The Express.
London, England, 1852-03-23 00:00:00

THE EXPRESS, TUESDAY EVENING, MARCH 23, 1852.

throughout the kingil=i=inesthing bed • greater
effect in deterring N derentssed invasion.
The patriotic fee 4 air aradierd proved all
doubt, MIK there ao , he ilarnof.. N
tritctitiartiality it.
ersty4sratrsir-
lig
the great ad ay
the goiesorinnt did not to *1=71611
he trusted that they would take fty of
amain tho louse that they had notharsot 2rt:taaple of
this country. (Heir, hear.) Ile would tuove, as as
amendment on the motion for going into ee.ainittee of sup-
ply: That, in the opinion of this Louse, it is inconsistent,
on the part of the government, ....) propose an augmentation,
however small, of the armed and paid-forces of the country,
while they, at the very same time, refuse, and in effect dk-
conntonann, and discourage, the highlyilaudable, patriotic,
and chivalrous offers of gratuitous service front TS/10111 parts
of the kingdom, having fur their object the formation of
rifle companies and regiments for the national defence.
Mr. lIUME, in seconding tho amendment, said that
though he had, on two mghta, objected to any votes la
supply being taken after midnight, he had heard with mtie-
faction the statment of the noble lord (Russell), that ho did
not intend any further to interrupt and atop the supplies.
Ile thought every facility ought to be afforded the govern-
ment tor obtaining the supplies which would have been
given to the late government, in order that they might pro
creel with the measures they thought to be abeolutely ne-
cessary before the dissolution. The proceedings in that and
the other house must have satisfied every one that it would
be impossible for the government to refuse the appeal to
the country, so soon as what were considered measures of
necessity were passed. It was probably the first time in his
life that he had refrained from opposing votes in supply.
(" Hear" and laughter.) But he thought that the best policy
was that—which had been adopted by the noble lord, as
far as the army, navy, and ordnance estimates were con-
cerned. Should there bo any hesitation about carrying out
the understanding for a dissolution, it might be a question
whether the miatellaneous estimates should not be voted
for • short period in order to enforce it. lie did not believe
the noble lord was aware of the opinion of this country
with regard to the militia. (Hear, hear.) In 11131 the
whole population was roused in angry opposition to the pro-
posal to ballot for the militia; and nothing but the most
immediate necessity would warrant such a conscription. lie
hoped the government would not cuusider that as one of
the measures requisite to be passed before a dissolution.
As lung as he was able to stop such a proposal he would do
so. Ile was the more confirmed in his view after hearing
what had been stated by the gallant general. If the ge
vernment wanted force, there were volunteers to be bad
without fee or reward, ono of whom was worth five ob-
tained for hire. (Hear, hear.) So far from thinking that
any additional force was required he believed it to be too
great at present.
Mr. F. MACLE was surprised that anything should be
said about the militia after the government had announced
their intention to develop their scheme on Monday. lie
should be prepared to hear it, and judge of it fairly. As to
the motion before the house, he thought that volunteer
corps might be a very good force for supporting either the
regular army or any other regular tone, but they could not
be trusted to entirely.
Sr R. INGLIS hoped that the acts of Lord J. Russell,
and those around hum would correspond a little m..re with
their professions than on Pride y.
Mr. BRIGHT suggested that the Militia Bill, when
brought in should stead over until after the general elec.
tion, as one of those measures upon which the opinion of
the country ought to be specifically asked.
Sir J. TYRELL congratulated the noble lord upon hav-
ing come to his senses and found out the mistake ho had
made in his previous opposition.
Mr. J. L. RICARDO, adverting to certain statements of
Mr. lierries, and to declarations of Lord Derby, with rela-
tion to the navigation laws, inquired whether it was the
intention of the government, by retaliation or by restriction,
