The Express.
London, England, 1847-07-01 00:00:00

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ries thee bw.iii- a—sereashie, in which itch
M4Siart had made use of the weed
ilifilefilifi" bit elhemes Slier* being no definition of who
friallfir has end, further, became the
Vero it uneestain on this point,
atire . Opp hal neldithat a man who held land
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I. iliss=r4ilinseved the serionioonsiders-
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--Lord J. RUSSitii, did not think the noble lord had
mended his case by his explanation. How was it possible
for the legislature to define the nut eircumetances which
oonstitutn destitution? In every case those eiretunshmeas
most be matter of inquiry; no general definition by
the legislature wee peemble. The wort itself mifileienty
defined what was meant (Hear, hear.) As to the two
circulars, they were bend under very differeat circum-
stances ; the fir= being only in reference to the temporary
art—the latter la 'Arena to the permanent one; conse-
quently the dilbrewee was easily understood. The subject
was are of greet difficulty ; and he believed that all the
commie/ism" Col. Rase included, were entitled to the
best titian of the house for the way in which they had dis-
charged their duties. (Hear.)
Lord CLEMENTS said a few words in explanation.
' Mr. G. A. HAMILTON said it was quite right that such
abuses es the report alluded to should be brought before the
public but the names ought to have been stated. (Hear.)
Such a course would have been more manly and straightfor-
ward. He would support any proposition, not for a general
inquiry, but for more detailed information.
Mr. W. WILLIAMS had no doubt that the charges IMO
perfectly justified ; for similar charges had already been
quietened, inquired into at great length, and found to be
perfectly true. If another inquiry were made, he doubted
act it would have the same result.
Sir R. FERGUSON said the house had a fair right to
the information on which the charges had been founded, tied
he hoped the boo. member would continue to move for
these papers till they were granted.
Mr. BORTHWICK complained of the bad English in
which portions of the report were expressed. Hs had been
one of the committee who sat 32 days on Captain Wynne's
cam, and he thought it due to the Irish gentry that in such
cases names and particulars should be given.
The subject then dropped, and the house proceeded to the
orders of the day.
MINES AND COLLIERIES BILL.
Sir G. GREY expressed • hope that the second reading of
this bill would not he premed. The subject was of vast im-
portance, and inquiries were going on which might throw
much light on the means for preventing accidents in mines.
lie thought the matter too important to be dealt with in the
present session; and he hoped the hon. mover would allow
it to stand over.
Mr. T. DUNCOMBE said he should have wished the bill
to be read a second time, if it proceeded no further, solely
for the sake of showing that the legislature recognised the
necessity
irea of interfering for the protection of the lives of those
in colliery labour, and for the better ventilatioa of
mines. Of late years there had been many fearful accidents
in coal pits ; in the Ilorsley=ines, three years ago, no leas
than 97'llies were lost ; and other serious accidents had since
occurred. The commissioners had reported that the time
had arrived, and that the subject was ripe for legislation.
The only practicable measure was to appoint commissioners
of inspection, with full power to visit all the mines in the
country, and to report on their condition as to ventilation
&a. A petition from the working miners all over the;
kingdom stated that, with the exception of one in fifty
perhaps, these feerfal accidents might be foreseen end pre-
vented. (Hear.) This petition pointed out the me of the
Davy lamps as a remedy ; it also complained of the evile in-
flicted on the men by the truck system, by means of which
" the buttes," or overseers, who kept provision-shops and
public-houses, secured a considerable per centime of the
labourers' wages. To remedy these and other abuses he
would give full power to the inspectors to visit the mines
whenever they chose; the expense he would defray by a
tax'of a farthing on every ton of coal, allowing the surplus
to go to the education of the miners' children.
Col. SIBTHORP supported the second reading of the
bill. He thought it was the first duty elan governments to
protect the lives of the people in every possible way, and
the bill before the house was of infinitely more importance
than highway bills and health of towns bills. He hoped the
hon, member for Finsbury would not be lulled and quieted
by the interposition of the right hop.„.gentleman the Secre-
tary for the Home Department, but would proceed with his
measure at once; and moo there being no time for it, be-
cause the session was to terminate on the 20th of July, he
was prepared to sit the whole of this year—(a laugh)—and
the whole of the next year—(much laughter)—to pass so
important a measure.
Mr. LIDDELL was as anxious as the hon. member for
Finsbury could be for the protection of the lives of persons
engaged in mines and collieries, but he thought the provi-
sions of the bill so objectionable that he felt bound to move
that the bill be read a second time that day three months.
The means which the hon. member had taken to carry the
measure into effect were most ridiculously inadequate.
Three individuals were to inspect all the mines and collieries
ie the kingdom, and were to perform duties so various and
important, that it was absurd to suppose for a moment they
could execute one tithe of the duties to be imposed on them.
He also thought that it was useless to proceed with such a
measure at so late a period of the session.
Mr. BERNAL thought that all the details of the bill,
with which the hon. member who had just sat down found
ht be amended or altered lathe committee. The
rmiVon the house to affirm a most important prepai-
d*, illady, that it was the duty of the government to
obi* amassses for the preservation of the lives and limbo of
A portion of her Majesty's subjects. The government,
, bad not given any assurance that they would in-
a memorises the subject, and it was most important,
trer
tUrefore, that the principle of the bill before the house
*odd be 'Mimed, eititeugh there was no possibility of the
m being weed %lb melon.
arrib G. GREY mid that no good could result from the
einmareading of the bin. He thought that the principle of
the; hill was mat impertant, and the subject was well
wrathy the attention oldie government and the legialatirre ;
bat Kate bill were reed a second time, it would affirm prin.
rmitido which he should not like to assent- It not only
dee ingestiela use necessary, but also that the in.
"eases sbesdd be armed with arbitrary power. (Hear.) It
stare a tax em Nei. sad a charge on the Coasolidated
them MVO clauses, with respect to wages,
aorta* did Lotman within the title of the bill.
(21 , hear.) The home would, therefore, by giving the
neensure a second reading, not only pledge itself to the prin.
, al* of parliamentary interference, to which he did not ob-
ject—(hear, hear)—but also to all these other points, and
which he did not think it wise to do. (Hear, hear.)
Ifir. B. DENISON was not opposed to the principle of
the hill, but hoped the hon. member would withdraw it at
red& period of the session.
H. VANE expressed &similar opinion.
Mr. WAKLEY said the interests of the poor were always
anted off; but Rona noble lord had been blown out of a anal-
pit4 instead of hundreds of miners, net only would a 1111111111111111111
bate been at once introduced, but ho doubted if the matter
would not have been mentioned in the speech from the
this.., (A laugh.) He thought the vein of humanity
called kindly for some interference to prevent the frightful
ley of Us Which so frequently occurred ; and the late period
of thalami* was no argument against proceeding with the
bin, es there could be no necesaitY for the house ruing en a
' particilar day.
Mr. NEWDEGATIS and Mr. AOLIONRY both agreed in the
principle of the measure, but thought it quite useless to pro-
ceed with it at this period of the session.
Mr. P. HOWARD thought that the time had arrived
when the owners of mines should set, not their honed.. but
their mines, in order. (Laughter.) The principle of in-
spection having been assented to in the case of factories, it
could not be resisted in the case of mines. He hoped the
government would take up the measure with energy, sad
endeavour to improve the condition of a class which so well
deserved the consideration of the philanthropist.
Mr. FORSTER said that nineteen out of twenty of the
accidents which recurred in mines were owing to the care-
losness of the men themselves. and that was an evil for
which the bill provided no remedy. The inevitable loss of
property in case of accident afforded the best security for due
care on the part of the owners—a much better security than
a penalty of 100/. There was scarcely a single accident
which did not involve a loos of several thousand pounds. If
• proper ease were made out, the proprietors of mines would
not object to interference.
Mr. B. OSBORNE said he admitted that, at that period
of the session, it would be melee* to attempt to proceed with
the bill. What was wanted, was a distinct pledge from the
government to take up the question in another session.
Sir G. GREY said he could give no pledge beyond what
he hod given before. He had already stated that the
was under consideration, and the bill before the house=
afford assistance in framing a future measure.
Mr. T. DUNCOMBE said he had no complaint to make
of the manner in whin the eight hen. gentleman had dealt
with this measure. What he complained of, was, that those
who bad interfered with factory labour refused to admit
the principle of interference in the case of coal mines. He
had now the same difficulty in dealing with the coal kings as
the government bad recently had in dealing with the cotton
lords. (Laughter.) After the recommendation of the
government commissioners the bill ought not to be made the
subject of ridicule : and he hoped that in a future smision of
parliament legislation would take place, and be attended
with beneficial effects.
The bill was then withdrawn.
THE LUNATICS BILL.
Mr. T. DUNCOMBE moved the second reading of this bill.
Sir 0 GREY said the object of this bill appeared to be
to place lunatics under the management of the bishop of the
diocese, or clergymen appointed by him. He wax not aware
of any peculiar qualification of bishops and clergymen for
dealing with such persons—(laughter)—and he hoped,
therefore, that the hon. gentlemen would not press his
motion to a division.
Mr, I'. DUNCOMBE mid he certainly did not feel the male I
confidence in refereece to this bill as the previous one.
(Laughter.) Great alteration, however, was required in the
present law of lunacy. He believed that, for five or ten
pounds, a certificate could be obtained declaring any one to
be a lunatic. The system of inspection was quite inefficiint
for the purpose of protection. One great object which he
had in view we', to prevent any man from being confined se
a lunatic unless the certificate were countersigned by a
magistrate. Another means of protection would be to
enable the clergyman to si-it his Innate parishioner*. In
another session he should introduce • bill which did not con-
tain any offeneive claims. (Laughter.)
Lord SEYMOUR defended the lunacy commissioners, and
said that he hine.elf had paid immediate attention to two or
three cases to which the icon. gentleman (Mr. T. Duncombe)
had directed his attention.
Mr. T. WAKLEY thought his hon. colleague had exer-
cised a eery wise discretion in intimating his intention to with-

