The Express.
London, England, 1863-02-07 00:00:00

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF LORDS—Duo tY, FEB. 6.

The Loan Clitacutoa took his sat on the woolsack et
o'clock.

POPULATION OF THE DIOCESE OF RIPON.
The Bishop of RIPON moved fora rettun ia order tooorreot
an important rrror is the magus return of HSI, whereby
the it... al the dimmer of Ripon cod York wen wroagly
estimated, mad as a ociasequenoe the population of Ripon
. was very considerably understated.
Agreed to.
REPORT OF THE VOLUNTEER COMMISSION.

it was right that he shoulii do so at a time when they could
be replied to.
Mr. LAYARD—I am entirely is the bands of the house,
but my hon. friend expressed to me this morning great
anxiety on the part of himself and his constituents that
Novas explanation should be given of this matter before the
mail starts on Monday next
The SPEAKER said that a minister in replying to a ques-
tion vas usually permitted to enter eomewhat more into detail
than a private member would be allowed to do. At the
same time it was a matter for the discretion of the minister
how faz it was desirable to go into matters which might call
forth observations from other members.
LAYARD—I was carefully avoidisg making any
comment. I was merely stating the facts upon which her
• Majesty's government have acted. As I have said, the
bodies were found at some distance from the shore, sod it
was believed that the men had been murdered. A demand
for redress was made, but a long time elapsed before any-
thing was done ; it was not, in fact, until the 18th of Sep-
tember that any steps were taken in the matter by the
Brazilian government, One of the parties was convicted
of stealing some of the property, but that was not con-
sidered sufficient by her Majesty's consul, and a further in-
quiry was demanded, but it was resisted until
the month of August in the following year.
At that time, Mr. Christie requested that an inquiry might
be held at which a British officer should be present. That
the Brazilian government refused. On the 4th of August it
was announced that no officials had been dismissed for cul-
pable neglect whose conduct had been previously justified,
but no step was taken with regard to the priocipal offender.
After endeavouring to obtain redress, her Majesty's govern-
ment, for the protection of British intends. took the steps
which were resolved upon, though under a painful necessity,
and instructions were given to Mr. Christie to demand reran.
tion, and if it were refused, to give orders to the admiral in
command of the squadron at Rio to make reprisals. In June
great indignities were offered to two officers of the Forte,
and reparation was asked for but not given ; but under the
action of the British admiral the Brazilian government
rto give as indemnity to the owners of the Prince of
alt .
awl to refer the other question to the mediation of
an arbitrator. Mr. Christie, acting under instructions, con-
sented to those terms, and the five vessels taken in charge
were immediately restored. lam happy to state that her
Mejesty's government, havin the utmost reliance on the
wisdom and judgment of the King of the Belgians, had
itemeptecl him as arbitrator in the matter of the Forte.
As regards the Prince of Wales, the Brazilian government
have offered to pay a certain sum by way of compeosatios
to the owners of that vessel, and her Majesty's government
had sanded to that arrangement. By the last accounts
from Rio the excitement which had been occasioned by the
conduct of the British admiral had ceased, and as matters
have been arranged satisfactorily, I earnestly hope that the
amicable relations which formerly existed between the two
countries will be speedily restored. (Hear, hear.)
THE ADDRESS IN ANSWER TO HER MAJESTY'S
SPEECH.