The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1826-04-18 00:00:00

NEW LAW COURTS.

Me. A BERCHOiII iiii said he had to ireitent a petition from a
Heatieman named Farquharson, who informed the House that he
ea itt the habit of attending the Courts of Equity, in the capacity
of short-hand writer, for the purpose of formatting the suitors of
OW Cowls, anti the Nay Times newspaper, with reports of the
causes which traaapited. On applying for admission to such a si-
teauon in the new Court of Chancery as would enable hint to exe-
cute his professional duty, he was refused it, and was told by the
diem that they had rveeived an order from the Judge presiding in
Oat Court to exclude all reporters. The petitioner therefore prayed
dise the House would Interpose its attihurity. lie (Mr. Aber.
&forth', ) knew r.mhing more than the facts a' stated in Pie petition,
winch he thought deserving the at'ention of the House. lie be-
lieved it was Tow admitted that reporters performed an Important
flay to the public (hear), and they ought, in his opinion, to have
an op i:t-t uuity a/Forded them of giving reports accurately. It was
maw great advantage to suitors to be able .o obtain, by employ-
lag • hand writers, faithful reports of the causes in which they
satight iso interested. He trusted the Court of Chancery would not
Ise ye:stilts...l to exclude reporters. If it were, It would be the only
Owen lei which such exclusion was practised.
Tue SOLICITOH.G k:SEHAL believed the Court to which
Ibe Man. GeL.tletnaa had alluded was out the mat soureutent, but

he believed no such order u that complained of in the petition had
been given by the I sard Chancellor.
Mr. SCA It L ETT thought reporters ought to be afforded every
poesible facility. He hail seen the Court of Chancery, and a more
inconvenient or more contemptible Court had never before fallen
'miler his inspectiOn. The accommodation for the Bar was of the
worst description. In tut, the whole structure he considered a dis-
grace to the country. With the King's Bench lie was greatly dis•
appointed. Almost all the defer a of the common Courts had
found their way into this. The Court of Exchequer was the best,
as regarded form. It was the most spacious, but here also the de-
fects which existed in the old Court had been preserved. The
space, which was confined enough, but of which they might have
availed themselves. had been frittered away; the money which hail
been expended had been expended fruitlessly. Ile did not mean
by these observations to speak disrespectfully of the arAitect ; hut
he could not help observing. that the money which had been ex-
pended in the eonatruction of winding passages, useless galleries,
and contemptible ornament, would, if properly applied, have fur-
niahed Courts coral to all the purposes for which they were re.
quired. He was sorry he had not persisted in the 'notion he gave
notice of daring the last Session, for an alteration of the Courts.
There had been passages constructed running parallel to Westmin-
ster Hall, which took up room that ought to have been given to
the Courts. Ile thought the public had been put to an enormous
expense, from whichit hid derived very little in the shape of accom-
modation.

......
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER. after the strong
language which had fallen from the Honourable and Learned Oen-
tlemsn who had just sat down, felt !linnet. called upon to say a
few words on the subject. lie tilt this, nut only on his own ac-
count, but because the reputation of the architect was involved to a
certain extent. Five or six years ago it was thought the Law
Coups ought all to have direct communication with Westminster
flail, and it was therefore determined that they should be erected
where they now are. The room was very circumscribed, and the
architect (.lr. Stunt) had to do the best he could, the limited
space placing him under circumstances of peculiar difficulty. What
had dist gentleman to do? Ile twirl not consult all the Indlvi-
duals who might be interested in the issue; he could not ask those
gentlemen to form themselves into &consulting committee. lie there-
fore called on the Judges, showed them the plans, and made such
alterations in them In obedience to their suggestions IN the circum-
stances would permit. The lion. and Learned Gentleman must
recollect, that he himself had a peat deal of communication with
the architect on the subject 7 he went aver every part of the build.
Ingo, and he (the Cliancel!or ot the Exchequer), did fluter himself
that every suggestion had been attended to which the space allowed
of. The paasage which had been alluded to, rooting parallel to
Westminster Hall, so far front being an inconvenience, was, he
always understood, an indkpensable means of communication ; but
supposing it wrong, what more could be done than taking the opi-
nions which had directed him ? If he failed after having followed
them, he individually must be held blimeable. lie could not help
saying he was sorry the Hon. and Learned Gentleman had made
use of such severe terms ; fur the hands of the architect were tied
up ; he had to get the buildings in a space not at ali adequate to the
purposes for which they were to be erected. Ile could say without
hesitation, that no man in England could have tot them into so
small a compass. The principal object of his rising was to clear
the professional character ot the gentleman who had been en.
gageu, from any thing that might be supposed to attach to its dis-
credit, in consequence of the strong observations proceeding from
the Hon. and Learned Gentleman.

