The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1826-02-18 00:00:00

THE BRIIISJI PAS.

was the fact ? He (tir. Hume) found that nary so trifling u
Dot to afford the shadow of an excuse for sit incratsed atsMish
meet in this country. America posausnad only seven line of
battle obi" five Jorge frigates, four arwall ones, and a small
number of corvettes and sloops, and suitpoaing that he gave them
the benefit of um to their whole number, what wart that conapanal
with the navy of England, which amounted to co ships of w-r ?
The whole navy of Europe did not nuotber half those of England,
supporting they were in a state for active intetfeserce, and, there-.
fore, it was surely necessary to pause before the Muse added to
an expense already amounting to so large a sum As the state-
ment of the Right Honourable Gentleman (the Chancellor of the
Exchequer) was ro be made on Friday next, he hoped the Housa
would pause in voting the supplies now asked for until thy were
In possession of that statement, fur the House might beso situated
as, after voting foe the estimates, they might be called upon to re-
fuse the supplies. If his Majesty's blinistets would reduce the
army one third, then there might be the less objection to allowing
the estimates for the navy to stand at the sum of 6.u00,0001. At
the same time there did not appear any reason why n or 23,090
men might not be sufficient. inasmuch. as there was nothing in the
state of Europe or America that, could justify an. increase in the
naval r,r military establishments of Groat Britain. With this
riev of the case, he (Mr. Hutne) felt it his duty to propose the
fulowi ng amendment:—
'• That the House do not go ioto a Committee of Supply on the
Navy E.tirnstes until the whole of the financial sate of the country
hat I.e:n laid hgore the (louse."

TLe CIIANCELLoR of tt e 'EXCHEQUER 'apprehended
that the only question before the Housewas, *he her the Navy
Estimate nog it to be voted or not, by going into a Committee.
o:* for that purpose. If the House went into the Conimit-
t t 1.13 his Honourable Friends in their several departments
vr:u'd have an opportunity of explaining and answering any
questions tbs HonoundS'as Gentleman (Mr. Hume) milbt put, and
tnat was cearly the usual course of proceeding. It had however
tar 'be last there or fo Jr years been attempted to get information
out of he 'Tutu eou-oe. He (the Chaiicellor of the Exchequer)
had b via most anxieus to bring forward bis view of finance at the
earliest possible period, but he had never known the House to re-
fuse going into a Committee of Supply. If the House abstained
from going into the C immittee until he had gone into his whole
measure of fiance, item by item, it would be a matter wholly un-
able ((whim (the Cosucellor of the Exchequer) to perform, because
the duty of various explanations rested frith those whose depart-
mental experience rendered them the fittest medium by which
they could be conveyed, and any departure from that rule would be
a most inconvenient course of proceeding. Upon these grounds,
therefore, he (the Chancellor of the Exchequer) should object to
the proposition of the Honourable Gentleman.
Mr. T. 11. DAVIS seconded the motion of his Hon. Feleid

(Mr. Hume), and said that he could not give his Majesty's Minis-
ters credit for economy. If the House, as suggested by his lion.
Friend (Mr. flume) were favoured with the statement of the Chan-
cellor of the Exchequer, then it would be in a situation to deter-
mine on the navy estimates. He (Mr. Davies) would wish to re-
duce other establishments, particularly the army, and if the; esti-
mates for that branch of the public servlee were not upon a scale
below that of several years past, it would be his (Mr. Davis's)
duty to move for a reduction. It was impossible his Majesty's
Ministers could act with consistency unless they caused h reduction
in the public establishments, and in taxation. The question of a
free ttatle was a very doubtful measure, when a view was taken of
the state of taxation, and of the public debt. Without pledging him-
self as to the vote he should give on the question of the Navy
Estimates he felt bound to second the aMeadment of his Hon.
Feint' (Mr. Hume).
