The Sun. — London, England, 1844-02-01 00:00:00

General was totally - unsupported by the judgment of t'rlt Judge. Counsel next referred to the case of the Z - sig v. Watson, a case of treason, and quoted from Mr. ;Justice Bailey, who, in his charge to the grand jury, held that there must be previous consultation and design to establish, conspiracy. The jury should b e li eve 1 that the payCieS _actually did consult for a criminal _ • otherwise, might have upon myself or my 'personal inte rests. Ido not think any counsel is justified, even in' his public capacity, in attributing such unworthy and ; unwarrantable motives to me, as that I could be influ- eneed in this case by any interests with respect to the political party to which I belong. I did then, and Ido still, feel very much offended at it —very much irritated at such an allusion—and I consider that no observation which could be used could more strongly tend to excite such a feeling. Certainly, if language of the kind was not intended to convey a personal imputation on myself, I cannot conceive anything easier than for a gentleman to state that he had been misunderstood by myself and my friends. These are the circumstances, and if there is any question to be properly brought before the Court, whatever its rule may be, I am perfectly cer tain it will not sanction tiny personal imputations on the counsel who are engaged in conducting it. Mr. MooftE was about to make some observation, when Mr. FITZGIBBON again rose and said—l beg your pardon ; allow me to address the Court. My Lords, I could very well understand the good sense and pro priety on the part of the Attorney-General of calling my attention to anything which I said that might have offended him, and I could equally understand the pro priety of my acting in accordance with the feelings and principles of a gentleman, had he permitted me the op portunity of taking that course which propriety would dictate. I will not now say what I might have done under the circumstances, for that was not the way he acted ; but, with a pistol in his hand, he says to me, " I'll pistol you unless you make an apology ;" and I cannot help telling him now, that such a course won't draw an apology from me. _ _ • design, before they could hold them guilty of con spiracy. He came next to the third proposition of the Attorney-General, and entreated the attention of the jury. The 'Attorney-General said that, provided a man subsequently came into the common design, he was equally responsible as if he had been associated from the beginning, as at criminal conspirator. Perhaps, by-and bye, the Solicitor-General would endeavour to explain, and get the Atturney-General out of this absurdity, bycontending that the parties subsequently coming in would 'become responsible by seditious and illegal acts —by calling large multitudes, and uttering seditious speeches. The Attorney-General, in support of his proposition, had qUoted Mr. Justice Bayley. (Counsel read from the opinion of that judge, to show that the cases were not at all analogous.) He would now deal with another proposition of law of the Attorney-General, who had referred to the case of Redford and Birnie; which arose out of a far-famed transaction in Manches ter, in 1820. They had all heard of the meeting on the 16th of August, 1819, at Peterloo, in Manchester. Mr. Hunt, who was in the chair, was arrested, and several persons were killed. Hunt was prosecuted, and the indictment chewed him with a conspiracy. There were three counts. He was charged with conspiracy, confederacy, &c., with the other persons indicted. The Attorney-General of that day did not think it safe to go to trial merely on three counts for a conspiracy. He knew it would be a novelty to an English jury, and, therefore, added a fourth count, for attending an unlawful assembly. They were tried at York, and the case occupied ten days. The Crown strove, by every means, to establish a conspiracy, which was the very question for trial before the jury—it not being competent to any judge to declare any man a conspirator until twelve men on their oaths, who are not judges, had found him to be so. That tribunal, the Jury, decided that . Hunt was not guilty of con spiracy. They gave that verdict, not because they were political partisans, or men of one-sided views in politics; but they gave their verdict as honest Englishmen on their oaths. Redford, who had been wounded at the meeting, brought his action against the man who wounded him with a sabre. That case was tried. There was a plea of not guilty, which is as much as to say the act was not done; but that plea was not always safe, and there were other pleas, to the effect that the meet ing was illegal and the plaintiff, being there illegally, the defendant only did his duty as a yeoman by assisting to disperse it. Conspiracy being illegal, it became ne cessary to prove it, and a witness was produced who had been ill-used by aparty engaged in drilling pre vious to the meeting. That very evidence must have been given on Hunt's trial, who was acquitted of the conspiracy ; but when the evidence was tendered on the civil action, it was admitted by the judge, and the jury found a general verdict for the defendant. A motion was made to set that verdict aside, on the ground of the admission of illegal evidence. The judges refused to set the verdict aside, and the Attorney-General referred to the dicta of the judges in support of his view of the conspiracy and illegal meeting. The judges in ,that . case only referred to the admission of evidence, as to the drilling, to go before the jury in a civil action. — And it was in such a case as this that the Attorney- General sought a precedent and authority to prove a conspiracy and illegal meeting here. Hunt had been acquitted of conspiracy, and the judges had not, in fact, the question of conspiracy before them. The dicta of the judges about the admission of evidence of drilling in Manchester, had been urged by the At torney-General in reference to the Repealers, who had no drilling at all. The Attorney-General had only read a small extract from Lord Wynford; he (Mr. F.) would read the entire of it, with note and comment. Lord Wynford referred to the parties engaged in drilling in Manchester being armed, in rank and file, and firing at the word of command, being ordered to advance at the sound of trumpet. Such were the drillings Lord Wyn ford spoke of. Was it fair to read the extract the At torney-General had read, without bringing under the notice of the jury the sort of drilling that Lord Wyn ford had spoken of ? . A lawyer was bound to state the law fairly and candidly—above all, he was bound to do so in a State prosecution, where a man of his'own rank, in his own profession, who had been nearly half a century distinguished in his profession, was concerned. The At torney-General, in such a case, was more especially bound to state the law fairly, when a man was concerned who had been so long his admitted superior in the profes sion, and who was charged with a crime for which, if he were found guilty, he would be conveyed to a dun geon in the closing period of his life. If ever there was a case when it became the duty of a barrister in the discharge of his public duty to prosecute a brother barrister, he ought to do it fairly, Justly, honourably ; but if in the discharge of that public duty, as Attorney- General or Crown prosecutor, he aims below the mark— if he cites the law for own particular purposes, and omits passages which he ought not to have omitted—if he seek a conviction, no matter by what means it is to be obtained, he is no longer deserving of public respect or of public confidence. He (Mr. Fitzgibbon) if he had stooped to act in the manner he had described, would cease to enjoy his own self-respect. He could not consent to earn the guilty wages of professional suc cess ; he would feel that he had been guilty of an act of turpitude, which would fdlr ever disable him from raising his head in society. The jury, he was quite certain, could not be totally ignorant of the history of their coun try, or of the great events which took place in their hemisphere. They were not ignorant that when Wil liam the Conqueror landed in England, the greater por tion of the population of the island were bond slaves. 'This was an indictment charging the defendants with the exhibition of great physical force. It did not charge them with seeking to attain their object by the use of physical force—the use of it was not at all con templated. An immense mass of the community were dissatisfied with a law, and they came forward in large masses, to express their determination never to cease their constitutional efforts until that law shall have been repealed. And the Attorney-General calls that a crime. Was there a crime in the attainment of Magna Charm ? Was there no exhibition of physical force at Runnymede, with the Barons in full armour, requiring their Sovereign to sign a charter they had bought ready made ! That is a charter which no At torney-General, no Judge, no King would dare to say, that, because it had been procured in that way, it was, therefore, void. But there were other instances in English history of great changes produced by the very same means. Was there, in fact, any great change produced without them? Was there no ex hibition of physical force at the Clare election ? The people were discontented with the state of the law, and they sought, peaceably and in large masses, to effects a reformation. Why was this a monstrous case? . Because the Ministry of the day sought to get into their hands a scourge to prevent and repress the expression of popular discontent. He next referred to the period of the French revolution, when an indictment had been preferred against a great man, Horne Tooke. As in this case, a chaos of papers had been thrown on the table, and the jury were left to spell their way through them. That prosecution had been counte nanced by the King—it was pressed with all the energy of the Attorney- General and Solicitor-General of the day ; but the common sense and honesty of the jury prevailed—they found a verdict of not guilty. He (Mr. Fitzgibbon) felt a great responsibility in this case, from a knowledge of his own deficiency. In the case of Hardy, public liberty had for its champion Mr. Erskine; Hardy was acquitted. They then brought forward Tooke, and he was acquitted. The Crown still persevered, but each successive jury defeated their at tempts to establish constructive treason, and that was • the last attempt in England. At this moment (two o'clock) the Court retired for refreshment. Daring the absence of the judges and jury for re freshments, a scene of the most singular, remarkable, and truly unprecedented character took place in Court which perhaps it ever fell to the lot of a journalist to record. It was observed that some hasty observations, and in a very excited tone and manner, passed between Mr. Fitzgibbon and the