The Sun. — London, England, 1857-03-06 00:00:00

THE iSUI4, LONDON, FRIDAY EVENING,. MARCH 6_, 1857. possible for me to do so. The question is an urgent one. I have a motion which I intended to make in committee of ways and means, and I am bound to say that nothing has been said by my noble friend which would lead me to think that there will be any cause for this house, during the limited term of its existence, to relax its vigilance in regard to the taxation and expenditure of the country. (Cheers.) Upon tbat principle it is my intention to act; though of course the application of that principle must depend upon what may be said by my noble friend ; but I concur in hoping that every practical facility will be afforded for the despatch of business. (Hear.) Mr. T. DUNCOMBE said that those gentlemen who had met by accident in the lobby the other night would not be likely to meet there again if any vote could be taken on the question before the house. The right hon. gentleman (Mr. Gladstone) had been attempting to mystify the house upon this question. He stated that the resolution agreed to on Tuesday was not the resolu tion of Mr. Cobden, but was the solemn judgment of the house. Well, from that judgment the noble lord was going to appeal to the country. (Hear.) The right hon. gentleman said, "Look at the division list." But what did he say it contained ? He only mentioned the noble lord the member for the City of London. Was there, then, to be no appeal from the decision of that noble lord ? (Laughter.) They were not to call it a "combination ;" but there appeared to have been some thing very like a union of parties. (Hear, hear.) It was, at all events, a very remarkable circumstance, that a motion very similar to that of the hon. member was pro posed in another place by the noble earl the leader of the Conservative party, and a warm interest was taken by gentlemen in this house in the success of that motion. (Rear, hear.) The noble viscount naturally thought that a motion introduced by Lord Derby, and supported by gentlemen who were generally known in the country as the peace-at-any-price party, and by his former col leagues below the gangway, looked something like a c nnbination. (Hear, hear.) The right hon. gentleman said, "Look at the division list !" Well, the noble vis count was perfectly justified by that list in appealing to the country. (Cheers.) On which side did those who re present large constituencies vote? Of fifteen metropo litan members—(laughter)—twelve voted with the Go vernment. Where again was the West Riding ? The hon. gentleman the present member for the West Riding —(laughter) —moved the resolution ; but his colleague voted against him. (Hear, bear.) They laughed at the metropolis—let them laugh at LiverpOol and Birming ham. (Hear.) The right hon. gentleman the mem ber for Bucks and the member for the University were not likely to meet again in the lobby ; for the one said the noble viscount had dealt frankly and honestly with the house; and the other said he bad voted diseegenu ou•ly. The right hon. gentleman (Mr. Gladstone) said he must have an answer to the question of the bon. gen tleman (Mr Cobden), whether the future policy of the Government with regard to China was to be changed. The noble I)rd bad told them it was not. (Hear, hear.) The noble lord was going to appeal to the country on that issue, and the verdict would be in his favour ; be cause the country thought he had maintained the na tional honour, and had done right in determining not to permit treaties to be evaded with impunity. (Cheers.) The noble lord was going to ask the public whether they approved of his liberal foreign policy. (Oh, oh.) It was a liberal policy ; and the public would ask themselves where, if Lord Aberdeen's Government had remained in power, we should have been now ? We should have had a peace very different from that which the noble viscount had secured for, us. The noble lord (Lord J. Russell) was the British lion when be stood at the table; but he was a spaniel at Vienna. (Laughter.) The house would recol'ect what the right hon. gentleman the mem ber for the University had said about the Russian war. He said it was a wicked war— Mr. GLADSTONE—I beg pardon. (Order.) I be lieve I am within the order of the house in contradicting the bon gentleman. I never raid a syllable of the kind ; and I have often said just the reverse. (Rear.) Mr. D UNCO MBE was not stlting anything the right hon. gentleman had said tbat night; but the right hon. gentleman had declared 'that the war Ought not to have been entered upon—(no, no)—and that the Empe ror of Russia ought to have been reimbursed for the ex penses of the war. (Oh !oh I and laughter.) Mr. GLA.DSTONE—I rise to protest against that statement. (Order, order.) Well, if lam not to be per mitted the usual privilege of members I will sit down. Mr. DUNCOMBE had certainly understood the right hon. gentleman to say so—it Wit 3 during the discussion after the return of the noble lord (Lord J. Russell) from Vienna. No doubt the right hon. gentleman had ap proved of the war; and his subsequent disapproval of it was what he (Mr. Duncombe) could never understand. But the right hon. gentleman did disapprove of the way in which it was carried on. (Hear, hear.) Then there was the right hon. gentleman the member for Wiltshire. He ('dr. Duncombe) supposed he was wrong again— (laughter)—but he understood that right hen, gentleman to concur in condemning the war. Mr. S. HERBERT—I never said any such thing. (Laughter.) Mr. DUNCOMBE—The right hon. gentleman during the discussion after the noble lord's return-from Vienna said wo ought to have been content with two of the four point ±. Mr. B. HERBERT—No, no. (Laughter.) Mr. DUNCOMBE—Do you mean to say you didn't? (Loud laughter.) Well, then, it was three points. (A laugh.) Then there was the right hon. baronet the mem ber fur Carlisle. (Laughter, and cries of "Question.") They said the Government bad no policy; but what was the right hon. gentleman's policy ? He said, "Don't drive Russia to the wall." Did not he say that ? Well, but what did we go to war for but to drive Russia to the wall ? (Hear.) At last we did so, and we got a peace —deficient in some respects, no doubt, but a peace very different from that with which the right hon. gentlemen would have been sa , isfied. (Cheers.) The noble vie ceune's foreign policy, then, would meet with the sup port of the country. (Hear.) With regard to his domes tic poi cy—(laughter)—the noble viscount mint tale a more decided course. (Laughter and cheers.) The noble lord had sufficient diplomacy, if they liked to call it so, not to see the necessity of that. The noble lord had never said he was against all reform, but on the contrary be was a party to a very good bill, which was introduced by the noble lord the member for the City of London. Would the hon. gentlemen opposite give them a better ? (Rear, hear.) If he would only continue that course, and proclaim to the country that he would maintain the honour of our national flag—that be would not allow treaties to be evaded with impunity—be might defy that puny jea'ousy by which he was surrounded here (cheers) and set at nought the misrepre sentation to which he was exposed elsewhere, because he would receive the support of a very vast majority of that large c immunity whose interests were committed to his care, and who would not a ll ow th ose i nterests to be sacrificed to either unprincipled cabals or mere accidental meetings in lobbies. (Cheers.) Sir J. GRAHAM—I had thought that the objects of the present debate had been sufficiently wide and desul tory without introducing into it the topic which the last speaker has thought fit to raise - =-- the commencement and the oonduct of the Russian war. Unintentionally, no doubt, he has so much misrepresented what fell from former speakers, that I cannot allow this debate to close without offering a few words in explanation on behalf of myself and two rigfit hon. friends near me. They and myself were co leagues of the noble lord (Palmerston) and other gentlemen on the Treasury bench at the time of the declaration of war. We believed it to be just and ne cessary —we so declared it—at the commencement and during the progress, and from that declaration andethat opinion we have never swerved. Together with the noble lord, when we were his colleagues for a short time after the fall of the Aberdeen Administration, we werejparties to sending the noble lord(Russell) to Vienna, to negotiate peace, and so far from driving Russia to the wall, which I admit I declared to be impolitic, we were parties to the instructions given to that noble lord with reference to the negotfations at Vienna. I and my two right hon. friends stilt retain the opinion that peace with Russia might have been honourably and advantageously coti chided in conformity with those instructions, and in co incidence with the opinion of the noble lord who at tempted to negotiate the peace, and with that of the noble viscount, who was not only a party to those in structions, but was at the bead of the Government when they were framed. And, if we are to try these negotia tions at Vienna, or the conclusion of a peace by the ques tion—was Russia driven to the wall ? it must be re membered that the conclusion of peace left Russia with Sebastopol still in her possession, and if her po wer was somewhat broken in the Mack Sea, it is by no means impaired in the Baltic (Hear, hear.) Upon the question before the house, may I presume very shortly to express my opinion ? The noble lord (Russell) has referred to penal dissolutions of parliament. It cannot fora moment be doubted that the tbreateried dissolution is of a penal character. A dissolution of that description was resisted maximum. The Mutiny Bill for the army must be