The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1825-03-22 00:00:00

warehouses established in our colonies ; and he was sure he was
not making an erroneous or visionary statement as to the advan-
tage to be derived from the edoption of them, when he reminded
the Committee how greatly the United States had been benefited
by such warehouses being established at New Orleans and at other
parts. Having stated the general nature of the proposition
which he wished to submit to the Committee, At appeared
to him that the beneficial effects of it would be more greatly
felt in the sugar colonies than in any other. They would
have a chance of disposing of their productions upon better
terms, having a larger scope of couniercial enterprise. But
' he owned that this was rot all the advantage that he looked to
arid expected from this change of system : it would introduce, if he
were nut very much mistaken, into thole sugar colonies quite a new
system of things, a new description of persons, of manners, and of
pursuits. Ile conceived it no only possibly introduced a new de-
scription of commerce. but also a different course of agriculture than
was now acted upon. It was possible that, situate as those colonies
were, in a climate as favourable for cultivation, they would yield
other crops than sugar, equally serviceable and necessary. He
knew not why they might not produce many other things
besides that one commodity ; he was not aware of any obstacle to
their growing indigo ; nor did he know why • great many other
articles might not gradually find their way into those colonies.
He trusted too from this change of system that we might hope to
see • much larger proportion of whites (Hear, hear) inhabit them
than at present. and he was sure that if such wet; the case we should
have done much to add to the security of those colonies. (Hear,
hear.) If he were asked to be more particular in stating in what
way these benefits were to take etlect, lie would frankly own that
he could not state. But neither was it in the power of any one
the most extensively informed on East India affairs, and of the
interests of commerce with that continent, to say, in the year
1813, bow the relaxation of the East India Company would
benefit the commerce of this country and of India. it was
stated, that benefits would arise from that measure, bat it
wee not known how these benefits were to result. But be-
netits had accrued both to India end to this country from the re-
striction of that monopoly; and he was certain that whatever
tended to • free circulation of capital and an unrestrained scope
for commercial competition, it must eventually operate to the be-
nefit of the countries by whom that competition and commerce is
carried on. He had not the least doubt that Cie West Indies
would add a further proof to those of Ireland and the other places
which had exemplified what he considered to be a great political
and commercial principle, and which was infinitely more advan-
tageous to States than the strictest monopoly, established under
the idea that the principles of exclusion worked fur the hensfit of
the particular State which created it. If this system of tree trade
were consiecred of such importance to these Colonies, which were
but as mere sugar gardens to this country, in how much greater •
degree would this change of system be beneficial to the Colonies
of North America? There the whole population was free, and
the people considered that whatever trade they did was for
their own benefit and support. Under this change of sys-
tem, it was impossible, therefore, not to conceive a very
great benefit to result to those colonies. He was not overstating
the present population of North America, when he mentioned it at
one million of souls. With all those local and natural advantages
which they possessed—their rivers, their productions, and their
fisheries—it was impossible, even if we gave them ro other
boon, that they should feel in the liberal treatment of this
country a desire to connect themselves with any other coun-
try, or a wish to shake off their connexion with us. lie
would therefore say, that his change of system would not
only tend to the benefit of these colonies in a commercial point
of view, but would also tend to secure a perpetual connection be-
tween them and the Mother Country. Without granting these
boons to others, he was going to say,—but these benefits to our-
selves, he ought rather to call them—those Colonies could not
ntalntaid a fair competition with the United States. At this mo-
ment one of the greatest sources of trade belonging to Nova Scotia
was their fishery. Their rivals were in the neighbouring provinces
belonging to the United States. Supposing they took their cargoes
to New York, they then were upon equal terms. But neither at
the Beasils nor up the 81editerraneatt were they, as the law now
stood, at all upon an equality; and if the Nova Scotian went up the
Baltic, he could not exchauge his cargo for the produce of those
countries. This gave an effectual premium and bounty to
the fishery of the United States, and by this we lust the
benefit of the trade of Nova,licotia. This would serve to exemplify
the present defecate syettem. Having now stated all his views of
the general principles, the details lie would not trouble the
Committee with, but proceed to one or two alterations which in
the course of the present Session he should propose to make. The
Committee was aware that the anger of the Mauritius was paying
a duty of Ills. more than that from any other colony. Last year he
lind submitted a resolution to reduce, but it had been opposed.
