referred to the demoralising effects produced amon g the poorer classes by the system pur anti of giving opium, in the shape of cordials, to children labouring under diseases induced by the noxious atmo sphere to which they were exposed in the crowded lanes of towns and in the neighbourhood of churchyards. He felt it his duty to present the petition, and he would take the opportunity of asking the Noble Lord, whether it was the intention of Government to bring in a measure to ameliorate the evils he had com plained of, and to do away with burial clubs, which, as at present managed, were another prolific source of evil? If they did not do so, he certainly should take an oppor tunity of introducing such a Bill himself. The Duke of BUCCLEUCH said that the Govern ment had taken the question into consideration, and it was probable that some measure for the purpose of attaining the advantages sought by the Noble Marquis would be brought fury. a d. Lord CAMPBELL said that no persons should be allowed to insure in clubs such as those referred to by the Noble M arqu i s , exce pti ng suc h as were directly in terested in the safety of the person so insured. The Marquis of NORNIANBY then gave notice that he should move, on a future day, for a return of the order appointing the Deputy-Inspector of Ireland, in the room or the late Mayor of Galway. *The House then adjournei till Monday. HOUSE OF COMMONS. The SPRIKER took his seat at the usual hoar. A messenger presented himself at the Bar of the House, with a message from the Lords; and also a messenger from the Bank of England, with a communi cation trom that establishment. Several petitions were then presented in reference to private Bills. IMPRISONMENT FOR DEBT BILL. Col. SIBTHORP presented a petition from several influential persons, and those engaged in trade in the town of Lincoln, paying for certain alterations in the Imprisonment for Debt Bill. LAWS AGAINST BLASPHEMY. Sir JOHN EASTHOPE presented a petition for the abolition of all the laws against blasphemy. MEDICAL REFORM BILL. An liox. MEMBER presented a petition from Hull, approving of some of the clauses, and disapproving of others, of the proposed Medical Reform Bill. THE NAVAL FORCE. Mr. BRIGHT presented a petitio❑ from the Peace Society against any further increase of the naval force. BANGOR AND ST. ASAPIL An HON. MEMBER, whose name we did not hear, pro. sentel a letition against the union of the sees of Bangor and St. Asaph. TIMBER DUTIES. Mr. G. CRAIG presented a petition from Edinburgh, praying for a repeal of the timber duties. AGRICULTURAL DISTRESS. Mr. DARBY presented petitions numerously signed, praying for an inquiry into the causes of the present agricultural distress, with a view to its alleviation. JEW ISII DISABILITIES. • Mr. HUTT presented a petition praying for a re-. moval of all civil (Visibilities pressing upon the Jews. WINDOW-TA X. Mr, T. DUNC6MBE presented a petition from Mid dlesex praying for a repeal of the window-tax. INCOME AND PROPERTY-TAX. Mr. T. DUNCOMBE presented a petition praying for a revision of the property and income-tax. POST-OFFICE ESPIONAGE. Mr. T. DUNCOMI3E presented a petition from Mr. Joseph Mazzini, complaining that his letters had been +Token open, and stating that, although the House of Commons had appointed a Secret Committee to inquire into the practice of espionage in the Post office of Great Britain, the Members of that Com mittee had been misinformed and imposed upon; and he, on the part of himself and other foreigners, wished to know whether they were in future to place confidence in the honour of this country, or whether their correspondence was to be transmitted to foreign despots, by which they were in danger of imprison ment. Several petitions for private Bills were presented by Mr. Buck, Mr. Porter, Mr. Brotherton, and Mr. Ewart ; and petitions against the oppressive and uneqnal influ ence of the income-tax, from surgeons, solicitors, and other professional persons residing in several places in the county of Lincoln ; a petition from the medical practitioners of Bishopwearmouth, approving of the Me dical Reform Bill brought in last session, but praying for some alterations therein ; and a petition from the London and Coon rj Association of soap-makers, praying for a repeal of the duty on soap. WINDOW-TAX. Mr. ROEBUCK presented a petition from the car penters of the City of London, praying for a repeal of the window-tax. NOTICES OF MOTION.—POST-OFFICE.: Mr. T. DUNCOMBE gave notice that on Tuesday next he should submit a motion to the House on the subject of the Post-office. lie should move for a Select Committee to inquire into the manner in which the business of the Post-office was conducted, and he should also move that the Report of the Secret Committee of last year be referred to that Committee. FIRE INSURANCES. Colonel SIBTHORP gave notice, that after Easter, lie should take the sense of the House on the subject of the propriety of reducing the duties payable on Fire In aurances.—(Hear, hear.) COMMERCIAL TREATY WITH TURKEY. Dr. DOWRING, seeing the Right Hon. Baronet in his place, would repeat the question which ho had pig to hiln on a former evening, in reference to the com mercial treaty with the Ottoman empire. When that commercial treaty was entered into with the Porte, an additional duty had been imposed on the import and ex port of goods, 'her Britannic Majesty's subjects, from the Ottoman empire, and the quivalent which was giv e n t h em was the abolition of the monopolies of goods which left the interior of the Turkish Empire. Under that treaty an additional per eeatage was imposed on the imports and the exports of goods. It appeared, however, that the monopoly had not been abolished, although that was - a subject on which he would not dilate They were at that moment able to admit goods into the British empire on the payment of three per cent. on im portation or on exportation, while British subjects, under the terms of the treaty, were compelled to pay 12 per cent. upon exports and five upon imports. The question which he wished to put to the Right Hon. Baronet was, whether any effective measures had been taken to place British subjects of her Ma.iesty, trading to the Levant, on a level with other subjects trading to that part of the world? Sir R. PEEL said the Government were not satisfied with the manner in which the commercial treaty had been carried into execution. There were subjects of some countries which were entitled to privileges that British subjects did not possess, although there was an article in the treaty which pro vided that subjects of her Majesty in the Turkish empire should be upon the footing of the most favoured nations. Of course their appeal must be made to the Porte, and at the present moment negotiations on the subject, between the Porte and Russia, were pending. ELECTION COMMITTEES. The following Hon. Members were sworn in to serve on Election Committees :—Lord Sandon, The O'Conor Don, Sir George Grey, Lord G. Somerset, Mr. Wilson Patten, and Mr. Locke. THE OREGON TERRITORY. Sir. R. PEEL moved the order of the day for a Com mittee of Ways and Means. On the ques ien that the order of the day be read, Mr. ROEBUCK. wished to give notice publicly, on purpose that it might be wed known, that he should take the earliest opportunity of asking the Right lion. Gentleman opposite when he should be enabled to lay on the table of the Ilouse the correspondence between the American Government and our representative there on the subject of the Oregon territory. THE BUDGET. The Order of the Day for going into Committee of Ways and Means was then read, and the Speaker left the Chair, which was taken by Mr. GREENE. Sir ROBERT PEEL then rose. He said—Mr. Greene, although, Sir, I have had considerable expe rience in the discharge of official duties, and although I have frequently had occasion to address this House upcc matters of great public concern, yet I cannot ap proach the discussion of the subject which I am now called on to introduce without great anxiety, and without a deep consciousness of how im perfect and inadequate will be the explanation which I shall be able to give with respect to it. But though I rise under some disadvantages from the period of the year at which the statement is made, yet, after the announcement of the speech of her Majesty, tiia it r% a; ii.t -nded to propose a continuance of the income-tax for a further limited period, I felt that I had no alternative whatever might have been the precedent under ordinary circum stances—but to submit to the House and t'le country, the go seral views of ht r Majesty's Government with regard to our financial position and our cousmercivl policy. Sir, it will be my duty to present ~t othe House general view of the present financial position of thecou a WS Pn- A-try—to make an estimate of the probable revenue, and to =discuss this great question—whether it be consistent ' he public interest that the present amount of g. ure ihould be maintained, or whether it be Dot 4 '• NZOtiq it • • iit: C~: ~ right that there should be, in respect of some important branches of our public policy, an increase of both beyond preceding years? If the House entertained that proposition for the reasons which I shall adduce, it will then be incum bent on me to propose for the consideration of Parliament whether it be fitting that that increased expenditure shall be met from the ordinary sources of revenue, or whether it be more advisable that that tax imposed in 1842, on property and income, shall be continued for a further period, for the double purpose of providing efficiently fir the exigencies of the public service, and for enabling Parliament to reduce and to relieve the people from those taxes bearing more immediately on the industry and commercial enterprise of the coun try.