The Sun. — London, England, 1850-03-23 00:00:00

'heir j,tier easons upon an able paper furnished by the chief e t, , , e o of the Cape of Good Hope, aho comeeeteliei the wi ! e er of the popul sr element o the goverintint. Which ought to have two ussi inbOis. the upper one f 41'4' for hould be nornieneed by the Crown, and should p are ever. And now he asked them to see, with re ;all to the Australian colonies. up in what the Govern ceret founded their ' reasons for departing from the u u tt ilr 'e they originally held. Tee reason was they said, to th custom had concilia'ed tied et'ecld the colony a Present form of.government, that any materiel t enon in th it respect was undesired, and t eat if th ey citablisheil that form of govertimeet in est . souli Wales, it would not be wise to e te tle!esh a different form of government in the to °,'..t . ralian colonies. In a letter from Lord Grey ttn_.lr Charles Fitzroy, dated the 30t.h July, 1847. I . u . 1 ,0 Sir Charles Fezroy'e lett .r in reply to it, the pro- ;icat for naN g two houses was recommended, and in the La i , ' ; 6ir IVilliam Tennyson from Val Diemun's te e? , '; that gentlemen strenuously reeenteee tel I the theta, "n of the see h ruse of aseetubly. Frein theie th e he might conclude that the reasons assigned by p r i nEnen t for departing from the ol,'-?stalifished e i o n i e ltde of colonial goverment were futile and 'Mewl. The instittaiens which colonist 'eight to lase when he r.rrivecl in the colony should he preci sel y jn':e. Or very similar to those which he left behinii hint t , ifter country. The British nannies ought, in fact, oo brought iet the closest harmony with the term of Zl'lrtje,,rt,ametit. which we eajoyed here. At present he r i ) ll,, at the Government were aeting upon a ► erroneous r et . 'Me, told if the principle %%Inca ha was c , n , 8 00uld be aeopte ', and a second branch of the legis lature iut -Aimed into our modern system of doniel to '''enteent, then the vestion arose, what should be the ' H3 tittition of the upper chamber? The H o le Mem ,,ol)l4ed that tt , er should be elective, on the same 4s is• But if they were he did not t hink the y A uld ae w or k wi ll together. The lion. B Crone, the t ' iv olber forSouthwark. who took so deep du interest in subject. had proposed, by laying an aineedrnent on • a tale of the House, that the colony should be divided k te senatorial districts, out of which members of the u pper hous e s hould be chosen, having hig h er qualifice eue.o.. and by men of older standing tha n t hose b y whom he memb e rs of the other house were chosen. He should d e fer the amendment to the Bill as it stood at present. a ! thought the Crown ought to have the poet er of no tiLtiatin some members of the council. He preferred ef3 e ,, e amendment as more consisteut with t heir former ree towards their colonies, and more in con formit y With tee constitution of this country. Ile thougt he teeht to have the consent of the Government to poT, amendment he proposed, because it was the IC Y t, which they had always adhere d, exce p t when P r essed by an' urgent necessity which was n ot shown to te exist in this case. He rested his propos i t ion on 7 grounds—the right of the colonies to have the . t rip institutions as they had enjoyed in this co untr y ; secondly, that the best way to connect them se curely with this country was to give t hem an identit y Of e laws and institutions. He was en coura g ed b y b ili um had fallen.from the Noble Lord on a farmer mea t)ot when he referred to what had been declared abonies road, Only whispered in that House, " that the col B ore et not only no advantage, but a burden," upon which b e ae askee them not to consider that the colonies could , 1 „ Separated from them without injury;" - and added, b illet he was determined to maintain them unbroken." i; Wished also to remind them of the observation cf ;Once Talleyrand, " that if her enemies could deprive I tt " l e country of her colonies, they would break dOwn her the wall, and fill up her last dike." He could not run h ie e risk of losing these possessions upon the plea of a Lc:try economy . They were an outlet for their popula and sources of their wealth. They could not be 11 ° . parated without breaking down the stability and th at of the empire. He entertained a strong opinion ioat they should give the colonies the same institu honste_ as they enjoyed at home, fel. if they did not t ;_leY could not expect the same advantaites from OXiet as outlets fur their population, as the better eses of emigrants would not go to them, un less they mill realise in their now location the same e xpectations as they could anticipate at home. As °purees of wealth neither could they expect the same ad vantages, He was ready to admit that British prosperity Was indebted to the superior skill and energy of the pee r. At the same time, he thought they owed muc h to 2.e . form of their Government, and the liberty and order W hich it secured to property. He would retain the colo rzle R ee.a as the mainstay of their power, nor suffer them to _I for want of cohesion, by placing them on the broad e i tetfarm of a common liberty, through which they might be united with them for even—(l:kar, hear.) They s hould consider all as members of one large family, joined together by ties of a common loyalty to the same c onstitution, and a people enjoying the same laws, united by a community of interest and reciprocating the im- INeetneets of the whole world. He would apply the s entiment of a great man as the principle of these unions: '"' ll ;"Populus cairn non omnis cashes hominum quoquo e °tlo congregatus, sod ccetus tnultitudinis ju ri s consensu utilitatis communione sociatus." If we h a ve the 'Aria consensual," the rest would be certain to follow. .'"(ticar.) If we give them the same institutions as we °tirselves enjoy, we shall find the same liberty, the 'lame law„ - tbe same morality, and religion going to- Rether,—(Elenr, hear.) We shall thus be doing justice to the. eolonie y and extending the resources of this great einpire for our own advantage. He thought that the "tiumple which we would thus be setting to oth ers would i no mean degree contribute to the moral advancement and the social and intellectual improvement of every Other nation. He ought to apologise fer bringing for ward this subject at :itch a time as the present, but feel- Log convinced that a great opportunity WAS now atTord,d ?f uniting the colonies to us more closely than we had hitherto done, by identifying their interests with ours— bY assimilating their institutions to our ,own—he could not refrain from submitting these observations to the better judgment of the House. Tout being done, he had only to thank the Committee fir their indulgence, and the attention with which he had been heard, and he had now to submit to their consideration the proposi tions of which he had given notice. The Honourable mid Learned Gentleman concluded by moving —" The innissien of the second Clause, and to substitute instead thereof the following provisions: —• And be it enacted, that there shall be within each of the said colonies of New South Wales and Victoria a legislative council and l'epreventative assembly;' " and resumed his seat amidst the cheers of the House. Mr: lIA.WES maid, if the Government had d eviated from introducing into this Bill time-honoured institu tions, they did not do so on light grounds. They did So. on the broad principle that they should have the con lent of the colonies to measures which they brought for 'iverd, He admitted that the dispatch of his Noble Friend Earl Grey was the basis of the present measure. The Learned Gentleman referred to the report of the Committee of Council, which he stated gave an opinion favourable to the establishment of two chambers, but ho did not quote the reasons which they assigned in a sub- Sequent part of the report for deviation from such a Course. The people of New South Wales were not dis contented with the form of government which they en joyed, and strongly urged that no alteration should be made in it without the consent of the people. They were not, however, bound irrevocably to this Bill, but the Government thought they might alter and vary it as the colonists Might hereafer think most in accordance with Itheir feelings. There was an unanimity of sentiment ainong the colonists upon this point, however, they IMight ( tiller upon others. But no alteration should be Inade in the constitution without their consent. The . ells ' Patch of Sir Charles Fitzroy referred to a petition Which was transmitted from ,Sidney, signed by 3,100 Persons of great respectability and of various political °Onions, the prayer of which was thee they sho b eulen d not have two houses of assembly. A petition had also f4warded from Pore Philip that thee , were contentei With their constitution; and " another 'from Windsor, in Sim h Ausera,lia, to the same effect. The First Lord of the Treasury had presented 'a petition from merchants connected with the trade of the colony, arid signed by Parties who had been members o f council, and who knew the feelings of the colonists. They stat ed that the Bill would bo well received in the four colonies—Vic toria, Van Diemen's Land, South Australia, and New South Wales. All the local newspapers in the colony approved of the Bill in all its main provisions, and as far as the sentiments expressed through that me hum to represent the opinions of the colonists, it would prove they were in favour of the Bill.