The Sun. — London, England, 1847-03-24 00:00:00

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. HOUSE OF LORDS, March 23. The Lose CHANCELLOR took his seat on the Wool sack at Five o'Clock. ASSISTANCE TO IRELAND AND SeOTLAND. Earl GREY said that he had to communicate to the House that he had received a letter from the Governor of New Brunswick, stating that the Members of the House of Assembly of that colony had voted the slim 3f 1,2501. for the relief of the distressed population of Ireland and Scotland. He (Earl -Grey) was sure that their Lordships would receive with much satisfaction this exhibition of good feeling on the part of these colonists. EASTER RECESS. Earl GREY said that, on the part of his Noble Friend the President of the Council, he had to move the adjournment of the House, at its rising on Tuesday next, till the 13th of April. NATIONAL EDUCATION. Lord STANLEY presented several petitions from Lancashire and other places against the Government scheme of education. LAW OF SETTLEMENT. The NOBLE LORD also presented a petition from the Mansfield board of guardians against the law of settle ment. -- OUT-DOOR RELIEF IN IRELAND. The NOBLE LORD also presented a petition from Mr. Richard Daly, an Irish barrister, against the system of out-door relief in Ireland. DRAINAGE ACT. _ The NOBLE LORD also preseated a petition from Mr. Rigby Wason, lately a Member of the other House, praying for an alteration in that clause of the Drainage Act which limited the period for considering applica tions. SPANISH DEBT. Lord BROUGHAM then rose, pursuant to notice given on a former occasion, to bring before their Lord ships a subject which required the utmost atten tion of Parliament, or, if it could be done, of Govern ment ; but he was aware that there was great diffi culty in the way of their taking steps in such a case. Still there was no reason why the justice of Parliament should not be applied in a case of hard ship and injustice like that he was about to bring before them. The petition which he had to present was from Mr. Dempster Hemming and Sir Thomas Lethbridge, Bart., and they were the representatives of a great class of sufferers. The Noble Lord then laroceeded to state that the petitioners were creditors of the Spanish Government, having lent money to that country in its great struggle for freedom which had never been repaid. It could not be alleged that the Spanish Government was in a state of insolvency, for the revenue, which some years ago was deficient some six millions annually, now exhibited a surplus of more than half a million. The Noble Lord concluded by reading the prayer of the petition. The Earl of CLARENDON said that his Noble Friend had, a few days ago, shown him the petition which he had just presented, and he believed that the statement contained in it was not at all over charged. He believed that the case was one of gross injustice, for Spain, as the Noble and Learned Lord had said, was not in a state of insolvency. There was no country in Europe whose products were more in demand than those of Spain. She had the means of acquiring wealth, and therefore she had no right to refuse to pay the just demands made upon her. But he was glad to observe that Spain had never adopted the new word which had recently been intro duced into the vocabulary of England, for on several occasions the debt had been admitted and arrangements made for payment of the interest. Owing, however, to the succession of new Ministers, the claims of the Spanish bondholders bad been set aside. Many persons in this country had invested the savings of a life in these bonds—foolishly, he admitted, for they ought to know that advances of money made to foreign Governments, without the sanction of their own Govern ment, must of course be at their own individual risk. Many millions of the mony of this country had been sacrificed from losing sight of that pre caution. His Noble Friend at the head of the Foreign Department was now communicating with the Spanish authorities, aad he sincerely trusted that the result of the communication would prove successful. The Spaniards, he knew, were an honourable people, and he was quite sure the proceed ings of their Government were not sanctioned by them. He hoped that their Lordships would be of opinion that Spain was not justified in repudiating a debt like the present. Lord BROUGHAM said that he was very glad to hear what had fallen from his Noble Friend opposite. Perhaps there should be some arrangement to appoint some commissioner. Lord ASHBURTON made a few observations which were inaudible in the gallery. DRAINAGE OF LANDS BILL. On the motion for going into Committee on the Drainage of Lands Bill, The Earl of ELLENBOROUGH said that he wished to call their Lordship? attention to one part of the pre sent Bill, which he considered defective. He considered that no provision was made in the Bill for carrying off the water that came from the mountains of Scotland, which would go into the water courses, which would be necessarily flooded. He thought that provision should be made to prevent that. Now, if what he deprecated were permitted in his own neighbourhood, half the town of Tewkesbury would be carried away. It would seem that this was a Scottish Bill, as while two and a half millions were applied for by Scotch proprietors, but half a million had been ap plied for in England. Lord CAMPBELL replied that this would only show that more improvement was going forward in Scotland than England. After some further observations from Lord Brougham, Lord Ashburton, and the Earl of Minto, the Bill passed through Committee. The House then resumed. Messengers came up from the Comhions bringing several Bills. EASTER RECESS. T o lle Earl of WICKLOW said it had been intimated by the Noble Earl the Secretary for the Colonies, on behalf of the Noble Marquis the President of the Council, that he would, on Tuesday next, move the adjournment of the House till the 13th of April, but he (Earl of Wick low) hoped that they would adjourn till the Thursday instead of the Tuesday, according to invariable custom. as it would be much more convenient to those Peers connected with Ireland, who might, therefore, have to go to a distance. Earl GREY said he of course could give no answer at present to the Noble Earl's suggestion, but if it should appear more convenient to some of their Lord. ships, and if it would not interfere with the course of public business, he expected that the wishes of the Noble Earl would be met by his Noble Friend the President of the Council. Their Lordships then adjourned. ROUSE 01 COMMONS. March 23. The SPEAKER took the Chair at Four o'clock. SECOND READINGS. The following Bi is were severally read a second time Commercial Gas Light and Coke Company. Dunfermline and Cupar Court Houses. Rwcorn Gas. Rutherglen and Strathbungo Road. Warrington Gas Light and Coke. Westminster Improvements. GOVERNMENT EDUCATIONAL SCHEME. Mr. dfiEENE presented a petition from Lancaster against the proposed Government grant. SEE OF KILDARE. Mr. SHAW presented a petition from a place in Ire. laud praying for the restoration of the see of Kildare. SCOTCH REGISTRATION BILL. • Sir 8.. H. INGLIS presented a petition from Forres against the proposed Scotch Registration Bill. Mr. YOUNG presented a petition from the county of Cavan ' praying for a n i m p rovement i n t h e present electoral districts. IRISH POOR-LAW. Sir W. CLAY presented a petition from Bethnal• green, praying that the principle of the English poor• law might be extended to Ireland. COTTON IN INDIA. Mr. BRIGHT presented several petitions from Man che.iter in tvour of encouraging the growth of cotton in India. The Hon. Member intimated that he had decided to postpone his motion for a Select Committee on this •inject till after Easter. POOR REMOVAL ACT. Mr. REDHEAD YORKE presented a petition from Bridlington, in Yorkshire, praying for the repeal of the Poor Removal Act. INSPECTOR OF RAILWAYS. Major LAYARD asked the First Commissioner of the Railway Board, why the office of Inspector-General of Railways, so essential for the information and guidance of the Board, had not yet . been filled up. It was now five months since Sir Charles Pasley's services were dis pensed with, and the responsibility now rested with the former Assistant-Inspector, without any increase of salary. Mr. STRUTT answered that the terms of the Act did not require the appointment of such an officer as an Inspector-General. In other respects the statute had been sufficiently complied with. SCOTCH REGISTRATION BILL. Ce.ptaittG6RDON presented several petitions from Aberdeen and other places in Scotland, praying that this Bill be not permitted to pass into a law. LAW OF SETTLEMENT. Lord J. MANNERS presented sev e ral p e titi ons against the FURLOUGH exist l i t iLl i a i lv a of Settlement. ATIONS IN THE ARMY s AND CIVIL I.tVICE OF INDIA. Mr. EWART sa i d the Pre s id ent of that, seeing the Right Hon. Baronet the Board o f C ontro l i n t h e the House, be would take Control of asking him whether the Board of of Directors l to bad received sugges tions from the Board to the rs of the East India Company with respect ian army and improvementthe of furlough regulations in the Ind whether the Government were e ci""ervice, and prepared to act upon these suggestio ns. Sir J. CIIIOI3IIOUSE said that, in answer stion of the Hon . Member, he mi g ht state thtaot the ineject of furlough re g ulations, both with respect to the ject and the civil se rvice, was under the conside ration of the Board of Control. He need hardly inform the Hon. Member that a subject so important as a change in these regulations must demand previous consideration. Mr, EWART had asked these questions because con siderable anxiety prevailed upon the subject. FLOGGING IN HONG-KONG. Dr. BOWRING gave notice that on Thursday he should ask the Secretary for the Colonies whether he had received any account of the discontinuance of the practioe of flogging in the colony of Hong-Kong? POOR-LAW IN IRELAND. _ _ As Hox. bizgasEa, whose name we could not aster THE SUN, LONDON, WEDNESDAY EVENING, MARCH IN4Y. tain, presented a petition from Sligo in,:favour of a systematic and equal poor-law rating. BIRTHS AND DEATHS REGISTRATION (SCOTLAND) BILL. Mr. FORBES presented petitions from several Pres byteries against certain of the clauses of this Bill. NOTICE OF MOTION. Mr. EWART gave notice that next week he would move for certain returns connected with the public works in Ireland. Mr. SPOONER postponed Mr. Muntz's