—(Hear, hear, from the Opposition.) Sir, I am convinced that this House will fully appreciate the magnitude of the task I have undertaken ; and that whatever be the difficulties which may arise from my in adequacy to discharge that task, I am sure those difficulties will not be aggravated by any want of indulgence or attention on the part of the House. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) I shall attempt on this occasion to lay before the House as fully and as comprehensively as I can all those considerations which appear to me to form the elements of its future determination. I will not enter into any state ments or make any observations connected with past party considerations.—(Cries of " Hear, hear.") Nothing shall fall from me that can prevent any gen tleman from exercising a dispassionate judgment unin • fluenced by mere consideration of party. I know that I must necessarily touch upon subjects which have been and will be made the subjects of fierce political contention, but I shall postpone these subjects until some future period, and I shall now attempt to lay before the House its present financial position, and explain the views of her Majesty's Govern ment in respect of the course of policy they intend to pursue. I will, in the first instance, begin by referring to that estimate of finance and expenditure of the country which was taken by my Right Hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he last brought the subject under the consideration of the House. My Right Hon. Friend, speaking at the latter end of April, 1844, calculated that the revenue for the current year—that is, the year ending the sth April, 1845—would amount to the sum of 51,790,0001. My Right Honourable Friend calculated the expenditure at 18,643,0001., leaving an estimated surplus of 3,147,0001 That calculation, however, was disturbed on the one hand by an estimated reduction of taxes to the amount of 400,000/ I allude to the wool duties, and to the duty on glass, which were removed at a subsequent period of the session, but on the other hand credit was taken, or a demand was made, for 400,0001. On account of the China expenditure, which vote it is not necessary to refer to, because that will not affect the calculation of my Right Hon. Friend, be cause there is a saving on the one hand balancing the reduction on the other. My Right Hon. Friend stated at the same time, that in consequence of the postponement of the payment of 700,000/. the surplus would be reduced, and that the real surplus would be 2,373,000/. That estimated surplus was, in point of fact, in making the account of the sth of January last very considerably ex ceeded. It will appear by reference to the document of the state of finance and expenditure of the sth of January last there was a surplus of 3,357,000/., instead of 51,790,000 L, the sum calculated upon by my Right Hon. Friend ; the amount of net receipts of revenue on the sth July last, was 54,003,000/. The increase of revenue arose chiefly from the in crease of receipts from the Customs. Instead of 21,500,000/. of Customs revenue, as estimated by my Right Honourable Friend, the actual receipt was, on the sth of January, 22,500,000/. The Excise, which was taken by my Right lion. Friend, at 13,000,000/., produced on that day, 13,308,0001. There was some money received under the treaty with China, amount • ing to 385,0001., for which my Right Hon. Friend had not taken credit, but the result was, on the sth January last, an income of 54,000,0001, instead of the esti mated income of 51,795,000/ The expenditure on the sth January, 1845, had been, on account of Debt and Consolidated Fund, 32,862,000/, and on account of the payment then made for the army and navy and other public services, 17,784,0004, making a total expenditure of 50,646,0001., and leaving a sur • plus, as it appears on that account, amounting to 3,357,0001 —( Hear, hear, and cheers.) At the same time, although that is the actual account, as ap - pears on the sth January, yet the House will be naturally anxious to have an estimate of the account as it will probably appear on the sth of April next. For the peried of which I am speaking, I am of course bound in a matter of this kind to give au estimate rather than a positive statement, but certainly I have every reason to apprehend that the balance, comparing the actual re ceipts of revenue within the year on the sth of April next, with the expenditure, will amount to a sum of above 5,000,0001 for the year.--(Cheers.) The ac counts, to any one cursorily reading the papers which had been presented to the House, might appear rather confused, on account of the ar rangements which are necessary to be made in different quarters for the payment of the public creditor. At one period of the year, taking the year ending on a particular day of one quarter, the charge for the Debt will appear considerably more than the same charge for another year terminating on the same day of another quarter. I cannot trouble the House with the accounts in detail on that point, but I think—taking the estimates as they are ready to lay before the House —I think the House may calculate upon our being in possession, on the sth cf April next, of a surplus of revenue received during that year, as compared with the expenditure, of, at the very least,five Now, I know my Right Hon. Friend states that that will not appear on the face of the accounts. For in. stance, 2,000,0004 of money have been applied to the pay ment ofExchequer-bills, on account of the opium compen sation. Ido not wish, however, to deal to night with the intricacies of accounts. I wish to state to the House what is our real practical position with respect to finance severed from all questions of annual account ; and I think that I am justified in stating that such has been the improvement of the revenue, apart from the property- tax, that the surplus which I have stated, viz., a surplus of at least 5,000,0001, will be the surplus of revenue this year as compared with the last. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) A part of that receipt of revenue is made up from temporary and casual sources. I am now speaking of the actual re ceipt of revenue within that year. About 385,000 L will have been received on account of China money ; there are other small sums from the South Sea Company ; and, taking them altogether, perhaps the whole amount received from casual sources will be 500,0001., which we cannot rely on permanently. Of course a portion, and a very considerable portion, of the revenue is derived from the income-tax, which has produced 5,190,0001. If it had not been for the receipt of the amounts from various casual sources, and for the receipt on account of the income-tax, the revenue, which in that case would be derived from ordinary permanent sources, would not quite equal the expenditure. I think the best course which I can now take is, to submit to the House the estimate which has been pre pared by my Right Honourable Friend and my self, of the probable receipt of revenue in the next year. I have no right to assume that this House will sanction the continuance of the income-tax; and I think, therefore, it will be better that I should, in the first place, estimate the revenue, supposing the House should determine not to continue the income-tax. We are disposed to estimate the receipt from the Customs in the year ending the sth of April, 1846.