Mr. BRIGHT rose to express his opinion that his Majesty's
Ministers had not done all they could have done in the way of re.
doction, and he called upon them during the next three days
which would elapse before met again to consider what was the real
state of the cannery. He (Mr. B ) was ready to go into the (rues.
don of redaction of public establishments, but thought the Navy
Estimates ought not to be voted until the finance system had been
submitted. The !tight Honourable Gentleman the Chancellor of

the Etehequer had ;aid that such a proceeding would be highly
Inconvenient. Did he mean to say, that of necessity the finance
statement was to stand over until the estimates were voted. It did
appear whim (Mr. Bright) that it was perfectly necessary to know
the statement of the Right Honourable Gentleman the Chancellor
of the Excheemer as to taxation. for it might happen to be news.
sary tb make a prnposal for raising money, whilch). proposal might '
not be sanctioned by Parliament, and how was it possible to vote
money without its being lesown what was the. amount Parliament'
had at its disposal. It would have been satisfactory if his Majesty's
Kintners had shown, when they stated the necessity of the sum
ooyf required for the navy, that what was done was cheaply done.
Be (Mr. Bright) considered that no case had been made out to.
show the necessity of coming to a vote on the qustion of the Navy
Estinuites, until the muse knew what were the means it bad to
apply.
Mr. C. H. Hutchinson said that the view hie Honourable Friend•
(Mr. Hume) took of the question was, that he wished to be-showo
what the state of the means were before he gave his vote, and In
thathe (Mr. Hutchinson) concurred. He would put a ease r sup-
pose the agent of a gentleman was to call upon his employer, and
request him to order new carriages and horses, or to purchase
an espensiveesteblishment in town or country, the gentleman would
naturally say, before I do so, show me that I have means. As
Trustees for theireonstituents it was necessary Parliament should
know what their resoutccs were, and to what extent the expend!.
ture was to be carried.
Mr. HCME explained.
Mr. CANNING expressed himself much surprised at the con.
duct of she Gentlemen who opposed the House going into a Corn.
mittee, for it had been the practice not only since the revolution,
but indeed ever since Parliaments were instituted, without one
single exception, to pursue the course nose adopted by the Govern-
ment. Never in the moat turbulent times had such a demand been
made as that of the Honourable Member for Bristol (Mr. Bright)
for ''general statement previous to the voting the estimates. TI,,
object of going into a Committee was for the express purpose of
giving every explanation that might be required. The lion. Gent.
(Mr. Burnt.) had come down with his speech In his pocket, which he
was determined to make (a laugh) ; and he (Mr. Canning) was
perfectly willing to hear, and then go into the Committee. The
Honourable Member for Cork (Mr. Hutchinson) had put an illus-
tration of the case, by referring to a gentleman and his steward,
and horses, and town houses, and country houses; but the cuss did
not apply. What was asked was not a matter luxury, but for the
defence of his country. If a servant had come to him (Mr. C.) and
said, bars and locks were required for the security of his house, he
(Mr. C.) would not have called for the steward's accounts to see
whether the state of expenditure would have justified the applica-
tion. He (Mr. Canning) trusted that the Honourable Gentleman
would see what would be the effect out of doors, if it was under.
stood an opposition had been made to the House going into a Cont.
mittee of Supply. He (Mr. Canning) trusted the Honourable Gen-
tlaman would withdraw his motion, to order to do away any angry
feelings, and aßose the House to go into a Committee.
Mr. C. PA 1.31 ER expressed his regret that his Majesty's Mini-
sters had increased the expenses of the country by raising the
salary of the Judges, and thought it was not too much ,to 36k for
inquiry.
Mr. CANNING explained.
Mr. HUME said he should be most sorry to produce any such
effect as that referred to by the Right Hon. /Secretary (dr. Canning),
and therefore he should withdraw his amendment. (Hear, hear.)
The original question was then put, and being curried, the
House went into a 01171Mittet.
Sir GEORGE CLERK said it was his duty to submit to the
consideration of the Committee the Navy Estimates, and in doing
so he hoped to be enabled to satisfy the Rouse that every attention
haul been paid to the principle of economy. The Hum. 111 ember tor
Aberdeen (Mr. flume) had referred to the Finance Report of 1017, '
which he had often done before, and he had been as repeatedly told
that it had been hoped that no increase would have been necessary.
