The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1869-02-20 00:00:00

ROUSE OF LORDS.

their lordships re-assembled at five o'clock, when there
was a full attendance of Peers ; those on the Opposition
Oenches for outnumbering the Ministerialiats.
The Royal Message having been read,
Lord carysfort (who was attired in military uniform,)
rose to move the Address. His lordship expressed his
•4elief that the good ship of State was well manned
and guided by well tried and able pilots. Referring
to the subject of the Royal Message, he avowed his
admiration for the conciliatory spirit lisplayell by the
Turkish Government throuxhout the late dispute in the
Bast, and he thought the conduct of Greece in yielding to
the advice of the Great Powers was such as to convince .
Earope of the desire of the Hellenic Govrriiment to pursue
a lawful course. flaying touched upon the Convention
with America, anti the other points mentioned in the Royal
Speech, his lordship referred to the Irish question, and sail
that Ireland, which had suffered from misrule during the
last century, WM not to be conciliated in a single day. He
was glad to hear that her Majesty's Government had resolved
to disestablish and disendow the Irish Church. It was im-
possible to declare that the Protestant Church never obtained
root in Ireland. Justice to Ireland was no longer the
watchword of a party ; but it was the voice of the national
will The noble lord proceeded to say that, although he was
himself a Protestant, he fully believed that the Church would
not be weakened, but, on the contrary, it would be streng-
thened by disestablishment. Let Ireland be no longer ruled
with a rod of Iron, hut appeal to the loyalty of a nation.
fly giving the Irish justice, they wonld be doing justice to
their own consciences. Ilia Lordship concluded by moving
the Address to Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen.
Lord Monck, in seconding the Address, said they hail just
passed through a great crisis in our country's history, having
affected by the exercise of the ordinary legislative machinery
as great j transfer of political power as in other countries
have been attended with the tall of dynasties and the over-
throw of institutions. The present aspect of affairs was by
no meanssatisfact.lry. The complete tranquillity of the coun-
try, and the abseuce of allpopular dim aids, were healthy signs,
and sh.ilved that, in taking their " leap in the dark," they
had fortunately alight-d on their feet. In referring to those
portions lif the Royal Message relating to our foreign rela-
tions, his lordship alluded to the happy Issue of the Con-
ference at Paris, which he regarded. as anew and satisfactory
feature to their diplomatic career. With regard to the
glieetion of arbitration as a means for the settlement of
International difficulties, his lordship expressed himself in
favour of it, and said he believed that affairs were tending
towards the establishment of an international union
of European public opinion. Touching the colonial
questions, his lordship said we had wisely conceded complete
self government to our Colonies ; and with regard to the
native risings in New Zealand, he expressed a hope that the
Colonial Government would prove itself equal to the occa-
sion, would suppress the Insurrection, acting with modera-
tion and forbearance. The noble earl avowed his gratifica-
tion that there was no intention to send more British troops
to New Zealand to put down the rising, and hoped that
nothing would induce the Ministry to suspend the arrange-
melds already made for the complete withdrawal of the
troops from that colony.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.
The House resumed at a quarter to four.
After several members bad taken the oaths and their
seats, • _

The Speaker mid he had received from the judges the cer-
tificates and reports of their decisions as regarded the fol-
lowing petitions New Windsor, Wexford borough , Guild-
ford, !lewdley, Dumfriesshire, Drogheim, Limerick, Athlone,
Lichfield, Carlow, Belfast, Enniskillen, Sligo, Wallingford,
Norwich, Westbury, Stockport, Staleybridge, Cheltenham,
Dublin, Bradford, Londonderry, Warrington, Carrickfergus,
and Greenock.
The Clerk mil the roport4 of the Judges,