—(Hear, hear.) Except these manifestations of opinion, he knew none . adverse to the Bill. A great meetin g took place at Sidney, and all the speeches delivered there were in approval of it. Mr. Wentworth, a gentleman well known to gentlemen opposite, said at that meeting, whatever might ho the opinion with regard to a second cham ber, " there was no absorbing interest taken in its establishment;" and a resolution was come to, that no change should be made without their consent. Attention had been directed to the dispatch of Lord Grey in 1848, in reply to the Governor, Sir Charles Fitzroy, in which he stated that he did not regret the delay which had taken place, because it afforded an op portunity to ascertain the feelings of the colonists. lie came to that conclusion because he did not desire to force a government against the feelings of the people, how, ever it might be suited to the taste and feelings of the people of this country. If they wished institutions to take root it was not by forcing them against the senti ments of the people, however honoured by time and ex perience. The Learned Gentleman referred to the opi nions of governors on this question, but he had a right to claim the approval of the Governor of Van Diemen's Land, that this would. give the colony the same institu tions as the other colonies. Sir Richard Bourke, Sir John Franklin, and Sir George Gipps, as well as Sir George Arthur, expressed the same opinions, as well as his friend Mr. Charles Buller. They had, therefore, • evidence that the Bill would give satisfaction.— (Hear, hear.) He believed that there was a degree of concurrence of testimony amongst the colonists of New South Wales that their constitution should not be a!- tertd without their content. If there was any consti tution that should be forced upon them it was the native constitution of England. They would propose to impose a con stitution in the shape of greetAt of par liament, independently of their wishes, but ferred to allow them a voice in the matter. What was pro posed by Government was in ac cordance with thu ex pressed will of the colonist.. They proposed to give them a constitution as it existed, and with it concede to the colonists the power of altering it according to cir cumstances. If anything was wrong it would then gra dually right itself. Were they to enforce a parliamentary • constitution it would be injurious to the colonists and the empire at large.—(Hear.) Mr. AGLIONBY said he would not dare to force his opinions upon the coltinists until they were prepared to receive them. His dared not force a second chamber upon them against their consent. He did not wish to make them the subject of theoretical changes. The colonists themselves deprecated such attempts. They wished to have a constitution founded as nearly as pose taible upon the same principles as the constitution of this country. They would like to have two legislative houses, but they thought that they were net yet pre- pared to receive t him. They regarded a second ch um ber as a speculative & ttempt. The legislative council was to have full power to make changes, and to choose their own time end their own cour , e in making a eie changes. How could they judge for them so well us they could judge for themselves? lie should therefore support her Mujesty's Government upon this question. Mr. HUME said that the coloni-ti should have the power to decide forthwith, and whenever they pleased, what form of g overnment it would be most expi client for them to adopt. The ateendrneAt proposed to tramf , r the whole of the titer-honoured estates of this country into the colony, which did not contain any materials of a na ture at al analogous to the materials which existed in this ceuntry. A speech more inapplic , ble to the cond i .- Von of the colonists than that of the Hon. Mover of the amendment he had never heard. He was entirely wrong in proposing to transfer and car° , out in a colony all the institutions of this country. Ho would transfer to the colony the whole bench of bishops. He would not su pport any measure of dictation to t he colonieA. The Act of her Msjesty's Government was funded upon a wise and liberal po!icy. The elf , ct of it would be to bind our c:ilonies to this country, and make their interests one with it. By it they should retain their allegianc .. , and make them commercially uscfal and valuable to this country. Mr. HOPE said, that i they thought that government by a Sovereign and two Houses of Parliament was the beat fora Saxen race, then they ought to give theta a con stitution founded upon those pririciples. Tney should have the elements of good, honest, and just govrnment, and that was best ensured by the ferule of the British Constitution. Ho should, therefore, support the amend ment. Mr. SCOTT said, that the basis of all the arguments of the Government wits, that they ought not to legislate fer the colonists without their consent. Well, Sir, they had not their consent to the measure proposed by Go vernment. Taey hat sent oat this 13t11, which had . reached the colony during the sitting of the Legislature of the colony, and yet they had hat no expression of opinion yet. When it was said with boldness they had, be was constrained to say that he thought the assertion a misstatement of the Under-Secretary of State. They had bad simply an opinion from the colony of New South Wales, but from no other colony. The circum stances of that colony were totally different. There was, in the first place, a petition presented to the House in 1848, from the colony of New South Wales, and it was not then stated that any dislike to two chambers existed, but there was a complaint in it against the system proposed by the Colonial Scretary at the time, which the colonists, it adopted, would deprive them of the elective franchise. Those petitioners said they were anxious to enjoy the benefit of British institutions, but there was not a word against their having a second chamber. There was also presented a petition to that House from the electoral division of Penrine, in which it was stated that the Bill then proposed, in 1848, by Lord Grey, would be thee a Bill of pains and penalties, and prayed her Majesty not to sanction the passing of so crude and experimental a law in respect of them. But, again, there was no opi nion expressed against two chambers. The petition presented to that House from Port Philip, in reference to that Bill, was of a similar import. There were three other petitions presented from the colony to that House, all of a like import, and where, then, was the evidence of the colonists being against two chambers? He thought it necessary to refer to those petitions, in consequence of the words put into the mouths of the colonists by the Under-Secretaiy for the Colonies and other Hon. Gentlemen who supported his views. Then, again, the opinion of the governor of Van Diemen's Land was also in favour cf two chambers. He said decidedly, that if a union of those colonies were to take place, he would recommend the establishment of an upper chamber. And why did he say so? It was because that he con ceived such would elevate the state of society in that colony. In arguing the question, however,they ha I heard nothing of the advantages which would accrue to the colony from the establishment of such a chamber, but all that was contended was, that such a chamber was advetse to the opinions of the colorists, but be thought the opinions of the colonists, as expressed in the peti tions he had alluded to, and that of the governor of Van Diemen's Land, was a decided and satisfactory answer to that argument. Besides, the Noble Earl at the head of the Colonial-office himself, two years ago, pressed a much similar opinion, and now he thought was the time that such could be advantageously conferred on the country. No doubt their bad legisla tion in respect of Australia had rendered the materials for a second Chamber less than they would have been, but still there was suffident to begin with, and ho would mo st cordially support the amendment. Mr. LA BOUCIIERE said he was anxious not to give a silent vote in respect of this amendment, and ho thought he might say, in speaking of it, and in respect of the measure now before the House, that the course Government bad taken in respect of that measure was frank and open ; that they had been actuated by the best intentions towards those colonies to which the measure IN- furred, arid he had no doubt that their intentions would be jointly appreciated by those for whom the measure was intended. The intelligence which has bean received from Australia, not only from official sources, but also from the newspapers published in the colony, went to show that upon the whole the measure had been re ceived by the colonists as not only wise, kind, and po litic, but also ore which woull strengthen their instita tions and promote their general welfare—the knowledge of that fact., that the measure had been so well re ceived by the colonists, comforted him amid all the at tacks which had been made upon him as a supporter of it in the course of its discussion in that House ; and be had not the slightest doubt that Governteeet would, should it be passed, be awarded the greatest credit for proposing measure, which had the effect cf extending the blessings of the institutions of this 'country to their remotest possessions. The question now under discus sion was whether it would be prcper to at once propose the introduction of two chambers, or whether they should pass the measure as it *toed, leaving to tho colonists themselves to test it, and should they find a double chamber requisite to adopt it. It was thought proper in considering the question to refer it to the consideration of the Committee in Privy Council, and the doing so enabled the Government to examine all the facts and documents connected with the case, in fact, to, as it were, take the colonists themselves before them, and heir them in respect of their case. That bad been attended with the best result, for it showed the colonists that there was every feeling and wish on the part of the Government to consider their case. In that Committee he admitted that there was an expression of opinion in favour of two chambers, but in giving expression to that opinion they were doing no thing wore than giving expression to „hat he believed to be the opinion of the great majority of the people ' of this country. In this country they had beens tomed to two chambers too long not to cherish them. But 'in the report of the Committee of Privy Council the reasons which induced them not to concede two chambers in the present instance, but leave that to the colonists