The Express.
London, England, 1851-04-30 00:00:00

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

ROUSE OF COMMONS.—TVESDAY, APRIL 29.
TIM Sties= took the chair shortly before 4 o'clock.
Pitt VAT E BUSINESS.
TM following DUB were severally read a third time.
1 and
Oreat Northern Railway Amendment (Nu. )
=defied, Ross, and Gloucester Kationy ; Killarney and
Velma-at 'Galway ; Leeds and Thirsk Railway ; London
had Blackwell Railway (extessica of time for the widening,
Ike.); North British Radway ; North and South Western
Junction Railway ; South Wales Itailway (No. 1) ; South
Wales Railway (No. 2) ; Scottish Central Railway ; Bills.
The following bilis were considered and agreed to --
Briton Ferry Docks and Railway ; Liverpool Docks (alters-
Moe of management. he.) ; London and Blackwell Railway
(beam& to Heyemequare, Whitechapel, he.) ; Manchester
sad Anlatan-ondar-Lyne New Road; Mayfield Railway
(No. 2) ; Menkland Railways.
NAIrIOATION LAWS.—SHIPOWNERS OF
LONDON.
Mr. BERRIES, in presenting a petition from the ship.
owm ri of the port of London, rtated that they (the ship-
owners) begged to remind the house that during the pee.
grew el the hill for the repeal of the navigation laws they
espresso' their conviction that such repeal would be pro-
ductive of great injury to the shipping interests in general,
but of still greater injury to the national interests. A year
bra now expired, in which they had experienced the antici-
pated effect. Ihe petitioners stated they were prepared to
show that the it anticipations had unfortunately proved cor-
rect, and had bon realised. They remarked that in
that period there had been exhibited effects of a
Very alarming character, not only to their interests,
but also to the great national interests. They also remarked
that, according to the official returns, the British shipping
inwards of het year, ae compared w ith the preceding, exhi-
bited what was rather unusual in the of itial returns of this
enuutry—a diminution of British shipping to the extent of
311,101 tons. The returns of POO were 4,:00,001.1 tons, and
the returns of ROO were set down at 4,07M,010, being a dif-
ference in decline of about 7 per cent. They observed that
in the same time, there had been a very. considerable in-
crease in the entries of foreign shipping. Into the British
ports. The entries of foreign chipping in 1849 were
1,6811,000 tons, and in 18.40 they amounted to 2,051,000
tons, making au increase of 375,000 tons, or of 21 per cent.
They went un to state that the aggregate of British and
foreign shipping in 1850 only exceeded by. one-half per
cent. the amount of the preceding year, showing that there
bad bet a no material increase in the commerce of the
country, as was expected to arise from the alteration of the
laws. The petitioners further stated, that foreign shipping
was very much supers...ling British, even in the trades in
which it use said they never could hope to compete with
them. For instance, the Canadian timber was now brought
from Canada to England in Baltic ships, which was never
supposed would be the case. The freights in all parts of
the world had been so diminished as greatly to diminish, as
a consequence, the trade of the shipowners; and, what was
wore., they saw no prospect of alteration fur the better.
They stated that the expected reciprocity from other
countries in nspeet of the great conceasions made by the;
repeal of the navigation laws in England had not been tub
hut that, on the contrary, they had been resisted
be all; the great stattu of Europe, and had been avoided by 1,
Dithers, as in the instance of America in the case of Cale
fornia, where a coasting trade was carried on between the
Mates and Califontia. Petitioners stated that the sugar of '
Cuba and the protluets of Manilla were admitted into Bri-
tish mire• on a perfect equality, whether imported in Bri-
tish or Sluttish ships, whilst the tariff of Spain maintained
a differential ditty very injurious to British commerce.
They complained that the interests of British ship-
owners were now very much depressed, and in
such a condition as to require the serious attentim
of this house ; and the petition ended by praying that the
house would he pleased to take the pniniss s into its se-
nous consideration, with a view to renew or amend the Na-
Muslim) Act, and ell tither laws imposing restrictions and
burdens on British navigation, and to grant such relief and
redress as to its wisdom might seem fit. The bon. gentle-
man continued to say that it wits his intention to submit
to the iodice of the noose, at a fitting time, a special mu-
tton us, the subject. Ile therefore, in conclusion, begged to
move that the petition be printed. (Hear, hear)
Mr. LABOUCHERE said he had no objection whatever,
particularly as the right loin. gentleman had pledged him-
self to bring forward a special motion on the subject.
Mr. Taints ELY considered the petition of sufficient
importance to warrant its being printed. (Hear, hear.)
CHIEF COM MISSION Eli OP WOODS AND FORESTS.
Mr. B. COCHRANE gave notice that on 1121 early day he
should more for certain returns to to the attendance of the
Commis itiner of Wooil" anti Forests on his various duties
,sues the noble lord came into office.
VAN DIEMEN'S LAND.

