The Express.
London, England, 1853-03-14 00:00:00

CUSTOMS REFORM.

IMPORTANT INTERVIEW WITH THE CHAN.
CELLOS OF THE EXCHEQUER.
Oa Saturday a largo and influential deputation,
consisting of members of parliament and others itoresent-
ing the mercantile and commercial interests of Londan sod
veriest, outposts of the kingdom, waited upon the Chan-
cellur of the Exchequer, at his official residence in Duna.
ing.street, in order to explain to the right hon. gentleman
the wishes and feelings of the merchants and traders of the
country in reference to the promised reform in the Customs'
department. The reception morn was deii.ely thronged,
and it was not without great difficulty teat mail members
of the deputation obtained standing places. 1- was one
o'clock precisely when the Chancellor of the Exchequer
entered the room, accompanied by Mr. J. WI u, xi',,
and his fire. act, after bowing to the deputation, was in
apologise to the deputation for the inadequacy of the ae.
commodation. The right hon. gentleman stood bellied the
chair placed for him at the talc daring the whole of the
interview.
The deputation comprised the following gentlemen
John Masterman, M.P., Wm. Brown, M.l' , J iho A.
Smith, M.P., George Hadfield, M.P., B. Oliva r:, H.P.,
Captain &obeli, M.P., Vincent Scully. M.P., J 4u Green,
M.P., Jos. Brotberton, Atsley Pellatt, M.P., Sir riz
Ferguson, Bart., M.P. W. kirk, M.l'., J. Bat ies, mp.,
John Cheetlism, Sir G. Glodoil.n, Bart.
M.P., W. Williams, M.P., D. \V. Mich(
W. H. Barron, M.P., W. I'. Price, M.l'., Je.. Crooke,
M.P., C. A. Moody, M.P., Geo. Sandals, M.l'., M. Chain-
ber., M.P., Sir Jas. Duke, Bart, M.P. Charles (Lindley,
H.P.. \V.Wickham, M.P., Charles Turner, M.P., E. J.
Hutchins, M.P., Saml. ()region, M.l'., If. Gore Langton,
M.P. Thomas Alcock, Sir Herbert Maddork,
Jus. Hume, M.P., P. Grentell, M.P., J. E. Headlun, M.P.,
H. Berkeley, M.l'., C. H. A'Court, M.P., J. L. Ric:rile, M.P.,
Sir Wm. Verner, Bart., M.P., Urrantley Berk, 1. r. M.P.,
Archibald Hattie, M.P., George Bowyer, MT., G. Grace,
M.P.. James Pilkington, M.P., John M'Greaor, M.P., A.
IL.stie (Glasgow), M.P., Win. Marshall, M.P., Richard
Ss dr, M.P., James Heywood, M.P., A.Wise, M.P., E.
Myatt, M.P. J. A. Mitchell (Bridport), M.P., Francis
Scully, M.P.:Lawrence Hevworth, M.P., G. Donean, M.P.,
C. Rich, M.P., H. Blundell, Mayor anon : W. 11. Pearson
and C. Harrison (Hull) • Mr. Thos. Barky, President
Chamber of Commerce, Manchester; J. C. Barrett and
Peter Fairburns (Leeds) ; F. Crossley, M.P. (Halifax);
John Ingrain Travers, M..tthew Clarke, R.. Wietam Craw-
ford, Johii Dillon, W. John Hall, J. P. Gassiest, F.R S.,
James Cook, It Bagvhaw, E. Burneister, F. l'egler, W.
Pyc, James Hutchinson, J. D. Fowles, Thomas Tooke,
William Hawes' F. Patteson, F. W. H. Marillier, W. L.
Ogilby, C. W. Gregory, Peter Dickson, C. Marryatt, J. E.
Saunders, E. Travers, Bromley Moore, William Torrens
M'Cullagn' Alexander Crewe, 11. L. Motgao, George
Hurry. It. R. R. Moore, &c.