themselves were also stated; and he thought no one who read those reasons would fail to see that there e as in the whole conduct of the Government respecting the measut e an obvious and anxious desire to respect the feelings of the colonists, and to consult them on all matters connected with their interest. That being the ease, ho was not a little surprised at Honourable Mem bers on his side of the House, who spoke so much about giving effect to the opinions of the people, urging so many objections to the measure, and complaining so much of the conduct of the Government respecting it. He would not weary the House by reading papers, but he thought there was no one who read the documents which,Lasi come from Australia respecting this mea sure but could fail to tee that the colonists ob• jected to any change in their present institutions without their being consulted; and that being the case, was it not better to pass this measure which the colonists ap proved of, rather than adopt one which it was doubtful as to whether or not they would accept. He admitted that in making the chamber elective, they had introduced a new principle into the colony, but that was one of the most important principles of the constitution of this 'country, and wherever they could, it ought to be ex tended. An Hon. Gentleman had hinted as much as ti.a, the second chamber contended fir should contain somewhat of hereditary elements, but be would never be a party to the sowing the seeds of aristocracy in such a place as Australia. That principle was contended for by Mr. Pitt, in a measure which he introduced respecting Canada, but it was strenuously opposed by Mr. Fox, and the propriety of its rejection was now teen in the state of Canada. He believed, if they introduced a second cham ber, it should be on the principle of election, but he felt convinced it was not wise to do so in that instance. In the first place, let them look at the delay which must take place if they adopted it. They should create a qualifica tion which must cause delay and much disappointment, and that, too, at a time when it was absolutely neces sary to pass the measure during the present session of Parliament. One of the many topics which now pressed 015 their attention was, the separation of Victoria from New South Wales, and it would be utterly impossible to do that if the principle of the present Bill were re jected this session. lie very much doubted if, in these colonies at present, sufficient persons could be found to constitute an Assembly and a Second Chamber at a time; and that was the opinion of two distinguished men—Sir G. Grey, Governor of Van Diemen's Land, and Sir G. Gibbs. That was the opinion, also, of men in the cola-. nies themselves, who were, in theory, for the principle of two chambers, but a vowed that, at present, it was impossible to procure persons to; form a second cham ber. Mr, Wentworth, a gentleman of great distinction in New South Wales, placed a motion on the books of the Council, stating, he preferred one chamber to two, where one was composed of nominees of the Crown ; first, because there did not exist any class of sufficient fortune in the colonies to be raised to the station of hereditary legislators, or legislators for life; and se condly, because the second chamber would be composed of nominees of the Crown, appointed for a limited period in the council; and a council thus constituted would be a mere machine in the hands. of the Colonial -office. It was quite true ho made no reference to an elective chamber on an elective principle, but even if he bad, be would, no doubt, on the principles which he propounded, be of the same opinion: Considering, therefore, the ines suffering g la opinions expressed by the colonists, and that they were not legislating for re c o o p lo ie ni considering theunderwere satisfiedopp re s s o w n i ; of i 11, inasmuch the colonists their institutions, he thought they ought to pass the B coardicnig again, tothe t h epy had i er themselves.as i tw a a framedll e repeated every reason to believe the measure gave great satisfac tion to the colonies; the merchants connew el with them had petitioned in its favour, end on that account be hoped the House would support the measure of the Go vernment, brought forward in a spirit of goodwill and kindness, and reject the mutton of the Hon. and Learned Member for Midhurst. Sir W. MOLESWORTH contended it was the duty of the British Parliament to frame institutions, in the first instance, for their colonists, and on that account a deep responsibility was attached to them. There were five colonies ..ia-AusOalia,. one of which had already a cens nution, and for were about to receive it, aid the things—either that the Legislature which they were now que.snoti then was what was the c onstitution best adapted confirming, and not introducing, was one that could be to prom de their greatness and prosperity. Th .t the co- reps a'ed either by the two chambers, or by some depute lonists ought to have power to alter ant to amend their form of appointment and election, or else the present own constitutine, wa s egret d on; and then caine the pro- constitution would last as one that was perfectly satis position what governmentfirm of governeet ought teey to start factory to the people of New South Wales. Now, if with. The Government proposed . but a single elective this constitution Was to be changed, let them wa it until chamber, one third of whichwere to be nominated by they heard. the o p inion of the people.--(llear.) the Colonial .office. The Noble Lord at the head of the If they had a house utterly unfit to live in, and Governteeet was the illustrious author of the Reform required a new one, the prudent course would Bill, and what would he think if out of the British repre• be to remain in the old one until they had settl ad ed sentatiou 226 members were to be nominetten by the the plan of tl e new. — (llear , hear.) Now, what h Crown; and yet that was what the NoitileeLerd proposed taken place with respect to this measure? A report of to do with the present P,ll, as regarded the Australian the Privy Council—a report written with great ability, colonies. The Lion. and Learnedeeentleman the Member and showing not only the course which the Government for Midhurst brought forward bis motion with great clear- proposed to pursue, but the reasons and greun d ness and ability, and as regarded tne theory of two chain- which it was based — was laid before her M sjesty pon in s u bears, the Reetit lion. Gentleman' the Pl e.ident of the council, and approved and printed in May, 184 S, and in Board of Trade was in its favour, and the Under Sccre- that report a strong suggestion was made in favour of teary for the Colonies, Sir Ciewles Fi•zrov, Governor of two chambers.—(Hear.) All the reasons derived from New South Wale., the Governors of New Ze dand and Van the constitution and the state of the laws were adduced Diemen's Land, were all f w the theory of having two in favour of the Bill, and the whole of the arguments in chambers. He contended there was not the slightest favour of the conclusion the Committee of the Privy evidence to prove that the colonies of Victoria, Western Council adopted was supported by evidence to the or South Australis, were in favour of one chamber, and 1 same purport. While all the general arguments were ~pproved of the present Bill, not because they were ss- givea in favour of the alteration, the main ground against tisfod with it, but, in the absence of a better. It was it was stated to be the public opinion of New South also sail, over and over again, that New S iuth Wales 1 Wales? Nothing, he thought, could be more obvious was in favour of its present constitution; but he co:.- I than that if public opinion was in favour of the two tendsd that there was no evidence on that subject to jus- I eharnbns there would have been petitions from the tify su ch an opinion. The Hon. Baronet having na l a colonies. What were the aneeations he found in tie pe diepatch of Earl Grey, dated last July, in reply to which 1 tition he had had the honour to present, and which ban the inhabitants of New Scuth Wales met, and denounced I been signed by the most considerable firms who had the constitution which he proposed' fn. their adoption, connexions in New South Wales ? It was stated in in a memorial ad , ir , said to her Majesty, proceeded to the petition that the report of the Committee of the say that they showed, by that document, their disgust 1 Privy Council having reached the colonies of at the experiment of the Colonial (iffiest. tied all (testi-en New South Wales it appeared to have been received institutions as near those in existence at home as possible I with a high degree of satisfaction by the pe ople of whenever circumstances permitted. Then , as to the p ower , each colony, and it observed that the proposed arrange of altering their constitution being vested in the le g isla- went was calculated t) secure the login.: attachment tivecouncil, he denounced it asfutile. Let the Go vernment of the colonies to the Crown and interests o f the mother propose teat a convention be summoned in those colonies, , country. Now, there were persons hiving a strong W as was done in the United States of America. There a ere 1 terest in the welfare of those colonies, and having re in that country no less than 34 states planted by English ceived all the intelligence from those colonies which colonis'r, who carried with them from this country those either public or private letters conveyed, they came to principles on which they were founded and flourished. that House to ask them to pass the Bill and not to adopt Let them contrast that with the policy now pursued at the great alterations proposed. Now, if they were to the Colonial-effice, where constitutions were either pro- adopt alterations in the Bill, the question was what she posed or rejected, according to the whim of the Minister rations should they adopt in place of the present consti or the Colonial-office. Compare this with the course tution? The proposition of the Hon. and Learned