Attorney-General, and there was, to use the language of Mr. Shell, " a hush of public expectancy and almost breathless silence ;" when, after a much more protracted absence than usual, their Lord ships resumed their seats upon the Bench. Mr. FITZGIBBON rose and said—My Lords, as I was coming into Court after having, from the effects of ill ness, endeavoured to take a short respite in the library, after an exertion not very seasonable, having regard to the state of my health, a note was put into my hand, signed by the Attorney-General, which I ask him now to read to your Lordships. A short pause ensued, and the Attorney-General having made no reply, Mr. FITZGIBBON continued—My Lords, I hope that in opening the case, I did very clearly and very plainly . express my sense of the position in which I had been professionally placed. I think I did very clearly and plainly express what my opinions and what my feelings were in respect to the gentlemen who here represent the Crown. I very clearly separated any reference in what I said of my private feelings from what I consi dered my duty required of me to express, not in refer ence to themselves personally, but to their conduct in this prosecution, and I do not think that I travelled out of the line of my duty in making those observations. I observed upon no act or thought of a . single one of them, except an act done or a thought ex pressed in the course of this prosecution. I said very plainly and distinctly that I would despise myself if I . left unobserved any p o i nt upon which my client might observe if he were in my positi on , and defending him self as his own co unse l, or, I in his, 'as a traverser at the bar, and defending myself. I pursued what I considered 'to be the couise which my duty indicated, an d I d on ' t think I went beyond it. Now, my Lords, I ask th e A tto rney -Ge neral neral to hand up that note ; and if he will not, I will tell your Lordships the substance of it. He tells me in that note that I have given him a personal offence, and he calls upon me, if I do not apologise for it, to name a friend.—(Sensation throughout the Court.) I need not advert further to his position or to mine on the preSent occasion, nor is it necessary for me to refer to my pecu liar position at this moment, while defending one of the traversers here ; but, with these observations, I shall leave it with your Lordships to deal with his conduct. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL rose and said, in rather an indistinct tone—lf Mr. Fitzgibbon has any application to make to the Court, let it be made is the usual form. Let him make an affidavit, setting forth all the facts. Mr. FITZGIBBON (warmly)--I never will. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL I then have to state that he attributed to me in this Court and it was so taken down in writing by some of my friends—that my public conduct in the conducting and carrying on of these prosecutions was influenced by private and dishonourable motives. By the effect which :the result of this prosecution, in its failure er Some minutes elapsed without any further obsermtion having been made on either side, the Court having been engaged during the interval in consultation. CHIEF JUSTICE—Mr. Moore you were going to make some observations awhile ago. Mr. MooßE—Really my Lord, I am afraid, after what has lately occurred, of making any observation at all in the matter. What I was going to take the liberty of suggesting to the Court, in reference to an occur rence which I am sure every individual member of the bar, and the public, will equally regret, in a case like the present, where the feelings of every person engaged on the one side or on the other, are necessarily very much excited, and in which I should hope every indulgence might be extended to anything irregular that may have occurred—what I was going to take the liberty of suggesting was, that as there appears to exist a very warm feeling on one side and on the other, an opportu tunity should be afforded of allowing that to subside, and of removing on both sides any misconception that may have previously existed. That was the proposition I was going to to take the liberty of making. I cannot attempt to justify what has taken place, nor am I au thorised to interfere in it; but from the position which I have the honour to hold, and the sincere personal regard I entertain for both gentlemen, I think it might be desirable for their own sake, for the interests of the profession, and the sake of the public at large, that the Court should allow some interval to elapse, in order that those feelings may subside, and this most unpleasant affair may be satisfactorily arranged. CHIEF JUSTICE—The Court are very much indebted, and very much obliged to you, Mr. Moore, for the part you have taken, and the short explanation you have given. The Court feel themselves placed in a very em barrassing and perplexing situation. They feel unwil ling to give any intimation of their opinion as to the propriety or impropriety of what has taken place in Court, being willing to make allowance fur the excited feelings of the gentlemen concerned in a case of this na ture, which may carry them beyond what their cool judg ment would approve of. They, therefore, give no sort of intimation at present of what their opinion is in regard to the conduct of the gentlemen at either side pending the trial of this case. They feel it to be a very embarrassing case to be required to pronounce any sort of opinion while a case of this nature, in which the public is so much interested, is depending before the Court, the jury, and the public at large ; and they also feel that of all men in the profession, the Attorney-General is the last man who ought to have allowed himself to be betrayed into such an expression of feeling as has been stated to the Court as having taken place during our absence, for although we were not personally present, it yet oc curred while the Court was sitting in the discharge of its judicial functions. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL.—I have to state, and my friends tell me so, that the note was written very hastily; but considering the position I was placed in, and the strongly irritated feeling I was under, I concur in what has been suggested to me, and I have no objection to withdraw that letter, but I shall make no further turns about. I feel that I was very badly dealt with, and I leave it to the Court to consider what course the gentle man who used that language ought to adopt in regard to what is due to me. The CHIEF JUSTICE—The Court are bound to consi der what took place as if it occurred during the business of the Court, and we can't by any possibility allow it to go further. It must be put a stop to.: Mr. Moore—l know how very difficult a position lam placed in ; but I would take the liberty of suggesting to Mr. Fitzgibbon, after what has been said by the At torney-General, that he should admit that he has fallen into an error, which any man may fall into ; and I only suggest to him what I would do myself if I were placed in the same unpleasant situation. Mr. FITZGIBBON—Your Lordships have heard—and all who are now present have heard—what fell from me in the course of my address to the jury. The Attorney ' General has repeated what he says was taken down as my language, and he says that I imputed to him dis honourable motives—of being influenced in his public conduct, in regard to these prosecutions, by the love of place, or desire of place, or personal advantage to himself. My Lords, that language did not come from me—l carefully avoided it. I spoke of Lord Coke and others being influenced by those feelings which every public prosecutor was more or less influenced by in those days, and which might appear to influence public justice ; but I appeal to your Lordships' recollection whether I ascribed to the Attorney-General one single feeling dishonourable to him more than what I suggested was thecause of unusual warmth in a public prosecutor in all cases of this kind. I regret extremely that the Attorney-General before he took the course he did, did not address me, for I stand here uncon scious of having either said anything or done any act with the intention of wounding the feelings of another. I never imputed personal motives of a dishonourable nature to the Attorney-General. What I have done, my Lords, in this case, and what I have said, I have said and done in the discharge of what I conscientiously felt to be the duty I owed to my client. I did not speak of him except in the opening of my address to the jury, and in what terms did I speak of him then ? I spoke of him as a gentleman in the best sense of the word— I spoke of him as a lawyer in the best and most dig nified sense of the word. Such is the character and extent of the language which I applied to him personally. Did I not say all that in his behalf ; and did I not add that my personal experience of him fully warranted me in saying thus much? This was the extent of my personal allusions to the Attorney-General, and if in the subsequent part of my address I made any reference to him, I did so in the discharge of the duty which, as an advocate, I owe my client, and my remarks were meant to apply to his conduct in the present case and to nothing else. lam not disposed to claim as a right the privilege of canvassing the conduct of the Attorney- General. If it be a right it is to me a most painful one; but when I am defending a gentleman who has done me the honour of confiding to me his defence, where lie is accused of an atrocious offence, I feel it to be my impera tive duty to analyse the official conduct of the first law officer of the Crown in the present case; but out of the' present case I will not travel. I spoke of the Attorney- General as a public man, and as such only, in reference to the present prosecution. I spoke of his conduct in the present case ; but out of the present case I did not for a moment travel, nor did I allude to one solitary act of his life unconnected with this trial ; and am I to be told that I am to make an apology to a gentleman who The CHIEF JUSTICE—You may have misunderstood the Attorney-General, Mr. Fitzgibbon. Mr. FITZGIBBON—My Lord, it is totally impossible that I could have misunderstood him. The CHIEF JUSTICE—Yes, but, Mr. Fitzgibbon, we are all liable to fall into error, and it is possible that there may be misconceptions on both sides. Mr. FITZGIBBON—My Lords, the first emotion of my mind, when I got his note was —no, I will not say what it was—my second was to let him out of the difficulty in which he had placed himself. [Here Mr. Fitzgibbon was handed in a piece of paper, in shape not unlike that on which the alleged challenge was written ; but he tore it across, and flung the frag ments under the table..l The CHIEF JUSTICE—I was going to say that the whole matter had now been under the consideration of the Court, and that there was no necessity to go any