Mr. J. 1. TIIATERS said Lo had the honour to represent
the deputation from the City of London, whose slew, were
embodied in a memorial, watch, wiih the right hen. gen-
tleman's permission ho would now read. Ile then read
the memorial, of which the following ate the principal pis-
.

"To THE RIGHT HON, W. E. GLADSTONE, M 0., CHAN-
CELLOR OF TRY EN( IIEQUER.
"Sir,—Upon the recent occasion of Mr. 11.rsfall in-
quiring in the House of Commons' whets the cevernment
might he expected to bring torus and the subject to a reform
of the Board of Custom. ?' you are reverted to have said
that you were not in a position to state whether any rata-
cures which the government might take for the improve-
ment of the Customs' department and machinery would
require legislative interposition,' but tlioa the whole
subject was under the consideration of the Treasury, and
that the result of it would probably be embodied in • minute.'
" We do not think it necessary at present to enter at
length into the details of the cede we complain et, or of the
reforms which we propose. We lay before you tioe heads
of such suegeet ions as we deem most important. We sub-
mit that under the existing law, a merchant's person may
be seized, and his property detained or sold, with-
out any warrant, without any statement of charges,
without any opportunity Afforded him f being
confronted with the seizing officers, or of personal
explanation or defence befure the Commissioners; and,
practically, there is no appeal from the decision of the Com-
missioners, or in fact from the officer himself. The officer
gives in his own account to the board ; on complaint, the
board refers to the officer; no one cross- examines him, and
he rectivee, on Isis own statement of the case, a ',melon of
the proceeds of the goods as the rewerd of holding to his
story. The appeal to the Lords of the 'Treasury is also
nominal ; time, refer to the board, and upon the account
given by the board decide without seeing either the Meter
or his victim.
" We complain that an appeal to the Court of Exchequer
involves a ruinous expenditure, under bond to pay costs,
fines, and penalties ; sod that costs are its no eases allowed
to be recovered from the crown.
" That, in fact, our Customs es-stern, as it stands, is the
one remaining blot upon our commerce.
" We have opened our ports and seas, but we still keep
Alta the narrow and rusty gate of the cusMiloo ; we have
established courts to expedite and cheapen juetice, but we
deny a place in them to the sufferers under customs malad-
ministratioa.
" No reform has touched the irresponsible secrecy of the
Customs Board, nor the endless heaping up of the costs of
customs cases in the Exchequer.
" We have in ordinary cases reformed our modes ofpro-
ceclure, so as to allow of the parties being examined faceto
face, with marked advantage in eliciting the truth ; but
though a man's goods, papers, books—everything he is
worth in the world—be seized upon without warrant in
the name of the Customs, all knowledge of the accusation
and of his accusers is withheld from him ; he may be beg-
gared in means, and ruined in character, but neither the
Customs Cummissi(meri nor the Lords of the Treasury will
furnish bins with a statement of the charges ageing him,
nor allow him to appear personally in his own defence.
Until within the last few years, the full rowers of the
customs have boon but ScitlOM eeercist d, or exercised
only against the weak ; the commercial classes were
even ignorant that ' such powers existed, and the
irresponsible authority of the boned was tolerated,
solely because the oppressive provisions of tho
numerous seta and by-laws lay dormant. Of late, however,
as you, sir, are well aware, those powers have been most
vexatiously put in force, and the board has proved too
strong for individual resistance. But, fortunately, in this
country, to call attention to such abuses is ultimately to en-
sure their extinction. Public opinion will no longer
tolerate secret tribunals, irresponsible authority, and in-
terference with property and liberty upon private accusa-
tion.
" It is now well understood by people of all classes that
every hindrance to the passage of ships and goody—every
tax and waste of time—every risk of injury and loss—every
liability to plunder, corruption, overcharge, and delay,
in the way of the landing, warehousing, clearing, buying,
selling, and distribution of merchandise, falls at last upon
the consumer. We therefore confidently believe that there
would be no difficulty in bringing the whole weight of
public opinion to bear in favour of an immediate and sweep-
ing reform of the present system; the experience of the
last few years has forced the conviction, even upon the most
unwilling, that every facility to commerce is felt in enlarged
imports, lowered prices, increased consumption, and addition
to the revenue.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER observed that no
copy of that memorial had been submitted to him.