Gen proposed. In the first place, they began with a bad con- tleman was a proposition which went not to make alte stitution of a single chamber, in which there would be rations for the present, but a great series of permanent , no control over the impulses of the democracy. But it t alterations in the constitution oft he country ; because might be said the Colonial-office would have a coittrol. the honourable and Learned Gentleman meant to pro liug power over the Legislature. Did they mean to ex- pose that the legislative council should be elected for ten ercise that control? If they did, they would run years, and after that the legislative council should be counter to the feelings of the colonists, and expose the elect el for life. What he intended, therefore, was a Imperial Government to defeat and dishonour. He permanent change in the constitution of New South wished to ask the Noble Lord a question. If these Wales. He proposed two councils, one a represents: colonies proposed to make a single elective chamber, tive assembly, and the other to be appointed by the would he pledge himself to give the sanction of the Crown. lie doubted whether a council appointed by Government to that single elective chamber? the Crown, and having the power to stop a Bill coming That was a question which would moat certainly be from the representative assembly, would give satisfac forced upon his consideration by the colonies , tion to the people of New South Wales. He had the themselves ? lie would now give his reasons for sup- opinion of the elective members of the legislative council porting a double chamber. A representative Legislature on that point in their votes and proceedings of the 2d should be a reflex of the opinions of the whole commu- May, 1848, which had been laid before the House. In pity. In every community there was an innovating and that case the council was disposed to view favourably the a conservative tendency, and the great object they should separation of the functions of the nominees of the Crown have in view was to prevent party innovation, without from those of the people. By a majority of 9t04 of the giving an undue preponderance to the conservative ten- elective council of New South Wales the amendment of dency. Now, would a single chamber effect these two the Hon. and Learned Gentleman was rejected. He objeets? He believed not; but, on the contrary, that a would ask whether, after having stated their wish to single chamber would cause an antagonism between the consult the feelings of the people of New South Wales, colonies and the Imperial Government. All experience their first alteration should be directly in the teeth of proved that it was better that the struggle between these the recorded opinions of the representative council? If two opposing tendencies should take place in the bosom that clause was rejected, they were not without some of the community in which they were developed— resource. The lion. and Learned Gentleman proposed (Hear, hear)--because, as was shown in the case of the , that the district of New South Wales should be divided House of Lords in this country, however conservative into provinces, each electing three representatives—one they might be, their interests were identified with the of them for three years, another for six years, and a great body of. the community, and practically it was third for nine years. Now there were many objections the case, that whenever any public question had to that plan, bat the main one was, it was a proposition been decided upon by the great body of Pie people, altogether unheard-of in New South Wales, and they the good sense of the House of Lords always led were to adopt it without knowing whether five men in them to acquiesce in that decision.—(Hear, hear.) New South Wales would be satisfied with it. The Hon. Now, it was ridiculous to compare a body of Crown and Learned Gentleman next proposed that they should nominees with the Lord.. They could be only a purely be elected in provinces, of the amount and extent of the obstructive body.—(Divide.) The Right Hon. Gentle- population of which, and especially of how many had the man said there were no materials for a second chamber qualification of 2001. a year in land, which he proposed, in the colonies. He agreed with him in thinking they were utterly ignorant; and in laying down such a that there were no materials for a nominated Chamber, constitution, they might find in some of these provinces because we had all too good an opinion of ourselves to not more than five or six persons likely to be elected, believe that any body of men should have an irrespon- and they would thus make a close monopoly of it. That sible control over legislation. He objected to a nomi- was another strange reason why they should adopt the native chamber, because it would lead to a conflict be- proposition. The effect of it, in all probability, would tween tle elective and the nominative Chamber; or, in be to form an oligarchy, who w ould be fou n d ob j ectin g other words, the Imperial Government. For the same to and obstructing popular measures. It was calculated reason he objected to a single chamber, because it would to set up a monopoly in the hands of a few persons. lead t 1 a struggle between the chamber and the gover- The Right Honourable Gentleman opposite had another nor of the colony; or, in other words, against the Inspe- and a more complicated plan, but one which could not rial Government. But he supported an upper, and he be safely adopted by the House. The other proposition, proposed that it should be composed of persona having which made a separate council of the nominees, was sure double the property qualification of the Members of the to be distasteful to the colonists. New much stress had lower chamber; that they should be elected for nine been laid upon the constitutions of the other colonies, years, and be older men, because elder men were less but he thought they would much err if they adopted innovating—(Laug'uter)—and as small bodies were less them as the rule. Take the case of Jamaica. The first liable to impulsive action and innovating tendencies than constitution was that of a governor and council and a large bodies, he proposed that it should be smaller in house of assembly. The governor and council sat number; that the Members should not be elected at the together, and they were as it were the executive of the same time; that they should bb all elected by the Governor. Gradually they adopted the privilege of people. Under such regulations, ho believed, they sitting alone; but ho asked, would New South Wale+ would secure all the advantages arising irom a double be satisfied with stfch a council as that, composed of the chamber, give both the conservative and the innovating judges, the attorney and solicitor-general, and persons instincts of the colonial communities legitimate and con• named by the Crown ? Lately there was a proposal stitutional methods of expression and action, and pre- fir retrenchment of expenditure in Jamaica, which vent those c onflicts between the Imperial and Colonial I had been rejected by the council. Suppose that had Governments, which would ensue from a single chamber, been approved of in New South Wales, could any per , om po s ed ee the m e a sure new under consideration pro- mane the amount ef the discontent that would be po,ed.—(Hear, hear.) exc:t el? He called then upon the Committee to affirm Mr. PEEL supported the amendment, thinking it most the proposition of the Government, because it had bet n important to assimilate the institutions of the colonies to leveurably received in the Atwt -alien colonies, and could those of this country, and to introduce the features of be adopted wOhout danger.—(Hear.) the British Constitution into the colonial governments Mr. GLADSTONE would not trespass long on the of the empire. It was very desirable that the House time and patience of the Committee at that late hour of should not take a false step on this occasion, because the night, and hoped for its indulgence, as he was whatever might be the form of the constitution rec o m - anxious to ex p ress his opinion on the two propositions mended to Australia, it would have to rest exclusively hi f , re the House. Amidst the multitudinous buaine is of for its support on the influence and authority of those Parliament, it was difficult for Members to give their who would constitute the governing body, and the good minds fully to all subjects; but he implored the Com opinion of the governed.—(Hear, hear.) If the system mittee to recollect thae they were now about to give a wits to obtain permanence it must be congenial ti their constitution to five colonies, on which might hinge the wishes, and he would leave lion. Gentlemen to judge fate of those colonies, for good or for evil. —(Hear, hear.) how far an assembly, two Fats elective and one nomi- The great question was, whether they were to give to native, were likely to secure the good opinion of the cold- the colony& double or a single chamber. lie could not nists, or to command their acquiescence in the decision but admit that great credit ought to be given to l f its majorities.—(Beier.) He bad heard no argument Government for the liberal spirit in which it had come in dsf, nee of a single chamber, unless that it was the forward on this subject; but the Noble Lord at the heal form of the constitution in New South Wale:, and that of the Government bad gone too far in saying that the a wish had been expressed that no alteration should be proposition of the Government had been well received mada without their consent.