fur ther into a statement of the circumstances. Mr. FITZGIBBON—I have been misunderstood, my Lord. Ido CHIEF JUSTICE—The Attorney-General has with drawn the note he has addressed to you, Mr. Fitzgibbon. He has expressed his regret that it was written, and wishes it to be regarded as if it had never been written. He misunderstood you. Mr. FITZGIBBON—My Lords, any man must have grossly misunderstood me who imputes to me the intention of attributing base motives to any one in the discharge of my professional duty. If I could for a moment imagine that any man could conscientiously suppose me capable of such gross conduct as that of imputing to the Attorney-General base motives—l having nothing on earth to say to his motives—l can only say that such a man has grossly misinterpreted me. Were I, indeed, capable of acting such a part I could never again esteem or respect myself, and the direst punishment that could befal me would be the self-reproach which would follow me in every scene of my life. I only spoke of the Attorney-General in his official character as the law adviser of the Crown ; and my remarks had only refer ence, I again repeat, to his conduct in the present case. Mr. MOORE rose and said that the gentlemen at both sides having given every explanation that could be ex pected from them, of whatever was disagreeable in this distressing occurrence, he hoped that the matter might now be fairly considered as set at rest. He trusted that it would be passed over in silence and consigned to obli vion for ever. The CHIEF JUSTICE (after consulting with his bre thren) said that the Court felt exceedingly obliged to Mr. Moore for the part he had taken on this perplexing and distressing occasion. The matter was now at rest, be the Court most e n necessaryherearte ea r rn to es a t d ly ve t r r t u i s .n ted any th m at an i w manner er od ulnot whatso ever to what had taken place. He should hope it was not necessary to say any more on the matter than had been already stated. The ATTORNEV-G ENERAL—I of course acquiesce in every thing that has fallen from the Court. I have with drawn the note, and, inasmuch as I understood Mr. Fitzgibbon to repudiate the idea of imputing any un worthy or personal motives to me, i eau only say I am satisfied. The CHIEF JusTrcE—That this unpleasant matter i I recommend--to ylur early- consideration the enactments at I may at once be set at res , , th•-' Court Mink that they i Present in force in Irel -lid concerning the registration of voters.for may call upon each gentleman to declare that be is Members of Parliament. You will probably find that a revision of the law of re satisfied to abide by what hal just fallen from Mr. Moore. taken in conjunction with other causes at Mr. FrrzGinnoN—l can only say that I did not mean to attribute any unworthy motive to the Attorner- , gistration, present in operation, would produce a material diminution of the number of county voters, and that it may be advisable, on that General, and I have no other feeling towards him at t le . account, to consider the state of the law, with a view to an ex. present moment different from what I felt this mornit g. tens i on o f t h e c ounty franchise ill Ireland. • ' Thus the matter dropped. ; I commit to your deliberate consideration the various important Mr. FITZGIBBON then resumed, and continued his ad- questions of Public Policy, which will necessarily come under dress until a quarter to five •'clock, when the Court your review, with full confidence in your loyalty and wisdom, and rose, the Learned. Gentleman being still in possession of with an earnest prayer to Almighty God to direct and - favour your their Lordships' attention. When the Judges were efforts to promote the welfare of all classes of my people. about to leave the bench, At the conclusion of the speeeh, the Speaker and Members Dr. Gray said, my Lord, I beg leave to know if I oan of the House of Commons withdrew, and her Majesty and her offer a few words to your Lordships with respect to suite left the House in the same order in which they had. had entered it. what occurred to day in Court. Their Lordships' then adjourned during pleasure. - - The CHIEF JUSTICE—We cannot hear you now, Sir, The interior of the House was fitted up in the same manner address the Court. Have you not Counsel, and have as it was at the time of the prorogation. Her Majesty's chair you not been heard through your Counsel ? of state was raised upon a dais. On the right of her 111 ajesty's Dr. Gray—lf your Lordships hear me for a few mo- chair was that of his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, and merits, I will not trespass long upon the attention of the on the left that of his Royal Highness Prince Albert.. The Court. dais and the steps leading to the throne were covered with a CHIEF JUSTICE—The Court will not hear any gentle- magnificent Turkey carpet. men when they have Counsel. Judge PERRIN—And during the speech of their Counsel. CHIEF JUSTICE—And during the speech of Counsel. The Court then adjourned until ten o'clock to-Morrow morning. Their Lordship's met again at a quarter to five. There was an unusually large attendance of Peers. The Duke of Wel lington, as usual, was early in his seat. Lord Melbourne en tered at a few minutes after five ; he appeared to be in excellent health. The Duke of Cambridge sat on the cross benches. The Earl of Glasgow, the Marquis of Winchester, and Lord Suffield. took the oaths and their seats. The Duke of WELLINGTON laid on the table a Bill for the Better Regulation of Vestries. THE ADDRESS. The LORD CHANCELLOR then read her Majesty's on presentxonyt condole p withouta ri speech, from the woolsack , it having been again read by the Clerk, at the table. Lord ELDON rose to move the address to her Majesty. He with its d o r eo t i ree ofo s the while t said—Your Lordships have been so habitually accustomed to r t w o t request from you th at w hi c h you a l ways so o h a 3,d bu e i snsg n y o r u te 11,4 e u h r pe a dt . 0 I s p fce A y i t L t oo y rd b us e r, a super fluousv oen extend your indu:gence to those who, on such an occasion a to listen grant to me for a few minutes, and aFsu, e you that it is with great. gratification I am enabled to rise to move an address in reply to such a gracious speech as that which her Majesty has made to you. My Lords, it has keen the fortune of those who have preceded me in former years, to rely on your kindness while they held out to you prospects which they trusted would be realised ; they therefore could only speak in that manner in which that person must do, who was to ask a favour of those whom he is addressing. My Lords, it is my better f,,rtune, though by no merit of my own, that the address which I now before you is one containing nothing—at least scarcely anything—except ing matters of congratulation both for the Sovereign and the country—it is a peculiar piece of good fortune for hose who were present on former occasions, to find the prophecies which they then made have been so amply realised. From the high character of your Lordships' House, even if any of those are now present who formerly expressed opinions contrary to the success of those measures—or who even opposed them, while they were going through the House—even they will not now hesitate to join me in approving the prudence of the mea sures which they at the time doubted, and that we shall have the gratification of giving an unanimous vree, rnentary in every way, to the Sovereign who receives it, and as gratifying to the nation as it can be to her Majesty. There is indeed one exception among these sources of gratification which I hold in my hand. your Lordships will all feel as sincerely as I do, that we are only doing credit to her Majesty's feelings, when we say that this subject, though mentioned last in her Majesty's Speech, must be one - of the foremost, as well as one of the deepest, is her mind. It is, my Lords, unquestionable that the subject of Ireland must be, to any person con nected by local interest with that country or not, a subject causing the most sincere and anxious feeling and the wish that the troubled waters which have so long caused confusion in that eou try should, if possible delay the verdict. lour Lordships not fear that in alluding to this subject lam going to trespass on the bounds so judiciously laid down by her Majesty ; or that I am going to make any obser vations on those circumstances which are now under the consi deration of the legal tribunals of that country; but there is another past of her Majesty's speech which bears on this subject. Her Majesty states that she has the greatest gratification in being able to persist in the same ci urse she has hitherto done, because she feels it right, in endeavouring by every mode to secure that justice, and strict justice, shall be done to Ireland. Her Majesty promised an original declara tion, that she would take every step to secure the peace and the prosperity of the people of that country, and to maintain, in full force, the Legislative Union which she found established. Her Majesty also directed every step to be taken by the present laws, administered by the present executive, for the preservation of order. Her Majesty had adhered to that declaration, andher promises had been amply redeemed, and those things which have been done contrary to law had been brought before the legal tribunals to be there decided. My Lords, I am well aware that the result of those trials is a matter with which I have nothing at all to do. Whether those trials, or any others, may terminate in an acquittal, or in a conviction, I am sure your Lordships will concur with me in the opinion, that we should support her Majesty in carrying out her intentions, and that if the present law of the land is ina dequate to preserve the peace of that country—perfect as now is my confidence and reliance upon the present laws in this country to maintain the public peace, and to protect the liberty of the subject—l would, under present circum stances, feel no hesitation in supporting her Majesty's Ministers or any Noble Lord, on either side of the House, in giving to her Majesty increased powers for the preservation of the peace and integrity of the empire. lam sure that every Member of your Lordships' House will concur in any measure which may be necessary for the happiness and prosperity of Ireland. Her :Majesty has this day pointed out to us one or two of the subjects to which it is desirable that we should direct our attention. The registration of voters is one of which, I am sure, your Lordships acknowledge the import ance. Her Majesty has referred to that subject in her speech, and I trust that when it is brought forward your Lordships will give it every consideration, and do everything in your power to promote the happiness of that country. Her Majesty has also called our attention to the laws relating to landlord and tenant. On that subject, a Commission of Inquiry has been appointed, and your Lordships will agree v w e i r t e h iogfn m s e, that the utmost reliance may be placed in the s a g a city , justice, and ability of my Noble Friend at the head of the Co mmission, and of the gentlemen who are associated with him in the inquiry. 