based upon souse definite number, and considering that the force proposed is the maximum, I should, for a time li mited, be willing to give my consent to that number, always leaving it perfectly open to the new Parliament to consider the number of men. There is another point to which I must allude, that of taxation ; and when the noble lord speaks in reply, I hope he will give us some clear notion of his policy on that question. I take it we are all agreed that no advantage should be taken of the technical ground on which the exaction of the 16d. in come tax for the year 1857 8, might be insisted on. It must be observed that there are two different itemscoms prised under the definition of the war income tax—one an addition or9d., made shortly after the commencement of the war, and a second item of 2d., now also partaking of a war charalter, making in all 11d., which was added during tbe•war. If the law as it now exists should not be maintained, the principle that ought to come into ope ration on the sth of April next is, that sd. in the pound only should be levied. A great question will arise before Parliatuent is dissolved—and it is impossible for us to pre vent it—what shall be the amount of income tax for the ensuing year ? That question must be considered with reference to the expenditure of the State and the policy of the Government ; and it cann o t b e cons id ere d apart from the question of the Persian and the Chinese wars. There is another question hardly less important upon which a decision also must become to. There is 4,500,0001. of arrear of the war income tax to be levied between the sth of April and the 6th of October ; and that sum, by the past decision of Parliament, has been appropriated to the extinction of a particular portion of debt, six mil lions of Exchequer bonds. It is sought by the Govern ment to apply that 4,500,000/. to the expenses of the current year. That void be a dep,arture from the policy that has been affirmed by this house in the most delibe rate manner. These are questions that cannot be post poned and must be decided. So also with respect to the tea duties, which stand for discussion to-morrow night.. (Hear, hear.) Were the law allowed to take its course, that duty would be ls. 3d. per lb. from sth April next. A notice stands for to-morrow night for the Government to propose a considerable addition to that duty. It will be for the house to consider whether, being about to meet our • constituents, we shall impose upon two articles of first necessity, next to bread, a heavy additional tax, partaking of the n a tu re o f a war I tax. (Hear, bear.) admit that the duty on spirits is a duty which ought to be carried to the utmost extent consistent with security to the revenue ; but there is a war duty of 100,0001. a year which it is sought to ren der permanent. Ido not ab ject to that; but there are questions of finance which must be dealt with, and dealt with immediately. This being s and as much discussion must ensue in the pre-eat Parliament with reference to these important matters, I think some explicit informa tion from the noble lord as to the course he intends to pursue with reference to taxation would be not only for the convenience of the house, but that it is just to the community. (Hear, hear.) Sir J. PAKINGTON said it was clear that the Go vernment paid no deference to the vote of that house. (Hear, hear.) It was most desirable that they should know what were the intentions of the Government as to the Chinese war—(hear)—more especially after the state ment of Mr. Duacombe that the Government did not intend to alter their Chinese policy in any degree, or make any change in the hands to which the conduct of our affairs there was committed. (Hear, hear.) He had fully expected that the noble lord would announce his intention of appealing to the country, but he had exoected that that announcement would have been accompanied by a declaration that the conduct of our affairs in China was no longer to be left in those unsafe and incompetent bands. (Hear, bear.) He inferred, from the silence of the noble lord and the evasive speeches of his two colleagues, that the Government had not yet made up their minds on the subject. Before the house was called on to vote supplies, with a view to facilitate the dissolution, he hoped the Government would state what policy they meant to adopt on this question. (Hear, hear.) It was now denied by Sir G. Grey that the hostilities in China arose from a desire to obtain by force of arms the right of entry into Canton. What, then, were we carrying on the war for? What was its real object (Hear, hear.) He had heard with surprise the statement that any danger to British life or property there would be traceable to the vote of Tuesday night. He appealed to the journals of the day to show whether the deplorable course that had been pursued by our officals in China had not been already attended with such danger to British life and interests, that it was scarcely possible for it to be aggravated by any effect of the late vote. After that vote, the simple de claration of the noble lord that steps had been taken for the protection of life and property there was not enough. He was willing to afl ird every facility to the Govern meet in transacting business essential to be done before the dissolution, so far as that was consistent with the interests of our fellow-countrymen • but they had a right to know from th e no bl e lord whether the conduct of affairs in China was or was not to be left in the same unsafe and incompetent hands. (Hear, hear.) Mr. W. J. FOX said that imputations having been thrown out by the noble lord at the head of the Govern ment and the hon. member for Finsbury as to the motives of those who had voted in the majority the other night, he felt he owed it to himself and his in.tependent friends to repel anythinr , like party spirit up on th e occas i on re ferred to. He t hought it was one of the most unjust im putations that could be made. (Hear, hear.) Nothing could be more alien from those feelings and sentiments which really induced them to give their honest votes on Tuesday night. He confessed ho had great difficulties in making up his mind to vote for the motion. He certainly had no wish to do anything that would assist in the resto ration of the Derby Government, whether by themselves or in conjunction with the members of any other party. Although the noble lord had disappointed his expectations in many respects--although he thbught that the policy of the noble lord tended to lower the flag of England, he was not disposed to vote for the opposite party. Although they were called the peace-at-any-price" party, they had made many sacrifices during the late war, in order to strengthen the hands of the Government, and to support the honour and the dignity of the country. With regard to Sir John Bowring, he (Mr. Fox) had had a long friend ship for him ; he admired him for the versatilityof his talents, his upright principles, pure integrity, and high-minded patriotism. Nevertheless he could not blind -his eyes to the aet to which he was a party in Canton; and which was so opposed to the honour and the int eres t s o f th e country. He (Hr. F.) believed that Sir John B owr i ng was d r i ven from the carrying out of his own na t ural good intentions by those pernicious influences with whi c h h e was sur rounded. Everyn Inrep r e s entatives svhasheedoeof opinion wa s th ere ; and it wasfall the hi g h pr i nc i ples held in that majority of Tuesd a y n i g h t t h ere were therefore evident that nothing but the force of truth and honest conviction could have brought together such a body. on in China. The only h onour they (Hear, hear.) There was no honour in such a w ar as th ey were now carrying could get from it was to stop it practically at once. Sir F. BARING said ho had heard from all sides, with much pleasure, satisfaction expressed hi regar d to the in tentions of the Government to appeal to the country, and he was sure that no attempt would be made to throw any Unnecessary opposition in the way of the Government. In such cases as that of the resent defeat of the Government they always heard the same cry raised of a conspiracy of parties. He could only say that he never gave a vote with more personal pain, nor none with a clearer conscience; and if the time were to come again, and if it was the last vote he could ever give, he would give that vo t e w ith th e were to go to th e coun t r y upon a q uestion as perfectlthe poli c y o f h er M a j esty ' s Go vernment, n stt m h e en n t o , b o r e rather whet h ertrnhdc l o rd, thatsty (Hear.) H e wou ld venture to a they w of Sir John Bowring, was to have the approval of the people of this kingdom—he would ask the noble lord, under such circumstances, to inform the house whether Sir John Bowring was to continue in his pl h a a c r e l of that functionary; but the feeling was anything present hear.) He did not wish to say strongly impressed on his mind that so long as the carry ing out of the instructions of the Government were en trusted to his hands, all the conciliatory efforts of the Government would be in vain. Although they hal heard many gentlemen defend the proceedings in a legal point of view, except on the Treasury bench, and hardly even there, was there a man who ventured to support the course taken by Sir John Bowring ? (Hear, hear.) He would ask, then, the Government to declare whether, in the face of such facts, they intended to retain Sir J. Bowling in his present position? He did not think that the fortunes of this country, the fate of thousands, and the questions of war and peace, should any longer bo entrusts(' to the care o f Si r J. Bowr ing. Mr. BENTINCK said—l will not detain the house for more than a 'moment. The right hon. gentleman