Mr. TRAVERS said no copy had been sent, and he now
begged to present it.
Mr. W. Meow:, M.P. for South Lancashire, said the me-
morial which had now been placed in the hands of the right
hon. gentleman contained a memorandum of the requirements
of the commercial community, and expressed a hope that
before the bills to which they referred were introduced,
these suggestions would be embodied in thorn. He had
only to express, on the part of the Liverpool merchants, a
very strong desire that any difference arising between them
and the Customs' authorities should be submitted to an open
tribunal, and not, as hitherto, to a secret tribunal, where they
were required to defend themselves from any charges that
might be brought against them. He believed it would greatly
simplify the work of the Customs, and prevent a great many
unjust seizures. (Hear, hear.) They considered it a most
important point in alteration of the present system that they
should have on the spot an open tribunal to appeal to.
Great hardships frequently arose under the present system;
and, as an instance, he might state that an American ship
having lately amved in the Mersey with a large quantity
of rice, some ill-disposed person or ill-natured officer gave ia-
formation thatethere were smuggled goods under the rice,and
about 40 tons of it were thrown out by o: der of the Customs;
it happened to be a very wet day, nothing of the Kind was
found, or had ever been there, but the rice was ;completely
destroyed. That was one of the grievances of the present
system ; and if they had such a tribunal as he had stated to
resort to, which would compel the officer to state who gave
the false information, in order that he might be punished,
some redress might be obtained.
Mr. TURNER, M.P., said the establishment of open local
tribunals was held by the Liverpool merchants to be of the
utmost importance, because false accusations were fre-
quently made, involving not only the property but the cha-
rmer of the party, which could not be so easily made if
the parties were brought face to face.
Mr. E. W. CRAWFORD had had ample oppertun:fies of
becoming acquainted with the feelings of the commercial
community on this subject, and he would say that there
never was a question more generally taken up with greater
spirit, or from a thorough conviction of the existing evils,
nor was there ever a great public question so entirely un-
connected with party or political feeling. Ulcer, beer.)
He was sure it was only necessary for the right honourable
gentleman to look round the room, to be satisfied of the
truth of that observation. (Hear.) The main object the
to committee
urgeo ft thehi
particularmerc hant
s o
pointthc
upon City ot fh Le ocn
hd
nonrie b
Exchequer—that the hills, when prepared, should hex he O-
mitted to the mercantile classes in the first irsta nee, le fere
being brought into parliament, in order that then' might
have an opportunity of passing an opinion upon the= Poe"
tiesl working and operation of their prevision te 'teat
cos
the great object the City cemmittee had in vivo thn etc'
sent occasion. He was satisfied that the corer -nee.: had
bestowed great attention on the subject, and :d; the row.
mittee wished was, that legislation, when i• l'I'"!
~lld ur in
ovflehw
.e
should be as nearly perfect as possible. (Ikon Lear.)
There being then a slight pause,
The CHANCELLOR of the Exeitooron inquired if there
was no gentleman who wished to add anythirg to what he
had already heard ?
Mr. rite!
theuxAchietegial tri twtoluld s ansoettant,thr
eln.dio, htohpeedratiirhe Cth,oann,cel:;fo
committee to send those bit's in the first tester ta the
mercantile communities. That course wont I relieve the
government from the responsibility which they ought to
take upon their shoulders. The proper time to nr.lie sug-

• •Xtes was when the bills were prepared and laid before
meta a .el then there would be ample time to suggest
t submit to the committee of the me-
toprovements. u _
',Ai. Lida affectieg .he who • Customs of the 'extuntry,
wy ~,kin[ that whale the Chancellor of the Excheqner
was notluetdied is prentiog. (Cries of " No, no.") Hay-
" •A 61- OM the Customs committee, and paid great
tl!./ P.s
.0 Catten-
tr valence, what die occur to him was, that there
.