—(Hear, hear.) Many Hon. in the colonies. It bad been well received, but it was Gentlemen who entertained objections to the p resent onl y com p aratively well received. Tee Noble Lord measure considered it unnecessary to press them, on the 0 had not said one word of what went before. Tney had ground that the provisions of the Bill would enable the it, for instance, on the authority of the Government of I people of Australia to alter and amend the constituti on New Zealand, that the peo p le were desirous to have a: tey might think fit, and to adopt a double chamber an upper chamber, and 80, in like manner, they if they should wish to do so. Now, so far from the sug- , hail it from the Governor of Van Dieeaen's Land gested remedy satisfying his objection, it aegravated that an upper chamber was desired in that the inconvenience, and the disastrous policy of too course colony. They had district co unc ils i n troduced by the now proposed to be taken, because no sooner would the Government into New South Wales, and those district legislative assembly melt than they would be called councils were a sore and a festering cause of discontent u pon to discuss a great constitutiona l q uestion —to con- between the Government of this country and echo sider and review the fundamental principles of their co n- !l i s ts, an d the question of those district councils was stitution, and to re-arrange and remodel the fam of not yet given up by the Government. Did them Goverortant their legislature.—(Hear, l eg i s lature.—(Hear, hear.) It could not be ex- merit, he would ask, not propose to mak ip petted that the members would act harmoniouly to- changes in the constitution of New South Wales, b y the get her, because the interest of the elective members present Bill, without the consent of the would appear to be o pp osed to those of the nominated colony? Undoubtedly they did. The chan e which K people of that members. This, measure, therefore, would hiy the they proposed indicated an enlargement of the w a constttu ground for future dis sensions and local jealousies, and tion of the colony, and that indication was aarrnt to would also hazard the good understanding which ought those who supported the motion now before the Heusi to prevail between this country and the colonies.— that they, too, should endeavour to enlarge the consti (Hear.) It was very possible the legislative council tition of the colony still more. lie had no hesitation would come to a resolution that the legislative power in saying that the measure proposed by the Government ought to be vested in a single chamber, purely elective, would, it carried, although somewhat enlarged in its entirely popular, without any admixture of nominative view, lead to the greatest political discontent, and that to a members, and he apprehended the Go vernment at home constant agitation, until, in one form or another, could not c onsent to a legislative assembly so consti- consitution should be changed. Ile thought the toted.—(blear, hear.) It was said that. there would be Committee and the country. were greatly indebted some difficulty in constituting the upper c h a mber, but if to the able pahipblet of Mr. Macka, which Hon. Members would turn their atten ti o n to the p ointed out the manner in whieh the pro Y osed con p example of the United States, they would find that diffi- stitution was likely to act in New South Wales. He culty not insuperable. In every one of the states the (Mr. Gladstone) objected to the Constitution proposed legislative power was vested in a Senate end a House of by the Government on several grounds, as not likely to Representatives, the population of some of the s t a tes no t b e p ro ductive of satisfaction to the colonists, hi an ch would d as cal exceeding that of New South Wales. In Pen ns y lvania, culated to create an ant i -British feeling, w the legislative power was at first invested in a s ingle recoil upon them, and that their measures were allied chamber, but efxrwards remodelled upon the plan with something calculated to give a distaste for British which had received the sanction of the other states. It institutions. He considered that the one chamber, pro was the same in Rhode Island. He supported the double posed by the Government (with twelve of its members chamber because he thought the form of the legislature mere " nominees of the Crown,") would prove a source of each colony would materially influence the form of of constant political discontent, and thus it was that he colonists o Learned ista tw o Member, ohamhera, whicho n a proposel to give to the sound constitutional prin.. the general assembly.—(H ear , hear.) li e considered should give his vot e in f a vour of the mo tio n of the Hon. it essential, if the independence of the several coloniesthat tthe 9n a composing the union was to b e p reserved, power of the general assembly should not be exercised ciple.—(Hear, hear.) It was quite unnecessary to go by one legislative house; and he could not give his into the gro u nd s upon w hich the Right lion. Gentleman sanction to an institution which was admitted to be de- the Member for Southwark clearly demonstrated the ne fective. eessity of constituting the government on this principle. The Earl of ARUNDEL and SURREY said that he Much as he was attached to the principle of the double had come down to the House with a strong preposses- cbamber, and though delay might be a great evil, still, if sion in favour of two chambers, but the arguments the Government were unprepared to introduce a mea which had been adduced in the course of the debate had sure this session to carry out the principle, ho would entirely changel his opinion.—(Bear, hear.) much rather send a good constitution to South Aus- Lord J. RUSSELL said the Lion. Member for Leo- t r ails in 1151, than a bad one in 1850.—(hear, hear.) minster had put the arguments in favour of the amend- The principl e o f nomination professed to be that which went in as strong a light as possible, and yet he bad it was not; it professed to place before the country as however, to make failed to show any good reasons why the House should legislators men who depende upn an act of the will of vote for the amendment. It was said that the Govern- the Government, and he was wi n g , went were now introducing a new constitution into this concession to the Noble Lord that this was not a Australia—that they were putting into the legislature vital matter for the present moment; but it was neces of New South Wales that which never existed before, sstY to make preparations for it outt futu vireew ; an for ao t d hwe easenver namely, members appointed by the C rown, and starting`they might be willing to keep a constitution wholly unknown to them. Now, this 1 they ought never to forget of that it materially affected the made it necessary for him to stet) what had been the 1 future prospects of the Toecolon On ill thi et i the s subject h d e course of legislation on this subject. In July , uite ree I with his Hon. 1840, he quoted from the work of M. deq had the honour of introducing a Bill con l a ioin n a pro- , ! States of America, and lie q ug uev Unite vision for calling in a council in New South %Vali s of 1 Friend the Member thirty-six members, of whom twenty - four should he had made to the United Stetes, as an example of the for Leominster. in the appeal which be elective, and twelve nominated by the iOf eratiou of this principle. In 1621, the first Assembly Crown. In the year 1842 Lord Stanley succeeded to i of Vi rg i n i a sat; i n 1624 the Patent of the nonsresident the seals of the Colonial-Aiice, and introduced a Bill of 1 com p an y w „ tuna g e d t 1628 Massachuseit :obtained its a similar description. This was a strong presusan• I charter, and in 1629 it fixed the seat of power on the tion that no great discontent or dissatis'amien 1 other aide of the Atlantic. Thus the colony was had arisen in New S o uth Wales between July, 1840, 1 really governed by local influence. When young when the first measure was introduced, and 1847 d states - were to be launched into the world, when the Bill was brought in by Lord Stanley.— under the difficult and critical cireurnstences (Hoer, hear.) That Bill ma with little opposition, 1 which it appeared to be decreed should then sure and became Act of Parliament. From tit's time this I round there, it was necessary above all things to onstitution, elicli was represeated ar. so monstrous, as provide principles of a sound constitution. Is was by a =Chine which could not work, as a thing utterly means only of the double chamber that that great man known in principle, as wholly impracticable, had been Washington was able to bring his country through the the population of which j dangers which menaced i al .•t from domestic disorgantz l e Amermans was so strong working had n o t y i e n t NdieswcovtuetdhitlVfaaluels:s.—(flear.) This was a 'liar.. When the feeling of . . presumption that in intreducing a Bill at the present against anything particiating if they examined into the facts of in the nature ot hereditary time, it was at least a safe course to proceed upon the transmission of power, . . r of the foundation which had been already laid, and which the case, they would find it was the principle of the division hitherto ban not failed. When Hon. Gentlemen said of the legislative power which proved the saviour there was to be a constituent assembly in New South country. In 1794, a Bill passed the fe t was thrown out deral chamber to Wines, and that the constitu tion was to be altered, with- ' stop all commerce with Engl . t . i.n . d, b out saying or aeeing that there should be this ccnsti- by the senate. Again, in 1190, a Bill passed the House Want assenaWy, lie said they must preserve one of two of Representatives, giving Five° a comme r cial advsta- tage over England. That Bill, also, va; thrown out in the senate, which showed itieli, by acts like these, a con. trolling power, holding iu check, by its wisdom and sta bility, the popular element, which partook too much of popular passion, out of doors. In spite of these great disadvantages, Washington, by means of the upper chamber, was enablel at length to conclude a treaty of pev,ce and amity with Great Britain. On tho, , e grounds he hoped that, whatever the Committee might be dis posed to do, it would not, at the present moment, sanc tion the principle of the single chamber.