But upon every principle of justice and equity he did think that
when we were going to place all the other colonies upon one footing
we could not refuse to put the Mauritius in the tome situation with
the rest; and therefore, although it was not in his Resolutions of
to-night, it was in consideration to submit to the House an equality
of duties on the sugar of the Mauritius and the West India islands.
The other alteration was with regard to Canada. That certainly
was not a sugar colony, but he conceived its staple was as important
to be protected as any other ; that staple was its coin. This was an
ankle not prohibited it was true, but owing to the high du.
ties it was in effect so. lie conceived that there could be no
round for apprehension that the admission of the Canadian corn
into this country at all times would at all affect the agricultural
interests. He thought he might state the whole importation from
Canada did not amount to 50,008 quarters yearly. The disadvan-
tage which Canada was now placed under was, that they not
alien our ports were shut or opened, depending as it did upon a
fraction of &penny. lie was sure that at very moderate duty, a
free admission might be allowed at all times, without prejudice to
any interest whatever in the country. What with the las. or 14s.
freightage, and ss. duty, and the very limited supply, this country
•had nothing to apprehend even by the most jealous and narrowed
principle that could exist. The lion. Member for Coventry had
called the attention of the House to the large fees paid on the ship.
ping at the admin.'. They were most certainly a burthen
on the shipping of this country, and, whets the colonies time
to act upon the principles of free trade, would be felt to be a
great inconvenience ; it was therefore determined, that with this al-
teration of system these fees should be reduced altogether, and that
the officers should be paid out of the trade of the colony, which he
believed was the proper fund. Many of the officers now employed
would riot, under the new system, be wanted at all, but would be
altogether in the way. He should therefore propose their discharge,
and dust a compensation should be made to them. This alteration
would not only add much to the facility of trade with the Colonies,
but afford a greater chance for a more successful competition. I
He believed he had now stated to the Committee the whole of the
alterations he intended to bring under their attention at that time;
but on Friday next he should be prepared to lay before them the
other parts of the future commercial system. He should now move
a Resolution. " That it is the opinion of this Committee that the
Acts of the 3d and 4th of his present Majesty, regulating the trade
with his Majesty's possessions in North America, should be
amended, and also the Acts relative to the warehousing of goods."
Mr. C. R. ELLIS, while he congratulated the House upon the
wise and enlightened system of policy which the Right lion. Pre-
sident of the Board of Trade had declared it his intention to adopt,
trusted that as the subject was of no common interest they would
favour him with their attention while he made a few observations.
With regard to the introduction of sugar from the Mauritius under
the same duties as the other islands, lie confessed he had heard the
Right Hon. Gentleman's intention with some surprise, and the
inure so as the same measure had been introduced last year, and af-
terwards abandoned. lie would not say any more, however, at
present, than that he hoped the Right Hon. Gentleman would have
the goodness to peruse the petition from the id and of Mauritius before
he finally determined upon that change. The restrictions proposed to
be removed front the trade of the West Indies, and which now press-
ed
more severely upon them than any other, had not been attended
with such injurious effects when first introduced. At that time thee:-
elusion from all foreign an I continental trade had been compensated
by the entire supply of the home market; and as long as die supply I
did not greatly exceed the demand, its effects were not felt; but
when it became a principle of this country to extend her colonial
possession by engrossing those of all other nations producing a sup-
ply of more than one-third of the quantity required, it became ob.
vious that a system which glutted the home market, and afliwtled
no outlet unless under die enormous expense of a double voyage,
could not be any longer maintained. But while he thought sonic
change absolutslv necessary, he was quite sure that one we extensive
as the present would not be attended with so much advantage as was
anticipated, when the present Chancellor of the Exchequer had,
in his capacity of President of the Board of Trade, introduced a I
Bill for encouraging a more direct trade with the Continent. Bri-
tish merchants had not engaged in that trade with so much eager-
ness as was anticipated. The planters had found it difficult to
transfer the trade from its old-established channels, and he believed
that scarcely a single British ship bad carried produce in that way
to the Continent. He earnestly hoped, however, that the elan:.
