The Express.
London, England, 1867-02-20 00:00:00

The Earl of CARNARVON, in moving the second read-
ing of the bill for the confederation of the British North
American colonies, remarked that the measure must be re-
gimlet' in the light of a compact entered into by the accre-
tilted representatives of these province's with the imperial
government. l'ruler its provisions a governor-genend would
be amointed by the crown, and the lieutenant-governor by
the go,ornor-general in council for a term of five years.
There would be two legislative chambers, the upper
to consist of 72 members returned by three sections
of the provinces, with power reserved to the cmwn
to create sic more in case of emergency. With regard
to the lower house, the principle adopted was to provide
a fair proportion of members to each province according to
population. The total number of members in the first
=steam would be 160, subject to future alterations,
allotted to each province from time to time. The
object of the bill was to secure to these provinces com-
plete self-government with respect to local affairs.
Connected with this question was the subject of
the Intereolonial Railway, with reference to which
nearly every recent administration hol been more

or less committed, and the construction of which was
indispensable to the successful establishment of the con-
federation. A closer union between the provinces might
Lame been considered desirable, but this-had been found

iniionteticable, on account of the je.lougy entertained by

tile maritime provinces of their local autonomy. The pre-
bent scheme, therefore, must be considered rather as a
treaty of union btrween the several colonies, and he
thought that great credit was due to their repre-
amitttives for the manner in which they had shown them-
selves superior to local prejudices. In conclusion, Lord
Cara,rvon expres.ied his tirm conviction that the proposal
aa,tained in the bill wmild materially tend to strengthen
the liberties and independence of British North America,
materially promote the development of its resources, and
cement still closer its alliance with the English OMMII.
The Marquis of Normanby and Viscount Mona: gave is
warm support to the bill, which also met with the general
approval of Earl Russell and Lord Lyveden.
The bill was then real a second time, and their lordships
adjourned at a few minutes past Y o'clock.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.—TUESDAY, FEB. 10.
The SPEAKER took the chair at a few minutes before
4 o'clock.

PRIVATE BPSINEELS.
The Norwich, Swaffham, and Mattiahall Roads Dill was
withdrawn.

;SCURVY IN THE NAVY.

On the motion of Mr. LUSK, a return was ordered of the
cases of scurvy reported as occurring on board any British
ship at sea or in port during the last five years, and num-
ber of deaths therefrom, distinguishing each year ; speci-
fying the name and tonnage of the vessel, the port to
which she belongs, where she sailed from outwards, length
of voyage, and port which she Railed from homewards; Also
the number of the officers and mew, and if the disease
manifested itself among the former as well as the latter.
distinguishing as far as possible whether disease occurred
in the outward or homeward postage ; if in sound health
when shipped, and whether they were shipped in thin
country orin a foreign port.