opposite, the member for the University of Oxford, after indulging a great deal on the subject of combination, did me the ho nour to refer to some remarks I had made, Which he as cribed to what he was pleased to call my lively imagina tion. Sir, I will only say that I shall receive with due respect any statement of the right hon. gentleman as to the origin and character of party combinations, relying uon his exerence in such matters. (Hear, hear. I only regret that the right hon. gentleman did not gee step further and tell us whether, at this moment, h e rea ll y wished to carry t hi s combin ation to a more substantial conclusion. (Laughter.) I have only one word more to say. If it be my good fortune to meet the right hon. gentleman again within the walls of this house at a future period—l say it without meaning him any disrespect or discourtesy —I hope we shall meet, as we do now, on op. posite side,. (Hear, hear, and laughter.) If that should belay fortune, it is possible I shall again have to remind him of the remarks be has made to-night upon the subject of political combinations. (Cheers.) Lord PA IsMERSTON—Sir, with regard to the desire expressed by the right hon. baronet the member for Car lisle, that I should enter into an explanation upon subjects t c e o r n a n a e r ct fi c a d a n w c i e t , h a h x a a v t e l on only ,a nt-01 say w t h with the I d estimateslnat thinkand mat finance, thatat the present is an appropriate one for going into such a question. My right hon, friend the Chancellor of the Ex chequer will, to-morrow, in committee of ways and means, give every explanation that can reasonably be asked for in that direction. ' previous concert with the right hon. gentleman the mem ber for Buckinghamshire; and which I think will be con.; sidered by the latter as an unfortunate omen of the co operatiou—if it is to be one—which is to complete the combination between him and the right hon. gentleman the member for the University of Oxford. (Laughter.) But, air, I said nothing to-night in regard to combinations or conspiracies that could give offence to any man I stated merely a fact, which you may call a combination, or, indeed, you may describe it as an accidental and for tuitous concurrence of atoms. (Great laughter.) You may call it, too, an accidental meeting of different gentlemen in the same lobby. (Hear, hear.) But when gentlemen find themselves voting in the same lobby, surely it is not unnatural to find themselves uniting together to form an administration. (Cheers.) Now, I did not mention this as any reproach. I stated it, on the contrary, as a fact, while agreeing with the right hon. gentleman the member for Buckinghamshire in the principle he has laid down, that it is not inconvenient or injurious to the coun try to prepare in time for a great change, and that thero must be elements to form another Administration if the country should think we do not deserve its support. I therefore think that much which has fallen from the right hon. gentleman was inappropriate to this occasion. (Hear.) My noble friend the member for the City, always disposed to follow in the foootsteps of that statesman to whom formerly he gave so constant a support, has told us that Mr. Fox on some occasion called a dissolution a "penal" disso lution ; and my noble friend, following this precedent, thinks this a penal dissolution—a punishment of the House of Commons. (Laughter.) Sir, that is a strange doctrine of those who think they are speaking the sentiments of their constituents, and only re-echoing the opinion of the country —(he”r, hear)—of those who think that this judgment is identical with the judgment of the country. Why, so far from their looking at a renewed intercourse with their con stituents as a punishment, they ought to interpret it as a triumph, and rejoice at the opportunity of coming back to this house streng.hened and supported in their antagonism to the Government by the recorded opinion of those who return them to Parliament. (Laughter, and "hear, hear.") Well, sir, so much for the dissolution. The right hon. gentleman the member for the University of Oxford, amongst others, charges her Majesty's Government with having entered into a Chinese war without the sanction of Parliament. Sir, we entered into no Chinese war. Mr. GLADSTONE--I never said so. (Cheers and coun ter cheers.) Lord PALMERSTON—The right hon. gentleman might not have intended to say it. Mr. GLADSTONE —I said a Persian war. (" Hear," and "No, no.") Lord PALMERSTON—WeII, lam very glad that which the right hon. gentleman conveyed to our ears was not in his mind--(laughter)—for it would have been smolt prepos terous statement, as every one knows that those events in China happened not only without our previous knowledge, but that we were as much surprised at the announcement of those occurrences as the right hon. gentleman, or any other person who had perhaps learned them for the first time by the papers cad despatches which have recen`ly been published. (Hear.) As regards those operations, the house has undoubtedly a right to ask what is the intended policy of her Majesty's Government ? (Hear.) Now I think there is to change, and there can be no change, in the policy of her Majesty's Government. The, policy of her Majesty's Government, as much in China as elsewhere, is security for the lives and properties of British subjects-- to maintain the rights of this country, as arising out of treaty obligations—to endeavour by negotiation either to conclude existing relations, or to restore those relations of which recent unfortunate events have brought about a rupture. (Hear.) It will be our duty, as has been said by my right hon. friend the First Lord of the Admiralty, to take such measures as w ill i nsure every possible exertion Ito afford security to British residents in China. (Hear.) No one knows better than the right hon. baronet the mem ber for Carlisle that that is an important matter, requiring great care ; for he has on former occasions, if not on this— I will not say magnified the danger to which British inte rests are exposed, but said that those interests are so varied and scattered that they require the most carefully devised measures for their protection. (Hear.) I shall repeat what was stated in the course of the debate the other night, that our intention, even before this outbreak, was, in conjunc tion with the Government of France, and if possible, as we hoped, with the Government of the United States, to endeavour to procure, by negotiation with the Court of Pekin, an improvement in the state of our relations with the Chinese Every one will admit that if an improvement in these relations could be obtained it would be a gaeat ad vantage to civilisation, and conduce very mush to the inte rests of British industry. I allow that this is a difficult mat ter ; and the difficulty must be increased by the unfortunate events that have lately occurred. (Hear.) Without stating anything precise —and I do not think the house will expect that I should do so—l may say that the subject is still under the consideration of her Majesty's Government; and I am bound to add that it must necessarily be a sub ject of serious deliberation on the part of her Majesty's Government who the person is to be to whom shall be com mitted so grave and important a duty. (Hear, hear.) It must, I think, strike every one that if a person could be found who could start from these shores imbued with the feelings of the British Government and the recipient of their further instructions, a person of that sort would have more weight with the Chinese than any person now in Chita. (Hear, hear.) In saying that I hope the house will allow me to add that I am by no means underrating the merits of Dr. Bowring—(ironical cries of " Hear, hear")—to whom I think the greatest injustice has been done—whose merits have been disparaged to a degree that astonished me. At the same time her Majesty's Govern ment cannot shut their eyes to the gravity and importance of the matter, and to the fact that it will be their duty to select for these negotiations—if it take plade—such a per son as they think moat capable of conducting them on the part of this country. (Hear, hear.) I trust, sir, that this is as much as the house will expect. I say our policy is the same. That poli c y i s t o ma i n t a i n our rights, defend our fellow-subjects, and improve our relations with China; and I hope it will be found that in selecting means for the fulfilment of these ends we shall have a due regard to that duty which we owe to the people of this country. (Hear.) Mr. SPOONER was of opinion that no consideration ought to be allowed to interfere with the recall of Sir J. Bowring. The noble viscount said Sir John was unjustly used; but what did he say to that false statement in which he declared that the Chinese were perfectly right in what they did—that the Arrow was not entitled to any protec tion, while a few days afterwards he declared that the Chinese were wrong? Sir J. Bowring had disgraced the character of this country. The noble viscount would never carry with him the confidence of the country as long as he maintained in his post an official who had disgraced himself by a falsehood, and had put a stain on the British character. Mr. R. KER said that his duty was to look for Conser vatism where he could find it, and if he could find it on the opposite (the Ministerial) benches he felt bound to adopt it, and not ally himself with parties exhibiting such discordant elements as those who opposed the noble lord at the head of the Government. (Hear.) FINANCIAL PROPOSITIONS OF THE GOVERN MENT. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said that the debate bad assumed to so great an .extent the charac ter of an adjourned debate upon China that he had• ab stained from rising at an earlier period. He wished now to give notice that to-morrow he should make the same proposition to the House with regard to the income-tax for the ensuing year, which he had already announced, omitting, however, any proposal with respect to the two subsequent years. He did not desire to ask the house to agree to anything that was not necessary for the ensuing year, and he should therefore move to-morrow for the re duction of the income-tax for the next year from 16d. to 7d. for incomes above 1501., and SJ. for incomes between 1501. and 1001. It would be unnecessary to propose a re solution in Ways and Means, as no new charge could ba laid on, and to-morrow ho would move for leave to kin.' in a bill to carry out the p ro p os iti on h e h a d men ti one d . ' With regard to tea on l sugar, he should confine his pro posals to the next current year, and he should move to morrow the rates of duty that he proposed to adopt for next year. Sir J. GRAHAM took it for granted that the Chancel lor of the Exchequer would not divide the, house to-mor row night on these proposals. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER proposed to go into Ways and Means to-morrow upon the sugar duties, and to make this the first order. Mr. GLADSTONE could not suppose his right hon. friend intended to move at night the resolution he had placed in the hands of members only the same morning. Such a course would bo entirely contrary to Parliamentary usage. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER would not press his motion to-morrow night if he thought it would be regarded as a surprise, but he did not propose any de viation from the scheme he had already announced, with one slight exception. He proposed tbat the duty upon tea should be ls. sd. next year, and that the sugar duties should remain exactly as they stood for the ensuing year. As this was proposing no material change he did no t see how his right hon. friend could assume that the house would be taken by surprise. Mr. GLADSTIJNE ^ submitted that the proposal as .to the tea duties was really the corner-atone of the whole matter. (" Order !") The SPEAKER said the right hon. gentleman might put a question to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, but there being no question before the house he must go on with the paper of the day. After the right hon. gentle man's motion was put it would not be competent for him to make a speech when there was no motion before the house. The subject then dropped. LAND TAX. Mr. MA.CKINNON moved for a select committee to consider the expediency of allowing a further redempti on of land tax, and also whether by any other means this tax -might be made more beneficial to the revenue of the coun try, and to the reduction of the national debt. He hoped that the GoverAment would not refuse him the committee. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER asked the hon. gentleman to consider, after the statement which had been made that evenins . , if it would be worth his while to press the motion on the house? It would not be easy to find 14 members to attend under present circumstances. He would suggest t his hon. friend whether he wo u ld no t postpone his motion to a more fitting time. Mr. MACKINNON felt the difficulty attending the motion at the present time, but ho hoped a future oppor tunity would bo at:fit - clod him. Motion withdrawn. by Mr. F,x ; it was resisted to the last extremity with respect to'the passing of the Mutiny Bal in 1784, and with all re s pect for that Treat constitutional authority, I do not think that example is a precedent which C;irglit to be followed. (Hear, hear.) That resistance was pushed to the last extremity ; but the patriotism of Mr. Fox and those who adhered to him, then constituting a majority of this house, seeing inevitable confusion and mischief to the state as the result of persevering in this measure, they gave way, and allowed the Mutiny Act to pass. This gave to their opponent, Mr. Pitt, an im mense advantage ; their protracted resistance placed him in power, which he retained fur years; and the party of which Mr. Fox was the distinguished leader lost much of the power and pre-eminence which until then they had enj•)yed. I think, therefore, both on con stitutional grounds, and with reference to txemple, tbat any such opposition to the passing of the Mutiny Bill ought carefully to be avoided. And therefore I entirely concur in the course proposed by the noble lord (Rus sell), that every facility - should be given for passing the Mutiny Bill for any period lass than a year. But the Mutiny Bill is necessarily based, with reference both to the marines and the army, upon the number of men to be voted by this house. With reference to the navy es timates, as to the force proposed, I should entertain not the least objection to vote the Mutiny Bill, not for a portion of the year, but fur the whole. With reference to the army, I certainly entertain the opinion that the force is larger than can be required, considering the state of profound peace which now happily exists in Europe, and with tho exception of the war in Persia—if it be still an exception—and of the China war, the sub ject of the recent debate. But, confining our view to Europe, and to the peace which prevails in the western world, I think that the force proposed is larger than the nocee,ity requires. If we are to takt thst force with re ference to P ers i a an d Chi na, I sholild demur t) being concluded by any such necessity to vote so large a force. it, meet be remembered that the force stated is the JUDGMENT 3 EX ECUT [ON. The order for the committee cu this bill was discharged ou the ihi oiltrtpassed.MEMßEß motion e A throughi r. Ctto T d oln h A TF t U tua l it l i p te eh . Au The.o house be counted, and there being only 28 members present, the house ad journed at fire minutes past eight. Sir J..ORAIIAM—IIas he given notice? Lord PA.LMERSTON—Yes. Sir J. GRAHAM— That is only the ordinary notice. lied he not better give a fresh notice? Lord PA LHERSTON—My right hon. friend will give a proper notico. A. great deal has been said this evening upon the one question, that it looked more like the pro longation and continuance of the debate upon China than a debate which naturally arose out of my statement. Sir, it was not nay intention to allude to the debate of last Tues day, nor will I do'so now. I cannot, however, help ob serving that the tone adopted by some hon. members to wards the Government appears to me a departure from that whichought to characterise our proceedings. (Hear, hear.) I must say, in one respect, that the right hon. gentleman the member for the University of Oxford has, to a certain degree, negative.l the charge of combination between him and the right hon. member for Buckingham shire, because combination implies to some extent a simi larity and identity of feeling. Now, the right hon. gentle man the member for Buckinghamshire, in what he stated, spoke with a calmness of temper—(hear, hear,)—and with a statesmanlike view of a groat occasion, which I think did honour to himself and the party to v'hich he belonged. The right hon. gentleman the member for the University of Oxford was, however, carried away by a fit of itnpetuo. sity and excitement, whicll certainly did not betoken ?JO' The suspension we announced yesterday of Messrs. Copland, Barnes, and Co., provision merchants. They were an old and respectable firm, and their difficulties are attributed to heavy losses on a contract for victual ling the steamers of the Royal Mail Company, espe cially on the ictercolonial rout,s. The amount of their liabilities has not transpired. AccA . ding to some ac counts it is about 40,0001. PRISON DISCIPLINE.—We understand that Sir George Grey has just made the following changes in the prison districts :—The Home District has been discontinued. Scotland, with the English counties north of the Hum ber and the Mersey (including the counties of York and Lancaster), is henceforward to be called the Northern District), under Sir John Kincaid. The other English counties are divided into a Central and a Southern Dis trict —the firmer under Mr. H. P. Voules and the latter under Mr. J. G. Perry, inspectors of prisons. LANCASHIRE AND YORKSHIRE IZAILWA.Y.—The half year:y meeting was held on Wednesday at Manchester, Mr. W. Stuart presiding. A dividend of 21. 