The Sun. — London, England, 1845-03-14 00:00:00

-----• h al be ------- ~e r o b. , t rarely been surpaned. But at the same time, ition, ae nr o • ~,,,.- iii - u, ,, 11t . th,- , Hon. Gentleman ha I lessened the im ,h e low n, .trentinatece of his cause by the multiplieity of ureutnents e its 1 0 Ilti face which he adduced in support of it. The HOT). not te e s s 'ft !Move it would . Bo he 1r eet e -__seem hat foreetten that some of his t. st ieo , li ce , were centradicterv.—(llear, hoer.) The Hon. prever° efes4. "h 0 had' had stated that - the labour of Committees who it whY w I; ;bell , o nte ll _ad set-upon t'.is sub;ect, had always led to ins ; were__ ;: y sti ) fe the eonditien of the agriculturist, and the culti In ur ta , •1 10 e u ! l e lin't (justify of the lend. Now, he must say, that were re' nd:, ,irielutfertd very much from tt.e lien. Member—for at ) this h e , _ a bii . (Nir.. . 3 periods Committees had b•-en appointed to in ) I o n, h e „? into the operation of agricultural protection, but ted fl e elo° : • N aid not remember that nay of these Committees had ;hey VP ° en ueed any material chaegrt in the system. Tee which , 1 - "lalaiittee which sat in 1815 and 1822, he admitted, the t ° tie t ,out oi ..11 0 certain conclusions. e hich they reported to the e laboUro, 4 iS e ; but these renerts could hardly be understood by ✓ eimP l°l r - living in •, , t oot , sons ou ant ° o leo' thequent Committees that were appointed found :sr: at ° OO l te , 4:, l ti r in arriving at any cenclusi•sn upon the subject, stir , To N u _ a efore, they declined to make any report to the s ' ai r To ar -- lite 6e ' a l'd they laid before the Howe nothing but two trey. llev i s tell . e c e t : .... f . c)lio volumes, full of centradietory opinions and F %Y e t abou re se : 4 , th at ri p - fear, hear.) A Committee sat in 1833, and •. e ke ninattettee numbered some of the most eminent lords ao lli t ioV e n. le;` , , d, in that House. On that Committee, he be the con -, ti t were the Noble Lord the Member for the td n attu ent fo r s , NY,,°l London, and his . 11;g1st Hon. Friend the peln e e. he reined' dl , en2tretary - ot : St-ite f•tr the Nome lneoartment. That id th ° tre - u Came - to a different coneltnion ro tnat e Inch e..-Onso,e, the Jr :en._ gete°, , let n at Member fee Sto..kpost had aren,cel at. In the leoln e nee no w ei inace, they came to the coeclusion that protemion da t we "the hut i t i e ee .es o sery, and that nouvelle ta.nding egrieuiterists ' He keebe 0 ,, ~,I s not a pl igh t i ei nte ' ,r e . ntend with great difficulties. 'end no 'natter N ove ll it was in the time of peace or w a s, ge s en i ns . landlord° poll (li "lents lied taken elace in the cultivation ••f 'lced. i ten e a s n b t ar w t .l „sf t l o ) , tear,toll).A..-ar.) lle visited Jr. land lest year, and tie re he • thera bog s o tf eet `e and saw with his own ek es. teat the state where h e , r 4 liii4C-di.rucilture was improving., and in this couetry he !as tic .!_na personal iecptiries that the profits of the pnbitilt nkritephrio.!iio k ti c . f.:: , ere daily on the increase The Hon. Mewher vi_u 5 ,11 0 1 1 1 j i i, $ O , l *T 1 there could be no Imerevement in the cultiva ii, an d ) 1 °I . land, b ' i t r: 110 0, 0 1 . h _ , •-cause capral was withdrawn frem it. by fo n ti t ,. ow could the rarmer have impr•;ved his land so s h r o too tn t d. ei r t; iihiterrease his profits without e:—(Hear, hear.) :_ they 0 ...# ti . , tit itte 2; ,. . Meinbcr said landlords kept their tenants in cu_., , , s a lotte, kee n "' subserviency, and they were restricted from re"i___(cheeiy, be r , i g the most of their farms by certain clauses which one. o ne e it i uv ee n i bl y introduced int. farm leases. But the Hon. to cost o ne''l4 'NT forgot ~__ . 1 „, Ippi i , that thole were penal clauses, and only the in Fe V tin t 1 to certain counties.—(Hear, hear.) He would misers _ for , lir , s eothen,4 , , ?s ent however, n _ e to say that these leases did not bear a the ialser,, tit , e n u e a t r , because the Heuse must he aware that l l t . /ion l' i ll: . Mi sr w ,, P i mprovements had been introduced into the term ; ,,,, n velo t „e l ', 4 4 , 1 e l eustge of farm leases.—(Hear, hear.) In inden 71'hyona ?kilt; - 1 140 3 .2, aperenticeship, to thin day, they would find that I to . -!ileteh e a ` ial trd, and obsolete conditions ; but the Hon. thy„ melee n tte tt „, , uta r Must bear in mind that it was the spirit of the . ort ieo be Otin (IR that ws act upon and not the letter. He pri•p to r 1.01 ern hted it • e w allet _ w ets e on- Members on his own side of the House ,„ h stinnon suffer distress their sympathy for the prevailing agricul i lite t he if 4 nistre s • o n o , t er n n. !to it them to concede the motion, for ,at wei tillage of A 0 w i Nefi e rte Impossible that it could he attended with any woad r eae ge s • V i . ) , ? et result. What would be the utility of the in the pie en eis iut, , Had they not already sufficient information ion F 0 ti',.beri OA!, u J e ct? Surely, after the many discussions they had er), ° SF' f ate the . et:en-laws, and after the often-repeated ber forr st iee lie s 0 1 ese 0 1 eminent political economists on agricul it 5.9. ;no f ti Nei co pr's to 0 , 0 tooll iN eti commerce, they had sufficient information to sib ot ettrf o 'b) o r un. th e to form an opinion, or even to legislate ,f p riCth o th subject if it were necessary. But even icuitni est io d r e g n ten i t eY to grant the Committee, he did not s lbw 0 r rns i e ,would appease the public mind, or put an end to n os t r i 1.4 1 , 141- Corn-law agitation. No, nor would the Hon. the 'n e for 01 Set ue o r n for Stockport, consent to suspend his judg moduceet tin Iv , e er b i t lnn N u , the corn laws and direct agricultural pro 'Jr, land ' bioF.,o e l ant ef „ tl , ll they were put in possession of the deci- Everlest r eeve lotenn a ls Committee. Nor would Covent-garden be It e r e P... rd litte t — . Wale muses, or those gentlemen who there niu . . O rr "' • nt t ti e nant-farteers return to their former occupations. ,erefre,,,oo, . 1,414 p, h , s theret ntrer e e ear, and a laugh.) Granting the Committee , I WI( te dt t il fele„u o t either put an end to discussing the question is " lehe6 Or N'' t Rouse lie Co e st i en h t , , for he saw that the Hon. Gentleman the n ee t" boots o for Wolverhampton had given notice of his 5 " ssiti el° b 5 It for a repeal of the corn-laws.—(Hear, hear.) He II t' s .t. )4°o be en an , 'Teed tu- e ro p ol d are test the appointment of a Committee ' nlB 4 lOB l'i 'akincave the effect of inducing him to withdraw P a / 0 41 ./ It le . ,held °° t be Dv I en e. p 0 00 .00 60 o f i.. 4 4. 8. . VILLIERS—I have not given it yet. have ' (PO i7thi ne ntllßEß'r continued—At all events, he did lea ser' o f 9 Dil 4 . '' if the motion were carried it would put an end Y eat N k %el le n the lene 0 4 4 4 I L 4 4 on on the subject in that House. But Hon. o i nt rieg ja p io izkif °Pposite admitted that they had no very great I whet 5;0011 ,• th °r the decisions of Committees, and where then Devon et thrf 70 4 : 4. 11 5 e of appointing one ?—(Hear, hear.) It tho ir b key ill, e n ° ` have the effect either of alleviating the d's !an o f I' d r, , i in Ati et n e r the appointment of the Committee ss'iuld have afore t yir i n', ruinous effect upon the landed interest of the 1 ope niefi ts oti iNirre(Rear, hear.) All would be doubt and revel to a ts el o , 54 / 1, 1, and until the report of the Committee were , a ye spe e if o' nns elPital would he entirely diverted from agrieul- L f skc j biell 4 ,l ll o , leenetitritil the Committee had examined witnesses from 2 , Decs ee do°,o ,• kh plsn Parts of the country—until they 1-ad taken the oda • O F IO I ' a f eminent political economists, and until all the nni p eu . it, . iten of k oo whet 0 1 9, tae j„,_ wages, taxations, and profits had been in super er is gnion i s , un 'nen the agricultural interest, indeed the whole of en Is k u se e cl', ! : i e tin a , ` l. 3n would be in a state of uncertsinty. The effect , l n n t , 0..-if i :44 ' ‘ IN . n o lrrtainty, there could be no doubt, would be atter°, be e r m i :)totdi r to the agricultural community, and indirectly, s t a n d, te r v A efro 4,,P, It ec tien tend to injure the trade of the country.— e biltY e atenede ' 7 , t e a r-) Now, the Hen. Gentleman hart made ;s the e e '' IJP-ele . . 4 tee to s ervations upon the improvements which had ef woo ee l e 1 4 44 ad e i ene t ee is `',made ti, n., n agriculture. The lion. Member et the :en fron; i d,..lo; eqt i t , • drew a comparison between the improvements ;ta nuln is tb° l et i'74 l e ,lgriculture, nut the improvements which had ,lats fr, e j oo o , ,,ntnelueed into manufactures, which certainly establioPeocr Ot t i tt rY flattering to the Hon. ',limber himsele a nd th pot i il./ e 11 0 n. nlember had forgotten that manufacturers goo d Oa Aio tt hlot t e nh a t :lider t able advantage over agriculturists. The , ..--• vein' • a do L th e Lst Cat only turn his capital once a year, , leor . .,a A e 7n..) eaanufacturer only do it frequently.—(Hear, • s pe,', 4 . 4 04 i k, :fl farmer sometimes had a good harvest, and r 2t-willo. "a, 04 i,, it bud one. His profits, too, were often re do POI 4O , ftitAs' , l t e Z., h tl g t a bad harvest by the prospect of a future good 251 18 e alp Ot m the manufacturer seldom or never, laboured t telie" r inti t Cfne tt, 'llvant ages of this nature.—(lJear, hear.) He ing ivory e npo e o 'hi s - lion. Member for Northampton would with __„, ceP oi On Old- oinendment. Past Committees upon agricul- D o n , 0,1 9 % no l:ten is had produced no beneficial change, and he warde, o getb e e pil l ti o t2l . t r hilsk any further inquiry would be attended king tab .1' o f C‘ tin --rent result.—(Bear. It had on more than one neelv e se o ''bk t ' bee nev ee 0 li t le i .I.l_ om e n stated that her Majesty's present Ministry aof lir . a 1 / 00 61 C, ° ny e Pledged to maiatain agricultural protection. ..,i n n the t oe ~are et p r : e v!unent had not, as had been stated to-night, ei t sYt ts poniattj 0. o'n -a which they did not intend to keep. The play s le prook.drool j ti.4,e eteuhtletnan had said the county Members had sell - 0 tvin n n; '• e n r aed on the pledge that they would maintain t he e c 00tg i f i nil thlnse -a, as it was previous to the last election. For hole,,:tee iv ied k , : , 11 11 rt be had stated his views of the corn-laws to tful " or' orei sTqlo ti a tituents and had not concealed that the bed tbe 0, ,th e We e ' y o dbt, t he c o; ~ a . r .Baronet at the same time would preserve ee ls tit 0 t ie n , kn i h u e 'cultural interest the protection of the cora eea n i t t te e ? Z ni ` veo, uld wake such modifications of the sliding at iv ° , s eet si s es try t " altered circumstances of the country from he P i r i nea s , o ill ef ' e . enP e aee rendered necessary.—(llear, hear.) He elle° t ho in 0 it % t „„ that there was a great deal of distress, which that O; ona IN`h t within the reach of legislative remedy. But he ;cal I° o4 ,jr'' ih 4t ,e . "‘ n that nothing could more tend to alarm and dis last b' ') J the farmers than that the House should e e ene e te lt s 'es. o l, I th ut the m • O l an l isteee en se,. it was dissatisfied with the present on t hat tbo e re' ii:' %, - 'nt, and that, at the instance of a Gentleman I to . r all he th he ir I t N, ''' t no friend to them ' (Hear, hear)—and who nee' s t e el j ai i t y 1 , 4 j a h -0 deprive them of all protectio ' n.—(Hear, hear.) seolt' e 'nell s ot ;lel 01, 4°lng into an inquiry of inch-finite length, from if in bo wl o ntey ectiter tic some period, a measure of some sort would he _ bin la i0 1 ;i 0 / 1 tii, n 'ue purpose of putting an end to the protection 1 " in tiel i es t I to t f ; o4 l t ii,," l remained.—(Hear, hear.) The Govern hest rte. 0 r .. t .n , e o er e fo „,.. 0 . deny that there was some amount of pro iifte ° fee:et, t'e 4 fich it was not intended to withdraw.—(Hear, e sio b ri le to ;r e n t 1 1,4 i n 11. `kt the.. same time he and the lefinisters admitted ,s a 00 C1 1 ,, 0 10, 0 0 ' i tt It o as a fair and legitimate subject of discussion in p ee, n ee e is; o e •Ini l t se • The lion. Member for Wolverhampton 3 1ae P elf fc ei 'l4 ef f k l ee i n i . l ,e l :o) had given notice of a notion on the sub , e n . 5 1,,, , ga: io , P .e y k i. cote Inch the whole question would he raised, before otee' r.), i O l eo' alltsi l H I have any report of the proposed Committee, in hee ols ro ei n ~; ifiz teed , °el ftc . be granted. But if they were not in pos• i t „ btl i be i i15 . 