The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1859-07-05 00:00:00

HOUSE OF COMMONS-THURSDAY.

Lord PaLnitasvox, in moving that certain papers
which be presented be laid upon the table. took 00E1-
sion to make • short statement. It was well known lie
observed, that on the failure of the endeavours of Lord
Granville to form a Government he had been honoured
with the commands of her Majesty, and his first step
was to address himself to Lord J. Russell, between whom
and himself an agreement had existed that, whoever
should receive the commands of Her Majesty, both were
to co-operate to form an efficient and a strong Adminis-
tration, and they had been able to surround themselves
with colleagues remarkable for their ability and know-
ledge of administrative affairs, and lie trusted that they
liad succeeded in presenting to the House an Adminis.
tration that would be able to command the confidence
of the country. This Administration having been formed
it became its duty to consider, in the present state of the
public business, what course of proceeding it would be
its duty to pursue. With regard to our foreign rela-
tions, the course intended was that which had been
chalked out by the preceding government—namely, that
of strict neutrality in the conflict now raging in Italy.
It would, at the same time, be their duty to avail them-
selves of any favourable opportunity to tender the good
offices of England, either separately or conjointly with
other Powers, in order to restore to Europe the blessings
of peace With respect to another important subject,
the amendment of the law of the lepresentation of the
I people, considering the time of the year, and how short
• period remained for disposing of the unavoidable busi-
ness, it would be trifling with so great a subject to enter
upon ita consideration during the present session. Early
in time next it would be the duty of the Government to
submit a measure upon the subject. Considering the
lateness of the SPAISIOD, and how important it was that the
business of the country should be proceeded with as fast
as possible, he intended to propose that all Thursdays
(beginning with that day fortnight) be order days, in-
stead of notice days.
Sir C. NAPIER called attention to the defences of the
country, and asked for mine assurance that the Govern-
ment would not only keep up, but go on with the naval
preparations of their predecessors, to whom, be said, he
gave the greatest possible credit.
Mr. WHITESIDE moved for leave to bring in Edisto
oonselidate and amend the Criminal Statute Law of
Eland and Ireland.
The ATTORNEY-GINERAL said it was not his inten-
tion to oppose the motion, and he tendered his thanks to
Mr. Whiteside for the labour be had bestowed upon the
sobjset. But it wes high time, he olso•rved, that the whole
subject of the consolidation, or rather d igest, of the statutes
should be taken into consideration, and it would be one of
the most important of the duties of the Government to see
that the office be committed to hands responsible to the
House—namely, • Department of Justice. Although,
he gave Mr. Whiteside the greatest possible credit, yet
he thought he would agree that the work should be
performed in a more comprehensive and satisfactory
way, and that the whole subject must be thoroughly
examined.

Mr. MAUER said he was glad that the Attorney General had arrived at the conclusion that all these
systems of consolidation should not be taken upon
credit; yet the body he proposed, the Department of
Justice—his hobby would dictate to the House. He
believed the resolution in favour of such a department
was founded upon • mere theory, incapable of being
reduced to practice. The proper tribunal was the law
officers of the Crown.
After SCUM remarks by Mr. Down's, Mr. COLLIER,
and Sir F. KELLY. the SOLICITOR-GENERAL main-
tained the practicability of aconsolidation of the statutes,
and concurred with the Attorney-General in thinking
that the object could not be carried out until there was
a Department or Minister of Justice, or • body of
persons who could devote themselves to the task and be
resca;nsiebirleutogtihveento House.inroduce the Bills.
After some further business, the House adjourned at
half-past 7 o'clock.