to alter the policy in respect to the shipping trade.
Mr. lIEBRIES said he had stated before, and he re-
stated uow, that to reverse that most unwise policy would
be difficult, and, in some respects, impossible.
Mr. LABOUCHRRE had understood that this was now
considered a settled question, and he appealed to the state
of the shipbuilding trade as decisive evidence of the success
of the late policy. At no period hail there been snob acti-
vity in our great shipbuilding yards as at present.
Mr. G. F. YOUNG, on the other hand, declared that the
shipbuilding trade was in a most di.estrous condition. lie
referred to recent returns, showing that, while British ton-
nage was declining, foreign tonnage had increased.
Mr. W.BROWN,on the contrary, read statements which
proved the increase of British shipping.
Mr. HUDSON said, the shipbuilders at Sunderland were
prosecuting their business at a loss.
Mr. MITCHELL recommended to the government to
transfer the light duties to the general revenue of the
country.
Mr. NEWOEGATE cited returns of the number of ves-
sels which had poised the sound from 1818 to 1850, whence
it appeared that, in the face of a large increase of foreign
shipping, British shipping had kiecreased,l,2oo tons in 1850.
Mr. EWART insisted upon the prosperity of the ship-
ping trade at Liverpool.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said that
befure the Speaker left the chair, lie must congratulate the
house on the statemeat of the hon. member tor Montrose,
that no further opposition would be made to the granting
of the supplies. (hear, hear.) He was also glad to
bear from the noble lord, the leader of the combined oppo-
eition, that no further obstruction would be offered to the
proceeding with the public business, and he hoped he would
give the government the credit that on their part there was
every desire to proceed with proper dispatch in the public.
business. They were no less anxious than hon. gentlemen
oppodts that that reference to the sense of the people
should take place, and they were prepared that it &WI
to liar as Jae stated the other night, as soon as thus
oars were, peed which were necessary for the oseera at
her Ifit_. and also those measures which dr
mot Saarbt It necessary to carry for the and
pod ipmernment of her Majesty's realm. (blear best.)
Mr. WANVN hoped the government would Abed seem
send to the shipping interest.
Mr. WALPOLE, in reply to the statement of Sir De
Lacy Evans, said that the late government had sanctioned
the formation of volunteer corps on two conditions, namely,
that thew corps should equip and arm themselves
at their own expense, and secondly, that they
should be content to subject themselves to all
the provisions of the Volunteer Act. 'I he present govern-
ment added another condition—namely, that these corps
should furnish themselves with arms according to the re-
gulations of the Ordnance Board, in order that the ante
might bo of the same calibre and bore, and that there
might be uniformity in this respect throughout all these
corps. lie was sure the hon. and gallant general would
excite, him from entering upon the question at length as
he had promised to bring forward the Militia Bill on Nos-
day neat. Ile wrote the letter on this subject, which bad I
been referred to, recommending the suspension of the dew
motion of these corps, because he thought it would la NW
venient first to know what parliament thought of the Min
Bill he intended to propose,for if these volunteer corps wore
sanctioned in all parts of the country that would as the law
now stood amount to an exemption from service in the militia.
Again, he said he hoped he might be excused from enter-
ing into the matter then, but he could assure the gallant
general that nothing could be further front the intention of
the government than to show any disrespect to the people of
this country with reference to the formation of voluntosr
corps if the country thought me Is a step nemesary.
Sir DE L. EVANS was glad mimes that the aavanumat
had not intended to discourage the formation of via corps,
and would reserve further observations until the snide
hill was before tho house. lie had only coo ether murk
to make. (Cries of " Order.")
The amendment was then withdrawn.
SUPPLY.
- - - - - - '