1' 0 4 , 1 10 ,; e 'N ee - t he information for which the Committee was a' inn ell ai ,,, 4 , ,,, ,-,-, by the Hon. Member for Stockport, they in°_ i oetl: t isio i ,, il l ; k t ef "`„ in a condition to go into the discus :or : l ie p ot' pir( t ttl ktitt t to 4 4. Villiers's motion. If they were in :!, f le . 11 ..0 11) 0,,! ( l'eo tti g. O into it, then these was no necessity to send es`t bell' ; eri l c eni ce llo t nittee up stairs fie. information w eieh they al. 11° irorgfte 01 le e 11. eu . ""sPd —( Hear, hear.) If they told him how pert' I veyso c oh '' at la tnitt - • tate rep ,1' 1, 1 / 4 , Ate ',,, would he censtituted, so well known wes icu 1 1 0 f Ole' 4 41 : 'A op i n .. and w. ho ii j , i i N lOn on the question, he soul I tell them 00 .4 b totnseir I-,k14,, ,' be the result.--(Hear, and a laugb.) He n e Oen Fite 0 • hede lo ho wever, that the House was bound net to 'i'4 l 0 . 1 ;0' i ii, , tkiltr it i tue motion, unless it was proposed -to alter the %ler d o the r ii l , P o C t oce e l tyv t—(Hear, hear.) It could not be pretended )P Irl ei ° t e e Ow' I nformation was required, and the Hon. Gen ed. e l 1 fort 0 nfle °lily fie , ' reo t t s t inted- wanted the Committee for the purpose of eg - . we re 11 ~ P A t a :t ~,.1 -n g his own views, which he was in tee hetet of b e es we 4 0 ti , _, O l col , 0 A I,,Rth ig l u great clearness and ability, and at sufficient. P a of ! iAl c nell q N u the House. The Committee would at mo.t 011 .41eu „or 0 ,, Oh e atte hopes as to the repeal Of the impert nuties, esie aes 0 0 sa• 14 : 11, - wind not , d 10 •ben er l' - 4 titan' ot ne tealised, and increase the dissstis- O e ' t s O n ' e l t s , t uneasiness which it was the desire of Par it`•.-enis , eer l I'l l re 3 Levfe tn ? allay . .—(llear.) lie hoped his lion. Friene , e_ do to re e,o .o l Ittk it z s )fer fir F.ast Norfolk esand withdraw eis aseeed- •;1 0 P,; ( 0 5 1, 0 t i , Lk . "4l ll( Lthat the Ruse would negati- - e the motion. eu ')"/ rIC ' O. tt°wlCK, who was et first very imperfectly cell rreei ed 05 * sal yea l e _, 114 . Itt, ll h 4 th at the Right Hon. Gentleman who last sat se. '''.. 1 '" ad „ et l 40 llo c cdt - earns-need by stating that Committees upon tee i t oe, , 0 • • Ural n• -earns -need do pe, a ns ,tn e ), te e he n , • istress were of no use. That was a mere the • e , li di' Co fiberOn' l th Gentl. men ovesite.—(llear hear.) lie in 'tet i° r6 t e ( t4 l) e 4 when I ! heS l r ,pat,,is , th. m ba r , en the Governments of which they were f edi ° ,ti° Irsf/9 110 e , t; "eld Committees osi agricultural distress in e eeP 0 $lO 00 1 IV ot trltion.— (Cheers.) Besides that, he denied „ee. r eil b elf," 117 'f eet tillt!ees of inquiry were of no use.—(Bear.) • (litre 0 tro vi'4 8 which were brought out were of importance. n. as e l e a r ogr es•4 o olo ( 9 q al v iews in which they placed acknowledged facts oo t 'the ,ere life th e i i ltl 4 a of • I A e n ei 4ii importance. He reminded Right Hon. - thcl e iectlineihei ••,, I 4li te , e ,",PPosite, that the first step which was made at rt' / 0" A - mthi tt - -“aig the system of protection grew out of a t o- .10 0 , • To t ,g 0 de r' Vi 11 1 , 1 4814 e of Inquiry into agricultural distress.—(hear.) ' le peeps e t; 511 0 j v S k kii,,.. l Y of country gentlemen were induced, in 0 o oc o l / ; 0 4 ..init tee of oti , I 1815, to adopt an able report e t ee ' selst r ef / (11 1) °lt II P by M Ile •which p •; , 0 t 4 Stepmade towards improvement of the carn•laws,— • pis n o en 4) m,,44,ittivs4r,) The Committees of 1815 and 1833 were , CO° W- lee I d " tfr elt h o if bringing together a body of information Ill e ‘ ent ii t i l l) t ° h e r On 0 -- d / th:lt tf o been immensely useful.—(Hear, hear.) The l ow pe #,,,,, l ) th rep,,,, 4 4. Gentleman opposite (Sir R. reel) adopted e 11 . te e ' te' ri kk, i t4() t i t ;* Bat it did not serve the arguments against : . / . I. ,, t etO l t l y ?P t rt c o ni, ~, , i t t h „ ... The Right Ron. Gentlemen (Mr. Herbert) c tl t, n4 e tr o s n if -el io • k noa e .nt otti . mittees of this . kind were of no use, as ii.• a l e de f pei _. c lo ,, questions of detail th• y had to 'consider, but e• o n e o te , ~ ted it, of . ~ . e e. . 0 4 ~ 0,, tk, .. nreat principles. ahich might be consi -oOa efe w if o°, i t l il l ' e I tt ,a 4 1 the House. He (Lord Ilowiek) had no hesita- IP /I• tieei t it' t the ,oar,) s i t i a ting that his ouini; in was made up.-•-(Hear, t eo- A it), c e ir a alee e did lint • - r , i o f the 15 0 1(e` io l o ' 1 0 0 -m 4,1" want to wait Ler the made_ ' IV P D fifi C V „frgo tk v epp oi ' 0 make up his mind, rives did he think that li s fr i er , O CP to hi k tll Ni tit-Meat of it would be a on fur postponing et ess• o o II 01 he Wee," of his Hon. Friend the Member for %Volvo.- ' en ~/.4 f I , ' 0, ......... s til, 0, ih,,,Vp itt „, hear, he-tr.) But, is as there nothing the / int- nol l e e. tit' . , t ~ei „ s e to s e k u vteeti n 'veuutl do beyond debating on the erinciple of fe sl "sreo I• elr eh du ' is vie dueler? —(Hea=r.) On the contrary, he thought thebelpg e • '4' 4 of t a t. thie inforinetion could be collected indepen e° Clei 0 , , the corn ''. 11 71e, ari b levee and protecting duties.—(fiencr.) alo 0 ' ll e oth e r ly footed on the one eide of the Ileuse end or the most extraordinary statements of TILE STN, LONDON, PRIDAY_IVIOIINING,_MAIteII 14, 1845. Of bread, he had very far from sufficient ; of meat, he seldom or ever tasted—( Bear)—his clothing was inade qaete and as to beer, coffee, and tea, he had infinitely below h'B reasonable, share.—(Hear, hear.) Why any one of them could not beep a labouring man and his family for twine the money that the labourer could him self support them. How was this to be accounted for From one or other of these causes—either that the whole supply of the nati . sn was below the wants o f the nation, or el'e the labourer did not receive a fair proportion ; or else the supply was both too small and even of that the labourer did not receive his due proportion. If that were admitted, he would follsw up his argument by showing that the system of protective duties had diminished the whole supply of the necessaries required for the national wants, and that it else a'tered the distribution of that supply. As to the first point, it was too plain to be denied by any one. Ile would make that out in a short time. He would take an illustration from the sugar duties. He had shown a few nights ago that the same amount of manu factured goods or money would buy 28i tons of Brazil sugar, and oily 181 of colonial sugar. He would state the matter at a disadvantage, because the difference of the price between colonial and foreign sugar was different to what it was now.—(Hear,) If the duty on sugar was placel upon a proper foundation they would be enabled to get in the country twenty six t ,us of sugar in the place of eighteen.—(hear.) Now, could it be for one moment doubt: d, that what was true with respect to sugar, was equally so with respect to coffee and meet?—(Tear, hear) The first was indirect taxation, and was bad; it diminished the teenforte of the poor, and that was its avowed object and design.—(llear.) The protective duties were put on for that obj ct and nothing else.—(Hear, hear.) He theught, therefore, the, it was not only not unreasonable to ask for, but it was the bounden duty of the House to grant a Committee to inquire into the subject. Could any one deny that there was some connexion between the distresses of the people and scarcity, especially when that scrrcity AS occastoned by the law ? Now, with respect to the corn-laws, the) deprived the lab-uring man of his proper remuneration ; labour was not protected, and he believed that the cause of the want of the necessaries of life in America arose in consequence of their copying what had taken place in this country with re spect to the restriction upon the fruits of industry. He did not see how inquiry could be refused on this important subject; if they refused it, they would go before the country with this feeling, that they were maintaining laws for the benefit of the owners of the land, and for the purpose of keeping up rents and aggra vating the distress of the people. Was this consistent with the Divine precept, that " the labourer was worthy of his hire ?"—( Hear, hear.) But what was the fact ? Why, while the wealthy classes were increasing in their comforts, the poor man's rents were doubled. The hire of the labourer, who reaped and ploughed the fields, had been kept back by fraud. He did not attempt to impute to any of tte Gentle men opposite the maintenance of laws that operated against the working classes—the labouring classes. They were bound by the most solemn obligations to neglect nothing to alleviate the condition of their fellow-men—( Hear, hear)—and how, there fore, could they refuse granting the Committee that was now asked by the Hon. Member for Stockport?—( Hear, hear. ) If they went into Committee he was content-4 Hear, hear) — but then he would say that they could not be justified in the eyes of God or man in retaining those laws unless they granted inquiry.—( Hear, hear.) He could never believe that an All-wise and Beneficent Creator, who had pronounced upon the human race the curse of labour, ever intended that labour should go unrewarded.—( Hear, hear.) Let them remember that every man among them was as answerable for that share of political power which they enjoyed as Members of that House, and for the use he made of it in reference to the con dition andiwelare of the humble classes, as he was fur his con duct in private life ; and if they did remember this, they would hardly censent to reject the motion. Mr. STAFFORD O'BRIEN said he was quite sure that a suspicion never entered the mind of any Member of that House that the Noble Lord, in quoting that book to which he had'referred in his speech, had any intention of making a per sonal application ; but at the same time the House would agree with him that it was desirable to make allowances for those who, as conscientiously as the Noble Lord, came to a dif ferent conclusion.—( Hear, hear.) Now, when they combined what the Noble Lord had said, stating, as he had done, that no other labourers, artificers, or manufacturers, were able to com pete with English labourers, English artisans, and Erglish ma nufacturers, and that there was more corn grown in England, compared with the quantity of acres, than in any other country in the world exclusive of the Netherlands, he thought they would allow that the case had not been very definitively made out against the system under which such a state of things existed. It appeared that there was a little contrariety of opi nion between the Noble Lord and the Hon. Member for Stock port. The Hon. Member for Stockport had said, the other night; that in proportion as they receded from the tall chimneys they found agriculture neglected; while the Noble Lord had stated that evening that, in the neighbourhood of Lancashire, rushes were growing upon the lands.—(Hear, hear.) It the latter statement were true, instead of going into the agricultu ral districts, the Anti-Corn-law League should look to the vicinity of their own town, where they might find land to be drained, farms to be improved, and rushes to be eradicated. Now, he had himself at a former pet iod given notice of his in tention to move for a committee to ire wire into the causes and extent of agricultural - distress ; b t he was anxious that it should be entirely a farmer's and farm-labourer's motion. if the House granted this moved for by the Hon. Member, it would be met ely a matter for political economists and free traders. Independently of the words of his motion, the animus of the lion. Member's speech made him doubt whether he would be justified in giving him his support. Skilful as that speech was, able in its details, and unvioleut in its language, when he considered the picture which the Hon. Member had drawn of the tenants-at-will and the tenants-at-lease, he could not help thinking that he made a serious charge without dis tinction of party against the landowners of England. When he heard him say that nothing could be more miserable than the condition of those classes of persons, that they were averse to all improvement, that they lived in indo lence, sloth, and inactivity, and were constantly coming to that House for protection, he certainly did feel that it would not be b coming in him, returned as he had been by an agri• cultural constituency, deeply honouring the landowners of this country, and feeling that on the whole they had done their duty, to vote for a motion which had been introduced by such a speech.