It was necessary to state that from the gradual increase of com-
merce in South America, the Admintlty had been called upon to
supply numerous ships for the protectlonof the British trade In.that
quarter, and which was particularly necessary from the jealousy
which existed in several of those States. lie (Sir G. Clerk) was
surprised to hear from the Hon. Gentleman (Mr. Hume) that any
reference had been made to the Atnerican navy by that side of the
Howe; and he could not but consider that the lion. Gentleman-
(Mr. Hume) was mistaken in the supposition of such haring
taken place. The increase of the navy had been consequent
upon the increase of commerce, which was felt by America and
France 'Or the same reason. The state of the war between the
Greeks and Turks also required numerous vessels for the protection
of the trade in that quarter, as did the colonies in the West Indies,
where such serious acts of piracy had been committed. The pirates
were now driven wholly into the neighbourhood of Cuba; but
should the force be withdrawn no doubt they would soon appear
again. The coast of Africa also required a considerable force for
the suppression of the slave trade. From those circumstances it
was found that 29,000 men were not sufficient, and therefore It
had been deemed necessary to increase the number of men one
thousand. There was also another reason which rendered the
augmentation necessary. An application had been male to
his Majesty's 'Government to increase the number of ships
in India. in consequence of the war that existed with he
Birman Empire, not for the protection of British commerce,
but to assist the East India Company and for their security. The
additional expense was estimated at about 60,0001. and that sum
was to be repaid by them, for which purpose. a Bill would be sub-
mined to Parliament. He (Sir George Clerk) would now state'
the reasons that led to the excess of 151,000/. The firet was the
pay and victualling of the additional thousand men. From the
circumstance of the advance that had taken place in the pnee of
Irish proviskeis, beef and pork were from 18 to 20 per cent. dearer
than last year, sad that would occasion an increased expense of 3s.
per man, pee month, which would make 100;00eL more than
last year. It would be seen that th's was an advance over
which his Majesty's Government oculd exercise no cunt:owl.
There had been four votes in !former years which were this I
reduced to two. This arrangement bad been adopted fur then
of simplicity, and in order to obviate some objections which '
been made last yeas by the Hon. Gentleman (Mr. home) and dee
lion. Member for Abingdon. On account of this mods of arnis►
tog the accounts, there appeared to be an men ate under theism'
renaaining heads of 320,000 e, while in reality there was a decrease
in the aggregate of 30,0001. It was not necessary ettaid the Hon.
Baronet) to observe, that under the: general bead, of the totablishel
meat all the expenses were reduced to the lowest possibleA
So strict lodged was the economy that the expense of sup
30,000 seamen now, did not exceed the charge of 21,000 fit/ellen&
ago. There was ooe item to which he would call the attention- of
the House—that for ship-building at Bombay. From the line qua-
lity of the timber employed, and the patient labour bestowed, the
ships built as Bombay were found very superior in strength mod
durability ; is coneequesce tate% aid been gime to outlaw the

bnihlingni them, which war the emu of the item its inseam.
There wastuurther apparent increase of eiperise which" he *fold
etrplald to. the Muse. The contractors for the works. at Shekonass
had represented, that from Serious facilities • accidentally witting,
Ltd from the impmvements of inachinvyi the; could comp:ets the
rotas (if permitted) Hi four years instead of ten, with a great
waving. eap?pditose. They estimated 'that 70(1,000/. 'lnstead of
.92t,. Would suffice for the coMpittion of the works, if they
were a olretttlaeize the favourable junctdre. This alteration ap-
peared so beneficial that the proposal was gladly accepted by Go-
vernment, and in consequence there was an increase of 150.000/.
in the vote for carrying on t 'IIA great work. It would have been
Injudicious also to limit the vote for Plymouth breakwater, on ac-
Count ofof the exposed state in which the works were at present.
Much were the -additional expenses of this year's estimate, amount-
ing to about 180.00QL, if the lam of 69.0007. to be repaid by the
East India Company was deducted. If any lion. Member had
any question to ask, he (Sirf*. Clerk) would. be happy to answer
it, hut o:herwise he would not trouble the House with I minute

explanation of the various charges in the estimate. He would
merely recsffieulate that the great causes of increase in the votes
now submitted tt, the House were, the necessity of maintaining a
treater number of seamen, and the expediency of finiehing with
deepetch the great works at Sherman. It would have been de-
sirable to diminish this yore, If Fusible, hut unfinished sea-works
were exposed to so many becards, and weaned it all seams so
heavy art es.ablishment, that to defer the expense of completing
them weird have been a most Machete economy.