Ilia oily

.
The Spgaisa then left the chair, and the house went
into committee of supply.
Major BERESFORD proposed a vote of 3,602,0671. as
the charge for the land forces. The estimate of last year
was, he said, 3,521,0701., and the increuc, therefore, was
80d971.
Mr. W. WILLIAMS said, considering the understanding
which had been come to, ho had determined to abstain from
making any observations.
The vote was then agreed to.
On the vote of 169,6071. for the staid the army,
Mr. ALCOCK said he was opposed to the passing of all
them votes until there had been a more explicit declaration
of the intentions of the government. As a reformer
he ought to rejoice that the protectionist patty were
in once. If the Anti-corn Law League were resus-
citated it should not be to preserve free trade Is earn
alone. The repeal of the malt tax, the revision of taxation
generally, and a reform in parliament should be contem-
plated by such a body, and if they would include those ob-
jects he would join them.
Mr. F. MAULS said the committee which sat last year
and the year before on army expenditure recommended that
there should be one medical establishment for the whole

..;;4;;;, 1,,,,..4 of one for ,1;;;,„.,;.ii another for the
mimosa Ha would he glad to learn from the right hon.
==stiro &battery-at-War whether the loaner had
ior hi trawaidaration.

major BERESFORD said he had road over the recom-
mendations of the committee, and made inquiries with re-
spect to them, but as a committee was then sitting on the
subject he must wait for their report before he eapremed
any opinion.
Mr. MACGREGOR would be glad to see a reduction of
the force employed in Canada and other colonies.
The vote was then agreed to.
The following votes were agreed to without discussion:
—95,9371. for the public departments ; 17,1411. fur the
Royal Military College ; 17,3361. for the Royal Military
Asylum, &c. ; 31,0004. for volunteer corps; 15,6481. fur re-
wards for military service.
On the Tots of 61,0001. for the army pay of general
*facers, H
Mr. UME said it was stetted by the late government
that they intended to withdraw troops from Canada. As
that would involve a reduction of staff, ho wished to know
what decrease had taken place.
Major BERESFORD said there had been ao reduction
of the staff in Canada Mace last year.
The vote was then agreed to; as were also the following
votes :—.50,000& for full pay for retired °racers ; 363,0001.
for haltpa and military allowance's ; 36,0161. for foreign
half• Ply &19,31171. for wulowe pensions ; 83,0001. for core-
pa eleaate
Oaths vote of 28,8161. for in-pensioners,
Mr. GROGAN sal I, before this vote passed, ho wished
to meal the attention of the government to the discussion
which took place last year witie regard to the reduction of
the nurnla•r of pensiontra at lilhaainhana llo,pital, and to
remark that sire last year there hod 11.40 o further re-
duction of 42 or 43. Every argument in favour of abolish-
ing Kilmainham Hospital would apply equally to Chelsea;
and if the orders issued ware not recalled, the Kilmain-
ham ponsioinzo would soon din out 110 spoke not merely

but those of every one of his country-

men, whod lo &zoomed strong avonion to the contrelisag
system *Mel had been applied to this hospital.
Meier BIRESFORD said his national feelings bad few
merly led Mm to Tote in fa.our of retaining Kdmainhans,
but • committee of the House of Commons having recom-
mended its discontinuance, ho could not, as Secretary at

War, oppose its decision.
?dr. FOX MAULS thought that Kilmainbas Hcsipitel
should be applied to some purpose. beneficial to Ireland.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said be
did not wish his hon. friend to understand that the que►
tion of Kilmainham was not to be re-considered by die
government. (Hear, hear.) It would be re-considered if
a fair and just spirit, and if it weru possible ho should
be glad to meet the expressed wishes of the inhabitants
of the city of Dublin. (Cheers.)
?dr. HUME was sorry to hear the statement of the
ri4ht hon. gentleman. The committee was unanimous in
Its recommendation of the abolition of Kilmainham, be-
cause of the difficulty that existed in filling Chelsea.
Colonel DUNNE said that the people of Dublin would
be exceedingly gretihrd by the views expressed by the
right hon. gentleman the Chancellor of the Exchequer,
b they evinced a desire to do justice to the Irish. A;
an Irishman and a soldier, he felt bound to thank the
Chancellor of the Exchequer fur the promise that the sub-
ject should be carefully reconsidered.
Sir li. W. BARRON thought the decision of the house
respecting Kilmainham had been must mischievous.
Atter a few words from Mr. Finales and Mr. Hums,

