The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1826-03-22 00:00:00

IMPROVEMENTS AT (lIARINU.CROSS.

Mr. ARBUTHNOT rose for the purpose of moving for leave to
bring In a Bill fur the improvement of that pant of Westminster,
situate at and in the neighbourhood of Charing-Cross. The Bill
he was about to propose to the House way, not a new measure. but
was a continuation of that which had pasted the llouse some few
years aeo, for the formation of the new Street, commencing at Re.
gent's Park, and terminating at Pall-mall. Of the architectural
excellencv of that street it was unnecessary for him to speak in
praise. It might be satifactory to the Ilousc to he informed that
the gentleman by whose talents anti laborious exertions that street
had been so completed and embellished, was the same person who
bad given in the plan which he (Mr. Arbuthnot) was now about to
recommend to the notice of the House. lle would now proceed to
give some description of the objects which this Bill would contain.
He was, however, aware, that in describing to this House a plan
without any maps nr drawings to refer to would be attended with
some difficulty, and he therefore hoped for the indulgence of
the House, while he endeavoured to communicate what was
the nature of the improvementa contemplated to be efilend should
the bill he proposed to bring in be passed. It was first his inten.
tiara to ask by this Bill powers to purchase all that tract of building
which lay between the present Mews and extended Est to St.
Martin's. lane. And it would also be necessary to have the addi.
tional power of purchasing the whole of that tract of building on
the flue side of St. 51artin's-lane, which was bounded on the north
by Cilaedos-street, on the soutit by the Strand, and which tee-
n:hutted in the eastern paint at Castle-court, near to litaZord-street.

