The Express.
London, England, 1851-04-15 00:00:00

THE EXPRESS, TUESDAY ETENING, APRIL 15, 1851
-77-

for the establishment amongst them of representative insti-
tutions. As matters, how ever, stood at present, he con-
curred is opinion with the gentlemen to whom he had re-
ferred, that it was far wiser to endeavour fa improve *misting

institutions.
Lord STANLEY maintained that the usertion of_ the
noble earl (Earl Grey)—that seder the present constitution
the colonists of Guiana had virtually the control of the govern-
ment of tho colony—vras at variance with the opinions of
the practical gentlemen whose resolution the noble earl had
quoted. He (Lord Stanley) had another petition to pre-
sent on a colonial subject. It was from an as..ociation of
persons in chi. country deeply intereited in emigration to
British North America, and prayed that the assistance of
government might be extended towards the completion of
'the Quebec and Halifax Railway. It had been suggested
that the waste lands of the colony should be taken as

security.
Earl GREY stated that difficulties existed as to the
security which was offered for the loan required to complete
the Quebec and Halifax Railway. The loan might be
raised in the money market of England on the security of I
all the resources of the colony, territorial and general. I
If the proposal were carried out the whole colony would be I
liable to pay the expense.
Lord STANLEY said that that was quite clear. It was
true that the whole revenue and lead of the province would
be a guarantee to the government; but he doubted whe-
ther even the whole would be a sufficient security for the
sum required to carry tbeETITIONS railway through New Brunswick.
P.
Lord BERNERS presented a petition from East Brent,
complaining of the heavy pressure, in addition to many
local rates, of the police rate upon the agricultural interest ;
and also of the burden of criminal prosecutions.
Earl POWIS presented a petition from the West of Eng
land Church Association against the grant to .Nlaynooth.
Their lorlships then adjourned, shortly before 8 o'clock,
until Thursday, the Ist of May.

ROUSE OF COMNI(WS.—MoNntY, Arittt. 14.
The SPIEMIEIi took the chair at 10 minutes More 1
o'clock.

NEW MEMBER.
Mr. BETIIELL, the new member for Aylesbury, took
the oath', and hi. %cat. lie was introduced by 3lr.

Palmer and Mr. Hutt.
PRIVATE BUSINESS.
COMMERCIAL DOCKS IMPROVEMENT BILL,
GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY (ARRANGE-
MENTS WITH REFERENCE TO THE PUR-
CHASE, &e., OF TUE WILTS, SOMERSET, AN D
WEYMOUTH, &c. RAILWAIS) BILL AND ST.
PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL (DUBLIN) BILL.
The above bills were read a third time and passed.
SHEFFIELD, ROTHERHAM, BARNSLEY, WAKE-
FIELD, HUDDERSFIELD AND GOOLE RAIL-
WAY.
The third reading of this bill having been moved,
Mr. COBDEN &waved that the bill contained clauses
saving the rights of certain landowners with whom con-
tracts for the provisional purchase of their property for a
portion of the lino now proposed to be übandoord, had
been entered into; and be wished, at the request of a con-
stituent, who had held a large contract for the execution of
that part of the works, and whose claims were in the course
of settlement, to introduca a clause to prevent such claims
alio from b •ing prejudiced by the bill.
Mr. E.B. DENISON, as a director of the railway, said that
they hurl been taken somewhat by surprise by the proposal
to insert the new clause. He aid not know that there
would be any objection to it; but as the legal advisers of
the company were out in town, he would ask his bun. col-
league to postpone his motion until to-morrow.
Mr. COBDEN agreed to the suggestion, and the third
routing was postponed accordingly.
STOCKTO% AND DARLINGTON, WEAR. VALLEY,
AND MIDDLESBOROUGH AND ItEDCAIt RAIL-
WAY COMPANIES AMALGAMATION BILL.
This bill was read a third time and paned.
HARWICH IMPROVEMENT QUAYS AND PIER
BILL, AND RICHMOND AND LANCASTER
TIIINl'IKE•ROAII (WESTERN DISTRICT) CON-
TINUATION OF TERM, &c., BILL.
These bills were reported and considered.
HAINAULT FOREST BILL.
This bill was read a second time.
In answer to an hon. member,
Lord SEYMOUR. stated that the part of the forest which
the public were accustomed to frequent fur purposes oi re-
creation was uot proposed to ho enclosed.
PETITIONS

Numerous petitions on various subjects were presented.
MII.IIAItY KNIGIUrti OF WINDSOR.