—1 will lay before you the best estimate I can form of the probable receipt up to the sth of April nex year, and I am now going to address myself to the prospects of the coming year—that year which will terminate on the sth of April, 1846, as I before stated,— the receipt from the Customs in this year, on the sth of April, may be taken at 22,500,000 L There has been a very large receipt on account of the duty on the import of foreign corn ; but, independently of that, the revenue from the customs has been very large. The experience of past years would induce us not to calculate upon a succession of one prodnctive year after, another. Looking, therefore, to the probability that ,he corn duties of the neat year would no be equal to what they were last year, and bearing in mind that last year was very pro- ductive in the Customs' revenue, I am not inclined to take the estimate of the Customs' revenue for ho next year at more than 22,000,0001. ; and than the Excise revenue, which was estimated at 13,000,000/. for the past years, reached 13,300,0001. ; and, therefore, I feel myself warranted in estimating that branch of revenue for the next at thirteen millions and a half, because for some time there has been a progressive increase in the Excise revenue ; and we find, by experience, that the Excise revenue recovers more slowly from depression than any other branch. The Excise returns less rapidly than the Customs after a period of depression. But ex perience leads us to believe, that where improvement begins in the Excise, it goes on progressively ; and I therefore feel that I am warranted in estimating the Excise revenue for the year ending the sth of April, 1846, at 13,500,000/. The stathp•duties produced in the last year 7,100,000/. ; and the taxes— that is to say the land-tax and the assessed taxes-- duced 4,200,000/. Then, with pro respect to C Tlll l , _SLN, LONDON, FRIDAY the Post-ofte i I feel warranted, from the in etease in the revenue of that department since last year, and the facilities which have recently been made for the increase of foreign correspondence—l feel warranted in estimating the revenue of the Post•office for the next year at 700,000/., for the actual produce of last year was 691,0001.—(Cheers from the Opposition.) The Crown lands produced 1,500,0001 ; and I will take them at that estimate. As to the miscellaneous sources of revenue, I am inclined to take them at nearly the same amount which they actually produced dur ing the past year that is 250,000/ Now I have been here speaking of the ordinary permanent sources of revenue, and the net amount of my estimate on these is 47,900,0001. Besides, I cal culate that during the coming year we shall receive 600,000/. on account of China. So that, even if the House should refuse its sanction to the continu ance of the income-tax, I think that I should be entitled to take credit for the half-year's produce of that tax—viz., for 2,600,000/, which will come into the receipts of the year ending the sth of April, 1846. Therefore, with this 2,600,0001, and 600,000/. on the account of China, I am warranted upon calculating a clear revenue of 51,100,0001, even if the House should refuse to continue the income-tax. The charge for the debt could of course be calculated. On the sth of April, 1846, the charge for debt will be 28,450,0001., and then you will have the full advantage of that reduction which took , place last year on the interest of the Three-and-a-Half per Cents. The charge for debt, funded and unfunded, 28,458,000/. ; the charge on the Consolidated Fund, 2,400,0004, making a total of 30,850,000/. on ac count of the debt. The estimated debt voted last year amounted to 17,700,000/. ; the total charge, therefore, assuming the present system to remain unaltered, would be 48,557,0001 Deduct that sum from the total revenue, that is 48,557,000/. from 51,150,0001, still the surplus on the sth of April, 1846, will be 2,543,000/. I really must, even at the risk of fatiguing the House, detail these calculations. I hope the House will pardon me for so doing. If you were to deduct from the revenue of next year the receipt of the income-tax and the casual and temporary receipt from Chinese money, and assume that to be the amount of revenue on the follow ing year, ending the sth of April, 1847, and taking the expenditure to be the same, in that case there would be a small deficiency of revenue as compared with the preceding year. The question is, Whether or not we are justified in a demand for an increased expenditure on account of the public expenditure, and I feel that it is but right to satisfy the House what our intentions are in making this demand. Ido not hesitate to admit that no financial prosperity—no surplus revenue—relieves the Government from the paramount obligation of con sidering whether it is consistent for the public interest that a saving can be made in the public expenditure. But I do not mean to say that there would be any jus tification on the part of the Government for a large and profuse expenditure, when the revenue is in a flourishing state, than there would if it were failing.—(Hear, hear.) I feel that there is the same stringent obligation upon her Majesty's Government to avoid increased—un necessarily increased—expenditure, when there is a surplus of five millions in the Treasury as when there is no surplus at all.--(flear, hear.) It is, I know, of the greatest importance that I, and those Hon. Gentlemen who act with me, should perform the duty that devolves upon us, in respect to the public taxation, to remove, within the least possible period that we can consistently do, such increased taxation as we considered to press with additional force upon the public tride and public interest.—(Hear, hear.) But it is impossible to do this without exercising great care and caution, as to the department in which the public ex penditure is to be reduced.—(Hear, hear.) At the same time, permit me to say that I am greatly afraid that the public are under a very erroneous conception with re gard to what was really necessary for the public expen diture, what that public expenditure actually was, and the means by which it could be safely reduced. It is generally supposed that all portions of the public expen diture which does not consist of payments for the con tinuance of the several public departments, is unneces sary and useless, but such is not the case. If we take the amount of the revenues for the past year, which was 48,243,000/., it will be found to consist of the following charges :-28,450,0001. on account of payments to wards the public debt. The sum paid to the naval and military halt-pay amounted to 4,991,000/. The charges fixed on as necessary for the Consolidated Fund was 1,878,000/. In these charges I include the provision► necessary for defraying the expenditure of the judicial establishment.—(Hear.) There are, be siies, included in the whole amount of the sum that I have stated, as that which will be required for the public services this year, not only the whole sum levied as public taxation, but various other sums. the sum of 35,309,000/., required for the purposes I have already mentioned, if deducted from the 48,000,0004, the:amount of the total sum required for the public expen diture, will leave a sum of about 13,000,0004 for the public service, in respect of wich, it is supposed, some reduction may be made.—(Hear, hear.) After deducting the amount due to the public creditor, what then remains to be disposed of to meet the expendi ture of the executive Government ? The total amount of that would not exceed 12,933,0001 Among the other charges which have received the sanction of Parliament, is the charge for the Civil List. And here I may be permitted to say, that any Executive Government that would have a due regard to the exercise of a wise and judicious economy, would not hesitate to follow the example which has been set them by the controul ex ercised over her own expenditure by the Sovereign. A settlement was made of the Civil List on her accession to the throne. On the occasion of her mar riage no addition was made to that civil list.—(Cheers.) It has pleased God to bless that marriage by the birth of four children, which has made a considerable additional demand upon the civil list. In the course of last year three sovereigns visited this county ; two of them were two of the most powerful sovereigns of Europe —the Emperor of Russia and the King of the French.—(Cheers.) Those visits, of necessity, created a considerable increase of expenditure, but through that wise system of economy, which is the only source of true magnificence, her Majesty was enabled not only to receive those Sovereigns in a style of magnificence, which excited universal admiration, but without adding one tittle to the burdens of the country.