The Northern Daily Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1857-02-10 00:00:00

VEXATIOUS ACTIONS.

Lord Brougham brought in a bill for the purpose of
granting protection to persons against vexatious and
frivolous law proceedings. The principle upon which
the bill was founded was that adopted by other countries
where the subject of vexatious litigation had been con-
sidered, and measures had been taken to meet the evil of
which he complained. As the law now stood, any per-
son might bring an action against another, and
however unfounded it might be, the defendant was
put to the expense of between £2OO and £3OO in defend-
ing himself against the charge, and on obtaining a ver-
dict in his favour might find the plaintiff a mere pauper,
and utterly unable to pay a farthing. He (Lord
Brougham)had just beers in consultation with the Poor Law
Commissioners, who had informed him that the terms in
which the Insolvent Act was drawn actually prevented
them taking into consideration any evidence, showing
that the insolvent had,, brought a frivolous action. The
law, as it at present stood, merely allowed them to con-
sider the opposite case, viz., that of a frivolous defence.
In the latter case they had the power of sentencing the
party to a term of imprisonment of two years. The bill
he now sought leave to bring in would, if passed into a
law, empower the judge to compel parties to give security
for the costs. As the law now stood the judges had no

such power.
Leave was given to bring in the- bill, which was then
read a first time.

THE CHINESE WAR AND THE PRINCIPALITIES.

Lord Lyndhurst wished to put certain questions to the
noble earl the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. The
first question he wished answered was whether he had
any objection to lay upon the table a copy of the colonial
registry under which the Arrow was registered. Also
the registry of the Arrow itself, under which the lorcha was
claimed as a British vessel. The other question was one of
which he had already given notice. The noble earl had no
doubt read an article in the Moniteur, by which it appeared
that there was a strong impression on the continent as to the
probability of the immediate union of the two principalities
That impression was further strengthened by the appearance
of Prince Stirbey and another young prince in the intrigu -
ing.city of Paris. The paper to which he referred stated
that the Emperor, on the 20th of last month, was desirous
of effecting the union of the two Principalities, and that
every circumstance which had taken place tended to confirm
that opinion. It was further stated that the other Powers
were adverse to the Emperor's views. Nevertheless, it was
highly probable that they would adopt the suggestion of the
Emperor, and that measures for the purpose would be
submitted to.the two Assemblies that were about to meet,
by the Divan. Turkey, he understood, had taken a different
view of the matter. The question was one of great
importance, as the Principalities were the barrier to which
Turkey looked against Russia.

The Earl of Clarendon said he had no objection to the
production of all the papers asked for. With respect to the
first question, he entirely admitted that he had read the
article in the Moniteur with surprise. Under the present
circumstances he would confine himself to answering the
question of the noble and learned lord. There was no bar
whatever put to the discussion of the measure referred to,
or to any other question by the Divan in the firman lately
issued by the Sultan.

After some conversation, in which Earl Gary and the
Earl of Ellenborough took part.
The Earl of Clarendon said he would produce the whole
of the papers connected with the seizure of the Arrow. also
tne instructions sent to Sir J. Bowring, and the opinion of
the law officers upon the subject.
Lard Derby asked for further correspondence on the
China questions, including any instructions sent from the
British gov,;rnment since the year 1849.

Lord Clarendon had no objection to produce the papers.
The bombardment of Canton, however, had nothing to do
with the admission into Canton, but had merely reference
to the insult to the British flag in the case of the Arrow,
though that rendered admission to the city more important.

DISTURBANCES IN IRELAND.
Lord Clements drew attention to disturbances in Leitrim
and Longford, and asked for some returns on the subject.
A portion of the returns was granted.

FAIRS AND MARKETS IN IRELAND.

In reply to Lord Clancarty, Earl Granville said a bil
would be presented in the other house on the subject of
fairs and markets in Ireland.
The House rose at eight o'clock.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.—MONDAY.
The Speaker took the Chair at four o'clock.
Forty-six private bills were advanced a stage.

INCOME TAX.

Numerous petitions were again presented against the
present assessment of the income and property tax.

CHINESE WAR.

Mr. U. Gibson presented a petition from Manchester,
complaining of the Chinese War, and praying for an enquiry
into the conduct of Admiral Seymour, Consul Parkes, and
Sir J. Bowring.