Mr. StA KLETT said a tew words in explanation, but spoke
in so low a tone of voice that we could not hear them. _ _

Sir M. W. RIDLEY thought the evils arose out of ilesignsbeing
received from only a limited number of architects. In all public
works they ought to receive the plans of young men ; if they did
this they would find the competition productive of the most bene-
ficial results. In his opinion they ought to adopt the system of
the Universities, who gave prizes *molding to the merits of the
designs that might be presented. By the system now prevalent
young men were kept back. whatever might be their talents.
The architect of the beautiful church at Chelsea would have been
' unknown but for accident. There were others he might mention
as exemplifications of this. There was Mr. Harrison of Chester.
and several others who afforded ample proofs of the impolicy of
limiting the number to a Soane or a Scott.
Mr. 11.81/3INER said the orders of Mr. Some were peremp-
tory. Last year it was strongly recommended by a Committee to
build some additional Committee rooms, as the House suffered
truck Inconvenience from the ins•fficiency of those above stairs.
Perhaps they could not do better then appropriate the new courts.
They wanted twelve additional Committee twins, out of which
not mote than twocronnaratively miserable ones had been furnished.
lle had heard no sufficient reasons assigned for non-attendance to
this desire, iie intended to move soon for an inquiry as to whether
the convenience above reined to could not be provided.
. .

hlr. ABERCH()111111E replied. bnt was inaudible. and the
petition was ordered to be laid on the table.

USC.RI' LAWS.

On the motion that the House do resolve Itself into a Commit-
tee of Ways and Means,
The CHANCELIAIR of the EXCHIN,KTER, in answer to a
question from Mr. Calcraft, said he should wish to postpone any
discussion on the Usury Laws until the next session. His reasons
for this must be obvious. t Hear.) The House was just now oc-
cupied with discussions which, in consequence of the distresses of
the country, were of more immediate importance. (Hear.) There
were at present Committees inquiring into the banking business of the
eountry,and the result of their labours might furnish some evidence
That would bear materially on the present question. He thought
if it were postponed it might be discussed at some future period
more advantageou .Iy. He trusted the Hon. and Learned Member
with whom the motion originated (Mr. Sergeant Onslow) would
accede to his proposition. Should he, press it to a second reading,
he (the Chancellor of the Exchequer) could not, under the
circumstances, give the measure his support. He put it row en.
tirely on the question of time, and had suggested what lie consi-
dered would most conduce to public convenience. (Hear, hear.)
• Mr. PHILLIPS objected to the postponement. Ile said yea-
afar year had passed, and yet his lion. and Learned Friend had
not been able to effect what he considered a measure of considerable
importance.
Mr. Sergeant ONSLOW had no objection to the proposed ar-
rangement, in regard to any inconvenience which might result
to himself. The difficulty however which he looked to was not of
a personal nature, but respected the length of time which had
elapsed since the measure was originally brought forward. It was
too great a delay to have waited for a period of ten years, without
formingl, some opinion on the subject which would enable the House
to decide on its merits, as well at the present as at a subsequent
time. He was of opinion that the measure in question would ap-
pear before the House with a better grace, if it was recommended
or introduced by his Majesty's Ministers. Indsed„ he hoped that
they would interest themselves on the occasion as it deserved ; and
he should feel great pleasure if Ministers took the business nut of
his hods. If that mode had been adopted at an earlier period,
and oe would go so far as to say that the public opinion was in its
Avour—much of the misery which had been experienced at the
close of last year would have been removed, as the facility thereby
affitriled of procuring means must have proportionably relieved
the public distress. (Hear, hear.) Ile was willing, as far as re.
girded himself, to agree with the suggestion of the Hon. Member
for Wareham (Mr. Ca/rix ft). to discuss the point immediately after
the Committee of Ways and Means, or if the principle were adopted
by3lioisteri, to postpone the consideration of it. But he was anxious
that the measure, which he deemed of greatutility, should not be
altogether defeated.
Mr. Seesetary PEEL said he did oat understand that his Right
Hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer,ohjected to the prin.
eiple of the measure, but to the present time as inconesnient for its
adoption or discussion. The state of the currency was now in •
state of uncertainty, in consequence of measures which had in that
respect been passed by the House, concerning England, and those
of a similar kind which were under contemplation as applicable to
Ireland and Scotland. Ditring the recess of Parliament there
would be a sufficient time allowed to elapse for the adjustment or the
system to which he had referred, and as that interval would furnish
• salutary delay, he was of opinion that it would be premature at
present to agitate the question. He would undertake to say that.in
the interval between the present Session and the next, the subject
should be seriously considered; and if it were found to be proper
for the foundation of such proceedings as were contemplated, be
felt no difficulty in assuring the lion. Member who advocated it,
that the measure should be brought forward at an early period.
The Hon's, then resolved itself into •
C 03131117 EE OF WAYS AND MEANS.