—(Cheers.) Colonel THOMPSON said that though it was his original intention to vote for the amendment, yet having heard the Noble Lord in his speech refer to a future in tintion of the Hon. Baronet in which he could not coin cide, ho would support the Bill of the Government. - The Con:mtttee then divided; the numbers were— For the original clause ... 19S Against it ... 147 Majority in favour of Government —5l The House then resumed; the CHAIRMAN reported progress, and ulced leave to sit again. BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE. Lord JOHN RU 'SELL made the following state ment respecting the business of the House : —Sir. I think it will be convenient to state the course which I intend to pursue in regard to the business of the House on Monday. I propose to allow the llon. Member fur Ta vistock to make his motion fir a Committee on the duchies of Cornwall and Lancaster before the orders of the day on Mouthy. It will he then necessary to take a vote on account of the Ordnance E-tltnates, as the House will not meet again till after the expiration of the financial year. We shall take a vote, therefore, and then postpone the Ordnance Estimates until the end of April. It will be necessary, of course, for the House to sit on Tuesday, to receive the report of the Committee of Supply; and, as I find that many Members, who have notices of motion standing for that day, are willing to' give them up, and many Members might be able to leave town in the course of the day if the House met early, I propose that the House should meet at twelve o'clock on Tuesday, and I will then give notice that the House, at its rising, adjourns to Monday, the Bth of April. I now propose to postpone the Chief Justices' Salary Bill till Monday next. The Process and Practice (Ireland) Bill was com mitted. Mr. GROGAN made an attempt to procure direct compensation fur some of the officers whose situations would be affected by the Bill. Sir JOHN ROMILLY suggested that the matt , er should be left in the hands of the Lords of the Treasury. Mr. GROGAN acquiesced. Mr. REYNOLDS advocated compensation for the copying and engrossing clerks. Sir JOHN ROMILLY said that if they were entitled to compensation, it would be competent for the Lords of • the Treasury, under one of the clauses, to remunerate them for the 1099 of employment. The Bill was ordered to be reported with amendments. The Charter Trust Bill was postponed until Mon day, and the Factories Bill ner.t through Committee pro forma. Sir W. G. CRAIG obtained leave to bring in a Bill for erection on the Carthen ground, in the city of Edin burgh, of buildings for a national gallery, and other purposes connected therewith, and with the promotion of the fine arts in Scotland. Mr. HEADLA.M withdrew the motion of which he had given notice. relative to the substitution of Mr. Headlam's name for that of Sir James Graham, on the Committee on County Rates and Expenditure Bill. .The House adjourned at a Quarter to Two o'clock. NAVAL INTELLIGENCE. PLYMOUTH, Menem( 21.—Her Majesty's ship Superb, 80, Captain Edward Purcell, hove in sight round Penlee Point, at half-past two o'clock this afternoon, from Queen's-town. Wind, southerly. CHATHAM, MARCH 22.—The Nankin, £0 guns, which was taken into dock on Monday last to be brought for ward for service, has a great number of hands employed on her to expedite her fittings; but as she has neither her bulkheads nor other fitments put up, it will be full three months before she is out of hand. WooLwicix, MAncrt 22.—A very pretty little vessel has been constructed at Chatham from the launch of the Vernon, 50-gun frigate, and was brought round to Wool wich on Friday last. To-day the vessel was taken up to Greenwich, to be rigged by the boys there. She has been painted to represent a frigate, and has a neat bust of the Prince of Wales in his naval costume for a figure head. The general impression is that this miniature frigate is intended for his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. VIE ARCTIC EXPEDITION. The Intrepid, sister screw steam-vessel to the Pioneer, was taken into dock at Woolwich yesterday, and all hands that could find room to work put upon her, to take out and re-adjust her engines and boilers. The shipwrights, under the directions of Mr. Laing, are also most actively at work, as if the getting the vessel ready depended upon the individual exertion of every person employed upon her. The Commodore-Superintendent has ordered that the greatest exertions should be made in all the departments to expedite the vessels fitting for the expedition, and Captain Austin and Captain Um manney have been in constant attendance at Woolwich for several days past in personally superintending the preparations for their voyage. A number of convicts were brought down the river to-day in a steamer to be put on board the Blenheim, hired convict-ship. NIT'. Molison master. The vessel is t m h ( e lor c e h d a o rfe po o s f ite sa the rgeo li n o2 s , al Arsenal, up,rintyn and will dontc. under Fuller. The destination tf the convicts is Van Diemen's Land. GREAT FIRE AT MANCHESTER. DESTRUCTION OF UPWARDS OF £lOO.OOO worati OF PROPERTY AND LOSS OF LIFE. MaslcuksTEn, MARCII 22.—At midnight last night one of those dit,astrous and destructive fires which have frequeatly visitA this manufacturing town, broke out in the warehouse of Messrs. Wood and Westhead, small ware manufacturers and general dealers. The premises were situate in Piccadilly, one of the great thorough fares in Mauchester, and precisely opposite the Royal Infirmary. The flames were first discovered about a quarter before twelve o'clock, issuing from the packing room, which is on the ground fhor. Very few mi nutes had elapsed before the fire was seen issuing from the top . of the building, which was six stories high. The alarm was soon given, and the firemen with the engines were soon on the spot, but the de vouring element raged with such fary and rapidity that before any effective resistance could be made to its progress, the whole of the building and its valuable contents were totally destroyed. The activity of the firemen, aided by an abundant supply of ss ater, pre vented tbo flames from extending beyond the warehouse itself, and, therefore, the only damage done to the adjoining property was confined to the blistering of the wails and the charring of the window-frames and doors, occasioned by the intensity of the heat. The stock con sisted of small wares, hardwares, silks, satins, ribbons, lace, and hosiery of every descripticin, and was of great value, amounting to nearly 100,0001., the whole of which was entirely consumed. So rapid was the fire, that the whole contents of the building, together with every fluor, no'', &c.. were totally destroyed in about an hour and a half. In fact, by half-past one the fire had so com pleted the work of devastation, that there was nothing ist. for further destruction. The workpeople were at work in some part of the warehouse till half-past eleven, when the doors were closed and all appeared safe. The stock was insured for 84 0001. The building was insured to near its value, but in what offices did not transpire. From the time the fire was got under, at about two o'clock, the men were engaged in clearing away the fallen ruins, and 'preparing for the recovery of the sal vage; which work went on with great spirit till about one o'clock at noon to-day, when the eastern gable came down with a tremendous ci ash, burying six of the fire men beneath the ruins. The shrieks of the crowd were at this moment heart-rending, but after a short pause all hands were at work, to relover the unfortunate men, whose lives were despaired of, and by the most praise worthy exertions of the people and the firemen, five were taken out alive, but one of them so severely injured as to leave but little hope of his recovery; his name is J. Naylor. The sixth was taken out dreadfully mutilated, but died shortly after; his name was Charles DPGary. The other four were not so seriously injured as to render their recovery a matter of any doubt. They were all taken to the Infirmary, where every attention is being paid to their respective cases. This disaster will throw at least 150 young men out of work for a time. The walls that are still standing appear in a dangerous state. EXHIBITION OF INDUSTRY, 1851. A meeting of the Royal Commission for the promo tion of the Exhibition of the Works of Industry of all N o a t t i o b o e s , to e be w held Palacein t o h f e year ivea t l m Bs i s , t w o r a . s held The yesterday Commis sioners i present were the Earl Granville, Lord Over stone, Sir Robert Peel, the Right Hon. H. Labouahere, the Right lion. W. E. Gladstone, Mr. Bazley, Mr. Cob den, M.P.. Mr. .T. F. Gibson, Mr. Gott, and Mr. Pusey, M.P. Mr. Stafford Northcote, secretary of the Com mission, attended. Sir Henry T. De la Beebe and Dr. Lyon Playfair, of the committee on the mineral king dom, were present, Colonel Reid (chairman), Mr. 11. Cole, Mr. C. W. Dilke, and Mr. F. Fuller, attended on behalf c , f the Executive Committee, with the secretary, Mr. Digby Wyatt. The following Mayors, Provosts, Bailiff+, and High Constables were present with the RoyalCommissioners:— Mayors—Dublin, Bradford, Winchester, Wolverhamp ton, Kendal, Bury St. Edmund's, Carlisle, Bucking ham. Worcester, Manchester, Bridgewater, Salisbury, Warriqgton, Dover, Portsmouth, Canterbury, Newport ( Monmouth), Launceston, Leeds, Leiceser, Birmingham, Nottingba u, Preston, Coventry, Gravesend, Tiverton, Brit - Ipr, Halifax, Limerick, Cork, Waterford, Bolton, Stockport, Southampton, Oxford. P 1 ovo,ts—Edinhorgh, l'a,sley, Glasgow, Leitb. Bailiff,—Jerset , Guernsey, Stoke-apon-Trent, Dar lington. High Con st shles—Bri ghton, Huddersfield. Returning Officers—Knaresborough, Blackburn. The principal topics of discussion between the Mayors and the Commissioners referred to tho appointment of local commissioners, and the best means of establishing a practical and satisfactory means of communication be tween the local committees and the commisionrrs. It was felt that the result ot the present interview WA•I such its would tend greatly to dissipate any prejudice that could exist on the subject of carrying the principle of