motion rt- specting the small brewers of the Midland Counties ti.l Tuesday, the 13th of April. ROMAN CATHOLIC CHARITABLE TRUSTS. Mr. ROMILLY moved for leave to bring in a Bill for the better administration of the charitable trusts of the Roman Catholics. It was not his wish to enter into a lengthened discussion on the principles of the Bill at present. He would, with the permission of the House, move for leave to introduce his Bill, and reserve the further discussion until the second reading of the Bill. The main object sought from the Bill was to obtain a return of all charitable property of the Roman Catholics in the Court of Chancery, and to ensure a better admi nistration of the funds. Mr. J. O'CONNELL hoped that the Hon. Member would name a long date for the second reading of the Bill, for the purpose of giving the Catholic Members an opportunity of consulting the Bishops and Clergy of Ireland. and ascertaining their opinions upon the measure. The Bill was then ordered to be brought in. REDUCTION OF THE DUTY ON TEA. Lord SANDON presented a petition from Liverpool, very numerously signed, praying for a reduction of the duty on tea. COMMERCIAL RELATIONS WITH CHINA. Viscount SANDON then moved for a Select Com mittee on the present state of our commercial relations with China. He was very gratified that he was saved the trouble of entering into a lengthened statement of the reasons which made this investigation necessary, as the Noble Lord at the head of the Government had inti mated to him that it was not his intention to offer any opposition to the motion. As he (Lord Sandon) did not wish, therefore, to delay the House from proceeding with the consideration of the Irish poor-law he would not take up its time at present. He thought, however, that the subject was one which required investigation, with a view to ascertain what the obstructions were to the ex tension of the China trade. He thought the labours of the Committee would be attended with the best results. Their relations with that country were of a recent date, and he might say merely experimental, and the altered circumstances which the recent rupture had brought about made it necessary to inquire what were the obstructions to the extension of their commerce, and by what means they could be re moved. He would not, however, delay the resumption of the discussion of the clauses on the Irish Poor-law, but conclude by moving the appointment of a Select Committee to investigate the subject. The motion having been seconded, Mr. A. HASTIE said if the motion had gone directly to the object at which it aimed, namely, the reduction of the tea duties, he should have seconded it with great pleasure. Looking at the character of the Chinese, and to the jealousy with which they viewed the proceedings of other nations, he feared that the motion as it stood would not be productive -of the good which the Noble Lord seemed to apprehend from it. The Committee if appointed should confine its inquiries to the tea trade alone. The motion was then agreed to. PUBLIC WORKS IN CLARE.—CAPTAIN WYNN. Mr. C. O'BRIEN moved the appointment of a Select Committee to inquire into the conduct of Captain Wynn during his employment in the county of Clare in the months of November and December, 1846, and January, 1847, as inspector under the Board of Works, and into the statements contained in the printed letters of Captain Wynn and Mr. S. Gamble, addressed to the Board, and laid on the table of the House, and report thereon ; and also to inquire into and report whether the said Board of Works have, or have not, suppressed certain letters or reports made, or alleged to have been made, by Captain Wynn to them, on investigations held at Ennistymon on the 10th, and at Liscanner on the 17th days of De cember, 1846 ; and also certain letters, in pos session of the Board, connected with these subjects. He said it would be in the recollection of the House, that, on the 11th of February, he moved for the produc tion of papers relating to the conduct of Captain Wynn, in his official capacity ; but they were only laid on the table of the House two days ago, and he found them so incorrect, incomplete, and confused, as to be almost useless. He considered this most unfair con duct towards one who had occupied a seat in that House for the last sixteen years, the more especsally as he and his colleague had during that time supported the present Government ; it was, therefore, most improper that difficulties should have been purposely thrown in his way, and that the Government should support a public officer who bad charged him (Mr. C. O'Brien) with conduct which, if he had been guilty of it, would have rendered him unworthy of a seat in that House. The character of the House was embarked in this sub ject, and he hoped that the Secretary for Ireland would render some explanation of the circumstances of the case. The Hon Gentleman then referred to letters written by Captain Wynn on the 4th of February and the 26th of November, 1847, page 209 of the Blue Book, which stated that the landed proprietors rendered very inefficient assistance to the, relief committees. He would say it boldly, that this charge against the com mittee over which he presided was calumnious and false.—(Hear, hear.) 'When he wrote those letters he had only been three weeks in the country, and could not have known the working of even one half of the com mittees. The only reason for these calumnies was in order to carry out the measures of the Government. An outcry was desired against the Irish proprie tors, and this was the motive by which he was actuated, and he wished Hon. Gentlemen to know that this was a way to get rewarded and to obtain public money. It would appear that the Clare Journal had been purchased with the public money. The next letter was dated on the sth of December of last year, and was written by Captain Wightman, of the Board of Works, in which they were charged with being assassins. With respect to Mr. J. O'Brien, he could, in his place, defend himself, but he (Mr. C. O'Brien) happened to have a letter from the engineer of the Board of Works, who was at the same time district engineer and county engineer, and who was, of course, cognisant of all the circumstances, and he had fully stated his opinion that the charge was false. If the Committee which he moved for were not able to prove the assertions he had made, he would not occupy a seat in the House again, but would resign imme diately. It was a most unfair thing for the Government not to allow the Committee to be appointed. He had constantly supported a Whig Government for a period of sixteen years, and this was now the reward which he received at their hands. He hoped, therefore, that these serious charges, involving as they did his character, would be investigated before a Select Committee, that an opportunity might be afforded him of showing how utterly groundless these statements were. One of the letters which he sent to Captain Wynn—a most im portant one, to which no answer was returned, but for which he moved—had been suppressed. The Honourable Gentleman then referred to several letters and read extracts from them, among which was the following:—" I have displaced upwards of 9,400 persons chosen and placed upon the relief works in seven baronies; and I have placed upon. the list the poor and starving labourers, who had not been attended to be cause nobody had any direct interest in their welfare; and I trust that this course will meet your approbation." He particularly requested the attention of the House to this statement, because when he was asked to furnish a list he declared that he was unable to furnish it, although he referred the board to it, well knowing it did not exist. Now this was an imposition on the Government, and was a fit and proper subject for investigation. He called for a searching inqu'ry; he wanted no favour, he wanted nothing but justice, and he did hope that the House would grant the Committee which he sought, notwithstanding the indisposition of the Government to grant one. Major MACNAMARA said he would second the motion of his Hon. Friend. He could not help com plaining of the course which the Government had pur sued upon this occasion towards himself and his col league. Mr. LABOUCHERE said that ho regretted very much that the Hon. Gentleman did not postpone for a very few days the motion of which he had given notice, for he must remind the House that on the motion of the Honourable Gentleman certain documents had been presented to the House, and were now in the course of being printed, and which, he could assure the House, would be in the hands of every Member in a few days. These documents threw great light upon all these trans actions, and the House would be able to discuss the ques tion with an accurate knowledge of the circumstances. The Hon. Gentleman the Member for Clare had re minded him that the Government of which he (Mr. Labouehere) was a member had received general support from himself and his colleague, and he had said that it was but an ungrateful and ungracious return on his part and on the part of the Government to have taken a different course on a question of this description from that adopted by those llonourable Members. He could only say that he certainly could have no desire to estrange any supporters from her Majesty's Government —a Government which had not so numerous a body of supporters in that House as to make him, as a member of that Administration, anxious to alienate the support of any of those who honoured them with their assistance. He must say with regard to a question of this kind if he were to alter that course which in his judgment and conscience, he felt himself bound to pursue, when reference was made to the conduct of an officer of that Government—if be shrank from the defence of a man when he thought his conduct entitled to the defence and approbation of the Govern ment, in order to consult any support in the House of Commons, he should feel himself disgraced. As an old servant of the Crown, he had no choice upon this ques tion, and he felt bound to defend the honest services of all acting under him, and to defend in that house to the best of his ability, those whom he believed to have honestly discharged their duty to the Crown. He must repeat to the Honourable Gentlemen that, however much he might regret having been obliged to pursue a course which excited warm feelings in the mind 9f himself and his co ll eagu e, h e c ould not allo w to i himself, reeerr on any