...... .
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said that he
wished to explain the nature of those proceedings which had oc.
curred in respect to the new funding of lexeliequer bills, and which
were the foundation of sonic Resolutions that he intended to pro.
pose. In consequence of the advances made by the Bank of Eng-
land dining the recent pecuniary difficulties, it was thought proper
to fund eight millions of Exchequer bills, to relieve the Bank from
the injuries which its exertions had caused to the establishment.
The mode proposed for that purpose was, to fund In the 4 per
Cents., the price of which was to be taken at 95. A proposition to
that effect had been transmitted to the City on Wednesday lost.
The terms stated that the measure should so operate as that interest
should be paid on the bills, Irony the sth of April current, to the
10th of October. There was also another proposal made, so that
by the joint operation of the two the result would be to give a
bonus of 2 per cent. The subscriptions made nn that day had jus-
tified the measure to the full extent, for they amounted to nine
millions, which was as much as was requisite, but if the process
had continued for a few days longer, nudoubt could be entertained
that there would be a great increase in the amount. A stop, how.
ever, had been put to the reception of any further applications, as
what had been subscribed that thy would be sufficient to relieve
the market of the requisite a ....... mot Exchequer bills, and to com-
pensate the Bank of England. It was provided that those bills
should not be redeemable in less titan seven years. The charge
caused by the funding of the eight millions, would amount to
8.560,000/. • at 4 per cent. there would be an amount of 34.5,000/.
To pay oethe difference, it was proposed that there should bee
sinking fund of seki,oool. at the rate of 1 per cent. on the difference.
The management was estimated at 2.5d1V. Thus the charge on
the difference would amount to 77.11001. Ile meant to propose that
that *um should be taken from the Consolidated Fund: He had
statet: on a former occasion, that there would be a surplus in the
consolidated fund to the amount of 140.000/. ai that it would ex.
empt the public from any direct charge. lie therefore meant to
propose that the persons who had subscribed for the eight millions
should be entitled to receive so much stock as would be equivalent
to their 4 per cents.
Mr. IRVING asked a question (as we understood) regarding
the paying off of the two millions eureka,.
The CHANCEI.I,OI4 of the EXCHEQUER said that the
understanding with the Bank of England was, that they should
be paid aithe six millions which had been advanced by thou lot

the accommodation of the public. and that could be effected by what
had been subscribed during the day.
Mr. IRVING was satisfied with the answer.
Captain MA BERM' made some observations which we
could not distinctly heat, sheeting the amount of the sinking fund
to be created in the present instance fur paying off the eight
millions.

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCIII:QI'ER replied that there
was a mistake in supposing that he prorm.ed to create a sinking
fund for the r ight millions of Exchequer Rills. All that he meant
to apply a sinking furd to was on the difference between the eight
millions and the amount of the unfunded ; that would be
560,990/.

_
In answer to • question from Sir J. WROTTESLEY, in re-
ference to the lime at which the payments were to be effected,
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER observed that
it would be rash to specify any particular period for the purpose.
They were not under any obligation in that respect, and he con-
ceived it would have been highly imprudent to have assigned any
time, as such a course would be likely to produce mischief. The
Government and the Bank were both anxious that the payment*
should be made as soon as possible, tut an announcement of a cer-
tain time for that measure would have the injurious effect of
causing a too sudden alteration in the currency, from which betiOUS
evils might be apprehended.
Sir J, WHOTTESLEY inquired. if it was not intended to pa
more than thesis millions to the Bank, what was to be done with
ti *nimbi.' of two millions ?
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER stated that the
surplus would render a less amount requisite to be called for.
Sir F. 0 MIR ANE V made some remarks on the preference sheen
to those subscribers who proposed to give cash, to the prejudice of
those who offered Exchequer Balla.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said he was not
aware of any such partiality as had been alleged by the Honour-
able Baronet, mode in favour of one class of subscribers to the
prejudice of others. The ninde in which the affair was to be
managed had been published to the world in the document trans-
nntted by Government to the City on Wednesday.
The House then resumed, and progrc-4 was reported. The Re-
port was ordered to be brought up to-morrow.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE.
On the motion of Mr. Secretary PEEL the House resolved itself
Intrf • Committee on the further consideration of the Bill on the
Criminal Law.