of the day to. .4 of the
reErt
r. SPOONER moved certain ameadmeots.
r. C. BERKELEY said that the Nil would be inoperative
for any good purpose, and wished to know front the severe-
mint whether they intended to let this wretched attempt at
legislation pGal.
it G. GREY said, that with the amendments made by the
hon. gentleman, he was not prepared to offer any opposition
to the further progress of the bill.—The report wee then re-
ceived.
HOLYHEAD HARBOUR BILL.
On the motion for going into committee on Mis bill,
Mr. WILLIAMS objected to its further p on the
ground that it was totally unfit for a harbour of refuge,rogress and
would occasion a much greater outlay of public money than
was estimated by Mr. Rendell, who planned the undertaking.
He would, therefore, move that the bill be committed this
day three months.
Mr. WARD said that the bill had been sanctioned by the
royal commission, and it was proved before them that the
herbour could be made a good and safe one, and at the esti-
mated expense. The defects to which the hon. gentleman
alluded had no existence except in his own Imagination.
The house divided—For the original motion B3
For the amendment '2-81
The house then went into committee, and the several
clause* were agreed to.
THE WELLINGTON STATUE.
Lord G. BENTINCK.—I wish to ask a question of the
noble lord, which will interest every man from the peer to
the peasant, respecting the Wellington memorial. It is
whether the noble hied and her Majesty's government have
not strong reason for knowing that the removal of the stains
from the arch and the retractation of her Majesty's grant of
the site for it will be in a high degree distasteful to, ff it beats
felt u an indignity by,that illustrious personage whose peat
military deeds wasintended by those who anbudbei b
Chet memorial to commemorate ? (Hear, he
Lord J. RUSSELL—I certainly received inenmekrat frau
a gentleman, who called on me in Downing street, that the
duke had strOnglyezpressedto him byletter, that the removal
of the statue would be considered by others as injurious to kb
reputation. That letter was written a considerable time
ago—l believe in February. Since that time her Majesty
has been pleased to order not only that a more fitting pedes-
tal should be erected for the statue whenever this house
shall grant the funds for it, but also that the arch, wherever
it shall be erected, shall be ornamented after the more ap-
proved manner in which triumphal arches were formerly or-
namented, and that these ornaments shall be in honour of
the Duke of Wellington, whose triumphs it is intended to
commemorate. That being the ease, I cannot sappers, that
the Duke of Wellington entertains any longer those feel-
ings which he entertained in February. (Hear.)
Lord G. BENTINCK.—I beg leave to ask the noble lord
whether, since the letter of the noble duke, to which the
noble lord referred, was written, he had not reason to know
that the feelings of that illustrious individual remained un-
changed?
Lord J. RUSSELL.—Since the communication made by
my noble friend, I have had no intimation of what the feel-
ings of the Duke of Wellington on the subject are, and, Ia
fact, I do not myself believe them to be such as the noble
lord states. However, it is always iu the power of any one
to ask the Duke of Wellington a question on the subject, and
ha can state what his own feelings are. My belief is, that
his wish is that her Majesty and parliament should consider
what they think would be most in honour of the Duke of
Wellington. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. WAKLEY said that he had considerable intercourse
with the public, and he believed that the public wish was,
that the stable should remain where it was. (" Hear, hear
and " No, no.") He entertained no doubt at all that the
wish of the public wu almost universal in favour of the
statue remaining where it was. It was offensive, he believed,
to the classical taste of some persons, but if it was the desire
of the Duke of Wellington, in whose honour it was erected,
that the statue should remain where it was, nothing could
be more offensive to public feeling than to have it removed
(Hear, hear.) He trusted, therefore, that if it was desired
by that illustrious individual to have the statue remain
where it was, his wish would be conclusive in the minds of
all persons on the subject.
Mr. HUMS concurred in what had been said by his hon.
friend. He believed that the desire of the public was
that the statue having remained so long where it was, it
should remain there now. (Laughter.) Such, he believed,
was the won/ and general feeling of the public on the sub-
ject. (Hear.
Mr. NEW EGATE hoped that his grace the Duke of
Wellington would not be questioned on the subject, because
such were his feelings of loyalty, that any wish of her
Majesty, whatever his own feelings might be, would be para-
mount with him. He believed it was the general wish o
every class of society that the statue should remain where i
was, and should not in any manner be tampered with. ,
The house then adjourned at *ix o'clock.