consider a tion of the description to his oalt d e u r ty th t e o course which The Hon Gentleman Ge deliberation atlemau he had felt had complained of the delay which had been interposed to the production of these pap ers , an d sa id th a t the Government didNothing some way wish to delay their produ c ti on . could be more erroneous. He had repeat e dly urged upon the B oar d o f W or k s t h e importance of having these papers i and sh vol u mediately pro duced, but they were of that minous description, that it was impossible tune to lay them on the table of the Hounsea. They were then upon the table of the House, and had been ordered to be printed, and in the course of two days they world be in the hands of every Member of the House. When these papers were printed, then it would be time enough to consider wheeler it was or was not right to grant a Committee of that House as, the Honourable Member wished. In the meantime he would say that he was far from asserting that it would not be right for that House, when it should have had an opportunity of considering the whole case, to assent to an inquiry into the circum stances of this case. He could not, however, consent to any inquiry which would drive Captain Wynn before a Committee of that House as a criminal, for it would render the public officers in Ireland fearful rather of incurring the displeasure of a Member of Parlia ment, than of doing their duty well to the Crown This he would say, that neither now nor hereafter would he assent to any terms that should complain of the conduct of Captain Wynn. He would say that it was the decided opinion of the se veral members of the Government that throughout the whole of his duty, that gentleman had acted with the utmost prudence and consistency. Under circum stances of the utmost difficulty, in the face of an opposition the most formidable, and under the oppression of a discountenance that few men could endure, it was the unanimous opinion of the officers of the Board of Works, in Dublin, that this gentleman had discharged his duty with the utmost efficiency and benefit to the country. He had not the slightest acquaintance with Captain Wynn, but since this matter had been discussed in Parliament, he had an opportunity of seeing Captain Wynn, but not having any acquaintance with that gentleman, was it at all probable that he had any motive for supporting him at the expense of two Members of that House, who were usually the supporters of the Government of which he was a member, except in the proper discharge of his duty. He had also seen the words of the letter, in which it was stated by the Hon. Member that they had held him up as an object of assassination; and he says that he could not at all grant that his words could be construed to mean any such thing, and certainly he thought that great allowance ought to be made for words uttered in moments of irritation. Mr. O'BRIEN—Read the words. Mr. LABOUCHERE would repeat his remark, that great allowance was to be made for words uttered in a moment of irritation ; and making that allowance, ho really conceived that Captain Wynn's words would not bear that imputation. Mr. O'BRIEN—Read, read. _ . . Mr. LABOUCHERE said that ho would give the words. He said that he had strong reasons for com plaining of the conduct of the county Members. He (Mr. Labouchere) thought that if a man had asserted that others had held him up to assassination, this was at least a very mild mode of complaining of such an injury. He had great reason to complain of the two county Mem bers, who had been creating a disturbance, and halloo ing on a mob of at least a thousand persons of the worst description, to impede the general business. He did not wonder that the clerks of the Board of Works and the other officers had not been able to do their duty, or that the men had done just what they pleased and nothing else, for it would require a man of the strongest nerves to stand against such an opposition as that which they had experienced. At the same time Capt. Wynn wished it to be distinctly understood, that he did not for a moment intend it to be supposed that he wished to impute to the Hon. Member a charge so dreadful as that of having endeavoured to obtain their assassination. The condition of the county of Clare had been fully borne out by Captain Fishborne, another officer of the Board of Works. He hoped that in a few days every Member of the House would be in possession of ample information on the subject. Under these circumstances he hoped that the Hon. Member would not press his motion at present. Major MACNAMARA explained. He made no al lusion to the Government. What he complained of was want of courtesy from them. Mr. S. O'BRIEN thought that his Right Hon. Friend (Mr. Labouchere) should evince as much delicacy of feeling with regard to the reputation of the Hon. Mem ber for Clare as he did to that of Captain Wynn. Ho thought the feelings of the Hon. Member under these imputations were very natural. With regard to the terms of the motion he was quite sure the Hon. Member had no objection to any terms with regard to the Select Committee, if the Right Hon. Gentleman would only as sent to its appointment. He thought the Hon. Gentle men were right in bringing the question before the House, and in endeavouring to exculpate themselves from the charges made against them. Lord J. RUSSELL said his Right Hon. Friend did not object to an inquiry, but he had stated that the papers which would enable the Committee to come to a decision upon the matter had not yet been delivered to the House, and that therefore the Committee could not, in their absence, come to an unprejudiced decision. If the Hon. Member would, as the Hon. Gentleman the Member for Limerick had suggested, word the motion in such a way as would not convey anything objection able, not the slightest objection would be made to the appointment of the Committee, and if they wished for certain papers he did not think there would be any objection on the part of the Government to furnish them.—(Hear, hear.) Mr. WILLIAMS considered that the Hon. Member had acted properly in bringing the subject under the consideration of the House—in fact, if he had allowed the charge to remain uncontradicted, he would not have been justified in retaining his seat in that House. But the Right Hon. Gentleman had aggravated the charge. as he had asked if he would bring Captain Wynn before the Committee as a criminal. But he (Mr. Williams) never heard that that House. or its Committees, were criminal tribunals, or that those who were examined before them were criminals. Sir ROBERT PEEL said it was quite clear that the Government did not object to the appointment of the Committee for which the Hon. Gentleman had moved. tinier these circumstances he thought if the time of the House was occupied in criminating observations, that the ends of justice would not be promoted. Ile thought it would be much better to abstain from such observations, as then, they were not in a con dition to come to an unprejudiced decision.—(Hear, hear.) The Right Honourable Gentleman had suggested some alterations in the motion, which would rrev . ent invidious, and, therefore, improper infe• rences from being drawn from it. He trusted the Hon. Gentleman would accede to this proposition.—(Hear.) Mr. LABOUCHERE said he had no hesitation in granting the inquiry, but he objected to anything in the terms of the resolution, which would throw the slightest impeachment upon a public servant whom he believed had acted correctly. Mr. SHAW quite agreed with the Hon. Gentleman that this motion ought to be granted, and he did admire the straightforward and manly manner in which the Secretary for Ireland had defended an absent public servant. Of Capt. Wynn he knew nothing personally, but he had heard in various places the highest cha racter of him. He would suggest that no words con demnatory of the conduct of Captain Wynn or the Board of Works should be permitted in the words of the resolution ; he therefore considered that the motion should, for the present, be withdrawn. Lord JOHN MANNERS suggested that the Commit tee should be granted at the present moment, and that they should leave out the objectionable words in the re solution, such a course would save the time of the House and would answer the purposes of withdrawing the motion. Sir GEORGE GREY said that some time would be lost in conferring upon the exact words of the resolution. Mr. S. O'BRIEN considered that the Committee ought to be granted with the least possible delay. Mr. HUME agreed in opinion, that the Committee ought to be granted. Ile did think that the Hon. Gen tleman should withdraw his motion, and then confer with the Right Hon. Gentleman on the terms of his reso lution. Mr. LABOUCHERE said no time should be lost in making the inquiry, and he would take an early oppor tunity of settling the terms of the motion with the Hon. Mowber for Clare. Mr. C. O'BRIEN complained that this was the tenth time the matter had been postponed. Lord CASTLEREAGH thought the terms of the re solution ought to be settled at once, so that the House might agree to it. The imputation upon the character of an Hon. Member of that House ought to be inquired into as soon as possible. Mr. J. O'CONNELL said it was true the words pro posed to be struck out were strong, but it must be re membered that the charge against the Hon. Member was strong too. He had one remark to make, namely, that there was a flippancy which he had remarked on the part of these public officers. No doubt they had many cases of difficulty to meet, but they certainly should not accuse or bring accusations against the gentry without giving due notice of it. There should be some responsibility attached to these reports. His Hon. Friends, whose characters stood high, were suffering under a grievous charge, and they had retorted in strong terms, but in terms by no means as strong as those in which the accusation was brought against them. Sir R. PEEL thought that the Right Hon. Gentleman ought to allow the motion. It certainly was his duty to defend those employed by the Government, but he would grant an investigation into those portions of the charge which seemed worthy of the attention of the House. The original motion was then withdrawn, and an amended one, in conformity with the suggestion of Sir Robert Peel, agreed to. SUNDAY TRADING. Mr. HINDLEY moved for a Select Committee to in quire into Sunday Trading in the metropolis. Mr. HUME wished to know the object which the