Mr. Secretary PEEI. wished to mention to the House that there
were some clauses to come before them, which he deemed of some
importance. The Right lion. Gentleman proceeded to address
the House, but in so colloquial a tone as to be in many instances
inaudible in the Gallery. lie wished to direct the attention of the
house to the first deltic in the Bill, which he conceived to be of
great importance. It regarded the powers of magistrates uto the
admission of parties to bail. Those had not been hitherto suffi-
ciently defined. and it was his intention to introduce a more spe-
cific mode. The clause in questi ut was that headed, .` Wno may
be admitted to bail on Mlony,ar suspicion of felony, and who not."
Ile proposed, when a person charged with felony on positive or
creditable evidence should be brought before more Justices than
one, and if it should he their opinion there sou a strong premium.
non of the criminality of the person charged, that in such case he
should be committed to prison. If the party were taken before a
single Justice, and it appeared that there was strong ground for
the charge, then it would be competent for such one magistrate to
detain the prisoner until another Magistrate should be called in to
the vials:once of the former, In which case the course of proceed.
ingsshould be similar to what was to take place as if the matter
originally went before more Magistrates titan one. There was
also a provision, that if there should be a person taken on suspicion
of felony, or on felony, it should be in the power of the Justices,
according to their discretion, to admit the accused to bail. It was
extremely injurious to the morality of the public, that unfounded
charges of felony should lead to commitments. The necessary
of preventing that species of injury to the community would be
evident to every person who looked to the numerous cases
which have occurred during late years of commitments for felonies
which were not persevered in. Toose who in such instances
were sent to prison generally returned to society with depraved
habits acquired during their detention. Ile had therefore in-
serted the word " credible." as a qualification of' the evidence
necessary to justify the Magistrates in committing. Now, if
two Justices did not think there was sufficient cause to commit
for f.dony. the clause gave them power to admit the person
charged to bail, and when the ease came before one Magistrate, lie
was invested with the power to detain until another was called in.
It was of course well-known that the Justices of the Court of King's
Beneh possessed the privilege with which the clause empowered
Magistrates to set, but the process of the Court of King's Bench re-
quired an expense too great to allow the practice to be so general
as was desirable.

Mr. SCA R LETT (as we understood) said that Magistrates had
already exercised the power adverted to, and the introduction of the
clause was therefore unnecessary.
Mr. DENMAN agreed in the principle of the Bill, but he did
not think it was possilie to distinguish the variety of charges
which might be brought before Magistrates in the minute manner
which it was proposed by the Bill to discriminate them. Much of
the nicety of such solutions must remain in the breast of the Ma-
gistrates, and could not be reduced to writing. As to the word
•' credible," he thought that there were some cases in which the
expression would be ambiguous. Persons were frequently rendered
incompetent witnesses by the commission of crimes for which the
law had deprived them Of the power of giving evidence. When
the we was one of a doubtful nature, be thought the better mode
would be, to admit to bail instead of remanding. He wished that
all the clauses should be separately printed, and that the House
might be enabled to see their bearings fully before the Bill was
adopted.
Mr. Secretary PEEL said the clause to which he had called their
attention appeared to hint of material consequence, and he was
therefore anxious to introduce It to the notice of the Hause. It
was not, however, intended, by its operation, to restrict the Ma-
gistrates of any power they already possessed in that respect.
Whatever might be the technical meaning of the word credible,"
he did not expect that any injury would result from so qualifying
the evidence adduced in support of the charge.
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said, that the legal construc-
tion of the word •• credible" referred to the circumstances and cha-
racter of the witness.

Mr. CARUS WILSON made some suggestion, which we could
not hear.

Dlr. Secretary PEEL observed. in regard to what had been pro-
posed by the lion. Member, that he experienced great hesitation
in introducing new words in the hurry of a moment. He frequently
found, when such a course had been adopted, that the words so
incorporated materially affected and injured the meaning of what
they were proposed to remedy. The clauses of the Bill had re-
ceiveti the most mature consideration, and he could not consent to
accept an alteration suddenly advanced. lle would, however, take
a memorandum of the suggestion for future consideration.
Mr. TREMAYNE said •a few word* which were inaudible in
the gallery.
Mr. CIIETWVND (as we could collect the meaning) thought
it would be better thus one Magistrate should have the power of
bailing, in cases where the elau►o provided two.
The clause was then agreed to.
On the next clause being put,
Mr. HORACE TWISS suggested that it would be proper to
Introduce an amendment, to the effect, that in no case should a
trial proceed until all the informations and examinations were be-
fore the Court.

111 r. Secretary PEEL objected that such a provision would be
of a mischievous tendency, as it would facilitate a collusion be.
tween the parties accused and prosecuting, who might then by
withholding the documents defeat justice. On the principle of
the danger which might thus accrues he disapproved of the sug.
geation.
The ATTORNEYMENERA I. agreed in the view taken by
hit Right lion. Friend ; but besides the objection of collusion,
it might frequently produce greut inconvenience to the prisoner
that his trial should he postponed to the next Sessions or Assizes,
for want of those informations which it was nut in his power to
produce.

The clause was then agreed to.
The next clause was then proposed, when
The ATTORNEV.OENERAL suggested that the examlna..
tion should be returned to the Clerk of Assize as soon as the Judges
entered the Assize town.

