The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1826-05-12 00:00:00

Mr. Lovett, from the office of the Inspector-General of Corn
Returns, presented an account of the average price of wheat for
the week ending the 6th of May.
A copy of the evidence taken under the commission regarding
the Lovat Peerage was afterwards presented.
The Marquis of SALISBURY presented a petition from owners
and occupiers of houses in the neighbourhosd of Charing-cross, in
favour of the Charing.eross Improvement Bill.
SLAVERY.
The Marquis of LANSUOWN presented petitions against
Slavery from Bradford, in Wiltshire; Cartletown, in the North
Riding of Yorkshire; fmm Middleton; from a parish in Leices-
ter; from Yarm, in Yorkshire: from Bishop's Waltham, in Due.
ham; and similar petitions from smog parishes in Durham, anti
one from Halstead, in Essex.
Lad DACRit presented simihrlsetition from two parishes in
the county of Bedford.
The Earl of ROSEBERY presented petitions to the same
effect from Melboum, in Cambridge ; from Cheshain, in Bucking.
hamshire ; and several similar petitions from parishes in hustles.
Lord SUFFIELD presented similar petitions from Ealsham;
from Milhurst, in Westmorland; and from several parishes in
Dorsetshlre. Lancashire, and Northumberland.
Lord DUDLEY and WARD presented a petition from mer.
chants, manufacturers, and traders, in Glasgow and its vicinity,
expressing their apprehensions at the intended measures for throw.
ing open the Colonial markets, and praying that nth measures
might not be passed into a law. The petition was signed by 700
persons, and expressed a hope that it would receive due attention
from their Lordships._
__

footing with the norther country. It less the pleasure of their
Lordships to limit the provisions of the latter measure, and with-
' out further alteration. That was the state of the law at the tenni-
' nation of the last Sessions of Parliament. At that time the court-
Itry was is a state of unexampled prosperity. At the commence-
msnt of the present Session it had been announced that all inten-
tion of Interfering with the Corn Laws was to be abandoned for
the present Session, but it was intimated that some change
would be prolapsed at the next. In that course he had agreed;
because he thought the agitation of the subj-ct would bring into
collision the two great interests of the country. About ten days
ago, when the distress which prevailed in the country as_
! sullied the character of disturbance, a Noble Marquis I Laosdown)
had suggested the propriety of advancing a sum of money from the
I public purse for the purpose of relieving the sufferers, and urged
1 upon his Majesty's Ministers to accede to the proposition. Tne
Nate Earl at the head of his Majesty's Treasury stated in reply
ill4l there were two sources from which the sufferers might expect
relief. The one was private subscriptions, which were in them-
pelves a /cry indifferent source ; anti the second was die Poor Laws.
Asd upon them lie (Lord Malmsbury) thought that the greatest
' reliance could be placed, and in reference to the Poor Laws lie
did not think he stated too much when he gall that the seven tenths
of the poet rates were paid by the landed interest. The Noble Earl
(Liverpeel) declined acceding to the *deluxe of pubik mann
bet he bed pawed the two measures which were thentender oat..
a/titration. The one was similar to one of the menietee of the last
year, for admitting bonded corn into the market for home coostusip-
thin ; and on this point he wield wish to ascertain whether such
corn was to be admitted at once into the marker. or whether &notice
was intended to be given of such a proceeding. His Lordship
made no:objection to that measure; but he thought there would be
no inconvenience in giving a no ice of six weeks, or some such time,
before a large quantity of grain would to admitted into the market.
The second proposition had been to gives discretion to his Majesty's
Ministers to admit foreign corn on the payment of a duty of 12s. per
quarter; but that was modified into a measure less objectionable,
because more limited. It was rot his intention to oppose the
that of therm measures, but to the latter, modified as it was, his
objections applied. He would now state, from official returns. how
much foreign corn had been introduced into this country since the''
first of last June. The bonded corn admitted under the Act of the
last Session amounted to 433,000 quarters ; and that from Canada to
95.0181. making 528,000 quarters. It to this were to be added the
300,0110 quarters now in bond, which were to he released by the pre-
sent measure, there would he.a total of 828,000 quarters in eleven
months. Should their Lordships grant the power called for by hie
Majesty's Ministers so Introduce 500,000 additioeal quarters, the
whole importation, In the course of one year, would amount
to no less titan 1.328,000 quarter,. Now the regular itnpor-
tenon of foreign corn at former periods had been about 450,000
quarters each year, so that, even if the House only passed
the Hill for allowing the admission of foreign corn, there would
still have been imported as much in eleven months as in
a year and • half in ordinary times. The next point wu
the poasibility, or the probability, of a scarcity; and in order to
show that no such danger was to be apprehended, he would corn.