HOUSE OF COMHONS.—RAILWAYS (IRELAND)
' (No. 2) BILL.
Drvotom in favour of the second reading of this bill.—Ayes, 175;
Noes. 62.
AYEB.
Aida., W. Oa," W. B. Jollitie, Sir W. G.Permonby,C.F.A.
Amon, fin. OM. ibookesky, Lost .10.^.. apt- Punt P
Archdall. H. Merger, W. F. Emig., IL Bashi:4i, W.
Austen, CoL Craig, W. O. Ihbouchcre, 11. Paolo& 0. W. J.
Bailey, J. Dwlrtm*.C.Pt. I...Raton, J. H. Rich, H.
Babe, W. Darr, Sa. Col. Lawless, Hon.C. Roes, D. B.
Baldwin, B. Dawes% Hon. T. Lawson, A. bound, J.
HafisCHa E. T. Dookli. J. E. layard, Woe Rasped, Lord J.
Baring. T. Dime, B. .I.y, A. Russell, Lord C.
Barnard, E. 0. Denim, Admiral Ls Merchant, D. Butberfurd, A.
Bittlo3l2, T. Darks, tir D. Liddell, Hon. H. Scrape, G. P.
Beckett, W. Mirlogles, Via. Lowther, /in Colliheil, Rt. tin. R.
Bellew, R. li. Itoraresis. Mr T. Macaulay, T. B. alielburne, Earlot
Bennett, P. Porgems, Mr R. M'Clarthy, A. Somers, J. P.
Bentiock, 14.0. Prelim. C. H. IrDonnell, J. M. Sornervilk,SirW.
Bentinck, 14. H. Feller, M'T rt, SirJ. Stanley. lion. W.
Borksloy, Iln. C. Odom. lii./In.T. es, It. D. Staunton, Mr G.
Beekelry, Capt. Gore, IL Manors, Lord J. Stuart, Lord J.
BHa 0. Clore, W.O. Mau1...8.01n. F. Stuart, J.
1 B:tasellt: Clom, Bon. R. Maxwell, Hon. J.Strutt, Rt. lin. E.
Ilkeirborne,J. I. Omer, T. Monahan, J. H. Talbot, C. B. N.
M. prepay. W. H. Morpeth, Vis. Taylor. E.
J. J. Orey,.. G. Marko& Om. Thomely, T.
Bli.. G. Grosso, E. .Nosier Hon. E. Townley, J.
P. Onmeoor, Ld.R.Napter, Sir C. frollope, Sir J.
i01;74-4.. Oreerwaor, Earl Neeld, Joseph Turner, E.
Brie" H. Hairlarles, DI. Newdegate, C. Vane, lord H.
Deelleiles, J. Raker, P. P. Newport, Visa Veiny, Hon. T.
Browee,alia. W. ow. J. H. None's, Sir D.J. Villiers, Hon. C.
ai. G. A O'Brioe, A. S. Vivian. J. H.
T. J. =LordC.O'Brian, C. Vyse H.
Sir C. M.H.woor, Mr J. 1:::;=.i... Welker, E.
W. Ratted. Cog& V. IL J. Wall, C. B.
O. & Sue" IL dOner Ward, H. 0.
D. =..31.1r E. Ogka, S. C. H. Waste, W. H.
Ceetew,Sca. IL 11. Wr J. Ord, W. Wilalsere, W.
=Va. liallgoial, Mien& R. Workbags., &
liwilard, Ea C. Paget, 00l . Wood, Els. !dr C.
..=IL.. B. Wirward, Wee. Era Lard A. wyee, C. W. W.
MT. Isesessek Mr P. .robea.Vist. W yea T.
Cleek—F-Wss, D. Haftwk, G. Parker, L
ftill: W. Hard. IL H. Terkel. 11. MAW.
att, W: Milne, elk R. Table& H.
=l7ittmii J.ITA. fwd., lea
J. Hamm W. Hill, Lord M.
T. ec•WwThL Polhill, P.
NOE&
Latedria. E. De ,eesa, J. D. S. liabsay, OM. Spry, Mr S. T.
Mined^ G. Dube, ft J. Lyres, H. Gen. Swart, IL
Banks, D. Dees. Vise. Hiul, W. Bntion, DA.ILN.
Barriegtew.TheLDweeM D. Wwelewsedw, J. T.1110111".7 I.
Bodkin, W. H. Dealsebe, T. Mitchell, T. A. Trelawny, J. 8.
&overt., Hn.E. Ent
Hn.E. W. meet, 0. 'from?, 3.
&maim:sod, 11. Oweiliere, HA.H.lfeerie, D. Wien, J. E.
Brown, W. Oreien, Mr J. Mar% CaL Wielder, T.
Cardwell, H. H.B. Mr B. Neville, R. Williams, W.
Carew, W. IL P. ibetlio, A. J. W. Wood, Col. T.
Clerk, lin. Mr 0.H...1G, lard A. =, Capt. Wortley, J. &
Clive, Via Hogg, do- J. W. Peel, J. Torte, H. R
geere 'a . ilTi. Hagbatilk". (1•17..13. itin"6‘
J.
meats.
Dennedoun, L 9l , Col. If okoworth, W .
D'Eyncourt, C. ,Aid. Smyth, Sac IL Roebuck. J. A.
Denglahllir C. E.of