Hon. Member had in ♦iew. He ought to state the cir cumstances which induced him to make the motion. Lord JOHN RUSSELL thought it would not be sa tisfactory to appoint the Committee without good rea sons being given for it. To prevent any discussion on the subject at present, he proposed the lion. Member would withdraw the motion. Mr. HINDLEY withdrew the motion till Tuesday next. DUBLIN STEAM NAVIGATION COMPANY, Mr. COLLETT moved for returns of the name, ton nage, and power of all vessels of the city of Dublin and th- General Steam Navigation Cc.mpany, with the date of their respective construction, and the station upon which each of such vessels has been from time to time employed from the time when they first began to run. Of the original cost of the said vessels, and their esti mated present value. Of the fares and charges made for passengers, cattle, and merchandise on each station on which they have been employed, stating the date of each alteration of the said fares and charges. Of the capital empowered to be raised by their Act of Parliament, and whether the vessels employed by them are paid for out of their capital, or have been provided by other means, and if so, by what means. Mr. PARKER hoped that as the Right Hon. Gentle man the Vice-President of the Board of Trade was not present, who was opposed to the return, the Hon. Member would postpone his motion. Sir G. GREY thought that the return was a most ex traordinary one upon the Mace of it, as it proposed to inquire into the original cost of all the ships of a private company with their 'present estimated value. Mr. HU - ME thought the question one of serious im portance. If they interfered with private concerns in the mode proposed, it would be laying down a very bad principle. Dr. BOWRING could not consent to the motion. Mr. COLLETT had good reason for making his motion, as he was desirous of seeing whether it was right that companies should devote their capital to other purposes than those for which they were originally in corporated. Lord LINCOLN protested against the motion. After some further conversation, the motion was withdrawn. bouring, parish. The guardians or the landowners never thou g ht of going beyond the precincts of their own parish , or of interfering with the proceedings of another. If the poor law of Ireland were to be carried out in this way, it would have the effect of reducing the whole of the poor population to the condition of paupers. All were bound in the same interests, arc! he might take the principles of a community, in which the several members were connected by common ties ; and he thought that that was the principle to which the House should come. This was, in effect. the question which had been raised by the Hon. Member for Northampton shire, and on the grounds which he had stated when that question arme did he object to the principle of the pre sent motion, and should give his vote accordingly. Mr. S. O'BRIEN perfectly recollected the debate which had ensued on the question alluded to, and now be lieved, with the Right tlon. Gentleman who had just spoken, that it would be highly inexpedient to change the electoral into parochial divi , ions. The great object was, as the Noble Lord the Member for Liverpool had stated, to give a stimulus to the landed proprietors of Ireland, and he believed that that could never be done until, by some means, the Irish landlords were made to support their own poor. In the desire to obtain this, he would readily vote for any taxation commensurate with the extent of the estates; and if the Hon. Member for Waterford divided the House, he should feel it his duty to vote against him, for in his own neighbourhood the parishes -were so large, that, without some arrangement as this, it would be utterly impossible to carry out an effective poor-law in Ireland. After a few words from Mr. V. STEWART and Mr. BELLEW in opposition to the amendment, Mr. SHAW said, that as the whole of the machinery of the public works was arranged in accordance with the present arrangement of the law, this amendment could not possibly be adopted. Sir H. W. BARRON said that his reply to what had been said, would be very short. He had always been an advocate for a poor-law in Ireland, for he believed that such a measure was the only effective relief for the evils of that country. When the proposition of a poor-law was first introduced, and there were only three to vote for it in that House, he was one of the three. He was desirous, therefore, of rendering it as serviceable as pos sible ; with that view he had moved the amendment now before the House, and he had moved it because he had found that hitherto the law had operated unequally. In those parts of the country with which he was acquainted, the electoral divisions were far too large for anything like either a proper supervision or a proper system of relief, for they frequently comprised upwards of twenty thousand acres—an extent totally beyond the power of any poor-law official to attend to properly. Unless his clause were adopted, two years would not pass over their heads without their being obliged to give up the Bill or remodel it upon the principle he had laid down. Mr. HAMILTON agreed with the principle of the amendment, but he thought the mode by which it was proposed to carry it out was impracticable. Mr. DILLON BROWNE thought it was highly de sirable that the principle of the clause should be affirmed. There ought to be a community of interest amongst the landlords for assisting the necessitous poor of Ireland. After a few words from Mr. SHAW, and one or two other rion. Members, Mr. H. W. BARRON said he believed there were at present 2,500 parishes in Ireland, 700 of which he pro posed to have divided, and when that division was made there would be 3,500 parishes. The amendment was then withdrawn, and clause nine agreed to. Oa clause 10 being proposed, Mr. M. J. O'CONN . ELt rose to move the amendment of which he had given notice, the object of which was to place the rating of the poor not upon the electorial, or other union divisions of parishes, of which they had heard so much, but upon the union generally. Levying the poor's rive under the present system, was not a fair mode of taxation, for many parties were overrated, while others who ought to be rated were not rated at all. If Ireland was to recover from the calamity which had befallen her, it must de pend mainly upon the energies and industry of the inhabitants of her towns, and it therefore became the more desirable that the poor-rates should be levied in the most equitable manner. At present the charges were highly disproportionate ; for instance, in the parish with which he was connected, the charge for the maintenance of the poor was more than the aggregate charge of the rest of the union. In some parishes heavy rates were levied, while in others there were no rates paid at all. It was not that in the latter parishes there was a paucity of population, because he found that the population of some of these unpaying parishes was con siderably larger than that of the parishes in which the rates were levied. Now, being aware of these fa.ets, he could not help feeling that there was something radi cally wrong in the present system of taxation for the poor, and therefore he was anxious that the expense of maintaining the destitute poor of Ireland should be equally distributed over the whole union, and not con fined to particular sections or parishes.—(Hear, hear.) — He could not understand how the Bill could be carried out. If he saw the means by which it could be carried out, he would have no objection to support the measure. lie felt convinced that large electoral divisions would not answer, and he thought that the better plan would be to raise the entire rate for the support of the poor upon the whole area of the electoral division, and this was the recommendation which he would propose to the Committee. Great difficulties would also exist From the complicated nature of the accounts, which would be required, if the Bill passed in its present shape. He did not think that he should have much chance of carrying his amendment, but he must say that he thought the motion, which he had read at the beginning of his speech, was calculated to ensure the more efficient work ing of the machinery of a poor-law for Ireland, and he should feel it his duty to divide the House upon the amendment. Mr. BELLEW opposed the amendment. Sir R. FERGUSSON was understood to be favourable to the clause as it stood. Colonel RAWDON entered into some details for the purpose of showing that in some electoral divisions the assessment amounted to a large per tentage on the va luation, while in other localities it amounted to a mere trifle. Thus proving the necessity of extending the area of rating, so as to prevent that unequality. He denounced such a system as most unjust in its operation. Some proprietors were in consequence taxed to a considerable amount, while, others, who were equally entitled to con tribute to the support of the poor were altogether exempted. Sir JAMES GRAHAM confessed that his opinions had been materially changed on this subject. When the Noble Lord first introduced a poor law for Ireland he had opposed that Bill, but the experience which he had since convinced him that the Noble Lord was right, and that he was wrong.