pare the averages of former years with those of the two last ; and
in order that all should be perfectly fair, he would exclude yars of
war from the comparison. The average price of corn in the month
of November, 1825, was 563. per quarter. In May, 1816, it was
Ms., being a rise of nearly 20s. In Nov. 11;111, it was 985., and
in May. 1817. it reached 1055., and that was a year of scarcity.
In May, 1825, the average was only Ma., or 455. less titan in
1817. On the 14th of 'November, 1125, two months after the
harvest, it was 85s. 4d., and in February, 1826, five months
after the harvest, it was 60s. sd. Now that eight months had
elapsed since the corn cif last year had been reaped, and when
the price might be supposed to have increased, It was only Oils.
per quarter, or five shijlings less than immediately after the
harvest. He had learnt, indeed, notwithstanding what had
been said about the general emptiness of wheat granaries, that in
the counties of Lit coin. Norfolk, and Sussex there wan an abund-
ant quantity of corn on hand, and rte symptoms of a deficiency of
stock. Was there any thing in tile view which he had taken to
justify any apprehension of an approaching scarcity. or to render
the present measure necessary ? The most objectionable points in
that measure, however, were the manner and time at which it was
produced. All parts of the country were joining in the cry, that
the existing distress was caused by the Corn Laws. If he thought
so, he would unite with any other Noble Lord In soliciting their
repeal; but before measures were adopted, the effect of which was
to admit the charge, he wished for inquiry, to show whether it was
founded. Ile learned from the master manufacturers that the
present distress was occasioned by combinations—from the work-
men, that it arose from machinery. Old-fashioned people like
himself thought that it might proceed from the new commercial
policy adopted, and the unprincipled speculations to which it had
given rise. Others ascribed it to the state of the currency. Was it
not it proper, therefore,'when there were so many different opinions,
ascertain what was its real cause, instead of fastening at once on
the Corn Laws, which he was convinced had nothing whatever
to do with it? And ought not inquiry to be conceded when
the measures of his Majesty's Ministers were of a nature to
confirm the unfounded outcry which had prevailed 1 He would
pledge himself that in a week, and with only mix honest intelli-
gent manufacturers, for that would be sufficient, he would prove
that the Corn Laws were not the cause of the existing distress.
and that the means adopted for its relief would ultimately tend
to its aggravation by injuring the landed interest, from whom
the manufacturing one must receive its greatest support.—
Another reason for demanding inquiry was, that in speakoig of
the maximum price for the protection of native corn, the Noble
Narl (Liverpool) had called it the other night, a famine price.
How came four short years to produce this difference ? In 1822,
BGs. per quarter was a proper price, end now it was a famine one !
If what was a moderate price in one year was to become a famine
price ia anotherahen there could be no fixed system. whether on the
subject of Corn or any other articles, and the same objection would
apply to a duty of 12s. which must be increased or reduced annually
as circumstances might require. It was therefore important to in-
quire whether there had been an alteration in the value of money,
and whether it was not possible at once to establish a fixed system of
Corn Laws. Corn, besides, was not the only article which bore a
famine price, if the Noble Earl's view of things were adopted ;
clothing was as necessary as corn • and coats, shoes, fuel, tea, edu-
cation, and servants' wages, all had now reached famine prices. He
was partial to the education of the lower classes. The more they
were rendered able to understand, the more easily did they triumph
over prejudices. Education to a great degree they had acquired, and
he was certain that if an inquiry took place, and its results were
scattered abroad, they would remove that unfounded opinion that
the distresses of the manufacturing district' arose out of the
Corn Laws. It would show the people that the landed interest
watt taxed beyond all others, whilst it never could expect the
same profits which were gained by manufactures or trade.—
All this might be proved in a Committee, and would remove
the prejudices which supported the prevailing outcry. With
respect to the danger of a scarcity, we possessed a great resource
against. it In the prodigious progress which Ireland bad made in
producing corn, since its importation had been matte free to this
country. He found in 31r. Tooke's hook, that within the first
three years after Ireland had been allowed to export her corn,
that is to say, in 1806, the whole quantity exported was
0,000 quarters. Within the threw years ending in 1822
it had amounted to 484,000 quarters, or nearly as much as
the yearly importation of foreign corn had formerly been.