104. per share on the 1001. stock, and the respective dividends due on the guaranteed shares was declared, the new Parliament can assemble. It is no immaterial 1 about a resolution of the member for the West Riding. concern. We debated for four days upon the questions I know a resolution which was once the resolution of that have arisen, and we came to the opinion that that my hon, friend, but has now become the so l emn judg which the Government deemed worthy of app rova l we meat of this house, (Loud cheers.) In th e course o f a thou long debate different views and different p r i nc i p l es an d • on the contrarythought deserving of our censure , different conclusions were strongly adopted and urged (Hear, hear.) Are we to agree that we will be en- upon the two sides of the question ; but no man went tirely mute, that votes of suppl y , one a f ter t h e ot h er, 0 further, and no man went so f ar i n v i n di ca ti ng t h e - are to be carried, and that we are no t t o as k w h at i s to wretched salts in the journals lc s pel yof which of to we-da have no y— read man som e of the went so far in re happen during this inte rva l ? (H ear. ) M y no bl e f r i en d u s aid the other night th a t th e o b ject o f the Government vindicating that miser a bl e p o li cy as t h e no bl e v i scoun t . (Hear.) I wont go into the details of the debate, but would be to protect the lives and property of British when my right hon. friend the Secretary of State accuses subjects. I have no doubt that that will be their ob. my hon. friend near ma of unfairness in stating that we jest, and that m y no bl e f r i en d w ill ta k e very e ffi c i en t were making war i n or d er t o secure th e en t ry f or Si r Bowring into C an t on , I w ill as k , if we are no t measures for so doing. I thi n k th a t th ese li ves an d that John property have been risked no t by th e vo t e o f thi s house making war for th a t o bj ec t , f or w h a t are we makingwar ? (Cheers.) It is upon record that the affair of the (cheers)—because it is not the echo of our vote which is Arrow is settled—for the right hon. gentleman cannot just reaching ns from China. The intelligence which is destroy the effect of the passage in whic h Consul object l reaching us is the intelligence of the consequences that Pa rkes for makes whi which we u tn n a c k e i m n e n w t a c anitlit is what t hen the entry is the have been produced by the policy which the authorities of air J. Bow r i ng i n t o Canton g ? We are told that the have pursued. (Cheers.) Well, then, may we not ask- House of Commons is to be dissolved, and lam not in while you take care to protect life and property in danger the least dissatisfied with that announcement. Sir, it by the policy which has been there pursued, will you will remain on record that the house was . dismissed h be not take some means for the adjustment of those la- cause it struck ut a a deadly l L f u l s o e w i grea t e a t t e a he disso le lv ":l 4 l ay; (Loud several mentable differences ? My right hon friend who has just eweeeekr:B4.) But , to ' elapse before the dissolution takes place, sat down, said my right friend the member for Wiltshire as several weeks more must pass without a Parliament misrepresented the Government when he said we were existing in this country, and as some time must elapse pursuing by hostilities the object of obtaining the in- even after the new Parliament assemblies before it can a definite n e dap,htts although matter— w th e t question ea uesti h o i. judgmentclear be a representation, and I think it is a very f a i r re p ro - f or t to ask is ae as th oentation of the state of the case ; but I land all the rest net Ministers have proved perfectly unabl e t o compre hend it—(a laugh)—upon what policy and what prin. of the house are left completely in the dark, and if we ciples are your affairs in Cnina to be carried on during state what we think is the object ot the war, we are sure the interval of three mouths which are before us ? (Loud to be told we are misrepresenti ng it. Th e consu l w h o cheers.) That, I think, is a quest i on to which this h demanded reparation i n th e case o f t h e Arrow dec l are ) house has the right to r equ i re an answer. For what is that all the demands on th a t su bj ec t were sa ti s fi e d . Then our position ? Hostiliti es h ave b een commenced in Can ten by the local repres en t a ti ves o f the British Govern we are pursuing some other object, and when my right went. Those hostilities have been adopted, appro hon. friend is asked what that object is, he wraps him- priated, made their own, vindicated in this house and in self up in general and obscur e t erms , an d sa y s we s h a ll the other hous e o f P ar li ament by the advisers of the settle on per manent It was the duty o f those a too dviseare now going forward.rs to have at once come terms our intercourse with China. Crown. Tho se h os tili t i ee Every one will agree that it is an object to be desired, down of thei r own accor d , and to have asked the judg but the question is, is this arranged on any principle went and approval of Parliament ; for I apprehend, sir, that the house has approved of ? or is it on any principle that the expenses of the war must fall upon the people they have disapproved of 1 and, secondly, who are to be of England ; and who is it that is authorised to fix upon the judges of what our f u t ure re l a ti ons w ith C h i na the people of England th e ex p ense o f carry i ng on a war ? should be ? Are they to b e p ersons i n w h om thi s h ouse Is it the noble visc oun t ? (Ch eers. ) I en t reat t hi s h ouse not to be beguiled into forgetfulnees of its most essential has no confidence ? (H ear , h ear .) If th at i s t h e case, I function, for it is our right and our right alone, to vote must say that when we are asked for large votes in sup- the supplies by which the hostilities in China are to be ply, it will be but reasonable that we should ask the Go- carried on. The hostilities have been condemned both as to their principl e an d th e i r o bj ec t ; yet h er Ma j esty ' s vernutent to declare what are th e t erms t h a t th ey pre pose to sok from China, an d w h a t are t h e ol je.cte they Government come d own t o th e h ouse; t h ey ca l l i ts so tenon decision a resolution of the member fir the West intend to pursue, because I believe the House of Com Riding ; and they distinctly intimate that the war is mons never was during the course of its existence placed to be carried on in China just as i: would have been if in this situation, that we should be required to show the our vote had never been come to. (Cheers.) Most anxi greatest measure of confidenc e i n a G overnmen t w h ose ous as I am, in com mon w ith th e r i g ht h on. gentleman the member for Bucki ng h ams hi re, to afford every just course of policy we disapprove—(h ear , h ear )—th at we and reasonable facility for forwarding p u bli c b us i ness, I shoull be required to give votes in supply, w h en a t the frankly own lam not prepared to abdicate an essential same time they do not declare what are the objects to duty of the House of Commons. The House of Commons which those votes are to be applied. It does not appear has been wronged, and its rights and privileges have been to me that it would be very difficult for them to d ec l are depreciated by her M a j es t y ' s G overnment. T hey have what their objects are. Ido n o t thi n k th ere wou ld b e oliles already be gun in commenced a war in Persia, they have adopted hoe-• any hesitation in agreei ng t o a ll th ose votes o f which Parliament. Sir, it is not China, t without the authority of es duty of Parliamnt to my noble friend spok e , w hi c h wou ld b e necessary i n order allow these things, and then to have a bill rendered e them, to enable the Crow n t o a pp ea l t o th e coun t ry b y a di sso an d b e to l l that that is the charge. If that is what the house is willing to submit to it may as well clone its doors, lotion. It may be, as many gentlemen seem to think, the state of parties would be cleared up by a dissolution, (Cheers.) timeil e e w r s e . ) v 0 t l e t is our fio e duty i:)e a f o s r e well hostilitiesas otr privilege,waged, and t and I can only say, having had my attention called to not afterward s s n — pi tO be the judges of the purpose to which this vote, I think the noble lord did not fai r ly represent it those supplies are to be appropriated. (Cheers.) It is vain when he said the question that occurred after that vote for the noble lord—l defy him to escape from the principle the other night was, whether the present Ministry should which the constitution of England has so well laid down, remain in office and appeal to the country, or whether a the right, namely, of Parliament, not only to vote supplies, Ministry should b e formed from a combination of the di!- but to judge of the purpose for which those supplies are fereat parties who had joined in that vote. I think that demanded. Sir, I hope that at least we shall obtain a anypersen reading an account of what had occnrred in clear answer—or indeed some answer, for as yet we have China might have come to the same result that the had absolutely none—from her Majesty's Governieetit house came to the other night without any concert or upon this question. My noble friend said that he would combination. (Cheers.) Ido not believe thet concert or move the adjournment of the house, in order that hon. combination ex sted. There is a great party, as every gentlemen might have an opportunity of . commenting one knows, sitting on the opposite side of the house. I upon the statement he was about to make. But instead do not know that they have a combination with any of making a statement upon which hon. gentlemen could other party, and Isuppcse they would be the persons to comment, he has withheld the whole pith and marrow of whom her Majesty, if she was obliged to have recourse to hie'promised statement. Ho has told us nothing, except other advisers, would have recourse to in vain to form a that we are goieg to be sent about our business ; and new administration. I can only say, therefore, that any the only thing left to hon, members is to get up and charge which may be made, and which no doubt wi Ihe ask questions, by which they lose their right of making got up for the elections—(hear)—of combinations, fac- any comments upon the statement of the noble lord tions, and unscrupulous combinations of parties in order which he may choose to make in reply. But, sir, while t ) attain certain objects, I believe ell those charges are I shall listen with- attention to the statement which I entirely false and celatnnious. (Cheers.) There is no one suppose my noble friend will presently make upon this in a condition to prove them, or who can bring to light vital and essentialsubject, I hope it will be understood that evidence in support of them. A great part of those who there is no pledge given —that there is no understanding sit on this side of the house concurred in that vote ; and whatever—which in any degree fetters the free action I believe, however the Gov ernmen t may a d m i re the acts and judgment of thi s h ouse , or w hi c