—(Hear, hear.) The Noble Lord, however, did not then introduce any law of assessment and removal, and he (Sir James Graham) thought that the time might come when it would be necessary even in this country to disconnect the law of settlement from the law of removal. Much might be said on both sides with regard to the question under consideration. No doubt the towns frequently suffered by the clearance of the rural districts, but on the other hand these latter had also cause of complaint. In Ireland the rate was levied on the value of the property, but in England the number of poor, formed an important consideration in deter mining the amount of the assessment. Considerable difficulty, therefore, arose as to what course should be adopted consistently with a due regard to all these con flicting interests. The Right Hon. Gentleman then read the opinion of Mr. Gulston, an Assistant Poor-law Commissioner, in Drogheda, in support of an union settlement in preference to a parochial one, and pro ceeded to say, at one time, be thought enlarging the area for the rating would be advisable. But further consideration induced him to think that this would be inexpedient. He was of opinion, therefore, that it would be wrong, at present, to substitute a union for an electoral division rating ; and on the whole, he thought that the middle course, therefore, in the Bill before the House, was the preferable one. On the main question, he would give his cordial assent to the clause of the Government. Sir G. GREY said that the great preponderance of feeling in Ireland was in favour of the course suggested in the Bill, and it was not without the most careful con sideration that it was adopted. The Government at first intended to place the out-door relief on the union, and the in-door on the electoral division, but the course now proposed was the one which seemed to be most satisfac tory as well as most just to all parties. Mr. SHAW supported the rating on electoral divi sions in preference to that proposed by the Hon. Mem ber for Kerry. Mr. MACARTHY supported the amendment, and said that the rating in the city of Cork amounted to six-sevenths of the rating in the union, and he con sidered it was most unfair and unjust that when the poor-law in Ireland was to be revised this inequality should not be put an end to. Sir W. JOLLIFFE supported the amendment. In many rural districts the rate was only Is. 6el. in the pound, while i❑ the towns it was from 7s. to Bs. - He thought the present system operated most unjustly, and that the propositions of the Honourable Member for Kerry should be substituted for it. Petitions had been presented from Drogheda, Ennis earthy, Tullamore, Wexford, Mallow, and other places, in favour of union-rating, whilst few had been pre sented against that mode of rating. At present great and disproportionate burdens were thrown upon the towns. When any public work was commenced, great number of labourers came from the country; but when they were completed, and they became destitute, they were obliged to be supported by the parish—not out of rates equally levied on unions, as was manifestly the proper mode. He was therefore strongly in favour of a general, or national system of rating, as it would be one which would not press too heavily upon particular localities, and would at the same time afford proper re lief to the destitute. Mr. S. CRAWFORD was in favour of the clause as it stood. lie objected to particular localities being heavily and disproportionably taxed, but he thought the amendment would not remove the objection. Mr. ARCHBOLD said in the district in which he resided they paid 151. a year for each pauper. There were but six paupers in the workhouse, who cost them 901. a year. He objected to union rating, because he considered it would prove injurious to the country, and instead of having six paupers in the workhouse it would be impossible to tell how many they would have. He was in favour of rating electoral divisions. Mr. M. J. O'CONNELL replied; nothing had been stated in opposition to his amendment to lead him to withdraw it. He therefore should divide the House upon the question. The House then divided, when there appeared— For the amendment A ga inst it Majority —9s The amendment was accordingly lost. Mr. VERNON SMITH considered that sooze power ought to be vested in the Commissioners to levy rates, when the board of guardians refused to act. This would be a much better proceeding than that of dissolving the board altogether, which was an odious and most in vidious act. He wished to know, was there any compul sory power vested either by mandamus or otherwise, to compel the - guardians, after they had struck a rate, to proceed upon their own act ? Sir GEORGE GREY said that there was one instance where a board of guardians was compelled to act upon their vote. Mr. STAFFORD O'BRIEN said that one great ar gument he had for not interfering with the present state of things was, that the present Executive have the power in their own hands of altering the system to suit my evil that might arise. There was another way of meeting these evils. The boards of guardians need not want for unanimity to remedy any existing evils, for by merely leaving out the name of the electoral division to which the pauper belonged, he bec itne chargeable upon the union at large, and any disturbance of the present salutary arrangements for so trifling an inconvenience was unnecessary. After the existing Act was passed, the same question was raised as to the pressure of the districts upon the towns, but an Act was passed to re medy the inconvenience in 1843, and yet still the pro portion of electoral paupers remain just the same. The lion. and Learned M,ruher for Cork had stated that the pressure was very severe upon that city, but that pres sure arose from the allocation of the paupers of country districts upon the cities, and could not be remedied by any existing Aet, for ample provision existed already to avoid the evil. %V ht-n they narrowed the area of taxation they induced the inha bitants to give relief from private sources sooner than send the paupers upon the division or district ; besides, any alteration in the present electoral divisions would materially increase the difficulty of collecting them. The Irish peasantry had, from the tricks which were constantly played upon them in the towns, imbibed the notion that the townspeople were making large fortunes at his expense, and, therefore, he would have little wish to assist in relieving their poverty and misery. Believing, as he did, that the clause, as it stood, must lead to union rating, and considering the difficulties to which it would lead, he had no course left him but to move the omission of the clause. Mr. LABOUCHERE said, that after full considera tion, the Government thought the present proposition the best that could be introduced. It was a compromise between the extreme principles on both sides. He con sidered the clause contained a fair system of rating, as it was but fair that the expense should be equalised. The subject had often been fully discussed, and the merits of the mode of rating fully considered. He hoped the House would not consent to the alteration. Mr. J. O'CONNELL hoped the Government would not give way an inch on the question, as the omission of the clause would be a serious evil, and considered the attempt to expunge it as an undisguised landlord's attempt to release themselves from the provisions of the law. Mr. D. CALLAGHAN supported the clause. Lord SANDON thought the present was not a dis cussion between the interest of town and country. He thought the clause objectionable, and would support the motion of the Hon. Member (Mr. A. S. O'Brien.) Sir G. GREY—A few months ago there was scarcely a union in Ireland, in which the rate was more than one shilling, and, therefore, it was that a provision was made for doubling the rate. Lord G. BEN TINCK—What, then, was the reason for imposing 10,000,0001. during this present year, upon a rental of 13,000,000/. ? Under the present arrange ment they would have to provide for 225,000 fa milies permanently.—(Hear, hear.) At the pre sent moment there were a million of persons engaged in the cultivation of the 14,000,000 acres, now occupied in the growth of agricultural produce. He would like to ask the Members for Cork and Kilkenny, how it was that there was such an overgrowth of paupers. In Cork there was a population of 195,000, with a ratin; of 292,000/. ; and let them then step into Skibbereen, where there was a population of 23,000, and a rating of 48,0001. Take again the City of Dublin, where there was a population of 323,000, and a rating of 900,0001. In Ballina, again, there was the same instance observable, and he thought then, that by the amalgama tion of the towns and the country, that the country would be the sufferer. The only remedy, then, in his opinion, was to be found in the proposition of his Hon. Friend the Member for Northamptonshire. It was well observed by the Duke of Wellington, in 1837, that by extending the area of trxation they would only be en abling every man to put his hand into his neighbour's pocket. This was a sufficient reason why the propose• tion of the Hon. Member for Northamptonshire should be taken.—(Loud cries of " Divide," with cheers.) Mr. NEWDEGATE rose amid much confusion, and said that while the population of England was 16,000,000, while the property assessed was 63,000,0001, giving a rate of 3/. 18s. 9d. The population of Ireland was 8.000,000, while the assessment was levied on 13,000,0001, giving a rate of 11. 12s. 6d., making a pro portion of two and a-quarter to one. What, then, was the reason why the poor-rate in England had been increased from 5,000,000/. to 12,000,0001, if this motion would not prove a heavy and unjust imposition on the landlords of Ireland ? From the dif ference which these statements showed, there was a sufficient justification of the motion for the Member for Northamptonshire, and it would accordingly secure his vote.—(Cheers and cries of " Divide, divide !") Lord LINCOLN, as it was his intention to support the amendment of the Hon. Member for Northampton, wished to have an opportunity of stating, in two sen tences, his reasons for doing so. He could not admit that this was a question between the landlords of Ireland and the tenants of Ireland ; for it would be found that the idea that the social population of Ireland were in times of distress and want thrown upon towns was entirely groundless. In consequence of the inten tion of Government to adjourn the House to-night earlier than usual, he had not time to go fully into the question ; and, therefore, he should content himself by expressing his belief that in adopting a union rate they would be inflicting a considerable injury on particular individuals, while, by agreeing to an electorial division rate, they would avoid that evil, and render the poor more dependent upon the law for assistance in times of distress than upon the exertions of individuals. Lord J. RUSSELL had only one word to say before they went to a division. The Noble Lord who had just sat down and the Hon. Member for Northampton had argued throughout as if Government proposed to levy a union rate ; but he must beg leave to remind the Committee that they had no such intention. The Committee then divided, when there appeared— For the clause Against it 57 Majority in favour of the clause —6l The clause accordingly stands part of the Bill. The Chairman obtained leave to sit on Thursday at noon, for the purpose of proceeding with this Bill. Lord J. RUSSELL moved that the House at its rising do adjourn until Thursday next at twelve o'clock. The other orders of the