concurrence, and by encouragement grim
abuses on the part of those bodies from whom they
had a right to expect support and assistance, but he
could not advise the house to enter upon an inquiry,
which, if instituted, must inevitably lead to the most
disastrous results. After some further discussion the
subject dropped. Mr. T. DUNCOMBE, at the sug-
gestion of Sir G. GREY, who stated that inquiries
were proceeding with a view to the prevention of
accidents, withdrew the Mines and Collieries Bill, as
also the Lunatics Bill which stood for a second read-
ing. The Seduction and Prostitution Prevention
Bill was reported, Sir G. GREY intimating that it
was not the intention of the government to offer any
further opposition to the measure. The committal of
the Holyhead Harbour Bill was carried on a division
by 83 to 2. A conversation on the subject of the
Wellington Statue occupied the remainder of the
sitting.

NOTHING is more remarkable, in the preparations
making for the coming election, than the small
number of English counties likely to be contested.
There will indeed be a considerable change in the
county representation, for many whig and liberal
members will, in the next parliament, occupy county
seats now held by tories. But this will be chiefly
effected by compromise and arraagement.
The landocracy, which is, in the main, tort', will
here and there admit one whig member out of two, or
more frequently where there are three county mem-
bers, in order to avoid contest, of the possible results
of which they have a far more distinct perception
than their more liberal rivals. In speaking of coun-
ties on this occasion, we refer chiefly to those
which are purely or principally agricultural: districts
where protection was once in the ascendant; where
the " British Lion " roared most obstreperously, and
the " tergiversation of PEEL " excited the greatest ob-
jurgation. Now, assuming the government to be de-
sirous of obtaining a liberal majority in the next
parliament, we do think the real position of the
counties has been overlooked. It seems to have been
taken for granted that they are hopeless; that mono-
polist and anti-social ideas have obtained complete
possession of the agricultural mind ; and that men
who would, as if possible, roll back the tide of civilisa-
tion, are alone the politicians who can obtain the
confidence of the farmers. Yet nothing is farther
from the truth.

The English farmers, as a class, are far more poli-
tically intelligent than persons. who judge of them by
the ignorance of the leaders try have hitherto fol-
lowed so implicitly, suppose. It is not an unfair in-
ference in the minds of persons holding little or no
intercourse with farmers, that the followers of the
protectionist leaders must be men of low intellectual
capacity; that the rank and file of that party which
has for its leaders a RICHMOND, a BUCKINGHAM, and
a GEORGE BENTINCK, must form indifferent consti-
tuencies to be addressed by men of education and
political intelligence. Nevertheless, though such
inferences are fair, they are essentially false. The
connexion between the political landowners, who
have of late years figured in parliament as " farmers'
Mends," and fought fur the objects of the landocracy
under cover of agricultural interests, was of a peculiar
character. It consisted of one link, and one only,
which was a potent bond of union so long as it lasted;
but that being severed, the connexion was virtually
at an end. This link was the corn-laws. That the
great majority of the farmers placed great faith in the
corn-laws cannot be doubted; and their anxiety on
that point made them, almost to a man, adherents of
the protectionist landowners at the last general elec-
tion in 1841. Then the sole question in the counties
was the maintenance of the corn-laws; and in electing
the present House of Commons the farmers of
England most certainly believed that they had settled
the corn-law question in favour of protection, at least
for one parliament
But human wisdom can scarcely calculate the m-
inks of the future, and it is not at all surprising that
the calculations of human ignorance have been re-
versed.
The corn-laws have been prospectively repealed,
and the connecting link between the protectionist
landlords and the farmers has been severed. And,
althoiish we believe it is not improbable that a con-
vulsive effort may be made in the next parliament by
the landed interest to maintain permanently some
fixed duty on foreign grain, the farmers neither desire
nor would abet any each effort. They no longer
rely on artificial prices for profit ; they are resigned
or willing to enter into open competition with the
corn-growers of the world. All they seek is free-
dom from landlord-imposed burdens, and relief from
a semi-feudal system of land-letting.
And in judging of the present temper of the rural
constituencies, the mode in which the corn-laws were
repealed must not be overlooked. The manner in
which the political severance between the protectionist
landowners and the tenantry occurred, is by no means
unimportant.
The corn-laws were surrendered most unwillingly
by the landed aristocracy as soon as they wore com-
p riWly understood by the people. Now the whole
agitation of the league was a series of popular lec-
tures on economical science, in which scientific truths
were applied to the daily business of men's lives and
the course of our oommercial legislation. Before such
an investigation it was of course impossible, that the
corn-laws could be upheld ; the great problem was how
to maintain the system of popular instruction long
enough to overcome the inert mass of resistance
offered by the huidocracy. And the measure of that
resistance may be seen by.the fact, that in 1836 a
committee of the House of Commons collected a body
of evidence, which proved the failure of the corn-
laws to effect the objects their authors contemplated ;
yet it was ten years later that the decree for the
abrogation of those laws went forth, andr:a= s
seven of such years the most perfectly or
political and peaceful movement which the world has
seen was in operation. Nor shall we be able to judge
of the effect of the league movement upon the county
constituencies, if we regard only its operation in the
towns and the manufacturing and populous districts.
There the population received the teachings of the
league leaders as something which gave them new
power to assail that system, which their daily experi-
ence had already told them was adverse to their lute-
rests. They were made stronger in their conflict with
monopoly by the knowledge they have gained. In
the counties the process of instruction was altogether
different. There the farmers were shown to their
surprise that " monopoly is not profit," and, by the evi-
dence of the past, it was proved to them that the ar-
tificial scarcity for which they had so earnestly con-
tended, brought at least as much of loss to themselves
as to the rest of the community. It was when Mr.
CAMDEN and his fellow-labourers began their meet-
.