itEFSTUN •
Cul. } inquired whether the bon. secretary
to the Hoard of Ordnance intended to bring forward his
annual motion respecting the Guards.
Col. I)UNNE replied that, being in the government, it
was not hi, intention to du PO. (Laughter.)
After a few words from Mr. WILLIAMP, the vote was
then agreed to.
The vote of 1,126,2031. was then granted to defray the
charges of out-pensions, See.
On the vote of 37,3041. for defraying the allowances and
charges on the superannuation fund,
Mr. lIOItSMAN postponed his inquiries respecting
general improvements in the army, and especially iu the
small arms in lose, until the bringing up of the report.
Col. DERESIOItII said the email arms belonged to the
ordnance estimates.

The vote was then agreed to.
The vote for 131,6321. to defray the expenses of the Ad-
miralty Board having been read,
Sir U. I'ECHELL observed that in his experience of 17
years, he had never known an instance of the naval esti-
mates being so large. They exceeded 5,000,0001. of money.
The seamen and marines were 39,000 in number. A reserve
of seamen had been voted, and all without a statement
from those upon whom the management of the naval affairs
of the country had devolved. Tho appointment of the
First Lord of the Admiralty was a most advatitageoua one,
and met with the confidence of all naval men. They con-
gratulated themselves at having at last got a naval officer at
the head of their affairs. Ile hoped that noble duke would
carry out in office the recommendations which he had
made in the other house on the subject of improvements in
the navy. The first sea lord, too, Admiral Sir Hyde Parker,
was capable of doing his duty • and he only hoped the hon.
secretary to the board would prove as capable. What did
the board intend to do with regard to the iron steamers ;
and the patronage of the dockyards ? Did they intend to
go on as the late board did ? Were the interests of the
country in the promotion of the shipwrights and entry of
artificer, to be sacrificed, as before, to parliamentary influ-
ence? Did the board intend to keep up the African
squadron ? In this matter the Admiralty was un inferior
board, and obeyed the orders of its superior; but, if the
squadron was to be kept up, it ought to be efficient.
What did the Admiralty intend to do with the
question of an increase in the retirements for lieute-
nants and commanders? The old lieutenants had a
claim upon the country, and had a right to look to the pre-
sent board for the promotion of their interests. Were the
appointments of midshipmen to continue dependent on the
interests of duchesses and marchionesses? He entirely dis-
approved of the system of carrying specie by men of war. Did
they intend to bring the men-of-war home from all foreign
stations, and concentrate them in the channel? or did they
intend to keep up the policy of. the late government? He
observed two items in the estimates—one of 430 f., and an-
other of 3001., for the Vies and Rear-Admirals of England.
Ile wished to ask, in conclusion, what the duties of those
gentlemen were, and whether they held any other appoint•
ments ? _ . . .