Mr. Gladstone (who was cheered when he entered the
House,, said that on the Ist ef March he would move that
the Acta relating to the Church Establishment in Ireland, the
acts relating to klaynooth, and the first resolution of the
House of Commons, of the session of 1,68 on the subject of
the Isiah Church be read, ami that he would move that this
Mouse will immediately resolve itself into a committee to
consider such acts and the resolutions which were carried
through the House of Commons last year.
Mr. Maguire gave notice that on the 9th of March he
would move his motion with reference to the London com-
panies, substituting a Royal Commission for a committee
of the House.
Sir J. Coleridge gave notice that he would soon ask for
leave to bring in a bill to abolish certain tests relating to
the Oxford and Cambridge universities.
Mr. leathern gave notice that he should shortly call the
attention of the House to the mode of voting by ballot, and
Ch for a committee to inquire into the subject.
Mr. Peter Taylor, amidst great laughter, gave noilce that
be would abortly bring in a bill to return to the ancient
constitutional system of payment of the members of the
house.
_ . . .

Slr George Bateson sald that on an early day he would
move that the l'arty Crocemion Act Ireland) ho abolished,
unless the Prime Minister should forestall him.
Sir It. Collier gave notice that on an early day he would
call the attention of the House to the state of the bank-
ruptcy Laws
Mr. W. E. Forster gave notice that on an early day he
should move for leave to bring in a bill relating to endowed
schools.

Mr. Ayrtim gave notice that he would, on the Ist of March
move that the House should resol,t, itself into a com-
mittee to consider the acts enabling her Majesty to recent-
in um the services of persons holding certain high civil
offices.
. . . . .

Mr. Cratifuril gave notice that on the 2Mil id March he
should move for a select committee on the Scotch poor laws.
Mr. Newilegate gave notice that he should, on the 26th of
February, move that a committee be appointed to inquire
into the Roman Catholic charities sad the registration of
burials in this country.
Lord IL Montagu gave notice that he would this day
Wednesday move for leave to bring in a bill to amend
the acts relatiug to infectious diseases among cattle and
other animals. . . . . .

-----
Sir 0. Jenkinson gave notice that on a future day he
should call the attention of the House to the subject of
local taxation.
- •- • - - -

Mr. L. King gave notice that on the 9th of March he
should move for leave to bring in a bill to assimilate the
law with respect to the inheritance of real and personal
property.
Mr. Melly gave notice that on the 12th of March he should
call attention to the number of young children in large
towns who were growing up without education, and would
move for a select committee on the subject.

Lord Eu.stace Ceotl gave notice that on an early day he
would call attention to the state of the laws with regard to
false weights and measures, and adulteration of food and
drink, and move a resolution.
Mr. Fawcett gave notice that he would, on the 16th of
February, move, that, in the opinion of that house, all ap-
pointments In the civil and diplomatic services should be
obtained by open competitive examination.
Mr. Carnegie gave notice of his intention to bring in a
bill to abolish the law of hypothec.
Mr. O'Reilly gave notice that on the Lth of March he should
move for a select committee to inquire into the arrangement
of the suburban traffic on the metropolitan railways, aspect.
fly as affecting the poorer clasres, with the view of seeing
what remedy could be provided.
Mr. Ileadlani gave notice that on the 11th of March he
should call attention to the report of the select committee
on the Mouse of Commons arrangements, and move a reso-
lution.

The Speaker then reported to the House that he had been
summoned to the Upper House and read the Queen's
Message.
Mr. Cowper, in the dress of a deputy-lieutenant, assured
the House he felt the honour which had devolved upon him
in moving the resolution. tie said there was no doubt that
every one looked on the present House as the commencement
of a new epoch. Of late he said the (treat Powers had
shown a great desire for peace in the conduct of the Con-
ference in bringing about a Sr f difficulties between
Turkey and Greece. Englta... weat deal to do with
the foundation of Greece as • country, and hail surrendered
the command of the lonian Islands. As regarded the re-
lations between England and America, there was, un-
doubtedly, no mystery no consideration, he was glad to say,
hail been spared of the honour and interests of this country.
Mow the Convention would be received in America was not yet
known. Great irritation had no doubt prevailed in America,
which up to the present had not been allayed. He was sure that
every person friendly to the progress of the world would be
glad to know that England and America were on a peace
tooting. As regards New Zealand, he thought it would not
be difficult for the colonists to organise themselves to resist
the outrages and attacks of the SI aories. The House had
been prepared for the announcement that the suspension of
the Habeas Corpus Act in Ireland would no longer be
necessary, as the outrages had considerably fallen off.
lie was sure the country would be glad to know that inquiry
was to be made into the mode of voting at parliamentary
and municipal elections. The reception of the ballot would
he thought, be dependent on the result of the inquiry. If
. . „