day were then disposed of, and the House adjourned until Thursday next at a fepi minutes before twelve o'clock. FEVER IN IRELAND. Mr. LABOUCHERE moved for leave to bring in a Bill to amend and continue an Act of the last session of Parliament for making provision, until the Ist day of September, 1847, for the treatment of poor persons afflicted with fever in Ireland. He explained brig fly that the object of the Bill was to alter the present system of making provisions for cases of fever in Ireland ; the main alteration would be to throw a portion of the ex pense and management on the relief committees, instead of, as at present, altogether on the local rates, and under the supervision of the Poor-law Guardians. Ile would postpone any observations he had to make till the second readinc , of the Bill, till which time he hoped the discussion would ' be reserved. Sir J. GRAHAM did not wish to discuss the pro visions of the Bill at present, only be rose to have some further explanation. As he was led to understand the measure, it transferred the whole management of these cases of fever to the relief committees, and also charged the expense of the mismanagement on the general fund, instead of, as before, on the local rates. Mr. LABOUCHERE said this was a correct view of the manner in which the charge would be made. If any expense of the prevailing destitution of Ireland was to be at all charged on the general funds of the country, none could be better charged than to check the pestilence pervading the country. Mr. SHAW inquired if the measure was to be tem porary or permanent ? Mr. LABOUCHERE — OnIy temporary. It is pro posed to be in operation from next November till the end of the next session. Mr. lIUME complained of the principle of charging this expense on the public funds. It was a most dan gerous practice, and ought to be cautiously acted on. If they admitted this principle, he did not know of any charge which they might not saddle upon the country. The motion was then agreed to. Mr. JOHN O'CONNELL wished to put a question to the Secretary for Ireland. He wished to know if it were the intention of the Government to introduce, or assist the introduction of, into the Irish Poor-law Bill, any provision to give additional facilities in the work houses for religious worship; and also, any provision for obviating the recurrence of the disputes and interferences on religious matters, which have been complained of under the present law. If it were out of order in asking the question at that time, he would defer it. Lord J. RUSSELL said that the Government had no objection to introduce such a clause as the Hon. Gentle man's question suggested into the Bill, if the Hon. Gen tleman could state with sufficient reason why they should do so. It was the earnest desire of the Government that the measure, in its working, should meet the approbation of all parties. ADJOURNMENT OF THE HOUSE. Lord J. RUSSELL then moved that the House, at its rising, should adjourn to Thursday next. Ile under stood that it was the intention of the Speaker to attend in that House to-morrow, in order to meet those Hon. Members who might desire to attend divine worship. He asked the House to sit on Thursday at twelve o'clock in the day ; but he understood that his Right Honoura ble Friend did not intend to proceed on that day with the Prisons' Bill or the Custody of Offenders' Bill. Lord G. BENTINCK trusted that the Noble Lord would not persevere with the Irish Poor Reliet Bill on Thursday, inasmuch as it would inconvenience many Hon. Members. Lord J. RUSSELL hoped that they would be ena bled to get through Committee that night; but if not, he trusted that the House would not object to the Thurs day morning sitting, in order to complete the clauses in the Bill. THE NATIONAL FAST. Mr. MARK PHILIPS wished to ask one or two questions of the Right Hon. Gentleman the Secretary for Ireland ; first, as to what would be the effect of this fast. The number of working Irish, under the Labour Act, was stated to be 700,000, if he were correct in those numbers, he wished to know if they were paid at the rate of Is. a day, and if, under the operation of this fast, they were to refrain from working on that day, he should like to know whether they were to be paid with out furnishing an equivalent in labour. Mr. LABOUCHEItE said, that if 'his knowledge were correct, they had had a fast in Ireland already since the pressure of this distress, and in that case they had agreed that, as the expence came off the country, the labourers should work on that day. Mr. MARK PHILIPS said that it would have ap peared to the working classes of this country a great hardship if the poor peasantry of Ireland, who were paid for their labour by the country, were allowed their pay, and a rest from their labour, and the mechanics of England were compelled to cease labour at the expense of their wages. Had the Attorney- General been in his place, he should have asked if any penalty attached to the infringement of this command. ALLOWANCE TO IRISH PAUPERS. Lord GEORGE BENTINCK said that he had ob served in the Government paper—(Laughter)—he had observed in that morning's Times, a statement that an order had issued from the Irish Government, restricting the rations of the paupers to half a pound, for persons above nine years of age, and half that allowance for chil dren under that age. Mr. LABOUCIIERE had not seen the document re ferred to by the Noble Lord, and the Irish Government had not had any communication on the subject. When such arrived, he should be happy to give every informa tion to the Noble Lord. TIII NATIONAL FAST. Mr. BRIGHT said that he should be the last man in that House to throw ridicule on any matter connected with religion, but with respect to this national fast that was ordered for to-morrow, he knew that it would not be attended to by nine-tenths of the population, and would therefore be of no effect. He thought, instead of the proclamation doing honour to the Deity, it only showed the utter want of wisdom in those who framed it, and was rather calculated to cherish past supersti tions, and encourage infidelity, than to advance the cause of Christianity. Holding these opinions, he could not allow the subject to pass without entering his solemn protest against it, as unwarranted by the Holy Scrip tures and opposed to reason ani common sense. Sir GEORGE GREY was firmly impressed with the conviction that national fasts and seasons of humiliation were sanctioned by the revealed Scriptures. Mr. P. HO WARD said that he believed that this was a principle in accordance with Holy Writ, and had been ofte❑ ordered in circumstances of national distress. The Church to which he belonged had cc.mmanded that the miserere should be sung, and that more than usual strictness should be observed in connexion with that day. POOR LAW (IRELAND) BILL. The House then went into Committee. On clause 9 being proposed, Sir HENRY WINS CON BARRON proposed, as an amendment, that parishes should be substituted for electoral divisions, and where the parish exceeded 6,000 acres he proposed that the Poor-law Commissioners should have power to divide it into two or more parishes. Now he fully agreed in this opinion, and it would be argued against his proposition by those who were in favour of a union rate, that if they harrowed the ground they would be giving a premium to landlords to drive the poor into the towns. But he thought that this was met in two ways ; firstly by the amendment of the Noble Lord, which, under the 10th clause, proposed that when the rate was more than 2s. 6d. on the year, the landlord should be charged with the support of the poor ; the second ground was an amendment which it was his intention to move at a subsequent clause of the Bill, the effect of which amendment was that wherever the parishes were more than 6,000 acres in extent, the poor-law guardians should have the power to divide it into two unions, and that where the poor were resident for more than three years on any estate, and then migrated into the towns, that the guardians should be enabled to compel them:to support those poor. On the amendment being put from the chair, Viscount SANDON said that he conceived that if this Bill was to be of any service whatever, it must be ef fected by the giving a stimulus to tho several parties to exert themselves for the general benefit of the people. An English Member might not, perhaps, be the best person in the world to give an opinion upon the subject, but it did appear to him that the Bill would be totally useless unless it provided this stimulus ; for they could hardly intend to throw three millions of people on the poor -rate—not to make them beggars exactly, but, at any rate, to make them paupers. In his opinion, they must render the taxation concurrent with the size of the estates, and that some measures should be taken to render those estates liable, which were now only in the possession of nominal proprietors, for without this was done there would the no security whatever for obtaining the sti mulus which was necessary for the redemption of the country. Every man ought to snake a sacrifice of his time, his comfort, his money and his exertions, for the general benefit. If this Bill were to only act for a pre cent benefit it would, in his conception, be a great in jury ; and he trusted, therefore, that the areal division proposed would not be adopted, for, if it were, it would be productive of great inconvenience, and very likely go far to defeat the whole operation of the Bill. Mr. LABOUCHERE quite agreed with the Noble Lord the Member for Liverpool that it would be a great mistake to alter the areal division of Ireland. The amendment of the Noble Lord quite met the difficulty suggested by the Hon. Member for Waterford. He also agreed in the opinion expressed by the Noble Lord that the taxation should be commensurate with the extent of the estates. On a former occa sion when this question had been raised by the Hon. Member for Northamptonshire (Mr. Stafford O'Brien), he had stated his views at large on this ques tion, and he need not again state them. The question raised by the Hon. Member for Waterford, was simply this—that the electorial divisions should be changed for parochial divisions. That was a very material point, and he quite agreed with his Noble Friend the Member for Liverpool, that this would alter the whole of the areal division of Ireland. He did not think that there should be this division of interests between the different parts of the country, for he did not see that any means could be adopted for preventing the poor man from going from one part of the country to another. What was the case in England ? Why, that the landowner in one parish had nothing whatever to do with the condition of another, though it might be a neigh, LLOYD'S SHIPPING. GUJCKSTADT, MARCH 18.