Mr. STAFFORD (Secretary of the Admiralty) was far
from complaining of the questions put by the hon. and
gallant member, and hoped that any imperfections in his
replies would not be attributed to unwillingness to answer,
but to inexperience. Respecting iron steamer., to which
the first question referred, he must tell the hon.
and pliant gentleman that the board had considerable re•
luctance to continue building them, but could not pledge
themselves to any decided course. With regard to dock-
yard promotions, ho must confess that of all the questions
which had come under his notice that had impressed itself
upon his mind as of the very greatest importance. lie had
never filled up an appointment of an artisan to
any dockyard without first inquiring of the sur-
veyor of the navy, or other dockyard officers,
wholly free from parliamentary influence, and totally
nuconnected with politics. lie considered, also, that op.
peetianities for promotion ought to ho given to the men in
ON Feeds, and that there should also be a frequent infusion
of sew blood from mercantile dockyards, in order that the
latest inventions in shipbuilding might be taken advantage
of. Respecting the African squadron, the hon. and gal-
lant gentleman answered himself, when he said that the
Admiralty was an iuferior board. It was not the question
With the board whether the squadron was to be maintained
OR 11014 but so long as it was maintained it certainly ought
Mbe made as efilcient as possible. (Hear, hear.) With
to naval cadets, the list would be strictly limited,
the course adopted by the late Admiralty would be
'keel, followed. lie believed he bad now answered all the
lineations of the gallant baronets.
Admiral BERKELEY said that as a member of the late
board, which had prepared all the present estimates, he
&ought he might be allowed to say a word or two in their
defence, especially after all the abuse that had been heaped
upon them by the opposite bide of the house, and the public
press in general. Indeed so great had been that abuse that
he wondered the present board had had the audacity to
adopt their estimates. (Hear, hear.) The first case upon
which the late board had been attacked was that of the
/Aegean., to which be need not further refer, as a (most sa-
tisfactory answer had been given. Again, they had been
charged with grossly neglecting their duty its the case of
the preserved meats, but the best answer to that charge
was contained in the fact that the gallant officer who had
charge of the department in width the circumstances Ge-
mmed had been chosen to take office in the
ranks of the present government. Then it was
aid that the late board had shamefully neglected the
groper precautions for the conveyance of a regiment
been Ireland to the Cape. The expressions that had been
teed were that a noble regiment had been sacrificed, that
the ship_was a rotten worn out ship, and of course the name
of the Hungarian Jew was brought in. But what were the
facts? The regiment was recruited in Ireland during the
famine, and even while in barracks the cholera broke out.
Of course under such circumstances the voyage could hardly
fail to be disastrous, but the captain had received the
thanks of the Duke f Wellington for his conduct in the
emergency. He (Admiral Berkeley) held in his hand a
description of the vessel from the colonel of the regiment,
stating that during his whole period of service he had never
seen a better appointed troop ship than the Apollo, cleaner
or more tromfgrtable, and that with respect to the officers'
quarters they were equal to ships of the line. It was on
the representation of the colonel that the thanks of
the Commander-in Chief were transmitted. Ile thought

that this set the question at rest, although so many taunt-
ing comparisons had been thrown out between our Admi-
ralty and the French, who, it waseaM, weld land 10,000
men at Civita Vecchia in less time lira we got one regi-
ment to the Cape. Why, to who seek a comparison wu
like comparing the ascent of set of Mont
Blanc. The fact was that thent six regi-
nacuts to the Cape in the IMO without a single
accident. Another ebestrieldeell lei his bawd was that
all their steamers broke deem flaw be led caused to be
Adm. prepared a list of A wealieemee mad est of all lie
found that only tine WI brakes demo out of our
namehant ateemee deeds mot the grember of our
item 'umbel ewe, ismer& of 20 bmil down during
ha Let einem fle seek for that esserstles• The late
Weed had abs bees esewsed of be usable ft Manage the
aveaber of ion yid& that hosielad °weeded to them,
pe4the his, aeserher far the West Riding, a eves el e,
eel
11611 hoessa is the attack ; but he (Atil
weld more the house, that if neeteeity had
ilijimillitley could have covered the Channel from the Fore-
lob to the Channel islands with steamers within signal
uses of each other. (Cheers.) His opinion was, that
la are at war the Channel should be made a refuge for
hiemffir legs, and a hornet's met to an enemy. Wear,
hue) Ms ease thought that we should have a steady re-
serve of at lent 8,000 men to meet an emergency ; but if
be bail motioned that opinion before, be would have been
met byAgmieral outcry from both sides of the house.
Mr. WII.LIAAIB complained of the vut sums that had
boss I.llllla ea Our Essky, and on experimental ship-
balk& Ilis elm the wages enormous, and that
ear Air aisle lave bees efficiently manned for half the
weeny. Ame/we erylag evil was the enormous half•pay list,
Alla after Ibsen' peac,e was the same mit was at the close
ef tbe war. There must be some gross mismanagement, but
be hand it explained in the fact, that with 142 vessels
AIM we bad 245 admirals, being 2 to each ship, and about '
Ilil b mars. There were also S&L captains and 911 com-
munises, being 10 captains or commanders to each vessel.
Sub a system was perfectly monstrous. (Hear, hear.)
He approved of the principle of a reserve, but hoped that
it was not merely an expedient to hide the delay that now
took place in the manning awn ships, so different from the
system of the American service.
Mr. TRELAWN Y, who WAS most imperfectly heard,
was understood to defend the late Admiralty from the
charge of extravagance in the construction of war steamers
and of dockyards. The steamers had been laid down dur-
ing the panic of 1816, and Keyham harbour had been be-
gun by preceding governments.
Admiral BOWLES observed that the hon. gentleman
' was mistaken in supposing a ship of war would last 70
years; it was well known that, after 12 or 13 years ser-
vice, a vessel required a repair equal to one-third of her
original cost.
Sir F. BARING said ho thought the security at-
, forded by bringing the whole of our naval force
into the channel was over estimated. lie entertained
no appprehension of hostile movements from France.
~ She had no largf, force of eiLipi ,either in commis-
pion or on the stock,. She sees making no prepara-
tions calculated to excite the alarm of this country, and it
was the confident opinion of the late government that we
had in our own porta a force sufficient to meet any