It is proved that intimidation is on the increase, many people
who now disapproved it would be obliged to acknowledge
that It was necessary. lie expressed great gratification at
the expression that the Government were about to take up
the question of financial boards. lie confessed he had great
diffidence and reluctance in approaching the question of Ire-
land and the Irish Church, as recently the question had been
treated by every member of the House. lion, members on
the Liberal side were well aware of the difficulties attending
the question, but they were not Insurmountable, and
they had every confidence that the right hon. gentleman
the Prime Minister would deal with the question and sur-
mount the difficulties. lie called the Irish Church a prac-
tical grievance, and not a sentimental grievance. There
was, of course, the question of what was to be done with
the money, but ha expisseil confidence that the talent of
the House would be brought to bear on the question. He be-
lieved no nobler message of reconciliation had ever been
sent from one part of a nation to another as during the last
election, lie concluded by moving an address in answer to
the speech, which as usual was an echo of the speech itself.

lln_ Mundella (in the court dress rose to second the address
to her Majesty, and asked for indulgence during the
few words he might use in seconding the address. It
was, he said, on account of the fact that he represented a
large toes, and was elected by a large numberof working men,
that he was called upon to fulfil that duty, lie went back to
the Reform Bill of Is;r2, and described it as having a beneficial
Influence on the country, and said he had no doubt that the
bill of 1667 would have an equally beneficial influence. He
believed that at no former period had the working men of
this country been more loyal to Her Maje y aml the institu-
tions of the country. Speaking of the paragraph relating to
the expenditure, he said what the country wanted was
efficiency and. economy. On the ballot, he remarked, that he
was pleased to see that it was to be applied to municipal
elections, and gave his experience of the amounts expended
to carry municipal elections. He thought the country would
never be able to express a sincere OPilliOn except through the
ballot. Ile thought it would he a justice to repeal the I
ratepaying clauses of the Reform Bill. Ile quite approved :
of the measures which affected the education of Scotland and '
the endowed schools of Eeeland. He said it was decided
that the Irish Church should lie dealt with, but all left was
that of the detail. Ile felt sure that the acts of the reformed '
Parliament would add security to the throne, safety to the j
country, and prosperity to the people.
,dr. Disraeli rose, and was received with cheers. Ile I
said he was glad to find that there was nothing included
hi the address to the Throne in answer to Iler Majesty's '
message that was of a controvertible nature. The present
Government had acceded to office on the unmistakable ex-
pression of the country, and he was glad to find that the
right hon. gentleman IND.. Glaidetone) had expressed his in-
tention of bringieg forward the question relating to the
Irish Church at an early date. He expresaed a hope that
when the statement was made, it would be received and
considered by the House in such a manner as would sanction
the character and reputation of that assenibly. Passing to
, the paragraphs relating to foreign affairs, Mr. Disraeli en-
! pressed his confidence that so long as our foreign policy was
conducted, not in selfish isolation, but in a spirit of sym-
pathy, Her Majesty's relations with foreign Powers would
always be " friendly ;" and alter adverting to the dispute
betwixt Greece and Turkey, and the convention with
America, he remarked on the other paragraph relating to
the Estimates, and noticed with approval the recognition of
the correct principle that they would be framed "with a due
regard to efficiency," for mere curtailment of expenditure
without reference to efficiency was most unwise, and
led to no saving in the end, lie then asked next
for some explanation of the paragraph recommend-
ing an I nquiry into the anode of conducting Parlia-
mentary and municipal elections, which he assumed
to contemplate an inquiry by both Houses. He
appealed to general experience whether the Election
Petitions Act of last Session had not already furnished an
important guarantee for the purity and freedom of election,
arid he urged that the Act should be allowed fair iday, for the
full effect of the searching inquiries under it could not be felt
until next general election. Lastly, Mr. Disraeli regretted that
no mention was made in the Speech of a general measure of
education, and expressed his surprise that the Government
should seem to think it a subject which could be passed over
and postponed eine die, lie concluded by a confident anti&
pation that the new House, by the fair and business-like
spirit ins which It would discuss the measures laid beifore it,
would justify the wisdom of recent legislation and unfit the
confidence of the country.

