The Express.
London, England, 1858-05-06 00:00:00

(Stamped ld. Additional.) g WOP.,ENCE.

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IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF COMMONFL—WaDinteadT, MAT 5.
The 8 took the. abaft at 12 o'clock.
MARRIAOE WITH • DECEASED WIFE'S SISTER.
In the debate on the mooed reeding on Lord Bury's bill,
Mr. B. HOPE (whose speech arsine( the bill erne reported
in the lizpross yesterday) precluded by moving that the bill
be reed a second time that day six month.. (Hear.)
Mr. Bt X TON supported the bill, contending that the
pain inflicted by the low was a much greater evil than any
that could result from the legalisation of such marriages im
those contemplated by the bill now before the bond With
respect to the allusion to the common °MINIM of the church
for fifteen centuries, he would only my, that 300 years ego
the marriage of mats wee unlawful, se wee also that of
fret cousins; and that the opinion of the church could not
make that immoral which was not condemned, end which by
implication wee allowed in the word of God. (Hear, hew.)
If the immorality of such marriages could be distinctly
proved he would yield at once, but so long es he believed
they were not morally wrong he thought it was most unjust
to forbid their oelebrutioo. (Hear.)
Mr. COWER raid if the hon. member for Maidstone
Itssefted that ell the marrisges of this description which bad
taken place led heist got up by Messrs. Crowder and May-
nard be evinced sweater credulity than it wag .eoarvelyc
@ibis to expect fa the mind of any hon. member. (Hear. It
,awed,aweded to him (Mr. Collier) that if • mum sad woman desired
to many, it was not kr them to show why they should do
es, bet fur those who objected to the eiege to show
why It ought not to take plane. (Her, beer.)
Objeodon eb.oald be plain,
land cher itad
Some prohibition by the w of Oted--gode pro-
kilned by the low of artnee—or same kradelbie
re oven
le evilairelep°ktgitra, nawnlerst.
debate the a geyser
seemed to been deco-
sled, end the ter=tinre robed rested on social
rdnde. The ground had again been touched upon,
bet not with say wry great success. The religious argu-
ment was bend on cat tut, and one text only—" Thou @halt
sot take a wife to ber sister, in her life time, to vex
her." The obvious interpretation of that text would be
"You ant not to take • wife to her sister in her life time,
but yes may do go after her death." (Hear, hear.) An
analogy was raised from the are of the brother's wife, and
it was said that • brother wee prohibited from marrying his
berider's wife. But the prohibition Impeded in Sculpture
WS that of taking • brother', wife in his life time. Arum-
log that to bas prohibition to many a brother's widow, was
It en the ground that the marriage would be incestuous P It
was impossible to support the prohibition on that ground, be-
came in another chapter • man is enjoined to marry his
brother's widow, If she be childless, and to raise up seed to
Me brother. (Hear.) Could the incest depend on the question
of children f It was obvious that ne such argument
could be mecca* maintained. Then were the onrtneexant
that could be referred to as bearing distinctly on this quer
tirm. But what had been the interpretation of the law P It
bed been said that " Leviticus wee drafted with as much
care se an act of parliament." But If that book wee Intended
lo convey to the Jew, a prohibition to contract each tsar.
rims, was it possible that it would have been so worded that
they would not have been able to understand it ? (Hear,
beer.) The Jews had always held that they had the right
to cesdrect sack laminae, and had been in the habit of con-
=theta up to this very time. That peoplebad been
for their backsliding, but amongst those
terkelidings the of these marriages had never
boa landed. (Hear, bear.) It seemed Impossible for
those who stood by the Act of Lord Lyndhurst to maintain
that these marriage@ were contrary toil'e divine law ; for that
act bed expressly sanctioned all such marriages as had taken
plea before that time, end it wee not to be eupposed that the
legislature had directly sanctioned • violation of the divine
law. (Beer, hear.) If the question was to be argued upon
scriptural grounds, the Scriptures permitted such mar-
riages. The Jews practised them. But if the question wee
a doubtful one, surely the house ought not to be
turned into a convocation' council, to interpret doubt-
ful texts. (Hear, hear.) He now came to the social ground
on which the attempt wee made to defeat the bill. It wee not
right to prohibit such msniagea on sentimental grounds, or
on the suggestion of imaginary evils. Clear evidence must
be adduced of the overwhelming evils likely to arise from
merrio,ges of that description. Now what were the alleged
evils ? It had been represented that the wife would be de-
voured by jealousy, and actuated by feelings of bitterness and
hostility to her reter—that the sister would be intriguing to
supplant the wife—that the husband would adder his
auctions from the wife to the eater, and would be intriguing
with bet or entertain the wish to marry her after the wife's
death, sad that the pease of the household would thus Mat
as end. He would only say that If husbands end wives and
glens were so vicious es they had been rreeppreasMeanted to be,
they could not be made virtuosi by act of parliament. (Hear,
bear.) But were them bars real or imaginary ? Dial they
mind where these marriages were allowed P They did not
prevail In America, and he did not find any movement baking