1 am sure they will spare no pains in tho r oughly investigating the subject, and bringing before y ou all the i nformation which it may be in their power to co llect. H er Majesty has told us now, as on former occasions, that the most amicable relations continue to subsist between her Governm en t and foreign nations. countries,tinons.lnher o confirming fneibo that friendship. It t be en vi s its e great g ra t i fi cat i on t o th e i r L or d s hi ps to see two of t he g rea test warriors of this age con. forting happiness source of o upon their country by social in tercourse ; and much greater was it now to see the Sovereigns of.the countrie s meet i ng i n t h e same manner, shere recent hoden has h n a d h et opportunities o the Sovereigns and with the same friendly feelings. But he was not, when he said this, at all throwing any other nation into the back ground. He had only to notice the French in 2 more more prominent point. Circumstances had thrown this great nation in a situation in which th ey h a d occas i on t o act upon nearly similar principles by which England were guided. The subject which her Alajesty next mentioned was the subject of our intercom se with China. The circumstances connected with the whole of the war, and the consequent negotiations in that country could not fail to strike their Lordships as being most ad vantageous to this country, But the liberality of her Majesty was such, that she was anxious that other nations should also share in those advantages, and the conduct of this country in that instance, was marked by the most kindly feelings, even towards those nations who had acted in such a manner as to call for no forbearance on the part of this country. With re spect to that part of her Majesty's speech, in which she alludes to Scinde, he s h ou ld a b sta i n f rom say i ng mo re than that he was sure their Lordships must feel sincere gratification at the bravery and conduct of the military engaged in the operations there. He should not refer to the policy of that country, because he understood it was her Majesty's intention to older certain papers in connection with this subject to be laid before their Lordships. The subject of the Estimates came more properly under the consideration of the House of Lords, and he should therefore only say that her Majesty had directed that the strictest economy should be observed under this head. But this expen diture, it should be remembered, must depend very much upon t h e state of the country ; and it had been necessary, during the last season, to keep a large force in Ireland, dering; the di s turbances and agitaton there. These dis turbances were most painful to contemplate, but he should read a letter from a young lady, the daughter of a clergyman in that country, description of the state of the country. lie felt bound to state that that letter was never intended to be read before their Lord ships, where it was written. (LEFT SPEAKING.) irbirb %.tatton THE SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY l ,, 1844, SUN OFFICE, Seven o' Clock. 111 E FUNDS-(CI BRITISH Hank Stock ' 1943 3 per Cent. Red. 3 per Cent. Cons 9 73 33 per Cent. Red 1023 New 33 per Cent New 5 per Cent. Long Annuities to expire Jan. 1860 ...... ... Oct. 1859 -- Jan. 1860 ...... — FORBIGI 4OSING PRICES). FUNDS. India Stock .. 278 pm Ditto Bonds pm Ditto Old Annuities — Ditto New Annuities — Ex. Bills, 1,0001. led 69 pm Ditto 500/. 67 pm Ditto Small 67 pm Bank Stock for Acct 195 India Stock for Acct 277 Consols for Acct. ..... 97a tsl FUNDS. Portuguese, 5 per cent Ditto, New Ditto Prussian, 5 per cent — Russian, 5 per cent Ditto, Metallic Spanish, 5 per cent Ditto, 3 per cent Ditto, Deferred.... . French, 5 per cent. —f. —e. Exchange .... —c. French, 3 per cent. —f. Dutch, 21 per cent. 55/ Ditto, 5 per cent.... SHARES. Eastern Counties (23 paid) Ditto Extension (13s 4d paid) Edinburgh and Glasgow (50 paid) Harwich Extension (2 paid) ... London and Brighton (50 pa d) . London and Birmingham ( paid)........ London and Croydon Railway (Trunk) Manchester and Birmingham (40 paid) Norwich and Brandon (2 paid) Northern and Eastern (45 paid) Ditto Quarter Shares (121 paid) North Midland (100 paid) Paris and Rouen (20 paid) ... . South Eastern and Dover (50 paid) Yarmouth and Norwich (13 paid)..... ...... York and North Midland (50 paid) Ditto New Shares. (20 paid) A istr ran, 5 per cent 6 per cent lO6 Brazilian Bonds--; B _Linos A yres 6 per cent — Cnilian, 6 per cent. Colombian, 6 per cent 1•lIf Ditto. 1824 Cui}a Bonds, 6 per cent 93 Danish, 3 per sent B7 Greek, 1825, 5 per cent — Mexican, 5 per cent. Ditto, 6 per cent. 1837 Peruvian, 1825,6 per ct. 591 28 46 243 16j 40 41 55i Isi CORN AVERAGES. GENERAL AVERAGE PRICES OF BRITISH CORN, For the Week ended January 0, 1843, made up from the Leturns of the Inspectors ,n the different Cities and Towns in Englan and Wales, per Imperial Quarter Wheat 52.4 3a. f Cats..... Od.l Bean 2os. 6d Barley 33s. Bd. f Rye ...... 4d,1 Pease 3os. 10d AVERAGES OF THE LAST Six WEEKS. Weeks ending WHEAT. EARLEY.I OATS. RYE. DEANS. PEASE • ---.............- IS 7 :39 9 30 10 •SO 10 18 5 31 4 30 1 30 6 18 3 30 8I 29 5 30 7 18 9 33 5 28 8 31 0 18 9 31 7 S 9 6 30 3 19 0 32 4 29 6 30 10 Dec. `..)3 30 .... Jan. 6 ... 13 ... 20 27 50 9 49 9 49 10 50 9 51 8 52 3 32 2 32 3 32 7 31 0 33 7 33 8 IMPERIAL AGGREGATE AVERAGES OT THE SIX VIFEKS Wheat 50s 9d. 1 Oats ..... 18s. Si.l ...... 29, 10d Marley . 32a I 10d. Rye ..... 315. 811 Pew ...... 30s 101 DUTIIB ON rORILIGN COIN. - - - Wheat ..«....20a. Odd Oats Bs. Od.l Beam 11* 6d Barley ...... 6s. Cd. 1 Rye ..... 10a. 6d.1 Pease 6d IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT (THIS EVENING.) HOUSE OF LORDS. The doors of the House of Lords were opened at twelve o'clock for the admission of those who had tickets from the Lord Chamberlain. The body of the House was soon afterwards filled by peeresses and other ladies having the privilege of the entree, who occupied all the back benches on both sides of the House. The Strangers' Gallery and the Gallery of the Members of the House of Commons were also occupied by ladies. Plumes were generally worn by the ladies, but there was not ' such a display of jewels as we have sometimes seen. The first Peer who entered the House was the Earl of Shaftes bury. His Lordship arrived shortly before one o'clock. The Noble Earl was almost immediately followed by the Duke of Wellington. His Grace, who was dressed in a Field Marshal's uniform, and wore the riband of the Garter, appeared in excellent health and spirits. Lord Chief Justice '1 indal, accompanied by Mr. Baron Parke, Mr. Baron Alderson, Mr. Baron Gurney, Mr. Justice Coleridge, Mr. Baron Rolfe, Mr. Justice Erskine, Mr. Justice Maule, Mr. Justice Wight man, and Mr. Justice Cresswell, took their seats shortly after one o'clock. The Bishop of London arrived imme diately after the Judges. The side galleries were principally occupied by ladies. In that to the right of the throne, how ever, there were several illustrious foreigners, amongst whom we observed the late Regent of Spain, General Esparte , 0, who appeared to take a deep interet in the proceedings. Among the earliest arrival of Peers were the Duke of Buccleuch, Lord Abinger, Lord Campbell, and the Marquis of Clanricarde. His Excellency the Count St. Aulaire, the French Ambassa dor, arrived at half-past one ;he was followed by the Turkish Ambassador, the splendour of whose costume attracted very general attention. The Austrian Ambassador, the Prussian Ambassador, the Russian Ambassador, and the Ministers of the other Foreign Powers, shortly afterwards entered the House, and took their places under the gallery ou the right of the throne. The Lord Chancellor entered the House at twenty minutes before two. His Lordship looked well, and walked firmly. He seemed to have recovered completely from the effects of his recent indisposition. At a quarter before two o'clock his Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge arrived. At two o'clock the firing of the Park guns, and the flourish of trumpets, announced the arrival of her Majesty, and five minutes afterwards the Royal procession entered the House in the usual order, preceded by the heralds in their tabards ; the Duke of Buccleuch bore the Crown, and the Duke of Wellington the Sword of State. Her Majesty, who leant upon the arm of Prince Albert, looked extremely well. Her Majesty's train was borne by the Duchess of Buccleuch, the Mistress of the Robes, assisted by other Ladies of the Household. Her Majesty took her seat on the throne. The Duke of Wellington, bearing the Sword of State, stood immediately on her Majesty's left hand. Prince Albert sat on her Majesty's left hand. His Royal Highness's chair was placed on the first step of the throne. Her Majesty having desired all present to be seated, directed 'he Usher of the Black Rod to summon the House of Commons to the Bar. The Speaker, attended by several Members of the House of Commons, shortly afterwards made his appearance, when her Majesty, in a clear and distinct tone of voice, read the speech, which was handed to her by the Lord Chancellor with the usual ceremonies, as follows : MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, It affords me great satisfaction again to meet you in Parliament, and to have the opportunity of profiting by your assistance and advice. I entertain a confident hope that the general peace so necessary for the happiness aed prosperity of all nations w►ll continue unin terrupted. My friendly relations with the King of the French, and the good understanding happily established between my Government and that of his Majesty, with the continued assurances of the peaceful and amicable dispositions of all Princes and States, con firm me in this expectation. I have directed that the Treaty, which I have concluded with the Emperor .f China, shall be laid before you, and I rejoice to think that it will, in its results, prove highly advantageous to the trade of this country. Throughout the whole course of my negotiations with the Go. vernment of China, I have uniformly disclaimed the wish for any exclusive advantages. It has been my desire that equal favour should be shown to the industry and commercial enterprise of all nations. The hostilities which took place during the past year in Sind* have led to the annexation of a considerable portion of that country to the British possessions in the Ea►t. In all the military operations, and especially in the battles of Meanee and Hyderabad, the constancy and valour of the troops, Native and European, and the skill and gallantry of their distin. guished Commander, have been most conspicuous. I have directed that additional information