ings in the rural districts that the protectionist system
trembled to its fall. Brought to their own doors, the
farmers could not resist the truths so eloquently and
convincingly urged upon them. The facts of their
own businesses, in their own districts, before their
own public, were appealed to for corroboration of
the arguments of the free-traders against monopoly,
and those facts were unanswerable. To many farmers I
these meetings brought conviction ; in the minds of
still more they created, for the first time, doubts of
the soundness of the protectionist system, and the
confidence doll in their previous notions was much
shaken. In fact, the rural districts were neutra-
lised as protectionist, and were rapidly coming
round to free-trade opinions, when the land-
owners took the step which was fatal to their
monopoly. They determined on counter agitation.
They got up a sort of imitation of the league, or rather
of many leagues, in their local protection societies.
Their land agents, their pet farmers, their law agents
were instructed to convoke the tenantry, who were
told they need only attend, they were not expected to
subscribe ; the landlords would furnish the requisite
funds. For a moment the counter-move looked pro-
mising. The farmers mustered strongly ; the land-
owners were fierce in their denunciations of the
league, and loud in their enunciation of false pro- ,
pheries and of falser statistics. The protectionist
journals were in ecstasies at the idea of a popular
agitation in favour of short commons, and a crusade
agriust low prices and cheap food. This did not last
long ; it was soon obvious that in coming upon the
platform the protectionists threw away their only
chance, which consisted in passive resistance. Once

compelled to defend their monopoly by speech, in
parliament 0: in the market-place, the protectionist
landowners felt their own weakness, and the work of
the free-traders ssAs done. Indeed not a few land-
owners, in defending the corn laws, worked out their
own conversion to the cause of free trade, and we
know that the violent, and often silly, speeches made
by the squires at protectionist meetings had a very
considerable effect in leading farmers to question the
merits of the protectionist cause, and examine dispas-
sionately free-trade reasonings.
When Sir It. PEEL proposed his late measures, he
merely completed the work which had been virtually
done. Apart from the political landowners, who fore-
saw the loss of power they would sustain, everybody
was heartily glad to put an end to the protective sys-
tem. The intelligence and the numbers of our com-
munity were actively hoetile to protection ; the farmers
were become, at least, indifferent to it, and all the
clearest heeds amongst the landowners wished the
contest to be put an end to by any means.
Now, judging from the tactics of the whigs and
liberals in the English counties, they would seem to
imagine that the farmers who rallied round the tory
candidates in 1841, would Again rally round them in a
contest with liberal candidates. Nothing is further
from the truth. Independently of the tendency which
exists amongst all the industrious classes towards
liberal political views, and which exists largely
amongst farmers, they have, at this moment, various
peculiar objects, such as tenant-rights, and other
ameliorations of the law of real property, game-law
repeal, and su forth, on which they lay great
stress, and towards which the protectionist and tory
landlords entertain the most intense aversion. There
is, too, a strong feeling amongst the farmers that they
have been made tools of by their late protectionist
leaders, for purposes which were intended to serve
the class interests of the landlords alone, and not a
few agricultural electors would vote for the consistent
liberal, in preference to the bigoted protectionist, or
the accommodating conservative candidate. These
views are the result of mum personal communication
with farmers in many agricultural counties widely
separated from each other, in which the same feelings
prevail, and which would assuredly lead to the suc-
cess of liberal candidates in many counties where the
protectionist sitting members are assumed to be unas-
sailable. We shall hereafter illustrate this by re-
ference to what is going on amongst the rural con-
stituencies.

THE interest which the governments of Christen-
dom take in the western coast of Africa is to be seen
in the fleets that watch its shores, in the treaties that
repose in their archives, in the vast sums yearly spent
—misspent is perhaps the more correct word—on
their unfruitful efforts to suppress the slave-trade, and
in their trading settlements there. The more useful
interest which the people of Christendom take in the
coast, is to be less ostentatiously seen in commercial
establishments at the Senegal, the Gambia, the Gold
Coast, Sierra Leone, and Angola; in the merchant-
ships that trade at every point, and penetrate every
river; in the missionary stations that dot its shores,
and have forced themselves even to Ashantee, and in
the succession of expeditions which for the last
seventy years have been so liberally promoted, so
courageously conducted, and so disastrously concluded.
Detailed accounts have lately been received of the
last of these expeditions, and to them we are about to
call the attention of our readers. Few of them can,
we presume, be entirely ignorant of the persevering
efforts made by Mr. ROBERT JAMIESON, of Liverpool,
to establish commerce with the interior of Africa, on
a scale worthy of the great highway thereunto
dis-
covered (the Niger), by the LANDERS. He had, it
may be recollected, been for some time cautiously but
energetically testing the commercial resources of that
river by means of his steamer, Ethiope, when the un-
fortunate Niger expedition was projected by govern-
meat. Against it he emphatically protested, as more
likely to defeat than to promote its own objects, by an
interference with private enterprise. As Air. JAMIE-
SON predicated, so it turned out. The expedition
failed—miserably failed ; and had it not been for Mr.
JAMIESON'S steamer, and its master, Captain BEE-
mores timely assistance, there would have been few
left to tell its dreadful story. The failure of the ex-
pedition did not, however, damp the ardour of Mr.
lESON'S enterprise; its interference over, he re-
solved to renew his efforts. By his energy a fund
was subscribed, "in support of an experimental fund
to open commerce with Central Africa;" and again
the Ethiope, Captain BEECROFT, and Dr. KING have
ascended the Niger.
Pecuniarily, this expedition has also been unfor-
tunate, but from causes independent of its object.
Commercially, however, the expedition has met with
so much encouragement as to hold out hopes of ulti-
mate success if persevered in. The Ethiope left
Liverpool in July, 1814; but made so tedious
a passage out as to render the ascent of the Niger that
season, as had been intended, unadsisable. A quarrel
between the engineer and the sailing-master pre-
vented the exploration of the Congo ; and it was not
until Jnly, 1845, that the Ethiope was able to com-
mence the ascent of the Niger, aid on the Fith of
September following it reached Rabbah, which is
about nearly equidistant from Lever, the highest point
of Capt. Beecnorr's ascent, in 1840, with Boupah,
near which place MUNGO PARK lost his life in 1808.
From Rabbah they descended, and on the 3rd of
November again made Fernando Po, having been
more than three months in the river, during which
term only one man died. Rabbah, which Capt. BEE-
CROFT left a flourishing town in 1840, the present party
found in complete ruins, and without a single inha-
bitant. In Laddah, situate inland from Eggab, and in
its port, Si-wah, they discovered a place of some
importance, bearing signs of higher civilisa-
tion : for instance, they found the market
numerously attended and well supplied, and its
commodities arranged in an orderly manner,
each distinct class having a particular depart-
ment assigned to it, and attending it were Arabs from
the African coast of the Mediterranean. At Icooreb