prise and spirit of British commerce would be directed to this trade,
and thus free the home market from that heavy surpins which had
nor been formerly removable without heavy double charger'. His
flight lion. Friend had said that this principle of reciprocity
was only to be applied to those countries which might be
willing to adopt it on an equally liberal scale to its. Looking
at what find occurred with regard to the treaty with Denmark, lie
doubted whether his Right lion. Friend would not find a great
impediment to the liberality of his policy in the narrow views of
other nations. But he would not choose this occasion to mention
diftre drawbacks which mielit suggest themselves; he would
rather take occasion to look at the fairest side of a measure which
he had heard with unfeigned satisfaction. The opening of the
trade of the Colonies to all the world would, among its other ad-
vantage', he 'lusted increase the population of those Islands by en-
couraging merchants to settle in them, stimulating thereby the
Industry of the black population, ensuring the peace and se-
curity of the inhabitants, and guarding against any danger from
that projected emancipation which had been hitherto viewed with
so much apprehension. lie could assure his Right lion. Friend,
not to detain the House any longer, that much as his paternal
affection might be excited by the measures he had proposed, it
did not exceed what he (Mr. Ellis) hit himself: and he was
confident that the name of his Right lion. Friend would descent'
to posterity connected with that commercial era to which he had
given birth.
Mr. BARING was confident that this spirit of commercial sr-
rengement could not but be productive of good to the country
and to the Colonies. He could not say that there were not many
points in the Right Hon. Gentleman's statements which he in
common with the House did not exactly understand; but he
thought it fair that they should wait for the printing of the Bills
anti Resolutions before they expressed their opinions. One thing
he was happy to see—it acknowledged as the general feeling that
no nation could gain by impoverishing another, but that, on the

contrary, their wealth was the certain source of wealth to those
brought into contact with them. With respect to the measures to
be adopted with regard to North America, he thought they were
nut only to be praised for sound policy, but to be considered as
tending to self-preservation ; it being, he thought, obvious that it
would be impossible to hold that country but by retaining and
deserving their affections. The ineoduction of three or four
thousand hogsheads of sugar from the Mauritius he thought ought
to excite very little alarm; but even if the quantity was much
greater and the effect more powerful upon the market, he could
not allow that a Colony, now as much our own as Jamaica or any
other West India Island. should not, taking our manufactures in
return for its produce, be entitled to equal advantages. A great
deal too much importance too hid been attached to the introduc.
tion of East India sugars. The fact was, that the Confined was
not supplied with sugar to any extent Imo) the East. Brazils.
Havanna'', and our own Colonies furnished at least three parts of
it ; am: he thought that those who argued for the special protec-
tion cat East India sugar, even if it was possible for it to furnish
the quantity required, that they might starve the planter into the
humane treatment of his slaves, had reached the highest pitch of
absurdity. The lion. Gentleman then made some observations
upon the impolicy of having increased the protecting price of
our own Corn Laws from 60s. to Ph., and argued that although be
would tat deprive any class of men suddenly of that support which
they had for some time been enjoying under the sanction of Par.
liansent, still he thought the law might be advantageously moth-
tied ; and he was confident that when they took into consideration
the cost of carriage and freight, the landed interest would not suffer
any injurious competition from Canada corn, and that the psotect-
iug duty of cis. would be found fully sufficient. The river St.
Lawrence was, he doubted not. destined to be the outlet of one of the
greatest grain countries upon earth ; but from the expense attendant
upon its shipment. all apprehensions were groundless with respect
to competition in the English market. Sonic arrangement was,
however necessary between Upper at:d Lower Canada. As the one
was placed above the Lakes. it necessarily followed that it was sup.
plied from the other; and it had long been a complaint that Lower
Canada had it in its power to Icy what duties it pleased upon the
goods going to the Upper. A Bill had been introduced to unity
Om • ountria, and put an end to their contention, and he certainly
thiught sonic such measure essentially necessary to their &tun
pr asperity.