centralization too far. The question of the selection of articles engaged considerable attention; and after a full examination Sir Robert Peel drafted a later, which he suggested should be issued by local committees, and which received unani mous approval. Lastly, the subscriptions, and the ne cessary amount to be raised, were alluded to, and the best feeling prevailed towards using the greatest exer- Con to enable the Commissioners to at once commence the building with perfect confidence in ultimate success. The conference with the Royal Commission com menced at eleven o'clock in the morning, and broke up at three o'clock in the afternoon. HIGHLAND SOCIETY of LONDON= Oa Thursday evening the members of this venerable society held their anniversary festival, in commemo ration of the victory of Alexandria, at the Free masons' Tavern, when an elegant dinner was provided for the occasion by Mr. Bacon, the proprietor of the tavern, a haggis (chieftain of the pudding race) hav ing been sent all the way from Dingwall for the feast. The society was established in 1778, and incorpos rated in 1815, " for preserving the martial spirit, dress, music, and language, the remains of Celtic li terature, and the antiquities of the ancient Caledo nians ; encouraging a kindly feeling between High landers in all parts of the world, and in other respects promoting the general welfare of the northern parts of the kingdom." Lieutenant-General Sir James Macdonell, K.C.8., presided over the festivities of the evening; and amongst the company present we noticed—Major- General Sir Jelin Rolt, K.C.8., Colonel Sir John M. Wilson, Sir Juhn Campbell, K.C.H., Colonel Crabb, Sir Charles Forbes, M.D., Captain John Forbes. B.N. Captain Lamont, R.N., Captain Jay, R.N , The dhisholm, W. Bisset, Esq., of Lessen drum ; A. White, Esq., Deputy-Inspector-General of Hospitals; the Rev. Chas. Mackenzie, Alex. G. WK.-el:he Colonel Brandling, Major Money penny, Dr. Es re, .1. A. Beaumont, Esq., James olurrny, Esq, Major 1114 Queer, G. Hein, Esq., D. C. Guthrie, Esq . , Hon. Edward Wrottesley, S,r Robert Murray, Bart., Charles It. Mackenzie, Esq, &c. The company consisted of about one hundred gentlemen, many of whom were dressed in military, naval, and Highland costume; and the gallery, across the foot of the magnificent room in which the festival was held, was filled with a number of elegantly dressed ladies. The baud of the Caledonian Asylum boys played during the dinner, and subsequently the Queen's piper and his brother, the Society's piper, played several airs, appropriately filling up the pauses in the entertainment. We have seen a larger proportion of the company present arrayed in the Highland garb on former oc casions ; but the festivities of the evening were car ried forward with unusual spirit, and the sense of enjoyment never appeared to flag for a moment. Mr. C. Cooper, on the special request of the Chair man, sung the fine old Jacobite song, " Heigh Johnny , Cope," with so much of true taste and genuine nation ality of feeling, as to elicit the enthusiastic accla mations of the company over and over again. Upon Mr. Cooper the mantle of Wilson, the Scottish vo calist, whose death we had recently to deplore, may be said to have fallen. He sings the airs of Scotland with a pathos and a beauty scarcely, if at all inferior to poor Wilson, and which point to him as his only legitimate successor. Departing in some measure from the prescribed list of toasts, the Chairman gave to the festival a pleasing absence of formality, which would not otherwise have characterised it. 'Le usual loyal toasts having been drunk, The Gallant CHAIRMAN next gave " The navy and army." He cheerfully gave the precedence to the sister service, because he himself belonged to the army. Captain Foanes, R.N., returned thanks for the navy, and in a vivid and true sailor-like style de scribed the landing of the British force, as he had witnessed it under cover of the English fleet on the beach, prior to the memorable battle of Alexandria. Major-General Sir Joule etoer returned thanks for the army in suitable terms. Mr. GUTHRIE, in a very able speech, proposed the health of the Chairman, and in doing so made honour able mention of the heroic conduct of Sir James Macdonell, while defending the farm of nougounenat against the French at the battle of Waterloo. The Gallant CHAIRMAN responded to the toast in a corresponding spirit. The CHAIRMAN then rose to give the toast of the evening. He said as there were strangers among the company, he would take the oppportunity of stating that, from the commencement of this corporation it had annually commemorated the victory of Alexan dria, with the view of doing honour to those who had taken part iu that memorable achievement. He had now to propose to them that they should drink to the memory of Sir R. Abercrombie and the heroes who fell with him in Egypt. The toast was drunk by the company standing, in solemn silence. Captain FORBE°, R.N., acknowledged the toast.' Colonel CRABBE, of the 74th Regiment, returned thanks to the toast of " The Visitors." The CHAIRNIAN then gave " Prosperity to the forthcoming Exhibition of Arts and Manufactures in 1851," to which Mr. WESTMACOTT responded. The toast of " Chiefs and Clans" having been given from the chair, and drunk with the greatest enthusiasm, The CHISUOLM rose to acknowledge it. Ifs said he had hoped on that occasion there would have been Present another individual of that order to which he himself was proud to belong, another Highland chief, who would have relieved him from the duty which had new devolved upon him. But to speak the truth he (the Chisholm) had so often been culled on to re spond to that same toast, and generally before many whom he now addressed, that he found it somewhat difficult for the hundredth time to play on the same chord, and to produce a varying sound.—(Cheers.) He would assure those whom he now addressed that the topic was one of which he should never become ashamed.—(Renewed cheers.) And why was he proud to stand there, as one of the order of chiefs and clans, to respond to that toast in the name of that order, and iu the name of the clansmen who formed the most material part of that order ? Why was he proud to stand there to answer for them ? It was simply because he believed national institutions to be the real basis of the cha racter which his countrymen had earned, and which, up to this day, he was proud to say they had never disgraced.—(Cheers.) He might be asked, us he had been asked recently, why should he in the pre sent day, whilst they as well as others acknowledged the integrity and unity of this country, take part in any society the object of which was to keep alive any peculiar sentiment of nationality ? His short re sponse to such a question was this—because he was proud of nationality.— (Cheers.) But in these days of utilitarianism he might be expected to give some better answer than that, and his answer was, because he believed a spirit of nationality to be so essentially a mainspring of action in promoting emulation among the various classes and the various nations which form our united kingdom, and to give so essential a stimulus to their exertions, that he thought it was useful to keep it alive.—(Cheers.) That nationality was already recognised in the services which were re presented by the Gallant Chairman himself and other gallant gentleman whom he saw around him. They found in the British army, that the spirit of nation ality was recognised; and, if he might be allowed to indulge his pride, he thought that spirit of nationality might be carried even still further into the sister pro fession.—(Hear, bear.) He could not forget that a certain frigate was manned by some of the natives of this isle, who had been cradled on the billows, which wash our northern and or western shores, and that that frigate and that crew were sailing under the command of a certain rum Commander of the name of Napier.—(Cheers and laughter.) And it would take a good ship and a smart crew either to capture or to out-sail her. But they were not allowed to dwell on theories. They had practical experience before them, and the British army furnished them with that expe rience. They had heard this evening allusions to Corunna and to Sir John Moore.—(Cheers.) He (The Chisholm) spoke in the presence of those who had had more experience than himself, and whose military education might, perhaps, have enabled them to form a better judgment than his own; but he knew no name he would pay greater homage to than that of Sir John Moore.—(Cheers.) They saw the advantage of appealing to nationality on the occasion when he drew up his horse on the heights of Corunna. When Sir John Moore passed his lii,;hlanders, what were his words? They were words which might well be mentioned in such an assembly as that, in the presence of those who bore part in the dangers and who witnessed the glorious achievements of his countrymen in Egypt—(Cheers)—and they might well be mentioned at a meeting of the High land Society on the 21st of March. His words were "Highlanders I Remember Egypt." (Great cheering.) Did any one whom he addressed think that there was a heart which beat beneath the broad plaids of that gallant and isolated clan which did not respond to the spirit-stirring encouragement which he gave?—(Cheers.) Did they think at that moment there was a single man who had not the firmly-knit brow, the firmly-compressed lips, and who did not preserve the death-like silence which characterizes the Highlander in the hour of difficulty and danger? Did they think there was one who did not feel within himself that he would remember the deeds which his father had done ?