The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1871-03-11 00:00:00

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

-
In the L. 09111.3 of Lora, !larch 0, a number of private bills
eve, e Mau e Mame time.
_

Lord Chancellor gave notice that the second reading
of the Tables Of LeISOLII 13111 sraald, in consequence of the
absence of mug Welwyn from tusru, be postponed nista tali

day week.
Lord salisbure, In estos attention to the treaty guarantees
bmicrtaken by LIS ctntitry, and the mary resources at
rim command for their lulfliment, said that we hail now to
reckon with new forces and a now balmee of power in
Europe, tint it was therefore nzcersary to review our position
with tegard to our momentous foreign obligetions. The t
klizee Great Powers of the world were Russia, Prussia, and
Lire United States, and from their treatment of us during the
beet year (witich he deseribed; we might gather the
Wixom in which we were held by the world at large.
Om guarantees, extending over the whole of Europe, in.
eluded rortugal. Belgium, Switzerland, Greece, Turkey, and
Sweden. Ur quoted the terms of tho guarantees given to the
two Posers last nameC, and asked what means the Govern-
ment at this moment possessed for executing the obligations
they had undertaken Glancing at the enormous armies
maintained by RIIII6, Germany, and Austria, he contended
that it Was not sufficient to show the superiority of our had
and our ability to defend our Island from Invasion, because
we were bound to it fend the frontier of the guaranteed
countries like our 01N la Even with the augmentations now
reposed, our forces available for foreign action would be
Bruited to UO,OOO soon. While the not of wee had
received enormous development, railways gave I,W
facilities for the sudden cmcentratiou of troop,. Vet
we continued to maintain the pretemincs and hold the
language of a flame period although ear military organi-
c lion was such that we could not carry out our treaty en.
g igements if called mem to do so. Them small klegloms
appeared to be the very States marked out for destruction
and absorption by the larger Empire., rant, unions the
Government lot ked their obligations stesolly In the face, we
appeared likely, if n.e continued the system of permanent
braggadocio, either to sacrifice our national honour or to
each on certain defeat and hutiall'ation. Now, when some
of these treaties were under discussion, anti when a u inn
to an Congress would probably soon meet, was the time to
remember these guarantees, and also our Inability with our
existing military strength to meet the great military neon-
amities of Europe.

Lord Granville, while acknowledging the absence of party
spirit ha Lent Saliebur.i 'a speech, complained of the tone of
exaggeration which had deprived it of all utility in a tattered
point of clew. He vigorously rebutted the allegations of
declining Influence and bald nal " effacament," contending
that the proofs and hustanzes were all the other way. The
smaller Powers addressed nets • State in the very front rank
a: el Europe udanimously axed upon Lention is the
capital In which the black Sea Conference ought to be
hell As to Prince Gortschake its Circular, it was as
e itemise to France IVA Prussia as to Great tritaiu. With
regard to Germany, be cited the untoward event (the sinking
ot British repels; on the Seine, the explanations el Prussia
about Luxtmlnwrg, end the presence of Mr. Oao Russell
—the only diplomatic rat resentative at Versailles—as proofs
that Germany bad by no means treated this country with the
Contempt alleged France was no doubt angry wills us,
although our policy bed been Jett and right; but so far from
regarding Great MUM I as feeble and useless, her language
had been that a word from na would hsve stopped the War. It
would he contrary to his duty to ley down any general princi-
ples as to the application of particular treaties, but tithe con-
tinency occurred it mud be the duty of the Gevernment
to recognize the Ilablitles into which we had entered, and
to consider the best mains of vindicating our honour aml
interests. Warmly denying that anything in the foreign
policy of the blevernment, or in his own despatches, bore
the slightest resemblance to permanent braggadocio," he
reminded their lordships that Her Majesty's Government had
been successful in keeping tine ceuutry out of entanglement
and in preventing a general European conflagration.
Lord alalmesbury regretted the decadence of political
morality in Enrope, as evinced in recent negotiations and
diplematic transactions. Ile should neve liked Lord Gran-
•Cle-s speech better If he had declared that England Man
ready and strong enough to stand by her treaty guarauttes.
I. rd Granville expeented that the Government fully In-
tended to carry out these treaties
A cMlective return of treaty guarantees, as moved for by
Lord Salisbury, was ordered to be made, and their lordship*
adjourned.
In the House of Commons, Sir W. Lawson gave notice that
when the member for East Surrey should bring forward the
motion of which notice had been given, he would move a
resolution In hareem of the reduction of national armaments.
Mr ateviliwOrenville asked whether the House would be
asked specifically to vote any sum towards the Exhibition of
iSi I ; and, if not, whether any charge will or can be made
for this purpose ou the ordinary votes of Parliament by airy
department of the Stale?
The Chancellor of the Exchequer said that it was not the
Intention of the Government to ask the House for any vote.
It was very bard to any what any department might ilO. but
he did not believe any department ought to Make aiy charge
lor Ole purpose.
Lord C. J Hamilton asked the First Lord of the Treasury
the questions with reg red to the state of Westmeath of which
notice wan given on Friday.
Mr. Gladstone said that a telegram had been received,
from which It appeared that the grand jury of Westmeat La
had mooed a resolution corresie-nding to that which
had appeared in the A vrapapers. and In which the pre-
cautions hitherto taken for the suppression o' crime were
characterised not se " ineffective," but as " Insufficient."
The charge net Chief Juni.. Monahan was net an cilletel
document, bats repose had been received of it in which the
Chlef Justice describe el the state of things in the county es
going from bad to worse. These papers were at the noble
lord's disposal. It was true that information had been re-
ceived by the resident magistrate re Trim that an attempt
would be mode to assa”ieste the judges on their way from
Trim to Hollinger, but the Government were of t pinion Gnat
the communication was not trustworthy, because there were
certain Indications in it which would appear to Indicate a
want of solid credibility.