explanatory of the transactions in Sinde, shall be forthwith communicated to you. GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, The estimates for the ensuing year will be immediately laid be. fore you. They have been prepared with a strict regard to eco nomy, and at the same time with a due consideration of those exigencies of the public service which are connected with the maintenance of our Maritime strength, and the multiplied de. wands on the Naval and Military establishments from the various parts of a widely extended Empire. MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, I congratulate you on the improved condition of several im portant branches of the trade and manufactures of the country. I trust that the increased demand for labour has relieved in a corresponding degree many classes of my faithful subjects from sufferings and privations, which at former periods I have had oc casion to deplore. For several successive years the annual produce of the revenue fell short of the public expenditure. I confidently trust that in the present year the public income will be amply sufficient to defray the charges upon it. _ _ _ . . I feel assured that in considering all matters connected with the financial concerns of the country, you will bear in mind the evil consequences of accumulating debt during the time of peace, and that you will firmly resolve to uphold the public credit, the maintenance of which concerns equally the permanent interests and the honour and reputation of a great country. . - In the course of the present year the opportunity will occur of giving notice to the Bank of England on the subject of the Revision of its Charter. It may be advisable that during this Session of Parliament, and previously to the arrival of the period assigned for the giving of such notice, the state of the law with regard to the privileges of the Bank of England, and to other banking establishments, should be brought under your consideration. At the close of the last session of Parliament I declared to you any firm determination to maintain inviolate the Legislative Union between Great Britain and Ireland. I expressed at the same time my earnest desire to co.operate with Parliament in the adoption of all such measures as might t en d to improve the social condition of Ireland, and to develope the natural resources of that part of the United Kingdom. lam resolved to act in strict conformity with this declaration. I forbear from observations on events in Ireland, in respect to which proceedings are pending before the proper legal tribunal. My attention has been directed to the state of the law and practice with regard to the occupation of land in Ireland. I have deemed it advisable to institute extensive local inquiries into a subjee; of so mnch importance, and have appointed a Commis sion, with ample authority, to conduct the ropigie invotiptiop. HOUSE OF COMMONS. The SPEAKER entered the House at a quarter efore Two o'Clock, at which time about two hundre Members were present. Shortly after two, Sir Augustus Clifford, the ; sher of the Black Rod, summoned the Members to the bar of the House of Lords, by command of her Maje-ty. The Speaker, actin:Tabled by the greater part of those pre sent, then left the House, and returned after an absence of about 20 minutes. The House then adjourned to a Quarter before Four o'Clock. The House resumed at a Quarter before Four o'Clock. NEW MEMBERS. The following gentlemen took the oaths and their seats as new Members :—H. Warburton, for Kendal ; Campbell, for Salisbury ; James Pattism, for the City of London ; Dun can APNeil, for Arg. llshire L • P. Butler, for Kilkenny. 1 HANKS OF THE HOUSE. The SPEAKER informed the House that he had received letters of acknowledgment of the thanks of the House voted to thellofficersi and army engaged in the war in China. The letters were from Major- General Parker and Sir Hugh Gough and were respectively dated from Hong-Kong. ELECTION PETITION. The SPEAKER informed the House that the sureties given for the prosecution of the petition against the return for the borough of Athlone, were approved of. NEW WRITS. On the motion of Sir T. FREMANTLE, new writs were ordered for North Wiltshire, in the room of Sir Francis Bur dett, Bart., deceased ; and for the borough of Devizes, in the room of G. H. Sotherton, Esq., deceased. NOTICES OF MOTION.—SINDE. Lord ASHLEY gave notice that on the 7th of February, he would move that an humble address be presented to her Majesty, praying that her Majesty would be graciously pleased to take into her consideration the situation and treatment of the Ameers of Sinde, and directing their immediate restora tion to liberty and the enjoyment of their estates ; also a notice of motion for the 15th of February, for the appointment of a Select Committee to consider the state of medical relief afforded to the sick poor. S'EATE OF IRELAND. Lord JOHN RUSSELL gave notice that he would move, on the 13th of February , that the House resolve itself into a Committee of the whole House to consider the state of Ireland. --(Cheers.) PRISON DISCIPLINE. Mr. LINDSAY (on behalf of the Hon. Member for Lea mington) gave notice that, on the 15th of February, he would move for a Select Committee to consider the Report of the Inspectors of Prison Discipline, the evils of a uniform system of punishment, and the adoption of such amendments as might be deemed advisable. ORDNANCE OFFICE. —MR. BONHAM. Mr. DIVETT gave notice that on the Bth of February he would move, that an humble address he presented to her Ma- jesty, praying that her Majesty would be graciously pleased to dismiss Sir. Bonham from the situation winch he held in the Ordnance-office.—( Laughter. ) EDUCAIION IN IRELAND. Mr. M. AIILN ES gave notice , that on the B th of F e b ruar y he should su b m it a reso lution to the House, to the effect that it is just and expedient that a provision &Add be wade by law towards the maintenance of secular Roman Catholics exercis ing religious functions in Ireland. COIIIIIERCE WITH TUVKEY. Or•. BOWRING gave notice that hr should, on the 13th of February, call the attention 01 the House to the operation of the Turkish treaty of commerce upon the commercial interests of this country. POOR-LAWS (IRELAND). Mr. F. FRENCH gave,notice that, en this day fortnight, he should move for leave to bting in a Bill for the more effec tual relief of the destitute poor in Ireland. RAILWA\ S. Sir T. FREMANTLE, on the part of his Right Hon. Friend, Mr. Gladstone, gave notice of a motion for a Select Committee to inquire into the Standing Orders relating to Railway Bills. FACTORY ACT. The RIGHT HoN. MEMHER gave notice, on the part of the Home Secretary, of his intention to move for leave to bring in a Bill to amend the Factory Act. i.:INDE. The RIGHT Hort. Maxima also gave notice that, on the 12th February, his Right Hon. Friend, Sir R. Peel would move that the thanks of the House be given to Sir Ciliates Napier, the officers, and men engaged in the late military ope rations in Sinde. PETITIONS. Mr. WALLACE gave notice of his intention to move that the practice of that House respecting the petitions of the people, he altered, so that petitions complaining of grievances may be digcussed as formerly, upon presentation, aria that the order restricting such discussion be rescinded. SINDE. Mr. ROEBUCK gave notice that on Tuesday. the 13th Feb. inst., he would move for a Select Committee to inquire into the circumstances out of which arose the aggressive war in Sinde, with a view, as we untierstand, of taking further measures to check the grasping policy which placed the armies of Gre,tt Britain in such a disgraceful position. Mr. W. WILLIAMS gave notice that on an early day he would move a resolution to the effect that no pubic business should be commenced after midnight. The Hon. Member gave notice also of several motions relating to the Bank of England, the precise terms of which were not heard in the gallery. THE ADDRESS. The SPEAis ER said he had to inform the House that the House of Commons had beers to the House of Lords, when her Majesty was graciously pleased to delivsr the tullowit.g spsecif from the Throne— [ See our Lorki's report.] Lord CLI YE, in rising to move the address to her Majesty, said, as the topics involved in her Majesty's speech %vete, in many respects, of great importance, he trusted the House would excuse him, under the circumstances. In the first place, he rejoiced that her Majesty had been gra ciously pleased to refer, in such satisfactory terms, to the relations of this country with Foreign Powers, and their continued assurance of their wishes for the continuance of peace. The maintainance of peace throughout Europe was of such paramount importance and necessity to the prosperity of the country, that unless they could look forward to it with certainty, they could have no security for the ultimate welfare of the country. Amongst the magnitude and variety of the topics to which her Majesty had directed the attention of Parliament, there was one which was most to be desired , and that was the gratifying declaration of the prospects of continued peace remaining unclouded—(Hea , hear) — the more so wht n to this was a f ed a s miler declaration with respect to Ft ance, as it was esssntia to the interests of those two great and powerful countries that trey should go hand in hand in the peaceful career of national intercourse.— (Cheers.) 't he situation of those countries was so similar, that any injury in flicted upon the one, would affect the other. But he coul d conceive no assurance so strong as: that conveyed by her Majesty s visit to France, and the cordial reception she there received, of the friendly feeling existing between the two nations. Although future historians might not record so gorgeous an array as in the last instance when a chivalrous Sovereign of this country visited that country in former days, yet neither in the present instance could any manifestation of ill-feeling or rivaly be re corded. The visit of Queen Victoria to France would be handed down to posterity as an assurance of international peace and amity between the two countries.—( Hear, hear, and laud cheers.) The peace with China remained unbroken, and the negotiations which followed the termination of the war in that country had been brought to a successful termina tion. In consequence of that the commercial intercourse would tncrease between this country and that great empire.