—(Cheers.) What was the result ? When the spirit of the gallant Moore was ebbing away, and when the wounded man was being borne in the plaid of a Highlander, he asked his staff—" Do the Highlanders stand their ground 1" He was told by an officer that they did, and ere the spirit of Moore fled to its rest, the same officer wes enabled to tell him "The Highlanders are advancing." Now be (The Chisholm) held that was an illustratien of theeffect of nationality. Bespoke under the correction of military men of ,experience, and he said he could not lay his hand on a regiment which had in aty way distinguished itself and which had not been animated by that feeling of nationality. He spoke not now of his own countrymen alone, but of those of every other 1 part of the dominions which formed our common country. And he thought there was not a Highland regiment which might not have been led into action by the same memorable words of Moore on the heights of Corunna, whether it were the 26th Came roniam., the 42d Highlanders, the 74th, or any other. It might be that among the too thick sprinkling of black, and blue coats, which he (The Chisholm) saw around him, fur he would rather have seen more kilts —(Laughter)—there might be Sir Joshua Walmslsy, Mr. Cobden, or some other member of the Peace Society.—(Laughter.) If so, he had one word to say to them, and it was this, that the recollections of glorious achievements in war were the elements which constituted the distinctive characteristic of the glory of the Highland soldier, which made him, he would not say the best, for he believed the English, the Irish, and the Welsh soldier might be just as good as he was, but among the best of soldiers, these were the elements which made him one of the best citizens of the world. There was, in the first place, a spirit of loyalty to his Sovereign, which was born with him.—(Cheers) In the next place, there was a spirit of subordination which he held to be bred in him, and which took its rise from the orders of chiefs and clans.—(Cheering.) And then there was the indomitable courage which possessed him, and if any one doubted that, he •(The Chisholm) would appeal to the gallant officers around him : and then there waa that endurance of suffering and diffi culty which nothing in the world could subdue, and thew were tempered by that practical morality which has for its basis the only foundation of all true morality—namely, a good religious education.-- (Cheers.) And that brought him (The Chisholm) to say--and he said it with confidence—that wherever he might meet a countryman, be would not use the words which Sir John Moore addressed to his Highlanders, but he would say, " Highlanders, wherever you are, remember you are Highlanders." (Cheers.) There was a talismanic power in that word, and he repeated it, that there was not one who bore the name that would dare to disgrace that name, or who would do an act which would sully the deeds which his fathers had done, or the glories of his country, the " Land of brown heath and shaggy wood, Land of the mountain and the flood."—(Cheering.) _ _ Other toasts followed, including that of the "Branch Societies," "G. Bain, E,q , the lion. Secretary," " The Ladies," &c. The proceedings were sustained with great animation till a late hour. In conclusion, we may mention, that in the Com mittee-room we were shown a painting by Mr. M'ian, representing a party of Highlanders defend ing a pass, which the distinguished artist has gener ousrty given to the society, with the view of the picture beisig raffled, or otherwise disposed of, for the pur pose of contributing to the relief of the frightful des titution which now pervades the Highland district of Moidart, a spot well known as the first place where the Pretender landed. CO URT CIRC ULAR. The Queen held a Court and Privy Council yes terday afternoon, at Buckingham Palace. Viscount Ebrington had an audience of the Queen, and on his behalf, his father, the Earl Fortescue, re signed his wand of office as the Lord Steward of her Majesty's Household. The Marquis of Westminster had an audience of her Majesty to kiss hands on being appointed the Lord Steward of the Queen's Household. The Noble Marquis received from the Queen his wand of office. The Marquis of Lansdowne had an audience of her Majesty. The Privy Council was attended by his Royal Highness Prince Albert, the Marquis of Lansdowne (Lord President), Lord John Russell (First Lord of the Treasury), Sir George Grey (Secretary of State for the Home Department), Earl Grey (Secretary of Stute for the Colonies), the Earl of Carlisle (Chan cellor of the Duchy of Lancaster), Sir John Hob house (President of the Board of Control), the Mar quis of Westminster (Lord Steward), and the Marquis of Breadalbane (Lord Chamberlain). At the Council the most Honourable Richard Marquis of Westminster was, by command of the Queen, sworn of her Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council, and took his seat at the board. • The Hon. William Bathurst was the Clerk of the Council in Waiting. After the Council the Queen gave audience to Lord J. Russell. The Court was attended by the Marquis of An glesey, Gold Stick in Waiting ; the Treasurer of the Household, the Vice-Chatnberlain, the Comptroller of the Household, the Earl of Morley, Lord in Waiting ; and Mr. R. Ormsby Gore, Groom in Waiting Tie Queen, with the Prince of Wales and the Princess Royal, attended by the Lady in Waiting, the Vi,countess Jocelyn, took n drive in an open carriage and four, yesterday. The Equerry in Waiting, Lord A.3fred Paget, attended on horseback. His Royal Highness Prince Albert presided yet terday afternoon at a meeting of the Commission for promoting and encouraging the Fine Arts in re building the nlace of Westminster. Ifs Royal Iti; - zhness arrived at the new Palace at tilt ce o'clock, atlendei by Colonel Bouverie. The Commissioners pre: , eat were the Earl of Ahrr &en, Viscount Canning, Lord Colborne, the Right Hon. the Speaker of the House of Cotntuons, Viscount Mahon, the Right Hon. Sir Robert Peel, the Right Hon. Sir James Graham, ,Sir Robert H. logli3, and Mr. Hallam. The Secretary, Mr. Emlske, was in attemdance. The meeting broke up at a quarter past six o'clock. The Queen had a dinner party yesterday evening at Buckingham Palace. The comrny included Baron Keller, the Earl of Aberdeen, Lord Ashburton, Lord and Lady Colborne, Lord Fitzroy Somerset, Lord and Lady Mircus Hill, Sir William Gramm, Lieut.-Colonel the lion. C. B. Phipps, Mjor Raw linson, and Mr. Hallam. The band of the Royal Regiment of Horse Guards attended in the Palace during the dinner, and, under the direction of Mr. Tutton, played the following pieces : Overture, " Lodciska" Cherubini. Waltz, " Caroline" Selection, "La Favorite" Polk, "Enchanted Hope" Prince Alfred, the Princess Alice, and the Princess Helena, took their accustomed exercise yesterday in the garden of Buckingham Palace. Viscount de Moncorvo, the Portuguese Minister, had an interview with the Right Hon. H. Labouchera 3 esterday. The Belgian Minister had also an inter view yesterday with the Right Hcn. Gentleman in the office of tee Board of Trade. His Excellency the American Minister, Mils. a n d Miss Lawrence, have left town on a visit to his Grace the Duke of Rutland. Belvoir Castle. The Right lion. T. Milner Gibson, M.P., Mr. Bright, M.P., and a deputation, had an interview with Lord John Russell yesterday at his official residence in Downing-street. Sir iledworth Williamson and Mr. Hudson had an interliew with the Right lion. 11. Labouchere yes terday. The Mayor of Halifax and Mr. Gregory attended at the office of the Railway Commisioners to present a memorial. Dispatches were sent off last evening from the Co lonial-office for the Governors of the North American Colonies. ENTERTAINMENT TO MAJOR EDWARDES, C. 8., AT SHREWSBURY. The gallant Major Edwardes was entertained on Wednesday last, by his fellow-townsmen of Shrews bury, at a grand banquet, at which nearly 300 guests were present. The entertainment took place in the Music Hall, the worshipful the Mayor presiding. On rising to return thanks for his reception, the Major, after a warm compliment to Sir Richard Jenkins fur his administration at Nagpore, thus narrated the events of his own career : " I was sent out to India by Sir Richard Jenkins, and that appointment removed me at once from the cold mother country, where I had neither health nor talent to stru gg l e for the slow prizes of civil life, and transferred me to that more genial clime, whose boundless plains are only emblematical of the fields of usefulness and promis e which they open to every one who ventures forth in a right spirit, pur posing only to become great himself by being use ful to others. Once launched in such a service as that of the East India Company, it would have been my own fault had I not by industry risen to independence. But if I had done more than that —if I have arrived at honour, I owe it, and desire to acknowledge that I owe it, under P rov id ence, to the staunch friends I have met in life—Sir Richard Jenkins in this country ; Lord Gough, Lord Hare dirge, and Sir Henry Lawrence in India. In 1845 I had no interest of any kind ; I was a poor subaltern in my regiment, when L or d Gough, then Sir Hugh, elected me to fill a v acancy i n his per soral staff. This was in the beginning of November, 1845, and only a few days aft erwar d s the S i ekh army invaded British India, and we were plunged into the first Slat' war. Here was I then at once placed in, a position to study war p ract i ca l ly, on the largest scale, and under the greatest advantages, at the right hand of the British general. And I can tell you that the man who riles by the right hand of Hugh Viscount Gough through a campaign, as the Irishman would say, is in a " mighty convenient place to see a good dale o f it." If be wants an insight i nto the principles of war, he is likely to meet with a good many eye- o p eners i n such a situation : and I can tell you a story in proof of it. In our very first battle Of Atoodkee, on the 18th of December, before the two hostile lines of infantry had met, two staff officers simultaneously galloped up to the commander-in chief—' The enemy's cavalry, your Excellency, ha ve outflanked us on the.. right, s ai d one-- • The enemy's cavalry, your Excellency, have outflanked us on the left,' said the other. So there were 15,000 horsemen turning each flank at the eame InC). THE SUN`, LONDON, • SATURDAY EVENING, MARCII 23, 1850