Sir W. mol.Eswolatt gave notice that on the 20th of
May he nnul.l bring on MI motion in reference to Van
Dicestro's Land.

BORNEO.
Mr. 11C MF., on the 20th of May, to introduce hill mo-
tion, previuudy postponed, in referenee to BOTRI.V.
STATIONERS OFFICE.
Mr. MOWATT, on the 21Ith of May, to move for a coin-
mat. e of inquiry into the management of the Stationery-
office.
FOREIGN BtOAR.
Mr. H. on behalf of Mr. 0. Berkeley, on
the 1:Ith of May, to more that the prettent differential duty
un fen ion sugar he continued for tire years from July,
l&iI. (Haar, hear.)
V.Uti.l AM IiNTAItV VOTES.—THE BALLOT.
Mr. 11. BERKELEY, on Tuesday, the '2oth May, to
Save that in future purlianientacy votes be taken by ballot.
SPANISH DIFFERENTIAL DUTIES.
Mr. BANK ES, on an early day, to move for the produe-
lin Of whatever correspondence took place between the
British and Spanish governments in reference to the differ-
ential duties impossil hy Spain on British shipping.
INCOME TAX.
Mr. lIVME. on Friday nest, to move that the income
Us shall continue for only one year.
It ETV RNS.
Sir B. HALL acid that on Friday neat he would put •
question to the right him Secretary fur the lime Depart-
ment in reference to the production of certain returns
ordered in the month of May of last year.
Sir O. GREY mid he might then, by way of answer to
the question, state that they would be ready for presenta-
tion in the course of the ensuing week.
EXAMINATIONS AT SANDHURST COLLEGE.

......
Colonel REID asked the Secretary at War whether
it was intended that the examination of candidates for
commissions in the army should continue to be conducted
by the professors at Sandhurst College, who were the
authors of manuals and other publications of a similar
character upon subjects in which the candidates were
required to be examined,. oleo, whether he intended to
* prop. to the house, during the present session. the ap-
pointment of " Captains of Instruction" in regiments of
cavalry and infantry ; also, what will be the cost of this!
addition to our military establishment, and whether it I
will not amount to the sum of 30,000/. per annum ?
Mr. F. MAULE, in reply to his hon. friend's first ques- '
Loon, begged to state that he had on a former occasion ex-
pressed his entire disapproval of the circumstance of the
examiners being the authors of the manuals upon subjects on
which candidates arc examined, and that steps would be
taken to correct this evil. With regard to the second ques-
bon, the hon. and gallant member had misapprehended
what he had stated on the subject of appointing a captain
ot instruction ; he bad only glanced at the adoption of such
a plan, but he was not prepared to propose it to the house.
Ile felt, however, that some means ought to be afforded to
the °Siren to obtain instruction previously to their examina-
tion. Ile wished also to state that the Commander-in-Chief
had declared that the examination of officers who had pur-
chased their COMlllialiollll prior to the issue of the regulations
should not he compulsory, but that officers might volunteer
to undergo that examination. Those officers only who
hail undergone their examination upon admission into the
army would he required to submit to an examination be-
fore promotion, in conformity to the neent regulations.
(Rear, hear.)
ADVERTISING VANS.
Mr. WILLIAMS wished to know from the right hon.
baronet the Rome Secretary if it was intended to adopt
any measure fur the suppression of the street van advertising
nuisance?
Sir U. GREY said at present there was no special law
applicable to them, but any particular grievance caused by
them could be taken cognisance
OFFICERS. of by the police.
WATERLOO
Colonel CIIATTERTON—Seeing the right hon. the
Secretary at War in his place, I beg to repeat my question
~f the 1-sth inst.—whether he hat any objection to have
-border' in the Army List the names of those officers who
Arne received the Waterloo decoration hut have since
retired from the service, so the name of every Peninsular
officer under similar circumstances is there inserted ?
lir. F. HAULS feared the proposition of the hon. and
gallant officer would he attended with inconvenience, from
increasing the Mae of the Army List. however, be would
further consider the matter.
Colonel CUATTF.RTON—I beg to suggest the expe-
dience of only inserting those names periodically, which
woula obviate every inconvenience.
STRIKE AMONGST TUE SAILORS.