Mr. BYRES made some observation, which was inaudible.
After some observations from Sir George Chet wynd, Mr. Secre.
tars Peel, and the Hon. George Lamb, the clause was agreed to.
Upon the reading of the next clause, Mr. Secretary PEEL said.
thgt it was intended to affect the existing law, by which magistrates
wera empowered to commit for misdemeanours without any written
examinations. This clause made it peremptory on magistrates to
commit only on written examinations, for misdemeanors.
The clause was agreed to without discussion.
L'outi the reading of the next clause, Mr. HUME said, that he
was one of those who did not correctly know what was meant by
benefit of clergy.. Ile was sure ninny other persons were also on.
informed on this point, and it would be desirable either that it
should be fully exnlained, or the distinction altogether abolished.
Mr. Secretary PEEL said he was ore of those whn thought the
distinction between clergyable felonies, tied those which were not
so, might be advantageously abolished. !forever, that distinction
was so closely connected with our criminal law. that it would not
be wise to make any alteration until the criminal statutes were: in
some degree simplified and consolidated. Next session he hoped
to submit to the House a proposition for consolidating the criminal
law as it affected injuries done to the person, coining and forgery.
An opportunity would then arise for the discussion of this subject.
but it was an closely connected with the existing law, that he
thought it would be advisable to postpone the consideration of it
until greater progress was made in consolidating the criminal law.
Alter. • few words from Sir E. KNATCHBULL, the clause
was agreed to.
Lord JOHN RUSSELL objected to the clause referring to pri.
gloom refusing to plead. Ile thought that a prisoner standing mute
ought to have his trial the same as if he pleaded not guilty. It did
rot mixer necessary to the ends of justice that a prisoner under
such circumstances should be considered guilty without a trial.
Mr. Secretary PEEL said, it very rarely happened that a pri.
twiner was found guilty on standing smite. The Judge always im-
pressed on hint the necessity of pleading not guilty.
Mr. I)ENMAN thought that what had fallen from his Noble
Friend f Lord J. Russell) was well worth considering. It did not
seem necessary to the justice of the country that • prisoner refusing
toplead should be found guilty. Ile had heard it suggested that
prisoner, upon being brought 111 the bar, should be told the charge
against him, and that the Court should then proceed to the proof,
witoout calling upon the prisoner either to confess or to deny his
guilt.
Mr. SCARLETT said there was no wrong done to the pri-

goner. The Judge uniformly urged him to plead, indeed more
strongly than wise necessary ; and when the prisoner continued
mute. the Judge usually ordered a plea of not guilty to be record.
ed. and the Uhl! proceeded.
Mr. Secretary PEEL said that he did not reject nor adopt the
suggestions thrown out, but would reserve them for further consi-
deration. The Bill now before the House was only intended to
effect certain improvements; but no doubt there were many which
It did not embrace, and which might be very advantageously consi-
dered on It future occasion.

Mr. Alderman WOOD thought that calling upon prisoners to
plead was a mere farce. for in almost every case it was the gaoler
pleaded, and not the prisoner.
After a few words from the ATTORIeEI•GENERAL and Mr.
Secretary PEET., the clause was agreed to.
The next clause read by the CHAIRMAN enacted that an ac-
cessory before the fact should iu all Mill be liable to the same pu.
nisiiment as the principals in the tint and second degree.
Mr. SCARLETT objec.•ed to this clause. The House was
called upon. by assenting to this abstract proposition. to make va-
rious offences capital which were not now so. He could easily con-
ceive cases where it might be unjust to inflict the same punishment
upon an accessory before the fact as upon the principals. A per.
son might employ another to rob a house, and the instrument in
perpetrating the robbery might be induced to commit murder. The
accessory betiire the fact, therefore,niight not in all cases be consider-
ed equally culpable with the principal. He did not think it was
necessary to confound two offences, which this enactment must ine-
vitably do.
Mr. Secretary PEEL said that, in preparing the Bill before the
House, he had endeavoured in every instance to consult the prin-
ciple of the laws of England, and the general principle seemed to he,
that tin accessory before the fact was liable to the same punishment
as a principal in the first or second degree. He did not say that
there might not be cases where the moral guilt of the putties was not
the same ; but the principle was quite clear, and it was acted upon
in all cusea, except when it was omitted through negligence MI the
pan of the framers of Acts of Parliament. The clause now before
the Committie was only intended to extend the general principle,
by supplying what he could only consider omissions in certain ill-
drawn statutes. The Hon. and Learned Gentleman (Mr. Scarlett)
had referred to cases where an accessory before the fact tau nut
morally as guilty as the principal : but there were sometimes cases
in which a greater degree of guilt attached to the accessory before the
fact than to the principal. (Hear.) For instance, where a boy was
employed to rob the house, was not the person who employed hire
more culpable than the actual offender? (Hear, hear.) Accessories
before the tact were liable to equal punishment, by the existing
laws, in eases of murder, burglary, arson, forgery, and various
other offences; and there was no reason why the same principle
should not apply to unnatural crimes, for instance, where, by
the negligence of those who framed the Act of Parliament, it did
not now apply. The object of the clause was merely an extension
of tits general principles of the law of England to cases in which it
had been oniuttett.

31r. St:ARIA:TT only wishrd that the cases in which this
principle was about to be applied should be distinctly brought
forward. The House was now about to make many oliCncescapi-
tal which were not no before.

