The Express.
London, England, 1848-04-19 00:00:00

ADJOURNMENT AND BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE.
Lord J. RUSSELL gave notice that at the meeting of the
house to-morrow (this slay) he should move that the house at
its rising do adjourn to Saturday next ; and he also gave no-
tice that he should move, that after Easter orders of the day
do take precedence of motions upon Thursdays.
The Nowt Loan then moved that the orders of the day
be now read.—Agreed to.
CROWN AND GOVERNMENT SECURITY BILL.
The question having been put, that this bill be now read
a third time,
Mr. HUME rose, and said that he felt called upon once
spin to put on record his entire opposition to the principles
and deeds of this measure. He should not act, as Mr. Fox,
Mr. Grey, Mr. Lambtou, and others did, on the
rom third readheir
-
ing of the Sedition Bill in their day, namely, rise f t
seats and leave the house. He bad on one occasion acted
in that way, leaving to the government of the dacoy
uthe rnot
e-
spon,ibilit fullyy of carryiag a measure which ld
be suaesa opposed; but he had never ceased to repent
of that course and he should not now follow it. (" Hear,
hear," from Lord J. Russell.) It seemed to him that the
government were acting in consequence of being scared by
some sort of information whier, was not before the public. He
objected to set on an unconstitutional principle in conse-
quence of such information, especially at a time when a go-
vernment, having promised remedial measures, had never
attempted to introduce one of them. They had now bad a
five months' legislation, comprehending an income tax and
two coercion bids ; and not a single measure of relief wits
even proposed for their consideration. On these grounds he
should move that this bill be read a third time that day six
months. The question having been put,
Sir D. L. EVANS said that he could not concur
in the somewhat exaggerated and indiscriminate lan.
gunge made use of towards the government. He saw no
cause to bring such charges against the government, for
except as regarded the words open and advised speaking "
the measure was in fact a mit.gation of the existing law.
Important concessions had been made by the government
during the progress of the measure. They hail settled that
the measure should have only a temporary operation, and
they had altered the punishment to imprisonment instead of
transportation. On these grounds he did not think the
government were ecverving of these reproaches, though at the
nine time, if the house were to be called on tohoul divi d
devote on
the words "open and advised speakieg," he s
against those words again as he had done before. lie would
only add to this one hint that might be literal to the govern-
ment—namely, that the best measures for the security of the
crown and the government were remedial measures.d
no (Hear,
hear.) Let those measures be proposed, and he ha fear
for the throne or for the nation.
Mr. F. O'CONNOR confessed he
did not understand
cer
either the civil cr the military position of the gallant offi
who had ju,t sat down. He said he could not see any just
cause for the vituperation her Majesty's government,
whilst he admitted they had preserved the very wards which
subjected them to that vituperation. Therefore, whatever
iniquity a government chose to perpetrate, if they conceded
s.ane minor and unimportant matters, the hon. and gallant
officer would give them hi] support. lie had said before,
and he repeated, that the hon. and gallant general, if this
bill had an ex post facto operation, would be subjected to a
prosecution under its provisions. The hon. member then
entered into some rambling and somewhat incoherent
statements respecting his various trials for sedition and other
offences, in the course of which he took occasion to abuse
Mr. Douglas and Mr. Edmonds, of Birmingham, whom he
denounced as having been agitators, at one time inciting the
people of Scotland and other parts to arm themselves with
Birmingham musket.. Ile also attacked a Mr. Hussey, of
Bradford, and all government spies and informers. Ile said
the the press !' ad tried to make his Dune odiuus, and yet, w
had he done ? He had always been on the side of order.
Once, when he was arrested, he had been invited to take
wine with the magistrates after they had received the in-
formations against him. Had he not put an end to the
chartist procession on Monday week ; and supposing he had
not done so, what would they have said to him then ? He
thought the government wire quite right to t ,ke pre-
cautionary measures on blonday week ; but the meet-
ing of that day, having passed off quietly, ought
not to be made a pretext for passing this bill.