Sir F. IU thought that there was a great deal of
unnecessary apprehension of public *Mon displayed mow this
occasion. Public opinion, they would find, was with then to a.
greater extent than they imagined. It would be found thot un-
feigned gratification would pervade all classes on learning the.
nature of the alterations, and thatthe Right Hon. Gentleman night
go with the approbation of the public to the full extent of his own
concepttons. in giving the Colonies the free use of their capital.
and conferring upon the negroes the power to use their own in.
duetry, and carry on their own manufactures in whatever way may
prove beneficial to them. Every body knew that the prohibition
under which the Colonies laboured, of being obliged to send al their
raw sugars to us without the power of refining any themselves, hi a
a very oppressive grievance. and lie thought its abolition. while it
conferred a boon upon them, would be of great benefit to ourselves.
It had been thought that sonic objection would be offered to the
bringing of corn from Canada. He wished lion. Gentlemen to
understand that the landed interest could have no objection to any
regulation that they desired, no other advantages than what re-
sulted from the command of the home market ; they had boons
more enlightened upon these subjects, and knew that no assiptanec
was to be derived front regulations respecting the price of cornet any
other bolstered up ravine of laws. They had learnt by expeiencc
that other means were more advantageous than prohibitionaes re.
strictions, sad that no taxes should be imposed on trade but what
migftt.be absolutely necessary for the sake of revenue. (Hear, hear.)
The system he now saw about to be pursued was one calculated to
advance this couptry to a prosperity which it had never yet hnown,
and the extent of which it was almost difficult for the mind of man
to conceive. He would not say any more at present. What be had,
principally risen for was, to Ore his support to the principle, and to
assure the (louse that the public mind was become too enlightened
for any fear tiom the opposition of narrow-minded prejudice.
Mr. BRIGHT felt satisfied that the condition of the negropopu.
lotion would be much improved by the Right Hon. Gentleman's
propositions. He wished to know what were the articles which he
had mentioned as to be prohibited in a particular way.
Mr. HUSKISSON said the articles to be prohibited frau the.
Ilavannah were rum, sugar, molasses, coffee, and cocoa.
Mr. HUM E took the opportunity to ask what were the Right
Honourable Gentleman's intentions with respect to St. Dtoningo,
or, if it was not determined to send some authorised person to ma-
nage our commercial relations in that country—a country esta-
blished in race and quietness, and rapidly Increasing in pros-
perity. It ith respect to Canada, too, as this intended to confer so
many, advantages upon its trade, he trusted this country might
receive some from it, and be freed from that Timber Act which tom-
pelled us to pay lade sums for an inferior article.
Dr. LUSH ING FON said, that the Hon. Gentleman, the
Member for Taunton (Mr. Baring), had gone out of his nay in
censuring those who had taken a different view of colonial policy
than he had done. To him (Dr. Lusliington) the:c did not appear
to be any reason why the same immunities should not be grinted,
and the same system extended to the East u to the West ladies,
and this point he might argue not only as a question of political
economy,but of moral justice; when he would ask for as large a free
trade for one colony as another. Oneirrest cause of the discon lent of
the West Indies had not been that.night hinted at. It was mai the
ll'et India Proprietors were a set of absentees who were cultivat-
ing their estates only to enjoy the produce here, and who engaged
agents by large bribes to reside there With no other feeling t kern to
dram as much from those estates as they by possibility could, and
caring nothing for the way in which they left them. If the Right
Honourable Gentleman thought to satisfy the West India Peoprie.
tors he would find himself mistaken in his cals.ilations. There
would be no end to the boons they would ask or the concession they
would expect. With respect to the distinctions made between the
East and West Indies, he would observe, that the House sap now
about to give a boon to the West Indies, in which other Colonies
were included : those Colonies had been always tardy in .icltnow.
'edging the authority of Parliament ; but he hoped that notwith-
standing this fact their animosity would subside, and that when
they saw that a similar spirit did not actuate that House, they
would be satisfied of its intentions to support them.
Mr. GORDON approved of the measure introduced by the
Right Honourable Gentleman (Mr. Huskisaon), and thought tha:
if he were able only to prevail on other Powers to moderate their
colonial system as we were about to moderate ours, the effects would
be of a naturetheinost beneficial.