00,1.! the warehousing acts, and a I
r. ',sem fa nof the Customs acts. If these things we at-
te"enti. .1 to it would, in his opinion, complete the whole, so
ixattuercludde would easily comprehend what their duties
were n entering their Foods. lle was of opinion that the
ought to take the responsibility upon them-
flITLCR.•
Wye*
ruc.LE, Secretary to the London Dock Company, I
yr. •
hale eel that if it were peeeible to pull the room, the hon.
erouhl be sound to nand alone in his opinion.
fiets...) It the übje et of the government were really to
nrmmt the 1111:VPSISCtS censplained of, nothing could be more
eee „et-0,f.: than that the parties most deeply interested
has an eppestunity of seeing what .t was C.Cy
aft, Ll era that S•rw. It nott:d 112%C the time of the go-
,- • end ultimately of parliament itself. He could
verem.,
poodhle to such a course.
—lle clean one wished it to be clearly understood that
si-ught any euliar favour h-r the Tawas of
he '
Lie *on ;h. ,;tong that copies of the drafts of the pending
ice-we...ld 'se sent to the representatives of the commercial
Isnlies tnenuohent the veinier. !tear.)
;de W. LoIIOWN 0(4...vv.! it was the custom of Mr. Pitt
eons. *dallies:ottani bills of this kind to the mer-
te;.,, ..• remarks laf re introducing them into parliament,
• t s •h• teat each J. cover. if adopted now, would save
~„ .r.+, vet a tied deal trouble in the lung run.
tie
31 M. Ctenac feel PU tar from the responsibility of the
goarum as be jet: removed by such a step, if they rejected
w:dels the esperience of the meiceentele
woe:I mended times t e effer, their resposaibSdty would be
doe' 'ed.
IM Utast:Ur:4 of the Exestratran wished in the
f.ret One to mace the purport of the sn.wer which
be ea I a seen to Mr. M.teheil on the present subject. As to
tae ..Loca? be Lad given to Mr. liorstds, he had
acct .4.pnbeeded that there e-uld be any taisuni.er-
gissiir4. es the pasatica had reference to the proposed
• • II • es.- -titotien of the Board of Customs, and
fAII•PO •• •
IS a p4,44C1t.Ct.-1 a asve..hor of the tontrd, or t•.e chair-
men, ~, a:1 have a Ka• in the House of Commons. Hie
ansseer «,d 0 latex wady and exclusively to the enastitu-
tam of the li.ard if Custom., and not at all to the improve-
lrnit.• in the Conan* department as regarded its mac). i eery
sal working ; bemuse measures had elan taken fur the
env .tioa et act& et porlituaeut, in reference to what bad
beet. jest stated r .easing the warehousing acts and the
melitimtsee of ten' Customs lawn He hoped he had re-
moved try a;!prsheriAou that might have hence out of Mr.
lI titian quest.on on the purport ef his own answer.
thee ".%tr. lierefell hod framed his question se as to
convey ....ieurately his object, he could not say—all he had
keened at er.s the words of the question ; and he believed it
wee:Mt- band !h.: they referred exclusively to the CUatei-
-600 of toe h •ara of Customs, and not to the improvement
vet the to sch,ntry of the department. Now, with respect to
the •,i;l., whith it was desired should be submitted to the
commercial holes throughout the country, fur the
c of their practical details, he was not aware
that any intimation wets given at the time of the formation
of is.. present government that those bills would be sub-
mitts- to tines for their consideration of the practical
What he should say on this part of the question
'se had en objection w".stevcr in point of prin-
ciple to submit the draft of the bills, when they. were pre.
pued, to the partite interested, before they were Introduced.