On the second reading of the Army Regulation Bill being
moved,
C elonel Loyd•Lindany moved the resolution of which he
had given notice, declaring that the expenditure necessary
',the national defences doe. not at present justify any vote
of public money for tho extinction of purchase. Criticising
the Government Kill, he declared that it failed to effect that
which was most necessary of all things—the welding together
of the different services ; that It would hand the entire army
over to competitive examination, and would destroy the best
pert of the British army, the regimental system. The abolition
of purchase he characteri s•d as a mischievous extravagance,
substituting a system whlch had brought atniut a deadlock of
promotion in the corps where it prevailed for one which had
provided us with officers inferior In itlieiency to those of no
army In Europe. Enlarging on thin theme, Colonel Lindsay
quoted the opinions of distinguished Generals, British,
Free eh, and German, In favour of the purchase system, mot
the high quality of the ,•fficers produced by if, and showed
how the new system of selection by secret reports would de-
Eno the confidence of the army, anti how it would In-
juriously affect the °liken serving in diataut pasta, far
away from the eye of the Gorse Guard..
Cidonel White, In seeondlng the resolution, did not defend
the purchase system la the at street, far, while it had con-
fined great benefits on the army, it had its drawbacks; but
the purchase system, he maintained, was popular, not only
with the officers but with the men, because it fruniahid a
clan of officers whom they were ready to follow devotedly;
and, alto the system of selection, ho defied any man to work
It satisfactorily. With the proposals as to the Militia,
Colonel White professed himself quite satisfied, bat thought
efficient had not been done for the Volunteers
A lengthened dhcusslon followed, In which several hon.
members took part, and on the motion of Lerd Eleho, the
debate was adj turned.
Tile Stamp Act 15742` Amendment BM was read a second
time; and, on the motion of Mr Gladstone, the order of
reierence to the Westmeath Committee was altered by omit..
tine the words which require thee mmittee to consider the
best means :if suppressing these unlawful combinations, and
the louse adjourned.

In the House of Lords, March 7, Lord Cairns gave notice
that on Thursday neat, whets the motion of hut Grey for
returns*i to the discharge of the Fenian prisoners) was 0.
fore their lordships, be would not the Goren inant whether
they intended to introdu-o any Immediate legislation for the
repression of crime in the disturbed counties of Ireland.
Ile Pauper inmates Discharge and Itegulatim Bill was
read a third time and p‘s.e.i.
Some other business having been disposed of, their lard -
ehips adjourned.