place to any country for the repeal or change of the law
respecting molt marriages. (Hear, hear.) And what was the
origin of the present law in this country ? It was passed for
the purpose of gratifying the lust of one of the most arbitrary
monfire that ever sat upon the throne. (Hear.) Up to the time
of the palming of Lord Lyndhureeo Act, modally these
marriages took place, ad the children became legitimate
unless steps were taken to render the marriage invalid. Now,
did any evils arise from the maintenance of this law ? So
long aa men believed that these marriage were not contrary
to the Scriptures, nor prohibited by toe law of nature, they
would continue to contract them, and misery would ensue.
It was well known that perms had gone to Denmark under
the belief that they had the right to connect marriage them
and it wag only within the hot tow weeks that they had been
informed that such marriages were illegal and that their
children were bastards. (Hear, hear.) Some sympathy
ought to be felt at least for the children, who were the
denims of the t most unjust law. (Hear, hear.) The
law attended with evil amongst the higher classes, but
with still greater evil amongst the lower; for whilst amongst
the former it caused scandal, amongst the latter it produced
guilt. Believing that there was no scriptural objection to
the bill, no objection based on the law of nature, and that it
would not be productive of social itoondaience he would
give Ids cordial anent to the second reading of the bill,
Mr. BAINES supported the bill, knowing from his own
personal experience many odes illustrative of the hardship of
the premed law. Applying his own capacity to the exataing-
tics of tbe of Scripture which related to the sub-
ject be was • to swertain any prohibition of these rear-
norm He found that those to whom the words were ori-
etilundreamed never put say such interpretation upon
aad that @loon avery Christian state had permitted
snob marriages, either by easation or otherwise, and if
by dawned= they could nut suppose them to have been
prohibited expressly by the Word ot God. Meer Imer.)
The whole body of prnestent dissenters through/rut the
country were, as nearly as possible, ntiaahnous on the sub-
ject of the inexpediency of the existing law, the repeal of
which wag now asked for. The experiment of prohibiting
marriage, by act of parliament had during the last 11 years
merely foiled, and the five able commissioners who bad in-
(be subjoin sot only stated that the act lid
to attain Ire object but expressed their belief that no
meow" of • prohibitory obender would he effecand. The
real question far the sonsidaratiou of this house was timeline of
the existing low with regard to tbe intereetsof the poorer oldies.
And now allow him to call the attention of the house to the
evidence of the Rev. J. F. Denham, the rector of St. Mary-
le-Strand and the lecturer of St. Bride's, Fleet-street.-
- Have you reason to think that marriages of this description
(with a deceased wife's sister) are common among the lower
elegem P—l think they have bed very common. Have you
is • matter of export. d and ea regards the lower classes
especially, formed an opinion whether • marriage of that de-
gerlidon generally onstributeo to the comfort and to the
moral benefit of the parties P—Decidedly se. Do you believe
It to be of advantage fur the deaden of a poor man who it
dread In his work, to had the sister of their deceased
mother as their stepmother P—Very great ; that is the great
i inducement to t, it is a great denature. Have you ever had
adagios to observe, either in the middling cameo or in the
poorer oldies, any injury or immorality arising from marriages
of thisdescrlption?-1 havenever men a our of doh a nature."
Then three of the present bishops, the Bishop of Carlisle, the
, Bishop of Bath and Wells, and the Bishop of Ripon, all of
whom bad ministered to populous parishes, eke In favour
of ibis alteration of the low. And so were nowise the Rev.
Canon Chionpneys sad Dr. Hook, the vicar of Leeds. Ass! other argument in favour of this bill was to be draw' frees
the Wrdehipe which the present law sometimes inflicted on
the poor, and on the point he would @tete one or two cow
which card wider he observation while he was Prandeat of
the Poor-law Board. A man contracted a marriage of this
kind, end had a family. He turned out profligate, end there
ware no mama of compelling him to maintain his wits and
bmily, and be laughed at the relieving officer when he
attempted to compel him to MaiDttill them. In the eye of
the law the woman wee not his wife sad the children were
not hie children. Then take another case, that of a
lad who had contracted • marriage of this kind.
He and his wife lived teeter and they had
several children. Pewee am dew ere urea
him, and they biome_ penega. Aail sow wine OM
d ibis law emalinai- Ibet wide be alma
wrreletailler a eliebiereas her—the law of eaineee
They beer ebergegle, tithe Wee tree tom my
hem all elk end seat to pet of the 'gentry, while the
ells wee Nat der her mile mos, lee Wag in the eye the kw us with the ebtlieus. lee la
,thi:Eet the law
woe beeile, . Thees
were OD mere lallisbue el the bat ears bed
Ulm eke ble eleuvallea. Ha wwll andade with
qestleg tho epees d theDeem ea eh That
lietelyedge pallid Wag v. ale
aid bed MI op=4:ll={ whet the leer we led
Dares we a teed ma. sod awe
the Ins Wag be Mem he mar • yeedilet ea Ilde 'abase
sad
leant the owaiedlig tbat
.ceded is t It led
If tbe se bee theme
lepe the. Idl
by bee
beam awe aumates, ate lab emeg lbe leer shoe
hip ~Me d elm ow woria fpereld the