aloe envy. What the result of recalling all our ships home,
In order to form a large channel fleet, would be, it was not
difficult to suppose. If that course was pursued, we must
not be surprised if France, which had hitherto kept the
greater portion of bar steam force in the Mediterranean,
should collect a large fleet In the channel.
Captain SCOIIELL thought they should look at what
was to be done rather than at what had been done. He
would submit whether ships were not paid off too frequently
at present. The custom was to pay them (Ain three years,
though occasionally they remained tour years in commis-
sion. In January last they paid off four ships mounting
160 guns, and sent 1,200 seamen adrift. What was to pre-
vent their enlisting acumen for 5,7, or 14 years, as they did ,
soldiers, and thus ensuring a force of effective men on whom
they could at all times depend ? The result of the present
system was, that after a vessel was commissioned she had to
remain a lung time before she could be manned and was fit for
sea. The Rodney, which was commissioned last August, was
not yet ready formes, he presumed from the difficulty of man-
ning her. What he would suggest was, that the men who
consented to enter for a long period should receive a
bounty either at the beginning or end of their period of
service. It was well known to naval men that a ship was
not effective till the third year, and under the present
system that was just when they were paid off. Ile fully
approved of the naval reserve, but he wished to see it ex-
tended from 5,000 to 10,000 men—via., 8,000 able-bodied
seamen, and 2,000 petty officers. He thought that England
should, now that f,,cilities of communication were so great,
be made the headquarters of our naval force.
Mr. CORRY willingly admitted that the navy had never
been more efficient than it was at the present time ; but as
to manning our ships, he thought attention uught to lie
tuned to a plan sufficiently extensive to meet ourwants, and
though ha thought the plan proposed was generally a good
one, he would suggest that it might be improved on, and
carried still further. He would also suggest a large in-
crease in the resources for the supply of marines. Ile
thought that there ought to be 3,000 additional marines to
the number proposed. The extra cost would be about
100,0001. a year, or just about the sum already agent in the
attempt to ventilate the House of Commons.
Capt. HOU/ER.O believed that the navy wanted increas-
ing ; and his prophecy was that if we only retained our pre-
sent force, no trading vessel would be seen on the seal
three nvmths after • war breaking out. Our mercantile
marine, in fact, would be the chief sufferer. He trusted
that the present government would forbear imitating the
late government in such false economy.
Captain HARRIS thought that the committee ought not
to overlook that vital consideration in the question of the
manning of the navy. His conviction was that the ballot
ought to supersede the pros-gang. (Hear, hear.)
Sir F. BARINO (who was almost entirely inaudible in
the gallery) was understood to express a hope that the plan
fur manning the nave. brought forward by the late govern-
ment, and which lnid yet to be tried, would be taken up
heartily by the present government at once or abandoned
altogether. The right hoe. baronet (as we also understood)
referred to the suggestion made by the previona speaker
as to the press gang, and gave it as his opinion that the
right of impressment ought not to be abandoned, but that
the exercise of the right ought to be made the exception and
not the rule.