Mr. SALR•EY gave notice that he would to-morrow ask
the right bun. baronet the Secretary ul• State fur the Mame
Department whether the late AttorneyUeneral, Sir F.
Pollock, and the late Solicitor-General, Sir W. Follett,
gave an opinion respecting the Military Knights ot•
Windsor ; unit if so, whether there was any objection to it,
or a copy el• it, !wing laid open the table of the house ?
EXEMPTION FROM TILE INCOME TAX.
Colonel SIBTIIOILP gave notice that he should more
when the house went into committee on the Income Tax
Bill, that tenant fanners should he exempt, and also that
officers of the army and navy should likewise be excused
from contributing to the tax as regarded their pay and
allowances.
BEER-110USES.
Sir J. FAKISOTON gave notice that he should, on
Thursday, the I•ith of May, move fur leave to bring in a
bill to amend the lavu, relating to houses for the sale 01 beer.
ST. ALBANS ELECTION. •
_ .

Mr. E. ELLllEsun.l.;;OUglituPtheii,Port of the com-
mittee, who declared Mr. Jacob Bell to have been duly
elected. The committee abo specially reported that notwith-
standing successive and special adjournment, for the purpose
of bringing witnesses to prove the ease of the petitioner, such
evidence had not been produced, although all diligence
had been used to discover the parties. The committee had
therefore been unable to investigate the case, but they were
led to believe that a system of gross bribery and corruption
had existed at this awl at former elections; ;end they there-
fore recommended a commission to be appointed to inquire
into such alleges( corruption. (Hear.)
After a few words from Sir It. 'sums,
The SI'EAKEIt said the act directed that the house
should at once tinier the report to be entered on its jour-
nal*, and did not give them any power to inquire whether
the committee was legally constituted. (![car, hear.)
Mr. ELLICE, jun., said that in consequence of what had
141..441 in the house the other night, the committee, in ac-
i•irelmwe with what seemed to be the general feeling, was
prepared that morning to hear any argument upon the point
which had been raised. It had nut, however, been alluded
to by the counsel on either side ; and therefore, as neither
he nor any member of the committee thought it would be
right or proper to broach the subject, they had heard the
tow to its cohelte.iun, and formed their judgments won its
merits. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. BANK ES thought the question was not one between
the parties, but it was one in which the house was pecu-
liarly concerned, affecting, as it slid, the regularity of its
proceeding,. The further consideration of the question,
which hail previously been before them, had been adjourned
till 5 o'clock that day ; and he therefore suggested that the
subject he pogponisl until after that. (Hear, hear.)
Sir G. CI.EIiK warned the house that the deci-
sion of the committee was final against all parties what-
soever, and if the house were to take upon themselves to
say that when a committee had made its report, they would
not, on account of sonic slight irregularity of which it might
have been guilty, receive that report, they would introduce
again all the evils with regard to controverted elections that
the Grenville Act, and still more, the act under which these
committees were appointed, were designed to remedy.
The ATTOItNEI-GENERAL thought the coarse which
it was their duty to pursue was perfectly belittle. Tee act said
that the decisive of the committee should be final to all intents
and purposes ; and in fact the simple duty of the house
was merely to record the report which the committee made.
(Ilear, bear.) it appeared that the que,tion as to jurisdic-
tion had not been raised at all by the parties interested, and
with great submission he suggested that there was a motion
before the house on which they could discuss the subject.
The committee had brought in their report: that report was
not objected to by any of the parties concerned, and there-
fore he apprehended that it must he received. (Cheers.)
With respect to the party in custody, he hoped that he
would, under the circumstances, be discharged ; but that
was a subject which would come before them at another
period.
The report was then received without further opposition.
Mr. ELLICE gave notice that ou the first opportunity
alter Easter he should bring in a bill for the appointment
of a commission to inquire into the bribery and corruption
alleged to be practised in the elections for the borough of
St. Alban's. (Loud cheers.)
NEW RIDE IN HYDE PARK.
Mr. E. DENISON wished to ask a question of the noble
lord the Chief Commissioner of Woods and Fore's relating
to certain arningenwets which had been made in the parks
with regard to the large increase of visitors to the great
Exhibition. Ile understood that it would be necessary to
give up that portion of the park which had hitherto been
allotted to persons taking horse exercise, fur the purpose
of forming a road for carriages and foot people. While he
concurred in the propriety of the arrangements, however,
he thought it would he only fair tothe equestrians that other
drive. should In formed ; and he wished toaskthe noblelord
if any arrangements had been made to afford tkis facility to
the public ?
Lord SEYMOUR stated, in reply, that some time since
he had received commands from bet Majesty to act out a
ride in Ken.ington gardens; but a great difficulty arose
from the admission of the public. lie had not yet t'ormcd
any plan, but he hoped before long that he should he able to
du so. (Hear, hear.)
THE GREAT EXHIBITION.
Sir DE LACY EVANS said be wished to ask the Presi-
dent of the Board of Trude a question relative to space
in the exhibition building being granted to exhibitors of
inventions, who have been hitherto restrained from
making application, or sending in their goods, by the delay
which has taken place in passing the Designs Act Exten-
sion Bill.
Mr. LABOI:CHERE said that what had taken place
was this. It was necessary for the commissioners and the
executive committee to know, at au early period, what
amount of space would be required, and what articles would
be sent in for exhibitiou ; and the patties requiring
;pace had been called on to send in their claims
before the 31st of October last. The result was that
twice the space the commissioners had at their
disposal was applied for. The various claims were referred,
to the local committees for selection ; and they were advised
at the same time what space could be allotted to each die-
triet. With regard to subsequent applications, such as those
referred to, wherever, from unforeseen circumstances, any
vacant space was left owing to parties not sending goods
were expected to do so, or from any other cause, it was the
' object of the executive committee to dietxibute that space