—( Hear, hear.) Be had the high authority of the Right Hon. Gentleman the Member for Edinburgh, for de claring that the decision with reference to a motion for a Committee was is a great degree to be determined by the animus of him who moved for it.—(Hear, hear.) On the whole he was very sorry that the Government had chosen to refuse this Committee.—( Hear, hear.) He regretted that his Right Hon. Friend, speaking the sentiments of the Govern ment, had felt it his duty to recommend him to withdraw his amendment. He knew very well what was the meaning of that advice. Though it was given with all that agreeableness and good nature which rendered everything that fell from that gifted gentleman so undisagreeable—(Laughter)—softening down the refusal of the negative as much as possible, it was still tantamount to saying " If you divide on your amendment, you will find yourself in a miserable minority."—(No, no.) Now there were three parties in that House in reference to this Committee. There were the free traders, who were anxious for a Committee to blow up the country gentlemen. There was the Government, which refused this Committee, for the old official reason, that to grant it would create excite ment, and raise unfounded expeetations.'—( Hear, hear, and laughter.) The third party was himself, who earnestly wished the inquiry, from a belief that so far from exciting it would tend to soothe, and that so far from unsettling it would tend to tranquillise the country.—(Hear, hear.) He could tell Hon. Members, that if they thought agricultural distress was local they were completely in the wrong ; and as he was not to have the opportunity of bringing these farmers there to speak for themselves, he trusted that the House would permit him to read some extracts from the speeches which they had made when they had met together. (Hear, hear.) If they had often exaggerated, that was one reason in favour of allowing them to come before the House, in order that mistakes might be removed. He would begin with a meeting at Market Harborough. The Hon. Member then read a resolution, to the effect, that the admission of foreign corn at the present low rate of duty was unexpected and uncalled for. The Hon. Member next read a petition from Durham, stating that the agriculturists had been greatly injured by the late alteration in the corn-law, the tariff, and the law with respect to Canadian corn. The Honourable Member then read resolutions passed at meetings in Devonshire and in Lincolnshire, couched in similar language. A resolution passed at a meeting in Shrop shire, recommended the imitation of the spirit of union ex hibited by the members of the Anti-Corn law League. The Agricultural Pi otection Societies of Rutland, Leicestershire, Essex, and Staffordshire, all sroke in a similar tone, all declared that distress existed equal to that he had read. Therefore, when the Right Hon. Member for North Wiltshire said the distress was local, he must inform him that he did not speak the sentiments of the farmers. The distress of these farmers was exaggerated by the feeling that the Government was either not aware of its extent or pressure. Had one-half of the distress existing among the farmers, existed in the manufac turing districts, there would have been no end to the clamour raised in their behalf.—( Hear, hear,) He did not say that in that case he should blame the manufacturers—he did not say that in such case he should blame the farmers. lie should nit, on the one hand, charge the manufacturers with being too clamorous, nor on the other hand would he accuse the farmers of being too supine. But he begged the House to remember that the characteristics of the two classes were essentially different. It was the habit of one class to unite—of the other to endure in isolation. Therefore, when the question of agricultural distress came before the House, both that House and the Government, what ever might be its political complexion, ought to remember the characteristics of these two classes, and be careful how they neglected the claims of the agriculturists. he Right Hon. Member for North Wiltshire had said he did not wi h to see agriculturists come whining to that House for protection. He (Mr. Stafford O'Brien) should himself be sorry to see the bold yeomen of England come whining to that House, or else where. But he was sure the Right Hon Ger:dem:al did no t mean to say that if any portion of her Majesty's subjects felt that they were in distress, and that any legislative enactment would remove that distress, the farmers, if they came before that House, and spoke by petition or through the voice of their representatives, ought to be charged with whining. He laid a stress on this, because 'he knew well how eagerly every word uttered in that House by the Government was watched, and because he was anxious to do away the effect of an expression which seemed something like unkindness or inconsistency towards them. The Noble Lord the Member of Sunderland had referred to the duties on wool, cattle and flax, and had in stanced these as three cases in which the repeal of the protective duty might be considered as advantageous. He could not but think that if the Noble Lord had permitted him self to consider for a moment, be would have found that no three articles could have been more injudiciously chosen. The Noble Lord, skilful as he was in other things, would not be considered as a practical grazier, if he thought that the effect of the tariff, wish respect to the importation of cattle, would realise what was expected from it at the end of three years. With respect to the duty on flex, the repeal applied not to flax that had been grown, but to that which was yet to grow ; and whe ther flax could be grown at all without a protective duty re mained to be proved. He had spoken with!, farmer on this point, and he had said, " If they could get a protective duty on flax, lie believed they could grow it very well in England."—(Hear, and laughter.) The Noble Lord had argued that flax had been grown without a protective duty, but he denied that to any ex tent this had been the ease. Flax war not grown in England. —(" Ireland," from several Hon. Members on the Opposition benches.) He was aware of that fact, but the Noble Lord WPS not speaking of Ireland, and whether flax could be grown in England without a protective duty was an experiment that yet remained to be tried. The Noble Lord alluded also to wool— he should recollect that when the repeal of the wool duty was proposed the agricultural interest did not oppose it ; and he, therefore, might give them fair credit for sense degree of wis dom when they opposed the reduction of the duty on corn. It showed that they c:itild discriminate—that they were able to judge which duties might be repealed and which might not. They were not misled and blinded by, any theory to declare that every kind of restriction was mischievous, nor did . they from the other extreme wish to retain every protective duty in operation. They applied their minds to the question of re ' striction and that of the removal of restriction, and they might claim egad merit for that which they bad the wisdom to refuse and that which they had the wisdom to retain. He was sorry that the Government had chosen to refuse this Committee. he could suggest produce any effect in bringing the same rate He was returned to that House to support the of wages paid in British ships to that paid in foreign ships, Mr. system of protection. He was returned on protection Hume said it would •be impossible to say, because there was a principles„ and from those protective e principlea he was not great. variety of foreign ships, and a great variety of rates of aware that he had ever swerved.—( Hear, hear.) He had wages, and a great difference as to the quality of food in foreign been too long in that House to commit himself blindly by any ship;, but that the price of provisions in the ships pledge against hose changes which must occur in the "re- must be cheaper, and the wages less. He hoped this juste volution of ages," as his Right Hon. Friend the Member for ?erne/1 Government would take notice of these remarks of Mr. Newark had stated. But, as far as be could judge, he saw no Hume. Wages were the very marrow of the whole question, rwaeon to shrink from the advocacy of these principles, and and the Government should give Mr. - Hun:en evidence their because he believed them to be true, therefore he believed most serious consideration. He knew he ought to sit down. they would bear inquiry.—( Cheers.) He was not going to —( Laughter.) Nothing could give him more pleasure than say that in that House it was prudent to grant every inquiry to know that he would never be called upon to open his lips that every man might p• opose, at his own time, on his own again.—( Renewed laughter.) It had been his fate, and it terms, end for his own purpose ; hut he did say, that when was still his fate, that currency should be the great stumbling they had heard the Right Hon. Gentleman the Secretary of block between him and the Right Hun. Baronet at the head State for the lime Department get up and introduce his of the Gove.nm nt, and be verily believed that cerrenry had Bill on the law of settlement, and tell them that one person more to do with the question than anything else. He world out of every ten was receiving parish relief—when, in addition give a decided negative to the motion of the Hon. Gentle to this, he was able to bring forward statements from the whole min. The farmers, from top to bottom, would be thrown country of the extent of agricultural distress—it seemed to into despair—( Hear, hear)—and it would entirely unsettle him that the time had come when there should be this inquiry, men's minds on a sulject already the cause of so much dissen- It might be said, that the questions to be eroposed to these siort and excitement. farmers would be beyond their understanding. It was ex- Mr. WILLIAMS said the Hon. Member who had just sat tremely common to say that questions were beyond the under- down began by reflecting upon the speech of the Noble Lord standing of common men, but, unfortunately, they were not the Member for Sunderland, and said it was characteristic of beyond their misunderstanding.—( Hear, hear.) They were the days of Cromwell. Without saying whether he would frequently misunderstood, with danger to themselves and to agree with him, he would observe what he considered the Hon. the country. He did hope that the Government, before this Member's speech was characteristic of—the present day and discussion closed, as they were to have no C o mmittee no other.—( Laughter. ) The speech was characteristic of the and no inquiry, would do him the justice of class to which the lion. Member belonged. If the Hon. saying that he had not shrunk from bringing Member would excuse him from expressing his opinions forward the cause which he believed to be that of the agricul- freely, he would say. that be represented the decline and decay turist , ; he hoped they would be able, and he saw the Hon. of his class. The lion. Member for Norfolk must not be Member for Manchester opposite, to give them some intima- offended with the remark that he was about to make. tion that they had taken steps towards the furtherance of a Mr. WODEHOUSE—Not a bit.