—The Hermine, Saathoff, from Hamburgh to Hull, has put in here with loss of an anchor and chain, and to be examined, having been for several days in the ice. HANIBURGH, MARCH 19.—The Schiller, Übtenwoldt, from Hamburgh bound to London, in leaving the Rohlhrand, 16th inst., grounded on a sand bank at high water, and fell over on her beam ends; cargo, with the exception of about six tons, it is feared, will be a total loss. PARIS, MANCH 21.—A ship on fire was passed in lat. 43, long. 12, by the Victor, Cordon, arrived at Havre; several pieces of wood and some casks was also passed by the same ship in the Bay of Biscay. The Morbiham, Soirat, was totally lost in going out of Abrevack, where she had put in. The Alfred, Livrac, from Valparaiso to Bordeaux, touched the rocks on the 14th inst., near Palais (Belle Key) she has since been assisted into Lorient, aad it is feared must discharge. ST. MARTIN (ILE DE RE), MAREIII.B.—The Zuli, (pro bably Sully), from Guadeloupe to Bordeaux, was passed by a pilot of this place. with loss of mizen-mast. The Mary, (shallop) with nine hogsheads of sugar, for the Appoline, Deane, was totally wrecked on a reef off Savanna La Mar, 16th ult. NOTICE TO MARINERS.—BLOCKADE OF OPORTO. 20, Suffolk-street, Pall-mall, March 20, 1847. Sir,—Having read in the morning papers of this day the declaration made by Mr. Vair Zeller, the Consul-General of the Lisbon Government in London, in his letter to you of the 18th inst., wherein he states that in consequence of the port of Oporto being in a state of blockade, he had received orders from his Governmept not to grant bills of health or clearances for that port, I had to state, as the agent of the Junta of Oporto, that all vessels clearing for that port from Great Britain or Ireland, will be admitted at the custom house of that city, without any Portuguese consular certifi cate being required, until the said Junta announce to the contrary. I am, Sir, &c., (Signed) A. C. D SA' NOGUEIRA. To W. Dobson, Esq., Secretary, Lloyds. Bombay, 16th February, 1847. Sir,—We beg to inform you that on the Ist inst. the light at the Bombay lighthouse was exhibited, on the revolving principle, with three faces, each face representing its greatest light every two minutes. (Signed) LLOYDS' AGENT. To Wm. Dobson, Esq., Secretary, Lloyds. g h t e o r n o , o i f n a bronze, world TESTIMONIAL MANIA. — Every bod y now - a-days l a V ce e f l u li l n riding the high horse ; Co is giving every body a testidmer tiahle. pe —not a country; and Hudson. the railway monarch, wh ose motto might be, "nulls dies sine Linea." It may, however, be confidently predicted that one might be named whose exertions in alleviating human sufferings far outbalance the just and willingly rendered claims of those whose names are above enumerated. This will at once be apparent, when we call to mind the almost incalculable amount of agoni , ing torture relieved by Blair's Gout and Rheumatic Pills, whose proprietor may be said already to have reared an imperish able monument on the gratitude of thousands. [ADVEILTISEMENT.]—The Registered Paletot of Llama cloth, the most fashionable coat for both the present and approaching seasons, still retains the same moderate p r ice, which, with its usefulness and gentlemanly appear ance, has secured such general popularity. It has been made by special command for their Royal Highnesses Prince Albert, Prince George of Cambridge, Prince Edward of Saxe Weimar, his Grace the Duke of Wellington, and the several royal visitors to the British Court. In London it can only be purchased of the patentees, 11. J. and D. Nicoll, Court tailors, 114, Regent-street, and 22, Cornhill. Agents for Liverpool, Dawbarn and Son, Bold-street • for Dublin, Geo. Macjona, Mol eswor th- street ; f or Birmin.4l;am, Wareing and Son, New-street; and the principal tailors in other large towns. The Church of Englund Journal has freely exposed Church abuses in Wales. A Bishop is annoyed, and sends the following courteous note :—" The Bishop of Bangor re quests that no more numbers of a newspaper called the Church of England Journal may be sent to him." The paper was sent gratuitously.—Shr ewsbury Chronicle. NESS SALMON FISIIIIVGS.—Since the opening of the salmon fishings, the take in the Ness has been very limited as compared with other years. Within the last few days, however, the number of fish taken was slightly in creased, and it is expected that as the we ither becomes more genial, the fishings will improve. Some days ago a fine fish, 351bs. in weight, was taken. Salmon sells at le. 9d. per Advertieer. MARKET INTELLIGENCE. (From the London New Price Current of March 23.) SI:GAIL—To-day there was not much desire evinced to ()prate on raw sugar for home consumption, but in the value little variation too place; those parties that were desirous to realise, however, were compelled to take lower prices for brown and inferior sorts, and last week's rates could no t be generally obtained even for the better sorts of yellow arid grey. West India Muscovado met with little attention, and the private sales did not exceed 120hlids and tres; the rates taken were in some cases rather under those that existed previously, the quantity on offer being rather larger. REFINED.—To- day Refined goods were much sought after for home consumption; but few parcels were to be obtained , and prices are firm. The supply of Bonded Crushed Sugar is far from sufficient for the wants of exporters. MAUILITIUS.—This afternoon Mauritius Sugar was not much in request ; 11,671 bags 216 casks and 37 tierces were offered at auction ; near]) the whole consisted of bright yellow sorts ; for these the demand was limited, and a part only soli, in some cases at lower rates, but for brown end grey qualities a good demand' existed, and the prices ob tained were equal to these of Friday. EAST IrtnlA.This afternoon two parcels of Bengal Sugar were offered at public sale, and amounted to 2,654 bags and 36 tierces; the demand was limited, and the Benares only partly sold at the former value. FOREIGN.—This afternoon 140 hhds and 14 barrels of Sugar from St. Croix, duty paid, were offered at public sale, a superior parcel of the new crop, and sold stiffly. MOLASSES.—This afternoon there was only a limited de mand privately for West India; at public sale 171 puns De merara were taken in at 23s for olddling quality; 125 puns of Barbadoes at 25s for gout; 58 puns of St Kitts at '23s; and 68 puns 6 hhds St Vincents at 20s, low quality, being about the former value. CoFFEE.—To-day Ceylon Coffee was in limited request privately, and 41a Gd to 42s is the value of good ordinary' pale native. Of Mocha 60 bales were offered at public sale , sold at stiff rates—good yellow long berry clean garbled 79s Gd to 80e, triage 35s to 50s, sea damaged 36s to 725. 111 , Foreign Coffee a good business has been done privately in a l. . sorts, and at rather better prices. TEA.—The quantity upon which duty was paid at this port during the past week amounted to 492,000 pounds, an d the arrivals were 9,000 pkgs during that time. All kinds • are cheaper than they were at this period in 1846, notwith - , standing the large consumption. RICE.—To-day Bengal Rice met with a dull demand. At public sale 5,426 bags of yellow were offered ; the sound Was all taken in at is to is 6d under the rates of Friday. SPICES.—To-day at public *sale 21 cases of Cassia Lignea sold at 57s 6d to 58s for good ord coarse, 68 casks Jamaica Ginger taken in above the value, viz-71 to 71 5s for good, and at 563 to 65s fur ord and good ord. 28 cases at 38s for Bengal. 320 bags Malabar Pepper at 3hd for fair heavy, . being jd more than it was worth. 50 brla African Pod, In part sold at 81s to 115 s. 40 bags Pimento taken in at 5 d per lb. COCIIINEAL.—This afternoon, at public sale, 70 b a gs of Teneriffe Cochineal were withdrawn at 6s 4d, being aboY4 the value. 208 bags Honduras sold at full rates for the best sorts. SPIRITS.—Since Tuesday last the home and export de liveries of Rum have been upon a small scale only, whereas the arrivals increased of all descriptions, notwithstanding prices are yet much above those of this time in 1846. In Jamaica the tendency is still downwards for all sorts. East India is difficult of sale. In Leeward Island very little busi ness has been done. Demerara met with a dull sale. Al: though the deliveries of Brandy continue upon a large scalea still the home trade operate with caution, and prices are o the decline. INDIGO.—The market is still firm for East India of all de scriptions, and there is only a small amount on offer. A fa ir quantity has been taken, at prices fully equal to those of the last quarterly sales; indeed some qualities are fetching a small advance. OiLs.—Cod is to be obtained at 2715 s to 271 10s, but the purchases made have been unimportant. Seal has been operated in with caution for all purposes, and rather lower rates are taken. For Sperm previous rates are insisted 11 1 3 ° 11 : Lard Oil is selling at 45s to 50s, and is in brisker requ est, The home demand continues to be extensive for Linseed Oil on the spot, and large parcels have been taken for expert/I' tion ; prices are still on the advance. For forward delivery a good deal has been done at 29s 6d to 30s. Any further rise in the value of Rapeseed is prevented by arrivals of Foreign' Olive is held with firmness. There are further arrivals of Palm, and holders are inclined to realise at 37s to 37s 6d pe r i cwt for fine quality, and at 300 to 36s for low to goo .. Cocoa Nut Oil is in active demand, and brought further ad vanced rates. TALLOW.—Although there are sellers of Russian on the spot upon further reduced terms , still the demand has been limited: 50s Gd to 51s per cwt are the prices accepted for fine Petersburgh Yellow Candle. For delivery in the I E IS I three months of the year the demand is, however, good, eou quotations range firm at 46s 6d to 46s 9d. Home made je little wanted, and there are sellers at 50s net cash. F or other sorts of Tallow the market is in a dull state, and prig are lowering. RAILWAY SHARE MARKETS• LIVERPOOL, MARCIE 23. eCIL STOCK EXCHANGE.—The sales are—Chester and Birkenhead, .1. Shares, % dis.