Mr. HUBIE said that It was certainly itnpossible to allege with-
out qualifecetion that it was unnecessary to employ 30,000 seamen.
No Individual could say so in the presence of those whose office
and duty it was to take to give the matter attentive consideration.
He would not therefore insist on that particular, but would object
to the total amount of the estimate. `Vas it nut surprising that a
few ,Years back great naval and military establishments wet the
natit.n less than that which we *ere now snalutaining in a time of
profound peace? The cost of our present establishment was the
enormous sum of 23 milliens tie did not deny that-a navy was
necessary; but this neceasilt itself was a relative term ; it implied
some proportion to the resistance feared. A few years hack, when
elinistere were asked to reduce the navy, they replied, " the
western hemisphere is in arms—South America wages war by. lend
and sea, and in this element we most maintaiaout superiority."
This was said when the dispotition of the South Affiericau Styes
towards us was imperfectly known. Was it not surprising they
that Mar navy .should.be augmented just when three states had en-
tered into amicable relations with this country, and when the trea-
ties of commerce with them had been just laid on the table 2 There
was soneethlog se unsound and c:ntrailictory in this statement that
he hoped it would have no weight with the House. Bet the Hon.
Gentlemen opposite would perhaps ay that our traders required
Veitlonel assistance and protection in the Mediterranean ; but he
(Mr. flume) never heard of any resistance or offence offered to our
merchant shipping in the 51editerrelean, except when engaged in
contraband or prohibited trade—as, for instance, when carrying
previsions to the Turks. They might also be told that an aug-
mentation of our navy was necessary to the protection of our re-
venue at home ; but he (51r. Hume) could not see what profit ac-
crued to the country from the system of spending in the preventive
service more than the amount of duties collected. It would 'sae
better economy and a nobler principle to abolish those duties alto-
ther. There was another item to which he would turn the anen-
t on of the House ; he meant the coast of Africa. We kept a navy
there for the sake of catching some minor offenders, while the
French, Spanish, and PortugueQe did as they pleased; and for every
elate who was intercepted (for he :Auld not say they were saved)
the life of sit Erelishman was forfeited. So great was this sacrifice
of life, that he thought it would be an act of humanity to with-
draw tilt establishment altogether. Nor was the increase of the navy
necessary to maintain the honour of theßritish flag, which would be
respecter,, although never seen but at the mast-head of frigates.
lVhatever reasons were now alleged for the increase of our naval
establishment might also allow its iedeftnite augmentation. In
the year 1792 we had more ships in service than at present, with
16.000 seamen; yet the estimate of that year was only two millions,
while now we were called on for two millions in time of profound
peace. In the year 1817 the half-pay and pensions was 1.146.0001.
It was now increased to 1,341,0001. The promotions now were
more numerous than they were during the war, and all disposed of
by parliamentary influence. The number of our naval officers at
present were sufficient for a thousand ships. We maintained more
Officers than our snips required, slid more shins than our finances
could ever afford to man. The number of officers on half-pay too
teas icone on continually increasing, and is greater row by 1.000
than it was at the end of the wear. In like manner the Pension List
has increased. Ire 1817 it amounted to 85,0001., and now it was
increased to 164,0001. He did not mean to deny that many merito-
rious persons were supported by this fund, but he thought
that Its continued Increase was a proof of lavish expenditure, and
that wastefulness he was convinced would not be checked until the
House took from the Admiralty the power of promotion. Neither
could he understand why so much money was laid out in ship
building. Since the establishment of peace no less a sum than
23,000,0n0L had been expended in this way. They were told at the
same time that the navy was never in a better condition. If this
was true, why, when we had already 509 shims of the line, were we '
employed in building more ? It seemed as if they were intended
to at least expected to rot; but 5611 another consideration awaited
us, which was the probable alterationiin the mode of naval warfare;
steam vessels might perhaps be made use of, and in many respects
prove superior to our heavy ships. He heard this instance of the
improvidence of Ministers regretted by many 'Ole judges. Icith
respect to the works at Sheerness, he had heard it said that those
works would never have been commenced if the utility of steam
vessels, in taking ships up and down the river had been known at that
time. If this were true, it was useless now to prosecute those works.