—(Laughter ) matter which was brought forward last session—he meant the Ms. VILLIERS—The Hon. Member said he bad exagge obtaining of more exact statistic knowledge with respect to rated and misrepre'ented in some former speeches, and !mimed the agriculture of this country. He did not wish to re-estal:- verted to a speech made by him in which he stated that in lish the beard under Sir John Sinclair, but he did wish the 1797 the agricultural classes were depressed. He presumed Government would announce that they had taken the matter in that assertion still, although the Hon. Member for Norfolk into their serious consideration. The Right llon. Member said that at that time they were very well off. for North Wiltshire, and he believed the Hon. Member for Mr. WODEHOUSE—I did not say any such thing ? the West Riding, had been pleased to be very mirthful Mr. VILLIERS said he understood the Hon. Member to on seeing the Hon. Member for Stockport conferring with say they were very ill off. That was the year when country him ( Mr. S. O'Brien); he said it put him in mind of the Gentlemen tested the scheme of snaking other people pay the ententerordiale which the Right Hon. Baronet at the head of wages of the agticultural labourers. He would now main the Government supposed to exist, when he (Mr. S. O'Brien) state that there was no period when the price of food was high pledged himself to move for this Committee. This mirth that the labouring classes were not seriously distressed. might be again excited, re w that he again appealed for that Mr. WODIeIIOUSE-1822. Committee. But he thought from whatever side or party a Mr. VILLIERS—It was precisely in that year that a motion was made favourable to agriculture, no distinction of Noble Lord, in the other House of Parliament, spoke of the political opinions should induce him to withhold his support distress of the labouring classes in the agricultural districts. from it, and let him tell the Government it was not the union The statement of the lion. Member for Stockport was clear, of any individual Members on either side of the House, but it full, forcible, and lucid, but how was it answered ? He stated was that while the benches of the House were distinguished, what the condition of these districts was, he desired investiga. and the two sides preserved, the political principles of lion, and challenged contradiction—he called upon the farmers' one side were carried into effect by the legislation friends, but they did not adduce a single argument against of the other. The Hon. Member for Stockport had alluded in what he stated. The Secretary at War affected to treat the an eloquent manner to the aristocracy of this country. Th e question wi h great indifference, but he could assure him that aristocracy hail ever stood by the people, and, he believed, would it was one in which the people of this country felt the stand by them still. While they were determined to maintain deepest interest, and he bitterly complained of the mode s , an agricultural peasantry—while they thought that the great in which the Legislature had treated the subject. He really merit of agriculture over manufactures was that if any evils thought that the Right Honourable Gentleman had treated arose in connexion with agriculture they could be brought home the House with indifference, if not with neglect and contempt. and traced—he was certain they:would belie the history of the Could the Right Hon. Gentleman deny that Protective So past and their experience of the present—they would belie all cieties were in active operation is all parts of the country, ex they had read, and all they had seen of them, if they refused, at pressing their opinion on the agricultural depression and distress? any time, however large might be the majorities in that House, Was not that an evidence of general distress? He (Mr. Villiers) or the preponderance of interest, to take into their serious and thought that this was evidence of great importance, and a proof anxious consideration the great question of the food of the people. that the distress which existed was both general and greaten-id Mr. BRIGHT said if he had any doubts of the propriety of he thought that it supplied a sufficient reason for inquiry. Yet voting for the present motion, they would have been dispelled it was said that committees were of no use, and he thought that by . the speech of the Hon. Gentleman who hail just sat down. the Hon. Member for Wiltshire ( %Ir. Sidney Herbert) had Ile had never heard a speech from an agricultural Member so treated the House with disrespect, for he had asserted that if clear and explicit, or so easy tobe understood.—( Hear.) It was they would tell him who sat upon the Committee, he would a speech entirely to the question, and contained a large number easily draw up the report. What was the inference to be drawn of statements from several of the counties of England, of the from this? Why, that Committees were of no use. Now, he amount of agricultural distress. But at the same time it con- would defend the House before the country from the assertions tained many paragraphs of a see-saw character, as if the Hon. of a Member—from the assertions of a Cabinet Minister, and Gentleman was vibrating between his HOTis Friend the Mem- he would venture to tell that Right Hon. Gentlemanthat Com ber fur Stockport and the Secretary at War. At the present mittees had been of the utmost. use. He would venture to as moment he could scarcely tell whether the Hon. Gentleman sert that no great measure had been brought before that House intended to vote for the motion or not. He had, however, cer- without a previous inquiry.—( Hear, hear ) The Municipal tainly done himself more credit on this occasion than he did last Law, the Poor Law, the Reform Act—all the great year, when he occupied two entire hours in reading extracts measures had been preceded by inquiry—(Cheers)—and he from the speeches of gentlemen connected with the La ague, really thought that in making that assertion the Right Hon. which were not much to the point. He had spoken out boldly ;he Gentleman had treated the House with great contempt. He had told the Minister that there was some remnant of indeperid- (Mr. Villiers) was of opinion, that his Hon. Friend had ence about them. He could not see how they could refuse this chosen a very opportune period for bringing forward his committee, h av i n g gr a n ted committees of inquiry into the motion, and that it was entitled to deference and great con game-laws, and even into dog-stealing. Th e speech of the sideration from the House. He could not for his own part un- Right Hon. Secretary at• War was the usual stereotypedofficiel derstand on what principle the Government granted or re answer which was always made to every demand for an inquiry, fused these Committees. They had granted a Committee on When the Ri g ht H. se G e ntleman (Mr. S. Herbert) was the game-laws the other night ; they had not refused inquiry making his speech at Salisbury, near his own. residence, there to the shipowners last year, and why not then grant a Com were able-bodied labourers who were picking atones from mittee asked for by nis Hon. Friend. The motion stood pre fields at the rate of Bd. a day. The farmers were in a state of cisely on the same footing, and was equally entitled to inquiry the utmost dismay at the ravages which we re b eing committed as the motions to which he has referred.—( Hear, hear. ) by game on their farms. Did the Right Hon. Gentleman A meeting hnd beers held the. other day at Warwick, give leases? He might or might not, bat he (Mr. Bright) where the Earl of Dartmouth was in the chair, at which very much sus p ec t e d th a t he did not, and from the state in speeches were made and resolutions passed declaratory of the which the Right Hose Gentleman's estate was at present, conviction of those assembled. That the measures of the pre he (Mr. Bright) was quire sure that the Right Hon. Gentle- sent Government went neither more nor less than to confiscate man could not do without every high degree of protection. No property. —( Hear, hear.) They said, that their measures doubt this Committee would be refused in consequence of the would confiscate property. The Earl of Dartmouth said so, prejudice which existed in favour of thecorn-laws, This prejudice the meeting said so, the resolutions said so : and he thought he believed was founded in mistake. The agricultural was that it was a very great shame that those assertions and resolu not the most prosperous class. There was not another class teens should go uncentradicted. Let them grant this inquiry, from whom protection had been withdrawn that was not more and they might summon the whole of these parties before the prosperous than the cultivators of the soil, and more prosperous Committee, at el make them state the grounds on which they than before protection was withdraw.—(" No," emphatically m ade these assertions.—( Hear, hear.) It should be recol from Col. Sibthorp.) Let them take the case of the iron lected that this meeting was attended by a great number trade. At one time that trade was very highly protected, and of country gentlemen, and that they would go home and when the Government proposed to abolish that protection the diffuse these opinions. —(Hear, hear.) Now, it should be iron masters were as much' opposed to its removal as recollected that the opinion of these Lords and Squires the landlords were with respect to the corn-laws.—( Hear.) was accounted as gospel much more than that which They stated that if the protection were removed, they would not the clergyman preached.—( Hear, and great laughter.) be able to export any more iron, and they would be inundated Now, he did not believe these assertions, but yet they had is this country by foreign iron. Now what bad been the fact ? cause of complaint. They complained that wheat was very Why, instead of the exportation of English iron diminishing, low, and he did not believe all these assertions of the conce it had increased ten or twenty fold. The iron-masters had quenee of the low price of wheat.—(Laughter.) But he found now almost a natural monopoly in the supply of iron through- that. that there was another meeting held at Stafford three out the world. Let them take the cas e of the days ago, in which the speeches of those who attended the silk-trade. The increase in that trade since the meeting, and especially of the Secretary of the Society , charged trade had been thrown open, had been more than th e Right Hon. Baronet with all sorts of defalcation of prin teo millions of pounds in ten years. There could be no ciple.—( Hear, hear.) Now he really thought that all this was doubt that the abolition of restrictions with respect to agri- calculated to edo a great deal of injury to the country.— ( Great culture would be attended by a large increase in consumption. laughter.) And he was very sorry for it—(Laughter)—and —(" No, no," from Colonel Sibthorp.) The case of wool he thought it ought to be removed. The lion. Member for had that night been alluded to, and he need not advert Northampton had adopted a curious ?}lease. He said that the to it further. With respect to the linen trade, the Hon. agricultural mind was much agitated.—(Great laughter.) This Member fur Dundee would bear his testtmony to the fact that was a new phrase, but perhaps it was understood by the Hoe. the opening of the trade had larg e ly increased it. The protec- Gentleman who used it, as he was the librarian or secretary, tionists bad first come to that House blustering, but now or something of a literary capacity of the Central Protection they came in a more suppli ca ti ng m anner and asked that pro- Society—he could not say what, but that was no matter. But he tection might be continued. They came down to the arena thought that the best method of soothing the agricultural before the public, but they did not come forward fairly to the mind was to accede to the request of His Honourable Friend. fight. Why did they not cense and have a fair tight in the It was upon these grounds that he should most cordially support committee-room? Witnesses''on each elite could there be pro- the motion. duccd. Those who as k e d f or 'this Committee were not party- Mr. G. BANKES said, at that late hour of the night, he did men. Why, if it had not been for a few of them, those on the not intend to occupy the attention of the House for more than other (the Ministerial) side of the House might have been a very few minutes. lie should confine himself entirely to the put to great risk and expense by another election last year. question that was really before the House, the question being They must recollect the shout, he would rot say of approba • whether or not they should have a Committee to consider the tion, but something like execration, with which some Members distress, and causes of the distress prevailing in the agricul of that (the Opposition) side were hailed when they came in tural districts, because they had been informed by the Hon. from the lobby. They had never been party men in the coon- Member who last addressed them that the motion which he try. If they got upon this Committee honest free traders and a n nually brought before the House would not be denied them, honest protectionists, without having any mere politician, they whether they had the Committee or whether they had it not. might fairly settle this question. 