In as
mmosreejustwttiethhewvaourl
idou.b:emel*isibtiumetorsful. He thhad
whether there 'existed any intention on the lb:eethnib.itikoned,
pa, t of the
Board of Trade to make use of that power which west ea
them in an act Intel y passed, to license any othet
.Place
where persons having inventions which they had not t. eel)
able to get into the Exhibition might exhibit those invest-
dons. He did not think the Board of Trade would be jus-
tified in extending those provisions of the act to any ex-
hibition except that in Hyde-park. But should it happen,
contrary to his expectation, that inventions were excluded
whose number and impotence justified such a course, it
would be in the power of the Board of Trade to adopt it.
As far as his information went, he did not think there was
at present any. caulk; which would justify the Board of
Trade in exercising that discretion.
WESTMINSTER BRIDGE.
In answer to Sir H. Lewes,
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said that
when the rebuilding of this bridge was brought tinder con-
sideration another question arose as to whether it was de-
sirable
to alter the site. It had been decided that an un-
paid commission should be appointed to inquire into the
matter ; but the members of that commission were not yet
finally agreed on.
THE I'ItOPERTY TAX AND HOUSE TAX.
In answer to Mr. G. HAMILTON,
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said he
proposed to take the second reading of the Property Tax
Bill on the Thursday after the Easter recess. The ques-
tion raised by the amendment of the hon. baronet the
member for Marylebone (Sir B. Hall) could not be brought
on on the second reading.
Sir B. HALL said he understood the right hon. gentle-
man proposed that the house should go into committee, and
that then he would move his resolution. He wished to ask
whether it would be convenient that he should take the
sense of the house that evening, or during the progress of
the bill. Ile believed he could do so by moving the amend-
ment after the word "shall " in the fourth line of the reso-
lution. (Hear, hear.)
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER 'said the
he was lett in
sooner the question was decided the better • because, if the
whole of the window tax were repealed, and
a deficiency, it was clear he cuuld not repeal any other
taxes, but must impose new ones, to make up the
deficiency.
FOREIGN REFUGEES.
Mr. B. COCHRANE asked whether any representations
had been received from the four great powers, complaining
of the conduct of the foreign refugees a London.
Viscount PALMERSTON replied in the negative.
EXPENDITCKE OF TILE COMMISSIONERS OF
SEWERS.
Sir B. HALL wished to ask a question with reference to
the expenditure of the Commissionersof Sewers. Ile found,
by a parliamentary paper, that during the last year they
had received 91,000/., and expended in works 57,631 f.,
whilst their management and superintendence had cost ex-
actly 21,161!., or 40 pee cent. on the cost of the works exe-
cuted. Ile wished to know whether there wee any hope of
a reduction in this expense ; alto whether there was any
objection to lay on the table the returns that had been
made to the commissioners in reference to the Victoria-
Street scorer ?
Viscouift EDRINGTON said the commissioners did not
acquiesce altogether in the report that had been made
with regard to s that *ewer. It was perfectly true
that the receipts were 91,0001., and that under the
general head of management 21,1611. had been ex-
pended ; but the board was not only for expending but for
collecting money, and a very expensive and complicated
establishment and arrangement was necessary for collecting
rates from all the holders in the metropolitan districts. Of
the 21,000 f. upwards of 3,100/. was directly traceable to this