It was purely a viz elan of practienl convenience, and tout
Os coa..isreit on its wen merits ; hut it was certainly most
im:..osont, as egg fested by Mr. Rune, that the reeponsi.
we/ I the government should not be removed from its
shoulders. He was extremely glad to meet the present
urvotouon, on account of its fleeing representatives from
L'ecepeol and the other out;•orte, because there was this
enficeity ea former Occasion., that it would seem as if all
thine •!.ey had been discussing the case of the port of Lon•
don e %natively. So far then, he was glad that there were
present representatives of the commercial interest from dif-
ferent per:s of too kingdom. With respect to these bills, the
who:3.question was in what manner could they be soonest
a made nowo, and in what way could the widest and freest
scope be given to the commercial community to canvass
their details and bring
.to the knoveledgo of the world
ant of parliament their wishes and their suggestions. That
was the entire question. He could not say what might be
the deei.on of the government es to submitting them to
the eonruereial classes in draft. He frankly owned, al-
Meech he was perfectly willing to be instructed, that it
was not clear to him in his own mind how he could bring
these measures universally and amply before all portions of
the atercanti e ceminunity. Some portions of that comma-
aity were well organised for the purpose of discussing these
11111.APWCP, and to them the course suggested might be
highly convenient ; but others were not so highly orga-
nised, ani might possibly consider that they had been
treed with something less than faience' if they had not
the same advantage. But, as the inject was merely to ask
advice, he did not see the disuelvanrage under which
try p9rtiun of the commercial community would be
ei..cce by the introduction of these bills into par-
liament and the giving ample time for their
C..toititration before going into committee. (Hear, hear.)
He Mglit be wrong ; but he confessed he did not see !Iliad.
vantage- in sueh a course, because the government had no
wish whatever but to be put in the fullest possession of the
views and wishes of the entire commercial community.
(Ilea, hear.) The printing and publishing of these bills
undoubtedly did give them very great publicity. They
were not like measures of great political importance, or
which turned upon broad an!. comprehensive principles—
they must be agreed upon the general principles. For
example, with regard to publicity, the government had the
fullest and moat entire sympathy with gentlemen who ex-
pressed a wish for the greatest publicity in the management
of the Customs revenue, a wish highly honourable to [them
as merchants, and entirely aecordaot with the character of
Engtiehmen, and it would be discreditable to the govern-
mint if they did not give the widest possible interpretation
to it. (Hear, hear.) Agatn,with regard to the codification
of the tariff, he was sure be need not say that
the government entered entirely and unreservedly
tato the feelings of the deputation. He did
ant speak unadvisedly, for
,he had himself the sa-
tisfaction, in 1845, to bring forward a measure which
exempted from duty a moiety, or more than a moiety, of
the ass tcles then subject to it ; and it was the desire of the
present government to give the fullest possible scope to the
application of that principle. Therefore, on the question
of principle, there was no difference between them. If
any discussion previously to the introduction of the bills
were necessary, the whole question would tarn upon how
they could adjust all the complex details of the duties
levied upon imports with the greatest security to the inte-
rests of the exclieqsor and the crown, and the least inter-
ference with the tonne of trade. The question was one
that depended upon details, and they had but one common
interest and desire—namely, that these details should be
rbscaiaed and adjoined in the best possible manner. He
freckly owned that, if a strong wish were still ezpreseed by
the commercial community to have the drafts of the bills
scat to them for examination before they were introduced
isto parliament, even though the government did not deem
that the best course, they might be indnoed to
yield in deference to the deputation. (Hear, hear.)