—Mr STAFFORD would receive all the suggestions of
the right hon. baronet with the deference due to him. Ile
(Mr. Stafford) would not enter into the details dilated upon
by how and gallant members; but would speak mainly in
respect to the question of naval reserve. The press nt
board had accepted the new plan, as containing a valuable
principle, and was directing its attention to the best means
of carrying out that plan. But the hoard did not
accept that plan as peculiarly adapted to a crisis.
In adopting the plan of naval reserves in the spirit so wisely
counselled by the right hon. baronet, he must say that they
did wit expect any immediate result from it. With rrgard
to dismantling remelt, that must be left entirely to the Ad-
miralty. Whether any vessel should be dismantled or not
depended entirely on the state of the vessel. His hon. and
gallant friend the member fur Chippenharn referred to the
question of accommodation to assistant surgeons. The
question had occupied the attention of the board,
who felt that the order for their having cabin
accommodation ought to be carried out, but at the
same time they must leave some discretion to the captain.
There was a sincere desire to treat the surgeons of the navy
as gentlemen, and to give them every opportunity for study,
but the arrangements of the vessels rendered it impossible
to lay down any general rule.
Sir O. B. I'ECIIELL said he hoped the Admiralty
would give due consideration to a memorial from the junior
pursers which they had presented with the sanction of the
Admiral in the Mediterranean, praying that they might be
put on a better footing with regard to their uniform and
their pay. He hoped, also, that the hoard would consider
the claims of the oft Vets of the coast guard, who frequently
had to risk their lives in the performance of their duties,
and who did not care for a pecuniary reward for such ser-
vices, but for promotion.
The vote was then agreed to.
The next vote was 60,3631. for the scientific department
of the navy.
Mr. WILD complained of the inefficient mode in which
the charts were published. No series of charts could be
more voluminous or more incomplete. The system pursued
by the American board was much more complete, inasmuch
as they hail one uniform plan and one uniform scale. The
estimate included a sum of 4,0001. for the purchase of charts,
for engraving and mounting charts, and fur instrumenta,a sum
wl ich he thought much too small. There was a great
arrear of charts unengraved. He found no fault with the
hydrographer, who, he believed, did his best with the
means at his command. In consequence of the delay in the
engraving, the charts because of comparatively little value.
Some years ago Captain 'Surtsey surveyed the coast of
South America, and the inhabitants sent here some 6,000/.
for charts. They remained in the hydrographer's office
four or five years, and then the merchants and others re-
fused to have the charts they had ordered. It would be
a great benefit to the merchant service if these charts were
issued earlier.

Mr. STAFFORD said the only difficulty was the ex-
pense, and it was a matter to which he would give his best
attention.
The vote was then agreed to.
The sums of 132,6471. for the salaries of officers, &c. for
her Majesty's naval establishments at home, and 23,2631.
for the salaries of officers, &c. for her Majesty's naval est*.
blishments abroad, 666,9291. for wages of artificers,
labourers, and others employed in her Majesty's establish-
ments at home, and 31,3311. for the wages of artificers, &c.
in her Majesty's naval establishments abroad, were agreedto
without remark. _ .

