The Press.
London, England, 1854-07-29 00:00:00

JULY 29, 1854.

Mr. PETO pointed out the impropriety of discus-
sions like the present. Hon. members in their im.
Faience extorted discloltures from the Ministry, and
then blamed them for indiscretion. With so vast
and important a work on their hands the Government
should be trusted implicitly, or not at all. The coun-
try he believed placed unreserved confidence in the
Ministry, and was ready to leave the conduct of the
war, without misgiving, in their hands.
Lord J. RUSSELL hardly thought it necessary to
add any further explanations respecting his speech
of the previous night. Thu reports he had seen of
it appeared to be accurate, and he was ready to abide
by them. Mr. Cobden might have supposed that he
meant to declare that Sebastopol mus: ba destroyed
and the Crimea occupied, but this was a gratuitous
inference. Upon the general topics he remarked that
the war question, as he believed, was in reality a very
simple one, notwithstanding the ingenious sugges
tions of difficulty or of duplicity that had been ha-
zarded in many quarters. Briefly defending the
practical operations set on foot by the Government,
the noble lord passed on to the attacks made upon
Lord Aberlean, remarking upon the unconstitutionality
of the endeavour to separate the Prime Minister from
his colleagues in the Cabinet, with regard to measures
which they had adopted in common, and denying
that either the head of the Government or any of
its menbers had shown themselves lukewarm in
carrying on the war against the common enemy. If
there seemed any difference in the tone of the speeches
made by Lord Aberdeen and himself, Lord J. Russell
explained that it arose from the different forms in
which the question presented itself. In the Upper
House the answer to the royal address was chiefly of
a formal choracter, but the Commons were asked to
vote money, and could justly require a more definite
expose of the purpose for which it was required.
If the house were not satisfied with the conduct of
the Admini,tration let them vote for the amendment ;
if otherwise let them confide to the Government the
discretion of calling Pa;diament together whenever
the public welfare seemed to require it:—
" If we are fit to be ministers of the Crown we are fit to
have that discretion; if we are not fit to have that dis-
cretion, on the other hand we are no longer fit to remain
ministers. The noble lord has chosen to bring the matter
to au issue by proposing an amendment to this vote, and
I shall cheerfully abide by the decision of the house upon
it (Loud cheers. )"
Lord DUDLEY Smearr gave.some explanations, and
then offered to withdraw • his amendment. There
was, however, some opposition to this step, and the
house was cleared for a division, but when the ques-
tion came to be put by the Speaker there were [no
voices for the amendment, and the original vote was
therefore carried unanimously.

THE RUSSIAN SECURITIES BILL.
This bill, which makes it a misdemeanour to deal
with any securities which since March 28, 1854,
have been, or previously to a peace shall br, issued
by the Russian Liovernment, stood for consideration
in c mmittee on Wednesday. The motion for pro-
ceeding with that stage was opposed by Mr. T.
RAPING, and subsequently by Mr. BROWN, member for
South Lancashire, on the ground of its possible inter-
ference with the arrangements of capital and com-
merce. The chief event of the following debate
consisted, however, in the renewal of the antagonism
between the SECRETARY for the TREASURY and the
HOME SECRETARY. That the opinions of these two
Ministers were divided upon the question had become
known in previous discussions. Their discordance
was, however, new proclaimed in most energetic
language by Lord l'almerston. Mr. Wilson had
previously spoken, briefly reurging his objections to
the measure, and contending that, if the Russian
system of finance were only well known in Englar.d,
it would prove far more effectual in discouraging our
capitalists from dealing in the securities of that
country than any bill which could be enacted. The
Russians began the last war with the rouble note at
3M., but, having depreciated it, by rendering it incon-
vertible, and by excessive issues, till it was only
worth 10Id., on resuming cash payments they resolved
to pay their debts at the depreciated rate, instead of
that at which they were contracted. The value of
the rouble note was restored to 3M., but the whole
of the notes previously issued were paid off at 100.
Now, Russia had already commenced the same
course. The rouble note, again rendered inconverti-
ble, had fallen to 32d. Further depreciation must
take place if the war continued, and holders of
Russian securities might, at its close, find them-
selves only repaid one-third of what they bad lent.
He thr italists - Lid be

THE PRESS.