Ile blamed the noble lord opposite for having, according to
newspaper report, refused, in reply to M:. John O'Connell,
to hold out the hope of any remedial measures for Ireland.
Lord J. RUSSELL.—Nothing of the kind. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. F. O'CONNOR was glad to hear the denial thus given
by the noble lord to the newspaper report ; but it was clear
that at present Lord Clarendon's policy was nothing but
coercion. As to himself, be had no fear of the bill, for he
should in future take good care to write every speech he de-
livered, sod read it from the manuscript, which manuscript
he should then scud, with his compliments, to the
General, who, who, it would seem, was about to become practi-
cally the Prime Minister of the country. Our corn crops, if
the present wet weather continued for ten days mlikeore, would
know
he almost entirely destroyed, and he should to
whether this bill would then stop the mouths of the starving
population. He called upon the new government opposition
formed under the auspices of the hon. member for Montrose
comments their operations by a decided reAstauce to this

ern ,bow that • serious penalty must follow this pastime gay.. The usual course of the house was to stand by tb,
(mar, hear.) I believe, on the decisions of its committees. They had constituted a tense,
of provolang civil war.
other hand, that there is not the smallest danger to freedom tribunal : they had taught people to look to the decision, a
of discussion to be dreaded from the operation of this that tribunal ; and, however corrupt Horsham might be, e.
bill, nor do I think that any member of this house was an act of great tyranny ta punish the innucent with
apprehends that freedom of discussion will be interrupted by guilty by refusing a writ to the issue of which the report ea
its becoming law. (Hear! hear.) I believe that no man the committee did not in any way object. But if they
who, in this country or in Ireland, wishes by peaceable I objected to issue a writ to Horsham, how did
means to promote alterations in the law or redress of griev- excuse themselves for issuing a writ fur Kinsale ? In tkZt
anoes, will be debarred from stating those grievances in warm borough, d
have runkenneexistess, debaucher •
wholey, anieled corruption had tote
and energetic language, because this bill shall have passed proved to don rate. Imidation
into a law. I believe that he may trust to the legislature, to and bribery prevailed there to a frightful extent, and yet the
the government, to the judges and juries of this country, to committee in that case bad, upon his (Mr. Stafford s)
on
keep him out of any danger if his course be peaceful and motion, issued a writ in that case without hesitation M
honest. But one cannot shut one's eves to the language objection. If they did not abide by the decision of
law etc
al
which has been held, which I alien not quote, but committees, they had better alter their election
of which specimens, although in a mitiga'ed lather. They had no right to tell the people that
they
slo, may be seen in the papers of this should be tried by one law and one tribunal, and then,
morn ng—language used for the purpose of exciting the altering their law and the tribunal, declare to them that the,
people to arms with a view that the law should not be carried should be tried by an ex post facto act of parliament, framed
into effect. Declarations that • parliament in Ireland shall to meet the peculiar circumstances. (Hear.) It was to b,
be obtained, if not by legislative act, then by pike and gun recollected
that on no one occasion ha they, up
d to the p
and the other arose collecting in Dublin for that purpose. sent time, ever reached the real authors of three iniquit:
(Hear, hear.) It is impossible not to see that in the di-tress- who were the country attorneys and lawyers. and other peep.;
mg tion of a great portion of the people of Ireland such in the middle classes in the respective boroughs. TheS,
modes of excitement may have dire anti dreadful effects. people were never got at; but the member, who had as
(Hear, hear.) It is impossible not to feel that outrage and cognisance of the feet', and the poor voter who was not able
insurrection may in some parts of the country be the manse- to resist temptation, were mute the seapegeata of tint
quenee—outrage and insurrection which will be put down. wicked persona' doings. He (Mr. Stafford knew nothing
because government has means at its disposal in the loyalty of Horsham, or of any persou in it. but he had taken up (Ili
and affection of the great body of the people—meant at question on public grounds, aud he thought this writ ought
its disposal in the strength of that army whose loyalty injustice to be issued.
has been so foully belied—(loud cheers)—by reports stated Mr. AGLIONBY said the hon. member had owned to
at public meetings and is various ways, and even rumours moviag the writ for Kinsale. (Hear.) Then more slime
stated in this house, but which upon inquiry have been for him. (Laughter.) However much he (Mr. Agneew
found to be utterly devoid of foundation. (Continued might have said upon that and on former mansions, where;
cheering.) I say, therefore, that government has means at ever there was build to be a case of corrupt dealing, now be
Its disposal to put down insurrection, but as we tel with declared his S m determinatiou to bunt it down Thm
respect to this country that the course of peaceful industry was a clear primer fade case for further inquiry here, .4
would be disturbed, that the working classes would be the he called upon the government to aid those members who
first ta suffer in case in disturbance, so likewise with respect were seeking to vindicate the character of the house in the
to the people of Ireland we feel that they would be the first suf- cyea f
o the county.
ferers if peace and tranquillity were not maintained in that Mr. FITZROY said it would be a premium upon cutup.
country. (Hear, hear.) I have been teld this day, as on tion if .s writ were again issued, without lull inquire, to s
former occasions, that it is not merely to measuresof coer- borough which had been guilty of such gross corruption u
cion we should have recourse, but that we should like- that which had notorious', disgraced Herehein. (Beer.)
wise have recourse to remedial measures. (Hear, hear.) Lord COURTENAY said that toss committee upon the
I think that that reproach, as it concerned last session, was Horshamelection, of which he was a m, mbar, had not
somewhat unfounded and ill-placed. The starvation in Ire• reported as to brib, ry, (or the simple r.ason that the
land during the last year was so intense, and required such subject was not brought before them in a way to call for
immediate remedies, that the pester portion of the session a report. He was quite ready to support the proposition
was taken up in devising those immediate remedies. (Hear.) oh the noble lord opposite for further inquiry, and he
1 really beg this house, or such portion of this house as makes should therefore resist the issuing of the writ for the present
those reproaches, to consider for a moment how justly we Lord J. RUSSELL concurred entirely in the propriety of
should have been blamed if, when the people were daily suspending the writ, until there had been full inquiry awe
falling victims to the appallir g famine of 1847, we had into the circumstances of the case, which inquiry it se
come down to this house and said, "We have here a curred to him, might be conducted under the provisions of
bill to extend the franchise of the people of Ireland, with the bill of which the hon. naronet near hint had firm
regard to voting for members of parliament. We have notice better than under the particular bill which he him.
another bill for making corporations similar to self had introduced.
those of England—we want to consider the extension of Sir J. HAMMER then moved as an amendment, for hue
political privileges, sod we postpone the question of the to bring in • bid to appoint commissioners to inquire into
famine until that question is settled." (Loud cheers.) I the existence of corrupt practice. at elections for certain
am not, however, averse to entertain those questions, and boroughs. He had framed the measure exactly on the pre
immediately after Easter we shall proceed to the consider& cedrnt of the Sudbury inquiry cwomission, adding a cluns
lion of questions relating to political affeirs. There are other rendering the measure a permanent one, so that when
measures to which I have alluded, and which must come future occasions should arise calling for similar inquiries
under consideration, but I must beg leave also to allude for the brute would only need, by resolution, to call the set
a moment—as the debate was interrupted—to the grievance into operation.
which is now stated as • ground for asking the people el The Earl of LINCOLN thought that as there had been
Ireland to resort to arms. We were asked the other day to no special report on the lieraham case it would be tinier,
consent to a repeal of the union. Now, in looking perhaps, to include that borough in the provision oh this
over the acts and di,cussions of the parliament measure.
of Ireland—that parliament whe-h was referred to Mr. AGLIONBY observed that such inquiries wruld be
as the parliament which gave happiness to Ireland rendered unnecessary if government would honestly tome
and contributed so much to its welfare-- I find that some of forward and give the people household suffrage and the
the most distinguished men in Ireland, having at their head vote by ballot. (Hear, bear.)
Mr. Grattan, whose name can never be mentioned without Mr. STAFFORD then withdrew his motion, and Sir
honour, repeatedly stated in that parliament of Ireland that J. Hanmer'e amendment was agreed to. The hon. bereeet's
the whole government of the country was carried on by cur. bill was subsequently brought in and read • first time.
reunion. They said that almost the majority in parliament, ATTACHMENT OF GOODS (IRELAND).
if not the actual majolity, received pensions during pleasure on the motion of Mr. RaYriuLDs lease was given to
and salaries from the crown. That peerages were sold, and bring iu a bill to abolish the process of attachment of goods
that the whole parliament was a mass of slavishness and it the court. of record of the municipal corporations of lee
bought suffrages in support of the English government. I land.
find that gentleman also stating that the suffrages of WILFULW.
DAMAGEave BILL.
given to brine
Ireland were so restricted in voting for members On the motion of . CLAY, le was
of parliament, as to give only ten or twelve voters in a bill to amend the law in England relative to remedies
in a borough, and that reform in parliament was against the hundred for injuries to property by riotous ',-
absolutely necessary ; I find it likewise stated and enforced sembleges.—The house adjourned at S o'clock.
with great power and eloquence, and an amazing vigour in
the management of details, that the mode of collecting tithes,
as Mr. Grattan forcibly said, by a subordination of vultures,
wan a grievance to every farmer and peasant in the country.
Mr. Grattan likewise argued that a great portion of the
people of Ireland—namely, those who professed the Roman
catholic religion—were deprived of privileges which the pro-
testants of the kingdom enjoyed. Now let us consider what
those grievances were, as stated by the most able and
eloquent ot the patriots of Ireland, and what the united
parliament has done. Ye ith regard to peerages and
pensions, no such aims s now exist. With respect to the
question of tithes, that question has been settled in such a
manner that it is no longer a grievance to the tenant-farms.
Reform has been carried in the united parliament, as has also
the admission of Roman catholic. to the privileges of the
constitution. Why, then, we have the presumption that
what were stated to be the greatest grievances in the parlia-
ment of Ireland have all been redressed in the parliament of
the united kingdom. (Hear, hear.) If that be the case ;if
those grievant s have been redressed in the parliament of
the united kingdom ; it must be conceded, as I believe it to
Le the case, that the united parliament is able to legislate for
Ireland more advantageously, with lean chance of hostile colli-
sion between the countries, and with less chance of discord be-
tween various classes, then a parliament in Ireland could do. I
should say, apart from all imperial interests, that we are
hound to negative all those motions in whatever form they
appeal to this house, having the repeal of the union for their
(abject. (Hear, hear.) For my own part, I shall be ready,
or, if I am not, let others bring forward those motions which
may tend as they believe to the advantage of that part of the
United Kingdom. Any proposition supported by the great
body ot Irish members as calculated to improve the situ&
tion of their country with regard to the relations of landlord
and tenant, or in respect to social or political grievances, I
shall be ready to listen to. But whether in discussion—it
discussion they choose; in debate, if debate they choose ; by
argument or in other ways by exciting the people to arms,
and by urging them to take measures of force, by force if force
be necessary, as long as I have breath or life in me I shall
oppose the repeal of the legislative union between Great
Britain and Ireland. (Loud cheers.)
The house divided—For the third reading 295'
Against it 4oo-25,5
On the question, " That the bill do now peal,"
Mr. HI, ME wished to place on record his objection to the
words " open and advised speaking," and for that purpose 1
would move an amendment that those words be struck out.
In regard to what had been said as to the late chartist de-
monstrai ion, the government had full power, under an act of
George 111., to put down any meeting which was calculated
to strike terror and alarm in the minds of the peaceable and
well disposed, and that they had not interfered to prevent I
the demonstration, as they might have done, was beaten
they wanted an excuse for this bill. (Oh.) The law had
on former occasions been found quite powerful enough to
deal with much moreeeriousdisturbances than any we had now
to fear in this country ; and with regard to Ireland, ministers
should bare tried whether the existing law was insufficient,
before they decided on making this innovation on the consti-
tution. As kis only object was to place his opinion on re-
cord, he shout, not divide the house on the amendment.
Mr. H. BERKELEY thanked the noble lord, on the part 1,
of his constituents, for bringing this bill to a successful ter-
mination. In the borough he had the honour to represena
in a population of 170,000, there was but one feeling—that of
loyally to the crown, and grctitude to the government:, for
the energy they had displayed in preserving the public peace.
The amendment was then negatived, and the bill passed,
amidst the cheers of the majority.
It being now nearly half-past tour, the house, at the sug-
gestion of Sir G. GREY, adjourned till half-past 5.
WIGAN IMPROVEMENT (No. 2) BILL.
On the order of the day for the second reading of this

Vie Orpreoo•

MAILS.

—....---
The overland mails for Gibraltar, Malta, Creme, the lonian Nig(
Egypt, Aden, Ceylon, India, Ilona-None, and thine, em boggle,.
ton. will be made up on the morning of the 20th AprtL
The malls for British North America, and the Caned Ginn
• will be made up on the evening of the 21st April.
The overlarcl Owed MAili, rift Marwilles to the Ashton...a,
Egypt, Aden, Ceylon, India, llong-Nang, Kr., will be made up m le
evening of the 24th April.
The nulls for Vigo, Oporto, Lisbon, Madeira, Cadiz, and (libretti
sal be made up on the morning of the 2lth April.
The mails foe New /South Wales, Van Diernan's Lead, and New
Zealand will be made up on the evening of the Seth April.
The malls for the West Coast of Africa and Sliateint will be tug
tap on themanlm of the 30th April.
The West India Mails, including Bermuda, Nassau, Boum,
llonduras, New Orleans, Vera (Yu', Stumm°, and Porto lion, id
excluding those for Madeira, Jacntel, Cbirthairega, NOM Muni;
Chugres, Panama, West Coast of South Amen., and ill. Jiiin.it.
Nicaragua, will be made up on theevenhig of the 2nd May.
The mails for the Brazils, the Ricer Elate, Idoate Video, Perms.
Mini. Bahia, Madeira, and Buenos Ayres, will he made ea a tie
evening of the 4th May.

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS.
The number of STAMPS issued by the authorities of th
Stamp-office, during 1947, to the
DAILY NEWS was 3,447,009
This, we believe, is within eight per cent, of the mush
' issued to the Morning herald, Morning (Ire/tick, is
Morning Post, ALL PUT TOGETMEII.
In addition to the above, issued to the DAILY NEW!
Morning Paper, there were issued for the Evening Edina
THE EXPRESS 778 714
Which was more, we believe. than wrie issued either
the Globe or Staridelrd, Evening Papers.

HIGH WATER AT LO% DON 111.1014
T.. DAT—Menlo& 38 W. pre 2, Aroma% :
To.swasow—likosts& 10 =burin 1, AR•rre.b. s pap J.

LONDOPt WEDN&SDA YAPRIL
IN 1836, a committee of the House of Comm
reported that the cumber of registered electors
Great Britain and Ireland was, in that year, 9:/5,2
The number of adult males in Great Britain
Ireland, according to the census of 1831,
6,148,468. In 1836, rather less than one in et
six adult males would appear to have had a von
the election of members of parliament. When
take into account, however, the careless marine
which the names of dead voters have been left su
ing on the register, the number of votes liabi
challenge, and the number of parties enrolled
voters in two or more constituencies, it will at out
apparent that the ratio of electors to adult males
stated is greatly in excess. Since 1836 we have re
to believe that the number of regis'ered electors
rather decreased than otherwise, while the numb
adult males has gone on increasing.
The vicious character of the existing electors.
tem would, however, be only imperfectly shoe
ascertaining the exact ratio in which the ell
stand to the adult males. The unequal distrit
of the electors throughout the general communir
into constituencies increases the evil more than
fold. The report of the committee already eel
to shows that 331 members of the House of
mono—a numerical majority of that body—ire
1836, returned by 151,492 electors_about or
tieth of the adult male population of Engles

bill,
Mr. Titicxxessz moved and Mr. EWART seem.—
the motion, that it be read a second time that day six
months.
Col. LINDSAY supported the bill, observing that he had
introduced it at the instigation of the mayor and town
council. He acknowledged that it contained clauses to
which he could nut give his assent, as they would tax the
inhabitants of the borough too heavily, but he hoped the
house would allow it to go to a committee, where it might
be modified.
Mr. HUME supported the amendment, as the original
measure had bees almost unanimously rejected by a public
meeting of the people of Wigan.
Mr. CARDWELL, Lord Motircrit, and Mr. W. PATTEN,
thought the bill ought not to be further proceeded with,
and appealid to the gallant member for Wigan to with-
draw it.
Mr. BERNAL seized the occasion of sugges•inz that re-
ports of committres on private bills, in order to be useful,
ought tbio
ll he made authorities. (Hear, hear.)
The was then by leave withrawn.
CIIJEENSFERRY PASSAGE BILL.
Sir W. HEATIICOTE moved that an instruction to the
committee on this bill, under an order of the 17th April, be
discharged.—Agreed to.
HORSHAM ELECTION.
Mr. STAFFORD moved that a new writ be issued for the
election of a member for the borough of Horsham, in the
room of John Jervis, Esq., whose election had been declared
to be void.
Mr. HUME was somewhat surprised that this writ had
been moved in the face of a bill now before the-house for
inquiring into the circumstances connected with the last
election for this borough.
Mr. STAFFORD said that, as a debate had arisen, not
by his fault, upon this question, it was his duty to let the
house see the position in which this borough was at present
placed. It would be idle to disguise that this question of
elections was of considerably increasing importance, not
only with the house, but with the country. The position
in which they placed themselves ought really seriously to be
considered. What were the facts connected with Horsham ?
From the minutes of evidence taken before the committee it
appeared that the counsel for the sitting member resigned
the seat. Two witnesses were then called to prove the charge
of treating, and subsequently a Mr. Waugh was called, who
stated the circumstances under which an arrangement was
proposed for the relinquishment of the seat. Either, there-
fore, the committee shrunk from a fair and impartial s mutiny,
or else because there were a few glasses of brandy and
water and a few cigars given away at an inn at Horsham,
the borough was to be punished lay the suspeixdon of the
writ. But this was not all. In consequence of the unpre-
cedented report of this committee, wad the curious
rumours in circulation, the singular e,hutee bad been
taken of introducing a b,ll armin a new com-
mitter with new powers of inv',Augation and in-

Ireland.
An instructive letter from Mr. J. HotE, whi
publish in this day's paper, throws further lighi
this unequal distribution of the electoral fun
Three English counties with 26,450 &that me
whom 8,677 are electors, send six reprt sentati
the legislature; while three other countio
315,980 adult males, of whom 62,189 areal
send uo more. The three petty counties ha
member of parliament for every 1,400 elect()
three important counties one for every 10,00 C
three petty counties have one elector for ever]
adult miles ; the three important countier
every 5,000. We call them petty or ire
solely with relation to the number of
beings whose interests are to be care
but let us take them by the estin
property, upon which conservatives lay
stress. The three least numerous coup
Huntingdonshire, Itutlandshire and Westin
the three most numerous, Middlesex, South.
shire, and West Yorkshire. Of the
ligence of the electors we need say nothing.
members for Middlesex, South Lancashire, a
Yorkshire represent constituencies of an
wills and minds of their own ; the six ma
Huntingdonshire, Rutlandshire, and West
represent a few noblemen and large ling
prietors.
Mr. HUstE presents WI with a similar
the English borough-constituencies. ir
with 28,008 inhabitants, of whom 1,5753 sr
return 12 members to parliament, while
1,344,134 inhabitants, and 79,521 electors, I
same number. Here wo have, in the for
one member of parliament for every 130 e
the latter, one for every 6,500. The bore
large constituencies selected by Mr. HO
purpose of illustration are such places as
Liverpool, and Westminster. The close lx
such places as Harwich and Chippett!uull•
ewe of the counties, the large and utade