As to the charge for hired vessels for the service of the post-office,
he thought it ought to be transferred to that establishment. %Vith
I respect to the sum of 60,0001. wh!ch was to be repaid by the East
India Company, it appeared to him inevitable that the English
nation must finally become charged with the debts of that Coin-
nany, so that this mode of exhibiting accounts was a mere delusion.
It was not his intention to disparage thenavy in the eyes of the public,
but it was hisopinion that we did not requirean augmentedestablish-
ment. He objected also to building ships which we could never man,
and to the Itemise of that pension list, which had been so properly
denominated the dead weight. He objected to the sale of commis-
sions, and to the admission of young and healthy men into the
retired list. The promotions in our navy in the year 1026 were
equal to all the officers employed fn the American navy. Many
Hem Gentleman would wish this system to be continued ; but
when we had 5,600 officers, the promotions, lie thought, might he
judiciously suspended.
Sir G. CLERK would not complain of the manner in which the
Hon. Gentleman had expressed his sentiments. The lion. Gentle-
man had directed his observations principally to the half-pay,
which, he said, hen increased, but it the lion. Gentleman would
confine his attention strictly to the half-pay, lie would find that it
had diminished ; but that general heed in the accouet had at the
tame time been increased by civil pensions and compensations given
to reduced clerks at the termination or the war. Many of these persons
hadgrown old in service.and it was impossible to neglect their
Again, another cause of the increased charge was the deficiency of
funds for the widows' pension list. During the war this list had
been met; in a great measure by contributions of the officere, but
now when these sources were dried up, and the funds exhausted,
the public was obliged to sustain the charge. Greenwich Hospital
also, had formerly large sums accumulated from unchained prize.
money, but this stock being ow reduced, the public are obliged to
pay the cut-pensioners; these two items together amount to 200,0001.
The Hon. Baronet denied any unfairness in promotion of the rules,
of which be said were the Paine now as they were formerly. It
was a great oversight, he said, to forget that the gun said to be
expended in ship-building also included the annual repairs and
fitting out. As to the works at Sheerness, the success already met
withjustified the line of conduct pursued, and with respect to any
change that might take place in the mode of naval warfare, he as-
sured the Hon. Gentleman that this nation would keep pace with
the rat of the world in the progress of invention.
The following resolutions were then put and agreed to, viz, that
the aunt of 955,500/. be voted for the wages of 30,000 seamen. includ.
log 9,000 marines, for 13 lunar months. For victualling 682,00/.
Mr. HU3IE asked why the contract for meatier)* was higher
now than last year, though markets were cheaper.
Sir U. CLERK answered, that in October last, when the con-
tracts were made, the price of Irish provisions was 16 per cent.
higher than thelpreceding year. Yoe the Admiralty-office, salaries,
wed contingencies, 54.476/. ss. Id. ; Navy pay-office ditto,
29.803/. le. fid. ; Navy-office ditto, 57,780/. 15e.; Victualling_
office ditto, 34,257/. Ins.; his Majesty's yards at home, 167,e571.
' • Wages to Artificers, 560,0001.; charge for Timber, &c.,
837.91:71.
Sir J. COCKERELLe, we believe, asked, whether the ships
were not all rotten and unfit for service.

Sir G. CLERK replied that those reports were utterly false,
and that there was not a sounder navy in the world than ours.
Mr. HUME read some documents respecting the ship Sap-
pho, staring that she had been sent home condemned, and when
examined at home was found to be unsound.

Sir G. CLERK said that the Sappho had encountered a severe
gale, which might occasion her being sent home. She was also 20
years old, so that she was possibly worn out.
Mr. HUME thought that so many ships could be built only in
contemplation of dry rot.
