The Express.
London, England, 1867-04-10 00:00:00

THE EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY EVENING, APRIL 10, 1867.

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

P.L I CL plwa

married a catholic, and who afterwards marries
another woman, from pleading that marriage in
defence to an indictment for bigamy.
Mr. Muir, on the part of the Chancellor
of the Exchequer, obtained leave to bring in a bill
for the more effectual preventing of bribery and
corrupt practices at elections.
Mr. Burr also obtained leave to bring in a bill
to amend the Labouring Classes Dwellings Acts
(1866).
The house then went into committee on the
Offices and Oaths Bill, on the first clause of which
a discussion was raised by Mr. Candlish, who
moved the omission of those portions of the clause
which relate tothe office of Lord-Lieutenant of Ire-
land and throw it open to Roman catholics.
Mr. &unman strongly supported the amend-
ment.

HOUSE OF LORDS.—TUENDAY, Aram 9.

95 97
94 96
94 96
114 86
84 86
193 105
106 ICS
105 107
104 108
92 94
1119 104
107 100
105 107
103 106
105 167
106 106
104 106
96 100
96 98

Ix the House of Lotim yesterday, the Earl of
MALMESBURY announced that it would be pro-
posed that their lordships should adjourn for the
Easter holidays on Friday, the 12th inst., until
Thursday, the 2n4 of May.
The Marquis of CLANRICARDE, in moving the
second reading of the Land Tenure (Ireland) Bill,
said its object was to give facilities for voluntary
contracts between landlords and tenants in Ireland.

Lord MCENCR said he did not wish to oppose the
measure, which was well meant, but he suggested
that it should be referred to a select committee.
There was a deep and well-founded sense of
grievance on the part of the Irish tenants, and
until they had removed that feeling by granting
compensation for improvements, they were only
tampering with the question.
The Earl of MALMEMBURV consented to the
second reading without prejudice to the principle
of the bill introduced into the Commons by Lord
Naas. He suggested that both bills should be re-
ferred to the same select committee.
The bill was then read a second time.

Mr. Morrszu. expressed hie belief that there
would be no peace in Ireland until there was
perfect religious equality.

Mr. Newdegate, Mr. Vance and Mr. Kinnaird
opposed the clause, and Mr. Pim strongly sup-
ported it.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER, while he
admitted that there were good reasons for throw-
ing the office of Lord Chancellor of Ireland open
to Roman catholics, said there was a great
difference with regard to the office of Lord-Lieu-
tenant of Ireland ; and ho thought it an unwise
and indiscreet act of the Roman catholics to press
for a change of the law with regard to the Lord-
Lieutenant. He believed that their doing so would
revive prejudices and excite animosities which
were happily subsiding.

The Vice-Admiralty Courts Bill and the Canons
Railway Bill were respectively read a second time.
The Marquis of Wssructru called attention to
the prevalence of ritualistic practices in the
church of England, and in a speech of some length
contended that in the event of a commission being
issued it would not be entitled to any confidence if
several of the bishops were appointed on it, especially
the Bishops of Oxford, of Salisbury, of Gloucester,
and of Chichester, whom he charged with popish
observances.

Mr. Ocaurross supported the clause. The
functions of the Lord-Lieutenant as to ceremonial
were of a high order, but his political functions
were of a leas order than that of the Secretary of
State who directed his policy, and who might be a
Roman catholic. In the government of the three
kingdoms they ought to have respect to the cha-
racter and the conviction' of each country.
On a division the amendment was carried by
143 to 140. No opposition was raised to the other
clauses, and the bill passed through committee.
The Transubstantiation, &c., Declaration Abo-
lition Bill passed through committee unaltered, an
amendment moved by Mr. NEWDEOATE to retain
the declaration, but couching it in less offensive
terms, being rejected by 135 to 76.

The Duke of MARLBOROUGH complained of the
unfairness of the noble marquis in bringing for-
ward this question when he knew the Bishop of
Oxford was engaged in his diocese at the confirma-
tions.