—(Loud cheers.) And lam not required, on the part of her Majesty, to press for the extra expenditure of one single shilling—(lmmense cheers)—on account of these unforeseen causes of increased expenditure.—(Renewed cheers.) I think that it is but due to state this, to the personal credit of her Majesty, who by the exercise of a judicious economy, has been enabled to entertain these Sovereigns with all the magnificence due to her station, and without incurring a single debt.—(Loud cheers.) I know it maybe said that I have not adverted to other sources of reduction in the public expenditure. It may be said that offices might be abolished, and that emolu ments may he reduced. I admit that no office ought to be retained which is not necessary for the public service. I admit that no emolument attached to any office ought to be retained which is not necessary to secure the faith ful and efficient performance of the duties necessary for the public service. —(Hear, hear.) ' On that point we are all agreed. I vindicate no sinecnres—(Cheers)— and when an office becomes vacant we go through that process which has been so frequently recommended, of considering if the retention of it is necessary for the public service, and if the emoluments will admit of re duction consistently with a due regard for the public interests.—(Cheers.) Now with regard to the charges for the collection of the revenue, it should be borne in mind that the extent of the revenue establishment is not merely to secure an effi cient collection of the money duo to the State, but that it is of the utmost importance that every facility should be given for the transaction of commercial business.— (Hear, hear.) It is our duty.to reduce those establish ments, as far as it is consistent with public convenience. I do not vindicate the retention of ene single useless officer ; but the public is interested in giving to the dis- patch of public business every facility that you can give consistently with al due; regard to the public safety. and, therefore, so far as the principle is concerned that the revenue ought to be collected at the least possible expense, and that you ought to make every reduction you can, upon that point I apprehend thero can be no difference of opinion. But still, after that admission, you will find that the subject has con stantly occupied the attention of every Government, and that great reductions from time to time have been made. But it would be a delusion and a fallacy to expect that you can generally reduce the public burdens by any diminution of the salaries of the officials employed. At the same time it may be said that those great public establishments for which a vote is taken every year, and which • constitute the _ main charge on the revenue, independent of the fixed charges —such as the army, the nary, and the ordnance of the co untry— may admit of some reductions. I, first of all, will state he estimate we propose for the expenditure on account of the army. Now it is impossible to determine whether that expense is justifiable or nor, without adverting to the extent of the colonial empire of this country. Now, in point of fact, the main expense on account of the army is the extent of you: colonial possessions. You have FEI3RUARY 14, 1845, these - Colonial dependencies, and to make no provision for the relief of the troops serving in them, will be in consistent with humanity in the first place, and incon sistent with true economy in the other. To lay aside its want of economy, in point of humanity nothing can be more precious than the life and health of a soldier.—(Cheers.) The army thus that you possess is a very expensive and complicated machinery, and you may depend upon it you will not consult tree economy if you permit it to be dislocated and deranged by reduc tions without calculation. Now in the year 1792, which has frequently been referred to as the criterion of what our military establishments ought to be—in theyear 1792 you had 22 colonial dependencies. In the year 1820 you had 34 colonial dependencies, and in the present year, 1845, the colonies, which were 22 in 1792, have increased to 45 at the present time. It is the number of your colonies, and the dispersion of the forces employed in them, that leads to the necessity of frequent relief; and imposes on you, with reference to your army par ticularly-, as distinguished from the armies of the Con tinental powers, in order to maintain the efficiency of that force, a considerable annual expenditure. It may be said it is not our advantage to defend our colonial empire, but I deal with the fact that you have colonies—that you must provide a competent force for each, and that having a competent force, you must have some supply for the relief of them. Sir, I should be un willing—though I know our colonies are expensive— I should be unwilling to give up that policy which led to the foundation in different parts of the globe of dependencies animated by the spirit of Eng lishmen, speaking the English language, and laying the foundation, perhaps, in future times, of important commercial States.—(Hear, hear.) Looking to our own population—looking to its numbers—looking to its en terprise, I cannot say that I think it is unwise to pro vide an outlet for that population and that enterprise. —(Hear, hear, and cheers.) And though it may be attended nt times with something of expence you must remember, however that may be, the fact that you have at the present moment forty-five colonies, for the military defence of which you must provide. Fur the service of each of these forty-five colonies you have a force, consisting first, of three battalions of the army, 6,500 cavalry, rank and file, and you have one hundred and twelve battalions of infantry, con sisting, rank and file, of 92,500 men, and that is the amount of the British army with which you are to garrison all these forty-five colonies, with which we are to provide against occasionally internal commotion, and the chance of foreign attack, and to provide also for the internal service of the country. And this is to be effected, and is effected, by an infantry force of 112 battalions, amounting to 92,000 rank and file. Now, what is the rule established with regard to relief ? The rule is this. That a regiment shall remain ten years abroad, and five at home ; and will any one say that that is an unreason able regulation—that it would be desirable for the effi ciency of the army, that any regiment in the British service should remain more than ten years abroad, or that it should not have the advantage of remaining five years at home. After their return they generally arrived in such a state that it required some years to bring them to a proper degree of health.—(Hear, hear.) And if her Majesty's Government thought it acvisable--that it was consistent with true economy, with humanity and with the efficiency of the service to reduce the military force it would be their bounden duty to do so. What is the fact with regard to the You have 35 battalions at home—not, as it is supposed, for the purpose of restraining, but for the purpose of maintaining. the system of relief. Your rule is five years at home, but ten years abroad, but you have not been able to adhere to it. The military force that you have at home, does not enable you to supply the demand for the necessary relief. Now, let me take a series of years, from the year 1824 to the year 1842, a period of eighteen years of profound peace—at least, there was during that period no general warfare. There was no interruption to tranquillity from 1824 to 1842, and the number of battalions during that, time remained the same. Now, what was the service during that period ? Why, the average service of the whole of the battalions was ten years abroad and five at home. For the whole of the battalions, therefore, there was fourteen years abroad and four at home.—(Hear, hear.) It might be said that I speak of rank and file, and that there is necessarily a number of officers included. Now, look at the effect of that. You hare a number of reduced officers, and what was the effect I' Why, in reducing the officers you would reduce the regiment, and the consequence therefore was that officers ought to be increased. 