they found a still larger market, held every fortnight,
lasting for three days, and having a medium of ex-
change. Indeed, everywhere in the river, they met
with a highly commercial spirit ; and, if the Ethiope
did not return laden with its most precious article of
export, ivory, the cause was, that the price at which
it could be obtained was deemed too high, ivory being
very much in demand for ornamental purposes. This
home demand it is, however, acutely suggested by
Dr. KINC, might be greatly diminished by substitut-
ing articles of Birmingham manufacture for ivory
ornaments. Everywhere, too, the expedition was
most hospitably received ; no obstructions from chiefs
or headsmen were experienced ; no imposition was
practised ; no inducements net to proceed further
were met with. The only disparagement of their
trade came from the Tripoli Arabs, who, to prolong
their own monopoly, depreciated our goods, and
spread reports of our ambitious territorial designs—
efforts which have not, however, been as yet attended
with any great success, and which it only requires a
little intercourse effectually to dispel.
Of the gradually improving appearance of the
country, as he ascended the Niger, Dr. KING speaks
highly :
From the confluence of the Tchaddah with the Niger,
to Eggab nearly, the country is a continued series of table-
lands, of about I,4oOleet high, steep generally. towards the
river, but apparently sloping in other directions. Their
commits, as viewed from the river, frequently present stony
escarpments for considerable distances, unbroken in some
places, and in o'hers resembling the ruins of ancient fortifi-
cations. Some fine pieces of alluvial land entend from the
river towards their bases, when these are at any distance.
Palms, with other trees, adorn their aides, and large villages
are to be seen embosomed in many of their recesses. The
people say that on these table-lands their principal farms or
plantations are situated.
And of the higher part of the river he considers the
climate to be as healthy as that of any tropical
country ; and the rains there are never of very long
1 continuance. The means of trade are, too, abundant.

.....----.
As will be seen from the statement of our trade upon the '
river, ivory, vegetable-tallow, and peppers, form the prin. l
oipal articles of barter. The two latter, we conceive, might
be obtained to an unlimited extent, were the natives once
assured of • regular demand for them. Besides these, indigo
might also become • considerable article of traffic. This
plant grows everywhere Along the banks of the river, and we
saw small fields of it, on our ride to Laddeh, remarkably
clean-looking and carefally thinned, with plantain trees in-
terspersed for the purpose of shading it. Bias is another
production of the country that might possibly be made avail-
able for trade. Many extensive alluviat tracts are to be seen
on both banks, and mere particularly between Bggxh and
1 Rabbah, which could soon be made to yield large crops of
this article. An we have alltady mentioned, cotton-wool it a
' production of the country, and is woven into cloths, at Mithe
principal towns we visit* for the dress of the people. • In
dian corn—of which there are more varieties than one—and
millet, appear to be very plentiful. Taleseed—of similar ,
properties to linseed, and which we understand is an article
of export from the east coast of Africa to England —is like.
wise very abundant. Ground nuts are very plentiful ; sal in
Apo another special of earth nut, called " sweet-nut" by our

people, who were 'very fond of them. A small kidney-shaped
bean, not unlike the French harioot bean, is aloe very
consdion. We have likewise seen dates, and an oil pre-
pared from their kernels' but dark-looking and burnt.
We met with a similar oil at Eboh and Iddab, pre-
pared from the kernels of the common palm oil nut,
and which answered exceedingly well the purposes
of our engineer, for whose use it was purchased. Other
oils, in smaller quantities, are also made by the nit.
Urea, but of an animal kind ; the principal of which is that
prepared from the fat of the lamantin, or sea-cow of the
Niger. This last is chiefly used as an unguent by the women.
Dyewoods, gums, and bees'-wax would in all probability,
b., found in quantity. Leopard and bullock skins might
also be turned to advantage in trade. So perhaps might the
dyed sheep and goat skins, like those of Morocco, which the
natives use for a variety of manufactures, Teak, and other
hard woods, exist plentifully from Iddah downwards—in-
deed, from that town to the sea, there is one dense man of
trees, on both banks of the river, extending back we know
not to what distance. It will thus be seen that if the com-
mercial resources of the Middle and Lower Niger were once
brought out, there would be no wont of exchangeable pro-
ductions to uphold a lasting intercourse with Europe. The
same would, no doubt, be the case with the tipper Niger;
and as the countries along part of that great range of the
river are known to be mountainous, there is reason also to
hope that ores might be found, available for commerce. The
exploration of so extensive and interesting a part of the
river as this upper division is most desirable, and might be
successfully accomplished by means of a steamer of greater
power and leis draught of water than the Ethiope.
- - -

" With such vessels running from Fernando Po,"
Mr. JaxttEsoN adds, " it is my firm belief that a free
' communication and lasting commerce might be formed
with Central Africa, and which might very soon be
conducted with not more than two, or, at moat, three,
Europeans in any one steamer."
With these extracts from the documents in private
circulation we conclude to-day, but only to take an
early opportunity of detailing the further fate of the
expedition, and to comment fully on its object.

Official corruption was still the theme of the press
and the salons of Paris on Tuesday. Besides the ac-
cusations brought by Girardin and Cubieres' affair,
the cabinet ministers are now charged with having
absorbed an enormous mass of railway shares. AC-
though a contradiction has been given to this by the
semi-official paper, it is not the less believed and com-
mented upon by all the journals.
M. Guizot returned unexpectedly to Paris on Mon-
day. The Duc de Broglie, ambassador to the court of
St. James, was to have left Paris for London yester-
day (Wednesday), accompanied by his family, as was
also Count Jarnac, as first secretary of embassy. The
report that M. do Broglie refused to accept M. de
Jarnac as first secretary, proves to be unfounded.
Louis Philippe has overruled his objections.
Nothing of interest occurred in the chambers on
Tuesday.