PaINSEP wished to know when certain papers
referring to the discontent amongst the SOSMeII of several
ports in the kingdom would be laid on the table of the
house ?" Ho bad previously made inquiry of the right hon.
gentleman the President of the Board of Trade.
Mr. LABOCCHSRE stated in reply that he was quite
reedy to produce the papers, if informed what partisans
papers were recaired.
LIGHTHOUSES.
Mr. IIUME wished to know from the right hon. gelds-
man the President of the Baard of Trade when he inUnellol
to iutouluee his bill in I.i:fen:nee to lighthouses ?
Mr. LABOCCIIEHE tad the matter WAS under con-
sideration, but he could
LBAnoNSt theELECTION.n answer the question.
ST. A
In reply to Mr. Selases, as to what steps had been
taken to secure the person* of Birchmore, Waggett, and j
Heyward, against whom warrants had been issued on a
charge of misdemeanour proved to have been committed on
the occasion of the sitting of a parliamentary committee to
inguirsinto the validity of the St. Albans election.
The Sergesat-at-Arms stated that during the adjourn
mint of the home he had used all due difigencc to elitists
the warrants of that house against the parties charged
therein, bat to no purpose. The police authorities had just
=ettto him that up to that moment they had not been
lid obtain the slightest trace of the parties.
LordlL RUSSELL said that =lmo the poetics were so-
prehended within a reasonable time, it would be neemsavy
to address the crown that • reward might be proclaimed.
(Hear, hear.) He would, therefore, move that the house
resolve itself Into a committee to consider the propriety of

