The Express.
London, England, 1863-02-18 00:00:00

TILE EXPRESS, WEDNFSDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 18, 1863.

pose that, because the tory party were in favour of oom.
mercial treaties, they acted inconsistently with their
principles. He did not think this debate would much
advance commercial treaties. We had DO need of
negotiations for that object, and it was most =vies to
hold out that the government had the power of ntating
commercial treat Os. This country bad accepted the
policy of unrestricted competition, and we could not have
the advantage of =restricted competition and at the same
time enjoy that of diplomatic arrangements for commercial
objects. Having made unrestricted competition the prin-
ciple of our commercial code, we had played out our cards,
and to suppose that we could promote the commerce of this
country by commercial treaties was a delusion. It could
only be accomplished by political influence.
Mr. M. GIBSON remarked upon the different views of
Mr. Fitzgerald and Mr. Di raeli—the former having re-
proved the government for want of vigilance in not seizing
upon every opportunity of making commercial treaties
with foreign nations ; while the latter treated commercial
treaties as a farce, insisting that all we could do was
to use our political influence (or preemie, he sup.
weed) to induce ether nations to alter their tariffs.
The treaties we had negotiated, Mr. Gibson contended,
especially that with Belgium, had conferred important be-
nefits upon England. He would rather not lay down a
general rale on the subject of commercial treaties. The
French treaty he considered an exception, but he did not
think tariff treaties were desirable. He believed the course
which France was taking, of revolutionising tariffs, had
the effect of spreading the doctrine of free trade, and
whatever reductions were made in favour of France we
should ultimately obtain.
The discussion then dropped.
THE REMOVAL OF IRISH POOR.—CASE OF
_ _ PATRICK BOUB.KE.
_ _

Lord J. BROWNS attention T. the removal of •
pauper, named Patrick Bourke, from Leeds to Westport, in
the county of Kayo, and moved for a copy of the report of
Dr. Brodie, on the subject, with the evidence on
which the report is grounded. He gave details of the ease,
and urged that, under the circumstances he staled, it was
one which ought not to be passed over, as it was part of •
system.
Mr. viLuEas reed • communication from the board of
guardians enclosing depositions, which gave • different
complexion to the came. He promised that there should
be • full investigation of the facts.
Mr. BAINES defended the Poor Lew authorities of
Leeds.

Mr. HERBERT preened with great earnestness upon the
house the subject of the removal of paupers from England
to Ireland, and the grievances and irregularities attend-
ing it.
After further discussion, the motion we. agreed to.
INLAND REVENUE AND CUSTOMS ESTABLISH-
BENTS.

On the motion of Mr. TIOIMILL, • select committee was
appointed to inquire whether it would be practicable and
advantageous to consolidate any of the establishment, now
governed by the Boards of Inland Revenue and Customs
respectively, or to unite any portion of the duties per-
formed by their officers, with a view to economy in the col-
lection of the public revenue and to simplicity of arrange•
meet.