'the farmers would be greatly They knew, too, that another motion stood for to-morrow on disappointed if the Gentl emen opp os it e did not vote for this the subject of agricultural distress, and, at no el•stant day, he Committee. He did not allude to the Treasui y bench, because hoped to brine in a measure to remove such local taxation as t ley nt h Thoseswe Gentlemen were th t e l e e men had, politicians of whom he had spoken. The farmers pressed upon farmers. He should, therefore , ha v e am p le op hadetGentlemen o p pos i te to guar d th e i r i n t eres ts. p or tunity for discussing the general principle which attached however, allowed the Right Hon. Ba- to the question of agricultural pretection, and this induced renet to pass measures which were not wise. 'Their tenants him to coefine himself to the question immediately before the told them that those measures were not wise. At their House. For his own part, when the suggestion was first meetings they told their tenants that those measures made by the lion. Member for Stockport, he met it with a were not wise. The Gentlemen opposite had come most unhesitating den:al, and had his lion. Friend the to that House as the farmer's friend, and yet they refused to Member for Northampton made the same suggestion go into the examination of this question. Now, this was too he should have met it in the same manner. He must bad. There were those on the opposite side of the House beg to offer to the Hon. Member for Stockport his ex who had not scrupled to leave their party for their principles. pression of gratitude for the candour with which he had They. on the Ministerial side, had not yet left their party for made his proposal, but certainly the agricultural in their principles. Some fifty years ago, he no* spoke from what terest could not enter with any satisfaction upon an he had read in history, the country gentlemen, as they were inquiry in a Committee which was proposed by the Hon. called, were very important Members of that House. They Member for Stockport. But he could not see - the advantage frequently read of some of these country Gentlemen of great of withdrawing a discussion from that House into the more weight having got up to propose certain resolutions for or limited arena of a Select Committee, and leaving to be con against the Goveinment. Nobody expected flashes of oratory sidered by fifteen Members what well deserved the delibera or flashes of wit, but everybody expected common sense and tion of the whole House. The existence of the distress was honesty of purpose. Their independence was confessed by all, denied by no one. What then was the use of a Committee? and their influence was felt by all. That party had now The cause of that distress, he ventured to think, arose out of fallen into decrepitude and decay. ow, he was not their having departed from the principles of protection. As far an enemy to the country gentlemen. Although he had as he was himself concerned he had no desire for spoken severely of them, they certainly had had satisfaction this Committee, because he had no doubt about either the out of him. He had said nothing harsh of them that they had existence of the (listless or the cause of it. Then with regard not replied to over and over again. It had been said of Charle s t o th e remedy, it was quite clear they could come to no ami the First that he could see if he would, and of James that he cable conclusion in a Committee. The members of the Anti would see if he could. If Gentlemen opposite could see pro- Corn-law League admitted that they owed no allegiance to the tection as he (Mr. Bright) did—(Laughter)—he meant soil of England. They could carry their wealth to foreign with respect to the national good, and not as respected private climates and still be in the same favourable circumstances, but interest—they would not continue this law against millions of landed proprietors could not do this. They were forced to their countrymen who were crying out. He thought the remain on the soil of England. He had listened with great Right Hon, Baronet exercised a little too much influence in attention to the speech of the Honourable Mem turning Hon. Gentlemen opposite. Those Hon. Gentlemen her for Stockport, and he could not but observe displayed a great deal of courage at the Freemasons' Tavern, that there was a remarkable omission, and the same omission oc and when they met their agricultural constituents they really curred in the speech of the Noble Lord the Member for Sun spoke most valiantly. But they did aot do so when in thatillouse. derland. They had omitted to say what they were to do with The influence of the Right Hon. Gentleman put him in mind the surplus population of the country. This was a question of the manner in which the Ii isthmian tamed his horse. Did those which lion. 51embers who advocated free trade always avoided. Hon. Gentlemen recollect for what they were elected in If we imported the quantity of corn that could be, and (if the 1841 ? It was to keep up the price of wheat. Wheat was protection were removed) would be sent from countries then 70s. a quarter. Would the farmers have supported them where it was cheaper grown than here, and where it was of a then, if they had declared that they intended to support a superior quality, it was quite clear that a great portion of the measure which would bring wheat down to 45.—(Hear.) land must be withdrawn from cultivation to a vast extent. But really this subject was too serious for joking. A Corn- ( Ilear, hear.) No contradiction could be given to that by any mission was going about the counties of Dorsetshire, Wilt- Committee, sit as long as it might.—(Hear.) But with the shire, and Hampshire, and from that Commission a report enormous weight of committee business t hat p ressed u p on the had lately ' been made. From this report it app eared that the House—upwards of two hundred railway comwittees—e Hear) agricultural labourer expended about 30s. a year in articles —and the Game Committee, on which he had the honour to of manufacture, and that included making. Now the be associated with the Hon. Member of Durham, he was sails manufacturing population were i ncreas i ng , and the fled that they might for this year at least dispense with the agricultural population were increasing.—( Hear, hear.) Committee. lie did not say that there should not be a Com- He had snoken to the Representatives of agricultural districts, mittee upon the subject. Neither did he think that the House on the other side of the House, and he would ask them, why of Commons was the fittest place for such an iquiry. At the should they not concede to this proposition ? ( Hear, hear.) same time he admitted that when there was a question of doubt He would say to them, "Now, do be advi se d b y the course and difficulty, inquiry by Committee was desirable._ we suggest.' —(Laughter.) It had beets said that they, at ( Hear, hear.) In this case there was no doubt his side of the H ou se, knew very well what it was already— or difficulty—( Hear, heat)—and he did not see a neces perhaps they did—( A laugh)—but there might happen to be sity for a Committee.—( Hear.) lie did not believe that any a few who did not,----(A laugh)—and, in the meantime, who information could be obtained beyond what they had at present. could toll but that the Right Hon. Baronet at the head of her There was another objection to the motion. There had been MajestyWi Government., would come forward with some new no petition for inquiry, although the Hon. Gentleman the proposition on free-trade.—( Hear, and a laugh.) But now to Member fair South Staffordshire had presented a petition corn put an end to this joking, he would ask the House to take plaining of the presenteslidin,g scale as affording inadequate pro into consideration the state of the tenant population of the tection.—(Hear ) With all possible respect for the Member country.—( Hear, hear.) He did not speak of them or their for Stockrort, who moved for the Committee with so much condition in any feeling of anger towards the Government; ability, he should give the motion a decided negative. but this he would say, that when it had been well known Lord INGESTRIE said that the Noble Lord who presides! throughout the w orld that this subject would be brought for- at the meeting at Wolverhampton, referred to by the Hon. ward before the Legislature, he felt fully justified in making the Gentleman opposite (Colonel Anson), was not Lord Lieutenant few observations he had.—( Cheers.) of any county. The petition from that meeting only complained ' Mr. WODEHOUSw said be did not rise for the purpose of •f the present sliding scale as not affording adequate protection., making any reply to the comical parts of the speech of the lion. Colonel ANSON rose amidst loud cries of " Question,' Gentleman who had just sat down—(A laugh)—but at the and sohd he would not detain the House five minutes. same time he should say that his mind had been lie wished to explain an error into welich he had fallen. He made up on the vote he should give on this had received three petitions to present, complaining of inade question.—( Laughter.) He had heard of the speech (mete protection— one from Wolverhampton, another from made by the Noble Lord the Hon. Member for Sunderland, Lichfield, and the third from Stafford. 'I he resolutions agreed and that allusion had been made to it by the lion. Member to at the meeting of the Agricultural Protection Society at opposite; buthe (Mr. Wodehouse) would say, that that speech Wolverhampton was sent to him with the petitions, and it was was worthy of the days of Cromwell.— (Laughter.) Strong by a too hasty reading of the resolutions he had fallen into the remarks had been made on the state of the law in respect to mistake that the petition was against the sliding-scale. corn in former times; but he would ask Hon. Members to re- The Hon. Gentleman then proceeded to read the petition in collect the state of the country at that time.—( Hear, hear.) which the petitioners stated that the distress of the tenant- In a speech of the Hon. Member for Wolverhampton, on farmers required the consideration of Parliament.—(Cries of this subject, it had been stated that when prices were low, "Divide; divide.") He was the representative of an important agricultural property was at its height ; yet in the years 1835 county, and he felt bound to refer'to those petitions which had and 1836 such was not the case.---( Hear, hear.) 'Then again, been placed in his hands.—(Hear, hear.) He did not vote for the Noble Lord had said, that in the years 1810 and 1818, the an immediate repeal of the corn-laws, but he thought that a same argument applied, but there was no competent record fixed duty would give confidence to the agricultural interest, of the kind that could be referred to. As to what had been said and be had supported his Noble Friend behind bias about the state of the law in 1835, in reference to this subject, in Isis view) upon that subject. He did not aperove of agri in that year a gentleman, named Mr. Senior, published a cultural s wietiee, for he thought they did more hares than pamphlet, in which that gentleman had shown clearly that the good.—( Hear, hear.) Ho thought that a more steady price wages then paid were less in proportion to the receipt of the would be maintained by a fixed duty than under the present farmer.--(tlear. hear.) Then, with retard to what had been system. He would support the motion of the Hon. Member said by Mr. Deacon Hume, he would but say this—when Mr. for Stockport, because he did not think the agricultural inte- Flume was asked by Mr. Chapman (it having beets said that rest need be in any fear from inquiry. there was a great article of expenditure in the navigation of I Lord WORSLEY rose amid loud cries of " Divide, ships) could he make any suggestion whereby this onerous divide." Ile said lie would not detain the House for charge might be reduced — ho was asked would any remedy any length of time, but be thought he ought facts.—(Hear, hear.) Why not go into Committee and 3CT on a hich side the iruta lay, preparatory et the dis cusston which must eventually come on in the !louse? —(Cries of " Hear, hear.") Was it not desirable, ascertain whether the existence of the kw had or net the etfect of eneeuragieg false hopes in the m•nds of the farmer.-?—(Hea.r.) That it had that effect was as sertea in that Heuse, and he now asserted that it was easy of proof if they went into the Comm ttee.—(Hear, hear.) It led the farmers to expect a certain price for their product-, and, since the peace, that false expectation had been the ruin of thtusands.—(Cheers.) Again, it was material to ascertain what was the effect of the price of corn upon wages of labour.