There was also another document before the House, which would
show still more clearly the great progress which Ireland had made.
The quantity which she had exported in 11115 was 1,600,010 barrels
of wheat, flour, &c. in 1825., it was three million seven hundred
thousand : - -11 " '

sentiments on the question ; but the decieretion which be pawellteat4
was no declaration at all, for It was so ambiguous that the pa**
would not understand whet their Lordships should engage lis 11.,ite
they were to agree to the Noble Earl's proposal. 'the eta* rhea
Corn Law in 1816 was this. Until the price of corn arriied at 80s,
there was a complete prohibition of foreign corn ; but when IMP
price reached Otis. foreign corn came in free of all duty. The tn.
conveniences of this system having been perceived, an alteration
took place in 1822. The protecting price was then made 71s. when
foreign corn might he admitted her home consumption, subject to a
duty of 17,. per quarterfnr the first 3 months. and 12s. after, till the
home price reached 80s. when the d uty would he reduced according to
a graduated scale. It wee eneeted, however, that this law should
not come into operation till after British corn should have once
arrived at the price of 80 'shilling*. The effect of this elaaso
had been to suspend the operation of the law &hogs:her, tin
corn should reach.llo shillings. Now, if that were not the ease,
hireign corn would be admitted on payment of a, certain duty,
when the home price was 70 shillings. 'Woukl his Noble tiered
have any objection to repeal that part of the Act width the
quired British wheat in reach 40 shillings, once. before twelve
corn should be admitted ? or slid he not think that such • nu"
pnitinn might be made without previous inquiry ? lite Noble
Friend was willing to allow an infreetion of the taw by mash.
ling oho alsniselosollf Imola wen, awl yet• ha'would net tow
to what wan not s maw htheetimi, the rtheietionevy intradiertion
aft:410,000 quarters of wheat ander any hind of emohetions e Whist
might be the stator of the ~nay in the event of a great ease is Ma
price of corn ? His Noble Friend raid, that though the pebble
granaries were not full. the farni-yeerla were. !low .and where hal
lie gained his information? lie (earl Bathers:) understood that
the (Tope were in a remarkably backward state. I- No. no," font
various quarters.) Well, it watt possible that the harvest should be
got in with difficulty, and then in what a stare might norm the
country he placed ! It might become necessary total:lmmo Perlin,
ment, and under such circumstances would that he the maw prom.
tinus moment for entering into the discussion of the Corn Caws, fr.a
then thereemuet he nn delay ? lie did nut see that a period took he
selected more Injurious to the landed interest than such a moment.
Would the Noble Earl say go on st all events. leaving the country
and the people liable to the rise of price up to the 14,11 A Logos,. lie
was sure he was the hat man that would do so. Should Parlia.
ment be summoned, would that be the most proper method or
going into the Corn Laws under such circumstances ? Ile did ono
know any person that would maintain so incorrect and abetted a
notion that it could be done with propriety, looking at the general
State of the country. It Wes said that it was in the power of the
Crown, during theiproregoWn of Parliament, to allow the Imparts.
'inn of foreign corn, and then to come shown ire Parliament for a
Bill of Indemnity. That would be a high act of power, but not ut
prerogative, for it formed no part of the Royal prerogative to Ms.
pease with the laws. Them were two instances in which that
course had been adopted, and they occurred during the Admits's-
treating of Lord Chatham and Lord Camden. At, 'ease periods
there sere apprehensions of famine, Or at leas; sosreity of
corn, and those Administrations directed that eta should
be closed against the exportation of corn, and they, Ira r 0„....„
the (louse for a Bill of indemnity, but that circa ce foto etil -
At,
no ground for supposing that such ought to have been pursued by
hit 3lajesty's Goverment in the present instance. If such a Lao
• of conduct had been adopted, it would not only have been to admit
foreign corn when prohibited, but to have allowed its imporiattau
duty free, for there was no duty fixed by Act of Parliament, or
they must have been obliged to impose a duty without the °unseat
of Parliament ; in either rasa tile power so exercised would have
been a most unjust actofraahnehs: and if, after having so acted, las
Majesty's Ministers had coma down to Parliament for a Bill of In.
demnity, he confessed that he entertained considerable doubts as
to how the application for that Bill would have been received.