Sir If. COLBURN said that in the last war it was found that
ships run up in a hurry were coMparatively worthless. Many ships
also had been built in merchants' yards, and with mixed timber,
which rendered them more liable to rot. It was to prevent those
har.arcts wswere building now, when we were sure of escaping them.
The last Resolution was agreed to.
Charge for Pilotage, Salvage, Bounty on Slaves, Re.. 40,0001.
Mr. II UhlE observed that the bounties on slaves had nothing to
do with navy estimates.
Sir G. CLERK said that this was head-money. ordered by Act
of Parliament, to be paid to the captors by the Treasurer of the
Navy. 1
,
Foe Foreign ards . . - £53,298 17 7
.
For Victualling Yards - . - 73.484 9 0
Medical Establishment - - 58.743 8 11
Royal Naval College - . • 8,247 7 3
Wages ID Officers and to Vessels io ordinary - 104,919 7 3
Victuals to Officer', kc. • - 61,629 15 0
Mired Packets - . - 37,250 0 0
Ships building at Bombay - - 20,000 0 0
Ilalf.psy to Flag.olficers - 896,000 0 0
Mr. HUAI E inquired what was the amount of fees received from
officers obtaining leave of absence.
Sir I. COFFIN said that it was very trifling, each officer paid
10.. &L on obtaining leave, and the total did not earned 2661. per
year.
Mr. HUME thought a simple entry in the kooks alight answer

the purpose as well as a fee ; there wereailakseval tifsGerei
I flaTf-pay who had nothing but their h whom even a
i,gulrita was greonseiturnie. "Haag* nct sty affording - •
errs leave or absence, alien there were NO many officers unmet.,
ployed. Clist.Of all ;be Ad.nitas oa the list, there were not more
than eight/employed.; out of 821 Captain, ,not more than 71 were
now empinyed ; out pf iidttCommanders oat more than 61 were
'Employed; and the kame disproportion ran through te:iubordinate
ranks he. thertfilte, win of opinion, that leave should be given
to thrvie of:leer* without throwing any obstacles in their way.
Mr. CA LCRAFTs said that any alteration in the mode of re-
ceiving half.thy would be considered an •• ex post facto" arrange-
them, and cor.sermently objectionable.
Sir 0. "COCKBURN said. that if leave of absence was given
great inconvenience would follow, for jf those officers were absent
on leave in foreign et/Junin, they could not be available in case
they might be wanted • besides, those officers accepted their com-
missions subject to inc4nvententles arising out of the regulations yf
the navy: and recidied theirlhalf-pay as a retaining; fee.
Mr. 1if.31F.: mid, that officers in the army received half-pay as
a retaining fee, as well as officers in the navy, and therefore went
not entitled to exemptions which the former were not allowed.
Sir 0. COCKBURN replied, that officers in the army bought
their commitudons :he also admitted that their half-pay was granted
them as a reward fokTheir serums.
The Accounts of (PM Superannuattaits, Pensions, and AllowAnewt
granted to officers in the military line of the naval rieryice, thee
, widows and relatives, amounting to 134,0311. la. lid. was theu .
moved, and agreed to.
Also, of the Bounty to Chapfr:ins, I.fiool. Allowance to Per
Widows and Orphans on the Compassionate List, 1.0001. ; foe
making good the deficiency in the funds of the Widows' Charity.,
90.0001.; for making good the deficiency in the funds for defray.
ing the charge 00ut.peafieners of Greenwich Hospital, amont.
ing to 260,000/. ; also, of the bupetannuationa, Pensions, *us.
granted to Conimissioners, Secretaries, Clerks &c. formerly am.
ployed in the civil departments of the navy, amounting to 164,067 E .
84. 10d. were severally moved and agreed to. •
On the motion that the amount or the charges on the works 4 .
Woolwich and 1-.;heerness be agreed to,
31r.-H LIME said, that the expenses width were incurred by
works at Sheerness were a useless waste of money, but ('.enflames'
thought that having begun they were obliged to proceed; but he.,
thought-that was not a time to stand upon punctilio, and that Meg
had better save money to the country by not proceeding any further
with those works. It was agreed that by prosecuting the Cale...
dentin Canal much loss had been incurred, which' might hake been
prevented had any one succeeded in preventing that canal frost
being perfected.