—(Cries of , 6 Hear, hear.) He heard it repeatedly said in the House that the low price of corn produced low price of labour. But new it was with infinite satisfaction he heard the Right Hon. Gentleman say that the low price of food brought on by ahundance was a benefit to every class.— (Hear, hear.) That must be the case in a proper state of the law ; but even in the present state he believed that it was so.—(lcar, hear.) Bet how happened it that whenever prices were lowered there were the most whining cennplainte on the part of the agriculturists?--(Hear, hear.) The Right Hon. Gen tleman said that it was not the low prices that caused the present distress but the failure of the crops. He (Lord Ilowick) believed it, was so. But did that account for the language used by the Duke of Buckingham, which he could only describe, in the words of an old statute, as :het of a sturdy beggar --(Hear, hear, and laughtsr.) T: •:e limit Gentlemen opposite reported in 1833 the neat meldnehely station tats as to the condition or the tenant- farmers. Their condition was painted in the most gloemy terms—they were paying the rent out of their capital—end thee were then in a state of prey re-s aide: rain. —(The Noble L ,, 1 then read at great length an ex - rail from the it--port of the Agricultural Commit tee of 1821 ;:ettirg f mIt!) the distressed state of the fat' mrs et that period.)—lf they teak that report, the lew prices ehich Rteht Hon. Gentlemen now stated to le? Jar tae benefit of all parties were the ruin of the far mers. lioaever, the resulted all the inquiries had been to take off the protection from other a-tidies. He should like to see what would the answer of the proposed Com mittee be to the gloomy predictions of the Duke of Rich mond as to the importation of wool since 1837, and of cattle more recently.—(Hear, hear, and laughter.) The House would remember the arguments of the Hon. Mem ber for Berkshire against the importation of pigs, when that Hon. Member said that so many quarters of corn would be imported in the shape of pigs.—(Laughter.) Nov he sheuld like to ascertain in Committee what had been the effect of the introduction of cattle ? He should like to inquire for the facts which would show that pro tection was neces ary for the cultivation of wheat and not for flax.—(Hear, hear.) They were told that the removal of protection would affect the labourer more than the landlord, and would throw land out of cultiva tion. He should like to hear from a Committee, as merely matter of figures, whether rent entered so much into the price of corn that a reduction of rent would enable the farmer to meet a reduction of prices. --(Hear, hear.) There were many of those points on which in formation was easily attained, which would refute the mass of vague, unfounded assertions which were constantly reported in the House, and which in teetered with the discussion of this me-mentors question.—(Hear, and cheers.) Suppose they had a strong conviction that the Committee would not tend to any practical result. Was that a ground for refu-ing the inquiry, when they saw at that moment what was the condition of the tenant-farmer and the labourer? — (Hear, hear.) They might consider the inquiry useless, but their reason for refusing the inquiry was to him in comprehensiblee—(Hear, hear.) The Secretary at Wer stated that the agriculturists were of very delicate nerves —(A laugh)—and if th-- House were to go into the in quiry, they would be thrown into a scat-' of alarm, so that they would give up their farms.—(Laught- r.) How could such a Committee ,as the Hon. Member for v'i'ol verhampton most fairly offered, containing a majority of " farmers' friends," give them such a shock?—(Hear.) The Right Hon. Gentleman said that, in asking fur the Committee, they (the Opposition) expected to put an end to protection. Undoubtedly he (Lord Howick), for one, did so.—(Cheers.) He believed that in the Com mittee it would be shown that the repeal of the pro tective duties would be a relief to the farmers them selves. It was because he had such perfect confidence in the justice of his case, that he asked for inquiry, because he believed that the most irrefragable proofs would be produced of the justice of his case.—(Cheers.) The refusal to give the Committee could be accounted for on no other ground than that they (the Ministers) had no confidence in their own assertions.—(Cheers.) They would be ready enough to grant the inquiry, if they did not find, in the bottom of their hearts, that the vague sophistries which they passed muster so boldly in the House would not bear to be silted in de tail, and pass throuah the ordeal of examination up stairs.—(Hear, hear, and cheers.) They knew that they e ould undergo so cawplete a refutation that they we be ashamed to repeat' them.—(Cheers.) The only rational ground of Hun. Gentlemen oppo site refusing to go into this Committee was, that they had really no case; and he was the more convinced of this, because, while they refused a Committee, they also refused to grapple with the ereuments of the Bon. Mem ber for Stockport against, the whele system of protecting duties. If they felt any confidence in their case, they might, at least, rtes mpt to grapple with the luminous and able speech of the Hon. Member for Steckport, and price that the system of protective ditties was not the cause of the agricultural distress. The Right Hon. Gentlemen the Secretary at War did not attempt. the slightest answer to those arguments. He (Lord Howick) weuld now endeavour to show why it was that he en tireiy concurred in the opinion expressed by his Noble Friend the Member fi. London same time ago, who said that protecting duties had indeed been the bane of agriculture.—(Hear, hear.) If this Committee were granted, they would show that the system of protection had been tried thirty rears ago, and that, notwithstanding all the modifications which it under went, it was _acknowledged to be a complete failure.— (Hear.) The Bill of 1815 had even this advantage, that it was concocted according to the views of the high flown advocates of protection.—(Hear, hear.) But the result was, that in a few years after there was a great deal of agricultural distress. A Committee was ap pointed, containing a majority of agricultural Members, who came to the conclusion that the Act of 1815 had failed in its object, but they did not give up its protecting se stem. No such thing—they said they mistook the way, but they did Rut • give up their favourite notion. The Committee made . a report, and in consequence of that report -an alteration was made in the law of 1815, and, under the auspices of the Right Honour able: Baronet opposite, the law of 1828, which he afterwards destroyed, became the law of the land. But what was the consequence ? In 1833, 1834, 1835, and 1836, complaints were made in that House of agri cultural dietress. A Committee was again appointed, and the Right Hon. Baronet declared that more protec tion would not mend the case, and that they had better wait for better times—for that was the meaning, shortly translated, of the report of 1833. What was the cause of that ? There was then no Anti-Corn•law agitation, because prices were so low that the evils of protection were not then so seriously felt.. The Right Hon. Gen tleman then came forward, and said that there had been a good deal of bungling about protection—that protec tion was a good thing, but they had not gone the right way to work it, and accordingly he passed his Corn Bill with a great majority. But they were now witness ing the happy results of his experiment.—(Hear, hear.) Under that system of protection, the progress of agri cultural improvement had been extraordinarily slow, as the lion. Gentleman the Member for Stockport had shown. If any body looked at the country he could not fail to see that the degree of agricultural improvement was far below what it ought to be. Let them compare the improvements which had taken place in agriculture since the peace, with the improvements which had taken place in other branches of science, and it would appear from the result, that while steam navigation and railroad development, and, in fact, all the arts and sciences, had progressed with great regularity, the science of agricul ture had by no means kept pace with them.—( Hear, hear.) Although the most beneficial results might be derived from draining, draining was scarcely begun in some counties ; and while farmers allowed the best manure at their own doors to run to waste, they imported it at a NrqS;t expense from the coast of Africa.---(Hear, hear.) O. ey person who travelled down to Manchester must perceive that while the land in the neighbourhood that town, which was most fertile by nature, and which had an excellent market for milk and butter which it would yield, was grown over with rushes—(Hear, hear) —land which required only a few hours to render it. /los t productive—that while the land near that town was suffired to lie in such a state, in the town itself every improvement was adopted which would multiply the me ems of production, and yield a saving, however small. There was one mode, and only one, of tiecountiog for this, nemely, that there was no security.—(Hear, hear, ratan Mr. Miles.) Ile understo el the cheer of the Hon. qem her for ti,imerFet, and would advert to it prese..tl3. cuu,,, of that difference was tiebe found, in the first place, ie the absence of the stimulus of foreign competi tion—(li ar, hear) —owing to which the handed proprie tor,: were content to leave the land in such a disgraceful ‘fate as it was in at present.—(Cheers.) It was owing again to the want of leases.—(Hear, hear.) Any Gen tleman who was at all acquainted with the subject, must know there was the grease-t difference between those farms which were held under lease, and those which were not.—(Hear.) Let a person for instance compare the agriculture of East Lothian and Buckinghamshire. —(Hear.) But he would tell the Hon. Member for Somerset, it was owing also, and principally, to that want of security which the landlords could not give as long as they kept up a system of security.—(Hear, hear.) He supposed the Hon. Member meant by his cheer that that want of security was owing to the Anti-corn• law League, but he would tell the Hon. Gentleman that there was notary security for the farmers before the Anti corn- law League were in existence. And as lung as they were subject to the ebb and flow, which he believed were insenarahle from protection, they would not have se curity.—(Cheers.) They would not find it as long as they breathed the sickly air of protection. It was this insecurity that caused capital to flow out of the country anti to be invested in foreign railways, at the risk of war. Even if they rejected this motion, as he expected they would, by a majority of tare to one, that would not give that security to the farmers which the farmers' friends themselves were conscious was necessary.— (Hear.) He would now come to a more serious part of the case, because, after what had been said by the Hon. Member for Stockport ou the former part of it, he (Lord Howick) felt it would he unnecessarily wasting the time of the House to dwell longer upon it. But he would come to the effect of the protective sysa m upon the labouring chisses ; and here also he theught that a stronir. pima facie - case had been made out against protection.—(llear, hear.) In the southern coun ties of England particularly , the agricultural labourers were in a most wretched condition. It was the wonder of every one how the agrieultural labourer supported • himself and family en the wages he received.—(Bear.) to exp'ain the reasons which induced him to vote against the motion of the Hon. Gentleman the Member for Stockport. He was a member of a Committee which sat in i 836, on the saint of agricultural distress, and though they had heard evidence frrrn April to June, they were not able to come to any cer.clusion.—( Hear, hear.) He opposed the motion, be.. cause he thought that Committee would come to no conclu sion. He thought it would only do mischief, that it would hold out false hopes to the tenant.:armers and labourers, and upon this ground he thought it unwise to appoint a Committee. He would not seek popularity by holds;; out hopes to the agriculturists.—( Hear. ) Mr. COBDEN replied. All were agreed as to the cause of the distress that existed—( Hear, hear)—and yet they would not agree to any inquiry on the subject.