When his Noble Friend asked for • diacretiousty power, it was ne.
eessary either to limit it as to price or as to quantity. His Noble
friend( Lord Malmeshury) inhia statement of tbe goon tl t y of forsigti
corn, had not made it with his usual accuracy, for he had blended
the quantities of two years into one, and had then argued upon
the assumption that of such quantity not one quarter would be tin•
ported, therefore the deductions drawn from that argument were
not consistent with facts. His Noble Friend (Lord Liverpool) due
not pledge himself that there was nothing in the Bills to prevent
amendments, should Noble Lords thick It expedient, and all be
asked was to allow the Bills to come up if they should pass the
other /louse of Parliament, and then, if their lordships though;
that neither of the Bills were expedient, It would hellhole Lordships
duty to reject them, but at all events it become their Lordships tis
rleok atrioualy at a question upon which so mud, jealousyou6k.4
lin the country. As to the resolution of his Noble Friend (Lord
lilalmsbury), he must Ray it was unintelligible, and therefore U
was that he felt the necessity of opposing it, inasmuch as he multi
not admit what he did not understand. With that view of the mo.
thin then befote their Lordships, he should move that their Locd•
shi pa do now adjourn.
The Marquie of SALISBURY said that he had listened with
sonic Emotion to the argument of the Noble Earl (Bathuret), in
the hope that ha would have stated stencilling that would bare
warranted hint in altering his opinion, but he must say that tha
Noble Earl (Bathurst) had not trisde owe • ems to ask for the dice.
cretionary power claimed by his llajesty's Ministers There WWI
no man in that House that was &apostld to place snore ete.fidence
in his 31ajenty's Government than he was, but there was something
in the time chosen for the introduction of those, measures, that to.
duced him to support the motion of the Noble Earl (31ahnebuty a.
It would appear from the manner in which the question was
brought forward by his Majesty's Government, that the an.
fortunate measure of the Coen Laws was the cause of all the twit
that tinged in the country at the premise moment. The opinion
which bad been so openly expressed, that a fixed duty should
be imposed, impressed him with the idea that the object of Ws
present measure was to get rid of the Corn
_Laws altogether. la
was first announced ?hat the object of his Majesty's Ministers was
to give relief to the manufacturing interests, sod by that announcer
ment it gave rise to a calumny—he did not use the terra with asp
improper motive, or mean it diarespeetfully to his Majesty a
Ministers—that the Corn Laws were kept up for the interest of that
agriculturists and for their support, to the sacrifice of the interests
of the manufacturing classes of the community ; and that in hie
mind was a sufficient reason for agreeing with the propositional the
Noble Earl (31almabur) ). In his opinion, the dimmer that at re-
sent prerailed did not arise from the state of' the Coen Laws, but
from the rash innovations that had bean made in the trade of the
country, under the delusive notion of what was termed free trade,
Ile could not hot express his astonishment that the Noble Earl
(Bathurst) should have found reasons to alter his opinion on the
question of the Corn Laws in the short period of ten days, and the
Noble Earl had not adverted to any rearana for his change of
opinion in that respect. With respect to the Corn Laws, he did DO
think the preeetn period—of course, be meant tint night—wee
• proper period for discussing them, for whatever might be tiwide
merits or demerits, the only proper opportunity for mete
discussion would be in a Committee of their Lordships' House,
The Corn Law, had at least one merit—they lied at least the prac-
tical merit of preventing the immoderate price of corn, while deep
gave at remunerating price to the grower. He could notagree wins
the Noble Earl (Bathurst), that the present period of the Soule%
was sn far advanced as to prevent the House going hue • Cornish.
tee of Inquiry. It was essential to the landed interest that an in.
quiry should be instituted, and he trusted that the Noble Earl ( •
verpool) would pause from going further into the mire on the a
ject of free trade, and consent to go into a Committee, and -R1
question of the Corn Laws immediately at rest. The state of the
trade in foreign countries was peculiarly favourable to the 10.
quiry, and which was moat nwessarD In indite, tq IladeCie 44
Country.-, . .