h implies that we are of Sir 3. Bowring in China, they concur in disapproving about to play a mere Ministerial part in regard to the of them. They consider that a question—l care not who- taxation of the country, or are going to place , an office they it be a question whi c h concerns our relations with which is esseatially ours in the hands of the executive China, but a question which concerns war and hostilities, advisers of the Crown. Sir, the noble viscount has re which concerns the destruction of many live; and which ferred again to-day to the subject of combinations. He has reference to great calamitien—that was a question stated that he was beaten by a combination of parties, out on which they were bound to giVe an opinion irrespec- of which a new Government might perhaps be formed. tive of party. Fur my part I must, having heard that Now, I apprehend that many questions might be raised vote of the house sometimes directly and sometimes upon the meaning of the term "combination ;" but this covertly attacked, express my belief that there is no I will say, Ido not think there ever was an occasion upon vote that will do more honour to this Parliament than which it was less to the interest of a Government which that vote. If this Parliament is to have existence found itself in a minority to examine closely the con no longer it will redound al ways to their credit tents of the division late. (Loud cheers.) In cuniidering that when they were called upon by the voice of their the contents of those lists I put entirely out of view my country to engage in a contest with a great power, with right hon. friends who sit near me. I admit with regard one of the greatest powers in the world, they never hesi- to them, and with regard to myself, that our isolated po tated. They gave any supplies that were asked ; they sitinn makes us naturally the objects of suspicion ; and contributed any forces that were proposed ; they voted if we are accused of entering into combinations, though any number of men .that were required ; they never we may f ee l t h e c h arge to be unjust we must bear it shoved the least u nw illi ngness, t h e least backwardness, patiently. But, sir, putting those in whom I am moat in contending with that great power; but when it op-, interested, and putting my own character out of the peered that we were engaged in a war with an uriwarlike, question, I must ask, when it ever happened before that with an almost defenceless people, that thee, interposing a case arose so strong as to compel this house to check an interruption to the proceedings of the executive go- the mad career of the Government in a war at the extre vernment which they ha I not interposed before, they, on tnity of the earth ? Over and over again we have seen the part not less of humanity than of the honour of their this house challenged to condemn our foreign poliey ; country, censured the proceedings of the Government. but never on any single occasion, within my recollection, (Cheers.) I think that the vote was not only honourable has it been induced to interfere. (Cheers.) It has always in itself, but I believe it will be an honourable prem . lent felt too strongly its weakness and its want of inforina in the future history of this country. Pewiaments have tion on such matters ; and the presumption, therefore, its, been too prone to approve ot hostilities without consider- that the usage and fixed rule of the house has not been ing, and weighing, and Examining the grounds on which altered without reason, but that a stern necessity has tho e hostilities have been commenced. I think that this compelled it to interpose and rescue our dearest interests, house has shown that while they are ready to make any and dearer than all interests, the fame and honour of the sac. ifice for a just and necessary war they will not ap- empire from the hands of men who are unfit to guard prove blindly of any hostilities for which no just cause them? But whatare the facol as regards thissiapposed cem can be made out. After so much has been said against bination ? Firstly, the majority comprised that great . the vote of the other night, attributing it to any other party now in opposition, which at all times must either motive but a desire to arrive at a fair and honest decision be the first or second power in England. In the next upon the merits of the question, I cannot but protest place it comprised the name ef my noole friend the mem against those imputations, and I cannot but again express her for the city of London. (Cheers.) And who is my my hope that before this debate is ended my noble friend noble friend the member for the city of London ? (Hear.) who has the privilege of reply will give us some notion, Ido not speak of him as agreeing with him upon every some idea, of what are the objects of carrying on this political question, but I speak of him as history will re war with China, and what are the results that he is de- gard him henceforth, and as the English people regard eirous of arrivii g at. him now. (Cheers.) Is he not the man who has led, Mr. ROEBUCK—I rise to protest against one state- the liberal party in this oountry during a period of more meat of the noble lord at the head of the Government, cenidance t m ha o t st li ej er e a n i tful years—the man u t n h d e er r w en h t o e e s e t who has des,cribed his defeat as the result of a combine- triumphs it has ever won par I y (Ch s eers.) With him was tion of parties ; and by a combioatio a of partie s it is ob- combined the ablest and most distinguished man am wig vious he meaet a conspiracy of parties. (Cheers.) It is the popular leaders of England (Mr. Cobden). There tin, that hon. gentlemen of different political opinions was also an hon. and 'corned gentleman (Mr. Roebuck), w found th emse l ves in the Caine lobby; but why should that who was so far from b e i ng a p o li t i ca l enem y o f th e no bl e circumstance be considered proof of a cons iracy ? I Lord at the head of her Majesty's Government, that in 1850, when he thought that upon the whole the foreign speak for enyedf ar e f or a gettteineber of ge p htlernen in policy of the noble lord was satisfactory, he himself came this house, and I must seknew nothing combine, ion of parties, (C y hee; ) W of any forward, and, refusing to accept the decision of the We were called upon House of Lords, moved a resolution which led to what to give a vote upon a nrAtter', r.eielmi7dotlvoed the honour the noble lord justly regards as one of the most signal of of our country ;that honour I d i- have been en dangered by th e con d uct of the his political triumphs. (Ch eers. ) I thin k , then, i t i s a ag; inst him. 1 did th a t , sir, not noblebecauei agreedand I voted little too much for memb ers. o f th e G overnment now to hon. gentlemen oppo s it e , b ut b ecause I a . with cbsl'enge inquiry into th e cons ti tut i on o f the ma j or i ty •reed resolution. (Cheer s .) I th oug h t that dishl'onouiwaintdh d th i e of Tuesday last. (Loud cheers.) Tie noble viscount, former occasion, spoke net of . a combinaei in, grace awaited my country, and I thought the resolution- bu t of a " secret treaty" ter the n ce quisitien of office. was the only shield which could be placed between u s It di n „ honourable friend the member for the West and dishonour; and it was on that account I lent it my think, spoke of the nab viscount in terms which, I humble support. (Cheers.) Sir, we were tel 1 that WO Y did him honour, with respect to the noble lord's were tp-nieht to hear an explanation. - We have had no all m y friend j d eolitical oppenente. (Hear.) I adopt explanatien ; but we have heard a trumpery statement said ; and I gladly admit that the etonoitted to the house, and ce'l- d an explanatien, ' :Anne resentment, good Y hunio . ur olefath nevenow!heevnishceonutnt utters such ha inthtahte mouth sir, An explanation of what ?Of their policy ?No of any other man weld sound like te reproaches, p w r o ‘ t a h t el f e es. „( i) r..) sir, they have no policy—(loud cheers)—and they can therefore give us no explanation. The fact is, sir, a set of lam cure that the noble lord only men who act in the name of England hare disgraced Eng- nations" and " secret treaties" as use da w eap on e these f debate . ei l - land, line!, and this house, coming to th e rescue of England I, like the rest of the houee, keeid the right h e o g ' and of Engl aro l' i ho nour , h as d ec l are d aga i ns t th e noble tleman the member for Beekin dtaamtsahliire-makedna.nt-haenlet-- lord and his C evernment. (Cheers) If the noble 1 r I nouncement for which we were not had continued to be what he declared himself in times is to tay, an announcement that he intended i t 1 1 :::t, a supporter of liberal institution , ' we would not upon the application of certain principles to the regnun'aa as deserted him. It is he rather who h as d eser t e d us. tion of the pu bli c taxation. Upon the basis of that The n o bl e lord went where we would not follow bins public declaratioe, heard by the house and the Govern and because we fait ae o t t a- , o be had disgraced En land we voted merit at the same time that it was heard by us, we sup b. .ns on. (uheers ) ported the resolution of the right hon. gentleman, with Mr ' M.GRE G O I, II ea -iA f question has been put to the which our principles were thoroughly in harmony. nohle lord at the the hon, gentleman th o her Majesty's Government 1131 th e history of our " cornbinaton" which has not been (Cheers.) That is ans e cve member for the West Riding, with the right hon. gelitleman opposite. In the same It is this : What is to be manner we heard the hon. gentleman the member for the done with the representraeltdsi.vesirot the Geverrni•nt at Wtst Riling give notice of a motion for which we were Hong Kong ? (Cheers.) whom they delight .ad:ilin Bowring still to equally unprepared, - and in which we also thoroughly be the man sto going to put confidence iii hon our? :ma Ate they concurred. In consequence of thai; concurrence we gave e are d by the vote of this house tn hanek7ehioehas been d'. the best sepport uin public debete to my hon. of an indiscretion, but of a crime? mpe e r - , n go lty, riot friend's motion ; s and I suould like to know whether we to i'epresent the most powerful itefiocetltlefz:o):stisenneer:i'fit!! shoul I not have liesn guilty of the greatest breach id " " the world ? IS 1,11,1 ri e duty in both cases, if, with cur etrong cemvictione Sovereign in t i •oine tr China to ho under his conta 1? I hope that s tl g te fut i ' e t 1. - 0s t wilie s t the interests of the country requ red, we had fat sof Sir John Bo wring will be deviled upon befor e the P for a mnitient thought of pursuing another course I . 