—(Hear, hear.) While this event offered great benefit to this country, it was not to be forgotten that it freed this country from great and expensive wars and negotiations. He thought that the House and the country were greatly indebted to Sir H. Pot tinger. It was no difficult task to obtain such an end with a Power that held itself aloof from all foreign Powers. Sir H. Pottinger had been the means of opening the commerce of that extensive country not only to England but to the whole of Europe—( Hear, hear)—and he had shown consummate skill in establishing a most intimate acquaintance with the character and inhabitants of China. If they turned to their Indian empire, the results had been most satisfactory, and her Majesty had informed them that the results of the operation of her armies there had led to the annexation of Sinde to the British possessions in the east. Her Majesty had also stated that she had directed additional information, explar atory of the tran sactions in Sinde, to be forthwith communicated to the :louse. He could not refrain from expressing his great gratification at the gallantry of Sir Charles Napier and the men under his command, nor could he restrain his praise from the sepoys or native troops, who had shown themselves worthy of standing by English soldiers.—(Hear, hear.) If they looked to their domestic affairs, they , were matter of great congratulation. He rejoiced at the improvement that had taken place in trade, and he was glad that, owing to the improvements that had taken place in trade, much of the misery and distress that existed last winter had been removed. It w as also satisfactory to know thst improvement in the con dition of the people had been attended with an increase in the revenue.—(Cheers.) He rejoiced to be able to state that that increase afforded a certainty that the revenue for the present year would be more than suf ficient to meet the expenditure, and that there would consequently be a surplus, which might be applied to the reduction of the national debt.—(Hear, hear.) Thus that improvement which her al ajestv had stated at the commencement of the last session she confidently expected would take place in the revenue, had actually taken place; so that that revenue was now found fully adequate to meet the exigencies of the publo service.—( Hear.) Passing over the financial topics to which her Majesty had directed their attention, and which, owing to their own importance, would, of themselves, sufficiently attract the attentions of the House, he felt assured that all would cordially concur with him in expressing a wish for the welfare of her Majesty'; Irish subjects , _ to which her Majesty had assured them that she had directed her most anxious attention. He was sure that the House would concur with him in expressing to her Majesty the atixous desire of Pal lionient to do everything in their power to ensure the improvement and the development of the resources of that country. Loud cheers.) Under ordinary circumstances, and on ordinary occasions, in moving an address to her Majesty, he should have felt anxious to avoid all topics which might tend to create a differ ence of opinion, and on the present occasion he wished, more especially, to guard himself against alluding to those subjects which were under the consideration of the courts of justice ia that country. He would, therefore, content himself with moving that they should uniteto thank her Majesty for havi ng especially directed their attention to the improvement of the condition of Ireland.—( Hear, hear.) He was happy to say that the reception which had been experienced by her Majesty Commissioners in Ireland appointed to consider the subject of the occupation of land had been most gratifying, and afforded every hope that the labours of that Commission would be attended with the most beneficial results. That Commission had investi gated all matters affecting local interests, and had derived every possible advantage and assistance from parties re siding in Ireland—persons of all parties and of every shade of political opinion, had come forward to give evidence, and to assist the Commissioners with local information without which it would be impossible that their labours could be attended with success.—(Cheers.) Having touched upon the principal topics to which her Majesty had directed their consi deration, he would not detain them longer, but would content himself with thanking the House for the kind attention with which they had heardj him —( Cheers )—and with expressing a fervent hope, that in addressing them selves to the subjects laid before them by her Majesty, the issue of their councils might tend to promote the prosperity of all classes of her Majesty's subjects.—(Cheers.) The Noble Lord concluded by moving the address, which was, as usual, an echo of the speech. Mr. CARDWELL said, in rising to second the able ac!dress which the Noble Lord had submitted to the House, lie must throw himself on the never failing indulgence extended to Members in his situation, before venturing to touch upon the topics contained in her Majesty's most gracious speech from the throne.—(Hear, hear.) He should not tres pass on the time of the House, by following the Noble Lorsl over all the topics in the speech, for they had been handled by him with the ability due to matters of historical association and national interest. He regarded with peculiar satisfaction and pride all the observations which had fallen from the Noble Lord, intending to congratulate the Crown on the renewed encouragement given to commercial enter. prise and manufacturing industry and prosperity, stimu lating and encouraging the energies and the comforts of the masses of the population, and assured in its permanency, as it was by an exchequer more than fully ade quate to the ntcessities of the nation.—(Cheers.) His con nexion With the north of England permitted him to form acquaintance in person with this subject, and to speak with a peculiarly strong feeling in regard to it. He need not desire the House to ;evert to those tales of sorrow and distress which last 3e . .r had been too familiar to all. His heart must have been insensible, indeed, that could have contemplated them without the most poignant feelings, and which might beveled them to despair, if English men knew such a word. Now a renewed demand and renewed confidence' were' spreading comfort around, for they could not look to the returns in the customs, and the large imports, without feeling that a corresponding amount of British goods found their way in return to other countries. He would not prosecute this subject further, but simply say, that every thing tended to show the symptoms of r.eie-ning health. If'they turned to the cotton trade they would find that the stimulus which began with the low pi ices of last year had steadily maintained itself, that notwithstanding some in crease in the price of the raw material, and some groundless alarm with regard to the future, the demand had been brisk and continued brisk, the stocks were low, and all the indications of healthy trade presented themselves. He had co intention Of trespassing upon the time and indulgence of the House by reading to them detailed statements, because he felt that the present was not the time or the occasion to present state ments which from their nature challenged dispute, and because he telt that unless he could establish a case upon broad grounds which commended themselves to the judgment of Hon. Members on both sides of the House, con versant with the subject, he had no case at all to substantiate. The House would, however, allow him to refer, in detail, to t t h h e ere low from the guardians of a poor - la w union. It stated that theirt particular attention. a u H b e j e cts held which his bad d fr a eq p u a e p n e t r l y engaged emanating in Michaelmas'quarter now last p ast with the p revious quarter, it le'ardordbeeresn saincgerelaBt improvement p t r h o a v t em o e n nt a in oo t n h i e par c i o so n n dit o io f n th o e f had been found that the number of applications for relief had been diminished from 12,0(X) to 5,000, and the amount ex pended from 4,0001. to 2,800/. Besides this upwards of 10,0001. had been received from the manufacture's' re lief fund. There had been a great improvement in the cot tondependent upon it. Thiee new mills were on the point several lately unoccupied mills were trade, and consequently in all the businesses which were of being erected ; se now let, and a corn-mill and a woollen-mill were being fitted up for cotton manufactories. Everything wore an im proved aspect.—(Cheers.) He thought it must he agreeable to the feelings of the House to learn, that improvement had also taken place among the hand-loom weavers.--( Hear, hear.) He would also refer to a letter which he had received as to the state of Stockport. rhaali, w a s laat n r g o t eh t i heicacdootmtstoimtnege-enlnne:vlarnsib9eal commencement b o o v,i t .l. l .o i ol e rB d k4,:l i ae ) n a a : dris l; h ' s r ewavee t pr l rr i ca e ol i i The poor-rates last year were 4s. in the pound, in the pre ceding year they were 9s. In Ihe workhouse there were not half the number of inmates there were in the preceding year, e.— employment for 1,000 more in three montl S. There wereoea dpl Hear,tohsi. ect had been enlarged. The empty cottages were occupied, and the obeys which opening, and the appearance of the people indicated increased"! comfort. They were better clothed and better fed. There was also a great increase in the amount of money deposited in the savings' banks. He knew what observations were fre quently made when an increase of deposits in the ravings' banks was spoken of, but when taken in connection with other circumstances which showed improvement, this in crease was not altogether withnut its value. With regard to the wool trade there were signs of improvement, though from the dearness of the raw article the improvement was more tardy. The wages of the labourers were also increased. There were also improiements in the traie in flax, which was so closely connected with the linen trade ; and he trusted that the linen trade would also advance, as it was the - principal trade of the enterprising population of the north of Ireland. He, hoped the House would agree with him in the hope that Ireland, in developing her great and fertile re sources, aided by the application of British skill and enter prise, would not fail to recognise the benefits of her , connexion with England. (Cheers.) The trade in iron he was afraid to 'speak of too sanguinely. The excessive excitement of past years had produced a corre sponding and protracted depression, but he believed that even there he could say that there were symptoms of se turning health.