—(Hear, hear.) In short, there was not a single motion put forward by the benches opposite which was not a source of laughter— which was not considered a sham. If Gentlemen opposite would only separate themselves f‘om the Government, they m;ght do anything they pleased. Strangers were then ordered to withdraw, and the House divirled, when there appeared— For the motion .... Against it Majority again't the motion The other orders of the day were then disposed of, and the House adjourned at a Quarter to One o'clock. PARLIAMENTARY DIVISIONS. (From the ',Wes and Proceeding of the Hoasa cl Canunons.) WILDNEBDAT, MARCH 12. PROPERTY-TAX BILL, Read a third time ; Clause (and whereas by the said recited Aet it is provided in the first Rule of Schedule (I)), relating to deductions, that no sum shall be set against or deducted from the profits or gains arising under that Schedule for any disbursements or expenses of maintenance of the parties, their families, or establislunents ; Be it Enacted, That from and after the passing of this Act, whenever the person or persons so liable to be charged under the said Schedule shall employ any member or members of his family in carrying on his tra!e or profession, it shall be lawful to deduct such sum or sums of money as would have been a fair remuneration 'for such employment If any other per Son had been so employed) brought up, and read the first time.—Motion made, and Question put, " That the said Clause be now read a second time." The 'louse divided : MINORITY-AYES, 39. Anson, Colonel Farnham, I. B 4 Plnmridge, Captain Barclay, David Ferguso:i, Colonel Ponsonby, C. F. A. Barnard, E. G. Hallyburton, Lord Rice, E. R. Benbow, John Hill, Lord M. Rumbold, C. E. Bouverie, E. P. Johnson. General Somerville Sir W. Bowes, John Martin. John Stanton, W. H. Cowper, W. E. Mitcalfe, Henry Thornely, Thomas Curteis, H. B. Morris, David Towneley, John Dennistoun, J. Murray, AlexanCer Turn r, Edmund D'Eyueourt, C. T. Raptor, Sir C. Waltley, Thomas Duke, Sir J. O'Brien, A. S. Wy - se, Thomas Duncan, George Paget, C010..el TELLEILT. Buncombe, Thomas Palmer, Robert Spooner. Richard Entwisle, William Fattison, James Monti, G. F. MAJORITY-NOES, 151. A'Court, Captain Flower, Sir J. Aglionby, H. A. Forster, Matthew Astell, William Fox, S. L. itai , :y, J., jun. Fremantle, Sir T. Baillie, Colonel Fuller, A. E. Baillie, H. J. Gaskell, J. M. Baird, W lliam Gill, Thomas Baldwin, Barry Gladstone, Captain Baring, Thomas Gordon, Captain Baring. W. B. Gore, Montague Barrington, Viscount Goring, Charles Bell, 31 att hew Goulburn, Henry Beresford, Major Graham, Sir J. Bolder°, 11. G. Greetlitll, Peter Borthwick, Peter Greene, Thomas Bowles, Admiral Grimsditch, T. Branaston, T. W. Grithston, V scount Broadley, Henry Grogan, Edward Broadwood, H. Raiford, Sir 11. Brotherton, Joseph Hamilton, W. J. Bruce, C. L. C. Harris, Captain Bruges, IV. H. L. Hawes, Benjamin Buckley, Edmund Hayes, Sir E. Buller, Edward Heneage, G. H. IV. Busfeild, William Hepburn, Sir I'. Cardwell, Edward Herbert, Sidney Charteris, Francis Hinde ' J. 11. Chetwode, Sir J. Hogg, J. W. Clay, Sir W. Holmes, W. A'Court Clayton, R. R. Hole, Charles Clerk, Sir G. Hope, G. W. Clive, Viscount Ingestrie, Viscount Cochrane, A. Inglis, Sir R. 11. Cod rington, Sir W. James, William Colebrook° Sir T. James, Sir W. C. Collett, W. R. Jertnyn, Earl Compton, H. C. Jocelyn, Viscount Copeland, Alderman Johnstone, Sir J. Couirtenay, Lord Langston, J. 11. Cripps, William Lawson, Andrew Dante; Colonel Lennox, Lord A. Denison, E. B. Lennox, Lord A. Dickinson, F. H. Lincoln; Earl Dodd, George Lockhart, William Duncombe, A. Long, Walter Eastnor, Viscount Mackenzie, T. Eaton, R. J. Mackenzie, W. F. Egerton, W. T. Maclean, Donald F-scott, Bickham M`Neill, Duncan Estcourt, T. G. Manners, Lord J. Fellowes, Edward Worsham, Viscount [ Fitzroy, Henry Maryland, Henry Moynell, Captain Morgan, Octavius Necid, Joseph Neeid, John Newport, Viscount Nicholl, John Norreys, Lord Packe, C. W. Pakington, J. S. Palmer, George Parker, John Patten, J. W. Peel, Sir Robert Peel, Jonathan Pollingto7l, Viscount Powell, Colonel Pusey, Philip Reid, Sir John Repton, G. W. J. Rolleston, Colonel Rous, Captain Rushbrooke, Col. Russell, Lord J. Russell, J. D. W. Seymour, Sir H. Sheppard, Thomas Smith, Abel Smith, T. B. C. Smythe, George Somerset, Lord G. Stewart, John Stuart, Henry Sturt, H. C. Sutton, Henry Thcsiger, Sir F. Trelawny, J. S. Trotter, John Tumor, Christopher Villiers, Viscount Vivian, J. H. Waddington, Y. S. Wall, C. B. Warburton, Henry Wood, Colonel Wood, Colonel T.' Wortley, John S. Yorke, E. T. TELLSB.S. Yonng, John Eariftg, Henry Clause (and be it flirther Enacted, That from and after the passing of this Act, it shall be lawful for all persons chargeable under Schedules (D) and (E), who may have effected or may hereafter effect any insurance or insurances on their respective life or liyes, to claim deduction ftom the amount of the annual premium paid for such insurance or insurances; and whenever such deduction so claimed shall reduce the net annual income below the sum of 1501., the parties so claiming shall be entitled to exemption t?om payment of Duty) brought up, and read the first time :—Motion made, and Question put, " That the said Clause be now read a second time." The House divided : MINORITY-AYES, 26. Anson, Colonel Hawes, Benjamin Packe, C. W. Borthwick, Peter Hill, Lord M. Plumridge, Captain Brotherton. J. Inglis, Sir IL H. Rice, E. It. Clay, Sir W. Johnson, General Russell, Lord J. Cowper, W. P. - Leader, J. T. Srorthe, George Curteis, 11. B. Martin, John Somerville, Sir W. D'Eynconrt, C. T. Willies, R. M. . Fox, C. R. Gill, Thomas ILLltbrd, Sir IL Morris, David Mainz, G. F. O'Brien, A. S. TOLLSLEIS. Mariners, Lord J. Spooner, Richard MAJORITY-NOES, 87. Aeland, Sir T. D. Escott, Bickham M`Neill, Duncan A'Court, Captain Fitzroy, Henry Moreland, H. Aglionby, H. A. Forbes, Williala Martin, C. W. Astell, William Forster, Matthew Morgan, 0. Baillie, Colonel Fremantle, Sir T. Nichol!. John Baillie, IL J. Fuller, A. E. Pakington, J. S. Baldwin, Barry Gaskell, J. M. Fatten, J. W. Baring, W. B. Gladstone, Captain Peel, Sir It. Barnard, E. 0. Gordon, Captain Peel, Jonathan Barrington, Viscount Goulburn, Henry Pringle, Alexander Benbow, John Graham, Sir J. 'lepton, G. W. J. Itentinek, Lord G. Greene, T. Itrishbrooke, Colonel Boldero, H. G. Gregory, W. H. Smith, T. B. C. Bowles, Admiral Grimsditch, T. Somerset, Lord G. Broadley, H. Grogan, Edward Stewart, John Bruce, Lord E. Hamilton, W. J. Sutton, H. M. Bruges, W. H. Harcourt, G. 0. Thesiger, Sir F. Buckley, Edmund Heneage, 0. H. Trelawny, J. S. linsfeild, William Herbert, Sidney Trotter, John Cardwell, Edward Holmes, W. A'Court Vivian, J. Ennis Chetwode, Slr J. Hope, Charles Wakley, Thomas Clayton, H. U. lime, G. W. Wall, C. B. Clerk, Sir George Jermyn, Earl Warburton, IL Courtenay, Lord Jocelyn, Viscount Wood, Colonel Deaner, Colonel Lawson, Andrew Wood, Colonel T. Darby, George Lennox, Lord A. Wortley, John S. Dickinson, F. 11. Lincoln, Earl of Yorke, E. T. Duncombe, A. Lockhart, W. TELLERS. Egerton, W. T. Mackenzie, W. F. Young, John Entwiele, William M`Geachy, F. A. Baring, Henry Amendment proposcel, press 2, line 22, after the words " levied and paid," at the erid or the first Clause, to insert the words, " Provided always, that the said rates and duties shall not be assessed or taken upon any income whatever under the amount of 5001., except in re spect to the sum by which such income shall exceed the sum of 1501.:"—Motion made, and Question put, " That those words be there 'tisk rted." The House divided : MINORITY—AYES, 25. Barnard, E. G. Martin, John Somerville, Sir W. Borthwick, Peter Morris, David Wilkley, T. Bowring, Dr. Mentz, G. F. WANTII, John T. Brotherton, J. Napier, Sir C. Williams, William Bnsfeild, W. Packe, C. W. Wodehouse, Edmond Cartels, H. B. Plumptre, J. P. Dick, Quinthi Plumridge, Captain TELLERS. Hawes, B. Rice, E. R. Inglis, Sir R. H. Hill, Lord M. Rumbald, C. E. Spsoner, Richard Johnson, General Sibthorp. Colonel MAJORITY-NOES, 59. Aglionby, H. A. Escott, Biekham M'Geachy, F. A. Arkwright, George Fitzroy, Henry M`Neill, Duncan Bernie, Colonel Forster, M. Martin, C. W. Baldwin, B. Fremantle, Sir T. Nichol', John Barrington, Viscount Fuller. A. E. Peel, Sir B. Bentinek, Lord G. Gaskell, J. M. Peel, Jonathan Boldero, 11. G. Gordon, Captain Pringle, Alexander Bowes, John Goulburn, H. Bound, John Bowles, Admiral Graham, Sir J. ...Smith, T. B. C. Broadley, IL Greene, Thomas Somerset, Lord G. Bruges, W. H. Grlmsditeh, T. Stewart, John Buckley, Edmund Herbert, Sidney Sutton, H. M. Cardwell, Edward Hope, Charles. Thesiger, Sir F. Chetwode, Sir J. Hope, G. W. Trotter, John Clay, Sir W. Hutt, William Warburton, 11. Clerk, Sir G. Jermyn, Earl Wortley, John B. Darner, Colonel Jocelyn, Viscount Yorke, E. T. Darby, George Lennox, Lord A. D'Eyncourt, C. T. Lincoln, Earl Dickinson, F. 11. Lockhart, W. Egerton. W. T. Mackenzie, T. TELLER& Young, John Baring, lionu RAILWAY COMMITTEES. -- - HOUSE OF COMMONS, WEDNESDAr, Manta( 12. The Sub-Comittee on Standing Orders No. 1, present Mr. Skutt, chairman, Mr. Forbes, Mr. V. Stuart, Mr. Compton, and the Hon. Mr. Clive, sat at 12 o'clock to-day. A petition from THE DUBLIN AND DROGHEDA RAILWAY Company for a Bill to run a branch from the above line to Howth, near Dublin, and to alter and improve their previous Act, will be reported as being in compliance with the stand ing orders. Length of branch, 3i miles; estimate, 40,0001. ,• engineer, Sir J. Macneill ; agents, Messrs. Hayward and Dorrington. THE HARROGATE AND RIPON JUNCTION RAILWAY. The promoters of a Bill for the purpose of running the above line from the Great North of England Railroad at Thirsk to Harrogate and Ripon, with a branch to Richmond. were declared to have complied with the standing orders. The line, including the branch, is 20 miles long; estimated cost, 338,900/. ; engineer, Mr. J. Stephenson ; agents, Burke, Pritt, and Venables. THE WEAR VALLEY RAILWAY. _ . The Committee were Of opinion that the provisions of the standing orders had been complied with by the promoters of the above railway, which they propose to run from Bishop Auckland and Wear Railway to Stanhope, to facilitate the transfer of the mineral produce of the surrounding districts. Length, ten miles; estimate, 82,0001.; engineer, Mr. J. Ste phenson ; agents, Messrs. Burke, Pritt, and 'enables. The necessary proof of the contract was deferred to the next sitting of the Committee, owing to the non-appears ance of that document, the result of some accident or irre gularity. THE MIDDLESBOROUGH AND REDCAR RAILWAY. A petition for a Bill with the above title, authorising the formation of a line between the places named, and in junc tion with the Stockton and Darlington Railway (the same engineer and agents as the preceding), was declared to be in compliance with the standing orders. Length of line, 8 miles ; estimate, 86,0001. THE SOUTH WALES RAILWAY. This case, which has been adjourned on two occasions to enable the engineers for the city of Gloucester and Mr. Whitcombe (the opponents of the measure) and the promo ters of the line to examine into the allegations of the adverse petition, and to ascertain their real value, was then brought on, when Mr. Burke (for the Bill) stated, as the result of the confer ence, that Mr. Whitcombe, on behalf of the city of Gloucester, who had opposed the Bill on public grounds, being convinced of the insufficiency of many of the allegations, and satisfied with the explanations of those apparent criers on which the others rested, now declined to press his opposition. Mr Hayward declared his conviction that the soundest discretion had been exercised in doing so. The CHAIRMAN observed that the engineer, in proving the plans, had stated that they were accurate, with the exception of those points against which there were allegations, and that it would be necessary to examine him again, now that the opposition was withdraavn. Mr. Carrington, assistant to Mr. Brunel, the chief engineer, was called, after some conservation had taken place on the subject, and gave his evidence in a hesitating manner, and, with such reservations as regarded the accuracy of the plans, that the , Commit* *night it necessary to clear the room to deliberate on the course which they ought to pursue, a • eventually decided that they should hear the evidence up . oe: he plans and sections, to ascertain if the standing orders had' seen complied with. Mr. Brunel was examined accordingly, as Mr. Carring ton's evidence did not appear very conclusive, and, on being desired to state if the plans and sections complied with the requisitions of the standing ordes, declared that he believed: they were as perfect as they could be, but at the same time' he might observe that he