'Now, what was the effect with respect to services in India? There were twenty-three battalions in India, twelve of them whose period of foreign service has been thirteen years. There were four battalions in India whose period of service has been upwards of twenty years, dad there is one battalion which has been on foreign service for twenty-three years, which is now returning home, and if you allow it to remain five years at home, and send it out again for ten years, when it comes back it will have been thirty-three y ears a b road on foreign service and five at home. Now if you adh ere to your own rule of fire years at home and ten years abroad, y ou wou ld require no less than forty-seven battalions for India. Independently of that we have only thirty-five battalions after and ent would the a skthe fact b e w House which acting haveelwhether e s3 t i ts h ut e et r ne dt hl,yetrhe they withr Majesty'seco their . dG a t uot h vy o e: m inf e rn , mended a diminution of the British army. I know that some temporary popularity might be gained by advising that reduction, but when I look to the system of relief, however imperfect are those principles upon which it is founded, and of the present course at home which is carried into effect, I am bound to say that I don't think it would be consistent with sound policy, or with economy, to pro pose —considering the great importance of our vast colo nial empire—a reduction in the military establish. ments of the country.—(gear, hear.) I hope the House will excuse me for dwelling thus in detail upon our expenditure, because, as I said before, I do not feel that any prosperity justifies any increase in the ex penditure which can be made. We propose no increase in our military establishments, but at the same time, we do not think it would be desirable to recommend to the House to diminish the military force of this country. Consequently, we propose that the vote for the army estimates in the present year shall be a vote of 6,600,0001, the amount of last year's estimate. I now proceed to call the attention of the House to the state of the nary, and the, demand we shall feel,. it our duty to submit to the House for an increase in the estimate for it. We shall propose, in the course of the present year, an in crease in the number of men serving in the navy, of about 2,500 more than those that are now actually employed, and of about 4,000 more men than those voted last year. He would make that proposal on -the following grounds. On account of our extended colonial empire, and the new commercial interests con nected with it. There is a growing necessity for pro tection of our commerce in almost every part of the world. Within the last few years three great naval stations have grown up. There is the coast of Africa, the Pacific, and the China seas. Now I will just compare the number of men employed in these several stations in 1841, with the number of men we felt it our duty to employ ; for, really we had scarcely any option to exercise with respect to that employment in the course of the autumn of last year. In 1841, on the coast of Africa, there were em ployed 690 men. Last year, for the purpose of making a more vigorous attempt for the suppression of the slave trade there were employed on the coast ofAfrica 2,590 men In the Pacific, in the year 1841, there were employed 706 men ; in the last year there were, and there are at present, employed, 2,437 men. In the China seas, in 1841, there was only a small frigate. I believe that was previous to the commencement of hostilities ; but our ordinary communications in the China seas were con ducted by the occasional presence of a small frigate. But after the treaty which we entered into with China, there were employed on the coast of China 2,805 men. We have attempted to make a reduction. Under the China treaty there was a stipulation that we should have one vessel for each of the five ports at which our commerce was to be carried on. We attempted to reduce the number ; we tried to adopt the plan of having steam-boats to pay occasional visits to those ports. But we were immediately met by the strongest representations from the most eminent au thorities, from Sir Heury Pottingcr and his suc cessor, Mr. Davis, earnestly entreating us, in consideration of our new relations, and of the importance of imposing a check upon those who formed those post, and preventing any infraction of the Chinese laws, immediately to dispatch an additional force; and so convinced were we of the justness of the commerce is greatly blitend!ng on the west coast of South America, and it is ittipoesible to deny that the presence of a British vessel has a great effect in maintaining relations of peace.—(Hear, hear.) lam sure that upon those three stations alone there has been an increase in the men employed at such a distance from this country of not less than 6000 men. You are to observe too that the very dispersion of your naval force has an effect like that produced by the dis persion of the army. The necessity of having your naval force dispersed over the habitable globe does in fact diminish the efficiency of the naval complement at home.—(Hear, hear.) We purpose, therefore, with per fect confidence in the justice of the requisition to increase the naval force of the present year to 4,000 men. The expense caused by that increase will be about 184,0001. I do not vindicate that increase merely on the ground of fiscal arrangements. I say, without hesitation, that I think it is of great importance that this country should have the means of perfecting discipline, of improving its officers, and of keeping at its command a certain num ber of ships of the line.—(Hear, and partial cheers.) I do not believe that it ought to give, or that it would give, any cause for jealousy, if this country should have the command of nine or ten sail of the line.—(Hear, hear.) It is of great importance that we should test the quality of vessels in sailing, and we have no means of doing so unless we send them to sea.—(Loud cheers from Sir Charles Napier, followed by shouts of laughter, in which Sir Robert Peel joined heartily.) Sir, I am afraid that the approbation of the Gallant Officer The increased number of men which I mean to propose is 4,000, and if you attend to the requisitions of our com merce in different parts of the globe, you will find that they will not enable us to have, under any circumstances, more than ten sail of the line at our command. It is impossible also, I think, for this House to overlook the progress made in the perfection of steam navigation.—(Hear, hear.) Last year this House sanctioned a vote for two basins for the construction and repair of steam-vessels—one at Portsmouth, and another at Deptford. I shall therefore propose this year to take a vote for proceeding with the formation of those basins which the House sanctioned last year. The vote I pro pose to ask for is 187,0002. I shall also take a vote for the purpose of enabling us to maintain the steam navy in a respectable condition suited to a peace establishment. Now, on ac count of the naval service, and of the ordnance con nected with the navy, there will be an increase in the estimates of nearly one million.--(Considerable sensation, much murmuring, and whispers in all parts of the House.) of 30,795,000/. The vote of supply for the army, 6,678,0001., for the navy, 6,936,0001., for the ordnance, 2,142,0001., for the miscellaneous estimates, 3,200,000/, being together, 18,895,0001, and added to the charge for the debt of the Consolidated Fund, 49,695,0001., for the revenue of next year I will take 51,100,000/. The charges for the present year, 49,690,0001. And, even with this increased expenditure, there would be a surplus of the sth of April, 1846, of between one and two millions. An HON. MEMBER on the Opposition benches—The half-year's income-tax ? Sir ROBERT PEEL—Of course the half-year's in come-tax. lam not now estimating the permanent ex penditure of the country. I am stating what would be the state of the finance of the country on the sth of April, 1846.