—(Cries of " No, no.") He did not deny that the patient was sorely diseased, but he thought that symptoms appeared of tie crisis of the disease having passed. He hoped and confidently anticipated that the icon trade would still continue to improve. He held in his hand an intelligent and important report from his friend Mr. Austin, in which he found that able-bodied vaulters we, e no longer a burden on the poor rates of the unions of South, Staffordshire. The furnaces which bad been blownfouchad been rekindled, and additional la bourers had been employed, Could they hesitate to draw favourable anticipations ham the appearsnce of the iron market, when they remembered the grs at number of new rsilvt ays for which plans-had been &petits d ; or could they hesitate to find consolation, when they remembered that at the commencement of the present century this country imported iron from sweden, while now we were sending iron ourselves to the Baltic ? The necessary consequence of prosperity in regard to the market for cotton wool had been also felt by the manufacturers. He was not able to trace any portion of - that improvement to the Bill which passed that House in the last session of Parliament, but he had ressi.n to believe that although that Bill hail created cun.4jerabie excitement awl jealousy amongst the manufac turers ..f mar:Liners- is this country, yet that excitement and jealousy had now been proved to be unnecessary. Could a snore decisive test of the improvement and tetuin to health of the trade of the country be found than in the increasing traffic in railways ? That increase had not been counted by hun dreds of thousands but by millions of money. He, therefore, said that he had good reason for anticipating that even the small pulses of the trade of the country would begin to ,increase in vigour. He would take the liberty of referring to one or two circulars which usually appeared r this season of the year from persons in trade to their practical customers, from men who could net be for a moment suspected to have prepared those circuiars for any party or political purpose. When he looked at those circulars, he could fancy that he held in his hand a manual of geography. First and foremost, he would refer to China. She hail taken a great—a vast quantity of the products of this coun try.—( Cries of " Hear, hear.") He (Mr. Cardwell) was rejoiced at that part of her Majesty's speech which showed the great line of policy she had, and intended to, pur sue towards China. He was sure that they would afford a glorious example to that country, and would show to all that the best source of wealth and competence was unlimited competition in commerce. The Noble Lord who had moved the address had re/erred to what had taken p'ace in France. He trusted tkat the time was not far distant when the trade between that country and England would be such as to be worthy of each other.--( Hear.) It was of the utmost import ance that commercial interests between different countries should be fully considered, but it was necessary that the home market should be considered.—( Hear, hear.) All practical men pointed at that as the only safeguard of the British manu facturer. If the statements the Noble Lord and himself had made of the revival of trade were the right ones, which he be lieved to be the case, the House would excuse him if he now turned to matters of congratulation in other respects. He was well aware that in all Governments there would be a difference of opinion. The present Govern ment had, in the late outbreaks that had taken place, been able, by a temperate severity, to vindicate the majesty of the law, and had ensured the good feeling of the people. The House would be glad to learn that a Bill which had passed last ession with their unanimous concurrrence, and from which the most beneficial results had been antici pated, had already produced the most gratifying results. That was not the place in which to speak of individual munificence, of the sacrifices which had been made by those who were possessed of patronage, but. the House would be glad to learn that there were already 150 applications from dif ferent districts before the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, and that in consequence of the Bill of last session, means would be afforded to half a million ot persons, to enjoy religious advantages in connection with the Established Church. There was another subject ot. which their deliberations in that House had been less unanimous, but he was happy to say that the earnest anxiety which had been exhibited by the House to grapple with the subject of education had called forth a spirit and excited an energy on the subject in the minds of the people at large. If they had not beer, able to make united efforts thay had at least made simultaneous efforts for the dispelling of ignorance, and from the car did spirit ith which the subject had been discussed in that House, and which had, he hoped, excited a corresponding spirit out • of doors, hi 'trusted that theiresult would be the establishment of a sy tem of education which might. meet with the cordial concur rence and support of all moderate and reflecting men. He believed that the people were sincerely grateful to the Giver of all good for the return of that prosperity, the bless ings of w ich they appreciated still more from the recent experience which they had had of adversity ; and they looked upon that prosperity as but a type of that to which she was destilital to attain hereafter. They looked is the ex tent of her resources; they counted up the armie and the fleets of her commerce which was bounded only by the habitable globe, and they felt that this anticipation of fortuto and greater prosperity was something more than the mere dream of an enthusiast. A century had scarcely elapsed since the empire of the East had been opened to these by the genius of one of the Noble Lord's ancestors.—(Lout, cheers.) In the lifetime of their. lathers their manufactures were yet struggling in their infancy. When they considered these things, and reflected on the accelerated motion sshict: progressive improvements gave to the wheels of time, they (souk not but feel assured that there was a high destiny in store for this country, the extent of which the boldest could not ven ture to predict, and which yet those even now living might reasonably expect to see accomplished. This was no hilt dream; it was merely an anticipation of what they might expers to see realised from that union of energy and prudence which they believed t o be the fortunate peculiarity of the national character. By the charter enjoyed by Britons it was their birthright not to be denied any of the advantages to be derived from their own well-directed industry and prudent conduct, and these were not to be hazarded by crude and precipitate legislation. They desired to be guarded by the recollection of past successes against any rash and hasty interferences with other interests, whose sympathy it was wise for all should be cultivated. They knew that when rade had been brought to a happy maturity as in this country. that to create differences between different interests was indiscreet in the extreme—that from that inauspicious hour the decline of one would begin, and assuredly prove the bane of all. Pru dent men, such as these, would not hazard, by fallacious views and speculative theories, their well-grounded prospects of prosperity and success. Adulation had likened the mer chant of England to the Princes of Tyre; but he wisely rejected the comparison, for Tyne was a deserted place, acid he had learned that purely commercial places, however they may have risen for a time into wealth and renown, have soon sunk again into poverty and desolation. The merchant here knew he never 'could be better off than under the advantages he derived from the British con stitution; he liked far better that confidence and certainty which steadiness and sobriety attadhed to his pursuits, and which were the sure signs that his efforts would be matured into the full fruits of a great and widely-spread pros perity.—( Cheers.) He could not but return his thanks to the House for the indulgence he had experienced after tres passing at so great a length, although he had precluded himself from many subjects, to which, fortunately, the Noble Lord, in his opening speech, had so ably alluded. The Hon. Member formally set:elided the address, and resumed his seat amidst loud cheers. 'I he SPEAKER having read the address, Mr. HUME, who commenced in a very low tone, and was scarcely audible in the gallery, said he could not quite unite with the Honourable Gentlemen who had just addressed the House in the glowing terms in which they had spoken of the removal of distress from the country—(Hear, hear)—but at the same time he must acknowledge, and he did so with great satisfaction, that they met at that time under more favourable auspices as regarded the rate of the population than they did in the last session ; and he thought there was also ground to hope for continued improvement. He could not but think that the present mode of proceeding with respect to the address was extremely objec tionable ; it was impossible under the present arrangement that there could be due deliberation.— (Hear.) The speech consisted of twenty-three distinct passages, every one of them containing matter of considerable importance; and yet they were called upoa without having even a copy of that, speech in their hands, which they ought to have had before they came to the House to vote an answer to a speech containing seal various and complicated topics. He had on foe mer occasions protested against the present course of proceed hag. Mary years ago, attempts had been made to allow it. It could not be supposed, a hasty effusion, like the address, drawn up by two hen. Members, who knew as little of the subject as themselves, would be looked upon by her Majesty in any other light than-as a farce. Twenty 7 two years ago, an Hon. Baronet, who had lately departed this life, stood forward, in conjunction with his associate in the representation of Westminster, and submitted to the House a most reasonable alteration in the existing practice, namely, that four and twenty hours should be given to con sider her Majesty's speech, in order that the answer to it might be entitled to due estimation. But now they were called ter to deliberate after two hours. He had no doubt that snme parts of her Alajesty's speech might have given offence to individuali. He would not dwell, however, on that which was omitted in the speech. There was one paragragle in it which gave him great satisfaet ion, namely, that which referred to the existence of friendly relations between this country and France. He was aware how beneficial peace was to the manufacturing and commercial prosperity of every country, and he would be therefore prepared to go even farther than the words the address with regard to the connection between the two countries. The policy of her Majesty's Go vernment in bringing about a good understanding between France and England, was likely to be more con ducive than any other to the interests of the country. The prosperity of the country was more likely to be promoted by an intimate union with France than any other, and while both those countries remained un i te d t h e peace of the world would be secured, and all the advantages which ought to be expected front peace—diminution of taxation and reduction of expenditure would follow. He was sorry to say they did not enjoy' all the ad vantages w hi ch a closer commercial in. tercourse would conf er ; b ut h e, however, repeated the expression of his satisfaction with that part of her Majesty's speech which related to the amicable rela tions subsisting between those countries.