never yet bad seen any plans which ^ould be said to comply with all the details of these provi sions. He believed them to be as accurate as possible, but was not prepared to say that, on the plans of a hue 200 miles long, some violations of the orders might not exist. After going over the allegations carefully, they had struck out su:h as seemed untenable, till Mr. Whitcombe consented to withdraw his petition, but still it was probable that errors existed in the plans. He often felt the great difficulty of a literal compliance with the orders, but more particularly when called upon to prove the plans, as at present. The CHAIRMAN expressed the disinclination of the Com mittee to press upon the promoters of the Bill. They had no intention of going through all the allegations of the peti tioners, as the present case was not like that in which Mr. Aglionby's Committee had adopted that course, but they were anxious to ascertain where the errors were. After some further conversation, Mr. Brunel, in reply to the Chairman, proceeded to state the instances of noncompliance which he was aware of. There were four cases of omission respecting curves of less than one mile radii in about seventy which occurred along the line, and seven mistakes in the statements of gradients, some of which were attributable to mere clerical errors In mis placing the : figures, as well as some omissions of enlarge ment. The CHAIRMAN asked if there were any other instances of errors in the plans ? _ Mr. Brunel replied, that it would be necessary for him to go over all the allegations of the petition, and compare them with the plans, before he could answer that question. The room was again cleared, and, on our re-admission, The CHAIRMAN stated the decision of the Committee to be, that they should report that the standing orders had not been complied with in respect to the four curves and seven gradients memioned (which were specified by Mr. Brunel accordidgly). The Committee then adjourned, at three o'clock. RAILWAY BUSINESS IN PAR LIAMENT. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12. The following Bills were presented and read a first time : London and Greenwich Railway. York and Ncrth Midland Railway (Doncaster Extqnsion).. Sheffield and Lincolnshire Junction Railway. Blackburn and Preston Railway. Newark and Sheffield Railway. New - r ;ort and Ponty Pool Railway. Sheffield, Ashton -under Lytle, and Manchester Railway. The following Bills were referred to the Select Committee on Standing Orders: — Manchester, Leeds, and Hull Associated Railway Companies. Yarmouth and Norwich Railway. Shrewsbury, Oswestry, and Chester Junction Railway,— Petition fur bill reported, and Bill ordered to be brought in by Lord Robert Grosvenor, Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, and Mr. Mainwaring. London and South-Western Railway,—Petition for Bill re ported, and Bill ordered to be brought in by Sir John East hope, Mr. Masterman, and Mr. Mangles. Brighton, Lewes. and Hastings Railway (Keymerßranch), —Petition for Bill reported, and Bill ordered to be brought in by Mr. Fitzroy and Mr. Elphinstone. Midland Railway (Lincoln and Ely),—Petition for Bill reported, and Bill ordered to be brought in by Sir John Trollope and Sir John Lowther. Great Southern and Western Railway (Ireland)—Report from Select Committee on Petitions for Private Bills read; Bill ordered to be brought in by Mr. Morgan John O'Connell, Mr. Shed, and Mr. Edmund Roche. Manchester, Bury, and Rossendale Railway,—Petition for Bill reported, and Bill ordered to be brought in by Mr. Wilson Patten and Mr. Walker. Newcastle-upon-Tyne and North Shields Railway (Tyne mouth Extension, &c.),—Petition for Bill reported, and Bill ordered to be brought in by Mr. Bell and Mr. Hodgson Hinde. St. Helen's Canal and Railway,—Petition for Bill reported, and Bill ordered to be brought in by Mr. `Nilson Patten, Viscount Sandon, and Mr. Greenhall. Bedford and London and Birmingham Railway,—Petition fot Bill reported, and Bill ordered to be brought in by Mr. Stuart, Mr. Astell, and Viscount Alford. Blackburn, Darwen, and Bolton Railway,—Report frrm Select Committee on Standing Orders read • Bill ordered to be brought id by Mr. Wilson Patten , Mr. William_Feilden, and Mr. Hornby. NOTICES GIVEN AT THE PRIVATE BILL OFFICE. Clydesdale Junction Railway,—Second reading, Monday, March 17. Bliddlesbro' and Redcar Railway,—Committee on petition, adjourned till the next day on which Sub-Committee Nu. 1 meets. . Wear Valley Railway,—Committee on petition, adjourned . till the iuxt day on which Sub• Committee No.l meets. Liverrool and Bury Railway,—Committee on petition, postponed from Friday 14th, till Monday, March 17. South Devon (Tavistock and other Branches) Railway,— Second reading, Monday, March 17. Launceston and South Devon Railway,—Second reading, Monday, March 17. Berlis and Hants Railway,—Second reading, Monday, March 17, RAILWAY COMMITTEE. Sub.Comarittee No. 2, met yesterday. The Committee con. sisted of Sir J. Y. /Mkt., chaitimui, Mr. F. Mackenzie, the O'Conor Don, Mr. Walker, and Mr. E. Yorke. The Committee had the petitions of the following Railway Bills before them, viz. : Dundaik and Enniskillen Railway. South. Eastern Railways. Brighton and Chichester Railway (Portsmouth Extension). London, Chatham, and North Kent. DUNDALK AND ENNISKILLEN RAILWAY. This petition was unopposed. The Bill is for a line sirrty.twe miles in length, the cast of which is 750,0001. Engineer Sir J. M'Nell. Standing orders complied wi!h. BANK OF ENGLA The usual half.ycarly Court of the Governor, Directors, and Pro prietors of Bank Stock was held yesterday at the Bank of England for the purpose of declaring a dividend. William Cotton, Esq., Governor of the Bank, took the chair at twelve o'clock. After the minutes of the last meeting were read, The GOVERNOR said he had the honour to acquaint the Court that this was the half-yearly General Court appointed by the bye. laws to consider of a dividend. The Court of Directors having considered the state of the banking ac counts, were of opinion that a dividend might be made If the Court thought fit of 31, per cent. interest, and profit for the half year, ending the sth of April next, deducting therefrom 7d. in the pound on account of the income-tax. The Court were aware that a change had been made with regard to the making up of the accounts, and that, under the new system, now the accounts were made up to the 28th of February, and the re. suit of the profits between the 31st of August and the 28th of February, enabled the Directors to recommend a dividend for the last h if-year, making an addition to the rest of 9,7271. He had now to move that a dividend be made; and as many as were of that opinion would signify the same by holding up their hands. In answer to a question from Mr. FIELDER, The GOTERNOR stated that every year the amount of the sum for the redemption of capital was larger than the year before. Mr. IlammoNa wished to know how the new system was found to work The Goys:axon said, that there was some labour and expense in putting the Bank in a condition to work the new system, but they found no difficulty in wor king it. The motion declaring a dividend of 3i per cent., deducting the income-tax therefrom, was then put, and carried unanimously. The 601E11SOR said that the dividend warrants would be deli. vexed and paid on Monday, the 7th of April next. Mr. Wrwsus proposed the following vote of thanks : " Resolved,—That the best thanks of this Ccurt be given to the Governor for his conspicuous talent, real, and assiduity to the interests of the Bank of England ; more particularly, for success fully carrying out the working of the new system, as established pursuant to the last Act of Parliament for renewing the privileges of this Corporation." Mr. HAMMOND seconded the resolution. Mr. Cowen concurred, with great pleasure in the object of the resolution. Mr. HAMMOND begged leave to say a very few words. As a very old Proprietor of the Bank, he could not permit this resolution to go forward without expressing his entire concurrence in it; for he was well acquainted with the seal, the ability, and the assiduity which the Governor and Deputy-Governor brought to bear in the management of the affairs of this great great corporation.—(Hear, hear.) Indeed, he believed that there could not be found in it two men better qualified for the offices.—(Hear, hear.) Mr. FIELDER felt the tbllest confidence in the conduct and abi. lity of the Governor and Deputy. Governor for the last three years, and he had no doubt but that all who now heard him felt equal confidence and satisfaction. But there was one point to which he wished to call the attention of the Court. He would ask, would it not be well, a short time before the election of the next Gover nor, Deputy-Governor, and Directors, to advertise the names of the gentlemen whom it was intended to put in nomination for those offices, in order that the Proprietors might have an opportunity of judging fer themselves as to the fitness of these men ? He merely threw this out as a suggestion. The GOTIERNOIi said, in answer to a question from a Proprietor, that the amount of the rest prior to the declaration of the dividend was 3,573,524/. 4s. 2d., and subsequent to the declaration of the dividend it amounted to 3,079,02 W. 9s. 9d. The resolution was then put and carried unanimously, as was also a similar vote to the Deputy-Governer. The GOVERNOR rose to return thanks. Before doing so be begged to say, in answer to a question that had just been put in re. ference to the rest, that heretofore the sum announced as the rest was not the current amount, becaUse it contained cniy a statement of the interest paid in at the diffirrent periods in the interim pre. viorts to the regular time for declaring the rest ; but now, and in future, under the new system, the sum stated as the amount of the rest would be the correct and actual amount. Having answered that question, he now begged to thank the Court for the very un. deserved honour they had conferred upon him. The Court were aware that it was at their request he had allowed himself to be put in nomination for this year—(Hear, bear) —for he was well aware that the duties of the office would demand his most anxious care— knowing, es he did, that very important measures, & a c t. ing not only the welfare of this establishment, but that of the country generally, in connexion with it, would be brought before Parliament this year.—(Hear, hear.) H e would be glad indeed that some member of their body, possessed of more ability and talent than he could boast, had been chosen ; but having discharged his duty, as he had been told, satisfactorily, he did not resist the request that he should continue its the chair for another year.—(Efear, hear.) But though deficient in talent, yet he could say with sincerity, in the words of the oath he had taken when last placed in the chair, that he had done his duty to the ut. most of his skill and power.—(Rear, hear.) He felt bound to say, however, that much of his success hal been owing to the very cordial and efficient assistance for which lie wan indebted to those who acted with him.—(Hear, hear.) He should also add that he had found that a plain, straightforward, unreserved mode of dealing in his communications with the Government was the only foundation that could be relied on with security and certainty. —(Hear, hear.) That was the course that had been taken, and be congratulated the Proprietors on the successful results. The DEN:TT-GOVERNOR next returned thanks in a few words, and expressed the satisfaction it afforded him to see the Court so ur.animous in their approbation of the conduct of their Governor. The GovEntsen, in reply to a question, said that no appliez.tion had been made for a new Corporation, but that there would be one made to the Crown for a new Charter. The SECRETARY then read the minute, and the mating ad. journed. LONDON AND BRIGHTON TlATLwAy.—Wednesclay, a meeting of holders of loan notes of this Company, who had, through inadvertence, omitted to °give notice in due time of their intention to convert the some into shares, was held at the London Tavern. At twelve o'clock, the hour appointed for the meeting, there were six. persons present, ho de cided that reporters should not be admitted, inasmuch se - it was feared that unguarded exprusions might fall from the Ups of acme of the speakers, in which case their appearaue in the London papers would serve to irritate, rather than CAMeiliate, the Brighton Directors. ~~. ~~Rw _ .. ~!Er . v,lSAtall ~~ ~'