MADRID Jcvz 21.

The alarm that was given by the Bow of 'the 22nd, of
aCarlist rising in the province of Burgos, has been succeeded
by notices, which give reason to believe that the insurgents
are not gaining irrottnd: and letters of the 21st, from Burgos,
contain no intelligence of any fresh disturbances. The Monte-
molinists made their first appearance on the nightof the 19th.
On Sunday morning the authorities in Burgos got notice of
their 'ifting their heads in six different points at once, and be-
fore 9 A.M, the drums were beating to arms. The Carlists had
taken 4 horses from the post-house of Larracin, the first on
this side of Burgos, leaving such as did net suit them ; from
the courier they took only one. To some persons travelling
in a private carriage, who fell in with them near Monas-
tens, 4 leagues on the other side of Burgos, they
gave themselves out for Montemolinists ; they wore
the broad flat red Basque cap, and were commanded
by the Student, a cabecilla who obtained some note in the
Carlist war. They told the travellers they would find the
telegraph of La Brujula burned down, and so it turned out.
By the way, this destruction of the telegraph is a most wel-
come piece of news to us English. The telegraphic system
between Madrid and Paris seta our diplomacy entirely at
fault, and meintains a closeness of intelligence between the
French and Spanish governments which mocks our widest-
eyed vigilance. This was the instrument which effected the
marriages. Well, our news of the 22nd was confined to
those facts. Yesterday, letters of the 20th from Burgos con-
firmed this intelligence, and added that two columns of
troops had set out from that city in pursuit of the
rebels. But the Student who served during the last
campaign under the orders of Merino, and hes a perfect
knowledge of the country, would easily elude their attack. By
letters of the 21st we learn to-day that the insurgents, on the
morning of the 20th, at dawn, made for the Sierra, and After
having exchanged some shots with the detachment of the
civic guard stationed at Yillafrenca, they went to Belorado,
which place they entered, proclaiming the king and the re-
ligion—El Rey yla Religion. They did not molest or ill-
treat anybody upon their passage, not even the head of the
police at Belorado; and the chief of the band assured people
that revenge was not their object, and that the mats of the
last war should be buried in oblivion in favour of all who re-
mained neutral. They confined themselves to collecting •
few arms, and took about 2,000 real from the strong-box of
the districts.- _ . .

The ease of La Rims hu concluded. After the evidence
had been gone through, the Promoter-Fiscal, or attorney-
general, presented his report of the case, and called down
upon D. Angel La Riva sentence of death by the cord. The
wife of the accused, who g►ve evidence on the trial, has
since died. . . .

The negotiations with the Pope's nuncio, Monsignor Bra-
nelli, have begun. Some pmgressista journals have taken
alarm that it is the intention of the government to turn out
the bishops presented to the vacant sees whose nomination
is not sanctioned by the Pope. The Correa replies in a vague
manner to this charge, which countenance* rather than con.
tradicts the report. It winds up with saying that to pretend
that all the bishops elected should resign en muse is a pro-
posal which would be too extravagant for Signor Brunelli to
make, or any counsellor of the crown to listen to. The
works for lighting Msdrid with gas are begun, and a prodi.
gious gulf has just been opened in the Paerta del Sol, where
the grand reunion of pipes will he, The Correo denies
that any document has been got up by the persons who
attended the meeting at the Bank of Son Fernando,
to petition the Queen against the monetary decree. On the
evening of the 22nd all the ministers held a long conference
with Don Francisco de Paula. Yesterday the President of
the Council had another interview with the same personage.
Oa the same day the Infant, accompanied by his daughter,
Donna Jotters, paid a zisit to the King-contiort at the Pardo.
A line of steamers is to be established between Cadiz and the
Havana. The credit of this, which has been wrongly
given to the Foment. Bank Company, belongs, according to
the Correo, properly to the Ultramar.
The Conde de Thomar sent to the Gazette of yesterday, a
letter defending himself against the attacks of M. Creulieux.

BERLIN, Jcss 26.
The closing scene of the convention of the Estates
General of the kingdom has impressed the public
with the painful conviction that the King is deficient
in the magnanimity required to make him a worthy
coadjutor of the judicious, talented, and morally brave
assembly he was the means of bringing together.
His ministers, too, if M. Von Bodelechwing is to be
taken as a fair representative of the cabinet, stand
before the world in the attitude of servile bullies.

The Chambers having elected their standing com-
mittees, and nominated the deputation fur the affairs
of the national debt, the King left Berlin for Breslau
on the morning of the 26th, leaving to M. Von Bodel-
schwingh the teak of expressing the royal pettishness
while giving the repreeentatives of the nation their
congl. This duty was performed by the minister, in
presence of the eetatee assembled, by 10 a.m., in
grand costume, in a truly menial spirit, as follows:
[German titles of honour, with the delicate nuances
of servility which pervade them, being untranslatable,
the invocations prefixed to the minister's speech must
be omitted. After uttering the ceremonial shibboleth,

he proceeded :]
The hour has come, in which, by command of his
Majesty, our most gracious lord, the first convention of the
combined estates is to be closed. An inconsiderable number
of the members, forgetful of the duty imposed upon them
by the enjoyment of their political privileges, have, by re-
fusing to take part in the concluding act of the cession,
dimmed this hour. The government Antos how to make
the laws respected. (Dee Regienntg wird doe Ansehen
der gesetze zee schutzen ,risen.)
[ fhis unaccountable threat, levelled against the
deputies who had refused to concur in the election of
the standing committees, excited a lively sensation,
which found vent in murmurs.]
In looking back upon the eleven weeks of the session, the
most varied emotions are awakened. Who coald clearly ap-
prehend them all, or find words to express them ? One con-
viction, however, mutt be participated in by all—that the
results of the combined diet have been of lees benefit to the
country than they might have been. Yet, in reliance
upon the all-pervading divine providence, which, in criti-
cal moments, has ever protected our native land we Unit
that the seed of the good and the elevated which has been
sown here hen fallen on a fruitful sail, and that it will shoot
up into a tree of noble fruits, beneath the shadow of which
no weeds tan flourish. A feeling, too, of joy and pride must
thrill through every breast on the reflection that the WM.l'
and provinces here assembled are inseparably united by a
glowing love for their native country, for the noble King
whom God has given us, and his illustrious family. For
all have loudly and gladly expressed it. However different
the ways may be, with whatever labyrinthine perplexity they
may cruel' each other, which have here been adopted, we us
confident that they are pursued from the same motives, with
a view to reach the same gad—to increase the honour and
independence, the material and moral prosperity, the fame
of the Prussian people, beneath en inviolate crown, steadied
by the estates, on the heads of kings of the Hohenzollern
race. With the expremion of this hope, which will accom-
pany you to your Homes, to strengthen you for continuous
efforts towards this great object, I—by the king's command
--declare the first •:,ssembly of the states general closed."
The marshal of the diet, at the end of this speech.
uttered the response " Long live the King!" which