The Marquis of WLSTMEATH said he should have
postponed Ma motion if ho had not been afraid
that the royal commission would be issued.
The subject then dropped, and their lordships
adjourned at 20 minutes to eight o'clock.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.—TUFADAY, APRIL 9.
IN the Hoosit of COMMONS, Mr. GLADSTON E gave
notice that in committee on the Representation of
the People Bill, in the event of the amendment
limiting the rateable value in parliamentary bo-
roughs being adopted, he shall move that whenever
' the rateable value of any tenement falls below 51.
by reason of any deduction of less than 20 per cent.
from the gross estimated rental, the occupier may
claim to vote if otherwise qualified.
Sir M. Pare moved for the appointment of a
select committee to inquire into the means adopted
by the London, Chatham, and Dover Railway
Company for raising the share capital and exer-
cising their borrowing powers under the various
acts of parliament authorising the construction of
the main line and its extensions and branches."
He said he should be wanting in personal candour
if he did not admit that, after the unfair and im-
proper manner in which his name had been mixed
up in the affairs of this company, he wished on
personal grounds that the committee should be
appointed, but he asked for it on public grounds
alone. The line, including all its branches, was
only 136 miles long, but there had been passed 26
acts of parliament for its construction • there were
five distinct undertakings, 29 separate share powers,
24 debenture powers, and no less than 13 Chancery
suits were pending to determine the rights of the
various parties. He thought that an inquiry into
these matters would be useful in influencing future
legislation.

The Criminal Law Bill was read a third time and
Passed. .

The other orders of the day were disposed of,
and the house adjourned at twenty-five minutes
past one o'clock

THE DISesENTIENT LIBERALS.

The following letter from Professor Fawcett was
read by Mr. White, M.P. for Brighton, at a meet-
ing held in that town on Monday evening :

Howe of Commons, S.W., April 8.

My dear Mr. White,—l am very glad that you are going to
the reform meeting at Brighton this evening. Pray tell the
meeting how much I wish I could be on the platform with
you, but I am sure you will agree with me, that in an im-
portant debate it would not be advisable for both of us to
be absent from the house. Your views on the present dif-
ficult political crisis so nearly agree with my own, that I
believe the opinions you will express will very
accurately represent what I should desire to say. Men
who, like ourselves, have always advocated household
suffrage, are placed in a very painful dilemma by the " in-
struction" to he moved this evening by Mr. Coleridge. It
appears to me that that motion, by distinctly affirming
the necessity of fixing a line beneath which there should
be no enfranchisement, aims • direct blow against the
principle of household suffrage. I can in all sincerity
say that we have both given the subject our moat careful
and anxious consideration. No one in the house can be
more desirous of voting with Mr. Gl..dstone than we are ;
and although it is most painful to be even temporarily iso-
lated from our party, yet I am confident that our
constituents, after hearing your statement, will
approve the decision which we have resolutely formed,
not to vote for Mr. Coleridge's motion, in its present style.
Whether it may be incumbent upon um to take the ex.
treme course of voting against the " instruction," must
be determined by the events of the debate. The great in-
justice of the tory Reform Bill is, that it imposes new re-
strictions upon those who will be enfranchised. I am
hopeful that we shall be able to remove these defects in
committee. If the liberal party had thought it desirable
to take action before going into committee, • clear and
distinct issue ought to have been raised, which would
have been at once understood by the whole country.
We should, for instance, have attacked the most vital
defect of the bill, and should have affirmed a principle,
to which every liberal could have given a cordial assent,
if it had been moved, that all to whom it is intended
to give the suffrage should be placed with regard to
payment of rates, registration, and residence, in the
same position as those who now have votes. In con-
elusion, I will only say how rejoiced I am that we shall
be able to act cordially together, and sincerely hoping
that the meeting may be thoroughly successful, believe
me to be, my dear, Mr. White, yours truly,
J. White, Esq., M.P. HIES MY Fawcxrr.

11 The CHANCELLOR of the Excirsqusu, after pay-
ing a tribute to the worth of Sir M. Peto, said he
did not think the house could enter on such an
inquiry. It was not connected with its duties. If
they were to inquire into this railway company,
why not into other railway companies? and if into
other railway companies, why
Snot into other joint-
stock companies ? . . .