Bat he hoped it would be well (meandered by all the
gettlemen present whether, on the whole, the most
convenient course would not be to have the bills introduced
is the first instauce, giving ample time for their considers-
hon. They were aware that parliament frequently adopted
the course—in cases where the principle of the measure was
admitted, but where the details required consideration,
which he took to be the present case—of ordering the bill
to be reprinted after the second reading, embodying sag-
Suborn and amendments, and allowing sufficient time be-
fore the matter was proceeded with in oemmittee. In
Patting that alternative, he would remark that they would
sot be thereby placed at any disadvantage: the mew of
Emanated suggestions could be then taken into amide-
retina sod discussed. !Lit own opinion was—and he ems-
fond he leaned to it ea the most convenient coarse for all
parties—to introduce the bills on the earliest possible day ;
thee the experience and knowledge of the oemmoraal
commusite would enable them to suggest many ea-
!esti. ariendinents, and all such amendments as ap-
Paid to justify their adoption might then be
entolied before the bills were re-submitted to
the eensideratioa of the House of Common.. He eon-
Seised he was Writhed to think that that would be the course
wleth would most fully meet the interests of the commercial
rommanity at large. As he said before, however, if there
woe strong wish that the drafts of the bills should be sub-
mitted, there was every disposition on the part of the go-
vernment to follow the coarse that strong wish might pout
tut. Redid ant think there was any other point of mate-
rial interest in the memorial which it was neeeesery for
kin to notice. Various points were under the careful
Ts-toleration of the government ; and with respect to the
Treasury minute, of courts that was necessary previous to
time introduction of an act of parliament in the regular
way. If Mt re was say other point to which the depute-
ton w ished to call his attention, he should be harpy to
refer to it
•

their own responsibility, at the same time giving ample
time for the amendment of the details.
Mr. TRAVERS said the committee had paid a great deal
or attenti n to the matter, anal had communicated with all
the principal nutports. They had reeeired private informa-
tion to the effect that the bilis were being prepared by two
gentlemen whoa: names he would not mention, but they i
were sad...tied that any measures emanating from that de- 1
'unmet would never be satisfactory to the commercial
community. (Hear, hear.) It was carious that, although
most of the °awns bed a commercial organisation, London
was very deficient in that respect. He believed, however,
the present committee represented nearly every department
a trade andeommerce throughout the country, and coin-
monieations had been received from the various commerei el
arsociatious end chamaen of e nomeree throughout the
kingdom, cordially coacurriog in the sug.zestion that the
bills should be submitted to the parties interested before
being introduced into the Howse of Claymont.
The CH ANCFLLOR of the EXC HUI l' Ell thought Mr. Tra-
vers could not help being struck with the fact that every
member of parliament who hail sp..ktn, thoug% he sympa-
thised entirely with the objects of ;he deputation, had given
his opinion to favour of having the bills first introduced
into the house. The explanation mh.ht be this, that Mr.
Travers and other gentlemen diet not apprehend so cor-
rectly as members of parliament the real position ia which
the question steed. Nothing could be fairer or more proper
than that the commercial community bilooki bare the op-
portunity of offering toggesticns and what he wished to
impress upon them was, that by the plan he proposed ample
opport unity would lie 'fielded the mto do so. There was
no pledge whateetr, no point of honour, sod no patty inte-
rest, to induce the government to adhere to the letter
of measures of this kind ; and it ll as the constant course
of the government to have hills printed at the end of a sea-
s° in, in order th it they might be c meidered in the recess.
With respect to the question where the bills were drawn,
any objection which might he urged on that ground would
apply equally whether they were tint seen before or at' er
their intreduction. For whatever was bid in them the
Treasury alone would have to enter. r; they must not seek
to throw up' n any board or any person w hatever the blame
cf any faults which were to be found in their own hills.
Mr. liner suggested that when the bias were introduced
there should be giveu a schedule of all the changes which
had hitherto been effected ant! of those which it was pro-
posed to make, in order that every ane interested might be
atlo to ascertain at once the neon state of affairs.
-..

The CHANCELLOR Of the fr. !itILECIVEIt hoped the govern-
ment would be able to lay on the table papers cc:murk:Mg
valuable information with regsrd to the stature of tue
changes proposed.
Mr. W. J. Hann said be bzlieecd the strong feelings
which prevailed in the mercantile community en this pro-
ject arose in a great degree from their entire want of confi-
dence in the Board of Customs and their solicitors. (Hear,
hear.) Proceedings of the must monstroos character had
been taken by the board, encouraged, he regretted to say,
by the governmant. Their conduct hail been a constant
source of vexation and annoyance, and the mode in which
their business was conducted lilt a eery strong and lasting
isapretsion on the mercantile co:comedy. They had no
confidence in the Board of Customs, and they could not ex-
pect that any justice would cumo Ivan that quarter. (11c4r,
hear.) He did not speak thus with refer. nee to the fort of
London alone, because almost every outport bad expressed
the same opinion with regard to the Board of Customs.