Mr. Secretary PEEL would assure the Hon. and Learned
Gentleman that he wait by no means disposed to increase the num-
ber of capital offences.
Mr. Sl'A KLETT suggested that the further consideration of
this clause should be postponed and that, in the meantime, the
offences to which itshould apply might be mentioned in the preamble
to the clause.

Alr. Secretary PEEL said he was most willing to meet the lion.
and Learned Gentleman's suggestion, by recommitting the Bill, in
order to enable the Committee to enter into the further consult ra-
non cf the view taken by the Hon. and Learned Gentleman, who
would then have an opportunity of moving an amendment, it he
persevered in his opposition.
On the clause that regarded the allegation of the offence in two
or more counties, that the prisoner might be tried in either,
SYKEa rose, and sail, that he could not but think that
justice migh be rendered in a better way than by the propose('
clause. It might be that a certain offence having been committed,
there might be a confusion as to two counties ; what he should pro.
Pose wcfl, th t, n all cases the prisoner should be either tried in the
minty wh r apprehended, or where the diem was committed,
for though t ere might be a matter of doubt as to the latter, there
never roul.l be as o the 107111er. In a case of bigamy which bad
been tried to fore a Court in which be (Mr. Sykes) presided. the
man was I• d cted under the Act of James 1., which Act provided
that the offender might be tried either in the county where the mar-
riage took place or where apprehended ; he was tried where ap-
prehended, and convicted. The difficulty which he felt as to the
clause might be obviated by a slight alteration.
Mr. Secretary PEEL considered that the alter ition contempl dui
by the Hon. Gentleman (Mr. Sykes) would be very inconvenient.
If the trial was to take place where the offender was apprehended
it would be a considerable hardship to the person having to make
his defence, by having to take his witnesses from the county where
the offence was committed to that in; which he might he appre.
hended, and which might be at a very great distance. The same
objection would of course apply to the parties prosecuting. There
might also be considerable difficulty in determining the county in
which a prisoner was apprehended. lie might be taken in a boat
on a river dividing two counties. He thought the House could not
consent to such a material alteration as that proposed.
Mr. SCA KLETT said, in respect to the boundary line, and the
distance of 500 yards, it must be considered, that if there was any
doubt about the boundary, the same doubt must exist as to the 500
yards. Ifthere was matter of doubt as to the one, there must be as
to the other.

Mr. PEEL said that the clause in luestion as to the boundary
was not a mew one, it was merely a re-enact:neat of the old laws.
The clause was then agreed to.
The other clauses were then agreed to, and the House having
resumed, the report was brought up, and testi, and ordered to be
reconsidered on Friday next.
LARCENY LA WS.
Mr. Secretary PEEL moved the order of the day for the recommit.
ment of the Bill on the Larceny haws. Ile hoped the House would
have no objection to going into COITIMit:Ce. in order to give him an
opportunity of amending the Bill. Ile prop,sed to consolidate the
laws regarding theft. He found that all the laws relating to the
malicious deattuction of property were intimately connected with
the laws of larceny. It occurred to him, in consequence, to endea-
vour to embrace in the same Act the laws relating to theft and
to the noiAchievous or malicious destruction of property. As the
House seemed disposed to give the matter some attention, he
wished that the matter might go through the Committee, that he
might have an opportunity of making some alterations, and of ex-
plaining bib views, and the further consideration of the Bill in its
mature form be deferred till a future period.
Mr. SCA Rik. FT recommended the postponement of the de.
tailed consideration of the several clauses. He thought the eflbrts
of the Right lion. Gentleman were as honourable to himself as
they were benefizial to the country; but a matter of so much import-
ance ought not to be conducted with precipitancy.

The House having resolved itself into a Committee on the BM.
Mr. Secretary PEEL proceeded to state its objects. I t was his
first wish to reduce the punishment of death. As the law now
stood,lit was a capital offence to steal in a church or chapel, an that
if a prayer-book were stolen in a church the punishment would be
death ; but property contained in churches would not be less secure
if the latter were put ott a footing with dwelling-houses. Ile,
therefore, proposed to confine the capital punishment to the crime
of feloniously breaking into a church or chapel. In like manner,
it seemed too severe to inflict the highest penalty of the law for
stealing in a booth. Again, it was a capital offence to steal to the
value of 404. in a dwelling-house. Irthe sum were raised to W. it
would he more consonant to the original spirit of the law, and would
nut lessen in any d egree the security of property; he therefor proposed
to make that alteration. In the case of stealing fish, or brtaking the
mound of a pond, it was felony by several Acts; lie wished to ex-
cept anglers from capital punishment.—lle proposed that all who
were convicted of unlawfully taking fish by angle, should be pu.
niched by fine instead of transportation The laws relating tp deer.
stealing again presented a number of hardships ; any person who
within one month after the theft was found in possession of a deer.
akin, or of venison, might be brought before a Magistrate, and all
the onus was thrown upon him—for he was obliged to disprove the
charge, lie proposed to leave out that clause altogether ; deer
would not be less secure, if comprised within the game provisions
which guarded sheep and cattle. The laws relating to the off,atce
of obtaining goods under false pretences also required some amend-
ment : it would be deslrous to prevent the culprits from the alter-
native of making the crime appear larceny, instead of swindling.—
It appeared to him possible to comprise in 30 pages the substauce
of 100 statutes ; and that would be a better course to adopt than to
make the alterations proposed the subject of a new statute at that
late hour of the night. Ile hoped the house would excuse his going
into all the clauses of the Bill, as they would be better understood
when the lion. Members had them in a printed shape.
After a tew words from Mr. Denman, Mr. Estcourt, Mr. Scat.
lett, Mr. Peel. Mr. Davies Gilbert, and Mr. V. Fitzgerald,
The House resumed, and the Report was ordered to be taken
into further consideration on Tuesday next.