4 . e i , addreseee Via house sits d o (Coe , trs.) These are the "combinations" for which we nal: lord when he 3 own tire responsibl e and these alon e . Rear Our opinions Mr. GLADSTONE—Wheu at the end of what / inn t are b e f ore the C( country, and u liatevertia . y ) be fetid against be permitt e d t o ce ll the very bare and meagre stat erneet kl% it will -at least be admitted that c e have never theta. of the noble lord at t h e heal of h er Nr,:iitsty's Govern_ Brunk from stating those opinions. Our views upon meet the right hon. gentleman the member for Bucking. H ' l o " c •n k o a e rh taxation, and public expenditure have been ieihsaetttiflorth that thorn can be no doubt upon hatushire rose in his piece and stated that he would afferd every facility for disposing of public business, I cturse . pursued bey vi ews hlerl‘ a ra r j e es n t n ot ia o h v a e r r r ii ,:y .t with fu t i l l ie hare not the smallest doubt the right hon. gentletnal adroit, i brit I believe them to le strongly in harmony assumed that which we havo since found frou the an- w i th a.,. tie intereEte of the country ; and we mean to i ide by them hat ever ht severs of tho rig hon. gentlemen who have addressed of Public affairs. ( ;)v h e e r may happen in n the vicissitudes the house that we should have hem' wrong if we had too to state this ; and I now ets e ) av lt . ie due to the houeesfor us 'wilily aesurned—e Aeeee)—l mean that which my noble Norfolk (Mr. nentinek)lto s e ay it w t e t t h h e er ho it n. e m t e i mb i er for friend the member for the City of London has argued t respoede ei;i4th,catillttohat Lis lively and vigorous inmareeinyateieorn. in terms le orthy of himself, and in terrne which wilt has been le ' ' suggest ? (Laughter and cheers.) I am bound to add , before sitting down that ' carry conviction both to this house and te the country. to finance and public expenditure I f with regard am left entirely is (Loud cheers.) I can hardly express the atnazern.mt doubt, by what I euppose in courtesy must he called tb . with which I heard the speeches of the right hon, en- i statemen t of the noble viscount. He said he intended to o tae nen the First Lo r d of the Admiral 'y and the Secre- certain taxn for the year, and that he intended to tary of State for the Home Department, (Cheers ) Teo I take the estimates and the Mutiny Bill f or a part of the Secretary of State for the Home Department says he Year. I ?Should be glod to give tbe noble viscount the beet did nit uederstaed th e resonti o n of my hon, frietel the iefertnation in my poster as to the course I may think usetateer for the West Riding, Sir, I kriew nothing it right to pursue ; but my noble friend has made it im THEATRE ROYAL, DRURY LAN E.— Lessee, Mr. E. T. Smith. Acting MAnager, Mr. C. Mathews. Stage Manager, IN.:.r. R Boaby. Scenic Artist, ➢ir. W. Beverley. the emiecnt Comedian, Mr. Charles Mathews, every eve zing, Re-engagement of Mr. and Mrs. Keeley. Great Success of the Grand Christmas Pantomime..., the most magnificent ever produced on the English stage. THIS EVENING, her Majesty's Servants will perform the popular Comedy, - A CURE FOR THE HEARTACHE. Characters by Messrs. C. Mathews, Keeley, Vincent , TH. bury, Templeton, Carter, Walton ; Mrs. Frank Mattl:ews, Miss Cleveland, and Miss M. Oliver. After which will be produced SEE, SAW , MARGERY DAW ; - Or, Harlequin Holiday, and the Island of Ups and Downs. The reduced prices as follows, varying throughout the house to suit every one :—Galleries, 6d. and Is. ; S tcond Circle of Boxes, ls. 6d. ; Pit, 2s. ; First Circle of noses, .!.s. 6d. ; Dress Boxes, 35.; Stalls, is. -; Private Boxes, lOs. 6d., I'. ls., 1/. lls. 6d., and 2/. 25.! OYAL PRINCESS'S TH EAT RE. IL THIS EVENING, will be performed A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM. After which will be produced a new petite comedy, in two acts, called OUR WIFE ; or, The Rose of Amiens. Princi• pal characters by Messrs. Ryder, Harley, Fisher ; Misses Murre7 wad C. Leclercq. rUHEATRE ROYAL, HAYMARKET. L THIS EVENING, to commence at Seven, with the successful new Comedy, in three act; entitled, DOUBLE-FACED PEOPLE. Characters by Mr. Ruckstone, (r. Chippendale, Mr. Compton, Mr. W. Farren, Mr. Rorers, .fir. Clark, Miss Reynolds, Mrs. Poynter, and Mrs. E. Fitz wil' lam. Followed by (16th time) a new drama, called A 'PICKED WIFE. After which, GRIMSHAW, RAGSHAW, AND BRAD SHAW. To conclude with Moncriefra combo drama of THE IRRESISTIBLES. ROYAL LYCEUM THEATRE. Lessee, Mr. C. Dillon. THIS EVENING, will be performed the new drama, in five acts, by Westland Marston, Esq., entitled A LIFE'S RANSOM. Lord Revesdale, Mr. C. Dillon ; Bancroa, Mr. Stuart ; Felicia Revesdale, Mrs. C. Dillon. Followed by a new drama, by Stirling Coyne, Esq., e tatitled ANGEL OR DEVIL. Mr. and Mrs. C. Dillon, Mr, J. L. Toole, Mr. Barrett, &c. To conclude with * CONRAD AND MEDORA; sr, Harlequin Corsair and the Little Fairy at the Rot Lora of the Sea. The burlesque opening by W. Brough„ Esq., founded upon the ballet of Le Corsair, as produced : ,4 1 .11er Majesty's Theatre. The harlequinade upon thi ngs i n . fene. rat The new and magnificent scenery painted by If F. Fenton. Conrad (the Corsair) Miss Woolgar Birbarto (his lieutenant) Mr. J. L. Toole Med•ra Mrs. Charles Dillon Clowns Mr. H. Marshall The box-office open dally, from 11 to 5, under the, super atendence of Mr. Chatterton, jun. Carriages conveying parties to the Private Boxes to set down at the State entrance in Burleigh-street. THEATRE ROYAL,, ADEL PHI. Lessee—Mr. Ben. Webster. THIS EVENING, will be performed the popular drama of IRELAND AS IT IS. Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams. After which, A NIGHT AT NOTTING-HILL, in. which Mr. Wright and Pawl Bedford will appear. Followed by a new Piece de Caractere, entitled IM AND OUT OF PLACE. Mrs Barney Williams. To conclude with the new original comic drama, called BARNEY THE BARON. Barney O'Toole, Mr. Barney rj) OYAL SURREY THEATRE, RI) Lessees, Messrs. Shepherd and Creswiek. THIS EVENING, a 'new drama, entitled FRAUD AND ITS VICTIMS. Messrs. Creswick, Shepherd, &e. After which, HARLEQUIN AND THE SUMMER QUEEN. Harlequin, Mr F. Glover ; Clown, Mr. Buck ; Pantaloon, Mr. Bradbury; the Four Sprites, the Mils ; Columbines. Mesdames Marie and Agnes. THEATRE ROYAL, SADLER'S-WELLS. Under the Management of Mr. Phelps. THIS EVENING, will be performed WILLIAM TELL. Characters by Messrs. Phelps, H. Marston, J. W. Ray, L. Ball, A. Rayner, Williams ; Miss Atkinson. To conclude with THE HONEYMOON. TRAND THEATRE.—Manager, Mr. T. Payne.—This Evening will be per'ormed a new Drama, FASHION AND FAMINE ; or, The Straw berry Girl. Julia Warren, Little Cordelia Howard. Affer which, THE DEATH OF EVA, in which the Howard Family will appear. Followed by a Ballet Divertissement. To conclude with DON'T LEND YOUR UMBRELLA, Commence at Seven. Stalls, 3s. ; Boxes, 2s. ; Pit, Is. gallery, 6d. ROYAL OLYMPIC THEATRE. Lessee, Mr. Alfred Wigan. This Evening, the new drama, by Tom Taylor, Esq., called A SHEEP IN WOLF'S CLOTHING. A CONJUGAL LESSON. Lullaby, Mr. F. Robson. Followed by the new farce, by Bayle Bernard, Esq., called A SPLENDID INVESTMENT. Commence at half-past Seven. A STLEY'S ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE, AL Lessee and Manager, Mr. W. Cooke. • This Evening, with the original vocal music, and novel 'nd startling Equestrian Illustrations, invented by Mr. Wm. Cooke, the equestrian operatic drama of ROB ROY. Rob itoy, Mr. James Holloway. After which, the brilliant SCENES in the CIRCLE. To conclude with the equestrian harlequinade called PAUL PRY ON HORSEBACK. Commence at seven o'clock. Dress Boxes, 4s. ; Upper /3oxes, 3s. ; Private Boxes, from 1/., no charge for booking ; Pit, 2s. ; Gallery, Is. ; Upper Gallery, 6d. 1"ox office open from Eleven till Four. Stage Manager, Mr. W. West. Equestrian Director, Mr. W. Cooke, jun. CANTERBURY HALL, Westminster-road.— OPEN EVERY EVENING.—The follow- Jig company of Vocalists are engaged for the performance of =elections from all the popular Operas, Madrigals, Choruses, Glees, Ducts, &c., viz.: Miss E. Pearce, Mrs. J. Caulfield, Miss Brunel!, Miss Summers, and Madame Marietta ; Mr. J Caulfield, Herr F. Jonghmans, R. Grover, T. Farrant, S. Jones, J. Barker, W. Melling, P. Corsi, Senor Antonio M. do Soils, and E. L. Hime ; Masters Austin, Bennett, and Corri ; Messrs. Sam Collins, E. Mackney, and C. 4. Wilkins, Pianoforte, Mr. Cecil Hicks; harmonium ' J. Caulfield, ju n . ; Erector, Mr. J. Caulfield. Commence at Seven o'clock pre cisely. Suppers, &e., until twelve o'clock. ;UGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE. rum DAT—Morn. 2G min. aft. 10—Evening 35 rain. aft. 11 r, t; RE OW—Morn. 0 min. aft. o—Evening 1 min.aft .12 • THE WEATHER—SUN OFFICE, Menca 6. THERMOMETER, IN THE SHAM 48 —highest mute noon yesterday, 46 -lowest this morning and during the night. 