Mr. IV. !Ludes said there was a strong fecling on the
part of the public that wht a a hill had been iutroduced
there was great in gettiug amendments inserted
in it.

Mr. V. &CUT, M.P., sail he represented several ports
in the county of Cork, and it appeared to hint that the
most conventeut, as well as the most ordinary course, was
to have the bills printed and laid on the table of the house.
lie had uo doubt that every rugitestion and amendment
that was afterwards offered woulu reel lye the fullest consi-
deration. He strongly advocated the introduction of public
tribunals.

A (IXSTLIMAN, whose name could not be ascertained,
inquired whether there was t.uy probability of the bills
bring introdueed before Eater ?
The CHANCELLOR of the Ext.:unit:en was afraid not, as
Enter occurred very early this year. They should, how-
ever, be laid on the table at the earliest possible moment.
Mr. Widsox explained that there was no difficulty what-
ever in getting any amendments introduced after the
printing of the bill ; and instaneel the ease of the Naviga-
tion Act, which had been largely amended.
Mr. BROTHERTON, M.P., coueurred in the suggestion
that the hills should be brought in and printed in the first
instance.

Mr. J. A. SMITH, M.P., telievcd that by adopting the
esurse of printing the bills, and then reprinting them with
the amendments, the object iu view would be honestly and
effectually carded out.
Mr. MOODY, M.P., took the same view.
Mr. MUNTAOVI CIIARDZWI. M.P., called attextion to
the case of the poor fishing smack owners, whose interests
he hoped would not be forgotten. 11c denounced the ini-
quity of the administration of the customs, of which he said
he had had comiderable professional experience.
After a fow words from Mr. Itqinanon and Mr. HONE,
in explanation,
Mr. CRAWFORD said he was sure tho deputation could
not leave that room without every gentleman carrying
away a deep sense of the courtesy they had received at the
hands of the right hon. gentlemsn—(cheers)—and a con-
viction that the question would continua to receive the
anxious attention of the government, and that the interests
of the mercantile community would be fully regarded in
any deoisiou that might be come to.
The deputation then withdrew.
The interview occupied nearly au hour and a quarter.

Mr. D7VErr, M.P., cordially concurred with the sugges-
t" of Mr. Ileatie, believing that the true way to do justice
to the whole commercial community wee to circulate the
bah in the way the right hon. gentleman hail suggested.
There were 01107 peculiar circumstances which did not af-
fect t:,, port of London.
The Cue:ecru:ens of the ExcnIMVER wished to make
Merman( with regard to what had been said of Mr. Pitt.
1,1 Mr. Pitts time, the position of the commercial interests
vla very different, and the commerce of the country was
Math more in the hands of a few organised closets and
empahies acting upon the principle of association. The
hit mode at present he thought would be to lay the bills
Maio table in the ant instance.
Mr He us, M.P. thought that one great object in all
Uwe eases was to have responsibility. If the bills were
submitted in the first instance to a number of individuals,
tt!P.au would, in his view, be open to many objections.
hear.) When such men as Canning and lluskiimon
son members of the large town of Liverpool, 11344111144
" smaested to them which did not meet the general
aFenhation of the commercial bed, , mei which showed the
t" Partial communication.. Ile entirely concurred with
„
'-0 Cuenciller of the Eachequer, that he should receive all
bat bring and suggestions that might be offered,
rat bring forward the bills as substantially his own. Ile
sns ss...hed that ttut would give more aatifaction, and
hsl t) better results, than entering int ) previous communi-
°Was with limited bodies.
Mr. HE i.11.A31, M.l' , said the*, representing as he d:d
set althea outperte, be coh,idered the course suggested by
41. Hasty and Mr. Hume the best that coull be adopted.
jag beard all the recommendations that could be
"tells hi the 1141421144t1it Wing foawax,l the scam:co on

THE EXPRESS, MONDAY EVENING MARCH 14, 1853