Mr. B;RINti asked Mr. Whatman whether he
intended to persevere with an amendment of
which he had given notice to extend the inquiry
into the means adopted by three of the members
for Huntingdon, Briatol, and Dover, for raising
money for the Grand Trunk Railway of Canada and
the London, Chatham and Dover Railway 1
Mr. WiLtreLts said after the statement which
had been made, he should not proceed with it ; but
he was perfectly willing to meet the hon. gentle-
men mentioned in his notice in any way they
might think proper—an expression which caused
much merriment.

Lord CRANISOHNE said he thought the practices
of placing such notices on the paper, and then not
proceeding with them, should be disco
Mr. CRAWPORD submitted that it wouludlleedout of
order for the hon. member to move a resolution
affecting the conduct of members in matters not
connected with the house.
The SPEAKER ruled that the amendment was in
order.

Mr. Gladstone has addressed the following letter
to Mr. Alderman Carter, the president of the Leeds
Reform League, in reply to a communication from him :
" 11, Carlton-house-terrace, S.W., April n, 1867.—Dear
Bir,—l am much obliged by your letter. My duty, as you
will lam sure agree with me, is to collect and to weigh
with respectful care the various opinions entertained
among those who are anxious for the prompt settle-
ment of the reform question by a liberal and equal
measure of enfranchisement, And this duty I am anxious
to fulfil in the spirit of trust and confidence, and with
the belief that the spirit of mutual forbearance which
has been recommended to parliament, as a whole,
will not be found wanting in that portion of it which forms
the liberal party. Your reference, however, to a rental
of seven pounds leads me to say, that while Ido not
think it would be prudent to revert to the franchise pro.
posed last year, approved as it then was by the general
body of reformers, I am also of opinion that any change
we make must be a change in the direction of more liberal
enfranchisement. —I remain, &c., W. E. OLLIATONZ.—
Alderman Carter, Leeds."
OPEN-AIR RRPORM MERTINO AT THE WEST-END.
Last evening a meeting in favour of parliamentary refonn,
convened by the delegatesof the western district branchesof
the Reform League, was held in Portland-place. on the
site of the Marylebone hustings, in front of the statue of
the Duke of Kent. Several hundred persons, chiefly
working men, were present. The proceedings were ex-
ceedingly orderly throughout, and the meeting separated,
cheering for Mr. Bright and Mr. Mill.
_ _

Mr. T. BARING and Mr. FRESHFIELD both Com-
plained of the injustice done to them in the notice
having been placed on the paper and then not
brought forward.
Mr. Wsrsix bore testimony to the honourable
conduct of Mr. Baring in the matter referred to.
Mr. K. HODGSON vindicated his own conduct.
Mr. GLADSTONE, who also paid a high compli-
ment to the character of Sir M. Peto, joined
the Chancellor of the Exchequer instating that
the subject was not a proper one for inquiry by the
house.

Mr. Serjeant GASILFA said Mr. Whatinan ought
to retract his implied charges " almost on his
knees."

Mr. T. CAVE said Mr. Whatman had withdrawn
the amendment because he was advised ;that the
matters referred to were not iu the cognisance of
the house.
The motion was then withdrawn.

Colonel FRZNCH moved for leave to bring in a
bill to amend the representation of the people
of Ireland. He said he did not propose to
disfranchise any borough, but he proposed that
every constituency should consist of not less than
one thousainlyoters, and where the borough did not
contain that number—and in Ireland there were
25 of these—he proposed to add to the constituency
by adding some other town to it. The county
occupation franchise he proposed to reduce from a
121. rating to an 8/. rating, and the borough fran-
chise to a 41. rating.
Mr. Vases said he could hardly think that a
bill on such a subject, brought in by a private
member, could find favour with the house when
the government had promised to bring in a bill
upon it.