63 -this day at noon. FAEOPINTER, 30 05—a sudden fall since last evening. WIND, N.W. to W.N.W.- -Rather fresh, with fine, sunshiny weather. It rained a little last evening. • ,7751,111, LON - I , ON, FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 1867. The country now knows precisely wbat is before it. A. dissolution of the present Parliament im mediately such a dissolution shall have been ren dered in any way practicable without the possi bility of thereby necessitating any detriment to the Public Service That is the decision at which Ministers have arrived, after mature dc- iberation, in consequence of the adverse majority of sixteen. Yesterday evening that decision was announced with all becoming brevity and distinct ness by the Noble Viscount at the head of her MAJESTY'S Government. It was, of course, any thing but agreeable news to the Leaders of the Opposition. It was anything but what they had been rather confidently anticipating. It was the reverse of pleasant. It was, in one word, and that word sufficiently popular and idiomatic, a " sell." Not a syllable about a Resignation Not a whipper about a new Cabinet ! Nothing of the scut. Only —monstrous fact—the curt and terse announcement to the House of Com mons, by t he Prime Minister, of a proximate and contingent dissolution. A dissolution con• tingent upon the speedy " getting through " the Public Business. Immediately all necessary la bours have been got through, with a view to the temporary completion of the fiscal and financia a.trangements of the year—there will be an Appeal to the Cnintry ! Directly the necessary sur plies have been voted directly the whole system of taxation has, to some extent at least been modified, directly the Mutiny Bill has been passed—then, but naturally enough, not till then—Parliament will be dissolved, an d Honourable and Right Honourable Gentlemen will be returned upon their constituencies. Now we do deliberately and conscientiously be lieve that—than this no course co uld by any pos sibility h ave been adopted by Lord PA.LU ERSTON more thoroughly rational, more entirely rea sonable, more completely or more signally cons .i_ tutional. So also—be it said to his honour— thought (immediately and upon the . instant) the Right Honourable Gentleman the Leader of her MAJESTY'S Opposition, Scarcely had Lord MERSTC/N completed his brief but comprehensive announcement of the determination arrived at by her MAJESTY'S Ministers—when Mr. Donau', without one moment's hesitation, intimated his readiness to facilitate by every means within his power those preliminary labours of the session which are absolutely requisite before Ministers can venture upon the bold measure of a Dissolu tion. The conduct of the Right Hon. Gentleman the Member for Buckinghamshire, upon the ocne sion of the present conjuncture, as upon that of so many previous emergencies, cannot fail to be re' cognised, upon the instant, by one and all, as indid cativo on his part of a view of affairs at once most statesman-like and most magnanimous. Here, at least, in the instance of the Leader of the OW' sition, there is nothing factious—there is no ell' deuce whatever of the " petty jealousies" which wore said last evening to have encompassed the reputation of the Prime Minister, and to have in terfered detrimentally with the operations of bis Government. Neither thus magnanimous, however, no r WI statesman-like, were the views taken of the Minis terial resolve by the other (motley) Chiefs of tb° late very singular Combination. Politicians, hi the way, so thin-skinned and so irritable, tha t they must needs carp and cavil, with almost spiteful resentment, at the mere matter-of-fact application of that one simple word "Combination " to the miscellaneous gathering of the representatives of all parties in the lobby of the Opposition I it " Combination" that strange assembly literal was in the strictest meaning of the word—wha t ever may be the virtuous indignation expressed about it by the Noble Lord the Member for the City of London, or by the Honourable and Learned Gentleman the Memberfor Sheffield, or by the Right Honourable Baronet the Member for Portsmouth. Conservatives and Radicals, Gladstoneites and Cobdenites, the Manchester Party and the Tort Party, Manufaeturing Representatives and Aga' cultural Representatives combining—whateve r they may say to the contrary, there upon the div? sion list is the indisputable fact—combining bl walking out amicably together into the sam e lobby to vote upon a grave question of the veil first importance against Her MAJESTY'S GaV ellY went. However painful it may be to such e xceed" ingly sensitive men as Mr. GLADSTONE, and M r ' ROEBUCK, and Sir FRANCIS BARING, and my Lard JOHN RUSSELL, to be told so ; th ere , i n th e ev ent of Tuesday evening, or rather of Wednesday morning' is the glaring and undeniable fact of their havi n g lent themselves—literally, and positively, and ad" visedly be it said—to A COMBINATION ! There is no mistake at all about it. The fact is there be' fore us clearly and incontrovertibly. They-- .411° —combine I The plain and simple reality of the fact is not to be got over. It is written legibly in every individual name in that long catalog ue of 263 of perhaps the most diversified and ine nij : grous members out of the whole body of our 6 5 ' representatives. Yet Lord JOHN, for example' with the absolute fact of that Combination Joi nt° his eyes, within the recent experience of th e House, and under the recent cognisance of O . whole community—haughtily and arrogantly re. pudiates the bare idea of any Combination ! T he Noble Lord—bungling even beyond this---P e ! .• versely denounces Lord PA LMERSTON'S strln til constitutional and only rational course under the present conjuncture of circumstances as--a Pen al Dissolution Incited to this astounding den° . elation by his infatuated veneration for Mr. F• l ' and his no less characteristic infatuation in favou r of that old abstract object of his idolatry--Pre" cedent. "A Penal Dissolution I" exclaimed Lord PALMERSTON, in sarcastic amaae last even' ing, in the course of his very masterly and dig" nified explanation in Reply—" Why, I s hould have thought the supporters of last T u esday night's successful Oppo s iti on instead of regarding an Appeal to the Country a l a Punishment, would rather have looke d upon it in the light of a Triumph I ft It was a significant, though wholly unconsoiono; admission, however —th a t un f or t una t e epithe t blurted out by Lord J OHN R USSELL , that hlti n. Bering epithet of a Penal Dissolution—it was gl significant, th oug h unconsc i ous, adm i ss i o n of weakness and insecurity on the part of the OPP ° ' aition. An admission loudly and wondrous l i corroborated by the intelligence now fast throng' ing in upon us from all quarters of the Unit ed Kingdom. Intelligence of the extraordina r y effect produced simultaneously, far and wide, bl the spreading news of the late majority of Sixtee n ' Liverpool merchants upon 'Change affixing ° el names, with enthu s i as ti c eagerness, to an Address to the Prime Minister of England' expressive of their a d m i ra ti on o f th e bold and patriotic course hitherto pursued by his 00 ' vernraent I Citizens of London rapidly crowding LO T their signatures to a R equ i s iti on en t rea ti ng PALMERSTON to allow himself to be put in noinv Lion upon the ensuing elections at the Guildhall 1 All the larger constituencies, without exception , throughout the land enforcing the all but unapt' mous opinion expressed by their representativ e° through the minority of 247. A circumstan ce (this last mentioned) which was intimated 'Tot e : day with char ac t er i st i c pleasantry by gallant, ou t' spoken, honest Toll Durrcomaz--M.P. and pet °, the Finsbury constituency! An enthusiasm, afar' spreading and spontaneous enthusiasm such as thiat will more than compensate to Ministers, we should conjecture, f or th e " s i x t een " ma j or it y o f that astonishing medley of parties which we shall tak e the liberty of designating— THE OXFORD MIXTURB The Voice of the Country expressed thus loudif through its constituencies, will tend, let us trust , not only to inspirit the Hopes of the Cabinet; but to strengthen, if that be possible, the firm deter' mination of the Government—to vindicate the honour of the British Empire, to maintain lOW late the glory of the British flag, to protect At all hazard, and at all cost, the lives and proper' ties of British citizens—what though to accolg' plish this it becomes imperatively requisite to carry fire and sword to the heart of an em pire having a population of 300,000,000. As we predicted, there is to be an appeal to th e country. Lord PALMERSTON last night announce d that there is to be a dissolution, at the.earlies t period at which the state of the business of th e House will permit the Goveinmout to call u1 3 ° 13 the constituencies to exercise that privilege which the Constit ut i on places in their hands. In th e meantime they will on ly ca ll u p on P ar li ame nt 0 pass thos e provisional and temporary measure° which may be necessary to provide for the public service until the earliest period at which the fleet Parliament can assemble. This is as it should bel This is the straightforward and Constitutiona l course, which the manly and independent charac ter of the Noble Premier induced us to antici pate. It would have been a betrayal th e trust/ trust/ reposed in his hands, to have deserted his post in consequence of the temporal success achieved by a factious vote. Lord PAL- MERSTON owed it to his sovereign, to himself, big friends, and, above all, to the people, to apPea from the decision arrived at, to the only legiti mate tribunal—the Court of public opinion ; and he is abundantly justified, under the circuni-