existence of this and similar interference by law with free-
dom, bet anion the cultivated, the thosighttul, the con-
acientioua, the sampler,: if the Mira, est by the kw is
not stamped by the public opinion; if the offenders ere am
well received Am beim% sad at. •••• Para for acting ca
• just view of esdpeurel bate, perverted erroneous bier-
pretetion in seek ore it well sorely be more politic to snake
the law townsmen with reams then to pereevire in a trek-
leer endeavour to bend reason to arbitrary law, to vex end
=te where we cannot prevent, to sane wham the
as nor caned, and defy whom He he. not did.' *
Mr. DRUMMOND should amenity roes maim* Web"
though he *drained that it was imponsibb to allow the per
sent state of this's to exist meek lionmir. If they to
know the mitoses of yews book, they mime resort to the
opinions of those who lived nearest to the time Mime men
not • doubt that it was the doctrine of the awed lip to the
time of that singularly wicked men. Pope Alenseder, that It
WWI contrary to the law of God for • sea to hie waifs
slater. Mr. Balsas said it wee of no use se gto sees.
blish a practice which was costrery to piddle opiates, end
that as the statute had not pet down this prank*, they
should repeal it. Now, that seemed rather • dingerens doc-
trine. Tiny had acts of parliament against all sorts of
things whisk these acts had not yet put down; but would
they repeal the act against murder or poison, ho.
came murder was committed, and pence administered ?
It would be dread on Inquiry that the larger number of the
Idiots were the oNsprinx of incestuous marriages, and it wee
notorioes that be Spam where Merino= marriages were
more comma among the grandees than in other parts of the
world, their oiplyg bad deteriorated mentally and phy-
sically. He had an doubt that these marriage* were loom-
tuoua. The church bad never varied on the subject, and they
might repeal the en of parliament or not, but the merrily
would reek dements.

Sir O. C. LEWIS said he should give a cordial vote in
favour of,ehebe.. B. had hardly ever heard an important
question debated in than %nee in which a mare dilarribted
attempt had been Ends by an appeal to prejudice and the
employment of hank Imes. The hon. member for Maidstone
milled it • bill to estabhelt polygamy, though he need not
remind the house that theemenee of polygamy wee that • man
should have several wives living at the same time. Then the
hon. member for Surrey said thus marriages were incestuous,
that being the very matter which was in question. The
real diMealty which embarrassed the question was of recent
date. It originated in the ace brought in by Lord Lynd-
hurst in 1835. From the Beirmation up to 1835 • marriage
with a deceased wife's deter was sot void, but was
by a nit in the Eccieslestioal Court. Practically, unless pro.
party were involved, such suits were not instituted. lJn-
fottunately, Lord Lyndhurst, in order to prevent a certain
nobleman from susteining a peaaniary injury, brought in this
bill to render such marriages which had been contracted up
to then valid, but rendering void all subsequent marriages
of that deacuption. In all other countries such martinis
might be solemnised. In the other prWrtant states then
was no law against them, and in catholic countries a dispen-
sation might be obtained. Many persona, acting on the opi-
nion of eminent lawyers, had contracted marriages of
this kind abroad, believing that the law of this country
would recognise as valid a marriage which was valid in
the conatry in which it was solemnised. A recent decision,
however, had declared those marriages invalid, and those
unfornmate persons—he believed they might be numbered
by hundreds and thousands—now found that those mar-
=shed been void hem the beginning, and that their
wen bastards. He thought that was • cess of
greet hardship.
Mr. HOPE explained that he did not use the word poly-
gamy in the sense ascribed to him, and said he was barely
likely to do so, as he knew the use of words. He was
alluding to the ease el a Jew, with whom polygamy was
allowed, having two sisters as wives at the same time.
The LORD ADVOCATE said he should not enter into
the theological part of the question. The question must be
dealt with by the house chiefly on the ground of policy or
expediency, and in that point of view he was anxious to call
the attention of the home to the manner in which this bill
proposed to deal with Scotland, and which he thought con-
stituted • fatal objection to the manure. In the last
elates it was provided that the act should not extend to mar-
riages hereafter contracted in Scotland. That was • comer/-
non to the strong feeling on the sobjeot in Scotland. By the
Westminster Confession of Faith, which the Chunk of Soot-
land was bound by. it was provided that" tui=l=
to be within the degree of conauguinity or
in the Word of God. Nor can such Incestuous maniere
ever be made lawful by any law of man or consentof parties."
And then it provided that a man may not messy his wife's
kindred, and that the wife may not marry her husband's
kindred. The law of Sootlantthad always been in aceordanes
with the 10 of the church in this reaped, and such marriages
were rep 112 t
to the feelings of the pee* of %DONA.
It wee that the dissent were in favour of this bill, but
the Westminster Confession of Faith expounded the opinions
of • very large motion of the dissenters. By the wand
chums it was provided that marriages of this l&d might be
telebrated, and that they should be legal, so that the excep-
tion in favour of Scotland was after all a sham, and all that
• Sootchman had to do would be to come to England with
his deceased wife's sister, centred a marriage with her
in England, and (then he might return to Scot-
land and live a life of scandal with that woman.
This bill would put an did to the tie of brother and sister, in
which he included the relations of brother-in-law and sister-
in-law. The bill was an innovation, and the burden of
showing its expediency and its policy rested with its pro-
moters.

