The Daily Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1860-05-17 00:00:00

HOUSE OF COMMONS.-YESTBRDAT,

The Speaker entered the house at 12 o'clock, but it was a
quarter past when he took the chair, some difficulty haring
been experienced in getting together the forty members neces-
sary for the commencement of business.
The Celgwrgax and Tregynon Road bill, and the Moy River
Navigation bill were considered and ordered for third reading.
The Montrose and Bervie Railway bill was read a second
time, and ordered to be committed.

The LORD ADVOCATE moved the second reading of the
Annuity Tax Abolition (Edinburgh) Bill.
Mr. HADFIELD considered that the bill provided a very unsa-
tisfactory solution of a question which had agitated the city of
Edinburgh for many years past. He objected to the learned
lord's proposal to "perpetuate the tax in perpetuity." The
proposal was made under the hypocritical pretence of pro'inot-
ing reli,ion. He believed that its continuance would ligve's
contrary effect. He moved, in conclusion, that the bill be read
a second time that day six months. _

Mr. CAIRO said he had given notice of a similar amendment, •
but he was not now inclined to oppose the second reading, as
the Lord Advocate had undertaken to withdraw the clause pro-
viding an accumulative fund to perpetuate the tax to all
futurity.
Sir .1. FeeenssoN supported the bill. The manner in which
the Town Council of Eclinhurgh•had exercised their patronage
had caused most of the evils complained of, and he considered
that the compromise which had been suggested by the Edin-
burgh clergy, to reduce their number from 18 to 13, ought to
be accepted:
Mr. MACKIE contended that the tax was so objectionable in
Edinburgh, that when eases were brought before a Scotch
jury, it was impossible to obtain a conviction.
Mr. BLACK ,aid that, as a Dissenter, he could not 01'1)00
the bill, which he believed would promote peace and remove
a great scandal. The bill, he believed, provided a basis on
which he thought they might come to a satisfactory settle-
ment of the question. He denied that the Town Council had
exercised their patronage unjustly, for whatever minister the
majority of the congregation asked for they obtained.
Major HAMILTON contended that the Edinburgh annuity
tax was a bargain for value received, which it was the bounden
duty of the citizens to uphold.
Sir T. E. COLEBROOKE supported this bill, which he consi-
dered a fair compromse. It was a subject in which all parties
should make some concession.
Mr. BLACKBURN thought the number of clergy in the city of
Edinburgh ought not to be cut down, but that a certain smil
of money should be granted, leaving the church to distribute
it as might be considered desirable. On the understanding
that such amendments, 'as well as amendments relating to
patronage, would be introduced in committee, he should SUP'
port the bill.
Mr. MUIR supported the bill. He thought the house would
incur a serious responsibility if they refused to read the bill 8-
second time.
After some remarks from the Lord Advocate, the amendment
was withdrawn, and the bill was read a second time.
Several other bills passed a stage, and the bocce-adjourned'
at a quarter-past two.