source. The expenditure of the commission with regard
to works had beeu only upon the works already executed,
while the expenses of surveying and engineering related to
all the specifications which had been prepared and were
ready fur contract, embracing works of upward., of 170,000 f.
These contracts would have been accepted had patliament
eo worded its commiseiun lOW enable parties to feel that
they were justified in lending money on that security. As
it was, all these work.: were necessanly suspended.
THE HOUSE TAX.
Mr. T. BUNCOMBE suggested to the hon. member for
Marylebone (Sir B. Hull) that it would be more convenient
if he would bring on his motion respecting the house duty
when the bill was before them in committee.
Sir B. HALL was understood to say that he would
do so.
ST. ALBANS ELECTION COMMITTEE.
On the debate on the consideration of this committee'
proceedings being resumed by adjournment from Friday,
Mr. AGLIONBY, who hail moved the discharge of
Henry Edwards from custody without payment of fees,
amended his motion by including therein a proposition to
discharge the warrants issued against Wagget, Hayward,
skeggs, and Birclunore, whose persons hail not been taken.
Mr. BANKS and Mr. Rut NOW, Patme n. objected to the
discharge of Edwards until he had been brought to the bar.
The SOLICITOR-GENERAL had no (twilit that the
man had been formally committed, so that his committal
could not be questioned in a court of law ; but the house
might look behind the order, and it might then appear that
it had been hasty in adopting the report of the committee.
Under these circumstances, he suggested whether the house
would not do well to discharge Edwards on payment of his
fees.
Sir F. TIIESIGER, who reminded the house that the
conduct imputed to Edwards had defeated justice, dis-
sented from the suggestion of the Solicitor-General, having
no doubt as to the legality of the committee's proceedings.
Sir G. GREY obterved that Edwards had mail.• nu np-
plication fur his discharge • and unless he made submission
to the house, ur edahlisheil at the bar the qualified denial
contained in his petition, he thought he should be sent to
Newgate n. a punishment.
The MASTER of the ROLLS assigned reasons why, in
his opinion, the motion Of Mr. Aglionby ought not to be
acceded to, and suggested that the debate should be ad-
journed until this d ty, to afford Edwards an opportunity
of presenting a pi tition to the house.
Atter a few words front Mr. S. WOILTLEY and Mr. Rue-
Melt,
Lord J. RUSSELL concurred in this suggestion. and
tweed, by way of amendment, that the debate be adjourned
until this day.
Mr. HOME thought it mere trifling with the house to
think of adopting any one of these courses. If ever an in-
dividual deserved the censure of the house, as also the
punishment, it was Edwanle. (Hear.) The matter had been
already three times 'whirs the holm, and if then adjourned,
to-morrow would he the fourth time.
Sir R. 11. INGLIS thought it would lee an anomaly to
adopt the course of hearing Edward.: at the bar, sin re-
ceiving his unworn assertions in opposition to the report of
a committee of flue sworn members of that house, as also the
witnesses examined upon oath before them. (Hear, hear.)
Sir J. ORA lIAM said, if this person hail been committed
for contempt, he had done nothing to purge his contempt,
and he should be committed at once to Newgate.
Mr. AGLIONBY protested against committing a man
to Newgate without hearing hint In his petition he had
disclaimed any intentional contempt, and desired to be
heard.
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL cemented to this observa-
tion, and urged the house to adopt the motion of Lurd John
Russell for an adjournment of the debate.