Mr. PULLEE—If the question rested on social grounds
only, he confessed that be maid not maintain it, though be
should hesitate to interpose hie vote when the happiness sad
interests of parties were so deeply involved. The cue of the
niece was exactly pullet to that of the deceased wife's sister,
and he thought before the house weeoompetent to pus a bill
altering what was very generally understood to be law
founded upon the divine law, they mbt to have some fur-
ther information, end he recomeenisi government to 'NW a
commission of lawyers end divines to obtain such informa-
tion.

Mr. M. MILNES thought the house was fully competent
to pronounce an opinion upon a subject which had occupied
so much of public attention. In reply to the obeervations
the Lord Advocate se to the omission of Scotland boa the
operation of the bill, be explained that the promoters were
influenced to omit floutland became the marriage law of Soot-
land differed in many particulars from the marriage law of
England, and became also there was no appal ent demand on
the part of the people of Scotland for any change in the
existing law. It was urged that if you allowed marriage in
one case of affinity you must allow it in all. No such
thing; they were to permit such marriages only so far as
they were consonant with common sense and with
the religious feeling of the people, founded upon •
MIMS sense interpretation of the Scriptures, and any
latirforese• with the freedom of contracting =triage
beyond that we. • hardship and • grievance. The opposition
to this bill was confined to the tipper dames, but thousands
of the lower end middle dames, whose happiness was involved
in the result, were most anxious for it. Hs trusted the
house would confirm Its previous &edam on this matter by
such a majority ea would have as idiot In smithy pima.
Mr. AK ROYD remarked that there wee enhance of
opinion even amongst the bishop as to the propriety of the
existing prohibition, and there was a growiag petty swoop&
the parochial clergy In favour elthe alterellea sew proposed.
It was merely sufficient for those whosapposeisseharrrieges
prohibited to act upon their stavisak but they ought not
to go further and seek to farm es via those who
oessoientiously Mired ken them es to the seriptaral autho-
rity, and the promise, if them miserfspa. The abaft law
was a vestige- of then inleimest spirit which kmarly re-
velled, and its notimansere was adealeted to alienate the
confidence of the people la their
Mr. MALINS-Mmetaillila =l"re wird the 11111.
The arguments agnieet b win latedegital end eselet.
regard to the theological groat* the °plaices of esintat
divines which had been quoted dismantled say person tram
tieing that argument dogmatically. For his own port,
be could not admit that there was any theolo-
gical or scriptural ground &pinta these marriages.
Neither did he believe that they would have that injurious
effect upon the social virtues that had been urged by the Lord
Advocate and others. Previoua to 1835 these marriegcs were
voidable but not void ; and though thoueends of them took
place, there were not, he believed, in fifty years tan applica-
tions to void marriages within thin degree. This showed the
feeling of the country on the subject. But whet had bees
the effect of the law of 1836 P A meat deoleica bad matte
all such marriages void, though contrasted in a hedge
country, notwithstanding that the highest legal opinions
had held the costrary, view. In the ease alluded
to, " Brook v. Brook, ' In yid& he wee 110611.1111,
he had the opinion of the prosiest Attorney
the late AttoenerGeneral, and severalClseetee to=

the highe;eniTtiwTesth7t, pruvidWrthetaarririe with the
dammed wife's slater wee solemnised la a °country when
sorb marriages were legal, they would be valid hare. Upon
the faith of such authonies, hundreds of of this
description had been °minded ; sad he to the
house whether it was right that the land of all each war-
riarniehnald be enamelled with bedstead, and digalierited?
BURY briefly replied to some of the argassests
advanced spinet the bill, and
The house dlvide4—

---
For the &mad reading 174
A/Mimi 134-40
The result wee received with much cheering.
Tsu bill was relieved $o be oomiattted on the 20th.

CHURCH RATE 4BOLITION.-8001ITY FOR TH3
LIBERATJON OF RELIGION FROM STATE
PATRONAGE AND CONTROL.