INSOLVENT DEBTORS' BILL.

The Insolvent Debtors' Bill was read a third time, and passed.
The other Orders of the Day were then disposed of, and the
House adjourned at Oxa O'CLOCK.

DEATIor CAPTA4N ALEXANDER, R.N., C.B.—This
gallant officer died while serving at Rangoon in the month of No-
vember last. Captain A. entered his Majesty's service in
April, 1795, and was made a Lieutenant in January, 11102.
In April, 11309, he was promoted to the rank of Commander,
and shortly after acted in the command of the %Anoints.
In 1812 Captain A. was appointed to the Devastation bomb.
vessel, was employed in the Baltic. and subsequently on the coast
of North America. While commanding the Devastation, he was
present at the destruction of Fort Washington, and the espittila-
tion of Alexandria, in the river Potowmac, in August, 1814.
In the month of October fallowing, he landed with a party
of two hundred seamen and marines, at a Naze called Parker's
Point, where he was attacked by an enemy's force of 114 eavalry
and 1,1000 infantry, with live field pieces, which, by the good con.
duct of .he detachment under his orders, lie repulsed, taking 1.000
prisoners and 20 horses, and afterwards re-embarked without loss.
l!aptain A. was honoured for his gallant services, by being nomi.
nated a Companion of the Bath, in 1815. He was appointed in the
spring of 11122, to his Majesty's ship Alligator, fitting out in the
River, in which ship he proceeded to the Bust Indies. where Iris
valuable life was terminated by cholera while commanding the flo-
tilla at Rangoon. Captain A. was highly respected, both in his
private and public character, and has left a widow and children to
lament his loss, Ile was in the 41st year of his age.

PRICES OF BRITISH
Moak Stock 292
1 per Cent. Red. 79t I
I per Cent. Cum 79* * 79 j 74
Ditto Acct. 794 479 78j
11, per Cent.
99 per Cent. Red. 854 Sei
New 4 per Cent. 96 949 95

1.11114:3 011 YOBEION
0010111)101n Bodds
Mond. '1142C Oa 40 Pi 9i
Pik 40a Sl/1 401 391 1
Ditto Acct. :191 a 401 38a 9 q 41
SP a 40f
Danish Bonds (11,28)
to tect. M 51 1r
Pranch Rent,. b per Cent.
Ditto Acet. hilt.
9 s change 2St. 80e.
Gesdalluara Bonds
Goattmala Bonds

Antio•Meslean

ITOCRS YESTIRDAT.
Long Ann. I 9 i IV
Indl■ Stock 22:3
ladle. Rondo 11 pus
Ex. Rills IOW& 7 9 Bpa
Ditto 6901. ti 7pm
Ditto Small 9 7 pro
Lottery Tickets 211. I is.

STOCKS EriTh.
Greek Bonds
Ditto Bonda '1626) 14e
bleidean Bonds
Ditto Acct. 62
Ditto Bonds DM) 601 0/ I
Ditto Acct. 60 691 616 ao . .
Peruvian Bonds 26 it 6
Ditto Acct. 26
Russian pond. 761
Ditto Acct. 61 4
Spank') Bond. N 1 34f
Ditto Bonds .1623, I
- -

PRICE.' Of 'RAI
NI.

On 1r1.221:F.11:0010)4Y-----".185
:::ths
[IS. Share. Paid.
.. 4100 so nit,
Isisria•Chttlan
Beskallisn
11.1tish Iron ...... .................. ...—• •• 100 60 jai di.
Paseo•Pernvian
Tialpusahua •400 40 20 dy
Baited lie:lean ... ........... .. • ........... 40 20
lAtto New......
ASS 0••MCIII COilltikailifi.
*Udine. British Ind Foreign ...... ...... ... 100 10 A chl
Palladlam .... .................... ...• ..'...:. lie 2 f dt,
Protector Win 25 1 I cui
•

Cht Vrtos.