In the Rouse of Commons, Mr. Maao gave notice that on
this day week he would Cll.ll attention to the coatitution acd
work lug of the Board of Trade.
Mr. Disraeli Inquired of the Prime Minister whether her
Majesty's Government were aware that n treaty was nego-
tiated last year, between the Courts of lt4sala and Prinela,
referring to the war between Pronto and France ; and, if so,
whether they were In possession of this Information when
they instructed Mr. to Ruasell to repair to Vanilla and
commit Count Bismarok ?
air. Gladstone said, lu answer to the queation, that the
Government had no information as to the existence of any
such treaty. Ile need cot say, therefore, that they had no
such information in their possession when they luetructed
Mr. 0.10 Reuel!.
Colonel Wilson-Patten asked the Secretary of Slate for
War whether it was true theta battalion of Gaards had been
stopped on its way to Dublin on account of the mall-peg
having broken out; and, whether a portion of It had been
ordered to Fleetwood ?
Mr. Cardwell said that & battalion had been stopped in
London in consequence of an outbreak of small-pox. It had
not yet been decided to what place it would be sent.
Mr gamuels3n moved for a Select Committee on the
Low of Patents. In jilatification of Lis motime, he alluded
to the differences of t pinion among eminent authorities as
to the value and necessity of patents, and being himself in
favour if the present law if it were admlutstered in the
spirit of its original promoter., he roiled also ou the ex.
peediency of reeking It clear what that spirit was. Ile
hated his leaning towards the maintenance of patents on
the necessity of etching th 3 assistance of capital for the
utlhrstion of inventions, and this could not be done without
the protection of • Woes. But he laid down three con-
ditions precedent to a pateut,—novelty, sufficient des-
criptiou, and ir.eity.
MM r. une, who worded the motion, though he spoke of
the " onene, s it mind' between himself and the mover, argued
strongly against patents as injurious alike to manufacturers
and workmen, and quoted against them a tong string of
eminent authorities, political, legal and commercial.
Mr C Fortenue s4billed that the Government would not
oppose the appointmeht of a Committee.
Mr. 13 Gregory and Mr. Mundell& doubted the necessity
and the utility of an inqu'rv, though from different pouits of
rid.% the former expecting that patents in the sod 111,14
ho
abolished ; the latter, mi the contrary, Insisting that patents
were indiseensable, and that every argument against them
might he met by an amendment of the Patent Lawn
Mr. Cave was not greatly Impressed with the necessity for
Inquiry, thinking the auoject pretty nearly ripe for leakie-
(Lin. On the merits of the question he WM decidedly lu
favour of patents as a protection to poor inventors and an
encouragement to inveutors to punnets their discoveries;
but great Improvements might be made in the present tri-
bunals.
Mr. Samudn was not prepared to give a final judgment,
but on the whole the present syatem must he abolished rin-
ks,' a stop could be nut to "fishing patents," which ob-
structed all improvirn Jas.
The AtternerGeneral was against the abolition of a
Patent Law which did great service to the community by
festering a cram of prufenlonal loventors as distbigulahed
from lc:entitle manufacterMg inventors, who would net be
very anxious to make their inventions public. But the
present law was capable of mu, y amendments, some of
which the Attorney-G.lnel indicated. The tributtal might
Ice improved by eubetituting schmtific wsessors for juries, and
perhaps hy creating a suede.' tribunal ; provisional specie.
cntionn might be abashed, and the different proem.cs
might be cheapened. As to the preLm.nary lequiry, tie
pointed out VITiOII3 obl3ctions, chiefly practical, to giving It a
great extension, so as to Limude the point, of utility and
novelty.
'rho motion for the appointment of a Committee was
agreed to; leave was al.:o gliree to Mr. 11. Palmer to bring
in his bill.
Mr. Candlish next moved a resolution in favour of the re-
dtepon of the Nation3.l D3lat at the rate of tot less than
£lO,OOO 000 a year. After showing that we had practically
done nothing in this direction for the last to years, and
de oiliest on the moral oldlgations to get on', of Oche he went
on to anew that his rec..rurnendation was mine within our
ir ea-c. With this ol j .et he plunged tat" a mar of varied
statistics, illustrating MO Moreno to our weath end nom,
lation and repaying power, slid our consequent elolllty to
make a greater effort than at :my previous time. Ile 1011.
ceted various methods a economy and reduiaon by which
available funds might ne obtained, end, in addition, recom-
mended additional taxation If necessary.
Sir J. Lubbock Seconded the nr Atom wh se equal cot !Ais-
ne. of statistics, quoting the °piaci klessi g Ash and
Sir G C. Lewis, and lice example of other satin.. Ten
millions annually were not an excessive •mount to devote to
• Purpose which would strengthen the country as mocha. en
Increreln the Army and Navy; and, replying to objections,
be pointed out that posterity would not benefit Moue, hrs.
ina3h as reduction of debt would very quickly enable us to
reduce the annual burden of taxatlou.
After remarks from 31, White, Mr. Aldermnn Levrreece,
Mr. liihrworth, Mr. Laidell, and Mr E. Smith,
The Chenceller of the hachaquer agreed cordially with
Mn. Ceadbalab geoetal ovulations, ibougb be debarred to