The annual meeting of this society was held last
evening at Bt. Martin's Hall, and was numerously attended.
There were present ea the platform Charles Cowan Bpld P., L. Dillwyn, Esq., M.P., Dr. Halley Edward
Yfell Esq., Dr. Archer; C. E. Ealing, Face ,of Liverpool;
the Mayor of Oxford ; Hairy Wills, Req., of Bristol; Pro-
f/nor Earth, Rey. J. Bursa; and a large number of the
Fortuna members of the society.
Mr. Cowan, M.P., on taking the chair, said he was an
humble Aloe-bearer in the Free Church of Scotland, and
there was almost ea identity of object between that shwa
and this amelation, that abject being to rid all religions
bodies from the fatal teseinale of state palronspesed ocesteeL
(Applause.) Some twe,y yeses ago many ea leedisg
members of the Free Chia ware elistiegulasel for their
advocacy of establishments ; but they were far happier sad
mars anal sow that they had been driven out et the este-
babes, (Haar, bear.) Ever sines the Reformation the
principle had been sacredly minteined in Soothed, that
paler should be intruded as • coaregation. The nate-
masa of that principle had cased two secessions from the
Scotch Church before that of the Free Chunk. In
sassy instates, unacceptable and even immoral mi-
nisters had been forced on congregations—axestbnes
at the point of the bayonet. Such scene. as those lad, 16
years ago, to the memorable exodus of 474 whalers hone the
established church. Previous to that time the four or five
voluntary schemes supported in Scotland raised about
2,0001. • year each ; and there was a tendency to discourage
missionary effort. Now them was collected not hoe than
300,0001. per annum, of which 110,0001. was contributed to
the sustenance of 800 ministers, being about 1301. ta 1401. •
yearn larger sum than the average receipt of the English
clergy. (Hear, hear.) In England they were eagegsd in
an antoons object, the abolition of church rens; and he
trusted, notwithstanding the unjust opposition that was
raised, that their efforts would be crowned with complete
nooses. He bad frequently voted in the house for the aboli-
tion of this objectionable and unnecessary impost. (Hear,
be Ir.) He toted that the principles of civil snd religious
liberty would always command a ready echo in the hearts of
true-born Britons. (Applause.) they had able leaders who
had often led them to victory, and no doubt would do so
again. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. CARYEI.L WILLIAM, the secretary of the society,
read the annual report. It stated that the society had now
been fourteen yews in existence. At the last annual meeting
hey had to regret the low of many champions from the
House of Commons; but the committee had now to
tuba the society on the re-election of Mane. BrighM
sem and Fox, and the probability of the restoration to the
house of other friends of the society. (Hear, hear.) The
abortive measure of Lord Aberdeen's government, continuing
the collection of minister's money in Ireland, bad been de-
cisively condemned, and Mr. Fagan had carried, bye majority
of 140, the till which, with the society's help, he had before
vainly premed on parliament, as the only effective method of
redress. This had a stimulating influence on the opponents of
the annuity tax in Edinburgh aid Montrose ; and understand-
ing that the bill for abolishing it is regarded as a satisfactory
settlement, the society will have pleasure in co-operating with
Scottish voluntarist to obtain for it the approval of parlia-
ment. There had been changes far more sweeping. By the
meation of the Testamentary and Divorce Courts the power
of the Church of England over the people had been further
circumscribed, and the existence of ecclesiastical courts had
become to the last degree precarious. The committee had, on
former osseous, referred in congratulatory terms to their
exertions to secure modifications of the Burial Acts, and again
they had been aucceerfuL Most of the amendments which
they sought to introduce in the bill of last session had paned,
and would dispose of those vexatious questions which threat-
ened to make the resting-place of the dead • new battle-
ground on which to contend for the rights of the living. As
respects church rates, parliamentary action last session was
lost; in part by the occurrence of the dissolution, but chiefly
by the non-fulfilment of ministerial pledges. This peer, before
the cession commenced, they asked for en interview with the
Prime Minister, to find out the real intentions of the cabinet,
and to place before the country a decisive refutation of the
min-statements of the " Committee of Laymen." As many as
140 galleas wan in attendance, and tareseetstives hos
eliftq dialed localitiesdemonstrated the wide prevalence of
antipathy to the system. They concluded that the govern-
ment were no move likely to deal with the question in 18.58
than in 1867, and were rocceseltd in widely circulating the•
statistical statements. Within ten dam Sir J. Trelawny
pee notice of his bill ; in three more it was read a first time
without opposition ; and within another week had passed the
second rie, by a larger majority (63) than had ever bane
ameoliesed the principle of abolition. For the first time the
House of Common has been engaged in considering in com-
mittee the details of • bill for the extinction of church rates,
and the friends of abolition were congratulated on the un-
faltering spirit of their repreeentetine, and on the unity
which had marked their councils. Those who tenacious)y
adhered to the existing law, in the hope of retaining ecclesi-
astical taxation in anew form, or of obtaining some substitu-
tionary fund, had failed to produce any scheme on which
they were themselves agreed, or which had the slightest
chance of acceptance by the country. The committee would
steadfastly adhere to one principle, as applicable to every plan
which might be submitted to parliament, viz., that while
no obstruction should be offered to the reasonable proposa
of eppisoopalians for providing and expending funds for the
the edifices of which they are the rent-fres tenant%
or even for applying afresh public property already appro-
priated to ecclesiastical ma it should be firmly heated that
the authority to tax, by legal proms, any citizen, of what-
ever creed, for an ecclesiastical purpose shall everywhere and
finally cease. Opposition in the partake was the leverage
with which church rates would be overturned in parliament,
end hitherto silent minorities ought now everywhere to
speak. The society's correspondents were multiplying every
yar, and bad served to strengthen many a small struggling
band, in diaries of the country where slate church func-
tionaries oppressed all who seated the claims of con-
science. At the close of the slake the shelves of the
society's depository would be restocked with anti-church-
rats publication% mad, if need be, huh mane devised for
extinguishing, in after parish, ea impost which, it is
now avowed, is claimed len for its own make than as an
assertion of " the just sad inherited rights " of the este-
Hainaut. Unable hare to defend the system on its own
merits, its snippets= now fell beck on the necessity for up-
holding it, because it involves the principle of • national
church, and the committee would not be slow Io avail them-
Delves of the opportunities which molt ill-advised tactics
would offer. Public meetings and lectures would afford fa-
cilities for an exposure of the character and working of a
state church. Numerous towns had been visited by deputa-
tion from the committee, end other please would receive
slake visits. Owing to the gaeenl election, the treasurer's
soca, het year showed a fa felling off of 0001., but the in-
cane now reported equalled that of the most prosperous
itheackt yews of the society. New measures would be
adopted for inuring a substantial addition of income, the
country being divided into districts, each having its resident
agent. By this moans it was expected that • network of
agencies, spreading over the whole kingdomwould be brought
into onarecion with the executive in London. The report
next referred to the fact that there was en instinctive con-
viatica that our ecclesiastical policy in India had been un-
worthy of the political character of the nation, sad utterly
repugnant to the Christian principles professed by its
rulers. The committee prepared a minute, deseriptive of the
basis on which it was concaved the voted= of the sup m
authority in India to the religion' of the natives sbo led rest.
They had succeeded in obtaining the entire eceourreseee, not
only of their immediate friends, but of the public. at large. It
was fait to be important that the legislature should be com-
mitted to the principle of which the public had approved ;
end that a watch should be kept over the future &dasher
tion of the Indian authorities. The coendttee bad been
delighted that the most distinguished supporters of chunk
asthliannents had been so prompt fa the .tends menu el
their principles in relation to the heathen world ; end no on.
could doubt that a powerful reflex influence would be SW-
died on the position of our English church. The bondage,
the confusion, the helpless inefficiency of our church esta-
blishment, as an establishmeet, were becoming intolerable to
its devout and conscientious members, and never were am-
plaints more loud, or longings for liberty more audibly m.
pressed. The executive committee would apply themselves
to their duties, strong in the growing confidence of
their supporters, and stronger sill in the belief that Ood was
biasing them in labours designed to honour him, se well an
to enlarge the liberties of men.
- '

