The Express.
London, England, 1863-07-24 00:00:00

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF LORDS.—Tnußalay, JULY 23.

Th. Loop CuArcouoa took Musa on ism wooing& a►
In o'obek.

PROSELYTISK IN THE 900TCH WORKHOUSES.
Lead ARUNDEL af WARDOUR presented a petition
amplaia* that a system of proselytiaing with regard to
Ifeeess- cathabo peepers was being carried on in the Scotch
weekboussa
The Earl of DONOUGHMORE believed that the peti-
tioners had strong gross& for complaint.
The Duke of ARGYLL said it was impossible for him to
eater into the question without previous notice baring
hoes era. H. admitted that there might have been in.
Mesas u the early operation of the poor law in Scotland,
but he believed that a very different system prevailed now.
THE TIGHT ROPE ACCIDENT AT BIRMINGHAM.
The Fed of MALYESBURY called attention to the re.
ant fatal accident at A2‘oll Park, Birmingham, and rug.
gelded that her Majesty's government should take steps to
prevent
such dangerous performances from taking place in
He felt certain that such exhibitions could be
mopped by the intervention of pohoe regulatioea, and he
thought something ought to be dors to prevent them from
taking place at • diatom* of more than 10 or 15 feet front
ground. He believed it was the excitement of possibly
=an individual killed before their eyes that induced
to witness such exhibitiom, sod he was told that
nobody would be present if the element of danger was re.
waved._ He trusted that the government would find some
MOW fee preventing horrors which shocked civilised society,
sad which greatly tended to demoralise the lower classes.
(Hear hear.)
Ears GRANVILLE. entirely concurred in the remarks
which had fallen from the noble earl, so to the disgraceful
character of these exhibitions, and expressed his belief that
they were encouraged by • theirs to gratify a morbid
curiosity on the part of • portion of the public. At the
same time, it was doubtful whether legislation upon the
matter would produce any beneficial effect, for it might be
said that fox hunting was • dangerous amusement which
ought to receive similar treatment, and he was afraid that
their lordships would not consent to peas • measure which
prohibited fox hunting. He admitted, however, that there
WY the greatest passible difference io the case of so exhi-
biting.' of meat skill and activity, where there was perhaps
slaws danger, sad an exhibition where the whole excite-
ment consisted in the probability of the performer being
killed on the spot. He believed the police had fully ex.
wised their powers eo far as warning the persons
through whom instrumentality such exhibitions took place,
end he thought an expression of opinion oe the pert of their
lordships and of the public generally would have a greater
effect m suppressing similar exhibitions in future than
legislative regulations,
The Earl of SHAFTESBURY said the whole interest
felt in performances of this description arose from their
extreme danger. If the rope was lowered he did not believe
that five persons would go to see such an exhibition. He
believed, however, that the government already possessed
powers which enabled than to interfere. When M.
Bloedin proposed to wheel a child in a wheelbarrow over •
rope at a great height, he (Lord Shaftesbury) communicated
with Sir G. C. Lewis or the subject, who wrote to the
directors of the Crystal Palace to my that the performance
would not be permitted. He thought his noble friend was
right when be said that public opinion rightly and strongly
directed would be far more effective than legislation, and
if the preen and parliament would commeat upon every nose
that occurred he was satisfied that • beneficial effect would
seen be predated.
Earl GRANVILLE reminded the noble earl that the
ore of M. Blonder mad his child bore • different aspect, as
is that ems be proposed not only to expose his own life but
that of a child of tender years, who could not be e willing
tient is the matter.
The subject then dropped.
CONSOLIDATED FUND (APPROPRIATION) BILL.
This bill wee brought up from the Commons, and reed a
Int time.
ALKALI WORKS REGULATION BILL

The Earl of DERBY laid upon the table the report of the
eansinittee appointed to prepare miaow to be offered to a
easterenee with the Oceninose, in reference to the rejection
by their lordship■ of one of the Commons' anseodiainits to
the Alkali Works Regulation Bill.