Sir B. MARTIN said, that If it was thought necessary to keep
a large fleet in the North Sea, the works at Sheerness would Int
the utmost importance, as they would be convenient fbr rattail;
those ships.
Mr. CHOKER said that the dock-Yard at Sheerness had gone to
decay ; and the question was, whether they would proceed in the-
repairs of that yard, or by out ten millions of money in making a
new one at Northfleet. In 1816 the House bad decided that it was
better to lay out two millions in repairing the old one than the suns
he had stated, or somewhere near it, upon a new one. The work',
would be complete in three years and a half, and, tiniest' It was
continued, the sea would b's-ak in and destroy it altogether.
Mr. HUME said it was a badly digested plan, and the estimate
for carrying it into execution had gradually increased from 1022 up
to the present time. lie much feared, if they lived ten years.
longer, they would still find it unfinished, and, perhaps, at the
end of that time, called upon for anJther million to carry It en.
They had begun to build without a foundation—.they, both upon.
sand, and thug melted the gold of the nation. He should move tg.
reduction of 140,0001.. in that vote. •

Mr. CALCRAFT said that one point was pasted over which-
appeared to him to be more calculated to excite suspicion than anit:
other. It was stated that the contractor had reduced Ilia demand"'
141. per cent. upon tee original contract, making a difierenee us,
the amount of 180.001. lie wished to ask how it was possible that
he could have made such a reduction, if the original contract had.:
been made with a due regard to economy ?
Sir G. CLERK said that the reduction was frOtn an estimate antl,
not from a contract. The reduction was made upon the condition..
that the rapidity of the contractor might not be checked perhaws.,
for ten years, during which he would-lie out of the Interest of ht
money, as he had got most of Ills materials by him. The original...
estimate was for 921,M91. The vote of 730,000/. was not, as the,
Hon. Member supposed, for the whole of the works, but for a balm.
and quay docks, and they had been completed for that sum by Mr.
Rennie. It was true that part of the collie-dam had been blowk
up by an inundation of the sea, but it by no means affected the,
solidity of the whole—the estimate of the damage done not exceed-.
•
ing 10,000/.
Mr. 111131 R thought the better way would be to appoint s
Committee to see if the sum called for was absolutely requudte. If
something of the kind were not done he feared the docks Would
never be completed.
. .
Sir B. MARTIN said the contractor was under a penalty of
230,0001. to finkh it within the specified time.
After a few words from Col. DAVIES, Sir C. CLEnx, and Sir
R.:WILSON, the vote was agreed to.
The sum of 275,0001. was then agteet I to, for the purpose of

provisioning the troops and garrisons on foreign stations.
The sum of 200,0001. was also agreed to for the transporn
service.
The House then resumed, and the Report was crdere.i to be re.,
ceived on Monday nest.
SMALL NOTE BILL.

Upon the reading of the Order of the Day for the second reading
of the Small Note Bah
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER rose, and laid
that before he moved the second reading of the Bill for the wi:h•
draws! of small notes from the circulation of the country, he,
wished to state to the House that it was his intention to introduce
an amendment to one of the provision!' of the Bill. An Hon.,
Member opposite to him (Mr. H. Gurney) had proposed the other
night a measure similar to that to which he now alluded, but that
it was calculated to go much farther than it seemed to him (the,
Chancellor of the Ezzhequer) desirable to go. That Hon. '!em-
ber thought it advisable, after the country bank small no:es Antall
have been withdrawn from circulation, that t permanent issue of
small notes of the Bank of England should be permitted.'
To this, on the part of his Majesty's Ministers, there would be the,
most decided objection—in the first place, because it would be •
grossly unjust towards the country banks, and in the second phica.,;:
because it would be totally inconsistent with the principles upmiL
which the measure before the House was founded. The limiter
proposition which it was his intention to submit would however,,,,
he was fully persuaded, so far front proving prejudicial, prom* •
the effectual execution of the measure. Instead of prohibiting the
issue of Bank of England small notes to such notes as were nrsde,
prior to the sth of February, he should propose that the Bank be
allowed to issue them until the 10th of next October. ( Hear, hear.V
His object in making this alteration was that the country bankt
might be afforded some facility in preparing against the Bill, by,
gradually withdrawing their notes from circulation. He was 'bar
more inclined to the alteration, as it did not at all affect the prin-
ciple of the Bill, for it was not inttmtled to „ire their notes anis
longer time for circulation than the three years already stated in the
Bill. (Bear, hear.)