—(11ear, hear.) It is quite clear, that if the income-tax was not to be renewed, unless there wou!d be some considerable in crease in the public revenue from other sources, there would probably be a deficiency. I have thus at tempted to lay before the House the present financial condition of the country, and estimated the revenue to the sth of April next, and for the year ending the sth of April, 1846 ; and I have also laid before the House what amount of expenditure her Majesty's Government, with a provident care for the public interests, shall feel it their ditty to recommend to the House. The next questi,m that arises is--and it is a most important one—in what manner this inccease of expenditure is to be provided for ? Will you run the risk of curtailing the risk of curtailing the revenue for future year', by making no provision for the future, and because that in 18.16 the revenue will admit of increased expenditure, we should postpone the consideration of future wants until they came upon them. Her Majesty's Government did not consider they would be doing their duty by acting in such disregard to the future condition of the country. I know it does not conduce to popularity to propose a contivance of taxation, but it is the duty of a Govern• ment to consider the prospects of the future, as well as the present, exigencies of the country, and if they are satisfied that the public interest demands a continuance of taxation, even though it may be unpopular, it be comes their duty respectfully to submit to consideration a proposal on that important subject. We are now in duced to propose a continuance of the property-tax for a further period, and before I am led to ask the assent of this House, or any Gentleman in this House, to that pro posal. I feel it is absolutely necessary that I should explain, as I shall now proceed to do, what are the view , of her Majesty's Government with respect to the appro• priation of the surplus revenue, which will be placed at their disposal, after fully providing for every exigency of the public service. I know well, as the Noble Lord opposite stated the other night, that it is impossible to give an opinion upon the question, abstractedly, can the property-tax be continued or not, with out knowing what are the measures in respect of relief from taxation, which would follow as a conse quence of its continued imposition. Let me assume, for the present—and I merely assume it for the pur pose of argument, and to make my state ment more clear—let me assume, I repeat, for the present that the House has granted the continuance of the property-tax. I will then give a short estimate of the revenue arising from it, together with other sources. Suppose the property-tax to be continued, the estimate of the revenue for the next year on the sth of April, 1846, aided by the 5,200,0002 of the property-tax, will be 53,700,0001. and as long as the other sources of the revenue remain equally pro. ductive, and as long as the property-tax is continued, 53,700,000/., subject to a reduction of 600,0001., will be the amount cf the revenue. This 600,000/. is the amount received as Cnina money ; it will be received fee one year more, but for the purpose of calculating the revenue, I had better strike it out altogether. The re venue for the year, then, on the sth of April, 1846, will be 53,100,0001. The charge for the debt, and on account of the different branches of the public service will be 49,690,0001. ; so that there would be left, as long as the income tax should be continued, and deducting the Chinese money, a nett revenue of 3,409,000/. That is the surplus that will remain if the House should acquiesce in the proposal which I shall make to increase the expenditure on the nary, and if they shall also de termine that the income-tax shall be continued. Now it is a most important matter for consideration, in what mode that surplus, or any part of that surplus, shall be employed for the relief of taxation. What are the in ducements in the way of the increased efficiency of the public service, and of the diminution of taxation, whicn I hold out to the House of Commons as a motive to induce them to consent to the continuance of the income tax. I should not propose to the House the continuance of the income-tax unless I had the strongest presumption, partly formed on the experience of past years, that it will be competent to the House of Commons, by continuing the income-tax to make such arrangements with respect to general taxation, as shall be the founda tion of great future commercial prosperity, and shall materially add to the comforts even of those which shall be called on to contribute to the income-tax.—(Hear.) [LEFT 8 PEA XING. I 16th Light Dragoons—Lieutenant G. T. W.*Pipon to:be Captain, by purchase, vice Smith, who retires; Cornet J. T. Waller to be Lieutenant, by purchase, vice Pipon ; A. M. Knight; Gent., to be Cornet, by purchase, vice Waller, Feb. 14. Ist or Grenadier Regiment of Foot Guards—Ensign and Lieutenant J. Reeve to be Lieutenant and Captain, b y pur chase, vice Allix, who retires; G. W. A. Higginson, Gent., to be Ensign and Lieutenant, by purchase, vice Reeve, Feb. 14. Scots Fusilier Guards—Ensign and Lieut. IL P. De Bathe to be Lieutenant and Captain, by purchase, vice Davies, who retires ; Lieut. W. B. Parker, from 60th Feot, to be Ensign and Lieutenant, by purchase, vice De Bathe ; Lieut. and Capt. F. C. A. Stephenson to be Adjutant, vice Davies, Feb. 14. Ist Regiment of Foot—W. J. Gillum, Gent., to be Ensign, by purchase, vice Coote, promoted in 7th Foot, Feb. 14. 7th Foot—Ensign C. C. Ncame, from the 47th Foot, to be Lieutenant, by purchase, vice Moore, who retires; Ensign R. Coote, from the Ist Foot, to be Lieutenant, by purchase, vice Mackay, who retires, Feb. 14. 19th Foot—Captain I'. Unett, from half-pay Unattached, to be Captain, vice William Bernard, who exchanges, re ceiving the difference, Feb. 14. 34th Foot—Lieutenant J. Gwilt to be Captain, by pur chase, vice Hutton, who retires ; Ensign C. Wi G. Burrill to be Lieutenant, by purchase, vice Gwilt ; J. Jordan, k,;,ent., to be Ensign, by purchase, vice Burrill, Feb. 14. 45th Foot—F. 0. Barker, Gent. to be Assistant-Surgeon, vice Hearn, appointed to the Staff, Feb. 14. 47th Foot—Ensign H. Nangle, from the 50th Foot, to be Ensign, vice Neame, promoted in 7th Foot, Feb. 14. 60th Foot—Second-Lieutenant J. Bailie to be First-Lieute nant by purchase, vice A. R. Saunders, who retires, Feb. 14. V. Tongue, Gent., to be Second Lieutenant, by purchase, vice Bailie, Feb. 14. _ . _ 66th FoOt—Lieut. F. C. Trench to be Captain, by pur chase, vice Taylor, whose promotion has been cancelled ; Jan. 24. 77th Foot—Ensign T. 0. Forster to be Lieutenant, by purchase, vice Denys, who retires ; W. W. G. Dilke, Gent., to be Ensign, by purchase, vice Forster, Feb. 14. Royal Canadian Rifle Regiment—Assistant-Surgeon A. B. Cleland, M.D., from the Staff, to be Assistant-Surgeon, vice Millar, promoted on the Staff, Feb. 14. BREVET.— Captain T. Unett, of 19th Foot, to be Major in the Army, Nov. 23, 1841. HOSPITAL STAFF.—Assistant-Surgeon J. Millar, M.D. from the Royal Canadian Rifle Regiment, to be Staff-Sur geon of Second Class, vice A. W. Murray, who retires upon half-pay; Assistant-Surgeon C. B. Hearn, from 45th Foot, to be Assistant-Surgeon to the Forces, vice Cleland, appointed to the Royal Canadian Rifle Regiment, Feb. 14. Erratum in the Gazette of Jan 24. Commission signed by the Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk. For H. Yillebors, Esq . ., to be Deputy •Lieutenant, read IL Villebois, junior, Esq., to be Deputy-Lieutenant. WHITEHALL, JAN. 7. _ _ _ The Right Hon. Sir Nicholas Conyngham Tindal, Knt., Lord Chief Justice of her Majesty's Court of Common Pleas, has appointed Thomas Tudor Trevor, of Guisborough, in the county of York, Gent.. to be one of the Perpetual Commis sioners for taking the acknowledgments of deeds to be exe cuted by married women, under the Act passed for the abo lition of fines and recoveries, and for the substitution of more simple modes of assurance, in and for the North Riding of the county of York. WHITEHALL, JAN. 16, 1845. The Lord Chancellor has appointed Francis Soames, of Wokingham, in the county of Berks, Gent, to be a Master Extraordinary in the High Court of Chancery. BANKRUPTS. Algernon Lindsey Flint, warehouseman, Aldermanbury. William Alexander Christian, innkeeper, Newcastle-street Strand. John White, leather seller, Great St. Andrew-street, Seven Dials. Robert ➢iayow Herbert, tea dealer, Reading. Joseph Turner and Samuel Weeks, stone-masons, South ampton. John Oldham, ironfounder, Kingston-upon-Hull. William Howell, jun., bookseller, Liverpool. John Sanderson, merchant, Liverpool. Francis John Rawlings, cabinet maker, Cheltenham. Samuel Watson, stone-mason, Highbridge, Somersetshire. Richard Hill, currier, Exeter. James 111‘Williarn, hosier, Gloucester. Jacob Wicks, grocer, Bristol. PRICE OF SUGAR. The Average Price of Brown or Muscovado Sugar, for the week ending Feb. 11, 1845, is 28s. 1 4d.per cwt., exclusive of the Duties of Customs paid or payable thereon on the im portation thereof into Great Britain. MARKET INTELLIGENCE. Owing to the press of Parliamentary Intelligence, we are compelled to omit our report of this Afternoon's Markets. representations thus made to us, that we at once attended to the demand of Sir Henry Pottinger and Mr. Davis, and sent there an additional at that time, but if I had the opportunity I certainly be lieve that I could convince every dispassionate mind that we could not with safety or wisdom reduce the furce that we now have either in China or the Pacific.— (Hear, hear, arid cheers.) No indeed, that an increase is wanted for any purposo of war or oppression, but our SUMMARY. The income• tax is proposed to be continued, and the sugar duties are to be considered with a view to the reduction It is proposed to reduce the duty in brown Muscovado from 255. 