—East Lancashire, New (scrip), 265. 3d. burgh and Glasgow, Quarters, 18 ex div.—London and North-wr," . em, 178 —Ditto, New Quarters, 11 p.—Ditto Quarters (G. JO. I p.—Londou and Manchester and Birmingham, 70—Manchester Leeds (late Huddersfield and Sheffield), 3% p. ex div.—D l" Fifths, 556 p. ex div.—Ditto, 321. Shares (late Extensions), 2N p:, - ; Ditto, Halves (late L. and B.), 4% p.—Manchester. Sheffield. s' Ai. Lincolnshire, 89--Ditto, (late Great Grimsby and Sheffield) , 2 1,, Shares, 1% dis.—Midland, 118—Ditto, New, 3% p.—Ditto, C. solieated Birmingham and Derby, 91% —Newcastle and p er 4. wick, New, 3% p.—South-Eastern and Dover, New, 14 °'_.,4 I is. 3d. p.—York and Newcastle, Preference, 4%—York North Midland, 85% —Leeds and Thirsk, 1% dis,—Birminghara Oxford Junction, 8% p.—East Lincolnshire, 236 p.—Fleetwood , rr ton, and West Riding, 3s. 9d. p.—Glasgow and Dumfries, 1 Pra West Riding 'Union. 1% p.—Liverpool, Crosby, and Southport , : p.—Manchester and Southampton, % dis.—Dutch Rhenish, 4% ~ _. . _ MANCHESTER, Maim 23. and Svoca EXCEANGZ.-The sales are-Birkenhead, Lancashire , Cheshire Junction, 3-16-Blackburn, Clitheroe. and North-Westel 1 %-Ditto, Preferentials, 1% -East Lancashire (late B. and P.) , ~,,, -Fleetwood, Preston, and West Riding Junction, 3-16-Great Nor te .-- ern (Direct Northern Scrip), par-London and North-Western of a cheater and Birmingham), 705( c .- Manchester an d L ee ds, % -Manchester, Sh e ffi e l d, and Lioc° ,„ -' Shares (late Extension), 2 shire (Grimsby, 201. Shares), 1%-manehester and SouthP to , IN. ' -Newcastle and Berwick, New, 4-North Staffordshi re , 3 1 16-- Northern Counties Union, 30s. 6d. dia.-Shrewsbury a n d Binning' ham (A), y e -Ditto, 91. 12s. 3d. Shares (B), % - Shropshire Unica. 15-16-South-Eastern and Dover, No. 4,9-16-West Riding Timm I% • LEEDS, 31.43c11 23. STocIL ExcHANGL-The sales are-Ambergate, Nottingham, and Boston, 4s. dis.-East Lancashire, Ili p.-Ditto. New, 335. 6d. p.- Ditto, New (scrip), 255. p.-East and West Yorkshire, 16s: p. --- Great Northern (London and York), ls. 6d. dis.-Ditto, Eaten* sions, par-Leeds and Dewsbury, Extensions Scrip (green), 7s. p.- - shares Llsatigtegurtid Ditto, New, Extensions Scrip (pink), 10s. :p. -Leeds and Thirsk, New, 15s. dis.-Ditto, Preference, 295. p.-Leeds, Wakefield, and Manchester, and Newcastle Midland, 12s. 6d. dis.-Liverron l, Brighton and South Coast, Fif teenths, 4s. p.-Macchester and Leeds, 311, S ii i r ivi l enatLExtensts2 . : 2% p.-Manchester, Buxton, Matlock, d p•-Newcastle and Berwick, vi l A - . New, land, 117 - Ditto, Preference, 3% 3% p.-North British, Quarter Carlisle Branch), 0. 6d. p.-Ditto, Extensions (scrip), 14s. P• h in e g rn Counties Union, Union 335. p. 30s. dis.-North-Western, Is. 6d. Wharfdale Junction, 2s. 6d. dis.-York and SHEFFIELD, MAlell 23. Sheffield, and Manchester, d and STOCK Exciarmx.-The sales are- Ditto (Sheffiel a liewcastle, Preferenee.4 P. Lincolnshire (Grimsby and Sheffield), Si. dis.- n North Stafford- Lincoln), 31s. dis.-North British, Thirds, 2 % .-- NEWCASTLE-UPoN-TYNE, MAI" 2 New, Shire, 3% p.-Wharfdale Junction, par-West Riding 3 U . nion, 1% P• STocK EXCHANGE.-The sales are-Newcastle and Berwick, 3% p.-Ditto (North Shields), Purchase, 8 p.-North British, Quay. tars, 1% p.-North Staffordshire, 3 p. EDINBURGH, 3lsacn 22. STOCK Excnionaz.-The sale are-Aberdeen, Bathgate, 3/. 18s.-Arbroath and Forfar, 271. 101.-Ditto , ' 1 1?;: Shares, 151.-Ayr and Galloway, 21. ls. 6d.-Caledonian, 271. 2s._bu. -Ditto, New, 21. 11 a.-Caledonian and Dumbarton, 2/. 7s. -ClYle,: . 2a-Airdrie _sit dale Junction, 39/. 55.-Deeside, 3/, U.-Direct Northern, 21 . l i n d 6d.-Dunblane, Doune, and Callender, IL 12s. 6d.-Dundee 1,,1, Arbroath, 421. IN.-Ditto, New, No. 1, 301.-Ditto. Nov, No. 2, e!.., -Dundee and Perth, 321. 155 .- Ditto , New Shares, 191._Easter,. wife , Counties, 191. 10s.-Ditto, York Extension, 41. 158.-East of , v . 21. 165.-Edinburgh and Bathgate, 5/. 17s. 6d.-Edinburgh and _ 0 2,,,: r gow, 711. 11:M.-Ditto, Half Shares, 19/. 12s. 6d. -MHO: Q u ''' e , Shares, 181.- Edinburgh, Leith, and Granton. 201.- Ditto, Preferel,. 211.-Edinburgh and Northern, 16/ 155.-Ditto, New Shares. 41 :,,,,, -Ditto, Newport, 7/. 17s. 6d.-Ditto, ditto, New, 2/. 140.- I .;_. burgh and Pertii (Old), 11. 17s.- Ditte (New), 21. 12s. ex 11 ,, e it t0, Glasgow and Ayrshire, 621.-Ditto, New Stock. 36/, 171. 6d.-.`„,,, Quarter Shares, 16/. 10s. ex new-Ditto, Halves, 71. 29.-Glasg"_,. Dumfries, and Carlisle, 51. 155.-Glasgow and Garnkirk, 39 • 1•- 131 ' . nlttO , gow General Terminus, 121.5x .- Glasgow and Greenock, 181.-- ~4 New, 91.-Ditto, Preference, 81. 55.-Glasgow, Kilmarnock, ;0 Ardrossan, 5/. 18s.- Great North of England, 233/. Ms.-Great 5 ,,,,d of Scotland, 21. 1 la.-London and York, 31. 155.-Manchester r n d Leeds, 108/.-Midland and Eastern Counties, 155.-Newcastl e „,...• Berwick, 331. 55.-North British, 331. 155.-Ditt o , H a lve% lui;ri Ditto, Thirds, 3/. 116.-Dltto, Quarters, 41. 35.-Ditto, New Qua r ne , (scrip), 1/. Bs. 6d.-Ditto, Fifths, 61. 155.-S co tti s h Central, .'" a " t y' . Scottish Grand Junction, 1/. ls. -Scottish Midland, 201. 109.-1 ~. ling and Dunfermline, 31. 18s.-Stirling and Midland, 21 %. 4 1,19 , Wishaw and Coltness, 481. 15s. ex div.-Y or k an d I'lielrn ..-. 36/. 10s.-Ditto, New, I 11. 155.-Ditto ' Preference, V. 17s• " - ;th Direct Bombay and Madras, 2s. 96.-East Indian, Bs.-Great IsTod of India, 35.-Great Southern of Madras, 35.-Madras , Nellore, ~,, "- Arcot, 2s. GLASGOW, Mimi 22. STOCK EXCHANGE. —The sales are—Ayr and Galloway, Caledonian, New, 525. 6d.—Caledonian and Dumbartonshire, n i all Direct Northern (scrip), 525. 6d.—East Indian, Bs.—East Central, 56s.—Edinburgh and Glasgow, Quarters, 1111 / 6-.Edielna Leith, and Granton, Quarters, 16s. 6d.—Edinburgh and r it to, (New Co.), 545. Glasgow, Kilmarnock, and Ayr, Halves, No. 1,5% —Glasgow, Dumfries, and Carlisle, 51 19s.—",d. Southern of Madras, 2s. 6d.—Kllmarnock and Ayr Direct, 38s ' o cli, Manchester and Southampton, 31s.—Dfonkland and Kirkin i nip), 241.—North British, Thirds, 725. 6d.—Ditto, New Quarters ( 5c o ld 29s.—Stirling and Dunfermline, 77s.—Wilsoritown, Morniogsi d _., e ' tier Coltuess, 701.—'1Vishaw and Coltuess, 48%—York and New''' . Preference, 81. 3s. DEATH IN BRIXTON GAOL.—Yesterday an inclu e osv f was held before Mr. Carter, in the Brixton House 4, Correction. The d e c ease d was J o h n F os t er , aged Si g He had been sentenced to six months' imprisonmeNt v - tbe sessions, for felony, but h e was att ac k e d with droP s e a of the ski n , o f w hi c h h e di e d on S un d ay . H e aPPetrthe to have had every attention in medical skill, and ux. luxuries a s i n ki ng f rame requ i re d. V er di c t, " Nat death." [ADVERTISEMENT.)—A SEVERE 'A FFECTIO N OF -- .r ,lit te CHEST AND LUNGS CURED By HOLLOWAY'S PILLS. —Extract of $ ;11' • ter, dated Bandon, March 2, 1847 :—" To Professor Hollows,' s o stO A young lady resides here, whose c hest an d l ungs were in so del. ue l k a state, that from the lea s t cold her diffi cu lty o f b rea thi n g Was Blor that she could only get relief by blistering. She had little or 1 20 0/ 1 petite. and was so weak and d, bilitated as to be obliged to rest e ar in going up one flight of stairs ; but, by rather a long use 01 2; Pills, am happy to say she has been restored to perfect 8e 8 ,..0r (Signed) WILLIAM BROWN." Sold by all druggists, and at Prof Holloway's Establishment, 244, Strand, London. —OOl BIRTHS. On the 7th ult., at Quebec. the lady of W. J. C. Baum, of a sa n es t, On the 17th inst., at the Hill, Creetown, the wife of Captain '— Indian Navy, of a son. of On the 20th inst., at Thurlow-square, Mrs. T. Richard/10n, daughter. Geeri 4 On the 20th inst., at whlpp's-cross, Walthamstow, Mrs• Greig, of a son. On the 20th inst., at Herbert-terrace, Dover, the lady °- f ae Harvey, 57th Regiment, of a son. On the 21st inst , at Queen's-terrace. Bayswater, the wife of lir * B. Staples, Esq., barrister at-law, of a son. On the 2lst lust., at Montague-place, Islington, Mrs. Jo hn B idiel Hunter, of a daughter. MARRIED. On the 20th inst., at St. Mary's Church, Islington, C. AstleY field, Esq., or Ludlow, Salop, to Catherine, daughter a Thew Wakefield, Esq., of Suffolk-place, Islington. DIED. On the 4th inst., in Stephen's-green, Dublin, Miss Sarah Dohertl' sister of the Chief Justice of the Common Pleas. 01111' On the 10th Inst., Martha, youngest daughter of Mr. Thom late of Capel, Kent. si On the 16th inst., at his seat, near Fershore, Lientenantaerie Marriott, aged 74. On the 17th Inst., at Exmouth, Devon, Alfred GettrenX. On the 18th list., at Margate, Mr. George Phillpott, aged 73ofthe On the 20th inst., at Leominster, Charles Edward, only 500 Rev. J. Charles Napleton. mr On the oth inst., at Westbourne-place, Eaton-square , ---- JAW ° Harrison, 21s age t i d 83. Grev e ' On the nst., Sarah Harris, wife of Mr. Robert Miller, of terrace, Peckham. Of Mr. On the 21st inst., Elizabeth, widow of the late ltf --- Arc her ' Lower Thames-street, aged 81. --- --- ---- -,, 111' N London: Printed and Published by WIRD() YOUNG, of ~o L i go li Strand, Printer, at The Sun Office, N 0.112, Strand, in the PTiiill of the Savoy, hi the County of Uldglooos, Wodoosidaril 24, 1847. NATION • The system of .mtl Loan Ftu • littint of the chje( %a approbation 11 Scers of those nand Society ha' aranch Office in 'mattes generall3 (~..,71413''-eatedliall a unllgaC°dtmits°slnnelli P• l4 lOaS classes, fu Example.— * lent of 11.6 a " 2 i , 2d , m 41v ing Annul . on his Life, L Exam le.— t ' 411111 6 the ai t he annual pa the " Panne same ben( for age 20. bleat of 11. 6 of 2s. 2d., In' " i ull Annul his life 1751. 1 zarni -, le. rnent of 11. 6! Of 25.21., ml celving Annu his llfe. 1751. th e f i ttulde. - al 44 St 11 SO nlent ,;(1 4 P9 ment e. Exatuor 4e 1..! 1121. ss. pay wise share • Edinburgh This Corr THE SEVE of their Mor its constitute rYstems of A in comparisc nrers, ar consistent For prosp the Agents 1 - ART For the A Instil Under the Sir Robert Sir Itichar e• R. Cod George Joi .7. P. Deer Thomas U The Not that the T celebrated 27th insta David Ro' Robert F. Cari N. J. Crj Rden Up Henry Fc Lambs Philip Ch Dinner of the St Pall-mall Bloomsbi `IL` "s-7 CI holes, go leg, are liratchea dertakin: receive a T. CC (seven d Watches Them Sdaptee To b bill; C the Au tion, 3,1 at 10,. Just p 2.. 6 dire( trc;n; Onto Low ,and 4T, 1 ~.. ; PATH( In ix SE Physic expla the ik (muss Debill the 111 Matz' Idemt dpott 4. 1 lads the t rrailt ditto] act a Man: peal, 1 , 1•4