Mr. ELLICE said that he had voted for the measure upon pe:
former reading, although not possessing the greatest confidence as ets
the possibility of carrying it into effect. lie also came down time
very night to support it, when to his utter amasement the Right
Hon. Gentleman makes a proposition to the House which le.
nothing short of a complete departure from the very principles trpon
which the 11111 is founded. (Hear, hear, hear.) %%There the an.
annual exhibitions for forgery to be still exhibited at Tylen
or Newgate ? (Hear, hear.) Upon what principle wis this alter.
idiots to be made? hear.) He scarcely believed his rats
when he heard the proposition. (Cheers.) Ile thought this so-II
of paper had been permitted long enough, and if it were not for
the urgent necessity of the case the Bank Directors ought to be are
reigned for re-issuing their one and two pound notes, as they haiX
recently dune. (Hear, bear.) These notes were sent into the
coniugnhttryrelfio the
t.iptubrepoaelepeocl tedbetiong gresoutitinfttooncilreetio Ipaatflotnry.
aflhm'e.jet,ee
uvepo
could be no justification for so glaring a departure from principle,
and even though he stood alone he would divide the House upote
the Bill. (Cheering.)
Mr. BRIGHT asked if after what had been just communicated
to the House, he was not justified in voting as he had done against
the Bill ? (Hear, hear.) Was he justified or not in believing thee
his Majesty's Ministers did not understand the question?
hear.) For his own part, he firmly believed that it watt impose
sible to carry it into effect in the way proposed. Ile believed thw '
Dill to be one of most iniquitous tendency, and he was dissatis-
tied with his Majesty's Ministers for their inactivity and saint*.
ness towards the commercial distresses of the country. Ile might
perhaps be told that he had brought down to the House a fine
speech in his pocket (a laugh), but he would, notwithstanding',
still freely deliver his opinion as to the evil tendency of thee
measure. He had been told that the Bank had been goaded ti*
Government to buy up a large quantity of Exchequer bills. Was
that acting on principle? It might be, perhaps, beneficial to this
city, but it was not beneficial to other parts of the country. In hie
opinion, nothing could save the country but an immediate issue of
Exchequer bills. Nothing else could save the regular merchant,
whose accumulated goods could not be disposed of, than whom n•
class of persons could be so Auch distressed, unless, indeed, the
small tradesman, where banks had failed, and where banks weak!
hereafter fail, in consequence of the measure upon which they were
then in deliberation. In order to relieve these, it was the botinded
duty of Government to provide an increase of circulation. (Hear.
hear, hear.) He trusted that the House, aware as it noir
was, of the inexperience of the Illinistry in these matters.
would proceed no fkrther until a Committee of Inquiry vim form-
ed to gain the requisite information. (Hear, hear.) They seeetwit
not to profit by the experience of 1793, when the Government rks.
lieved the distresses of the country ander circumstances pertiptly
analogous. Upon the representation of the merchants, Mr. ride
issued a quantity of Exchequer bills, which had the Manisa*
effect of quieting the alarm and eventually relieving the distress.
and with an actual profit to the Treasury. Why then, he would
ask, were unknown exceriments to be tried, when they had the eel
patience of the wisdom of their ancestors to resort. to, whitti he
rather feared, however, that there was too great a dispositionMl
laugh at? Under these circumetances, being himself neitlterli
speculator nor a theorist, he called upon the country to take
in she wisdom of Mr. Pin, the effects of which had been already
perienced.
Mr. HUSRISSON said that a more inconsistent speech these
that which had jest bees delivered by the lion. Member who bad
resumed his seat, he never recollected hearing 10 that House. tit
first attacked his Majesty's Ministers for being Sophie Ind inactive
while she country was labouring under the greatest distreee. aria
Men when tbry came forward with a rums= td remedy thin dist