ledged by all, is, that to furnish the enemy directly with
money in time of war is the highest of crimes—is, iu fact,
high treason. But what a puerile distinction is that which
is attempted to be drawn between furnishing money directly
and furnishing it indirectly ! (Hear, hear.) This bill
applies, not, as many gentlemen are eudearowing to repre-
sent, to the established Dutch stuck, which has been
matter of bargain and sale, of bequest and inheritance, in
times gone by. It applies merely to stock created for the
purpose of making war on this country. Its object is
simply this—that if the Emperor of Russia endeavours to
negotiate a loan in Europe, to kill our soldiers and sailors,
to destroy our commerce, and to frustrate our national
policy, at least Englishmen shall not contribute to the
resources of the enemy. (Cheers.) The argument of my
honourable friend the Secretary to the Treasury goes to
this—that you ought to remodel your law of high treason—
( Hear,hear)—auti permit y 3 ur merchants and m ail nine tnrers
to supply the Emperor of Russia with powder and ball,
ships-of-war, and all the implements of destruction It is
sheer nonsense to say that we should do so. (Cheers and
laughter.) Such an argument is founded on the principle
on which we know the Dutch admiral proceeded, who, in
an interval of lull during a naval action, sold powder to the
enemy. (Great cheering and laughter.) lam as fond as
any man of encouraging the commercial enterprise of this
country, but, for Heaven's sake, do not let us yield to this
peddling system , which places pocket against honour
(cheers )—which turns a balance-sheet against national
interests, and which lowers down the best feelings of the
country into a mere question of pounds, shillings, and
pence. (Great cheering.) L say that that principle is dis-
graceful and fatal to a country. If we meant) maintain our
national independence, we must have a regard for the
generous and great principles on which nations act, and by
which alone national independence and honour can be
maintained. (Cheers.) It is said that the bill will be
nugatory ; but it cannot be nugatory in so far as it estab-
lishes a principle. You may say that it will be evaded ;
but there are men who will evade a law, however high the
sanctions may be which the law is calculated to enforce.
You cannot guard against the bad and evil passions of
men, and the way in which they may be induced by motives
of private interest to deal with general principles. All you
can do is to lay down the rule, to which honest men will
conform, while those who choose to evade it must settle
the matter between themselves and th it conscience. I
therefore shall strongly recommend the house not to reject
this bill. I think the rejection of it would really be to en-
courage Russia, and to make a general advertisement to all
British subjects that they were at liberty to assist the
enemy wtth their money as much as they pleased. (Hear,
hear, hear.) 1 think it would have a very lowering effect
on the national character, not only in this country but in
Europe, if it were found that the House of Commons,
guided by simple greed of private emolument, rejected a bill
which was founded on the principle of your established
law, which does not carry that law to the extent to which
it exists in reference to other transactions, but which
simply affirms a principle that every honourable man will
endeavour, in his own dealings, as much as possible to
observe. ( Hear, hear, hear.) Let it be remembered that
the bill is simply applicable to debts contracted for the pur-
pose of giving the Russian Government pecuniary means
to carry on the war against this country. As I have said,)
see no difference in principle between allowing British sub-
jects to furnish the Russian Government with money and
allowing them to furnish it with money's worth. Money
is only useful to them as supplying them with the imple-
ments of war ; and you may just as well say that you will
leave off your blockades, and allow everybody to send
everything they please by which they may make a few
pounds profit to Russia, for the purpose of carrying on the
war, because it is against our commercial principles to
interfere with Ovate enterprise. (Hear, hear.) There-
fore, as far as I ant concerned, I shall certainly give this
bill my very hearty support. (Cheers.)"
The supporters of the bill were successful in ob-
taining considerable majorities in its favour upon
two successive divisions. In both cases the house
was informed of little Min:sterial incidents of some
significance. Upon the first division. Lord D. STUART
complained that a member of the Government, whom
he afterwards named as Sir W. Molesworth, though
present in the house when the doors were shut, had
abstained from voting. At the se:.ond, Sir J. SHEL-
LEY, one of the tellers, stated that another member
of the Government (Mr. Lowe) had "bolted" into
the gallery instead of going into the division lobby.
The house finally went into committee on the bill,
but made no progress, the discussion being adjourned
on the plea that the law officers of the Crown were
not present.
The bill came on again for discussion at a late
hour on Thursday night, when a warm debate took
place, chiefly, however, relating to the day upon
which it would be most convenient to enter into a
real discussion of its merits. The SOLICITOR-GENE-
RAL, in the course of this bebate, expressed his
decided opinion that the bill required alteration
from beginning to end in order to prevent it from
producing very mischievous consequences. Ulti-
mately the chairman was ordered to sit again on