The reading of this grstifying report was frequently Inter-
rupted by loud expressions of epplenas.
Dr. PORTER said the 0013%.111:01.61110WiesVes.
by. 11114.11.
duentlal body, called " The el
question wee, whether an sannity el should be
rfraTto the Estabiishell Greif Ho he ho worn—
i
tlhe ranting rejoiose 1a So deity* program alp
made towards the extinction el comoh ark oat Whom
that the country will accept as ordirrat or the 'order
which is not beard on Wprinciple attend rebottling. That
it is mho of opinion that to ouomporlorit ratirmatory
action there mast mem to he oiled vigorous prodthl
agitation." (Rear. hear.) Cr Morris Next the HOW.
Ot COMMON, ward haw to boldo or dr lot dues gp the
Church Rats Bill, whisk ..td that dm& Moo *odd
bareolorth arr. Voris= oroollmoio had bra
by Mr. Lynes, Yr. Puller, Lord R. Cod, end Ma.
bet they were ail sore or less objeatimbin Try
=wars = ion brow dry !di Nat oared
prom% owl N. homer rho houl the
faded.* moo due aeeiehtr, word lo brp Ira to teemat-
ehle sepir mod =pi oloomodo lbw NNW he soda or
ho pop ma br %pl. Mk. Mlles Medi
wee forrld so ludo of whit dna moo
woe; sod bo Word dot Borrrid COININKM• surodly
way err* Ishoroat AR that dr law revert • pad& to
provide wen► lie mph* et the Mb* the ineseemetal air
mate, nnebdt le dos to shun* sad a dna mphr he the
witiva Miy. (Irositior.) The 00100 l fa the
Uglier Ms, woratly r pord, romprbod Moot of
ribb=re bpl-11LootofIlts 'UMIAK Therm.
flat woad rrodirod by bur. Thews