2d. to 145., being a reduction of I Is. 3d. It is proposed to re duce the duty on British India sugar to lls. Bd. The same reduction applies to Mauritius and West India sugor. It is proposed to impose a duty of 14$. on re fined sugars, and of 21s. on double refined sugars / The duty on molessee is to remain unaltered. The oduction of the duty on sugar would reduce the price to the consumer lid. per lb. Clayed Sugars are to be reduced from 233. 3d. to 16s. 4d.; the duty on sugar imported from India shall be 21s. 9d., and the duty on free-labour foreign sugar shall be 28s. The duty on the export of coal is to be taken off altogether, and on 813 articles in the tariff the duty is to be abolished. THE LONDON GAZETTE. (THIS EVENING.) IVAR - OFFICE, FEB. 14, 1845. 2d Regiment of Dragoon Guards—Cornet F., Hoicge, to be Lieutenant, by purchase, Tice Robbins, vrl so retires ; V. Carter, Gent., to be Cornet, by purchase, vice Rogge, Feb.l4. 13th Light Dragoons—Capt. W. D. Hamil ton to be Major, by purchase, vice Stones, who retires ; Lieut. T. Bateson to be Captain, by purchase, vice Hamilton ; Corn et J. W. M. G. Hughes to be Lieutenant, by purchase, vice B: iteson ; R. H. Borrowes, Gent., to be Cornet, by purchase,. rice Hughes, Feb. 14. -. ~: . PROMISSORY NOTES. (From This Night's Gazette.) An account of the Average Aggregate Amount of Promis sory Notes payable to bearer on demand, which have been in circulation by the Banks in Scotland, by the Bank of Ire. land, and by all other Banks in Ireland, during the four weeks ending the Ist day of February, 1845, pursuant to the Act of 4th and sth Victoria, cap. 50 : SCOTLAND. Chartered, Private, and Joint-Stock Banks £3,070,058 IRELAND. Bank of Ireland 3,983,050 Private and Joint• Stock Banks -- Total H. L. WICKHAM. Stamps and Taxe s , Feb. 14, 1845. SECONDARIES. -(THIS DAY.) (Before Mr. Secondary PorrEn.) COOPER t. WATTS. The whole of the forenoon was occupied in this hearing, which was an action at the instance of J. Cooper, tailor, New Bond-street, to recover from H. Watts, of Lincoln's Inn-fields, the sum of 161.45., for goods supplied at various times from the beginning of 1841 to the end of 1843. While the delivery )f the amount of goods named was not denied, it was stated for the defence that Mr. 'Watts never had any transactions with the plaintiff, but only with his son, Mr. Edward Cooper, whom he understood to be a principal in the business; that all the orders for goods were given personally to Edward Cooper, at the premises in Bond-street, and not to the plaintiff; and that at various times the defendant, as a set off, had supplied Mr. Edward Cooper with other goods to the value of 261. 12s. 6d., so that actually defendant had overpaid him more than 101. Evidence was called to show that whatever might be the impression of Mr. Watts in relation to Mr. Edward Cooper's position in the business, that the latter was only foreman to his father ; and, further, that all the transactions of the business were conducted in the name of James Cooper only up to May, 1844, several months after the debt was contracted. The son had for a few months after that period carried on business on his own account, but had been obliged to give it up from the difficulties in which he had been involved through im proper conduct, and was now nowhere to be found. The son had supplied the goods to Mr. Watts only in the capacity of servant to his father, and had no right whatever to set off any private debt of his own against the transaction. The jury, after a short consultation, returned a verdict for the full amount of 161. 4s. BANK OF ENGLAND. (From Friday Night's Gazette.) An Account, pursuant to the Act 7th and Bth of Victoria, cap. 32, for the W ee k endi ng on S atur d ay, the Bth day of February, 1845. ISSUE DEPARTMENT. .C. Notes issued ...... 28,447,835 I Government debt 11,015,100 Other securities 2,984,900 Gold coin and bul liun 12,552,401 Silver bullion 1,895,434 £28,447,835 M. Dated the 13th day of Febr £28,447,835 ‘EARSIIALL, Chief Cashier. Lary, 1845. ;PARTMENT. Government secu rities (including Dead Weight Annuity) Other securities 10,065,958 Notes 8,128,350 Gold and silver coin 700,748 X 32,371,216 RSIIALL, Chief Cashier. Lary, 1845. BANKING D. Proprietors' capital 14,553,000 Rest Public deposits (in cluding Exche quer, Savings banks, Commis sioners of National Debt, and divi- , dend accounts) 3,715,171 Other deposits...... 9,732,193 Seven day and other bills 032,371,216 M. MM Dated the 13th day of Februi FLANDERS MAIL. (RECEIVED THIS DAY.) BRUSSELS, FEB. 11.—The average prices of corn in the week ending on the Bth of February :—Wheat, 16f. 36c., and Rye, 10f. 63c. per hectolitre. The duties on importation remain the same as they have been for several weeks past. The Chamber of Representatives has continued to-day the discussion of the articles of the budget of the Mt nister of the Interior, of which several were agreed to. The cold has become very intense within these few days. At Liege it was ten degrees Raumer below zero. BELGIAN FUNDS.—liathiszte, FEB. 11. Actual Debt, N per Cent •••• • • • ..... • Rothschild's Loan, Five per Cent •• • ..... Loan of Thirty Millions, Four per Cent - • • 98q Ditto Three per Cent Ditto Thirty-seven Millions, ditto Ditto, ditto, 1840. Ditto, ditto, 1844. T)itto of the City, 1843 Ditto, 1832 Bank ofßelgium. •Brussels Papers. Feb. 12. DIRECT NORTHERN RAILWAY. A special general meeting of the Shareholders in the Direct Northern Railway Company was held this day, at the office in Moorgate street, for th• purpose of authorising the Provisional Committee to proceed to Parliament, notwithstanding the line had been unfavour ably reported by the Board of Trade. The Hon. Mr. AIRLEY occupied the chair, and after briefly stating the object of the meeting, he requested the secretary to road a report which had been prepared for the occasion. The report minutely detailed the many advantages possessed by the project, and recommended the Pro prietors to empower the Committee, in case it should be subsequently thought advisable, to extend the expendi ture beyond 10s. per share, the original sum specified in the prospectus of the Company. The report having been adopted, The CHAIRMAN proposed to read a memorial to the Board of Trade on the subject of the scheme, but Mr. Alderman COPELAND objected to it, and The CHAIRMAN acceded to the wish of the worthy Alderman, and abstained from reading the document. Mr. MATHESON, M.P., who expressed himself strongly in favour of the Company, moved the first resolution, directing the Committee of Management to remove the ninth clause of the subscribers agreement, limiting the expenditure to los. per share, and authorising them to appropriate the funds already paid up to any expenses whieh might be incurred in applying to the Legislature for an Act of Parliament sanctioning the project. ➢ir. CIIAPMAN seconded the motion. Mr. HUNT protested against any additional expendi- Aar, beyond the 10E. per share, because he had pur- to l* chased largely, on the understanding that th e nary expenses were not to exceed that sum. 0 , 1 ,0 1 : fore, should enter a public protest against the PI to ,° The CHAIRMAN asked the Hon. Proprietor tended to move an amendment ? X ll u .1 Mr. HUNT replied in the negative. Be content himself by protesting against the au jog io • l ' pentli[ure, because he did nut think it was ae" with the shareholders. One of the Committee offered to purchase diets proposer's stock at 2/. per share. le6 Mr. HUNT said he should be a considerable ero sold them for that price. I W lllB' o Mr. HONCE (of Norwich)--Nell, then, r 21.them.—(aughr.) The f CHAIRMAN— L Pray' te g , entlemen, donltisiea:,° vert our meeting into a stock exchange. t ? Proprietor going to move an amendment or a° oll f e /8 Mr. HUNT—I can't say that I am. against any further outlay. f e 'l Mr. CHArailsi was sure there was not an ti tets man present who did not fully c oncur in I e au , ' the resolution. The Hon. Proprietor We're', a personal matter of the loss of his 10s. Per „;i e fs , Mr. HUNT—I bought them at a large p o t e ° ";01 11 ;', Mr. PHAPMAN—No doubt the Hon. 1 , 1. t ' 0 10 1 ; $ f b u t a f a i r a,:; 1 liberal offer had been m ace why did he refuse it ? It would place hig t oc k d oet , , position now as who he purchased the st_.frofic,, eyes open. He trusted, therefore , the go/ cod` would either accept the oti - o . of 2/. sse withdraw his protest. , uO lll/6 Mr. HUNT preferred adopting the latter r the resolution was carried unanimously- to tl l ° o l Mr. CROMBY, in moving a vote of thanks too l o i l visional Committee for their past exertions, P . ,d st o i, warm euiogium upon them for the zeal they had paid to the interests of the CoraPakt!),'ljurol detained the meeting to relate to them the ,!e tamed in Scotland on the subjeet of the °, 113, - t d t r ,i part of the kingdom they were all favourable be •y ject, and the reason was obvious—it would ea t i t t° advantage to Scotland. Why at PreAsoleet'l him to come to London from f fos,„ (. 