There purchases would be for the purpose not only of embellishing
and improving that particular putt of the town, but also for obtain-
ing a better communication between the west and the eastern part
of the metropolis. If it should be permitted by the powers of this
Bill to enable the Government to purchase that tract of buildiug
lying between the Mews and St. Martin's-lane, it was intended to
form on the seize of those buildings a large quadrangle, on the west
line of which there already appeared a beautiful edifice erected by
Mr. forming the College of Physicians and the Union Club
tinuaeohe east line of which would run from No. 44, near St.
Martin s church. It was intended to form the northern side of this
quadrangle from west to east, in such a line as to enable those in
Pall-mall to have a full view of the splendid portico of St. Martin's
church. It was his wish that this side of the quadrangle should
amain a national gallery tor the exhibition of pictures and statues.
But although, if such a plan should be carried into execution,
the statues being there would afford much easier access to the public
(hear. hear) than was at present the ease. Yet at the same time it
would be desirable that all of them should still be under the guar.
dianship of the trustees of the British Iltuseum. It had been
under consideration, whether the centre of that quadrangle should
not also be occupied by a public building, to form a royal academy.
But most persons whom he had consulted seemed to think that it
would be fir better to have an open space. This, however. had
not yet been definitively determined upon, and he only mentioned
it in order that the Mouse might be aware that it still formed a sub.
ject for further consideration. The south side of the quadrangle
would of course remain open towards Charing-cep'', Whitehall.
and Parliament-street. It was necessary to state, that the extent of
this quadrangle would be, from west to east, 500 feet; and from
the status on the south side, to the present stables on the north, the
same extent of s(fofeet. This would embrace the whole of that
part of the ground leading towards St. Martin's-lane. Another
tract of ground on which the metal improvements were intended
to be made, was that which was bounded on the north by Chandoe.
street, and on the south by thebtrand. Should the House empower
Government to purchase the buildings on this site, not only might
the Strand be considerably withered, but two or three new avenges
might be formed, an as to obelete the extreme difficulties which,
persons of all descriptions expetienee in prising along the present'
narrow part of the Strand. He believed every one who hail paid
the least attention to the subject must have observed, that every
kind of carriage was at present obliged to come down from Pica.
dilly to Charing-cross, in order to enter that narrow route (as be
•would call it) at the Strand, for the purpose of going to the city i
the tonne:pa-nee was, an extreme difficulty of ',easing, besides ea,
considerable danger to foot passengers . To remedy this evil his
proposal was. that the houses should be pulled down on the south
side of St. Martin's church, through the line of Chandra-street.
The additional width which this would afford to the Strand from
Villier's-street all the way to Bedford street, would be nearly
25 feet ; the present width of that part being now about 35 feet,
tral the contemplated width being nearly fill feet. The relief which
this would laird to that part of the Straud must be obviator*
every one who reflected on the extreme narrowness of that rpm.
lous thoroughfare at the present moment. There would aft be
an additional eairiage.way acmes the upper part of the proposed
quadrangle, leading into the street to be formed on the south
side of Saint slartin's church, and which would run in a
diagonal direction into the Strand. But this would not be all.
There would likewise exist the means of forming another meet
from Ilernming's.row and Chandos.street, into the Strand, and
which would and fall in diagonally. to the Strand, near to Bedford.
street. This latter street would, tt was true, be considerably nay.
rower than the others; but it would, notwithstanding, give great
additional convenience to the public, and by taking oft' part of
the throng of carriages, elm, and waggons, which would other-
wise of necessity come down to Charing-cross, there to enter the
Strand, it would %toy much relieve that principal line of tho-
ronghlare from the west.end to the eastern part of the soars
lie should hope that arrangements of this kind would not only add
to the beauty of the metropolis, but also contribute very much to
the health, convenience, and accommodation, not only of all the
inhabitants residing both in the western and in the eastern parts of it
by the facility of communication it would afford them, but also to
those residing in the immediate neighbourhood of the contemplated
improvements by the increased circulation of air which such
spacious openings in so densely populous a spot would occasion.
lie wished to be understood that it was not his intention to call
upon the house, as in the case of any public building, for any rote
for the purpose of carrying the plan into execution. He believed
that he could carry it into effect without asking them for a single
shilling of the public money, for he had great hopes that he should
be enabled to meet the expenses of die proposed alterations by the
tale of a portion of the Crown Lands, and by the exchange of
another portion of them. He wished also to have the power of
borrowing money, if necessary, by mortgaging part of the street,
but this was merely a continuation of the power which by the
former Act of Parliament he already possessed. This was the
general plan which it was his intention to submit to the House.
He could not anticipate a refusal on the part of the House to per-
mit him to bring in the Bill which would have the effect of remov-
ing the present unsightly appearance of Charing-cross. He thought
it might be desirable to inform the public of the result of the plan
upon which Regent-street had been built. That magnificent street
had been undertaken during the war, when the public were op.
pressed with its concomitant burdens, but still he believed they had
never regretted the undertaking. He was sure It would give general
satisfaction to learn that notwithstanding the enormous expenses
which had been incurred in purchasing buildings,' good will,
du, the Crown property had become, in tamesipsehee, much
more profitable, and the street now actually stud an 1111treft of $
per cent. utun the money logneted. (11mr, hears bear.) In mak-
ing a quadrangle, the expend would of course be greater in propor-
tion, than in making a street, owing to the great space which would
yield no return for the expense laid out upon it; but yet combining
these improvements with those which had already taken place In
Regent-street. He thought an interest might be be calculated upon
to the amount of 21 per cent. for the money advanced. In this
great metropolis, not knowing the extent to which the buildings
now every where going forward might exclude the air, it was de-
sirable to have as many open places as possible. He did not then
feel it necessary to say more upon the subject, than that It should
with the permission of the House, introduce his Bill and have it
read a first time that right. To-morraw night he should propose
that it be read a second time, and be referred to a Committee when
the House would have an opportunity of deciding upon the judici.
oiliness of the proposed plan. The Right Hon. Gentleman con-
cluded by moving for leave to bring in a Bill for the improvement
of Charing Cross, and for eflecting a more convenient communica-
tion with Marylehone Park.
Sir M. W. ItIDLEY suggested the propriety of improving the
Strand near Exeter Change. It was absolutely necessary that in
such a thoroughfare the street should he much wider. The Haw.
Gentleman then alluded to a recent occurrence at the menagerie,
'Watt placed in jeopardy the lives of the people in the neighbour.
hood. Situated as it was at present, it was a nuisance, and although
It might be worthy, abstractedly, of public encouragement, yet it
should be kept in some place where the possible occurrence of dan-
ger might be lessened as far as possible. The Right Honourable
Member next alluded to a letter which had appeared in the morn.
log papers relative to the Regent's Park,which it stated was shut up
from tile public. This might be very proper if any mischief could
be apprehended at present to the young trees; but when that dan-
ger ceased lie hoped the public would be admitted.
31r. ARBUTHNOT said with regard to what had been said by
the lion. Member (Sir AL W. Ridley) respecting Exeter Change,
that it was the private property of Lord Exeter, and he was not
aware that his Lordship was disposed to part with it. Ile had
heard that it was the intention of Lord Exeter to Improve it, and if
he could be instrumental in inducing him to do so, he should feel
most happy. The letter to which his lion. Friend alluded had
misled him with respect to the value of the herbage, which it esti.
mated at 1001. per annum, whereas it really returned 1,8001. per
annum. It was. he admitted, the duty of Government to attend to
the accommodation of the public ; but this year the park must sus-
tain inevitable injury should the public be admitted. As seen,
however, as the additional accommodation could be afffirded to the
public without the hazard of injury, he could assure the lion.
Gentleman it should be attended to. ‘Chile upon this subject he
could not avoid adverting to the additional accommodation which
had heen afforded to the public in Hyde Park by the express corn.
mend of hie Majesty. and widith se Quid render, if the carriage way
were to go round the additional ground, the inclosed space larger
by one half.
31r. 111131 E had no objection to all this if the public were not
to be called upon to pay the money. (A laugh.) Instead of bor-
rowing money upon mortgage, he thought it would be much better
to sell the Crown htnita. He thought that the proposed elegant
quadrangle would prove to be any thing rather than elegant at last.
lie begged to remind the Right lion. Gentleman of the barrack in
the neighbourhood of Charing Cross, and could assure him that the
inhabitants were anxious to have it removed from that square.
Sir C. COLE said a few words, which were inaudible in the
gallery ; after which leave was given to taring in the 11111.
SUMS.
On the motion of slr. BRGGDEN, the Report of the Com-
mittee of Snpply of the 17th of March was brought up.
Upon the motion that the grant of WOOL for civil contingen.
ties be soma! to,