After some further dieetission,
The house divided on the question of the adjournment of
the debate, when there app ared—
For the adjournment
Against
ASSESSED TAXES ACT.
The house then went into committee on the Assessed
Taxes Act.
On the resolution for imp sing the house tax,
Sir 11. WILLOUGIIIII' moved to leave out the words
" and gardens" in line nine of the resolution. The present
proposition was for a commutation of the window tax to a
house tax. Now he submitted that it was not fair to met
any portion of the new tax on property that was not subject
to the window tax. The window duty was assessed on
houses and offices, end the house duty, which teat repealed
in 1531, was imposed on houses, offices, and land,. the word
" lands " being so construed as to signify gardens. Now
why should they place on a portion of the house which was
never subject to the window duty, and could not be
aubject to it, a house duty ?
Sir G. PECHELL said that he objected not to any
portion of the house tax, but to the tax altogether.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER 'laid the
hon. baronet (Sir 11. Willoughby) was quite right in saying
that he had adopted the words of the old !louse-tax Act ; I
and the same reason which led to the insertion of the word
"garden" in that case had led him (the Chancellor of the
Exchequer) now to adopt it. In many cases it was impos-
sible to distinguish between houses in the country and
houses with a eert lot quantity of garden adjacent and ap-
purtenant to the house. He had takeu the maces-
meat under the property tax and, with that basis, the
house tax would produce only 720,000/., and he hoped the
house would not, by introducing exemptions, which formed
one of the worst features of any tax—(hear, hear)—allow
the probable amount of the pro tax to be frittered
away. He hoped that in a future stage of the bill the
house would allow him to introduce words which would
exempt market garden,.
Mr. HUME said he knew many instances in which the
bowie was let to one person and the garden to another.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said in such ,
eases the garden would not be assessed.
Mr. HI: ME said his right hon. friend haul deprecated ex-
' emptions. It was InTAUSC there were so many exemptions
'that he (Mr. Hume) objected to the tax altogether. Ile
was one of those who considered that there was no neces-
sity at all for a house tax.
Sir W. JOLLIFFE void they were about to impose a
tax on a ease of property which had hitherto been exempt.
Mr. W. WILLIAMS believed that of the 400,000 houses
which would come under the tax, about two-thirds were in
the metropolis. It would seem as though the Chancellor of
the Exchequer, being annoyed at the agitation in London
against the window tax, had proposed the house tux as a
punishment. If the Chancellor of the Exchequer wanted
money, let hint obtain it by doing an act of justice ; let
him propose the extension of the probate and legacy duty to
real property. Under a house tax half the shops in Regent-
street would pay a higher amount than some of the principal
mansions of the nobility.
After a few words frum Lord DUNCAN,
Mr. WAKLEY said it was quite clear that the right hon.
gentleman could only give entire satisfaction by uue mode
ut proceeding, namely, by abolishing the tax. (Laughter.)
Mr. HENLEY thought it would be best to wait for the
bill in its amended shape before coming to a final decision.
Mr. ELLIS said that since the new scheme was proposed
be had had opportunities of seeing many of his consti-
tuents who would be affected by it, and he had not met
with a single individual who did not appear satisfied.
Alderman SIDNEY complained that the prepused house
tart would be very unfair in its operatics. The mansioss le!