0" town in which he resided, upwards 000d;rtyl thirty hours, and then he had to be out of be earn ling two nights. Now, if their line was , c lock 0 / would be able to leave Edinburgh at eight, ° w i t r .v morning and reach London by eight c' (Che e , evening. It was a wonderful improvement"; tilti end he would defy any company to show improvement"; possibly be effected without the aid of the Da - f• ° Railway.—(Hear.) Mr. REDEWAY seconded the resolution' o i carried by acclamation. comp The CHAIRMAN, in acknowledging tu t/ dr ol l ", said the Committee felt that they ,bef confidence :kof the ] Shareholders, or not have asked them to go °II, 11 1) 10' nd undertaking. They had done promote the interests of the Company' il ce ss o o continued support they had no doubt soecooto°,/ tend them in a Committee of the House 01 yt The meeting, which was very nume°lls 'bout and occupied about three-quarters of • broke up. 0 /0 4 'Ittort:10) Richard Brady, shopman, in the employe •. %•j sout", f pawnbroker in the Dover.road, was charg vrore, , f embezzling money to a considerable amount , the 'OO employer. Four cases were selected agains t the ' which he was committed for trial. n l,l Otr ritO ) d r ',i MORTALITY in the ME'. , ,a The following are the results of " A 13 '; e )0 ,4 '4 in the Metropolis, showing the Number 054 it, all Causes registered in the Week enilitL i g 000 Bth of February, 1845." The Table is of the Registrar-General:— A 1 1 . 04 Tel l ' 1 10 CAUSES OF DEATH. p Disc id a e s m e c e , f E v n a d r e i a m h i l c e , a e n r d u C n o c e n r t t a a g i h i o u s e s a D t i . s . e . ........ 1 0 0 ; l i r 11 4 s Diseases of the Brain, Nerves, and Senses... Diseases of the Lungs, and other Organs ° f 3 56 Respiration .................... ................ • 54 Diseases of the Heart and Blood-vessels..... Diseases of the Stomach, Liver, and other ' Organs of Digestion .. ........................ 5 , Diseases of the Kidneys, &c .................... s Childbirth, Diseases of the Uterus, &c..••.. 5 Diseases of the Joints, Bones, and Muscles• •• Diseases of the Skin, &c .............. Old Age, or Natural Decay ..................... 33 9. 4 By Violence, Privation, or Intemperancit "' l Ol5 ? Causes speciied... ................................., Deaths from all Causes ...... . ................... 10,00 DEATHS FROM THE PRINCIPAL DISEASIS ej af ) l F f THE ABOVE HEADS. Vet Total. of Consumption Scarlatina 34 Pneumonia Dropsy ...... . Hooping Cough ........ ~ 35 xl Typhus Small Pox 33 Rf Disease of the Heart Measles Apoplexy .......... 20 Diseases of the Brain ...... Diarrhoea~ 5 it , ••• Sudden Deaths „. - DISTRICTS wesa 'l' l llll' Deaths - 0 . 0 in Af er f 4 o' the Week . 160 142 4i West North Central East .. 234 2 09 / South Total ......... 1018 IMPERIAL PARLIA, S A 13: 4 1,/ HOUSE )NTH LORDS, re r ,"'y ; RAILWAYS AN E BOARD ' ci eefi e ' e tiff i ft Lord DAL EIOUSIE, in continuation, P r o tli e ", After one of the Great Western Coroli and t he person sent him a paper frolt with a black cross on a paragrarf al w w e a a s r s t u b g e ge ti s e t k ed et t o h r e bwandoglee ofo ftbteheGßreosatrhas‘ted,,eobleer,oo;or?ti Company.—(Laughter.) A charge vlB, 40 1000 against Captain O'Brien, that be huni o 'eco s )ti o i I partiality for the Dover Company, solely e ;ed a brother connected with that been .01 ,0 0 4 0 if not a mere rumour ; it bad f Isf public prints in the other Howe te t jil and it was hardly possible for him to s t ", tt eo t ". 00 01 the character of every one of his coll et l ro eV pugned in this way. But the c harge t v oll i tt o ",, was wholly unfounded in truth. Did L 'ia re ti c ifo ti ' l o u. $ the other members of the Board v / 4 ° „c partiality, without gain, inducemen,hat tn;lt, s- i)°, whatsoever? Did any person suppos e % l ob P l uie r o; have ventured to take upon themselves• Voogot‘ lutely without inducement, and In ere t lae t °o brother of one of their colleagues W U % s up s 11 1 a particular company? Could any' 13361 „ s ible 4 010 1 sitting in the chair of that Board, reor-atios,,,lf to Parliament for their immediate tro t ; "U,evP l 4 ". i r ", would be such a fool as to suffer a sing,l e , V° Board to evince partiality for this or tir d i c ul o ' 0 01 '0 1 came before them ? The charge w"• r 10 , 01 an absurdity scarcely worth contradictitild' pull e t: es 0 1 ,1 1 preposterous to do so in any easeflinutesOled far case like this. Now what were the eir e n rer es° hear Os case? The South-Eastern Compaq 1 3 • ,A o' l sO" comprehensive schemes. Other sehe' - ",voilT,hip ° ler" proposed, upon the merits of which he ir Doner, v ii say anything. They were before th e , o C Oo t b er`gt' no one could doubt their competeno s c he me' s ' t 00 0 ,i0 0 In addition to the merits of their fth ij oic° D ri Eastern Company, adopting the view f o uirls!„ei Commons last session, had addressed ro'jf" to the Board of Trade, in w v ir.l 3 e 4, offered the following advantages' 110 . tol' e gr er i tie rate of fares over all their old twa t ~e i gt o o calculate them upon, not the eig h 1-hey s thei/ Dover, but the seventy-four miles. go a ls 0 to take reduced fares for the second clastsiiird.ctbe t. given double accommodation to th e d o e/a , 0 e t c sengers. They had also agreed to s od _ 1 ' 0 44 trical telegraph for the whole distatles'o ceu *rung t or e t Parliament for the purpose of o btain e 11) tile/ fOr JO s t minus at Hungerford- bridge; an- iv ieus t e that that should be made a central ter offe red z.f s o fo ways; and, in addition to that, the? „ ce , v t 0 0 1 4 0 11 • norta. th. which was a matter of great lime one $ lO e t , vide the only link of communication r id g i f e ite es 3: coast of the country, which link w• 011 fo ra t ,,, 0 (11 uninterrupted line of accommodationof 4060 ht v polis to within eight or nine miles j , 0441 11 They offered, also, to put their old ET_" o ffer° 04; 0 the option of purchase. Such were,L n e : t he b ut fr; made; and when the Board ag!'es° l so ta o t yie doing 0 3v" 9 hi reason could be found for their o ch brother of one of the Committee:a_s too . 5 0 .uc0.,/ , company. It was ridiculous t his c ull P4' o l .s rnents; and, in justice to he 4 1' 0 , 15;11,f, felt bound to make the observat;",,,,oulti'oce4ell' There was another point to whie n ,, d b e did o t r, direct their Lordships' attention; " on the part of the other Me; It had been asserted that private In c t be, • lased b lic, 1 0 0 g ) Members alloo-eorttatt; visions of the Board had been circ p r ties before those decisions were I nade 4 P a ti l °P eell e/ 11C '; enabling frauds, in the shape of to be perpetrated upon the Puh' le ' ho w et i t t hat ? et ; far as the general allegation neral a denial, and for himself he.. Mess . e to re oV one occasion had he given the 1 1 te decisions *tit's 0° jot' ‘ C ntT 'wott ° l st 7 ; :ill ; tip any person as to what those _ er (Cheers)—and as far as the other L F.,7 w , s ie . J o ie) ,.6 ,iP, posed the Board were concerneed,,Tord D} the eititroer inform their Lordships that h ha d put hi ° to`l called the Board together, and_nae, or to them, and those gentlemen h oath, or if lli v rip lY/ o r tir that they were willing, upon °she"tiro mode, to say that they had n ever ou t e_ e _ r , directly,given the slightest i n forna_u: r 7 3. ___(ll .°49 toll solemn mode could be devised, t Y the probable decisions of the hose There were two modes of giving theta aitob Qr P ( A I public ; they must either defer must )11,170.01e laid before Parliament, or Yo e k V to the public almost obr co t 10!. decision. The latter course wits,'-r, ho elu„ „eeo' was clear that by the former in:a P ° •of t be . c; r e e n t:r i. e u h al creased a hundred-fold. When tn . e s p_ f t he dw o rd. decisions might accidentally bthtb e p e c r t s in i g n com pani es, the a to t- e , L i l orsrluil he Bo a 0V he (Lord Dalhousie) made arn ou ,h t 1,1 circulated Ow n ' W e d' the other papers, he in like e" 3 0 departLintht were the r order that each Member should to Far, 1 , 0 v e , their own memorandums. Nosn_ na tier,t. s me te, any possibility been seen by tnirugbtaineo.oPit had I g such information might have been recan ti ev ell Or taken alluded tb t a o t iiritufmtnaortiher ingenuityplace. but Members of the Board fro in h ou vflo ote d papers. They had not even been ta coLuvloe'r.sY:PT:tscat"94 01/