argutd

his-premisee.- Es in,
• "tire, ',Tong al to had beendone in this direction
heretofore, for since the great war we had reduced the debt
by nearly £1i00,000,000. and this very year.. had paid off be
• four and live millions. The particular plan suggested
by Mr. Candlieh of tying ourselves down to place ten
millions annually on the Eittni..tes would lead, be contended,
to perpetual contests between reduction of debt and re-
duction of taxation, and he preferred to do the thing in tire
easiest possible manner For SW/reale:in he was very favour-
able to the plan of terminable annuities, and, descanting
once more on the virtues of moderation, he said he was for
a nioderete combination of both modes of disposing of sur-
pluses—reduction of debt and of taxes. The problem to be
solved was to get into the hands of Government large quanti-
ties of stock to be cancelled ; and he promised that if Mr.
Candlish would have patience until the Budget was produced,
about six weeks hence, he would find that it would sitird au
opportunity of making an Impression on the debt.
On this assurance, Mr. Candlish withdrew his motion.
The expediency of ru4king instruction in drill and gym-
nastics obligatory in all rate-aided schools was mooted by
It Tureens, but the compulsory form was objezted to by
Mr. W K. Forster, who pointed out that provision was
already made for this kind of instruction in the Revised Code.
Biro were brought in, by Mr. Cawley to amend the
Boriala Acts. by Sir 0 ion to repeal the cumulative cthsg
clauses of the E location Act, and by Mr It. Burney to
amend the law as to Poor Law Loans, and the Rouse ad-
j mimed.

ahaired, tor butane, that it!. comma' 77
wait b•-• •

In the Have of Common., March 8, on the motion of Mr.
Glen, • new writ was ordered to be issued for the borough
of Halifax, owing to the appointment of Mr. Standeld to
the Presidency of the Poor Law Board.
Mr. Loch, in moving the second reading of the Game Law.
(Sccotiand>imsnlment Bill, explained that its object was to
remove the grievances caused by the existing genie laws in
Bc,itlan I. The pen Cole embodied in the bill, and the means
takes to give effect to It, had met with general and almost
universal approval. If this or any similar measure should
became law, It would put an end to the IV !eellug
vitich this subject had ex,lied between landlords and
tenants The necessity of dealing wh the game laws was
generally admitted, and the evidence given by Lord Histhe.ton
and mi.), other landlords tended to show that hares and
rabbits ought no longer to be allowed to increase at the ex.
reuse of the occupiers. The Jaw would be quite justified in
saying that every tenant should be placed in a position to
guard Linaelf against over-production of these animals.
Ile c uld not see that any bent fit would result
from convertiog game into prop, rty ; and the other 'scheme
for the abolition of the game law. did not meet with general
favour moue the agricultural classes, for the repeal
of !lease law. would not benefit the tenant. The attempt to
exclude hares and rabbits from the game laws would not
Interfere with the sole right of the lentil ird to kill th,se
ant nulls, so that the tenant would not derive any ad, mine
1:oin It. The pep 'salon contained in the prmeut bill, and
which ha thought would meet all the requirements of the
CKlte, seal to give the tenant a j Ant right with the
landlord to kill ground game, and, following the
cedent laid down by the Irish Lan I Act, to de-
prive him of the rviwer of divesting himself of that
right by contract. This latter precaution was amply justifl ti
by thy fact that no bargains made between landlord and
tenant in Scotland were awl° unequal terms; the conditions
Insisted upon in leases being excessively harsh and of oat
with regard to the tenant. its moved the sec and reading of
the MU.
After a &true:lon, in which several hon members took