DRURY-LANE THEATRE.
Under the Patronage of their Royal Highnesses the Dadra of Roused
the Duke% sees and Gionreotrr.
FOR THE BENEFIT OP TILE WESTERN PHILANTHROPIC
INSTITUTION,
For the Relief of the Necernitmis and !)serving Poor.
This Evening, TUE:WAY, April 18, will be performed the Tragedy of
BRUTUS ; or, THE PALI. OP
Lucius Junius Brutus, Mr. Pelby 2d appearance on tide Sties, ; Thu.
Mr. liounge. Tuiliv, Mrs. Bunn ; Tatquinia, Mrs.W. Welt.
After which the Divertilement of
THE CAMP.
Principal Dancers, Mr. Noble and MN. Barnett.
To conclude with the Farce of
TURN OUT.
Restive, Mr. Dovrton ; Somerville, Mr. Horn; Doctor Tractile, Mr.
; Forage, Mr. J. Russell ; Gregory, Mr. Harley. Mania,
Kelly; Peggy, Miss C. Carr.

COVENT-GARDEN THEATRE.
nu Evening, TURAIDAY, April IS, will be performed thsc
Grand Romantic and Fairy Opera of
OBERON ; or, THE ELF-KING'S OATH.
ma Overture and the whole of the Musk tomposad by Carl Marla Volt
Weber.
The principal Characters by Mewsrv. Brabant, Cooper, Durant, C.
Blend: J. fiasco, and Tlnney ; bflases Paton, Lacy, and E. Liu's.;
Madame Ventrls, and Mrs. I.avenport.
To CUM. ;Ude nub the Farce of
CENT. PER
Mr. Pennyforthing, Mr. W. Farren ; Colonel Tumbril, Mr. Blimehard;
Ur. O'Rafterty. Mr. Connor t Starch, 111. Jones; bibbs, lir. bleadors.
Mro. Pennyfarthlng, Mr.. Vining.

The naITIIIII Pares commenced pualshine on yesterday mom.
log at a quarter past fire o'clock.

LONDON, TUESDAY, Ann 18, 1821.

The French Papers which we have received contain no
intelligence of general interest. The Chamber of Depu its
Attinues to be occupied in discussions about laws Yds' vs
to commercial details. The private correspondence trots
Berlin, which we have translated from the Journal del De.
hats, contains a variety of speculations about the affairs of
Europe, whielt agree in many particulars with the view
which we took of the subject in our paper of the 27th
March, though the conclusions differ considerably from
those at which we had arrived:—
[From the Pilote.]

MADRID, APRIL 3.
The King has issued a decree on the rules to be observed to ob.
twin patents for the invention, introduction, and improvement of
machines, instruments, processes, and methods, in the sciences and
the arts. This decree states in substance, that any person, of
whatever condition or nation, who proposes to introduce such ma-
chines, ik.c. shall have the sole use and property of th rr. if he
conforms to the laws and police regulations on the subject.
Another equally important decree orders that on St. Fertlinsta's
day, 1827, there shall be a public exhibition of the productions of
Spanish manufacture. These two decrees sufficiently shew the
generous sentiments of the Monarch, and his desire to make the
nation which he governs rise from the state of profound ignorance
in which it is now plunged. It would be no wonder if some oe-
Calf power should succeed in checking these salutary intentions.
In a word, the two last Gazettes containing these decrees An in-
teresting ; they also announce a collection of lithographic prime of
the best pictures in the Royal Museum at Madrid, the first pivots
of which have already been laid before his Majesty.
The public continue to talk of abduction, inquisition, and of
a thousand projects ; but it must be observed, that if a plan should
be conceived and determined upon by any party, there would not
be a man capable of carrying it into execution. The protium'.
tions of Mina have been represented to the King as forgone' pro.
ceeding from the Apostolic Junta, with a view to overthrow the
established order of things; fur what does the clergy desire except
that the parties may come to an open rupture, that it may be able
during that time to enjoy in peace the immense revenues which it
possesses. Reports are prevalent of insurrectivies said to have
broken out in La Mancha.

PARTS, APRIL IL
A letter from Carlsbad* of March 7, says that Captain Ruttberg,
who had just arrived there front Taanrog, had brought ;sciatic.
tory accounts of the health of the Empress Eliztbeth, who was to
leave Taganrog at the end of February,to go to Kaluga. near Mos-
cow. As the date of the departure of Captain R. from Taganrog,
is not mentioned, we cannot say a heth.ar the news of the alarm-
ing symptoms of her Majesty's disorder, mentioned in the German
Journals, deserves more credit.

[From the Constitut;onnell
An extraordinary courier suit from Zante to Missolonghi, te•
turned on the 19th March, and reported that he had seen &A lines
under Gouras and Karaiskaki, on Mount Zy:ms, in the emirs,
of the place, employed in harassing the I,:n ji ink of the bang's.
The general assembly appears to h;:ve terminated its labuur,.
Three dictators, ( Conduriottit, Coletti and Jaintes ),hate been ap•
pointed.