The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1865-02-28 00:00:00

Impfrial Varliantent.
HOUSE OF LORDS.

MONDAY—Lord Lyveden directed attention to the
report of Colonel Jervois on the defences of Canada,
which, he said, proved unmistakeably the utter defence-
less condition of the Canadian frontier. Be contended
that we ought not to rely upon the conciliatory inten-
tions of the American people, as it was well understood
when, a few weeks ago, there was a prospect of peace
being concluded between the Northern arid Southern
States, that peace and union meant war with England.
Ile wished to know what measures the Government
intended to adopt. Earl De Grey and Ripon regretted
that any doubt should have been expressed with regard
to the disposition of the United States Government
towards this country. It was the intention of Ministers
to ask Parliament and the Canadian Assembly to take
share respectively in providing for the efficient defence
of the colony, and the estimares for the present year
would include a sum of rzosao for the fortifications of
Quebec. Government also proposed that Canada should
undertake the fortification of Montreal and the impor-
tant territory to the westward. In addition, 81,000
men would be ballotted into the militia of the colony,
and her Majesty's Government would afford every en-
couragement for the establishment of schools for the
training of officers. The Earl of Derby considered the
avowal of Government with respect to the defenceless
state of one of one most important colonial possessions
was very humiliating at a moment when the question
of peace or war depended, not upon the calm consider-
ation of friendly Governments, but the excited passions
of popular assemblies and a nation which undoubtedly
did entertain extremely hostile feelings towards this
imuntry. The noble earl also condemned the delay in
providing for the defense of Canada, and expressed a
hope that a more definite statement would be made as
to what was intended to be done in the way of naval
preparation on the lakes. 'Um idea of £50,000 being
enough to put the fortifications of Quebec in an efficient
state was ridiculous, when £200,000 was more likely to
be required. After some observations from Earl Uran-
villa, the Earl of Malmesbury, the Earl of Ellenborough„
and Earl Russell, Earl De Grey and Ripon said it would
be impossible to expend £200,000 in the working season
at Quebec, even if the money were voted. It was upset
that ground that only £50,000 would be applied for.
Thermsr.—The Lord Chancellor laid upon the table
• bill conferring on the county courts a limited
jurisdiction in equity. He proposed to recommend the
county court judges to make their orders for instal-
ments payable weekly instead of monthly. He also
stated that he intended to bring in a general measare
which, amongst other provisions, would shorten the
period during which debts should he recovered, and
prohibit the recovery of any debt on account of a scare
for intoxicating liquors supplied for consumption on
the premise..
THOWMAY.—EsrI Granville, in reply to • question,
said Mr. Parnell, the Poor-law inspector of the metro.
politan district, had received no extra remnneration for
his services as enecial commissioner to the cotton
manufacturing districts. His duties in the latter
capacity would cease at Lady-day next. Lord Derby
bore testimony to the value of Mr. Fartuill's services in
connection with the cotton dietress. Lord Wharncliffe
asked for information respectine ',he Red River territory
in British North America. Was it to be united to
Canada, or erected into • separate and independent
colony? Lord Granville replied that no decision had
been come to on the Irt.:Djeci, and that it would be
injudicious to decide defenitively whilst the negotiations
for the federation of the British American provinces
were still pending.
Paroar.—The Lord Chancellor introduced a Bill to
amend the laws minting to the remuneration of attor-
neys and solicitors. The present system, he observed,
was meet mischievous; for solicitors were not paid
ficeOrdiOg to the skill, care, and labour which they
bestowed upon their work, but according to the amount
of words and writing which they could run up. Neither
was it striotly legal for them to enter into a contract or
take • salary. The Bill was very small; but being of a
novel character it would require considerable care, and
he trusted he should have the assistance of their lord-
ships in passing a measure so greatly needed.—The Earl
of Longford called attention to the question of the dis-
posal of the sewage of London and other large towns,
, and inquired what steps the Government intended to
take with respect to the recommendations of the select
committee of the House nf Commons which inquired
into the question last seseion.—Earl Granville said that
a Bill had been introduced into the other House by
Lord Robert Montague, and he hoped the result would
be satisfactory.