Oa the vote f0r.782,4951. for naval stores for the building,
repair, and outfit of the fleet, &c.,
Colonel PEEL said he was astonished that not a word
was now said about • subject which, • few months ago,
was in everybody's mouth ; he meant the best model for
fast sailing vessels. Ho knew nothing about sailing ; he
was more ignorant of it, indeed, than the oloest marine—
(laughter)—but he had read in the newspapers of an Ame-
rican yacht coming over to this country and beating ours
in a match. It was said that Britannia ruled the
waves' but where was Britannia's figure-head now?
There had been much discussion as to the appropriation of
the surplus arising out of the Great Exhibition; but he
thought it could not tui better applied than in offering
enormous sums as premiums, for the best vessels that could
be, designed. The ships wo at present made, were such as
could neither fight nor run away.
After a few words from Alderman THOMPSON and Sir

G. PECHELL,
Mr. F. MAIJLE wished to say a few words for the
honour of his own country. There bad been a regular
competition between the American and the Aberdeen
builders as to ships for China and Newfoundland ; and the
Aberdeen builders had beaten their opponents altogether.
(Hear, hear.)
The vote having been agreed to.
The next votes, which were for sums not exceeding
205,140/. for new works, improvements, and repairs in
yards &c.; 23,0001, for medicines and medical stone;
b0,&541. for miscellaneous services ; and 707,1201. fur half-
pay, reserved half-pay, and retirement to officers of the
navy and Royal Marines, were agreed to without comment.
L pen the vote of 400,533/, for military pensions and
allowances,
Captain SCOBELL wished to say a few words as to the
affair at Lagos. Ile thought that they ought not to pass
the naval votes without alluding to this, which was one of
the most gallant, and at the same time the most bloody, en-
gagements by ships and boats, steamers and other vessels,
that he ever knew. If they might trust the despatches,
they would see that nothing could be more energetir!, more
skilful, and, above all, more persevering. Out of the 400
men and officers engaged, no fewer than 100 had been
killed or wounded. Ile knew that the late Board of Ad-
miralty had been obliged to make their arrangements iu a
hurry after the receipt of what he trusted he might call in
reference to the slave trade, the good news ; but lie hoped
that the present authorities would not overlook the brave
men who had been concerned in the affair. (Cheers.)
The vote was then agreed to.
The next vote was 870,1581. for the Post-office service.
After some discussion on the subject of the mail service,
The vote was agreed to, and the house resumed.
INDEMNITY BILL.—OFFIOE OF MESSENGER TO
THE GREAT SEAL ABOLITION BILL.

These l;i1 severi;ll; paaed through committerSUlTOßS IN CHANCERY RELIEF LIILL.
Sir W. I'. WOOD complained of an unfair representation
which had been made respecting the measure of the late
government for the reform of the Court of Chancery—
namely, that the present government could find no trace of
any bill for that purpose ; whereas, he said, the bill was ac-
tually in preparation when the late government quitted
office, and it was now before the house.
Mr. J. STUART contended that the statement com-
plained of was accurate; no bill had been prepared which
the successors of the late government could take up.
Mr. F. MAULE repeated the explanations given by Sir
W. P. Wood, and regretted that Mr. Stuart should have
justified the error he had exposed.
, Mr. HENLEY said he had never entertained any dis-
trust of the intentions of the late government; and he
thought the subject was hanlly worth so much discussion.
Sir W. P. WOOD explained
. .

.
And the house then went into committee; several amend-
ments being inserted pro forma with a view to their
being reprinted and discussed with the whole measure on
Friday nest.
COPYRIOHT AMENDMENT BILL.

On the order of the day for goiag into committee on this
bill, and the clauses of the hill having been read and
agreed, the house resumed, and the chairman reported pro-
gress.
ST. ALBANS DISFRANCTIBBNI ENT BILL.
Clothe order of the hty fur goin,e into committee,
Mr. J. SII'ART bad given notice of a motion respecting
this bill, viz., the disposition of the two seats, that fur St.
Albans that would become vacant, and the two for Sud-
bury whiil had never been appropriated since the digerati..