adopting an address to beg Majesty that she might be
pleased to order a proclamation, with a reward, for the
discovery of Wagged, Heyward, and Birchmots. (Neer)
SUPPLY OF WATER TO THE RZTHDPOLUI.
Sir G. GREY rose towns forleave to introduce
boarablat
the better supply of water to the nesPropelis, and said
doing so it would not he necessary for him to occupy the
time of the house by going into the details of former pm-
eeedings before committees and commissions of inquiry.
Ile referred to the large amount of information in posse,-
Rion of the house upon this subject, contained especially in
the reports of the Baud of Health, which showed, first,
that some extensive change was necessary in order to insure
an adequate supply aimed and wholesome water; and, se-
condly, that competitioe could not be traded to for that
object. The first qacetion, therefore, whether the existing
system should be adhered to, or that some essential change
should be made in it, admitted of an easy answer ; the se-
coed era.% what substitute the government should proven
and parliament adopt. The Board of Health had resew
mended, in the tint instance, that the existing sourer elf
supply should be altogether abandoned, and that nessese
should be had to deposit+ of rain water collected in paw►
log grounds near Ragtime They had subsequently so he
modified their recommendation as to propose that M-
ideast of rain water spring water should be collected and
brought to London in pipes. This very change of ispb.
nion inculcated caution, and the government had WI
the reports of the Board of Health and all the evidenes
before three gentlemen eminent for their skill and ability,
that they might report upon the chyrnical properties of
the water, and to what extent the existing sources of sup-
ply should be retained or new sources be opened. The
minuteness and labour of this inquiry had hitherto pre-
vented them (rim making a report, and in the meantime
he had thought it better to lay before the house the outlines
of a scheme by which he proposed to ouh,titute a new ma-
chinery for that of the nine water companies, each occupy-
ing a separate district. The Board of Health had recom-
mended that instead of a pturslity of managements there
should be one combined management, as the best means of
securing • sufficient supply and service of water with •
diminution of cost; and this combination, they suggested,
might he effected by purchasing the stock of the existing
companies at a liberal valuation, but they found it necessary
to depart from another recommendation, to vest the manage-
ment of the water supply in represeutativo bodies, and pro-
posed to place it under a government board of salaried
officers. There were, therefore, three general modes of
effecting the object in view—first, by the existing com-
panies; second, by municipalities, on the representative
principle; third, lby a salaried board, acting under the
immediate control of the government, and indirectly
responsible to parliament. The objections to the latter
plan were formidable, and nothing but necessity would in-
duce the government to adopt it. If, indeed, they were
dealing with this as a new question, irrespective of private in-
terests and the habits of the people, he should certainly
prefer the plan suggested by the Board of Health ; but se
an extensensive system was already in existence, and, as tin
representative machine q was to be found, the principle col.
the measure he proposed was the consolidation of the ex-
isting companies into one, by the purchase of their respec-
tive stocks, either by valuation or by arbitration, with a
consolidated capital, the consolidated body being charged
with the whole supply of water to the metropolis subject to
the control of government and parliament. Sir George
I explained the functions, powers, and obligations with which
the bill pmposed to endow this body, and observed that the
plan would accomplish the ends of saving expenditure,
increased efficiency in management, government controul
under responsibility to parliament, and reduction of rates
to consumers, realising, at the same time, the principles
recommended by the Board of Ilealth of a contract between
the government and the company. Ile anticipated an ob-
vious objection, that the companies could not ho compelled
to consent to this arrangement ; but they were entitled to
the first offer, and they had met the communications of the
government in a reasonable spirit, reserving their decision
until they saw the details of the hill, which lie proposed to
refer to a select committee, so that the companies would
have ample opportunity to advance their claims.
The question having been put,
Sir J. JOIINS'L'ONE gave various explanations on
behalf of the water companies, who were favourably dis-
pelled towards the measure.
Mr. COCHRANE considered that such a bill would only
strengthen the existing monopoly, continuing all its evils
end confirming its power by uniting the existing companies
loco one.
Mr. IIUME thought there would be no difficulty in
Isitipting the principle of competition by allowing new
ge•panies to clime in.
Sir B. HALL was of opinion that the amalgamation of
tbe existing companies, though it might save sonic expense,
Toed make the combined company a very powerful one,
whereas the object of the government should be to abolish
a monopoly which had existed too long.
Lord E BItINOTON reviewed the subject of water supply
et some length, and condemned the scheme of the govern-
ment as defective in principle.
Sir W. CLAY contended that competition could not be
applied to the principle of water supply. lie admitted
that the poor of the metropolis were ill pros ideal with water ;
but this arose from no indisposition of the companies to
supply it, or from soy deficiency of the article, hut because
the proprietors of small tenement refund to take means
of supplying their occupants. He defended the water com-
panies against the charges of extortion, waste, and extra-
vagance, and expressed his perfect confidence in the fair
dealing of the government and the house, which, by acting
unjustly towards the companies, would only injure the
country. The question was entirely fur compromise, which
would he the cheapest as well as the fairest course.
Mr. MOWATT objected to the scheme, that it contained
no pros ision for a new source of supply instead of the
present impure one, and that it made the suppliers of the
water responsible, nut to the consumers, but to the govern-
ment.
Sir G. GREY, in reply, offered explanations on various
points, and, with reference to Mr. Mowatt's objection,
stated that the bill gave power to the Secretary of State in
respect to the sources of supply.
After a few words from Mr. B. COCHRANE, the motion
P
agreed toENT OF DEATH, and the bill was ordered to be brought in.
PUNISHM i TIIE COLONIES.
Mr. EWAUT row to move a resolution to the effect :
That it is expedient that the mitigation effected in the law
of this country with respect to the punishment of death be
extended to the colonies. In many of our colonies the law
was assimilated to that of England with regard to capital
crime., but in others the penalty of death still attached to
many crimes which were not capital in this country. In
Malta, for instance, besides murder, theft, if committed at
night, burglary, coining, and several other offence's, were
capital crime+. In Ceylon, and at the Cape of Good Ilope,
where the Dutch Boman law prevailed, this was especially
the case.
The hon. member was here interrupted by a motion for
counting the house, which being done, and only 3.5 mem-
bers being present,
The house adjourned at 8 o'clock

PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEES.
LoNuoN AND BUCKWALL RAILWAY.—Tho com-
mittee on this company's bill report the preamble for this
company's extension to Tilbu7 proved that the proposed 1
capital is 2.`40,0001.; proposedloan, 93,0004. ; amount of
shares subscribed for new works, 231,4501. ; and deposit
paid, 28,9311. ; the greater proportion of parties to the con
tract being shareholders in the London and Blackwell.
The length of the extension is 19 miles, and branch to
Eastern Counties 1 mile. The committee report that the
bill authorise.s the company to purchase and use steam-
boats between Tilbury and Gravesend, and ss the effi-
ciency of the railway as regarded the Gravesend traffic was
necessarily dependent on the working of the steam comuni-
cation between that town and the railway terminus it was
desirable such steam-boats should be under the management
of the railway company, and the committee were of opinion
that the restriction contained in 124th standing order ought
not to be enforced.
MoSICLAND RAILWAY.—The committee on this bill for
deviations report the preamble proved; that it will not in-
volve any further outlay of capital beyond that authorised
to be raised; and that the cost to be incurred will be
60,000 f.
AYLESIICRT ELECTION.—A petition has been presented
from Thomas Bradford, complaining of this election.
r The .‘ public " committees sitting yesterday, but with
closed doors, were those on Ctutoms, Steam Communication
with India, £c., Selection, General Committee of Elections
and Chairman's Panel.

STICIDE OF AN EITHBITOR.—YesterdaT Mr. Cart-
tar, held an inquest at Deptford, touching the death of
Mr. O. Stone, aged 54. • corn dealer of that place. Ann
Monk. housekeeper to the deceased, stated that her master
was at home all day on Saturday, and retired to bed that
night at half-past 11. On Sunday morning, about seven
o'clock, the housemaid being alarmed, called witness's
attention to the fact that her master's bedroom-door was
open and no one in the room. The servants searched the
house and premises, and found the body of deceased in the
granory, suspended from a trapdoor by a sash-line, which
had been thrice twisted round his throat, and to the end of
which was attached • leaden weight of lttlbs. Deceased
was in his shirt. He had been nervous and low-spirited for
several days, particularly on Friday and Saturday last,
having on the former day received • letter from has son,
dated Sydney, in which he stated that he had been to Cali-
fornia and returned to Sydney, having failed in his
object, and that on reaching Sydney the banker or
trustee had become bankrupt ; the combined circumstances
had ruined him, and he feared he should went bread.
Mr. John Wade, budder, Deptford, said the deceased had
bees very much depressed at times lately. The deceased
had placed an invention in the Elnibition of all Nations.
They were at the Exhibition together on Friday. Deceased
asameel eccentric in his manner, and was very much de-
=The deceased left him at the Exhibition to go to
I-street, where he was carrying on an experimental
business in registered articles, and had lost issue sums of
money. These mitten and the letter of his son's misfor-
tunes, he believed, weighed strongly upon the deceased's
nervous system, who, although a worthy leett, was easily
excited. The jury returned a verdict of "Temporary in-
ANOTHER LIPS HAS run BEEN LOOT IN THB
STONEAVADRIER near Brynabo, Wresham. On Tuesday
moniing, John Edwards, a quarryniati, went to work, and
due for about three hours, when • huge stone fell from a
heizht of twelve yards upon his head, and, it is supposed
caused instantaneous death. The deceased bad
his work v, rya
imprudently, havimirxme seder.
mined the stones around him. The el =Son
tunate MAD ratite at the 11.1141 hour lee elameer sad
found him quite dead. No cries for mstidaase wets likely
to have been heard, if any were made, as the dassased was
alone, and the quarry remotely situated.

THE EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY