The Express.
London, England, 1867-04-09 00:00:00

THE EXPRESS, TUESDAY EVENING, APRIL 9, 1867.

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

THE REFORM BILL.

I n+.l CL vda►

DEPUTATION TO THE CHANCELLOR OP THE EXCHEQUER.

HOUSE OF LORDS.—MovDkr, APRIL 8.

M 97
N 06
94 N
Bt N
84 06
103 106
106 IN
US 107
104 105
92 04
102 104
197 100
106 107
103 106
105 107
104 106
104 10
90 100
W 98

lx the Horsa of Loses, the Earl of Maoism-
BURY appealed to the Marquia of Clanricarde to
postpone a motion he had on the paper relative to
the ship Tornado, on the ground that serious com-
plications were threatened between the govenunent
of Spain and this country in reference to another
case, that of the Victoria, and that if the motion
wore proceeded with it might be detrimental to the
public interests.

Several "constitutional " associations of work-
ing men in Birmingham and other large towns, prin-
cipally in the north of England, having expressed a desire
to demonstrate to the government their approval of the
Reform Bill now before the House of Commons, and to
offer their support to the ministry, the Chancellor of the
Exchequer appointed yesterday afternoon to receive the
representatives of their various organisations. The depu-
tation consisted of representatives from the following,
among other towns:—Birmingham, Portsmouth, Derby,
Dewsbury Huddersfield, Batley, Leeds, Coventry, Hali-
fax, Macclesfield, Exeter, llolbeck, Kidderminster, Lon-
don, &c. It was introduced by Sir Henry Edwards, Ll'.
for Beverley.
Colonel Sir H. EDWARDS, 31. P., in introducing the de-
putation,observed that it was the more significant, because
ft represented many towns. Their object was to guaran-
tee the government their hearty support during the pre-
sent crisis.

- The Marquis of CLANRICARDE then postponed
the motion till the first day of the meeting of the
house after the Easter recess.

The Earl of CLARE` DON expressed his satisfaction
at the postponement of the motion. With regard
to the case of the Victoria, he said he regretted
that such a despatch as that which had been made
public should have been published.
Earl RUSSELL reserved his opinion with regard
to the Tornado, but with regard to the Victoria
said it was desirable that no further time should be
lost in arriving at a decision.

Several members of the deputation having addressed
the right hon. gentleman.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER, who was received
with loud cheers, said :—Gentlemen, I never had the
honour to receive a deputation more interesting to myself
than the present one—not only from its varied character,
but also from the principal elements that pervade it, though
it comes from different districts. I have now placed my-
self in direct communication with the representatives of
working men, and I have heard their opinions on the most
important question of the day. I much lament that my
noble chief and colleague is not present, but it is a source
of consolation to me, and I am sure it will be to you, that
he is almost entirely recovered— (cheers)—from his
severe indisposition, and that he will very soon find him•
self again in his place in the House of Lords. I recall
the circumstances under which the present administration
acceded to office. The late government, in a parliament
under their own auspices, supported by an overwhelming
majority, chose to deal with the question of parliamentary
reform ; end with all thou advantages in their favour,
they so managed the business that they gave it up at the
last—(laughter—absolutely in an ebullition of pique--
that pique really meaning a self-consciousness of incom-
petency. (Hear, hear.) Under those circumstances, her
Majesty summoned Lord Derby to her councils. He took
office in a parliament not elected under his auspices,
but where a great majority was arrayed against him. He
was perfectly free when he acceded to office not to deal
with parliamentary reform. There were many other
questions of very vital importance to the country which
had been too long neglected, which he felt required legisla-
tion and the immediate consideration of the ministry. He
and his colleagues therefore gave them their meet intimate
and moat sedulous attention ; and in the Queen's speech
you saw the enumeration of the measures which we believe
necessary for the welfare of the country, which should be
proposed and carried. lam sure, however fierce and hitter
has been the opposition we have encountered on the ques-
tion of reform, no one has presumed to express a want of
confidence in the existing administration. (Hear, hear.)
During the time we have been in office the external rela-
tions of this country have been in a most critical and peril-
ous state—no government has, perhaps, ever been called
upon to deal with those circumstances at a period when
there was more danger, and when more skilful manage-
ment was required ; and I am bold to say that the general
conviction is that our foreign affairs have been managed
with a rare sagacity. (Cheers.) If you look to another
most important branch of administration—viz. that of
Ireland—why, Ireland unquestionably has not been Anse
the commencement of this century in a position of such
danger and difficulty as it has been during the whole period
and duration of our governmennt. Yet is there any one
who has impugned the administration of Lord Derby`
On the contrary, is it not universally acknowledged,
even by our opponents, that there has been shown
the utmost vigilance, the utmost foresight, the utmost
preparation to meet all the conspiracies that are per-
petually breaking out iu that country with firmness, but
never with an approximation to cruelty? I will say that
the conduct of our foreign affairs, and the goverment
of Ireland by Lord Abercorn and Lord NAM, are
alone two great results which should entitle the
ministry to the candid consideration of the country. I will
only touch upon another division of our administration,
because it always interests Englishmen to hear of the ad-
ministration of their finances. We were bound to make
great preparations, and to enter upon great expenditure,
not in makingan idle show, but to create an army of reserve
to maintain our position at home and our influence abroad.
Yet, notwithstanding that inevitable increase in the ex-
penditure we have so increased our finances as to be able to
propose measures that will greatly reduce the burden of this
country, and also offer an immediate remission of taxation,
and none of those measures—which will shortly be passed—
have evenbeen opposed by those who sit opposite to us. There
is therefore not one of our opponents who has impugned
our administration. Some of you have referred to the
measures shadowed forth in the Queen's Speech. Two of
the great measures proposed have already passed, although
only a few weeks of the session have elapsed. We passed
a measure to consolidate the confederation of our North
American Provinces, one of the greatest facts of that kind
which have ever been consummated, and we have Cora-
plated a reform of the metropolitan workhouses. (Cheers.)
Therefore, I am not surprised that no one of our oppo-
nents has presumed to propose a vote of want of confidence.
(Hear.) What, then, is this measure in which we find so
much opposition and difficulty? This is the state of affairs :
that, though not bound to deal with the question of
reform, Lord Derby, taking a large view of the situa-
tion, and foreseeing the difficulties which might hang
over this country in the future, deemed it his duty to make
an attempt to settle the question ; and having determined
to do that, he resolved to do it on a permanent principle.
(Cheers.) He considered the question on a large stile—to
bring about a settlement that would be approved by all
the sensible and patriotic subjects of the Queen ; and he
propounded a measure that was large and liberal in its con-
ception, and also in the application of its principles.
(Cheers.) I say that it was founded upon the right and the
only principle. Now referring to the point to which your
observations have mainly led, to the most important point,
the borough franchise—it was founded upon the only sound
principle upon which that franchise could be hued.
It gave the electoral vote to every householder who was
rated, and who personally paid their rates, and who, by
adequate residence, showed themselves to be in possession
of those civic virtues which entitle (hem to a voice in the
representation of the country. It was indeed the restore-
ti on of the old constitution of the country. It gave back
to the working classes those rights and privileges of which
they, were deprived by the Reform Act of 18:12 ; it seeks
to break down that barrier between the people and their
natural rulers. (Cheers.) You may rest assured that we
shall be firm in adhering to the great principles
of the measures we have brought forward. (Loud
cheers.) Nothing for one moment would make us hesitate
in that determination—(cheers)--nor have we ever for one
instant, despite all that has been said to the contrary,
hesitated in that resolutiou—(bear, hear)—and I am bound to
say that in the House of Commons,asat presentexistiug, we
have found on the whole a generous and candid reception.
We believe there is a sincere desire in the majority of the
house that some measure shall be passed adequate to the
occasion ; and although we may encounter opposition from
some quarters, we feel confident that, from the general
character of the House of Commons, justice will be done
us. Rut at the last moment, when we have carried the
second reading, an opposition is threatened of a very
different character—an appeal is male to the most con-
tracted party feeling • the application is made of the
moat factious party t:actics, in order to defeat the pro-
grem of the measure, and that, too, under the hypo-
critical pretence that the amendment is brought forward
in a friendly spirit—an amendment indeed of a friendly
character, which strikes at the very root and cardinal
principle of our measure. (Shame, shame.) And by
whom is this to be brought forward, or rather counselled
and stimulated! If it were by one hon. gentleman—no
doubt distinguished by sonic amount of ability, and enter-
taining the noble ambition of taking the place of Lord
Derby—we could very well understand the motive ' • but
you must recollect that this manoeuvre is invented by one
who has, as a minister, had every advantage, who has had
the golden opportunities which we never enjoyed, who was
himself in the parliament elected under the auspices of his
own party, but who has with all those advantages so mis-
managed business as to have proved himself perfectly in-
competent todeal with tbe question. (Cheers.) He isnot the
rivalweoughttoenoonnterunderthmecircumetances. When
Lord Derby end his 00l leagues brought forward this measure
at very great sacrifices—when that measure was received by
the House of Commons in a spirit of generous candour—it
did not become a statesman who in this very parliament had
failed in inducing the country to respond to his
measure—l say it does not become him to be the
means of thwarting in this way the government bill.
For if he does succeed, the question of reform may be
postponed for years. Great confusion may arise in the
country, and his success will be most detrimental to
the monarchy, and moat pernicious to the nation. But I
what makes one hope that ho will not succeed in this
pernicious effort is the presence in the House of Commons
of men like yourselves to-day, and in witnessing the patriotic
spirit which animates you. (Cheers.) I shall tell my col-
leagues of the reception I have had from you, and of the
manly sentiments you have expressed as representing
some of the most important towns and communities of the
country. And when you go back to year homes, tell your
friends and neighbours that the hour may arrive—and
that tee shortly—when we must count upon the energy
and public spirit of all of you. (Loud cheers.) Let not
the appeal be made in vain—(cheers)—and if it is success-
ful
you will do much more than support a ministry—you
will save a nation. (Prolonged cheering.)
The Vice• President of the Birmingham Association ten-
dered thanks to the right hon. gentleman for his courtesy
and attention in receiving the deputation, which then
withdrew.

The Oyster Fisheries Bill and the Mutiny Bill
passed through committee.
The house adjourned at 20 minutes to 6 o'clock.

ROUSE OF COMMONS.—DIONDAT, APRIL 8.
lx the Horse of Comm°Ns, Mr. LOCKE referred
to the notice of motion given by Mr. Coleridge, to
be brought forward on the order of the day for
going into committee on the Representation of the
People Bill, and asked the Chancellor of the Ex-
chequer if he would agree to the first part of the
resolution, " that it be an instruction to the com-
mittee that they have power to alter the law of
rating," provided that the latter part, which in-
structed the committee to relieve occupiers of tene-
ments below a certain value from the liability to
personal rating, with a view to fix a line for the
borough franchise at and above which all occupiers
shall be on the rate and hare the vote, be with-
drawn.

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said he had
not been able to fix any definite meaning to the
latter part of the resolution. Ho was willing to
adopt the former part.
Mr. Cot.eatocs said he had no desire to adopt
any course which would lead to a change in the
government. He should consider it a great
calamity if they did not pass a Reform Bill this
session, and as the proposition involved in the
latter part of the resolution could be brought /or-
ward in committee, he was willing to withdtaw
that portion of it.
The first part of the resolution, " That it be an
instruction to the committee that they have power
to alter the law of rating," was then put and
agreed to, after which . . . .

-Sir R. ffavretrrtsv moved "that it be an instruc-
tion to the committee to frame clauses for the
more effectual prevention of bribery and corrup-
tion at elections."

A short discussion ensued on this motion, in the
course of which several members referred to the in-
timidation practised at the Waterford election.
Mr. GLADSTONE said he thought it would be
more convenient to deal with the question of
bribery and corruption by a separate measure, and
the Chancellor of the Exchequer stated that he
had a measure ready to be introduced. The mo-
tion was then withdrawn.

Captain HATTER moved a resolution to the effect
that boroughs having a less population than 10,000
persons,and from which the second seat shall be
taken, hall be increased to that number by having
added to them a sufficient number of inhabitants
from the surrounding district, or from one or more
neighbouring towns.
Thu CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER was not pre-
pared to support the motion, as he did not think
it could be adopted without its being carried to a
greater extent. It would lead to electoral districts,
which should be avoided as much as possible.
The motion was negatived.
Mr. P. &ROPE then rose to address the house
on a motion of which he had given notice, but
which by the forms of the house he was precluded
from moving, to the effect that occupiers of a cer-
tain value be wholly exempted from rates, and that
householders above that value shall alone be en-
titled to vote, and shall have the vote whether
they are rated in person or their rates are com-
pounded for. By adopting this principle he con-
tended they would give fixity to the franchise.
Mr. H. BERKELEY followed with a speech in
favour of the ballot.

Mr. Goiter said the debate on the general prin-
ciple of the bill, which it had been anticipated
would have lasted till Easter, had collapsed in a
most unexpected manner, and in order to give
members an opportunity of expressing their opi-
nions on the principle of the bill, he moved that
the debate be adjourned.
The Cnsweatwa of the EXI'HEQUILIL hoped the
hon. gentleman would not press his motion. He
expressed his deep sense of the generous manner in
which the government had been treated by the
house on the question.
Mr. B. OriBOUNS complained that they were
about to go into committee on a bill the principle
of which had never been discussed. Parliament
had been bamboozled, and they were going into
committee on a bill which he believed no ten mem-
bers in their secret hearts approved of. This bill
was like many of his acquaintances—the more he
knew of it the less ho liked it. It was a bill founded
altogether on false pretences. It professed to ex-
tend the franchise, while in reality it restricted it.
It was a bill to throw dust in the eyes of liberal
members, and had put salt on the tails of 48 mem-
bers. The Chancellor of the Exchequer had
fished on both sides of the stream, and
had caught some members with one bait,
and some with another. Some members thought
the right hon. gentleman was the veiled prophet of
democracy, but they would find that he would use
them only to serve his own purpose. He exposed
the inconsistencies of the members of the govern-
ment, and expressed his regret that Mr. Gladstone
had not tested the opinion of the house by forcing
on a division.

Sir S. NORTHCOTE defended himself from the
charge of inconsistency, and said the rating fran-
chise was in no sense a substitution of the rental
franchise, but an addition to it. If they struck
out the provisions for personal rating and residence,
he for one could not be a party to the measure.
Mr. ALLEN expressed his disapproval of the bill.
Mr. B. HOPE supported the motion for adjourn-
ment.

Mr. Lowe taunted the government with political
immorality in bringing in such a bill. The house
was asked to go into committee on a bill which no
party approved of, under a government which
had not the direction of the bill, and a leader who
had not the confidence of his own party, and ho
asked whether they could hope for anything but
disgrace and failure by proceeding with such a bill
under such circumstances.

After a few observations from Mr. M. CHAM-
BERS, who said he would accept a bill from any
side, but who warned the government that this bill
would not be a settlement of the question' the
house went into committee on the bill, and after
agreeing to the question " That the preamble be
postponed," the chairman was ordered to report
progress, and the further proceeding on the bill
was adjourned till Thursday, and subsequently it
was arranged that it should be the first order on
that day, the Bribery and Corruption Bill being
the second.

The report on the National Debt Acts was brought
up, and a bill was directed to be brought in founded
thereupon.
The Fortifications (Provision for Expenses) Bill
was read a second time.

The Marine Mutiny Bill passed through com-
mittee, and was read a third time and passed.
The Petty Sessions (Ireland) Act (1851) Amend-
ment Bill was read a third time and passed.
The Chester Courts Bill was read a third time
and passed.
The house adjourned at 5 minutes to 10 o'clock.

HEALTH RESTORED By Du BARRY'S FOOD TO THE
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the Pope.—Tina, at Is, lid. ; Ilb , 2s. 9d. ; 12111., 225.. 241 b.. 40s.
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tisement.)

PATENT OFFICE MIISZITIE, 80IITH KENRINOTON.—
Number of visitors for the week ending April 6, 1,947;
total number mince the opening of the Museum, free .Lily
(May 12, 1858), 1,126,618.