—( Hear. ) The s econder of the address had painted in glowing terms the advantages which we may derive, and were already deriving, from our commercial negotiations with China. When the k ight Honourable Baronet and Gentleman behind him considered the tariff the Chinese had lately imposed, they could not but feel ashamed of themselves for having allowed the Chinese so far to have out-stepped them in enlightened prin ciples of commerce. By the Chinese tsriff, every article of food was admitted free of duty. Let the Right Hon. Baronet and his Colleagues follow that example. We had been called barbarians by the Chinese, and he thought the terms were not misapplied when s the principles of our tariff were considered. He would take that opportunity of re:erring to one subject, which he thought was highly credita ble to the character of this country and honoural.le to the in dividual in whom it had originated. He alluded to the supplemental treaty which had been boricluded by the Majesty's Plenipotentiary. By this treaty every nation was admitted to trade with our recent possessions in China. He thought this most praiseworthy, anti an honour to the country. He (Mr. Hume) had proposed an amendment to one of the rrairav h s -of the address, which was to this effect that whilst we acquiesce with your Majesty I the commendations bestowed on the officers and men employe in our late military operations in Sinde, wo with hold any expression of opinion respecting the political negotiations pending with, and the dethrone ment and imprisonment of the Ameers of Sinde.' He found that before he came into the House, a notice. had been given, by which the subject would be brought before the House on an early day. For his own part he protested a;ainst the whole proceedings that had been taken against that unfortunate country.—( Hear, hear.) He thought Eng land had disgraced itself in the eye of the, world. by the pro ceedings they had adopted in Sinde. The ann. Gentle man who had seconded the Address had talked of the peaceful progress of commerce, he hoped in doing so he did not include India, where by armies conquests had been effected in total violation of every engagement this country had made with it. (LEFT SPEAKING.) TATTERSALL'S.-THIS EVENING QCARTER TO Six O'CLOCK. • cIIESTER CUP. 14 to 1 agst Sir Robert 16 to 1 agst The Prior 22 to 1 agst. Tacita 25 to 1 agst Rowland 25 to 1 agst Reciprocity 20 to 1 agst Merry Andrew • • 20 to 1 agst Winter. DEunr. 13 to 2 agst the Ugly Buck 7 to 1 agst Rattan 14 to 1 agst Leander 18 to 1 agst Loadstone 18 to 1 agst Orlando 25 to 1 agst Cockatnaroo 25 to 1 agst Running Rein 25 to 1 agst T'Auld 'Squire 35 to 1 agst Voltri 45 to 1 agst Apprentice IRELAND. THE STATE 'TRIALS, FIFTEENTH DAY.-BY EXPRESS. (FROM OUR OWN REPORTERS.) DUBLIN, WEDNESDAY, JAN. 31. COURT OF QUEEN'S BENCH. TAP QUEEN V. DANIEL O'CONNELL AND OTIMOS* Mr. FITZGIBBON has occupied the court the entir e day in the Queen's Bench, and speculation i s busy in the hall to account f or th e great l engt h t o which the Learned Gentleman h as d rawn ou t hi s address. Among the many rumours prevalent, there is one to which credence is somewhat generallf attached. It is that he is speaking against time in order that the speech from tha throne mai reach Dublin, and be perused by Mr. O'CoNNELL, before he commences his address to the Court. How far this may be a correct representation of the tactics of the traversers lam unable to state. I merely mention it so a pretty generally believed rumour. Mr. WHITESIDE it is understood will speak to-morrovrf and then Mr. O'CONNELL will procoed to address th e Court ou Friday, and close on Saturday night. Thee r is most probable the whole of next week will be cob . sumed in those trials. With respect to the fracas between the . Attor 11 ney-General and Mr. FrrzcinnoN, yesterday, g „. parties, of every shade of politics with whom have spoken on the subject, agree in condemning the first law officer of the Crown, as - en e of the most indiscreet of men. The affair has create* quite a sensation here, and will no doubt furnish mu ch food for comment to the London journals. FOUR O'CLOCK, FY' The mail from London has not yet arrived. It if blowing quite a gale, with a heavy rolling sea, ancl,: apprehend the mail cannot possibly reach before eig' o'clock this evening. SUMMARY of the STATE TRIAL (FIFTEENTH DAY.). The Court cf Queen's Bench sat to-day at ten o'cloc i P when Mr. FrrzclnnoN resumed his address to the.Coto' submitted, that if the speech alleged to have b e : delivered by Mr. O'CONNELL at Mallow could bear .iit'a onstruction put upon it by the Attorney-GeneraLit w ° 7.4 amount to high treason, and that the present charg e 7 misdemeanour would be merged in it—the less the greater—and that, therefore, the proSecutions fall to the ground. He commented at considerable lep.r" on the sentiments expressed in that speech. The AT TORNEY-GENERAL, in observing upon the words of Mr O'CONNELL, that they (the Government) should ne/ el trample upon him—that they should trample upon dead body first—said, that Mr. O'CoNNELL mean t that he would resist the civil authorities 1 6111 nuns, bayonets, pikes, &c. Had subsequent -eirct lo2 stances, he (Mr. Fitzgibbon) asked,- warranted 5 1,1 et a construction ? Certainly not. -Where . there a more active and a more police than in Ireland, and yet where had tI4 :seen able to discover those stores of pik e '' ;uns, and bayonets, that were to be th li° ~ inployed by Mr. O'CONNELL. No ; Mr. O'Cole?is s meant no such thing. He meant that in the .0 ° , - )f any violent measures being adopted against tv the authorities, he would be* ever f°llllo, at his post among the people making use 0f' .42 .1 0 weapons which he best could use. The eloquence and red irmness with which G OD had e ndow e d him. The Leo rli a Counsel engaged the Court the entire doy. The jet rit portion of his address was directed to show that 116 c° . o f pirator against the p eace o f t h e coun t ry or the ssfe t Y , fl o the throne, such as it was attempte d b y t h es e proseeil tivA tb ' s , to prove Mr. O'CONNELL to be, could or would vs? ; 130 language embodied in th e very speec h es re li e d On - 11 YLI t i Crown for their case, and he quoted copious . from Mr. O'CoNNELL's speeches in support of this r he tion. The Learn e d G en tl eman was a ddressing' t Court when our express left. LLOYD'S SHIPPING. NOTICE TO MARINERS. 00. LIGHT IN THE PIOMBINO CHANNEL, - TERRANEAN th° • The following has been received at Lloyd's frosi Hydrographic Office : • 8 44 ' Admiralty, Jan. 22: 1 „ d ot The Grand Ducal Government of Tuscany ha g° lstl i notice that a small fixed light was exhibited on w. a n the, instant from the Tower on Pelmagola Island: 1 1 4 00 Piombino Channel, in lat. 42 deg. 52 Min., 6 se 4 ; ( 4! fee l lon. 10 deg., 28 min., 50 sec. E. This light ie I jaei above the level of the sea, but from its m inutonee 3l not be visible beyond the distance of five miles. rep It will continue to be shown every might until f e r., • iie" by a more powerful light which is nowprePeP ll6 '..• of which due notice will be given. The Earl of Jersey still continues to su ffer - the accident he met with at Windsor Castle.be had The winter at Christiania, in NorwaY: ` — ‘ ,3 4 :l extraordinary for that northern climate. Up to the f the date of the last arrivals, not a flake of snow me ter WI rm" n and there had not been any frost. The. the .zef o .,a been, for several days, at from 3 to 5 de - grees'ltbo W bee" - Reaumur, from 38 to 44 degrees of Eahrenheiti an" as bright and warm as in May. SUDDEN DEATH.—An inquest was held ~„- day, before J. Ba rne tt, Esq., Coroner, at the B ee l v harr on the body of Eli za b e th Mudden, a woman of c°l°ll lor- t . o in Africa. It appeared i n ev id ence t h at s h e had bee n last 87 years a servant in the f am il y o f h er late raistrterholl; Arbuthnot, of No. 15, Montpellier Villas, havi n , g,l V. ° family when only five yea rs o ld . Verdict, 4. . ;he visitation of God.'" —Cheltenham Examiner- Id" GUIZOT AND TUB CARLisTs.—We c o p r correspondence of an Evening Contemporary the .iT i jeft just remarks on the accuse which took place i n , o ioor t bl Chamber on Friday :—" The Legitimatistg, driven br,„, turned upon M. Guizot personally, and were joi,P7begg;,, J. Republicans of the extreme Left. Thus was presenteu A w itli . _„ o tacle of unprincipled immorality in parties, combine" opleuA suitism in religion. They attempted to b e at down itibikr-i‘bly voice ; to overwhelm, to exhaust him ; they hawl';', o°, l menaced, browbeat, and inte rrup t e d — b ut they W 7-0 „'" punished. M. Guizot rehearsed, in brief tent h ' sistent life; and w h en h e challenged contrersii.l l . 7. o barkers and brawl ers h e l d their peace. " exclaimed the great orator, " heap ealut tln ' to, "ti t , calumnies; but you will never bring them - ttP ti olf so height of my disdain." Never was there suc li z s io.... e ' even for Guizot—never was there such hureil.,_ lll for the Left—never did the unnatural cool vlli d hattif, infidelity with priestcraft look so disgusting _ ll/I _, Guizot rose above his opponents. He rose 'alS ) , He proved that he was as ready for the ever}' "a v ers"", debate as for carefully meditated discussion—ftt t o be o f not to be taken unawares, and, when assailed, doirn,,;3 cited except by an unmanly effort to beat. I!!!" feebl e physical violence, and then only to show r!?.:ivied pitiable are vulgar mob weapons against g ent "' truth and honour." , s vote , ;110 The Earl of Winchilsea arrived at Ferran° Eal 0 f Sinter The - grave-street, on Tuesday evening. T uretel: fYOn arrived on Tuesday evening at Farranee'e . land. . BIRTHS. of re heshire' On the 24th ult., Mrs. eiberg, IjEen req" On the 27th tilt., the H lady of It .Ste w ' j/0 1 ' crescent, Torquay, of a son. th• ..".• On the 27th ult., at Streatham-eomulc i t . , drew Hamilton, Esq., of a daughter. , c am ' bridg ° 7 - On the 27th ult., at Chippenliam-Part!i gab i the lady of the Rev. Augustus J. Tharp , of On the 28th ult., in Margaret-street , the.l.adf of $ w i ,o4 Hood, jun., Esq., of a son. • I,lr. On the 28th ult., at Blackheath, Mrs. On the 29th ult., at Dulwich, the lady' o : . of a son. MARRIED. A On the 24th ult., at Llanligan, John, e- u n ited f Green n tiocoot o, o l ot ham, Esq., of Cha r l es t on , South Carolina, late of Letitia, daughter of Colonel William Ly ster: ford Manor House, Middlesex. Jol la Re v " DIED. the , On the 23d ult., at Clowance, Cornw B „ . 00% MoCarolin o k,..s ict lo e rt 2 h 4t S h t. u A lt u ., b it -n i , est daughter of the Rev. Carew Ele rs. t i e • AgjilD , ut d, le 3Nie'kiceanrhoaflleAr°i'Lariacl. e: ivy London : Printed and Published by EAT_ No. 112, Strand, at Me Sun Ot4ctil 1, .18 44 ebri,,ary "'AY of MUlititeX, ThUrldAy, • " ~ i i • . •.. k is al gi w ' to