asked for was live times the amount that coda 1•1111111 bit
demanded. He found from a recent return, moved for by Sir
Wm. Clay, that in leveed of the London parhhes, where them
were thud, applicable to the repair of the churches, rates
were nevertheless laid to • far greater amonat that eoeM
legally be demanded. In the co®y of Kent, the
,Igt. of all the perishes amounted to 17,0001.; 6 .to meet it; and yet they raised nearly 20, by
ram The ass we the cams m Roney and other counties.
As althea@ they were interested in getting rid of each a grew
abuse. (Bear, bear.) In other counties, as Devon sad
Bete; though more than sufficient funds were provided for
all legal purposes, cam were levied for further ear;
and in
Middlesex, where the legitimises expenses amounted to,
13,3261., and there were funds la bead of 213,6901., • further-
some of 28,03111. was demanded by rate. (Best, beer.) Within
the last three yeses they bad suomeded in abolishing &sleek-
est** to the mono of 50,0001., end 60,0001. mom were
pieced in Immineet jeopardy. (Hoar, hear.) This had been
achieved by parochial action; and if parliainent did not soon
abolish church rams they would speedily find that there were
acme te abolish. (Hem, hear.) Let the meeting resolve to
poll to the lest men against church rates.
Mr. DILLRYN, M.P., seconded the resolution. All wield
heartily concur in the proposition that nothing short
of total abolition ought to be accepted. The impost was at
varies:* with the principles of civil arid religious liberty
and both churchmen and diameter, must rejoice in the pro-
gress which the question had made. Dissenters were not
specially intimated ; he, as • churchman, especially rejoiced
in the peograr of the measure. (Hear, beer.) He desired
to see the church stand wail in the eyes of the country, to
rest on its own merits, and to be guided by the great pria-
cipies of justice. He had sufficient confidence in the church
to believe that it would advance more surely and rapidly
if it got rid of this obnoxious impost. (Hear, hear.)
The church was sow in the position of bang • beggar to
the strong, and an oppressor to the weak. (Hear bear.)
His name was on the Church-rate Bill se ono of im pro-
moters ; and he took a great interest in that KOIIIIIIWII. The
game was in the hands of the people out of doors ; i< they
followed the advice of this society. ohtunk.ratee would soon
be extinguished. (Hear, hear.) He hoped that would be
accomplished in the present seesion by pariiament, in prefer-
ence to letting the people fight out the battle themealme.

.- , --c, .............
The recolution waa put and unanimously agreed to, r wig
each of the enoording ones.

The Rev. O. GOVLD, of Norwich, moved—" That this
meeting regards with no ordinary astiefactima the premises
of a deep wench= of the necessity for an entire change in
the soleslasticel policy of our Indian government, and ex-
=an earnest hope that henceforth public support will
Shad been the religious observances of the natives, and
unrestricted scope be given to the only proper agency fee the
evangelisation of India--the voluntary exertions of Christian
sea." He observed that the discussion of Indian question in
parliament for the last 60 years, had taken place under snots
excitement. Instead of sending out a commiasien of
airy, both the pan and present governments bad sight
to of the matter by bills hastily concocted, which were
au ng but satisfactory to the country. At present few edu-
cated Englishmen bad given due attention to Indian matters;
Tr.
hence our ropes...natives were ready to accept the statements
of the President or Secretary of the Board of Control. But
information on the subject of India wee now so rapidly ;Peer-
ing In that there would soon be as end of Shaine of thing,.
Lord Ellenborough, on Monday nigh; had declared himself
in favour of the old traditional policy of strict Dadra/by. Per-
haps his lordship would have had difficulty in dng this
"strict neutrality." (Hear, hear.) The rev. gentlemen traced
the history of the Beat India Company for the last century.
and showed that, so far from observing neutrality, they had
actively supported Hindoe and Mahommedan worship. It
was absurd that we should be ealarying bishops in Calcutta
and Madras, paying hundreds of thousands a year for the
support of Christianity, and at the same time administering
the funds appropriated to the support of heathen worship.
(Hear, hear.) Let the government do nothing to infringe the.
principle, of religious liberty, but let it be equally extended
to all. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. P. CA/STAIRS, late of Madras, seconded the resole-
tiara. It had been frequently remarked that Englishmen left
then milerion at the Cape on their way to India ; end this,
though not true of our countrymen generally, was especially
applicable to the governing authorities. (Hear.) Whatever
form of government were adopted for India, be feared that
the " traditionary policy" would be kept up ; and if so India
would be thrown beck at hest a century in moral progress. It
wee only the British House of Commons which could prevent
such a result. If the government must establish educations/
inatitutione for the natives, at least let there be no interdict
en the reading of the Scriptures in those in/dilutions. (Hear,
beer.) India had been a bright gem in the British crown;
and would be still more so if a real neutrality and tolerance
in religious matters were established.
The Rev. R. PAXTON Hoon moved, "That the cheroots
of modern legislation, the course pursued by the newspaper
press, and recent declarations of public men, afford cheering
indigenes of the rapid growth of opinion in favour of the
society's objects, the realisation of which is likely to
be hastened by the practical volantaryism of church-
men, and their increasing impatience of restraints
impact on them as members of an establishment."
He observed that those who lived in London had no idea of
the benumbing., withering influence which state control
exercised over We church in rural villages. In many parishes,
while the acting clergyman was existing on a pitimme of 701.
or 804 a year, large amounts, from 6001. to 3,0001., were
withdrawn by the rectors or the proprietors of the great
tithes. (Hear, hear.) The church was precisely what it was
900 years ego; and it would be the same 300 years hence
unless some popular influence galvanised it into life. (Cheers.)
He would say to all friends of the Church of England.
" Lose her, and let her go." (Hear, hear.) He was glad
to find that there was a strong voluntary spirit springing up
within the church; but he feared it would, be too strong for
the old lady. (laughter.)
Kr. EDWARD MIALL, in seconding the resolution, said
that the society, now 14 years old, had come into existence
with greet humility, but was endowed with a strong consti-
tution. The results of the last 14 yens far exceeded the
most sanguine expectations that could have ben. formed at
the beginning of that period. Practically and legislatively
little had been done; but the minds of the people had been
a=lfor the great change whenever it came. The rem-
eferred to the newspaper press -e far quicker and
more delicate index of public opinion than was the House of
Commons. (Hear, hear.) The daily press caught the pre-
vailing idea ea it passed, and photographed it for the benefit
of the world. (Hear, bear.) Formerly the principles of
this society were repudiated by the daily press; now
they were powerfully advocated by more than one
of the !sedate journals. The society had never
moved from the principles it first enunciated
that every church should be self-governing and self-support-
ing. If the former it must be the latter ; for the public
would never submit to be taxed for an Institution in whose
government they had no share. (Hear, hear.) Lord J.
Roswell, Lord Palmerston, Mr. Gladstone, Lord Ellen-
borough, the Bishop of Oxford, the Archbishop of Canter-
bury, and most of our leading men, had recently avowed
principles In reference to India which were precisely those of
this society but which they repudiated when applied to this
country. The society need not complain of want of leaders ;
it would find them soon in the most eminent statesmen ef
the day, who, through mere force of the principles which
they had dopted, must carry them out to their legitimate
tosequenees. (Hear, bear.) With regard to the church-
rate queens, the church was placed in a most
humiliating position by the conduct of its leaders. Their
arguments reminded hun of the threat of the Irish mendicant
—" If you don't relieve me, I shall be dries to do • dreadful
thin, what I never did in my life—to work." (Laughter.)
They talked about equivalents ,• let them put their hands in
their pockets, and they would find the equivalent there.
(Chetas.) A paltry 300,0001. was all they wanted, and they
had not public spirit enough, though they were the wealthiest
men in the country, to come forward and raise the amount.
(Hear, hear.) Tide wee their real objection to the Chinch-
rate Bill, and they ought to be ashamed to confess it. (Hear.
hear.) What energies had been paralysed, what seal stifled
alltbdwcriourdPled' by the
be the greatest 'in wthoich thethachurchehumbto setwle held I
it free,
ThTethagi;e,oorious conssumakldstionirierothialdthe dupon.ibtlessoonisoonsiThaiabe attained.t.
the
chairman.