Mr. HUMP, ;aid that he could not allow the vote to pass with-
out placing upon the Journals of the House his protest against it,
in consequence of an item of 4001. to Sir William Congrevc. If
Sir W. Congreve had obtained the situation of Inspector of Gas
%Yorks, he should vacate his seat in Parliament.

Mr. IIERRIES said that no such appointment had been made.
The item of 6001. was for specific services performed, and was not
a salary to lie received.
The vote was agreed to.
Mr. HUME adverted to the extravagance of the diplomatic de-
partment of the cnun:ry, which was out of all character. The aunts
required for the diplomatic department of Great Britain exceeded
the whole of the expenses of the civil establishments of America.
If any thing was calculste:l to bring Monarchy into disrepute, it was
a contrast of the expenses necessary to sustain it with !hale requir.
ed by a Republic. There wax no country so extravagant as Eng-
land. and none, from her enormous debt, so little able to support
such extravagance. The expense of the diplomatic department in
1792 wns only 11:1.913A—in the present year It exceeded 400,0001.
Ile deemed it proper to censure such extravagance. The honour.
able Member then moved as an amendment, to be attached to the
votes, a resolution expressive of his sentiments respecting the in-
creasing extravagance in the diplomatic department.
alr.Seeretary CANNING desired to know if the Hon. Member
for Aberdeen meant to move his amendment in objection to the
vote.
Mr. 111 'ME said that he wished it to accompany the vote, as
an expression of the opinion of the House upon what had already
passed.
The SPEAKER said that the resolution of the Honourable
Member for Aberdeen would change the whole routine of the prac-
tire of the lime. If carried, the consequence would be that tit':

Report of the Committee world carry upon the fact of it a resolu- '
tion which could neither have been discussed nor approved of by
the Committee.
Mr. HUME said, that If there was any rule to prevent an altera-
tion of that which had been agreed to by the Committee, he, of
Course, was irregular, and should be glad to know in what manner
Le could correct his error.
The SPEAKER said the vote to which the Honourable Mem-
ber had proposed to attach his resolution had already been read the
second time before he had made his proposition ; but he might
introduce it as a separate resolution prior to the moving of the next
estimate.

Mr. HUME said that as he was Irregular, perhaps the better
way would be to withdraw it altogether. (Laughter.)
The roamining estimates were then agreed to.
IRISH ESTIMATES.

The Report of the Committee of Supply, of the 20th of March
was then brought up.
Uyon the motion that the sum of nine thousand Founds he
agreed to the Society for the Society for the Suppression of vice In
Ireland.
'Sir J. NEWPORT objected to an allowance being given for the
education of schoolmasters. Ile said the question was, not
whether schoolmasters should be trained or nor, but out of what
fund the money necessary for that purpose should be taken.
Mr. GI DILBI.TRII said a few words, which were inaudible. •
Mr. W. SMITH said thet it was a very large and important
question. He thought that the Church of Ireland, which wall
Much richer than that of England, and which was so well paid by
people who derived no benefit from the clergy of that church
might very well defray the expense themselves. The question was
not whether those clerks should or should not be educated, bat
whether they should be educated at the expense of the Church of
Ireland, rather than coming on the consolidated fund of the
country for that purpose, He thought the established Church
' would stand on better and firnser grounds if it defrayed the ex-,
pence from Its own funds, instead of allowing tha present applies-
' Canon to be made. Nothing was more necessary than rigid eco-
nomy. Former Governments had distributed as much as they
' possibly could among their follower—that certainly was not the
case with the present Government; he was well convinced they
would not pursue such a line of conduct.
' Mr. HUM E said it was a case of peculiar atrocity. (A laugh.)
The Hon. Member made some observations which referred to the
grant for the Protestuint charter schools of Ireland. when
Mr. GOULIIURN observed that the grant fur the Protestant
charter schools had been agreed to.
Mr. FIUME said that the grant had been disposed of in suit
haste that it had escaped his notice. Ile said he would not allow
the Directors to die a natural death (a laugh), but would diegpse
of them by summary process (laughter.) He thought the pea
ought not to be taxed for the education of clerks for so rich a
church.
The other estimates were then agreed to without a division.
BANK CH ART ER AM EN D3I ENT BILL.
The Committee on the Bank Charter Bill was postponed to
Friday, 7th A oril.
WRITS OF MANDAMUS BILL.
The Writs of Mandamus ( Ireland) Bill went through a Com-
mittee.
CHARING-CROSS IMPROVEMENT BILL.
Mr. ARBUTHNOT brought up the Charing-crosilthprove-
ment Bill, which was read a first time, and ordered to be read
second time to-morrow.
The other orders of the Day being then disposed of, tbs House
adjourned at half-past eleven o'clock.