703

demand for accommodation for public purposes, and at
the present moment a sum of 11,0 tali. or 12,t;001. a year
was paid as rent for public offices. The pressure for ac-
commodation of this description was increased by the sale
of the old Excise-office iu Broad-street. by which the pub-
lic had gained somewhere about 120,0001. The object of
disposing of that building was to concentrate all the excise
departments in Somerset-house. The concentration of
public offices was an economical auungement, for by that
means it would be possible to dispense with various staffs
of messengers which it was necessary to keep up under
the present system. The purchase of Ilurlingtoirhouse
would enable the Government to remove from Somerset-
house those learned societies who had apartments there,
and which would thee be appropriated to the public ser-
vice. It had been intended to offer those learned societies
apartments at . Gore house, Kensington, but they had
unanimously declared that the distance of that site would
prevent them from accepting them. In addition to
providing accommodation for learned bodies, Burlington-
house would be an appropriate locality for the concentra-
tion of the various public commissions scattered over the
metropolis
The vote was discussed on that day, and again on
Thursday, when it was carried, on division, by a large
majority.
OXFORD UNIVERSITY BILL.
This bill came once more, and for the last time,
before the House of Commons on Thursday night,
when the Lords' amendments to the measure were
taken into consideration.
Two alterations of importance had been effected
in the Upper House, both of which underwent con-
siderable discussion. To the amendment substi-
tuting " congregational" for " sectional" election
in the choice of certain members of the Hebdomadal
Council Mr. Watrota moved that. the house should
disagree. On a division, however, this amendment
was retained by 115 votes to 62-53. The clause in-
troduced in the Commons by Mr. R. Palmer for
maintaining the preferences to college privileges
and emoluments hitherto enjoyed by various public
schools had been considerably modified by the Peers.
Mr. R. PAtraza now proposed that his clause should
he restored to its original vigour, and moved that the
I Lords' amendment relating to it should be disagreed
with.
This motion was debated for some time, but ulti-
mately negatived, and the clause ordered to stand as
amended.
Some trifling alterations were effected in sundry
I clauses, and the bill was then finally agreed to.

THE BISHOP OF NEW ZEALAND.
B ;fore going into committee of supply on Thurs-
day night Sir J. PAKISOTON moved an address to the
Crown praying her Majesty to direct that the salary
of 000/. per annum heretofore allowed to the Lord
Bishop of• New Zealand should be paid for the years
1853 and 1854, with the assurance that the house
would make good the same. He contended that
the grant had been withdrawn, apparently by
some mistake of the Colonial-office, and without due
notice to the bishop, upon whose services and disin-
terestedness he passed a warm eulogiurn.
Mr. W. Wri.Lusis remarked that the grant had
been often opposed by himself and other members,
and a distinct undo-standing had long existed that
it should be withdrawn.
Sir T. 1). ACLAND insisted upon the justice of con-
tinuing the grant.
Sir G. GREY explained the circumstances under
which the grant had been discontinued, and justified
that step with respect to future years. As the bishop,
however, had actually received the salary for 1853,
and might have been put to inconvenience through
the absence of notice during the current twelve-
month, he thought that Parliament might justly be
called upon to make good the amount for either, or
both, of those yews, if the colonial Legislature should
decline to provide for the deficiency.
Upon this intimation the motion was withdrawn.

THE METROPOLITAN SEWER COMMISSIONERS pro-
pose to devote 110,0001. of the 300,(X)01 which the
bill now passing through Parliament will enable them
to borrow to the construction of so much of the
northern high-level intercepting (or Hackney Brook)
sewer as will extend from the present outlet of the
open sewer to High street, Stoke Newington. With
the remaining 190,000/. they propose to construct
the whole of the low-level intercepting sewer from
Deptford Creek to Battersea, except its northern
branch, which extends from High-street, Deptford,
to a point near Paradise-row, Rotherhithe. The sum
of 200,0001., which the act of last year authorised
them to raise, and which brought their debt up to
300,0001. (now to be 600,0001.), was borrowed of the
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I

we, nail taiien to 02d. t urtner aepreciauou um.
m decided opinion that the uni requireu HI ItI►MIMI to a point near l'aratiise-row, xtoinermine. 1. lIC FILIIII
take place if the war continued, and holders of from beginning to end in order to prevent it from
Russian securities might, at its close, find them- of 200,000/., which the act of last year authorised
producing very mischievous consequences. Ulti-
selves only repaid one-third of what they bad lent. them to raise, and which brought their debt up to
mately the chairman was ordered to sit, again on
He thought, if this were known, capitalists would be 300,0001. (now to be 600,0001.), was borrowed of the
Wednesday next.
very chary of investing their money in such seen- Rock Life Assurance Company at ili per cent., on the
rides. BURLINGTON-HOUSE. security of the rates, the money to be advanced by
Lord PALMERSTON energetically declared his inten- A vote of 140,0001. for the purchase of Burlington- the company in ten monthly instalments of 20,0001.
tion tosupport the bill:— house was proposed in committee of supply on Wed- each, beginning_ on the Ist of March last.
THE nos. WILLIAM Mr. V. Starru requested some explanation EDEN now paid attaché at
"The measure appears to me to be founded OTI a general nesday. Stuttgardt, is appointed paid attache at Stockholm,
ill
• principle, which it is exceedingly important to maintain. of the uses to which the site was to be turned.
Lord Scomburgh Kerr is appointed unpaid attache to
That general principle is, that subjects of the realm shall The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER stated that the prin-her Majesty's Legation at Lisbon. Mr. Henry Dupre
i not in time of war be allowed to furnish the enemy with cipal object which the Government had iu view in purchas-
the means of carrying on war against us. The common in g Burlington-house was to provide accommodation for the Labouchere is appointed unpaid attache to her
and established law of the land, which has been acknow- public service. Of late years there had been an increasing Majest) 's Misaion at Washington.
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