Northern Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1857-07-15 00:00:00

bill by acceding to the amendment which had been- pro-
posed.
Mr. AYRTON said the second reading of the bill was
slipped through at a late hour of the night, and, therefore,
he thouuht the honourable and learned gentleman had no
reason to complain of the opposition which was offered to
it at its present stage. He cordially supported the amend-
ment, which, if carried, would prevent the bill from going
any further. In many countries the people had nothing to
do with the administration of justice ; but in this country
a very different system had prevailed, and it was to the
establishment of that principle tnat this country was
indebted for the maintenance of its liberties.
Mr. M.Manos said that Sir F. Thesiger had made a
great mistake in supposing that there were stipendiary
magistrates throughout the metropolitan districts. There
were no stipendiary magistrates in the City of London,
nor in those portions of Essex which were within the
jurisdiction of the Central Criminal Court. He thought a
great deal of the difficulty which was experienced in the
Central Criminal Court would be removed if the sheriffs
would secure the attendance of a higher order of gentlemen
as grand jurymen than were now summoned. With regard
to the principle of the bill, he thought it highly undesirable
that the people should bs dependent upon the caprice of
justices appointed by the Crown and the Attorney-General.
Mr. W. WILLIAMS was of opinion that grand juries had
been a greater protection to the libertie.4,:of the country
than any other of its institutions. He hoped the house
would strenuously oppose the bill, which he believed would
be most mischievous in its effects if it should unfortunately
p ISO.
NT. COBBETT also oppose the bill• This was only the
thin edge of the wedge which he believed was to be thrust
much further.
Mr. M. T. BAIRES supported the measure on the
ground that it might be made very useful by amendments
engrafted upon it in committee.
Mr. Jona LOCKE, Mr. BRIEcon, and Mr. HENLEY opposed,
and the Solicitor-General supported the bill.

The Committee divided. The numbers were—
For the motion
Against ..

Mr. M'MAtiox moved the p:)stponement of the first

claw Fe.

--- -
Mr. W. WILLIAMS objected to the principle of the bill,
and warned the House of the danger, if it wore sanc•
tioned for the metropolis of extension to country districts.
Sir F. TIIESIGER objected to the postponment of the

clause.
Mr. AYRTON supported the motion, and continued
his remarks till the time for adjourning the committee.
The business on the morniog raper was disposed of, and
the sitting was suspended.

THE EVENING SITTING.
TIIE MAYO ELECTION.-MR. MOORE UNSEATED,

Mr. SCUOLFIELD brought up a report from the Mayo
Election Committee, stating that Mr. Moore was not clu.y
elected for the County of Mayo, and that the last election,
so far as regarded the return of Mr. Moore, was void.
They also reported that undue influence and spiritual
intimidation had prevailed at the last election to a great
extent, and that the Rev. Peter Conway, and the Rev.
Luke Ryan were the most active in this respect.
BURY ST. EDMOND'S ELECTION.

Mr. HARDING brought up the report of the committee
upin the Bury St. Edmund's Election Committee. She
committee reported that Mr. ilardcastle was duly elected
to serve in parliament.

TILE VALIDITY OF OATHS•

Lord Jourt RUSSELL gave notice that, on Friday ne3+,
he should ask leave to introduce a bill to amend the act
of Victoria, entitled an act to remove doubts as to the
validity of certain oaths.