REFORM MELTING AT BRIGHTON.—On Monday
evening a reform meeting, called by the mayor on requi-
sition, was held at Brighton. Mr. W. Conuigham, late
member for the borough, was voted to the chair, and ex-
pressed himself favourable to the consideration of the
present bill in committee. Mr. J. Wood moved, and Mr.
W. 1). Savage, seconded—" That this meeting approves
of theclauses in the Reform Bill which recognise the ex ten.
*ion of the suffrage to every ratepayer ; but denounces the
proposal of personal payment of rates, and two years' re-
sidence, whereby the proffered boon would be in • large
measure nullified." Mr. Thompson moved, and Mr.
Woodward seconded, another resolution, condemning
Mr. Coleridge's instruction, and expreuing confidence that
the members for the borough would unite in endeavouring
to secure the enactment of household suffrage pure and
simple, with the addition of the lodger franchise. Mr.
JlllllO. White, M.P., was present at the meeting, and
spoke at considerable length. Holding, as be did, that if
tiny have the will, we have the power, of making this bill
a good bill, he was strongly of opinion that we should go
into committee upon it. Supposing, as was alleged, that
the bill emerges from the committee a bad bill—well then,
the forms of the house required that before a bill is
enacted it must be read a third time.

-
Lonl NAAs said he should offer no opposition to
the introduction of the bill.

Leave was then given to bring in the bill.
Sir L. PALK called attention to the report of the
commissioners on bribery and corruption at the
elections for the borough of Totnes ; to the direct
interference of the Duke of Somerset in the poli-
tical affairs of that borough ; to the ejection of his
tenants after the election in that year ; and to the
acts of bribery and intimidation stated by the
report to have been practised by Mr. Michaelmore,
the duke's steward. He said it was intended to
prosecute an obscure innkeeper at Totnes, and he
had risen to ask the house whether all who were
implicated should not stand at the bar of justice
as well as that unfortunate innkeeper.
Mr. A. SevMouk said the innkeeper in question
it was proposed to prosecute, not for bribery, but
for perjury. He defended the conduct of the
Duke of Somerset, and denied most of the charges.
Sir R. PaLmea followed at some length in vin-
dication of the charges made against the Duke of
Somerset ; and after some observations from Mr.
H. Bxngsasy, whn expressed his belief that many
members of that house owed their seats to the in-
terference of peers and the intimidation practised
by them, and from Mr. Monaisom, the motion was
withdrawn.

RAILWAY AND OTHER BILLS IN PARLIAMENT.
—The only bill which passed through their lordship.'
committees yesterday in the House of Lords was that of
the Northumberland Central Railway, Lord Redesdale
being the chairman. In the House of Commons' commit-
tees the preamble of the Mersey (Docks and Harbour)
Railway Bill was declared to have been proved, and the
clauses were settled. In Group 3 the various bills known
as the Devon group again occupied the attention of the
committee, the decisions in most cases depending upon
the bearings of the respective measures. The Ilfracombe
Railway, the Devon and Somerset and Bristol and Exeter
Railway, and the Devon and Somerset Railway were fur-
ther considered ; and the Devon and Somerset (Extension)
Railway MILS taken and proceeded with.
_ . _

[Ad;ertiaement. 1 —HOLLOWAY'S PiLts. Wise
Precaution. —The unwholesome vapour and frequent chills de-
range the animal economy to an Immense extent. and perma-
nently undermine the health, unless every now and thefi the
blood be purified, the secretions rectified, and thenerves restrung.
Holloway'. Pills perform these several neemardy °Mon with cer-
tainty. safety, and expedition. Old and young, robust and feeble,
male and female, will find them pills an unfailing domestic
remedy . not only in alight sicknesses, but also in more serious
and dangerous diseases which spring from neglect of early
symptoms. Yet, under the purifying and correcting influence of
Holloway's inestimable medicine the appetite Improves, the
digestion gain, strength, the liver acts freely, the kidneys
secrete abundantly, and health is triumphant.

Lord Er.cno obtained leave to bring in a bill to
amend the game laws in Scotland.
Mr. Serjeant Aamerraoxo obtained leave to bring
in a bill to amend the law on mixed marriages in
Ireland, so far as to prevent a protestant who has