MI AMR] TY
Who voted for Sir John Newport's Briulutions on the Finit•Frults hod
of Ireland.
Abercrombie Hamilton Mar oribatiks Rice
Calcraft T. Hutchinson Ord Smith, J.
Fitzgerald Horne Palmer Strewrisffit
Grattan Milton Phillips Tierney
Gordon Martin RAlnson Whitlock
Griffith

DUBLIN, NIARcil 18.

MEETING OF BANK PROPRIETORS.
This day there was a close Meeting of the Proprietor of Hitt
Stock, held in the Great Room, formerly the House of Lord&
meeting, considering that it was got up for the purpose of showing]
the strength of the Roman Catholic Party, was neither numerous
nor respectable.
At twelve o'clock the Chair was taken by the G0,7E11)1011.
The following Requisition, in pursuance of which the suesilog
was convened, was read :
To the Governor, Deputy-Governer, and Directors of the Bank
of Ireland.
Marco S, ISSO.
Gentlemen.—We, the undersigned Proprietors of the Bank of
Ireland Stock, respectively of :tell/. and upwards, requust you will
call a General Meeting of the Proprietors. on as early a day as pno.
Bible, to take into consideration important matters relating to the
Catholic Members of the Corporation :
Ruch O' nor Val. O'Connor Corn. IPLoghlis
Nicholas Illation Thomas .M•Kenny Michael Powell
Robert Turbett Fran. M'llonnell Patrick Hayes
John Burns Michael O'Brien John MeLogli lin
Benj. Guinness John Power Silvester Young
Andrew Ennis J. C. Bacon Robert Walsh
W. L. Guinness *Wind Carboni*

Bank of Ireland, March 9,111 A
In pursuance of the foregoing Requisition, a General Court of
Proprietors will be held at the Bank, on Saturday, the 113th day of
March instant, at twelve o'clock precisely.
By order, THOS. WILLIAMS, Sec.

Mr. Alderman 741‘Iimory, on behalf of the Requisitionists,
proceeded to show that, by the 33d George 111., Roman Catholics
were eligible to he Members of Lay Corporations, on taking a cer-
tain oath, which he was in progress of reading, when he was atop.
ped by a whisper from Mr. Hugh O'Connor, who intimated to him
that no Roman Catholic could take the oath upon which the Wor-
thy Alderman was arguing their admissibility. The speech,
however, was concluded by a Resolution—
" That the Directors be requested to put one or more Roman
Catholics on the House List."

Mr. Or/ NNESS thought that such a preceetling on the part of
the Directors would be extremely indelicate. 11 such a measure
were adopted by them, it would, in fact, have all the appearance of
dictation to the stockholders, who, being a free body of electors,
could not be cowed into voting for any Individual. They would,
of course, select such men for the Direction as they conceived
most likely to advance the interests of the body at large, and who
were beat calculated to manage the affairs of the establishment.
Mr. Ilurix O'Cogrion, to gratify whose desire for becoming
himself a Director. and at whose solicitations these periodical Re-
quisitions are signed, made a speech of course. Ile commented
upon the general mismanagement of the Directors, and cited a par.
titular case of a sum of thirty thousand pounds having been lost to
the Bank by the failure of a Protestant Director—an event which he
gravely assured the meeting could not have taken place If there had
been even one Roman Catholic on the Direction. The absurdity of
this assertion excited considerable laughter.
After a very irrelevant discussion, in which Mr. Mime, a bar-
rister ; Mr. Molloy, an attorney ; Mr. Brophy, a wine-merchant ;
Mr. W. L. Guinness. a beer-brewer ; and Mr. Nicholas Ma-
hon, a bill-broker, took a part, the following Resolution was una-
nimously agreed to :
" That the Court of Directors of the Bank of Ireland do forth-
with instruct the law agent of the said Corporation to lay cases be-
fore the Attorney and Solicitor Generals, and each of the then Ser-
geants-at-Law, whether Roman Catholics are eligible to the office
of Directors to the Bank of Ireland, and if they be, what oaths they
are requited to take."