part,
Lard Gsrlies moved as an amendment that the bill be read
• becond time thia day its mouths.
Mr. Grant urd seconded the amendment.
Mr. Gordon suggested that the second reading should be
deterred until the Goveinaautt LW should be Letore the
Mouse.
The liquee then divided :—For the second reading, 5,5 ;
Agslust, 154 Majority against, ttt.

The 1.111 was therefore lost.
Mr. Wheelhouse, In moving the second reading of the
E Lou sloe of the Blind, Deaf, and Dumb Bill, said that about
on. In every 1,000 Inhabitants on England is Cc and dumb, ,
and one lo every 1 GOO or 1.200 is blind ; and practically '
n thing was done for these ch.leiren beta een the ages of
I or and fifteen yams Tome were over 20 OW children of this
Cass In England awl Wales, Lot one of whom, with the ex-
ception of • few solitary exceptions, received any education.
The blind, when properly educated, were placed in a pod.
Won to earn their own sustenance, and the deaf and
dumb, when educated, made butter workmen than persons
whs had both &meek and hearing. Be contended, therefore,
that it was the duty of the S ate to provide for the educe-
tiou of those children, and by the bill which he proposed it
was made compulsory upon Boards of Guardians when ap.
pl cation should be made by the parents, to send inch chil-
dren to ichools fitted for their reception. In cams where
pat cots Idled to fulfil their duty the Boards of Ouardiaes
would h tee power to take the matter out of their bands and
to send tie children to school. Ile contended that is was a.
much tho duty of the State to enforce the education of these
chddreo aa to provide for the education of children not so
aOl cted.
Mr. Illbbert opposed the bill on the grcund that the
machirery for carrying out its provisiona was defective, and
that It Involved an interference with the duties of the Poor.
law Board and of the Privy Council, which was objectionable.
Coi alderable provision was already made for children of this
cis te, and he therefore moved then kiction of the bill.
Mr. Synan opposed the bill, whilst Mr. ai'Laren spoke In
faindir of It. principle.
Sir M. IL Beach pointed cot that the claims urged on
behalf of the blind or deaf and dumb might he urged with
equal force in f scour of the lame or deformed.
Mr. C S. ltead also opposed the bill, and the second read-
ing was then negatived without a division.
la the order of the day ler going into committee on the
M..relege with a D. ct ased, Wife'. Sister Bill,
Mr. C Altus protested against the exceptional way In which
the bill dealt with the question of marriage relational'''.
Ihe Stwaker then left the chair, and the House went into
c innuittee.
hip. Ward-tient acrerted that the decision of the Speaker
that " the Ayes had " was challenged by himself and otter
hon. members, lint the right hon. gentleman had, notwith-
stamling, lett the chair. Ile moved, therefore, that Mr.
Dodson leave the chair.
Mr. T. Chambers and Mr. Secretary Bruce dissented from
the view of the right hoe. gentleman.
The committee divided —For the motion, Si ; against, 119;
majority, 65.
hoe motion was therefore lost,
tni clause 1, Sir if. Selwin-Ibbetwon moved an amendment,
the eft:et of which would be to destroy the re/impactive
action of the MIL
Mr, !lardy wished to know whether Roy Act had ever been
previously passed to sanetion a breach of the law which had
been committed. The law forbidding there marriages had
boa so char that It could not be mistaken; cony, then.
shrill Mime be retrospective action to sanction breaches a
it. To sanction these deliberate breaches of the law would
be to Make all law a me ckery.
Alter a few words from Mr. T. Chambers, the bill was talked
out by Mr. T. Collies.
Toe Workshop R igulatlon Act (1.661) Amendment Bill,
and the Fairs Bill were read a second time, and the Hones,
adjourned.