Mr. (JORDON said that there was no foundation for the charges
that had been made against the West India proprietors, and no
reason for the obloquy that had beenilleaped upon them. He was
sure all those with whom he was acquainted were not making more
than a fair return for their money, and were by no means amassing
the sums they were asserted to be amassing ; and that they took
the utmost care of and paid the greatest attention to the negro
population. It was rather odd to hear certain Honourable Gentle-
mien professing the greatest kindness towards the West India pro.
victors, and yet universally congregating whenever there was any
question which concerned their interests.
Mr. TRANT made a few ohservations, which were inaudible in
the gallery.
,Jr. Et ANS said, that lie could rever consent to any system
which gave advantage in any way to a slave user A tree population.
The Resolutions were then agreed to
POLICE ACT.

The Ilouse then resolverliWlTCOtt-u;ittee oh the Pollee Act.
Mr. PEEL said, that he had now to propose to the House
resolution relative to the salaries of Police Magistrates. He held
in his hand several papers which detailed the amount of salaries
originally paid those individuals, and others which stated the great
increase of business within the last few years, to be pmportionate
to the increase of the population. This additional business had
also arisen front another cause—the material alterations and extent
of many Acts of Parliament. Ile rested his proposition however
on motives more important. When those Police Magistrates was
first established, they were appointed with a salary of 4001. per
annum ; this salary was afterwards increased to 6001. ; and this
amount is the sum now allowed them. At their first establishment
persons were selected to fill the offices who were incapable of filling
them properly. Of the twelve Magistrates originally appointed,
he found three barristers, one major, one starch-dealer, three clergy-
men, and one Glasgow tradesman. And thus were the twelve
Magistrates composed, At present there was no law for the
appointment of banister,' to those officals but the limitation
gentlemen of that profession had beer in a great degree preserved
by those who had of late years held the office of Secretary of State ;
and neither his predecessor, Lord Sitlinouth, nor himself lied ever ad-
mitted any gentleman to the situation who was not a barrister of theta
years standing. The salaries attached to thoseofflces, lie had observed.
was GOO', per annum ; but surely this sum was not sufficient to in-
duce any lawyer us resign all his hopes of eminence, and to relin-
quish totally his profession—for that was what would be required ut
hint by this appointment to the 31agisaace of the police. His pro-
position then was, that the Secretary of State should be empowered
to grant to the gentlemen filling these offices s sum not exceeding
0001. per annum. He was sure this would not be conceived to he
too much. It was true that individuals might be found to take the
office on less terms : but this was an argument of no effect. Many
persons freitiently presented themselves to Min as candidates
for the sittrationt,--and many gentlemen who had very properly
discharged the duties of the magisterial office in the country
—but such persons were not fit to be placed over the Ir.-
lice of the metropolis. No one could prise more highly than
ho slid the unpaid Magistracy of this country ; bat it did
not follow that because there were individuals who were satis-
fied wiihmt salary to go through the regular routine of country
duties, thrre could be found any efficient gentlemsn, willing to take
upon themselves the laborious offices of Police Magistrates. The
name by which they were usually distinguished was that of Police
Magistrate, ; but those who conceived them to be nothing more
would form a very erronenns opinion. They had often to decade
upon cases of a very important nature, and cases not in the leaat
connected with the Police. For example, under the Building Act,
he had known came to occupy the Magistrate two whole days, and
no which it would have been impossible to decide without can.
sidnable legal knowledge. It was desirable, then, that the in.
dividuals atipointed to those situations should be of a certain
standing at. the Bar; and he was sure the Howse would not con-
sider him moving for more than a fair remuneration, in applying
for an increase of;100/. per annum to their salaries, in lien of the
sums they might make by their private practice, and the hopes of
ninencc in their profession. It appeared to him, that in this
country more than in any other there was a parsimonious feeling
in the administration of justice. In his opinion this was bad
erotiomy. whether it was inani fcresi I in the appointment of •jiidge,
or of a lest important, but still very Important officer. It would be,
indeed, the worst of all economy to take the refuse of the Bar, and
to employ them for the sake of sating 2001. per annum. This