. .i. T.
.
THE EXPRESS, THIIRSDAri 41401111TG, JULY. 1. ISO'-
aii, • -....,:te•0=, : . the r., okay dal dedk.
Etl. n ' ,e,,” -: ' Ids .P. lic hcm. • .4r 1, . Iliteelto Wire"'
=lc r to ~ - . , ...Pr• .4 tbs .. -•1 '4l gagaka theviladise '
t *
tele. • • eras o
~ la '4.... . „_, . - viirr . . imegettood
ataa ye .ea lard& m m deeekte
its 4-4 .'"" ..I : •
u'l ''' **a /way. onr •
, be .• —,• an moony -- • , • We, to that
of Ovate asylum con open to grave o melon, hoped the permits individually might held up CO the re-
am* to me a name open system este) ed.
,„, probation of the country at large.—,-MY. LABOUCHILBE
MR • few words trom Nr. V. Sierra the WI was with- replied twit it was undoubtedly tree,
hal stated
been
741/CTION AND FRozifirrnos sureuEssioN 1:13; the °Min
warted ill th.OiTCaeOrillltiOnit they
the want of
On the order of the day for the further consideration of the concurrence, and bigy,._the
„.enrurafernent of
ogr:iLite,

was Wowed by three cheers from the amiably. The
semshers, however, broke up into small knots, eagerly
ensnaring the meaning of the enigmatic words,
The government knows how to make the laws
resEDull these words prove to be anything more
theft a mere expectoration et spleen, they an only
geengthen the popular leaders. Among the members
who refused to vote the standing committees were M.
Hinsemann, Von Vincke, and Saneken. The strictly
smarchical spirit of the opposition has conciliated the
popular sentiment. At Berlin they have the 17m-
polies of the townsmen entirely with them. A hen
Von Beekerath, Sancken, or Hanemann, pm, every
eta !tops to look after them with affectionate respect
This feeling will only be confirmed if they are to
experience any kind of persecution.
I yesterday transmitted to you the royal menage
relative to the election of the committees, and some
exceptions taken by the estates to the terms of the
patent of Feb. 3. 'two other messages; were forwarded
at the same time. One was a simple intimation that
his Majesty, learning that the business before the
chambers would be got through by the 25th, had
resolved to dismiss them on the 26th, and that as
he would be from home himself, the task would be
performed by the commissary of the diet. The other
was to the following effect :
We, Frederick William, &c., &c., give our melons greet-
ing to our faithful estates assembled in the first united diet.
Through our commissioner in the diet, we have received
notification respecting the doubts which, during the discus-
eon of the motions of our true estates, regarding the altera-
tion of the patent and of the ordonnanoes of Feb 3, were
exercised with reference to the signification of the 4th and
6th sections of the ordonnanoe relating to the formation of the
united diet. In order to remove thou, doubts, we are desirous
in unison with the previous explanations of our royal com-
missioner, to make the following communication to our
faithful estates I. If, in the 4th section of the ordonnanee
Inspecting the formation of the united diet, those loans which
ganstot be otherwise contracted than with the cooperation
and joint guarantee of that body are designated as loam for
wish the entire property and wealth of the state are to be
given as securities, it was never our intention to exempt
from the required approval of the united diet such state
loans as night demand as security only a putt ion of the na-
tional property or the national revenues. On the contrary,
it is our desire that, is time of peace. the acceptance of na-
tional loans, and the thawing up of financial documents re.
lating to such loans, RA well as the increase of that portion of
the national debt which consists of circulating treasury bills,
and which does not bear interest, shall only take place with
the consent of the united d;et. This provision, however, is
not applicable to the current debta of the government, be-
came such debts are merely temp manly contracted in
anticipation of the national revenues, and do not im-
pose any new burthens on the country. For such go-
eerament debts the approval of the estates will not be
required for the future any more than during the past.
Ia the cases (provided by the 6th section of the ordonniusce
emir formation of the diet) in which the assembling of that
bob may be prevented by political relations, it is expressly
set heck that only the co-operation of the national debt cons-
sales of the estates is -required ; consequently, it was not
Ow Intention to confer upon the said committee the right of
eirmilg to such loans. In order, however, to remove all doubt
or& the subject of our views, we de not hesitate to state
his explicitly to our faithful estates, that the national debt
merttee of the estates is not empowered to replace or to
.west the united diet in its legal attributes respecting the
441Mintiog to the raising of state loans. Given at Berlin,
the NO of June, 1847. (Signed) FREDERICK WILLIAM.
Thus, then, has closed the first convention of the
Missal legislature of Prussia, " but the end is not

FRANCE—PARIS, JICNE 29.—ACCIDENT ON THE
Ser. Emmen ItAILWAT.—A animas accident wcurred on
the 26th inM., on the Bt. Etienne and Lyons Railway, by
the want of foresight of one of the keepers in the tunnel of
Comm, near Rive de Gier. Two train, of waggons, one
of which was drawn by a locomotive and the other de-
' scending the incline, ran into each other in the middle of the
tunnel. The 'hock was terrible, and two men who directed
the locomotive wore killed instantaneously. Another man
arm t►rown to the roof of the tunnel, but he was not killed.
A great number or waggons and the tender of the locomotive
wereensashed. The sub-prefect of St. Etienne, who hap.
pined to be on the line in the discharge of his duties, caused
the passenger train from Lyone to be stopped, and then
limemed by a special train to Rive de Gier, where be or-
dered the keeper of the tunnel to be arrested for having al•
lowed the train drawn by the locomotive to enter it, although
he was informed that another was descending. The sub-
prefect also caused the tunnel to be cleared before him. Two
bows later the train was able to proceed to St. Etienne.