FIELD-LAER RAGGED ScHooLs.—Last evening
the imarl wean of the binds and eapposters of these
abed.. wee teen at the Young Made Inetftutioe, 166,
neessptienrest, the Earl of Bleftenbury is the chair, sap-
Vby the Earl of Dude, Mr. R. Banbury, M.P., the
W. Brock, &A., &e. Mr. Tawidl, the eewetary, reed
the men, which stated that daring the year 314 huh
scholars lad been admitted to the free day intent sots* et
which the avenge ammodance wee at present 846, repaint-
ing 136 lianillse, only emir amine ateend prow of wersidp;
21 of the debut were Odherlees and mothsrlsaa 61 disbar-
bra, 16 reetbosion, and 13 were totally destitute of any
inns. The diem were Inge reading, writing, near,
an outline olgossr, sad, the girls sewing. During the
year many if thew bad made gnat end been sin
to situations. Derleg the ndst mamba 1,010 prestos
bad boa sag, is addile• 111 arl *lnn and
poor bed bow vid, whh hied ke emeha, at IL ,
per loaf; Miley' end 24 had tem nee alevadoea ;Si
boys widshlC ware the ratige. bays bad MAMA
the Reg Brigade ;21 woe emple__ weselegwe
@wow. 9 bad bow itelerwl to Aids Mei. making
103 paw Mad Bs by this none of the tweitetha. Tins
tenig wheal he been well attended by new and
end 90000 mini he bey, frees 14 is If
9ey bed bees eilerded en en average by 60. OW
geared esi Nereseber 11; ewe 90 ed
sh bars law 011/ 111110111111. bed =mead y to ge.
MR 2id. The repot ardedel by Mein
de per 10,000 pawns bed reedved 90 10999 a el the
Mlle, sad 1,022 had bees plod eyneme. '1
wipe had hews 1,9011. le, sad 910 040, 11119terigg
a basses al 3021. 3e. Oa the modal of M.
M.P., seconded by the Rev. W. Brook, and
ths Earl of Dada sport nee adopted ; a:d"Zelesse•
lotions in support of the ehaveseat baring bob mod es
loestisi separated.