Mr. White (who interposed between Mr. Gladstone and
the House( complained of the omission from the Speech of
all mention of the Spanish Revolution.
Mr. Gladstone replied that as yet no permanent Govern-
ment had resuPed from that revolution, and that it would
not be convenient to express satisfaction with a work which
was not complete. At the same time there was no doubt
that the Government and the people of this country sym-
pathised keenly with the recent events in Spain. Criticising
Mr. Disraeli's speech in its various parts, he concluded by
saying that the Irish Church must lie the great business of
the year, and as it would be prosecuted by the Government
with a desire to consult every legitimate interest, and not
to provoke any of the animosities with which the subject
was beset, he hoped it would be handled by the House, not
so much with reference to what might at one time have been
desired, as with a desire to co-operate in a settlement which
all parties allowed to be essential.
The discussion was prolonged for some time in a more
than ordinarily inconsequential and desultory tone, and
ultimately the Address was rurreed to, and the house ad-
journed at a quarter to eight o'clock.

In the House of Commons, on February 17, the Clerk at
the table informed the House that he had received a com-
munication announcing the althdraa al of the petition
against the return for the election of the borough of Taunton,
and stating that it was not in consequence of any corrupt
practice. He also informed the House that he had received
a similar communication as regarded the elections for
Gloucester.

--Mititi'Liren gave notice that on Wednesday, the 24th inst.,
he would move to bring in a bill on Ministers' Money In
Edinburgh.

.....
31r. Bruce gave notice of his Intention, on the 22nd of
February, to a.sk leave to bring in a Bill for the more effectual
prefaion of crime.
-

Mr. Goschen gave notice that on Monday, February 22, he
should ask the House for leave to introduce a Bill to provide
for the wilfully assessment of rateable property In the
metropolis, a common basis of value for the purposes of
local tlaation, and uulfirmity in ratealde property through.
out England.
. . . . . . . .

Lord It. Montague briefly m,ved for leave to Introduce
Bill to amend and perpetuate the Acts relating to
contagious or infections diseases amongst cattle and other
animals.

- Mrs. Ibbottion seconded the motion.
Mr. Headlam, who had previously given notice of his in-
tention to ask the Government whether they Intended to
continue the obstacles against the importation of foreign
cattle, threatened on the second reading of the Bill to exa-
mine fully into it.
Mr. Dent and sir J. Elphinstonenw-- •
on the Bill.

Mr. Dent and Sir J. Elphinstone offered some observations

Mr. Bruce, on the part of the Government, said he had no
Intention to oppose the introduction of the Bill.
Leave was then given, and the Bill was read a first time.
The House then adjourned.

HONOURABLIC MENTION.—A heroic sergeant of
police, Mason by name, obtained honourable menticn
from the sitting magistrate at Bow-street police-court.
in London. Mason was riding along a country road at
Hillingdon one night, when he came on two ruffians
driving a cart full of what he had good reason to be-
lieve was stolen property. He was unarmed, but he
dashed at them, only to find himself confronted by two
more ruffians who had been concealed among the goods.
These he held, and, after a terrible struggle, lashed
fast to the cart—the first two escaping. By this gal-
lant act he saved—with an exception of no moment—
the whole of a vast quantity of plate and valuable
furniture which the four thieves had just stolen from a
house in the neighbourhood. He was highly com-
plimented on Tuesday by Mr. Vaughan, the magis-
trate, and presented with £5 from the Police Reward
Fund. The Recorder had previously ordered him to
receive £6; the inhabitants of the district in which
his feat was performed have not shown themselves un-
mindful of him services; and he has been promoted by
the First Commissioner. So that, for once, everybody
has reason to be satisfied—the thieves, perhaps, ex-
cepted.