The Express.
London, England, 1862-05-10 00:00:00

THE MIBBION OF M. MERCIER.

Sir J. DUKE asked the Under Secretary for Foreign
Affairs whether be could give may information with regard
to the French minister's proceeding from Washington to
Richmond.

Mr. LAYARD—I fear that 1 can give no answer to my
hon. friend, except that as far as her Majesty's government
is informed, IC Mercier went to Richmond without any in-
structions whatever from his own government- and I may
sold that his visit has been attended with no political results
whatever.

REGISTRATION OF BIRTHS AND DEATHS
(IRELAND) BILL.

In reply to Clooonll7rros.
Sir R. PEEL laid it was *madders& by the government
that the predrill force of the eonstabelary was quite adequate
to wry out the provisions of this bill.

SUPPLY.

On the motion forgoing into committee of supply,
Sir J. D. HAY asked the Secretary of the Admiralty
whether he would lay upon the table the forme of commis.
sion appointiog certain officers to the reserved list of the
n►vy, and other particulars. He entered into a history of
the reserved list, and contended that great injustice bad
been dope to several officers. He moved that the case of
the reserved captains be referred to the law officers of the
crown. _ _ .

- -
Mr. B. Cochrane seconded the 'notion, which was sup-
ported by Major Edwards and Admiral Walcott.
Mr. BERKELEY said these officers were claiming the
mime &deleting' as those who had been on the active list,
and they were not entitled to them.
Lord C. PAGET said that, owing to the opinion which
hid been axpremed so often previously by gentlemen oppo-
site, the Doke of Somerset bad referred the case of these
officers to the law officers of the crown. Their opinion
supported the view which-Bad been taken in the matter by
the Admiralty. Personally he had great sympathy with
the commanders promoted to the rank of captains on the
reserved list, but • careful consideration of the whole
details bad convinced him that the law officer were
right. He thought a simplification of the list was desirable,
hut he was convinoed it could not be done. He could not
agree to the motion, because the law alms had already
been conaulted, but there was no objection to give the
paper asked for.

After a few words from Captain TALIOT,
Sir J. P.IK [ROTOR expressed his approval of the course
taken by the Admiralty.
After some farther discussion the motion was withdrawn.
Mr. B. COCHRANE called attention to the state of the
Reenrilmthee. He asserted that it was in a moat unsafe
eonditon, and said the house would be surprised to hear
that, after the statement made a few nights ago by Mr.
Cowper, on the strength of which the government had
obtained a majority on a division.
After a few words from Mr. C. Buirrtwcit,
Mr. COWPER mitered into explaaations of what he had
maid on the subject en evening or two ago. The plans were
prepared fora new building for the reception of the records
sad all was ready but the money. The government was
not willing, however, to incur great expense without full
consideration.

After .omo observations Ly Mr. BENTDLCK on the
course taken by the governess= in regard to the proposed
fort in Plymouth Soend, the works on which he contended I
orslit to be suspended triad the report of the defence com-
missioners was received,
Mr. KNIGHTLEY asked whether it was not desirable
to make some allergies in the drew worn by deputy-
lieutmients.
Sir G. C. LEWIS, in reply to Mr. Bentinek, mid the fort
in Plymouth Sowed was to be erected on a rock, and not
npoa an artificial forandatios. The site had been well con- '
=Wed, a= it did not appear desirable to suspend the
weeks. With rupee* to the questioe of Mr. Knightley, he
did not think there was say ~Amble objection to the
resent =dorm of depetpliiretirsenta.
Mr. BLAKE mks& whether the gorerwinent would bring
in a bill to amend the Irish grand jury laws ?
Sir IL PEEL said he did not think it scald be desirable
to bring is such a mean= this sissies.
After some remain frees Mr. ➢fAaona ►nd Colonel
Donna, the subject droops&

DISTRESS IN LANCASHIRE.
Mr. A. EGERTON rosionswocat to polio., to brio; this
subset before the Ms... B. had hoard it said that it was
Poolootore to do so and ko ow far aped with thaw who
bald that opicios as to think *at is win a &boats minor.